Retinal Thy-1 expression during development

PURPOSE

To evaluate the developmental expression of Thy-1 in the retina. Thy-1, the most abundant mammalian neuronal surface glycoprotein, is likely to play a significant role in retinal development. In the mammalian retina, it is found predominantly, if not exclusively, on retinal ganglion cells.

METHODS

Rat retinae of various ages were stained immunohistochemically for Thy-1 with 2G12, a monoclonal Thy-1 antibody. Sections were analyzed digitally to quantify bound antibody. Using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the expression of Thy-1 protein was compared with the levels of mRNA detected.

RESULTS

Thy-1-dependent fluorescence was detected in rat retinae from birth, albeit at low levels. Thy-1 labeling was localized predominantly to the ganglion cell layer. Minimal, fine patterns of linear and reticular fluorescence were noted in the inner nuclear layer. Thy-1 levels reached a maximal level at approximately postnatal day 14. RT-PCR measurements showed a similar time course for the increase in Thy-1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The Thy-1 antigen is present in the inner retina at birth. Its level increases steadily after birth and peaks during the second week of life. Thy-1 expression is approximately coterminous with synaptogenesis of the inner plexiform layer and may play a role in synaptogenesis of the inner retina or in other developmental milestones in the formation of the visual system.

Effective 30-hour preservation of canine lungs with modified ET-Kyoto solution

BACKGROUND

With the aim of developing a preservation solution that can preserve donor lungs reliably for a long time, we prepared a modified ET-Kyoto solution by adding N-acetylcysteine, nitroglycerin, and dibutyryl adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic phosphate to the previously reported ET-Kyoto solution, which contains trehalose, gluconate, and hydroxyethyl starch. In this study, we examined the efficacy of modified ET-Kyoto solution in 30-hour lung preservation.

METHODS

Twenty five pairs of adult mongrel dogs were divided into four groups. Donor lungs were flushed with modified ET-Kyoto solution (n = 9), with ET-Kyoto solution (n = 6), with University of Wisconsin solution group (n = 6), or with ET-Kyoto solution plus the solvents of nitroglycerin (ethanol and propylene glycol) (n = 4), then stored at 4 degrees C for 30 hours. All animals were treated with prostaglandin E1. Left lungs were transplanted and reperfused for 6 hours.

RESULTS

With respect to arterial oxygen tension, peak inspiratory pressure, and wet-to-dry lung weight ratio, modified ET-Kyoto solution was significantly superior to ET-Kyoto solution. The modified ET-Kyoto solution was significantly superior to University of Wisconsin solution with respect to survival rate, arterial oxygen tension, and wet-to-dry lung weight ratio. Ultrastructural findings supported these results.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that modified ET-Kyoto solution is superior to University of Wisconsin solution for 30-hour lung preservation.

ET-Kyoto solution for 48-hour canine lung preservation

BACKGROUND

ET-Kyoto (ET-K) solution, proven safe for 20-hour lung preservation, was modified to achieve longer preservation: ET-K2 solution with more buffer capacity and ET-K3 with less potassium.

METHODS

Lungs were preserved with one of the three solutions (with prostaglandin E1 at 4 degrees C for 48 hours (n = 5 for each). Left lung transplantation was performed and evaluated for 6 hours.

RESULTS

Each solution became acidic after preservation (p < 0.01), though the change was lowest in the ET-K2 solution. All animals in the ET-K and ET-K3 groups survived for 6 hours after reperfusion, but only 1 survived in the ET-K2 group (p < 0.05). In all groups, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood decreased gradually after reperfusion. Pulmonary vascular resistance after reperfusion was significantly lower in the ET-K group than in the ET-K3 group (p < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopic examination showed that endothelial cell swelling and disruption were milder in the ET-K group (with the solution containing potassium of 44 mEq/L) than in the ET-K3 group.

