Pentoxifylline downregulates nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced by mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan in a macrophage cell line

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is known to downregulate tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion induced by lipopolysacchride (LPS) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). We have had limited success in treating leprosy reactions, including erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), in which TNF-alpha has been identified as a major proinflammatory cytokine. PTX inhibited production of NO (IC50 approximately equal to 1.0 mg/ml) and TNF-alpha (IC50 approximately equal to 0.05 mg/ml) in a dose-dependent fashion. As little as 0.5 mg/ml of PTX decreased NO production and 0.01 mg/ml of PTX inhibited TNF-alpha production. Western blot analyses demonstrated that iNOS was suppressed by PTX. Northern blot analyses showed significant reduction of TNF-alpha mRNA. We conclude that PTX is an effective inhibitor of lipoarabinomannan (LAM)-induced TNF-alpha production at both the product and transcriptional levels in our macrophage cell line. PTX also showed moderate inhibition of NO at the product level as well as translation of iNOS.

Partial impairment of immune functions in peripheral blood leukocytes from aged men with Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome (DS) has been considered a model of accelerated aging and of Alzheimer's disease. We investigated immunologic functions using peripheral blood leukocytes in order to correlate the production of cytokines and development of neuropathological changes of Alzheimer type in aged persons with DS. Cytokine production (IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha), phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated proliferation of nonadherent monocytes, and superoxide anion production from polymorphonuclear leukocytes were measured. PHA-stimulated proliferation in aged individuals (>30 years old) with DS was significantly lower than that of age- and sex-matched controls (DS vs control, 55,707+/-5810 vs 88,310+/-6994 cpm, P < 0.001). PHA-stimulated IL-2 production was also significantly decreased in aged individuals with DS (DS vs control, 7.1+/-2.1 vs 10.7+/-1.3 ng/ml). Interestingly, the decrease of proliferation and IL-2 production in aged males with DS is significantly greater than in aged women with DS. PHA-stimulated proliferation and IL-2 production of nonadherent monocytes in females was not significantly reduced. IL-1beta production by LPS-activated adherent monocytes was significantly decreased in older adults with DS compared with non-DS controls. Other immune parameters measured in DS were not significantly different from that of age-matched controls. We conclude that there is partial impairment of T lymphocytes in aged persons with DS that is significantly greater in males than in females.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 production is inhibited by taurine chloramine in rat C6 glioma cells

Taurine monochloramine (Tau-Cl) is formed through the actions of a halide-dependent myeloperoxidase system associated with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Tau-Cl inhibits production of inflammatory mediators by activated macrophages, and PMN. Recently, Tau-Cl was shown to inhibit production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 by activated C6 glioma cells. Since chemokines, secreted by activated glial cells, play a prominent role in eliciting inflammatory responses in the central nervous system, the effects of Tau-Cl on production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) were determined in activated C6 glioma cells. Tau-Cl inhibited production of MCP-1 and MIP-2 in a concentration-dependent manner, and was most potent against MCP-1. Tau-Cl exerted a transient inhibition of the temporal expression of MCP-1 and MIP-2 mRNAs during the first 4 h of activation. Although both chemokine mRNA levels were similar to those of control cells after 8-24 h of activation, production of the chemokine proteins, especially MCP-1, remained markedly low. These results suggest that Tau-Cl inhibits production of MCP-1 and MIP-2 in activated C6 cells primarily through post-transcriptional mechanisms.

