Molecular characterization of S locus genes, SLG and SRK, in a pollen-recessive self-incompatibility haplotype of Brassica rapa L

In Brassica species that exhibit self-incompatibility, two genes, SLG and SRK, at the S locus are involved in the recognition reaction with self and non-self pollen. From a pollen-recessive S29 haplotype of Brassica rapa, both cDNA and genomic DNA clones for these two genes were isolated and characterized. The nucleotide sequence for the S domain of SRK29 showed a high degree of similarity with that of SLG29, and they belong to Class II type. RNA gel blot analysis showed that the transcript of SLG29 consisted of the first and second exons, and no other transcript containing any part of the intron sequence was detected. Because no transmembrane domain was encoded by the second exon of SLG29, SLG29 was designated a secreted type glycoprotein. SLGs of two other pollen-recessive haplotypes, S40 and S44, of B. rapa also had a similar structure to that of SLG29. Previously, SLG2 from a pollen-recessive haplotype, S2, of Brassica oleracea was found to produce two different transcripts, one for the secreted type glycoprotein and the other for a putative membrane-anchored form of SLG. Therefore, the nature of these SLGs from pollen-recessive haplotypes of B. rapa is different from that of SLG2 of B. oleracea.

Immunohistochemical studies on expression of human vascular smooth muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms in normal mammary glands, benign mammary disorders and mammary carcinomas

The expression of myosin in normal and diseased mammary glands of 199 Japanese women was evaluated immunohistochemically by the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method using antibodies to three human smooth muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms derived from the vascular smooth muscle: myosin SM1 is expressed consistently from fetal stage to adulthood, myosin SM2 appears only in well-differentiated smooth muscle after birth, and myosin SMemb is more abundant in embryonic aortas. SM1 was expressed in myoepithelial cells of normal mammary glands and fibrocystic diseases and in myoepithelial-like tumor cells in the basal layer of fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors. SM2 was expressed only in the myoepithelial cells of mammary glands in breastfeeding women. SMemb was expressed more intensely in the cytoplasm of luminal epithelial cells in larger fibroadenomas (P< 0.01), or in the cytoplasm of carcinoma cells in invasive ductal carcinomas with metastasized lymph nodes (P< 0.001) and in those of higher histological grade (P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed a significant correlation only between the expression of SMemb and histological grade (P< 0.0001), which is a prognostic factor of mammary carcinomas. These findings suggested the possible prognostic value of SMemb.

SLE with death from acute massive pulmonary hemorrhage caused by disseminated strongyloidiasis

We describe a case of disseminated strongyloidiasis involving a female patient with active systemic erythematosus (SLE). The cause of death was massive pulmonary hemorrhage induced by a filariform larvae infection. This was initially diagnosed during examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid just 2 days before her death. The case indicated that immunosuppressed individuals would be paid attention to possible parasitic infection prior to starting therapy even in non-endemic areas as well as other microorganisms.

Electronmicroscopic study of human herpesvirus 6-infected human T cell lines superinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) has been proposed as one of the co-factors responsible for the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers. We analyzed the interaction between HHV-6 and HIV-1 in superinfected cells. Cell-free HIV-1 could superinfect human T cell lines, MT-4 and Molt-4, which had been previously infected with HHV-6. Both HHV-1 and HHV-6 replicated in the same cells. We observed two types of morphologically distinguished cells as early as 4 days after superinfection. One type (D) was degenerate cells with intracellular and extracellular HHV-6 and with less HIV-1 virions. The other type (I) was relatively intact cells with both HIV-1 and HHV-6 virions. Replication of HIV-1 was more active in the type I as compared with type D cells. The level of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in the culture supernatants of cells superinfected on day 0 declined after day 7, while that in the supernatants of cell cultures infected with HIV-1 alone remained high between days 12 and 40. These results suggest that the superinfection of the HHV-6-infected cells with HIV-1 may induce a degenerative process in these cells.

Stable propagation of non-Gaussian beams in a multiple-pass cell

To apply annular output beams emitted from an unstable resonator to a multiple-pass cell (MPC) for Raman conversion, we studied the mode-matching condition of non-Gaussian beams to a MPC using beam propagation analysis based on Laguerre-Gaussian functions. During transits of the MPC, the radial profile of an annular beam changes between annular and Airy patterns. Although such behavior indicates that it is impossible to achieve complete mode matching of an annular beam, we found a quasi-mode-matching condition under which the variation of beam size was minimized. The above theoretical analysis was verified experimentally using a CO(2) laser beam prepared for a para-hydrogen Raman laser.

