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M Dardenne

Publications and source records attributed to M Dardenne.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Localization and characterization of interleukin-1 receptors in the islets of Langerhans from control and nonobese diabetic mice.

Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on insulin and glucagon secretion. To understand the mechanism of these effects, we performed localization and characterization of IL-1 receptors (IL-1R) in pancreas using a quantitative autoradiography method and recombinant human (rh) [125I]IL-1 alpha as a ligand. Frozen sections of pancreas were studied in control (C3H/He) and nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice (a model of autoimmune type I diabetes). Compared to splenic IL-1R, a very high density of specific IL-1R (> 4-fold that in spleen) was found on the islets of Langerhans in both strains. In C3H/He mice, competition experiments demonstrated the presence of one high affinity binding site (Ki = 3.4 and 3.2 x 10(-10) M; binding capacity, 137 and 122 fmol/mg protein for rhIL-1 alpha and rhIL-1 beta, respectively), comparable to type I IL-1R described on T-lymphocytes. In prediabetic NOD mice, these IL-1R were expressed with the same density, affinity, and specificity as in the control strain. Before the onset of diabetes, the expression of IL-1R protein on the islet cells appears to be entirely normal. In contrast, in diabetic NOD mice, IL-1R are sharply decreased, correlating with the intensity of islet destruction. In conclusion, the localization and high density of IL-1R on the mouse islets of Langerhans complement previous studies showing the presence of messenger RNA for type I IL-1R on the islets of Langerhans. These results support a direct physiological effect of IL-1 on pancreatic hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, and a potential role of IL-1R in the pathogenesis of type I diabetes.

Animals↗

Two-step development of Hashimoto-like thyroiditis in genetically autoimmune prone non-obese diabetic mice: effects of iodine-induced cell necrosis.

The administration of a high iodide dose (HID; 10 micrograms/day) to goitrous mice is known to induce thyroid cell necrosis and inflammation, which, in most strains, is transient. In this study, we analyzed the effects of iodide in autoimmune prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Control NOD mice fed a standard diet (MID; 1 microgram I/day) or HID did not spontaneously develop thyroiditis. In NOD mice previously made goitrous, HID provoked thyroid cell necrosis and diffuse inflammation within 4 days. Inflammatory cells consisted of MHC-class II+ antigen-presenting cells, CD4+ T helper cells and CD8+ T suppressor/cytotoxic cells. After 96 days of treatment with HID, thyroiditis similar to Hashimoto's disease was obtained in 100% of the animals, with destruction of thyroid follicles, large clusters of T and B cells, and antithyroid antibodies in the plasma. When treating goitrous mice with MID, no cell necrosis was observed and no autoimmune thyroiditis was obtained. The early iodide-induced cell necrosis and inflammation may thus be considered as an important factor in the induction and persistence of autoimmune thyroiditis in individuals carrying a genetic susceptibility to autoimmune disease.

Animals↗

Prolactin receptor expression in lymphocytes from patients with hyperprolactinemia or acromegaly.

Previous reports demonstrated that prolactin receptors (PRL-R) are widely expressed on cells of the immune system. We analyzed a possible regulation of PRL-R expression on human mononucleated blood cells by prolactin (PRL) itself. PRL-R expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence on T and B lymphocytes and monocytes from peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMC) of patients with hyperprolactinemia or acromegaly compared with sex- and age-matched control subjects. The frequency of PRL-R positive cells and the intensity of PRL-R expression was only modified among the CD8+ T cell population of hyperprolactinemic patients with macroadenoma. No correlation was reported between PRL-R expression and circulating PRL levels. The percentage of PRL-R+ cells on B or T lymphocytes and monocytes as well as the capacity of PBMC to proliferate in response to T cell mitogens were not significantly different in bromocriptine-treated compared with untreated patients. These findings suggest that factors other than pituitary PRL play the major role in regulating PRL-R expression on cells of the immune system.

Acromegaly↗

Intensive chemotherapy for poor prognosis myelodysplasia (MDS) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) following MDS of more than 6 months duration. A pilot study by the Leukemia Cooperative Group of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment in Cancer (EORTC-LCG).

