concanavalin-a and Dermatitis--Atopic

We estimated the pharmacological efficacy of vitamin K

Topics: CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Child; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-2; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mitogens; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Vitamin K 1; Vitamin K 2; Vitamins

The present study investigated the effect of Sargassum fulvellum ethanol extract (SFEE) on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice. The severity of skin dermatitis, production of cytokines, and total IgE content were measured, and the histopathological features were analyzed. SFEE decreased the severity of DNCB-induced dermatitis and suppressed the serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-4. In addition, SFEE reduced the production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in mice splenocytes. However, the levels of IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ significantly increased in mice sera and splenocytes. Histological examination revealed decreased dermal thickness and infiltration by mast cells after treatment with SFEE. Furthermore, grasshopper ketone, a compound isolated from SFEE, was found to significantly decrease cytokine production in concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes from BALB/c mice with no cytotoxicity. Taken together, these results indicate that SFEE and the isolated grasshopper ketone have an inhibitory effect on AD by regulating immune mediators and cells and may be a potential effective alternative therapy for AD.

Topics: Alkadienes; Animals; Concanavalin A; Cyclohexanols; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Ethanol; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mitogens; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Sargassum; Skin; Solvents; Spleen

In this study, we synthesized a novel chemical, (E)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-7-yl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) acrylate (CSH) and investigated the effect of CSH on atopic dermatitis (AD) by evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect of CSH on immune cells in vitro and on atopic dermatitis-like lesions in vivo.. Human monocytic THP-1 cells and human eosinophilic EoL-1 cells were treated with house dust mite extract in the absence and presence of CSH. Nc/Nga mice were sensitized to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzne (DNCB) for 5 weeks and then orally and dorsally administered with CSH or dexamethasone for 3 weeks.. CSH inhibited the secretion of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 due to house dust mite extract in THP-1 cells. CSH also suppressed the secretion of MCP-1 and IL-8 in EoL-1 cells. In vivo, the skin severity score decreased after CSH treatment as compared to the control group. CSH suppressed the inflammatory cell infiltration into the dermis and thickened the epidermis. CSH reduced serum IgE level as compared to the control group. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin in mouse splenocytes increased after treatment with concanavalin A and the increase of the cytokines was decreased by pre-treatment with CSH. The inhibitory effects of CSH on atopic lesions of DNCB-treated Nc/Nga mice were similar to those of dexamethasone, despite differing degrees depending on results evaluated in this study.. These results may contribute to the development of a therapeutic drug for the treatment of AD.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cell Line; Chemokine CCL2; Concanavalin A; Coumaric Acids; Coumarins; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Eosinophils; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Mice; Monocytes; Pyroglyphidae; Severity of Illness Index; Spleen

TS-022, {4-[(1R, 2S, 3R, 5R)-5-Chloro-2-((S)-3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxyprop-1-ynyl)-3-hydroxycyclopentyl] butylthio} acetic acid monohydrate, inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation, an effect significantly antagonized, as in the case of prostaglandin D(2) by the prostanoid DP(1) receptor antagonist (BW A868C). TS-022 is a prostanoid DP(1) receptor agonist, originally developed as a novel anti-pruritic drug for patients with atopic dermatitis. We examined the effects of TS-022 on experimental pruritus, cutaneous barrier disruption, and atopic dermatitis and in in vitro immune function tests. Topically applied TS-022 significantly suppressed scratching in skin-lesioned NC/Nga mice from a concentration of 2.5 nM, and this scratch-suppressive activity was significantly antagonized by BW A868C. Tacrolimus (FK-506) and dexamethasone, used as reference drugs for atopic dermatitis, also exhibited suppressive effects against scratching, but only at concentrations of 125 and 25,000 microM. TS-022 applied topically, once a day for 2 days, significantly accelerated repair of the cutaneous barrier disruption caused by mechanical scratching, from concentrations of 2.5 nM. This acceleration of repair of the disrupted cutaneous barrier by this drug was also significantly antagonized by BW A868C. FK-506 and dexamethasone showed no beneficial effects on the repair of the disrupted cutaneous barrier. Repeated topical application of 2.5 microM of TS-022 and 12.5 microM of FK-506 once a day for 6 weeks significantly improved the skin inflammation scores in the NC/Nga mice. In regard to the effects of TS-022 in vitro, the inhibitory activity of TS-022 against concanavalin A-induced cytokine production by splenocytes was marginal as compared with that of FK-506 or dexamethasone. These results suggest that the beneficial therapeutic effects of TS-022 in NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis are mediated by its suppressive effect on scratching and its effect of accelerating repair of the disrupted cutaneous barrier, both effects being attributable to its prostanoid DP(1) receptor agonistic activity.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Antipruritics; Concanavalin A; Cyclohexanes; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dexamethasone; Humans; Hydantoins; Immunosuppressive Agents; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Platelet Aggregation; Prostaglandin D2; Pruritus; Receptors, Immunologic; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Skin; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Tacrolimus; Wound Healing

