An improved Hedley method for preparation of paraffin-embedded tissues for flow cytometric analysis of ploidy and S-phase

A modification of the Hedley-method for flow cytometric DNA analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues is presented. Dewaxed and dehydrated tissue from paraffin blocks was incubated with subtilisin Carlsberg (pronase, Sigma protease XXIV) and then stained directly without washing and centrifugation. The loss of material was minimized, which was advantageous, for example, for the analysis of core-biopsies, and all measured samples showed extremely low frequencies of clumped cell nuclei. This made is easier to detect polyploid nuclei and even rare nuclei of high ploidy could be identified. S-phase analyses were more precise, since the background originating from clumped debris particles was very low. The improved method was applied to the estimation of frequencies of high-polyploid nuclei found in various diploid, tetraploid, and aneuploid human myosarcomas of the uterus.

Transposition of the oncogene ets-1 in t(11;19) translocation in acute leukemia

The specific chromosomal rearrangement t(11;19)(q23;p13) has been identified as a nonrandom chromosomal rearrangement in acute leukemia. The breakpoint, 11q23, coincides with the ets-1 oncogene locus. However, only very few studies have been done to verify the genomic alteration and transposition of ets-1 in the t(11;19) chromosomal rearrangement. In the present study, we identified the t(11;19)(q23;p13) translocation in two acute leukemic cases. One of the cases, biphenotypic leukemia, has been followed thoroughly. An abnormal karyotype was identified in the patient's blood and marrow samples at diagnosis and at relapse, while only normal karyotypes were identified at remission. In situ hybridization of chromosomal preparations with the ets-1 probe pHE5.4 resulted in silver grains nonrandomly localized to 19p13 in the metaphase spreads prepared from the blood sample taken at relapse, while no detectable grains were found on chromosome 19p13 in a sample taken at remission. To determine if genomic alterations of ets-1 are associated with this translocation, Southern blot hybridizations with the pHE5.4 probe were performed on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from blood or marrow samples of the patient at remission and relapse as well as on DNA from a disease-free normal control. Any DNA digested with AvaII, SstI, XbaI, and Bam HI, followed by hybridization with pHE5.4, demonstrated no genomic alterations or amplification of the ets-1 oncogene. Our study indicates that the ets-1 oncogene is transposed in the t(11;19) translocation without detectable alteration at the DNA level. The absence of ets-1 amplification in t(11;19) and its presence in the t(4,11) and t(9;11) translocations demonstrated by others suggests the possible existence of different molecular mechanisms involving the ets-1 oncogene in the pathogenesis of these leukemias.

Gas exchange across avian eggshells oscillates in phase with heartbeat

Rahn et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 69: 1546-1548, 1990) showed that the gas pressure in a plethysmograph containing an intact egg oscillates in phase with electrocardiogram (ECG) and that this pressure variation could be used as a noninvasive way to determine the heart rate of an avian embryo. One possible mechanism to account for the pressure oscillation is the mechanical movement of the embryonic heart, which leads to volume shifts of gas within the plethysmograph. Another possibility is that the oscillation of gas pressure with heartbeat is pulsatile gas exchange resulting from pulsatile blood flow. If gas exchange were transiently stopped, a pressure signal dependent on gas exchange should disappear, while a pressure signal dependent on cardiovascular motion should persist. Using a number of late-age hen eggs (at days 15-20 of incubation), we tested these hypotheses by suddenly changing the gas composition surrounding an egg and measuring the effect of the pressure oscillation. We found that 1) after 5% CO2-95% N2 was flushed into the plethysmograph (presumably halting gas exchange), pressure oscillations went almost to zero and the ECG signal remained; after air was flushed back to the plethysmograph, the pressure signal returned to control level; 2) after 20% CO2-20% O2-60% N2 was flushed into the plethysmograph (presumably increasing net gas exchange), the pressure signal increased 2.5-fold compared with that in air; and 3) after 1% CO2-99% N2 was flushed into the plethysmograph (presumably reversing gas exchange), the oscillation pressure decreased to one-fourth of that in air and the phase of pressure relative to ECG reversed compared with the phase in air.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bovine dopamine beta-hydroxylase, primary structure determined by cDNA cloning and amino acid sequencing

A cDNA clone encoding bovine dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) has been isolated from bovine adrenal glands. The clone hybridizes to two oligonucleotide probes, one based on a previously reported active site peptide [DeWolf, W. E., Jr., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 9093-9101] and the other based on the human DBH sequence [Lamouroux, A., et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6, 3931-3937]. The clone contains a 1.9-kb open reading frame that codes for the soluble form of bovine DBH, with the exception of the first six amino acids. Direct confirmation of 93% of the cDNA-derived sequence was obtained from cleavage peptides by protein sequencing and mass spectrometry. Differences were found between these two sequences at only two positions. Of the four potential N-linked carbohydrate attachment sites, two, Asn-170 and Asn-552, were shown to be partially and fully glycosylated, respectively. Within the 69% of the protein sequence confirmed by mass spectrometry, no other covalent modifications were detected.

