[The percentage of hepatitis B virus precore A83 mutant and its dynamicchange in fulminant hepatitis B]

OBJECTIVE

In order to clarify whether hepatitis B virus precore A83 mutant is related to the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis B or not.

METHODS

The percentage of hepatitis B virus precore A83 mutant and the quantity of HBV DNA in sera from 9 patients with fulminant hepatitis B were assayed by the method of densitometry after mispairing PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (mpPCR-RFLP) and quantitative PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

The HBV precore A83 mutant was found in sera of 6 out of 9 (66.7%) fulminant hepatitis patients while none of them were infected with the mutant strain alone, and all were mixed with wild strain. The percentage of the mutant over fifty percent is only in 2 cases in whom one was 59.3% (survival) and another 64.8% (died). The percentage below 31.0% was in 4 cases and all of them died. It was observed that appearance or disappearance of the A83 mutant and its dynamic change of percentage were consistent with the fluctuation of HBV DNA level but there was no correlation statistically (r=0.602, 0.583; P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The mutant strain alone has little correlation to the occurrence of fulminant hepatitis. It might be merely a accompaniment to follow the replication of HBV under the highly immune pressure.

Screening for limonoid glucosides in Citrus tangerina (Tanaka) Tseng by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A screening method for limonoid glucosides in the peel of Citrus tangerina (Tanaka) Tseng, which utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array detection and interfaced to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, has been developed. In this way, the UV-Vis spectra and the mass spectra indicate the presence of limonoid glucosides without the necessity of isolating the individual compounds. Two major limonoid glucosides--obacunone glucoside (OG) and nomilin glucoside (NG)--were identified in the methanol extract of the peel. The two limonoid glucosides were taken as the target and isolated by means of preparative HPLC on a C18 reversed-phase column with an acidic acetonitrile-water mobile phase. The structures of OG and NG were further confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry.

Effects of air pollution on children's respiratory health in three Chinese cities

During the winter of 1988-1989, parents of 2,789 elementary-school students completed standardized questionnaires. The students were 5-14 y of age and were from three urban districts and one suburban district of three large Chinese cities. The 4-y average ambient levels of total suspended particles in the three cities differed greatly during the period 1985-1988: Lanzhou, 1,067 microg/m3; urban Wuhan, 406 microg/m3; Guangzhou, 296 microg/m3; and suburban Wuhan, 191 microg/m3. The authors constructed unconditional logistic-regression models to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for prevalences of several respiratory symptoms and illnesses, adjusted for district, use of coal in the home, and parental smoking status. There was a positive and significant association between total suspended particle levels and the adjusted odds ratios for cough, phlegm, hospitalization for diseases, and pneumonia. This association was derived from only the 1,784 urban children and, therefore, the authors were unable to extrapolate it to the suburban children. The results also indicated that parental smoking status was associated with cough and phlegm, and use of coal in the home was associated only with cough prevalence (alpha = 0.05).

Parametric modeling in food package defect imaging

A novel approach in food package defect detection is proposed based on system identification theory, in which the channel defect detection problem can be regarded as the conventional system identification problem, i.e., estimation of the system impulse response based on the input-output sequence using parametric and nonparametric models. The well-known parametric model ARX has been investigated in this paper. The data are collected with a focused ultrasound transducer (17.3 MHz, 6.35-mm diameter, f/2, 173 microm -6 dB pulse-echo lateral beam width at the focus) scanned over a rectangular grid, keeping the packages in the focus. Performance is measured in terms of detection rate, image contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio. The results using the ARX model are compared with previous image formation techniques and also compared with the non-parametric method, i.e., spectral analysis. The results show that the ARX model has the comparable detection rate as RFCS and higher detection rate than BAI and RFS (except 6-microm air-filled channel in plastic trilaminate film) for channel in plastic trilaminate film. The ARX model has achieved the moderate contrast enhancement and ranks second in contrast-to-noise ratio enhancement among the compared techniques. The ARX model has a low detection rate for channel defects in aluminum trilaminate film, which shows that its performance is material-dependent. Finally, the parametric method, ARX model demonstrates better performance than the non-parametric method, spectral analysis for food package defect detection.

High contrast ultrasound images of defects in food package seals

Previous work to detect defects in food packaging seals using pulse-echo ultrasound inspired the backscattered amplitude integral (BAI) imaging technique, which could reliably identify channels with diameters 38 microm or larger at a center frequency of 17.3 MHz (lambda=86 microm). The current study presents two new processing techniques that more reliably reveal smaller channels ( approximately 6 microm in diameter). The RF sampling technique (RFS) displays a single, time-gated, pressure value from the received (not envelope-detected) RF waveform at each transducer position. The RF correlation technique (RFC) calculates the correlation coefficients of the RF signals with a reference signal that does not pass through a channel. The correlation coefficient can be calculated for the entire RF signal (RFCE) or over a short segment of the RF signal (RFCS). The performance of these imaging methods for detecting channel defects is investigated for plastic and aluminum foil trilaminate films with 6, 10, 15, 38, and 50 microm channels filled with water or air. Data are collected with a focused ultrasound transducer (17.3 MHz, 6.35 mm in diameter, f/2, 173 microm -6 dB pulse-echo lateral beamwidth at the focus) scanned over a rectangular grid, keeping the package in the focus. Performance is measured using detection rates, image contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Both RFS and RFCS have improved detection rates relative to BAI for channels 15 microm or smaller. The RFCS technique is the most effective at smoothing the background, leading to the greatest CNR improvements.

