[Tolnaftate Reference Standard (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of tolnaftate was examined for the preparation of the "Tolnaftate Reference Standard". Analytical data obtained were as follows: ultraviolet spectrum, lambda max = 257 nm; absorbance, E1cm1% (257 nm) = 723; infrared spectrum, same as that of USP Reference Standard of Tolnaftate; melting point, 112.1 degrees C; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 500 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, no impurities were detected; loss on drying, 0%; water, 0.01%; assay, 100.4% by absorbance method and 100.1% by the HPLC method in terms of the USP Reference Standard. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Retinol Acetate Reference Standard for Thin-layer Chromatography (Control 901) and Retinol Palmitate Reference Standard for Thin-layer Chromatography (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw materials of retinol acetate and retinol palmitate were examined for the preparation of the "Retinol Acetate Reference Standard for Thin-layer Chromatography" and "Retinol Palmitate Reference Standard for Thin-layer Chromatography", respectively. Analytical data obtained were as follows: thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected in retinol acetate and one impurities was detected in retinol palmitate; The Rf values of retinol acetate and retinol palmitate were consistent with those of Reference Standards (Control 713), respectively; ultraviolet spectrum, lambda max = 326 approximately 327 nm; relative extinction, within the range reported in JPXI; weight variation of capsules, retinol acetate 224.0 +/- 15.5 mg (RSD 6.9%), retinol palmitate 222.0 +/- 13.8 mg (RSD 6.2%); assay, retinol acetate 57000 I.U./g, retinol palmitate 57000 I.U./g. Based on the above results, these raw materials were authorized to be the Reference Standards of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Indocyanine Green Reference Standard (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of indocyanine green was examined for the preparation of the "Indocyanine green Reference Standard (Control 901)". Analytical data obtained were as follows: ultraviolet and visible spectrum, lambda max = 785, 394, 216 nm; absorbance, E1cm(1%) (785 nm) = 3239; infrared spectrum, same as Indocyanine Green USP Reference Standard; sodium iodide, 4.1%; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, 4 impurities were detected; loss on drying, 1.8%; assay, 103.4% against USP Reference Standard. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Methylergometrine Maleate Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of methylergometrine maleate was examined for the preparation of the "Methylergometrine Maleate Reference Standard". Analytical data obtained were as follows: melting point, 181.7 degrees C; ultraviolet spectrum, lambda max = 313 nm; absorbance, E1%1cm (313 nm) = 181.3; infrared spectrum, 3406, 2962, 2928, 1645, 1574 cm-1; thin-layer chromatography, 6 impurities were detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, no impurities were detected; loss on drying, 0.02%; optical rotation, [alpha]20D = + 44.04 degrees; assay, 99.5% against Ergometrine Maleate Reference Standard (Control 755). Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Cyclandelate Reference Standard (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of cyclandelate was examined for preparation of the "Cyclandelate Reference Standard". Analytical data obtained were as follows: melting point, 60 degrees C; ultraviolet spectrum, lambda max = 252, 258 and 264 nm E1%1cm = 6.1 (252 nm), 7.5 (258 nm), 5.9 (264 nm); infrared spectrum, 3454, 2948, 1730, 1453, 1202, 737, 695 cm-1; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 1000 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), one impurity was detected, loss on drying, 0.00%. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Potassium Sucrose Octa Sulfate Reference Standard (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of potassium sucrose octa sulfate was examined for the preparation of the "Potassium sucrose octa sulfate Reference Standard (Control 901)". Analytical data obtained were as follows: infrared spectrum, 3494, 1642, 1247, 1002, 795, 584 cm-1; high-performance liquid chromatography, 3 impurities were detected; water, 6.2%; assay of sucrose octa sulfate, 99.1%. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 901) of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

Ergocalciferol Reference Standard for the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP RS) was prepared. The following analytical data were obtained: melting point 118.4 degrees C; UV and IR spectra were in agreement with both of the previous JP RS and USP RS of ergocalciferol; absorptivity at 265nm E1%lcm = 467; optical rotation [alpha]20D = 103 degrees; no impurities were detected by TLC and HPLC analyses; assay 100.1% by HPLC against the USP RS. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

The adhesion of protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus organisms to soluble-staphylococcal-antigens-coated HeLa cells mediated by specific antibodies