We examined whether the extract from Hatakeshimeji (Lyophyllum decastes, LD) mushrooms suppresses the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions induced by repeated application of picryl chloride (PiCl) in NC/Nga mice. Oral administration of LD extract to NC/Nga mice inhibited the development of AD-like skin lesions based on lower total skin severity scores and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Splenic lymphocytes were stimulated with the T cell mitogen concanavalin A, and secretion of a Th1 cytokine (IFN-gamma) and a Th2 cytokine (IL-4) was determined by ELISA. IFN-gamma production was not inhibited by treatment with LD extract. On the other hand, IL-4 production was significantly decreased by treatment with LD extract. These results suggest that LD extract exerts anti-allergic actions by suppressing the serum IgE and Th2-type immune responses.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Agaricales; Animals; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Histamine; Immunoglobulin E; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Lymphocytes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Phytotherapy; Picryl Chloride; Plant Extracts; Severity of Illness Index; Skin; Spleen; Time Factors

It has been proposed that T helper (Th) 2 cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) because of clinical and experimental findings including hyper IgE, eosinophilia and Th2 type cytokine overexpression, etc. In contrast, several observations such as Th1 type cytokine detection in chronic lesions and histological features resembling allergic contact dermatitis suggest that Th1 rather than Th2 cells are important for the pathogenesis of skin lesions. In order to clarify this paradox, we investigated the function of T cell clones established from AD patients. Most T cell clones induced by house dust mite antigen and interleukin (IL)-2 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of two AD patients exhibited CD4+/ CD8-, CD45RO+/ CD45RA-, and produced high levels of IL-4 and low levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) after phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (1 microg/ml) stimulation, suggesting a Th2 subtype. When stimulated with a high dose of concanavalin A (conA) (10 microg/ml), however, these clones produced high amounts of IFN-gamma. IL-4 production reached a peak 24 hours after conA (10 ,g/ml) stimulation, whereas IFN-gamma production was increased up to 48 hours after stimulation. The findings of T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation with immobilized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) showed that the suitable strength of TCR stimulation for IFN-y production was higher than for IL-4. Also, in the TCR stimulated condition, the peak of IFN-gamma production was later than that of IL-4. These results indicate that T cell clones which exhibited a Th2 profile under weak stimulation can produce IFN-y in the late phase of stimulation when strong stimuli are used. The results are consistent with the previous observation that IFN-gamma production prominently appears in the chronic and late phase lesions of AD.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Clone Cells; Concanavalin A; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Male; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells

Staphylococcal superantigens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). This may occur through superantigenic activation of T lymphocytes and their subsequent induction of the skin homing receptor CLA on activated cells. We investigated the proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 10 patients with an infective exacerbation of AD and six normal controls to the staphylococcal superantigens, staphylococcal enterotoxin A and B (SEA, SEB) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), and the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A). We also assessed CLA and T cell receptor (TCR) Vbeta-chain expression by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry before and after stimulation. PBMC from AD patients showed two-fold increased proliferation to SEA and SEB (P < 0.01) compared with normals, whereas the response to mitogenic stimulation was identical. Analysis of (TCR) Vbeta-chain expression demonstrated increased use of superantigen-reactive Vbeta families in freshly isolated PBMC in AD patients compared with controls. This pattern of Vbeta-chain expression was only observed in the CLA+ but not the total population of T cells. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the enhanced PBMC proliferative response and increased expression of superantigen-reactive Vbeta families in atopic patients. These data support the concept that superantigens are important in the pathogenesis of this common condition, and also provide evidence that the increased use of certain Vbeta families in circulating, CLA+, skin homing lymphocytes is of functional significance.

Topics: Adult; Antigens, Bacterial; Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; Antigens, Neoplasm; Bacterial Toxins; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Enterotoxins; Female; Flow Cytometry; Gene Rearrangement, beta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Phytohemagglutinins; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; Skin; Staphylococcal Skin Infections; Superantigens; T-Lymphocyte Subsets

Mitogen-induced cutaneous hypersensitivity was evaluated in chickens selected for high and low antibody responses to SRBC, and in a random bred control line. Wing web swelling responses were found after subcutaneous administration of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively, in all three lines. All mitogens induced significant acute 4 h wing web swelling responses, followed by a significant (classical) late 24 h wing web swelling response. The 4 h responses were significantly lower in the L line, whereas a tendency for lower responses at 24 h in the L line was found as well. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the early and late wing web swelling responses revealed extravascular localisation of leukocytes at 24 h after sensitization with mitogens, which consisted of CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, TCR-1+ cells, and heterophils, but no B cells, whereas the 4 h swelling response was primarily characterized by oedema. Cutaneous hypersensitivity either initiated by T-cell mitogens as well as B-cell mitogens may depend for an important part on the rapid induction of local homing of lymphocytes towards the sensitizing agent, which may be mediated by an acute local expression of molecules with chemo-attractive capacities. Interpretation of cellular immunity responses in vivo such as delayed-type hypersensitivity should therefore incorporate oedema-initiating characteristics of sensitizing agents. The relationship between the magnitude of cutaneous hypersensitivity to mitogens and selection for antibody responsiveness is discussed.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Chickens; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Immunohistochemistry; Injections, Subcutaneous; Kinetics; Lipopolysaccharides; Mitogens; Phytohemagglutinins; Pokeweed Mitogens; Skin

