Polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation in inflammatory dermal sites as measured by51Cr-labeled cells and myeloperoxidase

Two methods for quantitating polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) accumulation in inflammatory skin lesions were studied. The lesions were produced in rats by intradermal injections of different dilutions of zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP). PMN accumulation in the skin lesions was estimated by determination of (1) homologous⁵¹Cr-labeled PMNs and (2) activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the tissue sample.¹²⁵I-labeled human serum albumin was used for mesaurement of albumin extravasation. The [⁵¹Cr]PMN content and MPO activity in the skin lesions were both proportional to the concentration of ZAP injected. The correlation coefficient (r) between the two methods of measuring PMN accumulation in the inflammatory skin lesions was calculated to be 0.81±0.13 (mean±SD, N=8), The proportionality of the PMN accumulation to the different dilutions of injected ZAP, as measured both by [⁵¹Cr]PMN and by MPO activity, and the correlation of the two methods to each other, suggest that these two methods are reliable for measuring PMN accumulation in vivo. The inflammatory reaction also included albumin extravasation, which reached a relatively high level already at the lowest concentration of injected ZAP and did not seem to parallel PMN accumulation.     

Simultaneous measurement of twenty-nine circulating cytokines and growth factors in female patients with overt autoimmune thyroid diseases

Abstract

Cytokines and growth factors participate in immune responses, and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Herein, we simultaneously examined differential levels of 29 circulating factors to determine their associations in female patients with overt autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). We enrolled 40 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), 20 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), and 14 healthy controls. Twenty-nine circulating factors were simultaneously measured. GD patients with low thyroid-stimulating hormone at the time of sample collection were defined as having active GD. B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels were associated with GD and HT (p?=?.001 and .001, respectively) and interferon (IFN)-α levels were higher in the HT group than in the control group (p?=?.021). Significant associations of serum BAFF and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels with free thyroxin (FT4) were present in HT (r = ?0.498, p?=?.026, and r?=?0.544, p?=?.013, respectively). Meanwhile, there were significant associations of FT4 with interleukin (IL)-4 and eotaxin levels in GD (r?=?0.354, p?=?.025 and r?=?0.384, p?=?.014, respectively). In active GD, serum BAFF and eotaxin level were correlated with FT4 levels (r?=?0.465, p?=?.034, and r?=?0.463, p?=?.035, respectively). In conclusion, BAFF is the best circulating indicator to identify GD and HT among all chosen 29 biomarkers, and it could be used to predict the disease severity in HT and active GD. Meanwhile, IFN-α could be another reliable parameter for recognising HT.     

Histological and Ultrastructural Examinations of Porcine Tonsils

The histology and ultrastructure of porcine tonsils were studied. The porcine tonsils were lymphoepithelial organs situated at the opening of both the digestive and respiratory tracts. The tonsil of the soft palate in the oropharyngeal tract and the paraepiglottic tonsil in the laryngopharynx were mainly consisted of secondary lymphoid follicles encapsulated by connective tissue. The stratified squamous epithelia covering the tonsils and their crypts were frequently heavily infiltrated by lymphoid cells. The pharyngeal and tubal tonsils (TT) were situated in the nasopharyngeal tract. The cells of the pseudostratified columnar epithelia of the pharyngeal and TT were loosely connected, with large intercellular space. They consisted of scattered lymphoid follicles, aggregations of lymphoid cells and diffuse lymphoid tissues. Many high endothelial venules, specialized for the diapedesis of lymphoid cells into the tonsillar tissue, were detected in the four porcine tonsils. Therefore, the overall structures of the tonsils (the tonsil of the soft palate, the paraepiglottic tonsil, the pharyngeal and the TT) reflect their immune functionality in the oral and intranasal immunity. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Significant pathogens in peritonsillar abscesses

Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are polymicrobial infections, with a diverse aerobic and anaerobic flora. The aim of the present study is to compare bacteriologic culture results from patients with PTA to those from patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy (clinically non-infected tonsils), to better elucidate the pathogenic significance of various isolates. A prospective study was conducted on 36 PTA patients undergoing acute tonsillectomy and on 80 electively tonsillectomised patients. Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN) and Streptococcus group A (GAS) were isolated significantly more frequently from the tonsillar cores of PTA patients, from both the abscessed (p = 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively) and non-abscessed sides (p < 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively), than from the tonsillar cores of electively tonsillectomised patients. Our findings indicate that FN and GAS are the prominent pathogens in PTA. In patients with PTA, the incidence of FN and GAS isolated from the abscessed tonsil was the same as from the non-abscessed contralateral side, and the growth was comparable by a semi-quantitative approach. Our findings suggest that FN is also of pathogenic importance in acute tonsillitis, and that FN growth is not a subsequent phenomenon once an abscess has formed. Our findings further suggest that other factors influence the development of PTA.     

Neutrophil migration,oxidative metabolism,and adhesion in elderly and young subjects

Objective. To evaluate neutrophil functions in the elderly.Methods. We investigated the PMN migration in vivo and PMN superoxide production and adhesion in response to a variety of compounds; PMN have been isolated both from blood and from a skin experimental exudate (obtained by Senn's skin window technique) of 25 normal elderly and of 25 normal young control subjects.Results. No difference was found in PMN migration in vivo (62.9±21.3×10⁶ and 65.5±9.1×10⁶ PMN/cm²/24 hours in elderly and young subjects respectively), neither were different the adhesion under basal condition and after some stimuli and the superoxide production in basal condition and in response to STZ and PMA in two groups. In elderly subjects superoxide production, in response to fMLP, markedly resulted lower than in young controls both by circulating PMNs (3.6±2.7 and 9.3±3.3 nMOLES O ₂ ^– /10⁶ PMN respectively, p<0.0001) and by exudate PMNs (13.6±4.3 and 19.4±6 nMOLES O _2– ^{10 6} PMNs respectively, p<0.005).Conclusion. Many PMN functions in the elderly do not differ from young people, suggesting that the overall defense function of these cells is not affected by aging. The only parameter that we have found to be different between the two groups is the poor superoxide production after fMLP stimulus of PMNs. The stimulus- and function-specificity of this defect in PMNs from elderly subjects indicates the existence of a dysregulation of the signal transduction pathway distal to fMLP receptor and proximal to NADPH oxidase activation.     

Studies of phagocytosis in chronic granulomatous disease

Abnormal phagocyte function in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is associated with decreased bactericidal activity. Ingestion of serum-opsonized organisms is reported to be normal in these patients. We previously showed that in CGD the expression of C3b receptors (CR1) on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) is significantly depressed. In this study, we compared the phagocytic activity of the PMNs from normal healthy controls with that of CGD patients and one individual with myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency. The ingestion of sheep erythrocytes (E) by PMNs adherent to a glass surface was examined; the E were coated either with excess IgG (E-IgG) or with C3b plus limited IgG (EAC3b-IgG). The PMNs, both in CGD and in MPO deficiency, ingested E-IgG and EAC3b-IgG at levels markedly above normal. C3b-coated erythrocytes were not phagocytosed. Preincubating the PMNs with sodium azide, which blocks MPO, or catalase, a scavenger of H₂O₂, caused a marked increase in phagocytosis by normal PMNs. Azide had a variable effect on PMN activity in CGD and no effect on the activity in the subject with MPO deficiency. Even in the presence of azide, the ingestion of EAC3b-IgG by the PMNs from the CGD patients was significantly greater than that seen in paired normals [mean phagocytic index (PI), 2.13 for CGD vs. 1.48 for normals;P < 0.05 by the paired samplet test]. Similar results were obtained with ingestion of E-IgG. Notably, ingestion of serum-opsonizedCandida organisms (relatively nondegradable particles) was markedly above normal with CGD PMNs and, in normal PMNs, azide treatment also evoked an increase. In addition, rosette formation of the adhered PMNs with E-IgG was enhanced with CGD and the azide-treated normal PMNs. We demonstrated that this increased activity was not the result of increased Fc receptor (FcR) number, as determined from the binding of a monoclonal anti-FcR antibody. Both the E-IgG rosette formation and the ingestion by CGD PMNs were abrogated in the presence of an H₂O₂-generating system. In contrast, the phagocytic activity of MPO-deficient PMNs was not altered by exogenous H₂O₂. These findings suggest that cellular products generated by the H₂O₂-MPO-halide system down-regulate the rosette-forming and phagocytic activity of PMNs from normal healthy individuals, but not that from CGD and MPO-deficient patients.     

