A non-mammalian in vivo model for cellular and molecular analysis of glucose-mediated thickening of basement membranes

An increase of basement membrane thickness in renal glomeruli, blood vessels, and other tissues is a consistent pathological observation in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Although a number of pathological complications of the disease are thought to result from this structural abnormality in basement membranes, the mechanism(s) responsible for this glucose-mediated process remain unknown. The current study was designed to develop a non-mammalian in vivo epithelial/basement membrane model which would facilitate detailed analysis of the cellular and molecular processes which lead to thickening of basement membrane under hyperglycaemic conditions. The system developed utilizes the Cnidarian, Hydra vulgaris. Hydra lends itself to such studies because of (1) its simplified body structure which is composed of an epithelial bilayer with an intervening basement membrane (mesoglea) and (2) its extensive regenerative capacity which allows cell pellets (Hydra cell aggregates), formed from isolated Hydra cells, to develop into adult Hydra within 72-96 h. This process involves reformation of an epithelial bilayer and de novo biosynthesis of a basement membrane. Our studies indicate that exposure of developing Hydra cell aggregates to levels of D-glucose which mimic that observed in the human diabetic patient (15 mmol/l) induces a doubling of Hydra basement membrane thickness within 72-96 h of pellet formation. The same results were obtained using 15 mmol/l D-Ribose which is a highly efficient glycating agent. The data presented support the use of the Hydra cell aggregate system as a potentially powerful non-mammalian in vivo model to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) underlying glucose-mediated basement membrane thickening.

[Computerized expert system for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine fetal distress]

A computerized expert system for the diagnosis and treatment of IFD on the basis of a mathematical model using Fuzzy Set Theory and employing the BASIC Language has been developed to provide a reliable modality for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IFD. The system has been successfully checked in IBM-PC/XT and its compatible computers. Through its application in 300 cases prospectively, the accuracy rate was 92.7%.

The investigation of antiepileptic action of qingyangshen (QYS)--influences of QYS on the development of rat brain and memory behavior

As an anticonvulsant, the influences of Qingyangshen (QYS) on the development of brain and memory behavior were observed in four-week-old male rats. The dosage of QYS was 100 mg/kg/QOD and the period of administration was one month. The results showed that QYS had less influence on the development of body weight and brain wet weight in young-aged rats than diphenylhydantoin (DPH). However, QYS inhibited the establishment of passive avoidance conditional reflex and had influence on memory behavior in young-aged rats.

Pharmacokinetics and autoradiography of [3H] or [14C]stepholidine

After iv [3H]stepholidine (SPD) 12 MBq/kg, the concentration-time curve in rats was found to be a two-compartment open model. The distribution phase T1/2 alpha = 3.6 min, the elimination phase T1/2 beta = 168 min. The absorbed radioactivities of [3H] SPD in 15-30 min were 80-87%. The amounts of [3H]SPD bound to plasma protein, liver and kidney homogenates were estimated to be 37, 31, and 30%, respectively. During 3 d after ip [3H]SPD 50 MBq/kg, 56% of the radioactivity was excreted in urine and 5% in feces, thus, it suggested that [3H]SPD was mainly excreted by kidneys. After iv a single dose of [14C]SPD in mice, the whole-body autoradiography showed that [14C]SPD was rapidly distributed among various tissues. High radioactivities were found in kidneys, liver, brain, salivary glands, Harder's glands, heart blood and muscle at 2 min and intensively localized in kidneys and stomach mucosa at 30 min. The radioactivities in these tissues disappeared 4 and 8 h later, while that in intestine could not be detected 24 h later.