[Expression of ET-1 and Pr ET-1 mRNA in kidney of early diabetic rats]

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and pr ET-1 mRNA in kidney of early diabetic rats. The location and level of ET-1 were determined by immuno-histochemical staining; ET-1 cDNA probe was used for in situ hybridization. The expressions of ET-1 and ET-1 mENA in the kidneys of 24 early diabetic rats were detected by microscopy and Mia-2000 patho-image-analysis system. The results revealed that the ET-1 mRNA and ET-1 were principally distributed in the glomerular endothelial cells, mesangial cells, smooth muscle cells of vessels, epithelial cell lining tubules and collecting ducts, showing no difference in the distribution over kidney, but the expressions of ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA were higher in the renal medulla. The levels of ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA in glomeruli significantly decreased at week 1 and week 2(P < 0.05), but increased at week 4(P < 0.05). However, the levels of ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA continually increased from week 1 to week 4 in the medulla of diabetic rats. These data suggest that ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA may induce the glomerular hyperperfusion and damage the tubulointerstitial of the kidneys in early diabetic rats.

Post-transcriptional regulation of Xwnt-8 expression is required for normal myogenesis during vertebrate embryonic development

The Xenopus Wnt-8 gene is transiently expressed in ventral and lateral mesoderm during gastrulation and plays a critical role in patterning these tissues. In the current study, we show that the spatial and temporal pattern of expression of endogenous Xwnt-8 is regulated, in part, at a post-transcriptional level. We have identified a novel sequence element in the 3′ untranslated region of the Xwnt-8 RNA that controls the polyadenylation status of reporter and endogenous Xwnt-8 RNAs, directs rapid RNA degradation beginning precisely at the early gastrula stage, and represses translation of transcripts throughout development. Expression of endogenous Xwnt-8 is normally downregulated within lateral (presomitic) mesoderm following gastrulation. We demonstrate that rapid degradation of Xwnt-8 transcripts, mediated by these regulatory elements in the 3′ untranslated region, is essential to this process and that downregulation is required to prevent overcommitment of somitic cells to a myogenic fate. These studies demonstrate a role for post-transcriptional regulation of zygotic gene expression in vertebrate embryonic patterning.

Activating c-kit gene mutations in human germ cell tumors

The c-kit gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor (KIT) that is required in normal spermatogenesis and is expressed in seminomas and dysgerminomas, a subset of human germ cell tumors (GCTs). To determine whether activating mutations of the c-kit gene occur in GCTs, primary tissue samples of 33 testicular and ovarian tumors were examined for mutations in the juxtamembrane and phosphotransferase domains by polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA sequencing. A novel missense mutation (D816H) was found in the phosphotransferase domain in tumors of seminoma/dysgerminoma differentiation. The c-kit alleles in nonneoplastic tissues from these patients were wild type, suggesting that the mutant alleles were acquired and selected for during malignant transformation. In cell transfection experiments, the D816H mutant protein was a constitutively activated kinase and was constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. This is the first description of an activating c-kit mutation in GCTs and is evidence that the KIT signal transduction pathway is important in the pathogenesis of neoplasms with seminoma differentiation.

Mutations of c-kit JM domain are found in a minority of human gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The c-kit gene encodes a transmembrane receptor kinase (KIT) which is expressed in the majority of human gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), a subtype of gastrointestinal mesenchymal neoplasms. A previous study identified mutations in the juxtamembrane (JM) domain of c-kit in five of six GISTs (Science 279: 577, 1998). To better define the frequency and spectrum of c-kit gene mutations in mesenchymal neoplasms of the GI tract that had been characterized for KIT protein expression, we examined archived tissue samples for mutations in the JM domain by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. c-kit JM domain mutations were found in nine of 56 mesenchymal tumors (46 GISTs, eight leiomyomas, two leiomyosarcomas) and occurred exclusively in GISTs (21%). Seven of the nine mutations consisted of intragenic deletions of one to 19 codons. There was one insertion mutation that added 12 codons and one missense mutation (Val560Asp). None of the mutations disrupted the downstream reading frame of the gene. The single missense mutation (Val560Asp) is very similar to the only other missense mutation reported in GISTs (Val599Asp). Of the 46 GISTs, 43 were strongly positive for KIT protein expression and negative for diffuse expression of desmin. Neither KIT expression nor gene mutations were found in gastrointestinal leiomyomas or leiomyosarcomas. We conclude that mutation of the c-kit JM domain does not occur in gastrointestinal mesenchymal neoplasms with well developed-smooth muscle differentiation, and is restricted to GISTs. However, since these mutations are only found in a minority of GISTs, further investigation into the mechanisms of c-kit gene activation in this group of neoplasms is warranted.

Control of auxin-regulated root development by the Arabidopsis thaliana SHY2/IAA3 gene

The plant hormone auxin controls many aspects of development and acts in part by inducing expression of various genes. Arabidopsis thaliana semidominant shy2 (short hypocotyl) mutations cause leaf formation in dark-grown plants, suggesting that SHY2 has an important role in regulating development. Here we show that the SHY2 gene encodes IAA3, a previously known member of the Aux/IAA family of auxin-induced genes. Dominant shy2 mutations cause amino acid changes in domain II, conserved among all members of this family. We isolated loss-of-function shy2 alleles including a putative null mutation. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function shy2 mutations affect auxin-dependent root growth, lateral root formation, and timing of gravitropism, indicating that SHY2/IAA3 regulates multiple auxin responses in roots. The phenotypes suggest that SHY2/IAA3 may activate some auxin responses and repress others. Models invoking tissue-specificity, feedback regulation, or control of auxin transport may explain these results.

