Localization and possible gene expression of proteoglycan decorin in the trabecular meshwork

It is known that trabecular meshwork cells produce proteoglycans and that local production may be associated with aqueous outflow resistance. In an attempt to identify intraocular production of proteoglycan decorin in the anterior chamber angle of mammalian eyes, we conducted a Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemical studies. Northern blot analysis suggested gene expression of proteoglycan decorin in trabecular meshwork cells. Also, immunohistochemical studies using anti-decorin antibody demonstrated decorin-like immunoreactivity in the trabecular meshwork and around the Schlemm's canal. Our data demonstrate the presence of proteoglycan decorin in the outflow pathway, suggesting that decorin is a component of extracellular matrices in these regions and may be associated with outflow resistance.

Drug-dependent Ca2+ mobilization in organ-cultured rabbit ciliary processes

This study was conducted to determine whether drug-dependent changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration take place in the ciliary nonpigment epithelial cells of rabbits under more physiological conditions. Iris-ciliary body from pigmented rabbits in organ-culture was loaded with a Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2, and a video-imaging system with an image analyzer was employed. Using this method fluorescence from nonpigmented epithelial cells can be analyzed without interference from fluorescence from pigmented ciliary epithelial cells. Among the drugs studied, norepinephrine and carbachol induced Ca2+ transients in the nonpigmented epithelial cells of organ-cultured ciliary processes. Epinephrine, isoproterenol, dopamine, neuropeptide Y, and substance P at the concentration of 10(-6) to 10(-3) M failed to elicit a response. The cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration of the cells in the resting state, as determined by an in vitro calibration curve, was 166 nM. The peak free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration induced by norepinephrine was about 263 nM, and that induced by carbachol was more than 1,000 nM. The carbachol-induced response was larger in magnitude and longer in duration than that induced by norepinephrine. Not uncommonly, the carbachol-induced response lasted more than 15 min. The response was diminished in both peak height and duration by chelation of extracellular Ca2+. Atropine abolished the response showing the response being mediated by a muscarinic receptor.

Budgerigar breeders' hypersensitivity pneumonitis presenting as chronic bronchitis with purulent sputum

A 49-year-old woman complained of cough and a purulent sputum (about 40 ml/day). She kept budgerigars for a period of 30 years, she first noticed a productive cough 10 years previously. Her chest roentgenogram revealed a diffuse reticulonodular pattern. She was diagnosed as having a chronic type of budgerigar breeder's lung associated with chronic bronchitis. Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was cultured from her sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as from droppings of her budgerigar. This is the second case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis presenting as chronic bronchitis with much sputum in Japan.

[Pseudoxanthoma elasticum associated with unstable angina and Leriche syndrome: a case report]

A 64-year-old man with a history of intermittent claudication presented with chest pain. On admission, he had yellowish papules with a "plucked chicken" appearance on his neck. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen of the lesion revealed degeneration and calcification of elastic fibers in the dermis. His daughter also had similar histological changes in the skin. The diagnosis was pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Fundoscopic examination revealed angioid streaks. Electrocardiography showed inverted T waves in V2-V6, and echocardiography revealed hypokinesis in the anterior wall of the left ventricle. Emergency catheterization showed 90% stenosis in the left anterior descending coronary artery, total occlusion of the abdominal aorta, and severe stenosis in the right subclavian artery. He was treated medically and had no recurrent episodes of chest pain. A careful examination for cardiovascular diseases should be considered in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Breathing pattern in tetraplegics during exposure to hypoxia and hypercapnia

The question was investigated of whether thoracic feedback could play a role in shaping the tidal and frequency components of the breathing pattern. The changes in the breathing pattern of tetraplegic subjects were examined and compared with those of normal subjects during hypoxic and hypercapnic rebreathing tests, using data from our previous study. The breathing pattern was evaluated from diagramatic spirograms, constructed at an SaO2 80% and P(ET)CO2 of 55 mmHg. Chemical drive increased VT and shortened T1 and TE in both groups, but tetraplegics responded with a 60% smaller increase in VT. Since the mean inspiratory flow, VT/T1, was the same in either gas condition in both groups, the smaller VT in tetraplegics was due entirely to a shorter T1. These results show that ventilation in tetraplegics is more shallow and rapid, and it implicates thoracic feedback in modulation of the respiratory pattern.

Effects of ornithine on the electroretinogram in cat retina

PURPOSE

To study the acute effects of L-ornithine hydrochloride on the function of cat retina in vivo.

