Serum alpha-L-fucosidase activity and tumor size in hepatocellular carcinoma

The serum level of alpha-L-fucosidase activity has been suggested as a useful marker in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, although the precise mechanism behind the elevation of this parameter has not been determined. We found that the serum alpha-L-fucosidase activity level was significantly higher in 67 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (695.1 +/- 245.5 nmol/ml/hr) than in 47 patients with cirrhosis (389.1 +/- 188.2 nmol/ml/hr; p < 0.001) and in 54 controls (202.0 +/- 104.6 nmol/ml/hr; p < 0.001). However, alpha-L-fucosidase activity was not correlated with tumor size (r = 0.134), whereas the alpha-fetoprotein level was correlated with tumor size (r = 0.580, p < 0.001). When 515.8 nmol/ml/hr was taken as the cutoff value (mean value in the controls plus 3 standard deviations), alpha-L-fucosidase activity was above the cutoff value in 12 of the 17 patients with a hepatocellular carcinoma less than 2 cm in diameter, in 28 of the 37 patients with a hepatocellular carcinoma less than 3 cm in diameter and in 52 of the 67 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast, only 10 of the 47 patients with cirrhosis had levels above the cutoff value. These findings suggest that an increase in serum alpha-L-fucosidase activity in patients with cirrhosis may be a marker for detecting a hepatocellular carcinoma, especially a small tumor, because alpha-fetoprotein and des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin are less promising as tumor markers.

Alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive perisinusoidal stromal cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma

The purpose of this study is to clarify the morphological characteristics and functional significance of the perisinusoidal stromal cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver specimens surgically resected from 24 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were studied by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin and desmin. In the tissue space between endothelial cells and trabeculae of cancer cells, the stromal cells were frequently found. They were strongly positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin, weakly and less frequently positive for vimentin but negative for desmin. They varied in shape, size and distribution, stretching cytoplasmic processes and occasionally surrounding the trabeculae of cancer cells. They contained considerable amounts of microfilaments that were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and condensed in cell periphery. Along the cell membrane, the short dense areas and pinocytotic vesicles were seen. The external lamina incompletely invested the stromal cells. They were always surrounded by amorphous material. In the granulation tissue and fibrotic areas around necrotic cancer tissue, they were increased in size and number. On the other hand, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally, they closely resembled the Ito cells in the piecemeal necrosis that showed myofibroblastic transformation. These results suggest that the perisinusoidal stromal cells in nonnecrotic cancer tissue produce the extracellular matrix in the tissue space and maintain the cancerous trabecular structure. After necrosis of cancer tissue, they may become activated and actively participate in the fibrosis.

Alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive perisinusoidal stromal cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma

The purpose of this study is to clarify the morphological characteristics and functional significance of the perisinusoidal stromal cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver specimens surgically resected from 24 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were studied by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin and desmin. In the tissue space between endothelial cells and trabeculae of cancer cells, the stromal cells were frequently found. They were strongly positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin, weakly and less frequently positive for vimentin but negative for desmin. They varied in shape, size and distribution, stretching cytoplasmic processes and occasionally surrounding the trabeculae of cancer cells. They contained considerable amounts of microfilaments that were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and condensed in cell periphery. Along the cell membrane, the short dense areas and pinocytotic vesicles were seen. The external lamina incompletely invested the stromal cells. They were always surrounded by amorphous material. In the granulation tissue and fibrotic areas around necrotic cancer tissue, they were increased in size and number. On the other hand, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally, they closely resembled the Ito cells in the piecemeal necrosis that showed myofibroblastic transformation. These results suggest that the perisinusoidal stromal cells in nonnecrotic cancer tissue produce the extracellular matrix in the tissue space and maintain the cancerous trabecular structure. After necrosis of cancer tissue, they may become activated and actively participate in the fibrosis.