Because of the implication of histamine in canine atopic dermatitis, H1-antihistamines may provide a valid alternative to glucocorticoid therapy. In vitro study of these drugs prior to clinical testing can allow the most promising compounds to be selected for trials and render trials with drugs of doubtful efficacy unnecessary.. Isolated canine cutaneous mast cells.. Cells were preincubated with antihistamines at increasing concentrations and incubated with concanavalin A (1,000 micrograms/ml), calcium ionophore A23187 (1 microM), and substance P (100 microM). Compound 48/80 was not used because it proved to be cytotoxic.. Generally, significant prodegranulating effect was not observed for most of the studied agents. Only terfenadine increased spontaneous histamine release at concentrations > 30 microM. Cetirizine did not block histamine release at any of the studied concentrations. Ketotifen had a low inhibitory effect only at the highest concentration (100 microM) after concanavalin A- (23.6 +/- 2.8%) and calcium ionophore A23187- (29.8 +/- 3.0%) induced release. Terfenadine caused a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect after ionophore A23187- (48.1 +/- 2.2%) and concanavalin A- (28.9 +/- 2.3%) activation, but was inactive against substance P-induced release. In contrast, loratadine had potent dose-dependent inhibition of concanavalin A- and ionophore A23187-induced histamine release, with maximal effect of 85.6 +/- 3.1% and 62.6 +/- 4.7%, respectively, at 100 microM concentration. After substance P activation, histamine release was only slightly inhibited by loratadine (14.8 +/- 1.1%).. This study documents the behavior of isolated canine cutaneous mast cells in the presence of nonimmunologic stimulation. Using this in vitro method, we were able to determine that loratadine is the only antihistamine that has potent inhibition of histamine release from dog cutaneous mast cells without a substantial prodegranulating effect. Loratadine is, therefore, a good candidate for clinical testing.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Cell Survival; Cetirizine; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Histamine Release; In Vitro Techniques; Ketotifen; Loratadine; Mast Cells; Skin; Substance P; Terfenadine

The production of interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon (IFN)-gamma by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by house dust mite (HDM)antigen and concanavaln A (Con A) was measured in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The HDM-stimulated PBMC from AD patients revealed to produce significantly higher levels of IL-10 (12 h: 918.4 +/- 206.5, 24 h: 1252.5 +/- 145.8, 72 h: 1332.7 +/- 123.9 pg/ml) than those from normal control subjects (12 h: 231.1 +/- 139.0, 24 h: 585.7 +/- 196.2, 72 h: 813.5 +/- 181.8 pg/ml). Con A-stimulated AD-PBMC also showed significantly higher levels of IL-10 production than those from normal controls, although they were lower than the productions induced by HDM antigen. By contrast, the levels of IFN-gamma from AD PBMC stimulated with HDM or Con A, were significantly lower than those from normal controls. IFN-gamm production might be down-regulated by IL-10 in AD-PBMC. The overproduction of IL-10 seems to show that helper T type 2 (Th2) cells are rather dominantly activated than Th1 cells and Th2 cells might contribute to produce the cytokines in response to HDM antigen in AD patients.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Antigens; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-10; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Mites

This study examines the role of immune defence mechanisms in herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in atopic eczema and whether impairment of these mechanisms explains the susceptibility of some children with atopic eczema to cutaneous HSV infections. Ten children with eczema herpeticum and 13 with atopic eczema and recurrent HSV infection affecting multiple skin sites were studied, together with relevant control groups. In all children with atopic eczema, in vitro lymphoproliferation in response to stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A) was significantly decreased and natural killer (NK) cells (CD16 + 56) were reduced compared with non-atopic controls. IL-2 receptors, a marker for lymphocyte activation, were decreased during the acute phase of eczema herpeticum, and for 1 month thereafter. A positive stimulation index (> 3) to HSV antigen, and high HSV IgG antibody titres measured by ELISA, Western blotting and neutralization assay, were seen in children with eczema herpeticum by 6 weeks, and also in children with atopic eczema and recurrent HSV infections. No evidence of an HSV-specific immune defect (either cell-mediated or humoral) was found in atopic eczema. Impairment of cell-mediated immunity in atopic eczema was suggested by the reduced response to Con A. It is likely that reduced numbers of circulating NK cells and a decrease in IL-2 receptors during early eczema herpeticum contribute to the susceptibility of children with atopic eczema to cutaneous HSV infections.

Topics: Acute Disease; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Child; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption; Lymphocyte Activation; Opportunistic Infections; Recurrence; Simplexvirus; T-Lymphocyte Subsets

Isolated dermal mast cells from atopic dogs are a valuable tool for the analysis of their functional properties in atopic dermatitis. We have characterized the histamine secretory pattern of mast cells enzymatically dispersed from the skin of dogs naturally suffering from this condition. The total histamine content found per isolated skin mast cell was higher in the allergic dogs than in nonatopic (control) animals (8.7 pg/mast cell versus 5.2 pg/mast cell). This phenomenon together with the well known higher concentration of skin mast cell number in atopic dermatitis lesions might account for the observed increase in local histamine concentration (15.0 micrograms/g versus 9.0 micrograms/g). Atopic dog-derived mast cells were highly reactive to both non-immunological (ionophore A23187) and an immunological-like (concanavalin A) stimulus. Furthermore, histamine net release induced by concanavalin A (1 mg/ml) stimulation was clearly enhanced in the atopic dogs (33.3% net release versus 15.4% in controls). These results have not been described in dermal mast cells dispersed from the skin of individuals with atopic dermatitis and clearly support the hypothesis that mast cells play a major role in causing and possibly modulating atopic dermatitis, through enhanced sensitivity or releasability. However, whether these two phenomena are primary abnormalities of atopic dermatitis, or only secondary changes, remains undetermined.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Cell Count; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dogs; Histamine; Histamine Release; Ionophores; Mast Cells; Skin