Taurine chloramine inhibits production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in activated C6 glioma cells by suppressing inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression

Taurine prevents tissue damage in various models of inflammation through a mechanism postulated to involve taurine monochloramine (Tau-Cl). Tau-Cl is formed through the action of a halide-dependent myeloperoxidase system associated with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), eosinophils, and basophils. Production of nitric oxide (NO), PGE2, and other proinflammatory mediators by activated macrophages is inhibited by Tau-Cl. Since glial cells may be activated to produce NO, PGE2 and other proinflammatory mediators, similar to macrophages, we examined the effects of Tau-Cl on the production of NO and PGE2 by rat C6 glioma cells. C6 cells were seeded to grow over 2-3 days to approximately 90% confluency before exposure to various concentrations of Tau-Cl in HBSS for 2 h (37 degreesC, 5% CO2). The HBSS was replaced, after washing the cells, with DMEM containing 4% fetal calf serum and activators (LPS, 10 microgram/ml; rat rIFN-gamma, 50 U/ml; and human rTNF-alpha, 50 ng/ml). Media content of NO2- and PGE2 was measured 48 h after activation and cell lysates were subjected to SDS-PAGE followed by Western blot analyses to determine the relative expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins. Media accumulation of NO2- and PGE2 was inhibited by Tau-Cl in a concentration dependent manner and this was accompanied by decreased amounts of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in cell lysates. Additional experiments determined the effects of Tau-Cl on the kinetics of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression. Expression of iNOS mRNA was markedly inhibited in activated C6 cells that were previously exposed to Tau-Cl and this persisted for at least 24 h. In contrast, inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression was only transiently reduced in Tau-Cl exposed cells during the first 4 h of activation and was relatively unimpaired thereafter (8-24 h). These results suggest that Tau-Cl inhibits the transcriptional expression of the iNOS gene but inhibits expression of COX-2 protein by post-transcriptional mechanisms.

Leukocytes in neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses: function and apoptosis

The neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of progressive encephalopathies with a fatal course that are mostly of autosomal recessive inheritance. The pathophysiological mechanisms causing the diseases are not known. The characteristic histomorphological feature of the NCL is an abnormal lysosomal accumulation of lipopigments in neural and extraneural cells, including peripheral blood leukocytes. We studied the function of peripheral venous blood immunocompetent cells in ten patients with NCL and in age- and sex-matched controls to determine how, if at all, the accumulation of intracytoplasmic storage material influences the functional capacity of affected tissue. Our results did not reveal any functional impairment of affected cells, but rather suggested a higher turnover rate in NCL. Apoptosis was increased, suggesting that abnormally controlled programmed cell death might play an important role in the pathogenesis of NCL.

Preactivation exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to taurine chloramine attenuates subsequent production of nitric oxide and expression of iNOS mRNA

Recent studies demonstrate that taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) inhibits production of nitric oxide (NO) and other proinflammatory mediators in cultured macrophages when added to the media at the time of activation. Because Tau-Cl may react with various media constituents and it is difficult to measure Tau-Cl in complex solutions, we designed experiments to more carefully control cell exposure to various chloramines and NaOCl. RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to 1 mM of NaOCl, Tau-Cl, or chloramine preparations of the following amino acids: L-alanine (L-Ala-Cl), beta-alanine (beta-Ala-Cl), serine (Ser-Cl), or glycine (Gly-Cl) in Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS) for up to 2 h (37 degrees C, 5% CO2). The HBSS solution was then replaced with complete media containing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for an additional 24 h before measuring cell viability. The chemical stability of NaOCl and each chloramine was evaluated after various times of preactivation exposure by measuring retention of each solution's UV absorption spectra and ability to oxidize KI. Cytotoxicity of each solution was evaluated by the maintained ability of RAW 264.7 cells to reduce MTT. Whereas Tau-Cl, beta-Ala-Cl, and Gly-Cl were stable chloramines, only Tau-Cl was not cytotoxic. L-Ala-Cl, Ser-Cl, and the highly reactive oxidant NaOCl were unstable and toxic. In further studies RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to Tau-Cl in HBSS for 2 h and the solution was then replaced with complete media containing IFN-gamma and LPS, taxol, lipoarabinomannan, or interleukin-2. Production of NO was measured 24 h later and was inhibited in activated cells that were previously exposed to Tau-Cl. Inhibition of NO production was dependent on Tau-Cl concentration and was accounted for by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA, regardless of activator combinations. These results support the idea that Tau-Cl has the potential to function as an inhibitory modulator of inflammations.

