Amyloid beta-protein precursor-rich platelet microparticles in thrombotic disease

We investigated the association of amyloid beta-protein precursor (APP) and platelet derived microparticles in 20 normal controls and 91 patients with various diseases causing a thrombotic tendency. Compared with the controls, the mean percentage of APP-positive microparticles was significantly greater in the patients with cerebral infarction (39.1 +/- 17.7%, p < 0.001), diabetes (31.1 +/- 12.6%, p < 0.001), and uremia (30.1 +/- 14.7%, p < 0.01), but not in those with hypertension (8.2 +/- 6.3%, p = NS). Sixteen patients with cerebral infarction, 20 with diabetes, and 11 with uremia had microparticles with very high APP levels. In normal controls, 7.2 +/- 3.7% of the microparticles were positive for P-selectin, while the percentage in cerebral infarction, diabetes, uremia, and hypertension was respectively 43.5 +/- 15.1%, 40.0 +/- 12.8%, 31.8 +/- 12.2%, and 11.6 +/- 7.3%. There was a significant correlation between P-selectin and APP positivity of microparticles. Our results suggest that microparticle APP may have a regulatory influence on coagulation abnormalities.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factors I and II induce final maturation of oocytes of red seabream, Pagrus major, in vitro

The effects of various growth factors and peptides on in vitro germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) were examined in oocytes of the red seabream, Pagrus major, a daily spawning marine teleost. The oocytes used underwent GVBD in response to HCG but not to 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP). Insulin (1 microM) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I, 10 nM) and IGF-II (13 nM) induced GVBD. Salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), chicken GnRH (100 nM), angiotensin II and III (10 micrograms/ml), inhibin A, activin A (200 ng/ml), and epidermal growth factor (1 nM) were ineffective. IGF-I was the most potent inducer of GVBD. In the presence of DHP, oocytes underwent GVBD in response to low doses of IGF-I or -II or insulin which alone were ineffective. GVBD occurred in response to DHP after oocytes were preincubated with IGF-I or with HCG. Actinomycin D inhibit GVBD induced by HCG alone or in combination with DHP, but actinomycin D did not block GVBD induced by IGF-I alone or in combination with DHP. Cycloheximide totally inhibited induction of GVBD by HCG or IGF-I, alone or in combination with DHP. These results suggest, for the first time in teleost, that growth factors, such as IGF-I, are involved in the induction of GVBD of oocytes. IGF-I appears to act directly on oocytes, and not via maturation-inducing hormone production, to induce GVBD.

Development of maturational competence of oocytes of red seabream, Pagrus major, after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment in vitro requires RNA and protein synthesis

The effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) on in vitro germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in oocytes obtained at different times of day from a daily spawning marine teleost, the red seabream Pagrus major, were investigated. Oocytes isolated at 0800 hr underwent GVBD in response to HCG (10 IU/ml) but not to DHP (10 ng/ml). GVBD could be induced in oocytes isolated at 1600 hr by either HCG or DHP. Oocytes underwent GVBD in response to DHP after DHP-insensitive oocytes were incubated with HCG for 30, 60, or 120 min. The effects of actinomycin D (a transcriptional inhibitor) and cycloheximide (a translational inhibitor) on HCG- and DHP-induced GVBD were also investigated. Actinomycin D (1 microgram/ml) totally inhibited HCG-induction of GVBD in oocytes isolated at 0600 and 0800 hr. Actinomycin D also significantly inhibited GVBD induced by HCG in combination with DHP in oocytes taken at 0600 and 0800 hr. Cycloheximide (1 microgram/ml) completely inhibited the inducation of GVBD by HCG or DHP, alone or in combination, in oocytes obtained at 0600, 1000, and 1400 hr. These results indicate that gonadotropin induces maturational competence (responsiveness to maturation-inducing steroid) in oocytes of red seabream. These results also suggest that gonadotropin-induced synthesis of new protein through a mechanism dependent on RNA is essential for the development of maturational competence in oocytes of red seabream.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus increase the risk of haemorrhage in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

