Effects of buthionine sulfoximine treatment on cellular glutathione levels and cytotoxicities of cisplatin, carboplatin and radiation in human stomach and ovarian cancer cell lines

Chemotherapy failure remains a significant medical problem in the treatment of neoplastic disease and is thought to be due to many different factors including membrane transport, p-glycoprotein in multidrug resistance, glutathione and its related enzymes, topoisomerase II and DNA repair. Glutathione is a major constituent of non-protein thiol and participates in detoxification of chemotherapy and radiation. Thus, glutathione concentration is correlated with sensitivity to alkylating agents and radiation, and increased in resistant cell lines. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) is an inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis and may increase cytotoxicities of alkylating agents, including melphalan and cisplatin, and radiation in sensitive and resistant cell lines. We studied effects on cellular glutathione levels and cytotoxicities of cisplatin, carboplatin and radiation by BSO treatment in human stomach cancer cell line (SNU-1) and ovarian cancer cell line (OVCAR-3). The results were as follow: 1) After BSO treatment of 1 mM and 2 mM for 2 days, the intracellular thiol concentration was depleted to 75.7% and 76.2% in SNU-1, and 74.1% and 63.0% in OVCAR-3, respectively. 2) The intracellular thiol concentration in SNU-1 was depleted to 33.4% after BSO 2 mM for only 2 hours incubation and 71.5% after small amount of BSO (0.02 mM) for 2 days. 3) The recovery of intracellular thiol concentration required more than 3 days after BSO removal. 4) BSO inhibited partially the growth of SNU-1 and OVCAR-3. 5) The cytotoxicities of cisplatin and carboplatin were markedly enhanced both in SNU-1 and OVCAR-3 by BSO treatment. 6) The cytotoxicities of radiation was increased in OVCAR-3 and SNU-1 by BSO treatment. Therefore, it is concluded that BSO can deplete effectively the intracellular thiol concentration and enhance the cytotoxicities of cisplatin, carboplatin and radiation.

Colorimetric detection of herpes simplex virus by DNA in situ sandwich hybridization: a rapid, formamide-free, random oligomer-enhanced method

Images

Heterogeneity in filamentous actin content among individual human blood platelets

The content of filamentous actin in individual platelets was measured by flow cytometry, using a fluorescent probe specific for filamentous actin (F-actin), 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-phallacidin (NBD-phallacidin). NBD-phallacidin binding to fixed platelets was specific in that either pretreatment of platelets with unlabeled phallacidin or absorption of NBD-phallacidin by rabbit skeletal F-actin, but not globular actin (G-actin), resulted in a significant loss in the bound fluorescent probe. Mean NBD-phallacidin binding to fixed platelets varied with the agonist and paralleled the changes in F-actin reported with the DNAse I inhibition assay. (1) NBD-phallacidin binding increased with stimulation by ADP, U46619 (a prostaglandin H2 analogue), or collagen and paralleled shape change. (2) Epinephrine did not increase NBD-phallacidin binding. (3) Platelets treated at 4 degrees C contained more F-actin than did platelets kept at 37 degrees C. (4) Cytochalasin D (10 mumol/L) inhibited the increase of phallacidin binding to individual platelets stimulated by either ADP or U46619. In measurements of cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) by flow cytometry in Indo-1-loaded platelets, ADP's dose-response for actin polymerization was similar to that for calcium mobilization. As shown by flow cytometry, a tail population that had a minimal increase in F-actin upon stimulation with ADP or U46619 also contained the platelets with the least forward and right angle light scattering, which are functions of platelet size and shape. When platelets treated with NBD-phallacidin were incubated with S12-murine monoclonal antibody (a marker of alpha-granule secretion detected by phycoerythrin-conjugated antimouse IgG second antibody), phallacidin fluorescence paralleled S12 binding. Thus, human blood platelets are heterogeneous in regard to actin polymerization at rest and in association with platelet activation; different degrees of phallacidin binding may identify functionally different platelet populations.

