Cell Biology Commons^™

Human Trophoblast Survival And Invasion In The Developing Placenta: Autocrine Regulation By Hbegf, Philip Jessmon

Wayne State University Dissertations

HBEGF is a multifunctional protein in early pregnancy that induces cytotrophoblast (CTB) cell differentiation to an invasive phenotype, protects against apoptosis, and is involved in an autocrine signaling mechanism that leads to its own protein synthesis. CTBs exist in a low O₂ environment during the first 10 weeks of implantation, during which they invade the decidualized uterine stroma. Inhibitors of intracellular signaling pathways demonstrated that at 20% O₂ HBEGF induces an increase in cell migration through the ERK, MAPK14, JNK, or PIK3 pathways downstream of signaling through its ERBB receptors. Also downstream of these four pathways, HBEGF induces …

Inhibition Of P53 Dna Binding Function By The Mdm2 Acidic Domain, Brittany Lynne Cross

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

MDM2 regulates p53 predominantly by promoting p53 ubiquitination. However, ubiquitination-independent mechanisms of MDM2 have also been implicated. Here we show that MDM2 inhibits p53 DNA binding activity in vitro and in vivo. MDM2 binding promotes p53 to adopt a mutant-like conformation, losing reactivity to antibody Pab1620, while exposing the Pab240 epitope. The acidic domain of MDM2 is required to induce p53 conformational change and inhibit p53 DNA binding. ARF binding to the MDM2 acidic domain restores p53 wild type conformation and rescues DNA binding activity. Furthermore, histone methyl transferase SUV39H1 binding to the MDM2 acidic domain also restores p53 wild …

Molecular Mechanism Of Agc Kinases In Human Malignant, Shaokun Shu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The maintenance of normal cell function and tissue homeostasis is dependent on the precise regulation of multiple signaling pathways that control cellular decisions to either proliferate, differentiate, arrest cell growth, or initiate programmed cell death (apoptosis). Cancer arises when clones of mutated cells escape this balance and proliferate inappropriately without compensatory apoptosis. Deregulated cell growth occurs as a result of perturbed signal transduction that modulates or alters cellular behavior or function to keep the critical balance between the rate of cell-cycle progression (cell division) and cell growth (cell mass) on one hand, and programmed cell death (apoptosis, autophagy) on the …

The Human In 3d: Advanced Morphometric Analysis Of High-Resolution Anatomically Accurate Computed Models, Summer J. Decker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Computed virtual models of anatomical structures are proving to be of increasing value in clinical medicine, education and research. With a variety of fields focused on craniofacial and pelvic anatomy there is a need for accurate anatomical models. Recent technological advancements in computer and medical imaging technologies have provided the tools necessary to develop three-dimensional (3D) functional models of human anatomy for use in medicine (surgical planning and education), forensics and engineering (computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis).

Traditionally caliper methodologies are used in the quantitative analysis of human anatomy. In order for experts in anatomy and morphometrics to …

The Biogeochemistry Of Submerged Coastal Karst Features In West Central Florida, Keith Michael Garman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

West Central Florida is a complex karst environment with numerous sinkholes, springs, and submerged cave systems. Many of these karst features are anchialine, located within the subterranean estuary where freshwater and saltwater mix. Water quality data and/or fauna data were obtained from twenty-one karst features and their associated cave systems. The anchialine karst environment of the study area has a wide range of habitats with measured salinities ranging from freshwater at <0.2 ppt to sulfidic, hypersaline water at 38.5 ppt and measured pH readings ranging from 6.39 in water impacted by sulfur oxidizing bacteria to 10.3 in an isolated room of a cave. Stygobitic crustaceans were identified in conduits extending beneath the Gulf of Mexico supporting the hypotheses that freshwater crustaceans could survive higher sea levels in freshwater conduits beneath saltwater. The fauna associated with the anchialine cave systems included Sabellidae and Polychaeta worms, hydroids, cnidarians and hydrobiid snails. Jewfish Sink, like other anaerobic marine basins that were submarine springs, has four zones: oxic zone, transition zone, upper anoxic zone and anoxic bottom water. The upper zones have seasonal water quality variations from winter cooling and sinking of surface water and changes in the microbial communities. Activity of sulfate reducing bacteria is carbon limited in the anoxic zones, where sulfate reduction is the major metabolic process, and primary production is phosphate limited in the oxic zones. Organic input from the Gulf of Mexico drives the bacterial anaerobic ecosystem, resulting in a “sulfide pump”, in which sulfide percolates upward removing oxygen from the overlying sediment.

