Endothelin-1-(1-31), a novel vasoactive peptide, increases [Ca2+]i in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

We have previously found that human chymase cleaves big endothelins at the Tyr31-Gly32 bond and produces 31-amino acid long endothelins-(1-31), without any further degradation products. In this study, we investigated the effect of synthetic endothelin-1-(1-31) on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Endothelin-1-(1-31) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-14) to 10(-10) M). This endothelin-1-(1-31)-induced [Ca2+]i increase was not affected by phosphoramidon (N-(alpha-Rhamnopyranosyloxyhydroxyphosphinyl)-L-Leucyl-L-Tryptoph an), an inhibitor of endothelin-converting enzyme. It was, however, inhibited by 10(-10) M BQ123 (Cyclo-(-D-Trp-D-Asp(ONa)-Pro-D-Val-Leu-)), an endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist, but not by 10(-10) M BQ788 (N-cis-2,6-dimethylpiperidinocarbonyl-L-yMeLeu-D-Trp(COOM e)-D-Nle-ONa), an endothelin ET(B) receptor antagonist. These results suggest that endothelin-1-(1-31) by itself exhibits vasoactive properties probably through endothelin ET(A) receptors. Since human chymase has been reported to play a role in atherosclerosis, endothelin-1-(1-31) may be one of the candidate substances for its cause.

Effects of steroid and lipopolysaccharide on spontaneous resorption of herniated intervertebral discs. An experimental study in the rabbit

STUDY DESIGN

Histologic examination was performed on autografted intervertebral disc materials of rabbit models, which were partially incised through a retroperitoneal approach at L1-L2 and grafted within the posterior epidural space at L4.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the resorption process of the herniated intervertebral disc is influenced and controlled by treatments with medications.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Regarding resorption of herniated intervertebral discs, recent studies of magnetic resonance images and histologic investigations of surgically resected specimens in lumber disc herniation patients have been reported. It has been shown that inflammatory factors may play an important role in the mechanism of resorption of the herniated intervertebral disc. However, little is known about the origin of newly formed vessels and inflammatory cells detected in herniated disc specimens from patients. In this study, The resorption process of disc material grafted into the epidural space was observed in a rabbit model.

METHODS

Thirty-six adult rabbits were used. The L1-L2 intervertebral disc was partially incised through a retroperitoneal approach. The harvested disc material, which contains the nucleus pulposus and the anulus fibrosus were placed into the posterior epidural space at L4 of the same rabbit. The animals were divided into control, and steroid groups. The control group received no treatment after surgery. In the lipopolysaccharide group, rabbits were injected 1 mg/kg into the peritoneum immediately and at 7 days after surgery. In the steroid group, rabbits were injected with 1 mg/kg betamethasone into the epidural space daily from 1 to 7 days after surgery. Rabbits of each group were killed for histologic examination at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

At 1 and 2 weeks after surgery, inflammatory cells and newly formed vessels were more frequently observed in the lipopolysaccharide group than in the control and steroid groups. At 4 weeks after surgery, derangement and loosening of collagen fibers were also observed in the lipopolysaccharide group. At 8 weeks after surgery, fragmentation and partial disappearance of matrix were observed in the control and lipopolysaccharide groups. Most of the intervertebral discs were replaced by fibrous tissues in the lipopolysaccharide group. However, the matrix of the intervertebral disc almost remained.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous intervertebral disc material grafted into the epidural space was penetrated by newly formed vessels produced from the epidural fat tissue and resolved as the result of inflammatory reaction. Lipopolysaccharide accelerated the replacement of grafted intervertebral disc by fibrous tissue, which suggests the resorption of the disc in the epidural space of the rabbit, whereas high-dose steroid suppressed the replacement.

High seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with systemic sclerosis: association with esophageal involvement

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and clinical relevance of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 124 patients with SSc (67 with limited cutaneous SSc, 57 with diffuse cutaneous SSc). Fifty samples from age and sex matched individuals were used as controls. IgG antibodies to H. pylori infection were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

IgG antibodies to H. pylori were found in 55.6% (69 of 124) of the patients with SSc, significantly more than in the controls. There was a significant correlation of the presence of antibodies to H. pylori with the prevalence of esophageal hypomotility in the patients with SSc (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SSc have H. pylori infection at a higher prevalence than the general population. H. pylori might play a role in the development of esophageal dysfunction in SSc.

