Identification of a novel member (GDF-1) of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily

A cDNA clone encoding a new member (designated GDF-1) of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) superfamily was isolated from a library prepared from day 8.5 mouse embryos. The nucleotide sequence of GDF-1 predicts a protein of 357 amino acids with a mol wt of 38,600. The sequence contains a pair of arginine residues at positions 236-237, which is likely to represent a site for proteolytic processing. The C-terminus following the presumed dibasic cleavage site shows significant homology with the known members of the TGF beta superfamily, matching the other family members at all of the invariant positions, including the seven cysteine residues with their characteristic spacing. GDF-1 is most homologous to Xenopus Vg-1 (52%), but is not likely to be the murine homolog of Vg-1. In vitro translation experiments were consistent with GDF-1 being a secreted glycoprotein. Genomic Southern analysis indicated that GDF-1 may be highly conserved across species. These results suggest that GDF-1 is most likely an extracellular factor mediating cell differentiation events during embryonic development.

Expression of HSP86 in male germ cells

A comparison of HSP84 and HSP86 mRNA expression in adult mouse tissues revealed distinct expression patterns for these highly homologous genes. Particularly striking is the germ cell specificity of HSP86 expression in the testis, suggesting distinct roles for HSP84 and HSP86 with respect to testicular function and development.

Partial purification and characterization of erythropoietin receptors from erythroid progenitor cells

We have partially purified and characterized erythropoietin (Epo) receptors of erythroid progenitor cells which were obtained from the spleens of anemia-inducing Friend virus infected mice. Membrane proteins of splenic erythroid progenitor cells were solubilized with 1% Triton X-102. Upon chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel anion-exchange columns, two distinct Epo receptor peak fractions referred to as Peak I and Peak II were identified by 125I-Epo binding assays using the polyethylene glycol precipitation method. The Peak I and Peak II samples were then individually chromatographed on an S-Sepharose column. The S-Sepharose-purified Peak I and Peak II samples were crosslinked with 125I-Epo in the presence and absence of excess unlabeled Epo by disuccinimidyl suberate treatment, and then analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and autoradiography. Both Peak I and Peak II samples showed a radiolabeled peptide with a Mr 135K and the labeling was blocked by excess unlabeled Epo. Since the Mr of Epo is about 35K, Epo receptor peptide has a Mr approximately 100K. To determine whether Epo stimulates autophosphorylation of the receptors, the S-Sepharose-purified Peak I and Peak II samples were incubated with or without Epo, and then briefly incubated in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and Mn2+. The tyrosine residue phosphorylated protein was isolated by an immunochemical technique, and then analyzed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. The result showed that Epo stimulates phosphorylation of a 100-kDa peptide.

Efficient Multistep Photoinitiated Electron Transfer in a Molecular Pentad

A synthetic five-part molecular device has been prepared that uses a multistep electron transfer strategy similar to that of photosynthetic organisms to capture light energy and convert it to chemical potential in the form of long-lived charge separation. It consists of two covalently linked porphyrin moieties, one containing a zinc ion (P(Zn)) and the other present as the free base (P). The metailated porphyrin bears a carotenoid polyene (C) and the other a diquinone species (Q(A)-Q(B)). Excitation of the free-base porphyrin in a chloroform solution of the pentad yields an initial charge-separated state, C-P(Zn)-P(.+).-Q(A)(-)-Q(B), with a quantum yield of 0.85. Subsequent electron transfer steps lead to a final charge-separated state, C(.+)-P(Zn)-P-Q(A)-Q(B)(.-), which is formed with an overall quantum yield of 0.83 and has a lifetime of 55 microseconds. Irradiation of the free-base form of the pentad, C-P-P-Q(A)-Q(B), gives a similar charge-separated state with a lower quantum yield (0.15 in dichloromethane), although the lifetime is increased to approximately 340 microseconds. The artificial photosynthetic system preserves a significant fraction ( approximately 1.0 electron volt) of the initial excitation energy (1.9 electron volts) in the long-lived, charge-separated state.

A case of idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis

We experienced a case of chronic fibrosing pancreatitis in an 18/12-year-old girl, which was idiopathic because there were no familial back ground, no cystic fibrosis of pancrease, no ductal anomalies and obstruction. The patient presented intermittent colicky abdominal pain and progressive obstructive jaundice, but T-tube drainage and removal of the lymph nodes around the common bile duct relieved her symptoms and disease process. This seems to be the first case reported in a Korean child. Idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain with obstructive jaundice in children.

