Use of human leukocyte antigen-mismatched allogeneic lymphokine-activated killer cells and interleukin-2 in the adoptive immunotherapy of patients with malignancies

Clinical effects and side effects were studied in the adoptive immunotherapy of patients bearing malignant diseases using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched allogeneic lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Allogeneic LAK cells were induced from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of normal donors by means of initial stimulation with pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Six of 15 patients applied in the adoptive immunotherapy showed clinical effects such as partial or complete regression of pulmonary metastasis, pleural effusion and primary tumor. All pulmonary metastatic lesions were eliminated in one case by this adoptive immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Generally toxic effects were chillness, fever and general fatigue which were reversible, and no allergic side effects occurred even though allogeneic LAK cells were injected frequently except one patient who showed preshock like symptom accompanied with leukocytopenia and continuous hypotension immediately after infusion but was finally rescued. In the patients who received more than 10(11) of allogeneic LAK cells, anti-HLA class I antibodies appeared without any evidence of autoantibody. However, immunological side effects were never experienced after injection of allogeneic LAK cells even when the anti-HLA class I antibodies appeared in the patients. Taken together, allogeneic LAK cells could be considered as alternative therapy for patients with malignancies who could not supply sufficient materials of autologous LAK cells.

Influence of physiological concentration of progesterone on CD(4+)- and CD(8+)-activated lymphocytes with interleukin 2 and autologous plasma: difference between healthy donors and patients bearing malignant tumors

The influence of progesterone at the physiological concentration on normal donor and malignant patient peripheral blood lymphocytes incubated with interleukin 2 (IL-2) was investigated. Analysis of the phenotypes of IL-2-activated lymphocytes revealed that there was a difference in the positive rates of CD4+ and CD8+ cells between normal donors and patients with malignancies. Activated lymphocytes of normal adults older than 35 years of age consisted of 60-100% of CD4+ cells and 0-30% of CD8+ cells. Donors younger than 35 years of age showed a positive rate of CD4+ cells, ranging from 0-100%, while CD8+ cells were between 0-60%. However, in patients with malignancies both CD4+ and CD(8+)-activated lymphocytes diffused from 0-100%. Activated lymphocytes of most patients were CD8+ cell dominant, which reversed the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Almost all patients at clinical stage IV showed a deviation of the positive rates of CD4+ and CD8+ cells from the normal range. It is an open question whether the prognosis of the patients with normal positive rates of CD(4+)- and CD(8+)-activated lymphocytes is favorable or not.

Pokeweed mitogen induces p55 interleukin-2 receptor expression on human monocytes and its effect on interleukin-2 activated monocyte cytotoxicity

Activation of human peripheral blood monocytes by pokeweed mitogen (PWM) results in the expression of interleukin 2 receptor(IL-2R) p55 chains, which are absent on resting monocytes. By dual-fluorescence flow cytometry, we found PWM induced detectable numbers of IL-2R+ cell which were further identified as LeuM3+ monocytes (22.91% of the LeuM3+ cells were IL-2R+ within 24h, and 32.17% in 48h). In addition, LPS can also induce IL-2R on 15.39% of LeuM3+ cells. On the contrary, other mitogens such as PHA or Con A, and cytokines as IFN-gamma, IL-2, M-CSF, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta showed no influence on the IL-2R expression on monocytes. It was also noticed that PWM itself had no direct effect on HLA-DR antigen expression on LeuM3+ cells. The addition of IL-2 to PWM-pretreated IL-2R positive monocytes significantly augmented their tumoricidal activity. Thus monocytes when activated underwent a series of phenotypic and functional changes including the expression of IL-2R which may provide an important immunoregulatory pathway.

Use of human leukocyte antigen-mismatched allogeneic lymphokine-activated killer cells and interleukin-2 in the adoptive immunotherapy of patients with malignancies

Clinical effects and side effects were investigated in the adoptive immunotherapy of patients bearing malignant diseases using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched allogeneic lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Allogeneic LAK cells were induced from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of healthy donors with the same blood types as those of patients. Recently we succeeded in increasing the proliferation rate and enhancing the cytotoxic activity of LAK cells by means of initial stimulation with pokeweed mitogen (PWM, PWM-LAK cells). Five of 12 patients applied in the adoptive immunotherapy showed clinical effects such as partial or complete regression of pulmonary metastases and pleural effusion. All pulmonary metastatic lesions were eliminated in one case by this adoptive immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Toxic effects were chillness, fever and general fatigue which were reversible, and no allergic side effects occurred even though allogeneic LAK cells were injected frequently. In the patients who received more than 10(11) of allogeneic LAK cells, anti-HLA class I antibodies appeared without any evidence of autoantibody. However, immunological side effects were never experienced after injection of allogeneic LAK cells even when the anti-HLA class I antibodies existed in the patients; this phenomenon suggests the safety of the adoptive immunotherapy using allogeneic LAK cells. Taken together, allogeneic LAK cells could be considered as alternative therapy for patients with malignancies who could not supply sufficient materials of autologous LAK cells. Recently, LAK cells, particularly PWM-LAK cells were found to obtain significantly potent and prompt lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (LDCC). All tumor cells confluent in microtest plate well could be annihilated by PWM-LAK cells plus PWM less than 8 hours. New immunotherapy using PWM-LAK cells or lectin-stimulated LAK cells with PWM or other lectins is discussed.

