[Lobular carcinoma of the male breast--a case report]

Lobular carcinoma of the male breast is very rare, because lobules do not exist in the male mammary gland. Seven cases of lobular carcinoma of the male breast have been reported in Europe and U.S.A., although no case in Japan. We encountered a very rare case of the lobular carcinoma of 74-year-old male breast. Histopathological examinations of both primary tumor and recurrent tumors of the skin led to the diagnosis of lobular carcinoma.

Seroepidemiology status of Nepalese against hemolytic streptococcal infection in Katmandu

Immune status of apparently healthy Nepalese against hemolytic streptococci was studied by measuring antibodies to various streptococcal antigens such as streptolysin-O (SO), streptokinase (SK), deoxyribonuclease-B (DN-B) and streptococcal polysaccharide (SP). The normal range of anti-streptolysin-O (ASO), anti-streptokinase (ASK), anti-deoxyribonuclease-B (ADN-B) and anti-Streptococcus polysaccharide (ASP) was 60-480 (T.U.), 40-1024 (titer), 60-1280 (titer) and less than 2-128 (Unit), respectively. No difference was observed between the two sexes. ASO and ADN-B were measured by the neutralization method. Passive hemagglutination (PHA) was used to measure ASK and ASP. These values were 2-3 fold higher than those obtained on the Japanese subjects.

Immunohistochemical assessment of the growth fraction in cervical cancers using the monoclonal antibody Ki-67; relationship to the clinical stage, histologic type and DNA content

To assess the growth potential of cervical cancer, cell populations in proliferating cycle (%PC) were examined by an immunohistochemical technique using the monoclonal antibody Ki-67. The %PC was 31.63 +/- 16.61% in 36 cervical cancers and was significantly higher when compared to the 7.8 +/- 3.81% found in 24 samples of normal ectocervical tissues. In cervical cancer tissues, the %PC increased in accordance with progression of the clinical stage of the disease, however, the %PC was not different among the various histologic types of invasive cervical cancers. The DNA index also increased in accordance with progression of the clinical stage of cervical cancer, however, there was no correlation between the %PC and the DNA index. These results suggest that the value of %PC obtained using the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 can be used as a parameter for evaluating the growth activity of cervical cancer and for predicting biological heterogeneity in a tumor.

Growth potential of endometrial cancers assessed by a Ki-67 Ag/DNA dual-color flow-cytometric assay

Ki-67 is a monoclonal antibody directed against a nuclear antigen present only in proliferating cells. To assess the growth potential of uterine endometrial cancer, the population of cells in proliferating cycle (%PC) was examined with Ki-67, using flow cytometry. The %PC of 27.18 +/- 12.00% in 22 endometrial cancers was significantly higher than the 14.5 +/- 5.94% found in 28 normal endometrial tissues. In premenopausal endometrial tissue, the %PC in the proliferatory phase was significantly higher than the %PC found in the secretory phase. In endometrial cancers, an increase of %PC was found in cases with deep myometrial invasion, and the %PC was elevated in groups containing histologically poorly differentiated types when compared to groups of well-differentiated and moderately differentiated types. Sorted cells reactive with Ki-67 antibody were large and had a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. On the bases of these results, it was concluded that a Ki-67 Ag/DNA dual-color assay would be useful to examine the growth fraction in endometrial carcinoma and that an increased growth fraction was related to deep myometrial invasion or poorly differentiated types.

Fluorescence quenching measurements of the membrane bound lipid haptens with different length spacers

Dansyl lipid haptens with three different length (short, intermediate and long) spacers have been incorporated into DMPC or DPPC liposomes. Anti-DNS-IgG bound most efficiently to these liposomes containing lipid haptens with an intermediate length spacer, although the binding efficiency became more increased when liposomes were made of a mixture of phospholipid (DMPC or DPPC) and cholesterol. To explain these results we have measured the accessibility of dansyl lipid haptens in liposomal membranes by the fluorescence quenching method. It was found that the dansyl haptens located on the surfaces of DMPC (or DPPC) membranes and fluorescence quenchers (iodide ions) possessed almost similar accessibility for the dansyl haptens with different length spacers. However, in the DMPC (or DPPC) membranes with 50% cholesterol, a part of the dansyl haptens became buried into the interior of the liposomal membranes depending on the length of the spacer and another part removed into the aqueous solution with greater affinity for antibody. These results were explained well by our recent model for antibody binding to the membrane-bound lipid haptens.

