Calcitonin gene-related peptide projection from the ventromedial thalamic nucleus to the insular cortex: a combined retrograde transport and immunocytochemical study

We employed a highly sensitive combination method of retrograde tracing and immunohistochemistry to identify calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing fiber pathways in the rat from the ventrolateral part of the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (vl-vl) and the caudal continuation to the insular cortex. Biotin-wheat germ agglutinin (B-WGA) injected into the insular cortex labeled numerous neurons in the vl-vl and the caudal continuation ipsilaterally; simultaneous staining with CGRP antiserum revealed that some of these neurons are CGRP positive.

TNP-specific Lyt-2+ cytolytic T cell clones preferentially respond to TNP-conjugated epidermal cells

A most effective method for the induction of hapten-specific allergic contact sensitivity (CS) is via epicutaneous application of the hapten. Another effective method is by the administration of haptenated epidermal cells (EC) subcutaneously. The latter method induces more intense and longer lasting CS than does the subcutaneous administration of haptenated spleen cells (SC). Thus, there may be something unique about EC which, when haptenated, allows them to generate effector cells more effectively than do SC. We therefore attempted to generate T cell clones that were both hapten- and epidermal-specific. Four days after painting mice with 7% trinitrochlorobenzene, draining lymph node cells were obtained and T cells were purified. These cells were co-cultured with trinitrophenylated (TNP) Langerhans cell-enriched EC. After 4 days, cells were harvested and rested on non-TNP-conjugated EC. The cells were restimulated and rested three times, and were then cloned by limiting dilution with added interleukin 2, which was then continually added. Proliferation of T cells was assessed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Cytotoxicity assays utilized TNP-conjugated concanavalin A SC blasts or EC as targets. Clones A-2 and E-4 are Thy-1+, Lyt-2+, and L3T4-, and TNP-specific. In contrast to noncloned TNP-specific T cells, the clones proliferate preferentially in response to TNP-EC rather than TNP-SC. Also in contrast to noncloned T cells, the clones were preferentially cytotoxic for TNP-EC; compared to TNP-SC, there was an eight- to 32-fold increase in killing when TNP-EC were used as targets. Clones A-2 and E-4 therefore exhibit hapten and epidermal specificity. The epidermal-specific epitope that is recognized is unknown, but genetic restriction and antibody inhibition studies indicate that it is co-recognized with H-2K.

TNP-specific Lyt-2+ cytolytic T cell clones preferentially respond to TNP-conjugated epidermal cells

A most effective method for the induction of hapten-specific allergic contact sensitivity (CS) is via epicutaneous application of the hapten. Another effective method is by the administration of haptenated epidermal cells (EC) subcutaneously. The latter method induces more intense and longer lasting CS than does the subcutaneous administration of haptenated spleen cells (SC). Thus, there may be something unique about EC which, when haptenated, allows them to generate effector cells more effectively than do SC. We therefore attempted to generate T cell clones that were both hapten- and epidermal-specific. Four days after painting mice with 7% trinitrochlorobenzene, draining lymph node cells were obtained and T cells were purified. These cells were co-cultured with trinitrophenylated (TNP) Langerhans cell-enriched EC. After 4 days, cells were harvested and rested on non-TNP-conjugated EC. The cells were restimulated and rested three times, and were then cloned by limiting dilution with added interleukin 2, which was then continually added. Proliferation of T cells was assessed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Cytotoxicity assays utilized TNP-conjugated concanavalin A SC blasts or EC as targets. Clones A-2 and E-4 are Thy-1+, Lyt-2+, and L3T4-, and TNP-specific. In contrast to noncloned TNP-specific T cells, the clones proliferate preferentially in response to TNP-EC rather than TNP-SC. Also in contrast to noncloned T cells, the clones were preferentially cytotoxic for TNP-EC; compared to TNP-SC, there was an eight- to 32-fold increase in killing when TNP-EC were used as targets. Clones A-2 and E-4 therefore exhibit hapten and epidermal specificity. The epidermal-specific epitope that is recognized is unknown, but genetic restriction and antibody inhibition studies indicate that it is co-recognized with H-2K.

Thermochemotherapy for malignant melanoma: overcoming heterogeneity in drug sensitivity

Endo B (melanotic) and W (amelanotic) human malignant melanomas originated from the same tumor, both known to be heterogeneous in drug sensitivity to ACNU [( 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)-methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitroso- urea hydrochloride]), were treated experimentally with a combination therapy of ACNU and hyperthermia in mice. Whereas Endo W melanoma has no sensitivity, Endo B melanoma is sensitive to ACNU alone. However, in both types of melanomas, a marked synergistic effect of the combination therapy was noted. Histologically, marked degeneration of both tumor cells was detected. These results strongly suggest that thermochemotherapy may overcome the tumor heterogeneity in drug sensitivity.

