Clinical significance of transmembrane 4 superfamily in colon cancer

Cell motility is an important cellular function closely related to the processes of tumour progression and metastasis. Several members of transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) have been reported to be associated with cell motility and metastatic potential of solid tumour. The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical significance of the member of TM4SF (MRP-1/CD9, KAI1/CD82 and CD151) in human colon cancer. We studied 146 colon cancer patients who underwent curative surgery and studied the expression of MRP-1/CD9, KAI1/CD82 and CD151 using reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. We found that 64 patients (43.8%) had MRP-1/CD9-positive tumours and that the overall survival rate of patients with MRP-1/CD9-positive tumours was much higher than that of patients with MRP-1/CD9-negative tumours (89.8 vs 50.8%, P<0.001). In contrast, 63 patients (43.2%) had KAI1/CD82-positive tumours and the overall survival rate of patients with KAI1/CD82-positive tumours was also higher than that of patients with KAI1/CD82-negative tumours (84.8 vs 54.9%, P=0.002). On the other hand, positive CD151 expression had a bad effect on the overall survival rate of patients with colon cancer (61.2 vs 74.9%, P=0.022). In a multivariate analysis, MRP-1/CD9 status was a good indicator of the overall survival (P=0.007). We have shown that the reduction of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 expression, and the increasing CD151 expression are indicators for a poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer. This is a first report describing about the relation between CD151 and colon cancer.

[Surgically treated mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 6-year-old boy; report of a case]

A 6-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with a history of recurrent obstructive pneumonia and hemoptysis. A chest computed tomography (CT) showed atelectasis in the left lower lobe. Angiograpy, which was performed for the suspicion of pulmonary sequestration, showed no feeding artery and revealed bleeding from the bronchial artery in the left lower lobe. As hemoptysis would not stop, an emergency left lower lobectomy was performed. Macroscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed a mass measuring 20 x 15 x 17 mm in the S8 proximal lung parenchyma, bronchiectasis, and an abscess in the distal lung parenchyma. Histopathologic examination determined the tumor was a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed some tumor cells were positive for CA 19-9. The child has not had a recurrence 3 years postoperatively.

Electron paramagnetic resonance assessment of brain tissue oxygen tension in anesthetized rats

The adequacy of cerebral tissue oxygenation (PtO(2)) is a central therapeutic end point in critically ill and anesthetized patients. Clinically, PtO(2) is currently measured indirectly, based on measurements of cerebrovascular oxygenation using near infrared spectroscopy and experimentally, using positron emission tomographic scanning. Recent developments in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry facilitate accurate, sensitive, and repeated measurements of PtO(2). EPR is similar to nuclear magnetic resonance but detects paramagnetic species. Because these species are not abundant in brain (or other tissues) in vivo, oxygen-responsive paramagnetic lithium phthalocyanine crystals implanted into the cerebral cortex are used for the measurement of oxygen. The line widths of the EPR spectra of these materials are linear functions of PtO(2). We used EPR oximetry in anesthetized rats to study the patterns of PtO(2) during exposure to various inhaled and injected general anesthetics and to varying levels of inspired oxygen. Rats anesthetized with 2.0 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration isoflurane maintained the largest PtO(2) (38.0 +/- 4.5 mm Hg) and rats anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine had the smallest PtO(2) (3.5 +/- 0.3 mm Hg) at a fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO(2)) of 0.21, P < 0.05. The maximal PtO(2) achieved under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia with FIO(2) of 1.0 was 8.8 +/- 0.3 mm Hg, whereas PtO(2) measured during isoflurane anesthesia with FIO(2) of 1.0 was 56.3 +/- 1.7 mm Hg (P < 0.05). These data highlight the experimental utility of EPR in measuring PtO(2) during anesthesia and serve as a foundation for further study of PtO(2) in response to physiologic perturbations and therapeutic interventions directed at preventing cerebral ischemia.

IMPLICATIONS

Using in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry, we studied the patterns of cerebral tissue oxygenation (PtO(2)) during exposure to various inhaled and injected general anesthetics, and to varying levels of inspired oxygen. These data show that inhaled anesthetics result in larger levels of PtO(2) in the brain than do several injectable anesthetics. The results highlight the experimental utility of electron paramagnetic resonance in measuring PtO(2) during anesthesia and serve as a foundation for further study of PtO(2) in response to physiologic perturbations and therapeutic interventions directed at preventing cerebral ischemia.

Hydroxyl radical formation is greater in striatal core than in penumbra in a rat model of ischemic stroke

Although hydroxyl radical ((*)OH) formation has been implicated in the pathophysiological changes of ischemic stroke, (*)OH production in the core and penumbra regions is not clear. It is extremely important to distinguish penumbra from ischemic core in focal cerebral ischemia studies, because the penumbra contains viable tissue, which can be salvaged by appropriate treatment. This study evaluated (*)OH production in both core and penumbra regions of ischemic striatum during ischemia and reperfusion. Microdialysis probes were placed in striatal tissue of rats subjected to the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke. The (*)OH-trapping agent 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) was administered by both i.v. and probe infusion. Dialysate levels of the 4-HBA oxidation products, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA), were determined by HPLC-ECD. After microdialysis probe delivery of 4-HBA, (*)OH production was significantly increased in the striatal core during both ischemia and reperfusion. Penumbra (*)OH production increased only during reperfusion. Alterations of 3,4-DHBA concentration in dialysate following i.v. 4-HBA administration were likely related to alterations in tissue blood flow. The findings were confirmed by a greater oxidation of dihydroethidium in the ischemic core than in the penumbra as determined by fluorescent microscopy. The findings of (*)OH production in ischemic striatum are the opposite of those reported for ischemic cortex and suggest critical regional variations in (*)OH production that may have significant clinical implications in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Stage-specific effects of the osmolarity of a culture medium on the development of parthenogenetic diploids in the pig

