Transgenic mice lacking class I major histocompatibility complex-restricted T cells have delayed viral clearance and increased mortality after influenza virus challenge

To investigate the role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in recovery from influenza pneumonia, we used transgenic mice either homozygous (-/-) or heterozygous (+/-) for beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) gene disruption. These mice lack major histocompatibility complex-restricted class I (CD8+) T cells. We found that after challenge with a nonlethal influenza virus, the beta 2-M (-/-) mice had significantly delayed pulmonary viral clearance. Furthermore, after challenge with a more virulent influenza virus, the beta 2-M (-/-) mice had a significantly higher mortality rate than did control mice. Thus, CD8+ T cells are important in recovery from virulent influenza infections, but other host defense mechanisms can clear the respiratory tract of more benign infections.

cis-acting sequences required for inducible interleukin-2 enhancer function bind a novel Ets-related protein, Elf-1

The recent definition of a consensus DNA binding sequence for the Ets family of transcription factors has allowed the identification of potential Ets binding sites in the promoters and enhancers of many inducible T-cell genes. In the studies described in this report, we have identified two potential Ets binding sites, EBS1 and EBS2, which are conserved in both the human and murine interleukin-2 enhancers. Within the human enhancer, these two sites are located within the previously defined DNase I footprints, NFAT-1 and NFIL-2B, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift and methylation interference analyses demonstrated that EBS1 and EBS2 are essential for the formation of the NFAT-1 and NFIL-2B nuclear protein complexes. Furthermore, in vitro mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that inducible interleukin-2 enhancer function requires the presence of either EBS1 or EBS2. Two well-characterized Ets family members, Ets-1 and Ets-2, are reciprocally expressed during T-cell activation. Surprisingly, however, neither of these proteins bound in vitro to EBS1 or EBS2. We therefore screened a T-cell cDNA library under low-stringency conditions with a probe from the DNA binding domain of Ets-1 and isolated a novel Ets family member, Elf-1. Elf-1 contains a DNA binding domain that is nearly identical to that of E74, the ecdysone-inducible Drosophila transcription factor required for metamorphosis (hence the name Elf-1, for E74-like factor 1). Elf-1 bound specifically to both EBS1 and EBS2 in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. It also bound to the purine-rich CD3R element from the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 long terminal repeat, which is required for inducible virus expression in response to signalling through the T-cell receptor. Taken together, these results demonstrate that multiple Ets family members with apparently distinct DNA binding specificities regulate differential gene expression in resting and activated T cells.

Action of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors in circular smooth muscle of canine proximal colon

Addition of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine (1 microM) to tetrodotoxin-treated strips of canine colonic circular smooth muscle resulted in a significant increase in contractile force that was blocked by addition of the alpha 2-antagonist yohimbine (0.1 microM). The alpha 2-receptor antagonist radioligand [3H]rauwolsine bound rapidly and reversibly to a single class of saturable sites (Bmax, 38.4 +/- 6.2 fmol/mg protein) in colonic circular smooth muscle membranes with an affinity (KD = 5.1 +/- 0.9 nM) characteristic of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in smooth muscle. Studies in cells freshly isolated from circular muscle of canine proximal colon verified the smooth muscle origin of these receptors. Rank order of potency of alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonists in competition for [3H]rauwolsine binding was yohimbine greater than oxymetazoline much greater than prazosin. Affinity of alpha 2-receptors for yohimbine was indistinguishable from that of its optical isomer, rauwolsine, in both competition studies (KI = 3.4 nM) and in saturation-binding experiments employing [3H]yohimbine directly (KD = 4.2 nM). The alpha-receptor agonist epinephrine, in competition studies employing [3H]rauwolsine, revealed high-affinity binding sites that were converted to low-affinity binding sites for agonist by addition of 100 microM GTP gamma S. Addition of the alpha 2 more-selective agonist clonidine (100 microM) resulted in inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity that was abolished by pretreatment of tissue strips with pertussis toxin suggesting coupling of the alpha 2-receptor in colon to adenylate cyclase via the GTP-binding protein Gi. Our data demonstrate a physiological role for adenylate cyclase-coupled receptors of the alpha 2A-subtype in canine colon circular smooth muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of opioid receptors on smooth muscle cells from guinea pig stomach

