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Biomedical subjects

J Verhoef

Publications and source records attributed to J Verhoef.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

Characterization of anti-core glycolipid monoclonal antibodies with chemically defined lipopolysaccharides.

Five anti-core glycolipid monoclonal antibodies (MAb) (four against Escherichia coli J5 lipopolysaccharide [LPS] and one against the Re core glycolipid of Salmonella typhimurium) were characterized using LPS from several rough and smooth strains and derivatives of E. coli J5 LPS, obtained by N acetylation and hydrolysis. The MAb against E. coli J5 were not only weakly cross-reactive with clinical isolates, whereas the anti-Re MAb was highly cross-reactive. The MAb differed in their reaction pattern with E. coli J5 LPS. MAb 4-7B5 (immunoglobulin M) and MAb 4-6A1 (immunoglobulin G1) cross-reacted with LPS of Salmonella minnesota R5 and S. typhimurium Ra and Rc and little with Re and lipid A. The dominant binding site of these MAb was located in the glucose-heptose-heptose region and was independent of phosphate substitution. The MAb 4-9A1 reacted with the terminal part of the core region (glucose-heptose) and was dependent on phosphate substitution of the LPS. The MAb BA7 (immunoglobulin G3) was E. coli J5 LPS specific and reacted with the glucosaminyl-heptose disaccharide. Antibody 8-2C1 was directed against the common parts of LPS, 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid, and lipid A, which are not (or only weakly) recognized by the four anti-J5 LPS MAb. Thus, MAb that are not cross-reactive can be directed against at least three different antigenic determinants present on the core oligosaccharide of E. coli J5 LPS.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Characterization and description of "Campylobacter upsaliensis" isolated from human feces.

During a 3-year period, "Campylobacter upsaliensis" was isolated from 99 patients. Phenotypic characterization and numerical analysis of protein electrophoregrams showed evidence that "C. upsaliensis" is a distinct Campylobacter species with unique characteristics. The MBCs of 13 antibiotics were determined. In general, these organisms were highly susceptible to drugs that were present in the selective isolation media, making none of the available selective media suitable for the isolation of "C. upsaliensis." Ten strains were found to be resistant to erythromycin (MBCs, greater than or equal to 12.50 mg/liter). Plasmid DNA was detectable in 89 of the 99 strains; 16 plasmid profiles could be identified. Plasmid pattern 16, containing four plasmids of 52, 32, 5.5, and 2.6 megadaltons, represented 60.7% of the plasmid-containing strains. None of the "C. upsaliensis" strains could be agglutinated with antisera against heat-labile antigens from C. jejuni, C. coli, or C. laridis. "C. upsaliensis" was found to be susceptible to serum killing and was readily phagocytized by human polymorphonuclear cells.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Impairment of phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages by hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibited phagocytosis and superoxide anion production by rat alveolar macrophages. The inhibition was irreversible and concentration and exposure time dependent. The potential relationship between H2O2-induced biochemical perturbations and impaired alveolar macrophage phagocytic functions was investigated. Alveolar macrophage viability and Fc receptor binding capacity were not affected by H2O2. There was probably no correlation between a H2O2-induced rise in cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) and the impairment of phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages, as was suggested by the following findings. First, the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i could be inhibited by chelation of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the H2O2-induced impairment of phagocytosis could not. Second, the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was reversible, whereas the impairment of phagocytosis was not. And finally, a rise in [Ca2+]i by incubation of alveolar macrophages with the calcium ionophore A23187 did not affect phagocytosis. Various experiments suggested that ATP depletion may play an important role in the H2O2 toxicity for alveolar macrophages. Comparable concentrations of H2O2 caused an irreversible decrease both in cellular ATP and in phagocytosis and superoxide production by alveolar macrophages. In addition, time course of ATP depletion and induction of impaired alveolar macrophage function were similar. In view of the fact that the strong oxidant H2O2 may react with a large variety of biological substances, possible other toxic lesions may not be excluded as underlying mechanism for H2O2-induced inhibition of phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

A view to a kill: cytotoxic mechanisms of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes compared with monocytes and natural killer cells.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are able to exert cell-mediated cytotoxic reactions in order to eliminate tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Appropriate stimulation is needed to activate the potential cytotoxic arsenal of the PMN in contrast to the spontaneous cytotoxicity mediated by natural killer cells. Stimulation with phorbol esters induces an oxygen-dependent killing mechanism which results in highly efficient lysis of red blood cell targets. Tumor target cells are more resistant to oxygen-dependent killing mechanisms due to effective antioxidant capacities. Antibody-coated tumor target cells are easily recognized and bound by PMN via a cooperative action of Fc receptors and adhesion molecules. This firm contact and receptor occupation result in efficient killing of the tumor cells which does not require production of oxygen radicals. The mechanisms of PMN-mediated cytotoxicity are discussed and compared with data known from natural killer cells and monocytes.

