The inhibitory effect of FK506 on cytotoxic T-lymphocyte killing

The immunosuppressant FK506 inhibits N-alpha-benzyloxylcarbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl ester (BLT) esterase release from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). In addition, serine esterase has been demonstrated to be strongly associated with CTL killing. In the present study, the effect of FK506 on the activity of CTL killing against target cells was examined. FK506 inhibited lysis of antigen (Ag)-treated CTL target cells by auto-CTL, but failed to inhibit lysis of conventional P815 target cells by CTL. Moreover, FK506 inhibited DNA fragmentation of CTL target cells lysed by auto-CTL. Killing of CTL target cells by FK506-pretreated auto-CTL was inhibited, but FK506-pretreated CTL target cells were killed by auto-CTL. Incubation of both FK506 and Ag-pretreated CTL target cells with untreated auto-CTL induced DNA fragmentation. These indicated that FK506 inhibited CTL killing by influencing effector, but not CTL target cells. These results suggest that FK506 may function by inhibiting alloreactive CTL killing in organ transplantation in addition to the interruption of the T-cell receptor signal transduction leading to cytokine production.

[Thyroid scintigraphy in patients with thyroid tumors using 99mTc-hexakis 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile]

Early and delayed thyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-hexakis 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) was performed in 18 patients with thyroid tumor, including 8 with papillary carcinoma, 1 each with follicular carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma, and malignant lymphoma, and 7 with thyroid adenoma. Scintigrams obtained were compared with those taken with other radionuclides. In all 11 patients with malignant tumors, increased 99mTc-MIBI uptake was noted in the tumors on early images, although anaplastic carcinoma and malignant lymphoma had mild uptake. On delayed images, 99mTc-MIBI washout was noted in 45.4% (5/11). In one patient with extensive cervical lymph node metastasis, 99mTc-MIBI concentration was evident in the metastatic foci. In the 4 where, the thyroid adenoma consisted mainly of cystic degeneration, a focal defect was noted, but two of the three patients whose thyroid adenoma consisted mainly of a solid component had an intense tracer uptake in the tumors on early and delayed images. In conclusion, there were increased 99mTc-MIBI accumulations in all of the 14 solid thyroid tumors. The quality of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphic images of thyroid tumors was equal or slightly superior to that taken with 201Tl scintigraphy. 99mTc-MIBI thyroid scintigraphy may be useful in detecting a solid thyroid tumor and its metastasis, although it cannot be used to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.

[Detection and localization of multiple metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma with 99mTc-MIBI whole body scintigraphy: a case report]

A 79-year-old male with a history of total thyroidectomy due to follicular thyroid carcinoma developed multiple metastases in the lung, bone, and lymph nodes. In order to detect and localize every metastases, 99mTc-MIBI whole body scintigraphy was performed, and clearly depicted all metastatic lesions except tiny pulmonary nodules. 99mTc-MIBI whole body scintigraphy may be useful in detecting metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma, because of a good quality of scintigram and no need of patient preparation. This article is the first report on 99mTc-MIBI localization in multiple metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Antibody response to measles immunization in rural Ghanaian infants

We investigated optimal age of measles immunization in infants aged 3-11 months in rural villages of Ghana, and determined seroconversion rate in the same infant population following further attenuated measles vaccination with Schwarz vaccine. The prevalence of passively acquired antibody was 11 per cent in infants younger than 6 months, 10 per cent in infants 6 months old, and 3 per cent in infants 7 months old or older. Seroconversion rates in each age group were less than 50, 87, and 92 per cent, respectively. We then immunized 47 7-month-old infants. The seroconversion rate was 92 per cent in this group. There were no clinical adverse effects due to the vaccination. We conclude that measles vaccination could be administered effectively at the age of 7 months with an excellent seroconversion rate.

MK-801 inhibits the induction of immediate early genes in cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus, but not in substantia nigra following middle cerebral artery occlusion

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats induced c-fos and junB mRNA 4h later in all ipsilateral cortex outside the MCA distribution and in many subcortical structures: medial striatum; most of thalamus including medial and lateral geniculate nuclei: substantia nigra; and hippocampus. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, MK-801 (4 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited c-fos and junB mRNA induction in the cortex, striatum, thalamus, and hippocampus but not in the substantia nigra. These data show that c-fos and junB mRNA induction in cortex, striatum, thalamus, hippocampus involves the activation of NMDA receptors whereas different receptors must be implicated in the induction in substantia nigra.

