Expression of aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (P450aldo) mRNA in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells by angiotensin II type 1 receptor

Changes in the mRNA levels for aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (P450aldo or CYP11B2) in rat adrenal glands were studied in response to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonists. Since 11 beta hydroxylase P450 (P45011 beta or CYP11B1), which shows high homology (88.5%) with P450aldo in their nucleotide sequences of the amino acid coding regions, is also expressed in the adrenal gland, RT-PCR was performed with specific primers for each P450. Upon sodium restriction (5 mmol Na+/kg of diet) of the rats for 14 days, the amount of the P450aldo mRNA in the adrenal glands increased 8.5 fold above from the rats fed on a normal diet (225 mmol Na+/kg of diet), whereas no significant change of the P45011 beta mRNA was observed after the dietary sodium restriction. As shown by an immunoblot analysis, the adrenal capsule portions (mainly zona glomerulosa) of the rats kept on the low Na diet for 14 days expressed significantly higher level of P450aldo than those from the rats fed the normal diet. In concert with the alteration, plasma aldosterone concentration increased. However, when a specific AT1 antagonist E4177 was given to the rats kept on a low Na diet, the amount and activity of P450aldo as well as the plasma aldosterone concentration was suppressed. On the other hand, the increase of P450aldo induced by the low Na diet was not affected by an AT2-specific antagonist, PD123177.

Comparative studies on schistosomulicidal activity of mouse and rat eosinophils

Eosinophils from interleukin (IL)-5 transgenic mice were shown to have antibody-dependent killing activity against the larvae of Schistosoma japonicum. However, in comparison with rat eosinophils, the schistosomulicidal activity of mouse eosinophils was lower. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells binding to mouse immunoglobulins demonstrated that rat cells were superior to mouse cells in the binding of mouse IgG. However, the adherence and schistosomulicidal activity of mouse cells were inhibited by rat anti-mouse Fcgamma receptor monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that the mechanism of killing by mouse eosinophils is mediated by IgG antibodies.

Identification of the metabolites of a new oxazolidinone MAO-A inhibitor in rat

1. Six metabolites present in rat urine after the oral administration of E2011 ((5R)-3-[2-((1S)-3-cyano-1-hydroxypropyl)benzothiazol-6-yl]-5-meth oxymethyl-2- oxazolidinone) were isolated with an Amberlite XAD-4 column and hplc, and termed HPM-1, HPM-2, HPM-31, HPM-32, HPM-33 and HPM-4. 2. To determine the correspondence of the findings of the metabolites between tlc (which was used in our previous study) and hplc, the six metabolites were isolated from rat urine after the administration of 14C-labelled E2011 with an Amberlite XAD-4 column and hplc, and then analysed by tlc. HPM-1, HPM-2, HPM-31, HPM-32, HPM-33 and HPM-4 were identified as IM7, IM3, IM4, IM2, IM1 and E2011, respectively. 3. The structures of the metabolites were identified with nmr and mass spectrometry. One of the compounds identified, HPM-4, was the unchanged drug, E2011, and HPM-2 was O-desmethyl-E2011. Another metabolite (HPM-33), the main metabolite in the urine, was identified as (4S)-hydroxy-E2011, and the others were (4S)-hydroxy-O-desmethyl-E2011 (HPM-1), 2"-hydroxy-E2011 (HPM-31) and (4R)-hydroxy-E2011 (HPM-32). 4. In conclusion, the main metabolic pathway of E2011 in the rat consisted of O-demethylation and hydroxylation.

Curcumin inhibition of Dermatophagoides farinea-induced interleukin-5 (IL-5) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production by lymphocytes from bronchial asthmatics

Curcumin, a dietary pigment responsible for the yellow color of curry, has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral activity. However, it has not been determined whether the effect of curcumin on the production of cytokine affects eosinophil functions and IgE synthesis. In the present study, we examined the effect of curcumin on the production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-5, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and IL-4 by lymphocytes from atopic asthmatics in response to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinea: Df) in order to clarify a potential application for allergic diseases. Curcumin inhibited Df-induced lymphocyte proliferation and production of IL-2. Exogenous IL-2 reconstituted the proliferative responsiveness of lymphocytes to Df in the presence of curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited IL-5, GM-CSF, and IL-4 production in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that curcumin may have a potential effect on controlling allergic diseases through inhibiting the production of cytokines affecting eosinophil function and IgE synthesis.

