Activity of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase in a case of X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets

In 1974, a 2-year-old boy was diagnosed as having X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets (XLH) because of severe rickets and hypophosphataemia. The vitamin D metabolite concentrations, blood and urine chemistry and renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3)-1 alpha-hydroxylase were measured in 1982 (about 2 weeks after withdrawal of medication). 1 alpha-hydroxylase was 392 pg/mg tissue/20 min in the patient, which was high compared with aged-matched controls (69.7 +/- 28.5 pg/mg tissue/20 min, mean +/- SD, n = 7). Our present studies showed that the 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity in the patient with XLH was elevated. Therefore, the normal or low 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) concentrations in XLH patients could be due to accelerated catabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D3 or abnormally regulated 25OHD3-1 alpha-hydroxylase in response to hypophosphataemia, although significantly elevated above that in normal controls.

The purification of an acid- and heat-labile transforming growth factor from an avian sarcoma virus-transformed rat cell line

A new class of transforming growth factor (TGF), with chemical characteristics differing from previously reported TGFs, was isolated and purified from an avian sarcoma virus-transformed rat cell line, 77N1 . Purification steps were simple and consisted of ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sephacel, ammonium sulfate precipitation, Chromatofocusing, and DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography. The purified TGF is a heat- and acid-labile protein with a molecular mass of 12,000 daltons and isoelectric point of 5.2-5.4. Because of the acid lability of this TGF, purification was carried out at neutral pH. The TGF induced DNA synthesis in growth-arrested BALB 3T3 cells and promoted anchorage-independent growth of nontransformed BALB 3T3 cells in soft agar; the latter activity is specific for the peptide growth factors, called TGFs, but it did not compete with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for binding to the EGF membrane receptors. The TGF activity was not potentiated by EGF. The purified preparation of the TGF stimulated BALB 3T3 cells to grow progressively in soft agar at a dose of 20 ng/ml.

Effect of vitamin D3 on the pancreatic secretion of insulin and somatostatin

To clarify the role of vitamin D in the regulation of the endocrine pancreas, we have studied insulin and somatostatin secretion in vitamin D deficient rats (reared on a vitamin D deficient diet), D-replete rats (reared on a vitamin D deficient diet and given 160 IU of vitamin D3 sc twice a week) and control rats (reared on laboratory chow), using the isolated perfused rat pancreas. In the vitamin D deficient rats, the perfusate insulin induced by 16.7 mM glucose was only 35% of the secretion in the control rats. In the D-replete rats, the insulin release was restored to that of the controls. Similarly, the plasma insulin level in the vitamin D deficient rats was very low and the level in the D-replete rats was also restored to the level of the controls. The perfusate somatostatin response to glucose was not significantly different in any of the three groups. In addition, since the plasma calcium level in the vitamin D deficient rats was very low and in the D-replete rats was still lower, compared to normal rats, we suggest that vitamin D acts not only via the plasma calcium level but possibly also directly on the B cell.

Vitamin D metabolism in osteogenesis imperfecta during calcitonin therapy

The effect of calcitonin on plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] was studied in six patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. The mean pretreatment value of plasma 1,25-(OH)2D was significantly higher than the mean value of age-matched control subjects (P less than .05). High or normal plasma levels of 1,25-(OH)2D before calcitonin therapy were decreased after 1 month of therapy and remained normal thereafter in all six patients. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, which were normal before calcitonin injection, remained normal during calcitonin administration. These results indicate that there may be acute and chronic effects of calcitonin on vitamin D metabolism.

[Characterization of a transforming growth factor produced in rat cells transformed by an avian sarcoma virus]

Transformation of rat cells by avian sarcoma viruses (ASVs) induced the release of transforming growth factors (TGFs), which transiently promote anchorage-dependent untransformed BALB3T3 clone A31 cells to form progressively growing colonies in soft agar, into serum-free conditioned medium. A new class of TGF, which is a heat and acid-labile protein with a molecular mass of 12,000 daltons, was isolated and purified from an ASV-transformed rat cell line, 77N1, derived from NRK cells. The TGF from 77N1 did not bind to epidermal growth factor membrane receptors. We observed specific in vitro phosphorylation of several membrane proteins from A31 cells in the presence of the TGF.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of dicloxacillin and ampicillin between individual and combined doses

Pharmacokinetics of dicloxacillin and ampicillin dosed individually and in combination were investigated by means of moment analyses of urinary excretions of intact forms and metabolic products of parent penicillins. Comparison of excretion profiles between individual and combined doses to human subjects indicated that the transformation of ampicillin to penicilloic acid and subsequent conversion to secondary metabolite are suppressed by the simultaneous dose of dicloxacillin, while the total excretion ratio to dose and the mean residence times in the body remain almost unchanged. The excretion profiles of dicloxacillin and metabolites are not significantly affected by the combined dose.

