Intermittent smokers: a descriptive analysis of persons who have never smoked daily

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the prevalence of and demographic variables associated with lifetime never-daily smoking in the United States.

METHODS

Descriptive demographic data and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations with never-daily smoking.

RESULTS

Lifetime never-daily smokers constituted a significant minority of non-White smokers. There was a strong association between never-daily smoking and college education among young adults, particularly men. Although never-daily smoking was associated with initiation behavior among young smokers, it also represented a persistent pattern for some smokers, particularly non-Whites and Hispanics.

CONCLUSIONS

The demographic distribution of never-daily smoking may have implications for developing culturally appropriate smoking prevention and cessation strategies.

[An experimental observation of repair after transection of cauda equina fibers in cat]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regeneration characteristics after cauda equina transection.

METHODS

Fibrin glue was chosen to repair transected left L6,7 roots in cat, and right roots in situ of the transected ends were served as the control. The characteristics of regeneration were observed by immunohistocytochemistry and morphometric analysis.

RESULTS

Regeneration was found not only in site of anastomosis, but also in corresponding spinal segments and DRGs. Sensory and motor evoked potentials (SEP and MEP) performed before and after transection and before taking specimen revealed the course of functional recovery on severed and regenerated nerve roots. The regeneration of moter roots was better than that of sensory roots, and they were mainly blocked at the site of central-peripheral transition zone.

CONCLUSIONS

The method of adhesion by fibrin glue can replace traditional suture, and it is superior to suture.

Study on the relationship between cytogenetics and phenotypic effect in Turner's syndrome

The cytogenetics and clinical stigmata in 5 cases of Turner's syndrome were studied. Three of them were non-mosaic 1(Xq) and two with partial monosome of a X chromosome short are (Xp21), whose DNA replication patterns of inactive X chromosome were analyzed by RBG technique. Results showed that differences between the replication patterns in cases of X chromosome deletion (Xp21) and normal females existed; that the behavior of abnormal X expressed nonrandom inactivation. It was suggested that the phenotype may be closely related with both X chromosome replication pattern and its inactivation behavior, which might be useful in genetic counselling.

Calcium channels mediate angiotensin II-induced drinking behaviour and c-fos expression in the brain

It is widely accepted that calcium ions are critically important in both short- and/or long-lasting responses of neurons to a stimulus. We have shown previously that NMDA receptors play a role in dipsogenic responses and c-fos expression induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II). Since NMDA receptors are known to be linked to receptor-operated calcium channels, this study determined whether voltage dependent calcium channels are also involved in Ang II-induced behavioural (drinking) and endocrine responses as well as c-fos expression. The antidipsogenic actions of three L-type calcium channel antagonists, nifedipine, diltiazem and verapamil on Ang II-induced drinking behaviour were studied. These bind to the dihydropyridine, phenylalkylamine and benzothiazepine sites respectively. Rats (Lister-hooded) pre-treated i.c.v. with either 25 or 100 microg nifedipine, followed by 25 pmol Ang II, drank significantly less water than controls during the first 15 min after infusion. However, rats pre-treated with i.c.v. 100 microg diltiazem or verapamil showed no change in Ang II-induced drinking behaviour. The antidipsogenic actions of N- and P-type calcium channel antagonists omega-conotoxin GVIA and omega-conotoxin MVIIC were also evaluated. Rats pre-treated with 5 pmol or 20 pmol omega-conotoxin GVIA did show a slight but not significant suppression of water intake, particularly after the higher dose. Rats pre-treated with omega-conotoxin MVIIC drank almost the same amount of water as those pre-treated with saline. Nifedipine was found to suppress both Ang II-induced corticosterone release and c-fos expression in the following areas: organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), median preoptic nucleus (MNPO), hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). The results described in this paper provide evidence that calcium channels play important roles in the Ang II-induced behavioural and endocrine responses, and in the expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos. This suggests that an L-type calcium channel may participate both short- and longer-term neuronal actions of Ang II.

Postnatal development of vascular resistance of the rabbit isolated perfused kidney: modulation by nitric oxide and angiotensin II

Studies were performed on isolated perfused kidneys (IPK) from postnatal developing rabbits to ask 1) whether the high renal vascular resistance (RVR) at birth involves intrinsic renal mechanisms, 2) whether nitric oxide (NO) release is involved in the modulation of renal vascular tone, and 3) whether NO modulates exogenous angiotensin II (AII)-induced vasoconstrictions. Kidneys isolated from 1-wk-old (during nephrogenesis), 3-wk-old (after nephrogenesis), and 6-wk-old rabbits were perfused in the presence of 10(-5) M indomethacin. RVR decreased with age from 12.7 +/- 0.6 at 1 wk to 10.1 +/- 0.5 mm Hg min g mL-1 at 6 wk. N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10(-4) M) comparably increased RVR by about 30% at 1, 3, and 6 wk. The vasoconstrictions induced by 10(-8) M AII increased basal pressure from 28% at 1 wk to 78% at 6 wk and were potentiated by L-NAME by about 100%. In contrast, the vasoconstrictions induced by 10(-10) M AII decreased from 8% at 1 wk to 0% at 6 wk and were potentiated by L-NAME by about 250% at 1 and 3 wk. We conclude that during postnatal development: 1) RVR in IPK decreases in absence of AII and extrarenal influences, suggesting that high RVR at birth involves intrinsic mechanisms, 2) L-Arg/NO modulates basal tonus in developing IPK, and, 3) renal vasoconstrictor responses to exogenous AII are buffered by NO at early postnatal stages and follow an AII concentration-dependent developmental pattern. A specific neonatal high affinity AII/NO interaction disappearing after nephrogenesis completion precedes a low affinity AII/NO interaction, which progressively increases toward adult ages. These findings are in favor of a specific involvement of AII-NO interactions in the control of developing renal hemodynamics.

CD4+ T cells reactivated with superantigen are both more sensitive to FasL-mediated killing and express a higher level of FasL

Naive CD4(+) T cells proliferate strongly in response to superantigens such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). When these cells are rested and challenged a second time, they undergo activation-induced cell death (AICD). Fas/FasL interactions have been shown to mediate AICD, even though the level of Fas expression in the 2 degrees SEB responder populations is no higher than in the 1 degrees cultures. To determine whether the dissimilarity between the 1 degrees and 2 degrees cultures could be attributed to differences in FasL cytotoxic activity or in the sensitivity of the Fas apoptosis signaling pathway, we compared these parameters during the 1 degrees and 2 degrees responses of lpr and gld CD4+ T cells (which do not undergo AICD due to a lack of Fas and an inactive FasL, respectively) so that each parameter could be evaluated independently. The results demonstrate that 2 degrees responders both express a higher level of functional FasL and are more sensitive to FasL-mediated killing. These findings account for the differences between the 1 degrees and 2 degrees responses of CD4+ T cells to superantigen. In addition, we found that the apparent level of FasL-mediated cytotoxic activity in the 2 degrees lpr CD4+ T cell population is much higher than that of wild-type cells, suggesting that deficient Fas expression leads to inordinately high levels of FasL expression or subsaturation of FasL binding sites.

