[Successful total arch replacement for a 92-year-old woman with acute Stanford A aortic dissection: report of a case]

We reported a successful case of emergent total arch replacement for a nonagenarian with acute Stanford A aortic dissection. A 92-year-old woman complained of general fatigue, with hypotension. Echocardiography showed moderate pericardial effusion and aortic regurgitation. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed widely extended aortic dissection from the ascending aorta to descending thoracic aorta, and cardiac tamponade. An emergent total arch replacement was performed under hypothermic selective cerebral perfusion with bladder temperature of 22.5 degrees C. Although she suffered from pneumothorax, renal insufficiency and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding postoperatively, she tolerated the operation and complications, well. She is now leading a good life with the same level of activities of daily living (ADL) as preoperative one.

[First successful clinical application of tissue engineered blood vessel]

With this tissue engineering (TE) technique, the peripheral pulmonary artery was successfully reconstructed, using the patient's own venous cells in a 4-year-old girl, 2 years after Fontan procedure. A 4-year-old girl was given a diagnosis of single right ventricle, double-outlet right ventricle and pulmonary atresia. She underwent left modified Blalock-Taussig shunt at a month old, pulmonary artery angioplasty at a year and 3 months old, and bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt at 2 years and a month old. She underwent again pulmonary artery angioplasty and Fontan operation at 3 years and 3 months. An angiographical examination 7 months after the operation revealed total occlusion of the right intermediate pulmonary artery. TE technique using autologous cells was indicated. The application of this procedure was approved by the ethical committee in Tokyo Women's Medical University. The patient's parents were thoroughly informed and signed a consent form. Approximately 2 cm of the peripheral vein was explanted under sterile conditions. The tissue was minced, placed in tissue culture dishes and cultured at 37 degrees C, 100% humidity and a 5% CO2 atmosphere for almost a month. The number of cells substantially increased to reach 12 millions for almost a month. The culture medium was changed every 3 days. The polymer tube that served as a scaffold for cells was composed of the copolymer of PCL-PLA (50:50) with reinforcement by woven PGA. The polymer conduit, 10 mm in diameter, 20 mm in length and 1 mm in thickness, was designated to biodegradate within 8 weeks. The number of seeded cells was approximately a million/cm2. The graft transplantation was performed 10 days after seeding cells. The occlusive right intermediate pulmonary artery was reconstructed with the TE vessel graft under extracorporeal circulation with a pump-oxygenator. The patient followed a satisfactory postoperative course. The postoperative angiography demonstrated that the graft was not constricted and dilated but that it preserved good patency. Long-term follow-up are necessary. We plan to continue to use the TE technique using autologous cells in the low pressure system like venous or pulmonary circulation. Because our results even in early experimental phase were valuable and promising, we believe that the TE approach may play an important role in the near future as an another alternative, together with transplantation and artificial organ, especially in the field of cardiovascular surgery that mostly needs replants.

Concomitant aortic arch and root replacement using a stentless xenograft for acute type A dissection

A 78-year-old woman with an aortic root aneurysm and aortic regurgitation developing acute type A dissection successfully underwent aortic root replacement using a stentless xenograft during core cooling, followed by total aortic arch replacement under selective cerebral perfusion with deep hypothermia. This bioprosthesis can be used in the same way as a free-hand homograft and potentially provides an aggressive, safe option for acute aortic dissection requiring aortic root reconstruction in elderly patients.

[Cryopreservation of vascular mixed cell for tissue engineering in cardiovascular surgery]

Tissue engineering (TE) is a new discipline that offers the potential to create replacement structures from autologous cells and biodegradable polymer scaffold. Various vascular and valvular grafts have been tried to create with this TE approach. In clinical use of this technique, harvested and cultured cells have to keep viability until implantation as tissue engineered tissue. But few research for cryopreservation of vascular mixed cells has been performed. So, we investigated the proper method for cryopreservation of vascular mixed cells harvested from femoral artery and vein of dogs. Cells were cultured and divide into three groups, A: cryopreserving in 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), hydroxyethyl starch (HES), and fetal bovine serum (FBS) with -80 degrees C freezer; B: cryopreserving in 10% DMSO and FBS with programmed freezer; C: control (continuous culture in media). After rapid thawing at 40 degrees C, group A showed higher viability than group B with flow cytometry. The results means that vascular mixed cells can be successfully cryopreserved in the DMSO/HES mixture simply and inexpensively, without rate controlled freezing.

Gastric cancer presenting with extremely rapid growth: unprecedented morphologic change in a short time and endoscopic estimation of its doubling time

We encountered a case of gastric cancer that was initially detected as a deep hemorrhagic ulcer without surrounding irregular elevation, followed by rapid protrusion in less than 1 month. Using endoscopic images in the follow-up study, we estimated the doubling time (DT) of this unusual tumor as 9.2 days. Since the doubling time of gastric cancer is generally fairly long due to exfoliation of many cancer cells into the gastric lumen, this cancer presented with extremely rapid growth. Besides, this case reinforces that follow-up study is important in terms of clinical management of ulcerative lesions.

Monoclonal antibody-dendrimer conjugates enable radiolabeling of antibody with markedly high specific activity with minimal loss of immunoreactivity

For the purpose of radioimmunotherapy, labelling of monoclonal antibody with high specific activity is often necessary, especially when using a radionuclide with a shorter half-life. Polyamine dendrimers (PAMAM) are novel synthetic polymeric molecules with large numbers of amine residues on their spherical surface. In order to bind large numbers of radiometals to single antibody molecules, the generation-4 PAMAM (G4), which has 64 amines, was conjugated with 43 molecules of 2-(p-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-6-methyl-diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (1B4M), a derivative of DTPA. This product [G4-(1B4M)43] was then conjugated with OST7, a murine monoclonal IgG1. We evaluated the achievable specific activity for 111In labeling, immunoreactivity, biodistribution, and tumor targeting in mice of the 111In- or 153Gd-OST7-G4-(1B4M)43 as compared with radiolabeled OST7-1B4M or 56C-1B4M. The maximum specific activity of 111In-OST7-G4-(1B4M)43 and 111In-OST7-1B4M was 470 and 8.7 GBq/mg (12,700 and 263 mCi/mg), respectively. Immunoreactivity of radiolabeled OST7-G4-(1B4M)43 and OST7-1B4M, as determined by the binding to KT005 cells expressing the antigen, was respectively 91% and 84% of that of 125I-labelled OST7. Biodistribution studies for preparations with maximum specific activity in normal mice 3 h after injection showed that 111In- or 153Gd-OST7-G4-(1B4M)43 cleared faster from the blood and accumulated more in the liver than did 111In- or 153Gd-OST7-1B4M. The dendrimer 1B4M [G4-(1B4M)64] itself showed similar saturation effects with metals. The radioactivity in all the other organs reflected the rapid clearance of radioactivity from the blood. 153Gd-OST7-G4-(1B4M)43 showed specific accumulation in the KT005 tumor. In conclusion, we could successfully bind 49 times as many metal atoms to an antibody molecule as is possible with conventional metal labeling for indium and gadolinium, and did so with minimal loss of immunoreactivity. When we achieved radiolabeling with maximum specific activity, Gd conjugate showed better biodistribution than In conjugate.

