Component analysis and growth process of nasopharyngeal calculus as revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy

A quite rare case of nasopharyngeal calculus in a woman in her twenties associated with the nasal discharge of pseudomonas infection was reported. As the substance was irregularly large in size, we extracted it partially by piecemeal resection using forceps and also by cracking technique using the holmium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, under saline irrigation and stereotactic microscopic navigator (SMN) system under endoscopic observation. The substance was firmly fixed to the pharyngeal tonsil bed. The final extract was a small piece of singly folded bandage, which is probably the focal background for calculus formation. In a cross section of calculus specimen removed during surgery, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed that a) signal ratio of methylene group (organic substance) to amide I (protein) was 21.6% at the nasal cavity side, gradually decreased toward nasal mucous membrane showing approximate 50%, b) signal ratio of amide I to P04(3-) (inorganic substance) ranged between 17.7% and 26.7% at the different sites and inside the calculus, the protein content was approximate 1/5 of the inorganic substance, and c) signal ratio of the methylene group to amide I at the nasal cavity site showed that their contents were almost equal. The quantity of the organic substance was estimated at approximate 1/2 quantity of the protein at both the central part and the part contacted with the mucous membrane. From these results, it seems that throughout the course of calculus growth, both inorganic substance and protein remain almost constant inside the calculus, while organic substance is released from the internal part of the calculus being probably formed at an early stage.

Interstitial lung disease associated with juvenile dermatomyositis: clinical features and efficacy of cyclosporin A

OBJECTIVES

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a rare complication of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical features of JDM-associated ILD and to evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporin A (CSA).

METHODS

We reviewed clinical records of 10 cases of JDM that were admitted to Hokkaido University Hospital between April 1990 and March 2001.

RESULTS

Five cases were complicated with ILD, three with interstitial pneumonia and two with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia. ILD was associated with active JDM and progressed despite corticosteroid therapy. Testing for anti-Jo-1 antibody was negative in all cases. Respiratory symptoms were initially noticed in only one case. In the other cases, ILD was first detected by routine examination of chest X-ray. All the cases received CSA (3-5 mg/kg/day) in combination with prednisolone. One patient died of respiratory failure, but the others responded well to treatment with CSA.

CONCLUSION

ILD should be evaluated carefully in all cases of JDM regardless of respiratory symptoms. CSA is a choice for steroid-resistant cases of JDM-associated ILD.

[Voiding function and sexual activity in patients following Hautmann neobladder construction]

PURPOSE

We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of Hautmann neobladder reconstruction in terms of complications, lower urinary tract symptoms, and sexual function in a large group of patients who underwent radical cystectomy.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 118 patients (105 men and 13 women) who underwent radical cystectomy and Hautmann neobladder construction at the Gifu University Hospital or one of its affiliate hospitals between Jan 1993 and Dec 1999. The 118 patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual activity, and the data was compiled.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 50.4 months (range, 6.8-88.2). Early complications comprised wound infection (in 17.8% of patients) and ileus (in 10.1% of patients). Late complications comprised ileus, pyelonephritis, stone, and stricture of the pouch-urethral anastomosis, each of which occurred in 3.4% of patients. Eighty-one (73 men and 8 women, 72.9%) of 90 surviving patients replied to the questionnaire. Seventy-seven (95.1%) of these patients reported spontaneous micturition, whereas 4 (4.9%) patients required intermittent self-catheterization. The mean total I-PSS was 11.6 points. Twenty-five percent of patients experienced interrupted voiding almost always; 38% of patients did not experience this at all. Approximately 26% of patients experienced weak urinary streams; 36% did not. Daytime continence was achieved in 97.3% of patients; nighttime incontinence was present in 61.3%. Preoperatively, 79.7% of the men were capable of sexual intercourse. Postoperatively, 63.6% of men who underwent radical cystectomy with the nerve-sparing procedure were capable of sexual intercourse, whereas only 14.8% of men who underwent radical cystectomy without the nerve-sparing procedure were.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity rates were acceptable and functional outcome was excellent in this rather large group of patients who underwent Hautmann neobladder construction. Some problems have not been fully overcome, however, i.e., nocturnal incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Substitution of Dmo1 with normal alleles results in decreased manifestation of diabetes in OLETF rats

AIM

Dmo1 (Diabetes Mellitus OLETF type I) is a major quantitative trait locus for dyslipidaemia, obesity and diabetes phenotypes in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat strain. To evaluate possible metabolic and pathological improvements generated by correction of the Dmo1 genetic pathway, we produced congenic lines, in which both OLETF Dmo1 alleles are replaced by the F344-derived genome.