Two identical active X chromosomes in human mammary carcinoma cells

Chromosome G-banding analysis of two human mammary carcinoma cell lines, Elco and MCF-7, showed the existence of two X chromosomes in both cell lines. To determine the state of activity of the X chromosomes, a methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease, HpaII, was used to distinguish the active X from the hypermethylated, inactive X chromosome with a probe for the phosphogalactokinase locus by Southern blot hybridization. DNA digested with the restriction enzymes PstI and BstXI showed a band at either 1.05 or 0.9 kilobases. After HpaII digestion, a 50% reduction in intensity was observed in the female controls, whereas total reduction of the band was observed for the tumor cell lines and the male control. This indicates the absence of an inactive X and the presence of only active X chromosomes in the mammary carcinoma cell lines and the male control. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the alteration of the X chromosome composition and activity, restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of seven additional X chromosome markers (L1.28, DX13, p52A, pX65H7, L782, pA13.RI, and pXG-12) were performed on the DNA isolated from the tumor cells and controls. Heterozygosity for at least one of the seven markers was detected in the six female controls whereas only homozygosity was detected for each marker in the tumor cell lines and the male control. These results indicate that the two active X chromosomes identified in each of the two tumor cell lines are identical, resulting from duplication or nondisjunction of the active X and loss of the inactive X chromosome.

[100,000 more adults visit the dentist: a few results of November 1989]

The aim of the present study was to describe the Norwegian adult population according to: 1. number of teeth present, 2. demand and utilization of dental services, 3. travel time from home to the dentist, 4. dental health behaviour, 5. fear for dental treatment. The analyses were performed on a set of national data collected in 1989, which was representative of the non-institutionalized Norwegian population 20 years and above. The sample size was 1260 individuals. About 75% of the people had 20 teeth or more present. Nine percent were edentulous. Seventy-seven percent who had demanded dental services during the last year. The average expenditure for dental treatment for those who had demanded the services during the last year was NOK 826. Fifty-three percent travelled 15 minutes or less from home to the dentist. Eighteen percent travelled 30 minutes or more. Almost everybody with their own teeth present brushed their teeth regularly once a day. Thirty-three percent of all dentate people used woodsticks regularly once a day, while 20% used toothfloss regularly. Seventy-five percent had no to mild fear of the dentist, while 7% had a strong fear. Fear of the dentist was higher among women than among men. Fear of the dentist decreased by increasing age. Few people, less than 4%, had cancelled a dental appointment because of dental anxiety. There has been an improvement in dental health and dental health behaviour in Norway during the 1970's and 1980's. These improvements are discussed with special attention paid to the findings from the present study.

Epidermoid cyst of the spleen presenting as a generalized peritonitis

In this report we reviewed 159 cases of epidermoid cyst of the spleen reported since 1929 and we added one case of our own with a unique clinical presentation. In these cases, the patients' age at presentation ranged from newborn to 51 years, with a mean age of 17.7 years. Female-to-male ratio was 2.0 to 1.0. Patients with this lesion usually present with asymptomatic abdominal mass and/or abdominal pain. Only in rare reports has there been infection (4 cases) or rupture (4 cases) of the cyst. In our case, the patient presented with an acute surgical abdomen and diffuse peritonitis. As in three of the previously reported cases associated with infection, Salmonella group organisms were cultured from the cyst abscess. Splenectomy is the surgical treatment of choice and the initial antibiotic regime should include Salmonella coverage.

[Study on seasonality of 1-8 serotypes legionella pneumophila infections]

From March 1986 to May 1987, a seroepidemiological survey on seasonality of infection and transmission of legionella pneumophila serotypes 1-8 (Lp1-8) was performed among general populations in Wuhu area by cohort investigation (during spring and autumn, 203 paired sera), and in Nanjing area by monthly cross-sectional study (12 months, 1360 sera). The results showed that the seasonal prevalence peak of antibodies to Lp1-8 was in the summer and/or the autumn.

