Single photon emission CT images in a case of intraventricular neurocytoma

Although Tc-99m HMPAO uptakes in various brain tumors have been reported, SPECT images of neurocytoma have not been described. The authors report a patient with intraventricular neurocytoma (IN) who demonstrated significant uptake of Tc-99m HMPAO and Tl-201 Cl before brain biopsy. Residual tumor after biopsy showed significant uptake of I-123 IMP on early SPECT images, but this uptake was decreased on delayed images. The three radionuclides seem to have different uptake mechanisms.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung

We herein report an extremely rare case of a 55-year-old Japanese woman with a primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung. The patient was admitted to our hospital with a malignant melanoma of the lower esophagus. The chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) findings revealed an incidental abnormal shadow in the left lung, which was diagnosed to be adenocarcinoma of the lung by means of a CT-guided needle biopsy. After administering systemic chemotherapy with dacarbazine (DTIC), vincristine sulfate (VCR), and nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) plus interferon-beta, the esophageal tumor markedly decreased in size. Subsequently, the patient underwent a radical resection of both the malignant melanoma of the esophagus and lung cancer via a left thoracotomy and laparotomy.

Natural killer-like nonspecific tumor cell lysis mediated by specific ligand-activated Valpha14 NKT cells

We have recently identified alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) as a specific ligand for an invariant Valpha14/Vbeta8.2 T cell receptor exclusively expressed on the majority of Valpha14 NKT cells, a novel subset of lymphocytes. Here, we report that alpha-GalCer selectively activates Valpha14 NKT cells resulting in prevention of tumor metastasis. The effector mechanisms of the ligand-activated Valpha14 NKT cells seem to be mediated by natural killer (NK)-like nonspecific cytotoxicity. Indeed, the cytotoxic index obtained by alpha-GalCer-activated Valpha14 NKT cells was reduced by the addition of cold target tumor cells or by treatment with concanamycin A, which inhibits activation and secretion of perforin, but not by mAbs against molecules involved in the NKT cell recognition and conventional cytotoxicity, such as CD1d, Vbeta8, NK1. 1, Ly49C, Fas, or Fas ligand. These results suggest that the ligand-activated Valpha14 NKT cells kill tumor cells directly through a CD1d/Valpha14 T cell receptor-independent, NK-like mechanism.

Neuromagnetic fields preceding unilateral movements in dextrals and sinistrals

Movement-related magnetic fields were recorded with a whole-head magnetoencephalographic system in three dextrals and three sinistrals during right or left index finger extension. The motor field (MF) demonstrated an asymmetrical isofield map pattern with larger field reversal over the contralateral hemisphere for dominant hand movement and an almost symmetrical pattern for non-dominant hand movement in each subject. The equivalent current dipole moment of the MF for the contralateral hemisphere was significantly larger than the ipsilateral hemisphere for dominant hand movement, and almost equal for both hemispheres for non-dominant hand movement. These results were congruent for both dextrals and sinistrals, suggesting a more important role of the hemisphere contralateral to the dominant hand in unilateral voluntary movement, regardless of handedness.

Anti-tumor effect of internal image bearing anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody in relation to GM3 ganglioside

Anti-idiotypic antibodies are a new type of useful tools for the possible treatment of cancer patients, since some act as antigen specific immunomodulators. Anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody (anti-Id MAb) D704 (Ab2) was established which bore the internal image of the determinant defined by MAb M2590 (Ab1) against a sialic acid residue on GM3 ganglioside. In an in vivo syngeneic tumor system, anti-Id MAb D704 was more effective in preventing tumor progression, as compared with anti-GM3 MAb or no treatment. Significant suppression of tumor growth and prolongation of survival by administration of anti-Id MAb D704 in an animal group inoculated with 1 x 10(4)/mouse melanoma cells were seen, but not in a group inoculated with 5 x 10(4) cells/mouse. In an active specific immunotherapy protocol utilizing Ab2, the activity of anti-anti-Id antibodies (Ab3) specific for GM3 (antigen) which has a weak immunogenicity only, was maintained for more than 3 months. Ab2 generated cellular anti-tumor immune responses, including delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Immunohistological analysis indicated a marked infiltration of CD4 and CD8 positive cells into the DTH sites. Our results suggest that internal image bearing anti-Id MAbs have a therapeutic potential against tumors if the number of melanoma cells is relatively low or if hosts are at an early stage of melanoma progression.