On the basis of opioid-stimulated contraction of dispersed gastric smooth muscle cells it has been suggested that these cells possess opioid receptors of three subtypes: kappa (kappa), mu (mu), and delta (delta). We have used selective peptidase-resistant radioligands, agonists and antagonists, to examine receptor subtypes on dispersed gastric smooth muscle cells from guinea pigs prepared by collagenase digestion. The kappa-agonist U-50488H, the mu-agonist [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAGO), and the delta-agonist [D-Pen2,Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) each caused muscle contraction. The concentrations required to caused half-maximal contraction were U50488H (6 pM) greater than DAGO (13 pM) greater than DPDPE (6 nM). The abilities of these agonists to inhibit binding of [3H]U-69593 (kappa-preferring) by 50% were U50488H (43 nM) greater than DAGO (43 microM) greater than DPDPE (200 microM). Their abilities to inhibit binding of [3H]naloxone (mu-preferring) by 50% were DAGO (0.2 microM) greater than U50488H (10 microM) greater than DPDPE (greater than 100 microM). No binding could be detected with the delta-selective ligand [3H]DPDPE. The kappa-preferring antagonist Mr2266 (10 nM) preferentially inhibited contraction stimulated by the kappa-agonist U50488H, and naltrexone (10 nM) (mu-selective antagonist) preferentially inhibited contraction stimulated by the mu-agonist DAGO. ICI 174864 (200 microM; delta-selective antagonist) had no effect on contraction stimulated by mu-, kappa-, or delta-agonists. Contraction stimulated by the delta-agonist DPDPE was inhibited by both kappa- and mu-receptor antagonists. Studies on the effect of the antagonists on binding of [3H]naloxone and [3H]U69593 also provided evidence for kappa- and mu-sites but nor for delta-sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Histochemical study of estrogen and progesterone receptors in cervical carcinoma]

Estrogen and progesterone receptors were determined in 56 cases of primary cervical carcinoma tissue by histochemical methods. 42.86% of the 56 cases were ER positive and 46.43% PR positive. No correlation was found between ER and PR status and age, menopausal status of the patient and clinical stage. Adenocarcinoma had significantly higher ER and PR positive rate than squamous carcinoma. Highly differentiated carcinoma had higher ER and PR positive rate than middle- and dedifferentiated carcinoma. A positive correlation between ER and PR and cellular infiltration of stroma and peritumoral reaction of fibrin was found. The patients with ER and PR positive had a significantly higher 5-year survival. ER and PR may be used as prognostic factors in cervical carcinoma.

A new mode for heme-heme interactions in hemoglobin associated with distal perturbations

The distal side of the heme pocket, known to regulate ligand affinity, is shown to be directly involved in subunit interactions. Valency hybrids with oxygen or carbon monoxide bound to the reduced chain are used to model R-state hemoglobin with different distal perturbations. Electron paramagnetic resonance of the oxidized chains shows that the carbon monoxide perturbation is transmitted between subunits to the distal histidine and the oxidized iron center. A comparison of hybrids with only one type of chain oxidized and hybrids with a single alpha beta dimer oxidized is consistent with this perturbation being transmitted across the alpha 1 beta 1 interface. This represents a new mode of subunit interactions in hemoglobin.

The protective effect of colchicine on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

With the purpose of evaluating the therapeutic effect of colchicine on lung fibrosis in rats, bleomycin A5 (BLM-A5) was injected intratracheally to produce a lung fibrosis model. The animals were then treated with colchicine, 50 micrograms/d i.m. One month later, collagen fiber deposition scores (stained by Masson trichrome) were significantly lower in the treated group than in the untreated group (P less than 0.01). This result was proved further by assaying total lung hydroxyproline content (P less than 0.05). Histopathologic findings showed that the proliferation of fibroblasts dropped slightly in the treated group as compared with the untreated group. From this study, we conclude that colchicine has certain antifibrotic effects and may be used in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

[Compatibility of Chinese drugs radix Aconiti carmichaeli with rhizoma Pinelliae]

To find out whether the Chinese drug Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli is compatible with another Chinese drug Rhizoma Pinelliae in preparation, the two medicinal herbs were made into different forms of decoctions. Experiments with these decoctions were carried out to observe the action on isolated hearts of toads and the ECG and acute toxicity on mice. The results showed that in terms of toxicity there was no marked increase in the mixed decoction as compared with the other two decoctions prepared from Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli and Rhizoma Pinelliae separately.

