[Anticancer susceptibility test method using general-purpose dissolved oxygen meter]

Drug susceptibility of cell can be rapidly measured by continuously monitoring its metabolic changes. We focused on respiration volume as a signal of metabolic change, and developed a new dissolved oxygen measuring system which can detect respiration volume of cells. The main feature of the system is the use of a new type bare oxygen electrode which can easily detect the changing rate of dissolved oxygen concentration. In this study, single type electrode was used to evaluate this rapid anticancer drug susceptibility test. The result obtained was almost equivalent to that with MTT method, which is a conventional method for susceptibility test of HL-60 to various kinds of anticancer drugs. We have also developed multi-type electrode plate with oxygen electrodes embedded in the bottom of 96-well plate, with which clinical evaluation of this method can be easily made.

Induction of drug resistance to gold sodium thiomalate in a monocyte cell line, THP-1

The expression of metallothionein, an intracellular heavy-metal-binding protein, and p-glycoprotein, an energy-dependent drug efflux pump, was examined to study the mechanism of cell resistance to gold sodium thiomalate (GST). THP-1, one of the monocyte-derived cell lines, was cultured for 6 months and resistance to 25 microg/ml of GST (GST-resistant cells) was thus induced. The GST-resistant cells were then cultured with bucillamine to examine the presence of cross-resistance. The intracellular GST concentration was examined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. The cell viability was determined by the uptake of 3-4,5 dimethylthiazole-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The expression of p-glycoprotein was detected by Western blotting using monoclonal anti-p-glycoprotein antibody. The expression of metallothionein was detected using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. GST-resistant cells did not show any cross-resistance to bucillamine. The rate of cytoplasmic GST accumulation decreased in the GST-resistant cells, while the rate of GST efflux also decreased. The expression of p-glycoprotein in the GST-resistant cells was not significantly different from that in the cells not treated with GST. On the other hand, the GST-resistant cells showed a higher expression of metallothionein than cells not treated with GST. These findings suggest that the induced resistance to GST might partly be due to an induction of metallothionein.

Correlation between NO-induced ATP depletion and cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

To ascertain whether NO-elicited cell death is mediated by decreased intracellular ATP, the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO-generator, on ATP content in PC12 cells was examined. After treatment with SNP, the ATP content in PC12 cells was found to decline in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The decline of ATP content in PC12 cells caused by SNP was found to occur before the appearance of cytotoxicity estimated by MTT staining. In addition, the ATP content of neuronally differentiated PC12 cells, which has been shown to have a higher resistance to SNP than the undifferentiated cells (Nakamura et al., 1997), was less affected by SNP treatment than the undifferentiated cells. These findings suggest that reduction of intracellular ATP content may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the NO toxicity in PC12 cells.

A case of the scalenus anterior muscle lying behind the fifth cervical nerve root

Muscle slip composition and innervation was minutely examined in the case of the scalenus anterior muscle lying behind the 5th cervical nerve root. This minor change of topography deeply involved the muscle-nerve relationships of the entire muscle. Critical observations were as follows: (1) lower and unusual origins of the muscle; (2) irregular innervation with regard to the nerve elements and their approach to the muscle. This evidence suggested that abnormal migration, splitting and fusion of the muscle anlage had occurred during the development of the variant.

A comparative study of germinal center: fowls and mammals

The mammalian germinal center is organized into a dark zone containing proliferating centroblasts and a light zone filled with nondividing B cells (called centrocytes), follicular dendritic cells and a few scattered T cells. We clarified these two zones in the chicken germinal center with immunohistology. Proliferating cells and immunoglobulin negative cells were detected in the circumference ring of the chicken germinal center. The central part of the chicken germinal center contained B cells expressing immunoglobulin, follicular dendritic cells and a few T cells. Most of the B cells in the central part of the chicken germinal center did not enter into the S phase. These results suggest that the chicken germinal center is also organized into the dark zone (the circumference ring of germinal center) and the light zone (the central part of germinal center).

Development of maternal IgG-free chick obtained from surgically bursectomized hen

IgG-free eggs and chicks were developed, so as to study the role of maternal IgG in the development of the immune system. Surgical bursectomy on the 18th day of incubation deprived chickens of B cells and eliminated IgG synthesis. Bursectomized chickens are usually dead before sexual maturity under conventional conditions. When surgically bursectomized chickens were housed in an isolated clean room and antibiotics were administered to them, they could survive to sexual maturity. Finally, we succeeded in obtaining IgG-free fertilized eggs and maternal IgG-free chicks from surgically bursectomized hens. The amount of yolk IgG in IgG-free eggs was one-ten thousandth less than that in normal eggs. The level of IgM in the serum of maternal IgG-free chicks reached six times higher than that of normal chicks 5 days after hatching.