Enhancing effect of pokeweed mitogen on the proliferation and the cytotoxicity of lymphokine-activated killer cells

In order to obtain more potent lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy, pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was added to the culture medium for the initial 24-48 h of culturing. The proliferation rate of PWM-stimulated LAK cells reached about 1000-fold after 3-week culture. This rate was nearly the same as that of LAK cells stimulated by 10 ng/ml of OKT3, the mouse anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. However, the cytotoxicity of PWM-stimulated LAK cells was significantly more potent than that of OKT3-stimulated LAK cells. Phenotypic analysis revealed that PWM-stimulated LAK cells were CD3+CD56(+)-dominant while OKT3-stimulated LAK cells were CD3+CD56(-)-dominant. About half of CD3+CD56+ PWM-stimulated LAK cells was CD8+. These results suggest that more efficient adoptive immunotherapy is possible by using high-dose PWM-stimulated LAK cells with more potent cytotoxicity. Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha were significantly increased in the culture media after 24-h incubation with 1 micrograms/ml of PWM. Secretion of interferon-gamma was not enhanced by this concentration of PWM within 24 h. Therefore, PWM is considered to activate monocytes or macrophages to produce these cytokines in advance, influencing the proliferation and the cytotoxicity of LAK cells.

Topological localization of the frequency and amplitude characteristics of the whole and segmented renal pelvis

The contractile characteristics of pacemaker regions in the unicalyceal renal pelvis of the rabbit were examined in vitro. The amplitude and frequency spectra of spontaneous contractions of whole and separated circular and longitudinal renal pelvic strips were identified. The effect of stretch on these parameters were examined in order to establish whether the pacemaker region that generates contractions in the renal pelvis was sensitive to distention. The results show that the frequency of spontaneous contractions in the whole pelvis (65 +/- 18 mHz) was significantly higher than any part of the circularly (41 x 8 mHz) or longitudinally cut (43 +/- 8 mHz) pelvis. The amplitude of longitudinal strips, 52 +/- 11 mg, was significantly smaller than that of the circular strips, 267 +/- 52 mg. In the circularly separated pelvis the frequency of spontaneous contractions was highest in the proximal part (41 +/- 8 mHz) and lowest in the pelviureteral junction (8 +/- 1 mHz). No significant increase in frequency was seen upon stretch in the whole or separated pelvis although there was a decrease in the amplitude of both the whole and separated pelvis. These results show that the frequency of contraction of the whole or the segmented renal pelvis is not sensitive to stretch.

Regional effects of indomethacin, acetylsalicylic acid and SC-19220 on the contractility of rabbit renal pelvis (pacemaker regions and pelviureteric junction)

The effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and the prostaglandin (PG) antagonist 1-acetyl-2-[8-chloro-10,11-dihydrodibenz (b,f)(1,4) oxazepine-10-carbonyl]hydrazine (SC-19220) on smooth muscle strips from the rabbit renal pelvis were examined. Circularly oriented tissues were taken from within the renal pelvis and subdivided into the four adjoining regions, from fornix to pelviureteric junction (PUJ). They were set in a tissue bath and isometric tension changes were recorded. Spontaneous contractions were observed and electrical field stimulations evoked twitch-like contractions. The frequency of spontaneous contractions was dependent on the region within the renal pelvis from which they were dissected, gradually decreasing from fornix (3.92/min.) to PUJ (0.43/min.). Indomethacin (10(-5)M) or ASA (10(-4)M) significantly increased the frequencies of spontaneous contractions in all four regions. In the upper three regions (pacemaker regions), both agents significantly decreased the amplitudes of spontaneous and stimulation-induced contractions. In the PUJ region, both agents significantly increased the amplitudes of spontaneous and stimulation-induced contractions. SC-19220 (3 x 10(-5)M) significantly increased the frequencies and decreased amplitudes of spontaneous contractions in all four regions. These results suggest that the PUJ has different contractile characteristics from those of pacemaker regions and that decrease of amplitude by indomethacin or ASA is based on their cyclooxygenase inhibitor property.

Purification and characterization of aseanostatins: actinomycete-derived fatty acid inhibitors to myeloperoxidase release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

We found inhibitors, designated aseanostatins P1 and P5, against myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Aseanostatins were extracted from an actinomycete isolated in Thailand and purified by a series of column chromatography of charcoal and silica gel, and HPLC. Physico-chemical characterization by gas liquid chromatography and GC-MS indicated that aseanostatins were fatty acids. The active forms of aseanostatins were recovered by hydrolyzing their methyl esters after HPLC. Two components P1 and P5 with the IC50 of 0.96 and 0.54 microgram/ml to the MPO release were obtained as pure forms, indicating aseanostatin P5 was higher activity than aseanostatin P1. The component P1 was identical with 12-methyltridecanoic acid and P5 was indistinguishable to 12-methyltetradecanoic acid (ante-i-15:0). Aseanostatin P5 (1 microgram/ml) did not inhibit beta-glucuronidase release, but O2- production a little. It has no effect on chemotaxis of PMN to fMet-Leu-Phe (10(-8)M), PMN adhesion or phosphorylation of a 64-kD protein in the PMN cell-lysate system.

Biological activity in the human system of isotype variants of oligosaccharide-Y-specific murine monoclonal antibodies

The capacity of isotype variants of BR55-2, an anti-tumor monoclonal antibody directed against Y oligosaccharide, to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in the human system was evaluated using freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and complement. The ADCC activities of the BR55-2 IgG3 isotype and its switch variants (IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG2a) with human monocytes were high for all isotypes, whereas the activity of all isotypes was lower with freshly isolated lymphocytes, IgG1 being the least effective. The CDC on the other hand was strong with IgG3, IgG2b and IgG2a and negative with the IgG1 variant. The IgG3 and IgG2a isotypes were selected for further development. Their strong ADCC and CDC activity against mammary carcinoma, colon carcinoma and small-cell lung tumor cell lines was confirmed quantitatively using proteins highly purified from tissue-culture supernatants. Significant variations in ADCC and CDC competence was observed among human donors.

