High-resolution studies in patients with aniridia-Wilms tumor association, Wilms tumor or related congenital abnormalities

We attempted to determine whether all cases of AWTA (anirida-Wilms tumor association) or any of the following groups of patients show 11p deletion: cases of Wilms tumor with congenital abnormalities other than aniridia, those without any congenital abnormalities, tumor itself in cases of Wilms tumor without constitutional 11p deletion and cases of aniridia or hemihypertrophy without Wilms tumor. We studied a total of 29 index patients including five cases of AWTA, four cases of Wilms tumor with various congenital abnormalities, 16 cases of Wilms tumor without other abnormalities, three cases of aniridia in one of which Wilms tumor developed later and a case of hemihypertrophy. In all five cases of AWTA and in a case of aniridia who later developed Wilms tumor, 11p deletion involving the p13 band was detected. The mother of the latter also showed an identical 11p deletion. The common segment of deletion was the middle part of the p13. Two possible hypotheses on the mechanism through which Wilms tumor might develop were evaluated, based on the distribution of break points. All other cases, including five with tumor culture, showed a normal karyotype.

Cytoskeleton and differentiation: effects of cytochalasin B and colchicine on expression of the differentiated phenotype of rabbit costal chondrocytes in culture

Cytochalasin B changed the shape of cultured rabbit costal chondrocytes from polygonal to nearly spherical and stimulated glycosaminoglycan synthesis, which is a differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes, whereas colchicine changed them from polygonal to flattened and inhibited glycosaminoglycan synthesis. These morphological changes occurred parallel with the changes in glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Induction of ornithine decarboxylase by parathyroid hormone, which is a good marker of differentiated chondrocytes, was markedly potentiated in the spherical cells which had been pretreated with cytochalasin B, whereas pretreatment with colchicine inhibited the induction of the enzyme. Both cytochalasin B and colchicine inhibited DNA synthesis. The inhibitions were observed after the appearance of changes in the morphology of the cells and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. These findings suggest that intactness of microtubules and disruption of microfilaments are involved in regulating the expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes in culture.

Fatal intoxication by 1,2-dichloroethane--a case report

This is a case report of acute fatal intoxication after accidental exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane in a 51-year-old man. Clinical manifestations, blood chemistry, and autopsy findings are described. High levels of lactate and ammonia in blood had been observed before the elevation of glutamic transaminases, lactic dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase. Ornithine carbamyl transferase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase of mitochondrial origin (m-GOT) were remarkably high.

Clinical usefulness of intraaortic balloon pumping in acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock, ventricular septal perforation and mitral regurgitation

The effects of intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) were studied in 91 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock (75 pts), ventricular septal perforation (VSP) (12 pts), and/or mitral regurgitation (MR) (4 pts). Out of 44 pts with cardiogenic shock in whom IABP was performed, 14 pts could not recover from cardiogenic shock, 6 pts became dependent on IABP and 13 pts survived (29.5%). In contrast, out of the remaining 31 pts with cardiogenic shock who did not undergo IABP because of inability to insert IABP catheter or other reasons and were treated medically, only 3 pts survived (9.7%, p less than 0.05). After the initiation of IABP, BPd, CI, SVI, SWI, TMG increased significantly, and HR, CVP, PCWP, TPR decreased significantly. Comparison of hemodynamic parameters after the initiation of IABP showed that SVI and SWI at 24 hours were higher and CVP lower in survivors. Out of 7 pts with VSP who underwent IABP 2 pts were operated and survived.

IN CONCLUSION

short-term mortality in pts with cardiogenic shock was significantly lower in IABP-treated group, hemodynamic parameters improved after IABP, survivors from cardiogenic shock had higher SVI, SWI, BPd, and lower CVP than non-survivors, patients with VSP and MR had worse prognosis in spite of IABP.

