Reduced response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in W/Wv and Sl/Sld mice

The response of W/Wv and Sl/Sld mice to recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) was investigated. Purified rG-CSF was injected every day for 1 week in doses up to 1000 micrograms/kg. Both untreated Sl/Sld and W/Wv mice initially showed an ordinary number of neutrophils and then an increase in neutrophils in response to rG-CSF injections. However, the effective dose of rG-CSF was much higher than that for normal mice. An increase in splenic CFU-GM was observed in both types of mice receiving 1000 micrograms/kg of rG-CSF, regardless of the reported defects in their hemopoietic system. These results indicate that W/Wv and Sl/Sld mice show a reduced response to exogenous rG-CSF and that a large amount of exogenous rG-CSF may allow an increase in neutrophils in certain hemopoietic defects.

[Evaluation of hepatitis B virus markers for surrogate testing of hepatitis C]

To evaluate the surrogate markers of non-A, non-B hepatitis virus (es) carriage state, the relationship between antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and antibody to HBc/HBs and liver enzyme (ALT) was sought in Saitama prefecture. Out of 36,642 blood donor samples, 410 (1.1%) samples were positive for anti-HCV. Anti-HCV was found in 1.79% of donors with anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc, which is 1.7 fold of the frequency found in donors (1.04%) negative for anti-HBc/HBs. In contrast to the reports from Europe or USA, a poor correlation of anti-HCV with the serological history of hepatitis B infection was observed. These results indicate that hepatitis B and hepatitis C were transmitted independently in the Japanese, which is more homogeneous socioeconomically than the European or American populations. On the other hand, anti-HCV prevalence was in close correlation to ALT level as observed in the USA and in Europe. As we predicted previously, ALT can be expected to reduce the incidence of post-transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis, however, anti-HBc can not.

Marked decrease of hepatitis B virus infection among children in Okinawa, Japan

During the period 1980-1989 in Okinawa, Japan, serologic markers of hepatitis B infection (hepatitis B surface antigen; HBsAg, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen; anti-HBc) were investigated in nursery school children (1-4 years of age). Prevalences of HBsAg were 1.1-1.5% in the period from 1980-1984, but decreased to under 1.0% in the period from 1985. In 1989 there were two carriers in nursery schools, both born in 1985 or fathers who were HBsAg carriers. Prevalences of anti-HBc were 3.3-7.1% in the period from 1980-1983 with a decrease to 0.5% by 1988. Since hepatitis B vaccine was available for neonates whose mothers were HBsAg carriers with hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) and for nursery school children in 1983, hepatitis B virus infection among nursery school children and HBsAg carriers due to transmission from mother-to-child were markedly reduced. This strategy for immunization is useful in endemic areas. Immunization for children whose fathers are HBsAg carriers may also be necessary.

Pharmacokinetics of midaglizole, a new hypoglycaemic agent, in healthy subjects

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of midaglizole, a new orally effective hypoglycaemic agent, in healthy male subjects. In Study I, volunteers were given single oral doses of 150, 200, 300, and 500 mg of midaglizole 20 min before breakfast. In Study II, 200 mg of midaglizole was given 30 min after breakfast. In Study III, multiple oral administration study was carried out at a dose of 200 mg t.i.d. 20 min before meals for 7 days. The disposition of midaglizole was adequately described by a one-compartment open model with first order absorption. It was essentially dose-dependent up to 500 mg given orally. The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated by employing this model indicated that the disposition of this drug was characterized by good absorption from the intestine, a wide distribution in the body, and a rapid excretion via the kidneys. The absorption rate of midaglizole from the intestine was definitely slowed by the presence of food, probably due to a decrease in the rate of gastric emptying. No clinical significant accumulation of midaglizole in the body was observed during or after multiple doses. A linear correlation was found between the area under the curve of plasma concentration of midaglizole versus time and the area calculated from the curve of change in blood glucose level versus time after oral administration of midaglizole.

[A case of renal cell carcinoma associated with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis]

A 74-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of a treatment for his right renal tumor. The abdominal CT scanning revealed a mass in the right kidney, and a right selective renal arteriography demonstrated a hypervascular tumor. On admission, urinalysis revealed proteinuria (3-4 g/day) and microscopic hematuria, and serum electrolytes were normal. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were 1.6 mg/dl and 30 mg/dl, respectively. A percutaneous right renal biopsy specimens showed crescentic glomerulonephritis. Direct immunofluorescence studies showed strong linear staining for IgG and IgA along the glomerular capillary walls. Electron microscopy showed increased mesangial matrix and swollen epithelial cells, but no dense deposits in the para-mesangial area and in the glomerular basement membrane. The patient underwent right radical nephrectomy. Histologic examination of the resected specimen revealed renal cell carcinoma. Postoperatively, he developed rapidly progressive renal failure and the renal function could not be recovered. Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique, we could not confirm the presence of a serum anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody, although the examination could not be carried out until the initiation of hemodialysis therapy. Some cases of glomerulopathies associated with renal cell carcinoma were previously reported, but the case of crescentic glomerulonephritis was very rare.

