Vitamin D regulates microbiome-dependent cancer immunity

A role for vitamin D in immune modulation and in cancer has been suggested. In this work, we report that mice with increased availability of vitamin D display greater immune-dependent resistance to transplantable cancers and augmented responses to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Similarly, in humans, vitamin D-induced genes correlate with improved responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment as well as with immunity to cancer and increased overall survival. In mice, resistance is attributable to the activity of vitamin D on intestinal epithelial cells, which alters microbiome composition in favor of Bacteroides fragilis, which positively regulates cancer immunity. Our findings indicate a previously unappreciated connection between vitamin D, microbial commensal communities, and immune responses to cancer. Collectively, they highlight vitamin D levels as a potential determinant of cancer immunity and immunotherapy success.

T cell help induces Myc transcriptional bursts in germinal center B cells during positive selection

Antibody affinity maturation occurs in secondary lymphoid organs within germinal centers (GCs). At these sites, B cells mutate their antibody-encoding genes in the dark zone, followed by preferential selection of the high-affinity variants in the light zone by T cells. The strength of the T cell-derived selection signals is proportional to the B cell receptor affinity and to the magnitude of subsequent Myc expression. However, because the lifetime of Myc mRNA and its corresponding protein is very short, it remains unclear how T cells induce sustained Myc levels in positively selected B cells. Here, by direct visualization of mRNA and active transcription sites in situ, we found that an increase in transcriptional bursts promotes Myc expression during B cell positive selection in GCs. Elevated T cell help signals predominantly enhance the percentage of cells expressing Myc in GCs as opposed to augmenting the quantity of Myc transcripts per individual cell. Visualization of transcription start sites in situ revealed that T cell help promotes an increase in the frequency of transcriptional bursts at the Myc locus in GC B cells located primarily in the LZ apical rim. Thus, the rise in Myc, which governs positive selection of B cells in GCs, reflects an integration of transcriptional activity over time rather than an accumulation of transcripts at a specific time point.

Mast cells help organize the Peyer's patch niche for induction of IgA responses

Peyer's patches (PPs) are lymphoid structures situated adjacent to the intestinal epithelium that support B cell responses that give rise to many intestinal IgA-secreting cells. Induction of isotype switching to IgA in PPs requires interactions between B cells and TGFβ-activating conventional dendritic cells type 2 (cDC2s) in the subepithelial dome (SED). However, the mechanisms promoting cDC2 positioning in the SED are unclear. Here, we found that PP cDC2s express GPR35, a receptor that promotes cell migration in response to various metabolites, including 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). In mice lacking GPR35, fewer cDC2s were found in the SED, and frequencies of IgA+ germinal center (GC) B cells were reduced. IgA plasma cells were reduced in both the PPs and lamina propria. These phenotypes were also observed in chimeric mice that lacked GPR35 selectively in cDCs. GPR35 deficiency led to reduced coating of commensal bacteria with IgA and reduced IgA responses to cholera toxin. Mast cells were present in the SED, and mast cell-deficient mice had reduced PP cDC2s and IgA+ cells. Ablation of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) in mast cells to prevent their production of 5-HIAA similarly led to reduced PP cDC2s and IgA responses. Thus, mast cell-guided positioning of GPR35+ cDC2s in the PP SED supports induction of intestinal IgA responses.

The cellular states and fates of shed intestinal cells

The intestinal epithelium is replaced every few days1. Enterocytes are shed into the gut lumen predominantly from the tips of villi2,3 and have been believed to rapidly die upon their dissociation from the tissue4,5. However, technical limitations prohibited studying the cellular states and fates of shed intestinal cells. Here we show that shed epithelial cells remain viable and upregulate distinct anti-microbial programmes upon shedding, using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of male mouse intestinal faecal washes. We further identify abundant shedding of immune cells, which is elevated in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. We find that faecal host transcriptomics reflect changes in the intestinal tissue following perturbations. Our study suggests potential functions of shed cells in the intestinal lumen and demonstrates that host cell transcriptomes in intestinal washes can be used to probe tissue states.

