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Neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nerve terminal are powerful chemoattractants for monocytes.

Macrophages in lymphoid organs are in close contact to nerve terminals of the sympathetic nervous system. Hence, these cells could be targets of neuronal modulation. We studied sympathetic neurotransmitters as chemoattractants enabling the aggregation of macrophages and nerve terminals. Norepinephrine (NE), neuropeptide Y (NPY), isoproterenol (beta-adrenergic), p-aminoclonidine (alpha2-adrenergic), methoxamine (alpha1-adrenergic), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to study human monocyte and macrophage migration in 48-well Boyden chambers. NE stimulated chemotaxis of monocytes and macrophages at an optimal concentration of 10-(10) M (P < 0.025). Isoproterenol, but not p-aminoclonidine or methoxamine, induced chemotaxis of monocytes (10(-10) M, P < 0.05). In these studies, elevation of cAMP is a critical step in NE-induced chemotaxis of monocytes. NPY (10(-11) M, P < 0.05) stimulated monocyte chemotaxis as well. ATP at 10(-4) and 10(-5) M stimulated undirected cell mobility (P < 0.05). All tested neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nerve terminal were potent chemoattractants. These findings may explain the close association of nerves and macrophages in tissue and lymphoid organs and may thus be of functional relevance in neuroimmunomodulation.

Chemotactic Factors↗

Rabbit retinal organ culture as an in-vitro model of hepatic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: In patients with liver insufficiency the blood ammonia concentration is elevated, which induces structural and functional retinal alterations referred to as "hepatic retinopathy". The fact that some of these alterations are reversible after timely liver transplantation rationalizes therapeutic/preventive approaches to maintain the retina before a donor organ is available. Here, we describe further elaboration and characterization of our retinal organ culture model. METHODS: Retinal pieces of neonatal rabbits were explanted and cultured for up to 22 days. After 7 days in vitro (DIV7), some of the cultures were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, or 7.0 mM ammonia for varying periods of time and then studied by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Untreated (control) cultures underwent several changes during prolonged culturing; these included increased expression of GFAP and of Bcl-2, and decreased levels of glutamine synthetase, in Müller (glial) cells. However, the retinal layering remained intact and even some retinal ganglion cells survived although their axons had been cut. Exposure to elevated levels of ammonia caused morphologic alterations in the explants compatible with those noted in hepatic retinopathy in vivo. Specifically, we observed neuronal cellular degeneration with destruction of retinal layers and formation of rosettes, as well as decreased expression of intermediate filament proteins, migration of cell nuclei, cell swelling, and up-regulation of glutamine synthetase immunoreactivity in (some) Müller cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the organ culture model may be a useful tool for detailed studies on the cellular and subcellular mechanisms underlying hepatic retinopathy and for in vitro testing of measures to alleviate HR symptoms.

Ammonia↗

THE IN VITRO DIFFERENTIATION OF MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTES. II. THE INFLUENCE OF SERUM ON GRANULE FORMATION, HYDROLASE PRODUCTION, AND PINOCYTOSIS.

The concentration of newborn calf serum in the medium has marked effects on the morphological and biochemical properties of mouse mononuclear phagocytes. At a low serum concentration, the cells developed small numbers of tiny cytoplasmic granules and little or no increase in acid phosphatase, cathepsin, and beta-glucuronidase. As the serum concentration was raised, granules were formed at a more rapid rate and were larger in size. The rate of production and total amount of three hydrolytic enzymes was increased at higher levels of serum. Observations on living cells indicated that the phase-dense granules which accumulated in the perinuclear region were derived from pinocytic vesicles. These clear vesicles fused and migrated to the centrosphere where they underwent a gradual increase in phase density and reacted positively for acid phosphatase. A microscopic technique was described for the evaluation of the pinocytic process. When this method was employed, the rate of pinocytosis increased curvilinearly with elevations in the calf serum concentration of the medium. The comparative influence of bovine, horse, and rabbit serum on mouse cells was evaluated. It is suggested that pinocytosis is a major regulator of granule formation and hydrolytic enzyme production by the mouse macrophage.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Cellular inflammatory responses in skin of sheep selected for resistance or susceptibility to fleece rot and fly strike.

