Biomedical subjects

Z Fan

Publications and source records attributed to Z Fan.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Intranasal administration of 2/6-rotavirus-like particles with mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LT-R192G) induces antibody-secreting cell responses but not protective immunity in gnotobiotic pigs.

We investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant double-layered rotavirus-like particle (2/6-VLPs) vaccines derived from simian SA11 or human (VP6) Wa and bovine RF (VP2) rotavirus strains. The 2/6-VLPs were administered to gnotobiotic pigs intranasally (i.n.) with a mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin, LT-R192G (mLT), as mucosal adjuvant. Pigs were challenged with virulent Wa (P1A[8],G1) human rotavirus at postinoculation day (PID) 21 (two-dose VLP regimen) or 28 (three-dose VLP regimen). In vivo antigen-activated antibody-secreting cells (ASC) (effector B cells) and in vitro antigen-reactivated ASC (derived from memory B cells) from intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues (duodenum, ileum, mesenteric lymph nodes [MLN], spleen, peripheral blood lymphocytes [PBL], and bone marrow lymphocytes) collected at selected times were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunospot assays. Rotavirus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG ASC and memory B-cell responses were detected by PID 21 or 28 in intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues after i.n. inoculation with two or three doses of 2/6-VLPs with or without mLT. Greater mean numbers of virus-specific ASC and memory B cells in all tissues prechallenge were induced in pigs inoculated with two doses of SA11 2/6-VLPs plus mLT compared to SA11 2/6-VLPs without mLT. After challenge, anamnestic IgA and IgG ASC and memory B-cell responses were detected in intestinal lymphoid tissues of all VLP-inoculated groups, but serum virus-neutralizing antibody titers were not significantly enhanced compared to the challenged controls. Pigs inoculated with Wa-RF 2/6-VLPs (with or without mLT) developed higher anamnestic IgA and IgG ASC responses in ileum after challenge compared to pigs inoculated with SA11 2/6-VLPs (with or without mLT). Three doses of SA 11 2/6-VLP plus mLT induced the highest mean numbers of IgG memory B cells in MLN, spleen, and PBL among all groups postchallenge. However, no significant protection against diarrhea or virus shedding was evident in any of the 2/6-VLP (with or without mLT)-inoculated pigs after challenge with virulent Wa human rotavirus. These results indicate that 2/6-VLP vaccines are immunogenic in gnotobiotic pigs when inoculated i.n. and that the adjuvant mLT enhanced their immunogenicity. However, i.n. inoculation of gnotobiotic pigs with 2/6-VLPs did not confer protection against human rotavirus challenge.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) CD8(+) T-lymphocyte reactivity during combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency.

The long-term efficacy of combination antiretroviral therapy may relate to augmentation of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) CD8(+) T-cell responses. We found that prolonged treatment of late-stage HIV-1-infected patients with a protease inhibitor and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors failed to restore sustained, high levels of HIV-1-specific, HLA class I-restricted, cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte precursors and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production by CD8(+) T cells. In some patients, particularly those initiating three-drug combination therapy simultaneously rather than sequentially, there were early, transient increases in the frequency of anti-HIV-1 CD8(+) T cells that correlated with decreases in HIV-1 RNA and increases in T-cell counts. In the other patients, HIV-1-specific T-cell functions either failed to increase or declined from baseline during triple-drug therapy, even though some of these patients showed suppression of plasma HIV-1 RNA. These effects of combination therapy were not unique to HIV-1 specific T-cell responses, since similar effects were noted for CD8(+) T cells specific for the cytomegalovirus pp65 matrix protein. The level and breadth of CD8(+) cell reactivity to HLA A*02 HIV-1 epitopes, as determined by IFN-gamma production and HLA tetramer staining after combination therapy, were related to the corresponding responses prior to treatment. There was, however, a stable, residual population of potentially immunocompetent HIV-1-specific T cells remaining after therapy, as shown by tetramer staining of CD8(+) CD45RO(+) cells. These results indicate that new strategies will be needed to target residual, immunocompetent HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T cells to enhance the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in patients with advanced immunodeficiency.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

In vivo enhancement of tumor radioresponse by C225 antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody.

