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Biomedical subjects

C M Parker

Publications and source records attributed to C M Parker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A family of beta 7 integrins on human mucosal lymphocytes.

The heterodimeric protein complex recognized by the human mucosal lymphocyte 1 (HML-1) monoclonal antibody is expressed on 95% of intraepithelial lymphocytes but on only 1-2% of peripheral blood lymphocytes [Cerf-Bensusson, N., Jarry, A., Brousse, N., Lisowska-Grospierre, B., Guy-Grand, D. & Griscelli, C. (1987) Eur. J. Immunol. 17, 1279-1285]. We purified the smaller HML-1 subunit (105 kDa under nonreducing conditions) from hairy-cell leukemia cells and determined the N-terminal amino acid sequence of this chain. The 17 residues determined were identical to the deduced amino acid sequence encoded by an integrin beta 7 cDNA clone [Yuan, Q., Jiang, W.-M., Krissansen, G.W. & Watson, J.D. (1990) Int. Immunol. 2, 1097-1108]. Biochemical analysis of the larger HML-1 subunit (175 kDa under nonreducing conditions) suggested that it was a distinct member of the cleaved group of integrin alpha chains, which we designated alpha E. The beta 7 chain also was associated with the integrin alpha 4 subunit, suggesting that the HML-1 antigen (alpha E beta 7) and alpha 4 beta 7 constitute a beta 7 integrin family on mucosal lymphocytes. Interestingly, regulation of the expression of the HML-1 antigen was reciprocal to that of lymphocyte function-associated molecule 1 in the presence of transforming growth factor beta 1. We suggest that these beta 7 integrins may play a specific role in mucosal localization or adhesion and that the expression of the HML-1 antigen might be regulated by transforming growth factor beta 1 produced at or near epithelial tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence

Functional and structural analysis of VLA-4 integrin alpha 4 subunit cleavage.

The cell surface heterodimer VLA-4 (alpha 4 beta 1), a member of the integrin family of adhesion receptors, is involved in both cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesion. Unlike any other integrin alpha subunit, the intact (150 kDa) alpha 4 subunit of VLA-4 can sometimes be cleaved into two noncovalently associated fragments (80 and 70 kDa). Using biosynthetic and mixing experiments, we found that human alpha 4 cleavage is a regulated, compartmentalized event, occurring soon after maturation of the beta 1-associated alpha 4 subunit. Cleavage of alpha 4, which is increased following T cell activation, has been suggested to correlate with altered VLA-4 functions. To address directly the functional importance of alpha 4 cleavage, we have studied VLA-4-mediated adhesion functions in cells expressing intact alpha 4 in comparison with cells expressing cleaved alpha 4. For this purpose, we first sequenced the N terminus of the endogenously produced 70-kDa alpha 4 fragment and identified the alpha 4 cleavage site between Lys557-Arg558 and Ser559. To abolish cleavage, we converted Arg558 to Leu or Lys557 to Gln by site-directed mutagenesis of the alpha 4 cDNA and then transfected both mutant and wild type alpha 4 cDNAs into VLA-4-negative K562 cells. Whereas transfection with wild type alpha 4 cDNA yielded predominantly cleaved alpha 4 subunit, the Leu558-alpha 4 yielded only intact alpha 4 subunit, and Gln557-alpha 4 yielded mostly intact alpha 4 subunit. Transfectants with the intact or the cleaved alpha 4 were equally capable of engaging in VLA-4-dependent adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and to the Hep II fragment of fibronectin (40 kDa) and aggregated equally well in response to anti-alpha 4 antibodies. Thus, cleavage of the alpha 4 subunit in these transfectants did not alter any of the known VLA-4-mediated adhesion functions.

Amino Acid Sequence

Total skin electron beam radiation therapy for mycosis fungoides.

Forty-nine patients with biopsy-proven mycosis fungoides, Stages I-IV were treated using total skin electron beam irradiation (TSEBI). Total dose ranged from 600 cGy to 3,200 cGy. To evaluate the dose response relationship, patients were retrospectively divided into two groups. In Group I, 18 patients received a dose of 2,000 cGy or less, and in Group II, 31 patients received more than 2,000 cGy. The overall response rate was 87.7% with a 75.7% complete response and 12.2% partial response. Complete response was higher among patients with early stage disease: (Stage IA 1/1, Stage IB 23/35 (92%), Stage IIA 3/4 (75%), Stage IIB 4/8 (50%), Stage III 3/6 (50%), Stage IVA 1/1, Stage IVB 0/1, and unstaged group 2/3 (66.6%)). Patients treated with a higher total dose had a higher overall 5-year survival rate (Group I 38%, Group II 68%), longer median duration of complete response (Group I, 27 months; Group II, 35.3 months), slightly better complete response rate (72.2% for Group I, 77.4% for Group II), and lower recurrence rate (Group I, 94%; Group II, 83.9%) compared to patients with lower total dose. Complications from TSEBI were minimal. Total skin electron beam irradiation is effective in controlling early stage mycosis fungoides; however, a prospective study to evaluate optimum total dose is needed.

