203 Newly designed liposome nanoparticles for drug delivery into boar spermatozoa

Liposomes are spherical vesicles with a membrane composed of at least one phospholipid bilayer. They have been successfully applied for intracellular drug or genetic material delivery in many biomedical areas. In agriculture, however, their use to produce transgenic farm animals through exogenous DNA transfection of spermatozoa remains unsatisfactory. Here, we tested a newly designed liposome preparation for effective and harmless interactions with boar spermatozoa. Extended fresh boar semen samples were gently centrifuged (N=3 independent replicates), and sperm pellets were resuspended in PBS. Sperm concentrations were then adjusted to 2×108 mL−1 and aliquoted in 0.5mL for labelling with various doses of fluorescent liposomes (0, 15, 30, or 60µg), for plasma membrane labelling (Experiment 1) or with nonfluorescent liposomes loaded with doxorubicin (0 or 60µg) having natural fluorescence property, for nucleus labelling (Experiment 2). After co-incubation for 45 to 60min at 37°C, sperm aliquots of each treatment were immediately evaluated for motility and morphology characteristics using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. Remaining sperm-liposome mixtures were centrifuged to remove the excess of liposomes, and pelleted spermatozoa were imaged with the In vivo Imaging System (IVIS: PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA, USA) and fluorescence confocal laser microscope (LSCM; Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). Data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA or Student’s t-test, with P<0.05 indicating a significant difference. In Experiment 1, the proportions of motile and forward progressive spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the presence of 30µg (65±4% and 46±3%, respectively) and 60µg (66±1% and 48±1%, respectively) of liposomes compared with 0µg, the control (51±3% and 36±3%, respectively). In Experiment 2, doxorubicin-loaded liposomes significantly (P<0.05) improved the proportions of motile and progressive spermatozoa (87±2% and 69±8% v. 71±8% and 55±8% for the control, respectively). The percentages of static and abnormal spermatozoa (bent tail or distal cytoplasmic droplet) were significantly decreased by the presence of liposomes in both experiments (P<0.05). In contrast, the velocity parameters of spermatozoa were not significantly affected by the presence of liposomes (P>0.05). The microscope imaging revealed sperm-liposome interactions with displayed sperm membrane and nucleus fluorescence in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The proportion of stained cells in each experiment is in evaluation by flow cytometry. In conclusion, the newly designed liposomes were effective for simple interactions with the plasma membrane and molecule delivery to boar spermatozoa, while improving sperm motility. Further studies are ongoing with the replacement of doxorubicin with a DNA fragment. This work was supported by USDA-ARS Biophotonics Initiative #58-6402-3-018.

Effects of natural cross-linkers on the stability of dentin collagen and the inhibition of root caries in vitro

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of dentin collagen modifications induced by various cross-linkers on the stability of collagen matrix and the inhibition of root caries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The following cross-linkers were tested: 5% glutaraldehyde (GA), 0.5% proanthocyanidin (PA), 0.625% genipin (GE). In the first experiment, cross-linker-treated demineralized human root dentin was digested with bacterial collagenase, centrifuged, and the supernatants were subjected to amino acid analysis to determine collagen content. The residues were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and hydroxyproline analysis. In the second experiment, bovine root surfaces were conditioned with phosphoric acid, treated with the cross-linkers, incubated with Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus for 1 week and the root caries inhibition was evaluated with confocal microscopy. Lastly, the ability of the bacteria to colonize the root surface was evaluated. In this experiment slabs of bovine root were treated with the cross-linkers and incubated in a suspension of S. mutans and L. acidophilus. The slabs were washed, resuspended in water, glucose was added, and the pH measured.

RESULTS

While all collagen was digested with collagenase in the control groups, only a small proportion was solubilized in the GA-, PA-, and GE-treated groups. The root caries was significantly inhibited by treatment with PA or GA. Drops in pH in the cross-linker-treated groups were essentially the same as in the untreated group.

CONCLUSION

Naturally occurring cross-linkers, especially PA, could be used to modify root dentin collagen to efficiently stabilize collagen and to increase its resistance against caries.

Signaling cascades triggered by bacterial metabolic end products during reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

The present studies explore the role of polymicrobial infection in the reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and analyze signaling pathways activated upon this induction. We hypothesized that activation of the cellular stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 pathway would play a key role in the bacterium-mediated disruption of viral latency similar to that of previously reported results obtained with other inducers of gammaherpesvirus lytic replication. KSHV within infected BCBL-1 cells was induced to replicate following exposure to metabolic end products from gram-negative or -positive bacteria that were then simultaneously exposed to specific inhibitors of signal transduction pathways. We have determined that bacterium-mediated induction of lytic KSHV infection is significantly reduced by the inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway. In contrast, inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway did not impair induction of lytic replication or p38 phosphorylation. Protein kinase C, though activated, was not the major pathway used for bacterium-induced viral reactivation. Furthermore, hyperacetylation of histones 3 and 4 was detected. Collectively, our results show that metabolic end products from these pathogens induce lytic replication of KSHV in BCBL-1 cells primarily via the activation of a stress-activated MAPK pathway. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time a mechanism by which polymicrobial bacterial infections result in KSHV reactivation and pathogenesis.

Stress and Deformation Studies for Sandwich Rolling Hard Metals

The cold working of high-strength metals and alloys into sheet and strip form at the thinner gauges allows the metal manufacturer two alternatives: (1) high capital expenditure on a specialized mill of the Sendzimir or planetary type or (2) where demand does not justify the capital outlay, the application of new techniques utilizing existing equipment. In the latter class, the method of sandwich rolling is examined by theory and by experiment and it is shown that reductions in load up to 60 per cent can be achieved for rolling thin hard strip. The method allows greater reductions than for rolling the metal alone and decrease in finished thickness is obtained.

A method of adapting current cold-rolling theory for the calculation of loads involved in planning production schedules is set out, based upon a criterion of simultaneous yielding in the hard and soft metal layers. Optimum conditions of metal thickness ratio and hardness ratio for the sandwich metals are discussed.

Self antigen prognostic for human immunodeficiency virus disease progression

We have recently found that an extracellular protein, alpha(1) proteinase inhibitor (alpha(1)PI; alpha(1) antitrypsin), is required for in vitro human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectivity outcome. We show here in a study of HIV-seropositive patients that decreased viral load is significantly correlated with decreased circulating alpha(1)PI. In the asymptomatic category of HIV disease, 100% of patients manifest deficient levels of active alpha(1)PI, a condition known to lead to degenerative lung diseases and a dramatically reduced life span. Further, HIV-associated alpha(1)PI deficiency is correlated with circulating anti-alpha(1)PI immunoglobulin G. These results suggest that preventing HIV-associated alpha(1)PI deficiency may provide a strategic target for preventing HIV-associated pathophysiology.

