Activity Of Peripheral Blood Cells Research Articles

Donor-specific hyporeactivity after liver transplantation: prominent decreases in donor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies independent of changes in helper T lymphocyte precursor frequencies or suppressor cell activity.

The development of immunological donor-specific hyporeactivity may account for the low incidence of chronic rejection after clinical liver transplantation. We investigated whether hyporeactivity commonly develops after liver transplantation by analyzing precursor frequencies of donor-reactive cytotoxic (CTLp) and helper (HTLp) T lymphocytes and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactivity in liver allograft recipients. We further studied whether CTLp hyporeactivity correlated with changes in donor-specific HTLp frequencies or suppressor cell activity. CTLp and HTLp frequencies and MLC reactivity against donor and third-party spleen cells were determined in pre- and posttransplantation peripheral blood samples from 18 recipients with good graft function 2 years after transplantation. By mixing posttransplantation samples (with "putative" suppressor cell activity) with pretransplantation samples (in which normal CTL activity with no suppressor cell activity is expected), the presence of suppressor cell activity in peripheral blood was analyzed. Two years after transplantation, all but one (94%) of the recipients had developed CTLp hyporeactivity as evidenced by reduced donor-specific CTLp frequencies. The development of hyporeactivity was not specific for any particular underlying disease. The occurrence of HTL hyporeactivity, however, was less frequent: 38% and 20% of recipients were HTLp and MLC hyporeactive, respectively. Decreases in CTLp frequencies did not correlate with decreased donor-specific HTL function or suppressor cell activity in peripheral blood samples. Donor-specific CTLp hyporeactivity can develop in the majority of liver allograft recipients, irrespective of underlying disease. Donor-specific HTL hyporeactivity, however, occurs infrequently. A reduction in donor-specific CTLp frequencies was found to be independent of changes in donor-specific HTLp or suppressor cell activity, suggesting that other mechanisms (e.g., clonal deletion) are operative in the reduction of donor-specific CTLp after liver transplantation.

Immunologic function in horses after non-specific immunostimulant administration

Inactivated Propionibacterium acnes is a biologic response modifier for treatment of non-specific respiratory disease in horses. The objectives of this investigation were to determine alterations in phagocytic activity, phenotypic expression of lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphokine-activated killing cell response in healthy young horses. Samples were collected on day 0, 7 and 14 of the investigation. Blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture and pulmonary leukocytes were recovered via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Commercially available P. acnes (Eqstim ®) was administered intravenously on days 7, 9 and 11 of the investigation. Fever was observed on days 8 and 10, indicating immune reaction. Total peripheral blood white cell count was increased ( P<0.05) on day 14 after P. acnes administration compared to values on days 0 and 7. Total BAL fluid cell count decreased ( P<0.01) on day 14 compared to values on days 0 and 7, which was characterized by a decrease in total lymphocyte ( P<0.01) and macrophage ( P<0.01) counts. The proportion of lymphocytes in BAL fluid decreased ( P<0.005) on day 14 compared to values on days 0 and 7, and the proportion of macrophages increased ( P<0.005) on day 14 compared to values on days 0 and 7. P. acnes administration increased the total ( P<0.05) and proportional ( P<0.05) counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid proportion of CD4+ ( P<0.05), CD5+ ( P<0.001) and MHC II ( P<0.05) lymphocytes increased on day 14 after P. acnes administration compared to values on days 0 and 7. Nonopsonized phagocytic activity in peripheral blood increased ( P<0.0005) on day 14 after P. acnes administration compared to values on days 0 and 7. Lymphokine-activated killing cell activity in peripheral blood and BAL fluid leukocytes was enhanced ( P<0.005) on day 14 after P. acnes administration compared to values on days 0 and 7. Serum IgG and IgM concentrations were within laboratory reference values and were not altered by administration of P. acnes. This investigation demonstrated immunostimulant and immunomodulatory properties of P. acnes, characterized by increased CD4+ T lymphocyte expression and LAK activity in peripheral blood and BAL fluid, increased nonopsonized phagocytosis in peripheral blood leukocytes and decreased pulmonary cellularity.

