[Biochemical analysis of protein homogenates in skin stored at different temperatures]

The amount and constitution of protein, its ultraviolet photo-absorption ability, and the amount of esterase of homogenates of cadaver, guinea pig and mouse skin, which were stored under various temperatures of 4 degree C, -20 degree C, -80 degree C and -196 degree C, were assayed by using ultraviolet spectrophotometer and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results show that there are changes in various degree in biochemical components of skin protein and esterase after being stored at different temperatures as compared with fresh skin.

Reduced cytosolic free sodium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. Cytosolic free sodium concentration and sodium transport systems were measured in intact cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats of the Münster strain and from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats using the sodium-sensitive fluorescent dye sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate. 2. Resting cytosolic free sodium concentration was significantly lower in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats than from Wistar-Kyoto rats (10.2 +/- 1.5 mmol/l, n = 26, versus 19.4 +/- 2.5 mmol/l, n = 20, P < 0.01). 3. Inhibition of Na+, K(+)-ATPase by ouabain caused a dose-dependent increase in cytosolic free sodium concentration in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats. 4. Activation of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange by ionomycin increased cytosolic free sodium concentration in both strains. However, the ionomycin-induced increase in cytosolic free sodium concentrations was significantly higher in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats than from Wistar-Kyoto rats (220 +/- 35% of the resting cytosolic free sodium concentration versus 148 +/- 27%; P < 0.05). The ionomycin-induced increase in cytosolic free sodium concentration was prevented in the absence of external sodium or by inhibition of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange by NiCl2. 5. Activation of Na(+)-H+ exchange by intracellular acidification of vascular smooth muscle cells with propionic acid increased cytosolic free sodium concentration in each strain (19.6 +/- 5.7 versus 16.3 +/- 3.2 mmol/l). 6. It is concluded that concepts concerning the role of cytosolic free sodium concentration in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension need to be reinvestigated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Over-representation of the disease associated (CAG) and (CGG) repeats in the human genome

Expansion of trimer repeats has recently been described as a new type of human mutation. Of the 64 possible trimer compositions, only the CGG and CAG repeats have been implicated in genetic diseases. This study intends to address two questions: (1) What makes the CGG and CAG repeats unique? (2) Could other trimer repeats be involved in this type of mutation? By computer analysis of trimer and hexamer frequency distributions in approximately 10 Mb of human DNA, twenty trimer motifs (ten complementary pairs) have been identified that are the most likely to be expanded. The frequency distribution study also indicated that the expanded trimer motif in Fragile-X syndrome is GGC instead of CGG. DNA linguistics studies revealed that the GGC/GCC and CAG/CTG repeats were over-represented in the human genome. Further analysis of base composition suggested that the CCA/TGG repeats may be involved in the trimer expansion mutation since they possessed many similar characteristics to GGC/GCC and CAG/CTG. The computer aided sequence analysis studies reported here may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of trimer repeat expansion.

Cooperativity among herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate-early regulatory proteins: ICP4 and ICP27 affect the intracellular localization of ICP0

The results of transient expression assays and studies of viral mutants have shown that three of the five immediate-early proteins of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) perform regulatory functions, individually and cooperatively. As part of efforts designed to explore the molecular basis for the functional cooperativity among ICP0, ICP4, and ICP27 in the regulation of HSV gene expression, we have examined the intracellular localization of ICP0 in cells infected with ICP4 and ICP27 null mutant viruses by indirect immunofluorescence. Although ICP0 was localized predominantly to the nuclei of wild-type virus-infected cells, it was found exclusively in the nuclei of ICP27 mutant-infected cells and in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of ICP4 mutant-infected cells, the cytoplasmic component being especially strong. These observations indicate that both ICP4 and ICP27 can affect the intracellular localization of ICP0. Transient expression assays with plasmids that express wild-type and mutant forms of ICP0, ICP4, and ICP27 confirmed that ICP4 promotes and that ICP27 inhibits the nuclear localization of ICP0. These results confirm the observations made for mutant virus-infected cells and indicate that the localization pattern seen in infected cells can be established by these three immediate-early proteins exclusive of other viral proteins. The C-terminal half of ICP27 was shown to be required to achieve its inhibitory effect on the nuclear localization of ICP0. The region of ICP0 responsive to ICP27 was mapped to the C terminus of the molecule between amino acid residues 720 and 769. In addition, the concentration of ICP27 was shown to have a significant effect on the intracellular localization of ICP0. Because the major regulatory activities of ICP0, ICP4, and ICP27 are expressed in the nucleus, the ability of these three proteins collectively to determine their own localization patterns within cells adds a new dimension to the complex process of viral gene regulation in HSV.

Different calcium storage pools in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the distribution of intracellular free calcium may be impaired in primary hypertension.

DESIGN

Cytosolic free calcium and stored calcium were investigated in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODS

The concentrations of intracellular and stored calcium were investigated in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats aged 6 months from the Münster strain (SHR) and from age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Vascular smooth muscle cells were grown on coverslips, and fluorescence measurements of the intracellular calcium concentration were performed using fura-2. The different effects of thapsigargin, a selective Ca-ATPase inhibitor, and of angiotensin II (Ang II) on the calcium storage pools were investigated.

