Inhibition of restenosis by beraprost sodium (a prostaglandin I2 analogue) in the atherosclerotic rabbit artery after angioplasty

We examined the effect of beraprost sodium (BPS), a stable prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) analogue, on restenosis after balloon angioplasty in the atherosclerotic artery in rabbits. Regional atherosclerosis was induced in the femoral artery of New Zealand white rabbits by balloon deendothelialization and 2% cholesterol diet. After establishment of atheroma in the femoral artery, angioplasty was performed. In all, 65 rabbits were assigned to the following six subcutaneous drug treatment groups: control group (n = 13, saline 0.25 ml/kg); BPS low-dose group (n = 11, BPS 50 micrograms/kg twice daily); BPS high-dose group (n = 12, BPS 100 micrograms/kg twice daily); 2-day BPS high-dose group (n = 11, BPS 100 micrograms/kg twice daily for 2 days after angioplasty); aspirin (ASA) group (n = 10, ASA 30 mg once daily); and BPS+ASA group (n = 8, BPS 50 micrograms/kg twice daily plus ASA 30 mg once daily). Administration of each drug was started 30 min before balloon angioplasty and was continued until 4 weeks thereafter, except in the 2-day BPS high-dose group. Re-examination 4 weeks after the angioplasty showed significant (p < 0.05) preservation of the luminal diameter in the BPS high-dose and 2-day BPS high-dose groups (1.30 +/- 0.15 and 1.25 +/- 0.09 mm, respectively) as compared with that in the control group (0.83 +/- 0.10 mm); however, the luminal diameter in the BPS low-dose, ASA, and BPS+ASA groups (0.94 +/- 0.18, 1.06 +/- 0.11, and 1.05 +/- 0.15 mm, respectively) was not significantly different from that in the control group.

Effects of size of carbohydrate chain on protease digestion of Aspergillus niger endo-beta-1,4-glucanase

Three different carbohydrate-depleted enzymes were prepared from an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase of Aspergillus niger IFO31125 by treatment with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase or alpha-mannosidase. They were purified by Concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity and DEAE ion-exchange column chromatographies. The molecular sizes of these enzymes had been decreased from 40 kDa containing 9.0% carbohydrate to 39, 38, and 37 kDa with carbohydrate at 4.5, 1.3, and 0.8% (wt/wt), respectively. The native and these carbohydrate-depleted enzymes were compared in their enzymatic properties, and it was found that they were identical in their catalytic activities and both thermal and pH stabilities. However, the 37-kDa enzyme was more susceptible to proteolysis by Savinase, proteinase K, and Pronase E. On the other hand, the specific protease trypsin showed no such effect on activity of all enzymes. These results suggested that the core structure of the asparagine-linked sugar chain, which consisted of three monosaccharide residues, contributed to the high stability of the endo-beta-1,4-glucanase against protease digestion.

Hepatocyte growth factor specifically expressed in microglia activated Ras in the neurons, similar to the action of neurotrophic factors

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA and its receptor (c-Met) mRNA were detected in the fetal and adult rat brain. Expression of c-Met mRNA was increased after birth. HGF mRNA was preferentially expressed in the microglia of the rat brain, while c-Met mRNA was expressed in neurons as well as astrocytes and microglia. Most of the neurons were c-Met positive, and HGF stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Met (140-kDa) in the neurons. HGF as well as bFGF also activated Ras in the neurons. These results suggest that HGF plays a biological role as one of the neurotrophic factors in the brain.

Suppressive effect of molybdenum on hepatotoxicity of N-nitrosodiethylamine in rats

