Identification of lectin-like substances recognizing galactosyl residues of glycoconjugates on the plasma membrane of marrow sinus endothelium

Plasma membrane components capable of specific binding to the sugar residues of glycoproteins have recently been identified in several cell systems and implicated in the recognition and specific uptake of soluble or membrane-bound glycoproteins. Because the endothelium of bone marrow sinuses is the site of massive cellular and molecular traffic that is often specific, we studied the surface of sinus endothelium for the presence of sugar-recognizing systems. Neoglycoprotein probes were synthesized by covalently binding bovine serum albumin (BSA) to activated pyrannose form of galactose, fucose, or mannose. The probe was then labeled with colloidal gold. Galactosyl-BSA gold bound to endothelial membrane at 4 degrees C and was internalized at 37 degrees C. Both the binding and the internalization were inhibited in the presence of excess unlabeled galactosyl-BSA. Gold-labeled mannosyl-BSA and fucosyl-BSA did not bind to the endothelium. Nor did BSA-gold without galactosyl residues bind to endothelial membrane, confirming that galactosyl moiety was responsible for the binding. The uptake of galactosyl-BSA was further confirmed by perfusion of 125I-galactosyl-BSA into the abdominal aorta. Small but highly specific uptake was noted in tibias and femurs. These data provide evidence for the presence of a lectin-like substance on the luminal surface of marrow endothelial membrane capable of specific interaction with galactosyl residues of circulating and cell-bound glycoproteins and may provide a mechanism for specific recognition of these glycoproteins.

A microtiter method for long-term in vitro maintenance of human monocyte

A microtiter method is described for long-term maintenance of human monocytes in culture with intact functional and morphological characteristics. This micromethod is the adaptation of our previously reported method which required large volume of blood. The micromethod relies on the use of microexudate plate (pregrown with BHK cells) and the two phases of adherence and maintenance culture. The purity of cultured cells approaches 100% and the yield is 50-70%. As many as 24 experiments and controls can be done on 20 ml of blood drawn.

[Clinical assessment of sulbactam/cefoperazone in comparison with ceftizoxime in patients with postoperative infections by well controlled method]

The clinical effectiveness in postoperative infections of sulbactam/cefoperazone (SBT/CPZ, (SBT 0.5 g+ CPZ 0.5 g) X 2/day) was compared to that of ceftizoxime (CZX, 1.0 g X 2/day) by a well controlled comparative study, to have the following results. The overall effectiveness rate of SBT/CPZ and CZX as judged by Judgement Committee was 84.0% (63/75) and 80.6% (50/62), respectively, and the effectiveness of SBT/CPZ and CZX as assessed by the attending surgeons was 84.0% (63/75) and 71.0% (44/62), respectively. No significant difference was noted in both assessments. In a total of 36 SBT/CPZ-treated patients with intraabdominal infections, the clinical efficacy was judged by attending surgeons to be excellent in 13 patients (36.1%), and to be excellent or good in 31 (86.1%). In the 30 CZX treated patients, it was judged to be excellent in 6 patients (20.0%), and to be excellent or good in 19 (63.3%). These results presented a significant difference (P less than 0.05, U-test) between the 2 drug groups. The final global improvement ratio judged by attending surgeons was 85.3% (64/75) for SBT/CPZ, and 79.0% (49/62) for CZX with no significant difference. In assessment of time-course improvement, the improvement ratio of SBT/CPZ on day 4 was significantly better than that of CZX (P less than 0.05, U-test). The usefulness rate of SBT/CPZ and CZX was 84.0% (63/75) and 73.0% (46/63), respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 drug groups. To assess the bacteriological efficacy, the eradication rate of SBT/CPZ was compared to that of CZX. There was no significant difference between 85.7% (36/42) for SBT/CPZ and 73.5% (25/34) for CZX. After SBT/CPZ administration, 2 patients (2.5%) complained of side effects. In the clinical laboratory tests, abnormality related to SBT/CPZ medication was observed in 6 patients (7.5%), and that related to CZX, in 5 patients (6.4%). As to the types of side effects and frequency, no significant difference was observed between SBT/CPZ and CZX. It is concluded from the above assessments that SBT/CPZ is a useful drug in the treatment of post-operative infections.