Electron microscopic study of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) core structure: two RNA strands in the core of mature and budding particles

The basic structure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been investigated morphologically; however, the internal structure of HIV-1 core is not well understood. We studied the internal structures by transmission electron microscopy. We modified the method for electron staining of ultrathin sections and processed electron microscopic photographs using a computer. We confirmed that a mature HIV-1 particle had two copies of RNA strands in a cone-shaped core. These two RNA strands formed a coiling structure and interwound each other, and were already present in the late budding stage.

Human antibodies responsible for binding inhibition and polymerization inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase

Using a solid-phase non-radioisotopic (non-RI) reverse transcriptase (RT) assay, antibodies inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RT activity (RTI antibody) were investigated for their ability to inhibit binding of RT to a template-primer and DNA polymerization. The RTI antibody inhibited the binding of RT to the template-primer (BI antibody), and directly reacted with the RT-template-primer complex and inhibited enzymatic activity (PI antibody). The RTI antibody interfered with formation of the RT-template-primer complex suggesting that it recognized the antigenic site involved in template-primer binding of RT molecules. Since deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) blocked inhibition of the RT activity by the PI antibody, the antigenic site recognized by the PI antibody may be closely related to the dNTP binding site. The seropositivities of the BI and PI antibodies were 84.6% and 91.2%, respectively, in HIV-1-infected individuals; healthy individuals, HTLV-I-positive individuals, autoimmune disease patients and leukemia patients were all seronegative. No significant correlation of residual RT activities was observed when BI and PI antibodies were compared (r = 0.688). It is possible that the epitopes recognized by the BI antibody differs from those recognized by the PI antibody. The assays described are able to detect BI and PI antibodies in the sera of HIV-1-infected individuals.

[Clinical usefulness of trans-brachial angiography for abdominal diseases]

Trans-brachial angiography for abdominal disease has several advantages for the patient. For example, the patient can walk immediately following angiography and can return home or eat in the sitting position after examination. We performed trans-brachial angiography on 451 cases of abdominal disease from June 1992 to March 1995. The purpose of performing angiography in 215 of these cases was examination only, while that in the remaining 236 cases was embolization of liver tumor. Four hundred and five cases were used for the study of safety and accuracy, and the remaining 46 cases as well as another 51 cases of trans-femoral angiography were used for the study of technical difficulty. Based on these experience, we have concluded that trans-brachial angiography for abdominal disease is highly useful, safe and accurate, and can provide significant advantages for patients requiring abdominal angiography.

Retrospective survey of chronic Q fever in Japan by using PCR to detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in paraffin-embedded clinical samples

We used PCR to detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in paraffin-embedded tissues obtained from patients with chronic endocarditis in which the etiological agent had been unknown. On the basis of the published nucleotide sequence of the C. burnetii htpB gene, primers were chosen to produce an amplified fragment of 285 bp. A total of 60 samples from 56 patients were tested for the presence of C. burnetii DNA. Five samples from four patients were found to be positive. All of the amplified DNA fragments possessed a TthHB8I restriction site, as predicted from the published sequence of C. burnetii. In one of the four positive patients, rickettsia-like particles were found in sections of tissue stained by Gimenez's method. This is the first report of chronic Q fever in Japan.

Sharp Increase in the Incidence of Mammary Carcinoma in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Between 1986 and 1990, among a female population of about 0.95 million, 1184 women living in Kagoshima Prefecture were diagnosed pathologically as having mammary carcinoma. The number of patients with mammary carcinoma, the crude incidence rate per 100000 women and age-standardized mammary carcinoma incidence rates were 205, 21.29 and 19.42 in 1986, 212, 22.04 and 19.48 in 1987, 238, 24.74 and 21.8 in 1988, 245, 25.47 and 22.33 in 1989 and 284, 29.57 and 25.69 in 1990, respectively. The number of patients with this disease increased annually. The increase in the age-specific incidence rate of this type of cancer between 1986 and 1990 was 1.38-fold in women between 40 and 49 years of age, 1.46-fold in women between 50 and 59, 1.37-fold in the 60-69 age group, 1.48-fold in the 70-79 age group and 1.91-fold in women over 80. In both the urban and rural areas, the incidence increased annually during the course of this study. In 1990, the age-standardized mammary carcinoma incidence rate in urban area was 1.17 times that in rural area.

Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis developing into laryngeal carcinoma with human papilloma virus (HPV) type 18: a case report

We report a case of recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis which developed into laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma 11 years after the first diagnosis. Interestingly, we could identify HPV type 18 DNA in the carcinoma tissue using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Other known risk factors of irradiation, smoking, exposure to chemical agents, or a hereditary tendency to malignant tumours were not present in this case. Our finding suggests that HPV type 18 is another aetiological agent for laryngeal carcinoma.