CONCLUSION

Lung preservation can be achieved for 48 hours in ET-K and ET-K3 solutions. Enhancement of buffer capacity provides no advantage. Potassium at 44 mEq/L does not cause deterioration of endothelial cells.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism detected by cDNA and genomic DNA clones in Stylosanthes

A DNA isolation method suitable for genomic library construction and RFLP analyses of the forage legume Stylosanthes was developed. Probes isolated using this method were used to investigate the feasibility of constructing RFLP-based genetic maps in this genus. Two hundred and seventy-one PstI genomic DNA and 134 cDNA clones were analysed against four Stylosanthes accessions, including two tetraploids and two diploids, with the use of two restriction enzymes, DraI and HindIII. The proportion of clones which detected single-copy sequences from the PstI genomic library was higher than that from the cDNA library, but the percentage of clones which detected low-copy sequences was doubled in the latter. There was no significant difference in the level of RFLPs detected by gDNA and cDNA probes, although the level of polymorphism was lower in the diploids. A large proportion of RFLPs seemed to have resulted from mutation/base substitution events, and this was especially the case in diploids.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for downy mildew resistance in pearl millet

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to pathogen populations of Scelerospora graminicola from India, Nigeria, Niger and Senegal were mapped using a resistant x susceptible pearl millet cross. An RFLP map constructed using F2 plants was used to map QTLs for traits scored on F4 families. QTL analysis was carried out using the interval mapping programme Mapmaker/QTL. Independent inheritance of resistance to pathogen populations from India, Senegal, and populations from Niger and Nigeria was shown. These results demonstrate the existence of differing virulences in the pathogen populations from within Africa and between Africa and India. QTLs of large effect, contributing towards a large porportion of the variation in resistance, were consistently detected in repeated screens. QTLs of smaller and more variable effect were also detected. There was no QTLs that were effective against all four pathogen populations, demonstrating that pathotype-specific resistance is a major mechanism of downy mildew resistance in this cross. For all but one of the QTLs, resistance was inherited from the resistant parent and the inheritance of resistance tended to be the result of dominance or over-dominance. The implications of this research for pearl millet breeding are discussed.

Analysis of recombination rate in female and male gametogenesis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) using RFLP markers

Sex as a factor affecting recovered recombination in plant gametes was investigated in pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum, by using reciprocal three-way crosses [(AxB)xCvCx(A x B)]. The two populations were mapped at 42 loci pre-selected to cover the majority of the genome. No differences in recombination distances were observed at the whole-genome level and only a few individual linkage intervals were found to differ, all in favour of increased recombination through the male. Distorted segregations found in the three-way crosses provide evidence of post-gametic selection for particular gene(s) or chromosome regions. The significance of these results for the design of pearl millet breeding programmes and inheritance experiments, as well as for other experimental strategies, is discussed.

Improved 20-hour canine lung preservation with a new solution--ET-Kyoto solution

We developed a new solution, ET-Kyoto (ET-K) solution, and compared its efficacy in 20 h lung preservation with that of Euro-Collins (EC) solution in a canine left lung transplantation model. The lungs were flushed with ET-K solution (ET-K group, n = 5), with EC solution plus prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) pretreatment (EC + PGE1 group, n = 6) or with EC solution (EC group, n = 6), and were stored at 4 degrees C for 20 h. The function of left lung grafts was assessed 40, 70, and 130 min after transplantation. The arterial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in the ET-K group was significantly greater than in the EC + PGE1 group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and in the EC group (p < 0.01). The peak inspiratory pressure and wet to dry weight ratio in the ET-K group were significantly lower than in the EC + PGE1 group and in the EC group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Pulmonary vascular resistance in the ET-K group 130 min after reperfusion was significantly lower than in the EC group (p < 0.05). All the transplanted lungs in the EC + PGE1 group and the EC group showed histological evidence of pulmonary edema, whereas all in the ET-K group showed no signs of edema. We concluded that ET-K solution is superior to EC solution with or without PGE1 pretreatment in 20 h canine lung preservation.