Adult

Evidence for extrathymic changes in the T cell receptor gamma/delta repertoire.

The germline repertoire of variable genes for the TCR-gamma/delta is limited. This, together with the availability of several V delta-specific and a C delta-specific mAbs, has made it possible to assess differences in the TCR-gamma/delta repertoire in man. TCR-gamma/delta cells expressing particular V gene segments have been previously shown to be localized in different anatomical sites. In this study, analysis of TCR-gamma/delta V gene segment usage performed on subjects from the time of birth through adulthood revealed striking age-related changes in the TCR-gamma/delta repertoire in peripheral blood. V delta 1+ gamma/delta T cells predominated in thymus as well as in peripheral blood at birth and then persisted as a relatively constant proportion of CD3+ PBL. However, V delta 2+ gamma/delta T cells that constitute a small proportion of the CD3+ cells in thymus and in peripheral blood at birth, then expand and account for the major population of gamma/delta T cells in PBL in adults. No parallel postnatal expansion of V delta 2+ cells in the thymus was observed, even when paired thymus-peripheral blood specimens were obtained on subjects between the ages of 3 d and 8 yr. The subset of V delta 2+ lymphocytes that was expanded in peripheral blood expressed high levels of CD45RO suggesting prior activation of these cells, consistent with the possibility that their expansion might have resulted from exposure to foreign antigens or superantigens. In contrast, V delta 1+ T cells in PBL showed no comparable increase in relative numbers and were either negative or expressed only low levels of CD45RO. Consistent with evidence for extrathymic peripheral expansion of selective TCR-gamma/delta subsets, no link between MHC haplotype and differences in the TCR-gamma/delta V gene usage between individuals was apparent, and identical twins displayed TCR-gamma/delta variable gene segment phenotypes that were strikingly different from one another. The elements that determine the TCR-gamma/delta repertoire in individuals are not known. It is possible that both thymic selection and extrathymic factors may influence the peripheral repertoire. Recently, TCR-gamma/delta+ lymphocytes have been shown to expand markedly in peripheral lymphoid tissues and infectious lesions in response to mycobacterial antigens, and a correlation between mycobacterial responses and TCR-gamma/delta V gene usage has been shown in mice. The data presented here demonstrated peripheral age-related changes in the gamma/delta repertoire and point to the importance of extrathymic expansion of specific gamma/delta subsets in generating the human TCR-gamma/delta repertoire.

Adult

Oral manifestations of cutaneous T cell lymphoma.

Oral manifestations of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) have received little attention in the dermatologic literature. The authors report two patients with lingual lesions. The histologic features are similar to those of the glabrous skin. A review of the 22 previously reported cases indicate a shortened survival. A retrospective review of 82 patients with CTCL treated at the authors' medical center identified only three with oral involvement. Radiation therapy offers effective palliation for these lesions.

Aged

Expression of human T cell receptor-gamma delta structural forms.

The human TCR-gamma delta occurs in three biochemically distinct forms (forms 1, 2bc, and 2abc). A 40-kDa TCR gamma-chain is disulfide-linked to the TCR delta-chain in form 1, whereas 40-kDa or 55-kDa TCR-gamma polypeptides are noncovalently associated with the TCR delta-chain in forms 2bc and 2abc, respectively. Sequence analysis of TCR-gamma cDNA clones indicates that form 1 utilizes the C gamma 1 gene segment, whereas forms 2bc and 2abc appear to use allelic C gamma 2 gene segments containing either two copies (b and c) or three copies (a, b, and c) of the CII exon, respectively. We transfected TCR-gamma cDNA encoding form 1 or form 2abc into the MOLT-13 cell line that expresses form 2bc. The transfected TCR gamma-chains associate with the resident MOLT-13 TCR-delta, normally part of form 2bc, to yield CD3-associated TCR-gamma delta heterodimers identical to those seen on the donor cell lines (form 1 or 2abc). These transfection experiments show directly that, 1) when a single TCR-delta subunit is available, the presence or absence of disulfide linkage between TCR gamma- and TCR delta-chains is controlled by the TCR gamma-chain, and 2) the difference in the amount of N-linked carbohydrate attached to the transfected TCR-gamma proteins of form 2bc vs form 2abc is influenced by the presence or absence of CII exon copy "a" which appears to alter the secondary and/or tertiary structure of these TCR gamma-chain constant regions, thereby affecting the attachment of N-linked glycans. In contrast to the similar structure and usage of C beta 1 and C beta 2, TCR-gamma delta forms show striking differences in structure and are not equally represented in peripheral blood. Although the role of each form is unknown, it is possible that variable or joining-gene segment selection events or functional differences account for their unequal usage.

