[Effects of Cordyceps sinensis, rhubarb and serum renotropin on tubular epithelial cell growth]

Primary cultured rat tubular epithelium was utilized to investigate the effect of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on cellular proliferation and metabolism. Judging from incorporation rate of 3H-TdR, it was found that the addition of serum containing CS metabolites into the culture media could promote the DNA synthesis of tubular cells profoundly (P less than 0.001). In association with its beneficial effects on gentamycin nephrotoxity in vivo study, it is indicated that CS could enhance the regeneration of injured tubular cells. In addition, sera obtained from 5/6 nephrectomized rats (5/6 NT) and rhubarb treated rats were studied to see their effects on tubular cells growth. The results showed that the serum of 5/6 NT rats could promote the DNA synthesis of tubular epithelium, while the presence of experimental serum of rhubarb in culture median markedly inhibited the DNA synthesis of cells.

[Analysis of lymphocyte subpopulation in chronic dialyzed end stage renal failure by flow cytometry]

To investigate the change of immune function in patients with ESRF, peripheral blood lymphocytes of 15 maintenance hemodialysis patients were analyzed using FITC labelled monoclonal antibodies and laser flow cytometry (FACS 440). Lymphocytes of phenotype CD 3 (Pan T cell), CD 4 (helper/inducer), CD 8 (suppressor/cytotoxic), CD 16 (NK cell), CD 25 (IL-2 Receptor) and HLA-DR were enumerated. The results were summarized as follows: (1) CD 3, CD 8 and CD 16 were decreased markedly in ESRF patients. (2) CD 4 and CD 25 showed a tendency of decrement also yet statistically insignificant, (3) Value for HLA-DR was higher than normal, probably related with the hemodialysis. (4) CD 4, CD 8 and CD 4/CD 8 in a transfused group were not different from those in a non-transfused group. (5) CD 4/CD 8 was negatively correlated with the serum creatinine level (r = -0.524). In conclusion, there is a marked suppression of immune function in ESRF patients as evidenced from the change of T cell subpopulation.

Definition of the inhibitory domain of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase by site-directed mutagenesis

Site-directed mutagenesis of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase was applied to define its autoinhibitory domain. Mutants were all initiated at Leu-447 but contained varying lengths of C-terminal sequence. Those containing the complete C-terminal sequence to Glu-972 possessed kinase activities that were calmodulin-dependent. Removal of the putative inhibitory domain by truncation to Thr-778 resulted in generation of a constitutively active (calmodulin-independent) species. Thus, the inhibitory domain lies to the C-terminal side of Thr-778. Truncation to Lys-793 and to Trp-800 also resulted in constitutively active mutants, although the specific activity of the latter was less than the other mutants. None of the truncated mutants bound calmodulin. For each mutant, the Km values with respect to ATP and to the 20,000-dalton light chain were similar to values obtained with the native enzyme. The presence of the inhibitory domain was detected by activation of kinase activity following limited proteolysis with trypsin. Using this procedure, it was determined that the inhibitory domain was manifest only in the mutant truncated to Trp-800 and was absent from that ending at Lys-793. These results indicate that a critical region of the inhibitory domain is contained within the sequence Tyr-794 to Trp-800. This region overlaps with the calmodulin-binding site for five residues. Our assignment of the inhibitory sequence is consistent with autoinhibition via a pseudosubstrate domain.

Intramuscular relative dose response (RDR) determination of liver vitamin A stores in rats

This study questioned whether the relative dose response (RDR) method to detect liver stores of vitamin A could be used by intramuscular administration of the vitamin. Vitamin A-deficient and reference rat serum retinol levels were determined by HPLC at zero time and then again 5 h after an intramuscular injection of 5.25 mumol/kg retinyl palmitate. The RDR percentage was calculated: [(A5-A0)/(A5)] x 100. The 5-h RDR was determined in 20 deficient and 16 reference diet rats and a clear relationship to liver retinyl palmitate concentration was demonstrated. At a liver retinyl palmitate concentration of less than 0.105 mumol/g, all RDR values were greater than 20%. When the liver retinyl palmitate was greater than 0.122 mumol/g the RDR was less than 20%. This study suggests that the intramuscular RDR is a valid tool for estimating liver retinyl palmitate in populations in which the oral RDR cannot be administered.