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of osmolarity of culture media on the development of porcine parthenogenetic diploids. Oocyte-cumulus-granulosa cell complexes were collected from ovaries and then in vitro-cultured for 48 h. The mature oocytes were subjected to a single electro-stimulation (El-St; 100 micros, 1500 V/cm), treated with 5.0 microg/ml Cytochalasin B for 4h and then cultured under various conditions as described below. In Experiment 1, the diploids were cultured for 168 h after El-St in modified Whitten's medium with 256 mOsmol (mWM256), mKRB with 309 mOsmol, and mWM with 309 mOsmol (mWM309), in which the osmolarity was adjusted by addition of NaCl or mannitol, or by reduction of distilled water. In Experiment 2, the diploids were cultured in the five media used in Experiment 1 for the first 48 h, and then in mWM256 until 168 h after El-St. In Experiment 3, the diploids were cultured for the first 48 h in mWM with osmolarity adjusted from 256 to 330 mOsmol by addition of NaCl for the first 48 h and then in mWM256 until 168 h after El-St. In Experiment 4, the diploids were cultured in mWM with 290 mOsmol (mWM290) for the first period of 24, 48, or 72 h, and then in mWM256 until 168 h after El-St. In Experiment 5, after diploids were cultured in mWM290 for the first 48 h, the obtained 4-cell diploids were transferred to mWM with osmolarity adjusted from 200 to 310 mOsmol by addition of NaCl, then cultured until 168 h after El-St. All media were supplemented with 0.5mg/ml hyaluronic acid and 4.0mg/ml bovine serum albumin. The results obtained in Experiments 1-5 indicate that the osmolarity of a medium, but not the Na(+)/K(+) ratio, exerts effects on the development of diploids to the blastocyst stage. The change of osmolarity of the culture media after the 4-cell stage increased the rate of expanded blastocyst formation in porcine diploids. The optimal osmolarities of culture medium for the first 48 h after El-St (before the 4-cell stage) were 290 and 280-320 mOsmol, and those for the later period (after the 4-cell stage) were 256 and 220-270 mOsmol, respectively.

The Effect of RSR13, a Synthetic Allosteric Modifier of Hemoglobin, on Brain Tissue pO2 (Measured by Eproximetry) Following Severe Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats

RSR13 is a synthetic allosteric modifier of hemoglobin that decreases the oxygen binding affinity of hemoglobin, potentially increasing oxygen availability to hypoxic tissues. Using in vivo EPR to directly measure cortical pO2, we examined whether RSR13 would improve brain tissue pO2 following severe hemorrhagic shock in rats. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by withdrawing blood (2.7-2.8 mL/100 g/15 min). Following a 30 min shock period, resuscitation was performed by infusion with Ringer lactate plus RSR13 (150 mg/kg) or saline (control). Following hemorrhage, brain pO2 decreased by about 14 mm Hg in both groups. Following crystalloid resuscitation brain pO2 remained depressed in the control group but returned to the pre-hemorrhage values in the rats that received RSR13. RSR13 immediately increased and maintained the paO2 while controls had a very gradual increase towards pre-hemorrhage values. There was no difference in the blood pressure or heart rate between groups. RSR13 may have useful applications to decrease the effects of acute hemorrhagic hypoxemia by increasing brain oxygenation.

The Dose-Dependent Effect of RSR13, a Synthetic Allosteric Modifier of Hemoglobin, on Physiological Parameters and Brain Tissue Oxygenation in Rats

RSR13 is a synthetic allosteric modifier of hemoglobin that decreases the oxygen-binding affinity of hemoglobin, increasing the P50. As a result, tissue oxygen tension is expected to increase. Using the capabilities of in vivo EPR, we directly examined the effect of RSR13 on brain pO2 in rats and the relationship between any change in brain oxygenation and changes in physiological parameters, including blood gases. The brain pO2 and arterial blood paO2 were increased significantly (p < 0.005) following RSR13 administration. The peak increase of brain tissue pO2 was 8.8 +/- 1.2 mm Hg in the animals receiving 150 mg/kg RSR13 and 13 +/- 3 mm Hg in the animals receiving 300 mg/kg RSR13. There was no difference among groups in MBP, heart rate, paCO2, pH, or HCO3. These data indicate that in anesthetized rats, RSR13 dose-dependently increases brain pO2 without affecting other physiologic parameters. This capability is likely to be very useful in circumstances where the pO2 of the brain is compromised.

The Effects of Anesthesia on Cerebral Tissue Oxygen Tension: Use of Epr Oximetry to Make Repeated Measurements

While very useful data can be obtained from measurements of pO2 within various compartments of the vascular system, such measurements do not necessarily provide accurate information on the pO2 in the brain. Anesthetics can significantly affect the tissue pO2 in the brain by several mechanisms involving both delivery and utilization. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR or ESR) oximetry has the potential for non-invasively carrying out repeated direct measurements of pO2 in tissues during the course of anesthesia. In this paper we describe the use of EPR oximetry for studying the influence of anesthesia on tissue pO2, and present illustrative results from experiments with five different anesthetics in rats. The results indicate that the tissue O2 can be measured directly using EPR oximetry, and data can be obtained non-invasively during the course of anesthesia.

Accelerated death kinetics of Aspergillus niger spores under high-pressure carbonation

The death kinetics of Aspergillus niger spores under high-pressure carbonation were investigated with respect to the concentration of dissolved CO2 (dCO2) and treatment temperature. All of the inactivation followed first-order death kinetics. The D value (decimal reduction time, or the time required for a 1-log-cycle reduction in the microbial population) in the saline carbonated at 10 MPa was 0.16 min at 52 degrees C. The log D values were linearly related to the treatment temperature and the concentration of dCO2, but a significant interaction was observed between them.

Clinical and pathologic characteristics of nontyphoidal salmonella encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of primary encephalopathy caused by nontyphoidal salmonellosis (NTS).

METHODS

Case records of six Japanese hospitals from 1994 to 1999 were reviewed. Eight cases of primary NTS encephalopathy were identified based on strictly defined criteria: 1) encephalopathic feature defined as altered state of consciousness, altered cognition or personality, or seizures; 2) detection of nontyphoidal Salmonella species in stool; 3) absence of other viral or bacterial infection associated with CNS abnormalities; and 4) absence of alternative explanation by underlying neurologic or systemic disease. Three patients died, three had severe sequelae, and two recovered completely. The authors analyzed their clinical course, neurologic symptoms, and histopathologic findings.

