ALBERT

Notes: Five human teratoma cell lines have been characterized for the presence of a certain number of marker antigens whose presence or absence has been shown to be characteristic of mouse embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. Four out of the five lines have been shown to respond to at least some of the criteria associated with murine EC cells even though only limited in vitro differentiation could be demonstrated. The significance of certain unusual marker antigen combinations present on the cell line Tera I and its clones and so far unobserved for the murine model is discussed. The observation in Tera I populations of cells carrying simultaneously both the F9 and β2-microglobulin or HLA antigens, suggest that the human cell lines may represent a novel material for the study of mammalian differentiation.

Notes: Principles of Gene Manipulation. Studies in Microbiology

Notes: Serum IgG (7S) levels differed significantly for chickens from 10 different inbred lines. Within lines differences between B blood groups were statistically significant.The genetic control of serum IgG was further examined using birds from B complex haplotypes marked at the B locus and the Ir-GAT locus. Birds from each of five subgroup haplotypes (B1B1Ir-GAT-Lo and -Hi, B19B19Ir-GAT-Lo and -Hi, and B2B2Ir-GAT intermediate) were tested for levels of serum IgG at 3, 6, 9, and 21 weeks of age. The rate and level of IgG reached in the serum was more than two-fold greater in the GAT-Hi birds than in the GAT-Lo. The Ir region of the B complex exerts some control over the ontogenesis of IgG, though most of the genetic variation seems not to be B complex associated.

Notes: Dorso-ventral vaginal septa were observed in congenic mouse strains. Strain C57BL/10Sn, H-2b, had the highest frequency, 22%; B10.A/SgSn, H-2a, had the lowest frequency, 4%, P 〈0.001. The frequency was about 17% in the F1, females. Septa were found in 16% and 15% of the B10.D2/nSn and B10.BR/SgSn strains, respectively, indicating that at least two loci within the H-2 complex influence its frequency.

Notes: The phylogenetic distribution of antigens present on human lymphocytes was investigated by incubating human or simian cells with murine anti-human monoclonal antibodies and then determining the level of reactivity with a radiolabelled anti-murine IgG reagent. The monoclonal antibodies used were specific for a T-cell antigen, lymphoid and lymphoid:myeloid antigens, Ia antigens, and β2 microglobulin. The cells examined included B- and T-lymphoblastoid cell lines and fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes separated by sheep erythrocyte rosetting into T-cell and non T-cell fractions. Results of these studies showed that the antibodies gave complete cross-reactivity with gorilla and chimpanzee cells while B-cell lines of orangutan origin had lost lymphoid and β2 microglobulin markers. Gibbon cells and cells of Old World and New World monkeys reacted strongly only with monoclonal antibodies against Ia antigenic determinants. These Ia antigens were found on the non T-cell fraction of fresh peripheral lymphocytes, on B-cell lines and on some virus induced T-cell tumour lines. Immunoprecipitation analysis using the anti-Ia antibodies showed a degree of molecular diversity on owl monkey and marmoset cells compared to the Ia antigens associated with human cells.

Notes: C3H/HeN x NZB/BIN F1 mice were primed and challenged with DNP-Ficoll, a thymic independent (TI-2) antigen. They developed strong IgM and IgG carrier-specific memory responses: DNP-pneumococcal polysaccharide or DNP-haemocyanin challenge did not elicit memory responses. The IgG response component appeared to be inherited dominantly from the C3H/HeN parent. The IgM component resulted from genetic enhancement.

Notes: The effect of incompatibility for Mls determinants was studied in lethal graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) in the mouse. GVHR was induced in adult recipients of the following H-2k strains: (AKR x B10.BR)F1 (MlsB/Mlsb); (C3H x B10.BR)F1 (Mlsc/Mlsb); (CBA/J x B10.BR)F1 (Mlsd/Mlsb) and (CBA/H x B10.BR)F1 (Mlsb). Recipient mice were heavily irradiated and grafted with bone marrow and spleen cells from H-2 compatible B10.BR (H-2k, Mlsb) or H-2 incompatible B10.D2 and B10 donors were normal, while those from B10.BR donors were either normal or pre-immunized against the recipient strains. In all experiments the survival of recipients with Mlsa/Mlsb and Mlsd/Mlsb phenotypes, and only in one experiment of those with Mlsc/Mlsb phenotype was greater and/or the survival time longer than that of recipients expressing only Mlsb. However, late deaths (〉 120 days post grafting) observed after grafting of normal B10.BR cells were more frequent in Mlsd/Mlsb than in Mlsb strains. On the other hand, when B10.BR donor cells were pre-immunized against H-2k compatible (AKR x B10.BR)F1 (Mlsa/Mlsb) or (CBA/J x B10.BR)F1 (Mlsd/Mlsb) strains, the survival time of H-2 incompatible (B10 x B10.BR)F1 (H-2b/k, Mlsb) recipients was longer than when donor cells were pre-immunized against (CBA/H x B10.BR)F1 (Mlsb) strain. We conclude that donor incompatibility for Mlsa or Mlsd or donor-pre-immunization against Mlsa or Mlsd exerts a protective effect on lethal GVHR developed across non-H-2 or H-2 barriers; the protective effect of Mlsc is less efficient or absent. The Mls-induced protective effect shows the following properties: (a) efficiency in vivo correlates with the capacity of the corresponding alleles to stimulate an in vitro MLR; (b) is efficient in either primary or secondary response to other minor antigens; (c) is not H-2 restricted; (d) is nonspecific; (e) disappears late after grafting; (f) with respect to the genetic background, the early protective effect is followed, late after grafting, by an opposite effect which increases the mortality, suggesting that M/s locus determinants are capable of activating several cell populations with different biological functions.

Notes: A long-term in vitro grown T cell line derived from a cotton-topped marmoset (Saguinus oedipus)) infected with Herpesvirus saimiri was found to share surface antigens with human amplifier T cells and to augment the capacity of human B cells to secrete immunoglobulin. This is the first demonstration of T/B collaboration across such a large phylogenetic barrier and might have interesting implications for understanding the nature of molecular interactions mediating cell/cell cooperation.