Neural networks and blood cell identification

The objective of this project is to propose a method of identifying cells found in human blood and to classify them based upon their morphological features using neural networks. The project focuses on three major blood cell types, namely, erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. The data are collected using peripheral blood smears from clinical patients. The image acquisition requires 100x magnification on all the blood smears, the preprocessing involves the use of median and edge enhance filters; the feature extraction is done by performing the wavelet transform on the images. Finally classification of the blood cell types is done using ALOPEX and Back Propagation trained neural networks. The efficacy of both networks is then compared by comparing their outputs and number of iterations required to reach the final result.

[Effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting multidrug resistance gene on resistant cell line K562/ AO2]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the reversal effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on human multidrug-resistant leukemic cell line K562/AO2.

METHODS

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AOD) targeting-6 approximately 9 sites of exon 2 in human multidrug resistance gene(mdr-1), one of which is sequence-strict-complied and linked with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) at 5' end (AP, 15 mer), the other lacks nucleotide complied site-1 (AP', 14mer), were synthesized. AP, AP' and verapamil were simultaneously added to human mdr-1-mRNA positive leukemia cell line K562/AO2 and, mdr-1-mRNA and p170 were detected. AS' and AP'were labelled by FITC and designated as ASF' and APF', respectively. In addition, the intracellular concentration of them was detected by FACS.

RESULTS

AP' significantly enhanced the sensitivity of K562/AO2 to DOX, down-regulated the expression of mdr-1 and MRP-mRNA and p170, elevated the intracellular concentration of the two AOD, while AP had no effect. The uptake of APF' was significantly higher than that of ASF' in K562/AO2, and the fluorescence was observed in the plasma and nuclear of K562/AO2 cells.

CONCLUSION

(AOD targeting mdr-1 promoted the drug sensitivity of drug-resistant tumor cells. 2 AOD had no cytotoxicity to tumor cells. 5 Low molecule PEG enhanced significantly the uptake of AOD by tumor cells.

Angiotensin II interacts with nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway in the central control of drinking behaviour: mapping with c-fos and NADPH-diaphorase

Recognition of the role of nitric oxide in cell-to-cell communication has changed the concept of traditional neurotransmission. We have shown previously that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors mediate dipsogenic responses and c-Fos expression induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of angiotensin II. Since these receptors are known to be linked to the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway, the present study explores the contribution of this path to the behavioural and cellular effects of intracerebroventricular angiotensin II by using behavioural testing, NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and immunocytochemical staining for the immediate-early gene, c-fos. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (125 and 250 microg, intracerebroventricular), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, and Methylene Blue (100 microg), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase activation, antagonized water intake induced by intracerebroventricular injection of 25 pmol angiotensin II. The effects of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were reversed by co-injection of L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase. However, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester did not alter the pattern of angiotensin II-induced c-fos expression in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, median preoptic nucleus, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus. Double staining with NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and c-Fos immunocytochemistry showed that neurons staining for both were localized to the anterior third ventricle. However, only 19-25% of the c-Fos-positive neurons expressed NADPH. There were also substantial numbers of neurons in which angiotensin II induced c-Fos that were NADPH-negative. Extensive co-distribution of NADPH-diaphorase-stained cells and those expressing c-fos in response to intracerebroventricular injection of angiotensin II, especially in the median preoptic nucleus, imply that nitric oxide might participate in the mechanism of angiotensin II-induced drinking behaviour. However, a low rate of co-localization of the two markers to individual cells suggests that angiotensin II stimulated the production of nitric oxide and c-Fos in different populations of neurons. Since our previous results showed that glutamate blockade, but not nitric oxide synthase inhibition, suppressed angiotensin II-induced c-Fos, the experiments reported here further suggest that nitric oxide release is not an essential requirement for the expression of c-fos elicited by angiotensin II. They also provide evidence that the dipsogenic and c-Fos responses to angiotensin II are dissociated at a cellular level.

Dizocilpine maleate, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, inhibits dipsogenic responses and C-Fos expression induced by intracerebral infusion of angiotensin II

The interactions between dizocipline, an N-methyl-D-aspartate open channel antagonist, and the induction of water drinking and c-fos expression by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of angiotensin II have been studied. Pretreating male rats with i.c.v. dizocilpine maleate (100 or 300 nmol) or tenocyclidine (150 nmol), both non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, inhibited the subsequent dipsogenic response to i.c.v. angiotensin II (125 or 50 pmol, 5-10 min later). Dizocilpine also decreased the angiotensin II-evoked expression of c-fos in the median preoptic nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and the medial (parvicellular) and lateral (magnocellular) parts of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, as well as in the nucleus of the solitary tract and the lateral parabrachial nucleus. Double staining showed that suppression of c-fos expression occurred in N-methyl-D-aspartate R1 receptor containing neurons in the hypothalamus. Pretreating rats with any of three competitive glutamate antagonists (2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, 60 or 160 nmol; gamma-D-glutamylglyine, 400 nmol; (DL-3/(R)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid, 0.1 nmol) or the glycine site antagonist 7-chlorokynurenic acid had no effects on angiotensin II-induced drinking. Neither did pretreating rats with the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione [two infusions, 30 min (240 nmol) and 5 min (160 nmol) before angiotensin II]. To eliminate cross-reactivity of dizocilpine with nicotinic receptors, animals were pretreated with nicotinic acetylcholine blocker mecamylamine (250 nmol, i.c.v.), but this had no effect on angiotensin II-dependent drinking or c-fos expression. These results suggest that an N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor is implicated in the dipsogenic and cellular responses to i.c.v. angiotensin II, and point to the existence of a novel set of interactions between excitatory amino acids and this neuropeptide.

[Early diagnosis of pancreatic infection by CT-guided needle-aspiration]

35 CT-guided percutaneous needle-aspirations with bacteriological sampling were performed in 21 patients suspected of pancreatic infection out of 122 patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Thirteen patients were found by smear and staining culture to have pancreatic infection, and diagnosis was confirmed by surgery. The pathogens found were E coli, pseudomonas and fungi. All pancreatic infections were in grade D or E according to the grading system of Balthazar. Seven of 8 patients with sterile aspirates were cured by nonsurgical therapy. We conclude that CT-guided aspiration is a safe, accurate method for identifying infection of the pancreas at the early stage of severe acute pancreatitis.

