Sex identification of old skeletal remains by DNA analysis: the report of three cases

We analyzed the DNA in the remains of three skeletons affected by severe post-mortem modification to identify the sex of the cases. We analyzed DNA extracted from bone, bone marrow and a tooth by Southern blot hybridization with Y chromosome specific probe and PCR to amplify the sex chromosome specific sequence. The first case had been preserved underground in a deep grave for two months, the second case was found in a forest after more than five years, and the last case had been kept in a styrofoam box for few years. The detective sensitivity of Southern hybridization improved to nearly the same level as PCR with the aid of computed image processing. Although PCR was of obvious benefit when analyzing small amounts of biological evidence, amplification was impossible in case the target sequence became lost or changed. As a result, we identify the sexes of the three cases by Southern blot hybridization or PCR using bone, bone marrow and tooth DNA. The old skeletal remains were suitable for sex identification in spite of severe post-mortem change, due to preservation in a condition protected from external influences.

Conditioned media of glial cell lines induce alkaline phosphatase activity in cultured artery endothelial cells. Identification of interleukin-6 as an induction factor

Conditioned media of human glial cell lines induced alkaline phosphatase activity in cultured calf artery endothelial cells. The maximal alkaline phosphatase activity in the culture was comparable to the level in isolated brain capillary endothelial cells. An induction factor in the conditioned media was purified and identified as interleukin-6 from its amino-terminal sequence, molecular weight, amino acid composition and immunoreactivity. Recombinant interleukin-6 had similar induction activity. Our findings raise the possibility that interleukin-6 induces and modulates alkaline phosphatase activity in endothelial cells during normal development of the blood-brain barrier and under certain pathological conditions.

[Clinicopathological features of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT): four cases report]

We reported four cases of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) with intractable complex partial seizures, and analyzed their clinical and pathological features. The age of patients ranged from four to nineteen years old. Three were boys and one was a girl. The age of seizure onset ranged from eight months to five years. They did not have any neurological deficits. In all cases, CT scan revealed a low density mass in the temporal lobe. Two cases demonstrated calcifications, and another two cysts. The mass demonstrated low signal intensity in T-1 weighted MR images with mild contrast enhancement by Gd-DTPA. Long-term video-EEG monitoring revealed the epileptogenic focus in the temporal lobe on the side of the mass lesion. Anterior temporal lobectomy with total removal of the tumor was carried out in all cases. Hippocampectomy was performed in three cases in which intraoperative electrocorticogram demonstrated spike discharges in the hippocampus. In the surgical specimens, the tumor consisted of increased astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and some neurons. A cortical nodule appeared in one case, and cortical dysplasia appeared in two cases. It was difficult to distinguish the tumor of case 3 from ganglioglioma because of mild neuronal atypia. The tumor of case 4 demonstrated increased capillary vessels and was also difficult to differentiate from vascular anomalies. The pathological diagnosis of DNT was still difficult. Consequently, we speculated that DNT included some transitional types between congenital anomalies and ganglioglioma.

Functional and morphological abnormalities of mitochondria in human cells containing mitochondrial DNA with pathogenic point mutations in tRNA genes

mtDNA with a point mutation in the tRNA(Ile) gene at nucleotide position 4269 found in a patient with fatal cardiomyopathy and mtDNA with a point mutation in the tRNA(Arg) gene at 10410 found in a patient with Alpers disease were transferred cytoplasmically to rho zero HeLa cells (HeLa cells lacking mtDNA) to determine whether these novel mtDNA mutations in the tRNA genes are responsible for the defects in mitochondrial respiration function observed in these diseases. Cybrid clones (clones of rho zero HeLa cells with mtDNA from the patients) were isolated, and respiratory function and morphology of the mitochondria of the cybrid clones containing wild-type mtDNA and mutant mtDNA predominantly were compared. The results showed that accumulation of mutant mtDNA at 4269 alone without defects in the nuclear genome was sufficient to produce a disease phenotype, while mutant mtDNA at 10410 was not related to pathogenesis and reflected one of the rare polymorphic sites of human mtDNA. Moreover, we found that mitochondria in living cells were significantly swollen only when they contained predominantly the pathogenic mutant mtDNA, suggesting that the functional abnormality of mitochondria induced by pathogenic mtDNA mutations in tRNA genes is always associated with their swollen structure.

