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cDNA cloning has been a highly successful tool in elucidating the structure of U- and Y-RNA associated proteins. Whereas sera from autoimmune patients have often been helpful in the procedure, the cloning has not yet elucidated why such patients recognize especially these nuclear antigens. The finding of a repetitive proline-rich epitope in A/B/B'/N/C is interesting with regard to the findings of Gleichmann et al. (48,49), who studied an SLE-like disease in Graft-versus-Host diseased mice. It was shown, that parental T-cells with which the mice were immunized, could give aspecific help to B-cells. These B-cells then started to produce autoantibodies exclusively against autoantigens which contained a repetitive determinant and which could cross-link the antigen receptors on B-cells. However, most epitopes on U- and Y-RNA associated proteins against which an antibody response has been found are not repetitive. With regard to immunoassays it may be stated that, the first ELISA's in which recombinant antigens are used have now been described. The use of recombinant antigens in these (quantitative) assays will probably increase in the near future. The clinical significance of quantitation of these autoantibodies has not yet been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left and right atria show compelling differences regarding organogenesis and specific clinical diseases, as exemplarily evidenced by a different arrhythmic susceptibility. This strongly indicates a diverging basal left and right atrial molecular set-up which has not been sufficiently characterised so far.Objective: To determine basal differences between left and right atrial protein expressions indicating interatrial differential molecular pathways.Methods: Left and right atrial whole proteome lysates of seven healthy rabbits were compared by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Significant differentially expressed proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Significantly differing proteins were classified according to their putative biological function. A gene ontology representation study was carried out using the PANTHER database tools of a binomial statistic test including a Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. To confine this analysis to the subset of proteins which is potentially identifiable upon two dimensional gel electrophoresis, a reference list was calculated in silico based on the UniProt Knowledgebase by the ExPASy-TagIdent tool including proteins with an isoelectric point 4.5 to 8 and molecular weights 25.5-144.5kDa.Results: Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular function and atrial morphology in the seven rabbits. Upon proteomic analysis, 39 proteins displayed significant expression differences between left and right atria. 18 of them were allocated in the mitochondria. The in silico calculated reference list comprised 7748 proteins. Three biological processes of metabolism were significantly overexpressed in the left atrium: generation of precursor metabolites and energy (p=1.1*10-4), oxidative phosphorylation (p=2.5*10-3) and respiratory electron transport chain (p=0.01).Conclusion: Left and right atria show significant differential expression of 39 proteins in a whole proteome study. Going beyond individual proteins to biological processes, a gene ontology representation study showed three components of energetic catabolism significantly overexpressed in the healthy left atrium. This result is consistent with the mitochondrial allocation of nearly half of the detected differential proteins. In conclusion, our data indicate an interatrial difference of the metabolic proteome. Further studies are necessary to identify underlying physiological causes and regulatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD), diabetes mellitus (DM), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic conditions affecting millions globally. Despite differing clinical symptoms, these diseases share pathophysiological mechanisms involving metabolic and immune system dysregulation. This paper examines the intricate connections between these disorders, focusing on shared pathways such as insulin resistance, lipid metabolism dysregulation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. An important aspect is the role of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles, which are hallmark features of AD. These protein aggregates are influenced by metabolic dysfunction and inflammatory processes similar to those seen in DM, RA, and IBD. This manuscript explores how amyloid and tau pathologies may be exacerbated by shared metabolic and immune dysfunction. Additionally, this work discusses the gut-brain axis and the influence of gut microbiota in mediating disease interactions. Understanding these commonalities opens new avenues for multi-targeted therapeutic approaches that address the root causes rather than merely the symptoms of these conditions. This integrative perspective could lead to more effective interventions and improved patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach in managing these interconnected diseases.