RESULTS

In the absence of external calcium thapsigargin produced a dose-dependent transient increase in the concentration of intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells. The thapsigargin-induced maximum peak increase in the concentration of intracellular calcium was not significantly different in SHR and WKY rats. After depletion of the thapsigargin-sensitive calcium pools the addition of 100 nmol/l Ang II produced a rise in the concentration of intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR and WKY rats. Using vascular smooth muscle cells from the SHR the Ang II-induced increase in the concentration of intracellular calcium was not significantly different in the presence and absence of thapsigargin, indicating that the calcium pools depleted by thapsigargin and Ang II do not overlap significantly in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR. In contrast, in the WKY rats the response to Ang II was significantly diminished after depletion of the thapsigargin-sensitive pool. When Ang II and thapsigargin were administered in the reverse order, i.e. Ang II before thapsigargin, the thapsigargin response was diminished in the WKY rats but not in the SHR.

CONCLUSION

SHR differ from WKY rats in having vascular smooth muscle cells that contain thapsigargin-sensitive calcium storage pools that are distinct from the Ang II-sensitive calcium pools.

Mechanisms of heterologous agonist-stimulated phosphorylation of cholecystokinin receptor

The phosphorylation of one receptor that occurs as a result of the stimulation of a different receptor on a cell is a common mechanism for heterologous regulation or "cross-talk," which has been implicated in desensitization. In this work, we focus on the mechanisms of phosphorylation of the rat pancreatic acinar cell cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor that occur upon stimulation of this cell by various agonists. Phosphorylation was allowed to occur in dispersed intact acinar cells in response to the experimental manipulation, and the phosphoreceptor was subsequently purified and quantified as an indication of response. Agonists such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and secretin, which act via activation of adenylate cyclase, had no effect on CCK receptor phosphorylation, whereas carbamylcholine and bombesin stimulated increased phosphorylation of the CCK receptor. Because these agents would be expected to activate protein kinase C (PKC) as well as a number of calcium-sensitive kinases and phosphatases, these activities were further dissociated by using more direct activators and inhibitors acting intracellularly. Manipulation of calcium independent of PKC by using a calcium ionophore, inhibition of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II, and inhibition of calcium-dependent protein phosphatase type 2B had no effect on the state of CCK receptor phosphorylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in agonist-induced changes in cytosolic Ca2+ in vascular smooth muscle cells

Changes in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by angiotensin II (ANG II), arginine vasopressin (AVP), angiotensin III (ANG III), norepinephrine (NE), or thapsigargin were investigated after inhibition of the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from Wistar-Kyoto rats by use of the fluorescent dye technique. The ANG II-induced peak [Ca2+]i increase was significantly enhanced after inhibition of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange by NiCl2 or 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU): control, 99 +/- 9 (SE) nM (n = 64); NiCl2, 181 +/- 23 nM (n = 23; P < 0.01); DMTU, 182 +/- 35 nM (n = 10; P < 0.05). In the absence of external calcium, the inhibition of the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange by NiCl2 also enhanced the ANG II-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Inhibition of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange by removal of external sodium, which was replaced by choline, augmented the ANG II-induced [Ca2+]i increase to 174 +/- 26 nM (n = 11; P < 0.05 compared with control). The inhibition of the protein kinase C activity by isoquinoline-sulfonyl-O-2-methylpiperazine blocked the enhancing effect of NiCl2 on ANG II-induced [Ca2+]i increase. The inhibition of the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange did not enhance the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ANG III, NE, or thapsigargin. The AVP-induced changes in [Ca2+]i were not significantly different in the presence or absence of NiCl2. It is concluded that the recovery of resting [Ca2+]i after stimulation by ANG II is mediated by calcium efflux via the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of human B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia by a monoclonal antibody in xenograft models

To establish xenograft models of human B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we inoculated 5 x 10(6) D10-1 cells, a subline of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed human B-cell CLL with a marker chromosomal anomaly, into SCID or irradiated nude mice by the intravenous (i.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. All i.p. tumor-inoculated mice developed rapidly progressive, lethal ascites tumor, and 100% of i.v. tumor-inoculated mice developed disseminated CLL. All mice died of tumor within 8 weeks of tumor inoculation. Tumor-inoculated SCID mice died earlier with wider tumor dissemination than the tumor-inoculated nude mice. All the tumor-inoculated mice had histologically confirmed metastases in lymph nodes, and most of them also had metastases in one or more internal organs. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed the origin of these tumors from the xenografted D10-1 cells. The D10-1 cells harvested from the xenografts did not differ from the parent D10-1 cells as regards (i) reactivity with 2 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against CLL-associated cell-surface antigens; (ii) rate of proliferation in vitro; and (iii) sensitivity to the 2 chemotherapeutic agents, methotrexate and adriamycin. Administration of 50 micrograms/mouse of Dal B02, an IgG1 (kappa) MAb directed against surface-associated antigens of human B-cell CLL, significantly prolonged the survival of D10-1-inoculated nude and SCID mice. The MAb was more effective in D10-1-inoculated nude mice than in SCID mice. In all the D10-1 xenograft models, the effectiveness of Dal B02 decreased with higher tumor load but increased with the amount of MAb injected. Dal B02 F(ab)'2 fragment failed to demonstrate any anti-tumor activity in D10-1-inoculated nude mice. In vitro assays revealed that Dal B02 had no direct inhibitory effect on D10-1 cells, but could be cytotoxic towards D10-1 cells in the presence of splenic cells or peritoneal macrophages from nude and SCID mice, or together with rabbit complement.

Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and tumor localization of two anti-human B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia monoclonal antibodies and their F(ab)'2 fragments in a xenograft model

We investigated the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and tumor localization of intravenously injected Dal B01 and Dal B02, two monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against tumor associated antigens on human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells, and their F(ab)'2 fragments in nude mice bearing xenografts of the human B cell CLL line D10-1. More of the percentages of the injected dose (% ID) of these two MoAbs and their F(ab)'2 fragments specifically localized in the tumor xenografts than in normal tissues. Compared to intact MoAbs, their F(ab)'2 fragments had lower % ID in tumors and were cleared from circulation faster. Well-defined tumor images were obtained at 24 and 48 h after administration of [131I]Dal B02 F(ab)'2 fragment and at 96-192 h after administration of [131I]Dal B02. A comparison between intravenous and intraperitoneal routes of administration of [131I]Dal B02 did not reveal any difference in the localization of % ID in tumor or normal tissues.

Effect of genetically determined host factors on the efficacy of vidarabine, acyclovir and 5-trifluorothymidine in herpes simplex virus type 1 infection

The susceptibility of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) to acyclovir (ACV), 5-trifluorothymidine (TFT) and vidarabine (Ara-A) in HSV-infected embryo fibroblasts from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice as well as Vero cells were measured. Ara-A and TFT (at its highest concentration) were more effective in Vero cells and BALB/c mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) than in C57BL/6 MEF. In contrast, ACV was more effective in C57BL/6 MEF than BALB/c MEF and Vero cells. These data suggest that genetically determined differences in the ability of host cells to support the replication of HSV influence the activity of antiviral drugs.

Selection of antisense oligonucleotides on the basis of genomic frequency of the target sequence

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are capable of blocking the expression of targeted genes and are potential antitumor and antiviral therapeutic agents. The specificity of ASO gene inhibition is compromised when homology to other sequences allows the selected ASO to bind to nontargeted mRNAs. To reduce this nonspecific activity, an ASO should target a sequence that is predicted to be unlikely to occur in other mRNAs. The probability of a sequence being unique can be predicted by determining the genomic frequency of short stretches of sequences contained within the target sequence. Two computer programs, OLIGOMER and HEXAGRAPH, were developed for this analysis. OLIGOMER was used to analyze the genomic frequencies of di-, tri-, and hexamers in more than 24 million nucleotides from 8 different genomes in GenBank. A mathematical model was developed that predicts the genomic frequency of longer oligomers on the basis of the observed frequencies of shorter oligomers. The second program, HEXAGRAPH, was used to graphically display the genomic frequency data of a selected target gene. The computational tools developed in this study may help to design more efficient ASOs by decreasing their nonspecific binding activity.

Effect of captopril on vasoconstriction and Ca2+ fluxes in aortic smooth muscle

The effects of captopril on the response of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells of aortas from Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats to angiotensin II (Ang II) and bradykinin were studied using fura 2. Incubation with captopril for longer than 10 minutes caused a decreased response of cytosolic free Ca2+ to Ang II and bradykinin. Maximal effects of captopril were observed after a 40-minute incubation. The inhibitory effect of captopril was abolished in Ca(2+)-free medium, suggesting that captopril acts by blocking Ca2+ influx. Similar effects were observed with enalaprilat. Isometric contraction of aortic strips induced by Ang II in normotensive rats was reduced from 6.5 +/- 2.5 to 1.8 +/- 0.6 mN by a 40-minute incubation with 1 mumol/L captopril (P = .016). Enalaprilat similarly decreased the Ang II-induced contraction. Besides the inhibition of the angiotensin converting enzyme, direct effects of Ang II converting enzyme inhibitors on vascular contraction and Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells may be of therapeutic relevance.

Concentration-dependent effects of insulin on Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. The effect of insulin on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration was measured using fura-2 in vascular smooth muscle cells of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. 2. In both strains, insulin increased cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in a concentration range between 10(-6) and 10(-3) units/ml. The maximum increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration was observed with 10(-5) units/ml insulin (107 +/- 25 and 82 +/- 27 nmol/l in spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive rats, respectively). 3. The effect of insulin was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and was enhanced by stimulation of protein kinase C. 4. Thus insulin appears to induce a Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells only over a certain range of concentrations. No significant difference in the response to insulin of cells from normotensive and hypertensive rats was observed.

Hormonal replacement therapy in fish:human growth hormone gene function in hypophysectomized carp

Transgenic common carp,Cyprinus carpio, produced by the microinjection of fertilized eggs with a linearized chimeric plasmid pMThGH, a human growth hormone (hGH) gene with a mouse metallothionein-1 (MT) gene promoter in pBR322, were used to produce F1 and F2 transgenics. Following hypophysectomy of the transgenic F2 common carp, non-transgenic common carp and non-transgenic crucian carp, growth was monitored for up to 110 days. In addition, recombinant hGH was injected subcutaenously into a group of the non-transgenic crucian carp. Growth rate analyses indicated that (1) hypophysectomy of non-transgenic common carp and crucian carp results in the cessation of growth, (2) hGH administration can stimulate the growth of hypophysectomized crucian carp and (3) hypophysectomized hGH-transgenic common carp continue to grow in the absence of their own growth hormone, suggesting that the hGH-transgene is being expressed in tissues other than the pituitary.

