Endotoxin stimulates interleukin-6 production in intestinal epithelial cells. A synergistic effect with prostaglandin E2

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that endotoxin stimulates the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) from intestinal epithelial cells and that this effect of endotoxin is regulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

DESIGN

A rat intestinal crypt cell line, IEC-6, was cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 0.1 to 1.0 microgram/mL, and/or PGE2, 1 mumol/L. In other experiments, indomethacin, 20 mumol/L, was added to LPS-treated cells to block the effects of prostaglandins. Control wells contained medium alone. Levels of IL-6 were determined by the B9 murine hybridoma bioassay. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on RNA from control and LPS-treated cells to examine IL-6 message.

RESULTS

Lipopolysaccharide and PGE2 induced IL-6 release from IEC-6 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, and the substances interacted synergistically. Addition of indomethacin blunted the effect of endotoxin on IL-6 production, consistent with a stimulatory role of PGE2. Polymerase chain reaction demonstrated increased IL-6 messenger RNA in endotoxin-treated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Endotoxin and PGE2 stimulate IL-6 production in IEC-6 cells and interact synergistically. The endotoxin-stimulated IL-6 release may be regulated at the transcriptional level.

Construction and characterization of infectious human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 molecular clones

Molecular clones of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) have been constructed and stably propagated in plasmids in Escherichia coli. Expression of Tax could be demonstrated from these clones in fibroblast and epithelial cell lines. HOS cells stably transfected with HTLV-1 clone ACH produced all three classes of viral transcripts and Gag proteins. Virus-like particles were also produced from ACH transfected HOS cells as demonstrated by sucrose gradient and electron microscopic analyses. Transfection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with ACH resulted in production of infectious virus particles which induced lymphocyte proliferation. This study describes useful reagents for further examination of the biological properties of HTLV-1.

Particle assembly and Vpr expression in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected cells demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy

The 96 amino acid viral protein R (Vpr) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was detected during virus assembly in intracellular vacuoles and at the plasma membrane on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In both immature and mature virus particles, Vpr was located immediately beneath the viral envelope, colocalizing with the core structural protein, Gag p24. Vpr was present in intracellular HIV-1 wild-type virions at 50% of the level found in extracellular HIV-1 particles. Cells infected with HIV-1 strains with C-terminal truncations of Vpr manifested a different pattern of Vpr expression. A mutant with an alteration of amino acids 79 to 85 exhibited a 23% reduction in total levels of Vpr expression, but a marked accumulation of Vpr in intracellular rather than extracellular virions. A mutant with the last 17 amino acids of Vpr deleted expressed only 10% of wild-type levels of Vpr. These observations indicate that Vpr is incorporated into virions from the cytoplasmic aspect of either the vacuolar or plasma membrane. Furthermore, the proportion of Vpr on intracellular compared to extracellular virions is affected by a specific locus within the protein.

Shanghai, China, has the lowest confirmed incidence of childhood diabetes in the world

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in 0- to 14-year-old children in Shanghai, China, from 1980 to 1991.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were collected from hospitals with pediatric departments. The secondary source of validation was primary and middle schools.

RESULTS

The average crude annual incidence rate was 0.61/100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.77). The ascertainment-corrected incidence rates were 0.72/100,000 (0.57-0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of childhood diabetes in Shanghai, China, was one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the world.

Comparison of a DSB-120 DNA interstrand cross-linked adduct with the corresponding bis-tomaymycin adduct: an example of a successful template-directed approach to drug design based upon the monoalkylating compound tomaymycin

The interstrand cross-linked DSB-120-d(CICG*ATCICG)2 DNA adduct (*indicates covalently modified guanine) was examined by two-dimensional NMR and compared to the bis-tomaymycin adduct on the same oligomer. Tomaymycin and DSB-120 form self-complementary adducts with the d(CICGATCICG)2 duplex sequence in which the covalent linkage sites occur between C11 of either drug and the exocyclic 2-amino group of the single reactive guanine on each strand of d(CICGATCICG)2. In the case of DSB-120, this is evidence for the formation of a guanine--guanine DNA interstrand cross-link. Both drugs show formation of an S stereo-chemistry at the covalent linkage site with an associated 3' orientation. While the majority of DNA in these adducts appears to be B-form, DSB-120 interstrand cross-linking induces atypical properties in the 8I nucleotide, indicated by broadening of the 8IH2 proton resonance, non-C2' endo sugar geometry, and unusually weak internucleotide NOE connectivity to the 7C nucleotide. Tomaymycin does not produce this regional dislocation. For tomaymycin, while there are strong NOE connectivities from protons on the five-membered ring to the 8IH2 proton on the floor of the minor groove, the equivalent internucleotide connectivities in DSB-120 are weaker. This indicates that the tomaymycin tail is close to the floor of the minor groove, while the five-membered ring of DSB-120 is more shallowly immersed, perhaps due to strain from cross-linking with a very short linker unit. Last, the conformational stresses induced on the duplex by DSB-120 appear to make the region of covalent attachment more accessible to solvent than is the case for tomaymycin. The 4GN2Hb resonance appears in 100% D2O on the tomaymycin adduct but is only observed in 90% H2O/10% D2O for the DSB-120 adduct. On the basis of these results, the strategies for template-directed DNA cross-linker design are assessed.

Atrial demand pacing in patients with symptomatic sick sinus syndrome

Atrial demand pacing provides a physiological, simply implemented, and less costly alternative of cardiac stimulation in symptomatic sick sinus syndrome (SSS) patients. Hindrance from widespread use stems mainly from the potential development of high degree AV block and persistent atrial fibrillation. A reappraisal of atrial pacing is now justified as we gain more clinical information. In this study we examined retrospectively the clinical course of 22 well-selected SSS patients paced in AAI mode for 30 +/- 29 months. Two patients had infrequent short-run atrial tachyrhythmia before implantation. There was an early lead dislodgement which required repositioning later. Three acute threshold increments were noted which necessitated a change in atrial pacing site in one and short-term steroid use in the other two. No other sensing, pacing or operative complication occurred and all pacing systems performed well. AII patients survived during follow-up and no patient developed congestive heart failure, though depressed left ventricular function was found in three preoperatively. No high degree AV block was encountered. Four patients presented paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) 25 +/- 16 months after the procedure, of whom one developed chronic atrial fibrillation. No single factor predicted the development of PAF. Resumption of normal pacemaker function always occurred immediately in the pause following cessation of PAF and no revision of pacing mode was required in the patient with chronic AF. Symptomatic relief was obtained in all patients. In summary, single chamber, single rate atrial pacing remains a physiologic, reliable, economic and easily implemented pacing modality affordable to a number of sick sinus patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ischemic colitis caused by an isolated dissecting aneurysm of the left colic artery: a presumed case of segmental mediolytic arteriopathy

A 54-year-old male suddenly developed cramping abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. A segmental narrowing with multiple mucosal ulcers of the colon near the splenic flexure was noted on both barium enema and fiberoptic colonoscopy. Cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea persisted, associated with a body weight loss of 13 kg. Four months later, angiography revealed an isolated, complete occlusion of the left colic artery near the point of branching from the inferior mesentery artery. The artery was biopsied and the severely strictured colon was removed. The artery showed an eccentric organized hematoma between the outer media and the adventitia. The lumen was occluded by organized thrombi. The pathologic findings were those of an organized dissecting hematoma (aneurysm), probably caused by segmental mediolytic arteriopathy.

