Inhibition of apamin-sensitive K+ current by hypoxia in adult rat adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of hypoxia on small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ current was investigated in a study of adult rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells (AMCs), which were maintained in short-term culture. The nystatin-perforated, whole-cell patchclamp technique was used to study the effect of hypoxia with minimum perturbation of the intracellular milieu. Under voltage-clamp conditions, acute hypoxia (P(O2) approximately equal to 25 mmHg) suppressed the whole-cell outward currents of more than half the AMCs (24/46). This suppression was eliminated after application of apamin (400 nM), a selective inhibitor of small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (I(SK)(Ca)) (n=5), suggesting that an apamin-sensitive component of whole-cell currents is suppressed during hypoxia. In contrast to I(SK)(Ca), Ca2+ current (I(Ca)) (n=10) was not affected by hypoxia. Finally, under current-clamp conditions, hypoxia reversibly depolarized the resting membrane potential of adult AMCs (34/40). Apamin, however, eliminated the hypoxia-induced depolarization (400 nM) (7/8), suggesting that hypoxic depolarization is related to the suppression of I(SK(Ca). From the above results, we conclude that adult AMCs are sensitive to hypoxia, and that I(SK)(Ca) contributes to the hypoxia-induced suppression of whole-cell outward current and depolarization of the resting membrane potential in adult AMCs.

EWS-FLI1, EWS-ERG, and EWS-ETV1 oncoproteins of Ewing tumor family all suppress transcription of transforming growth factor beta type II receptor gene

Ewing sarcoma-specific chromosomal translocations fuse the EWS gene to a subset of ets transcription factor family members, most commonly the FLI1 gene and less frequently ERG, ETV1, E1A-F, or FEV. These fusion proteins are thought to act as aberrant transcription factors that bind DNA through their ets DNA binding domain. Recently, we have shown (K-B. Hahm et al., Nat. Genet., 23: 222-227, 1999) that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) type II receptor (TGF-beta RII), a putative tumor suppressor gene, is a target of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. Here, we also examined effects of EWS-ETV1 and EWS-ERG on expression of the TGF-beta RII gene. We show that relative to the control, NIH-3T3 cell lines stably transfected with the EWS-FLI1, EWS-ERG, or EWS-ETV1 gene fusion express reduced levels of TGF-beta RII mRNA and protein, and that these cell lines have reduced TGF-beta sensitivity. Cotransfection of these fusion genes and the TGF-beta RII promoter suppresses TGF-beta RII promoter activity and also FLI1-, ERG-, or ETV1-induced promoter activity. These results indicate that transcriptional repression of TGF-beta RII is an important target of the EWS-FLI1, EWS-ERG, or EWS-ETV1 oncogene, and that EWS-ets fusion proteins may function as dominant negative forms of ets transcription factors.

Antiproliferative effects of retinoic acid/interferon in cervical carcinoma cell lines: cooperative growth suppression of IRF-1 and p53

Retinoids and interferons have been implicated in the growth regulation of cervical cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully defined. To analyze detailed mechanisms, HPV-positive (HeLa, CaSki), HPV-negative (C33A, HT-3) and non-cervical Cos-1 cell lines were treated with I microM all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and/or 10 ng/ml interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The growth of RA-treated HeLa cells was less effectively suppressed than that of IFN-gamma-treated ones. A combination of RA and IFN-gamma leads to an additive antiproliferative effect on the cell growth. CaSki cell growth was also inhibited by IFN-gamma but was little stimulated by RA treatment, and the IFN effect was attenuated when IFN-gamma was combined with RA. HPV-negative C33A and HT-3 cells, which are defective in p53 and Rb, and Cos- 1 cells were weakly or not responsive to all combined treatments. The molecular mechanism underlying the differential effects of RA/IFN on HeLa and C33A cells was investigated. Combined RA/IFN-gamma treatment caused a marked increase in the level of IFN regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) in HeLa, whereas no induction of IRF-1 was observed in C33A, consistent with the findings that IFN signaling is functional in HeLa but is defective in C33A cells. The increase of p53 in HeLa cells might account for the down-regulation of HPV-18 E6 gene expression by RA/IFN-gamma. Furthermore, RA/IFN-gamma treatment resulted in the concurrent induction of p21WAF1 CDK inhibitor and dephosphorylation of Rb protein. Transient co-expression of IRF-1 and p53 led to the cooperative activation of the p21WAF1 promoter. Our results indicate that 2 transcription factors, increased in response to RA/IFN-gamma, cooperate functionally to regulate the cell cycle through the activation of a common p21WAF1 gene in HeLa cells.

