[Central nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate central nervous system (CNS) involvements in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) so as to enhance our knowledge in diagnosing and treating CNS involvement of SLE.

METHODS

The clinical data of 171 in patients with CNS involvement of SLE in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean SLE disease duration at onset of CNS involvement was (2.21 +/- 1.87) years and in 163 (95.3%) it was associated with active disease. Cerebral spinal fluid abnormality was seen in 91.4% (138/151) of the patients with CNS involvement of SLE. Among them protein elevation was found in 113, pressure elevation in 69, white cell elevation in 51 and glucose reduction in 6. For the evaluation of CNS involvement of SLE, the sensitivity of cranial CT and MRI was 77.4% and 81.4% respectively (P > 0.50). The positive rate of antiribosomal P in patients with diffuse CNS involvement of SLE was significantly higher than that in patients without CNS involvement (P < 0.01). On the contrary, the positive rate of ACL in focal CNS involvement of SLE was significantly higher than that in diffuse type or in patients without CNS involvement (P < 0.01). The total mortality rate in 171 patients with CNS involvement of SLE was 18.7%. The Mortality rate in the period of 1993 to 1998 (4.0%, 3/75) was significantly lower than that of 1980 to 1992 (30.2%, 29/96), P < 0.01. 24 SLE patients with CNS involvement received intrathecal dexamethasone and methotrexate, 22 cases (91.7%) improved considerably.

CONCLUSION

CNS involvement occurs in the early stage of SLE, most of the cases are associated with active disease. Cerebral spinal fluid analysis is the most essential test and cranial imaging serves as a supplementary approach, of which CT is preferred. ACL is associated with focal CNS involvement of SLE while antiribosomal P with diffuse CNS involvement of SLE, suggesting there might be different mechanisms in CNS involvement of SLE. Intrathecal therapy is an useful alternative for patients with CNS involvement of SLE refractory to conventional therapy.

Use of dithiodiglycolic acid as a tether for cationic lipids decreases the cytotoxicity and increases transgene expression of plasmid DNA in vitro

Two major barriers that limit cationic lipids in gene delivery are low transfection efficiency and toxicity. In the present studies, we used dithiodiglycolic acid as a new tether for the polar and hydrophobic domains of a cationic lipid, cholesteryl hemidithiodiglycolyl tris(aminoethyl)amine (CHDTAEA). We compared the transfection activity and toxicity of CHDTAEA with its nondisulfide analogue and cholesteryl N-(dimethylaminoethyl) carbamate (DC-Chol). The liposomes of CHDTAEA had more than 2 orders of magnitude greater transfection activity than DC-Chol in CHO cells and 7 times greater transfection activity in SKnSH cells. CHDTAEA also demonstrated much less toxicity than the other two lipids. Dithiodiglycolic acid may act as an excellent linker in the application of cationic lipid syntheses.

[Effects of chitin and chitosan on degradation of DL-polylactide in vitro]

The authors assessed the variations of pH-values of the physiological saline used for in vitro degradation tests of DL-Polylactide (DL-PLA)/chitin and DL-PLA/chitosan composites and DL-PLA. The weight-loss rations, the appearance and morphology of the tested specimens, and the molecular weights of DL-PLA in composites and pure DL-PLA were alse investigated. The results showed that both chitin and chitosan had significant inhibitory effects on the degradation of DL-PLA, and the effect of chitosan was stronger than that of chitin. A discussion on the mechanism of such inhibition is presented.

[Optical spectral verification of the phthalanilic acid]

The structure of an unknown compound was studied by NMR spectrum and IR spectrum. The compound was proved to be phthalanilic acid. The result provids useful information for studying biological activity and biological course of this matter.

The distribution and gene expression of adrenomedullin in the rat brain: peptide/mRNA and precursor/active peptide relationships

The highest immunoreactive adrenomedullin (AM) concentrations were found in the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and brainstem. Rat preproadrenomedullin mRNA levels were highest in the pituitary, followed by the hypothalamus. The peptide to mRNA ratios are higher in the neurointermediate lobe, brainstem and hypothalamus. Immunocytochemical study showed discrete localization of AM immunostaining in various brain regions including the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and brainstem and in the pituitary gland. By gel filtration chromatography, the precursor peaks were low in the pituitary, hypothalamus and brainstem but high in other brain regions.

Co-expression of prepro-adrenomedullin with a putative adrenomedullin receptor gene in vascular smooth muscle

The prepro-adrenomedullin (prepro-AM) gene encodes several biologically active peptides, including the potent vasodilator AM. At least part of the vasodilator action of AM appears to be mediated via interactions with receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC); however, the specific receptors involved are not known. The aim of the present study was to identify putative AM receptor genes that are co-expressed with AM in cultured rat aortic VSMC that may mediate the actions of AM. AM mRNA was shown to be expressed in rat aortic VSMC cultures. In acute (4 h) secretion studies, only 20% of the total immunoreactive AM was intracellular, with the majority (80%) found in the medium, indicating active release of AM peptide from VSMC. Using highly specific ribonuclease protection analysis, mRNAs encoding three putative AM receptors [L1, calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and RDC1] were shown to be present at high concentrations in RNA extracts from lung. In cultured VSMC, however, whereas RDC1 mRNA was expressed at relatively high concentrations, transcripts encoding CRLR and L1 were not detected. The co-expression of prepro-AM mRNA with the RDC1 receptor implies that AM may act in a localized manner via this receptor to modulate VSMC function.

Successful pregnancy in a case of azoospermic infertility by using testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic injection into the oocyte

Non-obstructive azoospermia used to be considered an untreatable cause of infertility. By the microinjection technique, however, sperm that has been surgically extracted from the testis can be injected into the oocyte cytoplasm. The injected eggs can be transferred to the uterus or fallopian tubes to initiate a pregnancy. A healthy baby boy conceived by using this method was delivered in November 1997. This micromanipulation technique offers couples in which the man has non-obstructive azoospermia the chance of having their own offspring. The methodology used and a brief discussion of its merits are presented.

