Effects of amphetamine challenge on local cerebral glucose utilization after chronic dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonist administration to rats

Repeated amphetamine administration can cause an augmentation of regional cerebral metabolic activity. This study analyzed the regional cerebral metabolic changes which occurred in rats after pretreatment with the selective dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonists, (+/-)SKF 38393 ((+/-)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine HCl) and quinpirole (trans-(-)-4aR-4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9-octahydro-5-propyl-1H-pyrazolo(3, 4-g)quinoline), as measured by the 2-[14C]deoxyglucose method. The results showed selective metabolic augmentation in rats pretreated with SKF 38393 but not in those pretreated with quinpirole alone or with quinpirole in combination with SKF 38393. These findings demonstrated that dopamine D1 receptors may play a critical role in the development of metabolic augmentation after repeated stimulant administration.

Delusional jealousy in dementia

BACKGROUND

Delusional jealousy is a major motive for violence and is sometimes found in demented patients. This study was undertaken to investigate the frequency and the characteristics of delusional jealousy in demented patients.

METHOD

The sample population consisted of 133 demented patients admitted to the geropsychiatric ward. Patients with and without delusional jealousy were compared in terms of general characteristics and psychotic symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 133 demented patients, 21 (15.8%) showed delusional jealousy. Delusional jealousy was found in various types of dementia. There were no significant differences between the two groups in regard to age, age at onset, gender, educational level, and Mini-Mental State Examination score. All patients with delusional jealousy had at least one other psychotic symptom.

CONCLUSION

Delusional jealousy is a common problem in dementia. The psychobiological factors of delusional jealousy and cognitive function in demented patients may differ. There may be various underlying factors for the development of delusional jealousy in dementia.

Prostaglandin F2alpha induces expression of prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 in the ovine corpus luteum: a potential positive feedback loop during luteolysis

The primary role of prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha in regression of the corpus luteum has been clearly demonstrated in many mammalian species. We have used in vivo and in vitro approaches to investigate the possibility that exogenous PGF2alpha induces expression of prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 (PGHS-2; cyclooxygenase-2) and causes production of PGF2alpha in ovine luteal cells. Ewes received infusions into the ovarian artery of 1 ml PGF2alpha (1 micromol) or saline, and corpora lutea were collected at various times and analyzed for PGHS-2 mRNA using quantitative, competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PGF2alpha dramatically increased the steady-state concentration of mRNA for PGHS-2 within 1 h, but basal concentration returned at 12 h posttreatment. In vitro studies using isolated ovine large luteal cells indicated that mRNA for PGHS-2 was induced by PGF2alpha, phorbol didecanoate, and ionomycin in a pattern similar to that observed in vivo. PGHS-2 protein was induced by all three treatments 4-12 h later, and accumulation of PGF2alpha in the culture media increased at 12 and 24 h posttreatment. In conclusion, we have provided evidence that PGF2alpha, probably acting through the protein kinase C/free intracellular calcium pathway, can stimulate large luteal cells to express PGHS-2 and produce PGF2alpha. This luteal PGF2alpha is likely to have an autocrine/paracrine function to augment the luteolytic effect of PGF2alpha of uterine origin.

Dental findings in an adult with Lowe's syndrome

This paper describes the dental findings and care of a Chinese adult affected with oculo-cerebro-renal syndrome--Lowe's syndrome--a rare, X-linked recessive disorder, whose clinical manifestations include cataracts, mental retardation, and renal tubular dysfunction. Approximately 150 cases have been reported in the last 45 years. Little has been reported in the dental literature. This patient is described with particular reference to the dental findings, which include gross periodontal disease with severe bone loss, impaction of teeth in the permanent dentition, taurodontism, and underdevelopment of the maxilla and mandible. Dental treatment was aimed at arresting the periodontal disease and preserving the remaining dentition.

Hormonal regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 messenger ribonucleic acid expression in corpora lutea

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent chemokine that attracts monocytes and macrophages. It is known that macrophages accumulate in the corpus luteum (CL) during luteal regression in many species. In this study, we investigated the regulation of MCP-1 mRNA in ovine and bovine CL during prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha-induced luteolysis, after LH treatment, or after pharmacologic activation of the protein kinase (PK) A or PKC intracellular effector systems. In experiment 1, ewes on day 11 or 12 of the estrous cycle were infused with saline or PGF2alpha. PGF2alpha increased MCP-1 mRNA at 1 and 4 h after treatment. MCP-1 mRNA returned to basal level at 12 h and increased again at 24 h post treatment. In experiment 2, ewes received saline, PGF2alpha, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), luteinizing hormone (LH), or forskolin infusion and CL were collected at 0 (untreated), 4, 12, or 24 h after infusion. Similar to experiment 1, PGF2alpha induced MCP-1 mRNA at 4 and 24 h post treatment. PMA increased mRNA for MCP-1 at 4, 12, and 24 h. Treatment with LH or forskolin transiently decreased MCP-1 mRNA expression. In experiment 3, cows were treated with a luteolytic dose (25 mg) of PGF2alpha on day 4 or day 11 of estrous cycle and expression of MCP-1 mRNA was quantified. Steady-state concentrations of mRNA for MCP-1 were induced by PGF2alpha treatment only in mid-cycle CL but not in early CL. In summary, administration of PGF2alpha or activation of PKC induced MCP-1 mRNA expression. Expression of MCP-1 may be important for stimulating immune processes during luteal regression.

Capgras' syndrome in a patient with vascular dementia: a case report

Capgras' syndrome is characterized by a subjective certainty that a familiar person has been replaced by an identical double. This syndrome has been observed in psychiatric and neurological diseases, and has been reported in several cases of dementia of the Alzheimer type. Here, we present a patient with vascular dementia in whom Capgras' syndrome developed in the early stages of dementia, and who exhibited violence. This case suggests that Capgras' syndrome can occur in vascular dementia. In older patients with this syndrome, dementia should also be considered in its differential diagnosis. In addition, patients with Capgras' syndrome should be evaluated for violent potential.

Behavioural disturbances in psychiatric inpatients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type in Taiwan

This report studied behavioural disturbances in psychiatric inpatients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) in Taiwan. The sample consisted of 75 inpatients with DAT who were consecutively admitted to the geropsychiatric ward. Their behavioural disturbances were obtained from semistructured interviews with families and ward observation. There were eight main behavioural disturbances: getting lost, repetitive phenomena, sleep disturbance, aggression, wandering, hyperphagia, hoarding behaviour, and inappropriate sexual behaviour. Number of behavioural disturbances, wandering, hyperphagia and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with the severity of cognitive impairment.

