In vivo expression of CD69 on lung eosinophils in eosinophilic pneumonia: CD69 as a possible activation marker for eosinophils

The antigen, CD69, has been demonstrated to be expressed on activated T cells and natural killer cells. There have been no studies concerning the expression of CD69 on eosinophils. In this article, we demonstrate that lung eosinophils obtained from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with eosinophilic pneumonia expressed significant levels of CD69, whereas peripheral blood (PB) eosinophils did not express CD69. We also activated PB eosinophils in vitro using phorbol myristate acetate and cytokines to determine whether CD69 was expressed. PB eosinophils expressed CD69 after short-term culture with phorbol myristate acetate and eosinophil hemopoietic cytokines (interleukin-3, granulocyte-macrophage--colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-5). These findings suggest that CD69 may be a useful marker for activated eosinophils at inflammatory sites.

[Evaluation of tissue eosinophils in eosinophilic pneumonia]

Transbronchial biopsy specimens from ten patients with eosinophilic pneumonia were analysed to see whether the tissue contained activated eosinophils or secreted eosinophil cationic protein. The specimens showed many infiltrated tissue eosinophils in the intraalveolar spaces, and thickened alveolar septae and perivascular areas. Most of these eosinophils stained clearly with degranulation by immunohistochemical studies with monoclonal antibody EG2 (for the secreted form of eosinophil cationic protein), indicating that they were activated eosinophils. On the other hand, although pleural tissue obtained at bullectomy performed after pneumothorax showed eosinophilic infiltration, EG2-positive cells were few. Activated eosinophils may play an important role in the development of pulmonary lesions of eosinophilic pneumonia.

Expression of activation antigens CD69, HLA-DR, interleukin-2 receptor-alpha (IL-2R alpha) and IL-2R beta on T cells of human decidua at an early stage of pregnancy

T cells of human decidua at an early stage of pregnancy were examined by flow cytometry for the expression of the T-cell-activation antigens CD69, HLA-DR, interleukin-2 receptor-alpha (IL-2R alpha) and IL-2R beta. The decidua contained a small number of T cells and both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets expressed CD69, HLA-DR, IL-2R alpha and IL-2R beta antigens significantly whereas, in peripheral blood, only a small number of T cells expressed these activation antigens. These findings indicate that T cells in the decidua in the first trimester of pregnancy are regionally activated.

Structural polymorphism in the major groove of a 5S RNA gene complements the zinc finger domains of transcription factor IIIA

Metal complexes that bind to DNA on the basis of shape-selection have been used to map the conformational features of the DNA binding site for transcription factor IIIA. Conformationally distinct segments are detected on the 5S rRNA gene that correspond closely to the binding sites identified for the individual zinc finger domains of the protein. The local conformations are characterized by a major groove opened because of a change in base pair inclination and/or displacement at a central 5'-pyrimidine-purine-3' step, flanked by a widened minor groove, as would arise at the junctions between alternating B- and A-like DNA segments. Docking experiments with a consensus structure of a zinc finger reveal that the mixed A-B binding site accommodates the peptide domain better than either canonical B- or A-DNA helices. The close structural matching of the conformational variations in the 5S rDNA both to the proposed sites of zinc finger binding and to the shape of an individual zinc finger domain points to DNA structural polymorphism as providing an important determinant in recognition. In particular, shape selection in the 5' half of the internal control region may orient the multiple finger domains.

Accumulation of CD16-CD56+ natural killer cells with high affinity interleukin 2 receptors in human early pregnancy decidua

Most human peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells express the phenotype CD16+CD56+. However, a very minor subset of NK cells express CD16-CD56+, and these NK cells bear both interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R)alpha (p55) and IL-2R beta (p75) (high affinity IL-2 receptors). In this report, we demonstrate that in human early pregnancy decidua--an interface between maternal immunocompetent cells and fetus (placenta)--abundant (approximately 83%) CD16-CD56+ NK cells with high affinity IL-2 receptors were present, and these cells responded to low amounts of IL-2 (4.5 pM). These CD16-CD56+ NK cells significantly expressed an early activation antigen, CD69, in vivo, whereas peripheral CD16-CD56+ NK cells did not express CD69. These findings suggest that CD16-CD56+ NK cells in early pregnancy decidua may be activated in vivo, and may play an important role in immunoregulation during early pregnancy. Also, decidual lymphocytes may be useful materials to study the mechanism of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity of this type of NK cells.