Rapid regulation of adrenomedullin in metabolically compromised vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

The prepro-adrenomedullin gene encodes the biologically active peptide adrenomedullin, which acts as a potent vasodilator as well as a modulator of vascular smooth muscle cell growth. We investigated the question of whether adrenomedullin is regulated in response to metabolic perturbations in vascular smooth muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute inhibition of glycolysis, leading to partial depletion of cellular ATP, was produced in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells by replacing glucose with 2-deoxyglucose. Solution hybridization/RNase protection analysis was used to quantitate changes in expression of the prepro-adreno-medullin messenger RNA and a specific radioimmunoassay was used to assess levels of secreted adrenomedullin.

RESULTS

Acute incubation of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells with 2-deoxyglucose caused a rapid and sustained induction of low basal levels of adrenomedullin messenger RNA, which reached twice the control levels by 1 h and four times control levels by 6 h. The induction of adrenomedullin messenger RNA expression was dependent upon de-novo gene transcription and was reversed by the re-introduction of glucose. Despite the sustained increase in adrenomedullin messenger RNA, secretion of immunoreactive-adrenomedullin from vascular smooth muscle cells was reduced by as much as 75% and paralleled the inhibition of radiolabeled amino acid incorporation into protein during glycolytic inhibition; both parameters recovered towards control levels following re-introduction of glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid and reversible activation of the adrenomedullin gene and inhibition of adrenomedullin peptide release in response to metabolic inhibition suggest that adrenomedullin represents a novel localized mechanism that may modulate regional blood flow and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to perturbations of normal metabolism.

The effect of streptozotocin-diabetes on beta-endorphin level and proopiomelanocortin gene expression in the rat pituitary

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes for 4 weeks resulted in a decrease in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in both the anterior lobe (AL) and the neuro-intermediate lobe (NIL) of the rat pituitary. The beta-endorphin levels decreased in the NIL but not in the AL. It is concluded that the synthesis of POMC in the pituitary is inhibited in diabetic rats and that there is a decrease in beta-endorphin release from the anterior pituitary.

[Study on the cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects in oral mucosal fibroblasts by areca nut extract]

An aqueous areca nut extract (ANE) was tested for its cytotoxic effects on cultured human embryo oral mucosal fibroblasts (HE-OMF) in vitro by using the trypan blue and thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay. The ANE decreases the cell survival rate in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). So was the extract in inducing damage on the cellular DNA of HE-OMF in vitro examined by the nick translation assay. The increase in counts per minute (CPM) values was significant (P < 0.05) for comparing all four concentration groups tested, The results suggests that aqueous ANE is highly cytotoxic and capable to induce DNA damage on cultured HE-OMF. It may have potential carcinogenic effect on the oral mucosal membrane of whom habitually chewing the areca nut frequently for quite a long time. Futher study is required to illustrate the detail process and study the mechanism of these effects.

[HLA-DRB1 alleles genotyping in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese]

To explore the role of HLA-DRB1 genes in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the correlations between HLA-DR alleles and clinical manifestations of patients with RA we studied 86 patients and 106 race matched controls in whom HLA-DR typing was performed by the method of DNA amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The subtypes of HLA-DR4 were determined by the method of hybridization of PCR products with sequence-specific oligonucletides (PCR-SSO). The absence or presence of HLA-DR4 and its subtypes was evaluated with the clinical and serological characteristics of the patients. Compared with controls, an increased gene frequency of HLA-DR4 (48.8% vs 17.9%, P < 0.001) and a decreased frequency of HLA-DR5 (16.3% vs 27.4%, P = 0.06) were found. The DRB1 * 0405 accounted for 61.9% of DR4+ RA patients and 21.1% of DR+4 controls (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the DR4+ and DR4- patients with respect to age, sex, duration of disease, extra-articular manifestations including secondary Sjogren's syndrome. But rheumatoid factor (RF) was associated with HLA-DR4 (P < 0.05). According to the X-ray stage, the patients of DR4+ were more severe than those of DR4- (P < 0.05). HLA-DR4 and DR4 subtype of DRB1 * 0405 were related to the development of RA in Chinese. HLA-DR4 can be a useful prognostic marker in the patients with RA.

Chronic exposure to hypergravity affects thyrotropin-releasing hormone levels in rat brainstem and cerebellum

In studies to determine the neurochemical mechanisms underlying adaptation to altered gravity we have investigated changes in neuropeptide levels in brainstem, cerebellum, hypothalamus, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex by radioimmunoassay. Fourteen days of hypergravity (hyperG) exposure resulted in significant increases in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) content of brainstem and cerebellum, but no changes in levels of other neuropeptides (beta-endorphin, cholecystokinin, met-enkephalin, somatostatin, and substance P) examined in these areas were found, nor were TRH levels significantly changed in any other brain regions investigated. The increase in TRH in brainstem and cerebellum was not seen in animals exposed only to the rotational component of centrifugation, suggesting that this increase was elicited by the alteration in the gravitational environment. The only other neuropeptide affected by chronic hyperG exposure was met-enkephalin, which was significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex. However, this alteration in met-enkephalin was found in both hyperG and rotation control animals and thus may be due to the rotational rather than the hyperG component of centrifugation. Thus it does not appear as if there is a generalized neuropeptide response to chronic hyperG following 2 weeks of exposure. Rather, there is an increase only of TRH and that occurs only in areas of the brain known to be heavily involved with vestibular inputs and motor control (both voluntary and autonomic). These results suggest that TRH may play a role in adaptation to altered gravity as it does in adaptation to altered vestibular input following labyrinthectomy, and in cerebellar and vestibular control of locomotion, as seen in studies of ataxia.