Relaxation mechanisms of antispasmodics papaverine and thiphenamil on the human corpus cavernosum

The relaxation mechanism of the antispasmodics, papaverine and thiphenamil on isolated human corpus cavernosum (CC) was investigated. CC tissues were obtained from 12 impotent men undergoing surgery for insertion of penile prostheses. CC preparations were mounted in a tissue bath and the isometric tension was recorded. Papaverine and thiphenamil consistently inhibited high-potassium ([K])-induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner. Noradrenaline (NA)-induced contractions were inhibited by both agents in a non-competitive manner. The pD'2 values were 4.77 +/- 0.20 for papaverine and 4.58 +/- 0.13 for thiphenamil. Papaverine at 10(-4) M, the concentration at which high-[K]-induced contraction was abolished, suppressed NA-induced contraction by approximately 85%. In the Ca2(+)-free solution containing two mM EGTA, NA-induced contraction was suppressed by approximately 90%. This contraction was inhibited by papaverine or thiphenamil in a dose-dependent manner and was abolished by papaverine at 10(-4). These results suggest that papaverine and thiphenamil relax CC tissue by the inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ influx (mainly voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx) and by the inhibition of release and/or storage of intracellular stored Ca2+.

Endothelium dependent relaxation of human corpus cavernosum by bradykinin

The release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) from human corpus cavernosum (CC) tissue was confirmed by demonstrating that bradykinin produces endothelium dependent relaxation of human CC tissue. Human CC strips were set in a tissue bath and isometric tension changes were recorded. All strips showed spontaneous contractions and produced tonic contractions by both high potassium solution and noradrenaline (NA) (10(-9) to 10(-4) M) in a dose dependent manner. In preparations precontracted with NA, relaxation was produced by bradykinin (10(-7) to 2 x 10(-6) M). Strips lacking endothelium were contracted by NA but no relaxation was observed with the addition of bradykinin. More direct evidence of the release of EDRF from human CC was demonstrated by a "sandwich" mount. We conclude that bradykinin relaxes human CC by releasing EDRF and that this EDRF may be a factor in erectile function.

Effects of [1-desamino-8-D-arginine]vasopressin and papaverine on rabbit renal pelvis

The effects of [1-desamino-8-D-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP) (V2 receptor agonist) and papaverine on four continuous circular smooth muscle strips in rabbit renal pelvis were studied by an isometric tension recording methods. DDAVP suppressed spontaneous contractions in a dose-dependent and region-dependent way. Papaverine suppressed these contractions in a dose-dependent way simultaneously in all four portions. These results suggest that there may be distribution differences of V2 receptors in the renal pelvis. Together with its anti-diuretic action, DDAVP may merit consideration for the treatment of renal colic.

[Mycotic liver and spleen abscesses successfully treated by intraportal and intrahepatosplenic arterial administration of antimycotic drugs in two cases with acute leukemia]

Case 1. A 34-year-old male was admitted in July, 1986 with a diagnosis of AML (M2). Two courses of BHAC-DMP regimen induced complete remission in October, while marked pyrexia resistant to antibiotics remained. An ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple liver and spleen abscesses suspected of mycotic etiology. Administration of amphotericin B (AMPH-B) by intravenous injection was difficult owing to its severe side effect. Multiple abscesses increased in the size and number despite treatment with Miconazole (MCZ) and Ketoconazole. Exploratory laparotomy was performed with splenectomy, and splenic specimens were found to contain Candida organisms. Soon AMPH-B was administered through a catheter inserted into the portal vein at the same time. A side effect by AMPH-B was tolerable and his fever resolved to normal in 2 weeks after institution of this therapy, and the sizes of abscesses were markedly reduced. The patient remained in remission through 23 months, free of fungal infection. Case 2. A 23-year-old female was admitted for relapse of ALL (L2), in April, 1987. Reinduction therapy with BHAC-L-AVP achieved again in May but fever unresponsive to antibiotics occurred. Since multiple liver-spleen abscesses were showed by US and CT suspected mycotic etiology, antimycotic therapy with Miconazole and AMPH-B was performed but clinical findings were deteriorated. AMPH-B was administered through a catheter inserted into the hepatic artery for two weeks, following into the splenic artery for a week. Splenic abscesses were resolved in a week and liver abscesses were markedly reduced at three weeks after initiation of intra-arterial antifungal treatment. Through the analysis of these case studies we confirmed the usefulness of intraportal and intrahepatosplenic arterial administration of AMPH-B.

Multifactorial analysis of parameters influencing chemosensitivity of human cancer xenografts in nude mice

The results of single-agent chemotherapy, with 11 anticancer agents, of 15 human gastro-intestinal and breast cancer lines xenografted into nude mice indicate inherent individuality of chemosensitivity spectrum of each tumor. The following 9 parameters have been measured as factors possibly relevant to chemosensitivity of tumor tissue or tumor-bearing mice: grade of histological differentiation, vascularity, percentage of necrosis, VDT, 3H-thymidine LI, human LDH activity in the cancer tissue, tissue/serum LDH ratio, TdR Pase activity, and serum CEA. These parameters exhibited presumably constant values for each tumor line. Chemosensitivity, i.e., inhibition of tumor growth by a given drug, was used as the dependent variable, and values of the 9 parameters in each cancer as the explanatory variables. Multiple regression analyses with stepwise deletion were performed for each of the 11 drugs. The equations for 8 drugs exhibited coefficients of determination of over 70%, and in particular those for M-83 (a derivative of mitomycin C), nimustine hydrochloride and doxorubicin exceeded 80% by equations with 3-4 parameters. Consequently, the estimated value for each line of effectiveness derived from the equations for these 8 drugs showed remarkable coincidences with the actual values for the inhibition rates of the corresponding drugs.