The risk factors for haemorrhage in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) remain poorly understood. We classified 49 patients with chronic ITP into two groups on the basis of the presence (n = 11) or absence (n = 38) of hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, and then analyzed their clinical and immunological characteristics. The patients with hypertension and/or diabetes were older than those without these complications. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to platelet count or the levels of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G, platelet-associated immunoglobulin M, and platelet-associated C3. Positivity for anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and anti-glycoprotein Ib autoantibodies was also similar. However, severe purpura and a poor response to prednisolone were far more common in the patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. We conclude that ITP complicated by hypertension and/or diabetes may be resistant to prednisolone and thus require more careful treatment.

Transvaginal sonographic appearance of hemorrhagic functional ovarian cysts and their spontaneous regression

OBJECTIVES

To obtain information on the characteristic feature of transvaginal sonograms of hemorrhagic functional ovarian cysts (HFOCs) and their natural course.

METHODS

Thirty-four cases of suspected HFOC based on our tentative criteria were ultrasonically followed-up for 3 months. After the study period, the sonographic findings and their changes with time were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases were clinically diagnosed as HFOCs, as the masses disappeared naturally. At the first examination, 5 cases (20.8%) showed a diffuse echogenic pattern which seems to consist of a blood clot, 9 (37.5%) were mixed pattern with a clearly demarcated solid part, 3 (12.5%) were hyperechoic sponge-like reticular pattern and 7 (29.2%) were cysts including vague echo inside which looked cotton-like. Seven masses (29.2%) disappeared within 2 weeks and the remaining had a different sonographic appearance with time until they disappeared finally within 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

HFOCs show the characteristic changes in transvaginal sonographic appearance and can be diagnosed by short-term follow-up.

Effect of cepharanthin and cytochalasin D on platelet internalization of anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibodies

The effects of cepharanthin and cytochalasin D on the internalization of anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibodies by platelets were investigated in 13 patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura who had circulating anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa autoantibodies. Unfixed platelets were incubated with a monoclonal anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody (NNKY1-32) or with platelet-binding IgG from the patients (which contained anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibodies). Flow cytometry showed that the binding of NNKY1-32 to platelets was markedly decreased after incubation for 120 min compared with incubation for 10 min. This decrease was inhibited by cepharanthin but not by cytochalasin D. Platelet-binding IgG also showed markedly reduced binding after incubation for 120 min compared with 10 min, and this decrease was inhibited by both cepharanthin and cytochalasin D. Cytochalasin D inhibits platelet cytoskeletal activity while cepharanthin does not. Therefore, our results suggest that the internalization of anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibodies from the plasma of patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura is related to platelet cytoskeletal reorganization, while the cytoskeleton did not participate in internalization of the monoclonal anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody (NNKY1-32). Cepharanthin may be useful for studying the internalization and cycling of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in human platelets, and it may also be potentially useful for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Pharmacological studies on a new dihydrothienopyridine calcium antagonist. 3rd communication: antihypertensive effects of S-(+)-methyl-4,7-dihydro-3-isobutyl-6-methyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)thieno[2, 3-b] pyridine-5-carboxylate in hypertensive rats and dogs

Hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of S-312-d (S-(+)-methyl-4,7-dihydro-3-isobutyl-6-methyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)thieno[2, 3- b]pyridine-5-carboxylate, CAS 120056-57-7) in Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY), spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP), and DOCA-salt hypertensive rat (DOCA-HR) were compared with those of other representative calcium antagonists. The minimal effective hypotensive dose of S-312-d in WKY was 3 mg/kg p.o. and those in SHR, SHRSP, and DOCA-HR were 1 mg/kg p.o. in gum arabic suspension. The minimal antihypertensive dose of S-312-d in polyethylene glycol solution was 0.3 mg/kg p.o. in SHRSP. The antihypertensive effects of S-312-d was the most potent and long-lasting compared with the calcium antagonists, nifedipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, nilvadipine, and flunarizine. In conscious two-kidney Goldblatt-type hypertensive dogs, a significant antihypertensive effect and concomitant increases of heart rate with S-312-d at 1 mg/kg lasted for 4 to 6 h after oral administration. Determination of the plasma concentration of S-312-d by HPLC showed that more than 4.3 ng/ml of S-312-d is required for a significant antihypertensive effect. Subcutaneous administration of atenolol at 20 mg/kg 30 min before S-312-d significantly inhibited the tachycardia with S-312-d at 1 mg/kg p.o. but not its antihypertensive effect. S-312-d is considered useful for the treatment of essential hypertension and related organ disorders.