Detection of human cytomegalovirus DNA in human tonsillar lymphocytes

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was first isolated in cell cultures from the oropharynx, which is thought to be a site of primary infection. Although HCMV can be recovered from the oropharynx during reactivation phases, its exact site of latency is not known. In the present study we demonstrated evidence suggesting the presence of latent HCMV in this anatomic region--in the palatine tonsils. Samples from 30 tonsils obtained by tonsillectomy were screened for the presence of HCMV. Out of the 30 tonsil donors, 23 were seropositive for HCMV. Three methods were used in attempts to demonstrate HCMV's presence in the tonsils: (1) viral isolation attempts on various cell cultures, (2) immunohistochemical staining--immunoperoxidase method--designed to detect viral antigens, and (3) DNA dot hybridization with a HCMV-DNA probe designed to detect viral DNA. Neither infectious HCMV nor other viruses were isolated in cell cultures. No viral antigens were detected by immunoperoxidase staining in the tonsillar tissue. Four out of the 30 tonsils studied were found to contain viral DNA. In one case in which the tonsillar mononuclear (MN) fraction was separated from the polymorphonuclear (PMN) fraction, only the first fraction contained the viral DNA.     

Deficiency in C3b receptors on neutrophils of patients with chronic granulomatous disease and hyperimmunoglobulin-E recurrent infection (Job's) syndrome

C3b receptor (CR1) expression by neutrophils (PMNs) and erythro-cytes (Es) from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) or with hyper-IgE, frequent infection (Job's) syndrome was compared with that of control subjects. The control subjects consisted of one group of patients with infections and a second group of normal, healthy individuals. Three quantitative assays were used: rosette formation with C3b-coated cellular intermediates (EAC43b), binding of radiolabeled monoclonal anti-CRl ([¹²⁵I]anti-CRl) to PMN surfaces, and binding of the antibody to nonidet P-40 (NP-40) extracts of PMNs and Es in an immunoradiometric assay. Rosette formation by the PMNs of five male CGD patients was about 50% of that of paired normal control subjects, whereas the rosette formation of three female CGD patients was similar to that of the control subjects. Surface binding of [¹²⁵I]anti-CRl to PMNs of 10 CGD patients was about half that of the normal subjects (mean percent binding was 2.33% for the CGD patients vs. 3.86% for the normal subjects, giving a difference of -1.53 ± 0.22%,P < 0,001 by the paired-samplet test). The degree of PMN binding was similarly low for both the male and the female CGD patients. Conversely, the binding of anti-CRl to the PMNs of 11 infected control patients appeared to be similar to that of the normal subjects (4.51% for the patient vs. 4.21% for the paired normal subjects). The infected control group originally included four Job's syndrome patients, and when this subgroup was analyzed separately, their PMNs were shown to bind significantly less anti-CRl than did the PMNs of the normal subjects (P < 0.01 by the paired-samplet test). In contrast, the other infected control patients showed higher-than-normal levels of anti-CR 1 binding (P < 0.05). When compared to that of the normal subjects, the total CR1 quantitated in PMN extracts was also lower than normal in CGD patients (P < 0.01 and in the PMN extracts of eight Job's syndrome patients tested (P < 0.01). The PMNs of the other infected control subjects were not significantly different from those of the normal subjects in total CRI expression. Extracts of Es from Job's syndrome patients also had fewer than normal CR1 (P < 0.02). On the other hand, CR1 levels in E extracts from the CGD patients and the other control patients were similar to those in the normal control subjects. Quantitations of C 3, C4, and factor B were normal in CGD. Significant levels of immune complexes were detected in serum samples from several CGD and Job's syndrome patients. However, the level of immune complexes did not correlate significantly with the CR1 deficit in CGD or Job's syndrome patients. Thus, in CGD patients, CRI expression of PMNs is below normal, while that of Es is normal; in Job's syndrome patients, both the PMN and the E CRI expression are below normal. These abnormalities do not appear to result from the frequent infections that occur in these diseases since the other infected control patients exhibit an above-normal amount of surface PMN CR1.     

