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Biomedical subjects

R Anderson

Publications and source records attributed to R Anderson.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources

Apparent involvement of phospholipase A2, but not protein kinase C, in the pro-oxidative interactions of clofazimine with human phagocytes.

The anti-leprosy agent, clofazimine, at concentrations of 0.1-5 micrograms/ml caused a dose-related, stimulus-non-specific (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, calcium ionophore, opsonised zymosan, arachidonic acid and phorbol myristate acetate) potentiation of superoxide generation by human neutrophils in vitro without affecting basal oxidative responses. The pro-oxidative interactions of clofazimine with neutrophils were eliminated by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor 4-p-bromophenacyl bromide but not by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H-7. In support of these observations clofazimine promoted the release of radiolabeled arachidonic acid from neutrophil membrane phospholipids but did not influence the activity of PKC in cytosolic extracts of neutrophils or of purified PKC from rat brain. Pro-oxidative interactions of clofazimine with human phagocytes may contribute to the intraphagocytic antimycobacterial activity of this agent.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Analysis of the molecular specificities of anti-class II monoclonal antibodies by using L cell transfectants expressing HLA class II molecules.

Expressible HLA class II alpha- and beta-chain cDNA were used for DNA-mediated gene transfer to produce L cell transfectants expressing single types of human class II molecules. Cloned transfectants expressing nine different class II molecules were isolated: DR alpha: DR1 beta I, DR alpha: DR4 beta I, DR alpha: DR5 beta I, DR alpha: DR5 beta III (DRw52), DR alpha: DR7 beta I, DR alpha: DR4/7 beta IV (DRw53), DQ7 alpha: DQw2 beta, DQ7 alpha: DQw3 beta, and DPw4 alpha: DPw4 beta. These class II-expressing transfectants were used to analyze by flow cytometry the molecular specificities of 20 anti-class II mAb. These analyes indicate that some mAb are more broadly reactive than was previously thought based on immunochemical studies. In contrast, the narrow molecular specificities of other anti-class II mAb were confirmed by this approach. Transfectants expressing human class II molecules should be valuable reagents for studies of B cell and T cell defined epitopes on these molecules.

Animals↗

Promotion of DNA strand breaks in cocultured mononuclear leukocytes by protein kinase C-dependent prooxidative interactions of benoxaprofen, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and ultraviolet radiation.

At concentrations of 5 micrograms/ml and greater the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug benoxaprofen caused dose-related activation of lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). Benoxaprofen-mediated activation of lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence by PMNL was increased by UV radiation and was particularly sensitive to inhibition by the selective protein kinase C inhibitor H-7. To identify the molecular mechanism of the prooxidative activity of benoxaprofen, the effects of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug on the activity of purified protein kinase C in a cell-free system were investigated. Benoxaprofen caused a dose-related activation of protein kinase C by interaction with the binding site for the physiological activator phosphatidylserine, but could not replace diacylglycerol. When autologous mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) were cocultured with PMNL and benoxaprofen in combination, but not individually, the frequency of DNA strand breaks in MNL was markedly increased. UV radiation significantly potentiated damage to DNA mediated by benoxaprofen and PMNL. Inclusion of superoxide dismutase, H-7, and, to a much lesser extent, catalase during exposure of MNL to benoxaprofen-activated PMNL prevented oxidant damage to DNA. These results clearly demonstrate that potentially carcinogenic prooxidative interactions, which are unlikely to be detected by conventional assays of mutagenicity, may occur between phagocytes, UV radiation, and certain pharmacological agents.

Cells, Cultured↗

Visual evoked potentials to multiple temporal frequencies. Use in the differential diagnosis of optic neuropathy.