Kinetics of coaggregation of Porphyromonas gingivalis with Fusobacterium nucleatum using an automated microtiter plate assay

Coaggregation between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum strains was previously studied using either a semi-quantitative macroscopic assay or radioactive tracer assays. A new automated microtiter plate assay is introduced, in which the plate reader (Vmax) was adapted to allow quantitative evaluation of the kinetics of coaggregation. F nucleatum PK 1594 coaggregated with P. gingivalis HG 405 with a maximal coaggregation rate of 1.05 mOD/min, which occurred at a P. gingivalis to F. nucleatum cell ratio of 1 to 2. F. nucleatum PK 1594 failed to do so with P. gingivalis strains A 7436 or ATCC 33277. Galactose inhibition of this coaggregation could be quantitatively measured over a wide range of concentrations to demonstrate its dose-dependent manner. P. gingivalis HG 405 failed to coaggregate with F. nucleatum strains ATCC 25586 and ATCC 49256. The assay used in the present study is a sensitive and efficient quantitative automated tool to study coaggregation and may replace tedious radioactive tracer assays.

Glucose-6-phosphatase mutation G188R confers an atypical glycogen storage disease type 1b phenotype

Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD 1a) is caused by a deficiency in microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). A variant (GSD 1b) is caused by a defect in the transport of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) into the microsome and is associated with chronic neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction. Mutually exclusive mutations in the G6Pase gene and the G6P transport gene establish GSD la and GSD 1b as independent molecular processes and are consistent with a multicomponent translocase catalytic model. A modified translocase/catalytic unit model based on biochemical data in a G6Pase knockout mouse has also been proposed for G6Pase catalysis. This model suggests coupling of G6Pase activity and G6P transport. A 5-mo-old girl with hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, and lactic acidemia was diagnosed with GSD 1a. She also developed neutropenia, neutrophil dysfunction, and recurrent infections characteristic of GSD 1b. Homozygous G188R mutations of the G6Pase gene were identified, but no mutations in the G6P translocase gene were found. We have subsequently identified a sibling and two unrelated patients with similar genotypic/phenotypic characteristics. The unusual association of neutrophil abnormalities in patients with homozygous G188R mutations in the G6Pase gene supports a modified translocase/catalytic unit model.

Modulation of chronic enteric infection by distant oral infection

This investigation determined the effects of a distant oral infection (Porphyromonas gingivalis) on a concurrent local enteric infection (Echerichia coli). A modified murine subcutaneous tissue chamber model was used. Subcutaneously implanted chambers with different microbial makeups were monitored for sloughing and their contents assayed for prostaglandin E2. Bilaterally implanted chamber experiments revealed that a distant "chronic" (immunization with heat-killed organism, followed by live challenge) P. gingivalis infection offered protection against a local chronic E. coli infection, as evidenced by delaying the time for 50% of the chambers to reject from day 19 to day 25 and a statistically significant prostaglandin E2 decrease from 529.4 +/- 176.6 ng/ml to 191.5 +/- 100.9 ng/ml (p < 0.01) (Mann-Whitney test). An acute (live challenge only) distant P. gingivalis infection or immunization with the heat-killed organism alone had no effect on "chronic" E. coli infection in this model. These data suggest that the presence of low-grade chronic oral infection may modify the responses to other infectious challenges.

A clinical study of bacterial contamination of chlorhexidine-coated filaments of an interdental brush

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine coating on the nylon filaments of an interdental brush in reducing bacterial contamination from actual clinical usage. In addition, the residual antimicrobial capacity of the coating over time from clinical exposure was studied. The same type of interdental brush, one with chlorhexidine-coated nylon filaments (antibacterial) and one with uncoated (control) nylon filaments was used with 20 subjects who were participating in a periodontal maintenance program. All subjects had more than four interproximal spaces large enough to accommodate the interdental brush at the start of the study. The subjects served as their own controls in this cross-over design. They used their brushes daily for one and two weeks, respectively. After the last use, each brush was kept in a controlled environment (20-22 degrees C, 65% relative humidity) for 24 hours for air drying. It was found that antimicrobial activity was detected on the chlorhexidine-coated filaments, even after one or two weeks of storage. The mean residual antimicrobial activity of the test filaments at one week was significantly higher than that found on the filaments after two weeks. The mean number of bacteria attached to the antimicrobial filaments were significantly fewer than those on uncoated, control filaments at both one week and two weeks of usage. These results suggest that chlorhexidine-coated filaments on an interdental brush can significantly reduce bacterial contamination and retain this antimicrobial activity for up to two weeks of use.

Fluoride release from restorative materials and its effects on dentin demineralization

As the use of adhesive restorative materials has increased during the last several years, interest in adhesive materials that release fluoride has also grown. The purpose of this study was to measure fluoride release from several adhesive restorative materials and to evaluate its effect on dentin resistance to demineralization and on bacterial metabolism in a modified in vitro system. Standardized cavities (1.8 mm in diameter) were prepared in bovine teeth that had been ground to dentin. One cavity in each tooth was restored with one of the following restorative systems: (a) Single Bond and Z100; (b) Single Bond and Tetric Ceram; (c) Fuji Bond LC and Z100; (d) Fuji Bond LC and Tetric Ceram; (e) Fuji II LC; or (f) Fuji IX GP. The other cavity in each tooth was "restored" with wax as a control. For each restorative system, 12 specimens were evaluated for fluoride release during the first 24 hrs after restoration placement. Dentin adjacent to the restored sites was subjected to lactic acid challenge (pH 4.3) for 3 hrs, after which calcium release was measured. Another 12 specimens in each group were stored for 24 hrs in de-ionized water, and were exposed to an S. mutans suspension (1:1 THB/de-ionized water and 50 mM glucose, A660 = 0.2) for 6 hrs, followed by calcium release and pH measurement. Bulk specimens of each material were also made and stored in water. Fluoride released from Fuji Bond LC, Fuji IX GP, and Fuji II LC in bulk was significantly greater than from the other materials. In the restored dentin specimens, increased resistance to demineralization from a lactic acid challenge was directly related to fluoride release. The same effects were seen as a result of the S. mutans challenge. While fluoride release from restorative materials increased the resistance of dentin to demineralization in this system, the clinical relevance of the findings is not known.

Specific activity of alpha1proteinase inhibitor and alpha2macroglobulin in human serum: application to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The shifting balance between proteinases and proteinase inhibitors in blood, a function of their relative affinities and concentrations, has long been hypothesized to influence immune competency. The identification of proteinase-activated receptor responses in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system suggests a potential explanation. The major serum proteinase inhibitor, alpha1proteinase inhibitor (alpha1PI, alpha1-antitrypsin), has been reported to increase in concentration during inflammation. Quantitative determination of serum alpha1PI has traditionally been performed nephelometrically; however, antigenically quantitated levels may not be representative of functional capacity. It has previously been observed that alpha1PI in serum exhibits bimodal behavior as the result of various concentrations of proteinase inhibitors, specifically alpha2macroglobulin (alpha2M) and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, which compete in binding to a panel of serine proteinases. Consequently, it has not previously been possible to assign a numerical value for the specific activity of these competing proteinase inhibitors in serum. By applying known constants representing the association of proteinase inhibitors with porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE), the theoretical relationship between the functional and antigenic values for alpha1PI and alpha2M has been empirically derived allowing, for the first time, the calculation of their specific activities in serum. As predicted, the serum concentration of alpha1PI was found to be highly correlated with residual uninhibited PPE catalytic activity in healthy individuals, but not in individuals exhibiting fragmented or complexed alpha1PI. Using these techniques, both the antigenic and functional levels of alpha1PI were determined in sera from subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) who had been clinically diagnosed as having either periodontal disease or gingival health. Determination of quantitative levels by antigen-capture suggests that the IDDM subjects with periodontitis manifest dramatically increased levels of fragmented serum alpha1PI compared with their orally healthy counterparts or normal controls. In contrast, functional analysis of serum alpha1PI revealed no differences between the three subject populations. The elevated levels of antigenically determined serum alpha1PI reflect the inflammatory status of periodontal disease. These results support the importance of and provide methodology for determining the functionally active levels of alpha1PI allowing reexamination of changes detected during the acute phase of inflammation, replacement therapy, and longitudinal studies in relevant disease processes including malignancy and diabetes.

