Showing papers by "Kettering University published in 1980"

Early Events in the Infection of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) by Rhizobium japonicum: I. LOCALIZATION OF INFECTIBLE ROOT CELLS.

Abstract: The infectible cells of soybean roots appear to be located at any given time just above the zone of root elongation and just below the position of the smallest emergent root hairs. The location of infectible cells on the primary root at the time of inoculation was inferred from the position of subsequent nodule development, correcting for displacement of epidermal cells due to root elongation. Marks were made on the seedling growth pouches at the time of inoculation to indicate the position of the root tip and the zones of root hair development. Virtually all of the seedlings developed nodules on the primary root above the marks made at the root tips at the time of inoculation. None of the plants formed nodules on the root where mature root hairs were present at the time of inoculation. These results and profiles of nodulation frequency indicate that the location of infectible cells is developmentally restricted. When inoculations were delayed for intervals of 1 to 4 hours after marking the positions of the root tips, progressively fewer nodules were formed above the root tip marks, and the uppermost of these nodules were formed at progressively shorter distances above the marks. These results indicate that the infectibility of given host cells is a transient property that appears and then is lost within a few hours. The results also indicate that host responses leading to infection and nodulation are triggered or initiated in less than 2 hours after inoculation. The extent of nodulation above the root tip mark increased in proportion to the logarithm of the number of bacteria in the inoculum.

Composition of the Capsular and Extracellular Polysaccharides of Rhizobium japonicum: CHANGES WITH CULTURE AGE AND CORRELATIONS WITH BINDING OF SOYBEAN SEED LECTIN TO THE BACTERIA

Abstract: The chemical compositions of the capsular and extracellular polysaccharides of two strains of Rhizobium japonicum (311b 138 and 110) have been determined and correlated as a function of culture age with the ability of the bacteria from which they were obtained to bind soybean seed lectin. Each of the polysaccharides contains approximately constant amounts of mannosyl, glucosyl, and galacturonosyl residues in a molar ratio of 1:2:1. In addition they contain variable amounts of galactosyl and 4- O -methyl galactosyl residues. The total of galactose plus 4- O -methyl galactose, however, is constant and equivalent to the amount of mannose, indicating that the 4- O -methyl galactose residues arise by methylation of galactose residues in the polysaccharides. In both strains the proportion of galactose to methyl galactose is considerably greater in the polysaccharide from bacteria which do bind lectin than in the polysaccharide from bacteria which do not bind lectin. In addition to the changes in polysaccharide composition, there is a reduction of about 50% in the percentage of cells which are encapsulated as the cultures mature from early to late log phase. Since only capsulated cells bind lectin, the combination of the change in capsular composition and loss of encapsulation is probably sufficient to account for the loss of lectin binding capacity during growth of cultures of Rhizobium japonicum 311b 138 and 110.

Interaction between the intermediary electron acceptor (pheophytin) and a possible plastoquinone-iron complex in photosystem II reaction centers

Abstract: Photoreduction of the intermediary electron acceptor, pheophytin (Pheo), in photosystem II reaction centers of spinach chloroplasts or subchloroplast particles (TSF-II and TSF-IIa) at 220 K and redox potential Eh = -450 mV produces an EPR doublet centered at g = 2.00 with a splitting of 52 G at 7 K in addition to a narrow signal attributed to Pheo[unk] (g = 2.0033, ΔH ≈ 13 G). The doublet is eliminated after extraction of lyophilized TSF-II with hexane containing 0.13-0.16% methanol but is restored by reconstitution with plastoquinone A (alone or with β-carotene) although not with vitamin K1. TSF-II and TSF-IIa are found to contain ≈2 nonheme Fe atoms per reaction center. Incubation with 0.55 M LiClO4 plus 2.5 mM o-phenanthroline (but not with 0.55 M LiClO4 alone) decreases this value to ≈0.6 and completely eliminates the EPR doublet, but photoreduction of Pheo is not significantly affected. Partial restoration of the doublet (about 25%) was achieved by subsequent incubation with 0.2 mM Fe2+, but not with either Mn2+ or Mg2+. The Fe removal results in the development of a photoinduced EPR signal (g = 2.0044 ± 0.0003, ΔH = 9.2 ± 0.5 G) at Eh = 50 mV, which is not observed after extraction with 0.16% methanol in hexane. It is ascribed to plastosemiquinone no longer coupled to Fe in photosystem II reaction centers. The results show that a complex of plastoquinone and Fe can act as the stable “primary” electron acceptor in photosystem II reaction centers and that the interaction of its singly reduced form with the reduced intermediary acceptor, Pheo[unk], is responsible for the EPR doublet.

