The extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway phosphorylates AML1, an acute myeloid leukemia gene product, and potentially regulates its transactivation ability

AML1 (also called PEBP2alphaB, CBFA2, or CBFalpha2) is one of the most frequently disrupted genes in chromosome abnormalities seen in human leukemias. It has been reported that AML1 plays several pivotal roles in myeloid hematopoietic differentiation and other biological phenomena, probably through the transcriptional regulation of various relevant genes. Here, we investigated the mechanism of regulation of AML1 functions through signal transduction pathways. The results showed that AML1 is phosphorylated in vivo on two serine residues within the proline-, serine-, and threonine-rich region, with dependence on the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and with interleukin-3 stimulation in a hematopoietic cell line. These in vivo phosphorylation sites of AML1 were phosphorylated directly in vitro by ERK. Although differences between wild-type AML1 and phosphorylation site mutants in DNA-binding affinity were not observed, we have shown that ERK-dependent phosphorylation potentiates the transactivation ability of AML1. Furthermore the phosphorylation site mutations reduced the transforming capacity of AML1 in fibroblast cells. These data indicate that AML1 functions are potentially regulated by ERK, which is activated by cytokine and growth factor stimuli. This study provides some important clues for clarifying unidentified facets of the regulatory mechanism of AML1 function.

Efficacy of high-frequency ultrasound probes for the preoperative staging of invasion depth in flat and depressed colorectal tumors

BACKGROUND

Flat and depressed nonpolypoid types of colorectal tumors have drawn much attention. Since endoscopic mucosal resection technique is available, it is of great importance to distinguish intramucosal carcinoma from invasive carcinoma because determination of the invasion depth is essential for choosing this therapy. The usefulness of high-frequency (20 MHz) ultrasound probes for preoperative staging of invasion depth in this type of colorectal tumor was evaluated.

METHODS

Forty-nine cases of flat and depressed tumors were examined with the ultrasound probe and diagnostic accuracy was confirmed by comparing ultrasonic images with the pathologic findings of the specimens resected either by endoscopic mucosal resection or surgical operation.

RESULTS

The normal colonic wall was visualized as a nine-layered structure and the muscularis mucosae was depicted in 37 (76%) of 49 cases. Flat and depressed tumors were visualized as hypoechoic lesions and the invasion depth was accurately diagnosed in 43 (88%) of 49 lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

High-frequency ultrasound probes proved to be useful in determining the invasion depth and therapeutic strategy in flat and depressed colorectal tumors.

Colocalization of connexin 43 and connexin 45 but absence of connexin 40 in granulosa cell gap junctions of rat ovary

The expression and localization of gap junction family proteins (connexins) were examined in nonstimulated and gonadotrophin-stimulated ovarian follicles of immature rats. Immunoblot and RNA blot analysis showed the presence of connexin (Cx) 43, Cx40 and Cx45 in ovarian tissue. Of these connexin proteins, Cx43 and Cx45 were identified by immunofluorescent microscopy between granulosa cells in characteristic expression patterns related to follicular developmental stages, while Cx40 was not expressed in granulosa cells but was detected in blood vessels in ovarian stroma. In some plaques of gap junction between granulosa cells, Cx45 was found to be colocalized with Cx43. In immunofluorescent microscopy, the expression of Cx43 was increased with follicular growth, but decreased after induction of ovulation by injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin. In contrast, the Cx45 protein was constantly expressed through follicular development; however, after ovulation, no staining of Cx45 was detected in the corpus luteum. Dual expression and the functional role of Cx43 and Cx45 in cell-to-cell communication in ovarian granulosa cells at various developmental stages were discussed.

