The ratio of androstenedione:11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione is an important marker of adrenal androgen excess in women

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the ratio of serum androstenedione (A):11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (OHA) would be helpful in differentiating adrenal from ovarian hyperandrogenism.

DESIGN/SETTING

Prospective study of outpatients being evaluated for hyperandrogenism.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Normal women (n = 27), those with hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation (n = 25), and 7 with adult onset of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) because of 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

INTERVENTIONS

Fasting serum between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. Patients with hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation and CAH received dexamethasone (DEX) 2 mg for 7 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum testosterone (T), unbound T, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), A, and 11 beta-OHA by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Serum 11 beta-OHA and DHEAS were elevated in 52% and 40% of patients with hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation and in 7 of 7 and 1 of 7 patients with CAH. The ratio of A:11 beta-OHA was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation and significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in CAH compared with controls. Serum A:11 beta-OHA correlated with T (r = 0.58, P less than 0.05). The ratios of A:11 beta-OHA were similar and significantly lower in CAH and hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation patients who were DEX sensitive compared with those who were not DEX sensitive. The ratio correlated with the percentage suppression of T, unbound T, and A after DEX (P less than 0.01). There were no differences with measurements of DHEAS and 11 beta-OHA. Using the mean ratio of controls (1.3) as a cutoff value, the sensitivity of the A:11 beta-OHA in detecting adrenal hyperandrogenism, as assessed by DEX sensitivity, was 100%, the specificity was 84%, and the predictive value was 67%.

CONCLUSIONS

The ratio of A:11 beta-OHA appears to be an excellent marker for identifying patients with adrenal hyperandrogenism and CAH.

Immunology and organ transplantation in the neonate and young infant

Cardiac replacement in neonates and infants with incurable complex heart defects has been performed successfully at the Loma Linda University Medical Center since 1985. Studies of over 125 infant transplants have revealed unique characteristics of the newborn response to foreign tissue. As compared to that of older infants, the neonatal immune system is remarkedly receptive, a phenomenon highlighting the impact of maternal-fetal incompatibility on subsequent neonatal immune development.

Multiple lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract--a report of two cases with immunohistochemical studies

We describe two cases of multiple lymphomatous polyposis in the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Clinical findings, histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings in paraffin embedded tissue are discussed. It is important to recognize this rare form of gastrointestinal lymphoma because of the prognostic and therapeutic implications.

[Level of psychosomatic health influencing by the factors of life events and personality trait in 1,423 armymen]

A survey of the level of psychosomatic health influencing by life events and personality trait in 1423 armymen was presented in this paper. The results demonstrated that the level of psychosomatic health was relatively poor in old soldier group, especially more distinct seen in over than 3-year military service group. The psychosomatic health state of private soldier group was relative better. The main factors influencing over the psychosomatic health state were the frequency of the negative life events, negative life change units (LCU) within one year prior to survey, personality trait and length of military service. The subordinate factors were the frequency of the positive life events and LCU within one year prior to survey, age and family of mental disorders.

Expression of N-myc, c-myc, and MDR-1 proteins in newly established neuroblastoma cell lines: a study by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry

A methodology for rapid isolation of neuroblastoma cells from marrow with metastatic neuroblastoma cells was developed using a cocktail of five antibodies and magnetic microspheres coated with secondary antibodies. Cells bound to microspheres were released by brief exposure to chymopapain, followed by repeated culture of released cells in serum-supplemented Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and selection for adherent cells. Using this methodology, over 35 primary cell lines were obtained free of contaminating normal cells. Detailed analyses of over 14 cell lines revealed gross differences in cell phenotype, size, morphology development of neurite processes, and doubling time (40 to 80 h). All cell lines expressed the M(r) 145,000 neurofilament, and a few expressed the M(r) 200,000 neurofilament, with very little or no expression of the M(r) 68,000 neurofilament. Eight % of all cells lines had near-diploid DNA content. High expression of the MDR-1 protein was detected in six of the 22 cell lines tested. Great heterogeneity was observed in the expression of N-myc oncoprotein, with ten of 13 patients overexpressing the protein. c-myc oncoprotein was also expressed in all cell lines; however, the level of expression was 4- to 10-fold lower than the N-myc oncoprotein. Localization studies of c-myc and N-myc oncoproteins on the level of light microscopy and electron microscopy revealed exclusive nuclear localization of c-myc, whereas N-myc was localized to the nucleus and to the cytoplasm.

Development of a two color immunofluorescence stain and immunolocalization method for N-myc and c-myc oncoproteins with a newly generated mouse IgM anti N-myc antibody

A new mouse monoclonal antibody specific for N-myc oncoprotein was generated and used in combination with an anti-c-myc antibody to develop two color immunofluorescence staining and ultrastructural immunolocalization of N-myc and c-myc in well established (SK-N-SH; CHP 126) and in newly established neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines. Analysis and quantitation of c-myc and N-myc in dually stained cells was done by flow cytometry. Immunolocalization was done by staining with immunogold secondary antibodies and transmission electron microscopy. The results obtained from analysis of 13 newly established NB cell lines revealed, great heterogeneity in the expression of N-myc oncoprotein with 10/13 cell lines over expressing the protein. C-myc oncoprotein was also expressed in all cell lines, however, the level of expression was 4-10-fold lower than the N-myc oncoprotein. Localization studies of c-myc and N-myc oncoproteins on the level of light microscopy and electron microscopy revealed exclusive nuclear localization of c-myc whereas N-myc was localized to the nucleus and to the cytoplasm.