[Antihypertensive effects of highly active atrial natriuretic peptide (haANP) infusion in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension]

To study the antihypertensive effects of a new synthetic highly active atrial natriuretic peptide (haANP), the effects were observed in patients with moderate and severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). There were significant decreases in blood pressure (BP) for 10 min after haANP infusion (from 20.46 +/- 1.04/14.15 +/- 1.59 kPa to 18.17 +/- 0.60/11.08 +/- 1.36 kpa; P less than 0.05). 90 min after haANP infusion, BP decrease was the lowest (to 16.00 +/- 1.21/10.5 +/- 0.71 kPa; P less than 0.01), while plasma ANP levels increased 11 folds (from 47.5 +/- 5.5 ng/L to 525.4 +/- 15.6 ng/L). The effects continued for 300 minutes. Antihypertensive effects of magnesium sulphate were relatively relaxed (compared with those of haANP). The results showed strong and rapid antihypertensive effects of haANP. We found that mean RA and ALD levels were significantly decreased after haANP.

[Effects of ginseng volatile oil on cytochemical components of SGC-823 gastric carcinoma in cell culture]

After 24, 48 and 72 hours' treatment of cells of SGC-823 gastric carcinoma in cell cultures with ginseng volatile oil, glycogen, succinate dehydrogenase and DNA in single cells were measured quantitatively with MPV2 microscope photometer. The results show that the inhibition of cancer cell growth by ginseng volatile oil may be due to the action of metabolism of DNA, carbohydrates and energy.

Prefabrication of free flaps using the omentum in rats

The omentum used as a vascular carrier is a new experimental model for prefabrication of free flaps in the rat. A 2.5 x 4 cm patch of omentum with gastroepiploic vessels and its rich vascular arcades was transferred under a bipedicled 2.5 x 6 cm right abdominal panniculocutaneous flap. At subsequent time intervals (postoperative days 0, 3, 5, 7, and 14), the skin pedicles were divided and the skin flap was raised as a composite island flap vascularized only by the underlying omental patch. The composite flap was then sutured back in place. Prefabricated flaps examined postoperatively demonstrated a dye fluorescence index (DFI) of 4.60% +/- 2.82% and 1.67% +/- 4.08% flap survival (FS) in the day 0 group; in the day 3 group, 9.83% +/- 1.47% of DFI and 15.00% +/- 10.35% of FS; in the day 5 group, 28.39% +/- 5.25% of DFI and 86.0% +/- 12.74% of FS (P less than 0.05); in the day 7 group, 38.19% +/- 7.52% of DFI and 98.13% +/- 3.72% of FS (P less than 0.05); and, in the day 14 group, 49.55% +/- 6.70% of DFI and 100% of FS (P less than 0.05). India-ink injection and histologic examination confirmed revascularization of the overlying skin by day 5.

Deacetylation of cinobufagin by rat liver

The enzyme system mediating the deacetylation of cinobufagin (CB) at the 16-position to give deacetylCB was characterized in the rat. Tissue distribution studies showed that the highest activity of CB deacetylation was mainly localized in the liver microsomal fraction. Some activity was also detected in the serum and intestine. Kinetic studies of the enzymatic reaction carried out by microsomes demonstrated that the formation of deacetyl-CB increased linearly with time up to 60 min and with protein content up to 10 mg. Apparent Km and Vmax values calculated from Lineweaver-Burk plots were 2.7 x 10(-4) M and 4.17 nmol/mg of protein/min, respectively. Low concentrations of several metal salts (AgNO3, MgCl2, CoSO4, and CuCl2) did not affect CB deacetylase activity. Microsomal CB deacetylation was inhibited by the organophosphorus compounds cyanox and fenitrothion at 1.0 x 10(-6) M. Eserine sulfate, disulfiram, rifampicin, and phenacetin at 1.0 x 10(-4) M also decreased CB deacetylase activity. Aspirin, sodium fluoride, and EDTA at 1.0 x 10(-3) M did not inhibit the deacetylation. In vivo treatment of rats with phenobarbital resulted in a 2-fold increase in microsomal CB deacetylase activity. All of these results suggest that the enzyme responsible for CB deacetylation is somewhat different from the other characterized esterases.

[Localization of two neurotropic molecules in cultured glial cells by ion microscopy]

The intracellular localization of two families of neurotropic drugs: flunitrazepam and flurazepam (benzodiazepine), triflupromazine and trifluoperazine (phenothiazine) has been studied by ion microscopy. The molecules have been incubated with C6 glioblastoma cells from rat origin and with astroglial primary cultures. The images of the intracellular distributions of the two drugs are easily obtained by selecting the fluorine atom of the molecules. The images obtained show that flunitrazepam and flurazepam, two drugs of the benzodiazepine group are mainly located to the nuclei, whereas triflupromazine and trifluoperazine, two phenothiazines are exclusively located inside the cytoplasm.

