[A late phase-II trial comparing KW-2307 with vindesine in non-small cell lung cancer (1). Lung cancer section in KW-2307 Study Group]

A multicenter cooperative study was performed to compare KW-2307 (KW), a novel vinca alkaloid (VA) derivative, and vindesine (VDS), with respect to tumor response and toxicity in patients (pts) with non-small cell lung cancer. In the former part of the trial, pts received monotherapy with KW 25 mg/m2 or VDS 3 mg/m2. Pts refractory to treatment with KW or VDS were crossed over to treatment with VDS (3 mg/m2/W x 3) or KW (20 mg/m2/W x 3), respectively, in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) 80 mg/m2. Both drugs were administered in 4 courses or more once weekly by intravenous bolus injection in monotherapy. In the subsequent combination therapy, non-responders were treated with CDDP on day 1 and KW or VDS on day 1, 8 and 15 with a course of 28 days, and treatment was given in 2 courses or more in principle. According to the method of O'Brien/Fleming, comparison of tumor response between the 2 treatment groups in the 2nd stage was performed in 154 cases. The response rate of KW group (29.4%, 22/75) was significantly better than that of VDS group (9.3%, 7/75). The main adverse effect in both groups was leukopenia (neutropenia), and no significant difference was observed between the incidence in each group. Among other adverse effects, increased GOT, fever and phlebitis were slightly more often found in KW group, and alopecia and paresthesia a little more in the VDS group. In the later part of combination therapy with CD DP, the KW group achieved PR in 10 of 34 pts (29.4%), and no response was observed in the VDS group (28 pts).

Fluid shear stress increases the expression of thrombomodulin by cultured human endothelial cells

Endothelial cells (ECs) cultured from human umbilical vein were exposed to medium flow in a flow-loading chamber, and changes in thrombomodulin (TM) expression were examined by flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with monoclonal antibody. The expression of TM antigen was increased time- and shear stress-dependently by flow, and when exposed to a shear stress of 15 dynes/cm2 for 24 hr, it increased to approximately 200% of the stationary control level. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed that TM mRNA levels in ECs also increased in response to flow. TM mRNA began to increase one hour after the application of shear stress of 15 dynes/cm2 and reached a maximum (approximately 330% of stationary control) after eight hours. These results, demonstrating an up-regulating effect of flow on TM expression in ECs, suggest that shear stress may be an important modulator of intravascular blood coagulation.

Two naturally occurring mutations in the kinase domain of insulin receptor accelerate degradation of the insulin receptor and impair the kinase activity

We identified two novel heterozygous missense mutations of the insulin receptor gene: the Asp1179 mutation in one family and the Leu1193 mutation in two unrelated families with extreme insulin resistance. In these patients, the number of insulin receptors on the cell surface was found to be markedly decreased by insulin binding and surface labeling studies in transformed lymphocytes. Insulin binding to the transfected COS 7 cells and Rat-1 cells with both mutant cDNAs was also decreased to 5-31% of normal, and the mutant insulin receptors showed a markedly decreased kinase activity. Although biosynthetic labeling studies revealed that both mutant receptors were synthesized as 190-kDa proreceptors, the degradation of the mutant proreceptors was 2-fold faster than that of the wild type proreceptors. However, the degradation rate of the mutant receptors on the cell surface was comparable to that of wild type insulin receptor. These results suggest that the Asp1179 and Leu1193 mutations in the kinase domain are unique in causing decreased insulin receptor number on the cell surface by accelerated intracellular degradation, and that insulin resistance in these patients is mainly due to the decreased receptor number rather than impaired kinase activity.

Nerve growth factor treatment induces high-potassium-evoked calcium-dependent acetylcholine release in cultured embryonic rat septal cells

The effects of dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) on acetylcholine (ACh) release from primary cultured cells of embryonic rat septum were studied. Both dbcAMP and NGF increased the activity of choline acetyltransferase and contents of intracellular and spontaneously released ACh without affecting the total protein content. High-potassium-evoked ACh release was observed in NGF-treated cells but not in untreated and dbcAMP-treated cells. These results indicate that NGF induces cholinergic maturation from induction of the ACh-synthetic enzyme to the excitation-secretion processes.

