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Biomedical subjects

H Burkhardt

Publications and source records attributed to H Burkhardt.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

The serine-protease inhibitor of cartilage matrix is not a chondrocytic gene product.

Human articular cartilage contains significant amounts of antileukoprotease, a cationic low-molecular-mass serine-protease inhibitor, which was originally purified from mucous secretions (synonym: secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor). As it was not known whether the inhibitor molecule is also synthesized locally, we investigated antileukoprotease gene expression in chondrocytes. No antileukoprotease-specific mRNA was detected in adult or foetal human chondrocytes by in situ hybridization, Northern-blot analysis or polymerase chain reaction. Concurrently, the chondrocytes remained unstained on immunohistology, whereas immunoreactive antileukoprotease was demonstrated in the cartilage matrix. By Northern-blot analysis, the antileukoprotease message was detected in the promyelocytic cell line HL60, the myelomonocytic cell line U937 and even in mature polymorphonuclear leukocytes from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. Immunoperoxidase staining of polymorphonuclear leukocytes for the antileukoprotease protein indicated that this cell is likely to be the physiological source of the inhibitor in serum. The results further suggest an accumulation of the inhibitor in the cartilage matrix.

Base Sequence

Specificity and T cell receptor beta chain usage of a human collagen type II-reactive T cell clone derived from a healthy individual.

Collagen type II (CII) is a cartilage-specific matrix compound well known as an inducer of an experimental, T cell-dependent autoimmune arthritis, a disease which shows some similarities to human rheumatoid arthritis. Here we report on an HLA-DR7-restricted human CD4 T cell clone (TC9), which was isolated from a healthy donor and recognizes human CII. After screening CNBr fragments of CII and tryptic fragments derived thereof, the T cell epitope could be mapped to amino acid residues 271-285 of the triple helical region of CII that are located within CNBr fragment 11 [alpha 1 (II) CB11]. This epitope was confirmed by a synthetic peptide stimulatory for TC9. The T cell receptor beta chain of TC9 was cloned using the polymerase chain reaction; it comprises V beta 6.7 and contains besides J beta 2.3 and C beta 2 an as yet undescribed sequence for the D segment.

Adult

Antibody binding to a collagen type-II epitope gives rise to an inhibitory peptide for autoreactive T cells.

It is well documented that antigen recognition by T cells requires small peptides which are generated by protein cleavage in antigen-presenting cells. These peptides have to associate with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in order to be recognized. An inhibitory peptide may bind to the same site of the MHC-encoded protein but is not recognized by the T cell. Here we describe a stimulatory and an inhibitory peptide sequence within human collagen type II (CII) as defined by means of the same autoreactive human T cell clone. Most interestingly, the inhibitory peptide is not generated by regular processing in peripheral blood mononuclear cells but only in the presence of an antibody that binds to the same domain and thereby seems to protect the inhibitory sequence. This finding may indicate that certain autoantibodies have the potential to block autoreactive T cells with specificity for a distinct epitope on the same antigen.

Amino Acid Sequence

Plasmid-encoded outer membrane protein YadA mediates specific binding of enteropathogenic yersiniae to various types of collagen.

The plasmid-encoded outer membrane protein YadA of enteropathogenic yersiniae is associated with pathogenicity. Recently, collagen binding of YadA-positive yersiniae was reported without detailed characterization (L. Emödy, J. Heesemann, H. Wolf-Watz, M. Skurnik, G. Kapperud, P. O'Toole, and T. Wadström, J. Bacteriol. 171:6674-6679, 1989). To elucidate the nature of collagen binding to YadA, we used a recombinant Yersinia strain expressing the cloned YadA gene. Direct binding of YadA-positive yersiniae to collagens was demonstrated in affinity blot experiments on nitrocellulose filters. A spectrum of collagen types in a wide concentration range were tested for their ability to block binding of 125I-labeled collagen type II to YadA-positive yersiniae. The results indicate a specific binding site(s) for YadA in collagen types I, II, III, IV, V, and XI. In contrast, collagen type VI did not bind to YadA. To characterize the binding site(s) more precisely, isolated collagen chains and cyanogen bromide fragments were investigated. These studies revealed that binding of YadA to collagen type I is confined to the alpha 1(I) chain, whereas the binding site within collagen type XI is localized in the alpha 3(XI) chain. alpha 2(I), alpha 1(XI), and alpha 2(XI) did not bind to YadA. Most interestingly, in the alpha 1(II) chain the specific binding site for YadA resides in the cyanogen bromide fragment CB10. The latter might indicate a binding site that does not depend on conformation. Based on these findings, further fragmentation and the synthesis of peptides may allow definition of the peptide sequence(s) relevant for YadA binding.

