Lectin histochemistry of classic and spermatocytic seminoma

Six spermatocytic and 13 classic seminomas were studied histochemically with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins. Wheat-germ lectin and succinyl concanavalin A reacted with all 19 tumors, whereas other lectins bound to some, but never to all, tumors in either group. Soybean lectin reacted with seven of 13 classic seminomas but with none of the spermatocytic seminomas. On the other hand, Maclura pomifera lectin reacted with two of six spermatocytic and with none of the classic seminomas. Our data thus illustrate some differences between classic and spermatocytic seminomas, but no diagnostic or pathognomonic pattern of lectin binding could be discerned. Neither classic nor spermatocytic seminomas (with a single exception) reacted with the lectins that do not react with normal spermatogenic cells. Spermatocytic seminomas did not react with eight lectins typically recognizing spermatids and spermatozoa. Thus, our data do not support the earlier contentions that spermatocytic seminomas contain malignant equivalents of cells in advanced stages of spermatogenesis.

Biaxial mechanical properties of the pericardium in normal and volume overload dogs

The two-dimensional mechanical properties of the pericardium from dogs with a normal or chronically enlarged heart were studied in vitro. A 3.0-cm-square piece of the pericardium overlying the right and/or left ventricle was excised. An approximately 1.0-cm-square target was marked at the center, and its dimension was measured electrooptically. When immersed in physiological saline at 37 degrees C, the specimen was stretched and unloaded sinusoidally in one direction while force in the transverse direction was held constant. The tension-stretch relationship was highly reproducible and was insensitive to strain rate in the range of 0.002-0.1 Hz. Hysteresis was present. The pericardium was mostly anisotropic; however, the direction of maximal compliance varied among dogs. The elastic properties of the pericardium overlying the left and right ventricles were the same in most cases. Substantial stress relaxation was observed; in contrast, insignificant creep developed over 30 min. In five dogs with chronic cardiac dilatation due to an infrarenal aortocaval shunt, the tension-stretch curves were shifted significantly to the right (i.e., greater deformation at the same tension level). However, the pericardial viscoelastic properties and thickness were unchanged. In other words, chronic cardiac dilatation resulted in a more compliant pericardium.

Lectin binding sites on human sperm and spermatogenic cells

Testes of sexually mature men were studied histochemically with 20 fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins. Based on their pattern of reactivity with intratesticular spermatogenic cells, lectins were divided into five groups: 1) lectins reacting with all spermatogenic cells (Suc. ConA, WGA, LCA, PHA-E, PHA-L, STA, MPA, and RCA-II); 2) lectin reacting with spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa, but not with spermatogonia (RCA-I); 3) lectins reacting with spermatids and spermatozoa only (BPA, PNA, SBA, and VVA); 4) lectins reacting only with spermatozoa (HPA, GSA-I, UEA-II, and GSA-II); and 5) lectins with no distinct staining of spermatogenic cells (DBA, LBA, and UEA-I). All lectins from groups 1-4 were reactive with ejaculated spermatozoa. On the basis of the staining patterns of the head region of ejaculated spermatozoa, four lectin reactivity groups were defined: 1) lectins reacting with the plasma membrane of the whole head (BPA, WGA, LCA, STA, RCA-II, PHA-E, PHA-L, RCA-I, UEA-II, and GSA-II); 2) lectin reacting with the acrosomal cap and postacrosomal region of the plasma membrane (Suc. ConA); 3) lectin reacting with the acrosomal cap region of the plasma membrane (PNA); and 4) lectins reacting with the midregion of the sperm head in a bandlike manner (HPA, VVA, SBA, GSA-I, and MPA). These data provide a map of lectin binding sites on human testicular spermatogenic cells and ejaculated spermatozoa and show that the distribution of glycoconjugate domains of spermatogenic cell changes during differentiation and maturation.

