Immunoalkaline Phosphatase Staining Research Articles

Immunocytochemical Labelling of Haematological Samples Using Monoclonal Antibodies.

I reflect on my experience working with David Y. Mason in the Leukaemia Research Laboratories in the Nuffield Department of Pathology at the University of Oxford in the early 1980s. This was soon after the first monoclonal antibodies had been produced, which led to an exciting and productive time in biological discovery and pathology diagnostics. A specific focus in the laboratory was the development of immunoenzymatic staining methods that would enable monoclonal antibodies to be applied in diagnostic practice. This paper describes the work that led to the performance of immuno-alkaline phosphatase staining on blood and bone marrow smears, the success of which changed leukaemia diagnosis.

Analysis of the expression pattern of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, their cognate receptors GFRα‐1 and GFRα‐2, and a common signal transduction element c‐Ret in the human scalp skin

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and a related family member, neurturin (NTN), as well as their cognate receptors (GDNF receptors, GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2, respectively) are involved in nervous system development and murine hair cycle control. To date, their expression in human scalp skin is still unknown. The expression pattern of these proteins was examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescence and immunoalkaline phosphatase staining methods as well as RT-PCR (GDNF). A total of 50 normal human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy females, 53-57 years). The expression of GDNF protein was strong in the epidermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. In the epidermis, GDNF protein expression was seen in all layers except the stratum corneum. It was strong in the basal layer and decreased gradually towards the granular layer. The results of RT-PCR analysis revealed that GDNF protein is synthesised in the epidermis. The expression of NTN, GFRalpha-1, and GFRalpha-2 proteins was strong in the papillary dermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. In the epidermis, NTN protein expression was absent. The expression of GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2 proteins was moderate in the epidermis. The expression of c-Ret protein was consistently strong in the epidermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. These proteins were strongly expressed in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of human anagen VI scalp hair follicles. Our investigation reports, for the first time, the expression patterns of GDNF, NTN, GFRalpha-1, GFRalpha-2, and c-Ret proteins in human scalp skin. The expression of these proteins in the skin suggests their possible roles in skin homeostasis. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations. Adly MA, Assaf HA, Hussein MR, Paus R. Analysis of the expression pattern of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, their cognate receptors GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2, and a common signal transduction element c-Ret in the human scalp skin.

Age-associated decrease of CD1d protein production in normal human skin

CD1d belongs to a family of antigen-presenting molecules structurally related to the classical major histocompatibility complex class I proteins. To examine the expression pattern of CD1d protein in normal human skin with ageing. Twenty normal human skin biopsy specimens were obtained from 20 healthy individuals. The latter were divided into three age groups: children (5-20 years), adults (21-50 years) and the elderly (51-81 years). The intensity of CD1d protein production was examined in human skin using immunofluorescent and immunoalkalinephosphatase staining methods. In the epidermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the skin of the children and declined gradually with age, being moderate in adults and weak in the elderly. As compared with values in children, there was a statistically significant decrease (P<0.05) in CD1d protein production in the elderly. In the dermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the fibroblasts, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels and hair follicles regardless of age. Our study reports a decreased CD1d protein production in normal human skin with ageing. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.

DNA microarrays of human cytomegalovirus genome: Profiling kinetic class with drug sensitivity of viral gene expression

A mild heat-shock treatment of cells enhances cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and shortens its eclipse period. This provided the basis for the development of a rapid assay to detect CMV in clinical samples.Urine specimens were inoculated in heat-shocked cells and then CMV-infected cells were visualized at various hours after infection with a monoclonal antibody directed against a CMV-induced immediate-early protein, using an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining. Out of 104 urine specimens examined, 13 proved positive and the assay we describe was able to yield positive results in a single day.

Interleukin-1 inhibits in vitro growth of CMV in human marrow stromal cells

A mild heat-shock treatment of cells enhances cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and shortens its eclipse period. This provided the basis for the development of a rapid assay to detect CMV in clinical samples.Urine specimens were inoculated in heat-shocked cells and then CMV-infected cells were visualized at various hours after infection with a monoclonal antibody directed against a CMV-induced immediate-early protein, using an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining. Out of 104 urine specimens examined, 13 proved positive and the assay we describe was able to yield positive results in a single day.