[Costs of dental care and medical care paid by the patients]

The National Health Insurance covers a minor part of the expenditures for adults' dental care in Norway. This paper describes the present principles for charging patients for health care services. The paper has 3 aims, 1) to describe patient charges assessed as personal expenditures for dental treatment, 2) to relate patient charges for dental treatment to patient charges for other health services, and thirdly 3) to compare the level of spending for dental care to other household-consumption. Patient charges are higher for dental care than for other non-institutionalized health services. There is an upper limit to patient charges for health services (dental services are not included). The upper limit was approximately 90 in 1987. Above that limit health services are free. Altogether 137,000 persons reached that level of personal expenditures for health services in 1987. The price per unit of dental services is considered rather low in Norway. However, approximately 600,000 adults had expenditures for dental services which exceeded 90. The inconsistency in the present level of patient charges is discussed.

Tubulin binds specifically to the signal-transducing proteins, Gs alpha and Gi alpha 1

Participation of cytoskeletal elements in regulation of hormonal response and responsiveness has been suggested by several laboratories. Addition of dimeric tubulin to rat cerebral cortex synaptic membranes causes stable inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, and the molecular basis for this effect appears to require a direct interaction between tubulin and G proteins. To test whether such tubulin-G protein interaction occurred, several purified G proteins were bound to nitrocellulose, and 125I-tubulin overlay studies were performed. 125I-Tubulin bound to the alpha subunits of Gs and Gil with high specificity and an apparent Kd of approximately 130 nM. Other G protein alpha subunits (alpha i2, alpha i3, alpha 0, and transducin) displayed a much lower affinity for tubulin, despite the much closer relationship of those proteins to alpha il than to alpha s. Association of beta gamma subunits with alpha il or alpha s did not alter the binding of tubulin to these G protein heterotrimers, and the binding of a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog to the alpha subunits was similarly without effect. These results suggest that tubulin forms complexes with specific G proteins and these complexes might provide a locus for the interaction of cytoskeletal components and signal transduction cascades. These results also provide evidence of a functional distinction among the closely related alpha i subtypes.

Expression of a specific protein in spontaneously metastatic fibrosarcoma cell lines and its enhanced synthesis by growth on laminin or fibronectin

A panel of tumor cell lines and clones was generated by selecting for different metastatic capacity in 3AM fibrosarcoma cells. These cell lines were exposed to substrata of various purified extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and labeled in culture with [35S]methionine. Following analysis by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the profiles of total cellular proteins produced by the cell lines displaying different phenotypes were examined. The presence of a specific protein, p54, was related to the cellular metastatic potential, and the synthesis of p54 was influenced by growth on extracellular matrix components. The amount of p54 was minimal and non-inducible in tumor cell lines exhibiting two different phenotypes: (1) experimentally metastatic (EM) and (2) transformed, non-tumorigenic (NTT) cell types. In contrast, all of the five different cell lines capable of both spontaneous and experimental metastasis (SEM), produced p54 either constitutively or through induction by growth on ECM protein substrata of either laminin of fibronectin, but not collagen type IV. These data suggest that the p54 protein may be a unique biochemical marker associated with spontaneous metastatic cell types.

Carotid artery stump pressure: how reliable is it in predicting the need for a shunt?

Carotid artery stump pressure was measured in 84 cases of carotid endarterectomy. The operations were performed in 71 patients over a period of five years. An altered neurological status during temporary occlusion of the carotid artery, assessed with the patient under local anesthesia, was the sole criterion for shunt placement. Stump pressure (SP) was significantly higher in the 69 unshunted cases (mean of 53.3 mmHg) than the 15 shunted cases (mean of 34.2 mmHg). Shunt was required in two of 41 cases (5%) with SP of greater than 50 mmHg, eight of 36 cases (22%) with SP of 25-50 mmHg, five of seven cases (71%) with SP of less than 25 mmHg. The clinical presentation, including history of prior stroke, and the presence of contralateral disease (including complete carotid occlusion), did not influence the need for a shunt. In this series, carotid artery stump pressure has greater predictive value for shunt requirement when it is greater than 50 mmHg or less than 25 mmHg. However, monitoring the neurological status of the patient in the awake state is still the most reliable method of determining shunt requirement. In our experience, this is associated with minimal morbidity and no mortality.

