Pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) binding sites and PACAP/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor expression in human pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) stimulates release of several anterior pituitary hormones by interacting with PACAP receptors on pituitary cells. To learn more about the distribution and possible regulatory roles of PACAP and its receptors in human pituitary adenomas, we investigated the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and PACAP binding sites using receptor autoradiography, PACAP and PACAP/VIP receptor (PVR) mRNAs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), conventional in situ hybridization, and catalyzed reporter deposition in situ hybridization (CARD-ISH) analyses. PACAP mRNA was expressed in normal human hypothalamus, which was used as a positive control, but not in pituitary adenomas. Receptor autoradiography showed PACAP types I and II binding sites in all groups of pituitary adenomas, except prolactinomas. The highest levels were present in gonadotroph and null cell adenomas. PVR-2 mRNA was expressed in normal pituitaries and in all groups of pituitary adenomas by RT-PCR, whereas PVR-1 and -3 mRNAs were expressed in all groups of pituitary adenomas, except for most prolactinomas. Conventional in situ hybridization studies with digoxigenin-labeled probes demonstrated weak staining for PVR-1, -2, and -3 mRNAs in most tissues. The CARD-ISH technique, which increased the sensitivity of the in situ hybridization method, also revealed PVR-2 mRNA expression in all adenomas, whereas PVR-1 and -3 mRNAs were detected in nearly all adenomas except for prolactinomas. The presence of PACAP mRNA in the hypothalamus, but not in normal anterior pituitary or in pituitary adenomas, and the differential expression of PVRs in adenomas indicate a selective regulatory endocrine and paracrine role of PACAP in normal and neoplastic anterior pituitary cells.

High prevalence of T354P sodium/iodide symporter gene mutation in Japanese patients with iodide transport defect who have heterogeneous clinical pictures

A missense and loss of function mutation of the Na+/I- symporter (NIS) gene, T354P [Thr354-->Pro (ACA-->CCA)], was found in the homozygous state in two unrelated Japanese patients with iodide transport defect. In this study we have identified the homozygous T354P NIS germline mutation in seven Japanese patients, including one previously reported, from five unrelated families. No other nucleotide changes were found in the coding regions and the exon-intron boundaries of the NIS gene in these seven patients. These results suggest a common prevalence of the T354P mutation in Japanese patients. Although these seven patients have the identical NIS mutation, T354P, marked heterogeneity in clinical pictures, especially concerning goiter and hypothyroidism, were noted among them. Therefore, another factor(s), but not the nature of the NIS mutation, may account for the clinical heterogeneity among patients with the iodide transport defect. We have previously reported that the NIS messenger ribonucleic acid was markedly increased in the thyroid of a patient with the homozygous T354P mutation. In this study we demonstrated that the NIS proteins in the patients' thyroids were significantly increased (approximately 10-fold) by Western blot analysis of integral membrane proteins using an antibody against the C-terminal peptide of the human NIS. Furthermore, we showed by immunohistochemical staining that the T354P mutant NIS proteins were overexpressed in the basal and lateral plasma membranes of patients' thyrocytes.

Isolation of a cDNA for tryptophan synthase beta from rice and studies of its expression in a 5-methyltryptophan-resistant mutant of rice

A cDNA clone encoding rice tryptophan synthase beta (TSB) was isolated and its transcript level was examined in TR-No. 73, a derivative of a previously isolated rice mutant (TR-1) that is resistant to 5-methyltryptophan. The cDNA sequence of the rice gene for TSB was very similar to that of genes for TSB from other plants. Northern blotting analysis revealed that the steady-state level of TSB mRNA in the 5MT-resistant mutant TR-No. 73 was 1.3 times higher than the level of TSB mRNA in control rice plants under standard conditions. The level of TSB mRNA in control rice plants decreased after treatment of plants with 5MT. Similarly, the level of TSB mRNA in TR-No. 73 initially decreased, although less so than in control rice. However, after 12 h of treatment with 5MT, the level of the transcript in TR-No. 73 returned to the level under standard conditions. The activity of tryptophan synthase (TS) in seedlings of TR-No. 73 was about 2.3 times higher than that in seedlings of control rice under standard conditions.

Active cyclin A-CDK2 complex, a possible critical factor for cell proliferation in human primary lung carcinomas

Expression of cyclins A and E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) was examined immunohistochemically in 190 cases of human lung carcinoma. Cyclin A and CDK2 were expressed in the majority of squamous cell carcinomas, small cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas, but in significantly fewer cases of adenocarcinomas. Cyclin E was expressed in a minority of all subtypes. In particular, well differentiated cells in squamous cell carcinoma stained positively for cyclin E; in contrast, cyclin A was expressed in the nonkeratinized proliferating areas of the tumor nests. Immunoblotting revealed that all these proteins were expressed at higher levels in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Immunoprecipitation also revealed higher levels of cyclin A and cyclin E associated with CDK2 in tumor tissues. Furthermore, tumor tissues which exhibited higher cyclin A and CDK2 expression also had higher CDK2 kinase activity. However, cyclin E-associated kinase activity was barely detectable even in tumor samples exhibiting higher cyclin E expression. Consistent with these data, elevated expression of cyclin A correlated to shorter survival periods in contrast to expression of cyclin E, which correlated to longer survival periods. These results suggest that in human lung carcinomas, elevated expression of active cyclin A-CDK2 complexes with associated higher CDK2 kinase activity is critical for promoting cell cycle progression and unrestrained proliferation of tumor cells and can be a predictive marker for patients' prognosis. On the other hand, immunohistochemical detection of cyclin E-CDK2 reflects accumulation of inactive forms of protein complexes, implying differentiation or senescence of the tumor and the better prognosis.