Molecular characterization of the in vivo alkylating agent resistant murine EMT-6 mammary carcinoma tumors

The expression of several early-response genes and genes associated with malignant disease was assessed in the EMT-6/parent tumor and the EMT-6/CTX and EMT-6/CDDP in vivo resistant tumor lines growing as tumors or as monolayers in culture. In the absence of treatment the levels of mRNA for the genes c-jun, c-fos, c-myc, Ha-ras and p53 were increased in the EMT-6/CTX and EMT-6/CDDP as compared with the EMT-6/parent tumor, whereas the expression of erb-2 was similar in all three tumors. Although the cells from each of the three tumors show increased expression of early response genes after exposure to cisplatin (CDDP; 100 microM, 2 h) or 4-Hydroxyperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC; 100 microM, 2 h) in culture, in mRNA extracted from tumor tissue these changes are absent or very small. Both C-jun and erb-2 were detectable in liver. There was increased expression of both of these genes in the livers of tumor-bearing animals as compared with non-tumor-bearing animals. The highest expression of both c-jun and erb-2 occurred in the livers of animals bearing the EMT-6/CDDP tumor. Treatment of the animals with CDDP or cyclophosphamide, in general, resulted in increased expression of both genes at 6 h post treatment. The increased expression of these genes may impart metabolic changes in the tumors and/or hosts that contribute to the resistance of these tumors to specific antitumor alkylating agents.

An RFLP-based genetic map of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Analysis of a sample of diverse pearl millet genotypes with 200 genomic DNA probes revealed this crop species to be extremely polymorphic. Among these genotypes, 85% of probes detected polymorphism using only two restriction enzymes, with an average pair-wise polymorphism between all of the probe-enzyme combinations of 56%. Two crosses were employed to construct an RFLP-based genetic map. In an intervarietal F2 population, derived from a single F1 plant, 181 loci were placed on a linkage map. The total length of this map, which comprised seven linkage groups, was 303 cM and the average map distance between loci was about 2 cM, although a few intervals in excess of 10 cM were present at the ends of a few linkage groups. Very few clones, including those which hybridized to more than one copy, detected more than one locus in the pearl millet genome. The analysis was complicated initially because 83 of the 181 loci mapped to a single linkage group. Analysis of a second cross identified a probable translocation breakpoint in the middle of this large linkage group.

The genetical control and tissue-specificity of esterase isozymes in hexaploid wheat

A comparative genetic analysis of esterase (E.C.3.1.1.1) isozymes of wheat cultivar 'Chinese Spring' in endosperm, embryo, coleoptile, leaf and root tissues revealed eight sets of isozymes characterised by different tissue specificities, pI ranges and the chromosomal locations of their controlling genes. This data was considered together with previously published work, resulting in a proposed rationalization of nine sets of wheat esterase isozymes. Although this classification included two sets of isozymes controlled by genes on the short arms of homoeologous group 3 chromosomes and three sets on the long arms of the same chromosomes, for which no recombination evidence of genetic distinctness has been obtained among either group, it is argued that the different characteristics of the various sets warrant retention of separate set nomenclatures. Previously unreported esterase genes includeEst-9, a low pI, monomeric, embryo-specific group with controlling genes on chromosomes 3BS and 3DS and two further members ofEs-1,Est-H1 inHordeum vulgare andEst-S (l)1 inAegilops longissima.

Minocycline as a modulator of chemotherapy and hyperthermia in vitro and in vivo

We tested the ability of the collagenase-inhibitor minocycline to increase the effectiveness of CDDP, BCNU and mitomycin C +/- hyperthermia. When tested in vitro in FSaIIC fibrosarcoma cells, exposure to minocycline (100 microM for 24 h) decreased the CDDP cytotoxicity at 37 degrees C and pH 7.40 in both normally oxygenated and hypoxic cells and decreased the cytotoxicity of CDDP at 42 degrees C or 43 degrees C in normally oxygenated cells while increasing the killing in hypoxic cells. When tested at pH 6.45, the presence of minocycline tended to protect both normally oxygenated and hypoxic cells from the cytotoxic effects of CDDP +/- hyperthermia. With exposure to BCNU, minocycline markedly protected both normally oxygenated and hypoxic cells at 37 degrees C at both pHs. As the temperature during the exposure to BCNU was increased to 42 degrees C or 43 degrees C, the protection afforded by minocycline diminished especially under low pH conditions where BCNU plus 43 degrees C was extremely cytotoxic to both normally oxygenated and hypoxic cells. One hour exposure to mitomycin C was more cytotoxic to hypoxic than normally oxygenated cells under all conditions of pH and temperature tested and the cytotoxicity of mitomycin C under each condition was increased by minocycline. Both CDDP and BCNU were much more cytotoxic toward FSaIIC tumors in vivo when drug administration was followed by local heating (43 degrees C, 30 min) of the tumor bearing limb. In each case, treatment with minocycline had little effect on tumor-cell killing. Treatment with mitomycin C and hyperthermia resulted in additive tumor-cell killing, and minocycline administration further increased that effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Human thymidine kinase CCAAT-binding protein is NF-Y, whose A subunit expression is serum-dependent in human IMR-90 diploid fibroblasts

