Altered pain perception and inflammatory response in mice lacking prostacyclin receptor

Prostanoids are a group of bioactive lipids working as local mediators and include D, E, F and I types of prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes. Prostacyclin (PGI2) acts on platelets and blood vessels to inhibit platelet aggregation and to cause vasodilatation, and is thought to be important for vascular homeostasis. Aspirin-like drugs, including indomethacin, which inhibit prostanoid biosynthesis, suppress fever, inflammatory swelling and pain, and interfere with female reproduction, suggesting that prostanoids are involved in these processes, although it is not clear which prostanoid is the endogenous mediator of a particular process. Prostanoids act on seven-transmembrane-domain receptors which are selective for each type. Here we disrupt the gene for the prostacyclin receptor in mice by using homologous recombination. The receptor-deficient mice are viable, reproductive and normotensive. However, their susceptibility to thrombosis is increased, and their inflammatory and pain responses are reduced to the levels observed in indomethacin-treated wild-type mice. Our results establish that prostacyclin is an antithrombotic agent in vivo and provide evidence for its role as a mediator of inflammation and pain.

Interactions of neutrophils and endothelial cells under low flow conditions in vitro

The interactions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and endothelial cells are modulated by adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and shear stress. We investigated the changes in PMN-endothelial cell interactions induced by interleukin (IL)-1 beta under low flow conditions. PMN were isolated from the venous blood of healthy adults, and endothelial cells were obtained from human umbilical veins. The number of PMN that adhered to the endothelial cells monolayer that was treated with IL-1 increased significantly at shear stresses from .5 to 4.0 dyn/cm2 as compared with untreated endothelial cells. Anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), anti-E-selectin mAb, and anti-CD18 mAb each significantly inhibited the increase in PMN adherence induced by IL-1 at a low shear stress (1.0 dyn/cm2). Anti-CD18 mAb significantly reduced the number of PMN that migrated through the endothelial monolayer by blocking the adherence of PMN to the luminal surface of the endothelial cells, as well as their transendothelial migration. In contrast, anti-ICAM-1 and anti-E-selectin mAb each reduced the number of PMN that migrated by reducing the number of PMN that adhered to the luminal surface without significantly influencing the percent of the adherent PMN that had migrated. Although anti-L-selectin mAb reduced the adherence and migration of PMN, these effects were not statistically significant. These results indicated that under low flow conditions, as well as in the nonflow state, PMN-endothelial cell interactions were elicited via CD11/CD18 and ICAM-1 without the involvement of selectins.

Failure of parturition in mice lacking the prostaglandin F receptor

Mice lacking the gene encoding the receptor for prostaglandin F2alpha (FP) developed normally but were unable to deliver normal fetuses at term. Although these FP-deficient mice showed no abnormality in the estrous cycle, ovulation, fertilization, or implantation, they did not respond to exogenous oxytocin because of the lack of induction of oxytocin receptor (a proposed triggering event in parturition), and they did not show the normal decline of serum progesterone concentrations that precedes parturition. Ovariectomy at day 19 of pregnancy restored induction of the oxytocin receptor and permitted successful delivery in the FP-deficient mice. These results indicate that parturition is initiated when prostaglandin F2alpha interacts with FP in ovarian luteal cells of the pregnant mice to induce luteolysis.

Effect of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist (+/-)-(E)-1-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-3'-[2-[[[5-methylamino ) methyl-2-furyl] methyl]thio]ethyl]-2"-(methylsulfonyl)guanidine on acute gastric mucosal injury in rats and its free-radical scavenging activities

The protective effect of T-593 ((+/-)-(E)-1-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-3'-[2-[[[5-(methylamino) methyl-2-furyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]-2"-(methylsulfonyl)guanidine, CAS 140695-21-2), a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, was investigated in rats with acute gastric mucosal injury. An ischemic injury followed by reperfusion was produced by applying a small vascular clamp to the celiac artery for 30 min and then removing it for 60 min. T-593 significantly reduced the area of the lesion in the stomach in a dose-dependent manner, and doses of 0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg inhibited the increase of lipid peroxides in the gastric mucosa after ischemia-reperfusion. A spin-trapping method using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide showed that T-593 scavenged hydroxyl radicals generated by the hydrogen peroxide-ferrous iron sulfate system. T-593 also significantly inhibited the increase of lipid peroxides induced by free-radical initiators in gastric mucosal homogenates. Thus, the protective effect of T-593 against acute gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia and followed by reperfusion may result, in part, from its antioxidant properties.