Selective sensitization by L-glutamate of baroreflex-mediated bradycardia following microinjection into the rostral ventrolateral medulla

This study examined the role of L-glutamate receptors in different sites in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL) on baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), sympathetic efferent discharge (SED) as well as baroreflex control of HR and SED. Depending on the site, the hemodynamic responses varied from an increase to a decrease in MAP which was accompanied by a similar or an opposite change in HR; the change in SED correlated positively with the change in MAP. Because injection of the test dose of glutamate (5 nM) into the deepest portion of the RVL produced the most pronounced increases in MAP, which was accompanied by a brisk bradycardia, we decided to investigate the nature of these responses. Dose-related sympathoexcitatory, pressor and bradycardic effects were obtained in response to 1, 3, 5 and 10 nM glutamate. The glutamate antagonist, glutamate diethylester (GDEE) abolished these responses and decreased baseline MAP, HR and SED. That glutamate-evoked bradycardia was baroreceptor-mediated was supported by: (1) the bradycardia was not only eliminated but was also converted to a small but significant tachycardic response in sinoaortic denervated rats and following cardiac muscarinic blockade; (2) glutamate substantially sensitized the baroreceptor HR and had no effect on SED response when tested by phenylephrine; and (3) GDEE abolished the sensitizing action of glutamate on the baroreflex control of HR. We conclude that glutamatergic pathways in the deepest portion of the RVL are tonically active and subserve sympathoexcitatory, pressor and tachycardic effects. Also, glutamate differentially sensitizes the baroreceptor reflex pathways that control HR by mainly activating the vagal component of the reflex, an effect which masks its tachycardic effect.

[Glycosylated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus]

Blood glucose at fasting and 1, 2, and 3 hours after meals GHb (glycosylated hemoglobin) were determined in 66 subjects. Based on WHO criterion, 34 of them were diabetics, and 32 were nondiabetics, in whom impairing of glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes were ruled out. The results showed that the concentrations of blood glucose, at fasting, and 1, 2, and 3 hours after meals, blood glucose area, and GHb in diabetic patients were significantly higher than those in the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between GHb and blood glucose at fasting and 2 hours after meal, and between GHb and blood glucose area in all subjects. Relative sensitivity of GHb for detecting diabetes mellitus was 88%, and relative specificity was 93.75%.

[Constituents of the seed coat of Arachis hypogaea L]

From the seed coat of Arachis hypogaea two compounds were isolated. They were identified as the dimer of proanthocyanidin-A type(I) and D-(+)-catechin (II) on the basis of UV, IR, MS, CD, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and chemical evidences. It has been found that II is the effective constituent of this plant and I has some active effects as well.

[A simple useful rhinoresistometer: mechanical principle and clinical applications]

A new rhinoresistometer consisting of a pressure nozzle, a flow nozzle, a two-U-tube manometer and a X-Y chart recorder is introduced in this paper. Such an apparatus is simple in construction and easy to use. The expiratory transnasal pressure difference is measured by a U-tube manometer while the nasal airflow is measured by flowmeter. With this apparatus, the subject's nasal airway resistance can be evaluated accurately and the nasal airway resistance curves drawn automatically. The mechanical principle of the apparatus is described and the nasal airway resistances of 200 normal subjects are reported in this article.

Laboratory and clinical diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus infection after transplantation

Urine and blood specimens from 32 recipients of allograft organ transplant were investigated for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) by conventional cell culture, indirect immunofluorescent assay subsequent to the rapid cell culture and DNA-DNA hybridization. The results showed that the rapid cell culture technique might be the best method for rapid detection of active HCMV infection after transplantation because it possesses the advantages of simplicity, speediness, sensitiveness, and high reliability of detecting productive HCMV infection. The major symptoms were prolonged or intermittent fever unresponsive to antibiotics, dysfunction or loss of function of the transplanted organ, pulmonary infiltrates and leukopenia. As our results suggested, reactivation of a latent infection appears to be the most probable etiologic factor contributing to HCMV infection after transplantation.

