alpha-Difluoromethylornithine increases the anti-tumor effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in G-XII rat glioma

The in vivo effects of the single or combined administration of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) on the growth of G-XII glioma cells inoculated subcutaneously in rats were tested. Treatment with DFMO or cisplatin significantly decreased the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index of tumor tissues. Combined treatment with DFMO and cisplatin achieved a further significant decrease in the BrdU labeling index. All treatments significantly reduced the tissue levels of N1-acetylspermidine and putrescine, and the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, but little affected the tissue levels of spermidine and spermine, and the activity of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase. The reduction of ODC activity by cisplatin treatment may be associated with the anti-tumor effect.

A simplified general method for determination of recombinant retrovirus titers

To construct recombinant retroviruses with only a single active promoter, we introduced point mutations into the TATA box region of the 3'-LTR, and successfully obtained high-titer virus with sufficient self-inactivating activity. However, the viral titer could not be determined by the number of G418 resistant colonies since the neomycin resistance gene was under 5'-LTR control, because of inactivation of the selection marker in target glioma cells. To overcome this problem, we constructed PCR primers with homology to a gene under the control of the internal promoter of recombinant retrovirus, and to retrovirus-specific sequences. There was good correlation between the amount of PCR-amplified product and the number of colony forming units when glioma cells were transduced with the retroviruses containing both the neomycin resistance gene and the HTK gene. Amplified PCR products quantitated by densitometry after glioma cells were transduced with SIV retrovirus vectors, and there was good correlation between density and sensitivity to GCV following transduction. Therefore, detection of HTK PCR products from glioma cells transduced with HTK-bearing retroviruses is useful for determining the appropriate packaging cell for efficient production of viral particles. This detection system is especially useful for isolating high titer clones producing SIV-type retroviruses.

Role of basic and acidic fragments in delicious peptides (Lys-Gly-Asp-Glu-Glu-Ser-Leu-Ala) and the taste behavior of sodium and potassium salts in acidic oligopeptides

The role of the acidic fragment (Asp-Glu-Glu) in delicious peptides was investigated in detail by using the Na+ or K+ salts of acidic oligopeptides so that amount of Na+ or K+ intake of peptides composed of acidic amino acids could be varied by changing their sequences. The taste of these peptides was confirmed to vary with Na+ or K+ intake. Additionally, in order to study the role of basic (Lys-Gly) and acidic (Asp-Glu-Glu) fragments in delicious peptides for producing the taste, five delicious peptide analogs, Ser-Leu-Ala-Lys-Gly-Asp-Glu-Glu, Ser-Leu-Ala-Asp-Glu-Glu-Lys-Gly, Lys-Gly-Ser-Leu-Ala-Asp-Glu-Glu, Lys-Gly-Asp-Glu-Glu, and Glu-Glu-Asp-Gly-Lys, were synthesized. The intensity of the umami and/or salty taste of these peptides and their Na salts was almost the same, despite their chemical structures being different. These results indicate that the acidic fragment as well as the basic fragment plays an important role in the taste production and intensity of delicious peptides, and that an umami or salty taste can be produced by the localization of the cation of the basic fragment and the anion of the acidic fragment.

Stimulation of endosteal bone formation by systemic injections of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor in rats

In vivo effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on bone formation was examined in rats. Daily systemic injections of 100 micrograms/kg bFGF for 7 days caused a marked stimulation of endosteal bone formation in both cortical and secondary cancellous bone areas. Histological examinations revealed that the sequence of responses to the injections of bFGF consisted of three phases: an early increase in the number of preosteoblastic cells over the osteoblastic cell layer (days 1-3), recruitment of osteoblasts from preosteoblastic cells (days 3-5), and an increase in new bone formation (days 5-7). These histological changes in the endosteum correlated closely with histomorphometrical parameters of bone formation, and the endosteal mineral apposition rate was almost unaffected during the initial 4 days but was markedly enhanced after this period. Immunohistochemical examinations using antitransforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 antibody demonstrated that immunostaining of preosteoblastic cells for TGF-beta already increased 1 day after bFGF treatment. Distribution of TGF-beta in osteoblasts and bone matrices began to increase on day 3, and all the osteoblasts and new bone matrices were intensively immuno-stained on day 7. These results demonstrate that systemic injections of bFGF in rats stimulate endosteal bone formation, and that the stimulation of bone formation is preceded by an initial increase in preosteoblastic cells with later recruitment of osteoblasts from these cells. Because the distribution of TGF-beta in the endosteal cells is increased by bFGF, the effect of bFGF may at least in part be mediated by TGF-beta. However, the precise mechanism of action of bFGF on bone formation remains to be clarified.

