Effect of a cancer vaccine prepared by fusions of hepatocarcinoma cells with dendritic cells

AIM: To prepare a cancer vaccine (H₂₂-DC) expressing high levels of costimulatory molecules based on fusions of hepatocarcinoma cells (H₂₂) with dendritic cells (DC) of mice and to analyze the biological characteristics and induction of specific CTL activity of H₂₂-DC.

METHODS: DCs were isolated from murine spleen by metrizamide density gradient centrifugation, purified based on its characteristics of semi-adhesion to culture plates and FcR^-, and were cultured in the medium containing GM-CSF and IL-4. A large number of DC were harvested. DCs were then fused with H₂₂ cells by PEG and the fusion cells were marked with CD11c MicroBeads. The H₂₂-DC was sorted with Mimi MACS sorter. The techniques of cell culture, immunocytochemistry and light microscopy were also used to test the characteristics of growth and morphology of H₂₂-DC in vitro. As the immunogen, H₂₂-DC was inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit of BALB/C mice, and their tumorigenicity in vivo was observed. MTT was used to test the CTL activity of murine spleen in vitro.

RESULTS: DC cells isolated and generated were CD11c+ cells with irregular shape, and highly expressed CD80, CD86 and CD54 molecules. H₂₂ cells were CD11c^- cells with spherical shape and bigger volume, and did not express CD80, CD86 and CD54 molecules. H₂₂-DC was CD11c⁺ cells with bigger volume, being spherical, flat or irregular in shape, and highly expressed CD80, CD86 and CD54 molecules, too. H₂₂-DC was able to divide and proliferate in vitro, but its activity of proliferation was significantly decreased as compared with H₂₂ cells and its growth curve was flatter than H₂₂ cells. After subcutaneous inoculation over 60 d, H₂₂-DC showed no tumorigenecity in mice, which was significantly different from control groups (P < 0.01). The spleen CTL activity against H₂₂ cells in mice implanted with fresh H₂₂-DC was significantly higher than control groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: H₂₂-DC could significantly stimulate the specific CTL activity of murine spleen, which suggests that the fusion cells have already obtained the function of antigen presenting of parental DC and could present H₂₂ specific antigen which has not been identified yet, and H₂₂-DC could induce antitumor immune response; although simply mixed H₂₂ cells with DC could stimulate the specific CTL activity which could inhibit the growth of tumor in some degree, it could not prevent the generation of tumor. It shows that the DC vaccine is likely to become a helpful approach in immunotherapy of hepatocarcinoma.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Caralluma arabica

In the present study, a 10% ethanolic extract of Caralluma arabica at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was evaluated for the antinociceptive activity using the hot plate and acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions in mice and tail flick method in rats. Oral and topical application of C. arabica extract was assessed in the present study for anti-inflammatory properties using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated using cotton pellet granuloma method. C. arabica extract showed significant Anti-nociceptive properties in all the models studied. C. arabica extract significantly reduced the increase in hind paw volume induced by carrageenan injection when used orally or topically. Results of the present study confirm the use of C. arabica traditionally for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions and indicate transdermal absorption of the plant extract.

Neuropharmacological actions of Portulaca oleraceae L v. sativa (Hawk)

Portulaca oleracea L v. sativa (family: Portulacaceae) is a warm-climate annual, cultivated in the Arabian peninsula and used traditionally for alleviating pain and swelling. It was observed that a 10% ethanolic extract of this plant produced restriction of movement in animals during the routine screening studies. Therefore the effects of the extract on the locomotor activity, threshold to noxious stimulus, anti-convulsant activity and relaxant effects on the skeletal muscle were studied. The extract, on intraperitoneal administration, showed a significant reduction in the locomotor activity in mice, anti-nociceptive activity in rats using Tail Flick Method, an increase in the onset time of pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice and muscle relaxant activity in in vitro (rat hemidiaphragm) and in vivo (grip strength) experiments. The anti-nociceptive activity of the extract in rats was attenuated by naloxone pre-treatment indicating the involvement of opioid receptors in its anti-nociceptive effects. It is indicated from the results of the present study that P. oleracea v. sativa possesses varied effects on both the central and peripheral nervous system and the plant should be exhaustively studied for other neuropharmacological effects.