Undulators at HiSOR - a compact racetrack-type ring

A compact racetrack-type 700 MeV storage ring (HiSOR) has been constructed at Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center (HSRC). As the ring was planned for synchrotron radiation research on science and technology using VUV to X-rays up to 5 keV with limited size and cost, the ring was designed (i) to realize a high magnetic field (2.7 T) using conventional dipole magnets for higher critical energy, and (ii) to include two straight sections for insertion devices. A linear undulator (25-300 eV) and a new-type helical/linear undulator were installed at the two straight sections. The latter undulator consists of upper and lower jaws, as in a planar undulator; each jaw consists of one fixed magnet array at the centre and two magnet arrays on both sides. By longitudinal displacement of the side magnet arrays, the phase between the vertical and horizontal magnetic fields, and therefore the polarization (right- or left-circular, elliptical, linear) can be selected. The helical/linear undulator gives almost perfect circular polarization at 4-40 eV in the helical configuration without changing the phase of the magnet arrays, as well as linearly polarized light at 3-300 eV in the linear configuration.

Cloning and expression of the gene encoding flavodoxin from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F)

The gene encoding a flavodoxin of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F) was cloned, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. A 1.6-kbp DNA fragment, isolated from D. vulgaris (Miyazaki F) by double digestion with SalI and EcoRI, contained the flavodoxin gene and its regulatory region. An expression system for the flavodoxin gene under control of the T7 promoter was constructed in E. coli. The purified protein was soluble and exhibited a characteristic visible absorption spectrum. HPLC analysis of the recombinant flavodoxin revealed the presence of an identical FMN to that found in the native D. vulgaris flavodoxin, and its dissociation constant with FMN was determined to be 0.38 nM. In vitro H2 reduction analysis indicated that the recombinant flavodoxin is active, and its redox potential was determined to be E1 = -434 and E2 = -151 mV using methyl viologen and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, respectively. Its redox behavior was also examined with the recombinant flavodoxin adsorbed onto a graphite electrode. The mutant, A16E, was also produced, which revealed the feature of a conserved Glu residue at the surface of the molecule.

UV emission spectrometer using a non-periodic grating

A UV emission spectrometer using a non-periodic spherical grating has been designed, which can be attached to the linear or helical undulator beamlines of the HiSOR light source at the Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Centre. The useful range of emitted photons from 10 to 100 eV is covered by two gratings with nominal groove spacings of 1/600 and 1/1200 mm. The energy resolution with a 100 micro m entrance slit width and the 1/600 mm grating is better than 0.2 eV below 50 eV.

A response-regulator homologue possibly involved in nitrogen signal transduction mediated by cytokinin in maize

A cDNA clone, pZmCip1, encoding a maize (Zea mays) cytokinin-inducible protein 1 was isolated utilizing the differential display technique, and studied using the expression of ZmCip1 in nitrogen-starved maize plants. The cloned cDNA contained an open reading frame consisting of 157 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 16.7 kDa, which possesses similarity with the response-regulators of bacterial two-component signalling systems. In detached leaves, accumulation of ZmCip1 transcript by t-zeatin was dose-dependent in a range of 10(-9) M to 10(-7) M, and occurred within 30 min after treatment. The effect of t-zeatin was replaceable by isopentenyl-adenosine or isopentenyl-adenosine-5'-monophosphate. Pretreatment of detached leaves with cycloheximide did not inhibit the accumulation of the transcript. In whole plants, ZmCip1 transcript was transiently accumulated exclusively in leaves by supply of nitrate or ammonium ions to the roots, whereas the transcript was not accumulated in detached leaves by supply of the nitrogen nutrients. Both the cytokinin- and nitrate-responsive accumulations of ZmCip1 transcript were accompanied by an increase in the immunotitratable protein. Isopentenyladenosine and/or its phosphorylated form(s) accumulated in roots 2 h after supply of nitrate to plants. These results, taken together, suggest that ZmCip1 is a primary response gene to cytokinins, and that it involves, at least in part, the nitrogen-signal transduction mediated by cytokinin in maize.

The Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center (HSRC)

The history of HSRC is briefly sketched, going back to the early HiSOR project. The present status of this 0.7 GeV compact storage ring is described and an outline of the future of the facility is given in the context of western Japan.