Notes: The segregation of genes controlling ECIA susceptibility and the level of immune response to native calf type II collagen were determined in the F2 progeny of matings between WF (RTIu/u; ECIA-susceptible; high responders) and LEW.B3 (RT1n/n; ECIA-resistant; low to intermediate responders). RT1n/n F2 progeny showed resistance to ECIA, low skin test reactivity to type II collagen and intermediate levels of IgG anti-collagen antibodies (-log2 of 6.2 ± 2.6; mean ± SD, n= 10). RT1u/u and RT1u/u F2 progeny were susceptible to ECIA and were high responders to type II collagen by skin testing and IgG antibody titres (-log2 of 12.1 ± 1.3, mean ± SD, n= 26). Although all rats that developed arthritis were also high responders to type II collagen one group of immature F2 progeny, RT1u/u and RT1u/n, showed high anti-collagen immune responses in the absence of detectable arthritis. The data indicate that genes linked to RT1.A control susceptibility to ECIA and at least part of the immune response to native calf type II collagen in WF and LEW.B3 rats.

Notes: Mice bearing the I-A subregion mutation bm12 were immunized and challenged with the α-subunit of human adult haemoglobin. Under conditions in which parental B6/Kh mice respond, B6.C-H-2bm12 mice are inhibited nearly 100% in their ability to respond to challenge to the α-chain of haemoglobin. D2.GD mice which express a variant Ae (Eβ) polypeptide of the I-E subregion can respond as well as B10.D2 mice to both subunits (α- and β-) of haemoglobin. These observations as well as other genetic mapping data confirm the I-A mapping of α-chain-specific Ir genes and extend the genetic fine mapping to the Aβ gene within the I-A subregion or a combinatorial Ia determinant generated by an interaction of Aα and Aβ. In addition they implicate the Ia.8 specificity in determining immune responsiveness to α-chain determinants.

Notes: Electrophoretic and serologic investigations of C4 in serum samples from a family material, showed that a weak, or partial, inhibition of anti-Rg sera, was an inherited property of some of the C4 haplotype products. The weak Rg activity was strongly, but not absolutely associated with the C4 FI and C4 I haplotypes.

Notes: Mouse oocytes at the dictyate stage were tested for the presence of H-2 antigens and Ia antigens, by means of indirect immunofluorescence. Oocytes reacted positively with NIH alloantisera, but were negative with anti-Ia region alloantisera. Results with monoclonal antibodies indicate very low antigen density on oocytes.

Notes: A Friend virus-induced tumour of BALB/c (H-2d) origin, HFL/d, was examined for the expression of alien H-2 antigens. The alloantigens on HFL/d were typed by generating CTL in primary MLC with HFL/d as stimulator and measuring reactivity to targets with known H-2 antigens, and confirmed by assessing recognition of HFL/d targets by CTL generated in primary MLC with stimulators expressing known H-2 antigens. Potential cross-reactivities between alloantigens were analysed by cold-target inhibition experiments. BALB/c cells stimulated with HFL/d lysed H-2b targets, and BALB/c anti-H-2b CTL lysed HFL/d; analysis with recombinant haplotypes demonstrated both H-2Kb and H-2Db alien antigens on HFL/d. C57BL/6 (H-2b) cells stimulated with HFL/d recognized H-2Kd, H-2Dd, and an additional determinant unique to HFL/d. (BALB/c x B6)F1 cells also recognised a unique HFL/d determinant not of H-2b or H-2d origin. These unique determinants, which induced a strong cytotoxic response in primary MLC, were not shared by BALB/c or B6 tumours induced by cross-reactive FMR viruses. Thus, HFL/d expressed the K and D antigens of its strain of origin, two typed alien H-2 antigens, and at least one other untyped antigen which may represent an additional H-2 determinant. These studies further demonstrate the utility of examining the reactivity of CTL generated in primary MLC to probe for the presence of alien H-2 antigens.

Notes: Properdin factor B is a genetically-controlled polymorphism that can be demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The Bf gene frequencies were determined for 194 blacks from the south-eastern United States. The frequencies for Bf-F, Bf-S, Bf-F1, and Bf-Sl are 0.626, 0.327, 0.034, and 0.013, respectively. The south-eastern blacks have similar Bf frequencies to the South African blacks; however, both these groups are different from blacks from Boston. The frequency differences between south-eastern blacks and Boston blacks may be due to racial admixture differences found in the two populations.

Notes: Fifty-seven members from ten families in which one parent and at least one child have asthma were studies with dilutional skin tests and RAST to grass pollens after determination of HLA haplotypes. We found no direct evidence for linkage of a hypothetical asthma locus with HLA or for a significant association of asthma with HLA haplotypes. Linkage between the HLA loci and a gene or genes which allow for the expression of clinical asthma could neither be proven nor disproven due to the small sample size. All of the asthmatic children had positive dilutional skin tests and RAST, suggesting that atopic asthma may be genetically controlled by the HLA chromosome (chromosome 6). Nonetheless, determination of the histocompatibility antigens can increase the value of predictive risk analysis for asthma. Such a determination may be important in the early identification of a child born to a family with atopic asthma.

Notes: T. OHTA; Evolution and Variation of Multigene Families.

Notes: The distribution of Glm(f, z, a and x), G3m(b0, b1, b3, b5, c3, c5, g, s and t), A2m (1 and 2) and Km(1) allotypic determinants in a series of Spanish blood donors. The following results were obtained: Gmz,a;gAm1= 0.199; Gmz,a;gAm2= 0.019; Gmz,a;bAm1= 0.081; Gmz,a,x;gAm2= 0.005; Gmf;bAm1= 0.677; Gmz,a;bAm1= 0.019 and Km1= 0.096. The results are similar to those reported for adjacent Basque and Portuguese populations. The origin of the Gmz,a;bAm1 haplotype is unknown.

Notes: Serolgoical and immunochemical assays detected antibodies to human la-like antigens in five out of five rabbit antisera to cultured human B lymphoid cells but did not detect them in five bleedings from two rabbits immunized with human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These results, which may reflect differential immunogenicity of la-like antigens from different cells, indicate that the presence of anti la-like antibodies in heterologous antihuman lymphocyte sera is not a general phenomenon as reported recently for animal model systems.

