Cytoskeletal organization of the vestibular sensory epithelia: saponin perfusion method for observing intracellular structures by scanning electron microscopy

The cytoskeletal organization of the guinea pig vestibular sensory epithelial cells were investigated by the use of saponin perfusion method using scanning electron microscopy. The skeletal framework of a cell is composed of thin (actin or intermediate filaments) and thick filaments (microtubules). The membrane bound organelles such as nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, etc. were also well demonstrated. This made it possible to investigate the three-dimensional structures of cytoskeletons as well as their complex interactions with various membranes bound organelles. It is therefore suspected that this technique may provide us further information about distribution, topographic relationships, and the functional role of cytoskeletons.

Effect of betaine on S-adenosylmethionine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid in a patient with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and peripheral neuropathy

A 16-year-old Japanese girl with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency showed peripheral neuropathy. There were no significant responses to vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folate, given alone or in combination. With the addition of betaine monohydrate, she has been free from gait disturbance and muscle weakness. The concentration of S-adenosylmethionine in cerebrospinal fluid, which was undetectable before receiving betaine monohydrate, increased to about the normal level 24 months after treatment with betaine monohydrate.

Motile responses of isolated vestibular hair cells

Vestibular sensory cells were isolated from the utricular macula or crista ampullaris of the guinea pig by enzymatic and mechanical dissociation. Isolated vestibular hair cells, especially type I hair cells, showed an active motile capacity. After exposure to a medium containing high concentration of potassium, or to a hypoosmotic medium, the type I hair cells showed tilting of their hair bundle to about 15 degrees. Given the tight and dense structure of the vestibular epithelium, the changes in shape of the isolated vestibular hair cells may in vivo lead to an influence of the mechano-sensitive stereocilia and modulate stiffness and compliance of the receptor structure as a whole including its cupular or macular relationship. This active mechanical events could be closely related to an active adaptation process.

Heterogeneous expression of a novel MPC-1 antigen on myeloma cells: possible involvement of MPC-1 antigen in the adhesion of mature myeloma cells to bone marrow stromal cells

Recent immunophenotypic analysis has shown that the heterogeneous expression of the adhesion molecule VLA-5 classifies myeloma cells into VLA-5+ mature and VLA-5- immature subpopulations. To further clarify the two myeloma subpopulations, we generated a monoclonal antibody, MPC-1, by immunizing mice with an adherent human myeloma cell line, KMS-5. The MPC-1 antibody recognized a 48-Kd surface antigen on KMS-5 but not on U-266, a nonadherent human myeloma cell line. Specificity characterization showed that MPC-1 antigen was expressed on mature myeloma cells, normal plasma cells, and mature B cells, whereas pre-B cells and germinal center B cells lacked its expression. Monocytes and a human bone marrow stromal cell line, KM102, also expressed this antigen. Two subclones of MPC-1+ VLA-5+ (KMS-5Ad) and MPC-1-VLA-5+ (KMS-5NAd) were separated from the KMS-5 cell line. The KMS-5NAd adhered to KM102 more tightly than did the KMS-5NAd, and the U-266 (MPC-1-VLA-5-) displayed almost no adherence to the KM102. The adhesion of the KMS-5Ad was partially inhibited by the MPC-1 antibody. These results, taken together, suggest that the MPC-1 antigen serves as a differentiation marker for B-lineage cells, including plasma cells, and may function as an adhesion molecule involved in the interaction of mature myeloma cells with bone marrow stromal cells.