[Antagonistic effect of calcitonin gene related peptide on arrhythmia in rats]

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were developed by endothelin-1 (ET-1) injected into the coronary ostia at the dose of 900 pmol/kg in anesthetized rats. No arrhythmia was elicited but blood pressure fell temporarily by calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), the injection into the coronary ostia. After pretreatment with CGRP incidence and severity of arrhythmia decreased at the same ET-1 dose. Arrhythmia score in CGRP 1200 pmol/kg + ET-1 group was lower than that in ET-1 group (P < 0.01). The results revealed that antiarrhythmic effect of CGRP may be partially brought about by its antagonistic effect against ET-1 induced arrhythmia.

[Effect of stimulation of the superior and inferior spermatic nerves on testosterone secretion and testicular blood flow]

The effects of testicular nerves on regulation of androgen secretion were examined by determining testicular blood flow and testosterone in testicular vein at 10 minute interval before, during, and 10, 20, 30 min after stimulation (Pre. Est. Post. 10. Post 20. Post 30 respectively) of superior or inferior spermatic nerves (SSN or ISN) with 25 Hz high (50-70 V) or low (20-25 V) currency. Blood flow and blood samples of the testicular vein were obtained through a cannula in left side under anesthesia of pentobarbital sodium. Under the stimulation of SSN, blood flow in testicular vein decreased by 44.87% in Est with high voltage whereas with low voltage no change appeared in Est but decreased by 27.25% in the period of poststimulation; although with high voltage of stimulation of SSN a transient fall of testosterone (42.01%) was observed in Est, 2.5 times increase of testosterone occurred in the period of poststimulation, meanwhile the testosterone rose by 87.33% in Est of SSN stimulation with low voltage and was further elevated up to 4 times in post-stimulated period. Unlike the stimulation of SSN, there was no influence of stimulating ISN on testosterone with either high or low voltage whereas there was significant increase of blood flow (12.31%) in the period of Est with high voltage then it tended to decrease after stimulation. The present work supported the hypothesis that testicular nerves involve in regulation of androgen secretion in testis and provided a strong evidence for further investigation of nervous regulation of endocrine in testis.

NOTE

Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the mixed monolayer of FC- and HC-amphiphiles. Clear topographic images showing domain structure of the mixed monolayer and the data of the domain size have been provided. It is revealed that in the mixed monolayer the sodium octadecanesulfonate molecules construct the hexagonal domain dispersing in the continuous two-dimensional phase of perfluorononanoic acid. These results strongly support that, due to the mutual-phobicity between fluorocarbon chain and hydrocarbon chain, there exists phase separation in the mixed monolayer of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon amphiphiles, albeit the pi-A curves would obey the simple additive rule.

[Teniposide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone combination treatment for stage III multiple myeloma: a report of 21 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicites of combination chemotherapy of teniposide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCD) for stage III multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with stage III MM were treated with VCD regimen. Among 21 evaluable patients, 16 were in stage IIIA; 5 in stage IIIB. Teniposide was given 30 mg/m2 by intravenous(i.v.) infusion on days 1-3; cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, 3, 5; dexamethasone 10-20 mg daily p.o. on days 1-7. The treatment was recycled every 28 days.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 76%(16/21), including partial response 38%(8/21); improvement 38%(8/21) and failure 24%(5/21). The survival time was 3-31 months; medium survival time (MST) 13 months; MST of MM patients in stage IIIA, IIIB were 11, 12 months, respectively. The medium duration of response was 5 months; the medium cycle for initial response was 2. Among 21 cases, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were detected respectively in 10%, 54%, 31%, 5% and 67%, 17%, 13%, 3% according to WHO grade 0, I, II, III criteria. The gastrointestinal reaction was mild. No cardiovascular, renal and hepatic toxicites were observed.

CONCLUSION

VCD regimen is an effective treatment for stage III multiple myeloma.

[The development of hematomanometer auto test instrument]

This paper introduces the development of hematomanometer auto test instrument of a news measurement standard. The hard-ware and soft-ware and the circuit structure of it are described in detail.

Lipophosphoglycan from Leishmania suppresses agonist-induced interleukin 1 beta gene expression in human monocytes via a unique promoter sequence

Leishmania are parasites that survive within macrophages by mechanism(s) not entirely known. Depression of cellular immunity and diminished production of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha are potential ways by which the parasite survives within macrophages. We examined the mechanism(s) by which lipophosphoglycan (LPG), a major glycolipid of Leishmania, perturbs cytokine gene expression. LPG treatment of THP-1 monocytes suppressed endotoxin induction of IL-1 beta steady-state mRNA by greater than 90%, while having no effect on the expression of a control gene. The addition of LPG 2 h before or 2 h after endotoxin challenge significantly suppressed steady-state IL-1 beta mRNA by 90% and 70%, respectively. LPG also inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha and Staphylococcus induction of IL-1 beta gene expression. The inhibitory effect of LPG is agonist-specific because LPG did not suppress the induction of IL-1 beta mRNA by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. A unique DNA sequence located within the -310 to -57 nucleotide region of the IL-1 beta promoter was found to mediate LPG's inhibitory activity. The requirement for the -310 to -57 promoter gene sequence for LPG's effect is demonstrated by the abrogation of LPG's inhibitory activity by truncation or deletion of the -310 to -57 promoter gene sequence. Furthermore, the minimal IL-1 beta promoter (positions -310 to +15) mediated LPG's inhibitory activity with dose and kinetic profiles that were similar to LPG's suppression of steady-state IL-1 beta mRNA. These findings delineated a promoter gene sequence that responds to LPG to act as a "gene silencer", a function, to our knowledge, not previously described. LPG's inhibitory activity for several mediators of inflammation and the persistence of significant inhibitory activity 2 h after endotoxin challenge suggest that LPG has therapeutic potential and may be exploited for therapy of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.

[Treatment of preterm labor with ritodrine]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment of preterm labor with the beta-adrenergic agonist ritodrine.

METHODS

126 women with preterm labor were randomly assigned to intravenous infusion of ritodrine or magnesium sulfate treatment. Using minimal effective dosage for inhibition of uterine activity, terminating therapy on time, and repeating the i.v. infusion if contraction restarted were the strategy for treatment.

RESULTS

Ritodrine was significantly more effective both in the treating period for suppression of contraction (2.33 +/- 0.63 hr for initiation of inhibiting uterine activity, 9.38 +/- 3.88 days of accumulative treating period) and prolongation of gestation (4.81 +/- 2.83 wks) than that of the magnesium sulfate (P < 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01 respectively), and had a term labor of 73.44%. There was no serious cardiac and pulmonary complications in the ritodrine group.

