Effects of intracerebroventricular injection of histamine on memory deficits induced by hippocampal lesions in rats

The influence of bilateral hippocampal lesions on active avoidance response was studied in rats, as well as the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of histamine on memory deficits caused by hippocampectomy. Retardation of learning acquisition was produced by lesioning of the bilateral dorsal hippocampus in active avoidance response. Memory retention was also impaired by hippocampectomy. Although locomotor activity and rearing behavior measured by open-field test increased after hippocampal lesions, there was no relation between impairment of learning and increase in exploratory behavior. I.c.v. injection of histamine and i.p. injection of histidine resulted in an improvement of memory deficits (not only learning acquisition but also memory retrieval) induced by hippocampal lesions in rats. Histamine contents of the hippocampus and hypothalamus decreased after hippocampectomy, and a decrease in histamine contents of both areas was restored by histamine (i.c.v.) and histidine (i.p.) injection. In addition, a close relationship was found between decrease in response latency of avoidance response and an increase in histamine content of the hippocampus and hypothalamus after histamine injection.

Lamprey fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase: characterization of the muscle-type and non-muscle-type isozymes

To study evolutionary aspects of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (Fru-1,6-P2) aldolase during deuterostomian evolution, we have purified and characterized aldolases from the muscle and liver of lamprey (Entosphenus japonicus). Aldolase from the skeletal muscle and liver was identified to be the muscle-type isozyme and the non-muscle-type isozyme that was encoded by cDNAs M8 and L3, respectively, as described previously (Zhang, R., Yatsuki, H., Kusakabe, T., Iwabe, Miyata, T., Imai, T., Yoshida, M., and Hori, K., J. Biochem. 117, 545-553, 1995). The muscle-type isozyme has properties similar to vertebrate aldolase A, while the non-muscle-type isozyme shows a similarity to bacterial class I aldolase and vertebrate aldolase C but not to aldolase B, the liver-type aldolase, in terms of kinetic parameters: the Kcat values toward Fru-1,6-P2 and Fru-1-P, the Fru-1,6-P2/Fru-1-P activity ratio, and the Km values toward these substrates. The two enzymes have tetrameric forms with a molecular mass of approximately 160,000 and have similar pH optimum. The muscle-type and non-muscle-type isozymes from the tissues show different electrophoretic mobility; the muscle-type isozyme moves much faster than the non-muscle-type isozyme toward anodic side. The recombinant muscle-type and non-muscle-type aldolases gave similar characteristics as those from the tissues. The results presented in this paper, together with the data presented in the previous paper, strongly suggest that in lamprey it is possible to have two types of aldolase isozymes rather than one or three isozymes.

Hyperglycemia induced by the 5-HT receptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine, in rats: involvement of the peripheral 5-HT2A receptor

The effects of the 5-HT receptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine, on plasma glucose levels were investigated in rats. 5-Methoxytryptamine induced a significant hyperglycemia above the dosage of 1 mg/kg. 5-Methoxytryptamine-induced hyperglycemia was antagonized by pretreatment with the 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, methysergide, or the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin, whereas the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, tropisetron, and the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, SDZ 205-557 (2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester), showed no effect. In addition, the peripheral 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, xylamidine, reduced 5-methoxytryptamine-induced hyperglycemia. These results suggest that 5-methoxytryptamine-induced hyperglycemia is mediated by the peripheral 5-HT2A receptor, although it has a high affinity for the 5-HT4 receptor. Adrenodemedullation abolished the 5-methoxytryptamine-induced hyperglycemia. 5-Methoxytryptamine did not affect the blood levels of the pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon. The hyperglycemia induced by 5-methoxytryptamine was not affected by pretreatment with dexamethasone which inhibits corticosterone release. These results indicate that 5-methoxytryptamine-induced hyperglycemia is elicited by a facilitated adrenaline release from the adrenal gland. Therefore, it is suggested that the 5-HT2A receptor may be partly involved in the pharmacological effects induced by the 5-HT4 receptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine.