Differentiation of Salmonella enterica serotype gallinarum biotype pullorum from biotype gallinarum by analysis of phase 1 flagellin C gene (fliC)

Salmonella enterica serotype gallinarum biotype gallinarum and biotype pullorum are non-motile and pathogenic avian strains. Biotype gallinarum causes fowl typhoid and biotype pullorum is the cause of pullorum disease in chickens. The two biotypes could be differentiated based on biochemical characteristics. However, conventional culture and biochemical assays are time-consuming, laborious and need sterile laboratory practices. Although the two biotypes, gallinarum and pullorum are non-motile, they possess the phase 1 flagellin C gene. The variable regions of the flagellin C gene from 41 biotype pullorum and 52 biotype gallinarum were amplified by colony-PCR and analyzed by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) method. Differences in SSCP electrophoretic patterns were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. In addition, PCR-RFLP with Hinp1I was also successfully applied to differentiate the two biotypes. These results suggested that the variable regions of fliC could be used as a genetic marker to differentiate biotype gallinarum from biotype pullorum.

Semiinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis: CT and pathologic findings in six patients

OBJECTIVE

We describe the chest CT and pathologic findings of semiinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis in six patients.

CONCLUSION

Semiinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered in the mildly immunocompromised patient with CT findings that reveal persistent parenchymal abnormalities. Patterns include consolidation and mass.

Differential effects of retinoic acid on growth and apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines associated with the induction of retinoic acid receptor beta

Retinoids are well known as potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents against a variety of human cancers. Here, we report that retinoic acid (RA) induced differential growth inhibition in human colon cancer cell lines: while DLD-1, HT-29, and WiDr were relatively resistant, HCT-15 and Colo201 were relatively sensitive. All-trans-retinoic acid caused morphological and biochemical changes such as membrane shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA cleavage, which are typical features of cells undergoing apoptosis in sensitive cell lines. Although retinoic acid receptor (RAR)alpha, beta, gamma and retinoid X receptor alpha were expressed in all cell lines examined, a significant induction of RARbeta by all-trans-RA was observed only in sensitive cell lines, suggesting important roles of RARbeta in RA sensitivity. When a vector containing the RARbeta gene was introduced into a relatively resistant cell line, DLD-1, the cells acquired RA sensitivity. Further, we found that the RARbeta transfectants of DLD-1 expressed an enhanced level of c-Myc and Bax proteins, which may result in the increased susceptibility of the cells to all-trans-RA-induced apoptosis. In summary, our data demonstrated that RA induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells and that the induction of RAR3 may mediate the retinoid action.

Increase in bacterial community diversity in subsurface aquifers receiving livestock wastewater input

