Treatment of old mice with IL-2 corrects dysregulated IL-2 and IL-4 production

Splenic T cells from old BALB/c mice, activated in vitro with antibody to CD3epsilon, secrete more IL-4 but less IL-2 than splenic T cells from young mice. The age-associated increase in IL-4 secretion is associated with a significantly increased concentration of intracellular IL-4 and its mRNA, although there is no increase in the number of activated T cells with intracellular IL-4. In contrast, the age-associated decrease in IL-2 secretion is associated with a significant decrease in the number of activated T cells with intracellular IL-2. In vivo there is a similar age-associated change in the number of activated T cells with detectable cytokine. The number of activated T cells with intracellular IL-4 is comparable in old and young mice, while the number of activated T cells with intracellular IL-2 is significantly decreased in old compared with young mice. Of great interest is the fact that old mice continuously exposed to IL-2 in vivo following the transplantation of J558 cells expressing the transfected IL-2 gene product have an increased number of splenic T cells with intracellular IL-2 that equals the level of such cells observed in young mice. Most important, the effect of continuous IL-2 administration in vivo was stable as spleen cells from old, IL-2-treated mice when stimulated in vitro with anti-CD3epsilon had a young-like pattern of both intracellular IL-2 and IL-4 expression as well as IL-2 and IL-4 secretion following in vitro activation. Thus, it appears that exposure of old mice to exogenous IL-2 can redress the age-associated imbalance in cytokine expression in vivo and cytokine secretion in vitro.

Developmental changes in hepatic activation of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline in rabbit

MeIQx, a potent bacterial mutagen formed when meat is cooked, requires metabolic activation to exert its genotoxicity, a reaction catalysed primarily by CYP1A2 in adult mammals. Little is known about mammalian developmental changes in the mutagneic activation of compounds such as MeIQx. In rabbits we have shown previously that expression of CYP1A2 increases with age and is inducible by 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) from as early as 4 days pre-parturition. We have therefore investigated the effect of age on rabbit liver activation of MeIQx (assessed in an Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium TA98) before and after treatment of the animals with MC. MeIQx activation could not be detected using hepatic microsomal fractions from rabbits of <17 days of age. Thereafter activation increased with age to peak in weanling animals. Following MC treatment MeIQx activation was increased, being detectable in samples from rabbits as young as 9-11 days. The inducibility of MeIQx activation increased with age, reaching a plateau between 17 and 35 days. These rates of activation were broadly parallel to the changes in CYP1A2 specific content. These results indicate that the ability of rabbit liver to activate MeIQx is dependent on CYP1A2 activity, the expression of which is developmentally regulated. Although it has been established that human activation of MeIQx is also CYP1A2 dependent, whether a similar situation exists in infant humans has yet to be determined, although there is evidence that CYP1A2-dependent activity reaches a peak in late childhood.

Pentapeptides from the roots of Aster tataricus

Asterinin D and E, pentapeptides, have been isolated from the roots of Aster tataricus L.f. (Compositae, syn. Asteraceae, subtribe Asteroideae) and their structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, as well as chemical and enzymatic methods.

Progestin represses human connexin43 gene expression similarly in primary cultures of myometrial and uterine leiomyoma cells

The mechanism by which progestin represses the expression of the human connexin43 (cx43) gene was analyzed in primary cultures of human myometrial cells, and for comparison, in primary cultures of uterine leiomyoma cells. Within 24 h, the levels of connexin43 (Cx43) protein in primary cells treated with progestin were reduced to about 50% of that in untreated cells, and these levels were maintained for up to 120 h. A plateau in the reduction of Cx43 protein levels was reached at progestin concentrations of 50-100 nM. No significant difference was found in a comparison of progestin-mediated reduction of Cx43 protein in autologous myometrial and leiomyoma primary cultures. Levels of cx43 mRNA levels also decreased to about 50% in myometrial and leiomyoma cells within hours after treatment with progestin, and these new levels were maintained for up to 48 h. Nuclear run-on transcription analysis showed that 100 nM progestin partially repressed transcription of the cx43 gene in both myometrial and leiomyoma primary cultures. The amount of decrease in cx43 transcription in cells treated with progestin was paralleled by a corresponding decrease in cytoplasmic cx43 mRNA levels. Progesterone receptor (PR)-mediated transcription was also determined to be similar in the two types of primary cells as evidenced by transient expression assays. Thus progestin down-regulates the expression of the human cx43 gene primarily by repressing transcription of the gene in myometrial cells, and it acts similarly in leiomyoma cells.