Transfer RNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Secondary and tertiary structures of the substrates

Secondary and tertiary structures of four yeast tRNA precursors that contain introns have been elucidated using limited digestion with a variety of single-strand- and double-strand-specific nucleases. The pre-tRNAs, representing the variety of intron sizes and potential structures, were: pre-tRNALeuCAA, pre-tRNALeuUAG, pre-tRNAIleUAU, and pre-tRNAPro-4UGG. Conventional tRNA cloverleaf structure is maintained in these precursors except that the anticodon loop is interrupted by the intron. The intron contains a sequence which is complementary to a portion of the anticodon loop and allows the formation of a double helix often extending the anticodon stem. The 5' and 3' splicing cleavage sites are located at either end of this helix and are single-stranded. The intron is the most sensitive region to nuclease cleavage, suggesting that it is on the surface of the molecule and available for interaction with the splicing endonuclease. Absence of Mg2+ or spermidine renders the dihydrouridine and T psi C loops of these precursors highly sensitive to nuclease digestion. These ionic effects mimic those observed for tRNAPhe and suggest that the tRNA portion of these precursors has native tRNA structure. We propose consensus secondary and tertiary structures which may be of significance to eventual understanding of the mechanism of yeast tRNA splicing.

Pregnancy-related changes in the human endometrium revealed by lectin histochemistry

The binding of 22 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated lectins to human proliferative phase and pregnant endometrium was studied histochemically. Only the lectin from Bauhinia purpurea (BPA) reacted exclusively with the epithelial cells. All the others reacted to a certain extent with glandular and/or stromal cells. Lectins from soybean (SBA), and Vicia villosa seeds (VVA) reacted with endometrial glands of pregnancy but not with the glands of the proliferative endometrium. In the proliferative endometrium SBA reacted only with cells of the surface endometrium. Lectin from peanuts (PNA) reacted only with some glands in the proliferative endometrium but was unreactive with others. In pregnant endometrium PNA reacted with all glands. Lectins from lentils (LCA) and red kidney beans (PHA-E and PHA-L) reacted with endometrial glands of the proliferative phase but not with the glands from pregnant endometrium. We thus show that FITC labeled lectins define specific carbohydrate moieties selectively expressed on either proliferative phase or pregnant endometrial glands.

Transfer RNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: defining the substrates

The primary sequences of all the tRNA precursors which contain intervening sequences and which accumulate in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae rnal mutant are presented. A combination of DNA and RNA sequence analysis has led to elucidation of the primary sequence of four hitherto uncharacterized precursors. The location of the intervening sequence has in all cases been unambiguously determined by analysis of the intermediates in the splicing reaction. Secondary structures based upon the tRNA cloverleaf are shown for all the tRNA precursors and discussed with respect to common recognition by the yeast splicing endonuclease.

Lectin histochemistry of human placenta

The human placenta was studied histochemically using 23 fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled lectins. Distinct patterns of staining, as well as some differences between first-trimester and term placenta, were discerned. Eleven lectins (HPA, VVA, BPA, HAA, SBA, PNA, GSA-I, MPA, RCA-I, RCA-II, and UEA-I) did not react with the trophoblast. Two lectins (LCA and PEA) reacted with the trophoblast of first-trimester placenta but not with the trophoblast of third-trimester placenta. The remaining ten lectins (ConA, Suc.ConA, WGA, GSA-II, LAA, STA, DBA, LBA, PHA-E, and PHA-L) reacted with the trophoblast of both first- and third-trimester placenta, and two of these lectins (ConA and Suc.ConA) reacted preferentially with the syncytiotrophoblast. Five lectins (LAA, STA, DBA, GSA-II, and LBA) reacted with nuclei of the cytotrophoblast. The nuclei of some stromal and syncytiotrophoblastic cells were also reactive. Eighteen lectins reacted with the trophoblastic basement membrane, and all reacted with Hofbauer cells and the stroma of the villi. Lectin binding was influenced by the mode of fixation and tissue processing. These data show that some lectins can be used to identify components of the placental villi (e.g., basement, membrane) to characterize differences between the first- and third-trimester trophoblast, and to distinguish the cytotrophoblast from the syncytiotrophoblast.