Apoptosis Initiation And Angiogenesis Inhibition: Melanoma Targets For Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields, Xinhua Chen, Juergen F. Kolb, R. James Swanson, Karl H. Schoenbach, Stephen J. Beebe

Bioelectrics Publications

Many effective anti-cancer strategies target apoptosis and angiogenesis mechanisms. Applications of non-ionizing, nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) induce apoptosis in vitro and eliminate cancer in vivo; however in vivo mechanisms require closer analysis. These studies investigate nsPEF-induced apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis examined by fluorescent microscopy, immunoblots, and morphology. Six hours after treatment with one hundred 300 ns pulses at 40 kV/cm, cells transiently expressed active caspases indicating that caspase-mediated mechanisms. Three hours after treatment transient peaks in Histone 2AX phosphorylation coincided with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling positive cells and pyknotic nuclei, suggesting caspase-independent mechanisms on nuclei/DNA. Large …

The Effect Of Endothelin-1 On The Expression Of Cdk Inhibitors P21 & P27 In Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells, Lakshmi Reddy Bollu

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Mammalian corneal endothelial cells are considered to be non-proliferative due to the arrest of cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the down regulation of cyclin dependant kinase inhibitors (p21cip1 and p27kip1) levels by Endothelin-1 (ET-1), would overcome the G1 phase arrest and promote cell cycle progression and proliferation in cultured BCECs (Bovine corneal endothelial cells). BCECs were isolated from bovine corneas and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% serum. 5-Bromo 2-deoxy Uridine (BrdU) incorporation was determined in serum starved cultures in 24-well plates as a measure of cell …

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields Induce A Mitochondria-Independent Apoptosis In B16f10 Melanoma Cells In Vitro, Wentia Elissa Ford

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) are ultra-short pulses that induce direct electric field and biological effects that initiate apoptosis. Here the application of ten 300ns pulses ranging in electric fields from 12kV/cm-60kV/cm was administered to determine the effects on B16F10 melanoma cells evaluated by in vitro studies. Initial application of nsPEFs demonstrated apoptosis induction in an electric field- and pulse number-dependent manner measured by caspase activation that correlated with decrease in cell viability 24hr post pulse. In addition caspase activity was shown to be independent of calcium mobilization though ions may play a part in other aspects of apoptosis. The …

Self-Consistent Analyses For Potential Conduction Block In Nerves By An Ultrashort High-Intensity Electric Pulse, R. P. Joshi, A. Mishra, Q. Hu, K. H. Schoenbach, A. Pakhomov

Bioelectrics Publications

Simulation studies are presented that probe the possibility of using high-field (>100kV ∕ cm), short-duration (∼50ns) electrical pulses for nonthermal and reversible cessation of biological electrical signaling pathways. This would have obvious applications in neurophysiology, clinical research, neuromuscular stimulation therapies, and even nonlethal bioweapons development. The concept is based on the creation of a sufficiently high density of pores on the nerve membrane by an electric pulse. This modulates membrane conductance and presents an effective "electrical short" to an incident voltage wave traveling across a nerve. Net blocking of action potential propagation can then result. A continuum approach based …

The Antitumor Agent, Arglabin-Dma, Preferentially Induces Apoptosis In Human Colon Tumor Cells, Sung Wook Kwon