D-penicillamine prevents the development of hepatitis in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats with abnormal copper metabolism

The Long-Evans Cinnamon rat is a mutant strain that contracts hereditary hepatitis and, eventually, spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma. Because we found a corresponding gross copper accumulation in the liver of the rats, we examined whether the development of hepatitis in our rat system could be prevented by administration of D-penicillamine. D-Penicillamine is a copper-chelating agent and one of the drugs effective for human Wilson's disease, in which abnormal copper metabolism is also observed. The results show that D-penicillamine treatment inhibited the elevation of serum transaminases, suppressed abnormal histological changes in the liver and completely prevented the onset of hepatitis in the Long-Evans Cinnamon rats. We further found that the copper concentration in the liver and serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels were decreased, whereas the urinary copper level was increased in the D-penicillamine-treated Long-Evans Cinnamon rats. These findings demonstrate that the pathogenesis of hereditary hepatitis in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats is due to abnormal copper accumulation in the liver.

Normal movements of mandible at the mandibular incisor

This study was conducted to investigate the range of mandibular movements in a normal population. Sixty-one male dental students were selected and a tracking device (Saphon Visi-Trainer [SVT] C-II) was used. The range of mandibular movements was measured in frontal, sagittal, and horizontal planes. Deviations of movements and angles between planes and path of movements were also measured. This study suggested that mandibular movement could be evaluated more comprehensively with these additional measurements. This information will provide more accurate monitoring of mandibular movements during the treatment of craniomandibular disorders.

Inhibition of stimulant-induced activation of phagocytic cells with tetrandrine

Tetrandrine is an alkaloid obtained from the root of a medicinal herb which is employed in China as a treatment for silicosis. One proposed mechanism for the development of silica-induced fibrosis is lung damage resulting from particle-induced inflammation and secretion of reactive compounds from alveolar phagocytes. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine if tetrandrine exhibited the ability to inhibit respiratory burst activity of pulmonary phagocytes. The data indicate that although tetrandrine is not cytotoxic to phagocytic cells, it is a potent inhibitor in vitro of zymosan-stimulated oxygen consumption, superoxide anion release, and hydrogen peroxide secretion by alveolar macrophages. Tetrandrine is also effective in vivo in preventing activation of alveolar macrophages after inhalation or intratracheal instillation of silica. Tetrandrine also inhibits stimulant-induced chemiluminescence by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Since tetrandrine does not alter stimulant-induced depolarization of phagocytic cells, its inhibitory action is not via interference with receptor-ligand binding but rather must occur elsewhere in the stimulus-secretion coupling scheme.

Response of alveolar macrophages to in vitro exposure to freshly fractured versus aged silica dust: the ability of Prosil 28, an organosilane material, to coat silica and reduce its biological reactivity

We have reported previously that crushing or grinding crystalline silica results in the generation of silica-based radicals on the particulate surface and that these radicals can generate hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solution. Data in the present study indicate that freshly ground silica is more cytotoxic and is a more potent activator of alveolar macrophages than comparably sized aged silica. That is, compared to aged silica, fresh silica is 4.2-fold more potent in decreasing the membrane integrity of macrophages; is 50% more potent in activating hydrogen peroxide secretion by macrophages; and is 4.6-fold more potent in stimulating cellular chemiluminescence. Prosil 28, an organosilane material, is an effective coating agent for fresh silica. It decreases the cytotoxicity of fresh silica by as much as 78% and decreases the ability of fresh silica to induce chemiluminescence from alveolar macrophages by 58%. The data suggest that surface radicals associated with freshly cleaved dust may be an important factor in the induction of pulmonary disease. Furthermore, treating dust with coating agents may substantially decrease toxicity.

Spontaneous hepatic copper accumulation in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats with hereditary hepatitis. A model of Wilson's disease

Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats, an inbred strain of a mutant rat isolated from Long-Evans rats, develop hereditary hepatitis. To elucidate the role of copper metabolism in the development of the hepatitis in LEC rats, we examined the copper concentration in the tissues and serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin. Copper concentration in the liver of LEC rats was over 40 times that of normal Long-Evans Agouti (LEA) rats, while the serum ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations in LEC rats decreased significantly. The hepatocytes of LEC rats show steatosis in cytoplasm and pleomorphism of mitochondria, resembling the histologic features of the liver in Wilson's disease. These findings suggest that the hereditary hepatitis in LEC rats is closely associated with copper toxicity, and may be dealing with a rat form of Wilson's disease. Thus the LEC rats will provide a unique and useful animal model for clarifying the mechanism and for developing treatment strategies for Wilson's disease and other abnormal copper metabolism in humans.