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of a new, 14C-labelled oxazolidinone MAO-A inhibitor in rat and dog

1. After oral administration of 14C-labelled (5R)-3-[2-((1S)-3-cyano-1-hydroxypropyl)benzothiazol-6-yl]-5-metho xymethyl -2-oxazolidinone (E2011) at a dose of 1 mg/kg, the blood level of radioactivity reached a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 0.545 microgram eq./ml after 0.25 h in the rat and of 0.900 microgram eq./ml after 0.5 h in the dog. In dog plasma, Cmax for radioactivity and unchanged E2011 were 0.862 microgram eq./ml and 0.650 microgram/ml respectively with corresponding Tmax (time at Cmax) of 0.75 and 0.25 h. The unchanged drug in dog plasma was below the detection limit (5 ng/ml plasma) after 24 h. 2. The tissue levels of radioactivity were measured at 0.25 (Tmax), 6, 24, and 168 h after administration to the rat and at 0.5 (Tmax), 24, and 168 h in the dog. The radioactivity was distributed in all tissues examined at Tmax in the rat and dog. The radioactivity levels of the cerebral cortex in the rat and dog were 26 and 36% of the plasma level at Tmax. The radioactivity in tissues decreased at almost the same rate as that in plasma. Plasma protein binding of the unchanged drug in the rat in vitro were about 70% in the range of 0.1-10 micrograms/ml, and those in the dog were about 45% in the same concentration range. 3. Cumulative excretion of radioactivity in the rat was 74.5% in urine and 22.5% in faeces after 7 days. In the dog, 55.5 and 36.5% of the radioactivity administered were excreted in urine and faeces respectively after 7 days. The biliary excretion of radioactivity in the cannulated rat was 23.0% within 48 h. 4. In tlc analysis of plasma and tissues of the rat and dog, the radioactivity for the unchanged drug was much higher than metabolites. In tlc analysis of urine, the same metabolites were detected in the rat and dog, and the radioactivity of a metabolite, IM1, was the highest in the both animals. Eight metabolites were detected in the plasma, tissues and excreta of the rat, and four metabolites in the dog. 5. In conclusion, the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of 14C-labelled E2011 in the rat and dog have been established, and only minor differences were observed between these species.

Regulation of aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B2) and 11 beta-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B1) expression in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells by low sodium diet and angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Changes in the mRNA levels for aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B2 or P450aldo) and 11 beta hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B1 or P45011 beta) in rat adrenal glands were studied in response to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonists. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes were highly homologous (88.5%) in their nucleotide sequences of the amino acid coding regions. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) which are capable of discriminating between rat CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, were performed with specific primers for each P450. Upon sodium restriction (5 mmol Na(+)/kg of diet) of rats for 14d, the amount of the CYP11B2 mRNA in the adrenal glands was increased 8.5-fold compared to that from the rats fed a normal diet (225 mmol Na(+)/kg of diet), whereas no significant change in the CYP11B1 mRNA was observed after the dietary sodium restriction. As shown by an immunoblot analysis, the adrenal capsule portions (mainly zona glomerulosa) of the rats kept on the low Na diet for 14d expressed significantly higher levels of both CYP11B2 and CYP11B1, and contained a significantly higher amount of CYP11B2 than those from the rats fed by normal diet. The activities of the CYP11B2 enzyme were also found to be increased by about 8-fold on day 14. In concert with these alterations, the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) increased. However, when the specific AT1 antagonist E4177 was given to rats maintained on the low Na diet, the amount and activity of CYP11B2, as well as the PAC, were suppressed. In contrast, the increase in CYP11B2 induced by the low Na diet was not affected by the AT2-specific antagonist PD123177. These results indicate that the aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B2) is an ultimate target of the regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis by an AT1 receptor antagonist.