Application of labeling techniques to archival temporal bone sections

Pathology of the human inner ear has traditionally been studied in celloidin-embedded, hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the temporal bone. Although the traditional histologic approach has yielded valuable information, it is now possible to extend these studies to include analysis of molecules using immunohistochemical and histochemical staining techniques. Fourteen antibodies and 6 lectins have been applied to 420 archival, celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections. Tissues had been fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in celloidin, sectioned, and stored for as many as 40 years. The staining intensities varied among sections, so they were ranked from 'no label" to "dense label." To investigate the relationships between the extent of postmortem changes (PMCs), storage time, and staining intensity for each antibody, the sections were graded according to their PMCs, which ranged from good preservation of the temporal bone histologic structure to severe postmortem autolysis. Although statistical analysis indicated that both extent of PMCs and storage time in general decrease the staining intensity, both poorly fixed tissue and sections stored for a long time can yield good immunostaining results with some antibodies.

[Pathological characteristics of gonads in nine patients with true hermaphroditism]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the gonadal histopathology of true hermaphroditism and its correlation with the clinical features.

METHODS

Clinico-pathological materials and chromosomal karyotypes from 9 true hermaphroditisms were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven out of 9 patients aged 5-21 years had been raised as females, and the other two were raised as males. Ovotestis was the most common form of the abnormal gonads, 2 out of 9 patients had bilateral ovotestes, 7 had unilateral ovotestes (5 in right side, 2 in left side). In the 7 patients with unilateral ovotestis, 6 had a contralateral ovary and one had a contralateral testis. Microscopically, the ovarian tissue of 11 ovotestes, including 6 biopsies from contralateral ovaries were normal, with many primordial follicles and a few growing follicles. In two of the patients, aged over 15 years, evidence of ovulation was observed. In comparison, the testicular tissue of the ovotestis and one left inguinal testis was histologically abnormal. Two of the 9 patients conceived and delivered normal infants by cesarean section after surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Identification of the gonadal histopathology in these cases is important in order to make a correct scheme for the treatment.

Modification of Ran GTPase-activating protein by the small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO-1 requires Ubc9, an E2-type ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme homologue

Covalent modification of the Ran GTPase-activating protein RanGAP1 with the ubiquitin-related protein SUMO-1 promotes its association with Nup358, a component of the cytoplasmic fibrils emanating from the nuclear pore complex (1,2). In Xenopus egg extracts, Nup358 can be found in a complex with Ubc9 (3), a structural homologue of the E2-type ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (UBCs). Here we show that a subset of the human homologue of Ubc9 (HsUbc9) colocalizes with RanGAP1 at the nuclear envelope. HsUbc9 forms thiolester conjugates with recombinant SUMO-1, but not with recombinant ubiquitin, indicating that it is functionally distinct from E2-type UBCs. Finally, HsUbc9 is required for the modification of RanGAP1 by SUMO-1. These results suggest that HsUbc9 is a component of a novel enzymatic cascade that modifies RanGAP1, and possibly other substrates, with SUMO-1.

Statistical analysis of split spectrum processing for multiple target detection

This work provides a statistical analysis of the performance of split spectrum processing (SSP) for the detection of multiple targets using data consisting of simulated flaw signals added to experimentally obtained backscattered grain noise. The investigation is performed under two conditions: known a priori target spectral characteristics (i.e., center frequency and bandwidth) which, in turn, identifies the optimal spectral range for processing, and adaptively obtaining the processing frequencies using group delay moving entropy. The group delay moving entropy method was introduced to select the optimal frequency regions for SSP when detecting multiple targets. The effectiveness of this technique is statistically demonstrated in this paper. The performance is measured in terms of normalized signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and probability of target detection. SSP with known target information yields a slightly higher probability of detection compared to SSP using group delay moving entropy, while both cases achieve comparable SNR enhancement. The SSP results were also compared with the corresponding bandpass filter outputs, which show superior performance for SSP for a wide range of simulation parameters.

[Study of spectrometer calibration experiment research]

Spectrometer calibration is very important for quantitative research of imaging spectral remote sensing. After spectral calibtation and radiometric calibration, it was known that the average shift of wavelength of SE590 channels was 8nm, and the linear response was depended on the change of energy recieved by SE590, and spectral response resolution was unreasonable beyond 950nm range. At last, the calibration results were proved by the field experiment measurement data.

Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and intrauterine insemination in the treatment of obstructive azoospermia

OBJECTIVE

To treat obstructive azoospermia by using sperm recovered from percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration in IUI.

DESIGN

Clinical study.

SETTING

Institutional clinic in Jinan.

PATIENT(S)

Six men with obstructive azoospermia, three of whom were treated with percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and IUI; sperm recovered from this procedure were used for IUIs.

INTERVENTION(S)

Spermatozoa used for intrauterine injection were retrieved by percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and incubated at 37 degrees C for 40 to 60 minutes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Normal pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

Intrauterine insemination was performed in three patients for one or two cycles, with motile spermatozoa. There was one successful term delivery.

CONCLUSION(S)

Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration can be used successfully to recover sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia for use in IUI. The technique is simple and less traumatic than an open surgical procedure.

Marrow-mesenchyme connections in the fetal and newborn tympanum. A new entity

Examinations of 41 human fetal, 8 infant, and 8 juvenile temporal bones prepared for light microscopic evaluation revealed direct connections between the hematopoietic bone marrow and the unresolved mesenchyme in the middle ear. The connections first appeared at 15 weeks of gestation and became bridged by fibrous tissue, in most cases, by the postpartum age of 10 months. Between 16 and 18 months after birth, the marrow-mesenchyme connections gradually disappeared. The areas in which the connections were most numerous were the anterior epitympanum, the sinus tympani medial to the stapedius muscle, and transitory bone that occupies the area that will become the aditus of the antrum. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the existence of mature leukocytes in these connections. These connections may help protect the middle ear against bacterial invasion during the postnatal period.