Inflammatory mediator response as a potential risk marker for periodontal diseases in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients

The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and monocytic secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) were measured in a group of 39 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients and 64 systemically healthy individuals. Diabetics were divided into Group A (gingivitis or mild periodontal disease) and Group B (moderate or severe periodontal disease). Diabetics had significantly higher GCF levels of both PGE2 and IL-1 beta as compared to non-diabetic controls who were matched with regard to periodontal disease severity (P < 0.00001 and P = 0.0005, respectively). Within the diabetic population, the GCF levels of these inflammatory mediators were almost 2-fold higher in Group B as compared to Group A (P = 0.01, P = 0.006, respectively for GCF-PGE2 and IL-1 beta). Furthermore, diabetics as a group had a significantly higher monocytic PGE2 and IL-1 beta production in response to various concentrations of both Escherichia coli and Prophyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as compared to non-diabetic patients with adult periodontitis (P = 0.0001). LPS dose-response curves demonstrated that monocytes from Group B diabetics produced approximately 3 times more PGE2 than Group A monocytes; however, there was no significant difference in monocytic IL-1 beta secretion within the IDDM patients. The levels of GCF or monocytic mediators did not correlate with age, race, or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels. Our data suggest that the high GCF and monocytic secretion of PGE2 and IL-1 beta in IDDM patients may be a consequence of a systemic response trait and that the presence of Gram-negative infections such as periodontal diseases may interact synergistically to yield high local levels of these mediators and a more severe periodontal condition.

Monocytic TNF alpha secretion patterns in IDDM patients with periodontal diseases

The aim of the present study was to identify whether monocytic TNF alpha secretion patterns could serve as a potential phenotypic discriminator for periodontal disease susceptibility within insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients. In 32 IDDM individuals the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated monocytic TNF alpha secretion dose-response characteristics were analyzed and related to two different periodontal status categories. Diabetics were divided into group A (gingivitis or mild periodontal disease) and group B (moderate to severe periodontal disease). In addition, 17 non-diabetic individuals with various degrees of periodontal disease served as control patients. Diabetics as a group had a significantly higher monocytic TNF alpha production in response to increasing Porphyromonas gingivalis A 7436 lipopolysaccharide concentrations (0, 0.003, 0.03, 0.3 and 3.0 micrograms/ml) as compared to non-diabetic patients with gingivitis or adult periodontitis (p < 0.05). A significant difference in the dose response was also noted in the level of TNF alpha secreted as a function of P. gingivalis LPS concentrations between group A and B diabetics, as determined by two-way repeated measurements ANOVA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the mean HbA1C between the two diabetic groups, and the TNF alpha level was not significantly associated with the HbA1C level within diabetic patients. These data suggest that the diabetic state results in an upregulated monocytic TNF alpha secretion phenotype (4.6-fold increase) which, in the presence of Gram-negative bacterial challenge, is associated with a more severe periodontal disease expression. In addition, approximately 40% (10 of 24) IDDM periodontitis patients in group B demonstrated a 62-fold elevation in TNF alpha secretion relative to non-diabetic gingivitis or periodontitis patients and a 13.5-fold increase relative to IDDM group A (gingivitis or mild periodontitis) patients.

Hemin-induced modifications of the antigenicity and hemin-binding capacity of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide

Previous studies have shown that the physical, biochemical, and antigenic properties of the bacterial outer membrane are profoundly influenced by the growth environment. In the present study, the effects of growth in hemin-replete (H+) and hemin-depleted (H-) media on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis were investigated. Our studies show that LPS from P. gingivalis cultured in H+ media (H+LPS) expressed additional low-molecular-mass antigens, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis. Particularly evident was a 26-kDa antigen (26 LPSC) that was lost from the LPS upon transfer of P. gingivalis into H- media. The loss of the 26 LPSC was accompanied by a marked reduction in the hemin-binding capacity of the LPS. The 26 LPSC was refractory to Coomassie blue staining and proteinase K digestion. H+LPS from strain W50/BE1, a nonpigmented pleiotropic strain, lacked the 26 LPSC and did not bind hemin. Polyclonal antiserum raised to whole-cell antigens of P. gingivalis A7436, W83, and HG405 grown in H+ media, but not in H- media, recognized the 26 LPSC in the purified H+LPS from any of the three strains. The immunoreactivities of sera from humans with (n = 24) or without (n = 25) periodontitis to the 26 LPSC and other H+LPS determinants were analyzed by Western blot. Overall, 75% of adult periodontitis patient sera reacted with multiple bands in the H+LPS stepladder, particularly in the range of 14 to 27 kDa. In contrast, only 20% of control sera reacted faintly with H+LPS bands in the range 27 to 34 kDa. The 26 LPSC was recognized by over 40% of sera from adult patients with periodontitis and none of the healthy control sera. Taken together, these results suggest that the antigenicity and hemin-binding properties of P. gingivalis LPS can be modified by growth in H+ media.

Inhibition of HIV-1 by modification of a host membrane protease

While it is clear that CD4 is the receptor for the gp120 envelope protein of HIV-1, substantial evidence suggests that other host cell proteins are required for successful membrane fusion. Studies were initiated to examine the potential for a protein receptor which has an elastase-like character to participate in fusion of HIV-1 with permissive host cells. A synthetic elastase inhibitor was shown to significantly reduce HIV-1 infectivity when present during, but not after, the initial contact between virus and cells. A human T cell elastase-like membrane component was purified and shown to be lipid-associated. By competitive inhibition, the purified protein was shown to bind gp160 within the HIV-1 fusion domain. The binding parameters of whole T cell membrane extract, with a hydrophobic pentapeptide representative of the fusion domain, suggested an elastase-like protein is the single, secondary T cell receptor for HIV-1 (K = 1 x 10(3) M-1). The pentapeptide interacted with porcine and human (epithelial and polymorphonuclear leukocyte), but not murine, elastase isoforms, suggesting its participation in the permissiveness of host cells to infection.

