Showing papers by "University of Alabama at Birmingham published in 1978"

Pre-B-cell leukemia. A new phenotype of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia.

Abstract: Large lymphoid cells containing small amounts of cytoplasmic IgM (clgM) but undetectable surface immunoglobulin (slg) have recently been recognized as precursors of B lymphocytes. They are a small, rapidly dividing pool of normal marrow lymphoblasts. Since lymphoblasts in most childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias lack slg and other conventional B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte markers, we examined the possibility that some leukemias represent "pre-B"-cell neoplasms. In four of 22 consecutive patients, leukemic cells had the clgM+.slg- phenotype of pre-B cells. These patients' cells shared "common acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia" antigens and "B-cell" alloantigens, but differed in expression of several developmental features characteristic of the B-cell line. Pre-B-cell leukemias were readily responsive to chemotherapy. We conclude that a distinct subpopulation of previously unclassified leukemias reflects oncogenic transformation at the earliest recognizable stage in differentiation along the B-cell axis.

Morphological and histochemical analyses of two human T-cell subpopulations bearing receptors for IgM or IgG.

Abstract: Two subpopulation of circulating human T cells forming rosettes with neuraminidase-treated sheep erythrocytes were purified on the basis of the presence of receptors for IgG (TG cells) or for IgM (TM cells), and were shown to have distinguishing morphological and histochemical characteristics. TM cells had the general features of typical small- or medium-sized lymphocytes; most were easily identifiable by distinctive cytoplasmic accumulations, usually one and sometimes two large spots, of nonspecific acid esterase activity. The release of the vesicular contents on short-term culture of TG cells was inhibited by cytochalasin B. Definition of these distinguishing characteristics of TM and TG cells provides a basis for practical enumeration of these functionally distinct subpopulations of human T cells. Some of the TG cells were capable of endocytosis of IgG antibody-coated erythrocytes.

A common progenitor for human myeloid and lymphoid cells.

Abstract: THE pluripotent haemopoietic stem cell has been the object of many investigations in murine and human systems, but the origin of lymphoid cells from the human pluripotent stem cell has not been definitively established. In mice, investigations using the spleen colony technique1 have demonstrated the existence of a pluripotent stem cell which can give rise to mixed colonies of erythrocytes and granulocytes2. Further studies with radiation-induced chromosome markers in murine systems have provided evidence for the origin of lymphoid cells from this stem cell3–5. The use of X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) isoenzymes as cell markers has provided another approach, applicable to the evaluation of human proliferative disorders6,7. Those females with electrophoretically distinguishable G-6-PD isoenzymes who have clonal haematological disorders provide a source for such studies. Thus, Fialkow et al.8 have demonstrated the origin of erythrocytes, granulocytes, megakaryocytes, and macrophages from a myelogenous stem cell in studies of patients with chronic myelocytic leukaemia. We have used G-6-PD markers in a study of peripheral blood cells from a patient with acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia, and shown the origin in humans of B and T lymphocytes from a common stem cell whose other progeny include erythrocytes, granulocytes, megakaryocytes, and macrophages. In addition, acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia is shown, in this instance, to be a clonal disorder.

Techniques to improve the seating of castings

Abstract: The effects of several variables—degree of convergence of preparations, cements, occlusal venting, relief by aqua-regia acid etching, and the use of die spacing before fabrication of the wax pattern—on the seating of castings were examined in this study. The frustrations of the incomplete seating of castings are commonly experienced. This study of over 200 castings describes methods for eliminating the effect of internal discrepancies which cause a rebound effect, requiring occlusal reduction and adjustment of faulty margins. Technique variables included preparation convergence, venting, and types of cements used. Die spacing and other relief methods were additionally found to provide space for cement thickness, ensuring improved marginal adaptation. In addition to reducing chair time and improving marginal integrity, die spacing provided 25% better retention than when stress areas were not relieved.

Astigmatism in infants

Abstract: Compared with children of school age, infants show ten times the incidence and considerably greater amounts of clinically significant astigmatism. The amount begins to decrease in the second semester of life, and the incidence declines during the third year. The unanticipated results bear on both the etiology and the neural sequelae of astigmatism.

