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Enhancement of antitumor immunity against B16 melanoma tumor using genetically modified dendritic cells to produce cytokines.

Dendritic cells (DC) that have been genetically modified to express cytokine genes may be novel tools for inducing antitumor immune responses. In the present study, the pMX retroviral vector was modified to express the mouse IL-2 (mIL-2pMX) and mouse IL-12 (mIL-12pMX) genes. Supernatants from 293 cells transfected with pMX retroviral vectors were harvested and used to transduce mouse lin- bone marrow (BM) progenitor cells. After 48 h co-culture with pseudotype retrovirus, BM cells were cultured for 12 days in the presence of mGM-CSF, mSCF and mTNF-alpha to obtain a DC-enriched fraction. Flow cytometric analysis showed that GFP protein expression in these cultures was 20-40% and that 40-50% of the cultured BM cells were positive for the DC marker, DEC205. About 60% of cells sorted for DEC205 also expressed GFP. The supernatants of DC-mIL-2 and DC-mIL-12 cultured for 48 h contained 5.2 +/- 0.15 and 33.9 +/- 2.6 ng cytokine protein per milliliter, respectively. Intratumoral injection of DC-mIL-2 or DC-mIL-12 on days 8 and 15 after the intradermal injection of 1 x 105 B16F10 cells, resulted in a significant reduction in tumor size by day 21, as compared with mice treated with unmodified DC or DC-GFP. Longer term analysis as assessed at day 42 revealed that B16 tumor-bearing mice treated with cytokine gene-modified DC survived significantly longer than mice from other groups. Spleen cells obtained from DC-treated mice were specifically sensitized for the generation of CTL by subsequent restimulation with gene-modified DC. These results suggested that DC genetically modified to express IL-2 or IL-12 can induce potent antitumor responses against well-established, poorly immunogenic B16F10 tumors. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 2113-2121.

Animals↗

Detection of Loxosceles species venom in dermal lesions: a comparison of 4 venom recovery methods.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Loxosceles species spider envenomations may produce necrotic, disfiguring dermal inflammatory lesions resembling neutrophilic dermatoses. With definitive treatment options lacking, clinicians are reluctant to obtain invasive biopsy specimens for diagnostic analysis. We compared less invasive venom collection methods and determined the time limit after inoculation for feasible venom recovery in an animal model. METHODS: Nine New Zealand rabbits were randomized to 1 of 3 groups (n=3). Groups 1 and 2 were inoculated intradermally with 3 microg of L reclusa venom at 5 inoculation sites per rabbit. Albumin (3 microg) was injected intradermally in each rabbit as a negative control. Hair (group 1) and aspirate samples (group 2) were collected (1 time per site) over a 1-week period after inoculation. Group 3 was inoculated with 3 microg of Loxosceles species venom on 1 flank and 3 microg of albumin on the opposite flank. Daily serum specimens were collected over a 7-day period. On day 7, dermal punch biopsy specimens were taken from the venom and control inoculation sites. Hair, aspirate, biopsy, and serum specimens were assayed for venom by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A generalized linear model was fit with the generalized estimating equation method to estimate the mean differences between groups. RESULTS: Venom was detected in hair, aspirate, and biopsy specimens on all days of the study period. Hair samples yielded venom recovery on day 1 (median 0.062 ng/100 microL; mean difference 0.054 ng/100 microL; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.048 to 0.059) through day 7 (median 0.020 ng/100 microL; mean difference 0.020 ng/100 microL; 95% CI 0.013 to 0.027). Aspirates were positive for venom recovery on day 1 (median 0.275 ng/100 microL; mean difference 0.231 ng/100 microL; 95% CI 0.192 to 0.271) through day 7 (median 0.0 ng/100 microL; mean difference 0.032 ng/100 microL; 95% CI -0.18 to 0.078). The highest venom yield was from the biopsy specimens (median 1.75 ng/100 microL; mean difference 0.041 ng/100 microL; 95% CI 0.033 to 0.027). Venom was undetectable in all serum samples. CONCLUSION: Loxosceles species venom is detectable in hair, aspirate, and dermal biopsy specimens at least 7 days after venom inoculation and undetectable in serum by using the rabbit model.

Animals↗

Changes in proton relaxation times of the rat spleen during adjuvant-induced immunologic reaction.