[Breast cancer with liver metastasis responsive to docetaxel: case report]

A 59-year-old female underwent mastectomy for right breast cancer in November 1992. She received tamoxifen and anthracycline-containing chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy. In and after September 1994, she developed loco-regional recurrences five times in total, each of which was treated with surgery and conventional combination chemotherapy. In April 1997, she developed liver metastasis, which was refractory to biochemical modulation therapy (low-dose cisplatin + 5-FU). We, therefore, treated her six times with docetaxel 80 mg, which resulted in partial response of the liver metastasis and brought about a marked decrease in serum CA15-3 levels. Adverse effects of docetaxel were grade 3 alopecia and leucocytopenia. She has been well without re-growth of the liver metastasis for over five months.

Effect of angiotensin II on Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes: possible involvement of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger

In the present study, we examined the effect of angiotensin II on Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. Angiotensin II stimulated the efflux of 45Ca2+ from the cells in a concentration-dependent manner, at least in pharmacological doses of 10(-8) M to 10(-5) M. The 45Ca2+ efflux was inhibited by the type 1 angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan, but not by the type 2 antagonist PD 123319. Angiotensin II also induced an increase in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and inositol trisphosphate formation within the cardiomyocytes. Angiotensin II-induced 45Ca2+ efflux and the increase in [Ca2+]i were both inhibited by thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump. The 45Ca2+ efflux was not affected by removal of the extracellular Ca2+ but was dependent on the presence of extracellular Na+. In addition, angiotensin II caused 22Na+ influx into the cells. These results indicate that angiotensin II stimulates Na+-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, probably through its stimulatory effect on the plasma membrane type 1 angiotensin II receptors. Angiotensin II-induced increase in [Ca2+]i may cause an activation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange which finally results in the stimulation of 45Ca2+ efflux from the cells. Since it is reported that Na+/Ca2+ exchange is important in calcium homeostasis within the cells, angiotensin II may play some role in the reduction of intracellular Ca2+ from isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes.

Extracellulary administered lysophosphatidylcholine causes Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes

It has previously been reported that ischemia and reperfusion of the heart cause accumulation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) within the myocardium. While it is known that LPC causes the transient increase of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during contraction of cardiac cells, little is known about the mechanism for decreasing [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes during LPC accumulation. Since cumulative elevation in [Ca2+]i leads to irreversible injury to cardiomyocytes, elevated [Ca2+]i must be restored to an unstimulated level to maintain cell functions. In the present study, we therefore examined the effect of LPC on Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. LPC stimulated the efflux of 45Ca2+ from the cells in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-7)M-10(-5)M). Other lysophospholipids, which are generated from phospholipids of the cell membrane, failed to induce 45Ca2+ efflux from the cells. Dilazep and K-7259, which are known to inhibit the increase in [Ca2+]i caused by LPC, likewise reduced 45Ca2+ efflux caused by LPC addition. Furthermore, the LPC-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux was not affected by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was dependent on the presence of extracellular Na+. On the other hand, inhibitors of Na+/Ca2+ exchange, amiloride and 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride, inhibited LPC induced 45Ca2+ efflux. These results suggest that LPC stimulates extracellular Na(+)-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, probably through Na+/Ca2+ exchange on the plasma membrane of the cells.

Free vascularized fibular graft in the treatment of Salmonella typhi osteomyelitis of the distal radius

The authors report a rare case of Salmonella typhi osteomyelitis involving the distal radius. The patient was treated successfully by wide resection and reconstruction of the distal radius with a vascularized fibular transfer. Local recurrence of infection did not occur. The free vascularized fibular graft is an effective procedure for the treatment of osteomyelitis of the distal radius.

Atrial natriuretic peptide stimulates Na+-dependent Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes

In the present study, we examined the effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. Rat ANP(1-28) stimulated the efflux of 45Ca2+ from the cells in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-8) M to 10(-6) M). The 45Ca2+ efflux was not affected by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was dependent on the presence of extracellular Na+. In addition, rat ANP(1-28) caused 22Na+ influx into the cells. The 45Ca2+ efflux was also stimulated by C-type natriuretic peptide-22 (CNP-22), but not by rat brain natriuretic peptide-45 (BNP-45). It was also observed that both rat ANP(1-28) and CNP-22 stimulated guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production within the cells. These results indicate that ANP stimulates Na+-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, probably through Na+/Ca2+ exchange, and that the stimulatory effect of ANP on Ca2+ efflux may be mediated via the natriuretic peptide receptor which has been shown to couple to guanylate cyclase. Since it is reported that Na+/Ca2+ exchange is important in calcium homeostasis within cells, ANP may play a role in the extrusion of intracellular Ca2+ from isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes.