The nuclear protein interacting with the distal CCAAT box of human thymidine kinase (TK) gene promoter has been suggested to be a specific TK-CCAAT-binding protein, which is responsible for the serum-dependence of TK transactivation in normal human IMR-90 fibroblasts. By biochemical characterization, TK-CCAAT-binding protein was found to be distinct from other known CCAAT-binding proteins (Pang, J. H., and Chen, K. Y. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 2909-2916). In this study, we identify NF-Y, which is composed of Ya and Yb subunits, to be responsible for the TK-CCAAT binding activity in the crude nuclear extract from HL-60 cells. The interaction of NF-Y with the distal CCAAT box of the TK promoter in the crude extract appeared to be more heat-sensitive than that in the DNA affinity chromatography purified fraction. We have further established that the serum dependence of TK-CCAAT binding activity in normal IMR-90 fibroblasts is due to the decrement of NF-Ya, but not NF-Yb expression following serum-deprivation, and that such serum dependence is absent in HL-60 cells.

[Influence of sialic acid level in cultured pituitary cells on immunogenicity]

Many researches have demonstrated that cultured tissue or cells may reduce immunogenicity and can survive in a recipient if they are allografted or xenografted. The cause for this phenomenon remains uncertain. In this experiment, sialic acid (SA) content of BALB/C mice pituitary cells before and after culture was determined, and the influence of SA level on cell immunogenicity was studied by using the mixed lymphocyte reaction method and neuraminidase. The SA level was much higher in cultured cells than in uncultured cells. Cultured cells were found to have a reduced ability to stimulate splenocyte proliferation in allogeneic rats after the SA levels of the cells had been raised. Such ability could be restored by removing SA from the cell surface with sialidase. This suggests that the high SA levels in the cultured cells play an important role in reducing their immunogenicity.

Detection of genes for heat-stable enterotoxin in Escherichia coli by biotinylated ST-DNA probes

Reference strains of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), non-enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (non-ETEC), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), and other enteropathogenic bacteria were used to prove the reliability of BIO-ST-DNA probe hybridization. In addition, 417 strains of E. coli isolated from children with diarrheal diseases in Shanxi Children's Hospital were examined for BIO-ST-DNA probe hybridization. In the test, BIO-ST-DNA hybridization was compared with suckling mouse assay in identifying ST-ETEC. The results obtained by both methods showed no significant difference. It was found that identification of ST-ETEC using hybridization is a simple, sensitive and more practical method.

Effects of trehalose in canine lung preservation

BACKGROUND

The effect of trehalose on the preservation of canine lungs was studied with the use of Euro-Collins solution (ECS).

METHODS

In group 1, five lungs were perfused and preserved with a modified ECS in which trehalose (35.0 gm/L) was used instead of glucose. In group 2, six lungs were perfused and preserved with a modified ECS in which glucose was replaced by 70.0 gm/L trehalose. In group 3, six lungs were perfused and preserved with ECS. After preservation for 12 hours, left lung transplantation was performed.

RESULTS

The PaO2 values in groups 1 and 2 at 130 minutes after reperfusion were 264.9 and 257.5 mm Hg, respectively. These PaO2 values were significantly higher than the corresponding PaO2 value in group 3 (114.8 mm Hg). All the transplanted lungs in groups 1 and 2 had normal structures on histologic examination, whereas five of the group 3 lungs showed severe pulmonary edema.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that trehalose is effective in the preservation of lungs for 12 hours.

Intrachromosomal mapping of seven biochemical loci in barley, Hordeum vulgare

Seven biochemical loci, AmpA, Amy1, Amy2, Est-H5, Hor1, Hor2, and Wsp-H1, have been intrachromosomally mapped in the barley genome using a previously published RFLP-based genetic map. In all cases, the map locations confirmed prior chromosome assignments and agreed closely with the map positions of their homoeoloci in hexaploid wheat.