[Influences of naomaitong upon cerebral blood flow in dogs]

This experiment has proven that the drug naomaitong can synchronously increase the blood flow of both dog's internal carotid artery and vertebral artery and also can antagonize the decrease of blood flow of both arteries caused by pituitrin. The increase of blood flow of both internal carotid artery and vertebral artery due to administration of naomaitong (1.2 g/kg) through the dog's duodenum is approximately equal to the increase of blood flow of both arteries resulting from the intramuscular injection of papaverine (1 mg/kg). Besides, the dosage of naomaitong is positively correlated to the effect and action of the drug.

A comparison of conventional and low-bleed implants in augmentation mammaplasty

We conducted a double-blind, retrospective comparison between low-bleed and non-low-bleed (conventional) mammary implants because no controlled study has shown a difference in the degree of capsular contracture between the two types of implants. Twenty-five patients had conventional implants and form group A; twenty-eight patients had low-bleed implants and form group B. All patients had submuscular augmentation. The mean Baker score was 1.51 for group A and 1.04 for group B for the entire patient population and 1.65 for group A and 1.07 for group B for patients with more than 1 year of follow-up. For the entire population, 34 percent of group A and 3.6 percent of group B had a Baker score of 2 or greater. For the population with more than 1 year of follow-up, 42 percent of group A and 7 percent of group B had a Baker score of 2 or greater. There was significantly (p less than 0.007) less contracture with the low-bleed implants for the entire population as well as for those patients with greater than 1 year of follow-up (p less than 0.015).

Oxidants and antioxidants in alveolar epithelial type II cells: in situ, freshly isolated, and cultured cells

Antioxidant enzyme activities, H2O2 clearance, and H2O2 generation by rat alveolar epithelial type II cells were compared between in situ, freshly isolated (6 h ex vivo), and cultured cells (48 h ex vivo). Immunocytochemical studies did not show changes in catalase, Mn superoxide dismutase, or CuZn superoxide dismutase labeling density in cytoplasm, peroxisomes, or mitochondria. Numbers of peroxisomes and mitochondria per cell decreased in cultured cells. Biochemical studies showed that cell culture resulted in a significant decrease in activities of catalase (49%), glutathione reductase (50%), glutathione peroxidase (74%), and in the capacity of the cells to scavenge extracellular H2O2. Addition of the specific catalase inhibitor, aminotriazole, decreased the rate of consumption of exogenously added H2O2 in freshly isolated cells but not in cultured cells. Neither aminotriazole nor 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, which inactivates glutathione reductase, altered H2O2 consumption by cultured cells. The rate of extracellular H2O2 release in both freshly isolated and cultured cells was 0.71 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1. It can be concluded that levels of some antioxidant enzymes fall in cultured alveolar epithelial type II cells, and that, although catalase likely plays a significant role in protection of freshly isolated cells against oxidant stress, this pathway may be less important after culture.

A new prognostic index--leucocyte infiltration--in human cerebral infarcts by 99Tcm-HMPAO-labelled white blood cell brain SPECT

Twenty-six patients with acute cerebral infarction were imaged by 99Tcm-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO)-labelled white blood cell brain (Tc-WBC) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The regions of interest were equally placed in the whole hemispheres of both sides with summation of all transaxial slices in the Tc-WBC SPECT. The asymmetric indices (AI) were calculated as 200[[(right - left)]/(right + left)]. Grouping of patients with cerebral infarction was based on activities of daily living (ADL) at outcome. The results showed that the poor outcome patient group had a higher AI of Tc-WBC than that of the other patients (13.0 +/- 3.0 S.E.M. versus 5.4 +/- 1.0 S.E.M., and P less than 0.05 by Wilcoxon rank sum test). In conclusion, the Tc-WBC SPECT may be considered as a new prognostic index to predict patient outcome in human cerebral ischaemic infarctions consistent with newly established ischaemic injury theories.

Genomic structure and expression of human guanosine monophosphate reductase

In vitro translation in the rabbit reticulocyte system and transient expression in Cos7 cells were performed to characterize the protein encoded by a chromosome 6-linked human cDNA clone, whose nucleotide sequence is homologous to that of Escherichia coli guanosine monophosphate reductase (GMP reductase) cDNA. The molecular weight of the peptide produced by the cDNA was about 37,000 Dalton, and the protein produced in the Cos7 cells exhibited GMP reductase activity, substantiating that the cDNA is for human GMP reductase. The corresponding genomic clones were obtained from two human genomic libraries. The gene spans about 50 kb and is composed of 9 exons, which encode 345 amino acid residues. Organization of exons and introns was established by DNA sequencing of each exon and splicing junctions. The gene contains two potential SpI binding sites within exon 1, and a functional atypical polyadenylation signal in exon 9.