[Effect of hemodynamics on transdiaphragmatic central venous pressure: experiments with rapid bleeding and rapid infusion]

Effects of hemodynamics which would be a possible problem in monitoring diaphragm function through transdiaphragmatic central venous pressure were studied experimentally. Mongrel dogs were anesthetized and allowed to breath spontaneously. (1) Rapid exsanguination (30 ml/kg. body), (2) rapid infusion (15 ml/kg. body) were performed. Superior vena cava mean pressure (PSVC) and inferior vena cava mean pressure (PIVC) were measured and pressure changes during respiration (delta P) were recorded. Changes in the transdiaphragmatic central venous pressure (delta PDI = delta PIVC - delta PSVC) were calculated. And hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, PSVC, PIVC) were measured simultaneously. The delta P and hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after (1) or (2). As the results, no significant changes were observed in delta PDI even if hemodynamics changed. The results suggest that measurement of transdiaphragmatic central venous pressure can be employed clinically as a parameter for monitoring diaphragm function to detect hemodynamic changes which are less serious than those appeared by mass bleeding or excess fluid transfusion.

The presence of two sites of action of endothelins in the isolated rabbit iris sphincter and dilator muscles

The contractile activity of endothelins (ETs) and their effect on twitch contraction evoked by electrical field stimulation were studied in the isolated rabbit iris sphincter and dilator muscles using the isometric tension recording method. ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3 caused slow contractile response of the sphincter as well as the dilator muscles, with sphincter muscle EC50 values of 37.3, 58.0 and 84.3 nM, and dilator muscle values of 31.7, 69.0 and 224.4 nM, respectively. These contractile responses were not affected by atropine (1 microM), prazosin (1 microM) or indomethacin (1 microM). ET-1 and ET-3 slightly but significantly inhibited the fast cholinergic component of twitch contraction of the sphincter muscle evoked by field stimulation, without affecting the response to carbachol. However, ET-1 did not affect the slow substance P-ergic component of twitch contraction of this preparation. In the dilator muscle, ET-1 and ET-3 had little effect on the contraction induced by phenylephrine but reduced the amplitude of the twitch contraction evoked by the field stimulation. The inhibitory effect of ETs on the dilator muscle was antagonized by pretreatment with BQ-123 (100 nM), which is a selective ETA receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with indomethacin (1 microM) also attenuated the inhibitory effect of ETs on the twitch contraction. These results suggest that ETs may have two sites of action, pre- and post-synaptic effects, on the rabbit iris sphincter muscle as well as the dilator muscle. All three ET isopeptides may have direct contractile activity on the smooth muscles of the sphincter as well as the dilator without mediation by prostaglandins or neuronal mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of protease inhibitor on ischemia/reperfusion injury of the rat liver

The purposes of this study were to clarify the role of neutrophilic proteases in the pathogenesis of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and to determine whether urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) pretreatment attenuated liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Livers from male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 90 min of no-flow warm ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Rats were divided into a UTI group and a control group. In the control group, 120-min reperfusion of the liver produced a significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, a significant decrease in ATP and energy charge, and a marked increase in the serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactic dehydrogenase levels. In the UTI group, the myeloperoxidase activity was significantly attenuated (P < 0.01), ATP and energy charge were significantly improved (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), and the elevation in serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactic dehydrogenase was also markedly suppressed (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively) compared with the control group. Sections through the livers of control rats showed severe hepatocyte necrosis with neutrophil infiltration. In the UTI group, there was slight congestion and hepatocyte necrosis. The survival rate after 90-min liver ischemia was significantly improved compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that pretreatment with UTI significantly attenuates liver reperfusion injury, perhaps by inhibiting neutrophil proteases.

Force-generating domain of myosin motor

To understand the underlying mechanism of force generation by myosin motor, it is crucial to know which part of the molecule is essential for the process. Recent structure determination of myosin motor domain at atomic resolution has revealed that the domain comprises two smaller domains, the "ATPase domain" consisting of only an N-terminal segment of the heavy chain and the "neck domain" consisting of a long alpha-helix of the heavy chain and two light chains. This atomic structure begs the question of whether both domains are required for force generation. To answer it, we genetically truncated the head to generate a recombinant fragment composed of the "ATPase domain" alone. The truncated head drove sliding movement of actin filaments and generated force in a novel in vitro assay system, which allows us to hold a specific site of the head on a glass surface. These results indicate that the compact ATPase domain functions as a force-generating machinery of the myosin motor.

[Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve--a successful surgical case at 40 days after birth]

A markedly symptomatic patient with tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve underwent operation at 40 days after birth. The baby had severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency at neonatal period and needed surgical intervention. The operation is consisted of patch closure of ventricular septal defect, partial resection of dilated pulmonary artery, and right ventricular outflow reconstruction with unicusped prosthetic patch. The patient is growing and is well more than 2 years and 8 months after operation.

A novel metalloprotease/disintegrin-like gene at 17q21.3 is somatically rearranged in two primary breast cancers

From chromosomal region 17q21.3, where a tumour suppressor gene(s) for breast and ovarian cancers is thought to be present, we have isolated a novel gene from a cosmid clone that revealed somatic rearrangements in two breast cancers. The gene (MDC) encodes a 524-amino acid metalloprotease-like, disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich protein with sequence similarity to members of the snake-venom metalloprotease/disintegrin family and guinea-pig sperm-surface protein PH-30. These proteins have been implicated in cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Rearrangements in both tumours involve multiple exons and disrupt the coding region of the new MDC.

Tissue culture of middle ear epithelium using fibroblast-reorganized collagen gels

The middle ear epithelium of the guinea pig has been cultured on a modified floating collagen matrix. Fibroblasts harvested from abdominal skin dermis of allogenic animals were used to reorganize hydrated collagen gels into a dermal-like matrix. Within two days, the explants placed on the surface of these matrices showed proliferation of polygonal "outgrowth cells" which could be maintained for up to one month. During the first two weeks of the culture period, dividing cells were frequently identified. These cells were especially abundant in the marginal area of the explants and consisted of pseudostratified columnar cells. The reorganized collagen gel matrix was stable and did not dissolve even after the "outgrowth cells" became confluent. The present system should allow further elucidation of the growth and differentiation mechanisms of middle ear epithelial cells.

[A report of successful surgical management of ASD, VSD and PDA associated with partial DiGeorge syndrome in infant]

We report an infantile male case of ASD, VSD and PDA associated with DiGeorge syndrome. The patient who was 58-day old presented the partial deficiency of cell-mediated immunity and normocalcemia before the admission to our hospital. We made semi-emergent operation because of increasing of lung congestion caused by repetitional infection of upper respiratory tract. Direct closure of the ASD, patch closure of the VSD and ligation of the PDA were performed successfully. He was suffered from severe pneumonia caused by MRSA in early postoperative stage. It was effective to give antibiotics and gamma-globulins.

Three-dimensional cytoskeletal structures of the chinchilla organ of Corti: scanning electron microscopy application of the polyethylene glycol method

We describe the application of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) embedding technique to examine the sensory and supporting structures of the inner ear. The chinchilla organ of Corti was exposed by cracking PEG embedded cochleas. A range of PEG molecular weights (2000-8000) were utilized; PEG 2000, with a melting point of 57 degrees C was preferred. After removal of the PEG, the three-dimensional aspects of intracellular structures were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Filamentous elements in the hair cell cuticular plate and in the supporting cells were clearly observed, as was the meshwork of cross-linked actin filaments in the cuticular portion of sensory hair cells. Microtubule and microfilament alignment patterns in pillar and Deiters cells were also clearly demonstrated. Characteristic structures in the outer hair cell synaptic region, such as the post-synaptic cistern and synaptic body, were well preserved using the PEG method.

Nano-manipulation of actomyosin molecular motors in vitro: a new working principle

Techniques have been recently developed that allow the direct observation of single actin filaments and their manipulation, using glass microneedles, in the nanometer range. Further development of these techniques has made possible the detection of subpiconewton-level forces of individual myosin heads. This in vitro motility model is sensitive in the submillisecond range and has allowed us to determine the force generation of an actomyosin motor directly at the molecular level. The results have led to a new conceptual framework for chemo-mechanical energy transduction in the molecular motor.