Possible changes in magnetic resonance (MR) relaxation times resulting from an immune reaction were evaluated in the rat spleen by means of in vitro proton spectroscopy and an established model of immune disease. Heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum in Freund's adjuvant was injected intradermally into the tail of 28 rats. Ten normal rats served as controls. At different times following the injection of adjuvant (day 7, day 10, day 12, day 14, or day 22), the spleens were removed and weighed, and proton T1 and T2 relaxation times were measured with a 0.25-T spectrometer (10.7 MHz). Water content was also determined. Specimens of each spleen were histologically examined; this included Prussian-blue staining for detection of hemosiderin. In 22 of the 28 adjuvant-injected rats, spleen T1 values increased significantly, from a mean value of 451 msec +/- 23 S.D. (control rats) to a maximum mean value of 571 +/- 15 S.D., which occurred on day 12; this T1 increase paralleled an increase in weight and water content and a histologic appearance of granulomatous inflammation. In these rats, T2 changes were not significant. In the other six adjuvant-injected rats, spleen T2 relaxation time significantly decreased from a mean value of 42 msec +/- 5 S.D. to a mean value of 32 msec +/- 1 S.D. Histologic evaluation indicated that the origin of this T2 decrease was probably the presence of hemosiderin in the spleens of only these six rats. Mean T1 of these spleens decreased slightly, but not significantly.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Potential therapeutic efficacy of allergen-monomethoxypolyethylene glycol conjugates for in vivo inactivation of sensitized mast cells responsible for common allergies and asthma.

Skin sites of rats, which had been systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were injected intradermally with murine anti-DNP IgE mAbs or with murine polyspecific IgE to recombinant Bet v 1. Injection of OVA(mPEG)10-11 conjugates into these skin sites inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) on subsequent intravenous challenge with DNP44-BSA and rBet v 1; by contrast, neither OVA nor an unrelated mPEG conjugate affected the PCA reactions. In dogs sensitized to both OVA and ragweed pollen extract (RAG), inhalation of either allergen (AL) caused a dramatic increase in airway resistance (Rrs). By contrast, administration of an aerosol of OVA(mPEG) caused no change in Rrs. Moreover, thereafter, (1) in spite of repeated challenges with aerosolized OVA over many months, the increase in Rrs on inhalation of OVA was blocked and (2) insufflation of RAG resulted in increase in Rrs of only about 50% in relation to that prior to inhalation of the conjugate; this dog's anti-RAG hyperreactivity remained blunted over many months. It is concluded that AL-mPEG conjugates of optimal composition inactivate sensitized mast cells and basophils, as manifested by a significant decrease of cutaneous or airway responses on subsequent challenge with the respective AL(s).

Allergens↗

The assessment of vasoactive properties of CGRP and adrenomedullin in the microvasculature: a study using in vivo and in vitro assays in the mouse.

The potent neuropeptide vasodilator, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and the vasoactive peptide adrenomedullin (AM) are structurally related. Evidence from our laboratory has demonstrated that these peptides have potent microvascular actions of relevance to cardiovascular and inflammatory effects in health and disease. We wish to further investigate the actions of these peptides through studies in genetically modified mice. We have developed techniques to enable the quantitative analysis of CGRP and AM responses in the mouse microvasculature. A mouse isolated mesentery system was developed that measures changes in perfusion pressure used as an index of microvascular relaxation in the precontracted mesenteric microvascular bed. Bolus injections of CGRP and AM caused dose-dependent decreases in perfusion pressure that were proportional to vascular relaxation. An in vivo mouse skin assay was also used in which agents were injected intradermally into the dorsal skin. The effects of these agents was assessed by the extravascular accumulation of intravenously injected 125I-albumin for their ability to potentiate plasma extravasation induced by a mediator of increased microvascular permeability. CGRP and AM are not directly active in this assay, because it does not directly measure blood flow. However, the vasodilators acted in a potent and dose-dependent manner to significantly potentiate edema formation. The results demonstrate the potent activity of CGRP and the activity (although 100- to 300-fold less potent) of AM. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the increased potency of CGRP in the microvasculature when compared with the structurally distinct peptide VIP and PGE1.

