Lower cervical origin of the P13-like potential in median SSEPS

The authors studied the origin of the scalp P13-like potential in median somatosensory evoked potentials, which have been reported to be preserved in patients with cervicomedullary lesions or in brain death. There were five patients with high to middle cervical lesions (C2/3 or C3/4 level). Small P13-like potentials after P11 were identified for all patients with a noncephalic reference but not with an ear reference. Their onset latencies were slightly earlier than the expected latency of the true P13/14 onset. In two patients, delayed true P13/14s followed by N18s were identified with both noncephalic and ear references. The authors argue that the P13-like potential observed in these patients is a different entity from scalp P13 in normal subjects. Because the C3/4 vertebral level corresponds to the C5 cord level, the origin of the P13-like potential must be below C5, contradicting the previous opinion that it is generated at the cervicomedullary junction or at the high cervical dorsal column. The authors named this potential lower cervical P13 (or lcP13), and present an opinion that it is generated by the beginning of the second spinal ascending volley, which has been described by direct-recording studies in humans.

[Expression and pathophysiologic features of orotate phosphoribosyl transferase activity (OPRT) in gastric carcinoma]

Orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) is an enzyme that converts the pyrimidine fluoride-class anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) into the active nucleotide form. As such, it can be considered a primary enzyme in the first stage inhibiting DNA and RNA expression. The present study measured OPRT activity both in gastric carcinoma tissue and in surrounding normal tissue, and investigated the correlation between these findings and clinicopathologic characteristics in the patients. The study subjects were 20 patients with gastric carcinoma who were treated by surgical resection in our department. The relationship between OPRT activity in gastric carcinoma and surrounding normal tissue and patient age, sex, tissue type, extent of tumor invasion, extent of metastasis to the lymph nodes, lymphatic invasion and the existence of venous invasion of the gastric wall were investigated. The mean OPRT activity for all patients was 0.039 +/- 0.042 nmol/min/mg-prot in normal tissue and 0.120 +/- 0.099 nmol/min/mg-prot in tumor tissue, and the mean ORPT activity was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in surrounding normal tissue (p < 0.01). The OPRT ratio for tumor tissue/normal tissue (T/N) was significantly decreased as the invasiveness of the tumor increased, and was also significantly lower in patients with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05) than in patients without lymph node metastasis. A decrease of OPRT activity in tumor tissue is a possible reason for the equivocal results of 5-FU-based chemotherapy in advanced gastric carcinoma.

Biochemical characterization of cholesterol-3-sulfate as the sole effector for the phosphorylation of HMG1 by casein kinase I in vitro

Phosphorylation of high mobility group protein 1 (HMG1) by casein kinase I (CK-I) and potent effectors (inhibitors and activators) of this phosphorylation were investigated in vitro. We found that (i) CK-I phosphorylates specifically threonine residues on HMG1 when incubated with cholesterol-3-sulfate (CH-3S), but no phosphorylation of HMG1 is detected in the presence of other cholesterol related compounds or their sulfated derivatives; (ii) this phosphorylation is selectively inhibited by heparin, but stimulated significantly by 3',4',7-trihydroxy-isofavone at low doses (0.1-3 microM); and (iii) CH-3S directly induces a drastic conformational change in HMG1. The latter finding provides a mechanism to explain how CH-3S alone can induce the phosphorylation of HMG1 by CK-I in vitro.

Anti-alpha-fodrin autoantibody is an early diagnostic marker for childhood primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

alpha-fodrin is a recently identified autoantigen associated with adult primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We tested whether anti-alpha-fodrin antibody could also be used as a diagnostic marker for childhood SS.

METHODS

We performed immunoblot analysis of sera from 7 patients with childhood primary SS using glutathione-S-transferase alpha-fodrin fusion protein as an antigen.

RESULTS

Anti-alpha-fodrin antibody was detected in sera from all 7 patients with childhood primary SS, 2 of 4 with secondary SS, and one of 7 with systemic lupus erythematosus, but in no other healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

The anti-alpha-fodrin autoantibody was detected before anti-SSA or SSB antibody became positive; thus anti-alpha-fodrin antibody could be a useful marker for the early diagnosis of SS.

KL-6 is a potential marker for interstitial lung disease associated with juvenile dermatomyositis

Serum levels of KL-6 were examined in 8 cases of juvenile dermatomyositis: 3 with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and 5 without ILD. The KL-6 levels were elevated in the ILD cases and correlated with the degree of computed tomography findings. The measurement of serum KL-6 levels is useful for evaluating juvenile dermatomyositis-associated ILD.

Surface conduction on insulating BaTiO3 crystal suggesting an intrinsic surface electron layer

We report conduction measurements on the clean, free surface of transparent insulating BaTiO3 single crystals in high vacuum. We find that the insulating BaTiO3 crystals exhibit surface conductance that is dependent on the spontaneous polarization, whereas no conduction perpendicular to the surface is observed. The surface conduction shows semimetallic temperature dependence and persists down to at least 100 K. The observations suggest a two-dimensional electron on a clean, free ferroelectric surface that may be regarded as a ferroelectric metal. The results have important implications for understandings of the fundamental properties of ferroelectrics, the size effect, and ferroelectric devices.

