Production and characterization of rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against a murine monoclonal anti-B. abortus antibody

The protective anti-beta abortus monoclonal antibody ISS/32 (Ab1) was used as an immunogen to induce anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) in rabbits. The purpose was to produce and characterize anti-idiotypic antibodies that share conformational similarity with the corresponding bacterial epitope recognized by Ab1. The rabbit anti-IdAb so induced was isolated and affinity-purified. Its specificity for the paratope of Ab1 was determined by evaluating its ability to compete with B. abortus for binding to Ab1 in a competitive ELISA assay. The anti-idiotypic ISS/32 antibodies were able to compete with B. abortus for binding to Ab1 in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, the data indicated that the rabbit anti-Id ISS/32 antibodies reacted with or near the antigen-binding site of Ab1.

CD8+ cell activation to a major mastocytoma rejection antigen, P815AB: requirement for tum- or helper peptides in priming for skin test reactivity to a P815AB-related peptide

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, mediated by CD8+ cells and detected by skin test assay, occur in sensitized mice in response to challenge with class I-restricted antigenic peptides of mutagenized (tum-) P815 mastocytoma cells. In contrast, a nonapeptide related to a tumor rejection antigen, P815AB, failed in this study to elicit DTH after sensitization of mice with irradiated tumor cells or adoptive transfer of P815AB-pulsed dendritic cells. Unresponsiveness, however, could be overcome by immunization with tumor cells co-expressing P815AB and tum- antigens. When used for cell pulsing in vitro, a mixture of P815AB and tum- peptides was also highly effective in inducing anti-P815AB reactivity, as was the combined use of P815AB and class II-restricted peptides of tetanus toxin or Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite protein. While the effector phase of the CD8+ cell-mediated DTH to P815AB was unaffected by the ablation of CD4+ cells, the same treatment, or neutralization of IFN-gamma, negated the induction of reactivity if it occurred at the time of sensitization. Thus, defective activation of CD4+ cells may contribute to the poor immunogenicity of P815AB. Besides providing an insight into the mechanisms of anti-tumor protection induced by tum- cells, these data offer useful information for the design of vaccination strategies against identified tumor antigens.

Excitatory synaptic potentials dependent on metabotropic glutamate receptor activation in guinea-pig hippocampal pyramidal cells

1. Intracellular and extracellular recordings of CA1 and CA3 neurones were performed in guinea-pig hippocampal slices to examine synaptic activities dependent on metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). 2. Long burst activities were elicited by 4-aminopyridine in the presence of ionotropic glutamate receptor and GABAA receptor blockers (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione and 3-(RS-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid, and picrotoxin). Long bursts were also elicited by alpha-dendrotoxin. 3. Long bursts consisted of a 5-25 s depolarization with overriding action potentials and occurred rhythmically at intervals ranging from 1 to 20 min. Long bursts were generated in a population of CA3 neurones and the synchronized output elicited long bursts in CA1 cells. Depolarizing potentials underlying long bursts in CA1 cells had a reversal potential of -14.8 +/- 5.1 mV. 4. Long burst-associated depolarizations in CA1 neurones were suppressed by local application of L-(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3) and of the phenylglycine derivatives (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine ((+)-MCPG), S-4-carboxyphenylglycine (S-4CPG) and S-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (S-4C3HPG). (-)-MCPG or atropine application did not affect the long burst-associated depolarization. 5. Bath perfusion of (+)-MCPG (0.5 mM), S-4CPG (0.5 mM), S-4C3HPG (0.5 mM) or L-AP3 (1 mM) blocked the occurrence of long bursts. 6. The results suggest that the long burst-associated depolarizations are synaptic potentials dependent on mGluR activation. Activation of mGluRs may also be involved in the generation of synchronized long bursts in the CA3 region.

