Cell kinetic changes in cultured tumor cells after treatment with radiation and chemotherapy

Flow cytometry instantaneously determines the percentages of cells in various cell cycle phases to rapidly evaluate effects of irradiation and anti-cancer drugs. We studied these using growth curve analysis and 5-bromodeoxyuridine propidium iodine (BrdU)-(PI) double staining. With conventional DNA histogram methods, determination of S phase fraction was difficult because of overlapping DNA content between G1 and early S phases and between late S and G2 phases. Double staining directly differentiated G1, S, and G2 + M phases. By double staining, rapid transition from G1 to S occurred within 4 h after irradiation or after the drug treatments, and initial G1 arrest induced by irradiation was confirmed for the first time.

Antioxidant vitamin levels in plasma and low density lipoprotein of obese girls

To investigate the antioxidant status of obese children, we analyzed beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol levels in plasma and low density lipoprotein (LDL). We also analyzed the fatty acid composition of LDL as a substrate for oxidative stress. The plasma beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol levels were relatively lower in obese girls than in normal controls. However, the plasma alpha-tocopherol/lipids ratio was significantly lower in obese girls than in normal controls. Both LDL beta-carotene and LDL alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly lower in obese girls than in normal controls, although no obvious differences were observed in plasma levels. In obese girls LDL contained more polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) compared with normal controls. When the peroxidizability index (PI) was calculated to estimate the susceptibility of lipids to oxidative stress, obese girls had significantly higher PI values than normal controls. Both the LDL beta-carotene/PI ratio and the LDL alpha-tocopherol/PI ratio were significantly lower in obese girls than in normal controls. These results indicate the increased susceptibility of LDL to oxidative stress in obese girls which may promote atherosclerosis later in life.

Ca2+ administration stimulates the binding of AP-1 factor to the 5'-flanking region of the rat gene for the Ca2+-binding protein regucalcin

mRNA of the Ca2+-binding protein, regucalcin, is mainly expressed in the liver and only to a small extent in the kidney, and the expression of hepatic regucalcin mRNA is markedly stimulated by Ca2+ administration [Shimokawa and Yamaguchi (1992) FEBS Lett. 305, 151-154]. The existence of nuclear factors that bind to the 5'-flanking region of the rat regucalcin gene was investigated. When nuclear proteins obtained from various rat tissues were used in gel mobility-shift assays, tissue-specific formation of a protein-DNA complex was found in the liver and kidney. An additional novel protein-DNA complex was formed when liver nuclear extracts obtained from Ca2+-administered rats (10mg of Ca2+/100g body weight) were used. Competition gel mobility-shift experiments using consensus and mutant oligonucleotides for AP-1 factor showed that the additional novel complex was formed from binding of the AP-1 factor to the regucalcin gene. Ca2+-induced binding of the AP-1 factor to the regucalcin gene was completely inhibited by simultaneous administration of trifluoperazine, an antagonist of calmodulin, suggesting that the activation of nuclear AP-1 protein is partly mediated through a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent pathway. Moreover, the 5'-flanking region of the rat regucalcin gene ligated to a luciferase reporter gene possessed the promoter activity in H4-II-E hepatoma cells. This promoter activity was enhanced by treatment with Bay K 8644, a Ca2+-channel agonist. The present study demonstrates that the Ca2+-response sequences are located within the 5'-flanking region of the rat regucalcin gene.

New technique for mediastinal temperature measurement in hyperthermic cancer treatment: balloon catheter in the azygos vein

The temperature in the mediastinum during hyperthermia is difficult to determine accurately. We measured the temperature in the azygos vein, using a new technique, and compared the measurements with temperatures in the oesophagus. Eight patients with mediastinal tumours resulting from lung cancer or oesophageal cancer were given hyperthermo-radiotherapy. The temperatures in the azygos vein and in the oesophagus were measured before and during blockage of the blood flow of the azygos vein using an angiographic balloon catheter. None of the patients had complications as a result of these procedures, and hyperthermia by capacitative heating was safely performed. The temperature in the azygos vein increased by a mean of 1.7 degrees C (0.2-2.8 degrees C) after blockage of the blood flow. The temperature in the oesophagus was 0.83 +/- 1.09 degrees C (mean +/- SD) higher than that in the azygos vein. Measurement of the temperature in the azygos vein gives a more accurate estimate of mediastinal temperature than does oesophageal temperature but it is an invasive procedure.