Microvessel and astroglial cell densities in the mouse hippocampus

In order to study the factors responsible for glucose uptake in the mouse hippocampus, microvessel and astroglial cell densities were measured and compared in each laminal region. Microvessel density was examined on histologically prepared sections after injection of Indian ink and measured by means of an image analyser. Astroglial cell density was determined after the cells were stained immunohistochemically. Microvessel and astroglial cell densities were determined in 10 different hippocampal structures. Microvessel and astroglial cell densities were strongly correlated in all layers except the pyramidal cell layers. The highest density of perfused microvessels was found in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare, compared with other regions, and the lowest values were found in the stratum lucidum and dentate granular cell layer. Among pyramidal cell layers, microvessel density in sector CA3a was significantly higher than that in CA1.

The distribution of tissue insulin receptors in the mouse by whole-body autoradiography

The distribution of insulin binding sites in the mouse was investigated by in vivo whole-body autoradiography. Male mice were injected intravenously with 125I-insulin in the absence of and, in the presence of, excess unlabeled insulin. Three, 6, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after injection, the animals were perfused and subjected to autoradiographic procedures. Specific insulin binding was observed in the choroid plexus, liver, gastrointestinal tract, spleen, pancreas, deferent duct, and Harderian gland. In the liver and spleen, the distribution of binding sites was heterogeneous. In the liver, the density of the binding was higher around the branches of the portal vein than around the central vein. In the spleen, the marginal zone exhibited a higher density than the white and red pulp. The kidney cortex, and the thyroid gland showed a high degree of insulin binding, but the binding was nonspecific. The binding of insulin to other tissues and organs, including the skeletal muscle and fat, was weak, and most of the binding was nonspecific.

[The clinical significance of thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) and fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products (FDP) levels in ovarian cancer]

We measured the levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) and fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products (FDP) in 115 patients with gynecological malignancies (ovarian cancer 34, cervical cancer 34, endometrial cancer 47). These concentrations were compared to those in control groups of 15 patients with benign ovarian tumor. The levels of TAT and FDP were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer compared to the control group (both: p less than 0.01), and these levels were higher than in other gynecological malignancies. In stages I and II the positive rate of TAT and FDP (TAT greater than 3.0 ng/ml, FDP greater than 1.40 microgram/ml) in patients with ovarian cancer was higher than that in other gynecological malignancies. TAT and FDP were increased following cancer dissemination, and the recovery of coagulative and fibrinolytic factors (TAT, FDP) with effective treatment was correlated to the prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer. These levels had no correlation with the levels of CA125 and histological classification in patients with ovarian cancer. Accordingly, these results suggest that these changes in TAT and FDP may be useful, together with other clinical signs, in detecting early stage ovarian cancer.

Changes in the plasma abnormal prothrombin level following treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

The Hokkaido Liver Cancer Study Group focused on the changes in PIVKA-II levels observed in 61 HCC patients after several regimens of treatment in comparison with the AFP levels and the pathophysiological characteristics of HCC. The overall positivity rate for PIVKA-II was 47%, and there was no correlation between the PIVKA-II values and the AFP levels. Accordingly, the HCC detection rate was increased by about 20% by the measurement of both markers. In all, 13 patients underwent hepatic resection, and nonsurgical therapy was carried out in the other 48 subjects. Of the 6 surgically treated patients, 5 (83%) showed a fall in PIVKA-II levels to the normal range immediately after surgery, whereas 14/29 (48%) subjects receiving nonsurgical treatment showed a decrease in PIVKA-II values. Although inconsistency between these tumor markers was detected in four treated cases, we concluded that assay for both of these two parameters may expand their clinical utility for the diagnosis of HCC and monitoring of patients after treatment.

