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Biomedical subjects

J Petersen

Publications and source records attributed to J Petersen.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

A critical appraisal of evidence for localized energy coupling. Kinetic studies on liposomes containing bacteriorhodopsin and ATP synthase.

In intact systems (chloroplasts, mitochondria and bacteria) many experiments have been reported which are indicative of localized coupling between ATP synthase and electron transfer complexes. We have carried out similar experiments with a system in which we may assume that specific interactions between the proton pumps are absent: reconstituted vesicles containing bacteriorhodopsin and yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase. The only experiment that gives results which differ from those previously published for intact systems concerns the effect of uncouplers on the rate of ATP synthesis at different levels of inhibition of the ATP synthase. We propose that this type of experiment may discriminate between localized and delocalized coupling.

ATP Synthetase Complexes↗

Interleukin-1-like activities in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic synovitis.

Interleukin-1 (Il-1)-like activity in biological fluids was measured by their ability to rectify the Il-1-dependent lymphokine production of highly purified T lymphocytes to a recall antigen. Il-1-like activity was found in 9 of 11 synovial fluid (SF) specimens from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but only in 2 of 11 paired RA sera. In traumatic synovitis, low Il-1-like activity was recorded in 5 of 9 SF specimens, and a similar low activity was found in sera of 4 of these patients. The Il-1-like activity was partly absorbed by an anti-Il-1 antibody. The presence of Il-1 in the SF of patients with RA suggests in vivo activation of monocytes/macrophages.

Adsorption↗

Objective determination of dark adaptation: accuracy of the evoked potential method.

The psychophysical threshold and the appearance of the visually evoked potential (VEP) were compared in the dark adapted state. Nineteen normal subjects and 11 persons with defective dark adaptation were studied. The VEP threshold was an average of 0.2 log units (standard deviation 0.2) above the subjective threshold in the normal group, and 0.4 log units above it in the night-blind subjects. In 7 normal subjects, the alpha-activity of the electroencephalogram interfered with the VEP recording and rendered the evaluation more difficult. The results indicate that the VEP can be used as an accurate method of objectively measuring dark adaptation.

Adaptation, Ocular↗

Testing of concentric visual field constriction by means of scotopic visually evoked potentials.

Using scotopic visually evoked potentials (VEP), an objective test of concentric absolute field defects is presented. At 0.8 log units above the mean VEP threshold, the full field, the central area of 50 degrees diameter, and the complementary peripheral field were flash stimulated. In 13 normal subjects the peripheral VEP response was larger in amplitude and shorter in latency compared to the central response. In four cases of concentric field restriction due to hysteria and malingering, the same results were found. In three cases of retinitis pigmentosa and advanced glaucoma, the peripheral VEP sensitivity was worse than the central one or no response could be found. The amount of stray light was estimated as the difference of the thresholds for central and peripheral stimulation (1.6 to 1.8 log units) in a patient with a residual central field of 20 degrees.

Adolescent↗

Mutations that impair a posttranscriptional step in expression of HLA-A and -B antigens.

Mutations can interfere with posttranscriptional expression of the HLA-A and -B genes. B-lymphoblastoid cells that contain one copy of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were subjected to mutagenesis and immunoselection for MHC antigen-loss mutants. Some mutations partially reduced surface expression of HLA-A and eliminated HLA-B expression concurrently, although the HLA-A and -B genes were present and transcribed. Antigen expression was fully restored in hybrids of these mutants with other B-lymphoblastoid cells. Therefore, normal cell surface expression of the HLA-A and -B antigens on B lymphoblasts requires (i) execution of at least one trans-active step in the production of the antigens after transcription of the HLA-A and -B genes or (ii) association of the class I antigens with other molecules. DNA analysis of one mutant suggests the possibility that a locus required for the normal expression of the HLA-A and -B antigens is located between the MHC complement genes and the HLA-DP alpha II locus.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Essential cryoglobulinaemia: a clinical course lasting 25 years.