The usefulness of the visual evoked potential (VEP) in differential diagnosis increases when stimulus parameters such as check size and grating orientation are varied. In this study we varied the stimulation frequency. Temporal frequency-specific abnormalities were compared in three patient categories, including retrobulbar optic neuritis (eight patients), pseudotumor cerebri (11 patients), and thyroid eye disease (seven patients). All patients had minimal clinical evidence of optic nerve damage when tested. A 2.3 cycle-per-degree sinusoidal grating of 55% contrast was phase reversed at either 1 or 4 Hz. The P1 latency of the 1-Hz data and the phase at 8 Hz, the second harmonic of the 4-Hz input frequency, were measured. In retrobulbar neuritis, latency (phase) was severely abnormal at both temporal frequencies. In thyroid eye disease, VEP phase was abnormal at 8 Hz while the P1 latency was normal at 1 Hz. The P1 latency and phase were normal in most cases of pseudotumor cerebri. The results suggest differing mechanisms for damage in compressive vs primary demyelinating neuropathies.

Adolescent↗

Selective termination of multiple gestations.

Twenty-two selective terminations in multiple gestations were performed by a number of different methods. In 17 dichorionic pregnancies there was a successful delivery in surviving singletons or twins. In five monochorionic pregnancies undergoing selective termination there was a successful delivery in only one and a pregnancy loss in the other four. Six of the 18 delivered pregnancies were complicated by premature labor and delivery. Among the several methods used for selective termination, intracardiac potassium chloride injection appears to be the procedure of choice in dichorionic pregnancies.

Abortion, Induced↗

Ascorbic acid neutralizes reactive oxidants released by hyperactive phagocytes from cigarette smokers.

During exposure to the leukoattractant FMLP (N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine) human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) exhibit a bimodal pattern of luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (LECL) with distinct early extracellular and later-occurring intracellular membrane-associated oxidative responses [4, 7, 14]. With the primary objective of measuring the effects of oral administration of the antioxidant ascorbate on the generation of reactive oxidants by circulating phagocytes from cigarette smokers and nonsmokers, we have developed a method for the measurement of FMLP-activated LECL in whole blood. With this method definite bimodal LECL responses, similar to those obtained with pure PMNL, were observed with FMLP-activated whole blood. No LECL responses were observed when whole blood from 3 children with chronic granulomatous disease was stimulated with FMLP, which shows that the FMLP-activated LECL responses are exclusively phagocyte-derived in blood from normal individuals. The whole blood method was used to compare the FMLP-activated LECL responses in blood from 30 asymptomatic smokers and 30 nonsmokers and to investigate the effects of co-incubation of whole blood from smokers and nonsmokers with ascorbate (2.5 X 10(-5) M-2.5 X 10(-4)M), as well as the effects of oral administration of the antioxidant on FMLP-activated LECL. Increased generation of both extracellular (58% mean increase, P less than 0.005) and intracellular (75% mean increase, P less than 0.005) phagocyte-derived oxidants was observed with FMLP-activated blood from smokers relative to nonsmokers. Co-incubation of blood with ascorbate in vitro caused a dose-dependent selective neutralization of extracellular oxidants. Similar effects were observed following the oral administration of a single dose of ascorbate (1 g). The whole blood method may be useful in identifying smokers at risk for smoking-related diseases.

Adolescent↗

Cholesterol enhances mouse hepatitis virus-mediated cell fusion.

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection of the L-2 subline of mouse fibroblasts results in acute infection characterized by extensive cell fusion. In contrast, infection of the LM-K subline leads to virus persistence with reduced cell fusion. We undertook studies designed to elucidate the role of host cell membrane lipid composition and the cytoskeleton in modulating the fusion process and the resultant effect(s) on virus persistence. MHV-induced cell fusion proceeded normally in cells treated with cytoskeleton-disrupting drugs, cytochalasin B and colchicine. Modification of cell membrane fatty acid composition by supplementation of LM-K cells with arachidonic (C-20:4) or palmitic (C-16:0) acids had little effect on the extent of MHV-induced cell fusion or on virus replication. However, supplementation of both cell types with cholesterol (resulting in increased membrane cholesterol/fatty acid ratio) resulted in marked enhancement of virus-mediated cell fusion. The increase in cell membrane cholesterol did not enhance internalization of MHV suggesting that cholesterol primarily modulates a later event. This suggestion was confirmed by demonstrating cholesterol-enhancement of fusion in a contact fusion assay. Cholesterol-supplemented L-2 cells were less productive for virus replication than unsupplemented cells, in agreement with our previous observations that MHV replication is compromised by extensive cytopathic effect. Although cholesterol-supplemented LM-K cells showed increased susceptibility to MHV-mediated cell fusion, the extent of such susceptibility did not approach that observed in L-2 cells. Also, the property of LM-K cells to support MHV persistence was not abolished by cholesterol supplementation. Thus membrane fusion resistance and MHV persistence are modulated but not alleviated by cell membrane cholesterol content.

