Identification of monoclonal antibodies reactive with the rat homolog of ICAM-1, and evidence for a differential involvement of ICAM-1 in the adherence of resting versus activated lymphocytes to high endothelial cells

We have produced four mAbs reactive with the rat homolog of ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), and presented evidence to indicate that the ICAM-1 molecule plays a differential role in the binding between high endothelial cells and lymphocytes, depending on the state of lymphocyte activation. The conclusion that the four antibodies (1A29, 6A22, 10A25, 10A56) specifically recognize the rat ICAM-1 homolog was based on: (i) their ability to inhibit homotypic aggregation of PHA-blasts; (ii) SDS-PAGE analysis of the antigen recognized; (iii) antigen distribution as assessed by immunoperoxidase staining of frozen sections; and (iv) cytokine-induced up-regulation of the antigen. Involvement of the ICAM-1 molecule in lymphocyte binding to high endothelial cells, the vital step in lymphocyte extravasation in lymph nodes, was examined by the use of one of the newly developed antibodies, and it was found that binding of activated but not resting lymphocytes to cultured high endothelial cells was significantly blocked by the anti-ICAM-1, implying that ICAM-1 has differential involvement in the adherence of lymphocytes to high endothelial cells and that it may play an important role in dissemination of memory lymphocytes to systemic circulation by facilitating or strengthening the binding to the specialized postcapillary high endothelial venules (HEV).

Reconstitution of a functional IL-2 receptor by the beta-chain cDNA. A newly acquired receptor transduces negative signal

The high-affinity IL-2R results from the noncovalent association between at least two subunits; alpha (p55) and beta (p70), both of which are capable of binding IL-2 with a low and intermediate affinity, respectively. Although the alpha-chain itself has been shown to be nonfunctional, suggestions have been made that the beta-chain mediates an IL-2 signal. To directly study the role of the beta-chain in the signal transduction, we transfected with the cDNA encoding the IL-2R beta-chain a human T lymphotropic virus-I-transformed T cell line, MT-1 originally expressing low-affinity alpha-chain alone, and established a stable transformant (designated MT-beta 7) which expressed both alpha- and beta-chains simultaneously. We showed 1) MT-beta 7 manifested the high-affinity IL-2 binding, which was completely disrupted by the anti-beta chain mAb (Mik-beta 1), 2) the 125I-IL-2 crosslinking patterns of MT-beta 7 were indistinguishable from those of cells expressing the native high-affinity IL-2R, 3) MT-beta 7, but not parental MT-1, internalized the bound IL-2 and responded to IL-2 with a negative signal, i.e., inhibition of the de novo DNA synthesis. These results clearly demonstrate that the beta-chain not only participates in forming the high-affinity IL-2R with the alpha-chain but also is directly involved in the IL-2 signal transduction.

Reconstitution of a functional IL-2 receptor by the beta-chain cDNA. A newly acquired receptor transduces negative signal

The high-affinity IL-2R results from the noncovalent association between at least two subunits; alpha (p55) and beta (p70), both of which are capable of binding IL-2 with a low and intermediate affinity, respectively. Although the alpha-chain itself has been shown to be nonfunctional, suggestions have been made that the beta-chain mediates an IL-2 signal. To directly study the role of the beta-chain in the signal transduction, we transfected with the cDNA encoding the IL-2R beta-chain a human T lymphotropic virus-I-transformed T cell line, MT-1 originally expressing low-affinity alpha-chain alone, and established a stable transformant (designated MT-beta 7) which expressed both alpha- and beta-chains simultaneously. We showed 1) MT-beta 7 manifested the high-affinity IL-2 binding, which was completely disrupted by the anti-beta chain mAb (Mik-beta 1), 2) the 125I-IL-2 crosslinking patterns of MT-beta 7 were indistinguishable from those of cells expressing the native high-affinity IL-2R, 3) MT-beta 7, but not parental MT-1, internalized the bound IL-2 and responded to IL-2 with a negative signal, i.e., inhibition of the de novo DNA synthesis. These results clearly demonstrate that the beta-chain not only participates in forming the high-affinity IL-2R with the alpha-chain but also is directly involved in the IL-2 signal transduction.

Further phenotypic characterization of target cells for bovine leukemia virus experimental infection in sheep

To determine the phenotype of target cells for bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in sheep, we analyzed blood lymphocytes from BLV-infected clinically healthy and leukemic sheep by use of monoclonal antibodies. In clinically healthy and leukemic sheep that were BLV-infected, the blood concentration of T lymphocytes was within normal values, but the number of B lymphocytes was increased in several cases. In addition, the number of blood lymphocytes expressing the BLV antigen correlated well with that of B lymphocytes. Double immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that lymphocytes expressing BLV antigens bore B-cell but not T-cell surface markers. Moreover, neoplastic cells in the lymph nodes of leukemic sheep were stained immunohistochemically with an anti-B monoclonal antibody but not with any of anti-T monoclonal antibody tested, indicating that tumor cells are of B-lymphocyte origin. Collectively, these results show that BLV antigen-positive cells obtained from BLV-infected sheep that have no clinical signs and BLV-induced lymphosarcoma cells belong to the B-lymphocyte lineage.