The role of liver endothelium in the binding and uptake of ceruloplasmin: studies with colloidal gold probe

To determine the mode of uptake of ceruloplasmin (CP) by liver, the protein was labeled with colloidal gold and infused into the portal vein. In cold almost all probes bound to the sinusoidal endothelium, and at 37 degrees C internalization via a system of coated pits and vesicles occurred. Only rarely did the probe appear to bypass the endothelium, moving to the abluminal side through the gaps between endothelial cells. In the endothelial cytoplasm, the probe was seen in coated vesicles, endosomes, tubules, and large vesicles which may have formed by fusion of endosomes and tubules. Moreover, externalization of the probe to the abluminal side was noted, and this also occurred via a system of coated vesicles. The findings suggest that the uptake of CP in the liver may be primarily a transendothelial phenomenon (transcytosis).

Development of specific surface receptors recognizing mannose-terminal glycoconjugates in cultured monocytes: a possible early marker for differentiation of monocyte into macrophage

Surface receptors for mannose-terminal glycoconjugates have been reported in various macrophage populations and are thought to be involved in specific binding and internalization of mannose-rich substances. They thereby may serve a function in such phenomena as phagocytosis of yeast and tumor cell recognition. Little is known of mannosyl receptors in blood monocytes. We synthesized a probe by covalently linking D-mannose to bovine serum albumin (BSA). Using this probe in fluoresceinated or latex minibead-derivatized forms, we searched the surface of human monocytes for the presence of mannosyl receptors. 125I-labeled probe was further used to quantify the number of receptors and the kinetics of the binding. Freshly isolated monocytes did not bind the probe, indicating the absence of mannosyl receptors. When placed in a culture system that preserves functional and morphological homogeneity of the cells, surface receptors for D-mannosyl glycoproteins developed within four days, reached a peak after one week, and then remained fairly stable. Binding parameters (Kd, Bmax, and receptor number) also remained stable and were not dissimilar to those reported for macrophages, although the Kd was consistently larger in cultured monocytes. When studied at 37 degrees C, the ligand-receptor complex was internalized through a system of coated pits and vesicles. The development of these receptors before evidence of morphological or functional differentiation suggests that these receptors may constitute an early marker for differentiation of monocytes into macrophages.

Decreased monocyte-mediated cytostasis of human cancer cell in patients with lung cancer

In vivo animal studies support the concept that monocytes and macrophages are important in the immune surveillance of oncogenesis and that in vitro activated murine macrophages are cytocidal for tumour cells. In this study, the tumour cell cytotoxic activity of human peripheral blood monocytes was examined by measuring the inhibition of 3H-thymidine uptake in the human cancer cell line, established in our laboratory from human squamous cell lung cancer. The monocytes from 8 of the 31 lung cancer patients (26%) showed a percentage growth inhibition of less than 69.8%, which exceeded the 95% confidence limits of the percentage growth inhibition observed with healthy control monocytes. On the other hand, among the 16 sarcoidosis and the 8 tuberculosis cases no value was below 69.8%. However, there was no significant difference between the growth inhibition and the clinical stages or histological type. When OK-432, a Streptococcal agent, was administered in vivo to patients with lung cancer, an elevation of the growth inhibition was observed in 7 out of 8 patients. It was confirmed that the tumour cell cytostatic activity of the monocyte is suppressed in patients with lung cancer, and these monocyte deficits hinder the inhibition of tumour growth and metastasis.

X-ray diffraction studies on chromatophore membrane from photosynthetic bacteria. III. Basic structure of the photosynthetic unit and its relation to other bacteriochlorophyll forms