New synthetic routes to biscarbonylbipyridinerhenium(I) complexes cis,trans-[Re(X2bpy)(CO)2(PR3)(Y)n+ (X2bpy = 4,4'-X2-2,2'-bipyridine) via photochemical ligand substitution reactions, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties

Photochemical ligand substitution of fac-[Re(X2bpy)(CO)3(PR3)]+ (X2bpy = 4,4'-X2-2,2'-bipyridine; X = Me, H, CF3; R = OEt, Ph) with acetonitrile quantitatively gave a new class of biscarbonyl complexes, cis,trans[Re(X2bpy)(CO)2(PR3)(MeCN)]+, coordinated with four different kinds of ligands. Similarly, other biscarbonylrhenium complexes, cis,trans-[Re(X2bpy)(CO)2(PR3)(Y)]n+ (n = 0, Y = Cl-; n = 1, Y = pyridine, PR'3), were synthesized in good yields via photochemical ligand substitution reactions. The structure of cis,trans-[Re(Me2bpy)(CO)2[P(OEt)3](PPh3)](PF6) was determined by X-ray analysis. Crystal data: C38H42N2O5F6P3Re, monoclinic, P2(1/a), a = 11.592(1) A, b = 30.953(4) A, c = 11.799(2) A, V = 4221.6(1) A3, Z = 4, 7813 reflections, R = 0.066. The biscarbonyl complexes with two phosphorus ligands were strongly emissive from their 3MLCT state with lifetimes of 20-640 ns in fluid solutions at room temperature. Only weak or no emission was observed in the cases Y = Cl-, MeCN, and pyridine. Electrochemical reduction of the biscarbonyl complexes with Y = Cl- and pyridine in MeCN resulted in efficient ligand substitution to give the solvento complexes cis,trans-[Re(X2bpy)(CO)2(PR3)(MeCN)]+.

Tissue distribution of polaprezinc in rats determined by the double tracer method

The tissue distribution of polaprezinc (an insoluble zinc complex of L-carnosine) in rats was studied by the double tracer method using [U-14C-histidine]-, 65Zn-polaprezinc. The 65Zn-radioactivity was measured with an auto-gamma counter, and the 14C containing 65Zn was converted to an absolute count according to the calibration curve for quenching with a liquid scintillation counter with the spill-over method. After the administration of 14C-, 65Zn-polaprezinc to rats, the excretion ratio and time courses in the tissues of the 14C-and 65Zn-radioactivity were different each other. We found that polaprezinc was metabolized as endogenous amino acid or zinc after dissociation in the body. The zinc concentration in plasma reached its maximum at 1 h and decreased slowly, returning to the endogenous level at 11 h after the administration of non-labeled polaprezinc. The concentrations of zinc in liver, kidney, testis, prostate, and cerebrum remained rather constant. The replacement ratios of 65Zn to zinc in the tissues at its maximum percentage were 40% in plasma, 16-20% in liver, kidney, blood, and prostate. The low replacement ratios in testis and cerebrum (2-3%) suggested that zinc uptakes in testis and brain were regulated by the blood-testis-barrier and blood-brain-barrier, respectively.

Increased streptavidin uptake in tumors pretargeted with biotinylated antibody using a conjugate of streptavidin-fab fragment

Radiolabeled streptavidin accumulated in tumors pretargeted with biotinylated antibody. However, the absolute delivery of radioactivity was limited. To increase the tumor uptake of radioactivity further, we conjugated streptavidin with a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) fragment, OST6Fab, which recognizes antigen on human osteosarcoma. Another mouse MAb, OST7, which also reacts with the same tumor but recognizes an epitope different from the OST6 epitope, was biotinylated. The radioiodinated streptavidin-OST6Fab conjugate was administered to tumor-bearing mice after the biotinylated OST7 pretargeting. The uptake of the conjugate in tumors pretargeted with the biotinylated antibody was significantly higher than that of streptavidin and that of the conjugate of streptavidin and irrelevant Fab fragment. Renal uptake of radioactivity was decreased markedly, and the blood clearance was retarded by the conjugation with Fab fragment. In conclusion, the conjugate of streptavidin with specific Fab fragment increased the accumulation of radioactivity in tumors pretargeted with biotinylated antibody.

Syntheses and biological activities of dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain derivatives

The syntheses and biological activities of dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain derivatives against plant pathogenic fungi and termites were investigated. Dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain was isolated by a simple method without chromatography from the leaves of Alpinia speciosa K. SCHUM. The white crystalline compound obtained was identified as dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (1) by instrumental analyses. 4-Hydroxy-6-(2-phenylethyl)-2H-pyran-2-one (3) was prepared by hydrolyzing dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain. Three dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain derivatives were synthesized by reacting 3 with phosphoric agents. Among the synthesized compounds, dimethyl [6-(2-phenylethyl)-2-oxo-2H-pyran-4-yl]phosphorothionate (4) had the strongest antifungal activity of 91% at 100 ppm against Corticium rolfsii.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of cinnamic acid esters

Cinnamic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids were isolated from pineapple stems (Ananas comosus var. Cayenne). Twenty-four kinds of esters were prepared from these acids, alcohols and the components of Alpinia. Isopropyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (11) and butyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (12) were found to have almost the same effectiveness in antifungal activity against Pythium sp. at 10 ppm as that of the commercial fungicide iprobenfos (kitazin P).