CONCLUSION

The present study has shown that ritodrine as a tocolytic agent is highly effective for the management of preterm labor and relative safe for mother and fetus.

Quinidine enhances and suppresses Kv1.2 from outside and inside the cell, respectively

We studied the effects of quinidine on two K channel clones expressed in Xenopus oocytes, Kv1.2 and Kv1.4. Quinidine had an agonist (enhancement) and a blocker (suppression) action on Kv1.2, whereas only the blocker action was seen with Kv1.4. For both, the blocker action was exerted from the intracellular side of the membrane due to quinidine binding in its protonated form to a site in the membrane electrical field. The agonist action on Kv1.2 was exerted from the extracellular side of the membrane. A quaternary analog of quinidine, Q+1C, that had a low membrane permeability allowed the agonist action to be separated from the blocker action. Experiments with Q+1C showed that the agonist action was caused by a parallel shift of the voltage dependence of Kv1.2 activation in the negative direction. There was no increase in channel conductance when channel activation reached a plateau. Q+1C had little or no effect on the rate of Kv1.2 activation, but significantly slowed Kv1.2 deactivation at voltages as negative as - 160 mV. These changes in channel gating could be largely reproduced by a simple kinetic model, assuming that the agonist action was caused by a decrease in the rate constants for transitions from the activated to the rested states. In oocytes coexpressing Kv1.2 and Kv1.4 at approximately a 1:1 ratio, the response to Q+1C was similar to that of oocytes expressing Kv1.2 alone, suggesting that heteromultimer channels of Kv1.2 and Kv1.4 subunits could respond to the agonist action of quinidine.

Structure-function analysis of Leishmania lipophosphoglycan. Distinct domains that mediate binding and inhibition of endothelial cell function

We have shown that Leishmania lipophosphoglycan (LPG) inhibits IL-1 beta gene expression in human monocytes. Here, we show that LPG can bind in a time-dependent manner and suppress endothelial cell activation, possibly via specific LPG domains. Endotoxin (10 ng/ml, 4 h) consistently caused endothelium to increase monocyte adhesion (approximately 20-fold). LPG pretreatment (2 microM, 2 h) completely blocked endotoxin-mediated monocyte adhesion. LPG did not grossly suppress endothelial functions because TNF-alpha- and IL-1 beta-mediated adhesion toward monocytes were not affected. Using four highly purified LPG fragments (namely, repeating phosphodisaccharide (PGM), phosphoglycan, phosphosaccharide core-lyso-alkyl-phosphatidylinositol (core-PI), and lyso-alkyl-phosphatidylinositol (lyso-PI)), we examined whether these fragments can independently inhibit endothelial adhesion. In contrast to that of intact LPG, neither the four LPG fragments (2 microM, 2 h) independently nor the co-addition of phosphoglycan and core-P1 fragments blocked the endotoxin-mediated adhesion to monocytes. To determine whether the fragments can reverse the effect of intact LPG, endothelial cells were first pretreated with the LPG fragments (10 microM, 15 min), followed by the addition of LPG (2 microM). All four LPG fragments fully reversed the effect of LPG. Simultaneous addition of LPG fragments and intact LPG caused only partial suppression (approximately 45%), while the addition of LPG fragments 14 min later had no reversal effect. Flow cytometry revealed that only core-P1 and lyso-P1 competitively inhibited (approximately 30%) LPG binding. Conversely, LPG competed with the binding of [3H]lyso-P1 (approximately 30%). Furthermore, mAb against the PGM reversed (approximately 70%) the effect of LPG. Thus, the lyso-P1 domain on LPG mediates binding to endothelial cells, whereas the PGM domain mediates the cell inhibitory effect.

Structure-function analysis of Leishmania lipophosphoglycan. Distinct domains that mediate binding and inhibition of endothelial cell function

We have shown that Leishmania lipophosphoglycan (LPG) inhibits IL-1 beta gene expression in human monocytes. Here, we show that LPG can bind in a time-dependent manner and suppress endothelial cell activation, possibly via specific LPG domains. Endotoxin (10 ng/ml, 4 h) consistently caused endothelium to increase monocyte adhesion (approximately 20-fold). LPG pretreatment (2 microM, 2 h) completely blocked endotoxin-mediated monocyte adhesion. LPG did not grossly suppress endothelial functions because TNF-alpha- and IL-1 beta-mediated adhesion toward monocytes were not affected. Using four highly purified LPG fragments (namely, repeating phosphodisaccharide (PGM), phosphoglycan, phosphosaccharide core-lyso-alkyl-phosphatidylinositol (core-PI), and lyso-alkyl-phosphatidylinositol (lyso-PI)), we examined whether these fragments can independently inhibit endothelial adhesion. In contrast to that of intact LPG, neither the four LPG fragments (2 microM, 2 h) independently nor the co-addition of phosphoglycan and core-P1 fragments blocked the endotoxin-mediated adhesion to monocytes. To determine whether the fragments can reverse the effect of intact LPG, endothelial cells were first pretreated with the LPG fragments (10 microM, 15 min), followed by the addition of LPG (2 microM). All four LPG fragments fully reversed the effect of LPG. Simultaneous addition of LPG fragments and intact LPG caused only partial suppression (approximately 45%), while the addition of LPG fragments 14 min later had no reversal effect. Flow cytometry revealed that only core-P1 and lyso-P1 competitively inhibited (approximately 30%) LPG binding. Conversely, LPG competed with the binding of [3H]lyso-P1 (approximately 30%). Furthermore, mAb against the PGM reversed (approximately 70%) the effect of LPG. Thus, the lyso-P1 domain on LPG mediates binding to endothelial cells, whereas the PGM domain mediates the cell inhibitory effect.

Central antagonism of atrial natriuretic peptides on behavioral and hormonal responses to angiotensin II: mapping with c-fos

The expression of the immediate early gene (IEG) c-fos has been used to map the antagonistic effects between atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and angiotensin II (Ang II). Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of ANP (100, 250, 1000 or 2000 pmol) did not induce detectable c-fos expression in the forebrain when compared with CSF-treated rats. Neither did C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP, 10, 100, 500 or 1000 pmol), another member of the natriuretic peptide family, which appears to be predominant in the brain. ANP was found to inhibit the water intake and corticosterone release induced by i.c.v. infusions of Ang II. However, ANP could not suppress the c-fos expression in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), medial preoptic nucleus (MNPO), subfornical organ (SFO), supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of forebrain induced by the same dose of Ang II. The activation of second messenger pathways following i.c.v. infusion of Ang II may result in two different sets of effects: immediate behavioural and physiological responses (presumably through postsynpatic responses in neurons sensitive to Ang II), and the delayed expression of c-fos (and other IEGs proteins) which control the expression of late response genes. Whilst there is considerable, and growing evidence that IEGs mark the pattern of neuronal activity induced by peptides such as Ang II, the precise role played by these gene products is still problematical and awaits clarification by further experiments.

