A BALB/c 3T3-transformed cell line suitable for transfection assay of metastasis-inducing genes

A clonal cell line, 1-1ras1000, transformed by the activated c-Ha-ras oncogene, does not form metastases after i.v. injection into mice (experimental metastasis assay). Here, we show that this cell line is useful as a recipient to detect metastasis-inducing genes, using a transfection assay. Cells (1-1ras1000) were susceptible to metastasis induction by transfection with either v-src or genomic DNA from a v-src-and v-fos-transferred highly metastatic rat cell line (SR202). The susceptibility of 1-1ras1000 cells for lung metastasis induction was suitable for a genomic transfection assay to detect a metastasis-inducing gene in the transfected cells which had incorporated genomic DNA from donor metastatic tumor cells. When DNAs extracted from 7 human tumors were tested for metastasis induction, 2 DNAs from nonmalignant tumors (non-tumorigenic tumors in athymic nude mice) (2/2) were negative and 4 DNAs from malignant tumors (4/5) were positive in 1-1ras1000 cells for primary transfection. in one of the resulting metastases, the ability to metastasize was also transferred in the second and third cycles of genomic DNA transfection at high frequencies. All of the resulting metastases carried the human repetitive Alu sequence. Neither re-arrangements of the endogenous c-Haras nor changes of protein amounts were detected. Recipient 1-1ras1000 cells had a negligible rate of spontaneously metastatic conversion during in vitro cultivation and transfection processes. The resulting metastasized cells were easily isolated from the lung after culturing in selection medium containing G418 (geneticin). Isolated cells stably retained the ability to form metastatic lung nodules when re-injected into mice. Thus, 1-1ras1000 cells appear to be a useful system for the isolation of metastasis-inducing genes from human metastatic tumors.

Intrapancreatic accessory spleen diagnosed by technetium-99m heat-damaged red blood cell SPECT

This is a report of accessory spleen located within the tail of the pancreas which mimicked a tumor. The correct diagnosis was made noninvasively with 99mTc-HDRBC (heat-damaged red blood cell) SPECT.

[Chronic myelogenous leukemia expressing two bcr-abl chimeric mRNA; a case report]

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) expresses two types of bcr-abl chimeric mRNA. One is b3a2 type in which bcr exon 3 binds to abl exon 2, the other is b2a2 type that bcr exon 2 binds to abl exon 2. Either bcr-abl is normally expressed, but both types of bcr-abl mRNA can be expressed at the same time in a patient. We report here a rare case of CML expressing two types of bcr-abl mRNA and discuss the possibility that this double expression would help to monitor the clinical course of CML.

Endothelin-1 levels in portal venous blood in relation to hepatic tissue microcirculation disturbance and hepatic cell injury after ischemia/reperfusion

This study was conducted to clarify the role of endothelin-1 in the portal vein after hepatic ischemia/ reperfusion and to ascertain whether it is related to hepatic microcirculation disturbance. Using a canine ischemic liver model, the portal and systemic endothelin-1 levels were measured before ischemia, then after 1 h and 2 h of reperfusion, and comparatively evaluated with the serum levels of GOT and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). As an indicator of liver tissue microcirculation, tissue blood flow volume (TBF) was also measured in the site subjected to ischemia. The animals were divided into: group 1, which received ischemia for 30 min; group 2, which received ischemia for 60 min; and group 3, which received a sequence repeated four times of 15 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion. The portal endothelin-1 level became significantly elevated after reperfusion compared to that before ischemia in all groups, being significantly higher in group 2 than in the other groups. The systemic endothelin-1 level also increased after reperfusion; significantly in group 2. The portal endothelin-1 level was generally higher than the systemic level, which again was statistically significant in group 2. After 2 h of reperfusion, a significant positive correlation was found between the portal endothelin-I level and serum LDH, whereas a significant negative correlation was found between the portal endothelin-1 level and TBF. The finding that the portal endothelin-1 level became elevated after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion suggests that it probably plays an essential role in hepatic ischemia/ reperfusion injury by adversely influencing tissue microcirculation.

