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Biomedical subjects

W Brady

Publications and source records attributed to W Brady.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Reversible neurological deficits in a chronic alcohol abuser: a case report of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

The abuse of alcohol presents daily challenges for the emergency medicine physician. Wernicke's encephalopathy represents one of the metabolic complications associated with alcoholism. A classic presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy is reported. The patient presented to the emergency department with the chief complaint of confusion, difficulty ambulating, and visual disturbances. Following administration of intravenous thiamine, the patient's symptoms spontaneously resolved. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation and therapy of this classic disorder are discussed.

Adult↗

Human B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) bind with similar avidities but distinct kinetics to CD28 and CTLA-4 receptors.

B7-0 or B7-2 (CD86) is a T cell costimulatory molecule that binds the same receptors (CD28 and CTLA-4) as B7-1 (CD80), but shares with it only approximately 25% sequence identity and is expressed earlier during an immune response. Here we show that human CD86 maintains similar (within approximately 2- to 3-fold) overall receptor binding and T cell costimulatory properties as CD80. However, CD80 and CD86 did not bind equivalently to CTLA-4: CD80 bound Y100A, a form of CTLA4lg with a mutation in the CDR3-like region, > 200-fold better than did CD86; inhibition of CD80-mediated cellular responses required approximately 100-fold lower CTLA4lg concentrations; and CD80-CTLA4lg complexes dissociated 5- to 8-fold more slowly, Thus, CD80 and CD86 utilize different binding determinants and have different kinetics of binding to CD28 and CTLA-4.

Abatacept↗

Medullary thymic epithelium expresses a ligand for CTLA4 in situ and in vitro.

A fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of CTLA4 and an Ig C gamma 1 chain (CTLA4-Ig) was used to examine the distribution of the ligands for CTLA4 within the murine thymus and to characterize the nature of these ligands. Two-color immunofluorescence of thymus tissue revealed binding of the fusion protein to medullary thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells within the corticomedullary and medullary areas of the thymus. Medullary cells binding the fusion protein also expressed MHC class II products and ICAM-1. Thymus tissue sections treated with cross-linking fixatives, such as glutaraldehyde, paraformaldehyde, or 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide no longer bound the CTLA4 fusion protein, indicating that binding was very sensitive to the tertiary structure of the tissue ligand. The ability of thymic tissue to bind the fusion protein was developmentally regulated. At day 14 of gestation, only scattered single cells were labeled. Clusters of labeled cells, which were detected by day 16 of gestation, increased in frequency with advancing gestational age. Consistent with the in situ labeling studies, CTLA4-Ig also labeled several thymic epithelial cell lines previously shown to have a medullary phenotype. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA extracted from these cells indicated they contained mRNA for B7, a known counter receptor for CTLA4 and CD28. Immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled thymic epithelial cells with the CTLA4-Ig detected a M(r) 65,000 to 70,000 species under reducing conditions, consistent with previous studies of B7. These data suggest that the ligand for CTLA4 expressed by thymic epithelial cells in vitro is B7 and that the expression of this ligand in situ is largely restricted to the medullary compartment and is associated with epithelial cells and dendritic cells.

Abatacept↗

Are war and public health compatible?

A public health assessment during March, 1993, in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in the areas of Serbia and Montenegro hosting Bosnian refugees, revealed extensive disruption to basic health services, displacement of more than 1 million Bosnians, severe food shortages in Muslim enclaves in eastern Bosnia, and widespread destruction of public water and sanitation systems. War-related violence remains the most important public health risk; civilians on all sides of the conflict have been intentional targets of physical and sexual violence. The impact of the war on the health status of the population has been difficult to document; however, in the central Bosnian province of Zenica, perinatal and child mortality rates have increased twofold since 1991. The crude death rate in one Muslim enclave between April, 1992, and March, 1993, was four times the pre-war rate. Prevalence rates of severe malnutrition among both adults and children in central Bosnia have been increasing since November, 1992. Major epidemics of communicable diseases have not been reported; however, the risk may increase during the summer of 1993 when the effects of disrupted water and sanitation systems are more likely to promote enteric disease transmission. Economic sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro may lead to declining health care standards in those republics if basic medical supplies cannot effectively be exempted.

Adult↗

Expression and function of B7 on human epidermal Langerhans cells.

