Production in Mice of Ascitic Fluid Containing Antibodies against Plant Lectins

Saccharomycopsis lipolytica developed mycelial cells in media containing both olive oil and bovine milk casein. Olive oil could be replaced by other lipids including triolein, oleic acid, linoleic acid and oleyl alcohol. On the other hand, bovine milk casein could be replaced by a soybean fraction and meat extract, but not by casamino acids or individual common amino acids. The mycelial development was inhibited with a deficiency of magnesium sulfate and ferric chloride or with the addition of cysteine and reduced glutathione.

The mycelial development began after 8 hr from the start of cultivation and the mycelial cell ratio was maximum after 20 hr. Mycelial cells and yeast-form ones were separated from each other on the basis of cellular specific gravity and this method was used to determine the mycelial cell ratio in the present study.     

Paricalcitol Reduces Peritoneal Fibrosis in Mice through the Activation of Regulatory T Cells and Reduction in IL-17 Production

Fibrosis is a significant health problem associated with a chronic inflammatory reaction. The precise mechanisms involved in the fibrotic process are still poorly understood. However, given that inflammation is a major causative factor, immunomodulation is a possible therapeutic approach to reduce fibrosis. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) that is present in all hematopoietic cells has been associated with immunomodulation. We investigated whether the intraperitoneal administration of paricalcitol, a specific activator of the VDR, modulates peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF)-induced peritoneal fibrosis. We characterized the inflammatory process in the peritoneal cavity of mice treated or not treated with paricalcitol and analyzed the ensuing fibrosis. The treatment reduced peritoneal IL-17 levels, which strongly correlated with a significantly lower peritoneal fibrotic response. In vitro studies demonstrate that both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ regulatory T cells appear to impact the regulation of IL-17. Paricalcitol treatment resulted in a significantly increased frequency of CD8⁺ T cells showing a regulatory phenotype. The frequency of CD4⁺ Tregs tends to be increased, but it did not achieve statistical significance. However, paricalcitol treatment increased the number of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ Treg cells in vivo. In conclusion, the activation of immunological regulatory mechanisms by VDR signaling could prevent or reduce fibrosis, as shown in peritoneal fibrosis induced by PDF exposure in mice.     

Immunogenicity of Cell Walls from Various Mycobacteria Against Airborne Tuberculosis in Mice

Protective potency of oil-treated cell walls of various mycobacteria against airborne infection of mice with a few cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was compared with that of viable BCG. Although less potent than BCG cell walls, the cell walls of atypical mycobacteria of Runyon's groups I to IV protected against challenge by aerosol to some degree. Protection afforded by cell walls of H37Rv and of the avirulent mutants H37Ra and Washington II was comparable to that provided by BCG cell walls. However, cell walls of a highly virulent strain of M. bovis (Bovinus I) provided the best protection yet achieved. Present evidence suggests that protective substances are shared by all mycobacteria but in differing amounts; the relationship between virulence and immunogenicity has yet to be clarified.     

SPF级小鼠超数排卵效果

目的探求小鼠周龄、品系和季节对SPF级小鼠超数排卵效果的影响。方法在春、夏、冬季对4～10周龄的SPF级BALB／c小鼠和KM小鼠进行超数排卵处理,通过见栓率、产胚率、3．5d胚胎获得量及胚胎类型等方面进行统计学分析。结果小鼠周龄、品系和季节对SPF级BALB／c小鼠和KM小鼠见栓率没有影响;对产胚率、3．5d胚胎获得量和胚胎类型等方面有一定影响。结论SPF级BALB／c小鼠宜用9、10周龄的进行超数排卵处理以供应3．5d胚胎为需要所用,而SPF级KM小鼠使用4～10周龄的都可以;另外,SPF级小鼠超数排卵处理仍宜在春、夏季进行,可以保证获得最佳的效果。     

利用无传染性耻垢分枝杆菌建立小鼠结核病模型的探索

目的:利用耻垢分枝杆菌(M.smegmatismc2155)建立C57BL/6小鼠结核病模型。方法:每天以高剂量(5×107CFU)耻垢分枝杆菌给C57BL/6小鼠腹腔注射,连续感染4周,检测耻垢分枝杆菌对小鼠的致病性。分别于2周和4周处死小鼠,无菌条件下解剖小鼠取肺、脾脏组织匀浆,进行组织内细菌活力检测;通过嗜酸性染色进行分枝杆菌的鉴定;同时进行病理切片的制备,观察肺和脾脏组织的病理变化;最后进行菌体DNA的提取和基因检测,根据上述指标确定小鼠结核病模型的建立是否成功。结果:腹腔感染小鼠2周后,模型组小鼠只有脾脏组织匀浆液出现抗酸染色阳性菌落,肺部组织未见阳性菌落。腹腔感染小鼠4周后,模型组小鼠肺、脾脏组织匀浆液中均可见大量抗酸染色阳性的菌落;组织病理学观察结果显示:小鼠肺组织主要表现为以中性粒细胞为主的炎性病变;基因检测结果表明:模型组小鼠肺组织匀浆液中可检测到耻垢分枝杆菌特异性3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(gap)基因,而脾脏组织未扩增出耻垢分枝杆菌特异性基因。结论:通过腹腔注射无致病性耻垢分枝杆菌方法,成功建立C57BL/6小鼠结核病发生模型,为结核分枝杆菌与宿主相互作用研究提供安全的疾病模型。     

