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Is contact activation of the coagulation system involved in the genesis of the first-use syndrome?

A number of mechanisms have been thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of the first-use syndrome. These include IgE antibody-mediated response to ethylene oxide-related antigens, membrane activation of the alternative complement pathway, activation of tissue mast cells and basophils by materials released from the dialyzer into the circulation, and transfer of bacterial products through high flux dialyzer. However, the possible role of the activation of blood coagulation system and platelets during dialysis has not been considered. The present communication reviews the theoretical basis for a possible connection between dialysis-induced activation of platelets and coagulation system with the first-use syndrome. Although the available data concerning the activation of intrinsic coagulation pathway during dialysis are conflicting, there is no controversy as to the occurrence of platelet activation. It is suggested that biochemical events triggered by activation of these systems may in part contribute to the genesis of first-use syndrome.

Anaphylaxis↗

A new model for evaluation of biocompatibility: combined determination of neoepitopes in blood and on artificial surfaces demonstrates reduced complement activation by immobilization of heparin.

An in vitro technique was developed for assessment of the biocompatibility of materials for use in clinical applications. Artificial materials were exposed to blood, and the resulting complement activation was quantified both in the plasma and on the material surface by enzyme immunoassays based on monoclonal antibodies specific for neoepitopes exposed in complement activation products. Several materials were evaluated, and the effect of surface modifications, including end-point immobilized heparin, was studied. The results revealed widely varying complement activation properties of the different materials and confirmed that heparin markedly improves biocompatibility. The present method is superior to analysis limited to either the fluid phase or solid phase since certain materials adsorb activation products (exemplified by Tecoflex) whereas others do not although activation was evident from fluid-phase assay (silicone). Furthermore, direct determination of activation-specific neoepitopes on the surface represents an improvement compared with previously described methods for detection of adsorbed components.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Role of putative virulence factors of Streptococcus pyogenes in mouse models of long-term throat colonization and pneumonia.

To investigate the role of putative virulence factors of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS) in causing disease, we introduced specific mutations in GAS strain B514, a natural mouse pathogen, and tested the mutant strains in two models of infection. To study late stages of disease, we used our previously described mouse model (C3HeB/FeJ mice) in which pneumonia and systemic spread of the streptococcus follow intratracheal inoculation. To study the early stages of disease, we report here a model of long-term (at least 21 days) throat colonization following intranasal inoculation of C57BL/10SnJ mice. When the three emm family genes of GAS strain B514-Sm were deleted, the mutant showed no significant difference from the wild type in induction of long-term throat colonization or pneumonia. We inactivated the scpA gene, which encodes a complement C5a peptidase, by insertion of a nonreplicative plasmid and found no significant difference from the wild type in the incidence of throat colonization. However, there was a small but statistically significant decrease in the incidence of pneumonia caused by the scpA mutant. Finally, we demonstrated a very important effect of the hyaluronic acid capsule in both models. Following intranasal inoculation of mice with a mutant in which a nonreplicative plasmid was inserted into the hasA gene, which encodes hyaluronate synthase, we found that all bacteria recovered from the throats of the mice were encapsulated revertants. Following intratracheal inoculation with the hasA mutant, the incidence of pneumonia within 72 h was significantly reduced from that of the control strain (P = 0.006). These results indicate that the hyaluronic acid capsule of S. pyogenes B514 confers an important selective advantage for survival of the bacteria in the upper respiratory tract and is also an important determinant in induction of pneumonia in our model system.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Role of mga in growth phase regulation of virulence genes of the group A streptococcus.