Chromosomal evolution in the progression and metastasis of human malignant melanoma. A multiple lesion study

In order to distinguish those chromosomal aberrations associated with tumorigenesis from those associated with tumor progression of malignant melanoma, chromosome analysis was performed on eight tumors derived from one patient. Three common marker chromosomes, a deletion of chromosome 1, a deletion of chromosome 9, and a translocation involving chromosomes 7 and 12, were identified in each tumor. The presence of common markers in these intrapatient tumors indicates the monoclonal origin of these tumors. Furthermore, the consistent and specific involvement of chromosome 9 in both interpatient and intrapatient studies suggests the crucial role that chromosome 9 plays during the development of human malignant melanoma. In addition to common markers, different overlapping markers including those involving chromosomes 2, 3, and 6, were also identified, suggesting that chromosomes 2, 3, and 6 are most likely associated with the progression, instead of the genesis, of the tumor. Finally, lesion-specific marker chromosomes were identified in each tumor indicating the nonrandom selection and modification of the metastatic process. The nature of chromosomal evolution among the eight tumors was clearly demonstrated by the retention and amplification of specific marker chromosomes, with the latter tumors containing more overlapping markers than the early tumors and the recurrence of identical markers in the different branches of evolution. One of the last three tumors obtained immediately before the death of the patient contained all the overlapping markers identified in other tumors, which may indicate that a plateau of chromosomal evolution of these tumors has been reached. These observations demonstrate a nonrandom or programmed chromosome evolution of human neoplasia that could be intrinsic to the aneuploid nature of neoplasia.

Guanosine-5'-O-thiodiphosphate functions as a partial agonist for the receptor-independent stimulation of neural adenylate cyclase

GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) have been implicated as mediators of several aspects of neuronal signal transduction including ion channels, phosphatidyl inositol turnover and the stimulation or inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Several investigators have employed the stable guanosine diphosphate (GDP) analog, guanosine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate (GDP beta S) to block putative G protein-mediated processes. Although GDP beta S is assumed to block G protein function, some investigators have reported partial activation of G protein-mediated processes by this compound. In this study we demonstrate that GDP beta S functions as a partial agonist for the adenylate cyclase system. In rat cerebral cortex membranes, GDP beta S activates adenylate cyclase with an EC50 similar to the hydrolysis resistant GTP analog, guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp), but to a far lower extent. Further, GDP beta S antagonizes the activation of adenylate cyclase by high doses of GppNHp or GTP gamma S (another stable GTP analog) but potentiates adenylate cyclase activation by low doses of these nucleotides. High doses of GDP beta S provoke, only partially, exchange of nucleotides among G proteins, as measured by the transfer of the photoaffinity GTP analog, azidoanilido-GTP, between the inhibitory and stimulatory GTP-binding proteins. In the presence of the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, GDP beta S fails to support stimulation of C6 glioma membrane adenylate cyclase and inhibits GppNHp- or GTP gamma S-mediated stimulation of that enzyme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Exchange of guanine nucleotides between tubulin and GTP-binding proteins that regulate adenylate cyclase: cytoskeletal modification of neuronal signal transduction

Tubulin, the primary constituent of microtubules, is a GTP-binding proteins with structural similarities to other GTP-binding proteins. Whereas microtubules have been implicated as modulators of the adenylate cyclase system, the mechanism of this regulation has been elusive. Tubulin, polymerized with the hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p], can promote inhibition of synaptic membrane adenylate cyclase which persists subsequent to washing. Tubulin with Gpp(NH)p bound was slightly less potent than free Gpp(NH)p in the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, but tubulin without nucleotide bound had no effect on the enzyme. A GTP-binding protein from the rod outer segment (transducin), with Gpp(NH)p bound, was also without effect on adenylate cyclase. Tubulin (regardless of the nucleotide bound to it) did not alter the activity of the adenylate cyclase catalytic unit directly. When tubulin was polymerized with the hydrolysis-resistant photoaffinity GTP analog, [32P]P3(4-azidoanilido)-P1-5'-GTP ([32P]AAGTP), and this protein was added to synaptic membranes, AAGTP was transferred from tubulin to the inhibitory GTP-binding protein, Gi. This transfer was blocked by prior incubation of the membranes with Gpp(NH)p or covalent binding of AAGTP to tubulin prior to exposure of that tubulin to membranes. Incubation of membranes with Gpp(NH)p subsequent to incubation with tubulin-AAGTP results in a decrease in AAGTP bound to Gi and a compensatory increase in AAGTP bound to the stimulatory GTP-binding protein, Gs. Likewise, persistent inhibition of adenylate cyclase by tubulin-Gpp(NH)p could be overridden by the inclusion of 100 microM Gpp(NH)p in the assay inhibition. Whereas Gpp(NH)p promotes persistent inhibition of synaptic membrane adenylate cyclase without incubation at elevated temperatures, tubulin [with AAGTP or Gpp(NH)p bound] requires 30 s incubation at 23 degrees C to effect adenylate cyclase inhibition. Photoaffinity experiments yield parallel results. These data are consistent with synaptic membrane tubulin regulating neuronal adenylate cyclase by transferring GTP to Gi and, subsequently, to Gs.