Wortmannin and Li+ specifically inhibit clathrin-independent endocytic internalization of bulk fluid

Incubation of a human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 in Li(+)-containing medium inhibited internalization of a fluid marker, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), by more than 80%. The ion inhibited the activity enhanced by Ca2+ or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. We also found that wortmannin (WT), a potent inhibitor of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase (PI 3-k), inhibited the non-stimulated and the two stimulated types of endocytosis to the same extent as Li+. In contrast, neither WT nor Li+ influenced the early internalization of transferrin (Tfn), EGF or platelet-derived growth factor. Neither targeting to early endosomes nor recycling of the once-internalized Tfn was influenced. When the cytoplasmic pH was lowered by chasing cells that had been preincubated with 25 mM NH4Cl in an amiloride-containing Na(+)-free medium, more than 90% of internalization of Tfn in HT-1080 cells was inhibited, while that of HRP was reduced by only 35%. In contrast, WT reduced the uptake of HRP by KB cells by 34%, while 60% of the activity was inhibited by the treatment for cytoplasmic acidification. Comparison of other cells i.e., A-549 and a human diploid cell line Miyajima, indicated that cells showing higher sensitivity to WT were less sensitive to low cytoplasmic pH. These results suggest that, in all the cells studied, bulk fluid is internalized either via a clathrin-independent/PI 3-k-dependent route or via a clathrin-dependent/PI 3-k-independent one, though the ratio varied among them. We also found that internalization of a mAb directed toward the 116 (100)-kDa subunit of vacuolar ATPase [OSW2; Sato and Toyama (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127, 39-53] in the fluid phase was inhibited by WT, but the antibody was still internalized in a surface-bound form. Regardless of the treatment with WT, most of the antibody was transported to endosomes that were associated with Tfn receptor. These results suggest that both internalization routes are targeted to the same early endosomal compartments.

Okadaic acid gives concentration-dependent reciprocal effects on the fluid phase endocytosis activated by Ca2+ and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate

Incubation of a human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 in increasing concentration of Ca2+ was found to enhance endocytic internalization of a fluid phase marker, horseradish peroxidase. At 16.8 mM Ca2+, generation of the effect required incubation for more than 45 min. The effect was reversed by removal of the excess ion for 30 min. Monitoring the intracellular concentration showed that the incubation induced a transient large Ca2+ influx followed by a recovery to 230 +/- 50 nM instead of the normal level of 83 +/- 5 nM. The activation was not inhibited by inhibitors of protein kinases nor a cAMP antagonist. In contrast, the effect was prevented by okadaic acid (OKA) at 100 nM without detectable effect on the basal activity. Fluid phase uptake by HT-1080 cells was also enhanced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In contrast to the case with Ca2+, OKA at 100 nM did not prevent the PMA effect but further enhanced the endocytosis. The effect of OKA was concentration-dependent, as the reagent at 1 microM inhibited not only both the activation but also the basal activity. In Ca(2+)- or PMA-stimulated cells, FITC-dextran was delivered to endosomes that had been labeled with TRITC-transferrin. In contrast, following treatment with a combination of PMA and 100 mM OKA, fluid phase was internalized in vesicular compartments devoid of transferrin labeling. These results suggest that, through differential modifications of protein phosphorylation, endocytosis can be enhanced distinctively either by employing conventional receptor-bearing compartments or generating a new endosomal population.

Repeating the avidin "chase" markedly improved the biodistribution of radiolabelled biotinylated antibodies and promoted the excretion of additional background radioactivity

Immunoscintigraphy using radiolabelled biotinylated monoclonal antibodies followed by infusion of avidin as a "chase" has been recently reported to improve the biodistribution for both immunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy. In this study the circulating protein-bound and avidin-binding fractions of radiolabelled biotinylated antibodies were determined serially after injection of an avidin "chase", and the effect of repeating the avidin chase was also studied. Nude mice bearing KT005 human osteogenic sarcoma were injected with radiolabelled biotinylated antitumour monoclonal antibody (OST7). After injection of an avidin chase, the protein-bound and avidin-binding fractions in plasma were determined serially using the trichloroacetate method and avidin-Sepharose gel. The biodistribution of radiolabelled biotinylated OST7 was compared after single and double avidin chases with no chase. At 6 h after the first avidin chase in mice injected with radioiodinated and technetium-labelled biotinylated OST7, 67.7% and 67.8%, respectively, of the plasma radioactivity was available for binding to avidin and was cleared from the circulation. Reinjection of avidin decreased the plasma radioactivity and improved the biodistribution of the radiolabelled biotinylated antibodies. Repeating the avidin chase markedly improved the biodistribution of the radioiodine-labelled biotinylated antibody when compared with the use of a single avidin chase. This new method for radioimmunotherapy is sure to protect the critical organs from radiation injury without decreasing the therapeutic effect.

Disposition of polaprezinc (zinc L-carnosine complex) in rat gastrointestinal tract and effect of cimetidine on its adhesion to gastric tissues

The disposition of polaprezinc in the rat gastrointestinal tract was studied by a double tracer method using [14C]- and [65Zn]polaprezinc. At 0.5 h after oral administration of [14C]-,[65Zn]polaprezinc to rats, the 14C-radioactivity in the gastric contents was comparable with the 65Zn-radioactivity. However, a significant difference was observed in the time course of changes in gastric contents between 14C- and 65Zn-radioactivity over 1 h after administration, indicating that polaprezinc existed in complex form at 0.5 h after administration and was dissociated to L-carnosine and zinc in the gastrointestinal tract as a function of time. The adhesion of zinc to stomach mucosa after oral administration of polaprezinc to rats was significantly increased by treatment with cimetidine. These results suggest that the adhesion of zinc to gastric tissues is increased by inhibiting the dissociation of polaprezinc, and that H2-receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine, may increase anti-ulcer effects of polaprezinc.

Residence time of polaprezinc (zinc L-carnosine complex) in the rat stomach and adhesiveness to ulcerous sites

Polaprezinc, an insoluble zinc complex of L-carnosine, exhibits anti-ulcer effects by acting directly on mucosal lesions. The disposition of polaprezinc in the stomach was studied to clarify the usefulness of its structure as an insoluble complex. The time courses of 14C-radioactivity in the gastric contents and gastric tissues were parallel to those of 65Zn after oral administration of a mixture of 14C-polaprezinc and 65Zn-polaprezinc (14C-, 65Zn-polaprezinc) to rats. The gastric contents of 14C-polaprezinc and 65Zn-polaprezinc were greater than those of 14C-L-carnosine and 65ZnSO4. Mean residence times (MRT) of 14C-polaprezinc and 65Zn-polaprezinc in the stomach were almost the same (ca. 2 hr), and they were double those of 14C-L-carnosine and 65ZnSO4. In gastric tissues, the area under the concentration curves (AUC0-8 hr) of 14C-polaprezinc and 65Zn-polaprezinc were 1.7 times greater than those of 14C-L-carnosine and 65ZnSO4, respectively. After administration of 14C-, 65Zn-polaprezinc to rats with acetic acid-induced ulcers, 14C and 65Zn-radioactivities in the ulcerous sites were very similar and greater than those of 14C-, 65Zn-polaprezinc dissolved in acid. In conclusion, polaprezinc is retained in the stomach longer and adheres to the ulcerous sites more than zinc or L-carnosine. The characteristics of this compound may arise from its insolubility and contribute to its strong pharmacological action.

