Microsatellite instability in gastric cancer prone families

We examined for germ-line p53 mutations and microsatellite instability in three gastric cancer patients who had family histories of gastric cancer aggregation. Although no germ-line p53 mutation was detected in these three cases, the replication error (RER) phenotype was observed in two of them. One base deletion in the sequence of ten repeating adenines of the type II transforming growth factor-beta receptor gene was detected in one of these two cases. Furthermore, there were young patients of 50 years and downward in their families. Therefore, it is possible that inherited disorders in mismatch repair systems contribute to high susceptibility to gastric cancers in these families.

The immunophenotype of perivascular cells in the human brain

The immunophenotype of perivascular cells (PC) in temporal lobe tissues obtained at autopsy in 48 patients (aged 41-88 years) was characterized using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with a variety of antibodies. In all cases studied, PC bearing CD11c (Ki-M1P) and CD68 (KP1) were distributed throughout the temporal cortex. In addition to Ki-M1P and KP1, the monoclonal antibodies against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen (Ag) (LN-3, CR3.43), anti-leucocyte common antigen (LCA), LN-5, Mac 387 were all found in PC with variable immunoreactivity. In contrast, LN-1 and OPD4 were not found in PC, although the former showed nearly constant staining of resting microglia. Semiquantitative analysis disclosed differences in the numbers of cells labeled with the markers in the 21 normal brains (Ki-M1P > KP1 >> LCA, LN-3, LN-5 >> Mac 387). Ultrastructurally, immunoreactivity for Ki-M1P, KP1, and LN-3 was observed in PC with cytoplasm containing dense lysosomal bodies. In brains from patients with Alzheimer's type dementia, PC were seen in the wall of beta-amyloid protein-positive small vessels. However, there was no definite alteration of antigenicity in PC from AD brains compared with those from normal brains. The immunophenotype of PC was similar to that of macrophages, which were observed in the perivascular spaces and the leptomeninges in some normal and diseased brains. In contrast with PC, however, macrophages showed high incidence of labeling for some macrophage markers LN-5 and Mac 387. These findings demonstrate that PC may be a normal constituent of the adult human brain with a variable expression of monocyte/macrophages markers and MHC class II Ag and that PC could be distinguished from resting microglia by their morphology and by their immunophenotype.

Clonal dominance of human autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes against gastric carcinoma: molecular stability of the CDR3 structure of the TCR alphabeta gene

In our previous study, RT-PCR suggested that cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones may specifically recognize human autologous gastric signet ring cell tumor (HST2) by using TCR products of Valpha7 and Vbeta20 subfamilies. In this report, we first determined the TCR nucleotide sequences of one such CTL from patient's peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), the PBL were newly stimulated with a mixed lymphocyte-autologus tumor cell (HST2) culture (MLTC) and cytotoxic T cell lines, such as HPBL3x, were obtained. RT-PCR and the nucleotide sequence data indicated that HPBL3x also showed TCR Valpha7 and Vbeta transcripts, and that HPBL3x TCR was composed of the exact same CDR3 gene structures as those of the TcHLT2 clone. T cells with same TCR structures were also detected in patient's non-treated peripheral blood, although they were infrequent. These data indicated that functional cytotoxic T cells with these distinct CDR3 equivalent structures were the dominant effector cells against HST2 autologous tumor cells. Moreover, the highly dominant and reproducible clonal expansion of T cells bearing heterodimeric TCR with identical variable, N diversity and constant region structures suggest that the molecular nature of governing antigenic peptide to TcHDT2 may be stable and perhaps immunologically dominant in the interaction between CTL and HST2 autologous tumor cells.

Systemic overexpression of a C-terminal fragment of human amyloid beta-protein precursor causes accumulation of Alzheimer beta-amyloid fibrils in pancreas of transgenic mice

The deposition of amyloid beta-protein (A beta), derived from amyloid beta-protein precursor (beta APP), is a specific and early event in development of Alzheimer's disease. Transgenic mice carrying the carboxyl-terminus of beta APP gene linked to the cytomegalovirus enhancer/chicken beta-actin promoter sequence were studied. Deposition of amyloid fibrils, composing A beta, was observed in the transgenic pancreas, accompanied with cell degeneration. This result will provide a model to investigate the beta APP processing mechanism in vivo and a clue to generate possible A beta amyloidosis in animal brains.