Is 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione a better marker of adrenal androgen excess than dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate?

To determine whether the adrenal androgen 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione is a more sensitive and specific marker than dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, we compared these serum androgens in 81 women with anovulatory hyperandrogenism before treatment, after corticotropin and corticotropin-releasing-factor stimulation, and after short- and long-term dexamethasone suppression. Of all subjects, 65% and 57% had elevated levels of 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (greater than 2.0 ng/ml) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (greater than 2.8 micrograms/ml), respectively. However, 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels did not correlate in either the women with hyperandrogenism (r = 0.12) or the 26 normal women (r = 0.29). After 0.25 mg corticotropin was administered intravenously (n = 16), 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione increased by 157% +/- 53% (mean +/- SEM), whereas dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and cortisol increased by 6% +/- 2%, 46% +/- 10%, 416% +/- 80%, and 2326% +/- 371%, respectively. After intravenous administration of 100 micrograms corticotropin-releasing factor to eight patients, the percent change from baseline level to peak was 148% +/- 26%, 24% +/- 5%, 61% +/- 15%, 117% +/- 15%, and 116% +/- 18% for 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and cortisol, respectively. After 2 mg dexamethasone for 3 days (n = 10), 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and testosterone were suppressed by 95% +/- 2%, 74% +/- 3%, 51% +/- 9%, and 32% +/- 9%, respectively. Suppression with 0.5 mg dexamethasone for 3 months lowered 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels equally by 50% +/- 14% and 62% +/- 12%, respectively. 11 beta-Hydroxyandrostenedione is a useful marker of adrenal androgen secretion with a calculated sensitivity and specificity greater than that of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The greater sensitivity of 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione over dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to adrenal stimulation and suppression suggests its unique diagnostic use.

Viral Kirsten ras infection differentiates PC12 cells and enhances their survival upon implantation into brain

Neuronal cells from established cell lines can offer a well-characterized source of cells for transplantation to the brain that is an alternative to fetal neurons. The infection of members of the PC12 cell line with a retrovirus containing ras-oncogene leads to their neuronal differentiation without the need of nerve growth factor (NGF). We find that neoplastic, naive PC12 cells grafted to the striatum of normal adult rats cause the transient formation of large hemorrhagic cavities and do not survive. After differentiation by infection with Kirsten-ras murine sarcoma virus, and transplantation to the opposite striatum of the same brain, PC12 cells survive for at least 8 weeks and emit neurites. These neuron-like cells and their neurites retain tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyl transferase, as detected immunohistochemically. Thus, ras-primed PC12 cells may serve as a continuous source for both cholinergic and adrenergic transmitters, in vivo, without the need of exogenous nerve growth factor.

Autoantibodies in systemic vasculitis

We have studied 495 sera that were referred to us from patients suspected on clinical and/or histological grounds to have a small vessel vasculitis. These sera were tested for antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm antigens (anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies, ANCA) using assays based on neutrophil acid extract, myeloperoxidase and elastase. Such antibodies are commonly found in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and microscopic polyarteritis (MPA), and sometimes in other small vessel vasculitides. One hundred and twenty-six of these sera (25%) were positive in the acid extract ELISA, 68 (14%) in the assay for anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies and 35 (16%) in the assay for anti-elastase antibodies. A total of 166 sera (34%) were positive for antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm constituents. No ANCA, anti-myeloperoxidase or anti-elastase antibodies were detected in 26 convalescent sera from patients either with WG or MPA, or who had previously been positive. The mean time between positive and negative sera was eight weeks (range three weeks to six months) and three out of three who relapsed again developed ANCA of the same specificity as the original sera. Of the 228 sera also tested for anti-GBM antibodies, 13 (5.7%) were positive. All these contained antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm constituents (three against the acid extract, eight against myeloperoxidase and two against elastase). Forty-nine of the 74 sera (66%) tested for ANA were positive. Twenty-nine (39%) had a speckled and 20 (27%) had a homogeneous pattern.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of acute moderate exercise on lymphocyte function and serum immunoglobulin levels

The extent and duration of changes on lymphocyte function and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were examined in 12 women who walked 45 min at 60% VO2 max in a laboratory setting. A 2-factor, 2 x 6 design with repeated measures on both factors was utilized. The first factor was condition (exercise and rest), and the second factor was time (six times of measurement over a 24-h period), with treatment order counterbalanced. The 45-min walk, in comparison to rest in a seated position, was not associated with significant changes in circulating numbers of interleukin-2-activated T cells (CD5 and CD25) or on spontaneous or concanavalin-A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. A trend for decreased phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in comparison to the rest condition, however, was seen 1.5 h following the exercise bout (p = 0.047). The patterns of change for serum IgG, IgA, and IgM were significantly different (p = 0.001, p less than 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively) between conditions. IgG rose 7.2% immediately following exercise, and then returned to baseline 1.5 h later, which contrasted significantly with changes in the rest condition. These same patterns of change occurred also with IgA and IgM, but increases immediately following exercise were not significant, although a trend was seen for IgA (p = 0.03). The 45-min walk had no effect on plasma cortisol and epinephrine levels relative to the rest condition, but was associated with a significant 89% increase in norepinephrine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alveolar epithelial cell injuries by subchronic exposure to low concentrations of ozone correlate with cumulative exposure

