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Mucosal Membranes (mucosal + membrane)
Selected AbstractsHigh-dose methylprednisolone influences the physiology and virulence of Candida albicans ambiguously and enhances the candidacidal activity of the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B and the superoxide-generating agent menadioneFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007Ágnes Gyetvai Abstract Although exposure of Candida albicans cells to high-dose (4 mM) methylprednisolone stimulated microbial growth, germination rate in serum and phospholipase release, it also promoted the recognition of C. albicans cells by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Pretreatment of C. albicans cells with methylprednisolone did not result in any increase in the pathogenicity of the fungus in intraperitoneal and intravenous mouse assays. Therefore, the virulence of C. albicans is unlikely to increase in patients treated with comparably high-dose methylprednisolone on skin and mucosal membranes. Methylprednisolone treatments also increased the production of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and the menadione sensitivity of C. albicans cells, which can be explained by a significant decrease in the specific activities of several antioxidant enzymes. The combination of methylprednisolone with oxidants, e.g. in topical applications, may be of clinical importance when the predisposition to candidiasis is high. Methylprednisolone treatments negatively affected membrane fluidity and decreased the antifungal effects of both the polyene antibiotic nystatin and the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin, and also enhanced the deleterious effects of the polyene antimycotic amphotericin B on C. albicans cells. These corticosteroid,polyene drug interactions should be considered in the treatment of C. albicans infections in patients with prolonged topical application of corticosteroids. [source] Intranasal immunization using biphasic lipid vesicles as delivery systems for OmlA bacterial protein antigen and CpG oligonucleotides adjuvant in a mouse modelJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 8 2005V. L. Alcón The nasal mucosa is an important arm of the mucosal system since it is often the first point of contact for inhaled antigens. The ineffectiveness of the simple delivery of soluble antigens to mucosal membranes for immunization has stimulated extensive studies in appropriate delivery systems and adjuvants. We have evaluated biphasic lipid vesicles as a novel intranasal (i.n.) delivery system (designated as vaccine targeting adjuvant, VTA) containing bacterial antigens and CpG oligode-oxynucleotides (ODNs). Results show that administration of antigen and CpG ODNs in biphasic lipid vesicles resulted in greater induction of IgA levels in serum (P<0.05) and mucosal antibody responses such as IgA in nasal secretions and lung (P<0.01) after immunization with a combined subcutaneous (s.c.)/i.n. as compared to s.c./s.c. approach. Based on antibody responses, VTA formulations were found to be suitable as delivery systems for antigens and CpG ODNs by the intranasal route, resulting in a Th2-type of immune response, characterized by IgG1 and IL-4 production at the systemic level. [source] PL1 Subepithelial bullous diseases , topic overviewORAL DISEASES, Issue 2006M Mravak-Stipeti Subepithelial bullous diseases comprise the group of mucocutaneous autoimmune blistering diseases characterized by subepithelial separation and the deposition of immunoglobulin and complement against several antigens along the basement membrane zone (BMZ). This result in spectrum of diseases that affect skin, oral mucosa, and other mucosal membranes and include bullous pemphigoid (BP), mucous membrane (cicatricial) pemphigoid (MMP), linear IgA disease (LAD), and chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood (CBDC). The most common clinical features are oral erosions, desquamative gingivitis and conjunctival fibrosis, as well as skin lesions, predominantly in older female population. The heterogeneity of clinical presentation and diversity of target autoantigens have contributed to difficulties in characterizing this condition immunologically. In addition to the clinical presentation and a subepithelial vesicle or bullae on routine histologic analysis, the diagnosis is based on direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies. The nature of the disease is determined by the target antigens in the epithelium and BMZ such as antigen 180 (BP180), antigen 230 (BP230), laminin 5, and beta 4 integrin. Circulating IgG and IgA antibodies bind to different epitopes of BP180. The use of salt-split skin substrate enables differentiation between epidermal and dermal 'binders'. Since the antigen and the antibody titer appear to have direct relationships with the disease severity, and a combination of clinical finding and antibody titer provides valuable prognostic data, these investigations should be carried out routinely. Clinicians should recognize clinical spectrum of SBD, the histopathologic and immunopathologic characteristics, the differential diagnosis, the treatment, and the natural history of the disease. Involvement of oral medicine specialists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists and gastroenterologists contribute to early diagnosis and will aid in providing SBD patients with the highest quality of care. [source] Effects of ,-Toxin of Staphylococcus aureus on Ciliary Activity of Nasal Epithelial Cells ,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2000Chung Seop Kim MD Abstract