L-arginine decreases infarct size in rats exposed to environmental tobacco smoke

This study examined the effects of L-arginine on myocardial infarct size, hemodynamics, and vascular reactivity in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)-exposed and non-ETS-exposed rats. We previously demonstrated that exposure to ETS increased myocardial infarct size in a rat model of ischemia and reperfusion. If reduced reperfusion was caused by endothelial cell damage and increased vascular tone, L-arginine (ARG) would increase nitric oxide and better protect the heart. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: ETS or non-ETS (control) with and without ARG (2.25% ARG in drinking water). The ETS groups were exposed to passive smoking (4 Marlboro cigarettes per 15 minutes, 6 hours a day) for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, all rats were subjected to 35 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion and 120 minutes of reperfusion, with hemodynamic monitoring. Aortic rings were harvested to evaluate vascular reactivity. Average air nicotine, carbon monoxide, and total particulate concentrations were 1304 +/- 215 microgram/m3, 78 +/- 2.0 ppm, and 31 +/- .7 mg/m3 (mean +/- SEM) for the ETS-exposed rats. Infarct size (infarct mass/risk area x 100%) increased with ETS exposure but decreased significantly in the ETS-with-ARG group compared with the ETS-without-ARG group (42% +/- 6% vs 64% +/- 6%, mean +/- SEM; p = 0.043). The benefit of ARG was dependent on ETS exposure (ETS x ARG interaction, p = 0.043). There were no significant differences between groups in heart rate, systolic pressure, and rate-pressure product. ARG significantly decreased myocardial infarct size after ischemia and reperfusion in ETS-exposed rats. Neither the adverse effects of ETS on infarct size nor the blockage of this effect by ARG appears to be the result of ETS-induced alterations in hemodynamics.

Surgical treatment of coronary artery fistulae associated with other cardiovascular anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively our surgical experience, techniques and long-term results in 11 patients with coronary artery fistulae associated with other cardiovascular anomalies.

METHODS

From January 1980 to April 1995, 11 patients with coronary artery fistulae associated with other cardiovascular anomalies were found among 20,000 open-heart procedures and treated surgically. Besides closure of the fistulae, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 5 patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and aneurysm angioplasty was done in 4 patients with coronary artery aneurysm. Ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus were closed in one patient and mitral valve replacement was performed in another patient.

RESULTS

There were no surgical deaths, but one late death due to acute myocardial infarction occurred 6 months after surgery. The mean follow-up time was 75.7 months and all patients' functional status improved by an average 1.4 judged by the New York Heart Association functional classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary artery fistula associated with other cardiovascular anomalies will aggravate symptoms and cause deterioration of heart function. Therefore, evaluation and surgical intervention should be done as soon as possible to restore coronary blood flow and correct concomitant cardiovascular anomalies. The surgical results are excellent with a low operative risk and good long-term results.

[The effect of angelica polysaccharide on proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cell]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of angelica polysaccharide (AP) on proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells for clarifying the hematonic mechanism of angelica sinensis.

METHODS

The techniques of culture of hematopoietic progenitor cell and hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) assay were used.

RESULTS

AP could obviously promote the proliferation and differentiation of BFU-E, CFU-E, CFU-GM and CFU-MK in healthy and aniemic mice. The culture media of splenocyte, macrophage, fibroblast and skeletal muscle treated with AP had much stronger stimulating effects on hematopoietic progenitor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

AP may enhance hematopoiesis by stimulating directly and/or indirectly macrophages, fibroblasts, lymphocytes in hematopoietic inductive microenvironment and muscle tissue to secrete some HGF (Epo, GM-CSF, IL, and MK-CSF). This is one of the biological mechanisms for hematonic effect of angelica sinensis.

Behavioural, autonomic and endocrine responses associated with C-fos expression in the forebrain and brainstem after intracerebroventricular infusions of endothelins

Endothelins are a range of peptides (endothelin-1, endothelin-2, and endothelin-3) well known to act peripherally as powerful cardiovascular-regulating agents. Recently, they have been shown to be localized in CSN, where they may act as central neurotransmitters. A variety of putative roles has been ascribed to them in the CNS. To identify those regions of the brain capable of responding to these peptides, the expression of c-fos (an immediate-early gene), has been used to map patterns of activation following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of endothelins in Lister-hooded rats. This has been correlated with changes in heart rate, core temperature and plasma corticosterone levels. Endothelin-3 i.c.v. (50 pmol) decreased both heart rate and core temperature (both recorded by telemetry). This effect lasted for about 30-45 min. Endothelin-1 (10 pmol) or endothelin-3 (50 pmol) i.c.v. induced c-fos expression in the specific regions in the forebrain and brainstem. Strong expression was found in the septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, parvicellular paraventricular nucleus, the central nucleus of the amygdala, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and solitary nucleus. There was less marked c-fos expression in other areas of the basal forebrain, such as the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminals, median preoptic nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and the magnocellular. There are two classes of endothelin receptor (A and B). An endothelin-A receptor antagonist, BQ-123, abolished c-fos expression in all structures in the forebrain and brainstem following endothelin-1 infusions. However, an endothelin-B agonist (TetraAla endothelin-1) did not induce discernible c-fos expression in the forebrain or brainstem. These results suggest that the endothelin-A receptor is responsible for endothelin-dependent c-fos induction in the brain. Interactions between endothelins and angiotensin II were also studied. The pattern of c-fos induced by endothelin-3 and angiotensin II was different (particularly in the anteroventral region of the third ventricle). Furthermore, prior infusions of endothelin-3 interfered with the expression of c-fos induced by subsequent angiotensin II, and also suppressed the latter's dipsogenic effect. These results show that endothelin-3 and angiotensin II interact at both behavioural and cellular levels, and that endothelins may play significant roles in the central control of fluid balance and autonomic activity.

Analysis of late-blight disease resistance and freezing tolerance in transgenic potato plants expressing sense and antisense genes for an osmotin-like protein

The expression patterns of plant defense genes encoding osmotin and osmotin-like proteins imply a dual function in osmotic stress and plant pathogen defense. We have produced transgenic potato (Solanum commersonii Dun.) plants constitutively expressing sense or antisense RNAs from chimeric gene constructs consisting of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and a cDNA (pA13) for an osmotin-like protein. Transgenic potato plants expressing high levels of the pA13 osmotin-like protein showed an increased tolerance to the late-blight fungus Phytophthora infestans at various phases of infection, with a greater resistance at an early phase of fungal infection. There was a decrease in the accumulation of osmotin-like mRNAs and proteins when antisense transformants were challenged by fungal infection, although the antisense transformants did not exhibit any alterations in disease susceptibility. Expression of pA13 sense and antisense RNAs had no effect on the development of freezing tolerance in transgenic plants when assayed under a variety of conditions including treatments with abscisic acid or low temperature. These results provide evidence of antifungal activity for a potato osmotin-like protein against the fungus P. infestans, but do not indicate that pA13 osmotin-like protein is a major determinant of freezing tolerance.

