Making the in-vitro model closer to actual B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow

After more than a decade since Whitlock and Witte established an in-vitro long-term culture of bone marrow B lineage cells, c-kit+IL-7-receptor(R)+B precursor cells in fresh bone marrow are now able to be grown under a fully defined culture condition containing only BSA, transferrin, IL-7 and the ligand for c-kit(Kit-ligand;KL) as protein components. On the other hand, previous studies indicated that the actual intramarrow B-cell-genesis is a complex process involving multiple stromal cell-derived molecules. Thus, the next step for the culture of B-cell genesis is to develop this simple culture into a new defined culture of B-cell-genesis that is closer to the actual process. In this article, we will describe how this defined culture condition has developed from the original Whitlock-Witte type culture, how the B precursors under this culture-condition are different from that in the bone marrow, and finally our biased view on the future direction to which this defined culture should develop.

[Testicular findings, endocrine features and therapeutic responses of men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism]

The purpose of this study is to clarify the pathological and endocrinological variations of male idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) from the viewpoint of testicular maturation. Twenty-five patients with IHH were classified into 3 groups according to the degree of germ cell maturation. The most mature germ cells in patients with severe IHH, moderate IHH and mild IHH were spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and postmeiotic germ cells, respectively. All patients were treated with hCG alone or a combination of hMG-hCG for 1 year or more. The therapeutic efficacy of gonadotropin therapy was evaluated by findings of semen analysis, spermatogenesis and sexual maturation. The total GCI, which was expressed as the number of germ cells per Sertoli cell, diameter of the seminiferous tubules and testicular volume in mild IHH were the largest among the 3 IHH groups, and those in severe IHH were the smallest. Even in mild IHH, spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic activity were quantitatively smaller than those of normal pubertal boys. All patients showed extremely low basal testosterone levels. Response of serum testosterone to hCG administration correlated to the maturity of germ cells. Basal serum gonadotropin levels and responses to GnRH administration varied widely among the 3 groups. In particular, the response of serum gonadotropin to GnRH correlated to the maturity of the germ cells. Spermatogenesis could be initiated by hCG alone in IHH patients without cryptorchidism. Normal sperm density was obtained by hCG alone in the case of mild IHH; however, in moderate and severe IHH groups, hMG-hCG therapy was required for sufficient spermiogenesis. Sexual maturation was completely obtained by gonadotropin therapy within 1 year in moderate and mild IHH. However, in severe IHH, satisfactory sexual maturation could not be obtained within 1 year. The therapeutic prognosis for sexual maturation could be made based on the response to the hCG test at 6 months of gonadotropin therapy. In conclusion, the maturity of germ cells before treatment, which varies widely among patients with IHH, is a sensitive parameter for hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular function and the efficacy of gonadotropin therapy for testicular function. In severe IHH groups, to obtain satisfactory sexual maturation, the administration of testosterone should be considered in addition to gonadotropin replacement.

[A non-invasive portable blood-glucose monitoring system: sampling of suction effusion fluid]

We developed a new portable transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring system using non-invasive collection of suction effusion fluid (SEF) from human skin. A ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) sensor was employed to measure glucose concentration in a very small quantity of the SEF. The system was composed of a couple of portions. One structure was a suction cell, and the other was a main frame. The suction cell included the ISFET glucose sensor, a dilution mechanism, and a sucking interface to human skin. The main frame contained a dilution solution reservoir, a liquid waste reservoir, a fluid pump, a vacuum pump, a micro processor, batteries, and a user interface. The system is self-contained for portable usage during up to 6 hrs monitoring. This system may be the first blood glucose monitoring equipment which does not use blood sampling.

Histopathological features of atrophic thyroiditis with blocking type-TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulins

To investigate the histopathological features of atrophic thyroiditis (AT) with blocking type-TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII), the present morphological observations were carried out employing additional immunohistochemical procedures. Moreover, these were compared with examples of goitrous Hashimoto's thyroiditis showing negative TBII (HT). There exist apparent differences between AT and HT. In particular, significant follicular atrophy with epithelial flattening including decreased positive staining of the follicular epithelial cells for thyroglobulin in AT was characteristically observed. These results suggest that the mechanism for the development of hypothyroidism in AT with blocking type-TBII might be due to suppression of thyroid cell function through the inhibition of endogenous TSH stimulation by the blocking antibody with subsequent epithelial degenerative destruction.

Expression of insulin receptor-related receptor mRNA in the rat brain is highly restricted to forebrain cholinergic neurons

Insulin receptor-related receptor (IRR) is a member of the insulin receptor family. However, its endogenous ligand and the physiological roles of IRR are unknown. To elucidate the physiological roles of IRR in the brain, we examined the expression of its mRNA in the rat brain by in situ hybridization. In contrast to the widespread expression of insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor mRNAs in the brain, the expression of IRR mRNA was highly restricted to the forebrain cholinergic neurons. All the forebrain cholinergic neurons expressed IRR mRNA. The present findings indicate that IRR has a selective role in the brain for forebrain cholinergic function.

