Attachment loss and serum antibody levels against autologous and reference strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in untreated localized juvenile periodontitis patients

Immunological data have been suggested to be a potential tool in the diagnosis, classification and monitoring of periodontal diseases. However, the role of circulating antibodies in periodontal patients is poorly understood. Patients suffering from localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) are often reported to show high titers of serum IgG antibodies against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), but several affected patients do not. Most studies use well-known reference strains of the bacterium for testing against the patients' sera. The aim of the present investigation was to study the relationship between serum IgG antibody levels to autologous A. actinomycetemcomitans strains and clinical attachment loss (CAL). In addition, we wanted to assess the patients' serum titers against 4 well-known reference strains of the bacterium as well as their general potential immunoglobulin response. Intravenous blood samples were taken from 23 LJP patients and 10 healthy individuals, and autologous A. actinomycetemcomitans strains were cultured from 18 of the LJP patients. CAL was measured at 4 different sites around all present teeth and assessed as a % of teeth with at least 1 site moderately > or = 2 < 5 mm) or severely (> or = 5 mm) involved. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to evaluate the serum titers of IgG antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans antigens. No significant correlation was found between serum IgG antibody titers to autologous strains and CAL. However, there was a trend that low responders had more moderately affected teeth than had high responders and patients with undetectable A. actinomycetemcomitans levels, which is in agreement with a hypothetically protective role of the antibodies. The total counts of immunoglobulin assessed in all participants showed that the predominant class was IgG and the reference group displayed significantly less (p < 0.05) IgG and IgG1 counts than the LJP patients. Both the reaction pattern against reference and autologous strains varied widely. We conclude that the specific antibody response against A. actinomycetemcomitans shows a weak correlation to clinical attachment levels in LJP patients.     

Serum antibodies to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in juvenile periodontitis and adult periodontitis (part I)

Recent microbiological studies support the concept that specific gram negative bacteria play a major role in the etiology and pathogenesis of human chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been isolated frequently from juvenile periodontitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis has been shown to be a prominent species in adult periodontitis in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of the specific antibodies to A.actinomycetemcomitans and P.gingivalis in 17 patients with juvenile and 15 patients with adult periodontitis and 24 healthy subjects. IgG and IgM antibody titers against these antigens were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of antibodies against A.actinomycetemcomitans were significantly higher in the juvenile periodontitis compared to the adult periodontitis patients and controls. Anti-P.gingivalis antibodies were elevated in adult periodontitis compared to juvenile periodontitis patients and controls.     

Resistance of respiratory and enteral bacteria to antibiotics

The relationship of the serum antibody titer and avidity to the putative periodontal pathogens Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) strains Y4 and 29523 and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) strain 381 were examined in relation to clinical parameters in 26 gingivitis and 28 periodontitis patients. The relationship of antibody titer and avidity to infection with the homologous organism was also examined in a subset of 30 patients. Antibody titer was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and antibody avidity was assessed using a dissociation assay. Considering all patients, there was a significant negative correlation between mean probing depth and antibody titer (r=-0.28) and avidity (r=-0.28) to Aa Y4. There was a significant positive correlation of probing depth and antibody titer (r=0.46) and avidity (r=0.46) to Pg. The correlation of antibody titer and avidity to Aa and infection with Aa Y4 (r=-0.32, r=-0.21) and Aa 29523 (r=-0.35, r=-0.39) was negative, while the correlations of titer and avidity to Pg and presence of the organisms was strongly positive (r=0.40, r=0.35). These data indicate that the relationship of serum antibody titer and avidity to clinical parameters of periodontal disease severity and the level of infection with the homologous organism appears to be different for Aa and Pg. The development of an antibody response to Aa appears to protect the individual from infection with the organism. In contrast, the development of an antibody response to Pg was not able to eliminate the infection. These results should be considered when developing a diagnostic strategy for periodontal disease utilizing the humoral immune response.     

