黄芪对肺纤维化大鼠血清细胞因子及肺超微结构的影响

目的：研究黄芪水提物、黄芪皂苷对博莱霉素（BLM）所致肺纤维化大鼠血Th1/Th2型细胞因子平衡、TNF-α表达的调节作用及对肺上皮细胞超微结构的影响,探讨黄芪阻抑肺纤维化的效应机制。方法：Wistar大鼠随机分为空白组、BLM模型组、地塞米松组、黄芪水提物组、黄芪皂苷组；气管内注入BLM复制大鼠肺纤维化模型,造模后第2天开始药物干预,14天采用酶联免疫吸附法测定血IFN-γ、IL-4、TNF-α的含量,14天、28天观察肺上皮细胞超微结构变化情况。结果：模型组大鼠血IFN-γ含量降低,IL-4、TNF-α的含量升高（均P〈0.05）；与模型组比较,黄芪水提物组、黄芪皂苷组、地塞米松组使大鼠血IFN-γ含量明显升高（P〈0.05）,IL-4、TNF-α含量明显降低（P〈0.05）；黄芪水提物组、黄芪皂苷组与地塞米松组比较,上述指标均无统计学差异（P〉0.05）,超微结构观察,模型组肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞数量减少,细胞微绒毛稀少,核不规则,核染色质凝集粗块状,板层小体减少空泡样变,线粒体明显肿胀,肺泡间隔成纤维细胞增生明显,胞质内胶原纤维增多；各治疗组均可改善肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞超微结构的异常改变。结论：黄芪水提物、黄芪皂苷对肺纤维化大鼠肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞超微结构具有保护作用,调节Th1/Th2型细胞因子的平衡及TNF-α含量可能是其阻抑肺纤维化发生的机理之一。     

锌通过调节Th1/Th2平衡及抗氧化降低哮喘大鼠气道炎症

目的 探讨锌对哮喘大鼠气道炎症的影响及机制。方法 建立哮喘大鼠模型,SD大鼠32只,按体重随机分为4组,A组为缺锌饲料+卵清蛋白（OVA）激发组;B组为补锌饲料+ OVA激发组;C组为正常锌饲料+ OVA激发组;D组为正常锌饲料+生理盐水激发组。诱喘后24 h取右肺HE染色,观察气道壁细胞成分;取左肺制备肺组织匀浆检测γ干扰素（IFN-γ）、白细胞介素4（IL-4）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GPX）水平。结果 与C组相比,A组大鼠支气管壁中嗜酸粒细胞、中性粒细胞、巨噬细胞数及肺组织匀浆中MDA均明显增加（P<0.05）,而IFN-γ、IFN-γ/IL-4、SOD及GPX均明显减少（P<0.05）;B组大鼠上述炎性细胞及MDA均明显减少（P<0.05）,而IFN-γ、IFN-γ/IL-4、SOD及GPX均明显增加（P<0.05）;IL-4含量两组无明显变化。结论 锌可能通过调节Th1/Th2平衡及抗氧化降低哮喘大鼠气道炎症。     