To determine whether growth phase affects the expression of mga and other virulence-associated genes in the group A streptococcus (GAS), total RNA was isolated from the serotype M6 GAS strain JRS4 at different phases of growth and transcript levels were quantitated by hybridization with radiolabeled DNA probes. Expression of mga (which encodes a multiple gene regulator) and the Mga-regulated genes emm (which encodes M protein) and scpA (which encodes a complement C5a peptidase) was found to be maximal in exponential phase and shut off as the bacteria entered stationary phase, while the housekeeping genes recA and rpsL showed constant transcript levels over the same period of growth. Expression of mga from a foreign phage promoter in a mga-deleted GAS strain (JRS519) altered the wild-type growth phase-dependent transcription profile seen for emm and scpA, as well as for mga. Therefore, the temporal control of mga expression requires its upstream promoter region, and the subsequent growth phase regulation of emm and scpA is Mga dependent. A number of putative virulence genes in JRS4 were shown not to require Mga for their expression, although several exhibited growth phase-dependent regulation that was similar to mga, i.e., slo (which encodes streptolysin O) and plr (encoding the plasmin receptor/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). Still others showed a markedly different pattern of expression (the genes for the superantigen toxins MF and SpeC). These results suggest the existence of complex levels of global regulation sensitive to growth phase that directly control the expression of virulence genes and mga in GAS.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Glucocorticoids regulate glutamine synthetase expression in lung epithelial cells.

During septic states efflux of glutamine from the lung increases, a response sustained by an increase in glutamine synthetase (IGS) activity. We have used a cell culture model employing a rat epithelial cell line of pulmonary origin (L2 cells) to study the effect of several hormones and cytokines which mediate the septic shock response on GS expression. We found that GS mRNA and GS protein contents increased rapidly and severalfold in response to physiologically relevant levels of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex). In contrast, GS expression was not markedly induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cytokines, activated complement C5a, or prostaglandins. Dex did not alter the kinetics of GS mRNA decay in the presence of actinomycin D. The increase in GS mRNA in response to Dex was completely blocked by RU-38486 and by actinomycin D, but not by cycloheximide (CHX). CHX together with Dex caused a superinduction of GS mRNA. GS mRNA decay kinetics suggested that this superinduction is at least in part caused by an approximately twofold increase in GS mRNA half-life caused by CHX. In addition, actinomycin D was found to increase GS mRNA half-life by approximately 50%. Actinomycin D plus CHX acted synergistically to cause a profound inhibition of GS mRNA decay. Our results are consistent with regulation of lung GS expression via a direct glucocorticoid receptor-mediated response. In addition, GS mRNA decay in L2 cells seems to be regulated by two independent mechanisms, one which is sensitive to CHX and one which is sensitive to actinomycin D.

Animals↗

Modulation of neutrophil apoptosis by uremic plasma during hemodialysis.

During hemodialysis (HD), blood-membrane interactions lead to activation of several circulating cells and plasma proteins. The resultant activation and/or release of mediators can modulate the structure, function and survival of circulating neutrophils. Little is known of plasma factors that influence apoptosis of neutrophils in hemodialyzed patients. Hence, we investigated the effect of uremic plasma obtained during HD on the survival of neutrophils obtained from healthy volunteers. Neutrophils harvested from healthy volunteers were incubated in ultrafiltered culture medium supplemented with either 50% heterologous normal plasma obtained from healthy volunteers (n = 15) or 50% uremic plasma collected from long-term HD patients dialyzed with cuprophan (CU) (n = 8), cellulose triacetate (CTA) (n = 8) or polysulfone (PS) (n = 8) dialyzers. Plasma samples were drawn predialysis, 15 min after starting dialysis, and postdialysis. After 24-hour incubation, neutrophil aliquots were processed for quantification of apoptosis by flow cytometry, using propidium iodide DNA staining. In addition, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured in normal and predialysis uremic plasma samples. Neutrophils from healthy volunteers exposed to heterologous normal plasma samples exhibited 10.3 +/- 1.2% apoptosis. In contrast, the proportion of apoptosis was significantly higher among neutrophils exposed to predialysis (28.5 +/- 2.3%, p < 0.0001), 15 min (23.0 +/- 2.4%, p < 0.0001), or postdialysis uremic plasma samples (25.7 +/- 2. 3%, p < 0.0001). Compared to neutrophils exposed to predialysis uremic plasma samples, a significantly lower proportion of apoptosis was observed in neutrophils exposed to the 15-min plasma samples among patients dialyzed with CU (26.4 +/- 2.9 vs. 18.2 +/- 3.5%; p < 0.001) but not with CTA or PS dialyzers. Further, CU membranes induced the greatest percentage decrease in neutrophil apoptosis at 15 min. There was a direct correlation between neutrophil apoptosis and plasma levels of TNFalpha (r = 0.424, p = 0.02) and IL-10 (r = 0. 744, p < 0.0001). The results of the study suggest that normal neutrophils exposed to uremic plasma undergo accelerated in vitro apoptosis compared to those incubated with normal plasma. Further, during HD, the apoptosis-inducing activity of uremic plasma is modulated by the use of dialyzers with different degrees of biocompatibility. The identification of soluble factors that are responsible for the increased apoptosis-inducing activity of uremic plasma needs to be further investigated.

