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Biomedical subjects

H Sprenger

Publications and source records attributed to H Sprenger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Chemokines in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis.

Meningitis is accompanied by a differential immigration of leukocytes into the subarachnoid space. Since the mechanisms regulating leukocyte invasion are still incompletely understood, we studied the release of the neutrophil-attracting alpha-chemokines IL-8 and GRO-alpha and the mononuclear cell-attracting beta-chemokines MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and RANTES during meningitis. In 48 paired CSF and serum samples from patients hospitalized for meningitic symptoms, high levels of IL-8, GRO-alpha, and MCP-1 were detected in the CSF during bacterial and abacterial meningitis. Elevated chemokine levels were not found in the blood serum samples taken in parallel. The release of MIP-1alpha or RANTES was below detection limits. The IL-8 and GRO-alpha levels significantly correlated with the number of immigrated granulocytes in the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis. A similar correlation was found when MCP-1 levels and the mononuclear cell count were analyzed in abacterial meningitis. These findings suggest that the local production of the alpha-chemokines IL-8 and GRO-alpha and of the beta-chemokine MCP-1 represents the major chemoattractant stimulus for the differential recruitment of leukocytes into the subarachnoid space during meningitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The influence of the immunosuppressants OKT3 and ATG on immunological parameters.

Cytokines play an important role in the immune response induced by organ grafting, particularly during episodes of rejection. We tested the influence of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies upon levels of mediators of the immune system. In 29 patients various cytokines and mediators were serially analyzed following transplantation. Thirteen patients received polyclonal antibodies (ATG) and 7 monoclonal (OKT3). Both OKT3 and ATG induced a rise in body temperature. Mean serum levels of amyloid A, neopterin, plasma levels of TNF alpha, interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) and urine levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-2R were elevated when antibodies were employed. Interestingly, urine and plasma TNF-alpha as well as urine IL-6 and IL-2R remained elevated following ATG but not OKT3 and did not rise in case of basic treatment. In summary, antibody therapy increased levels of immune mediators. These mediators remained elevated following the discontinuation of treatment in case of ATG but not OKT3.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

[Prognostic significance of p53 autoantibodies in serum of patients with breast carcinoma].

Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most common genetic alterations associated with malignant tumors including breast and gynecologic carcinomas. Overexpression of p53 protein is a result of increased protein stability caused through conformationally alteration. Accumulation of mutant p53 in tumor cells may lead to a humoral immune response with development of p53 autoantibodies. In the present study we investigated the sera of 72 patients undergoing surgery for primary breast cancer and the relation between p53 antibody production, prognostic parameters and clinical outcome. Circulating p53 antibodies were detected in 15 of the 72 examined patients (21%). A correlation to conventional prognostic factors was not observed. Yet the overall survival was worse in patients with p53 antibodies (p < 0.04), suggesting a more aggressive tumor type.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and lipopolysaccharide regulate the expression of interleukin 8 receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a potent chemoattractant and activating factor for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and hence plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute inflammation. Two unique but homologous receptors for IL-8 have been cloned (IL-8RA and -B), each of which binds the IL-8 ligand with high affinity. PMN stimulated by cytokines or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exhibit changes in IL-8R mRNA and 125I-IL-8 binding. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment of PMN enhances, and LPS inhibits, IL-8R mRNA expression. Similarly, 125I-IL-8 ligand binding to PMN is increased by G-CSF and decreased by LPS treatment. The stimulatory effect of G-CSF on IL-8R expression is transcriptional as it is inhibited by actinomycin D and is evident in nuclear run-on analyses. In contrast, LPS down-regulates IL-8R by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The alterations in IL-8R expression are associated with similar changes in the IL-8-induced chemotactic responses of PMN. In conclusion, the two types of IL-8 receptor differ in their cellular distribution and are regulated in response to cytokines and LPS. Regulation of IL-8R expression by endogenous and exogenous immunomodulators may be important in the in vivo control of PMN effector functions in inflammation.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

Promoter analysis of the human interleukin-8 receptor genes, IL-8RA and IL-8RB.