The production of superoxide anion and nitric oxide by cultured murine leukocytes and the accumulation of TNF-alpha in the conditioned media is inhibited by taurine chloramine

Taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) inhibits production of nitric oxide (NO) by activated peritoneal macrophages and attenuates accumulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the culture media, similar to that previously reported for activated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the effect of Tau-Cl and taurine on superoxide anion (O2-) production in murine peritoneal exudate polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was examined. Tau-Cl inhibited O2- production in a manner that was dose-dependent and reversible. Taurine also inhibited O2- production by stimulated PMN, but at higher concentrations and to a lesser extent than Tau-Cl. The effects of taurine on O2- production was attributed to the in vitro formation of Tau-Cl catalyzed by PMN associated halide-dependent myeloperoxidase. In contrast, production of NO by activated peritoneal macrophages and accumulation of TNF-alpha in the media was inhibited by Tau-Cl while taurine was without effect. These data lend support to the notion that Tau-Cl may participate in the inflammatory response by modulating production of inflammatory mediators.

Normal superoxide radical production in the neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses

The neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of inherited progressive encephalopathies. Striking histomorphological feature of the NCL is the accumulation of storage material within the lysosomes in neural and extraneural cells. The basic underlying defect causing the disease is not known. Presupposing a disturbance in lipid peroxidation, some authors recommend antioxidant treatment to slow down the progression of the disease. In this study, the superoxide radical production of polymorphonuclear leukocytes as one potential source of reactive oxygen species was measured in this disorder for the first time. No significant difference in this production between affected individuals and healthy controls could be detected. Our findings cast doubt on the therapeutic benefit of antioxidant treatment.

Taurine chloramine inhibits prostaglandin E2 production in activated RAW 264.7 cells by post-transcriptional effects on inducible cyclooxygenase expression

Taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) was recently demonstrated to inhibit production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by activated macrophages. Since increased production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a reaction catalyzed by induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), is also associated with the inflammatory response, we determined the effects of Tau-Cl on PGE2 production and on expression of COX-2 protein and COX-2 mRNA in activated RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage-like cell line. Tau-Cl inhibited production of PGE2 in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.4 mM. The decrease in PGE2 production was largely accounted for by decreased expression of COX-2 protein. Although the kinetics of COX-2 mRNA expression was altered in Tau-Cl treated cells, mRNA expression appeared to be quantitatively unimpaired. These results suggest that Tau-Cl affects the post-transcriptional regulation of COX-2 expression and support the idea that Tau-Cl may function as an inhibitory modulator of the inflammatory response.

Taurine chloramine inhibits production of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha in activated RAW 264.7 cells by mechanisms that involve transcriptional and translational events

We previously reported that taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) inhibits the production of both nitric oxide and TNF-alpha by activated RAW 264.7 cells. The current studies were conducted to gain insight into the mechanisms through which Tau-Cl exerts these effects. RAW 264.7 cells were activated by LPS (10 micrograms/ml) and rIFN-gamma (50 U/ml) in the absence or presence of either 0.8 mM Tau-Cl or taurine. Production of NO and TNF-alpha by RAW 264.7 cells was monitored: NO was measured spectrophotometrically as nitrite and TNF-alpha was measured by ELISA. Cell lysates were analyzed for the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by Western blot analyses, and TNF-alpha and iNOS mRNAs were assessed by northern blot analyses. Tau-Cl inhibited transcription of the iNOS gene, or some earlier event in the signal transduction pathway, because iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA were undetected in lysates of cells activated in the continuous presence of Tau-Cl. In contrast, steady-state levels of TNF-alpha mRNA increased in the presence of Tau-Cl to at least the same extent as that in untreated activated cells and persisted for a longer period of time. Metabolic labeling experiments demonstrated that Tau-Cl inhibited translation of TNF-alpha mRNA because the presence of the presecretory 26-kDa form and the secreted 17-kDa form of TNF-alpha were greatly reduced in lysates and culture media, respectively, of cells activated in the presence of Tau-Cl. Inhibition of TNF-alpha synthesis by Tau-Cl is not the result of a generalized effect on protein synthesis because the amount of radiolabeled protein precipitated from metabolically labeled cells by TCA was unaffected by Tau-Cl, and cell viability was unaffected. The results of these studies demonstrate that Tau-Cl decreases production of tissue-damaging inflammatory mediators and thus may act as a physiologic modulator of macrophage function.

