Modification of cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney cells with dietary unsaturated fatty acids and regulation of arachidonate cascade reaction

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were modified with dietary unsaturated fatty acids. The effects on the fatty acid composition in each phospholipid class and the formation of prostanoids upon stimulation were studied, from which the specificity of metabolism of individual unsaturated fatty acids and the regulation of arachidonate cascades in the modified cells were discussed. C18 unsaturated fatty acids were preferentially incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC) over phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), but arachidonic acid (20:4(n-6)) derived from gamma-linolenic acid (18:3(n-6)) was much more predominant in PE than PC. The fatty acid level in PE ranged from about 26-28% when the cells were modified with 20:4(n-6) or 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5(n-3)), indicating the limitation of the storage of the eicosapolyenoic acids. The extra amounts appeared to be stored in PC. 18:3(n-6) was comparable to 20:4(n-6) to raise the level of 20:4(n-6) in PE, but not in PC which had half of 20:4(n-6) in PE. The supplementation of linoleic acid (18:2(n-6)). 18:3(n-6), and 20:4(n-6) caused significant increases in the synthesis of prostaglandin (PG)E2 up to almost the same levels when the modified cells were stimulated with 50 nM PMA and 100 nM A23187 for 24h. The cultured cells modified with eicosapolyenoic acids including 20:3(n-6), 20:4(n-6), and 20:5(n-3) were found to be inhibitory for the induction of PGE2 synthetic activity involving de nova synthesis of PG endoperoxide synthase, suggesting negative feedback regulation of the modified cells.

CDNA cloning of p112, the largest regulatory subunit of the human 26s proteasome, and functional analysis of its yeast homologue, sen3p

The 26S proteasome is a large multisubunit protease complex, the largest regulatory subunit of which is a component named p112. Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding human p112 revealed a polypeptide predicted to have 953 amino acid residues and a molecular mass of 105,865. The human p112 gene was mapped to the q37.1-q37.2 region of chromosome 2. Computer analysis showed that p112 has strong similarity to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sen3p, which has been listed in a gene bank as a factor affecting tRNA splicing endonuclease. The SEN3 also was identified in a synthetic lethal screen with the nin1-1 mutant, a temperature-sensitive mutant of NIN1. NIN1 encodes p31, another regulatory subunit of the 26S proteasome, which is necessary for activation of Cdc28p kinase. Disruption of the SEN3 did not affect cell viability, but led to temperature-sensitive growth. The human p112 cDNA suppressed the growth defect at high temperature in a SEN3 disruptant, indicating that p112 is a functional homologue of the yeast Sen3p. Maintenance of SEN3 disruptant cells at the restrictive temperature resulted in a variety of cellular dysfunctions, including defects in proteolysis mediated by the ubiquitin pathway, in the N-end rule system, in the stress response upon cadmium exposure, and in nuclear protein transportation. The functional abnormality induced by SEN3 disruption differs considerably from various phenotypes shown by the nin1-1 mutation, suggesting that these two regulatory subunits of the 26S proteasome play distinct roles in the various processes mediated by the 26S proteasome.

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients receiving hemodialysis

We assessed standard 12-lead and Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. Of 221 outpatients receiving HD, 143 (65%) had ECG abnormalities. Rates were higher in male, elderly, hypertensive, and diabetic patients than in female, younger, normotensive, and nondiabetic patients. The prevalence of ECG changes correlated inversely with HD duration. Serial ECGs were compared in 87 patients whose average HD duration was 7.5 +/- 2.5 years. Thirty-four patients (39%) showed normal ECGs throughout, 27 (31%) relatively stable abnormalities, 22 (25%) worsening, and 4 (5%) reversion to normal. Age, hypertension, and diabetes are factors related to abnormal ECG findings. Among the 142 Holter recordings from 72 patients, 70 (97%) were basically in sinus rhythm, and 2 (3%) were in atrial fibrillation. The average frequency of supraventricular premature contractions (SVPCs) was 1597 +/- 9725 per 24 hours, and that of ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), 556 +/- 1415. VPCs were multifocal in 9%, in runs in 25%, and early in 1%. In 29 (40%) of recordings, VPCs appeared mainly during and for several hours after HD. ST-T changes were seen in 43 (60%). In 11, ST depression occurred during and a few hours after HD. Patients receiving HD showed diverse ECG abnormalities. Holter ECGs revealed a high incidence of arrhythmias and ST-T changes, which frequently appeared in relation to HD timing.