Brucellacidal activity of human and bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte granule extracts against smooth and rough strains of Brucella abortus.

The microbicidal activities of freeze-thaw and high-salt extracts of human and bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) granules were tested against a smooth intermediate strain (45/0) and a rough strain (45/20) of Brucella abortus which differ in virulence and survival within PMNs. Freeze-thaw extracts of human PMN granules were more brucellacidal than high-salt extracts when supplemented with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and potassium iodide (KI), whereas the opposite was found with freeze-thaw and high-salt extracts of bovine PMN granules. There was no oxygen-independent killing of either the smooth or rough strain of B. abortus by amounts of granule extracts which caused 100% killing of a deep rough mutant (Re) of Salmonella typhimurium. The oxygen-dependent brucellacidal activity of granule extracts was dependent on concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) units, H2O2, and KI. Maximal brucellacidal activity was observed at pH 5.5 to 6.0. The smooth strain, 45/0, was more resistant to oxygen-dependent killing by granule extracts than was the rough strain, 45/20. Granule extracts were more brucellacidal than purified MPO at equivalent levels of MPO enzyme units, suggesting that at least one other reaction enhances killing by the MPO-H2O2-I- system.     

中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶、髓过氧化物酶在大鼠哮喘中的变化及意义

目的：观察中性粒细胞（PMN）、中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶（NE）和髓过氧化物酶（MPO）在大鼠哮喘中的表达水平变化及意义。方法:18只大鼠被随机平均分成2组：哮喘组、正常对照组，以卵清白蛋白（OVA）致敏激发法复制大鼠哮喘模型，对血PMN进行分离纯化，免疫组化和比色法检测MPO的表达水平，ELISA法测定NE的蛋白浓度。 结果:（1）免疫组化法显示哮喘组血PMN和支气管壁中MPO的表达水平均显著高于对照组（P<0.01），比色法显示哮喘组支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）和肺组织中MPO的活性显著高于对照组（P<0.05，P<0.01）；（2）哮喘组PMN和BALF中NE蛋白浓度显著高于对照组（P<0.01）；（3）哮喘组BALF、支气管壁、肺组织中PMN的计数均显著高于对照组（P<0.01）。 结论:PMN 计数、NE和MPO的表达水平在此实验性哮喘中增加，PMN可能通过分泌NE、MPO参与哮喘炎症过程。     

Higher Plasma Myeloperoxidase Levels Are Not Associated with an Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Events in HIV-Infected Adults