Effects of a Porphyromonas gingivalis infection on inflammatory mediator response and pregnancy outcome in hamsters

This study examines the effects of various localized, nondissemination challenges of Porphyromonas gingivalis on inflammatory mediator production and pregnancy outcome in the golden hamster. Live or heat-killed (HK) organisms were inoculated into a previously implanted subcutaneous tissue chamber on the 8th day of gestation to determine the effects on fetal weight, viability, and resorption. In one group of animals, HK organisms were inoculated prior to mating to determine the effects of previous exposure on day-8 gestational challenges. Chamber contents were assayed at 1 and 5 days after challenge for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). All P. gingivalis challenges caused a significant increase in chamber PGE2 and TNF-alpha at P < 0.01 in the following order of potency: HK < Live < HK+Live. For example, following the HK+Live challenge, PGE2 levels increased from 4.7 pg/ml at baseline to 362 pg/ml at day 5 and TNF-alpha increased from 26.4 pg/ml to 724 pg/ml at day 5. The same order of potency of the various challenges was maintained with regard to the toxic effects of P. gingivalis on pregnancy outcome. For the HK+Live challenge, fetal weight was decreased 24%; embryolethality increased to 26.5% and the percent fetal resorption increased to 10.6% compared with control animal levels. There was a statistically significant association between increasing levels of both PGE2 and TNF-alpha and fetal growth retardation and embryolethality at P < 0.001. These data suggest that infections with gram-negative periodontal pathogens can elicit adverse pregnancy outcomes and that the levels of PGE2 and TNF-alpha produced as a result of challenge are associated with the severity of fetal effect.

Effects of Escherichia coli and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on pregnancy outcome in the golden hamster

This report describes the effects of two gram-negative bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) preparations on hamster pregnancy outcome variables. Single intravenous challenges with Escherichia coli and Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS on day 8 of pregnancy produced dose-dependent effects on fetal weight malformation and fetal resorption with E. coli LPS having potent embryolethal effects. Premating maternal exposure to P. gingivalis produced embryolethal effects similar to those of E. coli. These data suggest that maternal exposure to P. gingivalis LPS prior to and during pregnancy can induce deleterious effects on the developing fetus.

Lactoferrin interaction with salmonellae potentiates antibiotic susceptibility in vitro

Interaction of lactoferrin (Lf) with the cell envelope (CE) and outer membrane (OM) of Salmonella typhimurium-type strain ATCC13311 was tested by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western-blot analyses. The peroxidase-labeled bovine Lf (BLf) and human Lf both recognized a heat-modifiable protein with an estimated molecular mass of 38 kD in the OM. Simultaneous immunoblotting with an antiporin monoclonal antibody specific for a conserved porin domain in members of enterobacteriaceae confirmed that the Lf-binding protein is a porin. Such Lf-binding porin proteins (37-39 kD range) were readily detected in nine other common Salmonella species: S. dublin, S. panama, S. rostock, S. abony, S. hartford, S, kentucky, S. pullorum, S. thompson, and S. virchow. The latter six species also demonstrated one to three weak Lf-reactive bands of low molecular weight in their CE. The antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella in the presence of Lf was examined. A mixture containing sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels of Lf (MIC/4) and cefuroxime (MIC/2) inhibited the bacterial growth. Lf strongly potentiated the action of erythromycin (eightfold), whereas it increased the activity only by two-fold for ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and rifampicin; similarly, these antibiotics also reduced the MIC of BLf by twofold in S. typhimurium. Such antimicrobial potentiation was not observed with BLf mixtures containing cefalexin, gentamycin, or polymyxin B against strain ATCC13311. BLf and cefuroxime also demonstrated potentiation of varying degrees (two to 16-fold) with nine other Salmonella species. These data established the binding of Lf to porins in salmonellae and a potentiation effect of Lf with certain antibiotics.

Effect of lactoferrin on interaction of Prevotella intermedia with plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins

A lactoferrin-binding protein with an estimated molecular mass of 57 kDa was identified in the cell envelope of Prevotella intermedia by gel electrophoresis and Western-blot analysis. Peroxidase-labeled bovine lactoferrin and human lactoferrin showed similar specific binding to this protein. Whole cells of P. intermedia were also examined for interactions with 5 125I-labeled plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins. A high degree of binding was found with fibronectin, collagen type I and type IV and laminin, whereas a moderate interaction was detected with fibrinogen. The ability of bovine lactoferrin to affect the interactions of the above proteins with P. intermedia was examined. In the presence of unlabeled bovine lactoferrin, a dose-dependent inhibition of binding was observed with all 5 proteins tested. Unlabeled bovine lactoferrin also dissociated the bacterial complexes with these proteins. The complexes with laminin or collagen type I were more effectively dissociated than fibronectin or fibrinogen, whereas the interaction with collagen type IV was affected to a lesser extent. A strain-dependent variation in the effect of bovine lactoferrin was observed. These data establish the presence of a specific lactoferrin-binding protein in the cell envelope of P. intermedia. The ability of lactoferrin to inhibit the binding of some plasma and subepithelial matrix proteins to P. intermedia could be a protective mechanism against the establishment of this pathogen in the periodontal pocket.

Changes in the localization of catalase during differentiation of neutrophilic granulocytes

The nature of the compartmentalization of catalase in human myeloid cells is an unresolved issue. Using a rabbit polyclonal antibody specific for catalase, indirect immunocytofluorescence of immature leukemic promyelocytes (HL-60 cells) showed a pattern of small, sharp, punctate staining in the cytoplasm of all cells, while mature neutrophils showed a larger diffuse, flocculent pattern of cytoplasmic staining. Differential centrifugation of nitrogen cavitates of HL-60 cells indicated that the putative catalase-containing compartment was relatively fragile compared with the compartment(s) that contained myeloperoxidase (MPO), beta-hexosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, and lysosomal alpha-mannosidase activities. Parallel studies using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-induced HL-60 cells and mature neutrophils showed that, in the course of differentiation, there was an apparent shift in the localization of catalase from the granule fraction to the cytosolic fraction. Percoll-sucrose density gradient centrifugation of HL-60 cell cavitates showed a catalase-containing compartment with a mean peak density (1.05 g/mL) significantly lower than that of the major myeloperoxidase-containing compartment (1.08 g/mL); in mature neutrophils, catalase activity comigrated with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Catalase in isolated fractions was protected from proteolysis in the absence, but not in the presence, of 0.1% Triton X-100. Digitonin titration experiments confirmed the compartmentalized nature of catalase in immature HL-60 cells and were consistent with a cytosolic localization in mature neutrophils. Ultrastructural localization of catalase by Protein A-gold immunocytochemistry demonstrated four to six catalase-containing compartments in all HL-60 cell profiles. In mature neutrophils, catalase was localized primarily in the cytoplasmic matrix, although in fewer than 2% of the cell profiles, one to two catalase-containing compartments were observed. The changes in catalase localization that occur during myeloid differentiation appear to be similar to the changes that occur during erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation, and may have potential clinical significance in the classification of acute leukemia and in the development of drug resistance.