Bacterial Adhesion

Purification of a serine-proteinase inhibitor from human articular cartilage. Identity with the acid-stable proteinase inhibitor of mucous secretions.

An inhibitor of the serine proteinases human leucocyte elastase (EC 3.4.21.37), of cathepsin G (EC 3.4.21.20) and of trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) has been purified from human articular cartilage. The apparent Mr of the cationic (pI greater than 10) protein was determined to 15,000 by SDS/PAGE. It was shown to cross-react in Western blot with a specific antibody to a recombinant-derived serine-proteinase inhibitor of human mucous secretions. Identity of both inhibitors is indicated by the determination of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the cartilage-derived serine-proteinase inhibitor. In all 24 residues the cartilage inhibitor was shown to be identical with the human secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor ('SLPI'). The inhibitor molecule may play a crucial role in the protection of cartilage matrix proteins against proteolytic attack.

Adolescent

Identification of a major antigenic epitope on CNBr-fragment 11 of type II collagen recognized by murine autoreactive B cells.

Immunization of certain strains of mice with native type II collagen (CII) induces both development of arthritis and an antibody response to autologous CII. The autoantibody response in a high-responder strain, the DBA/1 mouse, has been described earlier, and a number of monoclonal antibodies have been characterized for arthritogenicity and autoreactive binding to cartilage in vivo and in vitro. Here we map the antigenic epitope of one of these arthritogenic monoclonal antibodies (CII-C1). It belongs to a group of antibodies recognizing the CNBr fragment alpha 1(II)-CB11 of CII. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, we show that the antibody reacts only with native, triplehelical CII, but not with other collagens. The antibody is able to stain specifically the CB11 fragment by immunoblotting, suggesting some partial renaturation of the CNBr fragment into triple-helical structures after blotting. The binding site of CII-C1 on CB11 was further focused by rotary shadowing of antibody-labeled CII to a site 89 +/- 8 nm from the amino end of CII, corresponding to the middle of CB11. This location was confirmed by cleavage of CB11 with trypsin, separation of the tryptic peptides by high-performance liquid chromatography and dot-blot analysis of the antigenic peptides with the CII-C1 antibody. Sequencing of the single positive peptide located the antigenic epitope within the sequence GFAGQAGPAGATGAPGRP (residues 316-333). Assuming 0.29 nm per residue, this corresponds to a position within 92-96.5 nm from NH2 terminal end of CII. Apart from glycine residues, which are not exposed on the triple-helical structure, only two amino acid residues (F-x-y-Q) are conserved in CII from different species but are not found in the triple-helix of other collagens except type IV collagen. Therefore, this structure is likely to be of critical importance for the binding of the CII-C1 antibody. Of potential importance is that this structure is also found in certain other arthritogenic proteins such as 65-kDa mycobacterial protein, in CMV and EBV.

Amino Acid Sequence

Analysis of type II collagen reactive T cells in the mouse. II. Different localization of immunodominant T cell epitopes on heterologous and autologous type II collagen.

The specificity of the recognition of type II collagen (CII) by T cells in the DBA/l mouse was analysed using fragments of chick and rat CII obtained by cyanogen bromide (CB) cleavage. Firstly, DBA/l mice were immunized with chick CB fragments 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Ten days later the draining lymph node cells were cultured with rat and mouse CII and the proliferative response was determined by incorporation of [3H]thymidine. All peptides were capable of triggering T cells recognizing rat CII but only CB9 immunized mice responded well to mouse CII. Secondly, lymph node cells from DBA/l mice immunized with rat and mouse CII were cultured with the CB fragments, including rat CB10 and CB11, and the proliferative response was determined. After immunization with rat CII, the response was strongly dominated by T cells recognizing CB11 with equal responses against chick and rat CB11. After immunization with mouse CII only rat CB10 gave a strong response. It is concluded that several epitopes on the CII molecule can be recognized by T cells in the DBA/l mouse and that most of these epitopes are shared by rat and chick CII but not mouse CII. These epitopes exhibit strong immunodominance. In mice immunized with intact heterologous CII, the immunodominant response is directed against one or more epitopes on the CB11 fragment present on several heterologous CII but apparently not on mouse CII. In mice immunized with autologous CII the immunodominant response is directed against one or more epitopes on the CB10 fragment, present on rat and mouse CII. They are either absent in chick CII or located in the carboxyterminal end of the CB10 fragment where a cyanogen bromide cleavage site is present in chick CII but not in rat CII. These results suggest that the proposed importance of CB11 in collagen-induced arthritis is due to activation of T cells reactive with heterologous CII only. These cells may be important for the induction of the strong auto-antibody-response after immunization with heterologous CII. Structures of importance for direct T cell involvement in the arthritic process and recognized by autoreactive T cells are suggested to be found on CB10.

Animals

On the biocompatibility of IBM 2997 continuous flow plateletapheresis.