Delusions of theft in dementia of the Alzheimer type: a preliminary report

Delusions of theft are commonly found in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). This report describes the frequency, onset, and characteristics of delusions of theft in DAT patients. The sample consisted of 54 geropsychiatric inpatients with DAT; delusions of theft were found in 30 (55.6%) patients. Two thirds of these patients had delusions of theft within 1 year after onset of illness. There were no significant differences in age, age of onset, duration of disease, years of education, or the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between patients with and without delusions of theft. Delusions of theft frequently occur in the early stage of dementia, when the patients' cognitive impairments are relatively mild. The presence of this symptom may warrant a diagnosis of DAT.

Organic delusional disorder in psychiatric in-patients: comparison with delusional disorder

Organic delusional disorder (ODD) is rarely diagnosed in psychiatric in-patients, and may be misdiagnosed as delusional disorder (DD) from a similar clinical presentation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of ODD and to make a comparison with those of DD patients. Patients who conformed to DSM-III-R criteria for ODD were recruited from an 8-year psychiatric in-patient database. Matching controls were DD patients admitted over the same time period. The prevalence of ODD according to DSM-III-R criteria was 0.4% of total admissions and 2.9% of organic mental disorders. Compared to DD patients, ODD patients less often had a family psychiatric history, and had an older age of onset of psychiatric disorder, longer hospital stays and lower treatment dosage of antipsychotic drugs. It is suggested that a detailed medical history and examination are needed in patients with delusion, especially in patients with a late onset of psychiatric symptoms and no family psychiatric history.

Characterization of a tunable optical parametric oscillator laser system for multielement flame laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry of cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, and thallium in buffalo river sediment

A pulsed (10 Hz) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) laser system based on beta-barium borate (BBO) crystals and equipped with a frequency-doubling option (FDO) was characterized for use in laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (LEAFS). This all-solid-state laser has a narrow spectral line width, a wide spectral tuning range (220-2200 nm), and a rapid, computer-controlled slew scan of wavelength (0.250 nm s-1 in the visible and infrared, and 0.125 nm s-1 in the ultraviolet). The output power characteristics (15-90 mJ/pulse in the visible, 1-40 mJ in the infrared, and 1-11 mJ in the ultraviolet), laser pulse-to-pulse variability (3-13% relative standard deviation, RSD, of the laser pulses), conversion efficiency of the FDO (2-17%), and spectral bandwidth in the visible spectrum (0.1-0.3 cm-1) were measured. The laser was used as the excitation source for a flame LEAFS instrument for which rapid, sequential, multielement analysis was demonstrated by slew scan of the laser. The instrument allowed about 640 measurements to be made in about 6 h, with triplicate measurements of all solutions and aqueous calibration curves, which yielded accurate analyses of a river sediment (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Buffalo River Sediment, 2704) for five elements with precisions < 5% RSD. Comparable or improved flame LEAFS detection limits over literature values were obtained for cobalt (2 ng mL-1), copper (2 ng mL-1), lead (0.4 ng mL-1), manganese (0.2 ng mL-1), and thallium (0.9 ng mL-1) by flame LEAFS.

A study of the relationship between IgG subclass/IgM and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

In an attempt to elucidate the relationship between serum IgG subclass/IgM ratio and prognosis in different types of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), 46 cases of treatment responders and 23 cases of either frequent relapse or non-responders were studied. All patients had received renal biopsy. Serum IgG subclass/IgM ratios were compared between the acute nephrotic phase and remission. The association between therapeutic effect and the parameters of INS were also investigated. There were 24 cases of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), 32 cases of IgM nephropathy (IgMN) and 13 cases of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS). All cases of MCNS were steroid-responders. Seventeen cases of IgMN experienced frequent relapses. The other 15 cases were responsive to the treatment. 6 cases of FSGS had poor response to any therapy; 7 cases were responsive to either triple therapy or cyclosporine A plus prednisolone. Both IgGI/IgM and IgG2/IgM were correlated with serum albumin and cholesterol levels at the acute nephrotic phase (p < 0.05). Longitudinal change of the immunologic parameters in patients with INS revealed significantly elevated serum IgM level decreased serum IgG level, IgG/IgM, IgG1/IgM, IgG2/IgM, IgG3/IgM, IgG4/IgM and IgG/IgE ratio during acute nephrotic phase. Correlation between therapy responses showed that, for serum IgG1/IgM ratio > 3.0, most of the cases were treatment-responders. For IgG1/IgM ratio > 1.0, all the cases were frequent relapsers or non-responders. These results suggest the immunologic changes in patients of INS may be caused by immune regulatory abnormality. Serum IgG1/IgM ratio may serve as one of the therapeutic and prognostic guides, especially if the patient refuses renal biopsy.

[Psychiatric emergency consultation in a general hospital]

Inpatients in general hospital often presented with psychological problems and some of them need emergent psychiatric interventions. However, there have been little attention on the psychiatric emergency consultation. The purpose of this paper is to review the psychiatric emergency service in a general hospital over 3-year period. During this period, there were 88 psychiatric emergency consultations that represented 2.3% of all psychiatric consultations. The emergency group showed no difference in sex and age, but received more diagnoses of delirium (58.0%) than the other referrals. About one fourth of these patients had psychiatric history. Stated requests for "agitation and irritability", "psychiatric symptoms" and "uncooperation with treatment" were the most frequent reasons. Sixty-five percent of the patients receive recommendations of medication treatment. Among them, neuroleptics and anxiolytics were most common used. About one half of the patients needed further medical tests. After psychiatric interventions, most of the patients got improved within 2 days but 15 patients died during hospitalization. These findings indicated that psychiatric emergency consultation though the request rate is low. When making diagnoses in emergency consultation, past psychiatric history is important and organic mental disorders should be ruled out first. After psychiatric interventions, most of the psychiatric emergency could be improved. It suggested that the setting of psychiatric emergency consultation could improve the quality of patient care in a ageneral hospital.

Psychiatric consultations in obstetric inpatients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychiatric consultation condition in the obstetric ward with particular attention paid to the reasons for referral, psychiatric diagnoses and recommendations.

METHODS

This study was conducted in a medical center with 73 obstetric beds. All psychiatric consultations of obstetric inpatients during a 3-year period were included in this study. Data were derived from clinical charts and consultation records that included demographic data, reasons for referral, psychiatric diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

RESULTS

Within the 3-year period, 28 patients were referred for psychiatric consultation, or 0.3% of the 9,972 obstetric admissions. The obstetric group represented 0.7% of all the psychiatric consultations. The most common reason for the referral was anxiety. Many obstetric problems, medical histories and psychiatric histories were found in these 28 patients. The most common diagnoses were depression or dysthymia, and schizophrenia. The diagnosis of organic mental disorders was rarely found. The vast majority of the psychiatric consultants were likely to recommend medication and psychological intervention.

