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Migration-inhibitory effect of serum from patients with prostatic cancer.

Serum from patients with carcinoma of the prostate were observed to possess a factor(s) capable of inhibiting the migration of allogeneic leukocytes in the direct leukocyte migration test. Maximum inhibitory activity was obtained with those sera possessing an elevated level of an as yet unidentified factor(s) in the alpha2-globulin fraction of the serum of these patients. The presence of such a factor(s) may prevent interaction between leukocyte-inhibiting factor sensitive cells and tumour cells and emphasizes the role ofhumoral inhibitory or 'immunoregulatory' factors, such as alpha2-globulin, on immunologicresponses as blastogenesis and inhibition of leukocyte migration, as potential abrogators of mechanisms of host-resistance, e.g., immunologic surveillance.

Agglutinins↗

Leptin induces endothelial cell migration through Akt, which is inhibited by PPARgamma-ligands.

Migration of endothelial cells (EC) is a key event in angiogenesis that contributes to neovascularization in diabetic vasculopathy. Leptin induces angiogenesis and is elevated in obesity and hyperinsulinemia. The antidiabetic thiazolidinediones (TZD) inhibit leptin gene expression and vascular smooth muscle cell migration through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). This study investigates the role of leptin in EC migration, the chemotactic signaling pathways involved, and the effects of the TZD-PPARgamma ligands troglitazone (TRO) and ciglitazone (CIG) on EC migration. We demonstrate that leptin induces EC migration. Because activation of two signaling pathways, the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-->Akt-->eNOS and the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, is known to be involved in cell migration, we used the pharmacological inhibitors wortmannin and PD98059 to determine if chemotactic signaling by leptin involves Akt or ERK1/2, respectively. Both wortmannin and PD98059 significantly inhibited leptin-induced migration. Treatment with the TZD-PPARgamma-ligands TRO and CIG significantly inhibited the chemotactic response toward leptin. Both PPARgamma-ligands inhibited leptin-stimulated Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, but neither attenuated ERK 1/2 activation in response to leptin. The inhibition of Akt-phosphorylation was accompanied by a PPARgamma-ligand-mediated upregulation of PTEN, a phosphatase that functions as a negative regulator of PI3K-->Akt signaling. These experiments provide the first evidence that activation of Akt and ERK 1/2 are crucial events in leptin-mediated signal transduction leading to EC migration. Moreover, inhibition of leptin-directed migration by the PPARgamma-ligands TRO and CIG through inhibition of Akt underscores their potential in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications.

Androstadienes↗

Radiation stimulates HGF receptor/c-Met expression that leads to amplifying cellular response to HGF stimulation via upregulated receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and MAP kinase activity in pancreatic cancer cells.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a stromal-derived cytokine that plays a crucial role in invasion and metastasis of tumor cells through the interaction with HGF receptor, c-Met, which is frequently overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. The present study was designed to investigate the change in HGF receptor and HGF-mediated signaling after irradiation in pancreatic cancer cells. Six cell lines from human pancreatic cancer were included in the study. Gamma-radiation was used for irradiation treatment. The changes in expression levels of c-Met were evaluated by immunoblot and confirmed morphologically by indirect immunofluorescence staining. Whether the resultant alteration in c-Met would cascade as biologically usable signals upon HGF ligation was traced by receptor tyrosine phosphorylation analysis and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase or MAPK) activity assay. The various biological responses to HGF (including cell proliferation, cell scattering, migration and invasion) were evaluated as well. We also used a 4-kringle antagonist of HGF, NK4, to block the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway. Both immunoblot and immunofluorescent analysis showed moderate increased expression of c-Met in 3 of 6 pancreatic cancer cell lines after irradiation. The actions seemed to be dose-responsible, which began at 3 hr and reached its peak value at 24 hr following irradiation. The radiation-increased expression of c-Met could transform into magnifying receptor tyrosine phosphorylation reaction and MAP kinase activity once the ligand was added, fairly corresponding with alteration in the receptor. Sequentially, the cellular responses to HGF, including scattering and invasion but not proliferation, were enhanced. Also, in the presence of HGF, the elevated receptor could help to recover the radiation-compromised cell migration. A recombinant HGF antagonist, NK4 could effectively block these aberrant effects activated by irradiation both in molecular and cellular levels, thus suggesting the deep involvement of the c-Met/HGF pathway in the enhanced malignant potential after irradiation. These results suggest that radiation may promote HGF-induced malignant biological behaviors of certain pancreatic cancer cells through the up-regulated HGF/c-Met signal pathway. Selectively targeted blockade of the HGF/c-Met pathway could help to abolish the enforced malignant behavior of tumor cells by irradiation and therefore may improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

Cell Division↗

Selective expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)-180 in optic nerve head astrocytes exposed to elevated hydrostatic pressure in vitro.

