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Compartment-specific quantitative gene expression analysis after laser microdissection from archival renal allograft biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Various immunological and non-immunological pathomechanisms are responsible for the cellular damage in renal allografts. Since the kidney is an anatomically complex organ with functional and morphological heterogeneous compartments (interstitium, tubuli, vessels, glomeruli), the local response to injury maybe variable, therefore, the identification of local pathomechanisms is important. AIM: To elucidate any discrepancies in quantitative mRNA expression profiles between a total specimen analysis and a cell-specific evaluation after laser microdissection. METHODS: Real-time RT-PCR was performed for complement component C3 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) genes compared to the housekeeping gene beta-actin using whole section RNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded archival material of 16 explanted, rejected renal allografts. Ten non-transplant nephrectomies served as controls. For five cases from each group, five different compartments of the organs (interstitium, proximal tubuli, distal tubuli, vessels, glomeruli) were microdissected and quantitative analysis for C3 and HO-1 was performed identically. RESULTS: Whole section mRNA expression analysis: the data showed a constant expression of the housekeeping gene beta-actin, a 7-fold increased expression of C3 and a 3-fold decreased expression of HO-1 in the allograft group as compared to the control group. mRNA expression results from microdissected compartments: in the control group, C3 and HO-1 expression could only be detected in the proximal tubuli of all cases whereas all five compartments analyzed from the rejecting kidneys showed expression of the two genes. In the allografts, expression levels of the investigated genes varied considerably not only among the different compartments but between individual cases as well. CONCLUSION: Laser microdissection combined with real-time RT-PCR is a feasible approach for retrospective quantitative gene expression analysis in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded renal allograft specimens. As shown for C3 and HO-1, cell-specific expression patterns ofpathogenetically relevant genes vary considerably between individual cases. A close correlation of morphology and cell-specific gene expression analysis will contribute to the elucidation of the complex pathogenesis of chronic renal allograft nephropathy.

Actins↗

Linking drought-resistance mechanisms to drought avoidance in upland rice using a QTL approach: progress and new opportunities to integrate stomatal and mesophyll responses.

The advent of saturated molecular maps promised rapid progress towards the improvement of crops for genetically complex traits like drought resistance via analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Progress with the identification of QTLs for drought resistance-related traits in rice is summarized here with the emphasis on a mapping population of a cross between drought-resistant varieties Azucena and Bala. Data which have used root morphological traits and indicators of drought avoidance in field-grown plants are reviewed, highlighting problems and uncertainties with the QTL approach. The contribution of root-growth QTLs to drought avoidance appears small in the experiments so far conducted, and the limitations of screening methodologies and the involvement of shoot-related mechanisms of drought resistance are studied. When compared to Azucena, Bala has been observed to have highly sensitive stomata, does not roll its leaves readily, has a greater ability to adjust osmotically, slows growth more rapidly when droughted and has a lower water-use efficiency. It is also a semi-dwarf variety and hence has a different canopy structure. There is a need to clarify the contribution of the shoot to drought resistance from the level of the biochemistry of photosynthesis through stomatal behaviour and leaf anatomy to canopy architecture. Recent advances in studying the physical and biochemical processes related to water use and drought stress offer the opportunity to advance a more holistic understanding of drought resistance. These include the potential use of infrared thermal imaging to study energy balance, integrated and online stable isotope analysis to dissect processes involved in carbon dioxide fixation and water evaporation, and leaf fluorescence to monitor photosynthesis and photochemical quenching. Justification and a strategy for this integrated approach is described, which has relevance to the study of drought resistance in most crops.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Photoaffinity labeling of the indole sites on the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase alpha-subunit.

The alpha subunit of the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase catalyzes the reversible aldolytic reaction: Indole-3-glycerol phosphate in equilibrium indole + glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. The use of 5-azidoindole as a photoaffinity label has made the generation of a number of enzyme-substrate complexes possible, each with a given degree of saturation of the two postulated indole sites. When assayed in the reverse reaction (indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthesis), samples of alpha subunit treated at concentrations of 5-azidoindole less than or equal to 2 mM show a progressive 30-40% activation. A gradual inactivation occurs only in samples irradiated at concentrations in excess of 2 mM 5-azidoindole, and this inactivation is complete at 8-10 mM. A quantitatively similar activation occurs in the forward reaction (indole synthesis), however inactivation in this case is incomplete, with complexes treated at 8-12 mM 5-azidoindole retaining 30-40% relative activity in this reaction. When treated alpha subunits were assayed for their abilities to complement the beta 2-subunit in the reactions indole + L-serine leads to L-tryptophan + H2O and indole-3-glycerol phosphate + L-serine leads to L-tryptophan + glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, quantitatively lesser amounts of activation followed by total inactivation are observed over a similar range of 5-azidoindole concentrations.