Ontogeny, morphology and tissue distribution of a unique subset of CD4-CD8- sheep T lymphocytes

The morphology, distribution and ontogeny of the 197+ T lymphocyte subpopulation is described. Cells were identified by immunofluorescent and immunoenzymic staining of cell suspensions and tissue sections. In the circulation, 197+ cells are small and regular, indistinguishable in size from peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ cells, with little cytoplasm and a large amount of condensed chromatin. In the post-natal animal they are unevenly distributed, being most common in the circulatory pathways, particularly in the blood. In the thymus they chiefly localize in the regions around Hassal's corpuscles and medullary blood vessels. They are totally absent from B cell areas in all tissues. They are the last of the T cells to appear in ontogeny, and are first detected in the thymus. Their frequency in blood is age-dependent with peak levels occurring perinatally. There is a post-natal decline in the frequency of 197+ cells in ileocaecal but not in prescapular lymph nodes. We conclude that these T cells differ from the more commonly described T cells, not only in their surface expression of the CD4, CD8 and T19 antigens, but also in the time of their first appearance, their age-related prevalence and their distribution between and within tissues.

Interleukin-2 receptor beta chain gene: generation of three receptor forms by cloned human alpha and beta chain cDNA's

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) binds to two distinct receptor molecules, the IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2R alpha, p55) chain and the newly identified IL-2 receptor beta (IL-2R beta, p70-75) chain. The cDNA encoding the human IL-2R beta chain has now been isolated. The overall primary structure of the IL-2R beta chain shows no apparent homology to other known receptors. Unlike the IL-2R alpha chain, the IL-2R beta chain has a large cytoplasmic region in which a functional domain (or domains) mediating an intracellular signal transduction pathway (or pathways) may be embodied. The cDNA-encoded beta chain binds and internalizes IL-2 when expressed on T lymphoid cells but not fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the cDNA gives rise to the generation of high-affinity IL-2 receptor when co-expressed with the IL-2R alpha chain cDNA.

Effects of idebenone on electroencephalograms of patients with cerebrovascular disorders

A daily dose of 90 mg of idebenone was given to nine patients with cerebrovascular disorders to investigate its effects on clinical symptoms and electroencephalograms (EEG). Changes in EEG before and after the administration were compared quantitatively by computer analysis using the wave-form recognition method. Significant increase in frequency in the alpha band (O1) and trends of increased appearance of beta waves, decreased appearance of alpha 1 bands, and lowered amplitude in the alpha 1 and alpha 2 bands were observed after administration of idebenone. The theta waves of 30 microV and over had a significantly diminished maximum amplitude (C3) and a tendency to appear less often. Mean frequency of the EEG and appearance of fast waves apparently increased in the patients showing improvement of the clinical symptoms as compared with those not showing improvement. The results suggested that idebenone improved the EEG in the patients with cerebrovascular disorders, causing changes in EEG similar to those observed with psychostimulants.

Restricted expression of CD2 among subsets of sheep thymocytes and T lymphocytes

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) generated against sheep T-cell blasts, called I/35 A, blocks sheep autologous E rosetting and competes with purified T11 target structure (TS), the sheep form of LFA3, for binding sites on the sheep T-cell surface. Immunoprecipitation from lysates of surface iodinated sheep T cells identifies the cell surface molecule recognized by mAb I/35 A as a single chain polypeptide migrating as a diffuse band of MW 55,000. From its binding properties and the biochemical nature of the target antigen, we conclude that mAb I/35 A is directed at sheep CD2. This finding makes sheep the first animal model in which the CD2-LFA3 (T11TS) system is defined by mAbs to both receptor and ligand. When analysed by two-colour flow cytometry and by immunohistochemistry, the cellular expression of CD2 in sheep differs significantly to that reported in humans. In peripheral blood, CD2 is found exclusively on CD4+8- and CD4-8+ T cells, while the third, CD4-8- (predominantly SBU-T19+) subset of sheep T cells (around 20% in peripheral blood) is CD2-. In thymus, only low to moderate levels of CD2 expression occurs on 80% of cells. Among these, medullary 'single positive' thymocytes express the highest level of CD2, whereas the CD4-8- 'double negative' population (which in contrast to peripheral CD4-8- T cells contains only very few SBU-T19+ cells) consists of CD2- and weakly positive cells. In peripheral lymphoid organs, CD2+ lymphocytes occur in the T-cell regions of spleen, lymph nodes and jejunal Peyer's patches (JPP). Tissue macrophages found in B-cell follicles of lymph nodes and JPP are also CD2+. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the role CD2 plays in the proliferation of immature thymocytes and of the possible importance of CD2/LFA3 interactions in lymphocyte recirculation.