Comparison of the chase effects of avidin, streptavidin, neutravidin, and avidin-ferritin on a radiolabeled biotinylated anti-tumor monoclonal antibody

Injection of avidin can decrease the background radioactivity due to a radiolabeled biotinylated monoclonal antibody. We compared the chase effects of avidin, streptavidin, neutravidin, and avidin-conjugated ferritin on a radiolabeled antitumor monoclonal antibody in tumor-bearing nude mice. A radioiodine-labeled biotinylated monoclonal antibody (OST7) was administered to athymic mice bearing osteogenic sarcomas. After 24 h, an avidin, streptavidin, neutravidin or avidin-conjugated ferritin chaser was intravenously injected into the mice. At 2 h after the chase, the biodistribution of the radiolabeled monoclonal antibody was determined. Clearance from the blood was dose-dependently accelerated by avidin and its effect was 10-fold stronger than that of neutravidin or avidin-ferritin. Streptavidin did not promote clearance of the biotinylated antibody. Avidin was the most effective chasing agent for improving the biodistribution of the radiolabeled biotinylated monoclonal antibody among the four avidin derivatives tested.

Isolation of peptides homologous to domains of human alpha 1B-glycoprotein from a mongoose antihemorrhagic factor

Thirteen peptides, homologous to one of the five domains of human alpha 1B-glycoprotein (alpha 1BG), were isolated from a mongoose antihemorrhagic factor (AHF1); four of them were generated by BrCN cleavage, and three and six peptides by the digestions with lysyl endopeptidase and staphylococcal protease V8, respectively. The purified peptides covered 75.9% of the whole sequence of human alpha 1BG (359/474 residues) and showed 46.4% identity (167/360 amino acids) with the sequence of human alpha 1BG including cysteine residues forming disulfide linkages. One of the sugar binding sites of human alpha 1BG was also conserved in AHF1. These results suggest that AHF1 is a protein homologous to human alpha 1BG and a supergene family of immunoglobulins.

Characterization of the antihemorrhagic factors of mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)

Three antihemorrhagic factors (AHF1, AHF2 and AHF3) isolated from the serum of mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) are glycoproteins of monomer structure with the same mol. wt (about 65,000), which contain 4.2%, 13.6% and 6.0% carbohydrates as glucose, respectively. All are composed of about 600 amino acids of similar composition. The 32 amino terminal amino acid sequences of three antihemorrhagic factors were determined, and sequence homologies were examined. AHF1 and AHF2 were of the same amino acid sequence, and showed high homologies to AHF3, oprin (opossum proteinase inhibitor) and human alpha 1B-glycoprotein; 68.7%, 42.3% and 50.0% identity, respectively. AHF1 completely inhibited the hemorrhagic activity of HR2b, the hemorrhagic factor of habu snake, at the concentration of five-fold molar excess, although incomplete inhibition (50%) of proteinase activity of the hemorrhagic factor was observed even at the concentration of 20-fold molar excess of antihemorrhagic factor. Incubation of HR2b with AHF1, and analysis of the reaction products by chromatography on TSK gel G-3000SW and on the ultracentrifuge did not show formation of an inactive enzyme inhibitor complex. However, the complex formation between AHF1 and HR2b was observed by a BIAcore analysis and TSK gel SP-5PW column chromatography. No alteration in the primary or the secondary structure of both factors was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism spectrum at the far-UV wavelength before and after incubation of both factors, respectively.

Absorption mechanism of polaprezinc (zinc L-carnosine complex) by an everted sac method

1. The absorption mechanism of polaprezinc (zinc-carnosine chelate compound) was studied in rat by an everted gut sac method. The rates of transport and accumulation of 14C-L-carnosine were proportional to the mucosal concentration of L-carnosine, whereas the rates of transport and accumulation of 65ZnCl2 had become saturated. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) = 4.41 mM and maximal rate (Vmax) = 71.83 nmol/min/g for zinc transport and, similarly, Km = 6.21 mM and Vmax = 92.51 mumol/30 min/g for accumulation. 2. The addition of ouabain, 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) and low temperatures reduced the rate of zinc uptake, indicating that zinc transport was considered to be a carrier-mediated process based on Na+,K(+)-ATPase-dependent mechanisms. 3. The concentration of zinc in the gut of the non-fasted rat was greater than that of the fasted rat, suggesting different rates of transport and accumulation. It is suggested that zinc intestinal uptake in rat is regulated by zinc content in the gut. 4. A pharmacokinetic model for transport and accumulation of zinc saturation from the lumen side to the gut was designed, and the calculated values obtained by simultaneous multiline fitting of transport and accumulation of zinc data were in good agreement with the observed values.

Improved clearance of radiolabeled biotinylated monoclonal antibody following the infusion of avidin as a "chase" without decreased accumulation in the target tumor

The techniques of radioimmunoimaging and radioimmunotherapy suffer from prolonged high background radioactivity because intravenously injected antibodies remain in the circulation and in the organs far longer than necessary for effective binding to the target. To decrease background and increase radionuclide excretion without decreasing the dose of radioactivity delivered to the target tumor, we used radiolabeled biotinylated antibodies followed by a "chase" avidin injection.

METHODS

A mouse monoclonal antibody, OST7 (IgG1), which reacts with human osteosarcoma, was biotinylated and labeled with 125I, 131I or 99mTc. Radiolabeled biotinylated OST7 (10 micrograms) was administered intravenously into nude mice bearing human osteosarcomas and 30 micrograms of avidin was injected intravenously 6 or 24 hr later.

RESULTS

Following avidin injection in mice pretreated with radiolabeled biotinylated antibodies, radioactivity was promptly cleared from the blood and deposited in the liver and spleen, after which radioiodine was rapidly detached from the antibody and excreted in the urine. The tumor-to-blood ratios at 6 and 24 hr after the injection of 125I-labeled biotinylated OST7 increased compared with the values before the avidin chase without any loss of tumor radioactivity. Furthermore, the tumor-to-background radioactivity ratio was improved and better images were obtained more rapidly after the injection of radiolabeled biotinylated antibodies than with conventional immunoscintigraphy.

CONCLUSIONS

This method may find application in clinical radioimmunoimaging, especially using short half-life radionuclides such as 99mTc and 123I.

Interference with the endosomal acidification by a monoclonal antibody directed toward the 116 (100)-kD subunit of the vacuolar type proton pump

A monoclonal antibody (OSW2) was prepared by using human osteosarcoma cells. OSW2 was found to be directed toward the 116 (also called 100)- kD protein that uniquely associates to the vacuolar-type proton pump. The antibody specifically localized acidic membrane compartments that could be visualized with acridine orange in many types of human cells. It also reacted with the surface and was internalized along the endosomal pathway. Monitoring the endosome pH by using FITC-dextran and acridine orange suggested that the antibody interfered with low pH. Cell-free experiments indicated that the ATP-dependent acidification was inhibited in endosomes associated with OSW2. In contrast, the antibody gave little effect on the ATPase activity of the solubilized H+ pump. The internalization of OSW2 reduced infectivity of certain enveloped viruses (influenza, SFV, VSV) by 50 to 80%. Inhibition of viral fusion was directly demonstrated by monitoring the fate of octadecylrhodamine-labeled influenza virus fluorescence. These results indicate that the 116 (100)-kD protein is necessary for the control of pH. The antibody represents a novel probe for understanding the role of the endosomal compartments in cellular physiology.