Effect of additives on refolding of a denatured protein

Denatured lysozyme was refolded by a dilution method. The refolding yield depended greatly on the lysozyme concentration in the refolding mixture. When the concentration of denatured lysozyme was 0.02 g/L, the refolding yield was as high as 60%. However, when the concentration of denatured lysozyme was 0.2 g/L, the refolding yield was as low as 10% due to the formation of aggregates. To prevent the formation of aggregates and to increase the refolding yield at a low cost, inexpensive additives were screened. The addition of acetone, acetoamide, or urea derivatives was very effective for improving the refolding yield. To clarify why the addition of acetoamide in the refolding mixture improved the refolding yield at the high lysozyme concentration, the time courses of the concentration and the average diameter of the aggregates in the refolding mixture were monitored by the dynamic light scattering method. The experimental results showed that acetoamide played a role in preventing the formation and growth of aggregates and secondary aggregation between the lysozyme aggregates.

[Intraarterial chemotherapy via reservoir system for far-advanced bladder and prostate cancer]

A clinical study was performed on the efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy using reservoir system for far-advanced urological malignancy. The reservoir system was indwelled in the femoral subcutaneous layer using Seldinger's method. Fifteen cases with inoperable complicated advanced bladder cancer and ten cases with postoperative local recurrent bladder cancer received intraarterial chemotherapy using the reservoir system. Then, 23 cases with local relapsed prostate cancer and two cases with endocrine-resistant prostate cancer received chemotherapy. The administered anti-cancerous agents were methotrexate, cis-platinum and adriamycin, and 5-FU or carboplatin were administered as maintenance therapy. The mean courses of chemotherapy were six for bladder cancer and four for prostate cancer. During stabilization of the local lesion, no distant deterioration was recognized. Overall clinical efficacy was as follows: PR:18 cases and NC:7 cases for bladder cancer; then, PR:11 cases and 14 cases for prostate cancer. The median duration of stabilization was as follows: 23 months for bladder cancer and 12 months for prostate cancer. Complications were fewer than with systemic chemotherapy.

Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele and whole brain atrophy in late-onset Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

Diffuse brain atrophy is one of the gross pathological features of Alzheimer's disease and is a result of degenerative changes. The epsilon 4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a risk factor or susceptibility gene in late-onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease and may influence the pathological changes associated with the disease. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the APOE epsilon 4 allele and whole brain atrophy.

METHOD

Whole brain volume was quantified by using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and the computerized brain segmentation technique in 178 patients with late-onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease who carried no APOE epsilon 4 alleles (N = 62), one epsilon 4 allele (N = 93), or two (N = 23) and had comparable clinical severity of dementia.

RESULTS

An apparent positive correlation was found between normalized whole brain volume (relative to total intracranial volume) and number of APOE epsilon 4 alleles; i.e., patients carrying two APOE epsilon 4 alleles had the least brain atrophy. This association between the APOE epsilon 4 allele and brain volume was similar in women and men and was independent of age, level of education, duration of illness since symptom onset, and severity of dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that cognitive dysfunction progresses before severe brain atrophy develops in patients carrying the APOE epsilon 4 allele and suggest that an APOE epsilon 4-allele-related mechanism that affects neuronal function before a decrement in brain matter is involved in the development of dementia.

Diversity revealed by a novel family of cadherins expressed in neurons at a synaptic complex

In mammals, neurons are highly differentiated and play distinctive functions even in the same brain region. We found a novel cadherin-related neuronal receptor (Cnr) gene family by studying Fyn-binding activity in mouse brain. CNR1 protein is located in the synaptic junction and forms a complex with Fyn. Sequence analysis of eight Cnr products of approximately 20 genes indicates that these comprise a novel cadherin family of the cadherin superfamily. The expression patterns of each member of this novel family were grossly similar to each other but restricted to subpopulations of neurons of the same type. The diversity of the Cnr family genes suggests that there are molecular mechanisms that govern highly differentiated neural networks in the mammalian CNS.

Expression of type I and type III collagens during the course of dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIMS/BACKGROUND

We wished to clarify the mechanisms that account for the increase in hepatic collagen accumulation during hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

The gene expression of type I and type III procollagens and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) was measured by Northern blot analysis; immunolocalization of both types of collagen was estimated by indirect immunohistochemical assay; and the hepatic content of collagen and malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, were assayed in hepatic fibrosis induced in rats with a single dose of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN).