The effect of nifedipine on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats

Effective drug therapy for pulmonary hypertension has not yet been developed. This study was designed to estimate the long-term hemodynamic and histopathological effects of nifedipine on severe pulmonary hypertension using animal models. Injection of one dose of monocrotaline produced subacute pulmonary hypertension in 7 week old Sprague-Dawley rats. Nifedipine (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally every day. For 5 weeks, bodyweight and hemodynamic parameters were measured, and right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle with septum (LV + S) were weighed separately. Medial thickness of the small pulmonary arterial wall was calculated by Suwa's method. Compared with the control group, the increase in right ventricular systolic pressure, total pulmonary resistance index, weight ratio of RV/(LV + S and medial hypertrophy in the nifedipine-treated rats were significantly limited without causing systemic hypotension. These results suggest that treatment with nifedipine may also be effective in attenuation of pulmonary hypertension when applied to humans.

Identification of immature and mature myeloma cells in the bone marrow of human myelomas

With regard to the expression of adhesion molecules, human myeloma cells freshly isolated from bone marrow were heterogeneous. By two-color analysis with anti-VLA-5 antibody (PE staining) and FITC-labeled anti-CD38 antibody, we found all myeloma cells located at CD38-strong positive (CD38++) fraction and identified two subpopulations among these myeloma cells: CD38++ VLA-5-(VLA-5-) myeloma cells and CD38++ VLA-5+ (VLA-5+) myeloma cells. To clarify the biologic character of these two subpopulations, the morphology, in vitro proliferative activity and in vitro M-protein secretion were examined in each fraction isolated by the purification procedure or a cell sorter. Morphologic examination showed that VLA-5- myeloma cells were mostly immature or plasmablastic and VLA-5+ cells were mature myeloma cells. Furthermore, VLA-5- myeloma cells proliferated markedly in vitro and responded to interleukin 6 (IL-6), a growth factor for myeloma cells, while VLA-5+ myeloma cells showed very low uptakes of 3H-thymidine and no responses to IL-6 but secreted higher amounts of M-protein (immunoglobulin) in vitro significantly. Therefore, we could clarify here heterogeneity of human myeloma cells in the bone marrow with regard to the expression of VLA-5, one of integrin adhesion molecules; VLA-5- myeloma cells were proliferative immature cells and VLA-5+ cells were mature myeloma cells.

[Full thickness chest wall resection for recurrent breast cancer with reference to prognostic factors]

Full thickness chest wall resection surgery has been carried out in 16 patients with local recurrence after previous mastectomy. Seven of 16 patients had isolated chest wall recurrence, but 9 had mediastinal invasion and/or distant metastasis of carcinoma. Recurrent breast carcinoma involving the bony chest wall was resected, and the chest wall defects were reconstructed with myocutaneous flaps using rectus abdominis or latissimus dorsi, or breast flap. Marlex mesh was utilized under the flap in 10 patients. The 3 year survival probability was 79% and the 5 year one was 57% with mean follow-up period of 43 month. Local recurrence was classified into 3 types according to cancer infiltration; i.e., demarcated, scattered and diffuse types. The patients with demarcated type showed better prognosis than those with diffuse type. Patients who received curative surgery showed better prognosis than those receiving palliative surgery. A disease free interval (DFI) after mastectomy longer than 5 years correlated well with a long survival rate after chest wall resection. Thus, local recurrence presenting demarcated tumor with possible curative surgery as well as a longer DFI after mastectomy is a favorable prognostic factor for full thickness chest wall resection.

[The indications and results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully achieved in 93% of the patients, who required removal of the gallbladder, in our institution. Other reports have also shown that more than 90% of patients who required cholecystectomy, were candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Serious complications occurred in 2.1% of our series and in 2-4% of the literature. The complications included bile duct injury (around 0.5%) and visceral injury (0.2-0.4%). The incidence of complications resulting from technical failure seems to be higher in laparoscopic cholecystectomy than in conventional cholecystectomy but is acceptable for initial experience. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy will become the standard therapy of gallstone for its effectiveness and less invasiveness.

