Malaria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in North Sumatra, Indonesia

A screening test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was carried out in North Sumatra, Indonesia by using a simple agar plate method. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in male was 6.0% (9/151) in Nias prefecture, 3.9% (12/307) in Asahan prefecture and 0.9% (1/110) in Medan city (average 3.9%). The prevalence of malaria was investigated at the same time in Nias and Asahan. It was 8.6% (13/151) and 10.4% (32/307) in males. The parasite rate of Plasmodium falciparum in normal and G6PD deficient groups was 4.1% and 9.5%, respectively. There was no statistical significance between them. The usefulness of the system of detecting malaria and G6PD deficiency at the same time was discussed in relation to malaria control.

Detection of high molecular weight eosinophil chemotactic factor in murine schistosomiasis sera

Eosinophil chemotactic activity in sera from mice undergoing an acute stage of schistosomiasis japonica and mansoni was examined. Eosinophilotactic activity in the serum was dependent on the dose and time of infection. Eosinophilotactic activity in sera from S. japonicum-infected mice was higher than that from S. mansoni-infected mice when they were compared at the comparable dose and time of infection. After gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200, eosinophilotactic activity in sera from mice infected with 30 cercariae of S. japonicum for 5 weeks was detected in the high molecular weight component. On the other hand, when sera from mice infected with 30 cercariae of S. japonicum for 8 weeks was chromatographed through Sephadex G-200 columns, eosinophilotactic activity was segregated into high (greater than 455,000) and low (less than 13,000) molecular weight components. High molecular weight ECF in sera from mice infected with 30 cercariae of S. japonicum for 8 weeks had high affinity to Con A, and was stable to heating or pronase digestion, but was sensitive to periodate oxidation, indicating its polysaccharide or glycoprotein nature. This high molecular weight ECF could be adsorbed by, and eluted from immunoaffinity beads coated with rabbit IgG anti-S. japonicum adult worm antibody. Thus, at least some part of circulating high molecular weight ECF would be derived from adult parasites.

Low molecular weight eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) in the serum of murine schistosomiasis japonica

Eosinophil chemotactic activity was detected in the serum obtained at an acute stage of murine schistosomiasis japonica. Gel filtration of the dialyzable fraction of the serum on Sephadex G25 showed that the chemotactic component had an apparent molecular weight of less than 1,000. It was stable to heating, but was sensitive to pronase or carboxypeptidase A digestions, indicating its peptide nature. Eosinophil chemotactic activity of the dialysate of the serum from mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum was far less than that from normal littermate +/+ mice, although the titers of specific IgE antibody to soluble egg antigen in the serum measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was comparable between them. These results suggest that at least some part of low molecular weight ECF in the circulation seems to be a ECF-A derived from mast cells. Possible biological significance of circulating ECF in schistosomiasis has been discussed.

Purification and physicochemical characterization of Schistosoma mansoni egg allergen recognized by mouse sera obtained at an acute stage of infection

A major allergenic component recognized by mouse sera obtained at an acute stage of infection was purified from soluble egg antigen preparation (SEA) of Schistosoma mansoni by anion-exchange chromatography on DE52 and gel chromatography on Sephadex G-150. The purified allergen showed homogeneity by immunoelectrophoresis and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its apparent molecular weight was 210,000 by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200. This purified allergen could bind to Con A-Sepharose 4B, indicating its glycoprotein nature. After amino acid analysis, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine and theonine were found as the major amino acids. The allergenic activity was destroyed by heating at 100 degrees C for 60 min and by pronase or periodate treatment. By double diffusion in agar gel, this purified allergen gave a strong single band against acute (8 w) stage serum, which fused to the major band formed by crude SEA. On the other hand, it showed a very faint band against chronic (22 w) stage serum, which is apparently different from the main band formed between crude SEA and the chronic stage serum. When specific IgE or IgG antibody titers in the serum of human schistosomiasis mansoni cases were measured by ELISA using this purified allergen, the results showed good correlation with those obtained by using crude SEA. Thus, this purified allergen is not only a major allergen in the acute stage of murine schistosomiasis but also an allergen in human schistosomiasis mansoni.