Crystal Structure of a Centrosymmetric Trinuclear Cadmium(II) Complex Containing Metal Atoms in Two Different Coordination Environments

The complex [Cd3( pybet )4Cl6] ( pybet = C5H5N+CH2COO-) crystallizes in the triclinic space group Pī (No. 2), with Z = 1, a 8.3228(8), b 10.290(2), c 12.199(2)Ǻ, α 66.44(1), β 77.65(1), γ 71.59(1)°; structure was refined to R = 0.027 for 5242 observed MoKα data. In the centrosymmetric trinuclear molecule the metal atoms exhibit trans-octahedral Cd (1)O4Cl2 and tetrahedral Cd (2)O2Cl2 coordination geometries; the central Cd (1) atom is doubly bridged to each of the terminal Cd (2) atoms by a pair of pybet ligands which function in an uncommon syn-skew mode.

Metal-Betaine Interactions.XIV. Silver(I) 3-Carboxylato-1-pyridinioacetate Monohydrate, [Ag{C5H4(COO)NCH2.COO}]n.nH2O

The complex silver(I) 3-carboxylato-1-pyridinioacetate monohydrate, [Ag{C5H4(COO)NCH2.COO}]n.nH2O, crystallizes in space group P21/c (No. 14), with Z-4, a 12.233(6), b 5.049(1), c 14.418(7)Ǻ, and β 94.96(4)°; the structure was refined to RF -0.057 for 1721 observed [I ≥ 3σ(I)] Mo Kα data. The silver(I) atom is coordinated by four carboxylato oxygen atoms in a distorted tetrahedral environment [Ag-O 2.284(5)-2.570(5)Ǻ]. The tridentate acetato group bridges the Ag1 atoms into a zigzag chain featuring an uncommon [Ag2( carboxylato -O,O′)(carboxylato-μ-1,1-O)] six- membered ring, and the coordination sphere about each metal centre is completed by the unidentate aromatic carboxylato group, resulting in a two-dimensional network in the solid. The lattice water molecule forms hydrogen bonds with the uncoordinated oxygen atom of the aromatic carboxylato group [2.755(9)Ǻ] and the coordinated oxygen atom of the acetato group [2.936(9)Ǻ].

Effect of serum renotropin on rat glomerular mesangial cell growth in vitro

In vitro study of rat glomerular mesangial cell growth was carried out to investigate the pattern of serum renotropic stimulation in 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6NT) rats. Incorporation rates of 3H-TdR, 3H-UR and 3H-Leu into mesangial cells were used as parameters to measure serum renotropic stimulation. Renotropin activity increased immediately after 5/6NT, reaching peak at 48 h, and was succeeded by a rapid decline at 96 h postoperatively. A second rise occurred on the 7th day, followed by gradual decrement. It seemed evident that the serum obtained 48 h after 5/6NT surgery was capable of stimulating the uptake of 3H-TdR, 3H-UR and 3H-Leu by the mesangial cells (MCs). It may be concluded that renotropin promotes DNA, RNA and protein synthesis of MCs. The prolonged and constant effect of serum renotropin on MCs might be one of the important mechanisms in progressive sclerosis of the remaining kidney after subtotal nephrectomy.

[Monoclonal antibody against laminin a and b chains: preparation and its clinical application]

In present study, we developed a hybridoma cell line which secretes monoclonal antibody against Laminin (Mo-611). The MoAb produced was identified to be isotype of IgG1. It reacted with Laminin obtained from murine EHS sarcoma, the intensity of reaction declined in accompany with increment of dilution, and could be absorbed by Laminin in 1 u/ml. On western blotting, it bounded to Laminin A chain 400 KD and Laminin B chain 200 KD. On IF study of renal tissue, positive staining with Mo-611 could be detected in fetal GBM and TBM, normal adult glomerular mesangial area and cytoplasm of tubular epithelium. In case of IgA nephropathy, the amount of deposits in mesangial area increased while in membranous nephropathy deposits along the capillary loop was also abundant in amount. In conclusion, the clinical application of McAb against Laminin might be helpful in the immunopathological diagnosis of glomerular diseases.