Notes: The murine Ly-4 locus is further described with the definition of both Ly-4.1 and 4.2 specificities and the demonstration of linkage of H-3 on Chromosome 2. As has been found for several other Ly-specificities, both Ly-4 specificities are absent from the thymus, but are found on peripheral T and B cells, with B cells having the greatest antigen expression. The expression of both Ly-4 specificities was influenced by an H-2-linked gene, mapping in or near the H-2D locus.

Notes: The factorial correspondence analysis, which is a descriptive statistical method, was used to study the preferential associations between locus HLA-A, B, C and Bf alleles. This method does not limit the number ofloci that can be studied and must therefore be considered as an interesting method of studying haplotypic associations within the HLA system.

Notes: Erythrocytes that exhibit the rare blood group p phenotype lack the P antigen (globotetraosylceramide) and the Pk antigen (globotriaosylceramide). This phenotype is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition and the red cells of heterozygous individuals, parents and children of p persons, are serologically normal but no chemical analyses of their red cells have been reported. We have studied an unusual family in which all five children exhibit the p phenotype. In addition to the abnormalities described previously, the erythrocytes of four siblings had twice the normal concentration of lactotriaoslyceramide and lactoneotetraosylceramide. These cells also contained 3-5 times as much sialosyllactoneotetraosylceramide and up to a two-fold increase in GM3 ganglioside. The glycolipids of the parents' erythrocytes were normal. Electrophoretic analysis of the glycoproteins of the proposita's erythrocytes revealed no abnormalities, but her erythrocyte membranes contained approximately 35% less galactosamine than normal red cells. This abnormality resulted from a marked decrease in galactosamine that was soluble in chloroformmethanol. The lipid-extracted residue, which contained the glycoproteins, had a normal galactosamine content.

Notes: The identity and complete purification of mouse Thymocyte Interaction Modulation Factor (T IMF) is described. Use of silver-stained PAGE methods shows that previous methods of purification yield preparations containing two protein or glycoprotein bands. T IMF activity from H-2k mice can be bound to 15.5.5 monoclonal antibody columns (anti H-2 Dk) but not to 11.4.1 columns (anti H-2 Kk). The activity can be recovered from 15.5.5 columns and runs on PAGE as a single band at approximately 34,000 Daltons. This evidence together with previous evidence relating the activity to H-2 D locus argues that T IMF is a soluble H-2 D antigen fragment equivalent to a papainized H-2 fragment. Additional evidence is presented on an improved method of assay of T IMF activity, on its inactivation by enzymes and serine-esterase inhibitors and of its effect on syngeneic leucocytes and macrophages. It is also shown that T IMF is not appreciably toxic for cells.

Notes: One hundred and sixty-five individuals with ragweed rhinitis and asthma were studied. The associations between the HLA system and: Ra3 skin-test response, Ra3 RAST, Ra3/antigen E skin-test reactivity ratio, Ra5 skin-test response, Ra5 RAST, Ra5/antigen E skin-test reactivity ratio, serum IgE levels, antigen E skin-test response, and antigen E RAST were studied. In addition, the influence of the serum IgE levels of these immune parameters were evaluated. No highly significant associations were noted.

Notes: We have previously shown that the antibody response to mammalian myoglobins is under genetic control. In the present study we examined antibodies to sperm-whale, Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin, Black Sea dolphin, horse and badger myoglobins, raised in high responder strains of mice, to ascertain whether there is genetic control of antibody affinity to mammalian myoglobins. Using antisera of varying dilutions, the binding to 125I-labelled homologous myoglobins was studied by inhibition with homologous myoglobin over a wide range of inhibitor concentration in a modified Farr assay. The results indicated that there are no large differences between high responder strains of mice in the affinity of antibodies to mammalian myoglobins.

Notes: No. Gm, Am, Pi, and Km gene frequency difference has been observed between eighty-seven Caucasin IgA nephropathies and ninety-six controls. But a Km1 significant increase is found in patients with chronic renal failure compared with the total patients group. This data fits for a genetic predisposition factor in IgA nephropathy.

Notes: The genetic control of the in vivo growth of the Moloney virus-induced BALB/c lymphoma YC8 was studied in F1 hybrids between BALB/c and several strains differing at the MHC and/or at the level of non-H-2 genes. Parental strains of the B10 and C3Hf but not of A, BALB/c or DBA/2 backgrounds introduced a significant resistance to the growth of 102 YC8 cells (a dose able to kill 100% of BALB/c mice) in semisyngeneic hosts. This resistance appeared to be due to non-H-2 genes although a modulation of the tumour growth by genes encoded by the MHC was also evident. The study of backcrosses between susceptible BALB/c and resistant (BALB/c x B10.BR)F1 crosses revealed that 83% of animals developed lethal tumors after injection of 102 YC8 cells. This high frequency of tumour takes was not linked to genes of the MHC. Adult thymectomy plus sublethal irradiation was able to abrogate the resistance of (BALB/c x B10.BR) or (BALB/c x B10.RIII)F1 mice to YC8 growth. Since the injection of silica also impaired the resistance to YC8, we tentatively concluded that the genetic control of resistance to YC8 is mediated both by T cells and macrophage-like cells.

Notes: Mice of independent haplotypes and several recombinant inbred strains were immunized with highly purified preparations of either the α-chain or β-chain subunit of human adult haemoglobin. Cells from the sensitized lymph nodes were challenged in vitro with the appropriate subunit (or in some cases both chains) and cell proliferation assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Mice of the H-2b and H-2d haplotypes were high responders to α-chain while mice of the H-2f, H-2j, H-2k, H-2r, H-2s, H-2u, and H-2v haplotypes were low responders. The low responsiveness of B10.A(4R) and B10.MBR and the high responsiveness of B10 indicated that the Ir gene(s) determining responsiveness to the α-chain subunit resides in the I-A subregion of the mouse major histocompatibility complex. Mice of the H-2d, H-2f, and H-2s haplotypes were high respoders and H-2b, H-2f, H-2q, and H-2u haplotype mice were low responders to β-chain. H-2k, H-2p, H-2r, and H-2v haplotype mice were intermediated responders to β-chain. The low responsiveness of B10.S(8R) and B10.TL and the high responsivenes of B10.S(9R) mapped the Ir gene(s) to β-chain to the I-A subregion. Data collected from challenging high responder cells with both subunits indicated that α-chain and β-chain do not crossreact. These results are discussed in reference to earlier observations suggesting that the low responsiveness of some strains of mice to priming and challenging using the intact haemoglobin molecule might be due to a negative regulatory influence mediated by one of the subunits. In the absence of this influence these mice would respond normally.