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Optic nerve head astrocytes may respond to intraocular pressure by stimulation of pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptors on the cell surface. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) a transmembrane protein, mediates cell adhesion and migration. The NCAM 180 isoform increases in astrocytes of glaucomatous optic nerve head. We characterized the relative expression of NCAM isoforms in human optic nerve head astrocytes grown under elevated hydrostatic pressure. Astrocytes cultured from normal human optic nerve heads were exposed to either atmospheric or continuous hydrostatic pressure of 60 mm Hg, and analyzed at 6-48 h. Changes in cell shape, immunoreactivity, and distribution of GFAP, actin and NCAM were observed in pressure-treated cultures. Newly synthesized (35)S-labeled NCAM protein immunoprecipitated from cell lysates was increased 2-fold within 24 h after exposure to elevated pressure compared to control. The increase in NCAM synthesis was primarily due to the NCAM 180 isoform. A significant increase in NCAM 180 mRNA levels was detected by RT-PCR and Northern blots in cultured optic nerve head astrocytes within 6 h after exposure to elevated pressure. NCAM 180 mRNA and protein synthesis decreased after 24 h and returned to control levels by 48 h. Our data indicate that NCAM 180 transcription and synthesis in astrocytes is stimulated by elevated hydrostatic pressure. Because NCAM 180 interacts with the cytoskeleton through an extended cytoplasmic tail, a selective and transient increase in NCAM 180 in optic nerve head astrocytes exposed to elevated pressure may be relevant to the migration and interactions of reactive astrocytes in glaucoma.

Adolescent↗

Modulation of rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells by the chemokine CXCL12.

Migration, proliferation, and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells are essential for the assembly of myelin in the central nervous system. Knowledge on the regulation of these precursor cells is therefore of great importance for the understanding of developmental myelination and remyelination in demyelinating diseases. Here, we show that primary rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells express the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Stimulation with the ligand CXCL12 (SDF-1 alpha) leads to intracellular Ca elevation. Furthermore, 10 ng/ml CXCL12 augmented differentiation of precursors into mature oligodendrocytes. Migration toward growth factor conditioned medium was inhibited by CXCL12, while proliferation was only slightly modulated. The effect of CXCL12 on both migration and differentiation was blocked using a G protein antagonist. These data suggest a role for CXCL12 and oligodendroglial CXCR4 receptors during developmental myelination and repair in demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.

Animals↗

Increased plasma concentration of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and MIF mRNA in mononuclear cells in the obese and the suppressive action of metformin.

The objective of the study was to determine whether plasma migration inhibitor factor (MIF) concentration and mononuclear cell (MNC) mRNA are elevated in obesity and whether treatment with metformin reduces plasma MIF concentration. Forty obese subjects [body mass index (BMI), 37.5 +/- 4.9 kg/m(2)] and 40 nonobese healthy subjects (BMI, 22.6 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2)) had their plasma MIF, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFAs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations measured. Sixteen obese patients and 16 nonobese healthy subjects had RNA prepared from MNCs. Eight obese subjects with normal glucose concentration were treated with metformin 1 g (Glucophage XR; 1000 mg twice daily) twice daily for 6 wk. Eight obese subjects were used as controls. Plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, FFAs, and MIF was measured by appropriate assays. mRNA for MIF was measured by real-time PCR. Forty obese subjects had a fasting concentration of MIF of 2.8 +/- 2.0 ng/ml, whereas 40 nonobese subjects had a fasting MIF concentration of 1.2 +/- 0.6 ng/ml (P < 0.001). Plasma MIF concentrations were significantly related to BMI (r = 0.52; P < 0.001). mRNA for MIF was correlated to plasma FFAs (r = 0.40; P < 0.05) and plasma CRP (r = 0.42; P < 0.05) concentrations. Eight obese subjects had their fasting blood samples taken before and after taking a slow-release preparation of metformin at 1, 2, 4, and 6 wk. The mean plasma concentration fell from 2.3 +/- 1.4 to 1.6 +/- 1.2 ng/ml at 6 wk (P < 0.05). Obese subjects not on treatment with metformin showed no change. During the period of treatment with metformin, the body weight did not change and the plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, and FFAs did not alter. We conclude that: 1) plasma MIF concentrations and MIF mRNA expression in the MNCs are elevated in the obese, consistent with a proinflammatory state in obesity; 2) these increases in MIF are related to BMI, FFA concentrations, and CRP; 3) metformin suppresses plasma MIF concentrations in the obese, suggestive of an antiinflammatory effect of this drug; and 4) this action of metformin may contribute to a potential antiatherogenic effect, which may have implications for the reduced cardiovascular mortality observed with metformin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗

Effects of UV irradiation with one minimal erythema dose on human afferent skin lymph in vivo.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the skin induces complex local and systemic immunomodulatory reactions. The biological effects of UV irradiation on human skin derived afferent lymph however are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a single combined UV-A and UV-B irradiation with 1 minimal erythema dose (MED) on human skin derived lymph in vivo. After cannulation of a superficial lymph vessel on the lower leg, lymph flow and cell output per hour were determined before and for 6 days after UV irradiation of the lymph draining skin area in 5 volunteers. Furthermore, expression of CD1a, CD4, CD8, CD28, CD54, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR on migrating lymph cells and cytokine levels (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma) in the afferent lymph were analyzed by cytofluorometry and ELISA. After UV irradiation a small initial enhancement in the daily lymph flow per hour was noticed in correlation with the slight erythematous skin reaction. Following resolution of the skin reaction, a delayed increase in cell output in correlation with an additional peak in the lymph flow was found between the 4th and 6th day after UV irradiation. However, no changes in the expression of CD1a, CD4, CD8, CD28, CD54, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR on migrating lymph cells were detectable. Interestingly, in parallel to the increased lymph flow and cell output, only elevated IL-8 protein levels were reproducibly detected in the afferent lymph after UV irradiation. Furthermore, using immunohistochemistry positive staining for IL-8 was found on migrating mononuclear lymph cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that a single UV irradiation of the skin with 1 minimal erythema dose leads to a delayed enhancement of lymph flow, number of migrating lymph cells and cytokine levels of IL-8. Moreover, we provide evidence that migrating lymph cells, besides resident epidermal and dermal cells, may contribute to the detected levels of IL-8 in the afferent lymph.

Adolescent↗

15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid inhibits neutrophil migration across cytokine-activated endothelium.

15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) is an eicosanoid, formed by the actions of 15-lipoxygenase, epoxygenases, and cyclooxygenases on arachidonic acid, whose tissue levels are often elevated during inflammation. The present study demonstrates that 15(S)-HETE is a potent inhibitor of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration across cytokine-activated endothelium in vitro. 15(S)-HETE is rapidly esterified into PMN phospholipids, and we report that 15-(S)-HETE-remodeled PMN displayed blunted adhesion to, and migration across, human endothelial cells that had been activated with either interleukin-1 beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha Several lines of evidence suggested that 15(S)-HETE inhibited PMN transmigration by attenuating PMN responsiveness to endothelial cell-derived platelet-activating factor (PAF). The inhibitory action of 15(S)-HETE on transmigration was not restricted by the profile of adhesion molecules expressed by cytokine-activated endothelium. Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induce PAF production by endothelium, and PMN migration across cytokine-activated endothelium was inhibited by a PAF receptor antagonist. PMN migration across endothelium in response to exogenous PAF was dramatically inhibited following exposure of PMN to 15(S)-HETE. Furthermore, 15(S)-HETE-remodeled PMN displayed impaired cytoskeletal and adhesion responses when stimulated by exogenous PAF, two pivotal events in PMN migration across activated endothelium. 15(S)-HETE seemed to attenuate PMN responsiveness to PAF by inhibiting membrane-associated signal transduction events. In keeping with this interpretation, remodeling of PMN phospholipids with 15(S)-HETE was associated with a sixfold reduction in the affinity of specific high-affinity PAF receptors for their ligand and impaired PAF-triggered IP3 generation. In contrast, PMN adhesion responses stimulated by calcium ionophore or activators of protein kinase C remained intact. These results provide further evidence that 15(S)-HETE may be an important endogenous inhibitor of PMN-endothelial cell interaction that serves to limit or reverse neutrophil-mediated inflammation in vivo.

Cell Adhesion↗

Plasma and muscle phospholipids are involved in the metabolic response to long-distance migration in a shorebird.