Chromatographic and immunological identification of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in five marine teleosts

Brain extracts from bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, red seabream, Pagrus major, black seabream, Acanthopagrus schlegeli, red spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara and Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and specific radioimmunoassays. Immunoreactive material co-eluting from HPLC with salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and chicken GnRH-II, respectively, was found in all five species. In addition, a GnRH immunoreactive fraction showing the same HPLC retention time as lamprey GnRH-I was detected in the brain extracts of all species examined when using an unspecific radioimmunoassay which detects several GnRH forms, including lamprey GnRH-I. In the Japanese flounder brain extract, a fourth GnRH immunoreactive fraction was detected with the unspecific radioimmunoassay which did not co-elute with any of the six synthetic GnRH standards used in the present study.

[Plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in patients with vascular Behçet's disease, and analysis of the multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor (vWF)]

We studied the relationship between vascular complications and coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in ten subjects with Behçet's disease. We found that patients with Behçet's disease were in a state of hypercoagulation and hyperfibrinolysis. In vascular Behçet's disease in particular, coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters appeared to be indices of vascular complications. Analysis of the multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor (vWF) revealed a tendency for large multimer of vWF to increase in patients with Behçet's disease with accompanying vascular complications, whereas such increase were not observed in patients with Behçet's disease without any vascular complications. Therefore, analysis of vWF multimeric structure and the determination of coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in plasma appear to be useful indicators of vascular complications in Behçet's disease.

IgG inhibits the increase of platelet-associated C3 stimulated by anti-platelet antibodies

We investigated the increase of platelet-associated IgG and complement component 3 (C3) caused by the in vitro action of anti-platelet MoAbs, and the effect of mouse and human IgG on these events. Anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and anti-glycoprotein Ib MoAbs caused a slight increase of C3, but not of platelet-associated IgG. In contrast, anti-CD9 and anti-Fc gamma II receptor MoAbs caused an increase of both platelet-associated C3 and IgG. In particular, three MoAbs which activated the complement system caused a marked increase of C3. When platelet-rich plasma was treated with aspirin and prostaglandin E1 before incubation with antibodies, the increase of platelet-associated IgG was inhibited in all cases. In contrast, the increase of platelet-associated C3 was scarcely influenced. These results suggest that the binding to platelets of platelet-activating antibodies caused the increased expression of IgG molecules on the platelet surface and a possible increase of platelet-associated IgG. However, the increase of platelet-associated C3 appeared to depend on specific characteristics of the antibodies tested, such as a complement-activating effect. In addition, intact mouse or human IgG inhibited the increase of platelet-associated C3 caused by complement-activating antibodies, while F(ab')2 mouse or human IgG had no such effect. This suggested that the Fc portion of IgG may block the increase of C3 mediated by anti-platelet antibodies.

Purification of gonadotropins (PmGTH I and II) from red seabream (Pagrus major) and development of a homologous radioimmunoassay for PmGTH II

Two gonadotropic glycoproteins (PmGTH I and II) were purified by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration and preparative SDS-PAGE, from pituitaries of red seabream, a marine teleost which has an asynchronous-type ovary and spawns almost daily during the spawning season. The glycoproteins were composed of distinct subunits and the molecular weights were estimated to be 32 and 38 kDa for PmGTH I and PmGTH II, respectively. Both PmGTH I and II were active in two homologous bioassays: in vitro oocyte maturation and/or in vitro estradiol-17β production assays. These two GTHs were distinct in electrostatic properties, molecular weight, stability and yields from pituitaries during the spawning season. These properties suggest that PmGTH I and II correspond to salmon GTH I and II, respectively.A homologous radioimmunoassay with which to measure PmGTH II was developed using a rabbit antiserum against the β subunit of PmGTH II and intact PmGTH II as standards and radioactive competitors. Competition curves for red seabream plasma and pituitary extract were parallel to the standard curve, while PmGTH I had low cross-reactivity (3.1 %) with the antibody. This specific RIA system showed an in vivo LHRHa induced GTH surge in the plasma of female red seabream.