Impaired paracrine effect of endothelin-1 on vascular smooth muscle in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

This study was to examine the effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on endothelin-1 and its receptors in the mesenteric artery and in the thoracic aorta.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in SD rats by streptozotocin. Insulin was given subcutaneously. Endothelin-1 levels in the plasma, thoracic aorta and mesenteric artery were measured using radioimmunoassay. The Bmax and Kd values of endothelin-1 receptors in the mesenteric artery and in the thoracic aorta were analyzed using Scatchard plot analysis. Preproendothelin mRNA levels were examined using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Endothelin-1 levels in the mesenteric artery (83.6 +/- 6.9 pg/mg protein) and in the thoracic aorta (73.9 +/- 8.2 pg/mg protein) increased in 2 week diabetic rats compared with both control (51.8 +/- 5.3, 46.3 +/- 5.9 pg/mg protein) and insulin treated rats (65.6 +/- 8.1, 48.1 +/- 4.2 pg/mg protein) but not in 4 week diabetic rats. There was no change in plasma endothelin-1 levels in these diabetic rats. The RT-PCR results indicated that preproendothelin mRNA levels in the mesenteric artery (0.38 +/- 0.02 vs 0.52 +/- 0.05 units) and in the thoracic aorta (0.45 +/- 0.06 vs 0.62 +/- 0.03 units) decreased in 4 week diabetic rats but not in 2 week diabetic rats. A significant increase in Kd and Bmax of endothelin receptors in the mesenteric artery and in the thoracic aorta was observed in both 2 week (about 70%) and 4 week (80-85%) diabetic rats. Insulin replacement reversed the effects of diabetes on endothelin-1 peptide contents, preproendothelin mRNA levels and the binding activity in the blood vessels.

CONCLUSION

Increased endothelin peptide content with no change in mRNA or decreased mRNA levels with no change in peptide content together with increased receptor binding sites and affinities might imply a decrease in endothelin release and therefore an impaired paracrine effect of endothelin on vascular smooth muscles in these STZ-diabetic rats.

Cholinergic lesions of the rat brain by ibotenic acid and 192 IgG-saporin: effects on somatostatin, substance P and neuropeptide Y levels in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus

Impairment of the basal forebrain cholinergic system is an important change in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. Various neurotoxins have been used to achieve this in animal models. In this study the effects of chemical lesions by ibotenic acid (IBO), a glutamate analogue and by 192 IgG-saporin, a highly specific immunotoxin against cholinergic neurons, were investigated. The toxins were delivered stereotaxically into the brains of young Sprague-Dawley rats which were later sacrificed by decapitation. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity was measured by radioenzymatic assay and substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and somatostatin (SOM) levels by radioimmunoassay. Decreased ChAT and SOM levels were observed in the cortex and the hippocampus in both experiments. Cortical SP levels were increased after IBO lesions but were unaffected after 192 IgG-saporin lesions. NPY levels remained unchanged in both experiments. The results indicate that there were specific changes in neuropeptide contents in the cortex and hippocampus in response to cholinergic damage in the rat brain.

Synthesis and biological evaluations of 3-substituted indolin-2-ones: a novel class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors that exhibit selectivity toward particular receptor tyrosine kinases

3-Substituted indolin-2-ones have been designed and synthesized as a novel class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors which exhibit selectivity toward different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). These compounds have been evaluated for their relative inhibitory properties against a panel of RTKs in intact cells. By modifying the 3-substituted indolin-2-ones, we have identified compounds which showed selective inhibition of the ligand-dependent autophosphorylation of various RTKs at submicromolar levels in cells. Structure-activity analysis for these compounds and their relative potency and selectivity to inhibit particular RTKs has determined that (1) 3-[(five-membered heteroaryl ring)methylidenyl]indolin-2-ones are highly specific against the VEGF (Flk-1) RTK activity, (2) 3-(substituted benzylidenyl)indolin-2-ones containing bulky group(s) in the phenyl ring at the C-3 position of indolin-2-ones showed high selectivity toward the EGF and Her-2 RTKs, and (3) the compound containing an extended side chain at the C-3 position of the indolin-2-one (16) exhibited high potency and selectivity when tested against the PDGF and VEGF (Flk-1) RTKs. Recent published crystallographic data for two of these 3-substituted indolin-2-ones provides a rationale to suggest that these compounds may bind in the ATP binding pocket of RTKs. The structure-activity analysis supports the use of subsets of these compounds as specific chemical leads for the development of RTK-specific drugs with broad application for the treatment of human diseases.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes has differential effects on atrial natriuretic peptide synthesis in the rat atrium and ventricle: a study by solution-hybridization-RNase protection assay

In rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes for 2 or 4 weeks, the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations in the atria decreased whilst that of ANP in the plasma and ventricles increased. ANP concentrations in the hypothalamus and in the brainstem did not change in either 2- or 4-week diabetic rats. Atrial ANP content was partly restored by insulin replacement in 4-week diabetic rats. Plasma ANP concentrations and ventricular ANP contents were reversed to normal by insulin treatment in both 2- and 4-week diabetic rats. Solution-hybridization-RNase protection assay showed a significant increase in the preproANP mRNA expression in the ventricles but not in the atria. These results indicated that the STZ-diabetes increased the synthesis of ANP in the ventricles and consequently its release from the ventricles. The synthesis of ANP in the atria did not change as judged from the preproANP mRNA expression but the release of ANP from the atria might also be increased for ANP content decreased in the atria. The reason for the difference in the response of atrial and ventricular preproANP concentrations to STZ-diabetes is not known.

The effect of aging on the response of striatal preproenkephalin and preprotachykinin mRNA contents to chronic haloperidol treatment in rats: measurement by solution-hybridization RNase protection assay

The preproenkephalin (PPeK) and preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNA contents in 3-, 10- and 23-month-old rats in the striatum were measured by solution hybridization-RNase protection assay after 3 weeks of haloperidol injection. Haloperidol increased striatal PPek mRNA. There was no age-related difference in the response of striatal PPeK mRNA to chronic haloperidol treatment. The PPT mRNA decreased by 21% after the haloperidol treatment in young rats only. Meanwhile, age decreased the PPT mRNA by 27 and 24% in 10- and 23-month-old rats, respectively. It is concluded that there is a difference in the effects of aging on the response of PPek and PPT mRNA contents to haloperidol and that the loss of PPT mRNA response in 10- and 23-month-old rats might be due to the change of dopamine system of the striatum in these rats.

