Downregulation of GMP-140 (CD62 or PADGEM) expression on platelets by N,N-dimethyl and N,N,N-trimethyl derivatives of sphingosine

GMP-140 (CD62 or PADGEM), a member of the selectin family, is a membrane glycoprotein in secretory granules of platelets and endothelial cells. When these cells are activated by agonists such as thrombin or AMP, GMP-140 is rapidly redistributed to the cell surface. The carbohydrate epitope defined by GMP-140 was identified as sialosyl-Le(x) (as for ELAM-1), which may play an essential role in adhesion of leukocytes or tumor cells on endothelial cells, through aggregation with platelets. Redistribution of GMP-140 from alpha-granules of platelets to the cell surface, induced by thrombin and PMA, was strongly inhibited by preincubation of platelets with N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) or N,N,N-trimethylsphingosine (TMS) at 10-20 microM concentration for a brief period (5 min). Inhibition of GMP-140 redistribution to the cell surface by DMS or TMS was also detected by a cell adhesion assay using HL60 cells, which highly express sialosyl-Le(x); i.e., HL60 cells adhered on platelets activated by thrombin or PMA but not on platelets which were briefly preincubated with DMS or TMS followed by activation. The inhibitory effect of DMS or TMS on GMP-140 redistribution is not due to cytotoxicity, since the TMS-treated platelets were fully capable of aggregating in the presence of ristocetin. Sphingosine (SPN) and protein kinase C inhibitors such as H-7 and calphostin C showed weaker inhibitory activity than DMS and TMS. Our results indicate that both DMS and TMS could be useful reagents to inhibit cell surface expression of crucial selectins which promote adhesion of Le(x-) or sialosyl-Le(x)-expressing cells with platelets and endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of captopril on opioid peptides during exercise and quality of life in normal subjects

In a placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover, double-blind study of 17 normal volunteers, we examined the effects of captopril on the concentration of opioid peptides during bicycle exercise and on quality of life after a 2-week treatment period. Two exercise tests (progressive exercise and constant work rate exercise) were performed. Maximum oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations were measured in progressive exercise tests. The exercise intensities corresponding to a 1/2 lactate threshold, a lactate threshold, and a 4 mmol/L lactate concentration were determined. Constant work rate exercise at selected work loads for 20 minutes was carried out to measure the concentrations of opioid peptides and other hormones. Quality of life was assessed after the 2-week treatment period. Captopril treatment had no effect on the exercise response of blood pressure, heart rate, maximum VO2, and maximum work loads. The plasma concentrations of lactate, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and aldosterone increased during exercise and captopril did not change them. Beta-endorphin levels and plasma renin activity also increased during exercise, and the increases were greater with captopril treatment. Met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin concentrations did not increase during exercise. According to responses in the quality of life questionnaires, administration of captopril improved the physiologic state more than the placebo did. These findings suggest that captopril may act on the central nervous system involving an increase in the beta-endorphin level.

Alcohol intake and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction in Japan

The relation between alcohol and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was examined in a case-control study of 89 male patients and 271 control subjects in Fukuoka, Japan. Patients admitted for the first AMI at 2 hospitals in Fukuoka City were aged 40 to 69 years, and control subjects were recruited based on the telephone directory of the city. Information on alcohol drinking and potential coronary risk factors was obtained by using a self-administered questionnaire, and past drinkers were separated from lifelong abstainers in the analysis. After adjustment for age, occupation, cigarette smoking, strenuous exercise, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and parental heart disease, the risk of AMI was progressively less with increasing levels of alcohol consumption. With those who never drank as a referent, adjusted odds ratios for current drinkers consuming less than 30, 30 to 59, and greater than or equal to 60 ml/day of alcohol were 1.11 (95% confidence interval 0.51 to 2.42), 0.31 (0.11 to 0.83), and 0.13 (0.05 to 0.36), respectively. These findings add to the body of data showing that alcohol drinkers are less likely to have AMI.