CONCLUSION

Even though there is a low psychiatric consultation rate among the obstetric inpatients, it does not mean that the prevalence rate of mental disorders is low in the obstetric patients. Psychiatric problems may be neglected or happen after patients are discharged. Organic mental disorders were rarely found in the obstetric patients which suggested a different pattern of mental disorders in the obstetric patients compared to other patients. The stress during child delivery needs further study for it may exacerbate or predispose a mental disorder. It is suggested that collaboration between obstetric staff and the consultation-liaison psychiatrists may provide better care for pregnant women patients.

Quantification of mRNA using competitive RT-PCR with standard-curve methodology

The use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with internal RNA competitive standards (competitors) provides a means for measuring absolute amounts of mRNA transcripts in small numbers of cells. Most quantitative competitive (QC)-RT-PCR methods require analysis of multiple reactions to determine the equimolar point of the products produced from mRNA vs. competitor RNA. Herein, we present a method to produce one standard curve for each assay with all unknown samples compared directly to this standard curve. The standard curve is produced with differing amounts of standard RNA (native) amplified with one constant amount of competitor RNA. The number of transcripts in an unknown sample mRNA can be directly determined by RT-PCR of the sample with the same amount of competitor RNA and comparison of the ratio of products to the standard curve. This method has been used to quantify expression of multiple gene products from cultured cells or limited amounts of tissues and was found to be straightforward, sensitive, repeatable and quantitative. A complete protocol for producing standard and competitor RNA, subsequent QC-RT-PCR steps, and the evaluation of accuracy, sensitivity and precision for this assay are described using bovine prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor mRNA as an example.

Effect of the active principle of garlic--diallyl sulfide--on cell viability, detoxification capability and the antioxidation system of primary rat hepatocytes

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of various concentrations and incubation time intervals of diallyl sulfide (DAS), an active principle of garlic, on cell viability, and glutathione (GSH) concentration and its related enzymes activities in rat hepatocytes. According to the results of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and microscopic examination, 0.5 or 1 mM DAS treatment did not have any adverse effects on the viability of hepatocytes. Intracellular GSH contents of cells treated with 0.5 and 1 mM DAS (58.6 and 66.4 nmol GSH/mg protein, respectively) were higher than in the controls (54.2 nmol GSH/mg protein), around 8-23%, at 24 hr of incubation; a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed for 1 mM DAS treatment at 48 hr. This phenomenon is beneficial to the detoxification and antioxidation capabilities of hepatocytes. Further, when the hepatocytes were treated with 0.5 or 1 mM DAS, the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd) were almost the same as those of the controls. On the other hand, treatment with 5 mM DAS was associated with a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in cell viability, namely in increased LDH leakage (50% at 24-hr treatment), significant changes in the morphology of the hepatocytes, low intracellular GSH level (45% lower than in the controls at 24-hr treatment), and low activities of GST, GPx and Grd.

Distinct mechanisms regulate induction of messenger ribonucleic acid for prostaglandin (PG) G/H synthase-2, PGE (EP3) receptor, and PGF2 alpha receptor in bovine preovulatory follicles

We have evaluated the in vivo and in vitro regulation and temporal expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for prostaglandin (PG) G/H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) and two specific PG receptors, PGF2alpha receptor (FP receptor) and PGE receptor EP3 subtype (EP3 receptor), in bovine preovulatory follicular cells and luteal cells. An in vivo study showed that PGHS-2 mRNA was not detected in granulosa cells and was highly but transiently induced by the LH surge before ovulation. FP and EP3 receptor mRNAs were present at extremely low concentrations in granulosa or thecal cells and did not increase before ovulation. Messenger RNA for FP receptor increased more than 500- and 2500-fold at 24 and 48 h after ovulation, respectively, and these high amounts were maintained at midluteal phase. On the other hand, mRNA for EP3 receptor remained low with FP receptor mRNA 1000-fold greater than EP3 receptor mRNA in the corpus luteum. In vitro culture of bovine granulosa cells using hCG, forskolin, and phorbol didecanoate demonstrated that induction of FP receptor mRNA was mediated through protein kinase (PK) A. In contrast, EP3 receptor mRNA was stimulated through PKC. PGHS-2 was acutely ( < 12 h) increased by PKA, and to a lesser extent by PKC. Temporal expression of FP receptor mRNA is not consistent with the involvement of FP receptor in ovulation and suggests that PKA stimulates PGHS-2 and FP receptor mRNA by distinct mechanisms.

Psychotic symptoms in psychiatric inpatients with dementia of the Alzheimer and vascular types

BACKGROUND

Demented patients often manifest psychotic symptoms including delusion, hallucination and misidentification. This report attempts to describe the frequencies and characteristics of such symptoms in psychiatric inpatients with dementia, and to identify the characteristics of dementia with and without psychotic symptoms.

METHODS

The study included 78 demented patients who were consecutively admitted to the psychiatric ward. Their psychotic symptoms were obtained from semistructured interview and the assessment using BEHAVE AD. Delusion and hallucination were rated as "present" if the descriptions were consistent with the definition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R). Misidentification was defined individually.

RESULTS

There were 54 patients with DAT and 24 patients with VD. The frequency of psychotic symptoms in DAT and VD was 71.8%. The frequency of delusion in DAT and VD was 59.0%, misidentification, 33.3% and hallucination, 25.6%. Demented patients with psychotic symptoms were older (p = 0.037) than those without psychotic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotic symptoms are common in psychiatric inpatients with DAT and VD, the most common being delusional. Delusion of theft is the most common one. Demented patients with psychotic symptoms were older than those without.

Metoclopramide-induced impotence and akathisia: a case report

Metoclopramide (Primperan), a benzamide antiemetic drug, is frequently used in gastrointestinal disorders. Because of its central dopamine antagonist property, it can be a potent stimulant of prolactin release and cause extrapyramidal movement disorders. The case presented is an aged male who developed impotence and akathisia after long-term use of metoclopramide. Akathisia disappeared within 24 hours after withdrawal of metoclopramide. One month after cessation of this drug, his sexual function returned to normal and, in the subsequent five months, he continued to have normal erection. Prolactin level mildly elevated during metoclopramide treatment. It decreased a little two weeks after stopping metoclopramide but elevated again two months later. The characters of these adverse effects of metoclopramide and the prolactin levels of long-term metoclopramide treatment will be discussed. Since metoclopramide is widely used in patients with gastric problems and in cancer patients as antiemetic. It is suggested that long-term use of metoclopramide should be avoided and patients should be carefully observed for potential adverse effects.