Sustained release of hCG minipellet for newt experiment in space

Sustained release formulation of hCG, hCG minipellet, was applied to induce oviposition of newt. Period of egg spawning was prolonged with a certain delay of its initiation. When hCG minipellet was injected to newt that was hibernating, it induced egg spawning even after one month of hibernation. Results suggest that minipellet keeps steady concentration of hCG at the effective level for longer period. For the study on early development of newt egg, it is essential to obtain egg on orbit. hCG minipellet makes it possible even at launch slip or early "late access".

Bone marrow transplantation for erythroleukemia: a case report

A 2 year old girl was diagnosed as having erythroleukemia (EL; M6 according to the French-American-British classification). After one course of low-dose cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), complete remission was obtained. After three courses of low-dose Ara-C for consolidation, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation was performed from HLA-identical sibling. The course of post-transplantation was uneventful. Two years after transplantation, she continues to have durable engraftment and remission. In children with EL, conventional chemotherapy appears to be inadequate for producing durable long-term disease-free survival. Bone marrow transplantation should be considered in children with EL, in cases where suitable donors are available.

[Molecular and clinical abnormalities of apolipoprotein A-I]

Several epidemiological and clinical studies have shown an inverse correlation between low plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as well as its major protein component, apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), and the risk of coronary artery disease. Apo A-I plays an important role in a reverse cholesterol transport. In this model, HDL mediates the cholesterol flux from peripheral cells to the liver. The structure and function of HDL-deficiency syndromes and apo A-I variants provides genetic markers of whether the presence of these molecular defects accounts for low HDL cholesterol levels and the coronary risk.

Characterization and expression of a P-450-like mycinamicin biosynthesis gene using a novel Micromonospora-Escherichia coli shuttle cosmid vector

A 29 kb shuttle cosmid vector, pTYS507, was constructed from a cryptic Micromonospora griseorubida plasmid and the Escherichia coli cosmid pJB8. Subcloning of mycinamicin II biosynthesis genes in pTYS507 led to the identification of a DNA region that could complement a mutant of M. griseorubida that lacked both hydroxylase and epoxidase activities. Nucleotide sequence and mutational analysis suggested that a single P-450-like protein catalyzes both reactions.

N,N,N-trimethylsphingosine modifies aggregatory response and ATP release from platelets in whole blood

We investigated the influence of N,N,N-trimethylsphingosine (TMS), a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), on whole blood aggregation and ATP release from platelets. The preincubation with TMS at 1 microM for 2 min enhanced ATP release during arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. The ristocetin-induced agglutination was inhibited in a TMS concentration-dependent manner, which suggests that TMS may interact with the vWF receptor on platelets. TMS suppressed aggregatory response and ATP release from platelets after the addition of collagen. In contrast, the platelet aggregation induced by ADP and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was only slightly inhibited and the ATP release was not influenced after preincubation with TMS. Our results are in contrast to previous reported data, which were obtained using PRP and washed platelets.

Heparin and heparan sulfate enhancement of the inhibitory activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 toward urokinase type plasminogen activator

To study effects of glycosaminoglycan on the interaction between two chain urokinase type plasminogen activator (tcu-PA) (EC 3.4.21.31) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) the second order rate constant (k1) between high molecular weight tcu-PA and active recombinant prokaryotic PAI-1 (rpPAI-1) was determined employing a continuous method using chromogenic substrate S-2444 either in the presence or absence of various kinds of glycosaminoglycans. k1 was (5.9 +/- 1.6).10(6)/mol per s in the absence of effector molecule, and following addition of heparin (1.0 U/ml) k1 was enhanced to (3.22 +/- 0.73).10(7). A significant enhancement of k1 was also obtained by heparan sulfate (1.87 +/- 0.25).10(7). Dermatan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate did not show a significant effect on k1 although a slight decrease was obtained by mono-dextran sulfate (4.2 +/- 1.2).10(6). The intrinsic fluorescence of rpPAI-1 was shown to be slightly increased following addition of heparin (1.49 +/- 0.22%, n = 6), suggesting that heparin may enhance the inhibitory activity of PAI-1 toward tcu-PA both by a template mechanism and by a modification of PAI-1 structure.

