Purification and molecular cloning of the group II chaperonin from the acidothermophilic archaeon, Sulfolobus sp. strain 7

To elucidate the structure and functional mechanism of the group II chaperonin, molecular cloning of the gene for and purification of the group II chaperonin from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus sp. strain 7 were performed. The purified Sulfolobus chaperonin exhibited weak ATPase activity and arrested the spontaneous refolding of the thermophilic lactate dehydrogenase. However, the refolding could not be resumed by addition of ATP. The chaperonin consists of two kinds of subunits, alpha and beta, the deduced amino acid sequences of which were highly homologous to those of TF56 and TF55 from Sulfolobus shibatae, respectively.

Characteristics of mucosal nociceptors in the rat oral cavity: an in vitro study

Characteristics of mucosal nociceptors were investigated by recording activities from single fibers in the lingual nerve in an in vitro jaw-nerve preparation of rats. We found four subtypes of nociceptors in the medial side gingival area of the oral mucosa in the lower jaw: 11 A delta-high threshold mechanonociceptors (A delta-HTMs), 7 A delta-mechanoheat nociceptors (A delta-MHs), 21 A delta-polymodal nociceptors (A delta-POLYs) and 28 C-polymodal nociceptors (C-POLYs). Thus the majority of the nociceptors was polymodal type (ca. 73% of the recorded fibers), ca. 43% of which consisted of A delta-POLYs scarcely found in the skin but commonly found in the deep tissue, muscle or colon. In contrast to the skin, the size of the receptive field of both A delta and C polymodal types was larger than that of either A delta-HTM or A delta-MH type. The von Frey threshold of all types of mucosal nociceptor was higher than that of the skin, though their heat threshold was almost the same as that of the skin nociceptors. These results show that the mucosal nociceptors are different from the skin nociceptors in the frequency distribution of their types and certain physiological properties.

Three cases of familial ulcerative colitis--in a mother and two of her sons

A pedigree of familial ulcerative colitis with their HLA haplotypes is reported. The mother and two children, the eldest and second of three sons were affected. The mother developed proctitis at age 35, and the lesion extended to the entire colon at the time of a relapse. The two sons developed ulcerative colitis in a similar fashion; total colitis, of moderate severity, developing at age 16 in both. The analysis of HLA haplotypes of all five family members suggested that the HLA responsible for ulcerative colitis in this family was not HLA B, C, or DR, but Aw24 and DQw1. The third son had the same HLA haplotype as the second son, and it was presumed that he would develop ulcerative colitis in the future. These cases, together with other cases of familial ulcerative colitis indicate that Aw24 and DQw1 are critical phenotypes for ulcerative colitis in Japan.

Predominance of type 2 cytokine-producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells in patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Recently, increased IL-4 and decreased interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with atopic dermatitis have been reported by several groups. They measured the total amount of each cytokine in culture supernatants in their studies. These studies suggested a predominance of type 2 cytokine-producing cells in atopic dermatitis. However, it is still unclear whether the cytokine imbalance is the result of an imbalance of specific T-cell subsets or of dysregulation of the cytokine-producing ability in T-cell subsets. Here, we examined frequencies of IL-4-, IFN-gamma-, or IL-2-producing CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in PBMCs from patients with atopic dermatitis at a single cell level by using flow cytometry.

METHODS

PBMCs from 45 patients with atopic dermatitis and 24 healthy control subjects were stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody for 6 hours in the presence of monensin. Cells were fixed, made permeable, and stained for intracellular cytokines in combination with staining for cell surface markers CD4 and CD8.

RESULTS

The frequency of IL-4-producing CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells from patients with atopic dermatitis was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that from healthy control subjects. In contrast, the frequency of IFN-gamma-producing CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in the patients with atopic dermatitis. The frequency of IL-2-producing cells from patients with atopic dermatitis was comparable to that from healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that frequencies of type 2 cytokine-producing cells, not only among CD4+ cells but also among CD8+ cells, were significantly higher in patients with atopic dermatitis than in healthy control subjects.

[Atopic dermatitis and related factors observed at infant physical examination at health centers]

We investigated the incidence of atopic dermatitis and related factors at infant physical examination at health centers. Subjects were 900 infants (290 four-month-old infants, 298 one-year and six month-old infants, 312 three-year-old infants) who participated in infant physical examinations in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama City. Overall, we analyzed 696 infants whose mothers had cooperated with the survey by completing questionnaires during physical examinations, and who submitted to examination by consulting dermatologists. The incidence of atopic dermatitis was 11.6% in 4-month-old infants, 12.2% in 1.5-year-old infants, and 12.1% in 3-year-old infants. The following were found to be related to the atopic dermatitis of infants. 1. Family history of atopic dermatitis in their mothers and older siblings. 2. Mothers' limited diet during pregnancy (avoiding some food which are suspected allergens). 3. Past history of molluscum contagiosum. 4. The frequency of taking bath. While epidemiological surveys of atopic dermatitis have previously been performed, the criteria at each survey was not identical and results could not be compared precisely. In this survey, 1. Dermatologists specializing in atopic dermatitis performed examinations. 2. All diagnoses were made according to standardized criteria which are applied nationwide. 3. All subjects were from a specific region. Because of this approach, this survey provides important information that can form the basis of comparison for future epidemiological surveys of atopic dermatitis.

