Antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins on adherent human neutrophils triggers activation of p21ras through tyrosine phosphorylation of the protooncogene product Vav

It is known that beta 2 integrins are crucial for leukocyte cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and accumulating evidence now suggests that integrins serve not only as a structural link but also as a signal-transducing unit that controls adhesion-induced changes in cell functions. In the present study, we plated human neutrophils on surface-bound anti-beta 2 (CD18) antibodies and found that the small GTP-binding protein p21ras is activated by beta 2 integrins. Pretreatment of the cells with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, led to a complete block of p21ras activation, an effect that was not achieved with either U73122, which abolishes the beta 2 integrin-induced Ca2+ signal, or wortmannin, which totally inhibits the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. Western blot analysis revealed that antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins causes tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins in the cells. One of these tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins had an apparent molecular mass of 95 kDa and was identified as the protooncogene product Vav, a p21ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is specifically expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineage. A role for Vav in the activation of p21ras is supported by the observations that antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins causes an association of Vav with p21ras and that the effect of genistein on p21ras activation coincided with its ability to inhibit both the tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav and the Vav-p21ras association. Taken together, these results indicate that antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins on neutrophils triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav and, possibly through its association, a downstream activation of p21ras.

Effect of neonatal axoplasmic transport attenuation in the infraorbital nerve on vibrissae-related patterns in the rat's brainstem, thalamus and cortex

This study evaluated the effects of neonatal attenuation of axoplasmic transport in the infraorbital nerve (ION) on the organization of vibrissae-related patterns in the rat's CNS. Application of colchicine- or vinblastine- impregnated implants to the ION from birth until postnatal day (P)6 to P10 resulted in a 92.4% reduction in the number of trigeminal (V) ganglion cells labelled by application of horseradish peroxidase to the vibrissa pad and a 44.8% decrease in the number of Nissl-stained ganglion cells in the ophthalamic-maxillary portion of the V ganglion. These implants also decreased the number of myelinated fibres in the ION. In normal rats killed on P6-10, there was an average of 10273 +/- 1259 myelinated axons in the nerve. In the animals with colchicine- or vinblastine-treated implants, this value was 3891 +/- 1965. The highest axon count in an experimental animal was 9859. In all animals, axoplasmic transport attenuation resulted in the disappearance of normal vibrissae-related cytochrome oxidase patterns in the brainstem, thalamus and primary somatosensory cortex. Axoplasmic transport attenuation did not result in the disappearance of vibrissae-related ordering of V primary afferent terminal arbors, as demonstrated by anterograde labelling with neurobiotin. These results suggest that some factor conveyed from the periphery of the V ganglion and perhaps on to the brainstem is necessary for the maintenance of vibrissae-related patterns in the thalamus and cortex.

Ca2+ signalling mechanisms of the beta 2 integrin on neutrophils: involvement of phospholipase C gamma 2 and Ins(1,4,5)P3

Engagement of beta 2 integrins triggers a tyrosine kinase-dependent intracellular mobilization and influx of Ca2+ in human neutrophils. However, the transduction pathway involved in generating this Ca2+ signal is obscure. In the present study we identified phospholipase C gamma 2 (PLC gamma 2) as one of the major proteins that was phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to beta 2 integrin activation. This beta 2 integrin-induced phosphorylation of PLC gamma 2 occurred in parallel with an increased accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3. The relevance of these observations for the beta 2 integrin-induced Ca2+ signal was investigated using an inhibitor of PLC signalling pathways, 1-(6-{[17 beta-3-methoxyoestra-1,3.5(10)-trien-17-yl] amino}hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione(U73122). U73122 dose-dependently (IC50, approx. 0.15 microM) inhibited both the beta 2 integrin-induced release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and the subsequent influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane. These effects were not observed with the inactive analogue 1-(6-{[17 beta-3-methoxyoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl] amino}hexyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (U73343). To gain further support for an involvement of PLC-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation in the beta 2 integrin-induced Ca2+ signal, we searched for the molecular event(s) underlying the effects of U73122. Our experiments revealed that U73122 had no effect on either beta 2 integrin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC gamma 2 (or any of the other proteins) or on the formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, but it reduced the Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced release of 45Ca2+ from intracellular stores of electropermeabilized cells. Taken together, the present data suggest that the beta 2 integrin-induced Ca2+ signal in human neutrophils is generated through activation of a PLC gamma 2-dependent pathway.