[An autopsy case of chronic granulomatous disease diagnosed by biopsy]

This report concerns a male patient aged 25 years, diagnosed at the age of 12 years as suffering from chronic granulomatous disease. This patient had p47-phox deficiency. He was admitted to this hospital because of fever and dyspnea accompanied by right spontaneous pneumothorax. He failed to respond to medical treatment. He died from respiratory failure four months after admission. Autopsy demonstrated pigmented lipid histiocytes characteristic of CGD. These characteristic pigmented cells were distributed in the spleen, liver, lymph nodes and in the small intestine. As for the nature of the pigment, lipofuschin-like compound were identified. Granulomatous component was seen in the mucosa of the stomach obtained by operation. The presence and characteristic distribution of such pigmented macrophages in tissue in young adults may suggest the diagnosis of CGD.

Cerebral angioplasty in a patient with vascular dementia

A 66-year-old man with a history of previous transient ischemic attacks had progressive memory and gait disturbance caused by severe stenoses of both the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the vertebral arteries and endarterectomy of the internal carotid arteries with satisfactory results. On admission, the patient was alert, but disoriented to time and place. He exhibited mild motor weakness in both legs. Neuropsychological tests revealed remarkable intellectual deterioration and he required maximum support to perform activities of daily living. Higher cortical function and the ability to perform activities of daily living improved remarkably after the angioplasty. Angioplasty is an alternative therapy to reverse functional deficits in patients with cerebrovascular hemodynamic compromise.

Efficacy of hyperthermia and polyunsaturated fatty acids on experimental carcinoma

We investigated the efficacy of hyperthermia and gamma-linolenic acid on experimental carcinoma. This study focused on polyunsaturated fatty acids that are substrates for free radical reactions. Oleic acid, linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, or gamma-linolenic acid was injected into the arteries feeding AH109A carcinoma implanted into rat hind limbs. Among these, gamma-linolenic acid had the greatest effect on tumor tissue lipid peroxidation and demonstrated an antitumor effect. Consequently, gamma-linolenic acid injection into the feeding artery of a tumor was performed immediately prior to hyperthermia. This combination therapy induced a high level of lipid peroxidation in tumor tissue and a significant antitumor effect. Hyperthermia combined with gamma-linolenic acid produces free radical reactions by increasing the radical reaction substrate and may be an effective anticancer modality.

CXCR4/fusin is not a species-specific barrier in murine cells for HIV-1 entry

Since some murine cells expressing human CD4 fail to internalize HIV-1, another block was thought to be located at the level of viral entry in addition to CD4. Recently, CXCR4 was shown to function as a coreceptor for T cell line-tropic HIV-1 entry. Here we demonstrated that cells expressing murine CXCR4 and human CD4 fused with cells expressing the env proteins derived from T cell line-tropic HIV-1 and were infected with T cell line-tropic HIV-1 strains. In contrast, the same cells were not infected with chimeric clones constructed by substitution of monocyte- or macrophage-tropic strain-derived env region or V3 region into T cell line-tropic HIV-1, indicating V3 loop of envelope protein is required for murine CXCR4mediated HIV-1 entry. We conclude that murine CXCR4 is not a species specific barrier to the entry of T cell line-tropic HIV-1.

Targeted disruption of the mouse Stat3 gene leads to early embryonic lethality

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins have been shown to mediate biological actions in response to cytokines. Stat3, a member of the STAT family, is activated by a variety of cytokines, including the interleukin 6 family of cytokines, leptin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and epidermal growth factor. To address the biological function of Stat3, we generated mice deficient in Stat3 by gene targeting. No viable Stat3-deficient mice could be obtained from heterozygote intercross. Analysis of embryos at several gestation times revealed that Stat3-deficient embryos showed a rapid degeneration between embryonic days 6.5 and 7.5, although they developed into the egg cylinder stage until embryonic day 6.0. These results demonstrate that Stat3 is essential for the early development of mouse embryos.