[Method of preventing hepatic artery occlusion during continuous intrahepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy of 5-FU]

A randomized clinical trial of combined use of steroids, which have a vascular endothelium-protecting action, was performed to develop a method to prevent hepatic artery occlusion during continuous intrahepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with 5-FU. The steroid used was dexamethasone palmitate (Limethason), which has a high rate of uptake by endothelial cells. The 24 patients with advanced colorectal cancer were divided into 2 groups randomly and both were treated with 5-FU 250 mg/day by continuous hepatic arterial infusion for three weeks. The weekly dose was 5-FU 7 V (1,750 mg) adjusted to 50 ml with physiological saline in Group A and 5-FU 7 V (1,750 mg) adjusted to 50 ml with Limethason 1 A (4.0 mg of dexamethasone palmitate) in Group B. The reservoir was replaced every week. No changes in the mixture (appearance, pH, granule diameter, dexamethasone palmitate content) were observed up to one week. Hepatic arterial stenosis was observed in 8 cases in Group A (67%), but was not observed in any of the cases in Group B. The above results indicated that Limethason has a preventive effect against hepatic artery occlusion.

Chromogranin B (secretogranin I), a neuroendocrine-regulated secretory protein, is sorted to exocrine secretory granules in transgenic mice

Chromogranin B (CgB, secretogranin I) is a secretory granule matrix protein expressed in a wide variety of endocrine cells and neurons. Here we generated transgenic mice expressing CgB under the control of the human cytomegalovirus promoter. Northern and immunoblot analyses, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed that the exocrine pancreas was the tissue with the highest level of ectopic CgB expression. Upon subcellular fractionation of the exocrine pancreas, the distribution of CgB in the various fractions was indistinguishable from that of amylase, an endogenous constituent of zymogen granules. Immunogold electron microscopy of pancreatic acinar cells showed co-localization of CgB with zymogens in Golgi cisternae, condensing vacuoles/immature granules and mature zymogen granules; the ratio of immunoreactivity of CgB to zymogens being highest in condensing vacuoles/immature granules. CgB isolated from zymogen granules of the pancreas of the transgenic mice aggregated in a mildly acidic (pH 5.5) milieu in vitro, suggesting that low pH-induced aggregation contributed to the observed concentration of CgB in condensing vacuoles. Our results show that a neuroendocrine-regulated secretory protein can be sorted to exocrine secretory granules in vivo, and imply that a key feature of CgB sorting in the trans-Golgi network of neuroendocrine cells, i.e. its aggregation-mediated concentration in the course of immature secretory granule formation, also occurs in exocrine cells although secretory protein sorting in these cells is thought to occur largely in the course of secretory granule maturation.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung: a histologic and immunohistochemical study of 22 cases

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is defined as a poorly differentiated and high-grade neuroendocrine tumor that is morphologically and biologically between atypical carcinoid and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). During a survey concerning bcl-2 protein expression in the subtypes of lung cancer, we noticed that two previously diagnosed non-SCLCs met the criteria for LCNEC. Because LCNEC is a newly recognized clinicopathologic entity and because all reported cases have been retrieved from the so-called "neuroendocrine tumor file," we suspected that LCNEC had been underdiagnosed. In the present study, we histologically reviewed 766 surgically resected lung cancers and were able to diagnose 22 (2.87%) LCNECs with the neuroendocrine features subsequently confirmed by immunostaining for multiple neuroendocrine markers. Each case stained positively for at least three general neuroendocrine markers, and 12 (54.5%) also were positive for neuroendocrine hormones. Histologically, most LCNECs showed a marked decrease in or a loss of organoid architecture and could be mistaken for poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Because our LCNECs are the first to be identified by retrospective review of routinely diagnosed lung cancers, and 18 had been classified as non-SCLC, they may represent cases relatively difficult to diagnose. The present study shows that the most difficult diagnostic factor of LCNEC is the recognition of its light microscopic neuroendocrine features, and LCNEC must be distinguished not only from atypical carcinoid or SCLC, but also from common non-SCLC. Histologically, when an organoid architecture is subtle or absent, the rosettelike structure becomes the best marker for the recognition of neuroendocrine differentiation. Clinically, the prognosis for our LCNECs was significantly worse than that for stage-comparable non-SCLCs (p = 0.046).

A functional thyrotropin- and growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma with a ultrastructurally monomorphic feature: a case study

A 38-yr-old female with a TSH- and GH-secreting pituitary adenoma is described, who had both overt symptoms, hyperthyroidism and acromegaly. Her serum TSH was not suppressed despite high concentrations of free T3 and free T4, and her alpha-subunit/TSH molar ratio was high. Her serum GH was consistently high, and was not suppressed by an oral glucose tolerance test. Preoperative testing revealed that, although the TSH response was impaired, TSH, alpha-subunit and GH were increased by TRH injection, and that these hormones were reduced by bromocriptine or somatostatin analog. Although she did not have hyperprolactinemia, the in vitro culture and immunohistochemical studies revealed that the adenoma cells produced and released PRL, in addition to TSH, alpha-subunit and GH. Immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of GH in the cytoplasm of many adenoma cells. TSH beta-positive adenoma cells were less frequently seen than GH-positive adenoma cells. No cells showed the coexistence of GH and TSH beta, and a few cells were positive for PRL. By electron microscopy, the adenoma was found to be composed of a single cell type resembling thyrotrophs, and did not have any characteristics of somatotrophs. This case was considered to be of interest, because the adenoma was ultrastructurally monomorphous, but immunohistochemically polymorphous.

Somatic mutations of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 gene in the sporadic endocrine tumors

Endocrine tumors of the parathyroid and pancreas are encountered either as sporadic type or as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). A high frequency of the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been observed in tumors of the sporadic type in the locus of the MEN 1 gene, which has recently been cloned and designated the menin gene. It would be of great interest to determine whether somatic mutations in the menin gene are responsible for the sporadic endocrine tumors. For this purpose, we have investigated the menin gene mutations in 21 sporadic parathyroid adenomas, 2 parathyroid carcinomas, 4 sporadic insulinomas, and 1 malignant VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide)oma with WDHA (watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria) syndrome, using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. In none of these cases did the patient have a family history or other possible association with MEN 1. We have discovered somatic point mutations in two parathyroid adenomas (A340T and A541T), in one insulinoma (T429K), and in the malignant VIPoma (W198X). In addition, we have found two polymorphisms (D418D and V367V) in two parathyroid carcinomas and two parathyroid adenomas. Of these mutations and polymorphisms, three (A340T, T429K, and V367V) are first reported here, in the present article. Our results indicate that somatic mutations of the menin gene are responsible for a proportion of the sporadic parathyroid adenomas and pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Expression of HuD protein is essential for initial phase of neuronal differentiation in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

HuD is a neuronal-specific, RNA-binding protein. Here we examined the change in the expression of HuD protein during nerve growth factor-mediated differentiation of PC12 cells. As cells differentiated and extended neurites, expression of HuD gradually increased up to 1.5-fold. When HuD expression was counteracted by antisense oligonucleotide, neurite extension was completely inhibited, yet the morphology of differentiated cells remained unchanged even after that treatment. Furthermore, this morphological change correlated well with the downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity. These results suggest that the HuD is critically involved in the initial phase of neuronal differentiation.