Immunohistochemical detection of a novel 22- to 25-kilodalton glycoprotein of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in biopsy material and partial characterization by using species-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Two murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and Western blot [immunoblot]) were produced by using a modification of standard hybridization protocols, with cyclophosphamide included as an immunomodulator to abolish responses to highly cross-reactive immunodominant epitopes. MAbs PS14 and PS15 are two different clones which exhibit similar characteristics by ELISA and Western blot. They are directed against a 22- to 25-kDa antigen which is present in P. brasiliensis and which could not be identified in other dimorphic fungi by ELISA or Western blot. Partial purification of the antigen was accomplished by isoelectric focusing, and deglycosylation studies suggested that the 22- to 25-kDa antigen is a glycoprotein with a pI of between 4.5 and 5 and that O-linked sugars may be part of the recognized epitope. The MAbs stained the cytoplasm of P. brasiliensis yeast and hyphal cells in cryostat sections of fresh cultures of the fungus. In addition, the MAbs stained the wall of paracoccidioidomycotic granulomas, as well as the cytoplasm of the fungus, as determined by the use of immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase, and immuno-alkaline phosphatase staining techniques in paraffin-embedded sections of human biopsy material, and they failed to stain granulomas resulting from other clinical conditions. These findings suggest that these MAbs have potential use in the immunohistochemical identification of P. brasiliensis.

Immunosuppressive effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its analogue calcipotriol on epidermal cells.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3; calcitriol) is the biologically active form of vitamin D. This hormone is a potent immunoregulatory agent. Calcipotriol is a synthetic analogue of 1,25(OH)2D3, with similar receptor binding, and comparable effects on cell proliferation and differentiation, but less potent effects on calcium metabolism. As a step towards understanding the mechanisms by which vitamin D compounds affect T-cell activation by epidermal cells (EC), we assessed the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and calcipotriol on the human allogeneic mixed epidermal cell-lymphocyte reaction. All experiments were performed both with 1,25(OH)2D3, and calcipotriol, with similar results. Both compounds had potent immunoinhibitory properties on this model, and enhanced the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A. Using preincubation experiments, we found that pretreatment of EC with 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in a more pronounced inhibition than preincubation of lymphoid cells. The epidermal targets of this inhibitory effect have been further investigated, using cultures with freshly isolated Langerhans cells (LC) or LC-depleted keratinocytes, separated by an immunomagnetic particle technique. Pretreatment of LC induced a 30% decrease of proliferation, compared with vehicle-treated LC. These calcitriol-pulsed LC did not decrease the proliferation induced by unmodified autologous EC. As expected, LC-depleted keratinocytes failed to stimulate allogenic lymphocytes. When added to autologous unmodified EC, however, calcitriol-pulsed keratinocytes induced an 85% decrease of proliferation, compared with vehicle-treated keratinocytes. The phenotypic expression of HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP antigens on EC, assessed by immunoalkaline phosphatase staining, was not modified after a 2-h or 24-h pulse with 1,25(OH)2D3 or calcipotriol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Impaired Antigen Presentation in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN--The pathophysiology of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) remains largely unknown. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is considered a hypersensitivity reaction to drugs, but direct evidence of an immunologic mechanism is still lacking. Lymphopenia and a decrease in the numbers of circulating CD3- and CD4-positive lymphocytes have been reported in acute phase, but, to our knowledge, no study of cellular immune functions of patients with TEN has been reported so far. Herein, we investigated several T-cell functions in a series of 11 patients with TEN. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained in the acute phase were tested together with PBMC obtained after the patient's recovery and compared with those of age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. RESULTS--Phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferations and lymphocyte responses in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions were not impaired in the acute phase compared with those after recovery in the same patients and with those in control subjects. In contrast, natural killer cytotoxicity and allogeneic cytotoxic responses were significantly decreased in early TEN. The most striking feature was the significantly impaired ability of acute-phase lymphoid cells to activate allogeneic T cells. Patient PBMC in acute-phase TEN did not inhibit the proliferation induced by patient PBMC after recovery, suggesting that their defect was not related to the presence of radioresistant suppressor cells. The phenotypic expression of HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP antigens on circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes was then assessed by immunoalkaline phosphatase staining and flow cytometry. Results showed decreased percentages of HLA-DR-positive mononuclear cells and a decreased density of HLA-DR antigens, mainly on monocytes, in acute-phase TEN. CONCLUSIONS--These results demonstrate that peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with TEN have an impaired ability to activate allogeneic T cells. This defective antigen presentation is not secondary to the presence of suppressor lymphocytes, but it is probably related to a decreased expression of HLA-DR antigens on circulating mononuclear cells in acute-phase TEN.

