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.

Interfacial State Change of Cellulose Triacetate Membrane by Adsorption of Polyelectrolyte

Lysozyme, albumin, and PAS-H (poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), which are positively and negatively charged proteins, and cationic polysulfones, respectively, were adsorbed by a cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane to investigate their effects on ionic transport through the membrane. The interface states between the membrane and the adsorption layer are discussed based on the measurements of contact angle and membrane potential and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The contact angle shows that the membrane changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic due to adsorption of the above substances. AFM imaged the aggregates on the surface and showed that lysozyme, in particular, penetrates the membrane pores, making them shallower and decreasing their porosity. The results of membrane potential measurements showed that lysozyme and albumin did not change the membrane charge state, but PAS-H changed it from negative to positive. The permeability coefficients of KCl and K2HPO4 varied significantly with the adsorption of each polyelectrolyte. In particular, the permeability coefficient of phosphate through the lysozyme-adsorbed membrane increased to twice that of the nonadsorbed membrane. Such polyelectrolyte adsorption on the membrane surface can be used for the modification of commercial artificial kidney phosphate extraction.

[Evaluation of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma]

In the present study, we investigated the clinical and histopathological effects of CP therapy consisting of cisplatin (CDDP 50 mg/m2) or carboplatin (CBDCA 300 mg/m2) and peplomycin (PEP 5 mg/day) for 25 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The effects of treatment and associated complications were as follows: 1) Complete response (CR) was achieved in 8 and partial response (PR) in 14 of the 25 cases. The overall clinical response rate was 88%. The histological response rate was 64%. 2) The clinical effects were not always consistent with the histopathological effects. There were discrepancies between the clinical and histopathological effects, especially in PR determined by clinical findings. 3) The principal adverse reaction was gastro-intestinal disturbances, but symptoms were able to be controlled. Signs of hematologic toxicity and renal disturbance were mild and did not preclude the continuance of therapy. The results of this study indicated that neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with CDDP and PEP was highly effective for the local control of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Failure of parturition in mice lacking the prostaglandin F receptor

Mice lacking the gene encoding the receptor for prostaglandin F2alpha (FP) developed normally but were unable to deliver normal fetuses at term. Although these FP-deficient mice showed no abnormality in the estrous cycle, ovulation, fertilization, or implantation, they did not respond to exogenous oxytocin because of the lack of induction of oxytocin receptor (a proposed triggering event in parturition), and they did not show the normal decline of serum progesterone concentrations that precedes parturition. Ovariectomy at day 19 of pregnancy restored induction of the oxytocin receptor and permitted successful delivery in the FP-deficient mice. These results indicate that parturition is initiated when prostaglandin F2alpha interacts with FP in ovarian luteal cells of the pregnant mice to induce luteolysis.

Preparation of oligosaccharide units library and its utilization

There is high current interest in developing synthetic routes to oligosaccharides involved in glycoconjugates. Significant attention has been focused on the application of glycosidase-catalyzed transglycosylation for practical synthesis of oligosaccharides. The enzymatic synthesis has become more practical by the use of several glycosidases available in sufficient quantities. This review describes convenient syntheses of di- and trisaccharide units, which are related to molecular recognition, by using regioselective transgalactosylation, trans-N-acetylglucosaminylation, transfucosylation, and transmannosylation. The regioselectivity could be controlled to some extent by using the following techniques: (1) varying enzymes, (2) organic co-solvent system, (3) the configuration of the existing glycosidic linkage of the acceptor and (4) inclusion complex of acceptor glycoside with cyclodextrin. Furthermore, glycopolymers carrying a series of disaccharides containing beta-D-galactosyl residues were synthesized and used as a model in oligosaccharide-lectin interaction analysis. These water-soluble glycopolymers were shown to be useful as probes of carbohydrate recognition.

