Advanced glycation endproducts stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase and proliferation in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells

Advanced glycation end products of bovine serum albumin (AGEs-BSA) exhibited biphasic effects on the proliferation of cultured rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in terms of [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell number count; a stimulatory effect was observed at 1-10 micrograms/ml and an inhibitory effect at more than 20 micrograms/ml, while it inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation even at 1-10 micrograms/ml in cultured bovine vascular endothelial cells (VECs). Transient activation of p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with a peak at around 5 min and a subsequent sustained phase was induced by AGEs-BSA in VSMCs, but not in VECs. The dependence of MAPK activation on AGEs-BSA dose was correlated with that of VSMCs proliferation.

Characteristics of protein kinase C-independent exocytosis in human platelets

We evaluated the characteristics of the protein kinase C (PKC)-independent mechanism for ATP release in platelet-rich plasma. When ADP (10 microM) and U46619 (1 microM) were both added as agonists, a significant release was observed immediately after stimulation. The PKC inhibitor, Ro-31-7549 (10 microM), or a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, aspirin (400 microM) or indomethacin (20 microM), partially inhibited ATP release with little effect on platelet aggregation. The ATP release observed in the presence of Ro-31-7549 was abolished by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor or by preventing aggregation without stirring. In the nonstirred condition, thromboxane B2 formation was reduced by 93%. When sodium arachidonate (1 mM) rather than U46619 was used with ADP, ATP release in the presence of Ro-31-7549 was abolished by stopping the stirring with no effect on thromboxane B2 formation. In contrast, ADP/U46619-induced ATP release observed in the presence of aspirin was only partially inhibited when the stirring was stopped. This release was also inhibited dose-dependently by Ro-31-7549 at concentrations between 1 and 10 microM. These results suggest that PKC-independent ATP-release in this system requires aggregation and is inhibited by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, while PKC-dependent exocytosis is insensitive to aggregation and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor.

Protein kinase C plays a key role in the cross-talk between intracellular signalings via prostanoid receptors in a megakaryoblastic cell line, MEG-01s

In a previous study, we characterized prostanoid and thrombin receptors expressed on a megakaryoblastic cell line, MEG-01s (Blood 78, 2328-2336, 1991). In this study, we examines the mechanism of cross-talk between intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and cAMP signalings through prostanoid and thrombin receptors. Addition of a thromboxane (TX)A2 mimetic (U46619 or STA2) or thrombin stimulated the formation of inositol phosphates and dose-dependently augmented a prostaglandin (PG)I2 mimetic (iloprost)- or forskolin-induced cAMP formation. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and ionomycin, to lesser extent, also augmented iloprost-induced cAMP formation. The enhancing effect of U46619 or TPA on cAMP formation was inhibited by prolonged pretreatment of the cells with TPA (2.5 microM, 24 h), but not with calmodulin-antagonists; W-7, W-5, or KN-62. The elevation of [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin, STA2 or PGE2 was significantly suppressed by pretreatment of the cells with TPA (100 nM) as well as cAMP mimetics such as dibutyryl cAMP (5 mM), forskolin (5 microM) and iloprost (1 microM). These results suggest the key role of PKC on the cross-talk between [Ca2+]i and cAMP signalings through prostanoid and thrombin receptors; PKC, which is activated with TXA2 or thrombin, concomitantly suppress further [Ca2+]i elevation and enhances the PGI2 receptor-mediated cAMP formation, which, in turn, suppress [Ca2+]i elevation.

Roles of myosin light-chain kinase in platelet shape change and aggregation

We examined the roles of myosin light-chain kinase in platelet responses to ADP using wortmannin, which almost completely inhibited myosin light-chain kinase at 3-6 microM. This concentration of wortmannin did not affect ADP-induced changes in the shape of the platelets, but it markedly inhibited aggregation in platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets. ML-9, another inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, elicited similar effects on the platelet responses to wortmannin. Electron microscopic studies showed that there was no wortmannin effect on the ADP-induced spheration of discoid platelets, pseudopod formation, or granule centralization. Wortmannin at concentrations which prevented myosin light-chain kinase also inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP in the presence of U46619, an analogue of thromboxane A2, which is a prerequisite for ADP-induced irreversible aggregation. Although wortmannin partially inhibited protein kinase C, the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-31-7549 (5 microM) prevented neither ADP- or ADP/U46619-induced changes in the shape of the platelets nor aggregation. These results suggest that myosin light-chain kinase activation is a prerequisite for ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but not for changes in their shape.