Phase I clinical and pharmacological study of merbarone

Merbarone, a nonsedating derivative of thiobarbituric acid, has demonstrated excellent activity against certain murine tumors, including L1210 and P388 leukemias, B16 melanoma, and M5076 sarcoma. Preclinical studies suggested that the antitumor effects of this drug were schedule dependent, since repeated dosing increased killing of tumor cells when compared to intermittent injections. We have completed a Phase I clinical and pharmacological study of merbarone in which the drug was administered both as a 2-h infusion and as a continuous i.v. infusion over 24 h. In view of the increased toxicity observed in animals following bolus injections and the possibility of schedule-dependent anticancer activity, a schedule of drug administration daily for 5 days was selected. Fifty patients with advanced cancer were treated at dose levels that ranged from 100 to 1500 mg/m2/day. When the drug was administered by peripheral vein, phlebitis was observed at the infusion site at daily doses greater than or equal to 150 mg/m2. Therefore, all patients who received drug doses greater than or equal to 200 mg/m2 were treated by continuous i.v. infusion using central venous catheters. Renal insufficiency, initially observed at a dose of 1000 mg/m2/day, was the dose-limiting toxic reaction at 1500 mg/m2/day. Three of five patients treated at the highest dose level were unable to complete the infusion due to this effect. Marked hypouricemia was observed in all patients. Other toxic effects were mild and included nausea, fatigue, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anorexia. Alopecia was noted in several patients who received doses greater than or equal to 1000 mg/m2/day. No major antitumor effects were observed. Dose-dependent, steady-state plasma concentrations of merbarone were reached within 24-48 h after beginning the continuous i.v. infusion. Elimination of drug from plasma followed a two-compartment model, with a t1/2 alpha of 4.2 h and a t1/2 beta of 15.3 h. Renal excretion of merbarone and its major metabolites accounted for less than 30% of the administered dose. We conclude that merbarone is relatively well tolerated with few constitutional symptoms. The current formulation of the drug causes phlebitis when administered by peripheral vein, and renal insufficiency is commonly observed at daily doses which exceed 1250 mg/m2. The recommended dose for extended Phase II evaluation is 1000 mg/m2/day daily for 5 days administered by central venous catheter.

A nuclear magnetic resonance study of the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP): assignments of the NH protons of histidine and tryptophan residues and the effect of binding of cAMP to CRP

Seven well-resolved signals could be observed in the field lower than 9.5 ppm in the 1H-NMR spectrum of the H2O solution of cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP). The signals of the tryptophan and histidine residues were identified on the basis of the CPMG spin echo spectra, the intra-residue NOE, 15N labeling, deuterium labeling, and the results of pH titration. The assignments of peaks to specific tryptophan and histidine residues are discussed in relation to the amino acid sequence and X-ray crystallographic data, and were confirmed by experiments involving partial subtilisin digestion. The four signals E (11.25 ppm), F (11.15 ppm), G (10.75 ppm), and H (10.65 ppm) were tentatively assigned to the resonances of the histidine residue at position 159, the arginine residue at position 82, and the tryptophan residues at positions 85 and 13, respectively. On the addition of cAMP and cGMP, signals F and G shifted up- and downfield respectively and conformational changes in the structure of CRP could be detected. The conformational transition mostly occurs when one cAMP molecule binds to one of the dimer subunits, but is completed only when both cAMP binding sites are saturated.

Isolated left coronary ostial stenosis--a case report

A patient with isolated left coronary ostial stenosis proved by coronary angiography is presented. Isolated left coronary ostial stenosis is a rare condition of unknown etiology. Unique clinical and angiographic profiles are discussed in detail with a review of the literature, along with a suggestion of a natural history distinct from that usually seen in atherosclerotic coronary diseases.

