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Biomedical subjects

M Kurpisz

Publications and source records attributed to M Kurpisz.

89 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

HLA-DQ molecular heterogeneity in HLA-DR4-Dw4 consanguineous cell lines.

Two-dimensional gel analysis (NEPHGE) of the molecules precipitated by the HLA-DR monomorphic antibody L243 showed a single and identical alpha chain spot from two consanguineous cell lines, BM14 and MCF. The latter was derived from a rheumatoid arthritis patient. No apparent structural polymorphism of the HLA-DR beta chains was detected. The data suggests that the HLA-DR4 haplotype expresses one alpha chain and up to four beta chains. The electrophoretic pattern of the HLA-DQ molecules precipitated with the monomorphic antibody TU22 revealed clear differences between BM14 and MCF. These differences were mainly in the beta chain profiles. Four acidic beta chains were found with the MCF cell line wheras only three beta chains at different isoelectric points were found with the BM14 cell line. The data obtained in this study argue for a considerable heterogeneity of the HLA-DQ antigens detected at the molecular level.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Morphological and immunological observations in experimentally induced torsion of testis in rats.

In an experimentally established model of torsion of the testis, morphological and immunological observations were evaluated in 180 Wistar rats. Torsion of the testis were carried out to observe in animals the biological phenomenon that naturally occurs in man. The effect of the twisted testis on the contralateral testis was carefully checked. The morphological observations revealed serious damage to the seminiferous tubules in the contralateral testis. In four rats, persistent infertility was observed as an effect of torsion. The infertility was confirmed by total atrophy of seminiferous epithelium in testis section. The cell-binding ability of sera obtained from rats at different times after torsion were studied by cell-binding radioimmunoassay with different types of germinal cells. The presence of autoantibodies to epididymal spermatozoa was revealed in most cases, being a secondary effect of the thus-far unknown, nonspecific factors responsible for damage of the contralateral testis.

Age Factors↗

Stimulation of lymphocytes by spermatozoa-stimulated cells.

The mechanism of spermatozoa-lymphocyte interaction was studied using spermatozoa and lymphocytes obtained from 11 healthy individuals and from 2 patients with spermatocoele. The lymphocytes activated by spermatozoa in 3-day cultures were used as inducers of fresh, unstimulated autologous or allogeneic lymphocytes. In 9 cases of 13 tested sperm samples, a slight proliferative response of lymphocytes stimulated by spermatozoa-induced lymphocytes was observed. The final effect did not depend on whether an autologous or an allogeneic system was used in the first and the second incubation. A possible explanation of the observed reaction is discussed.

Humans↗

Partial purification, characterization and cell-free translation of mRNAs coding for H-2d antigens.

Microsomal RNA from SL2 cells was fractionated on oligo(dT)cellulose into three fractions: I was very similar to the non-fractionated RNA, II contained 28S and 18S rRNA, III [poly(A)RNA] of 4 - 50S, constituted 1.0-2.1% of the total RNA pool and was still contaminated with rRNAs. The last fraction was synthesized at the highest rate. Anti-H-2d serum precipitated cell-free translation products of 17S (heavy chain) and 10S (beta 2-microglobulin) mRNA fractions obtained by centrifugation on 10-30% linear sucrose gradient. beta 2-Microglobulin synthesis was 5-fold higher as compared with the heavy chain synthesis. Anti-H-2d serum precipitated translation products with Mr of 47 000-48 000 (H-2Dd and H-2Kd heavy chains) and 12 000 (beta 2-microglobulin). With liver mRNA, the patterns of translation products were identical, but beta 2-microglobulin synthesis was lower by a half than heavy chain synthesis. H-2d heavy chain messenger constituted 0.3-0.4% of the enriched fraction and was purified 15-20--fold.

Animals↗

Proliferation of human lymphocytes by mitogen stimulated cells.

Lymphocytes cultured for three days with PHA or Con A were capable of inducing vigorous proliferation of autologous or allogeneic lymphocytes. Kinetics of the response varied with mitogen dose used for obtaining stimulating cells and with the ratio of stimulating to responder cells. A requirement for viable, mitogen-reactive lymphocytes cultured for at least two days with the mitogen, for their contact with the reacting cells and an absence of significant quantities of mitogen on Con A lymphoblasts examined by electron microscopy demonstrated that a mitogen itself was not responsible for the stimulation. The PHA blast-stimulated lymphocytes were not cytotoxic to PHA blasts nor did they diminish lymphocyte stimulating abilities of PHA blasts in vitro cultures. This indicated that PHA did not induce proliferation of autologous lymphocytes by derivatization of lymphocyte surface.

Cell Cycle↗

Antigen specific lymphocyte activity in vitro by peripheral blood leucocytes from Mantoux positive and negative human beings. I. Comparison of quantitative and qualitative differences in the PPD-specific lymphoproliferative response of lymphocytes from the two kinds of donors.