Mechanism of tracheoesophageal shunt phonation

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the phonatory mechanism of tracheoesophageal shunt speech after total laryngectomy, we examined the dynamics and origin of neoglottis in tracheoesophageal shunt speakers.

DESIGN

We conducted the videofluoroscopic, strobofiberscopic, and electromyographic studies of the pharyngoesophageal segment in tracheoesophageal shunt photonation.

SETTING

Academic referral medical center.

PATIENTS

Twenty-five tracheoesophageal shunt speakers were examined.

RESULTS

Videofluorescopic and fiberscopic examinations showed two bulges in the pharyngeoesophageal segment. The upper bulge was revealed to be the sound source of tracheoesophageal shunt speech by the stroboscopic examination; anteroposterior and undulating regular movements were observed. Electromyographic study elucidated the contribution of muscle contraction to the two bulges; the upper bulge is formed by the thyropharyngeal muscle, whereas the lower bulge corresponds to the cricopharyngeal muscle.

CONCLUSION

The neoglottis was considered to be formed by the stenotic portion due to thyropharyngeal muscle contraction and mucosal vibration due to expiratory airflow. This new understanding of the phonatory mechanism will be indispensable in the treatment of cases with failing shunt speech.

Nested amplification of COL2A1 3' variable region in skeletal remains

We identified skeletal remains of a highly decomposed body by amplifying the COL2A1 3' variable region. We extracted degraded and contaminated DNA from teeth and bone fragments and amplified the hyper variable regions of COL2A1 by nested PCR. This method is 2,000 times more sensitive than the 27 cycle standard PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the amplification was extremely improved using nested primer pairs. Using 47 cycles of total amplification by nested PCR, we were able to effectively amplify the target fragment. A total 47 cycles of dual PCR using one pair of primers was not as sensitive as nested PCR, which enabled us to amplify and detect the fragment from 5 pg of template DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide staining. We found that the hypersensitive nested PCR was suitable for the forensic identification of old, unidentifiable skeletal remains.

[Changes in plasma interleukin 6 in a surgical case of left atrial myxoma]

It was recently described that the cardiac myxoma produced Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a kind of cytokines, and the constitutional signs in patients with cardiac myxoma were due to the IL-6 production. We measured the values of plasma IL-6 concentration before and after surgical therapy. It was decreased from 7.2 pg/ml to less than 4.0 pg/ml two months after surgical removal of the myxoma. It is recommended that the measurement of IL-6 is useful for screening of cardiac myxoma and postoperative follow-up.

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects on KRN2391 in spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. In conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the oral administration of KRN2391 (0.1-3.0 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure. The antihypertensive effect of KRN2391 was about 2 and 20 times more potent than those of pinacidil and nifedipine, respectively, but about 2 times less potent than that of cromakalim. 2. During oral administration of KRN2391 (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) once daily for 5 weeks, its antihypertensive effect did not diminish in conscious SHR. 3. In anaesthetized SHR, KRN2391 (3-100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced a decrease in blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Its antihypertensive effect was antagonized by glibenclamide (20 mg/kg, i.v.). 4. In isolated aorta obtained from SHR, KRN2391 (0.01-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation. Its concentration-relaxation curve was shifted to the right by glibenclamide (1 microM) and methylene blue (3 microM). 5. These results indicate that the antihypertensive effect of KRN2391 in SHR is due to its direct action on vascular smooth muscle based on a K+ channel opening action and a nitrate action. In addition, KRN2391 is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into blood and does not induce tolerance despite possessing some nitrate action.

