Cellular localization, expression, and structure of the nuclear dot protein 52

Nuclear dots containing PML and Sp100 proteins (NDs) play a role in the development of acute promyelocytic leukemia, are modified after infection with various viruses, and are autoimmunogenic in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). PML and Sp100 gene expression is strongly enhanced by interferons (IFN). Based on immunostaining with a monoclonal antibody (mAb C8A2), a third protein, nuclear dot protein 52 (NDP52), was recently localized in NDs. Here we analyzed the cellular localization, expression, and structure of NDP52 in more detail. Our NDP52-specific sera revealed mainly cytoplasmic staining but no ND pattern, neither in untreated nor in IFN-treated cells. Cells transfected with NDP52 expression vectors showed exclusively cytoplasmic staining. In subcellular fractionation experiments, NDP52 was found in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions. Unlike as described for Sp100 and PML, NDP52 mRNA and protein levels were only marginally enhanced by IFN gamma and not enhanced at all by IFN beta. NDP52 homodimerization but no heterodimerization with Sp100 or PML could be demonstrated. None of the 93 PBC sera tested contained autoantibodies against NDP52. Finally, mAb C8A2 reacted not only with NDP52 but also with a conformation-dependent epitope on the Sp100 protein. These data imply that NDP52 forms homodimers but no heterodimers with Sp100 and PML, lacks autoantigenicity in PBC, localizes mainly in the cytoplasm, and is associated with the nucleus, but not with NDs. Finally, unlike Sp100 and PML, NDP52 expression is neither markedly enhanced nor localization detectably altered by type I and II IFNs.

The impact of diets varying in carbohydrates resistant to endogenous enzymes and lignin on populations of Ascaris suum and Oesophagostomum dentatum in pigs

The impact of diets varying in type and level of carbohydrates resistant to endogenous enzymes and lignin on the establishment and location of Ascaris suum and Oesophagostomum dentatum was investigated experimentally. Fifty worm-free pigs, from a specific pathogen-free farm were used. The animals were assigned randomly to 5 diets and infected with 600 infective A. suum eggs and 6000 infective larvae of O. dentatum per pig. The diets consisted of a traditional ground barley plus protein feed (diet A), commercial full-constituent pelleted feed (diet B), barley flour plus protein (diet C), barley flour, inulin (Raftiline ST, ORAFTI, Tienen, Belgium), sugar beet fibre plus protein (diet D), and barley flour, wheat bran, and protein (diet E). The faecal egg excretion was followed and the pigs were slaughtered at 8 weeks p.i. and samples taken from the small and large intestine. Intestinal contents were analysed for worm burdens, worm location and female worm fecundity along with the concentration of insoluble (chromic oxide) and soluble (polyethylene glycol-4000) markers, lignin, non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and organic acids. In all diet groups A. suum worm burdens were low and comparable, whereas the O. dentatum worm burdens were significantly higher in pigs fed the diets with high levels of NSP and lignin (diets A and E) than in pigs fed diets B, C, and D. The present study suggests that a diet rich in lignin and insoluble NSP's provides favourable conditions for the establishment of O. dentatum in the large intestine of pigs while it is unlikely that the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and pH plays and major role.

[Sexual function in patients with disseminated sclerosis. A 5-year follow-up study]

Sexual dysfunction is known to occur in multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of the study is to describe the change in sexual function and symptoms in a five year follow-up study. Forty-nine patients (27 females, 22 males) with definite MS were interviewed and examined. The number of patients with sexual dysfunction increased significantly (p = 0.004) and involved females and males equally. Males usually had one or two symptoms, while females frequently had two or more symptoms. It is concluded that the risk of sexual dysfunction increases over time. Further studies concerning treatment possibilities are needed.

