Generation of monoclonal antibodies specific for ganglioside lactones: evidence of the expression of lactone on human melanoma cells

We generated 3 murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for ganglioside lactones by immunizing C3H/HeN mice with purified lactones adsorbed to Salmonella minnesota followed by fusion with mouse myeloma cells. The use of a wide variety of glycolipids, including ganglioside lactones, enabled the precise structures recognized by these MAbs to be elucidated through an ELISA and by immunostaining on thin-layer chromatography. MAb AMR38, which was generated with GM1 lactone, showed restricted specificity, detecting only the GM1 lactone used for immunization. None of the other ganglioside lactones, intact gangliosides (including GM1) or neutral glycolipids tested were recognized. In contrast, MAbs AMR40 and AMR19, which were generated with GD1a lactone and GD3 lactone, respectively, showed broader specificities, recognizing several ganglioside lactones. However, the precise epitopes were different. MAb AMR40 reacted intensely with ganglioside lactones having an external NeuAc alpha 2-->3Gal-sequence (GD1a, GM3, GM1b, GT1b, and IV3NeuAc alpha-nLc4Cer), but not with those having a NeuAc alpha 2-->8NeuAc alpha 2-->3Gal- sequence. On the other hand, MAb AMR19 reacted with ganglioside lactones having a NeuAc alpha 2-->8NeuAc alpha 2-->3Gal- sequence (GD3, O-Ac-GD3, GD2, GDlb, GTlb, GQlb and GTla), but not with those having a NeuAc alpha 2-->3Gal- sequence. None of the intact gangliosides or neutral glycolipids tested were recognized by the MAbs. We also determined the expression of ganglioside lactones on human melanoma cells grown in athymic nude mice by means of an immunofluorescence technique.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances platelet recovery following cisplatin/carboplatin chemotherapy in ovarian cancer

To assess the effects of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on platelet recovery in patients given chemotherapy for advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer, we selected 29 cases treated with carboplatin (280 mg/m2, Day 1) and cisplatin (70 mg/m2, Day 2). We evaluated the response and the platelet recovery effects of M-CSF, which was infused intravenously for 7 consecutive days after the second and fourth courses of chemotherapy. For the 54 courses of M-CSF infusion, the platelet nadir averaged 12.8 +/- 6.3 x 10(4)/microliters, with 9% of the courses designated Grade 3 or 4 on the toxicity scale, according to World Health Organization recommendations, both of which were significantly different from the M-CSF noninfused control courses (P < 0.05). The number of periods in which platelets were below 7.5 x 10(4)/microliters was significantly less in the courses of M-CSF infusion (P < 0.01). Response to treatment was pathologic complete in 23% and partial in 41%, for a total response of 64%. Cisplatin combined with carboplatin was effective in treating patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer. M-CSF infusion may enhance the recovery from the thrombocytopenia that accompanies such chemotherapy.

Regulation by GTP of a Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in the apical membrane of rabbit cortical collecting duct cells

Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels play an important role in Ca2+ signal transduction and may be regulated by mechanisms other than a direct effect of Ca2+. Inside-out patches of the apical membrane of confluent transformed rabbit cortical collecting duct cells cultured on collagen were subjected to patch clamp analysis. Two types of K+ channel, of medium and high conductance, were observed. The latter channel was characterized by a K+/Na+ permeability ratio of 10, an inwardly rectified current, a conductance of 80 pS at 0 mV, and an open probability dependent on both voltage and Ca2+. Guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) but not a guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP) analogue, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), cytidine 5'-triphosphate (CTP), or inosine 5'-triphosphate (ITP), inhibited the activity of this Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel. The inhibitory effect of GTP was dose dependent, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 10(-5) M in the absence of Mg2+. In the presence of Mg2+ (1 mM), which is required for the binding of GTP to G proteins, the 50% inhibitory concentration decreased to 3 x 10(-12) M. Pertussis toxin or cholera toxin (each at 10 ng/ml) did not prevent the inhibitory effect of GTP. After removal of GTP from the medium bathing an inhibited channel, subsequent application of Ca2+ failed to activate the channel. Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels of smooth muscle cells and proximal tubule cells did not respond to GTP. Thus, the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in the apical membrane of collecting duct cells is inhibited by GTP, which appears to exert its effect via a G protein that is insensitive to both cholera and pertussis toxins.

Observer disagreement in histological classification of ovarian tumors in Japan

Histological slides of 789 cases of ovarian tumor registered by the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group, sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Japan, were reviewed by three certified pathologists in order to evaluate the observer disagreement among the pathologists and the reproducibility of the histological classification. In 53.0% of the cases, all observers agreed upon the diagnosis. At least two of them agreed in 88.4% of the cases. The observer disagreement was highest for low potential malignancy (borderline malignancy) tumors (44.4%), including serous, mucinous, and endometrioid tumors. The results of the study clearly indicate the necessity of establishing a slide review system in order to obtain reliable data for comparative research. Moreover, the histological criteria, especially of tumors of borderline malignancy, should be more clearly defined to obtain high reproducibility of ovarian tumor diagnosis.

Abnormalities in sympathoneuronal regulation are localized to failing myocardium in rabbit heart

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the differences in sympathoneuronal regulation between acute left ventricular failure and chronic biventricular failure to determine whether an increase in plasma norepinephrine concentration plays a primary role in the genesis of the desensitization phenomenon in heart failure.

BACKGROUND

It remains to be determined whether plasma norepinephrine plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of sympathetic desensitization in heart failure in vivo.

METHODS

Acute left ventricular failure was induced by aortic regurgitation in seven rabbits. Chronic heart failure was induced by adriamycin treatment in another seven rabbits.

RESULTS

Cardiac output was lower in rabbits with aortic regurgitation than in seven sham-operated rabbits. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was higher in rabbits with aortic regurgitation, but no significant difference in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure was observed. Beta-adrenoceptor density and norepinephrine concentration in the left ventricular myocardium were lower in rabbits with aortic regurgitation; no such differences were observed for the right ventricular myocardium. Cardiac output was lower in adriamycin-treated rabbits than in seven control rabbits. Both left and right ventricular end-diastolic pressures were higher in experimental rabbits than in control rabbits. Myocardial beta-adrenoceptor density and norepinephrine content were reduced in both ventricles.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic heart failure induced by adriamycin, sympathoneuronal activity was altered in both ventricles, whereas in acute left ventricular failure induced by aortic regurgitation, sympathoneuronal activity was affected only in the left ventricle despite a similar increase in plasma norepinephrine concentration in both animal models. Local abnormalities in sympathoneuronal regulation in failing myocardium therefore appear to be responsible for these phenomena.

Thymidylate synthase activity as a prognostic factor in ovarian cancer

We assayed thymidylate synthase (TS) activity and performed flow-cytometric DNA analyses in fresh tumor tissues from 38 patients with ovarian cancer. TS activity was closely correlated with prognosis but was not related to age, clinical stage, histologic type or lymph node metastases. Patients with TS activity higher than 2.0 pmol/g tissue had significantly worse prognoses than those with lower levels (p < 0.01). Also, patients with DNA aneuploidy or high S-phase fractions (> 20%) had worse prognoses than those with DNA diploidy or lower fractions. Results suggest that TS activity may be a good prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer.

Needs of physiological and psychological research using artificial gravity

In the next century, mankind will expand its activity to the moon and Mars. At that time, humans will be exposed to a low and micro-gravity environment in long term which causes physiological and psychological problems. The authors propose an artificial gravity space station for a research laboratory on human physiology and psychology at various gravity levels. The baseline specifications and the configuration of the space station are shown. Reviewing the history of manned space flight, the necessity of the research on an artificial gravity space station is discussed, including themes of research to be conducted on the station and the application of its results. Technical issues for realization of the space station such as environmental factors, system function and assembly scenario are also discussed.

[Recovery from unconsciousness following severe hemodilution and hypotension caused by intraoperative massive hemorrhage: a case report]

A 75-year-old female with a history of cerebral infarction fell into sudden hypotension (mean blood pressure of around 46 mmHg) and severe anemia (hematocrit < or = 10%; minimum hemoglobin concentration of 2.0 g.dl-1) of approximately one hour due to massive hemorrhage during surgical removal of pheochromocytoma originated in the right adrenal gland. Nevertheless, she recovered from the unconsciousness after over 9 hours postoperatively. It is suggested that major reasons for her escaping from the brain damage, in spite of the low cerebral perfusion pressure, might be the decreased cerebral oxygen consumption due to the intraoperative mild hypothermia (31.5 degrees C) and the avoidance due to hemodilution of the extremely low cerebral blood flow.