Aromatase activity in an estrogen-producing adrenocortical carcinoma in a young man

We report on a 19-year-old man with adrenocortical adenoma producing an excessive amount of estrogen. Determination of aromatase activity of the carcinoma tissue revealed its marked enhancement compared with that of 3 normal adrenal glands and the adipose tissue. The enhanced activity of aromatase was mainly responsible for the overproduction of estrogen in the adrenocortical carcinoma of our case.

Molecular cloning of cDNAs for immunoglobulin variable regions of a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody specific for sigma receptors

In previous work on sigma (sigma) receptors, we established a hybridoma cell line, 10G9, producing a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody (anti-Id mAb) to the monoclonal and anti-haloperidol antibody. The anti-Id mAb showed specific binding affinity to sigma receptors in immunoprecipitation and competition experiments. Here we isolated and sequenced cDNA clones for the variable regions of the anti-Id mAb. These combinations of segments and formation of the unique CDR3 were considered to be the structural basis for the diversity of the antigen-binding site of our anti-Id mAb and, therefore, for its binding activity to sigma receptors.

Autoimmune endocrine disease induced by recombinant interferon-alpha therapy for chronic active type C hepatitis

To elucidate the role played by interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine disease, we determined the autoantibody status, thyroid function test results, hemoglobin-A1c levels, and clinical symptoms of 58 patients who received IFN alpha for treatment of chronic active type C hepatitis. Each patient was treated for 6 months with a total dose of 391 +/- 140 x 10(6) U (mean +/- SD). Thyroid microsomal and/or thyroglobulin antibodies newly appeared or were increased in titer in 6 patients, 2 of whom developed hypothyroidism during IFN alpha therapy. Neither islet cell antibodies nor insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus developed during IFN alpha therapy, although hemoglobin-A1c levels were increased in 2 patients. One patient became positive for antimitochondrial antibodies, and another patient with preexisting antimitochondrial antibodies also manifested deterioration in liver function test results. Parietal cell antibodies and smooth muscle cell antibodies were the most frequent newly developed antibodies in 7 patients. Adrenal medullary cell antibodies and nuclear antibodies newly developed in 2 and 1 patients, respectively. At least 1 of 8 autoantibodies newly appeared in 19 patients (32.8%) and hypothyroidism developed in 2 patients (3.4%) during IFN alpha therapy. On the other hand, in 19 age- and sex-matched patients who did not receive IFN alpha, no autoantibody appeared, and no autoimmune disease developed during a follow-up period of 3 months. These findings suggest that IFN alpha acts as an immunomodulatory agent, inducing autoantibody production and the development of autoimmune disease in susceptible patients. Special attention should be paid to the development of hypothyroidism during IFN alpha therapy.

Tissue expression of rat ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) mRNA and production of the recombinant CNTF

We used the polymerase chain reaction to show that CNTF mRNA is widely expressed in the brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney and testis of the rat, in addition to preferential expression in the sciatic nerve. We produced the recombinant CNTF in E. coli using rat sciatic nerve cDNA and obtained high yields of pure CNTF. The biological activity of the recombinant protein was comparable to that of native rat CNTF in its support of the survival of cultured embryonic day-8 chick ciliary ganglions. Western Blot analysis using antibody against the recombinant CNTF clearly showed the presence of CNTF protein (25kD) in rabbit sciatic nerve.

[A case of primary intracranial malignant lymphoma showing a spontaneous regression]

An eighty-year-old woman, who had been admitted with disorientation and gait disturbance, was revealed to have multiple intracranial tumors in the right temporal lobe and cerebellar vermis on CT and MRI. Following intravenous injection of dexamethasone (8 mg/day) for three days, isosorbide (90ml/day) was given in order to decrease brain edema, and the tumors increased in size rapidly in the next four months. However, most of the lesions disappeared or became markedly small without any specific therapy three months after the exacerbation of the disease. The brain tumors recurred one year thereafter, and the pathological diagnosis of primary intracranial malignant lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type was done by autopsy examination. This patient was considered to have shown a spontaneous regression during the clinical course, and the clinicopathological descriptions of the case are presumed to present characteristic features of primary, intracranial malignant lymphoma.