New triple microbore cannula system for push-pull perfusion of brain nuclei of the rat

A new miniaturized triple-barreled cannula system has been developed for the push-pull perfusion of a circumscribed area of brain tissue and/or simultaneous microinjection of a drug or other chemical substance at the same site. A three-lumen, microbore glass capillary tube is drawn to a length of 10-15 mm with a tip diameter of 150-190 microM and connected by lengths of PE tubing to a multichannel peristaltic pump. An artificial CSF is then perfused through either one or two tubes at a rate of 5.0-10.0 microliters/min at a selected site. Thus, a pharmacological receptor agonist and/or antagonist, for example, can be delivered simultaneously to the tissue quantitatively to achieve steady-state levels over time. Alternatively, a single volume of a given drug can be micro-injected at the perfusion site during the course of a push-pull perfusion, simply by replacing one push channel with an injection tube. In both cases, aliquots of CSF perfusate from the pull channel(s) are collected on ice for assay by HPLC or other procedures. Because of the diminutive size of the triple-bore cannula system, it is now possible to perfuse an individual nucleus in the hypothalamus or lower brainstem not only with minimal cytopathological damage but also with a punctate dispersion of the perfusion medium. The large number of possible in vivo manipulations which can be undertaken using this cannula system is illustrated experimentally by recovery studies of [14C]glutamate and 45Ca from the nucleus tractus solitarius and hypothalamus of the rat.

[Biological characteristics of Psoralea corylifolia L]

A study has been made on the biological characteristics of Psoralea corylifolia under general cultivating conditions. To search for the laws of growth and development so as to facilitate further studies on the cultivating techniques for higher production of Psoralea corylifolia.

Presence of amino acids and insulin in a chemically defined medium improves development of 8-cell rat embryos in vitro and subsequent implantation in vivo

This study examined the effects of some components in a chemically defined medium on rat 8-cell embryo development in vitro. The basal medium was a modified culture medium for in vitro fertilization of rat oocytes, containing inorganic salts and energy substrates. After 36 h in culture, 28.8% of the 8-cell embryos developed into blastocysts in the basal medium. This percentage was increased by supplementing the basal medium with free amino acids, but not a premix of insulin/transferrin/selenium (ITS). However, ITS synergized the beneficial effect of amino acids. The beneficial effect of free amino acids could not be duplicated by bovine serum albumin. The synergistic action of ITS was primarily due to insulin. The removal of glucose and/or phosphate from the culture medium had no effect on embryo development in vitro. After transfer to unilaterally pregnant rats, 23.1% of the blastocysts formed in the basal medium developed to Day 18 fetuses, compared to 64.3% for those formed in the medium containing amino acids. These data indicate that the presence of amino acids in the culture medium is beneficial for embryo development in vitro and for implantation and fetal development following transfer to pregnant recipients.

Sequential anaerobic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in freshwater sediments

2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was anaerobically degraded in freshwater lake sediments. From observed intermediates in incubated sediment samples and from enrichment cultures, the following sequence of transformations was postulated. 2,4-DCP is dechlorinated to 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), 4-CP is dechlorinated to phenol, phenol is carboxylated to benzoate, and benzoate is degraded via acetate to methane and CO2; at least five different organisms are involved sequentially. The rate-limiting step was the transformation of 4-CP to phenol. Sediment-free enrichment cultures were obtained which catalyzed only the dechlorination of 2,4-DCP, the carboxylation of phenol, and the degradation of benzoate, respectively. Whereas the dechlorination of 2,4-DCP was not inhibited by H2, the dechlorination of 4-CP, and the transformation of phenol and benzoate were. Low concentrations of 4-CP inhibited phenol and benzoate degradation. Transformation rates and maximum concentrations allowing degradation were determined in both freshly collected sediments and in adapted samples: at 31 degrees C, which was the optimal temperature for the dechlorination, the average adaptation time for 2,4-DCP, 4-CP, phenol, and benzoate transformations were 7, 37, 11 and 2 days, respectively. The maximal observed transformation rates for these compounds in acclimated sediments were 300, 78, 2, 130, and 2,080 micromol/liter(-1)/day(-1), respectively. The highest concentrations which still allowed the transformation of the compound in acclimated sediments were 3.1 m/M 2,4-DCP, 3.1 mM 4-CP, 13 mM phenol, and greater than 52 mM benzoate. The corresponding values were lower for sediments which had not been adapted for the transformation steps.