Bird lung models show that convective inertia effects inspiratory aerodynamic valving

We assessed various aerodynamic factors which might influence inspiratory valve function in the avian lung. During inspiration, no flow enters the proximal segments of the ventrobronchi connecting the primary bronchus to cranial sacs. Instead, all flow in the primary bronchus continues through the mesobronchus. This pattern of flow past the ventrobronchi into the mesobronchus is called inspiratory aerodynamic valving. Introducing steady inspiratory flows into simplified plastic models of a bifurcation, we altered geometry, downstream resistance, flow rate and gas density while we measured the resulting flow partitioning between downstream branches. We found that these models did reproduce the inspiratory valving phenomenon. Gas flow rate, gas density and geometry upstream of the bifurcation played important roles in flow partitioning, but the geometry and branching angles of the ventrobronchi did not. These findings are consistent with the idea that convective inertia of the inspiratory gas stream promotes preferential axial flow (Butler et al., 1988) and may be the principal mechanism accounting for inspiratory aerodynamic valving in the avian lung.

Aberrant immunoglobulin and c-myc gene rearrangements in patients with nonmalignant monoclonal cryoglobulinemia

The status of the immunoglobulin (Ig) genes was investigated in patients with idiopathic nonmalignant monoclonal IgG cryoglobulinemia (NCG). In NCG, monoclonal antibodies are synthesized at an accelerated rate by nonmalignant B lymphocytes. In order to determine whether this high production rate is related to a clonal B cell expansion, the rearrangement of the Ig genes was investigated by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of four NCG patients. In three of four (VI, BR, and CH) clonal expansion of B cells was detected using probes specific for the c kappa, JH, c gamma 4 genes (in accordance with detecting IgG kappa cryoproteins in these patients). BamHI digestion of DNA from VI and BR produced three rearranged fragments which cohybridized with JH and c mu probes. This finding suggested the presence of additional nonsecretory B cell clones and/or disruption of the gene segments spanned by and detected with the probes. In VI the idiotype of the IgG cryoglobulin was also detected in association with IgM in the supernatant of Epstein-Barr virus-stimulated B lymphocytes using a murine monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody. In addition, the possibility of aberrant gene rearrangements was supported by noting the alteration of the c-myc gene locus in genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of VI and CH. Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from peripheral blood B cells of VI and CH demonstrated aberrant transcripts of the c-myc gene, showing an active role of the altered c-myc locus. Detection of c-myc rearrangement in NCG patients clearly shows that this event may not be a final step in malignant B cell transformation; however, it may be related to the clonal expansion and high rate of cryoglobulin synthesis of nonmalignant B lymphocytes.

Aberrant immunoglobulin and c-myc gene rearrangements in patients with nonmalignant monoclonal cryoglobulinemia

The status of the immunoglobulin (Ig) genes was investigated in patients with idiopathic nonmalignant monoclonal IgG cryoglobulinemia (NCG). In NCG, monoclonal antibodies are synthesized at an accelerated rate by nonmalignant B lymphocytes. In order to determine whether this high production rate is related to a clonal B cell expansion, the rearrangement of the Ig genes was investigated by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of four NCG patients. In three of four (VI, BR, and CH) clonal expansion of B cells was detected using probes specific for the c kappa, JH, c gamma 4 genes (in accordance with detecting IgG kappa cryoproteins in these patients). BamHI digestion of DNA from VI and BR produced three rearranged fragments which cohybridized with JH and c mu probes. This finding suggested the presence of additional nonsecretory B cell clones and/or disruption of the gene segments spanned by and detected with the probes. In VI the idiotype of the IgG cryoglobulin was also detected in association with IgM in the supernatant of Epstein-Barr virus-stimulated B lymphocytes using a murine monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody. In addition, the possibility of aberrant gene rearrangements was supported by noting the alteration of the c-myc gene locus in genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of VI and CH. Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from peripheral blood B cells of VI and CH demonstrated aberrant transcripts of the c-myc gene, showing an active role of the altered c-myc locus. Detection of c-myc rearrangement in NCG patients clearly shows that this event may not be a final step in malignant B cell transformation; however, it may be related to the clonal expansion and high rate of cryoglobulin synthesis of nonmalignant B lymphocytes.