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Arglabin-DMA, an analog of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), reportedly inhibits farnesyltransferase (FTase) directly by competitively blocking the binding of Ras protein and its posttranslational modification, as suggested in previous studies. But, the mechanisms by which Arglabin-DMA inhibits tumor growth in vivo and in vitro are still relatively poorly characterized. To determine the mechanism by which this drug inhibits tumor growth, the effects of Arglabin-DMA in two human colon tumor cell lines (mutant K-ras HCT 116 and wild-type ras HT-29) were explored on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle kinetics in vitro. In cell viability studies, we showed that Arglabin-DMA …

Biomarkers For Placental Abnormality, Cathal Mccarthy

Doctoral

Obstetrical complications including recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affect 1%-5% of pregnant women (Younis and Samueloff 2003). Dysfunctional trophoblasts, impaired development of spiral arteries, imbalance in systems controlling the dilation and contraction of spiral arteries, placental fibrin clots and intervillous thrombosis are all possible factors that can result in an insufficient placental circulation. The combination of the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy and presence of genetic thrombophilic markets has the potential to induce placental thrombosis and cause placental insufficiency with subsequent obstetrical complications. The initial part of the research work involved examining the relationship between four common genetic …

The Ultrastructure Of The Olfactory System In Two Species Of Short-Tailed Shrews, Blarina Brevicauda And Blarina Carolinensis, Lisa Johnson Byrum

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Several studies of the fine structure of the olfactory system of rodents have been conducted, but very little research has been done on members of the Insectivora. The olfactory systems of the northern short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda, and the southern short-tailed shrew, Blarina carolinensis, were examined by light and electron microscopy. These shrews were live trapped in the vicinity of Norfolk, Virginia throughout all months of the year. Olfactory tissues were processed following standard transmission and scanning electron microscopy protocols. The olfactory system structures investigated included the olfactory epitheliumlmucosa (OEM), main olfactory bulb (MOB), accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), …

Bcma Is Essential For The Survival Of Long-Lived Bone Marrow Plasma Cells, Brian P. O'Connor, Vanitha S. Raman, Loren D. Erickson, W. James Cook, Lehn K. Weaver, Cory Ahonen, Ling-Li Lin, George Mantchev, Richard J. Bram, Randolph J. Noelle

Dartmouth Scholarship

Long-lived humoral immunity is manifested by the ability of bone marrow plasma cells (PCs) to survive for extended periods of time. Recent studies have underscored the importance of BLyS and APRIL as factors that can support the survival of B lineage lymphocytes. We show that BLyS can sustain PC survival in vitro, and this survival can be further enhanced by inter- leukin 6. Selective up-regulation of Mcl-1 in PCs by BLyS suggests that this 􏰀-apoptotic gene product may play an important role in PC survival. Blockade of BLyS, via transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor–immunoglobulin treatment, inhibited PC survival in …

Embryo And Gamete Development Upon Exposure To Cca Components: Cro3, Cuo, And As2o5, Nerbana Talaat-Elsebaei Mahmoud

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Production of functional gametes and healthy embryos is essential for proliferation of all vertebrates, especially humans. Many compounds have toxic effects on developing gametes and embryos among which are chromium trioxide (CrO₃), cupric oxide (CuO) and arsenic pentaoxide (As₂O₅) as a mixture (CCA) or individually. Controversy surrounding the safety of CCA-treated wood centers primarily on the toxicity of its components and the potential for these metals to be released from the wood.