Neuropeptide Y as a stimulator of Na+ -dependent Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes

Several physiological stimuli cause a rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cardiomyocytes. This increased [Ca2+]i must be restored to physiological resting level to ensure response to further stimuli. In the present study, we examined the effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is secreted from certain adrenergic or nonadrenergic neurons, on Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated, quiescent adult rat cardiomyocytes. The isolated cardiomyocytes were preloaded with 45CaCl2 for 1 h. Then, the fractional release of 45Ca2+ from the cells was measured. NPY stimulated the efflux of 45Ca2+ from isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-8) M to 10(-6) M). NPY (10(-6) M)-induced Ca2+ efflux was 2.0 +/- 0.16% of the total cellular content. The 45Ca2+ efflux from the cells was also stimulated by Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]NPY, but not by Y2 receptor agonist, NPY13-36. The effect of NPY was inhibited by a peptide NPY inhibitor, NPY18-36 and a non-peptide NPY inhibitor, benextramine to a similar extent. From these results, it is conceivable that the effect of NPY on Ca2+ efflux from cardiomyocytes is mediated through Y1 receptors. It was also observed that NPY caused a rise in [Ca2+]i to almost 150 nM. NPY-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux was not affected by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was dependent on the presence of extracellular Na+. Moreover, NPY caused a 22Na+ influx into the cells of about 1.6-fold over the basal value which was inhibited by amiloride and 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride, known Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitors. In addition, isoproterenol also caused 45Ca2+ efflux from the cells and which was enhanced by the addition of NPY. These results suggest that NPY stimulates extracellular Na+-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, probably through its stimulatory effect on plasma membrane Y1 receptors with which NPY may couple during Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Distribution of anti-p80-coilin autoantibody in collagen diseases and various skin diseases

Anti-p80-coilin antibody produces a unique pattern of immunofluorescence staining called nuclear dots characterized by the presence of up to six discrete nuclear bodies in interphase cell nuclei. The distribution of this antibody and its clinical relevance have not been established. We studied the prevalence of anti-p80-coilin antibody in the sera from 810 patients with collagen diseases and various skin diseases. Five sera showed the nuclear dot pattern by indirect immunofluorescence on an HEp-2 cell substrate, and reacted by immunoblotting with 80-kDa protein in a nuclear extract from HeLa cells. Four of these sera were from patients with localized scleroderma, and the other was from a patient with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. The patients with localized scleroderma who were positive for anti-p80-coilin antibody had all been classified as having linear scleroderma. They had only one or two lesions, and were negative for antihistone and anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies. Our data indicate that anti-p80-coilin antibody is uncommon in skin diseases: however, this antibody is present in patients with a milder form of linear scleroderma, although the incidence of positivity may not be high.

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate induces Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes: possible involvement of Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanism

In the present study, we examined the effect of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. ATP at 1 mM caused a release of 3.6+/-0.08% of the total cellular content. The 45Ca2+ efflux from the cells was also stimulated by adenosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP-gamma s), alpha, beta-methylene-ATP and adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), but not by adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) or adenosine. The effect of ATP was inhibited by a known purinergic P2-receptor antagonist, but not by a P1-receptor antagonist. From these results, it is conceivable that the effect of ATP on Ca2+ efflux from cardiomyocytes is mediated through P2-purinoceptors. It was also observed that ATP caused a rise in [Ca2+]i to almost 200 nM. The ATP-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux was not affected by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was dependent on the presence of extracellular Na+. Moreover, ATP caused a 22Na+ influx into the cells of about 2.0-fold over the basal value. These result suggest that ATP stimulates extracellular Na+-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux from freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, probably through its stimulatory effect on plasma membrane P2-purinoceptors which may couple to Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Experimental study on external tibial rotation of the knee