Poisoning by hallucinogenic mushroom hikageshibiretake (Psilocybe argentipes K. Yokoyama) indigenous to Japan

Five cases of poisoning by indigenous mushroom Hikageshibiretake (Psilocybe argentipes) are reported. As this mushroom contains psilocybin, in general, clinical features were similar to those seen by pure psilocybin. Acute toxic stuporous state with complete amnesia in the culminating period occurred in one case, psychedelic state with dreamy consciousness in one case and psychotic adverse reactions with vivid visual hallucinations with consciousness in three cases. There were accompanied with anxiety and panic reactions to subjective experiences. Though these toxic effects were usually short-lived, for management of such patients it is important to recognize that horrible emotional reactions and other harmful behavioral problems can also occur.

IgG2 antibodies block IgE antibody-induced asthma in guinea pigs

In order to examine the blocking activity of IgG2 antibodies to guinea pig for IgE antibodies-induced guinea pig asthma, experiments were carried out as follows. Guinea pigs were passively sensitized intravenously with guinea pig serum containing IgE antibodies to ovalbumin (OA). 8 days after sensitization, IgG2 purified from guinea pigs hyperimmunized with OA was intravenously injected. One hour later, the guinea pigs were challenged by inhalation of OA solution. Asthma attacks were not observed in the guinea pigs, whereas the attacks were observed in guinea pigs passively sensitized with the IgE antibodies but injected IgG2 fraction from normal guinea pigs 1 h before inhalation. These observations suggested that IgG antibodies that increased after immunotherapy might block asthma caused by inhalation of allergens in humans.

Schistosoma japonicum: identification and characterization of neutrophil chemotactic factors from egg antigen

Two neutrophil chemotactic factors were identified in soluble egg antigen preparations of Schistosoma japonicum. The higher-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic factor was not separable from eosinophil chemotactic factor by means of gel filtration, anion-exchange chromatography, isoelectric focusing, or affinity chromatography; this neutrophil chemotactic factor is apparently identical to the higher-molecular-weight eosinophil chemotactic factor which we purified previously from the soluble egg antigen. The chemotactic activity of the eosinophil chemotactic factor for neutrophils was stable to periodate oxidation but was notably affected by heating or Pronase digestion, suggesting that the determinant for neutrophil chemotaxis exists on the peptide moiety of the eosinophil chemotactic factor. The lower-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic factor was separable from the higher-molecular-weight eosinophil chemotactic factor by gel filtration or anion-exchange chromatography. This neutrophil chemotactic factor was rather hydrophobic and heat-stable, but was sensitive to Pronase or carboxypeptidase A digestion. These results suggest that the receptors on the surfaces of neutrophils and eosinophils for those chemoattractants would be different from each other. We suppose that neutrophil chemotactic factors and eosinophil chemotactic factors from the eggs are responsible for neutrophil and eosinophil accumulation around the eggs in schistosomiasis japonica.

Preparation of blood components with saline-adenine-glucose-phosphate-maltose quadruple-pack system

A saline-adenine-glucose-phosphate-maltose (SAGP-maltose) quadruple-pack system was devised to improve the conventional method of preparing blood components. One of the features of this method is that high-speed centrifugation was used as the initial spin in the two-step centrifugation of whole blood. This feature permitted the removal of the buffy coat from red cells at the same time the platelets were isolated. Since the platelets were concentrated without forming a button, the damage to the platelets due to mechanical stress in preparation was minimized. Another major feature was the use of the SAGP-maltose solution. Maltose effectively prevented hemolysis during storage in a protein-poor medium for preserving red cells. Judging from the red cell adenosine triphosphate level and morphology score, it should be possible to store red cells for 35 to 42 days in SAGP-maltose preservative. In addition, approximately 25 percent more plasma was collected in the present system than in conventional multiple-pack systems.

In vitro and in vivo induction of neutrophil and eosinophil chemotactic responses by Schistosoma japonicum cercaria

High neutrophil and eosinophil chemotactic activities of soluble extract of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae (SjCe-ext) were detected in vitro by using blind-well chemotaxis chambers and Millipore filters in a dose-dependent manner. Low doses (total of 0.25 and 2.5 micrograms) of SjCe-ext induced significant neutrophilic infiltrations in normal and S. japonicum-infected (8 week) guinea pig tissues beginning at 2 hr after the intradermal injection. Eosinophilic responses were observed in the infected animals especially in early phase (2-8 hr post-injection of SjCe-ext). SjCe-ext elicited strong immediate skin reactions (at 30 min) in the infected guinea pigs. Possible roles of these chemotactic activities and hypersensitivity reaction in S. japonicum infection are discussed.