Topical gentian violet for cutaneous infection and nasal carriage with MRSA

This study describes a potential effect of topical gentian violet on cutaneous infection and nasal carriage with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 0.5% gentian violet was used in 28 cases of skin lesions once a day, while a 0.3% solution was applied on the nasal vestibules of nine cases twice a day. The period for eradication in the 28 skin cases was 9.1 +/- 6.0 days. It was 15.3 +/- 9.0 days for the nine nasal lesions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentian violet against MRSA from the four isolated strains was 0.0225 +/- 0.0096 microg/mL. No adverse reactions occurred throughout the study. It is suggested that gentian violet may be potentially effective against MRSA.

[Genetic analysis of two patients with adenosine deaminase (ADA)-deficiency: detection of three novel mutations and characterization of two paradoxical carriers]

Genetic basis of two patients (AT, MT) with ADA deficiency was studied. We identified three novel mutations (119 Q-->Stop, 235 R-->Q, one base deletion in Exon 4) from the patients. 119 Q-->Stop was detected in AT and her father. Deletion of one base in Exon 4 which would change the reading frame after codon 105 H, was detected in MT, her father and brother. There was no relation between the two families, however, 235 R-->Q was also detected in both the patients and their mothers. Extremely low ADA activity of PBMCs was revealed in healthy MT's mother and brother just as MT, although their dAXP levels of RBCs showed significantly lower than that of MT. We defined that they shared an additional mutation (310 M-->T) together with the mutation described above, respectively. EBV-transformed B-cell line (EBV-B) were established from the carriers. To our surprise, ADA activity of their lines was 1/10-1/5 of normal. The result of heat treatment studies using the EBV-B showed that the mutant ADA rapidly lose its enzyme activity without degradation of the protein. It suggests that 310 M-->T mutant ADA rapidly lost its enzyme activity due to conformational change of the catalytic site of ADA.

Retrovirus vector silencing is de novo methylase independent and marked by a repressive histone code

Retrovirus vectors are de novo methylated and transcriptionally silent in mammalian stem cells. Here, we identify epigenetic modifications that mark retrovirus-silenced transgenes. We show that murine stem cell virus (MSCV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vectors dominantly silence a linked locus control region (LCR) beta-globin reporter gene in transgenic mice. MSCV silencing blocks LCR hypersensitive site formation, and silent transgene chromatin is marked differentially by a histone code composed of abundant linker histone H1, deacetylated H3 and acetylated H4. Retrovirus-transduced embryonic stem (ES) cells are silenced predominantly 3 days post-infection, with a small subset expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein to low levels, and silencing is not relieved in de novo methylase-null [dnmt3a-/-;dnmt3b-/-] ES cells. MSCV and HIV-1 sequences also repress reporter transgene expression in Drosophila, demonstrating establishment of silencing in the absence of de novo and maintenance methylases. These findings provide mechanistic insight into a conserved gene silencing mechanism that is de novo methylase independent and that epigenetically marks retrovirus chromatin with a repressive histone code.

Morphological changes in the orbital surface layer muscle of the rabbit eye produced by botulinum toxin

We quantitated the morphological changes in the orbital surface layer muscles in the rabbit following the single injection of botulinum A toxin. Experiments were performed in 9 white rabbits (1.6-3.0 kg). They were administered 5 units (5 rabbits) or 10 units (4 rabbits) of botulinum toxin injected into the superior rectus muscle of one eye. The diameter of myofibers of the orbital and intermediate layer zones was measured with an ocular micrometer on histological sections 3 days and 1, 3 and 5 weeks after injection. Quantitative changes were noted in the muscle fibers of the orbital surface layer zone following the injection of 10 units of botulinum toxin. At 1 week, the diameter of myofibers in the orbital layer was reduced, but it was increased at 5 weeks compared to that in the control eyes; in contrast, no change in the diameter of muscle fibers was found in the intermediate layer zone.

High-resolution CT findings of macrophage activation syndrome: a case report

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder characterised by benign, reactive, excessive, well-differentiated macrophage proliferation, secondary to an immune dysregulation in response to some triggering agents such as viral infection. We report a 3-year-old girl with MAS and pulmonary involvement. This is the first radiographic description of MAS on high-resolution CT.

Cytotoxity of non-alkaloidal taxane diterpenes from Taxus chinensis against a paclitaxel-resistant cell line

Seven taxane diterpenes were isolated from the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Taxus chinensis, and evaluated for cytotoxicity against nine human cell lines, including a beta-tublin mutant resistant to paclitaxel. Compound 2, a non-alkaloid-type taxane diterpene, showed significant cytotoxicity in most cell lines, and notably, equipotent against both parental and beta-tublin mutant tumor cell lines.

Improved dysgammaglobulinaemia in congenital rubella syndrome after immunoglobulin therapy: correlation with CD154 expression

A boy with congenital rubella syndrome developed dysgammaglobulinaemia with elevated serum levels of IgM. CD154 was not induced on his peripheral blood mononuclear cells when rubella virus RNA was detected in his throat swabs and peripheral blood by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, improvement of immunoglobulin abnormalities, disappearance of rubella virus and normalisation of CD154 expression were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

These findings implicate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for dysgammaglobulinaemia in congenital rubella syndrome and a role of CD154 for a prolonged virus infection.

Interleukin-4-independent production of Th2 cytokines by nasal lymphocytes and nasal eosinophilia in murine allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-4 is believed to play an important role in the atopic pathogenesis. However, the precise role of IL-4 in the in vivo initiation of allergic rhinitis is not fully understood. We have recently found that BALB/c mice sensitized intranasally with Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) mount a Th2 response that initiates allergic rhinitis. Thus, we sought to determine the role of IL-4 in the initiation of allergic rhinitis in vivo with this model.