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been correlated with tumor resistance to cytotoxic agents, including radiation (T. Akimoto et al., Clin. Cancer Res., 5: 2884-2890, 1999), and thus is a candidate target for anticancer treatment. This study investigated whether treatment with C225 anti-EGFR antibody would improve tumor response to radiotherapy. Nude mice bearing 8-mm-diameter A431 tumor xenografts in the hind leg were treated with C225 antibody, 18 Gy of single-dose local tumor irradiation, or both. C225 was given i.p. at a dose of 1 mg/mouse 6 h before irradiation or 6 h before and 3 and 6 days after irradiation. Delay in tumor growth was the treatment end point. C225 dramatically improved the efficacy of local tumor irradiation, particularly when multiple injections of C225 were administered. Tumor radioresponse was enhanced by a factor of 1.59 by a single dose and by a factor of 3.62 by a doses of C225. Histological analyses of tumors revealed that C225 caused a striking increase in central tumor necrosis associated with hemorrhage and vascular thrombosis when combined with radiotherapy. In addition, C225 induced heavy tumor infiltration with granulocytes, increased tumor cell terminal differentiation, and inhibited tumor angiogenesis. We conclude that C225 anti-EGFR antibody enhances tumor radioresponse by multiple mechanisms that may involve direct and indirect actions on tumor cell survival.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Significance and expression of insulin-like growth factor II and its receptor in hepatocellular carcinogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To provide information on the potential role of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and insulin-like growth factor II receptor (IGF-IIR) during different liver diseases and hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS: Southern hybridization was used to detect HBV DNA integration in various kinds of liver tissues, and DNA-RNA in situ hybridization to observe and analyze the mRNA of IGF-II and IGF-II receptor in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: The expression of IGF-II and IGF-II receptor mRNA was observed not only in HCC, but also in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. An increasing gradient of IGF-II and IGF-IIR Mrna expression was in turn from chronic hepatitis (33. 3%), HCC (66.7%) to cirrhosis (72.0%). Strongly positive expression was found in liver cell dysplasia, regenerative nodules and poorly differentiated HCC cells. CONCLUSION: IGF-II and its receptor might play an important role in the development of HCC.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effects of lipid on low-density and high-density lipoprotein receptors in hepatic stellate cell from rat liver.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of lipid (triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptors in the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) from the rat liver. METHODS: HSC were isolated and cultured from the liver of Wistar rats by in situ perfusion with pronase and collagenase and density gradient centrifugation with Nycodenz. Radioligand conjugation assay with (125)I-LDL and (125)I-HDL(3) was detected for the effects of lipid on LDL and HDL receptor of HSC. RESULTS: LDL and HDL receptors were found on the membrane of the rat HSC. The lipid might increase the binding of LDL to LDL receptor, but decrease the binding of HDL(3) to HDL receptor. CONCLUSION: LDL and HDL receptors on the HSC membrane may have an important role in the metabolism of lipoprotein and the regulation of cholesterol. These results provided the basis of theory and experimentation for the genesis of fatty liver and liver fibrosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Experiment research on the mechanism of skin contracture after expansion].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to observe the repairing process of skin chronic injury due to expansion and explore the mechanism of skin contracture after expansion. METHODS: 20 dogs used in this study were divided randomly into four groups. Skin samples were collected from the back of dogs when expansion finished and 3 months, 6 months, 1 year after expansion. Normal skim from the other side on the back of dogs was used as control group. The dermal ultrastructure was observed by electriscope. The expression of alpha-SMA in dermis at different stage has been analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ in the fibroblast has been measured by Fura-2 fluorescen indicator. Meanwhile we constructed a 3-dimension system in vitro to analyze the afgfect of different cell density and collagen concentration to fibroblast contracture. RESULTS: (1) The microfilment in fibroblast was fragile, and the features of myofibroblast was absent, the collagen fibers were returned to reticular arrangement along with time. One after expansion few of the collagen remained irregular in arrangement and aparse. (2) After expansion the concentration of Ca2+ increased significantly. (3) In 3-D culture system the density of fibroblasts positively corresponded to fibroblast contracture and the collagen concentration negatively corresponded to it. CONCLUSION: After expansion the dog skin has a structure between scar tissue and thoroughly regeneration skin. Dermal fibroblast is the dynamic source of the skin contracture, meanwhile the density of fibroblast and collagen concentration are two essential factors during skin contracture.