[A case of polyarteritis nodosa with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy]

A 55-year-old male was admitted with non productive cough and fever which had continued for 6 weeks. The patient had symptoms of peripheral neuralgia. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) and reticular shadows in both lung fields. Other laboratory abnormalities included hematuria, RBC cast, high BUN, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. Destruction of the internal membrane of arterioles was observed in a livedo reticularis on the right lower extremity. Renal angiography showed irregularity in the diameter, discontinuation and narrowing of peripheral arteries of both kidneys. These findings suggested the existence of "angiitis". These data were compatible with the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa (PN). Prednisolone (60 mg/day) administration resulted in the improvement of his symptoms and laboratory findings. A case of PN with lymph node swelling has been reported, however PN with BHL has not yet been reported. This is the first report of PN with BHL.

[The relationship between ventilatory lung motion and pulmonary perfusion shown by ventilatory lung motion imaging]

Using ventilatory lung motion imaging, which was obtained from two perfusion lung scintigrams with 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin taken in maximal inspiration and maximal expiration, the lung motion [E-I)/I) of the each unilateral lung was studied in various cardiopulmonary diseases. The sum of (E-I)/I(+) of the unilateral lung showed a decrease in the diseased lung of localized pleuropulmonary diseases, including primary lung cancer and pleural thickening, and in both lungs in cases of heart diseases, diffuse pulmonary diseases including diffuse interstitial pneumonia and diffuse panbronchiolitis. The sum of (E-I)/I(+) of the both lungs, which correlated with vital capacity and PaO2, showed a decrease in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary emphysema, diffuse panbronchiolitis, primary lung cancer, pleural diseases and so on. (E-I)/I(+), correlated with pulmonary perfusion (n = 49, r = 0.51, p less than 0.001), but not a few cases showed mismatch, which was observed in primary lung cancer, pleural diseases, pulmonary emphysema, diffuse panbronchiolitis and so on. (E-I)/I(+) better correlated with pulmonary ventilation by ventilation scintigraphy with 81mKr or 133Xe (n = 49, r = 0.61, p less than 0.001) than pulmonary perfusion. The ventilatory lung motion imaging, which demonstrates the motion of the intra-pulmonary areas and lung edges, appears useful for estimating pulmonary ventilation of the perfused area as well as pulmonary perfusion.

[Estimation of pulmonary intravascular and extravascular spaces by 99mTc-albumin lung distribution ratio and 201Tl lung uptake ratio]

In order to estimate the pulmonary extravascular and intravascular spaces, lung uptake ratio of 201Tl (L/T) and lung distribution ratio of 99mTc-albumin (H/T'), expressed as ratios of total counts of the bilateral lungs to the administered doses of the radionuclides, were obtained from the both scintigrams with 201Tl and 99mTc-albumin respectively, using a scintillation camera coupling to a minicomputer. Mean values of L/T and H/T' were 2.8 +/- 0.8% and 4.9 +/- 1.4% in the controls, 3.9 +/- 1.8% and 5.3 +/- 1.9% in heart diseases without left heart failure, and 7.0 +/- 2.2% and 7.1 +/- 2.9% in those with left heart failure, respectively. Ratios of L/T to H/T' in diffuse interstitial pneumonia and heart diseases, especially in cases with left heart failure were higher than those in controls. The values of H/T' and L/T were inversely proportional to cardiac output and cardiac index, and the values of L/T were directly proportional to pulmonary artery wedge pressure, but the discrepancies of the relationship between these values and some clinical findings including cardiac output, cardiac index, pulmonary artery wedge pressure and other findings of left heart failure, were observed in not a few cases. In the regional pulmonary areas, lung uptake of 201Tl was in parallel with pulmonary perfusion in many cases, but the discrepancies between them were demonstrated in some cases, too. These methods seem to be useful for the estimation of the pulmonary extravascular and extravascular spaces, and for the detection of dysfunction of the left ventricle.

