The prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pre-school children in Orang Asli resettlement villages in Kelantan

A study of the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pre-school children aged 0 to 7 years from an Orang Asli village resettlement scheme in Gua Musang, Kelantan was undertaken. The overall prevalence of soil transmitted helminthic (STH) infections was 56.0%. The predominant helminth found was Ascaris lumbricoides while the commonest type of infection was a mixed infection with Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. The prevalence rates of Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm infections were 47.5%, 33.9% and 6.2% respectively. The intensity of Ascaris infections were 64.5% light, 27.3% moderate and 8.3% heavy whilst the intensity of Trichuris infections were 80.5% light, 18.3% moderate and 1.2% heavy. However, the intensity of hookworm infections were 86.7% light, 13.3% moderate and no heavy infection. The prevalence of helminthiasis (STH) shows an-age dependent relationship, with the lowest prevalence in 0-< 1 year age group and highest in the 6-< 7 year age group.

Human pulmonary dirofilariasis: report of six cases

We report six cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis diagnosed at our laboratory with clinical and pathological features. The nodules of dirofilariasis were round in three cases as previously reported, however dumbbell-shaped in two cases. The nodule did not attach to the pleura in four cases. Microscopically, the nodules were granulomas composed of central coagulation necrosis and peripheral fibrosis with round cell infiltration, histiocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. Necrotic pulmonary artery with single or multiple sections of degenerated nematode was observed in the center of the nodule. Dilated bronchioles with inflammation were observed in the nodule in four cases. Collapse of the alveoli, organizing pneumonia, hemosiderin-laden macrophages were observed around the nodule. We suppose that the nodule is not an infarction but a granuloma caused by antigen released from the nematode. Because the pulmonary dirofilariasis is difficult to be differentiated from primary or metastatic lung carcinoma, and the inflammation exists around the nodule, the nodule should be removed surgically.

Simultaneous determination of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, berberine, coptisine, palmatine, jateorrhizine and glycyrrhizin in Kampo medicines by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography

An ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of four flavonoids, namely baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and wogonin, and four berberine-type alkaloids, namely berberine, coptisine, palmatine and jateorrhizine, and glycyrrhizin in Kampo medicines is described. The analysis can be accomplished within 30 min with a Wakosil-II 5C18 HG column by linear gradient elution using a mobile phase containing aqueous phosphoric acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate and acetonitrile at a flow-rate of 1.0 ml x min(-1), a thermostatic oven at 45 degrees C, and detection at 265 nm. The method was applied to quantifying these components in three Kampo decoctions: Oren-gedoku-to, San'o-shashin-to and Hange-shashin-to. The decoctions were diluted with 65% methanol at the final stage because a large quantity of precipitate, mainly from baicalin and berberine, was formed. The within-day relative standard deviations were less than 2.02% (n=10). The recoveries of these compounds were 90.3-102%. The detection limits of these compounds were 0.02-1.96 microM per injection (5 microl).

Toxoplasma gondii: difference of invasion into tissue of digestive organs between susceptible and resistant strain and influence of IFN-gamma in mice inoculated with the cysts perorally

Because it is widely accepted that there is a significant difference in susceptibility to chronic infection by Toxoplasma gondii among inbred mouse strains with different genetic backgrounds, we compared the distribution of the protozoa in digestive organs at early stages of infection between resistant (BALB/c) and susceptible (C57BL/ 6) mice after peroral infection with Fukaya strain cysts. Furthermore, to determine the influence of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) on the infectivity of the cysts to the digestive tract, homozygous IFN-gamma knockout mice were utilized. Quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) was employed to assess the distribution of T. gondii in different organs at various times after ingestion of cysts. SAG1, a T. gondii-specific gene, was detected in the small intestine and the caecum in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and in the whole digestive tract in IFN-gamma knockout C57BL/6 at 24 hr after infection. No detectable reaction in QC-PCR was observed in BALB/c mice at 24 hr after ingestion of the cysts. Destruction of the IFN-gamma gene showed less effect on the resistance to infection in BALB/c mice, but remarkable augmentation of infectivity of T. gondii to the rectum and peripheral blood was observed in C57BL/6 mice.

Role of Toxoplasma gondii HSP70 and Toxoplasma gondii HSP30/bag1 in antibody formation and prophylactic immunity in mice experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Production of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-derived stress proteins, T. gondii HSP70 (T.g.HSP70) and T.g.HSP30/bagl, in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice perorally infected with cysts of the avirulent Fukaya strain of T. gondii was analyzed. Production of anti-T.g.HSP70 IgG antibodies was transient, whereas production of anti-T.g.HSP30/bag1 IgG antibodies persisted after infection in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. C57BL/6 mice, a susceptible strain, predominantly produced IgG antibodies specific for T.g.HSP70, whereas BALB/c mice, a resistant strain, predominantly produced IgG antibodies specific for T.g.HSP30/bag1, after T. gondii infection. Immunization with rT.g.HSP30/bag1 enhanced, whereas immunization with rT.g.HSP70 reduced host protective immunity against T. gondii infection with a cyst-forming avirulent strain, Fukaya, and a virulent strain, RH.