[Surgical treatment of mycotic coronary artery aneurysm associated with infective endocarditis: a case report]

53-year-old male was introduced our hospital for treatment of his infective endocarditis and congestive heart failure. Further evaluation revealed massive destruction of the mitral valve and aneurysm of the right coronary artery. We carried out an operation of aneurysmectomy and CABG with RGEA for coronary artery, and MVR using 29 mm SJM valve. Postoperative course was excellent. Graftgram showed good patency and perfusion of RGEA. Pathological findings were 1) macrophage infiltration into thrombi, 2) disappearance of elastic fibers of the media. 3) least atherosclerosis of the intima. We concluded that it was a mycotic coronary artery aneurysm. There have been no report of surgical treatment of such a mycotic coronary artery aneurysm upon our investigation.

Fraunhofer diffraction of a slit aperture between a knife-edge and a metal cylinder

The Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a slit aperture formed between a reference knife-edge and a metal-cylinder surface is different from that of an ideal slit aperture. This pattern should include reflected light coming from both the front and rear sides of a cylinder surface. To investigate the influence of light reflected from the cylinder surface, we discuss the theoretical consideration based on the simple model of the reflected light on the surface. The experimental setup is designed and constructed to measure the actual diffraction pattern produced by the slit between the knife-edge and the cylinder surface. As a result it is obvious that the reflection of diffracted light on the rear side is dominant in both the simulation and the experiment.

Expression of c-Mpl and c-Mpl ligand gene in hematopoietic cells of individuals with and without myeloproliferative disorders and leukemia cell lines

We examined the expression of c-Mpl (MPL) and c-Mpl ligand (ML) gene in hematopoietic cells in individuals with and without myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) and leukemic cell lines by RT-PCR. The MPL gene transcripts were detected in normal CD34+ cells, platelets, megakaryocytes and monocytes, while the ML gene was expressed in CD34+ cells, megakaryocytes, T cells, monocytes and bone marrow fibroblasts, as well as liver tissue. The ML gene product produced in the bone marrow microenvironment might, in part, be involved in hematopoiesis. The MPL gene expression was detected in platelets and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the majority of patients with MPD including chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). In contrast, the ML gene expression was found in the majority of ET and CML patients, but not in PV or PMF patients. These findings suggest that even in MPD the megakaryocytopoiesis depends on the MPL signal transduction system, and that in ET and CML, the ML production by mononuclear cells in the bone marrow microenvironment might play a part in the higher megakaryocytopoiesis observed in these diseases. Both the MPL and ML gene expression were detected in all the leukemic cell lines tested, suggesting that this cytokine/receptor system is involved in cell growth through autocrine and paracrine systems.

Circadian rhythm and variability of heart rate in Duchenne-type progressive muscular dystrophy

Using 24-hour Holter monitoring and time domain and power spectral measurements, we evaluated the variability of the heart rate and its circadian rhythm in 55 male patients with Duchenne-type progressive muscular dystrophy (DMD) to characterize their autonomic function versus findings in 20 normal controls. Comparisons were also made in patients with mild, moderate, and severe stages of DMD. The percent difference between successive RR intervals that exceeded 50 ms, a measure of parasympathetic tone, was significantly lower even in patients with early stage of DMD than in controls (p < 0.01). This trend became marked with disease progression. Power in the high-frequency (HF) range (0.15 to 0.40 Hz), a measure of parasympathetic tone, was lower (p < 0.01), and the ratio of the power in the low-frequency (LF) range (0.04 to 0.15 Hz) and that of HF range (LF/HF ratio), a measure of sympathetic tone, was higher in DMD patients versus controls (p < 0.01). This trend was also marked with disease progression. Patients with mild or moderate disease had a slight circadian alteration in HF and LF/HF ratio. Patients with severe disease had virtually no circadian rhythm in HF. Their LF/HF ratio was higher at night (p < 0.01), lower in the morning (p < 0.01), and still lower during the day (p < 0.01), the opposite of control findings. The autonomic abnormalities in DMD were thus characterized by a significant increase in sympathetic activity and a significant decrease in parasympathetic activity. Thus, heart rate variability and circadian rhythm were useful in assessing autonomic dysfunction in DMD.