Genetic code correlations: Amino acids and their anticodon nucleotides

Abstract: The data here show direct correlations between both the hydrophobicity and the hydrophilicity of the homocodonic amino acids and their anticodon nucleotides. While the differences between properties of uracil and cytosine derivatives are small, further data show that uracil has an affinity for charged species. Although these data suggest that molecular relationships between amino acids and anticodons were responsible for the origin of the code, it is not clear what the mechanism of the origin might have been.

Fight interference and altruism in rhesus monkeys

Abstract: Fight interference data from a group of free-ranging rhesus monkeys at Cayo Santiago were used to test hypotheses about the evolution and importance of altruism. Both females and natal males (those born in the group) aided close relatives more than distant relatives and aided distant relatives more than non-relatives. This result is consistent with that predicted by the theory of kin selection. However, it was found that female aid to non-relatives involved higher risk and greater success than female aid to relatives. This is not consistent with kin selection or with any strictly genetic explanation for altruism. Natal and non-natal males also did not conform completely to patterns suggested by strictly genetic explanations. Overall, the findings suggest that the survival value and thus evolution of interference behavior involves factors acting through both the social and genetic levels of organization. Rhesus monkeys apparently use interference as a means of establishing social bonds and ensuring group membership. For a macaque this membership is critical since the social group is the context for most behavior. Thus, an animal not well integrated might be unable to ever reach the point of mating or successfully raising offspring.

The infectious etiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Several possible mechanisms of chronic inflammatory arthritis that might be initiated by infectious agents are discussed. Some recent information on mycoplasma infections, long-term virus infections, and shed bacterial components provides the bases for new experimental approaches. Currently, evidence of involvement of mycoplasma or viral agents in rheumatoid arthritis is tenuous. Chronic peptidoglycan-immune-complex formation is a consideration that has been discussed, but only recently pursued in depth. It may well be that experimental studies on the infectious etiology of rheumatoid arthritis will be revitalized through an appreciation of the bacterial antigen load in the gastrointestinal tract. The perimental vehicles for testing this possibility are available and should be directly applicable at the clinical level.

Concept of the local and common mucosal immune response

Abstract: A major problem that has received considerable attention concerns a method for effectively stimulating a selective IgA-associ-ated immune response on mucous surfaces. Earlier immunization attempts indicated that an antigen applied to the mucous membrane penetrates these membranes and encounters B-lymphocytes that have the potential of differentiating into IgA-producing plasma cells of a given specificity. The IgA produced is then actively transported through epithelial cells on the surface of the membrane where the original antigen stimulation occurred. Numerous examples clearly demonstrate the efficiency of this pathway of immunization. For example, the stimulation through the conjunctival sac of one eye led to the appearance of antibodies in tears from the immunized site but not in secretions from the other eye (1). Similarly, the application of viral antigen into the large intestine of individuals who have had double-barrelled colostomies induced s-IgA antibodies restricted to the site of antigen application but failed to induce antibodies in other parts of the intestine, in glandular secretions or in nasal secretions (2). These are only two examples of experiments that are suggestive of an IgA-associated immune response that results from topical antigen application.

Ia-like alloantigens in the chicken: Serologic characterization an ontogeny of cellular expression.

Abstract: Alloantisera raised in highly inbred lines of chickens, 72 and 15I5 , by reciprocal immunization with lymphocytes were shown by immunofluorescence to react with B cells, cells of the monocyte-macrophage series, and an unidentified population of mononuclear cells prevalent in the spleen and bone marrow. Variable immunogenicity of the ‘Ia’2 and ‘Ia’15 alloantigens was observed. The alloantigens detected by these sara could be redistributed on the B-cell surface independently of immunoglobulin determinants or previously recognized antigens encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (B locus), and were more resistant to proteolysis than slgM. Analysis of several inbred lines of chickens revealed an association between expression of these antigens and the B haplotype. Strains of the B2 haplotype expressed the antigen detected by anti-7 2 and vice versa. These data suggest that the B-cell alloantigens detected are encoded by genes linked to the MHC and may be analogous to la antigens of mice and DR antigens of man. ‘Ia’ alleles were co dominantly expressed on lymphocytes of F1 hybrids. During ontogeny ‘a’+ cells were first detected in the bursa at 10 days of incubation , 3 days before ‘Ia’+. IgM+ cells could be detected. Both ‘Ia’+.IgM+ and ‘Ia’+.IgM− populations of bursal cells increased in parallel until day 18, when plateau levels were reached. Development of ‘Ia’+.IgM− cells throughout the body was unaffected by bursectomy at hatching. Cell surface expression of ‘Ia’ antigens was apparently increased with B-Iymphocyte maturation and was detectable on most, but not all, mature plasma cells.

