Analysis of soluble interleukin 6 receptor in cerebrospinal fluid in inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions

The objective of this study was to investigate the pathophysiological roles of soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF was obtained from patients suspected with meningitis. Eight patients without any meningeal signs or symptoms were enrolled as controls. An additional 34 CSF samples were collected to measure both biologically active and immunoreactive sIL-6R. All CSF samples were proven to be aseptic. IL-6 and sIL-6R were measured using specific ELISAs. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of cell number in CSF; inflammatory group (cell number >5 microl, mean 241+/-363.1, n=61); non-inflammatory group (cell number < or =5 microl, mean=2.1+/-1.7, n=12) and controls (cell number < or =5 microl, mean=0.3+1.7, n=8). Among these three groups, the differences in protein (F (2,78)=8.274, P<0.0001) and IL-6 concentration (F (2,78)=6.475, P<0.001) were statistically significant but those of sIL-6R concentration were not. There were only weak correlations between log (sIL-6R) versus log (cell number) (r=0.23, P=0.0375), log (protein) (r=0.239, P=0.0358) and log (IL-6) (r=0.27, P=0.0167). Amounts of immunoreactive and biologically active sIL-6R were closely correlated (r=0.62, n=34, P<0.005). It was concluded that sIL-6R is present constitutively in CSF and its level may not increase significantly in inflammatory conditions; infiltrating cells in CSF are not the main source of sIL-6R; and sIL-6R in CSF can bind IL-6.

Accumulation and degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum of a truncated ER-60 devoid of C-terminal amino acid residues

The accumulation and degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of a truncated ER-60 protease, from which the C-terminal 89 amino acid residues have been deleted (K 417 ochre), was examined. K 417 ochre overexpressed in COS-1 cells is not secreted into the medium, but accumulates as insoluble aggregates in non-ionic detergent without degradation in unusual clump membrane structures. K 417 ochre, stably expressed, forms soluble aggregates in non-ionic detergent and is distributed in the reticular structures of ER. Under these conditions, K 417 ochre is not secreted into the medium but is degraded with a half-life time of more than 8 h. Since K 417 ochre/C all S, in which all the Cys residues of K 417 ochre are replaced by Ser, also forms aggregates, an inter-disulfide bond appears unnecessary for aggregation. In both types of aggregates, Ig heavy chain binding protein, calnexin, glucose regulated protein 94, calreticulin, ERp72, and protein disulfide isomerase are scarcely found. Since degradation of the stably expressed K 417 ochre was not inhibited by lactacystin, leupeptin, NH(4)Cl, or cytocharasin B, but was inhibited by N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal, the self-aggregated abnormal protein in the lumen of ER is assumed to be degraded by an unknown protease system other than proteasome, lysosome or autophagy.

Catalytic cysteine residues of ER-60 protease

ER-60 protease contains two CGHC motifs that appear to include an active site cysteine residue(s). Its proteolytic activity was lost with a double mutation of the C-terminal cysteines of the two motifs to alanine, but not with a single mutation of the C-terminal cysteine of either of the motifs to alanine. This suggests that these C-terminal cysteines independently constitute the catalytic active site. A mutation of both histidine residues in the two CGHC motifs to serine did not abolish the proteolytic activity, suggesting these histidine residues in the CGHC motifs do not constitute the catalytic dyad of ER-60 protease.

Anomalous artery directly connecting the external and internal carotid arteries

An anomalous artery directly connecting the external with the internal carotid artery was encountered on the right side of a 68-year-old Japanese female cadaver. This anomalous artery (5 mm in diameter, 12 mm in length) branched out from the posterior aspect of the external carotid at the level of the origin of the lingual artery, ran obliquely upward posteriorly along the course of the hypoglossal nerve, and was confluent with the anterior aspect of the internal carotid artery. No other variations were found in the morphological aspects of, or in the anatomical relationships between, the carotid arteries and their surrounding structures on either side. The carotid body-like structure was observed at the carotid bifurcation and was innervated by small branches of the glossopharyngeal, the vagus and the sympathetic trunk. Embryologically, it is conceivable that this anomalous artery may have derived from the right second branchial arch artery, although there is no abnormality in other derivative structures of the second pharyngeal arch. There may have been no effect from this anomaly on the functions of the arterial blood flow and blood supply under normal circumstances in the present case, but this report may be of embryological significance and contribute some insight into the mechanisms of the formation of the carotid circulation systems.

Gene expression profiles of the collecting duct in the mouse renal inner medulla

Gene expression profiles of the collecting duct in the mouse renal inner medulla.

BACKGROUND

Gene expression profiles, constructed from 1000 to 2000 cloned cDNA sequences, depict their relative abundance of expression in a tissue. Establishing such a profile for mouse inner renal medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs), we compared expression patterns with those in other tissues including proximal tubule.

METHODS

A nonbiased 3'-end cDNA library was prepared from microdissected mouse IMCDs. Single-pass sequencing of 2000 randomly selected cDNA clones collected short sequences (approximate length, 250 bp) following poly (A), called gene signatures (GS). Identical sequences were considered a single GS. GS occurrence was quantitated to yield a list of expressed genes indicating their abundance.

RESULTS

Among 2000 clones, 1613 types of transcripts were found in IMCDs; 155 were identical or homologous to reported genes. The gene most expressed in IMCDs was alphaB-crystallin, a small stress (heat-shock) protein that is also a major structural protein in the ocular lens. According to Northern analysis, renal expression of this mRNA was induced by dehydration, presumably via tissue hypertonicity. However, expression did not change with acute NaCl loading. Also, a new member of the glutathione-S-transferase family was identified by comparing the IMCD expression profile with those of other tissues.

CONCLUSION

With our database of genes expressed in mouse IMCDs, we are devising an IMCD-specific microarray to study gene-expression responses to various physiologic alterations.

Establishment and characterization of a new human megakaryoblastic cell line (SET-2) that spontaneously matures to megakaryocytes and produces platelet-like particles

A new factor-independent megakaryoblastic cell line, designated SET-2, was established from the peripheral blood of a patient with leukemic transformation of essential thrombocythemia (ET). SET-2 expressed CD 4, 7, 13, 33, 34, 36, 38, 41, 61, 71, 117, 126, 130 and c-mpl. In addition, it spontaneously produced numerous platelet-like particles in liquid culture. These particles were shown to be the same size as normal platelets, and to express CD 36, 38, 41, 61 and 71. Proliferation of SET-2 was not influenced by thrombopoietin (TPO) and other hemopoietic cytokines. SET-2 was found to express the platelet-specific proteins such as platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin. The levels of expression were not altered by TPO. SET-2 also secreted interleukin-6 into the supernatants, as well as normal megakaryocytes. These results suggest that SET-2 spontaneously matures to megakaryocytes and produces platelet-like particles. These findings indicate that SET-2 may be useful for investigating the proliferation and differentiation mechanisms of leukemia cells and the role of c-mpl on megakaryoblasts, megakaryocytes, and platelets in ET. Leukemia (2000) 14, 142-152.

