CD44 variant isoforms are involved in plasma cell adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells

Expression of CD44v9-containing isoforms (CD44v9) on myeloma plasma cells correlates with unfavorable prognosis, suggesting that CD44 variant molecules are involved in the disease process. In this study, the presence of CD44v on B cell lines from different stages of development was analyzed by flow cytometry and a role in adhesion to stromal cells from different tissues was evaluated in in vitro binding assays. CD44v3, v6 and v9 isoforms were exclusively expressed on plasma cell lines and CD44v9 expression correlated with IL-6-dependent plasma cell growth. Binding studies using CD44 isoform- specific reagents showed that CD44v6 and CD44v9 were involved in binding to bone marrow stromal cells, but not to in vitro synthesized ECM or hyaluronic acid. CD44v9-mediated plasma cell binding resulted in a significant induction of IL-6 secretion by bone marrow stromal cells. Large differences in quantitative plasma cell binding to stromal cells from different tissues were observed. These, however, could not be related to a differential use of CD44v in these binding processes. The role of CD44v9 in adhesion induced IL-6 secretion and its preferential expression on IL-6-dependent plasma cell lines may explain the previously observed correlation between CD44v9 expression and adverse prognosis in multiple myeloma.

CD44 isoforms distinguish between bone marrow plasma cells from normal individuals and patients with multiple myeloma at different stages of disease

CD44 variant isoforms (CD44v) have been shown to be important factors in adverse prognosis in hematological malignancies. To investigate whether CD44 expression is associated with malignant transformation in multiple myeloma, RNA and protein expression of CD44 standard (CD44s) and CD44v4, v6, v9, v10 containing isoforms was compared on bone marrow plasma cells from normal individuals and myeloma patients at different stages of disease. CD44s protein expression is strongly decreased on myeloma plasma cells and non-malignant B cells in affected bone marrow of myeloma patients, while no differences in CD44s expression were found between blood B cells from normal individuals and myeloma patients. CD44v isoforms were expressed on plasma cells in the majority of normal and myeloma samples analyzed. CD44v9 and v10 containing isoforms were differentially expressed on bone marrow plasma cells from normal individuals (predominantly CD44v9+v10+) and myeloma patients with stable (predominantly CD44v9-v10+) or progressive (predominantly CD44v9+v10- disease. Normal and myeloma plasma cells contained CD44 mRNA transcripts consisting of multiple CD44v exons. In addition, CD44v9 positive myeloma cells carried large CD44 transcripts. These results imply that detection of CD44v isoforms may be a valuable diagnostic tool for monitoring myeloma disease progression and response to treatment.

Immunohistochemical analysis of decalcified paraffin-embedded human bone marrow biopsies with emphasis on MHC class I and CD34 expression

AIMS

To identify the stromal structures and haematopoietic cell lineages in normal bone marrow. The optimal conditions were studied for the reactivity of a panel of antibodies, applicable to paraffin sections of decalcified trephine biopsies using antigen retrieval methods.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two methods of antigen retrieval (pepsin and acid citrate buffer) were tested. For the demonstration of most antigens and for reduction of background staining, heating in acid citrate buffer was preferred. In the case of elastase and von Willebrand Factor (factor VIIIrAg) pepsin pre-treatment was optimal, whereas Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) required no pretreatment. Staining patterns obtained after 48 h EDTA decalcification and short electrolytic decalcification were identical. Both methods allowed recognition of HLA-A and HLA-B antigens, isolated CD34+ cells, mono-histiocytic cells (CD68+), myeloid cells (elastase and myeloperoxidase), erythroid cells (glycophorin C) and of megakaryocytic cells (Factor VIIIrAg). A relative simple lymphocyte-subset analysis was possible in decalcified paraffin sections allowing recognition of B-cells (CD20+) and T-cells (CD3+ and CD45RO+) in frequencies comparable to frozen sections. Suitable stromal cell staining was achieved by vimentin and desmin antibodies, whereas the bone marrow capillary network was visualized by CD34, factor VIIIrAg and UEA-1.