The adhesion of staphylococcal protein A (SpA)-bearing Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I organisms to HeLa cells was enhanced by pretreatment of HeLa cells with staphylococcal extracellular antigens and antibodies to them. The adhesion of HLj, an SpA-poor mutant derived from Cowan I, to HeLa cells was not enhanced by the same pretreatment of HeLa cells. Furthermore, the enhanced staphylococcal adhesion was inhibited by soluble SpA. The antigen(s) responsible for the enhanced staphylococcal adhesion was(were) heat stable. Pretreatment of HeLa cells with the mixture of staphylococcal extracellular antigens and antibodies to them also enhanced the adhesion of Cowan I. Similarly the adhesion of Cowan I was enhanced by pretreatment of HeLa cells with extracellular antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antibodies to them. These results indicated that cell-bound SpA mediated the binding of S. aureus to immune complexes composed of extracellular bacterial products and antibodies to them bound to the surface of HeLa cells, and suggested another role of cell-bound SpA as a co-adhesin with other factors in infections due to S. aureus.

[Diclofenamide Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

Quality of the raw material of diclofenamide was evaluated for preparation of "Diclofenamide Reference Standard". Analytical results for the sample were as follows: melting point 240 degrees C (decomposition); UV spectrum indicates absorption maxima at 286 and 295 nm and the absorption ratio A286/A295 1.04; IR spectrum is same as that of the USP Reference Standard; no impurity was found by TLC, but a trace of one was found by HPLC analysis; the purity is assumed to be 99.95% by HPLC analysis; loss on drying 0.1%; assay by HPLC against USP Reference Standard 100.2%. Based on the results, the present raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Methoxalene Reference Standard (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of methoxalene was examined for the preparation of the "Methoxalene Reference Standard". Analytical data obtained were as follows: ultraviolet spectrum, lambda max = 300, 249 and 218 nm; absorbance, E1cm(1%) (300 nm) = 559; infrared spectrum, same as that of USP Reference Standard of Methoxalene; melting point, 148 degrees C; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 50 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), no impurities were detected, water, 0.04%; assay, 99.9% by absorbance method and 100.4% by the HPLC method in terms of the USP Reference Standard. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[d-Camphor Reference Standard (Control 901) and dl-Camphor Reference Standard (Control 901) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw materials of d-camphor and dl-camphor were examined for the preparation of the "d-Camphor Reference Standard" and "dl-Camphor Reference Standard". Analytical data obtained were as follows: ultraviolet spectrum, lambda max = 257 nm; absorbance, E1%1cm(257 nm) = 723; infrared spectrum, 2956, 1742, 1045 cm-1; optical rotation, [alpha]20D = +42.9 degrees (d-camphor), [alpha]20D = -0.00 degrees (dl-camphor); melting point, 180 degrees C (d-camphor), 179 degrees C (dl-camphor); gas-chromatography, one impurity was detected in d-camphor and four impurities were detected in dl-camphor. Based on the above results, these raw materials were authorized to be the Reference Standards of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 901) of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

Cholecalciferol Reference Standard for the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP RS) was prepared. The following analytical data were obtained: melting point 85.8 degrees C; UV and IR spectra were in agreement with both of the previous JP RS and USP RS of Cholecalciferol; absorptivity at 265 nm E1%lcm = 476; optical rotation [alpha]20D = + 110.1 degrees; no impurities were detected by TLC and HPLC analyses; assay 100.1% by HPLC against the USP RS. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Riboflavin Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of riboflavin was examined for the preparation of the "Riboflavin Reference Standard (Control 891)". Analytical data obtained were as follows: melting point, 238.2 degrees C (decomposition); absorbance, E1%1cm = 859 (267 nm), 277 (372 nm), 327 (445 nm); infrared spectrum, same as Riboflavin Reference Standard (Control 872); thin-layer chromatography, 5 impurities were detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, 11 impurities were detected; loss on drying, 0.25%; optical rotation, [alpha]20D = -133.6 degrees; solubility, less than 16 min; assay, 100.1% against Riboflavin Reference Standard (Control 872). Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Steroid withdrawal in renal transplant recipients]