We have performed X-ray diffraction studies on photosynthetic units of Rhodospirillum rubrum and solubilized *B800 + B890 complex from chromatophores of Chromatium vinosum, to investigate the homology of their molecular structures. The native chromatophores of Chromatium vinosum, which contain other bacteriochlorophyll forms, were examined by an X-ray diffraction technique, in order to assess the interactions between the complexes as well as the molecular structures of the bacteriochlorophyll forms. The subchromatophore particles, solubilized by Triton X-100 from cells of Chromatium vinosum, exhibit a major absorption maximum at 881 nm and a minor one at 804 nm, consisting of bacteriochlorophyll form *B800 + B890. The near-IR absorption spectrum of the particle is very similar to that of chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum although the major absorption maximum is shifted slightly. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the subchromatophore particles is very similar to that of chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum. Thus, the subchromatophore particles are considered to be the "photoreaction unit" of Rhodospirillum rubrum. Since the bacteriochlorophyll form, *B800 + B890, is common in the purple bacteria, it is strongly suggested that the photoreaction unit is the basic and common structure existing in the photosynthetic units of purple bacteria. Chromatium vinosum cells exhibit different near-IR absorption spectra, depending on the culture media and also on the intensity of the illumination during culture. The chromatophores from these cells give different equatorial X-ray diffraction patterns. These patterns are much broader than that of solubilized subchromatophore particles, though they have common features. Thus, the molecular structures in the photosynthetic units are different, depending on their constituent bacteriochlorophyll forms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ceruloplasmin receptors in liver cell suspensions are limited to the endothelium

The interaction of ceruloplasmin (CP) with isolated liver cell suspensions was studied using 125I-labeled and latex minibead-derivatized CP. Fractionation of liver cell suspensions was done using metrizamide gradient centrifugation. In crude liver cell suspensions only endothelial cells, but not hepatocytes and Kupffer cells bound the minibead probe. The binding was specific and inhibited by excess native CP. These results were confirmed using 125I-CP combined with cell fractionation technique. Kinetic data, obtained from the latter system, indicated a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 X 10(-7) M and the number of receptors to be 5.7 X 10(5) per endothelial cell. The exclusive binding of CP to liver endothelium suggests that this cell may mediate the hepatocytes uptake of CP and is, therefore, a crucial element of the tissue-blood barrier.

Synthetic neoglycoproteins: a class of regents for detection of sugar-recognizing substances

Specific interactions between proteins and sugars have recently been emphasized in many biological systems. To detect sugar-recognizing substances, known as lectin-like substances or endogenous lectins, we describe a method in which various sugars were covalently bound to a carrier protein such as albumin. This neoglycoprotein was stable at -20 degrees C for a period of 6 months. It was conjugated to various cytochemical markers (125I, fluorescein isothiocyanate, colloidal gold, or latex minibead). Detection of the marker then indicates the presence of the sugar-binding protein. Control experiments in the presence of unlabeled neoglycoprotein or specific sugar indicated the specificity of the reaction. This method was used to analyze the kinetics of binding for a mannose-recognition system in the mouse peritoneal macrophages. The data obtained were in agreement with those previously reported. The method can be used for detection of other sugar-recognizing systems as virtually every simple sugar can be bound to a carrier protein to produce these neoglycoproteins. Some of the consideration required for successful production of these reagents are discussed. These synthetic neoglycoproteins are useful in studying the distribution and kinetics of sugar-recognizing systems and may help to further our understanding of this rapidly developing area.

Polarization of membrane glycoproteins during monocyte chemotaxis

Distribution of membrane glycoproteins was studied in chemotactic monocytes using ferritin-conjugated lectins. The cells became polarized forming a pseudopodia at a leading head. Membrane glycoproteins were redistributed at the head. This phenomenon was not observed in chemokinetic or non-chemotactic cells suggesting that membrane glycoproteins may have a role in recognition of the chemoattractant.

Morphology of pancreatic tissue-containing accessory spleen in an APA hamster

Accessory spleen (AS) was observed in 19 out of 71 (27%) golden hamsters of APA strain autopsied in the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research. When these AS were examined histologically, clusters of pancreatic tissues, such as islets and acini, were detected in the parenchyma of one AS located in the tail of pancreas of a 15-week-old male animal. This heterotopic pancreatic tissue was considered to penetrate deep into the AS from the pancreas through the adhesion site without any connective tissue border during the ontogenesis.