Differential features of transglottic carcinoma

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is considered to be an aetiological agent in various forms of periodontitis, with serotype b-specific carbohydrate being the immunodominant antigen of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 in high-responder patients. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the organism may also be an important antigen. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the importance of LPS as an antigen of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Twenty patients who had high antibody titres to strain Y4 were selected, and the reactivity of their sera with LPS was determined by ELISA and Western blotting. Two groups of patients were observed: group 1 had high IgG titres only to serotype b strain, whereas group 2 had high IgG titres to serotypes a, b and c strains. The results of adsorption tests showed that anti-A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 antibody in group 1 patients mostly consisted of antibody reactive with the serotype b-specific carbohydrate, whereas the antibody in group 2 patients mostly consisted of antibody reactive with the LPS of all serotypes. These data show that anti-LPS antibody is present and predominant in anti-A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 antibody from some high-responder patients, and indicate an important role for LPS as an antigen in the humoral immune response to the organism.     

The effects of periodontal therapy on serum antibody levels to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis (part II)

Levels of IgG and IgM antibodies were estimated against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 17 patients with juvenile periodontitis, 15 with adult periodontitis and 24 healthy controls at the beginning of treatment and 3 to 8 months after periodontal therapy. After treatment, antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans and P.gingivalis had decreased in patients, but the levels were still significantly higher than in healthy controls. Whether or not an of antibody level against a specific bacteria changes after periodontal treatment is however, still debatable.     

Opsonization of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans by immunoglobulin G antibodies to the O polysaccharide of lipopolysaccharide

Sera of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) patients colonized by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype b often contain markedly elevated levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to serospecific determinants in the O polysaccharide of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as to outer membrane proteins of this species. IgG antibodies in LJP sera are known to opsonize A. actinomycetemcomitans for subsequent phagocytosis and killing by human neutrophils. The objective of this study was to determine whether outer membrane proteins or serospecific determinants in LPS are the primary target for opsonic IgG antibodies in LJP sera. An A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b O-polysaccharide affinity column was constructed and subsequently used to purify LPS-specific IgG antibodies from LJP serum. The affinity-purified anti-LPS IgG antibodies were enriched in content of IgG2 (66.2%, compared with 37.0% in the total IgG fraction) and were immunospecific for A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b LPS. In an opsonophagocytic assay using neutrophils from donors who were homozygous for the H131 allotype of Fcy receptor IIa (CD32), it was found that LPS-specific IgG antibodies exhibited substantially greater opsonic activity toward A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b than an LJP IgG fraction that was depleted of LPS-reactive antibodies but contained antibodies against outer membrane proteins of this species. The results of this study indicate that serospecific determinants in the O polysaccharide of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b are a principal target for opsonic antibodies in sera of LJP subjects.     

Reduced serum IgG reactivities with bacteria from dental plaque in HIV-infected persons with periodontitis

Serum samples were obtained from 44 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) and 37 HIV-seronegative (HIV-) persons that were grouped according to periodontal status. Serum IgG and IgA reactivities towards Streptococcus mutans, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis. Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Fusobacterium nucleatum were measured by means of ELISA. HIV+ persons with chronic marginal periodontitis showed significantly lower IgG reactivities to the periodontal pathogens A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia and F. nucleatum as compared with their HIV- counterparts (p < 0.05). Specific serum IgA reactivities were similar in the two periodontitis groups, except for P. nigrescens where the HIV+ group with chronic marginal periodontitis had lower values than their systemically healthy counterparts (p < 0.05). The results indicate that HIV infection affects the humoral serum immune responses against bacteria in dental plaque; the depressed antibody responses may contribute to the increased susceptibility for periodontal infections in HIV-infected patients.     

Characteristics and responses of EBV immortalized B cells from periodontal disease patients