Characterization and function of CD3+ CD4- CD8- TcR-alpha beta bearing cells infiltrating the lung during the immune response

To analyze immunological reactivity within the lung, we have examined the cellular changes in the lung during an experimentally induced immune response. When mice, primed intraperitoneally, were challenged intratracheally (i.t.), there was an increase in the total cells recovered from the lung as well as in the percent of Thyl+ cells, L3T4+ cells, and macrophages. More interesting was the observation that 40 to 60% of the CD3+ cells infiltrating the lung were CD4- CD8- and cells of this phenotype were not found in the tracheobronchial lymph node draining the lung. About 40% of the double negative T (DNT) cells bore TcR-alpha beta, and in vitro clones of the same phenotype, established from the i.t. challenged lungs, were shown, upon ConA stimulation, to synthesize mRNA for IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IFN gamma, TNF alpha, GM-CSF, TGF beta but not of IL-1 or EGF. Functionally, the double negative T cell clones suppressed the antigen-stimulated proliferative response of TH1 clones in vitro, which suggests that they may be involved in the down-regulation of antigen-initiated inflammatory responses in vivo.

Stimulation of melanin synthesis of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells by bufalin

Bufalin, which is one of prominent components of Chinese toad venom, was found to decrease the rate of cell proliferation of mouse melanoma clone B16-F10 cells and a concomitant stimulation of expression of its melanotic phenotype. The effect of bufalin on melanogenesis included stimulation of tyrosinase activity and increase of cellular melanin content. These effects became apparent after 48 hr exposure to 10(-4) M bufalin and increased thereafter. Other cardiotonic steroids, such as cinobufagin and ouabain, at the concentration of 10(-4) M for 6 days, also showed the stimulatory effect on melanin synthesis of B16-F10 cells, but not digitoxigenin.

The structure-activity relationship of skin carcinogenicity of aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocycles

From a study of 239 aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds causing skin cancer in mice, a quantitative structure-activity relationship has been derived. Carcinogenicity depends heavily on the relative hydrophobicity of the chemicals as defined by octanol/water partition coefficients (log P). It is also correlated with the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital and the presence of substituents on the L and K regions of the carcinogen. The results are discussed in terms of the bay region concept for carcinogenic activity.

Ion-implanted Nd:GGG channel waveguide laser

We report what is to our knowledge the first fabrication and laser operation of ion-implanted Nd:GGG channel waveguides. Diode-pumped operation has been achieved with absorbed power thresholds as low as ~2 mW and a slope efficiency of ~30% with respect to absorbed power.

Autoxidation of hemoglobin enhanced by dissociation into dimers

Autoxidation as a function of hemoglobin concentration indicates a 17-fold increase in the rate of autoxidation from 0.25 (%/h) to 4.3 (%/h) when tetrameric oxyhemoglobin dissociates into dimers. As a result of this large enhancement, a contribution of dissociation to the autoxidation is evident even at relatively high concentrations of hemoglobin for which it is usually considered that dissociation can be neglected. The mechanism for this phenomenon is attributed to alterations in the ligand pocket which occur when constraints due to subunit contacts within the R-state are eliminated.

Imipramine as a discriminative stimulus

The tricyclic antidepressant imipramine was established as a discriminative stimulus in pigeons at two doses (3.0 or 5.6 mg/kg). Because imipramine has multiple effects on different neurotransmitter systems, a range of compounds from several pharmacological classes were tested for substitution. The tricyclic antidepressants desipramine, amitriptyline and doxepin, all of which block serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake, resulted in imipramine-key responding. The psychomotor stimulants cocaine and d-amphetamine also occasioned responding on the imipramine key, as did the NE reuptake inhibitor tomoxetine; nomifensine, which blocks the reuptake of both NE and dopamine (DA), also resulted in responding on the key correlated with imipramine injections. Bupropion, a DA reuptake inhibitor, resulted in drug key responding but substitution did not occur with another DA uptake inhibitor GBR 12909. The alpha-2 agonist clonidine, the 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin or the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine also did not occasion drug-key responding. Drug-appropriate responding occurred in pigeons trained at the lower dose of imipramine with the 5-HT1A compounds 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide and gepirone; partial substitution occurred in pigeons trained with the higher dose of imipramine. Substitution for the imipramine stimulus by gepirone, an antidepressant with actions mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor, as well as with 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide, suggests that imipramine may have effects at this receptor site and confirms reports that compounds active at this receptor may have antidepressant activity. This appears to be the first report of the successful, long-term establishment of imipramine as a discriminative stimulus without the development of toxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of cytochrome P450 isozymes in human amnion FL cells and its application to the biological detection of mutagens

Using AHH, EROD, ECOD and APND as marker enzymes and 3-MC, beta-NF, NE and PB as inducers, inducible cytP450 IA and IIB gene expression was demonstrated in the human amnion FL cell line; these cells possess a broad spectrum of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Maximum induction was observed following co-treatment with 3-MC and NE. Both constitutive and induced AHH were proved to have the characteristics of cytP448-dependent mixed-function oxygenases. Induced cytP450 isozyme activity remained at a high level for 24-36 h after removal of the inducer. The induced FL cells were demonstrated to activate common promutagens/procarcinogens in UDS and ADPRT-mediated decrease of NAD content assay systems. This new design can be used as a simplified mutagen screening system: no supplemental liver microsomal activation system is needed.