Inhibition of C3 and IgG proteolysis enhances phagocytosis of Porphyromonas gingivalis

In the face of an apparently competent immune response to Porphyromonas gingivalis, it is unclear how P. gingivalis evades the immune response and persists in human periodontitis. Particularly germane may be its ability to resist phagocytosis by degrading and not binding serum opsonins. In our study, the resistance by invasive (W83 and A7436) and noninvasive (ATCC 33277) P. gingivalis strains to phagocytosis by human neutrophils was compared with their C3- and IgG-proteolytic activity. The ability of opsonic human serum antibody to inhibit C3 proteolysis was also evaluated. Our results indicate that the more phagocytosis-resistant invasive strains accumulate less 125I-C3 than the noninvasive strain; moreover, invasive strains degrade complement C3 in a dose-dependent manner, inhibitable by rabbit antiserum or adult periodontitis serum. Opsonization and C3 accumulation on strain A7436 were both facilitated by pretreatment with rabbit antiserum, certain adult periodontitis sera, protease inhibitors (p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid, N alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, diisopropylfluorophosphate), heat (60 degrees C, 15 min), and were Mg2+ dependent. The sera from 13 human subjects with or without periodontitis were assayed for antibody titers to P. gingivalis (ELISA units), opsonic activity (% of PMN engaged in phagocytosis) and enhancement of C3 accumulation. Statistically significant associations were observed between % of PMN engaged in phagocytosis and % C3 accumulation, between % of PMN engaged in phagocytosis and ELISA units and between % C3 accumulation and ELISA units. Degradation of purified rabbit IgG, but not specific antibody-containing rabbit IgG by P. gingivalis A7436 was observed, and was inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) or cold (2 degrees C). Our data suggest that C3 and IgG cleavage by P. gingivalis proteases are inhibitable by antibody and are contributory factors in, but are not the sole determinants of, phagocytosis resistance.

Inhibition of C3 and IgG proteolysis enhances phagocytosis of Porphyromonas gingivalis

In the face of an apparently competent immune response to Porphyromonas gingivalis, it is unclear how P. gingivalis evades the immune response and persists in human periodontitis. Particularly germane may be its ability to resist phagocytosis by degrading and not binding serum opsonins. In our study, the resistance by invasive (W83 and A7436) and noninvasive (ATCC 33277) P. gingivalis strains to phagocytosis by human neutrophils was compared with their C3- and IgG-proteolytic activity. The ability of opsonic human serum antibody to inhibit C3 proteolysis was also evaluated. Our results indicate that the more phagocytosis-resistant invasive strains accumulate less 125I-C3 than the noninvasive strain; moreover, invasive strains degrade complement C3 in a dose-dependent manner, inhibitable by rabbit antiserum or adult periodontitis serum. Opsonization and C3 accumulation on strain A7436 were both facilitated by pretreatment with rabbit antiserum, certain adult periodontitis sera, protease inhibitors (p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid, N alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, diisopropylfluorophosphate), heat (60 degrees C, 15 min), and were Mg2+ dependent. The sera from 13 human subjects with or without periodontitis were assayed for antibody titers to P. gingivalis (ELISA units), opsonic activity (% of PMN engaged in phagocytosis) and enhancement of C3 accumulation. Statistically significant associations were observed between % of PMN engaged in phagocytosis and % C3 accumulation, between % of PMN engaged in phagocytosis and ELISA units and between % C3 accumulation and ELISA units. Degradation of purified rabbit IgG, but not specific antibody-containing rabbit IgG by P. gingivalis A7436 was observed, and was inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) or cold (2 degrees C). Our data suggest that C3 and IgG cleavage by P. gingivalis proteases are inhibitable by antibody and are contributory factors in, but are not the sole determinants of, phagocytosis resistance.

New clinical diagnostic strategies based on pathogenesis of disease

The pathogenesis of periodontal tissue destruction involves the orchestrated sequential activation of several components of the host response, each of which have the potential for providing diagnostic information regarding the health or disease status of the periodontium. These events include the bacterial triggering of serum components, the release of vasoactive compounds, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, the activation of phagocytes, the local secretion of immunoglobulins and inflammatory mediators, as well as connective tissue remodeling. For purposes of diagnosis, much attention has been directed toward the measurement of local levels of specific byproducts of the pathogenic process either within the tissues or in the adjacent crevicular fluid. These are site-directed assessments of the local concentration of these byproducts, and with the important exception of antibody levels, very few byproducts of the periodontal pathogenic process have been studied on a systemic level. However, since the risk associated with periodontal disease progression is primarily patient-based and secondarily site-based, there is an increasing need to identify patients at risk for intervention strategies. Furthermore, there are substantial data that periodontal diseases are specific infections that occur in an appropriately susceptible host. The expression of periodontal disease has a strong genetic component, which presumably defines the host's response thereby affecting susceptibility. For this reason, there is increased interest in defining those elements of the host response which result in susceptibility to disease. The ultimate objective of a diagnostic strategy is to identify patients who are potentially at risk for acquiring disease to enable preventive measures.

Effects of a combination therapy to eliminate Porphyromonas gingivalis in refractory periodontitis

This report describes the clinical and microbiological features of 30 refractory patients and their response to a combined local and systemic therapy at 6 weeks and 3 years following treatment. The refractory treatment protocol (RefTx) consisted of a 2-week regimen of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium in conjunction with professional, intrasulcular delivery of povidone iodine, and chlorhexide mouthwash rinses b.i.d. Eighty-seven percent of the patients had favorable clinical responses to the RefTx and could be divided into 3 groups (A, B, C) based upon initial flora patterns and the shifts that occurred following treatment. Pretreatment prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) was 36.7%. The RefTx was effective in reducing P.g. below detection levels in 10 of the 11 positive patients at P < 0.01; each of these 10 patients (Group A) demonstrated significant gain in attachment. Other black-pigmented Bacteroides species (OBP) were isolated from 70% of the patients at baseline. Nine of these patients did not harbor P.g., showed clinical improvement upon treatment, and were OBP negative following treatment (Group B). Group C patients (7) demonstrated clinical improvement with therapy and did not fit into either Group A or B based upon microbial patterns. Group D patients (4) did not show clinical improvement with 3 patients harboring either P.g. or OBP after treatment. The RefTx was effective at reducing probing pocket depth with a 56% decrease in the number of pockets greater than 6 mm at 6 weeks. This was accompanied by an overall gain of > or = 1 mm of probable attachment in 45% of all sites. The clinical effects of the RefTx were shown to persist at 34.3 months with an apparent attachment gain of > or = 1 mm in 41.2% of sites. These data suggest that P.g. and OBP are important pathogens in refractory periodontitis and that the RefTx protocol is an acceptable, non-invasive alternative for the management of these patients.