METHODS

IL-4 gene-deficient (IL-4 -/-) BALB/c and wild-type (IL-4 +/+) control mice were sensitized by intranasal SEA administration, and their immunologic responses were examined both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

IL-4 +/+ mice sensitized with SEA displayed significantly higher titers of SEA-specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies than IL-4-/- mice, while the latter produced significantly more SEA-specific IgG2a. Antigen-stimulated nasal lymphocytes from SEA-sensitized IL-4 -/- and IL-4 +/+ mice produced similar amounts of IL-5 and IL-10, but neither produced IFN-gamma. Furthermore, the severity of nasal eosinophilia was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that although IL-4 is necessary for the production of Th2-associated antibodies--in particular, IgE--it is not required for either the production of the Th2-associated cytokines IL-5 and IL-10, or the induction of nasal eosinophilia.

Determination of carrier status for the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome by flow cytometric analysis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is caused by defects in the WAS protein (WASP) gene on the X chromosome. Previous study disclosed that flow cytometric analysis of intracellular WASP expression (FCM-WASP analysis) in lymphocytes was useful for the diagnosis of WAS patients. Lymphocytes from all WAS patients showed WASPdim instead of WASPbright. Here we report that FCM-WASP analysis in monocytes could be a useful tool for the WAS carrier diagnosis. Monocytes from all nine WAS carriers showed varied population of WASPdim together with WASPbright. None of control individuals possessed the WASPdim population. In contrast, lymphocytes from all the carriers except two lacked the WASPdim population. The difference of the WASPdim population in monocytes and lymphocytes observed in WAS carriers suggests that WASP plays a more critical role in the development of lymphocytes than in that of monocytes. The present studies suggest that a skewed X-chromosomal inactivation pattern observed in WAS carrier peripheral blood cells is not fixed at the hemopoietic stem cell level but progresses after the lineage commitment.

A review of Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients with immunodeficiency disorders

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of 8 known human herpesviruses, infects the vast majority of mankind and infections are generally subclinical. However, EBV infection has been associated with a spectrum of diseases, lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV-LPD) in particular, including malignant lymphoma. EBV-LPD are frequently observed in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies. The incidence of EBV-LPD is on the rise, partly because of increasing numbers and success of hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplants and partly because many patients with immunodeficiencies, both primary and secondary, including AIDS, live longer, with improvements in supportive care. Herein, a spectrum of EBV-associated diseases in patients with immunodeficiency are summarized and discussed mainly focusing on their pathogenetic mechanism(s).

Conversion of quassinoids for enhancement of inhibitory effect against Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation. Introduction of lipophilic side chain and esterification of diosphenol

Introduction of a senecioyl group into shinjulactones B and C, and esterification of the diosphenol moiety in brusatol and brucein A enhanced inhibitory effect against Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation.

Haematological associations of Epstein-Barr virus infection

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of eight human herpesviruses and is ubiquitous. Primary infection with EBV in childhood is generally silent, but often causes overt diseases such as infectious mononucleosis (IM) and lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). The latter occurs in immunologically compromised individuals. Historically, EBV has been thought to be aetiologically linked to human malignancies such as EBV genome-positive Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Furthermore, studies using recent developments in molecular and immunological diagnostic approaches have suggested that this virus has a causative role in a spectrum of human diseases of previously unknown pathogenesis, including chronic active EBV infection syndrome (CAEBV), EBV-related haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and certain disorders such as EBV genome-positive T-cell lymphoma, natural killer (NK) cell leukaemia/lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease (HD) and gastric carcinoma. This chapter reviews recent progress regarding EBV-associated diseases.

Mutational analysis of the anion exchanger 3 gene in familial paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis linked to chromosome 2q

Familial paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis (PDC) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder characterized by episodes of involuntary movement precipitated by caffeine, alcohol, or emotional stress. The locus for PDC has recently been mapped to chromosome 2q32-36, but its causative gene has not yet been identified. PDC is most likely a kind of channelopathy, as suggested by the fact that other paroxysmal neurological disorders are caused by various ion channel mutations. Although no ion channel is located in this candidate region, anion exchanger 3 (AE3) has been mapped to 2q36 and has also been reported to be the most promising candidate gene of PDC. In this study we performed sequencing of the coding region of the AE3 gene in patients with familial PDC linked to chromosome 2q and excluded the AE3 gene as the causative gene for PDC. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 88:733-737, 1999.

Induction of Th2 responses and IgE is largely due to carbohydrates functioning as adjuvants on Schistosoma mansoni egg antigens

Infection with the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni induces a pronounced Th2-type response that is associated with significant IgE production. To better understand how the parasite drives these responses, we investigated the relative roles of proteins and carbohydrates in driving Th2-type and/or IgE responses using a murine model of intranasal sensitization with soluble egg Ags (SEA) of Schistosoma mansoni. We found that repeated intranasal sensitization with soluble egg Ags led to the induction of both total and specific IgE production and nasal eosinophilia. By comparing the responses of mice sensitized with SEA or metaperiodate-treated SEA we were able to demonstrate that carbohydrates on SEA are the major inducers of IgE production and nasal recruitment of eosinophils. Mice sensitized with periodate-treated SEA displayed a significant decrease in both total and specific IgE levels in comparison to mice sensitized with native SEA. Furthermore, sensitization of mice with periodate-treated SEA significantly reduced levels of Ag-specific IgG1, but had no effect on IgG2a production. Nasal lymphocytes from mice sensitized with native SEA, but not with periodate-treated SEA, produced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 when restimulated with native SEA in vitro. On the other hand, lymphocytes from mice sensitized with periodate-treated SEA did not produce any of these same cytokines following in vitro restimulation, suggesting that carbohydrates were required for in vivo induction of Th2 response and for that of associated cytokine responses in this model. Lastly, competitive inhibition ELISA showed that although carbohydrates are required for SEA-specific IgE induction, they are not targets of the induced IgE response.

