Graft failure after T-cell-depleted human leukocyte antigen identical marrow transplants for leukemia: II. In vitro analyses of host effector mechanisms

To identify mechanisms potentially contributing to graft failure, 19 leukemic recipients of T-cell-depleted marrow transplants who failed to engraft following a transplant of HLA identical sibling marrow depleted of T cells by soybean agglutinin (SBA) and sheep erythrocytes (E) were evaluated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated at the time of failure were consistently of host origin, bearing the phenotype of suppressor T cells (CD3+, CD8+, Leu 7+). A direct cytolytic effect on 51Cr-labeled donor-derived target cells was not detected, a finding that contrasts with the donor-specific cytotoxic host T lymphocytes that have been regularly observed in patients rejecting HLA nonidentical SBA -E- BMTs. However, these host T cells did exhibit a strong and specific suppressive activity against the donor marrow CFU- GM in vitro. Furthermore, in contrast to prior findings in durably engrafted recipients of SBA -E- BMTs, the lymphocytes isolated prior to or at the time of graft failure lacked natural killer surface antigen expression and effector function.     

Simian virus 40-transformed adherent cells from human long-term marrow cultures: cloned cell lines produce cells with stromal and hematopoietic characteristics

Adherent cells from long-term marrow cultures from 23 individuals were transformed with wild-type simian virus 40 (SV40). After transformation, cloned cell lines were developed that even after rigorous subcloning invariably produced both stromal cells and round cells. The stromal cells expressed cytoskeletal filaments similar to those of long-term marrow culture adherent cells and produced interstitial and basal lamina collagen types. The round cells had the electron microscopic appearance of primitive hematopoietic cells and when examined with cytochemical stains and monoclonal antibodies to hematopoietic differentiation antigens had reaction patterns suggestive of cells from several lineages. Most round cells expressed the pan- hematopoietic T-200 determinant, and lesser percentages expressed the early T cell antigens CD-1 and CD-3, HLA-DR determinants, the monocytic antigen recognized by Leu M3, and the myeloid antigens detected by monoclonal antibodies 1G10 and 12.8. In addition, when plated in semisolid medium in the presence of a source of colony-stimulating activity, up to 11% of the cells formed colonies consisting of blastlike cells that also expressed hematopoietic cell surface determinants. The data suggest that adherent cells in long-term marrow cultures contain a cell that after transformation by SV40 obligately produces cells with hematopoietic as well as stromalike features.     

Hyperbaric oxygen and lymphoid system function: a review supporting possible intervention in tissue transplantation.

This review addresses the many ways that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) has been found to mitigate immune reactions, many of which are involved in rejection of allograft transplants, and thus offers a rationale for its possible use as an adjunct to help preserve and protect transplanted tissues. Rejection may involve both immunological reactions of the lymphoid system, or lymphoid-independent damage from trauma or other factors, including reperfusion injury. Lymphoid-induced damage involves cellular elements such as CD4 and macrophage cell types, as well as both proinflammatory and inhibitory cytokines. Cytokines such as TNFs and interleukins activate T-cells and macrophages, resulting in endothelial damage and its consequences. The immunosuppressive effects of HBO2 include suppression of autoimmune symptoms, decreased production of IL-1 and CD4 cells, and increased percentage and absolute number of CD8 cells. HBO2 normalizes cell-bound immunity and decreases the serum concentration of immune complexes. Studies have shown MHC class I expression to be altered when cultures were exposed to HBO2, so as to become undetectable by monoclonal antibodies or cytotoxic T lymphocytes. HBO2 has been used in support of replanted rabbit ear grafts, spinal cord tissue transplants, dislocated young permanent teeth in children, replanting of fingers, free fibula reconstruction of segmental mandibular resections, autogenous free bone grafts, transplantations of the cornea, and liver transplants. In addition to its specific effects on the immune system, HBO2 improves tissue oxygenation, reduces free radical damage during reperfusion, maintains marginally ischemic tissue, and accelerates wound healing. These properties make HBO2 a promising intervention to be tested in transplantation recipients.     

Isolation of Mycobacterium bolletii from human omentum after laparoscopic gastric banding

Mycobacterium bolletii infection with band erosion complicating laparoscopic gastric banding is reported. A 33-year-old man developed right upper quadrant pain and an epigastric discharging lesion 4 weeks after revision of gastric banding for morbid obesity. Investigation revealed band erosion with infection of the omentum and the abdominal wall. The band was removed and M. bolleti was isolated and identified after DNA sequence analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which M. bolletii was isolated from a human omentum after complicated gastric banding surgery.     

二氢吡啶类钙拮抗剂对钙调素依赖性环核苷酸磷酸二酯酶的抑制机理

用单克隆抗体纯化的60kd为亚基的牛脑钙调素依赖性环核苷酸磷酸二酯酶的动力学研究表明,二氢吡啶类钙拮抗剂Nicardipine和Felodipine是该酶的“部分”竞争性抑制剂。因为近饱和浓度的药物抑制该酶活性仅能达到某限定值,且Dixon作图法不呈直线关系。该酶被一定浓度Felo-dipine抑制时,增加Nicardipine浓度可逆转酶的抑制而达到Nicardipine的最大抑制水平,Nicardipine不影响典型的竞争性抑制剂甲基异丁基黄嘌呤对该酶的抑制作用,说明该酶活性中心以外存在和二氢吡啶结合的部位。     

TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS BY ARTEMISIA HERBA-ALBA EXTRACT: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Fifteen patients with diabetes mellitus were treated with Artemisia herba-alba Asso. extract (AHE). Results showed that AHE caused considerable lowering of elevated blood sugar and 14 out of 15 patients had good remission of diabetic symptoms with use of AHE. It is concluded that AHE contains material capable of reducing raised blood sugar in diabetes mellitus. No side effects were recorded during or after treatment with AHE.