Bisphosphonates promote apoptosis in murine osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo

Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and are therapeutically effective in diseases of increased bone turnover, such as Paget's disease and hypercalcemia of malignancy. The mechanisms by which they act remain unclear. Proposed mechanisms include inhibition of osteoclast formation from precursors and inhibitory or toxic effect on mature osteoclasts. We have developed a new in vitro model to study osteoclast survival and in this paper present in vitro and in vivo evidence that may explain both the observed reduction in osteoclast numbers and in bone resorption by mature osteoclasts, namely that bisphosphonates induce programmed cell death (apoptosis). Three bisphosphonates (risedronate, pamidronate, and clodronate) caused a 4- to 24-fold increase in the proportion of osteoclasts showing the characteristic morphology of apoptosis in vitro. This observation was confirmed in vivo in normal mice, in mice with increased bone resorption, and in nude mice with osteolytic cancer metastases, with similar-fold increases to those observed in vitro. Of the three compounds, risedronate, the most potent inhibitor of bone resorption in vivo, was the strongest inducer of osteoclast apoptosis in vitro. Osteoclast apoptosis may therefore be a major mechanism whereby bisphosphonates reduce osteoclast numbers and activity, and induction of apoptosis could be a therapeutic goal for new antiosteoclast drugs.

Bisphosphonate risedronate reduces metastatic human breast cancer burden in bone in nude mice

Human breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the skeleton to cause osteolysis and subsequent pain, pathological fracture, and hypercalcemia. Because bone continuously releases growth factors stored in bone matrix by bone resorption during physiological remodeling and, thus, possibly provides a favorable microenvironment for metastatic breast cancer cells to proliferate, inhibitors of bone resorption used either prophylactically or in patients with established disease, therefore, would seem likely to be useful adjuvant therapy in patients with breast cancer. However, the parameters for monitoring progressive osteolytic bone disease in humans are imprecise. We examined the effects of the third generation bisphosphonate, risedronate, which is a specific inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption, in a bone metastasis model in nude mice in which intracardiac injection of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-231 leads to osteolytic bone metastases. Risedronate (4 micrograms/animal/day) was given s.c. to animals (a) after radiologically small but defined osteolytic metastases were observed; (b) simultaneously with MDA-231 cell inoculation through the entire experimental period; or (c) by short-term prophylactic administration before inoculation of MDA-231 cells. In all experiments, risedronate either slowed progression or inhibited the development of bone metastases assessed radiographically. Furthermore, mice treated continuously with risedronate showed significantly longer survival than did control mice. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed that osteoclast numbers were diminished at metastatic tumor sites. Unexpectedly, there was also a marked decrease in tumor burden in bone in risedronate-treated animals. In contrast, the growth of metastatic breast cancer in soft tissues surrounding bones was not affected by risedronate. Moreover, risedronate had no effects on the local growth of s.c. implanted MDA-231 breast cancers in nude mice or on MDA-231 cell proliferation in culture. These data demonstrate that risedronate decreases metastatic MDA-231 breast cancer burden selectively in bone, as well as suppresses progression of established osteolytic lesions and prevents the development of new osteolytic lesions; thus, the data suggest that inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption may be a useful adjunctive therapy for the treatment of cancers that have colonized in bone.