Expression of carbohydrate antigens, p80NPM/ALK, cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, and Epstein-Barr virus gene products in anaplastic large cell lymphomas

The expression of carbohydrate antigens, including sialyl Lewis X (SLEX) and BNH9 antigen, the nucleophosmin (NPM)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein (p80NPM/ALK), cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene products in CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods. The expression of SLEX and BNH9 antigen in ALCL was examined using CSLEX1 and BNH9, which specifically react with SLEX and oligosaccharides (H and Y haptens), respectively. SLEX was expressed in seven of 12 ALCL and BNH9 was positive for five of 12 ALCL. With respect to the relationship between SLEX and BNH9 expression in ALCL, some ALCL expressed both antigens, which suggests that they might have an increased or preserved activity of glycosyltransferase that is responsible for the synthesis of the type I or type II core sequences, although other ALCL expressed either SLEX or BNH9. To detect p80NPM/ALK in ALCL, the sections were immunostained with an anti-p80 antibody. Three of 12 ALCL expressed the NPM/ALK-encoded p80 protein. All three ALCL positive for p80NPM/ALK expressed SLEX and two of them were stained with BNH9, which raised the possibility that p80 overexpression may be involved in the aberrant expression of type I or type II chains with varying degrees of fucosylation or sialylation. While the expression of cytotoxic cell-associated antigens such as CD8, CD56 and T cell intercellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) in ALCL was immunohistochemically examined, none of the 12 ALCL expressed CD56 and only one case expressed CD8. TIA-1 was expressed in seven of 12 ALCL. Four of five BNH9-positive cases expressed TIA-1, suggesting that BNH9-positive cases tended to have TIA-1. In situ hybridization studies using an EBV-encoded RNA-1 (EBER-1) probe were performed on 12 ALCL to detect EBV in the lymphoma cells. EBER-1 signals were detected in the small lymphocytes but not in the lymphoma cells of two ALCL. However, latent membrane protein 1 immunoreactivity was found in one case. These results appear to indicate that there is no strong association between EBV and ALCL.

The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma invaded to the submucosal and proper muscle layer

The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was examined immunohistochemically in a total of 87 colorectal cancer patients. The expression of MMP-2 was in cancer cells: 76.5% (sm), 16.7% (pm), in cancer interstitial region: 92.2% (sm), 58.3% (pm), in transitional mucosal cells: 74.3% (sm), 17.1% (pm) and in transitional mucosal interstitial region: 80.0% (sm), 31.4% (pm). The expression of TIMP-2 was in cancer cells: 41.2% (sm), 16.7% (pm), in cancer interstitial region: 82.4% (sm), 69.4% (pm), in transitional mucosal cells: 57.1% (sm), 22.9% (pm) and in transitional mucosal interstitial region: 89.3% (sm), 57.1% (pm). These results suggest that the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 is induced in the sm cancer stage and is closely related to interactions in the cancer interstitial region for invasion and metastasis in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Intergeneric somatic hybridization of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) by protoplast fusion

An intergeneric somatic hybrid was obtained upon fusion of protoplasts of rice and barley. Protoplasts isolated from suspension cultures of rice cells were fused by electrofusion with protoplasts that had been isolated from young barley leaves. Some of the resultant calli formed green spots and shoots. Only one shoot formed roots, and it was subsequently successfully transferred to soil in a greenhouse. Its morphology closely resembled that of the parental rice plant. Cytological analysis indicated that the plant had both small chromosomes from rice and large chromosomes from barley. Southern hybridization analysis with a fragment of the tryptophan B (trpB) gene revealed both a rice-specific band and a barley-specific band. Mitochondrial (mt) and chloroplast (cp) DNAs were also analyzed using the same method. The plant was shown to contain novel mitochondrial and chloroplast sequence rearrangements that were not detected in either of the parents.

[Immunohistochemical staining of thymidine phosphorylase in primary colorectal carcinoma and metastases]

Thymidine phosphorylase (TdRPase) is an enzyme involved in the pyrimidine metabolism. It was reported that many cancers contained higher levels of TdRPase than normal tissues. And TdRPase has been reported to be identical with the platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor. To clarify the distribution of TdRPase in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer, we carried out immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed specimens. We investigated 35 primary colorectal cancers resected surgically, 27 hepatic metastases and 8 lung metastases from colorectal carcinoma. TdRPase was highly expressed in primary colorectal cancer with lung metastases (100.0%) and surgically resected lung metastases cancer (87.5%). The staining correspondence between primary colorectal cancer and metastases was 19 cases (70.4%) in the liver metastases and 7 cases (87.5%) in the surgically resected lung metastases. The above results suggested that immunohistochemical staining for primary colorectal cancer may provide information about the sensitivity of metastases to the chemotherapy.