RESULTS

NTS encephalopathy was clinically characterized by diffuse and rapidly progressive brain dysfunction and circulatory failure that developed following enteritis. There was no evidence of severe dehydration or sepsis, and encephalopathy was rarely accompanied by abnormal laboratory data, except elevated CSF opening pressure, brain edema on CT, and slow waves on EEG. Pathologic findings included minimal ischemic damage and mild edema in the brain, microvesicular fatty change of the liver, severe enterocolitis but no evidence of dehydration, and no fatal organ damage including microvasculature and endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Noninfectious encephalopathy associated with nontyphoidal salmonella infection is a distinctive clinical entity that can be differentiated from Reye's syndrome and Ekiri.

On the application of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as a trapping agent to study hydroxyl radical generation during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Aromatic hydroxylation from the reaction between hydroxyl radical and salicylate or its related compounds has been often utilized as a marker for the generation of hydroxyl radicals. We have investigated several technical aspects of applying this method to study hydroxyl radical production during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion using the hydroxylation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) to form 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA). 4-HBA was administered to rats either through intravenous infusion, or by way of an in vivo microdialysis probe implanted in the brain. Dialysate containing 3,4-DHBA was collected and analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. An endogenous compound was found to co-elute with 3,4 -DHBA but could be separated by varying the chromatographic conditions. Because of interrupted blood flow during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, delivery of 4-HBA through the microdialysis probe is a preferred method to systemic administration such as intravenous infusion. It is concluded that the oxidation of 4-HBA to 3,4-DHBA can be a reliable and accurate indicator for the formation of hydroxyl radical in vivo if the experiments are well designed to avoid potential pitfalls associated with technical difficulties of the method.

Laparoscopic features of primary biliary cirrhosis in AMA-positive and AMA-negative patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Antimitochondrial antibody (AMA)-negative primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has been difficult to diagnose. Laparoscopic features of AMA-negative PBC were evaluated in comparison with those of AMA-positive PBC and autoimmune hepatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

71 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PBC were enrolled in the study; 48 were AMA-positive and 23 were AMA-negative. As a disease control, 46 autoimmune hepatitis patients were included. Both the frequency and specificity of each laparoscopic finding were evaluated. A laparoscopic scoring system was introduced, which used, common and uncommon laparoscopic findings, and was evaluated for the diagnosis of AMA-negative PBC.

RESULTS

The characteristic laparoscopic findings for AMA-positive PBC were yellowish-white marking (92 %), dark-brown discoloration (73 %), gentle undulation (67 %), reddish patch (38 %), and yellowish-white nodules (32 %). On the other hand, laparoscopic findings such as trench-like depression, reddish markings, and wide and small depressions were uncommon in PBC compared with autoimmune hepatitis. The frequencies of characteristic and uncommon laparoscopic findings did not differ statistically between AMA-positive and AMA-negative PBC, but were different between AMA-positive or AMA-negative PBC and autoimmune hepatitis. Scores based on common and uncommon laparoscopic findings were 5.5 +/- 1.5 (mean +/- SD) in AMA-positive PBC, 5.6 +/- 2.0 in AMA-negative PBC, and - 0.30 +/- 0.5 in autoimmune hepatitis.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic findings in AMA-negative PBC did not differ from those of AMA-positive PBC. A laparoscopic scoring system may be helpful in the diagnosis of AMA-negative PBC.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptors are present in the corpus luteum throughout the oestrous cycle and during the early gestation period in pigs

To determine the physiological significance of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in the regulation of luteal functions in pig, this study was conducted to identify the presence of functional TNFalpha receptors in porcine corpora lutea (CL) throughout the oestrous cycle and the early gestation. The CL were isolated from pigs on days 4, 6, 8, 12 or 15 of the oestrous cycle (n=3; day 0 = oestrus) and days 15, 20 or 25 of gestation (n=3; day 0 = mating). A Scatchard analysis revealed the presence of a high-affinity binding site for TNFalpha in all samples (dissociation constant; 2.7 +/- 0.51 to 5.8 +/- 0.50 nM). The concentration of TNFalpha receptors was higher on day 15 of the oestrous cycle than on days 4 and 8 of the oestrous cycle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TNFalpha receptor concentrations in the CL on days 15, 20 and 25 of gestation were significantly lower than on day 15 of the oestrous cycle (p < 0.05). On day 9 of the oestrous cycle, exposure of cultured luteal cells to 0.06-60 nM TNFalpha stimulated prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha and PGE2 secretion in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). These results indicate that functional TNFalpha receptors are present in the porcine CL throughout the oestrous cycle and early gestation, and suggest that TNFalpha plays one or more physiological roles in regulating CL function throughout the oestrous cycle and the early gestation period. In addition, TNFalpha receptor concentration in the CL of the late luteal stage (day 15) of the oestrous cycle was higher than on the respective day in the early pregnant pig, suggesting that TNFalpha plays a role in accomplishing luteolysis in the porcine CL.

Clinical significance of CD151 gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer

Transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) is a recently described gene family, and TM4SF members are known to play roles in the signal transduction pathways and to regulate cell activation, development, proliferation, and motility. MRP-1/CD9, KAI1/CD82, and ME491/CD63, members of the TM4SF, have been reported to suppress tumor progression or metastasis. Previously, we showed that MRP-1/CD9 suppressed cell motility and metastatic potential to lungs. Moreover, reduction of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 gene expression was found to be a factor in a poor prognosis for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. However, among TM4SF, CD151 is identical to an existing gene, PETA-3, which may promote tumor metastasis of malignant cells, and its expression may be involved in the malignant progression of cancer. The function of CD151 is opposite that of the metastasis suppressor genes, MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82. On the basis of these results, we used reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques for a retrospective study of CD151 gene expression in tumor tissues from 145 lung cancer patients; 72 tumors were stage I, 29 stage II, 27 stage IIIA, and 17 stage IIIB. Whereas 86 patients had tumors positive for the CD151 gene, 59 had tumors that were negative for the CD151 gene. The overall survival rate of patients with CD151-positive tumors was much lower than that of CD151-negative patients (51.9% versus 73.1%; P = 0.013). Our findings suggest that high CD151 gene expression in lung cancer may be associated with a poor prognosis. Assessment of CD151 could be instrumental for improvements in lung cancer diagnosis and therapies.