In atopic patients, allergen-sensitized T lymphocytes specifically proliferate in the presence of T cell-growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL-2). Lecithin-bound iodine (LBI), which has been used as a therapeutic modality for patients with bronchial asthma (BA), effectively inhibited Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) mite antigen-induced IL-2 responsiveness in concentrations comparable to LBI concentrations in blood. IL-2-responding T cells were more sensitive to LBI than antigen-presenting cells, whereas LBI suppressed the release of interleukin 1 (IL-1) elicited by Df antigen. In addition, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced IL-2 responsiveness in egg sensitive patients and purified protein-derivative (PPD)-induced IL-2 responsiveness were similarly inhibited by LBI. The IL-2 responsiveness induced by concanavalin A (Con A), however, was not changed. On the basis of these results, LBI may act as a slight immunosuppressant to inhibit the induction of allergen-specific lymphocytes and to improve the clinical status in allergic diseases.

Topics: Adult; Allergens; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; Asthma; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Epitopes; Glycoproteins; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-2; Iodine; Lymphocyte Activation; Ovalbumin; Phosphatidylcholines; T-Lymphocytes; Tuberculin

In this study we evaluated antigen-specific in vitro responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-depleted food allergens in children who reacted to food challenge (cow's milk or hen's egg) with a deterioration of their atopic dermatitis (AD). Some of the children showed immediate symptoms (urticaria, bronchial asthma or gastrointestinal symptoms) as well. The proliferation of casein-stimulated lymphocytes from children reacting to cow's milk (age 0.7-5.9 years) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the proliferation of lymphocytes from 15 children with AD without milk allergy (age: 2.1-9.1 years). Twenty-eight T-cell clones (TCC) were established from the blood of three children sensitized to cow's milk and hen's egg who reacted to double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenge both with a deterioration of AD and with immediate symptoms. Surprisingly, 16 of 28 casein- or ovalbumin-specific TCC were CD8+. All TCC produced high amounts of IFN-gamma upon stimulation with concanavalin A. In addition, 75% of the CD4+ TCC and 44% of the CD8+ TCC secreted IL-4. Our results indicate that: (i) food-specific proliferation of blood lymphocytes can be detected in patients with clinically relevant food allergy with LPS-depleted allergens in vitro and (ii) circulating food-specific lymphocytes are CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with the capacity of producing both type 1 and type 2 cytokines.

Topics: Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Child; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Double-Blind Method; Eggs; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Immunologic Tests; Infant; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Lymphocyte Activation; Milk; Milk Hypersensitivity; T-Lymphocytes

The etiology of atopic pruritus is unclear and seems mostly histamine-independent. In order to investigate non-mast cells as possible sources of pruritogenic agents, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 12 atopic eczema patients and 12 controls were incubated in vitro for 24 h with phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A (both at 10 micrograms/ml) or with medium alone, and each subject was tested with his own cell supernatants and lysates by prick testing and by application on tape-stripped skin. Histamine (0.1%) and substance P (500 microM) were tested in comparison, and reactions were observed for up to 24 h. Cell supernatants were also analysed for their contents of several cytokines. Lymphocyte cell extracts or supernatants failed to cause symptoms in controls but induced whealing in 6 and itching in 3 patients on prick testing within 5 min, lasting for 30 min in 2 patients and persisting for 6 h in 1 patient. Histamine caused itching in all controls and in 7 patients within 5 min on prick testing, with decreasing reactivity at later times. Substance P yielded results with lower values. With all three types of test reagents, fewer subjects reacted on tape stripped skin. High levels of interleukins 2 and 6, low levels of interferon and no detectable levels of interleukin 4 and tumour necrosis factor were measured in stimulated cell supernatants and extracts, with even lower levels in subjects exhibiting skin reactivity. These findings thus provide evidence that as yet unidentified mononuclear cell products may be involved in whealing and itching associated with atopic eczema.

Topics: Adult; Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Cytokines; Dermatitis, Atopic; Histamine; Humans; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Mitogens; Phytohemagglutinins; Pruritus; Substance P

In view of the high incidence of canine cutaneous atopic disease and the relevance of mast cells to its pathogenesis, it was considered important to isolate firstly cutaneous mast cells from normal dog skin and to assess the histamine secretory activity, as this can be further used as a tool for the study of canine skin mast cell pharmacology in cutaneous atopy. The procedure for canine dermal mast cell dispersion following a skin enzymatic digestion (as for previous human skin mast cell dispersion methods) is described in detail. The number of canine cutaneous mast cells yielded per gram of skin was 2.31 +/- 0.21 x 10(5) representing 1.00% of the total cutaneous cells. The total histamine content per mast cell is 4.93 +/- 0.39 pg. Net histamine release owing to stimulation by calcium ionophore A23187 (1 microM) and concanavalin A (1 mg ml-1) was respectively 32.17 +/- 3.56% and 20.39 +/- 2.41% of the total amount per cell. Viability and reactivity to both stimuli of dispersed cutaneous mast cells were similar to the results found in humans. The present study allows further research on the role of mast cells immunopharmacology in allergy by investigation of cells isolated from canine skin in naturally occurring or experimentally induced atopy in the dog to be undertaken.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Cell Count; Cell Separation; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Histamine Release; Male; Mast Cells; Skin