Influence of immunization on Porphyromonas gingivalis colonization and invasion in the mouse chamber model

The effects of immunization with invasive or noninvasive Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis strains on the pathogenesis of infection in a mouse chamber model were examined. BALB/c mice were immunized by a single injection of heat-killed P. gingivalis invasive strain A7436 or W83 or noninvasive strain 33277, HG405, or 381 directly into subcutaneous chambers. P. gingivalis-specific antibody was detected in chamber fluid 21 days postimmunization, and mice were subsequently challenged by injection of exponential-phase P. gingivalis into chambers. Immunization with A7436 or W83 followed by challenge with A7436 protected mice against secondary abscess formation and death; however, P. gingivalis persisted in chambers for up to 14 days postchallenge. Immunization with noninvasive strain 33277, HG405, or 381 followed by challenge with invasive strain A7436 or W83 protected mice against secondary lesion formation and death. P. gingivalis was cultured from 33277- or HG405-immunized and nonimmunized animals to day 14. All P. gingivalis strains induced an immunoglobulin G response, as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western immunoblotting of P. gingivalis whole-cell and outer membrane protein preparations. Western blot analyses indicated that sera from mice immunized with different invasive and noninvasive strains recognized common P. gingivalis antigens. In summary, immunization with invasive P. gingivalis A7436 and W83 or noninvasive P. gingivalis 33277, HG405, and 381 protected mice from secondary lesion formation and death after challenge with invasive P. gingivalis A7436 or W83. P. gingivalis-specific antibody did not, however, inhibit the colonization of P. gingivalis within chambers.

Functional differences in human neutrophils isolated pre- and post-prandially

Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes have been associated with neoplasia, atherogenesis and reperfusion injury. Since some of these conditions are also correlated with dietary fat, we examined the functional characteristics of leukocytes isolated from subjects before and after consumption of a lipid-rich meal. There was up to 2-fold greater superoxide generation in response to agonists in leukocytes obtained post-prandially; the maximum increase was observed about 4 h after eating and followed the peak (2-4 h) in serum triglycerides. Neutrophils isolated post-prandially also exhibited impaired chemotaxis and defective bacterial killing, but normal phagocytosis. These findings provide a new variable that should be considered in studies of leukocytes.

Antibody-dependent alternate pathway of complement activation in opsonophagocytosis of Porphyromonas gingivalis

It has been suggested that the ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis to proteolyse complement, as well as its production of a capsule, contributes to resistance to phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In this report, the opsonic role of serum complement and its activation pathways were investigated, using individual sera heat treated or depleted of factors B, C2, and C1q and the divalent cations Mg2+ and Ca2+. A fluorochrome microassay was used to quantitate phagocytosis of P. gingivalis A7436 by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Heat treatment of rabbit antiserum to P. gingivalis (RaPg) (56 degrees C, 30 min) resulted in a reduction in phagocytosis from 100% to 55% +/- 5%, while heat treatment of chronic adult periodontal disease serum abrogated phagocytosis. The heat-labile activity of RaPg was fully restored with MgEGTA-chelated rabbit serum but not EDTA- or EGTA-chelated rabbit serum. The addition of serum depleted of factor B but not C2 or C1q restored most of the heat-labile activity; however, the factor B-depleted serum was suspect, due to low-level opsonization of zymosan (inhibitable by EDTA but not MgEGTA). Adding C1q at 80 micrograms/ml to serum depleted of C1q restored much but not all of the activity lost through heat treatment or through depletion of C1q. A large part of opsonic activity with C2- and C1q-depleted sera was enhanced by the addition of 4 x 10(-3) M Mg2+. The data indicate that although opsonophagocytosis of P. gingivalis A7436 is dependent on the classical complement pathway, a significant contribution is made by an antibody-dependent alternate pathway.

Phagocytosis of virulent Porphyromonas gingivalis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes requires specific immunoglobulin G

No studies to date clearly define the interactions between Porphyromonas gingivalis and human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), nor has a protective role for antibody to P. gingivalis been defined. Using a fluorochrome phagocytosis microassay, we investigated PMN phagocytosis and killing of P. gingivalis as a function of P. gingivalis-specific antibody. Sera from a nonimmune rabbit and a healthy human subject were not opsonic for virulent P. gingivalis A7436, W83, and HG405; phagocytosis of these strains (but not 33277) required opsonization with hyperimmune antiserum (RaPg). Diluting RaPg with a constant complement source decreased proportionally the number of P. gingivalis A7436 cells phagocytosed per phagocytic PMN. Enriching for the immunoglobulin G fraction of RAPg A7436 enriched for opsonic activity toward A7436. An opsonic evaluation of 18 serum samples from adult periodontitis patients revealed that only 3 adult periodontitis sera of 17 with elevated immunoglobulin G to P. gingivalis A7436 were opsonic for A7436 and, moreover, that the serum sample with the highest enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titer was most opsonic (patient 1). However, the opsonic activity of serum from patient 1 was qualitatively and not just quantitatively different from that of the nonopsonic human sera (but was less effective opsonin than RaPg). Strain variability was observed in resistance of P. gingivalis to phagocytosis, and opsonization was strain specific for some, but not all, strains tested. An evaluation of killing of A7436 revealed that serum killing and extracellular killing of P. gingivalis were less effective alone when compared with intracellular PMN killing alone.

Defective neutrophil function in an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. A case report

The objective of this study was to evaluate the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function in a poorly controlled adult insulin-dependent diabetic patient (IDDM) with severe recurrent periodontitis, while describing the microbiological and clinical findings. Chemotaxis, superoxide production, and phagocytosis and killing of Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis by the IDDM PMN were evaluated 1 week before treatment relative to a healthy, matched control. These analyses revealed a significant (P less than .05) depression in the number of IDDM PMNs migrating along an FMLP gradient (Boyden chamber assay). In addition, a significant (P less than .05) enhancement of IDDM PMN superoxide production in response to opsonized zymosan (cytochrome C reduction) was observed. Phagocytosis and killing (fluorochrome phagocytosis assay) by IDDM PMN of two P. gingivalis strains was also impaired significantly (P less than .05). The subgingival microflora contained significant levels of P. gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens, and Peptostreptococcus micros. Periodontal treatment consisted of extraction of hopeless teeth, scaling and root planing and 3 weeks of Augmentin therapy. The antibiotic therapy resulted in unrecoverable numbers of the putative pathogens and a reduction in both gingival inflammation and disease progression. The IDDM healing response to previous surgical treatment and extractions was poor, presumably due to a marked thrombocytopenia (91 x 10(3) platelets/mm3).

A novel mouse model to study the virulence of and host response to Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis

We describe here the development of a mouse subcutaneous chamber model that allows for the examination of host-parasite interactions as well as the determination of gross pathology with Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis challenge. When inoculated into stainless-steel chambers implanted subcutaneously in female BALB/c mice, P. gingivalis W83, W50, and A7436 (10(8) to 10(10) CFU) caused cachexia, ruffling, general erythema and phlegmonous, ulcerated, necrotic lesions, and death. P. gingivalis W50/BEI, HG405, and 33277 (10(10) CFU) produced localized abscesses in the mouse chamber model with rejection of chambers at the injection site. Analysis of chamber fluid from 33277-, HG405-, and W50/BEI-infected mice by cytocentrifugation revealed inflammatory cell debris, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and high numbers of dead bacteria. In contrast, fluid from A7436-, W50-, and W83-infected mice revealed infiltration predominantly of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and live bacteria. Bacteria were found primarily associated with polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the fluid from W50-, HG405-, and W83-infected mice but not from A7436-infected mice. Viable isolates were recoverable from the chamber fluid through day 3 for W50/BEI, day 5 for 33277, day 6 for HG405, day 7 for W50, day 14 for W83, and day 26 for A7436. All strains induced a systemic immunoglobulin G response in serum and chamber fluid samples. The use of this model will allow us to examine the virulence of P. gingivalis as defined by the interaction of host response to localized infection with P. gingivalis.