Lack of heterogeneity in anti-hapten antibodies of a phylogenetically primitive shark

Abstract: Individual mammals have the capacity to express at least one million distinct antigen binding specificities, implying a high degree of structural heterogeneity in the variable heavy and light chain (VH and VL) portions of the antibody molecules. Studies of higher vertebrate species suggest that this heterogeneity is created both through a sizeable repertoire of germ-line VH and VL genes1 and through random rearrangements of V and joining genes2–4. Additional somatic mechanisms probably also contribute to the ultimate heterogeneity; one-third of murine plas-macytomas producing λ1 immunoglobulin carry a somatically mutated Ig1-V gene5,6. The relative contributions of these various mechanisms to the overall immunoglobulin variability are difficult to evaluate. The production of different antibodies to a defined determinant in different individuals of an inbred mouse strain [for example, (3-iodo-4-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NIP) in CBA mice7] suggests the involvement of somatic mutations or rearrangement but does not rule out the possibility that each individual CB A mouse expresses only a small random fraction from a large germ-line repertoire of V genes determining different anti-NIP binding sites. The opposite finding, that different individuals produce nearly identical antibodies to a defined determinant, would suggest the presence and expression of a limited number of germ-line genes without somatic alterations. Data presented here suggest that primitive sharks (Heterodontus fransisci)8 produce such antibodies to the hapten furyloxazolone.

Resistance to hsv-1 in the mouse is governed by two major, independently segregating, non-h-2 loci.

Abstract: Earlier studies showed that genetic resistance of adult, inbred strains of mice to Herpes Simplex Virus-type 1 (HSV-1) is a dominant genetic trait. The present studies were undertaken to determine the number of genetic loci involved and whether they were found within the major histocompatibility complex,H-2, of the mouse. Challenge with HSV-1 of progeny of mice backcrossed to moderately susceptible BALB/c mice, of progeny of mice backcrossed to very susceptible A/J strain mice, and of progeny of the F-2 cross using (C57BL/6 × A/J)F1 mice indicated that two major loci were responsible for resistance. The backcrosses to BALB/c mice suggested that additional genes on this background enhanced resistance, while further backcrosses with the A/J mice indicated that other genes on the A/J background (or the lack thereof) reduced resistance. Studies with congenic mice showed that genes within theH-2 did not influence resistance or susceptibility.

Diagnostic device for fecal occult blood and method of use

Abstract: Diagnostic test device for fecal occult blood utilizing a test matrix such as paper impregnated with guaiac. False-positive results in the presence of peroxidases are prevented by adding to the matrix a compound that cleaves protein hydrogen bonds such as guanidine hydrochloride and a chelating agent that binds calcium and/or magnesium such as EDTA.

The maturation state of three types of granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells from mouse bone marrow

Abstract: The progenitor cells of neutrophil granulocytes and macrophages which are able to proliferate and differentiate in vitro (CFU-c) form a heterogeneous population. By the use of specific colony stimulating activities and cell separation by equilibrium density centrifugation, three subpopulations of CFU-c can be detected. These three CFU-c are characterized by buoyant densities of 1.070, 1.075 and 1.080 g.cm-3 and by their proliferative response to 18 h postendotoxin serum, colony stimulating factor from extracts of mouse embryos and uteri (CSF-pmue) and erythrocyte lysate, respectively. The three CFU-c are compared with respect to their differentiation potential, the maturation rate of their progeny cells and their proliferation capacity. It is shown that with increasing density of the CFU-c the maturation rate increases (sequential maturation of colonies derived from CFU-c with densities of 1.080, 1.075, 1.070 g.cm-3) and the proliferation capacity decreases (colony size decreases in the sequence of CFU-c with densities 1.070, 1.075, 1.080 g.cm-3). Concerning the differentiation potential it is shown that all three CFU-c detected have the capacity to form granulocytes as well as macrophages. On the basis of these results it is concluded that the CFU-c with densities of 1.070, 1.075 and 1.080 g.cm-3 represent a maturation sequence.

Cell cooperation during in vivo anti-hapten antibody responses: V. Two synergistic Ly-1+23− helper T cells with distinctive specificities

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to determine the antigen specificity of two distinct helper T cells (Th) that act synergistically in adoptive secondary in vivo anti-hapten antibody responses. Both Th were present in anti-Ly-2 and complement-treated spleen T cell populations, implying that both Th are Ly-1+,23−. Adding normal T cells or T cells primed to other carriers to specific carrier-primed T cells, using a variety of different protocols did not affect the helper activity of the specifically primed Th. Thus, both Th apparently are antigen-specific. Furthermore, Th primed with one carrier and boosted with that carrier plus hapten linked to a noncross- reactive carrier cannot help B cells. However, if a mixture of Ly-1 T cells from mice primed with two different carriers is transferred along with B cells, and the mice are boosted with hapten coupled to one of the two priming carriers, then giving the other carrier induces a significant increase in antibody production. Thus, only one of the two Th (Th1) requires a hapten-carrier bridge, while the other does not (Th2). However, both Th 1 and Th2 are clearly antigen-specific and require stimulation with antigen to exert helper activity. Furthermore, these experiments strongly suggest that Th 2 cannot express helper function in vivo in the absence of Th 1. These findings, and the absence of Th2-like cells in agammaglobulinemic mice, were correlated with other studies in which two helper activities have been described. It was concluded that in vivo responses require an effective Th 1-B cell interaction, whereas Th2, if stimulated with antigen, will augment certain portions of the antibody response, such as idiotype or allotype, and thus influence the quality of the antibody response directly.

