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Biomedical subjects

M Field

Publications and source records attributed to M Field.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Localization of tumor necrosis factor receptors in the synovial tissue and cartilage-pannus junction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Implications for local actions of tumor necrosis factor alpha.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously described the location of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha)-producing cells in synovial tissue and cartilage-pannus junction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further understand the local actions of TNF alpha, we investigated the expression of TNF receptors (TNF-R) on cells in the same compartments in patients with RA. METHODS: The expression of both p55 TNF-R and p75 TNF-R was determined using alkaline phosphatase-conjugated mouse anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) and double immunofluorescence staining techniques with monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: In RA synovial membrane, both p55 TNF-R and p75 TNF-R were detectable in up to 90% of the cells in the lining layer, and were demonstrated on cells in deeper layers of the membrane, including vascular endothelial cells. Cells in lymphoid aggregates expressed both TNF-R, but with a predominant expression of p75 receptor. At the cartilage-pannus junction, the majority of pannus cells, especially those invading cartilage, expressed both the p55 and the p75 TNF-R. Sequential section and double immunofluorescence staining showed that the TNF-R-expressing cells were in the vicinity of TNF alpha-containing cells, and some TNF alpha-containing cells also expressed TNF-R. TNF-R-expressing cells were also detected in osteoarthritic and normal synovial tissue, but in smaller numbers and at a lower intensity. CONCLUSION: These results provide histologic evidence that both p55 TNF-R and p75 TNF-R are expressed by a variety of cell types in RA synovial tissue, reflecting the fact that a wide range of cells are potential targets for TNF alpha in this tissue. This study further supports the hypothesis that TNF alpha plays a major role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Detection of cytokines at the cartilage/pannus junction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: implications for the role of cytokines in cartilage destruction and repair.

Cytokine release at the cartilage/pannus junction (CPJ) may be involved in cartilage destruction and tissue repair in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tissue samples of CPJ from 12 RA patients were examined for the presence of cytokines using immunohistochemical techniques with immunoaffinity purified F(ab')2 antibodies raised against recombinant human cytokines. Twenty-four areas of distinct CPJ at which a discrete junction between cartilage and overlying pannus exists were observed. In all specimens, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha. IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 were detected in cells in pannus particularly along the surface of cartilage and at the site of cartilage erosion. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that most cytokine containing cells also labelled with a macrophage marker (CD68). About 50% of blood vessel endothelial cells stained for GM-CSF. Twelve areas of diffuse fibroblastic CPJ, at which an indistinct margin is seen between cartilage and pannus were examined. At this site, TGF-beta 1 was the only cytokine detected in fibroblast-like cells. None of these cytokines were detected in synovial tissue at the normal synovium/cartilage junction. Chondrocytes from all 11 normal specimens as well as those from RA patients stained for IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-6, GM-CSF and TGF-beta 1, especially those close to subchondral bone. However, IL-1 beta, interferon-gamma and lymphotoxin were not detected in either the normal synovium/cartilage junction or rheumatoid CPJ.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Localization of interleukin-1 alpha, type 1 interleukin-1 receptor and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in the synovial membrane and cartilage/pannus junction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Using monoclonal antibodies and immunohistochemical techniques we have investigated the presence and distribution of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), type 1 IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1) and of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in synovial tissue from 18 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and eight osteoarthritis (OA) patients and in eight normal synovial tissue samples. IL-1 alpha and IL-1R1 were found in all of the samples examined. In RA, there were a large number of synovial cells expressing IL-1 alpha and IL-1R1, with 85 and 90% positive cells in the lining layer, 45 and 80% in the interaggregate area, and 90% of the vascular endothelial cells. In the lymphoid aggregates, 20% of the cells contained IL-1 alpha and 70% expressed IL-1R1. IL-1 alpha and IL-1R1 expressing cells showed a similar distribution in OA synovial membrane, but there was a smaller number of positive cells in the deeper area; and the staining intensity was lower. In contrast to IL-1 alpha and IL-1R1, IL-1ra was found only in 10/18 RA, 5/8 OA and 2/8 normal tissue samples. IL-1ra was detected in 35% of RA and 45% OA lining layer cells; 25% RA and 35% OA vascular endothelium; 10% RA and 15% OA interstitial cells and 30% cells in RA lymphoid aggregate. The staining intensity in both RA and OA tissues was comparably low. The presence of IL-1ra in RA and OA tissues was confirmed by Northern blot analysis for IL-1ra mRNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Detection of cytokines at the site of tuberculin-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity in man.