Adult↗

New developments in immunopathology with special reference to complement and immune complexes.

The last few years have seen rapid advances in our understanding of immune phenomena, and these are now being translated into a new understanding of immunopathology. This paper reviews a number of areas where important new knowledge has been gained in the area of complement and immune complexes as a cause of disease. An understanding of the role of the metabolism of complement proteins has led to an understanding of how these proteins interact with receptors to cause phagocytosis. New understanding of the lysis-producing steps has led to new diagnostic tests for complement-induced damage as well as new knowledge of how complement functions to kill microorganisms. New methods for purifying anaphylatoxins have made these proteins available for study in man. A model of serum sickness in man has allowed for the more detailed understanding of how immune complexes cause disease and has led to the appreciation of new clinical signs of immune-complex-mediated disease in man.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Botulinum C2 toxin ADP-ribosylates actin and enhances O2- production and secretion but inhibits migration of activated human neutrophils.

The binary botulinum C2 toxin ADP-ribosylated the actin of human neutrophils. Treatment of human neutrophils with botulinum C2 toxin for 45 min increased FMLP-stimulated superoxide anion (O2-) production 1.5-5-fold, whereas only a minor fraction of the cellular actin pool (approximately 20%) was ADP-ribosylated. Effects of botulinum C2 toxin depended on toxin concentrations, presence of both components of the toxin, and incubation time. Cytochalasin B similarly enhanced O2- production. The effects of botulinum C2 toxin and cytochalasin B were additive at submaximally, but not maximally effective concentrations and incubation time of either toxin. Botulinum C2 toxin also enhanced stimulation of O2- production by Con A and platelet-activating factor, but not by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Botulinum C2 toxin increased FMLP-induced release of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase by 100-250%; release of vitamin B12-binding protein induced by FMLP and PMA was enhanced by approximately 150 and 50%, respectively. Botulinum C2 toxin blocked both random migration of neutrophils and migration induced by FMLP, complement C5a, leukotriene B4, and a novel monocyte-derived chemotactic agent. The data suggest that botulinum C2 toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a minor actin pool has a pronounced effect on the activation of human neutrophils by various stimulants.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Modulation of formyl peptide receptor expression by IL-10 in human monocytes and neutrophils.

IL-10, originally described as a cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor, is secreted by a number of cells of the immune system, including monocytes and T cells. Although IL-10 is being assigned as an immunosuppressive cytokine, our study showed that FMLP-R mRNA was rapidly up-regulated by exposure of monocytes to graded concentrations of this cytokine, with maximal (three- to fourfold) stimulation with 10 ng/ml. The effect was rapid, being observable as early as 1 h of treatment with IL-10, maximal between 2 and 4 h, and still evident after 24 h and was associated with an increase of receptor expression on the cell surface as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Pretreatment of monocytes with actinomycin D completely abrogated the effect of IL-10, suggesting a transcriptional regulation. Moreover, IL-10-treated monocytes showed a significantly enhanced functional responsiveness to FMLP with enhanced (three- to fourfold) chemotaxis and augmented (twofold) intracellular calcium mobilization. In polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), IL-10 also mediated a twofold augmentation of FMLP-R expression. In parallel experiments, we observed that IL-10 could differentially modulate other chemotactic receptors. Hence, we observed that IL-10 augmented two-to threefold platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R) expression, whereas it had no significant effect on the fifth component of complement (C5a) receptor (C5a-R) expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that IL-10 may play an important role in inflammatory process through modulation of chemotactic receptor expression.