Notes: An attempt to determine association between immunoglobulin allotypes and Schistosoma japonica infection was made. The results show that no apparent relationship exists.

Notes: Diet and Resistance to Disease; Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Vol. 135. M. Phillips and A. Baetz

Notes: The antigenic specificities of six (1-6) IgG allotypes of the domestic mink were tested in the sera of closely related species of Mustelidae family and distant mammalian species. It was found that allotypes 1 and 5 are ancient. Their antigenic specificities were established not only in Mustelidae, but also in other taxonomic orders of mammals. Allotypes 3 and 2 are phylogenetically younger; they were detected only in Mustelidae. Allotypes 4 and 6 appear to be unique to the domestic mink.The instantaneous evolutionary emergence of complex allotypes 4 and 6 is difficult to explain by a rapid accumulation of gene point mutations during phylogenesis. Activation in the domestic mink of those immunoglobulin genes, which are silent or poorly expressed in closely related Mustelidae, is suggested as a more plausible explanation.

Notes: In the V/V type of bovine erythrocytes (BE), the antigen IM and the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) receptors, which reacted with a TF-specific agglutinin from human sera and the lectin from Helix pomatia, were all destroyed by treatment with trypsin. Unlike the V/V, in the F/F type of BE the antigen IM and these TF receptors were not only not destroyed by trypsin, but this enzyme treatment was, in fact, necessary to make them amenable to the corresponding agglutinins.Another TF receptor, which reacted with the lectin from peanuts, was identified on a trypsin-resistant component of all BE and independently of the FV genotypes.

Notes: Five major glycoproteins with anti-B agglutinin activity were isolated from seeds of Euonymus Sieboldiana by a procedure based on precipitation with ammonium sulphate, Sepharose 4B gel filtration, CM- and DEAE-Sepharose chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. The purified glycoproteins each gave a single symmetrical peak on Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration with elution volumes corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 15,000 to 130,000, each forming a single precipitin line on gel diffusion plates with anti-E. Sieboldiana antibody. These anti-B glycoproteins were rich in acidic amino acids without cysteine and methionine and contained about 8-36% carbohydrate, of which galactose, arabinose and glucose were the predominant sugars, with small amounts of glucosamine, rhamnose, fucose, xylose, mannose and ribose. The most anti-B active lectin agglutinated human B red blood cells at a concentration of 2 μg/ml and was strongly inhibited by melibiose. The three other lectins with anti-B agglutinin activity, however, were not inhibited by any galactose-containing glycosides.

Notes: Linkage between the Pi (alpha1-antitrypsin) and Gm (immunoglobulin heavy chain) loci was studied in thirty-four families including forty-one informative parents and 142 children. In females, the results did not provide evidence for linkage (posterior probability of non-linkage 0.98). In contrast, in males, there was strong evidence for linkage (peak lod 3.9 at 0= 0.18, posterior probability of linkage 0.98). The two populations appeared to be significantly different (0.001 〈 P 〈 0.01) with respect to the heterogeneity criterion of Morton. In addition, the effect of the possession of the S allele (associated with significantly decreased serum alpha1-antitrypsin levels) was studied in fifteen informative parents and fifty-three children of the same group. No evidence for or against linkage was found in females, but in males close linkage between Pi S and Gm was demonstrated (peak lod 7.7 at 0= 0.05, posterior probability of linkage 0.9999). These data indicate significant linkage between Pi and Gm in males but not females and close linkage between the Pi S and Gm markers in males.

Notes: Cytotoxic antibodies to HLA-A,B,C and to Ia-like antigens were detected in about 8% of sera drawn from 1312 women several years after their last pregnancy. In the majority of sera anti Ia-like antigen antibodies were not associated with anti HLA-A,B,C antibodies. Persistence of both types of antibodies was not correlated with the number of pregnancies and with the time interval between the last immunizing stimulus and the drawing of the sample. Testing of the sera with a panel of HLA typed lymphocytes identified 20 sera specific for HLA-A,B alloantigens and 7 specific for Ia-like alloantigens.

Notes: The evidence of the past 10 years indicates that genes mapping in the I region of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (H-2) regulate a bewildering array of immunologic functions. A survey of H-2-linked specific immune response (Ir) genes shows that the phenotypic effect of these genes is to enable a particular inbred strain to discriminate and recognize remarkably precise chemical specificities, such as one or two amino acid interchanges in a polypeptide chain. The only I region gene products which have been identified to date are the Ia antigens. These include five readily detectable polypeptide chains (Aa, Ab, Ae, Eα, and Ii) and several other serologically distinct entities which are selectively expressed on functionally distinct T cell subsets (J1, J2?, J3? and C). The specificity of recognition of Ir genes would seem to require a larger number of I region gene products than can be generated even by combinatorial association of the four readily identifiable peptides (to give eight combinatorial associations) and the other serologically identified gene products. If the Ia antigens are to function as an antigen specific receptor system, separate from immunoglobulin molecules, there must be other, as yet undetected, I region gene products (e.g. Ia antigens). Alternatively, the known I region gene products could function by any one of several postulated mechanisms to generate an antigen specific T cell receptor system. The available evidence for the total number of I region gene products is reviewed, and the alternate possibilities are briefly discussed in this presentation.

Notes: Different patterns of tumour growth resulted from inoculation of separate isolates of the Subgroup C Bratislava 77 strain (B77) of Avian Sarcoma Virus (ASV) into three closely-related inbred lines of chickens. The major genetic difference between these chicken lines is that each is homozygous for a different MHC haplotype. Since for one of the viral isolates, resistance to progressive tumour growth has been shown to be controlled by MHC-linked genes, the data presented here suggest that MHC-controlled tumour rejection operates on viral or cellular determinants different from those which define classical viral group or subgroup specificity.