An inhibitory factor for cell-free protein synthesis from Salmonella enteritidis exhibits cytopathic activity against Chinese hamster ovary cells

A factor inhibiting cell-free protein synthesis was purified from Salmonella enteritidis cell lysate by sequential ammonium sulfate precipitation, chromatography on anion exchange and hydrophobic interaction columns, and polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. The purified factor, which was named SIPS (Salmonella inhibitor of protein synthesis), inhibited in vitro protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysate and had a molecular mass of 38 kDa, estimated by PAGE under denaturing conditions. SIPS was also cytopathic for Chinese hamster ovary cells. The N-terminal amino acid sequence (20 residues) of SIPS was found to be identical to that of mature L-asparaginase II of Escherichia coli. Indeed, the purified SIPS exhibited asparaginase activity, E. coli L-asparaginase II had cytopathic activity and inhibited in vitro protein synthesis. The results suggest that at least a part of cytotoxicity and inhibition of cell-free protein synthesis caused by S. enteritidis is a property of the bacterial L-asparaginase.

Ley glycolipid-recognizing monoclonal antibody inhibits procoagulant activity and metastasis of human adenocarcinoma

Tumor procoagulant is associated with cancer at advanced stages of malignancy such as infiltration and metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the role of Ley glycolipid in the mechanism of cancer metastasis. Ley glycolipid acts as an important cofactor in the expression of the blood-coagulating activity of cancer cell-derived coagulating activity 1 (CCA-1), which is one of the known tumor procoagulants. Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) FS01, which serves as the Ley-recognizing epitope, inhibits the procoagulant activity of CCA-1 was found to dose-dependently inhibit the procoagulant activity of normal plasma induced by the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, HAL8, which shows a high level of Ley expression. It did not, however, inhibit the procoagulant activity of the human colon cancer cell line, RPMI4788, which does not express Ley. Administration of FS01 MoAb inhibited lung metastasis of HAL8 cells, but not that of RPMI4788. The absence of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-mediated cytotoxicity of FS01 MoAb against the HAL8 cell line suggests that the inhibition of HAL8 metastasis by FS01 MoAb derives from the inhibition of blood-coagulating activity of the latter. These findings indicate that Ley glycolipid plays an important role in the mechanism of cancer metastasis via the procoagulant activity of CCA-1.

Role of galectin-3 in adenocarcinoma liver metastasis

Galectin-3 is a lactosamine-specific lectin that binds to laminin sugar-sites, and up-regulated expression of galectin-3 in primary colorectal cancer is involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Inhibitory effects of cell adhesion and liver metastasis of adenocarcinoma via portal vein by lectin-binding sugar and anti-galectin-3 antibody was examined to determine the role of galectin-laminin binding in cancer liver metastasis. Highly metastatic adenocarcinoma cell lines XK4-A3 and RPMI4788 were used in in vitro cell attachment and nude mice liver metastatic experiments, and inhibitory effects of anti-galectin-3 antibody or lectin-binding sugars were examined. The in vitro adhesion assay demonstrated that the anti-galectin-3 antibody and alpha-lactose inhibited XK4-A3 and RPMI4788 cell adhesion to laminin in a dose-dependent manner. The liver metastasis of XK4-A3 and RPMI4788 was reduced 50 and 60%, respectively (P<0.001) by alpha-lactose treatment. Anti-galectin-3 antibody also inhibited liver metastasis in a dose-dependent manner, and maximum inhibition rate was 66% for XK4-A3 and 90% for RPMI4788. Galectin-3 plays an important role in liver metastasis of adenocarcinoma by the mechanisms of galectin-3 binding to laminin. Inhibition of galectin-3 on cancer cell surface induces reduced cell attachment to laminin and liver metastasis.

Serological analysis of human leptospirosis in the Philippines

Leptospirosis in the Philippines is an underrepresented disease. To achieve an accurate means of serodiagnosis, we demonstrated antibodies to the prevalent Leptospira serovars in sera of 71 patients from three major hospitals in Manila by the microscopic agglutination test and Western blot analysis. Sera of 53 patients contained antibody against 8 serovars poi, tarassovi, manilae, pyrogenes, australis, grippotyphosa, javanica, and autumnalis.

The association of K-ras gene mutation and vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Previously, the authors reported the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as an angiogenic factor in 40 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. In this study, they investigated the mechanism underlying the regulation of VEGF gene expression and evaluated VEGF expression and K-ras gene status in 48 patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors used quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and direct sequencing techniques for a retrospective study of VEGF gene expression and K-ras gene status in tumor tissue samples from 48 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry also was used to investigate VEGF protein expression.

RESULTS

Thirty-one tumors (64.6%) were evaluated with high VEGF expression, and 17 tumors (35.4%) were evaluated with low VEGF expression. Of the 48 primary pancreatic tumors studied, 33 tumors (68.8%) contained mutations of the K-ras gene. There was a significant correlation between VEGF expression and K-ras status. Twenty-five of 33 tumors (75.8%) with mutant K-ras genes showed high VEGF expression, whereas only 6 of 15 tumors with the wild type K-ras (40.0%) showed high VEGF expression (P = 0.038). The mean (+/- standard error) VEGF conservation rate for the 33 tumors with mutant K-ras was 1.839 +/- 1.241, and that for the 15 tumors with wild type K-ras was 1.057 +/- 0.983 (P = 0.037). Furthermore, the median survival for patients with mutant K-ras was shorter than for those with wild type K-ras (10.6 months vs. 27.6 months, respectively; P = 0.026), whereas the median survival for patients with high VEGF expression was shorter compared with that for patients with low VEGF expression (9.5 months vs. 26.4 months, respectively; P = 0.002). Cox regression model analysis indicated that only the VEGF status was a significant factor for prognosis (P = 0.024). Other variables, i.e., K-ras status, histopathologic tumor grade, tumor status, lymph node status, metastatic status, gender, and age at surgery, were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that K-ras oncogene mutation may be associated with VEGF expression and that patients with pancreatic carcinoma who have high VEGF expression are associated with a poor prognosis.