Interactions of 7-[3-(4-[2,3-dimethylphenyl]piperazinyl)-propoxy]-2(1H)-quinolinone binding in rat striatum: effects of lesions

7-[3-(4-[2,3-Dimethylphenyl]piperazinyl)propoxy]-2(1H)-quinolinone (OPC-4392), a presynaptic dopamine autoreceptor agonist and postsynaptic D-2 receptor antagonist (Yasuda et al., Life Sci. 42: 1941-1954, 1988), was studied for its binding characteristics at 3H-SCH 23390-labeled dopamine D-1 receptors and 3H-spiperone-labeled dopamine D-2 receptors in rat striatum. The binding affinity of OPC-4392 for 3H-spiperone-labeled D-2 receptors was 500 times higher than for 3H-SCH 23390-labeled D-1 receptors. 6-Hydroxydopamine lesions of striatum and high-frequency current lesions of medial forebrain bundle did not affect the competition of OPC-4392 for 3H-spiperone binding. Kainic acid lesions of striatum significantly changed the one-site model fit to a two-site model fit of the competition curve of OPC-4392 for 3H-spiperone binding, suggesting that OPC-4392 competed with 3H-spiperone binding differently for postsynaptic dopamine D-2 receptors and for presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors.

[Quantitative assay method for total saponins in Panax quinquefolium Api]

This article adopts macro-reticular resins to separate and get rid of water soluble impurities such as carbohydrate in Panax quinquefolium so as to determine its total saponin content by spectrophotometry. This method also yields good results in determining the total saponins in P. ginseng ora solution. For the control or appraise of the quality of preparations containing P. quinquefolium or P. ginseng oral solutions this method has practice value.

An electron microscopic study on substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis in the dog

The pars distalis of the adenohypophysis has recently been proved to be innervated by substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the monkey and the dog. The present study investigated immuno-electron microscopically the morphology of these nerve fibers and their relationship to anterior pituitary gland cells in the dog. The nerve fibers were unmyelinated and varicose. Direct contacts between them and every cell type of the gland could be ascertained, including folliculostellate cells. Typical synapses were identified on somatotropes and corticotropes. Most of them were of asymmetrical type with round to oval small clear vesicles and scattered large dense-cored vesicles. Occasional symmetrical type synapses were also seen. The results imply that substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers have an effector role in the pars distalis of the dog.

Gene imprinting and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen expression in the rat placenta

Ultrastructural immunocytochemical studies of the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens in the placentas of inbred rats were performed using placentas derived from natural matings and from embryo transfers into females made pseudopregnant by mechanical stimulation. The studies utilized the WF (u) and DA (a) strains and monoclonal antibodies to all of the class I antigens involved. All four mating combinations of the two strains showed that only paternal antigens were expressed in the placenta and that they were limited to the basal trophoblast. This conclusion was confirmed using embryo transfer experiments. In allogeneic natural matings, the allele-specific class I transplantation antigens were not expressed on the membrane of the basal trophoblast but they were expressed in embryo transfers involving embryos of the same genotype. In both types of pregnancies, the pregnancy-associated (Pa) antigen was present on the membrane of the basal trophoblast. The antibody response to DA X DA and to WF X DA embryos transferred into pseudopregnant WF females was against the allele-specific RT1.Aa antigen and the Pa antigen, whereas the antibody response to the heterozygous embryo in the natural WF (female) X DA (male) mating was against the Pa antigen only. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the suppression of the expression of the allele-specific major histocompatibility complex class I antigens occurs shortly after fertilization and that it requires the uterine environment of a natural mating.

