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Biomedical subjects

D Mann

Publications and source records attributed to D Mann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hippocampal and neocortical ubiquitin-immunoreactive inclusions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with dementia were found to have ubiquitin-immunoreactive (IR) inclusions in the dentate granule cells of the hippocampus. These inclusions were also present in some patients with minor cognitive changes but otherwise typical ALS. Ubiquitin-IR inclusions were also found in neurons of superficial layers of the frontal and temporal cortex and in the entorhinal cortex in patients with ALS and dementia. These ubiquitin-IR inclusions were non-argyrophilic, and were not labelled by antibodies which identify Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles and Pick bodies, nor were they typical of cortical Lewy bodies. Our findings indicate that ubiquitin-IR inclusions in small neurons of the hippocampus, entorhinal area and neocortex are a characteristic feature of degeneration of non-motor cortex in ALS, and are particularly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia of frontal lobe type.

Adult

A method for using serum or plasma as a source of DNA for HLA typing.

A simple method for obtaining DNA from serum and plasma is described. Using appropriate primer pairs the polymorphic segments of HLA class II genes were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from this DNA, and typed using allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. When compared with DNA obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes, the efficiency of the PCR was only minimally compromised and could be augmented by increasing the number of amplification cycles and/or by the addition of glycerol to the reaction mixture. This method serves as a reasonable alternative when no other source of DNA is available.

Base Sequence

The use of DNA heteroduplex patterns to map recombination within the HLA class II region.

Differential DNA heteroduplex patterns were used to investigate inheritance of HLA class II region genes in a family where a living related kidney transplant was under consideration. Serologic typing of the family members for HLA class I (HLA-A, B, and C) and class II (HLA-DR and DQ) alleles indicated that the patient (109) and one sibling (126) had inherited the same maternal and paternal HLA alleles. However, a strong reciprocal mixed lymphocyte response implied that these two individuals were not completely HLA identical. Serologic typing for HLA-DQ was confirmed by allele-specific oligonucleotide typing family members for HLA-DQ alpha and beta genes. To assess a possible nonidentical gene(s), DNA was amplified from all family members at the second exon of the DR beta, DQ alpha, DP alpha, and DP beta genes and the products were analyzed by DNA heteroduplex formation. This method showed that individuals 109 and 126 were identical at DR and DQ but differed at DP. This difference was confirmed by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization and indicated that 126 had inherited a recombinant maternal chromosome with a cross-over occurring in the region between the DQ beta and DP alpha genes. These data demonstrate the applicability of DNA heteroduplex patterns in establishing identity-nonidentity of alleles in the major histocompatibility complex.

Base Sequence

Typing of HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 using DNA single-strand conformation polymorphism.

The technique of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), which is capable of distinguishing DNA sequence variability, was adapted to the identification of the HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles. Eight DQA1 alleles and 12 DQB1 alleles were distinguished by amplifying the second exon of the genes in the presence of radioactive deoxynucleotide, denaturing the products with heat, and separating the single strands by electrophoresis in nondenaturing gels. For DQA1, it was possible to distinguish the eight alleles with standard bis-acrylamide or with a Hydrolink gel matrix. Twelve DQB1 alleles were identified by a protocol employing a combination of oligohybridization and SSCP using products amplified by specific DQB1 primers.

Alleles

A curriculum database with boolean natural-language searching in HyperCard.

A curriculum database including both natural-language and keyword searching was developed to assist faculty in curriculum research and reform. HyperCard (with extensions) on the Apple Macintosh provides a flexible single-user or networked environment for entering, indexing, searching and retrieving content in detailed faculty notes for the instructional activities in a four-year predoctoral curriculum.

Curriculum

Human bronchial epithelial cells transformed by the c-raf-1 and c-myc protooncogenes induce multidifferentiated carcinomas in nude mice: a model for lung carcinogenesis.

We have previously described the neoplastic transformation of immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) by the combination of the c-raf-1 and c-myc protooncogenes and the concomitant induction of neuron-specific enolase mRNA expression (A. Pfeifer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 86: 10075-10079, 1989). In this paper we describe the morphological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical characteristics of the primary c-raf-1/c-myc tumors, xenografts of these tumors, and tumors that originated from cell lines of the primary neoplasm. The tumors were morphologically characterized by the appearance of desmosomes and tonofilaments, microvilli, and dense core granules representing markers of squamous, glandular, and neuroendocrine differentiation, respectively. A total of 11 of 13 tumors were positive by immunohistochemical techniques for neuron-specific enolase, serotonin (nine of 13), and calcitonin (six of 13). Keratins were expressed in 11 of 13 tumors, and while specific keratins (K5, K7, K16/K17) decreased, there was an increase of vimentin in the tumor cells. Gastrin-releasing peptide immunoreactivity was detectable in a small number of tumors (five of 13). BEAS-2B cells transfected with the c-raf-1 and c-myc protooncogenes and cell lines established from the primary tumors expressed major histocompatibility Class II antigen which has been found on small cell lung carcinoma cells. The tumors induced by the c-raf-1 and c-myc protooncogenes resemble the multidifferentiated phenotype of small cell lung cancer frequently detected in vivo and present a defined model to study the relation between molecular markers, phenotypical appearance, and response to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation.

