Binding of membrane-anchored macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) to its receptor mediates specific adhesion between stromal cells and M-CSF receptor-bearing hematopoietic cells

To explore the biologic significance of the membrane-anchored form of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), we examined whether interaction between membrane-bound M-CSF and its receptor mediates intercellular adhesion as well as cell proliferation and differentiation. Human M-CSF receptors were expressed on a murine interleukin-2 (IL-3)-dependent cell line, FDC-P2, by DNA transfection with the c-fms gene (FDC-P2-MCSFR). A human bone marrow-derived stromal cell line, KM102, was used in the cell adhesion assay. The expression of membrane-bound M-CSF on KM102 cells was demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis. After the incubation of parent and transformed FDC-P2 cells on confluent KM102 cells, nonadherent cells were removed and the cells attached to KM102 cells were examined microscopically. Almost all parent FDC-P2 cells were nonadherent, whereas a significant number of FDC-P2-MCSFR cells bound to KM102 cells. The addition of anti-M-CSF or anti-M-CSF receptor neutralizing antibodies dose-dependently inhibited the binding of [3H]-thymidine-labeled FDC-P2-MCSFR cells to KM102 cells. An excess amount of M-CSF also inhibited the binding. On the other hand, the addition of antibodies against some representative adhesion molecules (vitronectin receptor, Pgp-1/CD44, and VLA-4) did not inhibit the adhesion between FDC-P2-MCSFR cells and KM102 cells. These results support the idea that membrane-anchored M-CSF and its receptor may function as mediators of cell-cell adhesion.

Electrochemical Prevention of Marine Biofouling with a Carbon-Chloroprene Sheet

A carbon-chloroprene sheet (CCS) electrode was used for the electrochemical disinfection of the marine gram-negative bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus . When the electrode was incubated in seawater containing 10 5 cells per ml for 90 min, the amount of adsorbed cells was 4.5 × 10 3 cells per cm 2 . When a potential of 1.2 V versus a saturated calomel electrode was applied to the CCS for 20 min, 67% of adsorbed cells were killed. This disinfection was due to the direct electrochemical oxidation of cells and not to a change in pH or to the generation of toxic substances, such as chlorine. In a 1-year field experiment, marine biofouling of a CCS-coated cooling pipe caused by attachment of bacteria and invertebrates was considerably reduced by application of a potential of 1.2 V versus a saturated calomel electrode. Since this method requires low potential electrical energy, use of a CCS coating appears to be a suitable method for the clean prevention of marine biofouling.

Direct effects of cutaneous neuropeptides on adenylyl cyclase activity and proliferation in a keratinocyte cell line: stimulation of cyclic AMP formation by CGRP and VIP/PHM, and inhibition by NPY through G protein-coupled receptors

Many neuropeptides are present in the peripheral nerves of human skin and are distributed from the intraepidermis to subcutaneous appendages, and those peptides are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory dermatoses. In this investigation, we determined the effects of various neuropeptides on intracellular cyclic adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) formation in cultured human keratinocytes. Among the many peptides tested, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine-methionine (PHM), and growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) stimulated a rapid and marked formation of intracellular cyclic AMP in keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The direct association of the receptors for CGRP and VIP with adenylyl cyclase in keratinocytes was confirmed by the findings that CGRP and VIP stimulated the enzyme activity in membrane preparations derived from cultured keratinocytes in the presence of guanosine triphosphate (GTP). On the other hand, neuropeptide Y (NPY) showed an inhibitory effect on forskolin-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in keratinocytes. This inhibitory effect of NPY was completely eliminated by glucocorticoid pretreatment of cultured keratinocytes. Furthermore, the presence of peptides that substantially increase intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation also stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation in a human keratinocyte cell line in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that neuropeptides work directly as biologic modulators of keratinocytes through the cyclic AMP cascade.

Periodic mother deprivation during the light period reversed the phase of serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity rhythm of the pineal gland in rat pups

It has been reported that nursing mother rats can postnatally entrain the circadian rhythms of blinded rat pups, such as locomotor, drinking, and corticosterone rhythms. To gain more insight in the mechanism of the postnatal entrainment of such pups' circadian rhythms, we examined the serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity rhythm in blinded rat pups subjected to periodic mother deprivation (PMD) in which mothers were periodically deprived of their pups during either half of a day. We found that only PMD during the light period shifted the phase of NAT activity rhythm in the pups. To cause a reversal of the NAT activity rhythm, it was necessary to repeat PMD for more than 6 days. PMD for 6 h each day also shifted the phase of the blinded rat pups, but it did not reverse the NAT rhythm, even when it was repeated for 10 days. In 9-h deprivation for 10 days, however, deprivation during the first 9 h of the light period reversed the phase, although the latter 9 h failed to cause reversal of the phase. On the other hand, restricted feeding of the mother took more than 11 days to reverse the phase and a foster mother in the cross-fostering experiment failed to affect the phase of pup's rhythm, when the rhythm was determined on the 11th postnatal day. These facts indicate that PMD during the light period is a potent entrainer of the pups' circadian NAT rhythms and provide a useful method of exploring the underlying mechanism of the entrainment of the pups' rhythm by the mother.