Two-cistron system overexpression of chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase subunit B and B-derivatives from spinach in Escherichia coli

A gene coding for the subunit B (GapB) of chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from spinach and its two derivatives (GapBc) lacking the GapB-specific C-terminal extension have been cloned by RT-PCR. These three genes have been overexpressed with full activity in Escherichia coli when a two-cistron expression system controlled by an inducible promoter P(trc) is used. With a suitable base composition of the first cistron, the expression level of GapB and the derivatives GapBc are expressed up to 15-20% of the total cell protein and around 20 mg of recombinant GapBcs with full activity are purified from 1 liter of cultured bacteria. The specific activity of the two derivatives GapBc (40-60 u/mg) is similar to that of GapA (50-70 u/mg) and lower than that of reported GapBc derivative (E. Baalmann, R. Scheibe, R. Cerff, and W. Martin, 1996, Plant Mol. Biol. 32, 505-513).

Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity of Calligonum comosum in rats

The 10% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Calligonum comosum (50--400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the increase in hind paw oedema induced by carrageenan in rats. Following sub-acute oral administration of the extract (50 and 100 mg/kg, daily for 14 days), a significant anti-inflammatory activity in the cotton pellet model was observed. Pre-treatment with the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) produced a significant and dose-dependent inhibition to the acute gastric ulcers induced by phenylbutazone, indomethacin, 0.2 N NaOH and 80% ethanol.

Effects of isopropyl unoprostone ophthalmic solution on cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of isopropyl unoprostone (referred to as unoprostone) ophthalmic solution on the barrier function of cultured rabbit corneal epithelium grown on permeable supports.

METHODS

Rabbit corneal epithelial cells cultured on collagen-coated filter inserts were administered one of the following for 30 min: unoprostone in vehicle solution (polysorbate 80), unoprostone in vehicle solution with a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), preservative only or vehicle only. For a control, no chemicals were added to the medium. After administration, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, a sensitive method by which to investigate the barrier function, and morphological observation using phase-contrast microscopy were performed before exposure and at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after exposure. The transmission electron-microscopic observation was performed before and 72 h after exposure in all experimental conditions.

RESULTS

The cells exposed to unoprostone with the preservative showed a significant decrease in the TER, although no morphological changes were observed. The corneal epithelial cells exposed to unoprostone without preservative, the vehicle only or the preservative only did not show any differences from the control group at any measurements.

CONCLUSION

The corneal barrier function is damaged by a combined solution of unoprostone and preservative, but not by a single solution of unoprostone, in vitro.

CD8 CTL from genital herpes simplex lesions: recognition of viral tegument and immediate early proteins and lysis of infected cutaneous cells

HSV-2 causes chronic infections. CD8 CTL may play several protective roles, and stimulation of a CD8 response is a rational element of vaccine design for this pathogen. The viral Ags recognized by CD8 T cells are largely unknown. It has been hypothesized that HSV inhibition of TAP may favor recognition of virion input proteins or viral immediate early proteins. We tested this prediction using HSV-specific CD8 CTL clones obtained from genital HSV-2 lesions. Drug and replication block experiments were consistent with specificity for the above-named classes of viral proteins. Fine specificity was determined by expression cloning using molecular libraries of viral DNA, and peptide epitopes recognized at nanomolar concentrations were identified. Three of four clones recognized the viral tegument proteins encoded by genes UL47 and UL49. These proteins are transferred into the cytoplasm on virus entry. Processing of the tegument Ag-derived epitopes was TAP dependent. The tegument-specific CTL were able to lyse HLA class I-appropriate fibroblasts after short times of infection. Lysis of keratinocytes required longer infection and pretreatment with IFN-gamma. Another clone recognized an immediate early protein, ICP0. Lymphocytes specific for these lesion-defined epitopes could be reactivated from the PBMC of additional subjects. These data are consistent with an influence of HSV immune evasion genes upon the selection of proteins recognized by CD8 CTL in lesions. Tegument proteins, identified for the first time as Ags recognized by HSV-specific CD8 CTL, are rational candidate vaccine compounds.

[Study on the relationship of metallothionein and antioxidases in protective mechanism of cardiomyocytes]

AIM

To study the relationship of Metallothionein (MT) and antioxidases in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and hypoxic preconditioning (HPC).