The effects of fabric air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation in sedentary women at cyclic changes of ambient temperatures from 27 degrees C to 33 degrees C

The present paper aimed at learning the effects of two different levels of air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation in sedentary women. Three kinds of clothing ensemble were investigated: 1) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and low air permeability (A clothing); 2) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and high air permeability (B clothing); and 3) cotton clothing with high moisture absorption and high air permeability (C clothing). After 20 min of dressing time, the room temperature and humidity began to rise from 27 degrees C and 50% rh to 33 degrees C and 70% rh over 20 min, and it was maintained for 30 min (Section I); it then began to fall to 27 degrees C and 50% rh over 20 min, and it was maintained there for 20 min (Section II). The subject sat quietly on a chair for 110 min. The main findings are summarized as follows: 1) The clothing surface temperature was significantly higher in C clothing than in B clothing during section I, but it was significantly higher in B clothing than in C clothing during section II. 2) Although the positive relationship between the microclimate humidity and forearm sweat rate was significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the microclimate humidity at the chest for the same sweat rate was lower in C clothing than in A and B clothing. These results were discussed in terms of thermal physiology.

Hepatitis C virus structural proteins induce liver cell injury in transgenic mice

To develop an animal model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, transgenic mice carrying part of the HCV cDNA (C980) encoding HCV-core and envelope proteins under control of the mouse class I major histocompatibility complex gene (H-2K) regulatory region were produced. HCV-C980 RNA and HCV-core protein were present in livers from line H36 as determined by RNase protection assay and immunostaining, respectively. More than 40 animals from line H36 were examined histologically. Most of these H36 mice after 10 months of age developed spontaneous focal infiltration of lymphocytes, hepatocyte necrosis, degeneration, and altered foci with mitotic hepatocytes. These pathological lesions were absent in livers from the age-matched control littermates. Liver cells from these H36 mice were sensitive to damage induced by intravenous administration of an anti-Fas antibody. It is suggested that HCV-C980 proteins by themselves may be one causative agent of liver cell injury in subjects with HCV infection.

Hepatitis C virus structural proteins induce liver cell injury in transgenic mice

To develop an animal model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, transgenic mice carrying part of the HCV cDNA (C980) encoding HCV-core and envelope proteins under control of the mouse class I major histocompatibility complex gene (H-2K) regulatory region were produced. HCV-C980 RNA and HCV-core protein were present in livers from line H36 as determined by RNase protection assay and immunostaining, respectively. More than 40 animals from line H36 were examined histologically. Most of these H36 mice after 10 months of age developed spontaneous focal infiltration of lymphocytes, hepatocyte necrosis, degeneration, and altered foci with mitotic hepatocytes. These pathological lesions were absent in livers from the age-matched control littermates. Liver cells from these H36 mice were sensitive to damage induced by intravenous administration of an anti-Fas antibody. It is suggested that HCV-C980 proteins by themselves may be one causative agent of liver cell injury in subjects with HCV infection.

Management of acute chylothorax with hydrops fetalis diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy

A fetus with large pleural effusion and hydrops fetalis diagnosed in the third trimester was successfully treated with prompt vaginal delivery followed by drainage of the pleural cavity, after confirmation of congenital chylothorax and re-expansion of the lung with prenatal thoracentesis.

Increased oxidative stress in mouse kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction

BACKGROUND

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well-established experimental model of renal injury leading to interstitial fibrosis. The molecular and cellular mechanism(s) of interstitial fibrosis in UUO kidney is beginning to be elucidated. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various forms of renal injury; however, little is known about its involvement in the setting of ureteral obstruction.

METHODS

To investigate the possible involvement of oxidative stress in the obstructive nephropathy, we studied the occurrence and distribution of Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) in the kidneys after ureteral obstruction. CML is an integrative biomarker of the cumulative protein damage induced by glycoxidation. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein expression, which is a sensitive and reliable indicator of oxidative stress, were also examined.

RESULTS

CML immunoreactivity was found in the interstitium of UUO kidneys 10 days after the onset ureteral obstruction. HO-1 mRNA was up-regulated as early as 12 hours after ureteral obstruction. HO-1 immunoreactivity was observed in the periglomerular and peritubular interstitium two days after ureteral obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results strongly suggested the presence of increased oxidative stress in the interstitium of UUO kidneys. The oxidative stress and the formation of various kind of biological active oxidative products in the interstitium are supposed to play significant roles in UUO kidney.

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) by hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) in human glioma cells: HGF/SF enhances MMP-2 expression and activation accompanying up-regulation of membrane type-1 MMP

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) contributes to the malignant progression of human gliomas. We investigated the effect of HGF/SF on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), expressions of c-Met/HGF receptor-positive human glioblastoma cells. Treatment of U251 human glioblastoma cells with HGF/SF resulted in enhanced secretion of MMP-2 with an increased level of the active form. This was accompanied by enhanced expression (2.5-fold) of mRNA specific for MMP-2. The stimulatory effect of HGF/SF on MMP-2 expression did not occur in the presence of herbimycin A, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor. MT1 -MMP, a cell-surface activator of proMMP-2, was also up-regulated by HGF/SF in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, the level of TIMP- 1 mRNAs was not altered significantly and that of TIMP-2 was reduced mildly by the HGF/SF treatment, suggesting that HGF/SF may eventually modulate a balance between MMP-2 and TIMPs in favor of the proteinase activity in the glioma cell microenvironment. HGF/SF also stimulated MMP-2 expression of other glioblastoma cell lines. Since glioblastomas frequently co-express HGF/SF and its receptor, our results suggest that HGF/SF might contribute to the invasiveness of glioblastoma cells through autocrine induction of MMP-2 expression and activation.