Fine structure of the interstitial nucleus of Cajal of the cat

The interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) is a mesencephalic nucleus considered to be an important premotor centre for eliciting vertical and rotatory eye and head movements. An ultrastructural analysis was carried out on the cat INC to elucidate the structure of the neurons and neuropil and, in particular, to examine the organisation of the synaptic relationships. The neuronal population is formed by a substratum of small and medium-sized neurons and by a limited number of larger neurons scattered throughout the nucleus. The small and medium-sized neurons display ultrastructural features similar to those shown by the cells of the central reticular formation. The larger neurons differ from those of the rest of the INC both in dimensions of their somata and in certain cytological characteristics (e.g. a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum). Synaptic boutons are scarce at the level of the nerve somata and very abundant in the neuropil, thus indicating the latter as the main target field for the afferent inputs to the INC. Again the larger neurons are exceptions as their cell surface is extensively invested with axon endings. It is suggested that the larger neurons should be considered as a distinct cell population within the nucleus. On the basis of a morphometric analysis carried out on the synapses it is possible that in the INC, at the level of the somatic synapses, a mainly inhibitory role may be exerted, whereas in the neuropil it is possible that there is also excitatory control and modulation.

Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), soluble receptors for TNF (55- and 75-kDa sTNFr), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) in epithelial ovarian cancer

The preoperative serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), soluble receptors for TNF (55- and 75-kDa sTNFr), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) were retrospectively measured in 66 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and in 59 patients with benign ovarian masses. The preoperative serum TNF and sCD14 levels were higher in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer than in those with benign ovarian disease (P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Among patients with advanced malignancy, preoperative serum TNF and sCD14 correlated with neither the common prognostic variables nor the clinical outcome of patients. The preoperative serum 55- and 75-kDa sTNFr levels were higher in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer than in those with benign ovarian disease (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Among patients with advanced malignancy, preoperative serum 55- and 75-kDa sTNFr correlated with FIGO stage (IV vs III, P = 0.008 and P = 0.01, respectively) and with the clinical outcome of patients. Among patients followed after surgery and chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, 55- and 75-kDa sTNFr levels were significantly higher in the samples drawn from patients with clinical evidence of disease when compared to those from patients without clinical evidence of disease; conversely, TNF and sCD14 levels were similar in the two groups. In conclusion, the preoperative serum levels of TNF, 55- and 75-kDa sTNFr, and sCD14 were significantly higher in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer than in those with benign ovarian disease. The measurement of serum TNF and sCD14 seemed to be of limited clinical value for the management of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Conversely, the assay of serum 55- and 75-kDa sTNFr might have a potential clinical relevance, for both prognostic purposes and assessment of disease status.

Doppler analysis of uterine blood flow changes in spontaneous and medically induced menopause

The aim of this study was to compare the uterine blood flow variations induced by chemical castration and spontaneous menopause. Thirty infertile patients were studied in the early follicular phase (day 5-7) and then treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a). On day 25 from GnRH-a injection, the suppressive effect was checked. The values obtained were compared with those found in 18 postmenopausal women (menopause < 5 years). All the subjects underwent transvaginal ultrasonography, Doppler analysis of uterine arteries, hormonal assay and evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters. In all infertile patients, the GnRH-a suppressive effect was shown at the 25th day from the injection. Endometrium thickness decreased from 0.6 +/- 0.1 mm to 0.3 +/- 0.1 mm (p < 0.05) and the pulsatility index increased from 2.52 +/- 0.31 to 3.02 +/- 0.25 (p < 0.05). The plasma estradiol level fell from 48.2 +/- 4.4 pg/ml to 13.6 +/- 7.9 pg/ml (p < 0.05). No other hormonal and biochemical parameters were significantly modified by GnRH-a. In postmenopausal women, the values of the studied parameters were similar to those found in the infertile GnRH-a-suppressed patients. These data show that GnRH-a induces vascular modifications similar to those induced by early post-menopause and that both are probably exclusively related to hypoestrogenism.

