Serum alpha-cysteine proteinase inhibitor levels in pregnancy

Variation in alpha-cysteine proteinase inhibitor levels in human sera were investigated with special attention to the effect of pregnancy and diseases. The inhibitor level in 111 pregnant women, examined by our previous method, increased as the pregnancy advanced. The correlation coefficient between the level and the duration, r, was 0.578 with the level of significance p less than 0.001. The mean value for 50 pregnant women in the third trimester of gestation was 0.49 +/- 0.04 unit/mL, which was 47% higher than the control value, 0.33 +/- 0.04 unit/mL (p less than 0.001). However, the levels in patients with myoma of uterus, endometritis, cervical cancer, ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer were not significantly different from the control value. From these results, it was concluded that pregnancy enhanced appreciably the alpha-cysteine proteinase inhibitor level in serum.

Immunologic responses in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections

Serum concentrations of IgM and IgG antibodies in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia were determined by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of serum specimens by treatment with protein A followed by fractionation on sucrose density gradient revealed for the first time the presence of rheumatoid factor in M. pneumoniae pneumonia with a remarkably high frequency. Development and persistence of the rheumatoid factor during the clinical course of this disease were also examined.

Material cycling and organic evolution

Intertwined cycles of matters are proposed to be one of the essential characteristics of life. The increase in the amount of recycled matters within biological groups and the complication of the cycling network are considered to be the early development of life soon after its appearance on the Earth. From this point of view, the origin of a cell alone can not sufficiently be regarded as the origin of life. The origin of a cell must be followed by a formation of material cycling among cells, if the cells are to stay on the Earth long enough so that they could be called life. This biogeochemical viewpoint leads to a quantitative analysis of life activity. A formula is presented to exemplify the potential utility of the viewpoint. It is applied to analyses of possible early developments of life and of an impact of present human activity on the global carbon cycle. Further application of the viewpoint to a variety of biogeochemical, sociogeochemical, ecological, and environmental problems should eventually show whether there is some utility in this view.

The nature of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) fractions derived from bovine bone matrix gelatin

A bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) fraction consisting of 17.5K, as well as three other low MW components, was extracted from demineralized bovine bone matrix gelatin under dissociative conditions in 4 M GuHCl. This BMP fraction induces differentiation of mesenchymal cells into cartilage and bone when implanted in the thigh muscles of mice. The 17.5K component is a prime candidate for BMP, but the relationship to the 34K, 24K, and 14K components is not established completely. The 24K component is of special interest, because, when it is present in combination with 17.5K and other components, the resultant preparation has high biologic activity. The 24K component, when isolated from the 17.5K component, had no BMP activity. The 14K component, when isolated from the 17.5K component and all components, had no BMP activity. A 22K components completely isolated by CMC chromatography had no BMP activity. The tasks ahead are to examine further the conditions controlling aggregation of the four low MW glycoproteins and to determine whether it is possible to isolate a single 17.5K homogeneous polypeptide with BMP activity.

A bovine low molecular weight bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) fraction

A low MW bone morphogenetic protein fraction (BMP) is quantitatively extracted from bovine bone matrix by an inorganic-organic CaCl2-urea solvent mixture and fractionated by ion exchange and gel chromatography. The BMP fraction induces differentiation of perivascular mesenchymal type cells into cartilage and bone inside the mouse's thigh, outside of double walled diffusion chamber, in muscle pouches in the rabbit anterior abdominal wall, and in 0.8 cm trephine defects in the rat's skull. Bovine BMP may consist of electrophoretic components ranging from 12 K to 30 K in MW. The main components correspond to a MW of 23 K, 18 K and 12 K when they are compared with the mobilities of standard proteins. Because it was invariably present in all of the fractions with osteoinductive activity, circumstantial evidence leads to a 17 to 18 K component for a BMP. The possibility of a diameter monomer system for BMP activity also warrants consideration. The polypeptide portion constitutes only about 80% to 85% of the dry weight of the mixture of the three electrophoretic components, and suggests that the BMP fraction contains glycoproteins. Characteristically, glycoproteins migrate anomalously on SDS gels and create doubt about whether the major bands represent true MW. Nevertheless, the data clearly point to the low MW protein fractions for the direction of future work on BMP.