Biochemical characterization of a casein kinase I-like actin kinase responsible for the actin-induced suppression of casein kinase II activity in vitro

By combination of column chromatographies (heparin-agarose, HiTrap heparin and HiTrap SP columns) and gel filtration on a Superdex 200-pg HPLC column, an actin kinase was partially purified from a 1. 5 M NaCl extract of porcine liver. The actin kinase was finally purified, by actin-Sepharose column chromatography (HPLC), as an actin-binding protein kinase. The biochemical properties, such as (1) requirements of divalent cations (10 mM Mg(2+) and 3 mM Mn(2+)) and effective phosphate acceptors (actin and alpha-casein), (2) phosphorylation of both Ser- and Thr-residues on these two phosphate acceptors, (3) autophosphorylation of the catalytic subunit (approximately 37 kDa), and (4) inhibition kinetics by CK-I-7 (a CK-I specific inhibitor), of the purified actin kinase were similar to those reported for CK-I purified from various mammalian cells, but it was distinguishable from three cellular actin kinases (A-kinase, C-kinase and actin-fragmin kinase (approximately 80 kDa)). The 37 kDa actin kinase-mediated phosphorylation of actin did not relate to its polymerizability. Inhibition of CK-II-mediated phosphorylation of functional cellular proteins, including calmodulin (CaM), by actin was significantly stimulated after its full phosphorylation by the purified 37 kDa actin kinase or rCK-I in vitro. These results suggest that: (1) the 37 kDa Ser/Thr actin-binding kinase may be classified as a member of the CK-I family; and (2) specific phosphorylation of actin by the actin kinase may be involved in the suppression mechanism of CK-II-mediated signal transduction at the cellular level.

NK cell-deficient mice develop a Th1-like response but fail to mount an efficient antigen-specific IgG2a antibody response

NK cells have been shown to play a role in the modulation of B cell differentiation and Ab production. Using a novel murine model of NK cell deficiency, we analyzed the in vivo role of NK cells in the regulation of Ag-specific Ab production. After immunization with OVA or keyhole limpet hemocyanin in CFA, NK cell-deficient (NK-T+) mice developed an efficient Th1 response and produced significant levels of IFN-gamma but displayed markedly reduced or absent Ag-specific IgG2a production. There were no differences in the levels of Ag-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2b between NK-T+ and NK+T+ mice. Furthermore, NK cell-reconstituted, NK+T+ (tgepsilon26Y) mice produced significant amounts of Ag-specific IgG2a after immunization with OVA. These results indicate that NK cells are involved in the induction of Ag-specific IgG2a production in vivo. Moreover, they also demonstrate that the lack of Ag-specific IgG2a Ab production in NK-T+ mice is not associated with the impaired Th1 response and IFN-gamma production.

Successful treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy for a life-threatening pulmonary insufficiency in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease following pulmonary invasive aspergillosis and Burkholderia cepacia infection

A 14-year-old boy with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease developed severe invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. He was treated with itraconazole and amphotericin B. However, he deteriorated with progressive pulmonary lesions. Burkholderia cepacia was isolated from his bronchoalveolar lavage. Finally, he was given granulocyte transfusions. Following this procedure, his condition rapidly worsened leading to respiratory failure. His lung biopsy demonstrated organizing pneumonia at his right middle lobe. Then, a methylprednisolone pulse therapy was initiated together with the administration of appropriate antibiotics and adequate amounts of amphotericin B. Dramatically, his condition improved. Therefore, a methylprednisolone pulse therapy with appropriate antimicrobial drugs seems to be beneficial for severe pulmonary insufficiency in this type of patients.

DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are essential for de novo methylation and mammalian development

The establishment of DNA methylation patterns requires de novo methylation that occurs predominantly during early development and gametogenesis in mice. Here we demonstrate that two recently identified DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are essential for de novo methylation and for mouse development. Inactivation of both genes by gene targeting blocks de novo methylation in ES cells and early embryos, but it has no effect on maintenance of imprinted methylation patterns. Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b also exhibit nonoverlapping functions in development, with Dnmt3b specifically required for methylation of centromeric minor satellite repeats. Mutations of human DNMT3B are found in ICF syndrome, a developmental defect characterized by hypomethylation of pericentromeric repeats. Our results indicate that both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b function as de novo methyltransferases that play important roles in normal development and disease.

DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are essential for de novo methylation and mammalian development

The establishment of DNA methylation patterns requires de novo methylation that occurs predominantly during early development and gametogenesis in mice. Here we demonstrate that two recently identified DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, are essential for de novo methylation and for mouse development. Inactivation of both genes by gene targeting blocks de novo methylation in ES cells and early embryos, but it has no effect on maintenance of imprinted methylation patterns. Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b also exhibit nonoverlapping functions in development, with Dnmt3b specifically required for methylation of centromeric minor satellite repeats. Mutations of human DNMT3B are found in ICF syndrome, a developmental defect characterized by hypomethylation of pericentromeric repeats. Our results indicate that both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b function as de novo methyltransferases that play important roles in normal development and disease.