We conducted a prospective, multicenter pilot study of remission induction therapy in patients with poor prognosis MDS and AML evolving from a preceding phase of MDS. Fifty evaluable patients from 15 institutions were treated with one or two remission-induction courses consisting of i.v. idarubicin 12 mg/m2/day on days 1, 2, and 3 combined with a continuous i.v. infusion of cytarabine of 200 mg/m2/day on days 1 to 7. Of the 27 complete remitters (54%), 23 received a consolidation course which was identical to the remission-induction course except for the idarubicin 12 mg/m2 which was given on day 1 only. Fifteen patients received maintenance therapy consisting of six courses of cytarabine 10 mg/m2, s.c. twice daily, for 14 days. Two complete remitters were allografted and five patients received an ABMT. The median survival of all 50 treated patients was 14 months. The median duration of disease-free survival was 11 months with two patients in CR more than 2 years after entering CR. Twenty-four of the 27 remitters have relapsed. Four patients died during remission-induction therapy, but no patient died as a result of persisting hypoplasia. No fatal complications occurred during the consolidation and maintenance courses. Age and stage of disease had no significant impact on CR rate nor on remission duration. The CR rate was significantly (P = 0.03) higher in patients with only normal metaphases compared to patients with cytogenetic abnormalities. The DFS at 2 years was 33 vs 8%, respectively, for patients without or with cytogenetic abnormalities (P = 0.02). This study shows that patients below the age of 60 years with poor risk features are candidates for treatment with combination chemotherapy. A complete remission rate of more than 50% may be expected. Maintaining remission after remission-induction chemotherapy is a difficult issue. Patients not eligible for allogeneic BMT may be treated with intensive post-remission chemotherapy or autologous BMT.

Adolescent↗

Quantitative analysis of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD 65) gene expression in NOD mouse pancreas.

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), especially the GAD 65 isoform, is a major autoantigen in autoimmune diabetes. To determine the role of GAD 65 in the pathogenesis of the disease, we developed a quantitative PCR method allowing to establish the absolute number of GAD 65 mRNA molecules expressed in pancreas of male and female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice at 5 weeks of age, in comparison of the 2 non autoimmune mouse strains. It appeared that pancreatic expression of GAD was similar in the 3 strains (around 30,000 molecules/micrograms total RNA) in males. However, in the NOD mouse, sexual dimorphism was observed with low GAD 65 expression in the female known to show higher incidence of the disease than the male. This finding could contribute to the absence of GAD 65 tolerance in the female and suggests an hormonal control of GAD 65 gene expression.

Animals↗

Prolactin receptors and the immune system.

The existence of a physiological immunoneuroendocrine network clearly contributing to homeostasis has now been demonstrated. In this context, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems communicate with each other, using common mediators and respective receptors. An interesting aspect of this network involves the interactions between prolactin (PRL) and the immune system. Prolactin plays a significant role in regulation of the humoral and cellular immune responses in physiological as well as pathological situations, such as autoimmune diseases. This role is exerted via the existence of specific receptors on cells on the immune system. Recently, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against the extracellular domain of the rat liver PRL-receptor (PRL-R), we demonstrated by immunochemistry and molecular biology the presence of functional PRL receptors on thymic epithelial cells, one of the major components of the thymic microenvironment, which significantly influences early events in T-cell differentiation. Furthermore, using analytical fluocytometry, we showed that human and murine lymphoid cells also expressed PRL receptors. In both of the primary lymphoid organs, namely the thymus and bone marrow, more than 80% of cells expressed this receptor. In the periphery, all B cells and macrophages and 70% of T cells, with similar percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, were PRL-R+. The density of receptors was lower on T cells than on B cells and macrophages, but this density was significantly enhanced following stimulation by T cell mitogens. These data, together with the demonstration of PRL production by thymocytes led to the hypothesis that, in addition to the classical endocrine pathway, autocrine and paracrine PRL/PRL-R interactions may exist in both central and peripheral lymphoid organs, and involve lymphocytes and microenvironmental cells.

Animals↗

Insulin utilization and kinetic effect on hybridoma metabolism in batch and continuous cultures.