METHODS

H/R and HPC model of rat cultured cardiomyocytes were established. Then the contents of MT and relevant changes of activities of antioxidases (SOD, CAT, GSHpx) of cardiomyocytes were determined while pretreated with the treatment: HPC. Zn2+ inducing MT or MT antibody.

RESULTS

In HPC and Zn2+ induced groups, all the contents of MT and the activities of antioxidases were obviously higher than those in H/R (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 respectively). While using MT, the activities of SOD were progressively increased than control (P < 0.05), CAT and GSHpx activities were lower than control (P < 0.01), but were significantly higher than those in I/R group (P < 0.01). In MT antibody groups, the activities of antioxidase were decreased extremely.

CONCLUSION

MT has effects on the cardiomyocytes protective role of HPC. And can afford more capacity for cardiomyocytes to tolerate the H/R damage by the mechanism of increasing the activities of antioxidase.

Expression of laminin in metastatic melanoma cell lines with different metastatic potential

Cancer metastasis is a complex multi-step process in which tumor cells leave the primary site and develop a secondary tumor in distant organs. Laminin plays an important role in this process. The expression of laminin in four melanoma cell lines with different metastatic potentials was investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunogold electron microscopy and Western blotting. Our results showed that the expression of endogenous laminin and the percentage of the positive cells are higher with increased metastatic potentials. It is, thus, suggested that endogenous laminin may contribute to the different metastatic properties in the melanoma cell line.

CD4 T-cell responses to herpes simplex virus type 2 major capsid protein VP5: comparison with responses to tegument and envelope glycoproteins

We used CD4 lymphocyte clones from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) lesions or the cervix and molecular libraries of HSV-2 DNA to define HSV-2 major capsid protein VP5 and glycoprotein E (gE) as T-cell antigens. Responses to eight HSV-2 glycoprotein, tegument, nonstructural, or capsid antigens were compared in 19 donors. Recognition of VP5 and tegument VP22 were similar to that of gB2 and gD2, currently under study as vaccines. These prevalence data suggest that HSV capsid and tegument proteins may also be candidate vaccine antigens.

Ultrastructural identification of substance P containing nerves in the guinea pig trabecular meshwork

We aimed to provide a detailed analysis of substance P (SP)-containing nerves in the trabecular meshwork by ultrastructural immunohistochemistry and capsaicin treatment for chemical ablation of the sensory nerves. Numerous myelinated and unmyelinated nerves were observed inside the sheets and intertrabecular spaces of the trabecular meshwork, and the inner side of Schlemm's canal. SP-like immunoreactive products were identified in some of these nerves and associated with numerous vesicles of different sizes, a few mitochondria and numerous neurotubili. After the capsaicin treatment, SP-like immunoreactive nerves persisted and no degenerated SP-like immunoreactive nerves were noted. On the basis of the ultrastructural features and the results of capsaicin treatment, it seems that these nerves are most probably autonomic in origin. Autonomic efferent SP-containing nerves are confirmed directly located in the trabecular meshwork; these have not been previously described at electron microscopic level. SP in autonomic efferent nerves might act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator for intraocular pressure regulation.

Overexpression in Escherichia coli and characterization of the chloroplast fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase from wheat

An important Calvin cycle enzyme, chloroplast fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) from wheat, has been cloned and expressed up to 15% of the total cell protein using a pPLc expression vector in Escherichia coli by replacing the codons in the 5'-terminal encoding sequence with optimal and A/T-rich ones. The overexpressed wheat FBPase is soluble, fully active, and heat stable. It can be purified by chromatography in turn on DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200, and around 15 mg of purified enzymes (>95%) is obtained from 1 liter of cultured bacteria. Its special activity is 8.8 u/mg, K(cat) is 22.9/S, K(m) is 121 microM, and V(max) is 128 micromol/min. mg. The recombinant FBPase can be activated by DTT, Na(+), or low concentrations of Li(+), Ca(2+), Zn(2+), GuHCl, and urea, while it can be inhibited by K(+) or NH(+)(4).

