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Biomedical subjects

D S Pisetsky

Publications and source records attributed to D S Pisetsky.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

The relationship of anticardiolipin antibodies to disease manifestations in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

To determine the prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their possible association with clinical manifestations, aCL were measured in sera of 32 patients with the onset of SLE before age 16. IgM and IgG aCL were determined by ELISA and values compared to those of 12 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), 15 age matched asthmatics, and 32 adult controls. aCL were demonstrated in sera of 16 of 32 (50%) children with SLE, 5 of 12 (42%) patients with JRA, 1 of 15 (7%) asthmatics, and in none of the 32 adult controls. Serial samples on 11 patients with SLE showed fluctuations in aCL levels that often corresponded to disease activity; the highest levels occurred in patients during periods of seizure activity and other neurologic events. The antibodies were not crossreactive anti-DNA antibodies as shown by the failure of DNA to inhibit binding to cardiolipin. These data suggest that the prevalence of aCL is similar in pediatric and adult SLE and that aCL levels may vary with disease activity, especially neurologic disease.

Adolescent↗

Immunization with the Sm nuclear antigen induces anti-Sm antibodies in normal and MRL mice.

The spontaneous occurrence of antibodies against the Sm nuclear antigen is a highly specific marker for the diagnosis of SLE. We have previously shown that anti-Sm can be elicited by immunization of SLE-prone mice with purified Sm antigen. In the present study, this autoantibody was induced in normal mice by a similar immunization protocol. Anti-Sm produced by normal strains was predominantly IgG1, which is similar to the isotype distribution in Sm-immunized MRL mice, but unlike the IgG2a-dominated response seen for spontaneous anti-Sm. Anti-Sm raised by immunization in most strains recognized epitopes not seen by spontaneous human and murine SLE anti-Sm; of the eleven normal strains tested, only C3H and AKR, strains from which MRL was partially derived, responded to these determinants. Further, immunoblot analysis of anti-Sm generated by immunization of MRL and normal mice revealed that the same proteins recognized by spontaneous human and murine anti-Sm were also seen by these sera. This study shows that an autoantibody highly characteristic of SLE can be produced in normal and MRL mice after appropriate immunization, and that the fine specificity of such experimentally induced antibody can be similar to that of spontaneous anti-Sm autoantibodies. The results imply a role for autoimmunization with Sm in the production of anti-Sm.

Animals↗

Functional alterations of macrophages in autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice.

To assess the role of macrophages (MAC) in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, we investigated functional aspects of peritoneal MAC obtained from autoimmune MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr (MRL-lpr) mice. MRL-lpr and control C3H/HeN MAC were obtained from untreated mice or mice injected i.p. with 1 ml of 10% sterile peptone 3 days before cell harvest. MRL-lpr mice had significantly more peritoneal cells (MAC and lymphocytes) than did control mice. In endotoxin-free conditions, MRL-lpr MAC were similar to C3H/HeN MAC in their baseline, and IFN-gamma and/or LPS enhanced cytolysis of 3T12 fibrosarcoma tumor cells. Compared with C3H/HeN MAC, MRL-lpr MAC had a significant increase in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity against sheep erythrocytes. This enhanced activity was not accompanied by a similar increase in adherence and/or phagocytosis of the same targets. Finally, in response to phorbol myristate acetate stimulation, both resident and peptone-induced MAC from MRL-lpr mice produced significantly more hydrogen peroxide than did those from control mice. These results indicate that MAC from MRL-lpr mice display features of selective "activation", and suggest that MAC or their products may play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders seen in autoimmune diseases.

Animals↗

Cyclosporine inhibition of CH series murine B-cell lymphomas.

To investigate the mechanisms by which cyclosporine (CsA) inhibits B-cell function, the effect of this agent on murine B-lymphoma cell lines of the CH series was tested. These lymphomas appear to be derived from a restricted B-cell population on the basis of their common expression of the Ly-1 cell surface marker and autoantibody products. Proliferation of each of the six cell lines tested was inhibited by CsA at doses without effect on the nonlymphoid HeLa cell line. The cell lines, however, differed from each other in their sensitivity to this agent. To correlate this sensitivity to other functional B-cell properties, the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the proliferation of the CH cell lines was tested. Three of the lines showed enhanced proliferation to LPS; two were inhibited while one was unaffected. The cell lines that responded with increased proliferation to LPS were the most sensitive to CsA. These results indicate that sensitivity to CsA may be a common property of B cells of certain lineages, although the degree of sensitivity may be influenced by the activation properties of these cells.

