Refractory cholangitis after Kasai's operation caused by candidiasis: a case report

A case of biliary atresia treated by Kasai portoenterostomy was re-explored a year later for refractory cholangitis, which failed to respond to antibiotic treatment. Unexpectedly, the granulation tissue obstructing the porta hepatis contained pseudohyphae of Candida albicans. After curettage and Amphotericin B local irrigation, the patient became afebrile and anicteric.

Identification of a T3/T cell receptor complex in chickens

A mouse mAb, CT-3, recognizes on chicken T cells a complex of three polypeptides, Mr 20,000, 19,000, and 17,000, two of which are N-glycosylated. The CT-3 antibody is mitogenic for chicken T cells, and it coprecipitates two additional polypeptides of Mr 49,000 and 38,000 in lysates of T cell membranes. Ontogeny studies revealed that 5-6 d after thymic influx of hemopoietic stem cells, their thymocyte progeny begin to express the T3/TCR complex. After hatching 1 wk later, the CT-3+ cells begin splenic migration in large numbers.

Expression and regulation of proopiomelanocortin-like gene in the ovary and placenta: comparison with the testis

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor protein for ACTH, beta-endorphin, and the MSHs, has been identified in the reproductive tracts of both male and female. With rat pituitary POMC complementary DNA (cDNA) as a hybridization probe, POMC-like messenger RNA (mRNA) was identified in the ovaries of rat, mouse, and monkey. The molecular size of POMC-like mRNA in the ovary was 150-200 bases smaller than in the pituitary and hypothalamus but identical to that in the testis and epididymis. The size heterogeneity of POMC mRNA observed in various tissues is not due to differences in the lengths of the poly(A) tail, as measured by RNase H digestion. S1 nuclease mapping analysis revealed that POMC mRNAs isolated from pituitary, testis, or ovary share the nucleotide sequences coding for ACTH, beta-lipotropin, and the 3'-untranslated region. The regulation of ovarian POMC-like mRNA was also investigated. Treatment of 25-day-old immature female rats with PMSG resulted in profound increases in the ovarian content of total RNA, poly(A) RNA, and POMC-like mRNA. The concentration of ovarian POMC-like mRNA during pregnancy increased increased to 3-4 times that in immature or normally cycling animals. POMC-derived peptides are present in the human placenta and are synthesized de novo in cultured placental cells. In this report we also demonstrate POMC-like mRNA in the placenta of rat, mouse, and human. The size of POMC-like mRNA in the placenta was similar to that observed in the testis, epididymis, and ovary and different from that found in the pituitary or hypothalamus. The concentration of placental POMC-like mRNA did not change throughout pregnancy. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that 1) POMC-like mRNA is present in the ovary and placenta of rodents and primates; 2) the size of POMC-like mRNA in the ovary and placenta, like that in the testis and epididymis, is smaller than that in the pituitary and hypothalamus, probably owing to a shortening of the 5'-ends; and 3) the expression of this gene is regulated by gonadotropins in the ovary but probably not in the placenta.

Concentration of phenylbutazone (PBZ) and 13, 14-dihydro-15 keto PGF2α (PGFM) in blood and seminal plasma of stallions treated with PBZ

Three stallions, 3 to 5 yr old and approximately 550 kg bodyweight, were used in a switchback experimental design to study the effect of daily, oral administration of 3g PBZ on the concentrations of PBZ and PGFM in blood (plasma) and seminal plasma (SP). Control and treatment periods were each 24 days' duration. Blood and semen samples were simultaneously collected every three days during these periods. Each stallion served consecutively as a control, treated, control, and treated subject for 24 days in each of the four periods. Concentrations of PBZ were obtained using HPLC and PGFM by specific RIA. Concentrations (mean +/- SE) of PBZ averaged 9.2 +/- 0.12 ug/ml in plasma but were undetectable in SP following the treatments. There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of PGFM between pre- and post- treatment values. However, there was a significant difference (P<0.001) in PGFM concentrations of seminal plasma before and after treatment. Results of this study suggest that daily, oral adminisration of 3g PBZ for 24 days to mature stallions can significantly decrease seminal plasma concentrations of PGFM. The physiological significance of this observation remains speculative.

