Time-dependent increase in protein phosphorylation following one-trial enhancement in Hermissenda

One-trial conditioning of the nudibranch mollusk Hermissenda produces short- and long-term changes in excitability (enhancement) of identified sensory neurons. To investigate the biochemical mechanisms underlying this example of plasticity, we have examined changes in protein phosphorylation at different times following the in vitro conditioning trial. Changes in the incorporation of 32 PO4 into proteins were determined using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, autoradiography, and densitometry. Conditioning resulted in increases in levels of several phosphoproteins, five of which, ranging in apparent molecular mass from 22 to 55 kDa, were chosen for analysis. The increased phosphorylation of the 46- and 55-kDa phosphoproteins, detected 2 h postconditioning was significantly greater than the level of phosphorylation detected in an unpaired control group, indicating that long-term enhancement is pairing specific. Statistically significant increases in phosphorylation as compared with the control group that received only light were detected immediately after conditioning (5 min) for the 55-, 46-, and 22-kDa phosphoproteins, at 1 h for the 55- and 46-kDa phosphoproteins, and at 2 h for the 55-, 46-, and 22-kDa phosphoproteins. The 46- and 55-kDa phosphoproteins are putative structural proteins, and the 22-kDa phosphoprotein is proposed to be a protein kinase C substrate previously identified in Hermissenda following multitrial classical conditioning. Time-dependent increases in protein phosphorylation may contribute to the induction and maintenance of different memory stages expressed in sensory neurons after one-trial conditioning.

Detection of Salmonella typhi by polymerase chain reaction

A rapid and sensitive method for detection of Salmonella typhi would help in preventing the spread of outbreaks and in clinical diagnosis. In order to develop unique PCR primers to detect Salm. typhi, ribosomal RNA genes from Salm. typhi (Rawlings) were cloned in pUC18. The resulting clone was confirmed by sequencing. The cloned DNA fragment contained the 5S, part of the 23S rRNA genes and the 5S-23S spacer region (EMBL/GenBank accession No. U04734). It was expected that the 5S-23S spacer region is divergent unlike the highly conserved 23S + 5S genes. This was confirmed by comparison with the rRNA gene sequences in the EMBL/GenBank database. A pair of PCR primers specific for Salm. typhi was obtained, based on this spacer region sequence. The specificity of this pair of primers was tested with 54 Salm. typhi strains (of 27 different phage types). All these Salm. typhi strains showed the positive 300 bp PCR product with this pair of primers. Six other Salmonella species as well as six other non-Salmonella bacteria were tested and none showed the 300 bp PCR product. The sensitivity of the detection level was 0.1 pg of pure Salm. typhi genomic DNA, or approximately 40 Salm. typhi cells in a spiked food sample. This pair of primers therefore has the potential for development into a diagnostic tool for the rapid diagnosis of typhoid fever.

Twenty-four-hour intermittent perfusion storage of the isolated rat heart. II. Perfusion pressure and functional preservation