Animals↗

Polyspecific reactivity of a murine monoclonal antibody that binds to nuclear matrix-associated, chromatin-bound autoantigens.

To investigate polyspecific autoantibody interactions, we have characterized the binding of a cloned murine monoclonal IgM antibody termed (RTE-23) of strain BALB/c origin. By indirect immunofluorescence this antibody displayed a nuclear speckled and peripheral pattern in interphase cells from human and rodent cell lines. In contrast, in mitotic cells, antibody RTE-23 bound to the periphery of individual chromosomes. Immunoblot analysis of soluble and insoluble nuclear proteins from purified rat fibroblast nuclei showed that antibody RTE-23 bound to molecules of 28, 29, and 33 kDa. Furthermore, antibody RTE-23 demonstrated marked polyspecificity and reacted with cytoskeletal proteins (vimentin, keratin, actin), single-stranded DNA, specific synthetic polynucleotides, and cardiolipin. Antibody RTE-23 also showed a lupus anticoagulant-like activity. Screening of sera of autoimmune disease patients with antinuclear antibodies revealed two patients, both with SLE, whose sera blocked antibody RTE-23 binding to nuclei and recognized nuclear proteins identical to those recognized by antibody RTE-23. These results suggested that antibody RTE-23 displays a pattern of self-antigen binding that is represented as well in SLE patient sera.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies with specificity for DNA and the synthetic polypeptide antigen (T,G)-A-L.

Because of evidence for structural similarity of variable region genes of anti-DNA and anti-(T,G)-A-L antibodies, polyspecific interactions of monoclonal anti-DNA and anti-(T,G)-A-L antibodies were investigated. Of 20 monoclonal antibodies from C57BL/10 mice with (T,G)-A-L binding, two bound DNA as determined by ELISA. In contrast, two of five anti-DNA monoclonal antibodies from MRL-lpr/lpr mice bound (T,G)-A-L. For both sets of antibodies, antigen binding was shown to be the activity of the same antibody by cross-inhibition studies. To determine whether such polyspecific antibodies were expressed during autoimmune disease, sera of autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice were tested for anti-(T,G)-A-L activity. This analysis demonstrated minimal elevations of anti-(T,G)-A-L in comparison to BALB/c controls. These studies thus confirm predictions about the binding activity of anti-(T,G)-A-L and anti-DNA antibodies based on structural analysis of variable region genes. They further indicate, that while anti-(T,G)-A-L and anti-DNA antibodies may have overlapping specificity, polyspecific antibodies of this kind are not preferentially expressed during autoimmunity.

Animals↗

Structure and function of anti-DNA autoantibodies derived from a single autoimmune mouse.

Four monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies derived from a single autoimmune MRL/lpr mouse were studied. Three of these antibodies showed similarities in DNA binding; the fourth had a much higher specific activity for single-stranded DNA and, in addition, was unique in binding double-stranded DNA and cardiolipin. Complete nucleotide sequences of heavy- and light-chain variable regions demonstrated that all four antibodies are clonally related. The sequences also showed numerous somatic mutations, the distribution of which suggests that positive selection by antigen operated on these clonally related autoantibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mechanisms of antinuclear antibody production in the rheumatic diseases.

Recent investigations on the mechanisms of ANA production in the rheumatic diseases suggest that these responses frequently emerge in the setting of nonspecific immunoregulatory disturbances. However, the expansion and maturation of these responses to generate pathogenic specificities may require the coexistence of clonal or antigen-specific abnormalities. At the genetic level, ANAs appear to be of diverse origin, including some with representation in the normal B cell repertoire. Since some ANAs are disease-specific, elucidation of the basis of their production should provide insights into the unique pathogenetic features of different rheumatic diseases.

Animals↗

Specificity analysis of monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies.

