Effect of chronic toluene exposure on tyrosine hydroxylase-positive nerve elements in the rat forebrain: an immunohistochemical study combined with semiquantitative morphometric analysis

The effects of chronic toluene exposure [3000 p.p.m. for 4 h (09:00-11:00, 13:00-15:00)] every day for 3 weeks on immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme of catecholamine synthesis, in the rat forebrain were studied. In toluene-exposed rats, increases in both number and intensity of TH-immunoreactive fibres and terminals were observed in most parts of the forebrain including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, lateral septal nucleus and hypothalamus, compared with control rats. These findings suggest that chronic toluene exposure might influence catecholaminergic neural systems.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Aleuria aurantia lectin-reactive serum cholinesterase to differentiate liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis

We have established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for total serum cholinesterase (ChE) using 2 new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to ChE (E.C.3.1.1.8). The ELISA results correlated very well with the results of a serum ChE activity assay, which has been widely used for differentiating patients with liver diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, from normal individuals. We next established an ELISA for Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL)-reactive serum ChE using one of the anti-ChE mAbs and AAL, which specifically recognizes L-fucose alpha 1-->2, L-fucose alpha 1-->3, and L-fucose alpha 1-->6 structures. The ratio of AAL-reactive ChE to total ChE in sera determined by the two ELISA procedures was increased in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis compared with patients with chronic hepatitis and normal individuals. We then applied the ELISA for AAL-reactive ChE directly to 10-fold-diluted serum samples, and by using a cut-off value of the mean + 2S.D. for normal individuals, we could effectively differentiate liver cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis. This single ELISA for AAL-reactive ChE could be a useful aid in clinical diagnosis.

[Smoking habits in chronic schizophrenics]

The smoking habits of 48 chronic schizophrenics who were inpatients of private psychiatric were examined. Subjects were divided into three groups; non-smokers, moderate smokers and heavy smokers, and tested by Fagerstrom's Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) as a tobacco dependence evaluation, and Bender Gestalt Test (BGT) and Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) as a neuropsychological battery. In addition, we used the Scales for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) to evaluate the degree of schizophrenic negative symptoms, confirming the correlation between SANS score and the amount of nicotine intake or FTQ item. From the results of FTQ scores and their correlation with SANS scores, the amount of nicotine intake was significantly related to the severity of schizophrenic negative symptoms including affective blunting, poverty of thinking and attention impairment. BGT and BVRT showed disturbances in visual-motor gestalt function, and attention and memory, in chronic schizophrenics who smoked, especially in heavy smokers. These results suggest that smoking behavior in chronic schizophrenics might increase the individual vigilance against negative symptoms, from the perspective of self-medication.

[Amotivational syndrome of chronic organic solvent abusers--neuropsychological study]

It is conceivable that many of chronic organic solvent abusers have shown "Amotivational Syndrome" that is often seen in marijuana abuse. This syndrome revealed various psychiatric symptoms such as diminution of ambition, productivity and motivation. However, the pathogenesis of this syndrome is not elucidated. In present study, we examined 31 patients who showed amotivational syndrome (AS) induced by chronic organic solvents abuse, using neuropsychological battery including Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) and Bender Gestalt Test (BGT). In BVRT, there was a differences between AS and controls in the items of number of errors, omission, distortion and misplacement. In BGT, each Figure's score except I and VIII has changed and total score was 43.25 (vs control; 23.05), corresponding to 9-10 year old development in AS. These results suggest that organic solvent-induced AS is closely related with neurological and cognitive impairments in the central nervous system.

Increased plasma alpha (1 --> 3)-L-fucosyltransferase activities in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Alpha (1 --> 3)-L-fucosyltransferase (alpha 1,3FT) activity was determined in plasma of patients with chronic liver diseases, namely, chronic hepatitis (CH), liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), The plasma alpha 1,3FT activity was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in chronic liver diseases than that in normal controls. The enzyme activity in plasma of patients with HCC was also significantly higher than that in LC (p < 0.05) or that in CH (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed in the enzyme activity between LC and CH. Plasma alpha 1,3FT activity in patients with HCC was not significantly changed before and after transcatheter arterial embolization. In addition, the enzyme activity in the homogenate of the cirrhotic liver tissue was higher than that in the preparation of the hepatoma tissue in the same patient. These results suggest that the increased plasma alpha 1,3FT activity in patients with HCC reflects mainly the enzyme activity of cirrhotic liver tissue, not that of hepatoma tissue. The significance of the elevated levels of plasma alpha 1,3FT and its decreased hepatoma tissue activity in patients with HCC, compared with that in LC, remains to be clarified.