This study investigated the effect of intermittent perfusion (IP) pressures on functional preservation of the cold-stored isolated rat heart. The heart was flushed with cardioplegic solution #11 with ethylene diamine-tetraacetic acid and 2, 3-butanedione monoxime (CP-11EB), and stored at 0 degree C for 24 hr. During storage, the heart was intermittently perfused for 3 min at 10 and 17 hr of storage with 25 degrees C oxygenated CP-11EB. The IP pressures studied were: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 mm Hg. Poststorage recovery of function was assessed with 30 min of working reperfusion. Control function of the unstored heart was: aortic flow (AF), 51.3 +/- 2.2 ml/min; coronary flow (CF), 25.8 +/- 1.2 ml/min; cardiac output (CO), 77.7 +/- 2.3 ml/min; work, 92.0 +/- 4.9 g-m/min; and coronary vascular resistance (CVR), 2.64 +/- .21 mm Hg-min/ml. Functional return in the 30,40,50,60,70, and 80 mm Hg groups was similar. Recovery in a representative group (60 mm Hg) was: AF, 52 +/- 3%; CF, 41 +/- 2%; CO, 48 +/- 3%; work, 42 +/- 3%; and CVR, 225 +/- 10% of the control. The total IP volume in this group was 71.0 +/- 1.7 ml; total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release during IP was 8.62 +/- .37 units/g dry; and end-storage tissue lactate was 52.6 +/- 6.4 mumole/g dry. As IP pressure decreased to 20 mm Hg, cardiac functional recovery declined significantly to AF, 35 +/- 6%; CF, 33 +/- 2%; CO, 34 +/- 5%; and work, 27 = 4% of control (P < .05 vs. 60 mm Hg group). The total IP volume decreased to 10.1 +/- .9 ml, tissue lactate content rose to 87.1 +/- 10.9 (P < .05 vs. 60 mm Hg group), but LDH release fell to 5.59 +/- .46 (P < .05 vs. 60 and 100 mm Hg groups). When IP pressure increased to 100 mm Hg, cardiac function was depressed with AF recovered to 25 +/- 3%; CF, 30 +/- 3%; CO, 26 +/- 3%; work, 21 +/- 3%; and CVR, 294 +/- 26% of control (P < .05 vs. 60 mm Hg group). IP volume increased to 100.7 +/- 2.4 ml; total LDH release increased to 19.1 +/- 1.2 (P < .05 vs. 60 mm Hg group), although tissue lactate (58.9 +/- 3.9) was not different from the 60 mm Hg group. End-storage tissue wet/dry weight ratio and myocardial adenosine triphosphate content were not different among the 20, 60, and 100 mm Hg groups. In conclusion, IP has a broad pressure optimum ranging from 30 to 80 mm Hg for 24-hr hypothermic preservation of the rat cardiac explant.

Evidence that SP1 modulates transcriptional activity of the multidrug resistance-associated protein gene

In previous studies, we have cloned and sequenced a 5'-end region of the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene that contains promoter activity as assessed through transient transfections of constructs contained in a pCAT basic reporter plasmid. In the present study, using a series of deletion mutants, evidence was obtained that the SP1 binding sites contained in the promoter are essential for optimal MRP transcriptional activity. These results were supported by the finding that introduction of site-specific mutations into the wild-type SP1 sequence produced a major reduction in CAT activity. DNase I protection assays also demonstrated that SP1 sites are protected from hydrolysis with proteins from nuclei of a variety of cell lines. Gel mobility-shift assays with proteins extracted from CHO, HeLa, HL60, or HL60/ADR demonstrated the presence of a protein that bound to the wild-type SP1 sequence but not to an SP1 sequence containing site-specific mutations. The mobility shift with nuclear extracts was closely similar to that occurring after incubating purified SP1 protein with wild-type SP1 sequence. DNA supershift experiments with antibody to SP1 strongly suggest that the complexes formed with nuclear extracts contain the SP1 protein.

Regulation, expression and function of a new basic chitinase gene in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A new basic chitinase gene, designated RC24, was isolated from a rice genomic library. The predicted RC24 protein contains 322 amino acid residues and exhibits 68% to 95% amino acid identity with known class I rice chitinases. RC24 protein expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited chitinase activity and strongly inhibited bacterial growth. Two transcription start sites of the RC24 gene were mapped by primer extension analysis of both rice native RNA and in vitro transcribed RNA using a RC24 promoter/GUS (beta-glucuronidase) gene fusion as a template. The 5'-flanking region of RC24 contained several putative stress-responsive cis-acting elements. A basal level of RC24 transcripts was detected in rice root and stem tissues, but not in leaf tissues. RC24 transcripts rapidly accumulated within 1 h after fungal elicitor treatment of suspension-cultured cells, and the levels continued to increase for at least 9 h. RC24 transcript accumulation was also observed in intact leaf tissues upon wounding, Transgenic rice plants containing the RC24/GUS gene fusion further confirmed that the RC24 gene showed a tissue-specific expression pattern and that transcription of the RC24 propmoter was sensitively and rapidly activated by wounding.