PKC isoenzyme expression and cellular responses to phorbol ester in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells

Protein kinase C (PKc) is a key regulatory enzyme involved in the transduction of extracellular growth signals to the cell nucleus. It occurs in several isoforms, the exact functional roles of which have not been established as yet. The tumor-promoting agent 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol acetate (TPA) is the classic activator of PKC and modulates the activity of the activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex via this pathway. AP-1, in turn, induces cell proliferation in many tissues. In the present study, the PKC isoenzyme expression pattern in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells was analyzed. The results were compared with those obtained in HEC-1B endometrium adenocarcinoma cells, which had previously been characterized in this respect. To gain insight into the possible functional consequences of different PKC expression patterns, cell proliferation rates and AP-1 activity in response to TPA in both cell lines was studied. Western blot analysis of the PKC isoenzyme expression pattern revealed that JEG-3 cells are deficient in the PKC alpha, delta, and epsilon isoforms. These isoenzymes are strongly expressed in HEC-1B cells, with the alpha and delta being constitutively active. As opposed to HEC-1B cells, JEG-3 cells did not show an enhanced proliferation rate in response to TPA. Furthermore, TPA-treated JEG-3 cells did not exhibit any change in cell shape and refractility as observed in HEC-1B cells. AP-1 activity, as determined by a transfected AP-1-luciferase reporter plasmid, was induced 10-fold by TPA in JEG-3 cells, yet only threefold in HEC-1B cells. It is concluded from these data that differential expression of a subset of PKCs, e.g., the alpha, delta, and epsilon isoforms, may serve as an indicator of the proliferative potential in response to growth factors and mitogens. Furthermore, our data indicate that the inducibility of AP-1 activity does not necessarily reflect the proliferative capacity of a given cell type in response to classical tumor promoters such as phorbol ester.

[A time study in a department of histopathology]

In the Department of Histo- and Cytopathology, Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, a time study was performed according to the principles known from work sampling. From 22.11-12.12.1993 laboratory technicians, pathologists and secretaries were interviewed and an activity form was filled in. Six thousand nine hundred and fifty interviews were performed and the time study showed that for all groups of personnel 40% of the time was used on specimens sent for microscopy, 5% on autopsies (excl. microscopy), 15% on teaching and research, 20% on scientific meetings, reading and administration and 20% on other activities e.g. lunch, holiday, absence owing to illness. There was little variation for the different groups of personnel. On the other hand the time used on specific laboratory procedures, e.g. serial cutting, special-, and immunostaining, varied considerably for laboratory technicians, pathologists and secretaries respectively. Time studies, especially "work sampling" yield important information for the planning of laboratory services and provide documentation also for the time not directly related to routine work.

Bone acidic glycoprotein-75 self-associates to form macromolecular complexes in vitro and in vivo with the potential to sequester phosphate ions

Monoclonal antibody HTP IV-#1 specifically recognizes a complexation-dependent neoepitope on bone acidic glycoprotein-75 (BAG-75) and a Mr = 50 kDa fragment. Complexes of BAG-75 exist in situ, as shown by immunofluorescent staining of the primary spongiosa of rat tibial metaphysis and osteosarcoma cell micromass cultures with monoclonal antibody HTP IV-#1. Incorporation of BAG-75 into complexes by newborn growth plate and calvarial tissues was confirmed with a second, anti-BAG-75 peptide antibody (#503). Newly synthesized BAG-75 immunoprecipitated from mineralizing explant cultures of bone was present entirely in large macromolecular complexes, while immunoprecipitates from monolayer cultures of osteoblastic cells were previously shown to contain only monomeric Mr = 75 kDa BAG-75 and a 50 kDa fragment. Purified BAG-75 self-associated in vitro to form large spherical aggregate structures composed of a meshwork of 10 nm diameter fibrils. These structures have the capacity to sequester large amounts of phosphate ions as evidenced by X-ray microanalysis and by the fact that purified BAG-75 preparations, even after extensive dialysis against water, retained phosphate ions in concentrations more than 1,000-fold higher than can be accounted for by exchange calculations or by electrostatic binding. The ultrastructural distribution of immunogold-labeled BAG-75 in the primary spongiosa underlying the rat growth plate is distinct from that for other acidic phosphoproteins, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. We conclude that BAG-75 self-associates in vitro and in vivo into microfibrillar complexes which are specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody HTP IV-#1. This propensity to self-associate into macromolecular complexes is not shared with acidic phosphoproteins osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. We hypothesize that an extracellular electronegative network of macromolecular BAG-75 complexes could serve an organizational role in forming bone or as a barrier restricting local diffusion of phosphate ions.