Notes: The red cells of a normal male blood donor, K.S., were first grouped as B but he was found to lack anti-A in his serum. Closer investigation revealed that his red cells had very weak A activity, demonstrable only by absorption and elution of anti-A. He is a non-secretor of ABH and a secretor of Lea. Blood group A-, B and H-gene specified glycosyltransferases were detected in his serum. In contrast to the finding of a B antigen of normal strength on his red cells, the B transferase in his serum was only about 30% of the normal level and, despite the very weak A activity of K.S.'s red cells, the A transferase level was about 50% of that found in the serum of group A individuals with normal strength of A antigen. Moreover, the A transferase on the basis of its pH optimum, Km values for donor and acceptor substrates, activation by divalent cations, isoelectric focusing profile and capacity to convert O to A-active cells, was characterized as the product of an A1 gene. A family study showed that K.S.'s wife is group A2 and that they have two sons, one group A2 and the other group B. The group B son is assumed to have inherited a B gene from the propositus but the level of B transferase in the son's serum is three times as high as that in his father's serum. The wife of the propositus and his group A2 son have normal A2 transferases in keeping with their A2 red cell status. The A2 son therefore appears to have inherited an A2 gene from his mother but neither the A1 nor the B gene shown to be carried by his father. The distribution of transferase activities in K.S.'s red cells differs from that in his serum. A level of B transferase within the normal range was found in his red cell membranes but a very low level of A transferase was detected. The discrepancies between the serum transferases and ABO-red cell group, together with the pattern of inheritance within the family, led to a suspicion of chimaerism. This was confirmed by the finding of fibroblasts with the female 46XX karyotype in cultures of the propositus' skin. These results suggest that K.S. is a dispermic chimaera with two different cell lines of the genotypes BO and A1O or A1A1. The group A2 son is assumed to have inherited an O gene from his father. It seems probable that K.S.'s bone marrow and reproductive organs are comprised predominantly of the XY cell line which carries the blood group BO genotype whereas his skin and other tissues which contribute the A1 transferase to his plasma, are partly made up of the XX cell line which carries the blood group A1O or A1A1 genotype.

Notes: A cloned hybridoma, producing an IgM kappa antibody, has been derived from a fusion between NSI myeloma cells and spleen cells from BALB/c mice immune to CBA lymphocytes. Its specificity for Lyt-1.1 alloantigen has been established from (1) the lymphoid tissue distribution restricted to T cells and (2) the reactivity pattern on a panel of thymocytes from standard and Lyt congenic mouse strains.

Notes: Haemagglutination inhibition studies using isolated membrane components from rat red blood cells showed that the activity of the major antigenic system RT2 was contained exclusively in the glycoprotein fraction and confirmed immunochemically the existence of two alleles, RT2a and RT2b. The SDS-PAGE analysis of the membrane showed two interconvertible glycoproteins of apparent molecular weight 72,000 and 36,000, and the higher molecular weight component appeared to be a dimer of the lower molecular weight one. Analysis of the various membrane preparations after 125I-labelling showed that the glycoproteins existed in at least two molecular species on the surface of the red cells and that one species was more readily radio-iodinated and dimerized than the other. The RT2 antigenic specificities were preferentially associated with this component.

Notes: Spleen cells from C3HfB/HeN mice (H-2kv1) were markedly less susceptible to lysis by monoclonal anti-Kk antibody (Clone 11-4) than spleen cells from C3H/HeN mice (H-2k). Less than 50% of C3HfB/HeN cells were lysed even at the highest antibody concentration tested compared to 70% of C3H/HeN cells. The difference in end point titre of the antibody tested on cells from the two strains was 5-10-fold. Similar differences were not observed using the conventional H-2Kk-typing antiserum (D-23).

Notes: F. H. BACH, B. BONAVIDA, ELLEN VITETTA, AND C. F. Fox; T and B lymphocytes: recognition and function. Academic Press, New York, 1979. ISBN 0-12-069850-1, Price U.S. $36.50.

Notes: The problems of prevention and therapy of cancer are far from being solved. Regarding therapy, it is beyond doubt that surgery and radiotherapy cure a certain percentage of cancer patients. Cancer chemotherapy with the conventional cytostatic agents is a further means by which oncologists can help patients. Immunotherapy, including the newest methods of treatment with thymosin, and particularly interferon, may bring further progress. In the field of prevention of cancer mortality, early detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions and elimination of carcinogenic agents are up to now the most successful means. The continuing high mortality of cancer, even in the most developed countries, underlines the still unsatisfactory medical methods at our disposal. New approaches to the cancer problem are badly needed. It is the purpose of this conference to acquaint us with the basic research work done in the field of retinoids. The retinoids (vitamin A and analogs) represent a fairly new development in the cancer field, offering a new approach differing markedly in their more physiological mode of action from the hitherto existing approaches in prevention and therapy of cancer.

Notes: Abstract. The histopathological changes in the eye due to the penetration and growth of the parasite, Lernaea piscinae, in the host tissue of big head carp is described. Distinct pathological changes were hyperplasia of the corneal epithelium, severe inflammatory response mainly around the anchor of the parasite, in the anterior chamber, the corneal stroma and the vitreous body and detachment of the vitreous and retinal layers. Rupture of the lens capsule and fibrous tissue response around the process of the anchor structure of the parasite were also observed. The development of an immune response to the parasite within the body of the host is thought to have led to the infection of the cornea, an avascular site.

Notes: Abstract. Steelhead trout were exposed to sublethal concentrations of copper and inoculated with Yersinia ruckeri. Copper exposure at 7 and 10 μg/1 for 96 h caused more fish to die of infection than control fish (no copper). Infection susceptibility increased with time of exposure to a single dosage of copper (10 μg/1), reaching a maximum at 48 h. Lowering the copper concentration to 5 μg/1 caused the infection susceptibility to occur at 24 h. The infectious dose of Y. ruckeri was lower in fish exposed to 10 μg/1 copper for 48 h than control fish.

