Significance of the C-terminal domain of Erwinia uredovora ice nucleation-active protein (Ina U)

Ice nucleation-active (Ina) proteins of bacterial origin comprise three distinct domains, i.e., N-terminal (N-), central repeat (R-), and C-terminal (C-) domains, among which the R-domain is essential, and its length may be correlated with the ice nucleation activity. In addition, the short C-terminal domain of about 50 amino acid residues is indispensable for the activity. Using the Ina U protein of Erwinia uredovora, we carried out precise mutational analyses of its C-terminus. The ice nucleation activity (T50) assay showed that the C-terminal 12 amino acids were not necessary, and a deletion mutant (delta C29) with a new C-terminal, Met29 (numbered from the first amino acid residue of the C-domain and corresponding to Met1022), exhibited almost the same activity as the wild-type Ina U protein did. However, deletion of the C-terminal 13 residues including Met29 resulted in almost complete loss of the activity. In the deletion mutant (delta C29), amino acid replacement of the C-terminus, Met29, showed that the activity was retained when Met29 was replaced with a neutral, aromatic, or basic amino acid (Gly, Phe, or Lys), but was lost on the replacement with an acidic amino acid (Asp or Glu). In addition, two other residues in the C-terminal region commonly present in all Ina proteins were examined as to their importance, and it was shown that one of these residues, Tyr27, is important for the activity, although it is not exclusively required; the activity was lost to a great extent when this residue was replaced with Gly or Ala, but to a lesser extent when it was replaced with Leu. These results suggest that significance of the secondary and/or tertiary structure of the C-terminal region of the Ina U protein for the ice nucleation activity.

[Alterations of the brain stem and mid-latency evoked potentials under oxygen-nitrous oxide-sevoflurane anesthesia]

We evaluated the alterations of the brain stem and mid-latency evoked potentials (BAEP and MLAEP) in 10-patients who were scheduled for elective abdominal surgery under oxygen-nitrous oxide-sevoflurane anesthesia. With oxygen 2 l.min-1 and nitrous oxide 4 l.min-1, we measured the latency of BAEP and MLAEP at the end-expired sevoflurane concentrations of 0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%, respectively. The latency of BAEP was slightly prolonged with oxygen-nitrous oxide-sevoflurane anesthesia. The latency of MLAEP was markedly prolonged with the increase of sevoflurane concentration, and all waves but Na wave disappeared at the 2.0% sevoflurane concentration.

A canine case of discoid lupus erythematosus with circulating autoantibody

A nine-year-old Shetland sheepdog was diagnosed as discoid lupus erythematosus by clinical features, histopathologic findings, positive direct immunofluorescence, negative antinuclear antigen test and the absence of multisystemic diseases. The indirect immunofluorescence test of this patient dog with the salt split skin showed the deposition at the bottom of the cleft at basement membrane zone (BMZ). Western immunoblotting revealed the 120 kDa and the 85 kDa proteins targeted by the autoantibody. These proteins did not correspond with the known BMZ component.

[Effects of blowing or aspiration on ablation rate by excimer laser]

Accurate calibration of ablation rate by excimer laser prerequisite for precise photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). When a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plate is ablated by excimer laser, debris is generated, which may affect homogeneity of the laser beam and energy density, and change the ablation rate. In order to clarify the effects of the debris on the ablation rate, we studied the changes in the ablation rate when the debris was removed by blowing or aspirating over the ablation area during PRK.PMMA plates were ablated using a scanning excimer laser system (EC-5000, NIDEK, Japan) in PRK mode under the following conditions: (1) with air blowing over the ablation area, (2) with aspiration of the debris, and (3) without treatment. The ablation rates were determined by measuring the refractive power of PMMA plates with a lens meter. The ablated surface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ablation rate with blowing was the highest among the three conditions, that with aspiration was the second, and that without treatment was the lowest. The ablation rates with blowing showed no significant change when the ablation rates were changed. However, the ablation rates with aspiration or without treatment decreased as the pulse rate increased. The surface ablated during blowing was the smoothest in SEM photographs. We concluded that calibration of the ablation rate using PMMA plates must be done with appropriate air blowing.

Abnormal T cell activation and skewed T cell receptor V beta repertoire usage in Japanese patients with idiopathic portal hypertension

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), a disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized by a noncirrhotic portal hypertension associated with splenomegaly, hypersplenism, and anemia. We examined the surface phenotypes of T cells and the T cell receptor V beta repertoire in patients with IPH. The T cells in peripheral blood samples and from spleens showed a marked increase in frequencies of HLA-DP(+)- and HLA-DR(+)-activated T cells and the observed high frequencies in the blood were to a considerable extent reduced after splenectomy. Thus, the continuous activation of T cells may occur initially in the spleen. Investigation of T cell receptor V beta repertoire revealed a significant skewing of V beta 9 and V beta 11 in both peripheral blood and splenic T cells and V beta 12 in splenic T cells. The IPH may be a disease mediated by a continuous stimulation with either a certain antigen or more likely a superantigen.

Histopathologic study of human lacrimal gland. Statistical analysis with special reference to aging

PURPOSE

Histopathologic changes in human lacrimal gland were investigated, and the relation between histopathologic parameters and patient age and sex, as well as the histopathologic differences between palpebral and orbital lobes of the lacrimal gland were analyzed.

METHODS

Samples of the main human lacrimal gland that included the palpebral lobes and orbital lobes were taken in 80 autopsies. A statistical analysis was made based on light microscope observations with the following histopathologic changes as parameters: (1) fibrosis (focal, lobular, and diffuse); (2) acinar atrophy (focal, lobular, and diffuse); (3) periductal fibrosis; (4) interlobular ductal dilatation; (5) interlobular ductal proliferation; (6) lymphocytic foci; (7) periductal lymphocytic infiltration; and (8) fatty infiltration.

