Targeting oncogenesis by introduction of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' regulatory region of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit gene

We produced transgenic mice carrying a fusion gene (TTP-5) consisting of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' flanking sequence of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSH beta) gene linked to the simian virus 40 large T antigen (SVT) gene. These mice developed pituitary tumors 6 months after birth and wasted away. With the 5.2-kbp TSH beta 5' flanking region governing SVT expression, SVT mRNA was present in the pituitary and testis but not in other tissues, as detected by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the pituitary tumors of the transgenic mice were composed of moderately differentiated pituitary cells that expressed TSH, growth hormone, and prolactin. These results indicate that the 5.2-kbp segment of the human TSH beta 5' regulatory region is sufficient to drive expression of SVT and induce tumorigenesis of hormone-producing pituitary cells in transgenic mice.

Differential diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition of the temporomandibular joint

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease (pseudogout) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. It is characterized by the presence of crystal deposits that are birefringent under polarized light. Although these crystals are characteristically weakly birefringent, some other crystals such as those of calcium oxalate, synthetic steroids, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are also birefringent. The differential diagnosis should therefore be based on a quantitative analysis of crystals or observation of the crystal structure in calcified sections. We present a case of CPPD deposition disease of the TMJ and report on the value of such an analysis to substantiate the diagnosis.

Rescue of locomotor impairment in dopamine D2 receptor-deficient mice by an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist

In Parkinson's disease a degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway is observed. Loss of dopaminergic regulation of striatal neuron activity results in altered motor functions. Adenosine A2A (A2AR) and dopamine D2 (D2R) receptors are colocalized in striatal medium spiny neurons. It has been proposed that adenosine binding to A2AR lowers the affinity of dopamine for D2R, thus modulating the function of this receptor. Absence of D2R in knockout mice (D2R-/-) results in impaired locomotion and coordinated movements. This indicates that absence of dopamine in Parkinson's disease might principally affect D2R-mediated effects with regard to locomotor functions. A2AR-selective antagonists have been demonstrated to have anti- parkinsonian activities in various models of Parkinson's disease in rodents and nonhuman primates. In this article, D2R-/- mice were used to explore the possibility that an A2AR antagonist might reestablish their motor impairment. Interestingly, blockade of A2AR rescues the behavioral parameters altered in D2R-/- mice. In addition, the level of expression of enkephalin and substance P, which were altered in D2R-/-, were also reestablished to normal levels after A2AR antagonist treatment. These results show that A2AR and D2R have antagonistic and independent activities in controlling neuronal and motor functions in the basal ganglia. They also provide evidence that selective A2AR antagonists can exhibit their anti-parkinsonian activities through a nondopaminergic mechanism.

Reactions of a series of 1-aminobenzimidazoles and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chlorides with 2,4-pentanedione

Reactions of a series of 1-aminobenzimidazoles and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chlorides with 2,4-pentanedione were carried out and pyridazino[1,6-a]benzimidazoles and 2-pyrazolylanilines were generated. The product ratios of these compounds remarkably depended on the reaction conditions and on the electronic character of the substituent at the benzene moiety. The possible mechanisms involved in these reactions are discussed.

Reactions of chloride salts of 7-amino-9-ethylguanine and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazoles with lead(IV) acetate: formation of 8-aza-9-ethylguanine and 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazoles

Reaction of 7-amino-9-ethylguaninium chloride with lead(IV) acetate (LTA) in MeOH yielded 8-aza-9-ethylguanine. Similarly, the reaction of 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chloride or its substituted derivatives (6-methyl, 5,6-dimethyl and 5-nitro) with LTA gave the corresponding 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (or 1-methyl-2-azabenzimidazole) derivatives along with N-methylformananilide derivatives.

Oxidation of 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, a 1-amino analog of MPTP, by type A and B monoamine oxidase

A 1-amino analog of MPTP, 1(N)-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, was synthesized and the oxidation was examined using human synaptosomal mitochondria as sources of type A and B monoamine oxidase. An oxidation product, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorometric detection. The amino analog was a substrate of both type A and B monoamine oxidase and the oxidation depended linearly on the enzyme amount and the reaction time with an optimal pH around 7.5. After the systemic injection of the amino analog in C57/black mice for one week, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion was detected in the brain. 1(N)-Amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine was proved to be cytotoxic to pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, and it may be a new neurotoxin bioactivated through the oxidation by type A and B monoamine oxidase.

Cytotoxicity of 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, 1-amino analogues of MPTP and MPP+, to clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces parkinsonism in humans after its oxidation into 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) by type B monoamine oxidase. The 1-amino analogues of MPTP and MPP+, 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (APTP) and 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion (APP+), were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity to clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was examined using a tetrazolium formazan assay. After incubation for 48 and 72 h, both APP+ and APTP were found to be cytotoxic to PC12 cells, whereas with the N-methyl analogues, only MPP+, but not MPTP, was cytotoxic. The cytotoxicity of APTP increased with incubation time and equaled that of MPP+ after 72 h. It was found that APTP was oxidized to APP+ by type A monoamine oxidase in PC12 cells, suggesting that APP+ itself may damage the cells. In addition to APTP and APP+, N-amino analogues of N-methylisoquinolines and related derivatives were also synthesized and examined for their cytotoxicity to PC12 cells.

[Prevalence of glucose intolerance in Japan--from the National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, 1990]

The prevalence of glucose intolerance was surveyed in 8,063 people over 30 years old from the general population of Japan. The data used in the analysis were from the Fourth National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, which was conducted in 1990. Survey items included history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) and daily life activity. Blood and urine were also examined, and the blood glucose levels, presence or absence of sugar in urine, and levels of glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined. Glucose intolerance was identified from the blood glucose level, HbA1c level and history of diabetes mellitus. The frequency of glucose intolerance was 8.6% in all subjects (11.9% in men and 6.3% in women). The frequency was higher in older people: 1.7 times higher in men over 65 years old and 2.5 times higher in women over 65 years old. Among people over 40 years old, glucose intolerance was significantly more prevalent in men than in women. It was also significantly more prevalent in men living in big cities than in men living in rural areas. Among obese male subjects and men with a low level of activity in daily life, the frequency of glucose intolerance was higher than in normal male subjects. The level of activity in daily life tended to be lower for people living in big cities than for those in rural areas. The results suggest that the prevalence of glucose intolerance depends on the environment in which people live. The results also indicate that raising the level of activities in daily life might help prevent diabetes mellitus.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in a case of polymyositis associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome

A 50-year-old woman was treated with prednisolone for polymyositis. During the therapy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) occurred. Neither plasma infusion nor plasma exchange could relieve the clinical manifestations of TTP/HUS. Moreover, massive ascites appeared and worsened her condition. She died approximately one year after the diagnosis of polymyositis. The autopsy revealed centri-lobular hepatic necrosis and nonthrombotic obliteration of hepatic small veins. The diagnosis of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) was made. It was suspected that common factors other than cytoreductive therapy had damaged the endothelium and caused TTP/HUS and VOD in a case of polymyositis.

Reactions of 1-methylbenzimidazole derivatives with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid

Oxidation of seven 1-methylbenzimidazole (MBI) derivatives (with pKa's ranging from 1.6 to 6.0) was carried out with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid and structures of the products formed were identified. (Condensed benzene moiety-hydroxylated)-2-(m-chlorobenzyloxy)-MBIs and 2-oxo-MBIs were obtained from MBIs with pKa's of more than 5.6 and about 3.3, respectively.

[The effect of FK 506, an immunosuppressant, on cerebral infarction volume in focal cerebral ischemia in rats]

The effect of FK 506, an immunosuppressant which is widely used in the transplantation of liver, kidney and bone marrow, on cerebral infarction volume in transient focal ischemia was investigated. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by 2 h occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery in rats. FK 506 (0.3 mg/kg body weight) and vehicle were administered intravenously immediately after induction of cerebral ischemia. After 24 h reperfusion the rats were sacrificed and brain infarct volume and edema volume were determined. The FK 506 treatment group showed a significantly reduced infarct volume in the cerebral cortex when it was compared with the vehicle treatment group, but infarct volume was not significantly reduced in the striatum which was the ischemic core in this focal ischemia model. However, FK 506 did not reduce the edema volume significantly. These results suggest that the reduction of infarct volume is a result of the neuroprotective effect of FK 506. This immunosuppressant may be useful in the treatment of cerebral infarction.