Incisionless gastrostomy for nutritional support

A technique of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was evaluated in 51 children and young adults aged 4 months to 26 years (mean, 9.7 years). Indications for gastrostomy included malnutrition secondary to cystic fibrosis, severe CNS disease, and others. The procedure was performed in 26 patients using local and topical anesthesia. General anesthesia was employed in children under 8 years of age. Duration of operative procedure ranged from 20 to 60 min. The average time for maintenance of feeding gastrostomy was 5.6 months. No procedure-related deaths were observed. Significant complications occurred less frequently than with traditional gastrostomy. We conclude that this procedure is technically simpler than, and at least as safe as, other methods of gastrostomy. It is especially useful in children for whom general anesthesia is best avoided.

The self image of Chinese-American adolescents: a cross-cultural comparison

The aim of this study was to assess the self-concept of Chinese-American adolescents and then to compare them with standard samples of normal United States and Chinese adolescents. The instrument used to measure self-concept was the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ). As expected, the Chinese-American adolescent group very closely resembled the normal United States adolescent group and differed markedly from the normal Chinese adolescent group. The few areas in which the Chinese-American group significantly differed from their American peers, such as on the Sexual Attitudes Scale, appeared to be in a direction that was influenced by Chinese culture. The poorer adjustment shown on the Body and Self-Image scale by the Chinese-American adolescents points to the effect of racial stereotyping in the United States.

Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on serum concentrations of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in healthy, thyroidectomized, thyroxine-treated, and propylthiouracil-treated dogs

Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on serum concentrations of thyroid hormones were studied in 36 mixed-bred dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to 7 groups. Significant increases (P less than 0.05) of serum thyroxine (T4) values occurred as early as 2 hours and reached a peak at 6 to 8 hours after IV injection of 300 to 1,100 micrograms of TRH. Thyroxine concentrations in response to a TRH dose greater than 500 micrograms were similar to those observed with the 300-micrograms dose. Transient coughing, vomiting, salivation, and defecation after large doses (900 and 1,100 micrograms) were observed. Mean serum T4 concentration decreased from 2.1 micrograms/dl to 0.9 micrograms/dl within 1 day of thyroidectomy. Clinical signs of hypothyroidism, including lethargy, dry coats, and diffuse alopecia, were present in 2 dogs at a month after surgical operation. Thyroxine concentrations were detectable for greater than 2 months. Injection (IV) of 700 micrograms of TRH 6 weeks after surgical operation had no effect on serum concentration of T4 in thyroidectomized dogs. In 5 T4-treated dogs, TRH (700 micrograms, IV) significantly increased the serum T4 value, indicating that pituitary thyrotropes were responsive to TRH, in spite of daily medication of 0.8 mg of T4. Four dogs were treated orally with 200 mg of propylthiouracil/day for 5 weeks. Intravenous injection of 700 micrograms of TRH in propylthiouracil-treated dogs had no effect on the serum T4 concentration, indicating that TRH had no effect on serum T4 values in these dogs during the experimental period. These results indicate that TRH can replace bovine thyrotropin for the canine thyroid function test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Leucocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity in G-6-PD deficient Chinese

The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) in leucocytes was studied for erythrocyte G-6-PD deficiency using 49 hemizygous males, 16 heterozygous females, and 19 normal controls. The mean G-6-PD activity in leucocytes of the affected neonates (9.2 +/- 5.4 units) and the children (11.2 +/- 5.3 units) were significantly lower than those of normal newborns (22.9 +/- 5.1 units, P less than 0.01). Seventy percent of the effected newborns and 58% of the children with G-6-PD deficiency had the leucocyte enzyme activity of less than 13 IU/10(9)WBC. The leucocyte enzyme activity (14.6 +/- 8.6 units) of 16 heterozygous G-6-PD deficient mothers was also lower than that of normal controls (23.1 +/- 7.0 units). The present study thus concludes that, in G-6-PD deficient Chinese, the enzyme defect is demonstrable not only in erythrocytes but also in leucocytes.