T lymphocyte subset abnormalities in peripheral blood from patients with the Guillain-Barré syndrome

T lymphocytes are probably of pathogenic importance in many autoimmune diseases. Recently, deviations of circulating T-helper (CD4 +) subpopulations have been noticed. Blood samples from 12 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) were studied with flow cytometry during their disease to define circulating T cell populations. The proportion of T-helper cells (CD4 +) was decreased (mean value 41±15%, P = 0.01) and the proportion of T cytotoxic/suppressor cells (CD8 +) was increased (35±18%, P = 0.0006) as compared to the control group of healthy blood donors (47±8% and 26±7% respectively). The CD4 + population is divided into the helper/inducer (CD4 + CD29 +) and suppressor/inducer (CD4 + CD45RA +) subsets. which normally are equally distributed (mean values in our control group were 45±15% and 44±15%, respectively). In patients with GBS, the helper/inducer (CD4 + CD29 +) subset was increased (54±10%, P = 0.05) and the suppressor/inducer (CD4 + CD45RA +) subset was decreased (31±9, P = 0.005) compared to the controls. The proportion of activated HLA-DR-expressing T cells was increased (7±8%, P = 0.005) as compared to control (3±3%). The total proportions of T cells (CD2 +), B cells (CD19 +) and natural killer (NK) cells (CD56 +) were similar in pateints and controls. The CD4 + and CD8 + populations, as well as the activated HLA-DR + T cells, normalized during the disease course. The derivations within the CD4 + population also tended to normalize, but even at follow up after 6–33 (mean 23) months, some abnormalities remained. In conclusion, we confirm previous reports of T cell activation in peripheral blood from patients with GBS. A new finding is the derivation of T helper subpopulations with an increased helper/inducer (CD4 + CD29 +) subset and a decreased suppressor/inducer (CD4 + CD45RA +) subset, which indicates a possible autoimmune character of GBS.

Lymphocyte subsets, sIL2-R and sICAM-1 in blood during allergen challenge tests in asthmatic children.

In order to study cell activation in peripheral blood on bronchial allergen provocation up to 24 h, we investigated 32 asthmatic children, sensitive to house-dust mites. Six healthy young adult volunteers served as controls. Lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8) and activation markers (CD25-T, HLADR-T, CD23) in peripheral blood as well as soluble IL2-R and soluble ICAM-1 in serum were evaluated. In terms of clinical reaction, 23 children exhibited a DAR, 6 an EAR, 6 a LAR and 3 children did not show a bronchoconstrictor response to allergen challenge with house-dust mite extract (NAR). In comparison to controls, asthmatic children showed a significantly higher expression of CD23 on B-lymphocytes (p < 0.05). Other subsets were in the same range in both groups. After provocation there was a significant increase of CD4/CD8-ratio only in asthmatic children. Serum levels of sIL2-R were significantly higher in asthmatic children compared to controls at baseline as well as at 12 and 24 h after provocation, without variation during observation period. No differences were noted for sICAM-1. Our results confirm the hypothesis that lymphocytes, as important cells in regulation of allergic immune response, are recruited into peripheral blood under allergen challenge conditions in sensitized asthmatic children.

Desensitization of the adenylyl cyclase system in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with asthma three hours after allergen challenge

Background: Bronchial hyperreactivity is a common characteristic of patients with asthma and is often associated with enhanced activities of peripheral blood cells. Signal transduction systems are important in regulating cellular activities and can be modified by allergen challenge. Methods: Patients with allergic asthma ( n = 15) were challenged with house dust mite allergen, resulting in an asthmatic response. Adenylyl cyclase activity was measured in membranes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells before, 3 hours after, and 24 hours after challenge. Results: Allergen challenge proved to have opposite effects in two distinct subgroups of patients. In 10 patients (group I) a heterologous desensitization of the adenylyl cyclase system was observed after challenge, whereas in five patients (group II) an increase in adenylyl cyclase activity was found. Adenylyl cyclase activity before allergen challenge in group II was significantly lower than in group I and comparable to cyclase activity found in group I after allergen challenge. This suggests that in these five patients the adenylyl cyclase system was already desensitized before the start of the study, possibly as a result of natural allergen exposure. Heterologous desensitization in group I was found within 3 hours after allergen challenge, that is before the onset of the late bronchoconstrictive reaction. Conclusions: Because adenylyl cyclase is important in the regulation of cytokine production by mononuclear cells, alteration of cytokine production induced by desensitization of adenylyl cyclase could therefore play a role in the development of the late bronchoconstrictive reaction.