[Psychological problem due to long-term organic solvent abuse]

Organic solvent abuse in adolescents has become a serious social problem. One of the reasons for this is the relationship to juvenile delinquency, and another is that it leads to various clinical symptoms including disturbance of consciousness, hallucinations, fantasia and apathy. In this study, using a health questionnaire that is composed of 33 psychiatric and 29 physical items and the Rorschach Test, we investigated these symptoms and the psychodynamics of personality respectively. The principal component analysis obtained for the health questionnaire extracted four factors as follows: 1) feelings of general fatigue and somatic symptoms, 2) feelings of guilt and self blame, 3) low self esteem and withdrawal adaptation, and 4) unreasonable anxiety and sleeping disturbance. The results of Rorschach Test supported the loss of libido, disability of reality testing and ego vulnerability in organic solvent abusers. This research strongly suggests that apathetic or depressive mood in chronic organic solvent abusers relates with loss of drive.

Proteolytic enzymes in salivary extravasation mucoceles

We examined the content of type IV collagenases and plasminogen activators (PAs) in luminal fluid of four extravasation mucoceles by means of gelatin or casein zymography. Immunohistochemical staining for type IV collagenases and PAs was performed to identify the possible source of these enzymes. The luminal fluid examined by gelatin zymography showed a high level of type IV collagenases compared with saliva from Wharton's duct. PAs were detected in only one of the cases by casein zymography, and none was detected in the saliva. By immunohistochemical staining, type IV collagenases and PAs were detected in duct and myoepithelial cells of the adjacent salivary gland and in macrophages and fibroblasts of the cyst wall. The results suggest that proteolytic enzymes are involved in the pathogenesis of mucoceles.

[Fructose 1,6-diphosphate can be a substrate to accelerate glycolysis]

Fructose 1,6-diphosphate (F1, 6P) is a glycolytic intermediate which has already been used clinically to treat congestive heart failure. F1, 6P has been shown experimentally to improve glycolytic flux, although theoretical background is unclear. Since there is two possible mechanism of F1, 6P effect on acceleration of glycolysis, including pharmacological effect and substrate effect, we sought to determine the real mechanism of action of F1, 6P on glycolysis. Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts were infused with F1, 6P (5 and 10 mM) in a first group, and in a second group, 30 minutes of perfusion with modified Krebs-Henselit (K-H) buffer with reduced glucose concentration (5 mM), plus 2-deoxy glucose (5 mM) and with or without 10 mM F1, 6P followed by 30 minutes of wash with normal K-H buffer. We measured contractile function, oxygen consumption, and high energy phosphate by 31p-NMR spectroscopy. In the first group of experiments, F1, 6P resulted in a dose dependent increase in high energy phosphate production and inorganic phosphate (Pi). There was also a marked decline in developed pressure (Dev P) due mostly to the ability of F1, 6P to chelate calcium. Intracellular Mg2+ which was also reduced during F1, 6P infusion might be related to intracellular Ca2+ and/or accelerated glycolysis. In the model of glycolysis inhibited by 2-DG, Dev P was consistently decreased during the infusion of 2-DG, and wash-out period along with the deterioration of high energy phosphate. However, F1, 6P could provide excellent recovery of contractile function after wash along with superior high energy potential during the 2-DG infusion and wash.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection of vanadyl-nitrogen interaction in organs of the vanadyl-treated rat: electron spin echo envelope modulation study

ESEEM spectroscopy was applied for the first time to organs of an animal, viz. the kidney and liver of the rat treated with vanadyl sulfate. The aim of this study is to investigate the in vivo coordination structure of vanadyl ions administrated, and to gain information concerning the insulin-mimic activity of vanadium. ESEEM measurements for kidney and liver performed at 77 K have established nitrogen coordination to a certain percentage of vanadyl ion in the organs. The rotios of nitrogen-coordinating vanadyl ion were estimated as 70-80% in the liver, and 50-55% in the kidney. Isotropic portions of the 14N HFC were estimated as magnitude of Aiso approximately 5.0 MHz for liver, and approximately 5.2 MHz for kidney, indicating that the coordinating nitrogen is an amino nitrogen. Coordination of the Lys epsilon-amine or the N-terminal alpha-amine of a protein or (a peptide) to vanadyl ion in vivo is suggested.