Mycoplasma stimulates HIV-1 expression from acutely- and dormantly-infected promonocyte/monoblastoid cell lines

Treatment of a myelo-monocyte cell line, J22HL-60, dormantly infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) with heat-inactivated extracts of Acholeplasma (A) laidlawii (250 micrograms/ml) enhanced virus production more than 45-fold as assessed by p24 viral core antigen assay. When treated with a suboptimal dose of TPA or TNF-alpha, Acholeplasma extracts further augmented virus production in J22HL-60 cells. H7, an inhibitor of protein kinase C(PKC), almost completely abrogated HIV-1-inducing ability of Acholeplasma extracts in the cells. A. laidlawii and several other mycoplasmas also enhanced acute infection of U937 cells as shown by increased virus-positive cells and augmentation of HIV-1 production in the culture supernatant independent of their pathogenicity to humans.

Corn cystatin I expressed in Escherichia coli: investigation of its inhibitory profile and occurrence in corn kernels

Corn cystatin I was expressed in Escherichia coli as a mature protein. It was purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, ion-exchange HPLC, and reversed-phase HPLC. The purified protein showed strong inhibitory activities against papain (Ki: 3.7 x 10(-8) M), and cathepsins H (Ki: 5.7 x 10(-9) M) and L (Ki: 1.7 x 10(-8) M), whereas it inhibited cathepsin B to a lesser extent (Ki: 2.9 x 10(-7) M). Western blot analysis using antibody raised against corn cystatin I revealed that in the corn kernel, the protein occurs with a molecular mass of approximately 13 kDa. Localization in the aleurone layer and embryo of the corn kernel was shown by immunostaining microscopy.

A nine-year chronic toxicity study of cadmium in monkeys. II. Effects of dietary cadmium on circulatory function, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride

The effects of long-term (9 y) po administration of daily low doses of cadmium on blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram and plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were examined in rhesus monkeys. Thirty-five male rhesus monkeys were divided into 5 groups and fed pelleted food containing cadmium chloride at dosages of 0, 3, 10, 30 or 100 micrograms cadmium/g food (= ppm). The 100 ppm group had increased blood pressure during the initial 1 1/2 y. Thereafter, the expected increase in blood pressure that occurred due to aging in the control and 3 ppm groups was not evident in the 100 ppm group. No changes attributable to cadmium were detected in pulse rates or in electrocardiograms. Plasma cholesterol in the 2 highest dosage groups and triglyceride in the 100 ppm group were slightly lower than in controls after 2 1/2 y. Long-term exposure to cadmium contributed to the development of elevated blood pressure during the first and second years and then inhibited the hypertension expected due to aging.

Oryzacystatin exogenously introduced into protoplasts and regeneration of transgenic rice

Oryzacystatin (OC) is a proteinaceous cysteine proteinase inhibitor involved in the biodefense of rice seeds. To create transgenic rice plants with increased OC activity, we introduced an OC expressing vector into rice protoplasts and obtained transformed calli. The expression vector contained a bacterial inaA DNA fragment in the 3'-noncoding region as a tag to distinguish the introduced DNA from the intrinsic OC gene. The OC vector and a selection marker gene conferring hygromycin resistance were used together to transfect into rice protoplasts. A number of hygromycin-resistant calli were obtained and studied by polymerase chain reaction and genomic Southern blotting to find if the exogenous OC gene had been integrated. The calli were studied by northern blotting as well to examine mRNA expression. The results showed that integration and expression of the introduced OC gene occurred in 51% and 27%, respectively, of 156 subcultures from 15 hygromycin-resistant calli. As a final step, transgenic rice plants were regenerated from the calli expressing OC. Leaves and seeds from the plants had higher OC activities than those from nontransgenic plants.

Identification of the duplicated segments in rice chromosomes 1 and 5 by linkage analysis of cDNA markers of known functions

We mapped two loci for ADP-ribosylation factor homologues (ARF1, ARF2) and two loci for cysteine proteinase inhibitors (oryzacystatin-I and -II: OCI, OCII) by linkage analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism loci in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic DNAs using their cDNAs as probes.Oc-1 andArf-2 were found to be closely located to each other on chromosome 1, whileOc-2 andArf-1,both found on chromosome 5, were also located close to each other. The map distances are about 2 cM in both pairs. In each chromosome, theArf locus was located about 27 cM from that of the aldolase gene (Ald-2 in chromosome 1 andAld-1 in chromosome 5). These three genes are in the same order,Ald-Arf-Oc, but in opposite orientations relative to the distal ends of the linkage group. The presence of two sets of three linked genes on chromosomes 1 and 5 strongly suggests a structural similarity of the blocks of the two chromosomes, which probably reflects duplication of the segment. A recent investigation by other workers has shown that these rice blocks correspond to two regions in maize chromosomes 8 and 6, that have previously been shown to share many duplicated nucleotide sequences. It is therefore very likely that the duplication of the region occurred before the divergence of rice and maize during the evolution of the subfamilies of the grasses (Gramineae). In view of a recently discovered possible structural similarity between the small GTP-binding protein superfamily, which includesArf andras proteins, and the cystatin family, the close linkage ofOc andArf loci found in the present study suggests a possible cluster of genes related to the small GTP-binding proteins.