Naturally occurring diallyl disulfide inhibits the formation of carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines in boiled pork juice

Three heterocyclic aromatic amines, 2-amino-3-methyl-imidazo[4, 5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline and 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, have been found in boiled pork juice. We have investigated the effect of naturally occurring organosulfur compounds, which are present in garlic and onion, on mutagen formation in boiled pork juice. Six organosulfur compounds - diallyl disulfide (DAD), dipropyl disulfide (DPD), diallyl sulfide (DAS), allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), allyl mercaptan (AM) and cysteine - were added separately to the pork juice before reflux boiling and then the mutagenicity of each sample was examined with the Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 in the presence of S9 mix. All six compounds were found to inhibit the mutagenicity of boiled pork juice. The greatest inhibitory effect was observed with DAD and DPD, and this was 111-fold higher than that of the lowest, cysteine. To elucidate the inhibitory effect of DAD on mutagen formation in boiled pork juice, the major mutagenic fractions were monitored after HPLC separation by their mutagenicity with S. typhimurium TA98. By comparing the retention times of authentic IQ compounds from boiled pork juice with those following the addition of DAD, we showed that the mutagenicity of three major fractions was significantly inhibited compared with those same fractions in boiled pork juice alone. In addition, the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in the boiled pork juice with and without the addition of DAD were quantified and identified by capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results show that the reduction in the total amount of MRPs (pyridines, pyrazines, thiophenes and thiazoles) in boiled pork juice after boiling for 12 h is correlated with their mutagenicity. Among the MRPs, tetrahydrothiophene-3-one exhibited the strongest correlation. These data suggest that the inhibition of IQ mutagen formation by DAD is mediated through the reduction of MRPs production.

[Characteristics of dementia patients with hyperphagia]

Research into dementia has tended to concentrate on memory loss and other cognitive impairment, but attention has recently turned to the associated psychiatric symptoms and behavioral abnormalities. Among them, increases in the amount eaten or hyperphagia are not uncommon in dementia. This problem is of clinical importance since it not only jeopardizes patient's health, but also is a cause of caregiver burden. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hyperphagia in dementia. Additionally, possible mechanisms underlying this problem were reviewed and related to the demographic data, cognitive function test, radiological findings and other psychiatric symptoms. Out of a sample of 91 demented inpatients, hyperphagia was present in 30.8%. Hyperphagia was significantly associated with delusion, misidentification, aggressive behavior, hoarding behavior and pica phenomena. But these patients did not show difference in cognitive function, radiological abnormalities, repetitive behavior and depressed mood when compared with other demented patients. The possible etiologies were discussed, including physiological and psychological factors. Hyperphagia is a complex phenomenon, better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis may highlight specific pharmacological or behavioral methods for the management this troublesome behavior.

Identification of a 14-kDa subunit associated with the catalytic sector of clathrin-coated vesicle H+-ATPase

The clathrin-coated vesicle H+-ATPase is composed of a peripheral catalytic sector (VC) and an integral membrane proton channel (VB), both of which are multiple subunit complexes. This study was conducted to determine if subunit F, previously identified in vacuolar proton pumps of tobacco hornworm and yeast, was present in mammalian pumps. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy, we have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones from bovine and rat brain cDNA libraries. A full-length clone from rat brain encodes a 119-amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 13, 370 Da and with approximately 72 and 49% identity to subunit F of tobacco hornworm and yeast, respectively. Southern and Northern blot analyses indicate that the protein is encoded by a single gene. An anti-peptide antibody, directed against deduced protein sequence, was affinity-purified and shown to react with a 14-kDa polypeptide that is present in a highly purified pump prepared from clathrin-coated vesicles and also isolated VC. When stripped clathrin-coated vacuolars and purified chromaffin granule membranes were treated with KI in the presence of ATP, the 14-kDa subunit was released from both membranes, further indicating that it is part of the peripheral catalytic sector. In addition, direct sequencing of this 14-kDa component of the coated vacuolar proton pump confirmed its identity as a subunit F homologue.

Trihexyphenidyl abuse in schizophrenic patient: a case report

Trihexyphenidyl is a synthetic anticholinergic used in psychiatric patient for the relief of neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. It has been reported to have mood elevating, euphorigenic and socially-stimulating effects. The case presented is of anti-cholinergic abuse by a chronic schizophrenic who abused trihexyphenidyl, up to 200 mg per day, to achieve an euphoric effect. The drug was partly prescribed in psychiatric clinics, but mostly bought in the drugstore. The discontinuance of trihexyphenidyl produced anxiety, which was relieved by anxiolytics. The patient also feigned extrapyramidal symptoms to get anticholinergic injections during drug abstinence. A high dose of trihexyphenidyl may precipitate anticholinergic toxic psychosis and interfere with the therapeutic effects of antipsychotics by impeding their absorption. Given a large number of patients receiving this medication, clinicians should be alert when prescribing this drug, especially for patients who have abuse potential. As this agent has never been under public surveillance and is available in local pharmacies, the health authorities should be concerned with its abuse potential.

Physical aggression and associated factors in probable Alzheimer disease

Aggressive behavior is thought to be pervasive among and devastating to demented patients and their caregivers. This study investigated the prevalence of physical aggression in demented inpatients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Additionally, the characteristics and psychiatric symptoms that may be associated with aggression were tested. Forty-seven patients with probable AD were included in this study. Physical aggression was reported in 27 (57.4%) of the patients. These patients were older, had a later onset of dementia, and had a higher prevalence of misidentification, activity disturbances, and day/night disturbance. The relationship between these factors and physical aggression needs further clarification, which may help provide effective predictors and treatment of the aggressive behavior.

Psychiatric disturbances associated with hyperthyroidism: an analysis report of 30 cases

BACKGROUND

Hyperthyroidism has numerous physical and mental concomitants. This study attempted to explore the clinical features, treatment and outcome of a psychiatric disturbance which developed during hyperthyroid disease.

METHODS

A retrospective study was made of 30 patients, hospitalized with psychiatric disturbances and concurrent diagnoses of hyperthyroidism between January 1990 and May 1994. Data included age, sex, date of admission or consultation, age of onset of thyroid and psychiatric disorders, duration of thyroid and psychiatric disorders, psychiatric discharge diagnoses, psychiatric symptoms/signs, treatment and outcome. Follow-up investigations were done after one year.

RESULTS

Among the 30 patients, 27 (90.0%) were female and 3 (10.0%) were male. The psychiatric disturbances had persisted from a few days to a decade following the presenting hyperthyroidism, with an average of seventeen months. There were 6 (20.0%) patients who were diagnosed with neurotic disorders, 11 (36.7%) with mood disorders, 8 (26.7%) with schizophrenia-like syndromes and 5 (16.7%) with delirium. The psychiatric features were variable; insomnia, irritability and anxiety most commonly occurred. Most (96.7%) of these patients accepted both antithyroid and psychotropic medication therapy. Follow-up investigations were made after one year. Twenty-six patients were analyzed, including 13 (50%) who had recovered completely, 9 (34.6%) who recovered partially, and 4 (15.4%) who showed no change in mental status.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of psychiatric features were found in the hyperthyroid patients, concomitantly with their psychiatric disturbances. Half of the patients showed a chronic or unremitting psychiatric condition after normalization of thyroid function tests. It is possible that the present psychiatric disturbances could be caused or precipitated by hyperthyroidism, or simply occur independently by chance. It is suggested a foremost benefit would be incorporation of internist and psychiatrist into the care of hyperthyroid patients with psychiatric disturbances which may improve the clinical condition.