Identification of the Streptococcus mutans frp gene as a potential regulator of fructosyltransferase expression

Four putative open reading frames (ORFs) were previously identified in the regions flanking the Streptococcus mutans GS-5 fructosyltransferase (FTF) gene. One of these, ORF 3, appeared to code for a low-molecular-mass protein containing amino acid sequences sharing homology with several Gram-positive bacterial DNA-binding proteins and it was suggested that the ORF 3 gene product might be an FTF regulatory protein (FRP). In order to characterize this protein, we have purified the biotinylated tag-FRP fusion protein using the PinPoint protein purification system and this fusion protein was used in gel shift assays with DNA fragments containing the ftf promoter region. FRP bound specifically to the upstream region of the ftf promoter containing the inverted repeat structure that is present upstream of the -35 sequence. In contrast, FRP did not bind to DNA fragments lacking the inverted repeat structure. The results of these experiments suggest that FRP interacts with the inverted repeat region upstream of the ftf promoter and such interactions may regulate FTF expression.

Binding of hemoglobin to the envelope of Porphyromonas gingivalis and isolation of the hemoglobin-binding protein

The binding activity of the Porphyromonas gingivalis envelope and hemoglobin was examined over a wide range of pH values from 4.5 to 9.0. The binding activity in low-pH buffers was much higher than that at high pH; the optimum pHs for the binding were found to be 4.5 and 5.0. Since the hemoglobin bound to the envelope was found to dissociate in the pH 8.5 and 9.0 buffers, the binding is reversible. We hypothesized that hemoglobin-binding protein (HbBP), responsible for the binding to hemoglobin, exists in the envelope and confirmed its presence by dot blot determination with peroxidase-conjugated hemoglobin. Then we attempted to isolate HbBP from the solubilized (by a detergent) materials of the envelope by affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of HbBP was 19 kDa, and the isoelectric point was 4.3.

Enhancement of the expression of progesterone receptor on progesterone-treated lymphocytes after immunotherapy in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

PROBLEM

The immunological mechanism of an effective immunotherapy with paternal lymphocytes for unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is not yet clear. Previous studies revealed that progesterone plays an important role in maintaining normal pregnancy and lower expression of progesterone receptor (PGR) on lymphocytes was found in RSA. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate whether immunotherapy for RSA would be able to enhance the expression of PGR on lymphocytes of RSA.

METHOD

PGR expression on lymphocytes was analyzed with indirect immunofluorescence using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

There was no change of PGR expression on PBL of RSA between pre- and post-immunotherapy (P > 0.05), while in the presence of 10.0 micrograms/ml progesterone for 24 h, PGR expressed on PBL on post-immunotherapy was increased significantly as compared with that of pre-immunotherapy in successful cases (P < 0.05) and decreased in abortive cases (P < 0.05). Most PGR was expressed on both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subsets. In successful cases, CD8+PGR+ subset of post-immunotherapy was found to be increased significantly (P < 0.05) in comparison with that of pre-immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The data in the present study suggest that immunotherapy for RSA induced a higher expression of PGR on progesterone-treated lymphocytes, which may be involved in successful pregnancy.

[Aortic root replacement employing Cabrol and Piehler techniques]

Between February, 1982, and September, 1994, 24 patients underwent aortic root replacement using a valve-bearing composite graft and coronary perfusion grafts. The indications for surgery were annulo-aortic ectasia in 21 patients, and aortic dissection associated with significant aortic regurgitation in 3 patients. Aortic root was reconstructed employing the techniques described by Cabrol and colleagues (Cabrol operation) in 16, and by Piehler and Pluth (Piehler operation) in 8. Two of 16 patients who underwent Cabrol operation required concomitant procedures. Four patients (25.0%) who underwent Cabrol operation had technical troubles relating to coronary reattachements (kinking and torsion of coronary grafts in 2, obstruction of left limb of coronary graft in 1, and coronary graft compression by aortic wall wrapping in 1), while one patient (12.5%) having Piehler operation had coronary graft compression by partial wrapping of aortic root. The hospital deaths occurred in 4 patients undergone Cabrol operation, with the hospital mortality rate being 16.7%. Three patients including 2 with concomitant procedures died of low cardiac output and one died of rupture of residual dissecting aneurysm of the aortic arch. No pseudoaneurysm nor anastomotic stenosis was observed in any hospital survivors. Late deaths occurred in 5 patients, in whom there was no late complication relating to coronary reconstruction. However, late obstruction of left ostial stenosis developed in one patient who underwent Piehler operation, which required coronary artery bypass. We conclude that aortic root replacement using coronary perfusion grafts provides sound coronary anastomoses without late pseudoanurysm. Coronary reattachments is facilitated by use of Piehler technique, preventing coronary graft kinking or torsion. Late coronary ostial stenosis should be considered as a possible cause of fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death, and careful follow-up is required for patients having these kinds of operation for the prevention of late cardiac events.