RESULTS

The incidences of these parameters in the palpebral and orbital lobes ranged from 3.8% to 35.0%. Lobular fibrosis, lobular atrophy, diffuse fibrosis, diffuse atrophy, periductal fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, and fatty infiltration were more frequent in the orbital lobes with statistical significance, whereas interlobular ductal dilatation was more frequent in the palpebral lobes. There were statistically significant correlations between age and diffuse fibrosis, diffuse atrophy, and periductal fibrosis in the orbital lobes of women, and periductal fibrosis in the palpebral lobes of men. Diffuse fibrosis and diffuse atrophy in the orbital lobes were observed more frequently in elderly women than in elderly men.

CONCLUSIONS

Various histopathologic changes were observed in the human lacrimal gland. Diffuse fibrosis, diffuse atrophy, and periductal fibrosis predominantly found in elderly women suggested a relation with keratoconjunctivitis sicca in postmenopausal women. The authors speculate the periductal fibrosis is related to the decrease in tear fluid outflow with age and that interlobular ductal dilatation in the palpebral lobes may be caused by stenosis of the excretory duct in the fornix of conjunctiva. Ductal pathologic changes may be important in lacrimal gland dysfunction.

[Quantitative analyses of glycosaminoglycans in tear fluids in normal human eyes and eyes with corneal epithelial disorders]

The existence and pathophysiological role of glycosaminoglycans in the tear fluid in humans was investigated using quantitative analyses of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in the tear fluid. The subjects were 42 eyes of 31 normal controls, 9 eyes of 9 patients with superficial punctate keratitis (SPK), and 13 eyes of 13 patients with epithelial defect. After an instillation of 100 microliters saline solution in the conjunctival sac, as much tear fluid as possible was collected from the lower cul-de-sac. The glycosaminoglycans in the tears were then treated with chondroitinase ABC to make fractions of unsaturated disaccharides. The quantities of disaccharides were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations were expressed as nanomoles of unsaturated disaccharides per protein in the tears. The concentrations of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in the normal controls were 0.07 +/- 0.12(n mol/mg protein) and 6.91 +/- 3.63 (n mol/mg protein), respectively. The mean concentration of hyaluronic acid was significantly higher in patients with epithelial erosion than in normal controls, whereas the mean concentration of chondroitin sulfate was significantly lower in patients with epithelial erosion than in normal controls. There was no significant difference in the concentration of glycosaminoglycans between the patients with SPK and normal controls. The results of our study suggest that glycosaminoglycans are synthesized and endogenously secreted into the tear fluids and, especially in the case of hyaluronic acid, may play an important role in corneal epithelial wound healing in patients with epithelial erosion.

Levels of vitamin K, immunoreactive prothrombin, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin and gamma-glutamyl carboxylase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue

To clarify the mechanism of production of des-gamma-carboxy (abnormal) prothrombin (DCP) by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we measured the levels of vitamin K, DCP, immunoreactive prothrombin and the activity of gamma-glutamyl carboxylase in liver tissues from HCC patients and in the medium of cultured human hepatoma cells. There was no significant difference in vitamin K (K1, MK-4) contents between HCC and non-HCC cirrhotic liver tissues. The activity of gamma-glutamyl carboxylase per unit amount of endogenous microsomal prothrombin precursor was decreased in HCC tissue compared with non-HCC liver tissue (positive plasma DCP: 335 +/- 72 vs 372 +/- 67, negative plasma DCP: 370 +/- 84 vs 393 +/- 56 nmol/min per mg prothrombin precursor, P > 0.05), although the total incorporation of 14COOH into microsomal precursor protein was higher in the former. By contrast, levels of DCP and immunoreactive prothrombin in HCC tissue were greater (P < 0.05) than those in non-HCC cirrhotic liver tissue. Furthermore, production of large amounts of immunoreactive prothrombin was observed in human hepatoma cells huH-1 and huH-2, which produced large amounts of DCP. These results suggest that there was excessive synthesis of prothrombin precursors by human HCC tissue and hepatoma cell lines huH-1 and huH-2. Thus, excessive synthesis of prothrombin precursors seems to be the main mechanism of DCP production by HCC.

Epidemiological and clinical features of Budd-Chiari syndrome in Japan

The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare Research Committee on Aberrant Portal Blood Flow carried out an epidemiological survey and clinical study on Budd-Chiari syndrome in 1990. In the primary survey for determining the prevalence of the disease, a questionnaire was sent to all major hospitals throughout Japan and 160 cases seen in 1989 were compiled. More epidemiological details were obtained in 87 of these 160 cases. The number of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome in this country was estimated to be about 300 (prevalence of 2.4/million) with about 20 new cases occurring every year. In the clinical study, 157 authentic cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome studied in 15 years (1975-89) were analyzed. There were 87 males (average age, 36.4 years) and 70 females (46.5 years), and the average period from the likely onset to the first medical consultation was 6.6 years, suggesting that these patients were mostly chronic cases. The main clinical features were hepatomegaly, leg edema, ascites and venous dilatation over the trunk. Abdominal pain was recorded in only four (2.5%). There were 16 (10.2%) with known identifiable etiologies. Of the patients 93% showed an obstructing lesion of various thickness in the hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava. Only nine (5.7%) had hepatic vein obstruction without caval lesions. Thus, the majority of Budd-Chiari syndrome patients in Japan are idiopathic, having an obstructing lesion in the inferior vena cava. The main causes of 33 deaths (21%) were liver failure, variceal bleeding and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in 10 (6.4%) in the 15-year period. However, the incidence of Budd-Chiari syndrome among all cases of hepatocellular carcinoma was less than 1% in the survey made by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan.