Cell Line

Mycophenolic acid for psoriasis. A review of pharmacology, long-term efficacy, and safety.

In previous studies of up to 2 years' duration, mycophenolic acid has been shown to be an effective psoriasis suppressant. As the result of questions raised regarding the possible immunosuppressive and carcinogenic potentials of the drug, in addition to its apparent acute gastrointestinal side effects, widespread clinical trials were discontinued in 1977. We were given the unique opportunity of continuing to administer the drug on a compassionate-use basis to 85 patients for up to 13 years. In this review we report continued efficacy without dose escalation. Gastrointestinal side effects, prominent in the early years of the study, became infrequent. Although 11.6% of the patients developed uncomplicated zoster, no clinical evidence of immunosuppression was noted. The seven malignant neoplasms that arose in six of the patients were not unusual considering the age of the study population. Six patients died of conditions believed to be unrelated to drug therapy. We continue to believe that mycophenolic acid is an effective drug for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and that the risks of its long-term administration are acceptable. With appropriate clinical and laboratory monitoring it can be given safely to patients who cannot take methotrexate and who may not be candidates for PUVA, retinoids, or other systemic chemotherapy.

Adult

Large keratoacanthomas in difficult locations treated with intralesional 5-fluorouracil.

Keratoacanthoma is a benign tumor; however, it may cause massive destruction of normal tissue during its rapid growth phase. Intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been shown to be an effective treatment for keratoacanthoma. We have successfully treated five patients with large keratoacanthomas in difficult locations. There have been no recurrences during follow-up periods ranging from 18 to 45 months. Intralesional 5-FU may be ineffective for keratoacanthomas that are not rapidly proliferating.

Adult

Subchronic feeding study of decarboxyfenvalerate in rats.

Groups of 30 male and 30 female Fischer-344 rats were fed dietary concentrations of 0, 30, 100, 300, 3000, or 10,000 ppm decarboxyfenvalerate (DC-FEN) for up to 13 wk. An interim kill of 10 rats/sex X group was performed at 7 wk. Following 7 or 13 wk of dietary treatment, groups of rats were necropsied, which included evaluation of hemocellular, hemochemical, and uretic parameters, selected absolute and relative organ weights, and macroscopic and microscopic observations. DC-FEN did not affect mortality. Body weight was decreased in male rats fed 10,000 ppm DC-FEN. Statistically and toxicologically significant differences in clinicopathologic parameters were observed at either the highest or two highest exposure levels. Some statistically significant differences were noted in some hemocellular and/or hemochemical parameters at either 100 or 300 ppm. These subtle changes were either not dose-related, inconsistent, or not of sufficient difference to be determined to have biological significance. Absolute and relative liver weights of male and female rats fed greater than or equal to 300 ppm DC-FEN were all higher than control values except for absolute weights in female rats (300 ppm) at the interim kill. Consistent significant increases in absolute or relative kidney weights were observed in male and female rats fed 3000 or 10,000 ppm DC-FEN. Other statistically significant differences in absolute and/or relative organ weights were seen primarily where the higher doses had caused decreased carcass weight. Macroscopic treatment-related liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) was observed in male and female rats fed 3000 or 10,000 ppm DC-FEN. Only one female rat fed 300 ppm DC-FEN had hepatomegaly at the terminal kill. Significant treatment-related microscopic effects were limited to glomerulonephrosis in male and female rats fed 10,000 ppm and hepatocellular hypertrophy and other associated liver changes in male and female rats fed 3000 or 10,000 ppm DC-FEN. Liver effects at doses less than 3000 ppm were indicative of a physiologic adaptive response and were not toxicologically significant. Therefore, the biologically significant no-effect level was 300 ppm.

Animals

Neuropharmacologic and neuropathologic effect of fenvalerate in mice and rats.

B6C3F1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats displayed the characteristic signs of pyrethroid intoxication following single oral doses ranging from 56 to 320 and 133 to 1000 mg/kg fenvalerate, respectively. The LD50s for mice and rats were 180 and 776 mg/kg, respectively, with corn oil as the vehicle. Signs of neurologic deficit such as splayed gait, tremors, ataxia, and hind limb incoordination were observed at doses of greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg (mice) and greater than or equal to 133 mg/kg (rats) within 1-8 hr after dosing. These signs had disappeared in most animals within 72 hr. Slight peripheral nerve fiber damage was detected in surviving mice and rats sacrificed 10 days after dosing. The incidence and severity were dose related at doses greater than or equal to 56 and greater than or equal to 180 mg/kg; however, even at lethal doses, evidence was lacking for the presence of nerve lesions in several animals. Thus two distinct neurologic effects were observed: a reversible ataxia/incoordination and a neuropathologic effect manifested as sparse axonal damage in peripheral nerve.

