Preventive effect of the soluble tumor-associated antigens on DMBA induced tumorigenesis in C3H/He mice

In our previous studies, we showed that soluble tumor-associated antigens (sTAA) of 66 kDa and 51 kDa have distinct tumor-preventive effects on chemically induced mammary cancer in rats and are able to repair the damage caused by tumorigenesis in its early stages. In the present study, we investigated whether these proteins can prevent the development of chemically induced tumors in mice. The study was performed on C3H/He mice which have the ability to develop many spontaneous tumors with age. Forty-four, 6-week-old mice were exposed twice at a 2-week interval to the carcinogen 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benz(alpha)anthracene (DMBA), at a dose of 2 mg/mouse administered intragastrically. Two months later, the mice were divided into two groups. One group received sterile saline twice a week at a dose of 0.2 ml/mouse, intraperitoneally (i.p.). The other group received sTAA twice a week at a dose of about 10 microl in 0.2 ml of sterile saline/mouse, i.p. Periodically, all mice were checked for the presence of tumors. The experiment was terminated at week 35. Vaccination with sTAA increased the time of involvement of mice in the experiment, prevented the tumorigenic effect of DMBA, and inhibited further development of existing tumors.     

Evidence for selection of a population of multi-reactive B cells into the splenic marginal zone

Antibody reactivity to self-antigens is a normal component of the immune system. To study the mechanism by which self-reactive B cells are generated and maintained, we analyzed B cell development in transgenic mice that express a rearranged VH81X heavy chain from the pre-immune repertoire. In these mice, > 95% of B cells express the transgene in association with a variety of kappa light chains but V kappa 1 C being the dominant light chain. These transgenic B cells with identical V kappa 1C-J kappa 5 joins do not normally secrete IgM in vivo, but antibodies derived from these B cells, through LPS activation in vitro or after hybridoma immortalization, are self-reactive and recognize an ubiquitous epitope(s) on intracytoplasmic proteins from different tissues. They have the phenotype and localization pattern of long-lived marginal zone B cells and their development in vivo is blocked by injection of soluble VH81X-V kappa 1CJ kappa 5 IgM antibody. The observations in this transgenic mouse provide evidence for positive selection of a population of self-reactive B cells. These B cells enter the peripheral pool of B cells where they localize in the marginal zone of the spleen and, in contrast to other transgene-expressing B cells, do not secrete IgM antibody.      

Nodular goiter: a histo-cytological study with some emphasis on pitfalls of fine-needle aspiration cytology.

A comprehensive comparative histo-cytological study of 48 nodular goiters from an endemic goiter region was undertaken. Practically all features observed on the biopsies were identified, although with less frequency, on the smears. In agreement with previous observations, characteristic components of nodular goiter (NG) in aspirates included small to medium size epithelial cells with regular round nuclei, honeycomb pattern, large follicles, papillae showing the previously mentioned epithelial features, oxyphilic cells, and moderate to abundant background colloid material and thyroid phagocytes (macrophages). All eight features occurred together in only 2% of the studied cases, seven in 6 (12.5%), six in 4 (8%), five in 6 (12.5%), four in 12 (25%), three in 6 (12.5%), two in 11 (23%), and one in 2 (4%) cases, respectively. Regardless of the number and combination of features present, specific identification of NG on the smears may not always be possible and diagnostic pitfalls include thyroid cyst, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, granulomatous lesions, and, more frequently, follicular neoplasia. Our findings suggest that thyroid aspirates should be analysed with critical clinico-pathological approach and surgery considered only for nodules that are clinically suspicious or unresponsive to hormonotherapy when a diagnosis of follicular neoplasia is made.     

Effect of oestradiol dipropionate on the immune system of the pigeon,

Influence of female sex hormone, oestradiol dipropionate on the humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses of pigeon, Columba livia of different age groups and of both sexes were studied. The pigeons were administered with the hormone, immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and rosette forming cell (RFC), haemagglutinin (HA) and migration inhibition (MI) assays carried out on different days post-immunization. The hormone showed a differential effect: while the RFC and HA were enhanced in 1-month old hormone administered female pigeons, they were normal in 3 or 4 month old birds. The MI response was however depressed in both age groups, and the thymus and bursa were involuted. The hormonal influence was marginal in males: the hormone administered 1-month old male showed an elevated RFC level. The three month old males showed a depressed MI. Among the lymphoid organs, the bursal weight was enhanced. It is thus evident that the influence of female sex hormone oestradiol dipropionate on the immune system depends on the age and sex of the pigeons, persumably because of the endogenous hormonal levels.     

Immunopathomorphology of the human placental barrier in the first trimester of pregnancy complicated by the inflammation of the birth-ways

The effect of ascending infection of birth-ways on transport of maternal immunoglobulins (Igs) through the placental barrier in humans during the first trimester of pregnancy was studied. The transport of Igs is seen already in 3.5-to 5-week-old embryos, and different cellular and biochemical compounds participate at each stage of this process. Transport of Igs through the trophoblast is carried out due to the secretory component (SC) and, perhaps, to some other receptors. Monocytes together with Igs penetrate into capillaries between the endothelial cells and are transported with the blood all over the body. It seems that SC and other receptors help Igs to penetrate into capillaries through the endothelium. Further, Igs are transported with erythroblasts. In the development without infection the transport of IgG was seen in all cases studied. Inflammation of the birth-ways is accompanied by an increase in transport of all Igs, already in early embryogenesis. Three groups were distinguished: 1) abortions without inflammation; 2) cases with signs of moderate inflammation (endometritis, deciduitis); 3) cases with intensive inflammation with necrosis and leucocytic infiltration. Transport of Igs was seen in 77.8% cases of the first group and in all cases of groups 2 and 3. Transport of IgM was not found in the first group, but was seen in 50% cases of group 2 and 66.7% of group 3.