Despite intensive studies of microbial-community diversity, the questions of which kinds of microbial populations are associated with changes in community diversity have not yet been fully solved by molecular approaches. In this study, to investigate the impact of livestock wastewater on changes in the bacterial communities in groundwater, bacterial communities in subsurface aquifers were analyzed by characterizing their 16S rDNA sequences. The similarity coefficients of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of the cloned 16S ribosomal DNAs showed that the bacterial communities in livestock wastewater samples were more closely related to those in contaminated aquifer samples. In addition, calculations of community diversity clearly showed that bacterial communities in the livestock wastewater and the contaminated aquifer were much more diverse than those in the uncontaminated aquifer. Thus, the increase in bacterial-community diversity in the contaminated aquifer was assumed to be due to the infiltration of livestock wastewater, containing high concentrations of diverse microbial flora, into the aquifer. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences from a subset of the RFLP patterns showed that the Cytophaga-Flexibacter-Bacteroides and low-G+C gram-positive groups originating from livestock wastewater were responsible for the change in the bacterial community in groundwater. This was evidenced by the occurrence of rumen-related sequences not only in the livestock wastewater samples but also in the contaminated-groundwater samples. Rumen-related sequences, therefore, can be used as indicator sequences for fecal contamination of groundwater, particularly from livestock.

Molecular mechanisms of inactivation of TGF-beta receptors during carcinogenesis

Signals from the TGF-betas are mediated by the TGF-beta receptors and their substrates, the Smad proteins. Inactivation of either of the two transmembrane serine/threonine kinases called the TGF-beta type I and type II receptors is now known to underlie a wide variety of human pathologies including, especially carcinogenesis. Numerous studies have now demonstrated that the TGF-beta receptor complex and its downstream signaling intermediates constitute a tumor suppressor pathway. We review here a specific pathway of mutational inactivation of the TGF-beta type II receptor resulting from microsatellite instability and demonstrate that, by contrast, the most common mechanism of loss of expression of the TGF-beta type II receptor involves transcriptional repression. This provides a new target for therapeutic intervention.

Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi strains isolated from Korea by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and PCR-RFLP analysis of rrf (5S)-rrl (23S) intergenic spacer amplicons

Haenam strains of Borrelia burgdorferi, which had been isolated from Ixodes granulatus and Apodemus agrarius in Haenam, Korea, were characterized by PCR-RFLP analysis of rrf (5S)-rrl (23S) intergenic spacer amplicons and by sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (rDNA). The Msel and Dral restriction patterns of the 5S-23S intergenic spacer amplicons of Haenam strains differed from those of other B. burgdorferi sensu lato strains. Furthermore, in the phylogenetic tree based on the 16S rDNA sequences, Haenam strains formed a distinctive cluster, clearly separated from the other members of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. These results suggest that, apart from Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii, other genotypes of B. burgdorferi sensu lato exist in Korea and the Haenam strain is a newly identified one.

Mechanism of reduced GFR in rabbits with ischemic acute renal failure

A reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a primary characteristic of ischemic acute renal failure. The present study was undertaken to examine the roles of angiotensin II, tubuloglomerular-feedback (TGF) mechanism, and tubular obstruction for the GFR reduction in the post-ischemic kidney. Renal ischemia was induced by occlusion of the bilateral renal arteries for 60 min, and renal function was examined at 2 and 24 h after the onset of reflow. After the end of 2-h reflow, the GFR was not significantly changed, but the urine flow increased significantly. On the other hand, at the end of 24-h reflow, the GFR and urine flow decreased markedly along with increased filtration fraction. The renal blood flow significantly decreased at 24 h, but not 2 h, after reflow, which was accompanied by increased total renal vascular resistance. Furosemide infusion (1 mg/min/kg) after 24 h of reflow prevented the reduction in GFR and filtration fraction without no changes in renal blood flow and total renal vascular resistance. Pretreatment of enalapril and losartan did not prevent the reduction in GFR, indicating that angiotensin II was not involved. In morphological examinations, tubular obstruction was seen in the proximal and distal tubules of kidneys both at 2 and 24 h after the onset of reflow. In two rabbits subjected to 48 h of reflow, the tubular obstruction was not observed, despite GFR remained depressed. These results suggest that the late reduction in GFR in postischemic kidneys is not mediated by angiotensin II, but is mediated, at least in part, by the TGF mechanism. The tubular obstruction may be not prerequisite for the GFR reduction in rabbits.