The aim of this research is to test the hypothesis that CCA components have deleterious effects on embryo development, oocyte maturation and …

Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (Psma): Immunoassay Development And Characterization Of Transcriptional Regulation, Zhen Xiao

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death among American men. The high mortality is greatly attributed to the lack of early detection tools and effective treatment for metastasis and relapses. Biomarkers that can discriminate benign from malignant tumor and signal the development of androgen independent and metastatic tumor are needed. A biomarker designated prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has the potential to fulfill this need. The objective of this study is to develop a clinically useful immunoassay for quantitation of serum PSMA and to study the molecular mechanism underlying the upregulation of …

Induction Of Apoptosis In Human Prostate Cancer Cells By Resveratrol, Gary Zulfikar Morris

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Recently attention has been brought to trans-resveratrol's {TR) anticancer activity, as determined through a number of cultured cancer cell models. This activity was attributed to TR behaving as an estrogen, and the orientation of TR' s hydroxyl groups. Based on this work it was of interest to determine whether TR would also be toxic in prostate cancer cells; if toxic, did TR induce necrosis or apoptosis in the cells; was it toxic through hormone mediated pathways; and were TR's hydroxyl groups responsible for its biological activity. To this end, cellular viability was assessed in two different prostate cancer cell …

Telomerase Activity In Human Preimplantation Embryos, Diane Lynne Wright

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein, has been described as an essential component of highly proliferative cells, which stabilizes the telomeres and avoids cellular senescence. Telomerase has been identified in various embryonic cell stages, hematopoietic cells, and in >85% of tumor tissue biopsies analyzed. The ability to measure the potential to proliferate successfully could provide an objective measure of an embryo's quality. The objectives of this study were to modify the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay system for increased sensitivity to allow detection of telomerase activity in the single cell of an oocyte and embryo, obtain telomerase activity levels for the oocyte …

Identification And Characterization Of Determinants Of Head And Neck Tumor Cell Invasion, Yangguan Wu

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant disease with poor prognosis. The majority of patients die from local invasion or lymphatic metastasis. The mechanism(s) underlining the invasiveness of HNSCC are poorly understood. Utilizing a panel of HNSCC cell lines previously established in our laboratory, we tested the application and relevance of the three-step hypothesis of tumor invasion to HNSCC and investigated the mechanism(s) pertaining to the regulation of each step in the invasive process. Data presented in this thesis demonstrated that tumor cell invasion in HNSCC is a complex process involving three repeated sequential steps: adhesion, …

Insulinlike Growth Factor 1- And 2-Augmented Collagen Gel Repair Of Facial Osseous Defects, James S. Toung, Roy C. Ogle, Raymond F. Morgan, William H. Lindsey

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

BACKGROUND: Defects of the facial bone structure are common problems for the facial plastic surgeon. Native type 1 collagen gels (T1CGs) have been shown to mediate repair of facial critical-size defects in rat models.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of T1CG augmented with insulinlike growth factor (IGF) 1, IGF-2, and a combination of IGF-1 and IGF-2 on the repair of facial critical-size defects in a rodent model.

METHODS: Twenty-four retired male breeder Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals. Facial critical-size defects were created by removing the nasalis bones with a bone-cutting drill. Defects were treated with …

Reaction-Diffusion Models Of Cancer Dispersion, Kim Yvette Ward

Mathematics & Statistics Theses & Dissertations

The phenomenological modeling of the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of one-dimensional models of cancer dispersion are studied. The models discussed pertain primarily to the transition of a tumor from an initial neoplasm to the dormant avascular state, i.e. just prior to the vascular state, whenever that may occur. Initiating the study is the mathematical analysis of a reaction-diffusion model describing the interaction between cancer cells, normal cells and growth inhibitor. The model leads to several predictions, some of which are supported by experimental data and clinical observations $\lbrack25\rbrack$. We will examine the effects of additional terms on these characteristics. …

Pressure-Induced Intracellular Signaling In Isolated Arteries, Victor A. Miriel

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The ability of cells to respond to mechanical stimuli has been studied through a variety of techniques in numerous cell types. The cells of the vascular wall have adapted to specific mechanical stresses through the activation of intracellular signaling pathways which result in cell-specific responses such as hypertrophy, hyperplasia, proliferation, and migration. Vascular smooth muscle of the arteries have been shown to be sensitive to mechanical stimuli such as stretch, and pressure.