Optical cellular continuous logic array for gray-scale image processing

A new optical cellular continuous-logic array for gray-scale image processing is presented. The array involves two steps of multichannel neighborhood ranked-order operations and interimage threshold decomposition continuous-logic operation. Image processing transforms available from this array include gray-scale morphological transforms, stack-nonstack filters, and gray-scale hit-or-miss transforms. An area-coding technique is used to implement neighborhood operations in a correlation thresholding system. A similar one-channel grayscale-correlation and multithresholding system is used for interimage threshold decomposition continuous logic. Primary experimental results are given.

A gas monitoring system for ethylene oxide sterilizers with constant sample flow through a microwave cavity spectrometer

This paper reports a measurement system for monitoring the gas concentrations of ethylene oxide (EO) within sterilizers. It samples gas from the sterilizer chamber at a constant flow into a microwave cavity spectrometer. The pressure in the cavity of the spectrometer is linearly proportional to that in the sterilizer chamber, hence the partial pressure (i.e. gas concentration) of the EO gas is linearly proportional to that in the chamber. Measurement of the gas concentration in the chamber can therefore take place without the need to monitor and interpret the chamber pressure. As a consequence the reliability of the sterilization process may be improved, thus enabling a reduction in the in-chamber concentration of EO during sterilization and, hence, EO residues. The microwave cavity spectrometer operates under conditions of power saturation, and there is a good linear correlation between the output signal and the concentration of EO in the gas cell (to within a standard error of 4%).

Mineral status in selenium-deficient rats compared to selenium-sufficient rats fed vitamin-free casein-based or torula yeast-based diet

To clarify the mineral status in selenium (Se)-deficient rats fed a vitamin-free casein (VFC)-based or torula yeast (TY)-based diet, 24 weanling male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups fed diets using VFC or TY as the protein source and containing Se at sufficient (0.5 microgram/g, +Se) or deficient (0.019 microgram/g for VFC-based and < 0.005 microgram/g for TY-based diets, -Se) level for 8 wk. TY supplied a larger amount of extra minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) except Se than VFC. Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower in TY-fed rats than in VFC-fed rats, as well as in -Se rats compared to +Se rats. Compared to +Se rats, Fe concentration was higher in liver and muscle of -Se rats fed the VFC-based diet and in plasma, heart, liver, and tibia of -Se rats fed the TY-based diet. Compared to +Se rats, decreases of Mn concentration appeared in plasma, heart, and tibia of VFC-fed -Se rats and in brain, heart, liver and tibia of TY-fed -Se rats. There was also a little imbalance in Ca, Mg, Na, K, and Cu caused by Se deficiency. The results indicated that Se deficiency induced the mineral imbalance in rats, especially an increase in Fe and decrease in Mn, which was more severe in TY-fed rats than VFC-fed rats. However, TY cannot be used as a model for both Se and other mineral deficiency because of the extra minerals except Se found in TY. Instead, VFC can be employed, which contains fewer minerals except Se than TY and also can produce a severe degree of Se deficiency.

Selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in selenium and magnesium deficient rats

To clarify the effects of selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) deficiencies on Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) status, weanling male Wistar rats weighing 50-60 g were placed on four kinds of diets divided by two levels of Se (0.5 or 0.019 mg/kg) and Mg (500 or 50 mg/kg) for 8 wk. Magnesium deficiency had an influence on distribution of Se, which was increased in muscle and decreased in other tissues. The changes in GSHPx matched those in Se. The levels of Se and GSHPx in most tissues were lower in Se-Mg-deficient rats than in Se-deficient rats. Thus, selenium and Mg deficiencies would make oxidant lesion more serious than Se deficiency.

Effects of protein kinase C activation on intracellular Ca2+ distribution in vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Protein kinase C is known to influence contraction in vascular smooth muscle cells by Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent mechanisms. In the present study, the effect of protein kinase C activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on resting cytosolic free Ca2+ and on cellular Ca2+ pools was assessed in cultured rat aortic muscle cells using fura 2. Cellular Ca2+ pools were evaluated with the selective inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase, thapsigargin. In normotensive vascular smooth muscle cells, protein kinase C activation caused a redistribution of Ca2+ from the thapsigargin-sensitive pool into the cytoplasm, whereas, in hypertensive cells, no significant effect of protein kinase C activity on cellular Ca2+ distribution was found. It is concluded that protein kinase C modulates the amount of Ca2+ stored in the thapsigargin-sensitive calcium stores. In hypertensive cells, the regulation of Ca2+ pools by protein kinase C is disturbed.

Effect of selenium and protein deficiency on selenium and glutathione peroxidase in rats

Twenty-four weanling male Wistar rats were divided into four groups fed diets containing adequate or deficient levels of selenium (0.5 ppm [+Se] or < 0.02 ppm [-Se] and protein (15% [+Pro] or 5% [-Pro]), but adequate levels of all other nutrients for 4 wk to determine the effects of Se deficiency and protein deficiency on tissue Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity in rats. Plasma, heart, liver, and kidney Se and GSHPx were significantly lower in Se-deficient groups in relation to Se-sufficient groups. In Se-deficient groups, Se and GSHPx were significantly higher in -Se-Pro rats in heart, liver, and kidney. Data analysis showed that there were significant interaction effects between dietary Se and protein on Se and GSHPx of rats. It is assumed that under the condition of Se deficiency, a low level of protein may decrease Se and GSHPx utilization, increase GSHPx synthesis, and result in Se redistribution. This could account for high levels of Se and GSHPx in the -Se-Pro rats compared to -Se+Pro rats.