Fibronectin in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis

Fibronectin (FN) levels were determined in 64 cases with chronic renal failure (CRF), some of whom were undergoing dialysis. FN levels were 14.9 +/- 7.6 mg/dl in CRF (n = 20), 13.4 +/- 4.3 mg/dl in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) (n = 20) and 16.7 +/- 7.2 mg/dl in patients on hemodialysis (HD) (n = 24). All the levels were significantly lower than in normal subjects (23.1 +/- 4.6 mg/dl). Serum FN was compared with some nutritional indices. Positive correlations were found between serum FN and nitrogen balance (BN), serum prealbumin (PreA) and transferrin (Tf) in all the patients. With serum albumin (Alb), however, this correlation was only found in patients undergoing dialysis. Negative correlations were found between serum FN and the ratio of serum urea to serum creatinine (Surea/Scr) in CAPD and HD patients. In 10 CAPD patients, the low serum FN levels went up after increased protein intake. This indicates that it was the result of malnutrition due to decreased protein intake. Serum FN level reflects a negative BN earlier and better than serum PreA, Tf and Alb. It is a sensitive, reliable and simple index for judging the nutritional protein status and the effect of nutritional treatment in patients with CRF undergoing dialysis.

[Relation of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic characteristics of pilose antler and its traditional quality grade]

The relationship between FTIR characteristics of Pilose Antler and its traditional quality grade was studied and a rule governing its quality value "Z" was found. We have thus advanced a new objective target for preparing Pilose Antler tablets and powder.

Theory and measurement of ocular chromatic aberration

We have determined the transverse chromatic aberration of the human eye by measuring the apparent offset of a two-color vernier viewed foveally through a displaced, pinhole aperture. For the same subjects, we also determined the longitudinal chromatic aberration for foveal viewing by the method of best focus. In both cases, the results were closely predicted by a simple, reduced-eye optical-model for which transverse and longitudinal chromatic aberration are directly proportional, with the constant of proportionally being the amount of displacement of the pinhole from the visual axis. Further measurements revealed that the natural pupil was closely centered on the visual axis for two subjects and slightly displaced in the temporal direction for three other subjects. One implication of these results is that, although the eye has substantial chromatic aberration, the pupil is positioned so as to minimize the transverse component of the aberration for central vision, thereby optimizing foveal image quality for polychromatic objects.

Amplification and expression of the c-erb B-2/neu proto-oncogene in human bladder cancer

The c-erb B-2/neu gene encodes a cell-surface glycoprotein with extensive homology to, but distinct from, the epidermal growth-factor receptor. In this study, we compared the c-erb B-2/neu gene amplification and expression of tissue specimens obtained from the bladders of normal controls and patients with high-grade transitional cell bladder carcinoma. Southern blot analysis of DNAs from 24 patients and 5 controls showed 2 cases of c-erb B-2/neu gene amplification in patients and none in controls. Western blot analysis demonstrated that c-erb B-2/neu was expressed in 67.6% (23/34) of patient specimens but in none of the controls (0/5). This finding agreed with the result of immunohistochemical staining, which showed that tissue from 74.3% (26/35) of the patients and none of the controls (0/7) showed positive immunofluorescence staining. This is the first report suggesting that c-erb B-2/neu gene amplification may be associated with human bladder carcinogenesis.

Differential amplification of the TGF-alpha gene in human gliomas

The gene amplification and expression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) in human gliomas was determined by Southern blot analysis and a receptor binding study. Amplification of the EGF-R gene was demonstrated in 3 of 11 tumors examined. All were glioblastomas, whereas the TGF-alpha gene was amplified in 7 of 11 tumors, and 6 of the 7 were recurrent glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas. A competitive binding study with iodinated EGF showed a TGF-alpha-like activity ranging from 1.6-31.5 ng of EGF/microgram protein. These results suggest a differential expression of EGF-R and TGF-alpha genes among untreated and recurrent malignant gliomas.

