Inhibition of metalloproteinase activity of rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells by a new inhibitor [BE16627B; L-N-(N-hydroxy-2-isobutylsuccinamoyl)-seryl-L-valine]

The effect of a new metalloproteinase (MP) inhibitor [BE16627B; L-N-(N-hydroxy-2-isobutylsuccinamoyl)-seryl-L-valine, MW: 375.2] isolated from Streptomyces sp. was evaluated by using primary cultures of synovial cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients. BE16627B selectively inhibited MPs such as human stromelysin and 92 kD gelatinase. After the cells were cultured with BE16627B for 5 days, BE16627B inhibited MP activity in the primary culture supernatants from synovial cells in a dose-dependent fashion without showing apparent cytotoxicity or affecting the production and secretion of MPs. Its IC50 for active collagenolysis before activation by trypsin was 25 microM.

Dicentric Y chromosome in azoospermic males

Two azoospermic, infertile men with a pseudodicentric Y chromosome are reported. The small isodicentric Y chromosomes were composed of duplicated short arm and proximal long arm Y, as proven by fluorescence in situ hybridisation using a Y centromere-specific DNA probe, pDP97, and a short arm probe pY-80. Both lacked germinal cells in the gonads. It was assumed that the azoospermia was caused by deletion or disruption of the azoospermic factor gene located at distal Yq11. Patient 2 measured 147 cm (-4.1 SD) in height and so it was assumed that he had also lost the "statural determinants" gene.

[Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in superficial bladder cancer--application to paraffin-embedded tissue sections]

It is important to know the proliferating ability and the malignant potential of each tumor. We studied 56 cases of pTa to pT1 superficial bladder tumors using immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and compared the results with the clinical course of each patient. We obtained the following results. 1) We detected the PCNA positive nuclei in all cases, and the PCNA positive rates varied within a range of 1.1-77.5% with a mean of 34.0%. 2) The PCNA positive rate showed no correlation with age, sex, duration of paraffin-embedded, or pathological stage, but showed a significant correlation with the number of tumors, pathological grade of malignancy, or non-recurrence rate. PCNA positive rate of Grade 1 cases (n = 19, 15.6%: mean) was significantly lower than those of Grade 2 cases (n = 27, 39.9%) or Grade 3 cases (n = 10, 53.1%) (P < 0.01). The recurrence rate of the cases with PCNA positive rates of more than 34% (n = 24) was significantly higher than that of the cases with a PCNA positive rate of less than 34% (n = 32) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the method of counting the rate of PCNA positive nuclei is considered to be very useful because of its applicability to paraffin-embedded tissue sections and the simple and rapid techniques. Our results in bladder cancer tissues suggest that this method may also be useful for investigating the proliferating ability and the malignant potential of tumors in general.

Cystathionine gamma-lyase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: structural gene and cystathionine gamma-synthase activity

Purification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cystathionine gamma-lyase (gamma-CTLase) was hampered by the presence of a protein migrating very close to it in various types of column chromatography. The enzyme and the contaminant were nevertheless separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis indicated that they are coded for by CYS3 (CYI1) and MET17 (MET25), respectively, leading to the conclusion that CYS3 is the structural gene for gamma-CTLase and that the contaminant is O-acetylserine/O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase (OAS/OAH SHLase). Based on these findings, we purified gamma-CTLase by the following strategy: (1) extraction of OAS/OAH SHLase from a CYS3-disrupted strain; (2) preparation of antiserum against it; (3) identification of a strain devoid of the OAS/OAH SHLase protein using this antiserum; and (4) extraction of gamma-CTLase from this strain. Purified gamma-CTLase had cystathionine gamma-synthase (gamma-CTSase) activity if O-succinylhomoserine, but not O-acetylhomoserine, was used as substrate. From this notion we discuss the evolutional relationship between S. cerevisiae gamma-CTLase and Escherichia coli gamma-CTSase.

Malignant lymphoma with myxoid change and sarcomatous features

We report a case of unusual B-cell malignant lymphoma of the kidney and mediastinum. Renal biopsy showed prominent myxoid changes and sarcomatous features, leading to considerable difficulty in histologic diagnosis on routinely stained histologic sections. However, immunohistochemical staining for lymphocyte markers led to the final histologic diagnosis of B-cell malignant lymphoma. Although myxoid change is not generally found in malignant lymphoma, malignant lymphoma should not be excluded from consideration when one encounters a small round cell sarcoma with myxoid stroma, especially in extranodal soft tissue tumors.