Determination of transcription initiation sites and promoter activity of the human 5-HT2A receptor gene

The regulation of 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) expression has been implicated in a variety of pathological processes. Previous data addressing the regulation of this receptor are extremely complicated and controversial. In order to understand the mechanisms of regulation of this receptor, we have identified the promoter region of the human 5-HT2AR gene. Anchored PCR has mapped a cluster of transcription initiation sites at nucleotides -1157, -1137, -1127 (numbered sequentially as sites 1, 2 and 3). An additional initiation site (site 4) was detected at -496, 631 bp downstream of site 3. Promoter activity was defined by transfection studies. Several 5' flanking fragments linked to the human growth hormone reporter gene were transfected into two human cell lines, SHSY-5Y (neuroblastoma) and HeLa (cervix carcinoma) which express 5-HT2AR. A 0.74 kb HaeIII/PvuII fragment, which encompasses the initiation sites 1 to 3 and 5' of the downstream initiation site 4, exhibited significant promoter activity in both cell lines. Inclusion of additional sequences upstream (the 1.6 kb PvuII/PvuII fragment) had little effect on the promoter activity, but the extension of the 0.74 kb fragment downstream to include a 0.45 kb PvuII/SmaI fragment drastically decreased the promoter activity. These results suggest that the promoter activity for human 5-HT2AR gene resides in the 0.74 kb HaeIII/PvuII fragment and the 0.45 kb PvuII/SmaI fragment may contain a silencer for the gene expression.

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and X-linked congenital thrombocytopenia are caused by mutations of the same gene

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, small platelets, eczema, recurrent infections, and immunodeficiency. Besides the classic WAS phenotype, there is a group of patients with congenital X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) who have small platelets but only transient eczema, if any, and minimal immune deficiency. Because the gene responsible for WAS has been sequenced, it was possible to correlate the WAS phenotypes with WAS gene mutations. Using a fingerprinting screening technique, we determined the approximate location of the mutation in 13 unrelated WAS patients with mild to severe clinical symptoms. Direct sequence analysis of cDNA and genomic DNA obtained from patient-derived cell lines showed 12 unique mutations distributed throughout the WAS gene, including insertions, deletions, and point mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions, termination, exon skipping, or splicing defects. Of 4 unrelated patients with the XLT phenotype, 3 had missense mutations affecting exon 2 and 1 had a splice-site mutation affecting exon 9. Patients with classic WAS had more complex mutations, resulting in termination codons, frameshift, and early termination. These findings provide direct evidence that XLT and WAS are caused by mutations of the same gene and suggest that severe clinical phenotypes are associated with complex mutations.

Cloning and properties of a rice gene encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) genomic sequences were isolated from a rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic library using a PCR-amplified rice PAL DNA fragment as a probe. There is a small family of PAL genes in the rice genome. The nucleotide sequence of one PAL gene, ZB8, was determined. The ZB8 gene is 4660 bp in length and consists of two exons and one intron. It encodes a polypeptide of 710 amino acids. The transcription start site was 137 bp upstream from the translation initiation site. Rice PAL transcripts accumulated to a high level in stems, with lower levels in roots and leaves. Wounding of leaf tissues induced ZB8 PAL transcripts to a high level. In rice suspension-cultured cells treated with fungal cell wall elicitors, the ZB8 PAL transcript increased within 30 min and reached maximum levels in 1-2 h. The transcription of the ZB8 gene was investigated by fusing its promoter to the reporter gene beta-glucuronidase (GUS) and transforming the construct into rice and tobacco plants, as well as rice suspension-cultured cells. High levels of GUS activity were observed in stems, moderate levels in roots and low levels in leaves of transgenic rice and tobacco plants. Histochemical analysis indicated that in transgenic rice the promoter was active in root apical tips, lateral root initiation sites, and vascular and epidermal tissues of stems and roots. In rice flowers, high GUS activity was observed in floral shoots, receptacles, anthers and filaments, occasionally GUS activity was also detected in lemma and awn tissues. In tobacco flowers, high GUS activity was detected in the pink part of petals. Consistent with the activity of endogenous PAL transcripts, wounding of rice and tobacco leaf tissues induced GUS activity from low basal levels. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection of tobacco leaves induced GUS activity to a high level. Fungal cell wall elicitors strongly induced GUS activity and GUS transcripts to high levels in transgenic rice suspension-cultured cells. We demonstrated that the promoter of ZB8 gene is both developmentally regulated and stress-inducible.