Overexpression in Escherichia coli and characterization of the chloroplast triosephosphate isomerase from spinach

An important Calvin cycle enzyme, chloroplast triosephosphate isomerase (cpTPI) from spinach, has been cloned and expressed in up to 15% of the total cell protein using the P(L) expression vector in Escherichia coli. An even higher level expression, up to 36% of the total protein, was achieved by replacing the nucleotide sequence between the ribosomal binding site and the initial codon, ATG, with an AT-rich sequence. Computer modeling revealed that the moderate change in the standard free energy (5'-DeltaG degrees ) of mRNA secondary structure in the translation initial region might be the major factor which led to the later high-level expression. The overexpressed spinach cpTPI was soluble and fully active and was able to be purified beyond 95% purity by DEAE-Sepharose and Sephadex G-75, and around 55 mg of purified enzymes was obtained from 1 liter of cultured bacteria. With d-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate as substrate, K(m (D-3-P)) is 0. 68 mM, V(max (G-3-P)) is 3.16 x 10(4) micromol/min. mg, and K(cat (G-3-P)) is 4.51 x 10(3)/s; with dihydroxyacetone phosphate as substrate, the corresponding values are 7.27 mM, 1.04 x 10(3) micromol/min. mg, and 1.16 x 10(2)/s, respectively.

Three-dimensional arrangement of collagen fibrils in human ciliary body

The purpose of this study is to visualize the three-dimensional arrangement of collagen fibrils in aged human ciliary body and discuss their significance. The ciliary bodies obtained from two human eyes were treated with a NaOH cell-maceration method for 7 days, then prepared conventionally for light and scanning electron microscopy. The general morphology of the collagen tissue in the ciliary body appeared almost the same as that normally observed. Cellular elements were completely removed, but collagen fibrils were well preserved. In the stroma of the ciliary body, collagen fibrils were arranged irregularly. In the areas of the radial and circular ciliary muscles, considerable numbers of collagen fiber bundles were observed running in a circular direction. A honeycomb structure was seen in the pars plana, the walls and base of which were formed by interweaving collagen fibrils. The results suggested that collagen fibrils in the aged human ciliary body may be largely involved in the presbyopia.

Autonomic nerves containing substance P in the aqueous outflow channels and scleral spur of the guinea pig

PURPOSE

To study the innervation of the aqueous outflow channels and scleral spur by autonomic nerves containing substance P.

METHODS

The experiments were conducted on guinea pigs. Immunohistochemical techniques and capsaicin-ablation of the sensory nerves were used to investigate nerves containing substance P at the light and electron microscopic level.

RESULTS

Nerves containing substance P were observed in the aqueous outflow channels and scleral spur regions. The fine structures of these nerves had a similar pattern in those regions, and the labeled elements had abundant small vesicles, a few large vesicles, and numerous neurotubuli. Following capsaicin treatment, these nerves remained intact and no degenerated substance P-like immunoreactive nerves were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerves containing substance P are most likely of autonomic origin in view of their ultrastructural features. These nerves innervate the aqueous outflow channels and scleral spur, and are probably important for neurogenic influences on the intraocular pressure by the autonomic nervous system.

Acid phosphatase localization in accumulated membranous organelles of optic nerve axons following acute elevation of intraocular pressure

Acid phosphatase localization in accumulated membranous organelles of optic nerve axons of guinea pigs following acute elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined, employing light and electron microscopic enzymic cytochemistry with beta-glycerophosphate as a substrate. Positive reaction products appeared to accumulate in the region of the lamina cribrosa, as revealed with light microscopic enzyme cytochemistry. Electron microscopic enzyme cytochemistry also demonstrated that such reaction products mainly localized on multivesicular or multilamellar bodies and myelin-like structures in the unmyelinated optic nerve axons. Following an acutely elevated IOP, retrograde-moving membranous organelles in the optic nerve axons were found to contain AcPase, suggesting that these organelles could be degraded in the axons through the lysosomal pathway.

Histochemical study on rat tear film and ocular surface epithelial cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the histochemistry of the tear film, conjunctival goblet cells and corneal superficial epithelial cells by an in vivo cryofixation with the freeze-substitution method.

METHODS

Following rapid freezing of the eyeballs by an isopentane-propane mixture cooled by liquid nitrogen directly, the specimens were freeze-substituted and then embedded in Lowicryl K4M resin at low temperature, or in epoxy resin for histochemical study, using light and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The tear film was weakly positive with periodic acid-Schiff staining, but negative with alcian blue at pH 2.5 or pH 1.0 and high iron diamine staining. Conjunctival goblet cells were positively stained by all these techniques. There was a gradually weakening staining intensity of mucus from the goblet cells to the conjunctival surface. With the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver protein method the tear film was weakly stained, while glycocalices, vesicles, glycogen in epithelial cytoplasm and the mucus secretory granules of goblet cells were all intensely stained.

