Monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody functionally mimics the human gastrointestinal carcinoma epitope GA733

Anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) that bind to the antigen-combining region of anti-tumor antibodies (Ab1) may functionally, and even structurally, mimic tumor antigen. We have previously demonstrated that polyclonal goat Ab2 directed against anti-human gastrointestinal carcinoma Ab1 GA733 induces anti-anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab3) in animals that are Ab1-like in their binding specificity and idiotope expression. To obtain more defined Ab2 vaccines with potentially increased specificity and efficacy, a monoclonal Ab2 (FG1) was produced against Ab1 GA733 in rats. The monoclonal Ab2 FG1, similar to the polyclonal Ab2 described previously, induced Ab3 in rabbits that were Ab1-like in their idiotope expression and binding specificity to tumor cells and antigen. Antigen-specific Ab3 induced by Ab2 FG1 were easily detected in unprocessed rabbit sera, whereas the demonstration of such Ab3 after polyclonal Ab2 immunization required purification of the Ab3 from the rabbit sera. In addition, Ab2 FG1 induced antigen-specific humoral and cellular immunity in mice. Murine Ab3 bound specifically to antigen-positive tumor cells. Ab2-immunized mice showed antigen-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, and cultured splenocytes from the immune mice demonstrated specific proliferation and cytokine (interferon-gamma and interleukin-4) secretion upon stimulation with GA733 antigen. However, immune mice were not protected against a challenge with syngeneic GA733 antigen-expressing colon carcinoma cells.

Construction of the plasmid PMEX8-HAK1 and random site-directed mutagenesis of human cytosolic adenylate kinase

The pMEX8-hAK1 vector was devised from the pAK plasmid (Kim J. H. et al., 1989, Protein Engineering 5, 379-386), which could directly express human adenylate kinase proteins without recombination and its single strand DNA could be withdrawn with helper phage for random site-directed mutagenesis. The conserved key residues at Lys21, Lys27, and Thr39 were engineered to obtain mutants for kinetic analysis. Three mutants were obtained as K21P, K27R, and T39S, their specific activities were strikingly reduced compared to those of wild type adenylate kinase. This pMEX8-hAK1 will be a powerful tool for site-directed mutagenesis to detect the substrate-enzyme interaction for human adenylate kinase including various other enzymes.

[Expression of glutathione S-transferase pi and numerical aberration of chromosome 11 in human ovarian cancer as a prognostic indicator]

In 33 patients with primary ovarian cancer who had not received any chemotherapy before surgery, expression of glutathione S-transferase pi (GST-pi) was studied immunohistochemically in relation to the response to chemotherapy with CDDP, and furthermore it was examined whether numerical aberration of chromosome 11 was available as a prognostic indicator. The obtained results were as follows: 1. Of 33 ovarian cancer tissue samples, 19 (57.6%) showed positive staining and 14 (42.4%) negative staining for GST-pi. 2. The 5 year survival rate of the patients with GST-pi positive tumors was significantly lower than that of those with GST-pi negative tumors (p < 0.01). 3. The frequency of detection of cells showing numerical aberration of chromosome 11 in tissues was significantly higher in ovarian cancers than in benign ovarian tumors and normal ovaries. 4. The 5 year survival rate of the patients with ovarian cancer in which the cells showing numerical aberration of chromosome 11 at 20% or more was significantly lower than that of those in which such cells were under 20% (p < 0.02). These results show that expression of GST-pi and numerical aberration of chromosome 11 in the tissues of human ovarian cancers are useful as prognostic indicators.

Treatment of 37 patients with anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid

BACKGROUND

Most patients with anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid die within several months of diagnosis, and aggressive treatment is uncommon. We evaluated the effect of active multimodal treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) on this disease, including one patient treated with autologous bone marrow transplantation and high-dose chemotherapy.

METHODS

The outcome was assessed in 37 patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma treated between 1971 and 1993. Patients without distant metastasis when initially seen underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy. From 1984, conventional radiotherapy was replaced by hyperfractionated radiotherapy.

RESULTS

All but three patients died within 1 year of diagnosis. Patients with primary lesions less than 5 cm in diameter who had complete resection and radiotherapy survived significantly longer than the other patients, and hyperfractionated radiotherapy was effective for local control.

CONCLUSION

Active multimodal therapy is indicated for early-stage anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid.