Seasonal variations of nasal resistance in allergic rhinitis and environmental pollen counts

We made measurements of nasal airway resistance in a patient with Japanese cedar pollinosis and also measured the environmental pollen counts under different exposure conditions. In the season of high Japanese cedar pollen counts in Japan values of mean nasal airway resistance were significantly increased, remained elevated for 2 months after the season, and eventually decreased. In the season of low pollen counts, the mean values of nasal airway resistance measurements were increased during the season but decreased more rapidly after the season. In a year with no exposure to the environmental allergen because the subject lived out of Japan, the mean nasal airway resistances were relatively increased closely in phase with the Japanese cedar pollen season.

Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the male genitalia: analysis of the lipid constituents and histological study

An analysis of lipids and histological examination were performed on tissues resected from 2 patients with sclerosing lipogranuloma of the scrotum. The clinical course and histological characteristics were consistent with those reported previously for typical primary sclerosing lipogranuloma of the male genitalia. There was no history of the injection or topical application of oils or fats. Both of our patients had eosinophilia and the lesions showed eosinophilic infiltration. Complete natural regression occurred several months after partial resection of the lesion in both cases, and no recurrence has been noted during follow-up. This lipid analysis and histological study revealed that no exogenous fatty elements were present and suggested that degeneration of endogenous fat due to some allergic mechanism might be involved in the development of sclerosing lipogranuloma. The eosinophilia associated with this disease and its spontaneous regression after partial resection also support this assumption.

Seasonal variations of nasal resistance in allergic rhinitis and environmental pollen counts. II: Efficacy of preseasonal therapy

We gave Mao-bushi-saishin-to, a Chinese blended medicine, and azelastine to an adult patient with hay fever due to Japanese cedar pollen and measured nasal resistance and ambient floating pollen counts throughout the time of Japanese cedar pollination in separated years. In the patient Mao-bushi-saishin-to was effective against preseasonal increases in nasal airway resistance but could not control severe episodes of allergic rhinitis caused by high dose exposure to Japanese cedar pollen and also perhaps caused by a priming effect. Azelastine inhibited both pre- and post-seasonal increases in nasal airway resistance but not only on high pollen counts days.

Percutaneous mitomycin C perfusion of bilateral ureteral carcinoma in situ

We treated a 61-year-old patient with a diagnosis of bilateral ureteral carcinoma in situ with percutaneous perfusions of mitomycin C. After 16 sessions of mitomycin C therapy instilled through bilateral nephrostomy tubes, the urine cytology results became negative for malignancy. Bilateral ureteroscopy and cold-cup punch biopsies of the ureter revealed no evidence of disease. The patient did not experience side effects. He has remained free of disease during a 12-month follow-up period. Percutaneous perfusion of mitomycin C appears to be one of the effective and safe treatments for the carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract.

The distribution of eosinophil cationic protein positive eosinophils in the nasal mucosa of the nasal allergy patients

The relationship between the distribution of eosinophils and epithelial damage of the nasal mucosa in nasal allergy was investigated by means of hematoxylin and eosin staining and a technique of immunohistochemistry using the anti-human EG2 mouse monoclonal antibody that reacts with the secreted form of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Nasal mucosa tissue of 26 adult nasal allergy patients and of 24 adult non-allergic rhinitis patients was removed surgically. Eosinophilia in the nasal mucosa of the allergy group was greater than that in the non-allergy group. A great number of ECP positive eosinophils accumulating in the nasal mucosa of the allergy group were mostly degranulated at the superficial layer of the lamina propria. Desquamation of the epithelium was observed mainly in the area of eosinophilia with degranulation of the secreted form of ECP in the nasal allergy group.