Flow cytometric study of anterior chamber aqueous humor after neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser iridotomy

Laser iridotomy is a safe and effective treatment of pupillary-block glaucoma; however, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) may occur after the procedure. A flow cytometric study of aqueous humor was done 1.5 hours after neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser iridotomy in 20 eyes. This sensitive and precise method did not reveal an apparent correlation between the degree of postoperative IOP spike and the amount of inflammatory cells or cellular debris induced by laser iridotomy. Although slit-lamp examination showed many "cells" in the anterior chamber in most after laser iridotomy, DNA histography found only scanty chromatin coating cells. We believe the so-called cells observed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy might not all be real cellular aggregates but rather aggregates of protein or fibrin in some situations.

Chromosomal rearrangements in the rye genome relative to that of wheat

An RFLP-based genetic map of Secale Cereale has provided evidence for multiple evolutionary translocations in the rye genome relative to that of hexaploid wheat. DNA clones which have previously been mapped in wheat indicated that chromosome arms 2RS, 3RL, 4RL, 5RL, 6RS, 6RL, 7RS and 7RL have all been involved in at least one translocation. A possible evolutionary pathway, which accounts for the present day R genome relative to the A, B and D genomes of wheat, is presented. The relevance of these results for strategies designed to transfer useful genes from rye, and probably other related species, to wheat is discussed.

[Chemical constituents of Parthenocissus thomsonii (Laws.) Planch]

Five compounds (1-5) were isolated from the leaves of Parthenocissus thomsonii collected in Henan. On the basis of chemical reaction and spectroscopic studies, 1, 2 and 3 were identified as friedelin, epifriedelanol and quercetin respectively.

Monosomy 21 in two patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Among 50 cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) with available cytogenetic data seen in our section since May 1988, two were found to carry a monosomy 21 abnormality which has been rarely reported in hematologic malignancies. The first case is a 58-year-old male with a diagnosis of AML, FAB M2, who died of refractory leukemia 9 months later. The other case is a 59-year-old female with AML, FAB M2. Complete remission was achieved initially but she died of sepsis 3 months later with no evidence of leukemic relapse. Monosomy 21 is not yet recognized as a nonrandom cytogenetic abnormality in ANLL, whereas its unusual predilection in AML, especially the FAB M2 or M4 categories, as noted in our study and others' reports, have raised this possibility. Further studies and the accumulation of new cases are needed in the hope of defining it as a subtype of ANLL.

RFLP-based genetic map of the homoeologous group 3 chromosomes of wheat and rye

Genetic maps of chromosomes 3A, 3B and 3D of wheat and 3R of rye were developed using 22 DNA probes and two isozyme marker systems. Analysis of the 49 loci mapped showed extreme clustering around the centromere in all four maps, with large 'gaps' in the distal chromosome regions, which is interpreted as being due to strong localisation of recombination towards the ends of the wheat and rye chromosomes. In the centromeric regions gene orders are highly conserved between the three wheat genomes and the rye genome. However, the unpredictable behaviour of the DNA clones that map in distal chromosome locations may indicate that the genomes are diverging most rapidly in the regions of higher recombination. A comparison of cDNA and genomic probes showed the latter to be much more efficient for revealing RFLP. Some classes of gDNA clones, i.e. chromosome-specific sequences and those hybridizing in a non-homoeologous manner, were seen to be most polymorphic. Correlations between map locations and RFLP levels showed no clear relationship. In addition to anonymous DNA clones, the locations of known function clones, sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (XSbp), carboxypeptidase I (XCxp1) and a bZIP protein (XEmbp), were ascertained along with those for two isozyme loci, Mal-1 and Est-5.

An experimental study of pituitary transplantations in rabbits

Experimental pituitary transplantations were carried out between the New Zealand white and American chinchilla rabbits. These two kinds of experimental rabbits were of different genotypes. The grafts were transplanted underneath the median eminences of the recipients after hypophysectomy. The rabbits with the transplants were treated with cyclosporine (CsA) and prednisone for the first month. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals for the determinations of serum thyroxine, prolactin and luteinizing hormone. The results suggested that neonatal grafts could survive and function almost normally with the aid of CsA and prednisone, but not without them. The results also disclosed that the interrelationship between the pituitary graft and the host's hypothalamus could be established. Pituitary transplantation from adult rabbit donors failed even though the recipients had been treated with CsA and prednisone in our experiment.

Bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia--a study of twenty-one Chinese patients in Taiwan

A total of 21 multiply transfused patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) were treated with bone marrow transplantation between March 1985 and September 1990: 20 allogeneic and one syngeneic transplants. A positive response in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) was also noted in 7 allogeneic recipients. Pregraft conditioning included high-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) 200 mg/kg over 4 consecutive days, followed by 300 cGy total-body irradiation the day before BMT. Seventeen patients older than 14 years received additional donor buffy-coat cells infusion for 5 days posttransplant. A combination of methotrexate and cyclosporine was used for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Seventeen patients were alive with a functional graft, and Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates showed a 80.95% probability of survival at 67.7 months. There were 4 deaths: two died of primary graft failure, one from secondary rejection, and the other from chronic GVHD-related complications. Acute GVHD, grade I was noted in only one patient (5.6%). In contrast, chronic GVHD was observed in 10 out of 18 (55.6%) evaluable patients. Venoocclusive liver disease and interstitial pneumonitis were not diagnosed. Our findings indicate that the combination of CY/TBI/BC is well tolerated and results in a low incidence of graft failure/rejection in multiply transfused Chinese patients who received transplants for SAA. The MTX/CsA combination was confirmed as being remarkable in reducing the incidence and severity of acute GVHD. For patients with SAA under the age of 40, with an HLA-identical sibling, we highly recommend BMT as the treatment of choice.

Nonhomoeologous translocations between group 4, 5 and 7 chromosomes within wheat and rye

Genetic maps of wheat chromosome 4A and rye chromosome arm 5RL, and the chromosomal locations of 70 sets of isozyme and molecular homoeoloci have been used to further define the structure of wheat chromosomes 4A, 5A and 7B, and rye chromosomes 4R, 5R and 7R. We provide evidence, for the first time, which is consistent with the presence of an interstitial segment on 4AL originating from 5AL, and of a segment originally from 5RL on 7RS. The evolutionary origins of the present chromosomes are discussed.

[CA125 in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

CA125 is an antigenic determinant recognized by monoclonal antibody CA125 raised against a serous ovarian cancer cell line. Elevation of this antigen has been reported in over 80% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer and many other diseases including both malignant and non-malignant ones. However, in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) only a few reports have focused on this topic thus interesting us. In order to exploit its possible role in this field, a total of 61 eligible patients with a diagnosis of NHL were studied. Serum CA125 was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) prior to any operative procedures or chemotherapy. Serum CA125 above 35 U/ml was seen in 47.7% of nodal NHL (n = 44) and 70.6% of extranodal NHL (n = 17) with an overall positive rate at 54.1%. The elevation of serum CA125 correlates well with the presence of peritoneal involvement and therefore, with disease extent to some degree. No correlation between it and the histological type or with the B symptom was the rule. Avidin-biotin peroxidase stain by anti-CA125 MoAb was applied to identify the tissue content of this antigen in 15 cases of whom 11 had CA125 well above 35 U/ml. None of the 15 cases examined showed positive result. In conclusion, serum CA125 is probably no more than an indicator of peritoneal stimulation released by tumor invasion rather than a tumor product. The possible role in disease follow-up remains to be elucidated.

Hypersensitivity to acetate dialysate: report of a case

Acetate dialysate is currently the most widely used in hemodialysis. The adverse effect of acetate during hemodialysis is well known upon the cardiovascular system. However, hypersensitivity reactions related to acetate during dialysis therapy are rare. We report a patient who developed hypersensitivity reactions such as generalized skin itching, flushing, hypotension and shortness of breath within a few minutes of beginning hemodialysis with acetate dialysate. Changing dialyzer membranes failed to alleviate these symptoms. Using the same dialyzer and tubing, these reactions disappeared immediately when bicarbonate dialysate was substituted for acetate dialysate. The patient's serum IgE and total eosinophile counts were normal. We conclude that acetate may initiate hypersensitivity reactions during hemodialysis. The exact mechanism is still unclear.