Actins↗

PubMed2000

[Effect of different nitrogen forms on growth of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings].

The effect of NO3(-)-N and NH4(+)-N and their different supply ratios on the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings was studied by sand culture in greenhouse. The highest seedling growth was obtained at a NH3(-)-N/NH4(+)-N ratio of 75/25 in nutrient solution. The growth of seedlings declined with the increasing ratio of NH4(+)-N to NO3(-)-N. Excessive NH4(+)-N inhibited root growth, and the root/shoot ratio of the seedlings significantly decreased as the NH4(+)-N/NO3(-)-N ratio was over 50%. Increasing NH4(+)-N in nutrient solution led to the decrease of net photosynthetic rate, the increase of phosphorus content in plant tissues, and the decrease of Zn and Fe contents. The pH value of cultural medium was affected markedly by nitrogen form, which was increased with increasing NO3(-)-N and decreased with increasing NH4(+)-N in nutrient solution. The pH value was up to 7.22 in the medium contained NO3(-)-N alone, while decreased to 4.20 only with NH4(+)-N.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗

PubMed2000

[Clinical application of magnetic resonance angiography in the body].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the accuracy and reliability of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in evaluating patients with vascular lesions in the body. METHODS: 171 patients with suspected vascular lesions in the body were examined by MRA and compared with the results of X-ray angiography (XRA) or operation. RESULTS: MRA showed abnormal vein in 12 patients and normal in 6 corresponding to XRA or operation. MRA revealed aneurysm in 54 patients: aortic dissection (26), aortic aneurysm (15) and peripheral aneurysm (13). Two peripheral aneurysms could not only be found by MRA. The sensitivity of MRA was 97% for aneurysm lesions. The sensitivity of MRA in the diagnosis of suspicious peripheral artery stenosis in 84 patients was 95%, the specificity 89%, and the accuracy 92% in comparison with those of XRA and operation. CONCLUSION: MRA is accurate and reliable in evaluating vascular lesion in the body and can replace XRA in many cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Configurations of F-V curve and their transformation rule in COPD patients analysed with wave-speed theory].

This study sought to analyse the mechanism on the formation of configurations of F-V curve and their transformation rule in COPD and cor pulmonale patients with wave-speed theory. The F-V curves were measured in 90 COPD patients (43 with chronic bronchitis, 47 with emphysema) and 31 complicated with cor pulmonale, all of them were in the ameliorated period. The indices selected were FVC, V75, V50, V25. Both the measured value and the measured value/predicted value (%) of all indices showed chronic bronchitis > emphysema > cor pulmonale. Never was there the concave type of normal humans in the F-V curves of COPD and cor pulmonale patients; however, the convex type was much increased in the curves and the hyperbolic type specific to COPD and cor pulmonale appeared. The mechanisms of formation for plateau, convex and hyperbolic types were analysed with the wave-speed theory. In summary, the unifying rule for the transformation of F-V curve configuration from normal adolescents to old persons, smokers, COPD and cor pulmonale patients in various degrees can be outlined as, concave type normality convex type abnormality hyperbolic type. This implicates a unifying process of pulmonary functions from healthy state to weakness and from slight to serious abnormality.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Delivery of liposome-encapsulated HIV type 1 proteins to human dendritic cells for stimulation of HIV type 1-specific memory cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses.