Strategy for health and safety management at an automobile company--from the prevention of low back pain to Toyota's Verification of Assembly Line (TVAL)

This paper reports on a strategy to improve and renovate assembly lines, including countermeasures to prevent low back pain during the past two decades at Toyota Motor Co. Since 1975, there have been problems with low back pain at Toyota's vehicle assembly lines. To deal with these low back pain problems, it was necessary to determine their causes and to quantitatively evaluate the burden on workers. For this purpose, functional burden indexes were developed, that is, a posture burden point and a weight burden point were determined to assess the load on the low back, and a low extremity point and a squatting posture point were determined to assess the burden on the leg. The functional burden index, however, could be applied only to specific human functions, not to human functions in general. Since there are about 400 kinds of working patterns in vehicle assembly lines, comprehensive burden index was required to estimate overall burden of such work. Thus, we developed Toyota's Verification of Assembly Line (TVAL), an index for assessing the physiological stress of an assembly line work, in which an equivalent bicycle ergometer workload is calculated from electromyograms taken of 20 different muscles under actual working conditions. At present, TVAL is used to measure physiological burden of assembly work in order to give priority to improvements, and to objectively demonstrate the effects of such improvements at Toyota.

In vivo drug-selectable markers in gene therapy

Two-gene vectors with positive or positive-negative drug-selectable markers enable the expansion or elimination of gentetically modified cells in vivo. We have established a bicistronic retroviral vector system which utilizes an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) to co-express two independent genes with high efficiency. As a positive-negative (suicide) marker, Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase was co-expressed with the human multidrug resistance gene, MDR1. Using this vector, almost all the MDR1-transduced cells showed hypersensitivity to a nucleoside analog, ganciclovir. As a dominant selectable marker, the MDR1 gene was co-expressed with alpha-galactosidase A for the model of gene therapy of Fabry disease. Vincristine selection efficiently enhanced the population of transduced cells expressing the second non-selectable genes. These drug-selectable retroviral vectors could be applicable to the therapy of many diseases.

alpha-Galactosidase A deficient mice: a model of Fabry disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited metabolic disorder that is caused by a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A). Progressive deposition of neutral glycosphingolipids that have terminal a-linked galactosyl moieties in vascular endothelial cells causes renal failure along with premature myocardial infarctions and strokes in patients with this condition. No specific treatment is available for patients with this disorder at this time. An animal model of this condition would be valuable for exploring therapeutic strategies for patients with Fabry disease. We report here the generation of alpha-Gal A deficient mice by gene targeting and an analysis of the resulting phenotype. The knockout mice display a complete lack of alpha-Gal A activity. The mice, however, appeared clinically normal at 10 weeks of age. Ultrastructural analysis revealed concentric lamellar inclusions in the kidneys, and confocal microscopy using a fluorescent-labeled lectin specific for alpha-D-galactosyl residues showed accumulation of substrate in the kidneys as well as in cultured fibroblasts. Lipid analysis revealed a marked accumulation of ceramidetrihexoside in the liver and the kidneys. These findings indicate the similarity of the pathophysiological process in the mutant mice and in patients with Fabry disease. The deficiency of alpha-Gal A activity and the accumulation of material containing terminal alpha-galactosyl residues in cultured embryonic fibroblasts derived from alpha-Gal A(-/0) mice were corrected by transducing these cells with bicistronic multidrug resistance retroviruses containing human alpha-Gal A cDNA.

Histology of anterior capsule edges produced by CCC and DC

We compared the postoperative characteristics of the anterior capsule edges produced by two incision techniques: continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and diathermy capsulorhexis (DC). We examined the incised rims of human and animal capsules histologically and also compared the configuration and strength of the rims produced in animal experimentation. Histological examination of rabbit lenses revealed that 0.5 seconds was sufficient for coagulation of the anterior capsule: longer times caused deeper cortical tissue damage. Experimentally produced small capsulorhexis (3.5 mm diameter) with DC produced edges were less elastic than with CCC when tension was applied.

Distribution of prostaglandin E receptors in the rat gastrointestinal tract

AIMS

In order to study the role of prostaglandin in the regulation of the gastrointestinal functions, gene expression of prostaglandin receptors along the rat gastrointestinal tracts were investigated.

METHODS

Rats were used for the study. The combination of counterflow elutriation separation of mucosal cells and Northern blot analysis was used to detect the gene expression of prostaglandin receptors in gastrointestinal tracts.