Escherichia coli RecA protein modified with a nuclear location signal binds to chromosomes in living mammalian cells

We tried to make a well-characterized bacterial protein function in mammalian cell nuclei. For this purpose we chose Escherichia coli RecA protein and fused its carboxy terminus to the nuclear location signal of SV40 large T-antigen by oligonucleotide-dependent modification of the gene. When injected into the cytoplasm, the modified RecA protein (T-RecA for the T-antigen signal) accumulated efficiently in the nuclei, whereas the wild-type RecA protein remained in the cytoplasm. The T-RecA protein retained its original in vivo activity, judging from the finding that uv-sensitive bacteria (recA- E. coli) became uv-resistant on transformation with the T-recA plasmid as well as the recA plasmid. For expression of the T-recA gene in mammalian cells, the 5' region was replaced by the chicken beta-actin promoter and Kozak's initiation signal. A high level of expression was observed when Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells were transfected with this plasmid. Indirect immunofluorescence examination revealed that the T-RecA protein in nuclei of mammalian cells bound to chromatin.

Primary chylopericardium with pulmonary shadow and large granular lymphocytosis: a case report

A 79-year-old man with primary chylopericardium associated with large granular lymphocytosis was followed for more than 26 years. Except for development of dyspnea on exertion during the past four years and more recently cough with sputum production, he has remained largely asymptomatic over this interval. Based on detailed examinations of cellular and humoral immunity, we speculate that increased natural killer cell activity and an increased number of large granular lymphocytes circulating in his peripheral blood represent a reactive response to production of various cytokines secondary to persistent loss (? chyloptysis) and sequestration of central lymph.

Direct injection of hepatitis B virus DNA into liver induced hepatitis in adult rats

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) genes were injected directly into the liver of adult rats with non-histone chromosomal protein high mobility group 1 by the hemagglutinating B virus of Japan (Sendai virus)-liposome method (Kato, K., Nakanishi, M., Kaneda, Y., Uchida, T., and Okada, Y. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 3361-3364). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that HBV surface antigen was expressed by the hepatocytes in vivo. On successive injections of the HBsAg genes, the antibody to HBV surface polypeptides was produced in the rats, and characteristic pathological changes of lymphocytic focal necrosis and denaturation of hepatic cells were observed in the liver of all the rats. We conclude that hepatitis is caused by the direct injection of HBsAg genes.

Membrane fluidity and lipid hapten structure of liposomes affect calcium signals in antigen-specific B cells

Antigen-specific B-cell clones directed against a 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) hapten have been established [Hamano et al. (1990) J. Immunol. 144, 811-815]. We measured here the cytosolic free calcium ion concentration ([CA2+]i) in these B-cell clones after antigen stimulation. Trinitrophenylated liposomes with different length spacers between TNP and phosphatidylethanolamine (TNP-Cn-PE) increased cytosolic free calcium concentration in TNP-specific B cells (clone TP67.21). The magnitude of calcium signals depended on the length of the spacer. TNP-C6-PE in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes triggered larger calcium signals in B cells than TNP-Cn-PE with n = 0, 4, 8, or 12. The magnitude of the calcium signals was strongly dependent on the fluidity of the liposome membranes. TNP-C6-PE in the solid DPPC liposomes triggered the calcium signals in B cells 50-100 times as efficiently as TNP-C6-PE in the fluid dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes. The difference between the solid liposomes and the fluid liposomes was more pronounced in triggering calcium signals in B cells than in antibody binding to these liposomes.