Selective deficiency of debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase activity in mouse liver microsomes

Cytochrome P450 enzymes belonging to the CYP2D subfamily have been shown to be one of determinants of the polymorphic drug oxidations in the human and the rat. Debrisoquine 4-hydroxylation is a typical reaction catalyzed by these enzymes. However, various strains of mice were observed to have much lower debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase activity than Wistar rats, whereas other monooxygenase activities in mice toward bunitrolol, propranolol, imipramine and amitriptyline, which are mediated by the CYP2D enzymes in the rat, were comparable to those of the rats. Immunoblot analysis of mouse liver microsomes with an antibody raised against a rat CYP2D enzyme indicated that the mouse liver contained a P450 enzyme(s) immunochemically related to the rat CYP2D enzyme. The antibody inhibited propranolol ring-hydroxylase and imipramine 2-hydroxylase activities, as well as testosterone 16alpha-hydroxylase activity, a typical reaction of mouse CYP2D9, but not debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase activity in mouse liver microsomes. We partially purified a P450 enzyme (designated P450 ML2d) from livers of male ddY mice by monitoring the cross-reactivity with the antibody. The partially purified enzyme was indicated to belong to the CYP2D subfamily from its N-terminal amino acid sequence, but the homology of the sequence to other CYP2D enzymes of the mouse (CYP2D9-11) was 62%, suggesting that P450 ML2d is a novel P450 enzyme. P450 ML2d had the oxidation activities for the rat CYP2D-substrates, such as propranolol 4-hydroxylation and imipramine 2-hydroxylation, in higher rates than those of the microsomes, but did not exhibit debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase activity. Our result is the first finding that a mouse CYP2D enzyme also metabolizes substrates for the rat CYP2D enzyme, in addition to steroids, but the enzyme had a limited specificity for the substrates of the CYP2D enzymes of the rat and the human.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of IL-4-induced Fc epsilon RII expression in human monocytes

We have previously shown that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) reduces interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced Fc epsilon RII expression in human monocytes. It has been shown that TNF-alpha activates nuclear transcriptional factors through the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibits TNF-alpha-induced activation of nuclear transcriptional factors. Therefore, we hypothesized that TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of IL-4-induced Fc epsilon RII expression in monocytes might be mediated through the ROIs-activated mechanism. In the present study, to test our hypothesis, we examined the effect of NAC on TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of IL-4-induced Fc epsilon RII expression in human monocytes. NAC attenuated TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of IL-4-induced Fc epsilon RII expression by attenuating TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of Fc epsilon RII mRNA expression. Similarly, the structurally unrelated antioxidant, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), also effectively attenuated this-reduction. These results indicate that an ROIs-activated and antioxidant-sensitive mechanism might be involved in TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of IL-4-induced Fc epsilon RII expression in monocytes.

Kinetic analysis of the primary active transport of conjugated metabolites across the bile canalicular membrane: comparative study of S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-glutathione and 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethyl-2-methylamino-4-(3-pyridylmethyl)benzothiazole glucuronide

Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rat (EHBR) is a mutant strain with a hereditary defect in canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT). We examined the uptake and mutual inhibition of S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-glutathione (DNP-SG), which is a typical substrate for cMOAT, and 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethyl-2-methylamino-4-(3-pyridylmethyl) benzothiazole (E3040) glucuronide (E-glu) with canalicular membrane vesicles (CMV) prepared from Sprague-Dawley (SD) and EHBR rats to investigate the multiplicity of the organic anion transporter. The ATP-dependent uptake by CMV from SD rats had an apparent Km of 17.6 microM for DNP-SG and 5.7 microM for E-glu, whereas the corresponding uptake by CMV from EHBR had an apparent Km of 44.6 microM for E-glu. The effects of E-glu, 4-methylumbelliferone glucuronide (4 MUG), E3040 sulfate (E-sul) and 4-methylumbelliferone sulfate (4 MUS) on the uptake of [3H]DNP-SG were also examined. The uptake of [3H]DNP-SG was inhibited by glucuronides (E-glu and 4 MUG) in a concentration-dependent manner, although it was enhanced by the sulfate conjugates (E-sul and 4 MUS). This enhancement was shown to be caused by an increased DNP-SG affinity for the transporter. In CMV from SD rats, although ATP-dependent uptake of [3H]DNP-SG was almost completely inhibited by E-glu, that of [14C]E-glu was only reduced to about 30% of controls by DNP-SG. On the other hand, in CMV from EHBR, the ATP-dependent uptake of [14C]E-glu was not inhibited at all by DNP-SG. Kinetic analysis indicated that E-glu inhibited DNP-SG uptake competitively.