In vitro senescence enhances IL-6 production in human gingival fibroblasts induced by lipopolysaccharide from Campylobacter rectus

The production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in human gingival fibroblasts (Gin cells) is increased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Campylobacter rectus (C. rectus), which is associated with adult periodontitis; however, the age-related changes in the susceptibility of Gin cells to C. rectus LPS remain unclear. We examined the influence of in vitro senescence on C. rectus LPS-stimulated IL-6 production in Gin cells. LPS was prepared from C. rectus ATCC 33238 using hot phenol-water. The Gin cells were established from healthy gingival tissue removed from three patients, aged 10-12 years. The cells were cultured until confluence then stimulated with LPS (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 micrograms/ml). Levels of IL-6 released in the medium were measured after incubation for 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. In both young (5-6 population doublings) and senescent (17-20 population doublings) cells, LPS stimulated IL-6 production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In response to 0.01-10.0 micrograms/ml of LPS, IL-6 production in the senescent cells was higher than that in the young cells. Using cells from each of the three donors, we found that this phenomenon of higher LPS-stimulated IL-6 production in senescent cells was reproducible. The greater capacity of the senescent cells to synthesize IL-6 in response to LPS was a higher production of mRNA for IL-6. This increase of IL-6 production induced by C. rectus LPS in senescent Gin cells could help to explain the increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases shown by aged individuals.

The safety of a nitric oxide inhalation system using a conventional infant respirator

Attention is becoming increasingly focused on inhalation of nitric oxide (NO) as a selective pulmonary vasodilator. Its metabolite nitrogen dioxide (NO2), however, is a toxic molecule. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety of a NO inhalation system using a conventional infant respirator from the viewpoint of NO2 production. The NO inhalation system consisted of a standard neonatal ventilator, a neonatal circuit and a test lung. The NO concentration was increased from 0 up to 19 ppm. At each level of NO, the oxygen (O2) concentration was changed from 21 to 100%. The NO and NO2 concentrations were measured with a chemiluminescence analyzer using a molybdenum converter. The NO2 concentration was increased when either the O2 or the NO concentration was increased. The maximum concentration of NO2 was 0.10 +/- 0.02 ppm when the concentrations of NO and O2 were 19 ppm and 100% respectively. The NO inhalation system, using a conventional infant respirator, can be used safely when monitoring NO and NO2 concentrations.

Further molecular diversity in the HLA-B15 group

In order to further clarify the diversity of the HLA-B15 antigens and the correspondence of serological types with alleles in Asians, we screened various B15 serological splits by means of a polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) method. Subsequently, the genes encoding various B15 variants were sequenced. Two novel alleles, B*1528 and B*1529, were identified: the nucleotide sequence of the former contained a single-base substitution at position 263 in exon 2 as compared to that of the B*1501 allele, which results in an amino acid change at position 64 in the alpha 1 domain, and the nucleotide sequence of the latter differs from that of B*1518 by a single-base substitution at position 272 of exon 2 which results in an amino acid change at position 67 of the alpha 1 domain. One new allele, B*1521, described recently in Australian Aborigines was also identified in Asians in the present study. Moreover, the results of sequencing demonstrated that Asian HLA-B62, B70, and B77 antigens are encoded by B*1501, B*1518, and B*1513, respectively. Two splits of B75 antigens, B75V (TS-1) and B15N, which have been proposed to exist in the Japanese population were encoded by B*1511 and B*1502, respectively. Most of the B15 alleles detected in the present study showed positive associations with other locus antigens. Especially, B*1502 was strongly associated with Cw8, while B*1521 was strongly associated with A34 and Cw6.