A new method for continuous measurement of platelet adhesion under flow conditions

Platelet adhesion to the subendothelial tissue or biomaterial surface is an initial step in the formation of the hemostatic plug or thrombus. To clarify the mechanism of platelet adhesion in vivo, a simple and reproducible method for quantitation of platelet adhesion under flow conditions is required. In this study, a mechanical device for continuous recording of platelet adhesion under flow conditions using a quartz crystal microbalance was developed, an extremely sensitive sensor capable of measuring mass changes in the nanogram range. The relationship between surface mass change (delta W) and resonant frequency change (delta f) for pie-zoelectric crystals is given by the Sauerbrey equation: delta f = -fo2 delta W/NA pi (fo; fundamental frequency (5MHz) A; the area of quartz plate undergoing oscillation N; frequency constant for AT-cut quartz crystal pi; density of quartz crystal). Although the perfusion of buffer solution alone or addition of washed red cell suspension (Ht 30%) and formaldehyde-fixed platelets have no effect on delta f, addition of washed platelets in the presence of red cells caused an increase in delta f. To confirm that the increase in delta f results from platelet adhesion to the material surface, adherent and subsequently aggregated platelets were visualized by fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein-isothiocyanate labeled antiplatelet membrane glycoprotein Ib monoclonal antibody. There was a good correlation between the increase in delta f and the extent of platelet adhesion and subsequent aggregation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of doubling times of serum carcinoembryonic antigen produced by various metastatic lesions in recurrent gastric and colorectal carcinomas

The authors measured the serial serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in patients with recurrent gastric or colorectal carcinoma. Among the 45 patients with recurrent gastric carcinomas, those with lung metastases showed the most prolonged CEA doubling time (CEA-DT), followed by those with liver and peritoneal metastases, respectively. Of the 31 patients with recurrent colorectal carcinomas, those with local recurrence showed the most prolonged CEA-DT, followed by those with lung, liver, and peritoneal metastases, respectively. A positive correlation was observed for gastric and colorectal carcinomas between CEA-DT in patients with metastatic lesions and outcome (R = 0.84 and 0.93, respectively). The results of the current study suggest that postoperative measurement of CEA-DT is useful in the determination of region of recurrence of carcinoma, which would permit early surgery and chemotherapy. Measurement of CEA-DT also may be helpful for the accurate determination of prognosis.

Immunodeficiency with increased immunoglobulin M associated with growth hormone insufficiency

Growth hormone deficiency associated with hypogammaglobulinemia has been reported only in a few publications. Our patient was a male with recurrent episodes of infections. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G was extremely low although IgM concentration was much greater than the normal limit. Growth hormone responses to insulin, 1-Dopa and growth hormone-releasing hormone were low. The mean growth hormone concentration during sleep was less than the normal limit. These results are consistent with hyper-IgM immunodeficiency associated with growth hormone deficiency. The mode of transmission appears to be autosomal dominant. This combination has not been reported previously.

Functional properties of the allotypes of mouse complement regulatory protein, factor H: difference of compatibility of each allotype with human factor I

Three allotypes of mouse factor H, H.1, H.2, and H.3 were purified from the sera of mice with different factor H allotypes, and their functional properties were investigated. The three allotypes all bound to heparin, DNA, Con A, and methylamine-treated mouse C3 (C3(MA)mo) with similar affinities for each protein immobilized, showed identical mobilities on SDS-PAGE, and were reacted well with rabbit polyclonal antibody against H.1 and H.2. Factor I-cofactor activity of these factor H allotypes was measured using highly purified material of mouse, guinea-pig, and human origin. In a homologous system, these allotypes expressed indistinguishable mouse factor I (Imo)-cofactor activity for the cleavage of C3(MA)mo. Imo-cofactor activity was again indistinguishable in these allotypes when methylamine-treated human C3 (C3(MA)hu) or methylamine-treated guinea-pig C3 (C3(MA)gp) was substituted for the C3(MA)mo substrate. The cofactor activity of these factor H allotypes, however, was augmented 4-5 times if C3(MA)hu) was used instead of C3(MA)mo, and was barely detected if C3(MA)gp was employed. In contrast, differences in the potency of the cofactor activity for the three allotypes were revealed if human factor 1 (Ihu) was substituted for Imo: the order of the efficiency for the cleavage of C3(MA)hu was H.2 > H.1 = H.3. These results, taken together with the finding that the homologous combinations of mouse and human factors H and I expressed greater activity for the cleavage of C3(MA)hu than did the heterologous combinations of factor H and factor I, suggest that mouse factor H allotypes discriminate species of protease factor I but not those of substrate (C3(MA), and H.2 possesses the best compatibility for Ihu in C3(MA)hu inactivation.