Anti-Sa antibody in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To test anti-Sa antibody in different autoimmune connective tissue diseases and analyze the relationship between Sa antibody and clinical manifestations and laboratory tests in rheumatoid arthritis.

METHOD

Sa antigen was extracted from human placenta. Anti-Sa antibody was tested in 40 normal people and 478 connective tissue disease (CTD) patients using Western Blotting (WB).

RESULTS

Sa antigen was a protein with molecular weights of 50 kD and 55 kD. Anti-Sa antibody was positive in 31.9% (61/191) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 3.0% (2/67) Sjögren's syndrome (SS), 4.3% (2/46) systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE) and 0% (0/66) Behcet's disease, 0% (0/60) polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), 0% (0/66) other CTD and 0% (0/40) normal controls. Anti-Sa antibody was different from other auto-antibodies in RA. In rheumatoid arthritis its sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction rate, negative prediction rate were 31.9%, 98.6%, 93.8% and 68.5% respectively. Anti-Sa antibody positive patients were significantly different from anti-Sa antibody negative patients in moming stiffness, ESR, ANA and X-ray grade.

CONCLUSION

Anti-Sa antibody was a new auto-antibody for the diagnosis of RA. Anti-Sa antibody positive patients seem to have more serious inflammation and more advanced disease process.

Introduction of a disulfide bond into a cationic lipid enhances transgene expression of plasmid DNA

We have introduced a convenient method of synthesis for disulfide-containing cationic lipids. The lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-succinyl-2-hydroxyethyl disulfide ornithine conjugate (DOGSDSO), was synthesized and used to prepare liposomes in combination with DOPE. The rationale behind the selection of the disulfide bond was to produce a lipid which could be selectively destabilized within the cytosol of the cell. The disulfide bond of DOGSDSO was shown to be cleaved by reductive media leading to destabilization of the liposome/DNA complex, thus increasing the release of pDNA compared to a non-disulfide-containing analog. The introduction of a disulfide bond increases the transfection activity using model animal cell lines. The transfection activity and toxicity of DOTAP, DOGSDSO and its analog in three cell lines were compared. The amount of transgene (e.g. luciferase) produced with the use of DOGSDSO/DOPE was greater than that of DOTAP/DOPE and up to 50 times more than that of its non-disulfide analog. The results indicate disulfide-containing cationic liposomes may act as excellent vectors for gene transfection.

Enzymes of the Primary Phosphatidylethanolamine Biosynthetic Pathway in Postgermination Castor Bean Endosperm (Developmental Profiles and Partial Purification of the Mitochondrial CTP:Ethanolaminephosphate Cytidylyltransferase)

Ethanolamine kinase, CTP:ethanolaminephosphate cytidylyltransferase (ECT), and ethanolaminephosphotransferase, which sequentially catalyze the primary pathway for phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis, were measured in castor bean (Ricinus communis L. var Hale) endosperm for 6 d after the onset of imbibition. Ethanolamine kinase (EC 2.7.1.82) activity was cytosolic, increasing slowly during the first 5 d and then declining. Total ECT (EC 2.7.7.14) activity increased until the 4th d, but the endoplasmic reticulum fraction of the activity peaked at d 3, and the mitochondrial activity peaked at d 4. Diacylglycerol:CDPethanolamine ethanolaminephosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.1) increased during the first 2 d after imbibition began, after which it declined. The lowest activity of ethanolamine kinase during postgermination was more than 5-fold higher than the maximum activity of ECT, and the total activity of diacylglycerol:CDPethanolamine ethanolaminephosphotransferase at d 2 was at least triple that of ECT of the endoplasmic reticulum. We have partially purified ECT from mitochondrial fractions of postgermination castor bean endosperm starting with mitochondria purified by sucrose (Suc) density gradient centrifugation and broken by osmotic shock and homogenization. The membrane-bound ECT was solubilized with 1.5% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate and purified approximately 118-fold by polyethylene glycol precipitation, chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, and then Suc gradient centrifugation. The continuous presence of both salt (0.5 M NaCl) and detergent (1% [w/v] 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate) was necessary to prevent aggregation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the final activity peak resulted in a prominent protein band at 35 kD, which correlated with bands from peak ECT activity fractions after both Suc gradient centrifugation and gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200. The activity of this enzyme was enhanced by the addition of several phospholipids.

The effect of aging on ANP levels in the plasma, heart, and brain of rats

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a hormone important in the cardiovascular system via its regulatory roles in sodium and water excretion, and in vasodilatation. Aging represents a major risk factor in the development of hypertension, a perturbation which may activate compensatory mechanisms. The influence of aging on the ANP levels in plasma, atria, ventricles, hypothalamus, and brainstem was evaluated by comparing young (3 mo), middle-aged (12 mo), and old (24 mo) rats. Plasma and ventricular ANP levels increased with age, while ANP content in the atria as well as hypothalamus decreased significantly. PreproANP mRNA contents increased with age in the ventricle but not in the atrium. It is suggested that the increase in plasma ANP levels in old rats is due to the increase in ANP secretion from the atrium and the ventricle, partly as a result of an increase of release of ANP from hypothalamus.

Transfection of rat brain cells by electroporation

Genetic intervention is a powerful means for answering basic biological questions about molecular events taking place in brain cells underlying complex behaviors. Traditional transfection method has proved difficult to apply to neuronal cells. We therefore described an alternative procedure for introducing DNA into cultured rat brain cells by electroporation. The various parameters involving the voltage, capacitance and electroporation buffer are investigated. We found that this transfection procedure is simple, reproducible and applicable to rat brain cells in vitro.

Alterations of mRNA levels of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes with maturation and ageing in different rat blood vessels

1. Alterations of mRNA levels of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes during maturation and ageing were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in aortae and renal, pulmonary and mesenteric arteries isolated from 3, 12 and 24-month-old rats. 2. The steady state levels for alpha 1A-, alpha 1B- and alpha 1D-adrenoceptors in aorta declined with maturation and ageing. In renal artery there was a decrease in mRNA for the alpha 1B-adrenoceptor in aged rats. However, in mesenteric and pulmonary arteries there were no changes in mRNA levels for the three subtypes of alpha 1-adrenoceptors as a result of maturation and ageing. 3. The results suggest that expression of alpha 1-adrenoceptors is changed heterogeneously in different blood vessels during maturation and ageing in rats.