Limited uptake of foreign materials by resident macrophages in murine ovarian tissues

In the present study, the distributions of exogenously administered horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and colloidal carbon in gonadal tissues were observed in both male and female mice using light microscopy. HRP was injected intravenously and colloidal carbon was directly injected into the gonadal parenchyma. Thereafter, the gonads were obtained for histological examination. The results showed that staining of HRP and carbon was detected in the ovaries at a low level. In contrast, much staining was observed in the interstitial cells of the testes for a long period. This suggests that ovarian tissues are less active in the uptake of exogenous materials than testicular tissues in vivo. However, immunohistochemical examination using anti-macrophage antibodies revealed that the ovaries contained a large number of macrophages, as did the testes, under normal conditions. Therefore, the results indicate that resident macrophages in the ovaries exhibit weak endocytic activity of foreign materials in vivo.

Protective immunity induced by vaccination with SAG1 gene-transfected cells against Toxoplasma gondii-infection in mice

To develop a vaccine by augmenting the protective cellular immunity against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-infection, T gondii SAG1 gene-transfectants were established by using RMA.S (H-2b), a murine transporter associated with the antigen processing (TAP) molecule-deficient lymphoma line, as a host antigen-presenting cell (APC). Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with the SAG1-transfected RMA.S induced CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for not only SAG1-transfected RMA.S but also T gondii-infected RMA.S, and elicited protective responses to infection with a virulent T. gondii strain, RH.

Slow and prolonged activation of the p47 protein kinase during hypersensitive cell death in a culture of tobacco cells

To investigate the involvement of protein kinases in the signaling cascade that leads to hypersensitive cell death, we used a previously established system in which a fungal elicitor, xylanase from Trichoderma viride (TvX), induces a hypersensitive reaction in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells in culture (line XD6S). The elicitor induced the slow and prolonged activation of a p47 protein kinase, which has the characteristics of a family member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases. An inhibitor of protein kinases, staurosporine, and a blocker of Ca channels, Gd3+ ions, both of which blocked the TvX-induced hypersensitive cell death, inhibited the TvX-induced activation of p47 protein kinase. Moreover, an inhibitor of serine/threonine protein phosphatase alone induced both rapid cell death and the persistent activation of the p47 protein kinase. Thus, the p47 protein kinase might be a component of the signal transduction pathway that leads to hypersensitive cell death, and the regulation of the duration of activation of the p47 protein kinase might be important in determining the destiny of tobacco cells.

Immunohistochemical detection of testicular macrophages during the period of postnatal maturation in the mouse

In the present study, the distribution of F4/80, a highly specific antigen of murine macrophages, was studied in the testes of maturing ICR mice to investigate postnatal development of testicular macrophages. The antigen was immunohistochemically identified at the light microscopic level on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 and at 8 weeks after birth. Only a few macrophages were present between developing seminiferous tubules on day 0, but by day 7, the cell density of macrophages in the interstitium was significantly increased. Although the cell processes of the macrophages were very short on days 0 and 7, it was found that their cell processes were extended on days 14 and 21. On day 28, it was observed that the cell density of macrophages increased further and their cell processes became longer, resulting in the formation of a network between adjacent macrophages. Thereafter, the interstitial spaces were found to be narrower due to the increasing diameter of developing seminiferous tubules, although similar physical contact between the testicular macrophages to that seen on day 28 was evident. Moreover, the cell density of macrophages at 8 weeks of age did not differ significantly compared with that on day 28. These results demonstrate that testicular macrophages develop rapidly for the first 4 weeks in the mouse testis.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated lysis of Toxoplasma gondii-infected target cells does not lead to death of intracellular parasites

CD8(+) T cells play a crucial role in the control of infection with intracellular microbes. The mechanisms underlying the CD8(+) T-cell-mediated clearance of the intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii are, however, not completely understood. The effect of CD8(+) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated lysis of host cells on the viability of intracellular T. gondii was investigated. Quantitative competitive PCR of the gene encoding T. gondii major surface antigen (SAG-1) was combined with treatment of the parasites with DNase, which removed the DNA template of nonviable parasites. The induction by CD8(+) CTLs of apoptosis in cells infected with T. gondii did not result in the reduction of live parasites, indicating that intracellular T. gondii remains alive after lysis of host cells by CTLs.