Multiple point mutations in an endogenous retroviral gene confer high immunogenicity on a drug-treated murine tumor

Exposure in vivo of murine L5178Y lymphoma cells to cytoreductive triazene derivatives leads to the generation of immunogenic variant lines expressing new transplantation Ags recognized by CTL. In one such clonal variant (clone D), at least one subset of T cell neoepitopes are provided by proteins previously shown by serology to be products of endogenous retroviral env sequences. We report here on characterization of PCR-amplified gp70 env genes in clone D. Relative to known gp70 sequences in parental cells and in current databases, one gp70 sequence presented four distinct nucleotide changes, two of which were apparently unique to clone D DNA and cDNA upon differential hybridization analysis. Transfection experiments with the entire gp70 gene or subgenic fragments encompassing a single putative mutation showed that products of the mutated env gene or fragments may confer immunogenicity in vivo and susceptibility in vitro to lysis by clone D-primed, H-2Kd- or H-2Ld-restricted CTL. By skin test assay of mice primed with either clone D or three mutated synthetic peptides, evidence was obtained that amino acid substitutions at the relevant positions of the gp70 protein may produce immunogenic T cell epitopes and that these epitopes are expressed in vivo by clone D. These data point to the role of mutated retroviral tumor peptides as rejection Ags in histocompatible hosts.

Multiple point mutations in an endogenous retroviral gene confer high immunogenicity on a drug-treated murine tumor

Exposure in vivo of murine L5178Y lymphoma cells to cytoreductive triazene derivatives leads to the generation of immunogenic variant lines expressing new transplantation Ags recognized by CTL. In one such clonal variant (clone D), at least one subset of T cell neoepitopes are provided by proteins previously shown by serology to be products of endogenous retroviral env sequences. We report here on characterization of PCR-amplified gp70 env genes in clone D. Relative to known gp70 sequences in parental cells and in current databases, one gp70 sequence presented four distinct nucleotide changes, two of which were apparently unique to clone D DNA and cDNA upon differential hybridization analysis. Transfection experiments with the entire gp70 gene or subgenic fragments encompassing a single putative mutation showed that products of the mutated env gene or fragments may confer immunogenicity in vivo and susceptibility in vitro to lysis by clone D-primed, H-2Kd- or H-2Ld-restricted CTL. By skin test assay of mice primed with either clone D or three mutated synthetic peptides, evidence was obtained that amino acid substitutions at the relevant positions of the gp70 protein may produce immunogenic T cell epitopes and that these epitopes are expressed in vivo by clone D. These data point to the role of mutated retroviral tumor peptides as rejection Ags in histocompatible hosts.

Altered tissue degradation and distribution of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and its relationship with clinical severity of the disease and sodium handling

BACKGROUND

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been suggested to play an important role in heart failure, preserving cardiorenal homeostasis through maintenance of the sodium balance and inhibition of the detrimental effects of the neurohormonal vasoconstrictor system. The current study was designed to investigate whether there is a disturbed renewal and distribution of ANP in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) with differing clinical severity of disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used a tracer method to perform a cross-sectional study of 15 IDC patients with differing clinical severity (New York Heart Association functional class I to III), prospectively divided into two groups according to their functional class (group 1, classes I and II; group 2, classes II-III and III). Eleven normotensive, nonobese male volunteers also were studied as a control group. Main ANP kinetic parameters were derived from the disappearance curve of the labeled hormone after the bolus injection of [125I]-labeled ANP. A high-performance liquid chromatography technique was used to separate the radiolabeled hormone in each plasma sample. Patients in group 1 showed higher ANP metabolic clearance rate (MCR) (2731.9 +/- 726.2 mL.min-1.m-2) than patients of group 2 (1718.4 +/- 621.2 mL.min-1.m-2) and control subjects (1873.1 +/- 551.2 mL.min-1.m-2). ANP disposal (MCR) positively correlated with biological hormonal effect (urinary sodium excretion) both in control subjects and in patients. In IDC patients of both groups, however, MCR values were always higher (approximately doubled) than the values found in control subjects at the corresponding sodium excretion. This finding indicates that a reduced ANP biological activity is associated with hormone degradation in patients. Moreover, patients of group 2 showed significantly higher ANP production rates (395.6 +/- 183.8 ng.min-1.m-2) than group 1 (166.0 +/- 139.0 ng.min-1.m-2) and control subjects (130.7 +/- 105.4 ng.min-1.m-2) despite a marked reduction in sodium excretion. Patients with IDC showed a progressive reduction in the total distribution volume (group 1, 19.8 +/- 5.8 L/m2; group 2, 12.7 +/- 6.9 L/m2; control subjects, 27.0 +/- 11.6 L/m2) of the hormone; this probably was due to a reduction in exchanges of ANP with peripheral tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates a markedly altered degradation and distribution of ANP in patients with IDC, even in those at the early stage of clinical disease (classes I and II, group 1) who have ANP plasma levels in the normal range.