Cutaneous lymphocyte antigen is expressed on memory/effector B cells in the peripheral blood and monocytoid B cells in the lymphoid tissues

Cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) is expressed on a subpopulation of human memory T cells and is involved in the primary step of their skin homing. T cells and some B cells in the peripheral blood express CLA, but the pathophysiologic roles of CLA(+) B cells have not yet been clarified. We examined the relationships among CLA expression in B cells and immunoglobulin heavy chain subtype, the localization of CLA(+) B cells in the peripheral lymphoid tissues, and their functional binding to E-selectin. CLA was expressed on class-switched, memory B cells in the peripheral blood and tonsils as revealed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical staining of the lymph nodes with various types of inflammation or reactive hyperplasia showed CLA on the monocytoid B cells, which correspond to memory cells. The functional study revealed that CLA on B cells bound to E-selectin transfectants. E-selectin was detected on some of the high endothelial venules in the monocytoid B-cell-rich lymph nodes. These findings suggest that CLA is also expressed on a subset of memory/effector B cells, in addition to a subset of memory T cells. Such B cells were located in the lymph nodes or tonsils and rarely in chronic dermatitis. Therefore, CLA seems to be related to memory/effector B-cell trafficking to the lymph nodes or tonsils. According to the multistep theory, mechanisms involved in the second or third step might be different between CLA(+) B and T cells.

Identification of an autoimmune enteropathy-related 75-kilodalton antigen

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We have previously reported a 75-kilodalton autoantigen specific to X-linked autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) associated with tubulonephropathy. The aim of this study was to identify the autoantigen.

METHODS

Complementary DNA (cDNA) clones were isolated by immunoscreening a human duodenal cDNA-expression library with serum from a patient with AIE.

RESULTS

cDNA encoding the 75-kilodalton antigen (AIE-75) was identified. The composite nucleotide sequence of the cDNA for AIE-75 was 2214 base pairs long and encoded 552 amino acids. The genomic sequence of AIE-75 was found in Sequence DataBank, which consisted of 21 exons and was located on the chromosome 11p14.3. Recombinant AIE-75 specifically reacted with sera from 3 of 4 unrelated patients with AIE but not with 58 control sera. AIE-75 was predominantly distributed in the epithelial cells of the luminal surface and the upper half of the crypts of the intestine and in the proximal renal tubulus. Similarity searches revealed that the AIE-75 cDNA sequence was an authentic form of several colon cancer-related cDNAs of unknown function. The deduced amino acid sequence contained 3 conserved PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) domains.

CONCLUSIONS

AIE-75 is a PDZ domain-containing protein expressed in the differentiated epithelial cells of the intestine and kidney and may be involved in protein-protein interaction. The identification of the autoantigen may prove useful in the approach to the pathogenesis of this poorly understood disease.

Purification, identification, and cDNA cloning of Cha o 2, the second major allergen of Japanese cypress pollen

The second major allergen of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese cypress) pollen, Cha o 2, has been purified and its cDNA cloned. Of patients with pollinosis caused by C. obtusa, 82.5% produce IgE antibodies which react with purified Cha o 2. The purified protein has a molecular mass of 46 kDa and its 12 N-terminal amino acid sequence displays a high homology with that of Cry j 2, the second major allergen of Cryptomeria japonica pollen. cDNA clones coding for Cha o 2 have been isolated using Cry j 2 cDNA as a probe. Cha o 2 cDNA clones were sequenced and found to code a putative 50-residue signal sequence and a 464-residue mature protein with a molecular weight of 50 kDa. Two possible N-linked glycosylation sites were found in the sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence of Cha o 2 shows 74.3% identity with that of Cry j 2. In its primary structure, Cha o 2 shows significant identity with those of the polygalacturonases of avocado, tomato, and maize as well as Cry j 2.

The type II activin receptors are essential for egg cylinder growth, gastrulation, and rostral head development in mice

The type II activin receptors, ActRIIA and ActRIIB, have been shown to play critical roles in axial patterning and organ development in mice. To investigate whether their function is required for mesoderm formation and gastrulation as implicated in Xenopus studies, we generated mice carrying both receptor mutations by interbreeding the ActRIIA and ActRIIB knockout mutants. We found that embryos homozygous for both receptor mutations were growth arrested at the egg cylinder stage and did not form mesoderm. Further analyses revealed that ActRIIA(-/-)ActRIIB(+/-) and about 15% of the ActRIIA(-/-) embryos failed to form an elongated primitive streak, resulting in severe disruption of mesoderm formation in the embryo proper. Interestingly, we observed similar gastrulation defects in ActRIIA(-/-)nodal(+/-) double mutants, which, if they developed beyond the gastrulation stage, displayed rostral head defects and cyclopia. These results provide genetic evidence that type II activin receptors are required for egg cylinder growth, primitive streak formation, and rostral head development in mice.

In vivo kinetics of transduced cells in peripheral T cell-directed gene therapy: role of CD8+ cells in improved immunological function in an adenosine deaminase (ADA)-SCID patient

We previously reported successful peripheral T cell-directed gene therapy in a boy with adenosine deaminase (ADA)-SCID. In the present study, to better understand the reconstitutive effect of this gene therapy on his immunological system, we investigated the in vivo kinetics and functional subsets of T cells in PBL. Apparent immunological improvements were obtained after infusion of transduced cells at more than 4 x 108 cells/kg/therapy/3 mo. Frequency of ADAcDNA-integrated cells in PBL, ADA activity in PBL and clinical improvement showed good correlation, even though CD8+ cells gradually became predominant in PBL. On the basis that polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ADA was maintained at the same dosage as before gene therapy, we consider that his immunological improvement resulted from the gene therapy itself. Most CD3+ cells in PBL after gene therapy expressed TCRalphabeta. Analysis of TCR repertoire based on TCR V region usage revealed no expansion of limited clones in his PBL. The T cell subset cells CD8+CDw60+ and CD8+CD27+CD45RA-, which are reported to provide substantial help to B cells, were maintained throughout the gene therapy. Furthermore, his reconstituted peripheral T cells helped normal B cells to produce substantial IgG in vitro. Expression of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokine genes was induced in his reconstituted T cells at the same comparably high level as in normal subjects. Collectively, these results provide evidence of persistent and distinct functions of transduced cells in this patient's PBL after gene therapy.