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) by hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) in human glioma cells: HGF/SF enhances MMP-2 expression and activation accompanying up-regulation of membrane type-1 MMP

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) contributes to the malignant progression of human gliomas. We investigated the effect of HGF/SF on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), expressions of c-Met/HGF receptor-positive human glioblastoma cells. Treatment of U251 human glioblastoma cells with HGF/SF resulted in enhanced secretion of MMP-2 with an increased level of the active form. This was accompanied by enhanced expression (2.5-fold) of mRNA specific for MMP-2. The stimulatory effect of HGF/SF on MMP-2 expression did not occur in the presence of herbimycin A, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor. MT1 -MMP, a cell-surface activator of proMMP-2, was also up-regulated by HGF/SF in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, the level of TIMP- 1 mRNAs was not altered significantly and that of TIMP-2 was reduced mildly by the HGF/SF treatment, suggesting that HGF/SF may eventually modulate a balance between MMP-2 and TIMPs in favor of the proteinase activity in the glioma cell microenvironment. HGF/SF also stimulated MMP-2 expression of other glioblastoma cell lines. Since glioblastomas frequently co-express HGF/SF and its receptor, our results suggest that HGF/SF might contribute to the invasiveness of glioblastoma cells through autocrine induction of MMP-2 expression and activation.

Combined effects of fabric air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation during intermittent exercise at 27 degrees C

The present paper aimed at determining the combined effects of two different levels of air permeability and moisture absorption, in terms of clothing microclimate and subjective sensation, in resting and exercising subjects at an ambient temperature of 27 degrees C, a relative humidity of 50% and an air velocity of 0.14 m s-1. Three kinds of clothing ensemble were investigated: (1) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and low air permeability (A), (2) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and high air permeability (B), and (3) cotton clothing with high moisture absorption and high air permeability (C). The subjects exercised for 10 min on a cycle ergometer at an intensity of 30% maximal oxygen uptake and then had a 10 min rest. This sequence was repeated four times. The main findings are summarized as follows: (1) The clothing microclimate humidity in the back area was significantly higher in A than in B, and in C than in B. (2) The clothing microclimate temperature in the chest area was significantly higher in B than in A, and in B than in C. (3) The clothing microclimate temperature in the back area was significantly higher in C than in B. (4) The clothing surface temperature was significantly higher in C than in B. (5) Although the positive relationships between the microclimate humidity and forearm sweat rate was significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the microclimate humidity at chest for the same sweat rate was lower in C than in A and B. (6) Although the positive relationships between subjective sensation and forearm sweat rates were significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the subjective discomfort seemed to be reduced more effectively in C than in A and B for the same sweat rate. These results were discussed in terms of thermal physiology and combined effects of air permeability and moisture absorbency of the fabrics.

Probucol suppresses ICAM-1 expression in rat mesangial cells: possible role of IL-1

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) participates in the progression of glomerulonephritis by up-regulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in experimental glomerulonephritis. Probucol, an anti-hyperlipidemic agent, ameliorates some types of glomerulonephritis regardless of serum cholesterol levels, and is also reported to inhibit IL-1 release from macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions. However, little is known about the mechanism of this favorable action on glomerular injury. We examined whether or not probucol inhibits ICAM-1 expression by suppression of IL-1 action in cultured rat mesangial cells. In this brief report, we review the actions of probucol on IL-1 secretion and discuss the possible mechanism by which probucol may suppress the glomerular injury.

Role of intron 1 in smooth muscle alpha-actin transcriptional regulation in activated mesangial cells in vivo

BACKGROUND

The activation of glomerular mesangial cells is one of the early, important features of progressive glomerular disease. Smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMalphaA) is an excellent marker of activated mesangial cells. However, the mechanisms of SMalphaA regulation are only available from in vitro investigation.

METHODS

We examined in vivo promoter analysis of the SMalphaA gene-utilizing transgenic mice harboring different promoter regions of the SMalphaA gene fused to chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). CAT activities were tested in primary cultured mesangial cells and in glomerular legions of Habu venom glomerulonephritis.

RESULTS

The DNA sequence -891 to +3828, which contains exon 1, intron 1, and the first 14 bp of exon 2 in addition to the 5'-flanking sequence of the SMalphaA gene, induced high levels of transcription in activated mesangial cells in in vivo habu venom glomerulonephritis and in cultured mesangial cells derived from transgenic mice. The DNA region -891 to -124 was a positive element in mesangial cells derived from transgenic mice. Deletions (3316 or 137 bp) in intron 1 reduced transcription to undetectable levels. The 137 bp sequence is highly conserved among several species, containing one CArG box element, which is one of the key motifs for transcriptional activation of contractile-related proteins. In vitro transfection analysis failed to demonstrate these positive effects of intron 1 and region -891 to -124. Conclusions. In vivo promoter analysis of the SMalphaA gene provided new information about the transcriptional regulation of SMalphaA in activated mesangial cells. The DNA region -891 to -124 has a positive effect on SMalphaA transcription in cultured mesangial cells. The intron 1 region (+1088 to +1224) plays a pivotal role in SMalphaA transcription in activated mesangial cells in vivo. Further analysis of this conserved region in intron 1, including the CArG motif, will be of great value in understanding the molecular mechanisms of mesangial activation.

Enhanced interstitial expression of caldesmon in IgA nephropathy and its suppression by glucocorticoid-heparin therapy

BACKGROUND

With progressive renal disease, structural derangement increasingly encompasses the tubulointerstitial compartment. Tubulointerstitial injury is a critical determinant of renal functional reserve and prognosis in renal disease. Interstitial cells acquiring characteristic of myofibroblasts are an important contributor to interstitial fibrosis. Caldesmon, a calmodulin or actin binding protein, is a molecular marker of differentiation in smooth muscle cells and has recently been shown by us to be a good marker of mesangial cell activation in IgA nephropathy patients. METHODS. We studied whether the expression of caldesmon in interstitium of the kidney was enhanced in the process of glomerular disease and whether it would be a marker of interstitial activation in specific disease states. We performed immunohistochemical staining with anti-caldesmon antibodies in 38 biopsy specimens from IgA nephropathy patients and analysed them quantitatively with a computer-aided manipulator. Interstitial caldesmon expression were compared with histological changes and clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Caldesmon expression was enhanced where interstitial cell infiltration and fibrosis were found. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that caldesmon staining in the renal interstitium was cytoplasmic, and in the processes of myofibroblast-like cells. Caldesmon expression was more prominent in the intense CD68 infiltrated group than in the low positive cells infiltrated group. Patients showing high intensity of interstitial caldesmon expression had significantly higher urinary protein excretion than those showing low intensity of caldesmon expression. Next, 15 patients were treated with glucocorticoid and heparin for 4-8 weeks and re-biopsies were performed. Caldesmon expression was reduced in concomitant with decreased interstitial cell infiltration. Follow-up of these patients (average 24 months) revealed a significant suppression of urinary protein excretion and significant improvement of creatinine clearance.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the interstitial caldesmon expression is associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy, and glucocorticoid--heparin therapy may reverse the phenotypic change of interstitial cells during the disease process of glomerulonephritis.

