Cloning and characterization of the nucleoredoxin gene that encodes a novel nuclear protein related to thioredoxin

In a yeast artificial chromosome contig close to the nude locus on mouse chromosome 11, we identified a novel gene, nucleoredoxin, that encodes a protein with similarity to the active site of thioredoxins. Nucleoredoxin is conserved between mammalian species, and two homologous genes were found in Caenorhabditis elegans. The nucleoredoxin transcripts are expressed in all adult tissues examined, but restricted to the nervous system and the limb buds in Day 10.5-11.5 embryos. The nucleoredoxin protein is predominantly localized in the nucleus of cells transfected with the nucleoredoxin expression construct. Since the bacterially expressed protein of nucleoredoxin showed oxidoreductase activity of the insulin disulfide bonds with kinetics similar to that of thioredoxin, it may be a redox regulator of the nuclear proteins, such as transcription factors.

Prognostic significance of the p53 mutation in esophageal cancer

In the esophagus, alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are associated with the development of preinvasive neoplastic lesions to invasive carcinoma. The role of p53 gene mutation in the progression of esophageal cancer still remains unclear. In this study, 82 DNA samples extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded esophageal cancer tissues were analyzed for p53 mutation by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. All the patients had been treated surgically and were Japanese. Exons 5 through 8 of the p53 gene were amplified in DNAs and the mutations detected in 28 cases (34%) did not correlate with tumor location, histopathologic classification, histologic depth of tumor invasion, lymph node involvement or clinical stage. Among 39 patients with stage 3 and 4 disease who had undergone radical esophageal resection, those with p53 mutation had a poorer prognosis, the two-year survival being 25.4% compared with 61.2% for those without p53 mutation (P<0.01). These results suggest that p53 gene mutations play an important role not only in the genesis but also the progression of human esophageal cancer.

Correction of the QT interval in children

We evaluated the usefulness of 11 formulas for correcting the QT interval in children, including the square root, cubic root, logarithmic, linear, exponential, and inverse formulas using the Mean-squared residual (MSR) values and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) in 8,086 first-graders, 9,989 seventh-graders, and 5,786 tenth-graders. The subjects were divided into six groups according to age and sex. MSR and AIC values were lowest in all of the groups for the exponential formula (eQTc) and Fridericia's formula (fQTc). We then evaluated the relative usefulness of these two formulas by determining the optimal value for parameter k using the following exponential model: eQTc = (QT interval)/(RR interval)k. The best-fit value for k was different for each group. However, the tentative abnormal eQTc and fQTc values, determined by statistical analysis, were equivalent in all groups when 0.31 was used as the exponential parameter k. These results suggest that the exponential formula and Fridericia's formula are equally useful for screening for QT prolongation.

[Trace elements analysis of serum and cerebrospinal fluid with PIXE--effect of age and changes in parkinsonian patients]

The concentrations of Br, Cu, Fe, Se, Zn, Mg were determined by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 13 untreated, 7 L-dopa treated parkinsonian patients and 25 controls. There were significant positive correlations between serum concentrations and CSF concentrations of Br, Cu, Fe. The Cu/Zn ratio in the serum and the CSF/serum ratio of Br were significantly increased with age in normal controls. The mean CSF concentration of Mg in both treated and untreated parkinsonian patients was lower than in controls. PIXE is a valuable method for multielemental analysis of the serum and CSF.

Amino acid-induced responses in CNS neurons of normal mouse and Wriggle Mouse Sagami

Amino acid-induced responses and their regional heterogeneities in the motor cortical and hippocampal (CA1) neurons of normal mouse and Wriggle Mouse Sagami (WMS) were studied by conventional patch-clamp techniques. There were no differences in the current densities and EC50s of glutamate-, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-, and glycine-induced responses between the two groups of mice. In both types of mice, the GABA-induced current density of cortical neurones was higher and EC50 was lower than in hippocampal neurones, whereas the responses induced by glycine and glutamate did not show any differences.

Oxygen-independent antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enteritidis of specially activated macrophage with living vaccine

Characteristics of peritoneal macrophages recovered from mice infected with two attenuated strains SER and Jena of Salmonella enteritidis were compared. Strong resistance against lethal infection with a virulent strain 116-54 of S. enteritidis was seen in a group of mice immunized with strain SER, but not in a group of mice immunized with strain Jena as well as in a control group. Peritoneal macrophages from mice immunized with strain SER showed an enhanced Salmonella-killing activity, an increased generation of O2- and an increased expression of Ia antigen on 7 to 14 days after infection when compared with those from mice immunized with strain Jena and thioglycollate(TG)-elicited macrophages as a control. The bacterial number of strain Jena in organs decreased more rapidly than that of strain SER after day 4 of infection. These observations suggest that the survival of an attenuated Salmonella bacilli at reticulo-endothelium is essential to increase of their activities of macrophages. Macrophages from mice injected with recombinant interferon(IFN)-gamma for 3 days induced the activated stage of the same characteristics as noted in activated macrophages from mice immunized with strain SER. Effect of oxygen intermediates (OI) scavengers such as superoxide dismutase and catalase on Salmonella-killing activity of activated macrophages was not seen at all. These results suggest that an increased generation of OI may be not primarily responsible for the ability to inhibit the intracellular growth of a virulent strain of S. enteritidis in macrophages activated by immunization with live, attenuated strains and injection with rIFN-gamma.