Inhibitory effects of selenium, vitamin A and butylated hydroxytoluene on growth of human maxillary cancer cells in vitro

The effects of vitamin A, selenium, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the growth of a human maxillary cancer cell line were examined in monolayer cell cultures. The colony-forming assay showed a 50% reduction in the survival rate of the cell line at a concentration of 3.6 micrograms/ml of selenium, 28 micrograms/ml of vitamin A, and 74 micrograms/ml of BHT. Flow cytometric analysis with both FITC-labeled bromodeoxyuridine monoclonal antibody and propidium iodide demonstrated an increase of the S-phase fraction in the presence of selenium, an increase of the G0/G1-phase fraction in the presence of vitamin A, and an increase of the G2-M-phase fraction 1 day followed by an increase of G0/G1-phase fraction from the 3rd to 7th day when BHT was added. These results suggest that the mechanisms of inhibition of DNA synthesis by these compounds are different.

Inhibitory effects of selenium, vitamin A and butylated hydroxytoluene on in vitro growth of human tongue cancer cells

The effects of vitamin A, selenium and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the growth of a human tongue cancer cell line were examined in monolayer cell cultures. A colony-forming assay showed a 50% reduction in the survival rate of the cell line at a concentration of 2.6 micrograms/ml selenium, 60 micrograms/ml vitamin A and/or 38 micrograms/ml BHT. Relatively low concentrations of selenium markedly inhibited glucose consumption. Flow cytometric analysis with both fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labelled bromodeoxyuridine monoclonal antibody and propidium iodide demonstrated an increase in S-phase fractions 1 day after the addition of selenium, increased G0/G1 phase fractions in the presence of vitamin A and increased G2-M phase fractions when BHT was added. These results suggest that these compounds inhibit DNA synthesis of in vitro human tongue cancer cells by different mechanisms.

Conversion of cathepsin E to enzymatic unstable form in gastric cancer cells

A new acid proteinase in human gastric cancer, named medium moving proteinase (Med.P), was found also in a gastric cancer transplanted into nude mouse. However, Med.P disappeared when the samples prepared from gastric cancer tissues were left for over 4 weeks at -80 degrees C, whereas the activity of cathepsin E (CE) increased. When these samples were reduced by dithiothreitol (DTT), Med.P appeared again and the CE activity decreased. These phenomena, revealed by electrophoretic analyses, indicated that Med.P is a monomeric form of CE (mono-CE). At weakly alkaline pH and after heating, mono-CE appeared to be more unstable than CE. These results indicated that CE assume an enzymatically unstable monomeric form in cancer cells.

A case of spindle cell sarcomatous change of hepatic ducts manifesting as obstructive jaundice

Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare tumor commonly occurring in the upper aerodigestive tract. We report a 62-year-old male with spindle cell sarcomatous change located at the hepatic hilum, resulting in obstructive jaundice. The patient died after an extended resective operation. The rare disease and its histogenesis is discussed.

A high degree of homology exists between the protein encoded by SLG and the S receptor domain encoded by SRK in self-incompatible Brassica campestris L

The sporophytic self-incompatibility system in Brassica campestris is controlled by multiple alleles of a single locus, S. We isolated and characterized cDNA clones that correspond to genes for S-glycoprotein (SLG) and S-receptor kinase (SRK) from an S9-homozygous strain. An SRK9 fragment was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by use of primers that corresponded to regions of the gene for the extracellular receptor domain (S-domain) and the kinase domain. The fragment was used as a probe to isolate an SRK9 cDNA clone from the cDNA library of stigmas of an S9-homozygote. An SLG9 cDNA clone was also isolated from the library by use of SLG8 cDNA as a probe. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage analysis of the F2 plants from an S8S9 hybrid demonstrated that the SRK and SLG genes were tightly linked to one another and were also linked to S-genotypes, as determined by pollination tests. The transcripts of SRK9 and SLG9 were detected in stigmas, but not in anthers or leaves. The cytoplasmic kinase domain encoded by SRK9 contained amino acid sequences that are conserved in serine/threonine kinases. The nucleotide sequence encoding the S-domain of SRK9 was 98.4% homologous to that of SLG9 at the nucleotide level. This observation suggests the existence of a mechanism for maintaining a high degree of similarity between SLG and the region that encodes the S-domain of SRK.

Electrophoretic analysis of a gastric cancer-associated acid proteinase using a highly sensitive detection system

A highly sensitive detection system for acid proteinase separated on polyacrylamide gel was established. This system consisted of two-dimensional electrophoresis, combined with isoelectric focusing and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and casein clotting (caseogram). Human urine, serum and gastric tissues obtained from normal individuals and gastric cancer patients were analyzed using this system. The previous electrophoretic method was not sufficiently sensitive to detected small amounts of pepsinogen (PG) C in normal urine. However, the new rapid and sensitive method clearly revealed its presence. In gastric tissue containing cancer cells, an additional proteinase, which was not present in normal tissue, was detected and named medium moving proteinase (MMP). MMP resembled PGs in alkaline stability rather than the non-PG proteinase, slow moving proteinase (SMP).