Taurine chloramine inhibits production of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha in activated RAW 264.7 cells by mechanisms that involve transcriptional and translational events

We previously reported that taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) inhibits the production of both nitric oxide and TNF-alpha by activated RAW 264.7 cells. The current studies were conducted to gain insight into the mechanisms through which Tau-Cl exerts these effects. RAW 264.7 cells were activated by LPS (10 micrograms/ml) and rIFN-gamma (50 U/ml) in the absence or presence of either 0.8 mM Tau-Cl or taurine. Production of NO and TNF-alpha by RAW 264.7 cells was monitored: NO was measured spectrophotometrically as nitrite and TNF-alpha was measured by ELISA. Cell lysates were analyzed for the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by Western blot analyses, and TNF-alpha and iNOS mRNAs were assessed by northern blot analyses. Tau-Cl inhibited transcription of the iNOS gene, or some earlier event in the signal transduction pathway, because iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA were undetected in lysates of cells activated in the continuous presence of Tau-Cl. In contrast, steady-state levels of TNF-alpha mRNA increased in the presence of Tau-Cl to at least the same extent as that in untreated activated cells and persisted for a longer period of time. Metabolic labeling experiments demonstrated that Tau-Cl inhibited translation of TNF-alpha mRNA because the presence of the presecretory 26-kDa form and the secreted 17-kDa form of TNF-alpha were greatly reduced in lysates and culture media, respectively, of cells activated in the presence of Tau-Cl. Inhibition of TNF-alpha synthesis by Tau-Cl is not the result of a generalized effect on protein synthesis because the amount of radiolabeled protein precipitated from metabolically labeled cells by TCA was unaffected by Tau-Cl, and cell viability was unaffected. The results of these studies demonstrate that Tau-Cl decreases production of tissue-damaging inflammatory mediators and thus may act as a physiologic modulator of macrophage function.

Taurine protects against oxidant-induced lung injury: possible mechanism(s) of action

It is thought that oxidant-induced tissue damage is not a direct effect of the oxidant per se, but rather results from the inflammatory response that occurs thereafter. As a result of inflammation following oxidant exposure, there are neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages with myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide activity in the lung. Leukocytes and especially neutrophils contain high intracellular concentrations (22-50mM) of taurine (6, 8, 11, 20). Taurine acts as a trap for toxic hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and forms the less reactive metabolite, N-chlorotaurine (5-6). Thus, the biological activity of halide-dependent myeloperoxidase may be regulated by endogenous taurine. Although taurine had no effect in the present study, polymorphonuclear leukocytes have an active myeloperoxidase system capable of producing N-chlorotaurine (9, 19) and would be present at the site of inflammation in oxidant-exposed lungs. Our data suggest that taurine via N-chlorotaurine formation may protect the lung from oxidant injury, at least in part, by inhibiting production of nitrite and TNF-alpha. Moreover, lavage cells isolated from rats pretreated with taurine and exposed to O3 have a significant decrease in the production of nitrite and TNF-alpha, compared with lavage cells from rats exposed to O3 without taurine supplementation (preliminary studies). Both the concentration of taurine and the effects of N-chlorotaurine strengthen the potential impact of this chlorinated amine in vivo. N-Chlorotaurine may protect against oxidant-induced lung injury by inhibiting production of nitrite and the release of TNF-alpha which are both known to be directly linked to tissue injury.

