[Natural killer cell activity in severely handicapped children: correlation with malnutrition and frequent infections]

We studied natural killer cell (NK) activity in 20 severely handicapped children and investigated the relationship between NK activity and malnutrition. We divided our patients into two groups with regard to frequency of infections: high frequency group (group 1) and low frequency group (group 2). NK activity in group 1 was low in comparison with group 2. Calorie intake and Rohrer's index were lower in group 1. Serum albumin (Alb) and iron (Fe) in group 1 were also lower than those in group 2, and serum zinc (Zn) and hemoglobin (Hb) were slightly lower in group 1. NK activity was positively correlated with calorie intake, Alb, Zn and Hb. Six patients with low NK activity were given supplementary diet; two patients were given protein-enriched diet; three patients were given protein-enriched diet and zinc sulfate; one patient was given increased diet. NK activity rose in 4 patients. These results indicated that the depression of NK activity was associated with frequent infections and correlated with nutritional conditions of the severely handicapped children.

Accumulation of (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and n-hexanal, degradation products of lipid peroxides, in mouse lung and liver

Effects of lipid peroxide breakdown products, (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HN) and n-hexanal, on mouse lung lesion were examined. When 4-HN was injected i.v., the plasma level of 4-HN increased just after the injection and then decreased immediately. The amounts of 4-HN increased in the liver and lung were ca. 0.085 and 0.43% to the dose administered, respectively, 5 min after the injection. Reduced glutathione (GSH) content and both GSH peroxidase (GSH-Px) and GSH reductase (GSSGR) activities in the lung were decreased significantly by 4-HN treatment. On the other hand, in the case of i.v. injection of n-hexanal into mice, the amount of n-hexanal detected in the lung was 5.0% to that of 4-HN, and no effect on the activities of GSH-Px and GSSGR and the content of GSH was observed. These results suggest that 4-HN generated from lipid peroxides would be transferred into the lung and cause the lung lesion through the inhibition of GSH-dependent antioxidative defense systems.

[Effect of diaphragmatic fatigue on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide]

To clarify the effect of respiratory muscle fatigue on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide, we performed CO2 rebreathing study before and after diaphragmatic fatigue in nine healthy males. Diaphragmatic fatigue was induced by inspiratory resistor loading and confirmed by the increase in Tension Time Index and the decrease in Pdi max at FRC. The effects of diaphragmatic fatigue were as follows: 1) S and B value of VE-CO2 curve did not change. 2) P1-CO2 curve shifted to the left but the slope of the curve did not change. 3) delta Ppl response to CO2 decreased, but delta Pdi response to CO2 did not change. 4) The increase in respiratory accessory muscle EMG was more prominent, compared to diaphragmatic EMG. 5) Rib cage movement became more marked. In conclusion, diaphragmatic fatigue (with 60 percent decrease in Pdi max at FRC) does not affect on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. To maintain the homeostasis of the chemical ventilatory feedback system, diaphragmatic dysfunction is compensated by the increased activity of respiratory accessory muscles with possible increase in neural drive.

Endogenous urinary 3-hydroxyproline has 96% specificity and 44% sensitivity for cancer screening

A method for determining the endogenous urinary excretion levels of both 3-hydroxyproline and 4-hydroxyproline that may be useful for cancer screening of the general population and at the workplace is evaluated in this report. The excretion levels of 3-hydroxyproline and 4-hydroxproline were estimated in 97 patients with cancer and in 99 patients with various nonmalignant diseases and were compared with those of 211 healthy persons. Measurable 3-hydroxyproline peaks (by amino acid autoanalyzer) were absent from 93 samples from 211 healthy persons (44%), 50 of 99 patients with nonmalignant disease (50%), and 10 of 96 patients with cancer (10%). The levels of both 3-hydroxyproline and 4-hydroxyproline in cancer patients were significantly higher than those in healthy persons (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) and those in patients with nonmalignant diseases (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Cancer patients were classified into three groups according to grade of cancer growth and invasion. The sensitivity of 3-hydroxyproline was 44% and higher than that of 4-hydroxyproline for the detection of stage II cancers (no distant metastasis); the sensitivities of both hydroxyprolines for the detection of stage I (very early cancer) were low. The specificity of these assays for healthy persons and patients with nonmalignant disease was 96% and 92% for 3-hydroxyproline, and 97% and 79% for 4-hydroxyproline, respectively. Urinary 3-hydroxyproline level should be further investigated as a cancer screening method for healthy persons in the community or the workplace, but appears unlikely to detect many cancers in the earliest stages.