[Effects of microinjection of tutin into the nucleus tractus solitarius on the phrenic nerve discharge in rabbits]

Experiments were performed on 44 urethane anesthetized, paralyzed, bilaterally vagotomized and artificially ventilated rabbits. Unilateral microinjection of different concentrations of tutin (0.1 microgram/microliter, 1 microgram/microliter, 5 micrograms/microliters, 10 micrograms/microliters, n = 8 for each group) into the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) region could induce reversible increase in respiratory frequency in the phrenic neurogram due to the shortening of inspiratory and expiratory duration and a decrease of the peak amplitude of the integrated phrenic nerve activity. However, no significant effects on arterial blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were noted. Of the four concentration groups of tutin application, 1 microgram/microliter group already attained a maximal effect. Microinjection of 5 micrograms/microliters and 10 micrograms/microliters tutin into NTS region produced further a disturbance of respiratory rhythm exhibited as transient phrenic nerve discharge during expiratory phase or irregular prolongation of expiratory duration. Unilateral injection of 1 microliter normal saline into NTS region (n = 8) had no significant effects on phrenic activity, BP, HR and EEG. The results suggest that NTS area might be involved in the transition of respiratory phases in the rabbit, and that tutin has a direct stimulating action on the respiratory phase switching mechanism of the NTS region, thus facilitating the transition of respiratory phases with an increase of respiratory frequency.

[Papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the salivary glands: clinicopathologic analysis of 22 cases]

A clinicopathologic observation of 22 cases of papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the salivary glands was made. Of these, 17 cases were males and 5 females. The average age of the patients was 37.1 years, with a range of 17 to 61 years. The mean duration of the disease was about four years. The majority of the carcinoma were located in parotid (72.7%). Histopathologically, they were classified by the authors into two types, that is, well-differentiated type and poorly-differentiated type. The results showed that recurrence and metastasis of lymph nodes of the tumour were closely related to the degree of their differentiation.

[A new monoclonal antibody against human tubular brush border: preparation and its application in membranous nephropathy]

A new monoclonal antibody (McAb) against human tubular brush border was successfully prepared by authors using the hybridoma technique. The McAb produced was identified to be isotype of IgG1 by IF and SDS-PAGE assay. It was unique for its purity and specificity. To demonstrate the clinical usefulness, the McAb was applied for immunopathological study in 94 cases of renal biopsy of glomerular diseases. This McAb was distinguished by its specific deposition along the human tubular brush border and the subepithelial region in certain type of glomerular disease, particularly the MGN. Identification of this McAb might contribute to the immunopathological diagnosis of GN.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis induced by monoclonal anti-proximal tubular basement membrane antibodies in mice

Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) was induced by monoclonal anti-tubular basement membrane (TBM) antibodies. Hybridomas producing anti-TBM antibodies were produced by the fusion of a mouse parental cell line with BALB/c mice which had been immunized with Wistar rat renal cortices. Three hybridoma cell lines were selected for production of antibodies against proximal TBM by indirect immunofluorescence. The isotypes of these monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were determined to be of the IgM class by double immunodiffusion. Subsequently, 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with cells (1 x 10(7)) of anti-TBM antibody-producing hybridomas, 39-1, 39-4, or 339-3. As a control, a monoclonal IgM-producing myeloma cell line was used. Proteinuria developed from Day 8, reaching 200 to 300 mg% in mice from the experimental groups, while in the control mice, urinary protein did not exceed 50 mg%. By sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis, the excreted urinary proteins proved to be of low molecular weight. An immunofluorescent study revealed a linear localization of IgM along the proximal TBM from Day 4, and light microscopy showed focal degenerative alteration in proximal tubules and focal round cell infiltration in the interstitium. Electron microscopy revealed dense deposits on some proximal TBM. These results indicate that monoclonal anti-TBM IgM antibodies can induce TIN as a result of persistent production of antibodies from intraperitoneally injected hybridomas.