Animals↗

Downcore sulphur isotope ratios and diatom inferred pH in an artificially acidified Canadian shield lake.

Three gravity cores were removed from near the deepest point in Lake 223 on 9 June 1984, eight years after the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) staff began the artificial acidification of the lake with sulphuric acid. The first of these cores was analysed for diatoms and pollen stratigraphy while the second and third were analysed for downcore sulphur isotope ratios (H. Thode) and downcore changes in sulphur reducing bacterial densities (S. Rao). Sediment core chronologies were based on lead-210 and cesium-137 data (R. Anderson) and the Ambrosia pollen rise (M. Dickman). Analysis of the first core to the depth of the Ambrosia pollen rise (9 cm) indicated that diatom inferred pH in Lake 223 at the time of the Ambrosia rise (circa 1890) was 6.8-7.0. At a sediment depth of 3 cm the diatom inferred pH was 6.7. Thereafter diatom inferred pH began a decline culminating in the present day (observed) pH range for 1984 (5.3-5.5). At a sediment depth of 1 cm, an increase in the abundance of two benthic alkalophilic diatoms occurred. The increase in the abundance of these diatoms was ascribed to an increase in hypolimnetic alkalinity following the artificial acidification of Lake 223. This is the first time that lake acidification has been linked to an increase in benthic alkalophilic diatoms associated with hypolimnetic alkalinity production following sulphate reduction. Sulphur in the anaerobic (black) sediment layers (0-1.5 cm) was isotopically light relative to the sulphur in the deeper layers. This was due to sulphur isotope fractionation resulting from the bacterial reduction of sulphate to hydrogen sulphide in the anaerobic portion of the water column. A jet black FeS-rich layer in the uppermost 1.5 cm of the lake's sediments was associated with an increase in the abundance of sulphate reducing bacteria (e.g. Desulfovibrio spp.).

Journal Article↗

Administration of indomethacin for the prevention of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage in high-risk neonates.

One hundred twenty-two preterm infants were enrolled in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial using intravenous indomethacin for the prevention of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH). Before random assignment, data on the infants were stratified according to low-weight (500 to 999 g) or high-weight (1000 to 1500 g) subgroups. Cranial sonography was used to document the absence of PVH-IVH before enrollment and the occurrence of PVH-IVH during the 7-day protocol. Indomethacin, 0.1 mg/kg, or placebo was administered before 12 hours of age and at 24, 48, and 72 hours of age. Five patients receiving indomethacin and six receiving placebo were withdrawn before completion of the study. In the remaining 111 patients, the indomethacin and placebo groups were comparable with respect to gestational ages, maternal complications, Apgar scores, ventilatory requirements, complications of prematurity, and mortality rate. PVH-IVH developed in six of 56 infants who received indomethacin and 11 of 55 infants who received placebo (P = 0.174). Analysis of the individual strata showed that the indomethacin-treated infants in the low-weight subgroup sustained a higher mortality rate (11/17 vs 3/16; P = 0.008) without a reduction in the incidence of PVH-IVH. Infants in the indomethacin-treated high-weight subgroup demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of PVH-IVH (2/39 vs 8/39; P = 0.04), but the frequency of high-grade hemorrhages was comparable for both indomethacin- and placebo-treated groups. In summary, the prophylactic administration of intravenous indomethacin for the prevention of PVH-IVH cannot be recommended for infants less than 1000 g. In preterm infants between 1000 and 1500 g birth weight, indomethacin significantly reduced the incidence of PVH-IVH.