Prevalence and prediction of allergic rhinitis using questionnaire and nasal smear examination in schoolchildren

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition among schoolchildren. However, little is known about the prevalence of nasal eosinophilia. We investigated the prevalence of rhinitis via questionnaire and nasal smears for eosinophils. The questionnaire was administered in 1992 and 1995. Complete responses were obtained from 1044 and 431 schoolchildren, respectively, of whom 26.5% and 22.5% claimed to have nasal symptoms. Nasal smears were taken in 1992, 1993 and 1994, and 415, 285 and 384 samples were collected, respectively. Positive eosinophilia were seen in 39.8%, 35.1% and 35.9% children in 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively. In 1992, we utilized both questionnaire and nasal smears simultaneously to evaluate 415 schoolchildren. Of 415 schoolchildren, 72 (17.3%) had both nasal symptoms and nasal eosinophilia. Interestingly, those who showed positive eosinophilia in 1992, especially those who had eosinophilia with nasal symptoms, had significantly higher incidence of nasal symptoms three years later in 1995 than those who showed negative eosinophilia in 1992. These results suggest that nasal eosinophilia in schoolchildren are associated with subsequent nasal symptoms, and that nasal smear examination may be a potentially valuable test to predict prolonged or recurrent allergic rhinitis.

Cloning, expression and chromosome locations of the human DNMT3 gene family

DNA methylation plays an important role in animal development and gene regulation. In mammals, several genes encoding DNA cytosine methyltransferases have been identified. DNMT1 is constitutively expressed and is required for the maintenance of global methylation after DNA replication. In contrast, the murine Dnmt3 family genes appear to be developmentally regulated and behave like de novo DNA methyltransferases in vitro. In this study, we have cloned human DNMT3A and DNMT3B that encode full-length DNMT3A and DNMT3B proteins with 98% and 94% amino acid sequence identity to their murine homologues. The DNMT3A and DNMT3B show high homology in the carboxy terminal catalytic domain and contain a conserved cysteine-rich region, which shares homology with the X-linked ATRX gene of the SNF2/SWI family. We have mapped human DNMT3A and DNMT3B to chromosomes 2p23 and 20q11.2 respectively, and determined the DNMT3B genomic structure. We further show that DNMT3A expression is ubiquitous and can be readily detected in most adult tissues, whereas DNMT3B is expressed at very low levels in most tissues except testis, thyroid and bone marrow. Significantly, both DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression is elevated in several tumor cell lines to levels comparable to DNMT1. The cloning of the human DNMT3 genes will facilitate further biochemical and genetic studies of their functions in establishment of DNA methylation patterns, regulation of gene expression and tumorigenesis.

Involvement of carbohydrate on phospholipase A2, a bee-venom allergen, in in vivo antigen-specific IgE synthesis in mice

BACKGROUND

Carbohydrates on allergens are known to be important for allergenicity. However, most findings have been made with epitope analysis. In this study, we investigated the involvement of N-glycan on phospholipase A2 (PLA2), the major allergen of honeybee venom, in in vivo synthesis of specific IgE in mice.

METHODS

CBA/J and C57BL/6 mice were sensitized intranasally with either native or deglycosylated PLA2 in the absence of adjuvant. After repeated sensitization, serum Ab titers against PLA2 were determined. PLA2 was deglycosylated chemically with anhydrous trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS).

RESULTS

CBA/J mice showed PLA2-specific IgE production after repeated sensitization with native PLA2. They also produced PLA2-specific IgG1 predominantly, suggesting that Th2-type Ab production was induced. When we used deglycosylated PLA2 as a competitor in ELISA for detecting PLA2-specific IgE, deglycosylated PLA2 completely inhibited the binding between native PLA2 and IgE. Deglycosylated PLA2 had the same potential for inducing specific IgE synthesis as native PLA2, since sensitization with deglycosylated PLA2 also elicited IgE production in CBA/J mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that carbohydrate on PLA2 is less important than previously thought not only as a dominant IgE epitope but also in synthesis of PLA2-specific IgE in vivo.

CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) antigens on house dust mite-specific T cells in atopic disease function through T-T cell interactions

BACKGROUND

CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) play an important role in antigen presentation to effector cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that these costimulatory molecules are also expressed on activated T cells. However, the functional role of CD80 and CD86 expressed on allergen-specific T cells in atopic diseases has not yet been clarified.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the functional role of CD80 and CD86 expressed on allergen-specific T cells in atopic diseases.

METHODS

We assayed the expression of CD80 and CD86 on allergen-specific T-cell lines from patients with perennial allergic rhinitis stimulated by Dermatophagoides farinae-crude (Der f-c) antigen, 1 of the major allergens causing house dust mite allergy. T-cell proliferation induced by Der f-c-specific T-T cell interactions was measured, and the role of CD80 and CD86 in this proliferation was examined. In addition, we compared the proportion of CD45RO+CD86(+) T cells in primary culture of PBMCs stimulated by Der f-c antigen between patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and control subjects.