Auto-positive end-expiratory pressure during one-lung ventilation using a double-lumen endobronchial tube

The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible relationships between the magnitude of autopositive end-expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) and measured PaO2 during one-lung ventilation (OLV). Forty-one adults received OLV anesthesia using a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg and a respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min. Auto-PEEP was quantified using an end-expiratory port occlusion method. During two-lung ventilation (2LV), auto-PEEP was observed in 18 of 41 patients and ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 cm H2O. During OLV, auto-PEEP was observed in 34 of 41 patients and ranged from 0.5 to 10 cm H2O. The mean (+/- SD) value of auto-PEEP was significantly higher during OLV than during 2LV (3.2 +/- 3.3 cm H2O versus 0.5 +/- 0.7 cm H2O, P < 0.0001). Auto-PEEP during OLV correlated inversely with preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (y = 12.5 - 0.13x, r = -.05, P < 0.005). During OLV, there was no significant correlation between auto-PEEP and measured PaO2. These findings confirm that many patients do not exhale completely to functional residual capacity during OLV.

Lipid profile of Helicobacter spp.: presence of cholesteryl glucoside as a characteristic feature

The lipid and fatty acid profiles of eight Helicobacter spp. (H. nemestrinae, H. acinonyx, H. canis, Helicobacter sp. strain CLO-3, "H. rappini" [Flexispira rappini], H. pametensis, Helicobacter sp. strain Bird-B, and Helicobacter sp. strain Bird-C) and the fatty acid profiles of five additional species (H. pylori, H. felis, H. muridarum, H. mustelae, and H. fennelliae) were analyzed and compared. A heterologous fatty acid profile was observed among the Helicobacter spp., and on that basis the species could be divided into two groups. Group A had 19-carbon cyclopropane fatty acid (19:0cyc) and tetradecanoic acid (14:0) as the major fatty acids, and group B characteristically lacked the 19:0cyc and had hexadecanoic acid (16:0) and octadecenoic (18:1) acids as the major fatty acids. The species of group A are primarily gastric colonizers, and those of group B are primarily intestinal colonizers. Seven of the eight species studied showed the unusual and characteristic presence of cholesteryl glucosides (CGs), and most of these seven showed a very large amount (9.7 to 27.4% of the weight of total extractable lipid). The types of CGs and their distribution in different species were as follows: cholesteryl-6-O-acyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (cholesteryl-6-O-tetradecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in H. nemestrinae and mainly cholesteryl-6-O-dodecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in "H. rappini"), cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. nemestrinae, H. acinonyx, H. canis, Helicobacter sp. strain CLO-3, and "H. rappini"), and cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. nemestrinae, H. acinonyx, H. canis, and Helicobacter sp. strain CLO-3). Besides this, we could also detect cholesteryl acyl glucoside in H. acinonyx, cholesteryl glucoside in Helicobacter sp. strains Bird-B and -C, and cholesteryl phosphatidyl glucoside in "H. rappini" and Helicobacter sp. strain Bird-C. A selective accumulation of free cholesterol was observed in the neutral lipid fractions. On the basis of the detection of CGs in 11 of the 13 species studied so far, the presence of CGs appears to be a characteristic feature of the genus Helicobacter. In view of this and also because of a simple and rapid detection method described herein, the CGs can be used as a valuable chemotaxonomic marker.

