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Biomedical subjects

S Adams

Publications and source records attributed to S Adams.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Allelic imbalance on chromosome 1 in human breast cancer. I. Minisatellite and RFLP analysis.

In order to characterise the role of chromosome 1 more fully in breast cancer, polymorphic markers mapping along the length of the whole chromosome were used to assess a panel of 71 tumour-lymphocyte pairs for allelic imbalance. Complex patterns of alterations were established that are consistent with cytogenetic data in the literature. Deletion mapping of individuals with loss of heterozygosity identified five independent smallest common regions of deletion, two of which are novel. There are also three discrete regions showing a gain in copy number of one homologue. The two arms of the chromosome may be subject to different events; the short arm primarily undergoes interstitial deletions, whereas the long arm is subject to whole arm events (as both gains and losses) as well as regional deletions.

Alleles↗

Loss of heterozygosity on the X chromosome in human breast cancer.

The analysis of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumours can be a powerful tool for mapping the sites of tumour suppressor genes in the human genome. A panel of breast cancer patients was assembled as pairs of tumour and lymphocyte DNA samples and LOH studies carried out by Southern hybridisation with polymorphic loci mapping to the X chromosome with appropriate controls. Deletion mapping revealed a high frequency of small regionalised deletions, defining at least three independent regions, one of which is particularly well mapped to a 500 kb stretch of DNA in the distal portion of the pseudoautosomal region of Xp. A second region has been identified within the pseudoautosomal region close to the pseudoautosomal boundary, and there is a third discrete site of loss on distal Xq. Perturbations of sequences at these regions represent independent events in a number of patients. This study represents the first detailed analysis of LOH on the X chromosome in human breast tumours, the results of which indicate that at least three regions of this chromosome are involved in the disease.

Alleles↗

Synergistic effects of IL-6 and IFN-gamma on carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and HLA expression by human colorectal carcinoma cells: role for endogenous IFN-beta.

When administered as single agents, both interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) significantly increase carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and HLA class I antigen expression on the surface of human colorectal tumour cells. Studies were carried out to determine whether by combining those cytokines a synergistic enhancement of CEA and HLA expression could result. The findings revealed that the administration of 20 units IFN-gamma along with 1.7 ng IL-6, concentrations of each cytokine that individually induced minimal antigenic changes, together synergistically increased CEA and HLA class I as well as induced qualitative changes in HLA expression on WiDr human colon carcinoma cells. The magnitude of the synergistic increases in CEA and HLA class I expression were reminiscent of the level of antigen augmentation observed when administering 20- to 100-fold higher amounts of each cytokine as a single agent. Also, the addition of IL-6 potentiated the IFN-gamma induction of HLA class II expression. The combined administration of IL-6 potentiated the IFN-gamma did not have any additive or synergistic effects on the growth suppression of those tumour cells. Interestingly, utilization of specific neutralizing antibodies for type I interferons abrogated the increases of CEA and HLA expression seen with IL-6 treatment alone or in combination with IFN-gamma. Moreover, reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed a constitutive expression as well as a temporal increase of IFN-beta mRNA transcripts in colon tumour cells treated with IL-6. Therefore, the findings provide indirect evidence that IFN-beta production seems to play a critical role in the ability of IL-6 to upregulate antigen expression alone or in combination with IFN-gamma. These findings provide insight into cytokine combinations that synergistically upregulate tumour-associated and normal HLA antigen expression on the surface of human tumour cells. Those results provide the rationale for the combined use of such cytokines to heighten tumour cell recognition in monoclonal antibody- or cell-mediated-based immunotherapeutic approaches.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Genital-associated lymphoid tissue in female non-human primates.