Annexin II2-p11(2) (calpactin I) stimulates the assembly of GFAP in a calcium- and pH-dependent manner

Annexin II2-p11(2) (calpactin I) was tested as a potential regulator of GFAP assembly into glial filaments (GF), following the observation that it interacts with GFAP and cosediments with GF in a sedimentation assay. Under conditions where GFAP assembly is reduced, e.g., at pH values > 6.8, annexin II2-p11(2) stimulates GF formation in a Ca(2+)- and dose-dependent manner. Concomitantly, an ever larger fraction of annexin II2-p11(2) can be recovered in GF pellets as the pH is raised from 6.8 to 7.35. Monomeric annexin II also stimulates GFAP assembly, although with a smaller efficacy as compared to annexin II2-p11(2), but does not cosediment with GF to a large extent, whereas p11 neither cosediments with GF nor affects GFAP assembly. On the other hand, the in vitro reconstituted annexin II2-p11(2) heterotetramer mimics native annexin II2-p11(2), and perturbation of the integrity of annexin II2-p11(2) by a mild treatment with alpha-chymotrypsin results in the nearly complete abolition of the stimulatory effect of annexin II2-p11(2) on GFAP assembly. These data suggest that annexin II2-p11(2) might be involved in the regulation of the state of assembly of GF, possibly in concert with other proteins.

S-100 protein and annexin II2-p11(2) (calpactin I) act in concert to regulate the state of assembly of GFAP intermediate filaments

S-100 protein and annexin II2-p11(2) were reported to inhibit and to stimulate the assembly of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively, in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Here we show by a number of experimental approaches that S-100 protein contrasts all the effects of annexin II2-p11(2) on GFAP assembly and, conversely, that annexin II2-p11(2) contrasts the inhibitory effects of S-100 protein on GFAP assembly, in a dose-dependent manner in both cases. Altogether, these data suggest that two specific Ca2+ effectors, i.e., annexin II2-p11(2) and S-100 protein, might regulate the state of assembly of glial filaments in a concerted manner.

Enkephalin in the caudal PAG of rat: an immunocytochemical electron microscopic study

Enkephalins are opioid peptides which elicit an analgesic effect when injected into the periaqueductal gray matter and in particular into its caudal part. In this study we wanted to investigate the fine structure of the neurons and of the synaptic circuits involved in the enkephalin action in rats using immunocytochemical pre-embedding methods. The labelled neurons show a small-medium sized soma, with a large nucleus, an absence of an extensive granular endoplasmic reticulum and few synaptic contacts. The synapses on enkephalin dendrites are often multiple, unlabelled and show both symmetrical and asymmetrical junctions. Enkephalin axon terminals make synaptic contacts on dendrites, usually unlabelled; contacts between enkephalin elements were occasionally seen. The enkephalin synapses show a symmetrical type of junction. These data give morphological support to the physiological findings, in particular to those suggesting an inhibitory effect of enkephalin on periaqueductal gray matter cells through a post-synaptic process. The findings are discussed with respect to pain modulation taking into consideration the enkephalin synaptic complex in intrinsic circuits and the possible ending of enkephalin axons on the projective neurons of the periaqueductal gray matter.