Viral infection reveals hidden sharing of TCR CDR3 sequences between individuals

The T cell receptor is generated by a process of random and imprecise somatic recombination. The number of possible T cell receptors which this process can produce is enormous, greatly exceeding the number of T cells in an individual. Thus, the likelihood of identical TCRs being observed in multiple individuals (public TCRs) might be expected to be very low. Nevertheless such public TCRs have often been reported. In this study we explore the extent of TCR publicity in the context of acute resolving Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in mice. We show that the repertoire of effector T cells following LCMV infection contains a population of highly shared TCR sequences. This subset of TCRs has a distribution of naive precursor frequencies, generation probabilities, and physico-chemical CDR3 properties which lie between those of classic public TCRs, which are observed in uninfected repertoires, and the dominant private TCR repertoire. We have named this set of sequences "hidden public" TCRs, since they are only revealed following infection. A similar repertoire of hidden public TCRs can be observed in humans after a first exposure to SARS-COV-2. The presence of hidden public TCRs which rapidly expand following viral infection may therefore be a general feature of adaptive immunity, identifying an additional level of inter-individual sharing in the TCR repertoire which may form an important component of the effector and memory response.

Bacterial infection disrupts established germinal center reactions through monocyte recruitment and impaired metabolic adaptation

Consecutive exposures to different pathogens are highly prevalent and often alter the host immune response. However, it remains unknown how a secondary bacterial infection affects an ongoing adaptive immune response elicited against primary invading pathogens. We demonstrated that recruitment of Sca-1⁺ monocytes into lymphoid organs during Salmonella Typhimurium (STm) infection disrupted pre-existing germinal center (GC) reactions. GC responses induced by influenza, plasmodium, or commensals deteriorated following STm infection. GC disruption was independent of the direct bacterial interactions with B cells and instead was induced through recruitment of CCR2-dependent Sca-1⁺ monocytes into the lymphoid organs. GC collapse was associated with impaired cellular respiration and was dependent on TNFα and IFNγ, the latter of which was essential for Sca-1⁺ monocyte differentiation. Monocyte recruitment and GC disruption also occurred during LPS-supplemented vaccination and Listeria monocytogenes infection. Thus, systemic activation of the innate immune response upon severe bacterial infection is induced at the expense of antibody-mediated immunity.

The germinal center reaction depends on RNA methylation and divergent functions of specific methyl readers

Long-lasting immunity depends on the generation of protective antibodies through the germinal center (GC) reaction. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNAs by METTL3 activity modulates transcript lifetime primarily through the function of m6A readers; however, the physiological role of this molecular machinery in the GC remains unknown. Here, we show that m6A modifications by METTL3 are required for GC maintenance through the differential functions of m6A readers. Mettl3-deficient GC B cells exhibited reduced cell-cycle progression and decreased expression of proliferation- and oxidative phosphorylation-related genes. The m6A binder, IGF2BP3, was required for stabilization of Myc mRNA and expression of its target genes, whereas the m6A reader, YTHDF2, indirectly regulated the expression of the oxidative phosphorylation gene program. Our findings demonstrate how two independent gene networks that support critical GC functions are modulated by m6A through distinct mRNA binders.

B Cell Diversification Is Uncoupled from SAP-Mediated Selection Forces in Chronic Germinal Centers within Peyer's Patches

Antibodies secreted within the intestinal tract provide protection from the invasion of microbes into the host tissues. Germinal center (GC) formation in lymph nodes and spleen strictly requires SLAM-associated protein (SAP)-mediated T cell functions; however, it is not known whether this mechanism plays a similar role in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues. Here, we find that in Peyer’s patches (PPs), SAP-mediated T cell help is required for promoting B cell selection in GCs, but not for clonal diversification. PPs of SAP-deficient mice host chronic GCs that are absent in T cell-deficient mice. GC B cells in SAP-deficient mice express AID and Bcl6 and generate plasma cells in proportion to the GC size. Single-cell IgA sequencing analysis reveals that these mice host few diversified clones that were subjected to mild selection forces. These findings demonstrate that T cell-derived help to B cells in PPs includes SAP-dependent and SAP-independent functions.