Bactericidal effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila: effect of the physiological state of the organism

Lactoferrin has been previously shown to be bactericidal for Legionella pneumophila. The current study showed that CaCl2, Mg(NO3)2, and MgCl2, but not NaCl, blocked killing. Activity was pH dependent with the greatest activity at 5.0. Sensitivity of the organism was dramatically affected by the growth conditions. Log phase 12 h, broth-grown cells were most sensitive, with older cultures becoming more resistant. Plate-grown cells were completely resistant. Lactoferrin binding, as detected by immunofluorescence microscopy, was temperature dependent (no binding at 4 degrees C), but was independent of killing.

Neutrophil defects and host-parasite interactions in the pathogenesis of localized juvenile periodontitis

Through the study of host responses in periodontal diseases, the role of the neutrophil as an important protective cell in the pathogenesis of disease has become apparent. In this report, we examine the neutrophil defects associated with localized juvenile periodontitis to include defects of cell surface protein expression, defects of signal transduction, and defects of bactericidal activity. We report that LJP neutrophils are deficient in chemotactic factor receptors and a chemotaxis-related glycoprotein (GP110). There is a deficit of signal transduction, resulting in a decrease in leukotriene B4 production, and the LJP neutrophil is deficient in its ability to kill the periodontal pathogen, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. The study of neutrophil biology in the LJP model and the application of these studies to the more prevalent disease, adult periodontitis, are discussed.

Killing of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans by human lactoferrin

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a fastidious, facultative gram-negative rod associated with endocarditis, certain forms of periodontal disease, and other focal infections. Human neutrophils have demonstrated bactericidal activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans, and much of the oxygen-dependent killing has been attributed to the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system. However, the contribution of other neutrophil components to killing activity is obscure. Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, is a major constituent of neutrophil-specific granules and is also found in mucosal secretions. In this report, we show that human lactoferrin is bactericidal for A. actinomycetemcomitans. Killing activity required an unsaturated (iron- and anion-free) molecule that produced a 2-log decrease in viability within 120 min at 37 degrees C at a concentration of 1.9 microM. Besides exhibiting concentration dependence, killing kinetics were affected by minor variations in temperature and pH. Magnesium, a divalent cation thought to stabilize lipopolysaccharide interactions on the surface of gram-negative organisms, enhanced lactoferrin killing of A. actinomycetemcomitans, while other cations, such as potassium and calcium, had no effect. Our data suggest that lactoferrin contributes to killing of A. actinomycetemcomitans by human neutrophils and that it may also play a significant role in innate secretory defense against this potential periodontopathogen.

Superior leukocyte separation with a discontinuous one-step Ficoll-Hypaque gradient for the isolation of human neutrophils

A discontinuous gradient system composed of two commercially available Ficoll-Hypaque mixtures (Mono-Poly resolving medium (MPRM) and Histopaque 1.077) is described for the purification of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes from human blood. Like the original one-step Hypaque-Ficoll procedure (Ferrante and Thong, 1978), a single centrifugation at 500 X g for 30 min resulted in the formation of two distinct leukocyte fractions. In contrast to MPRM alone, the discontinuous system (MPRM-HP) was capable of resolving leukocyte fractions from blood volumes as small as 1 ml with excellent purity and yield. MPRM-HP was also compatible with a wider range of anticoagulants and permitted fractionation of specimens resistant to MPRM.

Protein kinase C inhibition by sphingoid long-chain bases: effects on secretion in human neutrophils

Sphingoid long-chain bases (sphinganine and sphingosine) have recently been shown to inhibit protein kinase C both in vitro [Y. Hannun et al. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12604-12609] and in intact human neutrophils, in which they block activation of the superoxide-generating respiratory burst [E. Wilson et al. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12616-12623]. In the present study we have used sphingosine to investigate the pathways for agonist-induced secretion of neutrophil granule contents. Induction of secretion of the specific granule component lactoferrin by a variety of agonists [phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), and calcium ionophore A23187] was completely inhibited by sphingosine with an ED50 of 6 to 10 microM. PMA-induced secretion of lysozyme (present in both the azurophilic and specific granules) was completely blocked with an ED50 of 10 microM, whereas fMLP-induced secretion was only about 50% inhibited. Secretion of the azurophilic granule proteins beta-glucuronidase and myeloperoxidase was activated by fMLP and A23187, but not by PMA, and was not affected by sphingosine. The use of A23187 in the presence of sphingosine allowed differentiation between calcium activation of protein kinase C-dependent versus-independent pathways. The effect of sphingosine was not mediated by neutralizing intracellular acidic compartments, since treatment of neutrophils with inhibitory concentrations of sphingosine did not significantly alter the uptake of labeled methylamine. We conclude that at least two mechanisms participate in the regulation of specific and azurophilic granule secretion, respectively: a protein kinase C-dependent pathway and a calcium-dependent pathway which does not involve protein kinase C.

Separation of human IgA1 and IgA2 using jacalin-agarose chromatography

A lectin isolated from the tropical jackfruit, jacalin, previously reported to precipitate human immunoglobulin A (IgA), and conjugated to agarose was used to separate the two subclasses of IgA from secretions. Jacalin-agarose binds specifically to the D-galactose moiety of IgA1 but not to IgA2 which has a different carbohydrate content and structure. IgA2 passed through the jacalin-agarose column and was collected in the void volume. IgA1 was eluted from the lectin by 0.8 M galactose. Of a representative diluted anti-alpha chain-purified colostral IgA preparation containing 50.2 micrograms IgA1 and 55.8 micrograms IgA2, 40.3 micrograms IgA1 (80.3% of the original) and 49.6 micrograms IgA2 (88.9%) was collected following jacalin-agarose chromatography. The jacalin-purified IgA1 fraction contained 8.0% IgA2 and the IgA2 fraction contained no IgA1. In addition, the IgA1 and IgA2 fractions had naturally occurring antibody activity to a normal oral bacterium. The method is easy, reproducible and specific and has many applications to mucosal immunological investigations.

Hydrogen peroxide inhibits glucose metabolism and collagen synthesis in bone

Effects of H2O2 on bone were evaluated in an organ culture system. Tibiae from chick embryos were incubated for up to 3 days in culture medium containing 0.07 to 20 mM H2O2. Glucose metabolism was monitored by measuring lactate production and oxygen consumption, and collagen synthesis was determined by hydroxylation of proline. In addition to markedly inhibiting these parameters, H2O2 also decreased bone weight and alkaline phosphatase activity. Multiple exposures to H2O2 were somewhat more effective than a single exposure. Since H2O2 inhibits bone at low concentrations in vitro, the results suggest that the potential for harmful effects of H2O2 in the oral cavity should be investigated.