Isolation of acini from nasal glands of the guinea-pig

A procedure for isolating the acinar cells of the serous gland in the mammalian nasal septum has been developed. This technique is characterized by meticulous and selective isolation with minimal contamination by the surface epithelial cells and employs enzymatic treatment with collagenase. The isolated cells were confirmed to be serous gland acini as shown by negative staining with Alcian blue and a high electron density of the granules. The acini were more than 90% viable as judged by trypan blue exclusion. Ultrastructural integrity of the cells was well maintained following the isolation procedure. Application of acetylcholine to the isolated acini induced an inward current in a whole-cell patch clamp and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration measured by fura-2. These acetylcholine responses were completely blocked by atropine. These physiological findings directly demonstrated that nasal gland acini possess muscarinic-activated receptors as previously suggested. These isolated cells hold promise for the in vitro study of secretory mechanisms in the mammalian nasal gland.

Structures of chlorosomes and aggregated BChlc inChlorobium tepidum from solid state high resolution CP/MAS(13)C NMR

Cross polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS)(13)C (solid state high resolution) NMR spectra were observed for chlorosomes and BChlc aggregates. Similarity of both kinds of spectra (except for some signals assignable to proteins and lipids in chlorosomes) indicates that BChlc's in chlorosomes are present just as in synthetic BChlc aggregates. Chemical shifts for C13(1) carbonyl and C3(1) hydroxylethyl carbons indicate hydrogen bonding between them. Comparison of solution and solid state(13)C NMR chemical shifts shows the five coordinated nature of BChlc aggregates. Some chemical shift differences were attributable to ring currents shifts. Their comparisons with calculated ring current shift values predicted structures for the aggregates. Cross polarization dynamics of the CP/MAS(13)C NMR signals explored dynamic and structural nature of the BChlc aggregates.

[Lipid peroxidation and tubular disorder in experimental acute renal failure-enzymochemical study in the rat kidney]

Acute renal failure induced by the administration of gentamicin (GM) was studied enzymochemically in comparison with that in rats with tubular disorder resulting from postischemic reperfusion. Renal ischemia was caused by clamping the renal artery for 30 minutes to create complete ischemia and reflow. The activities of renal tissue glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the values to the renal contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in each sample. In order to confirm whether GSH plays an important role in the intrinsic anti-oxidant system in this model, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), which is a gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally to decrease the renal GSH content before the procedure in renal ischemia. On the other hand, the GM-induced ARF model was made by injection with GM 100 mg/kg during a period of 5 days. In the GM group, a significant increase in MDA and a reduction in the sphigomyelin (SPH)/phosphatidylcholine (PC) ratio and inactivation of PLA2 were observed. In the kidney tissue obtained 15 min. after reperfusion, the renal content of MDA was elevated markedly in the BSO-preadministered group. A reduction of SPH/PC ratio was also observed in the reperfusion model. PAL2 hydrolyzes the acyl group at the 2-position containing much of the highly unsaturated fatty acids that are easily oxidized. Further, PLA2 is considered to act directly on one of PC or phosphatidylinositol. Phospholipidosis thesauruses, noted in acute renal failure induced by GM, is considered to be caused by reduced liberation of lysosomal intramembranous phospholipid into the cytoplasm and accelerated peroxidation of intramembranous lipid.

The anterior choroidal artery syndrome. II. CT and/or MR in angiographically verified cases

We reviewed 12 cases of infarcts in the territory of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) on CT and/or MRI. In each case vascular occlusion in the region was verified angiographically. Although the extent of the lesion on CT/MR images was variable, all were located on the axial images within an arcuate zone between the striatum anterolaterally and the thalamus posteromedially. The distribution of the lesions on mutiplanar MRI conformed well to the territory of the AChA demonstrated microangiographically. The variability of the extent of the infarcts may be explained by variations in the degree of occlusive changes in the AChA or the development of collateral circulation through anastomoses between the AChA and the posterior communicating and posterior cerebral arteries. The extent of the lesion appeared to be closely related to the degree of neurological deficit.

Improvement of chemical analysis of antibiotics. Part XIX: Determination of tetracycline antibiotics in milk by liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography/fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

A precise liquid chromatographic (LC) determination with high sensitivity and a reliable mass spectrometric (MS) confirmation were established for the determination of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) in milk. The determination of the TCs was based on C18 cartridge cleanup followed by LC separation. Recoveries of TCs from milk fortified at 20 ppb were 73.0-81.8%, and coefficients of variation were 2.6-4.6%. With this method, concentrations of oxytetracycline and tetracycline as low as 10 ppb and chlortetracycline and doxycycline as low as 20 ppb were determined readily. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)/fast atom bombardment (FAB) MS with a condensation technique was used to confirm TCs in milk. After the C18 cartridge cleanup, separation on a C8 TLC plate, and application of the sample condensation technique, FAB mass spectra were measured. TCs in milk at 50 ppb were reliably confirmed by TLC/FABMS.