[Experimental studies on influence of alignment errors on measurement in a corneal topographic system--relationship between degree of measurement error and working distance]

To evaluate the influence of alignment errors in focusing on the results of measurements in corneal topography, we experimented using polymethyl-methacrylate balls with definite radii of curvature as test objects. We used 3 different corneal topographic systems with different working distances to clarify the relationship between the degree of errors and the working distance. We determined the refractive power of the test balls by the topographic systems and studied changes in the values as the balls were slightly displaced from the alignment position axially, or horizontally. The test balls were set on the stage with a micrometer so that the distance of displacement could be determined precisely. When the test balls were placed precisely in alignment, there was no significant relationship in the magnitude of measurement errors with working distance of the topographical systems. When the test balls were displaced axially, the measurement values decreased as the balls come near from the alignment position and increased as they moved away from the alignment position. The magnitude of the measurement errors caused by back and forth displacement of the object became larger as the working distance of the topographic system became shorter. There was no specific relationship between the degree of measurement errors and the working distance when the balls were displaced horizontally.

Changes in urinary kallikrein excretion and plasma natriuretic factor in a patient with primary aldosteronism with special reference to adrenal histology

High level of urinary kallikrein excretion was observed in a 23-year-old man with primary aldosteronism. Unilateral adrenalectomy improved the clinical symptoms and normalized the urinary concentration of this vasoactive substance. Although plasma atrial natriuretic factor was not elevated, adrenal surgery lowered its concentration. Coexistence of an adrenal adenoma and lesions of nodular hyperplasia were detected in the removed adrenal gland. We summarize the clinical data of this patient and review the literature.

[201Tl scintigraphic evaluation of tumor mass and viability of bone and soft-tissue tumors]

To characterize 201Tl uptake in patients with bone and soft-tissue tumor, we studied 49 patients with surgically proven tumors and one patient with a tumor diagnosed arteriographically. In 37 of our 50 patients, the tumor was evaluated with 201Tl and arteriography. Moreover, in 14 of patients with pre-operative chemotherapy, pathologic changes were graded on the basis of percent tumor necrosis as defined histologically. The percent tumor necrosis histologically was compared with changes in the scintigraphic and conventional angiographic studies. Radiologic comparisons demonstrated a high degree of correlation with images of 201Tl and both arterial and blood pool phase of 99mTc-HMDP. Ninety-six percent of 28 malignant tumors had positive 201Tl uptake. None of the patients showed any thallium accumulation in the soft tissues or skeleton adjacent to the lesion. Activity of 201Tl was mainly dependent upon a tumor blood flow and a vascular density. In of 14 cases with the preoperative chemotherapeutic treatment, 201Tl scintigraphic changes showed concordance with % tumor necrosis. Thallium-201 was superior to 99mTc-HMDP in predicting tumor response to chemotherapy. Interestingly, delayed images of 99mTc-HMDP of 5 responders with > 90% tumor necrosis showed decreased uptake in the adjacent bone to the tumor mass lesions. It seems to be quite all right to consider that a major determinant of 201Tl uptake is intratumoral angiogenecity, which is closely connected with tumor viability. Therefore, 201Tl is a sensitive radiopharmaceutical for detection of vascular rich bone and soft-tissue tumors, and appears to be a simple and an accurate test for evaluating the response to specific therapeutic regimens of malignant bone and soft-tissue tumors.

[Quantitative analysis of glycosaminoglycans in tear fluids during corneal epithelial wound healing in rabbits]

We performed quantitative analyses of glycosaminoglycans in the tear fluids in a rabbit wound healing model. We ablated rabbit corneal epithelium with trephine and spatula, and sampled tear fluids before the epithelial ablation, and at 3, 24, 48, and 72 hours after it. After an instillation of 200 microliters saline solution in the conjunctival sac, as much tear fluid as possible was collected from the lower cul-del-sac. The glycosaminoglycans in the tears were then treated with chondoroitinase ABC to make fractions of disaccharides. The quantities of disaccharides were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography as weight per unit protein in the tears. The concentrations of delta Di-HA in the tear fluids at 3 and 24 hours were significantly higher than those before the treatment and returned to the initial value at 72 hours after making the epithelial wound. Among the disaccharides of chondroitin sulfate, delta Di-0S and delta Di-6S showed a significant increase at 3 hours after the treatment but delta Di-4S did not show any significant variation. The results suggest that the glycosaminoglycans in the rabbit tear fluids may play an important role in the corneal epithelial wound healing process.

Effect of long-term therapy with nipradilol on esophageal varices in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Results of a multicenter open study

The effect of long-term administration of nipradilol (NIP, Hypadil Kowa, CAS 81486-22-8), a beta-blocker with a vasodilatory action, on esophageal varices was studied in 66 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Administration of NIP (6-12 mg/d) for 3-12 months produced progressive improvement of endoscopic findings over time (30% for C, 25% for F, and 40% for the R-C sign after 12 months). At the last examination (mean: 9 +/- 4 months), the improvement rates were 16.7%, 16.7% and 22.7%, respectively. No significant relationship was found between endoscopic improvement and the Child-Pugh score or the dose of NIP. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in five patients: one had bleeding esophageal varices, three had bleeding gastric varices, and one had a bleeding gastric ulcer. The systolic blood pressure was decreased significantly (4.6-12.3%) at 2 weeks as well as 1 and 2 months, and the heart rate showed a significant decrease throughout the study (10-18.4%). With the exception of the patients who had gastrointestinal bleeding, no symptoms of decompensation appeared, and there was no deterioration of laboratory parameters including ammonia. Adverse effects occurred in about 10% of the patients, most of which were related to bradycardia and/or hypotension, and they improved when the drug was withdrawn or the dose reduced. These results suggest that long-term administration of NIP is useful in the treatment of esophageal varices.