Using biplanar roentgenographic photogrammetry, we investigated posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee joint both before and after sectioning of posterolateral structures, the posterior cruciate ligament, and the lateral collateral ligament. Fifteen fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used. Compared with the intact state, sectioning of the posterior cruciate ligament alone did not increase the amount of external tibial rotation, but the axis of external tibial rotation shifted when the anterolateral bundle of the posterior cruciate ligament was cut. When the posterior cruciate ligament was cut after sectioning of the posterolateral structures and the lateral collateral ligament, external tibial rotation increased and the axis of external rotation shifted. The results demonstrated that sectioning of the anterolateral bundle of the posterior cruciate ligament is associated with a change in the location of the axis of tibial rotation. Therefore an isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury can alter the kinematics of the knee joint by changing the axis of external tibial rotation. The present results also demonstrate that the posterior cruciate ligament serves as a kind of secondary restraint to posterolateral rotatory instability in knees with injured posterolateral structures. Helical motion analysis using biplanar roentgenographic photogrammetry is a useful method for evaluating knee kinematics.

Prevalence and clinical relevance of 52-kDa and 60-kDa Ro/SS-A autoantibodies in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of 52-Kda and 60-Kda Ro/SS-A autoantibodies in serum samples from Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Serum samples from 263 Japanese patients with SSc were examined by double immunodiffusion and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

By double immunodiffusion, 29 serum samples from patients with SSc were found to possess anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies. By ELISA, 31 serum samples were positive for anti-Ro52 and/or anti-Ro60. Of 27 serum samples that were positive by both methods, 15 reacted with both Ro52 and Ro60, five with Ro52 alone, and seven with Ro60 alone. Eleven of 12 patients with both anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 and all five patients with anti-Ro52 alone had Sjögren's syndrome, while only one of six patients with anti-Ro60 alone had this disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-Ro52 may be a serological marker for the presence of Sjögren's syndrome in anti-Ro/SS-A-positive patients with SSc.

X-ray characteristics of wrists in calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease. Is pseudogout a major cause of scapholunate advanced collapse?

Deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals has been considered to be a cause of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist. The aim of this study was to look at X-ray changes in wrist joints affected by CPPD crystal deposition disease and to determine whether crystal deposition is a cause of SLAC wrist. A total of 150 wrists of 78 patients with CPPD crystal deposition disease were examined. In our population of Japanese patients with CPPD crystal deposition disease, the incidence of SLAC wrist was very low, and no case of Stage III SLAC wrist was found. We therefore conclude that SLAC wrist is not a radiographic characteristic of CPPD crystal deposition disease and that pyrophosphate crystal deposition cannot be a major cause of SLAC wrist.

[Similarities in calcium and magnesium metabolism between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and calcification of the spinal cord in the Kii Peninsula ALS focus]

Current epidemiological surveys in the Western Pacific area and Kii Peninsula have suggested that low calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and high aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) in river, soil and drinking water may be implicated in the pathogenetic process of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism-dementia (PD). The condition of unbalanced minerals was experimentally mimicked in this study using rats. Male Wistar rats, weighing 200 g, were maintained for 90 days on the following diets: (A) standard diet, (B) low Ca diet, (C) low Ca-Mg diet, (D) low Ca-Mg diet with high Al. In the groups maintained on unbalanced mineral diets, calcium and magnesium contents of the bones were lower than those fed with standard diet. On the other hand, Ca content of CNS showed higher values in the unbalanced diet groups (especially in spinal cord of the low Ca-Mg plus high Al diet group) than those in the standard diet group. This was determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) at Research Reactor Institute, Kyoto University. Also, Ca content in soft tissues of rats given unbalanced mineral diets was higher than those on standard diet. Mg content of soft tissues and spinal cord of rats was markedly lower in the low Ca-Mg plus high Al diet group than the other three groups as determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP). Six Kii cases with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also showed higher Ca and lower Mg contents in the CNS tissues than those of neurologically normal controls. As of today, calcification of the spinal ligaments (CSL) has been reported in only 120 cases in the world and 28 cases of CSL in the Kii Peninsula have been found in the same foci as ALS. We analyzed Mg content of 7 spinal bones and 10 ligaments of the CSL and Ca content of 5 spinal bones compared with controls. The CSL showed lower values of Mg contents in bones and ligaments compared to controls. The Ca content in bones of CSL was significantly lower than that of controls. These results suggest that the environmental factor may contribute to the pathogenesis of CSL due to low Ca and Mg intake as well as for ALS.