CONCLUSIONS

This immunohistochemical study indicates that all cellular components of the haematopoietic microenvironment of the bone marrow can be identified in decalcified paraffin sections using antigen retrieval methods and that the time of decalcification can be reduced to 1-1.5 h.

The actin binding domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor is required for EGF-stimulated tissue invasion

NIH-3T3 fibroblasts expressing epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) lacking the actin binding domain (ABD) were analyzed for their EGF-induced capacity to invade a bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) monolayer. The fibroblasts display a reduction in the percentage of cytoskeleton-associated EGFRs. Furthermore, EGF-induced tyrosine kinase activity is unaffected by the mutation. Cells expressing the mutant EGFRs hardly invade a BMSC monolayer upon EGF stimulation in contrast to cells expressing wild-type EGFRs. Using the same cells no difference was observed in PDGF-induced invasion, which ligand was as potent in both cell types as EGF was in wild-type cells. Inhibition of both the phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K) and lipoxygenase pathways in wild-type cells mimicked the effect of the ABD deletion. Our results point to an important role for the ABD of the EGFR in EGF-induced tissue invasion.

Fibronectin distribution in human bone marrow stroma: matrix assembly and tumor cell adhesion via alpha5 beta1 integrin

Tumor cell interactions with fibronectin (FN) are important for the development of secondary tumors inside the bone marrow stroma. We studied and compared the in situ distribution of FN in paraffin-embedded human bone marrow sections and investigated the in vitro regulation of FN assemblage by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). Finally, the role of FN in the interaction of BMSC with tumor cells was studied. Fine elongated FN-positive cell extensions, probably of stromal cell origin, were observed as well as a limited amount of extracellular FN deposits in connective tissues around capillaries and sinusoids. In vitro studies, using the confocal laser scanning microscope, showed that BMSC produced a high amount of FN with a characteristic extracellular matrix formation in an extensive network. FN matrix formation was predominantly detected at contact sites between cultured BMSC. In in vitro cultures with low cell concentrations and in vivo with a limited number of stromal cell contacts only limited matrix was found. From previous studies it is known that the alpha5 beta1 integrin is involved in the regulation of FN assembly. Here the role of the alpha5-subunit of this integrin was investigated. By using two different monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the alpha5-subunit (2H6 and mAb16) the assembly of endogenous FN was completely blocked, indicating that these antibodies are directed against the active epitope. Another mAb (mAb11) against the alpha5-subunit did not affect the FN assemblage. Codistribution analysis of alpha5-subunits, alpha v-subunits, actin, and FN demonstrated that the alpha5 beta1 integrin is associated with FN and not with intracellular actin. Integrins alpha(v) beta1, alpha(v) beta3, and alpha(v) beta5, also ligands of FN, did not colocalize with FN. Codistribution of alpha v with the terminal ends of actin and not with FN indicates that alpha(v)-subunits are mainly directed to vitronectin rather than to FN. The dominant role of alpha5 beta1 in FN interaction is underlined by effective blocking of tumor cell adhesion with BMSC using anti-alpha5, anti-beta1, and anti-FN antibodies. These results emphasize the important role of alpha5 integrin subunit in FN matrix assembly in human BMSC and an exclusive role of alpha5 beta1 in the anchorage and regulation of FN-mediated adhesion processes in the bone marrow.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of cellular antigens of the cat defined by anti-human antibodies

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and some polyclonal rabbit sera directed against human antigens were studied on cryostat tissue sections of three cats using immunohistochemistry. Reactivity of the antibodies was tested on feline tonsil, intestine, thymus, lymph node and spleen with a three-step immunoperoxidase technique and compared with reactions on human thymus, lymph node and spleen. From a total of 95 antibodies, 28 gave reactivity comparable with that in human tissues. The remaining antibodies gave none or miscellaneous results. The positive reactions in the cat included antibodies directed to adhesion molecules (VLA-2 and VLA-4), to natural killer (NK) cells (CD56, CD57 and NCAM), to complement receptor CR1, to proliferation marker Ki-67 (MIB-1), to endothelial antigens (EN-4, PAL-E and von Willebrand factor) and to structural proteins like vimentin, desmin, collagen type IV and cytokeratin. The identification of these cross-reacting antibodies extends the spectrum of immunological reagents that are now available for the cat, and will thus contribute to the study of the feline immune system.

The B cell compartment of two chicken lines divergently selected for antibody production: differences in structure and function

In the present study differences in the B cell compartment of two chicken lines selected for either high (H) or low (L) antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) are investigated. In non-immunized chicks, flow cytometry revealed generally more circulating Ig+ leukocytes in the H line, while in the L line slightly more CD4+ and in week 5, more CD8+ cells were found. In the L line spleen more CD8+ were found and in the H line spleen more CD4+ cells. In week 6, half of the chicks were immunized. Both lines were similarly affected by immunization. Immunization reduced the percentages of the circulating T cell subpopulations, while Ig+ cells were enhanced, compared with non-immunized chicks. Histological determinations with specific mAbs on spleens of young, non-immunized chicks, showed large dense T cell areas in the L line, while in the H line more and larger germinal centres were found. In the H line, also, more B cells were found in the peri-ellipsoid lymphoid sheaths (PELS). No line differences in mononuclear phagocytes were found other than associated with line differences in numbers of PELS and germinal centres. After immunization with TNP-BSA, both higher numbers of TNP-specific antibody producing cells and higher levels of circulating antibody were found in the H line. Moreover, more TNP-specific plasma cells were found in non TNP-immunized H line chicks, than in the L line chicks. The H line had also higher ELISA-titers to KLH 5 days after immunization with KLH. Therefore it was concluded that selection for antibody response has affected the B cell compartment. The H line has relatively more B cells and the splenic structure of the H line differs from the L line, in the H line probably resulting in a more optimal organization for antibody response to T cell dependent antigens.

beta1-Integrins dominate cell traffic of leukemic cells in human bone-marrow stroma

Migration patterns of leukemic cells in bone marrow are largely regulated by cell contacts between leukemic cells and stromal cells or extra-cellular matrix. The mechanism of this interaction with bone-marrow stromal cells was studied in a human in vitro model. Migration behavior of erythroleukemia cell line K562, derived from a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia, was compared with that of the erythroleukemia cell line HEL92.1.7 and the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60 from acute leukemias. Interaction varied between low binding affinity (K562) to intensive cell interaction (HEL92.1.7) followed by invasion into the stromal cell monolayer. Some of the HL60 cells adhered to stromal cells, while the remainder migrated into the stromal cell monolayer. The role of adhesion molecules in these cell interactions was determined. Distinct expression of beta1-integrins ICAM-1, CD44 and VCAM-1 was detected on the different cell lines. Inhibition studies pointed to a dominant role of VLA-4- and VLA-5-mediated interactions. K562 lacked VLA-4 and a low binding affinity of the VLA-5 on these cells resulted in an absence of binding to the bone-marrow stroma. These results indicate the VLA-5/fibronectin, VLA-4/fibronectin and the VLA-4/VCAM-1 interaction pathways between leukemic cells and bone-marrow stroma.

Effect of recombinant porcine somatotropin and monoclonal antibody directed to ovine somatotrophic hormone on nitrogen retention and immune parameters in pigs

Single and combined effects of administration and withdrawal of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) and an enhancing murine antiovine growth hormone monoclonal antibody (OA15) on nitrogen retention, and serological and immunological measurements in pigs were examined in a placebo-controlled experiment. Thirty-six barrows were allotted to one of four treatments: control, rpST, OA15, and OA15+rpST. The trial phase was four balance periods: a preperiod, two periods of treatment, and a postperiod. Weight- and nitrogen gain were higher for the rpST group by 13% (P < .01) and 15% (P < .001), for the OA15 group by 8% (P < .05) and 9% (P < .05), and for the OA15+rpST group by 25% (P < .001) and 20% (P < .001), respectively compared with the control group. During the postperiod, weight gain of the OA15- and the OA15+rpST group was 23% (P < .001) and 22% (P < .001) lower than that of the control group. Nitrogen gain during the postperiod was decreased by 19% (P < .01) for the OA15 group compared with the control group. Single or combined administration of rpST or OA15 did not affect (P > .10) cellular constituents in the blood of all groups during the periods of observation. Animals treated solely with rpST mounted a humoral immune response directed to rpST. This anti-rpST antibody response was, however, decreased (P < .01) in barrows treated with rpST and OA15 simultaneously. Also, a slight anti-rpST antibody response was noticed in barrows solely treated with OA15.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations in thymus, spleen, and peripheral blood of specific pathogen free pigs from 1 to 40 weeks of age

Using flow-microfluorometry analysis and cluster determinant (CD) markers, we studied how lymphocyte subpopulations in lymphoid organs of specific-pathogen-free pigs developed in pigs from birth to young adulthood. Cell suspensions of the thymus and spleen were prepared and peripheral blood cells were collected at 1, 4, 10, and 40 weeks of age. Tissue sections of the thymus and spleen were stained with monoclonal antibodies directed against CD2 and immunoglobulin to localize the CD2-Ig- lymphocyte subpopulation. In the thymus, only limited changes were observed in the lymphocyte subpopulations with time. Most thymocytes expressed CD4 or CD8 or both. Most CD2-Ig- cells or, 'null cells', (5-13%) were observed in the medulla of the thymus and probably represented a recirculating cell type. In the spleen and blood the percentage of CD2+ and Ig+ cells increased significantly with time, the former increasing from about 30-60% owing to an increase of CD8+ cells. Therefore, the selective increase of the CD8+ population also caused the CD4/CD8 ratio to change. Although CD2+ cells in the spleen and blood are positive for CD4 or CD8, but not for both, quantities of CD4+ CD8+ cells were also observed. Half of the lymphocytes in the spleen and blood were typed as null cells at 1 week of age and decreased in proportion to the increase of the CD8+ and Ig+ cells. Nevertheless, quantities of null cells were still present in the spleen blood at 40 weeks of age. Almost all these were located in the red pulp of the spleen. This study indicates an effect of age and housing conditions on the distribution of the lymphocyte subpopulations, and especially on the CD8+ subset. Quantities of CD4+CD8+ cells as well as CD4-CD8- were observed in blood, but also in spleen of pigs. The function of high numbers of null cells directly after birth are discussed.

Interaction of tumour cells with cultured stromal cells from human bone marrow

Adhesion of tumour cells to cultured bone marrow stromal cells has been studied in an in vitro model system. Stromal cells were isolated from bone marrow aspirates. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopical analysis revealed a uniform cell monolayer of myofibroblastic cells, expressing fibroblast antigens and smooth muscle actin. Cell interactions with tumour cells lines showed different patterns. The K562 cells bound in low numbers to stromal cells. HEL-DR- and HL60 cells adhered to stromal cells showing an enlarged cell contact area (spreading) attenuated by distinct contact sites and they invaded the monolayer. Adhesion molecules, important for cell contacts, were detected on tumor cells. Different VLA antigens were detected on tumour cells, but on stromal cells only VLA-5 and CD29 were found. In vitro inhibition studies with mAbs against adhesion molecules indicated two major pathways for binding of tumour cells to stromal cells: VCAM-1/VLA-4 and fibronectin/VLA-5. Variation in inhibition of mAbs to VLA-4 and VCAM-1 indicated the existence of critical epitopes in the adhesion of tumour cells.

An evaluation of immune competence in different swine breeds

The purpose of this investigation was to establish parameters for the evaluation of immune competence in different swine breeds. Cellular and humoral immune reactivity against keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) was analysed using the lymphocyte stimulation test (LST), a skin allergy test and the IgG response. Various characteristics of the KLH-specific immune response were studied in 988 sows of four breeds. KLH-specific immune responses showed considerable variability. The applied statistical model explained 63 to 73 per cent of this variation. Genetic influences, expressed as the heritability estimate, were rather high for the IgG response (0.33), as well as for the skin reaction (0.26) and the LST (0.41-0.45). A positive correlation between the various immune parameters was found. Selective breeding for immune responsiveness seems to be feasible, but selection for cellular as well as humoral immune reactivity also seems to be possible with KLH as the antigen.

Binding of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 to follicular dendritic cells in vitro is complement dependent

The authors studied the binding in vitro of HIV-1 virus particles, conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, to follicular dendritic cells (FDC) isolated from human tonsils. Analysis was done using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and immunogold electron microscopy. The focus of study was on the effect of serum from various origins, including pooled fresh serum and heated serum from control donors and pooled heated serum from HIV-1-infected patients (containing anti-HIV-1 antibodies). In the presence of heated serum, either from controls or from HIV-1-infected patients, the fluorescence signal in flow cytometry was similar to the background value. In the presence of fresh serum, the signal was substantially increased, and an even higher signal was observed in the presence of fresh serum and serum from HIV-1-infected patients. This high fluorescence signal was also found in the presence of serum depleted of complement factor C5, but not with serum deficient in complement factor C3. The binding of HIV-1 virions to FDC in the presence of fresh serum was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy on cytospot preparations. After quenching of the extracellular fluorescence with trypan blue, the fluorescence was reduced to about 30% of the initial value, indicating that most of bound fluorescent virions were present extracellularly. Similar experiments using blood mononuclear cells showed that fluorescent HIV-1 particles after binding to these cells were present intracellularly. This flow cytometry data was confirmed in immunogold electron microscopy demonstrating that most HIV-1 gag p24 or FITC label was present at the outside of FDC and on adherent virus particles. We conclude that HIV-1 virions adhere to FDC in vitro in a complement component C3-dependent way. Anti-HIV-1 antibodies in serum from HIV-1 infected patients enhance binding but, by itself, are unable to mediate binding.

Binding of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 to follicular dendritic cells in vitro is complement dependent

The authors studied the binding in vitro of HIV-1 virus particles, conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, to follicular dendritic cells (FDC) isolated from human tonsils. Analysis was done using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and immunogold electron microscopy. The focus of study was on the effect of serum from various origins, including pooled fresh serum and heated serum from control donors and pooled heated serum from HIV-1-infected patients (containing anti-HIV-1 antibodies). In the presence of heated serum, either from controls or from HIV-1-infected patients, the fluorescence signal in flow cytometry was similar to the background value. In the presence of fresh serum, the signal was substantially increased, and an even higher signal was observed in the presence of fresh serum and serum from HIV-1-infected patients. This high fluorescence signal was also found in the presence of serum depleted of complement factor C5, but not with serum deficient in complement factor C3. The binding of HIV-1 virions to FDC in the presence of fresh serum was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy on cytospot preparations. After quenching of the extracellular fluorescence with trypan blue, the fluorescence was reduced to about 30% of the initial value, indicating that most of bound fluorescent virions were present extracellularly. Similar experiments using blood mononuclear cells showed that fluorescent HIV-1 particles after binding to these cells were present intracellularly. This flow cytometry data was confirmed in immunogold electron microscopy demonstrating that most HIV-1 gag p24 or FITC label was present at the outside of FDC and on adherent virus particles. We conclude that HIV-1 virions adhere to FDC in vitro in a complement component C3-dependent way. Anti-HIV-1 antibodies in serum from HIV-1 infected patients enhance binding but, by itself, are unable to mediate binding.

Epitopes of human immunodeficiency virus regulatory proteins tat, nef and rev are expressed in skin in atopic dermatitis

We extend our previous documentation that epitopes of HIV regulatory proteins tat, rev, and nef are expressed in tissue from uninfected individuals by the immunohistochemical analysis of normal skin (n = 10) and skin in some selected inflammatory dermatoses including urticaria (n = 6), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 6), and atopic dermatitis (affected skin, n = 10, and after epicutaneous patch test for allergens, n = 8). A rabbit antibody to HIV-2 tat did not show immunolabeling of skin. Blood vessel endothelium was immunolabeled by one of two antibodies applied to HIV-1 tat, by an antibody to HIV-1 rev, and by two antibodies to HIV-1 nef. In addition one of the anti-nef antibodies labeled Langerhans cells. The anti-rev antibody labeled Langerhans cells and melanocytes in the epidermis, and dendritic cells in the dermis. The labeling of these skin components did not differ in prevalence between controls and groups of dermatosis. For other components, diseased skin conditions especially atopic dermatitis showed additional labeling. In affected skin, keratinocytes were labeled by antibodies to rev and one of two antibodies to nef. Skin after epicutaneous allergen patch testing also showed a statistically significantly increased prevalence of immunolabeling of dendritic cells and Langerhans cells by one of the anti-tat antibodies. We conclude that skin components show expression of epitopes recognized by antibodies to HIV-1 tat, rev, and nef; this expression is more extensive in atopic dermatitis than in normal skin, and can be further increased after epicutaneous allergen patch testing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Host cell membrane proteins on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 after in vitro infection of H9 cells and blood mononuclear cells. An immuno-electron microscopic study

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected H9 and blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were studied by immunogold electron microscopy for the presence of HIV-1 gag p24 protein, env gp41 and gp120 proteins, and host cell molecules CD4, CD11a, CD25, CD54, CD63, HLA class I and HLA-DR. Uninfected H9 cells and MNC membranes labelled for CD4, HLA class I and class II, and, at low density, CD11a and CD54; lysosomal structures in the cytoplasm labelled for CD63. The infected cell surface showed immunolabelling for HIV-1 proteins, as did budding particle-like structures. Immunogold labelling of the cell membrane for CD4 was almost non-existent. The level of immunolabelling for CD11a and CD54 on infected cells was greater than that on uninfected cells; this is presumably related to a state of activation during virus synthesis. Budding particle-like structures and free virions in the intercellular space were immunogold-labelled for all host cell markers investigated. This was confirmed by double immunogold labelling using combinations of HIV-1 gag p24 labelling and labelling for the respective host cell molecule. We conclude that virions generated in HIV-1-infected cells concentrate host-derived molecules on their envelope. Also molecules with a prime function in cellular adhesion concentrate on the virion.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVsm) infection of cynomolgus monkeys: effects on follicular dendritic cells in lymphoid tissue

We studied follicles in sections of lymph nodes and spleen from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) after infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVsm), by (immuno)histology and (immunogold) electron microscopy. Also isolated follicular dendritic cells (FDC) were investigated. Histology showed ranged from follicular hyperplasia to follicle fragmentation. FDC showed desmin and vimentin, characteristic of mesenchymal cells. Except for two animals who got experimental chemotherapy in the first postinfection period, the cells expressed SIV gag p28 protein. Electron microscopy showed SIVsm-like particles in the germinal centers. A number of cell types in the germinal center, including FDC, showed tubuloreticular structures, indicative of alpha-interferon synthesis during an antiviral response. In immunogold electron microscopy, SIV p28 label was observed on the surface of FDC, on SIVsm-like particles, and in the cytoplasm of macrophages. A relatively high density of CD8-positive cells (T cytotoxic-suppressor phenotype) was observed around and in germinal centers, especially areas depleted of FDC. Cells immunoreactive for serine esterase granzyme-B, a protein occurring in granules of cytotoxic cells, occurred around germinal centers, but not in germinal centers at areas where FDC and SIV p28 label localized. This argues against a role of cytotoxic T cells in mediating follicle destruction.