Influences of ultrasonic machine settings, transducer frequency and placement of region of interest on the measurement of integrated backscatter and cyclic variation

Integrated backscatter and its cyclic variation are potentially important parameters to discriminate normal from diseased myocardium. Cyclic variation of integrated backscatter is expected to be independent of machine settings. Backscatter images of swine hearts were taken using a two-dimensional backscatter system while acoustic power was varied at different time gain control (TGC) settings. Cyclic variation was measured in vivo with various acoustic power and TGC settings using different transducer frequencies. Three different regions were analyzed. For any given TGC setting, the relationship between acoustic power and integrated backscatter in vitro was linear only over a narrow range. In vivo, cyclic variation was present at all regions studied in both long- and short-axis views. However, lower acoustic power (< 15 dB) and TGC (< 20 dB), or excessive settings of acoustic power (> 35 dB) and TGC (> 50 dB), produced minimal cyclic variation. Appropriate acoustic power (20-35 dB) and TGC (30-50 dB) produced larger and more consistent cyclic, variation at the posterior region of the left ventricle. These data indicate that each region has specific, appropriate machine settings to maximize the magnitude of cyclic variation.

Contrast echocardiography: influence of ultrasonic machine settings, mixing conditions, and pressurization on pixel intensity and microsphere size of Albunex solutions in vitro

To use Albunex as a blood-flow tracer, the stability and consistency of microspheres under mixing conditions must be known. This study examined the effects of mixing conditions and machine settings on the size and echogenicity of Albunex solutions in vitro. Acoustic power, log compression, time-gain compensation, and transducer frequency were varied as Albunex solutions were imaged after mixing with magnetic stirring and pressurized. Higher acoustic power and lower transducer frequency decreased mean pixel intensity of Albunex solution images over time. Intensity, size, and number of Albunex microspheres were not significantly different between stirring speeds. The echogenicity of the Albunex solutions decreased with pressurization, and the critical pressure necessary to reduce the intensity to half its initial value increased with the logarithm of concentration (r = 0.91; p < 0.001). The microsphere size decreased with pressurization and remained smaller after pressure release (3.66 +/- 2.13 versus 1.47 +/- 0.95 microns; p < 0.01). These data indicate that acoustic power and transducer frequency may affect the physical properties of Albunex microspheres, decreasing mean videointensity. Pressure sensitivity of Albunex caused the decrease of videointensity and microsphere size.

Long-term survival in a case of high-risk type IgD myeloma; a possibility of effectiveness of interferon-alpha and erythropoietin

The prognosis of patients with IgD myeloma is poorest among all types of multiple myeloma. We report a case of a patient with IgD myeloma who survived for an extraordinarily long period post-diagnosis (65 months). According to the new risk grouping of IgD myeloma (Shimamoto Y. et al., Eur. J. Haematol. 47, 262 (1991), he was classified as being in the high-risk group, with a zero percent expected 5-yr survival. Nevertheless, he survived for 65 months. We discuss the usefulness of interferon-alpha and erythropoietin for the treatment of IgD myeloma.

Inhibition of metastasis by a dialysable factor in fetal bovine serum in B16 melanoma cells

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented to the culture medium inhibited the metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. This metastasis-inhibiting activity was accompanied by growth-promoting activity, up to the concentration of 10% FBS. However, among the clones isolated from B16BL6 cells, there were clones in which FBS significantly inhibited the metastasis without promoting their growth. Dialysis (cutoff M.W. 8000 Da) removed the metastasis-inhibiting activity but not the growth-promoting activity from FBS. These results indicate that FBS has metastasis-inhibiting activity which is independent of growth-promoting activity, and that the metastasis-inhibiting activity is carried by molecules removed by dialysis.