RESULTS

In small intestine and colon, prostaglandin E2 EP1 and EP3 receptor mRNAs were mainly localized in the deeper intestinal wall containing muscle layers. EP4 receptor gene expression, on the other hand, was detected in the intestinal mucosal layer. In the stomach, EP1 mRNA was detected in gastric muscle layers, whereas EP3 and EP4 receptor gene expression was mainly present in the gastric mucosal layer containing epithelial cells. In gastric epithelial cells, parietal cells were found to have both EP3 and EP4 receptors. At lower concentrations, prostaglandin E2 inhibited gastric acid secretion by parietal cells probably through EP4 receptors. At higher concentrations, however, it stimulated it. On the other hand, mucous cells possessed only EP4 receptor mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, it is suggested that prostaglandin E2 modulates gastrointestinal functions through at least three different prostaglandin receptors (EP1, EP3, and EP4), each of which has a distinct contribution in the gastrointestinal tract.

Familial idiopathic brain calcification with autosomal dominant inheritance

We report a family with brain calcification, predominantly in the basal ganglia, and no evident cause such as abnormal calcium or phosphorus metabolism. The proband, a 48-year-old man, had intellectual decline, parkinsonism, and mild cerebellar ataxia. He had bilateral and symmetric calcification of the basal ganglia, thalamus, dentate nucleus, cerebral cortex, subcortical white matter, and hippocampus on CT. Calcified areas showed low- or high-intensity signals on MRI T1-weighted images, and low-intensity signals on MRI T2-weighted images. Two sons and both parents, all asymptomatic, also showed calcification of the basal ganglia, suggesting an autosomal dominant inheritance. Familial idiopathic brain calcification is a rare disorder with less than 20 previously reported families. Twelve families with autosomal dominant inheritance showed a relatively homogeneous clinical picture, which may represent a distinct clinical entity. Mental deterioration, parkinsonism, and cerebellar ataxia appear in adult life and progress gradually. CT imaging, rather than MRI, is a simple and useful means to screen family members for this condition.

Gossypol arrests human benign prostatic hyperplastic cell growth at G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle

Recently we demonstrated that gossypol (GP), a male antifertility agent, is a potent inhibitor of malignant human prostate cancer cell growth that acts by arresting cells in G0/G1 phase and that this inhibitory effect may be mediated by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). In this study we examined the effect of GP on the growth of prostatic cells from human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients in vitro. Consistent with its inhibitory effect on the growth of malignant human prostate cancer cells, GP also acts as a potent inhibitor of cultured human BPH cell growth as assessed by thymidine incorporation assay. These results were confirmed by flow cytometric analysis which revealed that treatment of human BPH cells with increasing concentrations of GP resulted in a dose-dependent accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase with a concomitant decrease in cells progressing to the S and G2/M phases. Since inhibition of prostate cancer cells by GP appears to be mediated by TGF-beta 1, we also investigated the effect of GP on TGF-beta 1 gene expression in BPH cells. The results show that GP treatment resulted in a marked elevation of TGF-beta 1 gene expression indicating that TGF-beta 1 might be involved at least in part in the inhibitory pathway that is initiated by GP.

Cellular localization of mRNAs for prostaglandin E receptor subtypes in mouse gastrointestinal tract

Regional and cellular distribution of mRNAs for prostaglandin E (PGE) receptor subtypes was investigated in the mouse gastrointestinal tract by in situ hybridization. Strong signals for EP1 transcripts were detected in cells of the muscularis mucosae layer, especially in the body of the stomach. Intense signals for EP3 transcripts were detected in neurons of the myenteric ganglia throughout the tract. Moderate EP3 mRNA expression was also observed in fundic gland epithelial cells, except for surface mucous cells in the stomach. Expression of EP4 mRNA was moderate in surface epithelial cells of the corpus and in glands from the surface to the base of the antrum. Strong EP4 signals were observed in the epithelium in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In the ileum, signals were only observed in the upper part of the villi. However, no or weak signals for EP2 transcripts were detected. These findings suggest that PGE2 modulates various gastric or intestinal functions via at least three different PGE receptors.