The acidic amino-terminal region of the HIV-1 Tat protein constitutes an essential activating domain

The Tat protein encoded by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an efficient activator of HIV gene expression. Many eukaryotic transcriptional activators contain a nucleic acid binding domain and a separate activating domain. These activating regions are acidic and often amphipathic. The amino terminus of the HIV-1 Tat protein is acidic with a periodicity of acidic, polar, and hydrophobic residues consistent with that of an amphipathic alpha helix. This region appears to be important for Tat function. We have analyzed the functional significance of acidic residues within the amino-terminal region of Tat by means of site-directed mutagenesis and by testing the capacity of mutant proteins to trans-activate the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) Conservative changes (acidic to acidic) were well tolerated, whereas acidic to neutral and acidic to basic changes markedly reduced Tat activity. The relative importance of each of the three acidic residues correlated with proximity to the amino terminus. Substitution of the entire domain with heterologous sequences that might form an acidic, amphipathic alpha helix partially restored activity when compared with an amino-terminal truncation mutant. In contrast to the observed importance of acidic residues, hydroxylated residues between amino acids 40 and 47 were dispensable for Tat function. These data suggest that the acidity of the amino terminal region is important for Tat function and that Tat-mediated trans-activation may be similar to that of other known activator proteins.

Role of the carboxy-terminal portion of the HIV-1 transmembrane protein in viral transmission and cytopathogenicity

The transmembrane glycoprotein (gp41) of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) has a long cytoplasmic domain of unknown functional significance. To investigate the role of the carboxy-terminal (C-terminal) portion of the HIV-1 envelope protein in viral replication, infectivity, and cytopathogenicity, we examined the properties of a panel of mutants with variable deletions in the 3'-env region. Deletion of the C-terminal 76 amino acids did not abolish production of reverse transcriptase upon transfection of COS-1 cells. Deletion of the C-terminal 6-14 amino acids appeared sufficient to alter the replication pattern, infectivity, and cytopathogenicity of some clones. The data suggest that conformational determinants or specific sequences are responsible for the observed changes, rather than simply the length of the gp41 cytoplasmic tail.

A case of hyperinfection with strongyloides stercoralis in an immunosuppressed patient

We experienced a case of hyperinfection with strongyloides stercoralis in a 64-year-old housewife who complained of severe epigastric pain associated with nausea, vomiting and general weakness for the period of one month. She received corticosteroid therapy for several months because of arthritis prior to admission. The diagnosis was confirmed by examination of gastroduodenal juice and gastrofiberoscopic biopsy. Stool examinations disclosed an abundance of the adult form of strongyloides stercoralis. Albendazole was given for treatment. The patient expired on the 79th hospital day.

The clinical usefulness of serum fructosamine and HbAlc in patients with NIDDM

To evaluate the clinical values of serum fructosamine and HbAlc, serum fructosamine and HbAlc were assessed in 50 normal controls and 36 patients with NIDDM (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). And we studied 10 patients selected at random among the 36 patients with NIDDM. The values of serum fructosamine and HbAlc in controls were 2.1 mmol/L and 5.3%, respectively. The levels of serum fructosamine and HbAlc were significantly higher in NIDDM patients (3.27 mmol/L and 8.8%, respectively, p less than 0.005) compared with those in the controls. The serum fructosamine was significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose and HbAlc (r = 0.78, p less than 0.78, p less than 0.001; r = 0.76, p less than 0.005, respectively). Also, in retrograde study, serum fructosamine concentration had a significant correlation to fasting plasma glucose determined 2 weeks before (r = 0.72, p less than 0.002), and 4 weeks before (r = 0.54, p less than 0.005). It is concluded that serum fructosamine measurement may be useful in monitoring short-term control of plasma glucose in patients with NIDDM.

Utilization of hospital services by cardiovascular patients, Alberta, Canada

Using hospital discharge records, and United States DRG (diagnosis related groups) data, we studied hospital utilization by cardiovascular patients, associated hospital expenditures, and the per capita cost of treating cardiovascular diseases in Alberta, Canada between 1971 and 1986. Expressed in constant 1984 Canadian dollars, the estimated total hospital cost increased from $84 million in 1971 to $131 million in 1986; during this period the Province of Alberta spent about $51 Canadian per resident each year for cardiovascular hospital services. It was noted that rural residents consumed a higher volume of resources per capita than their urban counterparts. A patient origin-destination analysis indicated an increasing dependence of rural patients on urban hospitals for secondary or tertiary care, underscoring the effects of medical technology on referral patterns.