Collagen synthesis and secretion by rat incisor odontoblasts in organ culture.

Abstract: An organ culture system for studying dentinogenesis has been developed. The system consists of odontoblasts still attached to predentin and dentin and cultured in chemically defined media, supplemented with 20% horse serum and 10% chick embryo extract or 10% fetal calf serum. When incubated for 24 h with [14C]proline, the odontoblast cultures formed [14C]hydroxyproline-containing protein which was located in cells, media and predentin, showing that these cells both synthesize and secrete collagen. The relative quantities of incorporated [14C]proline and [14C]hydroxyproline showed that collagen produced was particularly enriched in the media and predentin fractions. After extraction of collagen in the presence of pepsin, the collagen chains chromatographed as only α chains on molecular-sieve chromatography. Thus, type III collagen does not appear to be synthesized by odontoblasts as it would chromatograph as a γ component consisting of three disulfide-bonded α1(III) chains. Analysis of the denatured collagen by CM-cellulose chromatography showed that α1(I) and α2 chains were present in a ratio of 5–6:1 instead of 2:1 expected for type I collagen. CNBr peptide analysis established that only α1(I) and α2 chains were made by the odontoblasts. The excess α1(I) chains were found as type I trimer, a molecular species consisting of three α1(I) chains in a triple helix. This was shown by separation of type I collagen and type I trimer by differential salt precipitation. At this time it is not known if the type I trimer is a normal product of odontoblasts in vivo or whether it is only produced by these cells in culture.

Identification of high risk subsets of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract: To Identify the patient at high risk after acute myocardial Infarction data on 400 patients obtained from the Myocardial Infarction Research Units Cooperative Data Bank were examined. Patients were grouped according to clinical findings as follows: uncomplicated (class 1, 81 patients); mild to moderate failure (class II, 150 patients); severe failure with pulmonary edema (class III, 17 patients); and severe failure with shock (class IV, 152 patients). Hemodynamic data Including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac output were available In all patients. High risk subsets within clinical classes I, II and IV were Identifiable. In class I, nonsurvivors had significantly (P <0.05) higher values for pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (16 mm Hg) and heart rate (96 beats/min); nonsurvivors In class II also had a significant (P <0.01) elevation In pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (23 mm Hg); and In class IV the high risk subset was characterized (P <0.01) by pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (21 mm Hg), heart rate (100 beats/min), cardiac Index (1.6 liters/min per m2), stroke index (14 cc/m2) and stroke work index (12 g-m/m2). Discrimlnant function analysis using pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and heart rate predicted mortality In classes I to III with 72 percent accuracy; a similar equation representing stroke work index, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac Index had an 83 percent rate of accuracy in class IV patients. interclass comparison of the last three measurements indicated that the data differed significantly among classes, thus signifying a spectrum of ventricular impairment after Infarction that was commensurate with the clinical presentation. However, in individual patients the clinical examination did not consistently reflect the degree of ventricular dysfunction. Thus, careful bedside examination together with hemodynamic monitoring of wedge pressure, cardiac output and heart rate serve to identify the high risk patient after acute myocardial infarction.

Function of the Nervous System During Prenatal Life

Abstract: That the nervous system begins to function early during prenatal life is demonstrated only by the movements resulting from its activity. The skeletal muscle reflexes of the fetus are one manifestation of function, and constitute its overt behavior. (35) Another way that function is revealed is through visceral reactions, such as cardiac action, intestinal activity due to smooth muscle contraction, or glandular secretion. The neural regulation of the heart is probably the earliest evidence for function of the nervous system in visceral reactions, for nerve fibers invade the heart at about 16–19 mm,(60) and ECGs have been obtained as early as at 9.5 weeks of menstrual age [36.0 mm crown-rump length (CR), Hooker fetal series].(30)