Seroepidemiological study of herpes viruses in Nepal

The antibody positive rates among Nepalese, in a community, to herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were studied. Immune adherence hemagglutination test (for VZV) and complement fixation test (for HSV and CMV) were used to measure the antibodies. An 80% positive rate of anti-HSV antibodies was found in early childhood (1-4 years) that further increased with age (96.1% positive in greater than 15 years age). Only 25% of children 1-4 years old showed antibodies to VZV but the number of positives increased rapidly with age (82.9% in greater than 15 years age). Antibody against CMV was positive in all the subjects studied.

[Bone mass and biochemical parameters in metabolic bone diseases]

We studied the relationship between the bone mass and biochemical parameters in 175 normal premenopausal, 72 normal postmenopausal and osteoporotic postmenopausal women, between 20 and 88 years old, and in 40 patients with hyperthyroidism, and 23 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, between 13 and 64 years old. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine (L2-L4) and proximal femur (femoral neck) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using a QDR-1000, Hologic. The bone mineral content (BMC) of the radius was measured by single photon absorptiometry (SPA) using a model 2780, Norland. Serum PTH, BGP and calcitonin (CT) were determined by radioimmunoassay. The BMD of the spine (L2-L4), and the proximal femur in postmenopausal women were negatively correlated with age. The mean BMD in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis was significantly lower than that in normal postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, age was positively correlated with BGP, PTH, CT and negatively correlated with P. In patients with osteoporosis, the BMD of the spine was negatively correlated with serum BGP. The BMC of radius in patients with hyperthyroidism decreased significantly compared with that in the controls, and was negatively correlated with F-T3. The BMC of the radius in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was significantly lower than that in the controls, and was negatively correlated with serum BGP and serum calcium. The measurements of biochemical parameters such as serum BGP, ALP and PTH may be useful in the assessment of metabolic bone diseases.

The 'lysine cluster' in the N-terminal region of Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit is not involved in ATPase activity

The alpha-subunit of the Na+/K(+)-ATPases from several animal species have markedly similar amino acid sequences. However, the N-terminal sequences of the alpha-subunit are rather divergent except for lysine-rich sequences, the 'lysine cluster'. Here we report that the alpha-subunit from frog (Rana catesbeiana) has an N-terminal sequence with the 29 amino acid residues shorter than that of the Xenopus alpha-subunit deduced from its cDNA and hence lacks the 'lysine cluster'. Nevertheless, the Rana enzyme still exhibits ATPase activity. The ATP-dependent Na+ transport activity of the Rana enzyme was similar to that of the dog enzyme, which contains the 'lysine cluster'. Moreover, the Torpedo alpha-subunits deprived of the 'lysine cluster' by means of two gene deletions showed the same Na+/K(+)-ATPase activities as that of the wild type when expressed in Xenopus oocytes from their mRNAs. These results strongly suggest that the 'lysine cluster' in the N-terminal region of the alpha-subunit is not involved in the ATPase and ion transport activities. Since an active alpha-subunit was translated in Xenopus oocytes from mRNA lacking the N-terminal region including the 'lysine cluster', these regions were proved not to function as a membrane insertion signal sequence.

Free radical production by the red tide alga, Chattonella antiqua

The red tide alga, Chattonella antiqua, was found to show a strong chemiluminescence, using luminol as the reagent, when exposed to ultraviolet irradiation. This luminescence was completely inhibited by ascorbate or catalase, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide was generated by the plankton. Red tide cells exposed to fish gill mucus from young yellowtail resulted in the release of a large number of mucocysts and a weak luminosity, and showed a strong reduction of cytochrome c in the medium. Therefore, the discharge of mucocysts from the red tide, induced by the presence of gill mucus, may be accompanied by the release of active oxygen species. The active oxygen may be involved in depolymerization of mucus glycoproteins from the gill lamellae.

Photoreversible antigen-antibody reactions

A monoclonal antibody (Z1H01) for an oligopeptide carrying an azobenzene group, was prepared under conditions where the azobenzene group is in the trans form. The antibody bound the hapten peptide effectively when the hapten peptide is in the trans form (K = 5 x 10(7) M-1), but the antibody released the hapten under irradiation with UV light where the hapten is in the cis form. The antibody bound the hapten again, when the hapten reverted to the trans form after irradiation with visible light.

