Significant Decrease In Lymphocytes Research Articles

AB0687 Th-17 cytokine profile in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

BackgroundTh17 cells have recently been identified as important in pathogenesis of chronic arthritis including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Th17 are highly proinflammatory subset of T cells, characterised by production of...

The Effect of Experimental Escherichia coli Infection on Some Blood Parameters and Histological Changes in Male Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of experimental infection by Escherichia coli on some blood parameters and histopathological changes in male rats to reach this objective twenty male rats (Rattus norvigicus) were divided into two groups, housed under same conditions of water, feed, temperature, light and humidity. The first one served as control group, while the second was experimentally infected with Ecoli by administration of 2ml / rat of (1×109) colony forming unit/ml of E-coli. Five days later blood were obtained from animals by cardiac puncture to measure the total and differential white blood cells count hemoglobin concentration packed cells volume red blood cells count, and thrombocytes count. One animal from each group was killed and histopathological examination was done for intestine kidney liver and spleen to detect the effect of infection on these organs. The results revealed a significant increase in total leukocytes count (P<005) in infected group while the differential count showed a significant increase in neutrophils and significant decrease in lymphocytes (P< 0.05) in same group. There were a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration packed cell volume and non significant decrease in red blood cells count. While thrombocytes count showed a significant decrease in infected group compared with control group (P<0.05). The histopathological examination of infected male rats intestine was demonstrated mild diffuse inflammation which include increased numbers of neutrophile in tissue intraepithelial lymphocytes and goblet cells In kidney renal tubules showed extensive epithelial swelling with decreased lumen space and generalized necrotic changes with interstitial hemorrhage in renal cortex. In liver hepatocytes were swollen with decreased sinusoidal spaces and widely distributed necrotic foci were seen. There is extensive splenic necrosis with infiltration of leukocytes from white pulp to red pulp of spleen.

Lymphocyte Subtypes CD3 +, CD19 +, CD16 +CD56 +, CD4 +, CD8 +, and CD3 +HLA-DR + in Peripheral Blood Obtained From Patients After Thoracic Organ Transplantation

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes (CD3 +, CD19 +, CD16 +CD56 +, CD4 +, CD8 +, and CD3 +HLA-DR +) obtained from thoracic organ recipients at various periods after transplantation. Material and Methods Seventeen patients after lung transplantation (LT) and 5 patients after heart transplantation (HT) included 13 males (76.5%) and 4 females (23.5%) of overall mean age at the time of transplantation of 46.7 ± 11.55 years and mean body mass index of 21.1 ± 4. Lymphocyte phenotypes were estimated using Simultest IMK Plus. Results A significant decrease in lymphocytes of the majority of subtypes was observed at 1 year posttransplantation compared with normal ranges: CD19 + B lymphocytes in 56% of patients, CD8 + T cells among 48% and CD16 +CD56 + natural killer elements, 56%. In contrast, there were increased numbers of activated lymphocytes (CD3 +HLA-DR +). Beyond the 1-year observation, we observed a trend to normalize parameters among the majority of subjects. Conclusion A clear tendency to a decrease number of peripheral blood lymphocytes of various subtypes was observed among thoracic organ recipients in the first year posttransplantation with the exception of activated HLA-DR + cells. After the first year, there was slow restoration of lymphocytes.

Differential effects of alprazolam and clonazepam on the immune system and blood vessels of non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats

Benzodiazepines belongs to one of the most commonly used anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drugs in the world. Full description of toxic effects on different organs is lacking for nearly all the current benzodiazepines. The aim of the current work was to study the immunologic and vascular changes induced by sub-chronic administration of alprazolam and clonazepam in non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats. Forty-two adult male albino rats were divided into 6 groups (I): (Ia) Negative control rats, (Ib): Positive control rats received distilled water, (II): Stressed rats, (III): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (IV): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (V): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). (VI): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). At the end of the 4th week, total leukocyte count (WBCs) and differential count were determined, anti-sheep RBC antibody (Anti-SRBC) titer and interleukin-2 (IL-2) level were assessed, thymus glands, lymph nodes, spleens and abdominal aortae were submitted to histopathological examination. Alprazolam was found to induce a significant increase in neutrophil count and a significant decrease in lymphocytes, anti-SRBC titer and IL-2 level with severe depletion of the splenic, thymal and nodal lymphocytes, accompanied by congestion and eosinophilic vasculitis of all organs tested in comparison to clonazepam treated rats. Stress enhanced the toxic effects. It was concluded that the immune system and blood vessels can be adversely affected to a greater extent by short-term chronic administration of alprazolam than by clonazepam, and these toxic effects are aggravated by stress.

STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF A HERBAL FOOD SUPPLEMENT ON SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN RABBITS

In this study the impact of a herbal food supplement on rabbits was investigated. The herbal food comprises 80% Moringa oleifera leaf and 20% Caulis bambusae leaf extract. Twelve adult age-matched male Chinchilla rabbits were divided into three equal groups (n = 4) and allowed to acclimatize for 7 days in their respective cages. Group 1 rabbits were administered with 2.5ml of the herbal suspension by oral intubation, group 2 rabbits received 5.0ml of the suspension, while group 3 rabbits were given 5.0ml of the vehicle (sterile distilled water) and served as the control. The feeding period lasted for 30 days. At the end of the feeding experiment, blood samples were collected from the rabbits by cardiac puncture and analyzed for CD4 cells, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), differential white blood cells (DWBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and platelet count. The mean CD4 cell count, PCV, WBC, Hb, platelet, neutrophils and lymphocytes for the test rabbits were 28.59 x 103 cells / ml, 31.75 %, 3.45 x 103 ul, 9.45 g / 100 ml, 26.2 x 104 ul, 41.9 % and 43.2 %, respectively, while the control rabbits recorded 9.75 x 103 cells / ml, 36.5 %, 4.4 x 103 ul, 11.45 g / 100 ml, 27.8 x 104 ul, 37.0 % and 56.0 % respectively. Exposure to the herbal food caused significant increases in CD4 cells (P < 0.01), neutrophils (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in lymphocytes (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference (P ? 0.05) in the physical and behavioral pattern of both test and control rabbits. These findings suggest an immuno-enhancing potential of the herbal food which was concentration dependent.

Errors in medicine and errors in laboratory medicine: what is the difference?

Errors in medicine and errors in laboratory medicine: what is the difference?

Zearalenone induces immunotoxicity in mice: possible protective effects of radish extract (Raphanus sativus)

Radish (Raphanus sativus) has been extensively studied for its preventive effects against different degenerative diseases. Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp and is frequently implicated in immunological disorders and occasionally in hyperoestrogenic syndromes contributing to the increased risk of cancer and other diseases. The aims of this study were, firstly, to quantitatively evaluate the Tunisian radish extract (TRE) for its total flavonoids, isothiocyanates and antioxidant activity and, secondly, to investigate the protective role of TRE against immune system disorders in Balb/c mice treated with ZEN for two weeks. The results indicated that mice treated with ZEN (40 mg kg(-1)) alone showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes of the total white blood cells, immunoglobulin profile (IgG and IgM), B cells, T-cell sub-types (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+) and natural killer and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mice treated with TRE (5, 10 or 15 mg kg(-1)) for 7 days before, during or after ZEN treatment, however, showed a significant improvement in lymphocyte, immunoglobulin profile, T-cell sub-types, B cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, treatment with the highest dose of TRE (15 mgkg(-1)) enhanced the release of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta but the other parameters were comparable with those of the control. It could be concluded that TRE was effective in protecting against ZEN-induced immunological disorders. These results supported our hypothesis that TRE contains several compounds that are able to prevent or inhibit ZEN toxicity.

Immunotoxicological and biochemical effects of Aflatoxins in rats prevented by Tunisian Montmorillonite with reference to HSCAS

Background and aim: Previously we reported that hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) and Tunisian Montmorillonite (TM) had an ability to sorb aflatoxins with a high affinity. Addition of these compounds to feedstuffs contaminated with aflatoxins has shown protective effects against the development of aflatoxicosis in farm and laboratory animals. The objective of the current study was to compare the efficiency of HSCAS and the TM in respect to the protection against immuntoxicological effects of aflatoxins in rats.Materials and methods: Animals fed an aflatoxin-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet) showed a significant decrease in all hematological parameters, cholesterol, triglycerides, cholinesterase, total protein, albumin, zinc and copper concentrations.Results: Such feeding significantly increased createnine, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase and transaminases concentrations. The immunological results showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes of the total white blood cells, immunoglobulin profile (Ig G and Ig A), T-cells sub-types (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+), NK and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β) typical of aflatoxicosis. Both HSCAS and TM at the level of 5 g/kg contaminated diet resulted in a significant improvement in all immunological parameters—in lymphocyte, immunoglobulin profile, T-cells sub-types and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the mineral status and the biochemical parameters.Conclusions: The deleterious effects of aflatoxin could be overcome or, at least, diminished by the addition of sorbents. Moreover, both tested sorbents by themselves had no toxic effects and bind aflatoxin with high affinity.