CONCLUSIONS

The tear film consists mainly of dilute mucus and contains either neutral or acid glycoproteins.

Anterior chamber angle biometry: quadrant variation, age change and sex difference

PURPOSE

To estimate the anterior change angle width (ACAW) in healthy volunteers quantitatively using an anterior eye segment analysis system and to clarify the involvement of aging and sex in ACAW.

METHODS

The ACAW of the upper, lower, medial, and lateral quadrants of 42 eyes from 42 healthy volunteers was measured by the NIDEK EAS-1000 anterior eye segment analysis system, a non-invasive in vivo measuring method based on Scheimpflug image analysis. Data from all subjects were employed to investigate aging and quadrant differences; and age-matched male and female subjects were chosen from all subjects to study sex difference and aging.

RESULTS

Young subjects showed no significant inter-quadrant differences of ACAW. However, ACAW showed a significant negative correlation with age in all quadrants, but the lateral quadrant showed much more narrowing than the others. The age-matched study revealed that ACAW narrowing was much greater in females than in males, and a polynomial regression analysis showed that this sex difference appeared in subjects older than middle age.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterior eye segment analysis system revealed that ACAW decreased with age, especially in the lateral quadrant. The significantly more marked narrowness of ACAW in females older than middle age may be related to the high incidence of angle closure glaucoma in elderly females.

Structure and composition of rat precorneal tear film. A study by an in vivo cryofixation

PURPOSE

To visualize the in vivo structure and to investigate the composition of rat precorneal tear film.

METHODS

An in vivo cryofixation with freeze substitution method of electron microscopy was used for the study. For light and transmission electron microscopy, a small amount of aluminum powder was used as a tracer spread on the corneal surface. The eyeballs were immediately and quickly frozen by pouring an isopentane-propane mixture cooled by liquid nitrogen directly over the eyes. For scanning electron microscopy, the corneal surface was freeze-fractured after the cryofixation. The specimens were then freeze-substituted and prepared conventionally for microscopic observation.

RESULTS

The tear film appeared as a layer of homogeneous and fine network-like structures varying from 2 to 6 microns in thickness on the corneal surface, with a membrane-like layer covering its surface. The aluminum powder was located on the surface of the tear film. The tear film could be removed completely by applying 10% or 20% acetylcysteine, but not by phosphate buffer.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vivo structure of the rat tear film is composed primarily of mucus, with a lipid layer covering its surface but without a free aqueous layer. The "three layers theory" of tear film structure requires revisions.

Ultrastructural study of axonal cytoskeletons in the optic nerve damaged by acutely elevated intraocular pressure using the quick-freezing and deep-etching technique

The aim of this study was to examine the ultrastructure of axonal cytoskeletons in guinea pig optic nerve damage induced by acutely elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) employing the quick-freezing and deep-etching method. An IOP of 60 mm Hg was maintained for 4 h. The unmyelinated axoplasm of the optic nerve at the normal IOP was filled with longitudinally oriented neurofilaments and bundled microtubules, which were cross-linked by numerous cross-bridges. Membranous organelles, such as mitochondria and vesicles, were scattered in the axoplasm. These organelles were similarly interconnected with microtubules or neurofilaments by the cross-bridges. The unmyelinated axoplasm of the optic nerve following acutely elevated IOP was shown to include intraaxonal collections of various membranous organelles and reduction of microtubules and neurofilaments. The cross-bridges linking microtubules, neurofilaments and membranous organelles in such axoplasm appeared to be dramatically reduced in number. Thus, it is suggested that the ultrastructural changes of axonal cytoskeletons in some optic nerves following elevated IOP might include the reduction of microtubules, neurofilaments and their associated cross-bridges.