Restriction endonuclease analysis of virulence plasmids for molecular epidemiology of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections

Restriction endonuclease analysis of virulence plasmid DNA was used to study the epidemiology of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections. The origin of Y. pseudotuberculosis could be divided into two focus areas: Eastern Asia and Europe. Wild animals were an important reservoir for the Y. pseudotuberculosis seen in infections in humans.

Krabbe disease: isolation and characterization of a full-length cDNA for human galactocerebrosidase

Human galactocerebrosidase, the enzyme deficient in Krabbe disease, was purified, through several hydrophobic column steps and gel filtration, 22,650-fold from human lymphocytes. Using information on its N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences, and the polymerase chain reaction method, we cloned a full-length cDNA for the enzyme. The deduced amino acid sequence matched all amino acid sequences determined. The 3780 nucleotide sequence included 2007 nucleotides which encoded a single chain peptide of 669 amino acid residues with a 26 amino acid N-terminal signal peptide and six potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites. The galactocerebrosidase cDNA detected an about 4 kb mRNA band material in human cultured skin fibroblasts. A nonsense mutation was found at codon 369 (GAA-->TAA) in the coding sequence of cDNA amplified from cultured skin fibroblast mRNA from a patient with typical Krabbe disease.

Differential vasodilator properties of KRN2391, cromakalim, nitroglycerin and nifedipine in rabbit isolated femoral artery and vein

1. The selectivity for artery and vein of KRN2391, cromakalim, nitroglycerin and nifedipine was examined in isolated femoral artery and vein preparations of the rabbit. 2. All drugs produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in both femoral artery and vein. 3. Nitroglycerin was more potent in femoral vein than in femoral artery at all concentrations. The EC50 value obtained in the vein was about 14 times smaller than that obtained in artery. 4. Cromakalim and nifedipine were almost equipotent on both vascular preparations. Cromakalim at the highest concentration (10(-5) M) produced 88 and 78% relaxation in femoral artery and vein, respectively. The maximum relaxation induced by nifedipine (10(-6) M) was less than 50% in both preparations. 5. KRN2391 was active at a lower concentration in the vein than in the artery and its maximum relaxation at 10(-5) M was about 90% in both preparations. 6. Glibenclamide (10(-6) M) inhibited the vasorelaxation caused by KRN2391 in both artery and vein. Methylene blue (10(-5) M) also inhibited the relaxant action of KRN2391 but this action was slight in the artery. 7. These results suggest that KRN2391 and nitroglycerin are more potent in the vein than in the artery and cromakalim and nifedipine are equipotent in both. It is considered that the relaxation induced by low concentrations of KRN2391 reflects predominantly its action as a nitrate and that at high concentrations it acts as a K+ channel opener in addition to its nitrate action. The different vascular selectivities of these drugs are thought to relate to the differences in their mechanisms of action in vascular smooth muscle.

Antiplatelet therapy following cardiac valve replacement-a comparative study of aspirin and ticlopidine

The antiplatelet agents, aspirin and ticlopidine, are widely used to prevent thromboembolism following cardiac valve replacement. To compare the clinical effects of each platelet inhibitor, a daily dose of ticlopidine 300 mg was given to 50 patients who underwent aortic valve or mitral valve replacement with an average age of 56.9 years over a mean 52.6 months after surgery. 50 more patients with an average age of 50.2 years were given a daily dose of aspirin 81 mg over a mean 51.3 months after surgery. Warfarin was given to maintain thrombotest values at 10 to 25% (PT-INR at 1.6-3.0). The incidence of thromboembolism was low in both groups; 1.0/100 patient years in the ticlopidine group and 1.9 in the aspirin group. Hemorrhagic complications, hematuria and ecchymosis, showed an incidence of 2.9 in the ticlopidine group and 2.3 in the aspirin group. Slight increases in GOT and GTP were observed in 4 and 18% of cases and elevated total cholesterol and neutral fat in 2 and 18% of cases. No adverse reactions were reported. With the exception of a significant decrease in ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients who took ticlopidine, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups.