Development of GABA-mediated, chloride-dependent inhibition in CA1 pyramidal neurones of immature rat hippocampal slices

1. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated, Cl(-)-dependent inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) and GABA currents in immature rat hippocampal CA1 neurones were studied using the whole-cell recording technique in brain slices. 2. IPSPs evoked by electrical stimulation were observed in postnatal 2- to 5- (PN2-5), 8- to 13-(PN8-13) and 15- to 20-(PN15-20)day-old CA1 neurones. In the presence of glutamate receptor blockers 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), the reversal potential for the IPSP (EIPSP) was near the resting membrane potential (RMP) in the PN2-5 neurones, but 13 and 25 mV more negative than the RMP in PN8-13 and PN15-20 neurones respectively. IPSPs and GABA currents were blocked by the GABAA-receptor antagonists bicuculline or picrotoxin. 3. The reversal potential for somatic GABA currents (EGABA) was examined in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX). There was a strong dependence of the EGABA upon the patch pipette [Cl-] ([Cl-]p). indicating that the GABA currents were mediated by a Cl- conductance. In PN2-5 neurones, EGABA agreed with the value predicted by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation at given concentrations of internal and external anions permeable through GABA-activated Cl- channels, whereas EGABA in older neurones was 8-18 mV more negative. 4. Examination of the relations between EGABA, holding potential, [Cl-]p and resting conductance indicated that the membrane of the PN2-5 neurones was readily permeable to Cl- which followed a passive Donnan equilibrium. Passive distribution of Cl- played a decreasing role in PN8-13 neurones and in PN15-20 neurones. 5. To assess the contribution of outward Cl- co-transport, bath applications of high K+ or furosemide were performed. High K+ and furosemide caused a reversible positive shift of EGABA in PN15-20 neurones. Raising the temperature moved EGABA to a more negative potential, with a Q10 of 5 mV. A similar change of EGABA in response to high K+, but not to furosemide, was found in PN8-13 neurones. 6. The present data indicate the existence of GABAA-mediated inhibitory synaptic connections in CA1 neurones at the earliest stages of postnatal life. During the first postnatal week, Cl- ions are passively distributed and the EIPSP and EGABA are near the RMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Autoradiographical localization of oxytocin-binding sites in the guinea-pig ovary at different stages of the oestrous cycle

The discovery that oxytocin is synthesized and stored in corpora lutea of ruminants has fostered a renewed interest in the possible roles of oxytocin in ovarian function. In the present study we describe the distribution of binding sites for oxytocin in the guinea-pig ovary. Sections were reacted with a radioiodinated oxytocin antagonist (125I-labelled OTA) to yield autoradiograms on film. Specific binding sites for oxytocin were defined as those which bound 0.05 nmol 125I-labelled OTA/l and where 1 mumol non-radioactive oxytocin/l displaced the radioactivity. 125I-Labelled OTA consistently labelled the ovarian stroma and the theca interna, but not the corpora lutea, the granulosa cells or the theca externa. The amount of 125I-labelled OTA bound to ovarian stroma and theca interna was high in animals killed during dioestrus, and low during and shortly after oestrus. These data suggest that the binding sites are regulated by steroid hormone levels and that in the guinea-pig ovary oxytocin could exert a role in follicular steroidogenesis, maturation or ovulation rather than in luteal function. Oxytocin-binding sites were also shown in the uterus but their numbers varied only slightly during the cycle.

A genetic study of retinoblastoma

Eight patients with retinoblastoma (RB) were studied by high resolution chromosome R-banding technique, and the esterase D was quantitatively determined in red blood cells of the patients. Among these patients, 2 showed 13q14 deletion mosaicism, 1 showed a monosomy 13q14.1-q14.2, and the remaining 5 had normal karyotype. Our findings indicated that 1) the RB gene is located at 13q14.1. The result confirmed previous data; 2) 13q deletion is an important event in the development of RB; and 3) esterase D determination is an important diagnostic tool in the detection of 13q deletion, useful for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counselling.