The specificity of a panel of murine monoclonal anti-DNA antibodies for DNA antigenic determinants was evaluated by testing their relative binding to various animal and bacterial DNAs. The antibody panel consisted of six monoclonal anti-DNAs of MRL-lpr/lpr and B6-lpr/lpr origin, while the antigens tested were calf thymus (CT), salmon testes (ST), E. coli (EC) and Micrococcus (MC) DNA. While all antibodies bound to CT, ST, and EC DNA to a similar extent by direct ELISA, only one showed an equivalent level of interaction with MC DNA. The relationship of antigenic sites recognized by the antibodies was evaluated further by competition ELISA, assessing the ability of the anti-DNAs to block the interaction of a biotinylated anti-DNA with solid-phase DNA antigen. For each of the DNAs tested, two patterns of DNA interaction could be distinguished on the basis of the relative inhibitory activity of the different monoclonals. These results suggest that anti-DNA antibodies can be characterized using naturally occurring DNAs, with the observed patterns of binding suggesting recognition of unique antigenic sites, some of which are discrete and non-overlapping.

Animals↗

IgG antinuclear antibodies with cross-reactive rheumatoid factor activity.

To investigate whether IgG antinuclear antibodies have cross-reactive rheumatoid factor activity, monoclonal IgG antibodies to DNA and Sm from autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice were assayed by ELISA for binding to IgG antigens. Of the nine anti-DNA and anti-Sm monoclonals tested, six showed significant binding to affinity-purified rabbit IgG (RIgG) and human IgG (HIgG). To confirm that cross-reactivities were due to a single antibody, immunoabsorption of a representative polyspecific monoclonal termed C11 (anti-DNA, anti-Sm) on either Sepharose-DNA or Sepharose-RIgG resulted in marked loss of activity to the three antigens DNA, Sm and RIgG compared with immunoabsorption on Sepharose-bovine serum albumin. The monomolecular nature of the cross-reacting antibody was also suggested by inhibition analysis of C11; DNA inhibited C11 binding to RIgG 64%, whereas Sm inhibited binding to RIgG 33%. Aggregated RIgG and HIgG, however, did not inhibit binding of C11 to DNA, Sm, or solid-phase RIgG, probably reflecting the low affinity of this antibody for fluid phase Ig. Together, these findings suggest that antinuclear autoantibodies of the IgG, as well as the IgM, class have polyspecific IgG binding activity and suggest that IgG antinuclear antibodies may emerge from rheumatoid factor responses.

Animals↗

The clearance of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody following administration of DNA in normal and autoimmune mice.

To study the assembly of DNA-anti-DNA complexes in vivo, we have measured the clearance from blood and organ localization of a murine IgG2a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody, called 6/0, following the infusion of DNA intravenously or intraperitoneally. Intraperitoneal DNA caused a profound acceleration of 6/0 anti-DNA clearance that was dose dependent and demonstrable after the infusion of as little as 1.9 microgram per gram of body weight of single-stranded DNA. The antibody was cleared primarily in the liver without increased deposition in the kidney. Intraperitoneal infusions of DNA also accelerated the clearance of 6/0 in autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice. In contrast, intravenous DNA given in comparable doses caused only a slight increase in 6/0 antibody clearance; this accelerated clearance was seen only at low antigen doses and only during the first 10 min following DNA infusion. Using double-radiolabeling techniques, 6/0 and Cl.18, an IgG2ak myeloma protein without anti-DNA activity, were found to disappear from blood at a comparable rate in both B6D2 mice and MRL-lpr/lpr mice. These results suggest that the DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes can form in vivo but that this process is profoundly affected by the manner in which DNA enters the circulation. In addition, the results suggest that DNA-dependent clearance is not a major pathway for anti-DNA metabolism in normal or at least one strain of autoimmune mice.

Animals↗

Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by autoantibody production. Recent investigations are providing insights into the immunoregulatory disturbances underlying this disease, and are clarifying the approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Cyclosporine inhibition of a murine B cell lymphoma.