Diversity of the p70 killer cell inhibitory receptor (KIR3DL) family members in a single individual

NK cells and some T cells express members of a multigenic family of killer cell inhibitory receptors (KIRs) including p70 KIR (KIR3DL) and p58 KIR (KIR2DL) family that recognize polymorphic class I MHC molecules on target cells and transmit an inhibitory signal to prevent killer cell-mediated cytoxicity. The cDNA sequences of p70 KIR family members reported so far suggest that the p70 KIR gene consists of a multigene complex and that each gene may exhibit certain degrees of polymorphism. However, it is not clear how diverse the repertoire of the p70 KIR family is, particularly in a single individual. To address this question in more detail and to determine some indication as to the origin of the diversity, we cloned p70 KIR cDNAs from a single individual. We identified nine new KIRs that are different from the previously reported ones. A comparison of the amino acid sequences with published sequences of p70 KIRs showed that two clones belonged to the KIR3DL1 family, five clones belonged to the KIR3DL2 family, one clone belonged to the KIR2DL4 family, and one clone appeared to be an alternatively spliced form of p70 KIR. These results suggested that the repertoire of p70 KIR family members in a single individual is highly diverse. It is not clear how the diverse receptors are generated in a single individual, but a comparison of amino acid sequences of p70 KIR family members suggested that some of them may be encoded by distinct genes or their alleles, while others may be generated by a recombination mechanism and/or an alternative splicing mechanism at the maturation of the mRNA transcripts.

Cu(II) Sorption Mechanism on Montmorillonite: An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study

The mechanism of Cu(II) sorption on montmorillonite was studied with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The major sorbed species were successfully identified by EPR spectroscopy as they showed distinct signals due to their strength of binding and local structure. The EPR results together with macroscopic sorption data show that the sorption involves at least three different mechanisms. The dominant sorption mechanism changed with pH and Na(+) content in solution. In the acidic pH range, the sorption is independent of pH but is dependent on Na(+) concentration. Like free copper ions, the sorbed Cu(II) shows an isotropic absorption line. It is thought that the Cu(II) is ion-exchanged in the interlayer site and is capable of free tumbling motion despite electrostatic binding force. In the near neutral pH range, the sorption is strongly pH dependent and the sorbed Cu(II) shows no EPR signal. It is interpreted that the Cu(II) is sorbed by a surface complexation mechanism to form an inner-sphere surface complex. The EPR spectrum with a dipolar splitting pattern means that the dimeric Cu(II) surface species is the dominant sorbed species in the basic pH region where the Cu-Cu internuclear distance of the dimer is estimated to be approximately 3.3 Å. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Morphologic change of the internal elastic lamina in Buerger's disease

Morphologic features and pathogenesis of arterial changes occurring in Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) are still controversial. This study describes histopathologic features of medium sized arteries from patients with Buerger's disease, particularly of the internal elastic lamina in relation to the immunologic mechanism of the injury. Seventeen segments of occluded arteries (femoral or popliteal arteries) from 17 patients with Buerger's disease were analyzed by histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. The most characteristic features were total luminal obliteration, together with a varying degree of recanalization and deposition of hemosiderin pigments. Detailed analysis, however, showed marked undulation and multiplication of the internal elastic lamina (100%) associated with basophilic degeneration and delicate linear calcification (47%). Lymphocytic infiltration along the internal elastic lamina was seen in 71% and was associated with localized edema. Lymphocytes along the lamina were consistently positive for T cell marker. Mild to moderate fibrosis was present at the media in 24%. Adventitial changes included mild, nonspecific and irregular fibrosis seen in 53%. Immunologic injury to the internal elastic lamina associated with T-lymphocytic infiltration might be the initial morphogenetic mechanism of the thrombotic occlusion and organization of medium-sized arteries in Buerger's disease.