[The effect of smoking and passive smoking on thiocyanate content in saliva]

The saliva thiocyanate contents were determined among smokers and passive smokers. The saliva thiocyanate contents of passive smokers in smoking environment and non-smoking environment were compared. The results showed that the saliva thiocyanate in smoking environment was higher than that in non-smoking environment (P<0.01). The results indicate that the saliva thiocyanate detecting is a direct and sensitive index for evaluating the hazard of passive smoking.

Synergistic effects of Vg1 and Wnt signals in the specification of dorsal mesoderm and endoderm

In amphibians, dorsoventral asymmetry is established by cortical rotation, a cytoplasmic rearrangement in the egg which activates a dorsal determinant on one side of the zygote. This determinant has been proposed to be either Vgl, an endodermally derived molecule that can directly induce ectoderm to form dorsal mesoderm, or a member of the Wnt family, which patterns the ectoderm such that it forms dorsal mesoderm in response to ventral inductive signals. In this study, we have investigated whether the endogenous dorsal determinant(s) functions as a direct inducer of dorsal mesoderm (Vg1-like) or whether it acts to pattern the response of ectoderm to inductive signals (Wnt-like). We report here that cortical rotation enhances both the dorsal-inductive activity of endodermal cells and the response of ectodermal cells to endogenous inductive signals and that both of these activities are required for notochord induction in ectoderm/endoderm recombinants. While ectopically expressed Xwnt-8b can substitute for the dorsalizing signals activated in either ectoderm or endoderm, and can allow notochord formation in recombinants, Vg1 alone is not sufficient to induce notochord in ectodermal explants in the absence of signals activated by cortical rotation. Coexpression of Xwnt-8b along with Vg1 restores ectodermal competence to form notochord. Finally, in endodermal explants, ectopically expressed Xwnt-8b, but not Vg1, can divert the fate of ventral endodermal cells along a dorsal pathway. Thus, while Vg1 is most likely required for induction of mesoderm in vivo, our data suggest that a maternal Wnt-like signal acts synergistically with Vg1 to specify a dorsal fate not only in the mesoderm, but also in the endoderm.

Investigation on inhibition of biological effects of endothelin

The effects of a series of substances on the biological function of endothelin (ET) are reported. The substances used are: synthetic inhibitors of endothelium derived relaxing factors (EDRFs), inhibitor of big-endothelin converting enzyme phosphoramidon, antiserum of endothelin, antagonists of endothelin A receptor BQ123 and JKC301, and two Chinese anti-snake venom herb medicines Lobelia radicans Thumb and Taris polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch) Hara. The results showed that inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) could stimulate ET release from vascular endothelium, elevate plasma ET and increase blood pressure. These changes could be reversed by L-arginine (L-Arg), the substrate of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The amount of ET released by arterial endothelium could be increased or inhibited by inhibiting or stimulating the synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2). The plasma ET level and blood pressure in both SHR and WKY rats could be decreased by giving phosphoramidon (PhR). The above results indicate that the biological effects of ET could be antagonized by inhibiting the synthesis or release of ET, decreasing the level of plasma ET, blocking the binding of ET with its receptor and using some Chinese anti-snake venom herb medicines.

Characterization of GMP-17, a granule membrane protein that moves to the plasma membrane of natural killer cells following target cell recognition

Cytotoxic lymphocytes are characterized by their inclusion of cytoplasmic granules that fuse with the plasma membrane following target cell recognition. We previously identified a cytotoxic granule membrane protein designated p15-TIA-1 that is immunochemically related to an RNA-recognition motif (RRM)-type RNA-binding protein designated p40-TIA-1. Although it was suggested that p15-TIA-1 might be derived from p40-T1A-1 by proteolysis, N-terminal amino acid sequencing of p15-TIA-1 immunoaffinity purified from a natural killer (NK) cell line by using monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2G9 revealed that p15-T1A-1 is identical to the deduced amino acid sequence of NKG7 and GIG-1, cDNAs isolated from NK cells and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-treated mononuclear cells, respectively. Epitope mapping revealed that mAb 2G9 recognizes the C terminus of p15-T1A-1 and p40-T1A-1. The deduced amino acid sequence of p15-T1A-1/NKG7/GIG-1 predicts that the protein possesses four transmembrane domains, and immuno-electron microscopy localizes the endogenous protein to the membranes of cytotoxic granules in NK cells. Given its subcellular localization, we propose to rename-this protein GMP-17, for granule membrane protein of 17 kDa. Immunofluorescence microscopy of freshly isolated NK cells confirms this granular localization. Target cell-induced NK cell degranulation results in translocation of GMP-17 from granules to the plasma membrane, suggesting a possible role for GMP-17 in regulating the effector function of lymphocytes and neutrophils.

Hemodynamic effects of centrally administered adrenomedullin (13-52) in anesthetized rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of adrenomedullin (13-52) [ADM(13-52)], a novel hypotensive peptide, on the hemodynamic parameters of anesthetized rats. ADM(13-52) was administered centrally in a dose of 0.4-3.2 nmol/kg. It provoked marked, prolonged and dose-dependent increases in mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac index, left ventricular pressure, left ventricular dp/dtmax and dp/dtmin, but reduction in total peripheral resistance index. In addition, intracerebroventricular administration of ADM(13-52; 1.6 nmol/kg) provoked a marked increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity. Intracerebroventricular administration of artificial cerebrospinal fluid had no effect on the hemodynamic parameters and renal sympathetic nerve activity. The results indicate that ADM(13-52) exerts a central action on the cardiovascular system. The mechanisms of hemodynamic changes induced by central ADM(13-52) were preliminarily analyzed in this study. ADM might play a role in the central control of the cardiovascular system, although the confirmed mechanisms and the physiological implications are undetermined.