Protein kinase C-dependent and -independent mechanisms of dense granule exocytosis by human platelets

We examined the mechanisms of ATP release by human platelets using Ro-31-7549, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C. Ro-31-7549 almost completely inhibited TPA-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release at 5-10 microM in washed platelets and in platelet-rich plasma. However, it suppressed thrombin- and U46619-induced ATP release by only 48% and 21%, respectively, and had little effect on aggregation in washed platelet suspensions containing serum or in platelet-rich plasma. The addition of GRGDS to prevent aggregation inhibited this residual thrombin-induced release by 53% and the residual U46619 release by 100% in the presence of Ro-31-7549. In washed platelet suspensions free of serum or plasma, Ro-31-7549 almost completely inhibited the ATP release and partially suppressed the aggregation induced by these agonists. These results suggested that there are protein kinase C-dependent and -independent mechanisms for ATP release by human platelets and that activation of the latter mechanism may depend on aggregation and plasma factors.

Ca2+ entry pathways activated by the tumor promoter thapsigargin in human platelets

Thapsigargin-activated Ca2+ entry into platelets was examined in the presence of S-145, a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, to inhibit indirect effects by endogenously formed prostaglandin H2/thromboxane A2. With external Ca2+ present, 0.2 microM thapsigargin caused a prompt increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) followed by a gradual increase. Pretreatment with 6 microM wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, partly inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i. In Ca(2+)-free EGTA buffer, thapsigargin induced a smaller increase in [Ca2+]i, and subsequent addition of Ca2+ to the buffer caused a further prompt increase in [Ca2+]i, demonstrating external Ca2+ entry. Wortmannin only partly inhibited this entry of external Ca2+. The wortmannin-insensitive Ca2+ entry pathway remained open for more than 6 min in Ca(2+)-free buffer. On the other hand, when receptor agonists such as thrombin and U46619 were substituted for thapsigargin, activation of the wortmannin-insensitive Ca2+ entry was transient (Hashimoto et al., J. Biol. Chem (1992) 267, 17078-17081). In the presence of S-145 and wortmannin, thapsigargin stimulated phosphorylation of neither the 20-kDa myosin light chain nor the 47-kDa protein, a substrate of protein kinase C. These results suggest that thapsigargin induces external Ca2+ entry by two mechanisms: (1) a mechanism involving myosin light chain kinase; (2) a mechanism, not activated by receptor agonists, that is independent of the major protein kinases of platelets.

Nutritional assessment of a group of Japanese elementary school children in Tokyo: with special emphasis on growth, anemia, and obesity

Anthropometric data, nutrient intake data, and blood biochemical parameters were analyzed for 66 elementary school children living in Tokyo, Japan, and their nutritional status was evaluated focusing on three problems: (1) zinc nutriture and growth, (2) anemia with iron deficiency, and (3) lipid nutriture and obesity. The subjects' mean energy and protein intakes met the recommended levels for Japanese children. However, their zinc intake levels were inadequate at 7.2, 8.3, and 8.5 mg in grades 2 (mean age: 8 yr), 4 (10 yr), and 6 (12 yr), respectively. Mean serum zinc concentration was 0.82 +/- 0.15 microgram/ml; the percentages of subjects who showed serum zinc concentration lower than 0.68 microgram/ml, the lower limit of the normal serum zinc concentration, were 28.6, 15.4, and 5.0% in grades 2, 4, and 6, respectively. These serum zinc concentrations indicated the existence of marginal zinc deficiency in some children, particularly in grade 2, though it was not severe enough to retard growth. Their iron intake levels (8.2, 10.2, and 10.2 mg for grades 2, 4, and 6, respectively) in combination with the proportion of iron intake from animal foods (37%) were judged to be adequate because no children showed serum ferritin, serum iron, or transferrin saturation levels lower than the criteria levels recommended for iron deficiency. Moreover, no definitely anemic children were found. Daily lipid intakes were 65.7, 74.5, and 78.3 g in grades 2, 4, and 6, respectively, and the mean percentage of energy intake from lipid to total energy intake, 32%, exceeded the level recommended. Mean serum total cholesterol concentrations and the percentage of subjects with elevated cholesterol levels (greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl) were high compared with the reported values. Means of the body mass index (BMI) and Rohrer Index (RI) for the subjects were slightly higher than Japanese standards. With these parameters for obesity, triglycerides and atherogenic index were positively correlated and HDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol percentage to total cholesterol were negatively correlated.

