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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Alterations in the developing immune system of the F344 rat after perinatal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin: II. Effects on the pup and the adult.

Our recent work showed that in utero 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure produced alterations in fetal and neonatal thymocyte subpopulations. This study was designed to determine the persistence and functional significance of these alterations. One group of timed-bred pregnant F344 rats was dosed with 3.0 mcg TCDD/kg by gavage on gestational day 14 (GD14). The immune function of the perinatally-exposed offspring and age-matched controls were assessed at 14-17 weeks old. Examination of the organ weights and splenic phenotypes showed that TCDD exposure increased the spleen/body weight ratio, decreased the thymus/body weight ratio, and decreased the percentage of splenic CD3+/CD4-CD8- cells in both genders. The delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was suppressed in both the TCDD-exposed males and females. The lymphoproliferative (LP) responses to T-cell and B-cell mitogens and the antibody response to sheep red blood cells were not affected by perinatal TCDD exposure in either gender except for a suppressed LP response to PWM in the females. A second set of timed-pregnant F344 rats was dosed with 0 or 1.0 mcg TCDD/kg on GD14. One day after birth litters were cross-fostered to produce control, placental-only, lactational-only, and placental/lactational exposure groups. The organ weights and thymic and splenic phenotypes of these pups were assayed 1, 2, or 3 weeks post-partum, while the DTH response was assessed in 5-month-old males. Increased liver/body weight ratios, decreased percentages of thymic CD3+/CD4-CD8- cells, and increased percentages of thymic CD3+/CD4-CD8+ cells were seen through 3 weeks old in both genders after TCDD exposure. The severity of the effects was related to the route of exposure (i.e. placental/lactational > lactational > placental). The DTH response to BSA was suppressed in the males receiving both placental and lactational exposure. These results suggest that the immunotoxic effects of perinatal TCDD exposure of rats persist into adulthood and that suppression of the DTH response may represent the most sensitive biomarker for TCDD-induced immunotoxicity in this species.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1999

MHC multimerization, antigen expression and the induction of APC amnesia in the developing immune response.

Class II multimer formation is an important event in immune recognition. Not only is multimerization a prerequisite for T cell activation, but it is a signal to APC. In the present article, we propose that multimerization can result in the specific removal of ligand complexes from the cell surface of the APC, an event which may influence the overall pattern of T cell reactivity.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Characterization of a novel Drosophila melanogaster galectin. Expression in developing immune, neural, and muscle tissues.

We have cloned and characterized the first galectin to be identified in Drosophila melanogaster. The amino acid sequence of Drosophila galectin showed striking sequence similarity to invertebrate and vertebrate galectins and contained amino acids that are crucial for binding beta-galactoside sugars. Confirming its identity as a galectin family member, the Drosophila galectin bound beta-galactoside sugars. Structurally, the Drosophila galectin was a tandem repeat galectin containing two carbohydrate recognition domains connected by a unique peptide link. This divalent structure suggests that like mammalian galectins, Drosophila galectin may mediate cell-cell communication or facilitate cross-linking of receptors to trigger signal transduction events. The Drosophila galectin was very abundant in embryonic, larval, and adult Drosophila. During embryogenesis, Drosophila galectin had a unique and specific tissue distribution. Drosophila galectin expression was concentrated in somatic and visceral musculature and in the central nervous system. Similar to other insect lectins, Drosophila galectin may function in both embryogenesis and in host defense. Drosophila galectin was expressed by hemocytes, circulating phagocytic cells, suggesting a role for Drosophila galectin in the innate immune system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of inorganic lead and/or a polychlorinated biphenyl on the developing immune system of mice.

Approximately 200 female Swiss-Webster mice, six to eight weeks of age, were divided into eight groups. Three of these groups were fed 10, 100, or 250 ppm Aroclor 1254. One group was treated with 1000 ppm lead. Three groups were exposed simultaneously to lead and Aroclor 1254 at concentrations of 10 ppm PCB + 1000 ppm Pb, 100 ppm PCB + 1000 ppm Pb, and 250 ppm PCB + 1000 ppm Pb. Control mice received deionized water and rat food only. All groups were exposed for a period of 12 wk, then bred, with exposure continued throughout gestation and lactation. Offspring were weaned onto the control diet at 3 wk of age. Results from this study indicate a varied effect of lead and/or PCBs on body and organ weights of both dams and their pups, no noticeable detrimental effect on reproduction, and very little effect on the pups' ability to mount an immune response upon challenge with foreign antigens.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

HIV and children: the developing immune system fights back.

Children infected with HIV display great variability in their clinical outcome and rate of progression to AIDS. The reasons for this variability are largely unknown. Increasing evidence from adult studies suggests that the cellular immune response is a critical determinant of viral containment, and likely accounts for much of the observed variability in clinical progression. Detailed studies of the HIV-specific immune responses generated by adults with long-term nonprogressive infection have revealed elements of the host immune response that correlate with effective viral control. However, much less is known about the HIV-specific immune responses generated by perinatally infected children. Recent studies have revealed that elements of both the HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response (mediated by CD8+ lymphocytes) and the T-helper response (mediated by CD4+ lymphocytes) differ between adults and children, and these differences could have important implications for the ability to control HIV viraemia. Identification of the precise correlates of viral containment in children could provide important insights into the pathogenesis of vertical infection, and will greatly assist the rational design of HIV vaccines and immunotherapies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

The contribution of immunization to economic development.

Immunization received intensive support during the 1980s in light of its demonstrable value, relatively low cost, and established infrastructure. The goal of universal childhood immunization was achieved in 1990 on the basis of a strategy of expanding coverage, technological improvements, and social mobilization. Although its impact is difficult to quantify precisely, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has had significant positive effects on national and household economies as a result of the reduction of morbidity and mortality. It also has contributed to the development of the managerial and operational capacity of health systems and to the generation of widespread social and political support for health actions through a variety of different mechanisms. Priorities for the next decade include attention to policies to ensure the maintenance of high levels of coverage, continued technical development, and further strengthening of EPI planning and management.

Child Health Services↗