[A case of chronic neutrophilic leukemia associated with polycythemia vera]

A 74-year-old male patient was seen on December 15, 1980 because of right shoulder pain and leukocytosis. The spleen and the liver were enlarged, and palpable, 3 and 4 fingerbreadths below the costal margin respectively. The red blood cell count (RBC) was 899 x 10(4)/microliters, hemoglobin (Hb) 20.6 g/dl, reticlocyte (Ret) 7/1000, platelets (Plt) 34.2 x 10(4)/microliters, the white blood cell count (WBC) 26,800/microliters with 86% neutrophils. A bone marrow aspiration showed the nucleated cell count (NCC) to be 16.5 x 10(4)/microliters, and the myeloid/erythroid ratio (M/E) 2.0. The patient was treated with venesection and later with carboquone. Since September 1990 he has not been treated with any agents because of erythrocytopenia. In July 25, 1991, the spleen was enlarged, and palpated 8 fingerbreadths below the costal margin. The RBC was 456 x 10(4)/microliters, Hb 12.5 g/dl, Ret 9/1000, Plt24.2 x 10(4)/microliters, the WBC41,500/microliters with 90% neutrophils. Bone marrow aspiration showed the NCC to be 16.5 x 10(4)/microliters, M/E14.3, with no atypical cells. Chromosome studies of marrow cells revealed no Ph1 chromosome. Many hematologic malignancies have been occasionally associated with polycythemia vera (PV), but chronic neutrophilic leukemia associated with PV is a very rare condition.

Phenotypic difference of normal plasma cells from mature myeloma cells

We have recently shown that two-color analysis with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-anti-CD38 antibody could clearly distinguish myeloma cells (plasma cells) from other hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells (plasma cells) alone were located at CD38strong positive (++) fractions. To further distinguish normal plasma cells from mature myeloma cells phenotypically, we examined immunophenotypes of normal plasma cells and myeloma cells by two-color flow cytometry with FITC-anti-CD38 antibody and phycoerythrin staining with antibody to VLA-4, MPC-1, CD44, CD56, CD19, CD20, CD24, or CD10. Normal plasma cells were all VLA-4+VLA-5+MPC-1+CD44+ CD19+CD56- in the bone marrows from seven healthy donors, tonsils from four patients with chronic tonsillitis, a spleen from one patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and lymph nodes from two patients with chronic lymphadenitis, respectively. On the other hand, mature myeloma cells (12 of 20 cases), VLA-4+VLA-5+MPC-1+, were all CD19- and most of them CD56+, and there were no myeloma cells with the CD19+CD56- phenotype in the 20 cases of myelomas we tested. Thus, as for the expression of CD19 and CD56, normal plasma cells from various tissues are all CD19+CD56-, whereas no myeloma cells have the CD19+CD56- phenotype. According to this finding, we investigated the expression of CD19 and CD56 on plasma cells (CD38++ fractions) in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Both CD19+CD56- and CD19-DC56+ plasma cells were found in all five cases of MGUS we tested, suggesting that MGUS consists of phenotypically normal plasma cells and myeloma cells. Therefore, it is reasoned that phenotypic analysis of plasma cells with anti-CD19 and anti-CD56 antibodies can distinguish normal plasma cells from malignant plasma cells (myeloma cells), and can detect malignant plasma cells even in MGUS or premyeloma states.