Depot medroxyprogesterone. Management of side-effects commonly associated with its contraceptive use

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate is one of the most popular, effective methods of contraception used in the United States. Many women experience unpleasant side effects from this method, including episodic vaginal bleeding, hair loss, depression, and weight gain. This Clinical Practice Exchange describes the treatment strategies for these side-effects used by nurse-midwives from a variety of settings and locales. Contraceptive use can be more acceptable for many women if they are better able to cope with unpleasant side effects of the method. This Clinical Practice Exchange provides knowledge to enhance client coping.

Middle cerebral artery blood velocity and plasma catecholamines during exercise

During dynamic exercise, mean blood velocity (Vmean) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) demonstrates a graded increase to work rate and reflects regional cerebral blood flow. At a high work rate, however, vasoactive levels of plasma catecholamines could mediate vasoconstriction of the MCA and thereby elevate Vmean at a given volume flow. To evaluate transcranial Doppler-determined Vmean at high plasma catecholamine levels, seven elite cyclists performed a maximal performance test on a bicycle ergometer. Results were compared with those elicited during five incremental exercise bouts and during rhythmic handgrip when plasma catecholamines are low. During rhythmic handgrip the Vmean was elevated by 21 +/- 3% (mean +/- SE), which was not statistically different from that established during moderate cycling. However, at the highest submaximal and maximal work intensities on the bicycle ergometer. Vmean increased by 31 +/- 3% and 48 +/- 4%, respectively, and this was significantly higher compared to handgrip (P < 0.05). During maximal cycling, plasma adrenaline increased from 0.21 +/- 0.04 nmol L-1 at rest to 4.18 +/- 1.46 nmol L-1, and noradrenaline increased from 0.79 +/- 0.08 to 12.70 +/- 1.79 nmol L-1. These levels were 12- to 16-fold higher than those during rhythmic handgrip (adrenaline: 0.34 +/- 0.03 nmol L-1; noradrenaline: 0.78 +/- 0.05 nmol L-1). The increase in Vmean during intense ergometer cycling conforms to some middle cerebral artery constriction elicited by plasma catecholamines. Such an influence is unlikely during rhythmic handgrip compared with low intensity cycling.

Neurosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia: comparison of alcohol block, neurectomy, and radiofrequency coagulation

OBJECTIVES

We wished to assess the present condition of patients previously treated with a neurosurgical procedure or procedures for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in 383 patients treated between 1976 and 1991, for TN at the Department of Neurosurgery, Hvidovre Hospital. Of these, 67 were lost to follow-up. The latest surgical intervention performed was radiofrequency coagulation (RFC) (64%), neurectomy (18%), alcohol block (16%), trigeminal tractotomy (1%), and microvascular decompression (1%); 72% of patients underwent only one neurosurgical procedure.

METHODS

Questionnaires were sent to 316 patients treated neurosurgically for TN during the 16-year period; 288 (91%) patients responded. The follow-up period varied from 1 to 16 years (mean 8 years). Outcome measures were effect of RFC, neurectomy, and alcohol block; present pain conditions; and sequelae.

RESULTS

After RFC, neurectomy, and alcohol block, 83, 51, and 42% of patients, respectively, experienced a pain-free postoperative period; 49, 78, and 84% of these patients had recurrence of pain. At present, 49, 17, and 18% are pain-free and 33, 21, and 36% now have less pain than they did preoperatively. Temporary or permanent analgesics for facial pain were required in 41, 72, and 69% of the patients. Sequelae were described by 65, 57, and 49% of the patients. The four most common sequelae were hypoesthesia, paresthesia, eye complaints, and dysesthesia.