Characterization of the binding and activity of a high affinity, pseudoirreversible morpholino tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist

2(S)-((3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-oxy)-3(S)-phenyl-4-((3-oxo-1,2,4- triazol-5-yl)methyl)morpholine (L-742,694) is a selective morpholino tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist that inhibits the binding of 125I-substance P to the human tachykinin NK1 receptor with a Kd = 37 pM. Increasing concentrations of L-742,694 added to cells 15 min prior to agonist progressively increase the apparent EC50 of substance P for inducing the synthesis of inositol phosphate in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human tachykinin NK1 receptor and decrease the maximal level of stimulation observed. In contrast, addition of substance P and L-742,694 to the cells at the same time results in an increase in the EC50 for substance P with no decrease in the maximal level of stimulation. The compound also decreases the apparent number of binding sites for 125I-substance P observed by Scatchard analysis. Analysis of the binding of [3H]L-742,694 to the tachykinin NK1 receptor shows that it associates with the receptor with k(a) = 3.98 x 10(8) M(-1) min(-1), and dissociates with k(d) = 0.026 min(-1) and t1/2 = 27 min at 22 degrees C. The slow rate of dissociation of L-742,694 from the tachykinin NK1 receptor and the observation that altering the order of addition of antagonist and substance P attenuates the effect of the antagonist on the maximal activation suggest that L-742,694 is a competitive antagonist that can behave as a pseudoirreversible antagonist under some experimental conditions. L-742,694 has reduced affinity for tachykinin NK1 receptors in which alanine has been substituted for Gln165, His197 or His265 in transmembrane helices 4, 5 and 6, respectively. These three residues have previously been shown to be present in the binding site of tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists of several structural classes. In addition, L-742,694 inhibits binding of the quinuclidine antagonist (2S,3S)-cis-2-(diphenyl methyl)-N-[(2-iodophenyl)-methyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane 3-amine ([125I]L-703,606) with the same affinity as it inhibits binding of 125I-substance P. These data indicate that L-742,694 binds to the same site within the transmembrane domain of the receptor as previously described competitive antagonists.

The dose distribution close to an 192Ir wire source: EGS4 Monte Carlo calculations

A Monte Carlo simulation using the PRESTA version of the EGS4 code has been employed as an investigative tool to calculate the absorbed dose in water close to 192Ir wire implants. It has been shown that a treatment planning system, such as GE Target II, using the Sievert integral and the Meisberger polynomial is only able to reproduce the Monte Carlo results at radial distance of 1 mm and farther away. The Sievert integral used with the Meisberger polynomial is proven to be in good agreement with the Monte Carlo generated data at distances between 1 mm and 1 cm.

Co-regulation of mucosal prostanoids and substance P by indomethacin in rat stomachs

The present investigation examined the correlation between the regulation of mucosal prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis and the release of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) in rat stomachs by indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. When given subcutaneously at the dose of 5 mg/kg, indomethacin reduced mucosal biosynthesis of PGE2 and concurrently lowered mucosal SP level. The inter-relationship between mucosal generation of PG and SP was further demonstrated by using [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]-SP, which also inhibited PGE2 production besides its suppression on SP release. Co-administration of either arachidonic acid, the PGE2 precursor, or SP reversed the inhibitory actions of indomethacin and [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]-SP, respectively, on mucosal levels of PGE2 and SP. Our findings suggest that indomethacin, aside from its depletion of endogenous PG, also exerts a secondary action in regulating the release of SP, which is mediated indirectly through PG in the gastric mucosa. These actions may play a role in the modulation of gastric mucosal integrity.

Chronic haloperidol treatment decreases preproenkephalin mRNA in the anterior pituitary: a study by solution-hybridization-RNase protection assay

By solution-hybridization-RNase protection assay, the preproenkephalin (PPek) mRNA in the anterior pituitary (AL) of male rats was found to decrease by 42% after 3 weeks haloperidol treatment. It is concluded that dopamine may stimulate the AL enkephalinergic system at the level of gene expression.

Autoradiographic distribution and physiological regulation of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in rat epididymis

Autoradiographic study was conducted to localize 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the rat epididymis. In the peripubertal (6 weeks old), postpubertal (8 weeks old) and adult (3 months old) rats, intense specific 2-[125I]iodomelatonin labelling of the corpus epididymidis was observed. The intensity of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the distal epididymal segment was significantly decreased in orchidectomized rats but the effect could be reversed with testosterone replacement. The intensity of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the distal rat epididymal segment did not show any diurnal rhythmicity when mid-light period and mid-dark period levels were compared, and was unaffected by constant lighting. Our data suggest androgen-dependent expression of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites, independent of light-induced changes in circulating melatonin, in the rat corpus epididymidis. A novel role of melatonin and its receptor in the regulation of the functions of rat corpus epididymidis is strongly implicated.

Pituitary contents of beta-endorphin, dynorphin, substance P, cholecystokinin and somatostatin in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

The effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on pituitary neuropeptides were studied. Substance P, dynorphin and beta-endorphin in both pituitary lobes and cholecystokinin and somatostatin in the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) were measured 4 weeks after streptozotocin treatment in adult male rats. There were significant decreases of substance P levels in both the anterior lobe (AL) and NIL, and of cholecystokinin, dynorphin and beta-endorphin in the NIL, whereas the dynorphin content in the AL increased, when values were expressed on a per-lobe basis. On a per-milligram-protein basis, however, only beta-endorphin in the NIL showed a significant decrease, while AL beta-endorphin and dynorphin were increased. Correlated with these changes were a drastic decrease in the serum insulin level and a marked increase in serum glucose and corticosterone levels. All these changes were reversible with insulin treatment. It is suggested that the decrease in NIL contents of neuropeptides demonstrated (except for beta-endorphin) might be due to mechanisms other than a change in synthesis.