Cytological studies of African cultivated rice, Oryza glaberrima

African cultivated rice, Oryza glaberrima Steud., was cytologically characterized by using both karyotype analysis and molecular cytology. The somatic chromosomes resemble those of Asian cultivated rice, Oryza sauva L., in general morphology, although some minor differences were noted. Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (McFISH) with chromosomes detected one 45s (17s-5.8s-25s) ribosomal RNA gene locus (45s rDNA) and one 5s ribosomal RNA gene locus (5s rDNA) in the chromosome complement. The 45s rDNA and 5s rDNA loci were physically mapped to the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 9 and to the proximal region of the short arm of chromosome 11 respectively, as in O. sativa. Based on the cytological observations and the physical map of the rDNA loci, the chromosomal organization of O.glaberrima and O. sativa seems to be very similar.

Gene cloning in plants: innovative approaches

Although many technical advances have recently been made in the development of plant transformation systems and plant-gene identification and isolation approaches, some of these approaches are either technically or practically not feasible for many important gene systems; thus alternative approaches are required. Two innovative approaches for gene cloning in plants are discussed here, namely, shotgun rescue and chromosome-oriented approaches. Emphasis is placed on their methodology, scope and advantages. Finally, potential applications of these approaches are proposed with reference to the isolation of genes for which mutations are available, the development of artificial plant chromosomes and their possible uses and chromosome-mediated transformation.

[Improved protection of hypertrophied myocardium in ischemia by histidine buffer cardioplegia]

Pressure overload hypertrophy has been known risk factor for open heart surgery, because of accelerated loss of high energy nucleotides, greater accumulation of H+ and lactate, and earlier onset of contracture. To test the efficacy of histidine containing cardioplegia (HB) on promotion of anaerobic glycolysis leads to improved preservation of hypertrophied heart, hypertrophied rabbit heart (aortic banding at 10 days) received HB or high potassium Krebs buffer solution (KCl) were subjected to 40 min of 37 degrees C ischemia followed by reperfusion in an isolated Langendorff mode. There was significantly higher phosphocreatine, intracellular pH and lactate production which was an indicator of anaerobic glycolysis and better recovery of cardiac function in HB group compared to KCl group. We concluded that histidine containing cardioplegia was able to promote anaerobic glycolysis to maintain high energy phosphates as well as contractile function in hypertrophied myocardium.

Purification of a Ras-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase from bovine brain cytosol and its identification as a complex of B-Raf and 14-3-3 proteins

We previously purified a protein factor, named REKS (Ras-dependent Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase Kinase (MEK) Stimulator), from Xenopus eggs by use of a cell-free assay system in which recombinant GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate)-Ki-Ras activates recombinant MEK. By use of this assay system, we purified here bovine REKS to near homogeneity from the cytosol fraction of bovine brain by successive chromatographies of Mono S, Mono Q, GTP gamma S-glutathione S-transferase-Ha-Ras-coupled glutathione-agarose, and Mono Q columns. It was composed of three proteins with masses of about 95, 32, and 30 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 95-, 32-, and 30-kDa proteins were identified by immunoblot analysis to be B-Raf protein kinase, 14-3-3 protein, and 14-3-3 protein, respectively. Moreover, the REKS activity was specifically immunoprecipitated by an anti-B-Raf antibody. Bovine REKS was activated by lipid-modified GTP gamma S-Ki-Ras far more effectively than by a lipid-unmodified one. Lipid-modified GDP-Ki-Ras was inactive. Exogenous addition of 14-3-3 proteins stimulated further the REKS activity both in the presence and absence of GTP gamma S-Ki-Ras. These results indicate that at least one of the direct targets of Ras is B-Raf complexed with 14-3-3 proteins in bovine brain.

Exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) with vesicular lesions

We report a 7-month-old boy who developed vesicular lesions during the course of exanthem subitum. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA was detected both in the skin lesions and in the throat, by polymerase chain reaction. IgG and IgM antibodies against HHV-6 were 1:10 and < 1:10, respectively on the tenth day of the illness, and > 1:640 and 1:10 on the twenty-second day, respectively. These results suggest that this was primary HHV-6 infection.

Immunohistochemical alterations in neuropeptide Y-positive nerve elements in rat cerebral cortex following acute phencyclidine treatment

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative drug and has been known to be an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. We examined possible effects of acute treatment with PCP on neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactive nerve fibres and cell bodies in rat forebrain by immunocytochemistry combined with morphometric analysis. Following the treatment, significant alterations were observed throughout the cerebral cortex, compared with controls. NPY-positive perikarya were increased in number (178%) whereas NPY-positive fibres and terminals were decreased in area (38%). The result suggests that the cortical NPY neuronal system is controlled, at least partly, by glutamatergic inputs via NMDA receptor-mediated mechanisms.

In vitro evaluation of nicorandil, diltiazem, and prostaglandin E1 on hypothermic injury to immature myocytes

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the functional and biochemical effects of nicorandil (NRD), diltiazem (DTZ), or prostaglandin E1 (PGE) on cardiac myocytes incubated under hypothermic conditions. Cardiac myocytes were isolated from neonatal rat ventricles and cultured for 4 days with MCDB 107 medium. Myocytes (12.5 x 10(5) myocytes/flask) were then incubated at 4 degrees C for 24 hr in media containing various concentrations of NRD, DTZ, or PGE. After hypothermic incubation, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. The myocytes were then cultured for an additional 24 hr at 37 degrees C to evaluate the recovery of myocyte beating rate. In the nicorandil groups, 10(-4) M NRD showed significantly increased beating rate recovery compared to control (44.2% vs 24.6%, respectively, as a percentage of control, i.e., beating rate prior to hypothermic incubation). Treatment with 10(-6) M diltiazem showed no beneficial effects (10(-6) M: 25.2%; control: 29.8%); however, beating was not observed at 10(-4) or 10(-5) M. There were no significant changes among the PGE groups. The release of CPK and LDH was significantly suppressed with 10(-4) M NRD (10(-4) M: 24.1, 257.2 MIU/flask; control: 125.4, 459.5 mIU/flask, respectively). However, 10(-4) M DTZ showed significantly increased CPK and LDH levels compared to the control (10(-4) M: 203.3, 883.4 mIU/flask; control: 112.3, 457.4 mIU/flask, respectively). There were no significant differences for CPK and LDH levels among the PGE groups. In conclusion, nicorandil has protective characteristics for immature myocytes that may be suitable for cardiac preservation in the neonatal period.

Mapping of C-banded Crepis chromosomes by imaging methods

Crepis capillaris is a highly suitable model plant for a computer-aided analysis of chromosomes because of its small number of chromosomes and well-defined bands. The identification of both large and small bands by means of profiles [grey value-function (position)] is frequently not possible with simple discrimination. In this case, dynamic curve fitting gives exact results by sliding discrimination. The application of low-pass filters, with a filter matrix size of 75 x 75 pixels, to the original image generates a reference image that can be used for sliding discrimination. The relevant bands are visible by the subtraction of the filtered image from the original image. The computerized bands correspond exactly to band regions recognized visually. Human vision is another approach to improve the quantification in cytogenetic results. The connection between the visual inspection and the imaging methods will reduce the subjective interpretation of individual researchers. The knowledge-based analysis may be a significant factor in the near future to answer unsolved questions.

The effect of follicular fluid on intracellular free calcium levels in human spermatozoa

In this study, we demonstrate the effect of follicular fluid (FF) on free cytosolic calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) in human spermatozoa, using a fluorescent indicator "fura 2," and we evaluate the factors that increase [Ca2+]i in FF. A significant and immediate [Ca2+]i increase (656.3 +/- 148.6 nM) was elicited by intact FF. The increase in [Ca2+]i elicited by lipid-stripped FF was only 50% (322 +/- 68.7 nM) of that elicited by intact FF. However, 82% of the [Ca2+]i increase elicited by intact FF was observed when lipid-stripped FF was supplemented with progesterone, but not when it was supplemented with estradiol. Also, progesterone at the concentrations of 1 ng/ml to 1 microgram/ml caused a significant increase in [Ca2+]i by itself, but estradiol produced a small effect, ranging from 3% to 9% of the effect produced by progesterone. These results indicate that progesterone plays a major role in the lipid fraction in FF to elicit the entry of calcium into human spermatozoa.

[Autologous blood transfusion in cardiac surgery over 70-year-old patients]

We discussed the problems for autologous blood transfusion particularly in the preoperative blood donation about the patients over 70-year-old who underwent cardiac surgery in contrast with the younger patients. Following results were obtained: 1) Because aged patients have the tendency of anemia before predonation, full storage of blood donation could not be successed. 2 of 8 over 70-year-old patients were able to do the preoperative phlebotomy, and their mean volume were 355 gram as whole blood. On the other hand, 96% patients in younger group were phlebotomized preoperatively, and their mean value of storaged blood volume were 757 gram. 2) As the examinations about the iron-related parameters, not all aged patients were iron deficiency status. Their reticulocyte counts were nearly equal level to the younger group and plasma concentration of erythropoietin were higher in the aged patients than that in the younger group. These results indicate that erythropoiesis in the bone marrow was deteriorated in the aged patients. 3) In aged patients, all of them were required homologous blood transfusion at their perioperative terms. We thought that they have had the anemia before preoperation and our tolerable, allowable level to the postoperative anemia was not lower in the aged patients as against to the younger group. 4) We performed the autologous plasma donation with the membranous plasma separator added to the whole blood donation. It was easy and safe method, and circulatory indices were not changed before and after plasma-separation even in the aged patients. These autologous plasma were usefully administered as the volume expander postoperatively.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the early diagnosis of cavernous sinus thrombosis