Leucocyte populations were examined in normal and inflamed skin of sheep bred for resistance (R) or susceptibility (S) to bacterial fleece rot and the common sequela, body strike caused by the dipteran parasite Lucilia cuprina. No differences between R and S lines were found in numbers of neutrophils accumulating in acute inflammatory lesions induced by activated complement, leukotriene B4, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, IL-8 or endotoxin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. T19+ (alpha gamma delta T cell subset) lymphocytes and eosinophils were more prevalent in skin of sheep from the S line whereas IgE+ cells were more prevalent in skin of sheep from the R line. In an unrelated population of sheep, animals with low fleece rot scores had more intense neutrophil migration into inflammatory lesions induced by all the mediators examined than did animals with high fleece rot scores. IgE+ cells were more prevalent in animals with low fleece rot scores, although in contrast to R and S lines, T19+ cells tended to be elevated in this group of animals. The results suggest that defence mechanisms associated with IgE+ cells in skin may play an important role in resistance to fleece rot and fly strike.

Animals↗

Response of microorganisms to an accidental gasoline spillage in an arctic freshwater ecosystem.

The response of microorganisms to an accidental spillage of 55,000 gallons of leaded gasoline into an Arctic freshwater lake was studied. Shifts in microbial populations were detected after the spillage, reflecting the migration pattern of the gasoline, enrichment for hydrocarbon utilizers, and selection for leaded-gasoline-tolerant microorganisms. Ratios of gasoline-tolerant/utilizing heterotrophs to "total" heterotrophs were found to be a sensitive indicator of the degree of hydrocarbon contamination. Respiration rates were elevated in the highly contaminated area, but did not reflect differences between moderately and lightly contaminated areas. Hydrocarbon biodegradation potential experiments showed that indigenous microorganisms could extensively convert hydrocarbons to CO(2). In situ measurement of gasoline degradation showed that, if untreated, sediment samples retained significant amounts of gasoline hydrocarbons including "volatile components" at the time the lake froze for the winter. Nutrient addition and bacterial inoculation resulted in enhanced biodegradative losses, significantly reducing the amount of residual hydrocarbons. Enhanced biodegradation, however, resulted in the appearance of compounds not detected in the gasoline. Since the contaminated lake serves as a drinking water supply, treatment to enhance microbial removal of much of the remaining gasoline still may be advisable.

Alaska↗

Haemoglobin O Padova and falsely low haemoglobin A1c in a patient with type I diabetes.

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in a 20 year old female with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was consistently within the normal range although her daily blood glucose values were > 11.1 mmol/l. HbA1c measured by immunoagglutination and fructosamine was elevated and correlated with the patient's blood glucose values. The HPLC chromatogram showed an additional peak at HbA0. Electrophoresis of haemoglobin on citrate agar gel revealed an abnormal haemoglobin anodal of HbS. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing demonstrated an additional haemoglobin migrating close to HbA2. Amino acid analysis and DNA sequencing revealed an alpha 30 (B11) Glu-->Lys replacement, that is, haemoglobin O Padova. Investigations of two family members without diabetes revealed the same rare haemoglobin variant. This case showed that this silent haemoglobin mutation caused an additional peak and falsely low HbA1c values when measured by HPLC, the gold standard for this evaluation.

Adult↗

In vivo visualization of oxidative changes in microvessels during neutrophil activation.

This study was designed to characterize temporal changes of oxidative metabolism in microvascular endothelium in vivo associated with neutrophil adhesion and diapedesis. The rat mesentery was loaded with dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) diacetate, a hydroperoxide-sensitive fluorescent probe that is trapped within viable cells as a nonfluorescent form and is converted to fluorescent dichlorofluorescein (DCF) by hydroperoxides. The fluorescent light emission was recorded with digital microscopy and its camera response was calibrated by superfusion of the mesentery with known concentrations of hydroperoxides. After rinsing with a precursor-free solution, it was possible to observe both the neutrophil adhesion and fluorescence changes in venular endothelium during superfusion with platelet-activating factor (PAF, 100 nM) by alternately changing light sources. In the PAF-treated animals, DCF fluorescence in the venular wall was markedly elevated concurrent with an increase in the number of adherent neutrophils. An onset of a significant DCF fluorescence was observed as early as 10 min after PAF application. The venular oxidative changes were co-localized with neutrophils adhering to the endothelium or migrating into the interstitium. The oxidative impact in the venular wall superfused with 100 nM PAF for 40 min was equivalent to that induced by the 10-min superfusion of 0.8 mM of tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Pretreatment with dipyridyl, an iron chelator, or dimethylthiourea, a hydroxyl radical scavenger, significantly attenuated the PAF-induced oxidative changes in the venule but had little effect on neutrophil adhesion. These findings suggest that an endothelial cell-dependent mechanism involving an iron-catalyzed reaction may have a role in enhancement of neutrophil-mediated oxidative stress in venular endothelium.