Vector mosquitoes of Wuchereria bancrofti at Bicol region in the Philippines. 1. Transmission capability

Mosquitoes were surveyed for the capability of filaria transmission at Sitio Bacolod and Barrio Salvacion, in Bicol region, Luzon, Philippines. The results of indoor collections and experimental infections showed that the infective rates and the median density of infective larvae per infected mosquito were significantly higher in Aedes poicilius than in Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes poicilius was found to be the principal vector of bancroftian filariasis in this region.

Neutrophilic nodules in the intestinal walls of Japanese monkeys associated with the neutrophil chemotactic activity of larval extracts and secretions of Oesophagostomum aculeatum

High neutrophil chemotactic activity was detected in the culture medium from Oesophagostomum aculeatum larvae in vitro using blind-well chambers with Millipore filters, and guinea pig leucocytes as indicator cells. Neutrophil chemotactic activity was also detected in the extract from larval worms in a dose dependent fashion. This activity was detected in the low molecular weight fractions adjacent to a sodium chloride marker by gel filtration on Sephadex G200. These results were further confirmed with monkey neutrophils. The possible role of this activity in the formation of granulomatous lesions rich in neutrophils found in O aculeatum infections in the Japanese monkey is discussed.

Isolation of Schistosoma japonicum egg-derived neutrophil stimulating factor: its role on eosinophil chemotactic factor release from neutrophils

Neutrophil stimulating factor (NSF), which can stimulate polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to release eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF), was isolated from Schistosoma japonicum soluble egg extract (SEA). The release of ECF from PMNs began as early as 5 min after stimulation and reached a peak at 40 min, and was dependent on the concentration of SEA. After Sephadex G150 gel filtration, toluene extraction, Sephadex G25 gel filtration and Dowex 1 X 8 anion exchange chromatography, NSF was identified as a hydrophilic and negatively charged component with a molecular weight of about 1,000 daltons. It was heat-stable at 100 degrees C for 60 min. NSF was easily separable from SEA-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor or from SEA-derived ECF. PMNs are suggested to be one of the sources of ECF in the eosinophil accumulation of granulomatous lesions around the deposited eggs in schistosomiasis japonica.

Eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic activities of adult worm extracts of Schistosoma japonicum in vivo and in vitro

Large numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils attracted to the soluble extract of Schistosoma japonicum adult worms (SjAW-ext) were detected at the injection site of normal guinea pig skin. Eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic activities were also confirmed in in vitro assay by using blind-well chambers with Millipore filters in dose-dependent fashion. Two components of SjAW-ext showed eosinophil chemotactic activity; one was in the high molecular weight fraction (JAE-H), estimated to be more than 440,000 daltons, the other in the low molecular weight fraction (JAE-L) obtained by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. High neutrophil chemotactic activity was detected in the JAE-L. These eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic activities were also detected in culture fluid of S. japonicum adult worms. Eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) of JAE-H was stable to heating (100 C, 30 min) and pronase digestion, but completely destroyed by periodate oxidation. It is suggested that the ECF of JAE-H is a glycoprotein. JAE-L was also stable to heating (56 and 100 C, 30 min) and pronase digestion for eosinophil chemotaxis. Possible roles of those activities in schistosome infections are discussed.

Establishment and characterization of adult T-cell leukemia virus-containing B-cell lines derived from peripheral blood of adult T-cell leukemia patients

B-cell lines which showed predominantly surface IgA kappa immunoglobulins were established from each of seven adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients. ATL virus proviral DNA was found in five of the lines. Though the chromosomal analysis of the B-cell lines yielded normal results, fresh leukemic T-cells showed chromosome abnormalities.

Chromosome abnormalities of leukemia cells in adult patients with T-cell leukemia

Chromosomes of 30 patients with adult T-cell leukemia were analyzed. Chromosome abnormalities were found in all the patients examined. The modal chromosome number of abnormal cells was hypodiploid in 2 patients, diploid in 14, and hyperdiploid in 9. The remaining 5 patients had bimodal chromosome numbers (diploid and hyperdiploid modes). Although all the patients showed various numerical or structural chromosome abnormalities, they also had common chromosome abnormalities. Aberrations of chromosome 1 were noted in 20 of the 30 patients, aberrations of chromosome 3 were seen in 20, trisomy 6 or 6q- was found in 17, aberrations of chromosome 10 were noted in 16, aberrations of the long arm of chromosome 14 were seen in 9, and trisomy 18 was seen in 7. There was no particular relationship between the difference in clinical symptoms and disparity in chromosome abnormalities.

