Showing papers by "Jewish Hospital published in 1972"

Cation transport and electrogenesis byStreptococcus faecalis

Abstract: Uptake of the lipid-soluble cations dibenzyldimethylammonium (DDA+) and triphenylmethylphosphonium (TPMP+) byStreptococcus faecalis is biphasic. The initial phase is a rapid binding of the ions which does not require a source of metabolic energy and apparently consists of cation exchange at the cell surface. Upon addition of glucose further uptake of the cations occurs, by exchange for Na+ and H+. Evidence is presented suggesting that this metabolic uptake of DDA+ and TPMP+ is not due to active transport. It rather appears that uptake results from the generation of an electrical potential, interior negative, by the extrusion of H+ and, indirectly, of Na+. Accumulated DDA+ and TPMP+ are discharged by proton-conducting uncouplers. The cationconducting antibiotics valinomycin, monactin, nigericin and monensin do not inhibit uptake. Potassium and, under certain conditions, H+ displace DDA+ and TPMP+. Generation of an electrical difference across the membrane was verified by the accumulation of K+ in the presence of valinomycin. The concentration ratios achieved correspond to potentials of the order of −150 to −200 mV.

Thymus-derived (T) cell immunoglobulins. Presence of a receptor site for IgG and absence of large amounts of "buried" Ig determinants on T cells.

Abstract: Quantitation of surface and total cell Ig obtained after lysis by detergent, urea-acid treatment, and freeze-thawing were determined on spleen cells, thymus cells, and spleen cells specifically depleted of B cells. A two- to four-fold increase in measurable Ig was found after cell lysis. All cell populations showed a similar increase in measurable Ig indicating that no discordantly large amounts of buried Ig determinants were associated with the surface of T cells. The lack of appreciable amounts of T cell Ig was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of radioiodinated cells. A theta-positive lymphoma was described which, when grown in culture, lacked detectable surface Ig but contained a receptor site for IgG. This resulted in appreciable amounts of surface IgG being associated with the tumor line when isolated from ascitic fluid of tumor-bearing mice or after preincubation of cultured cells with either heat-aggregated IgG or normal mouse serum.

Shared antigens between heterologous bacterial species.

Abstract: Sera from normal rabbits were shown to have antibodies that bound radiolabeled test antigens derived from many taxonomically unrelated bacteria. Sera from rabbits that had been immunized with sonically treated material of 12 different bacteria, including M. bovis strain BCG, had antibodies that bound not only radiolabeled homologous test antigens but also radiolabeled antigens from many unrelated bacteria. Binding by normal and immunized sera to radiolabeled test antigens was inhibited by homologous unlabeled test antigens but not by substances such as bovine serum albumin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sheep erythrocytes, and endotoxin. The broad range of shared or cross-reactivity among antigens in bacteria may explain the presence of antibodies to many bacteria in sera from normal humans and previously unimmunized experimental animals. The presence of these antibodies raises the question whether resistance to many bacterial infections may be partly due to immune mechanisms, whether cellular or humoral, that have been stimulated by unrelated bacteria.

Shared Antigens between Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) and Other Bacterial Species

Abstract: Antigens from Mycobacterium bovis and Listeria monocytogenes bind to serums from normal rabbits as well as from those immunized with unrelated bacteria, especially intracellular parasites. Binding is to the Fab portion of immunoglobulin G and is immunologically specific.

The primary interaction of antibody to components of aspergilli. I. Immunologic and chemical characteristics of a nonprecipitating antigen.

Abstract: The experiments presented in this report describe the preparation of a radiolabeled antigen which can be used in the ammonium sulfate test to measure antibodies against aspergilli. The antigenic components were in the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble fraction from sonically disrupted aspergilli. The major radiolabeled ligand appeared to be an immunologically nonprecipitating anionic mucopolysaccharide which was insensitive to DNase or RNase, slightly sensitive to pepsin, and very sensitive to periodate oxidation and borohydride reduction. Results of quantitative studies indicate that the radiolabeled antigens had a relatively low affinity for antibody populations produced in hyperimmunized rabbits. Quantitative inhibition experiments as well as immunodiffusion studies demonstrated similarities and differences among species of the genus Aspergillus as well as other fungi. Commercial house dust extracts appear to contain significant amounts of the TCA-soluble aspergilli antigens.