METHODS

Congenic animals were produced by introgressing F344-derived Dmo1 alleles into the OLETF rat. Congenic animals of the fourth generation (BC4) were intercrossed to obtain F1 animals (BC4:F1). Animals of the next generation, BC4:F2, were used for this study. We used 23 BC4:F2 males harbouring homozygous replacement of the OLETF Dmo1 region with the F344-derived genome. Seven animals with OLETF-derived Dmo1 alleles were used as controls.

RESULTS

Dmo1-F344/F344 congenic rats showed significant decreases in body weight, abdominal fat weight, serum triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, food consumption and blood glucose after glucose loading (13%, 39%, 45%, 27%, 18% and 27% respectively; p < 0.05) compared with Dmo1-OLETF/OLETF animals. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of the kidney showed that mesangial sclerosis, hyalin deposits and deposition of PAS-positive substance were significantly lower in Dmo1-F344/F344 animals (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Improvements in metabolic parameters and histopathological scores show that correction of the Dmo1 genetic pathway in the diabetic and mildly obese OLETF rat strain produces wide-ranging therapeutic effects. Thus, this pathway might represent a new drug target also applicable to humans.

Intranasal application of purified protein derivative suppresses the initiation but not the exacerbation of allergic rhinitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Several epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that exposure to pathogens such as those from the genus Mycobacterium leads to the suppression of allergic sensitization and inflammation. However, little is known as to whether pathogen-derived soluble antigens have the potential to modulate the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether application of purified protein derivative (PPD) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis can suppress the initiation and/or exacerbation of allergic rhinitis using a recently developed murine model.

METHODS

First, we investigated whether a single intranasal application of PPD could elicit cytokine production in the nose by RT-PCR. BALB/c mice were repeatedly sensitized with Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) intranasally without an adjuvant. PPD was applied through different routes either before or after sensitization. The production of SEA-specific antibodies, nasal eosinophilia and cytokines by nasal lymphocytes was compared among mice that had or had not received PPD treatment.

RESULTS

IFN-gamma, but not IL-4, was detected in the nasal tissue 12 to 48 h after a single intranasal application of 10 microg PPD. Repeated intranasal application of PPD prior to and during sensitization with SEA significantly inhibited the production of both SEA-specific IgE/IgG1 and nasal eosinophilia. Moreover, it partially inhibited the production of IL-4 by nasal lymphocytes in response to SEA. Conversely, this treatment led to a significant increase in IFN-gamma production. On the other hand, PPD applied through the footpad had no effect over the same period. Repeated intranasal application of PPD after sensitization with SEA had no exacerbative effect on allergic inflammation.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the local application of PPD, and the subsequent induction of IFN-gamma, inhibits the initiation, but not the exacerbation, of allergic rhinitis in mice. This suggests that pathogen-derived antigens have potential for use in the prevention and prophylaxis of allergic rhinitis.

Carbohydrates expressed on Aspergillus fumigatus induce in vivo allergic Th2-type response

BACKGROUND

The mould Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) causes several forms of Th2-biased diseases such as Type I respiratory allergies. This mould contains abundant carbohydrates including glucan, chitin and galactomannan. However, little is known on whether these carbohydrates directly drive Th2 responses in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the relative role of carbohydrates expressed on crude extracts of Af in the induction of Th2-type antibody production and local eosinophila in mice.

METHODS

Carbohydrates on native Af were destroyed by sodium metaperiodate under mild conditions. CBA/J mice were sensitized intranasally with native, periodate-treated or mock-treated Af. Histologic changes and production of Af-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a, as well as serum total IgE were determined. Inhibition ELISA for Af-specific IgE was performed using periodate-treated Af as an inhibitor.

RESULTS

Mice sensitized with periodate-treated Af displayed significant decreases in both total and specific IgE levels in comparison to mice sensitized with native or mock-treated Af. Furthermore, sensitization and subsequent challenge with periodate-treated Af significantly reduced the degree of eosinophil recruitment into the nasal mucosa, compared to the controls. On the other hand, competitive inhibition showed that periodate-treated Af could inhibit binding between native Af and specific IgE in a similar manner to that of native and mock-treated Af.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that carbohydrates on Af play a key role as internal adjuvants in inducing the allergic Th2-type response and are not the targets of the induced IgE response.

Catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction of alkylidene- or arylideneacetoacetates and Danishefsky's dienes with lanthanide salts aimed at selective synthesis of cis-4,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexenone derivatives

The first successful example of the catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction of 1-methoxy-3-trimethylsiloxy-1,3-diene (Danishefsky's diene, 2a), giving the corresponding carbocyclic adducts, is described. The reaction of (Z)-ethylideneacetoacetate 1a with 2a is catalyzed with lanthanide salts such as Yb(OTf)(3) at 0 degrees C, affording the corresponding 2-cyclohexenone 3a in good yield with complete integrity of the starting geometry of 1a. The thermal version of the same cycloaddition results in a decrease in the cis arrangement of the 5-methyl and the 4-alkoxycarbonyl groups on 2-cyclohexenone. The catalyzed reaction of (E)-1a unexpectedly affords the cis-arranged 3a. The reaction path for the catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction is postulated on the basis of these results.

Presence and characterization of sensitization to staphylococcal enterotoxins in patients with allergic rhinitis

Exotoxins derived from Staphylococcus aureus appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis (AD). However, little is known about sensitization to enterotoxins in cases of respiratory allergies. Because the nasal cavity is a primary site of colonization by S. aureus, we sought to determine the prevalence and role of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and SEB in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The presence of SEA- and SEB-specific IgE was determined in 40 patients with AR and 16 healthy control subjects. In the rhinitis group, nasal symptom score, total serum IgE, sensitization to other inhaled allergens and the presence of sinusitis were determined. Twenty-five percent of patients with AR were sensitized to SEA/SEB whereas 6.3% of controls were sensitized to the toxins. Sensitization to SEB was predominant relative to SEA. There were no significant differences in the severity of nasal symptoms and complications of other allergic diseases including AD and bronchial asthma, between patients with or without sensitization to SEA/SEB. However, patients sensitized to these toxins were likely to show increased total serum IgE and polyvalent sensitization, suggesting that exposure and subsequent sensitization to SEA/SEB may be involved in polyvalent sensitization.

Laser-assisted tympanoplasty for preservation of the ossicular chain in cholesteatoma

We report the use of potassium titanyl phosphate laser-assisted tympanoplasty in amputations of the malleus and incus in 2 patients with cholesteatoma medial to those ossicles that had not destroyed the ossicular chain continuity. In both cases, the laser successfully removed portions of the ossicles to allow removal of the cholesteatoma; importantly, the laser preserved certain ossicular ligaments, thus keeping the ossicular chain continuous. Postoperatively, both patients showed satisfactory hearing. Although the prevalence of cholesteatoma medial to the ossicles with maintained ossicular continuity is limited, the laser-assisted procedure described here is useful for maintaining hearing ability in these cases.

Differential role of CD80 and CD86 molecules in the induction and the effector phases of allergic rhinitis in mice

Selective involvement of CD80 and/or CD86 in the differentiation of T-helper (Th)1 and Th2 was seen in several diseases. In this study, we sought to determine the differential roles of CD80 and CD86 in the induction and effector phase of allergic rhinitis using Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) as a specific Ag. Intranasal sensitization with SEA in BALB/c mice elicited a strong Th2 response including SEA-specific IgE production, nasal eosinophilia, and IL-4 and IL-5 production by nasal lymphocytes after Ag challenge. Blockade of CD80 at the induction phase significantly inhibited these manifestations, whereas no effect was observed by CD86 blockade. In contrast, the simultaneous blockade of both CD80 and CD86 during the effector phase partially inhibited IgE and IgG(1) production and nasal eosinophilia, although either blockade of CD80 or CD86 during the phase failed to inhibit these responses. Flow cytometric analysis on nasal mononuclear cells showed that CD80 but not CD86 was preferentially expressed on non-B cells by in vitro SEA stimulation in unsensitized mice. However, both CD80 and CD86 expression were significantly augmented by in vitro SEA stimulation in sensitized mice. Our results suggest the differential roles and expression of CD80 and CD86 in the development of allergic rhinitis.