An important aspect of vaccine development involves delivery of antigens to antigen-presenting cells for the induction of potent antigen-specific T lymphocyte responses. We investigated the effect of a cationic liposome, lipofectin, on delivery of whole proteins to human dendritic cells (DCs) derived from blood mononuclear cells by culture in interleukin 4 and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor for stimulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific memory cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Delivery of HIV-1 Gag, Pol, and Env proteins to DCs by lipofectin stimulated greater anti-HIV-1 memory CTL responses in cells from HIV-1-infected subjects than those induced by DCs loaded with protein alone. The CTLs were CD8+ and HLA class I restricted. Antigen presentation was enhanced by chloroquine, but blocked by brefeldin A and peptide aldehyde inhibitors of proteasomes, indicating that the classic MHC class I cytosolic pathway was used for processing and presentation of HIV-1 protein by the DCs. Stimulation of anti-HIV-1 CTLs by this safe, inexpensive, and broadly applicable approach may be used in DC-based therapies for HIV-1 infection.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Alternative splicing of sur2 Exon 17 regulates nucleotide sensitivity of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel.

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) are implicated in a diverse array of physiological functions. Previous work has shown that alternative usage of exons 14, 39, and 40 of the muscle-specific KATP channel regulatory subunit, sur2, occurs in tissue-specific patterns. Here, we show that exon 17 of the first nucleotide binding fold of sur2 is also alternatively spliced. RNase protection demonstrates that SUR2(Delta17) predominates in skeletal muscle and gut and is also expressed in bladder, fat, heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction digest analysis of sur2 cDNA demonstrate the existence of at least five sur2 splice variants as follows: SUR2(39), SUR2(40), SUR2(Delta17/39), SUR2(Delta17/40), and SUR2(Delta14/39). Electrophysiological recordings of excised, inside-out patches from COS cells cotransfected with Kir6.2 and the sur2 variants demonstrated that exon 17 splicing alters KATP sensitivity to ATP block by 2-fold from approximately 40 to approximately 90 microM for exon 17 and Delta17, respectively. Single channel kinetic analysis of SUR2(39) and SUR2(Delta17/39) demonstrated that both exhibited characteristic KATP kinetics but that SUR2(Delta17/39) exhibited longer mean burst durations and shorter mean interburst dwell times. In sum, alternative splicing of sur2 enhances the observed diversity of KATP and may contribute to tissue-specific modulation of ATP sensitivity.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1999

Augmentation of a humanized anti-HER2 mAb 4D5 induced growth inhibition by a human-mouse chimeric anti-EGF receptor mAb C225.

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and HER2 (p185neu) may both contribute to the growth of human cancers. A humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4D5 and a human-mouse chimeric anti-EGF receptor mAb C225 are currently being investigated in clinical trials for their anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we have examined the effect of concurrent treatment of OVCA 420 human ovarian cancer cells with mAb C225 and mAb 4D5. Exposure of OVCA420 cells to saturating concentrations of C225 (20 nM) for 7 days resulted in 40-50% growth inhibition, and exposure to 20 nM mAb 4D5 also resulted in 30-40% growth inhibition. The growth inhibition of OVCA420 cells by mAb C225 or 4D5 was associated with an increased G1 cell population; an increased level of a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27Kip1 with increased association of p27kip1 with CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6; and decreased activities of these CDKs. Combination treatment with concurrent exposure to mAbs C225 and 4D5 resulted in additive anti-proliferative effects on these cells, which was accompanied by enhanced G1 cell distribution, a greater increase in the levels of p27Kip1 and a greater decrease in the activities of CDK kinases. The anti-proliferative effects and related changes in cell cycle regulators induced by mAb 4D5, mAb C225 or the combination of the two mAbs could be reversed by concurrent exposure to exogenous EGF. Our data suggest the potential fruitful cooperation of anti-EGF receptor mAb and anti-HER2 mAb in the treatment of human cancers stimulated by EGF receptor and HER2 signals.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Intrinsic lidocaine affinity for Na channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes depends on alpha (hH1 vs. rSkM1) and beta 1 subunits.