In order to elucidate the preventive mechanism of molybdenum (Mo) against carcinogenesis of N-nitroso compounds, the effects of in vivo Mo-pretreatment on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats were examined. Effects of in vitro Mo-pretreatment on NDEA-induced DNA strand breaks and fluctuation of the cytosolic free Ca levels in rat hepatocytes were also investigated. Male Wistar rats weighing 170-190 g were pretreated with 10 ppm Mo as Na2MoO4 in deionized drinking water for 21 days, and on day 22, they were exposed to NDEA (50 mg/kg body weight, once, i.p.). 3 and 5 days after NDEA exposure, serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and hepatic calcium (Ca) content and lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated. In vivo Mo-pretreatment prevented NDEA-induced elevations in serum LDH activity and liver Ca content but increased hepatic lipid peroxidation levels. Hepatocytes isolated from rats pretreated with sodium phenobarbital (80 mg/kg body weight, i.p., once a day for 3 days) were exposed to NDEA (0, 100, 250 and 500 μM) in vitro for 30 min at 37°C. NDEA treatment caused DNA strand breaks and a perturbation of cytosolic free Ca level. However, in vitro Mo-pretreatment (20 μM, 20 min at 37°C) suppressed the NDEA-induced DNA damage and disruption of intracellular Ca homeostasis. These results suggest Mo protected against NDEA-induced hepatotoxicity by stimulating the metabolism of the nitroso compound via a nontoxic pathway (denitration) while preventing DNA damage connected with alteration in cytosolic free Ca levels. Thus, the general protective action of Mo against N-nitroso compound-induced carcinogenesis may be explained by a common mechanism.

[Recent progress in the development of anti-tumor metastatic drugs]

Metastasis is often a terminal stage of cancer when tumor fragments lodge and grow in different parts of the body. There is currently no way to prevent metastasis, and there are few effective treatments. We believe that it is very important to develop an anti-tumor metastatic drug. Recent studies on the mechanism of tumor metastasis reveal that this multi-step process requires complex interaction between the tumor cells and their environment. In vitro experiments and animal cancer model studies have shown that the inhibitors of invasion (including adhesion, proteolysis, and migration) and neovascularization may suppress tumor metastasis. The author show a the mechanism of tumor metastasis, an in vitro screening method, and the recent progress of the development of various candidate anti-tumor metastatic drugs, including invasion inhibiting factor-2. Finally, the importance of the development of an anti-tumor metastatic drug in Japan is underscored.

Efficient production and purification of extracellular 1,2-alpha-L-fucosidase of Bacillus sp. K40T

When Bacillus sp. K40T was cultured in the presence of L-fucose, 1,2-alpha-L-fucosidase was found to be produced specifically in the culture fluid. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from a culture containing only L-fucose by chromatography on hydroxylapatite and chromatofocusing. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 200,000 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. The enzyme was optimal at pH 5.5-7.0 and was stable at pH 6.0-9.0. The enzyme hydrolyzed the alpha-(1-->2)- L-fucosidic linkages in various oligosaccharides and glycoproteins such as lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNF)-I <O-alpha-L-fucose-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-galactose-(1-->3)-N-acetyl-O-beta-D- glucosamine-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-galactose-(1-->4)-D-glucose>, porcine gastric mucin, and porcine submaxillary mucin. The enzyme also acted on human erythrocytes, which was confirmed by the hemagglutination test using Ulex anti-H lectin. The enzyme did not hydrolyze alpha-(1-->3)-, alpha-(1-->4)- and alpha-(1-->6)-L-fucosidic linkages in LNF-III <O-beta-D-galactose-(1-->4)[O- alpha-L-fucose-(1-->3)-]-N-acetyl-O-beta-D-glucosamine-(1-->3)-O-beta-D- galactose-(1-->4)-D-glucose>, LNF-II <O-beta-D-galactose-(1-->3)[O-alpha-L- fucose-(1-->4)-]-N-acetyl-O-beta-D-glucosamine-(1-->3)-O-beta-D- galactose-(1-->4)-D-glucose> or 6-O-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-N-acetylglucosamine.

Action of cytogenin on lymphoid cells and their cytokine production

Action of cytogenin on macrophages and T cells was investigated. Phagocytosis of yeast and production of PMA-elicited superoxide anion by macrophages taken from mice given cytogenin po were augmented. Cytogenin enhanced productions of IL-1 alpha by macrophages and IFN gamma and GM-CSF by spleen cells although it did not enhanced production of TNF alpha by macrophages and IL-6 by macrophages and spleen cells. Macrophages stimulated with cytogenin caused to stimulate proliferation of purified T cells in Intercell cultures in which each cell population was cultured without contact. Results suggest that cytogenin primarily activates macrophages to produce monokines such as IL-1 alpha and it causes to stimulate proliferation and differentiation of T cells resulting in production of lymphokines such as IFN gamma and GM-CSF.