Reoxygenation stress on blood–brain barrier paracellular permeability and edema in the rat

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) serves as a critical regulator of brain homeostasis. Following hypoxia (i.e. 6% oxygen/1 h) and reoxygenation (H/R), the BBB tight junctional complex is disrupted, resulting in increased BBB permeability and the development of vasogenic brain edema. In this study, we examined the effect of H/R on the in vivo rat BBB over a 36 h time course in conjunction with paracellular permeability, gray matter edema, and systemic inflammatory activity. A biphasic increase was observed in the brain uptake of 14C-sucrose, a paracellular permeability marker; with the first increase at the 10 min reoxygenation time point, and the second increase at the 6–18 h time points. Increased brain water weight gain (edema) also showed a biphasic response with the first increase at the 10 min–1 h reoxygenation time points; and the second increase at only the 24 h time point. Analysis of serum derived cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, and IFNγ) demonstrated that only IL-1β and IL-6 were at detectable levels, but these levels were similar to controls. White blood cell counts showed significant decreases in lymphocytes (10 min–3 h), increases in monocytes (10 min–3 h and 12 h), and increases in polymorphonuclear cells (1 h and 3 h). We have shown that H/R elicits a biphasic increase in paracellular permeability and edema, which parallel to post-stroke sequelae, despite the lack of occlusion or complete depletion of oxygen.

Haematopoietic agent(s) in the crude extract from the leaves of <i>Viscum album</i> (Mistletoe)

Preliminary studies showed that the crude extract from viscum album leaves had an LD50 value of 420.70mg/kg mice. Thirty-six male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 6 rats per group. The groups were: Group 1, the normal rats (controls) were fed with normal rat chow and given water ad libitum. Group 2; consisted of normal rats administered with the extract. Group 3; the salt-induced hypertensive group consisted of hypertensive rats that did not receive extract treatment. Group 4; the salt-induced hypertensives that received extract treatment. Group 5; the alloxan-induced diabetics that were not treated with the extract; and group 6; the alloxan-induced diabetics that received extract treatment. Treatments were by daily administration of the extract (150mg/kg, oral), for six weeks after which the animals in each group were sacrificed and blood samples collected in heparinized tubes for counting using an electronic cell counter (ADVIA TM 60 Haematology system by Bayer). Results showed significant increase in the RBC counts, PCV, %Hb, and platelets count in the group (G2) of normal rats that received the extract treatment. The total WBC counts were decreased by about 24.0%, 32.8% and 38.8% in the normotensive, hypertensive and diabetic groups respectively. Differential counts studies showed significant decreases in lymphocytes and monocytes in the three extract-treated study groups (normotensives, hypertnesives and diabetics) while the granulocytes were increased. There were significant increases in platelet counts in all the three groups. (p < 0.01). Also, in vitro haemolysis studies showed that the extract was probably devoid of a haemolytic agent. About 1.0g/ml extract produced less than 25% haemolysis. From the results it is probable that the extract that the extract produces increases in the haematological parameters of normal, hypertensive and diabetic rats, by stimulating haematopoietic cells, and could therefore be used in anaemic conditions. Keywords: Viscum album (Mistletoe), haematopoietic, increase, extravasations, anti-anaemic Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 139-145

Effects of wastewater from an oil-sand-refining operation on survival, hematology, gill histology, and swimming of fathead minnows

This study examined the effects of various types of wastewater produced in oil-sand-refining on the survival, hematology, gill morphology, and swimming of caged fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820). At the reference site, all fish survived a 28-day exposure with unchanged hematocrit, leucocrit, and gill histology. In contrast, all fish did not survive a 28-day period in any of the wastewaters tested and, in some cases, they had all died within 96 h. In addition, the hematology or gill morphology of fish that had survived shorter exposure durations was found to be significantly altered; the changes included a significant decrease in lymphocytes and significant gill cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy. The present data suggest that water remediation will be needed before the process wastewater from oil-sand-refining can support fish populations.

