The transforming protein of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus is a soluble cytoplasmic protein which is associated with a protein kinase activity

We have identified the product (p57v-rel) of the transforming gene, v-rel, of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV-T) using antisera generated against nonoverlapping sequences representing the middle and carboxy-terminal regions of the v-rel protein expressed in Escherichia coli (N.K. Herzog and H.R. Bose, Jr., 1986, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 812-816). The amino-terminal region of the v-rel protein was also expressed in E. coli and used to generate antisera. The immunoglobulin-enriched fractions of these antisera were used to determine the subcellular location of p57v-rel in REV-T transformed lymphoid cells. Cells were fractionated into nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytoplasmic fractions. The majority of p57v-rel was found in the cytoplasm. Examination of REV-T transformed lymphoid cells labeled with 32Pi revealed that the majority of the phosphorylated form of the v-rel protein was also found in the cytoplasm. Indirect immunofluorescence of REV-T transformed cells gave a diffuse cytoplasmic pattern indicating that p57v-rel was not associated with any discrete cellular organelle. The distribution of p57v-rel was similar in REV-T transformed lymphoid cells labeled with [35S]methionine for short and long periods of time, suggesting that p57v-rel is a soluble cytoplasmic protein throughout its lifetime. The v-rel protein was phosphorylated when immune complexes precipitated from transformed cells with the immunoglobulin fractions obtained from antisera against the amino-terminal, middle, and carboxy-terminal regions of v-rel were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP and Mn2+. The phosphorylation of p57v-rel in the in vitro immune complex kinase assay was inhibited when the immunoglobulin-enriched fraction of these antisera was preincubated with the homologous v-rel fusion proteins. Preincubation with heterologous proteins did not block the phosphorylation of p57v-rel. These observations suggest that p57v-rel is associated with a protein kinase activity. Most of the kinase activity was found in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction of transformed cells. The transforming protein encoded by v-rel is a relatively stable protein with a half-life of approximately 7 to 8 hr in transformed lymphoid cells.

Acceleration of brain tubulin formation in the optic lobe of the chick embryo by light stimulation

The effect of light exposure on the protein patterns of optic lobe and forebrain of the chick embryo was analysed by a high-resolution micro-two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and computerized quantitation. Experiments were done on three groups of eggs: control group was incubated in the dark; simultaneously, in the same incubator, one group of eggs was illuminated by constant light, another by intermittent light (3 sec interval) from day 10 to day 16 of incubation. In embryos exposed to intermittent light the relative amount of tubulins was significantly increased in the optic lobe. In the frontal lobe no effect of light exposure on the concentration of tubulins was seen. The rise of tubulins in the optic lobe was only caused by intermittent light. Continuous illumination of the eggs for the same period under otherwise identical incubation conditions was ineffective.

Regional protein patterns of the embryonic chick brain: developmental shifts and the effects of light stimulation

The developmental changes in the regional protein patterns of the embryonic brain of chick were analysed by micro-two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis stained by a highly sensitive procedure with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 that completely avoids background staining. More than 400 protein spots were resolved in a computerized plot. Many proteins of the various embryonic brain regions varied with age. At least six of these proteins changed remarkably during development. One of them (Mr 14K) was prominent at 6 days and disappeared after 12 days of incubation. One acidic protein (Mr 30K) appeared at 12 days together with two acidic protein spots near tubulin and increased with development. A group of more basic proteins (Mr 94K) was prominent at 6 day incubation and decreased during development. One more basic protein (Mr 20K) was first observed at 18 days of incubation in the metencephalon. It was identified as myelin basic protein, and strikingly increased in all brain regions until hatching. A group of basic proteins with high molecular weight (Mr 94K) appeared at day 12 of incubation, and increased remarkably before hatching. They were identified to be collagen associated with brain capillary vessels. Stimulation by intermittent light in ovo from day 10 to day 16 caused a retarded appearance of these collagen proteins, and an increased formation of tubulin in the optic lobe of the developing chick embryo.

[Ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine-needle puncture cytology in the diagnosis of malignant tumors of the liver]

Results of ultrasound guided percutaneous fine-needle puncture cytology in 142 cases of malignant tumors of the liver are reported. The positive cytology was noted in 118 (83.1%) (10 suspicious). The primary liver cancer comprised 99 cases. In 7 lesions, equal to or less than 3 cm in diameters, 6 were positive in cytology. In 20,3-5 cm in size, 18 were positive. In 15 false-negatives, 12 were larger than 5 cm in diameter. Among 43 cases of metastatic liver cancer, 34 showed positive cytology and 9 false-negative. Among 108 cases of benign hepatic diseases, in 49.1%, it was difficult to arrive at definitive diagnosis by ultrasonography only, but in 97.2% malignancy was excluded by ultrasound guided fine-needle puncture cytology. The suspicious false-positive result occurred only in 3 cases. In this series, there were 250 cases of malignant tumors and benign diseases. The overall accurate diagnostic rate was 89.2%. All the patients had been followed for more than 6 months. The differential diagnosis between malignant and benign tumors, causes of misdiagnosis and complications are discussed.

Purification and properties of poly(ADPribose) synthetase from sheep testis

Poly(ADPribose) synthetase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from sheep testis by a simple procedure using three chromatographic steps (DNA-agarose, blue Sephadex G-150 and phosphocellulose P11). A concentrated enzyme preparation, 3.5 mg, with a specific activity of 1265 nmol/min per mg was obtained from 250 g of tissue. DNA was absolutely required for enzyme activity. The half-maximal activation occurred at the concentrations of 11 micrograms/ml for highly polymerized calf thymus DNA and 2 micrograms/ml for sonicated calf thymus DNA. The Km for NAD was 57 microM. The molecular weight was 120 000, determined by gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Amino acid analysis indicated that the main amino acid species of sheep testis enzyme were very similar to those of enzymes from other sources.

Subchorionic fibrin cultures for bacteriologic study of the placenta

Previous bacteriologic studies of the placenta have been hampered by a high rate of contamination of vaginal flora. In the present study, cultures of the subchorionic fibrin layer of the placenta were compared to conventional swab-cultures of the surface of the fetal membranes for recovery of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Parallel cultures of membrane surface and subchorionic fibrin (SCF) were done in the placentas of 33 deliveries suspected clinically of being complicated by infection (CD). Placentas from 46 uncomplicated deliveries were similarly cultured to serve as controls. SCF cultures were positive in 11 of 33 CD placentas and in only 1 of 46 controls (P less than 0.001). SCF cultures showed contaminating vaginal flora in 2 of 79 while surface cultures showed vaginal contamination in 16 of 79 (P less than 0.01). Recovery of pathogens was similar by the two methods: 10 of 33 and 14 of 33 respectively. One hundred ninety-one additional CD placentas were cultured by the SCF technique. Forty-nine of the 224 SCF cultures yielded pathogens with a predominance of group B hemolytic streptococci, anaerobic gram positive cocci and anaerobic gram negative rods (81 total isolates). Escherichia coli was isolated in 5 cases. Cultures showing exclusively contaminating vaginal flora were obtained from only 3 of the 224 placentas. Subchorionic fibrin cultures combine technical simplicity, low rate of contamination and excellent recovery of pathogens. The bacterial types found by this method are the predominant species that cause endometritis, pelvic infections, and neonatal septicemia. Subchorionic fibrin culture is a useful technique for the bacteriologic diagnosis of infection in the placenta.

A study of 11C-benzoate as a radiopharmaceutical for renal imaging

11C-benzoic acid prepared in a radiochemical purity over 90% was studied radiopharmacologically in mice and rabbits. The uptake of 11C-benzoate in ICR mice increased quickly. The ratio of kidney uptake rate to that in other organs reached values between 9 and 55 with a maximum at 10 min after i.v. injection. Gamma camera imaging of rabbits showed that uptake in the kidneys began at 2 min after injection and that activity began to appear in the bladder 4 min later. Rabbits with left renal artery ligature showed no uptake in the left kidney but the right kidney was imaged to the same extent as that of a rabbit without artery ligature. The kidney imaging of 11C-benzoic acid may be a useful method for renal diagnosis.