Purification and characterization of diacylglycerol lipase from human platelets

Diacylglycerol lipase (DGL) was solubilized from human platelet microsomes with heptyl-beta-D-thioglucoside, and purified to homogeneity on SDS-PAGE using a combination of chromatographic and electrophoretic methods. The molecular mass of the purified DGL was estimated to be 33 kDa. Its apparent pI was pH 6.0, as determined by Immobiline isoelectro-focusing. The enzymatic activity of the partially purified DGL was investigated in the presence of a variety of inhibitors and reagents, as well as its pH and calcium dependence. Thiol reagents such as p-chloromercurubenzoic acid (pCMB), N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), and HgCl2 inhibited the activity, while dithiothreitol (DTT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) enhanced it. In addition, the enzymatic activity was inhibited by two serine blockers, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), and by a histidine modifying reagent, p-bromophenacyl bromide (pBPB). These results suggest that cysteine, serine and histidine residues are required for the enzymatic activity of DGL. DGL was optimally active in the pH range of 7-8 and its activity did not change significantly in the presence of various calcium concentrations, even in the presence of 2 mM EGTA. This indicates that DGL can hydrolyze substrates with a basal cytosolic free Ca2+ level in the physiological pH range. A DGL inhibitor, RHC-80267, inhibited DGL activity in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 (the concentration required for 50% inhibition) of about 5 microM. Unexpectedly, several phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors were potent inhibitors of DGL activity (IC50<5 microM), suggesting that the catalytic mechanisms of DGL and PLA2 may be similar. Finally, we show that DGL activity was inhibited by 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MGs), the reaction products of this enzyme. Among the three 2-MGs tested (2-arachidonoyl glycerol, 2-stearoyl glycerol, and 2-oleoyl glycerol), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol was the most potent inhibitor.

Renin-angiotensin system component gene polymorphism in Japanese bronchial asthma patients

The influence of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) component gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma was investigated in an association study involving 119 bronchial asthma patients and 208 control subjects. The selected RAS polymorphisms were angiotensinogen (Agt) T235/M235 and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D). The control allelic frequencies of the Agt T235/M235 (0.84/0.16) and ACE I/D (0.63/0.37) in this study were similar to the previous reports in Japanese normal population. The allelic frequencies of the Agt T235/M235 (0.84/0.16) and ACE I/D (0.65/ 0.35) among the asthma patients were not significantly different from those among the control subjects. There was no association between severity of bronchial asthma and the selected RAS component gene polymorphism. From these data, we conclude that in the Japanese population, the RAS component gene polymorphism is not associated with increased risk for bronchial asthma.

Expression of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor and its receptor c-Met in brain tumors: evidence for a role in progression of astrocytic tumors (Review)

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine which is believed to have important roles in tissue development and regeneration, and tumor progression. It is indistinguishable from scatter factor (SF), a motility factor. HGF/SF is believed to be a mesenchymal cell-derived cytokine acting for epithelial cells bearing its receptor tyrosine kinase, c-Met. Recently, we found that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly malignant brain tumor of astrocytic origin, concomitantly express HGF/SF and c-Met. This finding indicates a presence of autocrine loop of HGF/SF signaling pathway in GBM. Moreover, GBM cells also co-express HGF activator, a recently identified serine proteinase having efficient HGF/SF activating activity. The expression of HGF/SF and c-Met was low or hardly detectable in low-grade astrocytoma, and c-Met immunoreactivity was correlated with the histological grade of the tumor suggesting that the creation of HGF/SF autocrine loop occurs along with the progression of astrocytic brain tumors. Experimental evidence indicated that HGF/SF exhibits potent migration/invasion-inducing activity for GBM cells bearing c-Met receptor. It is also a significant angiogenesis factor in GBM, and may serve as a cellular growth factor for certain GBM cells. These lines of evidence suggest that HGF/SF signaling pathway may serve as a promising new target of therapeutic intervention of GBM.

Beta-2-microglobulin and ferritin in cerebrospinal fluid for evaluation of patients with meningitis of different etiologies

To determine whether or not the beta-2-microglobulin (beta2-m) and/or ferritin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be used as markers for the differential diagnosis of meningitis and determination of the response to treatment, 122 subjects with etiologically well-characterized diagnoses were classified into three groups: bacterial meningitis (n = 5; mean age +/- SD. 1.0+/-1.0 year), viral meningitis (n = 39; 5.9+/-3.8 years), and a non-meningitis group (n = 78; 5.2+/-4.9 years). The levels of beta2-m and ferritin in CSF were determined by means of a latex photometric immunoassay. The statistical significance of the data was analyzed with the Mann Whitney U-test. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each prediction marker. This study indicated that (1) the levels of beta2-m and ferritin in CSF were related with age in the non-meningitis group: subjects of up to 5 months of age exhibited higher concentrations of these proteins than ones of above 6 months of age (beta2-m, 1.89+/-1.13 vs. 0.84+/-0.65 mg/l. P < 0.01; ferritin, 2.97+/-2.04 vs. 1.81+/-1.34 microg/l, P = 0.09); (2) the beta2-m level was significantly higher in the CSF of patients with viral meningitis than in ones without meningitis (2.41+/-1.23 vs. 0.84+/-0.65 mg/l, P < 0.01): the best cut-off value was 1.2 mg/l (3) the ferritin level was significantly higher in the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis than in ones with viral meningitis (43.24+/-39.49 vs. 6.81+/-7.41 microg/l, P < (.01): the best cut-off value was 7.5 microg/l; and (4) sequential measurement of the CSF ferritin level was of value for determination of the response to antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis. These results only apply to patients of greater than 6 months of age. beta2-m and ferritin in the CSF can be used as an ancillary tool for diagnostic guidance in the acute phase of meningitis and determination of the response to treatment for bacterial meningitis.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the usefulness of ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

Four cases of interstitial pregnancy that showed characteristic ultrasonographic and MRI findings were studied. All cases received cornual resection, and the presence of interstitial pregnancy was confirmed by pathologic examination.