Animals↗

Pulmonary surfactant protein A enhances the host-defense mechanism of rat alveolar macrophages.

The effects of surfactant, surfactant lipids, and surfactant protein A (SP-A) on the surface phagocytosis of [3H]thymidine-labeled Staphylococcus aureus (SAE) by rat alveolar macrophages were studied. Alveolar macrophages only ingest SAE when the bacteria are opsonized with rat serum prior to incubation with alveolar macrophages. Preincubation or "opsonization" of the bacteria with surfactant did not result in phagocytosis by the macrophages. However, preincubation of the macrophages with surfactant increased the phagocytosis of rat serum-opsonized bacteria by approximately 70% when compared to the control macrophages. The factor present in surfactant causing the stimulation of the phagocytosis is probably SP-A. Preincubation of macrophages with human SP-A enhanced the phagocytosis to the same extent as whole surfactant, whereas preincubation with surfactant lipids had no effect on the phagocytosis. The SP-A-induced enhancement of the phagocytosis is time, temperature, and concentration dependent. Phagocytosis of opsonized SAE by alveolar macrophages was maximal after 15 min of incubation and at an SP-A concentration of 1 micrograms/ml. No phagocytosis occurred at 0 degrees C. In addition, whole surfactant and SP-A induce a lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence response in alveolar macrophages. The chemiluminescence response is initiated after 15 min of incubation and reaches a maximum after 30 min. The concentration of SP-A needed for an optimal response is in the same order of magnitude as the concentration needed for maximal enhancement of the phagocytosis of SAE by alveolar macrophages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acridines↗

Surface proteins of coagulase-negative staphylococci: their role in adherence to biomaterials and in opsonization.

During the last decade coagulase-negative staphylococci (CN-Staph) have clearly emerged as pathogens in patients equipped with foreign devices. This has fueled the interest in these bacteria considerably and as a result, knowledge of the biology of CN-Staph as well as insight into the pathogenesis of biomaterial-associated infections due to these bacteria are rapidly expanding. Adherence of bacteria to biomaterials is a necessary step in the process of these infections. Evidence is accumulating that surface proteins of CN-Staph are essential in the early phases of adherence to biomaterials. By using monoclonal antibodies in immunoblotting and immune electron micrography we have identified a cell wall protein complex apparently located on the surface of CN-Staph and involved in adherence to biomaterials. Further studies will be oriented at characterization of the protein adhesin(s) and at identification of the surface structures with which the adhesion is associated.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

Deficiencies in opsonic defense to pneumococci in the human newborn despite adequate levels of complement and specific IgG antibodies.

We studied the major determinants of opsonophagocytosis against Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 14 and 19 in paired cord/maternal sera from 27 healthy term and 24 preterm infants in an attempt to gain more insight in the susceptibility of newborns to pneumococcal infection. For both pneumococcal serotypes studied, opsonic activity in neonatal sera varied greatly, but was moderately to profoundly deficient when compared to paired maternal sera, both in preterm (34.5 and 34.9% of the activity in maternal serum, for serotypes 14 and 19, respectively, p less than 0.001 for both) and in term serum (43.5 and 52.7% of the activity in maternal serum, for serotypes 14 and 19, respectively, p less than 0.001 for both). The opsonic deficiency in preterm sera could be ascribed to a diminished level of the major opsonins for pneumococci, i.e. complement factor C3 deposited on the bacterial surface (69.5 and 66.2% of C3 deposition in maternal serum on serotypes 14 and 19, respectively, p less than 0.01 for both) and specific anticapsular IgG antibodies (48.5 and 14.1% of maternal levels for serotypes 14 and 19, respectively, p less than 0.001 for both). However, the opsonic defect in serum from term infants could not be explained in a similar way, because C3 deposition and specific anticapsular IgG levels were equal to the values found in the paired maternal sera. Therefore, we conclude that the opsonic defect in newborn serum for pneumococci cannot be solely explained by a deficiency in the major opsonins for these bacteria. A dysfunction in these opsonins seems to be a more likely explanation for the observed opsonic defect in the neonate.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Pharmacodynamics of cefepime.