Enhancing effects of myristyl lactate and lauryl lactate on percutaneous absorption of indomethacin in rats

The enhancing effects of myristyl lactate (ML) and lauryl lactate (LL) on the percutaneous absorption of indomethacin (ID) from test solutions in propylene glycol (PG) were investigated in rats. ID absorption was observed to be markedly enhanced by the addition of ML or LL to PG as compared with the control (PG alone). The marked enhancing effects were observed at concentrations greater than 3% ML and 3% LL in PG. In particular, the maximal enhancement of percutaneous absorption of ID was achieved at 5% ML and LL. To elucidate the mode of action of ML as an enhancer, the percutaneous absorption of ID through the skin pretreated with ML alone was investigated. It was suggested that ML acts on the stratum corneum to produce its effect.

Inhibition of proliferation and induction of differentiation of human and mouse myeloid leukemia cells by new ethyleneglycol-type nonphosphorus alkyl ether lipids

A variety of ethyleneglycol-type nonphosphorus alkyl ether lipids, ether derivatives of diethyleneglycol in which the two hydroxyl groups were substituted with long chain alkyl and quaternary ammonioalkyl groups, were synthesized and their effects on proliferation and differentiation of cultured human (HL-60) and mouse (M1) myeloid leukemia cells were studied. Incubation with these compounds inhibited the cellular proliferation, and the cells differentiated into morphologically and functionally mature granulocytes. Of the compounds tested, 1-[2-[2-(octadecyloxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]-butylpyridinium mesylate (EG-6) was the most effective in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells. Almost maximal induction of differentiation and inhibition of growth of HL-60 cells on day 6 were observed when the cells were treated with EG-6 for 1 day and then cultured without EG-6 for a further 5 days. The inhibitory effect of EG-6 on the leukemic cells was over 100 times more than that of 2-[2-(dodecyloxy)ethoxy]ethyl 2-pyridinioethyl phosphate, a potent antileukemic ether phospholipid.

Multiple keratoacanthomas with peculiar manifestations and course

The case of a 60-year-old Japanese man with unique multiple keratoacanthomas is reported. The lesions were located in the perioral area, grew peripherally, and healed centrally. Although individual lesions spontaneously regressed, prompt recurrence was observed after excision. Biopsy specimens taken from early proliferative, fully developed, and regressing stages revealed keratoacanthoma. Involucrin was demonstrated in the lesions during development and resolution. The early stage showed homogeneous staining of moderate intensity in the tumor cells at the suprabasal layers, and the staining became slightly irregular and intense when the lesions were fully developed. During resolution the intensity was markedly diminished. These results suggest that preterminal squamous differentiation accelerated during development of the tumors.

[Bucillamine-associated membranous nephropathy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis]

A case of bucillamine-associated membranous nephropathy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis was reported. A 34 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of proteinuria in September, 1988. Rheumatoid arthritis had been diagnosed in April, 1988, and had been treated with bucillamine (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) and amfenac (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug). The renal biopsy specimens showed Stage I membranous nephropathy, on both electron and immunofluorescence microscopy. Proteinuria decreased after the drugs were withdrawn despite continued RA symptoms. These results were consistent with drug induced nephropathy. Since bucillamine has some resemblances in its structure and pharmacologic action to D-penicillamine, which sometimes induces membranous nephropathy, it is thought that the nephropathy in this case was caused by an adverse reaction to bucillamine.