Characterization of mullerian inhibiting substance binding on cervical carcinoma cells demonstrated by immunocytochemistry

Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) is a glycoprotein released from Sertoli cells or follicular cells of gonads, responsible for the regression of Müllerian ducts and/or Müllerian-derived tumor cells. Binding of MIS to target cells is essential for initiating regression. A human cervical carcinoma CaSki cell was examined by quantitative immunocytochemistry detected by anti-avian MIS antibody for MIS binding ability. Various treatments of WGA-peroxidase conjugate, enzyme digestion, sodium periodate or exogenous estrogen before antibody recognition were performed. It was found that the WGA partially blocked MIS binding to CaSki cell surfaces. Protease digestion of CaSki cell surfaces prior to addition of MIS or an anticervical carcinoma monoclonal antibody 1H10 (MAb 1H10), blocked the binding of MIS but not MAb 1H10 to cell surfaces. Sodium periodate and overnight exposure of CaSki cells to estrogen or diethylstilbestrol before or after fixation of the cells, did not influence MIS binding ability in vitro. MIS binding was higher on avian Müllerian duct compared with MIS binding to CaSki cells by quantitative immuno-gold labeling analysis. MAb 1H10 immuno-gold complexes binding to CaSki cells was also obtained and compared with MIS immuno-gold bindings. MIS binding site could be a polypeptide which survived sodium periodate treatment. The 'critical window' period, in which developing Müllerian ducts respond to exogenous estrogen protection from MIS regression, is possibly lost in CaSki cell.

Yolk granules are the major compartment for bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) oocyte-specific ribonuclease

Rana catesbeiana ribonuclease (RC-RNase) is a pyrimidine guanine sequence-specific ribonuclease found only in R. catesbeiana (bullfrog) oocytes, not in other organs. An immunohistochemical assay showed that RC-RNase was present in the regular yolk granules, but not in forming yolk granules, yolk platelets, pigment granules, mitochondria clouds or the nucleus. The RC-RNase was restricted to the lateral amorphous area of the yolk granules, and was absent from the central area that has a vitellogenin crystal lattice. The RC-RNase was extracted from yolk granules by 0.5 M NaCl and purified by dialysis and affinity chromatography. Most of the RC-RNase (94%) was found in the yolk granules, the rest RC-RNase (6%) was found in the cytosol in the form of free RNase and latent RNase. The RC-RNase extracted from yolk granules was further analyzed by immunoprecipitation and RNase activity assay on an SDS/polyacrylamide gel. Our results suggest that the RC-RNase activity is regulated by both compartmentation and inhibitor binding.

Identification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag protein domains essential to membrane binding and particle assembly

Assembly of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) particles occurs at the plasma membrane of infected cells. Myristylation of HIV-1 Gag precursor polyprotein Pr55Gag is required for stable membrane binding and for assembly of viral particles. We expressed a series of proteins representing major regions of the HIV-1 Gag protein both with and without an intact myristyl acceptor glycine and performed subcellular fractionation studies to identify additional regions critical for membrane binding. Myristylation-dependent binding of Pr55Gag was demonstrated by using the vaccinia virus/T7 hybrid system for protein expression. Domains within the matrix protein (MA) region downstream of the initial 15 amino acids were required for membrane binding which was resistant to a high salt concentration (1 M NaCl). A myristylated construct lacking most of the matrix protein did not associate with the plasma membrane but formed intracellular retrovirus-like particles. A nonmyristylated construct lacking most of the MA region also was demonstrated by electron microscopy to form intracellular particles. Retrovirus-like extracellular particles were produced with a Gag protein construct lacking all of p6 and most of the nucleocapsid region. These studies suggest that a domain within the MA region downstream from the myristylation site is required for transport of Gag polyprotein to the plasma membrane and that stable plasma membrane binding requires both myristic acid and a downstream MA domain. The carboxyl-terminal p6 region and most of the nucleocapsid region are not required for retrovirus-like particle formation.

Demonstration of a functionally active tPA-like plasminogen activator in human platelets

The mechanism of platelet-enhanced fibrinolysis is unclear. We therefore investigated the fibrinolytic activity of human platelets and demonstrated that they contain a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-like plasminogen activator, abbreviated as tPA-like-PA. This activator was detected by ELISA in platelet incubation medium and in platelet Triton extracts. Plasminogen activation assays showed that this tPA-like-PA could induce plasminogen activation to form plasmin. Western blots of Triton extracts incubated with anti-tPA antibody demonstrated a major 64-kD protein band, compared to a 70-kD band for standard single chain tPA, plus a minor 118-kD band corresponding to a complex of tPA-like-PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). Western blots of Triton extracts incubated with anti-PAI-1 antibody produced an approximately similar high-molecular-weight (118 kD) protein band. Fibrin zymographic analysis of affinity-purified tPA-like-PA demonstrated a major and a minor fibrin lysis zone, which approximately corresponded to the tPA-like-PA and its complex with PAI-1 observed by Western blots. Immunogold labelling and electron microscopy demonstrated that platelet activator, either as the free form or co-localized with PAI-1, was present in granules and in channels of the open canalicular system. We conclude that platelets contain a functionally active tPA-like-PA, whose low fibrinolytic activity might be due to its readily forming a complex with PAI-1. This functionally active tPA-like-PA might contribute to the enhanced fibrinolytic activity of platelets observed in platelet-rich thrombi.