A microassay for mammalian renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1-hydroxylase applicable to man

A micro determination of the renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1-hydroxylase activity was developed that uses as little as 1 mg of rat kidney tissue. The method was applied to the remaining portions of needle kidney biopsy specimens taken for diagnostic purposes from children who had asymptomatic proteinuria and/or hematuria (more than 1-year duration) but were otherwise normal in calcium metabolism and renal function. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1-hydroxylase levels of these children were found to be 66 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 per milligram of tissue per 20 min for an 11-year-old male, 117 pg for a 9-year-old male, and 89 pg for a 10-year-old female.

Isolation and partial purification of a new class of transforming growth factors from an avian sarcoma virus-transformed rat cell line

Transformation of rat cells by avian sarcoma viruses induced the release of growth factors into serum-free conditioned medium. An avian sarcoma virus-transformed rat cell line, 77N1, produced and released a polypeptide growth factor, classified as a transforming growth factor (TGF), which transiently promotes anchorage-dependent BALB3T3 A31 cells to form progressively growing colonies in soft agar. The TGF was isolated and partially purified from an extract of 77N1 cells by ion-exchange chromatography on a diethylaminoethyl Sephacel column followed by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The TGF was assumed to have a molecular weight of 11,000 from gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. This TGF did not compete with epidermal growth factor for binding to cell membrane receptors and was not potentiated by epidermal growth factor. The TGF was trypsin and dithiothreitol sensitive as well as heat and acid labile, indicating that it was different from previously reported TGFs of similar molecular weight and thus belonged to a new class of TGFs.

[Effects of lysozyme chloride on immune responses of patients with uterine cervical cancer]

The effects of lysozyme chloride (LY) and mainly on immunocompetence of patients with uterine cervical cancer were investigated partly in comparison with the historical control group. Patients were classified into non-surgery group (the LY group: 11 cases, the control group: 13 cases) and surgery group (the LY group: 6 cases, the control group: 7 cases). LY administration at a daily dose of 270 mg per os was started at the same time as the initiation of radiotherapy, and continued for three months after the therapy. 1) In non-surgery group composed of advanced cancer patients, a significant restorative effect of LY on a decrease in peripheral lymphocyte count induced by irradiation was observed. In surgery group composed of early stage of cancer patients, the restorative effect of LY was apparently mild. 2) The changes of other immunological parameters in the LY group such as lymphocyte blastogenic response to PHA, T, B-cell numbers and T-cell percent comparatively were well correlated with that of peripheral lymphocyte count in the LY group. 3) LY treatment resulted in a significant suppression of post-radiative decrease in leucocytes count in non-surgery group. 4) LY treatment tended to bring about the improvement of depressed state of trophicity and liver function especially of advanced cancer patients. From these results, it was suggested that LY might act as a kind of immunomodulator, and lead to the potentiation of depressed immunological status of advanced uterine cervical cancer patients. It was therefore expected that adjuvant LY treatment could contribute to the advantageous clinical effects in the treatment of cancer patients.

A nonlinear least squares program based on differential equations, MULTI (RUNGE), for microcomputers

A nonlinear least squares program based on first-order simultaneous differential equations, MULTI (RUNGE), for personal computers was developed. Four algorithms, i.e. the classical Gauss-Newton method, the damping Gauss-Newton method, the modified Marquardt method and the simplex method can be used for the nonlinear curve fitting in MULTI (RUNGE). The differential equations and the initial conditions which are voluntarily defined by the user are numerically solved by the Runge-Kutta-Gill method and the numerically integrated solutions are fitted to the observed data points by the iterative least squares algorithms. MULTI (RUNGE) can be executed on many personal computers without any modification, because this program is written in the Microsoft minimum BASIC commands alone. The dimensions of differential equations, the number of parameters to evaluate and the number of experimental data points are restricted only by the available memory in computers and by the computing time.

Levels of vitamin D-metabolites in a case of acro-osteolysis syndrome

On the initial examinations of a 17-year-old boy with acro-osteolysis syndrome, the levels of serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD) were low, whereas serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D) were normal. Administration of 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1OHD) failed to improve the osteoporosis, although the serum 25OHD level rose to normal. It is unlikely that impaired bone remodeling due to abnormal vitamin D-metabolism was a primary defect in our patient.