The B7 molecule is expressed by APC that can costimulate T cells by binding the T cell surface receptors CD28 and CTLA-4. The human epidermal Langerhans cell (LC) is one of the most potent APC, yet B7 expression by this cell type has not previously been assessed. We used a CTLA4-Ig fusion protein that binds B7 with high avidity to probe cell surface expression of B7 by cultured and noncultured LC. LC cultured for 1 or more days were specifically stained with biotinylated CTLA4-Ig and fluorescent streptavidin. In contrast, binding of CTLA4-Ig to freshly isolated LC was not detected. The cell surface distributions of B7 and of HLA-DR on cultured LC differed, as CTLA4-Ig binding was localized to discrete foci, whereas anti-DR mAb uniformly stained the LC plasma membrane. Analyses of epidermal cell (EC) mRNA indicated that the B7 gene is expressed by these cells. Thus, B7 gene probes specifically hybridized to polymerase chain reaction-amplified B7 mRNA isolated from cultured and noncultured EC. As LC are the only normal epidermal cell type that induces proliferation of allogeneic T cells, the role of B7 in this LC function was studied by coculturing highly purified resting CD4+ T cells and allogeneic EC in the presence of CTLA4-Ig, anti-CD54 (RR/1, anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1) mAb, or both. CTLA4-Ig and RR/1 each inhibited CD4+ T cell responses to freshly isolated allogeneic EC, and cooperative inhibition of more than 90% was observed in cultures treated with both CTLA4-Ig and RR/1 at 5 micrograms/ml. CTLA4-Ig inhibited stimulation by either fresh EC or cultured EC, suggesting that the increased potency of cultured LC vs noncultured LC may reflect the time needed for noncultured LC to express cell surface B7 in vitro. These studies indicate that B7 is expressed on the cell surface of cultured LC, and that LC B7 costimulates the proliferation of resting allogeneic CD4+ T cells.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-treated human keratinocytes express B7-like molecules that serve a costimulatory role in T-cell activation.

In previous studies, Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-treated human keratinocytes (PMA-HNK) were shown to induce T-cell proliferation via a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)- and antigen (Ag)-independent mechanism, that was mediated in part by PMA-induced intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 on HNK. Recently, the interaction of the B7 Ag on antigen-presenting cells with its ligand CD28 on T cells has been shown to deliver activation signals distinct from the interaction of MHC/Ag with the T-cell receptor. These findings led us to assess whether B7-dependent signals play a role in T-cell proliferation induced by PMA-HNK. We first examined B7 expression on HNK by staining with three different monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). When analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter, untreated HNK stained only faintly. By contrast, PMA induced a dose-dependent upregulation of B7 staining. This staining identifies a molecule closely related to B7 because it was blocked by purified recombinant B7 immunoglobulin. Upregulation of B7 staining was first observed 16 h after PMA treatment and persisted for at least 48 h; it was protein kinase C dependent and required de novo protein synthesis. Anti-B7 MoAbs reduced specifically the capacity of PMA-HNK to trigger proliferation of allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T cells. The combination of anti-B7 and anti-ICAM-1 MoAbs further reduced this response. We conclude that PMA upregulates on HNK the expression of a B7-like molecule that contributes in concert with ICAM-1 to the capacity of PMA-HNK to induce proliferation of allogeneic T cells.

Animals↗

Correlating changes in body temperature with infectious outcome in febrile children who receive acetaminophen.

We reviewed the body-temperature patterns of 140 children ages 2 to 24 months who had fever > or = 39.0 degrees C, received acetaminophen 10 to 15 mg/kg, and had their temperatures remeasured 60 to 90 min later. The children comprised three groups: 22 had bacterial meningitis; 59, isolated bacteremia; and 59, nonbacterial febrile illness. Percentages of patients who became afebrile (temperature < 38.0 degrees C) after receiving acetaminophen were not significantly different among the three groups. Differences in mean temperature decrease after antipyretic was given were significant within each group but not between groups. An inverse relation (P < .004) between patient age and magnitude of temperature was revealed by the following formula: degrees C of defervescence = 1.66 - (0.028 x patient age in months). Thus, highly febrile young children with and without invasive bacterial infections who receive a therapeutic dose of acetaminophen experience a significant temperature drop after 60 to 90 min but do not commonly defervesce to an afebrile state. The degree of defervescence is age-dependent and does not distinguish between infectious outcomes.