Rearrangements in the second intron of the RARA gene are present in a large majority of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and are used as molecular marker for retinoic acid-induced leukemic cell differentiation

Chromosome 17 breakpoints in translocation t(15;17), a hallmark for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), have been shown to disrupt the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARA) gene. In this study, DNA probes around the second exon of the RARA gene showed rearrangements not previously detected. Analysis of 25 Chinese APL cases showed that RARA gene rearrangements were present in 23 cases (92%). The breakpoints were mapped unequivocally in 22 cases within the second intron of the gene. Therefore, the RARA gene rearrangement provides us with a specific marker of the disease. Simultaneous molecular and cytologic studies showed that the RARA gene rearrangements persisted during the first 2 to 3 weeks of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy when differentiated granulocytes predominated in bone marrow, while these rearrangements disappeared after achieving complete remission. These data indicate that ATRA induces differentiation of APL cells.

Modification of the discriminative stimulus effects of 8-OH-DPAT, buspirone and the beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist pindolol after chronic administration of the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT in the pigeon

The involvement of adrenoreceptor blocking drugs with the 5-HT(1A)-mediated discriminative stimulus was studied in pigeons trained to discriminate the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.3mg/kg) from saline. Cumulative dose-response curves were determined for 8-OH-DPAT, the beta-adrenergic antagonist pindolol, the alpha(1)-antagonist prazosin, as well as for the 5-HT(1A) agonist buspirone, before, during and after (8-OH-DPAT and pindolol) chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT (3.0mg/kg/day for 6 weeks). The dose-response curves for 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, which substituted for 8-OH-DPAT, were shifted to the left during chronic 8-OH-DPAT administration. Prazosin did not substitute for 8-OH-DPAT at any time throughout the course of the study. Pindolol did not substitute for 8-OH-DPAT before chronic administration, but did so during and after 8-OH-DPAT was administered chronically. Chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT resulted in a heightened sensitivity not only to the 5-HT(1A) agonists 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, but also to what appear to be partial agonist effects of pindolol. This approach represents a first step in the in vivo characterization of changes in 5-HT(1A) sensitivity after chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT using the drug discrimination procedure. This method may provide a useful behavioral model with which to investigate the mechanisms of anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of 5-HT(1A) agonists and beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs that only become apparent after 2 to 4 weeks of chronic administration.

[Production of adriamycin covalent binding to monoclonal antibody OC-859 and its anti-tumor activities]

Using periodate oxidation method adriamycin was linked to monoclonal antibody OC859, and a monoclonal antibody-adriamycin (McAb ADR) conjugate was produced. The molar ratio of ADR:OC859 was 12:1. This drug-antibody conjugate still retained its cytotoxic effects and antibody activities. The cytotoxic effects of McAb-ADR conjugate on the growth of tumor cells CAOV3 was determined by microculture tetrazolium assay. It revealed that when the concentration of the McAb-ADR conjugate was 1 microM more than 50% of CAOV3 cells were inhibited. And for normal endometrial cells no more than 50% inhibition could be shown even with the concentration up to 10 microM. In vivo, the human ovarian epithelial carcinoma transplanted to nude mice was also inhibited with McAb-ADR conjugate. The above results showed that the McAb-ADR conjugate can selectively cause inhibition of tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro, and may be helpful in the treatment of ovarian epithelial carcinoma in the future.

[The effect of suturing on Langerhans' cells of the ocular surface]

Langerhans' cells (LC) exist on the ocular epithelial surface and participate in immunologic and non-immunologic reactions. On the corneal surface, LC are distributed in the limbal area, but not in central cornea. Placement of a suture in central cornea induced increase of LC and their migration to central cornea, only to diminish after removal of the suture, indicating participation of LC in non-immunological reactions of the corneal surface. The role of LC in immunologic reactions was also discussed.

Phytic acid and minerals: effect on early markers of risk for mammary and colon carcinogenesis