Binding of matrix attachment regions to nuclear lamin is mediated by the rod domain and depends on the lamin polymerization state

The nuclear matrix maintains specific interactions with genomic DNA at sites known as matrix attachment regions (M/SARs). M/SARs bind in vitro to lamin polymers. We show that the polymerized alpha-helical rod domain of lamin Dm0 provides by itself the specific binding to the ftz M/SAR. In contrast, unpolymerized rod domain does not bind specifically to this M/SAR. Non-specific binding to DNA is also observed with Dm0 containing a point mutation that impairs its ability to polymerize or with the isolated tail domain. These data suggest that the specific binding of lamins to M/SARs requires the rod domain and depends on the lamin polymerization state.

[Nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori through fiberoptic gastroscopy]

The relationship of nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) by fiberoptic gastroscopy was investigated. Hp was cultured from the materials obtained from the suction/biopsy channel (4/12 times) and biopsy forceps (3/10 times). The positive rate of Hp was increased with times undertaking endoscopy in the past in elder patients with chronic gastritis. The rate from Hp negative transforming into positive also increased with the times of receiving endoscopic follow-up in the past in patients with Hp negative chronic gastritis. The average age of Hp positive patients were older in those patients under follow-up studies than that in randomly age-matched normal or chronic gastritis controls. The results suggested that the contamination of gastroscopic equipment played a potential role as vehicle causing nosocomial infection of Hp. The risks of Hp transmission correlated with times of undertaking endoscopy, especially in the elderly.

New pentapeptides from Aster tataricus

Three pentapeptides have been isolated from the roots of Aster tataricus and their structures elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as well as chemical and enzymatic methods.

Visualization of chromosomal domains with boundary element-associated factor BEAF-32

We have purified two proteins from Drosophila that bind to the scs' boundary element of the hsp70 domain at locus 87A7. Their palindromic binding sites (CGATA-TATCG) symmetrically abut the previously mapped hypersensitive site of scs'. We have cloned a cDNA for one of these proteins, BEAF-32 (boundary element-associated factor of 32 kDa). It encodes a novel protein that is bound to scs' but not scs in vivo. Immunostaining localizes BEAF to hundreds of interbands and many puff boundaries on polytene chromosomes, suggesting that a chromosomal domain consists of a band (or puff) and part of the flanking interbands. Enhancer blocking assays implicate the palindromic binding site in boundary function. The lack of enhancer blocking in transiently transfected cells suggests an involvement of chromatin, nuclear structure, or both in boundary function.

[Chemical constituents of Euphorbia nematocypha Hand.-Mazz]

Four compounds were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia nematocypha. Three of them were identified as A'-neogammacer-22(29)-en-3 beta-ol (18 beta.21 alpha) (II), jolkinolide E (III) and beta-sitoesterol (IV). Among them, II was obtained from the genus Euphorbia and III from this plant for the first time.

[Taxonomic studies on original plants of radix Euphorbiae ebracteolatae]

It has been discovered through investigation across the country that, thus far, the Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae is derived from 12 species (varieties, forms) of 3 families. Their classification characters are discussed and a key is given in this paper.

Functional superficial parotidectomy

PURPOSE

To clinically test a new type of parotid surgery termed functional superficial parotidectomy (FSP) to preserve the function of the residual gland.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen human parotid specimens were dissected, and 19 patients underwent FSP.

RESULTS

It was shown that 91.4% of the main parotid ducts were found deep to the surface of the facial nerve. Physical examination, sialography, and scintigraphy showed that function of the residual gland was well preserved by FSP.

CONCLUSION

A comparison of the main complications between FSP and conservative superficial parotidectomy showed a significant decrease (P < .01) of Frey's syndrome with FSP.

[The prognostic implication of determination of activation of leucocyte in severe burns]

Using NBT test, the relationship between the percentage change of activated neutrophils with the survival time of animals after severe burns was observed. The results showed that the NBT positive rate of neutrophils increased markedly after burn, and the NBT positive rate at 5 h postburn was negatively related to the survival time of burned animals. Continuous monitoring of neutrophil indicated that if the NBT positive rate after burn remained in the normal range, or increased initially to high level and then decreased to lower than normal, the survival time was longer. However, if the NBT positive rate increased continuously after burn, the survival time was shorter. Therefore, continuous assay of neutrophil activation with NBT is an important index for the prognosis of severe burns. Lowering of NBT positive rate was observed in rats treated with polygonum cuspidatum, and these rats lived much longer than those without the treatment.