A presynaptic protein called α-synuclein plays a crucial role in synaptic function and neurotransmitter release. However, its misfolding and aggregation have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Emerging evidence suggests that α-synuclein interacts with various cellular pathways, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, which contributes to neuronal cell death. Moreover, α-synuclein has been involved in the propagation of neurodegenerative processes through prion-like mechanisms, where misfolded proteins induce similar conformational changes in neighboring neurons. Understanding the multifaced roles of α-synuclein in neurodegeneration not only aids in acquiring more knowledge about the pathophysiology of these diseases but also highlights potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for intervention in alpha-synucleinopathies. In this review, we provide a summary of the mechanisms by which α-synuclein contributes to neurodegenerative processes, focusing on its misfolding, oligomerization, and the formation of insoluble fibrils that form characteristic Lewy bodies. Furthermore, we compare the potential value of α-synuclein species in diagnosing and differentiating selected neurodegenerative diseases.

Blood phosphorylated tau (p-tau) biomarkers, including p-tau217, show high associations with Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathologic change and clinical stage. Certain plasma p-tau217 assays recognize tau forms phosphorylated additionally at threonine-212, but the contribution of p-tau212 alone to AD is unknown. We developed a blood-based immunoassay that is specific to p-tau212 without cross-reactivity to p-tau217. Here, we examined the diagnostic utility of plasma p-tau212. In five cohorts (n = 388 participants), plasma p-tau212 showed high performances for AD diagnosis and for the detection of both amyloid and tau pathology, including at autopsy as well as in memory clinic populations. The diagnostic accuracy and fold changes of plasma p-tau212 were similar to those for p-tau217 but higher than p-tau181 and p-tau231. Immunofluorescent staining of brain tissue slices showed prominent p-tau212 reactivity in neurofibrillary tangles that co-localized with p-tau217 and p-tau202/205. These findings support plasma p-tau212 as a peripherally accessible biomarker of AD pathophysiology., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Trace elements and metals play critical roles in the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), and their dysregulation has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In a healthy CNS, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese play vital roles as enzyme cofactors, supporting neurotransmission, cellular metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Imbalances in these trace elements can lead to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby contributing to neurodegeneration. In AD, copper and zinc imbalances are associated with amyloid-beta and tau pathology, impacting cognitive function. PD involves the disruption of iron and manganese levels, leading to oxidative damage and neuronal loss. Toxic metals, like lead and cadmium, impair synaptic transmission and exacerbate neuroinflammation, impacting CNS health. The role of aluminum in AD neurofibrillary tangle formation has also been noted. Understanding the roles of these elements in CNS health and disease might offer potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders. The Codex Alimentarius standards concerning the mentioned metals in foods may be one of the key legal contributions to safeguarding public health. Further research is needed to fully comprehend these complex mechanisms and develop effective interventions.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) features a dismal prognosis with limited treatment options. Genomic studies have unveiled several promising targets in this disease, including fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) fusions and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. To fully harness the potential of genomically informed therapies in CCA, it is necessary to thoroughly characterize the available model organisms, including cell lines. One parameter to investigate in CCA is homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). While mutations in homologous recombinational repair (HRR)-related genes have been detected, their predictive value remains undetermined. Using a targeted next-generation sequencing approach, we analyzed 12 human CCA cell lines and compared them to 62 CCA samples of the molecular tumor board cohort. The AmoyDx ® HRD Focus Panel was employed to determine corresponding genomic scar scores (GSS). Ten of twelve cell lines harbored alterations in common HRR-related genes, and five cell lines were HRD-positive, although this parameter did not correlate well with Olaparib sensitivity. Moreover, functionally relevant APC and β-catenin mutations were registered, which were also detected in 4/176 (2.3%) samples on a CCA microarray. Although rare, these alterations were exclusive to large duct type CCA with associated intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB) in 3 cases, pointing at a distinct form of cholangiocarcinogenesis with potential specific vulnerabilities.

