p53 protein expression and radiation-induced apoptosis in human tumors transplanted to nude mice

Relationships between p53 protein expression and radiation-induced apoptosis in five human tumors transplanted to nude mice were studied immunohistochemically. They were irradiated with 200 kV X-rays. Six hours after 2, 5, 10, or 20 Gy irradiation, tumors were excised and fixed. Tumors were also examined 1-48 hours after 10 Gy. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for analysis of p53 protein expression. TUNEL and electron microscopic studies were performed to identify apoptosis. In non-irradiated control groups, the incidence of apoptosis was very low in all of the five tumors. Most tumor cells of the ependymoblastoma were p53 protein negative, but the other four tumors were p53 positive. Following irradiation, most tumor cells of the ependymoblastoma became p53 positive, and the incidence of apoptosis increased. However, we could not find significant changes in the percentage of p53 positive cells in the other tumors, and radiation-induced apoptosis in them was low or negligible. These results suggest that radiation-induced apoptosis in a radiosensitive human tumor is related to wild-type p53 protein expression. In contrast, the p53 protein expression of the other four human tumors should be mutant type, and it does not lead to radiation-induced apoptosis.

A lea-class gene of tomato confers salt and freezing tolerance when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During periods of water deficit, plants accumulate late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins which are thought to protect cells from stresses associated with dehydration. One of these genes, le25, is expressed in tomato leaves and roots in response to water deficit and abscisic acid accumulation. To study the function of this protein and to test the effect of overproduction of the LE25 protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc), a recombinant plasmid in which le25 is expressed under the control of the GAL1 promoter was constructed. The content of LE25 was high in Sc cells transformed with the recombinant plasmid. The transformant exhibited several stress-tolerant phenotypes. Growth of the transformant in a medium with 1.2 M NaCl was improved, as compared to a control strain. While the control strain showed a long lag phase of 40 h, le25-expressing cells showed a shortened lag phase of 10 h. However, no growth improvement was observed in a medium with 2 M sorbitol. In addition, the transformant had an increased survival rate after freezing stress, but not after high-temperature stress. These results, together with its predicted secondary structure, may indicate that LE25 functions as an ion scavenger.

Radiation therapy for stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer in patients aged 75 years and older

Between 1976 and 1992, 32 patients aged 75 and older with stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were given definitive radiation therapy. These patients did not undergo surgery because of old age, poor cardiac/pulmonary condition, or refusal to give consent. The mean age was 79 years, and 11 patients were over 80 years old. The histologic type was squamous cell carcinoma in 25 patients and adenocarcinoma in 7. The clinical T and N stage was T1N0 in 4 patients, T2N0 in 9, and T2N1 in 19. The total dose of radiation therapy given to each patient exceeded 60 Gy using 10-MV X-rays. The treatment was completed in all 32 patients without treatment-related complications. The 2- and 5-year overall actuarial survival rates wer 40% and 16%, respectively. Eleven intercurrent deaths occurred, including 7 patients who died of heart disease. The 2- and 5-year cause-specific survival rates were 57% and 36% respectively. None of the patients developed severe pneumonitis requiring hospitalization. All but three patients received radiation therapy on an inpatient basis. The mean duration of the hospital stay for initial treatment was 56 days, and mean ratio to total survival period (mean 739 days) was 8%. Although many elderly patients have concurrent medical complications such as heart disease and chronic pulmonary disease, the present study showed that elderly patients with clinical stage I-II NSCLC can expect a realistic probability of long-term survival with definitive radiation therapy.

Apocrine carcinoma vs. apocrine metaplasia with atypia of the breast. Use of aspiration biopsy cytology

OBJECTIVE

To solve the problem of diagnosing apocrine carcinoma (APCA) through distinguishing it from benign apocrine metaplasia with atypia (APMA).

STUDY DESIGN

The study group consisted of five histologically confirmed cases of uncommon infiltrating apocrine carcinoma and a case of noninfiltrating apocrine carcinoma of the breast by aspiration biopsy cytology. The control group consisted of 103 cases of benign apocrine metaplasia with no atypia (APMN), 4 cases of APMA and 34 cases of common-type adenocarcinoma that were encountered in 662 breast aspirations from 1988 to 1992 at Hekinan Municipal Hospital.