Acetaminophen↗

T-cell activation by the CD28 ligand B7 is required for cardiac allograft rejection in vivo.

Organ graft rejection is a T-cell-dependent process. The activation of alloreactive T cells requires stimulation of the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex by foreign major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded gene products. However, accumulating evidence suggests that, in addition to T-cell receptor occupancy, other costimulatory signals are required to induce T-cell activation. Previously, the CD28 receptor expressed on T cells has been shown to serve as a surface component of a signal transduction pathway that can provide costimulation. In vitro, interaction of CD28 with its natural ligand B7 expressed on the surface of activated B cells or macrophages can act as a costimulus to induce proliferation and lymphokine production in antigen receptor-activated T cells. We now report evidence that stimulation of T cells by the CD28 ligand B7 is a required costimulatory event for the rejection of a MHC-incompatible cardiac allograft in vivo. These results demonstrate that the B7/CD28 activation pathway plays an important role in regulating in vivo T-cell responses.

Animals↗

Long-term survival of xenogeneic pancreatic islet grafts induced by CTLA4lg.

Antigen-specific T cell activation depends on T cell receptor-ligand interaction and costimulatory signals generated when accessory molecules bind to their ligands, such as CD28 to the B7 (also called BB1) molecule. A soluble fusion protein of human CTLA-4 (a protein homologous to CD28) and the immunoglobulin (lg) G1 Fc region (CTLA4lg) binds to human and murine B7 with high avidity and blocks T cell activation in vitro. CTLA4lg therapy blocked human pancreatic islet rejection in mice by directly affecting T cell recognition of B7+ antigen-presenting cells. In addition, CTLA4lg induced long-term, donor-specific tolerance, which may have applications to human organ transplantation.

Abatacept↗

Co-stimulation of murine CD4 T cell growth: cooperation between B7 and heat-stable antigen.

The B cell activation antigen B7/BB1 has been shown to co-stimulate growth of human T cells by binding the T cell molecule CD28. In mice, the heat-stable antigen (HSA) has also been shown to act as a co-stimulator for T cell growth. In this study, we have evaluated the contributions of B7 and HSA to the co-stimulatory activity of antigen-presenting cells (APC). Mouse B7 provides co-stimulatory activity for murine CD4 T cells in anti-CD3-induced proliferation. Human CTLA4Ig, a chimeric molecule comprising the extracellular region of CTLA-4 fused to an immunoglobulin C gamma fragment, binds to murine B7. We, therefore, use human CTLA4Ig and the hamster anti-HSA monoclonal antibody 20C9 to analyze the relative contributions of B7 and HSA to the co-stimulatory activity of murine spleen APC. Our data reveal that both murine B7 and HSA are expressed by dendritic cells and by low-density spleen B cells. Either CTLA4Ig alone or anti-HSA alone inhibited CD4 T cell proliferation to anti-CD3 by > 90%, while CTLA4Ig and anti-HSA together were far more efficient in inhibiting clonal expansion of CD4 T cells. These results demonstrate that functionally defined co-stimulation involves at least B7 and HSA and suggest that signals delivered by B7 and HSA synergize in promoting T cell growth.

Animals↗

CTLA-4 is a second receptor for the B cell activation antigen B7.

Functional interactions between T and B lymphocytes are necessary for optimal activation of an immune response. Recently, the T lymphocyte receptor CD28 was shown to bind the B7 counter-receptor on activated B lymphocytes, and subsequently to costimulate interleukin 2 production and T cell proliferation. CTLA-4 is a predicted membrane receptor from cytotoxic T cells that is homologous to CD28 and whose gene maps to the same chromosomal band as the gene for CD28. It is not known, however, if CD28 and CTLA-4 also share functional properties. To investigate functional properties of CTLA-4, we have produced a soluble genetic fusion between the extracellular domain of CTLA-4 and an immunoglobulin C gamma chain. Here, we show that the fusion protein encoded by this construct, CTLA4Ig, bound specifically to B7-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and to lymphoblastoid cells. CTLA4Ig also immunoprecipitated B7 from cell surface 125I-labeled extracts of these cells. The avidity of 125I-labeled B7Ig fusion protein for immobilized CTLA4Ig was estimated (Kd approximately 12 nM). Finally, we show that CTLA4Ig was a potent inhibitor of in vitro immune responses dependent upon cellular interactions between T and B lymphocytes. These findings provide direct evidence that, like its structural homologue CD28, CTLA-4 is able to bind the B7 counter-receptor on activated B cells. Lymphocyte interactions involving the B7 counter-receptor are functionally important for alloantigen responses in vitro.