Characterization of the interleukin 2 receptor beta chain using three distinct monoclonal antibodies

The human high-affinity receptor for interleukin 2 (IL-2) has been proposed as being a membrane complex composed of at least two distinct polypeptide chains: p55 (alpha chain), recognized by the anti-Tac monoclonal antibody (mAb), and p75 (beta chain), both of which are capable of binding IL-2. Whereas the alpha chain itself has been shown to be nonfunctional, the beta chain appears to be pivotal in the IL-2 signal transduction, although the beta chain is otherwise poorly characterized. Three beta chain-specific mAbs, designated Mik-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3, were developed. Mik-beta 1 and -beta 2 completely inhibited the IL-2 binding to the beta chain, whereas Mik-beta 3 immunoprecipitated the beta chain crosslinked with 125I-labeled IL-2. The beta chain immunoprecipitated by these mAbs was revealed to have a Mr of 68,000-72,000. High-affinity IL-2 binding was completely abolished by Mik-beta 1. Although IL-2-dependent T-cell growth at high IL-2 concentrations was not inhibited by the anti-Tac, it was almost completely inhibited by Mik-beta 1 in the presence of the anti-Tac. These results clearly indicate that the beta chain is an indispensable component to the high-affinity IL-2 receptor and is responsible for the IL-2 signal transduction. The beta chain was found to be constitutively expressed without the alpha chain on the surface of peripheral blood Leu-19+ natural killer cells.

[Development of laser systems in the treatment of hyperpigmented skin lesions]

Laser beams have been in common use for the treatment of hyperpigmented skin lesions. However, therapeutic efficacy has been limited mainly because the output is circular with a Gaussian distribution of intensity, which makes it difficult to apply a uniformly distributed dose to the lesions. We have developed a technique whereby a laser beam is converted to have a square and uniform output intensity distribution. The principle of this technique is that the divergent laser beam enters a glass square pillar, propagates through the pillar repeating the total reflection and emerges with a uniform intensity distribution over the cross-section at the end of the pillar. The device applied this technique is incorporated in a hand-piece and both ruby and argon laser systems have been developed. The ruby laser has been used for the treatment of the melanistic skin lesions such as nevus cell nevus and nevus spilus. In clinical application, 36 of 67 cases have shown remarkably effective results with an improvement rate of 53.7%. The argon laser has been used for the treatment of vasogenic skin lesions such as portwine stain. In clinical application, 44 of 66 cases have shown effective results and the improvement rate is 66.7%. These results are excellent when compared with the other methods of treatment and with laser therapy previously used.

Molecular mechanisms underlying lymphocyte recirculation. I. Functional, phenotypical and morphological characterization of high endothelial cells cultured in vitro

Large-scale extravasation of lymphocytes takes place in vivo under physiological conditions in lymph nodes at very specialized vascular segments called high endothelial venules (HEV). When circulating lymphocytes leave the blood, they first bind to endothelial cells of HEV (HE cells) and subsequently enter lymph nodes by crossing the endothelial lining of HEV. Although the lymphocyte-HEV interaction has recently been the subject of intense research by many laboratories, it has been studied almost exclusively by the use of the lymphocyte-binding assay in which lymphocyte binding is examined on nonviable HEV present on frozen sections and, hence, no dynamic interaction between HE cells and lymphocytes has been studied. We report herein that endothelial cells of rat HEV can be grown in vitro and that the lymphocyte-HEV interaction can be studied dynamically using viable cells in culture vessels. The identification of the cultured line, termed Ax, as HE cells was based on their phenotypic, morphological, cytochemical and biochemical characteristics, and most importantly on its in vitro behavior, particularly in terms of its specific ability to interact with mature lymphocytes. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated that not only did monoclonal antibodies, known to react with HE cells, recognize the Ax but also a monoclonal antibody raised against the Ax specifically recognized HE cells in vivo, as determined by an immunoperoxidase staining of frozen sections, supporting the notion that the cell strain, Ax, is derived from HEV. This Ax, even after long-term culture (greater than 50 passages), allowed mature, but not immature, lymphocytes to bind to the cell surface and subsequently transport bound cells underneath their cytoplasm. This phenomenon was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by various reagents known to inhibit lymphocyte recirculation in vivo. The cultured line derived from HE cells should provide a means to investigate the biochemical nature of lymphocyte-HEV interaction, and to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the large-scale lymphocyte traffic taking place in vivo.

The ontogeny of various cell populations defined by monoclonal antibodies in the primary lymphoid organs of the sheep

Monoclonal antibodies specific for various cell surface markers in sheep were employed to study the ontogeny of the immune system in this species. The temporal sequence of appearance of various cell populations of hematopoietic origin is described in the course of fetal development of the liver, spleen, thymus, ileal Payer's patches and bone marrow.