[Mass culture of LAK cells by a hollow-fiber bioreactor system]

We attempted to culture LAK cells by the use of the hollow-fiber bioreactor system, "Acusyst-P". The number of LAK cells increased by 30-40 times. The majority of LAK cells cultured by this hollow fiber system originated in T cell. LAK cells cultured by hollow-fiber system were different from LAK cells statically cultured in their cytotoxicity and change of phenotype. We obtained LAK cells more efficiently and safely which have higher viability and cytotoxicity by the use of hollow-fiber bioreactor system than by static culture.

Functional innervation patterns in the corpus spongiosum and glans in the dog

The neural control of smooth muscle cells in the corpus spongiosum, helicine artery and bulbus glandis of the dog was investigated in relation to the mechanism involved in erection, using isometric tension recording and micro-electrode methods. In the corpus spongiosum, field stimulation evoked twitch-like contractions followed by relaxations. These relaxations were enhanced and prolonged by neostigmine and partly suppressed by atropine. Guanethidine abolished the twitch-like contractions and increased muscle tone. The relaxations observed after pre-treatment with guanethidine were abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX), thereby indicating that these muscles are innervated by adrenergic excitatory, cholinergic and non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves. In the helicine artery and bulbus glandis, field stimulation evoked contractions and these contractions were abolished by guanethidine or TTX, indicating that these muscles are innervated by adrenergic excitatory nerve fibres. After pre-treatment with guanethidine and atropine, muscle relaxation appeared in response to field stimulation in the helicine artery but not in the bulbus glandis, indicating that the helicine artery in the corpus spongiosum is also innervated by non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves in addition to the excitatory adrenergic nerves. In the smooth muscle cells of the corpus spongiosum, slow potential changes were correlated with spontaneous contractions and field stimulation evoked excitatory or inhibitory junction potentials. The neural mechanism involved in erection is discussed in relation to the topical difference in the autonomic innervation patterns in the corpus spongiosum, helicine artery and bulbus glandis.

[Adoptive immunotherapy of malignant disease using LAK cells]

Adoptive immunotherapy of malignant diseases was tried using LAK cells induced from peripheral blood lymphocytes with recombinant IL-2 (TGP-3) and fresh human plasma. The cytotoxicity of autologous and mixed cultured allogeneic LAK cells reached maximum after two weeks, and after 7 to 10 days of incubation, respectively. The necessary dose of IL-2 combined with LAK cells was 1000 or 2000 units for maintenance and enhancement of LAK activity, which did not cause any lethal side effect, i.e., capillary permeability leak syndrome. A clinical effect was observed in cases of carcinomatous pleural effusion of colon cancer, pulmonary metastases from breast cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma, and pulmonary, hepatic and abdominal wall metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the epipharynx. The only side effect observed was fever. No pathological reaction occurred after frequent injection of allogeneic LAK cells. The most important problem to be solved is how to induce a large amount of LAK cells.

Killing of human tumor cell lines by human monocytes and murine monoclonal antibodies

We evaluated the capacity of freshly isolated blood monocytes to mediate antibody-dependent cellular-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in cooperation with murine anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Blood monocytes isolated from most donors by adherence selection to fibronectin-coated plastic surfaces and subsequently depleted of natural killer/killer (NK/K) cells exhibited significant ADCC activity against tumor cell lines in combination with an IgG3 antitumor MAb (BR55-2). However, significant variation in ADCC competence was observed among donors. Culture parameters influencing monocyte ADCC activity were evaluated and optimized. The influence of MAb isotype on ADCC capacity of anti-tumor MAbs was also evaluated using anti-tumor class-switch variant hybridoma proteins and a panel of anti-tumor MAbs. MAbs of the IgG2a and IgG3 subclasses exhibited high ADCC potential, whereas MAbs of the IgG2b subclass exhibited no ADCC activity. One of two IgG1 MAbs tested exhibited high ADCC activity with monocyte effectors. The role of monocytes or macrophages in tumor remission of cancer patients undergoing MAb immunotherapy is not known. However, correlative studies of monocyte ADCC capacity and responsiveness of cancer patients to MAb immunotherapy may help to establish the role of these effectors in MAb-mediated tumor remissions.

Augmentation of cytotoxic activity of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rHu-TNF) by recombinant human interferon-gamma (rHu-IFN-gamma)

The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of recombinant human interferon-gamma (rHu-IFN-gamma) on the in vitro antitumor activity of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rHu-TNF) against rHu-TNF-sensitive and resistant tumor cells. rHu-IFN-gamma augmented both cytostatic and cytocidal activity of rHu-TNF. When 14 tumor cells were tested, augmentation by rHu-IFN-gamma was observed in most of rHu-TNF-sensitive tumor cells and in few cases in rHu-TNF-resistant tumor cells. Among rHu-TNF-sensitive tumor cells, there was no relationship between the degree of augmentation and the susceptibility to rHu-TNF. Augmentation was marked when tumor cells were treated with rHu-IFN-gamma either before the exposure to rHu-TNF or during the early period of the exposure to rHu-TNF. On the other hand, augmentation was not observed when tumor cells were treated with rHu-IFN-gamma during a late period of the exposure to rHu-TNF. From these results, a combined treatment with both agents can be expected to provide an approach to get better results in clinical trials.