RESULTS

In APCA the average age of patients (65 +/- 17.7 SD)(mean +/- SD) was more than 20 years older than APMA, and APCA generally measured > or = 2 cm or more in diameter as compared to < or = 2 cm in APMA lesions. In APCA the apocrine cells had high cellularity, with the cells occur singly and with syncytia in the background. Numerous degenerated apocrine cells and characteristic cell detritus were found. APCA was also characterized by apocrine cells with more marked nuclear abnormalities, including hyperchromasia and irregular nuclear shape, frequently with irregular nucleoli; more nuclei measure > or = 12 micron in diameter than in APMA. These findings, however, were present only to a mild degree in APMA, if at all. APMA may coexist with APCA.

CONCLUSION

If APMA is diagnosed, an open biopsy should be performed to distinguish it from APCA.

[Determination of 5-FU tissue concentrations after oral UFT administration in tumors of the head and neck]

We determined the 5-FU concentrations in the tumor tissue, normal tissue surrounding the tumor, metastatic lymph nodes, normal lymph nodes, and serum after oral UFT administration to 26 patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck. The 5-FU concentration was mean 0.20 +/- 0.13 micrograms/g in the tumor tissue and mean 0.14 +/- 0.08 micrograms/g in the metastatic lymph nodes. The 5-FU concentrations in the tumor tissue and metastatic lymph nodes were significantly higher than in the corresponding normal tissue surrounding the tumor and normal lymph nodes. In addition, the 5-FU concentration was significantly higher in the tumor tissue than in the metastatic lymph nodes. No significant differences were observed in the 5-FU concentration according to the sites of the primary tumor. However, the difference in the 5-FU concentration between the tumor and normal tissues was smaller in tongue cancer than in pharyngeal cancer.

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor expressed in follicular papilla cells stimulates human hair growth in vitro

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a multifunctional polypeptide which acts as mitogen, motogen, or morphogen. In this study, we examined the effect of HGF/SF on human hair growth using organ and cell culture systems. HGF/SF was found to stimulate hair length and DNA synthesis in hair follicles at increasing concentrations up to 10 ng/ml (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). HGF/SF stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation by hair bulb-derived keratinocytes with the strongest response at 30 ng/ml of HGF/SF (P < 0.05). Cultured follicular papilla cells secreted HGF/SF, measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay, in response to interleukin 1-alpha (IL1-alpha, 10 ng/ml), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, 10 ng/ml), or tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (100 nM) at levels ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 ng/mg protein/48 h. HGF/SF mRNA expressions, measured by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, were detected in follicular papilla cells, and were also stimulated by the three reagents. Transforming growth factor-beta (10 ng/ml) suppressed both protein and mRNA levels. These results suggest that hair follicle elongation induced by HGF/SF in organ culture occurs partly due to the mitogenic activity of HGF/SF expressed in follicular papilla cells on hair bulb-derived keratinocytes.

The effect of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor on human hair follicle growth

The effect of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) on human hair follicle growth was examined using a serum-free organ culture system. The DNA synthesis in human hair follicles and elongation of the hair shaft were measured subsequent to the follicle isolation and culture at 31 degrees C in 95% O2-5% CO2 for 72 h. Results showed that HGF/SF significantly increased 3H-thymidine (P < 0.001) incorporation and hair follicle length (P < 0.05). The effect of HGF/SF was dose-dependent with a maximal stimulation at 10 ng/ml.

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor stimulates hair growth of mouse vibrissae in organ culture

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a multifunctional polypeptide that acts as a mitogen, motogen, or morphogen, depending on the biologic context. In this study, we examined the effect of HGF/SF on hair growth using a serum-free organ culture system. Vibrissal hair follicles isolated from newborn mice were cultured at 31 degrees C in 95% O2/5% CO2 for 72 h in the presence of various cytokines or growth factors, and elongation of hair shaft, DNA, and protein synthesis in hair follicles were measured. Among the agents tested, only HGF/SF significantly increased hair follicle length (p < 0.001), 3H-thymidine (p < 0.001), and 35S-cysteine (p < 0.05) incorporation. The effect of HGF/SF was dose dependent, with maximal stimulation obtained at 10 ng/ml. The increase in hair follicle length and thymidine incorporation were specifically inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against HGF/SF. These results indicate that HGF/SF can promote hair growth and may have clinical utility in this regard.