Mapping of the nu gene using congenic nude strains and in situ hybridization

The chromosomal location of the nu gene, which is responsible for hairlessness and athymus, was determined using six DNA markers (interleukin 3 [Il-3], Myhs, Acrb, Evi-2, Mpo, and Hox-2) on mouse chromosome 11. We constructed the high-resolution physical mapping of the six DNA markers on chromosome 11 by in situ hybridization using fluorescence-labeled cosmid probes. The results indicate the order of centromere-(41cM)-Il-3-(3cM)-Myhs- (4cM)-Acrb-(6cM)-Evi-2-(3cM)-Mpo- (5cM)- Hox-2. We have used congenic nude strains and examined which of the six DNA markers were derived from the original nude mouse. We found the Evi-2 locus is linked to the nu gene in all the informative, independent congenic nude strains. From these data, we could estimate the location of the nu gene, not only genetically but also physically within a region that spans approximately 17 megabases (9 cM) between the Acrb and Mpo genes.

[Clinical study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections]

We studied the characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the urine specimens of the patients with urinary tract infections (UTI), in the urological unit at Kitasato University Hospital, between April, 1989 and March, 1990. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 8.0% of the total urine specimens (1.1% from outpatients, 6.9% from inpatients). Serotype of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was F (33%), G (17%), M (14%) and others (36%). In sensitivity tests, imipenem (IPM) had the lowest MIC among 8 antimicrobial agents tested, which were imipenem, piperacillin, cefsulodin, ceftazidime, aztreonam, gentamicin, amikacin, and ofloxacin with 5.0%, 82.0%, 74.0%, 69.0%, 92.0%, 67.0%, 79.0% and 82.0% resistant strains, respectively. Bladder cancer was the most common underlying disease in the urological patients with Pseudomonas infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is still an annoying problem in UTI among compromised patients suffering from advanced urinary tract malignancies.

Intracellular fate of Mycobacterium leprae in cultured murine macrophages in 24-well trays

Mycobacterium leprae is an obligate intracellular parasite which grows within mononuclear phagocytes. In clinical cases, M. leprae reaches enormous numbers in the macrophage-rich granulomas of leprosy. Peritoneal macrophages from CBA mice were cultured in Waymouth medium containing fresh horse serum in Costar 3424 trays (24 wells, 16 mm in diameter) each containing 9 x 12 mm cover slips. This medium was supplemented with 0.5 micrograms/ml of cycloheximide. These cells were infected with M. leprae Thai-53 strain obtained by nude mice inoculation. Significant multiplication of the acid-fast bacilli in the macrophages was observed three weeks after inoculation. This experiment showed M. leprae mainly multiplied in cells and not by rephagocytization of M. leprae derived from destroyed cells.

Possible role of Streptococcus pyogenes in mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome XIII. No recovery of beta-hemolytic streptococci from pharynx of MCLS patients

Lack of recovery of beta-hemolytic streptococci from the throat of 80 patients finally diagnosed as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome was again confirmed, although alpha-hemolytic streptococci were consistently isolated from all patients but one. The implications of these findings were discussed, particularly in terms of the possible role of Streptococcus pyogenes in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Possible role of Streptococcus pyogenes in mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. XII. Variable responses of platelets in MCLS seem to be explainable by streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin

As a model system for mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (MCLS), we have advocated and used mice which had been rendered tolerant to Streptococcus pyogenes-associated antigens by neonatal infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, because these mice have shown a variety of peculiar bioimmunological characteristics bearing a striking resemblance to those of MCLS patients. The results of our current investigations reaffirmed the reliability of the animal model by indicating that mice subjected to neonatal infection with S. pyogenes, or inoculation with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE) in Freund's adjuvant, were perfect counterparts of patients with MCLS on account of their platelet activation and hyperaggregability in response to provocative treatment, which are familiar findings in this disease.