Decreased membrane fluidity and unsaturated fatty acids in Niemann-Pick disease type C fibroblasts

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the sequestration and trapping of endocytosed cholesterol in lysosomes. The NPC1 gene on chromosome 18 was recently identified but its physiological function remains unknown. We have studied the lipid compositions of cultured human NP-C fibroblasts and mouse SPM-3T3 cell line derived from the C57BL/KsJ NP-C model mouse, which belongs to the same complementation group. Fibroblasts derived from apparently normal age-matched individuals and a subline of SPM-3T3 cells which restores cholesterol metabolism by transfer of human chromosome 18 were used as controls. Levels of free cholesterol in whole cell homogenates increased about 1.5-fold in human NP-C fibroblasts and mouse SPM-3T3 cells, while in the plasma membrane, cholesterol content did not significantly change in NP-C fibroblasts but rather decreased in SPM-3T3 cells. The total phospholipid content did not significantly change; however, among phospholipid head groups, increases in sphingomyelin and decreases in other classes were observed in human NP-C fibroblasts and mouse SPM-3T3 cells. The ratios of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids increased in both human and mouse cells. The increase was also confirmed in the plasma membrane fraction of SPM-3T3 cells. Membrane fluidity was examined using a 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) fluorescent probe. The DPH anisotropy values were markedly increased in NP-C fibroblasts and in SPM-3T3 cells. The results suggest that a NP-C mutation causes complex alterations in cellular lipid contents and biophysical properties of the membrane.

Development of hapten-induced IL-4-producing CD4+ T lymphocytes requires early IL-4 production by alphabeta T lymphocytes carrying invariant V(alpha)14 TCR alpha chains

This paper investigates the mechanisms responsible for the generation of IL-4-producing CD4+ T cells during contact sensitization with the hapten trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). Lymph node cells taken 1 day after immunization spontaneously released IL-4 while lymph node cells taken 2 and 3 days after immunization did not produce IL-4. A second wave of IL-4 production that was both antigen-specific and MHC class II (I-A)-restricted was observed 4 days after immunization. The spontaneous release of IL-4 at day 1 was due to the alphabeta+ double-negative (CD4- CD8-) T lymphocytes that also expressed NK1.1 and showed V(alpha)14 rearrangement, while alphabeta+ CD4+ T lymphocytes were the source of the antigen-specific IL-4 production at day 4. Early IL-4 production was required for the development of IL-4-producing CD4+ T cells as mice injected with anti-V(alpha)14 or anti-IL-4 mAb produced little IL-4 and IL-10, while production of IFN-gamma was increased approximately 2-fold. These results indicate that the development of IL-4-producing CD4+ T lymphocytes in the TNCB system requires early production of IL-4 by alphabeta+ double-negative cells carrying invariant V(alpha)14 TCR alpha chain.

Aberrant muscle activation in patients after resection of non-primary motor areas: demonstration by surface electromyography

Two patients presented with a tumor involving mainly the supplementary motor area or the premotor cortex. Shortly after tumor resection, each developed transient impairment of voluntary movements. An electromyogram, with the skin electrodes placed over the muscles of the upper arms and forearms, demonstrated aberrant ipsilateral, contralateral or bilateral muscle activation during unilateral motor tasks in both patients. The bilateral activation was more prominent in the patient who had an intact dominant hemisphere. The present study suggests for the first time the importance of non-primary motor areas of the human brain in activating the proper set of muscles on the proper side of the body.

Prediction of efficacy of interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C by multivariate analysis and a new classification

One hundred and fifteen patients with chronic hepatitis C were administered interferon (IFN) and classed into two groups: (i) complete responders (CR), HCV-RNA continuously negative 1 year after treatment; and (ii) non-responders (NR), positive 1 year after treatment. Multivariate analysis comprised eight variables: age, sex, transfusion history, alanine aminotransferase level, viral genotype, level of viremia, type of IFN, and total amount of IFN. The HCV-RNA level was correlated with complete response (P = 0.0175). Liver biopsy specimens were classified into four grades and stages according to the measure of severity and the extent of fibrosis, respectively. There was no correlation between the efficacy rate and grading. However, in staging there was a difference in the efficacy of IFN between stages 1 or 2, and stage 3 (0.05 < P < 0.1 and 0.01 < P < 0.025, respectively). Of the CR patients, 0% (0/5) were at stage 0 (no fibrosis); 27.5% (22/80) at stage 1 (mild); 42.9% (6/14) at stage 2 (moderate); and 6.3% (1/16) at stage 3 (severe fibrosis). Thus the new classification would be useful in predicting roughly the efficacy of IFN.

