Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0029713 (immaturity)
 4,335 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Selective use of recombinant human cytokines has enabled the culture of large numbers of eosinophils from human cord blood mononuclear cells, raising the possibility of their use as a model of eosinophil function. Cultured eosinophils (CE) were compared with normal-density peripheral blood eosinophils (PBE) in terms of their membrane receptor expression and function. Fc gamma R and CR1 expression of CE and PBE was similar. In contrast, the specific mean fluorescence for LFA-1 alpha, p150,95 alpha, ICAM-1, and HLA-DR was significantly elevated for CE compared with PBE. CE responded in PAF-induced chemotaxis in a similar fashion to PBE. CE gave higher numbers of both resting and platelet activating factor (PAF)-stimulated immunoglobulin G (IgG)- and C3b-dependent rosettes than PBE. CE and PBE had comparable capacity to kill IgG- and C-opsonized schistosomula in terms of both baseline values and PAF-induced enhancement of cytotoxicity. Baseline adherence by CE and PBE to plasma-coated glass was essentially the same, but stimulated adhesion (PAF) of CE was lower. Compared with PBE, CE generated less than half the amounts of extracellular and cell-associated PAF induced by calcium ionophore A23187 stimulation. Unlike PBE, CE did not generate PAF after exposure to IgG-coated Sepharose particles. CE stimulated with IgG-coated beads generated small quantities of LTC4, while A23187 stimulation resulted in approximately half the LTC4 levels observed with PBE. The total cell content of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) was similar for CE and PBE. These data suggest that although CE and PBE have many phenotypic and functional properties in common there are quantitative differences that may be a consequence of their immaturity and/or the influence of the cytokines used in their culture.
 ...
PMID:Receptor expression and functional status of cultured human eosinophils derived from umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells. 197 60

Investigations on singleton and twin pregnancies show different functional behaviour on maternal-fetal relationship. In some ways twin pregnancies may be considered at risk and they may develop associated pathologies such as hypertension. The aim of this work was to evaluate the morpho-functional behaviours of umbilical cord veins in twin and singleton gestations to better understand the role of these extra-embryonic tissues in the regulation of pregnancies. The umbilical cords were studied from singleton pregnancies and from dichorionic twin pregnancies. Biochemical and morphological investigations were carried out. A significant decrease in the anisotropy values was observed in endothelial cells from twins compared with singletons. Our ultrastructural data show immaturity features at the vein vessel wall level in twins. Furthermore, immunohistochemical investigations showed a lower degree of expressivity concerning adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and ELAM. Morphogenetic extracellular glycoproteins like fibronectin and tenascin seem over-expressed in twin pregnancies. Our morpho-functional data well testify the lower maturation degree of umbilical cord veins in twins with respect to singletons.
 ...
PMID:Umbilical veins in dichorionic twins. A morpho-functional assessment. 755 55

Within the hematopoietic compartment, the murine Hlx homeobox gene is expressed in myeloid cells, most prominently in macrophages and granulocytes, and in immature B-lymphoid cells but not in erythroid, mast, or T-lymphoid cells. The level of Hlx mRNA increased with induced differentiation of the promyelocytic lines WEHI-3B and HL-60. To address its biologic action more directly, Hlx expression vectors were introduced into seven mouse hematopoietic cell lines representing several lineages. Although four lines did not tolerate stable Hlx expression, high-level expression was achieved in the early myeloid line FDC-P1 and in the immature T-cell lines Tikaut and WEHI-707. Overexpression of Hlx in FDC-P1 cells downregulated two markers of myeloid immaturity, Thy-1 and CD34, and also promoted changes in cellular and colony morphology, indicative of limited differentiation. Ectopic Hlx expression in the T-cell lines induced changes in cellular and colony morphology and adhesiveness, concomitant with decreased expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (CD54) and Pgp-1 (CD44) and increased expression of heat-stable antigen. These results implicate Hlx in the control of myeloid maturation and the regulation of lymphoid adhesion processes.
 ...
PMID:Enforced expression of Hlx homeobox gene prompts myeloid cell maturation and altered adherence properties of T cells. 809 5