This paper discusses the insulin utilization kinetics and the effect of its concentration during batch and continuous mass cultures of the murine VO208 hybridoma cells, using a home-made serum-free medium. Our results show that insulin is utilized by the cells, with a specific rate of 1 relative units (RU) per 10(9) cells per h in batch culture. In continuous reactor running at different insulin levels, this consumption rate is observed to vary from 0.13 to 0.55 RU per 10(9) cells per h when the insulin activity increases from 0.3 to 35 RU l-1 and then to stabilize for higher insulin levels until 110 RU l-1. A low insulin amount in the medium around 0.01 RU l-1, which is near physiological levels, is found sufficient to promote the cell growth. Interestingly, we observe that too high insulin levels, above 25 RU l-1, induce a reduction of the cell density due to an inhibitory effect on the maximal specific cell growth rate. Furthermore, the specific rate of MAb production is found to be independent of the insulin amount in the medium.

Animals↗

Prolactin and the immune system.

Prolactin (PRL) is involved in a wide range of physiological effects in several species and its immunoregulatory role has already been well documented. The PRL receptor has been cloned from various species. There are at least two receptor isoforms (short and long) in rats and mice, which differ only in their cytoplasmic domains, generated by alternative splicing of a single gene, although in human only the long form exists. Using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we detected transcripts encoding both forms of PRL receptor in all lymphoid tissues examined in human, mouse, and rat, but in mouse and rat the ratio between the two forms was variable from animal to animal. Concerning the transcript encoding the PRL itself, a clear signal was always found in human lymphocytes and occasionally in rat thymus. We also developed a quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) in order to measure the absolute number of transcripts in thymus and spleen from rats at two stages of estrous cycle. The level of expression of the two forms was about equal. Finally, we identified the tyrosine kinase JAK2, which is constitutively associated with the PRLR, using the Nb2 rat lymphoma cell line as a model system with which to study the action of PRL on cell mitogenesis. We also showed that, after stimulation by PRL, the dimerization process is a prerequisite step for the phosphorylation of the PRLR and JAK2, which represents the earliest event in the signal transduction pathway.

Animals↗

Glucose, insulin, and open field responses to immobilization in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.

Numerous studies have suggested that stress precipitates type I diabetes. Because stress-elicited hyperglycemia may play a role in this effect, we measured the influence of acute immobilization (90 min) upon plasma glucose and insulin levels in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, a spontaneous model of type I diabetes. To this end, prediabetic 8-week-old mice of both sexes were compared to age- and sex-matched C57BL/6 control mice. Baseline plasma glucose levels and immobilization-elicited hyperglycemia were both lower in male and female NOD mice compared to their C57BL/6 counterparts. However, the maximal effects of immobilization upon plasma insulin (and corticosterone) levels were not different between NOD and C57BL/6 mice. When subjected to a metabolic stressor, such as 2-deoxyglucose-induced neuroglucopenia, both strains responded with similar increases in plasma glucose levels. This change was associated with hyperinsulinemia, whose amplitude was lower in NOD than in C57BL/6 females. Lastly, administration of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, clonidine, elicited a marked increase in plasma glucose levels, whose amplitude was independent of the strain. The results from this study indicate that the two strains differed in their glycemic response to a psychological, but not to a metabolic, stressor. Because NOD mice were found to exhibit increased locomotion when placed for the first time in an open field, it is suggested that behavioral differences contribute to this differential effect of immobilization upon circulating glucose levels in NOD and C57BL/6 mice.

Animals↗

Control of thymus physiology by peptidic hormones and neuropeptides.

Several immune-neuroendocrine interactions are known to occur both in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. Here, Mireille Dardenne and Wilson Savino review data obtained in humans and experimental animals showing that peptidic hormones and neuropeptides can influence the thymus pleiotropically. These mediators modulate thymic epithelial cells (TECs), affecting thymulin secretion, cytokeratin expression, production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cell growth. Interestingly, such neuroendocrine influences appear to be part of a bidirectional circuitry, since thymic-derived peptides also regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary and hypothalamus.

Animals↗

Expression of short and long forms of prolactin receptor in murine lymphoid tissues.