Sweet and bitter taste: structure and conformations of two aspartame dipeptide analogues

The synthesis and X-ray diffraction analysis of two dipeptide taste ligands have been carried out as part of our study of the molecular basis of taste. The compounds L-aspartyl-D-alpha-methylphenylalanine methyl ester [L-Asp-D-(alpha Me)Phe-OMe] and L-aspartyl-D-alanyl-2,2,5, 5-tetramethylcyclopentanyl ester [L-Asp-D-Ala-OTMCP] elicit bitter and sweet taste, respectively. The C-terminal residues of the two analogues adopt distinctly different conformations in the solid state. The aspartyl moiety assumes the same conformation found in other dipeptide taste ligands with the side-chain carboxylate and the amino groups forming a zwitterionic ring with a conformation defined by psi, chi 1 = 157.7 degrees, -61.5 degrees for L-Asp-D-Ala-OTMCP and 151.0 degrees, -68.8 degrees for L-Asp-D-(alpha Me)Phe-OMe. In the second residue, a left-handed helical conformation is observed for the (alpha Me)Phe residue of L-Asp-D-(alpha Me)Phe-OMe with phi 2 = 49.0 degrees and psi 2 = 47.9 degrees, while the Ala residue of L-Asp-D-Ala-OTMCP adopts a semi-extended conformation characterized by dihedral angles phi 2 = 62.8 degrees and psi 2 = -139.9 degrees. The solid-state structure of the bitter L-Asp-D-(alpha Me)Phe-OMe is extended: while the crystal structure of the sweet L-Asp-D-OTMCP roughly adopts the typical L-shaped structure shown by other sweeteners. The data of L-Asp-D-(alpha Me)Phe-OMe are compared with those of its diastereoisomer L-Asp-L-(alpha Me)Phe-OMe. Conformational analysis of the two taste ligands in solution by NMR and computer simulations agrees well with our model for sweet and bitter tastes.

Analysis of serine/threonine-linked oligosaccharides derived by alkaline-borohydride treatment of mucin glycoproteins electroblotted onto membranes: comparison of the saccharide profiles of the 390 kDa and 350 kDa forms of epitectin

Alkaline borohydride treatment is widely used for the release of carbohydrate moieties from O-glycosylated glycoproteins and mucins. We have adapted this procedure to micro quantities of glycoproteins blotted on membranes. After electrophoresis and transfer to nitrocellulose, nylon or polyvinylidene difluoride membrane, alkaline borohydride treatment was done directly on glycoprotein containing areas of membrane which were cut out with the aid of guide strips stained with Coomassie Blue or lectin-digoxigenin. In combination with standard saccharide fractionation techniques, this procedure can be used to characterize the oligosaccharides of mucins or mucin-type glycoproteins that are separated by gel electrophoresis from crude sources. Using this approach we have characterized the saccharides derived from the two species of epitectin, a malignancy-associated mucin type glycoprotein, isolated from metabolically labelled H.Ep2 cells.