Inhibitory effects of the new anti-platelet agent KBT-3022 and its metabolite on rabbit neutrophil function in vitro

The effects of the new anti-platelet agent KBT-3022, ethyl 2-[4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-thiazol-2-yl]pyrrol-1-ylacetate, and its metabolite desethyl KBT-3022 on rabbit neutrophil function were investigated in comparison with the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), ticlopidine hydrochloride (TP), cilostazol (CIL) and indomethacin (IM). The adhesion and migration of neutrophils induced by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) were inhibited by all the compounds tested, their rank order of potency being KBT-3022 = desethyl KBT-3022 > TP = CIL = IM > ASA. KBT-3022, desethyl KBT-3022, CIL and IM all suppressed fMLP-induced increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neutrophils, their potencies correlating with their inhibitory effects on fMLP-induced adhesion and migration. KBT-3022 (1 microM), desethyl KBT-3022 (1-10 microM) and CIL (10 microM) but not IM significantly inhibited both neutrophil migration and the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by leukotriene B4 (LTB4). KBT-3022 (1 microM) and desethyl KBT-3022 (1 microM) suppressed the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by complement C5a. Although KBT-3022 and desethyl KBT-3022 did not influence [3H]LTB4 and [125I]C5a specific binding, [3H]fMLP specific binding was inhibited by desethyl KBT-3022 (IC50: 1.9 microM). Neutrophil adhesion and superoxide anion production stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were partially inhibited by KBT-3022 (1 microM) and desethyl KBT-3022 (1-10 microM). These results suggest that KBT-3022 and desethyl KBT-3022 have a wider spectrum of action and are more potent inhibitors of neutrophil activation than ASA, TP, CIL and IM.

Community-based education classes for hypertension control. A 1.5-year randomized controlled trial

Community-based hypertension control is important for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In this study, untreated men and women aged 35 to 69 years were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=56) or control (n=55) group in a 1.5-year community-based education program. Subjects had no evidence of hypertensive end-organ defects and had screening blood pressures of 140 to 179 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 to 109 mm Hg diastolic, with no difference in mean blood pressure between groups (148 to 150 mm Hg for mean systolic and 83 to 84 mm Hg for mean diastolic pressures). The intervention group took four education classes in the first 6 months and four classes during the next year, and the control group took two classes. Health education focused on reduced dietary sodium and increased milk intake, brisk walking, and, if necessary, reduction of alcohol and sugar intakes. Antihypertensive medication was started less often in the intervention than in the control group at 1.5 years (9% versus 24%, P <.05). Mean systolic pressure was 5 to 6 mm Hg less in the intervention than in the control group at both 6 months and 1.5 years (P <.05), with or without inclusion of those subjects who began antihypertensive medication. Diastolic pressure and body mass index did not change significantly between groups. Urinary sodium excretion declined in the intervention but not in the control group (differences between groups: P=.04 at 6 months and P=.07 at 1.5 years). According to a behavioral questionnaire, sodium reduction and milk increase were greater in the intervention than the control group (sodium: P <.01 at 6 months and P=.08 at 1.5 years; milk: P <.001 at 6 months and P <.01 at 1.5 years). Mean ethanol intake was reduced in the intervention but not the control group (P=.04 at 1.5 years). This community-based hypertension control program was effective in reducing systolic pressure levels by nonpharmacological means during the first 6 months and maintaining the reduction for 1.5 years.

Apolipoprotein B inhibits the hemolytic activity of asp-hemolysin from Aspergillus fumigatus

We investigated the effect of human blood plasma lipoproteins on the hemolytic activity of Asp-hemolysin. Apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins, such as low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), inhibit the activity of this hemolytic toxin. When Asp-hemolysin (15 mu g) was incubated with 100 mu g LDL (as protein), the hemolytic activity was inhibited by 90%. When 20 mu g apoB was added, the hemolytic activity was almost completely inhibited. Furthermore, similar inhibition was obtained in the filtrates which were separated from the incubation mixture of Asp-hemolysin with LDL or apoB following ultrafiltration through a membrane with a molecular cutoff = 100000. The current findings suggest that the inhibition by LDL is due to apoB binding to Asp-hemolysin.