Bacteriologic characteristics and serotypings of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from throats of school children

To determine the carrier rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS), throat cultures were taken from healthy elementary school children in four separate areas of Korea from 1992 to 1995, including Inje, Nonsan, Seoul and Chinju. The strains of Streptococcus pyogenes had been serotyped with anti-T, -OF and -M sera. The isolation rates of BHS and S. pyogenes ranged from 14.1-32.4% and 10.9-18.5% respectively. More than half of the carriers showed heavy growth of BHS. M78 (48.6%) and M28 (22.2%) were most common in Inje, M12 (23.6%) and M5 (20.3%) in Nonsan, M12 (48.8%) and M5 (14.6%) in Seoul, and M12 (26.3%) and M22 (14.5%) in Chinju, respectively. About 15% of school children were positive for S. pyogenes in throat cultures, and the distribution of serotypes varied according to geographical regions.

Scrub typhus: radiological and clinical findings

OBJECTIVES

To describe the radiological and clinical findings of scrub typhus. We retrospectively analysed the radiographic, thin-section CT and clinical features of scrub typhus.

METHODS

The study included 75 consecutive patients (median age = 47 years, range = 18-81 years) with scrub typhus. Plain chest radiographs were obtained in all 75 patients and 19 underwent thin-section CT within 6 days of initial radiography. The radiographic and thin-section CT findings were retrospectively analysed by three radiologists.

RESULTS

Most common clinical symptoms were fever (73/75, 98%), myalgia (61/75, 81%) and headache (60/75%, 80%). Rash (59/75, 79%) and eschar (56/75, 75%) were the most common signs. Radiography showed abnormalities in 54/75 (72%) patients. The most frequent findings were parenchymal abnormalities (53/75, 71%) with lower lung predilection including bilateral reticulonodular opacities (30/75, 40%), ground-glass opacity (19/75, 25%), consolidation (19/75, 25%), septal lines (27/75, 36%) and hilar lymph node enlargement (19/75, 25%). Thin-section CT (n = 19) showed ground-glass opacity (17/19, 89%) predominantly in the lower zones. Bronchial wall thickening (11/19, 58%), centrilobular nodules (9/19, 47%) and interlobular septal thickening (9/19, 47%) were less frequent findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness characterized by eschar, which usually has a limited course without serious complication. Diffuse bilateral reticulonodular opacities with lower lung predominance was the most frequent radiographic finding. Chest radiography and thin-section CT show pulmonary interstitial disease which may have a component of pulmonary oedema secondary to cardiac dysfunction.

The essential role of H2O2 in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ by epidermal growth factor in rat-2 fibroblasts

We have investigated a new mechanism by which epidermal growth factor (EGF) increases intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in Rat-2 fibroblasts. EGF induced a transient increase of [Ca(2+)](i), and sustained Ca(2+) increase disappeared in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). However, EGF had no effect on the formation of inositol phosphates. Expression of N17Rac or scrape-loading of C3 transferase blocked the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) by EGF, but not by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). EGF increased intracellular H(2)O(2), with a maximal increase at 5 min, which was blocked by catalase, scrape-loading of C3 transferase, or expression of N17Rac. H(2)O(2) scavengers, catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, also blocked the Ca(2+) response to EGF, but not to LPA. In the presence of EGTA, preincubation with EGF completely inhibited subsequent Ca(2+) response to extracellular H(2)O(2) and vice versa. Incubation with EGF or phosphatidic acid abolished subsequent elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) by phosphatidic acid or EGF, respectively. Furthermore, preincubation with LPA inhibited the subsequent Ca(2+) response to EGF, but not vice versa. These results suggested that intracellular H(2)O(2) regulated by Rac and RhoA, but not inositol phosphates, was responsible for the EGF-stimulated elevation of [Ca(2+)](i). It was also suggested that EGF cross talked with LPA in the regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) by producing intracellular H(2)O(2).

NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Koreans

Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp1) is a genetic locus associated with innate resistance or susceptibility of murine hosts to infection with intracellular pathogens such as Salmonella, Leishmania and Mycobacterium. The human homologue of the Nramp1 gene, designated NRAMP1, has been investigated as a candidate gene for genetic susceptibility to autoimmune diseases as well as infections. This study tries to determine whether NRAMP1 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Koreans. The nine NRAMP1 polymorphisms (1 microsatellite, 1 variation in 3' UTR, 5 silent substitution, 2 amino acid substitution) were typed by PCR-RFLP in 74 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 53 healthy controls in Koreans. The distribution of allele and genotype frequencies were compared between patients and controls. Three NRAMP1 polymorphisms (823C/T, D543N and 1729+55del4) were significantly associated with RA. In addition, there were significant differences in the genotype frequencies for 823C/T, D543N and 1729+ 55del4 polymorphisms between RA patients and controls. Genotypes of A/A homozygote for D543N and TGTG deletion homozygote for 1729+55del4 were only detected in the patient group. These data indicate that genetic polymorphisms of NRAMP1 might be associated with the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Koreans.

Endoscopic bone graft for delayed union and nonunion

We performed endoscopic bone grafting for eight patients of delayed union and nonunion which developed after femoral and humeral shaft fractures. The mean interval from initial intervention to endoscopic bone grafting was 7.3 months. Six patients of delayed union and nonunion healed at 4.1 months on average. Two patients had unsatisfactory healing and eventually underwent non-endoscopic revisional surgery. There was no intraoperative on postoperative complication. Endoscopic bone grafting can be a less invasive alternative, obtaining rapid bone union in cases of compromised healing of the diaphyseal fracture.

Mutation screening of human 5-HT(2B)receptor gene in early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder

The serotonin receptor 2B gene (HTR2B; MIM 601122) is a pharmacological and positional candidate gene in early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sequences of a putative promoter region and splice regions were first elucidated, then sequenced along with HTR2B coding regions. Probands from seven families included in a previous genome scan in which one of the strongest linkage findings was to a region including HTR2B, along with two genomic DNA pools of 10 unrelated control subjects and 10 unrelated autism probands were screened. One single nucleotide polymorphism was found in intron 1, that may be useful as a marker in genetic linkage and association studies. It does not appear likely to affect splicing. No evidence for functional mutation was found in the sequenced regions of HTR2B.

Melatonin reduces oxidative neurotoxicity due to quinolinic acid: in vitro and in vivo findings

The in vivo and in vitro effects of melatonin on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative damage in rat brain were determined. The concentrations of malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals were assayed as an index of oxidatively damaged lipid. In in vitro experiments, the increase in malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals concentrations induced by quinolinic acid were concentration-dependent and time-dependent. The accumulation of products of lipid peroxidation induced by quinolinic acid were very significantly reduced by melatonin in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, at the highest concentrations of melatonin used in quinolinic acid treated homogenates, it reduced the levels of oxidatively damaged lipid products below those measured in control homogenates (no quinolinic acid or melatonin). When quinolinic acid (200 mg/kg) was intraperitonally injected into 11-day-old rats, lipid peroxidation in the brain was significantly increased 24 hours later compared to levels in control rats. When melatonin (10 mg/kg) was injected i.p. 30 min before and 4 and 20 hours after the administration of quinolinic acid, the increased lipid peroxidation induced by quinolinic acid was significantly reduced. Likewise, neurobehavioral signs associated with quinolinate administration were attenuated by melatonin. These results show that both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological levels of melatonin confer protection against quinolinic acid-induced oxidative toxicity in the brain. The findings also indicate that melatonin may be pharmacologically useful in combatting quinolinic neurotoxicity which is associated with several acute and chronic neurodegenerative neurological diseases.