Electron microscopy morphometry has been used to study the effects of cumulative exposure of low levels of inhaled O3 on lung proximal alveolar tissue. Six-week-old Fisher 344 rats were exposed to O3 in two different subchronic low-level exposure patterns. The first was a 12 hr/day exposure for 6 weeks and included two O3 concentrations, 0.12 and 0.25 ppm. The second consisted of an exposure profile having a background level of 0.06 ppm with an exposure peak 5 days each week that went from 0.12 to 0.25 ppm and back to 0.12 ppm over a 9-hr period. Rats given the second exposure pattern were exposed for either 3 or 13 weeks. Changes in the volumes of alveolar epithelium were found to be consistent and reproducible markers for cell injury and/or response. Results from the first study indicated that the relative volume of the type I epithelium increased 13 and 23% over the control value (p less than 0.05) following exposures for 6 weeks to 0.12 and 0.25 ppm, respectively. The magnitude of the increases were clearly concentration related. Similarly, when a fixed exposure concentration was employed the relative volume of type I epithelium was found to increase in proportion to the exposure time. In the second exposure, increases of 9 and 33% in relative volume of type I epithelium were found respectively after 3 and 13 weeks of exposure. If the total exposure determined by the product of O3 concentration (including background) and exposure time is plotted against the relative volume of type I epithelium from both the 0.12 ppm (60.5 ppm-hr) and 0.25 ppm (126 ppm-hr) exposures and the 3-week (45.3 ppm-hrs) and 13-week (196.2 ppm-hr) exposures, a linear relationship between increases in type I cell volume and the concentration X time product is observed. The coefficient of correlation (r2) for the linear regression of the animal means is 0.72. Changes in the volume of Type II epithelial cell also correlate with the concentration X time product (r2 = 0.66). This suggests that epithelial cell reactions to low-level subchronic exposure of O3 are directly related to the cumulative oxidant concentration. The pattern of exposure did not appear to affect the resulting degree of injury. Furthermore, a low level of background exposure may contribute to the epithelial cell injuries.

Clostridial bacteremia: implications for the surgeon

Clostridial bacteremia is rare and has a variable presentation from asymptomatic to septic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), red cell hemolysis, and rapid death. In order to delineate the predisposing and prognostic factors in these patients, the authors reviewed 47 cases of clostridial bacteremia presenting over a seven year period at a major metropolitan teaching hospital. Predisposing factors included locally decreased oxidation reduction potential (Eh) in 43 per cent (including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and radiation therapy), systemic immunosuppression in 53 per cent (including alcohol abuse, chemotherapy, steroids, and malignancy), and a site of epithelial barrier disruption. The sites of clostridial invasion included: gastrointestinal tract (GI) (n = 22), pulmonary (n = 7), cutaneous (n = 7), undetermined (n = 7), and female genital tract (n = 4). Seven patients were found to have malignancy. Seventy-nine per cent of the blood culture isolates were histotoxic species (Clostridia perfringens and C. septicum). The overall mortality was 47 per cent. Significant differences between survivors and deaths included DIC, new onset renal failure, severe atherosclerotic disease, and age (P less than .05). The authors conclude that clostridial bacteremia is uncommon but highly lethal and may occur when decreased tissue Eh, systemic immunosuppression, and an epithelial barrier disruption are present. Poor outcome appears to be a reflection of advanced age, underlying illness, and presence of a histotoxic species.

Effects of copper, chromium and nickel on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a synthesis of Chlorella pyrenoidosa 251

Individual and combined effects of three heavy metals; namely, copper, chromium and nickel, on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a synthesis of the unicellular green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa 251, were determined. Within the concentration range of 0.1 to 1.0 mg litre(-1) of the three heavy metals tested on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a synthesis of the alga, the order of toxicity of the three heavy metals was copper > chromium > nickel. The presence of one of the three heavy metals interacted synergistically with the other two heavy metals in various bimetallic combinations on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a synthesis of the alga.

Cultured cell lines from human breast cancer biopsies and xenografts

Eighty-five breast cancer specimens were processed as part of a program in tumor acquisition, propagation, and preservation for biotherapy. Nine long-term culture cell lines were developed. Four cell lines were from solid tumor metastases, two lines were from pleural fluid specimens, and three were from xenograft tumors grown in nude mice. Two of the xenograft-derived cell lines were from biopsies which produced tumor cell lines as well. Success in establishing cultures did not correlate with the viability of the biopsy received. Poor tumor cell attachment to culture plastic was the most common problem. For certain specimens, attachment and growth were enhanced on collagen and extracellular matrix substrates. Collagen was beneficial in the development of one cell line. The cell lines were characterized and each of the lines contained more nuclear DNA than found in normal cells. Four of five lines tested were tumorigenic in nude mice. Five of nine were clonogenic in soft agar. Each of the cell lines tested reacted with at least two anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies. Xenograft and biopsy-derived cell lines from the same tumor were similar in their characteristics. While breast cancers are indeed difficult to establish and propagate in culture, the use of xenografts and special substrates appears to be beneficial in the development of cell lines from some tumors.