Effects of aminoguanidine on systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by platelet activating factor and by lipopolysaccharide in rats

We investigated the effects of aminoguanidine, a relatively selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase, on the systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) and by lipopolysaccharide in rats, with emphasis on NO production in vivo. Aminoguanidine treatment improved survival rates after lipopolysaccharide challenge, whereas it aggravated the lethality caused by PAF. Lipopolysaccharide induced a marked increase in the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in plasma compared with vehicle administration, and the increase was prevented by aminoguanidine. In contrast, PAF challenge with or without aminoguanidine did not affect the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in plasma compared with vehicle administration. These results suggest that NO derived from inducible NO synthase is not a major participant in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by PAF. Aminoguanidine is not likely to provide beneficial effects in conditions where PAF is produced and the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in plasma are not significantly increased.

Micelle Formation of n-Decyltrimethylammonium Perfluorocarboxylates

Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of three ionic surfactants that contain n-decyltrimethylammonium ion as a surfactant cation and bromide, perfluoroacetate, and perfluoropropionate anions as a counterion, respectively, were determined by electrical conductivity at several temperatures. The degrees of counterion binding to micelle were obtained at the same temperatures as the change in CMC with total counterion concentration. Molecular weights of micelles were determined by static light scattering. The change in monomeric surfactant ion concentration with total surfactant concentration was determined by membrane potential measurement. The mass-action model was applied to micelle formation to calculate the three micellization parameters: micellization constant, micelle aggregation number, and number of counterions per micelle. Thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG0, DeltaH0, DeltaS0) of the micelle formations were calculated from the temperature dependence of these parameters. At lower temperatures micellization has been found to be entropy driven, whereas it is enthalpy driven at higher temperatures. For n-decyltrimethylammonium perfluoropropionate, however, the tendency is quite different from those of other surfactants. The micellization parameters also made it possible to evaluate the concentration change of monomeric surfactant ion with total surfactant concentration. The evaluated concentration explains the results from the membrane potential measurement.

Mutations within the reactive-site region of human pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor confer alpha-thrombin and factor Xa inhibitory activities

Mutations were introduced into the reactive-site region of human pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI) to produce thrombin and/or factor Xa inhibitors. All of five mutants showed trypsin inhibitory activity as strong as wild-type PSTI. Moreover, the Arg (P1), Pro-Arg (P2-P1), and Pro-Arg-Ile-Tyr-Asn (P2-P1-P1'-P2'-P3') (bold letters indicated replaced amino acids compared to the wild type) mutants had additional inhibitory activities toward factor Xa, both thrombin and factor Xa, and thrombin, respectively, at 1 x 10(-5) M.

Change in intracellular Ca2+ is not involved in serotonin-induced meiosis reinitiation from the first prophase in oocytes of the marine bivalve Crassostrea gigas

In response to the neurohormone serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), prophase-arrested oocytes of the marine bivalve Crassostrea gigas (oyster) reinitiate meiosis, undergo germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), and are arrested again at metaphase I. We examined the pharmacological characteristics of 5-HT receptors and the signal transduction pathway following 5-HT stimulation in oyster oocytes. Among 5-HT agonists tested, only alpha-methyl 5-HT, a 5-HT2 agonist, induced GVBD although it was 1000 times less sensitive than 5-HT. The rank order of the potency of 5-HT antagonists to inhibit GVBD was propranolol, cyproheptadine > metoclopramide > mianserin. These results are quite different from those reported for other mollusks, suggesting the presence of unique 5-HT receptors on oyster oocytes. Using the fluorescent Ca2+ dyes fura 2 and calcium green and the pH indicator 1-hydroxypyrene-3,6,8-trisulfonic acid, we examined changes in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and intracellular pH (pHi) during 5-HT-induced meiosis reinitiation. 5-HT did not trigger any changes in [Ca2+]i. However, an increase in pHi was observed during the 5-HT-induced meiosis reinitiation. The increased pHi level was rather small before GVBD and not necessary for GVBD, because lowering pHi by sodium acetate seawater (pH 7.0) did not prevent 5-HT-induced GVBD. Measurement of the kinase activity toward a peptide substrate specific to cdc2 demonstrated that maturation-promoting factor (MPF) was activated in accordance with the occurrence of GVBD in response to 5-HT. Therefore, it is likely that in oyster oocytes the signal transduction pathways and intracellular effectors participating in 5-HT-induced meiosis reinitiation via the activation of MPF are insensitive to [Ca2+]i and pHi.