Flow cytometric analysis of anti-platelet antibodies in patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) using acid-treated, formalin-fixed platelets

Acid treatment of normal washed platelets prepared by albumin density gradient centrifugation followed by formalin fixation effectively eliminates HLA class I antigens from the platelet surface, without altering the immunoreactivity of platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib and IIb/IIIa complex. Using these platelets, flow cytometric analysis was performed on a total of 20 sera from different patients with chronic ITP, and revealed an inverse linear correlation between the platelet count and the mean fluorescence intensity which represents a relative amount of platelet-bound IgG. These results suggest that acid-treated, formalin-fixed platelets can be used as specimens to detect anti-platelet antibodies to differentiate from those to HLA-class I antigens.

Clinical course and roentgenographic changes of osteonecrosis in the femoral condyle under conservative treatment

The history of osteonecrosis in the femoral condyle of the knee was observed in 15 knees in 14 patients, averaging 62.8 years in age (range, 23-79 years). There were nine women and five men. The average follow-up period was 4.9 years (range, one to 12 years). Spontaneous osteonecrosis was found in 11 patients and steroid-induced osteonecrosis in three. The medial femoral condyles were involved in 13 knees and the lateral femoral condyles in two. The maximum width of the lesion was measured on anteroposterior roentgenograms and an osteonecrotic lesion less than 10 mm wide was rated as small. Cases of small osteonecrotic lesions displayed no remarkable changes with respect to stages and limb alignment. The average size of the steroid-induced osteonecrotic lesions was significantly larger than that of the spontaneous type. The size of the osteonecrotic lesions at the follow-up examination was compared to that observed at the initial diagnosis in 12 knees. Eight of these lesions displayed increases in dimension of more than 18% over the initial size at diagnosis.

Gradual low riding of the patella during postoperative course after total knee arthroplasty in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Patellar height in the lateral view of radiograms was measured on 94 knees of 61 women before and after total knee arthroplasty in order to study postoperative changes of position. The mean age of patients at surgery was 58.4 years (range, 30-77 years). Eighty-one knees were rheumatoid and 13 osteoarthritic. Inserted prostheses were Kinematic anteriorly joined type in 49 knees, Kinematic posterior cruciate retention type in 19, and UCI type in 26. The observation period ranged from 6 months to 9 years, with an average of 2.6 years after surgery. The ratio of length of the patellar ligament to that of the patella (Insall-Salvati's ratio) decreased by more than 10% of preoperative value in 61 knees, remained unchanged in 31, and increased in only 2. The average ratio was 0.93 +/- 0.16 before surgery and 0.75 +/- 0.20 at the final follow-up examination (P less than .01).

Differential expression of the interleukin 2 receptor beta (p75) chain on human peripheral blood natural killer subsets

The interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) is composed of at least two subunits, the IL-2R alpha (P55, CD25/Tac) and IL-2R beta (p70-75) chains. In the present study we have identified the quantitative expression of IL-2R beta on subsets of NK cells in peripheral blood using flow cytometry and a recently established mAb against IL-2R beta (TU27). We demonstrate that NK cells are not a homogeneous population but that phenotypic subsets exist, and that the levels of IL-2R beta expression correlate with these subsets. The levels of IL-2R beta expression on NK subsets are CD3- CD16- CD56bright NK cells (immature NK) greater than CD16+CD4- NK cells (mature NK) greater than CD16+CD57+ NK cells (more mature NK) in adult peripheral blood lymphocytes. The level of IL-2R beta expression on CD16+ NK cells in cord blood is significantly higher than that in adult PBL. These findings suggest that there may be a inverse relationship between IL-2R beta expression and the differentiation of NK cells. IL-2R beta, preferentially expressed on the NK cells, may play an important role in differentiation and maturation of NK cells.

High resolution footprinting of EcoRI and distamycin with Rh(phi)2(bpy)3+, a new photofootprinting reagent

The complex bis(phenanthrenequinone diimine)(bipyridyl)rhodium(III), Rh(phi)2(bpy)3+, cleaves DNA efficiently in a sequence-neutral fashion upon photoactivation so as to provide a novel, high resolution, chemical photofootpring reagent. Photofootprinting of two crystallographically characterized DNA-binding agents, distamycin, a small natural product which binds to DNA in the minor groove, and the endonuclease EcoRI, which binds in the major groove, gave respectively a 5-7 base pair footprint for the drug at its A6 binding site and a 10-12 base pair footprint for the enzyme centered at its recognition site (5'-GAATTC-3'). Both footprints agree closely with the crystallographic results. The photocleavage reaction can be performed using either a high intensity lamp or, conveniently, a simple transilluminator box, and the photoreaction is not inhibited by moderate concentrations of reagents which are sometimes required for examining interactions of molecules with DNA. When compared with other popular footprinting agents, the rhodium complex shows a number of distinct advantages: sequence-neutrality, high resolution, ability to footprint major as well as minor groove-binding ligands, applicability in the presence of additives such as Mg2+ or glycerol, ease of handling, and a sharply footprinted pattern. Light activated footprinting reactions furthermore offer the possibility of examining DNA-binding interactions with time resolution and within the cell.