Effect of porcine calcitonin therapy on vitamin D metabolism and clinical response in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta

A 1 11/12-year-old girl with osteogenesis imperfecta was treated with porcine calcitonin. Eight bone fractures occurred in the previous 20 months before therapy, but none occurred during eight months of therapy. There was also a significant improvement in linear growth and radiographic bone density. This is the first study of the effect of calcitonin on vitamin D metabolism in a human. The high plasma levels of 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2-D) and 24,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D (24,25-(OH)2-D) before calcitonin therapy decreased after therapy. Plasma 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) concentration, which normal in level before calcitonin therapy, was normal or slightly decreased during administration. It is concluded that calcitonin probably influences vitamin D metabolism in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Moment analysis for disposition kinetics of several cephalosporin antibiotics in rats

Disposition kinetics of cefamandole, cefoperazone, cefotiam, cefmenoxime and cefmetazole following rapid intravenous injection into rats is investigated. The plasma concentrations of the antibiotics are determined by the high performance liquid chromatographic method, and the pharmacokinetic behaviours of the cephalosporins are evaluated by moment analysis which is a model-independent method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the paired t-test reveals that cefmetazole and cefmenoxime have greater mean residence time (MRT) than cefotiam, cefamandole and cefoperazone, and that cefamandole and cefmetazole show larger steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) than the other cephalosporins. Cefamandole has the greatest total body clearance (40.2 ml kg-1 min-1) and cefmenoxime the smallest (7.72 ml kg-1 min-1).

Moment analysis for the separation of mean in vivo disintegration, dissolution, absorption, and disposition time of ampicillin products

The in vivo disintegration, dissolution, absorption, and disposition processes of ampicillin products are separated by means of moment analysis. This method is model-independent, that is, any specific model is not assumed. The mean residence time (MRT), mean absorption time (MAT), mean dissolution time (MDT), and mean disintegration time (MDIT) are calculated for several dosage forms of ampicillin. The fraction of dose absorbed (F) is also separated into several fractions corresponding to these in vivo processes. Bioavailability and bioequivalence are discussed in terms of the zero and first moments. The flip-flop behavior of ampicillin is proved by the fact that the MRT following intravenous injection is less than the MAT of any oral dosage form. Absorption of released ampicillin is proved by the fact that the MRT following intravenous injection is less than the MAT of any oral dosage form. Absorption of released ampicillin is proved to be a rate-determining step, since the MRT of released ampicillin in the GI tract is the greatest of all MRT corresponding to the in vivo processes. Moment analysis is compared with classical compartment theory, and a new component concept is introduced.

Normal serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

Serum calcium, phosphorus, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] were measured in 6 women and 2 men with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, 22 normal subjects, 5 patients with chronic renal failure, and 5 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Serum 1,25-(OH)2D levels were significantly higher in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and lower in patients with chronic renal failure than in normal subjects. In patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, the serum calcitonin levels were elevated, but the parathyroid hormone and 1,25-(OH)2D levels were within normal ranges. The serum 25OHD levels were not significantly different in any group. It is concluded that chronic elevation of serum calcitonin has no effect on the serum 1,25-(OH)2D level.

[Tissue levels of bleomycin administered as suppository]

We prepared a bleomycin suppository, aiming not only at allowing bleomycin to be transferred into the malignant tumor tissue of the intrapelvic organs and their regional lymph nodes at high levels but also at preventing transient elevation of its level in the blood. This administration route might be effective on the primary lesions of urogenital malignant tumors and their metastases to the regional lymph nodes, and prevent systemic adverse reactions. To prove these effects, we determined the levels of bleomycin in the tissue, blood, lymph nodes, urine and stools following intrarectal application of the bleomycin suppository. The pattern of bleomycin uptake by the intrapelvic tissues showed that the drug was retained by tumor tissue at high levels for a long time, compared with that by the normal tissue. Its levels in the blood suggested the reduction in systemic adverse reactions. Its uptake by the regional lymph nodes was unexpectedly low, but this may be attributed to an early collection of the tissue after the application. We think it necessary to follow up changes in bleomycin level in the tissues collected at predetermined intervals.