The effect of cyclosporine (CsA) on the CH12 murine B cell lymphoma was investigated to determine whether sensitivity to this agent is retained by malignant B cells. This tumour produces an antibody to bromelain-treated red blood cells and may represent transformation of a B cell with certain activation properties associated with early resting B cells. In in vitro cultures, the growth and proliferation of CH12 were inhibited by CsA in concentrations of 0.1-1.0 microgram/ml; these levels were ineffective against non-lymphoid tumours, although some non-specific cell toxicity was noted at higher levels. IgM antibody production, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was inhibited over the same range. CH12 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, however, were less sensitive to CsA than untreated cells. These studies indicate that malignant B cells may be sensitive to CsA, perhaps reflecting their derivation from a functionally distinct B cell population with enhanced drug sensitivity.

Animals↗

The intravenous insulin tolerance test in type I diabetes.

The intravenous insulin tolerance test (ITT) allows general assessment of insulin sensitivity by determining the fall in plasma glucose after injection of 0.1 unit/kg regular insulin. To evaluate the usefulness of this test diagnostically in distinguishing Type I from Type II diabetes, 24 patients with Type I diabetes (defined as early age of onset, ideal body weight or less at onset, and insulin dependence) underwent ITTs. Seven patients had normal glucose disposal rates (Ki greater than or equal to 2.5. Nine patients had Ki less than 2.5 but greater than 1.0. Eight patients had Ki less than 1.0. The slopes did not correlate with the control of the diabetes (as assessed by measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin), the presence or titer of anti-insulin antibodies, the duration of the diabetes, the age of onset, the presence of complications, or the current insulin dose. These results indicate that varying amounts of insulin resistance may be present in Type I diabetes and cannot necessarily be explained by poor control or the presence of insulin antibodies.

Adolescent↗

Inhibition of in vitro anti-DNA B-cell responses by cyclosporine.

The action of the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine (CsA) on anti-DNA B-cell responses was investigated in an in vitro system. Spleen cells from autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr or control BALB/c mice, when cultured at high cell density, spontaneously produced significant amounts of IgM and IgG, including anti-DNA. IgG levels, both total and anti-DNA, were much higher for MRL-lpr/lpr cells compared to BALB/c cells, suggesting similarity of this model system to the in vivo response. For cells of both strains, the production of IgM and IgG anti-DNA was 10- to 100-fold more sensitive to the inhibitory activity of CsA than total immunoglobulin production. The effect was not manifest, however, in cultures stimulated with the B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide. These observations suggest that CsA in certain dose ranges preferentially inhibits anti-DNA production, with efficacy determined by the mechanisms promoting B-cell hyperactivity.

Animals↗

Anti-Sm autoantibodies in MRL mice: analysis of precursor frequency.

Individual MRL-lpr mice vary in their capacity to generate anti-Sm autoantibodies spontaneously. We have compared the frequency of B-cell precursors for this autoantibody in serologically negative and serologically positive MRL-lpr mice, and in normals. Anti-Sm precursors were present in a frequency of approximately 1 per 10-30,000 in spleen cell cultures from anti-Sm positive mice, but were undetectable when spleen cells from serologically negative MRL-lpr mice or from normal mice were examined. Despite LPS stimulation, neither IgM nor IgG precursors could be detected. In parallel cultures, in contrast, anti-DNA autoantibody precursors were readily detected. The results thus indicate that, for the lupus-specific autoantibodies, the absence of antibody in autoimmune mice reflects a deficit in precursor B lymphocytes rather than an active regulatory mechanism. It is suggested that the generation of anti-Sm may reflect a low-probability random event in the generation of B-cell diversity.

Animals↗

Hyper-Ia antigen expression on B cells from B6-lpr/lpr mice correlates with manifestations of the autoimmune state.

To investigate the state of activation of B cells from mice with the lpr gene defect, membrane Ia antigen (mIa) expression was analyzed on B cells from B6-lpr/lpr (lpr) and control B6- +/-/+/- mice. B cells from lpr mice exhibited marked increases in levels of mIa as determined by flow cytometry using a monoclonal anti-I-Ab,d reagent. This increase, which was progressive with age, suggests that phenotypic alteration of B-cell mIa expression is a consequence of lpr gene action. Since B-cell activation manifest by elevated mIa expression may promote productive interactions with helper T cells, these observations suggest an important role for B-cell abnormalities in the etiology of lpr-induced autoimmune disease.

Animals↗