Notes: Abstract. Four species of flatfish [plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L.; turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.); Dover sole, Solea solea (L.) and the common dab, Limanda limanda (L.)] were experimentally infected with cercariae of Stephanochasmus baccatus under similar conditions and examined at intervals up to 7 weeks post-infection- The tissue response was found to be qualitatively the same in all four hosts and was consistent with a chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction induced by resistant particulate foreign bodies. The intensity and rate of the response varied between host species but the capsule formation was essentially similar in all. The mature capsule consisted of an inner layer composed of leucocytes which underwent epithelioid transformation. The cellular structure of this tissue gradually degenerated from the oldest layer to form a dense eosinophilic ground substance in which was embedded nuclear debris. The outer layer of the capsule consisted of fibroblasts and reticulin collagen fibres. Muscle and fin cysts differed, with muscle cysts tending to be less discrete and more fibrous. The rate and intensity of the response to the parasite varied between different host species. Plaice and turbot showed the most intensive response and in turbot the reaction was considerably accelerated. Mortality of encysted metacercariae was only seen in turbot. The overall effect on larger 1-group fish was minimal, but the smaller 0-group plaice were more severely affected by the relatively large cvsts that interfered with organ function.

Notes: Books reviewed in this article:Fischkrankheiten 4th edn. By W. Schäperclaus. Akademie Verlag, Berlin, 1979, 2 volumes, 1089 pp.Ecology of Freshwater Fish Production. Ed. by Shelby D.Gerking. Black well Scientific Publications, 1978, 520 pp.Diseases of Fishes. Book 6. Fungal Diseases of Fishes. By G. A. Neish & G. C. Hughes. TFH Publications, New Jersey, 1979, 159 pp.Developments in Deep-Sea Biology. By N. B. Marshall. Blandford Press, Poole, Dorset, U.K., 1978. 566 pp.

Notes: Abstract. A microsporidian parasite, Microsporidium rhabdophilia n. sp. is described from rodlet cells of salmonid fishes. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, steelhead rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii gairdnerii, and various strains of domesticated rainbow trout were found infected. In living wet mount phase-contrast observations of various tissues, 16 mature spores could be seen infecting the nucleus of rodlet cells. The number of spores infecting each nucleus generally numbered 16 and spores were not found in any cell or organelle other than the nucleus of the rodlet cell. All observations were limited to California hatchery-reared fish.

Notes: Abstract. Myxidium giardi was found in wild and cultured eels. The prevalence rate in elvers was 77% in the River Torridge (Devon), 80% in the River Parrett (Somerset) and 90% in the River Ouse (Yorkshire). Adult eels from the River Ouse had a prevalence rate of 53%, Cultured fingerlings and adults had a prevalence rate of 60% and 1%, respectively. There was an apparent age-related pattern in the organ location of the histozoic trophozoite: an initially high prevalence of kidney trophozoites which gradually decreased with age; in the gills of elvers there was a low prevalence of histozoic trophozoites which increased in the adult stage. Histozoic trophozoites were also found in the stomach and intestine of elvers and fingerlings. A qualitative estimate of trophozoite numbers in each organ of elvers is given. The coelozoic trophozoite of M. giardi in the gall bladder of elvers and fingerlings is also described for the first time.

Notes: Books reviewed in this article:Tapeworms (Cestoda, Ligulidae) of the Fauna of the USSR. By M. N. Dubinina

Notes: Abstract. A microsporidian parasite was found in the gills of the brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), which was similar to Loma morhua Morrison and Sprague, a microsporidian parasite in the gills of cod. It was described and designated as Loma sp. Plistophora (=Pleistophora) salmonae Putz, Hoffman and Dunbar in gills of rainbow and steelhead trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, was also observed and was transferred to the genus Loma. All microsporidia known in gills of Gadidae and Salmonidae were judged to belong to the genus Loma but the data were not sufficient to provide a basis for a definitive separation of species. Provisionally, Loma morhua, L. branchialis, L. salmonae and Loma sp. were recognized.

Notes: Abstract. The occurrence of the ciliated protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis on Atlantic salmon yearlings at a hatchery in northern Finland is described. During August 1978 a severe epizootic occurred in two earth ponds resulting in mortality of over 50%. Water temperature at this time was about 15°C. Fish were treated with a 1:4000 formalin bath administered every 3 days. Parasites disappeared from the fish by October after which they were refractory to further infection. The parasite occurred in other stocks in 1979 but was successfully controlled with formalin. Some aspects of the ecology of I, multifiliis are discussed.

Notes: Abstract. An indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test was developed to detect viral antigen in tissue sections prepared from rainbow trout experimentally inoculated with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). Specific fluorescence was present in the pancreatic acinar tissue and occurred as brilliant fluorescence throughout the mesentery surrounding the pyloric caeca and intestines. In addition, multiple foci of fluorescent cells were seen occasionally in the kidneys and liver of infected fry. Fluorescence was not observed in tissues other than the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. The IFA test was found to be quite specific and offers a rapid means of diagnosing IPN during acute outbreaks.

Notes: Abstract. Ultrastructural studies were made on the inflammatory response in livers of two killifishes, Fundulus grandis and F. similis, experimentally infected with the coccidium Eimeria funduli. Coinciding with the formation and development of gamonts of E. funduli, changes took place in the liver and leucocytes appeared in that organ. Near areas of developing macrogamonts, many hepatocytes degenerated whereas others contained residual bodies which indicated sublethal damage. The damage was probably associated with merozoite formation and release. Filament-rich perisinusoidal cells hypertrophied during the development of E. funduli and contributed to walling off aggregates of oocysts from uninfected liver tissue. Leucocytes involved in the host response included lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, eosinophils and an unidentified third type of granulocyte. The heterophil was the first granulocyte to respond to the parasite and sometimes appeared to penetrate the parasitophorous vacuole of degenerating macrogamonts. Degranulating eosinophils were often observed near damaged tissues. Both the monocyte and eosinophil were phagocytically active. The monocyte was more phagocytically active and contained both host cells and parasite debris, whereas the eosinophil contained only debris from degenerating macrogamonts. The presence of immature granulocytes in the liver suggests that at least some granulocyte formation occurred in the liver.

Notes: Books reviewed in this article:Diseases of Marine Animals. Volume I. General aspects. Protozoa to Gastropoda. Ed. by O. Kinne. J. Wiley & Sons. 1980. 466 pp.