Heterogeneity of cloned cell lines established from a transplantable rat malignant fibrous histiocytoma

Four cloned cell lines, MT-7, MT-8, MT-9 and MT-10, were established from a transplantable malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of F344 rats to investigate the histogenesis of the tumor. Cells of MT-7, MT-9 and MT-10 had fine structures characteristic of histiocytes, such as numerous cell processes, many lysosomes and well-developed cytoplasmic organelles. They stained positively for histiocytic lysosomal and antigenic markers. In addition, MT-9 cells contained microfilaments and well-developed RER in their cytoplasm, suggesting that they may be facultative fibroblasts. MT-8 cells stained weakly for histiocytic markers and had scant cytoplasmic organelles. They were identified as undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. The tumors induced in syngeneic rats by inoculating MT-7 or MT-10 consisted of a mixture of the pleomorphic, myxoid and storiform types of MFH, and those by MT-9 were of the storiform type. Cells forming these tumors stained positively for histiocytic markers. Tumors induced by MT-8 consisted of undifferentiated cells negative to these stainings. The histogenesis of MFH is surmised to be related to various differentiation stages shifting from undifferentiated cells to histiocytic cells capable of acting as facultative fibroblasts.

Characteristics of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum-selected in vitro passaged cells derived from a transplantable rat malignant fibrous histiocytoma

A cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP)-selected cell line (MT-R10) was induced by continuous exposure of an in vitro passaged cell line (MT-P) established from a transplantable rat malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH-MT) to CDDP. MT-R10, capable of proliferating in the presence of 1.0 microgram CDDP/ml, was passaged in CDDP-free medium. The doubling time of MT-R10 at passage 10 (MT-R10/10) was almost the same as that of MT-P, being 22.3 and 25.5 h, respectively. The concentration of CDDP required for 50% inhibition of MT-R10/10 proliferation was two-fold higher than that of MT-P. MT-R10 consisted of round, epithelial-type cells arranged in compact sheets. Ultrastructurally, MT-R10 had numerous free ribosomes, some mitochondria, and other poorly developed cytoplasmic organelles suggesting its undifferentiated nature. MT-R10 showed no reaction for acid phosphatase or non-specific esterase. Tumors induced in syngeneic rats by inoculation with MT-R10 consisted of small, round, undifferentiated cells with scanty cytoplasm. They showed organoid and trabecular patterns, and were often arranged in compact sheets. The neoplastic cells showed no reaction for any of the histiocytic lysosomal and antigenic markers tested, but exhibited a strong reaction for alkaline phosphatase. Bone formation was often observed in the tumors. These observations suggest that CDDP-selected, undifferentiated cells may have osteogenic potential and may be one of the progenitor cells of MFH-MT.

Electron microscopic localization of acridine orange chromatin interaction products in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

The purpose of the present study is to examine the distribution pattern of acridine orange (AO) binding to DNA in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells that respond to nerve growth factor (NGF). PC12 cells were incubated in a medium containing 100 ng/ml of NGF for 1-14 days for AO ultracytochemistry. Electron microscopic studies revealed that AO binds to DNA exclusively within the euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus. About 35% of the untreated PC12 cells showed characteristic electron-dense interaction products within the nuclei. The average numbers of AO chromatin interaction products per cell nucleus and per micron 2 nuclear area were 45 and 1.6, respectively. In the presence of NGF, cell proliferation was suppressed. The cells gradually extend neurite-like cell processes. Mean 3H-labeling index was 40.0 +/- 2.2% in untreated cells and 13.0 +/- 2.3% in PC12 cells with NGF for 6 days after incubation for 30 min. With increasing the cellular differentiation percentages of AO positive cells and average numbers of AO chromatin interaction products per cell nucleus and per micron 2 nuclear area showed a progressive decrease. The results of the present and previous studies suggest that AO chromatin interaction products may be indicative of cell proliferation and differentiation.