METHODS

A small amount of ornithine was administered intravitreously or intravenously. Changes in retinal function were monitored by vitreal electroretinogram (ERG) and intraretinal ERG with K(+)-selective microelectrodes.

RESULTS

Intravitreal injections (0.2 to 0.5 M; 15 microliters) of ornithine caused a decrease in the standing potential and the vitreal ERG c-wave amplitude. The ERG c-wave decreased continuously during a 5-hour period. Intravenous injection (0.2 M; 10 ml) of ornithine also diminished the c-wave. Intraretinal recording showed that the amplitudes of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) component and the Müller cell component of the ERG c-wave were reduced after intravitreal injection. The light-evoked [K+]o decrease in the subretinal space did not change. The change in transepithelial resistance contributed little to the decrease in the c-wave.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that ornithine selectively affects the c-wave and suggested that it affects RPE and Müller cells directly without affecting photoreceptors.

The impact of three-dimensional structure on the expression of PlA alloantigens on human integrin beta 3

We have compared the binding of affinity-purified anti-PlA1 IgG from seven nonrelated donors with chimeric integrin subunit beta 3 molecules expressed in the baculovirus-Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell system. Beta 3 chimeras were engineered to include segments of antigenic human beta 3 sequences spliced to intervening segments of nonantigenic Xenopus beta 3 sequence. Our results clearly show that antibodies from all seven donors will bind to nondenatured molecules containing the antigenic human beta 3 Cys26-Cys38 loop only when it is presented in a correct orientation that must be maintained by noncontiguous human sequences. Key downstream sequences are located within the region beta 3(288-490), flanking either side of the putative long-range disulfide at Cys435. Although our results confirm unambiguously that the Leu/Pro polymorphism at position 33 in human beta 3 is necessary for the expression of PlA epitopes, they also indicate that this polymorphic sequence alone is not sufficient. The requirement for additional human beta 3 sequence transcends the need to maintain a correct orientation within the Cys26-Cys38 loop itself, because the murine monoclonal antibody SZ21, which recognizes the sequence beta 3(28-35) contained within the Cys26-Cys38 loop, binds to all chimeras containing this loop, even if the same chimeras are not recognized by anti-PlA1. Our results indicate that additional noncontiguous residues encompassed by the sequence 288-490 either directly contribute to the composition of the PlA1 epitope or, more likely, maintain the Cys26-Cys38 loop in a proper orientation with respect to the remainder of the beta 3 molecule and thereby maintain proper antigenic presentation of the sequences in that loop.

Synthesis and pharmacological activities of novel bicyclic thiazoline derivatives as hepatoprotective agents II. (7-Alkoxycarbonyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-ylidend) acetamid derivatives

A series of exomethylenic bicyclic thiazoline derivatives (3a--i) was synthesized and evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against galactosamine-induced and monoclonal antibody-induced acute liver injuries in rats. The structure-activity relationships were investigated. Among the compounds synthesized, N-methyl-(7-isopropoxy-carbonyl-6,6-dimethyl-2,3,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-ylidene)acetamide (3i) exhibited the most potent hepatoprotective activity. This compound suppressed galactosamine-induced hepatic injury at 100 mg/kg by oral administration and further prevented monoclonal antibody-induced hepatic injury at 30 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, as judged from the changes in serum transaminase activities.

The role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the differentiation and proliferation of Kupffer cells in the liver of protein-deprived mice

BACKGROUND

Protein calorie malnutrition is known to induce various macrophage dysfunctions, such as the impairment of their phagocytic function, proliferative capacity, and bactericidal activity. However, little is known about the behavior of Kupffer cells under protein calorie malnutrition in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

To investigate the behavior of Kupffer cells under protein calorie malnutrition, we fed mice on a low protein (protein-derived) diet for 4 weeks and examined the number, cytologic changes, and proliferative capacity of their Kupffer cells. To detect macrophage precursor cells, colony-forming assays were performed in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver of the mice. To investigate the relationship of Kupffer cells to CSF, the serum levels of IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were measured by ELISA, and the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) mRNA in the liver was determined by Northern blot analysis. The recovery processes of Kupffer cells in the protein-deprived mice after normal protein feeding or daily recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor administration were also investigated.