Fas-activated serine/threonine kinase (FAST) phosphorylates TIA-1 during Fas-mediated apoptosis

We have identified a serine/threonine kinase that is rapidly activated during Fas-mediated apoptosis. Fas-activated serine/threonine kinase (FAST) is phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues in Jurkat cells. In response to Fas ligation, it is rapidly dephosphorylated and concomitantly activated to phosphorylate TIA-1, a nuclear RNA-binding protein that has been implicated as an effector of apoptosis. Phosphorylation of TIA-1 precedes the onset of DNA fragmentation, suggesting a role in signaling downstream events in the apoptotic program. Our results introduce Fast and TIA-1 as components of a molecular cascade involved in signaling Fas-mediated apoptosis.

GABAergic axons in the ventral forebrain of the rat: an electron microscopic study

The ventral forebrain, including the ventral striatum, the ventral pallidum and the substantia innominata, is an important region involved in the functions of the basal ganglia and the limbic system, as well as the magnocellular corticopetal neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Although previous studies have shown that this region is richly innervated by GABAergic fibers, little is known with respect to the relative densities of GABAergic to non-GABAergic axon terminals in this region. To address this issue, we have developed a specific rabbit antiserum to GABA and used a postembedding immunocytochemical reaction to analyse the distribution of GABA-like immunoreactive axon terminals in the rat ventral striatum, ventral pallidum and substantia innominata. Of all axon terminals that form identifiable synapses within single ultrathin sections taken from these regions, 11.6% in the ventral striatum, 85.5% in the ventral pallidum and 64.8% in the substantia innominata were GABAergic. Differences were also found in the distribution patterns of these terminals with respect to the size of their synaptic target dendrites. These findings are consistent with previous findings that a majority of inputs to the ventral striatum are excitatory, and that a majority of inputs to the ventral pallidum are inhibitory. Our results provide a first approximation of the anatomical substrate for the physiology and pharmacology of GABA actions in the ventral forebrain region. These results also show that GABA may play an important role in the substantia innominata, where both the cholinergic and the non-cholinergic magnocellular corticopetal neurons reside within a neuropil innervated by many different non-cholinergic fibers.

Vasodilator effect of human adrenomedullin(13-52) on hypertensive rats

Human adrenomedullin (hADM) is a newly isolated peptide with hypotensive activity in normotensive rats. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hADM(13-52) on hypertensive animals. hADM(13-52) induced a dose-dependent decrease in the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats and renal hypertensive rats. This result suggests that hADM is a novel antihypertensive peptide. In isolated rat aortic arteries, hADM(13-52) produced nitric oxide dependent relaxation and inhibited endothelin 1 and angiotensin II release. These in vitro effects may represent the molecular mechanisms underlying the hypotensive action of hADM in vivo.

[A study on hypotensive mechanism of adrenomedullin (13-52)]

In the present study the hypotensive mechanism of AdM (13-52) was investigated in rats, both in vitro and in vivo. It was found that the hypotensive effect of AdM (13-52) could be partially inhibited by L-NG-nitro-arginine (LNNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The vasodilator effect of AdM (13-52) was dependent on vascular endothelium and inhibited by LNNA in a dose-dependent manner. This LNNA induced inhibitory effect could be reversed with L-Arginine. In addition, the vasodilator effect of AdM (13-52) disappeared with methylene blue (MB), which blocked cGMP formation. Using radioimmunoassay it was shown that LNNA lowered, but AdM (13-52) elevated the vascular cGMP content, while vascular cGMP content was not altered by co-application of AdM (13-52) and LNNA. The above results suggest that the vasodilator effect of AdM (13-52) might be mediated by nitric oxide.

[A kinetic study of hepatitis B virus pre-C gene mutation]

The point mutation in the precore region of hepatitis B viral genome (nt83) was tested with the method of mispairing PCR-RFLP in 54 chronic hepatitis B patients all confirmed by liver biopsy. The over all detection rate of pre-C mutation was 66.7% and the detection rate of pre-C mutation in chronic active hepatitis patients was as high as 80.0%, being significantly higher than that in chronic persistent hepatitis (46.7%). The detection rate of pre-C mutation was 41.2% in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive group and 63.3% in anti-HBe(+) group respectively. The detection rate in anti-HBe(+) patients with normal alanine transaminase activity was as high as 82.4%. During the period of follow up it was found that pre-C mutation may appear and disappear or may persist continually. The results suggested that pre-C mutation was extremely common in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The coexistence of the mutant type and wild type in the patients may be considered as the natural course of HBV chronic infection. Further study on the cause and effect relation between pre-C mutation and genesis of chronic active hepatitis and liver cirrhosis is urgently needed.

Constituents of the endolymphatic tubules as demonstrated by three-dimensional morphometry

The various constituents of the tubules of the human adult intraosseous endolymphatic sac were stained with lectins and Millon reaction to reveal some of the carbohydrate and protein-containing substances in the endolymph. The amount of each substance was determined by digitizing sequential temporal bone sections. Differing amounts of the various identified substances were found in sacs from patients with Meniere's disease, patients with labyrinthine fibrosis, and controls.