Acclimation of rats following stepwise or direct exposure to heat

The physiological changes in male rats during acclimation were studied following direct or stepwise exposure to heat (32.5 degrees C) in a controlled-environment room. The animals were exposed to each temperature for 10 days beginning at 24.5 degrees C and returning to 24.5 degrees C in the reverse order of initial exposure. Relative humidity of 50 +/- 2% and a 12-h light-dark photoperiod (light from 0900 to 2100 h) were maintained. Physiological changes in metabolic rate (MR), evaporative water loss (EWL), plasma corticosterone, body water turnover, and food and water intake were measured. The results indicate a significantly (P less than 0.001) elevated plasma corticosterone and MR in rats exposed directly to heat from control temperature (24.5 degrees C) but not in those animals exposed stepwise via 29.0 degrees C. All kinetic parameters of water pool changed (P less than 0.01) on direct exposure to heat, whereas rats exposed in a stepwise manner increased only pool turnover. In addition, exposure to experimental temperatures resulted in reduced (P less than 0.05) relative food intake and increased (P less than 0.05) water intake. Compared with the control condition of 24.5 degrees C, EWL was significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated when the animals were exposed either directly or in a stepwise fashion to 32.5 degrees C. These data suggest that the response to elevated temperatures is influenced by the temperature to which the rat is acclimated.

Effect of exogenous ACTH on serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations in the Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

The effects of exogenous adrenocorticortrophic hormone (ACTH) on the serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations were determined in 28 mature Moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis), a representative of the psittacine species. Birds were randomly assigned to 4 groups (2 ACTH-treated groups and 2 saline-treated controls). Group I (10 cockatoos [5 males and 5 females] ) was given 15 IU of ACTH after blood samples (base line) were taken at 10:00 AM. Blood samples were taken again at 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after ACTH administration. Group II (10 cockatoos) was given similar treatment, but blood samples were taken at 1 and 4 hours after ACTH was administered. Groups III and IV (each of 4 birds) were given saline solution injections as controls. Blood samples were taken at 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after injection (group III) and at 1 and 4 hours after injection (group IV). All serum samples were analyzed for cortisol and corticosterone. Serum corticosterone concentration increased significantly (P less than 0.01) from base-line levels (26 ng/ml) to 108 ng/ml within 30 minutes after ACTH was administered. The high values were maintained for 3 hours and then decreased to 40 ng/ml at the end of 4 hours. Male birds seemed to respond to the ACTH treatment quickly and maintained increased concentration for a shorter period when compared with the responses seen in female birds. Serum cortisol values remained low throughout the experimental period. These results indicate that serum corticosterone was responsive to ACTH administration, but cortisol was not. In addition, there may be a difference in the responses between male and female members of the species.

Effect of the bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus on the endometrium of the rabbit

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of BVD virus on the rabbit's endometrium. Six New Zealand White does (3-4 kg bwt) were used. Blood samples were obtained before treatment and euthanasia for determination of estrogen and progesterone. Does were anesthetized and both uterine horns identified through a midventral incision. Each horn was doubly-ligated at both cervical and ovarian ends. The right uterine horn (control) was injected with 1 ml Eagle's MEM and the left (treated) with 1 ml BVD virus (Singer strain, 10(3) CCID50/ml). Two does each were euthanized at 48 h, 72 h and 144 h post-inoculation (PI) and uterine samples obtained for viral assay and light microscopic examination. Serum hormonal levels showed that all does were in the estrogenic phase before treatment and euthanasia. Viral isolation was negative for all samples taken. On each day examined, there were no histopathologic lesions in the control uterine horn. However, in the treated horn at 48 h PI there was evidence of a purulent endometritis. At 72 h and 144 h PI there was mononuclear cell infiltration of the stratum compactum, but no other obvious lesions. A common feature in both treated and control uterine horns was mitosis of both endometrial and glandular epithelia. Results of this study suggest that BVD virus can induce histopathologic lesions of the rabbit's endometrium, the most obvious effect being at 48 h PI.