RESULTS

In the protein-deprived mice, Kupffer cells decreased in number to two-thirds that of the normally fed (nondeprived) mice, showed the cytologic and ultrastructural features of maturation failure, and had reduced proliferative capacity. After normal protein feeding or recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor administration, the number, morphology, and proliferative capacity of the Kupffer cells in the liver returned to normal, and they matured as in the nondeprived mice. In the protein-deprived mice, the serum levels of IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor increased, and the expression of M-CSF mRNA in the liver was reduced. In the bone marrow, the granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells and macrophage colony-forming cells were increased, and the influx of monocytes into the liver was temporarily enhanced; however, the number of monocytes in the peripheral blood was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the reduced production of M-CSF in the liver of protein-deprived mice results in numerical reduction, maturation failure, and decreased proliferative capacity of Kupffer cells.

Intraocular pressure elevation caused by massive and prolonged hemorrhage after trabeculotomy ab externo

A case with postoperative elevated intraocular pressure levels caused by massive and prolonged hemorrhage after trabeculotomy ab externo is presented. In this case, intraocular pressure was controlled by removal of the hemorrhage, but the transient elevation resulted in progression of visual field defect. Thus, resorption of hyphema and intraocular pressure levels should be monitored closely after trabeculotomy, and surgical removal of the hemorrhage appears to be an effective treatment for this rare complication.

Intraretinal analysis of electroretinogram with K+ microelectrodes during acute intraocular pressure elevation

We examined the effects of acute intraocular pressure elevation on the intraretinal electroretinogram in the cat dark-adapted eye. Perfusion pressure of the eye (mean arterial pressure minus intraocular pressure) was regulated within the range of 25-75 mm Hg by increasing the intraocular pressure, which was adjusted by changing the height of the reservoir of balanced salt solution perfused into the eye through a needle placed in the anterior chamber. The vitreal electroretinogram, transepithelial c-wave, slow PIII and light-evoked decrease in extracellular K+ concentration were recorded during intraocular pressure elevation in the dark-adapted retina. The c-wave increased in amplitude between 40 and 75 mm Hg of perfusion pressure and decreased below 40 mm Hg in some cases. These changes were unrelated to the standing potential. The transepithelial c-wave, slow PIII and light-evoked decrease in extracellular K+ concentration were larger in the range of perfusion pressure examined. These suggest that some factor induces electroretinographic changes that are not readily explained by hypoxia or pH changes alone.

[Changes of type IV collagen 7S and fibronectine in a patient with isolated ACTH deficiency]

A 60-year-old man presented with waste, muscle weakness and pain of knees and shoulders. Endocrinological investigations revealed low plasma cortisol and ACTH levels, delayed response of plasma cortisol to ACTH, no response of plasma ACTH to CRF and normal response to other pituitary hormone to corresponding stimulate test. He was diagnosed as isolated ACTH deficiency. Then we examined plasma type IV collagen 7S and fibronectin, because experimentally, corticosteroid regulates the extracellular matrix structure composed of type IV collagen, fibronectin and so on. These parameters were elevated and rapidly decreased to the normal range with the replacement of hydrocortisone, simultaneously his arthralgia was improved. These parameters can reflect the biochemistric change in cortisol deficiency state.

Implantable biodegradable polymeric device in the treatment of experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy

We investigated the use of a scleral plug of biodegradable polymer implanted at the pars plana to create a controlled drug-delivery system in the vitreous. We evaluated the efficacy of a plug containing doxorubicin hydrochloride to treat experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in pigmented rabbits. An implantable device on the sclera, which imitates a scleral plug, containing 1% doxorubicin, was prepared with poly(lactic acid) (molecular weight, 20,000). The release of doxorubicin in phosphate-buffered saline was evaluated by spectro-photometry. After pars plana vitrectomy and plug implantation, concentrations of doxorubicin in the vitreous humor of the rabbits were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The release profiles were evaluated during 5 weeks in vitro and 4 weeks in vivo. Cultured homologous fibroblasts were injected into the vitreous space to induce experimental PVR after gas compression of the vitreous. The scleral plugs were implanted at the pars plana in treatment animals (n = 11). Control rabbits (n = 11) were followed up without implantation after PVR induction. All eyes of the control group developed tractional retinal detachment at day 28, while the incidence of retinal detachment was decreased to 64% in the treated eyes. (P = 0.002). The implantation of the scleral plug effectively inhibited intravitreous proliferation of fibroblasts. This study demonstrated that the scleral plug of biodegradable polymers may have potential as a treatment modality for PVR.