Expression of neuropsin mRNA in the mouse embryo and the pregnant uterus

Neuropsin is a novel serine protease whose mRNA is expressed in the mouse central nervous system. We examined the expression of neuropsin mRNA during embryonic development using Northern and in situ hybridization in non-neural tissues. The pregnant uterus showed strong expression of neuropsin mRNA, whereas the nonpregnant uterus did not express this mRNA. Expression was first detected in the primary decidual zone at 5.5 days post coitum and was maximized at 10 days post coitum, decreasing remarkably thereafter. During mouse organogenesis, neuropsin expression was observed in the developing heart, lung, thymus, pituitary, choroid plexus, and epithelial linings of the skin, oral cavity, tongue, esophagus, and forestomach. In adult mouse organs, neuropsin mRNA was expressed in epithelial tissues covered by keratinocytes with moderate density, whereas low expression was observed in lung, thymus, and spleen. Neuropsin mRNA expression in developing organs and adult keratinocytes suggests that neuropsin is associated with extracellular matrix modifications and cell migrations.

Increased levels of GM2 ganglioside in fibroblasts from a patient with juvenile Niemann-Pick disease type C

A 15-year-old boy was suffering from splenomegaly and a 10-year history of a neurologic disorder that included mental retardation, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, dysarthria, ataxia, and dystonia. Bone marrow aspirates revealed foamy cells with storage materials which were positive with filipin staining. Cultured skin fibroblasts derived from the patient showed moderate loss of sphingomyelinase activity and the impairment of cholesterol esterification. The characteristic clinical presentations and typical histochemical findings of this patient met the diagnostic criteria of Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). In the fibroblasts from the patient, there was an accumulation of GM2 ganglioside around their cytoplasms. Increased levels of glycolipids. including GM2 ganglioside are reported in the cerebral cortex of NPC, but not in the fibroblasts. The fibroblasts derived from NPC may reflect the abnormal metabolism of glycolipids in the central nervous system of NPC.

[Changes in blood polyamine levels following chemotherapy in patients with invasive urinary bladder carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Polyamines are recognized as cell growth factors. We attempted to determine whether blood polyamines are useful biochemical makers for monitoring the efficacy of the chemotherapy on bladder tumors.

METHODS

The blood concentrations of three polyamines, diamine, spermidine and spermine, were determined in 31 patients with invasive urinary bladder carcinoma, following chemotherapy with cisplatin, methotrexate and pirarubicin. Clinical response was evaluated by CT after 3 weeks. In 26 patients who underwent subsequent surgical therapy, the effectiveness of the chemotherapy were histopathologically evaluated by a pathologist according to the response criteria for bladder cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Mean regression rate in the size of the tumor after the chemotherapy was 40.8%. Of 31 patients, clinical CR was observed in 2, PR in 11, and NC in 18. Of 26 patients who were histopathologically evaluated, grade 3 was observed in 5, grade 2 in 4, grade 1b in 4, grade 1a in 12, and grade 0 in 1. One week after chemotherapy, the levels of spermine and total polyamine in the patients with CR and PR were significantly lower than those in the patients with NC. Similarly one week after chemotherapy, the levels of spermine and total polyamine in the patients with grade 3 and grade 2 were significantly lower than those in the patients with grade 1b, grade 1a and grade 0.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that the levels of blood polyamines could be used as biochemical markers for monitoring the efficacy of the chemotherapy on bladder tumors.

De novo CD5+ diffuse large B-cell lymphomas express VH genes with somatic mutation

To clarify the cellular origin of de novo CD5+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CD5+ DLBL), particularly in comparison with other CD5+ B-cell neoplasms such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), we analyzed the nucleotide sequence of the Ig heavy chain variable region (IgVH) genes of de novo CD5+ DLBL cases. All 4 cases examined had extensive somatic mutations in contrast with CLL or MCL. The VH gene sequences of de novo CD5+ DLBL displayed 86.9% to 95.2% homology with the corresponding germlines, whereas those of simultaneously analyzed CLL and MCL displayed 97.6% to 100% homology. The VH family used was VH3 in 1 case, VH4 in 2 cases, and VH5 in 1 case. In 2 of 4 examined cases, the distribution of replacement and silent mutations over the complementarity determining region and framework region in the VH genes was compatible with the pattern resulting from the antigen selection. Clinically, CD5+ DLBL frequently involved a variety of extranodal sites (12/13) and lymph node (11/13). Immunophenotypically, CD5+ DLBL scarcely expressed CD21 and CD23 (3/13 and 2/13, respectively). These findings indicate that de novo CD5+ DLBL cells are derived from a B-1 subset distinct from those of CLL or MCL.

Gallium-67-citrate scintigraphy of primary renal lymphoma

We present a case of primary renal lymphoma, which is a rare entity and poses diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound and CT scan demonstrated a nonspecific solid tumor in the left kidney. 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy demonstrated an intense uptake in the tumor, which led to a correct diagnosis, so that we could spare unnecessary laparotomy and possible nephrectomy.

