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Biomedical subjects

J F Mornex

Publications and source records attributed to J F Mornex.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Expression of the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene in mononuclear phagocytes of normal and alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficient individuals.

To evaluate the contribution of mononuclear phagocytes, and particularly alveolar macrophages, to alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) production in normal and alpha 1AT-deficient individuals, Northern analysis with a human alpha 1AT complementary DNA was used to demonstrate that alpha 1AT messenger RNA (mRNA) can be detected in liver, blood monocytes, and alveolar macrophages. Quantification of alpha 1AT mRNA expression demonstrated that: (a) type PiMM monocytes and alveolar macrophages expressed, respectively, 200-fold and 70-fold less alpha 1AT mRNA per cell than the liver; (b) the level of expression of the alpha 1AT gene was increased during the in vitro maturation of blood monocytes; and (c) blood monocyte and alveolar macrophage levels of expression of the alpha 1AT gene were the same in PiMM and PiZZ individuals. However, the amount of newly synthesized alpha 1AT secreted by ZZ alveolar macrophages was 10 times lower than that secreted by MM alveolar macrophages. Thus, mononuclear phagocytes of PiZZ individuals express a secretory defect in alpha 1AT in a fashion similar to hepatocytes. Not only do mononuclear phagocytes provide a readily accessible cell to evaluate the regulation of alpha 1AT gene expression, but these cells may contribute to the levels of alpha 1AT present in the lower respiratory tract in the normal and ZZ states.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Spontaneous expression of the c-sis gene and release of a platelet-derived growth factorlike molecule by human alveolar macrophages.

Alveolar macrophages from normal individuals and patients with interstitial lung diseases spontaneously expressed a 4.2-kilobase mRNA complementary to the c-sis gene, a proto-oncogene coding for one of the chains of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Concomitantly, these cells released a mediator with the properties of PDGF, including: chemotactic factor for smooth muscle cells whose activity was resistant to heat and acid, but sensitive to reduction; mitogenic (competence) activity for fibroblasts; ability to compete with PDGF for its receptor; and precipitated by an anti-PDGF antibody. While blood monocytes did not contain c-sis mRNA transcripts, monocytes matured in vitro expressed c-sis, consistent with the concept that expression of c-sis occurs during the differentiation of monocytes into alveolar macrophages. Together with the known actions of PDGF, these observations suggest that the c-sis proto-oncogene and its PDGF product are part of the armamentarium available to the alveolar macrophages for normal lung defense and participation in lung inflammation.

Chemotaxis↗
PubMed1985

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: flow cytometry measurement of lung T cell activation.

Lung T cell activation is considered a major factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Our study was designed to investigate several parameters of T cell activation among blood and alveolar cell populations, including expression of HLA-DR or MLR antigens, increased cell size, and presence of dividing cells. Blood sampling and bronchoalveolar lavages were performed in 20 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry using immunofluorescence labeling with monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte differentiation or activation antigens. Cell types were identified by their light-scattering properties. Cell cycle analysis was done after staining with acridine orange. Bronchoalveolar lavage contained a higher proportion of small T4-positive lymphocytes, and large cells of the same phenotype were detected in three patients. T cells bearing HLA-DR antigens were detected in six of 14 bronchoalveolar lavage samples. A marked increased of MLR-positive cells was found in the peripheral blood of eight of eight patients and in the bronchoalveolar lavage of five of seven patients. Increased percentages of cells in the S + G2 + M phases were found in blood lymphocytes from three patients and in half the bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Therefore, a variety of activation markers may be expressed by alveolar T cells. Their qualitative and quantitative assessment may provide additional criteria for staging the intensity of the alveolitis, and the possible relationship between these markers and disease progression or activity deserves long-term clinical investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Pneumopathy caused by hypersensitivity to isocyanates. Value and dangers of a realistic provocation test].

Organic isocyanates are responsible for bronchial pathology and in rare cases of hypersensitivity pneumonia. We present a new observation supported by a complete lung function assessment, histology of a transbronchial biopsy and a positive bronchial challenge test. The progress of the disorder was followed by repeated lung function measurements and bronchoalveolar lavage. The alveolar response at first showed an alveolar leukocytosis, then a mixed picture, finally becoming a pure lymphocytosis. The activity of the alveolar cells was assessed for T lymphocytes by cytofluorimetry, the presence of DRa like and LMR antigens and lastly for macrophages with Gallium scans. The inflammatory response was followed by analysing the proteins in the lavage liquid. The value of studying alveolar cell-activity and equally alveolar protein content is underlined in this study and reminds one of the character, sometimes unpredicted and dangerous, of challenge tests using isocyanates.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1984

Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and Epstein-Barr virus: an association?