Changes at the glomerulo-tubular junction in renal transplants

We studied by microscopy 377 biopsies, nephrectomies, and necropsy kidneys from 123 human renal transplants. We discovered two common abnormalities of the renal corpuscle, both affecting the glomerulo-tubular junction. Adhesion of the tip of the glomerular tuft to the origin of the tubule, as reported in various non-transplant glomerulopathies, was seen in 197 specimens (52 per cent). This change was common in material showing acute or chronic vascular rejection and glomerulopathy, and was almost universal in transplants that had been in place for over 1 year. Another change at the glomerulo-tubular junction, not previously highlighted, consisted of an infiltrate of lymphocytes or neutrophil polymorphs into the epithelium at the tubular origin. This change was seen in 145 specimens (38 per cent) and was associated with cellular rejection and ascending infection. These changes are of importance because they show two responses of the kidney to injury that involve the glomerulo-tubular junction and thus suggest that this part of the kidney has some specific properties that have been largely neglected up to now.

The effect of age on the cyclical patterns of plasma LH, FSH, oestradiol and progesterone in women with regular menstrual cycles

Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in plasma were obtained daily throughout the menstrual cycles of 94 regularly cycling women, aged between 24 and 50 years. Although mean LH concentrations changed little with advancing age, mean FSH concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.001) elevated from the age of 39 years. FSH concentrations in the oldest women studied (48-50 years) were approximately 3-fold greater than in the younger controls (women aged 23-35 years). LH concentrations rose slightly (P less than 0.05) during the last 5 years only. The increase in FSH concentration was not, however, uniform across the cycle, but was confined predominantly to the mid-follicular and post-ovulatory phases (i.e. those times in the normal menstrual cycle when circulating inhibin concentrations appear to be minimal). Despite the clear increases in FSH concentration, there was little alteration in the mean steroid profiles which remained within the normal fertile range throughout the last decade of reproductive life. The only exception to this was a small, transient, but significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in preovulatory oestradiol concentration between the ages of 36 and 38 years, which was followed by a transient increase (P less than 0.01) in oestradiol concentration between 39 and 44 years. However, no corresponding significant changes in mean progesterone concentrations were observed.

Hyperpigmentation in megaloblastic anemia

Hyperpigmentation of the hands and feet developed in a 65-year-old Korean woman who had undergone a total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy due to early gastric cancer 7 years previously. A diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency was made. In the areas of pigmentation, there were abnormally large nuclei in the keratinocytes. All of these findings were reversible upon the administration of vitamin B12. Ultrastructurally, there were many intracytoplasmic desmosomes, numerous aggregated bundles of tonofilaments, and highly condensed keratohyalin granules. The pathophysiologic mechanism of vitamin B12 deficiency associated with pigmentary disturbances and change of nuclear size is discussed.

Glutathione depletion in the guinea pig and its effect on the acute cochlear toxicity of ethacrynic acid

There is controversy as to whether or not the acute cochlear toxicity of ethacrynic acid (EA) is dependent upon its metabolic conversion to EA-cysteine via conjugation with glutathione. In order to investigate this we examined the acute effects of EA on cochlear potentials in guinea pigs in which glutathione levels were decreased by prior administration of (+/-)-buthionine sulphoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutamylcysteine synthetase. First, we determined the effects of BSO on hepatic and renal glutathione levels in the guinea pig. Guinea pigs (pigmented animals of both sexes or male albino animals) were killed at intervals up to 72 hr after i.p. administration of 1.6 g kg-1 BSO. Livers, and also kidneys in the case of pigmented guinea pigs, were removed and total glutathione (GSH + GSSG) measured. Glutathione levels reached a nadir in the liver at 24-48 hr (11% of control) and in the kidneys at 24 hr (14% of control) after administration of BSO. Hepatic but not renal levels approached control values by 72 hr. There were no sex or strain differences. Pigmented guinea pigs were anaesthetised and their endocochlear potential and a.c. cochlear potential in response to a 4 kHz tone were measured using an intracochlear microelectrode. The depression of these potentials by i.v. administration of 60 mg kg-1 EA was not affected by administration of 1.6 g kg-1 BSO 24 hr earlier, despite profound depletion of glutathione. Also prior p.o. administration of N-acetyl-L-cysteine did not affect hepatic glutathione levels nor modify the toxicity of EA. These results suggest that the acute cochlear toxicity of EA is not altered by glutathione depletion, a finding which argues against a role for the metabolic activation of EA in its ototoxicity.