OBJECTIVE: The affinity of lidocaine for the alpha-subunit of the Na channel has been reported to be greater for heart than for non-heart alpha-subunits, and also to be no different. Lidocaine block has a complex voltage dependence caused by a higher affinity for the inactivated state over the resting state. Inactivation kinetics, however, depend upon the alpha-subunit isoform and the presence of the auxiliary beta 1-subunit and will affect measures of block. METHODS: We studied the voltage dependence of lidocaine block of Na currents by a two microelectrode voltage clamp in oocytes injected with RNA for the Na channel alpha-subunits of human heart (hH1a) or a rat skeletal muscle (rSkM1) alone, or coexpressed with the beta 1-subunit. RESULTS: The midpoints of availability for a 25-s conditioning potential in control solutions were -65 mV for rSkM1, -50 for rSkM1 + beta 1, -78 mV for hH1a and -76 for hH1a + beta 1. The Kd of tonic lidocaine block was measured at -90, -100, -110, -120 and -130 mV in the same oocytes. The apparent Kd for both isoforms +/- beta 1 became greater with more negative holding potentials, but tended to reach different plateaus at -130 mV (Kd = 2128 microM for rSkM1, 1760 microM for rSkM1 + beta 1, 433 for hH1a, and 887 microM for hH1a + beta 1). Inactivated state affinities, assessed by fitting the shift in the Boltzmann midpoint of the availability relationship to the modulated receptor model, were 4 microM for rSkM1, 1 microM for rSkM1 + beta 1, 7 microM for hH1a and 9 microM for hH1a + beta 1. CONCLUSION: The heart Na channel alpha-subunits expressed in oocytes have an intrinsically higher rest state affinity for lidocaine compared to rSkM1 after the voltage- and state dependence of block are considered. Coexpression with beta 1 modestly increased the rest affinity of lidocaine for rSkM1, but had the opposite effect for hH1a.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Constitutive overexpression of cyclin D1 in human breast epithelial cells does not prevent G1 arrest induced by deprivation of epidermal growth factor.

Non-transformed human breast epithelial cell line MCF10A is dependent on exogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF) for continued growth. Complete G1 arrest was rapidly induced following EGF deprivation. The cell cycle arrest was accompanied by increased levels of p27KIP1, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and reduced level of cyclin D1. This was associated with strong inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin D1-associated kinase activities. Introduction of exogenous cyclin D1 into MCF10A (MCF10AD1) cells resulted in an accelerated cell growth rate but did not confer colony-forming capacity. Cell cycle arrest was still achieved in MCF10AD1 cells following EGF deprivation. In the great majority of MCF10AD1 clones, accumulation in G1 phase was accompanied by reduced cyclin D1 and increased p27KIP1 protein levels. In two clones where cyclin D remained unchanged during G1 arrest, it was found that more cyclin D1 protein was bound to p27KIP1. The data demonstrate that ectopic expression of cyclin D1 alone could not transform MCF10A cells nor was it sufficient to prevent G1 arrest induced by EGF deprivation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1999

Phosphoinositides decrease ATP sensitivity of the cardiac ATP-sensitive K(+) channel. A molecular probe for the mechanism of ATP-sensitive inhibition.

Anionic phospholipids modulate the activity of inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Fan, Z., and J.C. Makielski. 1997. J. Biol. Chem. 272:5388-5395). The effect of phosphoinositides on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inhibition of ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) currents was investigated using the inside-out patch clamp technique in cardiac myocytes and in COS-1 cells in which the cardiac isoform of the sulfonylurea receptor, SUR2, was coexpressed with the inwardly rectifying channel Kir6.2. Phosphoinositides (1 mg/ml) increased the open probability of K(ATP) in low [ATP] (1 microM) within 30 s. Phosphoinositides desensitized ATP inhibition with a longer onset period (>3 min), activating channels inhibited by ATP (1 mM). Phosphoinositides treatment for 10 min shifted the half-inhibitory [ATP] (K(i)) from 35 microM to 16 mM. At the single-channel level, increased [ATP] caused a shorter mean open time and a longer mean closed time. Phosphoinositides prolonged the mean open time, shortened the mean closed time, and weakened the [ATP] dependence of these parameters resulting in a higher open probability at any given [ATP]. The apparent rate constants for ATP binding were estimated to be 0.8 and 0.02 mM(-1) ms(-1) before and after 5-min treatment with phosphoinositides, which corresponds to a K(i) of 35 microM and 5.8 mM, respectively. Phosphoinositides failed to desensitize adenosine inhibition of K(ATP). In the presence of SUR2, phosphoinositides attenuated MgATP antagonism of ATP inhibition. Kir6.2DeltaC35, a truncated Kir6.2 that functions without SUR2, also exhibited phosphoinositide desensitization of ATP inhibition. These data suggest that (a) phosphoinositides strongly compete with ATP at a binding site residing on Kir6.2; (b) electrostatic interaction is a characteristic property of this competition; and (c) in conjunction with SUR2, phosphoinositides render additional, complex effects on ATP inhibition. We propose a model of the ATP binding site involving positively charged residues on the COOH-terminus of Kir6.2, with which phosphoinositides interact to desensitize ATP inhibition.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1999