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine human B cell responses to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). The general hypothesis to be tested was that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immortalized B cells could be used to investigate variations in B cell responsiveness of periodontitis patients to periodontal pathogens, and that B cells derived from the peripheral blood of periodontal disease patients infected with Aa demonstrate differences in in vitro activities compared to periodontally healthy subjects. DESIGN: EBV-transformed B cell lines were used to analyze immunoglobulin and Aa-specific antibody responses, as well as to determine the frequencies of cells producing immunoglobulin (Ig) of a specific isotype and detect clones secreting antibodies specific for Aa. Lymphoblastoid cells lines (LCL) were derived by clonal transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from 10 Aa-infected patients with adult periodontitis (Aa-AP) and seven normal subjects. METHODS: The B cells were incubated in Aa-coated polystyrene plates to separate adherent and non-adherent cells, and stimulate the cells with the whole bacteria. In addition, the B cells were stimulated with Aa LPS, E. coli LPS, or the polyclonal B cell activators (PBAs), pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SpA). Both adherent and non-adherent cell populations were cultured for up to 15 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Total immunoglobulins (Igs) and antibody (IgG, IgA, IgM) levels to Aa in the culture supernatants were assessed using an ELISA. The distribution of IgG, IgA, IgM and Aa-specific antibody producing cells was analyzed by a double immunoenzymatic staining technique. RESULTS: IgM levels produced by the LCLs were significantly increased vs IgG and IgA (P < 0.001). Three days after Aa stimulation, a marked increase in the level of total Igs and Aa-specific antibody was observed in adherent cells from Aa-AP (P < 0.05-0.03). Aa-specific antibody levels were significantly higher in the supernatants from Aa-AP vs normals throughout the culture interval (P < 0.03). There was also a significant increase in Aa-specific antibody levels after stimulation with Aa LPS or E. coli LPS (P < 0.05), whereas PWM and SpA had no significant effect on antibody to Aa. There was a predominance of IgM cells compared to IgG and IgA isotypes (P < 0.04) in LCLs from Aa-infected patients. After stimulation with Aa, a significant increase in the number of IgA (111%) and IgG (48%) secreting cells was observed, concomitant with a 74% decrease in the Ig-negative cell population. Total Aa+ cells increased significantly after stimulation (P < 0.001), predominated by Aa-specific IgG and IgM antibody producing cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that LCLs from Aa-infected patients were polyclonal with respect to isotype distribution. Further stimulation with Aa revealed a shift to cytoplasmic IgG and IgA expression, as well as increases in the Aa-specific B cell population. In contrast, the PBAs stimulated the LCLs to synthesize primarily IgM. Additionally, the findings indicated that: (1) without T cells, polyclonal activation of B cells may lead to elevated Aa-specific B cell populations; and (2) the presence of previously sensitized B cells is required to exert an antigen specific antibody response in the LCL. We conclude that secondary activation of primed B cells by oral bacteria or their products in advanced periodontal lesions may contribute to the local accumulation of significant numbers of Ig-producing cells. This report also suggested that EBV-mediated transformation can be used to probe B cell-bacterial interactions in studies of periodontitis.     

Epidemiology and transmission of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans among children and their family members. A report of 4 surveys

The distribution and transmission of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in 4 families were studied. The families were included, based on the isolation of P. gingivalis from a young child or adolescent. The probands of these 4 families were: a 5-year old periodontally healthy boy; a 17-year old girl with severe generalized juvenile periodontitis; an 11-year old girl with prepubertal periodontitis; 2 sisters, 5 and 17-years old, with untreated severe periodontitis as a component of the Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. All members of the 4 families were examined clinically and microbiologically for the presence of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Most of the parents appeared to be adult periodontitis patients; the parents of one proband were edentulous. Results showed that in all cases at least one of the parents was positive for P. gingivalis. On the basis of indistinguishable restriction endonuclease patterns (REPs) of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates from parents and their children, and distinct REPs from unrelated individuals, the present study indicates that P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were transmitted between parents and their children.     

Avidity of Aspergillus umbrosus IgG antibodies in farmer's lung disease

Farmer's lung disease (FL), the commonest form of allergic alveolitis caused by repeated inhalation of mouldy hay, is associated with exposure to the fungus Aspergillus umbrosus among Finnish farmers. The antigen-binding avidity of A. umbrosus-specific IgG antibodies was measured in 12 FL patients in acute phases of initial and recurrent attacks and during 1 year follow up as well as in 12 healthy farmers and five healthy urban controls. The farmers' groups were further divided into two subgroups: subjects with short exposure (< 7 years) and subjects with long exposure (> 25 years). During the first acute phase FL patients with long exposure exhibited a high avidity of A. umbrosus-specific IgG antibodies that remained high during the 1 year follow up, although the A. umbrosus-specific IgG antibody titre decreased. A re-exposure to mouldy hay leading to a recurrence further enhanced the maturation of the antibody avidity, so that an even higher A. umbrosus-specific IgG avidity with a less significant increase of antibody titre occurred than during the first acute attack. Notably higher IgG antibody avidity was observed in FL patients with long exposure than in healthy farmers or in healthy controls.     