[A case report of rectal cancer with lymph node metastasis effectively treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy of 5-FU oral and low-dose CDDP transarterial administration]

A 52-year-old man was diagnosed as having rectal cancer. Miles' operation with regional lymph node dissection was performed in April 1989. CT scanning and MRI examination performed in May 1992 showed local recurrence in a lymph node of the pelvic cavity (282). We implanted a catheter in the left internal iliac artery and connected it to an implanted injection port through a subcutaneous tunnel. 5-FU was administered orally at 300 mg daily. CDDP was injected through an injection port at a dose of 20 mg/body/day twelve times and 10 mg/body/day six times. CT scanning showed a change in the size of the tumor, with a reduction rate of 75%. Thereafter, we performed a radical operation in September 1992. The histopathological effect was Grade 2.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (mpa) increases pai-1 secretion from huvec and elevates the plasma-levels of pai-I in-vivo

Plasma levels of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in patients administered with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (800 mg/day) or tamoxifen (20 mg/day) were assayed. Active free PAI-1 levels of patients given MPA were significantly higher than those either given tamoxifen or post adjuvant therapy, t-PA antigen levels were not different among the three groups. In in vitro study, treatment of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with MPA (10(-6)-10(-8) M) decreased PAI-1 levels significantly with a trend to decrease in t-PA levels.

Direct binding of collagen to the I domain of integrin alpha 2 beta 1 (VLA-2, CD49b/CD29) in a divalent cation-independent manner

Integrin alpha 2 beta 1 is a major divalent cation-dependent receptor for collagen. Here, we show that the recombinant inserted/interactive domain (I domain) of alpha 2 specifically interacts with collagen, indicating the I domain contains all the components necessary for collagen binding. Evidence was obtained that divalent cations are not required for collagen binding to the I domain fragment, indicating that divalent cations are not involved in the actual binding to collagen but probably in the regulation of the binding. We identified Thr-221 within the previously identified putative ligand binding region as a residue critical for collagen binding to both alpha 2 beta 1 and the I domain fragment. Thr-221 may be involved in the actual collagen binding and recognition.

Serotonergic measures in cyclosporine A treated rats

Whole blood and plasma serotonin (5-HT), its major metabolite--5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), renal cortical blood flow, serum creatinine and whole blood cyclosporine A (CyA) levels were investigated in rats administered with CyA at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. or 10 mg/kg b.w. for 14 consecutive days. Serum creatinine remained unaltered during CyA treatment and no apparent changes in excised kidneys were found. Dose-dependent increases in whole blood and plasma 5-HT as well as whole blood 5-HIAA levels were observed. Renal cortical blood flow declined significantly and correlated inversely with whole blood 5-HT and 5-HIAA as well as with plasma 5-HT. Whole blood 5-HT was positively related to whole blood CyA levels. Taking all these data into account and considering the fact that 5-HT is a potent vasoconstrictor, a possible role of this amine in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia during CyA administration is suggested.

Characterization of two new human apolipoprotein A-I variants: apolipoprotein A-I Tsushima (Trp-108-->Arg) and A-I Hita (Ala-95-->Asp)

Two unrelated subjects with new variants of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I were found during screening with isoelectric focusing (IEF) gel analysis. In the first case, apo A-I Tsushima, sequencing following amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed a residue 108 missense mutation (TGG-->CGG, Trp-->Arg) in exon 4. The proband of apo A-I Tsushima was heterozygous for this mutation. The second case, apo A-I Hita, revealed a residue 95 missense mutation (GCC-->GAC, Ala-->Asp) in exon 4. The proband of apo A-I Hita was compound heterozygous with apo A-I (Ala-37-->Thr). These two subjects exhibited normal plasma concentrations of apo A-I and HDL cholesterol. In screening normal high school students (n = 198), we used a PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis to rapidly detect the substitution of G to A at codon 37 because the apo A-I (GC-->ACC, Ala-37-->Thr) mutation is unrelated to the charge difference on IEF. The frequency of the A allele was 0.04: the substitution G to A at codon 37 did not affect the plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins.

