Familial association in serum IgE levels

Summary The serum IgE levels measured by RIST correlated closely with those obtained by the single radioimmunodiffusion method. Values for husband and wife were closely related as were those between father and daughter but in contrast to previous observations no significant relationship existed between IgE levels for mother and son.Acknowledgments. The Busselton population studies, of which this paper forms part, have been supported by the University of Western Australia the Arnold Yeldham and Mary Raine Foundation, the National Heart Foundation of Australia, Royal Perth Hospital, State Health Laboratories (Western Australia), the National Health and Medical Research Council, Princess Margaret Children's Medical Research Foundation, various private donors, numerous volunteer workers, and the people of Busselton. The authors wish to personally acknowledge support from the Arnold Yeldham and Mary Raine Foundation, the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia. We are indebted to Drs.K. J. Cullen andR. C. Godfrey for making available valuable material from the Busselton population survey.     

Unusual elevation of IgE levels during childhood

Summary IgE levels in children 5 to 15 years of age were much higher than in their parents. The high IgE levels may result in part from a compensation for low IgA levels in children and in part from intestinal infestations.     

Production of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and reversed PCA by rat IgE antibody in the mouse

Although IgE antibody is generally characterized as a homocytotropic antibody, it has been well known for some time that mouse IgE antibody causes potent sensitization of rat skin for PCA. The present study clearly shows the reciprocal cross-sensitization of mouse skin with rat IgE molecules. PCA and RPCA were produced by rat IgE antibody in an inbred mouse strain. DS/Shi, though not in C3H/HeShi, C57BL/6JShi and BALB/cCrj strains. Sensitization of DS/Shi mouse skin for PCA with rat IgE antibody was comparable in sensitivity with that of rat skin, but lasted only for a short term in comparison with the long persistence in rat skin.     

Production of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and reversed PCA by rat IgE antibody in the mouse

Summary Although IgE antibody is generally characterized as a homocytotropic antibody, it has been well known for some time that mouse IgE antibody causes potent sensitization of rat skin for PCA. The present study clearly shows, the reciprocal cross-sensitization of mouse skin with rat IgE molecules. PCA and RPCA were produced by rat IgE antibody in an inbred mouse strain, DS/Shi, though not in C3H/HeShi, C57BL/6JShi and BALB/cCrj strains. Sensitization of DS/Shi mouse skin for PCA with rat IgE antibody was comparable in sensitivity with that of rat skin, but lasted only for a short term in comparison with the long persistence in rat skin.     

Energy metabolism,respiration frequency and O2-consumption per breathing act in 11 different sunbird species during day and night

Summary The mean metabolic rates of 11 sunbird species are in the expected range based on data from other birds. Nevertheless the difference between day and night levels is greater (58–69%) than normal. Breathing frequencies among these birds correspond more closely to the (higher) levels found in empirical data for mammals. O₂-consumption per breathing act remains nearly constant during day and night indicating that the diurnal cycle of O₂-consumption is regulated mainly by modulation of breathing frequencies, which correlate directly with gaseous metabolism.     

Viewing past science from the point of view of present science,thereby illuminating both: Philosophy versus experiment in the work of Robert Boyle

The seventeenth century witnessed the replacement of an Aristotelian worldview by a mechanical one. It also witnessed the beginnings of significant experimental enquiry. Alerted by the fact that the methods involved in the latter, but not in the former, resemble those employed in later science, I argue the historical case that the emergence of the mechanical worldview and the emergence of science were not closely related and that it was the latter that was to develop into science as we have come to know it. The details are explored in the context of the philosophical and experimental work of Robert Boyle and the relationship between them.     

Evaluation of humoral response with ragweed antigen in pregnant rats

Summary No difference was observed between the homocytotropic (IgE) antibody titers in the sera of pregnant and non-pregnant rats immunized with DWSR, suggesting that there is no evidence of immunosuppressive factor in humoral response during pregnancy.     

Production of active and passive anaphylactic shock in the WBB6F1 mouse, a mast cell-deficient strain

The role of mast cells in active and passive anaphylactic shock was examined using the WBB6F1 mouse, a genetically mast cell-deficient strain. Lethal anaphylactic shock occurred at high incidence rates in mice actively sensitized to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The reaction was specific to BSA since the shock could not be elicited by human or guinea pig serum albumin in these animals. Lethal shock could be prevented by CV-3988 but not by cyproheptadine, which suggests that the shock is mediated by PAF but not by histamine and serotonin. Similarly, lethal shock was provoked by homologous antigens in mice which had been passively sensitized with allogeneic anti-benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) IgG1 monoclonal antibody or with allogeneic or xenogeneic anti-BSA antiserum, but not in those sensitized with allogeneic anti-BPO IgE monoclonal antibody. These findings suggest that mast cells are not necessarily required for anaphylactic shock in the mouse.     

Production of active and passive anaphylactic shock in the WBB6F1 mouse,a mast cell-deficient strain

Summary The role of mast cells in active and passive anaphylactic shock was examined using the WBB6F₁ mouse, a genetically mast cell-deficient strain. Lethal anaphylactic shock occurred at high incidence rates in mice actively sensitized to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The reaction was specific to BSA since the shock could not be elicited by human or guinea pig serum albumin in these animals. Lethal shock could be prevented by CV-3988 but not by cyproheptadine, which suggests that the shock is mediated by PAF but not by histamine and serotonin. Similarly, lethal shock was provoked by homologous antigens in mice which had been passively sensitized with allogeneic anti-benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) IgG₁ monoclonal antibody or with allogeneic or xenogeneic anti-BSA antiserum, but not in those sensitized with allogeneic anti-BPO IgE monoclonal antibody. These findings suggest that mast cells are not necessarily required for anaphylactic shock in the mouse.     