Cellular composition of peripheral lymph and skin of sheep defined by monoclonal antibodies

The surface phenotype of cells in peripheral lymph collected from afferent lymphatics leading to the popliteal lymph node of sheep was determined using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The majority of lymphocytes (83.5%) expressed the sheep pan-T cell antigen and only 13.3% bore surface immunoglobulin molecules. All peripheral T cell subsets occurring in sheep were detected; 50.2% of lymphocytes were positive for mAb SBU-T4 (T helper), 7.3% were positive for mAb ST-8 (T cytotoxic), and 8.4 and 43.0% expressed T subset markers recognized by mAbs 197 and T-80, respectively. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens were detected on 71.1% of lymphocytes and MHC class II antigens on 21.8%. The macrophage/veiled cells found in peripheral lymph did not express lymphocyte subset markers but were positive for MHC class I and II antigens, the sheep homologue of T6 antigen, leukocyte common antigen and mAb 175 (myeloid/erythroid). Macrophage-like cells occurring in the epidermis of skin taken from the lower hindleg gave positive staining reactions to the same mAbs which stained the macrophage/veiled cells in peripheral lymph. These results illustrate differences between the migration of lymphocyte subsets through nonlymphoid as compared to lymphoid tissues and point to a possible developmental or migratory relationship between the macrophage-like cells in skin and those in afferent popliteal lymph.

A murine anti-sheep T8 monoclonal antibody, ST-8, that defines the cytotoxic T lymphocyte population

A mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb), ST-8, reactive with a subpopulation of sheep T lymphocytes was investigated by tissue distribution analysis and functional studies of the antigen-bearing (ST-8+) cells. Two other mouse mAb, ST-1 and T-80 that recognize all sheep T cells and a T-cell subset, respectively, were also examined for comparison. The ST-8+ cells represented 61-69% of thymocytes and about 10-30% of peripheral T lymphocytes. Histologically, ST-8+ cells were found mainly in the thymic cortex, T-dependent areas of the peripheral lymphoid tissues and the splenic red pulp and marginal zone, but not in B-dependent areas such as germinal centers of lymph follicles of the Peyer's patches. ST-8 mAb plus complement treatment completely abolished both the induction phase and the effector phase of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes but did not affect proliferative responses to T-dependent mitogens and allogeneic antigens. ST-8 mAb also blocked the cytotoxic T lymphocyte function of lysing specific targets in the absence of complement. ST-8 mAb immunoprecipitated an antigen from the surface of sheep T lymphocytes under reducing conditions with an apparent molecular weight of 33-35 kilodaltons. Therefore the antigen recognized by the ST-8 mAb showed striking similarities to human T8/Leu-2a and mouse Lyt-2 antigens not only in the tissue distribution and function of antigen-bearing cells but also the molecular weight. We conclude that the ST-8 antigen is the ovine homologue of the human T8 and mouse Lyt-2 antigens.

T11TS, the cell surface molecule binding to the "erythrocyte receptor" of T lymphocytes: cellular distribution, purification to homogeneity and biochemical properties

T11 target structure (T11TS) is a sheep cell surface glycoprotein that binds to the E receptor of human and sheep T lymphocytes. Here we report that T11TS has a broad tissue distribution, including mature and immature hematopoietic cells, vascular endothelium and smooth muscle. The density of T11TS expression was determined by Scatchard analysis with radiolabeled anti-T11TS monoclonal antibody. Red blood cells bound 10,000, and leukocytes bound 4000 to 23,000 antibody molecules per cell. T11TS was purified to homogeneity by immune-affinity and preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and some of its biochemical properties were determined. T11TS is an acidic (pI 4.5) membrane glycoprotein that binds to concanavalin A. It has 2 or 3 N-glycosidically linked carbohydrate side chains of the mature phenotype, no O-linked sugars, and an apparent mol. mass of 42 kDa (glycosylated) and 32 kDa (deglycosylated). The anti-T11TS monoclonal antibody L180/1, which blocks binding of sheep red blood cells to CD2, recognizes a protein determinant on T11TS. These findings are discussed with respect to the possible function of the CD2-T11TS system as a set of complementary cell interaction molecules involved in T cell activation.

Numbers and phenotype of lymphocytes emigrating from sheep bone marrow after in situ labelling with fluorescein isothiocyanate

In normal young lambs the bone marrow was selectively labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate by a temporary perfusion of one hind-leg. One day later, the incidence of bone marrow emigrants in different lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer's patches, thymus, non-perfused bone marrow and blood was determined. The emigrants were also phenotyped by the use of monoclonal antibodies and classified into monocytes or lymphocyte subsets. Large numbers of lymphocytes left the bone marrow of the perfused leg during 1 day. Considerable numbers of cells migrated to other bone marrow compartments. Varying numbers of mononuclear emigrants were found in peripheral lymphoid organs, with labelling indices ranging from 1.06% in the blood to 0.004% in the thymus. In the spleen, comparable numbers of B- and T-lymphocyte emigrants from the bone marrow were found, whereas in the blood, lymph nodes and jejunal Peyer's patches many more emigrants were T lymphocytes than B lymphocytes. In the prescapular lymph nodes, for instance, 90.4% of emigrants were T cells but only 9.6% were B cells. Based on the large numbers of lymphocytes emigrating from the bone marrow, their phenotypes and their entry into other bone marrow compartments, it it can be concluded that the bone marrow of young lambs is an integral part of the migratory route of lymphocytes.