IN CONCLUSION

1) cMOAT recognizes both DNP-SG and E-glu, and another transporter present in SD rats is also involved in E-glu transport along with cMOAT; 2) the latter transporter is kinetically similar to the E-glu transporter present in EHBR; 3) E-sul enhances the uptake of DNP-SG by increasing the affinity of glucuronide for the transporter.

[Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis diagnosed by video thoracoscopic lung biopsy]

A 28-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of chest pain. A chest roentgenogram and a chest computed tomogram revealed many nodular shadows on both sides. Examinations of specimens obtained by and by transbronchial lung biopsy during fiberoptic bronchoscopy were not diagnostic, and therefore video thoracoscopic lung biopsy was done. The lung lesion was characterized by aggregates of epithelioid cell granulomas, along with granulomatous and necrotizing angitis. We therefore diagnosed necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis, and began to administer prednisolone. The nodular shadows disappeared within four weeks. In this case video thoracoscopic lung biopsy was useful in the diagnosis of necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis in the lung.

[Successful treatment with intermittent administration of etoposide for an adult case with recurrent hemophagocytic syndrome, developed in association with chronic EB virus infection related lymphoid hyperplasia in the small intestine]

A 28-year-old man complaining of melena accompanied by high grade fever was previously operated on for two small ulcerative, infiltrative lesions of the small bowel at another hospital in April, 1992. In the resected small intestines an immunohistochemical study was positive for EBV encoded RNA (EBER). It is assumed that Epstein-Barr (EB) virus infection has contributed to the small bowel lesions. In March, 1993, he was diagnosed as having chronic EB virus infection. In October, 1993, he was transferred to our hospital for further examination of high grade fever, rapidly worsening thrombocytemia and severe liver disfunction. Mature histiocytes with hemophagocytosis were detected in the bone marrow and he was diagnosed as having hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) due to reactivation of chronic EB virus infection. Although treatment by corticosteroids, acyclovir and gamma globulin was not effective administration of etoposide induced remission of the disease. In December, 1993 and January, 1994 HPS recurred, but etoposide was again effective in alleviating the disease. To prevent recurrence of HPS after we discharge the patient, intermittent administration of small doses of etoposide was started. Since then HPS has not recurred, and the drug was eventually discontinued in November, 1995. Our case suggested that Etoposide could change the fulminant course of EB virus-associated HPS and that it is effective to sustained remission.

Efficacy of lansoprazole against peptic ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: endoscopic evaluation of ulcer healing

Beyond the obvious step of limiting use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the treatment of ulcers induced by NSAIDs remains controversial. We evaluated the efficacy of the proton-pump inhibitor lansoprazole on NSAID-induced ulcers. Ulcers were endoscopically diagnosed in 47 NSAID users. These patients received 30 mg/day lansoprazole, orally, for 6 or 8 weeks (6 weeks for duodenal ulcers and 8 weeks for other ulcers). Ulcer healing was assessed using an established classification system. The presence of immunoglobulin G antibody against Helicobacter pylori was also evaluated. The antibody was present in the sera of 51% of patients (24/47). Most of the ulcers reached scarring stages S1 (healing) or S2 (good healing), and the S2 healing rate was 35%. Two H. pylori seropositive patients did not reach these stages; their ulcers were improved by H. pylori eradication therapy, followed, in one case, by medication with misoprostol. Lansoprazole seemed to be useful for most patients with NSAID-induced ulcers, but a few needed additional treatments.