In vivo instability of reduction-mediated 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibody

A murine monoclonal antibody that reacts with human osteogenic sarcoma (OST7) was reduced and directly labeled with 99mTc without any loss of immunoreactivity. No fragmentation of the antibody was detected by high performance liquid chromatography after the labeling. However, SDS-PAGE analysis of the labeled antibody demonstrated the presence of low molecular weight species. Although more than 95% of the radioactivity remained bound at the antibody after incubation with human serum for 24 h, 99mTc-labeled OST7 was cleared faster from the circulation than 125I-labeled OST7 or 111In-labeled OST7 in mice. Urinary and fecal excretion of 99mTc were higher than those of 125I. When the 125I-labeled antibody was dual-labeled with 99mTc, the blood clearance of 99mTc was faster than that of 125I, suggesting release of 99mTc from the antibody in vivo. 99mTc-labeled OST7, however, gave a higher tumor-to-blood ratio than 125I- or 111In-labeled OST7 in mice bearing human osteogenic sarcoma. The 99mTc-labeled antibody prepared by the direct method was unstable in vivo, but retained a good tumor targeting ability.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome--cases in the Kanebo Memorial Hospital]

In our hospital, 134 patients (28 male, 106 female, 10-82 years of age) were diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Some patients had mild elevation of antibodies against Epstein-Barr Virus and immunologic abnormalities (natural killer cell dysfunction and high rates of skin reactivity to house dust, pollen, drugs and common food). In the patients with immunologic abnormalities, we found decreases in serum concentrations of arachidonic acid and dihomogamma-linolenic acid. A Kampo medicine, Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang was used in the management of 134 patients and 98 patients returned to work or school.

[Selection of graft materials in case of emergency coronary bypass surgery following failed angioplasty]

The clinical characteristics of selection of graft materials were analysed for patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) following failed coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Ten emergency CABGs were performed from January 1983 to December 1991. Perioperative variables and follow-up were compared to 18 patients undergoing elective CABG after PTCA. The emergency group had shorter operative time (p less than 0.01) and shorter bypass time (p less than 0.05). Moreover the emergency group had decreased use of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) (40% vs 94.4%, p less than 0.01). There was no use of bilateral ITAs in the emergency group. There was not significant difference in hospital mortality and medium term follow-up between two groups. In conclusion, emergency CABG carries a significantly less use of ITA graft than elective CABG although ITAs are superior to SVGs about long term patency rate. So it is desirable that arterial graft should be used under an appropriate selection at emergency operation.

[The gastric mucosal adhesiveness of Z-103 in rats with chronic ulcer]

The gastric mucosal adhesiveness of Z-103 in rats with acetic acid ulcer was studied macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. From macroscopical observations, when Z-103 was orally administered to an acetic acid ulcer model, there was adhesion of Zn to the normal mucosa as well as the ulcerous site under both the fasting condition and after feeding. It was also proven that the strength and duration of adhesiveness were increased dose-dependently under fasting conditions. In addition, histological localization of Zn was noted from the covering epithelial cell layer to the gastric lamina propria mucosae in the normal tissue and in the most superficial ulcerous layer and the granulous layer of the ulcerous site. Measurement of the gastric tissue Zn content after oral administration of 100 mg/kg of Zn showed that the Zn content was significantly increased for 6 hr at the normal site and for 24 hr at the ulcerous site. On the other hand, although ZnSO4 and ZnSO4+carnosine combination macroscopically produced generally the same level of adhesiveness as Z-103, when the gastric tissue Zn content for Z-103 and ZnSO4 were compared, the Zn content of ZnSO4 was lower than that for Z-103 at both the normal and ulcerous site. In summary, Z-103 shows a long-term adhesive and permeable action on the gastric mucosa in acetic acid ulcer rats, and it has a comparable high affinity at the ulcerous site.

Direct proof that the primary site of action of cytochalasin on cell motility processes is actin

We have previously described the isolation of a mutant KB cell (Cyt 1 mutant) resistant to the cytotoxic effect of cytochalasin B (CB). The Cyt 1 mutant carries an altered form of beta-actin (beta'-actin) and lacks normal beta-actin (Toyama, S., and S. Toyama. 1984. Cell. 37:609-614). Increased resistance of the Cyt 1 mutant to CB in vivo is reflected in altered properties of beta'-actin in vitro (Toyama, S., and S. Toyama. 1988. J. Cell Biol. 107:1499-1504). Here, we show that the mutation in beta-actin is solely responsible for the cytochalasin-resistant phenotype of the Cyt mutant. We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding beta'-actin from Cyt 1 cells. Sequence analysis reveals two mutations in the coding region that substitute two amino acid residues (Val139----Met and Ala295----Asp). Expression of the beta'-actin cDNA confers cytochalasin resistance upon transformed cytochalasin-sensitive KB cells. Levels of resistance to CB in the transformed cell clones correlate well with amounts of beta'-actin polypeptide. Both of the two mutations in beta'-actin are necessary for the high level expression of cytochalasin resistance. Overall, we conclude that the primary site of action of cytochalasin on cell motility processes in vivo is actin.

Study on the metabolic fate of catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3- aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc]. 1st communication: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion after single administration to rats

Studies on the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of 14C-Z-103 and 65Zn-Z-103 (catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3- aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc], CAS 107667-60-7) were performed after oral administration to rats. After oral administration of 14C-Z-103 and 65Zn-Z-103, the blood concentrations of 14C-radioactivity were 30- to 40-fold higher than those of 65Zn-radioactivity. The 14C-radioactivity showed a dose-dependent increase of Cmax and AUC values in the dose range from 13.1 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg, and remained longer in the blood. In contrast, no dose-dependent increase of AUC was observed with 65Zn-radioactivity, suggesting saturation of absorption at doses more than 30 mg/kg of 65Zn-Z-103. The major route of excretion of 14C-radioactivity was by excretion into the expired air, amounting to 38.8% of the administered dose, while the urinary and fecal excretions were low values at 4.1% and 13.3%, respectively. The radioactivity remaining in the carcass accounted for 39.3% of the dose. On the other hand, in the case of 65Zn-radioactivity, 85.0% of the administered dose was excreted into the feces and 10.5% of the dose remained in the carcass. Both 14C- and 65Zn-radioactivities were distributed to the whole body, while 14C-radioactivity showed higher concentrations in the body, and was retained longer than the 65Zn-radioactivity. When the plasma and the liver and kidney homogenates, from rats received 14C-Z-103, were treated with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), the radioactivities in the TCA-insoluble fraction increased as a function of time. Following the treatment of the homogenates with protease, the radioactivities in the TCA-insoluble fraction decreased. In vitro study was showed that L-carnosine of 14C-Z-103 added to the homogenates of liver and small intestine was metabolized to L-histidine. The results suggest that the remaining radioactivities in tissues and organs caused the incorporation of the metabolites of 14C-Z-103 into endogenous high molecular substances.