This study attempts to add to the current knowledge of mechanotransduction by utilizing the isolated artery preparation. This preparation allows for the study of vascular smooth muscle signal …

The Role Of Glycoconjugates In Mediating Human Fertilization And Induction Of Fetomaternal Tolerance, Manish S. Patankar

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Using the hemizona assay (HZA), a in vitro sperm-egg binding assay, we show that specific glycoconjugates known to inhibit immune cell interactions mediated by the selectins, potently block human sperm-egg binding. The selectin ligand sialyl Lewis^x inhibits sperm binding in the HZA by 60% at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. Our data indicates that glycodelin-A, a endometrial glycoprotein known to block sperm-egg binding in the HZA at low concentrations expresses unusual fucosylated lacdiNAc type glycans. The fucosylated lacdiNAc type sugars have been previously shown to be 15-20 fold more potent ligands of E-selectin. Glycodelin-S a seminal plasma glycoform of …

Comparison Of Beta-Adrenoceptor Coupled Camp Production In Cultured Human Mononuclear Leukocytes And Myometrial Cells, Yu-Li Liu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

$\beta\sb2$-Adrenoceptor ($\beta\sb2$-AR) agonists, such as terbutaline, are used as tocolytic agents in the treatment of preterm labor. $\beta$-Adrenoceptor stimulation relaxes myometrium through specific receptors coupled through Gs to adenylyl cyclase (AC) that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cAMP. The purpose of this study was to compare $\beta$-adrenoceptors and cAMP production in cultured human leukocytes and myometrial cells, and to determine the importance of $\beta$-adrenoceptors and cAMP production in isoproterenol-induced myometrial relaxation. $\sp{125}$I-iodopindolol was used to assess $\beta$-adrenoceptor affinity and number cAMP levels were analyzed before and after stimulation by isoproterenol, AlF$\sb4\sp-$, forskolin, and PGE$\sb1$. Isometric recording was used to …

Interleukin-2 Fusion Protein: An Investigational Therapy For Interleukin-2 Receptor Expressing Malignancies, Jean Nichols, Foss Francine, Kuzel Timothy, Lemaistre Charles Fred, Platanias Leonidas, Ratain Mark, Rook Alain, Mansoor Saleh, Schwartz Gary

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

DAB3s91L-2 is an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) specific fusion protein with a molecular weight of 58 kD containing the enzymatic and translocation domains of diphtheria toxin (DT) and human IL-2. This fusion protein is able to direct the cytocidal action of the DT enzymatic region only to cells which bear the IL-2R. The human IL-2R exists in three forms: low, intermediate and high affinity. The high-affinity form is believed to be the biologically relevant form on mature, activated T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and monocytes. DAB3sgIL-2 is able to bind selectively to the high-affinity IL-2R in a concentration-dependent manner, and once bound is internalised …

Phase Ia/Ib Trial Of Anti-Gd2 Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody 14.18 (Ch L4.18) And Recombinant Human Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (Rhgm-Csf) In Metastatic Melanoma, James Murray, Eugenie Kleinerman, Shu-Fang Jia, Michael Rosenblum, Omar Eton, Antonio Buzaid, Sewa Legha, Merrick Ross, Lora Thompson, Mansoor Saleh

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

We performed a phase Ia/Ib trial of chimeric anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody 14.18 (ch14.18) in combination with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) to determine the maximum tolerated dose as well as immunologic and biologic responses to the regimen. Sixteen patients with metastatic malignant melanoma received escalating doses of ch14.18 (15-60 mg/m2) administered intravenously for 4 h on day 1. Twenty-four hours later, subcutaneous injections of rhGM-CSF were administered daily for a total of 14 days. Significant side effects were related to ch14.18 infusion and consisted of moderate to severe abdominal and/or extremity pain, blood pressure changes, headache, nausea, diarrhea, peripheral …

In Vitro Expression Of Human Zona Pellucida Protein 3, Chih-Wei Chen

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Human zona pellucida protein 3 (hZP3) is the putative receptor on the zona pellucida of the mature oocyte that recognizes and binds sperm, and therefore plays a critical role in fertilization.