Low grade astrocytoma in the medial part of the frontal lobe manifesting as paroxysmal speech disturbance--case report

A right-handed 48-year-old female had clustered groups of seizures characterized by speech disturbance (attacks of verbal repetition and speech arrest) over a period of 7 years. Later, speech arrest was accompanied by perioral focal seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgery found a low grade astrocytoma, centered in the left supplementary motor area. Postoperatively, no seizures or speech disturbances occurred for 3 years. This case confirms the main function of the supplementary motor area of the dominant hemisphere is connected with the initiation of speech and the setting into motion of the mechanism of speech.

Effects of different magnitudes of tension-force on alkaline phosphatase activity in periodontal ligament cells

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is involved in the process of calcification in various mineralizing tissues, and it is found at much higher levels in the periodontal ligament (PDL) than in other connective tissues. Since the PDL lies between hard tissues and functions as a cushion mitigating mechanical stress, such as occlusal and orthodontic forces, this stress may modulate ALP activity in PDL cells, which themselves may affect adjacent alveolar bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine the level of ALP activity and the gene expression of liver/bone/kidney (L/B/K) ALP in human PDL fibroblasts in response to cyclic tension-forces. Human PDL cells were cultured on flexible-bottomed plates and placed on a Flexercell Strain Unit. Cells were flexed at 6 cycle/min (5 sec strain, 5 sec relaxation) at 6 levels of tension-force (9%, 12%, 15%, 18%, 21%, and 24% increase in surface area) for 5 days. There was no significant difference in cell proliferation between the cells subjected to the tension-force and the controls. There was a 10% and 42% decrease, respectively, in the ALP activity in PDL cells exposed to low (9%) and high (24%) tension-forces, and these decreases were dependent on the magnitude of the tension-force. The finding of inhibited ALP activity in response to tension-force was consistent with the observation that L/B/K ALP mRNA levels were decreased in response to cyclic tension-force. These results suggest that tension-force may affect PDL metabolism, depending on the functional role of ALP.

Allo-non-specific elevation of maternal killer cell activity in intrauterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

In order to gain insight into the pathogenesis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of the fetus, we evaluated the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes towards fetal cells in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.

METHODS

We performed a cytotoxic assay using the maternal lymphocyte-derived lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells as the effector cells. Cord vessel endothelial cells were used as the target cells.

RESULTS

LAK cells in pregnancies complicated by IUGR demonstrated higher killer cell activities against IUGR fetus-derived endothelial cells compared with LAK cells from uncomplicated pregnancies against the same endothelial cells. However, when non-IUGR fetus-derived endothelial cells were used as the target cells, LAK cells of pregnant women with IUGR exhibited essentially the same activities as those of normal pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that lymphocytes in pregnancies complicated by IUGR may have enhanced killer cell activities towards the IUGR fetus in an allo-non-specific way.

Nail regeneration in digits replanted after amputation through the distal phalanx

Nail regeneration was studied in 48 digits replanted after amputation through the distal phalanx. Twenty-seven were amputated through Tamai's zone I, at the nailbed level, and 21 digits were amputated through zone II, proximal to the nail. The nails of 9 digits in zone I and 14 in zone II showed almost normal nail regeneration. We observed that replantation after amputations distal to the lunula will show near normal nail regeneration if there is minimal postoperative circulatory disturbance. Amputations proximal to the lunula, however, have a greater chance of causing damage to the germinal matrix, which results in more problems with nail growth.

Stimulation of interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme activity during growth inhibition by CPT-11 in the human myeloid leukemia cell line K562

Camptothecin (CPT) was first extracted from Camptotheca acuminata and has a strong antitumor effect. Its water-soluble derivative, CPT-11, has higher therapeutic efficacy and less toxicity than CPT. Recently, CPT-treated cells have been shown to undergo apoptosis. However, the mechanism of induction of apoptosis by CPT has not been characterized in detail in any type of cells. On the other hand, interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE) is a mammalian homologue of CED3, a protein required for apoptosis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. To determine how CPT-11 brings about cell death by apoptosis, we investigated the effects of CPT-11 on the expression of ICE activity in K562 cells, which represent human myeloid leukemia cells. The proliferation of K562 cells was shown to be inhibited by the presence of CPT-11 in the culture medium. We also found that the levels of mRNA for ICE in the cells were increased in the presence of CPT-11. Furthermore, we demonstrated that when CPT-11 was added to the culture medium, apoptosis of K562 cells was clearly detected in situ. These features suggested that CPT-11 enhances the apoptotic cell death in K562 cells and that a part of induction of apoptosis by CPT-11 may be correlated with the stimulation of the ICE activity.