Affinity Labels↗

Validation and quality control of immunophenotyping in clinical flow cytometry.

Clinical flow cytometry has evolved from two-parameter quantitative assessment of peripheral blood lymphocytes to six-parameter qualitative evaluation of bone marrow for hematopathology. Leukemia and lymphoma immunophenotyping represent an extremely important complement to morphology in the diagnosis and monitoring of hematopoietic malignancies. The complexity of five- and six-parameter analyses and the interpretation of the data rely on standardization and validation of the instrument, the reagents and the procedure. In addition, flow cytometry laboratories in the U.S. are required to document proficiency testing, sample preparation, method accuracy, specificity, sensitivity and precision. NCCLS and the U.S.-Canadian Consensus Conference have provided recommendations, but each laboratory is ultimately responsible for validating its own qualitative and quantitative procedures. This paper reviews procedures for validation and quality control of all aspects of the operation of a clinical flow cytometry service.

Cell Survival↗

C4b-binding protein, a regulatory component of the classical pathway of complement, is an acute-phase protein and is elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus.

A radioimmunoassay using monoclonal and polyclonal antihuman C4b-binding protein (C4BP) antibody was developed to quantitate C4BP in serum. Using the assay, the levels of C4BP in healthy individuals, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in acute-phase individuals were determined. The levels of C4BP are significantly elevated in individuals with SLE (186%; p = 0.0001) and are even higher in individuals during the acute phase (286%; p = 0.0001). To confirm whether or not individuals were in the acute-phase response, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed. In the acute-phase response, CRP levels were 100-fold elevated over normals, but did not correlate with increases in C4BP (r = -0.031; p = 0.899). In SLE patients, the CRP levels were significantly, but moderately, elevated (5-fold; p = 0.028). The data indicate that C4BP is an acute-phase reactant and is differentially regulated from CRP during the acute-phase response.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Identification of new quantitative trait loci in mice with collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in the mouse is one of the most widely used autoimmune experimental models, with many features similar to rheumatoid arthritis. This study sought to identify potential genetic regulatory mechanisms of CIA in major histocompatibility complex-matched (H2-q) F(2) hybrid mice. METHODS: We used 126 polymorphic markers to perform simple sequence-length polymorphism analysis on 290 F(2) hybrids of arthritis-susceptible (DBA/1J) and arthritis-resistant (FVB/N) inbred mouse strains. The major clinical traits (disease severity and onset) were assessed, and serum antibodies specific to type II collagen (CII) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 270 F(2) mice. Lymph nodes from 94 F(2) mice were used to test the ratio of CD4 to CD8 by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, and cell proliferation was determined by XTT test. RESULTS: Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified in previous studies were confirmed; these were severity-controlling Cia2 and onset-controlling Cia4 on chromosome 2. Moreover, we identified 5 new QTLs, 1 for CII-specific IgG2a antibodies on chromosome 5, 2 controlling the CII-specific IgG1 antibody response on chromosomes 10 and 13, 1 for the CD4:CD8 ratio on chromosome 2, and 1 for cell proliferation (measured by XTT test) on chromosome 16. Complement component C5 was identified as the probable main candidate gene for the QTLs Cia2 and Cia4. F(2) mice carrying a 2-basepair deletion of C5, the FVB/N allele, had low incidence and less severe disease as compared with those carrying the DBA/1J allele. CONCLUSION: This genome scan provides additional evidence confirming the role of C5 as a probable candidate gene for Cia2 and Cia4 loci, and identifies new QTLs controlling new traits in autoimmune arthritis.