Plasminogen activator activity levels in patients with Behçet's syndrome

We studied the plasminogen activator levels in plasma samples of 37 patients with Behcet's syndrome. A significant decrease of plasminogen activator activity level was shown by the euglobulin lysis time method, the amidolytic activity level (Testzym method), and the fibrin plate method. Such a decrease may be associated with the severity of Behcet's syndrome.

[Clinical evaluation of sustained release preparations of cefaclor in dental infections. Comparative double blind clinical studies of sustained release preparations with a regular preparation of cefaclor]

In vitro viable cell count studies of sustained release preparations of cefaclor (CCL) conclude that the mixture of nonenteric and enteric coated granules of CCL in the ratio of 4 to 6 is the most appropriate form (4:6 form) for the sustained release preparation of CCL. In order to clinically confirm the above conclusion, comparative double blind clinical studies of 3 mixtures forms (2:8, 4:6 and 6:4 forms) with a regular preparation (CCL form) were conducted in dental infections regarding efficacy, safety, and usefulness of the 4 forms. Evaluable cases for efficacy and usefulness were 364 in total (96 cases for the 2:8 form group, 89 cases for the 4:6 form group, 89 cases for the 6:4 form group, and 90 cases for the CCL form group). Evaluable cases for safety were 404 cases in total (102 for the 2:8 form, 100 for the 4:6 form, 102 for the 6:4 form, and 100 for the CCL form). Daily dose of the 3 forms of sustained release preparations was 375 mg b.i.d. after breakfast and dinner and that of the CCL form 250 mg t.i.d. after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Following are the results of the clinical studies: There were no significant differences among the 4 patient-groups (2:8 form, 4:6 form, 6:4 form, and CCL form) regarding background factors of the patients and findings of their subjective and objective symptoms before the initiation of the administration, and it was therefore confirmed that there were no problems in conducting the comparative double blind clinical studies. Overall clinical effective rate determined by the efficacy evaluation criteria of the Japanese society of oral surgery (JSOS) were 89.5% at day 3 and 94.8% at day 5 in the 2:8 form group, 87.4% at day 3 and 95.5% at day 5 in the 4:6 form group, 86.4% at day 3 and 91.0% at day 5 in the 6:4 form group, and 93.3% at day 3 and 96.7% at day 5 in the CCL form group. The effective rate determined by the physicians who actually treated the patients were 84.4% in the 2:8 form group, 87.6% in the 4:6 form group, 84.1% in the 6:4 form group, and 87.8% in the CCL form group. In both judgments by the efficacy evaluation criteria of JSOS and the physicians, there were no significant differences among the 4 forms regarding overall clinical efficacy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antitumor activity of the DNA fraction from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. II. Effects on various syngeneic mouse tumors

MY-1, a fraction extracted from BCG and composed of 70.0% DNA and 28.0% RNA, was examined for its antitumor activity against 9 different syngeneic mouse tumors. Tumor regression was induced in almost all of the mice bearing any of five kinds of solid tumors by repeated intralesional injections of 100 micrograms MY-1. When cells of some tumors were inoculated intradermally together with MY-1, tumor growth was suppressed, lung metastases were inhibited, and the survival times of mice bearing 1 of 3 leukemic tumors were prolonged. Repeated sc injections with MY-1 in sites remote from tumor cell inoculation or repeated iv injections were more or less effective against three kinds of solid tumors. Mice inoculated with Lewis lung carcinoma cells in a hind footpad and whose legs were amputated 9 days later were given iv or sc injections of MY-1 every other day (8 times in total), resulting in substantial prolongation of survival. No direct cytotoxicity of MY-1 for these tumors could be shown in three kinds of experiments, which indicates that the antitumor mechanism of MY-1 is host mediated. MY-1 was equally effective in mice with or without presensitization with BCG, whereas BCG was much more effective in BCG-sensitized mice. This finding suggests that a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction elicited by BCG protein is not required for the antitumor activity of MY-1.

[Clinical and bacteriological evaluation of TMS-19-Q in superficial suppurative skin and soft tissue infection]

Clinical effectiveness of TMS-19-Q, a new macrolide antibiotic, was evaluated in superficial infectious diseases classified into 6 groups at 13 departments of dermatology. The results obtained were as follows: Final global improvement rating in 311 cases were excellent in 91, good in 158, fair in 45 and poor in 17 and the effective rate was 80.1%. Effective rates in each group were 71.1% in 1st group (folliculitis and acne pustulosa), 78.6% in 2nd group (furuncle, furunculosis and carbuncle), 100% in 3rd group (impetigo), 76.9% in 4th group (phlegmone, superficial lymphangitis, erysipelas and infectious paronychia), 88.7% in 5th group (inflammatory atheroma, subcutaneous abscess, hidradenitis suppurative and acne conglobata) and 77.3% in 6th group (secondary infection). Dominant strains isolated were S. aureus (40.7%), S. epidermidis (26.9%) and anaerobic bacteria (20.8%). S. aureus was frequently isolated from most of all disease. On the other hand, S. epidermidis and anaerobic bacteria were isolated mainly from 1st and 5th group. Optimum daily doses would be over 600 mg. Slight adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal disorders, eruption and malaise were observed in 12 cases.