Expression of p53 protein in benign epithelial hyperplasia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, non-invasive and invasive mammary carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study

To clarify whether p53 protein expression is involved in multistep carcinogenesis or the progression of mammary ductal carcinoma, we investigated p53 protein expression in 83 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), 10 IDC with a predominant intraductal component, 13 non-invasive ductal carcinoma (NIDC), 16 atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and 39 benign epithelial hyperplasia (EH), using immunohistochemistry. Expression of p53 protein was detected in 24 (28.9%) cases of IDC, 5 (50%) cases of IDC with a predominant intraductal component and 1 (7.6%) case of NIDC. No expression was observed in either ADH or EH. In IDC, including cases with a predominant intraductal component, p53 protein expression was associated with a higher histological grade (P < 0.0001) or mitotic index (P < 0.0005). Although overexpression of c-erbB-2 protein has also shown a similar association with these prognostic indicators, expression of p53 protein correlated regardless of the status of c-erbB-2 overexpression. Completely coordinated expression of p53 protein was seen in both intraductal and invasive components. The intraductal component in IDC including cases with a predominant intraductal component which expresses p53 protein had significantly higher histological grade (P < 0.0005) or more comedo-subtypes (P < 0.0001). These results suggested that p53 protein expression occurs at a stage of NIDC with high histological grade or in comedo-subtypes. Its expression is maintained throughout invasion.

Chronic toxicity and tumorigenicity study of aluminum potassium sulfate in B6C3F1 mice

The tumorigenic potential of aluminum potassium sulfate [A1K (SO4)2 12H2O, APS], a compound which exists widely in the environment, was investigated in B6C3F1 mice. APS was administered in the diet for 20 months at dose levels of 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% (w/w). One group receiving the basal diet served as the control. Body weight gain in both sexes was decreased in the 10.0% APS treated group, and increased in the 1.0 and 2.5% APS treated groups. The survival rates at the end of the dosing period were 73.3% (male) and 78.3% (female) in the control group, and 86.7-95.0% (male) and 86.7-91.7% (female) in the APS treated groups. The survival rate showed a tendency to increase in both sexes in all the APS treated groups. In the tumor pathology, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly decreased in the males in the 10% APS treated group. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly decreased in females in all groups including the control group. As regards the nontumorous pathology, the incidence of myocardial eosinophilic cytoplasm showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in males in the APS treated groups. A comparison between the sexes revealed a significant decrease in the incidence of hepatocytic anisonucleosis, myocardial eosinophilic cytoplasm and acinar cell vacuolation of the submandibular gland in the females; and lymphocyte infiltration in renal cortex and pelvis, and vacuolation of cerebellar white matter were noted in the males. The results of the present study indicate that long-term administration of APS does not exert tumorigenic or any other toxic actions in B6C3F1 mice.

Immunohistochemical studies of S-100 protein expression in myoepithelial cells of benign breast diseases and normal breast tissues

We studied benign breast diseases using polyclonal anti S-100 protein and monoclonal anti a-subunit or beta-subunit of S-100 protein antibodies. The antibody gave positive staining in most of the cytoplasms and nuclei of the myoepithelial cells of normal breast tissues, gynecomastia, fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma and mastopathy. However, immunohistochemical methods using the monoclonal antibodies for them did not reveal positive staining in the myoepithelial cells.

[A stick type filter unit for prevention of biohazard in a research laboratory]

It is important to prevent unexpected laboratory infections in a biosafety area. It is recommended that extreme caution should be used when handling needles and syringes to avoid autoinoculation, and that needles and syringes should be used only when there is no alternative. To remove cells and cell debris, a disk-type microfilter unit, which is recommended using a needle, has been used for filtrating supernatant from HIV-1-infected cell cultures. We compared a stick-type microfilter unit, which can be used without a needle, with a disk-type one for their safety and recovery of human immunodeficiency virus particle after filtration. To confirm the right of our comparison, we observed the filter electron microscopically for the virus particles and virus suspensions were carried out and discussed. In conclusion, the stick-type filter should be improved, since the filter unit is inferior to the disk-type filter unit in purification of the virus, but for the safety is superior to the disk-type.

[Human herpesvirus-6 antibodies in idiopathic facial nerve palsy and sudden deafness]

Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is the causative agent for exanthem subitum. This study investigated the relationship between idiopathic facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy), sudden deafness and HHV-6 infection. Both Bell's palsy and sudden deafness are syndromes which causes are unknown. Both of them are suspected viral infection as causative agents. Paired sera from 22 patients of Bell's palsy and 39 patients of sudden deafness were examined for reactivity to HHV-6 by the indirect immunofluorescence test. On a case of Bell's palsy and two cases of sudden deafness each of the HHV-6 antibody titers was increased.