Animals↗

Heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits reduce cognitive dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of cerebral dysfunction in cardiac surgical patients exposed to heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass (HB-CPB) versus nonheparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass (NH-CPB) circuits through neuropsychometric testing and to correlate these findings with markers of the systemic inflammatory response to CPB. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-one patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: A cohort of 61 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either HB-CPB or NH-CPB circuits during surgery. Patients were evaluated for cerebral injury using a battery of neuropsychometric tests at the following 3 time points: (1) before surgery as a baseline examination, (2) postoperative day 5, and (3) postoperative week 6. Blood samples were drawn to measure inflammatory markers at the following time points: (1) preincision, after induction of anesthesia, (2) 15 minutes after onset of CPB, (3) 30 minutes after CPB, (4) 6 hours postoperatively, and (5) 24 hours postoperatively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Neuropsychometric performance was evaluated by group-rate and event-rate analyses. By group-rate analysis, patients undergoing surgery with HB-CPB performed significantly better at 5 days after surgery on 2 neuropsychometric tests (trails A [p < 0.01] and finger tapping with the dominant hand [p < 0.01]) and at 6 weeks after surgery on one neuropsychometric test (trails A [p < 0.01]). By event-rate analysis, at 5 days, patients undergoing surgery with HB-CPB circuits had less cognitive dysfunction (p < 0.05) compared with patients undergoing surgery with NH-CPB circuits. Serum samples were analyzed to evaluate markers of complement activation (C3a), proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6), and coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin complex [TAT]) using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Although there were no significant differences in cytokine activation in either group, C3a was significantly higher in the NH-CPB group intraoperatively at 1 hour after CPB (p < 0.05), and TAT was higher in the HB-CPB group at 24 hours after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB have less postoperative cognitive dysfunction during CPB when HB-CPB circuits are employed. Although there was a relationship, this finding did not correlate with decreased complement activation intraoperatively and activation of coagulation postoperatively.

Antithrombin III↗

Cloning of the repressor protein gene of iron-regulated systems in Escherichia coli K12.

In Escherichia coli the iron uptake systems are regulated by the fur gene product. The synthesis of the outer membrane proteins fiu, fepA, fecA, fhuA, fhuE and cir is derepressed at low iron concentrations in the medium or constitutive in a fur mutant. The fur gene region cloned into pACYC184 was analysed by restriction analysis, Tn1000 mutagenesis and complementation studies. The presence of fur+ plasmids repressed synthesis of the proteins fepA, fecA, fhuE and cir in a chromosomal fur mutant. More quantitatively, the repression to wild-type levels was shown with lac fusions to the genes fiu, fepA and cir. In minicells an 18,000 dalton protein was identified as the fur gene product. Correlated with the fur protein a slightly smaller protein, possibly a degradation product, was observed. The gene fur was mapped on the E. coli chromosome near nagA at about 15.5 min.

Bacterial Proteins↗

A quantitative approach to the determination of antigen in immune complexes.

Immune complexes are present in the circulation of healthy individuals and the formation of such complexes is part of a normal immune process. During some pathological conditions, significant amounts of immune complexes are formed and deposited in the kidney and other tissues, causing severe injury. Since the levels of immune complexes can provide valuable prognostic information, dozens of methods have been developed to detect and quantify these complexes. However, many of these methods are non-specific, not quantitative, and give false-positive results. Methods based on detecting the antigen portion of immune complexes can yield more precise information about circulating immune complexes. We have used a quantitative dot-blot assay, which permits detection of antigen even if buried, to determine the levels of antigen in circulating immune complexes. In healthy donors, significant amounts of immune complexes containing DNA and beta(2)-glycoprotein I were detected (natural immune complexes). Natural immune complexes with Lewis X antigen were also observed in the circulation of healthy persons. In experimentally induced murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and SLE patients, there was a correlation between the clinical manifestations and the levels of DNA in the circulating immune complexes. At severe SLE flares, the level of DNA in circulating immune complexes decreased, probably due to tissue deposition of immune complexes. The low levels of DNA in immune complexes circulating in SLE patients correlated with low serum concentrations of the complement component C1q. No direct correlation was found between the levels of circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and DNA in immune complexes. Thus, quantitation of antigen levels in circulating immune complexes can be used to determine the prognosis of autoimmune diseases.

Adult↗

Quantitative determination of in vitro immunoglobulin secretion with protein A from Staphylococcus aureus.

A micromethod for the quantitative determination of Ig secreted in vitro by mice lymphocytes isolated from the spleen of normal animals is described. The indicator system consists in sheep erythrocytes radiolabelled with sodium chromate (51Cr) and coated with protein A of Staphylococcus aureus (51Cr-labelled ES). When splenocytes were incubated in fluid phase at 37 degrees C for 3 1/2 h with rabbit antisera to mouse Ig (IgM and IgG) and with guinea pig complement, the immune complexes formed between the secreted Ig and its specific IgG antibody are bound to protein A on the erythrocyte surface allowing the complement-mediated lysis of 51Cr-labelled ES. The degree of haemolysis produced in this experimental system, which reflects the amount of in vitro secreted Ig, was quantitatively measured by radioactive determination of 51Cr release. In combination with the ES plaque assay the method also gives information as immunoglobulin secretion per plaque forming cell.