Effects of nucleic acid inhibitors on the development of Angiostrongylus costaricensis in vitro

Nucleic acid biosynthesis of Angiostrongylus costaricensis was examined with various inhibitors; aminopterin (inhibitor of purine and pyrimidine de novo biosynthetic pathways), 8-azaguanine (specific inhibitor of purine salvage pathway) and PALA (specific inhibitor of pyrimidine de novo biosynthetic pathway) were applied in in vitro culture developing from the third stage larvae to young adult in chemically defined medium. It was suggested that A. costaricensis possessed functional purine and pyrimidine de novo biosynthetic pathways and also that they could utilize exogenous sources of purines and pyrimidines by salvage pathways for their development.

Distribution of F4/80-positive cells in developing ovaries in the mouse

The mature ovary contains a large number of macrophages. In the present study, the distribution of macrophages in murine ovaries at various developmental stages was immunohistochemically studied using a monoclonal antibody against F4/80, a highly specific antigen of murine macrophages. The results showed that definite F4/80-positive stains were hardly detectable in ovaries on day 0 after birth. On day 7, a few F4/ 80-positive cells could be identified between the developing follicles. The positive stains were irregular in shape and showed little physical contact with the primordial or primary follicles. By days 14 and 21, when the theca cell layers of growing follicles were developing, the positive cells had extended or elongated to surround the cell layer. On day 28, besides the presence of elongating positive cells surrounding the growing follicles, irregularly shaped F4/80-positive cells became apparent in the interstitium between the growing follicles and also in the capsular tissues. Thereafter, positive cells with stellate appearance were detected in the corpora lutea, which first developed around 6 weeks of age. Although the positive cells were homogenously distributed in the corpora lutea in virgin adults, only a few sporadic positive cells were found there in pregnant mice. However, the positive cells infiltrated into the corpora lutea again in the postpartum period. These results show that ovarian macrophages exhibit dramatical changes in their distribution from neonatal to postpartum periods.

[A case of congenital toxoplasmosis confirmed by detection of Toxoplasma gondii in placenta]

We report a case of congenital toxoplasmosis with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrocephalus. A CT scan performed at birth revealed ventricular dilation with calcification. The serum and CSF Toxoplasma specific IgM were elevated. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of Toxoplasma cysts in the placenta, and detection of the Toxoplasma SAG1 gene by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (placenta, positive; CSF, negative). Signs of active central nervous system infection, such as the decreased CSF glucose, and elevated CSF protein, neuron specific enolase and LDH, resolved after initiation of treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfazoxine. A PCR test using the placental tissue may be useful for the rapid diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia with block between purkinje potential and ventricular myocardium

We performed radiofrequency current catheter ablation in a patient with idiopathic LV. While mapping the inferoapical LV septum during tachycardia, spontaneous termination of tachycardia was observed with block between Purkinje (P) potential and ventricular electrogram (P-V block). The cycle length of the tachycardia was associated with prolongation of P-P interval and P-V interval. P potential recording at this site was earliest and at very low amplitude during tachycardia. The radiofrequency current at this site was successful. These findings indicated that Purkinje fiber was a critical part of the tachycardia circuit. Ablation was successful at a site where both an earliest and low amplitude P potential was recorded during tachycardia, and where P-V block that was induced by catheter manipulation was observed during tachycardia.

Haptoglobin genotyping by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction amplification

We performed haptoglobin (Hp) genotyping by polymerase chain reaction using allele-specific primer-pairs. The major six genotypes of Hp were identified using this method. Among Japanese individuals living in Ehime and Okayama Prefectures, the allele frequencies were estimated to be Hp2 = 0.723 and Hp1s = 0.277. Genotyping of Hp was possible with 0.3 ng of DNA and with 0.125 microliter of blood. It was also possible with whole blood left at room temperature for a month and also with the bloodstains left at room temperature for three years. In the heated blood samples, both alleles, Hp2 and Hp1s, were detected in those heated at 100 degrees C for 2 h. In bloodstains, Hp2 and Hp1s were detected in samples heated at 100 degrees C for 2 h and 120 degrees C for 30 min. In addition, the genotype could be detected in samples other than blood such as saliva, hair roots, tissue sections and dental pulps. The present method for Hp genotyping is expected to become a useful method in forensic analysis.

Patterns of efferent lymphatics of the mouse testis

Previous studies in the rat demonstrated that lymph vessels arise from various sites in the testis and then anastomose to form the main lymph trunk toward the testicular artery. Although mice are as commonly used in the laboratory as the rat, precise knowledge concerning their testicular lymphatics has not been established. In the present study, the patterns of testicular lymphatic drainage in the mouse were examined using local injection of India ink into the testicular parenchyma. The results demonstrated that, besides the lymph trunk surrounding the testicular artery, a lymphatic drainage route running along the ductus deferens is also present.