Addition of serum from patients with collagen diseases increases to cultured human endothelial cells production and release of von Willebrand factor

The addition of sera from patients with collagen diseases, particularly those with vascular complications, to the supernatant of cultured vascular endothelial cells (EC) in vitro significantly increased the surface and intracellular amounts of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) compared with results obtained with sera from normal healthy subjects. Peak levels of vWF:Ag occurred after 24 h of in vitro culture. Moreover, the amounts of vWF:Ag secreted into the EC supernatant with patient serum added were significantly higher than the amounts secreted into EC supernatant with control serum added, even after 48 h of in vitro culture. Levels of large and intermediate multimers (LIM) of von Willebrand factor (vWF) increased in EC supernatant exposed to serum from patients with collagen diseases as compared with levels in supernatant exposed to serum from normal controls, whereas no significant differences were detected overall between adding the plasma of patients and of normal subjects. In addition, C-reactive protein (CRP) induced a time- and dose-related release of vWF:Ag from EC, while glucocorticoid did not effect the release of vWF:Ag from EC. These results suggest that the sera of patients with collagen diseases, particularly those with vascular complications, stimulate the production and release of LIM of vWF from EC.

Plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in patients with collagen diseases, and analysis of the multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor (vWF)

We studied the relationship between vascular complications and coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in 75 subjects with collagen diseases. Thirty normal healthy persons served as controls. We found that patients with collagen diseases were in a state of a hypercoagulation and hyperfibrinolysis. In SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) in particular, coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters appeared to be indices of vascular complications. Increases in the levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin (PIP) were particularly associated with proteinuria, while increases in fibrinopeptide A (FPA) levels were associated with Raynaud's phenomenon. Administration of glucocorticoid seemed to improve the hypercoagulation and hyperfibrinolytic states of patients with collagen diseases. Analysis of the multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor (vWF) revealed a tendency for large and intermediate multimers (LIM) of plasma vWF to increase in SLE patients with accompanying vascular complications, whereas such increases were not observed in SLE patients without any vascular complications. Therefore, analysis of the multimeric structure of vWF appeared to be a useful indicator of vascular complications in collagen diseases.

Single charge change on the helical surface of the paramyosin rod dramatically disrupts thick filament assembly in Caenorhabditis elegans

Charge interactions between alpha-helical coiled-coil proteins have been postulated to determine the alignment of many filamentous proteins, such as myosin heavy-chain rod, paramyosin and alpha-keratin. Here we determined the sequence changes in nine mutations in the unc-15 paramyosin gene of Caenorhabditis elegans, including one nonsense, four missense, one deletion and three suppressor mutations. These mutation sites were located on a molecular model, constructed by optimizing charge interactions between paramyosin rods. Remarkably, single charge reversals (e.g., glutamic acid to lysine) were found that either disrupted or restored filament assembly in vivo. The positions of the mutations within the paramyosin molecule support the models of paramyosin assembly and further suggest that the C-terminal region containing a cluster of five mutations, and a site interacting with it, play a key role in assembly. One amino acid substitution in this C-terminal region, in which there is a "weak spot", led to a loss of reactivity with one monoclonal anti-paramyosin antibody. The results demonstrate how a single amino acid substitution can alter the assembly properties of alpha-helical molecules.