Abnormal copper accumulation in non-cancerous and cancerous liver tissues of LEC rats developing hereditary hepatitis and spontaneous hepatoma

We studied the copper concentrations in the non-cancerous and cancerous liver tissues of LEC rats with hereditary hepatitis and spontaneous hepatoma by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Copper concentration in the non-cancerous livers of 29-month-old male LEC rats was comparable to that in the livers of LEC rats aged 2, 3 and 8 months whose hepatic copper concentrations were more than 40 times those of normal LEA rats. Copper concentration in spontaneously developed hepatocellular carcinomas of the 29-month-old male LEC rats was lower than that in the surrounding non-cancerous liver tissues, but was still more than 39 times that of 8-month-old male LEA rats. These findings suggest that in LEC rats an abnormal copper metabolism may be maintained during the process of hepatic carcinogenesis.

Effects of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids on alveolar macrophages: correlation between binding affinity, inhibitory potency, and antifibrotic potential

The Chinese have conducted extensive studies concerning the medicinal properties of plant products. In this investigation the ability of three bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids to inhibit particle-induced activation of alveolar macrophages was evaluated and this inhibitory potential was correlated with the ability of those drugs to bind to membrane components. Tetrandrine, i.e., an herbal medicine used as an antifibrotic agent in China, was a potent inhibitor of particle-stimulated oxygen consumption, superoxide release, and hydrogen peroxide secretion by alveolar macrophages. Tetrandrine also exhibited substantial binding affinity for membrane lipids and alveolar macrophages. In contrast, tubocurine, an analogue with little antifibrotic potential, exhibited low binding affinity and had little effect on macrophage activation. Methoxyadiantifoline, an alkaloid of unknown antifibrotic potential, exhibited inhibitory and binding properties similar to those of tetrandrine. The data indicate that a strong relationship exists between the antifibrotic potential of these alkaloids and their ability to bind to alveolar macrophages and inhibit particle-induced activation of these phagocytes. These drugs should serve as useful probes to evaluate the role of alveolar macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis.

Expression of penicillin G acylase gene from Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14945 in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

Penicillin G acylase gene from Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14945 has been isolated. Recombinant Escherichia coli clones were screened for clear halo forming activity on the lawn of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P using the enzymatic acylating reaction of 7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) and D-(alpha)-phenylglycine methylester. The gene was contained within a 2.8 kb DNA fragment and expressed efficiently when transferred from E. coli to Bacillus subtilis. A twenty times greater amount of enzyme was produced in B. subtilis transformant than that in B. megaterium. The purified enzyme from subcloned B. subtilis showed that the native enzyme consisted of two identical subunits, each with a molecular weight of 57,000. The enzyme was able to react on various cephalosporins, i.e., cephalothin, cefamandole, cephaloridine, cephaloglycin, cephalexin and cephradine.

Purification and Properties of Arginase from Soybean, Glycine max, Axes

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) was purified to homogeneity from cytosol of soybean, Glycine max, axes by chromatographic separations on Sephadex G-200, DEAE-sephacel, hydroxyapatite, and arginine-affinity columns. The molecular weight of the enzyme estimated by pore gradient gel electrophoresis was 240,000, while sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gave a single band at the molecular weight of 60,000. The optimal pH for activity was 9.5 and the K(m) value was 83 millimolar. The enzyme was stimulated by polyamines such as putrescine.

Nonsegmental inhibition of rat dorsal horn neurons by innocuous stimulation

In rats anesthetized with thiamylal sodium, responses of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons to noxious skin heating of the tail were recorded by extracellular microelectrodes. Inhibition of these responses by innocuous mechanical stimulation (light brushing) of the ipsilateral forelimb was assessed. Short-lasting application (3 min, or less) of light brushing did not inhibit neuronal responses to noxious heating. Long-lasting application (5 min, or more) inhibited responses of these neurons to noxious stimulation. The results indicate that, in the anesthetized rat, remotely applied innocuous cutaneous stimuli can inhibit nociceptive responses of dorsal horn neurons, if applied for a sufficiently long time.

Early surgical management in bilateral acute retinal necrosis

One patient with bilateral acute retinal necrosis underwent encircling scleral buckle, vitrectomy, and intravitreal acyclovir on both eyes. This procedure was performed on the right eye while the retina was attached. The retina of the right eye was reattached by performing fluid-gas exchange and modified panretinal photocoagulation when the retina subsequently detached. Soon after the development of retinal detachment in the left eye, the above surgical procedures were performed on the left eye, and the retina was successfully reattached. Bilateral acute retinal necrosis with significant vitreous opacification, which is a devastating ocular disease causing possible blindness in both eyes, requires more aggressive, early surgical management.