Determination of PO2 and its heterogeneity in single capillaries

We have applied the phosphorescence lifetime technique (Vanderkooi, J. M., G. Maniara, T. J. Green, and D. F. Wilson. J. Biol. Chem. 262: 5476-5482, 1987) to determine oxygen tension in single capillaries of the hamster retractor muscle. Palladium meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (10 mg/ml, pH 7.40, bound to bovine serum albumin) was used as the phosphorescent oxygen sensor. Our measurement system consisted of a microscope configured for epi-illumination, a strobe flash lamp, a 430-nm bandpass excitation filter, and a 630-nm cut-on emission filter. A rectangular diaphragm was used to limit the illumination field to 10 microns x 10 microns, and an end-window photomultiplier tube was used to detect the phosphorescence signal, which was then input to an analog-to-digital board in a personal computer. In vitro calibrations were carried out at 37 degrees C on samples flowing through a glass capillary tube (diameter, 300 microns) at four different O2 concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%). In vivo tests were carried out on arterioles, capillaries, and venules of the retractor muscle of anesthetized hamsters. The phosphorescent compound was administered by injection into a jugular vein (20 mg/kg). Phosphorescence decay curves were analyzed by a new model of heterogeneous oxygen distribution in the excitation/emission volume. Mean Po2 values and the local Po2 gradients within the excitation/ emission volume were calculated from phosphorescence life-times obtained from individual decay curves. The time course of Po2 obtained during 0.5-s measurement periods (5 decay curves at 0.1-s intervals) at a given site along a capillary indicated the presence of a gradient in Po2 within the plasma space between and near red blood cells. Similar Po2 gradients were also detected in arterioles and venules. Mean Po2 values for arterioles, capillaries, and venules over the 0.5-s observation period were 27 +/- 5, 14 +/- 2, and 11 +/- 3 (SD) mmHg, respectively. The magnitude of the Po2 gradient in the arterioles, capillaries, and venules was 6 +/- 1, 4 +/- 1, and 2 +/- 1 mmHg/micron, respectively.

Uptake characteristics of loracarbef and cephalexin in the Caco-2 cell culture model: effects of the proton gradient and possible presence of a distinctive second component

The mechanisms of apical (AP) uptake of cephalexin (CEPH) and loracarbef (LOR) in the absence or presence of an (extemally imposed) proton gradient were determined using well-stirred diffusion chambers that minimize the effects of the unstirred water layer. The results indicated that, compared to AP uptake in the presence of an imposed proton gradient, AP uptake in the absence of an imposed proton gradient had higher K(m) values and lower Jmax values. Furthermore, when inhibition studies were performed in the absence of a proton gradient, only natural peptides were effective, whereas the peptide analogs (e.g., enalapril) were not. In addition to the effects of concentration and competitive inhibitors, the results also indicated that (1) the AP uptake of both drugs was decreased more than 60% by FCCP, regardless of whether the proton gradient was present or absent; (2) effects of protein kinase C promoter were dependent upon the presence of a proton gradient; and (3) AP uptake in the presence of an imposed proton gradient was not affected by feeding restriction, whereas AP uptake in the absence of an imposed proton gradient was. These results showed for the first time that two substrates with similar AP uptake characteristics in the presence of an imposed proton gradient may not share those characteristics in the absence of an imposed proton gradient. Taken together, these results suggest that the AP uptake component that functions in the absence of an imposed proton gradient is distinctly different from the one that functions in the presence of an imposed proton gradient. Data generated from the present study and those in the literature lend support to the hypothesis that this distinctive component represents the second binding site on the AP peptide transporter. However, an alternative hypothesis that there are two AP peptide transporters remains to be disapproved.