Peptide sequences for sucrose splitting and glucan binding within Streptococcus sobrinus glucosyltransferase (water-insoluble glucan synthetase)

The gene encoding glucosyltransferase responsible for water-insoluble glucan synthesis (GTF-I) of Streptococcus sobrinus (formerly Streptococcus mutans 6715) was cloned, expressed, and sequenced. A gene bank from S. sobrinus 6715 DNA was constructed in vector pUC18 and screened with anti-GTF-I antibody to detect clones producing GTF-I peptide. Five immunopositive clones were isolated, all of which produced peptides that bound alpha-1,6 glucan. GTF-I activity was found in only two large peptides: one stretching over the full length of the GTF-I peptide and composed of about 1,600 amino acid residues (AB1 clone) and the other lacking about 80 N-terminal residues and about 260 C-terminal residues (AB2 clone). A deletion study of the AB2 clone indicated that specific glucan binding, which is essential for water-insoluble glucan synthesis, was lost prior to sucrase activity with an increase in deletion from the 3' end of the GTF-I gene. These results suggest that the GTF-I peptide consists of three segments: that for sucrose splitting (approximately 1,100 residues), that for glucan binding (approximately 240 residues), and that of unknown function (approximately 260 residues), in order from the N terminus. The primary structure of the GTF-I peptide, deduced by DNA sequencing of the AB1 clone, was found to be very similar to that of the homologous protein from another strain of S. sobrinus.

Fusion protein based epitope mapping of the MPB57 protein from Mycobacterium bovis BCG and its epitope insertion into the native protein

The gene coding for the 12-kDa protein (MPB57) of Mycobacterium bovis BCG has recently been cloned and sequenced (R. Yamaguchi, K. Matsuo, A. Yamazaki, S. Nagai, K. Terasaka, and T. Yamada. 1988. FEBS Lett. 240: 115-117). To map linear B-cell epitopes by beta-galactosidase fusion proteins, we have constructed convenient vectors (pUR278S, pUR288S, and pUR289S) with the SmaI site. Based on recognition by polyclonal antibodies, two epitope regions on the MPB57 protein were identified, both of which corresponded to the amino acid sequences Glu20 to Val45 (26 residues, epitope I region) and Ile78 to Leu86 (9 residues, epitope II). Complementary oligonucleotides encoding epitope II were synthesized, polymerized by a ligase reaction, inserted into the native MPB57 protein gene, and expressed in Escherichia coli, giving rise to epitope-inserted proteins. Their stability and potential uses are described.

Paramyosin gene (unc-15) of Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecular cloning, nucleotide sequence and models for thick filament structure

Paramyosin is a major structural component of thick filaments isolated from many invertebrate muscles. The Caenorhabditis elegans paramyosin gene (unc-15) was identified by screening with specific antibodies an "exon-expression" library containing lacZ/nematode gene fusions. Short probes recovered from the library were used to identify bacteriophage lambda and cosmid clones that encompass the entire paramyosin (unc-15) gene. From these clones, numerous subclones containing epitopes reacting with anti-paramyosin sera were obtained, providing strong evidence that the initial cloned fragment was, in fact, derived from the structural gene for paramyosin. The complete nucleotide sequence of a 12 x 10(3) base-pair region spanning the gene was obtained. The gene is composed of ten short exons encoding a protein of 866 [corrected] amino acid residues. Paramyosin is highly similar to residues 267 to 1089 of myosin heavy chain rods. For most of its length, paramyosin appears to form an alpha-helical coiled-coil and shows the expected heptad repeat of hydrophobic amino acid residues and the 28-residue repeat of charged amino acids characteristic of myosin heavy chain rods. However, paramyosin differs from myosin in having non-helical extensions at both the N and C termini and an additional "skip" residue that interrupts the 28-residue repeat. The distribution of charges along the length of the paramyosin rod is also significantly different from that of myosin heavy chain rods. Potential charge-mediated interactions between paramyosin rods and between paramyosin and myosin rods were calculated using a model successfully applied previously to the analysis of the myosin rod sequences. Myosin rods aligned in parallel show optimal charge-charge interactions at multiples of 98 residue staggers (i.e. at axial displacements of multiples of 143 A). Paramyosin rods, in contrast, appear to interact optimally at parallel staggers of 493 residues (i.e. at axial displacements of 720 A) but show only weak interaction peaks at 98 or 296 residues. Similar calculations suggest optimal interactions between paramyosin molecules and myosin rods and in their anti-parallel alignments. The implications of these results for the structure of the bare zone and the assembly of nematode thick filaments are discussed.