Selective isolation from HeLa cell lines of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli

Using HeLa cell lines, we obtained an optimal and selective isolation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli from samples such as pork, feces and river water heavily contaminated with other bacteria.

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding an unrecognized component of amyloid in Alzheimer disease

A neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) is a widespread amyloid deposition. We analyzed the entire amino acid sequences in an amyloid preparation and found, in addition to the major beta/A4-protein (A beta) fragment, two unknown peptides. We raised antibodies against synthetic peptides using subsequences of these peptides. These antibodies immunostained amyloid in neuritic and diffuse plaques as well as vascular amyloid. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that the immunostaining was localized on amyloid fibrils. We have isolated an apparently full-length cDNA encoding a 140-amino-acid protein within which two previously unreported amyloid sequences are encoded in tandem in the most hydrophobic domain. We tentatively named this 35-amino acid peptide NAC (non-A beta component of AD amyloid) and its precursor NACP. NAC is the second component, after A beta, identified chemically in the purified AD amyloid preparation. Secondary structure predictions indicate that the NAC peptide sequence has a strong tendency to form beta-structures consistent with its association with amyloid. NACP is detected as a M(r) 19,000 protein in the cytosolic fraction of brain homogenates and comigrates on immunoblots with NACP synthesized in Escherichia coli from NACP cDNA. NACP mRNA is expressed principally in brain but is also expressed in low concentrations in all tissues examined except in liver, suggesting its ubiquitous and brain-specific functions. The availability of the cDNA encoding full-length NACP should help to elucidate the mechanisms of amyloidosis in AD.

Effect of KRN2391, a novel vasodilator, on endothelin-1-induced contraction of porcine coronary artery: comparison with cromakalim, nitroglycerin and nifedipine

The relaxant effects of KRN2391 (K channel opener and nitrate-like), cromakalim (K channel opener), nitroglycerin (nitrate-like) and nifedipine (Ca channel blocker) were investigated in porcine isolated coronary arteries contracted by endothelin-1 and KCl. KRN2391, nitroglycerin and cromakalim concentration-dependently inhibited the 10(-8) M endothelin-1-induced contraction, but less potently inhibited the 40 mM KCl-induced contraction. Nifedipine concentration-dependently inhibited the 40 mM KCl-induced contraction more strongly than the 10(-8) M endothelin-1-induced contraction. KRN2391 and nitroglycerin produced a complete relaxation of arteries contracted by endothelin-1 at its maximum effect. Cromakalim and nifedipine, both at 3 x 10(-5) M, produced 83.9% and 73.3% of the complete relaxation of the endothelin-1-induced contraction, respectively. In the 40 mM KCl-induced contraction, nifedipine produced a complete relaxation, but KRN2391, cromakalim and nitroglycerin, all at 3 x 10(-5) M, produced a relaxation of 62.7%, 27.1% and 79.4%, respectively. The combination of cromakalim and nitroglycerin relaxed the 10(-8) M endothelin-1- and 40 mM KCl-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. The relaxant effect of this combination was greater against the endothelin-1-induced contraction than against the 40 mM KCl-induced contraction. The maximum relaxation of the combination of cromakalim (3 x 10(-5) M) and nitroglycerin (3 x 10(-6) M) was complete for the endothelin-1-induced contraction but a relaxation of 77.8% was obtained for the 40 mM KCl-induced contraction, i.e. the relaxant effects using this combination were greater than those by cromakalim (3 x 10(-5) M) alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro and in vivo K channel-opening effects of Ki3315, a metabolite of the novel vasodilator KRN2391