Role of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and serum albumin in head-to-head agglutination of boar spermatozoa

It has previously been shown that when boar spermatozoa are incubated in a modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (mKRB), head-to-head agglutination occurs in many cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and serum albumin on sperm agglutination and to discuss a possible mechanism for sperm agglutination. Spermatozoa were collected from four mature boars, washed and incubated in mKRB. After a 1-h incubation, a sample of each sperm suspension was smeared gently on a separate glass slide, dried and stained in a phosphate-buffered solution of Giemsa to assess the percentage of head-to-head agglutinated cells in each suspension. In the samples incubated in mKRB, approximately 50% of the spermatozoa were agglutinated with one another at the acrosome. However, the percentages of head-to-head agglutinated spermatozoa were greatly reduced by a lack of calcium chloride in mKRB, but were recovered by the addition of dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP, a cAMP analogue) in a dose-dependent manner between 1 and 1000 microM. Addition of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 100 and 500 microM) instead of dbcAMP also significantly increased the percentages of head-to-head agglutinated spermatozoa. Moreover, the effects of adding dbcAMP were attenuated by treatment with Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate triethylamine salt (0.25-1.0 mM, a cAMP antagonist) or H-89 (5 microM, a protein kinase-A inhibitor), but were enhanced by treatment with okadaic acid (500 nM) and calyculinA (500 nM) (inhibitors of protein serine/threonine phosphatase). In sperm samples incubated in mKRB containing 0.1% polyvinyl alcohol (mKRB-P) or mKRB-P lacking calcium chloride and supplemented with 1 mM dbcAMP, a lack of bovine serum albumin (BSA) resulted in a significant decrease in the percentages of head-to-head agglutinated spermatozoa. Addition of porcine serum albumin (PSA, 1-4 mg mL(-1)) or methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBC, 5-10 mg mL(-1)) instead of BSA was as effective as BSA (4 mg mL(-1)) in enhancing sperm agglutination. However, the effects of BSA (4 mg mL(-1)) or MBC (5 mg mL(-1)) were reduced by pre-mixing these reagents with cholesterol 3-sulfate (a cholesterol analogue, 5 microg mL(-1) for BSA and 375 microg mL(-1) for MBC). In addition, a protein 'anti-agglutinin' inhibiting sperm agglutination, was extracted from spermatozoa incubated with serum albumin or MBC and detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting techniques. The obtained Western blots revealed that sperm-bound anti-agglutinin was detected less in the samples incubated with either BSA (4 mg mL(-1)) or MBC (5-10 mg mL(-1)), compared with control samples. Moreover, pre-mixing MBC (5 mg mL(-1)) with cholesterol 3-sulfate (375 microg mL(-1)) reduced this reagent's effects on the loss of sperm-bound anti-agglutinin. Additionally, the assay of sperm agglutination and a chlortetracycline staining assay revealed that the percentages of head-to-head agglutinated spermatozoa were positively correlated with those of spermatozoa classified into B pattern (capacitated spermatozoa). These results are consistent with the following suggestions: (i) an adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-protein kinase system mediates a signalling pathway leading to head-to-head agglutination; and (ii) loss of anti-agglutinin from the spermatozoa may be modulated by changes in the plasma membrane induced by actions of serum albumin or MBC contained in a medium.

Neutral endopeptidase/CD10 and aminopeptidase N/CD13 gene expression as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Neutral endopeptidase modulates the growth of lung cancer, while aminopeptidase N degrades the extracellular matrix and is involved in cell motility. We studied the metastasis mechanism to detect novel metastasis-associated molecules and to evaluate them for clinical application.

METHODS

We studied the relationship between the expression of neutral endopeptidase and aminopeptidase N by quantitative reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction analysis in 132 patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing radical surgery from 1991 to 1996.

RESULTS

Patients with neutral endopeptidase-positive and aminopeptidase N-negative tumors were defined as group A, those with neutral endopeptidase-positive and aminopeptidase N-positive or neutral endopeptidase-negative and aminopeptidase N-negative tumors as group B, and those with neutral endopeptidase-negative and aminopeptidase N-positive tumors as group C. The 5-year survival of group A patients (92.9%) was significantly better than that of group B patients (64.7%) and much better than that of group C patients (38.2%) (P = 0.0011). Neutral endopeptidase and aminopeptidase N thus have statistically significant P in overall survival in Cox regression (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Neutral endopeptidase and aminopeptidase N gene expressions are significant indicators of prognosis.

The association of K-ras gene mutation and vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Previously, the authors reported the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as an angiogenic factor in 40 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. In this study, they investigated the mechanism underlying the regulation of VEGF gene expression and evaluated VEGF expression and K-ras gene status in 48 patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors used quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and direct sequencing techniques for a retrospective study of VEGF gene expression and K-ras gene status in tumor tissue samples from 48 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry also was used to investigate VEGF protein expression.

RESULTS

Thirty-one tumors (64.6%) were evaluated with high VEGF expression, and 17 tumors (35.4%) were evaluated with low VEGF expression. Of the 48 primary pancreatic tumors studied, 33 tumors (68.8%) contained mutations of the K-ras gene. There was a significant correlation between VEGF expression and K-ras status. Twenty-five of 33 tumors (75.8%) with mutant K-ras genes showed high VEGF expression, whereas only 6 of 15 tumors with the wild type K-ras (40.0%) showed high VEGF expression (P = 0.038). The mean (+/- standard error) VEGF conservation rate for the 33 tumors with mutant K-ras was 1.839 +/- 1.241, and that for the 15 tumors with wild type K-ras was 1.057 +/- 0.983 (P = 0.037). Furthermore, the median survival for patients with mutant K-ras was shorter than for those with wild type K-ras (10.6 months vs. 27.6 months, respectively; P = 0.026), whereas the median survival for patients with high VEGF expression was shorter compared with that for patients with low VEGF expression (9.5 months vs. 26.4 months, respectively; P = 0.002). Cox regression model analysis indicated that only the VEGF status was a significant factor for prognosis (P = 0.024). Other variables, i.e., K-ras status, histopathologic tumor grade, tumor status, lymph node status, metastatic status, gender, and age at surgery, were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that K-ras oncogene mutation may be associated with VEGF expression and that patients with pancreatic carcinoma who have high VEGF expression are associated with a poor prognosis.

Cold activation of serum complement in patients with chronic hepatitis C: study on activating pathway and involvement of IgG

It has been documented that the serum complement activities measured by hemolytic assay (CH50) are decreased after storage of sera at a low temperature in some patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the mechanism of this phenomenon has not been identified yet. Here, we tried to elucidate factors involved in the cold activation of complement (CAC). To clarify what pathway is activated in CAC, we measured complement cleavage products after cold storage of sera. C4d increased significantly after 12 h-storage at cold temperatures in 5 CAC (+) sera compared with 5 CAC (-) (P < 0.01) and 3 control sera (P < 0.05), while Bb did not increase in any of the groups. In order to determine whether IgG or IgG complex is necessary for CAC, 8 CAC (+) sera were incubated with Protein G Sepharose gel beads, and all of them retained hemolytic activities to some extent after cold storage. Column chromatography through Superose 6HR of CAC-positive serum identified the fractions containing molecules that induced CAC in normal serum, which were depleted by treatment with protein G Sepharose. In conclusion, CAC in hepatitis C seems to occur via a classical or lectin pathway, and the IgG complex produced in hepatitis C virus infection may be an important factor in inducing CAC, a common extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C.