Cytokines are chiefly local mediators which play an important role in the regulation of the cell-cell interactions which may be involved in the development of the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Using immunohistochemical techniques, the presence of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the skin in tuberculin-purified protein derivative (PPD)-induced DTH reactions was investigated in six normal individuals. Cells staining for these cytokines were first observed 6 h after PPD challenge, and they were detected throughout the duration of the 7-day experiment. The number of cells staining for IFN-gamma reached a peak at 48 h, where 33% of the total aggregate cells were positive, but declined thereafter to 3% at day 7. On the other hand, the number of cells staining for TNF-alpha and IL-1 persisted at high levels throughout the observation period of 7 days (e.g. at 48 h and thereafter, about 40% cells positive for TNF-alpha and 20% for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta). Double immunofluorescence and staining on sequential sections showed that IFN-gamma-staining cells were CD3+ T cells; TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 staining cells were mainly of the CD68+ macrophages/monocytes and that 80% of the CD1a+ cells (Langerhans-like cells) in the dermis contained TNF-alpha and IL-1. The presence of these cytokines at the site of inflammation suggests that they may be locally produced by the inflammatory cells. Their persistence during the reaction suggests that they are intimately associated with this response, and are involved in the development of the reaction.

B-Lymphocytes

Clinical associations of IgG antibodies to the ribonucleoprotein p67 polypeptide in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) p67 antigen was purified from rabbit thymus and used in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with low interassay variability to detect IgG antibodies to p67 in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases. These antibodies were found in eight (80%) patients with a clinical diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) but also in 27 (40%) patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Sixty six per cent of the 12 patients with SLE with high levels of antibodies to p67 (> 50 U) had three or more features of MCTD, including myositis, fibrosing alveolitis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and sclerodactyly. Antibodies to the p67 RNP were not associated with the presence or absence of renal disease in the patients with SLE. This study suggests that antibodies against the p67 RNP are markers for clinical features of MCTD even in the context of SLE.

Autoantibodies

Detection of in vivo production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha by human thyroid epithelial cells.

We have established previously that human thyroid epithelial cells (TEC) from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis are able to synthesize cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This paper examines TEC in sections from autoimmune thyroiditis for the in vivo production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) using the combined techniques of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Thyroid tissue from patients with Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease and non-toxic goitre was examined and both mRNA and the protein of TNF-alpha were detected in TEC on frozen sections. Representative figures of only Graves' samples are illustrated in this paper. In contrast, using the same methods, IFN-gamma was detected only in the infiltrating cells and not in TEC of thyroid tissue from the patients.

Epithelium

Localization of tumor necrosis factor alpha in synovial tissues and at the cartilage-pannus junction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Using immunoaffinity-purified polyclonal anti-human recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) F(ab')2 fragments and immunohistochemical techniques, the cells that make TNF alpha were localized in the inflamed synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Anti-TNF alpha antibody-stained cells were demonstrated in 9 of 11 RA and 2 of 4 OA but none of 5 normal synovial membranes examined. In RA, 26-64% of the lining layer cells were positive for TNF alpha. In the interaggregate area, 10-30% of the cells contained TNF alpha, often in a perivascular distribution, and up to 19% of the cells in lymphoid aggregates stained for TNF alpha. Some endothelial cells also stained with these antibodies. In OA tissues, the TNF alpha-containing cells were found predominantly in the deeper layer. Cells containing TNF alpha were also found at the cartilage-pannus junction in all 4 RA specimens examined. Double immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that most TNF alpha-secreting cells in the RA synovial membrane expressed the monocyte/macrophage marker antigens CD11b and CD14, and a few expressed the T cell marker CD3. Our findings provide histologic evidence that TNF alpha is locally produced in the lining and deeper layers of the synovium by cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, supporting its role in inflammation. Further, our findings demonstrate that TNF alpha is produced by cells at the cartilage-pannus junction, which could affect chondrocyte metabolism, leading to the cartilage degradation in RA.

Antibodies

Interleukin-6 localisation in the synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis.

Polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits against Interleukin-6 (IL-6) by immunisation with a synthetic peptide of identical sequence to the amino terminal 12 amino acids of human IL-6. These antibodies reacted with recombinant IL-6 by ELISA and stained the cytoplasm of the IL-6 secreting bladder tumour cell line T24. Staining was abolished by prior incubation of the antibody with the IL-6 peptide. F(ab')2 fragments made by pepsin digestion of the IgG were immunopurified, labelled with biotin and retained activity in the biochemical and histological assays. Sections of synovial membrane from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were stained with these antibodies, using an immunoperoxidase technique, and cells containing IL-6 were domonstrated in the thickened synovial lining layer and also in a perivascular distribution in the deeper synovium. In osteoarthritis there were fewer cells in the lining layer and hence localisation appeared similar in both the interstitial area and lining layer. Double-staining techniques with mouse monoclonal antibodies against cell subset markers in five RA synovial membranes showed that up to 13% of T-cells and 19% of antibody-producing cells stained for IL-6. However, up to 70% of the macrophages contained IL-6 and these were found in close proximity to Ig-producing plasma cells. This study showed that macrophages were the major cells of the immune system in which IL-6 could be localised in RA, and suggests a role for locally produced IL-6 in the stimulation of rheumatoid factor production.

Amino Acids

Intellectual outcome in children with maple syrup urine disease.

We report a controlled study of intellectual outcome in 16 children with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) that compares the outcome of MSUD diagnosed after symptoms became apparent with that of MSUD diagnosed prospectively and in unaffected siblings and parents. The mean IQ (+/- SD) score in the children with classic MSUD was 78 +/- 24; however, there were two discrete groups: one with normal IQ (greater than 84) whose MSUD had been diagnosed at a mean age of 3.5 days and a second group, with IQ below normal, whose MSUD was diagnosed at a mean of 10 days of age. Affected children treated presymptomatically had higher IQ scores than their affected siblings treated when their disease was symptomatic. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the important influences on IQ were age at the time of diagnosis and long-term metabolic control; control at the time of testing also might have affected performance. The mean score of unaffected siblings was 92 +/- 5 and the mean parental IQ was 83 +/- 9. The mean IQ scores of children with variant MSUD, 97 +/- 4, was similar to that of their parents, 103 +/- 6. This study was not longitudinal and thus could not identify subtle developmental learning problems. We conclude that early and meticulous treatment of MSUD can result in intellectually normal children.

Adult

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 in rheumatoid synovial membrane and cartilage/pannus junction.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta has been shown to promote tissue repair and have immunosuppressive actions, and has been proposed to have a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using immunohistochemical techniques with rabbit F(ab')2 antibodies raised against recombinant human TGF-beta 1, we have detected TGF-beta 1 in the synovial tissue and cartilage/pannus junction (CPJ) from 18/18 patients with RA. TGF-beta 1 was found predominantly in the thickened synovial lining layer in RA, but also detected in a perivascular pattern in the synovial interstitium as well as in occasional cells in the lymphoid aggregates. At the CPJ it was found both in cells at the distinct junction as well as in the transitional region of the diffuse fibroblastic zone. The cells staining for TGF-beta 1 were identified by double immunofluorescence staining as being from the monocyte/macrophage series as well as the type B synovial lining cells. TGF-beta 1 was also detected in the synovial membrane sections from 4/4 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus/mixed connective tissue disease and 5/8 patients with osteoarthritis, in a similar distribution to that seen in RA, and in the lining layer of 1/7 normal synovial membranes. These results add to histological evidence confirming that TGF-beta 1 is present in RA synovial cells and those from other arthritides. The distributions of TGF-beta 1 in RA synovial membrane reflects its known actions, as it can be detected at the CPJ, where it could induce repair, and close to activated cells upon which it may exert an immunosuppressive action.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Detection of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 production in human thyroid epithelial cells by non-radioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods.

Human endocrine thyroid epithelial cells have been described to produce cytokines in vitro. In order to determine whether they do so in vivo during thyroiditis, parallel studies on mRNA expression with a non-radioactive in situ hybridization technique and immunohistochemical detection for the protein were performed on frozen sections of thyroid samples from autoimmune thyroiditis (Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis), non-toxic goitre and normal thyroid tissue. cDNA probes were sulphonated and their hybridization with mRNA was detected with a sulphonyl-specific monoclonal antibody. This signal was amplified and visualized with the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) system. The protein products were detected with immuno-purified rabbit F(ab')2 antibody fragments recognizing recombinant human cytokines, visualized by the immunoperoxidase technique. Each sample was studied at the two levels. Both interleukin-6 mRNA and protein were found in the endocrine cells. There was no obvious difference between autoimmune thyroiditis and non-toxic goitre. However, normal thyroid epithelial cells produced less interleukin-6. Interleukin-1 alpha mRNA and its protein were found in epithelial cells from Hashimoto's thyroiditis samples, but not in the others, except one Graves' disease sample, in which only mRNA was detected. Interleukin-1 beta was not detected in these cells, its mRNA was only found in one of the Graves' disease samples. These cytokines were also detected in some infiltrating cells.