High tibial osteotomy with fixation by a blade plate for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee

Surgical techniques were described on tibial osteotomy above the tuberosity, the fragments of which were fixed with a Koshino blade plate. Postoperative clinical results on 176 knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis of 138 patients with an average age of 62.1 years were excellent in 110 and good in 55 knees with an average of 5.5 years' follow-up. The best knee score was obtained in the knee with postoperative limb alignment of 6 to 15 degree valgus angulation (standing). The results were satisfactory, especially in postoperative management, which was much easier with the Koshino blade plate fixation than with other methods. The sinking of the osteotomy site was checked through observation of screw movement in the slot of the plate during postoperative management in 53 selected knees, and the averaged distance of sinking was 3.9 +/- 2.5 mm. The time of mechanical bone union judged by cessation of sinking averaged 12.9 +/- 6.2 weeks after osteotomy.

Transformation of oocysts from several coccidian species by heat treatment

The transformation of sporocysts in oocysts of Eimeria caviae, E. intestinalis, E. nieschulzi, E. separata, E. tenella, Isospora canis, I. heydorni, and Toxoplasma gondii by heat treatment was examined. Fresh unsporulated oocysts from these species were heated at 50 degrees or 55 degrees C for less than 5 min and cultivated at 25 degrees C for 1 week. No transformation of sporocysts was observed in the sporulated oocysts following heating at 55 degrees C, but sporulated oocysts of Tyzzeria and Caryospora types were found in some I. canis and I. heydorni oocysts after heating at 50 degrees C followed by cultivation. A few sporulated oocysts of the Isospora type were observed in E. intestinalis oocysts after cultivation. All transformed sporulated oocysts contained eight sporozoites. In contrast, the number of sporocysts varied from two to 0. These results indicate that sporocyst formation in oocysts was affected by heat treatment. The relationship between the total numbers of sporozoites and sporocysts in the transformed oocysts was consistent with that of the "Octozoic" group classified by Hoare.

Some aspects of Leucocytozoon caulleryi reinfection in chickens

The role of first- and second-generation schizonts in acquired immunity to Leucocytozoon caulleryi in chickens was studied. The chickens, which had recovered from a primary infection with various doses of sporozoites at 22-95 days of age, were challenged with sporozoites. First-generation merozoites were found in all of the challenged chickens, but no second-generation merozoites and gametocytes were seen in 30 of 32 chickens challenged with sporozoites. Almost all of the chickens that had recovered from a primary infection with sporozoites showed complete resistance to reinfection, and those that had recovered from a primary infection with first-generation merozoites showed resistance to reinfection with sporozoites. These results indicate that the second-generation schizont of L. caulleryi appears to be more immunogenic than the first-generation schizont and that some immune factors acquired by the chickens in the second generation of schizogony may inhibit the development of second-generation schizonts.

Freeze fracture study of the schizonts and merozoites of Leucocytozoon caulleryi

The fine structure of the schizonts and merozoites of Leucocytozoon caulleryi was studied by the freeze fracture technique. Young schizonts were spherical, surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule and possessed numerous nuclei. The nucleus was surrounded by the outer and inner nuclear membrane. A number of nuclear pores were evident in the nuclear membranes. Advanced schizonts were characterized by the formation of cytomeres. Each cytomere was surrounded by a membrane. Several nuclei lay along the periphery of the cytomere. The protoplasmic face (P-face) of the membrane of the cytomere contained numerous intramembranous particles (IMP). The exoerythrocytic merozoites were surrounded by a two-layered pellicle consisting of the outer and inner membrane. During freeze fracturing, each of the two membranes could split along its hydrophobic interior to yield a total of four fracture faces. The P-faces of the outer and inner membranes were closely covered with evenly distributed IMP. The external faces (E-face) of these membranes had less IMP than the P-faces. The membrane architecture of the erythrocytic merozoites was similar to that of the exoerythrocytic merozoites. The erythrocytic merozoite was enveloped by an additional membrane probably derived from the plasma membrane of host cell.