Pharmacology of radioiodinated hexadecenoic acid--a myocardial imaging agent

123I- and 131I-labeled hexadecenoic acid (IHDA, radiochemical purity over 92%, dissolved in 6% bovine serum albumin solution) was investigated in vivo. ICR mice were administered IHDA via the tail vein. Maximum myocardial uptake (27.3 +/- 5.1%) was reached about 0.5 min after the injection. The ratio of uptake in the heart to that in the lungs was 2.3, to that in liver 1.5 and to that in other organs 2.4 to 6.4. The dog myocardium was visualized distinctly within 3-5 min with a gamma camera after i.v. 131I-IHDA, and not interfered with by activities in the lungs, liver and other organs. The low blood levels at 20 min had little effect on the quality of the heart images.

Urinary immunoreactive gastrin in normal subjects

Gastrin can readily be concentrated from 10 to 50 ml of urine with better than 90% recovery using octadecylsilyl (ODS) silica columns (C18 Sep-Pak cartridge) and then measured by radioimmunoassay. Fractionation on Sephadex G50 gel filtration reveals that the apparent immunoreactivity is not due to nonspecific interference in the assay system but does correspond to the two known forms of gastrin, the 17 and 34 amino acid peptides. Renal clearance of gastrin in 5 normal subjects does not appear to differ in the fasted and fed state and ranged from 0.09 to 0.26 ml/min with an average of 0.16 +/- 0.05 (S.D.) ml/min. Urinary gastrin excretion in the overnight fasting state was generally less than 0.005 pmol/hr/kg body weight and fell to lower levels after a 20-hour fast. Increased urinary gastrin output was observed following feeding. Gastrin output in urine in 7 subjects ranged from 6.8 to 10.2 pmol/24 hr with an average of 8.5 +/- 1.5 (S.D.) pmol/24 hr. A single determination of renal gastrin clearance and 24-hour gastrin urinary output appears to be sufficient for the determination of averaged plasma gastrin levels in normal subjects without renal disease. Similar methodology should be applicable to a variety of other peptidal hormones as well.

A Study of 11C-Benzoate as a Radiopharmaceutical for Renal Imaging

11C-benzoic acid prepared in a radiochemical purity over 90% was studied radiopharmacologically in mice and rabbits. The uptake of 11C-benzoate in ICR mice increased quickly. The ratio of kidney uptake rate to that in other organs reached values between 9 and 55 with a maximum at 10 min after i.v. injection. Gamma camera imaging of rabbits showed that uptake in the kidneys began at 2 min after injection and that activity began to appear in the bladder 4 min later. Rabbits with left renal artery ligature showed no uptake in the left kidney but the right kidney was imaged to the same extent as that of a rabbit without artery ligature. The kidney imaging of 11C-benzoic acid may be a useful method for renal diagnosis.

Clinical observations in ethyl mercury chloride poisoning

Forty-one patients in the Peoples Republic of China were poisoned by ethyl mercury chloride, caused by the ingestion of rice that had been treated with the chemical. A dose-response relationship was found. Five months after the onset of the intoxication, the patients were still in poor condition. They were treated with two chelating agents, sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) and sodium dimercaptosuccinate (DMS), whose effects were compared. Both agents were effective but DMPS was superior. Although urinary excretion is not the best estimate of body burden in alkyl mercury intoxication, during chelation therapy urinary mercury was an effective indicator for diagnosis and assessment of the degree of intoxication. Chelation therapy was diagnosis and assessment of the degree of intoxication. Chelation therapy was useful as long as the urinary mercury level was elevated.