Characterization of human monocytes maintained in long-term culture with functional and morphological homogeneity

We recently reported a method for long-term in vitro culture of human monocytes with maintenance of functional and morphological homogeneity. We have now used microexudate-coated flasks to improve both the plating efficiency and the purity of these cultures. The technique is based on pregrowth of BHK cells that presumably produce large amounts of fibronectin, thus coating the flask with this substance, for which monocytes have receptors. We have further characterized the monocytes obtained with this culture technique by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cytochemistry, surface markers, lectin receptors, and phagocytic functions. All these methods show the cultured cells to consist of a pure, functionally and morphologically homogeneous population of nontransformed monocytes.

Retroperitoneal bleeding due to a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery

In a 51-year-old man the middle colic artery ruptured. The patient had abdominal pain for several days, and then suddenly, a considerable intraperitoneal bleeding occurred. The aneurysm was extirpated and in the postoperative angiogram, numerous aneurysms were detected in the colic artery. Splanchnic artery aneurysm mainly occurs in renal artery, splenic artery and hepatic artery, but rarely in the mesenteric artery. The pathogenesis of mesenteric artery aneurysms is usually mycotic false aneurysm from prior aortic endoarteritis. In the present case, the etiology of the aneurysm was not confirmed.

X-ray diffraction studies on chromatophore membrane from photosynthetic bacteria. II. Comparison of diffraction patterns of photosynthetic units from various purple bacteria

Comparative X-ray diffraction studies, in conjunction with infrared absorption spectroscopy, were performed on chromatophores isolated from various purple photosynthetic bacteria in order to achieve a better understanding of the molecular structure of the photosynthetic unit. Purple non-sulfur bacteria used were Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodospirillum molischianum, Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris. Chromatophores of Chromatium vinosum, as a typical example of purple sulfur bacteria, were also investigated. The results were as follows. Distinct equatorial X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained from chromatophores of all the bacteria examined. They showed diffuse, continuous diffraction patterns having several maxima, and the patterns are evidently distinguished from those of either crystalline or amorphous material. The pattern indicates that the photosynthetic unit in the chromatophore has a highly organized molecular structure in the plane of the membrane. Bacteria whose major photosynthetic pigment is bacteriochlorophyll alpha can be categorized in three groups from the viewpoint of near infrared absorption spectra. X-ray diffraction patterns are also grouped accordingly, although the differences are minimal and the patterns display common features. In other words, the bacteriochlorophyll forms, which are bacteriochlorophyll-protein complexes exhibiting different near-infrared absorption spectra, show different X-ray patterns: the molecular structure of photosynthetic units is closely related to the state of pigment in each complex, although the "X-ray" molecular structure is mainly concerned with the arrangement of constituent protein molecules at the present resolution, whereas the "spectroscopic" structure reflects the local environment of pigment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

X-ray diffraction studies on photosystem I fragments from a blue-green alga, Anabaena variabilis, and spinach

Photosystem I fragments were prepared from thylakoid membranes of a blue-green alga (Anabaena variabilis) and spinach by treatment with a detergent, Triton X-100. Equatorial X-ray diffraction patterns were recorded on films for oriented specimens of thylakoid membranes and photosystem I fragments. The thylakoid membranes and photosystem I fragments gave essentially the same equatorial diffraction patterns in both Anabaena variabilis and spinach, indicating that the major X-ray scatterers in these thylakoid membranes are the molecular assembly of photosystem I. The equatorial X-ray diffraction from the photosystem I fragments of Anabaena variabilis and spinach extends to the reciprocal space of 1/7 A-1. The diffraction pattern exhibits six to nine distinct maxima though they are diffuse, indicating that the arrangement of the constituent molecules in photosystem I has a definite geometrical regularity. The radial autocorrelation functions indicate that the maximal sizes of photosystem I in these thylakoid membranes are about 100 A, and the geometrical regularity does not correspond to a crystalline order. The X-ray diffraction patterns from photosystem I fragments from Anabaena variabilis and spinach are quite similar to each other, suggesting the possibility that the molecular structures of photosystem I in Anabaena variabilis and spinach have a fundamental similarity. These diffraction patterns, however, are different from that of the chromatophore obtained from a photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum.