Guinea pig asthma induced by red soft coral (Dendronephthya nipponica) inhalation

Spiny lobster fishermen on the Pacific coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan develop bronchial asthma due to occupational sensitization to red soft coral (Dendronephthya nipponica). To assess the role of sensitization in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and the relationship between bronchial responsiveness and bronchial inflammation, we established a guinea pig model of red soft coral induced asthma. Twenty-four guinea pigs were intramuscularly immunized with a priming dose of red soft coral, 5 OD280 (15 mg protein) per 0.5 ml, and 0.5 ml complete Freund's adjuvant on day 1. Booster doses were repeated on day 15. By day 43 all sensitized animals showed high hemagglutination titers against red soft coral conjugated sheep erythrocytes and high IgG1 titers by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. On day 43, the animals were challenged by inhalation of red soft coral extracts, 20 OD280 for 30 min. The respiratory resistance was monitored by the oscillation method. The respiratory resistance increased immediately upon inhalation in all sensitized animals and returned to baseline within 4 h. The bronchial reactivity to acetylcholine, measured 6 h after red soft coral inhalation in the sensitized animals when the respiratory resistance was returned to baseline, increased significantly (p < 0.05) as compared with the values measured 24 h before inhalation. The acetylcholine response measured 30 h later did not differ from preinhalation levels. There was a significant difference in the number of eosinophils (p < 0.001) in lamina propria and epithelium and of lymphocytes (p < 0.05) in the lamina propria 6 h after inhalation in the sensitized animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Early cytomegalovirus retinitis]

We report the clinical course of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from the initial onset. The patient was a 40-year-old human immunodeficiency virus antibody-positive male with hemophilia A. He was diagnosed as having AIDS on the basis of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Ophthalmoscopic examination disclosed a small white punctate lesion at the macular area in his right eye. Because the lesion enlarged gradually with hemorrhages, it was suspected to be CMV retinitis. However, further examination was impossible due to his severe general condition. He died five months later and the autopsy disclosed disseminated CMV infection. Ocular histopathological examination revealed CMV retinitis. The earliest sign of CMV retinitis is supposed to be a white punctate retinal lesion, which becomes a small white patchy lesion resembling a cotton-wool spot. It may gradually progress to diffuse retinal involvement, frequently associated with hemorrhages.

[Histopathological study of the meibomian glands in 72 autopsy cases]

We investigated histopathological changes in human meibomian glands and analyzed the incidence of histopathological parameters and the relationship between parameters and age or sex of patients. Human meibomian glands, measuring 3 x 3 mm in size, were excised from both upper eyelids of 72 autopsy cases (mean age 63 +/- 12 years; 44 males, 28 females). The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined in detail with the light microscope. The following histopathological changes were investigated as parameters: (1) cystic dilatation of the duct and/or the acini, (2) atrophy of the acini, and (3) granulomatous inflammation. The incidences of the parameters were (1) 34.7% (25 cases), (2) 19.4% (14 cases), and (3) 18.6% (13 cases). There was statistically significant correlation between age and atrophy of the acini, which was found in the older patients. No sex difference was found in any of the parameters. These results suggest that the decrease in the meibomian gland secretion with aging is related to atrophy of the acini. These results further suggest that cystic dilatation, which has been described as a histopathological finding in meibomian gland dysfunction, may be caused by factors other than aging.

[Contamination of healthy livestock with verocytotoxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC), the first isolation from goats in Japan]

As part of the investigation on the source and route of infection with Verocytotoxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in human beings, isolation of VTEC was attempted using fresh feces collected from healthy livestock (cattle, swine and goat) raised in Sagamihra, Yokohama and Hiratsuka cities from October, 1991 to March, 1992. VTEC could be isolated from 1 (1.0%) of 105 swine, 2 (3.6%) of 55 cattle and 2 (15.4%) of 13 goats. VTEC was isolated for the first time from goats in Japan. The combinations of the serotype and toxin type of the isolated strains were O116:H21 (VT2) and O163:H19 (VT2) for those isolated from the cattle, OUT:H19 (VT2vp) for that from the swine and OUT:H21 (VT1) for those from the goats. Since VTEC isolated from the cattle and goats were found to produce VT of the same serotypes as human VTEC, domestic animals were considered to be involved as a source of VTEC infection in human beings.

Cloning and sequencing of an ice nucleation active gene of Erwinia uredovora

An ice nucleation activity gene, named inaU, of the bacterium Erwinia uredovora KUIN-3 has been sequenced. This gene encodes a protein of 1034 amino acid residues, and its expression product, inaU protein, has an 832-amino acid residue segment consisting of 52 repeats of closely related 16-amino acid motifs (R-domain), flanked by N- and C-terminal sequences (N- and C-domains, respectively). The primary structure of the inaU protein is similar to those of the inaA, inaW, and inaZ gene products of Erwinia ananas, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas syringae, respectively, but is smaller than any of these products in terms of the size of the R-domain.

The risk factor for development of thyroid disease during interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C

OBJECTIVES

To determine the risk factors for the development of thyroid diseases during interferon-alpha therapy, we analyzed the patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with interferon-alpha.

METHODS

One hundred nine patients with chronic hepatitis C (77 men and 32 women, ages 20-72 yr) were treated with interferon-alpha (alpha, 48; alpha 2a, 38; alpha 2b, 23) for 14-40 wk. Thyroid function tests and seven autoantibodies were assessed at the beginning and end of interferon-alpha therapy, and every other month. A logistic multiple regression model was used in the statistical analysis of risk factors for development of thyroid diseases.