Tissue-specific binding of nuclear factors to the 5'-flanking region of the rat gene for calcium-binding protein regucalcin

The existence of nuclear factors which bind to the 5'-flanking region of calcium-binding protein regucalcin gene in rats was investigated. We previously reported that rat regucalcin mRNA is expressed in a highly tissue-specific manner; the mRNA was mainly present in the liver but only slightly in the kidney. When the nuclear proteins extracted from the liver and kidney of rats were used in the gel mobility shift assays, a protein-DNA complex was uniquely formed with the DNA fragment containing the upstream region from the first exon of rat regucalcin gene. On the other hand, this complex was not found by using the nuclear extracts from rat brain, spleen, and heart. The nuclear proteins of these extracts, however, could specifically bind to the DNA fragment containing the first exon region of rat regucalcin gene, although Northern blot analysis did not show detectable amount of regucalcin mRNA levels in rat brain, spleen, and heart. The present study demonstrates that the existence of nuclear protein components which bind to the regucalcin gene. These identified components may be involved in the tissue-specific regulation of regucalcin gene expression.

Hepatic histopathology of a vitamin A overdose in mouse liver

The effect of vitamin A on peroxisomal catalase in liver of male ICR mice was studied electron microscopically after a single subcutaneous injection of retinyl acetate. A significant proliferation of peroxisomes in hepatocytes was observed up to 3 days after a single injection of 80,000 IU of retinyl acetate. This was followed by a significant decrease up to 21 days and increase above control levels at 60 days after the injection. Histopathological alterations, such as focal necrosis of hepatocytes in the peripheral zone of hepatic lobules, release of their membrane-bound bodies from Disse's space and the appearance of large vacuoles around the nucleus, were observed from early stages onwards. These findings indicated that alterations on lipid metabolism in the liver were induced when a subacute dose of retinyl acetate was administered. Histopathological alterations were probably attributable either to accumulation of retinyl esters or effect of mediators released from activated leucocytes at an early stage.

[Intraocular neovascularization]

To investigate the mechanism of intraocular neovascularization, we studied how vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are expressed in the ocular tissues under hypoxic conditions. Prior to proliferation of vascular endothelial cells resulting in neovascularization, the retinal tissues such as pericytes, retinal glial cells, ganglion cells, and ciliary epithelium react directly to hypoxia expressing VEGF and/or IL-8 and stimulate endothelial cell proliferation in a paracrine manner. We demonstrated that transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) is activated for expression of VEGF messenger ribonuculeic acid (mRNA) and in a similar way nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is activated for expression of IL-8 mRNA. However, hypoxia-induced expression of VEGF and/ or IL-8 is only one aspect of the complicated processes in intraocular neovascularization. We hope that further detailed analysis of the mechanism will make it possible to inhibit and treat clinically intraocular neovascularization in the near future.

Ocular gene therapy: experimental studies and clinical possibilities

The Human Genome Project will identify, map and sequence all 50,000-100,000 human genes and will provide the tools to determine the genetic basis of both common and rare diseases. Understanding the genetic basis of human disease will allow for the development of highly specific drugs and for replacement of the altered gene through gene therapy. Gene therapy may also be used to introduce a new function into cells with resulting therapeutic benefit. Genes may be delivered into cells in vitro or in vivo utilizing viral or nonviral vectors. Viral vectors which have been used include retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses and herpes viruses. Ocular disorders with the greatest potential for benefit of gene therapy at the current time include hereditary ocular diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, tumors such as retinoblastoma or melanoma, and acquired proliferative and neovascular retinal disorders. We have demonstrated the feasibility of ocular gene therapy in a rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, using retroviral vectors containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase 'suicide' gene. Although in vivo transduction efficiency is low, the strong bystander effect results in prominent killing of proliferating cells in this model leading to inhibition of disease. In the future, gene therapy has the potential for the replacement of defective gene products or introduction of new gene products into ocular cells. The selection of appropriate target genes and cells will be critical, as will the development of a methodology for safe, targeted gene transfer.