Metabolic and pathologic effects of nicotine on gastrointestinal tract and pancreas of rats

We examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats the effects of nicotine at doses of 50 (0.31 mM) and 200 mg/L (1.23 mM) given for a period of 16 weeks on body weight gain, food and fluid intake, plasma CCK, glucose and insulin levels, amylase secretory responses of isolated pancreatic acinar cells to CCK-8 and carbachol, and histopathology (gross and light microscopy) of stomach and pancreas. These parameters were re-examined further in animals treated with nicotine at doses of 200 mg/L (1.23 mM) for 12 weeks and given tap water for an additional 4 weeks to evaluate the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Metabolic data suggest that decreases in body weight gain, food and fluid intake, and plasma levels of glucose and insulin by nicotine are dose dependent. Endocrinological studies showed that the plasma levels of CCK were significantly increased with nicotine but the amylase secretory response of pancreatic acinar cells was inhibited in response to CCK-8 and carbachol. Histopathologic data revealed that treatment of animals with a high dose of nicotine enhanced the appearance of numerous vacuoles in the pancreatic acinar cell cytoplasm. When the pancreatic acinar cell morphology was closely examined, it showed evidence of pyknotic nuclei and fusion of vacuoles. Prominent loss of gastric mucosal surface was found in nicotine-treated animals with gross microscopic evidence of bleeding ulcers. All of the metabolic parameters except body weight gain were reversed upon nicotine withdrawal. In addition, plasma CCK levels and pancreatic enzyme secretion were reversed upon nicotine withdrawal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tumor acquisition, propagation, and preservation. The culture of human colorectal cancer

Fourteen new colorectal cancer cell lines were developed as part of a tumor acquisition, propagation, and preservation program for biotherapy. Fifty-six specimens were received. Nine cell lines were generated from biopsies; seven of these cell lines were from metastatic lesions. Five additional cell lines were developed from xenografts grown in nude mice. Biopsies that produced three of these xenografts gave rise to parallel culture cell lines. Biopsy-derived and xenograft-derived cell lines from the same tumor behaved similarly in culture and exhibited similar markers when assessed immunohistochemically. Collagen substrate was beneficial in the primary culture of 50% of the specimens tested. Collagen was required for the successful propagation of two cell lines.

Regulation of reconstituted renal Na+/H+ exchanger by calcium-dependent protein kinases

Studies were performed to determine the effect of protein phosphorylation mediated by calcium-calmodulin-dependent multifunctional protein kinase II and calcium-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase on Na+/H+ exchange activity. Proteins from the apical membrane of the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney were solubilized in octyl glucoside and incubated in phosphorylating solutions containing the protein kinase. 22Na+ uptake was determined subsequently after reconstitution of the proteins into proteoliposomes. Calcium-calmodulin-dependent multifunction protein kinase II inhibited the amiloride-sensitive component of proton gradient-stimulated Na+ uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of this kinase had an absolute requirement for calmodulin, Ca2+, and ATP. Calcium-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase stimulated the amiloride-sensitive component of proton gradient-stimulated Na+ uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The stimulating effect of this kinase had an absolute requirement for ATP, Ca2+, and an active phorbol ester. These experiments indicate that Na+/H+ exchange activity of proteoliposomes reconstituted with proteins from renal brush-border membranes are inhibited by protein phosphorylation mediated by calcium-calmodulin-dependent multifunctional protein kinase II and stimulated by that mediated by calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase.

Development of an automated Lowry protein assay for the Cobas-Bio centrifugal analyzer

The Lowry protein assay was directly adapted for use on the Cobas-Bio centrifugal analyzer resulting in a 50% reduction of the coefficients of variation of the manual method. It was also demonstrated that the reaction need not be pursued to its endpoint and that absorbance readings taken immediately after the addition of the Folin reagent were directly related to the protein concentration. Thus the total assay time could be reduced from 30 to 3 min with no loss of accuracy or reproducibility.

The effects of 2,4-D herbicide and organophosphorus insecticides on growth, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll a synthesis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (mt +)

The effects of the herbicide (2,4-D) and six organophosphorus insecticides (Diazinon, Dimethoate, Fenitrothion, Malathion, Phenthoate and Quinalphos) on growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a synthesis of the fresh water green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (mt +) were studied. At low concentrations (1 and 5 ppm), the herbicide and all six orgnophosphorus insecticides stimulated photosynthesis of the alga. The stimulating effects on algal growth and chlorophyll a synthesis were only observed in the presence of low concentration (1 ppm) of 2,4-D and Fenitrothion, Growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll a synthesis of the alga were inhibited in the presence of high concentrations (10, 20 and 40 ppm) of the herbicide and all the six organophosphorus insecticides. Results also indicated that the toxicities of these organophosphorus insecticides on the tested alga were dependent on their chemical structures.