Glutamine repeats as polar zippers: their possible role in inherited neurodegenerative diseases

Four inherited neurodegenerative diseases are linked to abnormally expanded repeats of glutamine residues in the affected proteins. Molecular modeling followed by optical, electron, and x-ray diffraction studies of a synthetic poly(L-glutamine) shows that it forms beta-sheets strongly held together by hydrogen bonds. Glutamine repeats may function as polar zippers, for example, by joining specific transcription factors bound to separate DNA segments. Their extension may cause disease either by increased, nonspecific affinity between such factors or by gradual precipitation of the affected proteins in neurons.

[Antigen-induced pulmonary arterial responses in the isolated perfused lung of sensitized rabbits]

To investigate whether blood components, such as complements, antibody, platelets and leukocytes, can play important roles in increasing pulmonary arterial and airway pressures after antigen challenge in sensitized rabbits, we measured the time course of pulmonary arterial pressure, airway pressure and lung weight gain after antigen challenge in isolated perfused rabbit lungs. Nineteen rabbits were divided into 3 groups; S group (n = 9), which was sensitized rabbit lung with antigen added into perfusate; NS group (n = 5), which was nonsensitized rabbit lung with antigen added into perfusate; S+R group (n = 5), which was sensitized rabbit lung with autologous erythrocytes added into perfusate. Although agglutinin titer in sensitized rabbits was more than 1: 10,000, that in the perfusate was less than 1:16. Pulmonary arterial and airway pressures significantly increased after antigen challenge in S group, while those in NS and S+R groups did not show any change. Also there were no significant changes in pulmonary arterial and airway pressures and lung weight gain in nonsensitized rabbit lungs of the same agglutinin titer as S group. Lung weight gain in S group was 2-4 times higher than that in S+R group after antigen challenge. We conclude that blood components, such as complements, antibody, platelets and leukocytes, do not play important roles on antigen induced pulmonary responses in sensitized rabbit lungs.

[Changes in and factors related to fatigue of in-home caregivers who utilize temporary nursing home assistance]

In order to understand the fatigue of in-home caregivers of the elderly and the remedical effects of temporary nursing home assistance (i.e., "respite care service"), pre- and post-service surveys were conducted on the Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index (CFSI) of 34 in-home caregivers who use the respite care service offered by a nursing home in Shizuoka, Japan. The results of these two surveys are as follows: 1) The physical fatigue of caregivers before using the respite service is higher, and caregiver's free time is related to their feelings of fatigue. 2) According to CFSI figures, chronic fatigue, general fatigue, anxiety, depression (p < 0.01), and irritability caused by excessive workload and reduced vitality (p < 0.05) were significantly reduced by the services given. 3) Twenty-seven caregivers, or 79% of the sample, showed some improvement, while the remaining 7 caregivers (21%) showed none. 4) Factors which may have affected the degree of fatigue recovery were shown, including reasons and days for using the respite service.

[Muscular sarcoidosis]

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology presenting with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary, skin, and eye lesion. Sarcoidosis involving skeletal muscle is not uncommon because non caseating granuloma have been demonstrated in as much as 50 to 80% of sarcoidosis cases. Symptomatic muscle involvement, however, is rare. Chronic and acute myopathy and palpable nodular lesions due to sarcoidosis involving skeletal muscle have been reported. Chronic myopathy is progressive muscle disease with muscle weakness and wasting. Because this syndrome is rare, its natural history and responsiveness to corticosteroid have not been defined well. We review the medical literature of previously reported cases of muscular sarcoidosis.

An improved method for detecting cytostatic toxin (emetic toxin) of Bacillus cereus and its application to food samples

We developed an improved HEp-2 cell assay method for the detection of Bacillus cereus toxin, which affects the proliferation of HEp-2 cells. The cytostatic toxin was stable upon exposure to heat, pH 2, pH 11 and trypsin, which suggests it is an emetic. Using the HEp-2 cell assay, we examined the distribution and contamination of B. cereus strains that produced an emetic toxin in various foods. Although there were 228 enterotoxin producers among 310 B. cereus strains obtained from foods, 16 of them produced the cytostatic type (emetic toxin). All of the strains that produced the cytostatic toxin were of the H.1 serotype.