The clinical course of a patient is described whose primary manifestations of a circulating cryo IgGK were cutaneous symptoms of pain, vascular purpura and necrotic ulcerations, especially of the lower extremities. A biopsy specimen of skin lesions showed vasculitis and immune reactants in the vessel walls. The aetiology was not recognized. The effect of primary long-term therapy with prednisone was not essential. Combined therapy with cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis allowed a satisfactory initial remission but had to be maintained repeatedly in order to reduce the periodic recurrence of clinical signs and symptoms. Renal failure terminated the clinical course at 25 years from onset of symptoms.

Cryoglobulinemia↗

Pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal cefotaxime treatment of peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

The pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal cefotaxime as the sole therapy in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with peritonitis have been examined. The mean plasma concentrations achieved following 1 h of peritoneal instillation of 500 mg of cefotaxime were 5.0 +/- 1.6 micrograms ml-1. The average plasma concentration over 24 h was 6.9 +/- 0.4 micrograms ml-1 and was no different from that found following a further 9-11 days of successful treatment of the peritonitis. However, the mean dialysate effluent concentration of cefotaxime was increased following the resolution of the peritonitis, 165 +/- 22.7 mg per cycle on day 10 or 12 compared with 50.4 +/- 7.3 mg per cycle on day 1, suggesting enhanced peritoneal cefotaxime absorption during acute peritonitis. Nevertheless, during both periods, adequate concentrations of cefotaxime were achieved in dialysate to treat local complications, but plasma levels may be inadequate to treat systemic complications due to Staphylococcus albus.

Adult↗

Functional characteristics of the glomerular filter in the IgA-nephropathy.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the functional characteristics of the glomerular filter in patients having a well defined glomerulonephritis, the IgA nephropathy, with those of normal age-matched controls. A bolus intravenous injection of inulin (60 mg/kg), para-amino hippuric acid (36 mg/kg) and Rheomacrodex (130 mg/kg) was administered to each subject and followed by the timed collection of venous blood and urine samples. Compared to the controls, the nine patients with IgA nephropathy had no significant differences in renal plasma flow or glomerular filtration rate. The control group showed filtration of the neutral graded dextrans which diminished in a linear fashion with increasing molecular size. In contrast, the IgA patients showed two-phased glomerular sieving with a reduction in the filtration of dextrans sized 40 A or less and an increased filtration of those larger than 50 A. These changes in dextran filtration indicate the appearance of a population of larger than normal pores in the glomerular filter in the IgA nephropathy, although concomitant alterations in the electrostatic properties of the filter mechanism cannot be excluded.

Adolescent↗

Subclavian venous stenosis. A complication of subclavian dialysis.

Subclavian hemodialysis catheters are widely employed for temporary hemodialysis access, but there are few reports of serious complications. We report three cases in which the prolonged (greater than 15 days) use of subclavian dialysis catheters ipsilateral to the permanent vascular access was associated with the development of subclavian vein (SCV) stenosis three to six months after the temporary catheter was removed. In one case, the use of the permanent access was severely limited by massive arm edema. We conclude that, in addition to the usual complications of SCV cannulation, long-term use of SCV hemodialysis catheters can be associated with major late obstructive complications that may compromise permanent vascular access. We recommend that, wherever possible, temporary dialysis catheters and other subclavian lines be placed contralateral to the permanent vascular access site in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Aged↗

Identification of a Na+,K+, Cl--cotransport protein of Mr 34 000 from kidney by photolabeling with [3H]bumethanide. The protein is associated with cytoskeleton components.

A polypeptide of Mr 34 000 is photolabeled with [3H]bumethanide after binding of this drug to membranes from the outer renal medulla and irradiation at 345 nm, a wavelength where bumethanide has an absorption maximum. Our data show that the polypeptide of Mr 34 000 is a component of the Na+/K+/Cl--cotransport system. The [3H]bumethanide binding protein is not extracted by concentrations of the nonionic detergent C12E8 that solubilizes 67% of the protein of the membranes including (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. This step increases the capacity for binding of [3H]bumethanide to 681 pmol/mg protein. Extraction of the binding protein requires high ionic strength suggesting that the Na+/K+/Cl--cotransport protein is associated with cytoskeleton components. This association may be important for control of the entry of NaCl into the cytoplasm and for cellular regulation of the rate of active transport of NaCl across the tubule cells in the thick ascending limb of Henles loop.

Animals↗

Role of monocytes/macrophages and interleukin 1 in antigen-induced human lymphokine production.