We studied: (1) concentrations and fatty acid compositions of plasma non-esterified fatty acids, neutral lipids, and phospholipids, and (2) fatty acid composition of flight muscle phospholipids in wintering, premigratory, and spring and fall migrating western sandpipers ( Calidris mauri). Plasma neutral lipid and phospholipid levels were elevated in migrants, reflecting high rates of fat deposition. An important role of phospholipids in fattening is suggested by the fact that the amount of fatty acids in plasma phospholipids was similar to, or in spring as much as twice, that of neutral lipids. Changes in the ratio of plasma neutral lipids to phospholipids may indicate seasonal changes in triacylglycerol stores of invertebrate prey. Monounsaturation and total unsaturation of plasma neutral lipids and phospholipids increased during migration. Muscle phospholipids were more monounsaturated in spring and fall, but total unsaturation was reduced in fall. Arachidonic acid [20:4(n-6)] was especially abundant in muscle phospholipids in winter (29%) and declined during migration (19-22%), contributing to a decline in the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids. The abundance of plasma phospholipids and variability of neutral lipid to phospholipid ratio indicates that measurement of plasma phospholipids will improve methods for assessment of fattening rates of birds. The functional significance of changes in muscle phospholipids is unclear, but may relate to depletion of essential n-6 fatty acids during exercise.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Levels of MCP-1 and GM-CSF mRNA correlated with inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels in experimental autoimmune myocarditis in rats.

Infiltration of monocytes and T cells is known to be an essential trigger for the progression of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in rats. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were shown to mediate the migration of monocytes and T cells into inflammatory sites and to proliferate monocytes. Thus, we evaluated levels of MCP-1 and GM-CSF mRNA in the myocardium of EAM in rats using a real time quantitative PCR method. We also examined the correlation of MCP-1 or GM-CSF mRNA levels with those of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the same lesion. Levels of MCP-1, GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA increased with the progression of myocarditis which was accompanied by the accumulation of ED-1 positive cells. The MCP-1 and GM-CSF mRNA levels were positively correlated with TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA levels in the same lesion of EAM. We also demonstrated that serum MCP-1 concentrations were increased during the active stage of EAM, and were correlated with MCP-1 mRNA levels in the myocardium of each rat. These findings suggest that elevated MCP-1 and GM-CSF may associate with the migration and proliferation of monocytes/macrophages in EAM. Thus, MCP-1 and GM-CSF may play an important role in the progression of EAM.

Animals↗

Cyclic strain-induced endothelial MMP-2: role in vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a vital role in vasculature response to hemodynamic stimuli via the degradation of extracellular matrix substrates. In this study, we investigated the putative role of cyclic strain-induced endothelial MMP-2 (and MMP-9) expression and release in modulating bovine aortic smooth muscle cell (BASMC) migration in vitro. Equibiaxial cyclic strain of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) leads to elevation in cellular MMP-2 (and MMP-9) expression, activity, and secretion into conditioned media, events which were time- and force-dependent. Subsequent incubation of BASMCs with conditioned media from chronically strained BAECs (5%, 24 h) significantly reduces BASMC migration (38+/-6%), an inhibitory effect which could be completely reversed by targeted siRNA 'knock-down' of MMP-2 (but not MMP-9) expression and activity in BAECs. Moreover, inhibition of strain-mediated MMP-2 expression in BAECs by protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) blockade with genistein (50 microM) was also found to completely reverse this inhibitory effect on BASMC migration. Finally, direct supplementation of recombinant MMP-2 into the BASMC migration assay was found to have no significant effect on migration. However, the effect on BASMC migration of MMP-2 siRNA transfection in BAECs could be reversed by supplementation of recombinant MMP-2 into BAEC media prior to (and for the duration of) strain. These findings reveal a potentially novel role for strain-induced endothelial MMP-2 in regulating vascular SMC migration.

Animals↗

Plasma corticosterone increases during migratory restlessness in the captive white-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelli.

Plasma corticosterone increases during the period of spring migration in a variety of bird species. Long-distance migrants show elevations in corticosterone specifically in association with the stage of flight, suggesting that corticosterone may support flight-related processes, for example, locomotor activity and/or energy mobilization. The pattern of corticosterone secretion as it relates to migratory flight has hitherto not been clearly described in migrants that frequently interrupt flight to refuel, for example, the Gambel's white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). The Gambel's white-crowned sparrow fuels by day and expresses peak migratory activity during the first few hours of night. To determine if plasma corticosterone increases in association with the stage of migratory flight also in this short-bout migrant, we induced captive white-crowned sparrows to enter into the migratory condition by placing photosensitive birds on long days (16L:8D) and then evaluated birds for plasma corticosterone and locomotor activity during four time points of the day. Patterns found in long-day birds were compared to those observed in short-day controls (8L:16D). Differences in energy metabolism as determined from plasma metabolites were also evaluated. We found that locomotor activity and corticosterone were significantly elevated at the onset of the dark period, but only in long-day birds. Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (a ketone body) was also elevated. Thus, findings suggest that plasma corticosterone and ketogenesis increase in association with migratory restlessness in a short-bout migrant. In fact, corticosterone may play a regulatory role, because it shows a trend to increase already before night-time activity.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Elevated expression of urokinase-like plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 during the vascular remodeling associated with pulmonary thromboembolism.