Relationship of cigarette smoking to blood pressure and serum lipids

The relationship between cigarette smoking and blood pressure and serum lipids was studied in 1775 men aged 20-59 years, in non-drinkers and drinkers separately, controlling for body mass index and physical fitness (VO2max). While systolic blood pressure was not associated with cigarette smoking, diastolic blood pressure decreased with increasing levels of cigarette smoking in non-drinkers but not in drinkers. Total cholesterol was inversely associated with smoking cigarettes in drinkers and was not associated in non-drinkers. High density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol decreased with an increasing degree of cigarette consumption in non-drinkers but not in drinkers. An increase in total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and triglyceride levels was positively associated with smoking cigarettes regardless of drinking habit. The present study suggests that cigarette smoking is a cardiovascular risk factor, partly due to its effect of increasing the atherogenic index, but it remains to be consolidated whether chronic smoking has an effect of lowering diastolic blood pressure.

A ceramide analogue inhibits T cell proliferative response through inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis and enhancement of N,N-dimethylsphingosine synthesis

The ceramide analogue 1-phenyl-2-(decanoylamino)-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP) (particularly the D-threo isomer, D-PDMP) caused inhibition of cell growth in some types of cells, and this growth-inhibitory effect has been attributed to inhibition of UDP-Glc:Cer beta-Glc transferase, resulting in reduced glycolipid synthesis and increased free ceramide [Inokuch, J., & Radin, N. S. (1987) J. Lipid Res. 28, 565-571; Okada, Y., et al. (1988) FEBS Lett. 235, 25-29]. In view of increasing evidence that the T cell proliferative immune response is modulated by glycosphingolipids (GSLs), the reagent D-PDMP was used to evaluate the role of GSLs in this respect. Con A induced or PHA-induced mitogenesis of C3H/HeJ mouse splenocytes, as well as IL2-dependent CTLL cell growth, were strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner when cells were preincubated in the presence of 5-10 microM D-PDMP, but not with its stereoisomer L-PDMP. Closely associated with this growth-inhibitory effect in the presence of D-PDMP, levels of essentially all GSLs, including GM3 and other gangliosides, were greatly reduced, whereas ceramide accumulated. Importantly, metabolically labeled radioactive bands, corresponding to free sphingosine and N-monomethylsphingosine, were found to be present in very small quantities (5-12%) relative to the band corresponding to N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS), which showed significant accumulation in D-PDMP-treated lymphocytes. The quantity of IL2 receptors and their affinity to IL2 on T cells did not change, but IL2-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation was greatly stimulated, following D-PDMP treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Evaluation of diffuse lung uptake of 201Tl in bronchopulmonary diseases]

201Tl scintigraphy was performed in various bronchopulmonary diseases. Applying semiquantitative and visual assessments of grade of 201Tl was observed in various broncho-pulmonary diseases with multiple or numerous abnormal shadows in the lung fields, and obvious lung uptake was also shown even in some cases with few or no abnormal shadows. Positive results of moderate and marked lung uptake of 201Tl more than 60.0% were obtained in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, silicosis, the disseminated type of pulmonary tuberculosis and primary lung cancer. The ratio of radioactivity of the lung (maximum) to the upper mediastinum was 1.04 +/- 0.24 in healthy controls, and more than 2.0 in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and silicosis. The ratio of radioactivity of the right lung to the administered dose of 201Tl was 1.5 +/- 0.9% in healthy controls, and more than 3.0% in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, silicosis, the disseminated type of pulmonary tuberculosis and primary lung cancer. Lung uptake of 201Tl was diffuse, homogeneous and marked in diffuse interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, while it was scattered and slight in chronic obstructive lung diseases. 201Tl scintigraphy seems to be useful for detecting interstitial disorders of the lung including edema, inflammatory and granulomatous changes, especially in cases with slightly abnormal or normal chest X-ray films.

Alcohol consumption, serum lipids and severity of angiographically determined coronary artery disease

The relation of alcohol consumption to serum lipids and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was examined in 212 men undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed in terms of the presence of greater than or equal to 75% diameter stenosis and the Gensini severity score. Alcohol consumption was divided into 4 categories: none (0 ml alcohol/week), light (1 to 100 ml alcohol/week), moderate (101 to 300 ml alcohol/week) and heavy (greater than or equal to 301 ml alcohol/week). Alcohol consumption was positively related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and inversely related to total cholesterol, but was not associated with triglyceride. After adjustment for these serum lipids as well as for cigarette smoking and systemic hypertension, the risk of coronary stenosis was significantly decreased in the moderate drinkers. A decreased risk among moderate drinkers also was noted in terms of Gensini's severity score. These findings suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against severe coronary atherosclerosis.