Two distinct receptors for the neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8 have been cloned, designated IL-8RA and -B. Both receptors are abundantly expressed on unstimulated mature neutrophils. To understand the tissue-specific expression and to identify gene-regulatory elements we have cloned, sequenced and characterized both human IL-8R genes, IL-8RA and -B. The open reading frames and 3'-untranslated regions were entirely encoded by a single exon. The promoters of both IL-8R-genes appeared to be very similar: A non-classical TATA-box and a GC-rich 5'-flanking region was identified immediately upstream of the transcription start site. These minimal promoters were sufficient to generate constitutive activity in CAT-expression assays. A G-CSF responsive element was mapped within the first 118 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site of the IL-8RB gene. Expression analyses of additional upstream regions suggested that both IL-8R-promoters are negatively controlled by silencer elements, which could be counteracted by stimulation with G-CSF.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1994

Genomic structure, characterization, and identification of the promoter of the human IL-8 receptor A gene.

Two unique but homologous receptors for the neutrophil chemoattractant, IL-8 have been cloned (designated IL-8RA and IL-8RB), each of which binds IL-8 with high affinity. IL-8RA mRNA expression was found to be regulated by granulocyte-CSF and LPS. In an attempt to understand the tissue-specific expression and to identify transcriptional regulatory elements, we have cloned, sequenced, and characterized the human IL-8RA gene. A lambda-DASH clone encoding the entire human IL-8RA gene was isolated by screening a genomic library with a PCR-generated cDNA. After mapping, subcloning, and sequencing several restriction fragments, a 9.2-kb continuous DNA sequence was obtained. As the sizes of the published cDNA (1.9 kb) and the mRNA determined by Northern blot analysis (2.1 kb) were not in agreement, a full-length cDNA was cloned by using a modified rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. We identified a 5'-untranslated region of 119 bp. After comparison with the genomic sequence, we found the gene consisted of two exons interrupted by an intron of 1.7 kb. A 1050-bp ORF was encoded entirely in the second exon together with a 834-bp 3'-untranslated region. The immediate GC-rich 5'-flanking region upstream of exon 1 could serve as a constitutively active promoter in chloramphenicol-acetyl-transferase-expression assays. Expression analysis of additional upstream regions suggested the presence of silencer elements between positions -841 and -280. In conclusion, cloning a full-length cDNA permitted us to clone the human IL-8RA gene, identify the genomic structure, and characterize the promoter region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Structure, genomic organization, and expression of the human interleukin-8 receptor B gene.

Two distinct receptors for the chemoattractant interleukin-8 (designated IL-8RA and -B) have been cloned recently. The receptors are expressed almost exclusively on neutrophils and myelomonocytic cell lines. In an attempt to understand the tissue-specific expression and to identify transcriptional regulatory elements we have cloned, sequenced, and characterized the human IL-8RB gene. The gene consists of 3 exons, interrupted by two introns of 3 and 5.4 kilobases (kb). A 1065-base pair open reading frame is encoded entirely in the third exon. A 1.4-kb 3'-untranslated region contains clustered AU-rich elements, similar to those described for genes regulated by altering mRNA stability. The start site of transcription was mapped by a modified rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique and revealed an unexpectedly long 5'-untranslated region of 423 base pairs. A TATA box equivalent was found in the 5'-flanking region 20 nucleotides upstream of the start of the first exon. The promoter was separated from the ATG-initiation codon by 8.75 kb. Comparison of the IL-8RB promoter with the promoter region of the receptor for another chemoattractant ligand, the bacterial peptide f-Met-Leu-Phe, revealed 3 novel but conserved motifs occupying similar positions. The immediate 5'-flanking region was GC-rich with 3 SP-1-like and 2 AP-2 sites identified in close proximity to the transcription start site. This essential promoter region was found to be responsible for constitutive expression, inducible by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and controlled by silencer elements located further upstream between positions -779 and -118.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Purification and cloning of a novel serine protease, RNK-Tryp-2, from the granules of a rat NK cell leukemia.