Information is lacking on the mechanisms involved in the organization, resolution, and repair of the vascular lumen after acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Because recent data suggest that the balance between plasminogen activators (PAs) and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) plays a role in regulating cell migration within the extracellular matrix, we investigated the expression of these molecules by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analysis of pulmonary artery specimens from patients suffering fatal pulmonary embolism. The data were compared with the expression of these molecules in both patients' noninvolved pulmonary arteries and organ donor pulmonary arteries. Regions of initial organization and vascular remodeling were identified by a modified trichrome stain and by the presence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a cell marker of proliferation. Staining for tissue-type PA antigen was low to undetectable in endothelial cells directly in contact with the fibrin-platelet thromboembolus and in areas in which the endothelial cell lining was replaced by cell growth into the thrombus. Urokinase-like PA (u-PA) expression was detected in mononuclear cells within the thrombus in the initial phase of thromboembolism and within cells migrating into the thrombus during the later stages of organization. PAI-1 expression was elevated in the monolayer of endothelial cells underlying the fresh platelet-fibrin thromboembolus and in a PCNA-positive cell population present between the pulmonary arterial intima and the thromboembolus that represents early organization. Increased expression of PAI-1 may play a role in inhibiting proteolysis and fostering the localization of the acute fibrin-platelet thrombus to the vascular wall, which is followed by the upregulation of u-PA in migrating cells during the reorganization process.

Adolescent↗

Elevated endothelial microparticle-monocyte complexes induced by multiple sclerosis plasma and the inhibitory effects of interferon-beta 1b on release of endothelial microparticles, formation and transendothelial migration of monocyte-endothelial microparticle complexes.

Monocyte migration through the disrupted cerebral endothelial cell (EC) junctions plays an essential role in formation of multiple sclerosis (MS) demyelinating lesions. During pathogenesis of MS, activated ECs release endothelial microparticles (EMP), which possibly facilitate transendothelial migration (TEMIG) of monocytes. To assess functional roles of EMP in MS, specifically, their (i) interaction with monocytes, (ii) effect on monocyte TEMIG in an in vitro model of the brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC), (iii) phenotypic profiles of EMP elicited by MS plasma and (iv) the effects of IFN-beta 1b on release of EMP and on TEMIG of monocytes (mono) and monocytes:EMP complexes (mono:EMP) through the BMVEC. The effect of IFN-beta 1b on the release of EMP and the TEMIG of mono and mono:EMP was assessed by preincubating BMVEC cultures of IFN-beta 1b prior to addition of plasma. Three EMP phenotypes, CD54, CD62E and CD31 were assayed. Plasma specimens from 20 patients with relapsing remitting MS (11 in exacerbation, MS-E, and 9 in remission, ME-R) and 10 healthy controls were studied. Incubation of BMVEC with MS-E plasma yielded elevated levels of EMPCD54, EMP62E and EMPCD31 relative to MS-R and control plasmas. MS-E but not MS-R or control plasma also augmented TEMIG of monocytes, respectively. Mono:EMP complexes further augmented TEMIG relative to mono alone, but only in the presence of MS-E plasma; there was no significant effect with MS-R or control plasmas. The presence of IFN-beta 1b inhibited TEMIG of mono and mono:EMP by 20% and 30%, respectively. MS-E but not MS-R plasma elicited release of activation-derived EMP and enhanced TEMIG of mono and mono:EMP. IFN-beta 1b inhibited TEMIG and release of EMP, suggesting a role of EMP and a novel therapeutic mechanism for IFN-beta 1b in MS.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Urokinase production by embryonic endocardial-derived cells: regulation by substrate composition.