黄芪注射液对哮喘大鼠p38 MAPK和Th1/Th2类细胞因子变化的影响

目的： 探讨黄芪注射液对哮喘大鼠气道炎症和Th1/Th2类细胞因子（IFN-γ/IL-4）变化的影响及其可能机制。方法：雄性SD大鼠40只随机分成5组，即正常对照组、哮喘模型组和黄芪低、中、高剂量干预组。分别采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）、逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和蛋白质印迹检测支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）中IL-4、 IFN-γ含量、肺组织中IL-4 mRNA、 IFN-γ mRNA表达和磷酸化p38 MAPK的变化，并观察BALF中炎症细胞和肺组织病理学改变。结果：哮喘模型组大鼠BALF中炎症细胞计数、IL-4含量和肺组织中IL-4 mRNA、磷酸化p38 MAPK表达水平升高，IFN-γ、IFN-γ mRNA水平降低，与正常对照组比较，显著差异（P<0.01）。黄芪低、中、高剂量干预组大鼠BALF中炎症细胞计数、IL-4含量和肺组织中IL-4 mRNA、磷酸化p38 MAPK表达水平均明显降低，IFN-γ、IFN-γ mRNA水平明显上升，与哮喘模型组比较，均具有显著差异（P<0.01）。黄芪处理能明显减轻哮喘大鼠肺组织病理学改变，但黄芪低、中、高剂量干预组之间比较，无显著差异（P>0.05）。肺组织磷酸化p38 MAPK的表达与EOS计数、IL-4、IL-4mRNA之间分别呈显著正相关（r=0.63，r=0.69，r=0.71，P<0.01），与IFN-γ和IFN-γ mRNA之间分别呈显著负相关（r=-0.65，r=-0.68，P<0.01）。结论：p38 MAPK可能参与了支气管哮喘的发病过程。黄芪注射液对哮喘大鼠具有保护作用，其机制可能与抑制p38 MAPK磷酸化、纠正IFN-γ/IL-4平衡失调、减轻炎症细胞浸润有关。     

甘草甜素减轻博莱霉素致大鼠肺纤维化

目的探讨甘草甜素减轻博莱霉素致大鼠肺纤维化的机制。方法将大鼠随机分成对照组、博莱霉素致大鼠肺纤维化模型组、地塞米松(DXM)、甘草甜素低、中及高剂量治疗组。注博莱霉素后第28天,连续14 d同一时间段腹腔注射。第15天取左肺下叶供免疫组化检测TGF-β1、IFN-γ表达;右肺下叶供病理组织观察。用ELISA双抗体夹心法测定各组大鼠血清IL-4、IFN-γ含量。结果 (1)模型组大鼠肺组织成纤维细胞反应增强,TGF-β1染色及定量表达增强;而甘草甜素各组、DXM组减轻明显(P<0.01);(2)模型组大鼠血清IL-4含量较高,IFN-γ含量较低;甘草甜素各组及DXM组则相反(P<0.05)。(3)甘草甜素各组、DXM组肺组织IFN-γ染色及定量表达增强,甘草甜素低剂量组较其他组增强(P<0.01)。结论甘草甜素通过降低肺组织TGF-β1表达和血清IL-4含量,上调IFN-γ表达,提高血清IFN-γ含量,从而减轻肺纤维化程度。     

卡介菌多糖核酸和地塞米松对哮喘大鼠IFN-γ/IL-4mRNA表达的对比研究

从分子水平探讨卡介菌多糖核酸(BCG-PSN)对哮喘大鼠Th1、Th2型细胞因子IFN-γmRNA和IL-4mRNA表达的影响以探讨BCG-PSN治疗哮喘的可能机制,并与地塞米松的作用相对比。SD雄性大鼠32只,随机分成盐水对照组、BCG-PSN组、地塞米松和哮喘组四组,每组8只。BCG-PSN组、地塞米松和哮喘组第1、7、14天均用10%鸡卵清蛋白(OVA)1ml联合10%氢氧化铝[AL(OH)3]1ml腹腔注射,第15天起分别以BCG-PSN、地塞米松、生理盐水腹腔注射治疗哮喘,每次治疗后30min以10%OVA雾化吸入激发哮喘,持续30min,持续7d,盐水对照组则以生理盐水腹腔注射和雾化,四组最后一次雾化吸入后24h,以1%戊巴比妥钠麻醉大鼠,收集右上肺组织100mg,采用逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)半定量测定卡介菌多糖核酸和地塞米松对哮喘大鼠肺组织中IFN-γmRNA、IL-4mRNA表达的影响。结果:BCG-PSN组哮喘大鼠肺组织中IFN-γmRNA表达明显增加,高于正常组、地塞米松组和哮喘组(P<0.05、0.05、0.01,IL-4mRNA表达低于哮喘组和正常组。地塞米松组IL-4mRNA表达低于正常组和哮喘组,IFN-γmRNA表达低于BCG-PSN组而高于哮喘组。哮喘组IL-4mRNA明显高于正常组、BCG-PSN组、地塞米松组。IFN-γmRNA明显低于其余三组(P<0.05)。卡介菌多糖核酸能明显增强哮喘大鼠肺组织中Th1类细胞因子IFN-γmRNA的表达,同时抑制Th2类细胞因子IL-4mRNA的表达,通过双向调节作用提高IFN-γ/IL-4的比值从而逆转Th1/Th2失衡。地塞米松能明显抑制Th2类细胞因子IL-4mRNA的表达,而对Th1类细胞因子IFN-γmRNA的表达无明显改变。     