Morphological changes in rabbit ciliary epithelium and blood-aqueous barriers after intravitreal 10(-5) M endothelin-1

Morphological changes in the ciliary epithelium and blood-aqueous barriers were observed with a tracer, horseradish peroxidase, after 10 microliters of 10(-5) M endothelin-1 was injected intravitreally. A decrease of intraocular pressure and an increase of anterior chamber flare were found, and the structure of the ciliary epithelium changed drastically 6-7 hr after the injection. Swelling of mitochondria appeared in both non-pigmented and pigmented epithelial cells of the ciliary body. Intercellular spaces and ciliary channels were markedly dilated in the iridial processes. Some non-pigmented epithelial cells in both iridial and ciliary processes appeared to be degenerated and necrotic. Horseradish peroxidase leaked into the posterior chamber via extremely dilated ciliary channels and necrotic cells. The dose of 10(-5) M endothelin-1 seems to be so large that a toxic action occurred. The mechanism of the effect of endothelin on intraocular pressure was also discussed.

[Ultrastructural study on rat precorneal tear film by quick freezing-freeze substitution method]

The ultrastructure of rat precorneal tear film was visualized by the quick freezing-freeze substitution (QF-FS) method and the conventional fixative method under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the QF-FS method, the eyeballs of rats were quickly frozen with an isopentane-propane mixture cooled by liquid nitrogen applied directly to the eyes. After enucleating the eyes and fracturing the frozen corneas, the corneas were prepared for SEM observation. In contrast to the conventional fixative method, by which the microvilli of the surface epithelial cells could be visualized clearly, a very thin membrane-like structure was observed to cover the corneal surface in the eyes prepared by the QF-Fs method. Between the membrane-like structure and corneal surface, a homogeneous and fine network-like structure was observed. The results suggest that the structure of the tear film might be different from the one we have believed to consist of three layers until now. The QF-FS method is considered to be useful for the morphological study of the precorneal tear film.

Ultrastructural study of the cytoskeleton of optic nerve axons in guinea pigs as revealed by a quick-freezing, deep-etching method

The ultrastructure of the cytoskeleton of optic nerve axons in guinea pigs was examined by the quick-freezing and deep-etching (QF-DE) method. The optic nerve tissues were treated with 0.5% saponin before QF. In the replicas, the axoplasm, as observed with conventional ultrathin sections, was seen to be composed of longitudinally oriented microtubules (MT) and neurofilaments (NF). Thin and elaborate cross-linking structures were observed in the interstices between MTs, NFs, and membranous organelles. They consisted of two different types: NF-associated cross-linking structures (about 20-50 nm in length) and MT-associated structures (about 10-20 nm in length), and may play a role in the slow transport of NF and MT and fast transport of organelles, respectively.

Ultrastructural studies on the corneal superficial epithelium of rats by in vivo cryofixation with freeze substitution

The method of in vivo cryofixation with freeze substitution (VC-FS) was used to examine the natural ultrastructure of the corneal superficial epithelium under the transmission electron microscope, and the results have been compared with the conventional method. With the VC-FS method, the ultrastructure down to 8 microns in depth was well preserved in the specimen. There was a layer of homogeneous material thought to be tear film on the corneal surface. Except for the intercellular spaces presenting under the first and sometimes also the second layers of the epithelial cells, other adjacent cells were in close contact without any spaces between them or between the desmosomes. In contrast, when using the conventional method, intercellular spaces were found between adjacent cells in all the layers of epithelium, and no tear film remained on the corneal surface. VC-FS is considered to be a better way to preserve the structure of tissue in its natural state than the conventional method and to be a useful method for the morphological study of the corneal epithelium and the tear film. Intercellular spaces, a kind of artifact, can be reduced by this method.

Ultrastructural study of basal lamina of retinal pigment epithelium

The ultrastructure of basal lamina (BL) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in guinea pigs was studied by the quick-freezing, deep-etching (QF-DE) method. The retinal tissue was quickly frozen, fractured and deeply etched. A replica was prepared by shadowing with platinum and carbon. Electron micrographs of the BL of RPE provide a three-dimensional (3-D) ultrastructure. The lamina lucida was filled with traversing filamentous structures, which connected the basal infolding of RPE with the lamina densa. The lamina densa consisted of a 3-D meshwork structure. It is suggested that the traversing filamentous structures in the lamina lucida might play a role in anchoring the basal infolding of RPE and in maintaining the normal architecture.

[Comparisons of pharmacological effect and LD50 among four kinds of Hawthorn fruit]

Four kinds of Hawthorn Fruit, namely Large Chinese Hawthorn, Chinese Hawthorn, Nippon Hawthorn and Yunnan Hawthorn, were compared in animal experiments. Their effects on small intestine motion, myocardial ischemia and hypercholesterolemia have been found different from each other.