Trophoblastic giant cells of the mouse placenta as the site of proliferin synthesis

Proliferin (PLF) is a PRL-related glycoprotein secreted by a number of mouse cell lines and by minced mouse placenta. To further investigate the hormone-like characteristics of PLF, we have determined the site of PLF synthesis and storage in the placenta and its concentration in blood serum during pregnancy. By immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization PLF protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) were localized to the trophoblastic giant cells. Individual cells contained both PLF and placental lactogen II. Trophoblastic giant cells appear to secrete PLF into the circulation since PLF was found at levels up to 5 micrograms/ml in the serum of pregnant mice by RIA and at somewhat lower concentrations in the amniotic fluid. Moreover, the serum concentration of PLF during pregnancy varied directly with the level of PLF mRNA in the placenta and with the number of placentas per animal. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PLF is a placental hormone; its function is not known.

Role of mu 1-opiate receptors in supraspinal opiate analgesia: a microinjection study

Microinjection of opiates into either the periaqueductual gray, locus coeruleus, nucleus raphe magnus, or nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis elicits a profound naloxone-sensitive analgesia. mu-Opioid receptors have been implicated in supraspinal analgesia and studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the importance of the mu 1-receptor subtype. In an effort to examine the receptor subtypes responsible for opioid analgesia in specific brain regions, we examined dose-response relationships and naloxonazine sensitivity of morphine and two enkephalin derivatives in the above 4 brain regions. Both morphine and [D-Ser2,Leu5]enkephalin-Thr6 (DSLET) were effective analgesics in all regions examined. The poor affinity of DSLET for mu 2-receptors and of morphine for delta-receptors, combined with their similar, high affinity for mu 1-receptors, implied a mu 1-mechanism of action. The mu 1-selective antagonist naloxonazine effectively blocked the analgesic responses of both compounds in all regions. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), a potent delta-ligand which does not interact with mu 1-receptors, did not elicit analgesia in either the periaqueductal gray or locus coeruleus at any dose tested. These results suggest that opiates and opioid peptides produce analgesia in these 4 brain regions through mu 1-receptors. The inactivity of DPDPE argues against a role for delta-receptors and the similar analgesic potencies of morphine and DSLET makes a significant role for mu 2-receptors unlikely.

Oligoclonal T lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis

We have investigated the T cell populations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Individual T cells from the CSF and blood were cloned before expansion and their clonotypes were defined by analysis of rearranged T cell receptor beta chain and gamma chain genes. 87 T cell clones from blood and CSF of two patients with chronic progressive MS were examined for common TCR gene rearrangement patterns. In one patient, 18 of 28 CSF-derived T cell clones demonstrated common TCR gene rearrangements indicating oligoclonal T cell populations; in the blood, two patterns were found twice among 26 T cell clones. In another patient, 5 of 27 CSF-derived clones had common TCR gene rearrangement patterns. In contrast, no common beta chain rearrangement pattern was found among 67 T cell clones derived from the blood or CSF of a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, among 20 clones from the CSF of a patient with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis, or among 66 clones from a normal subject. A subject with atypical, fatal MS of 8-mo duration was also studied and did not have oligoclonal T cells in the CSF or blood. These results demonstrate that distinct oligoclonal T cell populations can be found in the CSF immune compartment of subjects with nonmalignant inflammatory disease and they can create a new avenue for the investigation of the specificity of the T cell response within the central nervous system.

Development of immunoreagents to ciliary zonules that react with protein components of elastic fiber microfibrils and with elastin-producing cells

We describe the generation of a monoclonal antibody library to ocular zonule components and the characterization of three monoclonal antibodies: 1) one specific for microfibrillar associated glycoprotein (MAGP), a component of both ocular zonules and microfibrils of elastin fibers, 2) an antibody to an as yet unidentified 70,000 dalton antigen that is present in abundance in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of elastin-producing cells, and 3) an antibody reacting with the 67000 dalton subunit of the elastin receptor. The presence of antigenic determinants common to the ocular zonule and elastic fiber microfibrils suggests that zonules, which can be obtained in relatively pure form, can provide a valuable resource for characterizing proteins common to both microfibrillar structures.