[Pulmonary function disturbances in patients with hepatic cirrhosis]

The results of five pulmonary function tests on 52 patients with uncompensated hepatic cirrhosis were presented. Compared with matched healthy adults, the patients had decreased values of VC, TLC and DLCO, and their RV/TLC increased (P < 0.05-0.001). Possible pathogenic factors were investigated. The ascites showed evident influences on pulmonary function. In addition to the disorders detected by the above 4 tests, FRC decreased in the patients with ascites. A comparison between the patients with albumin below 30g/L and the patients with albumin above 30g/L revealed that reduced plasma albumin also played role in decreasing VC, TLC and DLCO. Besides the effects of ascites, severe varices of esophagus should have relation to the increase of RV/TLC and the decrease of DLCO.

Glycosphingolipids of rabbit endometrium and their changes during pregnancy

The glycolipids of nonpregnant and pregnant rabbit endometrium were characterized using a combination of biochemical and immunochemical techniques. Quantitative analyses indicated a 70% decline in acidic glycolipid (ganglioside) content during early pregnancy (day 6), and a 2.5-fold increase in neutral glycolipid content during later pregnancy (day 26). The major gangliosides of rabbit endometrium were identified by thin-layer chromatography as GM3 and GD3, with minor amounts of GM1, GD1a and GT1b. The major neutral glycolipids were identified similarly as globo-series structures Gb3 and Gb4. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to glycolipid antigens permitted the detection of additional glycolipid species, including sialylated, sulfated and fucosylated lacto-series structures. Difucosyl Ley structure (defined by mAb AH-6) and sulfated-galactosyl structure (defined by mAb VESP 6.2) were identified by indirect immunofluorescence along the luminal surface of the endometrium during the implantation period. Rapid changes in the glycolipid composition of endometrial cells during early pregnancy may facilitate embryo adhesion and trophectoderm outgrowth during implantation.

Primary-structural and evolutionary analyses of the growth-hormone gene from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The growth-hormone (GH) gene of grass carp, one of the fastest-growing species of farmed fish, was isolated and the DNA sequenced. Only one GH gene is found in this species. This gene, which is 2.5 kb in length, has five exons and four introns, in common with all of the mammalian and the recently published common-carp GH genes. In the course of vertebrate evolution, the total lengths of the intron and the non-coding region of exon 5 of the GH gene have been shortened by 40-70%, whereas the encoding exons of the gene have been slightly increased. The more closely related species exhibit the closest sequence similarity in their GH genes. For example, the similarity of the exons is 84.1-93.2% between grass carp and common carp (within the same family of Syprinedae), 43.5-82.1% between grass carp and rainbow trout (in different orders of Teleostei) and 45.8-58.6% between grass carp and rat (in different grades of Vertebrata). In addition, similar DNA domains, such as thyroid-hormone-receptor-complex-binding site and cell-type-specific cis elements involved in regulation of expression of rat and human GH genes, have been localized in the corresponding regions of the grass-carp GH gene.

[Immune status of the spleen and surgical treatment in patients with advanced gastric cancer]

The immune status of spleen and the effect of surgical treatment in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients were evaluated by means of testing NK cell activity, T-lymphocyte subsets and circulating immune complex (CIC). The results showed (1) the significant impairment of NK cell activity and T-lymphocyte subsets, were decreased in CD3+, CD4+ cells and increased in CD6+ cells resulting in CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio decrease in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), splenic venous blood lymphocytes (SVL) and spleen cells (SC) of AGC, as compared with PBL of normal population; (2) NK cell activity or CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio of SVL and SC were significantly lower than those of PBL in AGC patients, mainly caused by marked decrease of CD4+ cells in SC; (3) NK cell activity, CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio were significantly elevated in most of AGC cases receiving either radical gastrectomy (R2+) or extensive radical gastrectomy (R3). A striking declination in CD8+ cells were found only after R3 operation; (4) after a short period (10-14 days) or a long period (2-4 years) of radical gastrectomy, NK cell activity and T-lymphocyte subsets showed no significant differences between R2+ and R3 operation. As a rule, AGC would weaken immune function of patients, and along with the development of the tumor, the immunosuppression in the spleen would be generated gradually. For these reasons, a complete tumor resection would be necessary to improve the immunocompetence, and the combined splenectomy might be advisable if indicated.

[Preparation of sucking tablet of shengmei] off

The Sucking Tablet of Shengmei is made from eight Chinese traditional drugs including Radix Adenophorae, Fructus Mume, etc. The effective rate of the tablet in treating chronic pharyngitis reaches up to 96 percent. The working mechanism related to the fact that the tablet is bacteria-resistant and helps to strengthen the body function. This paper presents the preparation process of the Sucking Tablet along with solutions for some problems encountered in the process and appropriate standards for quality control.

[Pharmacological study on spleen-stomach warming and analgesic actions of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx]

This study presents an observation of the anti-inflammatory effect of Aconitum carmichaeli decoction on water-immersion stress induced gastric ulcer in mice and 0.6 mol/L HCl induced gastric ulcer in rats. The observation showed that the decoction was resistant to the castor oil induced and Cassia angustifolia leaf induced experimental diarrhea in mice, and also had marked analgesic action. It is thus suggested that Aconitum carmichaeli is useful clinically as a spleen-stomach warming and analgesic agent in traditional Chinese medicine.