CONCLUSION

If relevant pharmacotherapy has been tried without benefit, RFC may still be considered as a treatment for TN.

Reduced arterial O2 saturation during supine exercise in highly trained cyclists

Performance of intense dynamic exercise in highly trained athletes is associated with a reduced arterial haemoglobin saturation for O2 (SaO2) and lower arterial PO2 (PaO2). We hypothesized that compared with upright exercise, supine exercise would be accompanied by a smaller reduction in SaO2 because of a lower maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) and/or a more even ventilation-perfusion distribution. Eight elite bicyclists completed progressive cycle ergometry to exhaustion in both positions with concomitant determinations of ventilatory data, arterial blood gases and pH. During upright cycling VO2max averaged 75 +/- 1.6 mL O2 min-1 kg-1 (+/-SEM) and it was 10.6 +/- 1.7% lower during supine cycling (P < 0.001). Also the maximal pulmonary and alveolar ventilation were lower during supine cycling (by 15 +/- 2% and 21 +/- 3%, respectively; P < 0.001) which related to a 0.8 +/- 0.1 L lower tidal volume (P < 0.001). In all subjects and independent of work posture PaO2 and SaO2 decreased from rest to exhaustion (from 99 +/- 3 to 82 +/- 2 Torr and 98.1 +/- 0.2 to 95.2 +/- 0.4%, respectively; P < 0.001); alveolar-arterial PO2 difference increased from 6 +/- 2 to 37 +/- 3 Torr in both body positions. At exhaustion arterial PCO2 was lower in upright than in supine (33.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 35.9 +/- 0.9 Torr; P < 0.01), suggesting a greater relative hyperventilation in upright. Arterial pH was similar in upright and supine at rest (both 7.41 +/- 0.01) and at exhaustion (7.31 +/- 0.01 vs. 7.32 +/- 0.01, respectively). We conclude that despite a lower Vo2max and supposedly an improved ventilation-perfusion distribution, altering body position from upright to supine does not influence arterial O2 desaturation during intense exercise.

The interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene Sp100 promoter contains an IFN-gamma activation site and an imperfect IFN-stimulated response element which mediate type I IFN inducibility

Expression of the nuclear domain-associated proteins Sp100, PML, and NDP52, is enhanced by interferons (IFNs) on the mRNA and protein level. Increase both of Sp100 and PML mRNA is due to enhanced transcription of the corresponding genes which occurs independently of cellular protein synthesis immediately upon IFN-beta addition. Here, we describe the molecular cloning and functional analysis of the Sp100 promoter. DNA sequence analysis revealed potential binding sites for several constitutive and IFN-inducible transcription factors. Consistent with the absence of a TATA box and an initiator element, several transcription initiation sites were found. Transient expression studies identified an imperfect IFN-stimulated response element within the first 100 nucleotides upstream of the major transcription start site. This element rendered a heterologous promoter IFN-beta-inducible and bound IFN-stimulated gene factor 2 strongly but IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 only weakly. An IFN-gamma activation site approximately 500 base pairs upstream of the IFN-stimulated response element was found to bind three IFN-alpha/beta activation factors upon IFN-beta induction and conferred both type I and type II IFN inducibility upon a heterologous promoter. These data demonstrate a novel arrangement of a nonoverlapping IFN-gamma activation site and an IFN-stimulated response element mediating type I IFN inducibility, previously not reported for other IFN-stimulable promoters.

Effects of perioperative indomethacin on intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral metabolism in patients subjected to craniotomy for cerebral tumors