Transformation of ATLA-negative leukocytes by blood components from anti-ATLA-positive donors in vitro

Anti-ATLA-positive blood components transformed healthy human leukocytes in vitro. Blood components examined were packed red cells, whole blood, platelet concentrate and fresh frozen plasma. Leukocytes present in anti-ATLA-positive blood components such as packed red cells, whole blood and platelet concentrate easily transformed anti-ATLA-negative leukocytes. Co-culture in fresh frozen plasma, however, did not transform recipient leukocytes, and leukocytes of anti-ATLA-positive recipients proved refractory to transformation. The transformed cells were morphologically lymphoid, grew in suspension, and possessed normal recipient karyotypes except in the case of three platelet concentrates. A high proportion of all the transformed populations formed E-rosettes with neuraminidase-treated sheep erythrocytes. The cytoplasm of over 90% of each recipient was stained brilliantly with antibodies against ATLV-determined antigens. Electron microscopy of these transformed cells revealed many C-type virus particles in the extracellular space. Blood components, such as packed red cells, whole blood and platelet concentrate, containing leukocytes from anti-ATLA-positive donors, should be used cautiously to prevent the transmission on ATLV to anti-ATLA-negative recipients.

Strain differences in the production of mouse interferon

Studies were conducted to compare the interferon (IFN) production of four strains of mice when injected with Newcastle disease virus (NDV), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I. C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or purified protein derivative (PPD). When injected with NDV, C57BL/6 and DDD mice generated higher levels of IFN than BALB/c and C3H/He mice. Upon injection with poly I. C or LPS, C57BL/6 and C3H/He mice produced higher levels of IFN than BALB/c and DDD mice. Differences in IFN production were also observed among BCG-sensitized mice of all four strains upon injection with PPD, C57BL/6 mice engendered the highest levels of IFN, while the C3H/He and DDD mice were intermediate in their response, with the BALB/c mice producing the least amount of IFN.

Optimal protocol for preparation of leukocyte-poor red cells with a blood cell processor

The optimal red cell override (RCO) protocol for preparation of leukocyte-poor red cells (LPRCs) with a blood cell processor (IBM 2991) was studied. By a four-step process, including determining leukocyte (WBC) and red cell (RBC) distributions in the processing bag after centrifugation, the optimal RCO sequence was determined. The "effectiveness index" of WBC removal also was used for comparison of the efficiencies of various RCO protocols. In this way, a four-cycle RCO sequence of 1.5/1.5/1.5/1.5 was found to be optimal for washing 130-ml units of concentrated red cells (CRCs). This protocol yielded LPRCs with means of 5.4 percent of WBCs remaining and an 84.2 percent recovery of RBCs. The optimal RCO sequence of 2.0/2.0/2.0/2.0 for washing 260-ml units of CRC gave LPRCs with means of 6.2 percent of WBCs remaining and an 87.8 percent recovery of RBCs.

Leukocyte accumulation in sparganosis: demonstration of eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic factors from the plerocercoid of Spirometra erinacei in vivo and in vitro

In order to determine whether the plerocercoid of Spirometra erinacei itself has eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic factors, in vivo and in vitro examinations were carried out. We could observe large numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils which accumulated at the injection site of normal guinea pig skin following intradermal injection of soluble extract of plerocercoids of S. erinacei. At 1 hour after the injection, neutrophils appeared at the site, and the cell number reached its peak at 4 hours. Eosinophils appeared rather later than neutrophils (at 2-4 hours), and the number of cells reached its peak at 8 hours after the injection. Eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic activities were also confirmed in an in vitro system by using a blind-well chemotaxis chamber with a Millipore filter in dose dependent fashion. An eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) with molecular weight of approximately 15,000, and two different neutrophil chemotactic factors, one of about same molecular weight as the ECF and the other of low molecular weight, were demonstrated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. Furthermore, it was confirmed that those factors were released from parasite by the detection of intensive eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic activities in the culture supernatants containing plerocercoids.