Successful radical surgery for an undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma with lymph node metastases to the mesocolon

We report successful radical systematic surgery for an undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma with metastasis to the mesocolonic lymph nodes. The patient, a 70-year-old woman, was admitted with abdominal fullness and appetite loss. Imaging modalities revealed a 10-cm tumor originating from the gallbladder and infiltrating both the liver and transverse colon. As multiple mesocolonic lymph node metastasis was confirmed on laparotomy, right hemicolectomy with systematic lymph node dissection (D3 resection) was performed, in addition to extended cholecystectomy with partial resection of segments 4, 5 and 6 of the liver and distal gastrectomy. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as an undifferentiated carcinoma, and metastases were indentified in the mesocolonic lymph nodes (17/50 nodes) but not in the peri-gallbladder lymph nodes (0/16 nodes). The patient has been recurrence-free for 4 years after the operation. This case illustrates that even if gallbladder cancer infiltrates into adjacent organs with regional lymph node metastasis, it is of value to perform radical surgery with systematic lymph node dissection for the involved organs.

The effect of cold stress on UVB injury in mouse skin and cultured keratinocytes

The effect of cold stress on skin damage caused by UVB irradiation was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Ear skin of mice that had been exposed to cold stress at 0 degree C for 20 min and at 5 degrees C for 24 h was exposed to UVB radiation. Sunburn cell production was less in mice exposed to the lower temperature. In addition, the effect of cold stress on the survival rate of UVB-irradiated rat keratinocytes was examined in a cytotoxicity test, with the results showing that keratinocytes exposed to cold stress of 0 degree C had a higher survival rate than control cells. To pursue a promising clue for explaining the result, we examined metallothionein (MT) production in rat keratinocytes that had been exposed to cold stress at 0 degree C. Microfluorometric quantification showed a positive correlation between the time course and the intensity of immunofluorescence for MT, indicating that the molecule is inducible by exposure to cold stress in our experimental system. These results suggest that epidermal cells that have been exposed to cold stress maintain a higher resistance to UV radiation than nonexposed controls in vivo and in vitro, and that MT with radical-scavenging activity might contribute, at least in part, to photoprotection against UVB-induced oxidative damage in mammalian skin.

[A case of surgically treated left atrial myxoma early after cerebral embolism]

A 48-year-old female had been visiting the outpatient clinic for treatment of polyarthritis before she was admitted to the hospital due to consciousness disorder and right hemiplegia. Brain computed tomography revealed a small infarction in the left cerebrum. Echocardiography revealed a mass in the left atrium. She was diagnosed cerebral embolism caused by left atrial myxoma. Extirpation of left atrial myxoma was performed 16 days after the onset of cerebral infarction. The postoperative course was good. Preoperative constitutional signs such as multiple arthralgia and abnormal sensation disappeared on the 2nd postoperative day. Open heart surgery performed early after the onset of cerebral embolism is generally considered contraindicated due to problems of hemorrhagic infarction or brain edema. Because relapse of embolism may deteriorate the condition, losing the chance of surgery, extirpation of left atrial myxoma early after the onset of cerebral infarction is advisable in cases of small infarction.

Continuous measurement of tissue oxygen and carbon dioxide gas tensions in dog liver in ischemia/reperfusion

An experiment was conducted to determine whether the oxygen and carbon dioxide gas tensions in liver tissue (PtO2 and PtCO2, respectively) reflect the state of microcirculation and/or metabolism in the ischemic liver. Subjects were divided into three groups: group 1, 30 min ischemia; group 2, 60 min ischemia; group 3, four times of intermittent 15 min ischemia after every 10 min of reperfusion. PtO2, PtCO2 and tissue blood flow (TBF) were measured by mass spectrometry, comparatively studied with the serum GOT level as an indicator of liver tissue damage. Furthermore, the time point at which the PtCO2 increase for 1 min initially became less than 1/2 of the maximum value was located on the transit curve of PtCO2, referred to as the critically anaerobic (CA) point, with which new indices of critically anaerobic score (CAS) and time (CAT) (see details in text) were developed. The profiles of PtO2 and PtCO2 during ischemia and reperfusion were clearly demonstrated, and the CA point was observed 12.7 +/- 2.9 min after induction of ischemia. PtO2 was positively correlated with TBF and negatively with the serum GOT level. Furthermore, not only CAS but also CAT were significantly correlated with PtO2, TBF, and the serum GOT level. It was concluded that PtCO2 reflects the state of anaerobic tissue metabolism during ischemia and PtO2 reflects the magnitude of microcirculatory disturbance and tissue injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, continuous monitoring of not only PtO2 but also PtCO2 is beneficial for patients undergoing hepatic surgery with ischemia.