Morphological study of pituitary tumorigenesis in transgenic mice induced by hybrid oncogene of the thyrotropin beta-subunit and the simian virus 40 large T-antigen

We have created a transgenic mouse, TTP-1, generating anterior pituitary tumors by using the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen gene and human thyrotropin beta-subunit gene. To examine characteristics of tumors, histological details were investigated using light and electron microscopies. The main tumor tissues, composed of small chromophobe cells, were located inferior to but clearly separated from the hypothalamus; however, neuron fibers probably derived from the hypothalamus were observed to invade some tumor tissues. Some differentiated endocrine cells occupied the caudal region of the tumor. Immunohistochemically, SV40 large T antigen was expressed in the cell nucleus of the undifferentiated cell area, whereas cells expressing several hormones were mainly distributed in the differentiated cell area. Electron microscopically, the undifferentiated cells were divided into 2 types; electron-dense and -lucent cells, the nuclei of which were composed of obscured nucleoli and many notable invaginations of the nuclear membrane. No intracellular microfilamentous structures were observed. Sometimes it was noted that cytoplasmic processes were connected with gap junctions. In the intercellular spaces, there were neuron fibrous and synapse-like structures. In the differentiated cell area, the cell membranes directly contacting other cells were relatively smooth, and many gap junctions were demonstrated. Secretory granules, which were round and less than 100 nm in diameter, were more electron dense in smaller cells than in larger cells. They were aligned just below the cell membrane. Immuno-electron microscopically, positive reactions for SV40 were observed in the nuclei of the undifferentiated cell area. In the differentiated cell area, most of the secretory granules were labeled by GH. TTP-1 transgenic mice should provide a valuable animal model for studying the pathogenesis of anterior pituitary tumors.

Indole derivatives as a new class of steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors

A series of indole derivatives with varied substituents on the alpha, beta-unsaturated double bond were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit rat prostatic 5 alpha-reductase. Compounds possessing an ethyl substituent at the beta-position of the double bond showed potent inhibitory activity. Among them, (Z)-4-{2-[[3-[1-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydryl)indol-5-yl]-2-pentenoy l]- amino]phenoxy}butyric acid (16, KF20405) showed the maximum potency with an IC50 value of 0.48 +/- 0.086 nM, which was 20-fold higher potency than 1 (MK-906). Compound 16 effectively inhibited DHT production 4 h after a 3 mg/kg oral administration. Several potent indole derivatives, 1 and 2 ((+/-)-ONO-3805), were tested versus rat and human isozymes. Nonsteroidal inhibitors such as indole derivatives and 2 were 2-3 orders of magnitude less potent for human type 2 isozyme than steroidal inhibitor 1 and expressed a significant species deference for these isozymes.

Morphometric study on the fetal thyroid gland in the nude mouse (BALB/cAnNCrj-nu/nu)

Fetal thyroid glands of athymic nude mice (BALB/cAnNCrj-nu/nu) were examined morphometrically on day 18 of gestation. Compared to euthymic litter mate controls (BALB/ cAnNCrj-nu/+), both the cell height and diameter of thyroid follicles were significantly smaller; fewer well-developed follicles were found in the peripheral region of the thyroid; the body weight and total volume of the thyroid gland were also smaller in nude mice. These results suggest underdevelopment of the fetal thyroid gland of the athymic nude mouse.

[Clinical study of ten cases with acute abdomen after eating raw firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans, Hotaruika), which are probably due to type X larvae of the suborder spirurina]

We studied ten cases with abdominal pain after eating raw firefly squid, Watasenia scintillans, Hotaruika. Characteristic clinical features were abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, creeping eruption and ileus with ascites. In ten patients, there were all cases with abdominal pain, nine with nausea and vomiting, four with diarrhea, one with creeping eruption, six with ileus. Laboratory examination revealed eosinophilia on peripheral blood in ten cases and high serum IgE value in nine cases. The infection rate of type X lavae of the suborder spirurina in Watasenia scintillans is almost 3%, so we measured the antibody to type X larvae of the suborder spirurina in nine patients by indirect fluorescent antibody method and the antibody titer was positive in seven cases. Most patients recovered in several days from first visit. But one patient was diagnosed peritonitis and operated with partial ileectomy. Pathological finding of resected specimen showed an erosion in the mucosal layer and an inflammation with marked eosinophilia in the submucosal layer. These results suggest that abdominal complaints after eating Watasenia scintillans are due to type X larvae of the suborder spirurina.