During the procedure of centrifugation cytapheresis donors occasionally experience adverse clinical reactions. We evaluated the possibility of whether activation of granulocytes and their subsequent release reactions, which may have been triggered by this extracorporeal circuit, were responsible for these adverse effects. Six blood samples were obtained during various set intervals during plateletapheresis. Of these, four samples were taken directly from each donor. The remaining two were drawn from the efferent lines, i.e. those which return blood from the cytapheresis machine back to the donor. Reactive oxygen species produced by granulocytes were monitored by chemiluminescence using microamounts of whole blood or isolated granulocytes. Furthermore, secreted granulocyte products such as neutral proteinase elastase, present in plasma in a complex with alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (complexed elastase), and lysosomal beta-glucuronidase were examined. A complete blood cell count, as well as values of haemoglobin, haematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, protein, albumin and proteinase inhibitors such as alpha 2-macroglobulin and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor were also determined. Complexed elastase increased from a preapheresis value of about 140 micrograms/l to about 180 micrograms/l at the end of the cytapheresis. All other clinical chemical and cytological values were 8 to 12 percent lower than preapheresis values, which can be attributed to inherent plasma volume expansion. Reduced chemiluminescence was observed upon stimulation of phagocytes in the whole blood assay (about 700 counts/min x 10(3) x 50,000 cells vs. about 600 counts/min x 10(3) x 50,000 cells). This decrease was also seen with stimulated granulocytes (about 5800 counts/min x 10(3) x 50,000 cells vs. about 4500 counts/min x 10(3) x 50,000 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biocompatible Materials

[Coagulation factors in human born blisters (author's transl)].

Following clotting factor assays were performed on the fluid of burn blisters of 11 patients with severe burns: Fibrinogen levels, Factor II, V, X and XIII, thrombin time, fibrin split products, plasminogen, antithrombin III, IgA, IgM, IgG, ethanol gelation test and total proteins. The results showed, that a quantity of Factor II, X and XIII, antithrombin III, plasminogen and IgG had left the circulation. On the contrary we found only small concentrations of Factor V, fibrinogen, IgM and IgA in the fluid of burn blisters. This distribution suggested that the losses of plasma proteins into the burn blisters were correlated to their concentration and their molecular weight. The decrease of plasma coagulation proteins during the first days after severe burns was probably partly due to losses through the walls of the vessels, because of the increased capillary permeability.

Antithrombins

The influence of fluocortolone treatment on the collagen content in guinea pig skin.

Specific pathogen free guinea pigs were treated with varying dosis of fluocortolone for 15 days. The treated animals showed the same per cent weight gain as the controls. The total hydroxyproline content of the skin and the hydroxyproline content in different collagen fractions was the same in treated and untreated animals. Thus fluocortolone seems to have no specific effect on the synthesis or the breakdown of collagen in the guinea pig skin. Also the physical development of the animals, kept under defined conditions, failed to show a catabolic effect of of fluorcortolone.

Animals

[Factor XIII deficiency in burns].

In 34 patients with severe burn injuries platelets, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and factor XIII were measured daily. Half of the patients were administered 15 000 IE of heparin per 24 hours. In the first 4 days there was a rapid fall of factor XIII to a value of approximately 30%. Values remained very low during the whole observation period of up to 20 days. However, in patients treated with heparin, values tended to be 10--15% higher. After an initial decline on the tenth day, the platelets had risen to the lowest normal level. Platelets were identical in both groups. The causes for the changes in these haemostasis parameters, their significance, and possible consequences of therapy are discussed.

Blood Coagulation Tests

[Platelet dysfunction as a result of inhibition of ADP release (aspirin-like defect) in two identical twins(author's transl)].

An abnormal release of platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP), as seen after intake of acetylsalicylic acid, was demonstrated to be the cause of a clotting disorder in two identical female twins. The signs of bleeding occurred at the age of 26 and consisted of an increased frequency of haematomas, hypermenorrhoea not explained on gynaecological grounds, and prolonged bleeding after minor injuries. Increased bleeding time, abnormal aggregation after stimulation with collagen and absence of the second aggregation phase after addition of ADP were the abnormal findings of this clearly hereditary form of platelet dysfunction. The platelets were slightly larger than normal ones and there were changes in ultrastructure.

Adenosine Diphosphate

[Doppler measurement of arterial pressure for assessing therapeutic measures after arterial occlusion (author's transl)].

Arterial pressure differences between arm and foot arteries can be easily measured by the Doppler method and in this way the gradient across an arterial occlusion of the lower limbs approximately quantified. An increase in gradient after induced ischemia is inversely proportional to its compensation. Pre- and postoperative measurements on 51 limbs demonstrated that functional results of arterial reconstruction can be thus assessed and their further course objectified.

Adult