Chromosome abnormalities in Down's syndrome patients with acute leukemia

Chromosome and cytologic studies were performed on three Down's syndrome (DS) patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). All three patients had an aneuploid clone in their leukemic cells: 50, XX, +6, +19, +21, +22, +8, XX, +21, and 47,XY, +8, - 21 +dic(21;21)(p13;p11). Every patient appeared to have acute undifferentiated leukemia when the blast cells were examined with Wright-Giemsa stain; cytochemistry studies, however, showed that the leukemic blasts were in an early stage of myeloid differentiation. The two patients with +8 had a preleukemic phase; the blast cells of the patient with an extra no. 19 and no.22 could not be differentiated morphologically from those of the two patients with an extra no. 8. Our findings and a review of data on 40 other patients suggest that most DS children with ANLL have hyperdiploidy, which is usually related to gains of C, F, and /or G chromosomes, and that the abnormalities of +8 and of +19, +22 in DS children may be associated with acute leukemia (AL) in an early stage of myeloid differentiation.

Variability of arterial blood pressure and classification of essential hypertension by multivariate statistical analysis

The subjects included in the present study were 141 hospitalized patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 45 patients with EH complicated with apoplexy and myocardial infarction. Of the former 15 underwent a 24-hour measurement of direct arterial pressure under unrestricted conditions, and 45 were examined for functioning of the carotid sinus reflex. (1) Even among the hospitalized patients with EH, blood pressure (BP) showed large diurnal variations. Falls and spontaneous fluctuations in BP were observed at a time during nocturnal sleep. The lowest BP (the "dale" pressure) observed at that time remained almost unchanged throughout the night (S.D. less than or equal to 6 mmHg) for each patient. Since casual BP varies considerably during a day, other laboratory findings should also be taken into account for evaluation prior to initiating antihypertensive treatment. (2) The 186 patients with EH were classified by multivariate statistical analyses of laboratory findings into 4 clusters (types). Then, a new severity index was made in order to evaluate atherosclerotic and hypertensive changes in each patient. (3) A newly devised carotid sinus stimulator was used to enhance the distensibility of the carotid sinus. A decrease in systolic blood pressure (delta SBP) was observed after stimulation although differences in delta SBP were found between the 4 clusters. There was a positive correlation between delta SBP and the elastic modulus of the common carotid artery (r = 0.55, P less than 0.01). (4) Each cluster was characterized by differences in plasma renin activity and cardiovascular abnormalities. This classification is considered to be useful for the antihypertensive treatment.

Antagonistic action of retinoic acid and teleocidin on the proliferation and epidermal growth factor binding of rat hepatoma cells

Rat hepatoma cells were cultured in a medium with suboptimal concentration of fetal calf serum. In this low serum culture, retinoic acid inhibited the cell proliferation and enhanced the number of receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF). On the contrary, teleocidin, a possible naturally occurring tumor promoter from Streptomyces, was a weak mitogen and inhibited EGF binding. A concurrent treatment of AH66 cells with these two compounds showed that they acted antagonistically. Retinoic acid inhibited the mitogenic action of teleocidin, while teleocidin suppressed the retinoic-acid enhancement of the number of EGF receptors. Retinoic acid could not prevent the alterations of the cell surface properties induced by a prolonged treatment with teleocidin. Furthermore, these two compounds appeared to be involved in the regulation of glycoprotein synthesis and the stimulation of cellular glycoprotein synthesis by retinoic acid was abolished by teleocidin. The present data suggest that retinoic acid selectively antagonizes the mitogenic action of teleocidin, and also indicate that the hepatoma cell cultures appear to prove a useful system for exploring the mechanisms of action of both retinoic acid and teleocidin.

Lymphoblastic lymphoma in adults

Clinical and cytogenetic studied were done on 12 patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma. The ages of the patients ranged from 17 to 58 years (median, 24.5 years). Males predominated by a ration of 5:1. Ten of the 12 patients had a mediastinal mass at diagnosis; two thirds of the patients had involvement of the bone marrow (3 of 12 patients initially were in a leukemic phase), and 5 of 12 patients had involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) with lymphoma. In all patients, the malignant cells were characterized by nuclear convolutions. Cytogenetic studies done on four patients showed clonal chromosome abnormalities in two cases. Six of the 12 patients were treated with the combination chemotherapy regimen COPA and received CNS prophylaxis; their survival was slightly longer than that of the other patients, who were treated with a variety of treatment regimens. Two of the 12 patients achieved a complete remission. The median survival of all patients was 11.5 months but was shorter in patients with initial CNS involvement or leukemia. The poor results achieved thus far in the treatment of this disease demand a new therapeutic approach.

Thyrotropin-daunomycin conjugate shows receptors-mediated cytotoxicity in cultured thyroid cells

Daunomycin (DM), a potent chemotherapeutic agent, was linked to bovine thyrotropin (TSH) directly (TSH-DM) and indirectly (TSH-alpha-lactalbumin-DM) by covalent cross-linking methods. The activity of these hormone-daunomycin conjugates was tested in vitro on the rabbit thyroid cells in primary culture. Both TSH-DM and TSH-alpha-lactalbumin-DM conjugates inhibited [3H]leucine incorporation and cell proliferation, while free TSH did not. Their inhibitory action was more potent than that of free daunomycin. The inhibition appeared to be specific to the thyroid cells and diminished in the presence of a large amount of free TSH, suggesting that the cytotoxic action of these TSH-DM conjugates was a receptor-mediated phenomenon.