Lymphocytes from some PPD (purified protein derivative from tubercle bacillus) skin test negative (Mantoux negative=Mx--) human beings reacted against PPD in the lymphoproliferative assay with a time course and dose response very similar to those of lymphocytes from Mantoux positive (Mx+) individuals. Other Mx-- persons were PPD non-responsive in the lymphoproliferative assay. The PPD response of (immunoglobulin=Ig) Ig anti-Ig column passed lymphocytes (T-cells) from Mx--/LP+ (LP+=lymphoproliferative) persons was significantly reduced whereas the in vitro PPD response of T-lymphocytes from Mx+/LP+ was the same or increased. Purified B-lymphocytes from all kinds of tested individuals did not respond in vitro against PPD. Serological investigations indicated that one of the reasons for the negative skin reaction of individuals whose lymphocytes gave a positive lymphoproliferative response against PPD in vitro, is that such individuals had recirculating PPD of high molecular weight (greater than 900,000) and/or PPD anti-PPD antibody complexes in the serum. These substances could block the PPD-specific T-lymphocytes.

Adult↗

Blast transformation induced by spermatozoa.

Human lymphocytes cultured for 3-8 days in the presence of autologous or allogenic spermatozoa undergo blast transformation. Possible mechanisms of the response are discussed.

Animals↗

A critical review of the role of the major histocompatibility complex in fertilization, preimplantation development and feto-maternal interactions.

From conception to old age, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is at the centre of immune responses that aid survival, fitness and adaptation of mammalian species to the environment. Its main function is that of controlling adaptive immunity, particularly T-cell-mediated immunity towards pathogens. In several species, including humans, the MHC is also able to elicit T-cell-mediated immune responses to allogeneic MHC antigens (non-self MHC antigens expressed by another individual from the same species). Although this phenomenon was originally identified in mice by the somewhat unnatural means of tissue transplantation, it was soon realized that it may also play an important role in the natural state, since the mammalian fetus in the maternal uterus is semi-allogeneic, due to the presence of MHC genes inherited from the father. Thus, during normal pregnancy the maternal immune system undergoes changes that lead to tolerance of the fetus. The MHC can play a dual role in the reproduction process: firstly influencing mating choice in some species, affecting the mother-father MHC matching; and secondly influencing the development of the fertilized ovum during the preimplantation period. In this review we examine the role of the MHC at three distinct levels: (i) MHC expression in gametes and its role in fertilization; (ii) MHC expression in placental tissue; and (iii) MHC expression in embryonic tissue. We suggest that the MHC plays a pleiotropic role, both in fitness (survival and reproductive success) and in development, thereby ensuring the survival of the species in future generations.

Animals↗

Sperm antigens and reactivity of antisperm monoclonal antibodies in ELISA.

Several types of sperm antigenic suspensions as well as the whole sperm, either methanol-fixed or air-dried, were checked for intensity of binding to monoclonal antisperm antibodies with known characteristics of reactivity to sperm. The activity of sperm antigen--antibody binding was measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and compared in several variations (parallely run) of the assay where different types of sperm antigen preparations were applied. The obtained results were then evaluated for statistical significance in Wilcox test. It was shown that antibody reactivity was markedly higher in experiments where the whole sperm was coated in a solid-phase in comparison to results obtained with adhered different sperm antigenic suspensions. However, one exception was noted, where the results from ELISA, run with sperm organic extract, were (statistically) insignificantly lower than those obtained with the whole sperm. Therefore, organic sperm extracts (containing mostly glycolipids) can be a valuable alternative to screening for antisperm antibody activity and/or infertility background.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Evaluation of sperm cryoprotective media in respect to fertilizing capacity tested in vitro.

Nine different cryoprotectant buffers were tested to measure their protective ability towards main sperm seminological parameters. These were: maintained sperm motility, progressive motility and sperm viability. Out of the nine tested buffers, medium E (TES-Tris without glycerol) and H (glycerol only) showed significantly lower (P < 0.001) values than the rest of the studied buffers in respect to all tested seminological features. The other media did not differ significantly in their cryoprotective abilities to sperm. Richardson's medium (A) preserved sperm viability significantly better (P < 0.001) than the other tested buffers, reaching 63.1% of viable spermatozoa in proportion to the fresh sperm sample before freezing. Three cryoprotectants, A (with egg yolk, no TEST buffer system), D (neither egg yolk nor TEST buffer system), F (TEST-egg yolk buffer system) were further studied for their ability to preserve sperm function in sperm-cervical mucus penetration (Penetrak) and sperm penetration assay (SPA). In our hands, neither supplementation of the buffer with egg yolk nor TEST-egg yolk buffer system promoted sperm capacity in functional tests. A,D,F buffers did not significantly differ among each other in applied functional assays, however, they all diminished (P < 0.001) sperm penetration ratios when compared with fresh sperm samples. Therefore enhancement of sperm capacity to fertilize after equilibration with TEST-egg yolk buffer system should be contested.

