Endotoxin and complement activation in an analysis of environmental dusts from a horse barn.
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Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
Biomedical subjects
S A Olenchock
Publications and source records attributed to S A Olenchock.
Interleukin 1 and its inhibition in an inflammatory reaction caused by Aspergillus umbrosus.
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Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
Histamine and endotoxin contamination of hay and respirable hay dust.
Three distinct samples collected from a barn in which an outbreak of respiratory problems occurred were examined for possible etiologic agents. No causal relationship could be established from the results of this study; however histamine concentrations as high as 0.5 ng/mg for bulk hay (in the absence of measurable creatinine levels) along with 6138.3 endotoxin units/mg of hay were present in the samples. Both endotoxin and histamine could be recovered from respirable hay dust. The authenticity of the histamine found in the hay was evaluated with high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. Histamine release caused by hay extracts was evaluated with the use of leukocytes from the farmer and a referent. Histamine is known to modulate the immune system, but the role of occupational or environmental exposure to histamine in respiratory disease is unknown.
Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
Symptoms and microenvironmental measures in nonproblem buildings.
Symptoms commonly defined as the sick building syndrome were studied in a cross-sectional investigation of 147 office workers in five building areas using a linear-analog self-assessment scale questionnaire to define symptoms at a specific point in time. At the same time, the environment in the breathing zone was characterized by measuring thermal parameters (dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, air speed, and radiant temperature), volatile organic compounds, respirable suspended particulates, noise and light intensity, and carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels. Demographic characteristics of the occupants and building characteristics were recorded. Up to 25% of the variance in regression models could be explained for mucous membrane irritation and central nervous system symptoms. These two symptom groups were related to the concentrations of volatile organic compounds, to crowding, to layers of clothing, and to measured levels of lighting intensity. Chest tightness was also related to lighting intensity. Skin complaints were related only to gender. Gender, age, and education failed to demonstrate a consistent relationship with symptom categories. This study suggests that the sick building syndrome may have specific environmental causes, including lighting and volatile organic compounds.
Adult↗
High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the evaluation of possible interferences in basophil-histamine release measurements.
Basophil activation studies commonly rely on the measurement of histamine following extraction and condensation to o-phthalaldehyde (OPT) as a quantitative measurement of degranulation. Specificity has long been recognized as a problem with this method. We have described a new high-performance liquid chromatographic method that allows for both a qualitative and a quantitative check of the purity of the OPT-histamine adduct. This method was sensitive (limit of detection = 2.55 pmol) and linear over a wide range (5 to 1000 ng/ml).
Basophil Degranulation Test↗
Presence of endotoxins in different agricultural environments.
Gram-negative bacterial endotoxins are contaminants of dusts from agricultural products. They represent a potential health hazard for farmers working in many different processes. However, the occurrence of endotoxins has not been well characterized in the various farming operations. Therefore, two farming activities with potential for generating airborne endotoxins were studied: 1) chopping of baled corn stalks or straw for bedding in New York State, and 2) oat bin unloading in Alabama. Actual airborne endotoxin levels in dusts obtained during bedding chopper operations far exceeded [90 endotoxin units (EU)/m3] the level at which acute pulmonary function decrements occur in cotton dust-exposed individuals. Endotoxin contamination of laboratory-generated dust from an oat sample likewise exceeded these levels. This study documents the presence of potentially hazardous exposures to endotoxins in two common farm processes, which expands the knowledge of airborne endotoxin exposures on the farm.
Agriculture↗
Observations of the use of o-phthalaldehyde condensation for the measurement of histamine.
The in vitro study of mast cell degranulation utilises the measurement of histamine as a quantitative marker of this process. Histamine is most commonly assayed, following organic extraction, by condensing it with o-phthalaldehyde (OPT) and thereby obtaining a highly fluorescent adduct. A number of variables that might affect the performance of this assay, including assay conditions, stability and purity, were evaluated during the course of developing this assay for use in our laboratory. We observed the stability of OPT-histamine and found it to be very stable at 0 and 25 degrees C, following acidification. Derivatisation conditions and the purity of the leukocyte histamine extract were also assessed, and indicated that derivatisation at low temperatures slows down decay, providing a greater over-all fluorescence intensity. Extraction procedures are necessary, prior to condensation with OPT, to eliminate both positive and negative interfering substances from leukocyte preparations.
Histamine↗
Neutrophil derived interference in the fluorometric determination of histamine.
Zymogen-stimulated neutrophils release many pre- and non-preformed factors including proteolytic enzymes, oxygen free radicals and arachidonic acid metabolites. Measurement of the histamine concentration of a supernatant fluid commonly employs an organic extraction procedure followed by condensation to o-phthalaldehyde. Diamine oxidase digestion studies and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis suggest that a factor(s) derived from zymogen-stimulated neutrophils can produce a positive interference in the fluorometric determination of histamine.
Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)↗
Airborne endotoxin concentrations in various work areas within two cotton textile mills in the People's Republic of China.