G1 phase-specific suppression of the Cdk2 activity by ginsenoside Rh2 in cultured murine cells

Ginsenoside Rh2, a plant glycoside with a dammarane skeleton resembling a steroid skeleton as an aglycone, has anticancer potentials in vitro or in vivo. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the effects of Rh2, we have examined the Cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (Cdk2) activity in G1 arrested B16 melanoma cells and in S phase-arrested Meth-A sarcoma cells, that have been treated with Rh2. The kinase activity was suppressed in B16 cells but not in Meth-A cells. In addition, Rh2 was found to induce G1 arrest and concomitantly suppress the Cdk2 activity in carcinogen-susceptible BALB/c 3T3 A31-1-1 and A31-1-13 cell lines. Thus, Rh2 has a G1 phase-specific suppressive effect on the Cdk2 activity, supporting further evaluation of Rh2 and its related compounds in cancer chemoprevention studies.

Benzyl-alpha-GalNAc inhibits sialylation of O-glycosidic sugar chains on CD44 and enhances experimental metastatic capacity in B16BL6 melanoma cells

We examined the effect of benzyl-alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine (benzyl-alpha-GalNAc), which specifically inhibits the synthesis of O-linked oligosaccharides, on the expression of the peanut agglutinin (PNA)-binding sugar chains (Gal beta 1-3GalNAc) of CD44 and on its experimental metastatic ability in B16BL6 melanoma. Benzyl-alpha-GalNAc increased the PNA-binding, but not Concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and leukoagglutinating phytohemaagglutinin (L-PHA)-binding to the cell surface. Benzyl-alpha-GalNAc markedly increased the PNA-binding to CD44 by decreasing the sialylation of these sugar chains. The experimental metastatic ability of B16BL6 cells was enhanced in association with this modulation of the sugar chains. These findings suggested that unsialylated Gal beta 1-3GalNAc sugar chains on the cell surface and/or CD44 are involved in the metastatic process of B16BL6 melanoma cells. On the other hand, the known functions of CD44, such as adhesion to hyaluronate, fibronectin, collagen, and endothelial cells, as well as homotypic aggregation, were not affected by benzyl-alpha-GalNAc regardless of the enhancement of metastatic ability induced by this glycosylation inhibitor. CD44 might have other metastasis related functions that remain to be elucidated.

Measurements by biphasic changes of the alpha band amplitude as indicators of arousal level

The objective of this study was to develop a method of measuring arousal level by examining the change rates with activation of the alpha band amplitude using the concept of the inverted U-shaped pattern of transition of this amplitude. We investigated change rates by inspecting the electroencephalogram, and we evaluated their correlations with a criterion index of the arousal level (a reaction time measure), and other relevant basic parameters in 14 normal volunteers. In order to confirm that alpha band amplitude change followed an inverted U-shaped curve, we examined the transition of that index in a resting-and-relaxing condition. In the third session, the change rates upon stimulation and after resting had positive and negative correlations, respectively, with the reaction time measure, verifying that they are 'negative' and 'positive' arousal level indices. Further examinations were conducted for the third session. The change rates upon stimulation and after resting had negative correlations with each other. Neither of them had a significant correlation with the alpha band amplitude. Neither alpha band frequency, alpha band amplitude, or theta band amplitude, all of which are regarded as indices for intra-subject arousal level transition, had any significant correlation with the reaction time measure. These results revealed that the change rates of the alpha band amplitude are better indices for inter-individual arousal level variation than other conventional indices.