小鼠巨噬细胞吞噬功能测定方法的改进及应用(英文)

对巨噬细胞吞噬鸡红细胞活性的体内检测方法进行改进.收集小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞,加入不同浓度甘草多糖、鸡红细胞于37℃共同孵育1 h,在倒置显微镜下观察吞噬状态,统计吞噬百分率和吞噬指数.并将改进后的体外吞噬方法用于检测酵母多糖对小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞形态和吞噬功能的影响.结果表明:改进后的体外吞噬法测定的结果与传统的体内吞噬法比较,两者具有显著的相关性(n=6,P<0.01).酵母多糖对巨噬细胞刺激1 h后,与对照组相比,其吞噬功能显著性增强;巨噬细胞形态上出现被活化的特征.应用改进后的方法研究巨噬细胞吞噬鸡红细胞,不需染色,在模拟生理条件下进行,保持了细胞活性,有简便、成本低以及准确率高的特点,适用于普通实验室的科研和教学.     

Production of Tubules and Bacteriophage-like Particles in Mycobacteria After Bacitracin Treatment

Bacitracin-treated mycobacteria liberated tubules and phagelike particles which had no biological activity against selected species. These structures may reflect a state of defective lysogeny.     

CD90(+) Mesothelial-Like Cells in Peritoneal Fluid Promote Peritoneal Metastasis by Forming a Tumor Permissive Microenvironment

The peritoneal cavity is a common target of metastatic gastrointestinal and ovarian cancer cells, but the mechanisms leading to peritoneal metastasis have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the roles of cells in peritoneal fluids on the development of peritoneal metastasis. We found that a minor subset of human intraperitoneal cells with CD90(+)/CD45(−) phenotype vigorously grew in culture with mesothelial-like appearance. The mesothelial-like cells (MLC) displayed the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cell, such as differentiating into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes, and suppressing T cell proliferation. These cells highly expressed type I collagen, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activated protein-α by the stimulation with TGF-β, which is characteristic of activated myofibroblasts. Intraperitoneal co-injection of MLCs with the human gastric cancer cell line, MKN45, significantly enhanced the rate of metastatic formation in the peritoneum of nude mice. Histological examination revealed that many MLCs were engrafted in metastatic nodules and were mainly located at the fibrous area. Dasatinib, a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor, strongly inhibited the proliferation of MLCs but not MKN45 in vitro. Nevertheless, oral administration of Dasatinib significantly inhibited the development of peritoneal metastasis of MKN45, and resulted in reduced fibrillar formation of metastatic nodules. These results suggest floating MLCs in the peritoneal fluids support the development of peritoneal metastasis possibly through the production of the permissive microenvironment, and thus the functional blockade of MLCs is a reasonable strategy to treat recurrent abdominal malignancies.     

血清与腹腔液中趋化因子RANTES水平在子宫内膜异位症患者中的临床应用

目的:探讨血清与腹腔液中趋化因子RANTES水平在子宫内膜异位症(EM)患者中的临床意义。方法:选取2012年5月-2013年5月本院收治的33例EM患者(观察组)、33例良性卵巢肿瘤患者(对照组)和33例健康体检者(健康对照组),应用ELISA法对血清与腹腔液中趋化因子RANTES水平进行检测,分析RANTES水平与患者r-AFS分期及痛经程度的相关性。结果:观察组血清RANTES水平明显高于对照组和健康对照组,差异均有统计学意义(t=7.163,6.743,均P0.05);观察组腹腔液RANTES水平亦高于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=5.927,P0.05);观察组血清及腹腔液中RANTES水平与r-AFS分期呈正相关(r=0.975,0.893,均P0.05),且随分期增高而呈递增趋势;观察组血清RANTES水平与患者痛经评分无明显的相关性(r=-0.312,P0.05);而腹腔液中RANTES水平与患者痛经评分呈正关(r=0.517,P0.05)。结论:EM患者血清与腹腔液中趋化因子RANTES水平明显上升,应用ELISA法检测RANTES水平可辅助EM诊断,有利于提高诊断准确率。     

Differentiation of Pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells in the Peritoneal Cavity of Irradiated Mice

We studied the behavior and differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells of R1 mice in vivo. Undifferentiated embryonic stem cells and differentiating embryoid bodies implanted in the abdominal cavity of irradiated mice were shown to form tumors containing the derivatives of all germ layers. Cells of the embryoid bodies form tumors two weeks after implantation, while undifferentiated embryonic stem cells form tumors only by week three.     

Prognostic Significance of Molecular Analysis of Peritoneal Fluid for Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Accurately distinguishing serosal invasion in patients with gastric cancer (GC) prior to surgery can be difficult. Molecular analysis of peritoneal fluid (MAPF) for free cancer cells with higher sensitivity than other methods; however, its prognostic value for GC remains controversial, precluding its application in clinical practice.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and other databases were systematically searched. Thirty-one studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and peritoneal recurrence-free survival (PRF).

Results

The current meta-analysis focused on patients with GC and negative cytological diagnoses. The results showed that positive MAPF status (MAPF⁺) led to poorer prognoses for OS (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.99–3.37), DFS (HR 4.92, 95% CI 3.28–7.37) and PRF (HR 2.81, 95% CI 2.12–3.72) compared with negative MAPF status (MAPF^-). Moreover, among the patients with GC who received curative treatment, the MAPF⁺ patients had poorer prognoses for OS (HR 3.27, 95% CI 2.49–4.29), DFS (HR 3.90, 95% CI 2.74–5.57) and PRF (HR 5.45, 95% CI 3.70–8.03). A meta-analysis of multivariate-adjusted HRs demonstrated that MAPF⁺ status was an independent prognostic factor for patients with GC who underwent curative treatment (OS: HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.47–3.28; PRF: HR 3.44, 95% CI 2.01–5.87). Using the identical target genes (CEA, CEA/CK20) as molecular markers, the patients with GC who were MAPF⁺ had significantly worse prognoses for OS (CEA: HR 3.03, 95% CI 2.29–4.01; CEA/CK20: HR 4.24, 95% CI 2.42–7.40), DFS (CEA: HR 3.99, 95% CI 2.24–7.12; CEA/CK20: HR 4.31, 95% CI 1.49–2.48) and PRF (CEA: HR 4.45, 95% CI 2.72–7.31; CEA/CK20: HR 6.46, 95% CI 3.62–11.55) than the patients who were MAPF^-.

Conclusion/Significance

The above results demonstrate that MAPF could be a prognostic indicator for patients with GC who have a negative cytological diagnosis and/or are receiving curative treatment. MAPF could provide clinicians with additional prognostic information that could aid in developing individualized treatment plans prior to surgery. The widely used target genes CEA, CEA/CK20 were confirmed to be valuable MAPF markers for predicting the prognosis of GC.     

Chemokine Receptor CCR8 Is Required for Lipopolysaccharide-Triggered Cytokine Production in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages

Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 8 (CCR8), the chemokine receptor for chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 1 (CCL1), is expressed in T-helper type-2 lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages (PMφ) and is involved in various pathological conditions, including peritoneal adhesions. However, the role of CCR8 in inflammatory responses is not fully elucidated. To investigate the function of CCR8 in macrophages, we compared cytokine secretion from mouse PMφ or bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMφ) stimulated with various Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands in CCR8 deficient (CCR8^{- /-}) and wild-type (WT) mice. We found that CCR8^-/- PMφ demonstrated attenuated secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In particular, LPS-induced IL-10 production absolutely required CCR8. CCR8-dependent cytokine secretion was characteristic of PMφ but not BMMφ. To further investigate this result, we selected the small molecule compound R243 from a library of compounds with CCR8-antagonistic effects on CCL1-induced Ca²⁺ flux and CCL1-driven PMφ aggregation. Similar to CCR8^-/- PMφ, R243 attenuated secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and most strikingly IL-10 from WT PMφ, but not BMMφ. CCR8^-/- PMφ and R243-treated WT PMφ both showed suppressed c-jun N-terminal kinase activity and nuclear factor-κB signaling after LPS treatment when compared with WT PMφ. A c-Jun signaling pathway inhibitor also produced an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced cytokine secretion that was similar to that of CCR8 deficiency or R243 treatment. As seen in CCR8^-/- mice, administration of R243 attenuated peritoneal adhesions in vivo. R243 also prevented hapten-induced colitis. These results are indicative of cross talk between signaling pathways downstream of CCR8 and TLR-4 that induces cytokine production by PMφ. Through use of CCR8^-/- mice and the new CCR8 inhibitor, R243, we identified a novel macrophage innate immune response pathway that involves a chemokine receptor.