Seropositivity of a blood recipient from a donor with positive adult T-cell leukemia-associated antigens

A blood recipient, aged 66, was found to have positive adult T-cell leukemia-associated antigens (ATLA), approximately half a year after a transfusion. The donor's ATLA-antibody titer was 1: 640. Routine screening of blood donors for ATLA antibody was proposed.

Cell surface receptor-mediated internalization of interferon: its relation to the antiviral activity of interferon

The binding of [3H]leucine-labelled pure human interferon alpha from Namalwa cells to human FL and Daudi cells was studied, and evidence obtained to indicate receptor-mediated internalization of interferon. Cell surface-bound and internalized interferons were quantified separately as trypsin-released and unreleased radioactivities, respectively. At 37 degrees C, surface-bound interferon reached a maximum after 1 h and then decreased, while internalized interferon reached a maximum after 2 h. At 21 degrees C, in contrast, surface-bound interferon reached a maximum after 2 h and did not decrease thereafter; no internalization was observed. The same was true at 37 degrees C in the presence of NaF, indicating dependence of internalization on temperature and energy. In control cultures at 37 degrees C, internalized interferon, after reaching a maximum, decreased after prolonged incubation, and concomitantly acid-soluble radioactivity appeared in the culture medium. The decrease in internalized interferon and the emergence of degraded interferon were inhibited by the lysosomotropic agents, ammonium chloride and chloroquine. The fate of labelled interferon, bound to the cell surface of FL cells at 21 degrees C was studied at 37 degrees C, and the results indicated that trypsin-unreleased interferon was derived from the surface-bound interferon, and was secreted in part into the culture fluid in a degraded form upon prolonged incubation. The relation of internalization of interferon to its biological activity was studied in three ways. In FL cells, the antiviral activity was not induced when internalization of interferon was entirely blocked (at 21 degrees C or in the presence of NaF at 37 degrees C). In Daudi cells, both 2'-5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase induction by interferon and internalization of interferon were inhibited completely by diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), whereas in the case of FL cells, DDC inhibited neither 2-5A synthetase induction nor internalization of interferon. Raji cells, which have an interferon-specific binding site on the cell surface but are insensitive to interferon, were found not to internalize interferon, whereas other Burkitt's lymphoma cells, Daudi and Namalwa, which are sensitive to interferon, did internalize it. These findings suggest (but do not prove) that internalization is required for the establishment of interferon activity.

Adult T-cell leukemia occurring in mother and son

We report two cases of adult T-cell leukemia in which the disease developed in a mother, aged 62 years, and her son, aged 41 years, less than four months apart. Both mother and son showed abnormal karyotypes and high titers of adult T-cell leukemia-associated antibody.

Different binding of human interferon alpha 1 and alpha 2 to common receptors on human and bovine cells. Studies with recombination interferons produced in Escherichia coli

Minicells from Escherichia coli DS410 harboring cDNA for human interferon (IFN) alpha 1 or alpha 2 were metabolically labeled with [3H]leucine and the radioactive IFN was purified to homogeneity by immune precipitation with anti-IFN-alpha serum. These preparations of radioactive IFN-alpha 1 and -alpha 2 were used to study the binding on two human (FL and Daudi) and one bovine (MDBK) cell lines. IFN-alpha 2 specifically bound well to both human and bovine cells, while IFN-alpha 1 bound very poorly to human cells but well to bovine cells. Specific binding of radioactive IFN-alpha 2 to these cell lines was completely inhibited by not only nonradioactive IFN-alpha 2 but also IFN-alpha 1, and binding of IFN-alpha 1 to bovine cell was also competed by IFN-alpha 2 as well as IFN-alpha 1, indicating that the receptors for both IFNs are identical. However, 50-100-fold (on human cells) or 4-fold (on bovine cell) more nonradioactive IFN-alpha 1 than -alpha 2 was required to inhibit the binding of radioactive IFN-alpha 2 to the receptors. Scatchard analysis showed that IFN-alpha 1 and -alpha 2 bind to the receptors on human cells with an apparent Kd of greater than 6 X 10(-10) and 3 X 10(-11) M, respectively, while on bovine cells with a Kd of 4.2 X 10(-11) and 1.6 X 10(-11) M, respectively. These results show that the different target cell specificity of IFN-alpha 1 and -alpha 2 in regard to antiviral activity (Streuli, M., Hall, A., Boll, W., Stewart, W. E., II, Nagata, S., and Weissmann, C. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 78, 2848-2852) is due to the different binding activity of IFN-alpha molecules to their common receptors.