Nontoxic amyloid beta peptide 1-42 suppresses acetylcholine synthesis. Possible role in cholinergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease

We show here that amyloid beta peptide1-42 (Abeta1-42) may play a key role in the pathogenesis of the cholinergic dysfunction seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD), in addition to its putative role in amyloid plaque formation. Abeta1-42 freshly solubilized in water (non-aged Abeta1-42), which was not neurotoxic without preaggregation, suppressed acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis in cholinergic neurons at very low concentrations (10-100 nM), although non-aged Abeta1-40 was ineffective. Non-aged Abeta1-42 impaired pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity by activating mitochondrial tau protein kinase I/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, as we have already shown in hippocampal neurons (Hoshi, M., Takashima, A., Noguchi, K., Murayama, M., Sato, M., Kondo, S., Saitoh, Y., Ishiguro, K., Hoshino, T., and Imahori, K. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 93, 2719-2723). Neither choline acetyltransferase activity nor choline metabolism was affected. Therefore, the major cause of reduced ACh synthesis was considered to be an inadequate supply of acetyl-CoA owing to PDH impairment. Soluble Abeta1-42 increases specifically in AD brain (Kuo, Y.-M., Emmerling, M. R., Vigo-Pelfrey, C., Kasunic, T. C., Kirkpatrick, J. B., Murdoch, G. H., Ball, M. J., and Roher, A. E. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 4077-4081). This increase in soluble Abeta1-42 may disturb cholinergic function, leading to the deterioration of memory and cognitive function that is characteristic of AD.

Removal of sialic acid from mucin-like surface molecules of Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes enhances parasite-host cell interaction

The 35/50 kDa mucin-like surface glycoprotein (gp35/50) of Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes has been implicated in mammalian cell invasion. In this study we investigated whether the sialyl residues of gp35/50 are required for interaction of parasites with target cells. After treatment with bacterial neuraminidase, the metacyclic forms (G strain) remained reactive with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 10D8 but lost their reactivity with mAb 3C9, that recognizes sialic acid-containing epitopes on gp35/50, and entered HeLa cells in significantly higher numbers as compared to untreated controls. Resialylation of gp35/50, by incubation of parasites with T. cruzi trans-sialidase and sialyl lactose, restored the reactivity with mAb 3C9 as well as the affinity for sialic acid specific lectin. Accordingly, the rate of invasion of resialylated parasites was reduced to levels similar to those observed before desialylation. Purified G strain gp35/50, desialylated by neuraminidase treatment, bound to HeLa cells more than its sialylated counterpart. The Ca2+ signaling activity, which has been associated with cell invasion, was also determined by measuring the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), in HeLa cells upon interaction with sonicated extracts from untreated or neuraminidase-treated parasites, or with purified gp35/50 in its sialylated or desialylated form. Consistent with the results of cell invasion assay, the desialylated parasite preparations, as well as the sialic acid free gp35/50, induced an average elevation in [Ca2+]i significantly higher than that triggered by untreated controls. None of these effects, namely the increase in infectivity and Ca2+ signaling activity, was observed with neuraminidase-treated CL strain metacyclic trypomastigotes, which express a variant form of sialic acid gp35/50 molecule that is not recognized by mAb 10D8 and apparently is not involved in target cell invasion.

Methylprednisolone inhibits neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions induced by interleukin-1beta under flow conditions

The effects of methylprednisolone (m-PSL) on IL-1beta-induced neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions, which are normally mediated by increased expression of both intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin on endothelial cells, were examined using an in vitro flow system. Human neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were perfused at a shear stress of 1 dyne/cm2 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) pretreated with IL-1beta (20 U/mL) for 4 hours. Many PMN adhered to IL-1-stimulated HUVEC and then migrated beneath endothelial cell monolayers. Treatment of HUVEC with m-PSL inhibited adherence and migration of PMN in a dose dependent manner. M-PSL also inhibited IL-1beta-induced upregulation of E-selectin and ICAM-1 on HUVEC in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that m-PSL works as an anti-inflammatory agent through inhibiting PMN-endothelial cell interactions.