The effect of various cytokines on hair growth of mouse vibrissae in organ culture

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF) is a multifunctional polypeptide which acts as a mitogen, motogen or morphogen depending on the biological context. In this study, we examined the effect of HGF on hair growth using a serum-free organ culture system. Vibrissal hair follicles isolated from newborn mice were cultured at 31 degrees C in 95% O2-5%CO2 for 72 h in the presence of various cytokines or growth factors. DNA, protein synthesis and elongation of the hair shaft in the hair follicles were measured. Among the agents tested, only HGF significantly increased hair follicle length (P < 0.001) and 3H-thymidine (P < 0.001) incorporation. The effect of HGF was dose-dependent, with maximal stimulation obtained at 10 ng/ml. The increase in hair follicle length and thymidine incorporation were specifically inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against HGF. These results indicate that HGF is able to promote hair growth and may have clinical utility in this regard.

Early effects of beta,beta'-iminodipropionitrile on tubulin solubility and neurofilament phosphorylation in the axon

To elucidate the role of neurofilaments in microtubule stabilization in the axon, we studied the effects of beta,beta'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) on the solubility and transport of tubulin as well as neurofilament phosphorylation in the motor fibers of the rat sciatic nerve. IDPN is known to impair the axonal transport of neurofilaments, causing accumulation of neurofilaments in the proximal axon and segregation of neurofilaments to the peripheral axoplasm throughout the nerve. Administration of IDPN at various intervals after radioactive labeling of the spinal cord with L-[35S]methionine revealed that transport inhibition occurred all along the nerve within 1-2 days. Transport of cold-insoluble tubulin, which accounts for 50% of axonal tubulin, was also affected. A significant increase in the proportion of cold-soluble tubulin was observed, reaching a maximum at 3 days after IDPN treatment and returning to the control level in the following weeks. Preceding this change in tubulin solubility, a transient decrease in the phosphorylation level of the 200-kDa neurofilament protein was detected in the ventral root using phosphorylation-dependent antibodies. These early changes agreed in timing with the onset of segregation and transport inhibition, suggesting that interaction between neurofilaments and microtubules possibly regulated by phosphorylation plays a significant role in microtubule stabilization.

Dermal papilla cells express hepatocyte growth factor

In the induction, development and maintenance of hair follicles, it is thought that an epithelial-mesenchymal interaction is important and that the dermal papilla plays some important roles. Hepatocyte growth factor is a multifunctional polypeptide which acts as mitogen, motogen or morphogen depending on the biological context. Recently, we found that HGF stimulates hair follicle growth in a mouse organ culture system, and therefore proceeded to investigate the expression of HGF on cultured human dermal papilla cells (DPC) and the effect of HGF on cultured human keratinocytes derived from hair bulb. Using an enzyme immuno assay, HGF immunoreactivities were not detected in conditioned media of DPC that were either non-treated or treated with TGF-beta, but were detected in conditioned media of DPC treated with IL1-alpha, TNF-alpha and TPA. Using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, HGF mRNA was also detected in DPC. This expression was enhanced by IL1-alpha, TNF-alpha and TPA, but suppressed by TGF-beta. Furthermore, HGF stimulated the DNA synthesis in keratinocytes derived from human hair bulb in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that DPC express HGF in vitro and that HGF stimulates the growth of human keratinocytes derived from hair bulb in vitro.

Changes in populations of HLA-DR+CD3+ cells and CD57-CD16+ cells in alopecia areata after corticosteroid therapy

We investigated the populations of activated T (HLA-DR+CD3+) cells and natural killer (CD57-CD16+) cells in the peripheral blood of patients with various types of alopecia areata (AA) and noted any changes that occurred in the said populations after administration of local and systemic corticosteroid therapy. In type 2 (severe multiple AA and alopecia totalis) and type 3 (alopecia universalis), the mean percentages of HLA-DR+CD3+ cells and CD57-CD16+ cells were significantly higher when compared with those of the normal controls. The percentages of both subsets in type 1 (mild AA) and the normal controls were consistent. Twenty-four patients in types 2 and 3 had received corticosteroid treatment, and all patients experienced new hair growth. With the changes in disease activity, the populations of HLA-DR+CD3+ cells in these patients after corticosteroid therapy significantly decreased when compared with those recorded prior to treatment. Subsequent to treatment, the mean percentages of CD57-CD16+ cells decreased to levels that were not significant relative to that of the normal controls. These findings indicate that HLA-DR+CD3+ and CD57-CD16+ cells in the peripheral blood of patients with AA may be correlated with the disease activity of AA.