Enhancement of cell-mediated immunity against HIV-1 induced by coinnoculation of plasmid-encoded HIV-1 antigen with plasmid expressing IL-12

Previous investigations have demonstrated that CTL may play an important role in suppressing the disease progression of HIV infection. In this study, we inoculated mice with IL-12 expression plasmid together with plasmid-encoding HIV-1 envelope to enhance CTL activity by activating a Th1-type response. The results of delayed-type hypersensitivity using the footpad swelling response and of CTL activity clearly showed that HIV-1-specific cell-mediated immunity was enhanced by inoculation of the IL-12 expression plasmid. Quantitation of cytokine in the sera of IL-12-inoculated mice revealed that IFN-gamma significantly increased. The enhanced cell-mediated immunity responses were abrogated by combined administration of the IL-12 expression plasmid and neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma Ab. Together, these results suggest that enhanced virus-specific cell-mediated immunity occurred via an endogenously produced IFN-gamma by inoculation of IL-12 expression plasmid.

Enhancement of cell-mediated immunity against HIV-1 induced by coinnoculation of plasmid-encoded HIV-1 antigen with plasmid expressing IL-12

Previous investigations have demonstrated that CTL may play an important role in suppressing the disease progression of HIV infection. In this study, we inoculated mice with IL-12 expression plasmid together with plasmid-encoding HIV-1 envelope to enhance CTL activity by activating a Th1-type response. The results of delayed-type hypersensitivity using the footpad swelling response and of CTL activity clearly showed that HIV-1-specific cell-mediated immunity was enhanced by inoculation of the IL-12 expression plasmid. Quantitation of cytokine in the sera of IL-12-inoculated mice revealed that IFN-gamma significantly increased. The enhanced cell-mediated immunity responses were abrogated by combined administration of the IL-12 expression plasmid and neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma Ab. Together, these results suggest that enhanced virus-specific cell-mediated immunity occurred via an endogenously produced IFN-gamma by inoculation of IL-12 expression plasmid.

[Surgical treatment of primary pulmonary malignant lymphoma: a report of successful case]

A 73-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of abnormal shadow in the lung field. The pathological report of the percutaneous needle lung biopsy specimen under the CT scan was suggested lymphoma (lymphomatoid granulomatosis suspected), and the right middle lobectomy was performed. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the operative specimen revealed B-cell type malignant lymphoma (diffuse pleomorphic lymphoma, large cell type, high grade lymphoma). Primary pulmonary malignant lymphoma is a rare disorder, and it is difficult utilized to distinguish between true malignant lymphoma and lymphomatoid granulomatosis, or pseudolymphoma. Anyway, the first choice of the treatment is surgical excision, because of its satisfactory prognosis.

Sexual function and clinical features of patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with the chief complaint of male infertility

In this report, we present the overall sexual function and clinical features of patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with the chief complaint of male infertility. The study consisted of 40 patients with a control group of 55 infertile non-azoospermic males with a normal 46,XY karyotype who visited the Reproduction Center of Toho University Hospital during the 5.5-year period between January 1991 and June 1996 with the chief complaint of male infertility. Among the 40 patients with Klinefelter's syndrome, 38 cases were pure 47,XXY, one case was 47,XXY with a pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 and one case was a mosaic of 46,XY/47,XXY(2:28). Thirty-nine of these 40 patients were azoospermic and one (47,XXY) had severe oligoasthenozoospermia. The sexual function of the patients was evaluated according to their responses to a preliminary questionnaire devised by our department. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sexual function disturbances between the patients with Klinefelter's syndrome and the control group (67.5% vs. 60.0%; chi 2 analysis; p = 0.454). The mean frequency of sexual intercourse per month in the patients with Klinefelter's syndrome was significantly higher than in the control group (4.4 +/- 2.8 vs 3.3 +/- 1.6: Welch's t-test, p < 0.05). A possible explanation for this variation may lie in the fact that many of these patients were diagnosed with azoospermia poor to the administration of the questionnaire and may have wished to continue to have relations as a couple.