2,2'-Dipyridyl↗

Preprocedural level of soluble CD40L is predictive of enhanced inflammatory response and restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a pathogenic role in the development of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). CD40-CD40L interaction is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; however, its role in the pathophysiology of restenosis is still unclear. We tested the hypothesis that soluble CD40L (sCD40L) may be involved in the process of restenosis and that it exerts its effect by triggering a complex group of inflammatory reactions on endothelial and mononuclear cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 70 patients who underwent PTCA and who had repeated angiograms at 6-month follow-up. Plasma sCD40L was measured before and 1, 5, 15, and 180 days after PTCA, whereas plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were measured before and 24 hours after PTCA. Furthermore, the release of adhesion molecules and MCP-1 and the ability to repair an injury in endothelial cells, as well as the generation of O2- in monocytes, were analyzed in vitro after stimulation with serum from patients or healthy control subjects. Restenosis occurred in 18 patients (26%). Restenotic patients had preprocedural sCD40L significantly higher than patients with favorable outcomes (2.13+/-0.3 versus 0.87+/-0.12 ng/mL, P<0.0001). Elevated sCD40L at baseline was significantly correlated with adhesion molecules and MCP-1 generation after PTCA and with lumen loss at 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, high sCD40L was directly associated in vitro with adhesion molecules and MCP-1 generation and impaired migration in endothelial cells and with enhanced O2- generation in monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that increased sCD40L is associated with late restenosis after PTCA. This may provide an important biochemical link between restenosis and aspirin-insensitive platelet activation. These results provide a rationale for studies with new antiplatelet treatments in patients who underwent PTCA.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Heterogeneity of human growth hormone and prolactin secreted in vitro: Immunoassay and radioreceptor assay correlations.

Gel filtration of sera and of in vitro pituitary incubation media from a normal subject and from subjects with pituitary tumors or physiologically elevated growth hormone (hGH) and/or prolactin (hPRL) levels, has been performed. Heterogeneous immunoreactive forms of both hormones with comparable elution profiles in sera and in in vitro incubation media were identified. In each instance the most retarded component ('little hPRL' and 'little hGH') migrated identically with the respective radioiodinated pituitary standard and constituted the major component identified. Several components of intermediate mobility were identified and characterized as 'big hPRL', 'big hGH,' and 'big big hGH'. In addition, a void volume immunoreactive peak was often identified. No interconversion was demonstrated on refiltration of prolactin tumor sera or normal pituitary incubation media. Radioreceptor activity utilizing pregnant rabbit liver membranes for hGH and rabbit mammary membranes for hPRL indicates comparable immunologic and receptor activity in all forms identified following gel filtration of prolactin tumor sera (for hPRL) and normal pituitary incubation media (for hGH). Only for the larger species of HGH, identified by gel filtration of clinical grade hGH, was diminished receptor activity demonstrated. These data suggest that the human pituitary synthesizes and secretes protein hormones of different molecular size according to gel filtration elution volume profiles but with comparable receptor and immunologic assay reactivity. These results support but do not establish the proposal that pituitary hormones are also secreted as prohormones.