[Anti-allergic activity of betotastine besilate (TAU-284), a new anti-allergic drug]

The anti-allergic activity of betotastine besilate (betotastine), a new anti-allergic drug, was investigated in several allergy models of rats in comparison with other anti-allergic drugs.1) Orally administered betotastine (0.1-30 mg/kg) inhibited homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats in a dose-dependent manner (ID30-value: 0.38 mg/kg). The inhibitory activity of betotastine was significant at 1 mg/kg and was more potent than that of ketotifen, terfenadine, cetirizine and epinastine. The PCA-inhibitory activity of betotastine lasted more than 8 hr after administration, and the repeated administration of betotastine lasted more than not induce drug-tolerance. 2) Orally administered betotastine inhibited the histamine-induced skin reaction in rats in a dose-dependent manner (ID30:0.10 mg/kg), and the inhibitory activity lasted more than 4 hr after the administration. Its inhibitory activity was significant at 0.1 and 1 mg/kg and was more potent than those of ketotifen, terfenadine, cetirizine and epinastine. 3) Betotastine suppressed histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells at a high concentration (10(3)(10(-3)M). These results suggest that betotastine has a potent and long acting anti-allergic activity, and these effects are mainly due to histamine antagonistic activity.

The relationship between accumulation of advanced glycation end products and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human diabetic retinas

Both advanced glycation end products and vascular endothelial growth factor are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. It is known that vascular endothelial growth factor causes retinal neovascularization and a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier; how advanced glycation end products affect the retina, however, remains largely unclear. The substance-Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine is a major immunologic epitope, i.e. a dominant advanced glycation end products antigen. We generated an anti-Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine antibody to investigate the relationship between the localization of advanced glycation end products and that of vascular endothelial growth factor in 27 human diabetic retinas by immunohistochemistry. Nine control retinas were also examined. In all 27 diabetic retinas, Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine was located in the thickened vascular wall. In 19 of the 27 retinas, strand-shaped Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine immunoreactivity was also observed around the vessels. In all 27 diabetic retinas, vascular endothelial growth factor revealed a distribution pattern similar to that of Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine. Vascular endothelial growth factor was also located in the vascular wall and in the perivascular area. Neither Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine nor vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was detected in the 9 control retinas. Vessels with positive immunoreactivity for Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine and/or vascular endothelial growth factor were counted. A general association was noted between accumulation of Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the eyes with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (p < 0.01) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (p < 0.05).

Galactosyl transfer onto p-nitrophenyl beta-D-glucoside using beta-D-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans

beta-D-Gal-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glc-OC6H4NO2-p and its isomers (beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glc-OC6H4NO2-p and beta-D-Gal-(1-->6)-beta-D-Glc-OC6H4NO2-p) were synthesized from lactose and beta-D-Glc-OC6H4NO2-p, using transglycosylation by the beta-D-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans. This reaction was efficient enough for us to do a one-pot preparation of galactosyl-glucoside from lactose. The order of the production of the transfer products was (1-->4) > > (1-->3) > (1-->6) in the initial stage of the reaction, and the same relationship was observed for the hydrolytic rate toward the three galactosyl-glucosides. The production of (1-->4)- and (1-->3)-linkages greatly decreased during the subsequent reaction and much more of the (1-->6)- than of the (1-->4)- and (1-->3)-transfer products was found in the later stage of the reaction.

[Effect of betotastine besilate (TAU-284), a novel anti-allergic agent, on experimental allergic rhinitis]

We investigated the effect of betotastine besilate (betotastine) on the experimental allergic rhinitis. The oral administration of betotastine (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited the increase in dye leakage during and after the nasal perfusion of antigen in actively sensitized rats. It also prevented the increase in intranasal pressure induced by topically applied histamine in non-sensitized guinea pigs. Cetirizine and terfenadine dose-dependently inhibited the increase in a similar manner. Ketotifen (0.01-0.3 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the increase more than 50% at 0.01 mg/kg. The ID50s of ketotifen, cetirizine, betotastine and terfenadine for this model were more than 0.01 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, in actively sensitized guinea pigs, nasal airway resistance showed a biphasic increase after the topical antigen challenge to the nasal cavity; the first peak at 0.5 hr and a second peak at 4 hr. Both the responses of first and second peaks were significantly inhibited by orally administered betotastine besilate, and its inhibitory effect on the second peak was the strongest among drugs tested. Since betotastine showed significantly inhibitory effects in experimental allergic rhinitis models, it was suggested to show a good efficacy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis clinically.