An analysis of the hyper-sharp phenomenon of myosin diffusion in an F-actin/ATP solution by computer simulation

The diffusion of myosin molecules was demonstrated using schlieren optics and Rayleigh fringe optics. A hyper-sharp schlieren pattern appeared near the boundary between the upper and lower parts of the diffusion cell at a time when ATP in the lower part had almost been consumed. The mechanism underlying the appearance of the hyper-sharp peak was investigated by means of computer simulations based on random-walk theory. The schlieren pattern with the hyper-sharp peak could be reproduced on the computer with the assumptions that a myosin molecule can be detached from an actin filament only on binding of ATP and that it can then move along actin filaments or diffuse in the aqueous solution. The results of the computer simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Classification and Structural Comparison of Full-Length cDNAs for Pathogenesis-Related Proteins

Fourteen cDNA clones of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, PR1a and PR1b of tobacco were obtained and classified into six groups based on restriction enzyme maps. To assign the groups to different classes of PR1 proteins, all the clones were partially sequenced and compared with amino acid sequences of PR1a and PR1b. Two groups of these corresponded to PR1a and four to PR1b. The results indicate that there are at least two kinds of PR1a mRNAs and four kinds of PR1b mRNAs. In fact, one cDNA insert hybridized to at least six to seven DNA fragments in restriction enzyme fragments of Samsun NN genomic DNA, indicating that the PR1 protein genes exist as a multigene family in the tobacco genome. Two sequences of essentially full-length cDNAs for PR1a and PR1b were determined and compared. The coding sequences of two cDNAs share 93% homology and the deduced amino acid sequences of PR1a and PR1b precursors, which are synthesized as larger precursors containing signal peptides, are 91% homologous. The homology of mature PR1a and PR1b regions is higher than that of larger precursors, 94% in the nucleotide sequence and 93% in the amino acid sequence, whereas that of the signal peptide regions is 80 and 90%, respectively. The hydropathy patterns and the secondary structures predicted by Chou-Fasman rules are similar to tomato PR protein in the half-side of the C terminus, which suggests that the half-C terminus side is important for the function of PR1 proteins.

Electron-microscopic and immunocytochemical analyses of Weibel-Palade bodies in the human umbilical vein during pregnancy

The present study was done to elucidate the biological significance of the Weibel-Palade body of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Quantitative determinations of these endothelial-specific granules throughout pregnancy revealed that their numbers and size per cell profile were maintained at low levels from 12 to 19 weeks of gestation; then both rapidly increased from 33 weeks to full term. This increase coincided with the development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and an increase in the number of endothelial cell pinocytotic vesicles. Light-microscopic peroxidase anti-peroxidase and electron-microscopic protein A-gold techniques provided evidence that factor VIII-related antigen was localized in the Weibel-Palade bodies. Furthermore, in vitro treatment of incubated umbilical vein tissue with compound 48/80, a histamine releaser, induced degranulation of Weibel-Palade bodies from the endothelium. The present study indicates that Weibel-Palade bodies are storage sites of both histamine and factor VIII-related antigen and have an important role in the obliteration of this vessel.