Taurine chloramine inhibits the synthesis of nitric oxide and the release of tumor necrosis factor in activated RAW 264.7 cells

Taurine is present in high concentrations in most mammalian tissues, including those that prodigiously produce oxidants. Taurine protects against bronchiolar damage induced by NO2, ozone, bleomycin, and amiodarone. Taurine is chlorinated to form taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) by the halide-dependent myeloperoxidase system and, under physiological conditions, reduces HOCl toxicity. Although NO and its metabolites, NO2- and NO3-, are thought to be major mediators of tissue damage resulting from oxidant exposure, cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are also involved. We examined the effects of Tau-Cl on NO production and TNF release by using RAW 264.7 cells activated with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma; 50 U/ml) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 micrograms/ml). NO was measured spectrophotometrically as NO2- after reaction with Griess reagent and TNF was measured by ELISA. Tau-Cl (0.5 mM) inhibits NO and TNF released into the medium by 47% and 43%, respectively. Tau-Cl is actively transported into RAW 264.7 cells by an uptake system that is energy, temperature, and Na+ dependent. Competition experiments demonstrate that the uptake system for Tau-Cl is distinct from that for taurine. In addition, the NO synthase activity of cytosolic preparations from activated RAW 264.7 cells is irreversibly inhibited by pretreatment with Tau-Cl. We demonstrate that Tau-Cl inhibits production of NO and TNF by activated macrophages and suggest a mechanism through which taurine supplementation may protect against oxidant-induced tissue damage.

Distribution of taurine-like immunoreactivity in cerebellum of kittens from taurine-supplemented and taurine-deficient mothers

Using an antibody prepared against taurine conjugated to bovine serum albumin with glutaraldehyde, the distribution of taurine in cerebellum of newborn and 8-week-old kittens from mothers fed 0, 0.02, 0.05, or 1% dietary taurine has been determined. In general, taurine-like immunoreactivity was greater in kittens from mothers fed the greatest amounts of taurine, as was the total cerebellar taurine concentration. The most notable feature in newborn kitten cerebellum was a dense band of staining in the inner molecular layer adjacent to the Purkinje cell layer, which corresponds to the short Purkinje cell dendrites. In cerebellum of 8-week-old kittens, taurine-like immunoreactivity was present in Purkinje cells and their dendrites, most granule cells, and a few interneurons in the molecular layer of the 0.02, 0.05, and 1% groups. The cerebellum of the 0% group was distinctive in that virtually no neurons were reactive, appearing as 'ghosts' against the background, and both white matter and the granule cell layer contained large numbers of reactive astrocytes. The presence of such large numbers of reactive astrocytes and the immunoglobulin within the brain suggests an impairment of the blood-brain barrier in such taurine-deficient kittens.

Sequential monitoring of leprosy patients with serum antibody levels to phenolic glycolipid-I, a synthetic analog of phenolic glycolipid-I, and mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan

Sequential serum samples from leprosy patients at various stages of antibacterial treatment were tested by an ELISA for antibodies to phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-I), a synthetic PGL-I analog (ND-BSA), and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis to determine if these antibodies could be useful in monitoring response to therapy. Among patients with positive initial anti-PGL-I IgM, a significant decrease in this antibody was seen over time (p less than 0.01), whether assayed by PGL-I or ND-BSA. The two antigens showed good agreement in the detection of decrease in anti-PGL-I IgM. The greatest decrease was seen in patients with a high initial anti-PGL-I IgM and a high bacterial index (BI). Patients with a declining BI were seen to have generally declining antibody levels to PGL-I and to LAM; in those patients with a fluctuating BI, antibody levels were less predictable. We conclude that antibodies to PGL-I and LAM can be useful in following response to therapy in leprosy patients and that either the native PGL-I or ND-BSA can serve as antigen for the ELISA.