Enzymic synthesis of 3'-O- and 6'-O-N-acetylglucosaminyl-N-acetyllactosaminide glycosides catalyzed by beta-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase from Nocardia orientalis

beta-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase from Nocardia orientalis catalyzed the synthesis of beta-D-GlcNAc-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-Gal-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p (1) and beta-D-GlcNAc-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-Gal-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p (2) with its isomer beta-D-Gal-(1 --> 4)-[beta-D-GlcNAc-(1 --> 6)]-beta-D-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p (3) through N-acetylglucosaminyl transfer from N-,N'-diacetylchitobiose to p-nitrophenyl beta-N-acetyllactosaminide. The enzyme formed a mixture of trisaccharides 1, 2, and 3 in a ratio of 11:33:56. In the case, when an inclusion complex of p-nitrophenyl beta-N-acetyllactosaminide with alpha-CD was used, compounds 1, 2, and 3 were formed in a molar ratio of 24:63:13. The regioselectivity of glycosidase-catalyzed formation of the trisaccharide glycosides was substantially changed. It resulted not only in a significant increase of the proportion of the desired compounds 1 and 2 but also in the substantial increase of the overall yield of transfer products.

Primary lymphoma of the heart, diagnosed antemortem

Primary cardiac lymphomas diagnosed antemortem are extremely rare. We present a case of primary cardiac lymphoma initially diagnosed antemortem by cytologic examination of pericardial effusion fluid. Echocardiography suggested the presence of a tumor localized at the right ventricular free wall. The cytologic examination of pericardial effusion was effective in establishing the correct antemortem diagnosis.

Extracts of Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans inhibit alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblastic cells in vitro

In order to study the effects of sonicated extracts from Prevotella intermedia, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and other oral-related bacteria, as well as Escherichia coli on bone formation, clone MC3T3-E1 cells, which have retained osteoblastic activity, were cultured with various bacterial extracts. The addition of the sonicated extracts from Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans decreased the alkaline phosphatase activity in a dose-dependent fashion over the concentration range of 1-1000 ng ml-1 compared with the control. By contrast, the sonicated extracts from other oral bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Capnocytophaga ochracea, Streptococcus milleri and Streptococcus sanguis, and Escherichia coli did not decrease the alkaline phosphatase activity even in the presence of 100 ng ml-1 protein. The addition of Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans extracts that had been treated with heat and trypsin to the cell cultures also inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells, suggesting that inhibitory factors are not proteinaceous. Polymyxin B did not change the alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells treated with the extracts from Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, suggesting that the inhibitory activity of the extracts is not lipopolysaccharide. The inhibitory effect of both extracts was observed in the molecular mass over 290 kDa eluted from Sephadex G-200 column. The inhibitory substances of Prevotella intermedia were partially purified and showed broad band with estimated molecular weight of 170-190 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These results indicate that Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans may play an important role in inhibiting bone formation as well as in stimulating bone resorption.

[Operative indication and risk factors for unruptured cerebral aneurysms]