CCU network as primary care of acute myocardial infarction

The early pre-hospital care of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is critical because of high mortality during acute phase of AMI. A CCU network has been established by the Metropolitan Tokyo CCU Communication Society and the help of the Ambulance Units through the Control Room of the Tokyo Fire Department, performing ECG telephone line transmission and telephone consultation. Out of 1439 patients admitted by means of CCU network during the 8-month period (Jan. 1982-Aug. 1982), 505 (30.3 percent) had AMI as a final cardiac diagnosis. Many patients were admitted directly to the CCU by ambulance from the place where the patient was located, with the shortest overall time of 7 hours 25 minutes. Fifty-three percent of patients with AMI were admitted within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms. The mean patients' decision time was 9 hours 48 minutes, which comprised one half of the overall period as well as physician delay of 6 hours 36 minutes on the average. Thus, community oriented educational programs to more fully inform the population and individual hospital evaluations to hospitalize patients with chest discomfort are needed in order to shorten the decision time and physician delay expediting the care of these patients.

Effect of ethanol on uptake of trichloroethylene in isolated perfused rat liver

The effect of ethanol on uptake of trichloroethylene in isolated perfused rat liver was investigated. The uptake of trichloroethylene was measured in both phenobarbital (PB) non-treated and PB treated rat livers. Furthermore, for PB treated rat livers, the fluorescence of reduced pyridine nucleotides, oxygen consumption, and scanning reflectance spectrum were measured in the liver, perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer saturated with a 92%O2-5%CO2-3%CO gas mixture. The uptake of trichloroethylene was decreased by 6.0% in the PB non-treated rat liver and 10.6% in the PB treated rat liver following the addition of ethanol. This uptake decrease was thought to arise mainly from the inhibitory effect of ethanol on mixed-function oxidation in the liver because of the corresponding decrease in oxygen consumption and absorbance difference delta A450-490nm. The inhibition was considered to be due to interference with electron transfer to the complex of substrate and cytochrome P-450. Increase in intracellular NADH might also affect the formation of trichloroacetic acid since the reduction of NADH in the cytosol attained a maximum with 20 mM ethanol.

Proton translocating ATPase in lysosomal membrane ghosts. Evidence that alkaline Mg2+-ATPase acts as a proton pump

Membrane ghosts were prepared from purified lysosomes (tritosomes) of rat liver by hypo-osmotic treatment. Mg2+-ATP-driven acidification was observed in the membrane ghosts using acridine orange as a fluorescent probe of the transmembrane pH gradient (delta pH). Its properties were the same as those of intact lysosomes reported previously (Ohkuma, S., Moriyama, Y., & Takano, T. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 79, 2758-2762; Moriyama, Y., Takano, T., & Ohkuma, S. (1982) J. Biochem. 92, 1333-1336). The H+-pump was found to be electrogenic with use of bis(3-phenyl-5-oxoisoxasol-4-yl)pentamethine oxonol as a fluorescent membrane potential probe. Alkaline Mg2+-ATPase activity was also identified on the membranes. It showed a pH maximum of pH 8.0-8.5, a Km value for ATP of 0.36 mM and a Vmax of 0.41 units/mg protein at 30 degrees C. Its activity was inhibited by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, tri-n-butyltin, azide and ADP, but not by ouabain or vanadate. It differed from mitochondrial F1F0-ATPase in sensitivities to N-ethylmaleimide, 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, quercetin, and oligomycin. Since this alkaline Mg2+-ATPase activity is very similar to the H+-pump activity in its requirement for divalent cations, substrate specificity and sensitivities to various chemicals, it may act as a proton translocase (H+-pump). Possible mechanisms of action of some chemicals, such as 4-acetamide-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, that inhibited the H+-pump but not the alkaline Mg2+-ATPase, are discussed.

Effects of intraaortic balloon pumping on acute myocardial infarction in 64 cases of cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure and mechanical heart failure