Organ culture of mouse vibrissal hair follicles in serum-free medium

We developed a method for organ culture of mouse vibrissal hair follicles in a serum-free medium. Cultures conducted at 31 degrees C in 95% O2-5% CO2 were found to be suitable for the follicles, with several findings of considerable interest pertaining to hair growth. During the 96 h culture period, the length of the isolated follicles significantly increased; the hair bulb cells maintained their normal morphology; and DNA and protein synthesis within the bulb increased time-dependently. Furthermore, autoradiography showed that 3H-thymidine-labeling was localized in the matrix cells below Auber's critical line in the hair bulb; 3H-leucine-labeling was found in the epithelial region; and 35S-cysteine-labeling was detected in the cortex of hair, particularly in the keratogenous zone. These results indicate that the culture system using mouse vibrissal hair would be potentially useful as an effective model for examination of hair growth.

Visual dysfunction in aged Fischer 344 rats

To investigate age-related changes in visual function in rats, male and female Fischer 344 (F344) rats at 30 months of age were examined electrophysiologically and histopathologically. The selection rate for the dark area in a T-shaped test box was 80% in aged rats, and the ability of light-dark discrimination was definitely depressed. Electroretinogram (ERG) was non-recordable in 25 out of the 28 eye balls examined, and amplitudes of the ERG a- and b-waves were markedly depressed in the remaining three eye balls. Histopathologic examination of the retina revealed marked atrophy of photoreceptor cells on the outer nuclear and photoreceptor layers; the change was less extensive in the retina of eye balls in which ERG was recordable. Immunohistochemically, increased reactivity to anti-glial fibrillary acid protein serum was observed in the retina of the aged animals. These results evidenced that the number of photoreceptor cells is decreased in age F344 rats, resulting in the reduced reactivity to light and the depressed light-dark discrimination.

Isolation and characterization of Tn5-induced mutants of Pseudomonas paucimobilis UT26 defective in gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane dehydrochlorinase (LinA)

Pseudomonas paucimobilis UT26 grows on gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) as a sole source of carbon and energy. Tn5 mutation was introduced into UT26, and two kinds of mutants defective in gamma-HCH degradation were phenotypically isolated; one (UT64) completely lacked the activity to degrade gamma-HCH, while the other (UT61) retained a very low level of activity. Tagging and sequencing analysis showed that both mutants had a Tn5 insertion at the same site of the linA (gamma-HCH dehydrochlorinase encoding) gene. However, UT61 had an additional rearrangement, which could be the cause of its retaining a low level of activity. An in vitro complementation test with a crude extract from UT64 plus partially purified LinA protein showed that LinA was essential not only for the first-step reaction (gamma-HCH to gamma-pentachloro-cyclohexene; gamma-PCCH), but also for the second-step reaction (gamma-PCCH to compound B) of gamma-HCH degradation in UT26.

Effects of cytokines, anti-cancer agents and cocarcinogen on DNA synthesis in hair bulb cells

We analysed the effects of cytokines, anti-cancer agents and cocarcinogen on DNA synthesis in human hair germinative cells cultured in serum-free media. Epidermal growth factor and gamma interferon were found to inhibit DNA synthesis slightly, while strong inhibition was demonstrated by doxorubicin, cytosine arabinoside and tetradecanoyl-phorbolacetate. Basic fibroblast growth factor had very little influence on DNA synthesis. This organ culture model in serum-free media is a useful method by which to examine the effects of various cytokines and drugs on DNA synthesis in hair germinative cells and/or to study the pathogenesis of various alopecia diseases.

Organ culture of human hair follicles in serum-free medium

Human hair follicles were cultured in serum-free media at 31 degrees C in an atmosphere containing 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Results showed that the length of the cultured hair increased time dependently for 96 h. Histological findings revealed that the hair germinative cells maintained their normal morphology throughout the 96 h culture period. DNA synthesis in the hair bulb also increased time dependently for 96 h. Autoradiographs of 3H-thymidine-labelled follicles indicated that they were localized in the germinative cells below Auber's critical line. The effects of minoxidil sulphate on DNA synthesis in this culture system were concentration dependent. Minoxidil sulphate at concentrations of 10(-10), 10(-9) and 10(-8) M significantly increased DNA synthesis compared with DNA synthesis in the control medium. Autoradiographs of the follicles cultured in 10(-10) M minoxidil sulphate showed that 3H-thymidine localized primarily in the germinative cells below Auber's critical line. These results suggest that this organ culture system may be useful for studying DNA synthesis by hair germinative cells in serum-free media.

Organ culture conditions of human hair follicles

Experimental results revealed that although [3H]thymidine uptake in the hair bulb increased time dependently for 12 days under normal culture conditions (95% air-5% CO2 at 37 degrees C), striking morphological changes occurred in the hair bulb cells as demonstrated by histological findings. As such, organ culture conditions applicable to human hair follicles were studied utilizing observations from both histology and DNA synthesis. We found that culture conditions of 95% O2-5% CO2 at 31 degrees C were superior when compared to normal culture conditions for cultures of human hair follicles when attempting to maintain the normal morphology of hair germinative cells. The hair bulb and the germinative cells successfully maintained their normal morphology throughout the 96 and 48 h culture period, respectively. Autoradiographs of [3H]thymidine-labeled follicles showed localization in the germinative cells below Auber's critical line. Hair bulb DNA synthesis increased time dependently for 96 h after culture initiation. Under conditions of 95% O2-5% CO2 at 31 degrees C, the synthesis of DNA in hair germinative cells was observed. Such an organ culture method may prove useful for studies on the human hair growth mechanism.

Molecular cloning of a Pseudomonas paucimobilis gene encoding a 17-kilodalton polypeptide that eliminates HCl molecules from gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane

Pseudomonas paucimobilis UT26 is capable of growing on gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH). A genomic library of P. paucimobilis UT26 was constructed in Pseudomonas putida by using the broad-host-range cosmid vector pKS13. After 2,300 clones were screened by gas chromatography, 3 clones showing gamma-HCH degradation were detected. A 5-kb fragment from one of the cosmid clones was subcloned into pUC118, and subsequent deletion and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that a fragment of ca. 500 bp was responsible for the conversion of gamma-HCH to 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene via gamma-pentachlorocyclohexene. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame (linA) of 465 bp within the fragment. The nucleotide sequence of the linA gene and the deduced amino acid sequence showed no similarity to any known sequences. The product of the linA gene was 16.5 kDa according to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Increased HLA-DR+ T-lymphocyte population in peripheral blood of alopecia areata

The populations of activated T-cell subsets [HLA-DR(+)-Leu 4+ cells, interleukin 2 receptor positive (IL-2R+)-Leu 4+ cells] in the peripheral blood of patients with alopecia areata (AA) were investigated using double direct immunofluorescence staining. Fifty-eight patients with AA were classified into one of three types: those with inactive single AA (type 1) lesions, active multiple alopecia areata (MAA) lesions and active alopecia totalis (AT) (type 2) and chronic alopecia universalis (AU) (type 3). Compared to normal controls, high percentages of HLA-DR(+)-Leu4+ cells were detected in types 2 and 3 AA patients, but not in type 1 AA patients. These findings suggest that T cells are activated in the peripheral blood of active MAA, AT and chronic AU.

Induction of reinitiation of meiosis in amphibian Bufo and Xenopus oocytes by injection of M-phase extracts of ciliate Tetrahymena needs the recipient protein synthesis

We show here that germinal vesicle breakdown of amphibian Bufo and Xenopus oocytes can be induced if ciliate Tetrahymena extracts are injected into them. The activity of meiosis-reinitiation-inducing factor (MRIF) appeared only a M-phase of a synchronously dividing culture, indicating that this MRIF has an important function for induction of M-phase in the mitotic cell cycle. MRIF of Tetrahymena differed from MPF (M-phase-promoting factor), because its action on the induction of GVBD was inhibited by cycloheximide and it could not induce GVBD in starfish oocytes by microinjection. MPF activity was not detected in extracts of vegetatively growing Tetrahymena. Preliminary experiments showed that MRIF was a heat-labile, Ca2(+)-sensitive, and trypsin-sensitive soluble protein.

A procedure for recording electroretinogram and visual evoked potential in freely moving cats

A procedure for recording the electroretinogram (ERG) and the visual evoked potential (VEP) in freely moving cats was developed and used to test the visual toxicity of nalidixic acid. The electrodes for recording the ERG and VEP were implanted chronically in the sclera of the eye and on the surface of the visual cortex, respectively. Both the ERG and VEP were simultaneously recorded in freely moving cats using a slip ring that allows the cat to move freely without twisting the cables. After a 15-min dark-adaptation period, 20 responses to repetitive photic stimulation with an intensity of 2 joules and a 10-sec interstimulus interval were averaged by means of a minicomputer. The waveform of the ERG consisted of a negative wave (a-wave) followed by a positive wave (b-wave) with 2 to 3 oscillatory potentials on the rising slope. The VEP consisted of initial positive wave (P1 wave) followed by a negative wave (N1 wave) and late positive and negative deflections. The amplitude of the components of the ERG and VEP varied considerably from animal to animal, whereas within the same animal they were very stable. Using this technique, the effects of nalidixic acid, a retinotoxic compound, on the ERG and VEP were studied. Nalidixic acid produced a marked, but transient, decrease in the amplitude of the ERG b-wave after a single intravenous injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg. After repeated doses at 40 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks, the reduction in the amplitude of the b-wave was stronger, but remained transient. Upon ophthalmologic and histopathologic examination of the retina, no abnormalities indicating visual toxicity were observed. These results indicate that this procedure for recording the ERG and VEP is useful for evaluating the visual toxicity of drugs in freely moving cats.