Effect of polynucleotides on the dimerization of glycine

Polynucleotides were found to suppress the dimerization reaction of aqueous glycine with trimetaphosphate as the condensing agent. Small anions (chloride, acetate, and phosphate) did not show this effect. The reaction was studied at a pH of about 11.5 and at 70 degrees C and room temperature with a 13 mM concentration of glycine and trimetaphosphate. Under these conditions, the effect of the polynucleotides was in the following order: polyguanylic acid less than polycytidylic acid less than polyadenylic acid less than polyuridylic acid. The result may have a significant implication for the understanding of processes of chemical evolution.

The evolution of the protein synthesis system, II. From chemical evolution to biological evolution

The sequence of events previously proposed for modern protein synthesis is reviewed. It begins with an abiological synthesis of a template, and evolves through two model autocatalytic systems to a primitive cell that has a rudimentary biological protein synthesis system. A possible scheme for the origin of tRNA's is described so as to fill the gap between the model and the modern system. Fragments of genes that existed in and around the primitive system are proposed to be precursors of tRNA's. Since these fragments must have been undesirable components for the system, the origin and evolution of tRNA's may be regarded as an excellent answer by the primitive system to adverse circumstances.

Cytologic study of salivary gland tumors

Cytologic examination was performed on 22 known oral tumors of glandular origin. Cytologically, the cells of benign pleomorphic adenomas and an adenolymphoma could easily be identified as of benign tumor origin, but cytologic determination of malignancy was difficult in 11 of 14 malignant tumors due to lack of malignant features. A precise and comparative study of the morphologic details of the tumor cells with the histologic findings, however, seemed to suggest a possibility of determining the histologic type even in smear preparations.

[The ultrastructural study of choroid plexus papillomas (author's transl)]

Four cases of choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) obtained at the time of surgical excision were examined by light and electron microscopy and compared with normal choroid plexus (CP) of mouse and chick. Ultrastructurally CPPs were the same as CP except in the following two points: In CCPs 1) pinocytotic vesicles of the vascular endothelium and 2) cytoplasmic filaments were more increased in number than in CP. In one case, which showed malignant changes in some parts, we found prominently increased spot desmosomes and cytoplasmic filaments as compared with other three cases, microcysts at the apical portion with other features suggesting the secretory process except for the absence of basal infoldings and myelin bodies. As for the apical tight junction fusion of the two outer-leaflets of the adjacent cytoplasmic membrane was observed as in CP. This fact suggests that there is a blood-CSF barrier also in CPPs as in CP.

Tight junctions in choroid plexus papillomas

Four cases of choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) obtained at the time of surgical excision were examined by electron microscopy and compared with normal choroid plexus (CP) of mouse and chick. In apical tight junctions fusion of the two outer leaflets of the adjacent cytoplasmic membrane was verified as in CP. This fact suggests that there is a blood-CSF barrier not only in CP but also in CPP.

[Intrathecal gentamicin in the treatment of meningitis--clinical case study (author's transl)]