The microbiological activity of cefepime was assessed in vitro against 232 clinical isolates coupled with a pharmacokinetic evaluation at steady state in six patients receiving 1 g every 12 h. MIC90s were less than or equal to 0.25 mg/l for Enterobacteriaceae and streptococci. 1 mg/l for Staphylococcus aureus and 8 mg/l for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mean serum concentrations in patients were 62.5 +/- 2.7 mg/l (end infusion) and 1.1 +/- 0.8 mg/l (at 12 h) with an elimination half-life 2.72 +/- 0.59 h. These data together with those published for currently marketed cephalosporins were integrated to generate an Intensity Index incorporating both the magnitude and duration that drug concentrations exceed the MIC during steady-state dosing. Cefepime demonstrated comparable or superior indices to cefazolin against Gram-positive microorganisms and to cefuroxime and ceftazidime against Gram-negatives. Serum bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity from the kinetic samples corresponded with the duration that serum cefepime concentrations exceeded the MIC and MBC, respectively, for selected strains. This pharmacodynamic evaluation suggests that cefepime 1 g every 12 h potentially provides inhibitory serum concentrations for the majority of common Enterobacteriaceae, streptococci and S. aureus over the dosing interval but that higher doses or more frequent administration may be necessary for some pseudomonal infections.

Bacteria↗

Pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ofloxacin in healthy elderly subjects using noncompartmental and compartmental models.

The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin following a single 200 mg oral dose were studied in twelve healthy elderly volunteers. Relevant pharmacokinetic parameters were analysed by both noncompartmental and compartmental models. In compartmental analysis, the data on plasma concentrations was best described by an open two-compartment model. A zero-order absorption behaviour was found in some volunteers. The terminal half-lives were slightly prolonged and ranged from 6.2-11.6 h. A linear relationship was found between the renal clearance of the drug and the estimated creatinine clearance. Computer predictions of a multiple 200 mg dose regimen showed no important accumulation of ofloxacin. The recommendation of some authors that, in general, ofloxacin dosage may be halved in the elderly could not be confirmed. This has to be determined through further clinical experience in elderly ill subjects.

Aged↗

Binding characteristics and cross-reactivity of three different antilipid A monoclonal antibodies.

A detailed characterization of binding specificity and cross-reactivity of three antilipid A murine mAb was performed. Binding characteristics of these three mAb were investigated against Ag (ReLPS, lipid A, derivatives of lipid A) in solid phase (ELISA) and in fluid phase (C consumption, inhibition studies), and upon incorporation in membranes (E: passive hemolysis assay, and liposomes: inhibition studies). Cross-reactivity with heterologous Ag was investigated in ELISA (LPS, Gram-negative bacteria) and immunoblot experiments (LPS). The binding specificity of mAb 26-5 (IgG2b), raised against synthetic lipid A, was located in the hydrophilic region of biphospholipid A and was also exposed after membrane incorporation of lipid A or after preincubation of lipid A with polymyxin B (PMX). mAb 26-20 (IgM), also raised against synthetic lipid A, showed binding specificity for the hydrophobic region of lipid A: no binding to membrane-associated lipid A could be demonstrated, and binding in ELISA could be blocked very efficiently by PMX. The reaction pattern of mAb 8-2 (IgM), raised against the heat-killed Re mutant of Salmonella typhimurium, was in part similar to that of mAb 26-20. However, inhibition of binding with PMX was less efficient and a high specificity for ReLPS, also after membrane incorporation of this Ag, was demonstrated. In contrast to mAb 26-5 and 26-20, mAb 8-2 showed extensive cross-reactivity with heterologous LPS preparations and heat-killed as well as live Gram-negative bacteria. It is concluded that each of the three mAb binds to a different antigenic epitope in lipid A and that exposure of those epitopes for antibody binding is restricted in a differential manner, depending on mode of Ag presentation. The here defined reaction patterns provide a basis for the interpretation of potential inhibitory effects on in vitro and in vivo biologic (and toxic) activities of endotoxins and Gram-negative bacteria.

Animals↗

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1: a new prognostic marker in septic shock.

The prognostic value of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in septic shock was investigated in 52 patients with septic shock. The patients had significantly elevated serum PAI-1 levels with respect to the control group (p = 0.002). In patients not having a rapidly fatal underlying disease, PAI-1 was significantly higher in patients dying within a week after onset of shock than in survivors (median PAI-1: 900 and 307 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.001). The analysis of the distribution of PAI-1 levels permitted retrospectively to determine a threshold level of PAI-1 which had prognostic significance. Mortality was 71% in patients with serum PAI-1 above 550 ng/ml, whereas only two patients (6%) having a PAI-1 below 550 ng/ml died within a week. Thus, in patients with septic shock, PAI-1 appears to have a strong predictive value as to mortality. This early marker may help the clinician in identifying a subgroup of patients particularly at risk.