TATA box and initiator functions in the accurate transcription of a plant minimal promoter in vitro

The functional architecture of the proximal region of a rice phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) promoter was analyzed by transcription of PAL-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) templates by whole-cell extracts of rice cell suspension cultures. The promoter 5' truncated to position -35 was sufficient for accurate initiation of basal transcription. Substitution of the TATTTAA sequence between positions -35 and -28 with GCGGGTT or 2-bp substitutions to give TCGTTAA and TATGGAA inactivated the minimal promoter. Moreover, the function of the TATTTAA sequence was dependent on its position relative to the initiation site; hence, this element is an authentic TATA box essential for RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. Substitutions in the TCCAAG initiator cis element (-3 to +3) at the -1 (C to A or G) and +1 (A to C or T) residues caused inaccurate initiation, whereas mutations at the other residues of this conserved element or sequence substitutions between the TATA box and initiator had little effect. TATA box and initiator functions were confirmed by analysis of the effects of promoter mutations on expression in stably transformed rice cell suspensions and plants. We concluded that the proximal region of the PAL promoter has a simple functional architecture involving a TATA box appropriately positioned upstream of the initiator. Transcription of derivatives of such minimal promoters by highly active cell extracts should allow molecular analysis of functional interactions between specific cis elements and cognate trans factors.

Synthesis, crystal structure and conformation in solution of four stereoisomeric cyclo-lanthionine derivatives

The synthesis of the four stereoisomeric cyclo-lanthionine derivatives: [formula: see text] (where AlaL denotes one end of the lanthionine unit) was carried out on a Kaiser-oxime resin starting from orthogonally protected lanthionine units. The peptide ring was prepared in 79-85% yield via amide bond formation by utilizing the method of peptide cyclization on an oxime resin (PCOR). The crystal and molecular structures of the protected cyclic dipeptides have been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. The two cyclic lanthionine derivatives with chiralities of [R,S] and [S,R] crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and the [R,R]- and [S,S]-cyclo-lanthionine derivatives in the monoclinic space group C2. The structures were solved by direct methods and refined to an R factor of 0.0368-0.0573. The ring amide bonds in all four compounds are cis, while the urethane group is trans and extended. The NMR spectra of the four stereoisomers in DMSO-d6 were used to determine their conformation in solution. The analysis of the NMR data with constrained distance geometry search showed the same conformational features in solution as in the crystalline state.

[Evaluation of operative corrigent degree of scoliosis by improved Cobb's angle degree of preoperative suspensive roentgenogram]

To achieve best operative result in correction of scoliosis, and avoid complications of the nerve system due to excess correction, we compared the statistical results of modified Cobb's degree of preoperative suspensive roentgenogram and operative corrigent degrees of 331 patients with scoliosis, including 219 with idiopathic scoliosis. The modified Cobb's degrees of the whole group was 20.15 +/- 9.41 in suspension, the operative corrigent degree was 35.34 +/- 13.05, and the operation-suspension difference was 14.62 +/- 11.02. Referring to idiopathic scoliosis, it was 21.79 +/- 8.39, 37.44 +/- 11.82, 15.58 +/- 9.91 respectively. And the statistacal study was performed according to scoliosis type, involved segments, curvature degree, and ages. The parameters were very helpful in the evaluation of currigent effect before operation.

Characterization of B-cell lines established from two X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency patients: interleukin-15 binds to the B cells but is not internalized efficiently

X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) is characterized by absent or profoundly reduced numbers of T cells and normal numbers of B cells in the circulation. Affected patients have mutations of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma chain gene. Using Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCLs) established from two unrelated XSCID patients, we could show that neither expressed the IL-2 receptor gamma chain on the cell surface. A novel cytokine IL-15, which has biologic activities similar to those of IL-2, could bind to the XSCID B-LCLs in the absence of the gamma chain, although both the beta and gamma chains of the human IL-2 receptor were previously shown to be required for IL-15 binding by transfected COS cells. Furthermore, a significant reduction and delay of IL-15 internalization by B lymphoblasts from XSCID patients was observed when compared with that of normal control B-LCLs. These results show the existence of a novel IL-15-specific receptor component that contributes to IL-15 binding but is insufficient for IL-15 internalization in the absence of the IL-2 receptor gamma chain.