Gossypol induces spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase in canine prostate epithelial cells

Gossypol is an antisteroidogenic compound naturally found in cottonseed. Gossypol has been shown to inhibit steroidogenesis in the canine prostate and may inhibit canine prostate growth. Its mechanism of action, however, is largely unknown. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that in vivo administration of gossypol to male dogs can reduce circulating levels of testosterone and estradiol. Gossypol also showed an ability to reduce prostate weights. To search for genes regulated by gossypol in the canine prostate, differential display RT-PCR was performed on total RNAs isolated from control and gossypol-treated male dogs. Gossypol was demonstrated to induce expression of spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyl-transferase (SSAT), the major catabolic enzyme for polyamines. This induction was confirmed by Northern hybridization analysis of total RNA isolated from prostates of mature dogs treated with gossypol for 2 months. Gossypol was also shown to inhibit the progression of cells into the S phase mediated by spermidine. Our findings support the notion that gossypol can inhibit prostate cell proliferation and may be a potential therapeutic agent for use in controlling overgrowth of the prostate.

[Social support of chronically-ill children and healthy children]

The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of social support of chronically-ill children and to compare social support of chronically-ill children with those of healthy children. Subjects consisted of 204 chronically-ill children aged between 9 and 18 years old and 544 healthy children aged between 10 and 17 years old. Results of this study were as follows: 1. In both chronically-ill children and healthy children, parents' support score and teachers' support score were significantly higher in elementary school children than high school students. In both groups, friends' support score was significantly higher in girls than boys. 2. Chronically-ill children reported significantly higher scores of parents' support, friends' support and teachers' support than those of healthy children. 3. Parents' support score was significantly lower in children with diabetes than those with asthma and cancer. 4. The total score of social support and teachers' support score were significantly lower in children with employed mothers than those with unemployed mothers. 5. The total social support score of children who participated in non-sports extracurricular activities was significantly higher than those of children who did not participate in non-sports activities.

Potential sites of prostaglandin actions in the periimplantation mouse uterus: differential expression and regulation of prostaglandin receptor genes

Prostaglandins (PGs), especially PGE2 and PGF2alpha, are considered important for blastocyst spacing, implantation, and decidualization in the rodent uterus. However, information regarding uterine sites of PG actions in these processes is lacking. PGE2 or PGF2alpha interacts with specific G protein-coupled membrane receptors. PGE2 receptors are classified into four subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. While EP1 is coupled to Ca2+ mobilization, activation of EP2 and EP4 triggers stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. In contrast, activation of EP3 inhibits adenylyl cyclase. PGF2alpha receptor (FP) is coupled to stimulation of phospholipase C-inositol trisphosphate (IP3) pathway and Ca2+ mobilization. This investigation demonstrates that PGE2 and PGF2alpha receptor genes are expressed in a temporal and cell-specific manner in the periimplantation mouse uterus. In the mouse, the attachment reaction occurs in the evening (2200-2300 h) of Day 4 of pregnancy and is preceded by embryo spacing, uterine edema, and luminal closure resulting in an intimate apposition of the blastocyst with the uterine luminal epithelium. Expression of EP3 and FP primarily in the circular muscle of the myometrium on Days 3-5 of pregnancy suggests that the circular muscle, not the longitudinal muscle, is the primary target for PG-mediated uterine contractions required for embryo transport, spacing, and/or accommodation in the uterus. In contrast, expression of EP3 in a subpopulation of cells in the stromal bed at the mesometrial side, and of EP4 in the epithelium and stroma on these days, suggests that PGE2 effects on uterine preparation for implantation (such as epithelial cell differentiation, stromal cell proliferation, uterine edema, luminal closure, and increased localized endometrial vascular permeability at the sites of blastocyst attachment) are mediated by these receptor subtypes. Similar expression patterns of EP3 and EP4 in the Day 4 pseudopregnant mouse uterus or in the ovariectomized uterus under combined treatment with estrogen and progesterone suggest that these genes are regulated by ovarian steroids rather than by the embryo during the preimplantation period (Days 1-4). In contrast, the expression of these genes during the postimplantation period (Days 5-8) is associated with the onset of decidualization.