Topography of ligand-induced binding sites, including a novel cation-sensitive epitope (AP5) at the amino terminus, of the human integrin beta 3 subunit

Changes in ligand binding ability of the integrin alpha IIb beta 3 can be monitored by the concomitant expression of ligand-inducible binding sites (LIBS). A new LIBS, the hexapeptide sequence GPNICT (residues 1-6) at the amino terminus of beta 3 recognized by the murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) AP5, is sensitive both to the binding of ligand and to micromolar differences in divalent cation levels. Calcium or magnesium can completely inhibit the binding of AP5 to alpha IIb beta 3 on platelets, with ID50 values of 80 and 1500 microM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of calcium plus magnesium is cumulative. In the presence of 1 mM calcium plus 1 mM magnesium, the peptide RGDW overcomes this inhibition and induces maximal binding of AP5. Maximal AP5 binding is also induced by a molar excess of EDTA. The unique location of the AP5 LIBS was determined by comparing the binding of LIBS-specific mAb to recombinant human-Xenopus beta 3 chimeras produced in a baculovirus expression system. AP5 defines one region at the amino terminus beta 3 1-6. A second region, defined by mAb D3GP3, is probably located within beta 3 422-490, confirming the finding of Kouns et al. (Kouns, W. C., Newman, P.J., Puckett, K. J., Miller, A. A., Wall, C. D., Fox, C. F., Seyer, J. M., and Jennings, L. K. (1991) Blood 78, 3215-3223). The third region, encompassing at most residues 490-690, and perhaps more precisely located within 602-690 (Du X., Gu, M., Weise, J. W., Nagaswami, C., Bennett, J. S., Bowditch, R., and Ginsberg, M. H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 23087-23092), is recognized by the four mAb, anti-LIBS2, anti-LIBS3, anti-LIBS6, and P41. Since its exposure is uniquely regulated by both divalent cations and ligand, the amino terminus of beta 3 may be involved in control of ligand binding by divalent cation mobilization.

Functional distinction among structural subsections in the specific priming signal for DNA replication of the broad host-range plasmid RSF1010

To analyze the functional contribution to the ssiA function of subsections of the ssiA-determinant sequence based on their dimensions, we constructed ssiA mutants carrying insertions and deletions. Results of the examination of the ssiA mutants told us that, in addition to the base sequence, the dimensions were crucial factors for the functional contribution of the subsections of ssiA.

[Relationship between daily high temperature and mortality in Kyushu, Japan]

We analyzed the relationship between daily high temperature and mortality in Kyushu, Japan, 1972-1990. Mortality rate was obtained by dividing the number of deaths in a certain daily high temperature category by person-days in the same category. The results were as follows: (1) With daily high temperature on the x-axis and mortality rate on the y-axis, the relationship between the two variables appeared to be V-shaped. The minimum mortality rate was observed at the 28 degrees C-33 degrees C level. (2) Among all deaths at 33+ degrees C level, the proportion of deaths from "excessive heat" never exceeded 0.4%. This suggested that heat stroke is not a major contributor to the V-shape formation. (3) The V-shape was observed even in 1990, suggesting that the rapid spread of air conditioners did not alter the relationship between daily high temperature and mortality rate. (4) For the 0-4 years age group, mortality was not temperature dependent. However, the 5-14 years age group showed high mortality rates at 33+ degrees C. This may be attributed to outdoor activities during summer. After 30 years of age, the overall mortality rates rose with age, with greater increases at lower ambient temperature levels. As a result, the 65+ years age group had the greatest temperature dependence. (5) Deaths from respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases, and senility were highly temperature dependent, whereas death from cancer was not temperature dependent. Deaths from digestive diseases, infectious diseases, and accidents showed moderate temperature dependence.

[Tympanosclerosis--clinical and pathological investigation]

Fifty-nine cases of tympanosclerosis were investigated clinically and pathologically, and the following results were obtained: 1) The male to female ratio was about 1:1.8 2) Calcification in the tympanic membrane was most common in the upper quadrants of the pars tensa, and never seen in the pars flaccida. 3) Calcification in the middle ear cavity was most common around the malleus. 4) Chronic otitis media was the most common complication of tympanosclerosis. 5) Preoperative audiometry revealed a stiffness curve with elevated bone conduction thresholds. 6) 54% of the patient had chronic otitis media in the contralateral ear. 7) Microscopic examination revealed calcification in the submucosa of the middle ear. 8) Postoperative hearing was improved in 49 ears (79.7%). Because there was no difference in the average postoperative hearing gain after type I and type III tympanoplasty, type III tympanoplasty is recommended to remove sclerotic masses completely.