A suppressor-inducer factor produced by burn trauma-associated T cells

Six days after a full-thickness scald burn in specific-pathogen free mice, potent suppressive activity was observed in the serum and in supernatants of splenic T cells. The serum activity could be blocked by addition of a monoclonal anti-T suppressor molecule antibody to assay cultures. An examination of the six-day postburn T cell supernatants revealed suppressor inducer T cell (Tsi) activity with a number of characteristics of other Tsi factors described in other systems. These observations further implicate the suppressor T cell pathway in the immunoregulatory sequelae of severe thermal trauma.

Nonrandom chromosomal aberrations and clonal chromosomal evolution in acute leukemia associated with Down's syndrome

Nine Down's syndrome (DS) children, four with acute leukemia, one with acute leukemia as well as rhabdomyosarcoma, and four with other hematologic disorders, were analyzed for constitutional and acquired chromosomal aberrations. Acquired clonal chromosomal aberrations were identified only in the acute leukemia cases, and four of the five acute leukemia demonstrated numerical and/or structural aberrations involving chromosomes #8, #19, and #21. Of the 11 aneuploid stem cell lines identified in the five acute leukemia cases, trisomy 21, trisomy 8, trisomy 19, and tetrasomy or pentasomy 21 was found in 11, seven, four, and two lines, respectively. The frequent appearance of multiple stem cell lines with common and/or overlapping chromosomal aberrations in acute leukemia cases demonstrates the existence of genomic instability and heterogeneity of the neoplastic cell population, which results from clonal chromosomal evolution. Furthermore, trisomy 19 was identified only with the concurrent presence of trisomy 8, suggesting that the nondisjunction of chromosome #19 probably occurred after that of #8. Trisomy 21 was observed in every aneuploid stem cell line and, in one case, trisomy 21 was maintained in the bone marrow leukemic cells but not in the orbital rhabdomyosarcoma cells, indicating that this constitutional chromosomal aberration is probably crucial for and predisposed to the development of acute leukemia in DS patients. The association of acquired clonal chromosomal aberrations, especially those involving chromosomes #8, #19, and #21, with DS acute leukemia strongly suggests the clinical implication of cytogenetic analysis in the diagnosis of acute leukemia development in DS patients.

Characterization of two human cell lines (TK-10, TK-164) of renal cell cancer

Two previously unreported cell lines of human renal cell carcinoma are presented. TK-10 and TK-164 have each been in culture for over 4 years. The epithelial nature of both cell lines has been documented by light and electron microscopy. The cells in each line contain a Y chromosome, have specific marker chromosomes, and a distinct flow cytometric histogram. Both lines grow in agar, albeit not in athymic mice.

Cloning and expression of steroid sulfatase cDNA and the frequent occurrence of deletions in STS deficiency: implications for X-Y interchange

Human STS is a microsomal enzyme important in steroid metabolism. The gene encoding STS is pseudoautosomal in the mouse but not in humans, and escapes X inactivation in both species. We have prepared monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the protein which has been purified and from which partial amino acid sequence data have been obtained. cDNA clones containing the entire coding sequence were isolated, sequenced, and expressed in heterologous cells. Variable length transcripts have been shown to be present and due to usage of alternative poly(A) addition sites. The functional gene maps to Xp22.3-Xpter and there is a pseudogene on Yq suggesting a recent pericentric inversion. Absence of STS enzymatic activity occurs frequently in human populations and produces a visible phenotype of scaly skin or ichthyosis. Ten patients with inherited STS deficiency were studied and eight had complete gene deletions. The possibility that STS deficiency results from aberrant X-Y interchange is discussed.

Prenatal diagnosis of a 46,XX,inv(12)pat/47,XX,i(Xq),inv(12)pat

A 46,XX,inv(12)pat/47,XX,i(Xq),inv(12)pat was diagnosed prenatally in a 36-year-old woman whose husband was a known carrier of a pericentric inversion of chromosome 12. The diagnosis was confirmed in fetal tissue. Terminal bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling demonstrated that in the line with 46 chromosomes one X was late replicating, while one X and the i(Xq) were late replicating in 100% of the cells with 47 chromosomes. We present the first case of this type of sex chromosome mosaicism. Genetic counseling presented difficulties since it was not possible to predict the fetal phenotype.