The effects of acclimation temperature on pituitary and plasma beta-endorphin in rats at 32.5 degrees C

Endocrine and thermoregulatory responses were studied in male rats exposed to heat (32.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C) from acclimation temperatures of either 24.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C or 29.2 +/- 0.1 degrees C. After 1 hr in the heat, evaporative water loss and tail skin temperature changes in the 24.5 degrees C acclimated rats were greater than in the 29.2 degrees C acclimated rats; both groups displayed similar changes in metabolic rate and rectal temperature. At the respective acclimation temperatures, 29.2 degrees C rats displayed lowered plasma thyroid hormones, elevated beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (beta-END-LI) in the plasma, neurointermediate and anterior lobes of the pituitary gland, and no change in plasma corticosterone levels compared to 24.5 degrees C rats. After exposure to 32.5 degrees C for 1 hr, both groups of rats maintained similar plasma corticosterone levels; however, only the 24.5 degrees C group increased plasma thyroxine and beta-END-LI. These data suggest that beta-endorphin may be involved in body temperature regulation during acclimation to elevated environmental temperatures.

Identification and possible function of pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides in the testis

Using antibodies against peptides derived from different portions of the POMC molecule, immunocytochemical evidence suggests that this precursor and/or the peptides present within it are localized in testicular Leydig cells of at least five species. There is no evidence for the localization of these peptides or their precursor in any other cell type in this organ. Examination of testicular extracts by gel filtration, SDS-PAGE, and RP-HPLC indicate that the testis contains low concentrations of POMC-derived peptides relative to brain. Further analysis indicates that POMC is processed to alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin similar to its processing in intermediate pituitary lobe and brain. The relative mobilities of immunoreactive alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin on RP-HPLC columns indicate that they are in the unacetylated state as in brain and in contrast to the acetylated forms in the intermediate pituitary lobe. The potential for Leydig cells to synthesize POMC and its peptides was suggested by the demonstration of POMC-like mRNA in total testis and Leydig cell cultures. The size of the POMC-like mRNA is approximately 150 base pairs shorter than anterior or intermediate pituitary POMC mRNA. POMC-like mRNA activity has also been localized to Leydig cells in sections of testes using in situ hybridization. Immunostainable beta-endorphin and other POMC-derived peptides are present in testicular Leydig cells during fetal life and following puberty at times when testosterone secretion is maximal. The accumulation of immunostainable POMC-derived peptides in Leydig cells is dramatically increased by LH and hCG. A variety of observations suggests that testicular cells can respond to POMC-derived peptides. ACTH and the MSHs stimulate growth and cAMP accumulation in Sertoli cells. By contrast, studies using antagonists suggested that beta-endorphin and/or another testicular opioid inhibit Sertoli cell proliferation and ABP secretion. These observations are consistent with the postulate that different portions of the POMC molecule may have opposite effects on Sertoli cell function and suggest a mechanism by which Leydig cells could modulate Sertoli cell activity. Intratesticular administration of opiate antagonists inhibits testosterone secretion both in vivo and in vitro. These observations suggest that Leydig cell-derived beta-endorphin may facilitate testosterone secretion either directly or indirectly. The finding of POMC and its derivative peptides in testis, ovary, adrenal, and placenta suggests that all steroid hormone-secreting organs in mammals may utilize this peptidergic system.