[Medicinal plants of Valerianaceae in China]

Based on field investigation and taxonomic research on the medicinal plants of Valerianaceae in China, twenty-two species and two subspecies of three genera in this family are reported. Also some new medicinal plant resources are supplemented, Latin names of some species are revised, distribution and medicinal uses of the species are spelled out and a key for the species is given.

[A long-term follow-up study with endoscope in chronic gastritis]

A 10 to 17 years endoscope follow-up was performed to 138 cases of chronic gastritis. The result showed that 118 cases still proved to be chronic gastritis, and the increase of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in numbers. 15 cases developed into peptic ulcer. 5 cases to carcinoma (4 cases were early carcinoma). The time of cancerization differed from 2 to 12 years. The rate of cancerization of CAG reached 7.46%. The rate of cancerization of intestinal metaplasia (IM) were 8.20%. 13 cases of IM were mucus histo-chemical stained, and five of them contained sulfuric acid mucus, one of the 5 cases cancerized. 3 of 14 cases with atypical hyperplasia (ATP) turned into stomach cancer. We believe that chronic gastritis, especially CAG with ATP and IM, or with sulfuric acid mucus of IM had a high possibility of cancerization with the increase of age, and should be followed up for a long time.

Image analysis versus flow cytometry for DNA ploidy quantitation of solid tumors: a comparison of six methods of sample preparation

With the availability of user-friendly interactive image analysis instruments for DNA analysis, there is a growing need for comparison with the established methodology of flow cytometry. We have compared the results of DNA ploidy quantitation in 12 solid tumors prepared by six different techniques of sample preparation: flow cytometry of fresh cell suspensions and of nuclei isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue; and image analysis of touch preparations, of disaggregated cells from paraffin-embedded tissue as well as of 3- and 7-microns-thick tissue sections. Complete agreement in DNA ploidy results obtained by the six methods was found in six out of 12 solid tumors. Image analysis of touch preparations detected most tetraploid and multiple aneuploid peaks. Sections of 7-microns-thick tissue gave better histogram quality than 3-microns-thick sections, however tetraploid peaks were not resolved in one case. Image analysis of disaggregated paraffin-embedded tumor showed comparable ploidy to fresh touch preparations in seven out of 12 cases, the discrepancies being due to loss of tetraploid or multiple aneuploid peaks. Flow cytometry gave good histograms, but tetraploid and multiple aneuploid peaks were occasionally not detected. Each method presents advantages and disadvantages. Flow cytometry and image analysis are complementary methods for DNA quantitation, and more than one method may be necessary to confirm the DNA content of solid tumors.

A new method for the synthesis of a structural gene

A novel method of synthesizing a structural gene or gene fragment, consisting of the first synthesis of a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), has been developed. As a preliminary test of this method, four synthetic genes or gene fragments have been synthesized. The first one with 396 base pairs (b.p.) codes for the mature rbcS from wheat, the next two with 370 and 342 b.p. respectively, for two half molecules of a gene for trichosanthin and the last one with 315 b.p. for the N-terminal 1-102 residues of human prourokinase. In all these syntheses, a plus-stranded DNA of the target gene was generally assembled by a stepwise or one step T4 DNA ligase reaction of six oligonucleotides (A, *pB, *pC, *pD, *pE and *pF) of 30-71 nucleotides long in the presence of two terminal complementary oligonucleotides (Ab' and eF') and three short inter-fragment complementary oligonucleotides (bc, cd and de). After purification, the synthetic ssDNA was inserted into a cloning vector, pWR13. The resulting product was directly used to transform a host cell. The structure of the cloned synthetic gene was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis.