Adrenomedullin↗

Transplanted mesenchymal stem cells are effective for skin regeneration in acute cutaneous wounds.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the capacity for site-specific differentiation of cell types in response to cues provided by different organs. This phenomenon suggests that MSCs participate in cutaneous wound regeneration. However, there are no prior reports on the influence of the local application of MSCs on cutaneous wound regeneration. To examine the effects of MSCs on wound regeneration, we cultured bone marrow cells of the femur of rats and treated the plastic adherent cells with a differentiation medium to induce differentiation. After treatment, we found that the bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells possessed myogenesis, chondrogenesis, and adipogenesis capabilities, indicating that these cells are MSCs. The bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells were injected intradermally into the skin of rats, and linear full-thickness incisional wounds were made immediately through the injected area. At 14 days after operation, wounds transplanted with bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells had healed with very fine scars. Collagen architecture was thick and appeared to be similar to normal dermis. Histomorphologic scale analysis demonstrated significant differences between the control and the wounds transplanted with bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells. These results indicate that transplanted MSCs can respond quite normally to wound healing and regenerate dermal structure.

Acute Disease↗

Dynamic sentinel node biopsy for penile cancer: reliability of a staging technique.

PURPOSE: We determine the value of dynamic sentinel node biopsy for staging squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients with clinically node negative penile cancer were prospectively entered in this study. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed after intradermal injection of 99mtechnetium nanocolloid around the primary tumor. The sentinel node was intraoperatively identified with the aid of intradermal administered patent blue dye and a gamma ray detection probe. Histopathological examination of sentinel nodes included serial sectioning and immunohistochemical staining. Regional lymph node dissection was performed only if metastasis was found in a sentinel node. Median followup was 36 months (range 5 to 95). RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy visualized 217 sentinel nodes in 159 inguinal regions of 88 patients. A total of 208 sentinel nodes were intraoperatively identified in 149 inguinal regions of 88 patients. Sentinel node metastasis was found in 19 inguinal regions of 18 patients. Four of 8 patients with unilateral clinical stage N1 disease had a tumor positive sentinel node on the opposite site. Regional recurrence after excision of a tumor negative sentinel node or after nonvisualization was seen in 5 patients, resulting in a false-negative rate of 22% (5 of 23). The 3-year disease specific survival was 98% and 71% for patients with a tumor negative or tumor positive sentinel node, respectively (p = 0.0018). CONCLUSIONS: Occult lymph node metastases in penile cancer can be detected with a sensitivity of about 80% by dynamic sentinel node biopsy, including preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, vital dye and a gamma ray detection probe.

Adult↗

The importance of glycerin-containing negative control tests in allergy research studies that use intradermal skin tests.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess skin whealing with glycerin-containing control injections for intradermal skin tests. DESIGN: Observational. METHODS: Wheal sizes were measured at 0, 10, and 15 minutes after intradermal injection of 0.01 and 0.02 mL of phenolated normal saline and 0.5% and 5% concentrations of glycerin in the same quantity of phenolated saline. RESULTS: Intradermal injection of 0.01 mL of phenolated saline produced an average 4.9-mm wheal, which expanded to 5.2 mm at 10 minutes and to 6.0 mm at 15 minutes. Intradermal injection of 0.02 mL of phenolated saline produced a 6.4-mm wheal, which expanded to 7.0 mm at 10 minutes and 8.0 mm at 15 minutes. The addition of glycerin produced proportionally larger wheals. CONCLUSIONS: Because glycerin increases whealing beyond that with phenolated saline, skin tests containing glycerin must be compared with glycerin-containing negative controls. Intradermal skin tests that fail to compare findings in this manner contain an inherent methodologic flaw and are uninterpretable.

Bias↗

Humoral antibody responses to biannual multiantigen vaccination: report of a field trial on children in Sudan.

One hundred and sixty-six children aged 3-30/12 were enrolled in this study. Initially all children were given a single injection containing live measles vaccine, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, inactivated polio vaccine and meningococcal, A & C polysaccharide, plus an intradermal injection of BCG. In a second visit 6 months later each child was tuberculin tested and given a second dose of all the above vaccines with the exception of BCG. Blood samples were obtained before and 1 month after each vaccination. Following the second dose there was satisfactory seroconversion for all the vaccines. Tuberculin positivity rose from 5.4% before BCG vaccination to 94.4% 6 months after its administration. It is concluded that it is safe and effective to give these antigens simultaneously and that this particular schedule lends itself for use with nomadic and other unaccessible groups of population.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Sustained in vivo gene delivery from agarose hydrogel prolongs nonviral gene expression in skin.