Modulation of macrophage activity in tumor bearing mice by cytogenin

Cytogenin recovered the reduced mitogenic response to Con A of spleen cells of tumor bearing mice in vitro. The suppressive factor(s) was detected in adherent cell population in spleen cells. The reduced antitumor effector activity of spleen cells taken from tumor bearing mice was also augmented by the treatment with cytogenin in vitro. The effect of cytogenin was neutralized by the treatment with anti-Mac 1 serum. Administration of cytogenin inhibited the production of nitric oxide by macrophages which is known as one of suppressor factors. Results indicate that one possible action of cytogenin exhibiting antitumor activity in tumor bearing mice may be due to modulation of Mac 1 positive cells.

Antitumor activity of cytogenin

Antitumor effect of cytogenin against IMC carcinoma in mice was investigated. Since cytogenin did not show cytotoxicity against tumor cells in vitro at 50 micrograms/ml and toxicity at more than 2,000 mg/kg i.p., it was considered that the antitumor effect is due to host mediated events. Cytogenin showed antitumor activity against a syngeneic murine transplantable tumor, IMC carcinoma by oral administration depending upon schedule of administration. The optimum effect was observed by the administration starting day 8 after transplantation of tumor cells, every other day for 10 times or every 2nd day for 7 times. The antitumor effect was reduced in immunosuppressed mice given anti-asialo GM1 serum and in athymic mice, but not in mice irradiated with X ray. The antitumor effector cells activated by cytogenin were determined to be macrophages and T cells.

[Comparison between T2*- and T2-weighted images in diagnosing rotator cuff tears]

This study was performed to determine the merits of T2*-weighted images in diagnosing rotator cuff tear, compared with T2-weighted images. T2-and T2*-weighted images were obtained in 10 asymptomatic volunteers and 94 patients with symptoms referable to the rotator cuff. The increased signal with full thickness of the rotator cuff was not shown on either T2- or T2*-weighted images in the volunteers. These findings on T2-weighted images and on T2*-weighted images were observed in 33 and 58 of 94 patients with symptoms, respectively. Every patient who showed these abnormal findings on T2-weighted images had the abnormal findings on T2*-weighted images. These findings on T2*-weighted images were wider than those on T2-weighted images in 20 of 33 patients. Surgical findings were available in 21 of 94 patients. Rotator cuff tears were surgically confirmed in 20 patients whose MR images showed increased signal lesions on both T2- and T2*-weighted images. On the other hand, one patient who did not have rotator cuff tear showed increased signal lesion with full thickness on T2*-weighted images, but not on T2-weighted images. We think increased signal lesions on T2-weighted images may strongly suggest rotator cuff tear, whereas those on T2*-weighted images are not specific.

Protective effect of metallothionein on intracellular pH changes induced by cadmium

In order to gain further insight into the protective mechanism of metallothionein (MT) against Cd cytotoxicity, the effects of in vivo Zn- or Cd-pretreatment on the cytotoxicity and alteration in cellular pH induced by Cd were examined in isolated rat hepatocytes and testicular Leydig cells. These pretreatments both induced the synthesis of MT in the hepatocytes, but not in the Leydig cells. Both pretreatments alleviated Cd cytotoxicity in the hepatocytes. Cd- or Zn-pretreatment was also effective in preventing Cd-induced cellular acidification in hepatocytes but neither pretreatment was effective in Leydig cells. In fact, Cd-pretreatment stimulated acidification in Leydig cells. Exposure in vitro of hepatocytes from untreated rats to probenecid, an inhibitor of HCO3-/Cl- exchange, also ameliorated Cd-induced cellular acidification, suggesting an involvement of HCO3-/Cl- exchange in the preventive action of MT against Cd-induced acidification. These results suggest that Cd cytotoxicity in various cells may be initiated by alterations in plasma membrane ion transport systems such as the HCO3-/Cl- exchange and consequential cellular acidification. Induction of MT, therefore, may prevent Cd cytotoxicity, at least in rat hepatocytes, by preventing an alteration in ion transport at the plasma membrane as well as by intracytoplasmic binding of the metal molecules.

