Immunosuppressive properties of human placenta: study of supernatants from short-term syncytiotrophoblast cultures.

Using collagenase and mechanical treatment to attempt to eliminate cellular contamination such as macrophages and decidual cells, trophoblast enriched cell suspensions were isolated from the human placenta. With a view to assessing the role of trophoblast in impairing maternal rejection of the fetus, supernatants (SPl4) were prepared from these placental cells after short-term culture (4 h). The immunosuppressive activity of these supernatants was studied following application to mitogen-stimulated human lymphocyte cultures and mixed lymphocyte cultures.

Immunomodulating activities associated with the cytosol fraction of a 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat fibrosarcoma--II. Association with polyamine complexes.

This paper characterizes the molecular nature of the factors present in cytosol from F-344 rat McFiFi2(s) fibrosarcoma cells (FiCF) which mediate inhibition of PHA-induced lymphoproliferative responses. These are polyamines (spermine/spermidine) conjugated to different protein carriers. Interaction of these complexes with polyamine oxidase (PAO) present in fetal calf or rat serum is responsible of the suppression observed.

Detection of HTLV-I (human T-cell lymphotropic virus, type I) proviral DNA in leukemic cells from a French patient with Sezary syndrome.

Human T-lymphotropic type I (HTLV-I) proviral sequences were detected in leukemic cells of a patient living in Marseilles (south of France) and suffering from Sezary syndrome. He did not have any travel history outside France and did not receive blood transfusion or hepatitis B vaccination. This case of HTLV-I positive Sezary syndrome is the first one described outside the known endemic regions for HTLV-I.

Immunoregulatory activities of human trophoblasts mediated by polyamine complexes.

In a previous publication we described the presence in human placenta (HP) of immunosuppressive factors inhibiting the lymphoproliferative responses to mitogen. The results of further study reported herein indicate that the substance involved is of a syncytiotrophoblastic origin, that it is thermostable to 100 degrees C for 1 hr, and of low molecular weight, i.e.

Effect of age on different receptors and functions of phagocytic cells.

Different tests were performed on 15 young (age between 17 and 39) and 13 older (62-83) subjects. Blood polymorphs and monocytes were separately tested for ingestion of 3 different particle species and stimulation of superoxide anion production. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the serum concentrations of 10 proteins possibly related to inflammatory processes were also determined.