Prolonging gene expression in skin using safe, nonviral gene delivery techniques could impact skin regeneration and wound healing, decrease infection, and potentially improve the success of tissue-engineered skin. To this end, an injectable, agarose-based delivery system was tested and shown to prolong nonviral gene expression in the skin. DNA was compacted with polylysine to improve DNA stability in the presence of nucleases. Up to 25 microg of compacted luciferase plasmid with or without agarose hydrogel was injected intradermally in rodents. Bioluminescence imaging was used for longitudinal, noninvasive monitoring of gene expression in vivo for 35 days. Injections of DNA in solution produced gene expression for only 5-7 days, whereas the sustained release of compacted DNA from the agarose system prolonged expression, with more than 500 pg (20% of day 1 levels) of luciferase per site for at least 35 days. Southern blotting confirmed that the agarose system extended DNA retention, with significant plasmid present through day 7, as compared with DNA in solution, which had detectable DNA only on day 1. Histology revealed that agarose invoked a wound-healing response through day 14. Tissue-engineering and wound-healing applications may benefit from the agarose gene delivery system.

Absorbable Implants↗

Nitric oxide and human skin blood flow responses to acetylcholine and ultraviolet light.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent endogenous vasodilator of large blood vessels but its role in the physiological and pathological control of the human microcirculation is not known. This study was designed to assess whether NO contributes to the control of blood flow in the human skin microcirculation in vivo. Local changes in blood flow were measured in the forearm skin microcirculation of normal volunteers. The responses to agents injected intradermally were assessed with a laser Doppler flow probe. NO was generated in local areas of skin by the injection of the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside. Endogenous NO was generated by the injection of acetylcholine and the exposure of skin to ultraviolet light (UVB) to stimulate the constitutive and inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), respectively. The skin microvasculature was comparatively insensitive to exogenous NO derived from the NO donor sodium nitroprusside, being 10,000-fold more sensitive to the vasodilator prostaglandin PGE2 (P < 0.001). However, the rapid onset, dose-dependent local vasodilation caused by acetylcholine was blocked by the NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, L-NMMA (P < 0.05), but not by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. The delayed local blood flow response to UVB was attenuated by either L-NMMA or indomethacin (P < 0.05 in each case). The UVB response was abolished by a combination of L-NMMA and indomethacin or by local, topical corticosteroid treatment (P < 0.01 in each case). This study indicates that NO increases blood flow in the human microcirculation in vivo. NOS inhibition attenuated both the rapid blood flow response to acetylcholine and the delayed response to UVB. Both NOS and cyclooxygenase contributed to the erythema response to UVB, and dual inhibition of both enzymes would explain the mechanism of action of the corticosteroid in this model of inflammation.

Acetylcholine↗

Anti-inflammatory property of 401 (MCD-peptide), a peptide from the venom of the bee Apis mellifera (L.).

1 Peptide 401, a potent mast cell degranulating factor from bee venom, substantially inhibited the oedema provoked by subplantar injection of carrageenin or intra-articular injection of turpentine in the rat. The ED(50) of 401 was c. 0.1 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by measurement of the increased (125)I-albumin content of an injected site in comparison with an uninjected contralateral site.2 Peptide 401 also suppressed the increased vascular permeability due to intradermal injection of various smooth muscle spasmogens (histamine, bradykinin, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and prostaglandins).3 Other comparable mast cell degranulating agents (48/80 and melittin) showed little evidence of anti-inflammatory activity when tested at comparable dosage on turpentine arthritis and carrageenin oedema.4 The anti-inflammatory effects were not abolished by pretreatment with mepyramine and methysergide, which abolished the increased vascular permeability produced by local injection of 401.5 The anti-inflammatory action of 401 was not affected by regional denervation or pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine, and was reduced but not abolished by adrenalectomy.6 Measurement of skin temperature, fractional extraction of (86)Rb and blood flow in perfused mesentery gave no evidence that the anti-inflammatory action of 401 was due to reduced tissue perfusion.7 It is concluded that 401 may exert its anti-inflammatory action directly by making the vascular endothelium anergic to phlogistic stimuli.