Maintenance of chloroplast-derived sequences in the mitochondrial DNA of Gramineae

Evidence for the transfer of DNA from the chloroplast to the mitochondrion has been reported in many higher plants and, in most cases, the transferred chloroplast genes do not have the ability to encode functional products as a consequence of base substitutions and/or multiple rearrangements. We reported previously that the sequence of one end of a chloroplast-derived (ct-derived) fragment of DNA that contained the rps19 and trnH genes has been maintained in most gramineous plants and that its presence seems to be correlated with gene expression in this region. In the present study, we have investigated whether or not the ct-derived sequences in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from some gramineous plants and species of Oryza are conserved, and whether or not such conservation is related to gene expression in these regions. We identified two junctions between ct-derived and mitochondrial sequences that were conserved among some gramineous plants. Around these regions, we found a ct-derived gene for tRNA and the promoter of a mitochondrial gene on the ct-derived sequences, respectively, and these regions were transcribed through the junctions. This result indicates that the junctions and/or regions that are transcribed and functional in mitochondria have been strongly conserved and maintained during their evolution. In Oryza, some junctions between ct-derived and mitochondrial sequences were conserved and other junctions were not. These variations seem to have been caused by deletions and/or rearrangements, and appear to be specific to the type of genome. In the case of Oryza, the timing of deletions and/or rearrangements of ct-derived sequences is likely to have coincided with the divergence of the various genome types.

Germline mutations of the MEN1 gene in Japanese kindred with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome. The responsible gene MEN1 has recently been isolated, and its germline mutations have been identified in affected individuals in the United States, Canada and Europe. We screened for MEN1 mutations by direct nucleotide sequencing of all protein-coding regions, and identified five distinct germline mutations in five among six Japanese kindreds with familial MEN1 or familial hyperparathyroidism. The mutations were dispersed across the gene. These findings suggest that, because of the absence of an obvious founder effect, the entire MEN1 gene region should be examined for germline mutations in the probands of MEN1 and related syndromes in Japanese families.

Analysis of apoptosis morphology in Epstein-Barr virus positive and negative Burkitt's lymphoma cells

In recent studies of cycloheximide (CHX)-induced apoptosis in sublines of established Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines (BJA-B) both with and without Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, we noticed two distinct types of apoptosis morphology. In the present paper, we have classified these, and further carried out a statistical analysis of their incidence in untreated and CHX-treated EBV-free (EBV(-)) and EBV-infected (EBV(+)) BJA-B cells.

CLASSIFICATION

Both types of apoptosis morphology demonstrated typical nuclear and cytoplasmic condensation. However, "Type 1 apoptotic cells" (AP1) maintained a spherical or ovoid shape, but "Type 2 apoptotic cells" (AP2) were typified by the lobulation of their nuclear and cytoplasmic structures to form "clover leaf" shapes. Statistical analysis of incidence: The numbers of AP1 and AP2 cells were analysed using a chi 2 test, with results as follows: EBV(-) cells underwent AP1 in preference to AP2 (90.5% versus 9.5%) (p < 0.001), whilst EBV(+) cells had comparably more AP2, making AP1 and AP2 approximately equal (49.3% versus 50.7%) (p > 0.1). In EBV(-) cells, treatment with CHX had little effect on the ratios of differing apoptotic morphology. In contrast, in the EBV(+) cells, cell death was altered from AP2 (50.7%-->25.2%) towards AP1(49.3%-->74.8%) (p < 0.001). We propose that cellular proteins known to be associated with EBV infection not only protect the cells from apoptosis, but also affect the phenotype of apoptosis. This knowledge may be useful for defining possible mechanisms of apoptosis induction and/or inhibition in specific models.

A chloroplast derived trnH gene is expressed in the mitochondrial genome of gramineous plants

We reported previously that the mitochondrial sequence that contains the chloroplast-derived trnH gene has been highly conserved in the region around one terminus of the junction between chloroplast-derived and mitochondrion-specific sequences in most of the gramineous plants analyzed [15]. The results of RT-PCR, northern hybridization, in vitro capping and ribonuclease protection experiments show that the chloroplast-derived trnH gene is transcribed from a putative promoter that is located in the mitochondrion-specific sequence. Gene expression in this region seems to be correlated with the conservation of the sequence at the junction between the chloroplast-derived fragment and the mitochondrion-specific sequence.

Expression of nm23 protein in pulmonary adenocarcinomas: inverse 1orrelation to tumor progression

Immunohistochemical assessment was made of nm23 protein expression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Of the 147 adenocarcinomas 67% (99/147) were weakly and 33% (48/147) strongly positive for nm23 protein. nm23 protein expression in primary tumors was shown to correlate inversely with advancing pathologic stage and the degree of metastasis in regional lymph nodes (P < 0.05). The staining of tumors without nodal metastasis was more intense than with nodal metastasis (P < 0.02). Nodal metastasis was seen in 37% (55/147) cases examined. The immunoreactivity to nm23 protein in tumor cells of nodal metastasis was essentially the same as in those of primary tumors (P < 0.01). Significant correlation between patient prognosis and immunoreactivity for nm23 in primary tumors (P < 0.05) was demonstrated. But none could be found between immunoreactivity and other parameters such as histologic grading, distant metastasis, tumor size or disease-free survival. Neither was there any significant correlation between pathologic parameters examined and the expression of nm23 in any histologic subtype. Multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards regression model with five variables indicated nm23 and lymph node metastasis to contribute to overall patient survival. Based on risk ratio disadvantageous state/advantageous states, the gravity of prognostic factors was assessed for lymph node metastasis as 9.25, nm23 expression as 2.06, distant metastasis as 1.23, pathologic stage as 0.78 and tumor size as 0.77. The results suggested that in pulmonary adenocarcinoma a reduced expression of nm23 protein was associated with lymph node metastasis and poor patient survival.

Detailed analyses of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNAs from the hybrid plant generated by asymmetric protoplast fusion between radish and cabbage

In a previous report, intergeneric somatic hybrids between red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var.capitata) and radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Shougoin) were produced by protoplast fusion. Plant morphology, chromosome number, isozyme patterns, andSma1 cleavage pattern of chloroplast DNA indicated that the hybrid plants have the red cabbage nucleus and the radish chloroplasts. In this report, we analyzed the organization of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNAs from this hybrid using Southern hybridization. The restriction patterns of almost all regions of the chloroplast DNA from the hybrid were similar to that of radish, except for one region near therps16 gene, which encodes the chloroplast ribosomal protein S16. In contrast to chloroplast DNA, the restriction pattern of mitochondrial DNA from the hybrid was quite different from that of the parents.