Characterization of a polyreactive monoclonal antibody to dsDNA, F x 1A, and heparan sulfate generated from BALB/c mice immunized with rat renal homogenates

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) were prepared by fusing spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with rat renal cortical homogenates to the mouse myeloma cell. One of them, designated MoAb26-3, revealed a positive antinuclear activity by screening an indirect immunofluorescence test on kidney cryostat sections. The reactivity of MoAb26-3 with double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) was confirmed by the Crithidia luciliae assay. The isotype of MoAb26-3 was determined to be IgM-kappa. To test the nephritogenicity of MoAb26-3, the hybridomas were grafted intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice. A deposition of IgM was observed along the base of the epithelial foot processes and on the luminal surface of the endothelium by immunoelectron microscopy. By direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), MoAb26-3 was shown to react not only with dsDNA but also with fraction 1A of renal cortical supernatant (F x 1A) and heparan sulfate. On the basis of inhibition ELISA, the dsDNA inhibited F x 1A and heparan sulfate binding of MoAb26-3 and F x 1A blocked the reactivity of Mo26-3 with dsDNA and heparan sulfate, while heparan sulfate showed a less inhibition on the binding of MoAb26-3 with F x 1A, dsDNA, and even with heparan sulfate. Using immunoprecipitation with radiolabeled F x 1A, MoAb26-3 was shown to react with MW 330,000, 440,000, and 700,000 bands which were the same with those which polyclonal Heymann nephritis serum could react. An intravenous injection of MoAb26-3 to rats resulted in the deposition of IgM along the glomerular capillary wall, but resulted in an only transient appearance of proteinuria.

Wounding effects of small fragments of different shapes at different velocities on soft tissues of dogs

The wounding effects of small fragments of the same weight (0.44 gm) but different shapes and at different impact velocities (708-1,560 m/s) on the soft tissues of the hind legs of 156 dogs were studied. The experiments showed that velocity was the major factor in causing wounds. For fragments of the same shape, the energy transmission, volume of wound cavity, sectional areas at entrance and exit, and amount of tissue that had to be excised increased rapidly with increasing velocity. In particular, as the velocity reached about 1,500 m/s, a shallow and wide wound tract was liable to occur, peripheral tissue lesion was relatively apparent, even extended to the whole leg, and the rate of occurrence of bone fracture was high. The wounding effect of the shape of the fragment closely related to its sectional specific weight (W) and drag coefficient (CD). Given the weight of the projectile and the density and thickness of the tissue, the energy transmission (delta E) was directly proportional to the square of the velocity and to the drag coefficient, and inversely proportional to the sectional specific weight of the fragment. Therefore, under certain conditions, reducing the sectional specific weight often increased the drag coefficient, in favour of causing a wound. In this experiment, the extent of wounds caused by the triangular, the square, and the cylindrical, and the spherical fragments decreased in that order, in agreement with their values of sectional specific weight and drag coefficient.

Experimental glomerulonephritis induced by immune complexes of monoclonal antibodies produced by immunoglobulin class-switch variants

Experimental glomerulonephritis was induced in mice by injecting performed antigen-antibody complexes composed of monoclonal anti-dansyl antibody of switch-variant origin and dansyl-conjugated bovine serum albumin. A comparison was made of the ability of two kinds of monoclonal antibodies, IgE and IgG2a, of the same variant origin to induce glomerulonephritis. Both types of immune complexes (IC), (IgE-IC and IgG2a-IC), given daily elicited exudative proliferative glomerulonephritis accompanied by proteinuria. Significant glomerular hypercellularity including invasion by polymorphonuclear leukocytes was observed as early as 2 days and was prominent at 14 days after the start of daily injections. Deposits of IgE-IC and IgG2a-IC plus the third complement component were observed mainly in mesangial areas early in the experiment (3 to 8 days) and additionally along peripheral loops at a later stage (9 to 14 days). By electron microscopic examination, immune deposits were detected in the mesangial areas as well as in the subepithelial aspect of the peripheral loops. These results reveal that the isotype of the antibody used to prepare IC does not influence the form or severity of glomerulonephritis.

A low level of macrophages enhances anti-TNP plaque-forming cell generation by human lymphocytes against TNP-Brucella abortus, a T-independent antigen

Making use of trinitrophenyl-Brucella abortus (TNP-Ba), a T-independent antigen, the mechanism of antibody production in vitro by human lymphocytes was studied, focusing on the accessory role played by macrophages (m phi). Human tonsillar cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), and their fractions which were depleted of T cells, M phi, or both by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes and glass adherence plus passage through a Sephadex G-10 column, were stimulated in vitro with TNP-Ba under optimal culture conditions. Substantial antibody response against the antigen was induced in the whole tonsillar cells, while no appreciable level of response was induced in the whole PBL. The level of response observed after T-cell depletion was not different from that of the whole cells. In contrast, the response was significantly enhanced both in tonsillar cells and in PBL by depleting M phi to a low level, such as 1-2% of the cultured cells. It was further shown that a small amount of M phi added back to the M phi-depleted fraction activity suppressed the response again to the level seen in the whole cells. If allogenic M phi were substituted for autologous ones, the same degree of suppressor function was observed irrespective of the difference seen in the HLA types.