Isolated left coronary ostial stenosis--a case report

A patient with isolated left coronary ostial stenosis proved by coronary angiography is presented. Isolated left coronary ostial stenosis is a rare condition of unknown etiology. Unique clinical and angiographic profiles are discussed in detail with a review of the literature, along with a suggestion of a natural history distinct from that usually seen in atherosclerotic coronary diseases.

[A study on the depression level of pregnant women and puerpera]

The samples of this study were 100 pregnant women that visited for antenatal care Chunchon Songshim Hospital and Chunchon Provincial Hospital (Maternal Child Health) and 100 puerpera that were admitted for childbirth to those hospitals August 1 through 31, 1989. The writer is interested in the depression level of pregnant women during pregnancy and that of puerpera after delivery. The results of this study's analysis are: 1. As for the depression level of all the pregnant women and puerpera, the S.D.S. (Self-rating Depression Scale) of the former was 25.4 and that of puerpera, 25.2, and no significant difference was found between the two groups (p greater than 0.05). 2. The analysis by the items showed that the S.D.S. Score of 6 items in pregnant women was higher than in puerpera, and that of 2 items in puerpera was higher than in pregnant women. Generally S.D.S. Score of pregnant women was found higher. 3. As for the length of pregnancy, the S.D.S. Score of pregnant women in early pregnancy (24.5) was higher than that of those in late pregnancy (17.8) to show significant difference between the two (p less than 0.05). 4. As for the depression level of puerpera by the sex of the newborn, the S.D.S. Score of puerpera that gave birth to female babies (2.26) was higher than that of puerpera that gave birth to male babies (1.84) to show significant difference between the two (p less than 0.05). 5. The S.D.S. Score of pregnant women who lived with her husband's parents was higher than that of those who lived without them. And the S.D.S. Score of pregnant women who lived with her husband's parents (28.5) was higher than that of puerpera (26.1) to show significant difference between the two (p less than 0.05).

[A study on stress of the nursing student in delivery room practice]

The purpose of this study is the extent of the stress of the nursing students during the period of delivery room practice, according to whether they have their practical experience and in which situations they received. The subject of this study is 62 nursing students (who experienced delivery room practice at an early stage) in Kang Weon C. Junior College of nursing and 62 nursing students (who experienced delivery room practice at a latter stage) in J. Junior College of Nursing (total 124 students) from March 1988 to December 1988. The results of this study are summerized as follows. 1. According to the general characteristics, it revealed that they have not any relations between the religion, the numbers of family, health status and the extent of stress during the nursing students have experienced in the delivery room practice (p greater than .05). 2. It revealed that there were much differences to the extent of stress they have experienced during the delivery room practice between the nursing students (who experienced delivery room practice at an early stage) in C. Junior College of Nursing and nursing students (who experienced delivery room practice at a latter stage) in J. Junior College of Nursing (p less than .000). 3. In ten items of the stress that was confronted by nursing practice, they had much differences to the extent of stress perception for the students during the period of delivery room practice between each college (p less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Functional activities of monoclonal antibodies to the O side chain of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides in vitro and in vivo

Mouse hybridoma antibodies (IgG and IgM) to O side chain determinants of Escherichia coli strain Bort (O18ac:K1:H7) were evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo activities against E. coli strains. Both IgG and IgM were opsonic in vitro and protected newborn rats challenged with a K1 E. coli strain, but their activities were strain specific. The antibodies protected against a K1 strain possessing a homologous O serotype but not against one possessing a heterologous O serotype. These antibodies were not effective against the K5-encapsulated O18 E. coli strain (possessing a homologous O type) but protected against its unencapsulated derivative. The opsonic and protective activities of these antibodies were significantly greater with IgG than IgM. Both IgG and IgM, however, required complement for their activities. When IgM to lipopolysaccharide was given to newborn rats in conjunction with IgM monoclonal antibody to the group B meningococcal polysaccharide, the protective effect was significantly greater than that of either antibody alone. Combinations of two (or more) antibodies to different cell wall components may be more beneficial in preventing and treating E. coli infection.