Ki-67 antibody immunostaining in benign and malignant human prostatic disease.

Indices of mitotic potential may improve prognostic discrimination in patients with malignant disease. Ki-67 is a monoclonal antibody directed against an unknown proliferation antigen which has been shown to be a measure of mitotic potential. Sixty-four benign and eighty malignant prostatic biopsies were stained with the Ki-67 antibody. Nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was identified in benign and malignant biopsies using immunoalkaline phosphatase and immunoperoxidase staining reactions. Nuclear staining was identified in 14 benign and 44 malignant biopsies. Nuclear staining for Ki-67 was seen in 36% of biopsies with Gleason histological score (GHS) 2-4, 71% with GHS 5-7 and 62% with GHS 8-10. Nuclear staining was associated with advanced local disease stage, but not with metastatic disease stage. Clinical follow-up is required to establish the value of Ki-67 immunostaining as a prognostic determinant in prostatic cancer.

Cytochemically unreactive neutrophils from subjects with myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency show a complex pattern of immunoreactivity with anti-MPO monoclonal antibodies: a flow cytometric and immunocytochemical study.

Neutrophil granulocytes from 12 subjects with primary myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency (six totally deficient) and 16 patients with secondary partial MPO deficiency were tested using two different anti-MPO antibodies, in combination with either a flow-cytometric technique or an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining method. Results demonstrated three different cytofluorimetric patterns of immunoreactivity with the MPO protein: (a) a bright MPO antigenic expression, typical of patients with secondary MPO deficiency (comparable to that observed in the control group); (b) a medium MPO antigenic expression, typical of subjects with primary partial MPO deficiency; and (c) a dim MPO antigenic expression, characteristic of individuals with hereditary total MPO deficiency. No significant differences in granulocyte MPO reactivity were demonstrated for the two antibodies. Furthermore, in two individuals with complete primary enzyme deficiency, the single histogram analysis of MPO fluorescence determined by flow cytometry seemed to show that only 38% (case 1) and 44% (case 2) of neutrophils were reactive with the anti-MPO antibodies: the use of multiple histogram analysis in combination with Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics allowed us to demonstrated that all the cells express a low density of MPO antigen. These data were more or less confirmed by the APAAP labeling method, which showed a reduced straining only in subjects with primary deficiency, while all patients with secondary deficiency had scores similar to those observed in controls (healthy subjects). Compared with the immunoenzymatic technique, the flow-cytometric procedure showed a higher sensitivity to MPO, being able to estimate even minor decreases in neutrophil MPO antigenic expression, as previously postulated by other authors. This work suggests that patients with primary MPO deficiency have different amounts of MPO antigens in the neutrophil granulocytes, and the levels of MPO fluorescence seem to decline concurrently with the enzyme activity, thereby suggesting the presence of a diminished MPO production. In contrast, the normal antigenic reactivity of neutrophils from patients with acquired MPO deficiency indicates the presence of a functionally inactive form of the enzyme.