Receptor-dependent G protein-mediated Ca2+ sensitization in canine airway smooth muscle

To determine the mechanisms of receptor-dependent Ca2+ sensitization in airway smooth muscle, canine tracheal smooth muscle (CTSM) was permeabilized with alpha-toxin or beta-escin. Although the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (100 microM), histamine (100 microM), and the thromboxane A2 analogue U-46619 (100 microM) were negligible, carbachol (100 microM) and endothelin-1 (ET-1, 1 microM) evoked additional contractions of 47.0 +/- 5.90% and 25.0 +/- 5.37% (n = 6) at pCa 6.7 with GTP (3 microM) (normalized to the maximum contraction at pCa 4.5) in alpha-toxin-permeabilized CTSM. GDP-beta-S (1 mM) reversed the carbachol and ET-1 responses completely. GTP-gamma-S (30 microM) and 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu, 3 microM) increased the Ca2+ sensitivity (median effective pCa) of contraction by 1.8- and 4.4-fold, respectively (n = 4-11, P < 0.05). The effects of saturating concentrations of GTP-gamma-S and PDBu were additive. A synthetic peptide (T2) corresponding to the actin-binding site of calponin caused a dose-dependent contraction of beta-escin permeabilized CTSM, with the peak effect (25 +/- 4%, n = 4) at 1200 microM, PDBu (3 microM) caused contraction of the T2 peptide-treated CTSM. In conclusion, Ca2+ sensitization of CTSM depends on receptor type and is mediated by G proteins and protein kinase C whose effects are additive, with a partial contribution by calponin.

Antithymocyte globulin for a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by severe pancytopenia

The clinical use of antithymocyte globulin is rarely reported in patients with rheumatic diseases. We describe the use of this agent in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who concomitantly developed severe pancytopenia. High-dose methylprednisolone therapy had been unsuccessful in controlling either the disease exacerbation or the pancytopenia. Antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A were therefore administered to achieve immunosuppression. The exacerbation of disease activity was gradually lessened, except for persistent thrombocytopenia and anaemia. Severe and persistent immunosuppression, however, led to a fatal brain abscess. The combined use of both antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A induced potent immunosuppression, and should be confined to selected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and administered under detailed monitoring.

Stereoselective determination of a new antidepressant, E2011, and its diastereoisomer as a metabolite by high-performance liquid chromatography

A stereoselective HPLC method has been developed for the determination of E2011 (compound I) and one of its metabolites and diastereoisomers, ER-20593 (compound II), in plasma. The two substances and the internal standard were extracted from plasma, followed by two purification steps. In the first step, a minicolumn, Bond Elut C18, was used and in the second step, another minicolumn, Bond Elut Si, was used for purification of the compounds. After the purification, the compounds were analyzed by HPLC with two Chiralpak AD columns. In this procedure, compounds I and II were stable and there was no chiral inversion. The within-day and the between-day assays were performed in rat plasma, where compounds I and II existed simultaneously. The within-day and the between-day precisions of compound I were 2.0 approximately 10.1% and 1.3 approximately 7.1%, and the within-day and the between-day accuracies were -8.2 approximately +3.0% and -6.6 approximately +4.0% in the concentration range 0.003-10 microg ml(-1). The within-day and the between-day precisions of compound II were 1.7 approximately 16.9% and 0.9 approximately 4.5% and the within-day and the between-day accuracies were -9.0 approximately +2.4% and -5.6 approximately +3.8% in the concentration range of 0.005-0.5 microg ml(-1). QC samples for compound I and II were stable for at least 3 months. The method was applied to measure the levels of compound I and II in the rat plasma after oral administration of compound I.

[Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid in patients with bronchial asthma]

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is composed of 20 unsaturated fatty acids and is similar to arachidonic acid. Epadel, the drug made from EPA, is reported not only to reduce levels of serum lipids, but also to have antiinflammatory and antiallergic effects. EPA may exert these effects via control of the production of prostanoids and leukotrienes. We studied the effects of EPA in patients with bronchial asthma who had hyperlipidemia. The patents were given EPA at 1800 mg/day and they recorded signs and symptoms in an asthma diary during a 2-week observation period and the 8 weeks during which they took the drug. Peak flow, leukotriene B4 concentration in urine, Leukotriene E4 concentration in urine, IgE level, total cholesterol level, and triglyceride level were measured before and after the 8 weeks of medication. Administration of EPA was associated with improvements in symptom score, therapeutic score, asthma score, and peak flow. EPA may be useful in patients with asthma complicated by hyperlipidemia.

[The effect of prophylactic intravenous diltiazem drip infusion on myocardial ischemia during noncardiac surgery]

We evaluated the effect of intravenous diltiazem infusion in 105 noncardiac surgical patients. Subjects were elective surgical patients with coronary artery disease and coronary risk factors which were hypertension (WHO standards), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia (total cholesterol > or = 220 mg.dl-1), obesity (body mass index : male > or = 26 kg.m-2, female > or = 25) and old age (70 years old or above). The prophylactic intravenous diltiazem infusion (1.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) was started immediately after induction of general anesthesia or epidural analgesia and continued until the end of operation. All patients were monitored by ST trend graph during anesthesia, and ischemia pattern was defined as > or = 1 mm ST changes and lasting over 1 min. Ischemic ST-T changes were noted in 4 cases in the operating room. ST depression was noted in 2 cases before starting anesthesia and these 2 cases showed improvement with diltiazem infusion lasting until the end of operation. ST-T changes were noted in 2 cases during surgery and these 2 cases showed improvement with diltiazem isosorbide dinitrate. We conclude that prophylactic intravenous diltiazem infusion may prevent ischemia during noncardiac surgery.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA 1 and latent membrane protein 1 in synovial lining cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients

Several investigators have demonstrated an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is no direct evidence that this virus exists in the synovial cells of patients with RA. We attempted to detect EBV in synovial cells from RA patients. Specimens of synovial tissues from 34 patients with RA and from 20 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and from one patient with psoriatic arthritis as controls, were examined for evidence of the EBV by in situ hybridization. The specimens were also tested by immunoperoxidase staining for expression of the CD21 molecule (EBV receptor), EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-2 and latent membrane protein (LMP)-1. EBV-encoded small RNA-1 (EBER) was demonstrated in synovial lining cells from eight (23.5%) out of 34 RA patients but in none of 20 OA patients (P < 0.05) nor in the one psoriatic arthritis patient. Interestingly, EBER localized in synovial lining cells that were located at the apex of villus proliferating lesions. Furthermore, LMP-1 was also detected in synovial lining cells at the top of villus lesions. Nevertheless, CD19 and CD21 molecules, and EBNA-2 were not demonstrated in such lesions. The incidence of EBV-positive in synovial lining cells with severely infiltrated lymphocytes tended to be higher than that in moderately infiltrated ones. This is the first evidence that EBV exists in chronically inflamed synovial lining cells of human joints in RA.

Kinetics of nikkomycin Z degradation in aqueous solution and in plasma

The stability of nikkomycin Z in aqueous solution at various pH values and in the plasma of several kinds of experimental animals was studied. The degradation of nikkomycin Z in aqueous solution at pH 4 to 11.5 and in plasma was an apparent first-order reaction. The degradation rate at 37 degrees C increased with increasing pH, from 4.0 to 7.5, and decreased with increasing pH from 7.5 to 10.2. Above pH 10.2, the degradation rate was constant. The maximal rate of nikkomycin Z degradation was observed in pH 7.5 buffer solution, in which the apparent first-order rate constant (k(obs)) was 8.08 x 10(-2) h(-1) (t1/2 = 8.6 h). The degradation rate of nikkomycin Z in dog plasma at 37 degrees C was the almost same as that in pH 7.5 buffer. The rates in rat, mouse, and rabbit plasma were much greater than that in pH 7.5 buffer; the k(obs) values for rat, mouse, rabbit, and dog plasma at 37 degrees C were 1.74 x 10(-1) min(-1), 3.64 x 10(-2) min(-1), 5.10 x 10(-1) h(-1), and 6.14 x 10(-2) h(-1), respectively. The degradation rate of nikkomycin Z in rat plasma was markedly decreased when NaF, an esterase inhibitor, was added to the plasma. The findings of faster degradation rates in rat, mouse, and rabbit plasma compared with that in pH 7.5 buffer were considered to be due to an esterase in the plasma. This notion was supported by results showing the degradation rate of nikkomycin Z in porcine liver esterase solution.