An integrated genetic map of the African human malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

We present a genetic map based on microsatellite polymorphisms for the African human malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. Polymorphisms in laboratory strains were detected for 89% of the tested microsatellite markers. Genotyping was performed for individual mosquitos from 13 backcross families that included 679 progeny. Three linkage groups were identified, corresponding to the three chromosomes. We added 22 new markers to the existing X chromosome map, for a total of 46 microsatellite markers spanning a distance of 48.9 cM. The second chromosome has 57 and the third 28 microsatellite markers spanning a distance of 72.4 and 93.7 cM, respectively. The overall average distance between markers is 1.6 cM (or 1.1, 1.2, and 3.2 cM for the X, second, and third chromosomes, respectively). In addition to the 131 microsatellite markers, the current map also includes a biochemical selectable markers, Dieldrin resistance (Dl), on the second chromosome and five visible markers, pink-eye (p) and white (w) on the X, collarless (c) and lunate (lu) on the second, and red-eye (r) on the third. The cytogenetic locations on the nurse cell polytene chromosomes have been determined for 47 markers, making this map an integrated tool for cytogenetic, genetic, and molecular analysis.

[Relationship between expression of P21ras and cellular DNA in pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland]

BACKGROUND

The pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent tumor of the human lacrimal gland comprising about 50% of the epithelial tumors of this organ. Although being benign, local recurrences can occur when the first removal was incomplete and malignant transformation is also not in frequent. It is well known that many sorts of cellular oncogene products are involved in the initiation, promotion and progression of the human neoplasm. Our purpose was to know whether there is abnormal expression of P21ras in pleomorphic adenoma.

METHODS

We have undertaken a study of the expression of P21ras in 5 normal tissues and 32 pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland by immunohistochemical means using the monoclone antibody F-132-62 and the nuclear DNA content in the tumor was assayed by image analysis technique.

RESULTS

Normal tissues of lacrimal gland were negative, 12 tumors were stained positively with the antibody. The DNA content of 14 cases of tumor was increased. Their DNA ploidy distribution pattern showed two or several peaks. Good correlation has been found between the expression of P21ras and DNA ploidy distribution pattern, the DNA ploidy distribution pattern of tumor which expressed p21ras showed mainly two or several peaks. P< 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

The result of our studies may suggest that there are increased expression of p21ras in pleomorphic adenoma and the expression of p21ras is related to the promotion and progression of pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland.

Identification and characterization of espin, an actin-binding protein localized to the F-actin-rich junctional plaques of Sertoli cell ectoplasmic specializations

Ectoplasmic specializations are membrane-cytoskeletal assemblages found in Sertoli cells at sites of attachment to elongate spermatids or neighboring Sertoli cells. They are characterized in part by the presence of a unique junctional plaque which contains a narrow layer of parallel actin bundles sandwiched between the Sertoli cell plasma membrane and an affiliated cistern of endoplasmic reticulum. Using a monoclonal antibody, we have identified ‘espin,’ a novel actin-binding protein localized to ectoplasmic specializations. By immunogold electron microscopy, espin was localized to the parallel actin bundles of ectoplasmic specializations at sites where Sertoli cells contacted the heads of elongate spermatids. The protein was also detected at the sites of ectoplasmic specializations between neighboring Sertoli cells. Espin exhibits an apparent molecular mass of approximately 110 kDa in SDS gels. It is encoded by an approximately 2.9 kb mRNA, which was found to be specific to testis among the 11 rat organs and tissues examined. On the basis of cDNA sequence, espin is predicted to be an 836 amino acid protein which contains 8 ankyrin-like repeats in its N-terminal third, a potential P-loop, two proline-rich peptides and two peptides which contain clusters of multiple glutamates bracketed by arginines, lysines and glutamines in a pattern reminiscent of the repetitive motif found in the protein trichohyalin. The ankyrin-like repeats and a 66 amino acid peptide in the C terminus show significant sequence similarity to proteins encoded by the forked gene of Drosophila. A fusion protein containing the C-terminal 378 amino acids of espin was found to bind with high affinity (Kd = approximately 10 nM) to F-actin in vitro with a stoichiometry of approximately 1 espin per 6 actin monomers. When expressed by transfected NRK fibroblasts, the same C-terminal fragment of espin was observed to decorate actin fibers or cables. On the basis of its structure, localization and properties, we hypothesize that espin is involved in linking actin filaments to each other or to membranes, thereby potentially playing a key role in the organization and function of the ectoplasmic specialization.