Cell cycle control with minimal participation of Cdk2 in a murine fibrosarcoma clone cultured in protein-free medium

The differences in the protein expression of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks), and their inhibitors and cdk kinase activities were examined in serum dependent (SD) and independent (PF) clones of the murine fibrosarcoma cell line, Gc-4. The expression of cyclin A in SD was minimal in contrast to PF. Furthermore, cdk2 kinase activity in PF was remarkably lower than that in SD, yet the G1/S transition in PF appeared normal. PF was also resistant against the selective inhibitor of cdk2, butyrolactone I. These findings suggest that tumor cell proliferation and tumor progression can be promoted by the activation of a molecule(s) downstream of cdk2.

Cool Temperature-Induced Chlorosis in Rice Plants (II. Effects of Cool Temperature on the Expression of Plastid-Encoded Genes during Shoot Growth in Darkness)

It has been proposed that cool temperature-induced chlorosis (CTIC) in Indica cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is caused by cell growth and plastid development being impeded at cool temperatures. Since it is well known that the overall rate of transcription of plastid-encoded genes changes dramatically during the early phases of plastid development, in this study we focused on the patterns of expression of these genes. Northern blot analysis revealed that the level of 16S rRNA is decreased in a CTIC-sensitive rice cultivar grown at a cool temperature. The expression of the gene for the [beta] subunit of plasmid RNA polymerase (rpoB) was shown to be somewhat disturbed, particularly in terms of its resuppression under cool conditions. The level of transcripts or proteins of plastid-encoded photosynthetic genes was also decreased in a CTIC-sensitive cultivar at a cool temperature. These results suggest that the temperature-dependent inhibition of the onset of gene expression encoding the transcription/translation apparatus may be primarily involved in the mechanism causing CTIC.

Reduction of CAG expansions in cerebellar cortex and spinal cord of DRPLA

Recent studies have identified an unstable expansion of a CAG repeat in a gene located on chromosome 12 as a cause of dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). To investigate whether the somatic heterogeneity may relate to the selective neuronal damage caused by the disease, genomic DNA from various tissues of an autopsied patient with DRPLA was examined to compare possible variations of expanded CAG repeats for the disease. Although the size of the expanded CAG repeat from many organs was almost the same as that from peripheral lymphocytes, those from cerebellar cortex and spinal cord were unexpectedly reduced and numbers of peaks within an expanded allele were relatively strict. These results suggest that the CAG repeat is not simply expanded in the genome of the tissues that are most involved in DRPLA, but that another mechanism might be responsible for the specific neuronal death.

Behaviour of chromosomes in anaphase cells in embryogenic callus cultures of maize (Zea mays L.)

Mitotic anaphase cells of highly friable and embryogenic calluses which had been induced from immature embryos of two inbred lines of maize that have contrasting levels of heterochromatic knobs were analysed for the presence of abnormalities 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the initiation of culture. A total of 500 typical anaphases was scored at each time point, and various aberrations, such as delay in the separation of sister chromatides, chromosome bridges (single, double and multiple) and chromosome fragments, were revealed to occur extensively in the cultures of both genotypes. Preparations after C-banding revealed that primary breakages often occurred inside knobs or at junction regions between the euchromatin and the heterochromatin of the knobs. Figures characterized by the delayed separation of sister chromatids, which originated preferentially at the knob level and was considered to be an initial event in the development of breakages, were observed at constant frequencies throughout the experiment. Increasing numbers of aberrant cells were detected with time, mainly due to the accumulation of cells with chromosome bridges and fragments. Several mitotic figures suggested the occurrence of breakagefusion-bridge cycles that were initiated by broken chromosomes. The overall frequencies of aberrant cells were similar for both genotypes, despite the differences in knob composition. However, callus cultures induced from the genotype having the higher level of knobs had more aberrant cells with abnormalities that involved several chromosomes, such as multiple bridges and multiple fragments.

Palisades in cerebral astrocytoma simulating the so-called polar spongioblastoma: a histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopical study of an adult case

This report concerns a case of fibrous astrocytoma with palisade features that mimics a polar spongioblastoma. The patient was a 54-year-old female who presented with a tumor of the frontal lobe. The presence of neurites, with or without synaptic devices were considered to represent the entrapment by the tumors of the pre-existing neurons and their processes.

Bcl-2 protein expression in lung cancer and close correlation with neuroendocrine differentiation

For determination of the cellular distribution of bcl-2 expression in lung cancer and clarification of its correlation with cell neuroendocrine differentiation, Bcl-2 immunostaining was carried out on a large series of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung cancer samples, and four general neuroendocrine marker and seven peptide hormone stainings were carried out on all Bcl-2-positive squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the lung as well as on 8 pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas histologically diagnosed. In addition, 3 small cell lung cancer cell lines were studied by Western blotting. Neuroendocrine differentiation in Bcl-2-negative squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas was examined with chromogranin A and alpha-subunit of Go protein stainings. Bcl-2 protein was detected in 104/111 small cell carcinomas, 8/8 neuroendocrine carcinomas, 0/6 typical (well differentiated) carcinoids, 23/64 squamous cell carcinomas, 4/65 adenocarcinomas, and all 3 small cell lung cancer cell lines. All 8 neuroendocrine carcinomas, 11 of the Bcl-2-positive squamous cell carcinomas, and all 4 Bcl-2 positive adenocarcinomas expressed multiple neuroendocrine markers. The distributions of Bcl-2 and neuroendocrine marker immunoreactivity closely paralleled each other on consecutive sections. In squamous cell carcinomas, Bcl-2-positive cells could be roughly subdivided into those with neuroendocrine differentiation features, usually demonstrating intense Bcl-2 staining, with basaloid tumor cells usually expressing weak to moderate Bcl-2 staining. The present study clearly shows Bcl-2 protein expression to be remarkably differentially regulated according to histological types of lung cancers and to appear to quite likely be closely associated with neuroendocrine differentiation of tumor cells, indicating that bcl-2 is importantly involved in cell development and differentiation, in addition to protecting cells from apoptosis. Bcl-2 might be usable as a neuroendocrine marker in lung cancers and possibly also in neural-crest-derived tumors.