The RNA-binding protein TIAR is translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm during Fas-mediated apoptotic cell death

We have determined the structure, intracellular localization, and tissue distribution of TIAR, a TIA-1-related RNA-binding protein. Two related isoforms of TIAR, migrating at 42 and 50 kDa, are expressed in primate cells. Unlike TIA-1, which is found in the granules of cytotoxic lymphocytes, TIAR is concentrated in the nucleus of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells. Because TIAR can trigger DNA fragmentation in permeabilized thymocytes, it is a candidate effector of apoptotic cell death. Consistent with this possibility, we have found that the expression and intracellular localization of TIAR change dramatically during Fas-mediated apoptosis. TIAR moves from the nucleus to the cytoplasm within 30 min of Fas ligation. Redistribution of TIAR precedes the onset of DNA fragmentation and is not a nonspecific consequence of nuclear disintegration. Cytoplasmic redistribution of TIAR is not observed during cellular activation triggered by mitogens such as concanavalin A or phytohemagglutinin. Our results suggest that cytoplasmic redistribution of TIAR may be a general feature of the apoptotic program.

Fibronectin-like immunoreactivity of the basilar membrane of celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections

Dysfunction of the mechanical properties of the basilar membrane is a potential cause of presbycusis. In cases of minimal sensorineural or strial degeneration it is believed to play a major role. The membrane has been shown to be partly composed of fibronectin. Fibronectin immunoreactivity is diminished in aged rats. Mesothelial cell line the perilymphatic surface of the membrane and are reduced in number in the aged rat cochlea. Fibronectin immunoreactivity was examined in human temporal bone sections (6 months to 92 years old). Hematoxylin and eosin stained section (17 to 97 years) were immunoreactivity was demonstrable in the human cochlea, but was not reduced, even in the eldest cases examined The number of mesothelial cells was reduced, however, and was related to the age of the individual, but not to the clinical diagnosis or audiogram shape. These two factors do not, therefore, appear to give rise to hearing losses associated with presbycusis.

Identification of substances in the endolymphatic sac

The composition of the contents of the endolymphatic sac (ES) has yet to be fully defined. Carbohydrates have been found in the ES of human fetuses and animals but not identified in the adult human ES. In the present study, celloidin was removed from previously prepared human temporal bone sections and a histochemical method was used to detect carbohydrates and protein in the ES. Six biotinylated lectins were used to identify specific carbohydrates in 15 ears: beta-D-N-acetylglucosamine, beta-D-galactose, D-galactose, alpha-D-mannose, D-N-acetylgalactosamine and alpha-L-fucose. The intensity of staining was graded qualitatively. A substance in the ES tubules that did not stain with any lectin was identified by the Millon reaction as containing protein. The carbohydrates and protein may exist in the different tubules or in the same tubule without mixing. This finding seems to support the idea that at least some of these substances are produced locally in the ES. Our observations support the hypothesis of the existence of a secretion and degradation system in the endolymphatic sac.

Intron-exon organization and chromosomal localization of the human TIA-1 gene

TIA-1 is a 40-kDa cytotoxic granule-associated RNA-binding protein (p40-TIA-1), the expression of which is restricted to cytolytic lymphocytes. The major granule-associated species is a 15-kDa protein (p15-TIA-1) that seems to be derived from the carboxyl terminus of p40-TIA-1. Although some evidence suggests that p15-TIA-1 is derived from p40-TIA-1 by proteolytic processing, it is also possible that each isoform is derived from discrete mRNA initiated from alternative promoters within the TIA-1 gene. To learn more about the relationship between p15-TIA-1 and p40-TIA-1, we have determined the complete intron-exon organization of the TIA-1 gene. The gene consists of 13 exons separated by 12 intervening sequences and spans greater than 46 kb of DNA located on chromosome 2, band p13. The transcription start site of the mRNA transcript encoding p40-TIA-1 was identified by primer extension and S1 mapping analysis. The putative promoter region preceding this transcription start site stimulated the expression of a reporter gene in transfected Jurkat and YT cells. Attempts to identify a second promoter capable of initiating an mRNA encoding p15-TIA-1 were unsuccessful, supporting the possibility that p15-TIA-1 can be derived from p40-TIA-1 proteolytically. Granule-associated serine proteases that have been implicated in cytolytic lymphocyte killing (granzyme A and granzyme B) were unable to cleave TIA-1, suggesting that processing may occur before TIA-1 enters the cytotoxic granule.

Intron-exon organization and chromosomal localization of the human TIA-1 gene

TIA-1 is a 40-kDa cytotoxic granule-associated RNA-binding protein (p40-TIA-1), the expression of which is restricted to cytolytic lymphocytes. The major granule-associated species is a 15-kDa protein (p15-TIA-1) that seems to be derived from the carboxyl terminus of p40-TIA-1. Although some evidence suggests that p15-TIA-1 is derived from p40-TIA-1 by proteolytic processing, it is also possible that each isoform is derived from discrete mRNA initiated from alternative promoters within the TIA-1 gene. To learn more about the relationship between p15-TIA-1 and p40-TIA-1, we have determined the complete intron-exon organization of the TIA-1 gene. The gene consists of 13 exons separated by 12 intervening sequences and spans greater than 46 kb of DNA located on chromosome 2, band p13. The transcription start site of the mRNA transcript encoding p40-TIA-1 was identified by primer extension and S1 mapping analysis. The putative promoter region preceding this transcription start site stimulated the expression of a reporter gene in transfected Jurkat and YT cells. Attempts to identify a second promoter capable of initiating an mRNA encoding p15-TIA-1 were unsuccessful, supporting the possibility that p15-TIA-1 can be derived from p40-TIA-1 proteolytically. Granule-associated serine proteases that have been implicated in cytolytic lymphocyte killing (granzyme A and granzyme B) were unable to cleave TIA-1, suggesting that processing may occur before TIA-1 enters the cytotoxic granule.