RESULTS

On T-cell activation, CD86 antigen was upregulated earlier than CD80. Both CD80 and CD86 expressed on Der f-c-specific T cells could provide costimulatory signals to induce allergen-specific T-cell proliferation that was partially inhibitable by both anti-CD80 and anti-CD86 mAbs. The proportion of CD45RO+CD86(+) T cells in primary culture from atopic patients was significantly higher than that from control subjects.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that costimulatory molecules, such as CD80 and CD86, expressed on allergen-specific T cells may be involved in the amplification of allergen-specific immune responses through T-T cell interactions in atopic diseases.

Familial paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis: clinical findings in a large Japanese family and genetic linkage to 2q

BACKGROUND

Paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis (PDC) is a rare familial movement disorder that has been mapped to chromosome 2q31-36.

OBJECTIVE

To study the first Japanese family with PDC clinically and genetically.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied a large Japanese family in which at least 17 members in 6 generations have been affected by PDC. We interviewed and examined 26 family members, 8 of whom revealed choreoathetosis-like and dystonialike involuntary movement and 1 of whom revealed no involuntary movement but only muscle stiffness such as the aura of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis (PDC). Genetic linkage studies of this family were carried out with polymorphic DNA markers.

RESULTS

The attacks of involuntary movement or muscle stiffness were precipitated by ovulation, menstruation, emotional stress, or caffeine or alcohol ingestion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed no abnormalities. Clonazepam therapy was effective for reducing the attacks, and ingestion of garlic was believed by patients to be effective for softening the attacks. An affected woman with only muscle stiffness showed remission after hysterectomy for hysteromyoma. This woman also had the disease haplotype and transferred it to her typical PDC-affected daughter. Maximal pairwise logarithm of odds scores exceeding 2.00 were obtained at D2S2250, D2S1242, D2S377, D2S2148, and D2S126. The PDC gene was demonstrated by linkage analyses to be located in a 15.3-centimorgan interval lying between D2S371 and D2S339 based on pairwise and multipoint logarithm of odds scores and obligate recombination events in affected individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Linkage of PDC to chromosome 2q32-36 was confirmed in a Japanese family. The clinical characterizations of this family with PDC include that ovulation seems also to be a precipitating factor of the attacks and that hysterectomy seems to be effective for softening the attacks. Although low-dose clonazepam treatment was most effective, garlic use was believed by affected members to be effective for softening the attacks. Furthermore, based on the results of clinical and genetic analyses, we suggest that muscle stiffness without involuntary movement may represent a forme fruste of PDC.

Mice lacking NK cells develop an efficient Th1 response and control cutaneous Leishmania major infection

NK cells are believed to play a critical role in the development of immunity against Leishmania major. We recently found that transplantation of wild-type bone marrow cells into neonatal tgepsilon 26 mice, which are deficient in T and NK cells, resulted in normal T cell development, but no or poor NK cell development. Using this novel model we analyzed the role of NK cells in the development of Th1 response and control of cutaneous L. major infection. Mice selectively lacking NK cells (NK-T+) developed an efficient Th1-like response, produced significant amounts of IL-12 and IFN-gamma, and controlled cutaneous L. major infection. Administration of neutralizing IL-12 Abs to NK-T+ mice during L. major infection resulted in exacerbation of the disease. These results demonstrate that NK cells are not critical for development of protective immunity against L. major. Furthermore, they indicate that IL-12 can induce development of Th1 response independent of NK cells in NK-T+ mice following L.major infection.

Strain-dependent induction of allergic rhinitis without adjuvant in mice

BACKGROUND

To date, no murine models have been reported to show the induction of both antigen-specific IgE and nasal eosinophilia, two of the major hallmarks of allergic rhinitis, after local sensitization in the absence of adjuvants, a phenomenon which reflects natural exposure. In this report, we attempted to establish a murine model representing an initiation of allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

BALB/c, CBA/J, and C57BL/6 mice were sensitized intranasally to Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) solely. After repeated sensitization, serum Ab titers, nasal eosinophilia, and cytokine production by nasal lymphocytes were determined.

RESULTS

BALB/c mice produced SEA-specific IgE after repeated sensitization. High-dose sensitization to SEA induced IgE production in CBA/J mice, while C57BL/6 mice did not show the production throughout the period observed, suggesting that IgE production was regulated genetically. BALB/c mice also exhibited nasal eosinophilia after the nasal challenge. In addition, nasal lymphocytes sensitized with SEA intranasally produced significant amount of IL-5 in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that intranasal sensitization with SEA in the absence of adjuvants induces a Th2 immune reaction, reflecting the hallmarks of the initiation of allergic rhinitis both in vivo and in vitro, which is genetically regulated.

Analysis of exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone excretion in urine by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry

A detailed procedure for the analysis of exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in urine by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) has been established for detecting doping with DHEA. The average delta-value (parts per thousand difference of (13)C/(12)C ratio from the isotope ratio standard) of 26 synthetic steroids commercially available was -30.1 +/- 2.6, and was significantly lower than that of human endogenous DHEA in urine of the world class athletes who had participated in the XVIIth Olympic Winter Games (-20.3 +/- 2.1, n = 446). Although large inter-individual variations of urinary DHEA excretion were observed following a single oral administration of 50 mg of DHEA, no significant inter-individual difference was found when the excretion of exogenous DHEA was monitored in terms of delta-values using GC/C/IRMS; the minimum delta-values were observed around 6-8 h after the administration, and the values returned to the base level at over 72 h after the dosing. Thus, the deviations in delta-values of DHEA and its diol metabolites are considered to be conclusive evidence for detecting doping with DHEA. Some successful cases of detection of doping with DHEA from athletes are also reported.