Anatomic distribution of lectin-binding sites in mouse testis and epididymis

Testis and epididymis of sexually mature mice were studied histochemically using 25 fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled lectins. Several lectin-specific binding patterns were recognized. Thus, HAA, HPA, GSA-I, and UEA-II reacted only with spermatozoa. PNA, GSA-II, SBA, VVA, BPA, RCA-I, and RCA-II reacted with spermatozoa and spermatocytes. WGA, PEA, LCA, and MPA reacted with spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa in increasing order of intensity. ConA, Suc. ConA, LAA, STA, LTA, LPA, PHA-E, PHA-L, UEA-I, and LBA reacted with all spermatogenic cells with equal intensity. In the epididymis, 12 lectins reacted uniformly with the epithelial cells lining all segments of this organ. One lectin (VVA) did not react with epididymal lining cells. The remaining 12 lectins reacted in a specific manner with portions of the head, body, or tail, thus selectively outlining different portions of the epididymis. RCA-I and RCA-II selectively accentuated the so-called halo cells of the epididymis. These findings provide a detailed map of lectin-binding sites in the mouse testis and epididymis and show that certain lectins can be used as specific markers for spermatogenic cells and segments of the epididymis.

Lectin binding sites of the mouse ovary, intraovarian and ovulated ova

Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled lectins were used to study the distribution of specific binding sites in histologic sections of mouse ovaries as well as ovulated ova. Four distinct patterns of reactivity of the components of the follicle (exclusive of the ovum) and the surrounding ovarian stroma were recognized: uniform staining of granulosa cells, theca cells and surrounding stroma; weak to moderate staining of the granulosa cells and strong staining of the theca cells and stromal cells; no reactivity of the granulosa cells coupled with strong reactivity of the theca and stromal cells; no reactivity with any component of the cumulus oophorus. Three lectins (from Triticum vulgare, Arachis hypogaea and Maclura pomifera) distinctly accentuated the basal lamina of the cumulus oophorus. The reaction of lectins with oocytes and zona pellucida revealed six distinct patterns: no reactivity with either structure; weak reactivity with the cytoplasm of the oocyte and no reactivity with the zona pellucida; very strong reactivity with the cytoplasm of the oocyte and no reactivity with the zona pellucida; moderate reactivity with both the oocyte and the zona pellucida; moderate reactivity with the oocyte and very strong reactivity with the zona pellucida; no reactivity with the oocyte and moderate reactivity with the zona pellucida. The same pattern of reactivity was seen in the ovulated ova in the oviduct except for the lectin from Arachis hypogaea, the reactivity of which changed upon ovulation and/or fertilization of the ovum. These data provide a list of lectin markers for distinct components of the mouse ovary.

Spasmodic torticollis and other idiopathic torsion dystonias. Medical management

The pathophysiologic mechanisms of spasmodic torticollis and other idiopathic torsion dystonias remain unknown. Thus, a variety of drugs have been used alone or in combination on an empirical basis to treat these disorders, but to date none have efficacy that is proven and consistent. The drugs in use include anti-cholinergics, benzodiazepines, dopaminergics , and neuroleptics. The variable responses that have been observed are due in part to the heterogeneous nature of these disorders. Trial of several agents or combinations of agents may be necessary before symptoms are satisfactorily controlled. Only when a patient's symptoms are refractory to all medical treatment should he or she be considered a candidate for neurosurgical procedures.

Analysis of the anti-alpha 1 leads to 3 dextran response with monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies

The antibody response to alpha 1 leads to 3 dextran (DEX) in BALB/c mice consists of a family of closely related yet highly heterogeneous molecules. Although these antibodies have been previously characterized both idiotypically and structurally, detailed analysis of responding clones has not been possible using conventional anti-idiotype antibodies. Monoclonal syngeneic and allogeneic anti-idiotype antibodies (MAIDs) specific for anti-DEX antibodies were used in this study to dissect the serum antibody response to DEX in BALB/c mice. The constructed MAIDs showed considerable heterogeneity by isoelectric focusing and by their binding characteristics to a series of DEX specific myeloma and hybridoma proteins. The predominant heavy chain isotype of these MAIDs was gamma 1. These antibodies were used to identify individual idiotypic structures (IdI) on J558, or M104E as well as cross-reactive determinants common to both (IdX). Although both IdX and IdI MAIDs were obtained, IdI specific antibodies were obtained more frequently. BALB/c mice immunized with DEX produced antibodies expressing both IdI but in highly variable amounts. A large percentage of, but not all DEX specific antibody, could be accounted for by IdX bearing antibodies. Suppression of adult and neonatal mice by IdI specific MAIDs was effective with precise elimination of only those clones expressing IdI determinants leaving the total lambda bearing anti-DEX response intact. Suppression of adults and neonates by an IdX specific MAID resulted in a temporary and partial suppression of the total lambda bearing anti-DEX response along with total suppression of the IdX portion of the response. Unlike other systems these monoclonal antibodies produce only suppression, and under a variety of conditions enhancement of anti-DEX responses has not been observed.

Analysis of the anti-alpha 1 leads to 3 dextran response with monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies

The antibody response to alpha 1 leads to 3 dextran (DEX) in BALB/c mice consists of a family of closely related yet highly heterogeneous molecules. Although these antibodies have been previously characterized both idiotypically and structurally, detailed analysis of responding clones has not been possible using conventional anti-idiotype antibodies. Monoclonal syngeneic and allogeneic anti-idiotype antibodies (MAIDs) specific for anti-DEX antibodies were used in this study to dissect the serum antibody response to DEX in BALB/c mice. The constructed MAIDs showed considerable heterogeneity by isoelectric focusing and by their binding characteristics to a series of DEX specific myeloma and hybridoma proteins. The predominant heavy chain isotype of these MAIDs was gamma 1. These antibodies were used to identify individual idiotypic structures (IdI) on J558, or M104E as well as cross-reactive determinants common to both (IdX). Although both IdX and IdI MAIDs were obtained, IdI specific antibodies were obtained more frequently. BALB/c mice immunized with DEX produced antibodies expressing both IdI but in highly variable amounts. A large percentage of, but not all DEX specific antibody, could be accounted for by IdX bearing antibodies. Suppression of adult and neonatal mice by IdI specific MAIDs was effective with precise elimination of only those clones expressing IdI determinants leaving the total lambda bearing anti-DEX response intact. Suppression of adults and neonates by an IdX specific MAID resulted in a temporary and partial suppression of the total lambda bearing anti-DEX response along with total suppression of the IdX portion of the response. Unlike other systems these monoclonal antibodies produce only suppression, and under a variety of conditions enhancement of anti-DEX responses has not been observed.

Pregnancy-related changes in the mouse oviduct and uterus revealed by differential binding of fluoresceinated lectins

The binding of 20 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled lectins to various portions of the pregnant and non-pregnant murine oviduct and uterus was studied by fluorescence microscopy. Five lectins (from Ricinus communis (RCA-I), Maclura pomifera (MPA), Triticum vulgare (wheat germ-WGA), Bauhinia purpurea (BPA), and Ulex europeus (UEA-I] reacted differentially with the epithelium of pregnant as compared with the non-pregnant uterus. The binding of RCA-I, MPA and WGA delineated pregnancy-related changes in the distal oviduct and colliculus tubaris. WGA recognized also pregnancy related changes in the proximal oviduct. The reactivity of the remaining 15 lectins did not distinguish the pregnant and non-pregnant oviduct and uterus, although some of them served to identify specific components of the mouse genital tract. Thus, Soybean lectin (SBA) reacted almost exclusively with the colliculus tubaris. UEA-I alone reacted exclusively with the epithelium of the non-pregnant uterus. RCA-II reacted preferentially with the epithelium of the oviduct and uterus as compared with its weak reactivity with the stroma. Two lectins (from Pisum sativum and Lens culinaris) reacted selectively with stromal cells of the uterus and oviduct. Present data indicate that the differential binding properties of these FITC-labeled lectins can be exploited to identify certain components of the mouse oviduct and uterus and to indicate changes in the cell surface and/or cytoplasm in these structures during pregnancy.

Is angiotensin essential in drinking induced by water deprivation and caval ligation?