Significance of the expression of proliferation-associated nucleolar antigen p120 in human colorectal tumors

Nucleolar protein p120 is considered to be associated with cell proliferation and has also been detected in a broad range of human malignant cells and tissues, but not in either normal resting tissue or most benign tumors. To clarify the significance of the expression of p120 in colorectal tumors or to evaluate the contribution of p120 in the development of colorectal carcinoma, the authors developed a monoclonal antibody against p120 and then examined its expression in adenoma, carcinoma, and normal mucosa. In adenomas, p120 expression was shown in none of 13 cases of mild dysplasia (0%), 2 of 15 of moderate dysplasia (13.3%), and in 2 cases of severe dysplasia (100%). p120-positive adenomas of moderate dysplasia tended to be larger and had higher Ki-67 indexes than the negative ones (adenomas of moderate dysplasia). All 27 carcinomas were positive for p120. p120 immunostaining was found in the nuclei and corresponded closely to the prominent nucleoli of tumor cells. In contrast, either weak or the occasional expression of p120 was traced in only one of the nine normal mucosae (11.1%). Three of the transitional mucosae of the carcinoma were also positive for p120. The percentage of p120-positive tumor cells (p120 index) ranged from 3.2% to 86.6%, and the mean p120 indexes of the four adenomas and all carcinomas were 21.3% and 41.5%, respectively. The p120 index was significantly related to the Ki-67 index (P < .001) in the p120-positive tumors, whereas the p120 index of the carcinoma did not significantly correlate to the known prognostic markers, such as tumor size, stage, or the degree of differentiation. These results thus suggest that the expression of p120 serves as a marker for cells with a high proliferative potential and is linked to the late events of colorectal tumor progression.

Association of expression of mRNA encoding the PGF2 alpha receptor with luteal cell apoptosis in ovaries of pseudopregnant mice

The relationship between the expression of mRNA encoding the prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) receptor and luteal cell apoptosis as determined by oligonucleosome formation was determined in mouse corpora lutea on days 2 (early phase), 6 (mid-phase), and 11 and 13 (late phase) of pseudopregnancy. No signals for mRNA encoding the PGF2 alpha receptor were detected in the ovary as shown by RNA blot analysis of pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-treated mice. The expression of the mRNA that could be detected in the corpora lutea on day 2 after hCG treatment was low, but it was increased on day 6 and reached a plateau on days 11 and 13. On days 11 and 13, in situ hybridization signals for mRNA encoding the PGF2 alpha receptor were localized to large luteal cells of the corpora lutea, especially the cells in the superficial layer. However, ethidium bromide staining revealed marked oligonucleosome formation in the corpora lutea on days 11 and 13. Similarly, positive signals of in situ nick-DNA-end labelling were also detected in the corpora lutea on days 11 and 13. Analysis of the adjacent sections of the corpora lutea on day 13 showed that both signals for DNA strand breaks and mRNA encoding the PGF2 alpha receptor were co-expressed in the corpus luteum. These results suggest that apoptosis during structural luteolysis closely associates with the increased expression of mRNA encoding the PGF2 alpha receptor in luteal cells of pseudopregnant mice.

'Distinct cellular localization' of the messenger ribonucleic acid for prostaglandin E receptor subtypes in the mouse uterus during pseudopregnancy

As an initial step to clarify the mechanisms of various uterine actions of PGE2, expression patterns of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for four subtypes of PGE receptors, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4, were investigated in the mouse uterus during pseudopregnancy. Relative expression levels were investigated by Northern blot analysis of mRNA levels in uteri obtained on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 of pseudopregnancy (day 0 = 48 h after PMSG injection), and cellular localization was determined by in situ hybridization in uteri obtained on days 0 and 5. EP2 mRNA was specifically expressed on day 5, and its expression was confined to the luminal epithelium. On the other hand, the level of the EP3 mRNA expression progressively increased until day 5. Cell populations expressing the EP3 mRNA were confined to the longitudinal smooth muscle on day 0, but they changed to the circular smooth muscle on day 5. The expression level of EP4 mRNA was low on days 0 and 1, but it became high on days 3 and 5. On day 0, EP4 mRNA was localized to the luminal epithelium. On day 5, diffuse, but significant, EP4 expression was observed over the endometrial stroma and epithelium. No EP1 mRNA signals were observed. Transient expression of EP2 on day 5 of pseudopregnancy in the luminal epithelium suggests its involvement in blastocyst implantation signaling. EP4 in the endometrial stroma is suggested to be involved in decidual transformation of the stromal cells, whereas EP3 in the myometrium is believed to be involved in regulation of myometrial activity.