The clinically important side effects of long-term steroid use are well known. We report the results of complete steroid withdrawal in 7 living-related renal transplants in HLA-identical (3) or one-haplotype match (4) recipients initially treated with azathioprine (5) or cyclosporine (2), and steroids. After the end of the second year, steroids were stopped if renal function was normal (serum creatinine below 2.0 mg/dl) and if no alterations were seen on renal biopsy. In 1 patient steroid had to be discontinued because of the complications of steroid immunosuppression. The study population consisted of 7 patients with a mean age of 32.4 years. The sex distribution was 6 males and 1 female. All patients had received a minimum of 3 blood transfusions prior to transplantation. Steroid was discontinued 34.0 +/- 18.1 months posttransplant. Oral azathioprine or cyclosporine were employed for long-term maintenance immunosuppression. Six patients (86%) have remained continuously off steroids for 52.2 +/- 50.5 months (range 4-150) with stable renal function. The mean serum creatinine was 1.1 +/- 0.4 mg/dl at the most recent follow-up. Reinstitution of steroid was required in 1 patient (14%) for rejection (36 months after steroid withdrawal). Thus, steroid withdrawal was successful in 6 of 7 patients. In HLA-identical recipients, all are currently steroid-free. In haplo-matched patients, 75% are steroid independent. Discontinuation of steroid resulted in a decrease in serum cholesterol concentration from 246 +/- 41 to 204 +/- 25 mg/dl (P less than 0.003). We conclude that steroid withdrawal may be accomplished in selected patient without increasing the rate of graft loss.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunologic effects of recombinant interferon-gamma in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Immunologic and antitumor effects of human recombinant interferon-gamma were studied in patients with renal cell carcinoma. A daily dose of 6 to 12 x 10(6) units/m2 of interferon-gamma was given by intravenous drip infusion or intramuscular injection to nine patients over a period varying from two to 16 weeks. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and OKIa1-positive monocytes count increased significantly after the therapy was started. Interferon-gamma transiently increased OKT3- and OKT4- positive lymphocyte count. Tumor regression was not observed when clinical response was evaluated in seven patients. Two others, who had no measurable metastases, were not evaluated, because interferon-gamma were given to them as post-operative adjuvant therapy. Our results indicate that interferon-gamma stimulated monocytes and enhanced cell-mediated cytotoxicity; they also suggest the necessity of combining monoclonal antibodies and other biological response modifiers that effect tumor-associated antigens.

Primary adrenocortical micronodular dysplasia: enzyme histochemical and ultrastructural studies of two cases with a review of the literature

The adrenal glands from two patients with primary adrenocortical micronodular dysplasia (PAMD) were studied (no. 1, a 23-year-old man with cardiac myxomas and sarcoidosis; no. 2, a 16-year-old girl). The PAMD cells showed intense activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta DH), succinate DH, glucose-6-phosphate DH, alkaline phosphatase (AlPase), and other DHs and lysosomal hydrolases, giving a characteristic staining pattern. The staining patterns correlated well with ultrastructural findings. The larger adrenals (no. 1: 16.6 g) were associated with larger black nodules and internodular cortex (INC) with fairly well-retained enzyme activities, and contained cell clusters and single cells with intense AlPase activity with the appearance of PAMD nodules in the buds. The smaller adrenals (no. 2: 5.4 g) were associated with smaller black/yellow nodules, and had INC with weaker enzyme activity. Analysis of descriptions of INC in 25 previously reported cases revealed that the larger adrenals (more than 10 g) had less atrophic INC than the smaller ones. The characteristic enzyme pattern in PAMD cells explains the paradox that PAMD adrenals smaller than normal can cause Cushing's syndrome, and may be useful for investigating neoplastic and non-neoplastic counterparts in other adrenal lesions. The relationship between PAMD cells and INC is not simply one of autonomy versus atrophy, and both cell types may be stimulated by a certain common trophic factor. Thus, PAMD belongs to the category of hyperplasia.

[Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 881) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of betamethasone sodium phosphate was examined for preparation of the "Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard". Analytical results for the sample were as follows: pH 7.90; optical rotation + 100.5 degrees; IR spectrum the same as USP Reference Standard of Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate; TLC indicated no impurities, but 5 kinds of impurities were detected in small amounts by HPLC; water content 14.7%; assay 100.2% by HPLC. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Methyldigoxin Reference Standard (Control 881) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

Methyldigoxin was tested for preparation of the "Methyldigoxin Reference Standard (Control 881)". Analytical data obtained were as follows: infrared spectrum 3456, 1738, 1086 cm-1; ultraviolet spectrum lambda max = 219 nm; absorbance E1cm1% (219 nm) = 193.1; water 0.99%; optical rotation [alpha]546.1(20) = +22.5 degrees; thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography indicates two impurities, respectively; quantitative analysis of acetone 3.87%; assay by spectrophotometry 100.3% against Digoxin Reference Standard (Control 802). On the basis of the above results, this material was authorized as the National Institute of the Hygienic Sciences Reference Standard (Control 881).