Adrenalectomy↗

Immune responses to colophony, an agent causing occupational asthma.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation of fumes from heated colophony (pine resin) is a recognised cause of occupational asthma, although the mechanisms by which colophony produces symptoms are unclear and specific immune responses to colophony have not been reported in sensitised workers. A study was carried out to determine whether colophony is antigenic. METHODS: The immune responses to colophony were studied in C57BL/6 mice and Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs after intraperitoneal injection of colophony conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) or human IgG by a mixed anhydride procedure. Colophony and dinitrofluorobenzene were also compared in an assay of dermal sensitisation. RESULTS: Mice immunised with the colophony conjugates produced antibodies which recognised conjugates of both BSA and human IgG irrespective of which had been used as the immunogen. Solutions of unconjugated colophony inhibited the binding of antibodies to the BSA-colophony and BSA-abietic acid conjugates, confirming that the antibodies recognised one or more components in the colophony. Portuguese colophony also abrogated the antigen binding of serum from guinea pigs immunised with the BSA-colophony conjugate. Spleen cells from immunised mice proliferated in the presence of the conjugates. Although there was some cross reactivity in these responses, it was not as marked as in the antibody assays. Unconjugated colophony failed to induce an immune response when injected intraperitoneally with adjuvant. Skin sensitisation could not be induced in mice by topical application, or by subcutaneous or intradermal injection of unconjugated colophony. CONCLUSIONS: Colophony components have the potential to act as haptens and an immune component could be involved in the pathogenesis of occupational asthma in workers exposed to colophony. Colophony is not readily immunogenic unless conjugated ex vivo to proteins.

Animals↗

Biocompatibility of EDTA, EGTA and citric acid.

This in vivo study evaluated, through the physicochemical assay method for quantification of enhanced vascular permeability, the irritating potential of EDTA, EGTA, citric acid and saline. Thirty-two male Wister rats were anesthetized and four experimental sites were demarcated on their backs. Injections of 2% Evans blue (20 mg/kg) were administered intravenously into the lateral caudal vein. The test solutions were immediately injected intradermally (0.01 mL) into the experimental sites. The animals were killed 30 min, 1, 3 and 6 h after injection of the solutions and each piece of skin was submerged in formamide and incubated at 45 masculineC for 72 h. After filtration, the optical density was measured in a spectrophotometer and the total amount of dye extracted from the samples was calculated by means of a standard calibration curve. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Compared to control, EDTA had the greatest volume of dye followed by EGTA and citric acid, for all time periods. There were statistically significant differences between all solutions (p<0.01). Considering the periods assessed, a significant difference was observed between the 3- and 6-h groups (p<0.05), but not between the 30-min and 1-h groups. Among the organic acids evaluated in this study, citric acid yielded the lowest amount of extracted dye. This indicates that the citric acid was the least irritating solution.

Animals↗

Sequential patterns of inflammatory events during developing and expressed skin late-phase reactions.

BACKGROUND: Although there has been much study of the histologic features of the late-phase reactions (LPR) seen 6 to 24 hours after intradermal injection of allergens, much less is known about the events occurring during development of such LPR. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare sequential gross and histologic inflammatory responses during developing skin LPR within 6 hours after challenge. METHODS: Gross reactions were measured and biopsy specimens obtained at 20 minutes and 1, 2, and 6 hours after intradermal allergen (Ag) and buffer diluent control (B) injections in 7 atopic subjects with known immediate and LPR. Inflammatory cell responses were compared, as detected by immunohistochemistry in Ag and B sites. These findings were then compared with those at 24 hours. RESULTS: Gross LPR evolved without a hiatus from the immediate wheal responses over the next 6 hours (P =.04 vs that in B sites) and then decreased by 24 hours. Prominent PMN accumulation started by 20 minutes, peaking at 1 hour (P <.01). Eosinophil accumulation was significant, starting at 1 hour (P <.001) and peaking at 6 hours (P < .001). Many eosinophils were activated (EG(2)(+)). T-cell accumulation started at 2 hours (P =.01) and was most prominent at 24 hours. The frequency of vessels expressing E-selectin increased at 1 hour (P <.005), correlating with the degree of local PMN accumulation. The frequency of vessels expressing vascular cell adhesion molecules started increasing at 6 hours (P = .02), well after eosinophil accumulation was prominent. CONCLUSIONS: Skin LPR is characterized by evolution of a gross indurated reaction from the immediate whealing response over the first 6 hours after intradermal Ag challenge, with an early accumulation of PMN and eosinophils, not directly attributable to lymphocyte entry or vascular cell adhesion molecule expression. Likely, multiple other factors may also play roles in the complex pathogenesis of LPR.

Adult↗

Studies on the generalized Shwartzman reaction. IV. Prevention of the local and generalized Shwartzman reactions with heparin.