Lymphocyte migration and differentiation in a large-animal model: the sheep

The size and docility of the sheep permit various surgical interventions and repeated collections of biological samples. Development of lymphatic cannulation techniques in this species enabled the investigation of the kinetics of lymphocyte migration in single lymph nodes of not only postnatal animals but also of fetuses at various stages of gestation. It was first demonstrated in the sheep that lymphocyte recirculation commences in the fetus without any exogenous antigenic stimulus. Using these cannulation techniques, it is also possible to investigate humoral events such as the secretion of lymphokines taking place in single lymph nodes with regard to the regulation of lymphopoiesis and the immune response. An extracorporeal perfusion system has been used successfully to investigate the emigration of cells from various lymphoid organs in the sheep. This apparatus enables cells to be labelled in their normal microenvironment with radioisotopes and/or fluorescent probes without destroying the normal tissue architecture. In studies with outbred animals such as the sheep, an investigation in which an individual animal is studied as a case history over a long time often provides much more information than studies based on single-point examinations of many animals and is much closer to the clinical study of immunological problems in individual humans. The recent development of an array of monoclonal antibodies against lymphocyte surface antigens in sheep will help to further dissect the complexity of immunological phenomena. Therefore, the sheep is a useful animal model to study physiological events taking place in the lymphoid system, and in vivo studies in this species will continue to offer a great potential for research of biological relevance and supplement the research done on the in vitro manipulation of cells and biological products related to the immune system.

Studies on the differentiation of T lymphocytes in sheep. III. Preliminary characterization of an antigen recognized by two anti-pan T-cell monoclonal antibodies

ST-1a and ST-1b are monoclonal antibodies that selectively react with cells in the T-cell lineage of the sheep. Preliminary structural studies using radioimmunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that both ST-1a and ST-1b recognize an antigen of apparent molecular weight 67,000 and 60,000-65,000, under either reducing or nonreducing conditions. Differential expression of these 67,000 and 60,000-65,000 MW proteins was observed in T cells obtained from various anatomical compartments. Cortical thymocytes and efferent lymph lymphocytes expressed predominantly the 67,000 molecule, whereas a thymus cell fraction enriched for medullary thymocytes expressed mainly the 60,000-65,000 MW molecule. Both proteins were found in equivalent amounts in immunoprecipitates obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes and lymph node lymphocytes. Peptide mapping studies indicated that 67,000 proteins of both ST-1a and ST-1b immunoprecipitates have significant homology in peptide composition. Sequential immunoprecipitation experiments clearly demonstrated that the antigens recognized by ST-1a and ST-1b antibodies are the same. On the basis of the size, tissue distribution and trypsin sensitivity of the antigen, together with cytofluorometry data, we suggest that the target antigen of ST-1a and ST-1b monoclonal antibodies is the ovine homologue of mouse Lyt-1 and human Leu-1.

Studies on the differentiation of T lymphocytes in sheep. II. Two monoclonal antibodies that recognize all ovine T lymphocytes

Two mouse monoclonal cytotoxic antibodies (ST-1a and ST-1b) recognize an antigen present on the large majority of thymocytes and all T cells in the periphery, but not B cells or other haemopoietic cells in sheep. Examination of frozen sections of various fetal tissues revealed that the cells expressing this antigen first appeared in the thymus, and these cells markedly increase in numbers in the peripheral lymphoid tissues after mid-gestation. Large accumulations of positive cells were located in the paracortex of lymph nodes, the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath of the spleen, and interfollicular areas of jejunal Peyer's patches, all of which are known to be T-dependent areas. Treatment of lymphocytes with ST-1a and complement resulted in the abrogation of T-proliferative responses, but the response to a B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide, was not reduced. Neither ST-1a nor ST-1b cross-reacted to lymphocytes obtained from other species of animals (man, monkey, mouse, rat, guinea-pig, chicken, frog, pig, horse, goat and cattle). Based on these findings, it was concluded that the expression of the antigen recognized by ST-1a and ST-1b is restricted to the T-cell lineage of sheep, and that all ovine T cells express this antigen. Furthermore, ST-1a and ST-1b were determined to recognize the same antigen by reciprocal blocking experiments.