Primary structures of fungal fructosyl amino acid oxidases and their application to the measurement of glycated proteins

Fructosyl amino acid oxidase (FAOD), which is active toward model compounds of the glycated proteins in blood, N epsilon-fructosyl N sigma-Z-lysine and N-fructosyl valine, was purified to homogeneity from Aspergillus terreus GP1. Though the enzyme did not use glycated proteins directly as its substrate, it used glycated human serum albumin (HSA) when HSA was treated with a protease. Linear relationships between both the concentration and the increase in absorbance and the glycation rate of glycated HSA and the increase in absorbance were observed. cDNAs coding for FAODs were cloned from cDNA libraries of A. terreus GP1 and Penicillium janthinellum AKU 3413. The coding region for both fungal FAODs consisted of 1314 bp encoding 437 amino acids. The sequence of a dinucleotide-binding motif, GXGXXG, was in the deduced N-terminal region and a similar sequence to that the active site of bacterial sarcosine oxidases was found near the C-terminal region of FAOD. The of C-terminal tripeptides SKL and AKL of FAODs from A. terreus and P. janthinellum, respectively, represent typical peroxisomal-targeting signals. Finally, FAOD protein was produced in Escherichia coli transformants in an active form, and at the same level as in the original fungi.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a murine pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor/stromal cell-derived factor 1 receptor, a murine homolog of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 entry coreceptor fusin

Pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor/ stromal cell-derived factor 1 (PBSF/SDF-1) is a member of the CXC group of chemokines that is initially identified as a bone marrow stromal cell-derived factor and as a pre-B-cell stimulatory factor. Although most chemokines are thought to be inducible inflammatory mediators, PBSF/SDF-1 is essential for perinatal viability,. B lymphopoiesis, bone marrow myelopoiesis, and cardiac ventricular septal formation, and it has chemotactic activities on resting lymphocytes and monocytes. In this paper, we have isolated a cDNA that encodes a seven transmembrane-spanning-domain receptor, designated pre-B-cell-derived chemokine receptor (PB-CKR) from a murine pre-B-cell clone, DW34. The deduced amino acid sequence has 90% identity with that of a HUMSTSR/fusin, a human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) entry coreceptor. However, the second extracellular region has lower identity (67%) compared with HUMSTSR/fusin. PB-CKR is expressed during embryo genesis and in many organs and T cells of adult mice. Murine PBSF/SDF-1 induced an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ in DW34 cells and PB-CKR-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, suggesting that PB-CKR is a functional receptor for murine PBSF/SDF-1. Murine PBSF/ SDF-1 also induced Ca2+ influx in fusin-transfected CHO cells. On the other hand, considering previous results that HIV-1 does not enter murine T cells that expressed human CD4, PB-CKR may not support HIV-1 infection. Thus, PB-CKR will be an important tool for functional mapping of HIV-1 entry coreceptor fusin and for understanding the function of PBSF/SDF-1 further.

[Establishment of a new human ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma cell line (IM), and influence on cell proliferations by cisplatin with or without hyperthermia]

A new cell line, designated IM has been established from operation material derived from a woman with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. The population doubling time of the 35th passage IM cell was 28.8 hours. And it was successively subcultured 165 times in over 7 years, moreover still kept CA125 production. The nuclear DNA and cell surface CA125 antigen were double stained by propidium iodide and anti CA125 monoclonal antibody-FITC. Then the two color cytogram obtained by flow cytometry was drawn up. For the most part of CA125 positive cell retained G0 + G1 of cell cycle, the lesser part was in G2 + M phase. The S phase rate of IM cell incubated with cisplatin at 37 degrees C or 41 degrees C for 1 hour that estimated by BrdU-propidium iodide double stain method of flow cytometry, it was suggested that the inhibition of DNA synthesis by cisplatin was increased with 41 degrees C low hyperthermia.

The effects of hyperinsulinaemia on myocardial mass, blood pressure regulation and central haemodynamics in rats