As part of a multidisciplinary longitudinal approach to assess the roles of airborne cotton dust and endotoxins in affecting the respiratory health of cotton textile workers, this study was designed to quantify the endotoxin contamination of airborne vertically elutriated and total dusts. Yarn preparation areas (opening through fine spinning) were studied at two cotton textile mills which had been studied 5 years previously in Shanghai. People's Republic of China, Filter, with vertically elutriated (VE) or total dusts were mailed to the United States and endotoxin analyses were performed for each filter in duplicate with the quantitative chromogenic modification of the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Dusts from all areas of the textile mills contained endotoxins. Endotoxin burdens in VE dusts from the carding area were similar in both milk while the endotoxin contamination of total dust from carding in Mill 1 was over threefold greater than that of total dust from carding in Mill 2. All other areas differed between milk in both VE and total dust endotoxin burdens. Mean endotoxin levels in VE dusts from all areas of both mills were well above the reported threshold of 90 EU/m3 for acute pulmonary function effects in humans. Comparison of selected areas of both mills from the present study with the same work areas from the previous study showed that, in general, the airborne endotoxin burden was higher than levels found 5 years ago in these two mills. The data suggest that even with reduced or unchanged gravimetric dust levels in these two cotton textile mills, airborne endotoxin levels were higher and provided an increased potential for adverse respiratory response in exposed workers.
Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
Microbiological analyses and inflammatory effects of settled dusts from rice and hay.
Fourteen samples of settled dust from two factories processing rice and wheat straw near Shanghai, China, were examined by dilution plating for total bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, thermophilic actinomycetes, and fungi. They were also examined for aflatoxin, endotoxin, and potential to stimulate production of human interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and to consume complement. The concentrations of total microorganisms were consistently greater than 10(7) CFU/g and ranged from 10(7) to 10(9) CFU/g. In general, the level of microbial contamination was greater in the hay dust samples than in the rice dust samples, with bacteria being the most numerous microorganisms observed followed by molds, thermophilic actinomycetes, and yeasts. The predominant fungi were species of Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Trichosporon, and Cryptococcus. No significant levels of aflatoxin were observed and the isolates of A. flavus examined lack significant aflatoxigenic potential. The levels of microorganisms in these samples, the types of organisms found, and the inflammatory mediators such as endotoxin suggest that workers exposed to these dusts may be at risk for respiratory illness.
Aflatoxins↗
Levels of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin in bulk and aerosolized corn silage.
Three samples of silage taken from the surface of a silo and from depths of 20 and 45 cm in the silo were studied for identification of the potential agents causing symptoms of organic dust toxic syndrome. The samples were examined by dilution plating before and after aerosolization in an acoustical dust generator. Aerosol samples were collected by liquid impinger and filter cassettes. The samples were examined for total aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, lactobacilli, listeriae, thermophilic actinomycetes, fungi, and endotoxin. Very high levels of total aerobic bacteria and fungi were found in the surface sample (up to 10(9) CFU/g in the bulk sample and up to 10(9) CFU/m3 after aerosolization), whereas the corresponding values from the deepest site were 100 to 50,000 times lower. Aspergillus fumigatus predominated among the fungi, whereas Bacillus and gram-negative organisms (Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella species) prevailed among bacteria. Thermophilic actinomycetes occurred in numbers up to 10(7) CFU/g in the bulk samples, whereas anaerobic bacteria, lactobacilli, and listeriae were only few or absent. The concentration of endotoxin was high in the surface sample (up to 211.4 Endotoxin Units/mg) and about 200-fold lower in the sample from the deepest site. The results show that contact with dust from the surface of silage carries the risk of exposure to high concentrations of microorganisms, of which A. fumigatus and endotoxin-producing bacteria are the most probable disease agents.
Aerosols↗
Effects of different extraction protocols on endotoxin analyses of airborne grain dusts.
The detection of gram-negative bacterial endotoxins in occupational dusts, specifically those from agricultural environments, is of increasing importance in research on occupational lung disease. In this study, the quantitative chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate test for the detection of endotoxins in airborne dusts from spring wheat and oats was examined. Different extraction fluids were tested, as were the effects of time on extraction and of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on the extracts. The data suggest that the chromogenic method can be used effectively in the analysis of environmental dusts or their frozen extracts for endotoxin quantitation. Water appears to be the preferable extraction medium, and the length of extraction time may affect the results.
Dust↗
Production and properties of histamine-releasing factor of guinea pigs.
The production of histamine-releasing factor (HRF) by human mononuclear cells has previously been reported. In this paper we describe the production of HRF by guinea pig spleen cells, thymocytes, and PBMC. Guinea pig lymphoid cells were cultured either alone or in the presence of mitogens (PHA and Con A) or specific Ag(OVA and keyhole limpet hemocyanin) and the dialyzed cell-free supernatant was tested for histamine-releasing activity on guinea pig lung mast cells and blood basophils. Lung mast cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and partially purified by countercurrent elutriation and discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Guinea pig spleen cells, thymocytes, and PBMC spontaneously produced significant amounts of HRF. The production was enhanced upon stimulation with PHA or specific Ag in animals immunized with Ag in CFA. Two distinct species of HRF were identified with m.w. of 50,000 to 70,000 and 5000 to 8000 by gel chromatography. HRF is a trypsin- and chymotrypsin-sensitive heat-stable protein. It does not bind to Con A-Sepharose and its production is not inhibited by tunicamycin. HRF-induced histamine release from lung mast cells is a temperature-dependent process and is complete in 10 min at 37 degrees C. Intradermal injection of HRF caused an immediate ear-swelling reaction in guinea pigs. The most severe ear-swelling reactions did not resolve within 1 h, but instead evolved over a period of 12 to 24 h.