[Central mechanism of an extensive analgesic effect due to strong electroacupuncture of acupoint on spinal dorsal horn neurons]

Experiments were performed on male rats. The responses of dorsal horn convergent neurons in spinal cord (T12-L1) to noxious stimulation of hind paw were recorded extracellularly with glass microelectrode. When low intensity (2 V) electroacupuncture (EA) was used, the nociceptive responses of convergent neurons were inhibited by EA at "Zusanli" near noxious stimulation area, but not at "Xiaguan" far from the area. When intensity (18 V) high than the threshold of C fibers EA was applied at the far acupoint "Xiaguan", obvious analgesic effects on convergent neurons were also produced, showing an extensive analgesic effect of strong EA at acupoint. This extensive analgesic effect was abdicated by lesion of nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), but still persisted to some extent by EA at the same segment acupoint "Zusanli" with 18 V or 2 V intensity. The results suggest that, the extensive analgesia of strong EA at far segment acupoint may be mainly mediated by noxious stimulation through NRM, a negative feedback mechanism modulating pain of supraspinal cord. The analgesia due to 2 V EA at the same segment acupoint may be mainly produced by gate control in spinal cord, but also to some extend by supraspinal cord mechanism.

Cardiorespiratory, hormonal and haematological responses to submaximal cycling performed 2 days after eccentric or concentric exercise bouts

Eccentric muscle actions are known to induce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle weakness (reduced static strength and dynamic peak power output) that may persist for several days. The aim of the present study was to determine whether DOMS-inducing exercise affects physiological responses to subsequent submaximal dynamic exercise. Physiological and metabolic responses to a standardized exercise task were measured 2 days after the performance of an eccentric or concentric exercise bout. Six healthy, untrained male subjects aged 30 +/- 7 years (mean +/- S.D.) performed repeated eccentric contractions during 30 min of bench stepping (47-cm step, 15 steps min-1). On another occasion, they performed concentric contractions by walking uphill (8% incline) for 30 min at 5 km h-1, which elicited a similar heart rate response to bench stepping. Two days after the eccentric or concentric exercise, the subjects cycled for 15 min on an electrically braked cycle ergometer at a work rate (172 +/- 37 W) equivalent to 80% VO2 max. The order of the preceding treatments was randomized and the treatments were carried out 2 weeks apart. Two days after the eccentric exercise, all subjects reported leg muscle soreness and exhibited elevated levels of serum creatine kinase activity (P < 0.01) and plasma cortisol concentration (P < 0.05). After uphill walking, the subjects were not sore and serum creatine kinase activity was unchanged. Minute volume, breathing frequency, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, venous blood lactate concentration and plasma cortisol concentration were all higher (P < 0.05) during cycling after eccentric exercise compared with after uphill walking. Increases in plasma catecholamine concentrations and numbers of circulating leucocytes after cycling at 80% VO2 max for 15 min were similar under both experimental conditions, but the delayed leucocytosis (at 150 min post-exercise) was significantly greater (P < 0.01) for the post-eccentric exercise condition. We conclude that dynamic submaximal exercise performed 2 days following exercise with a large eccentric component produces physiological responses that are indicative of a higher relative exercise stress. It is likely that such effects will significantly limit the level and duration of exercise that can be achieved in subsequent training bouts over several days.

Activation of two osmotin-like protein genes by abiotic stimuli and fungal pathogen in transgenic potato plants

Osmotin-like proteins are encoded by at least six members of a multigene family in Solanum commersonii. A genomic clone (lambda pGEM2a-7) that contains two osmotin-like protein genes (OSML13 and OSML81) arranged in the same transcriptional orientation has been isolated. Restriction mapping and sequence analysis indicated that the two intronless genes correspond to the previously characterized pA13 and pA81 cDNAs. To study the transcriptional activation of OSML13 and OSML81 promoters, the 5' flanking DNA sequence (-1078 to +35 of OSML13 and -1054 to +41 of OSML81) was fused to the beta-glucoronidase (GUS) coding region, and the chimeric gene fusions were introduced into wild potato (S. commersonii) plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Analysis of the chimeric gene expression in transgenic potato plants showed that both 5' flanking DNA sequences are sufficient to impart GUS inducibility by abscisic acid, NaCl, salicylic acid, wounding, and fungal infection. Low temperature activated both chimeric genes only slightly. Infection with Phytophthora infestans resulted in strong GUS expression from both chimeric genes primarily in the sites of pathogen invasion, suggesting a limited diffusion of fungal infection-mediated signals. The expression patterns of both osmotin-like protein genes implicate their dual functions in osmotic stress and plant pathogen defense.

[Excision of mid-lower rectal carcinoma through abdomen and anogenital space]

28 men with male mid and lower rectal carcinoma were treated by dissecting sigmoid colon and rectum in the abdomen through the anogenital space, which refers to the potential coronoid space located between the deep transverse perineal muscles and anal sphincter muscles. The rectal segment was pulled out through the anogenital space to accomplish resection and anastomosis outside the pelvic cavity. Follow-up for 9-57 months showed that 26 cases (92.9%) survived without recurrence of carcinoma and 1 had local recurrence. The advantages of the procedure include clear exploration, minimal trauma, super-lower anastomoses under direct vision, good recovery of defecating function, and less contamination of pelviccavity.

[Hypomagnesemia in patients of gynecologic neoplasms following chemotherapy with cisplatin]

Serum magnesium in 79 patients of gynecologic neoplasms treated with cisplatin and their controls was measured. The results showed: (1) the average value of serum magnesium in patients following chemotherapy with cisplatin was significantly lower than in the controls; (2) the incidence of hypomagnesemia was positively correlated with the number of the courses and the total dosages of chemotherapy, being 52.9% after one to three courses of treatment and 92.0% after more than six courses of treatment; (3) the incidence of hypomagnesemia was directly related with the severity of gastrointestinal disorders; (4) serum magnesium following cisplatin chemotherapy was not correlated with serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Hypomagnesemia is clinically characterized by symptoms of the nervous system which are found in 14.0% of hypomagnesemic patients.