Integrated genetic map of Anopheles gambiae: use of RAPD polymorphisms for genetic, cytogenetic and STS landmarks

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers have been integrated in the genetic and cytogenetic maps of the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Fifteen of these markers were mapped by recombination, relative to microsatellite markers that had been mapped previously. Thirty-four gel-purified RAPD bands were cloned and sequenced, generating sequence tagged sites (STSs) that can be used as entry points to the A. gambiae genome. Thirty one of these STSs were localized on nurse cell polytene chromosomes through their unique hybridization signal in in situ hybridization experiments. Five STSs map close to the breakpoints of polymorphic inversions, which are notable features of the Anopheles genome. The usefulness and limitations of this integrated mosquito map are discussed.

Synaptic organization of damaged infraorbital nerve axons in perinatal rats: demonstration by galanin immunocytochemistry

Neonatal transection of the infraorbital nerve (ION; the trigeminal, V, branch that supplies the mystacial vibrissae follicles) results in an upregulation of galanin in the central arbors of primary afferent axons. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the synaptic organization of these galanin-positive primary afferents and compare it with that of normal neurobiotin/biocytin-labeled primary afferent axons from animals of the same age. Examination of 1200 neurobiotin/biocytin-labeled profiles in V nucleus principalis (PrV) of rats killed on postnatal day (P-) 7 indicated that 23.3% (n = 279) of these profiles made synaptic contacts: 87.4% were axodendritic, 8.9% were axoaxonic, 2.8% were axosomatic, and 0.7% were axospinous. Evaluation of 1200 galanin-positive profiles in PrV from rats that sustained transection of the ION on P-0 and were killed on P-7 indicated that only 64 (5.3%) of these profiles made synaptic contacts (P < 0.05 compared with the intact animals). Of the galanin-positive profiles that did make synapses in PrV, 81.2% (n = 52) were axodendritic and 18.8% (n = 12) were axoaxonic. These results indicate that galanin released by damaged ION primary afferents in PrV is likely to affect the activity of second-order V neurons by a paracrine action rather than by acting at specific synapses.

Leukotriene D4-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ in epithelial cells is critically dependent on activation of the small GTP-binding protein Rho

We have previously shown that the leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ in epithelial cells is mediated by a G-protein that is distinctly different from the pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein that regulates the subsequent influx of Ca2+. In the present study, we attempted to gain further knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the LTD4-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ in epithelial cells by investigating the effects of compactin, an inhibitor of the isoprenylation pathway, on this signalling event. In cells preincubated with 10 microM compactin for 48 h, the LTD4-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ was reduced by 75% in comparison with control cells. This reduction was reversed by co-administration of mevalonate (1 mM). The effect of compactin occurred regardless of whether or not Ca2+ was present in the extracellular medium, suggesting that isoprenylation must occur before Ca2+ is released from intracellular stores. In accordance with this, we also found that both the LTD4-induced formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and the LTD4-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) on tyrosine residues were significantly reduced in compactin-pretreated cells. These results open up the possibility that the activation of PLC gamma 1 is related to a molecule that is sensitive to impaired activity of the isoprenylation pathway, such as a small monomeric G-protein. This idea was supported by the observation that Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme-induced inhibition of Rho proteins abolished the LTD4-induced intracellular mobilization of Ca2+. A regulatory role of Rho proteins in the LTD4-induced activation of PLC gamma 1 is unlikely to be indirectly mediated via an effect on the cytoskeleton, since cytochalasin D had no major effect on the LTD4-induced mobilization of Ca2+. Although the mechanism of interaction remains to be elucidated, the present findings indicate an important role of an isoprenylated protein such as Rho in the LTD4-induced Ca2+ signal.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning in southern China