Influence of development and aging on nicotinic receptor subtypes in rodent brain

The influence of development and aging on nicotinic receptor subtypes in rodent brain was investigated. 3H-nicotine and 3H-acetylcholine (3H-ACh) were used as receptor ligands. Specific binding sites for 3H-nicotine and 3H-ACh were detected in mouse brain during the late prenatal period. A drop in the number of 3H-nicotine and 3H-ACh binding sites was measured shortly after birth. The 3H-nicotine and 3H-ACh binding sites showed different time courses during prenatal development. Competition experiments using unlabelled (-)nicotine and 3H-nicotine revealed one population of high affinity nicotinic binding sites in the cortex of 1-day and 5-day-old mice whereas both a set of high and low affinity binding sites were found in adult mice. The proportion of cortical high and low affinity nicotinic binding sites did not change with aging although the absolute amount of high affinity nicotinic binding sites decreased. The 3H-nicotine binding showed different temperature dependence in rat brain of different ages. The results illustrate dynamic changes in nicotinic receptor properties during life span of rodents.

Distribution of juxtaglomerular cells and synthesis and release of renin granules in patients with renal artery stenosis

100 pieces of renal tissue from 4 patients with renal artery stenosis were studied histologically. Juxtaglomerular cells were found not only in the region close to the glomerulus but also in the proximal 2/3 of the afferent arteriole of the glomerulus, but not in the interlobular arterioles. In the cytoplasm of juxtaglomerular cells, three kinds of granules were found: crystalline granules (immature), the round or ovoid granules (mature), and the lobulated granules (fusion). Renin was synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and packaged in the Golgi complex. Electron microscopic findings suggested that the secretory microvesicles were produced on the surface of Golgi complex. They fused to form primary crystalline granules, which were enlarged by renin supplied by transportation vesicles and finally formed typical crystalline granules. The mature renin granules (round or ovoid) moved toward the periphery of the cytoplasma. Their limiting membranes on the side toward the basement membrane disintegrated and formed microvesicular bodies passing through the periplasm, and the basement membrane and were discharged into the interstitial matrix.

Relationship between clinical manifestations and coronary angiographic morphology in patients with coronary artery disease

To study the relationship between clinical manifestations and coronary anatomy and morphology, coronary angiography was performed in 20 patients with chronic stable angina (Group I), in 18 patients with unstable angina (Group II), and in 20 patients with previous myocardial infarction (Group III). Although the site and extent of coronary artery disease were similar among the three groups, coronary morphology differed considerably, with a concentric lesion occurring in 70% of Group I patients and an eccentric lesion in 62% and 63% of Group II and Group III patients, respectively. The study suggests that coronary lesion morphology may form an anatomic basis in determining clinical manifestations for patients with coronary artery disease. An eccentric coronary stenosis may be useful in identifying high-risk patients.

Ultrastructural findings in oral hyperpigmentation of HIV-infected patients

Oral hyperpigmentation has been observed in six HIV-infected patients, in two of whom systemic medication (ketokonazole, clofazimine) was supposed to be etiologically involved. Histologically, pigment was found in epithelial basal cells and particularly in subepithelial connective tissue. Ultrastructurally, the presence of premature melanosomes in subepithelial keratinocytes was of interest. Stimulation of melanocytes during HIV infection may occur in association with immunopathologic changes in the oral mucosa.