Growth Hormone↗

Molecular forms of serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding proteins in man: relationships with growth hormone and IGFs and physiological significance.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II are associated in the blood with specific binding proteins (BPs), forming complexes that elute in gel filtration with estimated mol wt around 40 and 150 kD. The latter appears to be under GH control. Five molecular forms of BP (41.5, 38.5, 34, 30, and 24 kD) have been identified by Western blotting using 125I-labeled IGF. All five forms are present in the smaller complexes, but only the 41.5- and 38.5-kD forms are found in the larger complexes. In this study immunoblotting showed that the 41.5- and 38.5-kD forms were recognized by antibodies directed against the GH-dependent BP purified from human plasma, and the 30-kD form was recognized by antibodies directed against the BP purified from amniotic fluid. The 34- and 24-kD forms proved to be immunologically unrelated to the other three. In sera with large quantities of the 41.5- and 38.5-kD forms, an additional band was often observed immediately ahead of the migration front of the 30 kD band. This was recognized by the anti-GH-dependent BP antibody and probably corresponds to a degradation product of the 41.5- and 38.5-kD BPs. Serum 41.5- and 38.5-kD BPs have been found to be elevated in acromegaly, where GH hypersecretion causes increased IGF-I levels, and diminished in cases of genetic or idiopathic GH deficiency and defects of the GH receptor (Laron's syndrome), where both IGF-I and IGF-II are decreased, as well as in Pygmy adults and children who have isolated IGF-I deficiency. In all of these conditions, the proportions of the 34- and 30-kD forms were inversely related to those of the 41.5- and 38.5-forms. Under treatment, the BP profiles tended to return to normal. In cases of GH deficiency caused by a tumor, the BP profiles resembled those of hypopituitary or normal serum, depending on whether IGF levels were diminished or normal. It, therefore, seems that BP synthesis is coordinated with IGF-I synthesis and may not be directly GH dependent. The results of neutral pH gel filtration analysis of hypopituitary (idiopathic and tumoral) and normal sera point to a relationship between the levels of circulating IGFs and those of the 150-kD IGF-BP complex whose binding units are the 41.5- and 38.5-kD BPs. It, therefore, seems that the 150-kD complex controls the bioavailability of IGF-I and IGF-II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acromegaly↗

Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha induces hypercalcemia in adult T-cell leukemia.

UNLABELLED: Hypercalcemia is observed in >80% of ATL. Serum MIP-1alpha levels were elevated in all 24 ATL with hypercalcemia but undetectable in all 10 patients with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy with solid tumors and in 34 of 37 ATL without hypercalcemia. We propose that serum MIP-1alpha is a clinical hallmark for hypercalcemia in ATL. INTRODUCTION: High serum cytokines levels are not always associated with hypercalcemia in patients with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), suggesting that other factors are involved in the pathogenesis of ATL patients with hypercalcemia. This study was designed to determine the role of macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), a chemokine recently described as an osteoclast stimulatory factor, in ATL-associated hypercalcemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured serum interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), and MIP-1alpha levels in ATL patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. FACScan was used to measure the expression of RANKL on ATL cells. Osteoclast formation in cocultures of ATL cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by TRACP staining. RESULTS: High serum MIP-1alpha levels were noted in all 24 ATL patients with hypercalcemia and in 3 of 37 ATL patients without hypercalcemia. The elevated levels of MIP-1alpha and calcium in ATL patients decreased after effective chemotherapy, emphasizing the role of MIP-1alpha in ATL hypercalcemia. ATL cells spontaneously produced MIP-1alpha. MIP-1alpha significantly enhanced human monocyte (precursor cells of osteoclasts) migration and induced RANKL expression on ATL cells. ATL cell-induced osteoclast formation from PBMCs was inhibited by anti-MIP-1alpha antibody and osteoprotegerin. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MIP-1alpha can induce RANKL on ATL cells in autocrine fashion and that RANKL seems to mediate the hypercalcemic effect of MIP-1alpha in ATL. We propose that MIP-1alpha is the clinical hallmark of hypercalcemia in ATL and could be a potentially useful therapeutic target.

Carrier Proteins↗

[The relationship between immunological parameters with etiopathogenesis and clinical course of stroke].

We observed a lot of immune system disorders significantly influencing the development and clinical course of stroke. Depression of cell-mediated immune reactivity was observed in the early stage of stroke. It was manifested by the decrease of the number of T lymphocytes, depression in lymphocyte blastogenesis, diminished production of the migration inhibition factor and reduced delayed-type skin reactivity. Observed depression was probably caused by severe metabolic and endocrinological disorders often seen in the acute phase of the disease and related with increased patients' susceptibility to infections. Simultaneously we observed that the elevated total WBC was an independent stroke risk factor and predictor of 30-days stroke fatality. The activation of the adhesion molecules expression on granulocytes (CD18) and the increased cytokine production by leukocytes could favour leukocytes influence to the ischemic area and potentiate brain injury. The chronic inflammation could be also responsible for the development of vascular injuries leading to the ischemia. In our studies we demonstrated the high levels of antibodies to cardiolipins and heat shock proteins and the increased blood levels of immune complexes (i.c.). We observed the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and CMV antigens in isolated i.c. It suggests that different markers of chronic inflammation observed at very early stage of the disease are probably related with the chronic infection potentially leading to the development of atherosclerotic lesions and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque.