Residues of doxycycline and oxytetracycline in eggs after medication via drinking water to laying hens

Doxycycline (DOTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) were dissolved in drinking water (0.5 g/l) and supplied to laying hens for 7 consecutive days. Eggs laid were collected daily during and after medication, and the antibiotic concentrations in the yolk and albumin were determined by the cup-plate method with Bacillus cereus var. mycoides ATCC 11778. The concentrations of both antibiotics were increased in yolk day by day with the advance in medication, reached peaks 2 days after withdrawal and then declined gradually. Mean peak concentrations in the yolk were 6.70 micrograms/g for DOTC and 1.42 micrograms/g for OTC. Peak concentrations in the albumin occurred in the middle stage of medication, where the mean values were 12.24 micrograms/g for DOTC and 1.03 micrograms/g for OTC. DOTC was detected in albumin until 24 days after withdrawal and for 2 days more in yolk than in albumin. OTC was detected in yolk until 9 days after withdrawal. The depletion period of OTC was shorter for the albumin, where the residue disappeared in all eggs 6 days after withdrawal. In spite of similarities between DOTC and OTC in structure, DOTC was deposited in higher concentrations and lasted for a longer period in eggs. This characteristic was considered due to its greater lipophilicity, closely correlated with oral absorption and tissue penetration.

Possible role of Streptococcus pyogenes in mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. IX. Quantitation by ELISA of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin in the serum of MCLS patients

In the present paper we describe the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reinforced with an introduction of monoclonal antibody, for the detection and quantitation of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE) in the serum of patients with mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (MCLS). The amount of SPE was usually at a high level, and its 100% incidence in patients' sera was proved whenever the assay was made on the day of admission, thereby showing a marked contrast to carefully matched control sera which failed to mediate any positive result. As for the change in detected amount of the toxin, a clear dichotomy was observed between the serum of gammaglobulin-treated patients and that of infants given aspirin; in the former the positive result turned to negative rapidly following the initiation of treatment coupled with a defervescence, while in the latter the reduction of SPE levels was scarcely monitored for as long as 17 days after the onset of illness. Quantitation of SPE might be an auxiliary test for the diagnosis of MCLS, because a considerable amount of SPE was assessed in a patient who developed characteristic huge coronary artery aneurysms following an illness which did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria. These findings support our speculation in relation to the certain role of S. pyogenes as an etiological agent for MCLS. The possible mechanisms of gammaglobulin treatment in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular lesions and the duration of systemic inflammation are discussed.

Functional difference in monoamine transmitters in the behaviorally abnormal mouse mutant (wriggle mouse sagami)

A mutant mouse (wriggle mouse sagami, WMS) with neurological disorders was found in a colony of the BALB/c strain. The clinical signs included tremor, dystonia and involuntary movements. The concentrations of the neurotransmitter substances, noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and acetylcholine (ACh), were measured simultaneously with their metabolites in dissected brain regions by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The turnover of 5-HT was significantly higher in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, midbrain and pons-medulla of WMS than of the genetic control, BALB/c. The intrastriatal DA and its metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid were increased. However, there was no evidence to suggest an increase in turnover rate of this neurotransmitter. An increase in concentration of and decrease in turnover rate of NA were observed in the cerebellum of this mutant. These findings suggest that multiple disturbance of the neurotransmitter system was largely responsible for the manifestation of the clinical signs of WMS.

Possible role of Streptococcus pyogenes in mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. VIII. Immunological tolerance to S. pyogenes-associated antigens seems essential to induction of MCLS

In our previous studies, we attempted to show that new-born mice infected with an attenuated strain of Streptococcus pyogenes, and exposed to streptococcal antigens approximately one month later, failed to develop a humoral response to those antigens but were able to respond normally to other unrelated antigens. Since such immunological characteristics are identical to those of patients with the mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (MCLS), the present studies were performed with the aim of assessing the antibody-forming activities of peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from MCLS patients. These lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of pokeweed mitogen, streptolysin-O and streptococcal C-polysaccharide, leading to their refractoriness to S. pyogenes-associated antigens coupled with normal responsiveness to unrelated antigens. The implication of such immunological responsiveness elicited from neonatal exposure to streptococcal antigens is discussed, particularly with reference to the induction of MCLS.

Induction of antimicrobial activity by antitumor substances from pine cone extract of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc

Pretreatment with two distinct antitumor substances extracted from pine cone of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. protected mice from the lethal effects of E. coli infection. Intraperitoneal administration of these fractions transiently induced differentiation-inducing factor (DIF) with a peak at 1-2hr. The rapid decay of DIF activity from the peritoneal cavity was followed by polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) accumulation and enhancement of superoxide generation (assayed with luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL] by peritoneal exudate cells. The superoxide generation by adherent cells was similarly enhanced by pretreatment, but was only 10-20% of that of the peritoneal exudate cells. Fractions that showed comparable antitumor/antimicrobial activity were also obtained from seed shells and cones of other pine trees of Japanese and foreign origin. On the other hand, a neutral polysaccharide fraction from Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. that lacked any of these activities did not induce PMN accumulation, DIF activity or LDCL generation. The results suggest a significant role in PMN activation for the expression of antimicrobial activity induced by pine cone extracts.