[3H]L-655,708, a novel ligand selective for the benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors which contain the alpha 5 subunit

A compound (L-655,708) has been identified which has at least 50-fold selectivity for the benzodiazepine site on GABAA receptors containing an alpha 5 subunit over those containing an alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3 or alpha 6 subunit in combination with beta 3 and gamma 2. The compound was radiolabelled with tritium and investigated as a novel radioligand which recognizes the benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors which contain the alpha 5 subunit. [3H]L-655,708 labels one saturable and specific population of binding sites in rat hippocampus with a Kd of 2.4 +/- 0.7 nM and a Bmax of 256 +/- 42 fmol/mg protein. The pharmacology of the binding site labelled was consistent with that of receptors present in cells transfected with alpha 5, beta 2 and gamma 2 and with receptors immunoprecipitated from rat brain with an alpha 5-selective antiserum. It is concluded that [3H]L-655,708 is the first radioligand to date which is selective for any BZ2 subtype of the GABAA receptor and should provide a valuable tool for elucidating the structure and function of the alpha 5-containing GABAA receptor subtype.

The effect of haloperidol on met-enkephalin, beta-endorphin, cholecystokinin and substance P in the pituitary, the hypothalamus and the striatum of rats during aging

1. Haloperidol increased the Met-enk level in the striatum at all age groups. However, the Met-enk level was decreased in AL of young and middle-aged rats by the drug. 2. Haloperidol elevated the beta-end level in AL and CCK level in NIL in young rats only. 3. The SP content in NIL was decreased by haloperidol in all age groups. 4. With regard to the effect of aging, Met-enk level in AL of middle-aged rats was higher than that in young rats. The beta-end level in AL also increased in old rats. 5. Aging modified the haloperidol effect on beta-end level in AL and CCK level in NIL as the effect was only observed in young rats. 6. In addition, aging caused a blunted response of Met-enk level to haloperidol in the striatum but an increased response of SP content to haloperidol in the NIL.

[Proliferation of PBMC in patients with Sjögren's syndrome via CD2 pathway]

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease whose etiology is unknown. Recent studies show that there is T cell abnormalities in addition to B cell hyperreactivity. In order to better understand the immunoregulatory abnormalities of primary Sjögren's syndrome, cellular immunology has become the main focus of recent studies. As such, the function of CD2 and CD3 pathways constitutes an integral part of these studies. The proliferation of PBMC, non-adhesive cells (mainly T cells) and adhesive cells (mainly B cells) has been investigated in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and normal controls; the results show that the proliferation of PMBC and non-adhesive cells in patients is much lower than that in normal controls (P < 0.05), whereas there is no difference in that of adhesive cells between these two groups (P > 0.05). It is also found that the non-adhesive cells' abnormality can not be adjusted by adding adhesive cells of normal controls. In addition, it seems that there is a relationship between the proliferation of PBMC via CD2 pathway in patients and the positivity of anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. However, the underlying mechanism behind the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome has yet to be fully understood. This study warrants further research into gaining a better concept of the CD2 pathway at molecular levels.

[Effect of GG on the occurrence of tongue retropulsion--an experimental observation of electromyography]

To evaluate the effect of GG activity on tongue backwardness during sleep, we conducted experiments on 16 rabbits. The electric activities of the muscles involved in tongue motion were recorded in different phases (wakefulness, presnoring and snoring) with unipolar electrodes inserted into the muscles under direct vision. The observations demonstrated that GG played a more active role in the occurrence of tongue backwardness during sleep.

Cortisol decreases 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the duck thymus

The immunosuppressive effect of chronic glucocorticoid treatment on 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the duck thymus was studied. Two-week-old ducks were injected intraperitoneally with either 1 mg of cortisol per day (experimental group) or an equivalent volume of vehicle (control group) in the middle of the light period for 7 days. 2[125I]Iodomelatonin binding assays were performed on thymic membranes. Cortisol injection reduced the body weight gain, size of the bursa of Fabricius and absolute weights of the primary lymphoid organs but had no effect on the spleen weights. The relative weights of the spleen were increased while those of the primary lymphoid organs were unchanged. The density of the thymus 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites was decreased while the affinity was not affected. The modulation of the thymic 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites by changes in the immune status of the duck suggests that these binding sites represent physiologically relevant melatonin receptors and that melatonin exerts its action on the lymphoid tissues directly. Our findings support the hypothesis that the thymus is the target site for the immunomodulatory interactions between the pineal melatonin and the adrenal steroids. A possible inhibitory influence of adrenal steroids on the immuno-enhancing effect of melatonin is also suggested.

Alterations in acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase activities and neuropeptide levels in the ventral spinal cord of the Wobbler mouse during inherited motoneuron disease

Enzymatic assays for acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were applied to dorsal and ventral cervical spinal cord regions taken from the Wobbler mouse, a model for inherited motoneuron disease. Early in the disease, ChAT (but not AChE) activity is significantly greater compared with the control littermate specimens. The high ChAT activity correlates with the high thyrotropin releasing hormone (also leucine-enkephalin) concentrations measured in the Wobbler ventral horn early in the disease. Late in the motoneuron disease, both AChE and ChAT activities are significantly lower than in the control littermate specimens. These data correlate with the high substance P, methionine and leucine enkephalin concentrations measured in the Wobbler ventral horn late in the motoneuron disease.

Brain cholecystokinin octopeptide (CCK-8) concentrations: effect of tryptophan and other serotonergic agents

The effects of 1-week drug treatment on the brain contents of neuropeptides were investigated. The cholecystokinin (CCK) concentrations in the hypothalamus were significantly decreased by tryptophan treatment but not by imipramine and cyproheptadine, which changed the serotonergic function. Proglumide, the CCK antagonist, induced in the hypothalamic and hippocampal-striatal areas an increase in CCK concentration, which was not reversed in the presence of tryptophan. Dynorphin and substance P(SP) concentrations were also modified by proglumide treatment.

