Immunologic unresponsiveness after gastric administration of human gamma-globulin: antigen requirements and cellular parameters.

Gastric administration of human gamma-globulin (HGG) into adult A/J mice leads to the establishment of an antigen-specific unresponsive state to subsequent parenteral challenge with HGG. An unresponsive state is induced in both helper T and B lymphocyte populations. Unresponsiveness in helper T cells is of longer duration than in B cells, lasting at least 9 wk after intragastric intubation.

Microwave irradiation and in vitro release of enzymes from hepatic lysosomes.

An exposure system for examining in vitro effects of microwave irradiation on cellular and subcellular components has been developed. The system was used to test the effect of 2.45-GHz CW microwaves on the release of two lysosomal enzymes.

Polyclonal B lymphocyte activation during Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Infection of A/J mice with Trypanosoma cruzi results in the polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes in vivo as assessed by the spontaneous plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to trinitrophenyl and to goat, equine, and sheep erythrocytes. The peak response to these antigens is found at 5 to 6 days of infection. Additionally, a polyclonal response to syngeneic erythrocytes can be detected in infected mice by using aged but not fresh indicator cells.

Ultrastructural evidence for the presence of "fibroclasts" and "myofibroclasts" in wound healing tissues.

We have observed, by light and electron microscopy, fibroblast-like cells which appear to be involved in collagen fiber and filament degradation. These cells are most prominent in the dermis of mature hypertrophic scars which were clinically observed to be in the remodeling phase of wound repair. Total incorporation of collagen filaments within cellular vacuoles, as seen by TEM, appears to precede the enzymatic degradation of the collagen.

B-lymphocyte activation with an extract of Nocardia brasiliensis.

An extract from the pathogenic actinomycete Nocardia brasiliensis was mitogenic for murine lymphocytes. This deoxyribonucleic acid-synthetic response of whole spleen cells peaked after 48 h in culture at concentrations of Nocardia extract ranging from 10 to 200 micrograms/ml. The extract appeared to be a mitogen for B lymphocytes since cultures of spleen cells from congenitally athymic nude (nu/nu) mice and of antithymocyte serum plus complement-treated spleen cells from conventional (+/+) mice responded as well as untreated spleen cells from normal +/+ mice.

Induction and mode of action of suppressor cells generated against human gamma globulin. II. Effects of colchicine.

The ability of colchicine (Col) to interfere with suppressor cells specific for the soluble protein antigen human gamma globulin (HGG) has been examined. This interference may be the mechanism of the adjuvanticity promoted by Col. When injected into A/J mice at the appropriate time and concentration, both Col and cyclophosphamide promoted an adjuvant increase in the plaque-forming cell response to 100 micrograms of immunogenic, aggregated HGG.

Role of pancreatic polypeptide in canine gastric acid secretion.

The interrelationships of canine pancreatic polypeptide (cPP) and gastric acid secretion were studied in dogs following infusion of histamine or pentagastrin. Pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid release 30-fold and simultaneously increased plasma cPP secretion by an average of 120 pg/ml. Although histamine stimulated gastric acid secretion to a comparable degree, it had no effect on plasma cPP levels.

Antigen-specific identification and cloning of hybridomas with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter.

Myeloma-spleen cell hybrids (hybridomas) producing antibody to mouse immunoglobulin allotypes have been labeled with fluorescent microspheres coupled with myeloma protein antigens. The ratio of specific to nonspecific microsphere binding by viable hybridoma cells was about 100:1. By using a modified fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), selected hybridoma cells in a mixture have been sorted individually into media in microculture wells, where, with thymocyte feeder cells, they developed into clones producing a desired monoclonal antibody.

Outpatient breast surgery under intercostal block anesthesia.

During the past 3 years, we have performed various breast operations in 320 patients under local anesthesia, using intercostal nerve block. The amount of local anesthetic solution required has been about 20 ml 1% lidocaine for blocking both sides, and an additional 24 ml of 0.5% lidocaine during the surgery.

Macrosomia. A proposed indication for primary cesarean section.

Fetal macrosomia (birthweight equal to or in excess of 4500 g) in a study of 110 affected infants was associated with excessive maternal weight, prolonged gestation, white race, multiparity, maternal diabetes, male fetus, and a previous macrosomic infant. The two most common obstetric complications associated with fetal macrosomia were postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia. One-minute Apgar score was less than 7 in 10.

Induction and mode of action of suppressor cells generated against human gamma globulin. I. An immunologic unresponsive state devoid of demonstrable suppressor cells.

A model of unresponsiveness to human gamma-globulin (HGG) which is maintained in the absence of demonstrable suppressor cells has been described. A/J mice were tolerized with deaggregated HGG purified from a variety of sources. The spleen cells from these tolerized mice were assessed for their ability to suppress the response of normal spleen cells to HGG when transferred into lethally irradiated mice.

Effect of aging on immune and tolerant states.

A model has been described for studying the effect of aging on the cellular events involved in the induction, maintenance, and termination of a central tolerant state representative of the natural tolerant state to self. This model may permit an approach to the examination of the immune status of subpopulations of T and B cells to self antigens during aging. Prelminary data with NBZ mice, which show signs of accelerated autoimmune disease, suggest a possible defect detected by changes in polyclonal activation of B cells.

Immunologic responsiveness of the C3H/HeJ mouse: differential ability of butanol-extracted lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evoke LPS-mediated effects.

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-protein complex extracted from the cell wall of Escherichia coli K235 by the butanol-water technique has been shown to evoke a mitogenic response in bone marrow-derived (B) lymphocytes from the C3H/HeJ mouse strain. These mice are resistant to the effects of LPS extracted with phenol. Therefore, the ability of butanol-extracted LPS to modulate a spectrum of C3H/HeJ B-cell functions was investigated.

Late problems in burns.

In summary, the commonest late physical complications of the burn injury have been reviewed and an approach to their management described. An understanding of the pathophysiology of the conditions is invaluable in planning one's approach to these problems. The techniques to control and correct chronic wound and hypertrophic scar and contractural deformities have been described.

Management of burns.

An overview of the management of the acutely burned patient has been described. Adherence to the sound principles of early resuscitation, appropriate nutrition, wound management, and rehabilitation can provide hope for many of the victims of this tragic injury. Complications encountered throughout the burn illness present unique and perplexing problems for the physician, who must utilize all the clinical wisdom and facility available in the management of such complex problems.

Two-color immunofluorescence using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter.

A technique for the analysis of fluorescein and rhodamine in a flow system using a single wavelength of excitation is described. Both optics and electronics are used to discriminate the fluorescein and rhodamine signals. This technique has been used to study the relationship between immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin D on mouse splenic lymphocytes.