Epstein-Barr virus-related herpesvirus from a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) with malignant lymphoma

A herpesvirus (RhEBV) was isolated from a lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) that became established from a malignant lymphoma in a rhesus monkey. The predominant cell marker in the LCL was that of B lymphocytes. RhEBV-induced viral capsid (VCA) and nuclear antigens (NA) in the LCL were serologically related to similar antigens known to be induced by human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). RhEBV was of nonhuman primate origin and was clearly differentiated from EBV in the anti-complement immunofluorescence reaction using human and non-human primate sera with antibodies to the NA induced by the respective viruses. While human sera reacted with NA induced by both EBV and RhEBV, monkey sera failed to recognize the NA induced by EBV. RhEBV-induced NA was present in nearly all the cells of a suspension prepared from the tumor tissue mass, but not in the monolayer fibroblasts derived from the tumor tissue or in the blood and lymph-node lymphocytes of clinically healthy animals. RhEBV induced in vitro transformation and establishment of LCLs from peripheral blood lymphocytes of normal rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys but not from those of 6 other non-human primate species tested. The LCLs, with predominant B-lymphocyte markers, established after treatment with RhEBV, all had evidence of the virus infection since nearly all cells in the culture expressed the virus-induced NA.

A practical metaphase marker of the inactive X chromosome

It is paradoxical that the inactivated X is the only chromosome that can be identified in the interphase nucleus, yet in metaphase, it is indistinguishable from its genetically active homolog unless special culture and staining procedures are employed. A specific inactivation-associated fold in proximal Xq resolves that paradox. We describe here how the fold in the proximal long arm can be used as a simple and reliable marker to identify the inactivated X in G-, Q-, or R-banded preparations. Several examples are given, including localization of the inactivation center to band Xq13 or q21.1, identification of nonrandom inactivation in X-chromosome rearrangements, identification of multiple active X chromosomes in tumor cell lines, analysis of X-inactivation patterns in female carriers of the fragile site at Xq27, and comparison of X-inactivation patterns among primate species.

Immunological heterogeneity in human melanoma: immunogenic alloantigen expression in autologous host

A patient presented with a primary melanoma, Level IV, 2.5 mm thick; 30 excised lymph nodes were all negative for tumor. Four local recurrences followed in the ensuing 17 months. Tumor cells cultured at this time were epithelioid. Autoimmunization was followed by a disease-free interval of 15 months. Postimmunization, the patient's lymphocytes destroyed his melanoma cells in culture and were stimulated in mixed cell culture by his irradiated tumor cells. Cells grown from the relapsing tumor were spindle/dendritic with bizarre morphology and were not attacked by his lymphocytes in culture. Using a C' fixation technique, DR antigen profiles of the patient's B-cells and both tumor cell types showed that the immunizing tumor was positive for DR antigens 3, 5, and 8, none of which were present on his B-cells which had DR 2 and 4. Both B-cells and immunizing tumor cells were positive for DQ antigens. The relapsing tumor cells were positive for DR2 and negative for all other D region antigens tested. The evidence suggests that given a melanoma of heterogeneous cell population, autoimmunization against the predominant immunogenic cell inhibits tumor growth but allows the ascendance of a nonimmunogenic tumor cell type.

Nonrandom chromosome structural aberrations and oncogene loci in human malignant melanoma

Short-term cultures of 10 malignant melanomas derived from 8 patients were analyzed cytogenetically. The chromosome composition of the tumors was found to be similar in terms of modal number and structural and numerical aberrations, especially the nonrandom nature of breakpoints. Six chromosomes were consistently involved in marker formation. Aberrations of chromosomes #1 and #9 were identified in every tumor, whereas structural alterations of chromosome #2 were found in 9 tumors. In contrast, aberrations of chromosomes #6, #3, and #7 were identified in 7, 7, and 8 of the tumors, respectively. The nonrandom breakpoints on these chromosomes frequently coincided with known oncogenic loci and resulted in morphologically identical marker chromosomes. Consecutive lesions were obtained for two patients. Common markers were identified in both cases, indicating the clonal origin of the tumors. In addition, many marker chromosomes characteristic of the individual lesions were also identified. The presence of these lesion-specific markers indicates the nonrandom selective nature of the metastatic process and suggests the possible heterogeneity of the original tumor cell population.