Effects of isolation on interferon production and hematological and immunological parameters.

A 27-year-old woman was maintained in an isolated state for 131 days in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico. Her diet was vitamin D-depleted. Determinations on the effects of such isolation on levels and activities of peripheral blood cells that are important for hematological homeostasis and immunological function were carried out. Throughout the duration of the study, the percentage of lymphoid cells that expressed CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, Leu 8, and other markers remained relatively constant although the absolute numbers of these cells varied. Although the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells did not vary, the activity of these cells did change. NK cell activity became elevated as the isolation study progressed. Production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to mitogen stimulation was higher than expected throughout the isolation periods, but returned to the normal range after termination of the isolation. Red and white cell counts dropped significantly upon entering isolation, but soon returned to normal.

Effect of high doses of intravenously administered immune globulin on natural killer cell activity in peripheral blood

Because Kawasaki disease is a disorder characterized by lymphocyte activation and immune complex destruction of endothelial cells, we examined the effect of administration of high doses of intravenously administered immune globulin (IVIG) on a lymphocyte population with affinity for endothelial cells: the natural killer cells. We found that administration of high doses of IVIG resulted in a significant increase in the activity of natural killer cells and in the numbers of circulating CD16+ cells. Furthermore, a study of patients treated with IVIG for seizure disorders suggests that this effect of IVIG on circulating NK cells is not unique to patients with Kawasaki disease. The beneficial effect of IVIG in the treatment of Kawasaki disease may be due to the ability of IVIG to inhibit interaction between natural killer cells and endothelial cells.

Decreased natural killer cell activity in women with endometriosis.

Natural killer (NK) cell activity is characterized by the spontaneous capacity of lymphoid cells derived from nonimmunized hosts to recognize and lyse certain tumor cell lines, virus-infected cells and transplanted tumor cell lines. Endometriosis is characterized by implantation and proliferation of autologous ectopic tissue in the pelvic cavity. Therefore, we focused on examining NK cell activity in women with endometriosis. NK cell activity in peripheral blood from women with endometriosis was lower than in women without endometriosis. On the basis of this finding, we analyzed also the effect of peripheral sera of women with endometriosis on NK cell activity. In the presence of peripheral sera of women with endometriosis, NK cell activity was significantly suppressed as compared with the sera of women without endometriosis. The suppressive effect of sera of women with endometriosis on NK cell activity showed dose-dependent curves. These studies provide the speculation that natural immunity mediated by NK cells may modulate the development of endometrial implants.

Spontaneous chemiluminescence activity of peripheral blood cells during experimental allergic neuritis (EAN)

In 30 Lewis rats the time course of spontaneous monocyte and granulocyte chemiluminescence activity (CLA) during myelin-induced experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) was studied. CLA of blood and peritoneal cells, and clinical, histopathological and electrophysiological findings were compared with data from 14 animals immunized with complete Freund's adjuvant and ten normal Lewis rats. About 12 days post-immunization there was a significant ( p < 0.003) rise in monocyte, but not in granulocyte CLA in EAN animals. CLA correlated significantly ( p < 0.02) with infiltrate formation in nerve roots, preceding clinical or electrophysiological signs of disease by 1–2 days. There was no increase in peritoneal monocyte CLA, which was consistently higher than blood monocyte CLA ( p < 0.002).