Insulin receptor-related receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in the stomach is focally expressed in the enterochromaffin-like cells

The insulin receptor-related receptor (IRR) is a member of the insulin receptor family. In contrast to the widespread expression of insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor messenger RNA (mRNA), the expression of IRR mRNA is highly restricted to the kidney and stomach. IRR mRNA in the kidney is focally expressed in the renal distal tubule cells. However, the cellular localization of IRR mRNA in the stomach remains to be elucidated. Here, we examined the cellular localization of IRR mRNA in the rat stomach by in situ hybridization. IRR mRNA in the stomach was abundantly localized in the basal third of the oxyntic glands of the fundic stomach. IRR mRNA in the stomach was colocalized with mRNA for histidine decarboxylase, a marker for the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells, indicating that the expression was restricted to ECL cells. ECL cells actively produce and store histamine, which is an important physiological stimulant of acid secretion from the parietal cells. The preferential localization of IRR mRNA in ECL cells suggests that the IRR plays an important role in the function of these cells.

The safe and complete removal of a carotid body tumor with elements suggestive of a malignant potential by employing an intraluminal shunt: report of a case

The carotid body tumor is a relatively rare neoplasm arising from the intercarotid paraganglions. We report herein the case of a patient with a Shamblin group 2 type carotid body tumor for which safe and successful removal was facilitated by the insertion of an intraluminal shunt. The patient was a 54-year-old man who presented with a spherical elastic mass, 4.8 x 3.7 cm in size, on the right anterior aspect of his neck, which was diagnosed as a carotid body tumor by diagnostic imaging. Because the tumor was suspected to be malignant based on the operative findings, which included invasive adhesion to the carotid artery, an intraluminal shunt was inserted, allowing for safe and complete removal. Histologically, this tumor showed malignant potential with sporadic mitoses and incomplete capsular invasion. Thus, it is recommended that an intraluminal shunt be employed for the removal of a carotid body tumor when it is found to be tightly adherent to the carotid artery during the operation.

Conversion of glomerular histology from a mesangiopathic to a membranopathic pattern in serum sickness nephritis with prolonged sensitization

In order to examine the effect of prolonged sensitization on glomerular injury, serum sickness nephritis was induced in Fischer rats by administration of egg albumin (EA). Animals were divided into A, B and C groups with 4-week, 6-week and 8-week sensitization, respectively. The experimental results were as follows: Both group A (4 weeks) and group B (6 weeks) showed mesangial immune complex deposition with proliferation (mesangiopathic pattern), but in the latter both the size and the amount of the deposits were larger than those in the former; while group C (8 weeks) demonstrated predominant distribution of deposition along the capillary walls (membranopathic pattern). It is suggested that such conversion of deposition from mesangiopathic to membranopathic pattern after prolonged repeated sensitization may be the result of the change of the host immune response to antigen, and/or the character of the antibody.

Mass screening for prostate carcinoma: a study in Hokkaido, Japan

Although there has been controversy about the early detection of prostate carcinoma by mass screening, we carried out an investigational study of such screening, using digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) determination in Hokkaido, Japan. We determined the detection rate and some profiles of the carcinoma detected by screening in Japanese men 50 years old and older. The detection rate of carcinoma was 1.10% in 1,639 participants. The rate linearly increased with aging from 0.25% for men in their fifties to 2.29% for those in their seventies. Two thirds of the carcinomas were T1(c) or T2, the frequency of which seemed to be higher than that of patients who visited medical institutions. The simultaneous use of both DRE and serum PSA determination showed a higher positive predictive value than either alone. Our current results indicated that the detection rate of carcinoma was higher than we previously anticipated for Japanese men, and that simultaneous use of DRE and serum PSA determination yielded a higher positive predictive value than either alone.

Sex hormone-binding globulin mRNA levels in human uterine endometrium

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a specific steroid hormone-binding protein that plays a role in transporting dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol-17 beta (E2), altering their concentration in blood and influencing their biological action. Recently it has been reported that immunoreactive SHBG is localized in target tissues and that SHBG mRNA was identified in human endometrial and prostatic cell lines. In the present work, SHBG mRNA was detected in human normal endometrial tissues using Northern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction. Its level was higher (p < 0.02) in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase. In the secretory phase, the endometrial SHBG mRNA level was correlated positively with serum E2 and progesterone level (p < 0.05). However, there was a negative correlation between endometrial SHBG mRNA level and serum E2/progesterone ratio (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that SHBG is synthesized in the uterine endometrium and a part of its synthesis is regulated complexly by sex steroid hormones such as E2 and progesterone.