Identification and functional characterization of a TIA-1-related nucleolysin

We recently reported the molecular cloning of a cytotoxic granule-associated RNA-binding protein designated TIA-1. The ability of recombinant TIA-1 to induce DNA fragmentation in permeabilized cells suggested that this protein is the granule component responsible for inducing apoptosis in cytolytic lymphocyte (CTL) targets. Here we report the characterization of a cDNA encoding a TIA-1-related protein designated TIAR. The deduced amino acid sequence of TIAR reveals it to be a 42-kDa protein possessing three RNA-binding domains and a carboxyl-terminal auxiliary domain. Although the RNA-binding domains of TIA-1 and TIAR share greater than 85% amino acid homology, their carboxyl-terminal auxiliary domains are only 51% homologous. The carboxyl terminus of TIAR contains a lysosome-targeting motif, indicating that TIAR is probably a cytotoxic granule-associated protein. Like TIA-1, purified recombinant TIAR induced DNA fragmentation in permeabilized target cells. Although immunoblotting analysis of post-nuclear supernatants revealed TIA-1 protein to be restricted to CTLs, PCR analysis revealed the expression of TIA-1 and TIAR mRNA transcripts in a wide variety of cell types. Our data suggest that the granules of CTLs contain at least two candidate nucleolysins involved in CTL killing.

Purification, characterization and substrate specificity of rabbit lung phospholipid transfer proteins

Three phospholipid transfer proteins, namely proteins I, II and III, were purified from the rabbit lung cytosolic fraction. The molecular masses of phospholipid transfer proteins I, II and III are 32 kilodaltons (kDa), 22 kDa and 32 kDa, respectively; their isoelectric point values are 6.5, 7.0 and 6.8, respectively. Phospholipid transfer proteins I and III transferred phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) from donor unilamellar liposomes to acceptor multilamellar liposomes; protein II transferred PC but not PI. All the three phospholipid transfer proteins transferred phosphatidylethanolamine poorly and showed no tendency to transfer triolein. The transfer of [14C]PC from unilamellar liposomes to multilamellar liposomes facilitated by each protein was affected differently by the presence of acidic phospholipids in the PC unilamellar liposomes. In an equal molar ratio of acidic phospholipid and PC, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) reduced the activities of proteins I and III by 70% (P = 0.0004 and 0.0032, respectively) whereas PI and phosphatidylserine (PS) had an insignificant effect. In contrast, the protein II activity was stimulated 2-3-times more by either PG (P = 0.0024), PI (P = 0.0006) or PS (P = 0.0038). In addition, protein II transferred dioleoylPC (DOPC) about 2-times more effectively than dipalmitoylPC (DPPC) (P = 0.0002), whereas proteins I and III transferred DPPC 20-40% more effectively than DOPC but this was statistically insignificant. The markedly different substrate specificities of the three lung phospholipid transfer proteins suggest that these proteins may play an important role in sorting intracellular membrane phospholipids, possibly including lung surfactant phospholipids.

A polyadenylate binding protein localized to the granules of cytolytic lymphocytes induces DNA fragmentation in target cells

Cytolytic lymphocytes (CTLs) are characterized by their inclusion of cytoplasmic granules containing effector molecules such as perforin and the serine proteases. Here we describe the cDNA cloning and functional characterization of two related isoforms of a cytolytic granule protein designated TIA-1. Sequence analysis reveals that the 40 kd TIA-1 isoform (rp40-TIA-1) is structurally related to the poly(A)-binding proteins, possessing three RNA-binding domains and a carboxy-terminal, glutamine-rich auxiliary domain. The 15 kd TIA-1 isoform, the major species present in cytolytic granules, appears to be derived from the carboxy-terminal auxiliary domain of rp40-TIA-1 by proteolytic processing. Both natural and recombinant TIA-1 were found to induce DNA fragmentation in digitonin permeabilized thymocytes, suggesting that these molecules may be the granule components responsible for inducing apoptosis in CTL targets.

Effects of azumolene on doxorubicin-induced Ca2+ release from skeletal and cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

The mechanism of doxorubicin-induced Ca2+ release from skeletal and cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was studied by examining the effects of azumolene (a water soluble dantrolene analog) on doxorubicin-mediated Ca2+ release and ryanodine binding. Doxorubicin induced a rapid Ca2+ release from both skeletal and cardiac SR in a similar concentration range (EC50 = 5-10 microM). Maximal doxorubicin-induced Ca2+ release was seen at 2 and 0.2 microM Ca2+ for skeletal and cardiac SR, respectively. Addition of 400 microM azumolene caused approx. 30% inhibition of doxorubicin-induced Ca2+ release from both skeletal and cardiac SR; skeletal SR had significantly higher sensitivity to azumolene than cardiac SR. In the presence of Ca2+, doxorubicin increased [3H]ryanodine binding to both skeletal and cardiac SR; whereas in the absence of Ca2+, doxorubicin led to significant ryanodine binding to skeletal SR, but not to cardiac SR. In both types of SR, doxorubicin-activated, but not Ca2+ activated ryanodine binding was inhibited by azumolene. Azumolene sensitivity for inhibition of doxorubicin-activated ryanodine binding was much higher in skeletal SR than cardiac SR, consistent with the results for effects of azumolene on Ca2+ release. Our results are consistent with the possibility that azumolene inhibits doxorubicin binding by direct competition for the drug receptor(s).