Kawasaki disease and human lymphotropic virus infection

Human lymphotropic viruses interacting with human immune systems may cause a wide spectrum of human diseases. Kawasaki disease has been thought to be related to events associated with infection, although a direct causative role has not been clearly demonstrated. In this concise review, the reported relationship between human lymphotropic viruses and Kawasaki disease is briefly described.

A new taxoid, 19-acetoxytaxagifine, from Taxus chinensis

A new taxane diterpene, 19-acetoxytaxagifine (1), was isolated from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Taxus chinensis. Its structure was determined on the basis of spectral evidence.

Mice with STAT6-targeted gene disruption develop a Th1 response and control cutaneous leishmaniasis

The cutaneous growth of Leishmania mexicana was measured in STAT6-deficient mice (STAT6-/-) and compared with that in similarly infected wild-type (STAT6+/+) mice. Following s.c. inoculation with 5 x 10(6) amastigotes of L. mexicana into the shaven rump, STAT6+/+ mice developed large, nonhealing cutaneous lesions, while STAT6-/- mice failed to develop detectable lesions during most of the course of study. As infection progressed, STAT6+/+ mice infected with L. mexicana displayed significantly higher titers of Leishmania-specific IgG1 and IgE compared with STAT6-/- mice, which conversely produced significantly higher titers of Leishmania-specific IgG2a, indicating development of a Th1-like response in the latter group. At 12 wk postinfection, Leishmania Ag-stimulated lymph node cells from STAT6-/- mice produced significantly higher amounts of IL-12 and IFN-gamma than those from STAT6+/+ mice as measured by ELISA. However, there was no significant difference in IL-4 production between the two groups. Semiquantitative RT-PCR of transcript levels in intact draining lymph nodes and skin from inoculation sites confirmed a similar pattern of cytokines in vivo as that observed in stimulated lymph node cells in vitro. These results indicate that STAT6-mediated IL-4 signaling is critical for progression of L. mexicana infection in genetically susceptible mice and demonstrate that in the absence of STAT6, susceptible mice default toward a Th1-like response and control cutaneous L. mexicana infection.

Elevation of serum IgE level and peripheral eosinophil count during T lymphocyte-directed gene therapy for ADA deficiency: implication of Tc2-like cells after gene transduction procedure

We have successfully carried out T-cell-directed gene therapy for a boy with severe combined immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA SCID) and unexpectedly found an elevation of serum IgE level and peripheral eosinophil count during the course. More than 90% of transduced cells cultured for 7-11 days before infusion into the patient were positive for CD8 and expressed Th2-type cytokine genes such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Furthermore, CD4(+) T-depleted PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from the patient synthesized IgE in vitro by stimulation with IL-4. Collectively, these results suggested that Tc2-like cells in the transduced cells have distinct immunological functions to help IgE synthesis and activate eosinophils.

[Decreased blink frequency in myotonic dystrophy]

We counted spontaneous eye blink rate in 11 myotonic dystrophy (MD) patients. Seven healthy subjects as well as 10 Parkinson disease (PD) and 7 facio-scapulo-humeral dystrophy (FSH) patients were used as controls. Blink frequency was significantly decreased in MD and PD patients (7.6 +/- 4.9/min in average and 11.0 +/- 7.5/min, respectively), compared with healthy subjects and FSH patients (17.5 +/- 4.3/min and 17.3 +/- 9.9/min, respectively). Normal blink frequency in FSH suggests that the facial muscle weakness is not responsible for decreased blink frequency in MD. This observation is compatible with prolonged R1 latency in blink reflex in MD, suggesting a dysfunction of central mechanism of blink control system as in the case of PD, although there remains a possibility that the myotonia in levator palpebrae muscles disturbs blinking.

Enhanced Th2-like responses in IL-1 type 1 receptor-deficient mice

IL-1 has a number of effects on T cell growth but a specific role for IL-1 in T cell responses in vivo has not been elucidated. In this study the role of IL-1 in Th1/Th2 responses was examined in mice deficient for the IL-1 type 1 receptor (IL-1RI-/-) during cutaneous Leishmania major infection or following immunization with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). After inoculation of L. major stationary phase promastigotes into the hind footpad, both IL-1RI-/- and wild-type (WT) mice developed small lesions which resolved spontaneously. Lymph node cells from infected IL-1RI-/- mice produced significantly more IL-4 and IL-10 than those from WT mice following antigenic stimulation in vitro. Splenocytes from IL-1RI-/- and WT mice showed similar levels of antigen-induced proliferation. In contrast, splenocyte cultures from the IL-1RI-/- mice contained significantly more IL-4 than those from WT mice. Similar results were also obtained after immunization with KLH. While lymph node cells from both IL-1RI-/- and WT mice displayed similar levels of KLH-specific proliferation, those from IL-1RI-/- mice produced significantly more IL-4 than those from WT mice. Conversely, antigen-stimulated lymph node cells from WT mice secreted significantly greater amounts of IFN-gamma as compared with those from IL-1RI-/- mice. These data indicate that while IL-1 is not required for mounting an immune response or antigen-dependent proliferation, it appears to be required for normal regulation of Th1/Th2 responses and may function to negatively regulate IL-4 expression.