Identification of rab12 as a secretory granule-associated small GTP-binding protein in atrial myocytes

A subfamily of small GTP-binding proteins, rab, has been shown to be involved in regulation of vesicular traffic in eukaryotic cells. The goal of this study was to identify the rab proteins associated with atrial secretory granules. A [32P]GTP-overlay assay showed the presence of multiple small GTP-binding proteins on the atrial granules. By biochemical analysis, we have demonstrated that one of the small GTP-binding proteins associated with the atrial granules is a rab12 protein (rab12p), one of the rab proteins that are most closely related to a Sec4 protein of yeast. Association of rab12p with the atrial granules was confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy. Immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblot analysis with anti-rab12 antibody showed that in addition to atria, rab12p was expressed in multiple other organs and cell lines. These results suggest that rab12p may function in vesicular traffic in multiple diverse types of cells.

[A case of solitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland]

A case of solitary metastasis with renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland is presented. The patient was a 54-year-old man found to have an abnormal mass in the neck. He had a past history of radical nephrectomy orignating from the right renal cell carcinoma 5 years earlier (pT2N0M0, G2 > 3, alveolar type, clear cell subtype). Ultrasonography revealed a tumor mass in the right hemithyroid gland. Right hemithyroidectomy was performed on April 19, 1995. Histopathologically, the removed thyroid tumor showed clear cell carcinoma. The possibility of a primary thyroid tumor was ruled out by immunohistochemical thyroglobulin staining, and the present case was thus diagnosed as of metastatic thyroid tumor of renal cell carcinoma. The present case is the 12th case of thyroid solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma reported in Japan to date.

Cellular detachment and deformation induce IL-8 gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells

Neutrophil elastase (NE) is known to be one of the most potent proteases capable of deforming and detaching human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) and inducing IL-8 gene expression. However, mechanisms of NE-induced IL-8 gene expression are unclear, especially with respect to how they relate to cellular detachment. To elucidate these mechanisms, effects of cell detachment and deformation following mechanical injury or pharmacologic stimuli on IL-8 gene expression were examined by Northern analyses. When BET-1A cells from a human bronchial epithelial cell line were incubated with NE (100 nM), trypsin (0.5 mg/ml), EGTA (7 mM), or EDTA (0.7 mM) to induce deformation and detachment, IL-8 mRNA transcript levels were up-regulated, as demonstrated in a case of mechanical detachment from the culture plate using a cell scraper. This IL-8 gene expression was inhibited by pretreatment with 5 microM taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing agent. Colchicine or vinblastine, microtubule-disrupting agents, induced IL-8 gene expression, which was also inhibited by taxol treatment. These data suggest that structural changes, including deformation of the cytoskeleton, especially microtubules, may contribute to IL-8 gene expression in human BECs. Since detachment and cellular deformation of BECs caused by proteases have been observed frequently in a variety of inflammatory airway diseases, our findings provide evidence that detached or deformed BECs potentially enhance production of inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation.