Interferon treatment of human stomach and breast carcinoma xenografts in nude mice

Comparative effects of natural and recombinant interferons (IFNs)-alpha and -beta on xenografted human gastric and breast carcinoma lines in nude mice were studied. The lines were sensitive to IFNs. The breast carcinoma lines were more sensitive than the gastric carcinoma lines to IFNs. Natural IFN-beta was more effective than the other three IFNs on the gastric carcinoma lines. One breast carcinoma line was more sensitive to IFN-alpha whereas the other was more sensitive to IFN-beta. Large doses and frequent injections of IFNs were necessary for optimal effectiveness.

Actions of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker bunazosin on the norepinephrine-induced contraction of smooth muscles in the rabbit proximal urethra

Effects of bunazosin on the norepinephrine-induced electrical and mechanical activities of smooth muscles of the rabbit proximal urethra were investigated using microelectrode and tension recording methods. Responses to norepinephrine were mediated by activation of both alpha-1 and beta adrenoceptors. In the presence of propranolol, the norepinephrine-induced contraction increased and, with yohimbine, the phasic but not tonic contraction was only inhibited slightly. Contributions of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor to the norepinephrine-induced contraction were negligible. Bunazosin inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner both the phasic and tonic responses of the norepinephrine-induced contraction, and the concentration-response relationship for norepinephrine shifted to the right. The Schild plot obtained from measurements of tonic responses in this antagonism yielded a straight line with a slope of 0.96. The pA2 value for bunazosin was 8.39 and the KB value was 4.1 nM. Prazosin had similar effects (the corresponding values being 0.96, 8.21 and 6.2 nM, respectively). The mechanical response evoked by field stimulation was composed of cholinergic, noradrenergic alpha-1 and noncholinergic-nonadrenergic contractions and of a subsequent nonadrenergic-noncholinergic relaxation. Bunazosin inhibited the twitch contraction evoked by field stimulation more than did prazosin, albeit not completely. These results indicate that although the smooth muscle tone in the urethra is regulated by multiple neural factors, the elevation of the tone is regulated predominantly by activation of the alpha-1 adrenoceptors. Bunazosin has an antagonistic action on this receptor. The actions of bunazosin are discussed in relation to the clinical application in cases of inadequate micturition.

[Adoptive immunotherapy of malignant diseases using normal allogeneic LAK cells]

Allogeneic LAK cells induced from PBL of normal donors were used for adoptive immunotherapy of malignant diseases. The possibility of an antibody against allogeneic LAK cells was suggested. However, no immune reaction was observed and LAK activity was maintained in vitro in the presence of patient's plasma sampled during the course of therapy.

[Interleukin 2]

Effectiveness of IL-2 and LAK cells induced by IL-2 on malignant diseases was discussed. IL-2 alone administered systemically showed a poor effect, and combination of IL-2 are necessary for LAK cells to kill the target malignant cells. Adoptive immunotherapy using IL-2 and LAK cells should be applied for pulmonary and hepatic metastases. Postoperative adjuvant therapy and combination with chemotherapy will become important in the future.

Autonomic innervation of the canine penile artery and vein in relation to neural mechanisms involved in erection

Neural control of the penile artery and vein of dogs was investigated using isometric tension recording and microelectrode methods. Field stimulation evoked twitch-like contractions of these two vessels and these contractions were blocked by guanethidine. In the artery, twitch-like contractions were more effectively blocked by yohimbine than by prazosin. During high tone of arterial and venous tissues evoked by noradrenaline (NA) in the presence of guanethidine, field stimulation evoked muscle relaxation that was not affected by atropine but was abolished by tetrodotoxin. In parallel to the mechanical responses, field stimulation evoked excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) in both arterial and venous smooth muscle cells. In the case of the artery, an action potential was superimposed on the EJP. The NA-induced contraction was suppressed by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), dose-dependently. On the other hand, alpha, beta-methylene-ATP did not affect the muscle relaxation induced by field stimulation. These results indicate that the penile artery and vein of the dog are innervated by adrenergic excitatory nerves and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves. The transmitter possibly involved in the latter is discussed.

Actions of prostaglandin I2 and thromboxane A2 on vascular smooth muscle tissues

Actions of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) on vascular smooth muscles were investigated in relation to the function of the endothelium. In intact vascular smooth muscle tissues of the thoracic aorta, PGI2-Na, used as a substitute substrate of PGI2, relaxed the precontracted tissue, in a dose dependent manner, in intact tissues and also after mechanical ablation of the endothelium. Acetylcholine (ACh) relaxed the tissue precontracted by noradrenaline, in the presence or absence of indomethacin; however, the relaxation required the presence of an intact endothelium. On the other hand, increased amounts of PGI2 with the application of acetylcholine, as estimated from the amount of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, were markedly attenuated by indomethacin. In smooth muscles of this tissue without the endothelium, ACh synthesized lesser amounts of PGI2, while PGI2-Na increased the amount of cyclic AMP. Thus, PGI2 was synthesized in both the endothelium and smooth muscles. The former produces a larger amount of PGI2 than the latter, but the PGI2 synthesized in smooth muscles may act more potently on the smooth muscle than does that synthesized in the endothelium. In the canine coronary artery, mechanical responses induced by TXA2, as estimated from actions of 9, 11,-epithio-11, 12-methano-thromboxane A2 (STA2) were enhanced after ablation of the endothelium. The minimum concentration of STA2 required to produce the contraction was above 1 nM and the maximum amplitude was evoked with 30 nM. The amplitude of the STA2-induced contraction was reduced in Ca-free solution or with the application of nifedipine. However, prazosin, propranolol or atropine had no effect on the STA2-induced contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Adoptive immunotherapy of malignant diseases with LAK cells]

Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from patients by leukapheresis were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing human plasma and interleukin 2. The morphology, phenotypes and cytotoxicity of induced LAK cells were studied. Lymphoblastoid cells mainly proliferated were OKIa1+ cells and were thought to be LAK cells. Maximal cytotoxicity was obtained after two weeks of incubation. IL-2 enhanced the cytotoxicity of LAK cells. Autologous LAK cells induced by two weeks of incubation were injected into patients. One case of pulmonary metastases of breast cancer showed reduction and two lesions showed partial regression. Also, no new lesions appeared in the lungs of a patient with alveolar soft-part sarcoma.

Monoclonal antibody-defined correlations in melanoma between levels of GD2 and GD3 antigens and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity

A monoclonal antibody is described that specifically detects the ganglioside antigens GD2 and GD3, binding preferentially to GD2, in melanoma. Antibody specificity was demonstrated with solid-phase radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as by immunostaining on thin-layer chromatography plates using structurally characterized gangliosides. Binding of both the IgG3 antibody and its IgG2a switch variant were assayed on live cells by cytofluorography and by immunoperoxidase staining on frozen tissue sections. The binding patterns correlated with antitumor activity in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays with human effector cells and complement in an 111In-release assay using cell lines derived from the same individual. The significant level of killing in all tumor cells tested that express GD2, GD3, or both, suggests the importance of multiple specificity towards tumor antigens, i.e., binding of a monoclonal antibody to two or more tumor-associated antigens.

[Blocking factors in human blood which inhibit the cytotoxicity of lymphocytes]

The cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes against malignant tumor cell lines was significantly inhibited by human plasma or sera. In addition to so-called blocking factors such as antigens, antibodies, antigen-antibody complexes, IAP and ferritin, some substances which could be removed by heat or centrifugation were considered to play a significant role.

[Inhibitory effect of human plasma on 17-1A-dependent cellular cytotoxicity]

Mouse monoclonal antibody 17-1A-dependent cellular cytotoxicity hardly revealed any killer activity in the presence of human plasma, nor did 17-1A show complement-dependent cytotoxicity. ADCC of 17-1A-armed effector cells was also inhibited by human plasma. These results were caused by the inhibition of 17-1A binding to the Fc receptors of effector cells.

[In vitro enhancement of cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with recombinant interleukin 2 and an interferon mixture (alpha + beta + gamma) against human colon carcinoma cell line SW1116]

The cytocidal effect of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL's) enhanced by human recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) on human colon carcinoma cell line SW1116 was examined in vitro in the presence of plasma from patients with recurrence of colorectal carcinoma. In addition, human recombinant interferons alpha, beta, and gamma were combined to enhance this cytotoxicity of PBL's. Cytotoxicity of PBL's was enhanced by IL-2. Patients' plasma blocked the cytotoxicity of PBL's. Serially added IL-2 was able to maintain the enhanced cytotoxicity of PBL's in the presence of patients' plasma. The mixture of interferons (alpha + beta + gamma, or beta + gamma) directly killed target cells more efficiently than with single use of each interferon or other combinations of interferons. These mixtures of interferons (alpha + beta + gamma, or beta + gamma) also activated cytotoxicity of PBL's. The cytotoxicity of IL-2-activated PBL's was further enhanced by intermittent addition of the interferon mixture.

[LAK cells and cancer]

The effectiveness of LAK cells (lymphokine-activated killer cells) on malignant tumors in vivo and in vitro was discussed. LAK cells induced from lymphocytes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) were able to kill target malignant cells in a nonspecific manner. Combination of IL-2 enhanced LAK activity. Adoptive immunotherapy with LAK cells and IL-2 carried out in the USA has produced effective results in several cases; complete regression of skin metastases of malignant melanoma and partial regression of other malignancies. However, high doses of IL-2 mediated a toxic side effect, capillary permeability leak syndrome. Our studies have revealed that LAK cells after one to two weeks incubation do not require such a high concentration of IL-2, and that adoptive immunotherapy using such, LAK cells and IL-2 can be carried out safely.

[Combined effect of interferons alpha, beta and gamma on tumor growth in vitro]

The antiproliferative effect of human recombinant interferon alpha, beta and gamma was studied in vitro in combination. Growth of human gastric cancer cell lines and a pancreatic cancer cell line was inhibited markedly by combination of interferons beta and gamma or a combination of all three interferon types. Combination of low-dose interferons (50-100 units/ml) was more effective than a high dose of single interferon. Moreover, human pancreatic cancer cells were completely eliminated after incubation with 5-fluorouracil (0.001 microgram/ml) or methotrexate (0.1 microgram/ml) combined with interferons beta and gamma (50 units/ml each). These results suggested that combination of interferons beta and gamma could be the most effective interferon therapy for cancer.