HSV-1 shedding by lontophoresis of 6-hydroxydopamine followed by topical epinephrine

The development of an animal model for herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation is of great importance in studying HSV latency, reactivation, recurrence, and chemotherapy. Epinephrine iontophoresis to the cornea can induce HSV type 1 (HSV-1) ocular shedding from latently infected rabbits. In the present experiment, adrenergic induction of HSV-1 was enhanced by iontophoresis of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HD) to the rabbit cornea followed by topical epinephrine to the eye. Eye swabs were utilized to determine HSV-1 shedding in the tear film. The combined treatment was performed on selected days during 66 to 292 days (mean 159) postinoculation, resulting in HSV-1 shedding from 100% of the eyes (17/17) within 6 days after the 6-HD treatment. The onset of initial shedding was as early as day 1. The highest frequency (93%) of shedding occurred on day 2. The mean duration of consecutive HSV-1 sheddings was 3.2 days. The importance of prior spontaneous HSV-1 ocular sheddings relative to this induced HSV-1 reactivation system also was demonstrated. Latently infected rabbits that shed virus spontaneously could be induced to shed virus at a much higher frequency and for a longer duration than rabbits that had not shed virus spontaneously. Iontophoresis of 6-HD produced ocular adrenergic supersensitization and with topical epinephrine it induced HSV-1 ocular shedding in 100% of eyes. This new model of induced HSV-1 ocular shedding will be useful for investigation of adrenergic mechanisms that may be involved in HSV reactivation and recurrence.

[Chronic encapsulating fibrous peritonitis induced by carcinoma of the pancreas]

A 70-year-old man was admitted complaining of dull pain in the epigastrium and umbilical region. ERCP revealed a carcinoma of the pancreas; cytological examination of the pancreatic juice and ascites showed no tumor cells. Diagnostic laparotomy was performed for lasting abdominal pain and fever. Exploration revealed ascites and adhesions. The small and large intestine were covered with a gray-white membranous substance. A large tumor invading the retroperitoneal space was seen in the head of the pancreas. Histological examination of the membranous substance showed hyalinizing fibrinoid tissue; the tumor contained carcinoma cells of the pancreas. We posit that the tumor disturbed the flow of the portal vein and lymphatic vessels, leading to the patient's clinical symptoms.

Electron microscopic observation on phase transition of purple membrane

Structural changes during the thermal phase transition of purple membrane were observed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Native Halobacterium halobium cells contain broad purple membrane areas about 1 micron in diameter. The boundary separating purple and red membranes is obvious. On warming at 80 degrees C, particles of red membrane spread out beyond the boundary. Then a purple membrane area is eventually divided into small areolae of similar size, about 0.1 micron in diameter. By cooling down slowly, the purple membrane area is reformed and the crystalline arrangement also restored.

Potentiation of phenobarbital-induced anticonvulsant activity by pipecolic acid

Pipecolic acid (PA) is an intermediate of lysine metabolism in the mammalian brain. Recent findings suggest a functional connection of PA as neuromodulator in GABAergic transmission. Since many drugs are postulated to produce their effects by interaction with the central GABA system, the influence of PA on the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital was examined. Pretreatment of mice with 50 mg . kg-1 of PA potentiated the suppressing effects of the barbiturate on electrically and chemically induced convulsions. However, there was no potentiation of the behavioral effects and hypothermia induced by phenobarbital. PA itself had no or only little effect on the convulsions, motor function and rectal temperature when given in i.p. doses up to 500 mg . kg-1. Intraventricular administration of 500 microgram of PA also did not suppress either type of convulsion, although it produced ptosis, hypotonia, sedation and hypothermia. The results are discussed in relation to GABA system.

Pituitary-adrenocortical stimulation and anti-inflammatory actions of 4-ethoxy-2-methyl-5-morpholino-3(2H)-pyridazinone (M73101)