In order to explore the hypothesis that the occurrence of thrombosis of small blood vessels is an essential stage in the development of the local and generalized Shwartzman reactions, the effect of heparin was studied. Aqueous heparin, administered intravenously, and "depot" heparin, injected subcutaneously, prevented completely the occurrence of the local and generalized Shwartzman phenomena. The amounts of heparin required for protection were similar to the amounts required to produce sustained incoagulability of the blood of rabbits for a period of at least 4 hours. The local and generalized Shwartzman reactions were prevented when heparin was given at the time of provocation, but not when heparin was administered during the period of preparation. Heparin prevented the development of bilateral cortical necrosis of the kidneys following a single intravenous injection of meningococcal toxin in rabbits previously treated with cortisone or thorotrast. Hemorrhagic necrosis of the skin which follows an intradermal injection of toxin in thorotrast-treated rabbits was also prevented by heparin. Provocation of the dermal Shwartzman reaction with glycogen, saline suspension of rabbit liver, and human serum was prevented by treatment with heparin. Heparin itself, in the preparations and dosages used, had no consistent effect on either white blood cell or platelet counts. Heparin had no effect on the occurrence of polymorphonuclear leukopenia which follows an intravenous injection of meningococcal toxin. Treatment with heparin did not interfere with the lethal effect of single, large doses of meningococcus toxin. In animals in which bilateral cortical necrosis of the kidneys was prevented by heparin, occlusion of the glomerular capillaries by "fibrinoid" material did not occur. These observations support the concept that vascular occlusion plays an essential role in the development of the local and generalized Shwartzman reactions.

Animals↗

Allergen-sensitive atopic dermatitis is improved by injections of allergen combined with F(ab')2 fragments of specific antibodies.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) can be provoked by exposure to airborne allergens. We have previously shown that patients hypersensitive to D. pteronyssinus (Dpt) allergens were improved by administration of complexes composed of specific antibodies and allergen, which reduce the allergen-specific immune response. We now report that similar results can be achieved by using F(ab')2 fragments of specific antibodies instead of whole antibody molecules. Eight adult patients with severe AD were included in a single-blind study. During the first 11 months patients were maintained on injections of carrier buffer alone, in an effort to evaluate the extent of spontaneous improvement. They were then treated with intradermal injections of allergen-F(ab')2 complexes made from autologous specific antibodies and Dpt allergens. The majority of the patients improved spontaneously during the summer months, with an average 30% reduction of symptoms. However, a much more pronounced improvement was observed after 3 months on active therapy, corresponding to a cumulative amount of 60 micrograms F(ab')2 and 15 micrograms allergens. The patients continued to improve over the next 5 months, showing an average 83% reduction of severity scores. The use of F(ab')2 antibody fragments reduces the risk of inducing an anti-allotypic immune response, and raises the possibility of adding adjuvants to allergen-antibody complexes and/or using specific antibodies isolated from pooled gammaglobulins.

Adult↗

Discussion paper: effect of supernatants from long-term lymphoid cell lines on metastatic cutaneous tumors following local injection.

A fraction with lymphokine properties was isolated from supernatant medium of the continuous cultured human lymphoblast cell line, 1788. Culture medium containing 2% human serum was used for cell growth in order to minimize antigenicity of supernatant fractions isolated from the medium. The culture medium was passed through an Amicon XM-100 membrane, concentrated over a PM-10 membrane, lyophilized, and reconstituted to a final concentration of approximately 40:1. Studies in vivo and in vitro showed that the active fraction contained skin reactive factor (when injected intradermally into guinea pigs and humans), lymphotoxin, migration inhibition factor, chemotactic factor, and macrophage activation factor. This same preparation, when injected intralesionally into cutaneous tumors, induced an inflammatory reaction followed by tumor regression. The fraction confined between membranes of pore size 10,000-100,000 daltons was active in promoting tumor regression, while the fraction less than 10,000 daltons was inactive. Patients with skin lesions from metastatic carcinoma of the breast and other malignancies were studied, and 16 out of 30 treated lesions were judged to have undergone either complete or greater than 50% regression. Of these, 8 were biopsied before and after lymphokine injection, and 6 out of 9 were negative for tumor cells. Additional studies in vitro with material fractionated on Sephadex G-200 indicated that the macrophage-activating component binds to alpha-2 macroglobulin in the culture medium.

Acid Phosphatase↗