Effects of human recombinant interleukin 2 in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a preliminary report

Five patients with HBe antigen-positive chronic active hepatitis were treated with recombinant interleukin 2 (r-IL2) for 3 to 4 wk. r-IL2 inhibited HBV replication during therapy as judged by decrease of serum DNA polymerase activity. Two of five patients lost HBeAg from serum. Furthermore, characteristic increases of serum aminotransferase were observed during r-IL2 therapy. This rise might have been mediated by enhanced immune responses to hepatitis B virus and increased rate of lysis of the infected hepatocytes. No consistent changes in immune markers such as OKT4 positive cells or OKT8 positive cells were demonstrated during or after the therapy. The activities of natural killer cells gradually increased during therapy, although they tended to decrease within 1 wk after the start of r-IL2 injections. In two responders who lost HBeAg from serum, the natural killer activity was high before the therapy, compared with nonresponders. Furthermore, the percentage of OKT4-positive cells in the responders was increased within 1 to 2 wk after starting r-IL2 injections. These findings suggest that the responders might be immunologically different from the nonresponders. Recombinant-IL2 therapy over short periods did not result in complete clearance of hepatitis B virus. Further studies with high doses of r-IL2 given over longer periods are warranted.

Neovascularization in the pre- and postnatal rabbit corpora cavernosa penis: light and electron microscopy and autoradiography

In the late prenatal stage, the rabbit corpora cavernosa penis (cavernous bodies) are occupied by a large number of mesenchymal cells actively proliferating by mitosis. Most profiles of the cavernous sinuses show growing capillaries consisting of immature endothelial cells and enclosing a narrow lumen. Such growing capillaries are often associated with the mesenchymal cells that contact with each other and eventually with the endothelial cells. Between 1 and 7 postnatal days, the capillary network develops extensively and the maturation of the capillaries results in a flattened endothelium with a continuous basal lamina. The mesenchymal cells are also associated with the helicine arterial sprouts at this time period. No endothelial mitotic figures were observed within the growing capillaries in pre- and postnatal specimens examined. Single pulse labeling with 3H-thymidine in the postnatal rabbits demonstrates that the labeled endothelial cells of the growing capillaries increase in number at 48 hours after injection compared with those at 24 hours, whereas the labeled mesenchymal cells inversely decrease in number. These findings indicate that the incorporation of the mesenchymal cells as vessel-forming cells into the growing capillaries accelerates the neovascularization in the rabbit cavernous bodies.

Gonadotropin receptors in the postovulatory ovary of amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus)

Highly purified 125I-labeled chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, gonadotropin (GTH; CSG-SII) demonstrated specific binding to membrane fractions prepared from amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus) postovulatory ovary. Previously these ovaries had been reported to produce steroid hormones in response to GTH stimulation. Maximum specific binding occurred at pH 7 to 8 after 18-24 hr of incubation at 4 degrees in the presence of 40 mM Ca2+. As the concentration of labeled hormone increased, specific binding to the membrane preparation of the postovulatory ovary approached saturation. NIH ovine LH and FSH partially inhibited the specific binding of CSG-SII to the GTH receptors, but chum salmon growth hormone, prolactin, and alpha-MSH did not displace the binding. These results provide evidence for the existence of specific and saturable GTH receptors in the postovulatory ovary of amago salmon.

Immunocytochemistry of human chorionic gonadotropin in human chorionic villi

The immunocytochemical localization of human chorionic gonadotropin was investigated in chorionic villi from the seventh to twelfth week of gestation. By the light microscopic peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, positive reactions of human chorionic gonadotropin were found exclusively in the syncytiotrophoblast. Immunoelectron microscopy by means of the protein A-gold technique reveals localization of the immunoreactive gold particles in two kinds of membrane-bound granular inclusions in this cell; one type is granules of 200 to 300 nm in diameter with moderate electron density and the other is large electron-dense bodies of 500 to 1000 nm. The former seems to be Golgi-derived secretory granules that play a role in the release of human chorionic gonadotropin from the syncytiotrophoblast. Although the origin of the latter is still uncertain, a certain amount of this hormone might be stored or treated by lysosomal digestion in the large bodies during these stages.

Immunocytochemistry on the localization of 5-hydroxytryptamine in monkey and rabbit taste buds

Immuno-electron microscopy with the protein A-gold method demonstrated immunoreactive gold particles against 5-hydroxytryptamine localized in cored vesicles aggregating around presynaptic terminals of the gustatory cells in monkey and rabbit taste buds. The positive reactions were also found in the intragemmal and subepithelial nerve fibers. The role of these cored vesicles in taste transduction is still uncertain but the data strongly suggest that they may participate in a serotonergic modulation of a cholinergic synaptic transmission from the gustatory cells to the nerve endings.