Intestinal calcium transport: the role of sodium.

Abstract: The role of sodium in intestinal calcium transport was investigated in everted rat intestine. Ethacrynic acid, but not ouabain, inhibited calcium transport. However, ouabain did inhibit net water transport and, therefore, sodium transport, establishing the dissociation of the two transport processes. In addition to a magnesium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (activated by sodium and potassium), a phosphatase dependent on sodium and calcium was localized to the lateral and basal membrane fractions of the mucosal cell. Activity of the latter phosphatase, similar to calcium transport in intact tissue, was inhibited by ethacrynic acid and not by ouabain. Sodium, therefore, may participate in the calcium transport process by activating an enzyme complex, dependent on adenosine triphosphate, that mediates calcium transport.

Mycosides C: Behavior as Receptor Site Substance for Mycobacteriophage D4

Abstract: Interpretation of an earlier published infrared spectrum of Mycobacterium smegmatis lipids with receptor site activity for D4 phage led us to the inference that the active substance is very likely a mycoside C. This hypothesis was confirmed: the well-characterized mycosides C(s) and C(1217) elaborated by the heterologous strains M. scrofulaceum and Mycobacterium species 1217, respectively, are essentially indistinguishable from the smegmatis lipids in their behavior toward D4. Minute quantities adsorb and extensively inactivate the phage on appropriate incubations. In accord with derivative expectations, Mycobacterium species 1217 is a permissive host, attacked and lysed by D4. However, our current strains of M. butyricum, M. avium, and M. scrofulaceum, which reputedly produce various related mycosides C, are neither lysed by nor do they significantly adsorb the phage. Implications of these observations are discussed.

Histoplasmosis of the Common Palmar Tendon Sheath

Abstract: A proved case of histoplasmosis of the common palmar tendon sheath of the long flexors of the fingers at the left wrist is recorded. Apparently total excision of the diseased tendon sheaths was followed by a recurrence of the disease process in about one year. Re-excision, followed by a course of treatment with amphotericin B (1.585 grams) was successful, and there has been no recurrence of the disease process in four years.

Antibodies to bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and the occurrence of a BGG-like substance in systemic lupus erythematosus sera☆☆☆

Abstract: The possibility that ingested antigens may play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been previously studied. Because this might be of considerable importance, a study was undertaken to examine the occurrence of antibodies to bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in SLE sera. In addition, an assay for the detection o f trace amounts o f BGG in human serum was developed. Antibodies to BGG were found in over 60 per cent of SLE sera and in 40 per cent of normal sera. Fifty per cent of normal sera and 40 per cent of SLE sera bound significant amounts of BSA. However, there was a prevalence of higher levels of antibody to both antigens in SLE. Although this may simply represent another example of hyperreactivity in SLE, both BGG and BSA are commonly ingested proteins. If antigenically intact molecules enter the circulation of certain patients, potentially pathogenic immune complexes might be formed. This possibility is supported by the finding of a BGG-like material in at least two sera, and in one case the coexistence of this material and antibodies to BGG was demonstrated. Since exposure to ingested antigens is a continual occurrence, the potential role of a wide variety of food antigens in the immune complex diseases should be carefully evaluated.

Testicular tumor: Presenting sign of lymphoma

Abstract: The occurrence of a testicular tumor in a man past middle age is rather unique in that, even if it be the only abnormal physical finding, it is probably the presenting sign of generalized lymphomatous disease already present or shortly to become clinically active. Isolated lymphomas of the testis, although not unheard of, are rare. The prognosis is uniformly bad; none of the patients in our series survived or was without evidence of generalized involvement for more than a year from the time of recognition of the testicular disease.

Photoisomerization of colchicine. Loss of significant antimitotic activity in human lymphocytes.

Abstract: Colchicine exposed to ultraviolet light is photoisomerized to form the lumicolchicines. Other studies have shown that light-altered colchicine has reduced biologic activity in plants and lower animals. The effects of colchicine and lumicolchicine on arresting mitosis in metaphase were studied in human lymphocytes in tissue culture. Lumicolchicine was ineffective and not different from controls, even in concentrations of 1 × 10−6 M. The possible clinical relevance of these data are discussed.