STAM, signal transducing adaptor molecule, is associated with Janus kinases and involved in signaling for cell growth and c-myc induction

We previously identified a putative signal transducing adaptor molecule, named STAM, that contains an Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). In this report, we demonstrate the functional significance of STAM in cytokine-mediated signal transduction. STAM is associated with Jak3 and Jak2 tyrosine kinases via its ITAM region and phosphorylated by Jak3 and Jak2 upon stimulation with IL-2 and GM-CSF, respectively. An SH3 deletion mutant of STAM confers a dominant-negative effect on DNA synthesis mediated by IL-2 and GM-CSF. Furthermore, the wild-type STAM, but not STAM mutants deleted of SH3 and ITAM, significantly enhances c-myc induction mediated by IL-2 and GM-CSF. These results strongly implicate STAM in the signaling pathways for cell growth and c-myc induction immediately downstream of the Jaks associated with the cytokine receptors.

A case of Turner syndrome with schizophrenia: genetic relationship between Turner syndrome and psychosis

An 82-year-old woman with Turner syndrome and schizophrenia, and her 46-year-old daughter with schizophrenia are described. 45X/46XX chromosomal mosaicism was identified in the peripheral leukocytes of the mother, who showed several Turner dysmorphisms and cavum septi pellucidum in the brain. She had a normal reproductive life-span. The daughter resembled the mother in terms of schizophrenic symptoms, but she did not show any signs of Turner dysmorphism or chromosomal abnormality. The phenotype-karyotype relationship of Turner syndrome and the genetic relationship with psychosis are discussed.

Basilar invagination associated with an intercarotid paraganglioma--case report

A 24-year-old female presented with basilar invagination and kyphoscoliosis of the cervical spine associated with a large intercarotid paraganglioma. She had suffered from pharyngeal discomfort from the age of 9 years due to the tumor. The tumor had originated from the right carotid body and extended in the parapharyngeal space compressing the upper cervical spine. Presumably the slowly growing tumor had caused the kyphoscoliosis and disturbed osseous development of the occipito-atlanto-axial complex, resulting in anterior basilar invagination, hypoplasia of the clivus, and aplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas.

Suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression in leprosy skin lesions during treatment for leprosy

The expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in leprosy skin lesions was examined before and during successful treatment in a patient with borderline lepromatous leprosy. Before treatment, immunohistochemical staining of a skin biopsy specimen showed diffuse TNF-alpha deposits in granulomas and significant TNF-alpha deposits on infiltrated mononuclear cells. After 1 year's treatment, the skin lesions exhibited a reduction in granulomas, and a concomitant reduction in deposits of TNF-alpha. Furthermore, the level of expression of TNF-alpha messenger RNA, as examined using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method, was reduced markedly after treatment. These findings provide evidence for a correlation between the expression of TNF-alpha and disease activity suggesting that TNF-alpha is a useful prognostic indicator for inflammation in leprosy.

Immunomodulatory effects of a plasmid expressing B7-2 on human immunodeficiency virus-1-specific cell-mediated immunity induced by a plasmid encoding the viral antigen

B7 co-stimulation is essential for activating resting T cells following antigen recognition by the T cell receptor. To determine whether B7 has adjuvant activities on human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-specific immunity induced by inoculation of a plasmid encoding HIV-1 env and rev (DNA vaccine), B7-1 and B7-2 expression plasmids were co-inoculated with the DNA vaccine. The delayed-type hypersensitivity response and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity were significantly enhanced when B7-2 expression plasmid was co-inoculated with the DNA vaccine, but were unaffected when the B7-1 expression plasmid was used with the vaccine instead. The immunological response enhanced by B7-2 decreased below the level of mice immunized with the DNA vaccine in combination with CTLA4Ig, an inhibitor of the B7/CD28 co-stimulatory signal, suggesting that this signal is critical for the enhanced response induced by co-inoculation of the DNA vaccine and B7-2 expression plasmid. This enhancement appeared to occur via an interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-dependent mechanism, as combined administration of the B7-2 plasmid and neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibody abrogated the virus-specific cell-mediated immunity. These results suggest that this gene-based co-inoculation strategy using HIV-1 viral antigen and B7-2 co-stimulatory molecule could be a powerful means of combating HIV-1 infection.