The influence of dissolved CO(2) concentration on the death kinetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

AIMS

The effects of temperature and concentration of dissolved CO(2) on the inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated using a plug-flow system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Several combinations of pressure (4, 6, 8, 10 mega-Pa (MPa)) and temperature (30, 34, 36, 38 degrees C) were used. The D-values obtained were 0.14 min at 8 MPa and 38 degrees C, and 0.15 min at 10 MPa and 36 degrees C. The log D-values were related linearly to the treatment temperature and to the dissolved CO(2) concentration. The thermal resistance constant (zCO(2)(T)) was 9.5 degrees C in the media, including significant levels of CO(2), and the CO(2) resistance constant was z(temp.)(gamma)=7.2 gamma.

CONCLUSION

This work has shown that inactivation followed first-order death kinetics, and the effects of temperature and CO(2) concentration were consistent through the critical temperature and pressure of CO(2). Therefore, it is feasible to estimate D-values at any temperature and any CO(2) concentration.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Non-thermal inactivation of micro-organisms in acidic beverages could be realized by the present technique.

Acute encephalopathy associated with nontyphoidal salmonellosis

The importance of an acute encephalopathy associated with nontyphoidal salmonellosis has recently been recognized, but the disease entity has been poorly established. In this study, we describe two encephalopathic patients associated with nontyphoidal salmonellosis. The patients exhibited a rapid evolution of coma after the onset of lethargy or seizure. Fever and diarrhea due to salmonellosis preceded these events. Secondary factors inducing encephalopathies, such as severe dehydration, sepsis, meningitis, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances, acute renal failure, and multiple organ failure, were excluded in the differential diagnosis at the onset of encephalopathic features. These clinical findings and rapid development of encephalopathic features from localized intestinal infection without any significant abnormalities in a variety of blood tests may suggest a toxic etiology. However, endotoxin was not found in serum from both patients. From these results, we conclude that nontyphoidal salmonellosis can cause a toxic encephalopathy syndrome, like shigellosis or verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli infection.

Prognostic impact of CD45 antigen expression in high-risk, childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

To evaluate the clinical implications of CD45 expression in acute childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), we measured the CD45 expression of blast cells from 133 untreated patients with childhood B-precursor ALL (n = 118) or T-ALL (n = 15). CD45 expression (> or = 20%) was detected in all 15 cases (100%) of T-ALL, and 101 cases (86%) of B-precursor ALL. In 122 cases, the fluorescence intensity of the CD45 expression was measured as a relative value; the ratio of average linear values (RALV) of CD45 on the blasts to that on CD3-positive T-lymphocytes from the same specimen. The expression was more intense in the T-ALL cases than in the B-precursor ALL cases (RALV, mean +/- SE: T-ALL 0.230 +/- 0.04 vs. pro-B ALL 0.150 +/- 0.012/pre-B ALL 0.153 +/- 0.019, p < 0.05). However, the intensity of the CD10, CD19, CD20 and CD34 antigen immunoreactivity did not correlate with the CD45 expression. Patients with hyperdiploidy (chromosome number > 50) showed significantly lower levels of CD45 expression than patients with t(1;19) or normal karyotypes (RALV, mean +/- SE: 0.081 +/- 0.022 vs. 0.133 +/- 0.03/0.143 +/- 0.019, p < 0.05). Other clinical features such as age, gender and WBC count did not correlate with CD45 expression. The prognostic implications of CD45 expression were studied in non-high-risk (low-risk + intermediate-risk) (n = 60) and high-risk patients (n = 52) with B-precursor ALL who had been treated with the risk-directed protocol of ALL-941 trial. Although CD45 expression did not correlate with the event-free survival (EFS) of the non-high-risk patients, there was a significant correlation between the expression levels and the EFS of the high-risk patients: the 3-year EFS rate of the CD45low group (n = 26, RALV = 0.017-0.132) was 88 +/- 7% versus the CD45high group (n = 26, RALV = 0.133-0.450) at 34 +/- 24% (p < 0.05). These results show that the levels of expression of the CD45 antigen on leukemic lymphoblasts are significantly correlated with the clinical features and prognosis of childhood ALL.

Laparoscopic findings in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic disease characterized by segmental narrowing and dilatation of bile ducts. Few studies have been performed on the laparoscopic findings associated with this disease, and the present study was intended to assess the usefulness of laparoscopy for the diagnosis and staging of PSC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six patients were examined by laparoscopy with liver biopsy. Repeated laparoscopy was performed in three patients.

RESULTS

Laparoscopy revealed coarse surface irregularity and discoloration. Surface irregularity was classified into four grades: smooth, shallowly depressed, undulated, and nodular. The affected area showed whitish yellow discoloration. The discolored area was demonstrated as a poorly stained area by intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG). Lobular markings became apparent because of the yellow color change in the portal tract, resulting in a leopardskin-like appearance. Lymph-vessel dilatation was seen in advanced stages. Repeated laparoscopy of a patient without treatment demonstrated a progression from a smooth surface to a shallow depression with leopardskin-like markings. On the other hand, the two patients treated with immunosuppressive agents showed improvement of liver swelling and disappearance of the leopardskin-like markings and lymph-vessel dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy may provide useful information for the diagnosis and staging of PSC.

High prevalence of TT virus in human bile juice samples: importance of secretion through bile into feces

TT virus (TTV) is much more prevalent than we once imagined. With the use of primers designed from the noncoding regions, a more than 90% rate of TTV infection in the general population by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been reported, showing that nonparenteral transmission must play an important role to its epidemiology. We considered that TTV may be secreted through bile juice into feces to establish nonparenteral infection. Paired bile juice and serum samples were obtained from 26 patients who were receiving bile drainage. Feces were also recovered after the drainage tube was removed. TTV DNA was detected from 22 patients in serum (84.6%), and they were all TTV DNA positive in bile juice. Most feces samples recovered from TTV-positive patients were also TTV DNA positive. Secretion of TTV into bile juice appears to be common, and this could play an important role to its transmission and its epidemiology.