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EP) are not uncommon in Alzheimer's Disease (AD); when present, they negatively influence the course of the disorder. A large proportion of AD patients shows concomitant Lewy bodies' pathology post mortem. Total α Synuclein (αSyn) concentrations are frequently increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients, but are decreased in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). αSyn CSF concentrations in AD patients with EP (EP+) have not been reported so far. αSyn and the four Neurochemical Dementia Diagnostics (NDD) CSF biomarkers, (Aβ1-42, Aβ42/40, Tau, and pTau181), interpreted according to the Erlangen Score algorithm, were measured in patients with positive NDD results and presence of extrapyramidal symptoms (NDD + / EP+; n = 26), in patients with positive NDD results and absence of extrapyramidal symptoms (NDD+ / EP-; n = 54), and in subjects with negative NDD results (NDD-; n = 34). Compared to the NDD- controls (379.8 ± 125.2 pg/mL), NDD+ patients showed, on average, highly significantly increased CSF αSyn (519 ± 141.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01), but without differences between NDD+ / EP+ and NDD+ / EP- subgroups (p = 0. 38). Moderate but highly significant association was observed between concentrations of αSyn and Tau (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) and pTau181 (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). Adjusted for diagnoses, age, and sex, subjects with more advanced neurodegeneration on neuroimaging showed significantly lower αSyn concentrations (p < 0.02). In the setting AD versus controls, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.804 [0.712; 0.896] with the sensitivity and the specificity of 0.863 and 0.618, respectively. αSyn in AD patients does not differentiate between subjects with- and without EP. Its increased average concentration reflects probably neurodegenerative process, and is not specific for any pathophysiologic mechanisms. Further studies are necessary to explain the role of CSF αSyn as a potential biomarker.

Background: Heart failure induced cachexia is highly prevalent. Insights into disease progression are lacking., Methods: Early state of left ventricular dysfunction (ELVD) and symptomatic systolic heart failure (HF) were both induced in rabbits by tachypacing. Tissue of limb muscle (LM) was subjected to histologic assessment. For unbiased characterisation of early and late myopathy, a proteomic approach followed by computational pathway-analyses was performed and combined with pathway-focused gene expression analyses. Specimen of thoracic diaphragm (TD) served as control for inactivity-induced skeletal muscle alterations. In a subsequent study, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-system and neprilysin (RAS-/NEP) was compared to placebo., Results: HF was accompanied by loss of protein content (8.7±0.4% vs. 7.0±0.5%, mean±SEM, control vs. HF, p<0.01) and a slow-to-fast fibre type switch, establishing hallmarks of cachexia. In ELVD, the enzymatic set-up of LM and TD shifted to a catabolic state. A disturbed malate-aspartate shuttle went well with increased enzymes of glycolysis, forming the enzymatic basis for enforced anoxic energy regeneration. The histological findings and the pathway analysis of metabolic results drew the picture of suppressed PGC-1α signalling, linked to the natriuretic peptide system. In HF, natriuretic peptide signalling was desensitised, as confirmed by an increase in the ratio of serum BNP to tissue cGMP (57.0±18.6pg/ml/nM/ml vs. 165.8±16.76pg/ml/nM/ml, p<0.05) and a reduced expression of natriuretic peptide receptor-A. In HF, combined RAS-/NEP-inhibition prevented from loss in protein content (8.7±0.3% vs. 6.0±0.6% vs. 8.3±0.9%, Baseline vs. HF-Placebo vs. HF-RAS/NEP, p<0.05 Baseline vs. HF-Placebo, p = 0.7 Baseline vs. HF-RAS/NEP)., Conclusions: Tachypacing-induced heart failure entails a generalised myopathy, preceding systolic dysfunction. The characterisation of "pre-cachectic" state and its progression is feasible. Early enzymatic alterations of LM depict a catabolic state, rendering LM prone to futile substrate metabolism. A combined RAS-/NEP-inhibition ameliorates cardiac-induced myopathy independent of systolic function, which could be linked to stabilised natriuretic peptide/cGMP/PGC-1α signalling., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Aims: Left and right atria show compelling differences regarding organogenesis and specific clinical diseases. In congestive heart failure (CHF), remodelling of the atria occurs leading to increased arrhythmogenic susceptibility and deterioration of clinical symptoms. We aimed to assess the basal left and right atrial molecular set-up and different chamber-specific atrial changes in heart failure., Methods and Results: We combined an animal model of rapid ventricular pacing induced heart failure in the rabbit and a gel-based proteomic screening of left and right atrial specimen. A gene ontology over-representation analysis was performed for biological function. Ultrastructural adaptations were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Comparing left and right atria of healthy control animals (CTRL), 39 proteins displayed significant expression differences involving various biological functions. Upon further statistical analyses, four pathways of energy metabolism were confirmed to be significantly over-represented beneath the other biological processes. Rapid ventricular pacing induced severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, symptomatic heart failure and a macroscopic atrial remodelling. In CHF versus CTRL, metabolic and antioxidative enzymes were differentially expressed and showed chamber-specific bidirectional alterations. Transmission electron microscopy visualized a remarkable and again chamber-specific ultrastructural disturbance of mitochondrial morphology., Conclusions: Our data indicate a diverging basal left and right atrial molecular set-up in the adult healthy heart. In addition, metabolic and antioxidative enzymes are profoundly and chamber-specifically altered during atrial remodelling in progressive heart failure., (© 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2014 European Society of Cardiology.)