[A case of Behçet's disease with hemoptysis and chest X-ray abnormality]

A 41-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis and dyspnea. Physical examination disclosed oral ulcer, acne and scrotal ulcer. Although ocular lesions were absent, the needle reaction was positive. Then we diagnosed this case as incomplete type of Behçet's disease. Chest X-ray showed diffuse retinolinear shadows in the entire lung field and an infiltrative shadow in the left middle lung field. CT-scan revealed interstitial shadows in the entire lung field, a wedge-shaped shadow in left S6 and aneurysmic dilatation of the left lower lobe pulmonary artery. Pulmonary angiography showed obstruction and aneurysmic dilatation of the left lower lobe pulmonary artery. Pathological examination of the TBLB specimen revealed thickening of the vessel wall, perivascular infiltrations of mononuclear cells, hemorrhage and slight thickening of alveolar septae. These findings were compatible with pulmonary lesions of Behçet's disease. After administration of corticosteroid, the symptoms and the chest roentgenographic findings improved. Pulmonary lesions of Behçet's disease were discussed.

[Clinical significance of 201Tl lung uptake in heart diseases]

In order to evaluate the clinical significance of 201Tl lung uptake, 201Tl myocardial scintigraphy was performed in 675 cases with various cardiac diseases. The lung uptake ratio of 201Tl (L/T) was calculated by ratio of the total radioactivity of the unilateral lung to the injected dose of 201Tl in 69 cases. Using both 201Tl scintigraphy and cardiac pool scintigraphy with 99mTc-human serum albumin, images of 201Tl of the intravascular space and extravascular space were obtained in 14 cases. The image of 201Tl of the extravascular space was almost the same as the original 201Tl image as regards the pattern of 201Tl-distribution, and the lung uptake ratio of the former was 95.7 +/- 2.8% of that of the latter. The mean values of L/T of the right and left lung were 1.5 +/- 0.9%, 1.2 +/- 0.6% in the healthy lungs, 2.8 +/- 1.4% and 1.4 +/- 0.7% in heart diseases without left heart failure, and 4.4 +/- 1.8% and 2.6 +/- 1.2% in those with left heart failure, respectively. Increased lung uptake ratio of 201Tl, which was related to post-capillary pulmonary hypertension, prolonged pulmonary circulation time and findings of left heart failure, was observed more frequently in mitral valvular diseases (72.2%) and dilated cardiomyopathies (60.0%). Increased lung uptake of 201Tl was associated with normal or increased pulmonary perfusion in many cases or areas, but with pulmonary hypoperfusion in some cases with post-capillary pulmonary hypertension, in whom both increased lung uptake of 201Tl and pulmonary hypoperfusion were shown in the lower lung fields.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of arotinolol on serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels in patients with mild essential hypertension

Nineteen patients with mild essential hypertension received 20 mg of arotinolol daily for 12 weeks. The patients' systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse rate decreased significantly after arotinolol. The ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-I decreased significantly after treatment. No significant changes were observed in serum and lipoprotein lipid levels, apolipoprotein levels, or in the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The results indicate that arotinolol is an effective antihypertensive agent with favorable effect on apolipoproteins.

Plasma fibrinogen levels as an independent indicator of severity of coronary atherosclerosis

The relationship between plasma fibrinogen levels and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was examined in 229 patients, aged 25-82 years (162 men and 67 women), undergoing coronary angiography. Severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed in terms of the number of vessels with a 75% or greater stenosis and Gensini's severity score. Fibrinogen levels increased progressively with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, determined by both the number of involved vessels and Gensini's severity score in men, and the relationships were statistically significant. Similar patterns were noted among women, but the trends were not statistically significant. The association was evident even after adjustment for age, hypertension, total cholesterol, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index. These results provide evidence that in the Japanese also plasma fibrinogen levels can serve as an independent indicator of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