The newborn immune system differs quantitatively and functionally from that of adults. Development of the immune system has important implications for childhood diseases. The immaturity of the immune system in the first years of life may contribute to failure of tolerance induction and in the development of allergic disease. T cell function is diminished, especially the capacity to produce cytokines; production of interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-4 is strongly reduced. IFN-gamma has been found to be even lower in cord blood of newborns with a family history of atopy. Differences in other cell types (natural killer cells, antigen-presenting cells, and B cells) could also play a role in the development of allergic disease. Current data suggest that irregularities in IgE synthesis, helper T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, CD45RA, and CD45RO), cytokines (IL-4, IFN-gamma), and possibly other cell types may play a role in the development of allergy in childhood. Moreover, the role of cell surface molecules, like co-stimulatory molecules (CD28, CD40L), activation markers (CD25), and adhesion molecules (LFA-1/ICAM-1, VLA-4/ VCAM-1) is also discussed. These variables are modulated by genetic (relevant loci are identified on chromosome 5q, 11q, and 14) and environmental forces (allergen exposure, viral infections, and smoke). The low sensitivity of current predictive factors for the development of allergic diseases, such as cord blood IgE levels, improves in combination with family history and by measurement of in vitro responses of lymphocytes and skin reactivity to allergens. New therapeutic approaches are being considered on the basis of our current understanding of the immunopathology of allergic disease, for instance cytokine therapy and vaccination with tolerizing doses of allergen or peptides.
 ...
PMID:Development of immune functions related to allergic mechanisms in young children. 886 70

An important property of dendritic cells (DC), which contributes crucially to their strong immunogenic function, is their capacity to migrate from sites of antigen capture to the draining lymphoid organs. Here we studied in detail the migratory pathway and the differentiation of DC during migration in a skin organ culture model and, for comparison, in the conventional contact hypersensitivity system. We report several observations on the capacity of cutaneous DC to migrate in mouse ear skin. (i) Upon application of contact allergens in vivo the density of Langerhans cells in epidermal sheets decreased, as determined by immunostaining for major histocompatibility complex class II, ADPase, F4/80, CD11b, CD32, NLDC-145/DEC-205, and the cytoskeleton protein vimentin. Evaluation was performed by computer assisted morphometry. (ii) Chemically related nonsensitizing or tolerizing compounds left the density of Langerhans cells unchanged. (iii) Immunohistochemical double-staining of dermal sheets from skin organ cultures for major histocompatibility complex class II and CD54 excluded blood vessels as a cutaneous pathway of DC migration. (iv) Electron microscopy of organ cultures revealed dermal accumulations of DC (including Birbeck granule containing Langerhans cells) within typical lymphatic vessels. (v) Populations of migrating DC in organ cultures upregulated markers of maturity (the antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody 2A1, CD86), but retained indicators of immaturity (invariant chain, residual antigen processing function). These data provide additional evidence that during both the induction of contact hypersensitivity and in skin organ culture, Langerhans cells physically leave the epidermis. Both Langerhans cells and dermal DC enter lymphatic vessels. DC mature while they migrate through the skin.
 ...
PMID:Entry into afferent lymphatics and maturation in situ of migrating murine cutaneous dendritic cells. 954 Sep 89

Very little is known about alveolar macrophage (AM) immunological function in early childhood. Using nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), this study sought to compare the proportion, number, and function of AM between very young and older children. BAL fluid (BALF) leukocyte parameters were determined in 63 children, and data divided into 3 age groups: group 1 (<2 yrs), group 2 (> or =2-< or =5 yrs) and group 3 (> or =6-< or =17 years). In a further subgroup of children, AM function and immune receptor expression were assessed, and data categorized into two age groups: <2 yrs and > or =2 yrs of age. Compared to groups 2 and 3, the AM percentage in the BAL in group 1 was significantly increased (median: 98% versus 92% and 91%), as was the albumin-adjusted AM concentration. AM from children <2 yrs expressed less human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR (versus > or =2 yrs of age), were less effective in reducing nitro blue tetrazolium, and released less interleukin (IL)-1 and tumour necrosis factor on lipopolysaccharide stimulation. There was no difference in release of IL-6, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), and AM stimulation of allogeneic T-cells, between children <2 yrs and > or =2 yrs of age. It was concluded that the capacity of alveolar macrophage to stimulate T-cells is not enhanced in early childhood, and that immaturity of alveolar macrophage function may contribute to an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections in this age group.
 ...
PMID:Alveolar macrophage immaturity in infants and young children. 1059 13