HL-T, a new cell line derived from HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell cultures expressing terminal transferase and secreting suppressor activity

A cell line with immature blast cell morphology was isolated from HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell cultures and designated HL-T. This new cell type is biphenotypic, expressing terminal transferase (TdT) together with myelomonocytoid immunologic features. TdT enzymatic activity, undetectable in HL-60, was determined to be 140 to 180 units/10(8) HL-T cells by the dGTP-assay, approximately 20% of the activity found in lymphoblastoid cell lines. HL-T predominantly synthesize the known 58-kDa TdT-protein plus a minor 54/56-kDa doublet. The 58-kDa steady state form is nonglycosylated and is phosphorylated. Precursor antigens S3.13 and MY-10, absent on HL-60, are expressed by HL-T; however, the cells are negative for HLA-Dr. Southern blot analysis by hybridization with immunoglobulin heavy chain (JH) and T cell-receptor chain gene (T beta) probes shows JH to be in the germ-line configuration in both cell lines and the T beta gene to be in germ-line in HL-60 but to be rearranged in HL-T. Truncation of the gene encoding the granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), as found in HL-60, is not observed in HL-T. HL-T are resistant to differentiation-induction by retinoic acid and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Cytogenetically HL-T share with HL-60 a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 9 at breakpoint p13, an aberration frequently found in patients with T cell leukemia. In addition, HL-T display t(8;9)(p11;p24) and trisomy 20. Tetraploidy is observed in 80% of HL-T metaphases with aberrations identical to those in the diploid karyotype. Like HL-60, the new line shows some surface-antigenic-T cell characteristics. Despite an antigenic pattern most consistent with that of helper-inducer T cells (T4+, D44+/-, 4B4+, 2H4-, TQ1+/-), HL-T cells and their conditioned culture medium suppress antigen, mitogen, and mixed-leukocyte-culture-mediated lymphocyte proliferation.

Comparisons of the immunocytochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase in the vestibular nuclei of the monkey and rat

Immunocytochemical studies of the brainstem were done in the squirrel monkey and rat using the same polyclonal antisera for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Cells immunoreactive for ChAT (ChATir) were evident in large numbers in visceral and motor cranial nerve nuclei in both species, but virtually no ChATir cells were seen in the vestibular nuclear complex of the rat. In the monkey ChATir cells were distributed in caudal parts of the medial (MVN) and in dorsal parts of the inferior (IVN) vestibular nuclei. Only a few immunoreactive cells were seen in the rostral MVN and none were found in cell group f of the IVN. Nearly all cells of group z and x, which do not receive primary vestibular afferents, were immunoreactive to ChAT. None of the cells in the superior and lateral vestibular nuclei, cell group y, the infracerebellar nucleus or the interstitial nucleus of the vestibular nerve were immunoreactive for ChAT. Cells immunoreactive to ChAT were present in large numbers in the rostral part of the nucleus prepositus in the monkey, but not in the rat. The relatively small number and distribution of ChATir cells in the MVN suggested they could constitute only a small fraction of the MVN neurons that contribute to a massive commissural system. Significant differences in cholinergic vestibular neurons appear to exist between the rat and the monkey.

Vestibular and cochlear efferent neurons in the monkey identified by immunocytochemical methods

Attempts were made to identify vestibular (VEN) and cochlear (CEN) efferent neurons in the squirrel monkey using retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and immunocytochemical methods. HRP implants in the ampulla of the lateral semicircular duct retrogradely labeled cells of VEN bilaterally and some cells of CEN. VEN located lateral to the rostral part of the abducens nucleus formed a compact collection of cells, all of which were immunoreactive only to antisera for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). CEN, identified by immunoreactivity to ChAT were located at the hilus of the lateral superior olive (LSO), along the lateral border of the LSO and sparsely near lateral parts of the ventral trapezoid nucleus (VTN). A small number of cells and fibers near the border of the VTN and lateral to the LSO were immunoreactive for leucine enkephalin (L-ENK). Fibers immunoreactive for L-ENK also were identified in the hilus of the LSO. No cells of the superior olivary complex were immunoreactive for antisera to ChAT, L-ENK, substance P, gamma-aminobutyric acid or glutamic acid decarboxylase. Cells of VEN and CEN can be identified by their immunoreactivity to ChAT, and some cells and fibers of CEN also contain L-ENK.

Expression of biologically active human interleukin 1 subpeptides by transfected simian COS cells

"Interleukin 1" (IL-1) is a term used to describe the family of macrophage-derived proteins that mediate many immune and inflammatory reactions. We have previously described the molecular cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding the predominant (neutral) form of human IL-1, which has been designated IL-1 beta. We report here that transfection of simian COS cells with this cDNA clone results in the transcription of IL-1 mRNA and the synthesis of antibody-neutralizable intracellular IL-1 biological activity. In addition, selective deletion of regions of the IL-1 cDNA judged not to be essential for function, on the basis of conserved sequence homology, resulted in localization of a "core" region responsible for a majority of the biological activity. These results permit mapping the active site of IL-1 to a peptide of 6970 molecular weight located within the carboxyl third (between Met-136 and Gln-197) of the IL-1 precursor.