The vasodilating potencies and mechanism of action of KRN2391 [N-cyano-N'-(2-nitroxyethyl)-3-pyridinecarboximidamide monomethanesulfonate] and its metabolite Ki3315 [N-cyano-N'-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-pyridinecarboximidamide] were investigated in rat isolated aortae and in pithed rats. In experiments using rat isolated aortae, Ki3315 (10(-5)-3 x 10(-4) M) and KRN2391 (10(-8)-10(-4) M) produced concentration-dependent relaxations. However, the vasodilating potency of Ki3315 was about 1000-fold lower than that of KRN2391. The relaxant effect of KRN2391 was antagonized by both methylene blue and glibenclamide, whereas that of Ki3315 was only antagonized by glibenclamide. In experiments using pithed rats, cumulative administration of Ki3315 (0.3-30 mg/kg, i.v.) and KRN2391 (3-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent decrease of diastolic blood pressure. The vasodepressor effect of Ki3315 was weaker than that of KRN2391. In rats given glibenclamide (20 mg/kg, i.v.), the vasodepressor curves for Ki3315 and KRN2391 were shifted to the right. The ED50mmHg values increased about 5-fold for KRN2391 and 8.2-fold for Ki3315 in glibenclamide-treated rats. These results suggest that Ki3315 and KRN2391 show vasorelaxant effects in vitro and in vivo, but in this respect Ki3315 is weaker than KRN2391. These effects of Ki3315 are predominantly due to a K channel-opening action, while those of KRN2391 involve a nitrate action in addition to a K channel-opening action.

Mechanism of action of KRN2391 in canine coronary vascular bed

The present studies were performed to clarify the mechanism of action of KRN2391 in various sizes of canine coronary artery. We used the responses of isolated large and small coronary arteries and the changes in coronary blood flow (CBF) as indicators reflecting the responses of conductive arteries and resistive arterioles, respectively. In isolated small coronary artery, the effect of KRN2391 (10(-8)-10(-5) M) was antagonized by either methylene blue or glibenclamide. In isolated large coronary artery, the vasorelaxant effect of KRN2391 (10(-8)-10(-5) M) and nicorandil (10(-7)-10(-4) M) were antagonized by methylene blue (10(-5) M) but not by glibenclamide (10(-6) M). The relaxant effect of cromakalim was antagonized by glibenclamide but not by methylene blue in isolated large coronary artery. Intracoronary arterial injection of KRN2391, nicorandil or cromakalim produced an increase in CBF dose-dependently. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, i.v.) attenuated the increase in CBF caused by KRN2391, nicorandil and cromakalim. ED20, the dose that produced an increase in CBF by 20 ml/min, increased about 5-fold for KRN2391 and nicorandil and about 12-fold for cromakalim after administration of glibenclamide. These results suggest that the mechanism of action of KRN2391 and nicorandil depends on the segment of coronary arteries; i.e., they show a nitrate action alone in large coronary artery, and a K-channel opening action in addition to a nitrate action as the size of the coronary artery decreases.

Pharmacological analysis of the vasodepressor effect of KRN2391 in pithed rats

1. The antagonism by glibenclamide of the vasodepressor effects of KRN2391, cromakalim and nitroglycerin was compared in pithed rats with blood pressure supported by an infusion of phenylephrine. 2. Cumulative administration of KRN2391 (3-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.), cromakalim (3-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and nitroglycerin (1-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced dose-dependent decreases in diastolic blood pressure. 3. In rats given glibenclamide (20 mg/kg, i.v.) the dose-vasodepressor curves for KRN2391 and cromakalim were shifted to the right. However, glibenclamide had no effect on the vasodepressor effect of nitroglycerin. 4. The ED50mmHg values increased about 5.9 fold for KRN2391 and 9.5 fold for cromakalim in glibenclamide-treated rats. 5. These results suggest that the vasodepressor effect of KRN2391 is due to both glibenclamide-sensitive and insensitive mechanisms. This glibenclamide-insensitive effect of KRN2391 is thought to reflect its nitrate action.