Notes: Abstract. Micropogon undulatus L. were sampled from Galveston Bay, Texas, and transported to the research laboratory. Groups of five fish were exposed to 5 and 10% dilutions of the water soluble fraction (WSF) of southern Louisiana crude oil for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. Selected histochemical parameters of liver sections from control and WSF-exposed fish were evaluated. Glycogen was reduced in amount while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lipid and cholesterol were increased in liver sections of WSF-exposed fish. These observations support a hypothesis that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons increases mixed-function oxidase activity. The alterations were more obvious in sections from fish exposed to the higher level of the WSF. The histochemical parameters appeared most altered in hepatocytes near afferent hepatic blood vessels. These hepatocytes were the first cells of the liver to contact the pollutants.

Notes: Abstract. The sequential pathology of Ichtyobodo necator infestations of the skin of 0+ and 1+ salmon and rainbow trout was studied. Areas of greatest shelter from water currents were found to be most commonly infested and no parasites were found attached to the epidermis on the head of the fish. The parasite caused hyperplasia of the malphigian cells and exhaustion of the goblet cells below infestations, followed by spongiosis of the underlying epidermis. The epidermal plaque then sloughed off leaving a single layer of cells attached to the basement membrane. Cell kinetic studies showed that I. necator caused the cells immediately below infestations to divide, a markedly different pattern from that of normal teleost epidermal cell proliferation. The possibility that the parasite secretes some form of digestive enzyme is postulated. In areas where sloughing had occurred, the remaining malphigian cells were seen to be in the process of division.

Notes: Abstract. An investigation was undertaken to determine the bacterial species associated with the fish disease known as ‘red spot’ which affected wild fish stocks in south-eastern Queensland. Outbreaks of the disease in the Noosa River were examined with particular reference to the sea mullet, Mugil cephalus. The bacterial flora of the skin of healthy fish as well as those exhibiting early and advanced lesions was determined. In the lower Noosa River estuary, Vibrio anguillarum was the sole organism associated with very early lesions. It was later shown that V. alginolyticus was also associated with V. anguillarum in early lesions, but was considered to be a secondary invader. Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from advanced lesions on fish taken in freshwater reaches of the river. This organism was also regarded as a secondary invader.

Notes: Abstract. In this work it is established that a close relationship exists between the feeding of rancid feed (containing high amounts of lipid peroxides and α, β-unsaturated aldehydes) and lipoid liver degeneration (LLD) in fish. The main feature of the disease is a large accumulation of ceroid in hepatocytes, giving positive histochemical staining reactions with a number of selective stains. Tissues also reacted strongly for lipid peroxides and fluoresced a bright yellow-green at 450 nm. This is the first report on the ultra structure of ceroid in LLD. The accumulations consist of bodies containing cholesterol or cholesterol ester crystals and inclusions with membranous profiles. The latter type of inclusion is considered to be representative of ceroid.

Notes: Abstract. The extracellular products (ECP) of Aeromonas salmonicida, prepared by the cellophane overlay method, are lethal to rainbow trout when administered parenterally. Sublethal doses when injected i.p. or i.m. are shown to reproduce all the lesions that have been described in the literature as being associated with furunculosis. In addition, meningitis may be an important feature of furunculosi s and is reproduced by injection of ECP. A serum factor, probably an α-globulin, present in normal serum of rainbow trout, is capable of neutralizing the toxic effects of ECP. The pathology is discussed with reference to the proteolytic and leucocidal properties of the ECP and its effects upon the eosinophilic granular cells which are caused to disperse and degranulate with the possible release of histamine.

Notes: Abstract. After fry of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, had been infected parenterally with Herpesvirus salmonis, moribund or freshly dead specimens were examined histopathologically. The virus produced a generalized infection, the first signs of which appeared after 2–3 weeks. Visceral and respiratory organs and the heart showed major pathological changes, and pancreatic syncytia were judged to be pathognomonic. Kidneys were prime targets for the virus and showed the highest levels of infectivity; lesser amounts of virus were present in the stomach, liver, and intestine. The virus did not spread by contact to produce clinical disease nor could disease or viral replication be induced by parenteral inoculation of yearling Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum).

Notes: Abstract. The present knowledge of oocyst morphology, life cycles, classification and pathogenicity of eimeriid coccidia infecting fishes is reviewed. Compared with typical Eimeria species from higher vertebrates, fish coccidia, currently classified as all belonging to the same genus, differ in having, as a rule, a thin oocyst wall and endogenous sporulation. Some species possess a bivalved sporocyst, a structure and consequently an excystation mechanism, essentially different from that of the genus Eimeria. An analysis of the life cycles of more than 120 recorded species of fish coccidia has shown six different types of developmental patterns. The life cycles offish coccidia are compared with the life cycles of coccidia in general. None of the fish coccidia having a sporocyst with a Stieda body sporulates exogenously and therefore do not display a true eimerian developmental pattern. In view of the importance of sporocyst structure and developmental patterns in taxonomy, the revalidation of Labbé's genera Goussia and Crystallospora is proposed along with the establishment of a new genus, Epieimeria n.g. Most of the species offish coccidia are left within the genus Eimeria until new data make possible their correct classification. Detailed data on histopathological changes are available only in infections by two carp-infecting species, E. carpelli and E. subepithelialis and E. funduli infections in killifishes. The potential threat of coccidiosis in fishes reared under intensive conditions requires a thorough study of the pathogenicity of further species infecting commercially important hosts.

Notes: Abstract. The existence of a pleomorphic development cycle is demonstrated in epitheliocystis organisms obtained from fish of the following families: Sparidae, Sparus aurata L.; Mugilidae, Liza ramada (Risso), Liza aurata (Risso) and Mugil cephalus L.; Cichlidae, Tilapia mossambica (Peters) and Tilapia aurea × nilotica; and Serranidae, Dicentrarchus labrax L. Ultrastructure of the successive developmental stages, primary long cells, intermediate long cells and small cells are described as well as the division process between stages. An additional stage, the round cell, was found in infected chloride cells. The affinities between epitheliocystis organisms and known chlamydial organisms of vertebrates and invertebrates are discussed.