[Evaluation of 99mTc-albumin distribution ratio in the cardiac chambers and lungs]

In order to assess blood volume of the cardiac chambers and lungs, distribution ratio of 99mTc-albumin (HSA) was obtained from radionuclide angiocardiogram and non-gated or gated equilibrium cardiac pool scintigram, using a scintillation camera coupled to a minicomputer. The radio-activity of 99mTc of the entire cardiac blood pool including the large vessels (T), the right ventricle including the right atrium (RV) and the left ventricle (LV) was calculated from the 30 degrees anterior oblique cardiac pool scintigram. That of the both lungs (Lu) was calculated from the anterior cardiac pool scintigram. The radioactivity of total injected dose of HSA (H) was estimated from the initial transit of the tracer obtained by the radionuclide angiocardiogram. Then, distribution ratio of HSA of the each region of interest was expressed as RV/H, LV/H, T/H and Lu/H. RV/H, LV/H and T/H were 3.4 +/- 0.6%, 3.1 +/- 0.5% and 10.4 +/- 2.0% in controls, 6.0 +/- 0.8%, 2.6 +/- 0.8% and 14.2 +/- 2.4% in cor pulmonale, and 7.9 +/- 1.7%, 7.7 +/- 3.5% and 20.7 +/- 4.3% in heart diseases with left heart failure, respectively. Lu/H was 4.9 +/- 1.4% in controls, 4.4 +/- 1.1% in cor pulmonale and 6.6 +/- 1.9% in heart diseases without left heart failure. LV/H was correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic volume by contrast ventriculography. LV/H and RV/H were related with functional classification of NYHA. In conclusion, these parameters may be utilized as indices of the volume of blood pool of the heart chambers and lungs, and this method seems to be clinically applicable for the evaluation of pathophysiology in heart diseases.

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism treated successfully by balloon angioplasty--a case report

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism frequently occurs in patients on protracted bed rest and by itself can cause acute right ventricular failure. The authors report findings in a patient with this disorder treated successfully by balloon angioplasty.

[Estimation of regional pulmonary ventilation using perfusion lung scintigram]

Using perfusion lung scintigram, motion of the regional pulmonary area and lung edge during ventilation was analyzed in 30 patients with various respiratory diseases. Images at maximal inspiration (I) and expiration (E) were obtained after the intravenous injection of 99mTc macroaggregated albumin (222-370 MBq) using a scintillation camera coupling to a small digital computer. Radioactivity in each pixels (E and I) and number of pixels in the both lungs (AE and AI) were calculated from the image of E and I. Changes of the regional pulmonary radioactivity during ventilation were calculated according to an expression as (E-I)/I, and the image of (E-I)/I was obtained too. The image of (E-I)/I consisted of positive and negative components. The image of positive (E-I)/I visualized the motion of the regional pulmonary area, and sum of positive (E-I)/I in the both lungs was correlated with vital capacity (r = 0.83, p less than 0.001). The image of negative (E-I)/I superimposed with the edges of the lung at maximal inspiration and expiration revealed the limits of the motion of the lung edge during ventilation. These results suggest that this technique is useful to estimate the regional pulmonary ventilation and motion of the lung edge.

Defining cytolytic T lymphocyte recognition of chemically modified self. I. Response to trinitrophenyl-H-2Kk

We used purified class I antigen incorporated into liposomes to examine the response of secondary cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) to chemically modified self. By generating the secondary response in the presence of T cell helper factor, the level of CTL response was limited by CTL recognition of added antigen rather than by helper cell generation of lymphokines. We found a strong secondary response against chemically modified self when spleen cells from trinitrophenyl (TNP)-primed C3H/HeJ mice were stimulated with a) TNP-modified liposomes containing H-2Kk, b) liposomes containing H-2Kk purified from TNP-modified RDM-4 (H-2k) cells, or c) liposomes containing the limited trypsin proteolysis product of H-2Kk that had been directly modified with TNP. In contrast, we were not able to generate a significant CTL response with unmodified H-2Kk incorporated into vesicles along with TNP-modified membrane components lacking H-2Kk. These results suggest that TNP-modified H-2Kk is a major antigenic site recognized by CTL from C3H/HeJ mice after priming against TNP-modified self.