Comparison of food constituents in the diet of female agricultural workers in Japan with high and low concentrations of high density lipoprotein in their sera

Over 300 female farmers from 18 regions in various parts of Japan were examined for high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) in the serum. Based on the HDL levels, three examinees with the highest HDL and another three with the lowest HDL were selected from each region to form the high HDL group (high group, 54 subjects) and the low HDL group (low group, 54 subjects), respectively, so that any geographical effects on HDL could be excluded. The 108 subjects were examined for serum lipid biochemistry, anthropometry, and nutrient intake (by collection and analyses of 24-hour duplicates of the diet). While the HDL level in the high group (64.8 +/- 11.2 mg/100 ml, mean +/- SD) was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher than in the low group (31.4 +/- 5.6 mg/100 ml), the low group had a higher serum triglyceride level and was more obese than the high group. Nutritional analyses of the diets taken by each group member revealed that the diets of both groups were typically Japanese (ie, low calorie intake at ca 2000 kcal/day, higher dependency on carbohydrate, equal amounts of protein from animals and vegetables, and large fish intake) and essentially similar (p less than 0.05) in nutritional constituents, such as total energy, carbohydrate, fibre, saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratio or sodium chloride, except that members of the high group took significantly (p less than 0.01 approximately 0.05) more protein and fat (thus more of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids). None of the nutritional items studied appeared to explain the different HDL levels in the two groups.

Baseline level of blood lead concentration among Japanese farmers

Lead concentrations were determined for more than 2500 blood samples (more than 2000 winter samples and approximately 500 summer samples) collected from farmers in various parts of Japan to establish reliable baselines for blood lead levels; the analysis was conducted in a single laboratory to avoid any inter-laboratory errors. Blood lead levels distributed log-normally with a geometric mean (i.e., a geometric standard deviation) of 48.6 micrograms/L (1.51) for males and 32.1 micrograms/L (1.50) for females. The levels observed were among the lowest in the industrialized countries of the world. The sex difference was significant (P less than .01) while the difference in Pb-B between winter and summer was essentially insignificant. Both drinking and smoking habits were associated with a dose-dependent increase in blood lead levels, especially in males; the increment was additive when the examinee was a drinker-smoker. The geographical difference in blood lead levels remained inconclusive.

Differentiation of B lymphocytes in sheep. I. Phenotypic analysis of ileal Peyer's patch cells and the demonstration of a precursor population for sIg+ cells in the ileal Peyer's patches

The ileal Peyer's patches (IPP) of sheep may be a primary lymphoid organ for b cells since they have a number of important features in common with the bursa of Fabricius of chickens. We have examined the surface phenotype of IPP cells. Approximately 90% to 95% of IPP cells are 'low sIgM+'; that is, they have surface IgM, but in much smaller amounts than peripheral B cells, which are 'high sIgM+'. IPP cells with sIgG or sIgA are very rare. Upon exposure to a tumour promotor, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), in vitro, low sIgM+ cells differentiated into high sIgM+ cells. The amount of Ia-like antigens on the surface also increased after PMA treatment. Approximately 5% of IPP cells bore no identifiable markers. However, these cells could also be induced into high sIgM+ cells upon exposure to PMA; this may indicate the presence of precursors of sIgM+ cells within the IPP. While PNA (peanut agglutinin) binds strongly to the vast majority of IPP cells, it binds very little, if at all, to B cells obtained from the periphery, unless they have been treated with neuraminidase; this suggests that cells in the B lineage retain their PNA receptors, but that these become masked by sialic acid on mature B cells.

Lowering effect of diphenylhydantoin on serum free thyroxine and thyroxine binding globulin (TBG)

To evaluate the effect of anticonvulsants on serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), 32 patients with epilepsy receiving long-term anticonvulsant treatment (mean duration 81.8 +/- 8.9 months) were employed in the present study. The serum levels of total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), T3 resin uptake (T3U) and thyrotrophin (TSH) were also measured. Free thyroxine index (FT4I) was calculated from TT4 and T3U. Mean levels of these thyroid function tests were as follows: 5.52 +/- 1.51 micrograms/dl (TT4), 1.16 +/- 0.32 ng/dl (FT4), 101.5 +/- 16.2 ng/dl (TT3), 27.5 +/- 2.6% (T3U), 19.64 +/- 3.97 micrograms/ml (TBG), 1.50 +/- 0.36 (FT4I) and 2.21 +/- 0.18 microU/ml (TSH). These values except for T3U and TSH were significantly lower than normal values (P less than 0.01). Using correlation analysis, a significant dose-dependency (daily doses) was found between diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and TT4, FT4 and TBG. Other anticonvulsants (barbiturates, carbamazepine, primidone) or duration of treatment were not significantly correlated with thyroid function tests. Therefore serum levels of DPH were also measured in 19 out of 32 patients receiving anticonvulsant treatment. Significant negative correlation was found between serum levels of DPH and FT4 (r = -0.65) and DPH and TBG (r = -0.61).