[Transurethral incision and fulguration of the bladder diverticulum: radicality and clinical efficacy]

We performed transurethral incision and fulguration of the bladder diverticulum (TUIFBD) for 8 diverticula in 6 patients. In combination with TUIFBD, one patient received transurethral resection of the prostate and another one transurethral lithotripsy of bladder stones. TUIFBD has been easily performed without any operative complications. All 8 diverticula had shrunken from one to two months after the operation but only one diverticulum had disappeared. Symptoms related to the bladder diverticulum had disappeared postoperatively in all cases. In conclusion, TUIFBD can be easily and safely performed in combination with other transurethral surgical procedures. TUIFBD may be insufficient for radicality, but is clinically effective.

[Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea in a normal inner ear. A case report]

A 49-year-old male with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea, an extremely rare condition, is presented as the third reported case in Japan. The patient visited us complaining of sudden hearing loss and fullness of the ear on the left side. A tegmen defect of the posterior cranial fossa and CSF leakage from the fistula into the mastoid air cells, but a normal inner ear, were found by means of metrizamide CT. The fistula was surgically occluded with fascia temporalis and an artificial bone with fibrin glue. The CSF otorrhea from the tegmen defect was successfully stopped by this procedure and no recurrence has been observed. We discuss this extremely rare disease in this paper.

Effect of a partial deletion of Y chromosome on in vitro fertilizing ability of mouse spermatozoa

The effect of a partial deletion of Y chromosome on sperm fertilizing ability was investigated through an in vitro fertilization technique. Epididymal spermatozoa of a congenic line, B10.BR-Ydel, which is characterized by a high incidence of abnormal spermatozoa, revealed a significantly lower in vitro fertilization rate (22%) than that (79%) of its control strain (B10.BR/SgSn), which has a normal-sized Y chromosome. Incidence of capacitated spermatozoa as determined by chlortetracycline fluorescence assay was significantly lower in B10.BR-Ydel than in B10.BR/SgSn spermatozoa. The fertilization rate was significantly improved when B10.BR-Ydel spermatozoa were separated from the supernatant of sperm suspension by Percoll gradient centrifugation. A reconstitution experiment revealed that the B10.BR-Ydel spermatozoa were more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the supernatant than B10.BR/SgSn spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from F1 (C57BL/6N male x B10.BR-Ydel female) males showed higher fertilization rates than those from F1 (B10.BR.Ydel male x C57BL/6N female) males. These observations suggest that not only the morphology but also the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa is directly related to partial deletion of Y chromosome.

[Flow cytometric bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)/DNA analysis using fresh solid tumors and its clinical significance]

It is very important to determine the biological characteristics of individual cancers, not only in order to evaluate malignant potentials but also to decide on the most effective anticancer therapy. A method which combines BrdU labeling and flow cytometric bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)/DNA analysis makes it possible to plot the DNA synthetic rate of cells against their DNA content. Hence, this method yields more useful information than the previous method of flow cytometric DNA analysis. When this method is performed correctly, it can be also applied to fresh solid tumors. In this paper, we will describe the results of our preliminary investigation and discuss its clinical significance.

[A case of retroperitoneal Castleman's disease associated with bladder tumor and a review of 59 cases in Japan]

We present a case of retroperitoneal Castleman's disease associated with bladder tumor. The patient was a 62-year-old man, who underwent partial cystectomy under a diagnosis of bladder tumor in 1989. Subsequently, recurrent bladder tumor was detected and he consulted the outpatient clinic at our University Hospital in November, 1990, at which time computerized tomography (CT) revealed a retroperitoneal tumor. From February, 1991 four courses of combined chemotherapy (methotrexate, vinblastine, pirarubicin, cisplatin) were administered for the tumor. The tumor reduction rate after the chemotherapy was 60% on CT, and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and left nephroureterectomy were performed in July, 1991. Histological examination revealed Castleman's disease, hyaline-vascular type. Fifty-nine reported cases of retroperitoneal Castleman's disease in Japan are reviewed.

[Multiorgan failure following intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin administration: a case report]

We describe a case of multiorgan failure after intravesical bacillus Carmette-Guern (BCG) immunotherapy for bladder cancer. A 58-year-old man with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was initially treated by transurethral resection and intravenous chemotherapy, and then administered 11 sessions of BCG intravesically. He was administered BCG intravesically after cystoscopic examination. The next day he complained of nausea and malaise. He became hypotensive. The symptom progressed with multiorgan failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation and respiratory failure. The patient gradually improved with administration of antibiotics and corticosteroid, and hemodialysis, without antituberculous antibiotics. Intravesical instillation of BCG should not be carried out immediately after cystoscopic examination.