13 patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) and 12 with interstitial lung disease (ILD) of known cause were studied for their humoral response to herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Serum antibodies to HSV and CMV were within the normal range in all patients. 10 patients with CFA had raised serum antibodies to EBV, and IgA against viral-capsid antigen (VCA) was detectable in all 13. In the other 12 patients EBV serological profiles were normal and IgA against VCA was detectable in only 1 patient. The EBV antibody levels did not correlate with the level of circulating immune complexes, the presence of rheumatoid factors, or the cytological findings of the alveolitis. The presence of IgG against VCA in 5 CFA patients suggests local production of EBV-specific immunoglobulins. Elevated IgG and IgA against EBV in CFA may indicate non-specific depression of cell-mediated immunity or that EBV plays a part in the aetiology of CFA.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Activated lung lymphocytes in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

T-lymphocyte activation was investigated in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of four patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The study was performed by flow cytometry with the use of immunofluorescence labeling with monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte differentiation or activation antigens. Simultaneous measurement of DNA and RNA content by acridine orange staining was used for cell-cycle analysis. The various cell types were identified by their light-scattering properties. T cell activation was demonstrated in the BAL of all patients by the presence of T cells (OKT3 positive) bearing class II histocompatibility antigen (HLA-DR) and activated T cell markers (MLR 1-3). Lymphocyte proliferation was evidenced in BAL but not in blood of patients by an increased percentage of cells in S + (G2 + M) phases. In addition, T-lymphocyte subsets analysis revealed no abnormalities in the blood and no major imbalance in the BAL despite a slightly increased OKT4/OKT8 ratio. The finding of T cell activation and lymphocyte proliferation in hypersensitivity pneumonitis alveolitis is consistent with the contribution of a local type IV immune reaction to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Alveolar Process↗
PubMed1983

[Markers of lymphocyte activation in interstitial pulmonary disease].

A lymphocytic alveolitis is a common stage in a number of types of interstitial pneumonia where the lymphocytes accumulate in the alveoli and play a major pathogenic role by the regulation or activation of the inflammatory reaction, controlling the outcome either to healing, chronicity or fibrosis. A study of lymphocytes obtained by broncho-alveolar lavage enables the study of different parameters whose functional value is discussed from information derived form in vitro models. These models show the need for activating signals acting in a sequential manner on cells whose function and mode of response are remarkably varied. Three successive phases may be defined during activation: first a "membrane" stage with changes in the lipid (in the metabolism of arachidonic acid) and kinetic framework, a second phase corresponds to the beginning of "blastic transformation" with the production of lymphocytes, an increase in the protein content and RNA (phase G1), then a third stage of DNA synthesis (phase S-G2) preceding cell division; it is necessary to have new markers of differentiation. The joint study of the phases of cell cycles and the antigenic expression of differentiation, identified by monoclonal antibodies within a heterogeneous population nowadays benefit from techniques of cytofluorimetry. The methods combined with a measure of mediators produced (interleukins) or the non-specific markers of activation by macrophages ought to lead to a definition of initial stages of the clinical immunology of alveolitis. Finally these methods permit the development of cellular immunopharmacology which to open the possibilities of new forms of treatment.

DNA↗
PubMed1983

[Criteria for T-lymphocyte activation in alveolitis].

A lymphocytic alveolitis is a common stage in a group of interstitial pulmonary disorders, where the lymphocytes accumulating in the alveoli play a major pathogenic role by their regulatory function or through their effects on the inflammatory reaction; controlling the outcome to healing, chronicity or fibrosis. Studies on lymphocytes obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage enable different parameters to be determined whose semiological value is discussed from information acquired in in vitro models of lymphocyte activation. These models show the need for activating signals acting in a sequential manner on cells whose function and mode of response are extraordinarily diversified. Three successive phases may be defined at the time of activation: first a membrane stage consisting of changes in the lipids (metabolism of arachidonic acid) and the cytoskeleton of the cell, a second stage corresponding to the start of the "blastic transformation" with the production of lymphokines with an increase in protein and RNA content (phase G1), then a third stage of DNA synthesis (phase S-G 2) preceding cell division; it is needed for the expression of new markers of differentiation. Nowadays the joint study of the phases of the cell cycle and the expression of antigenic differentiation, identified by monoclonal antibodies within a heterogeneous population, benefit from techniques of flow cytometry. These methods, combined with a measure of mediator production (interleukines) or of non-specific markers of activation liberated by T or B lymphocytes or by macrophages ought to succeed in defining the evolutionary stages or the immune-clinical types of alveolitis. Finally these methods allow the development of cellular immunopharmacology which should lead to new treatments.

Antigens↗
PubMed1983

[An unusual cause of hypoxia: anastomosis of the right superior vena cava into the left auricle. Surgical correction].

Anomalies of drainage of the superior vena cava (S.V.C.) usually consists of a persistent left S.V.C. draining into the left auricle. Until now there has only been one published case of S.V.C. anastomosis with the left auricle. We describe a second case of a four year old boy who had undergone two operations for a recurrent cerebral abscess. This child presented with cyanosis, polycythaemia and arterial hypoxaemia. This abnormality is associated with a partially anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. Surgical correction using prosthetic and pericardial grafts enabled closure of the right to left shunt.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

[Comparative value of different respiratory function tests for the early diagnosis of the respiratory distress syndrome (author's transl)].

The diagnostic value of different respiratory function tests in the respiratory distress syndrome was compared in 5 groups of subjects: healthy non-smokers, asymptomatic smokers, patients with bronchitis affecting the large bronchi, asthmatic patients between attacks, and patients with emphysema. Indices measured were the forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1), mean expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity (MEF 25-75%), maximum instantaneous flow at 25-50-75% of vital capacity, and peak flow (Vmax 25-50-75%, PF), residual volume, expiratory resistance volume, and the curve of the alveolar plateau of expired nitrogen. The Vmax 50% and the MEF 25-75% appear to be sufficiently sensitive indices of bronchial obstruction in current practice, the MEF 25-75% being simple to measure, and presenting the advantage of not requiring complicated equipment. The Vmax 25% and the respiratory resistance volume present wide inter-individual variations, and this, together with their lack of reproducibility, limit their value in exploratory tests in isolated cases.

Adult↗