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of perioperative indomethacin on intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral metabolism. Twenty patients subjected to craniotomy for supratentorial cerebral tumors were anesthetized with thiopental, fentanyl, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane. A PaCO2 level averaging 4.8 kPa (median) was achieved. The patients were randomized to intravenous indomethacin 50 mg or placebo administrated after exposure of the dura. ICP was measured continuously subdurally with a 22-gauge canula connected to a transducer. CBF and the arteriovenous difference of oxygen (AVDO2) were measured twice, before and after indomethacin/placebo administration. A significant decrease in ICP from 6.5 to 1.5 mm Hg (median) was found after indomethacin administration. This decrease was caused by a significant decrease in CBF associated with a significant increase in AVDO2. Indomethacin did not affect the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, the arteriovenous difference of lactate, or the lactate/oxygen index, suggesting that indomethacin did not provoke global cerebral ischemia. In the indomethacin group, dura was sufficiently relaxed in eight of nine patients and dura was opened without the occurrence of cerebral swelling. In one patient, mannitol treatment was necessary to prevent dural tightness. In the placebo group, mannitol supplemented with hypocapnia was applied in five patients. These findings suggest that perioperative treatment with indomethacin is an excellent treatment of intracranial hypertension during normocapnic isoflurane anesthesia for craniotomy.

Oxidation of nutrients in bull calves treated with beta-adrenergic agonists

Oxidation of protein (OXP), carbohydrate (OXCHO) and fat (OXF) was investigated with 12 growing bulls treated with beta-agonist (L-644, 969) during two 6 weeks trials (Section A and B) at a mean live weight of 195 and 335 kg. Heat production and nutrient oxidation was calculated from gas exchange, with CO2 reduced for CO2 from fermentation processes, and nitrogen excretion in urine. The beta-agonist had no effect on the level of rumen fermentation as indicated by the same methane production for control and treated animals. Heat Production (HE, RQx) increased by the treatment of beta-agonist corresponding to the increment in the protein retention. OXP/HE,RQx was reduced to about 10% in treated animals, indicating that in order to supply amino acids for an increased protein deposition oxidation of protein is decreased. OXF/HE,RQx were markedly higher in treated animals, but as indicated by the same CH4 production the level of the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production was the same. Therefore, it was concluded that the increase in OXF was not caused by an increase in SCFA but by a direct influence of beta-agonist on mobilization and oxidation of body fat.

A Bacillus subtilis secreted phosphodiesterase/alkaline phosphatase is the product of a Pho regulon gene, phoD

A secreted phosphodiesterase/alkaline phosphatase, APaseD, was purified from a culture of Bacillus subtilis JH646MS. Its phosphodiesterase activity was reminiscent of an APase isolated and characterized previously. Immunoassay and N-terminal sequencing showed the two proteins to be identical. Using the first 20 amino acids of the mature protein, a BLAST search of GenBank was used to find an homologous sequence. An exact match was found but in a putative non-coding region. It was hypothesized that there was a base pair deletion in the phoD gene. A DNA fragment internal to the coding region was generated by PCR using template DNA from a strain which produced APaseD. The PCR fragment was cloned and used to interrupt the gene. Western blot analysis of the parent and the mutated strains showed that APaseD was missing in the mutant. Resequencing of the gene revealed a larger ORF encoding a protein similar in size to the 49 kDa APaseD estimated by SDS-PAGE. The promoter was then cloned, sequenced and used in phoD-lacZ promoter fusions which showed that the gene was phosphate-starvation-induced and dependent on PhoP and PhoR for expression.

The effect of tourniquet use on postoperative strength recovery after arthroscopic meniscectomy

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the effect of pneumatic tourniquet use during arthroscopic meniscectomy on postoperative recovery of quadriceps and hamstring strength. Thirty-four patients with no ligamentous instability underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy after random assignment to the tourniquet or no tourniquet group. Tourniquet pressure was determined with a nomogram that considered thigh circumference and systolic blood pressure at time of induction. Quadriceps and hamstring strengths were tested preoperatively and at 1 week and 4 weeks postoperatively on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer and expressed as a percentage of the uninvolved side. No significant differences in quadriceps or hamstring strength were noted between groups at any time periods. The findings of this study indicate that recovery of quadriceps and hamstring strength after arthroscopic meniscectomy is not adversely affected by tourniquet use if tourniquet times and pressures are carefully controlled.