Notes: Abstract. The pathology of two infectious granulomatous diseases of aquarium-maintained fish are described. Two fish showed widespread occurrences of hard and soft tubercles which contained clumps of acid-fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of fish tuberculosis. Four other fish showed predominantly large soft tubercles containing peripheral arrangement of Gram-negative, non-acid fast bacilli diagnosed as flavobacterium. The various features are described and discussed with emphasis on differential diagnosis.

Notes: Abstract. Precocious male 1+ Atlantic salmon parr were treated with methallibure and cyproterone acetate during the later stages of spermatogenesis. These drugs prevented hyperplastic changes in the epidermis and lowered the prevalence of fungal infection. They did not alter the mucohistochemical staining pattern or the superficial mucous cell concentration of the skin.

Notes: Abstract. Eimeria sp. infection of blue whiting, Micromesistius poutassou (Risso), taken to the north and west of Scotland, was investigated with particular reference to the effect on host condition. Eimeria sp. is a parasite of the liver parenchyma and causes extensive lesions. Juvenile blue whiting were not found to be infected before the late 1-group stage, but all 308 adult (3- to 17-group) fish examined were infected. Condition factor (k= 100w/l3) showed a statistically significant decrease with increasing intensity of infection. Average value of liver weight, expressed as a percentage of total body weight, also decreased with increasing intensity of infection. It is concluded that Eimeria sp. infection is a major factor contributing to loss of condition in blue whiting from the study area. The loss of weight in fish with moderate-to-heavy infections was estimated at from 6 to 10%; this figure does not take account of mortalities resulting from Eimeria infection nor does it take account of the most heavily infected fish which could not be included in the analysis because sufficiently accurate estimates of the large numbers of oocysts present were not made.

Notes: Abstract. Sexually mature spawning and prespawning adult and ‘jack’ coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, were collected during their potamodromous migration from Lakes Ontario, Erie and Michigan in late autumn. In addition, sexually immature spring salmon were collected from Lakes Ontario and Erie. Serum total thyroxine (TT4), serum free thyroxine (FT4), serum total triiodothyronine (TT3) and serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels showed marked seasonal variability in salmon from Lakes Ontario and Erie with peak hormone levels evident in the spring fish and lowest levels in the sexually mature adults and ‘jacks’. Seasonal changes in serum triiodothyronine uptake (T3U) values were inverse of those of serum TT4, FT4, TT3 and FT3 levels. When data of the whole collection were combined significant positive correlation coefficients were evident as follows: serum TT3 v. serum TT4, FT4 and TT3; serum TT4 v. serum FT4 and FT3; serum FT4 v. serum FT3, and significant negative correlations as follows: serum T3U v. serum TT3, TT4, FT4 and FT3. When individual groups were examined significant correlations were either absent, or in some instances the reverse of those of whole data. The data provide further evidence of interlake differences in dysfunction of thyroid hormone metabolism in Great Lakes coho salmon; the possible involvement of environmental agents is discussed.

Notes: Books reviewed in this article:Salmon Ranching. Edited by J. E. Thorpe. Academic Press, London. 441 pp.

Notes: Abstract. Unicauda magna sp.n. (Protozoa: Myxozoa) was found in hatchery-raised fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas (Cyprinidae) from Pennsylvania. A large number of whitish-coloured cysts were located in the tissues of the pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins of infected fish. Spore dimensions (in μm) based on 30 measurements (10 spores/cyst) included the following: total length, 109.6 (75–170); spore body length, 15.5 (14–17); spore body thickness, 12.1 (10–13); spore body width, 13.2 (12–14.5); tail length, 94.1 (60–154); polar capsule lengths, 8.6 (7.5–9.5); polar capsule width 4.1 (3.0–5.0); sutural ridge width, about 1. The tail and body of the spores differed in colour when stained with each of three dyes. They are, therefore, composed of different material.

Notes: Abstract. Blood samples were taken from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., and several other marine teleost species in the northwest Atlantic Ocean to determine the prevalence of viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN). The infection was found in G, morhua at a level of approximately 1.5° in the samples collected from both Newfoundland and Greenland. The latter finding extends the geographic range of VEN infection in this species. Ultrastructural details of the virus in erythrocytes of G. morhua from Greenland differed in several morphologic features from those previously reported.

Notes: Abstract. Four bacteria commonly associated with diseases of fish (Aeromonas hydrophila complex, Aeromonas salmonicida, Flexibacter columnaris-like organisms and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were evaluated in a serial dilution system for susceptibility to four antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of bacterial fish diseases (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, furpyrinol and oxytetracycline). Findings were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Furpyrinol was found to have the lowest MIC and MBC against A. hydrophila complex, A. salmonicida and F. columnaris-like organisms. MIC and MBC's for oxytetracycline were complicated by the presenceof R-plasmids, but were less than 4.0 mcg/ml for those without plasmids. Pseudomonas fluorescens was susceptible only to oxytetracycline. MIC for all groups of organisms using chloramphenicol was generally less than 16.0 mcg/ml. Susceptibility to erythromycin by these groups of organisms was greater than 16 mcg/ml.

Notes: Abstract. The authors failed to detect algae or fungi in the gills of carp showing the typical clinical signs of mucophilosis. Electron microscopic examination showed the presence of rickettsia- or chlamydia-like organisms, inside the characteristic mucophilus cysts. These organisms are believed to be the causative agents of mucophilosis. The organisms develop intracellularly in the gill epithelium and after several divisions give rise to mucophilus cysts 70–80 μm in diameter. The morphological and ultrastructural changes observed in the course of mucophilosis bear a striking resemblance to the cysts and cyst-inducing causative agents responsible for epitheliocystis disease.

Notes: Abstract. enhancement of plaque formation by IHN virus on CHSE-214 cells was obtained with 2–5 /(μ/ml polybrene. The enhancement is due to increased infectivity of small plaque variants in the IHN virus stock.

Notes: Abstract. A histopathological description is given of the black gill disease in Kuruma prawn Penaeus japonicus. The inflammatory responses of P. japonicus against Fusarium solani are haemocytic infiltration, haemocytic encapsulation, melanization and collagen-like fibre deposition. These responses are more pronounced in lesions in the exoskeleton than in the gill lamellae.