Protective effects of arginine-vasopressin on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage in anaesthetized dogs

The protective effects of graded doses of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) on acidified acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) solution-induced changes in gastric prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion, mucus production, acid back-diffusion and mucosal damage were studied in the bilateral truncal vagotomized stomach of anaesthetized dogs. After 1-4 h intragastric irrigation of the stomach with AVP (1-100 ng kg-1) plus 20 mM acidified ASA solution, a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in gastric mucosal lesions and acid back-diffusion produced by acidified ASA solution was observed. The reduction in the gastric PGE2 secretion and in mucus production provoked by the same dose of acidified ASA solution was also diminished. Furthermore, a correlation (r = 0.883; P < 0.01) between AVP-induced inhibition in ASA-provoked reduction in gastric PGE2 secretion and in mucus production was found. During the experiment, the heart rate, the peripheral arterial blood pressure and the gastric arterial blood pressure were not altered by AVP (1-100 ng kg-1). Thus, intragastric AVP protects gastric mucosa against ASA-induced damage without producing cardiovascular side effects. The inhibitory effects of AVP (100 ng kg-1) on acidified ASA-induced reduction in PGE2 and mucus secretion, as well as on ASA-induced enhancement in acid back-diffusion and erosion production were dose-dependently reversed by a specific V1 antagonist, 1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopenta-methylene-propionic acid), 2-(o-methyl)tyrosine-Arg8-vasopressin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation and characterization of simian T-cell leukemia virus type II from New World monkeys

Since the description of human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) and its simian counterpart, simian T-cell leukemia virus type I (STLV-I), the possible existence of other related simian retroviruses has been raised. Here, we report a new retrovirus, STLV-II, which we have identified in spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps), a New World primate species. Initially, a recombinant HTLV-II envelope protein (RP-IIB) was used to identify anti-STLV-II antibodies in New World monkeys by Western blot (immunoblot) assays. Subsequently, the virus was characterized by Southern blot hybridization, which showed that STLV-II and HTLV-II have a high degree of nucleotide sequence homology but have different restriction enzyme patterns. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the pX-II region of STLV-II provirus revealed 3% variation with the corresponding region of HTLV-II. Electron micrographic studies revealed HTLV-like, type C retrovirus particles outside the cell membranes of STLV-II-infected cells. This study describes the first link between HTLV-II and a simian reservoir in the New World. Further molecular studies of STLV-II infection in different species of New World monkeys, especially from the wild, may provide valuable information about the origin and intragroup relationships of South American monkeys. Spider monkeys infected with STLV-II may serve as an important animal model for HTLV-II infection in humans.

Apolipoprotein (a) phenotypes in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Apolipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] phenotypes of 69 myocardial infarction survivor and 56 stroke patients were reported and compared to those of 190 healthy Chinese. The results revealed that the distributions of apo(a) phenotype frequency in patients with cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) were different from those of controls. The frequency of the phenotypes S1 and S2 were remarkably higher in patients than in controls within the same single-band apo(a) phenotype. Moreover, the Lp (a) serum concentrations in CCVD patients were significantly higher than in controls within the same single-band apo (a) phenotype. The apo (a) phenotype analysis of two pedigrees were shown as a typical autosomal dominant inheritance.

[Total intravenous anesthesia with O2 mask in transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis]

Using non-invasive monitors (such as blood pressure, O2 saturation, end-tidal CO2 pressure monitors and electrocardiograms), the application of total intravenous anesthesia with O2 mask in transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy was evaluated. A total of 198 palmar hyperhidrosis patients were studied. In the study, the durations of surgery were 5-15 min (mean 8 min) with anesthesia duration of 8-20 min (mean 12 min), respectively. The cardiovascular system was quite stable during operation, with systolic blood pressures of 90-165 mmHg (mean 132 mmHg), diastolic blood pressures of 50-106 mmHg (mean 92 mmHg) and heart rates of 56-130 beats/min (mean 104 beats/min). The respiratory function was maintained within a safety range with O2 saturation of 95-100% (mean 99%) and end-tidal CO2 pressure of 32-40 mmHg (mean 36 mmHg). After surgery, the major discomfort was chest pain (132/198), but this could be improved with intravenous analgesics. Patients' consciousness returned within 1-3 min. After ensuring their general condition was stable, patients were discharged within 24 hr. Preliminary study showed that total intravenous anesthesia plus muscle relaxant, with O2 mask and assisted ventilation, could serve as a safe and simple anesthesia for palmar hyperhidrosis patients who received transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy.

Cyclical strain increases endothelin-1 secretion and gene expression in human endothelial cells

We examined the effects of cyclical strain on endothelin-1 (Et-1) secretion and Et-1 mRNA levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cultured endothelial cells grown on a flexible membrane base were deformed by vacuum to 20% of maximum strain, at 60 cycles/min, for various time periods. The rate of Et-1 release from strain- treated cells and their Et-1 mRNA levels were measured. Cells subjected to strain increased their Et-1 secretion into the culture medium from 0.17 ng/hr/10(6) cells to 0.44 ng/hr/10(6) cells. Concomitantly, the Et-1 mRNA levels in strained cells increased 1.4-, 2.1- or 2.6- fold (vs control unstrained cells) after 0.25, 0.5 or 6 hours of strain, respectively. Cells exposed to longer periods of strain (> 6 hrs) did not further increase their mRNA expression. Pretreatment with calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, before straining completely abolished Et-1 mRNA expression. These results indicate that mechanical strain can modulate the secretion of Et-1 from endothelial cells by increasing Et-1 mRNA levels via the protein kinase C pathway. Elevation of Et-1 secretion and gene expression in endothelial cells under physiological strain might influence normal or pathological states of the vasculature and cardiac growth.

[Effects of stimulating lateral hypothalamic area and ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus on cerebellar cortical neuronal activity in the cat]

In pentobarbital anaesthetized cat, stimulating lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus could elicit inhibitory, excitatory or inhibitory-excitatory responses of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC) and non-Purkinje cells (NPC) in the loubles VI and VII. The majority of responses are inhibitory (80.4%) usually with a latency of 10-20 ms, or occassionaly as long as 90 ms. Usually stimulation of LHA was more effective and NPC was more responsive. The aforementioned inhibitory response could be blocked by iv. chlorpheniramine. The possible role of the hypothalamo-cerebellar activity was discussed.

Increased lipoprotein (a) as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

We quantified serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in 1266 healthy persons and established the reference value of Lp(a) in groups of age and sex. The Lp(a) in myocardial infarction (MI) survivors, stroke and primary hypertension patients were determined in comparison with that of age-matched normal controls. Moreover, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, apo Al and apo B were measured. The Lp(a) concentrations were not correlated with other lipids in normal controls and patients. Our results suggest that increased Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for MI and stroke patients. The total detective rate of abnormal lipids in MI and stroke patients was as high as 50% and 53.8% (Lp(a) excluded) as well as 65.7% and 64.9% (Lp(a) included) respectively.

Oxidative damage to DNA: levels of thymine glycol and thymidine glycol in neoplastic human urines

We have measured the levels of thymine glycol (TG) and thymidine glycol (dTG) in human urine, using an HPLC method. The results show that all 30 specimens examined (including 10 non-neoplastic and 20 neoplastic human urines) contained significant amounts of TG and dTG, average levels (mean +/- SEM) were 0.376 +/- 0.026 and 0.138 +/- 0.009 nmol/kg body weight/day respectively. The average levels of TG and dTG were 0.435 +/- 0.038 and 0.164 +/- 0.017 nmol/kg body weight/day in 10 healthy human urine specimens and 0.347 +/- 0.035 and 0.125 +/- 0.010 nmol/kg body weight/day in 20 neoplastic human urine specimens respectively. No significant differences were found between female and male as well as between the non-neoplastic and neoplastic human urine specimens. There were also wide interindividual variations, which were not age-dependent.