Antibodies, Anticardiolipin↗

Some further characteristics of expanded tissue.

It has been shown that during expansion there is a component of migration of surrounding tissue that probably contributes to the available tissue in local reconstructive procedures. Although there is a 63 per cent increase through expansion of a given flap with a particular expander, this results in only a 30 per cent increase after elevation and inset. This increase is basically maintained for a 3- or 4-month period. The 56 per cent decrease in area probably results from contraction of the extensible skin. The 30 per cent that remains probably results from a combination of stretch evidenced by reorientation, along with an increase in the cellular and extracellular components of expanded tissue. Therefore, there are components of both loan and dividend in tissue expansion. This further understanding should be helpful in the planning of tissue expansion. (Editors' note: Although there may be some element of "loan" initially, from peripheral regions, no thinning of the periphery has been observed. To the contrary, the periphery appears normal. It is likely that transient thinning of the periphery causes increased mitotic activity, and that this area is also made to produce a "dividend" ultimately. Unless permanent thinning can be documented, the "dividend hypothesis" remains valid.

Animals↗

Expression of the protein product of the prostaglandin synthase-2/TIS10 gene in mitogen-stimulated Swiss 3T3 cells.

TIS10/PGS-2 encodes a prostaglandin synthase (PGS) distinct from the previously described enzyme PGS-1 (EC 1.14.99.1). We have now generated antipeptide antisera, directed to an amino acid sequence unique to the murine TIS10/PGS-2 protein, which specifically recognize the TIS10/PGS-2 antigen. TIS10/PGS-2 protein was undetectable in quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells. The level of TIS10/PGS-2 protein peaked between 6 and 8 h following phorbol ester stimulation of cells, then declined to basal levels after 18-24 h. Synthesis of TIS10/PGS-2 protein was dramatically increased in the second hour following mitogen stimulation and remained elevated for several hours. The half-life of the TIS10/PGS-2 protein was 4 h. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated a perinuclear and cytoplasmic localization of the TIS10/PGS-2 antigen. As expected, detection of induced TIS10/PGS-2 antigen was dependent on protein synthesis. Metabolically labeled TIS10/PGS-2 protein migrated as a 71/73-kDa doublet following immunoprecipitation. Dexamethasone blocked both the TPA- and serum-induced appearance of TIS10/PGS-2 antigen. These studies demonstrate the existence of a mitogen-inducible, glucocorticoid-inhibitable, immunologically distinct prostaglandin synthase protein.

3T3 Cells↗

Elevated intracellular calcium levels in cerebellar granule neurons of weaver mice.

Weaver mice carry a mutation in the pore domain of the Girk2 (Kcnj6) gene. The mutation causes GIRK2 containing channels to lose ion selectivity and to become constitutively active. It is not known how this alteration in ion channel activity causes in cerebellar granule cells the defects in neurite extension, cell migration and induction of cell death that are characteristic of weaver mice. One possibility is that the mutation causes an inability to regulate intracellular calcium levels properly. We tested this hypothesis by measuring intracellular calcium levels in granule cells and Purkinje cells in slices from the cerebellum of weaver mice. We report here that weaver mice have increases in resting calcium levels in their granule cells, which may account for the multiple effects of the weaver mutation upon these cells.

Animals↗

Elevated ambient glucose induces acute inflammatory events in the microvasculature: effects of insulin.

We employed intravital microscopy of the rat mesenteric microvasculature to study the effects of local hyperglycemia on leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions. Intraperitoneal injection of 6, 12.5, and 25 mmol/l D-glucose to the rat significantly and time-dependently increased leukocyte rolling and leukocyte adherence in, and leukocyte transmigration through mesenteric venules compared with control rats injected with Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution alone or given 25 mmol/l L-glucose intraperitoneally. The response elicited by D-glucose was associated with significant attenuation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) release, as demonstrated by direct measurement of NO release in inferior vena caval segments isolated from rats exposed to 25 mmol/l D-glucose for 4 h (P < 0.01 vs. vena caval segments from control rats). Local application of 0.05 U/min insulin for 90 min significantly attenuated glucose-induced leukocyte rolling, adherence, and migration (P < 0.01 from 25 mmol/l D-glucose alone). Immunohistochemical localization of P-selectin expressed on endothelial surface was significantly increased 4 h after exposure of the mesenteric tissue to high ambient glucose (P < 0.01 vs. ileal venules from rats injected with K-H solution alone or 25 mmol/l L-glucose). Insulin markedly inhibited endothelial cell surface expression of P-selectin in ileal venules exposed to elevated ambient glucose in vivo (P < 0.01 vs. control rats injected with 25 mmol/l L-glucose). These data demonstrate that acute increases in ambient glucose comparable to those seen in diabetic patients are able to initiate an inflammatory response within the microcirculation. This inflammatory response to glucose is associated with upregulation of the endothelial cell adhesion molecule P-selectin and can be blocked by local application of insulin.