In atopic dermatitis (AD), a high prevalence has been reported of type I reactions and specific IgE to extracts of the commensal lipophilic skin yeast Pityrosporum ovale. In the present study, a highly significant correlation (r = 0.77) was found between levels of anti-P. ovale IgE and of IgE reacting with extracts of Candida albicans, both measured by a sensitive ELISA method. In a series of 128 AD sera, 34 sera reacted positively with both yeast extracts, 38 reacted with P. ovale but not with C. albicans, and only one of the 56 anti-P. ovale-negative sera showed a very weak reaction with C. albicans. The correlation was due to a marked cross-reactivity, as shown by inhibition ELISA. Fluid-phase preincubation of double-positive sera with either of the two yeast extracts resulted in a dose-dependent, and at high concentrations complete, inhibition of the IgE reactions with both coated P. ovale and C. albicans allergens. Mutual inhibition of IgE-binding could also be achieved with pools of glycoproteins and/or polysaccharides isolated from the crude extracts by Con A affinity chromatography. P. ovale allergens were, however, more potent fluid-phase inhibitors than the corresponding C. albicans components. The apparently higher avidity for P. ovale allergens suggests that these antiyeast IgE antibodies in AD result from sensitization to P. ovale and cross-react with C. albicans.

Topics: Allergens; Binding Sites, Antibody; Candida albicans; Concanavalin A; Cross Reactions; Dermatitis, Atopic; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Glycoproteins; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Malassezia; Polysaccharides; Receptors, Concanavalin A

Cell-mediated immune function was assessed in a group of dogs with atopic dermatitis by measuring the responses of peripheral-blood lymphocytes (PBL) to various concentrations of Concanavalin A (Con A) and comparing them to those of normal dogs. No difference from normal was found in any of the stimulation indices neither was spontaneous tritium uptake of unstimulated cells different between the groups. We also measured the response to Con A stimulation in vitro of PBL preincubated for 24 h, either in cell-culture medium at 37 degrees C, or in whole blood containing EDTA at room temperature, as an indirect measure of function of a subgroup of suppressor cells. Preincubation caused enhancement of mitogenesis for normal dog lymphocytes but not for the atopic dog cells, particularly for suboptimal concentrations of Con A. No differences were found in the responsiveness following incubation in cell-culture medium between normal and atopic dog cells but for both groups the cells preincubated in whole blood were generally more responsive. Histamine, which is one of the mediators of type 1 hypersensitivities such as atopy, can modulate lymphocyte function. At 10(-4) and 10(-8) M histamine, when added simultaneously with Con A, enhanced mitogenesis of normal dog PBL but suppressed mitogenesis of atopic dog PBL. By using histamine H1 and H2 antagonists, we concluded that histamine enhanced mitogenesis via H1, receptors and suppressed it via H2 receptors. Our results suggest that there are abnormalities in lymphocyte function in dogs with atopic dermatitis which may be important in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Topics: Animals; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Histamine; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Histamine H2 Antagonists; In Vitro Techniques; Lymphocyte Activation; Male

Elevated activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) has been previously documented in the peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes (MNLs) of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Because of the potential interactions of the cyclic nucleotide and inositol secondary messenger systems we sought to determine whether differences exist in the inositol uptake and metabolism between atopic and normal MNLs. We found no difference in the uptake of tritiated inositol by MNL between 19 atopic patients and 16 non-atopic control subjects. However, after stimulation of MNLs by concanavalin A, there was a significantly greater metabolism of inositol to inositol-1-phosphate (IP1) in the controls compared to the atopic MNLs; the mean percentage rise in the IP1 fraction over baseline level was 40% in the atopics, but almost 200% in controls after 2 h. Diminished inositol metabolism in atopic MNLs may explain the reduced cell-mediated immunity that characterizes the atopic state.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; Adult; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Histamine; Humans; Inositol; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Stimulation, Chemical

The effects of glucocorticoids administered in vivo and in vitro on lectin-induced proliferation of lymphocytes sampled from venous blood were investigated in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and in normal controls. Stimulation by concanavalin A (Con A), phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) in patients and controls did not differ significantly under baseline conditions. After in vivo administration of methylprednisolone the decline of Con A-induced blastogenesis of leucocytes was similar in both groups, whereas PHA stimulation caused a significant reduction in the controls only. In vitro addition of different dexamethasone concentrations had a pronounced suppressive effect on Con A- and PHA-induced blastogenesis in both groups, whereas PWM stimulation was unaffected. Pretreatment in vivo with methylprednisolone further decreased the suppression of the Con A and PHA lymphocyte proliferation rate by dexamethasone added in vitro in controls but not in patients. With regard to B-cell proliferation generated by PWM, no consistent glucocorticoid effect could be observed. The impaired effect on lymphocyte blastogenesis of glucocorticoids administered in vivo, in contrast to a normal in vitro reaction to dexamethasone, together with recent findings of an altered glucocorticoid receptor pharmacology in AD, points to a decreased biological in vivo efficiency of methylprednisolone in atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Adult; Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dexamethasone; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Lectins; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Phytohemagglutinins