Molecular cloning of three isoforms of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel beta subunit from normal human heart

We have cloned and sequenced cDNAs for three isoforms of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel beta subunit isolated from a normal human heart cDNA library. One of these subunits, designated beta a, hybridized with a 3.4-kb message, and the other two, designated beta b and beta c, hybridized with a message of approximately 1.9 kb. The presence of both of these latter two messages in human heart was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction methodology. Considering the differences between beta a and beta b/beta c, we find it likely that these messages may be encoded by two different gene sequences, beta a and beta b/beta c, and that the beta b/beta c sequence can be alternatively spliced in the 209-260 region. The data suggest that the human heart presents a different pattern of beta subunit expression from that found in the rat and rabbit heart.

Evaluation of gastric emptying in severe, burn-injured patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of a severe burn on gastric emptying by determining the absorption kinetics of orally administered acetaminophen.

DESIGN

A prospective, controlled study.

SETTING

A ten-bed burn center in a 1,300-bed university hospital.

PATIENTS

Ten adult patients suffering from second-degree burn involving > 20% of total body surface area and 20 normal, healthy volunteers who acted as controls.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received routine treatment such as nutritional support and cimetidine. However, opiates were stopped for at least 12 hrs before the start of the study, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as alternatives were used. After an 8-hr fast, the subjects ingested 0.5 g acetaminophen with 200 mL of water. The plasma concentrations of acetaminophen were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the absorption kinetics was estimated from determination of time to reach the maximum plasma concentration, the maximum plasma concentration, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean time for reaching the maximum plasma concentration was 33 +/- 24 (SD) mins in patients and 39 +/- 24 mins in the healthy volunteers. The mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 120 mins and the mean maximum plasma concentration were 556 +/- 190 micrograms/mL/min and 9.5 +/- 3.5 micrograms/mL in patients, and 539 +/- 131 micrograms/mL/min and 7.8 +/- 2.8 micrograms/mL in volunteers, respectively. There was no statistical difference between groups in the time to reach the maximum plasma concentration, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 120 mins, and the maximum plasma concentration. The time for reaching the maximum plasma concentration was not correlated with the severity of the burn (% area of burn) and the duration of healing (days) after burn.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that severe burn injury does not affect the kinetics of gastric emptying, and that 200 mL of water ingested 2 hrs before anesthesia is quite safe in severely burned patients. Also, the absorption kinetics of acetaminophen was not altered by burn injury.

Clinical and sonographic assessment of liver size in normal Chinese neonates

Liver size and midclavicular line were measured by clinical and sonographic methods in 145 normal Chinese neonates with gestational ages of 34-42 weeks. The liver span, measured by clinical methods with percussion and percussion/palpation methods, correlated well with that measured by sonography (r = 0.73 and r = 0.76, respectively) for the entire sample. The liver spans (mean +/- SD) obtained by sonography were 4.24 +/- 0.63 cm and 4.58 +/- 0.56 cm in the preterm and term neonates, respectively. The liver span (sonography) and the distance of the liver edge below the right costal margin were weakly related in the term neonates (r = 0.36), but unrelated in the preterm neonates. We conclude that the liver span is a better estimate of liver size than the distance below the right coastal margin in normal neonates. We also found that the mean liver span is approximately 1 cm smaller in Chinese neonates than in Western neonates.

[On the concept of bencao]

Being the typical traditional Chinese pharmacy closely related with medicine, Bencao is a knowledge of extensive contents including what is presently called Chinese materia medica. It also has a systematic theory and valuable experience of practice. Today Bencao is still of practical significance for medical and health work in our country.

[Effect of stimulation of gigantocellulars reticular nucleus on the spontaneous and evoked activities of cerebellar Purkinje cells in the rat]

In anesthetized and paralyzed rats, the effect of stimulation of Gigantocellulars Reticular Nucleus (Gi) on spontaneous and evoked simple spike discharges of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) was examined. The result were as follows: (1) Stimulation of Gi elicited either inhibitory or excitatory effect on spontaneous simple spikes of PCs with latency less than 20 ms, being inhibitory in the most cases. The inhibitory responses lasted for 40-100 ms, while the excitatory ones were sometimes longer than 200 ms; (2) Injection of 5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide could reversibly attenuate or block the inhibitory effect of Gi stimulation on spontaneous simple spike discharges of PCs; (3) The evoked simple spike responses of PCs elicited by stimulating the contralateral cerebral sensorimotor cortex could be markedly suppressed or potentiated by the conditioning Gi stimulation. The results demonstrated that Gi-cerebellar pathways exists, with some fibers being serotonergic. Gi-cerebellar afferent fibers may have certain modulatory effects on PCs through synaptic and/or non-classical chemical synaptic transmission. The Gi-cerebellar afferent fiber projection may play important roles in some cerebellar functions, such as regulating myotonia and posture.

[A preliminary study of immuno-electron microscopy of endothelium in cardiovascular system]

The immunocytochemical localizations of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2R) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) after thrombin treatment have been demonstrated. Competitive ELISA analysis of these treated cells indicate an increase in vWF deposition on the subendothelial matrix (1.5 folds vs control) and vWF release (3.8 folds vs control) in the culture medium. The vWF-peroxidase, immunogold labeling and in situ hybridization of ET-1 were demonstrated on HUVEC. Double labelling with different sized gold particles for the ET-1 and beta 2R locations were performed on the hearts of young adult WEY, SHR, and SHRsp rats. The results were as follows. (1) Positive vWF deposits were detected on the extracellular matrix, Weibel-Palade bodies and secreting vesicles in the cytoplasm. It is suggested that both the constituted and regulated pathways are involved in the secretion of vWF stimulated by thrombin. (2) The gene expression of ET-1 was detected by light microscopic in situ hybridization in HUVEC. (3) ET-1 was detected by immunoelectron microscopy in the lysosome, cell surface, and extracellular matrix, suggesting that lysosome possibly plays an important role in the processing of ET-1 in HUVEC. (4) The presence of both ET-1 and beta 2R have been successfully detected in adult heart tissues and the endothelial cells of rats. These observations suggest the functional importance of ET-1 and beta 2R.

Hepatic cavernous hemangioma. CT findings and pathological basis

CT findings in 113 cases of hepatic hemangioma confirmed pathologically including 52 resected specimens and 8 autopsies were studied in correlation with the typical CT scan of 506 cases of the same disease. Mottling enhancement in the surrounding hepatic parenchyma of hemangioma which never appeared in other kinds of tumor was considered as a pathognomonic sign for diagnosis. It was correlated with the presence of dilated vascular spaces or sinusoids communicating with the tumor itself in the surrounding tissue. The thick wall and thin wall types of hemangioma were discussed.