This study determined the effect of inositol hexaphosphate or phytic acid (PA; 1.2%), Ca (1.5%) and Fe (535 p.p.m.) alone, and PA in combination with Ca or Fe in a high-fat diet (25%) on the labeling (LI) and mitotic (MI) cell proliferation indices, nuclear aberration (NA) and intraductal proliferation (IDP) in the mammary gland, as well as the LI in colonic epithelial cells. Diet supplementation with PA alone caused reductions (P less than 0.05) in the colon LI by 18%, and in the LI and NA in the total mammary gland structures of mice by 29 and 30% respectively. Supplementation with Fe or particularly Ca caused increases in the colon LI and in the mammary LI, MI, NA and IDP but these were reduced by 25-53% (P less than 0.05) in the presence of PA. These results support the hypothesis that PA may reduce the risk for both colon and mammary cancer and its effect is related to its mineral binding ability. Furthermore, significant relationships (P less than 0.01) were observed between the LI and MI or NA in the total structures of the mammary gland. The number of IDPs also related (P less than 0.05) to LI or NA in the terminal end bud structure of the mammary gland, suggesting that highly proliferating mammary cells, particularly in the terminal end bud structure, are of greater risk for nuclear damage and development to IDP. A significant relationship (P less than 0.01) was observed between the cell proliferation in the mammary gland and that in the colon, indicating that both tissues can be influenced similarly by dietary constituents.

Nucleotide sequence and molecular analysis of the low temperature induced cereal gene, BLT4

The nucleotide sequence and derived amino acid sequence of a cDNA clone (BLT4) for a low temperature induced barley gene were determined. This gene, together with a small family of related genes, was shown to reside on chromosome 3. The BLT4 clone has homology with genes in wheat and oats. Its expression was studied in oats and in barley doubled haploid lines segregating for spring/winter habit and for frost hardiness. These analyses show that elevated steady state levels of BLT4 mRNA are produced in shoot meristematic tissue after 3 days low positive temperature treatment. The low temperature response was found in all barley doubled haploid lines and was therefore not associated specifically with either the spring/winter habit or frost hardiness. Elevated levels of BLT4 mRNA were also seen in drought-stressed barley and it is likely that this is a gene encoding a low molecular weight protein that is responsive to dehydrative stresses, such as cold and drought.

Preparation and certification of lyophilized human urine for trace metals reference material in China

The preparation of lyophilized human urine certified reference material (CRM) was established on the basis of literature in other countries and domestic conditions. The homogeneity and stability of the CRM accord with the stipulations. The certified values were determined by 14 high level laboratories in China using nine methods with different principles and have been examined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) using Inductively Coupled Plasma--Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This CRM has been approved as first grade national reference material. It can be used in quality control of routine analysis, test of new methods, and as standard material for calibration of analytical instruments and as certified reference material for quantity transmission and analysis arbitration.

[Study of VLDL- and HDL-receptor on isolated parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells from rat liver]

Saturable high-affinity VLDL and HDL receptor on parenchymal cells (PC), and non-parenchymal cells (NPC) freshly isolated from rat liver were studied. The VLDL- and HDL-receptor could mediate liver PC and NPC to bind, uptake, and degrade 125I-labeled human VLDL and apoE-deficient HDL3, and the activities of these two receptors (expressed as ng/mg cell protein) on NPC were about 10- and 4-fold higher than those on PC, respectively. VLDL receptor on NPC with kd 15.0-34.2 micrograms/ml and Bmax 2170-2607 ng/mg cell protein could be inhibited by EDTA, and down-regulated by cell cholesterol content. HDL receptor on NPC with kd 10.1-17.7 micrograms/ml and Bmax 1004-2738 ng/mg cell protein could not be inhibited by EDTA, but could be up-regulated by cell cholesterol content. Competitive inhibition assay showed that VLDL receptor could not only bind VLDL and LDL, but also bind HDL3 to some extent. Unlabeled purified apolipoprotein CIII-1, but apoAI, CI, CII, could effectively inhibit 125I-labeled VLDL binding to NPC. These results suggest that liver NPC may be more active than PC in clearing VLDL and HDL from circulation, and apolipoprotein CIII play an important inhibitory role in these receptor-mediated processes.

[Hypocrellin B-sensitized photodamage on Na(+)-K+ ATPase and sodium permeability of human erythrocytes]

The hypocrellin B (HB)-sensitized photodamage on Na(+)-K+ ATPase and sodium permeability of human erythrocytes by means of NMR and biochemical techniques was studied in this paper. The decrease of the enzyme activity and increase of intracellular sodium concentration were usually observed simultaneously. The evidences suggested that the integrality of membrane phospholipid played an important role in maintaining the physiological sodium content of erythrocytes. The loss of the enzyme activity was a sensitive index compared with the increase of intracellular Na+ concentration during the photosensitization. From the comparison tests among HB, HA, protoporphyrin and bilirubin, we found that HB had more ability to increasing intracellular Na+ concentration than the other photosensitization even though the photodamage on the enzyme activity caused by HB, HA, and protoporphyrin were nearly the same. Besides the photoinactivation of Na(+)-K+ ATPase induced by HB and light, the enzyme was also inactivated in the medium containing HB in absence of light. The active oxygen radicals generated though HB mediated redox-cycling might be involved in the dark inactivation of the enzyme.