We tested the effect of Ketotifen (4-(1-methyl-4-piperidylidene)-4H- benzo[4,5] cyclohepta[1,2-b]thiophen-10(9H)-one hydrogen (fumarate) on the induction of allergen-induced IL-2 responsiveness in lymphocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis and/or bronchial asthma. Ovalbumin (OVA)- and/or Dermatophagoides farinae(Df)-induced IL-2 responsiveness was increased in almost all patients (1-15 years old) before Ketotifen treatment. Two to 12 months administration of Ketotifen (0.06 mg/kg/day) decreased activity of the response in 7 out of 9 cases corresponding to improvement of clinical symptoms. In in-vitro studies, antigen presenting cells (adherent cells) from the patient pretreated with 5, 50 and 500 ng/ml doses of Ketotifen for 12 h failed to present OVA or Df antigen to T-cells for induction of IL-2 responsiveness. Antigen-pulsed adherent cells also failed to induce the response of the T-cells pretreated with 50 and 500 ng/ml doses of Ketotifen but not with a 5 ng/ml dose. A 50 ng/ml dose of Ketotifen did not affect T-cells for induction of the response. In contrast, the treated adherent cells are capable of presenting PPD antigen or Con A for the induced response. The combined data indicate that induction of IL-2 responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes on stimulation with nominal antigen may reflect an immune response to allergen in patients with allergy and a weak immunosuppressive effect of Ketotifen seems to block the response in the pathogenic process of allergic diseases.

Topics: Adolescent; Allergens; Asthma; Child; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Infant; Interleukin-2; Ketotifen; Male; Ovalbumin; T-Lymphocytes

In cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 23 atopic patients and 14 controls the influence of mitogens, allergens and CD8 suppressor T lymphocytes on the in vitro IgE response was studied. The in vitro IgE levels in lymphocyte culture supernatants reached a plateau after 6 days of culture, whereby low levels of IgE could be reproducibly measured down to 0.5 ng/ml. The spontaneous in vitro IgE secretion from PBMC of atopic eczema patients was elevated in comparison to the control group and showed a direct correlation (r = 0.72) to the serum IgE levels. Pokeweed mitogen rather suppressed the in vitro IgE production. After removal of the CD8 subpopulation of T lymphocytes by using an indirect erythrocytes rosetting technique we found increased in vitro levels pointing to a role of IgE regulating T suppressor subpopulations.

Topics: Allergens; Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Kinetics; Lymphocyte Activation; Mitogens; Pokeweed Mitogens; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

We have studied the influence of substance P (SP) on the proliferative response of concanavalin A (ConA)-activated peripheral blood lymphocytes from 16 birch pollen-allergic patients, sampled before and during the pollen season, and from 15 normal individuals. The median response to ConA 3 micrograms/ml in the presence of SP 10(-11)-10(-6) M, was in most instances within +/- 10% of the control value for cells from both healthy and atopic individuals. However, the individual differences were considerable. Analysis of the proliferative responses to ConA of the cells from the allergic patients sampled before and during season, revealed higher responses in the presence of 10(-6) than of 10(-7) M SP. This was in contrast to the findings in the normal individuals: only half of their cells showed such increased responses. This difference in response frequency was statistically significant between allergic patients before season and normal individuals (P less than 0.05) and between allergic patients during season and normal individuals (P less than 0.01). The difference in proliferation rate in the SP concentration interval, 10(-6) to 10(-7) M, for the cells from allergic patients, sampled both before and during season, was significantly different from the cells from healthy individuals (P less than 0.03 and P less than 0.001 respectively). The cells sampled from four allergic subjects during the birch pollen season showed a more profoundly decreased response to ConA in the presence of SP 10(-8) M, compared with their cells sampled before season. Such responses were never seen with cells sampled before season and with cells from normal individuals. The results suggest an involvement of SP in the immunoregulation, particularly in patients exhibiting allergic reactions to birch pollen.

Topics: Adult; Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Middle Aged; Plant Lectins; Pollen; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Rosette Formation; Substance P

Topics: Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Lymphocytes; Lymphokines; Prostatic Secretory Proteins; Rosette Formation

Maximal histamine release (HR) from leucocytes, in response to Concanavalin A (Con A) was significantly higher in a group of 16 adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) when compared to 13 non-atopic adults. In a further 4 adults with AD, HR was similar to that in the normals, suggesting the existence of 'high releaser' and 'low releaser' subsets within the AD group. Leucocyte cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity was significantly higher in the 'high releaser' group compared to the 'low releaser' and normal groups. High and low HR responses showed strong correlations with high and low PDE. Pre-treatment of leucocytes from 'high releasers' with the experimental PDE PDE inhibitor RO-20-1724 reduced the HR to normal levels. These findings suggest that increased histamine 'releasability' in AD is related to abnormalities in cyclic nucleotide regulation. No significant HR could be demonstrated in response to a range of concentrations of methacholine in 'high releaser' atopics and normals. Methacholine also did not affect HR in response to maximal Con A stimulation in 'high releaser' atopics. Basophil percentages within the leucocyte preparation and the histamine content per basophil, were not significantly different between the atopics and normals. Con A-stimulated histamine release did not correlate significantly with serum IgE levels.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; 4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone; Basophils; Carbachol; Concanavalin A; Cyclic AMP; Dermatitis, Atopic; Histamine Release; Humans; Leukocytes; Methacholine Compounds; Morphine; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; Stimulation, Chemical