•

Chronic germinal centers in Peyer’s patches are formed in SAP-deficient mice

•

SAP-independent germinal centers arise in response to influenza infection

•

Few highly diversified clones dominate the SAP-independent germinal centers

•

Germinal center B cells in SAP-deficient mice are subjected to mild selection forces

Syk degradation restrains plasma cell formation and promotes zonal transitions in germinal centers

In germinal centers, B cells interact with antigen in the light zone and clonally expand in the dark zone. Davidzohn et al. show that BCR-induced Syk degradation in the light zone attenuates signal transduction, impedes plasma cell formation, and promotes B cell transition to the dark zone.

Germinal centers (GCs) are sites at which B cells proliferate and mutate their antibody-encoding genes in the dark zone (DZ), followed by affinity-based selection in the light zone (LZ). B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signals induce Syk activation followed by rapid phosphatase-mediated desensitization; however, how degradation events regulate BCR functions in GCs is unclear. Here, we found that Syk degradation restrains plasma cell (PC) formation in GCs and promotes B cell LZ to DZ transition. Using a mouse model defective in Cbl-mediated Syk degradation, we demonstrate that this machinery attenuates BCR signaling intensity by mitigating the Kras/Erk and PI3K/Foxo1 pathways, and restricting the expression of PC transcription factors in GC B cells. Inhibition of Syk degradation perturbed gene expression, specifically in the LZ, and enhanced the generation of PCs without affecting B cell proliferation. These findings reveal how long-lasting attenuation of signal transduction by degradation events regulates cell fate within specialized microanatomical sites.

T cell help to B cells: Cognate and atypical interactions in peripheral and intestinal lymphoid tissues

Enduring immunity against harmful pathogens depends on the generation of immunological memory. Serum immunoglobulins are constantly secreted by long-lived antibody-producing cells, which provide extended protection from recurrent exposures. These cells originate mainly from germinal center structures, wherein B cells introduce mutations to their immunoglobulin genes followed by affinity-based selection. Generation of high-affinity antibodies relies on physical contacts between T and B cells, a process that facilitates the delivery of fate decision signals. T-B cellular engagements are mediated through interactions between the T cell receptor and its cognate peptide presented on B cell major histocompatibility class II molecules. Here, we describe the cellular and molecular aspects of these cognate T-B interactions, and highlight exceptional cases, especially those arising at intestinal lymphoid organs, at which T cells provide help to B cells in an atypical manner, independent of T cell specificity.

Evaluation of B Cell Proliferation in vivo by EdU Incorporation Assay

Generation of antibodies is crucial for establishing enduring protection from invading pathogens, as well as for maintaining homeostasis with commensal bacteria at mucosal surfaces. Chronic exposure to microbiota- and dietary- derived antigens results in continuous production of antibody producing cells within the Peyer's patch germinal center structures. Recently, we have shown that B cells responding to gut-derived antigens colonize the subepithelial dome (SED) in Peyer's patches and rapidly proliferate independently of their relative BCR affinity. To evaluate B cell proliferation within different niches in Peyer's patches, we applied in vivo EdU incorporation assay as described in this protocol.

Characterization of Immunological Niches within Peyer's Patches by ex vivo Photoactivation and Flow Cytometry Analysis

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells regulate B cell selection for entry into the germinal center (GC) reaction or for differentiation into antibody forming cells. This process takes place at the border between the T and B zones in lymphoid organs and involves physical contacts between T and B cells. During these interactions, T cells endow the B cells with selection signals that promote GC seeding or plasmablast differentiation based on their B cell receptor affinity. In Peyer's patches (PPs), T cells promote B cell colonization of the subepithelial dome (SED) without effective affinity-based clonal selection. To specifically characterize the T cell population that resides within the SED niche, we performed ex vivo photoactivation of the SED compartment followed by flow cytometry analysis of the labeled cells, as described in this protocol. This technique integrates both spatial and cellular information in studies of immunological niches and can be adapted to various experimental systems.