[Characteristics of dementia patients with aggressive behaviors]

Aggressive behaviors are found in dementia patients and pose major problems for their caregivers and may be amenable to treatment. The present study aims to determine the frequency of aggressive behaviors in dementia patients and to test whether there is a relationship with the psychiatric symptoms. Ninety-one dementia patients from a geriatric psychiatry unit were surveyed for the aggressive behaviors and psychiatric symptoms by semi-structured interview with the patients and their caregivers. Major findings included that 53.8% of these patients had aggressive behaviors; these patients were older and had later onset of dementia; the presence of hallucination, misidentification and wandering were significant predictors of physical aggression; the association of aggressive behaviors with the cognitive test and delusion was not significant. These observations suggest that dementia patients have a high prevalence rate of aggressive behaviors that warrants the prevention and intervention. Hallucination, misidentification and wandering are risk factors for physical aggression and potentially trestable. Further research is needed to identify the cause and the management of aggressive behaviors in dementia patients.

Psychiatric consultations in pediatric inpatients

Emotional problems are not uncommon in hospitalized children. The authors reviewed psychiatric consultations on a pediatric ward in a medical center and compared the findings with a non-pediatric group and the Western reports. Forty consultations were requested in a three-year period which represented 0.35% of all admissions to pediatric ward and 1.0% of all psychiatric consultations in that period. The consultation rate of the pediatric ward is significantly lower than that of the non-pediatric wards. The most common reason for the referrals was for the evaluation of possible psychopathogeneses from unexplained physical symptoms. A wide range of psychiatric diagnoses were found. Among them, adjustment disorders, anxiety or somatoform disorders, diagnosis deferred and no psychiatric diagnosis were the most commonly made. Pediatric patients had a similar percentage diagnosis of adjustment disorders compared with the non-pediatric group but far less organic mental disorders. Besides medication, psychological and family intervention were frequently recommended by the psychiatrists. These findings suggest that there were unique psychological characteristics in the hospitalized children which required specialists and further studies. It is hoped that increasing the collaboration between pediatricians and psychiatrists can improve the medical care of these sick children.

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase polymorphism in Asian and American Indian populations: detection of new ALDH2 alleles

Genetic deficiency of the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is frequent in Asian peoples where it is an important factor negatively regulating drinking behavior. To obtain additional information on gene geography of known ALDH2 alleles, and look for new variants, ALDH2 genes were evaluated in a Chinese population from Taiwan, a Yakut population of Siberia, and in five North American Indian populations. A novel approach based on a single-strand conformation polymorphism assay, and polymerase chain reaction-directed mutagenesis was developed for genotyping. In the Taiwan Chinese population, the ALDH2(2) allele frequency was 0.319 +/- 0.025, and this allele was not detected in the Yakut population nor in the five North American Indian populations. However, a new allele, ALDH2(3), was detected in Pima Indians at a frequency of 0.044 +/- 0.022, and this allele was also observed in 1 of 49 Pueblo samples. ALDH2(3) is a silent transition 1464 G-->A, and it possibly has a wide distribution among North American Indians. A new subtype of the ALDH2(2) allele, designated as ALDH2(2Taiwan), was found in 1 of 174 Chinese from Taiwan. ALDH2(2Taiwan) is characterized by two G-->A transitions at bases 1486 and 1510, resulting in Glu-->Lys substitutions at both the 479 and 487 positions. Thus, this second nonconservative ALDH2 substitution occurs within the sequence of the already inactive ALDH2(2) allele.

[Characteristics of elderly patients admitted to the psychiatric ward of a general hospital]

The rapid growth of the over 65 population in Taiwan during recent decades has brought into focus the planning to provide health care for aged citizens. It is generally agreed that the incidence of mental disorders rises with age. With the stress on rapid treatment and early return to community, the concept of short-term hospitalization for the geropsychiatric patients has become more accepted. In this study we examined characteristics, diagnostic classification and treatment outcomes of 524 consecutive patients (age > or = 65) admitted to the geropsychiatric unit of a general hospital over a 5-year period. Results demonstrated that 45.9% of the patients had organic mental disorders. Among them, almost half of the patients were diagnosed as having dementia; delirium was the second most common diagnosis. The average length of stay was 26.7 days for all patients and it was not affected by diagnostic subtype. No significance was found in the length of stay between the geropsychiatric inpatients and the other psychiatric inpatients. Outcomes measure showed favorable response to hospitalization in most of these patients. These data suggested that there is a specific diagnostic distribution in the geropsychiatric inpatients. Rigorous organic work-up in these patients is necessary to rule out organic problems. The favorable response after short-term hospitalization indicated the restorative and rehabilitative functions of the general hospital geropsychiatric care. The hospital's fears of being burdened with a chronic population could be lessened with a suitable referral system. Further study is needed to explore whether early geropsychiatric intervention may obviate the need for admission or reduce the length of stay.

HLA-A, B antigens and their linkage with HLA-DR among blood donors in Taiwan

The distribution pattern of HLA antigens varies to a great extent among different ethnic groups. Availability of HLA antigen distribution information is very important for disease association study, paternity testing and recipient/donor matching. Analysis of 11,383 blood donors from the Taipei Blood Center, Chinese Blood Services Foundation (CBSF), gave evidence that the distribution pattern of HLA-A,B antigens was unique, yet closer to Southern Chinese with higher A11, A33, B16, B40 frequencies, and B46, B48, B54 as unique antigens when compared with Caucasians. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium analysis between HLA-A, -B and -DR antigens from 238 blood donors revealed unique linkages of A33-B17, A2-B46, A11-B15, A24-B40; A11-DR5, A2-DR9, B17-DR3, B40-DR8, B13-DR2. In addition, A33-B58-DR3 were the most frequent 3-loci haplotypes. Knowing linkage disequilibrium between HLA loci and preferential association of DR specificity among various HLA-A,B haplotypes may provide a more efficient strategy to obtain an HLA-DR or HLA-D region compatible unrelated bone marrow donor from an existing HLA data bank.