Immunomodulating effects of the hydrolysis products of formosanin C and beta-ecdysone from Paris formosana Hayata

Formosanin C (PF-3, I), a diosgenin glycoside with four sugars isolated from Paris formosana Hayata as main constituent, significantly showed immunomodulating effects on the proliferative response of mouse lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A). The partialy hydrolysis products of formosanin C, dioscin (II) and prosapogenin A of dioscin (III), also increased 3H-thymidine incorporation of Con A-stimulated lymphocytes maximally at 0.01 micrograms/ml, whereas formosanin C did so at 0.0001 micrograms/ml. However, trillin (IV) and diosgenin (V) obtained from the partial hydrolysis of formosanin C had no effects on these immune responses. Evidently, the immunomodulating activities increased in the order of increasing polarity. Probably the solubility in water was a factor. This demonstrated that the sugar moiety in the structure of formosanin C (I) displays a very important pattern for the effect on the proliferative response of mouse lymphocytes to Con A. On the other hand, these hydrolysis products at higher concentrations of 1 and 10 micrograms/ml reduced the cytotoxic effects on spleen cells as compared with formosanin C. The other constituent, beta-ecdysone (VI) isolated from the stems of Paris formosana Hayata also increased 3H-thymidine incorporation of Con A-stimulated splenocytes. At the concentration of 0.001 micrograms/ml, the stimulation index of beta-ecdysone (2) is higher than that of formosanin C (1.65), and at the concentration of 100 micrograms/ml, beta-ecdysone had no cytotoxicity for normal spleen cells whereas formosanin C at the lower concentration of 10 micrograms/ml showed cytotoxicity. Based on this study, beta-ecdysone (VI) is therefore a better immunomodulator than formosanin C.

Template-directed design of a DNA-DNA cross-linker based upon a bis-tomaymycin-duplex adduct

A template-directed approach to the design of a DNA-DNA interstrand cross-linker based upon the structure of a bis-tomaymycin-duplex adduct has been carried out. Tomaymycin is a member of the pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepines antitumor antibiotics. In a previous study (F.L. Boyd et al., Biochemistry 1990, 29, 2387-2403), we have shown that two tomaymycin molecules can be covalently bound to a 12-mer duplex molecule, where the drug molecules are on opposite strands six base-pairs apart, and the stereochemistry at the drug bonding site, and orientation in the minor groove, was defined by high-field NMR. This bis-tomaymycin 12-mer duplex adduct maintains the self-complementarity of the duplex and a B-type structure. In the present study we have shown using high-field NMR that this same 12-mer sequence can be truncated by two base pairs so that the two tomaymycin-modified guanines are now only four base-pairs apart, the two species of tomaymycin molecules are still bound with the same stereochemistry and orientation, and the 10-mer duplex adduct maintains its self-complementarity. In a second 10-mer duplex we have shown that changing the bonding sequence from 5'CGA to 5'AGC does not significantly affect the structure of the bis-tomaymycin-duplex adduct. However, when the sequence is rearranged so that the drugs point in a tail-to-tail orientation rather than in the previous head-to-head configuration, there are more than one species of tomaymycin bound to DNA, and, as a consequence, the bis-tomaymycin 10-mer duplex adduct loses its self-complementarity. Last, we have used the 10-mer duplex containing the 5'CGA sequence, in which the tomaymycin molecules are oriented head to head, to design an interstrand cross-linking species in which the two drug molecules are linked together with a flexible linker molecule.

Characterization of a human cervical carcinoma-associated antigen by lectin binding and immuno-electron microscopy

The specific binding and nature of the epitope recognized by monoclonal antibody (Mab) 1H10, which binds an antigen expressed on human cervical tumors, was characterized by enzyme digestion, lectin competition assay and immuno-electron microscopy. Membrane homogenates of CaSki cervical carcinoma cells were digested with various enzymes, then analysed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Cells grown on coverslips were treated with various enzymes and in situ binding of Mab 1H10 to cells was analysed by electron microscopy. The ability of lectin-conjugates to block Mab 1H10 binding to CaSki cells was also examined. Treatment of samples with sodium periodate abrogated antigen recognition by Mab 1H10. Neuraminidase and hyaluronidase digestion decreased but did not eliminate Mab 1H10 binding to cells in situ. Chondroitinase ABC digestion, in contrast, removed Mab 1H10 binding sites both in vitro and in situ. Trypsin and chymotrypsin digestion of cell membrane homogenates decreased the molecular weight of the Mab 1H10 antigen but did not decrease the binding intensity. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) strongly bound to CaSki cells and partially blocked Mab 1H10 binding, indicating that the antigen contains N-acetyl-galactosamine residues at or near the epitope recognized by Mab 1H10. Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) exhibited a similar binding pattern to WGA. However, concanavalin A bound only weakly to CaSki cells and was ineffective at blocking Mab 1H10 binding. The tumor-associated antigen recognized by Mab 1H10 is concluded to be a chondroitin sulphate glycoprotein or proteoglycan rather than a mucopolysaccharide or lipoprotein.

Immunomodulators from Paris formosana Hayata

Eight glycosides PF-1 to PF-8 were isolated from the leaves and stems of Paris formosana Hayata (Liliaceae), of which PF-3 (III) was the main compound. It was found that PF-1 to PF-3 (I-III) caused proliferative responses of mouse lymphocytes to concanavalin A and augmentation of mouse granulocyte/macrophage colony forming cells in mouse fibroblast cell L929 conditioned medium. PF-4(IV) and PF-8 showed significant immunomodulatory effects with very low toxicity: they not only caused the same immune responses as PF-1, 2 & 3 but also enhanced the proliferative response of human peripheral whole blood to phytohemagglutinin. PF-5 (V) also increased 3H-thymidine incorporation in ConA-stimulated lymphocytes and in PHA-stimulated human peripheral whole blood, and enhanced the proliferative response of granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating activity. PF-6(VI) and PF-7(VII) augmented 3H-thymidine incorporation in granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming cells and mitogenic response of PHA-stimulated human peripheral whole blood cells from healthy adults. However, PF-1, 2 and 3 showed hemolytic action, while PF-4 to PF-8 had no hemolytic action at all. On the other hand, the hemolytic action of PF-3 derivatives was reduced as compared with PF-3 but their immune responses did not equal those of PF-3, only showing granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating activity.