Metabolism of the food derived mutagen and carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine (PhIP) by human liver microsomes

Animal studies have shown that 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine (PhIP) undergoes both activation to a genotoxic metabolite and detoxication, catalysed by CYP enzymes. In this study, using direct chemical analysis, we have examined PhIP metabolism by the microsomal fraction of human liver for comparison to that occurring in animals. PhIP was incubated with human liver microsomes in the presence of an NADPH regenerating system and the reaction mixture then analyzed by HPLC. Only one metabolite, identified as N-hydroxy PhIP, was produced. The N-hydroxylation of PhIP by human liver microsomal fraction obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with a Km of 55 microM and a Vmax of 666 pmol/min/mg protein. Furafylline, a potent and specific inhibitor of CYP1A2 in man, inhibited this reaction by > 95%, with an IC50 of 0.6 microM. PhIP inhibited high affinity phenacetin O-deethylase activity of human liver microsomes, an activity catalysed specifically by CYP1A2, with an IC50 of about 80 microM. These data indicate that, in human liver microsomes, N-hydroxylation is the only route of oxidative metabolism of PhIP, yielding a genotoxic species, and that this reaction is catalysed almost exclusively by CYP1A2. Furthermore, the exclusive oxidative activation of PhIP by human liver is in direct contrast to PhIP metabolism in rodents and non-human primates where oxidative detoxication products predominate.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine is a potent mutagen in the mouse small intestine

Mutations in long lived stem cells are critical events in carcinogenesis. The Dlb-1 assay detects intestinal stem cell mutation at the Dlb-1 locus in Dlb-1a/b heterozygous mice by visualizing mutated clones of epithelial cells in situ which do not bind the lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin. We have used this assay to show that the food-derived heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a potent intestinal mutagen when administered either i.p. or p.o. This contrasts with the inactivity of the structurally related mutagen 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline in the assay which we have described previously. Immunocytochemical localization of the P-450 enzyme CYP1A2, which is responsible for the primary activation of these mutagens, shows that in untreated mice it is present in liver hepatocytes and in occasional villus epithelial cells but is absent from the target intestinal stem cell population. In addition, liver microsomes, unlike intestinal microsomes, were able to convert PhIP to the proximate mutagen N-hydroxy-PhIP. CYP1A2 immunoreactivity in beta-napthoflavone-induced animals was elevated in liver hepatocytes and increased to a lesser extent in duodenal villus epithelial cells. Treatment with beta-napthoflavone produced an unexpected 46% decrease in the number of Dlb-1 mutations in response to PhIP. Following treatment with PhIP, there was no difference in the number of Dlb-1 locus mutations between the proximal and distal ends of the small intestine in uninduced animals, indicating that the bile duct is unlikely to be responsible for transport of mutation inducing metabolites of PhIP to the small intestine. Our results demonstrate that metabolic activation of an indirect acting genotoxic agent can occur at a site other than the target tissue, and absence of the enzymes required for activation of a mutagen does not necessarily protect that tissue from its genotoxic effects.

Field evaluation of bednets impregnated with deltamethrin for malaria control

Trials were undertaken in a hypoendemic area of malaria in an area bordering Vietnam, in Napo County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The aim was to compare the relative cost effectiveness of DDT residual spraying and of bednets impregnated with deltamethrin in the malaria control program. The trials were divided into three subgroups: (1) two farming areas and one coal mining area with a total population > 20,000, where the trial consisted of mass bednets impregnated with deltamethrin 15 mg/m2 net surface once a year, (2) one farming area with a population of approximately 3,600 where DDT residual spraying at 2g/m2 was carried out twice a year in May and August; (3) one farming area and one coal mining village with a population of > 4,000 were used as a control. The malaria vector population consisted mainly of Anopheles minimus and An. anthropophagus with a small contribution from An. sinensis. After bednets were impregnated with deltamethrin the mosquitos resting on the surface of the bednets decreased significantly, although there was less effect on the total vector population. The results showed that malaria incidence decreased significantly both in areas where impregnated bednets were used and in areas where residual spraying was undertaken. The positive IFAT rates of residents who slept under impregnated bednets decreased significantly in farming areas, especially in that area where bednet impregnation as a vector control measure had been undertaken for two years, but there was no change in the IFAT rate in DDT sprayed or control areas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression of connexin-43 in human myometrium and leiomyoma

OBJECTIVES

The expression of connexin-43 was examined in human leiomyomas and in autologous myometrium.

STUDY DESIGN

Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect connexin-43 gap junctions in myometrial and leiomyoma tissues and in primary cultures. Immunoblot and Northern analyses were used to examine the levels of connexin-43 protein and cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid in primary cultures.

RESULTS

Connexin-43 gap junctions were detected in leiomyoma tissue from nonpregnant premenopausal women but not in autologous myometrial tissue. Connexin-43 gap junctions form spontaneously in primary cultures of myometrium and leiomyoma in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol. Fluorescent dye injection confirmed that the gap junctions were coupled in the primary cells. Connexin-43 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid levels generally were higher in leiomyoma cells compared with those of autologous myometrial cells. Steady-state levels of cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid decreased with addition of medroxyprogesterone acetate to the cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in the levels of cx43 expression in leiomyoma and myometrial cells may reflect differences in responses to steroid hormones.