Evaluation of screening kits for the detection of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV-1/2) antibodies

HIV-1/HIV-2 3rd generation (Abbott), Wellcozyme HIV 1 + 2 (Murex), Enzygnost Anti-HIV 1/-HIV 2 (Behring), and Genelavia Mixt (Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur) are currently registered by authorities as enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for detecting HIV-1/2 infection. The present study dissects these reagents by means of the major antigenic components, assay principles and their actual performance. The performances have been evaluated by their test results in international panels of seroconversion, mixed titer performance and HIV-1/2 combination, respectively. Those EIA tests were further used to examine 26 potentially false-reacting samples, serial diluted sera prepared from two confirmed positive specimens and 720 specimens obtained from random blood donors in the Taipei Blood Center, Chinese Blood Services Foundation (CBSF). The results showed that, although standard sera of the mixed titer, performance and HIV-1/2 combination rows could not distinguish significantly among various EIAs, the seroconverting samples clearly showed their differences. The differences, as calculated by using 3 of 4 seroconverting sera, was a backward window period ranging from 19 to 23 days as compared to the detection of HIV-1 antigens. Together, these studies strongly suggest that assays which are capable of detecting HIV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies have a shorter seroconversion window. Furthermore, the HIV-2 antigen seems to be crucial for successful detection of anti-HIV-2. Finally, testing anti-HIV-1/2 in the routine screenings is expected not to increase the exclusion rate of blood units currently acquired from the examination of anti-HIV-1. Consequently, with both HIV-1/2 specificities and the ability of early detection, IgM/IgG-captured EIAs may represent a better screening method than assays based solely on the detection of HIV-specific IgG.

Alterations in local cerebral glucose utilization in rats after chronic amphetamine administration without subsequent challenge

The 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) method was used to study regional metabolic changes in rats following chronic d-amphetamine treatment without subsequent challenges. Four groups of rats were pretreated (intraperitoneal administration) with d-amphetamine (0, 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) once per day for 14 days. After a 7-day abstinence period without further challenge, the 2-DG method was used to measure the rates of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU). Significant metabolic changes among the four groups were found in five brain regions, including the nucleus accumbens and the lateral habenular nucleus. Another four groups of rats with the same pretreatment regimens, challenged with 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine, were used for behavioral testing. The results showed intense stereotyped behaviors in the 5 mg/kg and the 10 mg/kg groups. In the steady state, however, there were no significant glucose utilization changes in the nigrostriatal system, which is thought to be related to stereotyped behaviors. During steady state, metabolic changes were found in a limited number of brain regions. No difference in LCGU was found in the sensitization-related regions. Further challenges with stimulants may be necessary to investigate the metabolic responses after sensitization.

Metabolic and behavioral response in rats treated with amphetamine chronically with and without challenge

Chronic amphetamine (AMPH) treatment may cause behavioral sensitization in animals and can be used as an animal model of psychosis. The aim of the study was to check the behavioral and metabolic response in this animal model. In rats pretreated with normal saline (NS) or AMPH, with or without AMPH challenge, the [14C]deoxyglucose method was employed to check the metabolic changes in 42 regions. Behavioral testing was performed in rats with the same treatment. The results showed that after challenge with AMPH, glucose utilization was enhanced in most of the regions investigated. However, metabolic enhancement of the AMPH-pretreated group was lower in the caudate nucleus when compared with that of the NS-pretreated group though the stereotypy rating was higher in the former. Dissociation between the metabolic enhancement and behavioral response was noted. Furthermore, more significant differences between the two pretreated conditions of glucose utilization were found with challenge than without challenge. Further evaluation using procedures which include advanced techniques can be applied in further investigation.

Dose-dependent effects of chronic amphetamine administration in local cerebral glucose utilization in rat

The daily dose of amphetamine pretreatment may affect the development of behavioral-sensitized patterns in rodents and amphetamine psychosis in humans. This experiment investigated the regional cerebral metabolic changes in rats after pretreatment with different doses of amphetamine by the 2-[14C]deoxyglucose method. Rates of local cerebral glucose utilization were examined in 37 regions of the rat brain. The result showed generally maximal metabolic augmentation in the 5.0 mg/kg group instead of in the 1.0 or the 10.0 mg/kg groups. Behavioral testing using motor activity cages in rats with the same regimen found no difference among groups. The findings demonstrate that there might be a window effect by daily amphetamine dose on the development of drug dependence and amphetamine psychosis. It was suggested that the 2(-)[14C]deoxyglucose method could be used for further study of animal models of amphetamine psychosis.

Antimutagenicity of Maillard reaction products from amino acid/sugar model systems against 2-amino-3-methylimidazo-[4,5-f]quinoline: the role of pyrazines

The antimutagenicity of dichloromethane extracts from eight amino acid/sugar model systems was determined using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 against 2-amino-3-methyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) in the presence of Aroclor 1254-induced rat hepatic S9. The Maillard reaction products in the dichloromethane extracts were then quantified and qualified by capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Pyrazines and furans were found to be the major Maillard reaction products yielded in the extracts. Moreover, the antimutagenicity of dichloromethane extracts correlated positively with the total amounts of pyrazines and furans. To elucidate the mechanism of antimutagenicity of dichloromethane extracts, the inhibitory effect of pyrazines on ethoxycoumarin deethylase activity in Aroclor 1254-induced hepatic microsomes was examined. We also studied the effects of pyrazines on IQ metabolism by Aroclor 1254-induced microsomes using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antimutagenicity of pyrazines correlated positively with both the inhibition of cytochrome P-450 IA2-linked ethoxycoumarin deethylase in hepatic microsomes and the inhibition of N-hydroxy-IQ formation from IQ metabolism by hepatic microsomes. Thus we concluded that pyrazines in dichloromethane extracts from eight amino acid/sugar model systems play an important role in the antimutagenicity of IQ. Moreover, we concluded that the modifying effect of pyrazines on the mutagenicity of IQ is mediated through interaction with microsomal activating enzymes to inhibit the major active metabolite in N-hydroxy-IQ formation.

Reconstitution of recombinant 33-kDa subunit of the clathrin-coated vesicle H(+)-ATPase

Evidence suggests that the ATP hydrolytic sector of the clathrin-coated vesicle proton-translocating ATPase is composed of four subunits of molecular masses of 70, 58, 40, and 33 kDa (Xie, X. S., and Stone, D. K. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 9859-9867). We have now expressed recombinant 33-kDa polypeptide in Escherichia coli and in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells. This subunit, renatured and purified from both sources, lacks intrinsic ATPase activity. Co-reconstitution of these recombinant 33-kDa polypeptides and recombinant 40-kDa subunit to a biochemically prepared 70-58-kDa subcomplex results in a 6-fold stimulation of calcium-activated, N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive ATPase activity, documenting the essential role of the 33- and 40-kDa components in vacuolar type proton pump function and furthering the aim of reconstitution of a purely recombinant hydrolytic core.

In situ demonstration and characterization of progonadotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid in first trimester human placentas

GnRH has been shown to play a role in the regulation of secretion of hCG by human placenta. Immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated the presence of the peptide, but do not address whether the GnRH is maternal, fetal, or placental in origin. In situ hybridization studies using a biotinylated pro-GnRH cDNA were, therefore, undertaken to determine the distribution of pro-GnRH mRNA in first trimester placental samples. Using an avidin-biotin-Cy.5 detection system in conjunction with laser scanning confocal microscopy, pro-GnRH mRNA was shown to be present in both the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells of placental villi, although not in the cells of the fetal connective tissue. Prior hybridization with a 200-fold excess of unlabeled probe blocked hybridization of the labeled pro-GnRH probe. Southern and sequence analysis demonstrated that the probe hybridized to a transcript identical to hypothalamic GnRH. Immunocytochemical staining using an antiserum to amino acids 6-16 of pro-GnRH demonstrated the presence of translated pro-GnRH in both the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast epithelia. We conclude that the synthesis of pro-GnRH by both the cytotrophoblast and the syncytiotrophoblast of human placenta is consistent with either an autocrine or a paracrine mode of GnRH regulation of hCG secretion.