The authors report 33 cases of meningitis treated with intrathecally administered gentamicin (GM) and examine it's effectiveness for meningitis side effects and optimum dose. Of 33 cases 15 cases (group I1 were treated with GM alone 7 cases (group IIa) with GM combined with SB--PC or CP. In 8 cases of the other 11 cases (group IIb) GM was changed for SB--PC or CP because of it's inefficiency and side effects (6 cases) and other reasons (2 cases). In the remaining three cases of group IIb SB--PC or CP was changed for GM due to their inefficiecy. Maximum intrathecal dose is shown below : 4 mg--7 cases, 8 mg--5 cases, 10 mg--15 cases, 20 mg--4cases, 40 mg--2 cases. In all cases GM was not administered systemically, but each of CP, CB--PC, SB--PC and TC was administereed systemically. In group I, only one case did not G--I tract bleeding but the others were cured. In group IIa all but one case was cured. In group IIb one case of cyptococcosis was dead. Total effective cases of intrathecal GM were 17 of 24 cases excluding group IIa (7 cases) and 3 cases of group IIb. There was no side effect in cases of which maximum dose was 4--20 mg, but in one of 40 mg administered cases in which GM was injected from cisternal puncture hearing, vestibular and visual function were disturbed permanently. Therefore GM should not be injected into the cistern. In our conclusion intrathecal GM is thought to be effective in the treatment of meningitis without systemic GM. Effective optimum dose in 4--8 mg/day day in adult and if ineffective after 7--10 days GM should be changed for other antibiotics.

[A case of colloid cyst of the third ventricle (author's transl)]

The authors report a case of colloid cyst of the third ventricle diagnosed preoperatively through CT scan, pneumoencephalography and carotid angiography. The patient was a twenty-six year old housewife with a history of two repeated episodic headaches followed by gait disturbance, vomiting and cold sweating. At operation, the colloid cyst which completely occluded the right foramen of Monro, was reached by anterior transcallosal approach and was partially removed with subsequent cure of her symptoms. The cyst fluid contained cholesterin crystals, cholesterol, protein (12.8 g/dl), and sugar (16 mg/dl). Histologically, the cyst wall consisted of a single layered cuboidal or columnar epithelium with many cilias internally and loose connective tissue rich in vascluar channels externally. Cytoplasm and cellular surface was partly positive at mucicarmine, PAS and alusian blue staining. The fact would confirm that there is mucin secreting function among the epithelial cells of the cyst.

An epidemiological study of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in Japan, 1976

The National Registry for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) of Japan was established in 1976 at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. By March 1977, forty five clinically confirmed cases of SSPE were reported to the Registry, with onset of symptoms occurring between 1966 and 1976. Histories of measles were available in 42 of these cases. Thirty nine patients with known histories had measles prior to onset of SSPE and 3 had no history of measles illness. Twenty eight (71.7%) of the 39 patients had measles before the age of 2 years. All cases were 1 to 14 years old at the time of onset of SSPE and the mean interval between measles and SSPE was 6.1 years. One of the 3 cases with no history of measles was a recipient of measles killed vaccine, but no case of SSPE was reported among recipients of measles live, attenuated vaccine.

Human colostral macrophages as indicator cells in migration inhibition test

The macrophage inhibition test was carried out using colostral macrophages obtained from PPD sensitive and measles and mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen insensitive woman. The macrophage migration was inhibited by PPD but neither by measles nor by mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen. Human colostral macrophages can be used as indicator cells in migration inhibition tests.

[A case of posterior fossa acute subdural hematoma diagnosed through extravasated contrast media (author's transl)]

The authors report a case of posterior fossa acute subdural hematoma diagnosed preoperatively through extravasted contrast media from the hemispheric branch of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery along a linear fracture across the transverse sinus unto the pyramis. In a review of the literature it is to be noted that in acute cases, nystagmus and cerebellar signs are very rare and patients fall in coma within 24 hours after injury with promptly advancing severe brain stem compression signs in contrast to subacute or chronic cases. Therefore, whenever the diagnosis is suspected, time should not be lost for a burr hole opening and decompressive craniectomy. Vertebral angiography is sometimes very confirmative but it should be done only when time affording.

Atypical subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

An unusual case of panencephalitis in a 4-year-old Japanese boy, with onset at three months after measles infection and rapid progression to a comatose state in approximately one month, is described. A rapid rise in serum measles antibody titre after the onset of the symptoms, and the appearance of various abnormal antibodies in the serum, were noted. Pathologically, the brain showed sclerosing polio- and leucoencephalitis with diffuse gliosis and sporadic intranuclear inclusions. The process is suggested to be intermediate or transitional between acute measles encephalitis and SSPE.