Antibodies to Klebsiella pneumoniae lipopolysaccharide in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The role of microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the aetiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a matter of continuing debate. In this study, class-specific IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis LPS were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 100 AS patients, 50 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 50 healthy control subjects. The AS patients had significantly elevated levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against K. pneumoniae LPS (P < 0.001) and IgA antibodies against E. coli LPS (P < 0.05) compared to healthy controls. There were no significant elevations of antibody levels against S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis in the three study groups. In addition, there was a correlation between IgG and IgA anti-K. pneumoniae LPS antibody levels and the acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (P < 0.001).     

Immunogenicity of trivalent subunit versus virosome-formulated influenza vaccines in geriatric patients

The safety and immunogenicity of a commercial trivalent subunit influenza vaccine and an experimental virosome-formulated influenza vaccine were evaluated among geriatric patients in a double-blind, randomized manner. The virosome vaccine was produced by incorporating hemagglutinin (HA) into the membrane of liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine. Both vaccines elicited a significant (P < 0.01) rise in the geometric mean anti-HA antibody titer to all three vaccine components 1 month after immunization. However, significantly (P < 0.005) more subjects vaccinated with the virosome preparation mounted a more than fourfold rise to the A/Singapore and A/Beijing strains compared with those who received subunit vaccine. The percentage of patients who attained protective levels (anti-HA titer > or = 40) of anti-A/Beijing antibody was also significantly (P < 0.005) higher in the virosome group. Subjects who possessed non-protective baseline antibody levels to the A/Singapore and A/Beijing strains were more likely (P < 0.005-0.030) to achieve protective levels after immunization with the virosome vaccine than with the subunit vaccine. Of particular clinical significance was the fact that 68.4% of subjects immunized with the virosome vaccine attained protective levels of antibody to all three vaccine components versus 38% for the subunit vaccine (P = 0.010).     

Heterogeneity of antibodies reactive with the dominant antigen of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

The serotype b-specific carbohydrate antigen (SbAg) of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 is reported to be the O antigen of lipopolysaccharide, and the highest titers of serum antibody reactive with A. actinomycetemcomitans in early-onset periodontitis (EOP) patients bind SbAg. These high titers of serum antibody reactive with SbAg are associated with a lesser extent and severity of periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to determine if a limited number of genes code for anti-SbAg antibodies as has been shown for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactive with the type b polysaccharide from Haemophilus influenzae. Serum IgG reactive with the SbAg was prepared from 20 high-titer EOP patients by affinity chromatography. The IgG subclass concentrations were determined, and heterogeneity was analyzed by isoelectric focusing (IEF). IgG2 was the dominant subclass (83% of total IgG) in the anti-SbAg IgG fraction and represented an average of 1.33% of total serum IgG2. The IgG2 reactive with SbAg was isolated from the affinity-purified IgG fraction by affinity chromatography with protein A and subclass-specific monoclonal antibodies. On IEF gels, only 4 to 20 bands were observed in the anti-SbAg IgG fractions, indicating limited heterogeneity. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of eight representative anti-SbAg IgG2 preparations indicated that variable heavy and light chains consisted largely of V(H)III and V(kappa)II, respectively. However, a significant fraction of anti-SbAg may use V(H) and V(lambda) genes with blocked N termini. In short, these findings indicate that IgG reactive with SbAg is very much like the antibody reactive with H. influenzae type b polysaccharide. Similarities include IgG2 dominance, limited bands on IEF gels, supporting an oligoclonal response, and use of genes from V(H)III and V(kappa)II regions.     