Study on the metabolic fate of catena-(S)-[mu-N alpha-(3-aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc]. 3rd communication: transfer into fetus and milk in rats

Studies on the transfer into the fetus and the milk were performed after administration of 14C-Z-103 and 65Zn-Z-103 (catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3-aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]- zinc], CAS 107667-60-7) to rats. After oral administration of 14C-Z-103 to pregnant rats, the transfer of radioactivity to the fetus was studied by means of whole body autoradiography (ARG) and measurement of radioactivity in the fetus. The concentration of radioactivity in the fetus was approximately the same as those in the blood and the placenta of the maternal animal. The transfer of radioactivity into the milk was demonstrated after administration of 14C-Z-103 to lactating rats. Radioactivity in the fetus and milk are considered to be due to metabolites of L-carnosine of Z-103, such as amino acid or protein. The distribution of radioactivity in the fetus was also observed after administration of 65Zn-Z-103 to pregnant rats. However, after administration of non-radioactive Z-103 to pregnant rats, the zinc level in the fetus was found to be almost the same level as that in the fetus of the untreated rats. The transfer of radioactivity to the milk was studied after administration of 65Zn-Z-103 to the lactating rats, and it was seen that the concentration of radioactive zinc in the milk was much lower than the endogenous level of zinc in the milk at any of the time points investigated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Study on the metabolic fate of catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3- aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc]. 2nd communication: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion after repeated administration to rats

After repeated administration of 14C-Z-103 (catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3- aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc], CAS 107667-60-7) to rats for 21 days, the accumulation of radioactivity in the blood and tissues was proportional to the number of doses given. Following treatment of the terminal blood, plasma, liver and kidney samples with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or protease, the radioactivity in these tissues was demonstrated to be TCA-insoluble and solubilized by the protease treatment. Thus, the accumulation of radioactivity after repeated administration of 14C-Z-103 was considered to be due to the utilization of the metabolites of L-carnosine, the constituent of Z-103, into a protein. The cumulative ratios of radioactivity excreted into the urine, feces and expired air and the radioactivity remaining in the carcass after repeated administration of 14C-Z-103 for 21 days were similar to those values obtained after a single administration, suggesting that repeated administration did not influence the excretion profile of Z-103. During the period of repeated administration of non-radioactive Z-103 to rats for 21 days, the fecal content of zinc was higher than that in nontreated rats, whereas it returned to the control level at 48 h after the final administration. There was no significant difference in the urinary concentration of zinc between treated and non-treated animals during the period of repeated administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Study on the metabolic fate of catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3-aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc]. 4th communication: disposition of zinc and amino acids in rats, dogs and monkeys

The time course of the zinc plasma concentrations in rats, dogs and monkeys and the metabolic fate of L-carnosine were investigated after oral administration of Z-103 (catena-(S)-[mu-[N alpha-(3-aminopropionyl)histidinato(2-)-N1,N2,O:N tau]-zinc], CAS 107667-60-7). There was no intradiurnal variation in the plasma concentrations of endogenous zinc in rats, dogs and monkeys. The plasma concentrations of endogenous zinc in dogs and monkeys were approximately the same as that in humans, whereas the plasma concentration of zinc in rats was 2.2-fold higher than that in man. After administration of Z-103 to non-fasted dogs at 100 mg/kg, the plasma concentration of zinc reached Cmax at 0.5 h after administration (1.7-fold higher than endogenous zinc level), while the plasma concentration was the lowest in comparison with other animal species. After administration to fasting rats at 50 mg/kg, the plasma concentration of zinc reached Cmax at 1 h after administration (2.5-fold higher than endogenous zinc level) and decreased thereafter, returning to the endogenous level at 8 h after administration. After oral administration to monkeys at 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, the Cmax values were 4.1-fold and 6.8-fold higher than the endogenous level, respectively. The Tmax values were achieved at 4-6 h and 8 h after each administration, respectively, showing slower absorption in comparison with other animal species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A case of Bochdalek hernia in an adult with volvulus of the stomach and hypopotassemia]

Gastric volvulus is a rare disease. We recently encountered a gastric volvulus associated with Bochdalek hernia and severe hypopotassemia. A 32-year-old woman experienced epigastric pain and recurrent vomiting. The changes of the electrocardiogram in this patient (K1.8mEq/l) were inverted T wave and ST depression. She was diagnosed as having gastric volvulus associated with Bochdalek hernia by chest X-ray films, contrast radiography of the upper digestive tract and thoraco-abdominal CT scans. Symptoms did not disappear with the administration of conservative therapy. At laparotomy, the stomach was rotated around its mesenteric axis in the sagittal plane. After operative repair, symptoms disappeared, and serum potassium level returned to normal. Gastric volvulus is rather easily diagnosed if its existence is kept in mind.

Clinical effects of nitrendipine on variant angina pectoris

The clinical effects of nitrendipine, a new calcium antagonist, were investigated in a single-blind test on 21 patients with variant angina pectoris. The efficacy of the drug was evaluated on the basis of frequency of anginal attacks and Holter electrocardiographic findings during different treatment periods at doses of 10 mg once a day (period I) and 20 mg once a day (period II). The number of anginal attacks decreased significantly from a pretreatment level of 2.1 +/- 0.3 per day to 0.7 +/- 0.2 per day in treatment period I and 0.3 +/- 0.1 per day in treatment period II (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001, respectively). The consumption of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets decreased significantly in both treatment periods in comparison with the observation period before treatment (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001, respectively). In 20 patients with continuous ECG monitoring, the frequency of ST-segment elevation was 4.5 +/- 1.0 per day during the pretreatment period; it decreased significantly to 0.9 +/- 0.6 per day in treatment period I and 0.5 +/- 0.3 per day in treatment period II (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001, respectively). The duration and the maximum magnitude of ST-segment elevation also improved significantly in both treatment periods. These results demonstrate the efficacy of nitrendipine in the treatment of variant angina at a single daily dose of 10 mg.