Characterization of lactoferrin interaction with Streptococcus mutans

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein common to exocrine secretions and the specific granules of neutrophils. Each molecule is capable of high-affinity coordinate-binding of two ferric ions with two bicarbonate or carbonic anions. The initial aspect of the present study was directed at determining the nature of anion involvement in LF bactericidal activity. It was found that selective anions were capable of inhibiting the expression of bactericidal activity by LF on S. mutans 10449. The ability to block LF expression was directly related to the capacity of the anion to serve as a coordinate ion in iron-binding by the transferrin molecules. These data support the hypothesis that the LF target site on the bacterial surface is anionic. There has been controversy in the literature regarding LF involvement in hydroxy radical generation. The second phase of these studies indicated that treatment of S. mutans with LF under anaerobic conditions abrogated the bactericidal effect of this molecule. LF-killing could be enhanced by the presence of thiocyanate and inhibited by catalase and lactoperoxidase; however, bovine serum albumin was equally effective as an inhibitor. The apparent requirement for oxygen in LF bactericidal effect on S. mutans is not inconsistent with a hydroxy radical mechanism.

Differentiation and interaction of secretory immunoglobulin A and a calcium-dependent parotid agglutinin for several bacterial strains

Previous studies have suggested that both secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and various nonimmunoglobulin salivary glycoproteins are capable of agglutinating a variety of bacteria. The present study was designed to compare the nature of the agglutinins for Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella typhimurium in parotid saliva and colostrum. S. mutans was aggregated by saliva and colostrum, whereas S. typhimurium was aggregated only by saliva as detected by a spectrophotometric method. The principal salivary agglutinin for both S. mutans and S. typhimurium was calcium dependent and could be desorbed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.8). In contrast, the colostral agglutinin was calcium independent and not readily desorbed. The agglutinin activities of saliva and colostrum for S. mutans were additive, suggesting independent target sites on the bacterial surface. The agglutinin activity of colostrum was totally associated with sIgA as was suggested by blocking of the agglutinating activity with anti-alpha-chain serum and the absence of blocking with an antibody specific for salivary agglutinin. Interestingly, anti-alpha-chain serum removed all agglutinating activity from saliva, but not from the phosphate-buffered saline-desorbed agglutinin. Dialysis of parotid saliva against 0.1 M disodium EDTA eliminated the agglutinin blocking activity of anti-alpha-chain serum but not that of the antiagglutinin antibody. The ability of anti-alpha-chain serum to block agglutination of the EDTA-dialyzed saliva could be restored by the addition of calcium chloride, suggesting that sIgA and salivary agglutinin are associated through a calcium-mediated interaction. These results indicate that bacterial agglutinating activity of colostrum, as detected spectrophotometrically, is mediated by sIgA, and that of saliva is mainly dependent upon a calcium-dependent nonimmunoglobulin agglutinin. The agglutinating activities of sIgA and parotid agglutinin seem to be additive, and their calcium-dependent association may favor the enhancement of their respective activities.

Neutrophil function in localized juvenile periodontitis. Phagocytosis, superoxide production and specific granule release

Patients with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) exhibit defective neutrophil functions to a variety of environmental and host stimuli. It is not clear, however, how many of the measurable functions are defective and whether individual patients exhibit single or multiple dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate chemotaxis, phagocytosis, specific granule release and superoxide production in a group of 23 previously unreported LJP patients. Our results indicate that all 23 of these LJP patients exhibited chemotaxis depression to N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) and endotoxin-activated serum (EAS). Smaller groups from the 23 chemotactically defective LJP group were used to test other function due to inability to obtain sufficient quantities of blood. Fourteen of 14 LJP patients tested exhibited defective phagocytosis. Ten LJP patients were evaluated for specific granule release, and 14 LJP patients were evaluated for superoxide production. Both granule release and superoxide production were found to be normal in chemotactically defective LJP patients. Since both defective and normal responses noted in the same neutrophil populations are mediated by the same receptor, it is hypothesized that the cellular defect lies in a post receptor pathway.

Bactericidal effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila

Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in mucosal secretions and in specific granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, has been shown to be bactericidal for a variety of organisms. In this study, the effect of lactoferrin on Legionella pneumophila was investigated. Purified human apolactoferrin was bactericidal for the Knoxville 1 strain (serogroup 1), with a 4-log decrease in viability within 2 h at 37 degrees C. Killing was dependent on the iron-free state since iron-saturated lactoferrin had no activity. Guinea pig passage of this strain did not affect its sensitivity to lactoferrin. Treatment of the cells with dilutions of the lactoferrin resulted in correspondingly reduced killing. Activity was temperature dependent; there was no loss of viability at 1 or 22 degrees C and slightly enhanced killing at 41 degrees C. Addition of Mg2+ blocked bactericidal activity. In addition, mature human milk, a lactoferrin-containing mucosal secretion, was also bactericidal for L. pneumophila. As demonstrated with the purified lactoferrin, bactericidal activity was lost when the milk was iron saturated.

Interactions between Naegleria fowleri and Legionella pneumophila

Using electron microscopy we documented some of the intracellular events that occur in Naegleria fowleri suspended in Page amoeba saline after ingestion of Legionella pneumophila. Photomicrographs showed intracellular vacuoles containing bacteria in the process of binary fission that was accompanied by alignment of mitochondria and ribosome-like structures along the vacuole membrane. Although these intracellular events are remarkably similar to that seen in Legionella replication within human monocytes, we could not demonstrate an increase in the number of bacteria by CFU or dark-field microscopy. However, when the Naegleria cells were allowed to ingest Legionella cells while suspended in amoeba culture medium, the number of bacteria increased, and this was contingent upon the presence of viable amoebae.

Enhancement of Streptococcus mutans colonization by direct bonded orthodontic appliances

Patients undergoing orthodontic therapy were evaluated for longitudinal changes in relative S. mutans numbers in plaque at discrete sites on the tooth surface associated with direct bond appliances. There was a significant linear increase in the percentage of S. mutans in the total streptococci isolated from the last pre-bracket sample through the last bracket sample.

Effects of alpha-amylase on in vitro growth of Legionella pneumophila

Sterile parotid saliva inhibited growth of Legionella pneumophila on solid media, and the salivary component involved in this inhibition has been shown to be amylase. Disk diffusion and well plate assays were used to study possible mechanisms for this effect. The amylolytic activity of saliva copurified with inhibitory activity, and both activities were sensitive to proteinase K digestion and heat treatment. In addition, purified alpha-amylase from several sources (bacteria, fungi, porcine pancreas, and human saliva) exhibited similar activity. Incorporation of charcoal or bovine serum albumin into media blocked inhibition by amylase. Replacement of Bacto-Agar with Noble agar (both from Difco Laboratories) prevented growth inhibition in the absence of starch. However, when corn starch was present with Noble agar, amylase-induced growth inhibition occurred. Purification of starch by washing with methanol eliminated some toxic component. The toxic component from starch could be recovered from the methanol wash and inhibited growth of L. pneumophila in the absence of amylase activity. The results suggest that toxic substances exist in media components which may be unmasked during salivary amylase digestion of starch. This effect may explain, in part, the difficulty in recovery of the organism from clinical specimens containing amylase.