Hematological changes in jundiá ( Rhamdia quelen Quoy and Gaimard Pimelodidae) after acute and chronic stress caused by usual aquacultural management, with emphasis on immunosuppressive effects

Blood samples of 1-year-old male jundiá ( Rhamdia quelen, Quoy and Gaimard) were collected to determine the effects of both acute and chronic stress in hematological parameters. The acute stress was induced by draining the water tank and transferring fish to another tank; chronic stress was induced by maintaining the fish in crowded concrete tanks. The cortisol level of male fish, 1 h after transferring from one tank to another, reached 176.78±21.3 ng/ml in contrast to 28.89±5.19 ng/ml found before transferring. Chronic stress, induced by 10 days of crowding in concrete tank, maintained the cortisol levels in approximately 64.48±18.9 ng/ml. The haematological parameters evaluated (RBC, WBC, and haemoglobin) were not significantly affected by acute stressor. However, after 10 days of chronic stimulation, all these values changed, with a significant decrease in lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and special granulocyte cells, as well in RBC and hematocrit. The main result found in this work was the reduction of approximately 80% in the lymphocyte counts. This reduction could lead to a decreased ability to mount an immune response to environmental pathogen and could be an indication that the correct management of brood and culture stocks is important to prevent stress and the deleterious effects of increased cortisol levels to fish health.

Influence of a single gamma-irradiation on rat microflora.

Changes in leukocyte counts and in the gut microflora of laboratory rats irradiated with single whole-body dose of gamma rays (5.0 Gy) were determined. The number of leukocytes was lower especially 1 and 2 weeks after irradiation. A significant decrease in lymphocytes was observed 1 week and in monocytes 1 and 2 weeks after irradiation. In parallel with these changes, an increase in common microflora was observed; some microorganisms, which normally are not present in duodenum, liver and mouth cavity, were detected in these organs.

Modulation of non-specific immunity by hippocampal stimulation

Rats subjected to electrical stimulation of hippocampus (30 min/day fro 4 days) showed an increase in the neutrophils in the peripheral blood when compared to sham ( P < 0.01) adn controls ( P < 0.001). They also showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes, when compared to control rats ( P < 0.001). Both sham and stimulated animals showed a significant decrase in total white blood cell count when compared to controls ( P < 0.001). The phagocytic index of stimulated animals showed a significant increase from control ( P < 0.001) adn sham ( P < 0.001). In addition, the stimulated animals showed a significant ( P < 0.001) decrease in plasma corticosterone level when compared to sham and controls.

Toxicity and Efficacy of Anti-T-Cell Ricin Toxin A Chain Immunotoxins in a Murine Model of Established Graft-Versus-Host Disease Induced Across the Major Histocompatibility Barrier

Abstract Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was induced across the murine major histocompatibility complex by injecting C57BL/6 (H-2b) bone marrow and splenocytes into lethally irradiated B10.BR (H-2k) murine recipients. An immunotoxin (IT) composed of a pan T-cell monoclonal antibody called anti-Ly1 (the murine homologue to human anti-CD5) was conjugated to ricin toxin A chain (anti-Ly1-RTA) and used to treat recipient mice. In vitro, IT was as active as free RTA, bound selectively, and inhibited T- cell proliferation even in the absence of potentiators. Mice administered anti-Ly1-RTA in vivo during ongoing GVHD, at a dose of 10 micrograms/d for 5 days, showed lower numbers of splenic Thy1.2+ T cells and significantly improved survival as compared with mice given phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or irrelevant control RTA IT. Protection was transient because GVHD and weight loss occurred when injections ceased. Survival could not be enhanced by crosslinking RTA30, a low oligosaccharide-containing fraction of purified RTA. Treatment with anti-Ly1-RTA caused a significant elevation in neutrophils, and higher doses were associated with mild hepatotoxicity. In contrast, infusion of identical doses and schedules of another pan T- cell immunotoxin, anti-Thy1.2-RTA, caused a significant decrease in lymphocytes, but not neutrophils; a precipitous increase in weight; a decrease in total plasma protein (TPP); and an increase in pleural and peritoneal effusions reminiscent of vascular leak syndrome (VLS). Although the toxic effects of anti-Thy1.2-RTA were too severe to show a survival advantage in a GVHD model, histopathologic studies showed a definite anti-GVHD effect. The most significant decline in GVHD as compared with the PBS-treated controls was observed in skin, and to a lesser extent, in liver and lung. To investigate the cause of IT toxicity, anti-Thy1.2-RTA was administered intraperitoneally to lethally irradiated B10.BR (H-2k) recipients of syngeneic bone marrow. These recipients showed the same weight gain, hypoproteinuria, and VLS observed in the GVHD model. Death occurred at higher anti-Thy1.2-RTA doses (30 or 50 micrograms/daily injections administered days 8 through 12 posttransplant). Anti-Thy1.2-RTA had a negligible effect on renal function, but histologic studies showed patchy dropout of the renal tubules. Treatment resulted in pulmonary vascular congestion, but there was no pathologic evidence of liver, brain, or colon toxicity. Weight gain was enhanced by irradiation because nonirradiated normal mice did not undergo such a precipitous weight increase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Toxicity and efficacy of anti-T-cell ricin toxin A chain immunotoxins in a murine model of established graft-versus-host disease induced across the major histocompatibility barrier