Measurement of voltage dependence of capacitance of planar bilayer lipid membrane with a patch clamp amplifier

The voltage dependence of capacitance was measured by using the setup which was almost the same as that for the study of ion channels. The coefficient which represents the voltage dependence of capacitance itself also changes as a function of the duration of voltage application if hexadecane is contained in bilayer lipid membrane (BLM). The method of Alvarez, O., and R. Latorre (1978. Biophys. J. 21:1-17) was extended to treat BLM with hexadecane.

Monomorphic and polymorphic isozymes of arylamine N-acetyltransferases in hamster liver: purification of the isozymes and genetic basis of N-acetylation polymorphism

Two forms of cytosolic acetyltransferases, AT-I and AT-II, have been purified from hamster livers, and a comparison made of their chemical and catalytic properties and genetically expressed difference. Homogeneous AT-I and AT-II were 31 and 30 kd respectively on SDS-PAGE and catalyzed efficiently various N- and O-acetylations in their reconstitution systems. AT-I used both acetyl CoA and arylhydroxamic acids as acetyl donors, while AT-II did not utilize arylhydroxamic acids as acetyl donors. In the reconstitution system, purified AT-I, but not AT-II, catalyzed acetyl CoA-dependent O-acetylation of 2-N-hydroxyamino-6-methyldipyrido[1,2-alpha:3', 2'-d]imidazole (N-OH-Glu-P-1) and arylhydroxamic acid-dependent N-acetylation of 4-aminoazobenzene (AAB). On the other hand purified AT-II showed high activities of acetyl CoA-dependent N-acetylation of 2-aminofluorene (AF) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Polyclonal antibodies raised against AT-I inhibited cytosolic acetylations of N-OH-Glu-P-1 and AAB, and to a lesser extent of AF, while PABA N-acetylation was only marginally inhibited. Using Western blots, both AT-I and AT-II were recognized by the antibodies. AT-I was detectable in all the livers examined, and the content did not differ among the individuals (monomorphic distribution). In contrast, AT-II was distributed polymorphically, and the trimodal distribution of AT-II (high, intermediate and low) was correlated with the phenotype identified by cytosolic N-acetylations of AF and PABA (rapid, intermediate and slow). In addition, cross-mating experiments with intra- and inter-phenotype animals confirmed that hepatic AT-II isozyme is inherited by a Mendelian co-dominant trait. These results indicate that the polymorphic appearance of an acetyltransferase, AT-II, is responsible for the N-acetylation polymorphism in individual hamsters.

Pharmacokinetics of internally labeled monoclonal antibodies as a gold standard: comparison of biodistribution of 75Se-, 111In-, and 125I-labeled monoclonal antibodies in osteogenic sarcoma xenografts in nude mice

In order to know the true biodistribution of anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies, three monoclonal antibodies (OST6, OST7, and OST15) against human osteosarcoma and control antibody were internally labeled with 75Se by incubating [75Se]methionine and hybridoma cells. 75Se-labeled monoclonal antibodies were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using the human osteogenic sarcoma cell line KT005, and the results were compared with those of 125I- and 111In-labeled antibodies. 75Se-, 125I- and 111In-labeled monoclonal antibodies had identical binding activities to KT005 cells, and the immunoreactivity was in the decreasing order of OST6, OST7, and OST15. On the contrary, in vivo tumor uptake (% injected dose/g) of 75Se- and 125I-labeled antibodies assessed using nude mice bearing human osteosarcoma KT005 was in the order of OST7, OST6, and OST15. In the case of 111In, the order was OST6, OST7, and OST15. High liver uptake was similarly seen with 75Se- and 111In-labeled antibodies, whereas 125I-labeled antibodies showed the lowest tumor and liver uptake. These data indicate that tumor targeting of antibody conjugates are not always predictable from cell binding studies due to the difference of blood clearance of labeled antibodies. Furthermore, biodistribution of both 111In- and 125I-labeled antibodies are not identical with internally labeled antibody. Admitting that internally labeled antibody is a "gold standard" of biodistribution of monoclonal antibody, high liver uptake of 111In-radiolabeled antibodies may be inherent to antibodies. Little, if any, increase in tumor-to-normal tissue ratios of antibody conjugates will be expected compared to those of 111In-labeled antibodies if stably coupled conjugates are administered i.v.

Crystal structure analysis of omega-amino acid:pyruvate aminotransferase with a newly developed Weissenberg camera and an imaging plate using synchrotron radiation

The three-dimensional structure of omega-amino acid:pyruvate aminotransferase from Pseudomonas sp. F-126, an isologous alpha 4 tetramer containing pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor, has been determined at 2.0 A resolution. The diffraction data were collected with a newly developed Weissenberg camera with a Fuji Imaging Plate, using synchrotron radiation. The mean figure-of-merit was 0.57. The subunit is rich in secondary structure and comprises two domains. PLP is located in the large domain. The high homology in the secondary structure between this enzyme and aspartate aminotransferase strongly indicates that these two types of enzymes have evolved from a common ancestor.

Effect of a new calcium antagonist, nilvadipine, on variant angina pectoris evaluated by 24-hour Holter electrocardiography

The clinical effect of nilvadipine, a new calcium antagonist, was investigated in a single blind trial in 19 patients with variant angina pectoris. The efficacy of the drug was evaluated on the basis of frequency of anginal attacks and Holter electrocardiographic findings during observation periods and during two treatment periods when the drug was given in doses of 4 mg twice a day or 4 mg 3 times a day. The frequency of anginal attacks and the consumption of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets decreased significantly in both treatment periods in comparison with those in the observation period before treatment, but in the observation period after treatment tended to increase in comparison with those during the second treatment period. The frequency and duration of ST-segment elevation and the maximum ST-segment elevation confirmed by Holter electrocardiography also improved significantly in both treatment periods, compared with those in the observation period before treatment. Our findings show that nilvadipine is effective for variant angina pectoris at doses of 4 mg twice a day.

Functional alterations in beta'-actin from a KB cell mutant resistant to cytochalasin B

We recently described the isolation of mutant KB cells (Cyt 1 cells) resistant to the cytotoxic effect of cytochalasin B (CB). This mutant carried an altered beta-actin; i.e., beta'-actin (Toyama, S., and S. Toyama. 1984. Cell. 37:609-614). In the present study, we have examined the functional properties of actin in Cyt 1 cells. Our results showed that increased resistance of Cyt 1 cells to CB was reflected in altered properties of beta'-actin itself. This was shown directly by two findings. First, the polymerization of beta'-actin was more resistant than that of beta- or gamma-actin to the multiple effects of CB. Second, beta'-actin bound less CB than beta- or gamma-actin. The functional alteration of beta'-actin in Cyt 1 cells was further supported by the observation that, although treatment of KB cells with CB increased the pool of unpolymerized actin, the same treatment did not affect the pool of unpolymerized actin in Cyt 1 cells, and that microfilaments of Cyt 1 cells were more resistant to the disrupting action of CB than those of KB cells. These results strongly suggest that the primary site of action of CB on cell motility processes is actin.