Indometacin In Vitro and In Vivo Abolishes Post-Exercise Suppression of Natural Killer Cell Activity in Peripheral Blood

The present study was designed to explain the mechanism of the post-exercise down-regulation of human natural killer (NK) cell activity recently described by us. Fifteen young, healthy volunteers underwent 60 min of bicycle exercise at 75% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Six of the volunteers were exercised twice with an interval of at least one month. At the second exercise test they received oral indomethacin. Blood samples were collected before and during the last minutes of exercise as well as 2 h and 24 h after work. The NK cell activity (lysis fixed number of mononuclear cells) increased during bicycle exercise, dropped to a minimum 2 h later and returned to pre-exercise levels within 24 h. During bicycle exercise the percentage of NK cells (CD16+ cells) of mononuclear cells increased significantly but returned to normal within 2 h after exercise. Two hours after exercise, however, increased monocyte cell count and neutrophils were found. The in vitro release of prostaglandin E2 from mononuclear cells was increased. Furthermore, the neutrophil chemiluminescence response was also increased in the 2 h post-exercise period; this response is associated with prostaglandin E2 production by neutrophils. Indomethacin, whether administered in vivo or in vitro, fully restored the suppressed post-exercise NK cell activity. Finally, the NK cell activity of monocyte depleted mononuclear cells did not decrease below basal levels after exercise. These findings strongly indicate that prostaglandins released from monocytes and neutrophils are involved in the post-exercise down-regulation of NK cells.

Tumour necrosis factor production and natural killer cell activity in peripheral blood during treatment with recombinant tumour necrosis factor.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) has been found to be an important immunomodulator. Among other functions TNF activates natural killer (NK) cells and stimulates monocytes/macrophages in an autocrine fashion. TNF production and NK activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined in a clinical phase I study in which recombinant human (rh) TNF was administered as a continuous infusion weekly for a period of 8 weeks. Even though TNF production and NK activity were significantly reduced directly after rhTNF infusion the effect proved to be transient and most pronounced at the first rhTNF administration. One day after completion of the rhTNF infusion the peripheral cells released more TNF into the supernatant compared to TNF activity immediately before the rhTNF infusion. This effect was conspicuous in non-stimulated cultures. After repeated rhTNF infusions both stimulated and non-stimulated TNF production of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was increased. NK cell activity was also enhanced after repeated cycles of rhTNF administration as compared to early rhTNF treatment. Thus, repeated rhTNF infusions lead to a stimulatory effect on TNF production and NK activity of peripheral blood cells.

Impaired local natural killer cell activity in human colorectal carcinomas.

The present study was undertaken to study natural killer (NK) cell activity in patients with colorectal cancer at peripheral and local levels. Mononuclear cells were isolated from uninvolved colorectal mucosa, tumor tissue and peripheral blood, and tested against the colon carcinoma cell line CaCo-2 and the erythroleukemia cell line K-562. Peripheral blood NK cell activity from the patients showed similar levels compared with healthy controls, whereas, mononuclear cells of tumor tissue were found to have a significantly decreased NK cell activity compared to the normal intestinal mucosa (P less than 0.01). No relation was found between the NK cell activity and the advancement of the disease according to the Duke's stage. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) stimulated the NK cell activity of the mononuclear cells from blood, mucosa and tumor. However, the increase of NK cell activity after IFN-gamma stimulation was lower in the tumor compared to the mucosa (P less than 0.02). The lectin, phytohaemagglutinin, increased the cytotoxicity of mononuclear cells from blood, mucosa and tumor to a similar level. These results suggest that patients with colorectal tumors exhibit a normal NK cell activity in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa; however, a diminished NK cell activity exists at the tumor level. Although mononuclear cells isolated from the tumor have a normal response to lectin stimulation they show hyporesponsiveness to IFN-gamma stimulation with regard to their NK cell activity.