Operative indication and risk factors for unruptured cerebral aneurysms were discussed. During the past 11 years, 38 aneurysms in 33 patients with a mean age of 54 years were operated on. All aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation; 16 were of carotid artery, 15 of the middle cerebral artery, 4 of the anterior communicating artery, and 3 of the distal anterior cerebral artery. Six cases (18.2%) developed neurological deficits postoperatively. The deficits were permanent in 3 cases (morbidity 9.1%). There was one operative death (mortality 3.0%). Operative risk factors were analyzed in 4 particular cases. Of these 4 cases, two cases had large aneurysms (14 and 16mm in diameter) located at carotid-ophthalmic and at the inferior wall of the carotid arteries, respectively. One developed unilateral blindness possibly due to operative manipulation, and the other showed hemiparesis with aphasia due to postoperative carotid stenosis caused by clipping. Of the rest 2 cases; one with multiple (carotid and middle cerebral) aneurysms developed hemiparesis because of postoperative stenosis of the atheromatous parent artery caused by clipping, and the other, with a large (17mm) aneurysm at the distal anterior cerebral artery, died of postoperative intracerebral hematoma. Both of these cases were associated with cerebral ischemic disease. All cases that developed postoperative neurological deficits had varying degrees of hypertension. Reviewing our series and other reports, it can be said that age is one of the most important factors that influence operative mortality. However, a lower risk of rupture develops as age increases. For those under 70 years of age, operation is considered safe in healthy individuals, especially among those without hypertension. However, in cases where there are large aneurysms, multiple lesions, less accessible locations and cerebral ischemic disease, operative risks should be kept in mind. Operative morbidity in these cases is relatively high compared to that found among others. Therefore, planning a meticulous surgical strategy and further careful operative manipulation are essentials, when surgical treatment is indicated.

The effect of dexamethasone on the expression of activated NF-kappa B in adjuvant arthritis

The transcription factor NF-kappa B plays a significant role in inflammatory diseases. In this study we have investigated the expression of activated NF-kappa B p65 subunit in the rat adjuvant arthritis model in a 28-day time-course experiment using immunohistochemistry. The expression of p65 was detected in the synovial lining layer and around the blood vessels in the inflamed synovium as early as Day 3 post-adjuvant injection. The cells that expressed p65 in the synovial lining were thought to be macrophage-like synoviocytes. The expression was stronger in the injected hindpaw than that in the noninjected hindpaw. Dexamethasone treatment at 1 mg/kg p.o. (Days 0-20) suppressed both the hindpaw edema and increase in p65 expression. Withdrawal of the treatment caused increases in both p65 expression and paw volume. Together these suggest that activated NF-kappa B was specifically expressed in the arthritic synovium and may play a significant role in the development of arthritis.

Co-localization of glucokinase with actin filaments

A portion of glucokinase appeared to be co-localized with actin filaments in the cytoplasm of cultured rat hepatocytes incubated with 25 mM glucose. When liver- or islet-type glucokinase was transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, the expressed glucokinase was also co-localized with actin filaments in the cytoplasm of these transfected cells. Although co-localization of glucokinase with actin filaments was not clearly demonstrated in the pancreatic beta-cell line MIN6, islet glucokinase was found to be present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, though predominantly in the nucleus. These findings suggest that subcellular localization of glucokinase, including co-localization with actin filaments, may have an important physiological role in metabolic regulation.

Parturition upregulates nitric oxide synthase activity in the rat anterior pituitary gland

Recent evidence suggests that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the modulation of hormonal secretion from the anterior pituitary gland according to the physiological state of the animal. In this study, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry and specific neurochemical assay were used to asses possible changes of NO synthase (NOS) activity in the anterior pituitary during pregnancy and parturition in rats. The anterior pituitary showed (weak) NADPH-d activity throughout pregnancy. Parturition increased the number and intensity of NADPH-d-positive cells. The NADPH-d-positive cells co-localized with immunofluorescent LH-positive cells. No variation in NADPH-d activity was apparent during the various stages of the oestrous cycle. Furthermore, NOS activity during parturition increased significantly when compared with non-pregnant and pregnant rats. Increases in both specific activity and NADPH-d activity gradually decreased within 24 h post-partum, suggesting that NO may modulate anterior pituitary function during parturition.

Possible mediation of G-proteins in cold-sensory transduction in

The possible involvement of G-proteins in cold-sensory transduction was examined using voltage-clamped Paramecium multimicronucleatum into which non-hydrolyzable guanosine nucleotide analogues had been applied intracellularly. Guanosine-5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate, guanosine-5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate and aluminium fluoride all reduced the transient inward current in response to cooling, suggesting the possibility that G-proteins mediate cold-sensory transduction. Internal application of a Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, also reduced the current response. In addition to their effect on reducing the cold-sensory response, application of these chemicals modulated both the resting potential and the membrane conductance. Possible correlations between G-protein activity and the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels are discussed.