RESULTS

Among the 106 patients with normal pretreatment thyroid function tests, nine patients (three men and six women, ages 33-62 yr) developed thyroid diseases. However, among three patients with abnormal thyroid function tests, exacerbation of thyroid disease was not observed during interferon-alpha therapy. Logistic multiple regression model revealed that positivity for microsome antibody was a significant risk factor for the development of thyroid disease (p < 0.0001, chi 2 = 20.18). Actually, compared to patients without microsome antibody at the beginning of therapy, the incidence of thyroid diseases in the patients with pretreatment microsome antibody was very high: 3.3% (3/99) versus 60% (6/10), respectively. Six patients developed hyperthyroidism and three patients developed hypothyroidism. The patients with hyperthyroidism had atypical clinical features.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that positivity for microsome antibody at the beginning of interferon-alpha therapy is a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction.

Aromatization of 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid by two distinctive desaturases from Corynebacterium cyclohexanicum. Properties of two desaturases

We have previously demonstrated that Corynebacterium cyclohexanicum degrades cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, a bacteriocide, through a pathway including the aromatization of 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid [Kaneda, T. (1974) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 58, 140-144]. Aromatization has now been shown to be catalysed by two desaturase enzymes. Under the action of desaturase I, 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid is converted to (+)-4-oxocyclohex-2-enecarboxylic acid which is then aromatized by desaturase II to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The latter reaction is presumed to occur via the unstable intermediate, 4-oxocyclohex-2,5-dienecarboxylic acid, which is spontaneously isomerized to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Desaturase I has been purified in an electrophoretically homogeneous form. It is monomeric with a molecular mass of 67 kDa and contains one tryptophan, one histidine and two cysteine residues per enzyme molecule. The enzyme produces an equivalent amount of 4-oxocyclohex-2-enecarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide from 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid. The properties of desaturase I have been studied in detail. Desaturase II is unstable and has been partially purified. Its characterization is therefore limited. However, the molecular mass of desaturase II was estimated to be 43 kDa by gel filtration chromatography. The characterization of both desaturase enzymes is described in this paper. The possible environmental importance of microbial aromatization in the biodegradation of compounds with the cyclohexane structure is discussed.

Tendon ball interposition arthroplasty for traumatic ankylosis of the MP joint. Preliminary reports of two cases

Two cases of traumatic ankylosis of the MP joint were treated by tendon ball interposition arthroplasty. Enough mobility for pinch and grasp was obtained at follow-up.

[On the outbreak of Shigellosis in Tokyo, 1992]

In 1992, the number of cases of shigellosis in Tokyo increased remarkably, and a total of 10 separate outbreaks were confirmed. Except for 1 series where the causative strains was Shigella flexneri 3a, the other 9 outbreaks were caused by Shigella sonnei. Of note, 7 outbreaks were familial with less than 5 patients. The remaining 3 outbreaks occurred in a restaurant, a school and the dormitory of an orphanage, in which the organism was detected in 6 to 14 patients. In 4 of the familial outbreaks occurring in distant areas during August, ark shell was presumed to be the vehicle by epidemiological investigations and laboratory examinations. Analysis of isolates such as the antibiotic resistance pattern, plasmid profile, or colicine type in Shigella sonnei was useful in clarifying the commonality of each case and identifying the vehicle or transmission.

[New membrane filter (PORETEC) method for ocular diagnostic cytopathology]

We describe a new membrane filter (PORETEC) technique for processing cytopathologic fluid specimens. This procedure provides excellent cytologic preparations because there is no background staining and only a small amount of fluid specimen is necessary, as there is little cell loss. We compared the number of cells collected by the membrane filter technique with that collected by cytocentrifugation using conjunctival brush cytology specimens from 6 subjects. The number of cells obtained by the new method was significantly higher than that obtained by the cytocentrifugation technique. This method was very useful for ocular fluid specimens such as aqueous humor, vitreous specimens, and scrapings from the cornea and conjunctiva. We showed some examples of these specimens including immunocytochemical staining done by this method. We confirm that this is valuable for diagnostic cytopathologic study of various fluid specimens in ophthalmology.

Serum anti-GQ1b IgG antibody is associated with ophthalmoplegia in Miller Fisher syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome: clinical and immunohistochemical studies

To determine the significance of serum anti-GQ1b IgG antibody, we studied the disease spectrum associated with this antibody and GQ1b epitope in the human nervous system. We examined sera from 19 patients with typical Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), five patients with acute postinfectious ophthalmoplegia without ataxia (atypical MFS), six patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with ophthalmoplegia (GBS-OP[+]), and 23 patients with GBS without ophthalmoplegia (GBS-OP[-]). We also examined sera from 84 patients with other neurologic or non-neurologic disorders and from 16 normal control subjects. Eighteen of the 19 patients with typical MFS, all the patients with atypical MFS, and five of the six patients with GBS-OP(+) had increased anti-GQ1b IgG activity in ELISA, but none of the patients in the other groups, including GBS-OP(-), had it. All the patients' sera that had anti-GQ1b IgG antibody showed anti-GT1a IgG activity. Results of absorption studies suggested that the same antibody reacted with GQ1b and GT1a. An anti-GQ1b mouse monoclonal antibody immunostained the paranodal regions of the extramedullary portion of the human oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves. Biochemical analysis showed that the human oculomotor nerve contained a larger amount of GQ1b than did the ventral and dorsal roots of the spinal cord. We conclude that serum IgG antibody against GQ1b is very closely associated with acute postinfectious ophthalmoplegia in MFS and GBS.

Immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma: relationship to histological grade

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), also known as cyclin, is an auxiliary protein of DNA polymerase-delta and is found only in the nuclei of proliferating cells in the late G1 and S phases. The proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by immunohistochemical staining for PCNA using paraffin sections of 20 surgically resected HCC specimens was analysed. The mean percentage of PCNA-positive nuclei in the HCC tissue was 10.3% in grade I of Edmondson and Steiner's classification, 25.5% in grade II, 28.4% in grade III and 41.5% in grade IV. In early HCC, we observed only a few PCNA-positive tumour cells. However, PCNA-positive nuclei were numerous in the tumour thrombi found in portal vein branches, in regions of extracapsular tumour growth, and in the inner nodules of tumours with a nodule-in-nodule formation. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity was correlated with an increase of the nucleocytoplasmic ratio of tumour cells as determined by image analysis. Our findings showed that PCNA positivity was correlated with the histological grade and invasiveness of HCC, suggesting that this antigen may be used as an indicator to predict tumour invasion in patients with HCC.

Hepatitis C virus antibody in patients with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma) in Japan

BACKGROUND

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) has been reported, indicating that it may be an important etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this study, the authors investigated the prevalence of anti-HCV in HCC patients, as well as the same prevalence in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (combined HCC-CC), to study the clinicopathologic features of anti-HCV-positive cases.

METHODS

The authors examined 141 patients with primary liver cancer who were pathologically diagnosed as having HCC (121 cases), CC (13 cases), or combined HCC-CC (7 cases). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were measured in these patients.

RESULTS

Of 121 HCC cases, 85 (70.3%) were found to be anti-HCV positive, 16 (13.2%) were HBsAg positive, and 5 (4.1%) were both anti-HCV and HBsAg positive. In 13 cases with CC and in 7 with combined HCC-CC examined, 4 (30.8%) and 5 (71.4%), respectively, were anti-HCV positive.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-HCV-positive rate was high in combined HCC-CC as well as in HCC. These three types of primary liver cancer, which were anti-HCV positive, shared two common features: male dominance and high incidences of complication with liver cirrhosis.

Hepatitis C virus antibody in patients with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma) in Japan

BACKGROUND

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) has been reported, indicating that it may be an important etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of HCC. In this study, the authors investigated the prevalence of anti-HCV in HCC patients, as well as the same prevalence in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (combined HCC-CC), to study the clinicopathologic features of anti-HCV-positive cases.

METHODS

The authors examined 141 patients with primary liver cancer who were pathologically diagnosed as having HCC (121 cases), CC (13 cases), or combined HCC-CC (7 cases). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were measured in these patients.

RESULTS

Of 121 HCC cases, 85 (70.3%) were found to be anti-HCV positive, 16 (13.2%) were HBsAg positive, and 5 (4.1%) were both anti-HCV and HBsAg positive. In 13 cases with CC and in 7 with combined HCC-CC examined, 4 (30.8%) and 5 (71.4%), respectively, were anti-HCV positive.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-HCV-positive rate was high in combined HCC-CC as well as in HCC. These three types of primary liver cancer, which were anti-HCV positive, shared two common features: male dominance and high incidences of complication with liver cirrhosis.

The prognosis of idiopathic portal hypertension in Japan

To clarify the factors relating to the prognosis of patients with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), we followed 171 patients with IPH until the end of 1990, who were registered in the database among those with abnormal portal circulation as of 1985 in hospitals of Japan. During the follow-up period, twenty patients died; 6 from gastro-intestinal tract bleeding, 5 from hepatic insufficiency and 9 from other causes. Cox's proportional hazard model suggested that male patients (hazard ratio 4.85, 95% confidence interval 1.82-12.94), with a disease onset at less than 40 years of age (H.R.3.94, 95% C.I. 1.31-11.57), and/or with varices (H.R.2.86, 95% C.I. 1.05-7.77) generally had poorer prognoses.

Serum and gastric mucosal pepsinogens in atrophic gastritis, particularly in type A gastritis associated with pernicious anemia in Japanese

The levels of serum pepsinogen I (PG I) and pepsinogen II (PG II) were determined by IRMA (immunoradiometric assay) and the ratio of PG I/II calculated in 37 patients with type A gastritis and concomitant pernicious anemia (PA) and in 97 with chronic gastritis (type B gastritis) among Japanese. In several patients from each group, PG I and PG II in the gastric mucosa were stained by an enzyme antibody assay to compare the percentage of positively stained cells with levels of serum PG I and PG II. The levels of serum PG I and PG II in chronic gastritis decreased as the degree of atrophy increased. Serum PG I and PG II levels in PA were lower than those of patients with severe atrophy. Most of serum PG I levels in PA were less than 10 ng/ml. The PG I/II ratio also decreased as the severity of atrophy increased, distinctly showing that in PA, the ratio were quite low and most of them are less than 1.0. Gastric mucosal pepsinogen showed a tendency similar to that of serum levels and also refrected the degree of atrophy. Therefore, by measuring these parameters it should be easier to determine the extent of atrophy, and to establish a serological diagnosis of type A gastritis associated with PA.

Liver biopsy features of acute hepatitis C compared with hepatitis A, B, and non-A, non-B, non-C

The diagnosis of acute hepatitis C (AHC) often can only be suspected because current serologic tests remain negative for over 3 months. Because histologic features might provide useful clues, we reviewed 85 liver biopsy specimens from 85 patients with acute viral hepatitis, comparing 22 cases of AHC with 23 cases of acute hepatitis A (AHA), 30 cases of acute hepatitis B (AHB), and 10 cases of acute hepatitis non-A, non-B, non-C (AHNC). AHC was characterized by dense portal lymphoid aggregates (7 cases) and Poulsen-Christoffersen-type cholangitis (8 cases); these lesions were not found in any other type of acute viral hepatitis, and thus appeared to be diagnostic. Sinusoidal inflammatory infiltrates also were common in AHC, particularly in biopsy specimens obtained during the early phase of the disease. These inflammatory infiltrates did not appear to affect adjacent hepatocytes. Necrosis in AHC usually was spotty and accompanied by mixed inflammatory cells. In AHNC, necrosis was also spotty but, as an added feature, pigmented macrophages predominated in them. In AHA, necrosis was predominantly periportal, whereas in AHB, severe zone-3 necrosis predominated. Fatty changes were predominantly microvesicular; they were common in AHC but were also found in other groups. Collectively, the described histologic features allowed diagnosis of AHC in biopsy specimens with reasonable confidence. However, histologic findings failed to predict the prognosis in individual cases.

Prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis and other liver diseases in Japanese patients with chronic ulcerative colitis

An association between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) is well known in Western countries, but there have been no reports on this association in Japan. We reviewed 163 consecutive CUC patients (91 males and 72 females) diagnosed from 1984 to 1990 at Tokyo Women's Medical College. Abnormal liver function tests were found in 42 patients with CUC (25.8%), but chronic liver disease was only diagnosed in seven patients (4.3%). Among these seven patients, there were four with PSC, one with small-duct PSC, one with transfusion-associated chronic hepatitis and one with Type B liver cirrhosis. No relationship was found between the documented colonic manifestations of CUC and the presence of PSC. The four PSC patients did not have a longer history of CUC at the time of diagnosis of PSC than CUC patients without PSC. At the time of PSC diagnosis, two patients were asymptomatic, one presented with right upper quadrant pain, and the other had fatigue. Three patients were diagnosed as having CUC before the onset of PSC (range 2-13 years), and the other patient had both diseases simultaneously. All four had a good prognosis. Thus PSC was the most common chronic liver disease associated with CUC in our series, and it was present in all our CUC patients with alkaline phosphatase levels exceeding twice the upper limit of normal and mild transaminase elevation.

Idiopathic portal hypertension; a histopathological study of 26 Japanese cases

Analysis of 25 liver biopsy specimens and one autopsy specimen from 26 Japanese patients (23 women and three men) with idiopathic portal hypertension revealed findings that collectively appeared diagnostic for the condition. Changes in the portal tract included capillary dilatation, phlebosclerosis, and fibro-elastosis of the stroma. Many portal veins were dilated and had herniated into the surrounding hepatic parenchyma. Portal vein obliteration and loss of bile ducts were a rare complication. The acinar architecture was disturbed by: 1) capillary and necro-inflammatory bridging, mostly between portal tracts and terminal hepatic veins; 2) the formation of isolated megasinusoids in a random distribution; 3) displaced and abnormally large hepatic vein branches with or without phlebosclerosis and 4) slender, curved fibrous septa (hairline septa). Early nodular regeneration was found in 25% of the cases. Our review supports the contention that incomplete septal cirrhosis may be a late manifestation of idiopathic portal hypertension. It is not clear whether the biopsy findings in Japanese patients differ only in severity from those in western patients, or whether the conditions differ pathogenetically. Some histopathological findings in the Japanese cases, in particular the necro-inflammatory changes, are difficult to reconcile with portal hypertension as a primary haemodynamic abnormality.

[An outbreak of gastroenteritis due to group C rotavirus in Tokyo]

In April 1991, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis due to group C rotavirus occurred at an elementary school in Tokyo. Fifty-one (13%) of 393 students became ill. The main clinical symptoms were diarrhea (100%), abdominal pain (68%) and vomiting (56%). No enteropathogenic bacteria were found in the fecal specimens. However, the virus particles morphologically indistinguishable from conventional rotavirus were detected in 6 of 11 fecal specimens by electron microscopy. Immune electron microscopy showed that these virions aggregated with anti-group C rotavirus serum. The RNA pattern of the virus particles involved in this outbreak showed a pattern similar to that of typical group C rotavirus on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

[A case of intrapulmonary lymph node with silicotic nodules in a patient with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia]

A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on October 8, 1991 because of abnormal shadows on chest X-ray at annual checkup at his company. Chest X-ray and CT on admission showed diffuse reticular shadows in bilateral lower lung fields and a nodular opacity approximately 10 mm in diameter in the right lower lung. Since transbronchial lung biopsy was not diagnostic, an open lung biopsy was performed on October 28, 1991. The lung specimens showed diffuse pulmonary fibrosis compatible with usual interstitial pneumonia and an intrapulmonary lymph node containing silicotic nodules. Only 29 cases (including the present case) of intrapulmonary lymph nodes have been reported. Although the causes of intrapulmonary lymph nodes are not clear, smoking is considered to play an important role in the development of pulmonary lymphoid tissue. In our case, the intrapulmonary lymph node contained silicotic nodules. Only several case have been reported to have silicotic nodules in the lymph nodes. As suggested by Kradin, they may be induced by relatively low levels of exposure to dust. Our case also had pulmonary fibrosis (IIP), and is the first reported case of intrapulmonary lymph node associated with IIP. Although it is difficult to determine these two diseases occurred coincidently or not, it is possible that a low level of dust exposure may have contributed to both silicotic nodules in the lymph node and IIP.

Possible role of preS2 peptides presented by MHC class I antigen in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B

Many variations exist in the first 39 nucleotides of the preS2 (pre-S2; 1-39) region of the HBV genome. Based on the similarities of their coding amino acid sequences to those of prototype HBV, they were classified into 3 different types, adr-preS2, adw-preS2 and ayw-preS2. To clarify the meaning of these variabilities in the preS2 region, we studied the HLA class I phenotype of chronic hepatitis B patients having high levels of serum ALT. Our results indicated that in 12 of 14 chronic hepatitis patients infected with HBV type adr-preS2 had HLA-A24 phenotype whereas all of 7 patients infected with either adw- or ayw-preS2 HBV had HLA-A2 phenotype. This strong association between HLA class I phenotype and certain preS2 types of HBV infection was found only in patients with high serum ALT levels but not in patients with almost normal levels of serum ALT. Our results therefore suggest that in the generation of chronic hepatitis B a suitable combination between a fragment of preS2 antigen and HLA class I antigens of the infected host, such as adr-preS2 with HLA-A24 and either adw- or ayw-preS2 with HLA-A2, might be required.