Structural analyses of a channel-forming fragment of colicin E1 incorporated into lipid vesicles. Fourier-transform infrared and tryptophan fluorescence studies

Structural changes upon binding to the membrane of a COOH-terminal channel-forming thermolytic fragment of colicin E1 have been studied by means of a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Circular dichroism measurements show that the thermolytic fragment predominantly takes a helical structure in aqueous and detergent solutions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements indicate that the content of the beta-structure is significantly increased when the thermolytic fragment is bound to vesicles. On the basis of the result of tryptophan fluorescence measurements, we have concluded that each of the three tryptophan residues of the thermolytic fragment exists in different environments, i.e. one is buried in the lipid bilayer, one exists on the cis side of the vesicles, and one exists near the surface of the lipid bilayer. The Fourier transform infrared and fluorescence data have been used along with the crystal structure of colicin A, which is highly homologous to colicin E1 in structure and function, to propose a model of the thermolytic fragment bound to the lipid vesicles.

A new method of hernioplasty for adult groin hernias centering on repair of the transversalis fascia

A new method of hernioplasty for adult groin hernias centering on repair of the transversalis fascia was assessed by a questionnaire conducted every five years on adult patients who had received the above operation. The efficacy of this method was evaluated in terms of the postoperative quality of life and prevention of recurrence of groin hernias. Over the last 9 years, 834 adult patients with 921 groin hernias, including bilateral lesions, have undergone the above procedure and overall, favorable results were obtained, with only one case of recurrence (0.1 per cent) being reported. Contralateral herniation, which has been often reported following Bassini's or Hatakoshi's method, was found in only one of our patients although the number of patients who complained of pain in the operated region was comparatively high, being 51 cases or 11.4 per cent.

Antigen receptor-mediated calcium signals in B cells as revealed by confocal fluorescence microscopy

A confocal fluorescence microscope was used to study the antigen receptor-mediated calcium signals in B cells. Anti-IgD binding to B lymphoma cells (BAL17) increased the intracellular calcium concentration with short lag times. Confocal fluorescence images of the fluo-3-loaded BAL17 cells showed that the intracellular calcium ion concentrations increased non-homogeneously, suggesting that the calcium signals transferred not only to the cytoplasm but also to the nucleus.

Extracellular ATP itself elicits superoxide generation in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages

Extracellular ATP itself elicited the generation of superoxide (O2-) in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages associated with an increase in cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i). The ATP-induced O2- generation was completely inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PT) accompanied by the suppression of [Ca2+]i mobilization. Pre-exposure to a small amount of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) primed the ATP-induced generation of O2- without a change of [Ca2+]i. The results suggest that ATP-induced O2- generation is mediated by [Ca2+]i mobilization and by PT-sensitive G protein.

The effect of staurosporine on Ca2+ signals in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells

We examined the effect of staurosporine on cytosolic calcium response in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells using fura-2 as a fluorescent indicator of calcium ion. Staurosporine at a dose of 30 nM inhibited antigen-stimulated Ca2(+)-influx into the cells from the extracellular environment. In contrast, the drug at this concentration inhibited neither the mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores nor inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation. At a high concentration (300 nM), however, staurosporine completely inhibited the cytosolic calcium responses as well as IP3 formation. These results indicate that staurosporine, if used at an appropriate concentration, can be used to discriminate Ca2(+)-influx from extracellular environment from mobilization of the ion from intracellular stores. These results also suggest that protein kinases, possibly protein kinase C, are involved in the calcium influx of RBL-2H3 cells from the extracellular environment. Serotonin release was strongly inhibited by the drug at 30 nM staurosporine. Since the inhibition of serotonin release and suppression of cytosolic calcium increase in response to the antigen were in parallel, we concluded that the inhibition of serotonin release from RBL-2H3 cells caused by the drug was elicited by the suppression of Ca2(+)-influx into the cells.