Impairment of baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate but not sympathetic efferent discharge by central neuroadministration of ethanol

We investigated the acute hemodynamic effects of ethanol microinjection into brain areas known to influence cardiovascular function and reflexes. In chloralose-anesthetized rats, ethanol had no effect on baseline mean arterial pressure, heart rate, or sympathetic efferent discharge when microinjected into the nucleus tractus solitarius, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the rostral ventrolateral medulla, or the posterior hypothalamus. On the other hand, ethanol microinjection into the anterior hypothalamus caused a site-dependent pressor effect and an increase in sympathetic efferent discharge. Baroreceptor heart rate response but not sympathetic efferent discharge response was impaired by ethanol microinjection into the nucleus tractus solitarius, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and the rostral ventrolateral medulla, suggesting that ethanol involves one or more of these areas in its inhibitory effect on baroreceptor heart rate response and that ethanol has a selective action on baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate. The findings that 1) the effect was dose dependent and 2) injection of ethanol outside of, or an equal volume of cerebrospinal fluid into, the nucleus tractus solitarius had no effect on the response strongly suggest that the observed effect on baroreceptor heart rate response was ethanol mediated. Ethanol microinjection into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus impaired the heart rate response, thus raising the possibility that leakage of ethanol to that area from the nucleus tractus solitarius might have contributed to its effect. These findings show that ethanol has a pressor and sympathoexcitatory site of action within the anterior hypothalamus and that it selectively impairs baroreceptor heart rate response via a central site of action; the mechanisms by which ethanol produces these effects remain to be elucidated.

DNA probe technique for diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus infection

A rapid diagnostic assay for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been developed for detecting HCMV DNA in urine samples with 32P-labelled cloned fragment, Eco RI fragment B, of DNA from HCMV strain Towne. 3.2 pg of homologous fragment from HCMV DNA could be detected by the labelled probe, and it did not hybridize DNA from other herpes viruses or human cells in dot hybridization assay. The assay correctly identified all (100%) of 7 coded urine specimen cultures positive for HCMV and 9 (90%) of 10 urine sample cultures negative for HCMV. So the hybridization assay was correct and as sensitive as the currently available tissue culture technique. The infection levels of different populations, such as organ transplantation recipients, patients with infantile hepatitis syndrome, normal infants, fetuses, have been investigated by the hybridization assay in the present study.

Investigation of rat striatal dopamine D-1 receptors solubilized by digitonin with a precipitation method

[3H]SCH 23390 binding sites solubilized from rat striatal membranes by the detergent digitonin were investigated by using a polyethylene glycol precipitation method to separate the bound [3H]SCH 23390 from the free [3H]SCH 23390. The binding of [3H]SCH 23390 to the solubilized preparations was specific and saturable with a KD of 4.99 +/- 0.03 nM and a Bmax of 619 +/- 13 fmol/mg protein. The rank order of potency of dopamine agonists and antagonists for competing with [3H]SCH 23390 binding for the solubilized preparations was appropriate for dopamine D-1 receptors. The competition of SCH 23390 and S(-)-SCH 23388 with [3H]SCH 23390 binding for the solubilized preparations was stereoselective. However, the sensitivity of the dopamine agonist high-affinity binding to guanine nucleotide GTP was almost lost upon digitonin solubilization. Preincubating the membranes with dopamine preserved the guanine nucleotide sensitivity of agonist binding for membranes in solubilized preparations. These results proved that the polyethylene glycol precipitation method can be used for assay of digitonin-solubilized dopamine D-1 receptors in rat striatum.

Amplification and rearrangement of c-erb B proto-oncogenes in cancer of human female genital tract

There are two genes related to the v-erb B oncogene in the human genome. The c-erb B-1 gene encodes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r), and the c-erb B-2/neu gene encodes a receptor-like protein very similar to, but distinct from the EGF-r. Southern blot analysis of DNAs from 15 fresh human ovarian carcinomas showed that the c-erb B-2/neu gene was amplified in 3 tumors. The c-erb B-1/EGF-r gene was not amplified. However, in one case of adenocarcinoma of uterine endometrium, the c-erb B-1/EGF-r was found to be rearranged in the 5' region of this gene. The genomic structure of the rearranged c-erb B-1/EGF-r gene is similar to those found in the chicken v-erb B oncogene, which produces a truncated form of the EGF-r. The results suggest that amplification of the c-erb B-2/neu gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian carcinoma. Further, the human c-erb B-1/EGF-r gene in adenocarcinoma of uterine endometrium may be activated by a similar mechanism as that in the chicken v-erb B oncogene.