Effect of a pulsing electromagnetic field on metabolically derived osteoporosis in rats: a pilot study

The literature suggests that a pulsating electromagnetic field (PEMF) is effective against bone loss in disuse osteoporosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of PEMF on metabolically derived osteoporosis in rats. Sixteen 5 month old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (G-1,2,3). G-1 was given a normal diet and no exposure to PEMF; G-2,3 were oophrectomized and fed a low calcium diet for 8 months; and G-3 was also exposed for 24 hr/day to PEMF generated by applying a 15 Hz, 5.6 A peak to peak square wave to Helmholtz coils (64 cm I.D., 200 turns/coil). The rats were sacrificed at 4, 6, and 8 months. Skeletal changes were analyzed by measurements of acid extracted bone calcium and bone mineral content (BMC) using single photon absorptiometry (SPA). Although all animals started at approximately the same weight (mean of 290.0 g), G-2 showed a more progressive increase. While the mean weight after 8 months in G-1 was 350.0 g, and 352.5 g for G-3, that in G-2 was 400.0 g. The calcium content of the femur in G-2 and G-3 at 8 months was lower than that of G-1, but there were no significant differences among the three groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of epidermal growth factor receptors on plasma membranes isolated from rat gastric mucosa

The binding of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), beta-urogastrone, to plasma membranes isolated from rat gastric mucosa was studied to characterize gastric EGF receptors. The binding of [125I]hEGF was temperature dependent, reversible, and saturable. A single class of binding sites for EGF with a dissociation constant of 0.42 nM and maximal binding capacity of 42 fmol/mg protein was suggested. There was little change in the binding of [125I]hEGF upon addition of peptide hormones (secretin, insulin), antiulcer drugs (cimetidine), or an ulcer-inducing reagent (aspirin). Cross-linking of [125I]hEGF to gastric plasma membranes with the use of disuccinimidyl suberate resulted in the labeling of a protein of 150 kDa. These results indicate the presence of EGF receptors on plasma membranes of rat gastric mucosa.

[Bone marrow suppression in gynecological patients with malignant tumor treated with combination chemotherapy cyclophosphamide, pirarubicin and cisplatin]

We treated 14 patients with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatin (CAP), and 16 patients with cyclophosphamide, Pirarubicin and cisplatin (CTP). Hematological changes in the peripheral blood were compared in the two groups to determine whether there was any difference in bone marrow suppression. 1) The lowest leukocyte counts were similar in the two groups. The leukocyte count reached its nadir at 11.6 +/- 2.1 days in the CTP group and at 15.1 +/- 2.8 days in the CAP group, a significant difference (p less than 0.01). 2) The leukocyte count recovered rapidly in the CTP group and was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) at 3 to 4 weeks than in the CAP group, and it returned to the pretreatment level in the CTP group in the fourth week. 3) The platelet count reached its lowest level in the second week in both groups. In the CTP group, it was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than in the CAP group. 4) Reticulocyte count reached its lowest level in the first week in both groups, and then started increasing. 5) In the CTP group, a course of treatment was 28.0 +/- 2.3 days and it was 29.5 +/- 2.3 days in the CAP group. In 28% of the CPA group, it took 30 days or more for the leukocyte count to return to normal after one course, while none of the CTP group did the leukocyte count remain low for 30 days. These results show that CTP causes more rapid bone marrow suppression (particularly leukocytopenia) than CAP, does but that a recovery is more rapid with CTP. These CTP may be a better form of treatment than CAP.

Use of the tyrosinase gene from Streptomyces to probe promoter sequences for Escherichia coli

We have constructed a promoter-probe vector utilizing the expression of a promoter-less tyrosinase derived from Streptomyces plasmid pIJ702. The vector, pMX100, has single sites for EcoRI, KpnI, BamHI, XbaI, SalI, and SphI for cloning promoter sequences. When the tac promoter was inserted into pMX100, E. coli harboring the chimeric plasmid produced the melanin pigment.

Percutaneous absorption of indomethacin from mixtures of fatty alcohol and propylene glycol (FAPG bases) through rat skin: effects of oleic acid added to FAPG base

The effects of oleic acid (OA) added to mixtures of fatty alcohol and propylene glycol (FAPG bases) on the percutaneous absorption of indomethacin (ID) were investigated by using the abdominal skin of rats in vivo. The percutaneous absorption of propylene glycol (PG) from FAPG base was simultaneously examined. The percutaneous absorption of ID from FAPG bases in the absence of OA was poor as compared with that from FAPG bases containing OA. It was observed that when OA was added to the vehicles in the range of 5 to 30%, the percutaneous absorption of ID from the vehicles was increased. In particular, the maximal enhancement of percutaneous absorption of ID was achieved at 5% OA. However, the enhancing effect of percutaneous absorption of ID diminished when the OA content in the vehicle exceeded 50%. PG was readily absorbed through the rat skin from FAPG bases and its percutaneous absorption profiles were similar to those of ID. It can be presumed that PG and ID penetrate together through the skin. In addition, it was confirmed that the percutaneous absorption of ID and PG from FAPG bases was not affected by the viscosity of the vehicle. If FAPG base is to be used as a vehicle for the purpose of percutaneous absorption of ID, OA is considered to be a useful additive.

Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala jeanselmei after renal transplantation

A 60-year-old man who had had a renal transplantation developed a nodule on the dorsum of his right middle finger, which was subsequently diagnosed as cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala jeanselmei. The patient was successfully treated with 5-fluorocytosine. To our knowledge, this case is the third reported case in the world caused by this species in a postrenal transplant patient that manifested as phaeohyphomycosis.

Alterations in membrane fluidity during keratinocyte differentiation measured by fluorescence polarization

The epidermis shows a distinctive pattern of differentiation wherein keratinocytes proliferate in the basal cell layer and mature into spinous and granular cells. Using a discontinuous density-gradient centrifugation method, guinea-pig keratinocytes were separated into high (HDF), intermediate (IDF), and low (LDF) density fractions. Morphological and flow cytometrical observations demonstrated that HDF, IDF, and LDF were basal, spinous, and granular cell-rich fractions, respectively. Membrane fluidity of the fractionated keratinocytes was measured by diphenylhexatriene fluorescence polarization. Polarization (p)-value of keratinocytes was negatively correlated with temperature. At each temperature, HDF cells showed a lower p-value than IDF or HDF cells except at 40 degrees C. Since a low p-value indicates a high degree of Brownian motion, membrane fluidity is higher in basal cells and lower in spinous and granular cells. Our results indicate that membrane fluidity of guinea-pig keratinocytes decreases during their maturation.

Nephrotoxicity of thiabendazole in mice depleted of glutathione by treatment with DL-buthionine sulphoximine

Thiabendazole [2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole; TBZ] is widely used as an anthelmintic and a fungicide. TBZ (50-400 mg/kg body weight administered by oral intubation) produced nephrotoxicity in male ICR mice pretreated with an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, DL-buthionine sulphoximine (BSO; 4 mmol/kg body weight, ip). The toxicity was characterized by increases in kidney: body weight ratio and serum urea nitrogen concentration and by tubular necrosis. The nephrotoxic effects were both dose and time dependent. TBZ in combination with BSO also produced decreases in p-aminohippurate accumulation and acetylation by renal cortical slices. TBZ (up to 1200 mg/kg/body weight) alone resulted in no nephrotoxicity. Administration (ip) of glutathione monomethyl ester, which is readily hydrolysed to glutathione after being transported into cells, completely protected against the toxicity caused by TBZ in combination with BSO; this result suggests that glutathione depletion is a major factor underlying the toxicological interaction between TBZ and BSO. Treatment with three inhibitors of renal microsomal cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases, piperonyl butoxide, methoxsalen and carbon disulphide, all equally prevented the nephrotoxicity of TBZ given in combination with BSO. These results suggest that metabolism of TBZ is a necessary step in TBZ-induced nephrotoxicity in glutathione-depleted mice.

Antibody to p40tax protein of human T cell leukemia virus 1 and infectivity

To investigate the physiologic significance of antibody to human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) tax gene product (p40tax), 147 male and 243 female HTLV-1 carriers were examined for anti-p40tax, and 104 carriers were checked for anti-p40tax an average of 5.4 times during an 8-year period. Prevalence of anti-p40tax was significantly higher in female (62.6%) than in male subjects (51.0%; P less than .05). Anti-p40tax status did not change in most during the observation period. There were significantly more HTLV-1 carriers among children of anti-p40tax-positive mothers (45.3%) than among those from anti-p40tax-negative mothers (20.0%; P less than .01). However, no significant difference was observed between wives of p40tax-positive and -negative men. The p40tax antibody may be a marker of relative infectivity of HTLV-1, albeit an imperfect one.

Study of seroconversion of antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I in children of Okinawa, Japan

From 1983 to 1986, 1,813 children in nursery schools in Ishigaki Island and 1,228 children under 15 years old in the rural area in the Yaeyama District of Okinawa, Japan, were tested for anti-HTLV-I; 18 children (1.0%) in Ishigaki Island and 39 children (3.2%) in the rural area were positive. In order to survey when anti-HTLV-I developed in these children, their older serum samples were investigated retrospectively for 1 to 5 years. Two cases of seroconversion from anti-HTLV-I negative to positive were found between the age of 2 and 4, and there were no cases of seroconversion over 4 years old. Among the children who suffered maternal transmission of HTLV-I and developed anti-HTLV-I before the age of 15, about 80% of the children were considered to have anti-HTLV-I before the age of 2, and the remainder developed anti-HTLV-I before the age of 4.