Alteration of p53 gene in ovarian carcinoma: clinicopathological correlation and prognostic significance

Inactivation of the tumour-suppressor gene p53 has been demonstrated in a variety of human tumours. We extracted DNA from paraffin-embedded tissues of 67 ovarian carcinoma samples (54 primary tumours, seven metastases and six tumours obtained after chemotherapy), and analysed allelic losses and mutations of the p53 gene using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of DNA fragments amplified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Allelic loss was observed in 24 of 32 informative cases. The mutation was detected in 14 of 54 primary ovarian carcinomas: eight serous cystadenocarcinomas (SCA), 42%), five endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EA, 42%) and one mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (14%). The incidence of the alteration was higher in SCA and EA than in other histological types, but the difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of p53 gene abnormalities in ovarian carcinomas tended to be increased in patients with disease advanced (over FIGO stage II). Mutations were found in exons 5 and 7 only and consisted mainly of single nucleotide substitutions [9 or 14 (64%) in exon 7; 4 of 14 (29%) in exon 5]. In 13 of 14 cases, p53 gene mutations occurred concomitantly with losses of the normal allele. The status of the p53 gene in metastases and the tumours obtained after chemotherapy was identical to that in the primary tumours. The presence of p53 gene mutation did not correlate with histological grade, response to primary therapy and survival. These findings suggest that mutational alterations of the p53 gene are involved in the development of a significant proportion of some ovarian carcinomas (SCAs or EAs), especially in advanced stages. However, they may not be a marker predicting the biological behaviour or the outcome of the disease.

A new thymopoietin precursor gene from human thymus

Thymopoietin-related peptide (TPRP) gene was identified and cloned from a human thymus cDNA library. The cloned cDNA encoded a mature TPRP including the active site of thymopoietin (TP) (residues 32-36). TPRP and bovine TP were very similar in amino acid sequence, each being a 49 amino acid linear polypeptide. TPRP differed in only one residue from bovine putative TP and in only five residues from bovine TP I; whereas TPRP differed much more, at 12 amino acid residues, from human TP from thymus. This suggests that TPRP is a novel peptide and a genuine counterpart of the bovine TP.

Restoration of testicular transferrin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and spermatogenesis by exogenously administered purified FSH and testosterone in medically hypophysectomized rats

To investigate the relation between testicular transferrin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secreted by Sertoli cells and the differentiation of germ cells in the rat, testosterone and/or purified FSH was administered to rats medically hypophysectomized by an LH-RH agonist. Spermatogenesis was quantitatively analyzed and concentrations of intratesticular transferrin and IGF-1 were measured by radioimmunoassays. The last step of spermatogenesis was quantitatively restored by combined administration of testosterone and purified FSH. Intratesticular IGF-1 concentrations were significantly increased by combined administration of testosterone and purified FSH. From these observations, it is surmised that IGF-1 may have a stimulatory effect on the last step of spermatogenesis.

Isolation of OprM-deficient mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by transposon insertion mutagenesis: evidence of involvement in multiple antibiotic resistance

Overproduction of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein OprM was observed in the nalidixix acid (NalB-type) multidrug-resistant strains. To clarify the involvement of OprM in the resistance, transposon mutants were isolated from strain PAO4141 and its OprM-overexpressed mutant KG2113 and were screened for OprM production by immunoblot assays using murine polyclonal antiserum resulting from immunization with purified OprM. Two OprM-deficient mutants from PAO4141 and one from KG2113 were identified. Determination of the susceptibilities of these mutants to antimicrobial agents demonstrated that OprM was involved not only in the acquired resistance, but also in the intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to quinolones, cephems, penicillins, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol.

Evidence for the location of OprM in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane

OprM with a M(r) of 49 K is associated with the multidrug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Detergent fractionation of bacterial cells has demonstrated that OprM is located in the outer membrane from which it sediments with the other major outer membrane proteins. In this study we have determined the location of OprM as the P. aeruginosa outer membrane. Western immunoblots of cell fractions, obtained by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of whole cell lysates, were probed with an OprM-specific murine polyclonal antiserum.

Spontaneous rupture of a bladder diverticulum: ultrasonographic diagnosis

We report a rare case of spontaneous rupture of a large bladder diverticulum that was diagnosed accurately and promptly using abdominal ultrasonography. Instillation of saline and air into the bladder on ultrasonography demonstrated jetting from the wall of the bladder diverticulum. We recommend this useful imaging technique, which can be performed easily in the emergency room, in all suspected cases of bladder rupture.

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in EEG during recovery from hyponatremia: a case report

PLEDs were observed in a case of undifferentiated schizophrenia, transiently during the course of recovery from hyponatremia, and diffuse EEG slowing remained even after the serum sodium had returned to normal range. It was considered that PLEDs had occurred transiently in relation to hemispheric ischemic disturbance induced by hyponatremia. The characteristics of PLEDs associated with hyponatremia will need to be studied further in more patients with hyponatremia.

Pulmonary infiltration with eosinophilia and increased serum levels of squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen and neuron specific enolase

We report a case of pulmonary infiltration with eosinophilia (PIE), associated with increased serum levels of squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen (SCC) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). The diagnosis of PIE was confirmed by examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and specimens of transbronchial lung biopsy. It was suggested that PIE was probably induced by a course of amoxicillin for a sore throat. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in clinical improvement of symptoms, resolution of pulmonary infiltrates on chest roentgenogram and reduction in serum levels of SCC and NSE.