RESULTS

Three of four cases had a gestational sac in the uterine cornu or a protruding cornual mass and myometrium between the sac and uterine cavity on both USG and MRI. In the remaining case, preoperative diagnosis was inconclusive because no gestational sac was demonstrated by USG or MRI. Color flow mapping was conducted in three cases and revealed prominent peritrophoblastic blood flow.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that USG combined with color flow mapping is the first choice in the early diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy. MRI, which is an extremely expensive imaging technology, should be used only if transvaginal USG with color flow mapping is inconclusive in ruling out the diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy.

Autodegradation of protein disulfide isomerase

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and its degradation products were found in HepG2, COS-1, and CHO-K1 cells. Whether or not the products were formed through autodegradation of PDI was examined, since PDI contains the CGHC motif, which is the active center of proteolytic activity in ER-60 protease. Commercial bovine PDI was autodegraded to produce a trimmed PDI. In addition, human recombinant PDI also had autodegradation activity. Mutant recombinant PDIs with CGHC motifs of which cysteine residues were replaced with serine or alanine residues were prepared. However, they were not autodegraded, suggesting the cysteine residues of motifs are necessary for autodegradation.

Effect of hypertonic stress on amino acid levels and system A activity in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC) are exposed to a hypertonic environment during peritoneal dialysis. When exposed to a hypertonic medium, many types of cells accumulate small osmotically active organic solutes, which are called osmolytes, to match the higher external osmolality. However, no information has been available concerning the osmolytes in PMC. To investigate osmoregulation in rat PMC, the levels of amino acids in the cells and the activity of system A, a major neutral amino acid transport, were measured after switching to a medium made hypertonic by the addition of NaCl. System A was measured by Na+-dependent [14C]-2-methylamino-isobutyric acid (MeAIB) uptake.

RESULTS

Total amount of 20 amino acids increased from 306 to 757 nmol/mg protein after 12 hours of hypertonicity. The amount of neutral amino acids accounted for 81% of the increase in total amino acids. Glutamine, alanine, glycine, threonine, and serine were the major neutral amino acids that accumulated in the hypertonic mesothelial cells. The amount of neutral amino acids increased 2.9-fold after 12 hr of hypertonicity, and decreased thereafter. MeAIB uptake increased 36-fold relative to the uptake in isotonic cells after 4-8 hr of hypertonicity. When the culture medium was made hypertonic by adding raffinose or glucose, the activity of system A was also stimulated (raffinose > glucose > NaCl). System A was located on both the apical and basal sides of isotonic PMC, and extracellular hypertonicity stimulated the MeAIB uptake on both sides.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that neutral amino acids and system A transport play an important role in early-phase osmoregulation in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells.

Effect of a novel immunosuppressant, FK 506, on autoimmune glomerulonephritis in Brown Norway rats

Mercuric-chloride (HgCl2) induces a lymphoproliferative disorder and autoimmune glomerulonephritis in Brown Norway rats. The effects of a new immunosuppressant FK 506 on this model of glomerulonephritis were studied. Brown Norway rats were treated with HgCl2 according to a standard protocol (HgCl2 1 mg/kg s.c. 3 times/ week). Rats developed proteinuria at day 7, which reached a plateau level at day 14. On day 14, renal histology showed prominent mesangial cellular proliferation and the expansion of mesangial matrix. Electron microscopic study showed the effacement of visceral epithelial foot processes and the microvillous transformation of the visceral epithelium. Immunofluorescence study showed a strong linear staining for IgG and the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in all glomeruli. Coadministration of FK 506 (1 mg/kg s.c. daily) prevented the appearance of proteinuria at day 14 (621.4 +/- 30.5 vs. 2.2 +/- 2.7 mg/day) and the morphological lesions. These findings suggest that FK 506 could be useful for the therapy of certain types of human glomerulonephritis.

Two cases of primary pulmonary hypertension diagnosed during pregnancy

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare clinical entity with a high mortality in pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. This paper describes two clinical cases of PPH diagnosed in pregnancy with different severity and outcomes; Case 1 was diagnosed as PPH at 34 weeks of gestation with pulmonary arterial pressure of 60 mmHg and delivered successfully by cesarean section with uneventful postoperative course. Case 2 was diagnosed as PPH at 26 weeks of gestation with pulmonary arterial pressure of 120 mmHg and delivered by cesarean section but died on the 7th day after the operation because of serious and progressive pulmonary hypertension. Patients with primary pulmonary hypertension should avoid pregnancy because of the high mortality, although some cases including ours have been reported with positive outcome.

Degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in vitro. Cleavage in the membrane domain by a membrane-bound cysteine protease

We have recently shown that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, is cleaved in isolated membrane fractions enriched for endoplasmic reticulum. Importantly, the cleavage rate is accelerated when the membranes are prepared from cells that have been pretreated with mevalonate or sterols, physiological regulators of the degradation process in vivo (McGee, T. P., Cheng, H. H., Kumagai, H., Omura, S., and Simoni, R. D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 25630-25638). In the current study, we further characterize this in vitro cleavage of HMG-CoA reductase. E64, a specific inhibitor of cysteine-proteases, inhibits HMG-CoA reductase cleavage in vitro. In contrast, lactacystin, an inhibitor of the proteasome, inhibits HMG-CoA reductase degradation in vivo but does not inhibit the in vitro cleavage. Purified ER fractions contain lactacystin-sensitive and E64-insensitive proteasome activity as measured by succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin hydrolysis. We removed the proteasome from purified ER fractions by solubilization with heptylthioglucoside and observed that the detergent extracted, proteasome-depleted membrane fractions retain regulated cleavage of HMG-CoA reductase. This indicates that ER-associated proteasome is not involved in degradation of HMG-CoA reductase in vitro. In order to determine the site(s) of proteolysis of HMG-CoA reductase in vitro, four antisera were prepared against peptide sequences representing various domains of HMG-CoA reductase and used for detection of proteolytic intermediates. The sizes and antibody reactivity of the intermediates suggest that HMG-CoA reductase is cleaved in the in vitro degradation system near the span 8 membrane region, which links the N-terminal membrane domain to the C-terminal catalytic domain of the protein. We conclude that HMG-CoA reductase can be cleaved in the membrane-span 8 region by a cysteine protease(s) tightly associated with ER membranes.