A nine-year chronic toxicity study of cadmium ingestion in monkeys. I. Effects of dietary cadmium on the general health of monkeys

Thirty-five male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) 2-5 y-of-age were separated into 5 groups and fed 200 g solid food daily which contained 0, 3, 10, 30 or 100 micrograms cadmium/g (ppm) as cadmium chloride for 462 w (9 y). The control feed (0 ppm) contained 0.27 micrograms cadmium/g. Dietary zinc intake was limited to the minimum requirement of 6 mg zinc/day (control food concentration was 3 mg zinc/100 g) to avoid impacting cadmium toxicity due to excessive zinc intake. Urine was collected at 3-w intervals. Decreased development (reduced body weight and body length) was observed in groups that received 10 ppm cadmium or more. The 100 ppm group had glucose in the urine after 48 w, elevated urine protein at 98 w, and markedly increased urine volume after the 102nd week. No abnormalities in renal functions were noted in the 3 or 10 ppm groups. Despite the development of these clinical signs of renal dysfunction, none of the 100 ppm group had aggravated renal dysfunction or renal failure during the 9 y of study.

[Differential diagnosis between osseous metastasis and degenerative joint disease of the vertebrae by bone SPECT: analysis by accumulation pattern]

To find whether or not bone SPECT can differentiate osseous metastasis from degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the vertebrae, 43 patients with increased vertebral uptake on bone scan, including 25 lesions with bone metastasis, 24 with DJD, and 4 with compression fractures due to osteoporosis, underwent bone planar scanning and SPECT. Increased accumulation in the vertebral lesions on bone SPECT transaxial images was classified into five accumulation patterns; mosaic, large hot, diffuse, peripheral and articular pattern. Mosaic, large hot and diffuse patterns were more frequently noted in patients with osseous metastasis (82%, 67% and 62%, respectively). On the other hand, 80% of the lesions with peripheral pattern and 70% of those with articular pattern were ascribed to DJD. In conclusion, bone SPECT provided much better anatomic information on the extent of 99mTc-MDP. Differential diagnosis between osseous metastasis and DJD of the vertebrae may be improved by bone SPECT.

Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in the lungs of Mycoplasma pulmonis-infected mice

ICR mice were infected intranasally with Mycoplasma pulmonis isolated freshly from the lungs of a rat with pneumonia. We demonstrated with high reproducibility the expressions of messenger RNAs of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) in the lung tissue of M. pulmonis-infected mice by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and confirmed specific mRNA of the cytokines by restriction endonuclease digestion. Both the viable population of M. pulmonis in the lung tissue and the titers of the neutralizing antibody in the serum increased between 7 and 21 days, and reached their maximum 35 days after infection. The pneumonia in mice progresses with the development of lung lesions after 7 days of infection. The early lesions are characterized primarily by neutrophils and edema in the alveolar spaces. mRNAs prepared from the lung tissue of M. pulmonis-infected and -uninfected mice were also tested for the presence of messages specific to TNF alpha and IFN gamma by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of the genes encoding TNF alpha and IFN gamma was constitutively demonstrated from 24 hr through 35 days after the intranasal inoculation of M. pulmonis. Furthermore, cells of two types, adherent and nonadherent cells, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids obtained from the mice 3 weeks after inoculation of M. pulmonis were also found to express the genes of TNF alpha and IFN gamma respectively. These data suggest that these cytokines would play a role in both stimulation in the development of pathological changes in mycoplasmal infection, affecting the inflammatory responses.

Association of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen with initial onset of bronchial asthma

Although mycoplasmal airway infection frequently exacerbates bronchial asthma, the cause of the initial onset of asthma remains unclear at present. In this report, we describe a patient in whom a previous acute mycoplasmal respiratory infection led to an initial onset of bronchial asthma. One month after the onset of the illness, cough and wheezing appeared. Pulmonary function studies revealed an airway obstructive dysfunction. Oral administration of bronchodilators resulted in a marked improvement of the asthmatic symptoms. An airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine was demonstrated even 2 yrs after the initial onset of the illness, and IgE antibody specific to Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected in the serum by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An immediate skin test for M. pneumoniae was positive in addition to multiple positive skin tests. A bronchial inhalation challenge test with M. pneumoniae antigen also yielded a positive result. We conclude that the effects of mycoplasmal respiratory infections on the airway are multifactorial and involve a complex interplay of airway inflammation and IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.