Experimental germanium dioxide-induced neuropathy in rats

We report an experimental model of germanium dioxide (GeO2)-induced neuropathy in rats. More than 6 months administration of GeO2 to young rats produced neuropathy characterized by segmental demyelination/remyelination and nerve edema. Electron microscopic studies demonstrated that changes in Schwann cells, such as an increased cytoplasmic volume or disintegration of the cytoplasm, were the earliest pathological findings. Schwann cell mitochondria contained high electron-dense materials. Subsequent removal of necrotic Schwann cell debris and myelin by invading macrophages was evident. These findings suggested that the Schwann cells themselves are the primary target of the toxin. The deposition of electron-dense granules in the intra-axonal vesicles, which was suggestive of glycogen granules in mitochondria, was observed in the advanced stage of the neuropathy. The findings of endoneurial edema with splitting of myelin lamellae were noted at the early stage of demyelination. Nerve edema may be the result of GeO2-induced endothelial cell injury.

The ascidian embryo as a prototype of vertebrate neurogenesis

Ascidian tadpole larvae, composed of only about 2500 cells, have a primitive nervous system which is derived from the neural plate. The stereotyped cell cleavage pattern and well characterized cell lineage in these animals allow the isolation and culture of identified blastomeres in variable combinations. Ascidian embryos express cell-type-specific markers corresponding to their cell fates, even when cultured under cleavage-arrest by cytochalasin B. This system provides us with a unique opportunity to study the roles of cell lineage and cell contact in early neuronal differentiation in the absence of events associated with complex morphogenesis. In addition, the isolated, cleavage-arrested blastomeres are ideally suited to electrical recording, permitting the use of ionic channels as specific markers for differentiation. In the cleavage-arrested embryos, suppression of one type of K+ channel, and induction of two types of Na+ channels, occur following cell contact with the vegetal blastomere. The combination of molecular and electrophysiological analyses on this simple animal system may provide insights into the nature of the cell interactions important in early neurogenesis, both in ascidians and in vertebrates.

Frequent occurrence of in vivo clonal expansion of CD4- CD8- T cells bearing T cell receptor alpha beta chains in adult humans

We have previously reported 2 cases of healthy men showing in vivo monoclonal expansion of mature CD4- CD8- alpha beta T cells. In the present study, an additional 3 adults were found to exhibit such an expansion, among a total 464 adult donors studied. These 5 individuals were otherwise physiologically normal, with no history of severe illness and autoimmune disease at the time of examination. To investigate the mechanisms of the clonal expansion, further characterization of the clonal cells was attempted. No apparent preference for usage of the T cell receptor beta chain variable region was observed in the clonal T cells. These clonal T cells showed lectin-dependent or redirected antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicities, whereas they could not lyse autologous lymphoblastoid cell lines. Failure of Fas antigen expression was not observed for any of these clones. These results suggest that clonal expansion of CD4- CD8- alpha beta T cells frequently occurs in the periphery without any T cell abnormalities.

Platelet substance P and 5-hydroxytryptamine in migraine and tension-type headache

Levels of substance P (SP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in platelets were measured in 25 patients with migraine, 31 patients with tension-type headache (TH) and 27 healthy controls. The mean concentration of SP in platelets was 355.3 pg/10(9) platelets in patients with migraine, 290.8 pg/10(9) platelets in patients with TH and 180.8 pg/10(9) platelets in the controls. The concentrations of platelet SP in the migrainous patients and in the TH patients were significantly higher than those in the controls. The mean concentration of 5-HT in platelets was 619.7 ng/10(9) platelets in patients with migraine, 579.3 ng/10(9) platelets in patients with TH and 811.9 ng/10(9) platelets in the controls. The concentration of platelet 5-HT in the patients with TH was significantly lower than that in the controls. The platelet SP/5-HT ratio in the migrainous patients and in the TH patients were significantly higher than that in the controls. There was significant negative correlation between the concentrations of platelet SP and those of platelet 5-HT. These results may support the hypothesis that SP released from the terminals of the trigeminal nerves causes migraine either through direct actions on the vessels or by releasing 5-HT from the platelets. The high levels of platelet SP in TH patients might reflect release of SP from the pain sensory system.