The monocyte/macrophage (M phi)-dependency for antigen-induced production of the lymphokine, leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF), was investigated using a M phi pulse-exposure technique. M phi-depleted, purified T lymphocytes did not elaborate LIF in response to the recall antigen, tuberculin (PPD). Addition of M phi's pulsed with PPD rectified the response. Exposure of the M phi's down to 3 min, even at 0 degree C, was efficacious. PPD-exposed M phi's, either killed or rendered incapable of protein synthesis, failed to activate the T cells. However, PPD-exposed, killed M phi's triggered LIF production if exogenous interleukin 1 (IL-1) was provided. We suggest that M phi "presentation" of antigen in this test system is a passive albeit necessary, process; the requirement for M phi metabolism being confined to the elaboration of IL-1. Judged by the results of kinetic experiments, the latter stimulus appears to be mediated most effectively from 2 to 4 hr after antigenic challenge.

Adult↗

Production of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) in human lymphocyte subsets exposed to polyclonal activators.

Lymphocyte subsets separated on the basis of nylon-wool adherence and E and EA rosetting, and characterized for the presence of esterase-positive phagocytic cells were investigated for production of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) in response to polyclonal T- and B-cell activators, PHA, ConA, PWM, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In the nylon-passed population only the high avidity E+EA+ cells responded to ConA, PHA-induced LIF production in all E-rosetting subsets. The nylon-adherent E+ subset, which contains activated T cells, produced LIF spontaneously. B cells produced LIF when exposed to PWM or uv-inactivated EBV. In accordance with the known T-cell dependence of PWM activation, LIF was detected only in supernatants of reconstituted populations containing both B and T cells. In contrast, uv-inactivated EBV, devoid of transforming potential, elicited LIF production in the pure B-cell population. LIF production in response to polyclonal activators seemed to be independent of accessory cells since reconstitution with autologous macrophages or semipurified monokine, high-molecular-weight Interleukin 1 (IL-1), did not alter the results.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Colony formation by subpopulations of human T lymphocytes. V. Helper and suppressor activity of cloned human T-cell lines.

Twelve human T-cell lines were derived from cultures stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or with the recall antigen purified protein derivative (PPD), using the one-step agar colony method, followed by further expansion of individual T-cell colonies for at least 50 days. As judged by monoclonal antibodies, two of the PHA-derived T-cell lines carried the helper-inducer (H-I) phenotype and two the suppressor-cytotoxic (S-C) phenotype. Four PPD-derived cell lines displayed the H-I phenotype, and three of these proliferated specifically when challenged with the recall antigen, whereas the fourth did not. Four PPD-induced T-cell lines carried the S-C phenotype, and only one of these was antigen-specific. All cell lines with H-I phenotype displayed helper cell activity as determined by Ig secretion of B lymphocytes stimulated with a T-cell-dependent polyclonal B-cell activator. Cell lines with the S-C phenotype had no such helper activity and suppressed Ig responses in the presence of freshly isolated T cells. Thus, a good correlation between phenotypic markers and functions was found. T helper cells and T suppressor cells can be differentiated by means of both polyclonal and antigenic stimuli.

Antibody-Producing Cells↗

Inhibition of polyclonally induced immunoglobulin secretion by aurothiomalate.

The influence of sodium aurothiomalate on the secretion of immunoglobulins by normal human lymphocytes in vitro was investigated by means of a reverse hemolytic plaque forming cell (PFC) assay. Aurothiomalate inhibited the PFC response induced by pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a dose dependent manner. The inhibition was irreversible, as pre-incubation for 2 h with the drug followed by extensive washing and further culture in gold salt-free medium still caused an inhibition of the PFC response to PWM and to EBV. Cell proliferation was not significantly affected, suggesting that the inhibition of PFC formation was not due to cytotoxicity. Pre-incubation of monocytes/macrophages (Mø's), T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes with the gold compound prior to culture with PWM showed that Mø's and B cells were highly sensitive, whereas T lymphocytes were resistant to the drug. The findings indicate that aurothiomalate inhibits the polyclonally induced PFC response by interfering with accessory Mø function and by affecting the B lymphocyte itself.

B-Lymphocytes↗