We have biochemically purified a 27-kDa serine protease (designated RNK-Tryp-2) from the granules of the rat large granular lymphocyte leukemia cell line (RNK-16) which has tryptase activity. Utilizing molecular sieve chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC, we purified RNK-Tryp-2 to homogeneity and sequenced 33 NH2-terminal amino acids. Oligonucleotide primers were used in the PCR to generate a 528-bp cDNA clone encoding a novel serine protease from RNK-16 mRNA. This cDNA clone was used to isolate an 884-bp RNK-Tryp-2 cDNA from an RNK-16 lambda-gt11 library. The open reading frame predicts a mature protein of 233 amino acids which does not have potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. The cDNA encodes a leader peptide of at least 25 amino acids. The characteristic Ile-Ile-Gly-Gly amino acids of the N-terminus, and the His, Asp, and Ser amino acids that form the catalytic triad of serine proteases, are conserved. The amino acid sequence has less than 45% identity with any other member of the serine protease family, indicating that RNK-Tryp-2 is distinct protease. Southern blot analysis suggests the existence of one or more related genes. A single 1.3-kb mRNA transcript was detected by Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA from the in vivo passaged RNK-16, rat splenocytes, lung and liver nonparenchymal cells, as well as in highly purified rat LGL and T cells. RNK-Tryp-2 is a novel serine protease that is expressed in the granules of large granular lymphocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of a high molecular weight tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA in influenza A virus-infected macrophages.

Infection by influenza A virus has previously been shown to prime macrophages for a high TNF-alpha production. Influenza A virus induced a TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation that consisted of two types: a regular 1.7 kb and an additional high m.w. 2.4 kb species in murine macrophages, and a high m.w. 3.6 kb species in human monocytes. In this study, we further characterized this virus-induced, novel high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA. The additional high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA represented a true polyadenylated mRNA and its induction required exposure to infectious viruses. The regular and the high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA were both found in the nuclear fraction and the cytoplasm. We excluded that the novel high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA was an intron-containing precursor TNF-alpha mRNA that could have persisted in virus-infected macrophages. When TNF-alpha exons 1 to 4 and TNF-alpha exons 2 to 4 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, only regular and no high m.w. bands were detected. By use of specific TNF-alpha intron I and intron III cDNA we could definitely demonstrate the absence of introns in the high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA. The high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA was free of TNF-beta and TNF intergenic region elements but contained the 5' and 3' untranslated region of TNF-alpha. Influenza A virus infection also induced a double band of IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNA. Whether this novel high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA represents a virus-induced abnormality or a superinduction of an otherwise normal but minor TNF-alpha transcript, and whether this high m.w. TNF-alpha mRNA species codes for a biologically active product, remains to be examined.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Flumazenil as a diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis of coma in a critically ill patient.

The purpose of this report is to describe the use of flumazenil as a diagnostic aid in the differential diagnosis of coma in a patient with an inadvertent overdose of benzodiazepines. We report a patient with suspected septic encephalopathy whose level of consciousness markedly improved following flumazenil administration. Subsequent analysis revealed the presence of benzodiazepines and their metabolites in the blood and urine although the patient had not received benzodiazepines for over two weeks. The critically ill patient with multiorgan failure may have considerable derangement of benzodiazepine metabolism; therefore, if an obtunded patient's level of consciousness improves following flumazenil administration, benzodiazepine intoxication must be considered.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Chemokines and serpentines: the molecular biology of chemokine receptors.