Cysteine residues 110 and 187 are essential for the formation of correct structure in bovine rhodopsin

To investigate the role of different cysteine residues in bovine rhodopsin, a series of mutants were prepared in which the cysteine residues were systematically replaced by serines. The mutant genes were expressed in monkey kidney cells (COS-1) and the mutant opsins were evaluated for their levels of expression, glycosylation patterns, and ability to form the chromophore characteristic of rhodopsin and to activate transducin. Substitution of the three cytoplasmic cysteines (Cys-316, Cys-322, and Cys-323) and the four membrane-embedded cysteines (Cys-140, Cys-167, Cys-222, and Cys-264) produced proteins with wild-type phenotype. Also, single substitutions of Cys-185 gave rise to a wild-type phenotype. In contrast, substitution of the three intradiscal cysteines (Cys-110, Cys-185, and Cys-187) or single substitution of Cys-110 or Cys-187 gave proteins that were expressed at reduced levels, glycosylated abnormally, and unable to bind 11-cis-retinal. Thus, of the 10 cysteines in bovine rhodopsin, only intradiscal Cys-110 and Cys-187 are essential for the correct tertiary structure of the protein.

Synthesis of the 5'-half molecule of yeast alanine tRNA

In this paper, we report the synthesis of the 5'-half molecule of yeast alanine tRNA (tRNAAlay) by ligating three oligonucleotide fragments corresponding to the nucleotide sequences 1-13, 14-22 and 23-35 respectively under the catalysis of T4 RNA ligase (Fig. 1). Because of the high purity of the oligonucleotide fragments and the excellent quality of T4RNA ligase and polynucleotide kinase we prepared, the isolation steps were simplified and the overall yields were much higher. The ligating yield of the docosamer (IV) was 75%, that of the pentatriacontamer (V), 90%, and the isolated yield of the final product was 21% calculated on the basis of the tridecamer (III) used in the first reaction. Under the action of T4 RNA ligase the synthetic 5'-half molecule was joined with the natural 3'-half molecule forming a semi-synthetic tRNAAlay, which possessed the biological activities of both accepting (3H)-alanine and incorporating it into proteins. The correctness of the structure of the synthetic 5'-half molecule was verified by both chemical analysis and biological activity assay.

Total synthesis of yeast alanine transfer ribonucleic acid

By a combination of chemical and enzymatic methods, small oligonucleotides with lengths varying from 2 to 8 nucleotides were synthesized from mononucleotides. The small oligonucleotides were then ligated with T4 RNA ligase into six large oligonucleotides (9 to 19 nucleotides long) which were further ligated to form two half molecules with 35 and 41 nucleotides respectively. Finally, the two synthetic half molecules were annealed and ligated to obtain the whole molecule of yeast alanine tRNA (tRNAAlay). Prior to this, two semi-syntheses were performed, i.e. ligation of the synthetic 5'-half molecule with the natural 3'-half molecule and that of the natural 5'-half molecule with the synthetic 3'-half molecule. Both the semi-synthetic tRNAAlay and the synthetic tRNAAlay occupy the same position as the natural tRNAAlay after electrophoresis on a 20% polyacrylamide gel. They have the same chemical composition (containing 9 modified nucleotides of 7 different species) and structure as the natural tRNAAlay and are biologically active, i.e. accepting and transferring alanine into proteins in a cell-free protein synthesizing system, the accepting activity of the synthetic product is 52-66% of that of the natural tRNAAlay and 91-106% of that of the reconstituted product of the two natural half molecules. The incorporation activity of alanine into proteins of the synthetic 3H-alanine tRNAAlay is 63%, corresponding to 91% of that of the natural tRNAAlay and 115% of that of the reconstituted product of the two natural half molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a natural RNA with biological activity is synthesized.

Synthesis of the 3'-half molecule of yeast alanine tRNA

This paper deals with the synthesis of the 3'-half molecule of yeast alanine transfer RNA (tRNAAlay) by ligation with T4 RNA ligase of three component oligonucleotide fragments corresponding to nucleotides 36-45(I), 46-57(II) and 58-76(III) in succession extending from the 3'-end to the 5'-end. First, in a ratio of acceptor to donor at 1.5 to 1, we adopted a method of three successive reactions, namely, the 5'-phosphorylation of the nonadecamer (III), ligation with the dodecamer (II) and the 5'-phosphorylation of the ligation product formed; with one isolation step and obtained the 5'-phosphorylated 31mer(46-76) (IV) in an overall yield of 70%. Then the 31mer(IV) as a donor was ligated with 3 times of decamer (I) to form the 41mer(36-76) (V), the 3'-half molecule of tRNAAlay. The yield was 67%. After 5'-phosphorylation, (V) was ligated with the natural 5'-half molecule to form the semi-synthetic tRNAAlay, which was biologically active, i.e. accepting and transferring (3H)-alanine into proteins.