Up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor induced by hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor stimulation in human glioma cells

Recent findings suggest that hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) contributes to the malignant progression of human gliomas. We investigated the effect of HGF/SF on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of c-Met/HGF receptor-positive human glioma cell lines. Treatment of the glioma cells with various concentrations of HGF/SF resulted in an enhanced secretion of VEGF proteins accompanying increased transcription of VEGF mRNA in a dose-dependent fashion. Since malignant gliomas frequently co-express HGF/SF and its receptor, these results suggest that HGF/SF could act as an indirect angiogenic factor through autocrine induction of VEGF expression and secretion in malignant gliomas.

Up-regulation of HSP47 in the mouse kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction

BACKGROUND

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well established experimental model of renal injury leading to interstitial fibrosis. The molecular and cellular mechanism(s) of interstitial fibrosis in UUO are beginning to be elucidated. In the progression of interstitial fibrosis in UUO, up-regulation of collagen synthesis is commonly observed. HSP47 is a collagen-binding stress protein and is thought to be a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, which plays a pivotal role during the biosynthesis and secretion of collagen molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum. The synthesis of HSP47 has been demonstrated to always parallel that of collagen in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. It is well recognized that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is enhanced in the setting of UUO and that enhanced RAS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys.

METHODS

To investigate the role of HSP47 in the progression of interstitial fibrosis in mouse UUO, the expression of HSP47 was examined by Northern blotting, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the obstructed kidneys. To test the possible involvement of enhanced RAS on the HSP47 expression, we examined the effects of lisinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, on interstitial fibrosis. HSP47 and type I collagen mRNA expression.

RESULTS

By Northern blot analysis, HSP47 mRNA was significantly up-regulated at 12 hours (about twice that of sham operated kidneys) after the onset of ureteral obstruction, further increased and stayed at the increased level until seven days (about 8 times that of sham operated kidneys). HSP47 mRNA and protein expression were observed in the periglomerular and peritubular interstitial regions of the obstructed kidneys. Distribution of smooth muscle alpha actin and type I collagen immunoreactivity were similar to the HSP47 distribution pattern, suggesting that HSP47 was up-regulated in the myofibroblasts. Lisinopril ameliorated the expansion of cortical interstitium in the obstructed kidneys at four and seven days after ureteral obstruction. HSP47 mRNA expression was suppressed at four and seven days, whereas type I collagen mRNA was suppressed only at seven days after the onset of ureteral obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the early and persistent up-regulation of HSP47 during the progression of interstitial fibrosis in mouse UUO kidneys, and further suggest the potential role of HSP47 in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys. Partial suppression of HSP47 mRNA expression by lisinopril at day 4 and day 7 after ureteral obstruction suggests that there are other immediate trigger(s) that induce the HSP47 mRNA expression. Identification of the molecular mechanism of HSP47 induction during UUO may give an insight into the novel aspects of the molecular pathophysiology of interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy.

Activation of non-primary motor areas during a complex finger movement task revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging

We examined the brain activation induced by a complex finger movement task using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with echo planar imaging (EPI). Imaging planes were set up for the observation of non-primary motor areas. Among five normal males examined, four subjects naive to the task showed activations in contralateral primary and supplementary motor areas and the ipsilateral superior anterior part of the cerebellar hemisphere. Also, the bilateral premotor areas and the contralateral ventrolateral nucleus of thalamus were occasionally activated. No changes were observed in the putamen and globus pallidus. The subject accustomed to the task showed activation in the narrow areas of the contralateral primary motor and supplementary motor and premotor areas but not in the cerebellum. These results suggest that fMRI has nearly the same degree of detectability to that of positron emission tomography (PET) in regard to motor functions.

Coffee consumption and decreased serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and aminotransferase activities among male alcohol drinkers

BACKGROUND

Attention has long been drawn to the potentially harmful effects of coffee on health, however recent epidemiological studies have suggested unexpected, possibly beneficial effects of coffee against the occurrence of alcoholic liver cirrhosis and upon serum liver enzyme levels.

METHODS

We examined the potential inverse association between coffee drinking and serum concentrations of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and aminotransferases, with special reference to interaction with alcohol consumption, in a cross-sectional study involving 12687 health examinees (7398 men and 5289 women) aged 40-69 years from over 1000 workplaces in Nagano prefecture in central Japan. Those who had a history of liver disease and/or serum aminotransferases exceeding the normal range were excluded. Possible confounding effects of alcohol consumption, body mass index, cigarette smoking, and green tea consumption were controlled through multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Increased coffee consumption was strongly and independently associated with decreased GGT activity among males (P trend < 0.0001); the inverse association between coffee and serum GGT was more evident among heavier alcohol consumers (P < 0.0001), and was absent among non-alcohol drinkers. Among females, however, coffee was only weakly related to lower GGT level. Similar inverse associations with coffee and interactions between coffee and alcohol intake were observed for serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Intake of green tea, another popular source of caffeine in Japan, did not materially influence the liver enzyme levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that coffee may inhibit the induction of GGT in the liver by alcohol consumption, and may possibly protect against liver cell damage due to alcohol.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal urogenital abnormalities with oligohydramnios by magnetic resonance imaging using turbo spin echo technique

Turbo spin echo technique is a sequence that enables T2 weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images to be obtained in a few seconds. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of this sequence in the prenatal diagnosis of fetal urogenital abnormalities associated with oligohydramnios, which make the ultrasound examination inconclusive. Two fetuses suspected of having prune belly syndrome and polycystic kidney on ultrasound examination were studied by MR imaging using turbo-spin echo method in utero. The images were compared with prenatal ultrasonography or post-mortem findings. In both fetuses, abnormalities were diagnosed correctly. This sequence is useful because it provides images of diagnostic quality in a very short scanning time.

Enhanced glomerular expression of caldesmon in IgA nephropathy and its suppression by glucocorticoid-heparin therapy

BACKGROUND

Activation and consequent phenotypic modulation of mesangial cells is considered to play a crucial role in the process of glomerular disease progression. Caldesmon, a calmodulin and actin-binding protein, is a molecular marker of the phenotypic change in smooth-muscle cells.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We studied whether the expression of caldesmon in mesangial cells was enhanced in the process of IgA nephropathy and whether it would be a marker of mesangial activation indicating prognostic significance in specific disease states. We performed immunohistochemical staining with anticaldesmon and alpha-smooth-muscle actin (alpha-SMA) antibodies in 32 biopsy specimens from IgA nephropathy patients and analysed them quantitatively with a computer-aided manipulator.