Extracellular 37-kDa antigenic protein from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans induces TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 in murine macrophages

The extracellular antigens of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 (serotype b) contain a 37-kDa protein which is a major target for IgGs from patients suffering from severe alveolar bone loss. Since the 37-kDa protein has not been studied sufficiently, our investigation focused on its characteristics, e.g., its localization, specificity, and whether it directly stimulates macrophages to produce cytokines. The 37-kDa protein was purified from the culture supernatant of the Y4 strain by means of chromatofocusing and gel filtration. The 37-kDa protein is a unique glycoprotein which forms immune complexes with monoclonal antibodies against rhamnose-fucose polysaccharide. Patients with A. actinomycetemcomitans-associated periodontitis had higher antibody titers to the purified 37-kDa protein than healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Anti-37-kDa protein antibodies recognized a 37-kDa band in the cytosolic, ribosomal, and total membrane fractions from Y4 cells. Extracellular substances from other strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans (serotypes a and c) also reacted in the Western blots, but Haemophilus spp. or several periodontopathic bacteria did not. These results suggested that the 37-kDa protein is a cytosolic protein that is passed through the cell membrane, and its protein portion is specific for A. actinomycetemcomitans but common to serotypes. This protein induced Il-1 beta, Il-6, and TNF-alpha release from murine macrophages. The Il-6-inducing activity of the 37-kDa protein was higher than that of LPS. These findings suggested that the 37-kDa protein which is released from live cells plays a role in A. actinomycetemcomitans-associated periodontitis, as antigen inducing the release of inflammatory cytokines which are associated with alveolar bone loss.     

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice induces a polyisotypic hypergammaglobulinaemia and parasite-specific response involving high IgG2a concentrations and highly avid IgG1 antibodies

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in BALB/c mice induced a reversible polyisotypic hypergammaglobulinaemia, with particularly high levels of IgG2a, IgM and IgE. Hypergammaglobulinaemia started during the acute phase of infection and persisted during chronic disease until 11-13 weeks post-infection (w.p.i.), when immunoglobulin levels, with the exception of IgE, returned near normal values. Parasite-specific antibodies counted for 14 to 23% of gammaglobulinaemia, in acute and chronic infection respectively. The titres of IgM antibodies rose from two w.p.i. IgA, IgE and IgG subclass antibodies built up gradually over the time of parasite clearance (i.e., between three and six w.p.i.). All antibody isotypes, including IgM reached significant and stable titres throughout chronic infection. IgG2a, IgG1 and IgM antibodies had constantly higher titres than the other antibody isotypes. The dominance of IgG2a antibodies was due to their high plasma concentrations, around 70% of all antibodies available in the chronic infection. IgG1 had the highest functional avidity, whereas its concentration corresponded to only 10% of the whole antibody fraction. These results indicate that T. cruzi infection in mice induces a polyisotypic humoral immune response, dominated by some antibody isotypes, with major differences in concentrations and functional avidities. This could be of crucial importance in determining the outcome of infection.     

Partial protection against Plasmodium vivax blood-stage infection in Saimiri monkeys by immunization with a recombinant C-terminal fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 in block copolymer adjuvant

Merozoite surface protein 1 is a candidate for blood-stage vaccines against malaria parasites. We report here an immunization study of Saimiri monkeys with a yeast-expressed recombinant protein containing the C terminus of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 and two T-helper epitopes of tetanus toxin (yP2P30Pv20019), formulated in aluminum hydroxide (alum) and block copolymer P1005. Monkeys immunized three times with yP2P30Pv20019 in block copolymer P1005 had significantly higher prechallenge titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the immunogen and asexual blood-stage parasites than those immunized with yP2P30Pv20019 in alum, antigen alone, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (P < 0.05). Their peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferative responses to immunogen stimulation 4 weeks after the second immunization were also significantly higher than those from the PBS control group (P < 0.05). Upon challenge with 100,000 asexual blood-stage parasites 5 weeks after the last immunization, monkeys immunized with yP2P30Pv20019 in block copolymer P1005 had prepatent periods longer than those for the control alone group (P > 0.05). Three of the five animals in this group also had low parasitemia (peak parasitemia, 相似文献   

Immunoglobulin class and subclass distribution of antibodies reactive with the immunodominant antigen of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype b