Analysis of CAG trinucleotide expansion associated with Machado-Joseph disease

There are currently some types of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias such as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), spinocerebellar ataxia types 1-5 (SCA1-5), or hereditary dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy. It is very important for these ataxias to be clinically differentiated, but that is sometimes difficult. In particular, the differential diagnosis between MJD and SCA1 is thought to be the most difficult. Recently, both MJD and SCA1 have been proven to be related to expansions of CAG trinucleotide in their causative genes. In this study, 20 cases of MJD in 13 unrelated Japanese families were genetically and clinically examined in comparison with 20 cases of age at onset- and duration-matched Japanese SCA1. The CAG repeat number of expanded MJD and SCA1 alleles was 72.2 +/- 3.1 (mean +/- SD, n = 20) and 47.3 +/- 4.4 (n = 20), respectively, and each repeat size was inversely correlated with age at onset in both MJD and SCA1. The repeat number in leukocytes increased from parents to children with acceleration of age at onset (anticipation) in MJD. In MJD, the number of CAG repeats in the expanded allele was lower in sperm than that of leukocytes, but was more in SCA1. However, the number of peaks in the expanded allele was greater in sperm than in leukocytes in both MJD and SCA1 (increased mosaicism level). MJD was clinically characterized by a relatively higher frequency of ocular signs such as eyelid retraction, bulging eyes, ophthalmoparesis, and nystagmus, spasticity in lower limbs, and sensory and urinary disturbances in contrast to the SCA1 patients except for slow eye movement. These results indicate that the expanded CAG repeat and clinical features are correlated in both MJD and SCA1, and MJD can be differentiated from SCA1 by clinical characteristics mentioned above as well as DNA analysis.

Expression of BCL-2 gene product in embryonal tumors of the central nervous system

BACKGROUND

The expression of bcl-2 is associated with suppression of programmed cell death and prolonged cell survival. Recently, immunoreactivity to the bcl-2 gene product has been reported not only in a variety of embryonal and adult nonhematopoietic tissues, but also in neuroblastoma. However, the study of bcl-2 expression has not been performed in brain tumors.

METHODS

In this study, we examined the incidence and significance of bcl-2 expression in 25 cases of embryonal tumors of the central nervous system, including medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, ependymoblastoma, and PNET (primitive neuroectodermal tumor), which has the possibility of neuronal differentiation.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that 13 tumors (52%) positive for bcl-2 belonged to early differentiated and neuronal types, and 7 negative tumors (28.0%) mostly belonged to undifferentiated type.

CONCLUSIONS

These results have led us to speculate on the possibility that tumor cells begin expressing bcl-2 along with their neuronal differentiation from primitive cells.

Pituitary choristoma composed of corticotrophs and adrenocortical cells in the sella turcica

A pituitary tumour composed of well-differentiated corticotrophs and adrenocortical cells is reported. Sections of the tumour revealed a mixture of small round cells with amphophilic or basophilic periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cytoplasm and large spherical and oval cells with abundant, granular, partly vacuolated PAS-negative cytoplasm. The small cells contained type 1 cytokeratin-positive microfilaments, numerous 250-500 nm endocrine-type secretory granules immunoreactive for adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-lipotropin. The large cells possessed ample cytoplasm filled with abundant vesicular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria possessing tubulovesicular cristae and frequent dense bodies. They lacked the features of pituitary endocrine cells or folliculostellate cells and were found to contain a panel of steroidogenic dehydrogenases and hydroxylases. The tumour was classified as a choristoma, in which two distinct cells types, corticotrophs and adrenocortical cells, were mixed. We suggest that, under continued ACTH stimulation, umcommitted stem cells may differentiate into adrenocortical cells. Alternatively, the presence of adrenocortical cells may be the result of heterotopia.

Cool-temperature-induced chlorosis in rice plants

We have established an experimental system for mimicking the phenomenon of cool-temperature-induced chlorosis (CTIC) in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.). Rice seedlings were initially grown in darkness under cool-temperature conditions and then exposed to light and warm conditions to follow the expression of CTIC. Induction of CTIC in the sensitive cultivar (cv Surjamukhi) was bimodally dependent on the temperatures experienced during the initial growth in darkness. CTIC was maximally induced between 15 and 17 degrees C. A positive correlation was demonstrated between induction of CTIC and the growth activity of shoots during growth in darkness. Electrophoretic and immunoblot analysis revealed that accumulation of NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in plastids was also bimodally dependent on the temperatures during the growth in darkness with minimum accumulation between 15 and 17 degrees C, suggesting that the reduction of NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase accumulation in plastids might be closely linked to a disturbance in transformations of plastids to etioplasts during the dark growth under the critical temperatures and thereby to the CTIC phenomenon. This was corroborated by electron microscopic observations. These results suggest that growth is one of the determining factors for the expression of CTIC phenotype in rice under cool temperature.

A reproducible assay of polymerase chain reaction to detect trinucleotide repeat expansion of Huntington's disease and senile chorea

A simple and reproducible method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established to detect trinucleotide repeat expansion for Huntington's disease (HD) using a new DNA polymerase and buffer system. The system consists of an extremely heat stable DNA polymerase (Pfu), and a buffer supplemented with ammonium sulfate and dimethyl sulfoxide. Previous methods to amplify expanded alleles for HD have been very complex in PCR conditions, but the reproducibility was sometimes very low because of repetitive sequences around the primer sequences. With the present method, strong bands for the disease alleles were reproducibly visible in a conventional agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide without using isotopes. Three cases with sporadic HD and a case with senile chorea showed expanded alleles for HD with smaller sizes of the expansion than cases with typical HD. These results showed that the present method provides a simple and reproducible way to detect HD allele, and some cases with sporadic HD and senile chorea had expanded HD alleles.