T cell interactions with B cells during germinal center formation, a three-step model

Establishment of effective immunity against invading microbes depends on continuous generation of antibodies that facilitate pathogen clearance. Long-lived plasma cells with the capacity to produce high affinity antibodies evolve in germinal centers (GCs), where B cells undergo somatic hypermutation and are subjected to affinity-based selection. Here, we focus on the cellular interactions that take place early in the antibody immune response during GC colonization. Clones bearing B-cell receptors with different affinities and specificities compete for entry to the GC, at the boundary between the B-cell and T-cell zones in lymphoid organs. During this process, B cells compete for interactions with T follicular helper cells, which provide selection signals required for differentiation into GC cells and antibody secreting cells. These cellular engagements are long-lasting and depend on activation of adhesion molecules that support persistent interactions and promote transmission of signals between the cells. Here, we discuss how interactions between cognate T and B cells are primarily maintained by three types of molecular interactions: homophilic signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) interactions, T-cell receptor: peptide-loaded major histocompatibility class II (pMHCII), and LFA-1:ICAMs. These essential components support a three-step process that controls clonal selection for entry into the antibody affinity maturation response in the GC, and establishment of long-lasting antibody-mediated immunity.

B cell dissemination patterns during the germinal center reaction revealed by whole-organ imaging

Antibody-mediated long-lasting protection from harmful pathogens depends on collaboration of immune cells within immunological niches. Stoler-Barak et al. introduce an approach that enables the visualization of all the germinal center niches and activated B cells within intact lymph nodes.

Germinal centers (GCs) are sites wherein B cells proliferate and mutate their immunoglobulins in the dark zone (DZ), followed by affinity-based selection in the light zone (LZ). Here, we mapped the location of single B cells in the context of intact lymph nodes (LNs) throughout the GC response, and examined the role of BCR affinity in dictating their position. Imaging of entire GC structures and proximal single cells by light-sheet fluorescence microscopy revealed that individual B cells that previously expressed AID are located within the LN cortex, in an area close to the GC LZ. Using in situ photoactivation, we demonstrated that B cells migrate from the LZ toward the GC outskirts, while DZ B cells are confined to the GC. B cells expressing very-low-affinity BCRs formed GCs but were unable to efficiently disperse within the follicles. Our findings reveal that BCR affinity regulates B cell positioning during the GC response.

Activated Peyer's patch B cells sample antigen directly from M cells in the subepithelial dome

The germinal center (GC) reaction in Peyer's patches (PP) requires continuous access to antigens, but how this is achieved is not known. Here we show that activated antigen-specific CCR6+CCR1+GL7- B cells make close contact with M cells in the subepithelial dome (SED). Using in situ photoactivation analysis of antigen-specific SED B cells, we find migration of cells towards the GC. Following antigen injection into ligated intestinal loops containing PPs, 40% of antigen-specific SED B cells bind antigen within 2 h, whereas unspecifc cells do not, indicating B cell-receptor involvment. Antigen-loading is not observed in M cell-deficient mice, but is unperturbed in mice depleted of classical dendritic cells (DC). Thus, we report a M cell-B cell antigen-specific transporting pathway in PP that is independent of DC. We propose that this antigen transporting pathway has a critical role in gut IgA responses, and should be taken into account when developing mucosal vaccines.