[Immunohistological study in Bruch's membrane of senescence accelerated mouse]

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the major causes of severe visual loss is elderly individuals. However, relatively little is known about its etiology. The disease may be associated with senescence. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies on SAM (senescence accelerated mouse) eyes were carried out to learn details of aging changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane. SAM P 1 mice aged 2, 10, 14 months were examined in this study. The eyes were analysed for type IV collagen and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complexes (ABC) method and post-embeddig immunolocalization with colloidal gold. With the ABC method, the basement membranes of both the RPE and the choriocapillaris showed markedly positive staining when treated with anti-type IV collagen antibody and moderately positive staining when treated with anti-HSPG antibody. In ultrastructural immunolocalization, both basement membranes showed fairly heavy labeling in response to the antibodies to type IV collagen, and moderate labeling in response to the antibodies to HSPG. With aging, the thickness of the basement membrane of the choriocapillaris and gold particle labeling by the antibodies to type IV collagen increased. The gold particle labeling by the antibodies to HSPG increased slightly, but was distributed sparsely. These results showed the advancing process of senescence changes in Bruch's membrane.

Fibrinolysis and serotonin under cyclosporine A treatment in renal transplant recipients

Cyclosporine A (CyA), a potent immunosuppressive drug, has been used in renal transplant recipients with increasing frequency since 1982. Despite its efficacy, CyA therapy has been associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic complications. This has been attributed to increased thromboxane production, reduced prostacyclin synthesis and increased platelet aggregability. The coagulation system is also altered in CyA-treated patients and some of these changes would favor thrombosis. Increased fibrinogen and FVII:C levels have also been associated with an enhanced risk of thrombosis. In contrast, CyA therapy was reported to increase the levels of antithrombin III and protein C, two proteins known to protect against venous thromboembolism. However, the possible effect of CyA on the fibrinolytic system has not been thoroughly investigated and rather confusing data have been reported concerning both enhancement and suppression of fibrinolysis. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) may play a role in hemostasis and platelet/vessel wall interactions. It may facilitate platelet thrombus formation by potentiating the aggregatory response to other agents such as ADP, collagen or epinephrine and by causing vasoconstriction. Taking all these data into consideration we have measured some fibrinolytic parameters, whole blood and plasma serotonin concentration in cyclosporine A- and non-cyclosporine A-treated kidney transplant recipients.

Correlations between platelet aggregation, fibrinolysis, peripheral and central serotonergic measures in subhuman primates

We have studied the relationships between whole blood and plasma serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), its major metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and serum lipids, platelet aggregation in the whole blood and in the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and some fibrinolytic parameters in monkeys. Plasma 5-HT was found to be positively related to 5-HT- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity, serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, whereas 5-HT in cerebrospinal fluid correlated inversely with serum cholesterol. Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity was positively related to LDL. Euglobulin clot lysis time was related to both tPA and PAI activities. The significance of these findings and the possible role of 5-HT in atherogenesis and hemostasis are discussed.

Leu 193 mutation in the cysteine rich region of the insulin receptor inhibits the cleavage of the insulin receptor precursor but not insulin binding

To characterize the Leu 193 mutant insulin receptor, which was found in a patient with extreme insulin resistance, the mutant insulin receptor was overexpressed in Rat-1 fibroblasts by transfection of mutated insulin receptor cDNA. In the pulse-chase experiment, the cleavage of the proreceptors to the matured receptor subunits was impaired in the cells expressing Leu 193 insulin receptor and therefore, the mutant proreceptors were accumulated in the cell. Insulin bound to the Leu 193 insulin receptor on the cell surface with normal affinity, although the mutation was in the alpha-subunit of the insulin receptor. Therefore, the Leu 193 mutation impaired proreceptor cleavage but not insulin binding.

Comparison of peptide analysis results for horse, bovine and dog cytochrome c using capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry with untreated capillary column and basic buffer condition

Peptide analysis of cytochrome c using capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry was demonstrated to be a rapid, sensitive and useful technique for providing information concerning the location of variation. We analyzed tryptic digests of horse, bovine and dog cytochrome c, and compared the peptide analysis results for information concerning amino acid sequences in proteins. The differences in amino acid sequence were confirmed by taking into consideration that all the other fragments are identical in each map. The use of an untreated capillary column with basic buffer condition (water+acetonitrile+(20 g/L) ammonium carbonate (70/20/10), pH 9.2) had a reproducibility of migration times to within about 2%.