Inhibition of Photosystem 2 primary photochemistry by photogenerated protons

Photosystem 2 photochemical efficiency, measured as the rate of Qa reduction, was observed to be inhibited by preillumination with single turnover flashes, whilst Fo and Fm were not affected. Such inhibition was reversed by the uncoupler nigericin or by incubating the thylakoids in the dark for ca. 2 min after the preillumination. The presence of ATP in micromolar concentrations increased the time of dark recovery from the inhibition. The inhibition of fluorescence rise was not changed when 70% of the excitation energy available in the antenna was quenched by dinitrobenzene. Quantitative analysis of the observed fluorescence induction indicates that this phenomenon is due to the inhibition of the photochemical reaction itself. Uncouplers such NH4Cl were unable to reverse the inhibition and only a few flashes of saturating intensity (10 or less) were required for the onset of it. This suggests that protons localised in domains rather than a pH gradient between the thylakoid lumen bulk solution and the external one are involved in this regulation of PS 2 efficiency.

A cluster analysis of the neurons of the rat interpeduncular nucleus

The morphometric characteristics of the neurons of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) in the rat were investigated by cluster analysis in order to identify neuronal groups which are morphometrically homogeneous, and to define their position and density in the IPN subnuclei. Two clusters of cells were detected. Cluster 1 neurons had a larger perikaryal size with a mean cross-sectional area of 170 microns2 and a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. They were located mainly in the pars dorsalis (37%) and pars medialis (34%) rather than in the pars lateralis (29%). Cluster 1 neurons were also more frequent at the rostral (31%) and caudal (57%) poles than in the central part of the IPN. Cluster 2 cells showed a smaller mean perikaryal area (110 microns2), a small nucleus and abundant cytoplasm. They were equally distributed throughout the whole IPN. These findings suggest the existence of a magnocellular region at the rostral pole of the IPN which has not been described previously. The presence of IPN regions endowed with specific cytoarchitectural characteristics is discussed with respect to the complex neurochemical organisation of the nucleus.

Antiherpesvirus Activity of the Combination of 5-iodo-2′-deoxycytidine with methotrexate: Anin vitroandin vivoStudy

We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity of the deoxyribonucleoside analogue 5-iodo-2′-deoxycytidine (IDC) combined with the dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor methotrexate (MTX) on herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2). The IDC-MTX combination synergistically inhibited HSV-1 and HSV-2 replication in vitro at concentrations that did not reduce cellular viability and was very effective in reducing the severity of cutaneous lesions in the experimental guinea pig model in vivo. The antiviral activity of the IDC-MTX combination in guinea pigs was also compared with that of acyclovir and was demonstrated to be higher.

Kinetic study of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: evidence for resistance to biologic effects of the hormone even in patients with mild myocardial involvement

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) kinetics was studied in 12 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy at different sodium excretion (30-175 mmol/day) and variable degrees of hemodynamic dysfunction [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class range I-III] to investigate whether differences in renewal and distribution of this hormone (as compared with those of a control group) play a role in pathogenesis and evolution of heart failure. [125I]Labeled ANP was injected as a bolus, and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure was used to purify the labeled hormone in venous plasma samples collected for < or = 50 min after injection; the main ANP kinetic parameters were then derived from the disappearance curve of the labeled hormone. As in controls, a positive linear regression between ANP metabolic clearance rate (MCR, ml/min/m2) values and daily urinary excretion of sodium (NaUE, mmol/day) was noted in patients. The different linear regression coefficients between normal subjects (MCR = 365 +/- 8.08 NaUE, r = 0.986, p < 0.0001) and patients (MCR = 497 + 18.5 NaUE, r = 0.867, p = 0.001) indicate that in patients a higher peptide clearance rate is needed to obtain the same biologic effect (sodium excretion) and suggest that resistance to biologic effects of the hormone exists in patients at an early stage of disease (NYHA class I). When the efficiency of the ANP system in excreting sodium was expressed as the ratio of NaUE to ANP production rate (PR = MCR x ANP plasma concentration, microgram/day/m2) patients showed significantly lower values (p = 0.0126) than normal volunteers, thus confirming resistance to the hormone effects. Significantly lower values for ANP total distribution volume (16.5 +/- 8.4 L/m2), mean residence time in the sampling space (4.04 +/- 1.14 min), mean residence time in the body (7.25 +/- 2.13 min), and fewer recycles through the initial (sampling) space (0.27 +/- 0.16) were noted in patients, indicating an altered mechanism regulating distribution of the hormone. The positive correlations between ANP MCR (L/min/m2) values and cardiac index (CI, L/min/m2) (MCR = -1.24 + 1.17 CI, r = 0.689, p = 0.0092) and between initial distribution volume (IDV, L/m2) and CI (IDV = -11.2 + 6.85 CI, r = 0.730, p = 0.0046) in all patients indicate that hemodynamic factors contribute to the progressive reduction in MCR and IDV values throughout the progression of myocardial involvement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanism of S100 protein-dependent inhibition of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) polymerization