We investigated genital-associated lymphoid tissue (GENALT) in non-human primates (macaques), by augmenting vaginal with oral immunization. The vaccine was a recombinant particulate SIV antigen (p27:Ty-VLP), linked to CT-B, and administered into the vagina by a paediatric naso-gastric tube and into the stomach by a gastric tube. Oro-vaginal or vagino-oral sequence of immunization elicited specific CD4+ T cell proliferative responses to p27 antigen in the genital lymph nodes and the spleen but not in unrelated lymph nodes. CD4+ T cells reconstituted with B cells and macrophages from the genital lymph nodes induced specific IgA and to a lesser extent IgG anti-p27 antibodies. However, the corresponding splenic cells induced greater IgG than IgA antibody synthesis. Intramuscular immunization primed splenic but not genital lymph node cells, and induced CD4+ T cell proliferative responses and predominantly B cell IgG antibody synthesis. Finding primed B and T cells in the genital lymph nodes after augmenting vaginal by oral immunization provides experimental evidence for GENALT in non-human primates. This primate model of vaginal immunization suggests 3 levels of specific immunity: (1) secretory IgA (and IgG) in the cervico-vaginal mucosal epithelium; (2) primed CD4+ T cells and B cells in the genital lymph nodes and the spleen; and (3) circulating CD4+ T cells, B cells and IgG and IgA antibodies specific to the immunizing antigen.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

The [13C]acetate breath test accurately reflects gastric emptying of liquids in both liquid and semisolid test meals.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The current standard for gastric emptying studies are radioactive isotope methods. [13C]breath tests have been developed as a nonradioactive alternative. The aim of this study was to validate a [13C]acetate breath test as a measure of gastric emptying of the liquid phase both in liquid and semisolid test meals by simultaneous radioscintigraphy. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with dyspeptic symptoms and 20 healthy volunteers were tested using a semisolid oatmeal or a liquid test meal. Both test meals were labeled by 150 mg sodium [13C]acetate and (in patients) by 45 MBq 99mTc-albumin colloid. Half-time of gastric emptying was calculated after curve fitting of the 13C exhalation to a modified power exponential function. 99mTc-albumin emptying was measured by conventional radioscintigraphy. RESULTS: The half-emptying times for the [13C]acetate breath test closely correlated to those measured by radioscintigraphy both for semisolids (r = 0.87) and liquids (r = 0.95). The time of maximum 13CO2 exhalation was itself a reliable parameter compared with the half-emptying times obtained by scintigraphy (r = 0.85 for semisolids; r = 0.94 for liquids). CONCLUSIONS: The [13C]acetate breath test is a reliable and noninvasive tool for the analysis of gastric emptying rates of liquid phases without radiation exposure.

Acetates↗

Immunogenicity of the yeast recombinant p17/p24:Ty virus-like particles (p24-VLP) in healthy volunteers.

In this Phase I study, immunisation with the yeast-derived p24 virus-like particles Ty p24-VLP (3 x 100 or 3 x 500 micrograms subcutaneously) in 16 healthy male subjects elicited p24 antibody responses in 4 of 16 (25%) subjects. After a fourth, intramuscular, immunisation (500 micrograms), p24 antibody responses were detected in 11 of 15 (70%) subjects. In addition to p24 antibody responses, T cell proliferative responses were also observed, although no HLA restricted p24-specific cytotoxic T cell responses were detected. The results demonstrate that Ty p24-VLP is immunogenic and well-tolerated in healthy male subjects.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Immunization with a soluble recombinant HIV protein entrapped in biodegradable microparticles induces HIV-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ Th1 cells.

One of the major obstacles to the development of successful recombinant vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other intracellular pathogens is the identification of a safe and effective vaccine delivery system for the induction of cell mediated immunity with soluble protein antigens. In this study it was demonstrated that immunization with a recombinant HIV envelop (env) protein entrapped in biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles induced consistent HIV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in mice. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses were detected following a single systemic immunization with gp120 entrapped microparticles and when given by the intranasal (i.n.) route induced HIV-specific CD8+ CTL and secretory IgA. Furthermore immunization with gp120 entrapped in microparticles generated CD4+ T cells that secreted moderate to high levels of IFN-gamma. Therefore, PLG microparticles are a safe and effective means of delivering antigen to the appropriate processing site for the generation of class I-restricted CTL, and are also capable of inducing Th1 cells.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 in the rat and monkey.

Circulating IGF-I exists primarily as part of a ternary 150 kDa complex comprising equimolar amounts of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and acid labile subunit (ALS). It is also known that in contrast to IGF-I and IGFBP-3 there exists a substantial quantity of unbound ALS in the circulation. As part of our preclinical development program, we have investigated the pharmacokinetic properties of a complex of human recombinant IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Systematic administration of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 results in binding of this binary complex to endogenous free ALS and thus leads to increased circulating levels of 150 kD ternary complex (IGF-I/IGFBP-3/ALS). In contrast to the administration of free IGF-I, IGF-I/IGFBP-3 dosing leads to increased systemic IGF-I exposure (i.e. increased area under the time vs. serum concentration curve or AUC) and decreased clearance (CL). Upon administration of equimolar doses of IGF-I/IGFBP-3 to the rat and monkey, it was found that in the monkey AUC was increased and CL decreased when compared to the rat. In addition, the pharmacokinetic profile suggests that saturation of excess ALS occurs at considerably lower doses of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 in the monkey than in the rat. Finally, the bioavailability of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 was assessed in the rat and found to be approximately 85% and 50% after intramuscular and sub-cutaneous administration, respectively. It was concluded that the formation of the 150 kD ternary complex had a significant impact on increasing the systemic exposure to rhIGF-I when administered as the binary complex (rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3). In addition, IGFBP-3 increases the therapeutic index of rhIGF-I even at doses that significantly exceed the saturation of ALS.

Animals↗

Systemic administration of rhIGF-I or rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 increases cortical bone and lean body mass in ovariectomized rats.

The purpose of this study was to compare dose-related effects on cortical bone and lean body mass following subcutaneous administration of rhIGF-I alone, or bound to an equimolar amount of rhIGFBP-3 to adult Ovx rats. At the age of 16 weeks, rats were ovariectomized or sham-operated and were allowed 8 weeks to develop osteopenia. After being divided into control (saline treated) or treatment groups, rats were injected daily during an 8-week period with 0.9 and 2.6 mg/kg of rhIGF-I, or with 0.9, 2.6, and 7.5 mg/kg of rhIGF-I bound to rhIGFBP-3. Fluorescent bone markers were given 9 and 2 days prior to necropsy. Body weights and lean body mass were monitored throughout the experiment. Cortical bone histomorphometry was performed on tibial cross-sections at the tibiofibular junction, and endochondral bone growth was measured at the distal femoral metaphysis. All rats treated with rhIGF-I or the rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3 complex had increased body weights, corresponding to a dose-dependent increase in lean body mass. Endochondral growth was slightly increased in all experimental groups, but was not dose-dependent. A dramatic increase in periosteal, modeling-dependent formation, coupled with decreased or unchanged resorption on the endocortical envelope resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cortical thickness and cross-sectional area in groups treated with the complex of rhIGF-I/IGFBP-3. This complex appeared to be more effective in promoting positive musculoskeletal changes than rhIGF-I alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

De novo development and self-replenishment of B cells.

Previous studies distinguished two murine B cell lineages: the conventional lineage, which comprises the majority of B cells, and the Ly-1 B lineage (B-1a), which represents a small percentage of total adult B cells. A third subset, B-1b cells, shares many properties with B-1a cells, including the characteristic ability to self-replenish, but does not express Ly-1 (CD5). Reconstitution studies presented here show that (i) although the B220- population in adult spleen and bone marrow contains very little progenitor activity for B-1a cells, it can reconstitute roughly half the normal number of B-1b cells; (ii) B-1 progenitors present in adult bone marrow and spleen function at low levels in adult animals; (iii) peritoneal B-1 cells (principally B-1b) that develop following bone marrow transfer, like B-1 cells from normal animals, are capable of substantial self-replenishment; and (iv) conventional B cells do not expand (self-replenish) in adoptive recipients, although they can persist for long periods. Collectively, these progenitor and self-replenishment characteristics provide a developmental base for distinguishing B-1a, B-1b and conventional B cells.

Age Factors↗

Interleukin-1 expression by neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if neutrophils from blood and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other joint arthropathies express interleukin-1 beta mRNA. METHODS: RNA was isolated from neutrophils from patient and control blood, and synovial fluid of patients, probed in northern blots, and quantified by densitometry. It was also isolated and analysed from control blood neutrophils after incubation in vitro with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). RESULTS: Neutrophils from the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis contained low levels of mRNA for interleukin-1 beta--between 0.1 and 2% of those observed during stimulation of control neutrophils with GM-CSF for one hour. Higher levels (4-40% of the maximal GM-CSF values) were observed in blood neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils contribute to the cytokine network in rheumatoid arthritis. In some circumstances, activation of transcription may occur within the circulation of these patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Adrenocortical and behavioral predictors of immune responses to starting school.

