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Biomedical subjects

J P Robinson

Publications and source records attributed to J P Robinson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Rapid multivariate analysis and display of cross-reacting antibodies on human leukocytes.

We present an application which can rapidly determine the binding patterns of monoclonal antibodies on mixed populations of cells simultaneously in a single rapid analysis. It is an application of the tube identifier parameter (TIP) system which can provide fully correlated list-mode data of the entire patient phenotype in a single file. Using the phenogram analytical display, we are able to determine the cross-reacting antibodies for an entire antibody panel for each cell type. This information can be displayed in a single plot. Using light scatter gating to select different populations of lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils, phenograms can be simultaneously generated. This provides a directly comparable means of displaying the positive and negative binding characteristics of each antibody on each cell population. Any marker combination that is abnormal will be identifiable in the phenogram. Additionally, by plotting the fluorescence distributions of each marker beside one another (termed overview), quantifiable differences in intensity can be determined. There are 3 major benefits of the proposed analysis. By using the TIP concept, several sets of antibodies can be compared simultaneously. Any light scatter gate can be used and this gate can be changed on one histogram or plot, yet apply to the total analysis. Data analysis is particularly rapid since the entire phenotype of a patient can be evaluated by performing a single rapid analysis.

Antibodies

Integration of a barcode reader with a commercial flow cytometer.

This report describes the application and installation of a barcode reader on a standard EPICS Elite flow cytometer. The barcode reader system eliminates keyboard entry of sample information on the cytometer. The system automates the transfer of sample information already present in our laboratory database to the cytometer at run time. The system uses a standard "off-the-shelf" bar code wand with a personal computer keyboard interface and requires no additional software at run time. No typing of sample information is required by the operator at any stage of normal sample operation at the cytometer. All operations are automatically coded into the cytometry software using the macro functions of the software. Tubes are inserted into the tube reader and sample information is transferred automatically into the cytometer. We have found that the system allows rapid and continuous operation of routine clinical and research samples. This automated data entry also reduces the possibility of data input errors.

Electronic Data Processing

Detection of canine interleukin-2 receptors by flow cytometry.

This study describes a method for detecting canine interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) by flow cytometry, using human recombinant IL-2 labeled with phycoerythrin (IL-2-PE). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from four normal dogs were washed, incubated with IL-2-PE, and then washed to remove any unbound IL-2-PE. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells was performed with a 488 nm argon laser while gating on lymphocytes. Cells expressing the IL-2R were identified by their fluorescence as compared to cells stained with an anti-mouse immunoglobulin-G conjugated to phycoerythrin. The average percentage of resting cells expressing the IL-2R was found to be 21%. The addition of unlabeled human recombinant IL-2 to Day 3 phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cells reduced the fluorescence intensity four-fold, thereby demonstrating the specificity of IL-2-PE for canine IL-2R. Following stimulation with optimal concentrations of PHA, the percentage of cells expressing the IL-2R increased daily and reached a maximum on Day 3 (76.4%). IL-2R density, as measured by mean fluorescence intensity, also increased and reached maximal levels on Days 2-3 (twenty-fold greater than resting cells). The binding, inhibition, and kinetic experiments provide evidence that human recombinant IL-2-PE is a useful tool for studying canine IL-2R expression. Thus, a one-step direct method for the flow cytometric detection and quantification of the canine IL-2R is now available.

Animals

An innovation in flow cytometry data collection and analysis producing a correlated multiple sample analysis in a single file.

The problems associated with rapid analysis and interpretation of data from multicolor immunofluorescence panels have been a formidable barrier to their routine use. Using present flow cytometry concepts, a panel of 11 tubes each containing multiple phenotypic markers or controls requires postdata acquisition manipulation of many multiparameter histogram and listmode files. We have developed a method that compresses all of the information from such a panel into a single listmode data file during run time. A single data file is used to record the entire phenotypic analysis for a particular patient or series within an experiment. This is accomplished by the incorporation of a tube identifier parameter (TIP) as well as the fluorescence and light scatter parameters normally collected. The TIP can then be used for gating discrimination of any tube or set of tubes within a panel. When the TIP is correlated with the PRISM parameter the entire patient phenotypic image can be represented within a single two-parameter histogram we have called a phenogram. This phenogram can be generated in real time, providing on-line preprocessing of a complex multicolor experiment. By examining the image created by the phenogram it is possible to rapidly flag abnormalities such as incorrect gating. This procedure was carried out on an EPICS Elite flow cytometer in its standard configuration with the addition of hardware to provide an input for the TIP.

Data Collection

Time interval gating for analysis of cell function using flow cytometry.