S100 protein, a subfamily of Ca(2+)-binding proteins of the EF-hand type, was recently shown to bind to and to inhibit the polymerization of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the intermediate filament component of astroglial cells, in the presence of micromolar levels of Ca2+ (J. Biol. Chem. 268, 12669-12674). By a sedimentation assay and viscometry we show here that S100 protein interferes with the very early steps of GFAP polymerization (nucleation) and with the GFAP polymer growth, thereby retarding the onset of GFAP assembly, reducing the rate and the extent of GFAP assembly, and increasing the critical concentration of GFAP assembly. Moreover, S100 protein disassembles preformed glial filaments. All the above effects can be explained by sequestration of soluble GFAP by S100 protein, as also indicated by the stoichiometry of S100 protein binding to GFAP and of S100 protein effects on GFAP assembly. Our data suggest that S100 protein might serve the function of avoiding excess GFAP polymerization and might participate in remodeling of glial filaments following elevation of the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. Also, our data lend support to the notion that intermediate filaments are dynamic cytoskeleton structures that assemble and disassemble, and to the existence of cytoplasmic factors implicated in the regulation of the state of assembly of intermediate filaments.

Calpactin I binds to the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cosediments with glial filaments in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner: implications for concerted regulatory effects of calpactin I and S100 protein on glial filaments

Calpactin I, a heterotetrameric, cytoskeletal protein complex composed of two copies of annexin II cross-linked by two copies of p11, an S100-like protein, binds to the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cosediments with glial filaments (GF) in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, apparently without affecting GFAP polymerization under the present experimental conditions. Cosedimentation of calpactin I with GF, which occurs at micromolar free Ca2+ concentrations, is proportional to the concentrations of both calpactin I and GFAP and does not occur under conditions where GFAP assembly is maximally inhibited by, e.g., S100 protein. Annexin II also cosediments with GF and binds to GFAP, although to much smaller extents. Other annexins, such as annexins I, V, and VI, or p11 do not bind to either GF or GFAP. Calpactin I and S100 protein bind to different sites on GFAP, as investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy using acrylodan-labeled GFAP. Calpactin I and S100 protein might act, in the presence of Ca2+, in a concerted manner to determine the number and topography of GF in differentiating and/or mature glial cells.

[Gastric carcinoma. Our experience]

This study analysed 66 cases of gastric cancer from 1985 to 1992. Twenty-seven patients (41%) has been treated with anti-H2 drug, either medical care or Jerkily "a la demande": 12 patients have been treated several years. Of the 66 patients: 52 (89%) were operated on while the other 16 received medical treatment because of the extension disease and their precarious condition. Long-term 35 (67%) patients (of the 52 operated) died four years later, independently of the stage and PKT of the first and the second level. The 27 patients treated with anti-H2 drug showed the most undifferentiated grading and 88% belong to the third and the fourth stage; moreover 81% underwent first diagnostic endoscopy notwithstanding a clinical and surgical history of gastric ulcer. Is it possible, therefore, that anti-H2 drug delay the diagnosis.

Defective activity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in peripheral nerve of diabetic rats is independent of the axonal transport of the enzyme

This study addressed the question as to whether the reduced activity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase reported to occur in diabetic nerves and to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy could be due to derangements in the axonal transport of the enzyme. A micromethod was developed to evaluate the ATPase accumulation in individual segments of ligated sciatic nerves from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results confirmed a approximately 40% decrease in the background activity, but showed that the enzyme was transported at similar rates in both anterograde and retrograde directions, suggesting that the decrease in its activity does not depend on an altered delivery along the axons.