Phospholipids in the nuclei and chromatin of the rat thymus at long periods following gamma-irradiation

The phospholipid content of the homogenate, nuclei and chromatin of rat thymus was being studied during three months after fractionated gamma-irradiation (2 Gy X 3 at a week interval). The number of phospholipids in the total fraction of phosphatidyl choline + phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine in the nuclei and chromatin of rat thymus was shown to decrease 60 min following the last exposure. In a month the phospholipid content in the nuclei and chromatin increased up to the control level keeping it throughout the entire period of observation.     

Dysfunction of irradiated thymus for the development of helper T cells

The development of cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells in an intact or irradiated thymus was investigated. C57BL/6 (H-2b, Thy-1.2) mice were whole body-irradiated, or were irradiated with shielding over either the thymus or right leg and tail, and were transferred with 1.5 X 10(7) bone marrow cells from B10.Thy-1.1 mice (H-2b, Thy-1.1). At various days after reconstitution, thymus cells from the recipient mice were harvested and a peanut agglutinin low-binding population was isolated. This population was further treated with anti-Thy-1.2 plus complement to remove host-derived cells and was assayed for the frequency of cytotoxic T cell precursors (CTLp) and for the activity of helper T cells (Th). In the thymus of thymus-shielded and irradiated mice, Th activity reached normal control level by day 25, whereas CTLp frequency remained at a very low level during these days. In the thymus of whole body-irradiated mice, generation of CTLp was highly accelerated while that of Th was retarded, the period required for reconstitution being 25 days and more than 42 days for CTLp and Th, respectively. Preferential development of CTLp was also seen in right leg- and tail-shielded (L-T-shielded) and irradiated recipients. Histological observation indicated that Ia+ nonlymphoid cells were well preserved in the thymus of thymus-shielded and irradiated recipients, whereas in L-T-shielded and irradiated recipients, such cells in the medulla were markedly reduced in number. These results suggest strongly that the generation of Th but not CTLp is dependent on radiosensitive thymic component(s), and that such components may represent Ia+ cells themselves in the medulla or some microenvironment related to Ia+ cells.     

Phenotypic and functional properties of murine thymocytes. III. Kinetic analysis of the recovery of intrathymic cytolytic T lymphocyte precursors after in vivo administration of hydrocortisone acetate

The phenotypic and functional properties of cells in the C57BL/6 mouse thymus regenerating after a single dose of 100 mg/kg hydrocortisone acetate (H/C) are described. Functionally, the frequency of anti-H-2d cytolytic T lymphocyte precursors (CTL-P) in thymuses from individual mice was determined by limit dilution analysis of mixed leukocyte microcultures. The initial increase in CTL-P frequency, seen 48 hr post-H/C, was followed at 6 to 8 days by a phase of rapid decrease. The CTL-P frequency returned to a normal level by 28 days post-H/C. Analysis of the results from individual mice suggested that changes in total thymic CTL-P content were independent of the kinetics of thymus regeneration. Phenotypically, whereas the thymus 48 hr after H/C was considerably depleted of Lyt-2+ cells, there followed a rapid increase in the proportion of such cells to normal levels by 14 days post-H/C. In addition, as measured by FLS, a subpopulation of larger, predominantly Lyt-2+ cells was found during the phase of rapid thymic regeneration. With the use of a monoclonal anti-Thy-1.2 antibody, the weakly Thy-1-staining subpopulation of cells was absent from the thymus at 14 days post-H/C. These changes in the phenotypic properties of the post-H/C regenerating thymus were correlated with changes in their functional properties.     

Mechanisms associated with thymocyte apoptosis induced by simian immunodeficiency virus

Despite considerable research, the mechanisms by which HIV disrupts thymic function remain controversial. We have described the phenotypic changes that occur in the thymus of SIV-infected macaques during acute SIV infection. In this study, we analyzed the effects of SIV infection on apoptotic pathways in thymic tissue from newborn macaques infected with SIV. Thymocyte apoptosis was accompanied by a modest increase in surface Fas expression, a profound decrease in the frequency of bcl-2-positive cells, as well as the amount of bcl-2 per cell. With control of viral replication, levels of bcl-2 and Fas returned to baseline together with a return to basal levels of apoptosis. In the thymus, SIV infection resulted in depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, an increase in apoptosis of thymocytes, and a down-regulation of MHC class I molecules. These changes peaked 14-21 days after infection at or just after peak viremia. This data further suggests disruption of the antiapoptotic pathway regulated by bcl-2 plays a critical role in SIV-induced apoptosis of thymocytes.     