We propose a method which significantly shortens the time required for both the collection and analysis of data derived from multiple sample, flow cytometric kinetic assays. We have defined the term Time Interval Gating (TIG) to describe this method. TIG effectively allows one flow cytometer to concurrently monitor several samples over the course of a kinetic assay. Data for all samples are stored in a single FCS 2.0 compatible listmode data file which we refer to as the TIG data file. TIG is adaptable to most commerical flow cytometers. Standard listmode analysis software can be used to analyze the TIG data files and correlate any combination of tubes and/or time intervals from the assay. Results for the entire assay can be displayed on a single two parameter plot. This paper describes how TIG is applied to neutrophil oxidative burst measurement using a standard EPICS Elite flow cytometer. In this assay, 11 samples were each monitored for 30 min to identify the extent to which volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) inhibited the oxidation of DCFH in stimulated neutrophils. TIG makes the oxidative burst assay practical for high volume screening by reducing the overall flow cytometer and analysis time required by a factor of ten. In addition, TIG provides an organized approach to managing data acquisition on instruments equipped with automated sampling systems.

Flow Cytometry

3-Methylindole-induced splenotoxicity: biochemical mechanisms of cytotoxicity.

3-Methylindole (3-MI) is a pneumotoxic metabolite of L-tryptophan that can form in the digestive tracts of humans and ruminants as a result of microbial protein metabolism. Alternatively, human lungs can be directly exposed to 3-MI formed during protein pyrolysis and inhalation of tobacco smoke. 3-MI has been shown to cause acute lung injury in both ruminants and rodents. The present studies demonstrate that the spleen is also a target for 3-MI-induced toxicity. A dose-dependent decrease in splenic weight (24-75%) and nucleated splenic cell number (22-68%) was observed 24 hr after intraperitoneal injection of 3-MI (50-300 mg/kg) to intact and adrenalectomized rats. These findings were associated with significant alterations in splenic histopathology. Mice appeared less affected by 3-MI than rats as no splenotoxicity was observed at doses less than 200 mg/kg. Other mono- and dimethyl-substituted indoles did not decrease mouse spleen cell numbers when administered in vivo. Phenobarbital pretreatment in vivo protected against 3-MI-induced splenotoxicity, suggesting a role for cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of 3-MI in the splenotoxicity of this compound. Exposure of rat or mouse splenic cells to 3-MI (1 mM) in vitro resulted in toxic changes over 24 hr. However, equimolar concentrations of the structurally related mono- and dimethylindoles were also toxic in vitro, and preincubation with a variety of inhibitors of cytochrome P450 or prostaglandin synthase in vitro failed to protect against 3-MI-mediated toxicity to splenic cells in culture. These results suggest mechanisms of 3-MI splenotoxicity also exist that do not require bioactivation, and indicate a possible role for alkylindoles in suppression of immune function.

Adrenalectomy

3-Methylindole-induced splenotoxicity: functional analysis of immune parameters and lymphocyte phenotyping by flow cytometry.

In this laboratory, 3-methylindole (3-MI), a pneumotoxic metabolite of L-tryptophan that forms in the digestive tract of humans and ruminants, has been demonstrated to be toxic to rat and mouse splenic cells both in vitro and in vivo. The present studies examine whether the reduction in nucleated splenic cells is associated with alterations in: (1) immune functioning (e.g., B and T cell mitogenic responses to lectins), (2) natural resistance (e.g., natural killer (NK) activity and cytokine release from macrophages (MPs)), or (3) the relative percentages of B and T cells in the remaining cells as determined by flow cytometric phenotyping. A dose-dependent decrease in splenic weight (24-46%) and nucleated cell numbers (54-73%) was observed 24 hr after intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 100-300 mg/kg 3-MI to B6C3F1 mice. At a dose of 300 mg/kg, the blastogenic response of splenic lymphocytes to 1 microgram/ml phytohemagglutinin, a T cell mitogen, was reduced 37 and 64%, and NK activity was reduced 20 and 60%, in rats and mice, respectively. Following exposure to 400 mg/kg 3-MI, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat splenic MPs was decreased 58 and 38%, respectively. Despite the reduction in total nucleated cell number in 3-MI-treated mice, the percentages of splenic B and T cells remained the same. These findings indicate that, in addition to its toxicity to splenic cells, 3-MI can significantly impair the functioning of the remaining viable cells. The potential importance of these functional changes for alterations in host resistance in rodents exposed to 3-MI or other alkylindoles is unknown.

Animals

The influence of adrenalectomy on alpha-adrenoceptor responses in rat cerebral cortex slices.

Experiments were undertaken to examine the effect of depletion of adrenal steroids on neurotransmitter-stimulated cAMP accumulation in rat cerebral cortex slices. Long-term depletion due to bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) and short term depletion due to the steroid synthesis inhibitor metopirone (MET) caused a significant increase in alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated potentiation of beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The effect of MET was prevented by corticosterone treatment. This effect of ADX was selective in that there was no change in alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated inositol phosphate accumulation. In addition, ADX had no effect on potentiation of isoprenaline-stimulated cAMP by either the GABAB agonist baclofen or the phorbol ester, 4 beta-phorbol dibutyrate. However, 2-chloroadenosine-stimulated cAMP accumulation was significantly reduced in ADX rats.

Adrenal Glands

The glycine antagonist 7-chlorokynurenic acid blocks the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate on agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in guinea-pig brain slices.

Despite having no effect on basal phosphoinositide hydrolysis. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) inhibited carbachol-stimulated accumulation of 3H-inositol phosphates and enhanced that due to noradrenaline in guinea-pig cerebral cortex slices. The glycine antagonist 7-chlorokynurenic acid inhibited the effects of NMDA and this inhibition was reversed by glycine. The action of 7-chlorokynurenic acid was not mimicked by strychnine or HA 966 (1-hydroxy-3-aminopyrrolid-2-one). L-Glutamate also inhibited carbachol-stimulated accumulation of 3H-inositol phosphates, but this inhibition was not blocked by 7-chlorokynurenic acid. The data are consistent with glycine maintaining tonic control over NMDA receptor activity in guinea-pig brain.

Animals

Niguldipine discriminates between alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated second messenger responses in rat cerebral cortex slices.

The effect of both isomers of niguldipine, a highly selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist and dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, on noradrenaline-stimulated inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation and adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) potentiation was examined. Both isomers inhibited noradrenaline-stimulated IP accumulation. (+)-Niguldipine was 100 fold more potent than (-)-niguldipine. Potentiation of beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated cyclic AMP by noradrenaline was only partially inhibited by both isomers. The dihydropyridine, israpidine, did not inhibit either second messenger response. This study provides further evidence that the alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediating IP accumulation and cyclic AMP potentiation are different.

Animals

Ca2+ redistribution from bound to free form is required for tumor necrosis factor actions in 30A5 preadipocytes.

Tumor necrosis factor/cachectin (TNF) inhibits differentiation of 30A5 preadipocytes into adipocytes. In this process, TNF inhibits the expression of the gene for acetyl-coenzyme-A carboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for biogenesis of long chain fatty acids. One of the early reactions caused by TNF is the Ca2+ redistribution of Ca2+ from the bound form to the free form. This Ca2+ redistribution results in a transient Ca2+ efflux. High concentrations of Mg2+ inhibit Ca2+ redistribution and efflux. This inhibition reverses the repression of acetyl-coenzyme-A carboxylase and reverses the TNF inhibition of the differentiation of 30A5 preadipocytes into adipocytes. This indicates that Ca2+ redistribution between the bound and the free form is an obligatory event in the sequence of actions caused by TNF in 30A5 cells.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase

Essential fatty acid treatment--effects on nerve conduction, polyol pathway and axonal transport in streptozotocin diabetic rats.

This study was designed to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with essential fatty acids (evening primrose oil--5% weight:weight added to the diet) on acute neurophysiological and neurochemical defects in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Diabetic rats, which were not given evening primrose oil, showed highly significant elevations of nerve sorbitol and fructose combined with a depletion of nerve myo-inositol. In those animals there was also a 40% reduction (p less than 0.02) in the accumulation of axonally transported substance P-like immunoreactivity proximal to a 12 h sciatic nerve ligature together with reduced motor nerve conduction velocity (13% [p less than 0.001] and 20% [p less than 0.001] in two separate experiments). Treatment of other diabetic rats with evening primrose oil prevented completely the development of the motor nerve conduction velocity deficit without affecting sorbitol, fructose or myo-inositol levels or the deficit in axonal transport of substance P. In a second experiment, treatment of diabetic rats with evening primrose oil was associated with significant attenuation of the conduction velocity deficit, but not complete prevention.

Animals

Inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and potentiation of cyclic AMP formation by noradrenaline in rat cerebral cortex slices are not mediated by the same alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes.

A pharmacological study was undertaken to determine whether the noradrenaline-stimulated breakdown of inositol phospholipids and the potentiation of isoprenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP by noradrenaline in rat cerebral cortex slices are mediated by the same alpha-receptor subtype. The rank order of potency of a range of alpha 1 and alpha 2 antagonists suggests that both responses may involve an alpha 1 receptor, but there were several differences between the pharmacological profiles for the two systems. Although in both cases, all selective alpha 1 antagonists were more potent than alpha 2 antagonists, the rank orders and the absolute potencies differed for the two responses. The inhibition of the inositol phosphate response was characterised by a high alpha 1/alpha 2 antagonist ratio, and in most cases, Hill slopes of inhibition were consistent with the involvement of a single receptor site. Inhibition of the cyclic AMP response had a much lower alpha 1/alpha 2 antagonist ratio and generally exhibited Hill slopes less than one. Evidence has been provided suggesting that adenosine is involved in the potentiation of cyclic AMP and that other, as yet unidentified, factors may also be involved. Even in the absence of an adenosine component, the results presented support the suggestion that the potentiation due to noradrenaline is mediated by a receptor whose identity does not easily fit with the currently accepted classification of alpha adrenoceptors.