Coexpression of a multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene in a bicistronic retroviral vector Ha-MDR-IRES-TK allows selective killing of MDR1-transduced human tumors transplanted in nude mice

Ha-MDR-IRES-TK is a bicistronic vector that coexpresses the MDR1 gene and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene. In the present study we examined the effect of ganciclovir on MDR1-positive tumors that have been transduced with Ha-MDR-IRES-TK. To establish a human tumor xenograft model of MDR1-transduced recurrent tumors, human KB-3-1 carcinoma cells were transduced with HaMDR or Ha-MDR-IRES-TK, and one each of representative clones, termed KB/MDR and KB/MDR-TK, respectively, were isolated. KB/MDR and KB/MDR-TK showed similar levels of multidrug resistance in vitro. Vinblastine strongly inhibited the growth of the parental KB-3-1 tumors in nude mice but showed little or no effect against KB/MDR-TK tumors. Ganciclovir inhibited the in vivo growth of KB/MDR-TK tumors almost completely under conditions that did not affect the growth of KB-3-1 tumors. Coadministration of vinblastine and ganciclovir inhibited the in vivo growth of KB/MDR-TK premixed with KB-3-1 at any ratio. Long-term, high-level expression of human P-glycoprotein was observed in peripheral blood cells of mice transplanted with Ha-MDR-IRES-TK-transduced bone marrow cells. Ganciclovir eliminated the P-glycoprotein-positive normal blood cells. However, no systemic toxicity was observed. These results clearly demonstrate that it is possible to use ganciclovir to treat MDR1-positive tumors that have been unintentionally transduced with Ha-MDR-IRES-TK. This safety-modified vector should be useful for introducing the MDR1 gene into bone marrow cells to protect normal cells from the toxic effects of cancer chemotherapy.

Comparative linkage mapping of human chromosome 13 and bovine chromosome 12

A comparative linkage map of human chromosome 13 and bovine chromosome 12 was constructed using eight polymorphic microsatellite markers associated with six specific genes. Linkage of these was also examined relative to five previously mapped anonymous microsatellite markers. Seven gene-linked markers were developed from bovine large-insert genomic clones containing one of five genes of interest (serotonin receptor subtype 2, fms-related tyrosine kinase, coagulation factor 10, retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, collagen type IV alpha 1), and one additional marker was developed from a microsatellite resident within an intron of the bovine dopachrome tautomerase gene. Four of these loci were previously assigned to bovine chromosome 12 by analysis of a somatic cell hybrid panel. This study provides linkage information for examining gene order in this conserved synteny group. The comparative linkage mapping results indicate that the q arm of human chromosome 13 is almost entirely conserved in bovine chromosome 12. One intrachromosomal rearrangement was detected in this linkage group relative to human, and this rearrangement was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization results.

A medium-density genetic linkage map of the bovine genome

A cattle genetic linkage map was constructed which covers more than 95 percent of the bovine genome at medium density. Seven hundred and forty six DNA polymorphisms were genotyped in cattle families which comprise 347 individuals in full sibling pedigrees. Seven hundred and three of the loci are linked to at least one other locus. All linkage groups are assigned to chromosomes, and all are orientated with regards to the centromere. There is little overall difference in the lengths of the bull and cow linkage maps although there are individual differences between maps of chromosomes. One hundred and sixty polymorphisms are in or near genes, and the resultant genome-wide comparative analyses indicate that while there is greater conservation of synteny between cattle and humans compared with mice, the conservation of gene order between cattle and humans is much less than would be expected from the conservation of synteny. This map provides a basis for high-resolution mapping of the bovine genome with physical resources such as Yeast and Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes as well as providing the underpinning for the interpolation of information from the Human Genome Project.

Primary culture of chicken hepatocytes in serum-free medium (pH 7.8) secreted albumin and transferrin for a long period in free gas exchange with atmosphere

To study liver functions of chicken, we examined the primary culture of chicken hepatocytes, and found an easy method of long-term culture with free atmosphere exchange. Chicken hepatocytes were obtained by collagenase perfusion and cultured at 37 degrees C as a monolayer without substratum in serum-free L-15 medium (pH 7.8) with free atmosphere exchange. The amounts of albumin and transferrin in medium were assayed by ELISA. The culture of chicken hepatocytes was maintained in the serum-free L15-medium )pH 7.) and 37 degrees C with free atmosphere exchange for 20 days. The amount of albumin secreted in the medium decreased to low levels early in culture; however, this was followed by marked increase from day 9 to day 17 of culture. The amount of transferrin was constant until day 6, then it too increased with further culture. We reported an easy method for the simple monolayer culture of chicken hepatocytes in serum-free L12 medium (pH 7.8) with free atmosphere exchange over an extended period. Expression of liver-specific functions, viz. albumin and transferrin synthesis, was observed after 1 week of culture.