RESULTS

During the experimental period, more type I procollagen mRNA was found than type III procollagen mRNA. The immunoreactive intensity of type I collagen was greater in necrotic areas near central veins 3 days after DMN treatment than it was on day 9, whereas the type III collagen immunodeposition for the latter period of the hepatic fibrosis was stronger than it was on day 3. As compared with controls, hepatic collagen content increased significantly after 3 days and continued, increasing gradually, as did type I and III procollagen mRNA levels. On day 14, fibrosis was greatest and both types of procollagen gene expression were at their highest, and type I and III procollagen mRNA levels and hepatic collagen content increased as the dosage of DMN was raised. MMP-1 mRNA levels increased early in hepatic fibrogenesis, and increased on day 14 when DMN dosages were low. Hepatic MDA levels increased rapidly for 3 days after DMN treatment, remaining significantly higher than control values and showing a significant increase even in response to low DMN doses on day 14.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that fibrotic liver collagen content may make its first notable increase due in part to the balance between type I collagen and MMP-1 expression rates. Also, lipid peroxidation may be important in the mechanism of hepatofibrogenesis.

[A case of congenital mesoblastic nephroma in adulthood]

A 20-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a complaint of asymptomatic macrohematuria. A diagnosis of a right renal tumor was made after several radiographic examinations and right radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathologically the tumor was a congenital mesoblastic nephroma. Congenital mesoblastic nephroma is a relatively rare renal tumor predominantly of childhood. Occurrence in adults is exceedingly rare and 18 cases have been reported to date.

Relationship between MLR blocking antibodies and the outcome of the third pregnancy in patients with two consecutive spontaneous abortions

To determine the relationship between mixed lymphocyte culture reaction (MLR) blocking antibodies (BAbs), immunological humoral factors, which generated in pregnant women and the outcome of pregnancy, the natural outcome of the third pregnancy in fifty-five patients with primary twice consecutive abortion was evaluated, and MLR-BAbs in sera were examined during their third pregnancy. The third pregnancy in 39 of 55 patients (70.9%) continued successfully, and remaining 16 patients (29.1%) experienced repeated abortion at the first trimester. Out of these 55 patients, MLR-BAbs were examined in 27 (17 with successful outcome and 10 with repeated abortion). The positive rate of MLR-BAbs was 82.4% in patients with successful outcome (15 of 17 cases), and that in patients with repeated abortion was 10% (one of 10 cases). The positive rate of MLR-BAbs was significantly higher in the successful pregnancy group compared with that in the repeated abortion group (p < 0.001). The blocking effect on MLR significantly increased along with the prenatal course in patients with successful outcome. Thus, MLR-BAbs are strongly associated with the outcome of pregnancy in patients with primary twice consecutive spontaneous abortions.

Adenovirus E1B-19K/BCL-2 interacting protein BNIP3 contains a BH3 domain and a mitochondrial targeting sequence

Adenovirus E1B-19K and BCL-2 anti-apoptosis proteins interact with certain BCL-2 family pro-apoptotic proteins. A conserved domain, BH3, present in these proteins is essential for their pro-apoptotic activity and for heterodimerization with anti-apoptosis proteins. Cellular protein BNIP3 (previously NIP3) interacts with E1B-19K, BCL-2, BCL-xL, and EBV-BHRF1. BNIP3 contains a motif similar to the BH3 domain. Deletion of the BH3-like motif in BNIP3 abrogates its ability to heterodimerize with E1B-19K and BCL-xL. Substitution of the BH3 domain of BNIP3 for the corresponding sequences of BAX functionally restores the pro-apoptotic and protein heterodimerization activities of BAX. BNIP3 exhibits a delayed cell death activity that is partially relieved by deletion of the BH3 domain. BNIP3 suppresses the anti-apoptosis activity of BCL-xL in a BH3-dependent manner. BNIP3 contains a C-terminal trans-membrane (TM) domain similar to other BCL-2 family proteins and BNIP1 (previously NIP1). The TM domains of BNIP3 and BNIP1 can functionally substitute for the TM domain of a BCL-2 family member EBV-BHRF1. The BNIP3 TM domain exclusively targets the heterologous green fluorescent protein (GFP) to mitochondria. These results suggest that BNIP3 is a member of the BH3-contaning BCL-2 family of pro-apoptotic proteins and functions in mitochondria.

Oligoclonal development of B cells bearing discrete Ig chains in chicken single germinal centers

Chicken single germinal centers enable us to analyze the postbursal diversifications of B cells due to their easy isolation. Germinal center formation has peaked by day 7 of primary responses and begins to wane 14 days after immunization. To detail the kinetics of Ig mutation and selection, we analyzed Ig light chain sequences recovered from single germinal centers at 7 and 11 days postimmunization with an artificial Ag. Our observations show that multiple, Ag-activated B cells migrating into single germinal centers are diversified by gene conversion in the very early phase of the germinal center reaction and are subsequently subjected to point mutations and selection for oligoclonality.