[A case of sarcoidosis with advanced cystic and fibrotic changes in a young patient]

A 29-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of exertional dyspnea and progressive eruption on the buttocks and the lower extremities. Chest roentgenograms and computed tomograms taken at that time revealed diffuse fibrotic changes accompanied by multiple cavities and bullae in the lungs. There were no signs of mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. A chest roentgenogram taken 7 years before admission showed no abnormalities. Serum ACE and lysozyme levels were high: 29.9 IU/l and 14.1 micrograms/ml, respectively. 67Ga scintigraphy showed diffuse uptake in both lung fields. The PPD skin test was negative, and repeated sputum smears and cultures were negative for pyogenic bacteria and acid-fast bacilli. Examination of transbronchial lung biopsy and skin biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis--they showed noncaseating epithelioid granulomas with giant cells and a negative reaction of the stain to acid-fast bacilli, which are compatible with sarcoidosis. The patient was given 30 mg/d of prednisone orally. The dyspnea and eruption were clearly alleviated, although there was little roentgenographic regression of cystic or fibrotic changes. There have been only a few reports of cystic and fibrotic changes early in the course of sarcoidosis. The cystic lesions in this case were probably secondary pulmonary cavities caused by the contracting and obstructive changes related to pulmonary fibrosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of brainstem abscess using magnetic resonance imaging and microsurgical aspiration--case report

A 6-year-old boy presented with a pontine abscess initially misdiagnosed as brainstem glioma, but he deteriorated rapidly and developed new symptoms of respiratory distress. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a rapidly growing mass lesion in the pons. Microsurgical evacuation of the abscess via a suboccipital retromastoid approach resulted in neurological improvement and resolution of the lesion on MR images. Brainstem abscess can be successfully treated with early, accurate diagnosis based on MR imaging and appropriate microsurgical and antibiotic management.

Calcified astrocytoma of the amygdalo-hippocampal region in children

Three pediatric cases of temporal lobe seizure due to calcified glioma of amygdalo-hippocampal region are described. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed dense calcification with no postcontrast enhancement in the amygdalo-hippocampal region. Positron emission tomography showed low oxygen metabolism, low glucose metabolism, hypermetabolism of amino acids, and low regional cerebral blood flow in the tumors. Single photon emission computed tomography showed a high accumulation of 201Tl chloride and 123I-isopropyl iodoamphetamine in one tumor, but otherwise low radioisotope uptake. These studies indicated low-grade malignancies. The patients were treated by partial tumor removal and radiotherapy. Histological examination of the tumor specimens showed astrocytoma with interstitial calcification. One patient died due to tumor recurrence, while the others are doing well with minimal seizure. We recommended temporal lobectomy in similar cases to achieve complete remission.

Coexistence of nitric oxide synthase, tyrosine hydroxylase and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in human penile tissue--a triple histochemical and immunohistochemical study

Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been believed to act as a neuronal messenger to mediate penile erection. In the present study using human penile tissue, we investigated the coexistence of neuronal NO synthase (NOS), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) by a triple staining method using NADPH diaphorase (ND) staining, a specific histochemical marker of neuronal NOS, and immunohistochemical staining for TH and VIP. Numerous ND-positive nerve fibers and TH-containing fibers were seen in axon bundles, but their distributions were different. Only a few axons in the bundles showed VIP immunoreactivity. Abundant fine varicose nerve terminals innervating cavernous smooth muscles and deep and helicine arteries were observed. The proportion of fibers showing TH-immunoreactivity in ND-positive terminals in the cavernous space was about 25%, and that of VIP was about 40%. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide may act as a coworker in these fibers both in cavernous trabeculae and around arteries, as about 40% of NOS-containing fibers also showed VIP immunoreactivity. The physiological significance of the colocalization of TH and NOS is unclear, and further studies are required to know the physiological significance of the colocalization of NOS and other neurotransmitters in penile tissue.