Role of the hexapeptide disulfide loop present in the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid domain of human protein C in its activation properties and in the in vitro anticoagulant activity of activated protein C

In order to examine whether the structural integrity of the hexapeptide disulfide loop (residues 17-22), present in the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (gamma) domain of human protein C (PC), and common to all vitamin K dependent coagulation proteins, is necessary for its anticoagulant properties, we employed recombinant (r) DNA technology to generate two important variants that would address this issue. One such mutein contained aspartic acid for gamma-residue substitutions at sequence positions 19 and 20 ([gamma 19D, gamma 20D]r-PC) in the light chain of the mature protein, and the other possessed a serine for cysteine substitution at position 22 ([C22S]r-PC of the same light chain. A subpopulation of molecules of these mutant proteins, containing the maximum levels of gamma-residues in each, has been purified by fast-protein anion-exchange liquid chromatography and affinity chromatography on an anti-human PC column. A study of the kinetic characteristics of the inhibition by Ca2+ of the thrombin-catalyzed activation rates of these variants, and the corresponding stimulation by Ca2+ of the thrombin/thrombomodulin-catalyzed activation rates of the same recombinant PC molecules, demonstrated that higher concentrations of Ca2+ were required to display these effects, when compared to wild-type (wt) r-PC and human plasma PC. This suggested that the kinetically relevant Ca2+ site responsible for these effects on activation of PC, and known to be present in another domain of PC, was affected by both mutations in the gamma-domain. The recombinant PC variants were converted to their activated forms ([gamma 19D, gamma 20D]r-APC and [C22S]r-APC) and assayed for their Ca(2+)-dependent anticoagulant activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Human osteoblasts synthesize and respond to platelet-derived growth factor

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. We previously demonstrated that PDGF is produced by osteogenic sarcoma cells. We report here that normal human bone-derived cells produce PDGF and that these cells have an osteoblastic phenotype. This was demonstrated by use of a double immunofluorescent technique and by examining cloned human adult osteoblasts. Northern blot analysis indicates that PDGF production is accounted for by expression of the PDGF-A gene. PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB generally stimulated thymidine incorporation in normal human bone explants to a similar extent. All of the cloned human osteoblasts responded to PDGF-BB while the response to PDGF-AA varied. Similarly, five cloned osteoblastic cell populations were shown to produce PDGF while one did not. This result supports the hypothesis that there are different osteoblastic cell populations that differ in their growth factor responses or in the production of growth factors. Our results suggest that PDGF-BB has the potential to act as a paracrine factor for normal human osteoblasts because all of the osteoblastic cell populations responded to PDGF-BB. None of the osteoblastic cell populations expressed the PDGF-B gene, indicating that it would not act as an autocrine factor. Although not definitive, our results suggest that PDGF-AA has the potential to act as an autocrine factor because osteoblastic bone cell populations were shown to express the PDGF-A gene and respond to PDGF-AA.

Identification and characterization of the Poa p IX group of basic allergens of Kentucky bluegrass pollen

We reported previously the primary structure of three full-length cDNA clones that encode a new group of IgE-binding proteins of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) pollen, designated as Poa p IX. In the present study we have further characterized the cloned Poa p IX proteins, identified the corresponding proteins in KBG pollen extract, and determined their antigenic relationships with other known grass pollen allergens. A recombinant IgE-binding polypeptide rKBG7.2 that represents the C-terminal fragment, conserved in Poa p IX proteins, appeared to contain epitopes unique to these proteins and served as an immunosorbent for the isolation of the corresponding human IgE antibodies. On two-dimensional PAGE blots these IgE antibodies bound selectively to five distinct KBG pollen proteins with molecular mass 28 to 34 kDa and isoelectric point greater than 9.5. These proteins differ in size and charge from known allergens, but are very similar to those of the recombinant Poa p IX proteins. The rKBG3.1, which represents the N-terminal region of the Poa p IX clone KBG31, as well as the corresponding natural allergens were shown to possess epitopes that crossreact with the acidic group V allergens of Timothy. Comparison of amino acid sequences of recombinant Poa p IX proteins with those of Lol p I isoallergens revealed no significant sequence similarities. In contrast, partial homology was demonstrated between the N-terminal sequences of these proteins and the Phl p V proteins. Our results confirm that the Poa p IX clones represent a distinct and major group of allergens of KBG pollen, and demonstrate structural similarities and antigenic cross-reactivities among different groups of allergenic proteins in grass pollens.