[Lumbar and thoracic epidural anesthesia in children's hospitals in Japan]

A retrospective study of the lumbar and thoracic epidural anesthesia (catheterization) in infants and children younger than 12 years was undertaken in children's hospitals in Japan. Seventeen institutions replied to our questionnaire and 10 institutions experienced these procedures in the year preceding September 1994. The total number of the lumbar and thoracic epidural anesthesia performed was 324, with average of 32.4 +/- 31.1, and maximum of 113 and the minimum of 2. The number of thoracic epidural anesthesia performed was 56 a much smaller figure than that of lumbar anesthesia. Infants younger than 12 months were 23 in both groups. No major complications occurred except a case of infection at the insertion site. The patient had herpes zoster. On the other hand, several institutions cast doubt on the necessity of epidural anesthesia in infants and children. The long-term influence on the developing nervous system should be investigated.

[Recent progress in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices]

Recent advances in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices are reviewed in this paper. Endoscopy, angiography, ultrasound, and ultrasound Doppler are now employed in the diagnosis of varices. As for endoscopic diagnosis, new criteria for the evaluation of gastroesophageal varices have been applied. Angiography is now not only used to demonstrate the varices and collateral circulations in portal hypertension but also used in the embolization therapy for large gastric varices or intractable esophageal varices. Ultrasound and color Doppler are now widely used in the diagnosis of portal hypertension because of its noninvasiveness and conveniency. Furthermore, in its use in endoscopy, varical vessels and blood flow in the wall of the esophagus and the stomach can be directly demonstrated. Recent advances in these diagnostic modalities will made it possible to diagnose gastroesophageal varices and evaluate the pathophysiology in patients with portal hypertension more precisely.

Adrenoceptor antagonists, but not guanethidine, reduce glucopenia-induced glucagon secretion from perfused rat pancreas

This study was designed to investigate (1) whether norepinephrine is released in response to glucopenia in vitro, thereby stimulating glucagon secretion and, (2) the modulating effects of norepinephrine on insulin and glucagon secretion, using isolated perfused rat pancreas preparations. Simultaneous addition of the adrenergic receptor antagonists yohimbine, prazosin and propranolol, each at a concentration of 10-(5) mol/l, significantly potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (6.23 +/- 0.76 vs. 2.11 +/- 0.72 (control) nmol/min, P < 0.01), and suppressed glucopenia-induced glucagon secretion (0.59 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.34 + 0.18 (control) ng/min, P < 0.05). Also, 10-(5) mol/l yohimbine alone significantly potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (4.86 +/- 0.50 nmol/min, P < 0.05). The norepinephrine release inhibitor, guanethidine, significantly inhibited tyramine-induced secretion of both norepinephrine (7.86 +/- 0.77 vs. 49.7 +/- 2.3 nmol/min, P < 0.01) and glucagon (0.31 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.21 +/- 0.15 ng/min, P < 0.01), but exerted no effects on glucopenia-induced secretion of either norepinephrine or glucagon. We conclude that these results further support the concept that the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is released in response to glucopenia in vitro, and modulates insulin and glucagon secretion. Our data do not, however, provide evidence indicating that glucopenia-induced glucagon secretion is mainly mediated by activation of sympathetic nerve terminals around the alpha-cells in the isolated perfused rat pancreas.

Neurotransmitters partially restore glucose sensitivity of insulin and glucagon secretion from perfused streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat pancreas

To elucidate the mechanisms of insensitivity of hormone secretion to glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat islets, we investigated the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine on insulin and glucagon secretion in response to changes in glucose concentration, using perfused pancreas preparations. Basal insulin secretion at a blood glucose level of 5.6 mmol/l was significantly higher and basal glucagon secretion significantly lower in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats than in controls, and neither high (16.7 mmol/l) nor low (1.4 mmol/l) blood glucose concentrations influenced insulin or glucagon secretion. Addition of 10(-6) mol/l ACh to the perfusate increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Also, 10(-6) mol/l ACh, 10(-7) mol/l norepinephrine, as well as a combination of both, induced marked glucagon secretion, this was suppressed by high blood glucose level. Although simultaneous addition of 10(-6) mol/l ACh and 10(-7) mol/l norepinephrine induced only a slight increase in glucagon secretion in response to glucopenia, there was a significant increase in glucagon secretion in conjunction with an ambient decrease in insulin. Histopathological examination revealed a marked decline in acetylcholinesterase and monoamine-oxidase activities in the islets of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We speculate that reduction of the potentiating effects of ACh and norepinephrine lessens glucose sensitivity of islet beta and alpha cells in this rat model of diabetes.