[Intermittent intra-arterial chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with bladder cancer or prostate cancer using implantable injection pump]

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of intra-arterial chemotherapy using an implantable injection system for the treatment of bladder or prostate cancer.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with bladder cancer and 13 with prostate cancer were treated with intermittent intra-arterial chemotherapy using a totally implantable injection pump. A heparinized catheter was percutaneously fixed through the femoral artery with the tip 2 or 3 cm above the bifurcation of the common iliac artery, and the pump was placed in a subcutaneous pocket.

RESULTS

The total number of infusion sessions for bladder cancer ranged from 4 to 38 times (mean 20.8), and 15 of the 24 patients were injected from 2 to 19 sessions (mean 8.5) as outpatients. The tumor response for 15 patients with newly diagnosis muscle-invasive bladder cancer were 12 patients in CR, 1 in PR, and 2 in NC, and 9 patients with recurrent bladder cancer were 6 patients in CR, 1 in PR, and 2 in NC. The total number of infusions for prostate cancer ranged from 6 to 35 times (mean 20.2), and 10 of the 13 patients were injected from 1 to 11 times (mean 6.3) as outpatients. All 13 patients with prostate cancer were treated with hormone therapy and irradiation, and achieved PR. Complications of this drug delivery system were obstruction of the catheter or pump observed in 7 patients, dislocation of the catheter in 2, and obstruction of right external iliac artery in 1.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that favorable therapeutic efficacies and an improved quality of life for patients can be obtained by intra-arterial chemotherapy using an implantable injection pump.

Effect of KBT-3022, a new cyclooxygenase inhibitor, on experimental brain edema in vitro and in vivo

The effect of KBT-3022 (ethyl 2-[4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazol-2-yl]pyrrol-1-ylacetate), a new cyclooxygenase inhibitor, on experimental brain edema was studied. In vitro, KBT-3022 (100 microM) and its metabolite desethyl KBT-3022 (10 and 100 microM), but neither acetylsalicylic acid nor indomethacin, inhibited arachidonic acid-induced swelling of guinea pig cortical slices. KBT-3022 (3-100 microM) and desethyl KBT-3022 (3-30 microM), but neither acetylsalicylic acid nor indomethacin, inhibited lipid peroxidation in guinea pig brain homogenate. In vivo, oral administration of KBT-3022 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) and indomethacin (10 and 30 mg/kg), but not acetylsalicylic acid, prevented brain edema induced by bilateral carotid occlusion and recirculation in gerbils. Indomethacin then prevented postischemic hyperthermia, but not KBT-3022. KBT-3022 (10 mg/kg) and indomethacin (30 mg/kg) inhibited lactate accumulation in gerbil brain after ischemia and recirculation. These results suggest that KBT-3022 prevents development of both cytotoxic edema in vitro and vasogenic edema in vivo.

The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in the environment of dairy farms

The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in the environment of dairy farms was surveyed from December 1993 to June 1994 in one city of Hokkaido. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 3 out of 5 farms investigated. Serovar 4b organism was isolated from the brain stem of a cow from one farm which was clinically diagnosed as having listeriosis. The same serovar of L. monocytogenes was also isolated from the rectal contents of a healthy cow, straw on the floor, straw in the barn, and silage scattered around the silo from the same farm. At another farm, with no reported cases of bovine listeriosis, serovar 1/2 organism was isolated from the same types of samples as the above mentioned farm except from straw on the floor. The difference in the isolation rates of the organism from straw on the floor between the two farms (22%:5/23 vs 0%:0/24) is considered to be caused by the different feeding methods of silage between the two farms.

[Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and its analogue (buserelin) on aromatase in cultured human granulosa cells]

We studied the direct effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its analogue (buserelin) on aromatase activity and the aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P-450arom) concentration in cultured human granulosa cells which were obtained during oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Aromatase activity was assessed by radioassay with [1beta-3H]androstenedione as the substrate. The P-450arom concentration was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with specific antibodies to P-450arom. Buserelin stimulated aromatase activity and P-450arom at low concentrations (10(-13) - 10(-9)M), but it suppressed these parameters at high concentrations (10(-8) - 10(-7)M). The stimulatory effect increased with time during 12- to 48-h culture and disappeared after 72-h culture. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (100 ng/ml) stimulated aromatase activity and the P-450arom concentration but, FSH stimulation was suppressed by co-administration of low or high concentrations of buserelin. In contrast GnRH suppressed aromatase activity and P-450arom at all concentrations (10(-12) - 10(-6)M). GnRH also suppressed FSH stimulation of aromatase. Aromatase activity was correlated with the P-450arom concentration. These results suggest that in human preovulatory granulosa cells, buserelin and GnRH modulate aromatase activity by changing the P-450arom concentration.

Lymphocyte activation effect of (1-->6)-2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol and it derivatives with 3,4-di-O-methyl and sulfate groups

(1-->6)-2,5-Anhydro-3,4-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol (2a) and (1-->6)-2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (2c) and its sulfated derivative (2d) were synthesized and their biological activities were evaluated in regards to the effects on murine lymphocytes. The polymers showed different effects on the lymphocytes depending on the substituent groups. The sulfated polymer (2d) induced mitogenic activities, and specifically activated the CD4(-)CD8(-) subset of lymphocytes.

Immunohistochemical localisation of aromatase and its correlation with progesterone receptors in ovarian epithelial tumours

Aromatase cytochrome P-450 was immunohistochemically localised exclusively in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells of benign and malignant nonfunctional ovarian tumours, whilst (progesterone receptors (PR) and estrogen receptors) (ER) were localised exclusively inn the nuclei of neoplastic cells. Aromatase activity and PR were detected in 68% (17/25) and 32% of the malignant tumours and 82% (22/27) and 67% of the benign tumours, respectively. In postmenopausal tumours, the positivity for PR in malignant tumours was less frequent (p < 0.01) than that in benign tumours. The tumours in which both aromatase and PR were positive, were less frequent (p < 0.05) in malignant than in benign tumours. Aromatase activity was detected in 100% (8/8) of the PR-positive tumours but in only 68% (9/17) of the PR-negative tumours. With postmenopausal malignant tumours, there was a positive correlation between aromatase activity and PR level (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the positivity of ER. The serum steroid levels did not correlate with the tumour levels of aromatase activity, PR or ER. These findings suggest that aromatase activity is correlated with PR in ovarian tumours of postmenopausal women. In addition to steroid receptor status, aromatase activity may be a useful factor in ovarian cancer.

[Diffuse tracheobronchial amyloidosis with airflow limitation and repeated pneumonias]

A 67-year-old man was first admitted to our hospital complaining of a productive cough, and repeated episodes of pneumonia in different sites. Physical examination revealed expiratory wheezing and airflow limitation wlas documented with lung function tests. A chest X-ray film showed patchy pneumonic infiltrates. Chest computed tomography revealed a marked thickening of the tracheal and bronchial wall with linear calcification. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a diffuse infiltrative process in the tracheobronchial tree, which uniformly reduced the bronchial lumen. Bronchial biopsy specimens showed amyloid deposits with focal calcification, which was confirmed by Congo red and Dylon staining. Extensive examinations including rectal biopsy were negatie for systemic amyloidosis. We suggest that diffuse tracheobronchial amyloidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of repeated pulmonary infections with airflow obstruction.

Quantitative detection of secretory immunoglobulin A to Helicobacter pylori in gastric juice: antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Helicobacter pylori is a major etiologic agent in gastroduodenal disorders. In this study, immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to H. pylori were estimated in serum and gastric juice specimens from patients with gastritis and peptic ulcers using antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ACELISAs). The antibody titers of the ACELISAs are independent of the antibody concentration and reflect the ratio of H. pylori-specific IgA to total IgA. The ratio is stable, although the antibody concentration fluctuates in gastric juice. Using the ACELISAs it was possible to evaluate quantitatively not only serum IgA (SR-IgA) antibodies but also secretory IgA (SC-IgA) antibodies in gastric juice. There were significant differences between the patients and control group in the SR-IgA and SC-IgA ACELISAs. Furthermore, the ACELISAs made it possible to compare between SR-IgA antibodies in serum and SC-IgA antibodies in gastric juice. In all patients, the ratios of H. pylori-specific IgA were higher in gastric juice than in serum. These results suggest that H. pylori SC-IgA antibodies are mainly produced by the local immune response in the gastric mucosa. Our studies indicate that ACELISA is well suited for the analysis of local immune response in mucosa.

Protective effect of KBT-3022, a new cyclooxygenase inhibitor, in cerebral hypoxia and ischemia

The protective effect of KBT-3022 (ethyl 2-[4,5-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazol-2-yl]pyrrol-1-ylacetate) , a new cyclooxygenase inhibitor, in cerebral hypoxia and ischemia was studied and compared with those of indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Oral administration of KBT-3022 (3-100 mg/kg) and indomethacin (3 and 10 mg/kg) significantly prevented KCN-induced death in mice, while ASA (100 mg/kg) had no effect. KBT-3022 (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly prolonged the survival time of mice subjected to normobaric hypoxia, while ASA (100 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect. KBT-3022 (3-30 mg/kg, p.o.) and indomethacin (3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly ameliorated delayed neuronal death in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 sector after occlusion of bilateral carotid arteries for 5 min, while ASA (300 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect. KBT-3022 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited ATP depletion in the gerbil hippocampus after a 1-min occlusion of bilateral carotid arteries, but had no effect on ATP depletion after a 5-min occlusion and the recovery during recirculation. These results show that KBT-3022 exerts protective effects against cerebral anoxia and hypoxia and ameliorates delayed neuronal death in the hippocampus. KBT-3022 may therefore be useful for prophylaxis of ischemic cerebrovascular disorders.

Satisfactory remission achieved by PUVA therapy in a case of crisis-type adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma with generalized cutaneous leukaemic cell infiltration

We used PUVA therapy in a patient with crisis-type adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma and generalized cutaneous leukaemic cell infiltration. PUVA proved very effective in reducing leukaemic cells and in clearing the eruption. To understand the way in which PUVA produced a reduction in the number of leukaemic cells, we examined peripheral blood cells by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy was of little help, but electron microscopy revealed that PUVA induced apoptosis-like changes in circulating leukaemic cells. This suggests that apoptosis-like changes in leukaemic cells might be the reason for the success of this treatment.

[123I-MIBG myocardial SPECT in two patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy]

201T1C1 SPECT and 123I-MIBG SPECT were performed in two patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). Both patients showed normal accumulation of 201T1C1 and no accumulation of 123I-MIBG in the myocardium at the early and delayed images. These results indicate that the patient with FAP-related myocardial change accompanies sympathetic nerve dysfunction. The dysfunction is supposed to be caused by disturbance of re-uptake of MIBG by the terminal ending of the sympathetic nerve (uptake-1) through the amyloid-deposited connective tissue.

Characterization of Streptococcus sanguis isolated from patients with Behçet's disease

The DNA homology and cell wall sugar constituents of eight Streptococcus sanguis(-like) strains, three isolated from the patients with Behçet's disease (BD114-23, BD113-20, BD118-1), two from patients with Kawasaki disease (MCLS-1, MCLS-2), and three type and reference strains of ATCC (ATCC10556T: S. sanguis, ATCC10557: S. oralis, and ATCC10558T: S. gordonii) were analyzed. Strains BD114-23 and BD118-1 showed high DNA homology to ATCC10556T, and their cell wall constituents were identical. Conversely, BD113-20, MCLS-1, MCLS-2, and ATCC10557 showed little DNA homology to ATCC10556T and ATCC10558T, but showed approximately 50 to 60% homology to each other. The cell wall constituents of BD113-20, MCLS-1, MCLS-2, and ATCC10557, however, were somewhat different, indicating that some of the clinical isolates have different characters from those of the three ATCC strains.

Effect of KBT-3022, a new diphenylthiazole derivative, on platelet functions

The effects of KBT-3022 and its metabolite desethyl KBT-3022 on platelet aggregation were determined in rat, guinea-pig, rabbit and human platelets in-vitro and ex-vivo. KBT-3022 and desethyl KBT-3022 inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid and collagen in-vitro more potently than aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, platelet-activating factor or thrombin, as well as by acetylsalicylic acid, and their effects were approximately 100 times more potent than those of acetylsalicylic acid. Desethyl KBT-3022, but not KBT-3022 or acetylsalicylic acid, inhibited thrombin-induced aggregation and 5-hydroxytryptamine release from platelets more potently than ticlopidine hydrochloride at higher concentrations. Oral administration of KBT-3022 inhibited both arachidonic acid- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation and reduced platelet retention in a glass-bead column approx. 100 times more potently than acetylsalicylic acid. KBT-3022 showed little or no anti-inflammatory effect on either ultraviolet-induced erythema or arachidonic acid induced ear oedema, and had lower gastro-ulcerogenicity than acetylsalicylic acid. These results suggest that KBT-3022 is a potent inhibitor of platelet activation with weak side-effects.

Unique cholesteryl glucosides in Helicobacter pylori: composition and structural analysis

A chloroform-methanol-extracted lipid of Helicobacter pylori was studied. Three kinds of glycolipids, accounting for about 25% (wt/wt) of the total lipid, were detected and identified to be cholesteryl glucosides. The structures of two of them were determined to be cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside and cholesteryl-6-O-tetrade-canoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, and the plausible structure of the third one was identified as cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside. Cholesteryl glucosides are very rare in animals and bacteria. Furthermore, those in H. pylori had an alpha-glycosidic linkage, which is rather unusual for natural glycosides, and a phosphate-linked cholesteryl glycoside like the cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside has not been reported previously. As the cholesterol glucosides were detected in strains obtained from diverse geographical locations, the presence of cholesteryl glucosides in H. pylori is a very unique and a characteristic feature of the species. These findings add a new facet to the physiology and biochemistry, especially the cholesterol and glucose metabolism, of H. pylori. Furthermore, the cholesteryl glucosides of H. pylori showed hemolytic activities.

Steryl glycosides: a characteristic feature of the Helicobacter spp.?

The lipids of different species of Helicobacter (H.felis, H. muridarum, H. mustelae, H. fennelliae, and H. cinaedi) were studied. Different types of cholesteryl glucosides were found in all of the species studied except H. cinaedi. The total amount of cholesteryl glucosides varied from 14.8% of total lipids in H. mustelae to 33.1% of total lipids in H. felis. The different types of cholesteryl glucosides and their species distribution are cholesteryl-6-O-acyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (cholesteryl-6-O-tetradecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in H. felis and cholesteryl-6-O-dodecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in H. muridarum), cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. felis, H. muridarum, H. mustelae, and H. fennelliae), and cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. fennelliae). The neutral lipid fractions showed a high percentage of cholesterol, with selective accumulation of free cholesterol. The study thus shows that the characteristic presence of steryl glycosides in Helicobacter spp. may be an important chemotaxonomic marker for many of the species, and the helicobacters show a selective accumulation of free cholesterol from the media.