[Significance of HLA-DR+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of alopecia areata (AA)]

HLA-DR+ T cell and NK cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with AA were investigated. The percentages of HLA-DR+ T cell and NK cell subsets from a mild condition of patchy AA and an acute condition of alopecia totalis, for which hair regrowth occurred frequently with ease, were similar to those of the normal control. On the other hand, the percentages of HLA-DR+ Leu3a+ cells HLA-DR+ Leu2a+ cells and Leu7-Leu11+ cells from a severe condition of patchy AA and alopecia universalis, for which hair regrowth did not easily occur, were significantly higher than those of the normal control. The increase in the percentages of HLA-DR+ Leu3a+ cells, HLA-DR+ Leu2a+ cells and Leu7-Leu11+ cells from the severe condition of patchy AA and alopecia universalis was lessened and normalized by treatment with betamethasone. These findings suggest that the auto-immune disorders of HLA-DR+ T cell and NK cell may play important roles in disease activities related to severe patchy AA and alopecia universalis.

Prostacyclin and beraprost sodium as suppressors of activated rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Beraprost sodium (beraprost) is a stable analogue of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), which can be administrated orally. In the present study, the effect of beraprost on the activation process of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was examined in vitro. Beraprost effectively inhibited chemotaxis of PMNs induced by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Like prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), beraprost elevated intracellular cAMP level and inhibited the influx of extracellular Ca2+ in PMNs. The concentration-response curves showed that the inhibitory effect of beraprost on chemotaxis was correlated with the increment of intracellular cAMP level of the PMNs and inhibition of influx of extracellular Ca2+. Beraprost also inhibited inositol phospholipid metabolic turnover and superoxide anion production of PMNs induced by FMLP at relatively high concentration. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of beraprost on the PMN function especially chemotaxis is mediated through the elevation of the intracellular cAMP level, which interferes with the signal transduction process probably through the inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization in PMNs. The above-mentioned effects of beraprost were also the case with PGI2. The potency of beraprost was comparable to PGI2 in the present study. Considering its stability, these results thus raise a possibility that beraprost might exert anti-inflammatory effect in vivo.

[Correlation of activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells with the disease activity of alopecia areata (AA)]

Patients with AA were classified into one of two types (Type A: active AA with less than 3 patches; Type B: active AA with 10 or more patches). The percentages of activated T cell subsets and NK cell subsets in the peripheral blood of Type A were similar to those of the normal control. On the other hand, the percentages of HLA-DR+ Leu2a+ cells, HLA-DR+ Leu3a+ cells, Leu7+ Leu11+ cells and Leu7- Leu11+ cells in Type B were significantly higher than those of the normal control. These findings suggest that activated T cells and NK cells play an important role in the disease activity of AA.

[Increase in Leu7- Leu11+ cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with alopecia areata]

Natural killer (NK) cell subsets in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with alopecia areata (AA) were investigated by FACStar-I using NK cell specific monoclonal antibodies. The patients were classified into one of 2 types (Type A: single AA in regrowth phase; Type B: multiple AA, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis in non-regrowth phase). The percentages of Leu7- Leu11+ cells in Type B were significantly higher than those of the normal control. The increase in Leu7- Leu11+ cells in Type B suggests that NK cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AA in the non-regrowth phase.

Intravenous administration of isosorbide dinitrate attenuates the pressor response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation

In order to evaluate the effect of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), administered as a bolus intravenous injection, on the circulatory response to tracheal intubation, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) in response to laryngoscopy for 30 s followed by tracheal intubation were compared in patients not receiving ISDN (control) and receiving 40 micrograms/kg or 80 micrograms/kg of ISDN 45 s before starting laryngoscopy. Each group consisted of 10 patients undergoing elective surgery. Forty-five seconds after starting laryngoscopy, MAP was significantly (P less than 0.01) lower in patients receiving 80 micrograms/kg ISDN than in those receiving no or 40 micrograms/kg ISDN. HR increased to a similar extent in the three groups. These results indicate that a bolus injection of ISDN (80 micrograms/kg) is a simple, practical and highly effective means of attenuating the hypertensive response to direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Origin and properties of the blister formation factor in blister fluids from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