The effect of supplementary minerals, retinol and α -tocopherol on the vitamin status and productivity of pregnant Merino ewes

Four hundred and twenty Merino ewes were divided into four treatment groups: control (NaCl at 175 g head-1 week-1 ), vitamins (salt containing 0.24 g/kg retinol plus 12 g/kg �-tocopherol), minerals (a multi-element mineral mix (Siromin ) at 175 g head-1 week-1) and vitamins plus minerals (mineral mix plus vitamins) in a two by two factorial design. Treatments started in November prior to mating and finished in May 1 week prior to lambing. Measurements of vitamin status and animal productivity were made on ewes and foetal and weanling lambs. Compared with salt, the mineral mix increased ewe body weight by up to 3% ( P < 0.05), annual wool growth by 4.4% ( P < 0.001) and birth and weaning weights of single lambs by 7.3% ( P < 0.01) and 3.7% (P < 0.05) respectively. Since ewes had been given selenium and cobalt bullets at weaning, the results suggest either that the bullets do not offer protection for the lifetime of the ewe and that additional bulleting is warranted, or that other minerals are limiting production. As pastures dried off, the concentrations of �-tocopherol and G-carotene fell and this was reflected in a decline in the concentrations of �-tocopherol and retinol in liver. However, the liver stores at the beginning of summer were sufficient to prevent the appearance of clinical signs of vitamin deficiency. Vitamin supplementation significantly increased the concentration of vitamins in the plasma and liver of ewes ( P < 0.001)) but it had no significant effect on ewe reproductive performance or on ewe or lamb body weights or wool growth. Vitamin supplements increased the concentrations of retinol and �-tocopherol in the liver of foetal lambs, but even with supplements the levels remained well below normal adult reference values.

Different responses of renal blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity to captopril and nicardipine in conscious renal hypertensive rabbits

To elucidate the roles of endogenous angiotensin II (AII) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in modulation of renal blood flow (RBF), we recorded RBF and RSNA in conscious two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rabbits with blood pressure (BP) reduced to a similar extent by captopril (5 mg/kg) and nicardipine (4.3 micrograms/kg/min). We measured plasma concentrations of AII, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and norepinephrine (NE). Despite comparable depressor effects, changes in RBF showed different profiles with the two drugs in renal hypertensive rabbits. After captopril injection, RBF was consistently increased to 143 +/- 7%. In contrast, with nicardipine infusion, RBF was initially increased to 114 +/- 5% and then significantly decreased to 86 +/- 4%. The increase in RSNA was greater with captopril than with nicardipine. Plasma concentration of AII was decreased with captopril but significantly increased with nicardipine. In sham-clipped normotensive rabbits in which plasma AII was not increased, RBF was not reduced with nicardipine. Thus, vasoconstrictor actions of RSNA and increased AII may have overcome the vasodilatory effect of nicardipine in conscious renal hypertensive rabbits. Because the increase in RSNA was smaller with nicardipine, we speculate that the vasoconstriction induced by AII, as well as background BP level, played a substantial role in determining RBF.

A copy-number-controlled expression vector for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

A novel expression vector for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe carries the neomycin-resistance-encoding gene regulated by the SV40 early promoter, and its copy number is controlled by the level of Geneticin (G418). Foreign gene expression is driven by the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) promoter which is transcriptionally active in S. pombe. Moreover, the vector expresses foreign genes at high levels, due to the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) containing an A + T-rich sequence of about 50 nucleotides located between the TATA box of the hCMV promoter and the start codon. Recombinant human lipocortin I was produced at levels of up to 50% of the total soluble protein in the presence of 100-200 micrograms/ml of G418 in the media. Southern and Northern blotting showed that this high level of expression was due to an increase in copy number induced by G418, the high transcriptional activity of the hCMV promoter and the high translational efficiency of the 5'-UTR. We modified the vector into an 'ATG vector', named pTL2M, that maintains the 5'-UTR optimized for gene expression and into which any foreign gene, whose exact sequence is known, can be easily inserted.