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) down-regulates pleiotrophin messenger RNA expression in osteoblast-like cells

Pleiotrophin (PTN)[heparin-binding-growth-associated molecule (HB-GAM), heparin-binding neurite-promoting factor (HBNF)] is a recently identified polypeptide that stimulates growth of fibroblasts and enhances neurite extension. PTN is expressed in many tissues but relatively high level of expression has been observed in brain and bone. We examined hormonal regulation of PTN mRNA expression in several osteoblast-like cell lines including MC3T3-E1 and ROS17/2.8. The levels of PTN mRNA in these cells was significantly reduced by treatment with 10(-8) M: 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) for 24 h. However, PTN mRNA levels were increased when the non-osteoblastic cell line, ROS 25/1, was treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). These effects were observed in a dose-dependent manner in a dose range between 10(-11) M: to 10(-8) M: . This effect was specific to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), since PTN mRNA levels were not affected by other steroids such as retinoic acid and dexamethasone in MC3T3-E1 or ROS17/2.8 cells. Similar 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) down-regulation of PTN mRNA was also observed in primary cultures of osteoblast-enriched fetal rat calvaria cells as well as cultures of MC3T3-E1 and ROS17/2.8 cells. These observations suggest that PTN expression in osteoblasts is regulated by the calcitropic hormone, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), and that PTN may play a role in vitamin D-dependent regulation of bone metabolism.

[Diagnostic value of tissue polypeptide antigen in pleural effusions with malignant pleural mesothelioma]

There are no known tumor makers of malignant pleural mesothelioma. We measured the concentration of TPA in the pleural effusions from patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma and from patients with other pleural diseases, evaluate its clinical usefulness. The concentration of TPA was more than 7,000 U/l (mean: 18,600 +/- 9,867 U/l, n = 5) in all patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, but it was less than 4,000 U/l in those with benign asbestos pleurisy and other benign pleural effusion (benign asbestos pleurisy 1,598 +/- 570, n = 5: p < 0.01, tuberculous pleurisy 1.37 +/- 759, n = 11: p < 0.01, others 2,497 +/- 2,152 n = 3: p < 0.05). The concentration of TPA in the pleural effusions was not significantly different between malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer (12,287 +/- 17,070 U/l). However, in all patients with lung cancer and high TPA concentrations, cytologically malignant cells were detected in the pleural effusions. TPA was high in all five patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, but cytologically malignant cells were detected in only one patient. Only in malignant pleural mesothelioma (not in other benign disease or in lung cancer) was the concentration of TPA more than 4,000 U/l, and no evidence of malignancy was obtained by cytological methods. These findings suggest that assessing TPA in the pleural effusion might contribute to the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Effects of muramyl dipeptide derivatives as adjuvants on the induction of antibody response to recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen

The ability of two muramyl dipeptide (MDP) derivatives, B30-MDP and MDP-Lys(L18), to enhance the immunogenicity of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) was examined. When mice were immunized intraperitoneally with rHBsAg together with each MDP derivative, the antibody titres were higher than those in mice immunized with alum-adsorbed rHBsAg, which is a commercially available hepatitis B vaccine. When mice were given a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of rHBsAg and either MDP derivative, the antibody titres were the same as those in mice given alum-adsorbed rHBsAg. These results indicate the usefulness of MDP derivatives as immunoadjuvants for a new-generation vaccine.

Adhesion of calcium oxalate crystals to Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and some effects of glycosaminoglycans or cell injuries

The present investigation studied the quantitative adhesion of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals to the surface of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, which exhibit many characteristics of renal cortical collecting tubule cells. COM crystals adhered to the cell surface, and the attachment showed a time and concentration dependency with plateau. The results suggested that the attachment of microcrystals to the cortical tubular cell might be one of the earliest processes in the formation of kidney stones. Pretreatment with glycosaminoglycans significantly reduced the adherent crystals. Injuries to the Madin-Darby cells induced by 0.1 M HCl and gentamicin resulted in significant decreases of COM crystal adhesion to the cell surface. It was suggested that urinary glycosaminoglycans might play some critical role in preventing crystal adhesion to these cellular membranes and that cell injuries might not be essential for the attachment of microcrystals to the tubular cells.