Birth Weight↗

Clofazimine reverses the inhibitory effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis derived factors on phagocyte intracellular killing mechanisms.

The effects of clofazimine on phagocyte functions associated with antimicrobial activity have been investigated. Clofazimine at a variety of concentrations was capable of enhancing the spontaneous production of hydrogen peroxide and the intracellular killing ability of phagocytes; but had no effect on resting phagocyte lysozyme release, or hexose monophosphate shunt (HMPS) activity. However, when these latter functions were assessed in the presence of a phagocytic stimulus, clofazimine moderately increased both lysozyme release and HMPS activity. A 25 Kd glyco-lipoprotein derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been shown to inhibit these antimicrobial functions. Clofazimine was capable of partially reversing the inhibitory effect of the mycobacterial component in all of the systems assessed. Partial restoration was observed at concentrations of 0.5 mg/l and was maximal at 2 mg/l. These studies indicate important mechanisms operative in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and suggest that clofazimine may have clinical relevance in the treatment of mycobacterial diseases.

Bacterial Proteins↗

An in-vitro evaluation of the cellular uptake and intraphagocytic bioactivity of clarithromycin (A-56268, TE-031), a new macrolide antimicrobial agent.

Erythromycin base and its 6-0-methyl derivative clarithromycin were actively accumulated 7.3 +/- 1.2-fold and 9.2 +/- 2-fold respectively by human neutrophils in vitro. The intraphagocytic bioactivities of the antimicrobial agents were investigated using the combination of a radioassay, colony counting method and a fluorescence microassay which facilitates the distinction between intracellular bacteriostatic and bactericidal mechanisms. Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Legionella micdadei were used as the test intraphagocytic microbial pathogens. Both agents were found to possess intracellular bioactivity for all three species of bacteria with clarithromycin being consistently more active than erythromycin. Under the assay conditions used both agents were bacteriostatic (intracellularly) for S. aureus and Leg. micdadei and bactericidal for List. monocytogenes. Clarithromycin is clearly a potent intraphagocytic antibiotic and potentially superior in this respect to erythromycin.

Adult↗

Early events of importance in determining host cell permissiveness to mouse hepatitis virus infection.

Three categories of cell lines are described which differ with respect to their permissiveness to mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), strain A59. Fully permissive L-2 cells gave rise to 100- to 1000-fold higher numbers of infectious centres than did semi-permissive LM, LM-K or C-1300 cells, whereas non-permissive Vero or C-6 cells were refractory to MHV infection. On an infected cell basis, semi-permissive cells (LM, LM-K or C-1300) were as efficient in replicating viral RNA, protein and progeny virions as fully permissive L-2 cells. This result suggested that LM, LM-K and C-1300 cells were deficient in their ability to permit full expression (as compared to L-2 cells) of an early event in MHV infection. Assays of radiolabelled MHV binding to cells of all three categories (L-2, LM, LM-K and C-6) and of infectious MHV binding to L-2 and LM-K cells showed no correlation between virion binding and degree of permissiveness to MHV infection. Internalization of MHV virions into L-2 and LM-K cells, as assayed by proteinase K-resistant infectious centres, showed that, in both cases, maximum virion uptake was complete by approximately 40 min post-inoculation. Direct assays of infectious virion uptake showed similar numbers of internalized viruses (only a threefold difference between L-2 and LM-K cells, as compared to a 500-fold difference in infectious centres). Attempts to enhance MHV uptake into LM-K cells relative to L-2 cells, with DEAE-dextran or the cytoskeleton-disrupting drugs colchicine and cytochalasin B, were unsuccessful, further suggesting that the ability of LM-K cells to internalize the virus was not lacking. The results suggest that MHV infection of at least some semi-permissive cells, such as the LM-K line, is limited by a process which chronologically correlates with virion uncoating. Since LM-K cells have been shown previously to be resistant to membrane fusion in MHV infection, it is postulated that they may also restrict uncoating of MHV by limiting the degree of normal endosomal membrane fusion with the viral envelope.