Suppressive effect of mizoribine on humoral antibody production in DBA/2 mice

The mode of action of mizoribine (MZR) as a B cell inhibitor was studied using DBA/2 mice. Its in vitro administration significantly delayed the primary response in hemagglutinin production against sheep erythrocytes by suppressing the IgM antibody formation. In vitro plaque-forming cell (PFC) response against both T-dependent and T-independent antigens, such as TNP-SRBC and TNP-Brucella abortus, was dose-dependently suppressed by MZR. Since PFC formation by the T-depleted fraction of splenocytes was likewise suppressed, MZR may inhibit humoral antibody response by directly affecting the B cells (and/or macrophages) as well as by modulating the regulatory T cells. MZR may only act on a certain stage of the cell cycle of B lymphocytes following antigenic stimulation. It may not interfere with the initial antigen recognition or with mature B cells.

Population aging in the People's Republic of China

This paper provides a factual assessment of China's population aging and its social and economic consequences. It is projected that China will have a substantially older population in the middle of the 21st century. Major policy implications concerning old age support and health care have been examined.

Coexistence of IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy

Renal biopsy findings of a 27-year-old female with asymptomatic proteinuria and hematuria revealed two distinct glomerular alterations compatible with both IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy. The concomitant presence of two different primary glomerular diseases is very rare.

Association of HLA-DRw8 and DQw3 with minimal change nephrotic syndrome in Japanese adults

The HLA systems of forty Japanese patients with adult-onset nephrotic syndrome and biopsy-proven minimal change were investigated. HLA-DRw8 was found in 35% of the patients and HLA-DQw3 in 95%, compared to 12.6 and 63.1% of the control, respectively (DRw8: and Pc less than 0.01, RR = 3.74; DQw3: Pc less than 0.02, RR = 11.1). The phenotype frequencies of all but one HLA-DR antigens, DR4, DR5, DRw8, and DRw9 associating with DQw3, were observed to increase (patient vs. control: DR4, 65 vs. 41.4%; DR5, 10 vs. 4.3%; DRw9, 20 vs. 23%). These results suggest that HLA-DQw3 may be a primary genetic marker associated with a major susceptibility gene to adult-onset minimal change nephrotic syndrome in the Japanese population.

Subcellular site of antispermatogenic effect of gossypol and its possible molecular mechanism of action

This paper reports the results of gossypol effects on the testicular mitochondrial ultrastructures and functions. A hypothesis of mechanism of gossypol action based on our experimental data was postulated. Electron microscopic observations confirmed further our previous studies that the mitochondria of the target germ cells were the most sensitive and the most severely damaged among cellular organelles in response to gossypol. The damages included the swelling, vacuolation, crista depletion, lysis, granular accumulation in matrix and the process of intact mitochondria disintegration. The activity of the mitochondrial marker enzyme, the LDH-X of human spermatozoa, was markedly decreased or suppressed completely after gossypol treatment. The functions of isolated testicular mitochondria determined by Warburg manometric and oxygen electrode polarographic methods indicated that gossypol stimulated respiration but inhibited slightly the oxidative phosphorylation at low concentrations (20-40 microM) in vitro. With the increase in concentration of gossypol, the mitochondrial respiration and phosphorylation decreased obviously, they were completely inhibited at a concentration of 80 microM for oxidative phosphorylation and at about 300 microM for respiration. The degree of uncoupling of phosphorylation appears to be dose-dependent. Similar results were obtained for the testicular mitochondria isolated from rats that had been administered per os gossypol previously (6 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg/day X 21 respectively), in which the P/0 ratio decreased significantly (P less than 0.001) as compared with that of the control group. The distribution of 14C-gossypol in mitochondrial was found to be 2-3 times higher than that in other subcellular fractions. Similar pattern of distribution was shown in double labeling experiments with 14C-gossypol and 3H-ouabain.