Distribution of membrane-associated actin in sheep lymphocytes. Functional implications

Using the DNAase I inhibition assay, we titrated two forms of actin, monomeric (G) and total (G + F) actin of various populations of lymphocytes in adult and fetal sheep. Lymphocytes leaving a lymph node always showed higher actin activities than lymphocytes resident in the lymph node at the time of examination. T cells had significantly higher actin activities than B cells. A subpopulation of T cells which is present in the blood but not in the lymph showed much lower activities than total T cell populations in the blood or efferent lymph. Thymocytes showed the lowest actin activities among the lymphoid cell populations examined. A proposal is made that DNAase I inhibitions per cell can be considered as an intrinsic parameter of lymphocyte recirculating abilities.

Differentiation of ovine immature B cells upon exposure to phorbol myristate acetate

Immature B cells obtained from the ileal Peyer's patches ( IPPs ) of sheep, upon exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), expressed 20-30 times more sIgM per cell than nonstimulated IPP cells, and the sIgM level was the same as that of peripheral B cells. The exposure of IPP cells to PMA also induced IgM secretion. Macrophages were not required for the terminal differentiation of IPP cells in vitro.

Studies on the differentiation of T lymphocytes in sheep. I. Recognition of a sheep T-lymphocyte differentiation antigen by a monoclonal antibody T-80

The results presented in this paper demonstrate that a mouse IgM monoclonal antibody (T-80) recognizes an antigen on cells of the T-lymphocyte lineage of sheep. However, this antibody does not identify all T cells, as 10-20% of thymocytes and some peripheral-blood T cells are negative. T-80- thymocytes reside in the medulla. The majority of cortical thymocytes are T-80+ and classified as dull cells on the basis of antigen density per cell as measured by flow microfluorometry. In contrast, T-80+ cells in the periphery can be categorized into two populations, i.e., dull cells and bright cells. Suggestive evidence was obtained that bright T-80+ cells are fast recirculating T cells, whereas dull cells are sessile or less easily mobilizable T cells in the periphery. In foetal environment, over 90% of thymocytes and approximately 5% of spleen cells are T-80+ at 54 days of gestation (gestation period = 150 days), which may indicate that T-cell emigration from the thymus commences well before mid-gestation in sheep.

A morphologic study of the behavior of biogenic amines in experimental acetic acid gastric ulcer

Morphological observations were made of the behavior of biogenic amines in the gastric wall of rats with acetic acid-induced ulcer. In the normal rat stomach, abundant adrenergic fibers were seen in the adventitia of arteries and arterioles, with frequently distributed mast cells in their environs, in all gastric wall layers. Mast cells had a more frequent distribution in the antral region than in the corpus ventriculi while enterochromaffin-like cells (EC-like cells) were found with greater frequencies in the latter region of gastric wall. Adrenergic fibers were abundant around blood vessels in perilesional area of the gastric wall of rats with acetic acid ulcer. Mast cells, seen more frequently in the antral region as in the normal rats, showed degranulation in these rats. The population of PAS-positive mucous cells reached its peak in 10 days after injection of acetic acid and subsequently declined with healing of the ulcer, thus remarkably concordant with the ulcer index. Local administration of serotonin produced angiospasm in the greater omentum. The finding indicates a possible participation of arteriospasm by adrenergic nerve fibers in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. The results of the present study strongly suggest that biogenic amines have bearing as an aggressive factor upon the angiospasm theory of ulcerogenesis.

The response of the pregnant ewe to challenge with foetal and paternal lymphocytes

The efferent lymph from the popliteal lymph nodes of pregnant ewes challenged between 93 and 127 days with specific paternal or foetal lymphocytes was examined. There was an increased efflux of lymphocytes and blast cells from the challenged node, similar to that observed during the response of normal, non-pregnant ewes to allogeneic cells. Additionally, there was a decrease in the mixed lymphocyte and mitogen responsiveness of the efferent lymphatic cells that was comparable with that evoked by challenge of non-pregnant sheep. While cytotoxic cells could not be detected in the lymph after challenge of normal or pregnant animals, specific cytotoxic antibody was invariably produced in both instances. The present observations that the immune responsiveness of the pregnant ewe to foetal lymphocytes remains normal are consistent with an earlier report on the antifoetal reactivity of maternal cells in vitro. It is inferred that the in vitro reactivity of maternal lymphocytes was a valid reflection of the capacity of these cells in the intact ewe.

The response of the foetal lamb to maternal lymphocytes

Foetal lambs were inoculated with either maternal or third-party lymphocytes. Of foetuses transfused in the first half of pregnancy (from 49 to 73 days), one quarter survived until the fifth month. Examination of the immunological reactivity of these survivors revealed that all rejected skin grafts from the lymphocyte donors and manifested normal mixed lymphocyte reactivity. In two instances, responsiveness of the transfused lambs to normal lymphocyte transfer was reduced. Foetal lambs transfused with large numbers of maternal lymphocytes in the last third of pregnancy could survive provided the donor ewe had not been sensitized against foetal or paternal determinants. Following intravenous challenge with maternal lymphocytes, cells collected over a prolonged period from the thoracic duct of the foetal recipient exhibited depression of anti-maternal reactivity in mixed lymphocyte culture.

