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Biomedical subjects

S Ferrini

Publications and source records attributed to S Ferrini.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Circulating T cell subsets in euthyroid Graves' disease.

T cell subpopulations recognized by surfaces markers of different functional meaning have been evaluated in 12 female patients with euthyroid Graves' disease and in 2 patients with ophthalmopathy and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We have used the following markers: i) receptors for Fc fragments of IgG; ii) antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibodies MLR4, 5/9, BT 2/9 (anti-DR). In the 12 patients with euthyroid Graves' disease a marked decrease of TG cells (which proved to exert suppressor function in several in vitro systems) was observed, as previously reported in hyperthyroid Graves' disease. The 2 Hashimoto's patients with eye changes had normal or high TG. 5/9+ T cells (which contain cells with helper activity in vitro), as well as MLR4+ and BT 2/9+ cells (activated T cells) were normal in the majority of patients, but elevated in the 2 Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The observed abnormality of TG cells in euthyroid Graves' disease might be consistent with the hypothesized autoimmune pathogenesis of endocrine ophthalmopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Circulating T-cell subsets in Graves' disease: differences between patients with active disease and in remission after 131I-therapy.

In the present investigation some surface markers in peripheral blood T lymphocytes of patients with active Graves' disease and subjects in remission after 131I-therapy have been studied. We confirmed low TG levels in untreated patients and normal values in treated subjects. Increased percentages of DR+, MLR4+ (activated T cells), and 5/9+ (inducer-helper) T cells were detected in patients with active disease, thus indicating the presence of activated T cells and suggesting increased levels of helper T cells. High percentages of MLR4+ and 5/9+, but normal levels of DR+ were found in 131I-treated subjects. The different distribution of DR and MLR4 positivities on 5/9+ and 5+9-T cells confirm the different meaning of these two markers of the activation state. The imbalance of T-cell subsets found in 131I-treated subjects and the normal values observed in patients with hyperthyroidism due to toxic adenoma indicate that hyperthyroidism per se is not sufficient to explain the T-cell alterations. The possible meaning of these findings is discussed with respect to previous hypotheses on the pathogenesis of Graves' disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Immunological imbalance in uncomplicated chronic alcoholism.

The lymphocyte response to unspecific mitogenic lectins and the frequency of the lymphocytary populations and two subpopulations (DR- and Fc gamma-positive T-cells) as well as the serum immunoglobulin levels were tested. Blood samples were drawn from 15 volunteers with chronic alcoholism, an no clinical detectable correlated diseases and from 8 healthy subjects as controls. An activation of the immune system was found, characterized by an increase of T lymphocytes, DR-positive T-cells, IgA and IgG. Aspects of this activation are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Abnormalities of circulating T cell subsets in atopy: influence of specific immunotherapy.

Blood samples of patients with severe respiratory allergic diseases contain increased numbers of T cells bearing surface HLA-DR antigens, indicating the presence of activated T cells. In the same group of patients, MLR3 and MLR4, two monoclonal antibodies (Mab) directed to subsets of activated peripheral T cells, recognize T cell percentages within the normal range. Thus, it seems possible that specialized subsets of activated T cells (HLA-DR+/MLR3-MLR-) are represented in the peripheral blood of atopic patients. Such cells are lacking in patients after specific immunotherapy. Similar results--an increased percentage of 5/9+ T cells in untreated patients and normal counts of 5/9+ T cells in treated ones--were obtained in the two groups of patients by using another Mab, 5/9, which serves as a reliable marker of helper T cells in resting peripheral T lymphocytes. These data further support the concept of a T cell imbalance in allergic patients and suggest a possible role of specific immunotherapy in correcting the modification of peripheral T cell abnormalities.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

T lymphocyte subpopulations in Graves' disease: relationship with clinical conditions.

T lymphocytes were fractionated according to their receptors for IgG (TG) or IgM (TM) and scored in 37 patients with Graves' disease (17 hyperthyroid and untreated. 10 euthyroid on antithyroid drugs, 10 in long-term remission after radioiodine therapy). TG percentages were very low both in untreated and in drug-treated patients. By contrast, normal TG levels were observed in patients in long-term remission. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of a defective suppressor cell activity in Graves' disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

[Effect of the oral administration of ranitidine on pituitary secretion].

The acute oral administration of Ranitidine (200 mg.) does not determine significant variations in the plasma levels of PRL, LH, FSH, HGH, ACTH and Cortisol. This fact seems to exclude a vigorous action of the drug, in therapeutic doses, on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Furthermore, it cannot be excluded that the chronic administration of Ranitidine cam determine significant variations in the hormones themselves.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1982

Growth hormone secretion in pubertal and adult subjects.

GH responsiveness to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and its circadian secretion were studied in a group of subjects in different pubertal stages. The GH peak after insulin was minimal in stage 1 boys (7.6 +/- 1.3 (SEM) ng/ml) and increased progressively, in parallel with pubertal maturation, reaching a maximum in the adult state (20 +/- 4.0 ng/ml); the basal value was superimposable in all groups studied. The circadian secretion showed a sleep-related surge which was almost identical in the different stages; however in pubertal stage 1 boys multiple secretory peaks were observed, mainly during waking hours. A statistically significant difference (P less than 0.05) was observed in the mean concentration recorded during the day with a maximum in stage 1 boys (2.7 +/- 0.2 ng/ml) and a gradual decrease to a minimum in adults (1.2 +/- 0.3 ng/ml). This pattern seems to suggest that pulsatile rhythm is present in boys, similar to that observed for gonadotrophins.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Growth hormone, prolactin and cortisol nyctohemeral variations during naloxone-induced opiate receptor blockade in man.