[Effects of fibronectin on the monokine production by cultured-human monocytes]

The effect of fibronectin (FN) on IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 production was investigated with cultured monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood. Monokine concentrations were determined by ELISA. FN markedly stimulated the secretion of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 from cultured monocytes. Northern blot analysis revealed the up-regulated expression of mRNA specific for each monokine on exposure of monocytes to FN. GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, and LPS synergistically enhanced FN-induced IL-1 alpha production. We further investigated the signal transduction pathways involved in FN-stimulated monokine secretion. FN-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion was markedly inhibited by either herbimycin A or genistein, inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), but was not affected by staurosporin, a inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC). The results suggest that PTK is required for FN-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion. In contrast, LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion was markedly inhibited by not only herbimycin A or genistein, but also staurosporin. Therefore, both PTK and PKC may be involved in LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion. We also demonstrated that, in monocytes, cytoplasmic proteins of about 70 and 240 kDa were phosphorylated after FN stimulation. Our results indicate that FN may contribute to the inflammatory response of monocyte by inducing monokine production.

[Three cases of malignant lymphoma that developed from the chest wall]

Chronic tuberculous pyothrax and the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) on the chest wall are believed to be closely related. We encountered three patients with NHL involving the chest wall in whom the tumor may have had a different origin Patient 1: A 65-year-old man with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis and right-sided pyothrax at the age of 28 years was found to have a tumor on the right sided of the chest wall, and NHL was diagnosed. Patient 2: A 65-year old woman with a history of right-sided tuberculous pyothrax at the age of 2 years had a left-sided chest-wall tumor, and NHL was diagnosed. Patient 3: A 78-year-old man with a history of tuberclous pleuritis on the left side at the age of 77 years was found to have a left-sided chest-wall tumor, and NHL was diagnosed. In patients 1 and 2, the Epstein-Barr virus was found in tissue specimens by in situ hybridization. These findings suggest that chronic tuberculous pyothrax and the development of NHL on the chest wall were not closely related in these patients, and that the Epstein-Barr virus may play an important role in the development of NHL on the chest wall after tuberculous pyothrax.

TNF-alpha regulates GM-CSF-, IL-3- or M-CSF-induced Fc epsilon RII/CD23 gene expression and soluble Fc epsilon RII release by human monocytes

The authors examined the regulatory effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-, interleukin-3 (IL-3)- or macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)-induced gene expression of the low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) on human monocytes and GM-CSF-, IL-3- or M-CSF-induced soluble Fc epsilon RII (sFc epsilon RII) release from monocytes. The expression of GM-CSF-, IL-3- or M-CSF-induced Fc epsilon RII on the surface of monocytes was reduced by TNF-alpha. The present analysis was designed to examine whether or not TNF-alpha could suppress GM-CSF-, IL-3- or M-CSF-induced Fc epsilon RII messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and enhance the release of sFc epsilon RII induced by these cytokines. The addition of TNF-alpha to monocyte cultures with GM-CSF, IL-3 or M-CSF significantly reduced Fc epsilon RII expression on the surface of monocytes and significantly increased sFc epsilon RII release from monocytes. These results suggest that TNF-alpha-dependent reduction of GM-CSF-, IL-3- or M-CSF-induced Fc epsilon RII expression on the surface of monocytes resulted, at least in part, from the suppression of Fc epsilon RII mRNA and the enhancement of sFc epsilon RII release.