Expression of pro-opiomelanocortin-like gene in the testis and epididymis

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), beta-endorphin, and the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs), which are products of a common precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), are present in a variety of tissues other than pituitary. The recent detection of immunoreactive POMC-derived peptides in the male reproductive tract raised the possibility that these hormones might regulate reproductive function. To determine whether the low concentrations of POMC-derived peptides in the male reproductive tract are synthesized locally and are not contaminants from blood, we have demonstrated POMC-like gene expression in both testis and epididymis. The identification of cells in testis capable of synthesizing POMC mRNA was established by showing the presence of this mRNA in mouse Leydig cell lines (TM3 and I10A). The hybridizing species of POMC-like mRNA in the testis, epididymis, and Leydig cell lines (TM3 and I10A) were approximately 150 bases shorter than those in the pituitary or hypothalamus but were similar in size to that in the amygdaloid nucleus of rat brain. The concentration of POMC-like mRNA in the testis is almost as high as that in the hypothalamus. This finding is quite unexpected because the concentrations of POMC-derived peptides in the testis were 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than those in the hypothalamus. The demonstration of a POMC-like gene expression in male reproductive tissues suggests that POMC-derived peptides are synthesized in Leydig cells and epididymis. These observations are consistent with the postulate that POMC-derived peptides may exert paracrine and/or autocrine effects in these organs.

Analysis of structural properties and cellular distribution of avian Ia antigen by using monoclonal antibody to monomorphic determinants

In this report, we describe the analysis of Ia-like antigens in the chicken by using a monoclonal antibody (CIa-1) reactive with monomorphic determinants of the Ia-like (B-L) antigens. This antibody reacts with determinants on B cells in all avian species tested, but does not detect antigens on lymphocytes of representative mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition to B cells, this antibody defines a subpopulation of the monocyte-macrophage series and reacts with mitogen-activated T cells. Immunochemical analysis indicates that the CIa-1 reactive antigen is a 65,000-dalton glycoprotein consisting of an alpha-chain of 32,000 daltons noncovalently bound to a beta-chain of 27,000 daltons. Under nonreducing conditions, the beta-chain migrates with slightly faster mobility. Two-dimensional gel analysis indicates that the beta-chain is the more heterogeneous of the two chains. Thus, the antigen detected by CIa-1 antibody is similar in cell distribution and structure to the murine Ia antigens and human DR antigens. During in ovo development, Ia+Ig- cells were not found in the yolk sac but were detected in the spleen, mesonephros, and bursa of 9-day embryos. Two populations of Ia+Ig- cells were identified in the bursa: 40 to 60% of the bursacytes, mostly larger cells, exhibited brighter immunofluorescence reactivity than the smaller bursacytes.

Analysis of structural properties and cellular distribution of avian Ia antigen by using monoclonal antibody to monomorphic determinants

In this report, we describe the analysis of Ia-like antigens in the chicken by using a monoclonal antibody (CIa-1) reactive with monomorphic determinants of the Ia-like (B-L) antigens. This antibody reacts with determinants on B cells in all avian species tested, but does not detect antigens on lymphocytes of representative mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition to B cells, this antibody defines a subpopulation of the monocyte-macrophage series and reacts with mitogen-activated T cells. Immunochemical analysis indicates that the CIa-1 reactive antigen is a 65,000-dalton glycoprotein consisting of an alpha-chain of 32,000 daltons noncovalently bound to a beta-chain of 27,000 daltons. Under nonreducing conditions, the beta-chain migrates with slightly faster mobility. Two-dimensional gel analysis indicates that the beta-chain is the more heterogeneous of the two chains. Thus, the antigen detected by CIa-1 antibody is similar in cell distribution and structure to the murine Ia antigens and human DR antigens. During in ovo development, Ia+Ig- cells were not found in the yolk sac but were detected in the spleen, mesonephros, and bursa of 9-day embryos. Two populations of Ia+Ig- cells were identified in the bursa: 40 to 60% of the bursacytes, mostly larger cells, exhibited brighter immunofluorescence reactivity than the smaller bursacytes.