Cloning and sequencing of an ice nucleation active gene of Erwinia uredovora

An ice nucleation activity gene, named inaU, of the bacterium Erwinia uredovora KUIN-3 has been sequenced. This gene encodes a protein of 1034 amino acid residues, and its expression product, inaU protein, has an 832-amino acid residue segment consisting of 52 repeats of closely related 16-amino acid motifs (R-domain), flanked by N- and C-terminal sequences (N- and C-domains, respectively). The primary structure of the inaU protein is similar to those of the inaA, inaW, and inaZ gene products of Erwinia ananas, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas syringae, respectively, but is smaller than any of these products in terms of the size of the R-domain.

[Susceptibility to macrolides against Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolated during 7 years]

The efficacies of macrolide antibiotics, rokitamycin, leukomycin, josamycin and erythromycin were investigated against 63 strains of M. pneumoniae included FH strain which were isolated from clinical specimens obtained in 1986-1987, 1991, 1992-1993. Values of MICs and MBCs of these antibiotics were evaluated by two methods, broth dilution method and M. pneumoniae L cell infection system. In broth dilution method, MIC50 and MBC50 of rokitamycin were 0.0063-0.025 microgram/ml and 0.025-0.2 microgram/ml respectively. The ratios of MBC50/MIC50 were 1-32. MIC50 of leukomycin, josamycin and erythromycin were 0.0063-0.05 micrograms/ml, 0.0025-0.05 microgram/ml, and 0.0125-0.05 microgram/ml respectively. MBC50 of these drugs were 0.0125-50 micrograms/ml, 25-50 micrograms/ml, and 25-50 micrograms/ml respectively. The ratios of MIC50/MBC50 were 2-800, 500-2000, 500-4000. MIC50 of rokitamycin and leukomycin to the isolates during period from 1992-1993 were higher as compare to those of isolates during 1986 to 1991. On the other hand, rokitamycin markedly reduced the numbers of CFU in the growth phase when added at the concentrations of 16 and 4 times the MIC, but the other macrolides were reduced slightly CFU at the concentrations of 4 times, the MIC. In L cell infectious system, MIC50 and MBC50 of rokitamycin were 0.005-0.0125 microgram/ml and 0.05-0.1 microgram/ml respectively. The ratios of MBC50/MIC50 were 1-2 Ratios of leukomycin, josamycin, and erythromycin were 0.05-0.1 microgram/ml, 0.05-0.2 microgram/ml and 0.050-0.1 microgram/ml respectively. The MBC50 of these drugs were 0.2-0.4 micrograms/ml, 0.8-1.6 microgram/ml, 0.8-1.6 microgram/ml. Ratios of MBC50/MIC50 were 2-8, 4-32, 8-32.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immobilized anti-TCR mAb induces split functions in a CD8+ CTL clone

A signal through the T cell receptor (TCR) without a second costimulatory signal provided by antigen-presenting cell (APC) generally causes a state of anergy in CD4+ T helper (Th) 1 cells, but not in CD4+ Th2 cells. In contrast, less is known about anergic CD8+ T cells. We have examined whether a CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone incapable of producing IL-2 could be rendered into a state of unresponsiveness by treatment with immobilized anti-TCR mAb in the absence of a secondary stimulation. The CD8+ CTL clone was induced into nonproliferative response to subsequent antigen stimulation while it was bound to immobilized anti-TCR mAb. The immobilized anti-TCR mAb-treated CTL clone also failed to significantly produce cytokine with antigen stimulation. In contrast, the ability of the CTL clone to specifically lyse target cells was apparently retained. The results suggest that there might be intracellular signal pathways via the TCR for CTL functions such as proliferative response, cytokine production, and CTL killing.

Mixed connective tissue disease associated with multicentric Castleman's disease

We describe a 60-year-old woman who developed mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) associated with multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) and Crow-Fukase syndrome (CFS). She showed HLA DR-4 antigen and an abnormal X chromosome (47,XXX). The serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level was markedly increased and IL-6 mRNA was detected in enlarged lymph node cells. After prednisolone was administered, her IL-6 level decreased and the symptoms of MCTD, MCD, and CFS all improved. Thus, IL-6 may be involved in the modification of the pathologic condition in this patient.