Abstract

Objectives: Elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels are predictive of high cardiovascular (CV) risk in the general population. The value of MPO as a CV marker in the HIV population has not been investigated. Method: Medical records were reviewed to identify HIV+ patients with a documented CV event (myocardial ischemia/infarction) and stored plasma samples within 12 months prior to the event. HIV+ adults with no CV history and with similarly available stored plasma samples were site-, age-, and gender-matched 1:1 to cases. Results: We identified 124 participants (62 case-control pairs): 94% male, median age 46 years. Median (IQR) MPO levels (pmoles/L) were lower in cases vs. controls: 292 (235–376) vs. 320 (249–467); p = .004. Cases were more likely to have other CV risk factors, including smoking, hypertension, and higher cholesterol and triglycerides. The observed MPO directional difference persisted after controlling for CV risk factors. In the reduced model, observed differences in MPO remained independently and negatively associated with CV event (p = .03) after adjusting for two positively associated risk factors, differences in cholesterol levels (p = .01), and differences in smoking history (ever smoked vs. never smoked; p = .04). Differences in triglyceride levels and hypertension were not statistically significant independent risk factors in this sample (p > .05). Within cases, MPO was negatively correlated with CD4 count (r_s = –0. 40, p = .0023) and age (r_s = ?0. 34, p = .01). In contrast, age at blood draw was positively correlated with MPO in controls (r_s = 0.28, p = .031) and CD4 was uncorrelated (r_s = ?0. 01, p > .9). No other factors were significantly correlated with MPO within groups. Conclusion: In contrast to the general population, higher MPO levels were not predictive of CV events in this study, underscoring the fact that pathways operative in HIV arteriopathy may be distinct from traditional CV disease pathogenesis.     

Evaluation of Aquaporin-3 Role in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: An Immunohistochemical Study

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3), is an aquaglyceroporin, that plays a role in cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and cell migration. This study aimed at evaluating the possible role of AQP3 in nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) pathogenesis through its immunohistochemical expression in skin biopsies of these diseases. One-hundred and thirty cutaneous specimens were studied. These included 60 cases of NMSC and 40 normal skin and 30 psoriasis samples, from age- and gender-matched subjects, as a control group. AQP3 was expressed in 66.7% of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases and in 93.3% of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases. Higher AQP3 expression (p?=?.01), expression percentage (p?=?.01), and H score (p?=?.04) were significantly associated with SCC compared to BCC. Normal skin and psoriasis showed significantly higher AQP3 expression (p?=?.001, p?<?.001, respectively), expression percentage (p?<?.001 for both), and H score values (p?<?.001, p?=?.001, respectively) compared to NMSC. Higher H score values in BCC were significantly associated with female gender (p?=?.02) and with nodular lesions (p?>?.001). Higher H score values in SCC were significantly associated with grade III tumors (p?=?.04) and AQP3 percentage of expression was significantly correlated with grade III tumors (r?=?.48, p?=?.009). In conclusion, AQP3 may play a role in NMSC pathogenesis. This probably occurs through aquaporin-mediated glycerol transport and ATP generation. Its downregulation, observed in the current work, is mostly a result of excessive proliferation. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic effect of its inhibition in NMSC treatment.     

Modulation of the chemotactic properties of complement fragments C5a and C3 by the anti-inflammatory agent,SC-41930

Cleavage of the fifth component of complement yields C5a, a potent neutrophil (PMN) and eosinophil chemoattractant, and modulator of microvascular permeability. Similarly, but to a lesser degree, C3 increases vascular permeability and histamine release. SC-41930 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid), an orally-active antiinflammatory agent was tested in anin vivo model of dermal PMN chemotaxis induced by r-hu-C5a and hu-C3. Intradermal injection of C5a in the guinea pig resulted in a significant dose-dependent influx of PMNs at 4 hours as assessed by the dermal levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO). SC-41930 (20 mg/kg) given orally to guinea pigs with intradermal injections of 1 μg C5a significantly (p<0.001) reduced dermal MPO content. SC-41930 was less potent against C3, requiring 40 mg/kg to significantly reduce dermal MPO levels. Agents such as SC-41930, which nullify complement's proinflammatory properties, may well have therapeutic potential.     