Proliferin secreted by cultured cells binds to mannose 6-phosphate receptors

Proliferin is a prolactin-related glycoprotein secreted by proliferating mouse cell lines and by mouse placenta. In an attempt to identify target sites for proliferin action, we looked for proliferin receptors in murine fetal and maternal tissues during pregnancy using proliferin purified from the conditioned medium of a constructed Chinese hamster ovary cell line carrying amplified copies of proliferin cDNA. Purified proliferin bound to membrane preparations from fetal or maternal liver and from placenta with a Kd of 1 to 2 nM. The amount of proliferin bound per microgram of membrane protein varied markedly during pregnancy; maximal binding to day 16 fetal liver membranes was approximately 25 times that to liver membranes from adult animals. Binding to fetal and maternal receptors was specifically and completely inhibited by mannose 6-phosphate, with half-maximal inhibition at 10 microM. Furthermore, non-glycosylated proliferin did not inhibit the binding of the glycosylated protein. A approximately 300 Kd proliferin receptor was purified from the liver of pregnant mice using a proliferin affinity column and elution with mannose 6-phosphate. This receptor reacted with antibodies directed against the rat cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor. We conclude that 1) proliferin secreted by cultured cell binds to cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptors and therefore may be a lysosomal protein or targeted to lysosomes, and 2) the concentration or activity of mannose 6-phosphate receptors in murine fetal and maternal liver and in placenta is regulated during pregnancy.

Decreased erythrocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide redox potential and abnormal pyridine nucleotide content in sickle cell disease

RBCs from individuals with sickle cell disease are more susceptible to oxidant damage. Because key antioxidant defense reactions are linked to the pyridine nucleotides nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), we tested the hypothesis that the RBC redox potential as manifested by the NADH/[NAD+ + NADH] and NADPH/[NADP+ + NADPH] ratios is decreased in sickle erythrocytes. Our data demonstrate that sickle RBCs have a significant decrease in the NADH/[NAD+ + NADH] ratio compared with normal RBCs (P less than .00005). Interestingly, sickle RBCs also had a significant increase in total NAD content compared with normal RBCs (P less than .00005). In contrast, although sickle RBCs had a significant increase in the total NADP content compared with normal RBCs (P less than .00005), sickle RBCs had no significant alteration in the NADPH/[NADP+ + NADPH] ratio. High reticulocyte controls demonstrated that these changes were not related to cell age. Thus, sickle RBCs have a decrease in NAD redox potential that may be a reflection of their increased oxidant sensitivity. The changes in these pyridine nucleotides may have further metabolic consequences for the sickle erythrocyte.

Spectrophotometric determination of oxidized and reduced pyridine nucleotides in erythrocytes using a single extraction procedure

Several methods are available for the extraction and quantitation of oxidized and reduced pyridine nucleotides in erythrocytes. Enzymatic methods, however, are complicated by the presence of hemoglobin, which causes oxidation of NADH and NADPH during extraction. Although hemoglobin-mediated oxidation can be prevented by the addition of reducing agents, these interfere with spectrophotometric cycling assays for these nucleotides. Therefore, we have developed a method for determining oxidized and reduced NAD and NADP in human erythrocytes using a single extract. Our extraction method eliminates the need for reducing agents and thus allows the use of a spectrophotometric cycling assay. Using this method, we obtained full recovery of all added nucleotides with both normal and reticulocyte-enriched red blood cells. Our method is suitable for the determination of NAD+, NADH, NADP+, and NADPH in normal human erythrocytes and in red cells from patients with hemolytic anemia with a higher proportion of reticulocytes.

Clonidine induced variations of plasma norepinephrine and blood pressure in essential hypertension

To assess the contribution of sympathetic outflow to blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension, clonidine induced variations of plasma norepinephrine, mean arterial pressure and the pulse rate three hours after a 300 μg dose of oral clonidine, an antihypertensive agent that decreases central sympathetic outflow, were studied.

Baseline and clonidine suppressed plasma norepinephrine levels were not significantly different between the normal controls and patients with essential hypertension. The average plasma norepinephrine level, mean arterial pressure and pulse rate were significantly decreased from the baseline value in both normal control and essential hypertension (p<.005). The depressor response to sympathetic inhibition after clonidine were exaggerated in significant proportion in patients with essential hypertension compared to normal control group.

Our study suggests that the pressor sensitivity to norepinephrine plays more important role than sympathetic overactivity in some patients with essential hypertension.