The origin and properties of the blister formation factor in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) blister fluids were investigated. Organ cultures of normal human skin incubated with RDEB dermis extract or with RDEB fibroblast culture medium (FCM) produced a clear subepidermal blister with histology similar to that of a RDEB blister in vivo. The injection of RDEB dermis extract into guinea-pig skin also induced dermal-epidermal separation with similar histology to the skin lesions of RDEB patients. The blister forming activity of RDEB FCM which induces the subepidermal blister was inactivated by heat (60 degrees C for 30 min), trypsin digestion and by treating with EDTA, EGTA, alpha 2-macroglobulin, diisopropyl fluorophosphate and N-ethylmaleimide, but was not affected by dialysis. These results suggest that the RDEB fibroblast produces a blister formation factor(s), and that blister formation may be caused by a combination of a metallo-protease, serine protease and SH protease.

Antitumor activity of echinosporin

Echinosporin isolated from a Streptomyces culture showed antitumor activity against rodent tumor models such as leukemia P388, P388/VCR, and fibrosarcoma Meth 1. It was marginally active against melanoma B16 and sarcoma 180. It was not active against Lewis lung carcinoma and xenograft MX-1. It inhibited the colony formation of HeLa S3 cells with a wide shoulder at low dose ranges. DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis were inhibited by echinosporin. It depressed WBC with nadir on day 3, but the recovery to the normal level after echinosporin injection was more rapid than that after mitomycin C.

Comparative antitumor activities of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)mitomycin C (M-83) and mitomycin C

The antitumor activity of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)mitomycin C (M-83) against 7 kinds of ascitic tumors and 4 kinds of solid tumors was compared with that of mitomycin C (MMC). M-83 showed more potent activities than MMC against ascites sarcoma 180, fibrosarcoma Meth 1, sarcoma Meth A, melanoma B-16, leukemia P388 and lymphoma EL4, by a single intraperitoneal injection. Furthermore, M-83 gave markedly higher chemotherapeutic ratio than MMC in these tumor systems. M-83 was also markedly effective against solid tumors of sarcoma 180, Meth 1, Meth A and Lewis lung carcinoma, by a single intravenous injection. M-83 gave lower myelo-suppression than MMC at the doses which gave almost equal inhibition on the tumor growth of solid Meth 1. M-83 and MMC significantly inhibited the growth of HeLa S3 cells. Cell growth was observed at 24 hours after addition of 3 X 10(-3) mM of drugs, but no growth was shown thereafter. M-83 inhibited more strongly the incorporation of the radioactive precursor into DNA than that into RNA or protein at the concentration of 3 X 10(-3) mM.

The action of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)mitomycin C [M-83] in suppressing murine immune response

The immuno-suppressive activities of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)mitomycin C [M-83], a derivative of mitomycin C (MMC), which has better antitumor activity against murine tumors, was investigated in mice. A single injection of M-83 induced an apparent but relatively transient reduction in both plaque-forming cell production and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to sheep red blood cells. The suppressive effect of M-83 was significantly milder than that of MMC at the same effective and molar equivalent doses. Moreover, the recovery from immunosuppression induced by M-83 was also relatively rapid as compared with MMC. The inhibiting activity of M-83 against the blastogenic response of spleen cells was milder in vivo, but was more significantly cytotoxic in vitro than that of MMC.

Distribution and excretion of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C in normal mice

Tissue distribution, excretion and stability of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C (M-83) in normal mice were compared with those of mitomycin C (MMC) by microbiological assay. M-83 was more rapidly inactivated by mouse liver homogenate in vitro than MMC. MMC could not be detected by thin-layer chromatography-bioautography in the reaction mixture of M-83 incubated with mouse liver homogenate, or in the mouse urine. Both M-83 and MMC exhibited biphasic serum elimination characteristics after iv bolus injection. When these compounds were administered at their approximate LD50 (M-83, 20 mg/kg; MMC, 8 mg/kg) iv into mice, their half-lives were 17.9 and 19.8 min, respectively. However, the half-life of M-83 (10.2 mg/kg) after iv bolus injection was 7.5 min and was shorter than that of MMC (8 mg/kg) at the molar equivalent dose. In ip administration of an approximate LD50, M-83 and MMC exhibited similar drug absorption and elimination patterns. When both compounds were administered iv at the approximate LD50, the 24-hr urinary recoveries of unchanged M-83 and MMC were 2.85 and 19.26%, respectively. The distribution of M-83 in various tissues was similar to that of MMC.