[Response properties of rat periodontal mechanoreceptors in an in vitro preparation]

Responses of periodontal primary afferents to mechanical stimulation were investigated in an in vitro jaw-nerve preparation from Wistar albino rats. Single unit activities of the inferior alveolar nerve evoked by von Frey stimuli were recorded using the microneurographical technique. Fifty-five (lower incisor) and 100 (lower 3 molars), units responding to spikes of the mechanical stimulation of the periodontal ligament left attached to the alveolar bone surface after extraction, were obtained. Both rapidly adapting (RA) type and slowly adapting (SA) type receptors were found among fibers in the incisor, while only RA type was found in the molar. The majority of these receptors were innervated by A delta fiber. The threshold in the incisor unit was 11.8 mN except for one (7.8 mN), while those innervating the molar showed various values (11.8, 7.8, and 2.9 mN). The response patterns of the RA type were divided into 3 types (on, off, and on-off type). In the molar, almost all of single primary afferents innervated the periodontal ligaments of more than one tooth, and in on-off type units innervating the molar periodontal ligament, a significant difference of mechanical threshold was found among the three groups classified by the number of the innervating periodontal ligaments.

Functional expression on human trophoblasts of interleukin 4 and interleukin 7 receptor complexes with a common gamma chain

The gamma chain in the high-affinity receptor complex for interleukin 2(IL-2) is used in receptor complexes for IL-4 and IL-7. We examined expression and function of the gamma chain in trophoblast cells. Flow cytometric studies demonstrated that the human placental cell line and choriocarcinoma cell lines expressed the IL-2R gamma chain. None of these cell lines expressed the IL-2R alpha and beta chains, whereas the alpha chains of IL-4R and IL-7R were present. The gamma chain and IL-4R and IL-7R mRNA were detected in human placental trophoblasts by the in situ hybridization method. The release of human chorionic gonadotropin by trophoblasts was accelerated by IL-4 and IL-7 in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings indicate that IL-4 and IL-7 are involved in trophoblast function.

Genetic control of immune responses to HIV-1 env DNA vaccine

We investigated the genetic control of immunoglobulin production and the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response produced by an HIV-specific DNA vaccine using several strains of mice. Murine antigen-specific immunoglobulin production was determined by ELISA. The DTH response was assessed in terms of the footpad swelling reaction. All strains of mice, except for B10.RIII and B10.T(6R), exhibited strong immunoglobulin production and footpad swelling in response to the DNA vaccine. In vitro treatment of lymphoid cells with monoclonal antibodies showed that the footpad swelling response was mediated by CD4+8- and Ia- T cells. However, CD8+ T cells did not suppress footpad swelling. There was no difference in the induction of HIV-specific immunoglobulin production or DTH response induced by the DNA vaccine among the strains, suggesting that HIV-specific DNA vaccine is useful for immunizing various populations against HIV-1.

Effect of hypoxia on amniotic fluid erythropoietin levels in fetal rats

Erythropoietin (EPO) levels in amniotic fluid and serum were measured in hypoxic (fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO2, 0.09) and posthypoxic (following a 24-hour period of hypoxia, FiO2 0.09) fetal rats on day 21 of gestation. Each of the study groups comprised 12-20 fetuses. Each of the control groups consisted of 21 or 22 fetuses. Fetal serum EPO levels at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h of hypoxia were significantly higher than the control level. Amniotic fluid EPO levels at 9, 12, and 24 h of hypoxia were also significantly increased compared to the control level. Fetal serum EPO levels returned to baseline during the 12- to 48-hour period after hypoxia. During the 0- to 48-hour posthypoxic period, amniotic fluid EPO levels were significantly higher than the control level. These data demonstrate that rates of appearance and turnover of amniotic fluid EPO are different from those of fetal serum EPO.

HIV-1-specific cell-mediated immunity is enhanced by co-inoculation of TCA3 expression plasmid with DNA vaccine

We developed a candidate DNA vaccine designated pCMV160IIIB with pcREV (pCMV160IIIB/REV) that encodes gp160 of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1IIIB and Rev driven by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promotor. This vaccine induced both HIV-1-specific antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. In the present study, we inoculated the TCA3 expression plasmid into mouse skeletal muscle with pCMV160IIIB/REV to determine whether this cytokine expression plasmid was able to modify the immune response. Results of a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) assay using footpad swelling as well as those of a CTL assay clearly demonstrated that cell-mediated immunity (CMI) elicited by co-inoculation of pCMV160IIIB/REV with the TCA3 expression plasmid was markedly enhanced compared with that obtained using pCMV160IIIB/REV alone. When TCA3 expression plasmid was inoculated with anti-TCA3 antibody, enhancement of the DTH response was suppressed below the level of that obtained with pCMV160IIIB/REV alone. The titre of HIV-1-specific IgG2a was slightly high when pCMV160IIIB/REV was co-inoculated with this plasmid, suggesting that T-helper 1 (Th1) response was predominant in TCA3-inoculated mice. Infiltration of mononuclear cells was seen in the muscles at sites where TCA3 expression plasmid had been inoculated. Our present data suggest that TCA3 expression plasmid has potent adjuvant activity that results in an augmented CMI response.