From Burkitt's lymphoma to chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection: an expanding spectrum of EBV-associated diseases

Epstein-Barr virus (FBV) is one of 8 known human herpesviruses. EBV infection usually occurs in early childhood and is subclinical. However, primary infection in adolescence or adulthood causes infectious mononucleosis in approximately half of infected individuals. Recently, the spectrum of human diseases associated with EBV injection has increased, primarily due to methodological advances in EBV detection. Initially, EBV was isolated from a cultured Burkitt lymphoma cell line, and has been felt to be etiologically linked to the development of Burkitt lymphoma, as well as other human malignancies. This review mainly focuses on pathogenetic mechanisms, many of which remain enigmatic, for the various human diseases, which are considered to be associated with EBV injection.

Epstein-Barr virus in patients with immunodeficiency disorders

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of eight known human herpesviruses, causes a wide spectrum of diseases under certain conditions. In particular, in the setting of immunodeficiency, which includes primary or secondary/acquired immunodeficiencies, they have been increasingly reported. The major clinical phenotype is the EBV genome-positive lymphoproliferative disorder, which ranges from benign lymphoproliferation to malignant lymphoma with cytogenetic alterations. Severe or fatal infectious mononucleosis may develop in some patients with immunodeficiencies such as X-linked lymphoproliferative disease.

Inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizin on the phosphorylation and DNA-binding abilities of high mobility group proteins 1 and 2 in vitro

The physiological correlation between glycyrrhizin (GL) and high mobility group proteins I and 2 (HMG1/2) and the inhibitory effect of GL on their phosphorylation by three protein kinases (CK-I, CK-II and PKC) were investigated biochemically in vitro. It was found that GL binds directly to HMG1/2, because (i) HMG1/2 have a high affinity with a GL-affinity column; and (ii) GL induces the conformational changes in HMG1/2. Both purified HMG1/2 functioned as phosphate acceptors for these two protein kinases (CK-I and PKC), but not phosphorylated by CK-II. Phosphorylation of HMG1/2 by two protein kinases (CK-I and PKC) was completely inhibited by a glycyrrhetinic acid derivative (oGA) at one-tenth the concentration of GL. Also, the DNA-binding abilities of HNG1/2 were reduced by GL in a dose-dependent manner. These results show that the binding of GL to HMG1/2 results in the inhibition of their physiological activities (DNA-binding ability and phosphorylation by PKC or CK-I) in vitro. The GL-induced inhibition of the physiological activities of HMG1/2 may be involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of GL in vivo.

Dantaxusins A and B, two new taxoids from Taxus yunnanensis

Two new taxane diterpenes, dantaxusin A [5 alpha-cinnamoyloxy-2 alpha,7 beta,13 alpha-triacetoxy-2(3-->20)abeo-taxa-4(20),11-diene-9,10-dione (1)] and dantaxusin B [5 alpha-cinnamoyloxy-9 alpha-hydroxy-10 beta,13 alpha-diacetoxytaxa-4(20),11-diene (2)], were isolated from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Taxus yunnanensis along with taxuspine B, 2-deacetoxytaxinine J, taxuyunnanine C, taxinine B, taxuspine C, and taxinine NN-4. The structures of 1 and 2 were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS spectroscopic methods.

Expression of costimulatory CD80/CD86-CD28/CD152 molecules in nasal mucosa of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

B7 molecules (CD80, CD86) and their counter-receptors, CD28 and CD152 (CTLA-4), play an important role in T cell-mediated immune responses. We previously demonstrated that B7 molecules are selectively up-regulated not only on B cells but also on T cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with perennial rhinitis cultured with allergen. However, the expression of CD80/CD86 molecules and their counter-receptors in nasal mucosa, the actual inflammatory site of allergic rhinitis, has not yet been clarified.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Inferior turbinates from patients with either allergy to house dust or non-allergic rhinitis were excised and immunohistologically stained. In addition, the inferior turbinates were challenged with paper discs containing extracts of house dust and subsequently excised. Samples were double stained with immunofluorescent-labelled antibody to identify cells bearing CD86.

RESULTS

Without the nasal provocation, only the expression of CD86 was increased in nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis compared with those with non-allergic rhinitis. However, following the nasal provocation with house dust, not only CD86, but also CD80, CD28, and CD152 were significantly expressed in allergic patients. Immunofluorescent double staining revealed CD86 expression in CD19, CD1a, CD14 and CD3 lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the expression of CD80/CD86 molecules and their counter-receptors is induced in allergic patients following nasal provocation with allergen, suggesting a local amplification of allergen-specific immune responses in perennial rhinitis.