Urinary excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine in asthmatic children.

Abstract: Urinary excretion rates of free epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured in children with chronic asthma: (1) during asymptomatic periods, (2) during the stress of asthmatic symptoms, and (3) in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Epinephrine excretion was significantly higher in asymptomatic asthmatic children than in normal children whose urines were collected at home under minimum stress. Urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion rates did not change significantly when children were symptomatic with asthma. Conversely, there was a seven- to tenfold increase in epinephrine excretion after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In conjunction with the mobilization of endogenous hormones (cortisol and epinephrine), children who were moderately symptomatic with asthma at the beginning of the insulin test had spontaneous relief of asthma. It was concluded that children with asthma are capable of responding normally to certain stresses, but during episodes of mild or moderately severe asthma they do not mobilize sufficient quantities of the endogenous hormones which might help to relieve symptoms.

Gait disorders in the aged.

Abstract: : Since disorders of gait may eventually deprive the aged person of his independence, they should be detected early and treated before the disability becomes irreversible In the healthy aged, changes in gait may be caused by loss of joint mobility and a decline in the precision of neuromuscular control More serious gait disorders are caused by neurological or musculoskeletal disorders Difficulty in walking may be the first manifestation of a stroke, parkinsonism, or a combined system disease Other disorders such as the small-step senile gait or apraxia of gait are directly related to the aging process Lesions of the low back or the lower extremities are common causes of gait disturbances Often overlooked is a deficiency in the low-back and hip extensor mechanism In the early phases, this condition is at least partially correctable by suitable physical therapy

Significance of concordant fluctuation and loss of leukocyte sensitivity to two allergens during injection therapy with one nonspecific desensitization.

Abstract: Concordant, nearly parallel fluctuations in leukocyte sensitivity to 2 unrelated allergens were repeatedly observed during injection therapy with one of the allergens. In one case, complete loss of sensitivity or unresponsiveness to 2 unrelated allergens occurred during injection therapy with one. This nonspecific desensitization is considered to result from exposure of the sensitized leukocytes to concentrations of one of the allergens below the concentration required for detectable histamine release. This explanation is supported by data obtained by exposure of leukocytes in vitro to subthreshold concentrations of allergen, which resulted in decreased response in histamine release by the allergen used for desensitization and an unrelated allergen. In addition, intravenous infusion of allergen in low concentration into children likewise induced nonspecific desensitization of circulating leukocytes to 2 unrelated allergens. Concordant fluctuations and occasional nonspecific loss of leukocyte sensitivity to unrelated allergens during customary subcutaneous injection therapy may result from uneven or inadequate absorption of free allergen from the subcutaneous tissues into the circulation, thereby reaching desensitizing concentrations intermittently. This phenomenon calls for caution in assuming that the fluctuations of peripheral leukocyte sensitivity during injection therapy are necessarily a reflection of sensitivity of cells in the tissues.

Limitations of fluorescent antibody staining of Histoplasma capsulatum in tissue sections

Abstract: Unadsorbed as well as adsorbed fluorescein-labeled Histoplasma capsulatum antiglobulins stain H. capsulatum in culture and in paraffin sections of fixed tissue from active cases of histoplasmosis. Hence, these reagents can be used to great advantage for the identification of the organism in active histoplasmosis. However, in calcified (healed) lesions, fluorescent antibody staining becomes unreliable and is inferior to comparatively simple methods like the use of silver methenamine stain of Grocott.

Effect of prior vaccination on experimental blastomycosis.

Abstract: Immunogens were found associated with particular fractions prepared from spherules ofCoccidioides immitis (Kong, Levine &Smith, 1963) and from yeast cells ofHistoplasma capsulatum (Salvin &Ribi, 1955). However,Blastomyces dermatitidis, another dimorphic systemic fungal pathogen was shown to elicit a minimal immunogenic response in experimental animals (Kong &Levine, 1967). It was therefore deemed pertinent to study factors which might enhance the resistance of mice to infection withB. dermatitidis.