Age-related changes in the contents of neuropeptides in the rat brain and pituitary

beta-Endorphin, Leu-enkephalin, Met-enkephalin, substance P, somatostatin, and cholecystokinin were measured in the brain and the pituitary of male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 3 months, 12 months, and 22 months. beta-Endorphin, Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin contents in the neurointermediate lobe, and the enkephalin levels in the anterior lobe of the pituitary increased with age. The increases in contents were both in the day and at night for beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin. However, the increase for Leu-enkephalin content was in the day only. Hypothalamic beta-endorphin content decreased with age only in the day. beta-Endorphin and Leu-enkephalin contents in the brain stem, and Leu-enkephalin levels contents in the cortex decreased with age at night. Leu-enkephalin in the striatum decreased with age in the day. There was also an age-related decrease for somatostatin and substance P contents in the striatum and the hypothalamus in the day, and in cholecystokinin levels in the hippocampus, and the hypothalamus at night. It is concluded that there are age differences in neuropeptide levels, and that these changes may differ according to diurnal rhythms.

[Studies on the pleomorphism of trachoma inclusion]

A series of trachoma inclusion color photograph is taken from the conjunctival smears of 48 trachoma cases. These smears were Giemsa-stained and stored in the slide-boxes for more than 30 years with no distinct changes in color. A description is given to the Pleomorphism of trachoma inclusion and its relation to the host cells. According to the gradual morphological changes of Chlamydia trachomatis multiplied in the infected cells, a 5-staged classification for trachoma inclusions is provided which may be benefit to understanding the pleomorphism of the trachoma inclusion and clinical laboratory diagnosis.

Dexamethasone decreases somatostatin mRNA levels in the periventricular nucleus of the rat hypothalamus

Glucocorticoid excess inhibits somatic growth in man and laboratory animals. While the mechanism involved is likely to be multifactorial, indirect evidence suggesting the role of an enhanced endogenous somatostatin (SS) tone has been reported. However, there has been no direct evidence indicating an increased synthesis or secretion of hypothalamic SS. In this study, we investigated the effects of glucocorticoids on hypothalamic SS expression by measuring the peptide and mRNA content of SS in whole hypothalamic blocks of male Sprague-Dawley rats sacrificed 4 weeks after adrenalectomy or sham operation. Adrenalectomy decreased the SS content in the rat hypothalamus (p < 0.05), an effect which was reversed by dexamethasone treatment for 10 days. On the other hand, total hypothalamic SS mRNA levels were unaffected by adrenalectomy, but became significantly decreased following dexamethasone treatment (p < 0.05). Using in situ hybridization, this reduction in SS gene expression was shown to occur consistently in the periventricular nucleus and in the parvocellular subdivision of the paraventricular nucleus. The effects of adrenalectomy and dexamethasone on SS mRNA levels were further quantitated in hypothalamic fragments containing predominantly the periventricular and paraventricular nuclei. Somatostatin mRNA levels in these tissue fragments were marginally increased by adrenalectomy (p < 0.05), but showed a 50% reduction following dexamethasone treatment (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on somatic growth is probably not mediated via an effect on hypothalamic SS gene expression.

Detection of anti-SSB antibodies in patients with rheumatic diseases

Anti-SSB antibodies were measured by ELISA in patients with various kinds of connective tissue diseases using SSB antigen purified from fresh rabbit thymus. The SSB antigen reacted with anti-SSB standard serum, and the positive rates in SS, SLE, RA, PBS and MCTD were 55.1%, 48.3%, 32.8%, 30.8% and 26.3%, respectively. The titers of anti-SSB antibodies were higher in SS and SLE patients than in other connective tissue disease patients. However, 10% of normal individuals were found to have anti-SSB antibodies with low titers. The anti-SSB antibodies detected were mainly of IgG isotype. Preliminary analysis of clinical data showed no relationship between anti-SSB and systemic involvement in SS.

Effect of environmental and hypothalamic factors on thyrotropin secretion in the hypothyroid rat

1. Fourteen days after hypothyroidism was induced either by propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment or by thyroidectomy, the serum thyrotropin (TSH) responses to morphine (5 or 20 mg/kg bw), ether stress (30 min) and cold exposure (60 min) were compared with those in normal rats. 2. The decrease in serum TSH levels after morphine and ether stress found in the normal rats were abolished or much reduced respectively. 3. The increase in serum TSH in response to cold exposure and the diurnal rhythm of serum TSH (lower level at night) were also absent in the hypothyroid rat. 4. The stimulating effects of low dose of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and the inhibitory effects of somatostatin and apomorphine were completely abolished, while the stimulating effects of a high dose of TRH were much reduced in the hypothyroid rat. 5. These results indicate that in the hypothyroid rat the effect of a lack of negative feedback action of thyroid hormone predominates, and that hypothalamic factors are probably unimportant in the regulation of TSH secretion.

Decrease of enkephalins in cerebellum during Wobbler mouse motoneuron disease

The Wobbler mouse possesses an inherited motoneuron disease, which expresses itself primarily at cervical spinal levels and in cranial motor nuclei. Cell degeneration is sporatic and negligible in other motor regions of the brain (e.g., cerebellum, corpus striatum). However, enkephalin concentrations are consistently lower in the Wobbler cerebellum throughout the motoneuron disease, whereas substance P concentrations are significantly higher late in the disease compared with the normal phenotype littermates. The data imply that early changes in enkephalin (also shown for leucine enkephalin in the spinal cord and brainstem) may be important to the etiology of the Wobbler disorder. Like the late increase of substance P, this may reflect a yet-to-be described response to parent cell degeneration in the raphe nuclei. TRH remained unchanged in Wobbler cerebellum and corpus striatum, wherein the other peptides studied herein also maintained similar concentrations to the normal phenotype littermates.