Pharmacological profile of a novel synthetic inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase

Pharmacological properties of NK-104 ((+)-monocalcium bis¿(3R,5S,6E)-7-[2-cyclopropyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-quinolyl++ +]-3,5-dihydroxy-6- heptenoate¿, CAS 147526-32-7), a novel synthetic inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, were investigated. The kinetic study, using rat liver microsomal HMG-CoA reductase, revealed that NK-104 is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase with a Ki of 1.7 nmol/l. To examine the inhibitory effect on sterol synthesis in vivo, de novo synthesis of sterols from [14C]acetate 3 h after oral administration of NK-104 was measured in rats. NK-104 showed marked inhibition in liver (ED50 0.13 mg/kg) and in ileum (ED50 0.20 mg/kg), but much weaker in the other tissues. The inhibitory effect of NK-104 on liver sterol synthesis lasted over 6 h, while that of pravastatin and simvastatin disappeared 6 h after administration of the drugs twice the ED50s. Due to induction of HMG-CoA reductase, initial suppression of hepatic sterol synthesis by pravastatin and simvastatin was compensated, and the cumulative change in hepatic sterol synthesis during 12 h after drug administration was remarkably negative only with long-acting NK-104. Hypolipidemic effects of NK-104 (0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg p.o. for 2 weeks) were examined in beagle dogs. NK-104 reduced plasma total cholesterol dose-dependently (13.1, 18.5 and 20.2% at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg, respectively), and also plasma triglycerides by 0.1 mg/kg or more. Pravastatin (1 and 3 mg/kg) and simvastatin (3 mg/kg) lowered plasma total cholesterol (14.0, 15.4 and 17.4%, respectively), but did not significantly affect plasma triglyceride levels. These results indicate that NK-104 is a potent, liver-selective, long-acting HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor with a high cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering potency.

Effect of evodiamine on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medulla

The effect of evodiamine on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medulla was investigated. Evodiamine, a bioactive component isolated from dry unripened fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham, was found to stimulate the secretion of catecholamine from perfused bovine adrenal medulla at a concentration of 10 microM and its effect persisted for at least 30 min. This stimulatory effect of evodiamine was abolished by omission of Ca2+ from the perfusion fluid. Evodiamine (0.1-10 microM) markedly enhanced the secretion of catecholamine from the adrenal medulla induced by acetylcholine (100 microM or high K+(56 mM). The secretion of catecholamine was promptly enhanced by acetylcholine or high K+, but returned to the control level on treatment for 20 min. However, when evodiamine was added to the perfusion fluid after acetylcholine or high K+ stimulation for 10 min, the secretion of catecholamine again increased greatly. These results indicate that evodiamine not only stimulated the secretion of catecholamine from bovine adrenal medulla but also reversed insensitivity of these cells to acetylcholine or high K+ stimulation.

Detection of 14q32.33 translocation and t(11;14) in interphase nuclei of chronic B-cell leukemia/lymphomas by in situ hybridization

Abnormalities of chromosome 14 involving band q32.33 are among the most commonly observed cytogenetic alterations in B-cell malignancies. To assess the incidence and pathogenetic implications of 14q32.33 translocation in chronic B-cell leukemia/lymphomas, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with variable region (V(H)) and gamma constant region (Cgamma) gene probes in 37 patients with these disorders. Chromosome 14q32.33 translocation was detected in 2 of 18 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 1 of 2 with CLL of mixed cell types (CLL/PL), 1 of 2 with pro-lymphocytic leukemia (PLL), 5 of 6 with leukemic mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), 2 of 7 with splenic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma of possible marginal zone origin (SBLL) and 2 with leukemic follicular lymphoma (FL). To further characterize 14q32.33 translocations in these patients, we developed a new procedure using double-color FISH with PRAD1, BCL2, V(H) and Cgamma gene probes. Chromosome t(11;14) was detected in 1 patient with CLL/PL, 1 with PLL and 5 with MCL. Chromosome t(14;18) was detected in 2 patients with FL. In a PLL patient with t(11;14), the cosmid CPP29 containing the PRAD1 gene and its 5'-flanking region split and co-localized with both Cgamma and V(H) gene probes, thus spanning the breakpoint. In CLL and SBLL patients, donor chromosomes were other than chromosomes 2, 11, 18 and 19, suggesting the involvement of a novel oncogene(s) in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Interphase FISH rapidly detected 14q32.33 translocation, t(11;14) and t(14;18) in B-cell malignancies with low mitotic activity at the single-cell level, facilitating the correlation of the molecular features of these translocations with clinical characteristics.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the human p27Kip1 gene promoter