Dominantly inherited motor and sensory neuropathy with excessive myelin folding complex

The two patients in a family having the clinical and electrodiagnostic features of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) are described. The main histological features of sural nerve were segmental demyelination and remyelination with moderate to marked loss of myelinated fibers, and myelin folding complex along all of the large and small myelinated fibers. These features appeared morphologically similar to those observed in HMSN with excessive myelin outfolding, or globular neuropathy. Southern blot analysis suggests that there were neither duplication nor deletion of the peripheral myelin protein-22 gene in the patients. The presented two patients may be a rare form of dominantly inherited HMSN with myelin folding complex.

Fluoride release in vitro from various glass ionomer cements and resin composites after exposure to NaF solutions

The release of fluoride from 1) discs made from five glass ionomer cements and two composites, and 2) the same discs after exposure to different NaF solutions, were studied. The specimens were placed in distilled water for 10 wk. After 24 h and then once a week, the specimens were transferred to fresh distilled water. After 5 wk, the specimens were divided into four groups and exposed to 0, 0.02, 0.2 and 2% NaF solutions for 5 min. The fluoride release was highest during the first week after preparation, after which it decreased sharply and then more slowly. The amount of fluoride released was ordered: liner/base > restorative glass ionomer > composites. The composites released significantly less fluoride than the glass ionomer cements. After exposure to NaF, the fluoride release was significantly higher for the silver cermet material than for the other glass ionomers tested. From a clinical point of view, the results from this study imply that glass ionomer restorations may act as intraoral devices for the controlled slow release of fluoride at sites at risk for recurrent caries.

[Effect of folic acid for treatment of homocystinuria due to 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency]

Deficiency of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) leads to deficient remethylation of homocysteine and is one of the causes of homocystinuria. Only 28 patients have been reported so far. A 15-year-old boy with mild mental retardation was admitted in our hospital because of progressive difficulty in walking. He is the second child. The paternal grandparents are first cousins. On admission, clinical examination revealed mild disturbance of consciousness, left hemiparesis, truncal ataxia, pyramidal tract signs in the lower limbs and sensory disturbance in his feet. There was no marfanoid symptoms nor ectopia lentis. EEGs showed slow activity with sporadic spike and wave complexes. Peak latencies of N20 of median nerves SEPs, the third and 5th wave of ABR and P100 of VEP were delayed. The CT scan showed mild cortical atrophy and MRI revealed increased intensity on T2-weighted images in the cerebral white matter. Biochemical studies revealed homocystinuria with homocystinemia. Both plasma methionine and serum folic acid were low. Serum vitamin B12 and methylmalonic acid in urine were normal. The lymphoblastoid cell line, transformed by Epstein-Barr virus of lymphocytes of the patient, could not grow when homocysteine was substituted in the culture medium for methionine. The normal control cell line grew naturally under the same condition. A diagnosis of homocystinuria due to MTHFR deficiency was made. The patient was on various therapeutic regimens for about 70 days. Treatment with high doses of folic acid (400 mg/day) resulted in disappearance of homocysteine in plasma, remarkable decrease of homocysteine in urine and increase of methionine in plasma of the patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A polymerase chain reaction system for rapid diagnosis of scrub typhus within six hours

A rapid diagnostic system for scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease) was established using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with microplate hybridization. With this system, diagnosis can be made within six hours without the need for radioisotopes, electrophoresis, or membrane hybridization. The use of a PCR processor and DNA-precoated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plates allows a rapid and precise diagnosis to be easily made even in primary medical care clinics.

Altered fibronectin-dependent cell adhesion by PDGF accompanies phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells

PDGF promotes growth of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and induces morphological changes. We investigated the effects of PDGF on cell-matrix adhesion of SMCs. PDGF reorganized integrin distribution as well as actin filament structure. PDGF-treated cells attached more loosely to fibronectin than non-treated cells. Decreased expression of alpha-actin by PDGF was antagonized by coating culture dishes with fibronectin but not with vitronectin and laminin. The inhibition of cell adhesion by GRGDSP oligopeptide and anti-fibronectin receptor antibody led to the reduction in alpha-actin expression. These results suggest that PDGF may modulate phenotype of SMCs by altering fibronectin-integrin interaction.