Evaluation of resting brain conditions measured by two different methods (i.v. and oral administration) with18F-FDG-PET

Our aim was to evaluate regional differences between brain activity in two resting control conditions measured by 3D PET after administration of FDG through either the intravenous (i.v.) or the oral route. Ten healthy male volunteers engaged in the study as the i.v. group (mean age, 26 +/- 9.3 years, +/- S.D.) who received FDG intravenously and another 10 volunteers as the oral group (mean age, 27.9 +/- 11.3 years, +/- S.D.) who received FDG per os. A set of 3D-PET scans (emission and transmission scans) were performed in both groups. To explore possible functional differences between the brains of the two groups, the SPM-96 software was used for statistical analysis. The results revealed that glucose metabolism was significantly higher in the superior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobule, lingual gyrus and left cerebellar hemisphere in the i.v. group than in the oral group. Metabolically active areas were found in the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdaloid nucleus, pons and cerebellum in the oral group when compared with the i.v. group. These differences were presumably induced by differences between FDG kinetics and/or time-weighted behavioral effects in the two studies. This study suggests the need for extreme caution when selecting a pooled control population for designated activation studies.

Inhibition of azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats by the citrus limonoids obacunone and limonin

The modifying effects of dietary administration of the citrus limonoids obacunone and limonin on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumorigenesis were investigated in two experiments in male F344 rats. In a pilot study, we examined the modifying effects of obacunone and limonin on AOM-induced (20 mg/kg body wt, once a week for 2 weeks) formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Dietary feeding of both compounds at dose levels of 200 and 500 p.p.m. during AOM exposure for 4 weeks ('initiation' feeding) or after AOM treatment for 4 weeks ('post-initiation' feeding) significantly inhibited ACF formation (55-65% reduction by 'initiation' feeding, P < 0.001; 28-42% reduction by 'post-initiation' feeding, P < 0.05-0.002). In a long-term study designed to confirm the protective effects of obacunone and limonin on ACF development, one group was treated with AOM alone and another four groups received the carcinogen treatment plus diets containing 500 p.p.m. test compounds for 3 weeks (initiation phase) or 29 weeks (post-initiation phase). Two groups were treated with obacunone or limonin alone (500 p.p.m. in diet) and one group was maintained on the basal diet. At the termination of the study, dietary exposure to obacunone or limonin during the initiation phase was found to have significantly reduced the incidence of colonic adenocarcinoma (72 versus 25 or 6%, P = 0.004 or 0.00003). Obacunone or limonin feeding during the post-initiation phase also reduced the frequency of colonic adenocarcinoma (72 versus 13%, P = 0.0002). Our results suggest that the citrus limonoids obacunone and limonin might be useful for the prevention of human colon cancers.

The novel monoclonal antibody MH8-4 inhibiting cell motility recognizes integrin alpha 3: inverse of its expression withmetastases in colon cancer

The molecular basis of cell motility is obviously highly complex and is considered to be controlled by a number of molecular systems including cell adhesion molecules, their receptors, cytoskeletal components, a junctional unit connecting cytoskeletal components and membrane receptors, and various peptide growth factors. The possible involvement of proteins at the cell surface in controlling cell motility has been systematically investigated. Previously, we have addressed this question using functional monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), which inhibit cell motility as probes. In order to further identify cell surface molecules involved in metastasis of gastrointestinal tumors, the present study utilized an approach based on the selection of a colon cancer cell line RPMI4788, which showed high motility out of a large number of human gastrointestinal tumor cell lines. MAb MH8-4 was established after immunization of mice with RPMI4788 and selected on the basis of inhibition of RPMI4788 cell migration in a transwell penetration assay. MH8-4 inhibited the phagokinetic tract motility of various cancer cell lines. A cDNA cloning revealed that MH8-4 recognized a specific protein structure, integrin alpha 3. In order to determine whether these experimental results are of relevance with respect to actual human gastrointestinal tumors, we investigated integrin alpha 3 expression in 40 colon cancers with distant metastases. Our immunohistochemical study showed that in almost 27.5% of the cases, the metastatic tumors had lower integrin alpha 3 levels than their corresponding primary tumors. Moreover, there were no primary tumors with lower integrin alpha 3 expression than their corresponding metastatic tumors. Our data suggest that low integrin alpha 3 expression may be associated with the metastatic potential of certain colon cancers.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis in a Meishan x Göttingen cross population

In order to locate the genetic regions in the swine genome that are responsible for economically important traits, a resource population has been constructed by mating two female Meishan pigs with a male Göttingen miniature pig. In subsequent generations, 265 F2 offspring were produced from two F1 males and 19 F1 females. The F2 offspring were scored for eight traits including growth rate, teat number, vertebra number and backfat thickness, and genotyped for 318 genetic markers spanning the swine genome. Least-square analysis revealed quantitative trait loci (QTL) effects for vertebra number on chromosomes 1 and 2; for teat number on chromosomes 1 and 7; for birth weight on chromosome 1; for average daily gain between 4 and 13 weeks of age on chromosomes 9 and 10; for backfat thickness on chromosome 7; and for backskin thickness on chromosome 3.

[Chemotherapy with nedaplatin for an oral floor cancer patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis]

Since pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing hemodialysis differs from that in patients with normal renal function, the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs to a patient with renal failure should be sufficiently considered beforehand to avoid adverse effects. A case of carcinoma of the oral floor in a 69 year-old male receiving ongoing hemodialysis due to chronic renal failure is reported. Chemotherapy was given using nedaplatin and 5-FU; surgery was performed as well. To investigate the pharmacokinetics and determine the optimal dose of nedaplatin during ongoing hemodialysis, the concentrations of free-platinum and total-platinum in serum from the patient were measured periodically. The patient received approximately one half of the dose of nedaplatin for a patient with normal renal function. Hemodialysis was performed 3 hours after the start of the administration of nedaplatin and continued for 4 hours. As a result, the maximum concentration of nedaplatin (Cmax) was about one half of the normal range. However, the value of the area under the blood concentration time curve (AUC), which is considered a target index of administration, was close to the value in patients with normal renal function. No severe side effects were observed after chemotherapy. A Grade IV pathological effect on Ohboshi-Shimosato's classification was obtained from the specimen after radical resection.