p27Kip1 is an inhibitor of multiple cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk), and can arrest the cell-cycle progression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene family products. Tumor formation in p27Kip1 knockout mice clearly shows that p27Kip1 plays an important role in inhibiting tumor formation and progression. To investigate the mechanism of transcriptional p27Kip1 gene expression, we isolated the genomic DNA fragment of the 5' flanking region of the human p27Kip1 gene and characterized its promoter region. The human p27Kip1 promoter is TATA-less, and the sequence is highly homologous to the murine p27Kip1 promoter sequence. In the promoter assay, deletion from -774 to -435 relative to the initiating codon resulted in a 15-20-fold reduction of the p27Kip1 promoter activity, suggesting that the elements for basal promoter activity exist in this highly conserved 340 bp region, where putative CTF and ATF sites are conserved.

Detection of 14q32.33 translocation and t(11;14) in interphase nuclei of chronic B-cell leukemia/lymphomas by in situ hybridization

Abnormalities of chromosome 14 involving band q32.33 are among the most commonly observed cytogenetic alterations in B-cell malignancies. To assess the incidence and pathogenetic implications of 14q32.33 translocation in chronic B-cell leukemia/lymphomas, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with variable region (V(H)) and gamma constant region (Cgamma) gene probes in 37 patients with these disorders. Chromosome 14q32.33 translocation was detected in 2 of 18 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 1 of 2 with CLL of mixed cell types (CLL/PL), 1 of 2 with pro-lymphocytic leukemia (PLL), 5 of 6 with leukemic mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), 2 of 7 with splenic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma of possible marginal zone origin (SBLL) and 2 with leukemic follicular lymphoma (FL). To further characterize 14q32.33 translocations in these patients, we developed a new procedure using double-color FISH with PRAD1, BCL2, V(H) and Cgamma gene probes. Chromosome t(11;14) was detected in 1 patient with CLL/PL, 1 with PLL and 5 with MCL. Chromosome t(14;18) was detected in 2 patients with FL. In a PLL patient with t(11;14), the cosmid CPP29 containing the PRAD1 gene and its 5'-flanking region split and co-localized with both Cgamma and V(H) gene probes, thus spanning the breakpoint. In CLL and SBLL patients, donor chromosomes were other than chromosomes 2, 11, 18 and 19, suggesting the involvement of a novel oncogene(s) in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Interphase FISH rapidly detected 14q32.33 translocation, t(11;14) and t(14;18) in B-cell malignancies with low mitotic activity at the single-cell level, facilitating the correlation of the molecular features of these translocations with clinical characteristics.

Morphological and biochemical evidence of muscle hyperplasia following weight-lifting exercise in rats

We used a rat model of weight lifting to examine the serial biochemical and morphological changes following muscle fiber hyperplasia during 14 days of exercise. [3H]thymidine and [14C]leucine labeling were used to determine the serial changes in cellular mitotic activity and the level of amino acid uptake and myosin synthesis. Morphological changes were assessed with light and transmission electron microscopy, whereas proliferation of cells was evaluated immunohistochemically with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). The intensity of the exercise and degree of muscle damage were monitored by serum creatine kinase (CK) activity. Damaged fibers were sparsely distributed, and a significant CK leakage was observed 30-60 min after exercise. Anti-BrdU-positive cells were observed in damaged fibers and at the periphery of undamaged fibers. Changes typical of muscle regeneration were observed; however, the formation of new fibers in the interstitial space was also evident. The mitotic activity also changed and reflected the appearance of anti-BrdU-positive cells and activated satellite cells. Amino acid uptake increased during the first week of exercise, probably reflecting muscle hypertrophy and synthesis of other noncontractile related proteins. The uptake also increased during the second week, probably due to hyperplasia, a finding also supported by electron microscopy. Our results suggest that one bout of weight-lifting exercise in untrained rats induced muscle hyperplasia following regeneration. The process of muscle hyperplasia was activated by muscle fiber damage in our model.

Subcutaneous extensor tendon rupture associated with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease of the wrist

We report a patient with rupture of the ring extensor tendon associated with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease of the wrist. Crystal deposits were noted in synovium and the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Histological examination revealed chronic synovitis with foreign body giant cell reaction to crystals. The cause of the tendon rupture was synovitis due to crystal deposition.