A full length cDNA of hZP3 (1278 bp) was amplified from the human ovary mRNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hZP3 cDNA was subcloned into PSK and pREP4 expression vectors. The cDNA of hZP3 was further characterized by restriction mapping, PCR, auto-sequencing and Southern blot analysis by using an internal oligonucleotide probe, and found to be identical to the one reported by J. Dean. Using autosequencing, 289 …

Phase Ii Trial Of Murine Monoclonal Antibody D612 Combined With Recombinant Human Monocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (Rhm-Csf) In Patients With Metastatic Gastrointestinal Cancer, Mansoor Saleh, Michael Khazaeli, Richard Wheeler, Pat Bucy, Tiepe Liu, Michael Everson, David Mun, Jeff Schlom

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

In a Phase II study, 14 patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer received the mAb D612 (40 mg/m2, days 4, 7, and 11) in combination with recombinant human monocyte colony-stimulating factor [(rhM-CSF) 80 ug/kg/days 1-14]. The combined treatment was well tolerated and resulted in characteristic biological activity associated with each of the agents. Thus, 10 of 14 patients experienced D612-associated secretory diarrhea, which responded to the prostaglandin inhibitor Indomethacin in 5 of 7 patients. rhM-CSF therapy was associated with peripheral mono- cytosis (peak absolute monocyte count, 1444 ±394/mm3) and thrombocytopenia (nadir count, 78 ±10/nim '). Monocyte surface marker analysis revealed a …

Cd16+ Monocytes In Patients With Cancer: Spontaneous Elevation And Pharmacologic Induction By Recombinant Human Macrophage Colony- Stimulating Factor, Mansoor Saleh, Goldman Samuel, Lobuglio Albert, Beall Arthur, Sabio Hernan, Mccord Melissa, Minasian Lori, Alpaugh Katherine, Weiner Louis, Munn David

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

The small subset of circulating monocytes that express the maturation- associated CD16 antigen has recently been reported to be elevated in patients with bacterial sepsis. We now show that this novel CD16+ monocyte population is also spontaneously expanded in patients with cancer. We studied 14 patients with metastatic gastrointestinal carcinoma enrolled in a clinical trial of recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhMCSF) plus monoclonal antibody D612. We found that before any cytokine treatment, 12 of 14 patients constitutively displayed significant elevations in both the percentage and the absolute number of CD16+ monocytes, as compared with both normal subjects and ill …

The Role Of Small Peptides In Cancer Physiology And Chemotherapy, Bao-Ling Tsay

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The targeting of proven anticancer drugs specifically to cancer cells would provide a unique opportunity to restrict neoplasms without damaging the cancer patient. The present research utilizes the phenomenon of illicit transport, i.e. the coupling of normally impermeant metabolites to permeant metabolites, in targeting the drug melphalan to mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The dipeptide beta-alanyl-melphalan was synthesized and tested in vitro for toxicity towards mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, mouse liver cells, and mouse 3T3 embryonic cells. The parent compound, melphalan, was used as a control treatment. In addition, both melphalan and beta-alanyl-melphalan were utilized in in vivo chemotherapeutic …

Effect Of Intravenous Gammaglobulin On Circulating And Platelet-Bound Antibody In Immune Thrombocytopenia, G Garbano, Mansoor Saleh, P G. Mori, A F. Lobuglio, D Shaw

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

Ten patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were studied before and following a rise in circulating platelets subsequent to infusions of intravenous gammaglobulin (400 mg/kg/day x 5 days). We quantitated the amount of circulating IgG capable of binding to normal donor platelets in vitro using an 125I-monoclonal anti-human IgG assay, as well as the amount of IgG associated with the patients' platelets before and following therapy. We found no evidence for a decrease in platelet-specific IgG antibodies in these patients undergoing an acute response to therapy. These data suggest that the short-term efficacy of intravenous gammaglobulin is due to effects …