Efficient production of a small peptide by expression as a multimeric form fused with the dihydrofolate reductase affinity handle

A pentapeptide which potently inhibits primary IgE antibody formation, Asp-Ser-Asp-Gly-Lys (DSDGK), has been efficiently produced with the aid of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) handle [M. Iwakura, et al. (1992) J. Biochem. 111, 37-45]. The genes coding fused proteins comprising DHFR and multimeric forms of DSDGK, namely, DHFR-(DSDGK)3, DHFR-(DSDGK)14, and DHFR-(DSDGK)28, were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. The C-terminal peptides attached to DHFR did not affect the expression or the function of the DHFR handle, even when the length of the C-terminal peptide was as long as 160 amino acid residues. The fused proteins were easily purified by methotrexate affinity chromatography, one of the major advantages of the DHFR handle. The fused proteins were digested with trypsin and the monomeric peptide, DSDGK, was purified by HPLC. The yields of the peptide were estimated to be 11, 43, and 99 mg per 1 gram of the total cell proteins from E. coli cells producing DHFR-(DSDGK)3, DHFR-(DSDGK)14, and DHFR-(DSDGK)28, respectively.

Endocrinological environment with regard to the number of microcysts in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Androgen, oestrogen and gonadotrophin levels in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were compared with those in normal ovulatory women (controls), and were correlated with the number of microcysts in the polycystic ovaries studied. The androgen levels (testosterone, delta 4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate), oestrogen levels (oestrone and oestrone/oestradiol-17 ratio) and gonadotrophin levels [luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio] of PCOS patients were significantly higher than those of controls. The number of microcysts in polycystic ovaries was significantly correlated with androstenedione, which in turn was also significantly correlated with LH and LH/FSH ratio. These correlations may play a part in the maintenance of chronic anovulation in PCOS.

Prevalence of polycystic ovaries by transvaginal ultrasound and serum androgens

The present study compares the ovarian area and the androgen levels (testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, testosterone/SHBG ratio) in the two patterns (peripheral cystic pattern, general cystic pattern) of polycystic ovaries diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound. The results were as follows. (1) The ovarian area of the peripheral cystic pattern group of polycystic ovaries was significantly greater than that of normal controls, but in the general cystic group it was not. (2) Serum levels of testosterone and free testosterone, and the testosterone/SHBG ratio in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were significantly higher than those of healthy controls; but with ultrasonographic classification, there was no significant difference between the peripheral cystic and general cystic groups. (3) In the polycystic ovary syndrome, elevated levels of testosterone and free testosterone, and of the testosterone/SHBG ratio were observed in approximately half of the patients. Ovarian morphology was different, but androgen status was similar in the two patterns of polycystic ovaries.

The direct effect of Hochuekki-To on human sperm fertilizability using the hypoosmotic swelling test

The concentration and motility of human sperm increase is examined following the oral administration of a traditional herbal medicine, Hochuekki-To using the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. After 1 h incubation in Hochuekki-To, the motility of sperm and the results of the HOS test improved, particularly for severely abnormal sperm. For both the original and incubated sperm, the results of the HOS test improved when Hochuekki-To was used in the swim-up medium for the swim-up washing method rather than when Whittingham's T6 solution was used. Hochuekki-To had a favorable, direct effect on human sperm functions, suggesting an effect on the physiological integrity of sperm membrane.

Novel disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. I. Synthesis and antiarthritic activity of 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzothiazoles

A series of 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzothiazoles was synthesized and evaluated using an adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model. This class of desired compounds affecting the immune response was found using hemagglutination assay. 4-Acetoxy-2-(4-methylphenyl)benzothiazole (7m), KB-2683, was most potent in the adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model and selected for further evaluation. In contrast to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, compound 7m showed no antiinflammatory or analgesic activities. It did, however, show an immunomodulatory activity in enhanced delayed type hypersensitivity.