Relationship of fat mass and fat distribution to blood pressure

The relationship of fat mass, lean body mass (LBM), and fat distribution to blood pressure was examined in Japanese adult men and women. Percent body fat was estimated using two skinfold thicknesses, and fat mass and LBM were then calculated. Correlation coefficients showed that fat mass, fat distribution, and age were weakly associated with blood pressure levels, and that the correlation coefficients of LBM to blood pressure levels were nearly zero. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fat mass and age contributed significantly to the variations in blood pressure levels. In addition, only in the case of men, trunk-extremity skinfolds ratio was also entered into the model for diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. It thus has been concluded that fat mass may be the more predictive determinant of blood pressure level than LBM in the Japanese population, and that the independent correlation of fat distribution to blood pressure is rather small.

Characteristics of in vitro passaged cells derived from a rat transplantable malignant fibrous histiocytoma

Morphologic and functional characteristics were investigated on in vitro passaged cells (MT-P) derived from a rat transplantable malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH-MT). There were spindle, polygonal, and giant cell types in MT-P. Ultrastructurally, the polygonal and giant cells had the abundant cytoplasm with many lysosomes and processes, whereas the spindle cells possessed smooth cell surface and a small number of lysosomes in their cytoplasm. Immunorosette formation for Fc- and C3-surface receptors and phagocytic activity were demonstrated in 10-20% of MT-P. MT-P were positive for acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase and alkaline phosphatase. Chromosomes counted in 100 MT-P ranged from 32 to 100 with two peaks of 64 and 76. Tumors induced in syngeneic rats by inoculating MT-P showed variable histologic patterns. They were composed partly of histiocytic cells arranged in a compact sheet. Fibroblastic cells often arranged in a storiform pattern or were supported by myxoid matrix. Osteosarcoma-like structures were occasionally found in the tumors. These results suggest that MFH-MT is heterogeneous, although some cells constituting the tumors have histiocytic markers.

The use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for estimation of the immune status of chickens artificially immunized against coccidiosis

Nine thousand commercial breeder chicks (Chankee) reared in a floor pen were exposed to restricted numbers of Eimeria tenella and E. necatrix oocysts to confer immunity. Antibody induction in these chicks was examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with antigen prepared from E. tenella oocysts. The oocyst excretion pattern demonstrated recycled infections which continued in these chicks for greater than or equal to 22 days after exposure. Antibody levels in their sera, as determined by the mean absorbence values in ELISA, increased gradually up to 38 days post-inoculation. Mean absorbence values of sera from control chicks remained at a low level. When infected and control chicks were challenged with the two species of coccidia, the test chicks were protected against both species. The antibody level did not change for 8 days in the challenge groups, while in the control chicks, absorbence in ELISA rose significantly and the mean absorbence value was higher than that in immunized chicks. Some factors which influence the results of ELISA are considered and the applicability of this method to measuring immunity against coccidiosis in chickens is discussed.

Prolongation of the life of a central nervous system-deficient mouse, the reeler

Although the reeler, an autosomal recessive mutant mouse with the abnormality of lamination in the central nervous system, died about 3 weeks of age when fed ordinary laboratory chow, this mouse could grow up normally and prolong its destined, short lifespan to 50 weeks and more when given assistance in taking paste food and water from the weaning period. Histopathological examinations of the brain of this mutant mouse revealed no significant age-related difference, suggesting that this mutation does not fundamentally obstruct the spontaneous growth despite the abnormality of the central nervous systems. This mutant mouse is advantageous for investigations on influences of the central nervous system on the aging process and longevity.

[Clinical studies on cefoxitin in the field of obstetrics and gynecology]

Clinical studies were done on cefoxitin (CFX), the first cephamycin antibiotic, in the field of obstetrics and gynecology and following results were obtained. CFX was administrated by intravenous drip infusion for average 6.9 days at a daily dose of 2--6 g to 58 patients; 15 with intrauterine infections, 5 with intrapelvic infections, 11 with adnexitis, 3 with mastitis, 5 with urinary tract infections, 2 with other infections and 17 for prophylaxis of postoperative infections. The clinical results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 39 cases, fair in 4 cases, poor in 6 cases and unknown in 1 case, with the efficacy of 82.5%. Total bacteriological effective rate was 88.9%. As to side effects, eruption was observed only in 1 case. From the results of the present study, the usefulness of CFX was demonstrated in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

[Clinical application of latamoxef during the perinatal period]