Regional difference in sodium chloride content in home-made and store-bought preparations of miso paste

Miso, a fermentation product of salted soya beans and rice (or soya beans and barley), is one of the leading sources of sodium chloride intake for Japanese people. Sodium chloride contents in 973 home-made preparations collected from 39 Regions in 20 Prefectures in Japan showed wide variation from 9.1 to 18.2% on the Region average, while the levels in store-bought samples were rather low and constant at 10 to 12%. When classified by Regions or Prefectures, positive and significant correlations were observed between indices of sodium chloride intake via miso (i.e., sodium chloride in home-made miso, or frequency of miso soup intake) and death rate indices for cerebrovascular diseases.

Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to methyl ethyl ketone by means of urinalysis for methyl ethyl ketone itself

Head space gas chromatography (GC) was applied to measure methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) in urine from 62 MEK-exposed male workers, whose individual intensity of exposure to MEK was monitored utilizing the carbon felt dosimeter. The urinary MEK level increased rapidly to reach a plateau in the first quarter of the daily 8-h work, while very little MEK was detected in the preshift urine. When the MEK levels in the urine at the end of the shift were compared with the afternoon MEK-TWA values, the uncorrected MEK in urine correlated best with MEK in air (r = 0.774, n = 62), while correction for creatinine gave a comparable result and the correlation was poorer when corrected for a specific gravity of urine or for the lapse of time after preceding passage of urine. Balance of MEK absorption via inhalation and MEK excretion into urine revealed that only 0.1% of MEK absorbed will be excreted unchanged into urine. Wider application of head space GC is discussed for the analysis of unmetabolized solvents in urine.

Improvement in abnormal secretion of thyrotropin and gonadotropin after restoration of serum calcium is pseudohypoparathyroidism

A 25 yr-old woman patient was admitted because of convulsion. The diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism was made on the basis of typical stigmata, lowered serum calcium, increased serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels, and defective response in urinary excretion of cyclic AMP and phosphorus to exogenous parathyroid extract. Endocrine studies performed in the hypocalcemic state revealed several abnormalities of the pituitary gland such as an exaggerated response of TSH to TRH, high basal levels and exaggerated responses of LH/FSH and a blunted GH response to arginine-HCl, while there was no clinical evidence of hypothyroidism and hypogonadism. These abnormalities of anterior pituitary function were normalized after the restoration of normocalcemia by using 1 alpha-hydroxy-cholecalciferol. These results suggest that some endocrine abnormalities observed in pseudohypoparathyroidism might be functional and reversible disorders secondary to hypocalcemia rather than genetic ones.

Styrene exposure and biologic monitoring in FRP boat production plants

A survey on styrene exposure was conducted in five small to medium-sized fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat plants utilizing carbon felt dosimeters as personal and stationary samplers to measure 4h (TWA) exposure during workday afternoons. The heaviest exposure, up to 256 ppm by personal sampling and 174 ppm by stationary sampling, took place during the lamination on a mold to produce a boat shell, and the work inside narrow holds also resulted in exposures of a comparable degree. Styrene levels were much lower in other auxiliary works. The TWA of exposure in an entire boat production was estimated to be 40-50 ppm. Installation of several flexible hoses as an exhaust system was proved to be effective in decreasing the vapor concentration. Gas masks were also useful in reducing the exposure. Urine samples were collected from 96 male workers at the end of 8h work (4h in the morning and 4h in the afternoon) and also from 22 nonexposed male subjects, and analyzed for mandelic acid (MA), phenylglyoxylic acid (PhGA), and hippuric acid (HA). When the results of urinalyses were compared with 4-h styrene TWA as monitored by personal sampling, the best correlation was obtained with MA + PhGA/creatinine (the correlation coefficient, 0.88), followed by MA (0.84). For these two cases, regression lines and 95% confidence limits for the group means and for the individual values were calculated. The urinary level of MA, PhGA, and HA in the 22 nonexposed male subjects were also tabulated.

Immunological responsiveness of maternal and foetal lymphocytes during normal pregnancy in the ewe

Peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from ewes before and during pregnancy manifested constant reactivity to concanavalin A and to paternal and third party peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, in some instances, the reactivity of these maternal cells against lipopolysaccharide and lymphatic lymphocytes from paternal, foetal and third-party donors increased markedly during pregnancy. Apart from an indication that plasma from some pregnant ewes acquired the capacity to depress lymphocyte reactivity non-specifically, no evidence was obtained to suggest that maternal lymphocyte reactivity observed in vitro did not accurately reflect the capacity of these cells in the donor ewe. In particular, there was no indication that populations of maternal peripheral blood lymphocytes returning from the gravid uterus had undergone any modification of reactivity against foetal determinants.