In 2009, the health-care system was faced with numerous challenges resulting from the emergence and the worldwide spread of a new influenza virus. Public health authorities played a fundamental role in the management of the pandemic. The Advisory Committee for Infectious Disease Protection of the German Medical Association for Public Health Authorities (BVÖGD e.V.) requested the local public health authorities in Germany to take part in a written evaluation of the management of the new influenza pandemic in February 2010, before the official end of the influenza pandemic. The purpose of this timely analysis was to identify areas in need of improvement in preparation for similar incidents that may occur in the future. The survey showed that the communication between the various parties involved, the prompt and appropriate transmission of information, as well as the control over the overwhelming onslaught of information need to be optimised. The participants also found the practicability of the official recommendations to be lacking. The wide scale increase in workload, as seen on a national basis, required to deal with the pandemic indicates that the public health services have only very limited resources for handling crisis situations, and this must be taken into consideration when planning for coping with such matters in the future. The findings of the study participants for the national management of a pandemic coincide in most aspects with the results of other evaluations. Distinct differences in the assessment of policies were noticeable when comparing the experiences in the various German states (Bundesländer). A detailed analysis of the points at issue is necessary before possible best practice models can be developed., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Using an experimental assay for isothermal amplification of HIV RNA in plasma (NASBA, Organon Teknika, Boxtel, The Netherlands), 70 samples from 59 HIV-1-infected persons and 29 samples from 28 uninfected volunteer blood donors were tested for the presence of HIV-1 RNA. The HIV-1-positive plasma samples were drawn from patients at various stages of infection: two samples from persons with signs of acute HIV infection (CDC stage I); 29 samples from 25 symptom-free persons (CDC stage II) and 39 samples from 32 persons with AIDS-related symptoms (CDC stage IV). All samples from HIV-1-infected persons had HIV-1 RNA, irrespective of the stage of infection (100% sensitivity). Testing the donor samples in duplicate, initially 54/58 samples (93%) tested negative for HIV-1 RNA. Repeated testing of the 4 samples with inconsistent test results showed all samples to be negative (specificity 100%). Detection of HIV-1 RNA in plasma by isothermal amplification (NASBA) promises to be a valuable alternative to the detection of HIV-1 RNA or DNA by the polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVE. To establish the prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I among Dutch blood donors. DESIGN. Study to confirm screening results. SETTING. Central Laboratory of the Blood Transfusion Service of the Dutch Red Cross, section Virus Diagnostics, Amsterdam. METHOD. The majority (550,000) of the Dutch blood donors were tested in the course of 1993 for presence of HTLV antibodies. For serological confirmation using the Western Blot test, 20 of the 22 Dutch blood banks sent in blood samples of 714 donors found positive at HTLV screening. Material of 36 of these donors was suitable for testing using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA of HTLV types I and II. RESULTS. The Western Blot confirmation test confirmed HTLV infection of 10 of the 714 blood donors; eight of these samples, examined with the PCR test, proved to be positive for DNA of HTLV I. In 537 of the 714 ELISA-reactive donors, the Western Blot test gave doubtful results. The PCR test for HTLV I/II DNA was negative in 26 of these samples, but the possibility could not be excluded that there were HTLV carriers among the other donors with a doubtful Western blot test result. With inclusion of the four donors infected with HTLV I that had been detected earlier, the prevalence of HTLV I among Dutch blood donors is found to be 1:39,000.