A unique in vivo assessment of 4-[10B]borono-L-phenylalanine in tumour tissues for boron neutron capture therapy of malignant melanomas using positron emission tomography and 4-borono-2-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine

A unique in vivo approach to assessing the concentrations of 4-[10B]borono-L-phenylalanine (L-BPA), a melanoma targeting compound for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), was investigated using L-BPA labelled with positron-emitting 18F (half-life = 110 min), i.e., 4-[10B]borono-2-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine (L-[18F]FBPA). High melanoma uptake of L-[18F]FBPA was reduced slightly by competition with L-BPA in the two animal models of the murine B16 melanoma and the melanotic Greene's melanoma No. 179 in hamsters. In mice given L-[18F]FBPA and L-BPA, the concentrations of 10B in B16 estimated from 18F radioactivity were lower than those measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Lower estimated values were dependent on the time after injection and on the loading dose of L-BPA. The estimated 10B concentrations for Green's melanomas were comparable to the measured values. Positron emission tomography (PET) using L-[18F]FBPA allowed Greene's melanomas to be clearly visualized. In conclusion, when L-[18F]FBPA is used as a probe for L-BPA in BNCT of malignant melanomas, the melanoma can be localized and the 10B concentrations in tissues can be assessed in vivo using 18F radioactivity by PET.

Sperm-activating peptide type-V (SAP-V), a fifth member of the sperm-activating peptide family, purified from the egg-conditioned media of the heart urchin Brissus agassizii

1. A novel type of sperm-activating peptide named sperm-activating peptide type-V (SAP-V) was isolated from the egg-conditioned media (egg jelly) of the heart urchin Brissus agassizii and the primary structure of the peptide was determined by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry as follows: Gly-Cys-Glu-Gly-Leu-Phe-His-Gly-Met-Gly-Asn-Cys. 2. SAP-V and [Met(O)9]SAP-V stimulated the respiration of B. agassizii spermatozoa with half-maximal concentrations of 0.5 and 0.3 nM, respectively. However, half-maximal stimulation of the sperm respiration required 40 nM of S-carboxymethylated SAP-V. 3. SAP-V induced significant increases in the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels in B. agassizii spermatozoa in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. The addition of SAP-V to B. agassizii spermatozoa resulted in a mobility shift of a major sperm protein (mol. wt from 133,000 to 129,000) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels.

On the relationship between endocrine and ovulatory abnormalities, and polycystic ovaries as diagnosed by ultrasonography

The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between serum testosterone levels, the menstrual cycle, and polycystic ovaries as shown by ultrasonographic methods. The patients were divided into four groups: (1) cases with normal-appearing ovaries and with regular menstruation (control); (2) cases with normal ovaries on ultrasound, but with abnormalities of the menstrual cycle (MA); (3) cases with polycystic ovaries, but normal menstrual cycle (PCO); (4) cases with both polycystic ovaries and menstrual abnormalities (PCOMA). The results were as follows. (1) The ovarian area was significantly larger in the PCOMA group than in the control group. (2) The number of cases with elevated LH (greater than 30 mIU/mL) was significantly higher in the PCOMA group than in the other groups. (3) In comparison with controls, the percentage of cases with LH/FSH ratios greater than 3.0 was significantly higher in all three groups. (4) The estrone/17 beta-estradiol ratio for the PCOMA group was significantly greater than those of the other groups. (5) The testosterone levels of the PCO and PCOMA group were significantly greater than the control value. (6) The percentage of endocrine criteria (LH greater than 30 mIU/mL or LH/FSH ratio greater than 3.0, estrone/17 beta estradiol ratio greater than 1.0 testosterone greater than 75, greater than 100, and greater than 125 ng/dL) for PCOMA was significantly higher than that of the MA group and the control group, but not significantly greater than the PCO group. It is suggested that morphological changes in the ovaries show a closer correlation with abnormalities of endocrine function than does the presence or absence of abnormalities of the menstrual cycle.