Increased Natural Killer Cell Activity and Numbers of Leu‐7 and Leu‐11b (CD 16)‐Positive Cells in Bone Marrow of Children in Remission from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Natural killer (NK) cell activity and related markers were analysed in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Children with untreated ALL, children with active disease, and children in remission for less than 1 month and undergoing induction therapy had significantly lower NK cell activity in peripheral blood than the control group (P less than 0.05, P = 0.0005, and P less than 0.0025). Patients in remission for 1-3 months and undergoing consolidation chemotherapy had normal NK activity (P greater than 0.05). Children in complete remission for more than 3 months and undergoing maintenance therapy also had a normal NK activity in their peripheral blood (P greater than 0.05). However, their bone marrow cells showed an increased NK cell activity (P less than 0.0005). Cells positive for the Leu-7 marker were reduced in the peripheral blood from untreated children (P less than 0.025) and children in remission for less than 1 month (P = 0.025). The percentage of cells from peripheral blood expressing the marker Leu-11b (CD 16) did not differ significantly from that of the controls (P greater than 0.05). However, children in complete remission for more than 3 months had a higher number of bone marrow cells expressing the Leu-7 (P = 0.005) and the Leu-11b (CD 16) markers (P = 0.05) than controls. Stimulation of mononuclear cell suspensions with recombinant alpha interferon and recombinant interleukin 2 were shown to cause a normalization of the NK cell activity in peripheral blood and bone marrow.

Modulation of Natural Killer Cell Activity in Peripheral Blood by Physical Exercise

The present study was designed to examine the effect of physical exercise on human natural killer (NK) cells. Six healthy volunteers underwent two different acute physical exercise tests with an interval of at least 1 week: (1) 60 min bicycle exercise at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and (2) 60 min back-muscle training at up to 29% of VO2max; blood samples were collected before and during the last few minutes of exercise, as well as 2 h and 24 h afterwards. The NK cell activity (lysis/fixed number of mononuclear cells) increased during bicycle exercise, dropped to a minimum 2 h later and returned to pre-exercise levels within 24 h. Back-muscle exercise did not significantly influence NK cell activity. Plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol were elevated during bicycling, but not during back-muscle exercise, indicating that exercise intensity is a determinant of NK cell activity. During bicycle exercise the NK cell subset (CD16- cells) of mononuclear cells increased significantly. Furthermore an improved interleukin 2 (IL-2) boosting of the NK cell activity was found during work as compared to IFN-alpha and indomethacin-enhanced NK cell activity. These results indicate that NK cells with a high IL-2 response capacity are recruited to the peripheral blood during exercise. The decreased NK cell activity demonstrated 2 h after work was probably not due to fluctuations in size of the NK cell pool, since the proportion of CD16+ cells was normal. The finding that indomethacin fully restored the suppressed NK cell activity in vitro and the demonstration of a twofold increase in monocyte (CD20+ cells) proportions 2 h after work, strongly indicate that prostaglandins released by monocytes during the heavy physical exercise are responsible for the down-regulation of the NK cells.

In vitro augmentation of natural killer activity of peripheral blood cells from cancer patients by a DNA fraction from Mycobacterium bovis BCG.

Effects of a DNA-rich fraction from Mycobacterium bovis BCG (MY-1) on the natural killer (NK) activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from healthy donors and cancer patients were studied in vitro. The NK activity of PBL was assessed after incubating PBL for 24 hr in the presence or absence of MY-1 or that digested preliminarily with RNase or DNase. One microgram per ml of MY-1 or that digested with RNase augmented the NK activity of PBL from healthy donors. The activity of MY-1 was abolished by the digestion with DNase. Similarly, the NK activity in all of six patients with gastric cancer, 12 patients with colonic cancer, and six patients with uterine cancer was augmented by incubation with MY-1 (1 microgram/ml and 10 micrograms/ml), although the degree of augmentation varied depending upon the origin of PBL.

Natural killer cell activity and lymphocyte function during and after coronary artery bypass grafting in relation to the endocrine stress response.