Effects of caffeine or EDTA post-treatment on EMS mutagenesis in soybean

Seeds of soybean cultivar LD4 were mutagenically treated with EMS (0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.9, 1.5 and 1.8%) for 3 h only or plus caffeine (50 mM) or EDTA (1 mM) post-treatment for 5 h. The experimental results indicated that: (1) of the different concentrations of EMS treatment, the M2 mutation frequency induced with 0.6% EMS was the highest (9.7%). When the EMS concentration was over 0.9%, the mutation frequency decreased rapidly. (2) Of the EMS treatments plus caffeine or EDTA post-treatment, the mutagenic effect of 0.6% EMS was the best for inducing morphological variations. Caffeine post-treatment decreased notably the mutation frequency of EMS treatment; when concentrations of EMS were very high (1.5% and 1.8%), mutation frequencies of EDTA post-treatment were still 5.0% and 4.88%, but no mutants were found in EMS treatment or plus caffeine post-treatment. (3) In the M2 mutation spectrum, 11 kinds of mutant types were observed in EMS treatment or plus caffeine or EDTA post-treatment. Relative frequencies of some mutant types (growth period, plant height, grain size, leaf shape and sterility, etc.) were similar among the three treatments, but EDTA post-treatment could change the relative frequencies of yield characteristics (number of pods and grains, grain weight/plant) induced by EMS treatment only.

Expression of three osmotin-like protein genes in response to osmotic stress and fungal infection in potato

We have characterized three cDNAs encoding osmotin-like proteins from potato (Solanum commersonii) cell cultures. These cDNAs (pA13, pA35, and pA81) have extensive nucleotide identity in the coding regions but low homology in the 3' non-coding sequences, and may encode three isoforms of potato pathogenesis-related (PR) type 5 proteins. Using gene-specific probes, RNA gel blot analyses showed constitutive accumulation of osmotin-like protein mRNAs in cell cultures, leaves, stems, roots and flowers, with high abundance in the roots and mature flowers. Treatments with abscisic acid (ABA), low temperature, and NaCl increased the accumulation of all three mRNAs in S. commersonii cell cultures and plants grown in vitro. Salicylic acid (SA), and wounding resulted in a moderate increase in the levels of pA13 and pA81 but not pA35 mRNAs. Infection with the fungus Phytophthora infestans activated strong and non-systemic expression of all three osmotin-like protein genes. The accumulation of osmotin-like proteins, however, was detected only in P. infestans-infected tissues but not in plants treated with ABA, SA, NaCl, low temperature, or wounding.

[Effect of scopolamine on morphine levels in serum and urine in rats]

Free morphine and conjugated morphine were determined by radioimmunoassay. Excretion of conjugated morphines in urine was increased significantly by treatment with scopolamine in a dose-related manner in morphine-dependent Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8). Conjugated morphine in serum was increased by administration of scopolamine greater than that of controls at 2h, and both free and conjugated morphine in serum were enhanced at 24h after last injection of morphine in morphine-dependent rats (n = 6). After use of scopolamine (0.5mg/kg, bid, ip) for 3d the rats (n = 6) received single injection of morphine (10mg/kg, sc), the levels of free morphine were increased greater than those of controls at 2 and 10h. The data showed that scopolamine may not only induced the metabolism of morphine in liver, but also facilitated subcutaneous absorption of morphine, which result in enhancing the excretion of morphine.

Influence of training on the response of androgen plasma concentrations to exercise in swimmers

In eight top-level male endurance swimmers the aerobic performance and the response to exercise of total testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), non-SHBG-bound testosterone (NST) and cortisol (C) were evaluated during a training season. The swimmers participated in three test sessions which occurred 6, 12 and 24 weeks after the beginning of the season. During each session, after a standard warm-up, the swimmers performed a set of 15 x 200-m freestyle, with a 20-s rest between repititions, at a predetermined individual speed. Three blood samples were collected: before warm-up, at the end of the set, and after 1 h of recovery. A few days before each session, the individual swimming velocity associated with a 4 mmol.l-1 blood lactate concentration (v4) was assessed as a standard of aerobic performance. The values of v4 were lower in the second session than in the third one. The concentrations of C. which increased after the exercise, showed the highest values in the second session. The values of T and the T:SHBG ratio increased after the exercise but returned to their initial concentrations during the recovery period. The values of fT and NST increased after the exercise in the first and third sessions. In the initial two sessions, when the aerobic performance was still low, the concentrations of NST decreased to below the initial values after recovery. In session III, when the adaptation to the training workload was complete, NST returned to resting concentrations after recovery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Contractile hyperreactivity and alteration of PKC activity in gastric fundus smooth muscle of diabetic rats

Contraction dose dependently induced in gastric smooth muscle of diabetic rats by Bay K 8644 in the presence of 20 mM KCl was about two times that induced in controls, and was inhibited more than 50% by 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7). Contraction was caused in diabetics but usually not in controls by 10(-5) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In diabetics, this contraction was about 2.5 times that in controls. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the soluble fraction was depressed by H-7 or staurosporine, and depended on PMA concentration, but was greater in diabetics than in controls at any PMA concentration. PKC activity in the soluble fraction was inhibited by lower Ca2+ concentration, and was greater in diabetics than in controls. Affinity and density of binding sites of a Ca2+ channel antagonist ligand, [3H]PN200-110, were the same in plasma membrane-enriched fractions isolated from either controls or diabetic preparations. Thus, hyperreactivity in diabetic fundus may depend, in part, on alteration of PKC properties, but not on the density of Ca2+ channels.

Interleukin 4 receptor signaling in human monocytes and U937 cells involves the activation of a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C: a comparison with chemotactic peptide, FMLP, phospholipase D, and sphingomyelinase

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) diminishes cytokine activation of human macrophage. IL-4 binding to monocyte IL-4R is associated with protein kinase C (PKC) translocation to a nuclear fraction. The cleavage of diacyglycerol (DAG), an activator of PKC, from membrane phospholipids was investigated to define the proximal events of IL-4R signaling. IL-4 induced a statistically significant time-and dose-dependent generation of DAG. The IL-4-triggered production of DAG was not derived from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis, since neither cytosolic calcium flux nor liberation of inositol phosphates was detected in response to IL-4. Experiments were performed using [14C-methyl]choline-labeled U937 cells and monocytes to determine whether IL-4R activated phospholipase C (PLC), PLD, or PLA2 to use membrane phosphatidylcholine (PC) to form DAG. IL-4 induced a time- and dose-dependent increase of phosphocholine (pchol) with concomitant degradation of membrane PC (p < 0.05 compared with control). The finding that the peak reduction of PC was equivalent to peak production of pchol suggested that IL-4R signaling involved the activation of a PC-specific PLC. Changes in choline (chol) or lyso-PC and glycerolphosphocholine, the respective products of PC cleavage by PLD or PLA2, were not detected in IL-4-treated cells. In contrast, exogenous PLD induced an increase in chol and concomitant loss of membrane PC. Additional investigation suggested that IL-4R signaling does not involve PLD. In cells labeled with L-lyso-3-PC 1-[1-14C]palmitoyl, PLD but not IL-4, increased the production of phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidyl-ethanol when pretreated with ethanol. Propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, and calyculin A, a phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitor, blocked DAG production in response to FMLP but not to IL-4. In propranolol pretreated cells, PMA but not IL-4 triggered the production of PA and lowered the amount of DAG. Evidence that PLA2 is not coupled to IL-4R is the detection of arachidonate production in response to FMLP but not to IL-4. Furthermore, IL-4R is not coupled to sphingomyelinase (SMase) since IL-4, unlike exogenous SMase, did not generate ceramide but induced the hydrolysis of PC to pchol that was comparable to exogenous PLC. In summary, IL-4R signaling in monocytes and U937 cells involves PLC and not PLD, PLA2, or SMase, and it uses PC and not PIP2 to form DAG.