ST2在博来霉素诱导的肺纤维化小鼠体内的动态表达北大核心CSCD

目的:探讨ST2是否在博来霉素(Bleomycin,BLM)诱导的肺纤维化小鼠体内表达,进一步探索肺纤维化的发病机制。方法:BLM诱导急性肺纤维化模型,H&E、Masson染色检测肺部急性炎症及纤维化程度。Western blot检测蛋白ST2的动态表达,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测肺组织中的IL-4、IFN-γ水平,IFN-γ/IL-4代表Th1/Th2。结果:与对照组相比,BLM组中蛋白ST2、MyD88、TRAF6的表达呈现出一致的上升趋势,在第7、14、28天的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);在肺纤维化过程中IFN-γ/IL-4比值逐渐减小,与对照组相比,在第14、28天时的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);蛋白ST2、MyD88、TRAF6的表达与IL-4的相对表达趋势一致,而与IFN-γ的相对表达趋势相反。结论:在肺纤维化过程中,伴有蛋白ST2、MyD88、TRAF6的高表达;ST2介导的Th1/Th2细胞因子漂移参与了肺纤维化过程。     

干扰素γ对实验性大鼠肺纤维化、肺组织干扰素γ和转化生长因子β表达的影响

目的：研究干扰素γ（IFN-γ）对博莱霉素诱导的大鼠肺纤维化实验模型肺泡炎和肺纤维化的影响,并探讨其对肺纤维化影响的可能机制。方法：60只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组（N组）、模型对照组（M组）和干扰素γ组（R组）,每组各20只大鼠。于造模后3、7、14、28天分批处死动物,留取肺组织,观察肺泡炎和肺纤维化的程度,测定肺组织中的羟脯氨酸含量、IFN-γmRNA、转化生长因子β（TGF-β）mRNA的表达。结果：M组、R组大鼠肺泡炎3、7、14、28天均较N组严重,7天时最重,R组14天时肺泡炎显著高于M组;M组、R组肺纤维化评分及肺羟脯氨酸含量14、28天均高于N组,于28天最重;R组肺组织IFN-γmRNA表达3、7、14、28天均显著高于M组;R组肺组织中TGF-βmRNA表达在3天显著高于M组（P〈0.05）。结论：在博莱霉素诱导大鼠肺纤维化早期给予干扰素γ并不能减轻肺部炎症和肺纤维化,可能与其促进肺组织IFN-γ、TGF-β基因表达有关。     

白三烯受体拮抗剂下调OX40L调控Th9细胞因子改善过敏性哮喘小鼠气道重塑和炎症

目的 探讨白三烯受体拮抗剂对过敏性哮喘小鼠气道重塑的改善作用及可能机制.方法 30只SPF级BALB/c小鼠随机分成对照组、模型组及孟鲁司特组,每组10只.HE染色观察肺组织形态学变化;Masson染色观察肺组织气道纤维化;ELISA检测支气管肺泡灌洗液IL-4、IFN-γ、IL-9和OVA特异IgE含量;Western blot检测肺组织OX40L蛋白表达;Western blot和qRT-PCR检测肺组织TRAF6、IL-9和IL-9R蛋白及mRNA表达.结果 与对照组相比,模型组小鼠肺组织形态学病理变化明显,纤维化增加,支气管肺泡灌洗液IL-4、IL-9和OVA特异IgE含量增加,IFN-γ含量降低,OX40L、TRAF6、IL-9和IL-9R表达水平升高.孟鲁司特改善肺组织形态,降低肺组织气道纤维化,降低支气管肺泡灌洗液IL-4、IL-9和OVA特异IgE含量,增加IFN-γ含量,降低OX40L、TRAF6、IL-9和IL-9R表达水平.结论 白三烯受体拮抗剂改善过敏性哮喘小鼠气道重塑和炎症,其作用机制可能与调节OX40L和Th9细胞相关因子表达有关.     