Two different forms of the prolactin receptor, differing in the length of their cytoplasmic domains, have been characterized in many tissues of rodents. To better understand whether short and long forms of PRLR are involved in the immune effects of PRL, we evaluated the distribution of these different forms in the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow from rats and mice. Total RNA was used for cDNA synthesis which was amplified by PCR, using oligonucleotides specific to the different forms of the prolactin receptor. We detected transcripts encoding both forms of prolactin receptor in all lymphoid tissues examined in mouse and rat. Finally we studied the transcript encoding prolactin itself in these rodent tissues; a clear signal was only found in rat thymus. The ubiquitous presence of both forms of receptor transcripts in different lymphoid tissues points to an important role of the PRLR and suggests that such forms of the receptor may be involved in differential functions in lymphocytes.

Animals↗

Free fatty acid profiles in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse: basal serum levels and effects of endocrine manipulation.

The non-obese diabetic mouse (NOD) is one of the few available models of spontaneous autoimmune insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The authors determined the free fatty acid (FFA) levels and the concentrations and relative percentages of the various classes of FFA before the onset of diabetes in both sexes at 2 and 4 months of age and in diabetic females. A circadian rhythm of FFA concentrations was found in prediabetic mice, with lower values in the evening. Moreover, there was a sex difference in FFA concentrations in the morning, with 2-month-old females having higher concentrations than males. Sex and age-related differences were also observed in the concentrations of the various classes of FFA, with higher polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in 2-month-old females and increases in di- and tri-unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in both sexes with age. Hormonal manipulation such as adrenalectomy and/or castration modulated total FFA and the concentrations of the various classes of FFA in 2-month-old mice. These FFA differences between males and females should be taken into account in the onset of type I diabetes.

Adrenalectomy↗

Endogenous IL-10 and IFN-gamma production controls thymic cell proliferation in mice acutely infected by Trypanosoma cruzi.

Thymocytes from mice with experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection respond poorly to Con-A stimulation. However, the proliferative capacity of these cells is not impaired, as demonstrated by the fact that at high doses, exogenous rIL-2 restores thymidine uptake. This finding could be explained either by insufficient IL-2 production or by the appearance of inhibitory factors during T. cruzi infection. This paper shows that in response to Con A, IL-2 production is decreased in the model. Furthermore, the whole profile of cytokine production is modified, with a striking increase in IL-10, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 production. The results indicate that IL-10 plus IFN-gamma are responsible for the decrease in the Con A-induced proliferation since a normal proliferative response as well as normal IL-2 production can be restored if both cytokines are neutralized by adding their monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Evidence is provided also for an enhanced non-specific cytotoxicity of thymic cells from infected mice that might involve IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6. This is the first study demonstrating an alteration of thymic cell function by T. cruzi infection which results from overstimulation of IL-10 and IFN-gamma production.

Animals↗

Prolactin receptor expression in human hematopoietic tissues analyzed by flow cytofluorometry.

PRL receptor (PRL-R) expression has been analyzed in human hematopoietic tissues using flow cytofluorometric analysis with a series of biotinylated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against the extracellular domain of the rat liver PRL-R. In the thymus, more than 75% of cells were labeled by the anti-PRL-R mAb. Regarding PRL-R expression in the four T-cell subsets defined by CD4/CD8 expression, the majority of cells expressed low receptor levels, whereas a minority of double negative (CD4-CD8-) and single positive CD4+ cells were strongly labeled by the anti-PRL-R mAb. In the peripheral blood, an average of 80% of lymphoid cells, comprising all B-cells, all monocytes, and 75% of T-cells, were consistently PRL-R positive. Regarding T-cell subsets, similar percentages of PRL-R+ cells were observed in CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral lymphocytes (70-75%), and the density of labeling per cell was significantly lower than that occurring in B-cells or monocytes. Interestingly, the intensity of labeling significantly increased in peripheral T-cells after T-cell activation. The ubiquitous distribution of PRL-R in bone marrow stem cells, B-cells, monocytes, and T-cells was confirmed by the positive staining obtained in a set of human lymphoid cell lines. These data along with those showing that the PRL gene is specifically expressed in human T-cells suggest that lymphocyte PRL may act in a paracrine or autocrine fashion in both central and peripheral lymphoid organs.

Adult↗