Effects of ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate on polar lipids and Fatty acids in leaves of morning glory and kidney bean

To compare the effects of ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) on leaf lipids, fatty acids and malondialdehyde (MDA), morning glory (Pharbitis nil Choisy cv Scarlet O'Hara) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Gintebo) plants were exposed to either ozone (0.15 microliter per liter for 8 hours) or PAN (0.10 microliter per liter for up to 8 hours). Ozone increased phospholipids in morning glory and decreased in kidney bean at the initial stage (2-4 hours) of exposure, while it scarcely changed glycolipids, the unsaturated fatty acids, and MDA in both plants. A large reduction of glycolipids occurred 1 day after ozone exposure in both plants. PAN caused marked drops in phospholipids and glycolipids in kidney bean at relatively late stage (6-8 hours) of exposure, while it increased phosphatidic acid and decreased the unsaturated fatty acids, an increase which was accompanied by a large increase in MDA. These results suggest that ozone may not directly oxidize unsaturated fatty acids at the initial stage of exposure, but may alter polar lipid metabolism, particularly phospholipids. On the other hand, PAN may abruptly and considerably degrade phospholipids and glycolipids by peroxidation or hydrolysis at the late stage of exposure. The present study shows that ozone and PAN affect polar lipids in different manners.

Metabolic activation of a protein pyrolysate promutagen 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline by rat liver microsomes and purified cytochrome P-450

The enzymatic activation of a promutagenic pyrolysate, 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), was studied using the Ames mutagenesis test system. The enzyme catalyzing the mutagenic activation of MeIQx is mainly localized in the microsomal fraction. A large number of revertants was observed in the presence of hepatic microsomes obtained from 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)- or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-treated rats but only a minimal number with the hepatic microsomes from untreated or phenobarbital (PB)-treated rats. In addition, the microsomal activation was reduced efficiently by known inhibitors of cytochrome P-450-mediated reactions such as 7,8-benzoflavone, ellipticine and flavone. Among five forms of purified rat cytochrome P-450, the highest sp. act. (no. of revertants induced/nmol cytochrome P-450) for the activation of MeIQx was observed with a high-spin form of cytochrome P-450, P-448-H, followed by the low-spin form, P-448-L, and to a lesser extent by PB-inducible forms, P-450b and P-450e. P-450-male, which is a main constitutive form of cytochrome P-450 in male rat livers, showed considerable catalysis for the mutagenic activation of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and MeIQx. These results indicate that the metabolic activation of MeIQx is catalyzed mainly by two forms of cytochrome P-450, P-448-H and P-488-L, in the livers of PCB- or 3-MC-treated rats, but also that P-450-male may play an important role in the activation in livers of intact male rats.

Purification and crystallization of hemorrhagic factor, HR2b, from the venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis (habu)

The hemorrhagic factor, HR2b, was purified from the venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis (habu) by a combination of gel filtration, cation exchange column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The purified HR2b was homogeneous by the criteria of ultracentrifugation and SDS-disc electrophoresis. The mol. wt of HR2b was 18,000 and 18,500 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 and by SDS-disc electrophoresis, respectively, indicating a monomer structure for the hemorrhagic factor. Crystals of HR2b, taking the form of thin plates, were obtained in the presence of ammonium sulfate.

Purification of an antihemorrhagic factor from the serum of the non-venomous snake Dinodon semicarinatus

An antihemorrhagic factor was purified from the serum of Dinodon semicarinatus, a non-venomous snake (Akamata), by a series of high performance liquid chromatographies with a TSK gel DEAE-5PW column. The purified antihemorrhagic factor showed a single band on polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis and inhibited the hemorrhagic activity of HR1 and HR2, the hemorrhagic factors of Trimeresurus flavoviridis Okinawa. The antihemorrhagic factor was stable from 0 degrees to 60 degrees and at pH values 2.0-11.0. The molecular weight of the factor was estimated to be 59,000 and 52,000 by a gel filtration and SDS-disc electrophoresis, respectively, suggesting that it consists of a single subunit, as we also found for the antihemorrhagic factors of the mongoose Herpestes edwardsii.

Myocardial infarction size and location: a comparative study of epicardial isopotential mapping, thallium-201 scintigraphy, electrocardiography and vectorcardiography

Based on epicardial isopotential mapping (the Ep Map), which was calculated from body surface isopotential mapping (the Body Map) with Yamashita's method, using the finite element technique, we predicted the location and size of the abnormal depolarized area (the infarcted area) in 19 clinical cases of anterior and 18 cases of inferoposterior infarction. The prediction was done using Toyama's diagnostic method, previously reported. The accuracy of the prediction by the Ep Map was assessed by comparing it with findings from thallium-201 scintigraphy (SCG), electrocardiography (ECG) and vectorcardiography (VCG). In all cases of anterior infarction, the location of the abnormal depolarized areas determined on the Ep Map, which was localized at the anterior wall along the anterior intraventricular septum, agreed with the location of the abnormal findings obtained by SCG, ECG and VCG. For all inferoposterior infarction cases, the abnormal depolarized areas were localized at the posterior wall and the location also coincided with that of the abnormal findings obtained by SCG, ECG and VCG. Furthermore, we ranked and ordered the size of the abnormal depolarized areas, which were predicted by the Ep Map for both anterior and inferoposterior infarction cases. In the cases of anterior infarction, the order of the size of the abnormal depolarized area by the Ep Map was correlated to the size of the abnormal findings by SCG, as well as to the results from Selvester's QRS scoring system in ECG and to the angle of the maximum QRS vector in the horizontal plane in VCG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification of three antihemorrhagic factors from the serum of a mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)

Three antihemorrhagic factors (AHF-1, AHF-2 and AHF-3) were purified from the serum of H. edwardsii, a mongoose, by a combination of gel filtration on a Sephadex G-200 column and high performance liquid chromatography with a TSK gel DEAE-5PW column. Each of the purified antihemorrhagic factors showed a single band on polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis. The three antihemorrhagic factors inhibited the hemorrhagic activity of HR 1 and HR 2, the hemorrhagic principles from the snake venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis Okinawa. AHF-1, AHF-2 and AHF-3 were stable at temperatures from 0 degrees to 60 degrees C and at pH values between 2.0 and 11.0. The same molecular weight (65,000) was obtained for the three antihemorrhagic factors. No precipitin lines were found for the purified antihemorrhagic factors with the venom of T. flavoviridis Okinawa and its hemorrhagic principles, HR 1 and HR 2.