Adenocarcinoma

The Q7 alpha 3 domain alters T cell recognition of class I antigens.

In this study we have analyzed the role of the alpha 3 domain of class I molecules in T cell recognition. Using the laboratory engineered molecules LLQQ (alpha 1/alpha 2 from Ld, alpha 3, and phosphatidyl inositol (PI) linked C terminus from Q7) and LLQL (alpha 1/alpha 2 from Ld, alpha 3 from Q7, transmembrane (TM) and cytoplasmic domains from Ld) we show that these molecules are not recognized by primary Ld-specific CTL. The cell membrane expression of both Ld and LLQL are upregulated by co-culture with an exogenously supplied murine cytomegalovirus-derived peptide indicating that the Q7 alpha 3 domain does not interfere with binding of Ag to alpha 1/alpha 2. However, only peptide pulsed Ld but not LLQL target cells are recognized by Ld-restricted-peptide specific CTL. In contrast to the above results, LLQL and LLQQ molecules can be recognized by bulk alloreactive anti-Ld CTL and 2/3 of CTL clones derived from in vivo primed mice. The fact that these secondary CTL recognize LLQQ indicates that a PI linkage is permissive for presentation of class I epitopes to alloreactive CTL. These secondary CTL are resistant to blocking at the effector stage by mAb against CD8 and express relatively low levels of membrane CD8 molecules compared to CTL from unprimed mice. Further, culture of unprimed CTL precursors in the presence of CD8 mAb also allows for the generation of CD8-independent CTL that recognize LLQL. Taken together, these data indicate that the alpha 3 domain of Q7 (Qa-2) prevents CD8-dependent CTL from recognizing Ld, regardless of whether the class I molecule is attached to the cell surface by a PI moiety or as a membrane spanning protein domain. We hypothesize that this defect in recognition is most likely due to an inability of CD8 to interact efficiently with the Q7 alpha 3 domain and could account for why Q7 molecules do not serve as restricting elements for virus and minor H-Ag-specific CTL.

Animals

Common sequence in HIV 1 GP41 and HLA class II beta chains can generate crossreactive autoantibodies with immunosuppressive potential early in the course of HIV 1 infection.

We have previously reported the identification of highly conserved homologous regions located in the carboxy terminus of the HIV 1 gp41 (aa 837-844), and the amino-terminal of the beta chain of all human HLA class II antigens (aa 19-25). Murine monoclonal antibodies raised against synthetic peptides from these homologous regions bound not only to the isolated peptides, but also to "native" HLA class II molecules on cells. Screening of sera from HIV 1 infected individuals revealed high frequency of sera (35%) containing anti-class II crossreactive antibodies (CRAb), not only in AIDS patients, but also in early, asymptomatic patients. The CRAb containing sera caused potent inhibition of normal CD4-bearing cells' proliferative responses to tetanus toxoid in vitro. They could also kill class II bearing cells by ADCC. The possible contribution of these antibodies to the establishment of immunodeficiency state in HIV 1 infected individuals and/or to disease progression, was examined in two clinical studies: I. Asymptomatic patients were tested in parallel for their PBL responses to flu/tetanus, HLA alloantigens, and PHA (proliferation and IL2 production), and for the presence of anti-class II CRAb. About 50% of these patients showed a selective loss of their in vitro responses to recall antigens (flu/tetanus), which depend on CD4+ cells, while still responding to PHA and ALLO. Interestingly, positive correlation was found (P less than 0.001) between patients' lack of responsiveness to flu/tetanus and the presence in their sera of anti-class II CRAb. II. Retrospective study of HIV 1-infected hemophiliacs, suggest that patients with high titers of CRAb early in the disease progressed faster to full blown disease.

Amino Acid Sequence

Production losses from mastitis: carry-over from the previous lactation.

The study examined whether elevation in SCC in the second lactation was associated with reduced milk production in the third lactation. Lactation records from 10,705 Holstein cows from 770 herds were taken from the Dairy Records Processing Center at Raleigh. Cows in the data set were selected so that no SCC test in the first lactation was elevated above a linear score of 4.5 (no mastitis in the first lactation). Using actual and mature equivalent milk production in the first lactation as a baseline, effects of elevated SCC on production in the second and third lactations were examined using linear regression. The effect of high SCC during a cow's current lactation was found to be essentially the same as previously reported by other investigators. An increase in the lactation average linear score of 1.0 was associated with a decrease of approximately 200 kg of milk per lactation. Limited carry-over effect of elevated SCC during the second lactation was found in the third lactation. For third lactation milk production, the effect of increased SCC during the preceding (second) lactation was only about 20 to 30% as much as the effect of SCC increases in the third lactation.

Animals

Central nervous system magnesium deficiency.