Methodological aspects for in vitro characterization of receptor binding using 11C-labeled receptor ligands: a detailed study with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist [11C]Ro 15-1788

As a complement to in vivo studies with positron emission tomography (PET), it is desirable to perform in vitro characterization of newly developed 11C tracers. In this report we describe the technique for determination of receptor-ligand kinetics utilizing ligands labeled with the short-lived radionuclide 11C. The limitations and advantages are discussed. The benzodiazepine antagonist [11C]Ro 15-1788 was used as a model substance, and the use of storage phosphor plates for quantification of radioactivity was validated. Storage phosphor plates showed an excellent linear range (approximately 10[3]) and acceptable resolution (approximately 0.5 mm). Receptor-ligand kinetics, including depletion, association and dissociation, saturation and displacement were evaluated with good results through the use of short-lived radiotracers and storage phosphor plates.

Localization of the bronchodilatory effects of isoproterenol and aminophylline in patients with bronchial asthma: an investigation using selective alveolobronchography

The effect of isoproterenol (isoprenaline) and aminophylline on airway calibre in 18 adult patients with bronchial asthma was measured directly using selective alveolobronchography. Isoproterenol caused a significant dilation in the maximal calibre of the central airway from bifurcation numbers 1-5 (P < 0.05) and number 6 (P < 0.01). There was no change in bifurcation number 0 (trachea). Aminophylline caused a significant dilatation in bifurcation numbers 3 and 4 (P < 0.01), with no change in bifurcation numbers 0-2 and 5-6. In the minimal calibre of the central airway, both drugs displayed a significant dilatory effect only at bifurcation number 3 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the central airway is the main site of the dilatory effects of these drugs. Although their precise mechanisms of action are not known, these results suggest that mechanisms of action of the two drugs are different. Isoproterenol acts on the whole region of the central airway, while the action of aminophylline tends to be limited to bifurcation numbers 3 and 4.

Epstein-Barr virus-related Hodgkin's disease showing B cell lineage in an immunosuppressive patient seropositive for HTLV-I

A case of Hodgkin's disease (HD), lymphocyte depression (LD) type in an immunosuppressive patient is described. The patient was a 48-year-old male and his parents were born in the Kyushu area, which is an endemic area for adult T cell lymphoma/leukemia (ATL). He was seropositive for ATL virus (ATLV, also referred to as HTLV-I) and showed a marked immunosuppressive condition. He developed LD-HD and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and died due to respiratory failure. The immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the Reed-Sternberg-like cells in the lymph node biopsy sample were positive for Ber-H2 (CD30), Leu-M1 (CD15), L-26 (CD20), Bcl-2, p53 and EBER, the viral genome of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Carbohydrate analysis of porcine thyroglobulin isoforms with different iodine contents

To further validate the relationship between thyroid hormone formation and the carbohydrate structure of thyroglobulin (Tg), we reinvestigated the relationship between the iodine content and the asparagine-linked oligosaccharide structures of porcine Tg. Purified porcine Tg was further separated into isoforms (Tg-F1, -F2 and -F3) with a DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography column. The iodine residues, neutral sugar and sialic acid were analyzed for the separated Tg isoforms and their asparagine-linked oligosaccharide structures were analyzed. The asparagine-linked oligosaccharides were released from Tg-F1, -F2 and -F3 by hydrazinolysis and each oligosaccharide was labeled with p-aminobenzoic acid octyl ester (ABOE). The ABOE-labeled oligosaccharides from Tg-F1, -F2 and -F3 were analyzed for their relative content in oligosaccharides of each structure type by chemical methods and DEAE- and ConA high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns. As a result, it was revealed that the Tg fraction eluted at higher ionic strength from a DEAE-cellulose column is apt to contain more of each iodoamino acid, as well as total content of iodine, larger negative zeta-potential, conforming to sialic acid content in the Tg molecule and to a higher content of di-sialo-bi-antennary complex and to high mannose type oligosaccharides. These results support the conclusion that iodine organification of the Tg molecule is correlated with asparagine-linked oligosaccharide completion.

Purification and reconstitution of Na+-translocating vacuolar ATPase from Enterococcus hirae

Vacuolar ATPases make up a family of proton pumps distributed widely from bacteria to higher organisms. An unusual member of this family, a sodium-translocating ATPase, has been found in the eubacterium Enterococcus hirae. We report here the purification of enterococcal Na+-ATPase from the plasma membrane of cells, whose ATPase content was highly amplified by expression of the cloned ntp operon that encodes this Na+-ATPase (ntpFIKECGABDHJ). The purified enzyme appears to consist of nine Ntp polypeptides, all the above except for the ntpH and ntpJ gene products. ATPase activity was strictly dependent on the presence of Na+ or Li+ ions and was inhibited by nitrate, N-ethylmaleimide, and the peptide antibiotic destruxin B. When the purified ATPase was reconstituted into liposomes prepared from Enterococcus faecalis phospholipids, ATP-driven Na+ uptake was observed; uptake was blocked by nitrate, destruxin B, and monensin, but it accelerated by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and valinomycin. These data demonstrate that E. hirae Na+-ATPase is an electrogenic sodium pump of the vacuolar type. This is a promising system for research on the fundamental molecular structure and mechanism of vacuolar ATPase.