The effects of elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the associated endocrine stress response on natural killer (NK) cell activity in peripheral blood, the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations, and the phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced lymphocyte transformation were studied in 20 patients anesthetized with either etomidate-high dose fentanyl (75-125 micrograms . kg-1) or midazolam-low dose fentanyl (less than 20 micrograms . kg-1). The endocrine response to surgery was measured as changes in serum cortisol, plasma epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Compared with control values, a significant increase of NK cell activity was found in both groups prior to induction of anesthesia, followed by a decrease after induction until initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and a gradual increase to levels exceeding controls during CPB. Postoperatively, NK cell activity and the lymphocyte transformation to PHA stimulation were significantly depressed for at least 1-3 days. These changes were accompanied by severe lymphopenia affecting the T-lymphocytes (T3, T4, and T8) and the NK cells (Leu 11). Apart from a delayed cortisol increase in the etomidate group, the endocrine response showed a similar pattern in the two groups. Compared with control values, a significant decrease in the serum cortisol until CPB could be demonstrated, followed by a significant increase persisting for at least 6 days postoperatively. The plasma catecholamines showed a steep rise and, consequently, a significant increase during CPB, followed by a gradual return to control values in the postoperative period. The results indicate that, in patients undergoing CABG, immune surveillance is impaired prior to CPB and during the early postoperative period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cocaine increases natural killer cell activity.

The administration of epinephrine to humans increases natural killer (NK) cell activity and numbers. If endogenous catecholamines regulate NK cells, then their activity should be increased by cocaine, an agent that potentiates endogenous catecholamines. We investigated the in vivo effect of cocaine on NK cell activity and on the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, including NK cells. Intravenous cocaine (0.6 mg/kg) produced a three- to fourfold increase in NK cell activity in peripheral blood. The increase was accompanied by a marked and selective increase in circulating NK cells, as identified by the Fc receptor (Leu-11). Normal saline and benzoylecgonine, a major metabolite of cocaine, had little effect on NK cell activity or on levels of Leu-11+ cells. Other lymphocyte subpopulations were not increased by cocaine. The time course of the alterations in NK cell numbers and activity paralleled plasma levels of cocaine. In vitro cocaine did not increase NK cell activity. Our results indicate that cocaine selectively alters the activity and distribution of the NK lymphocyte subset. Because cocaine increases the activity of endogenous catecholamines, these findings suggest that human NK cells are selectively regulated by the sympathetic nervous system.

Enzyme activity of peripheral blood cells in experimental chronic myocarditis linked with persistence of Coxsackie a virus

Human and animal blood smear staining with PAPh has revealed mononuclear leukocyte-erythrocyte aggregates. Administration of retinoic acid increased concentration and dimensions of these aggregates and was followed by preferential accumulation of PAPh-negative osmotically unstable erythrocytes. Similar changes were detected in the blood samples of women engaged in the production of retinoic acid. Aggregate concentration showed positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and no correlation with prothrombin time.

Natural killer cell activity of peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells from patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Patients with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia had highly significantly reduced natural killer cell activity in peripheral blood (p less than 0.01) and bone marrow (p less than 0.001) mononuclear cells compared with that in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in normal healthy controls. Patients in remission had normal killer cell activity (p greater than 0.5) both in peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells. Thus, the natural killer cell activity correlated well with the disease activity in the patients.

Distribution of Natural Killer Cell Activity in peripheral blood, cord blood, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen and the effect of in vitro treatment with interferon preparation

The distribution of spontaneous cell-mediated cytotoxicity (Natural Killer Cell Activity—NK-Activity) was studied in peripheral blood from normal adult blood donors and in cord blood. The NK activity was also measured in the lymphoid organs: thymus, lymph nodes and spleen and the effect of human interferon preparation on the NK activity was measured. It is demonstrated that the NK activity in peripheral blood ranges from 25–80% specific cytotoxicity when measured on the erythroleukemic cell line K 562, while 30% of newborns do not have significant NK activity. The NK activity can be substantially enhanced in peripheral blood and in cord blood, slightly increased in spleen cells but not affected in thymus and lymph nodes following in vitro treatment with human interferon preparation. The study demonstrates that there are qualitative differences in the distribution of NK cells and their precursors in the different lymphoid organs.