Rabbit autoantibodies to actin induced by immunization with modified homologous actins

Actin is a major antigen involved in the reaction of smooth muscle antibody positive sera from patients with chronic active hepatitis. In the present study, actin extracted from rabbit skeletal muscle was denatured by sodium dodecyl sulfate and was immunized into the rabbit, a homologous animal for actin. The rabbits, thus immunized, produced antibodies reactive with actins of homologous and heterologous animals. In addition, the antibodies showed reactivity with autologous actin. It indicates that the denatured homologous actin is capable of terminating immunological tolerance to actin and induces formation of autoantibody to rabbit actin. This phenomenon may be implicated in the occurrence of anti-actin antibody in sera from patients with chronic liver disease and several other diseases.

Immunoelectron microscope observations on secretion of human placental lactogen (hPL) in the human chorionic villi

Immunoelectron microscope localization of human placental lactogen (hPL) was investigated in the chorionic villi from week 7 to full-term gestation with the protein A-gold technique. With specific antiserum against hPL, immuno-reactive gold particles were found to be preferentially located in Golgi-derived, electron-dense small granules of 80-180 nm in the syncytiotrophoblast. Our electron micrographs indicate that these small granules increase in number in the course of gestation and are released by exocytosis from the apical cell surface. The present study reveals that hPL is segregated from the Golgi apparatus, stored in the syncytiotrophoblast as secretory granules, and released into the maternal blood.

[Intra-tumoral injection therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma]

Ten patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) received intra-tumoral injection of OK-432 (6 patients), 99.5% ethanol (2 patients) or both (2 patients). Under ultrasonographic control, a PTC needle (22 G) was inserted percutaneously into the tumor and OK-432, which was prepared with a solution of Su-strain Streptococcus pyogenes A3, or 99.5% ethanol was injected. Patients were injected with OK-432 repeatedly at one-to two-week intervals (up to 5 times) for a total duration of 5 to 15 weeks. The degree of skin test reaction for Streptococcus pyogenes was increased in all patients after the treatment. Over 40% tumor regression was noted in 6 out of 9 patients who received intra-tumoral injection of OK-432. Complete regression was noted in one patient. Before treatment, Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes decreased in HCC patients. Two of 6 patients showed markedly increased activity of LAK-cells one week after treatment with OK-432. One other patient had moderately increased LAK-cell activity after treatment with OK-432. No increase in LAK-cell activity was seen in 3 patients who received intra-tumoral injection of ethanol. An especially increased response of LAK-cell activity was seen in patients with small-sized HCC (diameter below 5 cm).

Immunocytochemical localization of factor VIII-related antigen in the human umbilical vein

The immunocytochemical localization of factor VIII-related antigen in the human umbilical vein was investigated with the light microscopic immunoperoxidase and immunoelectron microscopical protein A-gold techniques. The light microscopic observation showed that peroxidase reactions were found exclusively in the endothelia of the vessel. By the protein A-gold method, immunoreactive gold particles were located in endothelial specific granules (Weibel-Palade bodies). These data suggest that endothelial specific granules are storage sites of factor VIII-related antigen.

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of growth hormone in the pituitary glands of two teleosts, tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus) and amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus)

Growth hormone (GH) cells were investigated with the protein A-gold technique on the pituitary glands of tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus) and amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus). By the use of specific antiserum against tilapia GH to both species, the immunoreactive gold particles were demonstrated to be preferentially located on the secretory granules of the GH cells. Specimens fixed only with periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP) preserved the hormonal antigenicity well. Osmium postfixation, although considerably reducing the antigenicity and thus resulting in a decrease in number of the gold particles on the GH cells, gave much more satisfactory ultrastructural preservation and immunoreactive localization of immunoreactive material. This investigation demonstrated that, after combined fixation with PLP and PLP-osmium, we could determine the function of a given cell type in various endocrine organs as well as the precise antigenic sites in such cells.