Functional gamma chain-associated T cell receptors on cerebrospinal fluid-derived natural killer-like T cell clones

We have derived 33 independent T cell clones from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis using a single T cell cloning method. 6% (2 of 33) of these clones express the T cell receptor gamma (TCR-gamma) protein and are called CSF TCR-gamma clones. Phenotypic analyses of the CSF TCR-gamma clones indicate that they are WT-31-, CD3+, CD4-, and CD8-. The TCR-gamma protein exists on the cell surface as part of an 85-kD disulphide-linked dimer noncovalently associated with the CD3 polypeptides. The CSF TCR-gamma clones have NK-like activity that can be inhibited by anti-CD3 mAbs. Both CSF TCR-gamma clones proliferated in response to anti-CD3 mAbs coupled to Sepharose beads and/or IL-2. Furthermore, stimulation of one of these clones with anti-CD3 mAbs results in a rapid rise in intracellular calcium. These data suggest that T cells bearing the CD3-TCR-gamma protein complex are functional and play a role in the human immune response.

Base sequence-specific interactions of operator DNA fragments with the lambda-cro repressor coupled with changes in their conformations

The mechanism of interaction of the operator DNA with the lambda-cro repressor protein was investigated using proton n.m.r. and photo CIDNP. Three kinds of DNA duplexes, the lambda-OR3 17-mer, phi80-OR2 19-mer and CRP binding site 22-mer, were prepared, and all of their imino proton resonances of the complexes with lambda-cro were assigned to individual base pairs. By monitoring the assigned signals of the DNA fragments and lambda-cro, it was found that in the complex of lambda-cro with lambda-OR3, two subunits of the cro dimer bind to the right and left halves of the OR3, respectively, and the bidentate binding induces a structural distortion in the middle of the 17-mer. lambda-cro itself also undergoes a conformational change including loosening of the dimeric form. In the complex of lambda-cro with phi 80-OR2, which has a 6-bp sequence common to that of lambda-OR3, one subunit of the cro dimer seems to bind specifically to the common part. However, there is only a slight conformational change in the cro dimer. In the mixture of the CRP binding site 22-mer and lambda-cro, soft contact without any conformational change was observed between them.

Secretion of proliferin

Proliferin (PLF) is a member of the PRL-GH family whose mRNA has been detected in proliferating mouse cells in culture and in mouse placenta. Suspensions of murine placental tissue have been shown to produce PLF detectable by immunoprecipitation. Here we report that PLF is secreted as a heterogeneous glycoprotein by growing mouse cell lines and placental tissue and that the first 29 amino acids of the preprotein serve as a signal peptide. Placental PLF is immunologically distinguishable from the 2 previously described mouse placental lactogens.

Diverticular disease of the colon in Korea

This study is designed to determine the relative prevalence and characteristics of diverticular disease of the colon in Korea. We did a retrospective evaluation of 16,964 consecutive barium enemas performed at Koryo General Hospital between January 1971 and October 1986, and found 100 patients with diverticular disease of the colon. The results are as follows: 1) Colonic diverticula were found in 100 patients, and incidence of 0.59% in 16,964 consecutive barium enemas. The male to female ratio was 2.1:1. 2) Incidence rose with advancing age from 0.45% in the second decade to 2.5% in the seventh decade. 3) Patient age ranged from 19 to 77 years with more than 70% of the patients in the 5th, 6th and 7th decades. 4) The greater majority (81%) of the diverticular disease the right colon. 5) Fifty percent of the cases were classified as multiple diverticula. 6) The mean age of patients with right sided diverticula was 47.5 years and that of patients with left sided diverticula was 57.7 years. The mean age of single diverticular patients was 50.4 years and that of multiple diverticular patients was 48.4 year. 7) Associated diseases were hemorrhoids (18%), gall stones (12%) and previous appendectomy (11%). Among the 29 patients who had hemorrhoids and or a previous appendectomy, 28 of those had right sided diverticula.

Multiple myeloma in Korea--clinical analysis and treatment results in 61 cases

A clinical analysis was made of 61 cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed between January 1976 and June 1984 at Seoul National University Hospital using the criteria of the Southwest Oncology Group.

The following observations were made. 1) The major clinical problems at Initial presentation were bone pain(52%), anemia(20 %), renal impairment(11%), and infection(10%). 2) Clinical stages at presentation were stage I, 11%; stage II, 8%; and stage III, 81% of patients. Three(5%) of the patients in stage II and 18(31%) in stage III showed renal impairment with a serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dl. 3) Combination chemotherapy produced a response rate of 29% with melphalan and prednisone, and 40% with M2 protocol(among 14 and 20 evaluable patients respectively). Both regimens showed statistically significant survival difference between responders and non-responders(p <0.01). 4) The median survival of all patients was 13 months. 5)Age, calcium level, creatinine level, and performance status were important prognostic factors on survival.