[The perinatal risk factors of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in premature infants]

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) has recently been recognized as an important risk factor in neurological impairment of the premature infant. We studied 29 PVL cases concerning perinatal risk factors retrospectively comparing them with a non-PVL matched control group. Variable decelerations were more frequently observed with statistical significance in the PVL group in the intrapartum period. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the appearance of late deceleration. A lower incidence of RDS, a higher incidence of low Apgar score, a longer period of ventilation and oxygen inhalation and a more persistent presence of apneic spells were documented in the PVL group with statistical significance. Our study suggests the significance of variable deceleration as a risk factor in the occurrence of PVL in premature infants as well as other previously documented risk factors.

Is sex a factor in determining operative risk for aortocoronary bypass graft surgery?

BACKGROUND

This study examines trends and sex differences in characteristics of patients referred for bypass graft surgery to identify factors associated with operative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were collected prospectively on consecutive patients (1132 men and 355 women). Over time, the proportion of patients > 65 years old, with diabetes, or requiring urgent surgery, increased. Predictors of mortality were age > 75 years, urgent surgery, and poor left ventricular (LV) grade. Women were older (62 +/- 9 versus 59 +/- 9 years, P < .001) and had more varicose veins (18% versus 7%, P < .001), diabetes (27% versus 18%, P < .001), hypertension (48% versus 41%, P < .05), peripheral vascular disease (16% versus 12%, P < .05), and more severe angina (P < .001). There were no sex differences in prior myocardial infarction (59% versus 62%) or need for urgent surgery (17% versus 18%). Women had a higher ejection fraction (51% +/- 12% versus 47% +/- 14%, P < .001) and fewer diseased vessels (2.4 +/- 0.7 versus 2.6 +/- 0.6, P < .001) and received fewer grafts (2.9 +/- 0.9 versus 3.3 +/- 0.8, P < .001). Women had smaller body size but were no more likely to have small target vessels (< 1.5 mm). There was no sex difference in operative mortality (1.4% versus 1.1%), perioperative myocardial infarction (4.8% versus 3.5%), need for intra-aortic balloon pump (10% versus 8%), stroke (1.7% versus 1.4%), reexploration for bleeding (1.7% versus 1.7%), or leg infection (2.0% versus 1.4%). Women had fewer sternal wound infections (0.6% versus 2.2%, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors of mortality include advanced age, decreased LV function, and need for urgent surgery. With time, despite increasing age, associated diabetes, and increased urgent surgery, operative mortality has decreased. Women were older and had more diabetes and hypertension but less extensive disease and better LV function. Bypass graft surgery was associated with equally low mortality in women and men (1.4% versus 1.1%). Concern over increased operative mortality in women should not bias referral patterns for angiography and coronary bypass graft surgery.

Results of revascularization in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction

BACKGROUND

In patients with coronary artery disease and poor ventricular function (ejection fraction, < 20%), bypass grafting remains a surgical challenge. This study evaluates experience with isolated revascularization in such patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 79 consecutive patients (69 men, 10 women; average age, 59 +/- 9 years), preoperative ejection fraction was 18 +/- 5%. Indications for surgery were congestive heart failure (CHF) in 5 of 79 patients (6%), CHF and angina in 19 (24%), angina in 41 (52%), ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in 8 (10%), and critical anatomy in 6 (8%). Some patients had prior VAs (23 of 79; 29%) or mitral regurgitation (18; 23%) and required emergent surgery (25; 32%). At surgery, temperature mapping ensured adequate distribution of antegrade cold cardioplegia, with 3.6 +/- 0.7 grafts per patient, including left internal mammary artery graft in 60 of 79 (76%) and endarterectomy in 14 (18%). Hospital mortality was 3.8%. Perioperative support included intra-aortic balloon pump in 18 of 79 (23%) and drugs for VAs in 28 (35%). Morbidity included myocardial infarction in 2 of 79 (2.5%) and stroke in 2 (2.5%). During follow-up, there were 19 late deaths. Actuarial survival was 94%, 82%, and 68% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively, and was similar in patients with severe angina, CHF, mitral regurgitation, or VAs. Freedom from sudden death was 100%, 98%, and 91% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Among survivors, angina improved in 84% and heart failure improved in 26%.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support bypass graft surgery in patients with severe LV dysfunction. With careful cardioplegic techniques, hospital mortality was low (3.8%). Long-term survival is encouraging, with good relief of symptoms in most patients. Perioperative VAs are frequent but respond to medical treatment, with only 23% of patients discharged on antiarrhythmic drugs. Five-year freedom from sudden death is 91%, with only 3 late sudden deaths in this series.