[The graft replacement of the patient with aortic arch aneurysm and thrombosed aortic dissection]

The patient was male and aged 68 years and complained of dyspnea and chest pain. He was pointed out aortic arch dilatation on chest X-ray and CT demonstrated aortic arch aneurysm accompanied with acute type IIIb aortic dissection. One month later after anti-hypertensive therapy, the false lumen of aortic dissection was closed with thrombus. While we performed the graft replacement to the aortic arch aneurysm, the thrombosed false lumen was recanalized, so it needed the closure of the false lumen reinforced with teflon felt. Postoperative angiography showed no abnormality of anastomosis and complete occlusion of the false lumen.

T-cell receptor gene structures of HLA-A26-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte lines against human autologous pancreatic adenocarcinoma

We isolated two cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines, which were independently obtained by mixed lymphocyte-tumor cell culture from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes of a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Both lines behaved identically in all the functional aspects tested and appeared to be HLA-A26-restricted. We analyzed their T cell receptor (TCR) gene structures, including V-(D)-J junctional sequences, which are unique to each T-cell clonotype and contribute to TCR diversity. Each line consisted of a clonal T-cell expressing V alpha 18 and V beta 7. The alpha chain gene was composed of V alpha 18/J alpha F/C alpha and the beta-chain gene, of V beta 7.1/D beta/J beta 1.4/C beta 2. The sequences were all in-frame and therefore should yield functional transcripts. The junctional sequences were identical between the two lines. These data suggested that the two CTL clones having the same CDR3 had descended from a common precursor lymphocyte. The clonal expansion of CTL lines with the identical CDR3 implies that they are directed against the same tumor antigen, which seemed to be immunologically dominant in the specific interaction between the CTL and the autologous pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Secretion of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and -beta 2 by malignant glioma cells

The secretion of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a growth inhibitory factor with immunosuppressive properties, was investigated in one glioblastoma cell line and seven surgically resected malignant glioma cells. Cultured cells from surgically resected tumors were examined immunohistochemically for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S-100 protein. The levels of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 in culture supernatants from malignant glioma cells were determined by a specific bioassay using anti-TGF-beta 1 and anti-TGF-beta 2 antibodies. Two glioblastoma cell lines were cultured in the presence of TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2 to assess the effect of TGF-beta on the growth of glioblastoma cells. Cultured cells from surgically resected tumors were positive for both GFAP and S-100 protein. Both active and latent forms of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 were detected in the culture supernatants from malignant gliomas, except in one patient with anaplastic astrocytoma which secreted only latent forms of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2. There was no statistical difference in the levels of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 in glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas. Neither TGF-beta 1 nor TGF-beta 2 affected the growth of glioblastoma cells. These findings suggest that most malignant glioma cells secrete both TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2, can convert TGF-beta from a latent to active form, and may suppress cytokine secretion by activated lymphocytes in vivo as well as in vitro.

Glycemic control, growth and complications in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus--a study of children enrolled in a Summer camp program for diabetics in Kinki district, Japan

The influence of glycemic control on growth and on the development of complications in diabetic children was studied. The subjects of the study were 107 children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), who were enrolled in a Summer camp program for diabetic children in Kinki District, Japan from 1972 to 1990, and who had at least three determinations of HbA1 during the observation period. Many of the children had high mean levels of HbA1, regardless of age. The height and weight were below the standards for the respective ages in many children, indicating the retardation of growth. However, S.D. scores for height and weight and other physical indices were not related to the mean levels of HbA1. By contrast, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was related to an elevated mean level of HbA1, but that of albuminuria was not. Serum cholesterol levels were higher in children with higher mean levels of HbA1, but serum triglycerides appeared not to be related to glycemic control. The incidence of retinopathy during the observation period closely related to the degree of the mean levels of HbA1, but that of albuminuria did not.

Syntheses of novel galactosyl ligands for liposomes and the influence of the spacer on accumulation in the rat liver

We modified the surface of liposomes with galactosyl ligands. At first we determined whether or not the galactosyl moiety was exposed on the liposomes. We then investigated the effect of the ligands on the hepatic accumulation of liposomes in rats. We introduced an oligoethylene glycol moiety as a spacer. Among the various ligands tested, those with a tri- or tetraethylene glycol moiety as a spacer caused the greatest accumulation of liposomes in the liver. Liposomes bearing ligands with a tri- or tetraethylene glycol moiety as a spacer, were aggregated by Ricinus communis agglutinin. On the other hand, those modified with ligands with a mono- or diethylene glycol spacer did not clearly agglutinate. These results show the importance of a spacer between the homing device and the ligand anchor.