Dopamine receptor antagonists increase markedly the quantity of retrograde transport of HRP in the rat masseteric motoneuron

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected, bilaterally, into the rat masseter muscle, subsequent to an intramuscular or intraperitoneal injection of one of five dopamine antagonists (chlorpromazine and haloperidol as the D1 and D2 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 as the specific D1 receptor antagonist, sulpiride and domperidone as the specific D2 receptor antagonist). Control rats received an injection of a corresponding vehicle solution. After a survival period of 16 h, the brainstem was cut into 60 microns cryosections and processed with the TMB technique. The amount of retrogradely transported HRP was quantitatively measured in terms of the amount of HRP reaction product present in the motoneuron by the method which we have developed using an image processing system combined with a light microscope and a TV camera. Chlorpromazine, haloperidol, SCH 23390 and sulpiride significantly raised the quantity of retrograde transport of HRP. On the contrary, domperidone which can not penetrate the blood-brain barrier showed no significant change in the amount of the retrograde transport. In addition, an intravenous injection of chlorpromazine (8 mg/kg) was found to increase the amplitude of monosynaptic masseteric reflex EMG activity evoked by stimulations of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. These results suggest that a possible regulatory system involving the dopamine receptor in the uptake and retrograde transport of HRP from axon terminals to cell bodies of the masseteric motoneuron exists in higher order neurons which make synaptic contact with the motoneuron.

Two classes of receptor specific for sperm-activating peptide III in sand-dollar spermatozoa

We characterized receptors specific for sperm-activating peptide III (SAP-III: DSDSAQNLIQ) in spermatozoa of the sand dollar, Clypeaster japonicus, using both binding and cross-linking techniques. Analyses of the data obtained from the equilibrium binding of a radiolabeled SAP-III analogueto C. japonicus spermatozoa, using Klotz, Scatchard and Hill plots, showed the presence of two classes of receptors specific for SAP-III in the spermatozoa. One of the receptors (high-affinity) had a Kd of 3.4 nM and 3.4 x 10(4) binding sites/spermatozoon. The other receptor (low-affinity) had a Kd of 48 nM, with 6.1 x 10(4) binding sites/spermatozoon. The Kd of the high-affinity receptor was comparable to the median effective concentration of the intracellular-pH-increasing activity of SAP-III and that of the low-affinity receptor was comparable to the median effective concentration of the cellular-cGMP-elevating activity of the peptide. In addition, Scatchard and Hill plots of the data suggested the existence of positive cooperativity between the high-affinity members. Similar results were also obtained from a binding experiment using a sperm-membrane fraction prepared from C. japonicus spermatozoa. The incubation of intact spermatozoa or sperm plasma membranes with the radioiodinated SAP-III analogue and a chemical cross-linking reagent, disuccinimidyl suberate, resulted in the radiolabeling of three proteins with molecular masses of 126, 87 and 64 kDa, estimated by SDS/PAGE under reducing conditions.

Purification of a protein from serum of cattle with hepatic lipidosis, and identification of the protein as haptoglobin

A protein that has 2 subunits with molecular weight of 35,000 and 23,000 was detected in serum of cattle with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). The protein was purified from serum obtained from a cow with fatty liver, and was identified as haptoglobin, which is known to have hemoglobin-binding capacity and to be an acute-phase protein. To assess the relevance of haptoglobin in fatty liver, cattle were classified in 3 groups (healthy control, haptoglobin-positive, and haptoglobin-negative); liver triglyceride content and several serum biochemical variables were evaluated for the 3 groups. Compared with the control and haptoglobin-negative cattle, haptoglobin-positive cattle had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher liver triglyceride content, serum bilirubin concentration, and aspartate transaminase activity. Serum haptoglobin concentration was high in slaughter cattle (27 of 40 cattle tested), particularly in cows (20/28).

[Dyspnea and rib cage distortion in postural changes]

We studied the topographical ventilatory motion and electrical muscle activity (EMG) of intercostal muscle within the rib cage for the patients complaining dyspnea produced mostly by their postural changes. There were inappropriateness between the rib cage motion and EMG and this inappropriateness was closely related to a sensation of dyspnea. We could relieve partly dyspnea by applying the negative pressure ventilator, because of prevention of a distortion of rib cage. Based on these clinical observation, we concluded that one of mechanism to sense dyspnea was the inappropriateness between motion and electrical muscle activity within the rib cage.