Expression of calcium-binding protein regucalcin mRNA in the cloned human hepatoma cells (HepG2): stimulation by insulin

The expression of hepatic Ca(2+)-binding protein regucalcin in the cloned human hepatoma cells (HepG2) was investigated. The change in regucalcin mRNA levels was analyzed by Northern blotting using rat liver regucalcin complementary DNA (0.9 kb of open reading frame). Regucalcin mRNA was expressed in HepG2 cells, although the mRNA was markedly expressed in normal rat liver. Moreover, regucalcin protein in HepG2 cells was detected by Western blot analysis using a polyclonal rabbit anti-regucalcin antibody. Regucalcin mRNA expression in HepG2 cells was clearly stimulated by the culture with insulin (10(-8) M) of the effective concentration. Regucalcin protein in HepG2 cells was also increased by the treatment of insulin (10(-8) M). The present results demonstrate that regucalcin is expressed in the transformed HepG2 cells, and that the expression is stimulated by insulin.

Concentration of catecholamines and indoleamines in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with vascular parkinsonism compared to Parkinson's disease patients

The concentration of catecholamines and indoleamines in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with vascular parkinsonism (VP) was compared to that in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and controls. Compared to the controls, the concentration of tyrosine was significantly higher, and the concentration of L-dopa and 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) was significantly lower in both VP and PD patients. The balance between the 3-OMD/L-dopa and dopamine (DA)/L-dopa ratios was changed in favor of 3-OMD/L-dopa in both VP patients and PD patients suggesting the preservation of a compensatory mechanism. All these changes were less marked in VP patients than in PD patients. A remarkable finding was that in contrast to PD patients the concentration of DA and norepinephrine (NE) was significantly higher in VP patients than in the controls. The decrease in the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was significantly greater in VP patients than in PD patients. In PD patients, the concentration of DA, NE, and 5-HT showed significant correlation with the severity of motor symptoms. In VP patients, the concentration of 5-HT alone showed significant correlation with the severity of motor symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. These findings suggest that VP patients may have similar disturbances in the DA synthesis pathway as PD patients, but differ from PD patients in that the concentrations of DA and NE are elevated and the decrease in the 5-HT concentration is greater in VP patients.

Structure of IL-13 receptor: analysis of subunit composition in cancer and immune cells

The structure of IL-13 receptor (IL-13R) is currently under investigation. Recently, two different human IL-13R chains, termed here IL-13R alpha and -alpha' have been cloned. We have examined various cancer and normal cell lines for the presence of mRNA for IL-13R alpha and alpha, as well as IL-4R p140 (termed beta chain) and IL-2R gamma c chains. In renal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma and ovarian carcinoma (IGROV-1) cell lines, both IL-13R alpha and alpha chains were expressed (type I IL-13R). In epidermoid, colon, ovarian adenocarcinoma (PA-1) and normal mouse fibroblast (COS7) cell lines, only IL-13R alpha' was expressed (type II IL-13R). In hematopoietic TF-1 and EBV-immortalized normal B cell lines only IL-13R alpha' but not alpha chain was expressed along with gamma c (type III or type IV IL-13R). IL-13R alpha' chain was faintly detected in human T cells. All cells expressed the IL-4Rp140 beta chain. These data provide a direct support for our model of IL-13R which consists of three different forms composed of different subunits.

Spectroscopic properties of Nd 3 + and Pr 3 + in gallate glasses with low phonon energies

Absorption and fluorescence spectra of Nd3 +were measured in potassium tantalum gallate, lead bismuth gallate (PBG), fluorozirconate (ZBLAN), and Ge-Ga-S glasses. A Judd -Ofelt analysis was performed to determine the spontaneous emission probability and stimulated emission cross section of the4 F3/2 ?4 I11/2 transition of Nd3 +. Raman spectra were studied to clarify the maximum phonon energies of the glasses. The fluorescence of the1 G4?3 H5 transition of Pr3 + in a dehydrated PBG glass was observed for the first time to our knowledge. The PBG glass has a higher quantum efficiency than that of ZBLAN glass based on the Judd -Ofelt analysis.