Correlation distance measurements of the female breast

Ultrasonic waves propagating through soft tissue experience wavefront distortion. Adaptive wavefront compensation algorithms attempt to correct such distortion. A valuable design parameter is the isoplanatic patch size of the imaging medium. Its lateral extent is the FWHM of the correlation function. The range extent is defined similarly. The significance of the isoplanatic patch is that a new wavefront correction vector must be obtained whenever the ultrasound beam is moved a patch length. This paper reports measurements of wavefront correlation functions as well as statistics of the lateral correlation distance rho d (half the FWHM) within the female breast obtained from a population of 22 women (44 breasts) and measured at 3 and 4 MHz with a large acoustic aperture (9.6 cm). A set of complex wavefronts radiated from single pointlike sources was measured from the opposing side of the breast. The propagation distance was 12 cm. rho d is the distance between two sources at which the correlation between their wavefronts drops to 0.5. The mean value at 3 MHz was found to be less than 1.5 mm for the premenopausal dense breast, 2.5 mm for the premenopausal fatty breast, and 2.0 mm for the postmenopausal breast. The mean value dropped by a factor of 2 at 4 MHz for a group consisting of premenopausal fatty and postmenopausal breasts.

Cell surface calreticulin is a putative mannoside lectin which triggers mouse melanoma cell spreading

B16 mouse melanoma cells adhere to and spread on laminin. We have previously shown that cell spreading is uncoupled from adhesion when unglycosylated laminin is used as a substratum; spreading was restored by a Pronase digest of laminin which became inactive when it was specifically depleted of its mannoside peptides; spreading was also specifically restored by mannosides such as mannan, Man9, and Man6, but not Man3. The effector mannosides bind to a cell surface receptor, previously shown by direct and indirect methods. We have now identified the receptor as cell surface calreticulin by isolating it via mannan affinity chromatography and showing its sequence identity with mouse calreticulin. Anti-calreticulin antibodies confirm this identity, decorate the B16 cell surface, and block cell spreading. Purified B16 cell calreticulin from whole cell lysates successfully competes with cell surface calreticulin and prevents cell spreading. The composite data implicate cell surface calreticulin as a putative lectin that must be occupied to initiate spreading of laminin-adherent B16 cells.

Accurate in vitro transcription from circularized plasmid templates by plant whole cell extracts

A convenient in vitro transcription system using monocot and dicot whole cell extracts and circular DNA templates has been developed. The system consists of incubating template and whole cell extract to generate initiation complexes, followed by addition of nucleotide triphosphates to support elongation, and primer extension assay to detect authentic transcripts. This in vitro transcription system required circularized templates and was essentially inactive with linearized templates. Accurate in vitro transcription of a rice phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) promoter-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene fusion and a tobacco sesquiterpene cyclase promoter-GUS gene fusion was examined in their homologous whole cell extracts, and the optimal concentrations for several reaction components, including DNA template, whole cell extract, monovalent and divalent cations, were determined for specific initiation from the in vivo start site. Transcription was inhibited by low concentrations of alpha-amanitin, demonstrating that the reaction was mediated by RNA polymerase II. Accurate transcription initiation was dependent on the TATA-box motif within the respective promoters. Based on the effect of delayed addition of sarkosyl at a concentration sufficient to inhibit transcription initiation but not elongation, three to four rounds of transcription were initiated in standard assays.