Radiation changes in the lipid levels in liver and thymus chromatin of gamma-irradiated rats

A study was made of the lipid content of liver and thymus chromatin of intact and gamma-irradiated (10 Gy) rats 10 and 40 min after irradiation. The composition of the chromatin-bound phospholipids was shown to differ from that of phospholipids of intact nuclei and a nuclear membrane by a much larger content of cardiolipin and sphingomyelin. A decrease in the lipid phosphorus level, increase in the amount of total cholesterol, and a 1.7-fold increase in the cholesterol/phospholipids ratio were observed after irradiation: 40 min after exposure these indices were normalized. The opposite changes were noted in the lipid content of the thymus chromatin: 10 min after irradiation no changes were detected while after 40 min more than a 1.5-fold increase in the cholesterol amount and the cholesterol/phospholipids ratio was registered. The content of cardiolipin was reliably decreased in the chromatin of both organs throughout the entire period of observation.     

恒定磁场对小鼠免疫功能的影响

目的:从免疫学方面探讨不同照射时间的恒定磁场对小鼠免疫功能的影响。方法:用同一强度不同照射时间的恒定磁场(2小时恒定磁场照射组、3小时恒定磁场照射组、4小时恒定磁场照射组和无磁场照射的正常对照组)对小鼠进行照射,连续20天,每天一次,末次12小时后称其体重,取出胸腺、脾脏、肝脏,称重,计算各器官指数。结果:与正常对照组比较,三组同一强度不同照射时间的恒定磁场组对小鼠的胸腺指数有显著的降低(p<0.05);2小时组与3小时组的肝脏指数也有显著的降低(p<0.05);对脾脏指数无显著影响(p>0.05)。结论:一定照射时间的恒定磁场对小鼠的免疫功能具有抑制作用。     

Dexamethasone and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin can induce thymic atrophy by different mechanisms in mice

The effects of in vivo exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on thymocyte proliferation and thymocyte number were compared. In the thymus of DEX-treated mice (1 mg/kg) both proliferation and cell number had decreased by 70% one day after exposure. This decrease was, however, transient, and values returned to normal within 2 weeks. By contrast, in TCDD exposed mice (50 micrograms/kg), a reduction in proliferation was not observed until day 2 after exposure, and the degree of reduction was only about 50%. By this point in time, cell number had only decreased by 20%. Proliferation increased again on day 3 after TCDD administration, whereas cell number continued to decrease and remained low throughout the observation period (8 days). DEX had a direct and immediate effect on cells in all thymocyte subpopulations whereas TCDD initially only affected the immature double negative (DN) and double positive (DP) populations.     

Postradiation disorders in the adenine-phosphoribosyltransferase pathway of AMP biosynthesis

A study was made of the activity of adenine-phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.7), which catalizes the biosynthesis of AMP from adenine and 5-phospho-alpha-D-riboso-1-diphosphate, in extracts from thymus and liver during 24 h following irradiation of mice in a dose of 245.1 mC/kg (dose-rate of 9.16 X 10(-4)-9.0 X 10(-4) A/kg). Adenine-phosphoribosyltransferase activity of liver remains normal during the entire period of observation. In thymus extracts, the activity of the enzyme decreases down to 70-80% of the control level 3 h after irradiation, it is normalized after 6 h and increases up to 150-160% of the control level by the end of the first day of radiation sickness.     

Cholesterol and fatty acids of the nuclei and chromatin of the rat thymus at long intervals following gamma irradiation

The content of a total fraction of free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol in the chromatin, nuclei and homogenate of rat thymus were studied during three months following fractionated gamma-irradiation (2 Gy X 3 at a week interval). The FFA content in the homogenate, nuclei and chromatin of rat thymus drastically increased 60 min after the last exposure. In a month, the FFA content of nuclei and chromatin dropped to control levels, whereas that of the homogenate remained high throughout the entire period of observation and sharply increased by the third month. No changes were revealed in the cholesterol content.     