Defining cytolytic T lymphocyte recognition of chemically modified self. I. Response to trinitrophenyl-H-2Kk

We used purified class I antigen incorporated into liposomes to examine the response of secondary cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) to chemically modified self. By generating the secondary response in the presence of T cell helper factor, the level of CTL response was limited by CTL recognition of added antigen rather than by helper cell generation of lymphokines. We found a strong secondary response against chemically modified self when spleen cells from trinitrophenyl (TNP)-primed C3H/HeJ mice were stimulated with a) TNP-modified liposomes containing H-2Kk, b) liposomes containing H-2Kk purified from TNP-modified RDM-4 (H-2k) cells, or c) liposomes containing the limited trypsin proteolysis product of H-2Kk that had been directly modified with TNP. In contrast, we were not able to generate a significant CTL response with unmodified H-2Kk incorporated into vesicles along with TNP-modified membrane components lacking H-2Kk. These results suggest that TNP-modified H-2Kk is a major antigenic site recognized by CTL from C3H/HeJ mice after priming against TNP-modified self.

[A case of transitional cell carcinoma occurring in the bladder and bilateral renal pelvis]

A 41-year-old male patient underwent transurethral resection for multiple bladder tumors in January, 1979. The pathological examination of the specimen revealed non-invasive transitional cell carcinoma G 2. Thereafter, transurethral coagulation and vesical instillation of various antitumor agents were carried out several times for tumor recurrence during the following eight months. X-ray examination for evaluation of macrohematuria, 15 months following the above treatment, showed left renal pelvic tumor. Left total nephro-ureterectomy was performed in July, 1981. However, microhematuria and class V in urine cytology were continuously observed postoperatively. Right total nephroureterectomy, followed by surgery of the internal shunt, was performed in January, 1982, after diagnosis of renal pelvic tumor by further investigation. Under maintenance hemodialysis, vagotomy and pylorus plastic operation were performed for gastroduodenal bleeding after the above surgery. Total cystectomy and urethrectomy along with irradiation during and after surgery were performed for tumor recurrence in November, 1982 and July, 1983 respectively. Unfortunately, the patient died of multiple liver metastasis and gastro-intestinal bleeding in September, 1983. All the tumor specimens showed the same histological characteristics, i.e., transitional cell carcinoma G 3. Twenty six Japanese cases of epithelial tumors of the bilateral upper urinary tract are reviewed.

A collaborative study of stroke incidence in Japan: 1975-1979

A Japan Collaborative Study of Stroke covering 20 regional and occupational population groups was conducted with the support of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In this study 17,423 males and 16,856 females, aged 40 to 69, were followed up prospectively from 1975 to 1979. The average annual incidence of all types of stroke was 3.94 for men and 2.52 for women per 1,000 population. The incidence of cerebral hemorrhage for men and women stood at 1.26 and 0.59 and that of cerebral infarction at 1.87 and 1.10 respectively. The difference in incidence between the sexes was large particularly in the age range of 40-49. The incidence of all types of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction increased with age. The incidence of all strokes in Japan during the period 1975-1979 appears to have decreased in comparison with that in 1960-1969, but tended to be still higher than that in Western countries.

Natural killer (NK) cells as a responder to interleukin 2 (IL 2). II. IL 2-induced interferon gamma production