Cellular detachment and deformation induce IL-8 gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells

Neutrophil elastase (NE) is known to be one of the most potent proteases capable of deforming and detaching human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) and inducing IL-8 gene expression. However, mechanisms of NE-induced IL-8 gene expression are unclear, especially with respect to how they relate to cellular detachment. To elucidate these mechanisms, effects of cell detachment and deformation following mechanical injury or pharmacologic stimuli on IL-8 gene expression were examined by Northern analyses. When BET-1A cells from a human bronchial epithelial cell line were incubated with NE (100 nM), trypsin (0.5 mg/ml), EGTA (7 mM), or EDTA (0.7 mM) to induce deformation and detachment, IL-8 mRNA transcript levels were up-regulated, as demonstrated in a case of mechanical detachment from the culture plate using a cell scraper. This IL-8 gene expression was inhibited by pretreatment with 5 microM taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing agent. Colchicine or vinblastine, microtubule-disrupting agents, induced IL-8 gene expression, which was also inhibited by taxol treatment. These data suggest that structural changes, including deformation of the cytoskeleton, especially microtubules, may contribute to IL-8 gene expression in human BECs. Since detachment and cellular deformation of BECs caused by proteases have been observed frequently in a variety of inflammatory airway diseases, our findings provide evidence that detached or deformed BECs potentially enhance production of inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation.

Histopathological characteristics of childhood thyroid cancer in Gomel, Belarus

We reviewed histopathologically 19 cases of childhood thyroid cancer occurring between 1991 and 1994 among 14,396 screening subjects in Gomel, Republic of Belarus, the region most severely radio-contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986. The patients were 13 girls and 6 boys with a mean age of 10.6 years. The mean age at the time of the accident was 3.2 years. Mean tumor diameter was 16 mm, and all cases were papillary carcinoma with various amounts of solid component. Psammoma bodies and stromal fibrosis were encountered to some extent in almost all cases. The tumors were highly prone to local invasion and regional lymph-node metastasis. No morphological evidence for radiation-induced cancer was obtained in these cases. 137Cs levels were relatively high in the patients' bodies and in the soil at the places of domicile. However, there was no dose-response relationship between cancer prevalence and radioactivity. These facts suggest that the incidence of aggressive pediatric thyroid cancer is extremely high in Gomel, where most of the children were exposed to a low level of radioactivity over a long time after the accident. At present, however, no definite conclusion can be drawn on the relationship between cancer occurrence and radioactive contamination.

Identification and DNA typing of two Cw7 alleles (Cw*0702 and Cw*0704) in Japanese, with the corrected sequence of Cw*0702

Two alleles encoding HLA-Cw7 antigens, tentatively called C7J1 and C7J2, have been identified in Japanese using a PCR-SSCP method. The nucleotide sequence of full-length C7J1 cDNAs showed a high degree of homology to the reported Cw*0702 sequence except in exon 1. We then resequenced the allele carried by the cell line JY in which Cw*0702 was first identified, according to a request from the WHO Nomenclature Committee. The results revealed complete identity between the corrected Cw*0702 sequence and the C7J1 sequence. On the other hand, the C7J2 sequence was completely identical to the reported Cw*0704 sequence. Sequences specific for Cw*0702 and Cw*0704 were confirmed using PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSO methods. Moreover, association analysis with other HLA locus alleles showed positive associations of Cw*0702 with HLA-B7, -B39, and -B67 and of Cw*0704 with HLA-B70 in Japanese.

Phenylphthalimides with tumor necrosis factor alpha production-enhancing activity

Phenylphthalimides (2-phenyl-1H-isoindole-1,3-diones) were prepared and their effects on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production by human leukemia cell line HL-60 stimulated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were examined. An analysis of the structure-activity relationships of the phenylphthalimides indicated that potent enhancing activity on TPA-induced TNF-alpha production by HL-60 cells requires medium-sized substituent(s) at the ortho position(s) of the phenyl group; 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1H-isoindole-1,3-dione (PP-33) increased the TNF-alpha production to more than 600% at the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) M. Introduction of a nitro group at the phthalimide moiety of PP-33 enhanced the activity; 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4-nitro-1H-isoindole-1,3-dione (4NPP-33) and its 5-nitro isomer (5NPP-33) enhanced the TNF-alpha production to more than 800% and 700%, respectively, at the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) M. Introduction of fluorines into the phthalimide moiety of PP-33 greatly lowered the concentration of the compound necessary to elicit the TNF-alpha production-enhancing activity; 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrafluoro-1H-isoindole-1,3-dio ne (FPP-33) showed the activity at nanomolar concentration, with the optimum concentration of 1 x 10(-7) M.