Effect of vitamin E and fat source in sows' diets on immune response of suckling and weaned piglets

Thirty-six 7-mo-old gilts were used to study the effects of dietary vitamin E and fat source (5% sunflower oil or animal fat) in pregnant and lactating sow diets on serum vitamin E concentration and on cell-mediated and humoral immune response in suckling and weaned piglets. Six gilts each received one of six diets throughout pregnancy and lactation. The basal diets (13 mg alpha-tocopherol/kg diet) were supplemented with dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate to 48 and 136 mg alpha-tocopherol/kg of feed (average analyzed values). After weaning (at 4 wk of age) all pigs received identical diets (20 mg of alpha-tocopherol/kg feed). One week after weaning, pigs were immunized (i.m. with ovalbumin and tetanus toxoid) and antibody production was measured. Blood samples were taken immediately after birth, at 1 wk after birth, at weaning, and at four weekly intervals after weaning. Samples were analyzed for alpha-tocopherol concentration, total number of leukocytes, T- and B-lymphocytes, lymphocyte stimulation with concanavalin A, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin concentrations. It was concluded that a high vitamin E level in the sow's diet increased serum vitamin E concentration of 1-wk-old pigs (P less than .05). Immune response against ovalbumin was increased (P less than .05) at 1 wk of age after immunization for weaned pigs from sows fed the high level of vitamin E. Also, the phagocytic measures of pigs at 1 wk of age were increased by the medium vitamin E level (P less than .05). Fat sources in the sow's diet had no consistent effect on the immunological measures of pigs.

The heterogeneity of mononuclear phagocytes in lymphoid organs: distinct macrophage subpopulations in the rat recognized by monoclonal antibodies ED1, ED2 and ED3

In the present study, a set of three monoclonal antibodies is described, each of which recognizes cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage in the rat. The tissue distribution, in particular in lymphoid organs, of each of the three monoclonals is determined by immunoenzyme histochemistry on cryostat sections, as well as on cell suspensions. Results show that ED1 recognizes a cytoplasmic antigen in monocytes and in most macrophages, free and fixed. ED2 and ED3 recognize membrane antigens of tissue macrophages, discriminating between distinct subpopulations of macrophages, each with a characteristic localization in the compartments of lymphoid organs. No other cell types except cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system are positive for any of the three monoclonals. Possible relations between the macrophages recognized by this set of monoclonals and dendritic cells are discussed.

GENETICS OF KIDNEY ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL IN DOGS

The relevance of matching for the serologically defined (SD) and lymphocyte-defined (LD) antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) for renal allograft survival was evaluated in a dog model. Kidney recipients were treated with a standard regimen of immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, 2 mg/kg body wt, and prednisolone, 1 mg/kg body wt, daily i.v.) after transplantation. In seven of the eight SD- and LD-identical beagle littermate donor-recipient pairs (DRPs), and in all seven SD- and LD-identical beagle nonlittermate DRPs, kidney function remained normal for the period of 150 days during which immunosuppressants were given. Of the 8 beagle littermate DRPs differing in one haplotype and all 25 unrelated mismatched mongrel DRPs, kidney function deteriorated during immunosuppressive therapy, and most of the recipients died eventually from graft rejection. Thus, it seems that, in moderately immunosuppressive dogs, non-DLA incompatibilities rarely, if ever, cause rejection, whereas DLA incompatibilities almost always do so. The data differ from those obtained in a previous study in nonimmunosuppressed dogs, in which non-DLA incompatibilities seemed to be as strong as DLA incompatibilities in this respect. Differences in minor histocompatibility antigens can apparently be overcome more easily by immunosuppressive drug therapy than differences in major histocompatibility antigens. After the gradual complete withdrawal of immunosuppression, 11 of the 15 matched littermate and nonlittermate DRPs survived for another 150 days or more, implying that some kind of unresponsiveness was induced in those dogs.