Capsaicin applied to rat lumbar intervertebral disc causes extravasation in the groin skin: a possible mechanism of referred pain of the intervertebral disc

Administration of 10 micrograms of capsaicin into the anterior portion of a lumbar intervertebral disc of rats pretreated with Evans blue (i.v.) caused dye extravasation in the groin skin. This phenomenon occurred even when the spinal nerve of the same segment, bilateral sympathetic trunks, and/or the anterior L2 spinal root had been cut; it did not occur in rats with a cut genitofemoral nerve. Infiltration of capsaicin solution directly into the genitofemoral nerve did not cause dye extravasation. These results suggested the presence of dichotomizing sensory C-fibers which innervate both the intervertebral discs and the groin skin in the L2 spinal nerve. If such dichotomizing fibers exist in man, they may contribute to the groin pain sometimes associated with intervertebral disc lesions.

A new crystal form of proteinase A, a non-pepsin-type acid proteinase from Aspergillus niger var. macrosporus

Proteinase A from Aspergillus niger var. macrosporus is a non-pepsin-type acid proteinase, whose catalytic residues and mechanism remain to be elucidated. A new form of proteinase A crystals more suitable for crystallography than that obtained previously was prepared from an ammonium sulfate solution at pH 3.5 by the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. The space group of the crystals was P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit cell dimensions of a = 69.75 +/- 0.06 A, b = 87.55 +/- 0.05 A, and c = 60.83 +/- 0.04 A. On the assumption of two enzyme molecules per asymmetric unit, the calculated volume to unit protein mass ratio (Vm) was 2.08 A3/Da. By assuming the specific volume to be 0.74 cm3/g, the solvent content (Vso1) was estimated to be 41%, i.e., much larger than that of the crystal form obtained previously at pH 2.0 (Vso1 = 26%). Diffraction data were collected up to a resolution higher than 1.6 A, using the Weissenberg camera for macromolecular crystallography with synchrotron radiation.

hlyIA-like sequence present in a genetic locus with low homology to appA in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 10

Using the appA gene encoding Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae-RTX-toxin II (ApxII) as a probe, Southern hybridization demonstrated the presence of appA-sequence in all 12 serotypes except serotype 10. Serotype 10 strains had a genetic locus with low homology to appA (tentatively designated Lha). DNA sequence analysis revealed that Lha contained a part of hlyIA gene encoding a 105-kDa hemolysin ApxI. Southern hybridization demonstrated the presence of Lha (hlyIA) sequence not only in serotype 10 but also in serotypes 1, 5a, 5b, 9, and 11, which had strong hemolytic activity with sheep red blood cells and were highly virulent for mice. These results suggest that ApxI may be associated with the virulence phenotype of the organism.

Percutaneous permeation of basic compounds through shed snake skin as a model membrane

Relationships between the in-vitro permeability of basic compounds through shed snake skin as a suitable model membrane for human stratum corneum and their physiochemical properties were investigated. Compounds with low pKa values were selected to compare the permeabilities of non-ionized forms of the compounds. Steady-state penetration was achieved immediately without a lag time for all compounds. Flux rate and permeability coefficient were calculated from the steady-state penetration data and relationships between these parameters and the physicochemical properties were investigated. The results showed that permeability may be controlled by the lipophilicity and the molecular size of the compounds. Equations were developed to predict the permeability from the molecular weights and the partition coefficients of basic compounds.

Abnormal proportion of gamma delta T cells in peripheral blood is frequently detected in patients with periodontal disease

The proportions of gamma delta T cells in the peripheral blood of 8 early-onset periodontitis (EOP) patients, 8 later-onset periodontitis (LOP) patients, and of 17 healthy subjects (HS) were assessed by immunofluorescence assay using an anti-pan gamma delta T cell monoclonal antibody (TCR-delta 1) to study the population attributes of peripheral blood gamma delta T cells in patients with periodontal disease. The distribution of the proportions of gamma delta T cells in both EOP and LOP patients was found to be one and one half times broader than that in the HS; however, there was no significant difference in the proportion of gamma delta T cells between each group. An abnormally high proportion of peripheral blood gamma delta T cells in pan T cells (> 9.90%) was observed in 37.5% of both the EOP patients and the LOP patients. An abnormally low proportion (< 5.57%) was observed in 50% of the EOP patients and in 25% of the LOP patients. The higher occurrences of the high or low gamma delta T cell proportions were significant between EOP and HS, and between EOP+LOP and HS. There was no correlation between the proportion of gamma delta T cells and age or the clinical parameters of periodontal status. It was concluded that an abnormal proportion of gamma delta T cells is frequently detected in patients with periodontal disease. These findings are consistent with the proposed role of the gamma delta T cells for playing a unique role as a first line defense against infections at body surfaces.