Assessment of the clinical effect of topical tacalcitol on ichthyoses with retentive hyperkeratosis

BACKGROUND

Topical tacalcitol (1alpha,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3) has been demonstrated to produce beneficial clinical effects on epidermo-hyperproliferative disorders such as psoriasis and pityriasis rubra pilaris. However, the efficacy of the agent has not been elucidated in retentive hyperkeratotic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The object of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy of topical tacalcitol against ichthyoses with retentive hyperkeratosis; X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), and acquired ichthyosis (AI).

METHODS

Tacalcitol was topically applied on 9 patients with the retention ichthyoses, using a single-blinded, bilaterally paired approach with right-left comparison of tacalcitol and the base.

RESULTS

Clinical improvement obtained by topical tacalcitol exclusively was not superior to that of the vehicle alone in any of the ichthyotic patients.

CONCLUSION

Topical tacalcitol therapy was ineffective against ichthyoses without epidermal hyperproliferation.

Lacto-N-fucopentaose III found on Schistosoma mansoni egg antigens functions as adjuvant for proteins by inducing Th2-type response

We have recently demonstrated that induction of Th2 responses by Schistosoma mansoni egg Ag is largely due to carbohydrates on the Ag functioning as adjuvants. Lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFPIII), a polylactosamine sugar, is the predominant carbohydrate found in S. mansoni egg Ag. Therefore, using neoglycoprotein, we investigated whether LNFPIII induces in vivo Th2 response and functions as an adjuvant. Following intranasal immunization with LNFPIII linked to human serum albumin (HSA) (HSA-LNFPIII), BALB/c mice mounted a strong Th2 response and produced significantly higher levels of total IgE as well as HSA-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgE. HSA-LNFPIII was over 1000-fold more potent in inducing Ab production as compared with HSA alone. Although LNFPIII itself did not function as an epitope for either IgG or IgE, its conjugation with protein was essential for the adjuvant activity. Moreover, fucose residue on LNFPIII was crucial for induction of Ab production. Nasal lymphocytes from mice immunized with HSA-LNFPIII produced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, but not IFN-gamma following in vitro stimulation with HSA or HSA-LNFPIII. In addition, these activated nasal lymphocytes also showed a significant increase of B7-2 expression on B220-positive cells. Furthermore, not only intranasal but also both i.p. and s.c. immunization with HSA-LNFPIII induced significant production of HSA-specific Abs compared with the immunization with HSA alone, suggesting that the activity of LNFPIII was not restricted on particular route of immunization. These results demonstrate that Lewis type carbohydrate LNFPIII can function as an adjuvant by their ability to induce a Th2 response.

Roles of carbohydrates on Cry j 1, the major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen, in specific T-cell responses

BACKGROUND

Carbohydrates expressed on allergens are known to be important for allergenicity. However, little is known about whether the carbohydrates drive the T(H)2 response.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine a role for carbohydrates expressed on Cry j 1, which is the major allergen of Cryptomeria japonica pollen and causes the most prevalent pollinosis in Japan, in in vitro cellular responses.

METHODS

Carbohydrates on Cry j 1 were destroyed by periodate-oxidation under mild conditions. Proliferative responses and cytokine productions against native, periodate-treated, and mock-treated Cry j 1 were compared in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Cry j 1-specific T-cell lines, and clones from patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis.

RESULTS

We found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis displayed a significant decrease in proliferation and IL-5 production in response to periodate-treated Cry j 1 in comparison with native and mock-treated Cry j 1. Decreased proliferative responses against periodate-treated Cry j 1 were also seen in polyclonal T-cell lines, and the responses showed a heterogeneity. In addition, Cry j 1-specific CD4+ T-cell clones also displayed a significant decrease in proliferation and IL-4 and IL-5 production-but not IFN-gamma production-in comparison with the control antigens. However, most of the clones showed decreased but positive proliferative responses against periodate-treated Cry j 1. Blockade of the mannose receptor had no effect on cellular responses.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that carbohydrates on Cry j 1 play a major role in promoting Cry j 1-specific T(H)2 response in vitro, though they are not major targets as T-cell epitopes.

Novel carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions using carbocations produced from substituted propargyl silyl ethers by the action of TMSOTf

Highly useful carbon-carbon bond forming reactions using stable allenyl, propargyl, or allyl-propargyl hybrid cations have been developed. These carbocations could be generated from silyl 1-(pi-donor)-substituted propargyl ethers by the action of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate in dichloromethane at -78 degrees C to room temperature and could be attacked nucleophilically by electron rich arenes, allylsilanes, or enol silyl ethers, giving rise to allenes, alkynes, and their derivatives. A novel method for regio- and stereoselective synthesis of conjugated enynes utilizing allyl-propargyl hybrid cations has also been established.