The aims of this study were to determine the immunodominant antigens of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype b (Aab) for the different immunoglobulin (Ig) classes and subclasses and to determine the relative levels of these different Igs in serum. Seropositive early-onset periodontitis patients were sampled, and the Ig classes IgG, IgA, and IgM and subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2 were studied. Reactivity with Aab antigens was assessed by using the Western blot (immunoblot) in limiting dilution analysis and radioimmunoassay with sera from 13 early-onset periodontitis subjects. A smeared antigen in the upper portion of the immunoblots, typical of high-molecular-weight LPS, was immunodominant for IgG, IgA, IgM, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgA1, and IgA2. This smeared antigen was present in every patient for all of these Igs at the endpoint. A few additional antigens were also present at the endpoint in some patients, but none were present in more than half of the subjects. The distribution of antibody titers by Ig classes reactive with the Aab immunodominant antigen was IgG > IgA > IgM. The distribution of antibody titers by IgG subclass was IgG2 > IgG1 approximately IgG3. Further quantitation by radioimmunoassay revealed that the mean concentration of IgG2 (65.7 micrograms/ml) was significantly greater than that of IgG1 (8.8 micrograms/ml). The IgA subclass distribution was IgA1 > IgA2, with IgA1 apparently being second only to IgG2. Therefore, the Aab antigen eliciting the highest antibody level in virtually all Ig classes and subclasses appeared to be lipopolysaccharide, and IgG2 was markedly elevated over all other serum Ig classes or subclasses reactive with Aab.     

Bilateral diffuse hypoperfusion of posterior temporoparietals and occipitals in Tc-99m HMPAO brain SPECT in a patient with noncommunicating hydrocephalus

We measured class-specific antibodies to the mycobacterial hsp70 protein in 67 patients with diabetes mellitus (27 type 1 and 40 type 2) with or without vascular complications. Using ELISA, the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies in the sera of diabetic patients did not significantly differ either from those of healthy control subjects or between both types of diabetes, regardless of gender, disease duration, HbA1 level, or type of vascular complication. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the mean serum IgA levels were significantly higher than those in their matched controls [274(71) mg/dl vs 208(88) mg/dl; P < 0.01]. In this group of patients, the IgA antibody titer was significantly correlated to the serum IgA level (r = 0.334; P < 0.01). Serological autoimmunity (IgG or IgM type) to hsp70 protein is common in both the normal and the diabetic population. The increased IgA levels and anti-hsp70 IgA titers in the sera of diabetics suggest a possible role of IgA in the pathogenesis of the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus.     

Intrathecal administration of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate or phosphoramidon/bestatin-combined induces antinociceptive effects through different opioid mechanisms

BACKGROUND: House dust mite is an important cause of bronchial asthma. Seasonal variation of environmental house dust mite allergen levels and the specific IgE antibody to house dust mite have been reported. OBJECTIVE: We studied the changes in IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite associated with seasonal variation of house dust mite allergen levels in houses of mite-sensitive asthmatic patients. METHODS: In 14 mite-sensitive asthmatic patients, house dust mite allergen (Der f 1) contents in bedding were measured monthly, and IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) every 3 months from July to December. RESULTS: The concentration of Der f 1 in dust from bedding reached maximum levels in August and September, and significantly decreased in November and December compared with August and September (P < .05). Levels of D. farinae-specific IgG4 antibodies significantly decreased in December compared with September (P < .05) with no statistically significant change between September and June (P > .05). Levels of D. farinae-specific IgG2 antibodies decreased significantly in December compared with June (P < .05). The levels of IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies to D. farinae showed no significant differences during the study period. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that seasonal changes in natural exposure to house dust mite allergen might lead to concurrent changes in specific IgG4 antibodies to house dust mite in mite-sensitive asthmatic patients and each IgG subclass antibodies to house dust mite might have a different kinetics.     

Humoral immune response against antigen 60 in BCG-vaccinated infants

An ELISA assay based on the A-60 antigen complex from Mycobacterium bovis BCG cytoplasm was used to detect anti-mycobacterial antibodies of different classes in the sera of 63 BCG-vaccinated infants during the 6-month post-vaccination period. The mean IgM and IgA levels increased, whereas the mean IgG level decreased after BCG vaccination. However, in a minority of cases only Ig levels were above the cut-off line: this was true for IgM in 11/63 (17%) cases and for IgA in 14/63 (22%) of cases but none of the tested infants was anti-A60 IgG ELISA positive. Fifty-two infants (83%) were tuberculin-positive eight weeks after vaccination, and no significant difference in mean antibody levels of tuberculin-positive and negative cases was observed, except for IgG (p < 0.05).