Guinea pig model of immunologic asthma induced by inhalation of trimellitic anhydride

We established a model of asthma induced by trimellitic anhydride (TMA) in guinea pigs and assessed the role of sensitization in the development of their bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and relationship between bronchial responsiveness and bronchial inflammation. Fourteen guinea pigs (sensitized group) were administered 1 mg/0.5 ml of trimellity 36-bovine serum albumin intramuscularly and 0.5 ml of complete Freund adjuvant on Day 1 as the priming dose. Booster doses were repeated on Day 15. By Day 28, all of the sensitized animals showed a high passive hemagglutination titer against trimellityl 14-ovalbumin. On Day 29, they were challenged by an inhalation of TMA (150 mg/m3) for 30 min, and respiratory resistance (Rrs) was monitored by the oscillation method. In all sensitized animals, Rrs increased immediately upon challenge and returned to baseline within 6 h. The bronchial reactivity to acetylcholine (Ach), measured 6 h after TMA challenge in the sensitized animals, increased significantly (p < 0.01) compared with that measured 24 h before challenge; that measured 24 h later was not different from that before challenge. There was also a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the number of eosinophils in the lamina propria and the epithelium 6 and 24 h after the challenge inhalation in the sensitized group. The increased airway responsiveness to Ach in the sensitized animals was correlated with an increase in the number of eosinophils in the lamina propria and the epithelium. These observations suggest that humoral antibody and eosinophils are involved in the pathogenesis of TMA-induced asthma.

Successful arterial embolization of arteriovenous fistula in the portal circulation

We successfully performed arterial embolization of an arteriovenous fistula between the left gastric artery and vein. The increased blood flow in the portal vein via the left gastric vein and the arteriovenous fistula induced severe portal hypertension. After obliteration of the left gastric artery, the arteriovenous fistula was not opacified on angiography and the portal hypertension improved.

Clinical evaluation of a newly established anti-HCV assay for the diagnosis of hepatitis C in Japan

To develop a more dependable method of diagnosing hepatitis C, serum anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) was examined by using a new assay (anti-HCV second generation). The results were compared with those of either the conventional assay (anti-HCV first generation) or HCV-RNA analysis. With the first generation assay, anti-HCV was detected in 69% of post-transfusion acute hepatitis (AH), 44% of sporadic AH, 50% of needlestick exposed AH, 72% of chronic hepatitis (CH), 77% of liver cirrhosis (LC) and 86% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These results were remarkably increased by using the second generation assay (92% in post-transfusion AH, 72% in sporadic AH, 100% in needlestick exposed AH, 96% in CH, 96% in LC and 97% in HCC). Furthermore, in the early stages of AH (from 1-5 weeks after onset), anti-HCV was not detected in all 18 patients by the first generation assay, but was found in 10 of them by using the second generation assay. The failure to detect anti-HCV with the first generation assay was mainly due to a lack of the core region coding peptide (C22-3) in this assay. In the AH-resolving group, anti-HCV second generation did not disappear, but the titre tended to be lower than that in the CH-developing group. Thus, the second generation assay for anti-HCV was considered to be a more useful tool for not only the diagnosis of hepatitis C but also for determining prognosis.

Hepatitis B virus-DNA transfected myeloma cell-specific cytotoxic T cells in chronic hepatitis B patients

To study the mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced chronic hepatitis (B-CH), we took chronic hepatitis B patients' peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and examined their cytotoxic activities against human myeloma cells (ARH77) transfected by HBV-DNA. Two different transfected cells, one expressing HBV envelope antigens (S6) and the other expressing HBV core antigens (C4), were prepared and used as targets in the in vitro cytotoxic test. We found that PBL of B-CH patients had specific cytotoxic activity against these target cells (S6, 22.0 +/- 4.8%; C4, 21.6 +/- 4.8%), whereas no remarkable cytotoxic activity was observed in non-B chronic hepatitis patients as well as asymptomatic chronic HBV carriers. These specific cytotoxic activities were inhibited with anti-CD3 antibody, hence these killer cells belonged to T cells (cytotoxic T cells; CTL). The requirement of HLA class 1 antigens to exert these CTL activities was demonstrated by the absence of CTL activity with PBL obtained from HLA-nonidentical B-CH patients and by the inhibition of their activities with anti-HLA class 1 antibody. Thus, our results indicate that, at least two different CTL, one recognizing envelop antigen and the other recognizing core antigen, exist in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Extensive varices of ileocecum. Report of a case

A man was admitted to our hospital because of intestinal reddish bleeding. Colonic varices were found at the cecum by colonoscopy. Angiography of the superior mesenteric artery showed that blood vessels were scant from the end of the ileum to the ascending colon. An operative view revealed the varices, but there was no trace of the ileocecal vein. This case, presenting a deficit of the ileocecal vein, indicated that the blood flow could not return via the ileocecal vein, and therefore there was an outflow through the varices to the surrounding intestine or abdominal veins. Such a case is probably unrepresented in the literature because it was caused by the total deficiency of the ileocecal vein and it was in the right colon.

Significance of serum sialic acid in patients with Crohn's disease

Serum sialic acid was measured to evaluate the activity of Crohn's disease. The sialic acid levels of patients with Crohn's disease in remission (CRP 0.0 mg/dl) were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects and postoperative patients with Crohn's disease. In patients in remission, serum sialic acid was significantly correlated with hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet, and rapid turnover protein. Correlations with platelet, retinol-binding protein, and prealbumin were especially strong. From these findings, it was concluded that serum sialic acid level provides a useful index of the activity of Crohn's disease.