Central hypothyroidism resulting from pituitary suppression and peripheral thyrotoxicosis in a premature infant born to a mother with Graves disease

We observed the sequential changes in serum thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies in an infant born at 30 weeks of gestation to a mother with florid Graves disease. Transient central hypothyroidism caused by pituitary suppression was observed after the resolution of peripheral thyrotoxicosis induced by thyroid-stimulating antibody. Central hypothyroidism became overt when the suppression of the pituitary gland after fetal thyrotoxicosis was combined with weak activity of thyroid-stimulating antibody after birth.

Cloning of the cDNA encoding a novel rat mast-cell proteinase, rMCP-3, and its expression in comparison with other rat mast-cell proteinases

A cDNA encoding a novel rat mast-cell proteinase (MCP) named rMCP-3 was successfully cloned and sequenced from the peritoneal cells of Lewis rats infected with the intestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis by using the combination of reverse transcription-PCR and rapid-amplification-of-cDNA-ends ('RACE') methods. The cDNA was 979 bp long and included a 741 bp open reading frame. When the deduced amino acid sequence was compared with those of other known mast-cell proteinases, rMCP-3 was considered to be translated as a preproenzyme with a 19-amino-acid signal peptide, a two-amino-acid activation peptide and a 226-amino-acid mature enzyme. The amino acid identity in the mature enzyme was 52.9% and 55.1% with rMCP-1 and rMCP-2 respectively. The rMCP-3 mRNA was not detected in the peritoneal cells of mast-cell-deficient Ws/Ws rats, though it was strongly detected in those of littermate +/+ and Lewis rats, indicating the mast-cell origin of rMCP-3 In addition to being present in peritoneal mast cells, the rMCP-3 mRNA was strongly detected in the skin, tongue, and RBL2H3 rat basophilic leukaemia cells and weakly in the jejunum of N. brasiliensis-infected rats by RNA blot analysis using a rMCP-3 gene-specific probe. By reverse transcription-PCR, the rMCP-3 mRNA was also detected in the lung. While the expression of rMCP-1 and rMCP-2 are clearly restricted in connective-tissue mast cells and mucosal mast cells respectively, rMCP-3 was widely expressed in both types of mast cells with a predominance in connective-tissue mast cells.

Molecular cloning of mouse intestinal trefoil factor and its expression during goblet cell changes

A cDNA encoding mouse intestinal trefoil factor (mITF) was successfully cloned and sequenced from the small intestine of C57BL/6 mouse by using the combination of reverse transcription-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. The gene was, similar to rat and human ITFs, mainly expressed in the small and large intestine. The mITF expression was up-regulated during the recovery phase after depletion of goblet cells in acetic acid-induced colitis. On the other hand, the expression in the jejunum was not altered, while goblet cell hyperplasia was induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection. These results suggest that the mITF expression did not simply correlate with the number of goblet cells. The mITF may play an important role in the maintenance and repair of mucosal function of the rectum. Additionally, the mITF in the jejunum may play a role in alteration of the physicochemical nature of goblet cell mucins, thereby affecting the establishment of intestinal helminths.

Effects of a selective endothelin A-receptor antagonist, BQ-123, in salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. We examined the effects of a selective endothelin A (ETA)-receptor antagonist, BQ-123, on the development of hypertension and organ damage in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) given 1% NaCl for 6 weeks. 2. BQ-123 at doses of 0.7, 2.1 and 7.1 mg/day was continuously administered for 6 weeks to 8 week old salt-loaded SHRSP, who were given water containing 1% NaCl for the following 6 weeks, via a subcutaneous osmotic minipump. 3. Development of high blood pressure was accelerated in salt-loaded SHRSP compared with that in non-salt-loaded SHRSP. After 6 weeks of salt-loading, incidence of cerebral infarction, renal sclerosis and renal fibrosis were greater in salt-loaded than non-salt-loaded SHRSP. 4. BQ-123 attenuated the age-related rise in blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. The effect coincided with reduction in the incidence of cerebral infarction and prevention of renal sclerosis and fibrosis. Kidney function was improved as observed by an increase in glomerular filtration rate and decreases in urinary protein excretion, blood urea nitrogen and fractional sodium excretion. Furthermore, BQ-123 prevented increases in the heart weight/bodyweight ratio and aortic wall thickness in salt-loaded SHRSP. 5. These results suggest that endogenous endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ETA-receptors may be, at least in part, involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and organ damage in salt-loaded SHRSP.