Characterization of AluI repeats of zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio)

Two families of repetitive DNA sequences were isolated from the zebrafish genome and characterized. Eight different sequences were sequenced and classified by two standards, their (G + C) composition and their lengths. For convenience, the sequences were first divided into two types. Type I was (A + T)-rich, was repeated approximately 500,000 times, and constituted approximately 5% of the zebrafish genome. Type II was (G + C)-rich, was reiterated approximately 90,000 times, and comprised approximately 0.5% of the genome. Agarose gel electrophoresis of zebrafish DNA cleaved with AluI revealed three distinguishable bands of repetitive fragments: large (approximately 180 bp, designated RFAL), medium (approximately 140 bp, RFAM), and small (approximately 90 bp, RFAS). The RFAL fragments contained both type I and type II sequences. Limited digestion of genomic DNA indicated that RFAL and RFAM were tandemly arranged in the genome, whereas RFAS showed a mixed pattern of both tandem and interspersed repeated arrangements. Although inclusion of a repetitive sequence in a transgenic construct did not appreciably accelerate homologous integration of transgenes into the zebrafish genome, the AluI sequences could facilitate transgene mapping following chromosomal integration.

Metabolism and DNA interaction of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxythymidine in human bone marrow cells

2',3'-Didehydro-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (D4T) is a potent inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with low hematological toxicity. In the present study, the cellular pharmacology of D4T was investigated in human bone marrow cells (BMC), in an attempt to understand the mechanism of the observed low bone marrow toxicity. After exposure of human BMC to 10 microM [3H]D4T for 24 hr, D4T-5'-triphosphate (D4T-TP) was the predominant metabolite, reaching a concentration of 0.3 pmol/10(6) cells. The D4T-5'-monophosphate levels were slightly lower, whereas the D4T-5'-diphosphate levels were about 6-fold lower than those of D4T-TP at 24 hr. Nucleic acids of human BMC exposed to 10 microM [3H]D4T for 24 hr were purified and analyzed by cesium sulfate density gradient centrifugation. No radioactivity was detected in the RNA region, whereas a limited amount was associated with the DNA region. The amount of label incorporated into DNA correlated with the extracellular D4T concentration and the length of incubation time. Enzymatic hydrolysis of radiolabeled DNA and subsequent analysis by high performance liquid chromatography demonstrated incorporation of both D4T and thymidine (dThd) into DNA. Degradation of D4T to thymine and subsequent formation of labeled dThd was also detected in human BMC. Pulse (24 hr)-chase (48 hr) experiments with 10 microM [3H]D4T demonstrated that the amount of radiolabel from D4T in DNA decreased over time during the chase. Under similar conditions, [3H]3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) incorporated into DNA of human BMC did not decrease during the chase. Although D4T-TP standard was demonstrated to be unstable at 37 degrees and neutral pH, D4T was much more stable in solution when incorporated into newly synthesized DNA isolated from human BMC, suggesting that enzymatic excision may be the mechanism for D4T removal from DNA. In summary, although higher concentrations of D4T-TP, compared with AZT-5'-triphosphate, are observed in human BMC, after exposure of cells to similar extracellular concentrations of parent drug, steady state levels of D4T incorporated into DNA are 10-50-fold lower, compared with AZT. Competition with dTTP formed by D4T metabolism and excision of D4T from DNA may be responsible, in part, for these effects. This study further demonstrates that incorporation of 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides into nuclear DNA of human BMC may be related to the ability of these anti-HIV agents to induce hematological side effects.

Specific binding and internalization of monoclonal antibody HI98-daunorubicin conjugate by human leukemic cells (HL60)

McAb-HI98 has been proved to bind specifically to HL60 cells. In this study, we further observed the specific binding of HI98-Daunorubicin (DNR) conjugate to HL60 cells, the transmembranal transport of HI98-DNR and the process of internalization by immunoelectron microscopy. After HL60 cells were incubated with HI98-DNR-Au, gold particles were first found on the surface membranes of HL60 cells, and then inside the cells. Internalization was found to occur through the formation of endocytic vesicles. Results indicate that the immunoconjugate selectively binds to target cells and enters the cells specifically and rapidly, thus enhancing intracellular drug concentration.

Kinetic and spectroscopic characterization of the isomers of the allyl bromide molecular ion

The kinetics of the ion/molecule reactions of the molecular ion of allyl bromide (3-bromopropene), C3H5Br(+)., with its neutral show that only (82 ± 2)% of these ions are reactive. This percentage is mildly sensitive to ionization energy below 13 eV, but is pressure insensitive. The collisionless infrared multiphoton-induced photofragmentation of these ions at 10.25 μm and at variable power densities is consistent with the presence of two ionic species in the ratio obtained from the kinetic experiments. The most abundant species undergoes much faster photofragmentation at this wavelength, but at 10.59 μm the photofragmentation rates become comparable. Experiments performed by isolating the remaining molecular ions after completion of the ion/molecule reaction confirm that the unreactive species corresponds to the slow photodissociating ion at 10.25 μm. A combination of kinetic experiments and photodissociation is used to establish that the less abundant species behaves unlike the molecular ion obtained from 1-bromopropene, 2-bromopropene, or bromocyclopropane. The two structures for the molecular ion are shown to originate from ionization and not by isomerization through collisions.

[Pharmacological studies on warming the middle-jiao to alleviate pain by Pericarpium Zanthoxyli]

The pharmacological effects of the ethereal extract and aqueous extract of Pericarpium Zanthoxyli on warming the middle-jiao to alleviate pain have been studied. It is suggested that the effects of Pericarpium Zanthoxyli on antagonizing ulcer, and inflammatory and functional diarrheas, protecting liver, and correcting gastrointestinal disorder are the connotation of its warming the middle-jiao to alleviate pain, its analgesic effect helps to relieve various abdominal pains.