Animals

Oncogenic evaluation of tetrachlorvinphos in the B6C3F1 mouse.

Groups of 80 male and 80 female B6C3F1 mice were fed diets containing 17.5, 64, 320, 1600, 8000, and 16000 ppm tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) for up to 103 weeks. Another group of 80 male and 80 female mice were fed TCVP (16000 ppm) that was used in a previous bioassay. One hundred-sixty male and 160 female mice served as the control group. Ten treated and 20 control mice/sex/group were killed at 6, 12, and 18 months. It was estimated that the study maximum-tolerated dose was exceeded by three- and sixfold in the 8000- and 16000-ppm dose groups, respectively. Consequently, these exposures produced excessive cytotoxicity and regenerative changes in the liver and kidneys which were associated with sex-hormonal imbalance and metabolic overload in liver. A significant decrease (15-40%) in body weight was observed in mice fed 8000 and 16000 ppm TCVP. These treated mice did not gain weight during the study. Reduced food consumption and caloric intake throughout the study were probably responsible for the increased survival and the decreased incidence of spontaneous neoplasia in mice fed 8000 and 16000 ppm TCVP. Classification of pathologic lesions observed in these high-dose groups differed among study and consulting pathologists. The consultant and Shell pathologists concluded that the liver and kidney changes were causally related to excessive toxicity which was manifest primarily by hepatocellular hyperplasia and renal tubular adenoma. Study pathologist in accordance with his classification found statistically significant increases in hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma, and renal tubular carcinoma in male mice fed 16000 ppm TCVP. The incidence of hepatic neoplasms as evaluated by the study pathologist in female mice fed 8000 and 16000 ppm TCVP although statistically significant was of questionable biologic significance when compared with historical female controls. The only statistically significant finding observed by the consulting pathologist was an increased incidence of renal tubular adenoma and renal tubular adenoma or carcinoma in male mice fed 16000 ppm TCVP. Use of results from these high-dose groups is contraindicated due to the many compromising factors affecting mice fed 8000 and 16000 ppm TCVP. TCVP was found not to be oncogenic in B6C3F1 mice at dose levels not exceeding the maximum tolerated dose.

Animals

Effect of vitamin E and other amelioratory agents on the fenvalerate-mediated skin sensation.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that dermal exposure to fenvalerate or other synthetic pyrethroid insecticides can produce a skin sensory response characterized by an itching/tingling sensation in humans and animals. The objective of this investigation performed in guinea pigs was to establish treatments which would be effective against pyrethroid-mediated skin sensation. Two classes of agents were tested. Barrier agents, which block penetration of substances through the skin, did not significantly reduce the fenvalerate-mediated skin sensations. Post-treatments with steroidal Dermolate, antihistamine Delamine or anti-inflammatory aspirin did not significantly reduce the pyrethroid-mediated skin sensation. However, Bicozene (a local anesthetic cream) and Tashan (a vitamin A, D, and E-containing cream) were effective in reducing the pyrethroid-mediated skin sensations. Prior (30 min and 5h) dermal application of vitamin E was found to be effective in significantly reducing the fenvalerate-mediated skin sensation; even when applied 29 h prior to fenvalerate exposure, there appeared to be a reduced skin response. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a pesticide synergist, reduced the fenvalerate skin sensations when applied either directly to the skin or in conjunction with the pyrethroid.

Anesthetics, Local

Pyrethroid-mediated skin sensory stimulation characterized by a new behavioral paradigm.

Occupational exposures to pyrethroids have been associated with skin sensory effects characterized by transient itching/tingling sensations. This effect had not been detected in "Draize" skin irritation tests and exists in the absence of visible skin irritation. The objective of this investigation was to develop an animal model to study this phenomenon. Guinea pigs were treated with pyrethroid solutions on one side of their shaved back and control substances on the other side. The animals responded by licking, rubbing, scratching, or biting the test sites and activity was quantified by counting the number of times the animals responded to pyrethroid or control treated sites. Animals responded to pyrethroid more than to control substances and this behavioral activity was apparently maximum during the first hour and essentially over by the fourth hour after treatment. The sensory response did not directly correlate with overt visible signs of skin irritation. However, a chemical irritant (oil of mustard) was able to restimulate the behavioral activity when applied within 24 hr after pyrethroid application. Skin sensory stimulation produced by cyano-containing synthetic pyrethroids was significantly greater than that produced by a non-cyano-containing pyrethroid. This behavioral model provides a quantitative means to evaluate pyrethroid nonerythematous skin sensory stimulation.

Anesthetics, Local