Relevance of biofilms in pediatric tonsillar disease

In this investigation, we study the relation between chronic inflammation of the tonsils, clinical features, and the presence of biofilms in the crypts in patients presenting with obstructive hypertrophy and recurrent upper airway pathology. Thirty-six patients who needed to undergo a tonsillectomy for obstructive reasons (aged 1 to 6 years), among which none of them had taken any antibiotics 30 days prior to surgery, were included. Samples were examined with hematoxylin-eosin and Gram staining, fluorescent microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy. The predominance of symptoms were those related to obstructive pathology rather than infection (p < 0.01). All patients had tonsillar hypertrophy (grade III or IV), but an association with adenoids hypertrophy was detected in 66.66% of cases (p < 0.05). 77.28% of tonsils presented biofilms in their crypts, but hypertrophy and tonsillar follicle number were not related to the presence or absence of biofilms. Here, we demonstrated that symptoms like harsh raucous sound, tonsillar and adenoids hypertrophy, apnea, and cervical adenopathies are clearly related to the presence of biofilm in tonsils. Our results allow us to propose that biofilms are involved in the pathogenesis of tonsils and adenoids hypertrophy. The prevention of biofilms formation should be focused in the early stages, attempting to restrain bacterial attachment to the respiratory mucosa.     

p16INK4A overexpression is frequently detected in tumour‐free tonsil tissue without association with HPV

Klingenberg B, Hafkamp H C, Haesevoets A, Manni J J, Slootweg P J, Weissenborn S J, Klussmann J P & Speel E‐J M
(2010) Histopathology 56, 957–967
p16 ^INK4A overexpression is frequently detected in tumour‐free tonsil tissue without association with HPV Aims: Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 has been strongly associated with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and appears to be of prognostic significance. Because HPV+ TSCC also accumulates p16^INK4A, this cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor has been proposed as a potential biomarker for HPV in clinical diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in tumour‐free tonsillar tissue and the value of p16^INK4A overexpression in predicting its presence. Methods and results: p16^INK4A overexpression was detected by immunohistochemistry in tissue sections of tumour‐free tonsils of 262 patients. They were treated for non‐oncological reasons (snoring or chronic/recurrent tonsillitis) consisting of tonsillectomy. Genomic DNA isolated from these tissues was subjected to HPV‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. p16^INK4A immunoreactivity was detected in 28% of samples in both crypt epithelium (49/177) and lymphoid germinal centres (52/187), which correlated with each other (P < 0.0001). No reactivity was observed in superficial squamous cell epithelium. HPV16 and 18 were detected by PCR analysis in 2/195 cases (1%), which, however, were negative on fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis and discrepant on p16^INK4A immunostaining. Conclusions: No proof was found for the presence of HPV in tumour‐free tonsil tissue, despite increased p16^INK4A expression in a quarter of tonsil cases. Other mechanisms than HPV infection are therefore implicated in p16^INK4A up‐regulation.     

Investigation of the thymus as a source of a humoral factor stimulating antibody formation

By fractionation of calf thymus extract No. 1A, prepared by the method of Goldstein et al., on a column with Sephadex G-25 a fraction stimulating antibody formation in newborn animals was obtained. Tests of the activity of analogous fractions of extracts of calf tonsils, spleen, lymph glands, and liver suggested that the thymus is the sole source of a specific humoral factor stimulating antibody formation which may accumulate in peripheral lymphoid structures. The low activity of tonsillar extracts does not confirm the hypothetical role of the tonsil as the central organ of immunity, corresponding to the bursa of Fabricius.     

Gender dimorphism in neutrophil priming and activation following trauma-hemorrhagic shock

Although gender influences T-cell, macrophage and organ functions following trauma-hemorrhage and resuscitation (T-H), it remains unknown whether it also influences polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) activity under such conditions. To study this, proestrus female and male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage followed by fluid resuscitation. Circulating PMNs were assessed for superoxide (O2-) and elastase production and tissues were analyzed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) as a marker of oxidative injury, at 2 and 24 h after resuscitation. PMA stimulated O2- production was not influenced by T-H or gender. In contrast, fMLP-stimulated O2- and LPS-stimulated elastase release by PMNs from male T-H rats was greater than that of females. A significant MPO activity and TBARS in tissues of both male and female rats was induced; however, MPO activity and TBARS levels were higher in males following T-H. Levels of the chemokine CINC-1 were elevated in the lungs of male, but not of proestrus females after T-H. Thus, decreased PMN priming and activation in proestrus females, compared to males, occurs following T-H resulting in decreased cellular injury and organ damage that is likely to contribute to improved outcome under those conditions.     