Immunohistochemical identification of Ito cells and their myofibroblastic transformation in adult human liver

To identify Ito cells in normal and pathological adult human livers, immunohistochemical studies were performed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method using monoclonal antibodies for alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), desmin, and vimentin. Fifty one needle biopsies, 7 surgically resected specimens, and 5 autopsy specimens were studied. In the normal adult liver vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes, together with perisinusoidal cells with thin cytoplasmic processes were positive for ASMA. These latter cells formed a loose and discontinuous layer along the sinusoidal walls. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the ASMA-positive perisinusoidal cells were Ito cells containing fat droplets. The other sinusoidal lining cells were negative for ASMA. In chronic liver disease, ASMA-positive Ito cells showed an increase in number, size, and the intensity of immunostaining in areas of piece-meal necrosis), and formed a continuous cellular network. These cells were dendritic in shape with irregularly elongated cytoplasmic processes and contained an increased amount of microfilaments, in association with loss of the characteristic fat droplets. Thus, their ultrastructural features corresponded to those of myofibroblastic cells. Ito cells showed no staining for desmin in both normal and pathological livers. These results indicate that immunohistochemistry using an anti-ASMA antibody is a sensitive and reliable method for the identification of both normal and transformed Ito cells in adult human livers.

Cytotoxic activity of spleen-derived T lymphocytes against autologous biliary epithelial cells in autopsy patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

Autoimmunity against biliary epithelial cells is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, cytotoxic activity of T lymphocytes against biliary epithelial cells has not previously been examined. This study has demonstrated that spleen-derived T lymphocytes were cytotoxic for autologous biliary epithelial cells in all of five patients with PBC, even though it was only detectable at high effector to target ratios. Such cytotoxicity was not found in non-PBC patients. CD8-positive T lymphocytes were shown to be responsible for the cytotoxicity by negative selection, and its inhibition was dependent on the ratio of cold to hot target cells. These observations may support a current hypothesis that the pathogenesis of PBC is partly due to T cell autoimmunity directed against the bile duct epithelium.

Changes in the level of plasma cortisol, progesterone and total testosterone in developing hairless dogs

Changes in the levels of plasma cortisol, progesterone and total testosterone were examined in developing hairless and haired dogs. Cortisol levels in the hairless dogs seemed to be higher than those in haired dogs within the age of 4-5 weeks. No apparent changes were seen in the level of plasma progesterone between the groups of hairless females and haired females. Total testosterone levels in hairless males showed to be significantly lower than those in haired males at the age of 13-21 weeks.

Effects of TZI-41127, a novel selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, on A23187-induced pleurisy in rats

Intrapleural injection of the ionophore A23187 in rats induced leukotriene (LT) production, prostaglandin E2 production, plasma exudation and leukocyte accumulation in the pleural cavity. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of orally administered drugs on 5-lipoxygenase activity by their ability to reduce the content of both peptido-LTs (LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4) and LTB4 in this model. TZI-41127, a novel selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, significantly reduced the peptido-LTs and LTB4 content with ED50 values of 4.2 and 6.1 mg/kg, respectively, whereas it only reduced the prostaglandin E2 content (cyclooxygenase activity) by 31.1% even after 100 mg/kg. Phenidone inhibited 5-lipoxygenase activity more selectively than cyclooxygenase activity. BW755C inhibited cyclooxygenase activity more selectively than 5-lipoxygenase activity. Indomethacin selectively inhibited cyclooxygenase activity. These results suggest that: (1) A23187-induced pleurisy is an convenient in vivo model for studying drug effects on 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities and (2) TZI-41127 is an orally active and comparatively selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase activity.