Adolescent↗

Antibody-coated target cell membrane-induced chemiluminescence by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Activation of the oxidative metabolic burst of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) by antibody-coated crude membrane fragments of K562 tumor cells was measured in a luminometer. Induction of the chemiluminescence (Cl) response was measured in the presence of luminol and lucigenin. The Cl was dependent on the concentration of PMN, the enhancer luminol or lucigenin, and the amount of tumor cell fragments and anti-K562 serum. PMN were not triggered to a Cl response in the absence of antibodies. The lucigenin-enhanced Cl involved superoxide anion detection while the luminol-enhanced Cl was dependent on the presence of myeloperoxidase and involved hydroxyl radicals. An intact cytoskeleton and energy were necessary for an optimal Cl response.

Acridines↗

In vitro stimulation of immune spleen cells enhances the number of anti-lipid A-producing hybridomas.

An in vitro stimulation method for the generation of hybridomas producing antibodies with specificity for the weakly immunogenic lipid A is described. Conditions influencing in vitro stimulation of immune spleen cells were investigated. Depending on the experimental conditions the percentage of specific antibody-producing hybridomas varied between 0 and 39%. Most successful was stimulation with both antigen and the synthetic adjuvant muramyl dipeptide (MDP) for 3 days. In vitro stimulation of spleen cells from animals classically immunized with Salmonella Re mutant enhanced the number of lipid A-specific IgG-producing hybridomas from six after direct fusion to 17 after stimulation. These experiments indicate that the synergistic action of antigen and MDP is caused by preferential action on antigen selected B cells.

Animals↗

Quantitation of conjugate formation between human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and antibody-coated target cells by flow cytometry: the role of Fc receptor and LFA-1 antigen.

The specific binding of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to antibody-coated target cells was characterized by flow cytometry. PMN were labeled with phycoerythrin-E (PE) via a granulocyte-specific monoclonal antibody (leu-M1) and mixed with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled K562 tumor cells sensitized with rabbit antiserum. Specific conjugates were formed as analyzed by two-color fluorescence in a flow cytometer. The formation of stable conjugates was dependent on initiation of contact, temperature, time, and antiserum concentration. Studies with inhibitors implicate that microfilaments, but not microtubules, Ca2+, Mg2+, or energy-dependent processes were a prerequisite for binding of PMN to the antibody-coated target cells. No conjugates were formed when uncoated target cells were used or when the experiment was performed in the presence of protein A, indicating that binding was specifically mediated through Fc receptors (FcR). Monoclonal antibodies against the FcRII and FcRIII were used to address the role of these receptors in conjugation. One of the two anti-FcRIII antibodies and an anti-FcRII antibody effectively prevented conjugation. A monoclonal antibody directed against the common beta-chain of the adhesion molecule family and a combination of antibodies against the alpha-chain of LFA-1 and Mo-1 also blocked conjugation when target cells were sensitized under suboptimal conditions. The antibody against the beta-chain also diminished killing of antibody-coated K562, as measured by chromium release when included in the cytotoxicity assay. These results indicate that flow cytometry permits accurate quantitation and characterization of the binding between PMN and antibody-coated target cells, which in principle, can be prevented by monoclonal antibodies against surface receptors. Binding is primarily established by both the FcRII and FcRIII. Adhesion-associated molecules on the PMN surface contribute to optimal binding.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Phagocytosis of herpes simplex virus by human granulocytes and monocytes.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) can mediate cytotoxic reactions against virus infected targets cells. We observed very efficient binding of PMN to HSV-infected fibroblasts when loaded with HSV-specific antibodies. Using electron microscopy, infected fibroblasts were found to be totally surrounded by PMN and the phagocytosis of virions and fragments of infected cells was demonstrated. To quantify and study this phenomenon, and to compare PMN with monocytes, we developed radiometric and fluorometric phagocytosis assays. Leukocytes were mixed with [3H]glucosamine- or FITC-labeled virus and incubated at 37 degrees C. PMN associated radioactivity or fluorescence per cell as measured by flow cytometry was determined. PMN phagocytosis was dependent on the presence of specific anti-HSV antibodies and could be enhanced by addition of complement. Monocytes were also able to phagocytize virions; however, the rate of uptake was less than that for PMN. Under optimal conditions the total amount of herpes simplex particles that could be associated with one PMN or monocyte was about 10,000. PMN and monocytes are capable of phagocytosis of HSV. This may be an important factor in preventing the spread of infection in vivo.

Antibodies, Viral↗