Plasma apolipoproteins and lipids in normal persons and patients with hypertension

We measured apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipid levels in 115 hypertensive patients and 100 normal subjects in order to evaluate the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease in hypertensive patients. The hypertensive patients were divided into the following subgroups: blood pressure controlled (A) and uncontrolled hypertensive subgroup (B), and without complication (C) and with complication (D).

In the hypertensive group, the mean plasma ApoA, ApoB, total cholesterol, triglyceride and beta-lipoprotein (LpB) levels were significantly higher than in the normal control group. The plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) level was not significantly different between the hypertensive group and the normal control group. ApoB/A ratio in the hypertensive group was higher than in the normal control group, but the difference was not significant statistically.

In the hypertensive subgroups, plasma Apo A was higher in all the hypertensive subgroups compared to normal control group, but these differences were not statistically significant. In subgroup B, C and D, the plasma ApoB level increased significantly as compared to the normal control group, but not so in the subgroup A. All of the subgroups had significantly higher levels of triglyceride and LpB level than the normal control group. HLD cholesteol level of all of the subgroups did not show any significant difference as compared to the normal control group. In subgroup B, C and D, the ApoB/A ratio was not significantly different from the normal control group. In the subgroup A, ApoB/A ratio was lower than in the normal control group, this was not significant statistically. Between subgroup A and B, and subgroup C and D, all of the plasma lipids and apolipoproteins did not show significant differences.

Thus our results showed that ApoB, LpB and triglyceride, which are closely related to atherosclerotic heart disease, were significantly increased in any of hypertensive subgroups compared to the normal control group.

Dynamic behavior of the imino protons of the gamma OR3 17mer in H2O solution studied by high-resolution NMR

The imino proton resonances of gamma OR3 17mer in water were observed at 500 MHz with the time-shared Redfield pulse train. All of the 17 imino proton resonances could be assigned specifically to individual base pairs by utilizing the trace of NOE connectivities between the imino and adenine C2H protons and between imino protons themselves. AT1 and 17 showed abnormally high chemical shifts in comparison with the other AT pairs. On raising the temperature, broadening of the signal occurred in a sequential manner from the terminals except for AT10 and AT11, which were broadened at a lower temperature than GC12. The relaxation rates of the imino protons were measured by the inversion recovery method. The rates at higher temperatures represent the exchange rates of the imino protons. From the temperature dependences, activation energies of about 15 kcal/mol for the AT imino protons and 23-26 kcal/mol for the GC imino protons were obtained.

Safety of outpatient cardiac catheterizations

Since 1979 most of the cardiac catheterizations at the investigators' institution have been performed as outpatient procedures. All cardiac catheterizations performed over a 66-month period were analyzed. A total of 3,071 outpatient cardiac catheterizations (83% of all cardiac catheterizations) were performed. The percutaneous femoral technique was used in 98% of the procedures. Most patients (79%) had both right and left-sided cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography, which showed significant coronary artery disease (70.4%). Only 13.6% of the study results were normal. Thirty-four patients (1.1%) had major complications, including 4 deaths (0.13%). Seventy patients (2.3%) were admitted for observation only. More than 96% of all patients did not have a major complication and were discharged the same day. Thus, outpatient cardiac catheterization can be performed safely, with a potential reduction in hospital costs and better utilization of medical beds.

Exposed tyrosine residues of lambda cro repressor protein evidenced by nitration and photo CIDNP experiments

The tyrosine residues of lambda cro repressor were partially nitrated with tetranitromethane under mild conditions. After digestion by Achromobacter protease I, the extent of nitration was determined by HPLC and amino acid analysis. Tyr 26 was most easily nitrated and Tyr 51 followed it. Tyr 10 was resistant to nitration. By comparison of the proton magnetic resonance spectrum of the partially nitrated cro protein with the above result, the aromatic proton resonances of the tyrosine side chains could be assigned to individual tyrosine residues. The extent of nitration is parallel to the accessibility to a flavin dye as measured by photo CIDNP (chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization).