Biomedical subjects

C S Munro

Publications and source records attributed to C S Munro.

80 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1987

The K veim response: still useful, still a puzzle.

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Humans↗

PubMed1987

Monoclonal antibodies distinguish macrophages and epithelioid cells in sarcoidosis and leprosy.

Existing anti-macrophage monoclonal antibodies are unable to differentiate between macrophages and epithelioid cells. In search of more precise reagents, we have applied recently developed antibodies to lesions of sarcoidosis and leprosy. UCHM1 and Leu-M3 stained both granulomas and surrounding histiocytes. However, in lesions with epithelioid granulomas there was a clear distinction between cells identified by RFD9 (epithelioid and giant cells) and RFD7 (macrophages in the surrounding mantle and normal tissue), whereas macrophages in the non-hypersensitivity granulomas of lepromatous leprosy were labelled by both the latter antibodies. In lung biopsies, alveolar macrophages were also labelled by both RFD7 and RFD9. These reagents may be useful for studying pathogenic mechanisms in granuloma formation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1986

Early cellular responses to intradermal injection of Kveim suspension in normal subjects and those with sarcoidosis.

In a detailed controlled study of the cellular response to Kveim suspension in vivo we used immunohistological and histochemical methods to examine cryostat sections of immature Kveim biopsy specimens in subjects with sarcoidosis and normal controls. Changes seen at 48 hours, at which time papular reactions have sometimes been reported, are described. Eight cases of sarcoidosis previously confirmed by a positive Kveim test were studied, in five of whom the test remained positive; plus two subjects with sarcoidosis studied prospectively; and four healthy controls. There were two main features of the 48 hour response: collagen disruption with associated histiocytes, which showed increased acid phosphatase activity; and perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes and small groups of dendritic cells. The T4:T8 ratios in the infiltrates were similar to those found in the peripheral blood of the subjects, and few lymphocytes showed evidence of activation. T lymphocytes were also seen free in the dermis and migrating to the epidermis. Small juxtacapillary clumps of dendritic cells, identified by NA1/34 (= OKT6; Langerhans' cells) and RFD1 (interdigitating cell) monoclonal antibodies, were found. The Langerhans' cells in the epidermis were, however, normal in number and distribution. These features, which were found in all groups, are not consistent with pre-existing hypersensitivity to Kveim suspension in sarcoidosis. Subsequent differences between sarcoid and normal subjects in the development of granulomas in the Kveim response may therefore relate to the different handling of the foreign material by the cells affected, rather than to differences in the early non-specific recruitment of the cells to the test site.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Assessment of biological activity of immunoglobulin preparations by using opsonized micro-organisms to stimulate neutrophil chemiluminescence.

We have used the ability of opsonised bacteria to stimulate luminol enhanced chemiluminescence of human neutrophils to examine the opsonic capabilities of normal and hypogammaglobulinaemic sera for four common bacterial pathogens. Preparations of human immunoglobulin modified for i.v. use have then been compared with unmodified Cohn Fraction II for their effectiveness in improving opsonization when added to antibody deficient sera in vitro. Hypogammaglobulinaemic sera exhibited impaired opsonisation of Haemophilus influenzae, and severely antibody deficient sera also opsonized Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa poorly. The opsonization of these organisms was improved by Cohn Fraction II, and by pH 4 and beta-propionolactone treated immunoglobulins, in descending order of effectiveness. Pepsin digested immunoglobulin was inactive, and in some cases impaired opsonic capacity. The opsonisation of Staphylococcus aureus by hypogammaglobulinaemic sera was near normal, and was not improved by any immunoglobulin. This technique, which assesses biological activity of immunoglobulin, is useful in comparing preparations, and may help to establish appropriate dosage and frequency for intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed1984