Detection of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) messenger ribonucleic acid and immunolocalization of KGF in the canine testis

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was originally discovered in human embryonic lung fibroblasts and is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. Members of the FGF family have been shown to regulate testicular function. However, the recently discovered KGF has not been studied in the testis. KGF has been detected in many other tissues, including the prostate, an organ whose development and function have been associated with presence of the testis. In this study, KGF mRNA was detected in the whole testis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The 575-bp KGF-specific product was detected along with a 594-bp β-actin-specific product. To identify the cell types in which KGF mRNA was predominantly expressed, interstitial cells were physically separated from seminiferous tubules. The interstitial cells were then sorted on a discontinuous Percoll gradient and total cellular mRNAs isolated. Using RT-PCR and Southern hybridization with specific cDNA probes, the KGF mRNA was detected in interstitial cells. KGF expression levels were then evaluated semiquantitatively with a competitive RT-PCR assay. KGF expression levels were highest in interstitial cells that equilibrated between 20 and 30% Percoll. Enriched Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules expressed low levels of KGF. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on canine testes using a rabbit anti-KGF polyclonal antibody. The KGF protein was localized predominantly to peritubular cells of the canine testis. These results suggest that KGF is synthesized in the canine testis.

Genesis of newt sperm axial fiber: cDNA cloning and expression of a 29 kDa protein, a major component of the axial fiber, during spermatogenesis

Newt sperm has a unique structure: the tail consists of axial fiber, undulating membrane and flagellum. The genesis and chemical composition of the axial fiber remain unknown. The axial fiber consists of about 10 major components, as evidenced by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In order to clarify the biochemical properties of the components of the axial fiber and study the mechanism of axial fiber formation, we focused our attention on a 29 kDa protein, the major constituent of the axial fiber. Immunofluorescent antibody technique showed that the 29 kDa protein was first expressed in the cytoplasm of early round spermatids but was expressed on fibers in the periphery of the cyst in late round spermatids. Double staining with tubulin antibody and 29 kDa antibody showed that the fibers around the cysts in early round spermatids were flagella alone but those in late round spermatids consisted of flagella and 29 kDa protein. These results indicated that 29 kDa proteins are synthesizsed in the cytoplasm of round spermatids and enter the preformed flagella in late round and elongated spermatids. A cDNA clone for 29 kDA protein was isolated. A database search could not find any homologous clones, indicating that the 29 kDa protein is a new one. Northern blot with the cDNA showed that mRNA for 29 kDa protein was highly expressed in round spermatids but barely in primary spermatocytes, indicating that the mRNA for 29 kDa protein is haploid-expressed.

Effects of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperphagia in rats

We investigated nitric oxide (NO) involvement in the hyperphagia induced by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-(propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). A NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), dose dependently inhibited 8-OH-DPAT-induced eating in freely feeding rats. However, the inactive isomer D-NAME was without effect. The inhibitory effects of L-NAME on 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperphagia were reversed by simultaneous administration of L-arginine. These results suggest that NO participates in the 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperphagia which is elicited by activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.

Effects of peripheral 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptor agonists on food intake in food-deprived and 2-deoxy-D-glucose-treated rats

Peripherally administered, the 5-HT2 receptor agonist, alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (alpha-methyl-5-HT), significantly suppressed the food intake of food-deprived rats. alpha-Methyl-5-HT also inhibited 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced hyperphagia in rats. The alpha-methyl-5-HT-induced hypophagia was antagonized by the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin. The alpha-methyl-5-HT-induced decrease in food intake of food-deprived rats was not inhibited by prior adrenodemedullation. The peripheral 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, did not affect food intake in food-deprived or 2-deoxy-D-glucose-treated rats. These results suggest that the peripheral 5-HT2A receptor may participate in the regulation of food intake and that its hypophagic effects are not associated with its adrenaline-releasing effects from the adrenal gland. Lastly, the peripheral 5-HT3 receptor did not participate in feeding control.