Formation of a phragmosome-like structure in centrifuged protonemal cells of Adiantum capillus-veneris L

A phragmosome (PS) is a transvacuolar aggregation of cytoplasm that develops in the plane of future cytokinesis and is found specifically in highly vacuolated cells. Although protonemal cells of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. usually do not form a PS, a PS-like structure developed at the site of a preprophase band (PPB) of microtubules (MTs) when the nucleus and endoplasm were displaced from the division site by centrifugation, leaving a PPB in the cortical cytoplasm. The PS-like structure contained endoplasmic MTs, Factin, oil droplets and mitochondria. The structure did not develop when the cells were centrifuged before the formation of a PPB. Application of amiprophos-methyl (APM) before development of the PPB strongly inhibited the formation of the PS-like structure after centrifugation. The PS-like structure was dispersed after cytokinesis which occurred in the region of the displaced nucleus. Treatment with APM after the formation of the PS-like structure arrested the cell cycle at the M phase and inhibited the degradation of this structure. These results suggest that development of a PS-like structure is associated both with the formation of a PPB and with the stage of the cell cycle.

Quantitative RT-PCR for inhibin/activin subunits: measurements of rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs during the estrous cycle

Inhibins (alpha-beta(A) and alpha-beta(B)) and activins (beta(A)-beta(A), beta(A)-beta(B) and beta(B)-beta(B)) were originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluids as FSH secretion modifiers. Inhibin/activin subunits, alpha, beta(A) and beta(B), are widely distributed in several tissues, including gonads and brain, and inhibins and activins have been reported to be involved in ovarian or hypothalamic functions. In this study, we established and employed a competitive RT-PCR assay system for rat inhibin/activin subunits by capillary electrophoresis to determine rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNA levels during the estrous cycle. Linearity of standards for alpha, beta(A), and beta(B) subunit assays were between 0.01-0.3 amol, 0.003-0.09 amol and 0.002-0.02 amol of each fragment DNA as a standard, respectively. Hypothalamic beta(A) subunit mRNA during the estrous morning (1000 h) tended to be increased compared with that of the proestrous evening (1700 h), although they were not significantly different. Ovarian alpha subunit mRNA levels tended to be increased during the proestrous morning (1000 h) and were significantly increased in the proestrous evening (1700 h), compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05). Ovarian beta(A) subunit mRNA was also significantly higher in the proestrous evening, compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05), but in the case of beta(B) subunit mRNA there was no difference among diestrus, proestrus and estrus. We thus established a sensitive competitive RT-PCR system for the measurement of inhibin/activin alpha, beta(A) and beta(B) subunits, and this assay system would be helpful for the study of inhibin/activin action in brain and other tissues where these factors are expressed at low levels.

Immunolocalization of type I or type II activin receptors in the rat brain

We have studied immunolocalization of activin receptors in the central nervous system using polyclonal antibodies (IgG) to type I (50-55 kDa, ActRI), type II (70-75 kDa, ActRII) or a subtype of type II known as type IIB (ActRIIB) receptors of activin. A total of 7 antisera to rat activin receptors was generated, i.e. 3 kinds of antisera to the extracellular domain (ActRI(81-89), ActRII(91-100), or ActRIIB(90-99)) and 4 antisera to the kinase domain (ActRI(323-333), ActRII(307-319), ActRII(407-420) or ActRIIB(306-319)). The region of aa 407-420 of ActRII is identical with that of ActRIIB. At first, we characterized these antibodies by Western blot analysis using ovarian proteins fractionated by preparative SDS-PAGE. All antibodies to ActRII and ActRIIB specifically reacted with 75 kDa-proteins which could also bind to activin-A. Anti-ActRII(91-100) antibody also reacted with 62 kDa-proteins which were capable of binding with activin-A. Although no positive reactions to anti-ActRI(81-89) antibody were seen in ovarian proteins, a positive reaction was detected at 52 kDa only when the proteins were deglycosylated. By use of these antibodies, immunolocalization of activin receptors was examined in the rat brain. The patterns of expression of activin type I and type II receptors were different. Positive reactions to anti-ActRII(91-100) antibody were detected in neurons of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, medial amygdala and thalamus. In the hypothalamus, some neurons of the supraoptic nucleus were weakly stained, and widely scattered neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area were moderately stained. On the contrary, the most intense reactions to anti-ActRI(81-89) antibody were detected in neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area. In addition, many neurons of the cerebral cortex were also stained, but neurons of the hippocampus and the amygdala were not stained. These results suggest that activin may have physiological roles not only for hypothalamic neuroendocrinological and feeding-related systems as suggested previously but may also have functions in cortical and limbic pathways as a neuromodulator or for maintenance of neurons.