溃疡性结肠炎相关性结直肠癌大鼠Th1/Th2漂移与微血管密度的关系

为探讨溃疡性结肠炎相关性结直肠癌(ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer,UC-CRC)大鼠Th1/Th2漂移与微血管密度(microvessel density,MVD)的关系,建立UC-CRC大鼠模型,于第14、16、18周分批处死,观察各组结肠组织病理学变化情况,并比较血清、结肠组织中Th2细胞因子IL-4、Th1细胞因子IFN-γ水平及结肠组织中CD4~+IL-4~+占比、CD4~+IFN-γ~+占比、CD4~+IFN-γ~+/CD4~+IL-4~+、MVD,分析MVD与IFN-γ、IL-4、IFN-γ/IL-4的相关性。结果显示,模型组大鼠建模后状态逐渐变差,持续2周后好转;模型组结肠细胞有明显的病理学变化;与对照组比较,模型组各时刻血清和组织中IL-4水平、CD4~+IL-4~+占比、MVD较高,IFN-γ水平、CD4~+IFN-γ~+占比、IFN-γ/IL-4、CD4~+IFN-γ~+/CD4~+IL-4~+较低(P0.05);模型组血清和组织中IL-4水平、CD4~+IL-4~+占比、MVD均随时间的延长呈升高趋势(P0.05),IFN-γ水平、CD4~+IFN-γ~+占比、IFN-γ/IL-4、CD4~+IFN-γ~+/CD4~+IL-4~+均随时间的延长呈下降趋势(P0.05),而对照组上述指标变化均不显著(P 0.05);不同时刻MVD与血清及组织中IL-4水平呈正相关(P0.05),与IFN-γ水平、IFN-γ/IL-4均呈负相关(P0.05)。提示UC-CRC大鼠Th1/Th2平衡向Th2漂移,MVD与Th2细胞因子呈正相关,与Th1细胞因子呈负相关,MVD与Th1/Th2漂移关系密切。     

STAT1 ASON对肺纤维化大鼠BALF细胞因子和肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达的影响

目的:观察信号转导子与转录活化子1(STAT1)反义寡核苷酸(ASON)雾化吸入对博莱霉素(BLM)致肺纤维化大鼠肺泡灌洗液(BALF)PDGF-BB(血小板衍生生长因子-BB)、 TNF-α(肿瘤坏死因子-α )、 TGF-β1(转化生长因子-β1)、 IFN-γ(干扰素-γ)表达及肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达的影响.方法:取45只健康雌性Wistar大鼠随机分成ASON组、 BLM组和生理盐水(NS)组各15只, 气管内分别灌注BLM(ASON组、 BLM组)和NS(NS组)复制肺纤维化模型和空白对照, ASON组于第0、 2、 4、 6天雾化吸入STAT1 ASON, BLM组和NS组雾化吸入NS, 各组分别于第7、 14、 28天均处死动物5只.观察肺泡炎和肺纤维化改变;收集BALF测定PDGF-BB、 TNF-α、 IFN-γ、 TGF-β1的水平;测定肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达.结果:ASON组第7、 14、 28天肺泡炎和肺纤维化程度明显低于同时间点BLM组( P <0.05).BLM组各时间点BALF中PDGF-BB、 TNF-α、 TGF-β1表达水平较NS组升高( P <0.05), ASON组较BLM组各时间点均降低( P <0.05);BLM组BALF中IFN-γ表达水平各时间点均低于NS组( P <0.05) , 但ASON组各时间点均较BLM组高( P <0.05).ASON组和BLM组第7、 14、 28天Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达高于NS组( P <0.05);ASON组第7、 14、 28天Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA的表达均较同时间点BLM组降低( P <0.05).结论:STAT1 ASON雾化吸入能够减轻BLM诱导的肺泡炎和肺纤维化程度, 其机制可能与抑制BALF中TGF-β1、 PDGF-BB、 TNF-α的表达, 抑制IFN-γ下降而减少肺组织胶原的沉积有关.     