The insulin/IGF signaling cascade modulates SUMOylation to regulate aging and proteostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Although aging-regulating pathways were discovered a few decades ago, it is not entirely clear how their activities are orchestrated, to govern lifespan and proteostasis at the organismal level. Here, we utilized the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to examine whether the alteration of aging, by reducing the activity of the Insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) cascade, affects protein SUMOylation. We found that IIS activity promotes the SUMOylation of the germline protein, CAR-1, thereby shortening lifespan and impairing proteostasis. In contrast, the expression of mutated CAR-1, that cannot be SUMOylated at residue 185, extends lifespan and enhances proteostasis. A mechanistic analysis indicated that CAR-1 mediates its aging-altering functions, at least partially, through the notch-like receptor glp-1. Our findings unveil a novel regulatory axis in which SUMOylation is utilized to integrate the aging-controlling functions of the IIS and of the germline and provide new insights into the roles of SUMOylation in the regulation of organismal aging.

Aging may seem inescapable, but there are many factors, from diet to genetic mutations, that can affect this process. In fact, scientists have started to uncover the mechanisms that control and influence this slow decline. For example, in the small worm Caenorhabditis elegans, removing the germs cells – which give rise to eggs – extends the lifespan. Similarly, interfering with the activity of the Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway leads to a longer life for the animals. However, it is unclear whether these two mechanisms work together, or if they operate in parallel.

To explore this, Moll, Roitenberg et al. first looked at how the IIS pathway regulates a type of protein modification known as SUMOylation in C. elegans. Reducing the activity of the IIS pathway slowed down aging in the worms. It also decreased the levels of SUMOylation of certain proteins, including CAR-1, which is found in the structures that produce germ cells. Further experiments showed that stopping the SUMOylation of CAR-1 extended the lifespan of the animals. In fact, replacing the protein with a mutated version of CAR-1 that cannot accept the SUMO element makes the worms live longer and resist a toxic protein that causes Alzheimer’s disease in humans. These results therefore show that, in C. elegans, the IIS pathway and a mechanism that involves CAR-1 in germ cells work together to determine the pace of aging. Further studies are now needed to dissect how the IIS pathway influences SUMOylation, and whether the findings hold true in mammals.

Spatial reconstruction of immune niches by combining photoactivatable reporters and scRNA-seq

Cellular functions are strongly dependent on surrounding cells and environmental factors. Current technologies are limited in their ability to characterize the spatial location and gene programs of cells in poorly structured and dynamic niches. We developed a method, NICHE-seq, that combines photoactivatable fluorescent reporters, two-photon microscopy, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to infer the cellular and molecular composition of niches. We applied NICHE-seq to examine the high-order assembly of immune cell networks. NICHE-seq is highly reproducible in spatial tissue reconstruction, enabling identification of rare niche-specific immune subpopulations and gene programs, including natural killer cells within infected B cell follicles and distinct myeloid states in the spleen and tumor. This study establishes NICHE-seq as a broadly applicable method for elucidating high-order spatial organization of cell types and their molecular pathways.

ICAMs support B cell interactions with T follicular helper cells and promote clonal selection

The molecular mechanism governing affinity-based B cell selection for germinal center colonization is unclear. Zaretsky et al. show that B cell ICAMs promote efficient B cell selection for clonal expansion by supporting sustained interactions with T follicular helper cells.

The germinal center (GC) reaction begins with a diverse and expanded group of B cell clones bearing a wide range of antibody affinities. During GC colonization, B cells engage in long-lasting interactions with T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a process that depends on antigen uptake and antigen presentation to the Tfh cells. How long-lasting T–B interactions and B cell clonal expansion are regulated by antigen presentation remains unclear. Here, we use in vivo B cell competition models and intravital imaging to examine the adhesive mechanisms governing B cell selection for GC colonization. We find that intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and ICAM-2 on B cells are essential for long-lasting cognate Tfh–B cell interactions and efficient selection of low-affinity B cell clones for proliferative clonal expansion. Thus, B cell ICAMs promote efficient antibody immune response by enhancement of T cell help to cognate B cells.