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition with high mortality. An association with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia has recently been suggested. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of isolated hyperinsulinaemia on cardiac weight and haemodynamic regulation. Rats were exposed to hyperinsulinaemia for 7 weeks after adrenalectomy with corticosterone substitution and continuous infusion of propranolol to control counter-regulatory mechanism (n = 15) (AIP group). Hypoglycaemia was prevented by glucose in the drinking water. Hyperinsulinaemic (AIP) rats were heavier and had increased relative masses of the myocardium (left ventricle 17% and right ventricle 20%), kidneys and adipose tissues in comparison with normoinsulinaemic adrenalectomized, corticosterone- and propranolol-treated controls (AP) (n = 10). Blood pressure in the insulin-exposed animals, measured weekly by the tail-cuff method in conscious rats, was not different from (AP) controls over 5 weeks, but increased in the sixth week. At the end of the seventh experimental week, blood pressure measured intra-arterially was also found to be elevated. Heart rate was not changed but total peripheral resistance was about twice that of controls (P < 0.001). Cardiac output and stroke volume was 30-40% lower in the AIP rats (P < 0.05). It is concluded that exposure to elevated insulin levels with control of counter-regulating mechanisms from beta-adrenergic mechanisms and adrenals is not immediately followed by blood pressure elevation. It is, therefore, suggested that early onset of blood pressure elevation after insulin exposure might be caused by insulin counter-regulatory events, causing both insulin resistance and blood pressure elevation. The long-term adaptations may involve a direct influence by insulin as a 'trophic factor' on myocardial and on peripheral resistance levels, followed by increased blood pressure, decreased cardiac and stroke volume.

Defects of B-cell lymphopoiesis and bone-marrow myelopoiesis in mice lacking the CXC chemokine PBSF/SDF-1

The chemokines are a large family of small, structurally related cytokines. The physiological importance of most members of this family has yet to be elucidated, although some are inducible inflammatory mediators that determine leukocyte chemotaxis. Pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor/stromal cell-derived factor-1 (PBSF/SDF-1) is a member of the CXC group of chemokines PBSF/SDF-1 stimulates proliferation of B-cell progenitors in vitro and is constitutively expressed in bone-marrow-derived stromal cells. Here we investigate the physiological roles of PBSF/SDF-1 by generating mutant mice with a targeted disruption of the gene encoding PBSF/SDF-1. We found that mice lacking PBSF/SDF-1 died perinatally and that although the numbers of B-cell progenitors in mutant embryos were severely reduced in fetal liver and bone marrow, myeloid progenitors were reduced only in the bone marrow but not in the fetal liver, indicating that PBSF/SDF-1 is responsible for B-cell lymphopoiesis and bone-marrow myelopoiesis. In addition, the mutants had a cardiac ventricular septal defect. Hence, we have shown that the chemokine PBSF/SDF-1 has several essential functions in development.

Synthesis and biological activity of 4-amino-5-chloro-2-ethoxy-3-hydroxybenzamides, metabolites of a new gastroprokinetic agent, mosapride

To confirm the proposed structures of the minor metabolites of a potential gastroprokinetic agent, mosapride, 4-amino-5-chloro-2-ethoxy-3-hydroxy-N-(2-morpholinylmethyl)benzamide (3) and the N-(5-oxo-2-morpholinyl)-methyl analogue 4 were prepared. As the common intermediate, 2-ethoxy-3-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid (15) was prepared via the regioselective ethylation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (10) and subsequent nitration of the resultant 2-ethoxy-3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (11). The key intermediate 15 was converted into the benzamides 3 and 4. After enzymatic treatment of the isolated metabolites, their structures were identified by comparison with the synthetic compounds. Serotonin-4 receptor binding affinity of these metabolites was found to be lower than that of mosapride.

A mutant trypsin-like enzyme from Streptomyces fradiae, created by site-directed mutagenesis, improves affinity chromatography for protein trypsin inhibitors

The Ser-170 residue of a trypsin-like enzyme from Streptomyces fradiae (SFT), which is considered to be the active-site serine, was replaced with alanine by site-directed mutagenesis to improve the affinity chromatography step for a Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI). The resulting mutant SFT, designated as [S170A]SFT, was expressed in Streptomyces lividans and purified to homogeneity. [S170A]SFT was catalytically inactive, but still had the ability to bind tightly to PSTI and to soybean trypsin inhibitor with dissociation constants of 3.1 x 10(-7) M and 1.9 x 10(-8) M respectively. We further demonstrated that recombinant human PSTI secreted into Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture broth could be purified to homogeneity with a one-step [S170A]SFT-affinity column. The purified PSTI contained no molecules intramolecularly cleaved by active trypsin, which are found when trypsin-affinity chromatography is used for the purification. This eliminated the need for further separation of intact PSTI from intramolecularly cleaved PSTI by high-performance liquid chromatography, thus simplifying and improving its purification process.