Evaluation of CR1 expression in neutrophils from chronic myeloid leukaemia: relationship between prognosis and cellular activity

The expression of the complement receptor CR1 has been evaluated using an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining method on peripheral blood neutrophils and granulocyte precursors from 22 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and 15 healthy subjects. The immunocytochemical labelling pattern of CR1 was evaluated semiquantitatively on cell smears using three different anti-CR1 monoclonal antibodies. The scoring method showed that seven patients with CML had a marked reduction in CR1 expression which did not change with in vitro stimulation of neutrophils with phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA) whereas control cells responded to PMA, increasing the receptor level two-fold. In addition, functional analysis of neutrophils with low CR1 expression from CML patients showed a very low cytolytic activity against K562 tumour target, suggesting a relationship between the cellular content of CR1 and neutrophil tumouricidal activity. The involvement of CR1 in neutrophil-mediated lysis is consistent with complete lack of tumour toxicity following receptor neutralization by anti-CR1 monoclonal antibodies. Interferon therapy improved CR1 expression and the cytolytic response of neutrophils in three out of five CML patients with a moderately low CR1 score. CML patients non-responding to interferon therapy and those with a very low CR1 score, independent of the clinical stage, progressed more rapidly into the advanced clinical stage and blastic crisis.

Labelling of T cell subsets under field conditions in tropical countries: Adaptation of the immuno-alkaline phosphatase staining method for blood smears

Immuno-alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining for T cell subsets (CD4 and CD8) of smears from fingerprick blood functioned well under tropical climatic conditions when smears were stored frozen with silica gel before being labelled. Unlabelled smears were stored for up to 12 months and could be transferred abroad without antigenic damage. Identical total CD4 and CD8 counts were obtained on venous and capillary blood, when compared using a FACS analyser. Although the AP method gave somewhat higher total CD4 and CD8 counts, the ratio remained the same. The major advantages of the method are: (i) no expensive equipment is required, (ii) only minute amounts of blood are needed, and (iii) slides can be stored for long periods before labelling and can be preserved for later reading. The method is suitable for community studies where there is a need for assessing the immune status of the population.

An amplified dot immunoassay for the direct quantitation of adapted and wild strains of human cytomegalovirus

A rapid and simple quantitative dot immunoassay for a cell-adapted reference strain of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and for wild strains of CMV present in clinical urine samples was developed. The assay was performed on nitrocellulose paper dotted with several dilutions of viral pellets free of cellular debris. Viral dilutions were treated with a monoclonal antibody to the major component of the viral capsid. To amplify the reaction, a three-dimensional complex of streptavidin and biotinylated horseradish peroxidase was used as the detector system. The dot immunoassay, which does not require cell cultures, yielded results within one day. A significant correlation was found between CMV titers obtained by dot immunoassay and CMV infectious units determined by immunoalkaline phosphatase staining of CMV-late antigen positive cells.

Comparison of indirect immunofluorescence (IF) and immuno-alkaline phosphatase (IAP) staining for the detection of virus-infected exfoliated cells from the respiratory tract, for the rapid diagnosis of infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Direct staining by IAP, with virus-specific monoclonal antibodies, was carried out on 95 specimens, nasopharyngeal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavages, from the respiratory tract. Thirty-two (33·6%) were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by IAP or IF but only 28 (29·4%) by conventional virus isolation. The results of the IAP and IF tests were in close agreement, only two specimens being recorded as positive by one test only.

Immunologische Identifizierung von durch herkömmliche zytohistologische Untersuchungen an Knochenmarksproben nicht erkennbare Neuroblastomzellen

Immuno-alkaline phosphatase staining (APAAP technique) has been used to identify neuroblastoma cells on bone marrow samples from 12 children at various stages of the disease. On 72 occasions immunological analyses were performed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to cells of neuroectodermal origin. In 57 of these procedures, tumor cells were detected, whereas histological and cytological analyses revealed pathological cells in 45 and 37 cases respectively. Reactivity of minimal residual tumor cells--mainly with three MAbs (UJ13A, UJ167.11, A2B5)--points to the fact that these cells belong to a resistant neuroblastoma clone, which remains in bone marrow despite intense therapy. Our study demonstrates that immunological staining may identify and define a small number of neuroblastoma cells which are not yet detectable by traditional histological and cytological criteria.