Vaccine-Induced Th1-Type Responses are Dominant over Th2-Type Responses in the Short Term whereas Pre-existing Th2 Responses are Dominant in the Longer Term

The effect of adjuvant on induction of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and immunoglobulin G (IgG)_2a antibody was studied in C57BL/6 J mice immunized with various adjuvants and E7 protein. Quil-A adjuvant, but not complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or Algammulin, induced a T-helper 1 (Th1)-type response to E7, which was characterized by CTL activity against a tumour cell line transfected with E7 protein and by E7-specific IgG_2a. All tested adjuvants elicited comparable levels of E7-specific IgG₁. The longest duration and greatest magnitude of CTL response was seen following two immunizations with the highest dose of E7 and Quil-A. Simultaneous immunization with a Th1 and a T helper 2 (Th2)-promoting adjuvant gave a Th1-type response. However, E7 and Quil-A were unable to induce a Th1-type response (as measured by the inability to generate anti-E7 IgG_2a antibody) in animals with a pre-existing Th2-type response to E7. These results suggest that saponin adjuvants may be suitable for immunotherapy in humans where a Th1-type response is sought, provided that there is no pre-existing Th2-type response to the antigen.     

Th1 and Th2 in human IVF pregnancy with allogenic fetus

PROBLEM: Positive obstetric outcome of allogenic in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies makes interesting the subject of additional regulatory mechanisms after oocyte donation. METHOD OF STUDY: Eighty eight women: 23 donation of oocytes (DO), 33 IVF, 32 natural conception (NC) were studied in first trimester of pregnancy. Intracellular production of cytokines and chemokine receptors expression were studied by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Intracellular production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha by CD4 T lymphocytes in DO women was higher than in IVF and NC women. Ratio IFN-gamma/IL-4 in DO was lower than in IVF. We found higher expression of chemokine receptor CCR4 but not CXCR3 on CD4 T cells in DO compared with IVF and NC. Ratio CXCR3/CCR4 in DO was lower than in NC. CONCLUSION: Hyperactivation of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) by allogenic fetus is specific for DO pregnancy. Preferable activation of Th2 and relative suppression of Th1 chemokine expression reflect additional regulatory counteractive mechanism(s).     

小檗碱调节睡眠剥夺大鼠的肠道菌群结构以及Th17/Treg细胞平衡

目的研究小檗碱对睡眠剥夺大鼠肠道菌群以及辅助性T细胞17(Th17)和调解性T细胞(Treg)细胞的影响。方法将大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、低和高剂量小檗碱组(BBR1和BBR2,100和200 mg/kg,灌胃10 d干预)。小站台水环境法建立睡眠剥夺模型。检测大鼠直肠内容物中细菌数量,流式细胞计量技术分析大鼠肠道Th17/Treg细胞比值,并检测肠道白介素17(IL-17)、RAR相关孤儿受体(ROR)C和叉头框蛋白P3(Foxp3)表达。结果模型组大鼠肠道内产气荚膜梭菌数量增加(P0.05),而其他检测菌群数量降低(P0.05);Th17/Treg细胞比值升高(P0.05);IL-17和RORC表达升高(P0.05),Foxp3表达降低(P0.05)。小檗碱处理降低产气荚膜梭菌数量(P0.05),增加其他检测菌群的数量(P0.05);降低Th17/Treg细胞比值(P0.05);下调IL-17和RORC表达(P0.05),上调Foxp3表达(P0.05)。结论小檗碱能够拮抗睡眠剥夺诱导的大鼠肠道菌群结构和Th17/Treg细胞失衡。     