[Detection of hibernating myocardium in patients with myocardial infarction by low-dose dobutamine echocardiography: comparison with thallium-201 scintigraphy with reinjection]

The identification of hibernating myocardium is important for selecting patients who will benefit from coronary revascularization. The relationship between echocardiographic and radioisotopic markers of hibernating myocardium and postrevascularization recovery of myocardial function was investigated in 21 patients who underwent successful revascularization. Each patient underwent low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography and thallium-201 (201Tl) scintigraphy with reinjection before revascularization. The presence of contractile reserve in dobutamine stress echocardiography and Tl uptake in 201Tl scintigraphy with reinjection were defined as markers of hibernating myocardium. Follow-up echocardiograms were evaluated for improved regional wall motion in all patients at a mean of 8.6 months after revascularization. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography for indicating recovery of function after revascularization were 75.0%, 77.8%, 81.8%, and 70.0%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 201Tl scintigraphy with reinjection for indicating recovery of function after revascularization were 91.7%, 55.6%, 73.3%, and 83.3%, respectively. There were no statistical differences between low-dose dobutamine echocardiography and 201Tl scintigraphy in predicting postrevascularization recovery of function patients with hibernating myocardium.

Detection of human papillomaviruses and eccrine ducts in palmoplantar epidermoid cysts

Although epidermoid cysts of the palms and soles have long been assumed to develop following implantation of an epidermal fragment as a result of a penetrating injury, the pathogenic mechanism is still controversial, and the discovery of a more common aetiological agent is awaited. Clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological studies were performed on 119 epidermoid cysts of palmoplantar location, in order to examine the role of the eccrine ducts, and human papillomavirus (HPV), in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Characteristic histological features were found, including intracytoplasmic eosinophilic bodies (ICB: in 14 cases, 12%) in the cyst wall, vacuolar structures (V: in 28 cases, 24%), or parakeratotic nuclei (P: in 85 cases, 71%) within the keratinous mass in the cyst cavity. Ductal structures suggesting eccrine ducts (E: in 63 cases, 53%) were also found in the cyst wall or in the cyst cavity. Either ductal structures or carcinoembryonic antigen expression (66 cases, 55%) were noted in a total of 73 cases (61%). Papillomavirus common antigens were detected in 36 cases (30%) showing one or more of the three distinct histological features, i.e. ICB, V and P. Subsequently, hybridization experiments to detect HPV DNA were performed in 47 cases, revealing an association between cysts showing ICB or V and the presence of HPV 60 DNA sequences. On the basis of our results, we propose that epidermoid cysts in the palmoplantar regions may develop from eccrine ducts, and that HPV and injury may play a role in their pathogenesis.

[Surgical results of vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole--factors affecting postoperative visual prognosis]

Pars plana vitrectomy was performed on 19 eyes with idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (6 eyes at stage 2, 8 eyes at stage 3, and 5 eyes at stage 4). Factors affecting postoperative visual prognosis were evaluated. Preoperatively a potential acuity meter (PAM) and laser interferometry were used to predict postoperative visual acuity. Resolution of the surrounding fluid cuff and flattening of the macular holes were obtained in 9 eyes (47%). Eight eyes (42%) gained an improvement in visual acuity of 2 lines or more. Most eyes with anatomical success showed functional improvement. Eyes with short duration of macular holes were considered to have better visual postoperative prognosis. The stage of macular holes, however, had no relationship with postoperative visual acuity. Preoperative measurement with laser interferometry was relatively well correlated with postoperative visual acuity (r = 0.54, p = 0.07), but the results of PAM and preoperative visual acuity had poor correlation.

Histological and immunohistochemical study of idiopathic epiretinal membrane

We used electron microscopy and light-microscopic immunohistochemistry of cellular and extracellular markers to characterize the cellular and extracellular components of 15 surgically resected idiopathic epiretinal membranes (IEMs). Ten specimens from the eyes with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) consisted of inner limiting membrane, collagen layer and a flattened cell layer. Six out of the 10 specimens were also examined immunohistochemically, and fibronectin and type I, II, III and IV collagens were identified in a characteristic lamellar construct in the IEMs. On the other hand, 5 specimens obtained from the eyes without PVD consisted mainly of a thick layer of collagen fibrils with or without a flattened cell layer. Two of the 5 specimens were also examined immunohistochemically, and the collagen fibrils in the specimens were identified as type II collagen. Glial cells (glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cells) were also identified in 3 specimens. These results indicate that there are some variations in the IEMs.