[A case of the lateral ventricular tumor (subependymal glomerate astrocytoma) with preceding Parkinsonian symptoms due to normal pressure hydrocephalus (author's transl)]

Authors report a patient with a subependymal glomerate astrocytoma in the right lateral ventricle. He maifested parkinsonian symptoms and dementia related to the preceding normal pressure hydrocephalus which was proved by an infusion test, and then advanced an akinetic mutism. Soon after a shunting operation was carried out he showed a full recovery from the symptoms, which may suggest that an incomplete block of the ventricular system is one cause of the normal pressure hydrocephalus. From pathology it was revealed that the tumor is an intraventricular astrocytoma with a fibrous stalk and was totally removed with an ease. The findings seem to accord with "Subependymal glomerate astrocytoma" (Boykin.) Further corroboration would be necessary to establish this entity.

Decrease and increase in residual ridges after extraction of teeth in monkeys (part I)

The purpose of this study is to prevent and control the reduction of residual ridges. The subjects used in this study consisted of 19 crab-eating monkeys which were divided into four groups according to the extraction area. These categories are 1U0L group (extracted on M1), 1U5L group (extracted on M1 and M3M2M1P2P1), 0U5L group (extracted on M3M2M1P2P1), and 5U1L group (extracted on M3M2M1P3P1 and M1). Impressions were taken before the extraction. Further impressions were taken at three week, six week, three month, six month, one year, and two year intervals after the extraction in order to observe morphological changes. Casts were made immediately thereafter and the cross-sectional areas of the residual ridges were measured by a standardized method with the aid of a Kubuskraniophor and a diagraph. The measurements taken of the right side, which was operated on, and the left side, which served as the control, were compared in order to observe changes in the form of the edentulous area. The results were as follows: 1) Increase in the Residual Ridge Areas: It is highly significant that the measurements of the M1 section of the 1U5L group and the M1 section of the 5U1L group gradually decreased until the sixth week, and then began to increase until the areas were approximately equivalent to the measurements of the areas before the extraction after a two-year period. This may be due to the fact that along with the elongation of the neighboring teeth, the alveolar bone grew to such an extent that the resorption rate was surpassed. 2) Decrease in the Residual Ridges Areas: With the exception of the above-mentioned sections, almost all of other sections responded in the expected manner, that is, there was a sharp decrease in the areas of these sections. The decrease took place rapidly. Seventy to 80% of the total loss occurring over the two-year period took place in the first three months. After a sharp decline in the initial three-month period, the process continued at a slow pace. This gradual decrease after a short period of rapid decrease typifies the standard pattern of the edentulous resorption process.

[Studies on the cytotoxicity of silver alloys be means of cell culture (author's transl)]

In order to investigate biocompatibility of silver alloys, which is widely used in Japan, L strain cells were brough contact with the alloys. Results were assessed by cell multiplication rate calculated from counting cell nuclei number per milliter of medium and morphological observation. The materials used were two from of silver-tin-zinc alloys, one form of silver-tin-zinc-cadmiumalloy and two forms of silver-copper alloys. Copper-zine alloy, which is reported to be highly cytotoxic, was alsoutilized as a positive control. Following results were obtained: 1) Ingot specimen of these alloys showed cytotoxicity, Silver-tin-zinc alloy, silver-tin-zinc-cadmium alloy and silver-copper alloy containing 10% or less of copper showed intense cytotoxicity initially, with diminishing cytotoxic action with time. On the otherhand, silver-copper alloy containing 20% or more of copper showed persistent cytotoxicity. Copper-zinc alloy showed intense cytotoxicity. 2) Cast specimen of these alloys showed increasing cytotoxicity with time campared to their ingot specimen. The results are seemed to owe much to inclusion of toxic substances from the alloy and investment material or alteration of surface characteristics of the alloys due to casting procedure. 3) Morphological observation did not differ from the results of cell nuclei counting. It is expected that the present results could give a clue on animal experiments or clinical use from the view point of biocompatibility of silver alloys.