An epidemiological study of filariasis in Sorsogon province, Republic of the Philippines, with notes on experimental mosquito infection

An epidemiological survey was conducted on Bancroftian filariasis in Sorsogon province, the Philippines, with special regard to low density microfilaremia (LDF). Filtration technique using nuclepore membrane examining 1 ml blood revealed 31% positive rate for microfilaria out of 262 volunteers. Out of 82 positives 21 (25.6%) had LDF (less than 10 in 1 ml blood). No conspicuous grouping of LDF was noted in younger age groups or sexes. In three out of 12 clinical filariasis, microfilaria was detected but none of them were LDF. Among 22 cases treated with diethylcarbamazine, nine subsequently had LDF suggesting necessity of improvement of drug administration regimen to avoid incomplete treatment. A series of feeding experiments using two mosquito species, Aedes poicilius and Culex quinquefasciatus, on volunteers showed that both species could act as vectors in the region. No larva was detected in either species fed on LDF carriers. It was concluded that there is little possibility that LDF plays an important role in the transmission of Bancroftian filariasis in the region.

Effects of N-(4-methylbenzylthiocarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (KF 1492), a new hypolipidemic drug, and clofibrate on lipids metabolism

The effects of N-(4-methylbenzylthiocarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (KF 1492) on the intestinal lipid absorption, the biliary lipid composition and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) activity have been investigated in rats in comparison with clofibrate. KF 1492 did not have inhibitory activity on intestinal absorption of cholesterol and triglyceride. In the KF 1492-treated group (100 mg/kg, 8 d), an increase of bile flow (25.9%) per g liver was observed. The increase of excretion of bile acids (29.9%), phospholipids (45.2%) and cholesterol (33.4%) due to the increase of bile flow was clearly observed but no significant change in the concentration of each lipid was observed. In clofibrate-treated group, the concentration of bile acids and cholesterol in bile was decreased and output of biliary phospholipids was increased. Approximately 5 to 10 times increase of GPD activity was observed in mitochondrial fraction of the KF 1492- or clofibrate-treated rats (0.25% (w/w) in rat chow, 3 weeks). Thus, the increased degradation and excretion of cholesterol to bile may explain the hypocholesterolemic activity of KF 1492.

Eosinophil chemotactic factor in schistosome eggs: a comparative study of eosinophil chemotactic factors in the eggs of Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni in vitro

Significant chemotactic activity for eosinophils was detected in soluble egg antigen (SEA) preparations of both Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni in dose-dependent fashion. The activity of S. japonicum SEA was higher than that of S. mansoni SEA. Gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 showed that S. japonicum SEA was composed of two groups of eosinophil chemotactic factors (ECFs), one of high molecular weight (JEE-H) and the other of low molecular weight (JEE-L). S. mansoni SEA showed ECF composition similar to that of S. japonicum SEA. JEE-H was stable on heating (100 degrees C, 60 min) and resistant to pronase digestion, but was sensitive to periodate oxidation. JEE-L was also stable on heating and resistant to pronase and carboxypeptidase A digestions. These properties of the ECFs were also held in common with those of S. mansoni SEA. JEE-L was extractable by toluene, indicating a hydrophobic nature. These results suggest that schistosome eggs themselves contain ECFs, and that the composition of S. mansoni and S. japonicum SEA-derived ECFs is essentially the same. However, they differ from the other ECFs which have already been described in schistosome infections.

The course and prognosis of manic-depressive psychosis: a quantitative analysis of episodes and intervals

A quantitative analysis of episodes and symptom-free intervals in the course of manic-depressive psychosis was attempted. 1,066 patients who visited Tohoku University Hospital between 1955 and 1965 were investigated by a mail questionnaire and subsequent review of records in their care hospitals. There was no difference between the reply group and non-reply group in terms of demographic status. About 6.2% of patients were chronically ill. Eighteen percent of patients were dead at the time of study. The number of episodes was about three in depression and about seven in bipolar type during twelve years of observation. The length of symptom-free interval between episodes was about five years in depression and two years in bipolar type. There was no difference in the number of episodes or in the length of interval between 1955-1959 group and 1960-1965 group. The change of length was not confirmed between early and late intervals.