[Antitumor effect of interferons with chemotherapeutic agents]

The combined effect of human interferons and chemotherapeutic agents on human gastric cancer cell lines and a human pancreatic cancer cell line was studied in vitro. Interferons, when used as a single drug, showed inhibitory effects in the order, gamma greater than beta greater than alpha. However, there was no significant difference between the effects of natural and recombinant interferon. In combination therapy, the chemotherapeutic agents should be administered first, followed by administration of interferon(s), since this method showed the most inhibitory effect. Low concentration of 5-FU (0.001-0.01 microgram/ml) or methotrexate (0.01-1 microgram/ml) was able to inhibit the growth of cell lines when combined with interferon. These results suggested that in clinical use, low amounts of chemotherapeutic agents followed by administration of interferon(s) could be available with minimum side effects and with more pronounced anticancer effects.

The neural and non-neural mechanisms involved in urethral activity in rabbits

The effects of electrical and chemical stimulation on the mechanical or electrical properties of the circular smooth muscle cells of the bladder neck, and proximal urethra of the male rabbit were investigated by means of micro-electrode, double-sucrose-gap and tension-recording methods. In the bladder neck, application of short current pulses (50 microseconds) produced an initial excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) with a superimposed spike, followed by a late depolarization, and these electrical events evoked contraction. The initial e.j.p. was unaffected by guanethidine, phentolamine, methysergide or mepyramine, indicating the initial e.j.p. is not mediated by activation of adrenergic, tryptaminergic or histaminergic receptors. The late depolarization was enhanced by pre-treatment with neostigmine (10(-7) M) and abolished by atropine (10(-6) M). In the proximal urethra, electrical-field stimulation evoked phasic contraction which was followed by relaxation, associated with initial e.j.p.s, late depolarization and inhibitory junction potentials (i.j.p.s). Guanethidine (10(-5) M) or phentolamine (10(-6) M) reduced the size of the initial e.j.p. to 40-50% of the control value and combined application of guanethidine and atropine further reduced the amplitude of the e.j.p. to 20-30%. There was a parallel reduction in the mechanical response. The late depolarization was enhanced by neostigmine and abolished by atropine. The i.j.p. and muscle relaxation were not affected by propranolol, phentolamine, guanethidine or atropine. These results indicate that the proximal urethral smooth muscle cells are innervated by adrenergic and cholinergic excitatory, and by non-cholinergic non-adrenergic inhibitory nerve fibres. In the prostatic urethra, field stimulations also evoked twitch contractions with or without following phasic contraction and relaxation. The twitch contractions were abolished by d-tubocurarine (10(-6) M), suggesting that they arise from striated muscle. Exogenously applied prostaglandin (PG) E1, PGE2 or PGF2 alpha (greater than 10(-10) M) evoked sustained increase in the muscle tone in the presence or absence of indomethacin, and enhanced the amplitude of muscle relaxation evoked by the field stimulation without affecting the resting membrane potential. Indomethacin (10(-6)-10(-5) M) gradually reduced the muscle tone of the proximal urethra with no change in the resting membrane potential. At the reduced muscle tone, electrical-field stimulation did not evoke muscle relaxation. Thus, the amplitude of muscle relaxation evoked by field stimulation was dependent on the level of muscle tone of the circular muscle strips.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Therapeutic effect of dried ion exchange resin-treated human immunoglobulin (SM-4300) against severe bacterial and/or fungal infections in surgery]

A newly developed human immunoglobulin for intravenous use, SM-4300, purified by cold ethanol precipitation and ion exchange resin, has been studied in the surgery. SM-4300 has been evaluated clinically against inpatients with severe bacterial and/or fungal infections in the combined use with the antibiotics which were resistant to antibiotic therapy. Total number of 13 patients affected with various severe infections were treated with SM-4300. Clinical effects of SM-4300 were excellent in 2 cases, good in 6, fair in 3 and poor in 2. The efficacy rate was summarized as 61.5%. No subjective and objective clinical side effects and abnormal laboratory findings were observed. In conclusion, combination therapy with SM-4300 and antibiotics was considered to be safe and effective against severe bacterial and/or fungal infections in the surgery.

[Microvascular architecture of human gastrointestinal and breast cancer xenografts in nude mice, and its relation to chemosensitivity]

As a tumor factor possibly responsible for chemosensitivity of human cancer xenografts in nude mice, the vascular architecture of tumors growing in mice was investigated in 15 kinds of cancer lines. These consisted of 7 gastric, 3 colorectal, 3 breast and 2 pancreatic cancers. Whole body angiograms of tumor-bearing mice were obtained by perfusing a radiopaque silicone rubber compound (Microfil) through the left ventricle of each mouse. Each cancer retained a characteristic vascular architecture comparable to its histopathological finding. According to the vascularity of the viable part of the tumor, the 15 lines of cancer were classified into 5 groups. Compared with colorectal cancers, stomach cancers had a tendency to decline to a more hypervascular group. There was no apparent relation between vascularity and growth rate, or histological differentiation of the tumors. Among 14 anticancer agents studied, statistically significant correlation between chemosensitivity and vascularity of the 15 cancer lines was observed in 2 drugs, 5'-DFUR and adriamycin. The vascular architecture of the tumors would have some influence in their chemosensitivity through drug accessibility to cancer cells.