Because it is difficult to assess prenatally induced functional deficits of the human immune system, we developed an ex vivo method for differentiation and maturation of peripheral lymphocytes of newborn, preferentially using umbilical cord blood. Many lymphocyte subsets of newborn infants are "immature" with respect to defined surface receptors. An example of such an immaturity is the almost complete lack of "memory"-type helper T cells (also designated as helper-inducer cells), characterized by expressing the surface receptors: CD4(+)CD45R0(+)CD45RA(-)CD29(high). On the other hand, umbilical cord blood contains many "naive"-type helper T cells (often designated as suppressor-inducer cells), with the receptors: CD4(+)CD45R0(-)CD45RA(+)CD29(low). In this report, we demonstrate that the immature helper lymphocyte population of umbilical cord blood is capable of differentiating to mature cells following stimulation with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and other stimulants ex vivo. The obtained receptor pattern is virtually indistinguishable from the one observed on the mature cells of adults. Such an extensive differentiation can only be achieved with cells of newborns. As intermediates during differentiation in culture, CD45R0(+)CD45RA(+) cells may be observed which are rather rare in vivo. Additionally, the appearance of several activation (CD25, CD69, HLA-DR) and adhesion (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD18, CD49b, CD49d, CD54) receptors on CD4 cells were analyzed. With this model system evidence for the sequence of events during differentiation and maturation may be obtained. This ex vivo-model is capable of studying the capacity of lymphocytes for differentiation and activation processes barely accessible in vivo. It may also be expected to represent an interesting tool for measuring the capacity for maturation and differentiation in the blood of children of different ages under normal and pathological conditions ex vivo. In addition, substance-induced effects may be studied in vitro with this approach on immature cells from newborn, or infants during culturing. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 20:171-193, 2000.
 ...
PMID:Assessing lymphocyte functions in neonates for revealing abnormal prenatal development of the immune system. 1091 Apr 69

Investigation of mast cell responsiveness toward retinoic acid (RA) revealed selective promotion of ICAM-3 expression in the human mast cell line HMC-1. This process was dose- and time-dependent and detectable by flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, ELISA, and Northern blot analysis. ICAM-3 modulation was found to be cell-type dependent, detectable also for HL-60 cells and monocytes but not U-937 and only weakly for KU812 cells. Terminally differentiated skin mast cells also failed to up-modulate their ICAM-3, suggesting the requirement for some degree of immaturity for the process. RA-mediated effects on ICAM-1 expression, studied in parallel, were clearly distinct from those on ICAM-3. Investigation of retinoid receptor expression, known to mediate intracellular RA signaling, revealed presence of RAR alpha, RAR gamma, RXR beta, and RXR gamma transcripts in all cell lines studied, and HMC-1 cells were the only line lacking RXR alpha. RAR beta, not expressed at baseline, was induced by RA in a fashion obviously correlating with ICAM-3 up-regulation. Increased ICAM-3 expression was of functional significance, such that processes stimulated or co-stimulated via ICAM-3 (homotypic aggregation, IL-8 secretion) were clearly enhanced upon RA pretreatment, suggesting that RA may contribute via hitherto unrecognized pathways to immune function and host defense.
 ...
PMID:Retinoic acid up-regulates myeloid ICAM-3 expression and function in a cell-specific fashion--evidence for retinoid signaling pathways in the mast cell lineage. 1126 82

Recently, increased expression of inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, has been reported in both humans and animal models with CDH and the decreased TNF-alpha expression in CDH lung after antenatal dexamethasone (Dex) treatment. Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 are induced by several inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha. The aim of this study was to investigate pulmonary ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in CDH lung in rats and to determine the effect of antenatal glucocorticoid. CDH model was induced in pregnant rats following administration of nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation. In control animals, the same dose of olive oil was given without nitrofen. Dex (0.25 mg/kg) was given on day 18.5 and 19.5 of gestation. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the relative amount of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA expression. Fluorescein immunohistochemistry using anti-ICAM-1 and anti-VCAM-1 antibody was performed using light and confocal microscopy. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA expression and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 immunoreactivity were markedly increased in CDH lung compared to controls. Dex downregulated the expression of both adhesion molecules in the hypoplastic lung. Increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA expression in hypoplastic lungs would suggest that the increased local synthesis of pulmonary adhesion molecules may induce respiratory distress in CDH. Decreased expression of adhesion molecules in CDH lungs after Dex treatment suggests that antenatal glucocorticoids therapy may improve pulmonary immaturity and associated respiratory distress in nitrofen-induced CDH lung.
 ...
PMID:Increased expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the lung of nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia in rats. 1275 64

Trigger and risk factors in asthma are multiple, the most relevant at the time are: genetic, infectious (viral, bacterial, fungi and parasites), environmental (allergens, smoking, irritants, pollutants of cars, industries, work environment, etc.) and obesity. Asthma severity meets influenced by the age, sex, pregnancy, immunological system immaturity and the atopic march. The pathogeny of the inflammatory allergic process more than an imbalance Th1/Th2, mast cells, eosinophils and IgE, today includes the important participation of other elements such as: Th17 or IL-17, IL-23, IL-25, IL-27, Tregs, TLRs, NODs, MAs, DCs, bronchial epithelial cells, chemokines, neurokinins, ICAM-1, NO (iNO). Besides other elements that influence the inflammatory response amplification and the remodeling of the airway epithelium.
 ...
PMID:[Pathogenesis, trigger and risk factors in asthma]. 2087 49


1 2 Next >>