Taiwan Blood Donation Program: a model for development

In 1974, the Taiwan National Blood Program had not yet been fully developed. The volunteer donor base was less than 5% and there was no organized national structure or regulation of blood services. Following the founding of the Blood Donation Association and the Blood Services Foundation, promotion of an all-volunteer blood program, increased utilization of blood components and the standardization of laboratory methods were strategies that led to the development of the Taiwan National Blood Program. In 1991, 1,066,082 units of blood were collected in Taiwan, serving a population of about 20 million. There are currently 6 major blood centers and 13 blood stations. Blood donation is now 100% volunteer and 78% of all blood collected is separated into 10 available components. With national organization and regulation, the transition has taken 17 years and has resulted in a community-based, all-volunteer blood supply.

Hepatitis C virus infection in volunteer blood donors in Taiwan. Evaluation by hepatitis C antibody assays and the polymerase chain reaction

A total of 2671 plasma samples that were selected from 22,500 volunteer blood donors in Taiwan were studied for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The donors were stratified into three groups by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Of the donors, 20,768 (92.3%) had an ALT level less than 30 IU/L (group 1), 1080 (4.8%) had an ALT level between 31 and 45 IU/L (group 2), and 652 (2.9%) had an ALT level greater than 45 IU/L (group 3). To study anti-C100-3 hepatitis C antibody, 2023 plasma samples (10%) from group 1, 321 (30%) from group 2, and 327 (50%) from group 3 were randomly selected and tested. Twenty-one (1.04%) of group 1 donors, 13 (4.05%) of group 2 donors, and 26 (7.95%) of group 3 donors were positive for anti-C100-3, respectively. These seropositive samples were further tested by a recombinant immunoblot assay, by a polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA, by a second-generation recombinant antigen-based immunoassay (r-HCV), and by a synthetic peptide-based immunoassay (EIA3) for HCV antibodies. By the polymerase chain reaction, 26 of the 60 donors were positive for HCV RNA. The HCV RNA was more frequently found in donors with an ALT level greater than 45 IU/L than in those with an ALT level less than 45 IU/L (15 of 26 vs nine of 34, respectively); in donors who were recombinant immunoblot assay reactive or indeterminate than in those who were recombinant immunoblot assay negative (17 of 21 or seven of 14 vs two of 25, respectively); and in donors who were EIA3 positive (25 of 33 vs one of 27) or r-HCV positive (25 of 35 vs one of 25). Based on these data, we anticipate that screening by anti-C100-3 in Taiwan will exclude approximately 3280 potentially infectious donations under the current screening policy but will result in the loss of 6860 donations that will be negative for HCV RNA per year. Because of its high sensitivity and specificity, EIA3 or r-HCV seems to be a potentially better screening method for HCV carriers.

Associated effects of bromocriptine on neoplastic progression of mouse mammary preneoplastic hyperplastic alveolar nodule line C4 and on hyperplastic alveolar nodule-infiltrating and splenic lymphocyte function

Progression of the mouse mammary preneoplastic hyperplastic alveolar nodule (HAN) line C4 to carcinoma can be enhanced by stimulators and depressed by inhibitors of host lymphocyte function (W.Z. Wei et al., Cancer Res., 49: 2709-2715, 1989). The purpose of the present study was to ask whether prolactin (PRL), a regulator of both mammary epithelial and lymphoid cells, might be a factor in the association between lymphocytic function and HAN progression. Daily administration of bromocriptine, a suppressor of pituitary PRL secretion, increased the latency period and decreased the incidence of tumor development in HAN bearing mice. Bromocriptine treatment suppressed in vitro responsiveness of HAN-infiltrating lymphocytes and, to some extent, spleen cells, to T- and B-cell mitogens, without altering the relative proportion of lymphocytic subsets. Suppression could be partially reversed by PRL treatment. Natural killer cell activity of HAN-infiltrating lymphocytes was also reduced by bromocriptine. In vitro incubation with anti-PRL antisera inhibited both lymphocyte mitogen responsiveness and natural killer activity in a concentration-dependent manner. PRL reversed this inhibition also. Altogether, these results demonstrate a correlation among tumor development, PRL levels, and lymphocyte function and suggest that an immune-endocrine network involving PRL may play a role in C4 HAN progression.

Production and characterisation of a monoclonal antibody (Cx-99) against cervical carcinoma

An IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MAb Cx-99) has been established which recognises a surface antigen on epithelial cells, but not on fibroblastic or hematopoietic cells. Immunohistochemical studies showed that this antigen was present in all 37 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) including 33 cervical SCC, and 30 of the 32 adenocarcinomas examined; most of the 33 cervical SCC were stained extensively. It was also detected in the culture medium of cervical cancer cell lines. In the normal cervix, this antigen was restricted to the undifferentiated basal cells. This observation suggests that the widespread expression of the antigen was triggered by oncogenesis. The MAb Cx-99 recognised an epitope on an asialyted glycoprotein which has an apparent molecular weight of 37 kilodaltons (kD) (and 2 minor proteins at 18 and 27 kD) and an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.3. It may have potential for studies on differentiation and oncogenesis and for diagnostic applications.

Anticardiolipin antibody in stroke

Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) has been associated with cerebral ischemia, suggesting an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular thrombosis and a marker for increased thrombotic risk. Its prevalence and significance in stroke are unknown. In this study, consecutively admitted patients diagnosed as having stroke were studied. A total of 246 patients, 141 men and 105 women, aged 34 to 91 years (mean age, 63.5 years), were screened for the presence of ACA. Elevated concentration of circulating ACA was present in 4 out of 170 patients with infarct, and in 1 out of 76 patients with hemorrhage. They were 4 men and 1 woman, aged 49 to 84 years (mean age, 66.8 years). The prevalence of ACA in stroke was 2% (2.3% for infarction and 1.3% for hemorrhage). All the elevated ACA were of IgG isotype. No strong association between antibody positivity and stroke was found in this study. The routine screen of ACA in stroke is of questionable value.

Effect of emodin on cooked-food mutagen activation

The herbs Rheum palmatum B and Polygonum cuspidatum S are frequently used as laxatives and anticancer drugs in Chinese medicine. The antimutagenic activity of these herbs as well as their active component emodin was examined in Salmonella typhimurium TA98. The crude extracts and emodin induced a dose-dependent decrease in the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2). Furthermore, emodin reduced the mutagenicity of IQ by direct inhibition of the hepatic microsomal activation and not by interaction with proximate metabolites of IQ and/or by modification of DNA repair processes in the bacterial cell.