The rapidly expanding mariculture and commercial region along the southern coast of China has experienced sporadic outbreaks of paralytic shellfish poisoning for nearly 30 years, yet virtually nothing is known of the nature of that toxicity or of the causative organisms. This study presents the first direct comparisons of the high performance liquid chromatography toxin composition profiles of shellfish implicated in paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreaks in Daya Bay with Alexandrium tamarense cultures established from those waters. The three cultures that were analyzed produced an unusually high proportion of the low potency N-sulfocarbamoyl toxins C1 and C2 (nearly 90% of the total), and only trace quantities of the other saxitoxin derivatives. Total toxicity was thus very low with mild acid extraction, ranging between 7.2 and 12.7 fmole cell-1, or 0.7-0.9 pg saxitoxin equiv. cell-1. Following acid hydrolysis using the standard AOAC extraction method, the dominant toxins in the cultures were gonyautoxins 2 and 3 and decarbamoyl gonyautoxins 2 and 3. Total potency increased fourfold to 2.6-3.4 pg saxitoxin equiv. cell-1 following acid hydrolysis. These cultures are thus at the low end of the range of toxicities recorded for members of the A. tamarense species complex. Two scallop samples and one mussel sample collected from Daya Bay during paralytic shellfish poisoning episodes in 1990 and 1991 were also analyzed following the AOAC extraction procedure. The toxin profiles were similar for the three shellfish samples, in that the same suite of toxins were present in each, but the relative proportion of those toxins varied. The dominant toxins were gonyautoxins 2 and 3 and toxins C1-C4. Total toxicity was 336 and 654 micrograms saxitoxin per 100 g meat for the scallop samples, and 723 for the mussels. Toxins C3,4 were present in the shellfish at up to 22 mole%, but were not detected in cultures, even when mild acid was used for extraction. Despite the otherwise similar nature of the culture versus the shellfish toxin signatures, the presence of C3,4 indicates that another strain or species of Alexandrium, or possibly a paralytic shellfish poisoning-producing species of another genus was responsible for the 1990 and 1991 paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreaks in Daya Bay. Since the cultures analyzed were of low intrinsic toxicity, A. tamarense may be more widespread along the south coast of China than is suggested by the sporadic pattern of past paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreaks. Blooms with high cell density are required to generate sufficient toxin to be dangerous. The alarming increase in algal blooms in Chinese waters due to persistent and growing pollution may make these low toxicity populations more problematic in the future.

Reliability of self-reported human immunodeficiency virus risk behaviors in a residential drug treatment population

This study examined test-retest reliabilities of self-reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sexual and drug injection behaviors among 246 prior drug users admitted to either of two residential drug treatment programs in Westborough, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, between June 1990 and September 1992. Participants, selected by their date of admission, were administered admission and reliability questionnaires pertaining to HIV risk behaviors, the latter at approximately 2 weeks after admission. Estimated reliabilities (kappa coefficients) of the sexual behaviors ranged from 0.72 to 0.91; those for the drug injection variables ranged from 0.63 to 0.98. These results were consistent across groups defined by sex and injection of drugs. The consistently good reliabilities are significant to the design of independent studies of drug treatment populations utilizing self-report measures of sexual and drug behaviors.