Effects of exposure of different skin areas to low-power laser light

The effect of helium-neon laser light of extremely low power of 0.2 mW/cm2 and wavelength 632.8 nm on the immune status of mice bearing solid tumors was studied. The evaluation of the status of tumor-bearing animals was provided by taking into account the number of immune cells, cytokine concentration (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 2, production of nitric oxide, expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp90), and activity of natural killers. The model of a solid tumor was formed by subcutaneous injection of Ehrlich carcinoma cells, and average life span of tumor-bearing mice achieved about 55 days. Different areas of the skin of tumor-bearing mice were subjected either to a single (1 min, dose 0.012 J/cm3) or repeated exposure to laser light (1 min, 48-h intervals, 30 days). Two different areas were irradiated: the thymus projection area or a hind limb with solid tumors. The results showed that chronic exposure of tumor-bearing mice in the thymus projection area, and especially, hind limb, reduced the resistance, which manifested itself in the acceleration of tumor growth and a tendency of mouse life span to decrease. On the contrary, a single exposure stimulated the antitumor immunity for several days after the exposure. The results show the expediency of further investigation of the immunomodulative effects of low-power laser light and the necessity of monitoring the immune system during laser therapy.     

番石榴多糖对糖尿病小鼠的血糖及胸腺、脾指数的影响

研究采用两种不同方法提取的番石榴多糖对四氧嘧啶致糖尿病的小鼠血糖值及胸腺、脾指数的影响。通过给小鼠腹腔注射四氧嘧啶(200 mg/kg BW)建立糖尿病小鼠模型,尾端取血,采用血糖仪分别在给小鼠灌胃多糖三天和十天后检测小鼠血糖值,第十天解剖小鼠,分别对小鼠胸腺和脾脏称重。结果表明:与糖尿病对照组比较,两组灌喂番石榴多糖的小鼠的生存质量提高,血糖值显著降低,同时胸腺指数显著增加,提示番石榴多糖具有降血糖作用,是一种潜在的糖尿病治疗药物。     

Cigarette Smoke Affects Apoptosis in Rat Tongue Mucosa: Role of bcl-2 Gene Family

While it has been clearly demonstrated that smoking is the most significant exogenous factor involved in oral carcinogenesis, little is known about the global molecular and cellular changes that occur prior to the appearance of clinically detectable symptoms. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the expressivity of bcl-2, bax and PCNA in the rat tongue mucosa exposed to cigarette smoke by means of immunohistochemistry. A total of twelve male Wistar rats were distributed into 2 groups: negative control and experimental group exposed to cigarette smoke during 75 days. After experimental period, no histopathological changes in the tongue mucosa were detected in the negative control and the experimental group. On the other hand, an overexpression of bcl-2 was detected (p < 0.01) throughout all layers of the epithelium, whereas bax did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Also, the labeling index for bcl-2 and bax showed an increase 75 days after cigarette exposure (p < 0.01). PCNA-labeling index did not show remarkable changes between groups. Taken together, our results show that bcl-2 is overexpressed in the rat tongue keratinocytes after cigarette smoke exposure.     

Modification of gene expression by dietary antioxidants in radiation-induced apoptosis of mice splenocytes

The modification of radiation-induced apoptosis in splenocytes by a vitamin-containing dietary supplement was studied. For 45 days prior to irradiation at a lethal dose of 6 Gy, mice received a dietary supplement containing vitamins with antioxidant properties and microelements. The expression of TRPM-2 (a marker for programmed cell death), bcl-2 (the product of which has been shown to prevent apoptosis), superoxide dismutase, and catalase genes was studied at different time intervals after irradiation. Radiation-induced alterations in gene expression were different in the control and the antioxidant mixture-fed mice. The antioxidant mixture administration resulted in an inhibition of TRPM-2 expression both before and after irradiation. The bcl-2 mRNA content steadily increased after irradiation in splenocytes from antioxidant mixture-fed mice, while in the control group 2-h after irradiation only trace amount of bcl-2 mRNA was detected. In splenocytes from control mice, the expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase genes significantly decreased within 2-h after irradiation; whereas in mice receiving the antioxidant mixture, inhibition of catalase gene expression was not as prominent. The expression of superoxide dismutase gene was still high 24-h after irradiation. The antioxidant administration decreased the radiation-induced apoptosis and delayed internucleosomal fragmentation of DNA. Our data suggest that radiation-induced alteration of gene expression is, at least in part, determined by reactive oxygen species.     

Cell proliferation in the bone marrow, thymus and spleen of mice studied by continuous, in vivo bromodeoxycytidine labelling and flow cytometric analysis

Abstract We have applied the technique of labelling dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) in combination with in vivo continuous labelling, propidium iodide (PI) staining for DNA content, and flow cytometric analysis, for the determination of cell proliferation in bone marrow, thymus and spleen of mice. The percentage of BrdUrd labelled cells increased as a function of exposure time in a tissue specific manner for each of the three tissues. Thymus and bone marrow had cell populations which exhibited different kinetics for the accumulation of label: (1) those that cycled and became labelled within 2–3 days (88% in 2 days for bone marrow, 84% in 3 days for thymus); (2) those that cycled during the remainder of the 6 day infusion period (11% of bone marrow and 13% of thymus cells); and (3) those that did not cycle during the 6 day period studied (<2% of bone marrow and 3% of thymus cells). In contrast, the spleen exhibited a slower, constant accumulation of labelled cells. After six days of infusion a large proportion of spleen cells (50%) had not become labelled. These results suggest that a larger proportion of spleen cells are long lived than indicated by other methods. We also have found that the period of labelling with BrdUrd extended several days beyond the period of infusion. This method will be very useful in studying perturbations of cell populations induced in mice exposed to toxic agents.     

Cell proliferation in the bone marrow, thymus and spleen of mice studied by continuous, in vivo bromodeoxycytidine labelling and flow cytometric analysis

We have applied the technique of labelling dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) in combination with in vivo continuous labelling, propidium iodide (PI) staining for DNA content, and flow cytometric analysis, for the determination of cell proliferation in bone marrow, thymus and spleen of mice. The percentage of BrdUrd labelled cells increased as a function of exposure time in a tissue specific manner for each of the three tissues. Thymus and bone marrow had cell populations which exhibited different kinetics for the accumulation of label: (1) those that cycled and became labelled within 2-3 days (88% in 2 days for bone marrow, 84% in 3 days for thymus); (2) those that cycled during the remainder of the 6 day infusion period (11% of bone marrow and 13% of thymus cells); and (3) those that did not cycle during the 6 day period studied (less than 2% of bone marrow and 3% of thymus cells). In contrast, the spleen exhibited a slower, constant accumulation of labelled cells. After six days of infusion a large proportion of spleen cells (50%) had not become labelled. These results suggest that a larger proportion of spleen cells are long lived than indicated by other methods. We also have found the period of labelling with BrdUrd extended several days beyond the period of infusion. This method will be very useful in studying perturbations of cell populations induced in mice exposed to toxic agents.     

Effects of low‐level 50 Hz magnetic fields on the level of host defense and on spleen colony formation

The results of 3 sets of experiments on the effects of 22 μT sinusoidal 50 Hz magnetic fields (MF), applied for 1 h on 5 successive days (1 h/5 days), on the level of host defense and on spleen colony formation are reported. The first set of experiments shows the effects on the number of colony‐forming units (CFUs) on the spleen and on the cellularity of the thymus in mice. The MF exposures resulted in an increase in CFUs which was statistically significant with respect to the controls, but not with respect to the shams. Statistically significant changes in the thymic weight and thymic index with respect to both the controls and the shams were measured 1 h after the last MF exposure. In the second set of experiments, the mice were given a sublethal dose of X‐rays (6 Gy), which was followed by exposure 2 h later to the MF. The MF exposure was repeated at the same time of day for 5 days. The number of colonies per spleen showed a consistent, statistically significant increase with MF exposure and the number of CFUs per femur was decreased. In the third set of experiments, bone marrow was taken from mice which had been exposed to 22 μT fields and injected into mice which had been exposed to a lethal dose of X‐rays (9 Gy). The number of CFUs per femur in the recipient mice was shown to be reduced by a statistically significant amount at 1 and 4 days after injection. Bioelectromagnetics 20:57–63, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Developmental regulation of the bcl-2 family during spermatogenesis: insights into the sterility of bcl-w-/- male mice

Expression of bcl-w, a close relative of bcl-2 is essential for male fertility in mice. Although the initial wave of spermatogenesis in bcl-w -/- mice proceeds normally until 3-4 weeks of age, adults fail to produce sperm. To clarify why bcl-w is essential for adult but not juvenile spermatogenesis, we investigated the expression pattern of eight bcl-2 family members. We found that both the level and pattern of expression varied in different cell types during juvenile and adult spermatogenesis. Anti-apoptotic genes bcl-w, bcl-2 and bcl-xL were all expressed in spermatogonia during juvenile spermatogenesis, but only bcl-w was detected in spermatogonia of adult mice. A similar shift was evident in Sertoli cells. This developmental regulation may co-ordinate physiological germ cell apoptosis in wild type mice and account for the time of onset for pathological germ cell apoptosis in bcl-w -/- animals.     

Augmentation of mouse natural killer cell activity by LS 2616, a new immunomodulator

The quinoline-3-carboxamide LS 2616 administered to mice in drinking water increased spontaneous cytotoxicity against YAC-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement of spontaneous cytotoxicity was found to be mediated by NK cells, as judged by their lack of adherence to nylon wool columns, relative resistance to treatment with antibodies to Thy-1.2 and complement, and almost total abrogation after depletion of asialo-GM1+ cells. Enhancement of NK activity was evident after 2 days of treatment, was maximal after 4 days, and remained elevated during the 14-day exposure period studied. NK activity returned to control levels 4 days after cessation of treatment. NK activity was significantly increased in spleen, peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow of LS 2616-treated mice, while activity in peritoneal exudate cells and thymus remained low. LS 2616 was able to elevate NK activity in several mouse strains studied, including mice homozygous for the beige gene. Serum interferon levels were not increased during treatment with LS 2616. Combined injection of the interferon inducer Poly I:C and LS 2616 did not increase NK activity above that of animals injected with Poly I:C alone. However, Poly I:C, in contrast to LS 2616, increased NK activity in peritoneal exudate cells. Studies at the single cell level revealed that LS 2616 increased NK activity by increasing the number of lytically active cells via recruitment of new target-binding cells and not by increasing the lytic activity of pre-existing binders.     

Effect of extremely high frequency electromagnetic radiation of low intensity on parameters of humoral immunity in healthy mice

The modification of indices of the humoral immune response to thymus-dependent antigen (sheep erythrocytes) after a whole-body exposure of healthy mice to low-intensity extremely-high-frequency electromagnetic radiation was studied. Male NMRI mice were exposed in the far-field zone of horn antenna at a frequency of 42.0 GHz and energy flux density of 0.15 mW/cm2 under different regimes: once for 20 min, for 20 min daily during 5 and 20 successive days before immunization, and for 20 min daily during 5 successive days after immunization throughout the development of the humoral immune response. The intensity of the humoral immune response was estimated on day 5 after immunization by the number of antibody-forming cells of the spleen and antibody titers. Changes in cellularity of the spleen, thymus and red bone marrow were also assessed. The indices of humoral immunity and cellularity of lymphoid organs changed insignificantly after acute exposure and series of 5 exposures before and after immunization of the animals. However, after repeated exposures for 20 days before immunization, a statistically significant reduction of thymic cellularity by 17.5% (p < 0.05) and a decrease in cellularity of the spleen by 14.5% (p < 0.05) were revealed. The results show that low-intensity extremely-high-frequency electromagnetic radiation with the frequency and energy flux density used does not influence the humoral immune response intensity in healthy mice but influences immunogenesis under multiple repeated exposures.     

Stem cells and immunological parameters in mice during the latency period and after the development of chemically induced leukemia

T-cell leukemias have been induced in adult BDF1 mice by 12 or 15 weeks of exposure to butylnitrosourea (BNU) in the drinking water. This led to a depression of CFU-S numbers and reduced T- and B-cell responses to mitogens. These parameters were then studied during the BNU-free preleukemic latency period in individual mice. At the same time, leukemic cells were traced in the thymus, the spleen, and the bone marrow by transplantation. In mice without leukemia and mice with leukemic cells in only one organ, there was a general tendency to normal CFU-S numbers and T- and B-cell responses with time after BNU, although control levels were reached in only a few of the mice. The reaction of mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) remained low during the latency period. In the thymus an imbalance of the Con A, PHA, and MLC responses was observed. Out of 25 mice with induced leukemia, 8 had leukemic cells in the thymus only and 2 in the marrow only. In mice with leukemic cells in all 3 hemopoietic organs and an enlargement of the spleen, a shift of CFU-S from the marrow to the spleen was observed.