[A case of congenital atrial flutter associated with atrial septal defect]

We report the case of a 8-month-old boy with atrial septal defect associated with congenital atrial flutter. He was operated on for ASD successfully. Atrial flutter in infants has been reported to be uncommon and to have a poor prognosis when associated with underlying cardiac disease. Therefore, early surgical intervention may improve the prognosis.

Scoliosis associated with syringomyelia

From January 1986 to December 1991, 1,059 patients with scoliosis of 20 degrees or more were reviewed. By magnetic resonance imaging, 43 patients were found to have syringomyelia. Thirty-eight patients had Chiari type 1 malformation. Twenty-two of the patients were younger than 10 years. Scoliosis was the only presenting symptom in 32 patients. All patients had some neurologic abnormalities. Fifteen patients had left thoracic curves. The incidence of scoliosis with syringomyelia in our outpatient clinic was 4.0%; 18.4% in boys, and 2.6% in girls. Magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in patients who have abnormal neurologic findings.

The relationship among minimal erythema dose, minimal delayed tanning dose, and skin color

The relationship among minimal erythema dose (MED), minimal delayed tanning dose (MDTD), and skin color was examined in 16 healthy volunteers using three different spectra. The subjects were exposed to UVB, UVA+B, and UV+Visible light (UV+Visible) with a xenon arc solar simulator as a light source. The MEDs for UVB and UVA+B were less than the MDTDs, whereas the MED for UV+Visible was higher than the MDTD. There was no significant correlation between the MED and the MDTD for UVB or UVA+B. The MED for UV+Visible was significantly correlated to the MDTD (p < 0.01). Skin color significantly correlated with MEDs for UVB and UVA+B (p < 0.01), but not for UV+Visible. There was no significant correlation between skin color and the MDTD for any spectra. From these results, it is suggested that the relationship between erythemal and melanogenic responses is dependent on spectral bands of the light source and that skin color is a predictor of UV-induced erythema.

[A case of sho-saiko-to-induced pneumonitis, diagnosed by lymphocyte stimulation test using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid]

A 66-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with fever, cough and dyspnea. He had been taking Sho-Saiko-to, a traditional Chinese medicine, for twenty days. On admission, chest X-ray examination revealed a reticular pattern in the bilateral lungs, and respiratory failure was evident. Serum levels of CRP and LDH were elevated. A differential cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed that lymphocytes and eosinophils were increased. Alveolitis with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration was observed in a pathological specimen obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy. After all drugs had been discontinued, PaO2, serum CRP and serum LDH improved, and the reticular pattern in the bilateral lungs gradually resolved without administration of corticosteroids or antibiotics. A lymphocyte stimulation test for Sho-Saiko-to using BALF gave a positive result, although LST using blood gave a doubtful reaction. The diagnosis of Sho-Saiko-to-induced pneumonitis was made from the clinical course, laboratory findings, BALF cell analysis, pathological findings and LST using BALF. Only 13 cases of pneumonitis due to administration of traditional Chinese medical drugs have been reported. This case suggests that LST using BALF is useful for the diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis.

In vitro and in vivo activities of Q-35, a new fluoroquinolone, against Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The in vitro potency and in vivo efficacy of Q-35, a new fluoroquinolone, against Mycoplasma pneumoniae were investigated by pharmacokinetic studies with M. pneumoniae-infected hamsters. By using fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracyclines as references, Q-35 was found to possess the greatest mycoplasmacidal activity. The MIC for 90% of strains tested (MIC90) and the MIC50 were 0.78 and 0.39 microgram/ml, respectively, and the MBC for 90% of strains tested (MBC90) and the MBC50 were 3.13 and 0.78 microgram/ml, respectively. The MBC50-to-MIC50 ratio for Q-35 was 2. Furthermore, only Q-35 continued to be effective against 19 strains of erythromycin-resistant mutants of M. pneumoniae. The efficacies of fluoroquinolones against M. pneumoniae were also investigated by using an experimental hamster pneumonia model to measure the CFU of M. pneumoniae in the lungs. Q-35 and ofloxacin were efficacious following oral administration of 200 mg/kg/day for 5 days, initiated 24 h after infection, while ciprofloxacin was not active. Continuous administration of Q-35 for 10 days significantly reduced numbers of viable M. pneumoniae in the lungs. These results suggest that both Q-35 and ofloxacin are effective in the early phase of infection and, moreover, that Q-35 is also effective in the middle stage of infection, when progressive lung alterations and continuous increases in mycoplasmal growth occur. Peak levels of Q-35 in sera and lungs after oral administration were higher than those of ciprofloxacin but lower than those of ofloxacin. On the basis of these results, Q-35 appears to be a promising antimicrobial agent in chemotherapy of mycoplasmal infection.