[Changes in circulating endothelial cells in patients with essential hypertension]

To observe the damage of vascular endothelium in vivo, we measured the circulating endothelial cell (CEC) with Hladovec's method in 30 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 66 normal controls. The CEC was verified by direct immunofluorescent staining using anti-human factor VIII serum. The results showed that a significantly increased CEC count was found in patients with EH (3.018 +/- 1.230 vs 1.310 +/- 0.710, P less than 0.01), but the number of CEC was not parallel to the change of blood pressure quantitatively. After antihypertensive therapy, the CEC count reduced markedly in partial patients (3.371 +/- 0.770 vs 2.410 +/- 0.782, P less than 0.05). The study indicated that the damage of vascular endothelium indeed existed in EH, the abnormality can be improved by antihypertension. The CEC count was a simple and sensitive method for the demonstration of endothelial lesion in vivo.

[Studies on warming the middle-jiao and analgesic effect of flos Caryophylli]

The effects of water extract and ether extract of Flos Caryophylli have been investigated by four experimental gastric ulcer models, choleresis in rats, two diarrhea models in mice, two pain stimulations in mice, and acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats. The results suggest that the action of Flos Caryophylli on dispelling the cold by warming the middle-jiao and curing abdominalgia is related to its anti-ulcer, choleresis increasing, anti-diarrhea and analgesic functions.

The peritrophic membrane of Ixodes ricinus

A peritrophic membrane was found in all three stages of Ixodes ricinus at no later than 18 h after their placement on rabbits. It was found to remain intact until at least 11, 30 and 10 days after repletion in larvae, nymphs and females, respectively. In blood-feeding I. ricinus, the peritrophic membrane is an uneven single layer with a thickness of about 0.03-0.48 micron in larvae, 0.03-0.79 micron in nymphs and 0.04-0.93 micron in females. It covers the whole surface of the midgut epithelium at a distance of about 0.2-0.8 micron. After repletion, the peritrophic membrane becomes thicker and thicker and more and more winding and simultaneously becomes multi-layered mainly in its arched parts. The distance between the peritrophic membrane and the midgut epithelium increases considerably and in the arched parts can reach as much as about 13 and 16 microns in metamorphosing larvae and nymphs, respectively and 25 microns in ovipositing females.

Cellular metabolism of 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine with formation of 5'-O-diphosphohexose derivatives by previously unrecognized metabolic pathways for 2'-deoxyuridine analogs

3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AzdU, CS-87) is a potent inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus replication in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with limited toxicity for human bone marrow cells (BMC). In the present study, metabolism of AzdU was investigated in human PBMC and BMC after exposure of cells to 2 or 10 microM [3H]AzdU. 3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (AzdU-MP) was the predominant metabolite, representing approximately 55 to 65% of intracellular radioactivity in both PBMC and BMC at all times. The AzdU-5'-diphosphate and -5'-triphosphate intracellular levels were 10- to 100-fold lower than the AzdU-MP levels and, of note, AzdU-5'-triphosphate was not detected in human BMC. Using anion exchange chromatography, a new peak of radioactivity, distinct from any known anabolites, was detected. This chromatographic peak was found to be resistant to alkaline phosphatase but was hydrolyzed by 5'-phosphodiesterase, yielding AzdU-MP. Incubation of [3H]AzdU and D-[1-14C]glucose in PBMC and BMC produced a double-labeled peak with the same retention time as the anabolite, suggesting formation of a hexose derivative of AzdU. A novel high performance liquid chromatography method was developed that allowed for the separation of nucleosides, nucleotides, and carbohydrate derivatives thereof. Using this highly specific method, the putative AzdU-hexose actually was separated into two chromatographic peaks. These novel metabolites were identified as 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine-5'-O-diphosphoglucose and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine-5'-O-diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine. Following 48 hr of incubation with [3H] AzdU, as much as 20 and 30% of these AzdU metabolites accumulated in PBMC and BMC, respectively. When AzdU was removed from the cell cultures, intracellular AzdU diphosphohexose concentrations decayed in a monophasic manner, with an elimination half-life of 14.3 hr. By 48 hr, levels of 0.3 pmol/10(6) cells were still detected, reflecting a gradual anabolism of these metabolites. Elimination of AzdU-MP and AzdU-5'-diphosphate was characterized by a two-phase process, with a short initial half-life of 0.83 and 0.24 hr and a long terminal half-life of 14.10 and 8.24 hr, respectively. Similar diphosphohexoses of deoxyuridine (dUrd) were also detected in human PBMC and BMC after exposure to [3H]dUrd, suggesting that dUrd derivatives are metabolized in a similar manner. In summary, the discovery of novel metabolic pathways for dUrd analogs demonstrates that AzdU has unique metabolic features that may contribute to the low toxicity of this anti-HIV agent in human BMC and also affect its mechanism of action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Hypomethylation of the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) promotor and first exon is linked to expression of the gene

The interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is limited in expression to retinal photoreceptor cells and a subset of pinealocytes. We have obtained a genomic clone containing the entire coding region and 7 kb of 5' flanking sequence. As a first step in studying IRBP gene regulation we have examined the CpG methylation patterns of the entire IRBP gene in expressing and non-expressing human cells. This has been done by isolation of high molecular weight DNA from Y-79 cells grown in suspension or attached to poly-D-lysine, which synthesize IRBP at different levels, and from human lymphocytes, which were shown by northern analysis to lack IRBP message. The DNA was digested by either Hpa II, Msp I, or Hha I. Southern blots were prepared with these digests and hybridized with probes made from fragments covering the complete genomic clone. Probes from the first exon, the introns and the 3' end gave banding patterns which showed no differences between the expressing cells and the lymphocytes. A probe from the very 5' end did not give a clear banding pattern, probably due to the presence of repetitive elements in the probe. However, a Hind III probe covering the 5' flanking 3 kb and the beginning of the first exon hybridized with a 1.8 kb band in Hpa II digests of Y-79 cells which was not present in Hpa II digests of lymphocyte DNA. In addition, a 2.1-2.3 kb Hha I band was found only in the Y-79 DNA digests. Sequence analysis of the promoter region indicated that these bands were due to hypomethylation of sites within a CpG rich island from -1578 to -1108 in the promoter and hypomethylation of sites in the beginning of the first exon. A Hha I site between the CpG island and the first exon was not hypomethylated in the expressing Y-79 cells. We propose that hypomethylation of the CpG rich island of the IRBP promoter and the first exon is linked to the expression of this gene.

[Preparation of a monoclonal antibody (HI30)-mitomycin C conjugate utilizing dextran T-40 and its specific cytotoxicity against human leukemia cell line CEM]

The anticancer drug mitomycin C (MMC) was conjugated with an affinity-purified murine monoclonal antibody (HI30) to a human T lymphocyte surface differentiation antigen with dextran T-40 as the intermediate carrier. The conjugate (HI30:MMC molar ratio, 1:7) retained full antibody binding activity as determined by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. E. Coli HB101 growth inhibition test showed that the antimicrobial activity [MMC equivalent (microgram/ml)] of the conjugate was about 29.2% as potent as free MMC. In a cytotoxicity test, the conjugate was about 3-10 times more cytotoxic against the antibody-reactive human T lymphocyte leukemia CEM cells than was free MMC or the mixture of HI30 and MMC [IC50 of the MMC equivalent (microgram/ml) was 0.4147, 2.212, 2.171, respectively] and was less cytotoxic against the antibody-nonreactive L1210 cells (IC50 were 1.311, 0.8683, 0.7308, respectively). The selective cytotoxicity was also confirmed by competitive inhibition with free antibody, showing a dependence on antibody binding of the target cell surface antigen. There was no detectable free MMC released from HI30-Dex-MMC conjugate stored at 4 degrees C for over one month as measured by chromatography on a Sephadex G-25 column.

[Pharmacological study of Rubus parvifolius L]

Aqueous extracts of Rubus parvifolius have been proved useful in shortening bleeding time and coagulation time in mice, shortening euglobulinlysis time in rabbits, inhibiting platelet thrombosis in rabbits in vivo, Rubus parvifolius increasing coronary flow in isolated rat heart, preventing rats from pituitrin induced changes of ECG and Rubus parvifolius increasing the tolerance of mice to hypoxia. The toxicity of Rubus parvifolius is small.

New Taxanes from Taxus chinensis

Two new taxane diterpenes, decinnamoyltaxagifine ( 3) and decinnanioyltaxagifine acetate ( 2), have been isolated from the leaves and stems of TAXUS CHINENSIS. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Their (13)C-NMR chemical shifts were assigned.

Glycosphingolipids of human myometrium and endometrium and their changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and ageing

The glycolipid composition of human myometrium and endometrium was examined at various stages of maturation and reproduction. The major neutral glycolipids of both myometrium and endometrium were identified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography as globo-series glycolipids, Gb3 and Gb4. The major acidic glycolipids (gangliosides) were identified similarly as GM3 and GD3, with lesser amounts of GM1, GD1a, and GT1b. During pregnancy, GD3 expression declined in both myometrium and endometrium, whereas GM3 expression increased. Reciprocal changes in GM3/GD3 expression were mirrored by appropriate changes in the glycosyltransferases required for their synthesis; alpha 2----3sialyltransferase activity increased approximately 3-fold during pregnancy, while alpha 2----8sialyltransferase activity declined to about 20%. The results focus attention on the glycolipids of uterine tissues, their regulation, and their possible role in reproduction and fertility.

Clinical, biochemical, and neuropathologic findings following transplantation of adrenal medulla to the caudate nucleus for treatment of Parkinson's disease

We transplanted autologous adrenal medullary tissue into the caudate nucleus of 3 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The 1st patient, a 59-year-old man with parkinsonian symptoms for 15 years, had mild improvement in his motor functioning after the operation. However, his postoperative course was characterized by prolonged drowsiness and complex visual hallucinations. The patient died suddenly 8 months after the transplant, and an autopsy revealed coronary atherosclerosis. Examination of the graft site showed necrotic adrenal medullary tissue surrounded by inflammatory cells. The 2nd patient, a 50-year-old man with a 21-year history of parkinsonian symptoms, improved the most after the procedure. The 3rd patient, a 43-year-old man with 12 years of parkinsonian symptoms, had mild improvement in his motor functioning. CSF homovanillic acid increased postoperatively in the 3 patients, but then returned to preoperative levels in all except the 2nd patient. The anatomic, neurochemical, and physiologic basis for the modest clinical improvement shown in these patients is not yet understood.