High avidity TCR-peptide interactions between CD4 lymphocytes and lymph node dendritic cells promote normal lymphocyte arrest, activation, proliferation, and differentiation independently of dendritic cell ICAM-1 and 2

The two main LFA-1 ligands ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 are constitutively co-expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs) and on the lymph node stroma. We find abrogated antigen specific CD4 T cell priming in ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 deficient spleens. Nevertheless, the in vivo contribution of these ligands to lymphocyte activation proliferation and differentiation in lymph nodes has been difficult to dissect in total knockout mice due to their multiple roles in lymphocyte entry and priming in these organs. We therefore constructed lethally irradiated chimeric mice reconstituted with ICAM-1 and 2 double knock out (DKO) APCs in which lymphocyte entry into peripheral lymph nodes was reconstituted. Strikingly, these mice elicited normal antigen specific OT-II T cell activation, proliferation and differentiation into Th1 and Tfh effectors. OT-II T cells could also normally arrest on DCs deficient in ICAM-1 and 2. A compensatory role of VCAM-1 in ICAM deficient DCs was ruled out. Nevertheless, polyclonal T cell proliferation in response to endogenous self-antigens required the presence of ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on endogenous lymph node DCs. Our results are the first indication that high avidity TCR peptide-MHC-II recognition can bypass integrin-mediated lymphocyte adhesions to DCs under specific settings.

The transition from day-to-night activity is a risk factor for the development of CNS oxygen toxicity in the diurnal fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus)

Performance and safety are impaired in employees engaged in shift work. Combat divers who use closed-circuit oxygen diving apparatus undergo part of their training during the night hours. The greatest risk involved in diving with such apparatus is the development of central nervous system oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT). We investigated whether the switch from day-to-night activity may be a risk factor for the development of CNS-OT using a diurnal animal model, the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus). Animals were kept on a 12:12 light-dark schedule (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 500 lx). The study included two groups: (1) Control group: animals were kept awake and active during the day, between 09:00 and 15:00. (2) Experimental group: animals were kept awake and active during the night, between 21:00 and 03:00, when they were exposed to dim light in order to simulate the conditions prevalent during combat diver training. This continued for a period of 3 weeks, 5 days a week. On completion of this phase, 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (6-SMT) levels in urine were determined over a period of 24 h. Animals were then exposed to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). To investigate the effect of acute melatonin administration, melatonin (50 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered to the animals in both groups 20 min prior to HBO exposure. After the exposure, the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was measured, as were the levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and overall nitrotyrosylation in the cortex and hippocampus. Latency to CNS-OT was significantly reduced after the transition from day-to-night activity. This was associated with alterations in the level of melatonin metabolites secreted in the urine. Acute melatonin administration had no effect on latency to CNS-OT in either of the groups. Nevertheless, the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as nitrotyrosine and nNOS levels, were altered in the hippocampus following melatonin administration. On the basis of these results, we suggest that a switch from diurnal to nocturnal activity may represent an additional risk factor for the development of CNS-OT. Utilizing a diurnal animal model may contribute to our understanding of the heightened risk of developing CNS-OT when diving with closed-circuit oxygen apparatus at night.

The Effect of Aging on the Ventilatory Response to Wearing a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Hood Respirator at Rest and During Mild Exercise

BACKGROUND

Structural changes in the human body resulting from aging may affect the response to altered levels of O₂ and CO₂. An abnormal ventilatory response to a buildup of CO₂ in the inspired air due to rebreathing may result in adverse effects, which will impair the individual's ability to function under stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on the respiratory response to wearing an escape hood at rest and during mild exercise.

METHODS

Subjects were seven healthy, young adult males (20-30 years) and seven healthy, middle-aged males (45-65 years). Inspired CO₂ and O₂, breathing pattern (tidal volume [V_T] and breathing frequency [F]), and mouth inspiratory and expiratory pressures, were measured at rest and during mild exercise (50 w) while wearing the CAPS 2000 escape hood (Shalon Chemical Industries and Supergum-Rubber and Plastic Technology, Tel Aviv, Israel).