Vasorelaxant action of Ki1769, a new pyridinecarboximidamide, in isolated porcine coronary artery

The characteristics of KRN2391 (N-cyano-N'-(2-nitroxyethyl)-3-pyridinecarboximidamide monomethansulfonate) and its phenethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl derivatives (Ki1769 and Ki3315) were studied in isolated porcine coronary arteries. KRN2391, Ki1769 and Ki3315 produced concentration-dependent relaxation of coronary arteries contracted by 25 mM KCl and the order of relaxant potency was KRN2391 > Ki1769 > Ki3315. At the maximum effect, KRN2391 produced nearly complete relaxation but Ki1769 produced about 66% relaxation. The maximum effect of Ki3315 could not be obtained because of its solubility. The relaxation induced by KRN2391 was antagonized by glibenclamide and methylene blue but relaxations caused by Ki1769 and Ki3315 were antagonized by glibenclamide alone. The antagonistic effect of glibenclamide on Ki1769- and Ki3315-induced relaxations was more potent than that on KRN2391-induced relaxation. KRN2391 induced relaxation of coronary arteries contracted by 40 mM KCl in a concentration-dependent manner but the effect of KRN2391 was smaller against 40 mM KCl-induced contractions than against 25 mM KCl-induced contractions. Ki1769 had almost no effect on coronary arteries contracted by 40 mM KCl. These results suggest that pyridinecarboximidamide derivatives which do not possess a nitroxyl group have vasodilating ability based on a K+ channel opening action.

Hypouricemic effect of the novel xanthine oxidase inhibitor, TEI-6720, in rodents

We investigated the xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitory activity and hypouricemic effect of a newly synthesized xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitor, TEI-6720, 2-(3-cyano-4-isobutoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-thiazole-carboxylic acid, and compared its effects with those of allopurinol in rodents. TEI-6720 was found to inhibit bovine milk xanthine oxidase, and mouse liver and rat liver xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase with IC50 values of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 nM, respectively. On bovine milk xanthine oxidase, TEI-6720 exhibited mixed-type inhibition and the Ki value was 0.7 nM. TEI-6720 displayed prolonged urate-lowering activity in normal mice and rats. We evaluated the hypouricemic effect of TEI-6720 on hyperuricemia induced by the uricase inhibitor, potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg s.c., 1 h before the test drugs), and measured the total molarity of both serum allantoin and urate in rats. Oral TEI-6720 and allopurinol had a hypouricemic effect 2 h after their administration to oxonate-pretreated rats with ED50 values of 1.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively. Both compounds also reduced the combined molarity of uric acid and allantoin in rats. The ED50 values of TEI-6720 and allopurinol were 2.1 and 6.9 mg/kg p.o., respectively. These results suggest that TEI-6720 may be useful for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Effect of KRN2391, a novel vasodilator, on various experimental anginal models in rats

The antianginal effect of KRN2391, N-cyano-N'-(2-nitroxyethyl)-3-pyridinecarboximidamide monomethanesulfonate, on various anginal models in rats was compared with those of nifedipine and nicorandil. Angina pectoris was induced by methacholine or isoproterenol, and the change in the ST-segments in the electrocardiogram (ECG) was used as the parameter to indicate angina pectoris. The intracoronary administration of methacholine (3 micrograms) produced an elevation in the ST-segment of the ECG. This ST-elevation was inhibited by the intravenous administration of KRN2391 (30 and 100 micrograms/kg), nifedipine (100 and 300 micrograms/kg) and nicorandil (1000 and 3000 micrograms/kg). The administration of isoproterenol (10 micrograms/kg/min, i.v.) produced a depression of the ST-segment of the ECG. The intravenous administration of KRN2391 (100 micrograms/kg), nifedipine (100 micrograms/kg) and nicorandil (3000 micrograms/kg) inhibited the ECG changes induced by isoproterenol. These results suggest that KRN2391 exerts a potent protective effect on angina pectoris models compared with nifedipine and nicorandil. KRN2391 appears to be useful as an antianginal drug.