Interferon-modulated expression of genes encoding the nuclear-dot-associated proteins Sp100 and promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML)

Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and Sp100 are transcription-regulatory proteins which colocalize in discrete nuclear dots and play a role in autoimmunity, oncogenesis and virus-host interaction. Interferons (IFNs) were shown previously to increase strongly the levels of Sp100 mRNA and protein. Here, we examined which mechanisms lead to upregulation of Sp100 gene expression and whether IFNs also increase expression of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene. We found that both mRNA and protein levels of PML are also strongly upregulated by IFNs. In addition, new Sp100 and PML proteins were detected immunologically after IFN treatment of cells. Nuclear run-on analysis revealed protein-synthesis-independent, rapid IFN-enhanced transcription rates as well as synergistic activation of the Sp100 and PML genes by type-I and type-II IFNs. These data demonstrate that PML and Sp100 belong to the growing family of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) upregulated most likely by the transcription factor ISGF3, and indicate that IFNs also qualitatively alter the expression of these two genes.

Effect of graduated intravenous and standard rectal doses of indomethacin on cerebral blood flow in healthy volunteers

Administration of indomethacin may aid treatment of intracranial hypertension, and the present study was conducted to determine the optimal dose. In healthy volunteers, cerebral blood flow (CBF) has been shown to decrease considerably after a bolus dose of indomethacin, 0.4 mg/kg, followed by continuous infusion, 0.4 mg/kg/h. This decrease was sustained for 6 h without any evidence of adaptation. In a randomized study in healthy volunteers, indomethacin, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, was given as bolus, followed by continuous infusion of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg/h. CBF decreased from normal levels (52-74 ml/100 mg/min) to 38-51 ml/100 g/min. There were no differences among the three groups in CBF reduction, and the reduction was sustained during the 6-h infusion period. Rectal application of 100 mg indomethacin was found to reduce CBF from normal levels (54-74 ml/100 mg/min) to 33-48 ml/100 mg/min. These low levels were only sustained for 2 h, and values returned to normal over the next 6 h. We observed no rebound phenomenon 2 h after stopping the infusion and no rebound after 100 mg of rectally applied indomethacin. Since a dose as low as 0.1 mg/kg/h is effective, it is possible to treat most patients in a 24-h schedule without going over maximum recommended doses.

From image processing to classification: IV. Classification of electrophoretic patterns by neural networks and statistical methods enable quality assessment of wheat varieties for breadmaking

The end-use quality of products made from doughs consisting of wheat flour and water is often dependent upon the storage (gluten) proteins of the grain endosperm. Today the electrophoretic patterns of the high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits are used for quality selections in wheat breeding programs in several countries. In this study, we used two multivariate techniques to classify digitized patterns from isoelectric focusing of gliadins and glutenins: a two-layered neural network architecture consisting of a self-organizing feature map and a feed-forward classifier [1], and discriminant analysis [2,3]. Three groups of seven wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.), associated with poor, medium or good properties in relation to bread-making quality, were used. The best classification results were obtained by the neural network model, based on data from the gliadin fraction: it was possible to classify varieties associated with poor or good quality, with recognition rates of 70 and 69%, respectively. The statistical method was better suited to solve the classification problem when the data was based on the glutenin fraction: if a specific variety was already known to be non-poor, this method enabled us to classify the medium- and good-quality classes with recognition rates of 90 and 88%, respectively. The results obtained were confirmed by correlation coefficients.