Acute Disease↗

Identification of dithiolethione-inducible gene-1 as a leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase: implications for chemoprevention.

Cancer chemoprevention is inhibition of neoplastic disease by naturally occurring or synthetic chemical agents. Dithiolethiones inhibit production of experimentally produced tumors by elevating the expression of several genes that encode for known cytoprotective enzymes. In an effort to discover additional molecular mechanisms mediating chemoprevention, cDNA clones representing a gene that is transcriptionally activated by dithiolethiones, hence named dithiolethione-inducible gene-1 (DIG-1), were isolated from rat liver via differential hybridization screening. The deduced amino acid sequence of DIG-1 was found to have 80% identity with the human liver enzyme leukotriene B4 (LTB4) 12-hydroxydehydrogenase. DIG-1, purified >400-fold from the liver of rats dosed with 1,2-dithiole-3-dithiolethione, possessed an NADP+-dependent activity to convert LTB4 to 12-oxo-LTB4. Kinetic analysis of DIG-1 revealed apparent Km and Vmax values of 28 mM and 8.1 nmol 12-oxo-LTB4 formed/min/mg purified protein respectively. Since LTB4 is a potent chemotactic factor and stimulator of production of reactive oxygen species from neutrophils, the effects of DIG-1 on these LTB4-mediated processes were examined. Pre-incubation of LTB4 with purified rat hepatic DIG-1 greatly diminished LTB4-stimulated migration of neutrophils. In addition, pre-incubation of LTB4 with purified rat hepatic DIG-1 reduced LTB4-stimulated production of superoxide anions in neutrophils, as evidenced by decreased lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence. These results suggest that DIG-1-catalyzed dehydrogenation of LTB4 to 12-oxo-LTB4 inhibits the pro-inflammatory actions of LTB4. Consequently, elevation of LTB4 catabolism via enhanced DIG-1 activity may suppress inflammatory processes implicated in tumorigenesis.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Immune complexes, serum proteins, cell-mediated immunity, and immune regulation in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

A collaborative study of the humoral and cellular immune status of patients with carcinoma of the Head and Neck (H&N) was conducted at the West Virginia University (WVU) hospital. In addition, blind-coded serum panels were supplied on H&N cancer patients being treated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Serum protein analysis of the WVU study groups revealed that at the pretreatment sampling, the alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), total complement, and IgA levels were significantly elevated. The AGP levels and total complement levels declined to normal levels in the post-treatment period, whereas the IgA levels remained elevated throughout the entire observation period. Levels of serum immune complexes (SIC) were measured in both the WVU and NCI H&N cancer populations using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method. In both survey populations all cancer groups had significantly elevated levels of SIC when compared to any of the control populations. The SIC levels never returned to comparative normal values even in cases after successful treatment. A subpopulation of the WVU-H&N cancer study group underwent a short course of intravenous hyperalimentation prior to their treatment regimen. These patients demonstrated a transient decrease in their SIC levels as well as a concomitant increase in their in vitro cell-mediated immune (CMI) correlates. The analysis of in vitro CMI correlates of the WVU study group using both polyclonal mitogens and specific antigens demonstrated a significant depression in these parameters pretreatment and post-treatment. In addition, it was observed that the time course for elevation of selected serum proteins (i.e., IgA and SIC) correlated with concomitant drops in CMI activity. Investigations were also conducted into the effects of immune complex-rich serum fractions upon selected in vitro CMI correlates. Significant blockage of a normal donor leukocyte migration-inhibition assay was demonstrated. Also, a similar inhibition of the ability of normal human lymphocytes to form high affinity rosettes was accomplished with serum from H&N cancer patients.

Adult↗