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactive elements in the caudal ventral striatum of the rat: a light and electron microscopic study

Under the posterior limb of the anterior commissure, a brain region intercalated between the ventral striatum and the ventral pallidum was previously identified as the interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure by de Olmos. This region, referred here as the caudal ventral stratum (VSc), is characterized by a dense plexus of vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactive (VIP+) axons. Double-fluorescence immunocytochemical reactions reveal that the dense VIP+ plexus is found in a region also rich in dopaminergic (i.e., tyrosine-hydroxylase immunoreactive) fibers but poor in enkephalinergic terminals. The dense plexuses of VIP+ axons in VSc appear to be contiguous with those in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) and the central nucleus of amygdala (CNA). These results support the notion that this VSc region is a part of the "extended amygdala" as proposed recently by Alheid and Heimer, and confirms that its anatomical properties are closer related to the ventral striatum than the ventral pallidum. Electron microscopic analysis reveals that the VIP+ boutons form asymmetrical synapses with dendrites and spines, and symmetrical synapses with somata of unlabeled VSc neurons. The few VIP+ neurons within this area form synapses with many unlabeled axon terminals on both their somata and dendrites. Some VIP+ neurons, however, also form axosomatic and axodendritic synapses with VIP+ boutons.

High frequency differences between high and low voltage electrocorticograms in the ovine fetus

Dawes (1986) has stated that, "The difference between high and low voltage activity depends solely on the presence in the latter of higher amplitude oscillations with relatively low frequency superimposed on the low voltage components as shown by spectral analysis". We have tested the constancy of the high frequency section of the power spectrum of the electrocorticogram in 7 near-term sheep fetuses. Under sterile conditions we implanted biparietal electrodes in the dura and a ground lead subcutaneously on the scalp. Five days after the surgery, with the animal standing quietly in the laboratory, we acquired the fetal electrocorticograms. Data were acquired during several high and low voltage electrocorticographic cycles in each animal. Two hundred power spectra were obtained during high and low voltage fetal electrocortical activity and statistically analyzed by paired t-test to discern differences in power between the high and low voltage pattern at each frequency (n = 7). We found that at all frequencies between 4 and 12 cycles/s the high voltage electrocorticogram had significantly more power than the low voltage electrocorticogram (P less than 0.05). This is in accordance with the established literature. We also observed that from 17 through 24 cycles/s the low voltage electrocorticogram is significantly higher than the high voltage electrocorticogram (P less than 0.05). In this frequency range the power of the high voltage expressed as a percentage of the power of the low voltage were respectively, 80, 74, 71, 66, 64, 64, 67, 64. These differences are of considerable magnitude and may be physiologically important.

Cardiovascular responses to forskolin in the ovine fetus

Six near-term ewes were instrumented to measure regional blood flows in the maternal and fetal subthoracic structures and allowed to recover for 5 days. Control blood flows were measured and 10(-3) molar forskolin was infused in the fetal hindlimb vein at 1 ml/min. After 10 min of infusion, maternal and fetal regional blood flows were measured. The fetal blood pressure was 44 +/- 3 mmHg in the control state and 40 +/- 4 mmHg after forskolin, P less than 0.056. The fetal renal vascular resistance changed from 24.4 +/- 2.4 to 17.5 +/- 1.7 mmHg.ml-1.min.g, P less than 0.005. The placenta had a control resistance of 27.7 +/- 5.0 and 25.6 +/- 5.1 mmHg.ml-1.min.g after forskolin, P less than 0.05. The placental membranes showed vasodilation: control resistance was 261 +/- 49 and 168 +/- 39 mmHg.ml-1.min.g after forskolin, P less than 0.02. The generalized vasodilation of the fetal circulation was paralleled in the maternal circulation. Forskolin, a lipid soluble diterpene, apparently had a placental clearance close to the theoretical maximum. Vasodilation was seen in the maternal renal, placental and uterine vasculatures. Maternal blood pressure was unchanged. Maternal placental vascular resistance was 47.4 +/- 3.0 mmHg.ml-1.min.g in the control state and 40.6 +/- 3.3 mmHg.ml-1.min.g after forskolin, P less than 0.02. Forskolin is a vasodilator in both the fetal and maternal circulations. The maintenance of a relatively normal blood pressure in the face of regional vasodilation shows that forskolin may have a positive inotropic effect on the fetal heart. These results indicate that neither the fetal nor the maternal ovine placental vasculature is maximally dilated in the control state.

Prostaglandin I2 and the constricted maternal ovine placenta: effects of local infusion and placental age

We have tested the hypotheses that systemic responses to the infusion of prostaglandin I2 may have masked the ability of this substance to dilate the maternal placenta and that the inability of prostaglandin I2 to dilate the maternal near-term placenta may be a function of placental age. Regional blood flows were measured with radioactive microspheres. In 8 near-term sheep the control flows were measured and angiotensin II (AII) infusion was begun at 5 micrograms/min and continued for the duration of the experiments. At t = 15 min, regional blood flows were again measured. Prostaglandin I2 was then infused via a retrograde uterine arterial catheter at 10 micrograms/min. At t = 30 min, the flows were again measured. At this time the infusion of prostaglandin I2 was stopped and at t = 45 min the blood flows were measured for the last time. AII increased the resistance of all tissues examined. The blood pressure increased with AII and did not change thereafter. The non-placental uterine tissue served by the retrograde catheter dilated with prostaglandin I2. The placental tissue had an initial resistance of 59 +/- 6 mmHg.ml-1.min.g which increased to 98 +/- 22 mmHg.ml-1.min.g with the infusion of AII (P less than 0.05). This resistance remained constant at 82 +/- 19 mmHg.ml-1.min.g with the administration of prostaglandin I2 and did not change after prostaglandin I2 was removed. The local application of prostaglandin I2 in the presence of AII induced vasoconstriction caused vasodilatation in the nonplacental vessels but could not change the AII induced constriction in the placental vasculature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)