Biochemical characterization of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors in chick embryonal duodenal cytosol

This study presents measurements of serum vitamin D metabolites, calcium and phosphorus as well as measurements of the equilibrium dissociation constant for duodenal 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in 15-, 18-, 19-, and 20-day chick embryos in comparison to that in 1- and 118-day-old chicks and to vitamin D-deficient chicks. The present results showed that: (a) serum 1,25(OH)2D and 24,25(OH)2D levels rise from 15 and 18 to days 19 and 20 of embryonic development while serum phosphate levels are stable; (b) serum calcium levels rise at hatching to adult levels; (c) the duodenal 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor is detectable in 15-day-old embryo and has a Kd similar to that of 118-day-old vitamin D-replete chicks; and (d) the activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in chick duodenal cytosol is maximal at hatching.

Correlation between in vivo mean dissolution time and in vitro mean dissolution time of ampicillin products

The mean in vitro dissolution times (in vitro MDT) of ampicillin products were evaluated from the dissolution curves in distilled water using the USP-XX dissolution apparatus, and were compared with the mean in vivo dissolution times (in vivo MDT) reported previously. In both in vivo and in vitro cases, MDT of the trihydrate capsule was greater than those of the anhydrate capsules. A good linear correlation was observed between in vivo and in vitro MDT (r = 0.999, p less than 0.001).

Electric dichroism of deoxyribonucleic acid in aqueous solutions: electric field dependence

The ionic strength and molecular weight dependence of the electric field dichroism of DNA, using native and sonicated calf thymus DNA, has been examined in the range of 0.09-1.0 mM NaCl solutions for molecular weights ranging from 1.24 x 10(5) to 44 x 10(5). The application of a classical theoretical analysis implies that the orientation results from an induced moment which appears to saturate at moderate fields of several killivolts per centimeter and that the induced moment is at least partly characteristic of that expected of a polyion whose charge is partially counterion compensated. The orientation leads to dichroism values which are in accord with other observations and are lower than expected for a B-form rod of DNA. These values, however, are not uniquely interpretable as resulting from base tilting.

Serum calcium regulating hormones in the perinatal period

To clarify perinatal vitamin D metabolism, we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and human calcitonin (CT) in paired maternal, cord, and infant serum. Cord serum 25OHD was significantly lower than the maternal level, and cord serum 24,25(OH)2D was also significantly below the maternal concentrations. Maternal, cord, and infant serum 1,25(OH)2D, on the other hand, was significantly higher than the normal adult level. The serum PTH was low, but the CT concentration was high in the cord. Cord serum Ca and P levels were significantly higher than maternal. The reason for the elevated circulating 1,25(OH)2D level in the perinatal period is uncertain, and we speculate that the possible factors are gonadal steroids, placental lactogen, prolactin, and CT. In addition, serum 24,25(OH)2D and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations are under some control by the fetus.

A pharmacokinetic analysis program (multi) for microcomputer

A nonlinear least squares program (MULTI) for microcomputers was developed. The program is written in BASIC programming language. Four algorithms, (1) Gauss-Newton method, (2) damping Gauss-Newton method, (3) modified Marquardt method and (4) simplex method, can be used for nonlinear curve fitting in MULTI. Up to five pharmacokinetic equations, which are voluntarily defined by the user, are simultaneously fitted to observed time courses. The executions of MULTI are demonstrated for time courses of ampicillin and oxacillin in man.

Effect of dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate administration on plasma concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in pseudohypoparathyroidism type I

The effect of dibutyryl cAMP on plasma concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] was studied in two patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type I, five normal adults, and three normal children as controls. In normal adults, plasma 1,25-(OH)2D tended to increase 3 h after the infusion of 2.5 mg/kg dbcAMP and was significantly increased after 6 h. In normal children, plasma 1,25-(OH)2D increased 3 h after the infusion, then gradually decreased; in the patients with PHP type I, it increased greatly from 6.8 and 11.2 pg/ml to 264.6 and 128.2 pg/ml 3 h after the infusion. These results suggest that the renal mechanism for the response to parathyroid hormone is intact distal to the renal adenylate cyclase in patients with PHP type I.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D deficiency and pseudohypoparathyroidism in childhood: relationship between plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels and urinary cyclic AMP response to exogenous PTH

In order to clarify the complex interrelationship between serum calcium, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the urinary excretion of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in response to exogenous PTH in pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and related diseases, we investigated 3 patients with parathyroid disorders before and after treatment with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha-OH-D3). Low plasma 1,25(OH)2D before treatment increased after giving 1 alpha-OH-D3 (0.1 micrograms/kg/day), whereas high plasma PTH measured by the c-terminal assay (C-PTH) decreased in all 3. No response in urinary cAMP was found before or after treatment in 2 patients with PHP type I, despite the fall of plasma C-PTH. However, in one patient with extremely high plasma C-PTH but normal N-PTH (measured by a homologous radioimmunoassay using 1-34 human PTH), urinary cAMP response to exogenous PTH was increased after treatment with 1 alpha-OH-D3. We suggest that he had pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) with Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy and a partial deficiency of renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase. In this patient secondary hyperparathyroidism is thought to be due to 1,25(OH)2D deficiency, and the decreased responsiveness to exogenous PTH before treatment due to excess PTH occupying renal receptors.

[Studies of the real state of antibiotic consumption at an university hospital. Study in the pediatric department (author's transl)]

Antibiotic use at the Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University Hospital was studied from 1974 to 1978, during which period a marked change was observed in the antibiotic consumption of Japan on the whole. From the view point of net weight of antibiotics consumed, beta-lactam antibiotics have been increasing up to more than 90% of antibiotic consumption and then follow macrolides and aminoglycoside substances. Chloramphenicol which was once the top antibiotic prescribed, and tetracyclines which have not been our choice, both have become very minor antibiotics in our present prescription. More than 90% of oral antibiotics were prescribed for outpatients and more than 90% of injectable antibiotics were administered to outpatients. Concerning oral penicillins, major three were ACPC, ABPC and AMPC for these years and as to oral CEPs most of them was CEX. ABPC and the fixed combination of ABPC and penicillinase resistant penicillin, were the top choice among injectable penicillins and CEZ was the top among CEPs. Concerning aminoglycoside antibiotic SM and KM were preferred as antituberculosis drug, and GM and DKB as antipseudomonas drug which took the main role in place with CBPC and SBPC since 1976. The type of oral drug preferred by pediatricians for prescription was also investigated and dry syrup type was found to be the most important one for pediatrics use. In spite of a steady increase of our outpatients for these five years, there was observed a remarkable decrease in number of antibiotic prescriptions, namely from 8,223 in 1974 to 4,613 in 1978. The reason is esteemed due to our policy to restrict possibly the needless use of oral antibiotics.

Metachromasy of crystal violet in the presence of poly(α-L-glutamic acid) and the bound-dye spectra determined by the principal/component-analysis method

In order to study quantitatively the metachromatic behaviour of crystal violet (CV) in the presence of poly (alpha-L-glutamic acid), (poly (Glu)), four sets of the absorption spectra of the poly(Glu)-CV system were analyzed by the extended principal-component-analysis (PCA) method. Two classes of CV-Glu complexes, i.e., the bound-CV species, are present in poly(Glu) regardless of its helical and random-coiled conformations over a wide range of the mixing ratios of Glu residues to CV (P/D). The spectra of the bound CV in a low P/D range < 100 (complex I), extracted by the PCA method, are conformation-dependent showing three absorption bands at 506, ca. 550, and 610-620 nm. The spectra of the bound CV in a high P/D range > 100 (complex II) are closely related to, but not identical with, the free CV. The molar fractions of free CV and complexes I and II, evaluated in the P/D range of 0-150, indicate that CV binds more to the random-coiled poly(Glu) than to the helical one. Metachromasy of CV results from a complicated interplay of an unbound and two differently bound species.

A specific competitive protein binding assay for serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in normal children and patients with nephrotic syndrome

A specific competitive protein binding assay for 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, followed by high pressure liquid chromatography with normal rat kidney cytosol as the binding protein, was developed. The mean concentrations of serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D of the cord, in newborn infants and in infants under 12 months of age were 0.90 +/- 0.40 (S.D.) ng/ml, 0.52 +/- 0.21 (S.D.) ng/ml and 1.20 +/- 0.38 (S.D.) ng/ml, respectively. These concentrations were significantly lower than those in children aged 1-15 years (1.96 +/- 0.83 (S.D.) ng/ml). The serum levels in the acute stage of the nephrotic syndrome were significantly reduced, and they increased in remission. These results show that patients wioth nephrotic syndrome have low levels of serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This is probably due to its loss in the urine.

Outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease by enterovirus 71. High incidence of complication disorders of central nervous system

In Japan we have had two outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease associated with disorders of the central nervous system, one in 1973 and the other in 1978. The isolated virus in both outbreaks was enterovirus 71. Central nervous system disorders were present in 24% of patients in 1973 and in 8% of patients in 1978. These disorders were localised encephalitis with cerebellar signs as the main feature, aseptic meningitis, and polio-like paresis. The enterovirus 71 isolated in Japan had strong dermatotropic as well as neurotropic tendencies. However in cross-neutralisation tests, no difference in antigenicity from the prototype, BrCr strain, was recognised.

Ionic strength and counterion repulsion as factors in the behavior of polyions in orienting electric fields

The effect of counterion-counterion repulsion on the orientation of DNA, a polyion of high charge density is examined by electric-field orientation experiments. The charge species of the counterion and the ionic strength effect the orientation in a manner consistent with a theoretical treatment of the polarization of high charge density polyelectrolytes in terms of the effect of the applied field on the equilibrium distribution of condensed counterfoils on the polyion.

Frequency and distribution of structural variants of hemoglobin and thalassemic states in Western Japan

Hemolysates from 100,000 people who visited the Kyushu University Hospital and affiliated hospitals during the past 15 years were screened for hemoglobinopathies using electrophoresis on thin-layer starch gel; those exhibiting an abnormality were characterized further on clinical, biochemical, and genetic grounds. Of about 97,000 adult and 3,140 cord blood samples, 29 contained electrophoretically detectable abnormalities in the heterozygous condition. Another 17 samples had quantitative changes in the levels of the minor hemoglobin components. Of the thalassemic conditions, 12 involved beta-thalassemia, 3 alpha-thalassemia, 1 delta beta-thalassemia, and 1 delta-thalassemia. Among 45 carriers of beta-thalassemia from 12 families, 5 were noted to have thalassemia intermedia since they exhibited much more severe hemolytic syndromes than those with typical beta-thalassemia minor. The frequency with which we could detect a structural variant of Hb A in the adults by electrophoresis was one in 3,800 samples. About one in 8,000 carried a beta-thalassemia gene.

Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in cords, newborns, infants, and children

Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2-D] was measured in cord serum, newborns, infants, and children. The mean for the values obtained from the six cords was significantly higher than the mean for the older children (6-15 years). The mean for the six newborns (0-1 week) was significantly higher than that for the older children. The mean for the nine infants (1 week-6 months) and the 14 younger children (6 months-6 years) was significantly higher than that for older children. The present study suggests that the perinatal period is associated with a marked increase in 1,25-(OH)2-D.

Differential diagnosis of hypoparathyroid disorders during childhood

Changes in the plasma and urinary adenosine 3', 5' monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels on infusion of parathyroid hormone were studied in 10 normal children, 5 children with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, and 3 children with pseudohypoparathyroidism. In normal children the plasma concentration of cyclic AMP ranges from 18.0 to 68.0 pmoles/ml under basal conditions, and increases to a peak of about 10-fold the basal level 5 min after infusion of parathyroid hormone. Infusion of parathyroid hormone caused no increase in plasma cyclic AMP in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism but about 18-fold increase in those with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. The measurement of plasma cyclic AMP before and 5 min after infusion of parathyroid hormone is concluded to be a single and effective method for differential diagnosis of hypoparathyroid disorders.

Treatment of hypophosphataemic vitamin D-resistant rickets with massive doses of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D3 during childhood

Plasma levels of 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2-D) were low in 3 children with hypophosphataemic vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) during childhood, but increased after very large doses (0.5 to 2 micrograms/kg per day) of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D (1 alpha-OH-D3). This treatment has two advantages. Firstly, hypercalcaemia is easily controlled by reducing the dose of 1 alpha-OH-D3 because of its short half-life. Secondly, the administration of 1 alpha-OH-D3 to patients with HVDRR can enhance the tubular reabsorption of phosphate, and this seems desirable in treating HVDRR.

High-performance liquid chromatographic analyses of sulbenicillin and carbenicillin in human urine

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of sulbenicillin (SBPC) and carbenicillin (CBPC) excreted in human urine. The method uses reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography with a bonded hydrophobic stationary phase and methanol-tetra-n-butylammonium bromide solution as the mobile phase. Urine is filtered through a micropore membrane and the filtrate introduced directly into a liquid chromatograph. An in vivo experiment was conducted by administering intravenously 1 g of SBPC or CBPC to volunteers and analysing their urine. One-compartment model analysis of the time-course data revealed that 73.1% of the amount of SBPC dosed was excreted in the urine with a rate constant of 0.579 h-1, and 91.5% of CBPC with a rate constant of 0.845 h-1.