Prolonged suppression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viremia in persons with advanced disease results in enhancement of CD4 T cell reactivity to microbial antigens but not to HIV-1 antigens.

CD4 T cell responses were studied for >2 years in 27 zidovudine-experienced patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection who received triple combination drug therapy with indinavir, zidovudine and lamivudine or zidovudine plus lamivudine or zidovudine alone for 24-42 weeks before switching to the three-drug therapy. Subjects initially given the three drugs had viremia suppressed to undetectable levels and increases in T cell proliferative and cytokine responses to microbial antigens through 2 years of follow-up. Patients receiving the triple-drug therapy after either indinavir or zidovudine-lamivudine treatment had similar increases in T cell responses only if they also had suppression of virus load. CD4 T cell reactivity to HIV-1 antigens was not restored. Prolonged indinavir-zidovudine-lamivudine treatment has significant but incomplete enhancing effects on CD4 T cell reactivity, which could be important in host control of microbial and persistent HIV-1 infections.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1999

Cross-reactive anti-chicken CD4 and CD8 monoclonal antibodies suggest polymorphism of the turkey CD8alpha molecule.

To measure turkey CD4 and CD8 T cell levels, the cross-reactivity of mouse anti-chicken CD4 and CD8 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with turkey leucocytes was tested by flow cytometric analysis of blood obtained from individuals in five turkey lines. The turkey lines used included a randombred control population (RBC2), a subline (F) of RBC2 selected for increased 16-wk BW, and a sire line (A, B, and C) from each of three commercial turkey breeders. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated and stained with single or dual color staining. The CT8 mAb (anti-chicken CD8alpha) failed to detect the CD8alpha molecule in some turkeys, and there were large line differences in ability to detect the CD8alpha molecule. However, certain anti-chicken CD8alpha mAb (3-298, 3-292, and 11-39) had good cross-reactivity with the turkey CD8alpha molecule. These present data indicate that the turkey CD8alpha molecule is polymorphic. Some anti-chicken CD4 mAb (CT4, 2-6, 2-35, and 7-125) were also cross-reactive with the turkey CD4 molecule. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting showed that the 3-298 mAb precipitated a 33- to 35-kDa polypeptide from the turkey splenocyte lysate under reducing conditions. The availability of cross-reactive anti-chicken CD4 and CD8 mAb will facilitate the studies of immune responses in turkeys.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced MR myelography and cisternography: a pilot study in human patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the safety, MR imaging characteristics, and clinical response to intrathecal gadopentetate dimeglumine (gadolinium) administration in human patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eleven adult patients were included in this prospective study. Via lumbar puncture, a single dose of either 0.2 ml, 0.5 ml, or 1.0 ml of gadolinium (500 mmol/l) mixed with 5 ml of previously removed CSF was slowly injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Immediate and delayed MR imaging were subsequently carried out using a 1.0-T magnet. RESULTS: No patient manifested gross behavioral changes, neurologic alterations, or seizure activity. The intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced MR myelography revealed disk herniation (n = 4), posttraumatic spinal stenosis (n = 3), postsurgical noncommunicating cyst (n = 1), myelitis (n = 1), intradural extramedullary mass formation (n = 1), and intradural vascular malformation (n = 1). CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows the relative safety and feasibility of low-dose intrathecal gadolinium administration. The potential clinical applications include the evaluation of obstructions and communications of the subarachnoid space, spontaneous or traumatic CSF leaks, and CSF dynamics. Additional animal and human studies must be performed to further evaluate the long-term safety and to prove the clinical applications of this procedure in a larger number of subjects.

Adult↗