Neutrophil migration during endotoxemia.

Endotoxemia is marked by a global activation of inflammatory responses, which can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and the suppression of immune and wound healing processes. Neutrophils (PMNs) play a central role in some of these responses by accumulating in tissues and releasing reactive oxygen species and proteases that injure host structures. This review focuses on altered PMN migratory responses that occur during endotoxemia and their consequences in the development of pulmonary infection. The inflammatory mediators that might be responsible for these altered responses are discussed. The oxidant potential of PMNs is increased after exposure to endotoxin both in vitro and during clinical and experimental endotoxemia. However, other functions such as chemotaxis and phagocytosis are often depressed in these same cells. Endotoxin exposure renders PMNs hyperadhesive to endothelium. The sum of these effects produces activated inflammatory cells that are incapable of leaving the vasculature. As such, the endotoxic PMN is more likely to promote tissue injury from within microvascular beds than to clear pathogens from extravascular sites. Moreover, the functional characteristics of endotoxic PMNs are similar to those observed during trauma, burn injury, sepsis, surgery, and other inflammatory conditions. Accordingly, several clinical conditions might have a common effector in the activated, yet migratorially dysfunctional, PMN. Direct effects of endotoxin on PMNs as well as effects of endogenous mediators released during endotoxemia are discussed. Understanding PMN behavior during endotoxemia may provide basic and critical insights that can be applied to a number of inflammatory scenarios.     

Yak (Bos grunniens) Tonsils: Morphological Description and Expression of IgA and IgG

This study aimed to describe the morphology, expression of IgA and IgG in adult yak tonsils. The 12 clinically healthy yak tonsils [3- to 6-year old, n = 12] were examined for morphology using light, and transmission electron microscopes. Expression of IgA and IgG was measured by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the palatine tonsil, the tonsil of the soft palate, and the lingual tonsil were oropharyngeal tonsils. The stratified squamous epithelia covering them had a thick underlying layer of connective tissue and their crypts were heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. The pharyngeal tonsil and the tubal tonsil were nasopharyngeal tonsils. The epithelia of them was predominantly pseudostratified columnar ciliary epithelium, which were loosely arranged with a number of desmosomes or intermediate junctions variably connecting them. The expression levels of IgA and IgG mRNA and protein from high to low was in the pharyngeal tonsil, palatine tonsil, tonsil of the soft palate, lingual tonsil, and tubal tonsil, respectively. Interestingly, the expression of IgG was very significantly higher than that of IgA in yak tonsils (P < 0.01). Both the IgA and IgG ASCs were distributed in the subepithelial areas of the non-reticular crypt epithelium, especially areas of pseudostratified columnar ciliary epithelium, the reticular crypt epithelium, lymphoid follicles, interfollicular areas, and with some of the positive cells aggregating around the glands. The results indicated that the tonsils were not only typical secondary lymphoid organs but also lymphoepithelial structures. IgG could be a significant component of mucosal immune responses in yak tonsils. Anat Rec, 302:999–1009, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A Method to Calculate the Volume of Palatine Tonsils

The purpose of this study was to obtain a mathematical formula to calculate the tonsillar volume out of its measurements assessed on surgical specimens. Thirty consecutive surgical specimens of pediatric tonsils were studied. The maximum lengths (“a”), widths (“b”), and depths (“c”) of the dissected specimens were measured in millimeters, and the volume of each tonsil was measured in milliliters. One‐sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to check the normality of the sample. To calculate the reproducibility of the quantitative variables, intraclass correlation coefficients were used. Two formulas with high reproducibility (coefficient R between 0.75 and 1) were obtained: 1) [a*b*c* 0.5236] with R = 0.8688; and 2) [a*b*b* 0.3428] with R = 0.9073. It is possible to calculate the volume of the palatine tonsils in surgical specimens precisely enough based on their three measures, or their two main measures (length and width). Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.