Efficient production of Cre-mediated site-directed recombinants through the utilization of the puromycin resistance gene, pac: a transient gene-integration marker for ES cells

Gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES) cells is a powerful tool for generating mice carrying specifically designed mutations in the germline. Puromycin can completely kill ES cells within 24 to 48 h whereas G418 and hygromycin cannot. We have, therefore, proposed that the puromycin N-acetyltransferase ( pac ) gene, may be utilized as a transient gene-integration marker. Using a circular expression vector of cre and pac genes, Cre-mediated mutant cells were effectively enriched by pulse treatment of puromycin without stable integration of their genes. We have thus demonstrated the first application of pac as a transient gene-integration marker for ES cells.

Temperature distribution produced by laser irradiation in a ventricle model. The use of airflow in neuroendoscopic surgery

The changes in intraventricular temperature during potassium titanyl phosphate laser irradiation were investigated using a ventricle configuration model. The laser had an output of 3 to 20 watts in 1 second pulse mode. The model ventricular cavity was filled with still air or saline, or irrigated with air or saline. The laser irradiation in a continuous mode with the output of 15 or 20 watts was also examined under air flow or saline irrigation. In pulse-mode irradiation, the temperature increase was less than 5.0 degrees C under all conditions with the outputs up to 10 watts. With 20 watts pulse irradiation, the temperature increase was within 7 degrees C with air flow, and over 20 degrees C in still air. The later condition occasionally induced a plume of steam resulting in excessive temperature elevation at a remote point. With the continuous irradiation of 15 or 20 watt, the temperature increased by about 4.0 degrees C even under saline irrigation, which required over 30 sec to return to the pre-irradiation level. These results indicate the possible use of pulse mode laser irradiation and air flow endoscopic surgery within the ventricular system. With continuous mode laser irradiation, however, the importance of saline irrigation and proper cooling interval is suggested.

Accumulation of cholesterol and GM2 ganglioside in cells cultured in the presence of progesterone: an implication for the basic defect in Niemann-Pick disease type C

Cultured fibroblasts from patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) are characterized by lysosomal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and a defect in intracellular trafficking of cholesterol. We have found the accumulation of GM2 ganglioside in NP-C fibroblasts [Yano T, Taniguchi M, Akaboshi S, Vanier MT, Tai T, Sakuraba H, et al. Proc Japan Acad 1996;72B:214-219]. In this communication we show that several inhibitors known to inhibit intracellular cholesterol transport, progesterone, imipramine and KN-62, elicit accumulation of not only unesterified cholesterol but also GM2 ganglioside. This finding suggests that intracellular transport of cholesterol may be coupled with that of GM2 ganglioside. The accumulation of free cholesterol and GM2 ganglioside may be a clue for understanding the basic defect of NP-C. Recently NPC1 gene is found by the positional cloning. The mechanism of accumulating of GM2 ganglioside should be further investigated by studying of the functions of NPC1 gene.

Bupivacaine-induced convulsion is suppressed by MK-801

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Not only the facilitation of inhibitory synapses but also the suppression of excitatory synapses may be effective in treating convulsion induced by local anesthetics. The effects of MK-801, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on bupivacaine-induced convulsion and hemodynamic changes were studied.

METHODS

Cortex and hippocampal (A4; L5.5; H8) electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were measured in 21 cats anesthetized with urethane. Blood samples were obtained when cats demonstrated arrhythmias, convulsed, and became hypotensive. In the control group (n = 7), bupivacaine was continuously infused until a hypotensive state of 40 mm/Hg was reached. In the MK-801 pretreated group (n = 7), MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg) was injected intravenously 15 minutes before the bupivacaine injection. In the MK-801 treatment group (n = 7), MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg) was injected intravenously at the appearance of convulsive EEG after the bupivacaine injection.

RESULTS

Bupivacaine produced convulsion in the control group (17.1 +/- 2.4 microg/mL), but not in the MK-801 pretreated group. In the treatment group, convulsive EEG was suppressed gradually after injection of MK-801. The mean plasma bupivacaine concentrations (microg/mL) reaching arrhythmia and hypotension were 9.5 +/- 2.9 and 23.0 +/- 3.0, respectively, in the control group; 10.9 +/- 3.5 and 22.5 +/- 4.9, respectively, in the MK-801 pretreated group; and 7.5 +/- 1.6 and 21.0 +/- 3.0, respectively, in the MK-801 treatment groups. The mean arterial pressure and heart rate did not differ among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that one mechanism of bupivacaine-induced convulsion is the excitatory neurotransmitter system in central nervous system and that MK-801 is effective in suppressing the convulsion without any effects on hemodynamics.