Highly potent side chain-main chain cyclized dermorphin-deltorphin analogues: an integrated approach including synthesis, bioassays, NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling

Our continuing efforts to study structure-activity relationships of peptide opioids have resulted in the synthesis of a series of cyclic opioids related to dermorphins and deltorphins. The biological activities of the compounds have been determined and the conformational analyses carried out using 1H-NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The three compounds in the series Tyr-c[D-Orn-Phe-Ala], Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Ala], and Tyr-c[A2bu-Phe-Ala-Leu] are cyclized via a lactam bridge from the side-chain of the residue at the second position with the carboxyl terminus of each compound. The molecules incorporate 12-, 13- and 14-membered rings, respectively. They include a phenylalanine at the third position which is a distinguishing characteristic of dermorphins and deltorphins. The guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens assays show that the compounds are highly active at both mu- and delta-opioid receptors. The compounds are all highly effective antinociceptive agents as measured by the intrathecal rat hot plate test. Conformational analyses of the molecules indicate that they can adopt topochemical arrays required for bioactivity at both mu- and delta-receptors which explains their high activity in both guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens in vitro assays. The results support our models for mu- and delta-receptor activity for constrained peptide opioids.

A new method for early diagnosis of carcinoma in bile duct-sonography of common bile duct before and after injection of ceosunin

42 cases of dilatation (7-15 mm) of extrahepatic bile duct after ceosunin injection (cholagogic method) were observed ultrasonographically. Among the 18 cases of testified obstructive lesions of the bile duct, 13 (72%) showed widening of the bile duct with an increase of calibre from 9.8 mm to 11.7 mm, 3 (16%) had no obvious change, and 2 (12%) shrank. Among the 24 cases of non-obstruction 22 (92%) shrank with a decrease calibre from 9.6 mm to 6.3 mm, and 2 (8%) showed no obvious change. After receiving cholagogue, 9 cases of periampullary carcinoma in the obstructive group were confronted with widening of the bile duct calibre. After longitudinal and transverse rotation scanning method was used, 8 of the 9 cases had their tumor mass visualized. Combined cholagogic and rotation scanning methods raised the lesion manifestation rate of lower bile duct from 41% to 88%. A dilated bile duct unable to show shrinkage of calibre after cholagogue injection is believed to be a criterion for judging the presence of a suspicious case of bile duct obstruction. This criterion has a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 92%, and accuracy of 90%.

Involvement of protein kinase C activation in alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions of rabbit saphenous vein

The role of protein kinase C alpha 2-adrenoceptor-induced contractions of rabbit saphenous vein was investigated. Contractions induced by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-selective agonist 5-bromo-6-[2-imidazolin-2-ylamino]-quinoline (UK14304) were inhibited by prior treatment with pertussis toxin and by Ca2+ removal, confirming a Gi/Go-dependent coupling pathway which was highly dependent upon Ca2+ influx. Protein kinase C inhibitors calphostin-C and staurosporine each caused a non-competitive inhibition of UK14304 response. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by pretreatment with tetradecanoylphorbol acetate reduced UK14304 response by almost 90% with no effect on contractions induced by elevated KCl. The ineffectiveness of L-type Ca2+ channel blockers and the absence of stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake or efflux by UK14304 indicated that phospholipid-derived products were most likely responsible for protein kinase C activation. alpha 2-Adrenoceptor stimulation failed to increase [3H]myoinositol phosphate formation, but caused a significant increase in the formation of both [32P]phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol, indicating the possible activation of phospholipase D activity. These results suggest that protein kinase C is important for the vasoconstriction induced by alpha 2-adrenoceptors and that diacylglycerol derived from receptor-initiated phospholipase D activity may provide protein kinase C stimulation.

[Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis]

Six rare cases of congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis were presented. The macroscopic characteristic of the lungs was honeycomb appearance due to extreme dilatation of the lymphatic spaces in the subpleural, interlobular, peribronchial and perivascular connective tissue. They had thin walls lined by endothelium. The dilated lymphatics may be due to congenital developmental defects or obstruction of major lymphatics, but they appeared to be associated only with pulmonary venous hypertension.