Binding of human interferon alpha to cells of different sensitivities: studies with internally radiolabeled interferon retaining full biological activity

The characteristics of interferon binding to various cells with different interferon sensitivity were studied by using [3H]leucine-labeled, pure human interferon alpha from Namalwa cells. Scatchard analysis of the binding data on cells sensitive to interferon alpha (human FL and fibroblasts and bovine MDBK) indicated the presence of two kinds of binding sites with high and low affinities. The binding constants of the high-affinity sites in these cells were similar (4 X 10(10) to 11 X 10(10) M-1). Cells insensitive to human interferon alpha (human HEC-1 and mouse L cells) were shown to have only low-affinity sites, suggesting that high-affinity binding sites are indispensable for interferon sensitivity and represent interferon receptors. However, the number of sites in three human diploid fibroblast strains and one strain trisomic for chromosome 21 were not proportionally correlated to the interferon sensitivity of the cells. The high-affinity binding to human cells was completely inhibited by both nonradioactive human interferons alpha and beta in a similar manner, but binding to bovine MDBK cells, on which human interferon beta is practically inactive, was inhibited effectively only by interferon alpha and not by beta. These results suggest that the receptor for human interferon alpha is common to human interferon beta in human cells, whereas the receptor on bovine cells binds only human interferon alpha.

Purification and characterization of a high molecular weight eosinophil chemotactic factor from Schistosoma japonicum eggs

A high m.w. eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF-SjE) was isolated and purified from a soluble egg antigen preparation (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200, anion-exchange chromatography on DE52, and isoelectric focusing. ECF-SjE had a m.w. of more than 900,000 and an isoelectric point of 4.1. It contained 40% (w/w) sugar residues and bound to concanavalin A (Con A). The chemotactic activity of ECF-SjE was heat stable (100 degrees C, 60 min) and resistant to pronase digestion, but was destroyed by periodate oxidation. IgG antibody to ECF-SjE was detected in the serum of a rabbit infected with S. japonicum, demonstrating the antigenic nature of ECF-SjE. The antigenicity of ECF-SjE was also sensitive to periodate oxidation. Thus, ECF-SjE is a glycoprotein or proteoglycan from the eggs of S. japonicum, and the sugar chain is important for the expression of chemotactic and antigenic activities. However ECF-SjE differs from the major allergenic components of S. japonicum (JEAL) in m.w. and isoelectric point. A low m.w. eosinophil chemotactic factor was also detected in SEA. Together they are proposed to have a role in the direct accumulation of eosinophils in the egg-induced granulomas in S. japonicum infection.

Purification and characterization of a high molecular weight eosinophil chemotactic factor from Schistosoma japonicum eggs

A high m.w. eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF-SjE) was isolated and purified from a soluble egg antigen preparation (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200, anion-exchange chromatography on DE52, and isoelectric focusing. ECF-SjE had a m.w. of more than 900,000 and an isoelectric point of 4.1. It contained 40% (w/w) sugar residues and bound to concanavalin A (Con A). The chemotactic activity of ECF-SjE was heat stable (100 degrees C, 60 min) and resistant to pronase digestion, but was destroyed by periodate oxidation. IgG antibody to ECF-SjE was detected in the serum of a rabbit infected with S. japonicum, demonstrating the antigenic nature of ECF-SjE. The antigenicity of ECF-SjE was also sensitive to periodate oxidation. Thus, ECF-SjE is a glycoprotein or proteoglycan from the eggs of S. japonicum, and the sugar chain is important for the expression of chemotactic and antigenic activities. However ECF-SjE differs from the major allergenic components of S. japonicum (JEAL) in m.w. and isoelectric point. A low m.w. eosinophil chemotactic factor was also detected in SEA. Together they are proposed to have a role in the direct accumulation of eosinophils in the egg-induced granulomas in S. japonicum infection.

Biochemical and allergenic properties of the house dust mite extract, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

A further study has been made on the house dust mite extract, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, with emphasis on gel-filtrated fraction 2 (F2). The crude mite extract showed at least nine discs on polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis and contained less than 0.25% sialic acid and less than 0.5 mM hexosamine and no detectable uronic acid. From gel filtration of the crude extract a No 2 fraction (F2) with allergenic activity showed at least five components on SDS disc electrophoresis covering a molecular weight range of between 15,000 and 70,000. The major allergenic activity of F2 dissolved in pH 7-8 and 4-5 on an isoelectric focusing column. Affinity chromatography and lectins showed that allergenic activity did not relate to structures of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. Allergenic activity of the crude extract was no affected by peptic digestion and the mite digest prepared by trypsin and pronase showed a similar fractionation and activity profile as crude extract.