Objectives To investigate the in vitro effects of staphylococcal ,-to-in on ciliary activity and the in vivo effects on sinusitis induction. Study Design The in vitro effects of staphylococcal ,-to-in on ciliary activity were investigated at different concentrations and e-posure times. E-perimental sinusitis was induced in rabbits with application of ,-to-in and confirmed 7 days later. Methods Ciliated epithelial cells were taken from the ma-illary sinus mucosa of 10 rabbits. Five culture dishes from each rabbit were used for the e-perimental group, and one culture dish from each rabbit was used for the control group. In the experimental group, ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 2, 5 and 10 U/mL of ,-toxin using a video-computerized analysis technique, while in the control group, culture medium containing no toxin was used. CBF was measured 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after administration of ,-toxin. To induce experimental sinusitis, 2 U/mL of ,-toxin was percutaneously applied to the maxillary sinus of 10 rabbits without occlusion of the natural ostium, while normal saline was percutaneously applied to the right-side maxillary sinus of 4 rabbits in the control group. At 7 days, mucosal membranes were taken from the inferomedial wall of the maxillary sinus for light microscopic study. Results CBF dropped significantly after an 8-hour incubation at 2, 5, and 10 U/mL of ,-to-in. No ciliary activity was observed after a 24-hour incubation at 2 and 5 U/mL and a 12-hour incubation at 10 U/mL of ,-to-in. Mucoid, purulent discharge was observed in the ma-illary sinuses of the ,-to-in,applied group. Prominent epithelial disruption and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the epithelium and lamina propria were observed in the ,-to-in,applied group. Conclusions Staphylococcal ,-to-in may reduce ciliary activity and induce sinusitis without occlusion of the natural ostium of the ma-illary sinus in rabbits. This study provides another animal model of sinusitis for understanding the pathogenesis of sinusitis induced by bacterial e-oto-ins. [source] Role of CTA1R7K-COL-DD as a novel therapeutic mucosal tolerance,inducing vector for treatment of collagen-induced arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Annemarie Hasselberg Objective To determine whether a cholera toxin,derived, novel immunomodulating fusion protein, CTA1R7K-COL-DD, carrying the class II major histocompatibility complex H-2q,restricted type II collagen peptide aa 259,274, can induce therapeutic tolerance and prevent collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) when administered intranasally in DBA/1 mice, and to assess whether ADP-ribosylation at the mucosal membranes exerts a regulatory function such that the outcome of tolerance or immune enhancement can be controlled. Methods DBA/1 mice with CIA were treated intranasally with CTA1R7K-COL-DD. The therapeutic effect was monitored for 46 days after the onset of disease. Clinical scoring of disease, histologic examination of inflammation, and bone erosion were assessed, and cytokine levels were determined in the serum or supernatants from splenocytes stimulated with recall antigen. Results The protective effect of CTA1R7K-COL-DD resulted in roughly 60% of the mice having no clinical signs or histologic evidence of disease after treatment, and those with CIA had significantly milder disease with less bone erosion. The protective status was associated with lower serum titers of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 anticollagen and a substantial decrease in the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and interferon-,, while levels of IL-10 were markedly up-regulated both in the serum and at the T cell level. Conclusion The enzymatically inactive mutant fusion protein CTA1R7K-COL-DD provided substantial therapeutic protection against CIA following intranasal administration. The mechanism behind the effect appears to be mediated by peptide-specific regulatory T cells induced by mucosal exposure to the peptide containing CTA1R7K-COL-DD vector. In addition, ADP-ribosylation at the mucosal membranes acts as a key regulator controlling mucosal tolerance or immunity. [source] The mast cell and allergic diseases: role in pathogenesis and implications for therapyCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 1 2008J. M. Brown Summary Mast cells have long been recognized for their role in the genesis of allergic inflammation; and more recently for their participation in innate and acquired immune responses. Mast cells reside within tissues including the skin and mucosal membranes, which interface with the external environment; as well as being found within vascularized tissues next to nerves, blood vessels and glandular structures. Mast cells have the capability of reacting both within minutes and over hours to specific stimuli, with local and systemic effects. Mast cells express the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc,RI) and upon aggregation of Fc,RI by allergen-specific IgE, mast cells release and generate biologically active preformed and newly synthesized mediators which are involved in many aspects of allergic inflammation. While mast cells have been well documented to be essential for acute allergic reactions, more recently the importance of mast cells in reacting through pattern recognition receptors in innate immune responses has become recognized. Moreover, as our molecular understanding of the mast cell has evolved, novel targets for modulation have been identified with promising therapeutic potential. [source] | ||||||||||