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was induced across the murine major histocompatibility complex by injecting C57BL/6 (H-2b) bone marrow and splenocytes into lethally irradiated B10.BR (H-2k) murine recipients. An immunotoxin (IT) composed of a pan T-cell monoclonal antibody called anti-Ly1 (the murine homologue to human anti-CD5) was conjugated to ricin toxin A chain (anti-Ly1-RTA) and used to treat recipient mice. In vitro, IT was as active as free RTA, bound selectively, and inhibited T-cell proliferation even in the absence of potentiators. Mice administered anti-Ly1-RTA in vivo during ongoing GVHD, at a dose of 10 micrograms/d for 5 days, showed lower numbers of splenic Thy1.2+ T cells and significantly improved survival as compared with mice given phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or irrelevant control RTA IT. Protection was transient because GVHD and weight loss occurred when injections ceased. Survival could not be enhanced by crosslinking RTA30, a low oligosaccharide-containing fraction of purified RTA. Treatment with anti-Ly1-RTA caused a significant elevation in neutrophils, and higher doses were associated with mild hepatotoxicity. In contrast, infusion of identical doses and schedules of another pan T-cell immunotoxin, anti-Thy1.2-RTA, caused a significant decrease in lymphocytes, but not neutrophils; a precipitous increase in weight; a decrease in total plasma protein (TPP); and an increase in pleural and peritoneal effusions reminiscent of vascular leak syndrome (VLS). Although the toxic effects of anti-Thy1.2-RTA were too severe to show a survival advantage in a GVHD model, histopathologic studies showed a definite anti-GVHD effect. The most significant decline in GVHD as compared with the PBS-treated controls was observed in skin, and to a lesser extent, in liver and lung. To investigate the cause of IT toxicity, anti-Thy1.2-RTA was administered intraperitoneally to lethally irradiated B10.BR (H-2k) recipients of syngeneic bone marrow. These recipients showed the same weight gain, hypoproteinuria, and VLS observed in the GVHD model. Death occurred at higher anti-Thy1.2-RTA doses (30 or 50 micrograms/daily injections administered days 8 through 12 posttransplant). Anti-Thy1.2-RTA had a negligible effect on renal function, but histologic studies showed patchy dropout of the renal tubules. Treatment resulted in pulmonary vascular congestion, but there was no pathologic evidence of liver, brain, or colon toxicity. Weight gain was enhanced by irradiation because nonirradiated normal mice did not undergo such a precipitous weight increase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of radiation therapy on T-lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with head and neck cancer.

Cellular immunity was assessed in 85 patients with head and neck cancer with monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte surface antigens that identify total T cells, helper cells, and suppressor cells. The control group consisted of 22 healthy volunteers. Nine patients who had surgical procedures for benign diseases were also studied. Compared with the controls, the patients with cancer who received radiation therapy had a significant decrease in total lymphocytes, T cells, helper cells, suppressor cells, and decreased helper/suppressor cell ratio. Significant decreases in lymphocyte subpopulations were not detected in patients tested before treatment or in patients treated with surgery alone. The immune deficits observed were prolonged in duration, with some present in the patients studied up to 11 years after radiation therapy. This long-lasting immune depression may have relevance to tumor recurrences and second primaries in patients with head and neck cancer treated by radiation therapy and to attempts at increasing cure rates with adjuvant agents that improve immune reactivity.

Lymphocytes in patients with ovarian cancer.

Studies to determine the total number of circulating lymphocytes and their morphologic transformation in the presence of phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen were carried out in 156 women: 81 who currently had an ovarian cancer or who had had it in the past; 54 normal women; and 21 patients with malignant diseases. The latter two groups served as controls. The total number of circulating lymphocytes is an important cosideration, as there is a significant decrease of lymphocytes in patients with ovarian cancer, a factor with great bearing on prognosis. The lymphoblastic transformation test in the presence of phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen showed not only significant changes in patients with ovarian cancer but also a correlation with survival at 6 months.