Purification of a murine IgE-inducing antigen extracted from the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

A major antigen inducing IgE in mice (DpI) was purified from a crude extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) using Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration, DE52 ion exchange chromatography and isoelectric focusing. This antigen is not one of the major D.p. human allergens. Isoelectric focusing showed a single peak of PCA activity at pI 4.7. Activity followed a broader banding pattern on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The molecular weight of DpI estimated from Sephadex G-150 chromatography was 1.7 X 10(5) daltons. Molecular weight calculated from SDS-gels (reducing), however, was 3.7 X 10(4), which may indicate a molecule with a subunit composition. DpI contained no detectable hexose as measured by the phenol-sulfuric acid assay. PCA activity of DpI was stable at 98 degrees C and to treatment with 0.1 M sodium metaperiodate, but destroyed by pronase. DpI represents approximately one per cent of the total protein of crude extracts. Purified DpI displays a specific activity increase of 40 times that of the crude extract with the PCA test. DpI is capable of inhibiting 40% of the binding between crude extract and human IgE, but only at extremely high concentrations. Human IgE was 700 times more sensitive to D.p. crude extract than purified DpI by enzyme immunoassay.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with egg antigens of Schistosoma japonicum

A micromethod of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to infections with Schistosoma japonicum in humans and mice with egg antigens. In mouse infections, antibody responses were detected between 6 and 8 weeks after the cercarial challenge. In human infections, a circum oval precipitin positive group showed the highest reaction values in ELISA. ELISA with egg antigens did not show any cross reaction with sera of humans infected with intestinal parasites (Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworms). Fractionation of the egg antigen was attempted using gel filtration, ion-exchange and lectin affinity chromatographies. Antigenic fractions were detected in two molecular weight groups of glycoprotein, which showed major pI value at 5-6. However, ELISA with partially purified antigen (JEA-1) did not give better sensitivity or specificity than the crude extract.

Effects of N-(4-methylbenzylthiocarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (KF 1492), a new phenylalanine derivative on lipid synthesis in vivo, inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Co A reductase

KF 1492, a new phenylalanine derivative, was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg or 0.25% (w/w) diet to Wistar rats. After different periods of drug administration, incorporation of 14 C-acetate or 14 C-mevalonic acid into digitonin-precipitable sterols and hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Co A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity were measured. KF 1492 feeding was associated with depressed incorporation of 14 C-acetate into sterols in liver slices or homogenate. There was no effect on incorporation of 14 C-mevalonic acid into sterols. Thus, KF 1492 administration induced inhibition of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase correlated with reduction of incorporation of 14 C-acetate into digitonin-precipitable sterols. KF 1492 feeding also inhibited in vivo sterol synthesis in rats, which was intraperitoneally injected with 14 C-acetate. Stereoisomers, metabolites adn chemically similar compounds of KF 1492 reduced HMG-CoA reductase activity, and this was correlated with lowering the activity of plasma cholesterol. These findings indicate that a major site of the action of KF 1492 in the inhibition of sterol synthesis may be at the level of HMG-CoA reductase.

Cranial computerized tomography in a patient with Wilson's disease

A 24-year-old female with Wilson's disease showed symmetrical low density zones on the cranial CT, which seemed to represent structural changes in the lentiform nuclei. Diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of CT in Wilson's disease was discussed.

Fractionation and characterization of allergens extracted from eggs of Schistosoma japonicum

Allergenic components were partially purified from the crude extract of eggs of Schistosoma japonicum by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Allergenic activity was assayed by the Prausnitz-Küstner type skin test with infected mouse sera and radioallergosorbent test with human ser. S. japonicum egg allergens (JEAL) showed single and three allergenic peaks, by isoelectrofocusing (PI = 4.8) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. The molecular weights of JEAL were calibrated 30,000-200,000 by gel filtration. JEAL were adsorbed on the affinity columns of concanavalin A, Lentil lectin and partially wheat germ lectin. JEAL lost their allergenic activity by 0.1M periodate oxidation; however, they were resistant to heating (100 degrees C, 60 min), urea and guanidine. We suppose that the carbohydrate of JEAL is important to the allergenic determinant.