Ekman-Westborg-Julin syndrome. A case report

A rare case of the Ekman-Westborg-Julin syndrome in a 15-year-old boy is presented. The patient had general macrodontia with gigantic mandibular third molars. Other dental anomalies, such as peak-shaped cuspids, central cusps, dens in dente, multituberculism, and single conical molar roots, were also present.

Roles of PI 3-kinase and Ras on insulin-stimulated glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The dominant negative p85alpha regulatory subunit (delta p85alpha) of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase or dominant negative Ras (N17Ras) was overexpressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using an adenovirus-mediated gene transduction system. Functional expression of delta p85alpha and N17Ras was confirmed by marked inhibition of insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, respectively. N17Ras expression did not affect glucose transport activity, whereas delta p85alpha expression inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose transport with impairment of GLUT-4 translocation, although inhibition of glucose transport activity was less remarkable than that of PI 3-kinase activity in delta p85alpha-expressing cells. Thus the Ras signaling pathway does not play a major part in either translocation or intrinsic activity of glucose transporters, but PI 3-kinase activation, via phosphotyrosyl proteins and heterodimeric PI 3-kinase, plays a pivotal role in insulin-stimulated glucose transport. However, a discrepancy was observed between PI 3-kinase activity and glucose transport activity, suggesting a possibility that a different pathway(s) is involved in insulin-stimulated intrinsic activity of glucose transporters.

Human ovarian-carcinoma cell lines express IL-4 and IL-13 receptors: comparison between IL-4- and IL-13-induced signal transduction

We have reported that human ovarian-carcinoma cell lines express high-affinity IL-4 receptor. Since IL-4R has been hypothesized to share a chain with IL-13R, we investigated whether ovarian cancer cells express IL-13 receptor. In the present study, we report that the ovarian-carcinoma cell lines IGROV-1 and PA-1 express varying numbers of high-affinity IL-13 receptors. Furthermore, IL-13 inhibited the binding of IL-4 on both ovarian-carcinoma cell lines, while IL-4 did not inhibit IL-13 binding on IGROV-1 cell line. IL-13 and IL-4 induced the phosphorylation of JAK1, JAK2 and Tyk2 Janus kinases in PA-1 cells. In contrast, JAK3 tyrosine kinase was expressed in PA-1 cells, but IL-4 or IL-13 did not augment its phosphorylation. In IGROV-1 cells, Tyk2 was constitutively phosphorylated and this phosphorylation was augmented by IL-4 or IL-13. JAK1 and JAK2 but not JAK3 were expressed but only JAK2 was faintly phosphorylated in response to either IL-13 or IL-4 respectively. IRS (insulin-receptor substrate)-1 and IRS-2 were also phosphorylated constitutively in both ovarian cancer cell lines examined, but only the phosphorylation of IRS-1 was augmented in response to IL-4 or IL-13. STAT6 was phosphorylated and activated in response to IL-4 and IL-13 in all cell lines examined. Our results demonstrate that ovarian cancer cell lines may express 2 types of IL-13R and the IL-13- or IL-4-induced signaling patterns may be slightly different in each type of receptor.