Temporary scapho-trapezoidal joint fixation for Kienböck's disease in a 12-year-old girl: a case report

Temporary scapho-trapezoidal joint fixation with Kirschner wires was performed for stage IIIB Kienböck's disease in a 12-year-old girl. Preoperative evaluation with radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis. After 4 months of fixation, wrist range of motion was improved and pain was decreased. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed revascularization and fracture healing. Temporary scapho-trapezoidal fixation may be useful in the treatment of selected cases of Kienböck's disease in children.

Factors associated with psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVES

Many clinical and biological factors have been reported to be associated with the presence of psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease, although the associations were variable. The aim of this study was to clarify factors associated with the presence of psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

Psychiatric functioning was studied in 228 patients with Alzheimer's disease based on the results of the behavioural pathology in Alzheimer's disease rating scale or the neuropsychiatric inventory. The effects of sex, education level, age, duration of illness, cognitive function, and apolipoprotein E genotype were investigated for dichotomous psychotic status with a multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 228 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 118 (51.8%) showed evidence of delusions or hallucinations. Of these, 94 had delusions only, three had hallucinations only, and 21 had both. Older age, female sex, longer duration of illness, and more severe cognitive impairment were the factors independently associated with the presence of psychosis. The presence of psychosis was not significantly related to either educational level or apolipoprotein E genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, sex, and severity of illness were independent factors associated with the presence of psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The reason why some patients with Alzheimer's disease develop psychosis remains unclear. There may be distinctive subtypes of Alzheimer's disease or the presence of individual factors which affect the development of psychosis.

Modulation of actomyosin ATPase by goniodomin A differs in types of cardiac myosin

Goniodomin A causes the conformational change of actin to modify actomyosin ATPase activity [Furukawa, K.-I., Sakai, K., Watanabe, S., Maruyama, K., Murakami, M., Yamaguchi, K., Ohizumi, Y., 1993. Goniodomin A induces modulation of actomyosin ATPase activity mediated through conformational change of actin. J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26026-26031]. Goniodomin A inhibited the ATPase activities of atrial myofibrils, myosin B and reconstituted actomyosin in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, these ATPase activities of ventricular muscle were enhanced by goniodomin A (3 x 10(-8)-3 x 10(-7) M), but were decreased when the concentration was further raised. The stimulatory effect of goniodomin A was significantly inhibited by troponin tropomyosin complex. These results suggest that goniodomin A affects actin to modify cardiac actomyosin ATPase activity, and that this modulation differs in types of cardiac myosin.

Single-channel activity of the Ca2+-dependent K+ channel is modulated by FK506 and rapamycin

Single-channel patch clamp recordings were performed in primary cultured neurons from rat dorsal hippocampi. Ca2+-dependent and TEA-sensitive K+ current was recorded from the neurons. Application of immunosuppressants FK506 and rapamycin to the channel inside the plasma membrane of the neurons significantly prolonged the mean open time of the channel. Calcineurin autoinhibitory fragment and W-7 induced no significant alteration in the mean open time of the channel. These results suggest that modulation of the activity of the Ca2+-dependent K+ channel by FK506 and rapamycin is directly through association of immunosuppressants with FKBP12.

Isoform-specific redistribution of calcineurin A alpha and A beta in the hippocampal CA1 region of gerbils after transient ischemia

To investigate isoform-specific roles of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase [calcineurin (CaN)] in ischemia-induced cell death, we raised antibodies specific to CaN A alpha and CaN A beta and localized the CaN isoforms in the hippocampal CA1 region of Mongolian gerbils subjected to a 5-min occlusion of carotid arteries. In the nonischemic gerbil, immunoreactions of both isoforms were highly enriched in CA1 regions, especially in the cytoplasm and apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. At 4-7 days after the induced ischemia, immunoreactivities of the CaN A alpha isoform in CA1 pyramidal cells were markedly reduced, whereas they were enhanced in the CA1 radiatum and oriens layers. In contrast, CaN A beta immunoreactivities were reduced in all layers of the ischemic CA1 region, whereas they were enhanced in activated astrocytes, colocalizing with glial fibrillary acidic protein. These findings suggest that up-regulation of CaN A alpha in afferent fibers in CA1 and up-regulation of CaN A beta in reactive astrocytes may be involved in neuronal reorganization after ischemic injury.