Concanavalin-A (Con-A)-induced suppressor activity against the proliferative response of autologous lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was examined in the peripheral-blood lymphocytes from fourteen patients with bronchial asthma, ten patients with allergic rhinitis and eleven patients with atopic dermatitis and compared with eleven simultaneously studied healthy normals. Eight of fourteen patients (57%) with bronchial asthma, eight of ten patients (80%) with allergic rhinitis and five of eleven patients (45%) with atopic dermatitis demonstrated deficient Con-A-induced suppressor function. Abnormal suppressor-cell functions could play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic states.

Topics: Asthma; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; In Vitro Techniques; Lymphocyte Activation; Phytohemagglutinins; Rhinitis; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

The effect of Fanetizole mesylate or CP-48,810, a new immunostimulating drug, on suppressor cell function and IgE synthesis in vitro was evaluated in atopic patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and eczema. In the absence of the drug, histamine (10(-3)M) stimulated blood mononuclear cells from 23 atopic patients suppressed concanavalin A-induced lymphocyte proliferation by a mean (+/- S.E.M.) of 9.3% +/- 3.5 (compared to 25.1% +/- 2.7 for histamine stimulated mononuclear cells from non-atopic controls). The addition of the drug (2.5 X 10(-4)M) in vitro significantly increased histamine suppressor cell activity of atopic patients to 26.6% +/- 3.9 (compared to 24.7% +/- 2.8 for control cells in the presence of the drug). In order to determine a possible mechanism through which CP-48,810 might enhance histamine-induced suppressor activity, we examined the effects of the drug on the production of histamine-induced suppressor factor (HSF) by lymphocytes and the production of prostaglandin E2 by blood monocytes in the presence of HSF. Supernatants generated from histamine (10(-4)M) stimulated patient lymphocytes caused a 9.0% +/- 1.8 suppression of concanavalin A-induced lymphocyte proliferation (compared to 25.0% +/- 3.1 caused by supernatants from normal subjects). If the drug (2.5 X 10(-4)M) was added at the beginning of culture, HSF activity in supernatants derived from atopic lymphocytes increased significantly to 20.2% +/- 1.8 (compared to 23.3% +/- 3.9 for drug treated control supernatants). Prostaglandin E2 production by atopic monocytes exposed to HSF was less than that of normal monocytes in the absence of the drug.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adolescent; Adult; Asthma; Cells, Cultured; Child; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dinoprostone; Eczema; Female; Histamine; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Middle Aged; Monocytes; Prostaglandins E; Rhinitis; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Thiazoles

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Neurodermatitis; Phytohemagglutinins

The authors studied the T- and B-lymphocyte sub-populations, the stimulation of the lymphocytes with phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen, the non-specific T suppressor activity and the amounts of serum IgE in a group of thirty-four patients with atopic dermatitis. Comparison with a group of 100 healthy controls revealed a diminution in the T sub-population, an increase in the B sub-population, no change in the response index to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin or pokeweed mitogen, a diminished T-suppressor activity and an increase in the level of serum IgE.

Topics: Adult; B-Lymphocytes; Child; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Phytohemagglutinins; T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

In 22 adult patients with atopic dermatitis, lymphocyte subpopulation counts, mitogenic responses to several PHA and Con A concentrations, nonspecific mitogen induced, and indomethacin sensitive suppressor cell functions and leukocyte migration inhibitory factor production were investigated. Patients with severe atopic dermatitis had normal PHA and Con A responses, although somewhat lower than matched controls, while mild AD patients equalled controls in this respect. No significant differences between AD patients and controls were detected with respect to lymphocyte subpopulations, suppressor cell function or leukocyte migration inhibitory factor production. Methoxalen plus ultraviolet light (PUVA) therapy induced significant clinical improvement in 9 out of 10 treated patients. A concomitant decrease of the mitogenic responses and increase of the Con A induced nonspecific suppressor cell activity was recorded, while other immunological parameters remained unaffected by the therapy. Thus PUVA therapy induces both local clinical and systemic immunological manifestations. The possibility that the observed immunological changes would be operative in the PUVA induced healing process, however, seems unlikely, as the present study did not disclose any obvious relationship between immune parameters and severity of atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Adult; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Leukocyte Count; Leukocyte Migration-Inhibitory Factors; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes; Male; Photochemotherapy; Phytohemagglutinins; PUVA Therapy; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Helper (OKT4+) and suppressor (OKT8+) T cells were enumerated in 16 children with severe atopic eczema. Compared to controls (median 1 . 8) the ratio of OKT4+/OKT8+ cells in the patients was significantly higher (median 2 . 65, P less than 0 . 002). Functional suppressor activity in these patients was assessed by concanavalin A (Con A) activation and suppression of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced immunoglobulin production by plasma cells and Con A proliferation of T cells. In both assays a lack of suppression was shown (Con A/PWM, P less than 0 . 02; Con A/Con A, P less than 0 . 05). There was a significant inverse correlation between the helper/suppressor ratio and functional suppressor activity (P less than 0 . 01). These results indicate that a defect of T cell regulation does exist in atopic eczema and if it is of primary pathogenic importance, immunotherapy to restore the balance may prove useful.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Infant; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocyte Activation; Pokeweed Mitogens; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