Immunologic consequences of taurine deficiency in cats

Our results show that a lack of taurine in the diet of cats results in a significant leukopenia, a shift in the percentage of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes, an increase in the absolute count of mononuclear leukocytes, and a change in the sedimentation characteristics of white cells. Functional studies of polymorphonuclear cells isolated from cats fed taurine-free diets show a significant decrease in the respiratory burst as measured by chemiluminescence as well as a decrease in phagocytosis of Staphylococcus epidermis compared to cats fed the same diet containing taurine. In addition, serum gamma globulin in cats fed taurine-free diets was significantly increased compared to taurine-supplemented cats, indicating that other immune cells may be affected by taurine deficiency. Histological examination of lymph nodes and spleen revealed regression of follicular centers with depletion of reticular cells, mature and immature lymphocytes (B cell areas), as well as mild extravascular hemolysis. These results indicate that there are profound immunologic consequences in cats with prolonged taurine deficiency.

Analysis of human antibody epitopes on the 65-kilodalton protein of Mycobacterium leprae by using synthetic peptides

In order to study antibody reactivity to the Mycobacterium leprae 65-kilodalton (kDa) antigen, peptides representing overlapping sequences of the 65-kDa protein were synthesized, and a recombinant protein expression system for r65-kDa was constructed. Mouse monoclonal antibodies and leprosy patient seroreactivity to peptides and r65-kDa were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All seven of the monoclonal antibodies used in this study reacted with their previously defined epitopes when tested against peptides. All monoclonal antibodies also reacted with r65-kDa. Leprosy patient seroreactivity to peptides and r65-kDa was seen in about one-third of active multibacillary cases. Specimens from patients positive for antibodies to peptides were seen to recognize different epitopes than did mouse monoclonal antibodies used in this study. It is concluded that substantial differences exist between mouse monoclonal antibodies and human leprosy patient reactivity to the 65-kDa antigen and that human seroreactivity to the 65-kDa antigen is indicative of a highly elevated bacillary load.

Mycobacterial carbohydrate antigens for serological testing of patients with leprosy

To determine whether quantitation of antibodies to mycobacterial carbohydrate determinants would be valuable in serodiagnosis and monitoring of leprosy, we tested serum IgM antibody to Mycobacterium leprae phenolic glycolipid I and IgM and IgG antibodies to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. leprae lipoarabinomannan (LAM) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seventy-one percent of patients with paucibacillary disease and 85.5% of patients with multibacillary disease were positive for at least one of the three antibodies. The 15% of antibody-negative patients with multibacillary disease were mostly long-term-treated patients, with inactive disease by biopsy. There was excellent agreement between M. tuberculosis LAM and M. leprae LAM in detection of antibodies. Bacillary index and levels of both IgG and IgM antibodies to LAM were positively correlated when all patients were analyzed. When patients with a history of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) were analyzed separately, there was no correlation between IgM or IgG antibody to LAM and bacillary index, a result suggesting a possible role for LAM in the pathogenesis of ENL.

Defective monocyte chemotaxis in active lepromatous leprosy

This study of monocyte chemotaxis in leprosy patients showed a significant inverse correlation (p less than 0.05) of chemotaxis and the bacterial index (BI) (N = 22). In addition, there was a significant inverse correlation (p less than 0.05) between chemotaxis and the serum levels of anti-phenolic glycolipid-I IgM antibodies (N = 20). Patients taking thalidomide who had a BI greater than or equal to 1 had a significantly greater (p less than 0.001) chemotaxis response than that of patients with the same BI who were not taking thalidomide. No significant decrease in chemotaxis of monocytes from healthy donors was observed when the cells were pre-incubated with serum from 18 leprosy patients. We conclude that monocytes from patients with active lepromatous leprosy not receiving thalidomide have an intrinsic abnormality when assessed by chemotaxis.

Isolation and characterization of macrophages from scrapie-infected mouse brain

We have isolated and characterized a population of brain macrophages from normal and scrapie-infected mice. The cells are phagocytic, possess Fc-IgG receptors, Mac-1 surface antigen and proliferate in the presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor. They resemble microglia in that they have a plasmalemmal distribution of the enzyme nucleoside diphosphatase, a property tht is characteristic of microglia in situ. In two of the three combinations of scrapie agent and mouse strain examined, the number of brain macrophages was several fold higher than in normal control mice. The increase was not observed in mice infected intraperitoneally or in control mice inoculated with normal brain homogenate. The increase is detectable as early as 3-5 weeks postinoculation. The agent/host combination that failed to show an increase in brain macrophages is one that develops large numbers of amyloid plaques. These observations suggest that these cells are closely associated with the scrapie pathogenic process in the CNS. The failure of these cells to increase in the plaque forming model of scrapie disease also suggests that they play a role in the control of CNS amyloidogenesis.

