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Biomedical subjects

L L Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to L L Thomas.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Quantitative endotoxin determination in blood with a chromogenic substrate.

A method is described for the quantitative determination of endotoxins in blood. The method is based upon the endotoxin-dependent activation of a proenzyme present in Limulus amebocyte lysate. This activated enzyme is measured by using the chromogenic substrate S 2422. Inhibitors and activated coagulation factors possibly interfering in the assay are removed by dilution and boiling. The method has been proven to be fast (2.5 h), sensitive and reproducible with a detection limit of 10 ng/l. Preliminary results comparing the results of blood cultures with the endotoxin assay indicate a good correlation.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1980

The role of agonists that activate adenylate cyclase in the control of cAMP metabolism and enzyme release by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

An inverse relationship between cAMP content and effector function is ascribed generally to immune and inflammatory cells. Previous reports imply, however, that human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are less responsive than other inflammatory cells to adenylate cyclase (AC) agonists. We therefore examined the effects of isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), adenosine, and histamine on the adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) content of PMN and on particle-stimulated lysosomal enzyme release. For comparison, the effect of AC agonists on the cAMP content of human peripheral lymphocytes was evaluated in parallel. Although potent stimuli for cAMP accumulation in lymphocytes, the AC agonists produced only marginal increases in the cAMP content of PMN; this difference in responsiveness was independent of agonist concentration or length of incubation. Inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release by the AC agonists was likewise marginal (< 20%). The addition of theophylline with isoproterenol produced additive inhibition without significant cAMP increases. Hydrocortisone, which caused a small increase in the cAMP content, markedly potentiated the effects of AC agonists on the cAMP level in PMN; the synergistic increases in cAMP were accompanied by additive effects on lysosomal enzyme release. It is concluded that human lymphocytes and PMN exhibit differential sensitivity to AC agonists and that this difference may provide a basis for the selective modulation of individual PMN- or lymphocyte-mediated events.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1979

Effect of solvent on the histamine-releasing, enzyme-releasing, and mitogenic properties of the calcium ionophore A23187.

The potency of the calcium ionophore A23187 in inducing three activities of human leukocytes (histamine secretion from basophils, enzyme secretion from PMNs, and proliferation of lymphocytes) was markedly dependent on the solvent (DMSO versus ethanol versus aqueous buffer) used for its initial sonication. While 0.1 micrograms/ml of DMSO- and ethanol-solubilized A23187 induced maximal histamine release from basophils and histaminase release from PMNs, concentrations of aqueous buffer-sonicated ionophore of greater than or equal to 1 microgram/ml were required for an equivalent response. Ionophore sonicated in organic solvents caused a maximum release of 40% of PMN beta-glucuronidase, at an optimal concentration tenfold higher than that required for maximal histaminase release; ionophore sonicated in aqueous buffers, even at high concentrations, effected a release of less than 5% of cellular beta-glucuronidase. A23187 also induced lymphocyte proliferation over a narrow concentration range; 0.05 micrograms/l of DMSO-sonicated ionophore induced optimal proliferation and concentrations greater than or equal to 0.2 micrograms/ml were toxic. Twofold higher concentrations of ethanol-sonicated ionophore and fourfold higher concentrations of aqueous-sonicated ionophore were necessary for maximal proliferation, and the magnitude of the maximal response with aqueous-sonicated A23187 was only one-half that of DMSO-solubilized agent. Ionophore-induced release of histamine from basophils and enzymes from PMNs was not cytotoxic, since ionophore induced neither LDH nor histamine release from heat-treated (47 degrees C) cells. These results explain several previous, discordant reports on the presence or absence of an effect of A23187 on cellular secretory events, on differing dose-response relationships, and on cytotoxic versus noncytotoxic mechanisms of action.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1979

Augmentation of antigen-stimulated histamine release from human basophils by serum-treated zymosan particles. II. Dependence on IgE-mediated release.

It was observed previously that serum-treated zymosan particles (Zx) augmented antigen and anti-IgE stimulated histamine release. With most of the enhancement attributed to an increased rate of release, this suggested that Zx was active only during the course of IgE-mediated release. This association between IgE-mediated histamine release and responsiveness to Zx was examined further in the present report. Addition of Zx at various time intervals after release had been initiated indicated that the basophil responsiveness to Zx was limited in duration; maximum responsiveness to Zx correlated closely with the period in which the rate of IgE-mediated histamine release was maximum. The time-dependent decline in sensitivity to Zx paralleled the kinetics for desensitization to antigen. Addition of Zx failed to cause release from basophils desensitized in vitro or from basophils of a donor who failed to release histamine upon challenge with anti-IgE. In contrast to the enhancement of IgE-mediated release, Zx did not augment histamine release caused by C5a or the synthetic peptide f-Met-Leu-Phe. It is concluded that an obligatory link exists between ongoing IgE-mediated histamine release and enhancement by Zx.

Antigens↗
PubMed1978

The role of basophils in inflammatory reactions.