Mutually exclusive exon splicing of the cardiac calcium channel alpha 1 subunit gene generates developmentally regulated isoforms in the rat heart

Several clones were isolated from a rat genomic library in order to further characterize a region of variability within the third membrane-spanning region of the fourth motif (IVS3) of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel. We report here that this diversity arises from alternative splicing of a primary transcript containing a single pair of adjacent exons each encoding a unique sequence for the IVS3 region. Definitive proof of a mutually exclusive splicing mechanism was obtained by genomic mapping of flanking upstream and downstream exons and by extensive sequence analysis of the relevant exon/intron boundaries. S1 nuclease protection experiments revealed that both variant forms of the IVS3 were equally expressed in newborn and fetal rat heart, whereas only a single isoform predominated in adult rat heart. The results demonstrate the existence of an important developmentally regulated switch mediated by alternatively spliced exons in cardiac tissue at a time when major changes in excitation occur.

Internalization of CD4 molecules in human T-cells demonstrated by immuno-electron microscopy

Internalization of CD4 molecules on human CD4-enriched T-cells was demonstrated by immunocytochemical electron microscopy. CD4+ T-cell subclones were obtained from normal human peripheral blood, followed by one-way MLC screening and co-culturing with IL-2. Fixed and non-fixed T-cell samples were indirectly immunolabeled with mouse anti-human CD4 monoclonal antibody and goat anti-mouse IgG conjugated with peroxidase. Unfixed T-cells were immunolabeled at 4 degrees C and then re-incubated for 5-45 min at 37 degrees C. The selected CD4+ T-cell subclones showed strong CD4 binding on the cell surface after IL-2 incubation. However, fresh T-cells, monocytes, bone marrow cells and CD8+ T-cells all stained negative for CD4. The distribution of CD4 molecules on the fixed cell surface showed a homogeneous pattern. Capping and internalization of CD4-antibody-peroxidase complexes from the cell surfaces were observed follow a pathway of receptor-mediated endocytosis in unfixed T cells. Endocytotic vesicles, vacuoles of diverse sizes and shapes near the cell membrane or deep in the cell center were found to contain CD4 molecules. Negatively stained Golgi saccules were observed up to 45 min after re-incubation. These results suggest that increased CD4 molecules can be induced on the surface of normal human T-cells in vitro. Internalization and accumulation of CD4 molecules occurred in CD4-enriched T-cells with IL-2 pretreatment.

[Stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus induced depressive effect on cerebellar Purkinje cell responses to mossy and climbing fiber afferent inputs in rat]

In anaesthetized and paralyzed rats, the effect of dorsal raphe (DR) conditioning stimulation on cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) responses to mossy fiber and climbing fiber inputs were examined. The main results are as follows: (1) Stimulation of cerebral sensorimotor cortex elicits widespread activation of mossy and climbing fiber inputs to PCs in contralateral VI and VII lobules of the cerebellum and generates two kinds of evoked responses, i.e. the simple spike (SS) and the complex spike (CS) responses with respectively a latency 8-25 and 12-30 ms. (2) These PC responses could be markedly suppressed by stimulation of DR at intensities which by themselves were subthreshold for directly affecting PC's spontaneous SS and CS activities. (3) This DR-induced depressive effects on evoked PC's SS and CS excitations could be attenuated or blocked by systemic administration of 5-HT receptor blocker methysergide. These results demonstrate that serotonergic fiber input from DR can suppress the efficacy of mossy and climbing fiber synaptic action on PC, or decrease the responsiveness of PC itself to afferent synaptic action. The findings of this study also suggest that the raphe-cerebellar serotonergic fiber afferent system may be involved in some of the important neuronal processing in the cerebellum.

Determination of buprenorphine by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: application to human and rabbit pharmacokinetic studies

A rapid, sensitive, precise and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic assay with fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of buprenorphine in human, rabbit, pig and dog plasma. It is comprised of only a one-step extraction procedure with hexane-isoamyl alcohol at pH 9.25 and reversed-phase chromatography on a muPorasil column. The recoveries of buprenorphine and nalbuphine (internal standard) were greater than 90%. Calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range 3-300 ng/ml with a coefficient of variation, both within-day and between-day, of less than 9% at any level. The limit of detection was 1.0 ng/ml of plasma based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Eight other clinically used narcotics were investigated to check for potential interferences and their analytical conditions. The possible decomposed compounds of buprenorphine were also checked for the specificity of this assay. The method has been successfully applied to the stability and pharmacokinetic studies of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine in plasma did not decompose significantly at -20 degrees C for four weeks. Pharmacokinetic application in six rabbits and a surgical patient revealed that buprenorphine followed a linear three-compartment model with two distribution phases. The two distribution and elimination half-lives and the clearance of buprenorphine were 1.32, 24.8 and 230 min and 224 ml/min in human plasma, and 0.94, 12.5 and 232 min and 30 ml/min in rabbit plasma.

Molecular cloning of multiple subtypes of a novel rat brain isoform of the alpha 1 subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel

Several cDNAs encoding an isoform of the alpha 1 subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel were isolated from rat brain cDNA libraries. The complete nucleotide sequence of 6975 bp encodes a protein of 1634 amino acids, which corresponds to an Mr of 186,968. The protein exhibits 71% and 76% homology to skeletal and cardiac alpha 1 subunits, respectively. When compared with skeletal and cardiac alpha 1 isoforms, the rat brain protein is intermediate in size at the amino terminus and shorter at the carboxyl terminus. Multiple subtypes of this alpha 1 isoform cDNA were characterized. These are indicative of alternative splicing of a primary transcript and encode three variants between motif I and motif II and two within the S3 region of motif IV. Thus, multiple isoforms of this rat brain alpha 1 subunit are possible.

Abnormal thyroid hormone levels in critical nonthyroidal illness

Low levels of thyroid hormone in the absence of clinical hypothyroidism often happen to patients with critical non-thyroidal illnesses (NTI). Low thyroid hormone concentrations in serum do not necessarily mean hypofunction of the thyroid gland; rather it is a helpful adaptation of the human body to the underlying diseases. We collected 133 hospitalized cases of critical NTI and analyzed the incidence of this phenomenon. Fifty-three per cent of the patients had T3 level lower than 60 ng/dl (normal:85-165 ng/dl) and 60% had T4 level lower than 6 ug/dl (normal:6-12 ug/dl). The lowest levels were observed in patients who had sepsis, were aged over 70 or died in this admission. Free T4 and TSH levels were within normal range in most cases. There is a strong negative correlation between the prognosis and the level of T4 in these patients. Those patients with markedly low levels of T3 and T4 should be treated more sophisticatedly.