Chemotaxis, Leukocyte↗

Cytokine-induced neutrophil-derived interleukin-8.

During acute inflammation, the first line of cellular response for host defense is the neutrophil. In addition to the historic role of the neutrophil as a phagocyte, recent studies have identified this cell as an important source of a number of cytokines. In this study, we provide evidence that the neutrophil is a significant source of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Neutrophils freshly isolated from whole blood were not found to constitutively express IL-8 mRNA. In contrast, when these leukocytes were cultured on plastic they were activated, leading to the significant expression of de novo steady-state levels of IL-8 mRNA. In addition, when neutrophils were treated with cycloheximide, there was evidence for "superinduction" of steady-state levels of IL-8 mRNA and inhibition of antigenic IL-8 production. Neutrophils were subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or interleukin-1-beta and were found to express IL-8 mRNA and antigen in both a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, neutrophils stimulated with traditional chemotactic/activating factors, such as the split product of the fifth component of complement (C5a), formylmethionyleucylphenylalanine (fMLP), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in a dose-dependent manner did not produce significant antigenic IL-8, as compared with unstimulated controls. In contrast, when neutrophils were exposed to either of these neutrophil agonists in the presence of LPS, the production of antigenic IL-8 was significantly elevated, as compared with either of the stimuli alone, suggesting a synergistic response. These data would suggest that the neutrophil can no longer be viewed as only a phagocyte or warehouse for proteolytic enzymes, but is a pivotal effector cell that is able to respond to mediators in its environment and generate cytokines. This latter neutrophil response may be important for either the elicitation of additional neutrophils or to orchestrate the conventional immune response at sites of inflammation.

Antigens↗

[Modulation of vascular tone of normal and arteriosclerotic arteries by leukocytes].

Leukocytes, in particular mononuclear cells, play a central role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. The arteriosclerotic vessel wall is chemotactic for circulating leukocytes. Activated leukocytes are known to release a variety of vasoactive substances. Thus, activation of leukocytes in diseased arteries is not only an epiphenomenon of an inflammatory process, but instead may contribute to arteriosclerosis-associated complications such as vasoconstriction/vasospasm and thrombotic vessel occlusion. Influence of leukocytes on vascular tone appears to be complex and may be modulated by the presence of intact endothelium and additional blood constituents such as platelets. In vitro, mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes both relax and contract isolated arteries according to experimental conditions and leukocyte isolation protocols. In vivo, activation of leukocytes by chemotactic peptides f-met-leu-phe or complement C5a produces pronounced vasoconstriction. Mediators of these leukocyte-induced vascular responses are partially characterized and consist of nitric oxide (or EDRF-like factor), superoxide anions, thromboxane A2, peptidoleukotrienes, and an unknown contractile factor. In addition, leukocytes may indirectly modulate vascular tone by cleavage of angiotensin II from angiotensinogen or angiotensin I, and by inhibiting or stimulating platelet aggregation. Thus, leukocytes and their products may have several pathways to modulate vascular tone. Abnormal interactions between endothelium-platelet-leukocytes with vascular tone may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in patients with coronary artery disease.

Animals↗

Complement activation in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy with interleukin-2 (IL-2): binding of complement and C-reactive protein by IL-2-activated lymphocytes.

