Molecular cloning of the MCP-3 chemokine gene and regulation of its expression.

We have isolated a cDNA (NC28) transcribed from a mRNA which is transiently induced in U937 promonocytic cells by PMA and super-induced by cycloheximide. NC28 cDNA encodes a new member of the chemokine family, MCP-3, recently purified from MG-63 osteosarcoma cells by Van Damme et al. [1].

Simultaneous quantitation of cytokine mRNAs in interleukin-1 beta stimulated U373 human astrocytoma cells by a polymerisation chain reaction method involving co-amplification with an internal multi-specific control.

The measurement of cytokine mRNA levels is of fundamental importance in the understanding of diverse pathological states. We present a simplification of a polymerase chain reaction-based technique which permits the simultaneous measurement of up to 20 cytokine mRNAs, together with those of several other cellular products, including beta 2-microglobulin and beta-actin. The technique makes use of internal standards bearing multiple PCR primer sites which are identical to those on the mRNAs to be assayed.

A human lymphocyte homing receptor, the hermes antigen, is related to cartilage proteoglycan core and link proteins.

Lymphocyte interactions with high endothelial venules (HEV) during extravasation into lymphoid tissues involve an 85-95 kd class of lymphocyte surface glycoprotein(s), gp90Hermes (CD44). We report here the cloning of cDNA for gp90Hermes expressed in a mucosal HEV-binding B lymphoblastoid cell line, KCA. Northern hybridization revealed the presence of three invariant RNA bands at 1.

The role of radiotherapy in the management of primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumors (Merkel cell or trabecular carcinoma): experience at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute (Melbourne, Australia).

Clinical presentation, treatment, and radiation response data are presented for 20 patients with primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumors (Merkel cell or trabecular carcinoma). Thirty-six sites were irradiated, 26 sites were local recurrences after surgery or metastases, only 3 primary tumors were irradiated de novo. In 22 out of 23 sites (96%) a complete response of measurable tumor was observed and 1 partial response (4%), an overall response rate of 100%.

Depressed exocytosis by rheumatoid neutrophils in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes have been isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls using Percoll gradient centrifugation. These cells have been tested for their ability to release superoxide anion and to undergo exocytosis following stimulation with heat-aggregated IgG. Monocytes from patients and controls react similarly in these assays but neutrophils from the patients release less beta-glucuronidase than do normal cells.

Levamisole in patients with recurrent herpes infection.

The effect of the immunomodulating drug levamisole was tested in 33 patients with frequently recurring attacks of herpes labialis or herpes genitalis. All patients had suffered monthly recurrent attacks for at least six months, but were otherwise healthy. Patients were randomly allocated to receive levamisole tablets, 2.

Age-related changes in localization of injected radiolabelled lymphocytes in the lymph nodes of antigen-stimulated mice.

The localization of i.v. injected syngeneic lymph node cells, radiolabelled with 51Cr or 75Se-L-selenomethionine, was studied in male CBA/H mice aged between 3 and 30 months.

Specific immune response in human skin carcinoma.

Eight out of nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma of skin have shown immunological reactivity against their own tumour cells by one or more tests with their sera or peripheral blood lymphocytes. The tests included membrane and cytoplasmic immunofluorescence, and, with cultured tumour, complement-dependent serum cytotoxicity and lymphocyte attack. One case examined in depth had an unusually conspicuous lymphocyte and plasma cell reaction on histological examination, and was positive by all four tests; a time-lapse cinephoto-micrographic record over seven days was obtained of the attack on the carcinoma cells in culture by the patient's lymphocytes.