The effect of transient anoxia upon the cochlear potentials

To contribute to the analysis of the electrocochleographical findings in humans, the reversibility of the cochlear potentials (the AP, CM, and SP) after transient anoxia was examined using 24 albino guinea pigs. The durations of anoxia ranged from 5 to 120 min, and the AP, CM and SP were examined one hour after restoration of the blood supply. The mildest form of cochlear damage after transient anoxia was the disappearance of the L-part of the AP and the severest was the complete abolition of these potentials. The severity of the damage closely correlated with the duration of anoxia. The AP was poorer in reversibility than the CM and the SP. These results were analysed and discussed in the light of literature on clinical and basic studies.

Fat-storing cells (Ito's cell) of human liver. Biological characteristics and changes occurring in circulatory disturbance

An enzyme histochemical study was carried out on fat-storing cells, which are distributed in the space of Disse of mammalian liver. The livers used for study consisted of human autopsy materials demonstrating either acute or chronic circulatory disturbance. Fat-storing cells contain abundant glycogen, and demonstrate a marked gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and a weak lactate dehydrogenase activity. It is highly probable that an active glyconeogenesis rather than glycogenolysis is being carried out in these cells. In acute circulatory disturbance, an elevated alkaline phosphatase activity is found in the wall of sinusoids. This phenomenon is a manifestation of activated capillary endothelial cells participating in the regeneration of liver parenchyma. On the other hand, in chronic congestive liver, elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in fat-storing cells is concerned in the proliferation of fibers in the wall of sinusoids, and elevated pressure in sinusoids is considered to be the main factor in its increased activation.

Formation of porphyrin pi cation radical in zinc-substituted horseradish peroxidase

Zinc-substituted horseradish peroxidase is oxidized by K2IrCl6 to a characteristic state which retains one oxidizing equivalent more than the zinc peroxidase. The oxidized enzyme gives an optical absorption spectrum similar to that of compound I of peroxidase and catalase, and a g = 2 electron paramagnetic resonance signal which has an intensity corresponding to the porphyrin content. It is reduced back to the zinc peroxidase by a stoichiometric amount of ferrocyanide or by a large excess of K3IrCl6. From the equilibrium data, the value of E0' for the zinc peroxidase couple is estimated to be 0.74 V at pH 6. The oxidized zinc peroxidase is also formed by the addition of H2O2 or upon illumination with white light. The rate constants for the oxidation by K2IrCl6 and H2O2 at pH 8.0 are 8 x 10(5) and 8 x 10(2) M-1 s-1, respectively. No essential spectral change can be observed when K2IrCl6 is added to the metal-free peroxidase (protoporphyrin--apoperoxidase complex) or to zinc-substituted sperm whale myoglobin.

Bone destruction due to the rupture of a cholesteatoma sac: a pathogenesis of bone destruction in aural-cholesteatoma

Severe bone destruction in a cholesteatoma is one of the characteristic clinical features. To clarify the mechanism of bone destruction in cholesteatoma, the matrix of cholesteatoma and the attached bone, obtained during middle ear surgery, was observed by light microscope. Rupture of the epithelial lining in a cholesteatoma and the escaping contents (keratin), which gave rise to intense characteristic granulations in subepithelial tissue, were found. Furthermore bone destruction was always found at the site of subepithelial tissue of cholesteatoma. From these facts, the escape of contents from the sac of cholesteatoma into the subepithelial layer is considered to be an important factor in the mechanism of bone destruction.

The 14q+ chromosome in pre-B-ALL

A child who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) associated with an 8;14 chromosome translocation and with a pre-B phenotype is described. The leukemic cells were determined to be pre-B-cells on the basis of intracytoplasmic mu-chain immunoglobulin (cIgM+) and the common-ALL antigen, lack of receptors for sheep erythrocytes, and lack of surface immunoglobulin. The 8;14 translocation is frequently found in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma and in most patients with B-cell ALL and is known to carry a poor prognosis. Thus far, no karyotypes have been reported for patients with pre-B-ALL. The present case indicates that a 14q+ chromosome may provide a proliferative advantage not only to cells with a B-cell phenotype, but also to pre-B-cells. The short survival of our patient also suggests that the 14q+ abnormality and the pre-B phenotype may signal a poor prognosis.