RFLP-based genetic map of rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome 1R

A map of chromosome 1R of rye was constructed using 16 molecular and biochemical loci. From long arm to short arm, known-function loci were placed in the order: XAdh - XLee - Glu-R1[Sec-3] - XPpdk-1R - XEm-1R-1 - XEm-1R-2 - Centromere - XNor-R1 -Gpi-R1 - XGli-R1 [Sec-1a] along with six anonymous genomic and cDNA clones from wheat. The map, which spans 106 cM with 12 loci clustered in a 15-cM region around the centromere, shows reasonably good agreement with previously published maps for the centromeric region, whereas the XNor-R1 - Gpi-R1 region gives a much larger distance than previously reported.

Remission induction of ANLL with low dose cytosine arabinoside combined with retinoic acid

Fourteen cases of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were treated with low doses of cytosine arabinoside (LDAra-C 20 mg/m/q12h) and etretinate (all-trans-9-3, 7-dimethyl-2, 4, 6, 8 non-atetraenoate, 75 mg/d). Of which 9 were untreated, 3 were in first relapse and 2 were refractory patients. Five of the 9 patients in the first group, and all 3 patients in the second group achieved complete remission (CR). The 2 cases with refractory ANLL showed no response. The CR rates in untreated, first relapse and refractory patients were 55.6%, 100%, and 0% respectively. In all, there was significant reduction of marrow cellularity in 13 patients, 5 of whom developed bone marrow aplasia with predominantly lymphocyte and plasma cells. Only 2 cases with M5 ANLL showed evidence of differentiating into monocytes and neutrophil in hypocellular marrow phase. The efficacy of this drug combination, however, appeared to be achieved through cytotoxicity rather than differentiation. The side effects in the treated cases included cheilitis, dermatitis, fever, petechiae, and impaired liver function, which soon improved upon discontinuation or reduction of dosage. This combination treatment might be most effective in achieving remission among elderly and severely infected patients with ANLL, and could be appropriate even for patients in first relapse.

Est-7, a set of genes controlling green tissue esterases in wheat and related species

Analysis using isoelectric focusing of "Chinese Spring" wheat genetic stocks revealed a set of coleoptile and leaf esterase loci, designated Est-7, on the long arms of the group 2 chromosomes. A survey of 38 other hexaploid genotypes revealed onyl a single variant, at Est-D7. Homoeoloci were found on chromosome (arm) 2HL of Hordeum vulgare, 2RL of Secale cereale, 2R (m)α of S. montanum, 2U of Aegilops umbellulata, 2E of Agropyron elongation and 2V of Dasypyrum villosa.

The genetical control of tissue-specific peroxidases,Per-1,Per-2,Per-3,Per-4, andPer-5 in wheat

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of extracts from different tissues of hexaploid wheat cv "Chinese Spring" provided a method of distinguishing and identifying the four known, and one newly discovered, sets of genes encoding peroxidase isozyme production.Per-1, carried on the short arms of homoeologous group 1 chromosomes, shows a high degree of conservation and is active in coleoptile tissue.Per-2, carried on the short arms of group 2 chromosomes, shows some polymorphism and is most active in root tissue.Per-3, on the long arms of group 3 chromosomes, is highly variable and most active in embryo tissue.Per-4, carried on chromosome arms7AS,4AL, and7DS, is quite variable and most active in endosperm tissue. (The chromosome nomenclature used in this paper is that agreed to by the 7th International Wheat Genetics Symposium, where the previous designations of4A and4B were reversed.) Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based maps of the group 7 chromosomes were used to locatePer-A4 to a distal region of7AS. In addition, a further set of genes was identified as being active in root tissue. In wheat a single locus,Per-D5, was found on chromosome arm2DS.

Changing of hepatitis B virus markers in patients with bone marrow transplantation

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its resulting hepatic abnormalities are very high in prevalence among the Taiwan population. They also seem to compose a major problem to patients subjected to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) due to intensive chemoradiotherapy. In this study, the sera of 42 patients were investigated before and after BMT to detect the presence of HBV markers and to test their liver function (LF). Being followed-up for 3-12 months after BMT, 12 out of 27 were found to have altered HBV markers according to the classification of the following: seroconversion of HBsAg, clearance of HBsAb, appearance of HBeAg, clearance of HBeAb, and acute hepatitis. Thirty-seven out of 42 patients (88.1%) were found in routine LF test to develop one or more abnormality; however, 90% of them turned normal within one year after BMT. Only one patient died of complications associated with fulminant hepatitis. In conclusion, the previous hepatic damage from HBV infection appears unlikely to increase the risk of posttransplant morbidity and mortality.