In the accompanying paper, we showed that natural killer (NK) cells were a major population in the naive spleens of normal mice that responded directly to a T cell growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL 2), and clonally replicated without other stimulating agents. The cloned cells growing in IL 2 showed a potent NK activity against several NK targets without addition of an NK-activating agent, interferon (IFN). In the present study, therefore, we examined whether these cloned NK cells on their own produced IFN. It was found that all NK clones growing in IL 2 produced IFN in the culture fluids. The titers of IFN produced in the IL 2-containing media correlated well with the number of growing cells. With the culture in the absence of IL 2, neither cell growth nor IFN production could be detected. Addition of Con A into the culture in the IL 2-free media showed no IFN production. The antiserum neutralizing IFN alpha and IFN beta failed to significantly neutralize IFN produced by NK clones. Treatment with either a pH of 2.0 or antiserum neutralizing mouse IFN gamma resulted in a marked reduction of IL 2-induced NK IFN, indicating that a major part of IFN produced was IFN gamma. These results indicate that IL 2 stimulates NK clones to proliferate, accompanied by IFN gamma production. The results also show that an NK clone, when stimulated with Sendai virus, produced a type 1 IFN (IFN alpha and/or IFN beta), suggesting that murine NK cells can produce both type 1 (alpha and/or beta) and type 2 (gamma) IFN, depending on inducers.

Natural killer (NK) cells as a responder to interleukin 2 (IL 2). I. Proliferative response and establishment of cloned cells

The proliferative response of murine natural killer (NK) cells to a T cell growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL 2) was investigated by using the NK-enriched, low-density fractions (F.1) and NK-depleted, T cell-enriched, and high-density fractions (F.3) of normal spleen cells after Percoll-discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. When F.1 and F.3 cells were cultivated with IL 2-containing medium without addition of any other factors, like lectins, feeder layer, or macrophage products, F.1 but not F.3 cells showed an IL 2-dependent proliferative response. Growing populations showed a potent NK activity and consisted largely of cells with a morphology of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) and a surface marker profile characteristic for murine NK cells. By limiting dilution in the liquid culture and colony formation in the soft agar medium, F.1 but not F.3 cells showed a high frequency of clonal replication in IL 2. Almost all growing colonies in either medium showed a typical morphology of LGL. Further, F.1 cells treated with anti-asialo GM1 antibody and C, from which NK cells and cytolytic activity were almost completely abrogated and for which T cells were enriched, conversely formed a few IL 2-dependent colonies. From the colonies in soft agar, 11 clones, all of which showed a typical morphology (LGL), a typical surface profile with the exception of lacking IgG-Fc receptors for NK cells (Thy-1 +/-, Ly-5+, ASGM1+, Lyt-1-, Lyt-2-, Fc gamma R-), and a cytotoxic activity of activated nature, were established and maintained for a period of longer than 1 yr in the medium containing IL 2 alone. These results indicate that a major population in the naive spleens of normal mice that respond directly to IL 2 and clonally replicate without other stimulating factors may be NK cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells as a responder to interleukin 2 (IL 2). I. Proliferative response and establishment of cloned cells

The proliferative response of murine natural killer (NK) cells to a T cell growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL 2) was investigated by using the NK-enriched, low-density fractions (F.1) and NK-depleted, T cell-enriched, and high-density fractions (F.3) of normal spleen cells after Percoll-discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. When F.1 and F.3 cells were cultivated with IL 2-containing medium without addition of any other factors, like lectins, feeder layer, or macrophage products, F.1 but not F.3 cells showed an IL 2-dependent proliferative response. Growing populations showed a potent NK activity and consisted largely of cells with a morphology of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) and a surface marker profile characteristic for murine NK cells. By limiting dilution in the liquid culture and colony formation in the soft agar medium, F.1 but not F.3 cells showed a high frequency of clonal replication in IL 2. Almost all growing colonies in either medium showed a typical morphology of LGL. Further, F.1 cells treated with anti-asialo GM1 antibody and C, from which NK cells and cytolytic activity were almost completely abrogated and for which T cells were enriched, conversely formed a few IL 2-dependent colonies. From the colonies in soft agar, 11 clones, all of which showed a typical morphology (LGL), a typical surface profile with the exception of lacking IgG-Fc receptors for NK cells (Thy-1 +/-, Ly-5+, ASGM1+, Lyt-1-, Lyt-2-, Fc gamma R-), and a cytotoxic activity of activated nature, were established and maintained for a period of longer than 1 yr in the medium containing IL 2 alone. These results indicate that a major population in the naive spleens of normal mice that respond directly to IL 2 and clonally replicate without other stimulating factors may be NK cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells as a responder to interleukin 2 (IL 2). II. IL 2-induced interferon gamma production