Rapidly progressive pneumonia due to Aeromonas hydrophila shortly after near-drowning

An 87-year-old woman died of rapidly progressive pneumonia due to Aeromonas hydrophila shortly after a near-drowning event. Autopsy showed necrotizing pneumonia and postmortem cultures of both blood and lung revealed the organism. Fulminant pneumonia should be considered in patients of a near-drowning event.

Efficient enhancement of priming effect by intermittent treatment with interferon

To improve the efficacy of interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C, we proposed a therapy with twice-a-day injection of IFNbeta as the induction. To assess its biological enhancement, we compared antiviral activities in vitro using intermittent treatment schedules simulating the clinical condition. FL cells were treated with IFNbeta twice in 12 h interval (Single treatment, 1000 and 0 IU/ml; Double treatment, 500 IU/ml each) and challenged with Sindbis virus. Antiviral activities were determined with 50% cytopathic effect. Activities and mRNA expressions of 2'5'oligoadenylate synthetase (2'5'AS) were also examined. Single treatment showed its peak activity at 9 h, while Double treatment was at 3 h after the second treatment. Double treatment had a significantly higher peak activity. The up-regulated activities of 2'5'AS lasted much longer with Double treatment. The present findings demonstrated Double treatment could induce efficient biological enhancement, which is thought based on the priming effect.

Suppression of pulmonary metastasis using adenovirally motility related protein-1 (MRP-1/CD9) gene delivery

Previously we showed that MRP-1/CD9 might prevent tumor metastasis by suppression of cell motility and invasion of tissue barriers. The present study explored the possibility of preventing metastasis of mouse melanoma BL6 by expression of MRP-1/CD9 through gene transfer. A replication-deficient adenovirus vector was used for the in vivo transfer of MRP-1/CD9 cDNA. Intratumor injection of an adenovirus vector (rAd-MRP-1/CD9) expressing MRP-1/CD9 resulted in a 73.7% reduction in the number of pulmonary metastases of mice and the median survival time of mice treated with rAd-MRP-1/CD9 was significantly longer than those treated with the rAd-beta-gal vector (103.2 approximately plus;8.5 days vs 71.2 approximately plus;5.2 days, P<0.001 respectively). These results support the expression of MRP-1/CD9 through gene transfer as a therapeutic strategy for preventing metastases and prolonging survival, and support the feasibility of gene transfer in a clinically relevant setting.

Immunocytochemical localization of beta-citryl-L-glutamate in primary neuronal cells and in the differentiation of P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells into neuronal cells

The immunocytochemical localization of beta-citryl-L-glutamate (beta-CG) in primary neuronal cells and in the differentiation of P19 cells was examined. 1: Cells with the morphological features of neurons in the primary culture were specifically stained with the anti-beta-CG antibody both in neurites and in the cell body. 2: The neuronal cells differentiated from P19 cells were distinctly stained with the anti-beta-CG antibody both in neurites and in the cell body, while the non-neuronal cells were not. 3: The concentration of beta-CG was low in the P19 cells, but increased significantly with the differentiation of P19 cells into neurons. It was shown that beta-CG was localized exclusively in neurons. These findings suggest that beta-CG plays functional roles in the differentiation and growth of neuron.

[Treatment and prognosis of children with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma--a report from CCLSG-NHL 890 Study. Children's Cancer and Leukemia Study Group (CCLSG)]

To address the issue of salvageability in relapsed children with NHL who had all received the same frontline therapy, we retrospectively studied the treatment response and the outcome of 27 children who relapsed following the CCLSG-NHL890 protocol. The reinduction rates and 3-year survival rates (mean +/- SD) were as follows: lymphoblastic lymphoma (LB, n = 9), 44% & 17 +/- 14%; leukemia lymphoma syndrome (LLS, n = 8), 25% & 0%; large cell lymphoma (LC, n = 3) 100% & 67 +/- 27%; Burkitt's lymphoma (B, n = 7) 0% & 0%. Thus, the salvageability of LC lymphoma was good, but the outcome of Burkitt's lymphoma was very poor. CCLSG-NHL960 protocol for LB lymphomas and intensive multiagent regimens for LC lymphomas produced favorable response rates, but the effect of the high-dose Ara-C regimen for Burkitt's lymphoma was not determined. The initial stages of the disease seemed to be associated with the patient outcome: the outcome of the patients in stage IV was inferior to that of patients in stages II or III. Other clinical variables, such as relapse sites, relapse time and BM rescue did not affect the patients' outcome.

Haemophilus influenzae infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome

It has been reported recently that Haemophilus influenzae can elicit an axonal form of Guillain-Barré syndrome. To investigate the incidence and features of H. influenzae-related Guillain-Barré syndrome, anti-H. influenzae antibody titres were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 46 consecutive Japanese patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, 49 normal controls, 24 patients with multiple sclerosis and 27 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Whole bacteria of non-encapsulated (non-typable) H. influenzae isolated from one of the Guillain-Barré syndrome patients was the antigen used. Elevated anti-H. influenzae antibodies for two or three classes of IgG, IgM and IgA were found in six (13%) Guillain-Barré syndrome patients, but not in the normal controls and patients with multiple sclerosis or ALS. The incidence was significantly higher in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome than in the normal controls (P = 0.01) and patients with multiple sclerosis or ALS (P = 0.009). Western blot analysis confirmed that the H. influenzae-positive patients' IgG recognized the lipopolysaccharides of H. influenzae. Guillain-Barré syndrome patients with anti-H. influenzae antibodies showed relatively uniform clinical and laboratory features: prodromal respiratory infection, less frequent cranial and sensory nerve involvement, pure motor axonal degeneration on electrophysiology, and positivity for IgG anti-GM1 antibodies. Although the features were similar to those in Guillain-Barré syndrome patients infected by Campylobacter jejuni, the recoveries seemed to be better in patients with H. influenzae-related Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is concluded that a form of Guillain-Barré syndrome occurs after respiratory infection by H. influenzae in the Japanese population. A particular strain of non-typable H. influenzae has a ganglioside GM1-like structure and elicits axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome similar to C. jejuni-related Guillain-Barré syndrome.