Chemokines are pro-inflammatory molecules with a diverse array of biological and biochemical functions. These molecules induce the migration of a number of leukocyte subsets including monocytes, neutrophils, and T-cells. The recent cloning of the IL-8, GRO, and MIP-1 alpha chemokine receptors revealed that these glycoproteins belong to the serpentine family of seven transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors. Other members of this family include the chemotactic receptors for fMLP and C5a, indicating that a common pathway for eliciting the directional migration of leukocytes is probably transduced via G proteins. Ligand binding to chemokine receptors is complex, featured by multiple chemokines binding to a single receptor and multiple receptors binding a specific ligand. Future directions in this field appear to be focused on the cloning of novel receptors and the identification of ligands for orphaned receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

The potentiating effect of LPS on tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by influenza A virus-infected macrophages.

Infection of murine PU5-1.8 macrophages and human monocytes by influenza A virus was associated with virus replication, release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and subsequent cell death. In the presence of small and by itself rather inefficient concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or free lipid A (1 to 10 ng/ml), TNF-alpha production of virus-infected macrophages was strongly potentiated. LPS-triggered and enhanced TNF-alpha release from virus-infected macrophages was neither due to increased cell survival nor altered virus replication, potentiated TNF-alpha gene transcription, release of intracellularly stored TNF-alpha or shifts in the kinetics of TNF-alpha secretion. Influenza A virus infection alone induced a massive TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation which, however, was only weakly translated into bioactive TNF-alpha protein. When these virus-primed macrophages were exposed to LPS either simultaneously or up to 4 h after infection, an efficient and high translation into TNF-alpha protein occurred. Although the LPS-induced biochemical pathways leading to an augmented TNF-alpha production by virus-infected macrophages still remains unsolved, the findings suggest that the frequently observed serious clinical complications in the course of combined influenza A virus and bacterial infections may be due, at least in part, to an excessive release of cytokines such as TNF-alpha.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Coxsackievirus B3-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 in human monocytes.

Infections by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) have previously been shown to cause acute and chronic myocarditis characterized by a heavy mononuclear leukocyte infiltration and myocyte necrosis. Because clinical and experimental evidence suggested that cardiac damage may result from immunologic rather than viral mechanisms, we examined in this study the in vitro interaction of CVB3 with human monocytes. CVB3 was capable of infecting freshly harvested monocytes as revealed by immunofluorescence and release of infectious virus particles. Virus infection did not reduce monocyte viability but, on the contrary, enhanced spreading and adherence. In a dose-dependent manner, CVB3 stimulated the release of cytokines from monocytes. Whereas a potent production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 was dependent on exposure to infectious CVB3, IFN release was also induced by UV-inactivated virus. On a molecular level, CVB3 stimulated cytokine gene expression as shown by a marked TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 mRNA accumulation. Supernatants of CVB3-infected monocytes displayed cytotoxic activity against Girardi heart cells which could be abrogated by an anti-TNF-alpha antiserum. These data suggest that CVB3-induced cytokine release from monocytes may participate in virus-induced organ damage such as myocarditis, which may either occur by a direct cytotoxicity of cytokines or by activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1992

Enhanced release of cytokines, interleukin-2 receptors, and neopterin after long-distance running.

This study was designed to examine cytokine production in a group of 22 well-trained runners covering a distance of 20 km within 2 hr. After running, all participants displayed a marked granulocytosis for 7 hr. Plasma neopterin levels increased 1 hr after exercise for 24 hr. Except for interleukin-6 (IL-6), cytokines were not reliably detected in plasma but were present in urine. Already before exercise, cytokines were detected in the urine of runners when compared to sedentary controls. Directly after running, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were further elevated but rapidly declined to preexercise levels. Interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 increased at a slower rate after exercise but secretion into urine persisted longer until 12 and 7 hr, respectively. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was not detected but soluble IL-2 receptors appeared in the urine directly after running. Enhanced cytokine levels were accompanied by an only low creatinin kinase increase, indicating little muscle damage. These data show that long-distance running elevates cytokine production which supports the concept that regular, but not excessive, physical exercise may be beneficial by maintaining a stimulated immune system.

Adult↗