Adenosine deaminase activity in peripheral blood cells from SJL/J mice

Summary Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were measured in peripheral blood cells of SJL/J mice, and compared with those of C57BL/6J animals. No association was observed between the levels of lymphocyte or erythrocyte ADA and immunologic abnormalities in SJL/J mice nor was evidence obtained to suggest a relationship between ADA activity and tumorigenesis in this strain.This work was supported in part by a University College Faculty Research Grant.     

Juvenile hormone titre and regulation in the cockroach Diploptera punctata

Titres of juvenile hormone (JH) have been determined in both hemolymph and whole body extracts of female Diploptera punctata during the first gonotrophic cycle using a method employing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for qualitative and quantitative analysis. JH III is the sole JH found in both adult and last instar D. punctata. Maximum values of approximately 1500 ng/ml (approximately 6 microM) were observed at the middle of the gonotrophic cycle, when basal oocyte growth rate was greatest. Changes in rates of JH release in vitro by corpora allata paralleled closely the changes in JH titre, suggesting that biosynthesis is a major regulator of titre. JH levels per animal were calculated from observed JH titres, and at certain time points in the gonotrophic cycle JH obtained from analysis of whole bodies were significantly greater than those predicted from hemolymph titres. These results suggest the existence of a nonhemolymph JH pool in D. punctata. Decay in JH titre after allatectomy of 5 day females has also been studied. Following a rapid initial decline, the rate of decay slowed appreciably 4 h post-operation. Thus, use of a first-order rate constant to estimate half-life of JH significantly underestimated the longevity of the hormone. The apparent persistence of JH following allatectomy may be due to the existence of a nonhemolymph JH pool.     

The abscence of intravascular clotting in rat anaphylaxis

Summary Intravascular fibrin formation could not be detected in various phase of IgE mediated anaphylactic shock of rats, either by using an isotope technique or testing the plasma samples by the ethanol gelation test.     

Production of monoclonal anti-Schistosoma mansoni antibodies. Preliminary study of their biological activities]

Monoclonal antibodies against Schistosoma mansoni have been produced by fusion of splenic lymphocytes from S. mansoni infected Rats and P3-X63-Ag8 BALB/c cells. In vitro and in vivo studies of the biological activities of these antibodies have led to the identification of IgE antibodies with a high reaginic activity and antibodies which in a complement dependent or eosinophil dependent system were shown to have a marked cytotoxicity for schistosomula in vitro. This methodology seems to open new perspectives for the study of antibody function in immunity against parasites as well as for the isolation of the corresponding target antigens.     

Mechanical agitation of very dilute antiserum against IgE has no effect on basophil staining properties.

A previously reported effect of mechanically agitated dilutions of antiserum raised against IgE was investigated using the loss of metachromatic staining properties of human basophil leukocytes as a model. A series of 24 blind experiments was performed in which we determined the number of toluidine blue-stainable basophils after incubating with vortexed or non-vortexed dilutions of anti-IgE. Tenfold serial dilutions were used, in the range 10(21) to 10(30) (6.6 x 10(-26) to 6.6 x 10(-35) M anti-IgE). We found no evidence for a different effect of strongly agitated dilutions, compared to dilutions made with minimal physical agitation. In fact, in our hands no effect of extreme dilutions was shown at all. We conclude that the effect of extreme dilutions of anti-IgE, reported by Davenas et al., needs further clarification and that in this process the reproducibility of results between experimenters should be carefully determined.     

Mate choice and male competition inOrchesella cincta (Collembola)

Summary Both male and femaleOrchesella cincta (Collembola) were able to discriminate between spermatophores of different origin. Females chose spermatophores deposited by closely related males while males preferentially destroyed spermatophores of other males.     

Are there cyclic variations in estradiol secretion in the non-pregnant rabbit?

Plasma estradiol-17 beta (E2) concentration was measured in 5 adult non-pregnant rabbits each in 3 different seasons (January, April and September). Blood samples were taken from each rabbit every other day. There was a considerable variation in plasma E2 levels from one sampling day to another, irrespective of the season. The pattern of variation in E2 levels in individual rabbits tended to be cyclic and this cycle was roughly of the order of 8 days. There was no correlation between changes in E2 levels and those in the vaginal appearance.     

IgE rheumatoid factor

Summary A solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting class-specific rheumatoid factors (RF) has been devised. IgE RF, which has not been reported yet, was found in sera from 3 of approximately 100 rheumatoid patients.     

Reactivation by glycerol and ethylene glycol of inactivated delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides.

Reactivation effects by glycerol and ethylene glycol of inactivated ALA synthetase of R. spheroids were observed. Accompanying the reactivation of the inactivated enzyme, Km value for PLP decreased to levels similar to those of the freshly prepared enzyme.     

Effect of estrogen administration on the induction of the plasma prolactin afternoon surge and on anterior pituitary prolactin concentration extracted at different pHs

Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were injected with various doses of polyestradiol phosphate (PEP); the anterior pituitary (AP) prolactin (PRL) concentration and the plasma afternoon surge of PRL were observed 1 week later by radioimmunoassay. AP PRL was extracted using carbonate and phosphate buffers at either pH 7.6 or 10.6. The AP concentration of PRL was greater when the AP was extracted with buffers at pH 10.6 and the phosphate buffer was the most efficient. The concentration of PRL in the AP more closely reflected the magnitude of the estrogen-induced afternoon surge when the AP was extracted at pH 10.6 and this was especially so when the higher levels of estrogen were administered.