Effects of antihypertensive agents on baroreceptor function in early hypertensive rats

To investigate the effects of antihypertensive treatment with four currently used agents (trichlormethiazide, atenolol, nicardipine, and enalapril) on the arterial baroreceptor function at the early phase of hypertension, we administered the agents to spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats from 8 to 10 weeks of age and examined the aortic nerve activity function. In untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats, the relation between the arterial pressure and aortic nerve activity was shifted to the right, that is, to a higher pressure level (threshold pressure, 90 +/- 3 versus 76 +/- 1 mm Hg, P < .05), and the maximum gain which was obtained by logistic function analysis was depressed (1.55 +/- 0.08% versus 2.18 +/- 0.13% maximum/mm Hg, P < .01) as compared with untreated Wistar-Kyoto rats. An equivalent decrease in arterial pressure with each of the four agents (-20 +/- 1 mm Hg, P < .01) produced a leftward shift of the arterial pressure-aortic nerve activity relation to a similar extent (threshold pressure, 77 +/- 1 mm Hg, P < .05) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, treatment with the four agents equally augmented the maximum gain in spontaneously hypertensive rats (2.13 +/- 0.09% maximum/mm Hg, P < .05). The antihypertensive agents affected neither the blood pressure nor the aortic nerve activity in Wistar-Kyoto rats. These findings suggest that antihypertensive treatment with the four classes of agents equally enhances the arterial baroreceptor function through blood pressure reduction but not through specific depressor mechanisms at the early stage of hypertension.

Light chain nephropathy with remarkable accumulation of multinucleated giant cells in the kidney

A case of light chain deposition disease with multinucleated giant cell accumulation in the kidney is described. A 54-year-old man was admitted to out hospital due to moderate renal failure. Complicated with eosinophilic pneumonia two months after admission, his renal function abruptly deteriorated and hemodialysis was started. Three-day methylprednisolone pulse therapy, however, partially recovered his renal function and hemodialysis was discontinued. His renal biopsy specimen revealed kappa light chain deposition disease with nodular mesangial expansion and subendothelial electron dense deposits. The most characteristic finding in this patient was accumulation of foreign body type multinucleated giant cells around atrophic tubules, small arteries and obsolescent glomeruli, probably associated with light chain deposition. No increase in kappa light chain was detected in his serum or concentrated urine. Such disseminated giant cell reaction, other than intra-luminal infiltration in the tubules, has not been reported in the literature and might be related to the physicochemical or structural properties of the deposited protein.

Synthesis and biological activity of new 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase inhibitors: 2-oxetanones with a side chain mimicking the extended structure of 1233A

Structural analogs of 1233A, a microbial metabolite inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase, were designed and synthesized. The 2-oxetanone moiety was left intact. All analogs prepared were tested for inhibition of HMG-CoA synthase activity and sterol synthesis in mouse liver and for effect on serum triglyceride levels. Of these analogs, trans-4-[2-[3-(7-carboxy-2- naphthyl)phenyl]ethyl]-3-hydroxymethyl-2-oxetanone (4a) showed the highest inhibitory activity in vitro, and also had in vivo inhibitory activity without causing any increase in triglyceride level.

Flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle of the leukemic cell lines treated with etoposide and cytosine arabinoside

Effects of etoposide (VP-16) and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) on the cell cycle of HL-60 and THP-1 cells were studied by flow cytometry using the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)/DNA assay technique to investigate the efficacy of VP-16 for monocytic leukemia cells. VP-16 inhibited the proliferation of THP-1 cells more strongly than that of HL-60 cells at any concentrations used at 24 and 48 hr. VP-16 arrested HL-60 and THP-1 cells in the G2/M phase and reduced them in the G0/G1 and early S phase at higher concentrations. There was no significant difference in the percentage of G2/M phase cells at the same concentration between both cells. However, reduction in the G0/G1 and early S phase cells was more marked in THP-1 than HL-60 cells significantly. On the other hand, Ara-C perturbed the cell cycle of HL-60 cells more than that of THP-1 cells at 24 and 48 hr. These results suggest that the effects of VP-16 on the cell cycle may be more intense in THP-1 than HL-60 cells, and support the efficacy of VP-16 for treating monocytic leukemia in vivo.