Animals↗

Quantitative epidemiological studies on the prevalence of babesiosis in horses in Kuwait.

Racehorses imported into Kuwait were tested for serum antibodies to Babesia equi and B. caballi by complement fixation (CF) and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests. The prevalence of B. equi was high (77.1% by IFA) whereas that of B. caballi was much lower (11.4%). Data for B. equi showed that infection was acquired after about 6 months at risk and that in the following 12 months animals had antibody levels detectable by both CF and IFA tests by 24 months the CF reaction was no longer detectable. Estimates of incidence and inoculation rates were calculated and found to be consistent with a considerable infection pressure.

Animals↗

Quantitative evaluation of heparin-coated versus non-heparin-coated bypass circuits during cardiopulmonary bypass.

The extracorporealization of blood activates various elements of the fibrinolytic, coagulation, and complement systems. It is theorized that advancements in biocompatibility ameliorate many of the changes leading to improved patient management. The purpose of this study was to determine if heparin-coated circuit (HCC) utilization during cardiopulmonary bypass enhances patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner. A search of the English medical literature was completed to identify all clinical, prospective, randomized trials comparing HCC and non-HCC in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valvular surgery. Twenty-six papers consisting of a sample size of 1515 patients were identified and included in the study parameters. The study distinguished between Duraflo II and Carmeda coating techniques and matched papers with different heparin loading doses, as well as use of a heparin-coated cardiotomy. Study parameters were matched for all papers and analyzed according to the availability of data. Statistically significant benefits of HCC were found in postoperative blood loss, time in the ICU, end bypass C3a, time to extubation, end bypass lactoferrin, and end platelet count, but not with respect to postoperative chest tube drainage, red blood cell transfusions, and end bypass TAT complex, D-dimers, and BTG. Data comparing the use of coated or uncoated cardiotomy utilization failed to demonstrate a benefit to heparin coating. Several immunological variables were ameliorated when Carmeda HCC was utilized, although data were insufficient to establish a cost-benefit analysis. In conclusion, heparin-coated circuitry provided statistically better results when compared to noncoated circuitry.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

Role of complement in host defense against experimental disseminated candidiasis.

The role of complement in experimental disseminated candidiasis was studied in normal guinea pigs, animals congenitally deficient in the fourth component of complement (C4), and animals depleted of alternative pathway activity by cobra venom factor (CVF). Animals pretreated with CVF and challenged with Candida albicans had a high rate of mortality. Results of quantitative organ cultures corroborated prior reports that the kidney was the major target organ of infection. Infection of the kidney was markedly enhanced by CVF-induced depletion of the alternative pathway but not by classical pathway deficiency (deficiency in C4). There were differences among organs (kidney, liver, and spleen) in their requirement for complement to mount an effective host defense response. Ultimately, the integrity of the alternative pathway and late components of complement appears necessary for the limitation of and survival from sepsis due to C. albicans in nonimmune animals.

Animals↗

Interactions of leukocyte integrins with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in the production of inflammatory vascular injury in vivo. The Shwartzman reaction revisited.

We have investigated the role of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic vasculitis. Microvascular injury was produced in the skin by intradermal injection of Salmonella typhosa endotoxin followed 20 h later by intravenous zymosan, which activates complement. Hemorrhagic necrosis develops in the "prepared" skin sites which is characterized by microthrombi, neutrophil aggregation, platelet and fibrin deposition, and massive extravasation of erythrocytes. Hemorrhage in these Shwartzman-like lesions was quantitated by 99mTc-labeled autologous erythrocytes. Inhibition of the hemorrhagic response was obtained with mAb reactive with ICAM-1 as well as mAb against the leukocyte CD18 when either was administered intravenously just before intravenous zymosan challenge. This observation suggests that an intravascular event occurring in response to complement activation is required for the development of hemorrhagic vasculitis. We hypothesize that agents which successfully prepare the skin for the Shwartzman response after their intradermal injection do so by promoting increased intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression on the vascular endothelium. Activation of complement then induces CD11/CD18 expression on circulating leukocytes thus producing an intravascular CD11/CD18-ICAM-1 (leukocyte-endothelium) adhesion event. Inhibition of intravascular leukocyte-leukocyte aggregation with mAb against CD11b (Mac-1) showed partial inhibition of hemorrhage, while mAb against CD11a (LFA-1) showed no inhibitory activity. This type of cytokine-primed, neutrophil-dependent vascular damage may be a model of human vasculitic processes where microvascular damage is produced in the absence of immune-complex deposition.

Animals↗