Adsorption of salivary proteins to the surface of oral streptococcal cells

Oral tissues, especially tooth surfaces, are covered with a layer of salivary proteins. Oral bacterial cells that adsorb to salivary components accumulated on the tooth surface are, as a rule, covered with the same components, especially proteins. Thus, it is possible that the salivary proteins covering the bacterial cells are related to the adhesion of bacteria to oral tissues. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms of adsorption of salivary proteins to the surface of Streptococcus sanguis, S. mitis and S. salivarius using an adsorption assay with salivary proteins labeled with tritiated formaldehyde. The results showed that salivary proteins adsorbed more to S. salivarius than to S. mitis, and least to S. sanguis. It was evident that hydrophobic bonding was involved in the adsorption of salivary proteins to the bacterial cells tested. The amount of salivary proteins adsorbed to S. mitis and S. salivarius was decreased by the presence of phosphate, that to S. sanguis was increased by the presence of a divalent cation such as Ca2+, and that to all bacteria tested was inhibited in different ways by the presence of sugars. The amount of salivary proteins adsorbed to S. sanguis and S. salivarius was reduced effectively by pretreatment of the cells with trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain. In the case of S. mitis, the amount of adsorbed salivary proteins was decreased by pretreatment of the cells with chymotrypsin only, and was increased by pretreatment with lipase. These results indicate that there are different mechanisms of adsorption of salivary protein to the cell surfaces of oral streptococci.

Immunohistochemical localization of growth hormone receptor in cyclic human ovaries

It has been demonstrated that co-administration of growth hormone (GH) augments ovarian response to human menopausal gonadotrophin, and GH itself increases steroidogenesis in cultured ovarian cells. It is not clear, however, whether the effects of GH on the ovary are direct or not. We performed immunohistochemistry using specific monoclonal antibodies against human GH receptor on 51 specimens of pre-menopausal human ovaries from various phases of the menstrual cycle to detect and localize GH receptors. Immunohistochemical localization of P450 aromatase and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was performed using these enzymes as immunohistochemical markers for steroidogenesis in these ovaries. GH receptor immunoreactivity was observed in luteinized granulosa cells in corpora lutea in the luteal phase, which are considered to be active in steroid production. In the follicular phase, GH receptor immunoreactivity was detected in the granulosa layer of only three out of 35 antral follicles. These results demonstrate that immunoreactivity of GH receptor is present in human ovaries, suggesting a direct action of GH on human ovarian functions, especially during luteal phase.

[Antibacterial activities of a carbapenem antibiotic, biapenem (L-627), against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae]

Antibiotic susceptibilities were evaluated for 48 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae collected in 1992-1993 at Ichihara City of Chiba Prefecture. Twenty two (46%) of the 48 strains were benzylpenicillin (PCG) insensitive or resistant (PRSP) judged from the MICs of PCG to higher than 0.1 microgram/ml. MICs of piperacillin and cefotaxime increased as the MICs of PCG increased. However, elevations of MICs of imipenem and biapenem (L-627) were small in spite of the increases of MICs of PCG. L-627 was effective in a case of purulent meningitis due to PC-insensitive S. pneumoniae. Thus, L-627 is a candidate to be used in treatment of PRSP infections including purulent meningitis.

Changes in the volume and performance of the left ventricle in the early neonatal period

To evaluate the effect of changes in preload on left ventricular (LV) performance, we used echocardiography to measure end-diastolic dimension, end-systolic dimension, and stroke volume in newborns at 2, 12, 24, and 120 h of age. The stroke volume was calculated by the pulsed Doppler technique. The stroke volume showed the highest level at 2 h of age. The size of the ductus arteriosus correlated with the stroke volume. These results indicated that the increase in stroke volume was related to the increase in LV preload due to the shunt flow volume through the patent ductus arteriosus. M-mode echocardiographic indexes such as end-diastolic dimension, LV end-diastolic volume, and LV ejection fraction did not show any significant changes from 2 to 120 h of age. We conclude that M-mode echocardiographic evaluation of LV performance is unreliable in the early neonatal period. Our data also provide a useful basis for the interpretation of abnormal left ventricular systolic function in the early neonatal period.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by inhalation of mushroom (Pholiota nameko) spores