Histological evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia treated by long-term administration of chlormadinone acetate (CMA)

Although the clinical effects of attempted nonsurgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia have been well documented, detailed histological evaluation of the effects of treatment appears to be limited. The effect of long-term administration of an antiandrogen, chlormadinone acetate (CMA), on benign prostatic hyperplasia was evaluated with histological comparison of two biopsy specimens, one before treatment and one after treatment. Secretory epithelium showed obvious regressive changes with occasional basal cell prominence after CMA treatment. Stromal elements, however, did not show any marked changes, except for occasional edematous loosening. Scores of multiple epithelial parameters tended to be correlated with clinical improvement in urinary obstructive symptoms, especially in patients with predominant glandular hyperplasia. These results suggest that long-term administration of the potent antiandrogen CMA to inhibit dihydrotestosterone-receptor binding might be a useful therapeutic maneuver in patients with glandular hyperplasia, without any deterioration of the stromal component.

[Clinical evaluation of measuring system of occlusal force]

An occlusal diagnostic system was evaluated for clinical applications. This system consists of pressure sensitive sheets (DENTAL PRESCALE, Fuji Photo Film Co.) and analyzing computer (OCCLUZER FPD703, Fuji Photo Film Co.). The clinical efficiency of this system was evaluated in aged dentates, aged complete denture wearers and an aged patient suffered from periodontitis. The results were as follows: 1. There was a positive correlation between the masticatory efficiency and maximum occlusal force. 2. In the complete denture wearers, the distances from the medial line to the center of the occlusal load were statistically greater in the adjustment needed cases than in the control group. 3. In a case of periodontitis, the full arch fixed splint was adjusted using this system. After adjustment, the maximum occlusal force and contact area increased, and the maximum and medial pressure of the occlusal contact force decreased. 4. It was suggested that this system would be available for the examination of masticatory efficiency and diagnosis of various types of occlusions.

Purification, characterization, and crystallization of monoamine oxidase from Escherichia coli K-12

The gene for monoamine oxidase (MAO) was cloned from an Escherichia coli genomic library and MAO was overproduced in the periplasmic space. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by preparation of a periplasmic fraction, followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Crystals were obtained by the hanging drop method using sodium citrate as a precipitant. The enzyme was found to be a dimer of identical subunits with a molecular weight of 80,000, and showed the highest activity at pH 7.5 and 45 degrees C. The enzyme was inhibited by a MAO specific inhibitor, hydroxylamine, hydrazine, phenelzine, isoniazid, and tranycpromine. The enzyme oxidized tyramine, phenethylamine, and tryptamine at higher rates, but not oxidized diamine and polyamines such as putrescine and spermine. The antibody against E. coli MAO cross-reacted with purified MAO A from Klebsiella aerogenes.

Transglycosylation activity of Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase which transfers complex oligosaccharides to the N-acetylglucosamine moieties of peptides

A novel endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the culture fluid of Mucor hiemalis isolated from soil was found to have transglycosylation activity. This endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, Endo-M, could liberate the complex type of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides by hydrolysis of diacetylchitobiose linkage from glycoproteins. The treatment of Endo-M with N-acetyl-glucosamine and asialotransferrin glycopeptide having the complex type of oligosaccharides resulted in the transfer of the released oligosaccharide from the glycopeptide to N-acetyl-glucosamine. The structure of the product after transfer was deduced to be (GlcNAc)2-Man-(Gal-GlcNAc-Man)2 by a combination method of pyridylamination and high performance liquid chromatography, and mass-spectrometry. The enzyme could transfer the complex type of oligosaccharide from asialotransferrin glycopeptide to bovine ribonuclease with the high-mannose type of oligosaccharide. This will lead to the construction of neoglycoproteins containing different types of oligosaccharides.