Pharmacokinetic studies and clinical evaluations of latamoxef (LMOX) were carried out in perinatal mothers and infants. LMOX was promptly absorbed after intravenous injection and intravenous drip infusion in pregnant women, producing dose-related peak blood levels. Placental transference to the fetus was favorable. After intravenous injection and intravenous drip infusion of 1.0--2.0 g of LMOX, drug concentration of the cord blood, amniotic fluid and fetal blood exceeded MICs of the main pathogenic organisms. By administration of the dose of 1.0--2.0 g twice a day, it is possible to successfully prevent or treat uterine infections. LMOX was effective in the prophylaxis or therapy of perinatal infections. Moreover, newborn infants delivered from mothers receiving LMOX treatment having drug concentrations exceeded MICs of main pathogenic organisms however not remained more than 12 hours after birth, and did not exhibit any laboratory test abnormalities. The above results demonstrated that LMOX is a clinically useful antibiotic for the prophylaxis and treatment of perinatal infections.

Time-series analysis of stature and body weight in five siblings

Since 1971, stature and body weight in five siblings have been measured monthly. Time-series analysis of stature, body weight and their increments per month was made by the Program of Census Method IIX11 resulting in three components: a trend-and-cycle factor, a seasonal factor and an irregular factor. Significant seasonal variation was found in both stature and body weight. In two young subjects, trend curves of stature are very close to each other while those of body weight are different. Trend factor in increment indicates that growth rate of stature or body weight fluctuates, instead of being smooth, suggesting that from birth to maturity acceleration and deceleration occur alternately, like repeated retardations and subsequent catch-ups. A high peak of body weight increment precedes menarche by 1 1/2 years in two girls. In one case, no adolescent spurt in stature was observed while a high peak appeared in body weight in that period. Irregularity in stature is about one-tenth that of body weight when the two are compared in terms of the ratio of SD of irregular factor/mean of trend factor. The raw data are given in an appendix.

A comparative study of body composition of urban and rural Japanese boys 12 to 14 years old

Whole body counting of potassium-40 and anthropometric measurements were done on 88 urban and rural Japanese boys 12 to 14 years of age. The log-normal distribution provided a good fit to the observed data of potassium content in both groups. The urban and rural boys did not differ significantly in age, weight, body and sitting height, chest and abdomen circumferences, antero-posterior diameter of chest and abdomen, and grip strength. On the other hand, the mean potassium content, K/body weight, K/fat-free mass and estimated upper-arm muscle circumference were significantly greater in rural boys. Skinfold thickness and percentage fat were significantly greater in urban boys. In a regression analysis estimating whole body potassium from anthropometric variables, body weight and skinfold thickness were the most significant variables, accounting for 85.2% of the total variation. Estimation errors were smaller in the rural than in the urban group. Factor analysis was used to identify the factors which could explain the items measuring body composition and strength. Factor 1, in which potassium content and grip strength are the most important items, was designated as the 'Muscular Factor', and Factor 2, in which skinfold thickness and upper-arm circumference are the most significant items, was designated as the 'Fatness Factor'. The factor scores of rural subjects were scattered in a considerably narrower range than those of urban subjects.

Urinary hydroxyproline, creatinine and urea excretion during the growth of five siblings

Urinary excretions of hydroxyproline, creatine and urea in 24 h specimens from 5 siblings have been determined monthly from 1971 to 1976 together with the measurements of body height and body weight. Changes with age in the urinary levels of these substances are in good agreement with those from cross-sectional studies in various age groups of children. Wide fluctuations of excretion levels occurred. The creatinine coefficients did not remain constant even over short periods. Menarche was observed shortly after the peak of hydroxyproline excretion at puberty. The hydroxyproline excretion pattern is similar to that of hydroxyproline index proposed by Whitehead, and it is quite different from that of hydroxyproline ratio.

Man, fish, and mercury on small islands in Japan

This paper examines the differentiating patterns of subsistence activities, fish-eating habit, mercure level in human biological specimens, and the interrelation among these variables on several small Japanese islands. The catch and supply of fish vary according to patterns of division of labour on each island. The frequency of fish-eating is generally regulated by the availability of fish, and is well associated with the level of mercury in hair or red cells. Difference in variety of fish consumed has a modifying effect on the mercury level. The importance of understanding the total ecological setting relating to any environmental problem should be emphasized.