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Biomedical subjects

R Cunningham

Publications and source records attributed to R Cunningham.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Serum antibodies to cow's milk proteins in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Serum antibodies of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin A isotypes to five major proteins of cow's milk, casein, bovine serum albumin, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin A, and beta-lactoglobulin B, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 51 patients with ulcerative colitis, 49 with Crohn's disease, and 20 age-matched controls. Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies to cow's milk proteins were significantly elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease as compared to controls. In contrast, no significant increase in immunoglobulin A antibodies to 3 of 5 proteins was noted. The increased titers of antibodies to milk proteins seem to be specific and not due to a polyclonal immunoglobulin activation, as naturally occurring blood group antibodies were not elevated in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. A good correlation of disease activity, as measured by serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein concentrations, and immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A antibody titers against certain cow's milk proteins could be demonstrated in Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis. These findings suggest that production of antibodies to cow's milk proteins reflects specific immunization with these antigens. The study of antibody isotypes and correlation with disease activity may provide better insight into the immune response to dietary antigens and its possible role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Natural antibodies to human lymphocytes and erythrocytes in the serum of Orcinus orca killer whale.

The existence of naturally occurring heterophile antibodies to antigenic determinants on human blood cell membranes has long been known. It has been shown that the serum of Orcinus orca (Killer whale) does contain similar antibody. Absorption techniques in concert with either microagglutination or complement-dependent microcytotoxicity assays revealed at least three antibody specificities erythrocyte (RBC), B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte. Human erythrocyte specificity has been separated from other mammalian RBC specificity, and higher microagglutination titers and/or scores were observed with human group A RBC's than with group B,O, or AB. Tests run at 4 degrees, 20 degrees and 37 degrees C). Higher microcytotoxicity and microagglutination activity was demonstrated with B versus T lymphocytes. It is hoped that the characterization of the antigenic specificity of these heterophile agglutinins will prove to be useful as a biological reagent-tool which may be applied to the identification of a new receptor on human lymphocytes and/or erythrocytes. Also, if isolated, these agglutinins could be useful in the study of the occurrence and presence of specific receptors on cell membranes and give insight as to how these receptors change in health, disease and malignancy.

Agglutinins↗
PubMed1986

Renal transplantation in end stage renal disease patients with existing urinary diversion.

From 1971 to 1984 renal transplantation was performed in 20 patients with end stage renal disease who presented with an existing form of urinary diversion. These patients were evaluated with a cystometrogram, voiding cystourethrogram and cystoscopy. In some cases bladder function was studied further by cycling through a suprapubically placed catheter. The bladder was considered unstable in 13 patients and undiversion was done at transplantation. The period of prior diversion ranged from 3 to 20 years (mean 12.7 years). There were no surgical complications postoperatively and normal bladder function returned in all patients. Currently, 8 patients have a functioning renal allograft 16 months to 9 years after transplantation (mean 4.2 years). Seven patients were considered to have a nonusable bladder owing to severe neurogenic disease or refractory contracture. In these patients transplantation was done into a pre-fashioned intestinal conduit (5) or cutaneous ureterostomy (2). Currently, 4 patients have a functioning renal allograft 16 months to 6.2 years after transplantation (mean 3.8 years). Transplantation candidates who present with an existing form of urinary diversion should be evaluated carefully, since many will have a usable bladder. Regardless of whether the bladder is usable, transplantation can be performed safely with no increased surgical or immunological risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Pregnancy after donor nephrectomy.

The use of living-related kidney donors has been a routine practice in most major transplant centers in the United States for more than 20 years. Concern has arisen regarding the potential for developing hypertension and progressive renal dysfunction after renal donation. Pregnancy results in hyperfiltration and might be an added risk for the development of hypertension, proteinuria, or renal insufficiency in donors. From 1963 until 1984, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation performed 1031 renal transplants, 355 from living donors. Of these 355 living donors, 191 were female, and of these, 23 successfully conceived after kidney donation. Prenatal and delivery records of all 23 were reviewed. There were 39 pregnancies in 23 women with 32 viable births. Conception ranged from 2 weeks to more than 9 years postnephrectomy. Mean blood pressure at the time of donor evaluation was 120/75 mm Hg (SD: +/- 11/8 mm Hg). Mean blood pressure during pregnancy was 114/68 mm Hg (SD: +/- 7/6 mm Hg). One plus proteinuria was detected in 2 women during the third trimester and trace proteinuria was seen in 7 pregnancies; this proteinuria disappeared after delivery. Thirteen of twenty women who carried to term were reevaluated 2-14 years after donor nephrectomy. All parameters studied were normal. Mean length of follow-up after donor nephrectomy was 7.9 years. These data suggest that, after donor nephrectomy, women can have a normal pregnancy without significant problems related to the kidney donation. Also, hyperfiltration associated with the combination of unilateral nephrectomy and pregnancy does not lead to significant hypertension, proteinuria, change in glomerular filtration rate, or abnormalities of the urinary sediment.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Definition by monoclonal antibodies of a repertoire of epitopes on carcinoembryonic antigen differentially expressed in human colon carcinomas versus normal adult tissues.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) designated COL-1 through 15 have been generated and characterized and show a strong degree of selective reactivity for human colon carcinomas versus normal adult tissues. To prepare the MAbs, mice were immunized with extracts or membrane-enriched fractions of biopsy material from either primary or metastatic colon carcinoma lesions. The fifteen COL MAbs, all of the immunoglobulin G subclasses 1, 2a, or 2b, reacted with purified carcinoembryonic antigen in solid-phase radioimmunoassay and by immunoblotting, but none reacted with human polymorphonuclear leukocytes or certain spleen preparations previously shown to be rich in carcinoembryonic antigen-related or cross-reactive antigens. MAbs COL-1 through 15 could be divided into at least five groups based on their differential range of reactivities to the surface of colon carcinoma cells or other carcinoma cell preparations. The COL MAbs were tested via immunoperoxidase with a wide range of primary and metastatic colon carcinomas, benign or dysplastic colon lesions, and 34 normal adult tissues. With few exceptions, the COL MAbs tested in this manner showed reactivity only to the primary and metastatic colon carcinomas. These studies thus provide a well-characterized repertoire of MAbs that are well suited for potential clinical trials involving the radiolocalization and possibly therapy of human colon carcinoma lesions. The fact that at least five epitopes are being recognized also provides the opportunity for testing the efficacy of cocktails of the COL MAbs toward these goals.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Improved results of cadaver renal transplantation with azathioprine, prednisone and antilymphoblast globulin.

From 1980 to 1982, 100 consecutive cadaver renal transplants were performed. All but 2 recipients received preoperative transfusion and all received an initial 2-week course of antilymphoblast globulin. A prospective controlled evaluation of high versus low maintenance prednisone, and antilymphoblast globulin versus intravenous methylprednisolone for first rejection therapy was done. Over-all 1-year graft and patient survivals were 77 and 96 per cent, respectively. Graft survival was equal in the high and low steroid groups. Antilymphoblast globulin was as effective as intravenous methylprednisolone in reversing first rejections. Graft survival was improved with better donor-recipient matched grafts. We conclude that excellent results can be obtained in transfused cadaver renal allograft recipients managed with azathioprine, prednisone and antilymphoblast globulin. The regimen of prophylactic antilymphoblast globulin, low maintenance prednisone and antilymphoblast globulin alone for first rejections is immunologically effective and steroid sparing.

Antilymphocyte Serum↗
PubMed1983

Human lymphocyte agglutinins in Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphin).

A naturally occurring heterophile agglutinin directed against human erythrocytes and lymphocytes is present in the serum of the marine mammal, Tursiops truncatus (Bottlenose dolphin). Differential specificity was demonstrated with the use of absorption techniques that showed at least 3 separate specificities directed against erythrocytes, T cells, and B cells, of which the B cell agglutinin was in the highest titer. Isolation techniques employing ion exchange and affinity chromatography have shown these agglutinins to be of the IgM class. Agglutinin activity is lost when lymphocytes are treated with pronase, suggesting that the surface receptor is protein or protein associated.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1980

Electrophysiological analysis of taurine and glycine action on neurons of the midpuppy retina. I. Intracellular recording.

Intracellular recordings were carried out in the prefused retine-eyecup preparation of the mudpuppy. Taurine and glycine were added to the bathing medium to study their effects on different retinal neurons. In a few cases, gamma-aminobutyric acid was exogenously applied to compare GABA vs taurine/glycine action. Receptors and horizontal cells were relatively insensitive to taurine/glycine, while amacrines and ganglion cells were comparatively more sensitive to these agents. Bipolar cells proved to be differentially effected by inhibitory amino acids: hyperpolarizing (OFF) bipolars were depressed by taurine/glycine and proved less sensitive to GABA; depolarizing (ON) bipolars were suppressed by GABA and were comparatively less sensitive to glycine/taurine. Taurine and glycine had identical actions on neurons and both were about equally effective at the same concentration. Strychnine blocked the action of taurine and glycine. The patterns of glycine/taurine sensitivity and their effects on second order neurons eliminate taurine as a photoreceptor transmitter; one or both of these agents may be utilized by a subclass of amacrine cells which interact with hyperpolarizing bipolars, other amacrine cells and ganglion cells. It appears that taurine or glycine or both may be selectively involved in OFF channel activity, while GABA may subserve an equivalent role for the ON channel.

Animals↗