Of the patients treated in the CCU of Nippon Medical School for acute myocardial infarction in the past 5 years and 8 months, 44 with cardiogenic shock, 11 with severe heart failure, 7 with ventricular septal perforation and 2 with mitral regurgitation were treated by IABP. The peak effect of IABP on the hemodynamics of patients with cardiogenic shock was noted 24 hours after starting on IABP. When hemodynamics were compared between surviving and dead groups, there was a significant difference in stroke volume index between the two groups. When left ventricular function was compared between them, it was suggested that patients whose left ventricular function does not respond to IABP for 48 hours or longer are more likely to die than responders. Twenty-four of 44 patients became independent of IABP, but no more than 13 patients (30%) survived for 6 months or longer. Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) was combined with IABP in 7 patients who had a persistence of heart failure in spite of IABP. Combination therapy with IABP and ISDN elicited a significant increase in cardiac index, a significant decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance and a pronounced improvement in left ventricular function, and all 7 patients became independent of IABP. In the patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with ventricular septal perforation, the mean systolic arterial pressure was 87.7 +/- 8.3 mmHg, mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, 20.3 +/- 7.4 mmHg and pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio, 3.12 +/- 0.95 before starting on IABP. When the hemodynamics at 3 hours of IABP were compared to the pre-IABP values, the right atrial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio had a tendency to decline, but the changes were not statistically significant, except for the peak arterial pressure which showed a significant elevation at 3 hours of IABP. Three of the 7 patients became dependent on IABP, and 2 of the 3 patients were saved by emergency operation.

Studies on chondrocytes from mandibular condylar cartilage, nasal septal cartilage, and spheno-occipital synchondrosis in culture. I. Morphology, growth, glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and responsiveness to bovine parathyroid hormone (1-34)

Methods for isolating chondrocytes from the craniofacial complex and culturing them in vitro were established. Chondrocytes which were isolated by collagenase digestion from mandibular condylar cartilage, nasal septal cartilage, and spheno-occipital synchondrosis grew well in vitro. All three types of chondrocytes actively synthesized glycosaminoglycans, a differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes, and responded well to parathyroid hormone. However, some different characteristics were noted among the three types of chondrocytes in culture.

Restoration by parathyroid hormone and dibutyryl cyclic AMP of expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes inhibited by a tumor promoter, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

12-0-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) inhibited expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes in rabbit costal chondrocytes in culture. TPA transformed typical polygonal chondrocytes into multilayered, fibroblastic cells and also inhibited the rate of [35S]sulfate incorporation into glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes. These changes were apparent within 24 h and reached a plateau at 48 h after the addition of TPA. Phorbol didecanoate and phorbol dibenzoate also inhibited sulfation of GAG, even though the effect was weaker than that of TPA. Phorbol diacetate and 4-0-methyl TPA did not inhibit sulfation of GAG. Addition of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or dibutyryl cyclic AMP simultaneously with TPA overcame the inhibition caused by TPA. PTH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP also reversed the inhibition and stimulated expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes even in de-differentiated cells which had been pretreated for 3 days with TPA. These findings suggest that cyclic AMP plays an important role in the restoration of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes in TPA-treated chondrocytes, and that the TPA-treated cells retain some of the differentiated phenotype of the original cells, such as responsiveness to PTH.

Electrogenic nature of lysosomal proton pump as revealed with a cyanine dye

Studies were carried out on the electrogenicity of the lysosomal proton pump using dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (diS-C3-(5] as a membrane potential probe. Pure lysosome preparations (tritosomes) quenched the fluorescence of diS-C3-(5). The quenching correlated well with the potassium ion diffusion potential (inside negative) generated by K+ with or without valinomycin. The quenching caused by lysosomes was reversed by lipophilic cations, tetraphenylarsonium (TPA) or triphenylmethylphosphonium (TPMP). Mg-ATP also reversed the quenching, which was inhibited by a protonophore, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene-malononitrile (SF-6847). The properties of the ATP-induced recovery of the quenching were exactly the same as those of ATP-induced acidification, as measured with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD) (Ohkuma, S., et al. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 79, 2758-2762) and acridine orange (Moriyama, Y., et al. (1982) J. Biochem. 92, 1333-1336), except replacement of the anion by an impermeable one enhanced ATP-induced recovery of quenching, but reduced ATP-induced acidification. Amines which dissipate delta pH across the lysosomal membrane also enhanced the Mg-ATP-induced fluorescence recovery. These results suggest that isolated lysosomes exhibit an inside negative membrane potential, especially in low K+ medium, mostly due to the K+-diffusion potential, and that the Mg-ATP-driven proton pump causes membrane depolarization (in the direction of inside positive). These possibilities were supported by results on the uptake of the radioactive membrane-permeant ions [3H]TPMP and [14C]SCN. The present results provide evidence for the electrogenic nature of the lysosomal proton pump.