A crossed polaroid-pinhole device

The study describes the use of a pinhole device in which the light-absorbing area surrounding the holes is varied by polarizing filters. The study demonstrates that a pinhole aperture of 1.6-1.8 mm in diameter with polaroids crossed at 90 degrees will allow a visual acuity equal to or better than 20/40 in the face of refractive errors of 1, 2, and 3 diopters. The study next evaluates the effects of pinholes of different sizes and the polarizing components crossed at angles less than 90 degrees. The study concludes by showing that polaroids crossed at between 75 degrees and 85 degrees allow a greater depth of focus, a larger visual field, and greater illumination than traditional pinhole devices.

Interaction of estrogen receptor isoforms with immobilized monoclonal antibodies

High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to separate the various isoforms of estrogen receptor from human breast cancer, based on size (high-performance size-exclusion chromatography) and surface charge (high-performance ion-exchange chromatography) properties. The ability of these isoforms to interact with the monoclonal antibodies was assessed. All isoforms exhibited similar immunodeterminant sites, but when they are bound to [125I]iodoestradiol-17 beta (IE), only 30% binding of the radioactive complex to the immobilized monoclonal antibodies was observed. However, the mass of the receptor recognized by the antibody bead, via the estrogen receptor-enzyme immunoassay (ER-EIA), was always significantly higher. This was true for both fractionated and non-fractionated cytosols, suggesting that non-ligand binding forms, such as precursors and products of the estrogen receptor, were also recognized; or the ligand was only selecting for a particular conformer(s); or the monoclonal antibody on the bead recognized other proteins associated with estrogen receptor. Ion-exchange fractionation of unlabeled receptor showed loss of immunodeterminant sites. However, size-exclusion fractionation did not show this effect. Diethylstilbestrol, a competitor of IE binding, showed marked stability of receptor recognized by ER-EIA during both size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography. Limited trypsin treatment of the receptor caused the loss of immunodeterminant sites without altering the ligand binding sites. Thus, proteolysis of estrogen receptors in cytosols of human breast cancer could easily lead to underestimation by ER-EIA. Although the components with immunodeterminant sites recognized by ER-EIA were always eluted with the ligand-binding isoforms of the estrogen receptor, our data suggest that the concentration of the protein having the epitope associated with the monoclonal antibody is unequal to that recognized by the steroid ligand. We conclude that application of ER-EIA to clinical assays of estrogen receptors clearly needs further clarification.

High density lipoprotein subpopulations in chronic liver disease

Severe liver disease may be associated with a reduction in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein and an impairment of plasma cholesterol esterification. These changes were confirmed in two patients with severe acute on chronic alcoholic liver disease. In five additional patients with biopsy-proven clinically compensated cirrhosis, there was minimal reduction in concentration of plasma cholesteryl esters; there was, however a reduction of the plasma high density lipoprotein concentration to only 48 to 66% of normal. The particle size distribution of high density lipoprotein in these five patients was determined by gradient gel electrophoresis. The high density lipoprotein2 subfraction was preserved. The high density lipoprotein3 subfraction, however, was markedly changed with a reduction in the normal particles of radius 4.3 m and an accentuation of smaller particles of radius 3.9 m; in two patients, these smaller particles were the major high density lipoprotein subpopulation. Further investigations of this finding of a distinctive distribution of high density lipoprotein subpopulations in patient with chronic liver disease may provide new insights into high density lipoprotein metabolism.

Hemodynamics after autogenous, interpositional grafting in small arteries

This investigation initiates the quantitative, hemodynamic assessment of interpositional grafts in small rat arteries. The left femoral arteries in 16 Sprague-Dawley rats were transected at two levels, and were then repaired using interrupted suturing technique. This effectively provided an ideally sized and histologically matched interposition graft. The 20-MHz PUDVM method was used to measure blood velocities, and derive values for vessel lumen area, temporal mean of the spatial mean velocity (Vsm), and volumetric flows. Measurements were completed distal to the interposed graft. Variables were quantitated in the preoperative and at the 5-, 15-, and 30-minute postoperative intervals. Statistical analysis of data indicated that the interpositional grafting procedure resulted in increased vessel lumen area and decreased Vsm, but, importantly, volumetric flow (about 8.20 ml/min) remained unchanged. This study demonstrated that, although hemodynamic characteristics are altered, volumetric flow can be restored after an experimental, interpositional grafting procedure in small arteries.

The origin and innervation of the adductor pollicis muscle

A gross dissection of twenty human adductor pollicis muscles indicated an extensive origin of both the transverse and oblique heads. The origins included the second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones and the capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium bones. Soft tissue origins included intermetacarpal ligaments and the anterior fascia of palmar interosseous muscles. An interfascicular dissection of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve within the substance of the adductor pollicis muscle revealed three distinct patterns of terminal branching to the transverse and oblique heads, and to the first dorsal interosseous muscle.

Does phenobarbital protect against trimethyltin-induced neuropathology of limbic structures?