[A simplified method for detection of visual abnormality in the rat in a reproduction study (author's transl)]

A Y-shaped test box was designed for the screening of visual abnormality using negative phototaxis in normal rats. Its availability was determined by examination of 100 animals belonging to non-treated, eyelids-sutured, and eyeballs-enucleated groups. Two kinds of examination were undertaken, the first being observation of the general behavior of the animals in the box for one minute. The second was 4 trials at selection of the dark area of the box given to each animal. In each examination many animals could be tested in a short time. The behavioral pattern of the eyelids-sutured and the eyeballs-enucleated groups was significantly different from that of the non-treated group. The selection rate for darkness by non-treated, eyelids-sutured and enucleated groups in the second examination was 97.5%, 84.5, and 50.0 percent, respectively. Therefore successful estimation could be possible by both procedures and it was possible to numerize the gained value and analyze statistically in the second examination. It was concluded that this simplified method for testing visual function should prove very useful as a behavioral teratology screening test in routine reproduction studies.

Prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection among patients with maxillary sinusitis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated with high frequency from sinus secretions of sinusitis patients. The infection was not caused by the contaminated medical apparatuses with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Epidermal growth factor stimulates proliferation of rat hepatoma cells producing alpha-fetoprotein

Epidermal growth factor stimulated both [3H]thymidine uptake and proliferation of rat AH66 hepatoma cells. However, the increase in cell number was not accompanied by a proportional increase in the levels of alpha-fetoprotein of the culture media. The effects of EGF on the cell proliferation were antagonized by N6,O2'-dibutyryl cAMP.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite levels in plasma, amniotic fluid, and urine during pregnancy and labor

Levels of 13, 14-dihydro 15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha (dhk PGF2alpha) in the plasma of 30 patients as well as in the amniotic fluid of 17 patients, and 5alpha,7alpha-dihydroxy 11-keto tetranor-prostane 1,16-dioic acid (the main urinary metabolite of PGF2alpha [PGF2alpha MUM]) levels in the urine of 30 patients were measured by radioimmunoassay during pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium. During pregnancy, no increase in dhk PGF2alpha (ng/ml) in plasma was detected as the time of delivery approached. The levels of dhk PGF2alpha during the second stage (0.64 +/- 0.15) and also at delivery (0.88 +/- 0.27) were significantly elevated over those in the first stage (0.38 +/- 0.29) (P less than 0.025 and P less than 0.005, respectively). Its level 2 hours after delivery was reduced to predelivery levels. Its levels in umbilical arterial and venous blood were 0.71 +/- 0.26 and 0.67 +/- 0.26, respectively. A significant elevation (P less than 0.01) of dhk PGF2alpha from 0.89 +/- 0.21 before labor to 6.16 +/- 2.40 at delivery was found in amniotic fluid. The hourly excretion of PGF2alpha MUM (microgram/hour) increased significantly from pregnancy levels to 1.06 +/- 0.45 in the first stage (P less than 0.01), to 7.67 +/- 4.31 (P less than 0.005) for the first 2 hours after delivery, and 2.37 +/- 1.08 from 2 to 12 hours after delivery (P less than 0.01). The excretion of PGF2alpha MUM decreased to pregnancy levels 12 hours post partum. These data indicate that during labor the production of PGF2alpha is remarkably increased.

Protein synthesis by rat transplantable yolk sac tumor and its relation to the cytosol levels of translatable messenger RNA's

alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) was shown to be the major secretory protein produced in vitro by normal rat yolk sacs. While not so active, AFP production was also detected in the transplantable tumors derived from normal yolk sacs. The major secretory protein synthesized by the tumor cells had a molecular weight of 40,000 and was reactive with an anti-rat albumin antibody. The functional messenger RNA's coding for these proteins were quantitated by translation in a cell-free system derived from wheat germ followed by specific immunoprecipitation of the newly synthesized peptides. The overall template activity of the RNA prepared from the normal yolk sacs and yolk sac tumor cells was virtually identical. The cytosol RNA prepared from the normal yolk sacs was approximately 12 times more active than that from the tumor cells in directing the synthesis of AFP. The presence of the cytosol RNA prepared from the tumor cells was required for the synthesis of proteins immunoprecipitable with the antialbumin antibody. These results suggest that the changes in AFP and albumin synthesis can be accounted for by a corresponding change in the levels of functional messenger RNA's coding for these proteins.

Two-way ESR cavity for magnetic- and electric-dipole transitions

A two-way ESR cavity for magnetic dipole transition (MDT) and electric dipole transition (EDT) was manufactured. There are two openings to fit the sample cell for MDT or EDT in the cylindrical TE(011) mode. One opening is located on the axis of the cavity and the other is located away from the axis. The ESR spectra of the mixture of oxygen and nitrogen oxide obtained when the sample cell was inserted in each of the openings showed the selective transition of the MDT or of the EDT of the species.

Single-cell layer membrane covering the degenerated cochlear duct after perilymphatic perfusion of streptomycin

Ultrastructural changes of the extrasensory epithelium in the scala media of guinea pig cochleae were observed from 3 to 137 days after perilymphatic perfusion with 20% streptomycin. The degeneration started in the organ of Corti, progressed to the interdental cells and roots of the outer sulcus cells and finally involved other epithelial cells such as Claudius and the inner and outer sulcus cells. In the final stage, except for the stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane, all epithelial cells which lined the cochlear duct were replaced by a single-cell layer membrane which originated medianly from the epithelial cells of Reissner's membrane and laterally from the superficial outer sulcus cells.