Serotonin (5-HT1c) receptors in pig choroid plexus

It is very important to find suitable reaction conditions to attain a high specific binding (specific/total binding) in the receptor binding study. Membrane homogenates of pig choroid plexus are known to have exclusively serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptor of the subtype 5-HT1c. In this study, we used the membrane preparation of pig choroid plexus tissue and the specific binding of [3H]5-HT was 72-84% to serotonin receptor subtype 5-HT1c, as defined by the inhibition of 1 uM 5-HT, when a radioligand concentration of 0.5 nM of [3H]5-HT was used in the assay. Analysis of the properties of specific [3H]5-HT binding in pig choroid plexus tissue membrane preparation revealed linear Scatchard plots. In Tris-HCl buffer without CaCl2, pargyline or ascorbic acid, high average of affinity dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.3 +/- 0.2 nM (SEM, n = 4) and also a high average of receptor density (Bmax) of 284 +/- 12 fmol/mg of protein were found. Pig choroid plexus proves to be a good material for 5-HT1c receptor binding study.

Identification of two maturation-related, wheat-germ-lectin-binding proteins on the surface of mouse sperm

Epididymal maturation is essential for mammalian sperm to develop fertility. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a lectin which specifically recognizes N-acetyl-glucosamine and sialic acid, was used to investigate membrane characteristics of epididymal sperm in the mouse. Histochemical and cytochemical localization revealed that WGA-binding sites were increased as sperm became mature. The binding sites were mainly localized in the plasma membrane of the anterior acrosome and tails. On Western blots of NP-40 extracts, two WGA-binding glycoproteins, GP-49 and GP-83, were identified on the sperm recovered from both corpus and cauda epididymidis. GP-83 was removed from the sperm surface by centrifugation and resuspension in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) three times. GP-49 was resistant to centrifuging at 400 g for 5 min up to seven times and the treatment with 1M NaCl in PBS. These observations suggest that GP-49 is very likely an intrinsic membrane protein of the sperm, whereas GP-83 is an extrinsic protein.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of the binding and internalization of growth hormone in GERL of Chang hepatoma cells

The binding and internalization of endogenous growth hormone in Chang hepatoma cells were localized on the cell surface and in the Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum-lysosome (GERL) area by various indirect immunocytochemical labeling techniques, namely, peroxidase or colloidal gold conjugated to secondary antibody, and avidin-biotin complex methods. Rabbit antiserum and monoclonal antibodies raised against HPLC-purified porcine growth hormone were used in this study. In fixed material, antigen-antibody complexes were found to be homogeneously distributed along the cell membrane. Control groups showed negative binding on the cell surface. Trypsin treatment before immunolabeling removed antibody binding completely, but hyaluronidase was ineffective. Pretreatment of lectins did not block the recognition of primary antibody to antigen molecules on cell surface. Internalization of the antigen-antibody peroxidase or gold complexes was demonstrated in the cells, which were immunolabeled at 4 degrees C, and then reincubated for 0-30 min at 37 degrees C before fixation. After reincubation, the internalized ligand complexes were found in vesicles near the cell surface or in the GERL area near the Golgi apparatus which, however, did not label for peroxidase. These findings suggest that the trypsin-sensitive growth hormone, specifically bound and internalized into Chang hepatoma cells, is localized in the GERL instead of the Golgi apparatus and might be involved in the mechanism of tumor cell growth.

A case of cutaneous mucormycosis in Shanghai, China

A 34-year-old female farmer suffered from localized cutaneous mucormycosis for 17 years. At the first admission, the lesion was a dull red plaque, about 7 x 9 cm in size with ulcerations, surrounded by some nodules on the dorsum of her right hand. General examination did not reveal abnormal findings except the skin lesion. Direct examination of skin scrapings in 10% KOH revealed broad, sparsely septate, branching hyphae. Histopathology showed many intradermal granulomata and microabscesses as well as mycelial elements comprising broad, distorted, ribbon-like strands. Some of them were phagocytized by multi-nucleated giant cells. Cultures revealed rapidly growing yellow colonies on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium at 25 degrees C. Sporangiophores branched in sympodia and the sporangia were globose, 35-60 microns in diameter. Their walls were deliquescent, but some of them were rather persistent. Columellae were mostly globose, 12-17 microns in diameter, up to 35 microns with collars. Sporangiospores were mainly ellipsoidal, 1.5-2.5 x 3-5 microns in size, but sometimes highly variable in size and shape. The maximum growth temperature of the isolate was 37 degrees C. The pathogenic organism isolated was tentatively identified as Mucor lusitanicus, which, as far as we know, has not been reported as a causative agent of cutaneous mucormycosis.

Lectin bindings and diethylstilbestrol effects on the recognition of mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) on chick mullerian ducts by MIS-antiserum

A high intensity of lectin bindings was demonstrated on the epithelial cells and serosa cells of the regressing right Mullerian ducts (Mds) in the female chick embryos. The strong lectin bindings occurs on, or in the regressing Md cells along with marked surface MIS bindings at the age of day 13. However, at the age of days 5-7 1/2, bindings of lectins were weak. Neither Wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) or Concanavalin A (Con-A) labelings before MIS-antiserum (MIS-Ab) incubation can block antibody recognitions to the antigens, including MIS and growth hormone at the age of day 13. Our previous studies indicated that after WGA labeling on the surfaces of Md epithelial cells prior to the incubation of MIS-Ab at day 10 did not prevent the recognition of MIS-Ab (Wang 1989). On the contrary, at day 7 1/2, the specific binding of MIS was eliminated after preincubations with lectins and prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) treatment at the age of day 5. It is suggested that DES provides a protection to the Mds from MIS-induced regression by preventing the MIS binding to its specific membrane receptors. An increase of extra- and intracellular glycoproteins or carbohydrates of regressing Md epithelial cells were suggested. Internalization of WGA but not MIS molecules was found in Md epithelial cells. The Golgi saccules were negative of lectin bindings.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of the binding of growth-related polypeptide hormones on chick embryonic tissues

The presence of endogenous growth-related polypeptide hormones, such as growth hormone (GH), somatomadin-C/insulin-like growth factor-1 (SM-C/IGF-1), prolactin (PRL) and Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) on chick embryonic tissues have been detected by electron microscopic (EM) immunocytochemistry. Antiserum against GH, anti-SM-C/IGF-1, anti-PRL and anti-MIS were used respectively as primary antibodies for immunolabeling probes by peroxidase (PO) and avidin-biotin complex (ABC)-gold ligands. Cross-reaction studies by ELISA showed negative or weak antigen-antibody interactions. Chick embryos, gonads, and Mullerian ducts (Mds) of various ages were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for 30 min. Washes in phosphate buffer were administered between each of the following incubations: (i) 2% BSA; (ii) primary antibody; (iii) biotinylated or PO-conjugated secondary antibody; (iv) avidin conjugated with gold particles. SM-C/IGF-1 bindings were negative on 1d embryonic disc, heavily stained on 2d endoderm. However, the GH bindings were found on the embryonic layers of 1d and 2d embryos, and increasing on the luminal epithelial cells of Mds during development. PRL was found in parallel with GH, but in less amount. The 10d Mds were double labeled with anti-SM-C/IGF-1-gold and anti-MIS-PO (MIS-PO), and the results showed SM-C/IGF-I negative, but MIS-PO positive bindings. This study provides the first immunocytochemical evidences for: (i) The presence of GH, SM-C/IGF-1, PRL and MIS bindings on chick embryonic tissues, and further supports their potential role as growth mediators during embryonic development. (ii) The amount of GH and MIS bindings were found correspondingly to their physiological status of Md growth or regression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Distribution of juxtaglomerular cells and synthesis and release of renin granules in patients with renal artery stenosis