Comparison of plasma histamine and cyclic nucleotides after antigen and methacholine inhalation in man

Abstract: Serial determinations of plasma histamine and cyclic nucleotides (adenosine monophosphate [AMP] and guanosine monophosphate [GMP]) were performed after inhalation of antigen and methacholine in four groups of subjects. In the first group, consisting of six antigen-sensitive subjects exhibiting bronchospasm after inhalation of ragweed or grass antigen, plasma histamine was elevated within 2 min and persisted for 30 min after inhalation of antigen. Peak histamine levels were between 18 to 80 ng/ml. In the second group, consisting of four nonatopic subjects, neither bronchospasm nor histamine was observed, despite inhalation of the same or 10-fold increased concentrations of antigen. In the third group, consisting of six subjects (three atopic and three nonatopic) exhibiting bronchospasm after inhalation of 2.5 to 10 mg of methacholine, sustained increases of histamine began at 1 min and persisted for 60 min after inhalation of methacholine. In the fourth group, seven subjects (two atopic, five nonatopic) without demonstrable bronchospasm despite inhalation of 2.5- to 10-fold increased doses of methacholine, no histamine was detected in the plasma at any time after inhalation of methacholine. Serial measurements of cyclic nucleotides showed no consistent changes in serum levels of cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP following inhalation challenge. We conclude that serum levels of histamine but not cyclic nucleotides change during bronchospasm induced by either antigen or methacholine.

The effect of mouse lung granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and other colony-stimulating activities on the proliferation and differentiation of murine bone marrow cells in long-term cultures.

Abstract: The roles of colony-stimulating factors in long-term bone marrow cultures were studied and compared. After single additions of high concentrations of unpurified colony-stimulating activities to the cultures, rapid deterioration of the cultures was observed. This appears to result from contaminants in the stimulatory preparations. Cultures to which one purified colony-stimulating factor (csf) from endotoxin mouse lung-conditioned medium was added did not run down ten weeks after addition and were found to be the same as the controls. The deterioration of the cultures to which unpurified stimulators were added could not be accounted for by accelerated granulopoiesis leading to subsequent exhaustion of the cultures. The inability of purified CSF to affect the cellularity of the suspension cells did not result from instability or masking of the activity in the cultures, nor did CSF preferentially stimulate the cells within the adherent layer. The suspension cells responded to purified CSF after separation from the adherent cells. The data suggest that if CSFs are marrow stimulators, their effects in turn may be stringently regulated within the marrow.

Iron Binding Proteins in Selected Human Peripheral Blood Cell Sets: Immunofluorescence

Abstract: Summary. Selected populations of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells were examined for their intracellular content of lactoferrin transferrin and ferritin by an indirect inimunofluorescence technique. Lactoferrin was found in polymorphs but not in lymphoid cells. Two different lactoferrin staining patterns were observed which we designated ‘perinuclear’, characterized by a ring of positive material round the nucleus, and cytoplasmic, in which most positive material was distributed in the cytoplasm. The former staining pattern was found in high density polymorphs the latter was associated with low density polymorphs occasionally found contaminating the peripheral blood mononuclear cell suspension. After incubation in vitro, the peri-nuclear pattern changed to cytoplasmic staining. Transferrin was found in T cells and polyniorphs. In contrast, only a few transferrin containing cells were detected in the B cell and monocyte fractions. Following overnight incubation, a halo of positive material was found surrounding T cells stained for transferrin, suggesting that T cells released transferrin during incubation. Ferritin was also found in T cells and adherent cells. Following latex particle ingestion, the intensity of ferritin staining was markedly increased. Only a small proportion of lymphoid cells and monocytes stained for transferrin or ferritin in the total peripheral blood mononuclear cell suspension. The results indicate, therefore, that in response to manipulation procedures used routinely for the selection of human peripheral blood lymphoid cells, detectable amounts of transferrin and ferritin are present in T but not B cells. The fact that T cells are equipped with proteins known to participate in binding and storage of iron may constitute, at least in part, the basis for the contribution of these cells to the regulation of other major biological systems.

Changes in blood-brain transfer parameters induced by hyperosmolar intracarotid infusion and by metastatic tumor growth.

Abstract: The transport of solutes and water between blood and brain tissue depends on such things as the rate of tissue blood flow, the permeabilities of the capillary and cellular membranes, and the sizes of the various tissue distribution spaces. In some pathologic situations, the primary cause of the lesion is the interruption of the normal operation of one or more of these transport components, for example, local tissue blood flow in stroke. In other conditions, the presence of the initial pathologic disturbance subsequently affects the movements of materials within the system, for instance, the development of edema in and around a tumor site.

Computerized pattern cutting: Methods based on an isometric tree

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the problem of mapping a curved surface onto a plane, with special reference to shoe manufacture. A class of mappings based on an isometric tree is investigated and an optimal mapping is defined. A patented method of computerized pattern cutting is also discussed.