FINDINGS

Resting inspired CO₂ was higher in the middle-aged group compared with the young group (2.25% ± 0.42% and 1.80% ± 0.34%, respectively; p < 0.05). Breathing pattern in the middle-aged group tended to be shallower and faster compared with the young group (V_T: 0.69 ± 0.27 L and 0.79 ± 0.32 L, respectively; F: 14.7 ± 4.0 breaths/min and 12.4 ± 2.8 breaths/min, respectively). During exercise, there was a trend toward a high inspired CO₂ in the middle-aged group compared with the young group (2.18% ± 0.40% CO₂ and 1.94% ± 0.70% CO₂, respectively). A correlation was found between age and inspired CO₂ when wearing the escape hood (r² = 0.375; p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The age-related decrease in pulmonary function, together with the finding in this study of a higher inspired CO₂ in middle-aged subjects wearing the CAPS 2000, may represent a greater risk for persons of middle age wearing an escape hood.

RECOMMENDATIONS

On the basis of this study, it would appear reasonable to recommend that new respirators be evaluated on subjects from different age groups, to ensure the safety of both young and old.

Alteration of blood glucose levels in the rat following exposure to hyperbaric oxygen

Findings regarding blood glucose level (BGL) on exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) are contradictory. We investigated the influence of HBO on BGL, and of BGL on latency to central nervous system oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT). The study was conducted on five groups of rats: Group 1, exposure to oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA), 90 min/day for 7 days; Group 2, exposure to oxygen once a week from 2 to 6 ATA in increments of 1 ATA/wk, for a period of time calculated as 60% of the latency to CNS-OT (no convulsions); Group 3, exposure to 6 ATA breathing a gas mixture with a pO2 of 0.21; Group 4, received 10 U/kg insulin to induce hypoglycemia before exposure to HBO; Group 5, received 33% glucose to induce hyperglycemia before exposure to HBO. Blood samples were drawn before and after exposures for measurement of BGL. No change was observed in BGL after exposure to oxygen at 2.5 ATA, 90 min/day for 7 days. BGL was significantly elevated after exposure to oxygen at 6 ATA until the appearance of convulsions, and following exposure to 4, 5, and 6 ATA without convulsions (P < 0.01). No change was observed in BGL after exposure to 6 ATA breathing a gas mixture with a pO2 of 0.21. Hypoglycemia shortened latency to CNS oxygen toxicity, whereas hyperglycemia had no effect. Our results demonstrate an influence of HBO exposure on elevation of BGL, starting at 4 ATA. This implies that BGL may serve as a marker for the generation of CNS-OT.

A comparison of factors involved in the development of central nervous system and pulmonary oxygen toxicity in the rat

Central nervous system oxygen toxicity (CNS-OT) can occur in humans at pressures above 2atmospheres absolute (ATA), and above 4.5ATA in the rat. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity appears at pressures above 0.5ATA. We hypothesized that exposure to mild HBO following extreme exposure might provide protection against CNS, but not pulmonary oxygen toxicity. We measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and nitrotyrosine and nNOS levels in the brain and lung in the following groups: (1) Sham rats, no pressure exposure (SHAM); (2) Exposure to 6ATA oxygen for 60% of latency to CNS-OT (60%LT); (3) Exposure to 6ATA for 60% of latency to CNS-OT, followed by 20min at 2.5ATA for recovery (REC); (4) Exposure to 6ATA for 60% of latency to CNS-OT, followed by 20min at 2.5ATA oxygen and a subsequent increase in pressure to 6ATA until the appearance of convulsions (CONV); (5) Control rats exposed to 6ATA until the appearance of convulsions (C). SOD and CAT activity were reduced in both brain and lung in the REC group. GPX activity was reduced in the hippocampus in the REC group, but not in the cortex or the lung. nNOS levels were reduced in the hippocampus in the REC group. Contrary to our hypothesis, no difference was observed between the brain and the lung for the factors investigated. We suggest that at 2.5ATA and above, CNS and pulmonary oxygen toxicity may share similar mechanisms.