Mode of migration of normal lymphocytes inside murine testis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that in murine experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), lymphocytes preferably infiltrate into (1) the testicular capsule near the rete testis, (2) the subcapsular interstitium away from the rete testis, and (3) the interstitium surrounding the tubuli recti and rete testis. Therefore, these three sites might provide tissue environments in which specific lymphocytes can easily gain access to testicular autoantigens. However, there is another possibility that infiltrating lymphocytes in the testis spontaneously accumulate at these three sites via the lymphatic flow inside this organ during EAO.

METHODS

To examine this possibility, normal lymphocytes were locally injected into the peripheral testis regions of recipient mice. Testes were then collected at various times for investigating the chronological pattern of lymphocytic migration inside the testes at a light microscopic level.

RESULTS

The injected lymphocytes first stayed in the lymphatic space around the seminiferous tubules and then moved to the subcapsular lymphatic space away from the rete testis. The lymphocytes accumulated under the testicular capsule and then gradually infiltrated into the adjacent capsular tissue. In the capsule, the cells surrounded the arteriolae and then accumulated in the capsular tissue near the rete testis. Thereafter, the cells finally left the testes through the lymphatics running in the spermatic cords. In the course of the lymphocytic drainage, it was noted that the injected lymphocytes appeared not to pass through the testicular interstitium around the tubuli recti and rete testis.

CONCLUSIONS

The regional distributions of the testicular lymphocytes imply that the lymphatic flow in the testis may somewhat influence murine EAO pathology characterized by lymphocytic accumulation in (1) the testicular capsule near the rete testis and (2) the subcapsular interstitium away from the rete testis. However, the pathology exhibiting lymphocytic accumulation in (3) the interstitium around the tubuli recti and rete testis is independent on the intratesticular lymph flow.

Essential pathogenic role for endogenous interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) during disease onset phase of murine experimental autoimmune orchitis. I. In vivo studies

We previously found that immunization of CH3/He male mice with syngeneic testicular germ cells (TGC) without the aid of any adjuvants was sufficient to induce DTH to TGC and experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO). To evaluate the role of endogenous IFN-gamma in this model, C3H/He mice immunized subcutaneously with TGC on days 0 and 14 received a single injection of anti-murine IFN-gamma MoAb on day 15, 20 or 25. On day 45, DTH to TGC was tested, testis specimens were collected for histological examination, and blood samples collected for IFN-gamma measurement. The results showed that whilst MoAb treatment on day 15 or 25 did not influence DTH responses, EAO development, and appearance of IFN-gamma in the circulation, treatment on day 20 significantly suppressed all of them. Thus, a single injection with anti-IFN-gamma MoAb may successfully down-regulate testicular autoimmunity, provided that the treatment is given at an optimal time point during disease development.

Phosphorylation of the vesicle docking protein p115 regulates its association with the Golgi membrane

The vesicle docking protein p115 was found to be phosphorylated in a cell cycle-specific manner; it was found phosphorylated in interphase but not in mitotic cells. During interphase, however, two forms of p115 were detected in the cells; the phosphorylated form was found exclusively in cytosol, whereas the unphosphorylated form was associated with membranes, mostly of the Golgi complex. The latter form was released from the membranes upon phosphorylation. Mutational analysis revealed that the phosphorylation site of p115 was the Ser942 residue in the C-terminal acidic domain. A mutant with a single substitution of Ser942 --> Ala markedly increased its association with the Golgi membrane. Another mutant with Ser942 --> Asp was able to associate with the membrane, although at a decreased level, indicating that the dissociation of p115 from the membrane is not simply due to the negative charge of phosphorylated Ser942. Taken together, these results suggest that the phosphorylation of Ser942 at the C-terminal acidic domain regulates the interaction of p115 with the Golgi membrane, possibly taking part in the regulatory mechanism of vesicular transport.

Intraischemic hypothermia during pretreatment with sublethal ischemia reduces the induction of ischemic tolerance in the gerbil hippocampus

We examined whether mild brain hypothermia during pretreatment with sublethal 2-min ischemia affected the tolerance to subsequent lethal 5-min ischemia. The neuronal densities in the hippocampal CA1 sector of gerbils preconditioned at mild brain hypothermia (32% of normal) were significantly lower than those in gerbils preconditioned at brain normothermia (70% of normal). 72-kDa heat-shock protein immunoreactivity in the CA1 sector preconditioned at mild hypothermia was reduced. These results suggest that mild brain hypothermia during pretreatment with sublethal ischemia reduces the tolerance to subsequent lethal ischemia.