Associations between major psychologic stressors and immune function have been documented in previous research, but few studies have investigated immune changes attending minor, normative stressors. This study examined adrenocortical and behavioral predictors of immune responses to starting kindergarten in 39 five-year-old children, who completed laboratory visits for venipunctures 1 wk before (time 1) and 1 wk after (time 2) school entry. At time 1, children were also immunized with pneumococcal vaccine. Immune responses were measured as change scores for T (CD4+ and CD8+) cells, B (CD19+) cells, lymphoproliferative responses to pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and type-specific pneumococcal antibody responses (ABR). Adrenocortical response was assessed as the change in salivary cortisol level, and behavioral difficulty with school adjustment was scored using parental ratings of behavior problems, stress due to changes in routines, and degree of adaptive challenge. Salivary cortisol rose after kindergarten entry (means = 0.39 +/- 0.28 to 0.49 +/- 0.36 micrograms/dL, p = 0.03) and was unrelated to behavioral difficulties. CD4+ cells increased in number, whereas PWM declined, and CD19+ cells showed a borderline increase. Change in salivary cortisol was positively associated with change in CD19+ (delta CD19+) and inversely related to ABR. Scores for behavioral difficulty were inversely associated with delta CD4+ and delta CD19+. These data suggest that: 1) school entry is a stressor capable of evoking elevations in cortisol and behavior problems, accompanied by shifts in functional and enumerative measures of immune status; and 2) children with greater adrenocortical reactivity have increases in B cell numbers and less effective B cell-mediated antibody production, whereas children with more behavioral difficulties show declines in all T and B cell subsets.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Effects of methylphenidate in HIV-related depression: a comparative trial with desipramine.

This report is a randomized, double-blind, comparative trial of desipramine with the psychomotor stimulant methylphenidate. Twenty HIV antibody-positive patients with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either drug. After individual dose titration, the mean daily dose of desipramine was 150 mg. and methylphenidate 30 mg. daily. The differences in responses between desipramine and methylphenidate were not statistically significant on various measures of depression. The antidepressant effect of methylphenidate did not occur any faster than that of desipramine. Both significantly reduced depressive and anxious symptomatology over the blinded portion of the treatments. Thus, methylphenidate relieves depressive symptomatology with efficacy similar to that of desipramine, offering an alternative to patients who are unable to tolerate standard tricyclic antidepressant therapy. The dopaminergic effects of methylphenidate are likely to mediate its antidepressant effects.

Adult↗

Induction of IgA and IgG antibodies in vaginal fluid, serum and saliva following immunization of genital and gut associated lymphoid tissue.

Vaginal immunization with the Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was investigated in macaques in order to study genital mucosal antibodies. A combined route of genital- and gut-associated lymphoid tissues was used to stimulate IgA and IgG antibodies in vaginal fluid, serum and saliva. Macaques were immunized with a recombinant, particulate SIV antigen (SIV gag P27), covalently linked to the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). The animals were immunized sequentially as follows: vaginal (x2) followed by oral (x3), or the reverse sequence of immunization. The results show that both vaginal followed by oral immunization or the reverse sequence induces specific p27 IgA and IgG antibodies in the vaginal fluid and serum. IgA antibodies were also detected in saliva. Vaginal IgA antibodies have the secretory component and J chain suggesting that they are of secretory origin.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Surface morphology and chemical characterization of abrasion/erosion lesions.

PURPOSE: To describe the dentin surface morphology of abrasion/erosion lesions and to chemically characterize in vivo samples of sclerotic dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline polyvinylsiloxane impressions of eight in vivo caries-free lesions were taken. Dentin was collected from retention grooves for FTIR photoacoustic spectroscopic analysis. The cavity preparation was etched for 30 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid, rinsed, and dried. Impressions were taken of the etched surfaces. Epoxy resin dies were made of baseline and etched impressions, sputter-coated and examined at x1000 with the SEM. RESULTS: Lateral dentin tubule orientation was observed at gingival margins and on occlusal walls. Open cross-sectional tubules were seen at the depth of the groove. The mineral/protein ratio in the FTIR/PAS spectra of in vivo unetched sclerotic dentin samples suggested an increased mineral content.

Acid Etching, Dental↗