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of the effects of prolactin on the lateral prostate and the seminal vesicle of the castrated guinea pig

Administration of ovine prolactin to castrated guinea pigs for 2 weeks induced hypertrophy of secretory cells in the lateral prostate when compared with the castrated controls. This was accompanied by an apparent increase in the number of profiles of granular endoplasmic reticulum and well developed Golgi complexes with dilated cisternae. An increase in the number of low-contrast electron-dense secretory granules was observed 4 weeks after prolactin treatment. In the seminal vesicle, dilatation and degranulation of granular endoplasmic reticulum and an apparent decrease in the number of secretory granules were observed 4 weeks after prolactin administration. Following castration and 2 weeks after prolactin treatment, thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase)-reaction product was mainly confined to 1-2 trans cisternae of the Golgi complexes in secretory cells of the lateral prostate and the seminal vesicle. In both glands, a reduction of TPPase activity was observed 2 weeks following prolactin administration, and the reaction product was totally absent after prolonged treatment for 4 weeks. The present study has provided morphological evidence that prolactin is capable of stimulating the secretory function of the lateral prostate while exerting some inhibitory effects on the seminal vesicle of the castrated guinea pig. In both glands, TPPase activity, and hence the process of glycosylation was inhibited after prolactin administration. The results from radioimmunoassay indicated that the action of prolactin on these glands could be a direct effect and not mediated through testosterone.

Alteration in the levels of thyrotropin releasing hormone, substance P and enkephalins in the spinal cord, brainstem, hypothalamus and midbrain of the Wobbler mouse at different stages of the motoneuron disease

The present study was undertaken to quantify selected neuropeptides (thyrotropin releasing hormone, substance P, methionine and leucine enkephalin) in the cervical spinal cord and other regions of the central nervous system of Wobbler mice by radioimmunoassays during several stages of the motoneuron disease compared with age- and sex-matched normal phenotype littermates. In Wobbler spinal cord, thyrotropin releasing hormone is higher early in the disease, whereas in the brainstem it is higher at a later stage. Substance P in spinal cord is also higher late in the disease. Leucine enkephalin levels are greater at all stages in diseased spinal cord and brainstem, but methionine enkephalin increases only late in the disease. Highly significant increases of the peptides (except thyrotropin releasing hormone) appear in hypothalamus and midbrain only late in the motoneuron disease. Regression analyses show that thyrotropin releasing hormone in spinal cord and brainstem decreases normally with age in the control mice and at a faster rate related to the extent of motor impairment in Wobbler mice. Thyrotropin releasing hormone and methionine enkephalin in the Wobbler brainstem correlate (P less than 0.05) with the progress of the motoneuron disease. Methionine enkephalin increases faster in Wobbler brainstem and decreases faster in control spinal cord with age. The increase of leucine enkephalin in the Wobbler spinal cord correlates significantly with age and with the progress of the disease, but leucine enkephalin declines slightly with age in the controls. The changes of substance P in spinal cord and brainstem do not correlate significantly with the progress of the disease. In the hypothalamus, increasing values for substance P in control specimens and enkephalins in Wobbler specimens are significantly correlated with age. However, in the midbrain, higher methionine and leucine enkephalin levels are significantly associated with age only in the control mice. Alterations of neuropeptides in the Wobbler mouse spinal cord and brainstem may result from the degeneration of bulbospinal raphe neurons projecting to the ventral spinal cord, or from primary afferent or interneuronal nerve terminals. The data imply that the neuronal degeneration process in the Wobbler motoneuron disease is not limited to motoneurons. In the spinal cord, the data support our previous hypothesis that neuronal sprouting presynaptic to the motoneurons may account for increased neuropeptide concentrations. Alternatively, synthesis and/or degradation of these peptides may be altered. In addition, it is proposed that enkephalinergic neurons may develop abnormally in Wobbler mice. The early increase of leucine enkephalin in the Wobbler spinal cord possibly indicates its importance in the etiology of the motoneuron disease.

Cloning and characterization of a gene required for the secretion of extracellular enzymes across the outer membrane by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Nonpathogenic mutants of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, generated from transposon mutagenesis, accumulated extracellular polygalacturonate lyase, alpha-amylase, and endoglucanase in the periplasm. The transposon Tn5 was introduced by a mobilizable, suicidal plasmid, pSUP2021 or pEYDG1. Genomic banks of wild-type X. campestris pv. campestris, constructed on the broad-host-range, mobilizable cosmid pLAFR1 or pLAFR3, were conjugated with one of the mutants, designated XC1708. Recombinant plasmids isolated by their ability to complement XC1708 can be classified into two categories. One, represented by pLASC3, can complement some mutants, whereas the other, represented by a single plasmid, pLAHH2, can complement all of the other mutants. Restriction mapping showed that the two recombinant plasmids shared an EcoRI fragment of 8.9 kb. Results from subcloning, deletion mapping, and mini-Mu insertional mutation of the 8.9-kb EcoRI fragment suggested that a 4.2-kb fragment was sufficient to complement the mutant XC1708. Sequence analysis of this 4.2-kb fragment revealed three consecutive open reading frames (ORFs), ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3. Hybridization experiments showed that Tn5 in the genome of XC1708 and other mutants complemented by pLASC3 was located in ORF3, which could code for a protein of 83.5 kDa. A signal peptidase II processing site was identified at the N terminus of the predicted amino acid sequence. Sequence homology of 51% was observed between the amino acid sequences predicted from ORF3 and the pulD gene of Klebsiella species.

Anti-PPD antibodies in Chinese Behçet's disease

Anti-PPD antibody determinations were carried out by the ELISA method using extracted PPD of tubercle bacillus H37RV as the target antigen. The positive rates of anti-PPD antibodies in patients with active tuberculosis, inactive tuberculosis, Behçet's disease, or non-tubercular disease and in a village population were 97.5%, 77.4%, 48.9%, 33.6% and 13.9%, respectively. Although the average titer of anti-PPD antibodies in Behçet's disease was lower (2.168 +/- 0.854) than that in active tuberculosis (3.126 +/- 1.182), it was about the same as that in inactive tuberculosis (2.336 +/- 1.250). In comparison with the village community population surveyed, the average titer of anti-PPD antibodies in Behçet's disease patients was distinctly higher (P less than 0.001). These results indicate that tuberculosis may be etiologically related to Behçet's disease.