Decreased connexin32 and a characteristic enzyme phenotype in clofibrate-induced preneoplastic lesions not shared with spontaneously occurring lesions in the rat liver

Two different types of focal preneoplastic lesions, tentatively named Type I and II lesions, were recognized in the liver of rats chronically treated with clofibrate for 104 weeks. Type I lesions were characterized by mostly negative glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity (6 out of 10, 60%) and positive expression of succinate dehydrogenase (10 out of 10, 100%), in addition to the previously documented complete lack of expression of glutathione S-transferase, placental form (GST-P) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Furthermore, most importantly, Type I lesions exhibited a clear decrease in immunohistochemically demonstrated connexin32 (Cx32) spot counts on their hepatocyte membranes, similarly to nitrosamine-induced lesions. In contrast, Type II lesions, mostly small in size and positively expressing GST-P and/or GGT and G6PD, similarly to their previously reported nitrosamine-induced counterparts, did not exhibit a significant decrease in Cx32 count. In addition, spontaneously occurring lesions, again sharing the same enzyme phenotype, did not show a decrease in Cx32. The results indicate that: (i) a clear distinction between the two lesions, with Type I being involved in clofibrate-induced tumors and Type II being more likely to be spontaneous in nature; (ii) a decrease in Cx32 is closely linked to lesion development and possibly stage of progression, irrespective of the enzyme phenotype and the applied carcinogen; (iii) the unaltered condition of Cx32 may suggest a slow growing or non-progressive nature.

A rare case of multiple atherosclerotic aneurysms involving the femoral artery

Atherosclerotic aneurysm of the deep femoral artery is a rare peripheral aneurysm that is likely to have associated aortoiliac aneurysms. The case of a patient who had five atherosclerotic aneurysms located in the abdominal aorta, bilateral common iliac arteries, and the left common femoral and deep femoral arteries is reported. He underwent a semi-emergency operation for the aneurysm of the deep femoral artery, followed by a two-stage operation for the aortoiliac aneurysms. The aneurysm of the deep femoral artery was repaired, and reconstruction of the distal deep femoral artery successfully performed with direct anastomosis to the superficial artery. In this report, the clinical presentation of multiple atherosclerotic aneurysms and the details of surgical reconstruction are described.

[Clinical usefulness of trans-brachial angiography for abdominal diseases]

Trans-brachial angiography for abdominal disease has several advantages for the patient. For example, the patient can walk immediately following angiography and can return home or eat in the sitting position after examination. We performed trans-brachial angiography on 451 cases of abdominal disease from June 1992 to March 1995. The purpose of performing angiography in 215 of these cases was examination only, while that in the remaining 236 cases was embolization of liver tumor. Four hundred and five cases were used for the study of safety and accuracy, and the remaining 46 cases as well as another 51 cases of trans-femoral angiography were used for the study of technical difficulty. Based on these experience, we have concluded that trans-brachial angiography for abdominal disease is highly useful, safe and accurate, and can provide significant advantages for patients requiring abdominal angiography.

[Perioperative management in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing open heart surgery]

Perioperative management of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing open heart surgery (3 males and 1 female, mean age 57.3 years) was evaluated. All 4 patients had NYHA class III acquired valvular heart disease accompanied by severe tricuspid regurgitation, and the operation was a redo operation in 3 of them. Preoperatively, the total serum bilirubin was 1.7 mg/dl, ICGR15 24.3 +/- 1.7%, and blood platelet count was 83,000 +/- 19,000/m3. The postoperative course was uneventful in 2 patients who maintained good cardiac function and did not require homologous blood transfusion. The other two patients who underwent a re-redo operation, sustained a large volume of hemorrhage, and required massive transfusion showed severe postoperative complications (respiratory failure in 1, multiple organ failure in 1). The stage of the disease improved to NYHA class I in all 3 patients who survived the operation. Comprehensive measures including avoidance of massive hemorrhage, preservation of the hepatic blood flow, resolution of hepatic congestion, and prevention of complications such as digestive tract bleeding, infections, and renal failure are considered to be needed for prevention of postoperative liver failure. Especially, sufficient surgical hemostasis and autologous platelet rich plasma were useful for prevention of massive hemorrhage.

Three-dimensional bone scintigraphy using volume-rendering technique and SPECT

Three-dimensional bone scintigraphic images were made and their usefulness and limitations discussed.

METHODS

After usual bone scan procedures, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data were taken and reconstructed into three-dimensional images. Volume rendering methods were used.

RESULTS

Three cases of three-dimensional bone scintigraphy were obtained; one of a normal patient, one of a case of transplanted kidney and incomplete fracture of the left femoral head, and one of a case of degenerative joint disease (DJD) on the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The three-dimensional structure of the skeletal system was depicted more clearly by the three-dimensional images than by a conventional bone scan.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional bone scintigraphs were thought to provide additional information for better understanding of the nature of bone lesions. Some technical improvements including automated threshold level determination and feature extraction for detecting abnormal high uptake are required before routine use can be envisaged.

Functional assessment of patients with spinal cord injury: measured by the motor score and the Functional Independence Measure

There is some information about the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but there are a few publications dealing with the relationship between the FIM score and the motor score of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). We have studied the relationship of all FIM items with the motor score, and reviewed the disability of patients with spinal cord injury in greater detail. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of impairment and disability in patients with SCI, using the FIM and motor score of the ASIA. The subjects were 100 inpatients with SCI (Frankel A, B). Neurological level, days from the onset, and the FIM were examined. In addition to these items, the ASIA motor scores were calculated for 22 tetraplegic patients. We investigated the relationships among these various respects. We also examined the changes of the physical items of the FIM score (physical FIM) over time for 18 patients. The mean FIM scores of those with tetraplegia with C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 lesions, and those with paraplegia with above T5 levels, and those below T6 were 35, 61, 82, 90, 116, 114 and 114 respectively. The FIM score reached the plateau in approximately 10 months, 6 months and 3 months post-injury, in tetraplegia, paraplegia above T5 and that below T6 respectively. The FIM scores in C6 patients were widely distributed from 56 to 104. On the other hand, the ASIA motor score could subdivide C6 patients and related well to the FIM score. The mean FIM scores for each neurological level were similar to those previously reported, thus they appeared to be plateau scores. With regard to the motor score, we feel that it could reflect the disability of the patients better than considering the neurological levels alone. Also considering the changes in the physical FIM score over time within a year from the onset of the injury, there were differences in the ADL improvement patterns among patients with different neurological levels. It appears that timing of the highest physical FIM improvement for each neurological level can exist. Thus it is important not to delay the start of the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury in proper time.

A third Ig light chain gene isotype in Xenopus laevis consists of six distinct VL families and is related to mammalian lambda genes

Xenopus laevis is a unique model for studying the ontogenetic development of immune functions. A short primer PCR amplification method was employed to amplify fragments from Xenopus genomic DNA that are related to Ig light chains and TCR. One fragment was identified that appeared to represent a novel type of light chain and was used as a probe to recover the corresponding cDNA from a spleen cDNA library. We designate these light chains type III. Using an iterative screening procedure, six families of VL genes, two distinct JL and two distinct CL sequences, were identified. In a comparison of phylogenetically diverse light chains, the type III genes align with higher vertebrate lambda genes. Southern blot hybridization analyses with genomic DNA from different animals showed the VL and CL sequences to be both diverse and polymorphic. Intrafamily sequence comparisons of VL genes revealed additional diversity. Collectively, these studies confirm the existence of a third type of light chain gene in Xenopus, establish a high degree of genetic variation in the sequences encoding the light chain V regions, and provide the most significant evidence to date for the presence of a lambda-like light chain gene at the phylogenetic level of the amphibians.