We describe the hypersensitivity pneumonitis of a 49-year-old woman who had been cultivating the edible mushroom 'Pholiota nameko' for three years. Her clinical manifestations and laboratory findings including transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were consistent with those of other forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Counter-immunoelectrophoresis determined the causative antigen to be the spores of Pholiota nameko. The indoor cultivation method appeared to play a major role in the occurrence of the hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

[Distribution of NADPH diaphorase-positive nerves in human penile tissue]

Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been thought to be a neuronal messenger to evoke penile erection. NO synthase (NOS)-containing nerve fibers were identified and localized in human penile tissue, but detail distribution of NOS-containing nerve fibers in the human penis was unclear. In the present study we examined their distribution using histochemical staining of NADPH diaphorase (ND), which is a specific marker of neuronal NOS. In the crura penis some various sizes of ND-positive nerve bundles were observed in the cavernous spaces. In the penile shaft large bundles (> 50 microns) decreased in number and were observed only near deep artery. There were abundant ND-positive nerve terminals with fine varicosity innervating both corpus cavernous smooth muscles and deep, dorsal and helicine arteries. In the wall of deep dorsal vein there were also many groups of ND-positive fibers. Endothelium of deep artery and its large branches was clearly ND-positive, but parts of endothelium of deep dorsal vein or corpus cavernous sinus were only faintly stained. Some of the dorsal penile nerve fibers were ND-positive. In corpus spongiosum many ND-positive nerve fibers were observed and urethelium was clearly ND-positive. In conclusion, NO may have an important role in the function of both corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum because NOS-containing nerve fibers were widely distributed in both cavernous tissues.

A new protocol for the perinatal management of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia with severe hypoplastic lungs and its clinical application

It is prerequisite for the pre-operative management of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) to avoid the factors that increase pulmonary vascular resistance, because such patients easily fall into the state of persistent fetal circulation (PFC). In this paper, a new protocol is proposed for the perinatal management of CDH patients to prevent the PFC which is facilitated by the enlargement of hernia and the deviation of mediastinum caused by spontaneous breathing just after birth. We also describe the usefulness of this protocol based on our experience in which we successfully treated a patient with CDH with severe hypoplastic lungs that were diagnosed antenatally by ultrasonographic examination. In treating the CDH patient with severe hypoplastic lungs, it is effective for the respiratory control and the prevention of PFC to administer morphine and pancuronium to the neonate through the umbilical vein before the resection of the umbilical cord. In the case of Cesarean section, in addition to the direct administration of morphine to the patient, administration of morphine to the patient's mother just before the delivery is more effective to prevent PFC, which can be easily induced by the initial resuscitation at birth.

Immunohistochemical distribution of progesterone, androgen and oestrogen receptors in the human ovary during the menstrual cycle: relationship to expression of steroidogenic enzymes

In order to characterize immunohistochemically the possible in-situ effects of gonadal steroid hormones in the human ovary during the menstrual cycle, we immunolocalized progesterone (PR), androgen (AR) and oestrogen (ER) receptors in 50 normal cycling human ovaries, and examined the relationship between these findings and the cellular localization of steroidogenic enzymes including cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P-450scc) enzyme, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD), cytochrome P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P-450c17) and cytochrome P-450 aromatase (P-450arom). A large number of stromal cells were positive for AR, regardless of the distance from a follicle. No steroidogenic enzymes were observed in the stromal cells. In the pre-antral follicle, AR was observed in the theca cells. P-450scc, 3 beta HSD and P-450c17 were sporadically expressed in the theca cells in relatively large-sized pre-antral follicles. ER was positive in the granulosa cells only in the P-450arom-positive antral or pre-ovulatory follicle, which is likely to be a selected follicle. In the corpus luteum, in the period from ovulation to the mid-secretory phase, PR immunoreactivity was observed in a large number of both the luteinized granulosa and the theca cells. All steroidogenic enzymes were observed in all corpora lutea, but ER was negative in any corpus luteum. In the atretic follicle, AR was present in the theca interna cells. P-450scc, 3 beta HSD and P-450c17 were observed in the theca interna cells in some atretic follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)