B cells are required as APC for antigen-specific T cell proliferation but not the differentiation or priming of those T cells

We studied the influences of B cells on functional differentiation of T cells using SCID mice grafted with fetal thymus of C.B-17 mice (TG mice). T cells were shown to be reconstituted in TG mice without B cell development. These mice showed normal DTH response to SRBC and OVA. LN cells of these mice produced cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-gamma according to Con A stimulation. Thus, majority of T cell functions seem to differentiate in the absence of B cells. However, T cells of TG mice failed to proliferate in response to immunizing antigens in vitro, although they responded well to stimulation with Con A. This unresponsiveness of T cells in TG mice to these antigens was restored when antigen-primed B cells were added to the proliferation assay. Such an inability of T cells in antigen-specific proliferation was not seen in SCID mice grafted with C.B-17 fetal liver cells, in which B cells as well as T cells were efficiently reconstituted (FLT mice). T cell proliferation to immunizing antigen was also abrogated in FLT mice when B cells were depleted from lymphoid population. These results indicate that T cells can functionally differentiate and be primed in the absence of B cells, but they require B cells to proliferate in response to foreign antigens.

The Tokushima Journal of Experimental Medicine


Partial trisomy for short arm of chromosome 5

We present two unrelated cases of partial trisomy for the short arm of chromosome 5, the first such cases reported in Japan. The features are characterized by hypertelorism, low set ears, arachnodactyly, laryngostenosis, hypotonia and some cerebral malformation. The characteristic facial expression and arachnodactyly are the key features used to diagnose this disorder. A high-resolution chromosome banding technique showed that the karyotype of the first patient was 46,XX,inv dup(5) (p13.1-->p15.3) de novo and that of the second patient was 46,XX,dir dup(5) (p13.3-->p15.2) de novo. The similar symptoms in the two cases, despite the difference in karyotypes, were caused by duplication of 5p including segment 5p13. This would be a key site for this disorder.

Acta Paediatrica Japonica; Overseas edition


Recurrent torticollis as a presentation of moyamoya disease


Monitoring of veno-occlusive disease after bone-marrow transplantation by serum aminopropeptide of type III Procollagen


Endothelin and hemolytic uremic syndrome


Preventive effect of fermented brown rice and rice bran on spontaneous type 1 diabetes in NOD female mice