[POEMS syndrome--a report of eight cases and review of literature]

POEMS syndrome is an unusual multisystem disorder associated frequently with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein change and skin lesion. POEMS is the acronym the above-mentioned clinical manifestations. The patients who were diagnosed must have at least three of the manifestations; polyneuropathy and plasmagenic disorders are almost always present. We present in this paper eight patients, their clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and treatment were analysed and discussed.

The mitochondrial DNA mutation at position 11778 in Chinese families with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy

We amplified the 340 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) by PCR including the recognized sequence of restriction enzyme of SfaN I. After amplification and digestion of SfaN I, two bands of 190 bp and 150 bp appeared in the mtDNA of four normal individuals but only one band of 340 bp appeared in the mtDNA with the mutation of G to A at the site of the nucleotide 11778 because such mutation destroyed the recognized sequence of SfaN I. We studied the mtDNAs of the patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy from 19 Chinese families and their maternal relatives as well as the normal individuals i. e. the husbands of the female members of the pedigrees. The results show that 66.7% of the patients (30/45) and 54.7% of the maternal relatives (29/53) have such a mutation, while no such a mutation exists in the four normal individuals. So, we conclude that the mutation of mitochondrial DNA at position 11,778 is also a major cause of LHON in China.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastrointestinal malignancy: natural history and new prospects for management

Peritoneal carcinomatosis represents regional spread of gastrointestinal, gynecological and other malignancies with or without evidence of systemic metastases. The authors reviewed the natural history and the different types of peritoneal carcinomatosis. A new treatment approach that combines cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy is described. The principles of this surgery and the pharmacology principles of intraperitoneal drug administration are explained. The major attraction of intraperitoneal therapy is that following intracavitary drug administration, the peritoneal cavity is exposed to higher concentrations than the rest of the body. A total of 100 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis followed from one to ten years were treated by this approach. Patients were divided into four prognostic groups according to the histologic findings, extent of diseases, distant metastases and the completeness of cytoreductive surgery. This new cytoreductive approach is particularly effective for patients with low-grade malignancies confined to the abdominal cavity and who had a complete cytoreductive surgery.

[Studies on polysaccharide of Rheum palmatum L]

Two homogeneous acidic heteroglycans DHP-1 and DHP-2 were obtained from the root of Rheum palmatum, the mean molecular weights being 11 x 10(4) and 2.5 x 10(4) respectively. It was identified by TLC and GC that both heteroglycans contain the same main residues of glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, lyxose, xylose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid.

Expression of an ABA-responsive osmotin-like gene during the induction of freezing tolerance in Solanum commersonii

We have isolated a cDNA (pA13) of an ABA-responsive gene from suspension cultures of Solanum cultures of Solanum commersonii. The deduced amino acid sequence of pA13 cDNA revealed 89 and 91% identity with tobacco osmotin and tomato NP24 protein, respectively. The accumulation of the transcript corresponding to pA13 cDNA was regulated by ABA, cold temperature, and low water potential treatments. Cold-induced accumulation of the pA13 transcript was partially suppressed by fluridone, an ABA synthesis inhibitor, and the suppression was restored by exogenous ABA application. The transcript corresponding to pA13 also accumulated in an organ-specific manner in response to ABA or cold treatment.

Immunocytochemical identification of serotonin-synthesizing neurons in the vertebrate retina: a comparative study

Serotonin-synthesizing neurons in the retinas of goldfish, axolotl, turtle, chick, rabbit and cat were identified using double labelling with anti-serotonin and anti-phenylalanine hydroxylase antibodies. The latter antibody recognizes tryptophan 5-hydroxylase, one of the synthesizing enzymes for serotonin. Neurons labelled by both markers were considered to be serotonin-synthesizing neurons, while those only with serotonin-immunoreactivity were assumed to be serotonin-accumulating neurons. In the goldfish and chick retinas, all serotonin-immunoreactive amacrine cells (S1) were positive for phenylalanine hydroxylase. In the axolotl and turtle retinas, all the S1 amacrine cells, and only 52.8% and 40.5% of S2 amacrine cells were double-labelled. Although serotonin-immunoreactive bipolar cells were observed in the turtle and chick retinas, the synthesizing enzyme for serotonin could not be detected in these cells. In the rabbit and cat retinas, tryptophan hydroxylase could not be revealed in any cell type with immunocytochemistry. In control experiments SLI neurons in the raphe nuclei of the brain stem always exhibited PH-LI in all species examined, including mammals, indicating that our anti-PH antibody is able to recognize tryptophan hydroxylase across vertebrate classes. These results indicate that the majority of serotonin-immunoreactive amacrine cells are able to synthesize serotonin and are the source of endogenous serotonin in the non-mammalian retina, while some serotonin-immunoreactive amacrine and bipolar cells possibly only accumulate serotonin. We also suggest that serotonin may not be a primary neurotransmitter in the serotonin-accumulating bipolar and amacrine cells of the non-mammalian retina.

Fusarin C: isolation and identification of two microsomal metabolites

Fusarin C (FC), a metabolite formed by Fusarium moniliforme, is, with microsomal activation, genotoxic. Two metabolites of FC, fusarin Z (FZ) and fusarin X (FX), have been isolated from an in vitro metabolic activation system using microsomal mixtures from phenobarbital-induced rat livers and their chemical structures identified. FZ and FX are 500 and 60 times more mutagenic than FC in the Ames test, respectively. Both result from hydroxylation at the 1-position of FC. FZ is a gamma-lactone involving isomerization of the 2,3-double bond and intramolecular transesterification between the 21-methyl ester and the newly formed 1-hydroxyl group. FX, however, could not be converted to FZ by the microsomal system.