The central nervous system concentration of magnesium (Mg++) appears to have a critical level below which neurologic dysfunction occurs. Observations presented suggest that the interchange of the Mg++ ion between the cerebrospinal fluid, extracellular fluid, and bone is more rapid and dynamic than is usually believed. This is especially so when the hypertrophied parathyroid gland is associated with significant skeletal depletion of Mg++ as judged by history rather than serum level. Magnesium, much like calcium, has a large presence in bone and has a negative feedback relationship with the parathyroid gland. A decline in central nervous system Mg++ may occur when the skeletal buffer system orchestrated largely by the parathyroid glands is activated by an increase in serum calcium. Observations in veterinary medicine and obstetrics suggest that the transfer of Mg++ from the extracellular fluid into bone during mineralization processes may be extensive. If the inhibition of the hypertrophied parathyroid gland is prolonged and the skeletal depletion of Mg++ extreme, serious neurologic symptoms, including seizures, coma, and death, may occur. Noise, excitement, and bodily contact appear to precipitate neurologic symptoms in Mg+(+)-deficient human subjects as it has been documented to occur in Mg+(+)-deficient experimental animals. The similarity of the acute central nervous system demyelinating syndromes with reactive central nervous system Mg++ deficiency is reviewed.

Adolescent

Direct modulation of HBV surface antigen in a human, HBsAg-producing hepatocellular carcinoma cell line by alpha, beta, or gamma interferons.

A transient depression of HBV serologic markers has been reported for some chronically infected patients treated with human interferons. To determine a molecular basis for these observations, a human, HBV-carrying, hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (PLC/PRF/5) was treated with human alpha, beta, or gamma interferons. Administration of these interferons resulted in a marked depression of HBV surface antigen (HG-sAg) levels in the culture medium. This inhibition was transient, with media levels of HBsAg rising substantially within 48 hours following the termination of interferon treatment. Cell growth rates were not affected by alpha interferon treatment, indicating that overall cell protein synthesis was not substantially altered. Although all three classes of interferons were effective in lowering HBsAg levels in the culture medium, intracellular levels of HBsAg-specific RNA were unaffected. These results suggest that the transient depression of HBV serologic markers in interferon-treated patients may be a consequence of the failure to disrupt the intracellular pools of HBV RNA in the liver.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

Envelope gene sequence of HTLV-1 isolate MT-2 and its comparison with other HTLV-1 isolates.

The DNA sequence of the envelope gene of the HTLV-1 proviral clone MT-2 was determined and compared with envelope sequences of other HTLV-1 isolates. The comparison of this sequence with another of Japanese origin and two of Caribbean origin does not support the proposal by K.T.A. Malik, J. Even, and A. Karpas (J. Gen. Virol. 69, 1695-1710, 1988) that isolates of similar geographic origins are more homologous than isolates of different origins. No significant differences in the degree of homology could be found among the HTLV-1 envelope gene sequences from Japanese and Caribbean isolates. The comparison confirms the high degree of homology previously found between various HTLV-1 isolates (greater than 97%).

Amino Acid Sequence

Amplification of T cell blastogenic responses in healthy individuals and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with a profound impairment of T cell function. Hence, enhancement of T cell reactivity to viral and bacterial antigens is important in the treatment of patients with AIDS. To develop tools for amplifying T cell reactivity, we have immunized mice with human helper T cell clones and selected monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that enhance in vitro blastogenic responses. MAb NDA5, which recognizes the leukocyte common antigen CD45, amplifies human T cell responses to mitogens and soluble antigens including HIV-1 glycoprotein (gp)-120 and peptides derived from the HIV-1 gp-120 sequence. In the presence of MAb NDA5, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy, HIV-1-seronegative individual displayed augmented blastogenic responses to HIV-1 gp-120 and to HIV-1 gp-120 synthetic peptides. In vitro memory responses to various vaccines and to alloantigens were also enhanced in cultures with MAb. Similarly, the response of PBMC from AIDS patients to pokeweed mitogen, HIV-1 gp-120, and tetanus toxoid was enhanced with MAb NDA5. The finding that the in vitro immune response of patients with AIDS can be amplified with MAb NDA5, suggests that the in vivo immune response of immunodeficient individuals can also be enhanced.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

[Cell electrophoretic and absorption spectrographic investigations of the indirect effect of ultraviolet light on erythrocytes of patients with myocardial infarct and other illnesses].

In 34 patients with myocardial infarct, 14 patients with arterial circulatory bleeding disturbances and 12 dialysis patients, blood was diluted immediately after collection by using an Eagle medium (MEM) which had been irradiated by ultraviolet rays. The erythrocytes of patients with myocardial infarct and circulatory bleeding disturbances responded with a mean increase of negative net surface loading by roughly 6% related to the controls in not-irradiated medium. In the erythrocytes of dialysis patients we found no changes of this kind. After ultraviolet irradiation the uv/vis absorption spectra of the Eagle medium showed an increase of extinction depending on the dosage in the short-wave range and a decrease in the long-wave range. Apparently, these uv-induced changes in the Eagle medium secondarily cause an increase of the surface loading of erythrocytes. In patients with arterial circulatory bleeding disturbances this effect which affects the electrostatic relations particularly in the area of terminal flows could contribute to improving the stability of suspension in the blood, thus having a therapeutic importance for these patients as far as their microcirculation is concerned.

Blood Coagulation Disorders