Antitumor activity of 7-n-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C in experimental tumor systems

The antitumor activity of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C (M-83) was compared with that of mitomycin C (MMC) in rodent tumor systems. M-83 exhibited more potent activity than MMC against the ascitic form of lymphocytic leukemia P388 and fibrosarcoma Meth 1, and doses of over 5 mg/kg of M-83 (1/6 LD50) resulted in some 60-day survivors. The chemotherapeutic ratio (optimal dose/MED) of M-83 was around 64 and was estimated to be approximately 5 to 8 times higher than that of MMC. Upon intravenous administration, M-83 also gave a better survival and showed a higher chemotherapeutic ratio than MMC against intravenously implanted P388. M-83 inhibited the growth of solid form of sarcoma 180 to the same extent as MMC at an equivalent dose, but showed a higher safety margin than MMC. M-83 was as effective as MMC against Lewis lung carcinoma at dose levels giving the same degree of toxicity. In vitro studies on tumor growth inhibition demonstrated that the cytotoxic effects of M-83 against leukemia P388 and fibrosarcoma Meth 1 cells were similar to and stronger than those of MMC, respectively.

Comparison of the hematologic toxicity of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl),-mitomycin C and mitomycin C

7-N-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C (M-83), a new analog of mitomycin C (MMC) with equivalent or greater antitumor potencies against various experimental tumors, was investigated to determine its hematologic toxicity in mice. M-83 showed a significantly lower toxicity than MMC with respect to myelosuppression and leukopenia when compared at equivalent effective doses. In M-83-treated mice, the damage to the bone marrow was much milder at the nadir point and the recovery from myelosuppression to the normal level was faster as compared with that in the case of MMC. As a result, the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood of the M-83-treated groups was considerably greater than that in the MMC-treated ones. These findings suggest that M-83 may be effective in clinical use.

Antitumor activity of 7-N-phenyl derivatives of mitomycin C in the leukemia P388 system

The antitumor activity of 7-N-phenyl derivatives of mitomycin C was tested in an ip-ip system of mouse leukemia P388 by single administration. The compounds tested were 7-N-phenyl-, 7-N-(p-aminophenyl)-, 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)- and 7-N-(p-chlorophenyl)-mitomycin C. The maximum increases in life span (ILSmax) obtained were 124, 169, > 386 and 112%, respectively, that with mitomycin C being 104%. 7-N-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C showed a higher ILS% than its ortho and meta isomers. Thus, 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C was the most effective of these compounds.

Synthesis and biological activities of 7-alkoxymitosanes

A facile alcoholysis of 7-methoxymitosanes and 5-methoxyindolequinone under basic conditions was discovered and a series of 7-alkoxymitosanes were synthesized from mitomycins A and B using this reaction. They showed strong antibacterial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and were potent inhibitors of cultivating HeLa S-3 cells in vitro. Among them, 7-n-propoxy-7-demethoxymitomycin A (2) showed the strongest antitumor activity against solid type Sarcoma-180 in mice.

The electrical induction of callus formation and external skeletal fixation using methyl methacrylate for delayed union of open tibial fracture with segmental loss

A case of delayed union of an open tibial fracture with segmental loss is presented in which electricity was applied to the bone defect through two screws that were connected to a methy methacrylate skeletal fixation device. The fracture developed electrically induced callus formation around the cathode, callus extended to the anode, and solid bony union ensued. External skeletal fixation using methyl methacrylate is convenient and is a suitable adjunct to electrical stimulation of fracture healing.

An experimental postoperative metastasis system using Yoshida sarcoma inoculated subcutaneously into footpad

When Yoshida sarcoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the left footpad of Donryu rats, the weight of the left lumbar lymph nodes increased proportionally to the number of the inoculated cells. Resection of primary implants the day after the inoculation of 5 x 10(6) cells failed to rescue the host rats and they died of metastases within 12 days. There was no significant difference in mean survival days between the rats (8.9 days) whose primary implants were resected on the 5th day after inoculation and the control rats (8.6 days) bearing the primary implants. Mitomycin-C, a highly effective drug against Yoshida sarcoma cells, produced many long survivors (over 30 days) in the treated rats whose primary implants were resected the day after inoculation, but failed to do so when resected 5 days after inoculation. All of them died of metastases within 20 days. Based on these results, this present system is discussed for its usefulness as a screening and evaluation model for antitumor agents.