Altered pain perception and inflammatory response in mice lacking prostacyclin receptor

Prostanoids are a group of bioactive lipids working as local mediators and include D, E, F and I types of prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes. Prostacyclin (PGI2) acts on platelets and blood vessels to inhibit platelet aggregation and to cause vasodilatation, and is thought to be important for vascular homeostasis. Aspirin-like drugs, including indomethacin, which inhibit prostanoid biosynthesis, suppress fever, inflammatory swelling and pain, and interfere with female reproduction, suggesting that prostanoids are involved in these processes, although it is not clear which prostanoid is the endogenous mediator of a particular process. Prostanoids act on seven-transmembrane-domain receptors which are selective for each type. Here we disrupt the gene for the prostacyclin receptor in mice by using homologous recombination. The receptor-deficient mice are viable, reproductive and normotensive. However, their susceptibility to thrombosis is increased, and their inflammatory and pain responses are reduced to the levels observed in indomethacin-treated wild-type mice. Our results establish that prostacyclin is an antithrombotic agent in vivo and provide evidence for its role as a mediator of inflammation and pain.

Modulation of interleukin (IL)-13 binding and signaling by the gammac chain of the IL-2 receptor

Interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-4 are cytokine products of TH2 cells which exert similar effects in a variety of cell types. We recently described IL-13R expression on human renal cell and colon carcinoma cells and demonstrated that gammac is not a component of IL-13R or IL-4R systems in these cells. In lymphoid cells such as B cells and monocytes, which respond to IL-13, gammac is a component of IL-4R but does not appear to be a component of IL-13R. Furthermore, while significant IL-13 binding is observed on carcinoma cells, IL-13 barely binds these lymphoid cells and the binding characteristics are different. To better understand the role of gammac in IL-13 binding and signaling, we have transfected a renal cell carcinoma cell line with gammac and examined IL-13 and IL-4 binding and signaling. IL-13 binding as well as IL-13 and IL-4 signaling through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway were severely inhibited. This inhibition was paralleled by a loss of expression of one of the IL-13R chains and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1. Thus, although gammac has been shown to enhance IL-4 binding and function in some cell types, its influence on IL-13R function in tumor cells appear to be largely negative.

Changes in bone mineral density in rat adjuvant arthritis

This study demonstrates that systemic and local decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) occurred with Freund's complete adjuvant injection in the rat right footpad using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The rats were assigned to either adjuvant-treated or non-treated control groups composed of eight animals each. There was significant decrease in BMD in the adjuvant group compared to the control group at the distal region of femur or proximal region of tibia on Day 7 post-adjuvant injection (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the femur or tibia of the noninjected side showed a smaller and delayed decrease in BMD than did the injected side. These decreases in BMD were seen in not only the trabecular but also the cortical bone. In addition, the vertebrae also showed delayed but significant decrease (P < 0.05) in BMD on Day 21.

Molecular cloning of the cDNA coding for regucalcin and its mRNA expression in mouse liver: the expression is stimulated by calcium administration

The molecular cloning of the cDNA coding for a Ca2+-binding protein regucalcin and its mRNA expression in mouse liver were investigated. The cDNA clone encoding a regucalcin was isolated from a mouse liver cDNA library and sequenced. Analysis of the sequence of the cloned cDNA showed that the cDNA encoded the complete amino acid sequence of the mouse regucalcin molecule; the cDNA had an open reading frame of 897 bp. Mouse regucalcin was composed of 299 amino acid residues, and its molecular weight was estimated to be 33,406 Da. The amino acid sequence of mouse regucalcin had 94% homology, as compared with that of rat regucalcin. Northern blot analysis with the mouse liver cDNA probe revealed that mouse regucalcin mRNA was mainly present in the liver but only slightly in the kidney with a size of 1.8 kb. Hepatic regucalcin mRNA level of male mouse was higher than that of female mouse. A single intraperitoneal administration of calcium chloride (5, 15, and 30 mg Ca2+/100 g body weight) to mice induced a remarkable increase in regucalcin mRNA in the liver; the increase in regucalcin mRNA levels at 30 min after calcium administration was dose-dependent. The present results demonstrate that regucalcin mRNA in mice is uniquely expressed in the liver, and that its expression is stimulated by calcium administration.