Survey of total and respirable suspended particulate matter in an iron foundry. Comparison of stationary sampling and personal monitoring

In the workshop of an iron foundry total and respirable suspended particulate matter was collected. The performances of (1) filtration systems with 47 mm membrane filters, (2) Andersen cascade impactors, and (3) personal total or respirable monitoring, were compared at a position away from intense sources of particulate debris. Using 15 stationary samplers a survey was made of the particulate levels in the workshop, over a period of 2 weeks. Very large concentration gradients and concentration variations as a function of time were measured for total suspended particulate matter. In the three major source areas, i.e. the pouring department, the core-making department and the shake-out department, special studies were performed to compare stationary and personal monitoring. In the immediate vicinity of intense point sources of coarse particles, such as core-making or shake-out, stationary sampling cannot be used to estimate the personal exposure to total suspended particulates. For respirable particles, however, one or two well-situated stationary size-selective samplers can provide a good estimate of the personal exposure as measured with a personal respirable monitor. The differences found are in the order of 10-20%.

Ovarian stromal tumors containing lutein or Leydig cells (luteinized thecomas and stromal Leydig cell tumors)--a clinicopathological analysis of fifty cases

Fifty ovarian stromal tumors that had a predominant pattern of fibroma or thecoma but also contained cells typical of steroid hormone-secreting cells are reported. Forty-six tumors were classified as luteinized thecomas because the steroid cells resembled lutein cells and lacked crystalloids of Reinke. Four were classified as stromal Leydig cell tumors because crystalloids were identified in the steroid cells. The luteinized thecomas occurred at an average age of 46 years and were associated with estrogenic manifestations in 50% and androgenic changes in 11% of the cases. In the remaining cases there was no clinical or pathological evidence of steroid hormone production at the time of diagnosis. Six patients, two of whom were virilized, were pregnant. Four tumors appeared malignant on histologic examination. One of these tumors was rapidly fatal, the outcome is unknown in a second case, the third patient is alive and well at 5 years, and the fourth tumor was diagnosed too recently for evaluation of its behavior. The stromal Leydig cell tumors occurred at an average age of 61 years and were associated with virilization in one case, endometrial hyperplasia in another case, and endometrial hyperplasia with carcinoma in a third case. The fourth tumor was unassociated with endocrine manifestations. Luteinized thecomas and stromal Leydig cell tumors are indistinguishable except for the presence of crystalloids of Reinke in the latter. In view of the prolonged search that is necessary to find these structures in some stromal Leydig cell tumors and their well-known absence in the majority of testicular Leydig cell tumors, it is reasonable to assume that an unknown proportion of tumors in the luteinized thecoma category are unrecognized stromal Leydig cell tumors.

Effect of various levels of isoflavone aglycone-enriched fermented soybean meal on redox status, serum hormones and milk quality in ewes

The study investigated the effects of various levels of isoflavone aglycone-enriched fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the redox status, serum hormones and milk quality of ewes from late pregnancy to early lactation. Twenty Chongming White ewes were chosen and divided into four treatment groups (n = 5): basal diet without FSBM (CON); basal diet with 2% (FSBM2); 4% (FSBM4); and 6% FSBM (FSBM6) replacing equal amounts of soybean meal (SBM). At parturition, maternal serum, the placenta and colostrum were collected. At day 21 of lactation, maternal serum and milk were collected. Results showed that, compared with CON, feeding ewes with FSBM6 reduced the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration in the placenta. At parturition and day 21 of lactation, the serum SOD activity and T-AOC concentration in FSBM4 and FSBM6 were higher than those in CON. Furthermore, the concentration of serum 8-iso prostaglandin (8-ISO-PGF2α) was markedly lower in FSBM6 than in CON. Serum prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were increased in FSBM4 and FSBM6 compared with CON. PRL concentration was increased in FSBM2. FSBM4 increased the levels of fat, protein, lactose, IgA, IgG and IgM in colostrum and milk. In conclusion, feeding ewes with FSBM from late pregnancy to early lactation seemed to increase maternal and placental anti-oxidative capacity, and improve serum hormones and milk quality. Considered overall, the level of 4% supplementation is recommended.Keywords: Milk contents, oxidative stress, placenta, serum parameters