Evidence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of the presence of antibodies against RNA-dependent DNA polymerase of baboon endogenous virus

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in six out of 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) strongly inhibited the activity of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDPase) of baboon endogenous virus, M7, while IgG obtained from scleroderma patients, rheumatoid arthritis patients and normal subjects was less reactive. Experiments with anti-human IgG and with IgG F (ab')2-bound immunoaffinity columns indicated that the inhibition of RDPase was antibody-mediated. The RDPase inhibiting activity of SLE IgG was considered not to be due to cross-reactions of anti-nuclear antibodies including anti-DNA, anti-ribonucleoprotein, anti-Sm and anti-SS.B antibodies. SLE IgG preferably inhibited the RDPase activity of baboon endogenous virus and a feline endogenous virus, RD114. These findings support the hypothesis that retrovirus(es) might be involved in SLE.

Homologous radioimmunoassay for human carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone and its clinical evaluation

An homologous radioimmunoassay for human carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone (PTH) was developed using the antiserum raised against synthetic human PTH (46-84) and its clinical evaluation was attempted. Antisera were produced in guinea pigs by immunization with synthetic human PTH (46-84) conjugated with BSA. One of the antisera was used at a final concentration of 1 : 10,000 in the assay, and synthetic human PTH (53-84) for a standard and 125I-Tyr45 human PTH (46-84) for a tracer were used. A standard curve was obtained at concentrations from 0.001 to 10 ng per tube of human PTH (53-84). The displacement curves for human PTH (51-84), human PTH (46-84), Tyr45 human PTH (46-84) and bovine PTH (1-84) were almost identical with the standard curve made by synthetic human PTH (53-84). This antiserum, however, did not recognize the human PTH (1-34) fragment at all. Using this assay system, circulating immunoreactive PTH was measured in normal subjects and patients with parathyroid disorders. Normal PTH values in serum ranged from 0.47 ng/ml to an undetectable level (undetectable in two out of 32 normal subjects) and serum PTH values in patients with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism or idiopathic hypoparathyroidism were almost completely discriminated from normal values. These results suggest that this homologous radioimmunoassay is a carboxyl-terminal specific assay for human PTH and can be quite useful in clinical practice.

Esterastin: a potent inhibitor of lysosomal acid lipase

The effect of a fungal metabolite, esterastin, on lysosomal acid lipase purified from rabbit liver was studied. Esterastin inhibited the enzyme activity very strongly (IC50, about 80 nM). The inhibition of acid lipase by esterastin was competitive with respect to the substrate and the inhibition constant for esterastin was 90 nM. Esterastin was less inhibitory to other lipolytic enzymes, such as pancreatic lipase and carboxylesterase. Thus esterastin is a potent new inhibitor of lysosomal acid lipase.

[Changes in immunoglobulin-positive cell populations in the vaginal smear during radiotherapy of cervical cancer and their relation to 5-year survival rate]

To study the immunological response of irradiated cervical cancer, vaginal smears were taken from patients with this neoplasm during radiotherapy and stained with fluorescent anti-Igs sera by a direct method. Then, the relationship between the immune response during radiotherapy and a five year cure were discussed. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The mean percentage of the surface IgM-positive cells was 1.9% in normal vaginal smears and 5.8% in cervical cancer. 2. On the changes in the surface IgM-positive cells during radiotherapy, the patients were classified into three groups. Group A: The number of surface IgM-positive cells increased temporarily during radiotherapy. Group B: The number of surface IgM-positive cells decreased gradually during radiotherapy. Group C: The changes in the surface IgM-positive cells were irregular and/or showed little deviation. The five year survival rate for Group A was 81.8% and for Group B was 50.0%. There was significant difference between Group A and Group B in survival rates, and Group A was considered to be an immunoreactive group.