A missense mutation in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene with possible dominant effects on plasma high density lipoproteins

Plasma HDL are a negative risk factor for atherosclerosis. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP; 476 amino acids) transfers cholesteryl ester from HDL to other lipoproteins. Subjects with homozygous CETP deficiency caused by a gene splicing defect have markedly elevated HDL; however, heterozygotes have only mild increases in HDL. We describe two probands with a CETP missense mutation (442 D:G). Although heterozygous, they have threefold increases in HDL concentration and markedly decreased plasma CETP mass and activity, suggesting that the mutation has dominant effects on CETP and HDL in vivo. Cellular expression of mutant cDNA results in secretion of only 30% of wild type CETP activity. Moreover, coexpression of wild type and mutant cDNAs leads to inhibition of wild type secretion and activity. The dominant effects of the CETP missense mutation during cellular expression probably explains why the probands have markedly increased HDL in the heterozygous state, and suggests that the active molecular species of CETP may be multimeric.

Light and electron-microscopical observations of the early developmental stages of Theileria sergenti in the gut of Haemaphysalis longicornis

Morphological characteristics of the early developmental stages of Theileria sergenti in the vector tick were observed by light and electron-microscopies and compared with those of other Theileria species. Just before the repletion of nymphs, various stages of the parasite were observed in gut contents of tick by light microscopy: the spherical intra-erythrocytic stage, the ring-form stage, the spindle-shaped stage and the round-form stage. Electron microscopy revealed that the spherical intra-erythrocytic stages were 1-2 microns in diameter and were marginally located in host erythrocytes. The organisms liberated from host erythrocytes into the tick gut lumen had a large nucleus, an endoplasmic reticulum, electron dense-organelles and a double-walled, mitochondrion-like organelle. In addition ticks had ray-bodies in the gut lumen. These bodies had short protrusions containing 1-3 microtubules and a labyrinthine structure containing highly electron-dense organelles, so they were considered as the developing microgamont of T. sergenti.

Metabolic fate of cysteine sulfur in growing rats at various dietary protein levels

The metabolic fate of L-[35S]cysteine was investigated in growing rats fed on diets containing graded levels of protein calorie percentages (0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 PC%) by use of purified whole egg protein at 4,100 kcal of metabolizable energy per kilogram of diet. Incorporation of radioactivity into body protein during the 12 h period after intraperitoneal injection of 35S-cysteine was about 70% of the dose in the 0 to 15 PC% group, but it decreased significantly in the 30 PC% group, showing a break point at around 15 PC% in the diet. A considerable amount of the radioactivity was recovered in the carcass soluble fraction in which the label in the taurine fraction gradually increased with increasing dietary protein levels from 0 to 30 PC%. Urinary excretion of total 35S during the 12 h period was depressed in the lower PC% groups, but it increased in the 30 PC% group, about 23% of the dose being recovered. More than 50% of the urinary radioactivity was present in the inorganic sulfate fraction, but less than 10% was in the taurine fraction. These results indicate that cysteine sulfur is preferentially utilized for body protein synthesis, especially in dietary protein depletion, and that the oxidation of cysteine sulfur to taurine and inorganic sulfate is elevated with higher PC% in the diet. The response pattern of cysteine sulfur metabolism to dietary protein intake resembled that of cysteine carbon metabolism which was previously reported.

Response of post-ischemic myocardium to sympathetic stimulation--relation to local norepinephrine release

Myocardial ischemia interrupts neurotransmission and causes the depression of norepinephrine release. However, the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation on neurotransmission and norepinephrine release in post-ischemic myocardium are not well defined. We measured regional myocardial length and norepinephrine (NE) release during sympathetic nerve stimulation in anesthetized dogs. Dogs were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 14); sympathetic nerve stimulation, Group 2 (n = 9); pre-treatment with alpha-blockade yohimbine hydrochloride (0.2 mg/kg) followed by sympathetic nerve stimulation. The left anterior descending artery was occluded for 15 min. Sympathetic nerve stimulation was performed before coronary occlusion and after reperfusion. In group 1, the decrease in systolic shortening in the ischemic region persisted for more than 60 min. Although sympathetic nerve stimulation caused an increase in systolic shortening, it was lower than the pre-ischemic value. NE release from the post-ischemic myocardium remained decreased for 60 min. The decrease in the post-ischemic myocardial response to sympathetic nerve stimulation was associated with diminished NE release. When the cardiac sympathetic nerve was denervated with an epicardial phenol application, NE release decreased even further. In group 2, NE release did not decrease following reperfusion. These results suggest that sympathetic nerve conduction is not completely impaired in post-ischemic myocardium and that pre-synaptic alpha -2 receptors might play an important role in diminished NE release.