Response of the lactating and postweaning sow to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Clinical and endocrinological responses to administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (LH-RH-A) during the lactation period and postweaning in the sow were investigated. Plasma LH concentrations in lactating sows rose immediately after administration of LH-RH-A. However, in postweaning sows the increase of LH level was more slowly. Three of 5 postweaning sows came into estrus and ovulated after LH-RH-A treatment. One sow exhibited a distinct LH response, but her ovaries remained quiescent. The remaining one with feeble estrus for a short period became cystic ovaries. Thus, LH response to GnRH in the sow seems to be higher during early lactation than at 2 days postweaning.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced rhinitis and involvement of PAF in allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs

The effects of inhaled PAF on the guinea pig nasal mucosa were investigated. Intranasal pressure (INP) was recorded as an index of intranasal resistance. To access the capillary premeability of nasal mucosa, exudation of Evans blue into the nasal lavage fluid was determined. Inhalations of histamine and PAF markedly and significantly increased INP and dye exudation into the nasal cavities. The two responses to PAF were about 20-fold and 70-fold stronger than those of histamine, respectively. A PAF antagonist, CV-3988, significantly antagonized both the PAF-induced increases in INP and dye exudation. Indomethacin and OKY-046 had no effect on the PAF-induced responses. FPL-55712 inhibited the PAF-induced increases in INP and dye exudation by 52% and 40%, respectively. Ovalbumin (OA) antigen challenge by inhalation to sensitized guinea pigs resulted in significant increases in both INP and dye exudation. These two responses to 30 mg/ml OA were inhibited by CV-3988 (10 mg/kg, i.v.) by 55% and 40%, respectively. From the above results, it is indicated that: 1) inhalation of PAF evokes rhinitis-like symptoms through activation of PAF receptors, 2) the PAF-induced rhinitis is, in a part, mediated by leukotrienes, and 3) PAF might be involved in allergic rhinitis.

Changes in serum concentrations of inhibin in cyclic pigs

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) system for porcine ovarian inhibin has been developed. Antisera to porcine inhibin of molecular weight 32,000 (32 kDa inhibin) were raised in male chickens. The recognition site of the antiserum used in the present study was the N-terminal region of the alpha-subunit of 32 kDa inhibin. The antiserum could recognize higher molecular weight forms of inhibin present in porcine follicular fluid as well as the 32 kDa form. The average effective dose and the least detectable amount of inhibin in this RIA were 643 and 30.7 pg/tube respectively. Non-specific effects of serum on the RIA could be overcome by including 100 microliter serum from a castrated pig in the standards and by incubating at 30 degrees C. Serum concentrations of inhibin fluctuated between 0.6 and 2.5 micrograms/l during the oestrous cycles of the pigs. The amount of serum inhibin gradually increased from the late luteal phase to the early follicular phase and reached a maximum of 2.48 micrograms/l at day -4 (day 0 = day of ovulation). Concentrations then decreased rapidly to reach a minimum of 0.6 micrograms/l. Two small peaks were also observed during the luteal phase, although the concentration was relatively low during this phase. Changes in serum concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta did not parallel those of inhibin, especially during the luteal phase when serum concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta remained quite low. Serum concentrations of FSH were inversely related to those of inhibin rather than to those of oestradiol-17 beta, suggesting that the secretion of FSH during the oestrous cycles of pigs is mainly controlled by ovarian inhibin.

The metabolism of roxatidine acetate hydrochloride. Liberation of deuterium from the piperidine ring during hydroxylation

The metabolism of roxatidine acetate hydrochloride (RA), a new histamine-2 receptor antagonist, was studied by GC/MS in rats and dogs in vivo. The co-administration of 14C-RA and RA-d10 labeled with deuterium in the piperidine ring expedited the isolation and identification of 15 urinary metabolites. The major metabolites in both animals were M-1, M-8, M-10, and M-11; M-4 could be found only in the rat. The aromatic and piperidine ring-hydroxylated metabolites were found in small amounts in both species. Following the administration of RA-d10 to rats and dogs, oxygenated metabolites on the piperidine ring, such as M-3 and M-4, were isolated and their analysis indicated the unexpected loss of three or four deuterium atoms from the ring. Also, first and second isotope effects were observed on the conversion rate in vivo and retention time in HPLC, respectively.