Early events in cardiovascular morphogenesis are characterized by cell migrations and extensive tissue remodeling. We are interested in the role played by the extracellular serine protease urokinase in these events. Elevated urokinase activity and mRNA levels have been shown to be associated with the onset of ventricular trabeculation and mesenchymal cell migration in the endocardial cushion tissues of the atrioventricular canal and the outflow tract of the quail embryo. In this study, urokinase production by isolated endocardial-derived cells was found to be affected by the composition of the matrix to which the cells were exposed. Interaction of cells with a 45-kDa gelatin-binding fragment of fibronectin upregulated the production of urokinase by nearly threefold. This increase in urokinase activity had profound influences on cell motility and spreading.

Animals↗

Characterization of the cellular responses of the pulmonary and hepatic phases of primary murine Schistosoma mansoni infections.

Lymphocytes from the mediastinal lymph nodes (draining the pulmonary phase of the infection), the hepatic lymph nodes (draining the hepatic phase of the infection), and the spleen of C57BL/6 mice exposed to Schistosoma mansoni were characterized relative to their capacity to interact with a soluble immunogen prepared from the adult worm (SWI). B or T RFC (rosette forming cells), RAFC (rosette-antibody forming cells), and PFC (plaque forming cells) were assayed. The RFC responses of the mediastinal and hepatic nodes were predominantly B cell in character and were maximal at that period which corresponded to the anatomic exposure which would be predicted from the migratory pattern of the parasite. High levels of T RFC and predominantly IgM B-responsive cells were generated in the mediastinal nodes during the presence of the schistosomulum in the lung parenchyma. Immunoglobulin-responsive (IgM greater than IgG greater than IgE) B cells were initially detected in the hepatic nodes during the lung-to-liver migration of the schistosomulum and its maturation to the adult form. However, elevated levels of T RFC and IgG greater than IgM greater than or equal to IgE-responsive B cells were maximally present in the hepatic nodes during optimal egg production and egg-induced granuloma formation in the liver. In contrast to the responses of the lymph nodes, the splenic responses were predominantly T cell in nature for the first 8 weeks of infection. Splenic lymphocytes expressed a biphasic response, the first represented by T RFC and IgM-responsive B cells and coincided with the migration of the schistosomulum out of the lung and the second was also represented by T RFC but with predominance of IgG-responsive B cells and correlated with the production of eggs and maximal granuloma formation at the hepatic level.

Animals↗

Cellular and humoral responses in coeliac disease. 2. Protein extracts from different cereals.

The humoral and cellular immune responses to grain protein extracts from coeliac-toxic and non-toxic cereals were compared by use of a number of ELISA and immunoblotting methods and the indirect leucocyte migration inhibition factor (LMIF) assay. Both adult and child coeliacs had elevated levels of serum antibody to proteins from the coeliac-toxic cereals, namely bread wheat, durum wheat, rye and barley and low levels of proteins from other cereals. Using protein blotting techniques, antibody binding was greatest to gliadins/low mol mass glutenin subunits and homologous prolamins from rye and barley, consistent with the ELISA findings. Competition ELISA and preabsorption tests indicated that antibody reaction to maize storage proteins did not simply result from cross-reaction of antigliadin antibodies. In LMIF assays, only the wheat extracts had activity in coeliac patients. This is most likely partly due to loss of some of T-cell epitopes from the extraction technique required for these proteins, as well as the relatively small effects seen for even very active fractions in the LMIF assay.

Adult↗

Season and migration alters the corticosterone response to capture and handling in an Arctic migrant, the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii).

The Gambel's race of white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) migrates each year from their wintering grounds in the Southwestern United States to the Arctic to breed. Associated with this migration is a change in both the nonstressed and the stress-induced levels of circulating plasma corticosterone. Birds were captured at two sites on their wintering grounds (New Mexico and Arizona). Although stress-induced corticosterone levels were elevated at each site compared to nonstressed levels, there were no differences between wintering sites. These were also similar to levels in birds caught in Washington state during fall migration. In contrast, nonstressed corticosterone values were greatly elevated in birds on their breeding grounds in Alaska and similar to stress-induced levels in wintering birds. Corticosterone levels rose even further in response to the stress of capture and handling in breeding birds. These augmented corticosterone levels during breeding were not associated with weather. Both nonstressed and stress-induced corticosterone levels were similar in birds caught on their breeding grounds on two different years, one with temperatures during mid-May of approximately 0 degree C during a snow storm and the other with temperatures in the mid-20s. These results suggest that seasonal physiological changes, and not local conditions, underlie seasonal changes in corticosterone levels. Furthermore, birds caught in Washington state during spring migration had intermediate levels of both nonstressed and stress-induced corticosterone. Corticosterone release may function differently during spring and fall migrations.

Adipose Tissue↗