[A case of solitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland]

A case of solitary metastasis with renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland is presented. The patient was a 54-year-old man found to have an abnormal mass in the neck. He had a past history of radical nephrectomy orignating from the right renal cell carcinoma 5 years earlier (pT2N0M0, G2 > 3, alveolar type, clear cell subtype). Ultrasonography revealed a tumor mass in the right hemithyroid gland. Right hemithyroidectomy was performed on April 19, 1995. Histopathologically, the removed thyroid tumor showed clear cell carcinoma. The possibility of a primary thyroid tumor was ruled out by immunohistochemical thyroglobulin staining, and the present case was thus diagnosed as of metastatic thyroid tumor of renal cell carcinoma. The present case is the 12th case of thyroid solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma reported in Japan to date.

The physical map of the chloroplast DNA from Asparagus officinalis L

The genus Asparagus consists of 100-300 species of both dioecious and hermaphrodite plants. Since there are diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid plants in this genus, RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis of chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) is suitable for examining the phylogenetic relationships. We have constructed a physical map of the ctDNA of garden asparagus (A. officinalis L. cv 'Mary Washington 500 W') using five restriction endonucleases, namely, BamHI, PstI, SalI, HindIII, and XhoI. Asparagus ctDNA was digested with restriction enzymes and cloned into plasmid and λ phage vectors, and a clone bank was constructed that covered 70% of the genome. A physical map was constructed by Southern hybridization of total DNA from asparagus with homologous and heterologous probes. The asparagus ctDNA was about 155 kb long and it contained two inverted repeats (23kb each) separated by a large single-copy region (90kb) and a small single-copy region (19kb). Fifteen genes, encoding photosynthesis-related proteins, rDNAs, and tRNAs, were localized on the physical map of asparagus ctDNA. Comparing the length and the gene order of asparagus ctDNA with that of other plants, we found that asparagus ctDNA was similar to tobacco ctDNA but different from rice ctDNA. The restriction patterns of the ctDNAs from several varieties of A. officinalis and three species of Asparagus were analyzed. The restriction patterns of the varieties of A. officinalis were very similar, but polymorphisms were detected among the three species of Asparagus.

Expression of nm23-H1 and nm23-H2 protein in endometrial carcinoma

nm23 gene expression has been shown to be inversely correlated with tumour metastatic potential in some cancers but not in others. Examination was made of the expression of nm23-H1 and nm23-H2 gene products by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting in 28 endometrial carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry indicated the cytoplasm of cancer cells to be positive, and myometrium and endometrial stromal cells negative, for nm23-H1 and -H2 protein. The staining intensity for these proteins was significantly stronger in well-differentiated adenocarcinomas (G1) than in those moderately differentiated (G2) (P < 0.05). nm23-H1 and -H2 proteins were shown by immunoblotting to be present at significantly higher levels in G1 than in G2 tumours (P < 0.05). Two of eight cases expressed high nm23-H1 and -H2 protein in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (G3). In G3 tumours, nm23 expression may be diverse. In this study, the expression of nm23-H1 and -H2 was not correlated with stage, metastasis, tumour size, myometrial invasion, oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor or menopause. It follows from the findings presented above that the high expression of nm23-H1 and -H2 is positively correlated with histological differentiation.

Basic fibroblast growth factor increases regional cerebral blood flow and reduces infarct size after experimental ischemia in a rat model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) caused reduction in size of cerebral infarcts in Sprague-Dawley rats with experimental ischemia.

METHODS

In the first experiment we induced permanent occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Within 5 minutes after MCA occlusion, we infused bFGF (100 ng in 0.1 mL of saline) in the bFGF-treated group (n = 14) and 0.1 mL of saline alone in the control group (n = 7) into the common carotid artery ipsilateral to MCA occlusion. We harvested the brains 24 hours after MCA occlusion and determined infarct size planimetrically as a percentage of hemisphere size. In the second experiment cerebral blood flow (CBF) was continuously measured for 120 minutes after MCA occlusion in the bFGF-treated group (n = 9) and in the control group (n = 8) with the use of laser-Doppler flowmetry.

RESULTS

Infarct size in the bFGF-treated group decreased significantly in comparison with that in the control group (repeated-measures ANOVA, P < .0001). CBF in the transitional areas between the MCA and the anterior cerebral artery significantly increased in the bFGF-treated group in comparison with that in the control group (repeated-measures ANOVA, P < .005). An approximate 58% decrease in infarct size and a 40% increase in regional CBF were seen on bFGF treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that intracarotid administration of bFGF (100 ng) can reduce infarct size after MCA occlusion. It was speculated that the increased CBF in the penumbral areas of MCA may contribute to contraction of infarct size.

A Japanese family with Machado-Joseph disease characterized by initial emaciation and myoclonus

We describe a Japanese family with hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia characterized by initial emaciation and myoclonus. The proband first noted truncal ataxia, myoclonus in the shoulder and general emaciation at age 24. The other affected members of the family also had such emaciation in the early stage of the disease. The DNA analyses of the family revealed that the patients of the family are associated with the expansions of CAG repeats for Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) on the long arm of chromosome 14. Although the clinical features of MJD are very variable, general emaciation in an early stage of the disease and systemic myoclonus have not been documented. Because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish among hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias such as spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) or dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) by clinical features, a genetic examination provides better understanding of such a rare and ambiguous type of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia.

Expression of bcl-2 oncogene protein is prevalent in small cell lung carcinomas

To investigate the frequency of bcl-2 oncogene protein expression in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), immunohistochemical staining with a mouse-anti-human monoclonal antibody, bcl-2/124, was carried out on 60 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded SCLC samples obtained from surgical biopsy, and autopsy cases. bcl-2 protein was detected in 54 out of the 60 SCLCs. In 47 cases, more than half of the tumour cells stained positively. The staining intensity of the tumour cells was comparable to that of infiltrating lymphocytes in 37 cases, but varied from area to area and even from cell to cell. Negative data in six cases were found to be due to unsuitable fixation or embedding procedures rather than the absence of the antigen. bcl-2 oncogene protein may thus be expressed in most if not all SCLCs. bcl-2 may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic importance in SCLCs and non-SCLCs. Previous cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses indicate that SCLCs carry a number of chromosomal abnormalities and it would follow from the present results that the abnormal expression of bcl-2 may also play a role in the pathogenesis of SCLC, by increasing tumour mass through inhibition of apoptosis as previously proposed. The diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of these findings should be studied in greater detail.