The natural occurrence of fumonisins in Brazilian corn kernels

Since animal intoxication related to corn-based feed is frequently observed in the State of Paraná, Brazil, natural contamination by fumonisins in 48 corn samples (39 from the State of Paraná, and 9 from the Brazilian tropical states, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goias) harvested in 1990-1991 was investigated, along with fungal flora. The total mould count ranged from 6.3 x 10(2) to 5.5 x 10(7) cfu/g, and Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus species belonging to section Flavi were detected in 41 and 33 samples, respectively. Regarding the samples from the State of Paraná, F. moniliforme was present in 33 samples at a count of 1.0 x 10(2) to 1.6 x 10(7) cfu/g and Aspergillus spp. in section Flavi in 27 samples at 1.0 x 10(2) to 1.0 x 10(6) cfu/g. HPLC analysis of fumonisins in the corn showed that fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) were positive for 97.4% and 94.8% of samples respectively. All the corn from North Paraná was positive for fumonisins, with average FB1 levels of 4.79 micrograms/g and average FB2 levels of 3.95 micrograms/g: the Central-West region had average levels of 3.30 and 2.52 micrograms/g, and the Central-East had average of 3.25 and 2.34 micrograms/g, respectively. Except for one negative sample all the corn samples from the Central Region were positive for fumonisins, averaging FB1 levels being 5.45 micrograms/g and FB2 levels being 5.09 micrograms/g. Out of eight samples from the tropical state of Mato Grosso do Sul, F. moniliforme was detected in seven and Aspergillus spp. in section Flavi in five samples with average FB1 levels of 10.59 micrograms/g and average for FB2 levels of 10.31 micrograms/g. The samples from Goias were also contaminated with these two fungi, with the FB1 contamination being 5.83 and the FB2 contamination 3.62 micrograms/g.

[Marked dilatation of the bilateral common carotid artery: a case report]

We reported a rare case of marked dilatation of the bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) associated with stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). A 64-year-old female was admitted with right hemiparesis and dysarthria. She was hospitalized 2 years ago for cholecystitis. For 5 years, she has been under medical treatment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiac failure associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and atrial fibrillation. Brain CT scan showed infarction of the left corona radiata. Angiography revealed marked dilatation of the bilateral CCA and the internal carotid artery (ICA), moderate dilatation of the innominate artery and the right subclavian artery, kinking of the right CCA, diverticular outpouching of the left ICA, and stenosis of the right external carotid artery and the left MCA. Breast CT scan revealed moderate dilatation and marked calcification of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. Laboratory examination did not show any sign of inflammation, rheumatoid factor (RA), antistreptolysis-O (ASLO) and antinucleotic antibody. Based on the clinical course, radiological findings and laboratory data, possible diagnosis of the dilatation of the bilateral CCA was discussed with particular emphasis on arteriosclerotic aneurysm and aortitis syndrome.

Targeted pituitary tumorigenesis using the human thyrotropin beta-subunit chain promoter in transgenic mice

We have generated transgenic mice that express the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen under the control of a 1109 bp 5'-flanking sequence of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSH beta) gene. The hybrid gene, termed TTP-1, was microinjected into fertilized mouse eggs and 11 transgenic mice were obtained. One of the transgenic mice, a female, a phenotypical dwarf, developed a pituitary tumor and wasted away from 7 to 9 weeks after birth. To establish the transgenic mouse line, her ovaries were transferred to a normal female, whose ovaries were removed beforehand. To examine the tissue specificity of transgene expression, mRNA of SV40 large T antigen was monitored in various tissues from the transgenic mice by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and was detected only in the pituitary. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the pituitary tumors of the transgenic mice were composed of poorly differentiated pituitary cells expressing SV40 large T antigen. These results indicated that the 1109 bp sequence of the human TSH beta 5'-flanking region is essential for pituitary-specific expression of SV40 large T antigen in transgenic mice, which exhibited a dwarf phenotype and developed pituitary tumors. The tumors were composed of undifferentiated cells and did not produce thyrotropin. These transgenic mice should provide a valuable animal model for studying the pathogenesis of anterior pituitary tumors.