Induction of antibody responses to breast carcinoma associated mucins using synthetic peptide constructs as immunogens

A strategy for directing and enhancing B cell immune responses against synthetic peptide determinants has been developed in order to produce antibodies specifically against protein epitopes of clinical relevance. A peptide sequence based upon the MUC-1 mucin protein core was selected for this purpose since anti-MUC-1 antibodies have proven diagnostic application and therapeutic potential in human breast and ovarian cancer. Peptide constructs were synthesised co-linearly linking the immunodominant B cell determinant region, PDTRPAP, in the protein core of the MUC-1 mucin, to sequence 111 – 120 of influenza haemagglutinin A/X-31, a determinant recognised by T helper cells through association with MHC class II molecules. Induction of anti-MUC-1 antibodies to the B cell determinant region by immunisation with peptide was shown to be dependent upon both the presence and the position of the T cell determinant. In addition, haplotype mismatching with respect to the T cell determinant resulted in a significant lowering of the anti-MUC-1 antibody response in peptide construct immunised mice. These findings are relevant to the design of immunogens to produce antibodies against peptide epitopes of tumour associated proteins and glycoproteins.     

Inclusion of satellites in an 18/21 translocation chromosome shown by ammonical-silver staining (sat-banding) in case of partial trisomy 18.

A male infant with a partial trisomy 18 and a 46,XY, --21, t(18;21)(18qter replaced by 18q12::21 p13 replaced by 21 qter) chromosome complement is described. The translocation chromosome is of special interest because it includes the satellites of chromosome 21. This was shown by differential satellite staining with the ammoniacal-silver technique.     

A new selective differential medium for isolation ofStenotrophomonas maltophilia

A new selective differential medium for the isolation ofStenotrophomonas (formerlyXanthomonas) maltophilia was developed. The medium, VIA agar, contained vancomycin, imipenem, and amphotericin B as selective agents and incorporated a mannitol/bromothymol blue indicator system. Compared withXanthomonas maltophilia Selective Medium (XMSM), VIA agar was less inhibitory toStenotrophomonas maltophilia and was more selective than XMSM in preventing the growth of unwanted bacteria from contaminated specimens. Although vancomycin-resistant strains ofEnterococcus faecium may grow on VIA agar, these can be easily distinguished fromStenotrophomonas maltophilia because of mannitol fermentation.     

Intrarenal haemodynamic and glomerular responses to inhibition of nitric oxide formation in rabbits.

1. The renal effects of inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) formation using N-nitro-L-arginine (NOLA, 20 mg kg-1) were examined using micropuncture techniques in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rabbits. 2. Renal vascular resistance doubled from 2.7 +/- 0.5 to 5.0 +/- 1.1 mmHg ml-1 min-1 after NOLA (P < 0.01), with similar percentage increases in both pre- (149 +/- 38%, P < 0.01) and postglomerular (158 +/- 42%, P < 0.01) resistance. 3. Glomerular capillary pressure rose from 33 +/- 1 to 40 +/- 1 mmHg after NOLA (P < 0.01) but despite this, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and single nephron glomerular filtration rate did not significantly change. 4. Blood pressure increased 18 +/- 1 mmHg (P < 0.001) within 10 min of NOLA administration and remained near this level for the next 90 min. 5. The glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf) decreased significantly from 0.085 +/- 0.022 to 0.035 +/- 0.006 nl s-1 mmHg-1 (P < 0.05). 6. Urine flow and sodium excretion increased markedly (26 +/- 9 to 337 +/- 102 microliters min-1 and 5 +/- 2 to 342 +/- 12 mumol min-1 respectively, (P < 0.001)) and sodium fractional excretion rose from 1.0 +/- 0.3 to 8.0 +/- 2.2% (P < 0.01). 7. Thus, administration of NOLA to rabbits caused vasoconstriction of both pre- and postglomerular vessels, diuresis and natriuresis without significant change in GFR, and a reduction in Kf. The results suggest that NO may play an important role in the regulation of renal haemodynamics and glomerular function.