The metabolism of roxatidine acetate hydrochloride in rat and dog liver homogenates

The metabolites were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). When an equimolar mixture of roxatidine acetate hydrochloride and its deuterated compound, labeled with ten deuterium atoms in the piperidine ring, was incubated with the 9000 X g supernatant (S-9) fraction of either rat or dog liver homogenate, the oxygenated metabolites of the piperidine ring such as the 3-hydroxypiperidine derivative (M1) and the 2-oxopiperidine derivative (M2) were isolated from rats but M2 was not isolated from dogs. These results suggested that the species differences in the metabolism of the piperidine ring in vitro are similar to that in vivo. The deuterium isotope effect (H/D) was 1.34 for M1 and 1.47 for M2 in rats, while the value for M1 in dogs was 1.69. On the other hand, the formation of these oxidative metabolites was inhibited by carbon monoxide in incubations using hepatic microsomes, suggesting that the reaction was catalyzed by cytochromes P-450.

Relationship between the anti-inflammatory effects and intrapleural accumulations of anti-inflammatory drugs in rats carrageenin pleurisy

We simultaneously determined the time course of the anti-exudative effects of three types of anti-inflammatory drug and their concentrations in serum and pleural exudate in carrageenin-induced pleurisy in rats. Dexamethasone (DM, steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) in spite of the gradual decline of DM concentration in the pleural exudate with time and its actual loss at 16 h after carrageenin, showed an anti-exudative effect throughout the period of testing after carrageenin which was more marked in the relatively late phase than in the relatively early phase. Mepirizole (MP, non-acidic, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) showed an anti-exudative effect only at 3 h after carrageenin and not thereafter, although MP concentration in exudate was the same between 3 and 6 h after carrageenin and then declined gradually. Ketoprofen (KP, acidic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 1 mg/kg, p.o.) showed an anti-exudative effect for 6 h after carrageenin and not thereafter, while KP concentration in exudate reached the peak at 3 h after carrageenin and then declined with time. However, at the relatively late phase (10 h after carrageenin) the twice administration of KP resulted in an increase in its exudate concentration enough to show an anti-inflammatory effect, but did not result in any more anti-exudative effect than the single administration of KP. Therefore, these differences in the anti-exudative effects of three types of anti-inflammatory drug can not be explained by the change in their concentrations in the inflamed tissue, but may reflect the difference in their intrinsic anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory drugs accumulated in the inflamed pleural cavity independently of their ability to bind to plasma proteins, because the ratio of concentrations of three types of drug in exudate to those in serum were similar in spite of marked differences in protein binding capacities among these drugs.

Determination of methylergometrine and dihydroergotoxine in biological fluids

New hapten-carrier conjugates were prepared from 9,10-dihydro-N-[1-(hydroxymethyl)propyl]-6-methylergoline-8-carboxamide 1-hemisuccinate (dihydromethylergometrine hemisuccinate) by coupling with bovine serum albumin employing the mixed anhydride technique. The specificity of anti-dihydromethylergometrine antiserum elicited in the rabbits by immunization with this antigen was tested by cross-reaction studies with methylergometrine, dihydroergotoxine, dihydroergocristine and dihydroergotamine employing [9,10-3H]-dihydromethylergometrine and [9,10-3H]-dihydroergocryptine in the radioimmunoassay procedure. These cross reactivities were observed 100% for methylergometrine, 48.3% for dihydroergotamine, 16.6% for dihydroergotoxine and 6.6% for dihydroergocristine using labeled dihydromethylergometrine. When labeled dihydroergocriptine was the results were 18.3%, 112.1%, 100% and 63.8%, respectively. Methylergometrine concentrations in the postpartal plasma and milk at 2 hr after oral administration of methylergometrine maleate (0.75 mg) to woman were 5.1 ng/ml and 1.3 ng/ml, respectively. Dihydroergotoxine concentrations in the rabbit sera after oral administration of dihydroergotoxine methanesulfonate (4 mg) were studied. The assay was satisfactory to permit the measurement of ergot alkaloid levels in the biological fluids.