Identification and function of brain stem neurons regulating rat ileal water absorption

The central nervous system (CNS) regions regulating ileal water and ion absorption are unknown. We determined 1) the CNS origin of brain stem neurons that directly innervate the rat ileum, and 2) that these neurons influence intestinal water absorption. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the muscle layer of the rat ileum. The brains were examined for HRP reaction product (HRPRP) 3, 5, or 7 days later. Only cell bodies of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) were labeled. Unilateral cervical vagotomy prevented deposition in the ipsilateral DMNV. To determine whether the DMNV regulates ileal water absorption, electrical and chemical stimulation (30 microA, 4 Hz, 0.2 ms, and 300 pmol L-glutamate every 5 min, respectively) were used. Both the DMNV and the adjacent nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were stimulated, causing a reduction in water absorption. Bilateral vagotomy prevented the effect of bilateral electrical stimulation, but unilateral vagotomy did not prevent the decrease due to ipsilateral stimulation. These studies show that 1) the DMNV innervates the ileum, and 2) alteration of vagal efferent activity by stimulation of the DMNV and NTS reduces ileal water absorption.

[Plasma level of cyclic nucleotides in patients with congestive heart failure and their clinical significance]

Plasma concentrations of cyclic nucleotides were determined by radioimmunoassay in 196 cardiac patients. The results showed that plasma concentrations of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP increased with the deterioration of cardiac function. Plasma cyclic GMP concentrations were correlated positively to the cardiothoracic ratios (CTR), PEP/LVET, and the intracardiac diameters measured by echocardiography respectively (r = 0.55 r = 0.50, and r = 0.55, P less than 0.001), and were correlated negatively to the left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) and LV short axis shortenings (LVSAS) (r = -0.53 and r = -0.50 respectively, P less than 0.001). There were only weak correlations between plasma cyclic AMP concentrations and CTR, PEP/LVET ratios, LVEF and LVSAS (r = 0.35, r = 0.38, r = 0.28, and r = -0.31, respectively, P less than 0.01). The correlations between plasma cyclic GMP concentrations and mean pulmonary artery pressures (r = 0.48, P less than 0.05) and mean left atrial pressures (r = 0.55, P less than 0.01) were also significant. In patients who had received cardioversion and valve replacement, plasma cyclic GMP concentrations decreased significantly. Thus the plasma concentrations of cyclic nucleotides could be used as a useful parameter in evaluation of cardiac function and therapeutic effect.

Selective blockade of dopamine D-1 receptor by SCH 23390 affects dopamine agonist binding to 3H-spiperone labeled D-2 receptors in rat striatum

This study investigated the effects of selective blockade of dopamine D-1 receptors by SCH 23390 and selective stimulation of the receptors by SKF 38393 on the binding characteristics of 3H-spiperone labeled D-2 receptors in rat striatum. Selective blockade of D-1 receptors by 50 nM SCH 23390 significantly decreased the affinity of dopamine agonist for 3H-spiperone labeled D-2 receptors, but did not influence dopamine antagonist binding to D-2 receptors. Selective stimulation of D-1 receptors by SKF 38393 (100 nM) did not affect either dopamine agonist or antagonist binding to D-2 receptors. The characteristics of the effect of SCH 23390 on dopamine agonist binding to D-2 receptors was similar to those of GTP, but different from those of sodium ion. This effect could not be due to a direct modification of D-2 receptors by SCH 23390. Pertussis toxin (IAP) treatment significantly decreased the affinity of dopamine agonist for D-2 receptors and reduced the abilities of both SCH 23390 and GTP to decrease the affinity of dopamine agonist for D-2 receptors. These results suggest, therefore, putative interregulatory mechanism between dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors and the possible involvement of a pertussis toxin sensitive protein in this mechanism.