Epithelium

Infectious diarrhea.

This review singles out several bacterial and parasitic causes of infectious diarrhea about which there have been interesting recent developments in pathogenesis, diagnosis, or treatment. Diarrheagenic mechanisms and infections by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidia, and Isopora are discussed.

Bacterial Infections

cAMP-activated C1 conductance is expressed in Xenopus oocytes by injection of shark rectal gland mRNA.

Development of reliable expression systems for use in identification and functional characterization of proteins required for secretory Cl channel activity is key to understanding the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis (CF). Until now, heterologous expression of epithelial Cl channels had not been accomplished. We show here that Xenopus oocytes express an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-activated Cl conductance after injection of mRNA from shark rectal gland. Current through this conductance was rapidly activated by intracellular application of cAMP, reversed near the chloride equilibrium potential (ECl), blocked by the Cl channel inhibitor 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoate, and was not affected by preincubation with the intracellular calcium buffer bis-(2-amino-5-methylphenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetraacetoxymethyl ester, a condition that prohibits activation of the endogenous Ca-activated Cl conductance.

Animals

Diabetes mellitus and glucagon alter ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in rat small intestine.

Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase provides the driving force for cellular Na+ transport and exists in multiple isoforms that differ in ouabain sensitivities. We report that the Ki for ouabain inhibition of glucose-evoked short-circuit current, determined in intact rat ileal mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers, is higher in streptozocin-induced chronically diabetic rats than in age-matched controls. The changes in ouabain sensitivity seen in diabetes also occurred when intact ileum of age-matched controls was incubated in vitro with 2.8 x 10(-5) M glucagon for at least 80 min. The effect of glucagon was blocked by cycloheximide, indicating a role for protein synthesis. This suggests that changes in ouabain sensitivity seen in diabetes are produced by glucagon, the serum concentration of which increases in diabetes. Ouabain-dependent phosphorylation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase (backdoor phosphorylation) revealed a higher Km for phosphate in intestinal basolateral membranes obtained from diabetic rats compared with age-matched controls, again confirming a decrease in ouabain sensitivity. Furthermore, the mRNA encoding the alpha 1-isoform was upregulated 2.6-fold in chronically diabetic intestines. This suggests that the ouabain sensitivity seen during diabetes may be due to upregulation of the alpha 1-isoform, known to be less sensitive to ouabain than the other isoforms.

Animals

Medical practice guidelines: current activities and future directions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the state of the art in the field of medical practice guidelines, to identify limitations, and to suggest future directions. DESIGN: Informal descriptive survey using a questionnaire administered by telephone, supplemented by comments, by opinions, and by examples solicited from the participating organizations. PARTICIPANTS: Eight prominent organizations representing prototypic approaches to guideline development; these organizations included three medical societies, two health care organizations, two insurers, and one private health benefits management company. RESULTS: Improving the quality of medical care was a stated goal of all eight surveyed organizations. However, their objectives have not been stated in operational terms, reflecting the lesser emphasis placed on methods and means for both implementing guidelines and evaluating their impact on health practices and outcomes. In contrast, several systematic methods for developing guidelines exist. They differ in the stress placed on formal literature reviews, reliance on local as opposed to national experts, and formal methods of group judgment, but no evidence exists on which approaches produce sounder and more usable guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines are being vigorously promoted as a means to improve the effectiveness of the health care system. Current initiatives show both strengths and weaknesses. In particular, the attention now paid to the development of guidelines needs to be matched by attention to implementation strategies and to the scientific evaluation of their effectiveness in real clinical settings. Also, more agreement is needed on acceptable methods for developing guidelines, assessing their content, and evaluating their impact on professional behavior, patient outcomes, and health care costs. Fortunately, several initiatives to bring greater order and quality to this field are under way.

Goals