A case report of colonic ileus due to eosinophilic nodular lesions caused by Gnathostoma doloresi infection

Gnathostomiasis is primarily a disease of the skin characterized as creeping eruption or mobile erythema. However, larval Gnathostoma sometimes migrate into an unexpected site to elicit serious illness. Here we describe a case of colonic ileus caused by Gnathostoma doloresi. The patient was a 57-year-old man living in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, which is known as an area endemic for this parasite. One week after having eaten a few slices of the flesh of a snake (Agkistrodon halys), he developed severe abdominal pain. An abdominal radiograph revealed multiple gas-fluid levels with a distended bowel of an inverted U shape. A barium enema revealed a tumor in the ascending colon near the hepatic flexure that was surgically removed by simple colonic resection. An oblique section of a parasite surrounded by massive infiltration of eosinophils was found by postoperative histopathologic examination. The entire body of the advanced third-stage larva of G. doloresi was dissected from a specimen-embedded paraffin block.

[A comparison of intra-arterial chemoembolization and infusion chemotherapy for liver metastases of breast cancer]

Seventeen patients with liver metastases of breast cancer were treated with a combination of intra-arterial chemotherapy and endocrine therapy at our hospital from 1986 to 1994. Of 17 patients, 9 were treated with transarterial chemoembolization through hepatic artery using 40-50 mg/body of 4'epi-adriamycin (epi-ADM) and lipiodol, and the other 8 were treated with hepatic infusion chemotherapy using 20-30 mg/body of epi-ADM every 2 weeks. All patients were followed by endocrine therapy with oral administration of 800-1,200 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The results were as follows: 1) The comparison of response rate between the two groups was not substantially changed (44.4% x 4/9 in TAE group and 50.0% x 4/8 in Reservoir group). 2) Duration of response was 4-45 months (mean 25 months) in TAE group and 3-15+ alpha months (mean 8.7 months) in Reservoir group. But in the latter group, 3 patients are now under treatment. 3) At one year, the survival rates were 44.4 percent in TAE group and 50.0 percent in Reservoir group. We conclude that combination of intra-arterial chemotherapy and endocrine therapy is a useful treatment modality for controlling liver metastases of breast cancer.

[Age-related changes in amplitude ratio, duration ratio and area ratio in nerve conduction studies]

We investigated the effect of aging on nerve conduction parameters in 184 subjects (aged 10-75 years) without any history or signs of peripheral neuropathy, in order to clarify the diagnostic parameters of demyelinating neuropathies in the aged. The CMAP amplitude ratio (proximal CMAP/distal CMAP), duration ratio and area ratio remained unchanged throughout the second to eighth decades. The lower limits of normal CMAP amplitude ratio (mean -3SD) were 0.79 (median nerve), 0.74 (ulnar nerve), 0.59 (peroneal nerve), and 0.48 (tibial nerve). The upper limits of normal CMAP duration ratio (mean 11+ 3SD) were 1.22 (median nerve), 1.19 (ulnar nerve), 1.35 (peroneal nerve), and 1.32 (tibial nerve). The lower limits of normal CMAP area ratio (mean -3SD) were 0.84 (median nerve), 0.78 (ulnar nerve), 0.61 (peroneal nerve), and 0.62 (tibial nerve). There were no age-related changes in amplitude ratio or duration ratio of SNAP, although the standard deviations increased with age. Since the amplitude ratio, duration ratio and area ratio are simple and age-independent, they can provide useful and reliable information for routine nerve conduction studies for aged patients with demyelinating neuropathies.

Cloning of the cDNA encoding mast cell tryptase of Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, and its preferential expression in the intestinal mucosa

By using the combination of reverse-transcription PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods, a cDNA encoding mast cell tryptase was successfully cloned from the small intestine of Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. The cDNA was 1219 bp long including 810 bp of an open reading frame. Based on the deduced amino acid sequences of known mast cell tryptases of other species, the gerbil mast cell tryptase (gMCT) was highly similar to mouse mast cell protease (mMCP)-7, and seems to be translated as a prepro-enzyme with 25 amino acids of signal and activation peptides and 245 amino acids of mature enzyme. The gMCT mRNA was preferentially transcribed in the intestinal mucosa and to a far lesser extent in the connective tissue such as skin and tongue. Moreover, kinetic study after infection revealed that the amount of gMCT mRNA in the small intestine correlated well with the degree of intestinal mastocytosis. Throughout the course of infection, enzyme-histochemically detectable tryptase activity was limited to mucosal mast cells. Since mucosal mast cells of other rodents, including mice and rats, do not express tryptases, this is the first report of rodent mast cell tryptase expressed in the intestinal mucosa.