Second primary cancer following laryngeal cancer with special reference to smoking habits

The risk of developing a second primary cancer following laryngeal cancer was estimated by following-up 472 male laryngeal cancer patients for an average of 8.6 years by means of record linkage to the Osaka Cancer Registry. Of these patients, 115 developed a second cancer other than laryngeal cancer, whereas the expected number derived from the incidence rates among Osaka residents was 51.4 (relative risk (RR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.85-2.69). Cumulative risk of developing a second primary cancer was estimated to be 31.1% at 15 years after laryngeal cancer. By site, the risks were significantly increased for tobacco-related cancers, RR = 24.5, 6.1 and 2.3 for cancers of the oral cavity & pharynx, esophagus and lung, respectively. Also, the risks were higher among heavy smokers for cancer of the oral cavity & pharynx and esophagus than among light smokers. No adverse effects of radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer on the development of thyroid cancer, lymphoma and leukemia were observed. The present study suggests the necessity of following-up laryngeal cancer patients over a long period in order to enable the early detection of tobacco-related cancer.

Further evidence concerning catecholamine metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome following Gn-RH administration

The role of catecholamine activity in the GnRH-LH system among cases of polycystic ovary syndrome was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography using an electrochemical detector. We measured plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), in relation to LH-RH administration in 23 women with polycystic ovary syndrome. MHPG concentrations were significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome patients than in ten control subjects in early follicular phase. The peak values of LH after LH-RH administration were significantly correlated with plasma MHPG concentrations. These data suggest that an excess of norepinephrine is present in polycystic ovary syndrome and that the hypophyseal response to LH-RH administration is correlated with catecholamine, especially norepinephrine activity.

[A review on assessment techniques for workers' physical and mental conditions by physiological measurements]

It was only a several decades ago that physiological measurements were recognized as effective indicators of human physical and mental conditions in occupational health or ergonomics. The recent rapid progress in sensor and signal processing techniques, however, made these available for practical evaluation techniques. This paper is an overview of the accumulated techniques in several fields including experimental psychology, physiology, medical sciences, and ergonomics. The major topics described herein are as follows: 1) properties and merits of physiological measurements compared with the other techniques, 2) applicability of various physiological indicators evaluated from noninvasive, ambulatory and continuous monitoring techniques, 3) practical physiological measurements and signal processing systems which can be applied at actual workplaces and environment, 4) effective and useful evaluation techniques of physiological indicators such as ECG, blood pressure, respiratory parameters, EEG, EBP, EMG, body movements, body temperature, perspiration, eye movements, CFF and electrodermal activities. Our review of 235 published papers has shown that physiological measurements have made a significant contribution to the assessment of physical and mental workload, CNS (central nervous system) activity level and work performance. However, further studies should be made on detail mechanisms and individual variations.

[Plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone concentration in severe handicapped patients]

Plasma renin activity (PRA) and serum aldosterone concentration (Ald) were studied in 25 severe handicaps at the rest position. Sixteen cases (64%) showed increased PRA and/or Ald. In four cases treated with acetazolamide PRA or Ald was increased. After suspending this drug in three cases both PRA and Ald decreased significantly. In patients with low-salt-diet (total Na intake; less than 2 mEq/kg/day) PRA was higher than in those with normal-salt-diet (total Na intake; greater than or equal to 2 mEq/kg/day). Alb had no difference in two groups. Urine Na and Cl secretion in patients with low-salt-diet (49.1 +/- 34.1 mEq/l, 43.5 +/- 25.1 mEq/l) were remarkably low when compared to those in patients with normal-salt-diet (113.3 +/- 71.3, 94.2 +/- 56.3). NaCl supplementation in those patients with low-salt-diet for 5 days (total Na intake; 4 mEq/kg/day) resulted in normalization of their high PRA and Ald levels. This phenomenon revealed reversible since suspending NaCl supplementation again increased PRA and Ald levels. These results suggest that both low-salt-diet and acetazolamide play important roles for renin secretion in severe handicaps.