Familial osteosarcoma associated with 13;14 chromosomal rearrangement

Two prepubertal sisters of American Indian origin developed osteosarcoma at 8 and 12 years of age. This familial occurrence, tumor onset prior to puberty, unusual tumor location in one who also had short stature, and ethnic background all suggest an inborn predisposition to bone cancer rather than a chance occurrence. Rearrangements involving chromosomes #13 and #14 were found in both the surviving proband and mother. Comparison of the arm ratio and prometaphase G-banding patterns of the rearranged chromosomes suggests either deletion of band 14q11.2 or pericentric inversion (with breakpoints at 13q12 and 14q11.2) in the proband's rearranged chromosome, but not in her mother's. Her mother, who had no malignancy, had a typical Robertsonian translocation [t(13;14)(p11;q11)]. Three previously reported children with chromosomal abnormalities developed osteosarcoma at unusually young ages, younger even than in reported sibships with osteosarcoma. The most frequently detected cytogenetic abnormalities in sarcoma tumor cells involve chromosomes #13 and #14. In addition, some cases of bilateral retinoblastoma and familial unilateral retinoblastoma, which are known to be at increased risk for osteosarcoma, are associated with tiny deletions on chromosome #13. Thus, there may be a causal relationship between constitutional loss or rearrangement of genetic material at these breakpoints on chromosomes #13 or #14 and development of osteosarcoma in this family that is similar to that seen in patients with small constitutional chromosomal deletions who develop Wilms' tumor and retinoblastoma.

Sister chromatid exchanges in adult epileptic patients on phenytoin therapy

Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were studied in lymphocyte cultures of 12 adult male epileptic patients on long-term monotherapy with phenytoin (PHT) and of matched controls. Significantly increased frequency of SCE was observed in the epileptic patients as a group and in almost all individuals, indicating a detectable chromosome damaging effect of PHT therapy on its human users.

Alterations in the time of X chromosome replication induced by 5-azacytidine in a patient with 48,XXXY/47,XXY

It has recently been shown that 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) can induce altered replication patterns of the late-replicating X chromosome in normal female cells. This has been demonstrated by bromodeoxyuridine labelling of cells late in the S phase. In the present study the same method was applied to the lymphocytes of a Klinefelter patient (48,XXXY/47,XXY). Significant 5-azaC-induced changes in the replication of the entire inactive X chromosome, from late to early, were found in the lymphocytes of this patient. These results indicate that hypomethylating agents can not only alter the replication of individual bands, but also change the gross replication schedule of multiple inactive X chromosomes in the presence of a Y chromosome.

The effect of immunity on pulmonary metastasis of a methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma and three of its clones

A 3-Methylcholanthrene (MC)-induced fibrosarcoma and three of its clones were investigated for their metastatic potential in normal and tumor immune mice. The growth rates of the four tumors in vivo were similar. However, the mean survival times of the tumor-bearing mice were markedly different. Clone 10, the most immunogenic, showed very high metastatic potential and short survival, while clone 27, the least immunogenic, produced few metastases, resulting in much longer survival. Moderate numbers of metastases were produced by highly immunogenic 3-AM (parental tumor), and poorly immunogenic clone 34. Spleen cells from mice bearing highly immunogenic tumors lost their ability to neutralize tumors by day 28 after tumor inoculation, while those from mice bearing poorly immunogenic tumors remained cytotoxic, indicating that highly immunogenic tumors also induced immune suppression in the hosts. Immunization with specific tumors decreased the number of pulmonary metastases by 3 to 35-fold. Immunization with tumors that shared antigens provided protection against metastatic tumors as well as the local tumors. In contrast, immunization with antigenically different tumors gave no protection.

Sequence of an antifreeze protein precursor

The amino acid sequence of the precursor to the second-most-abundant serum antifreeze protein (B) in the winter flounder has been determined by a combination of protein and DNA sequencing. The precursor is an 82-residue preproprotein which differs in only three positions from the amino acid sequence of the precursor for the most-abundant serum antifreeze protein (A). The base changes responsible for these substitutions, as well as several silent changes, are all clustered within the DNA coding for the mature protein portion. Among the post-translational modifications that the precursor undergoes is the removal of the c-terminal glycine residue. Cloning of full-length antifreeze protein cDNA has enabled us to identify the transcription initiation site which occurs 49 nucleotides upstream from the initiation codon.