Spontaneous Hypoglycemia in Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract: Spontaneous fasting hypoglycemia developed in four nondiabetic patients with end-stage renal failure. All were undergoing long-term maintenance hemodialysis and three patients were anephric. Hypoglycemia was generally accompanied by severe metabolic acidosis and, in three patients, lactic acidemia. Abnormalities of hepatic structure and/or function were present in three patients. In one patient, hypoglycemia was refractory to exogenous glucagon, failed to respond to alanine, glycerol, or galactose, and was associated with suppressed plasma insulin and elevated plasma glucagon levels. Fasting hypoglycemia appeared to result from several mechanisms. In at least two patients, fasting hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis resulted from impaired hepatic gluconeogenesis in association with impaired or absent renal glucose production. Additionally, substrate limitation probably contributed to hypoglycemia in several patients. (Arch Intern Med138:1364-1368, 1978)

B Cell Differentiation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide: V. Suppression of Plasma Cell Maturation by anti-µ: Mode of Action and Characteristics of Suppressed Cells

Abstract: The mechanisms by which anti-µ chain antibodies suppress LPS-induced differentiation of murine B lymphocytes to plasma cells were examined as a function of age. Concentrations of anti-µ, sufficient to inhibit completely differentiation of adult B lymphocytes paradoxically enhanced cellular proliferation of LPS-stimulated cultures, whereas newborn cells, which are suppressed by much lower concentrations of anti-µ, failed to proliferate. Enhancement of proliferation of adult cultures was dependent upon both the concentration of anti-µ antibodies and the time they remained in culture. Proliferating lymphoblasts from anti-µ-treated cultures expressed H-2 and Ia alloantigens and receptors for Fc (IgG) and C3; they lacked rough endoplasmic reticulum and other ultrastructural characteristics of plasma cells and had no detectable membrane immunoglobulin. Small deposits of mouse IgM were identified in the perinuclear and Golgi regions in 95% of the cells. Cells recovered from suppressed newborn cultures lacked all of these characteristics. A population of cells, stimulated by LPS in the presence of anti-µ, appeared in the spleen between birth and 3 days, and, by 12 days of age, 35% of cells in suppressed cultures had Golgi-associated IgM. These results suggest that anti-µ inhibition of Ig synthesis in LPS-stimulated adult cells is highly specific, occurs subsequent to cross-linkage of surface IgM, and is mediated in intracellular sites by complexes of anti-µ chain antibody and IgM. Similar treatment of newborn spleen cultures results in elimination of immature B cells. These observations relate to the mechanisms of antigen-induced clonal elimination among immature B cells, as well as to the phenomenon of B cell tolerance and regulation of B cell function by anti-idiotypic antibodies in adults.

Effects of Training On Teachers' Accuracy in the Identification of Gifted Children:

Abstract: Teachers are frequently asked to assist in the identification of intellectually gifted children. Their referrals, however, are relatively inaccurate, as they overlook many gifted children and nominate others who will not achieve the criterion for intellectual giftedness. This experimental study sought to determine if appropriate instruction would improve the accuracy of teacher-judged giftedness. The investigation was conducted in several rural schools in a region which was designated economically disadvataged. Teachers who were provided appropriate instruction were significantly more effective in their referrals, and equally efficient as those teachers in the control who had not been given instruction.

Productive infection with cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus in renal transplant recipients: role of source of kidney.

Abstract: Forty patients were prospectively studied for infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) after renal transplantation. Although 85% had antibody to CMV and 95% had antibody to HSV prior to transplantation, excretion of CMV was found in 92.5%, usually as viruria, and HSV was recovered from 70%, most often from the oropharynx. Shedding of HSV reached a peak within the first month after transplantation when immunosuppression was most intense and then rapidly declined. In contrast, excretion of CMV was found in a greater proportion of patients during each interval up to about six months after transplantation and subsequently persisted in the majority of patients. Both serologic responses and viral isolation rates indicated more rapid activation of CMV but not of HSV in recipients of kidneys from cadavers than in patients who received kidneys from living, related donors. At 60 days after transplantation, 76% of the recipients of kidneys from cadavers and only 33% of the recipients of kidneys from living, related donors had shed CMV (P = 0.003). These differences could not be accounted for by immunosuppressive treatment. Excretion of HSV was clearly associated with the time of most intense immunosuppression, but the major factor in initiation and maintenance of productive infection with CMV appeared to be the host vs. graft reaction.