To establish the value of the second-generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA-2) and cDNA polymerase chain reaction (cDNA PCR) for confirmation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, anti-HCV reaction patterns and the presence of HCV RNA were examined in 610 blood donors and 255 non-A, non-B hepatitis patients who were positive or indeterminate in RIBA-2. Of RIBA-2-positive donors (n = 191) and patients (n = 224), 75.4 and 89.7 percent, respectively, were HCV RNA positive. The most frequently observed anti-HCV recognition patterns in HCV RNA-positive donors and patients were c22, c33c, and c100 and/or 5-1-1 (67.3%, 57.7%) and c22, c33c (24.8%, 29.3%). Among subjects with a RIBA-2-indeterminate result, HCV RNA was detected more often in patients (n = 31) than in donors (n = 419): 67.7 and 2.1 percent, respectively. In viremic persons with single-band reactivity in RIBA-2, this reactivity was always directed against either c22 or c33c. HCV RNA was detected by cDNA PCR in none of 162 persons with only anti-c100 and/or anti-5-1-1 reactivity. Therefore, RIBA-2 reactivity against c100 in combination with 5-1-1 should not be considered positive but indeterminate. In RIBA-2-indeterminate persons, HCV RNA detection is necessary for reliable confirmation of HCV infection.

A semiautomated dot blot assay and cDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to study longitudinal anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) recognition patterns in relation to presence of HCV-RNA in transfusion recipients and their infectious donors. In 9 recipients, 4 different patterns of HCV infection were observed: (A) persistent HCV carriage accompanied by chronic hepatitis in 6, (B) acute resolved hepatitis, but persistent HCV replication in one, and (C) continuous HCV replication without hepatitis in one and (D) acute resolved hepatitis with clearance of infection in one. This last self-limited infection was characterized by the disappearance of HCV-RNA as well as anti-HCV reactivity. In contrast, antibody reactivity persisted in 7 of 8 patients with chronic HCV infection who could be followed until 1990. Seven of the 9 recipients developed antibodies to all recombinant peptides in dot blot assay; one became positive for anti-C33 and anti-core and one developed anti-core only. The sequence of appearance of antibodies differed among individual patients. In 7 patients with full anti-HCV recognition patterns, the sequence of events was (mean and limits in days after transfusion): onset of hepatitis at day 50 (22-74), seroconversion of anti-C33 at day 91 (59-129), anti-core at day 133 (54-203), and anti-C100 at day 143 (59-365). The incorporation of C33 and core proteins, in addition to C100, in the second generation anti-HCV ELISA enhanced the detection rate in the HCV-infected transfusion recipients from 7/9 (78%) to 9/9 (100%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A group of 5,000 patients, suspected of haemolytic anaemia, were investigated with molecular genetic methods for deletion types of alpha-thalassemia. In 776 (15.6%) patients a deletion of one or more alpha-globin genes was found. The same group of patients was also investigated for abnormal haemoglobins and beta-thalassaemia. In about 30% of the patients either an alpha-thalassaemia, an abnormal haemoglobin, a beta-thalassaemia, or a combination was diagnosed. In a group of patients with a haemoglobinopathy, the frequency of alpha-thalassaemia was much higher (i.e. 33%) than in individuals without haemoglobinopathy. Preselection of the patients based on the presence of microcytic erythrocytes and/or a decreased ADW0.5 of the erythrocytes gave a high incidence of false-negative and false-positive results. Therefore, haemoglobin examination should not be restricted to protein chemistry, but should include molecular genetic investigations for deletion types of alpha-thalassaemia.