We investigated the mechanism of the elevation of serum corticosterone level by 4-ethoxy-2-methyl-5-morpholino-3(2H)-pyridazinone (M73101) and its participation in the anti-inflammatory action. M73101 when given to rats intraperitoneally at doses of 50-200 mg/kg, caused an increase in serum and adrenal corticosterone in a dose-dependent manner. Oral administration of 200 mg/kg of M73101 also elevated the serum corticosterone level. Such action of M73101 was completely abolished by adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy, or the pretreatment with pentobarbital and morphine. In vitro experiment demonstrated that M73101 had no direct effect on adrenocortical function. These results indicate that the response to M73101 must be medicated through the release of ACTH from the adenohypophysis, which is probably due to the secretion of corticotropin releasing factor from the hypothalamus. M73101 at an oral dose of 200 kg/mg significantly decreased the volume of exudative fluid and the number of leucocytes in carrageenin-induced pleurisy of intact rats. However, the inhibitory action of this drug on cell mobilization decreased by adrenalectomy but not on exudative fluid, indicating that anti-inflammatory actions of M73101 may be due in part to pituitary-adrenocortical stimulation.

X-ray diffraction studies on chromatophore membrane from photosynthetic bacteria. I. Diffraction pattern of the photoreaction unit isolated from Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophore and some characteristics of the structure

The X-ray diffraction pattern from chromatophore membranes of a photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum, indicates that a highly organized protein assembly exists in the membrane. The X-ray scatterer was solubilized from chromatophores by a mixture of cholate and deoxycholate. The basic component was identified as the photoreaction unit, which consists of light-harvesting bacteriochlorophyll proteins and a reaction center. The radial autocorrelation function, calculated directly from the X-ray intensity dats, made it possible to deduce certain structural features of the X-ray scatterer. 1. The maximum dimension of the X-ray scatterer is estimated to be 110-130 A. 2. The arrangement of the units in the chromatophore membrane is random. 3. Protein molecules in the unit form a rigid structure, being arranged mutually in fixed positions to give a distinct X-ray diffraction pattern. 4. The most probable structure is one which has rotational symmetry.

Studies on anticoccidial agents. 13. Synthesis and anticoccidial activity of nitropyridine-2- and -3-sulfonamides and derivatives

Eight nitropyridinesulfonamides and pyridinesulfonamide N-oxides as their bioisosteres were prepared and evaluated for anticoccidial activity. Of these compounds, 2-, 4- and 5-nitropyridine-3-sulfonamides and pyridine-2- and -3-sulfonamide N-oxides were found to be active against Eimeria tenella. Thus, the relative positions, ortho or meta, of the substituents in nitropyridine-3-sulfonamides and pyridinesulfonamide N-oxides are important for anticoccidial activity. N-Substituted analogues of 5-nitropyridine-3-sulfonamide were also prepared and optimal anticoccidial activity was attained with the sulfonamide and its lower N-alkyl derivatives. The mode of action of 5-nitropyridine-3-sulfonamide was examined and found to be active in the sporozoite and the first schizogony stages.

Immuno-chemotherapy of malignant lymphoma using OK-432, a streptococcal agent

Clinical trials of immuno-chemotherapy were conducted on malignant lymphoma patients. Patients during the period from 1972 through 1977 were allocated to two groups retrospectively according to the mode of treatment, i.e., chemotherapy alone (historical control group, 35 patients) and chemotherapy with OK-432 (treated group, 15 patients). Comparisons were made of the two groups, which were homogeneous with regard to induction chemotherapy, maintenance chemotherapy, stage and histologic type of disease. The treated group had a higher remission rate, and a longer remission duration and survival than the control groups, especially in patients with Hodgkin's disease but the difference was not statistically significant owing to the limited number of cases.

Disintegration of Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophore membrane into photoreaction units, reaction centers, and ubiquinone-10 protein with mixture of cholate and deoxycholate