Abatacept↗

Binding of the B cell activation antigen B7 to CD28 costimulates T cell proliferation and interleukin 2 mRNA accumulation.

A successful immune response requires intercellular contact between T and B lymphocytes. We recently showed that CD28, a T cell surface protein that regulates an activation pathway, could mediate intercellular adhesion with activated B cells by interaction with the B7 antigen. Here we show that CD28 is the primary receptor for B7 on activated peripheral blood T cells, that CD28 binds to B7 in the absence of other accessory molecules, and that interaction between CD28 and B7 is costimulatory for T cell activation. To characterize the binding of CD28 to B7, we have produced genetic fusions of the extracellular portions of B7 and CD28, and immunoglobulin (Ig) C gamma 1 chains. 125I-labeled B7 Ig bound to CD28-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and to immobilized CD28 Ig with a Kd approximately 200 nM. B7 Ig also inhibited CD28-mediated cellular adhesion. The function of CD28-B7 interactions during T cell activation was investigated with soluble fusion proteins and with B7-transfected CHO cells. Immobilized B7 Ig and B7+ CHO cells costimulated T cell proliferation. Stimulation of T cells with B7+ CHO cells also specifically increased levels of interleukin 2 transcripts. These results demonstrate that the CD28 signaling pathway could be activated by B7, resulting in increased T cell cytokine production and T cell proliferation. Cellular interactions mediated by B7 and CD28 may represent an important component of the functional interactions between T and B lymphoid cells.

Animals↗

Comparison of functional activities between IgG1 and IgM class-switched human monoclonal antibodies reactive with group B streptococci or Escherichia coli K1.

The influence of valence and heavy chain on antibody activity was investigated using transfectoma-derived, class-switched IgG1 and IgM human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) reactive with the bacterial pathogens Escherichia coli K1 and group B Streptococcus species. IgG-IgM pairs were compared in vitro for antigen binding and opsonic activities and in vivo for protective efficacy in neonatal rats. For the anti-E. coli pair, the IgM MAb was 1000-fold more potent in all assay formats. Importantly, the 50% protection dose (PD50) of the IgM MAb was 10-20 ng/rat, while 100 micrograms of the IgG MAb was only minimally protective. For the group B streptococcal MAbs, the IgM was 100- and 4500-fold more potent in binding and opsonization assays, respectively. However, while 20 micrograms of IgM protected neonatal rats, 100 micrograms of IgG MAb was partly protective. These experiments demonstrate the utility of recombinant DNA technology for creating a panel of antibodies that may aid in selecting potential immunotherapeutic candidates.

Animals↗

Oral ciprofloxacin versus ceftriaxone for the treatment of urethritis from resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Zambia.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains resistant to treatment with penicillin, tetracycline, and/or spectinomycin are increasing in prevalence in many parts of the world. In Zambia, 52% of N. gonorrhoeae isolates produced beta-lactamase in 1986. Few oral regimens have proven effective for treatment of resistant N. gonorrhoeae. We conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of 250 mg of ciprofloxacin given orally versus 250 mg of ceftriaxone given intramuscularly for treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in adult males. Two hundred men were enrolled and treated. The two groups were comparable in age (27.5 years), prevalence of latent syphilis (14 and 10%), and human immunodeficiency virus infection (32 and 38%). Of 165 patients with cultures positive for N. gonorrhoeae who returned for follow-up, ciprofloxacin cured 83 of 83 (100%), including 26 with penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and 21 with N. gonorrhoeae with chromosomally mediated resistance to multiple antibiotics (CMRNG), and ceftriaxone cured 81 of 82 (98.7%), including 30 with PPNG and 19 with CMRNG. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated. Chlamydia trachomatis in urethral exudate was found by direct fluorescent-antibody microscopic examination or by culture in 10 (5%) participants. All N. gonorrhoeae isolates were inhibited by ceftriaxone at 0.06 micrograms/ml, except one which was inhibited at 0.125 micrograms/ml, while ciprofloxacin inhibited all isolates at 0.03 micrograms/ml. Ciprofloxacin is a safe and effective therapy for uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis, including that caused by PPNG and CMRNG in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men.

Adult↗