Further characterization of Marek's disease virus-infected lymphocytes. II. In vitro infection

Lymphocyte cultures from chicken spleens had been shown to be susceptible to in vitro infection by Marek's disease virus (MDV)4 in an earlier report from this laboratory. In that study, virus infection was evidenced by virus isolation and detection of viral internal antigen (VIA) 2 days post inoculation (DPI), and serial passage was accomplished by adding fresh spleen cells at 2-day intervals. The susceptible cells were identified as bursa-derived lymphocytes (B cells). Using a dual fluorescence technique to identify surface markers for B cells, thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) or Ia antigen on VIA-positive cells, we have now shown that a small proportion (generally less than 10%) of VIA-positive cells observed 2 DPI are T cells, and that a low level of infection can be maintained by serial passage of MDV in cultures totally free of B cells. Most infected T cells in this study had Ia antigen. As the incubation period for infected cultures was extended from 2 to 4 or 5 days, the average number of viable cells decreased but the percentage of viable cells infected with MDV (VIA-positive) increased. Also, both the proportion and the actual number of infected T cells increased, significantly more so in cultures from genetically susceptible P-2 donors than from resistant N-2 donors. Spleen-cell cultures from resistant Line 6 chickens were markedly less susceptible than those from susceptible Line 7 chickens to in vitro MDV infection, as assessed by numbers of VIA-positive cells at 5 DPI.

Further characterization of Marek's disease virus-infected lymphocytes. I. In vivo infection

Previous reports from this laboratory identified bursa-derived lymphocytes (B cells) and non-B cells as the predominant cell types respectively involved in the early cytolytic and subsequent latent infection of chickens with Marek's disease virus (MDV). It was not known whether these differences were qualitative or quantitative or if the method for detection of latent infection (viral antigen production after 48 h of in vitro cultivation) was sensitive enough. To further define the cells involved in the various phases of MDV infection, we used monoclonal antibodies which specifically react with B cells, or T cells, or la-antigen-bearing cells. Dual fluorescence tests to detect surface markers and viral internal antigen (VIA) were conducted with infected spleen cells freshly collected from MDV-infected chickens or after in vitro cultivation of those cells. The same antibodies were also used for a rosetting procedure to yield fractions enriched or depleted of T cells, B cells or la-bearing cells. These were examined directly for viral DNA by in situ hybridization or dot blot DNA hybridization and for VIA cultivation. We learned that infected T cells also comprise part of the early cytolytic phase of MDV infection but constitute a minority population (approximately 2-3%) compared to B cells (83-92%) at 3 or 4 days post infection. Latently infected cells were definitively identified as mostly la-bearing T cells, although a few (2-4%) were B cells. Prior to in vitro cultivation, latently infected cells apparently had insufficient viral DNA for detection by in situ hybridization, but the more sensitive dot blot procedure revealed viral DNA in fractions later found positive by VIA expression after in vitro cultivation. Viral DNA replication in latently infected cells apparently had occurred after 48 h cultivation because in situ hybridization detected infected cells at that time. Treatment of cell cultures with iodo-deoxyuridine, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate or n-butyrate failed to increase the number of spleen cells which expressed VIA.

Effect of water stress on the reduction of nitrate and nitrite by soybean nodules

The effects of water stress on nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase activities in symbiotic nodules were examined in field-grown soybean plants (Glycine max L Merr. cv Clark). The in vitro assays of enzyme activity indicated that the nodule cytosol and bacteroids contained both nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase activities. The reduction of nitrate in bacteroids increased significantly as nodule water potential declined from -0.6 to -1.4 megapascals, and then decreased when -1.8 megapascals water potential was reached. On the contrary, the reduction of nitrate in nodule cytosol was inhibited as water stress progressed. Increases in water stress intensity also caused a significant inhibition in nitrite reductase activities of bacteroids and nodule cytosol within soybean nodules. The results show that nitrate reduction occurred both in the cytosol and bacteroids of water-stressed soybean nodules. The reduction of nitrate functioned at different physiological modes in these two fractions.