[A case of emergency operation of entrapped intra-aortic balloon]

We report a case of emergency operation for entrapped intra-aortic balloon. The cause of entrapment of balloon was formation of a clot inside the balloon, which necessitated surgical removal. When intra-aortic balloon rupture by contact of calcific atheromatous plaque, the alarm is not often triggered. In this case, perforation is diagnosed by the presence of blood in the tube connecting the balloon. It is recommended that the balloon should be removed at the presence of blood in the tube.

Aortic valve replacement for Takayasu's arteritis

We report 12 cases of aortic valve replacement performed for Takayasu's arteritis and discuss the genesis of aortic regurgitation and the clinical outcome after aortic valve replacement. This group of twelve patients who underwent aortic valve replacement between April 1982 and March 1990 included four male and eight female patients, aged 24 to 67 years (mean age 48 years). Preoperative angiography showed systemic multiple stenoocclusive or aneurysmal dilated vascular lesions in addition to aortic regurgitation. The multiple lesions included a lesion in the aortic arch branch in nine (75%), in the pulmonary artery in seven (58%), an aneurysmal dilation in the ascending aorta of more than 6 cm in four (33%), a coronary lesion in four (33%), a thoracic aortic lesion in six (50%), and a lesion in the abdominal aorta and its visceral branch in six (50%). Simple aortic valve replacement alone was performed in two patients and in combination with another operation in ten patients, with aortic root reconstruction in two, ascending aortic plication in three, coronary artery bypass grafting in two, aortic arch branch bypass grafting in one, aortic arch branch bypass grafting and coronary ostium endarterectomy in one, and mitral valve replacement and ascending aortic plication in one. There was no operative death, and only one patient died later, 18 months after the operation, because of secondary amyloidosis. The postoperative recovery of the clinical status and cardiac function was good. Intraoperative observations suggested that aortic valve regurgitation may be caused by an extension of aortitis, although histopathologic examinations of the valve showed nonspecific findings. One of the characteristic problems in Takayasu's arteritis is the necessity for prednisolone administration in some patients preoperatively or postoperatively, or both. We conclude that aortic valve replacement for patients with Takayasu's arteritis is an effective and safe treatment. Our data related to the genesis of aortic regurgitation in Takayasu's arteritis remain insufficient to draw conclusions, and further analysis is planned.

[Spontaneous peripelvic extravasation after the operation of rectal cancer, treated by indwelling the ureteral stent: report of three cases]

Three cases of spontaneous peripelvic extravasation after the operation of rectal cancer are reported. In case 1, a 65-year-old female complained of left flank pain one month after high-anterior resection for rectal cancer. Drip infusion pyelography (DIP) and retrograde pyelography (RP) showed extravasation from the left renal pelvis. The ureteral stent was indwelled, and the extravasation showed remission. In case 2, a 55-year-old female complained of left lumbago 6 months after Miles' operation for rectal cancer. DIP showed extravasation from the left renal pelvis. The same findings were confirmed on the repeated DIP after 10 days. The ureteral stent was indwelled, and the extravasation was cured. In case 3, a 69-year-old male complained of left flank pain and left abdominal tumor 10 months after Miles' operation for rectal cancer. DIP and RP showed extravasation from the right renal pelvis, and computed tomographic (CT) scan showed urinoma formation. Drainage of the urinoma was performed and the ureteral stent was indwelled. The urinoma and the extravasation was cured. We emphasized the usefulness of indwelling the ureteral stent for the conservative management of spontaneous peripelvic extravasation caused by a malignant tumor, and a discussion of the relevant literature follows.

Comparison of histone H1 kinase activity during meiotic maturation between two types of porcine oocytes matured in different media in vitro

Histone H1 kinase (H1K) activity was assayed during meiotic maturation in porcine oocytes matured in a modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (KRB) or in porcine follicular fluid (pFF) in vitro. Oocytes matured in KRB displayed lower male pronucleus formation ability, delayed first polar body emission, and a higher spontaneous activation rate than oocytes matured in pFF. In oocytes matured in pFF, H1K activity was low at the germinal vesicle stage and increased about 8-fold at first and second metaphases, with a transient depression at first anaphase and telophase. The H1K activity at second metaphase in oocytes matured in KRB was significantly lower than that in oocytes matured in pFF. These results suggest that the maturation medium used influences the fluctuation pattern of H1K activity and the biological characteristics of porcine oocytes cultured in vitro.

Cloning and characterization of the CYS3 (CYI1) gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A DNA fragment containing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CYS3 (CYI1) gene was cloned. The clone had a single open reading frame of 1,182 bp (394 amino acid residues). By comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with the N-terminal amino acid sequence of cystathionine gamma-lyase, CYS3 (CYI1) was concluded to be the structural gene for this enzyme. In addition, the deduced sequence showed homology with the following enzymes: rat cystathionine gamma-lyase (41%), Escherichia coli cystathionine gamma-synthase (36%), and cystathionine beta-lyase (25%). The N-terminal half of it was homologous (39%) with the N-terminal half of S. cerevisiae O-acetylserine and O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase. The cloned CYS3 (CYI1) gene marginally complemented the E. coli metB mutation (cystathionine gamma-synthase deficiency) and conferred cystathionine gamma-synthase activity as well as cystathionine gamma-lyase activity to E. coli; cystathionine gamma-synthase activity was detected when O-succinylhomoserine but not O-acetylhomoserine was used as substrate. We therefore conclude that S. cerevisiae cystathionine gamma-lyase and E. coli cystathionine gamma-synthase are homologous in both structure and in vitro function and propose that their different in vivo functions are due to the unavailability of O-succinylhomoserine in S. cerevisiae and the scarceness of cystathionine in E. coli.

Maturation, fertilization, and development of dog oocytes in vitro

Preovulatory oocytes were collected from ovaries of beagle bitches that had received superovulatory treatment. They were cultured in a modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution containing 10% fetal calf serum and 30 mg/L gentamicin sulfate for up to 72 h. About 32% of oocytes reached metaphase II by 72 h of culture. When these in vitro-matured oocytes were inseminated with ejaculated beagle spermatozoa that had been preincubated for 4 h, sperm penetration of the zona pellucida started about 1 h after insemination, and both male and female pronuclei were seen in the ooplasm at 8 h after insemination. At 18-20 h after insemination, oocytes were transferred to Whitten's medium and cultured for 76-78 h. The first cleavage was observed at 48 h after insemination, and 15 of 45 oocytes developed to the 2-8-cell stage. These results demonstrate that in vitro-matured canine oocytes can be fertilized and develop to the 8-cell stage in vitro.

The microvasculature of the human bone marrow correlated with the distribution of hematopoietic cells. A computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction study

Surgical specimens of ordinary bone marrow from eight patients were submitted to computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction from resin-embedded, semi-thin serial sections. This was undertaken with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of hematopoietic microenvironment by establishing the basic architecture of the bone marrow, particularly the microvasculature and its relation to the hematopoietic cell series. The basic vascular structure was found to consist of mutually intertwining sinuses and hematopoietic cords (or compartments), the latter with an arteriole running along the axis. This allowed to define the unitary structure of the bone marrow as a hematopoietic cord with a central arteriole and surrounded by sinuses. Here granulopoietic cells were distributed mostly along the wall of the central arteriole. Erythropoietic cells, located mainly around the sinus wall, proved to be forming a continuous network of cord instead of separate "islands" as usually assumed, justifying a designation of "erythroblastic cords". Megakaryocytes were positioned in close vicinity to the sinus wall. These findings appear not only to be helpful in analyzing factors involved in the in vivo hematopoiesis of man, but also to visualize the importance of structural studies of bone marrow.

Cloning and mapping of the CYS4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A DNA fragment containing the CYS4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated from a genomic library. The cloned fragment hybridized to the transverse-alternating-field-electrophoresis band corresponding to chromosomes VII and XV. According to the 2 microns DNA chromosome-loss procedure, the cys2 and cys4 mutations, which are linked together and co-operatively confer cysteine dependence, were assigned to chromosome VII. By further mapping involving tetrad analysis, the cys2-cys4 pair was localized between SUP77 (SUP166) and ade3 on the right arm of chromosome VII.