CO(2) and indomethacin vasoreactivity in patients with head injury

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of hyperventilation and indomethacin on cerebral circulation, metabolism and pressures in patients with acute severe head injury in order to see if indomethacin may act supplementary to hyperventilation. Fourteen severely head injured patients entered the study. Intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were monitored continuously. Within the first four days after the trauma the CO(2) and indomethacin vasoreactivities were studied by measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) (Cerebrograph 10a, intravenous (133)Xe technique) and arterio-venous difference of oxygen (AVdO(2)). Ischaemia was evaluated from changes in CBF, saturation of oxygen in the jugular bulb (SvjO(2)), lactate and lactate/oxygen index (LOI). Data are presented as medians and ranges, results are significant unless otherwise indicated. Before intervention ICP was well controlled ,(14.8 (9-24) mmHg) and basic CBF level was 39.1 (21.6-75.0) ml/100 g/min). The arterio-venous oxygen differences were generally decreased (AVdO(2) = 4.3 (1.8-8.1) ml/100 ml) indicating moderate luxury perfusion. Levels of CMRO(2) were decreased (1.54 (0.7-3.2) ml/100 g/min) as well. During hyperventilation (delta PaCO(2)=0.88 (0.62-1.55) kPa) CBF decreased with 11.8 (-33.4-29.7) %/kPa and ICP decreased with 3.8 (0-10) mmHg. AVdO(2) increased 34.0 (4.0-139.2) %/kPa, MABP was unchanged, CMRO(2) and CPP increased (delta CPP = 3.9 (-10-20) mmHg). AVD (lactate) and LOI were unchanged. No correlations between CBF responses to hypocapnia and outcomes were observed. An i.v. bolus dose of indomethacin (30 mg) decreased CBF 14.7 (-16.7-57.4)% and ICP decreased 4.3 (-1-17) mmHg. AVdO(2) increased 27.8 (-40.0-66.7)%, MABP (delta MABP = 4.9 (-2-21) mmHg) and CPP (delta CPP = 8.7 (3-29) mmHg) increased while CMRO2 was unchanged. No changes in AVd (lactate) and LOI indicating cerebral ischaemia were found. Compared to hyperventilation (changes per 1 kPa, at PaCO(2) level = 4.05 kPa) the changes in MABP, CPP and CBF were significantly greater after indomethacin, while the changes in AVdO(2), ICP, SvjO(2) and LOI were of the same order of magnitude. No correlation between relative reactivities to indomethacin and CO(2), evaluated from changes in CBF and AVdO(2), or between the decrease in ICP after the two procedures were found. Thus, some patients reacted to indomethacin but not to hyperventilation, and vice versa. These results suggest that indomethacin and hyperventilation might act independently, or in a complementary fashion in the treatment of patients with severe head injury.

Clinically unexpected multiple sclerosis in patients with mental disorders. A series of 7301 psychiatric autopsies

Some studies have indicated that silent and perhaps pure mental forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) exist. With the aim of examining that, the records of 9478 autopsies from patients with mental disorders were reviewed. A total of 7252 had both clinical and histological diagnosis, and 7301 had only pathoanatomical diagnosis. Twenty-three patients were suspected of having MS, which were confirmed histologically in 14. None had unsuspected, silent or a pure mental form of MS. It is concluded that the risk of mistaking MS for a psychiatric disorder is small in MS high-risk area.

A highly amplified mouse gene is homologous to the human interferon-responsive Sp100 gene encoding an autoantigen associated with nuclear dots

In human cells, three proteins are currently known to colocalize in di screte nuclear domains (designated nuclear dots): Sp100, a transcription-activating protein autoantigenic primarily in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis; PML, a tumor suppressor protein involved in development of acute promyelocytic leukemia; and NDP52, a protein of unknown function. Here we report sequence similarities between the Sp100 protein and a putative protein encoded by a highly amplified mouse gene which is visible as an inherited homogeneously staining region (HSR) on chromosome 1 of some mouse populations. By in situ hybridization, the Sp100 gene was mapped to locus 2q37, the syntenic region of the HSR on mouse chromosome 1. Unlike the highly amplified mouse gene, Sp100 was found to be a single-copy gene and showed no restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Sequence similarities in the promoter regions and similar exon-intron organizations of the two genes were revealed. As for Sp100, steady-state levels of the mRNAs of the HSR-encoded genes could be greatly increased by interferon (IFN) treatment. As in human cells, IFN treatment led to an enlargement in both size and number of nuclear dots in mouse cells as visualized by immunofluorescence staining with autoimmune sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. These data indicate that a gene located in the inherited HSR of mice, designated mSp100, is homologous to the human Sp100 gene, has a similar gene organization, and responds similarly to IFN treatment.