ELISA detection of IgM antibodies against phenolic glycolipid-I in the management of leprosy: a comparison between laboratories

IgM antibodies to the phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I) antigen of Mycobacterium leprae were detected by different ELISA techniques in three laboratories (in New York, Colorado, Seattle, U.S.A.). The agreement on seropositivity and overall correlation between techniques was excellent. A positive linear correlation between the bacterial index (BI) and anti-PGL-I IgM, previously reported by the New York laboratory, was detected by all techniques. The role of erythema nodosum leprosum in decreasing the relationship of BI versus anti-PGL-I IgM was seen by the New York laboratory with sera diluted 1:20 and ABTS substrate solution and by the Colorado laboratory but not by New York with sera at 1:300 and OPD substrate or by the Seattle laboratory.

Identification of a low molecular weight, macrophage-derived chemotactic factor for fibroblasts

Fibroblasts migrate in vitro in response to a variety of chemoattractants including cellular, humoral, and connective tissue components. This report describes a low molecular weight, macrophage-derived chemotactic substance for fibroblasts (MDCF-F). Thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal exudate cells were collected from mice 4 days postinjection. Platelets were removed and glass-adherent macrophages were selected in the absence of fetal calf serum. The macrophage culture medium was then tested for chemotactic activity for 3T3 mouse fibroblasts using a modified Boyden chamber. Chemotactic activity was observed in the macrophage medium after a 48-hr culture period and increased during the next 24 hr. The activity was sensitive to heat treatment at 56 degrees C for 30 min, could be effectively absorbed out of the culture medium by preincubation with 3T3 fibroblasts, and was not recognized by human fibroblasts. Molecular-sieve chromatography indicated a molecular weight below 10,000. This low molecular weight, macrophage-derived chemoattractant for fibroblasts may represent a rapidly diffusable substance involved in the recruitment of fibroblasts to sites of inflammation.

IgM and IgG antibodies to phenolic glycolipid I from Mycobacterium leprae in leprosy: insight into patient monitoring, erythema nodosum leprosum, and bacillary persistence

Serum IgM and IgG antibodies against Mycobacterium leprae-derived phenolic glycolipid I (PG) were determined in leprosy patients, contacts, and controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-PG IgM levels increased from the tuberculoid (TT) to the lepromatous (LL) pole of the disease spectrum. There was a positive linear correlation between anti-PG IgM and bacillary index (BI). Patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) had lower levels of serum anti-PG IgM than non-ENL patients of comparable BI, suggesting that anti-PG IgM is involved in the pathogenesis of ENL. Initial observations indicate that high anti-PG IgM levels in bacillary-negative patients might reflect bacillary persistence. A study of 2 different substrate reagents in the ELISA [2,2'-azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 0.1 mM H2O2, serum diluted 1:20, and o-phenylenediamine (OPD), 5 mM H2O2, serum diluted 1:300] showed generally good correlation in detection of anti-PG IgM. However the OPD system detected more paucibacillary disease (BT), while the ABTS system detected the significant effect of ENL on the relationship between BI and anti-PG IgM. Anti-PG IgM was clearly dominant over anti-PG IgG. However, certain patients, including several patients who had upgraded from LL and borderline lepromatous leprosy (BL), showed high levels of anti-PG IgG. Since studies have shown that LL patients are selectively deficient in cell-mediated immunity, T-cell products may be required for the IgM to IgG isotype switch. We conclude that anti-PG IgM is useful for monitoring the bacillary load in individual patients and should prove useful for leprosy control strategies.