Changes of hippocampal Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase after kainate treatment in the rat

In order to evaluate the putative role of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) in the antioxidant defense mechanism during the neurodegenerative process, we examined the level of mRNA, the specific activity and immunocytochemical distribution for SOD-1 in the rat hippocampus after systemic injection of kainic acid (KA). Hippocampal SOD-1 mRNA levels were significantly increased by the seizure intensity 3 and 7 days after KA. These enhanced mRNA levels for SOD-1 were consistent with the increased specific activities for SOD-1, suggesting that the superoxide radical generated in neurotoxic lesion, induced SOD-1 mRNA. The CA1 and CA3 neurons lost their SOD-1-like immunoreactivity, whereas SOD-1-positive glia-like cells mainly proliferated throughout the CA1 sector and had an intense immunoreactivity at 3 and 7 days after KA. This immunocytochemical distribution for SOD-1-positive non-neuronal elements was similar to that for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells. Each immunoreactivity for SOD-1-positive non-neuronal cell or GFAP in the layers of CA1 and CA3 disappeared 3 and 7 days after a maximal stage 5 seizure. On the other hand, activated microglial cells as selectively marked with the lectin occurred in the areas affected by KA-induced lesion. Double-labeling immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated the co-localization of SOD-1-positive glia-like cells and reactive astrocytes as labeled by GFAP or S-100 protein immunoreactivity. This finding suggested that the mobilization of astroglial cells for the synthesis of SOD-1 protein is a response to the KA insult designed to decrease the neurotoxicity induced by oxygen-derived free radicals. Therefore, these alterations might reflect the regulatory role of SOD-1 against oxygen-derived free radical-induced neuronal degeneration after systemic KA administration.

Over-expression of ERT(ESX/ESE-1/ELF3), an ets-related transcription factor, induces endogenous TGF-beta type II receptor expression and restores the TGF-beta signaling pathway in Hs578t human breast cancer cells

The epithelium-specific transcription factor, ERT/ESX/ESE-1/ELF3, binds to the TGF-beta RII promoter in a sequence specific manner and regulates its expression. In this study, we investigated whether ERT could regulate endogenous TGF-beta RII expression in Hs578t breast cancer cells. Analyses of the Hs578t parental cell line revealed low RII mRNA expression and resistance to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta. Infection of this cell line with a retroviral construct expressing ERT induced higher levels of endogenous RII mRNA expression and protein expression relative to cells infected with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CATneo) as a control. Relative to control cells, the ERTneo-expressing Hs578t cells show approximately a 50% reduction in cell growth in the presence of exogenous TGF-beta1, as well as a fourfold higher induction of activation in transient transfection assays using the 3TP-luciferase reporter construct. When transplanted into athymic mice, ERT-expressing Hs578t cells showed decreased and delayed tumorigenicity compared with control cells. This data strongly suggests that ERT plays an important role as a transcriptional activator of TGF-beta RII expression, and that deregulated ERT expression may play a critical role in rendering Hs578t human breast cancer cells insensitive to TGF-beta's growth inhibitory effects.

The expression of the high mobility group I(Y) mRNA in thyroid cancers: useful tool of differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules

OBJECTIVE

Thyroid nodule is frequent and occurs in about 5% of the general population. In contrast, thyroid cancer is much less frequent and occurs in about 5-10% of thyroid nodules. Distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions is an important task that is best accomplished by fine needle aspiration. Recently, Chiappetta et al. reported that the expression of the high mobility group (HMG) I(Y) proteins correlates with the malignant phenotype of human thyroid neoplasia, and suggested that the detection of the HMG I(Y) proteins might be a valid tool for an easy and sensitive discrimination assay between benign and malignant neoplastic thyroid disease.

METHODS

We evaluated the expression of the HMG I(Y) mRNA in 39 frozen thyroid tissues from patients with thyroid nodule by semiquantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expression of the HMG I(Y) mRNA was low in all of 10 normal thyroid tissues. In all of 3 adenomatous goiters, 6 follicular adenomas and 2 Hürthle cell adenomas, the HMG I(Y) mRNA expression level was low. In 11 of 13 papillary carcinomas and all of 5 follicular carcinomas, the HMG I(Y) mRNA expression level was high.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that there is a correlation between the expression of HMG I(Y) and the malignant phenotype of thyroid cancer, suggesting that these proteins may be useful as a marker in thyroid cancer.