[Chemosensitivity of human gastrointestinal and breast cancer xenografts in nude mice]

Experimental chemotherapies for 15 human cancers xenografted into nude mice were performed using 14 anticancer agents including 6 drugs in clinical use. Treatment with each single agent was performed for every cancer line using the maximum tolerated dose through continuous daily (antimetabolites) or intermittent (cytocidal agents) schedules. Effectiveness of each drug was evaluated by inhibition rate (IR) calculated from mean tumor weights of both treated and untreated groups. Response to a treatment was judged as effective when the IR was higher than 58%. Response rate of each drug was as follows; MMC was 67%, UFT 67%, CPA 47%, FT-207 40%, ACNU 33%, ADR 27%, SOAz 87%, 5'-DFUR 80%, MXT 20%, Leakadine 17%, M-83 17%, CAM 0% and GANU 0%. Generally, the experimental results for each drug on the xenografts was in good accordance with the known clinical effect of each drug on the same type of cancer. On the other hand, individual cancer xenografts showed considerable differences in chemosensitivity. Some tumors were sensitive to a majority of the drugs, whereas some were resistant to many of them. Each cancer line seemed to retain individuality in its spectrum of chemosensitivity irrespective of whether it originated from the same organ or whether it was of similar histologic type. This fact suggests the necessity of selecting drugs effective to the individual tumor when considering a patients chemotherapy regime.

Effects of trimebutine maleate (TM-906) on electrical and mechanical activities of smooth muscles of the guinea-pig stomach

The effects of trimebutine maleate (TM-906) on electrical and mechanical activities of smooth muscles of the guinea-pig stomach were investigated using a microelectrode and isometric tension recording methods. TM-906 (2 X 10(-5) M) depolarized the membrane of smooth muscles in the antrum to about 10 mV. From the current-voltage relationship and changes in membrane potentials in various [K]0, the TM-906-induced depolarization is considered to be mainly due to a decrease in the K-conductance. TM-906 increased the amplitude of the first spike potential and regularized the rhythm of slow waves. These excitatory effects are presumably due to the K-channel-blocking action during the repolarizing phase of the spikes and to the depolarization. TM-906 reduced the amplitudes of mechanical activities and slow waves. These inhibitory effects are presumably due to the inhibition of Ca-release from storage sites and to the block of Ca-influx. The biphasic effects are possibly due to the local anesthetic properties. TM-906 modified neither the membrane potential nor the membrane conductance of circular muscles in the fundus. This may mean that the circular muscles in the fundus lack the K-channel sensitive to TM-906.

[Mass screening for colorectal cancer by occult blood testing under restricted diet]

We conducted a mass screening survey for colorectal cancer by the combination of fecal occult blood tests under a restricted diet and a medical questionnaire in 7,392 healthy volunteers. Further diagnostic work-up was needed in 1,934 (26.2%) individuals. Of these, 1,409 (72.9%) showed occult blood in at least one slide, 245 (12.7%) had symptoms and 306 (15.8%) had a positive family history. Proctosigmoidoscopy, barium enema and flexible colonoscopy were performed in 1,251, 779 and 95 persons, respectively. Colorectal cancers were detected in 10 individuals (0.14%); 5 of these were in the early stage.

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for metastatic hepatic tumor of colo-rectal cancer]

Effect of intraarterial infusion chemotherapy on metastatic liver tumor (28 cases) of colo-rectal cancer was compared with that of oral or intravenous chemotherapy (8 cases). The efficacy of the selective intraarterial chemotherapy was 40%, non-selective intraarterial chemotherapy, 11.1% and oral or intravenous chemotherapy 0%, respectively. Mean survival time of the intraarterial chemotherapy was 11.1 months, and that of oral or intravenous chemotherapy was 6.0 months, suggesting greater efficacy of the intraarterial infusion chemotherapy. Especially, the selective intraarterial infusion chemotherapy will be an effective therapy for inoperable metastatic liver tumor.

Fine structure of experimental canine gastric carcinoma, with special reference to signet ring cells

Fine structure of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma selectively induced in the canine stomach by a low concentration of N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine was studied with special reference to the so-called signet ring cells. These cells were electron microscopically classified into two groups: 1) mucin-containing cells and 2) intracellular microcyst cells. The cytoplasm of mucin-containing cells was packed with fused large and low electrondense secretory granules. In another type of signet ring cells, there were intracellular microcysts with microvilli on the internal surface. A comparison of canine and human signet ring cells revealed a close resemblance in the fine structure. Canine gastric carcinoma should be a good model for human gastric carcinoma therapeutics.

Studies on the light-focusing plastic rod. 12: the GRIN fiber lens of methyl methacrylate-vinyl phenylacetate copolymer

The light-focusing plastic rod (LFR) and fiber (LFF) were fabricated by photocopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with vinyl phenylacetate (VPAc). The MMA-VPAc LFR has much higher clarity than that of the MMA-vinyl benzoate LFR reported previously. Using the benzoin methyl ether as the initiator, which initiates photopolymerization preferentially, led to a much steeper index distribution than using benzoyl peroxide, which initiates thermal- and photochemical polymerization simultaneously. The relationships between preparation condition and optical characteristics were clarified in terms of the index distribution, light scattering, lens function, and attenuation of light transmission.

Afferent fiber connections from lower brain stem to hypothalamus studied by the horseradish peroxidase method with special reference to noradrenaline innervation

Attempts were made to determine the afferent projections to the anterior hypothalamus including the preoptic area from the lower brain stem by means of the horseradish peroxidase method combined with monoamine oxidase staining to identify noradrenaline (NA) neurons. In addition to this technique, a histofluorescence analysis was performed. NA fibers in the medial part of the anterior hypothalamus were mainly supplied by A1 and A2 NA neuron groups, while the lateral part and periventricular zone received NA terminals from both pontine and medulla oblongata NA neuron groups. Furthermore, the present study indicated that there were direct projections to the anterior hypothalamus from non-noradrenergic neurons in the lower brain stem: nuclei raphe dorsalis, centralis superior, cells in the mesencephalic and pontine central gray matter, nuclei parabrachialis lateralis and medialis, cells around fasciculus longitudinalis medialis.