Invasive meningioma: a tumour with high proliferating and "recurrence" potential

A study was undertaken to investigate the correlation between histological invasiveness and proliferating potential and clinical recurrence in meningioma. In 39 meningiomas, the histological findings at the tumour-brain interface zone were classified into 3 types, consisting of 29 cases of non-invasion (NON). 7 cases of nodular invasion (NOD), and 3 cases of intermingled invasion (INT). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) indices were studied. PCNA indices (mean +/- standard error) of NON, NOD. and INT were 1.7 +/- 0.1%, 5.2 +/- 0.5%, and 7.5 +/- 0.7%. respectively, and the AgNOR indices (dot number/nucleus) were 1.50 +/- 0.03, 2.00 +/- 0.04, and 2.22 +/- 0.07, respectively. Significant differences were found among the three types in both parameters. Clinically, tumour recurrence was observed in 1/29 NON, 4/7 NOD, and 2/2 INT cases, indicating a higher incidence of recurrence in invasive meningiomas (NOD plus INT). Four of 32 patients who underwent gross total removal of the tumours showed recurrence, and all of these four tumours were invasive meningiomas. The results of the present study showed that tumour invasiveness as measured by PCNA + AgNOR indices correlated well with high proliferative potential and clinical recurrence.

Testing and classification methods for the biodegradabilities of organic compounds under anaerobic conditions

Biodegradability is one of the most important characteristics of an organic compound for predicting its fate and life in the environment and its application in biological wastewater treatment. But there is no general testing method for biodegradability under anaerobic conditions. The biodegradabilities of thirteen principal organic compounds was investigated in a batch test using vials under various conditions, such as the concentration of an organic compound, the cultivation method and the concentration of anaerobic bacteria for seeding. Two test methods in the standard concentration and the low concentration were developed. A new method to classify the biodegradabilities of organic compounds into thirteen ranks was proposed by considering inhibition, complete biodegradation and first step biodegradation.

Biodegradation ranks of priority organic compounds under anaerobic conditions

The biodegradations of 52 priority organic compounds were evaluated under anaerobic conditions by two tests developed in a preceding paper (Urano et al., 1995). Namely, the biodegradabilities of the compounds were classified into 13 ranks by the method proposed by Urano et al. (1995). Most of the aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids were not inhibitory and were biodegraded, but the compounds having ether bonds or branched hydrocarbon groups were biodegraded slowly. Aliphatic aldehyde and amines were not so much inhibitory but were hardly biodegraded. The benzene substitutes having groups of -CH2OH, -CHO, -CH2CH(NH2)COOH, -COOH and -OH were easily biodegraded, but the compounds having groups of -NO2, -NH2 and -SO3H were hardly biodegraded. Most of the nitro compounds were inhibitory in the higher concentration test though they were reduced into amino compounds. Since the biodegradation characteristics of many organic compounds could be classified and discussed appropriately, the suitability of the proposed method is substantiated.

Analysis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1)-related CAG trinucleotide expansion in Japan

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat. We analyzed CAG repeat expansion in 25 families in the northeast of Japan with hereditary ataxia of Menzel type. Twenty of 38 patients in 12 families had expanded allele for SCA1. The number of CAG repeats correlated with the age at onset. Although the relationship between anticipation and the number of CAG repeats in successive generations was not ascertainable, there was a tendency to paternal bias for the accelerated age at onset. Study of the number of CAG repeats in various tissues showed no differences in the repeat length in lymphocytes, muscle, or brain; sperm, however, showed an obvious expansion. This may be a clue to a possible mechanism for the molecular basis of paternal anticipation of the disease. The SCA1 gene was transcribed from both wild and mutated alleles in muscles of affected individuals, but the repeat length was the same for both the muscle cDNA and the lymphocyte genomic DNA. These results suggest that, in the area of Japan where SCA1 is prevalent, 48% of families with spinocerebellar degeneration have SCA1 mutation.

Clinical and ultrastructural comparison of immunohistochemically inactive and gonadotropin-producing pituitary adenomas

A clinicoendocrinological and ultrastructural comparison of immunohistochemically inactive pituitary adenomas from 14 patients and gonadotropin-positive pituitary adenomas from 26 patients was carried out. Clinicoendocrinological characteristics were similar except the male to female ratios. The immunohistochemically unstable antigenicity of gonadotropin prevents clear immunohistochemical characterization, but the difference between the two types is not absolute and may be an indication of a cell line relationship.

p53 mutations and prognosis in bladder tumors

The incidence of loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 17p and p53 gene mutations was assessed in 43 bladder tumor patients. Histological findings, cigarette smoking and prognosis were examined for possible correlation with the presence or absence of loss of heterozygosity on 17p and p53 mutations. Of 20 informative cases 10 (50.0%) showed loss of heterozygosity of 17p13, including 9 (90.0%) with disease beyond stage pT2. The p53 mutations were detected in 20 of 43 patients (46.5%), including 9 (95.0%) with disease beyond grade 2 and 17 (85.0%) with cancer beyond stage pT2. The incidence of p53 gene mutations was not significantly influenced by habitual smoking but G:C to T:A substitutions, often observed in lung cancers, were detected only in mutations from smokers (5 of 10 or 50%, p < 0.05). Groups with and without loss of heterozygosity showed essentially the same results, while significant differences were found for groups with grades 1 and 2 to 3 (p < 0.05) cancer, stages pT1 and pT2 to 4 (p < 0.01) disease, and with and without p53 gene mutations (p < 0.01, Cox-Mantel test). Genetic alternation in chromosome 17p and p53 mutations would, thus, appear to occur more frequently in high grade and invasive bladder tumors. Cigarette smoking may possibly be a determining factor of mutations of the p53 gene in bladder tumors. Our results indicate that an unfavorable prognostic factor may possibly be linked not only to histopathological findings but the presence of a p53 mutation in bladder tumors as well. Accordingly, mutations of the p53 gene may be deeply involved in late events of tumorigenesis and possibly useful as ideal molecular markers for prognosis in bladder tumors.