A status of suppressor cells in patients with atopic dermatitis was studied. As a group, they showed absent concanavalin A-inducible suppressor cell function as measured by proliferative responses to pokeweed mitogen and decreased function as measured by responses to phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A. Similarly, preincubation in medium enhanced proliferative responses in normal donors but not in atopic dermatitis patients, suggesting an absence of a short-lived suppressor cell population in the latter group. Suppressor cell function correlated negatively with log10 of serum IgE concentrations. Theophylline-sensitive suppressor cell numbers were significantly decreased in atopic dermatitis patients (p less than 0.01). In vitro preincubation of normal lymphocytes with aminophylline or isoproterenol (10 microgram/ml) enhanced subsequent proliferative responses to pokeweed mitogen. In contrast, actual depression was seen with cells from atopic dermatitis patients, suggesting abnormal immunomodulatory effects of these drugs in the disease.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aminophylline; Cell Division; Child; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Phytohemagglutinins; Pokeweed Mitogens; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Leukocyte Count; Receptors, Immunologic; T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Thirty-five adult persons with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and increased levels of IgE in serum were studied for the presence of Fc-IgG (T gamma) and Fc-IgM (T mu) receptor-carrying T lymphocytes in peripheral blood. When T lymphocytes from the patient were kept in vitro cultures a reduced expansion of the Fc-IgG receptors was found after 24 hr of incubation, but not after 48 hr of incubation. No difference was observed concerning Fc-IgM-carrying T lymphocytes. In 19 patients we studied Con A-induced suppressor activity of blood lymphocytes using autologous PHA-stimulated lymphocytes as target cells. Following stimulation with Con A, 1 microgram/ml, for 2 and 4 days, lymphocytes from atopic patients had a reduced non-specific suppressor activity in vitro. If however, the concentration of Con A was increased to 10 microgram/ml, then lymphocytes from atopic patients exhibited a normal suppressor activity.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Leukocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Receptors, Fc; T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Time Factors

The in vitro effect of levamisole (LMS) on lymphocyte, neutrophil, basophil and platelet function was investigated in patients with severe atopic dermatitis and hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E. Lymphocyte stimulation by several concentrations of PHA, con A and PWM, polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis and basophil histamine release were unaffected by LMS (10 micrograms/ml). Platelet serotonin release induced by iodipamide was decreased in patient and control groups by LMS but release induced by methacholine, epinephrine and thrombin was not.

Topics: Basophils; Blood Platelets; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Histamine Release; Humans; Levamisole; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Neutrophils; Phytohemagglutinins; Pokeweed Mitogens; Serotonin

Assays for the production of leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LMIF) activity by cultured lymphocytes in the presence of the T-cell mitogen concanavalin A (ConA) have been shown to be highly sensitive for detecting decreases in cell-mediated immunity in patients with malignant diseases and primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases. We have applied the leukocyte migration inhibition test in agarose using supernatants from ConA-stimulated lymphocyte cultures (indirect leukocyte migration inhibition test in agarose for studying patients with atopic dermatitis. Only 5 of 14 lymphocyte cultures from atopic dermatitis patients produced LMIF when stimulated with ConA, as compared with 34 of 34 controls. This difference is highly significant.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cells, Cultured; Child; Child, Preschool; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Lymphokines; T-Lymphocytes

Suppressor cell function was evaluated in 11 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and elevated IgE levels (mean, 4,554 IU/ml +/- 1,825 SEM) and compared to 11 matched nonatopic controls (135 IU/ml +/- 52 SEM). Two assays were employed to evaluate suppressor cell function. In the first assay, concanavalin A--activated suppressor cell activity of AD and control subjects were compared. In the second assay, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) from the same AD and control subjects were stimulated with varying doses of mitogen at day 0 and after 24 hr of preculture. In this system, increased proliferative response of precultured cells as compared to 0-hr cells has previously been shown in normals to represent loss of suppressor cell function in vitro. The lack of such an increase implies aberrant suppressor cell function. The data from both assays showed no significant difference in the degree of suppressor cell function of the patient population vs the control population. Thus, suppressor cell function as tested in these proliferative assays appears normal in AD patients with increased IgE.

Topics: Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Immunoglobulin E; Lymphocyte Activation; T-Lymphocytes

The Concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation response of peripheral lymphocytes in vitro was found to be decreased statistically significant (alpha = 0.005) in patients with light atopic dermatitis, Strictly matched pairs were examined. Using ten graded concentrations of Con A, dose-response relations of the pairs were demonstrated, differences were more evident at lower suboptimal concentrations. Background DNA-synthesis of the patients was elevated.

Topics: Cells, Cultured; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; DNA; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; T-Lymphocytes

Topics: Animals; Antilymphocyte Serum; Azathioprine; B-Lymphocytes; Bacterial Infections; Concanavalin A; Dermatitis, Atopic; Graft Rejection; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Lectins; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Lymphocyte Activation; Prednisone; Rabbits; Renal Dialysis; Sarcoidosis; T-Lymphocytes; Transplantation, Homologous