[Relationship between daily high temperature and mortality in Kyushu, Japan]

We analyzed the relationship between daily high temperature and mortality in Kyushu, Japan, 1972-1990. Mortality rate was obtained by dividing the number of deaths in a certain daily high temperature category by person-days in the same category. The results were as follows: (1) With daily high temperature on the x-axis and mortality rate on the y-axis, the relationship between the two variables appeared to be V-shaped. The minimum mortality rate was observed at the 28 degrees C-33 degrees C level. (2) Among all deaths at 33+ degrees C level, the proportion of deaths from "excessive heat" never exceeded 0.4%. This suggested that heat stroke is not a major contributor to the V-shape formation. (3) The V-shape was observed even in 1990, suggesting that the rapid spread of air conditioners did not alter the relationship between daily high temperature and mortality rate. (4) For the 0-4 years age group, mortality was not temperature dependent. However, the 5-14 years age group showed high mortality rates at 33+ degrees C. This may be attributed to outdoor activities during summer. After 30 years of age, the overall mortality rates rose with age, with greater increases at lower ambient temperature levels. As a result, the 65+ years age group had the greatest temperature dependence. (5) Deaths from respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases, and senility were highly temperature dependent, whereas death from cancer was not temperature dependent. Deaths from digestive diseases, infectious diseases, and accidents showed moderate temperature dependence.

[Detected Epstein-Barr virus genome using polymerase chain reaction in peripheral mononuclear cells--subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis]

A 23-year old woman was admitted to our hospital because of fever, leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and cervical lymphadenopathy. From pathological findings of the cervical lymphnode she was diagnosed as subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis (SNL). Bone marrow aspiration was hypocellular with proliferation of mature histiocytes with hemophagocytosis. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated to 1863 IU/l and mild liver dysfunction was observed. Hepatosplenomegaly, lymphnode swelling in abdominal cavity, pleural effusion and pericardial effusion were detected. After glucocorticoid therapy all such disorders were normalized. In this course, Epstein-Barr (EB) virus genome was detected by a polymerase chain reaction method from peripheral mononuclear cells. After normalization, EB virus genome became not to be detected. From present case we concluded that EB virus was expanded in clinical course and was associated with pathogenesis of SNL.

Origin and elimination of dynamic instability in a self-pumped phase-conjugate mirror

The origin and the elimination of dynamic instability have been experimentally studied in a self-pumped phase-conjugate mirror (SPPCM) of a Cu:KNSBN crystal. Experimental results show that the dynamic instability of the SPPCM arises from the competition between the self-generated fanning effect and SPPCM formation. The ordinary-polarized component of a partially extraordinary-polarized incident light beam can act to decrease the self-generated fanning effect of the photorefractive crystal. We can eliminate the dynamic instability of the SPPCM by restraining the self-generated fanning effect with a partially extraordinary-polarized incident light beam.

A neuronal fibrillary inclusion shares the epitope of p24 of human immunodeficiency virus

A monoclonal antibody to p24 of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was demonstrated to react with degenerated neurons immunohistochemically. In a case of Pick's disease, the neurons of the dentate gyrus were labeled with the antibody, while normal-looking ones and glial components were negative. The positive structures showed argyrophilia by the Bielschowsky and Bodian methods. Antibodies to ubiquitin, paired helical filament and tau did not react with the inclusions. Ultrastructurally, they consisted of skeins of fuzzy-surfaced fibrils with a diameter of 15 nm. In cases of Alzheimer type dementia, thread-like positive profiles were observed in some neurofibrillary tangle-bearing neurons. These studies revealed the cross-reactivity of the anti-HIV p24 antibody to unknown types of neuronal inclusions and provide a new aspect for research into neurodegenerative disorders.