[Severe hyperbilirubinemia after cisplatin-based chemotherapy]

Cisplatin is the most effective and widely used anti-cancer drug for ovarian cancer. We report 2 cases with severe hyperbilirubinemia after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Case 1 was a 67-year-old woman with stage IV ovarian cancer. After operation, she had 2 courses of chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin (90 mg) and cyclophosphamide (550 mg). The regimen was changed to low-dose consecutive cisplatin (10 mg/day, day 1-day 5) because of her ileus and poor performance status. After 2 courses of cisplatin alone, her total bilirubin was elevated to 19.1 mg/dl. She died of respiratory distress. At autopsy, chronic cholangiolitis with intrahepatic bile stasis were noted. Case 2 was a 60-year-old woman with stage IIIc ovarian cancer. After operation she was treated with carboplatin (383 mg/day, day 1) and cisplatin (102 mg/day, day 3). One month after completing the first chemotherapy, her bilirubin elevated to 20.5 mg/dl. It took 3 months to normalize the serum bilirubin with steroid administration. During the second course using the same regimen as in the first course, the bilirubin elevated again. Cisplatin was suspected to be the drug inducing her hyperbilirubinemia. She was consecutively treated with carboplatin alone and the bilirubin did not elevate. Both cases had blood transfusion and intravenous hyperalimentation. It is difficult to disregard the effect of other drugs and therapy. In case 2, her bilirubin elevated repeatedly after cisplatin administration. Cisplatin may thus be the drug which induces the liver dysfunction.

cDNA sequencing and expression of rat mast cell tryptase

A cDNA encoding rat mast cell tryptase (rMCT) was successfully cloned, and sequenced, from peritoneal cells of Lewis rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. The cDNA was 1,097 base-pairs long, and included 822 base-pairs of an open reading frame. As judged from the deduced amino acid sequence, rMCT is highly homologous to mouse mast cell protease-6, and is considered to be translated as a prepro-enzyme with a 19-amino acid signal peptide, a 10-amino acid activation peptide, and a 245-amino acid mature enzyme. The rMCT mRNA was not detected in peritoneal cells of mast cell-deficient Ws/Ws rats, though it was strongly detected in ones of littermate +/+ and Lewis rats. In addition to in peritoneal mast cells, the rMCT mRNA was detected in the tongue. However, mRNA signals were not detected in the small intestine regardless of N. brasiliensis infection. Nor were mRNA signals detected in RBL2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells. In the lung, the rMCT mRNA was strongly detected after infection with N. brasiliensis, though it was only faintly detected before infection. These results suggest that the rMCT is basically specific for connective tissue mast cells, but not for mucosal mast cells and that it is up-regulated in the lung during the inflammatory process of a parasitic infection.

[Effect of coenzyme Q10 on endotoxin induced hepatocyte injury modulation of endotoxin-activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils]

The effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on hepatocyte injury during endotoxin (ET) shock in rats was studied with special reference to the role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). ET shock was induced by intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg ET, and CoQ10 was given at 20 mg/kg once or 3 times orally or intravenously. We examined plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) levels, superoxide production by PMN, the phagocytic activity of PMN, the cytotoxicity of PMN to liver cells, and histological changes in the liver. The CoQ10-treated rats showed lower levels of GOT, GPT, and GLDH than rats treated with ET only. When compared to the group given ET only superoxide production by PMN induced by 2-methyl-6-phenyl-3,7-dihydroimidazol [1,2-alpha]pyrazin-3-one (MCLA) was significantly inhibited in the group given CoQ10 intravenously and 3 times orally, but there was no significant difference in the group given CoQ10 once orally. However, the level of superoxide production by PMN stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was lower in all CoQ10-treated rats than in those given ET only. There was no difference in either peripheral PMN counts or PMN phagocytes between the CoQ10-treated group and the group given ET only. Histologically, the hepatocyte injury in all groups that received CoQ10 was milder than that in the ET-only group. No hepatocyte cytotoxicity by PMN was observed in any group that received CoQ10. These results suggest that both intravenous and oral administration of CoQ10 can modulate the endotoxin-activated PMN, and is useful for preventing hepatocyte injury during ET shock.