RESULTS

The glomerular expression of caldesmon was enhanced in IgA nephropathy patients. We compared caldesmon expression with composite histological scores (cell score and matrix score), clinical parameters and expressions of alpha-SMA. There was a statistically significant correlation between the caldesmon score and the histological scores (cell score and matrix score, P<0.0001, P<0.01 respectively). Patients showing a high intensity of caldesmon expression (defined as caldesmon score > or = 35; H-group) had significantly higher urinary protein excretion than those showing a low intensity of caldesmon expression (defined as caldesmon score < 35; L-group) (1.2 +/- 1.2 g/24 h vs 0.41 +/- 0.53 g/24 h, P<0.05). Caldesmon and alpha-SMA expression had a statistically significant correlation (P<0.000). Next, 13 patients were treated with glucocorticoid-heparin for 4-8 weeks and re-biopsies were performed. After the therapy, the caldesmon and alpha-SMA scores were significantly lower than those before the therapy (P<0.01).

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that the expression of caldesmon in glomeruli is associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy, and that glucocorticoid heparin therapy may reverse the phenotype of mesangial cells during the disease process of glomerulonephritis.

Application of SPET using technetium-99m sestamibi in brain tumours and comparison with expression of the MDR-1 gene: is it possible to predict the response to chemotherapy in patients with gliomas by means of 99mTc-sestamibi SPET?

Technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) is thought to be passively taken up by metabolically active tumour cells and effluxed from them by P-glycoprotein (Pgp). This 170-kDa membrane-bound protein, encoded by the MDR-1 gene, acts as an energy-dependent efflux pump for several antineoplastic agents, resulting in multidrug resistance. For this reason, it is of interest whether the tumour's response to chemotherapy can be predicted by MIBI single-photon emission tomography (SPET). In this study, MIBI SPET was compared with thallium-201 (Tl) SPET using magnetic resonance imaging as a guide in 16 patients with untreated brain tumours [ten glioblastomas (GBs), two anaplastic astrocytomas (AAs), two low-grade gliomas (LGASs) and two metastatic brain tumours) and in four patients who had received treatment for with brain tumours (two GBs, two AAs). In addition, we investigated the expression of the MDR-1 gene and its product Pgp in the same patients, and compared the results with MIBI SPET findings. MIBI, as well as Tl, was highly accumulated and retained in the enhanced region of malignant gliomas. In addition, MIBI SPET yielded sharp and well-contrasted images, and the margin of the tumour was more clearly defined than with Tl SPET due to a good signal-to-noise ratio. Follow-up MIBI SPET in patients who had received therapy showed marked uptake in a patient with malignant transformation, who deteriorated clinically. Patients with no uptake on MIBI SPET showed no sign of recurrence. Semiquantitative analysis of untreated patients showed a relationship between the early uptake index (UI, ratio of average count/pixel in the lesion to that in the contralateral area on early images) and the degree of malignancy (early UI = 1.08+/-0.06 in LGASs, 4.10+/-0.84 in AAs, 5.71+/-3.47 in GBs, and 7.52+/-1.52 in metastatic brain tumours). The retention index (RI, ratio of delayed to early UI) of MIBI was significantly lower than that of Tl in metastatic brain tumours (P<0.05), but not in malignant gliomas. Histological and biological investigation of gliomas showed that the MDR-1 gene and its product Pgp were expressed only in normal endothelial cells and not in tumour cells or proliferating endothelial cells; Pgp tended to decrease as the degree of malignancy rose. Hence, the presence of Pgp and the grade of malignancy were inversely related in gliomas. By contrast, immunohistochemical study showed strong accumulation of Pgp in metastatic brain tumour cells. These histopathological findings and MIBI SPET findings are compatible with experimental data; MIBI was washed out by Pgp. The main cause of chemoresistance is probably not an increasing drug efflux by Pgp in gliomas. Thus, MIBI SPET is useful for detecting the active lesions, but may not be useful for predicting the response to chemotherapy in gliomas.

Isolation of genes identified in mouse renal proximal tubule by comparing different gene expression profiles

An expression profile is a list based on a large scale sequencing of 1000 cDNA clones, showing the expressed genes and the abundance of their transcripts in a given cell or tissue (Okubo K et al: Nature Genet 2:173, 1992). We constructed an expression profile of mouse renal proximal tubules (PT) carefully isolated by microdissection in order to characterize its gene expression. Altogether 1000 clones were analyzed; there were 646 types of transcripts in PT, among which 196 were identical or homologous to the previously reported genes. The most abundant transcript was kidney-androgen regulated protein. By comparing the expression profile of PT with those obtained from other sources, several genes were identified only in PT. They included known transcripts and transcripts that were not homologous to the known genes. Three (GS4001, 3991, and 4059) of the non-homologous genes were analyzed by Northern blotting and in situ hybridization, and GS4001 and 4059 were predominantly expressed in the kidney, whereas GS3991 was detected in the liver as well as in the kidney. The sequence analysis of the full-size cDNAs demonstrated that GS4001 was a new member of aspartic proteinases and GS4059 was a novel gene. It also revealed that GS3991 was a mouse homologue of SA gene known to be expressed in PT. The expression profile of mouse PT and its comparison with those of other tissues and cells provide an alternate way of isolating genes predominantly expressed in PT, and also provides probes to study the molecular mechanisms of gene expression in the kidney.

Comparative analysis of expression of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor, c-met, in gliomas, meningiomas and schwannomas in humans

Expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-met, a proto-oncogene that encodes a receptor for HGF, was examined in 45 cases of human primary intracranial tumors by means of RT-PCR. In gliomas, HGF and c-met mRNAs were preferentially expressed in high-grade tumors. Co-expression of both genes was observed in glioblastomas (6/15) and in one anaplastic astrocytoma (1/5) but not in low-grade astrocytomas (0/3). By contrast, the c-met gene was consistently expressed in meningiomas (12/14) and schwannomas (8/8). The presence of c-Met protein was confirmed in the tumor cells of glioblastoma, meningioma and schwannoma by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, all of the schwannoma cases co-expressed the HGF gene. These observations suggest that HGF/c-met expression is somehow related to the disease progression in gliomas, whereas c-Met protein might have an important fundamental biological role in meningioma and schwannoma. Moreover, since all of the schwannoma cases concomitantly expressed the ligand (HGF) and the receptor (c-met) genes, HGF may act in an autocrine fashion in schwannoma.