[Thiamine Hydrochloride Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of thiamine hydrochloride was examined for preparation of the "Thiamine Hydrochloride Reference Standard". Analytical results were as follows: melting point 242.7 degrees; pH 3.2 (1 g, water, 100 ml); IR spectrum the same as that of JP Reference Standard (Control: 841); one and two impurities detected by TLC and by HPLC analyses, respectively; assay by thiochrome method 100.3% and by HPLC 100.1% against the JP Reference Standard. Based on the results, the present raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Cyanocobalamin Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

Cyanocobalamin was tested for preparation on the "Cyanocobalamin Reference Standard (Control 891)". Analytical data obtained were as follows: loss on drying, 9.77%; infrared spectrum, same as that of the Cyanocobalamin Reference Standard (Control 871); thin-layer chromatography, five contaminants were detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, nine contaminants were detected; assay, 100.00% by JP XI method and 99.79% by HPLC method in terms of the JP Reference Standard (Control 871), respectively. On the basis of the above results, this material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Standard (Control 891).

[Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of prednisolone sodium phosphate was examined for preparation of the "Prednizolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard". Analytical data obtained were as follows: pH 7.6; optical rotation [alpha]D25, +99.0 degrees; Infrared spectrum, same as that of BP Reference Standard; Thin-layer chromatography, 4 impurities were detected; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 7 kinds of impurities were detected; residual solvent, 0.76% (ethnol) and 0.23% (hexane); assay, 100.2% by the enzyme method and 99.7% by the HPLC method in terms of the BP Reference Standard. Based on the above results, this raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Hydrocortisone Acetate Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of hydrocortisone acetate was examined for preparation of the "Hydrocortisone Acetate Reference Standard". Analytical results were as follows: E1%1cm (242 nm) 403; IR spectrum indicates specific absorption at 3424, 1745, 1721, 1630, and 1374 cm-1; optical rotation +164.4 degrees (in dioxane); melting point 219.5 degrees (decomposition); loss on drying 0.16%; TLC and HPLC analyses indicated one and three impurities, respectively; assay by HPLC was 99.7% against the previous Reference Standard. Based on the results, the present raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Tocopherol Succinate Reference Standard (Control 881) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

Tocopherol succinate was tested for the preparation of "Tocopherol Succinate Reference Standard (Control 881)". Analytical data obtained were as follows: infrared spectrum, same as Tocopherol Succinate Reference Standard (Control 851); absorbance, E1cm1% (286 nm) = 40.5; thin-layer chromatography, contaminants were not detected until 50 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, three contaminants were detected; loss on drying, 0.09%; assay, 100.0%. On the basis of the above results, this material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Standard (Control 881).

[Mestranol Reference Standard (Control 881) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of mestranol was examined for preparation of the "Mestranol Reference Standard". Analytical results for the sample were as follows: UV spectrum indicated absorption maxima at 279 and 287 nm and absorptivity at 279 nm E1%1cm 66; IR spectrum indicated specific absorption at 1612, 1578, 1505, 1253, and 1060 cm-1; optical rotation +3.9 degrees; melting point 153.1 degrees; loss on drying 0.03%; TLC and HPLC analyses indicated one impurity, respectively; the purity was assumed to be 99.3% by HPLC analysis. Based on the results, the present raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.

[Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 891) of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences]

The raw material of dexamethasone sodium phosphate was examined for preparation of the "Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard". Analytical results were as follows: UV spectrum indicates absorption maxima at 242 nm and absorptivity at 242 nm is E1%1cm 304; optical rotation +79.0%; pH 7.7; ethanol 5.2%; water 6.0%; HPLC analysis indicates small amounts of three impurities and the purity was assumed to be 99.8%; assay by HPLC indicated 100.9% against the USP Reference Standard of "Dexamethasone Phosphate". Based on the results, the present raw material was authorized to be the Reference Standard of the National Institute of Hygienic Sciences.