The role of the renin-angiotensin system in drinking induced by water deprivation and caval ligation was assessed by infusion of saralasin into the lateral ventricles of rats. This technique was first validated by demonstrating its capability to specifically antagonize drinking to both systemic and central angiotensin II. However, neither the latency to drink nor the amount of water consumed following 24- or 30-h water deprivation was affected by saralasin. Furthermore, saralasin had no significant effect on the recovery of blood pressure or on the water intake following ligation of the abdominal vena cava. These observations suggest that the renin-angiotensin system alone does not play an essential role in the control of drinking following water deprivation or caval ligation in rats.

Altered cerebral inhibition of respiratory and cardiac responses to hypercapnia in acute stroke

Ventilatory and heart-rate responses to hypercapnia were evaluated by a CO2 rebreathing technique in 56 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 14 normal controls. Both ventilatory and heart-rate responses were increased in patients with hemispheral lesions, but not in patients with brainstem lesions. In patients with hemispheral infarct, there was a decrease in CO2 sensitivity 1 to 3 weeks later. Acute hemisphere lesions may result in a transient decrease of cerebral inhibition of brainstem-mediated autonomic responses to a chemical stimulus.

Hypercapnic alteration of visual evoked responses in acute cerebral infarction

To determine the effect of inhaled carbon dioxide on acute ischemic cerebral injury, we have compared occipital visual evoked responses (VER) at baseline and during hypercapnia in 20 patients with acute unilateral cerebral infarction (ten with and ten without homonymous hemianopsia) and in ten normal controls. Visual evoked responses were judged on the basis of interhemispheral symmetry. In eight of ten controls and six of 20 patients, baseline VERs were symmetrical and remained unchanged during hypercapnia. In 14 patients with asymmetrical baseline VERs, hypercapnia caused improvement of symmetry in five, worsening in three, and no change in six. Hypercapnic vasodilation may be either beneficial or deleterious to cerebral function in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Superficial temporal artery to superior cerebellar artery anastomosis for distal basilar artery stenosis

The conceptualization, rationale and surgical technique involved with a superficial temporal artery to superior cerebellar artery anastomosis for midbrain ischemia in a patient with symptomatic mid-basilar artery stenosis is described and discussed.

Superficial temporal-middle cerebral artery bypass. A detailed analysis of multiple pre- and postoperative angiograms in 40 consecutive patients

Pre- and postoperative angiograms on 40 patients undergoing superficial temporal-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass surgery have been examined in detail. Multiple postoperative angiograms have been obtained to evaluate the change in both the bypass circuit and the intracranial circulation over time. A reproducible system for evaluating the degree of intracranial vascular filling via the bypass is introduced. The study shows that the STA and its anastomotic branch increase in size over time, measured in months, in the majority of patients. This is paralleled by a progressive increase in the degree of intracranial vascular filling. These changes are proportional to the severity of the vascular disease before surgery. The pattern of preoperative collateral circulation may change over time following the addition of the bypass circuit. The progressive change over time suggests that a static analysis at one time may belie the true effect of the surgery. The change of collateral circulation with augmentation of blood supply to areas of the brain other than those affected by the recent ischemic event, means that a total cerebral evaluation including neuropsychological testing may be necessary for adequate evaluation of the effect of the bypass surgery.

Superficial temporal to middle cerebral artery anastomosis. Clinical outcome in patients with ischemia of infarction in internal carotid artery distribution

The clinical outcome of our first 40 patients (six with transient ischemic attacks, 22 with mild ischemic infarctions, and 12 with moderate ischemic infarctions) treated with a superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis was analyzed. All cerebral ischemias or infarctions occurred in the internal carotid artery distribution. An independent neurologist observer recorded the patients preoperative and postoperative medical and neurological histories and objective neurological findings. There was no operative mortality. During the period of observation (up to 36 months), four patients died of probable myocardial infarction. No patient suffered from recurrent cerebral infarction. Three patients experienced a single ischemic event postoperatively. Neurological deficits were either unchanged (21 patients) or improved (19 patients). Postoperative angiograms showed patency in 97% of the anastomoses.