Optical recording of azimuth representation in guinea pig auditory cortex

The frequency dependency of directional sensitivity of the auditory cortex of barbiturate-anesthetized guinea pigs in response to tone bursts was studied by an optical equipment and a voltage sensitive dye (RH795). Tone bursts at 4, 8 and 14 kHz were presented from loudspeakers placed at the azimuths from contralateral 90 degrees to ipsilateral 90 degrees in 30 degrees steps on a front-horizontal semi-circular board (100 cm in radius). The maximum responses were observed at around contralateral 30 degrees (best azimuth). The onset and peak latencies were the shortest at the best azimuth. The best azimuth was the same for all these frequencies, but the azimuth selectivity became broader for the lower frequencies. These results indicate that the azimuth selectivity observed in the guinea pig auditory cortex is mainly associated with pinna characteristics.

Bisegmental cervical interbody fusion using hydroxyapatite implants: surgical results and long-term observation in 70 cases

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main constituent of bone mineral, and synthetic HA serves as a biocompatible and bioactive material. It permits bone growth on its surface and forms a union with the adjacent bone.

OBJECT

The authors have developed implants made of porous HA, which they have used in more than 90 cases in the past 6 years to achieve cervical interbody fusion. The implants were designed to provide maximum durability, biomechanical stability, and alignment preservation and to be technically easy to use. The authors summarize their experience and results with the use of these implants.

METHODS

The results of postoperative follow-up observation of 12 months or longer (mean 37.1 +/- 2.4 months) are available in 70 patients with underlying disease including: spondylosis, disc extrusion, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), hypertrophy of the PLL, and trauma. The patients' ages at the time of surgery ranged from 22 to 83 years (mean 50.6 +/- 1.3 years). Flexion-extension radiographs and tomograms, obtained 6 and 12 months after surgery and every year thereafter, were used to demonstrate solid fusion in all cases. Dislocation of the implant occurred in three patients who were treated during the early portion of the series. At 6 to 12 months after surgery, encasement of the implant and formation of union were observed. Normal lordosis, if present prior to surgery, was maintained postsurgery. No neurological deterioration related to the site of fusion occurred during the period of observation.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors conclude that satisfactory interbody fusion can be achieved by using HA implants, provided their design is appropriate and adequate surgical techniques are used.

TCV-116 inhibits interstitial fibrosis and HSP47 mRNA in rat obstructive nephropathy

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well established disease model leading to fibrosis of the obstructed kidney. In this model, involvement of enhanced renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis has been demonstrated. A 47-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP47) was originally identified as a collagen-binding stress protein, and is currently considered to be a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that plays a pivotal role during the biosynthesis and secretion of procollagen from endoplasmic reticulum. To test if HSP47 is involved in interstitial fibrosis in UUO, we examined the expression of HSP47 mRNA in rat UUO kidneys after 12 hours. 1, 4, 7 days of obstruction. HSP47 mRNA expression was significantly increased as early as 12 hours after obstruction and was sustained at the increased level until seven days. Type I collagen mRNA significantly increased after four days of UUO. Fibrotic changes of interstitium appeared in Masson's trichrome stained section after four days. To explore the possible involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) in HSP47 induction, the effect of Ang II receptor antagonist (TCV-116) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (lisinopril) was tested. TCV-116 or lisinopril was given to the animals orally once a day at the dose of 10 mg/kg. TCV-116 or lisinopril significantly ameliorated the fibrotic change of interstitium seven days after obstruction. HSP47 and type I collagen mRNA levels in the TCV-116- or lisinopril-treated groups were reduced to about 60% of untreated UUO. A possible involvement of HSP47 in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in UUO is suggested; however, further investigation is required to identify the signals involved in the induction of HSP47 in UUO.

Expression of c-Met correlates with grade of malignancy in human astrocytic tumours: an immunohistochemical study

AIMS

Recent studies suggest the involvement of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) in glioma cell invasion and tumour progression. We investigated the distribution and rate of tumour cells that express c-Met protein, which is the cell-surface receptor for HGF/SF, in astrocytic tumours. The type of cells that express c-Met in tumour tissues was also identified.

METHODS AND RESULTS

c-Met expression was screened immunohistochemically in a total of 43 astrocytic tumours, including 14 low-grade astrocytomas (A), 13 anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and 16 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), c-Met reactivity was demonstrated predominantly in the cytoplasm of tumour cells. Bizarre large tumour cells tended to stain intensely. Higher c-Met expression levels (> or = 2+, more than 25% cells were positive) were noted in 21.4% of (A) vs. 53.8% in (AA) and 87.5% in (GBM) (P < 0.001), indicating a clear relationship between c-Met protein staining and higher grade astrocytic tumours. Moreover, c-Met immunoreactivity was also shown in tumour microvasculature, reactive astrocytes, and neurones in the cortex infiltrated by glioma cells. In 85.7% of cases containing infiltrated cortex, neurones were positive vs. no neurones in non-neoplastic regions (P < 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence suggests that c-Met expression in the brain could be associated with astrocytoma progression and also reactive process. Immunohistochemical determination of c-Met-expressing cell types helps to understand possible roles of c-Met in tumour tissues.

Angiotensinogen gene polymorphism of threonine/methionine at position 235-potential problems of the modified restriction endonuclease (Tth111-I) digestion method

There are four methods for detecting the angiotensinogen gene Agt T235/M235; 1) allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization (PCR-ASO); 2) mutagenically separated PCR (MS-PCR) using three primers to amplify all possible alleles in on PCR reaction; 3) restriction endonuclease Tth111-I; 4) SfaN-I digestion method using mismatched primer for the PCR (modified PCR-RFLP). Two of these four methods have been used in Japanese studies. The reported allelic frequencies of Agt T235/M235 in normal controls in the Japanese population are around 0.75-0.84/0.25-0.16 (as a whole 0.80/0.20) by PCR-ASO and 0.70-0.65/0.30-0.35 (as a whole 0.67/0.33) by the modified PCR-RFLP (Tth111-I). The present study tested how these methods contribute to the differences in Agt T235/M235. By PCR-ASO, the genotypes could be clearly determined. However, it is hard to complete every digestive reaction under the experimental conditions described for modified PCR-RFLP (Tth111-I). Thus, for studying Agt T235/M235, PCR-ASO or some method other than PCR-RFLP (Tth111-I) can be recommended. Our findings suggest that the allele frequency of Agt T235/M235 in the normal Japanese population is closer to 0.75-0.84/0.25-0.16. Although a strong association was reported between the Agt T235 allele and essential hypertension or myocardial infarction, using the modified PCR-RFLP (Tth111-I), two of three studies using PCR-ASO found no or only a weak association. The relationship between the Agt T235 allele and essential hypertension or myocardial infarction in the Japanese population needs to be assessed.