Animals↗
Occupational biohazards: a review.
There are at least 193 important biological agents that show infectious, allergenic, toxic, or carcinogenic activities in the working population. These agents are viruses, bacteria, fungi, plant substances, invertebrate animals (mostly arthropods), and substances derived from vertebrate animals. At least 20 large occupational groups are exposed to these biohazards. The risk is greatest among health care and laboratory workers who are threatened by human pathogens and among agricultural workers who are at risk from dust-borne biological allergens and toxins and by parasitic worms in warm climates. There is growing evidence that biohazards are also important risk factors for many other professions, including woodworkers, workers of textile plants, sewage and compost workers, miners and renovators. Some suggestions for research and prevention for reducing the occupational risks from biohazards are discussed.
Allergens↗
Identification of a histamine release inhibitory factor (HRIF) and an inhibitor of histamine releasing factor synthesis (IHS) produced by guinea pig lymphoid cells.
Guinea pig spleen cells, thymocytes, and blood mononuclear cells have been shown to produce a histamine releasing factor (HRF) spontaneously or after stimulation with PHA or specific antigens. In this study we have shown that antigenic stimulation of spleen cells obtained from animals immunized with high doses of antigen suppresses the spontaneous HRF production. Likewise, stimulation with Con A of spleen cells also inhibits the spontaneous HRF production. When the supernatants from Con A- and antigen-stimulated cultures were added to fresh thymocyte cultures, a significant inhibition of HRF production was observed. These supernatants also inhibited HRF-induced histamine release from mast cells. We have identified an inhibitor of HRF synthesis (IHS) and also a histamine release inhibitory factor (HRIF) by gel chromatography. Virtually all mitogen- and antigen-stimulated culture supernatants elaborated the activities of HRF, IHS, and HRIF in various quantities depending on the dose of antigen and the kind of adjuvant used for immunization. IHS has a MW of 22K-35K and 10K. This cytokine also inhibits DNA synthesis by thymocytes. HRIF has a MW of 15K-20K and 10K. It inhibits both HRF- and antigen-induced histamine release from lung mast cells. These results suggest that lymphocytes produce a variety of factors which function to regulate histamine release from mast cells.
Animals↗
Activation of guinea pig lymphocytes and mast cells by grain-dust extract.
Previous studies have demonstrated that grain dust can stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interleukin-1 by macrophages. This study was undertaken to investigate whether grain dust could stimulate the production of histamine-releasing factor (HRF) by guinea pig spleen cells. We also studied the direct action of grain dust on guinea pig lung mast cells and basophils. Plastic nonadherent cells from immunized animals were cultured for 24 hours in the presence of grain dust or lipopolysaccharide, and the cell-free supernatants were assayed for HRF activity in the mast cell and basophil histamine release test. Lung mast cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. It has been demonstrated that grain dust stimulated the production of HRF by spleen cells from the immunized animals but not from the control animals. Stimulation of spleen cells with lipopolysaccharide did not enhance the HRF production. Gel chromatography of grain dust-stimulated supernatant revealed that HRF has a molecular weight in the range of 50 to 70 kd and 5 to 8 kd. We also found that grain dust directly released significant amount of histamine from both mast cells and basophils. The results of this study suggest that grain dust contains some potent active substances that can activate lymphocytes, mast cells, and basophils.
Animals↗
Inflammatory potential of grain dust.
A comparative analysis of toxicity and inflammatory potential of spring wheat, oat, corn, and flax seed was performed. The extracts were examined by quantification of gram-negative bacterial endotoxin and protein contents, chemotaxis for purified human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and several alveolar macrophage functions including phagocytosis, release of lactate dehydrogenase, macromolecular synthesis (protein and RNA), and interleukin-1 production. The results suggested that the extracts of all four grain dusts inhibited protein synthesis and decreased phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages at 7.5-25 mg/ml. Protein synthesis was inhibited to 40.2% of control and phagocytosis to 47.9% of control. Interleukin-1 production was stimulated, as indicated by a stimulation index range from 3.8-fold to 14.3-fold over controls. The activity of these grain dust extracts did not correlate with the endotoxin content of the samples. The data demonstrate that the extracts of all four dusts produced ill effects in rat alveolar macrophages in vitro and suggested a potential hazard to agricultural workers exposed to grain dust.
Air Pollutants↗
Quantitation of airborne endotoxin levels in various occupational environments.
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Agriculture↗