100 pieces of renal tissue from 4 patients with renal artery stenosis were studied histologically. Juxtaglomerular cells were found not only in the region close to the glomerulus but also in the proximal 2/3 of the afferent arteriole of the glomerulus, but not in the interlobular arterioles. In the cytoplasm of juxtaglomerular cells, three kinds of granules were found: crystalline granules (immature), the round or ovoid granules (mature), and the lobulated granules (fusion). Renin was synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and packaged in the Golgi complex. Electron microscopic findings suggested that the secretory microvesicles were produced on the surface of Golgi complex. They fused to form primary crystalline granules, which were enlarged by renin supplied by transportation vesicles and finally formed typical crystalline granules. The mature renin granules (round or ovoid) moved toward the periphery of the cytoplasma. Their limiting membranes on the side toward the basement membrane disintegrated and formed microvesicular bodies passing through the periplasm, and the basement membrane and were discharged into the interstitial matrix.

Antibody against avian müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) recognizes MIS on rat müllerian duct and human tumor cells

Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) on rat Müllerian duct (Md), and four Müllerian-derived tumor cells: HeLa S-3, RL-95.2, A-431 and NIH:OVCAR-3 are recognized by the poly- and mono-clonal avian-MIS-antibodies (A-MIS-Abs) using avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunolabeling techniques. Internalization of MIS-ligand complexes was successfully detected in HeLa S-3, OVCAR-3 and RL 95.2 cells. Control groups include: (i) the samples omitted primary antibody treatment, (ii) Wolffian duct by side of Md in the genital ridge, and (iii) another two MIS-negative tumor cell lines of non-Müllerian origin: Chang hepatoma ascites cell and mouse myeloma cell (X63-Ag 8.653). Genital ridges from rat embryos of 14d of gestation were removed under dissection microscope, fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in D-PBS of pH 7.2 for 30 min, and sliced into 0.1-0.2 mm thick pieces. A-431, HeLa S-3 and NIH:OVCAR-3 were maintained in OPTI-MEM culture medium, RL-95.2 was cultured in F12 culture medium. The cells were transferred to 24-well flat bottom culture plates with Thermanox tissue culture coverslips. The immunolabeling of fixed and non-fixed samples were processed within the wells. These studies provide first immunocytochemical evidences for the similarity between A-MIS and M-MIS molecules by polyclonal and monoclonal A-MIS-Ab. It has also proved that the tumor cell lines, which were subjects of MIS inhibition of cell growth, showed MIS binding on cell surfaces.

[Hippocampus-cerebellar cortex-cerebellar nuclei projection in the rat: electrophysiological and HRP studies]

The spatial distribution of the hippocampus-cerebellar projection and the connection between the projection area of hippocampus in the cerebellum and cerebellar nuclei were studied by means of electrophysiological and HRP labelling techniques. Polysynaptic responses of Purkinje cell's simple and complex spike in the lobule VI could be evoked by stimulation of the area CA1/CA3 of the dorsal hippocampus. These results suggest that there are polysynaptic projections from CA1 and CA3 areas of dorsal hippocampus to the lobule VI of cerebellar cortex, and the last relay fibers for these projections are mossy fiber and/or climbing fiber. It is also shown that this hippocampus-cerebellar projection predominantly terminates at the lobule VI of cerebellar cortex, 0.8-1.4 mm lateral to the midline. The projection from CA1 area is mainly contralateral, whereas the projection from CA3 area is mainly ipsilateral. The results with HRP labelling indicate that the projection area of hippocampus is an interpositus zone of the lobule VI. Reciprocal connections may exist between this cortical area and the interpositus nucleus.

[Clinical significance of apolipoprotein B and AI determinations in coronary heart disease]

In this report, the relative validity of serum apolipoprotein (apo) B and AI analyses in the discrimination of coronary heart disease (CHD) was evaluated, and compared with the results of serum triglyceride (TG) total cholesterol, low density and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) determinations. 101 cases of CHD, 95 cases of myocardial infarction survivors (MIS) and 177 cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied, with a control group including 266 age and sex matched healthy subjects. The results of monovariant statistics showed that apo B had highest percentage of positive results, and TG had most prominent elevation of mean values in CHD and MIS groups. Both multivariant stepwise discrimination and logistic regression analyses demonstrated the superiority of HDL-C, apo B and apo AI in detecting CHD in men; while in female subjects, apo B remained as the best discriminator, but apo AI and HDL-C lost its statistic significance. The quantitative relationships among apo AI, HDL-C and TG were discussed briefly. Since the decrease in HDL-C level in CHD were mainly due to hypertriglyceridemia, the significance of high TG level in correlation with CHD should not be neglected. AII serum lipids and apo B AI levels were decreased in AMI cases, and reached lowest values after 7 days. But the level of these variables were not changed significantly within 48 hours after onset of the episode. There was no frank correlation between the degree of serum lipid lowering and prognosis of AMI.

[Effect of increasing amounts of clonidine during hyperbaric tetracaine spinal anesthesia]

The effect of adding clonidine to hyperbaric tetracaine spinal anesthesia was investigated in 60 ASA class I-II patients scheduled for orthopedic and lower abdominal surgery. The subjects were randomly allocated into 4 groups. All patients received tetracaine 10 mg in 10% glucose solution 2 mL. Patients in group 1 received above medication and were the control group, patients in the other groups received tetracaine plus increasing dosages of clonidine: 15 microgram (Gr.2), 30 microgram (Gr.3), and 45 microgram (Gr.4). The segmental level of sensory loss was tested by the pinprick method using a 23 G needle. The three clonidine groups had significantly increased in the sensory regression time to L1 level (by 42, 47, 60% respectively), and also had significantly increased motor complete recovery time (by 48, 70, 74% respectively), but the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was increased in the clonidine 0.045 mg group. It is concluded that addition of 15 or 30 microgram clonidine may be useful as a means of increasing the duration of hyperbaric tetracaine spinal anesthesia.

[Therapeutic effect of verapamil in hypertension: an analysis of 52 cases]

Fifty-two cases of hypertension were treated with verapamil. The obvious effective rate was 86.5% and the total effective rate 98.1%. The antihypertensive effect of verapamil was confirmed, as compared with nifedipine. A preliminary approach of the dosage of verapamil showed that a total dose of 120-240 mg daily could achieve satisfactory result clinically in most patients.