Sex-related differences in the initiation of allergic rhinitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Several clinical and epidemiologic studies have investigated sex differences in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. At present, however, no reports have demonstrated such differences in experimental models with local, but not parenteral, sensitization with antigens that may reflect natural exposure to allergens. We have recently developed murine models of allergic rhinitis after repeated intranasal sensitization with antigens in the absence of adjuvants. In this study, we investigated the role of sex in the initiation of the disease in vivo.

METHODS

Male and female CBA/J and BALB/c mice were sensitized intranasally with phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA), respectively, in the absence of adjuvants. After the repeated sensitization, serum Ab titers against the sensitizing antigen and nasal eosinophilia were determined. In addition, the involvement of androgen in IgE synthesis was investigated in castrated CBA/J male mice with or without testosterone administration.

RESULTS

Females produced significantly higher levels of PLA2-specific IgE than males in CBA/J mice sensitized with PLA2. On the other hand, both titers of PLA2-specific IgG1 and nasal eosinophilia did not significantly differ between the two groups. Castrated male mice produced significantly higher amounts of PLA2-specific IgE than sham-treated male mice. In addition, PLA2-specific IgE production decreased in castrated mice treated with testosterone. Sexual differences in the production of Ag-specific IgE were not seen in BALB/c mice after the sensitization with SEA.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that sex is responsible for the production of Ag-specific IgE, but not IgG1 or nasal eosinophilia, and that androgen appears to be involved in the in vivo production of specific IgE in male mice.

[Correlation between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity as measured by collagen gel droplet embedded culture drug sensitivity test (CD-DST) and expression of orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT), thymidylate synthase (TS), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in colorectal cancer]

The levels of OPRT, DPD, and TS were determined in colorectal cancer tissue specimens, and 5-FU sensitivity was measured by CD-DST. The correlation between enzyme activity and 5-FU sensitivity was then studied. Six patients with colorectal carcinoma who had undergone surgical resection in our institution between May and August 2000 were studied. The CD-DST method was used to measure the sensitivity to 5-FU under three sets of conditions: 0.2 microgram/ml x 5 days (A), 1.0 microgram/ml x 1 day (B), and 10.0 micrograms/ml x 3 h (C). The coefficients of correlation of tumor sensitivity to 5-FU and OPRT activity were A: 0.8246, B: 0.7670, and C: 0.7856, and to DPD activity were A: 0.2525, B: 0.3928, and C: 0.4337, while the coefficients of correlation to TS enzyme levels were A: -0.5240, B: -0.4770, and C: -0.6131. These findings demonstrate a high degree of correlation between OPRT activity at the tumor site and tumor sensitivity to 5-FU under a variety of conditions, suggesting that OPRT activity can be a useful indicator in predicting the anti-tumor effectiveness of 5-FU for a specific tumor.

Combined immunodeficiency, chromosomal instability, and postnatal growth deficiency in a Japanese girl

We report on an 11-year-old Japanese girl with combined immunodeficiency and chromosomal instability. She had postnatal growth deficiency and microcephaly, preaxial polydactyly of the left hand, and susceptibility to infections. Immunological studies showed marked lymphocytopenia (around 500/ll), reduced lymphocyte response to various mitogens, and reduced or absent serum IgA, IgG, and IgM. Cell biological studies of her primary skin fibroblasts demonstrated spontaneous chromosome aberrations and radiation hypersensitivity. The combination of immunodeficiency, chromosomal instability, and radiation hypersensitivity as seen in the girl is present in both ataxia-telangiectasia and Nijmegen breakage syndrome. Ataxia-telangiectasia was excluded because of differences in clinical features and laboratory data. Likewise, Nijmegen breakage syndrome is unlikely to be the case because the characteristic face, hyperpigmented spots, and mental retardation present in the syndrome were missing in the girl. Sequence analysis of a Nijmegen breakage syndrome responsible gene, NBS1, revealed no mutations. A normal NBS1 product was also demonstrated by immunoblot analysis using an anti-NBS1 antibody. We propose that the disorder in the girl represents a new combination of combined immunodeficiency and chromosomal instability.