Plasma samples from cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy with high-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) were obtained over a 5-day course of treatment and assayed by radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the complement degradation products, C3a, iC3b, Ba, Bb, C4d, and SC5b-9. In the majority of patients, pretreatment C3a, Ba, Bb, and SC5b-9 plasma levels were comparable with those measured in normal donor plasma. However, by the end of the 5-day treatment course, C3a levels had increased 15.6-fold. In several patients, peak concentrations of C3a were as high as those reported in patients with sepsis or burn injury. Plasma levels of alternative pathway components Ba and Bb also increased, 8.0- and 5.0-fold, respectively, during IL-2 treatment. Likewise, levels of one of the terminal complexes, SC5b-9, increased 5.0-fold and the plasma C4d and iC3b concentrations increased 4.8- and 2.9-fold, respectively, by the fifth day of treatment. To determine whether activated lymphocytes participate in IL-2-induced complement activation, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from IL-2 recipients before and 5 days after beginning therapy were reacted with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against C3c and the terminal complement complex SC5b-9. Dual-color cytofluorographic analysis showed that within the CD3(+) population, the percentage of cells binding the anti-C3c and anti-SC5b-9 MoAbs increased 6.2-fold and 5.1-fold, respectively, by day 5. The anti-C3c MoAb also bound to CD3(+) cells stimulated in vitro with IL-2 and then exposed to serum. Moreover, fluid-phase iC3b was generated from purified C3 by PBMC activated in vitro with IL-2, but not by unstimulated cells. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are markedly elevated in patients undergoing IL-2 immunotherapy. This hepatic acute phase reactant has been shown to activate the classical pathway when bound to cell surfaces. Because levels of the classical component C4d increase markedly during IL-2 treatment, we sought to determine if CRP became bound to PBMC during IL-2 treatment and found that during therapy, the percentage of CD3(+) cells reactive with an anti-CRP MoAb increased from less than 2% to greater than 18%. When PBMC were activated with IL-2 in vitro and then exposed to exogenous CRP, greater than 20% of the CD3(+) cells reacted with the anti-CRP MoAb.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

C-Reactive Protein↗

Pustular irritant dermatitis due to croton oil. Evaluation of the role played by leukocytes and complement.

To elucidate the pathomechanisms of irritant pustular dermatitis and to evaluate the role of leukocytes in pustulation induced by croton oil, we compared the skin responses in leukopenic-and decomplemented guinea pigs with those in control saline-injected animals, to 1% croton oil application. Both decomplemented and control animals responded similarly to croton oil, showing erythema and pustulation at 24 h after topical application; microscopically numerous mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells infiltrated the skin. Meanwhile, the clinical and histopathological response of leukopenic animals to croton oil was significantly depressed. Time-course study of inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis of controls revealed that mononuclear cells preceded the infiltration of polymorphonuclears. Although leukocytes constitute an important component in croton oil dermatitis, our results suggest that unclarified chemical mediators, other than complement-derived chemotactic factors, play a crucial role as a primary chemoattractant in the production of pustulation at the croton oil-applied site.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Inhibition of acute passive transfer experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis with Fab antibody to complement C6.

The role of the lytic complement C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC) in acute passive transfer experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) produced in rats was investigated by in vivo inhibition of MAC formation with anti-C6 Fab. Anti-C6 Fab totally inhibited in vitro serum hemolytic activity, but did not consume or inhibit early complement pathways. Injection of rats with 0.12 mg/ml anti-C6 Fab reduced serum C6 to 8% and inhibited the muscle weakness, electrophysiologic abnormalities and loss of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) associated with acute EAMG. This level of C6 inhibition reduced the total serum complement hemolytic activity to 29% of normal but did not reduce the serum levels of complement components C3, C5, or C7. Treatment of rats with lower amounts of anti-C6 Fab (0.08 mg/ml) also inhibited clinical and electrophysiologic signs of EAMG, however, the lower amount of anti-C6 did not prevent the loss of muscle AChR. Both the higher and the lower amount of anti-C6 Fab inhibited the accumulation of macrophages at muscle motor end-plates. The inhibition by anti-C6 indicates that muscle weakness and electrophysiologic abnormalities associated with EAMG are dependent on the complement MAC, and that muscle weakness results from tissue injury in addition to loss of muscle membrane and AChR.

Animals↗