Detection of IQ-type mutagens in canned roasted eel

Basic extracts of canned roasted eel exhibited the highest mutagenicity among seven kinds of canned products assayed with Salmonella typhimurium TA98 in the presence of S-9 mix. The major mutagenic compounds of canned roasted eel extracts were purified and analysed by HPLC. The mutagenic fractions corresponding to the peaks of standard 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline(MeIQx) and 2-amino-3,7,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline(7,8-DiMeIQx ) were further confirmed by the comparison of UV spectra, tester strain specificity and nitrite treatment. The estimated contents of MeIQx and 7,8-DiMeIQx were 1.1 ng and 5.3 ng per gram of canned roasted eel, respectively. Cooking temperature and time seemed to be the major factors affecting mutagen formation in fried eel. The type and amount of mutagenic compounds detected in canned roasted eel are likely to be correlated with the relative levels of specific free amino acids in raw eel.

Elimination of V beta 2 bearing T-cells in BALB/c mice implanted with syngeneic preneoplastic and neoplastic mammary lesions

The effect of growth of BALB/c C4 preneoplastic and neoplastic mammary lesions on the host T-cell repertoire was investigated. T-cells with specific V beta regions (V beta 2, -6, -8.1-2, -11, and -14) in the T-cell receptors were enumerated in C4 hyperplastic alveolar nodule (HAN)-infiltrating lymphocytes and lymph node cells from both C4 HAN and C4 tumor-bearing mice by flow cytometry with V beta-specific monoclonal antibodies. Growth of C4 HAN and tumor induced selective deletion of peripheral V beta 2+ T-cells. Elimination of V beta 2+ T-cells [7.2 +/- 0.8% (SD) of normal lymph node T-cells] by C4 HAN was biphasic and irreversible. Approximately one-half of the V beta 2+ T-cells were lost within the first month of C4 HAN implantation. Further reduction of V beta 2+ T-cells took place after another 3 months, at which time the level of V beta 2 was reduced to 1.2 +/- 0.1% of the total T-cell population. V beta 2 deletion occurred in BALB/c mice which had been implanted with C4 HAN at either 3 weeks or 2 months of age. Loss of V beta 2+ T-cells was not reversed by removal of C4 HAN. C4 tumor also induced V beta 2+ T-cell deletion. These results demonstrate a novel V beta 2 deleting activity expressed by C4 mammary lesions and suggest that during mouse mammary tumorigenesis, a unique "superantigen" is expressed which can cause profound systemic changes in the T-cell repertoire.

Seroprevalence of anti-HCV among voluntary blood donors in Taiwan

The epidemiologic characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Chinese voluntary blood donors in 18 cities and counties all over the Taiwan Island were studied. Serum specimens of 1,135 randomly selected voluntary blood donors were tested for antibodies to HCV by Ortho enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 18 donors were found to be positive for anti-HCV with a prevalence of 1.6%. Females had a higher prevalence (11/491 = 2.2%) than male (7/644 = 1.1%). The prevalence of anti-HCV for age groups of 18-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years was 2.0%, 0.8% and 0.0%, respectively, for males, as well as 1.7%, 2.0% and 5.0%, respectively, for females. Elevated serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels were highly associated with an increased anti-HCV prevalence (1.4% and 11.8% for those who had ALT level of less than or equal to 45 and greater than 45 IU/L) in all specimens tested. The HBsAg positivity rate was 4.5% in all specimens tested. There was no significant correlation between HBV and HCV infections. Although those who had a history of surgical operation, tatooing and ear piercing had a higher anti-HCV prevalence than those without such a history (2.8% vs. 1.2%, 4.0% vs. 1.5%, and 2.1% vs. 1.5%, respectively), the differences were not statistically significant. The prevalence was higher in Taipei (4.8%), Taichung (4.4%), Taoyuan (4.0%) than in other counties. The anti-HCV prevalence was 1.5% among qualified blood donors who had a ALT less than or equal to 45 IU/L and were negative on HBsAg, TPHA and anti-HIV tests.

Outbreak of type A botulism caused by a commercial food product in Taiwan: clinical and epidemiological investigations

In late September 1986, we found 7 patients from a printing factory in Chang-Hwa city who developed an endemic disease manifested by general malaise, ptosis, double vision, dysarthria, dysphagia, and proximal limb weakness. After clinical, epidemiological, microbiological, and toxicological investigations, an outbreak of botulism was confirmed 2 weeks later, Commercially canned peanuts made by an unlicensed cannery were identified as the vehicle of botulinum toxin transmission. Antitoxin was given to 2 patients who needed ventilator support. One of the 7 victims died from medical complications and the remaining 6 patients recovered. Several administrative problems exposed in this outbreak were the poor governmental supervision of canned food, the inadequate quantities of "orphan drugs" stored in this country, the inefficient system for recalling the problem products, and the delayed broadcasting of warnings to the public. Since commercially processed food is increasingly popular with modernization, the possibility of future botulism outbreaks should not be overlooked.

The prevalence of anti-HCV among Chinese voluntary blood donors in Taiwan

In Taiwan, the prevalence of circulating anti-HCV is 2 percent among first-time voluntary Chinese blood donors, 10 percent among donors with elevated ALT levels (greater than 45 IU/L), and higher among older men. The carrier rate for HBsAg was 18.6 percent and the frequency of positive HBV marker(s) (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) was 86.4 percent among first-time donors. There is no significant correlation between HBV and HCV infections in Taiwan, because there is no significant difference in the frequency of anti-HCV among donors with or without HBV markers. The frequency of anti-HCV among qualified donors in Taiwan (ALT less than 45 IU/L, not tested for anti-HBc) is 1.8 percent, which is not significantly different from the frequency (1.6%) in donors with normal ALT and negative for HBV marker(s) (qualified donors by Western Standards). Therefore, ALT is the most important surrogate marker for HCV infection in Taiwan.

Expression of serum IL-2, IL-2R, and CD8 levels during hyposensitization in house-dust-sensitive asthmatics

In this study, we used the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the changes of serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), and suppressor/cytotoxicity factor (CD8) in house dust-sensitive asthmatic children during hyposensitization. Patients before immunotherapy presented significantly higher serum levels of IL-2 and IL-2R than normal subjects (p less than 0.001), but these levels became normal after three years of hyposensitization. No significant difference of serum CD8 level was noted between pretreated patients and normal controls. Although the serum CD8 level in treated patients also decreased after three years of immunotherapy, this decrease was not significant compared with the pretreated patients (p greater than 0.05). This study suggests that serum IL-2 and IL-2R markers might be helpful in analyzing allergic states associated with immune activation and in evaluating the therapeutic effects of hyposensitization.