Observations on the Taiwanese strain of Leucocytozoon caulleryi (Haemosporina) in chickens

The Taiwanese strain of Leucocytozoon caulleryi was isolated from an infected chicken in Taipei, Taiwan, and established in chickens and biting midges Culicoides arakawae from Japan. Sporogony of the strain in C. arakawae was completed on day 3 after the infective blood meals at 25 degrees C. Sporozoites isolated from the salivary glands of C. arakawae on days 3 or 4 after feeding caused infection in all the chickens inoculated. The strain showed high pathogenicity for chickens. Mortality of chickens rose with an increase in the number of sporozoites inoculated. The prepatent period for chickens inoculated with sporozoites was 14 days. Parasites appeared in the peripheral blood of chickens on day 15 and disappeared on day 26 after sporozoite inoculation. Soluble antigens were found in the sera of chickens infected with the strain between 10 and 17 days after inoculation, and homologous antibodies appeared after 17 days. Antigens prepared from sera, schizonts, merozoites, and gametocytes of the Taiwanese strain reacted with the sera of chickens infected with the same strain or the strain isolated in Japan. The chickens that recovered from a primary infection with the Taiwanese strain demonstrated complete resistance to reinfection with the same strain or the the strain isolated in Japan.

Fine structure of Leucocytozoon caulleryi during microgametogenesis and fertilization

The fine structure of microgametogenesis and fertilization in Leucocytozoon caulleryi was studied. When the peripheral blood of chickens containing mature gametocytes was withdrawn or ingested by Culicoides arakawae , differentiation of the microgametocytes began immediately. The cytoplasm of host cell and the outer membrane of the microgametocyte disappeared. Axoneme formation began in the cytoplasm and the condensed chromatin masses were observed at the periphery of the nucleus of microgametocyte after disappearance of the nuclear membrane. The axonemes and chromatin masses migrated to the surface of the microgametocyte and participated in the formation of flagellar buds. The flagellar buds passed through interruptions of the inner membrane and were surrounded by the outer membrane of the microgametocyte . The microgametocyte formed eight slender microgametes. The microgamete was a long undulated thread-like structure and composed of a single axoneme and a nucleus. The nucleus was located at the mid to anterior region of the microgamete . The axoneme consisted of nine peripheral doublets arranged around two central microtubules. Penetration of the macrogamete by the microgamete occurred rapidly after ingestion. The axoneme and nucleus of the microgamete were seen free in the cytoplasm and nucleus of a fertilized macrogamete.

Significance of carcinoembryonic antigen levels and cytology of pure pancreatic juice in diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

The diagnostic accuracies of measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and analysis of the cytologic characters of pure pancreatic juice were assessed in 16 control subjects, 20 patients with pancreatitis and 22 patients with pancreatic cancer. Pure pancreatic juice was collected from the pancreatic duct by endoscopic cannulation using a duodenofiberscope after intravenous administration of secretin. The pancreatic fluid was centrifuged and the supernatant was used for CEA assay, while the cell pellet was examined cytologically. Abnormally high CEA levels in the pure pancreatic juice were significantly more frequent in patients with pancreatic cancer; an increased CEA concentration in the pancreatic juice was found in 68.2% of the patients. The location of the cancer had no influence on the CEA level of the pancreatic juice, but the level tended to be high when the tumor had distant metastases. Positive cytologic findings were obtained in specimens of pure pancreatic juice of 68.2% of the patients with pancreatic cancer. Positive cytologic results were more frequent in patients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas than in those with carcinoma of the body or tail, and those with localized tumors had the lowest yield of positive cytologic results. For sensitive tests, it was necessary to collect pure pancreatic juice containing no contrast medium. High CEA levels and positive cytological results were significantly more frequent in pancreatic juice obtained 10 to 20 minutes after secretin stimulation than in those collected immediately after stimulation. Correct diagnosis of malignancy was made by CEA assay alone or by cytological examination alone in 68.2% of the patients examined, while a combination of these methods raised the diagnostic rate to 86.4%.

Carcinoembryonic antigen in the bile in patients with pancreatic and biliary cancer. Correlation with cytology and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

The level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the bile of 17 patients with benign pancreatic and biliary diseases and 50 patients with pancreatic and biliary cancer were determined by enzyme immunoassay. The bile specimens were obtained at the time of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. The bile was centrifuged and the supernatant was used for CEA measurement, while the cell pellet was examined cytologically. High CEA values in the bile were significantly more frequent in patients with pancreatic and biliary cancer than in those with benign pancreatic or biliary diseases; increased CEA concentrations in the bile were observed in 76.0% and 60.0%, respectively, of all the patients and of the patients with localized cancer. The location of the cancer had no influence on the bile CEA level, but the CEA levels in the bile tended to be high when the tumor had distant metastases, or when the biliary tract was completely obstructed. Although patients with pancreatic and biliary cancer had a high CEA value in the bile significantly more frequently, bile CEA measurement is not sufficient to distinguish an individual patient with pancreatic or biliary cancer from those with other disease, since the overlap between the values is too great, and therefore, additional examinations are required. Correct diagnosis of malignancy were made by cytological examination alone, by bile CEA assay alone and visual examination of dye in the biliary tract alone in 72.0, 76.0, and 88.0% respectively, of the patients examined, while the combination of these methods raised the diagnostic rate to 100%.