Adult↗

The role of acrosomal enzymes in lymphocytes stimulation by spermatozoa.

We studied the proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 donors stimulated by acrosomal enzymes from ejaculated spermatozoa from healthy individuals. We extracted the acrosomal enzymes without detergent. The amount of proteins in the acrosomal preparation and its proteolytic activity was estimated. The acrosomal preparation was added to auto- and allogeneic lymphocytes in microculture system. Stimulation of lymphocytes was measured by incorporation of 3H-methyl-thymidine after 3 and 6 days of culture. Auto- and allogeneic lymphocytes that were subjected to the action of an acrosomal preparation in in vitro cultures showed stimulation in a 3-day culture at a final concentration of acrosomal proteins of 3.75-7.5 micrograms per culture. This observation suggests that the mitogenic properties of enzymatic factors are present in acrosomes of spermatozoa.

Acrosome↗

CD52 antigen--a review.

Human CD52 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)--anchored antigen expressed on the all lymphocytes as well as within the male genital tract, where it can be produced by epithelial cells of the distal epididymis and duct deferens. CD52 can be shed into seminal plasma and then acquired by sperm cells during their passage through the genital tract, thus it is detectable on the surface of epididymal sperm and in the ejaculate but not on either spermatogenetic cells or testicular spermatozoa. Protein core of the sperm and lymphocyte CD52 is identical and it is a product of a single copy gene located on chromosome 1. However, N-linked carbohydrate side chains (attached to Asn-3) and GPI-anchor structure are different. Physiological role of CD52 on lymphocytes is unclear, although antibody directed to CD52, CAMPATH-1, is capable of complement activation and it can be clinically useful to treat lympho-proliferative disorders and to deplete lymphocytes in bone marrow transplants. Monoclonal antibodies directed against sperm CD52 may cause sperm immobilisation and agglutination and affect hamster oocyte penetration suggesting an association of this molecule with fertilisation.

Antigens, CD↗

Characterization of two monoclonal antibodies raised against human testicular cells.

Human testicular cells isolated from biopsy tissue were used for generation of monoclonal antibodies. Two hybridoma supernatants C3 and D4 were selected according to their reaction with sperm-precursor cells (immature sperms) in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). C3 reacted with testicular but no other tissue. D4 did not reveal any pattern of testicular staining in spite of its similarity to C3 in binding to sperm-precursor cells in ELISA and microcytotoxicity test.

Adult↗

Evaluation of HLA expression on gametogenic cells isolated from human testis.

Human germinal cells were isolated using a combined mechanical method and enzymatic digestion of testicular tissue. The attempt to fractionate the testicular cells by centrifugation in the continuous and discontinuous Percoll gradient was undertaken. The homogeneous (100%) fraction of late spermatids and enriched fractions of spermatocytes (up to 60%) and round spermatids (approx. 66%) were obtained. Cell-binding radioimmunoassay (CB-RIA) was used to evaluate the HLA expression both on heterogeneous suspensions and enriched fractions of testicular, germ cells using mouse monoclonal antibodies directed to Class I (HLA, -A, -B, -C) and Class II (HLA, -DR) determinants of MHC (main histocompatibility complex). Consistently negative results were obtained as well for heterogenous populations of germinal cells as their fractions in respect to both Class I and Class II antigenic determinants of HLA system.

Adult↗

The effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on oxidant-induced arthritis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The anti-arthritic reactivity of the IL-1 receptor antagonist IL-1ra was tested in male DBA/1xB10A(4R) mice suffering from potassium peroxochromate-induced arthritis. METHODS: Inflammatory arthritis was induced in male DBA/1xB10A(4R) mice by the intraplantar application of potassium peroxochromate and was quantified by the determination of the arthritis index, whole blood chemiluminescence, serum sulfhydryls and nitric oxides. Culture supernatants of the fibroblasts were assayed spectrophotometrically for collagenase release. RESULTS: Overt arthritic symptoms, as measured by the arthritis index, were significantly inhibited after two intraperitoneal injections of 2 mg/kg IL-1ra. The phorbol-ester-stimulated chemiluminescent response of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in whole murine blood, which increased 5-fold during the development of arthritis, was normalized to the level of healthy controls. The oxidation of serum sulfhydryls was inhibited by 25%, and the serum levels of nitric oxides was depressed by 40%. In vitro the IL-1-dependent induction of collagenase of rabbit synovial fibroblasts was completely suppressed in the presence of 0.4 mg/ml IL-1ra. CONCLUSION: IL-1ra may prove useful to control the consequences of enhanced free radical production in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Animals↗