Because of the similarity in the pattern of limbic sites damaged by both compounds, it has been suggested that trimethyltin (TMT) may be an excitotoxin like kainic acid (KA). KA produces seizures which eventually result in neuronal damage similar to that found in epilepsy. Anticonvulsants reduce both the seizures and pathology associated with KA. Because TMT may also produce seizures, we undertook to determine whether or not some of the TMT-induced limbic neuropathology could result from seizure activity. To do this, a single dose of TMT chloride (either 7.5 or 15 mg/kg) was given per os to rats, and then phenobarbital (30 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously in repeated doses. Treatment with phenobarbital did not prevent pathologic changes in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and pyriform or prepyriform cortex. Since phenobarbital did not protect against TMT-induced neuronal damage, as it has been reported by others to protect against KA-induced damage, the present findings suggest that these two toxicants probably produce hippocampal pathology via different mechanisms and that the TMT-induced pathologic changes do not require sustained electrical seizure activity.

Histopathology of microvenous repair

The histopathology of microvascular repair was investigated in the femoral vein of the rat. Previous microvascular repair studies have primarily involved arteries, giving little insight to similar processes in veins. In our study, 36 rats with an average weight of 440 gm were randomly assigned to experimental groups of 1 hour, 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after repair. Histological evaluation of the suture site included the use of light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. Endothelial loss was observed in all 1-hour specimens. Extensive inflammatory response appeared in 2-hour specimens. Re-endothelialization of the intima was achieved in all animals by the 2-week time interval. At 4 weeks, the animals exhibited evidence of medial regeneration of smooth muscle cells. This was predominantly occurring between adjacent suture sites. Minimal subintimal hyperplasia was localized at the suture site itself in both 2- and 4-week specimens.

The dorsal tegmental nucleus: an axoplasmic transport study

The afferent and efferent connections of the dorsal tegmental nucleus (DTN) were studied in the rat using axoplasmic transport techniques. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and Fast Blue were injected stereotaxically into either pars centralis or pars ventromedialis of the DTN, two subdivisions of the nucleus with distinctive connections. The pars centralis is reciprocally connected with the ipsilateral lateral mammillary and interpeduncular nuclei; these projections constitute the major afferent and efferent systems of the DTN. Commissural fibers from the corresponding pars centralis and intrinsic fibers systems are massive and form a complex fiber meshwork within the subnucleus. The prepositus hypoglossi nucleus (ipsilateral) and supragenualis nuclei (bilateral) also project to the pars centralis. Smaller numbers of afferent fibers arise from the lateral habenular nucleus, the posterior hypothalamus and the brainstem reticular formation. The pars ventromedialis of the DTN receives diverse inputs which include the septal nuclei, diagonal band of Broca, preoptic area, anterior and lateral hypothalamus, lateral and medial habenular nuclei, medial mammillary nucleus and many nuclei of the brainstem reticular formation. Based on the differences of connections and cytoarchitecture between the pars centralis and the pars ventromedialis, the pars ventromedialis may be an entity separate from the dorsal tegmental nucleus.

The natural history of colorectal carcinoma in adolescents

The symptoms, histology, extent, and course of disease of 24 adolescents with colorectal carcinoma who were admitted to St. Jude Children's Hospital between 1964 and 1980 are presented. Twenty of the patients were referred between October 1974 and June 1980. Most patients presented with vague abdominal complaints. Twenty-one of the 24 patients had poorly differentiated mucin-producing adenocarcinoma. Extensive disease at diagnosis and unresponsiveness to medical management was reflected in the eight-month median survival from diagnosis. Only two of the 24 patients survive free of disease 15 and 130 months from diagnosis. Two other patients survive with disease at four and 24 months.

Peripheral blood blast cell progenitors in human preleukemia

Progenitors of blast cell colonies have been identified in acute leukemia. The peripheral blood of 18 of 25 patients with preleukemic states yielded low numbers of blast cell colonies, and the colony-forming cells were in an active proliferative state when assessed using short-term exposure to tritiated thymidine. The clinical significance of blast cell colonies is uncertain, but we suggest that further analysis of this cultural abnormality may lead to a better understanding of mechanisms and management in preleukemia.

The effects of cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and 6-mercaptopurine on oocyte and follicle number in C57BL/6N mice

Cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine were studied for oocyte and follicle toxicity in a murine ovarian toxicity assay system. Seven days after a single treatment with cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg ip), 63% of the primordial follicles and 0% of the growing or large follicles and their oocytes were destroyed in four week old C57BL/6N mice. Treatment with azathioprine (100 mg/kg/day ip x 9 days) or 6-mercaptopurine (100 mg/kg/day ip x 9 days) suppressed weight gain and increased mortality but had no effect on the number of oocytes or follicles in these mice. These data are consistent with previous observations on the effects of cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine on human ovarian toxicity. This suggests that the murine ovarian toxicity assay system may be useful in evaluating xenobiotics, including drugs, for human ovarian toxicity.

Primary malignant tumors of the stomach in children

Primary malignant tumors of the stomach are rare in children. During the years 1952--1977, eight children were seen at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles with primary malignant tumors of the stomach. The patients were between the ages of 20 mo and 17 hr and included 5 males and 3 females. The series consisted of 3 malignant lymphomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 2 leiomyosarcomas, and 1 rhabdomyosarcoma of the stomach. Three patients are living and five are dead. Clinical histories, treatment and pathologic findings are described along with a review of the literature and recommendations for the management of primary gastric malignancies in children.