Animals↗

Metastatic malignant clear cell hidradenoma associated with bullous pemphigoid.

The clinicopathological features of a case of metastatic malignant clear cell hidradenoma (MCCH) occurring in a 72-year-old black male are reported. Unusual features of the case included the location of the tumour on the posterior trunk, the probable origination of the tumour from a benign appendageal tumour, and the occurrence of a bullous eruption immediately after surgical removal of the tumour. Clinicopathological aspects of MCCH are reviewed and treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, are discussed.

Adenoma, Sweat Gland↗

Benoxaprofen activates membrane-associated oxidative metabolism in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes by apparent modulation of protein kinase C.

1. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) benoxaprofen at concentrations of 15, 30 and 60 micrograms ml-1 caused a dose-related activation of superoxide generation by human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) in vitro. 2. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H-7 prevented benoxaprofen-mediated activation of superoxide generation by PMNL. 3. Benoxaprofen, by apparent substitution for phosphatidylserine, caused a dose-related activation of purified PKC from rat brain and in cytosolic extracts from human platelets. 4. Benoxaprofen-mediated stimulation of PMNL membrane-associated oxidative metabolism is due to apparent activation of PKC by this NSAID. These findings establish the molecular basis of the pro-oxidative properties of benoxaprofen.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Temporomandibular joint: MR assessment of rotational and sideways disk displacements.

The accuracy of coronal and sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was examined in the assessment of rotational and sideways displacements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk. Rotational disk displacement implies a combination of anterior and medial or lateral displacements, whereas sideways displacement implies pure medial or lateral displacement without an anterior component. Multiple 3-mm-thick coronal and sagittal MR images were obtained of 18 fresh TMJ autopsy specimens and compared with the observations in corresponding coronal cryosections. MR imaging correctly delineated the mediolateral position of the disk in 15 joints (83%) and incorrectly delineated it in three joints (17%). Osseous anatomy was correctly assessed in 17 joints (94%). On cryosections, six joints (33%) showed medial disk displacement and two joints (11%) showed lateral displacement. In five of these eight joints the medial or lateral displacement occurred in conjunction with an anterior displacement, that is, rotational displacement. Clinical MR imaging in 37 patients (61 joints with coronal images) showed medial or lateral disk displacement in 16 joints (26%). This study suggests that rotational and sideways displacements of the TMJ disk are an important aspect of internal derangement. The multiplanar capabilities of MR are suitable for an assessment of these abnormalities.

Adolescent↗

Clofazimine-mediated enhancement of reactive oxidant production by human phagocytes as a possible therapeutic mechanism.

Clofazimine, at concentrations within the therapeutic range (0.01-5 micrograms/ml), stimulated human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) to generate increased amounts of reactive oxidants (RO) when activated with the tripeptide leucoattractant N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP), calcium ionophore, phorbol myristate acetate and opsonised zymosan. Clofazimine per se did not activate the membrane-associated oxidative metabolism of PMNL, but rather primed these cells to hyperreact to the various stimuli. To investigate the therapeutic significance of these observations clofazimine was administered to patients with various chronic inflammatory diseases (lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis) and generation of RO by FMLP-activated phagocytes was measured before and during clofazimine administration. A statistically significant potentiation of RO generation by FMLP-activated phagocytes was observed during clofazimine administration. Since RO are immunosuppressive and antimicrobial the therapeutic mechanisms of clofazimine may be related to pro-oxidative interactions of this agent with phagocytes.

Adult↗

Nocturnal events related to "morning dipping" in bronchial asthma.

The mechanism of early morning bronchospasm in asthma was investigated by analyzing circadian variations in the plasma levels of cortisol, ACTH, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, as well as in the serum neutrophil chemotactic activity and heart rate in asthmatic patients with (n = 6) and without (n = 7) "morning dipping" and normal subjects. Findings suggested that an exaggerated nocturnal nadir in plasma cortisol levels may precipitate "morning dipping" in some patients with asthma.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