[An evaluation study on arbekacin for MRSA-infectious diseases including pneumonia, septicemia and others]

Availability of arbekacin (ABK) was analyzed in the chemotherapy of 24 MRSA-infected patients with symptoms of pneumonia (12), sepsis (6) and others (6). Most patients had background diseases such as malignant tumors or cerebrovascular disorders. 47% (7/15) of them were immunologically abnormal. 17 of them had been previously treated with cephems, imipenem, minocycline or fosfomycin. The ABK therapy was performed with doses ranging 50-400 mg a day, divided into 1-3 times (mostly 100 mg x 2), and for 5-24 days. (18 patients were treated between 5 and 14 days). 14 patients (58%) received combined therapy with other antibiotics (mostly with beta-lactams, 12). The clinical efficacy rate of the ABK therapy was 62% (good, 13; fair, 4; ineffective, 4; unknown, 3). The bacteriological efficacies were: eradicated, 7 (44%); decreased, 4; no change, 5; unknown, 8. Side effects were found in 3 patients (oliguria, 2; eruption due to drug, 1) and one case resulted in serious renal disorder. Abnormal laboratory data were found in 7 cases. Above results have indicated that ABK is a useful antibiotic in chemotherapy of MRSA-infections.

Isolation and characterization of two tightly linked catalase genes from castor bean that are differentially regulated

Two catalase genes, cat1 and cat2, have been isolated from the castor bean genome. They were located in the same direction on a chromosome at a distance of 2.4 kb, cat1 being on the downstream side of cat2. The two genes contained introns at the same positions except that one of the 7 introns in cat1 is missing in cat2 and the corresponding introns differed in size and sequence between the two genes. The translated regions of the two genes had the same number of nucleotides and exhibited 81.3% nucleotide sequence identity. In addition to introns, the nucleotide sequences of the 5'- and 3'-flanking regions are highly divergent between the two genes. In etiolated seedlings, cat1 mRNA was present abundantly in endosperms and cotyledons and only in a small amount in roots. The cat1 mRNA could not be detected in hypocotyls. By contrast, cat2 mRNA is most abundant in hypocotyls and roots, while endosperms and cotyledons contained only low levels of cat2 mRNA. Although neither cat1 nor cat2 mRNA could be detected in dry seeds, both mRNAs showed temporal accumulation in the endosperm in response to germination. These results suggest that expression of two tightly linked catalase genes of castor bean, cat1 and cat2, are differentially regulated during development.

Single- and double-strand breaks in pBR322 DNA by vacuum-UV from 8.3 to 20.7 eV

Solid pBR322 DNA was irradiated in a vacuum by monochromatic photons from 8.3 eV (150 nm) to 20.7 eV (60 nm), and the formation of single- and double-strand breaks (ssb and dsb) was determined using agarose gel electrophoresis. The action cross sections increased 20 times (ssb) and 43 times (dsb) from 8.3 eV to 20.7 eV; the quantum yields increased 5.4 times (ssb) and 12 times (dsb). The cross sections for dsb were 0.0059 at 8.3 eV and 0.013 at 20.7 eV of those of ssb; these values were smaller than about 0.04 for 2.1 keV photons, or about 0.18 for 60Co gamma-rays. Although vacuum UV photons were proved to induce dsb, they had a lower efficiency than when using soft X-rays or gamma-rays.

Relationship between force and electromyographic activity during rapid isometric contraction in power grip

Force response and surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of extrinsic extensors and flexors of the hand were measured under 6 target force conditions during rapid pulse isometric contractions (power grip) targeted using an oscilloscope display of exerted and target forces. For target forces ranging from 16.7% to 50% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), the rate of force rise increased with the peak force, while the time to peak force remained almost constant. However, at target forces between 66.7% and 100.0% MVC, the rate of force rise leveled off and the time to peak force was prolonged. In association with these changes in force trajectories, modulation of the EMG activity of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle was observed. At the lowest target force (16.7 MVC), the EMG of this muscle showed a single initial activity; the activity increased linearly up to the 50% MVC target force, while the duration was relatively constant. However, at target forces above 50% MVC, no further increase of the initial activity was observed, while the amplitude and duration of an additional activity progressively increased. These results indicate that the neural control of rapid isometric contraction at target forces at and below 50% MVC differs from that operating at larger target force levels.