Adenosine

No role for phospholipase A2 and protein kinase C in the potentiation by alpha-adrenoceptors of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated cyclic AMP formation in rat brain.

This study was undertaken to examine the role of phospholipase A2 and protein kinase C in the potentiation of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated cyclic AMP formation by alpha-adrenoceptors in rat cerebral cortical slices. Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by a range of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors had no effect on the potentiation of isoprenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP. Conversely, stimulation of leukotriene formation had no effect on the response to isoprenaline. The phospholipase A2 activator, melittin, stimulated cyclic AMP and potentiated the effect of isoprenaline, but these responses were not influenced by cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase inhibitors. Indomethacin was also ineffective against the potentiation of vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated cyclic AMP by noradrenaline. Phorbol ester potentiated the cyclic AMP response to isoprenaline, and this potentiation was antagonized by three different putative protein kinase C inhibitors. However, the same inhibitors did not affect the alpha-adrenoceptor-stimulated enhancement of the response to isoprenaline. We have found no evidence, therefore, to support the suggestion that arachidonic acid and its metabolites and/or protein kinase C mediate the alpha-adrenoceptor modulation of beta-adrenoceptor function.

Animals

Three-dimensional structural analysis of tetanus toxin by electron crystallography.

Two-dimensional crystalline arrays of native tetanus toxin have been formed at the interface between a solution of the toxin and a phospholipid monolayer containing a ganglioside. Electron crystallographic analysis has been used to study these periodic arrays. The arrays obey the symmetry of plane group p12(1), with a = 126 A and b = 84 A, and a thickness of 90 A (1 A = 0.1 nm). The three-dimensional structure of tetanus toxin in negative stain is reconstructed to a nominal resolution of 14 A from multiple tilt images. The molecule presents an asymmetric three-lobed structure and could interact with the monolayer in two possible orientations.

Crystallography

Measurement of intracellular fluorescence of human monocytes relative to oxidative metabolism.

Human monocytes (MN) produce O2- and H2O2 when stimulated by agonists. Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) has been used as a substrate for measuring intracellular oxidant production in neutrophils. DCFH-DA is hydrolyzed by esterases to dichlorofluorescin (DCFH), which is trapped within the cell. This nonfluorescent molecule is then oxidized to fluorescent dichlorofluorescin (DCF) by action of cellular oxidants. DCFH-DA can not be appreciably oxidized to a fluorescent state without prior hydrolysis. We have examined the utility of DCFH-DA for the assessment of monocyte oxidative responses. The levels of intracellular fluorescence measured by flow cytometry were considerably less than expected from reported levels of O2--production or chemiluminescence assays. Compared with neutrophils, monocytes produced minimal increases in DCF fluorescence after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate as measured by flow cytometry, but both cell types showed increases in fluorescence when bulk cell suspensions were measured by spectrofluorometry. To determine the intracellular location of the DCFH, bulk fluorescence measurements were made on both whole and sonicated cell preparations. When intact mononuclear cells were preloaded with DCFH-DA, then sonicated and oxidized with added excess H2O2, the increase in fluorescence was only 30% of the fluorescence of mononuclear cell sonicates to which DCFH-DA was added and oxidized in a similar manner. These results suggest that a portion of the DCFH-DA incorporated by intact cells, is not susceptible to oxidation by the added H2O2. Addition of NaOH to induce hydrolysis of any residual DCFH-DA in the sonicates of DCFH-DA-loaded intact mononuclear cells resulted in a further increase in fluorescence upon addition H2O2, suggesting that a significant portion of the DCFH-DA was not hydrolyzed despite ample uptake of this dye by these cells. In contrast, no further increase in fluorescence was observed in sonicates of DCFH-DA-loaded intact neutrophils, suggesting complete hydrolysis of all incorporated DCFH-DA to DCFH. When monocytes were allowed to phagocytose DCFH-DA-loaded Staphylococcus aureus, intracellular fluorescence was measurable by flow cytometry, indicating intracellular oxidation of the fluorochromes. We therefore propose that in monocytes the mechanism of intracellular processing of these fluorochromes differs from that in neutrophils owing to differences in intracellular localization of fluorochromes, site of oxidant production, and/or accessibility of the DCFH-DA to esterolysis.

Esterases