[Intracranial fungal granuloma with CSF space dissemination: a case report]

A 28-year-old male presented with a low grade fever, decreased activity, left hemiparesis and signs of intracranial hypertension. CT showed a moderate hydrocephalus and a large irregular mass in the right temporoparietal region with garland-like enhancement after injection of the contract medium. These findings suggested a malignant brain tumor. MR images demonstrated a mass with low-iso signal intensity on T1 weighted image and low-iso-high mixed intensity on T2, which is like a mosaic pattern. Multiple cerebrospinal fluid space seedings including the wall of the lateral ventricle, the surface of the cerebellum and pons, and the cervical spinal cord were clearly delineated on MR images after Gd-DTPA injection. The large mass was totally removed by craniotomy after ventricle drainage for hydrocephalus. Microscopic examinations showed dense fibrous connective tissue with infiltration of Langhans' giant cells, lymphocytes and fibroblasts around the necrotic centers. These hard components may have been responsible for the low signal intensity on T2-MR images. Many Candida elements were clearly shown with the periodic acid Schiff stain. The diagnosis was that the lesion was an intraparenchymal granuloma due to Candida infection. The patient died on the 8th postoperative day because of brain stem malfunction. Intracranial fungal infection rarely produces a granuloma in the central nervous system. Though it is difficult to diagnose a large irregular mass in the brain, MR images, especially T2 weighted images are useful for the diagnosis of fungal granuloma.

The LIM domain-containing Dbm1 GTPase-activating protein is required for normal cellular morphogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Normal cell growth in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves the selection of genetically determined bud sites where most growth is localized. Previous studies have shown that BEM2, which encodes a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that is specific for the Rho-type GTPase Rho1p in vitro, is required for proper bud site selection and bud emergence. We show here that DBM1, which encodes another putative Rho-type GAP with two tandemly arranged cysteine-rich LIM domains, also is needed for proper bud site selection, as haploid cells lacking Dbm1p bud predominantly in a bipolar, rather than the normal axial, manner. Furthermore, yeast cells lacking both Bem2p and Dbm1p are inviable. The nonaxial budding defect of dbm1 mutants can be rescued partially by overproduction of Bem3p and is exacerbated by its absence. Since Bem3p has previously been shown to function as a GAP for Cdc42p, and also less efficiently for Rho1p, our results suggest that Dbm1p, like Bem2p and Bem3p, may function in vivo as a GAP for Cdc42p and/or Rho1p. Both LIM domains of Dbm1p are essential for its normal function. Point mutations that alter single conserved cysteine residues within either LIM domain result in mutant forms of Dbm1p that can no longer function in bud site selection but instead are capable of rescuing the inviability of bem2 mutants at 35 degrees C.

[Relationship between cellular DNA and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland]

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the information about whether expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is related to the proliferative activity of tumor.

METHODS

The expression of EGF receptor and DNA content of pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland in 32 cases were detected by an immunohistochemical avidin biotin peroxidase complex method and determined by an image analysis technique, respectively. The relationship between the expression of EGF receptor and DNA content was analyzed.

RESULTS

10 tumors were stained positively with anti-EGF receptor antibody, the DNA contents of 14 cases were increased, their DNA ploidy distribution pattern showed two or several peaks. Good correlation has been found between the expression of EGF receptor and DNA ploidy distribution pattern, and the DNA distribution pattern of tumor with positive EGF receptor expression showed mainly two or several peaks (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The expression of EGF receptor of pleomorphic tumor of lacrimal gland is related to the proliferative activity of tumor cells.

Increased serotonin in the developing superior colliculus does not alter the number or distribution of retinotectal ganglion cells