Unloading effects of molsidomine on peripheral circulation and cardiac hemodynamics in patients with acute myocardial infarction

The unloading mechanisms and side of peripheral action of the new antianginal drug molsidomine was compared with isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) in 14 patients with acute myocardial infarction using a Swan-Ganz catheter and venous occlusion plethysmography. Sublingual molsidomine (2-4 mg) increased calf venous capacitance (CVC) (0.42 +/- 0.18 to 0.64 +/- 0.09 ml/100 ml, p less than 0.05) from 30 to 240 minutes, while simultaneously lowering of PCWP (25.9 +/- 4.9 to 15.8 +/- 7.3 mmHg, p less than 0.05) and CVP (9.3 +/- 3.7 to 5.8 +/- 3.5 cmH2O, p less than 0.05). Calf blood flow (CBF), calf vascular resistance (CVR), CI, TSPR and SWI were not affected significantly. Molsidomine reduced preload more than 240 minutes after its administration. Sublingual ISDN increased CBF into the initial 15 minutes (1.19 +/- 0.49 to 1.83 +/- 0.98 ml/100ml/min, p less than 0.05) and CVC from 5 to 60 minutes (0.42 +/- 0.19 to 0.68 +/- 0.24 ml/100ml p less than 0.01) while simultaneously lowering PCWP (24.3 +/- 2.2 to 14.6 +/- 4.5 mmHg, p less than 0.01) and CVP (9.0 +/- 2.8 to 5.5 +/- 3.5 cmH2O, p less than 0.05). Neither drug affected cardiac index, blood pressure or systemic vascular resistance. These data suggest that molsidomine significantly lowered elevated preload (PCWP/PCP) by dilating venous capacitance vessels. Its length of action was 240 minutes compared with 60 minutes obtained with ISDN, which suggests this new agent may be of marked benefit in the AMI patients suffering from backward failure uncomplicated by forward failure in whom continued preload reduction is necessary. (Results are expressed as the mean +/- standard deviation).

Impairment of mitochondrial electron transport by tetrachloroethylene

Impairment of electron transport was studied in rat liver sonicated submitochondrial particles. The most susceptible portion was located from NADH dehydrogenase to coenzyme Q. Tetrachloroethylene increased the Michaelis constant (Km) and decreased the maximum velocity (Vmax) of cytochrome c reduction by NADH-cytochrome c reductase. The results suggest that tetrachloroethylene does not represent a specific inhibitor of the particular carrier but decreased the electron flow at the susceptible portion in the mitochondrial inner membrane.

Additive effect of nitrogen oxides and cold stress on circulating leukocyte counts in rats

To study the combined effect of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and cold stress on circulating leukocyte counts, the numbers of total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils were counted in rats after 3 h exposure to NOx and/or cold stress. There was a tendency for both NOx and cold stress to increase the total leukocyte count and the neutrophil count, and to decrease the eosinophil count. The data indicated that the effects of NOx and cold stress were additive when they acted simultaneously.

Lipid composition of low-density lysosomal membrane fraction prepared from atheromatous aorta of cholesterol-fed rabbits

The lipid composition of low-density lysosomal membranes prepared from atheromatous aorta was analyzed. Results showed that the molar ratio of free cholesterol to phospholipids was 2.4, the phospholipids contained 49% sphingomyelin and 4% phosphatidylethanolamine and the phosphatidylcholine contained 22% polyunsaturated fatty acids. These values for the lipid composition are very different from those for normal biological membranes. The involvement of alteration of lysosomal membranes in accumulation of cholesterol ester in atherosclerosis is discussed.

The relationship between mental disorders and physical severities in patients with acute myocardial infarction

We studied the relationship between the mental disorders and the mental severities of 163 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), who were admitted to the CCU (Coronary Care Unit) of Nippon Medical School Hospital during the past 2 years. Their mental disorders were diagnosed by psychiatrists, and the relationship between their physical severities according to Killip's classification and their mental severities was investigated. Based on these studies, the authors described the way to manage AMI patients in a CCU, especially from a psychiatric point of view. 1) About 64% of all the patients showed some mental disorders, and many of them were in a state of anxiety or depression. In most of the cases their mental severities were considered to be mild or moderate. 2) We found some correlation between physical severities according to Killip's classification and mental severities (r = 0.3061, p less than 0.005). Many patients with grade I of Killip's classification showed a normal or mild severity, and many with grade II had a mild or moderate severity. About one half of the patients with grades III and IV showed moderate and severe severities, respectively. 3) About 26% of the subjects were in need of psychotropic medication. 4) About 10% of the subjects showed disorientation or cloudy consciousness. The mental severity of patients with an acute lidocaine intoxication was severe. These results showed that there was a significant correlation between physical severity according to Killip's classification and mental severity of AMI patients in the CCU. Patients whose physical severity was not so great showed comparatively mild mental disorders. As Killip's grade of physical severity progressed, mental disorder became more severe.

Effects of phospholipids on lysosomal acid lipase purified from rabbit liver

The effects of phospholipids on lysosomal acid lipase purified from rabbit liver were studied. Non-ionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine increased the enzyme activity. However, anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and cardiolipin were ineffective. The acyl chain length and the degree of unsaturation of synthetic phospholipids were also related to the enzyme activity. Among a series of saturated phosphatidylcholines with different acyl chain lengths, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine was the most effective. Among a series of unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, the enzyme activity increased in parallel with the number of double bonds. The role of lysosomal acid lipase in relation to phospholipids is discussed.

Observations on the relationship between digital heat loss and systemic hemodynamics in patients with heart disease

A concomitant study of finger heat discharge and systemic hemodynamics was undertaken in a series of 19 patients (mean age 54 years) suffering from various forms of heart disease. Finger heat discharge, as measured by calorimetry, was found to correlate significantly with mean circulation time (-0.760), cardiac index (+0.649), systemic vascular resistance (-0.615), stroke work index (+0.649), mean pulmonary artery pressure (-0.596), mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (-0.554), stroke index (+0.541), appearance time (-0.502) and mean right atrial pressure (-0.453). There was no significant correlation between finger heat discharge and mean arterial blood pressure, LV dp/dtmax, and heart rate. An effect of heart failure on finger heat discharge was found. When evidence of forward failure and also possibly backward failure was found, mean finger heat discharge was significantly diminished. When both forward and backward failure were present together, mean finger heat discharge fell still further.

Mitral regurgitation associated with aortitis syndrome

Three patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) associated with aortitis syndrome are presented. All had multiple lesions of the large sized arteries, calcification of the aorta, mild inflammatory findings, a chronic course, and congestive heart failure. MR was observed by ventriculography in all 3 patients. Case 1 had mitral valve prolapse and secondary systemic hypertension. Case 2 showed mildly thickened mitral valve leaflets and had moderate aortic regurgitation (AR). Case 3 had massive AR. The grade of MR was moderate in Cases 1 and 2, and massive in Case 3. The left ventricle was moderately dilated in Cases 1 and 2 but contracted sufficiently and symmetrically in all 3 patients. Other than the prolapse, no significant mitral valve deformity or left ventricular asynergy was evident by ventriculography. The incidence of MR was 3.1% of 128 patients with aortitis syndrome observed in our clinic. MR may be found in the late stage of aortitis syndrome. It may be caused by a mild valvular lesion related to aortitis syndrome and be exacerbated by increased hemodynamic loads such as those which occur in secondary hypertension and AR.

Role of polyamines in expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes: effect of DL-alpha-hydrazino-delta-aminovaleric acid (DL-HAVA), an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, on chondrocytes treated with parathyroid hormone

Previously, it was demonstrated that parathyroid hormone (PTH) induces a series of events, successive increases of the level of cyclic AMP, the activity of ornithine decarboxylase [ODC; EC 4.1.1.17] and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, a characteristic chondrocyte phenotype, in rabbit costal chondrocytes in culture. Cyclic AMP analogues also increase ODC activity and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in these cells. Therefore, in the present work, the role of polyamines in expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes was investigated. DL-alpha-Hydrazino-delta-aminovaleric acid (DL-HAVA), a potent inhibitor of ODC, inhibited the increase in polyamine levels of quiescent cultures of chondrocytes treated with PTH. DL-HAVA also inhibited stimulation of expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes by PTH, as judged by decreases in glycosaminoglycan synthesis and metachromasia on toluidine blue staining. Similarly, DL-HAVA inhibited stimulation of expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The inhibitory effect on expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes by DL-HAVA was effectively diminished by addition of polyamines. Under the same conditions, PTH, DL-HAVA, or polyamines had little effect on DNA synthesis. These findings suggest that the rise in polyamine levels induced by PTH, which is mediated by an increase of cyclic AMP concentration, is essential for expression of the differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes.

[Neoplastic cardiac tamponade]

Pericardial metastases are frequently found and often cause cardiac tamponade which requires emergency treatment. Pericardiocentesis or subxiphoid pericardiotomy and pericardial drainage can be performed; the latter is a safe and effective method for the management of continuous pericardial effusion since it can be done under direct visualization and local anesthesia. We had four patients with neoplastic cardiac tamponade who were treated successfully with subxiphoid pericardiotomy and pericardial drainage. In three of them neoplasms had not been found until cytology of pericardial fluid proved to be malignant when they were attacked by cardiac tamponade. If the patient with malignancy is attacked by cardiac tamponade, subxiphoid pericardiotomy and pericardial drainage should be performed considering neoplastic cardiac tamponade. We have described pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic cardiac tamponade.

Role of prostacyclin in the response of cerebral blood flow to CO2

The prostacyclin (PGI2) formation in cerebral vessels, as reflected by the difference in concentration of internal carotid arterial and internal jugular venous radioimmunoassayed 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), was determined under normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions in 5 patients with mild cerebral thrombotic infarction. There was no evidence that endogenous PGI formation in cerebral vessels was stimulated at mild hypercapnia, while an increase of cerebral blood flow (CBF) induced by hypercapnia was observed. These results suggest that endogenous PGI2 may not be a mediator for the response of CBF to CO2.

Overlapping genes in the heat-labile enterotoxin operon originating from Escherichia coli human strain

We have determined the nucleotide sequence at the distal end of the heat-labile enterotoxin subunit A (LT-A) gene (toxA) originating from human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The sequenced region covers the entire LT-A2 region and a part of the LT-A1 region. In confirming our previous prediction based on product analysis of clones toxA regions, the data suggest the overlapping of the distal end (5'-TTA TGA) of toxA with the proximal end (5'-ATG AAT) of the LT subunit B gene (toxB), in the sequences 5'-TTATGAAT. Some additional characteristics of the LT operon as well as of the products are discussed.

Unloading effects of vasodilators on peripheral circulation and cardiac hemodynamics in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Effects of three representative vasodilators on peripheral and cardiac hemodynamics were studied in 20 patients with heart failure due to acute myocardial infarction (PCWP greater than 18 mmHg, C1 greater than 2.20 L/min/m2) using venous occlusion plethysmography and a Swan-Ganz catheter. Sublingual isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) significantly increased calf venous capacitance (CVC) from 5 to 60 min (p less than 0.01) and calf blood flow (CBF) in the initial 15 min (p less than 0.05), while simultaneously lowering PCWP (p less than 0.05) and central venous pressure (p less than 0.05). Calf vascular resistance (CVR), cardiac index, blood pressure, and total systemic peripheral resistance (TSPR) were not affected significantly. Nitroglycerin ointment (NGO) significantly decreased CVR (p less than 0.05) and increased CVC (p less than 0.05) from 60 to 240 min, simultaneously with lowering of PCWP (p less than 0.01), central venous pressure (p less than 0.05), and TSPR (p less than 0.05). Oral prazosin (Pz) increased CBF (p less than 0.01) and CVC (p less than 0.05) from 60 to 240 min, simultaneously with significant lowering of PCWP (p less than 0.01) and TSPR (p less than 0.05), resulting in increased stroke work index (p less than 0.05). These data confirm that ISDN predominantly causes capacitance vessel dilatation and reduce excessive venous return, while Pz and NGO dilate not only capacitance vessels but also resistance vessels, consequently reducing systemic vascular resistance and resulting in increased peripheral blood flow and cardiac performance. It was observed that the higher the base-line calf vascular resistance rose, the better the response to the vasodilator treatment appeared in terms of a decrease in calf vascular resistance.

Acridine orange as a fluorescent probe for lysosomal proton pump

Acridine orange was found to accumulate in pure lysosomal particles (tritosomes) in vitro, and the quenching of its fluorescence correlated well with the delta pH (inside acid) across the lysosomal membrane. Use of this dye showed that Mg-ATP caused lysosomal acidification. This acidification was sensitive to N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N-ethylmaleimide, and azide, but not to oligomycin, ouabain or vanadate. These results supported the idea of the existence of a lysosomal H+-pump, suggested in a previous paper (Ohkuma et al. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 79, 2758-2762).