1. The membrane of Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophores was disintegrated with mild detergents (cholate and deoxycholate) in order to study the spatial arrangement of the functional proteins in the photochemical apparatus and the electron transport system in the membrane. 2. The components solubilized from the membrane by a mixture of cholate and deoxycholate (C-DOC) were separated into four fractions by molecular-sieve chromatography in the presence of C-DOC; they were designated as F1, F2, F3, and F4 in the order of elution. The fractions were further purified by repeated molecular-sieve chromatography in the presence of C-DOC until each fraction was chromatographically homogeneous. 3. F1 appeared to be conjugated forms of F2. 4. The purified F2 was composed of a rigid complex having a weight of 7 X 10(5) daltons, containing approximately 10 different kinds of protein species with molecular weights of 3.8 X 10(4), 3.6 X 10(4), 3.5 X 10(4), 2.8 X 10(4), 2.7 X 10(4), 2.6 X 10(4), 1.3 X 10(4), 1.2 X 10(4), 1.1 X 10(4), and 1.0 X 10(4). The complex contained 33 bacteriochlorophylls, 4 iron atoms, and 90 phosphates, but no cytochrome, ubiquinone, or phospholipid. It showed the same reaction center activity as chromatophores, indicating that the complex was a unit of the photochemical apparatus (photoreaction unit). Each chromatophore of average size was estimated to possess about 24 photoreaction units. 5. The purified F3 showed an absorbance spectrum characteristic of reaction centers, and contained 3.4 bacteriochlorophylls, 2.0 bacteriopheophytins, and 1.9 acid-labile iron atoms, but no cytochrome or ubiquinone (C-DOC reaction center). It had a weight of 1.2 X 10(5) daltons, and the main components were 4 protein species with molecular weights of 2.8 X 10(4), 2.7 X 10(4), 2.6 X 10(4), and 1.0 X 10(4). 6. The purified F4 showed a molecular weight of about 11,000, and contained one mole of ubiquinone-10 per mole (ubiquinone-10 protein). 7. The reaction center activity of C-DOC reaction centers was stimulated by ubiquinone-10 protein. In addition, the reaction center oxidized reduced cytochrome c2 in the light, provided that ubiquinone-10 protein was present (photo-oxidase activity).

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in human breast cancer with concomitant assay of plasma 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin levels

The specific estrogen receptor in the cytosol of human breast cancer tissue was assayed in 217 primary cases. The specific progesterone receptor was also assayed in 48 cases as evidence of estrogen action on the tissue. Both receptors were positive in 45.8% of all cases. Plasma 17beta-estradiol and progesterone were assayed concomitantly with these steroid receptors. The higher hormone levels were found in the cases with fewer receptor binding sites. The relationship between 17beta-estradiol levels in tumor cytosol and the number of binding sites was more clearly observed. Plasma prolactin levels, however, showed no correlation with the number of receptor binding sites or the plasma levels of sex steroids. None of these assayed substances had a clear correlation with the histological type of tumor or the clinical stage of the disease.

[Studies on the influsion speed and acute toxicity of amino acid solutions in rats (author's transl)]

Relationships between the infusion speed and lethal dose of several amino acid solutions of various concentrations were studied in male Sprague Dawley rats. When the amino acid solutions were continuously infused at various speeds, a functional relationship between the dose producing a cardiac arrest (DCA) and infusion speed was established. The DCA/infusion speed was characterized by two ranges with an increasing DCA as increase or decrease of infusion speed and by its intermediate range of a flat minimum with a practically constant DCA regardless of varying the infusion speed. A practically constant LD50 was obtained in the infusion of each amino acid solution within the infusion speed in the intermediate range. The LD50 of each amino acid solution was dependent on the crystalloid osmotic pressure.

Metabolites of piperidine in rat urine

Piperidine is one of pharmacologically active biogenic amines. While two pathways for piperidine production have been reported, little is known about metabolism of the compound. In the present study, piperidine and its hydroxylated, conjugated and unknown metabolites were detected in rat urine by radiochromatographic analysis. Using GC-MS technique, it was confirmed that 3-hydroxypiperidine and 4-hydroxypiperidine are major metabolites of piperidine of either exogenous or endogenous origin. The findings substantiate the existence of a mechanism which inactivates piperidine in the living body, since both metabolites lack the potent pharmacological activities as those induced by piperidine.

Studies on anticoccidial agents. 12. Synthesis and anticoccidial activity of methyl-2(6)-nitro- and -3(5)-nitropyridinecarboxamides

A number of methyl-2- and 3-nitropyridinecarboxamides have been synthesized. It has been established that the presence of at least one hydrogen atom, adjacent to the NO2 function, is important for anticoccidial activity and introduction of a methyl group to the adjacent position of the CONH2 function sometimes confers enhanced activity. Among the compounds herein, 5- and 6-methyl-2-nitropyridine-4-carboxamides possess optimal anticoccidial activity, being as potent as the parent compound.