Rapid quantitative assay of cytomegalovirus infectivity

A rapid quantitative assay was developed to determine cytomegalovirus infectious units. The assay yielded results in three days. The rapid quantitation of cytomegalovirus infectivity was developed by evaluating the number of cells that expressed cytomegalovirus-late antigens at the end of a single replication cycle (62 h post-infection). Late antigens were visualized by immunoalkaline phosphatase staining using a monoclonal antibody against the major viral capsid protein (66.8 kDa). Thirty-five cytomegalovirus samples were examined. The values of the infectious units obtained by immunoalkaline phosphatase staining were correlated significantly with the values determined by the classical plaque-forming technique.

Characterization of a CD11c-reactive monoclonal antibody (HC1/1) obtained by immunizing with phorbol ester differentiated U937 cells.

A mouse monoclonal antibody (HC1/1) specific for a differentiation marker of human monocytes and granulocytes has been generated by using as immunogen the monocytic cell line U937 differentiated with phorbol esters. This differentiation antigen has been characterized as the p150/95 member of the CD11 family of glycoproteins by cellular distribution studies, immunoprecipitation and competition experiments with MAb 3.9 specific for the CD11c antigen. Immuno-alkaline phosphatase staining of normal tissue sections with the HC1/1 MAb demonstrated that the CD11c antigen is a useful macrophage marker. Furthermore, the MAb HC1/1 stains specifically populations of macrophages on skin and lymph node sections from different pathologies such as Sarcoidosis, Granuloma annulare, Lepromatous leprosy and Toxoplasmosis.

Heat-shock treatment in a rapid assay for cytomegalovirus detection in clinical samples

A mild heat-shock treatment of cells enhances cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and shortens its eclipse period. This provided the basis for the development of a rapid assay to detect CMV in clinical samples. Urine specimens were inoculated in heat-shocked cells and then CMV-infected cells were visualized at various hours after infection with a monoclonal antibody directed against a CMV-induced immediate-early protein, using an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining. Out of 104 urine specimens examined, 13 proved positive and the assay we describe was able to yield positive results in a single day.

Comparison of the Detection of Breast Carcinoma Metastases by Routine Histological Diagnosis and by Immunohistochemical Staining

The detection of metastases in 371 axillary lymph nodes by immunohistochemical staining and by routine histological examination was compared in the surgically removed tissue from 50 consecutive patients with breast carcinoma. The primary tumour and axillary lymph nodes were stained with three monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes of the human milk fat globule (HMFG1; HMFG2; E29), and an anticytokeratin antibody (CAM 5.2), in a double-bridge immunoalkaline phosphatase staining technique. Metastases revealed by further sectioning through the tissue were identified before the immunohistological comparison. The use of immunohistochemical staining resulted in an increased detection of metastases in both infiltrating ductal carcinoma (13.1%) and infiltrating lobular carcinoma (37.5%), an overall increase of 17.3%. The follow-up data over a minimum period of 2 years is available for these patients.

Immunocytological staining reactions of anti-carcinoembryonic antigen, Ca, and anti-human milk fat globule monoclonal antibodies on benign and malignant exfoliated mesothelial cells.

A panel of three monoclonal antibodies were used in an immunoalkaline phosphatase staining method on a series of serous effusion samples from cases of mesothelioma, lung carcinoma, and benign disease. The antibodies used were anti-carcinoembryonic (CEA) antigen, Ca, and anti-human milk fat globule membrane antigen. Antibodies to the Ca antigen and human milk fat globule membrane antigen stained 75% and 83% of mesothelioma and 75% of cases of lung carcinoma, respectively. The anti-CEA antibody stained most cases of lung carcinoma strongly but was negative on 11 of 12 cases of mesothelioma and showed weak staining on one case. Benign cases were negative with all three antibodies. These three antibodies may be useful in distinguishing benign and malignant mesothelial cells and lung carcinoma in serous effusions.