A 55-year-old man reported a severe headache of 3 days' duration, left ptosis and left lid swelling before examination. The ocular examination revealed left eye proptosis, severe edema of the left bulbar conjunctiva and lid, increasing intraocular pressure of the left eye and ptosis on the left side with decreased extraocular movement. The right eye was normal. Hematologic studies indicated mild inflammation. An enhanced computed tomography scan revealed proptosis of the left globe and enlargement of the superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus of the left side. Angiography revealed an area of interrupted blood flow in the left cavernous sinus. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with Gd-DTPA revealed a low-intensity area that was suspected to be a blood clot in the enlarged left cavernous sinus. This case indicates the efficacy of enhanced MRI examination in the early diagnosis of cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Studies on the kinetic mechanism of pig kidney D-amino acid oxidase by site-directed mutagenesis of tyrosine 224 and tyrosine 228

Expression conditions in Escherichia coli of wild-type, Y224F, and Y228F mutants of pig kidney D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) have been changed to yield more enzyme. The mutated proteins show spectral properties similar to those of the wild-type enzyme, in all oxidation-reduction states. All enzymes were studied by steady state and rapid reaction methods. Turnover numbers determined for Y224F DAAO with different substrates were similar to those of wild-type protein, while the Y228F DAAO always showed lower turnover numbers and higher Km values for the D-amino acid. Analyses of reduction traces at 450 and 550 nm of stopped-flow experiments with wild-type DAAO showed the presence of a new phase, the conversion between two different charge-transfer complexes of the reduced enzyme and imino acid product. The substitution of Tyr-228 totally abolished the formation of the long wavelength bands while Y224F DAAO showed long wavelength absorbance only for the first intermediate. Reoxidation of the reduced flavin results from reaction of oxygen with the first charge-transfer complex. The rate of reduction with D-alanine as substrate was 1225,45 and 10 s-1 for wild-type, Y224F, and Y228F DAAOs, respectively. Comparison of the properties of these two mutant enzyme forms with those of the wild-type DAAO indicate that both tyrosine residues have their main function in the reductive half-reaction of the enzyme.

In vitro evaluation of phosphate, bicarbonate, and Hepes buffered storage solutions on hypothermic injury to immature myocytes

In this study we evaluated cardiac myocyte viability and function under hypothermic conditions using three types of buffer solutions: phosphate buffer solution (PBS), Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer solution (KHB), and Hepes buffered minimum salt solution (MSS). As a control, normal saline solution (NSS) was used. Cardiac myocytes were isolated from neonatal rat ventricles. Myocytes (12.5 x 10(5) myocytes/culture flask) were then incubated at 4 degrees C for 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours in various buffer solutions. After each incubation time, CPK and LDH were measured. The myocytes were then incubated for an additional 24 hours at 37 degrees C to evaluate the recovery of the myocyte beating rate. Group MSS had a significantly better beating rate recovery than group NSS (control) after 18 hours (MSS, 32.7%, NSS, 0.0% of control; i.e., beating rate prior to hypothermic incubation). In contrast, group KHB showed a significantly lower recovery ratio than group NSS at 12 hours (41.0%, 78.8%, respectively), and the lowest recovery was observed in group PBS beginning at 6 hours of hypothermic incubation (27.6%). Group MSS significantly suppressed the release of CPK and LDH compared to group NSS at 24 hours (MSS, 246.7 and 440.2 mIU/flask; NSS, 369.7 and 821.3 mIU/flask, respectively). In contrast, groups PBS and KHB showed significantly increased CPK and LDH levels compared to group NSS after 12 hours (PBS, 388.6 and 721.4 mIU/flask; KHB, 340.5 and 540.5 mIU/flask; NSS, 91.5 and 222.7 mIU/flask, respectively). In conclusion, Hepes buffer has cytoprotective characteristics that may be suitable for long-term hypothermic preservation of immature myocardium compared to phosphate or bicarbonate buffer.