In the accompanying paper, we showed that natural killer (NK) cells were a major population in the naive spleens of normal mice that responded directly to a T cell growth factor, interleukin 2 (IL 2), and clonally replicated without other stimulating agents. The cloned cells growing in IL 2 showed a potent NK activity against several NK targets without addition of an NK-activating agent, interferon (IFN). In the present study, therefore, we examined whether these cloned NK cells on their own produced IFN. It was found that all NK clones growing in IL 2 produced IFN in the culture fluids. The titers of IFN produced in the IL 2-containing media correlated well with the number of growing cells. With the culture in the absence of IL 2, neither cell growth nor IFN production could be detected. Addition of Con A into the culture in the IL 2-free media showed no IFN production. The antiserum neutralizing IFN alpha and IFN beta failed to significantly neutralize IFN produced by NK clones. Treatment with either a pH of 2.0 or antiserum neutralizing mouse IFN gamma resulted in a marked reduction of IL 2-induced NK IFN, indicating that a major part of IFN produced was IFN gamma. These results indicate that IL 2 stimulates NK clones to proliferate, accompanied by IFN gamma production. The results also show that an NK clone, when stimulated with Sendai virus, produced a type 1 IFN (IFN alpha and/or IFN beta), suggesting that murine NK cells can produce both type 1 (alpha and/or beta) and type 2 (gamma) IFN, depending on inducers.

Hemodynamic responses to prostacyclin (PGI2) in the conscious sheep

Hemodynamic responses to prostacyclin (PGI2) were studied in sheep in the conscious state as well as under pentobarbital-halothane anesthesia. PGI2 in doses of 0.02-1.0 microgram/kg were administered as a bolus into the right or left atrium in the conscious sheep. PGI2 decreased systemic arterial pressure (PSA), systemic (SVR) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and increased cardiac output (CO) and heart rate (HR) in a dose-dependent manner. The changes of each parameter were almost similar regardless of the sites of administration. Pulmonary arterial pressure (PPA) was increased. There was no change in left (PLA) or right atrial pressure (PRA). A bolus administration of 0.5 microgram/kg of PGI2 in the anesthetized sheep produced a decrease in PSA, SVR and PVR, and increase in CO and HR. PPA remained unchanged when administered into the right atrium and increased slightly when administered into the left atrium. PLA and PRA did not change. Comparing hemodynamic responses to 0.5 microgram/kg of PGI2 of the conscious and anesthetized states, decrease in PSA was smaller and increases in CO and HR were greater in the former. Decreases in SVR and PVR were similar in both states. Increase in PPA was greater in the conscious sheep. This data confirms that PGI2 dilates the systemic as well as the pulmonary circulation of the sheep and an inactivation of this compound in the lungs is minimal. Furthermore, it may be suggested that general anesthesia significantly alters hemodynamic responses to PGI2 in the sheep.

[A technique for quantifying lung uptake of 201Tl on the scintigram with 201TlCl]

On intravenous administration of 201TlCl (74 MBq (2 mCi), initial transit of it through the heart as well as subsequent uptake by the chest were recorded in the supine position using a scintillation camera coupling to a small digital computer, and remaining the patient in the same position perfusion scintigram with 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) or transmission scintigram with a point source of 99mTcO4- too. The radioactivity of total injected dose of 201Tl (T) was calculated from the entire region on the initial transit of the tracer bolus through the heart, and that of unilateral lung (L) was done from the anterior image of 201Tl on which isocount map of the perfusion image or transmission one was superimposed. By these procedures, the lung uptake ratio of 201Tl was calculated by ratio of L/T, and expressed as percentage per entire unilateral lung and mean value (%) per pixel. The average values of the lung uptake ratio in circulatory diseases were 4.0 +/- 1.2% in the right lung, 2.7 +/- 1.2% in the left lung, and in respiratory diseases 4.5 +/- 2.1% and 2.3 +/- 1.0%, respectively. This technique is useful to quantify the lung uptake of 201Tl on the lung scintigram with 201TlCl.