Development of a functional cDNA array for evaluation of the Th1/Th2 balance

The immune balance controlled by CD4(+) helper T cell subsets (T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2)) is crucial for immunoregulation and its imbalance causes various immune diseases including infections, allergic disorders and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop a system of diagnosing Th1/Th2 imbalances for curing immune diseases. Here we developed a functional cDNA array filter useful for assessing the Th1/Th2 balance in mice. To overcome the disadvantages of conventional microarrays carrying thousands of genes, we prepared an array filter containing 40 Th1-specific and 32 Th2-specific genes, which were selected from over 8700 genes based on (i) the specificity of expression in Th1 or Th2 cells and (ii) an expression level which is high enough for detection using a DNA array. This array filter provided a prompt and precise evaluation for the skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance combined with our calculation algorithm. The bias toward Th1 or Th2 was evaluated visually at a glance by aligning the genes on the filter. Moreover, we succeeded in evaluating the skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance in vivo during acute graft versus host disease (GVHD). Thus, this array filter will provide a novel tool for evaluation of the Th1/Th2 balance in a variety of immune diseases.     

Human monocytes promote Th1 and Th17 responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in children. Human immunity to pneumococcal infections has been assumed to depend on anticapsular antibodies. However, recent findings from murine models suggest that alternative mechanisms, dependent on T helper cells, are also involved. Although the immunological events in which T helper cells contribute to acquired immunity have been studied in mice, little is known about how these responses are generated in humans. Therefore, we examined bacterial and host factors involved in the induction of Th1 and Th17 responses, using a coculture model of human monocytes and CD4(+) T cells. We show that monocytes promote effector cytokine production by memory T helper cells, leading to a mixed Th1/Th17 (gamma interferon [IFN-γ]/interleukin-17 [IL-17]) profile. Both T helper cytokines were triggered by purified pneumococcal peptidoglycan; however, the balance between the two immune effector arms depended on bacterial viability. Accordingly, live pneumococci triggered a Th1-biased response via monocyte production of IL-12p40, whereas heat-killed pneumococci triggered a Th17 response through TLR2 signaling. An increased understanding of human T helper responses is essential for the development of novel pneumococcal vaccines designed to elicit cell-mediated immunity.     

Apigenin Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Modulating Th1/Th2 Cytokine Balance in Mice

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of apigenin on the development of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) and the underlying mechanisms. An EAM model was induced in BALB/c mice by the injection of porcine cardiac myosin. Apigenin was orally administered from day 1 to 21. The severity of myocarditis was assessed by determination of heart weight/body weight ratio (HW/BW) and histopathological evaluation. Echocardiography was conducted to evaluate the cardiac function and heart structure. Antigen-specific T cell proliferation responses to cardiac myosin were evaluated by the lymphocyte proliferation assay. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of type 1 helper (Th1) and Th2 cytokines. Apigenin treatment significantly decreased HW/BW. Histopathologic analysis showed that the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced significantly by apigenin treatment. Meanwhile, apigenin administration effectively ameliorated autoimmune myocarditis-induced cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction as well as inhibited lymphocyte proliferation in mice immunized with myosin. Furthermore, Th1 cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were significantly downregulated, while Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly upregulated. The results indicated that apigenin can alleviate EAM due to its immunomodulatory reactions in modification of helper T cell balance.     

急性缺血性脑卒中大鼠脑组织中Th17/Treg的变化

目的:免疫炎症反应在急性缺血性脑卒中的病理生理过程中发挥着重要的作用。具有促炎作用的辅助性T细胞17(Th17)及维持免疫耐受的调节性T细胞(Treg)是体内重要的2种免疫细胞。Th17/Treg细胞平衡是机体维持正常免疫的基础。本研究探讨急性缺血性脑卒中大鼠脑组织中Th17/Treg的变化。方法:采用线栓法制备SD大鼠急性大脑中动脉闭塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型,以假手术组作为对照组。在MCAO术后3 d利用TTC染色观察各组大鼠脑梗死体积;采用ELISA测定脑组织中白细胞介素17A(IL-17A)和IL-10蛋白的含量;采用RT-qPCR测定脑组织中IL-17、IL-10、Foxp3和RORγt的mRNA表达水平;采用流式细胞术测定脑组织中Th17细胞和Treg细胞的比例变化。结果:与假手术组相比,MCAO组大鼠脑组织中IL-17A的含量增加,IL-10的含量减少(P0.05);RORγt和IL-17的mRNA表达水平上调(P0.05),Foxp3和IL-10的mRNA表达水平下调(P0.05);脑组织Th17细胞增多,Treg细胞明显减少(P0.05),Th17/Treg比值升高(P0.05)。结论:急性缺血性脑卒中大鼠脑组织Th17细胞增多,Treg细胞减少,表明脑梗死后大鼠脑组织中Th17/Treg的平衡被破坏,免疫炎症反应被激活。     

Recombinant cardiac myosin fragment induces experimental autoimmune myocarditis via activation of Th1 and Th17 immunity

The specificity and function of T helper (Th) immune responses underlying the induction, progression, and resolution of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in A/J mice are unclear. Published data suggest involvement of both Th1 and Th2 responses in EAM; however, the previous inability to assess antigen-specific in vivo and in vitro T-cell responses in cardiac myosin-immunized animals has confounded our understanding of this important model of autoimmune myocarditis. The goal of our study was to develop an alternative model of EAM based on a recombinant fragment of cardiac myosin, in hopes that the recombinant protein will permit measurement of functional T-cell responses that is not possible with purified native protein. A/J mice immunized with a recombinant fragment of cardiac myosin spanning amino acids 1074-1646, termed Myo4, developed severe myocarditis characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, massive mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis, three weeks post-immunization. The mice also developed an IgG1 dominant humoral immune response specific for both Myo4 and purified cardiac myosin. The in vitro stimulation of splenocytes harvested from Myo4-immunized animals with Myo4 resulted in cellular proliferation with preferential production of the Th1- and Th17-associated cytokines, IFN-gamma, IL-17, and IL-6, respectively. Production of IL-4 was negligible by comparison. This study describes a new model of EAM, inducible by immunization with a specific fragment of cardiac myosin, from which antigen-specific analyses reveal an importance for both Th1 and Th17 immunity.     

Intracellular Th1/Th2 balance of pulmonary CD4(+) T cells in patients with active interstitial pneumonia evaluated by serum KL-6

The balance between CD4⁺ T helper (Th1) lymphocytes producing interferon-γ or Interleukin-4 (Th2) in the lungs may vary among diseases and during the progression of interstitial pneumonia (IP). Both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and collagen vascular diseases (CVD) are associated with IP, but the clinical course and the response to treatment are different. Since Th1 or Th2 modulating drugs have been proven to alter the lymphocyte balance in vitro, it is important to elucidate the Th1/Th2 profile in patients with active IP. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in patients who had IPF (n = 12) or CVD (n = 12) with IP, as well as in patients who had bronchoectasis and bronchopneumonia (n = 12). The CVD patients had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 6), Sjogren's syndrome (n = 2), dermatomyositis (n = 1), progressive systemic sclerosis (n = 2), and CREST syndrome (n = 1) as the underlying diseases. IP activity was evaluated by measuring serum KL-6, which is a clinically useful indicator for IP. The Th1/ Th2 balance and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were determined for lymphocytes obtained from BAL by flow cytometric analysis. In IPF patients, the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was lower than in CVD patients. IPF patients showed Th2 dominance and CVD patients showed Th1 dominance when IP was active as evaluated by the serum KL-6 level. These data indicated that the Th1/Th2 balance of CD4⁺ T cells in the BAL differs between active IPF and CVD, even though KL-6 is elevated in both diseases. Therefore, the Th1/Th2 profile should be investigated to determine the use of Th1/Th2 modulator therapy for active IP with elevation of KL-6.