The anti-C100-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the new four-antigen antibody recombinant immunoblot assay, and detection of viral RNA sequences by copy DNA-polymerase chain reaction were used to establish the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in recipients of HCV-infected blood products. Different patterns of infection were observed: (1) persistent HCV infection with and without chronic hepatitis, and with acute resolved hepatitis; and (2) acute resolved hepatitis with clearance of HCV. In order to determine whether different infection- and anti-HCV recognition patterns are correlated to differences in viral nucleotide sequences, we compared sequences in the NS3 region between isolates from recipient(s) and their infective donors. Based on these comparisons we conclude that in The Netherlands two types of molecular variants circulate; one resembling the Japanese prototype isolate JH1, and the other the HCV-1 isolate from the U.S.A. The difference in sequence homology between the two types is approximately 24%. Comparison of sequences of donors and involved recipients determined in isolates prepared from blood samples four years after transfusion revealed that viral RNA sequences are strongly conserved (greater than 96.8%) in the NS3 region. These data indicate that the observed differences in anti-HCV immune response patterns between recipients are more a reflection of their immune reactivity than of divergence of viral strains.

We have developed a modification of the solid-phase immunoassay for the detection of antibodies of specified isotype. This modified assay involves interaction of the antibody in solution with a haptenated antigen, followed by binding of the antigen-antibody complex to an anti-hapten immunoadsorbent. The antibody is subsequently detected with a suitably labelled antiglobulin reagent. The advantages of this test are: (1) The procedure is more convenient, especially in test protocols where multiple antigens are used. Because the antigens are in solution, computer-controlled dispensation of the antigens is possible. (2) The efficiency of antibody binding is increased, presumably because of the higher avidity of the antigen-antibody interaction in homogeneous solution compared to that in a heterogeneous system. Therefore, less antigen per test is required, and a solid phase with a lower capacity can be used.

Six commercial enzyme immunoassays (EIA) were evaluated in 6488 serum samples, with immunoblot analysis as the confirmatory test for antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Abbott and Wellcome tests identified all 163 immunoblot-positive samples correctly, whereas the other tests did not detect 1-3 samples. In AIDS patients (predominantly with antibodies to gp41env) Organon's EIA was less sensitive (p less than 0.05) and Wellcome's more sensitive (p less than 0.05) than the immunoblot assay. In symptom-free anti-HIV-positive subjects (antibodies to almost all viral antigens and high titres of anti-p24gag) all the EIA were significantly (p less than 0.05) less sensitive than the immunoblot assay. The frequencies of false-positive reactions in a "tricky" panel of samples from patients with autoimmune and acute viral diseases and in a blood-donor panel were Abbott 9.5%, 0.42%: Organon 1.7%, 0%; Litton 1.0%, 0.4%; Behring 2.7%, 0.06%; Wellcome 0%, 0%; and Pasteur 0%, 0.02%. The results of a seventh EIA (Dupont) were excluded from the study at the company's request. All six EIA evaluated are suitable tests for anti-HIV screening in samples from patients and blood donors.

Several variables that may affect accurate measurement of platelet-associated IgG (PA-IgG) were studied using a radioimmunoassay of the consumption type. The amount of PA-IgG of washed, unfixed normal donor platelets was 1.0 +/- 0.9 fg IgG/platelet (mean +/- 2 SD). Upon storage of washed platelets in a buffer containing EDTA, the amount decreased significantly to 0.2 +/- 0.2 fg IgG/platelet. Simultaneously, an increase in modal platelet volume was observed. Similar results were obtained when platelets were fixed with paraformaldehyde (PFA). We postulate that this decrease in PA-IgG is caused by the release of plasma IgG entrapped by the surface-connected canicular system of the platelet, when the platelets swell during storage in EDTA or fixation with PFA. This presence of varying amounts of entrapped plasma IgG may cause the wide discrepancies in PA-IgG found in normal donor platelets as well as platelets from ITP patients by other investigators. A good quantification of platelet-bound alloantibodies was possible with our assay when platelets were routinely fixed to diminish the amount of nonspecific PA-IgG. This was demonstrated with different anti-Zwa (= anti-PlA1), anti-Baka and anti-HLA sera. We also observed that fragments of platelets as well as fragments of cells of other types can cause aspecifically increased Pa-IgG values and can thus interfere with the proper measurement of platelet-bound antibodies in all kinds of immunoassays in general.

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) was used to analyze the number and localization of B-cell epitopes on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24gag and the variability of these epitopes in sequential HIV isolates and in isolates from different geographical origin. The specificity of these Mabs was demonstrated by immunoblotting and radioimmunoprecipitation assays. Cross-inhibition experiments indicated the presence of at least five different epitopes on p24. Analysis with p24 recombinant products revealed that three of the Mabs to p24 were directed to epitopes localized on the C-terminal part. Four other Mabs were directed to epitopes localized on the N-terminal half of the protein. Anti-p24 Mabs were used to develop HIV p24 antigen-capture assays. Application of these assays in HIV isolation resulted in more efficient recovery of HIV. Serotyping of HIV-1 isolates with five anti-p24 Mabs demonstrated that 55/65 isolates recovered from Dutch and Belgian individuals, but only 4/9 HIV-1 African isolates, were recognized by all five Mabs. Five of nine Central African HIV-1 isolates were not reactive with at least one of these Mabs. The variability of p24 appeared to be predominantly localized on the N-terminal part of the protein. Lack of expression of antigenic determinants on p24 was shown to be independent of culture conditions. Moreover, an infectious molecular clone was shown to have the same serotype as the corresponding HIV isolate. The serotype of sequential isolates obtained from 17 individuals over a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-year period did not change, suggesting a limited in vivo p24 variation over time.

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoprecipitation assay was developed for the detection and analysis of anti-HIV antibody response in human sera with the use of 125I-labelled purified HIV proteins with subsequent sodium-dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis (125I-RIPA). The 125I-RIPA was shown to be as specific but at least 1 log more sensitive with respect to the detection of gp41env and p24gag than the immunoblot analysis as tested in serum samples from several risk groups. Sequential sera were obtained from 9 individuals who seroconverted for HIV antibodies. In 4 individuals, antibody to p24gag was detected in earlier serum samples by the 125I-RIPA than by EIA or immunoblot; in the other 5 individuals, the detection of p24gag concorded in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA), immunoblot and 125I-RIPA. Moreover, in one of 78 randomly chosen EIA-negative sera from individuals at high risk, antibodies to p24gag could be detected by the 125I-RIPA. This early seroconversion was confirmed 3 months later by means of immunoblotting and EIA. The specificity of the 125I-RIPA was further demonstrated by analyzing sequential EIA-negative serum samples from 10 individuals at risk for AIDS, collected during 2 years at 3-monthly intervals. All 80 serum samples were found to be negative in the 125I-RIPA and the individuals revealed no signs of HIV infection. The 125I-RIPA technique may be a valuable confirmatory assay in the serology of HIV infections. The sensitivity of this test provides a reliable measure of effective sensitivity when new-generation screening tests are evaluated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)