Generation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and possible implications in autologous bone marrow transplantation--a preliminary report

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were generated successfully without mitogen from blood mononuclear cells obtained from 14 patients with varying malignancies and 2 normal donors. Cells from both groups showed a positive cytotoxicity by a 4-hour 51-Cr-release assay against a variety of target cells including natural killer (NK) sensitive K562 myeloid leukemia, NK-resistant Raji lymphoma cell lines, and fresh/cryopreserved leukemia cells from patients refractory to standard chemotherapy but not normal blood cells. Higher cytotoxic activity was obtained with a higher effector:target ratio at 100:1 greater than 50:1 greater than 25:1 (P less than 0.01) in each setting of different targets. Experiments involving cocultures of the LAK cells with either allogeneic (9) or autologous (3) bone marrow cells disclosed no detrimental effect on the committed hemopoietic stem cells by semisolid agar colony forming unit (CFU-GM) assay. The findings suggest that LAK cells may have a potential role for the in vitro purging of the residual leukemic cells from the marrow inoculum prepared for autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Gene rearrangement of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Gene Rearrangement is considered to be a helpful tool for diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this study five patients with clinical diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were reviewed for their clinical presentation, skin biopsies and surface marker phenotypes. Southern blot analysis of DNA extracted from their skins revealed that rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta chain (TCRB) genes happened in three patients but rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes was absent. TCRB rearrangement could also detect lymphoma involvement of lymph nodes, peripheral blood and bone marrow in our patients. In these conditions, systemic therapy is suggested.

Complications of bone marrow transplantation in Chinese

Forty-three patients with hematopoietic disease were treated with intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from 28 HLA-identical and 10 one to two antigen haploidentical sibling donors and autologous BMT (5 cases). Of these cases, there were 21 with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), 5 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 6 with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), 2 with Hodgkin's disease (HD), 8 with severe-form aplastic anemia (SAA) and 1 with thalassemia. Complications of BMT were evaluated including acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), interstitial pneumonia (IP), veno-occlusive liver disease (VOD), abnormalities of liver function (LF), and alteration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers. In thirty-three patients who were followed up for more than 3 months, we found that the incidence of moderate to severe acute GVHD (9.1%) and IP (two cases, 4.7%) were low. No VOD occurred in our series. During the follow-up period, 27 out of 35 patients (77%) had high alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, even up to 1000 U/liter; however, only one patient succumbed to a hepatitis-related complication. Previous hepatic damage from HBV infection before BMT does not appear to increase the risk of posttransplant morbidity and mortality.

Effect of intracerebroventricular injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on the nociceptive discharges in mesencephalic reticular formation in the rat

Extracellular recording method was used to examine the effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on 71 unit discharges of pain-excited neurons (PEN) in mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) in 58 rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of TRH (10 micrograms/10 micrograms) produced significant decrease of pain discharge rate of PEN. TRH potentiated the inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on nociceptive discharges when application of EA at bilateral "Zusanli" was coupled with icv injection of TRH. Both of these inhibiting effects of TRH were completely offset or strikingly decreased by icv preinjection of the cholinergic M-receptor blocker atropine. The results mentioned above and the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of TRH on pain discharges were discussed in this paper.

[Second primary cancer in hematological malignancy experience in VGH-Taipei]

Seven patients of hematological malignancy with second primary cancer had been found at Veteran General Hospital from 1983 to 1988. The second primary cancers either developed subsequently or concurrently with the hematological malignancies. Four patients were diagnosed to be non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and three of them developed squamous cell carcinoma of lung(2) and hepatocellular carcinoma (1) at 44, 20 and 45 months after the initial diagnosis of on-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All three had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Another one was found to have liposarcoma in the retroperitoneum concurrently. Three patients had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two of them were found to have skin squamous cell carcinoma at the same time. Another one developed cervical squamous cell cancer ten months after treatment with oral leukeran and prednisolone. Literature about synchronous and metachronous neoplasms was reviewed.