Sequential changes in tumor development induced by 1,4-dinitrosopiperazine in the nasal cavity of F344 rats

Tumor development was examined sequentially in the nasal cavity of male F344 rats given 0.01% 1,4-dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) in their drinking water for various periods. Rats were sacrificed at 10-week intervals for up to Week 50. On continuous DNP administration, simple hyperplasia of the nasal cavity epithelium was observed from Week 10, papillary hyperplasia, nodular hyperplasia, and papilloma was observed from Week 20, and carcinoma was observed from Week 30. Carcinoma was observed in 100% of the animals given DNP for 50 weeks. The carcinomas were adenocarcinomas (86%), adenosquamous cell carcinomas (10%), and undifferentiated carcinomas (4%). Simple hyperplasia was distributed evenly in the nasal cavity. Seventy % of the nodular hyperplasias and 81% of the carcinomas were located in the ethmoturbinate and about 75% of the papillary hyperplasias and papillomas were located in the nasoturbinate and maxilloturbinate. These findings suggest that nodular hyperplasia is very important as a precursor of carcinoma in the nasal cavity of rats treated with DNP and that papilloma is less important in relation to carcinoma development.

Sequence analysis of the heat-labile enterotoxin subunit B gene originating in human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

In this study, we determined the amino-terminal coding sequence, covering the signal peptide and the amino-terminus of the mature peptide, of the heat-labile enterotoxin subunit B (LT-B) gene originating in human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Neither the signal sequence nor the amino-terminal sequence of the mature LT-B was identical to those sequences from porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli, but there was an extensive homology.

Long terminal repeat (LTR)-derived recombination of retroviral DNA: sequence analyses of an aberrant clone of baboon endogenous virus DNA which carries an inversion from the LTR to the gag region

Nucleotide sequences of a cloned proviral DNA of baboon endogenous virus M7 were analyzed, which carried an internal inversion. The inversion of 2.2 kilobase pairs was occurred between the junction of two tandem LTRs and a site locating in the p30 region of the gag gene. The ATAA sequence was a target for recombination generating the inversion, which was duplicated at both ends of the inverted segment. AAA and CA were lost at the 5'- and 3'-ends of the LTRs by the inversion, respectively. On both sides of the target sequence, long AG-rich stretches were detected, which may specify the site of recombination together with the target sequence. The characteristic base changes in the inversion are concluded to result from an illegitimate recombination associated with LTRs, as well as in case of provirus integration into the host cell DNA. We propose and discuss models to explain the processes of recombination to generate both inversion and integration.

Retrovirus-related sequences in human DNA: detection and cloning of sequences which hybridize with the long terminal repeat of baboon endogenous virus

Human DNA sequences which hybridized with the long terminal repeats (LTR) of baboon type C virus M7 were detected by non-stringent blot hybridization. About 7 to 10 discrete bands of the LTR-related sequences were commonly observed in the DNAs from four independent human cell lines after digestion with either Eco RI, Hind III or Bam HI. The amounts of these sequences were more abundant in tumor cell lines than in a non-malignant cell line. The human sequences related to the M7 LTR seemed to be located at relatively specific sites on the cell DNA. The human DNA clones which hybridized with M7 LTR were detected in the human DNA library described by Lawn et al. (Cell 15, 1157-1174, 1978), at a frequency of about 300 per haploid genome. Five clones were isolated which shared different extent of homology with M7 LTR and whose restriction maps were totally different one another. The DNA structures of two of them resembled the genome of retroviruses. These results suggest the presence of various types of the LTR-related sequences in human DNA: some of them might represent endogenous virus genomes of human cells.

Effect of chlorinated ethanes and ethylenes on electron transport in rat liver mitochondria

For all members of the chlorinated ethane and ethylene series except monochloroethylene, the effects on the oxygen consumption of isolated rat mitochondria were studied. All the tested compounds inhibited glutamate and malate oxidation, and their inhibitory potency increased in the order of the number of contained chlorines. The eight compounds of greatest potency were also investigated for their inhibition of succinate oxidation in mitochondria and inhibition of NADH oxidation in sonicated submitochondrial particles. The data obtained suggested that the inhibition of substrate oxidation was due to blockade of electron transport and the most susceptible portion was located from NADH to CoQ.