To evaluate the role of endogenous opioid peptides in prolactin (Prl), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol neuroregulation, 50 mg of the opiate antagonist naloxone was infused over 24 h to 6 normal male volunteers. An additional naloxone dose (5 mg) was given iv as a bolus injection at 20.00 h. blood specimens were collected hourly by means of a portable constant withdrawal pump. Naloxone failed to alter 24 h secretion of GH and Prl. The sleep-related GH and Prl rise was also unaffected by the opiate blocker. Moreover, naloxone failed to alter the circadian rhythm of cortisol and its 24 h concentration. The results do not suggest, a major role of opiate receptors in spontaneous GH, Prl and cortisol secretion in man.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Presence of duodenopancreatic feedback in minipigs and possible interference from the bile.

In two minipigs chronic pancreatic and duodenal fistulas, which allowed the diversion and the intestinal replacement of pancreatic secretion, were prepared. In a third minipig a chronic biliary fistula was also prepared so the bile secretion could be fed back into the intestine through a duodenal catheter. In these animals a chronic gastric fistula was made so gastric secretion could also be collected. Diversion-replacement of pure pancreatic juice and of bile were carried out in the fasting state. This study confirms the presence of a feedback regulatory mechanism in exocrine pancreatic secretion in the pig. Moreover, it suggests that bile can interfere with this phenomenon.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Modification of an experimental model of chronic pancreatic and biliary fistula in the minipig (author's transl)].

An improvement in Corring's experimental model in the minipig is described. The model requires: -- a complete diversion of the biliopancreatic secretion and the possibility of its reintroduction into the duodenum; -- a particular anaesthesiological, technical and management problems taken up during the course of the research. Data are also given about basal pancreatic and biliary secretions in this particular experimental model.

Anesthesia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Both the precursors and the effectors of human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells may belong to T lymphocytes.

The present experiments were designed to perform a further investigation of the cell lineage of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. In the presence of adherent cells both T and not-T cells, separated on the basis of rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes (E rosettes), generated LAK activity after short-term culture in recombinant interleukin-2 in 5 different individuals tested. Since at the termination of the culture more than 98% of cells were T11-positive, it is evident that both LAK precursor and effector cells may belong to the T cell lineage. By applying a culture technique which allows the clonal expansion of virtually all T cells, we further selected and analyzed T cell clones with LAK activity. Under the culture conditions used, LAK clones represented approximately 4% of all proliferating clones. All had cytolytic activity against K562 target cells as well and also released large amounts of gamma-interferon following phytohemagglutinin stimulation.

Antigens, Surface↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anti-human thyroglobulin autoantibodies assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A rapid and simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-thyroglobulin IgG antibodies is described. The method is based on a 'sandwich' using purified human thyroglobulin adsorbed to polystyrene microplates, human serum and anti-human IgG antiserum conjugated to alkaline phosphatase. The sensitivity of the method is about 8 ng/ml, as evaluated with a purified anti-thyroglobulin antibody preparation. High concentrations of antibodies were observed, as expected, in autoimmune thyroid disease; however, the majority of normal subjects have detectable, although very low, antibody levels. We conclude the method is suitable for current clinical use.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of CD3-associated molecules in CD4- 8- human T cell clones lacking the typical alpha/beta T cell receptor.

Four clones were isolated from CD3+ 4- 8- normal peripheral blood T lymphocytes. They lacked expression of the typical alpha/beta T cell receptor, as assessed by reactivity with the WT31 monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognizing a non-polymorphic structure of the alpha/beta heterodimer. All the four clones lysed the natural killer-sensitive K562 target cells and released interleukin-2 following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. After cell treatment with the cross-linking agent dithiobis-succinimidyl-propionate, molecules immunoprecipitated with an anti-CD3 mAb were represented by a major 45-kD and a minor 43-kD band. These molecules were different from typical alpha/beta molecules and are likely to represent the molecular product of the human gamma gene.

Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of human T cell clones producing gamma-interferon.

Human T cell clones were derived from peripheral blood and screened for their ability to release gamma-interferon (gamma-IF) following PHA stimulation. Nine clones producing more than 20 U/ml of gamma-IF were expanded and analyzed for cytolytic activity in a lectin-dependent assay and for the ability to release interleukin-2 (IL-2). In addition, clones were analyzed for T4 and T8 antigen expression. Five out of nine clones had cytolytic T lymphocyte activity, while four released relatively large amounts of IL-2. Five clones were T4+ while the remaining expressed the T8+ phenotype. These results clearly indicate that gamma-IF production is not restricted to T cell subsets defined according to either functional or phenotypic criteria.

Clone Cells↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cytolytic activity of T lymphocytes isolated from ovarian carcinoma ascitic fluid. Analysis at the population and clonal level.

T lymphocytes were isolated from ascitic fluid of three patients with ovarian carcinoma at III-IV stage. Surface markers analysis of such purified T cells revealed that T8+ cells were well represented among ascitic T lymphocytes (from 35 to 56%). Low percentages of activated T cells, as indicated by HLA-DR and TAC (interleukin-2 receptor) positivity, were also present. However, fresh ascitic T lymphocytes failed to lyse autologous tumor target cells in a 4-h 51Cr release assay. Furthermore, by applying a limiting dilution microculture system that allows optimal conditions for cloning of human T lymphocytes, we derived clones from these populations. From 41 to 63% of clones so obtained had cytolytic activity in a lectin-dependent assay allowing detection of cytolytic T cells of any specificity. More importantly, in all three patients several clones were found to lyse autologous tumor target cells as well. Some of these clones have been studied in more detail: 9 out of 10 expressed the T8+/T4- phenotype, whereas only one was T8-/T4+; 6 out of 9 clones had a definite NK-like activity, while none of them lysed autologous PHA-lymphoblasts.

Ascitic Fluid↗