This review demonstrates that basophils reflect skin and lung mast cell reactivity and show characteristic changes in mediator release associated with clinical disease. Although the numbers of IgE molecules and IgE receptors on basophils have been enumerated, these have, in most instances, little influence on the release of histamine after challenge. There is, rather, a parameter of "releasability" that may be a major variable in allergic disease states. Basophils contain and release histamine, the eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (ECFA), a slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), and a kallikrein. The release process is controlled by hormone-basophil receptor interactions that determine the cyclic AMP level; plasma and tissue adenosine levels appear prominent in this control. Histamine feeds back to negatively modulate basophil and mast cell release through a specific histamine 2-receptor; it also inhibits lymphocyte and neutrophil function. Like neutrophils, basophils contain beta-glucuronidase while neutrophils contain SRS-A and a low-molecular-weight ECF. The stimuli for primary basophil and neutrophil release are, however, quite different, although phagocytic stimuli, which fail to cause basophil mediator release, potentiate the IgE response. It is concluded that basophols play a significant in vivo role in inflammation by acting as an interface between foreign antigens, the serum cascade systems, and other inflammatory cells.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗
PubMed1977

Functional integrity of the SH1 site in myosin from hypertrophied myocardium.

The hypothesis that an alteration in the SH1 site of hypertrophy myosin is reponsible for the reduced Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity is examined.The functional integrity of the SH1 site was evaluated by measurement of the (K+)-EDTA-stimulated and Mg2+-inhibited ATPase activities. Neither activity differed from control although the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase of the same preparations was significantly reduced. The reduction in Ca2+-activated ATPase was independent of ionic strength. Titration with N-ethylmaleimide elevated the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase of hypertrophy myosin to the same peak activity as control. Actin-stimulated ATPase activity of hypertrophy myosin was also reduced. The results indicate that the SH1 of hypertrophy myosin is functionally intact for (K+)EDTA-stimulated ATPase and Mg2+ inhibition, but functionally deficient with regard to Ca2+-stimulated and actin-activated ATPase activities. This implies a partition of the functional aspects of SH1.

Actins↗
PubMed1977

The thyroid in the spontaneously hypertensive rat: a light and electron microscopic study.

The present study was undertaken to seek ultrastructural changes in the thyroid gland of the spontaneously hypertensive rat which would contribute to the understanding of previously reported abnormalities in thyroid function. Light and electron microscopic observations and measurements of plasma T3 and systolic blood pressure were recorded from a colony of Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The systolic blood pressure of SHR was significantly higher than that of WKY but the plasma T3 levels of the two groups did not differ significantly. After administration of propylthiouracil (PTU), serum T3 levels and systolic pressure of both groups decreased. The size of the thyroid follicles in SHR was highly variable throughout the gland, and the colloid contained unevenly dense areas and cell debris. The follicular cells contained slightly dilated rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and numerous pleomorphic bodies of uneven density. After treatment with PTU, the vessels between the follicles of SHR did not become as dilated as those in WKY but the fine structure of follicular cells in SHR was similar to that of WKY and was characteristic of the typical thyroid response to PTU administration. We suggest that the thyroid in SHR does not respond adequately to the elevated TSH levels reported to be present in these animals, although it can respond to the highly elevated TSH levels which occur with PTU administration. This impairment most probably involves defects in synthesis and/or secretion of thyroid hormones in response to TSH stimulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Physician house calls: a complement to hospital-based medical care.

A physician-oriented, hospital-based Home Care Program (HCP) is described. The staff includes a director, resident physicians, nurses, social workers, and clerical personnel. House calls are made by resident physicians during off-duty hours, but patients, their families, and other health professionals may help with their care. Drugs, equipment and supplies are available through the hospital and contract vendors. The most common medical diseases are cardiac and cerebrovascular disorders, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary disorders and hypertension. Of 513 patients evaluated in one year, 337 were admitted to the HCP. Two-thirds were women. Ages ranged from 18 to 106 (median, 68 years). Under the HCP there was significant improvement and control of the medical problems, and a decrease in hospital and emergency room admissions, and clinic visits; 207 of the 337 patients were discharged. The HCP cost less than other outpatient and inpatient services. It proved to be a rewarding, economical and effective means of improving medical care for a metropolitan population dependent upon hospital-based physicians for medical services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Purification of cardiac myosin. Application to hypertrophied myocardium.

A method is described for the preparation of high purity myosin from small amounts of cardiac muscle. The method employs homogenization and prolonged extraction of the cardiac tissue. Purification is achieved through three successive precipitation-dissolution cycles and without the use of column chromatographic techniques. Purity of the myosin preparation is assessed at various stages of the purification procedure by sodium dodecylsulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis and by measurement of RNA and nucleoprotein content. With 1.5-2.0 g of rabbit right ventricle as the starting tissue, this method yields 4-6 mg myosin per g wet tissue. The method is also shown to give similar results with rabbit right ventricles hypertrophied by pulmonary stenosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

The anti-inflammatory actions of tilorone hydrochloride.

Tilorone suppressed inflammation induced by immune (direct passive Arthus reaction) as well as by non-immune agents (carrageenam-induced paw edema and abscess formation), if the compound is given 24 hr prior to the proinflammatory agonists. The non-immune anti-inflammatory effect is independent of the adrenals. A surprising findings was that total serum hemolytic complement is markedly elevated 24 hr after a single dose of tilorone.

Abscess↗