Somatostatinergic neurons in the insular cortex project to the spinal cord: combined retrograde axonal transport and immunohistochemical study

A double-labeling method combining immunohistochemistry and a retrograde tracer technique using biotin-horseradish peroxidase (B-HRP) was employed to identify a descending somatostatinergic fiber system from the insular cortex to the spinal cord. Injection of B-HRP into the spinal cord at cervical or lumbar levels resulted in the labeling of a number of neurons in the insular cortex. Simultaneous immunostaining revealed the existence of double-labeled neurons in the insular cortex. The result provides direct evidence for the presence of a descending somatostatinergic pathway from the insular cortex to lumbar levels of the spinal cord.

Histochemical study of phosphorylase in proliferating cells of intestinal metaplasia and carcinoma of the human stomach

A morphologic histochemical study of phosphorylase was carried out to investigate the relationship between gastric carcinoma and intestinal metaplasia. Intense phosphorylase activity was observed in the carcinoma cells, especially in well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and in the proliferating cells of some intestinal metaplasias. Metaplastic epithelium other than the proliferating cells occasionally showed a positive reaction. Phosphorylase was negative in normal gastric epithelium, even in its proliferating cells. There was an apparent coincidence between the location of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and the distribution of intestinal metaplasia, with the proliferating cells showing positive reaction for phosphorylase. These data suggest that the relationship between the proliferating cells of intestinal metaplasia showing phosphorylase activity and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma is apparently closer than the much-debated relationship between the epithelium of intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinoma.

[Clinical trial on the effect of tegafur (SF-SP)]

SF-SP capsules containing sustained release granules of tegafur were orally administered 800 mg, b.i. d. for more than 4 weeks in 20 cases of advanced cancer, 11 of whom were evaluable (stomach 7, colon 1, liver 1, bile 1 and pancreas 1). The evaluation of antitumor effects was based on criteria of the Japan Society for Cancer Therapy, which are are almost the same as those of WHO. One partial remission out of 7 cases of stomach cancer was obtained, and its duration was 40 weeks. Toxicities were anorexia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and stomatitis, one case each of anorexia, and nausea and vomiting occurred within 10 days after SF-SP administration. No bone marrow depression, hepatic and renal disorders occurred after long-term SF-SP administration. SF-SP seems to be useful in the treatment of patients with gastric cancer.

Antitumor activity of deoxyribonucleic acid fraction from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. I. Isolation, physicochemical characterization, and antitumor activity

A fraction extracted from Mycobacterium bovis strain BCG, which was composed of 70.0% DNA, 28.0% RNA, 1.3% protein, 0.20% glucose, and 0.1% lipid and of no detectable amounts of cell wall components such as alpha, epsilon-diaminopimelic acid and hexosamine, was found to possess strong antitumor activity. Repeated intralesional injection of this fraction, designated MY-1, without attachment to oil or a single intralesional injection of MY-1 emulsified in mineral oil caused the IMC carcinoma of CDF1 mice and line 10 tumor of strain 2 guinea pigs to regress and/or prevented metastasis very effectively. MY-1 after digestion with RNase, which contained 97.0% single-stranded DNA with a guanine-cytosine content of 69.8%, was more effective than undigested MY-1 against IMC and line 10 tumor, while MY-1 digested with DNase, which contained 97.0% RNA, had reduced activity, suggesting that the DNA from BCG possessed strong antitumor activity under certain conditions. Details of the extraction procedures and physicochemical characterization of MY-1 were also described.

Long-term follow-up study of 13 autistic children

This is a report concerning 13 autistic children who have been followed up from their early infancy to adulthood. Some intake variables, such as speech development at the age of 5, were correlated with the outcome status. As a result, we showed that a higher level of speech development at age 5 did not necessarily lead to a better outcome in social adaptability. We showed also that any of the variables we examined, such as the presence of brain organic abnormality, the duration of schooling and the duration of medical treatment, were not factors in determining a good or poor prognosis. We concluded that a rather poor outcome seen in our subjects might be due to the particular situation in Japan throughout this study period, and not a reflection of the real natural history of early infantile autism.

Thermochemotherapy for malignant melanoma: combination therapy of ACNU and hyperthermia in mice

B16 melanoma (mouse melanoma) and C24 melanoma (human malignant melanoma) transplanted in mice were treated by a combined therapy of ACNU [1-(4-amino-2-methyl - 5 - pyrimidinyl) - methyl - 3 - (2 - chlorethyl) - 3 - nitrosourea hydrochloride] (10 mg/kg) and hyperthermia (43 degrees C, 30 min). In both types of melanoma, a marked synergistic effect of the combined therapy was noted. Particularly in C24 melanoma a reduction in the size of tumor was observed. Histopathologic findings revealed a strong degeneration such as destruction of the tumor structure and vacuolization of nuclei.