Administration of a single subcutaneous dose of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) to newborn hamsters results in a significant increase in the density of serotoninergic (5-HT) fibers in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus (SC) and marked abnormalities in both the crossed and uncrossed retinotectal projections when these animals reach adulthood (R. Rhoades, C. Bennett-Clarke, R. Lane, M. Leslie, and R. Mooney, 1993, J. Comp. Neurol. 334:397-409). The present study was undertaken to determine whether changes in the retinotectal projection of 5,7-DHT-treated animals were associated with alterations in the number or distribution of retinal ganglion cells in these animals. Nissl staining of retinae from normal adult and 5,7-DHT-treated hamsters revealed no differences between them in the number or average diameter of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Retrograde labeling with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) demonstrated no effect of 5,7-DHT treatment on the number or distribution of ipsilaterally or contralaterally projecting ganglion cells. Neonatal 5,7-DHT administration also had no effect on the distribution of soma diameters for HRP-labeled retinal ganglion cells. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated no significant difference between the number of optic nerve fibers in the normal and 5,7-DHT-treated hamsters. The results are consistent with the conclusion that the effect of 5,7-DHT on the retinotectal projection may primarily be a function of this toxin, or the increase in 5-HT it induces, on the terminal arbors of retinotectal axons rather than on their parent cells.

[In vitro culture of neonatal mouse calvaria as a model for study of bone resorption]

We established the in vitro culture system of neonatal mouse calvaria. Bone resorption was determined by the following examinations; (1) the release of calcium from the calvaria into the medium was measured by use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the treated to control ratio was calculated and used as an index of bone resorption; (2) the concentration of osteocalcin in the cultured medium was determined by radioimmunoassay; (3) histological examination. By combined use of the examinations, we were able to objectively determine the bone resorption of cultured calvaria.

[Investigation of infiltrating lymphocytes and immunoglobulin by immunohistochemical method in cheilitis granulomatosa]

Category and distribution of infiltrating lymphocytes and immunoglobulin in 12 cases with cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) and 4 cases with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) were investigated. The result was that infiltration of lymphocytes in granulomatous type was more severe than that in interstitial inflammtion type. Infiltrators mainly consisted of T helper lymphocytes and immunoglobulin was IgM. It was considered that local immunoreaction was enhanced suggesting that cyto-immunity was a dominant factor with participation of humoral immunity. The result will be helpful to elucidate the pathogeneses and the function of many immuno-factors in the CG. It helps to understand the clinical manifestations and may be a theoretic reference for seeking immuno-modulation for treatment.

Increased soluble CD14 levels in BAL fluid in pulmonary tuberculosis

INTRODUCTION

CD14 is a cell surface glycoprotein expressed mainly on mature monocytes and macrophages. Soluble CD14 (sCD14) is present in normal plasma and is found increased in serum of patients with septicemia, polytrauma, and sarcoidosis. In active sarcoidosis, increased levels of sCD14 in BAL supernatant have been demonstrated.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate sCD14 levels in BAL of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), another inflammatory disease characterized by granuloma formation.

METHODS

BAL was performed in 12 patients with active but untreated PTB and 12 healthy persons. Cytologic and immunocytologic characteristics were determined. sCD14 was measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The level of sCD14 in patients with PTB was increased compared with controls (mean +/- SEM: 34.4 +/- 9.6 ng/mL vs 11.5 +/- 2.2 ng/mL; p = 0.02). No correlation was found between sCD14 levels and BAL cell differentials or lymphocyte surface markers.

CONCLUSION

Similar to sarcoidosis, increased levels of sCD14 are found in BAL supernatant of PTB patients.

[Detection of FMR-1 gene expression by RT-PCR]

Fragile X syndrome [FRA(X)] as the most common form of inherited mental retardation in man has an incidence of one per 1250 and is associated with a fragile site at Xq27.3. A gene was identified at the fragile X locus and was designated Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 (FMR-1). FRA(X) resulted from expansion of (CGG)n trinucleotide repeat in 5' untranslated region of the human FMR-1 gene, and was associated with abnormal methylation of a CpG island 250 bp proximal to this (CGG)n repeat. Males with typical FRA(X) showed repression of FMR-1 transcription and absence of FMR-1 protein, which was believed to contribute to the fragile X phenotype. FMR-1 mRNA extracted from leukocytes in normal and clinically suspected males were detected by RT-PCR. The methylation status and CGG expansion were also studied by PCR and Southern blot. Two of 10 clinically suspected males were found devoid of FMR-1 expression and accompanied with hypermethylation of the CpG island and CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion.