Binding of human IgM from a rheumatoid factor to IgG of 12 animal species

The binding of IgM from a rheumatoid factor (RF-IgM) to IgG from 12 animal species was analyzed by an ELISA system. The RF-IgM bound various animal IgG with dissimilar affinities. The binding of RF-IgM to animal IgG was inhibited by addition of protein A, which binds some animal IgG by recognizing the junctional site on CH2-CH3 domains in the Fc region. As previously reported, no significant correlation was observed between the binding of RF-IgM to IgG and the content of galactose-free oligosaccharides, which is increased in IgG of rheumatoid arthritis patients or autoimmune mice. We suggest that the crucial epitope of IgG for RF-IgM binding is not the oligosaccharide structure generated specifically in IgG of autoimmune diseases but that RF-IgM may recognize a certain protein conformation of a region in IgG near the binding site of protein A.

Synthesis of 2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives and their inhibitory activity on the release of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) from platelets

A search for potent inhibitors of release of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various circulatory disorders and arteriosclerosis, led us to 6-[4-(1-cyclohexyl-5-tetrazolyl)butoxy]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone (cilostazol) and 2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives having an azole group in the side chain. Many 2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives were synthesized and tested in vitro for the inhibitory activity in human platelets. 3,4-Dihydro-6-[3-(1-o-tolylimidazol-2-yl)sulfinylpropoxy]-2( 1H)-quinolinone (5k) was found to be one of the most potent inhibitors of 12-HETE release, being more potent than esculetin. In addition, the sulfoxide 5k showed in vivo inhibitory activity on platelet adhesion in rats. Since 5k is racemic, the enantiomers were prepared and their potencies were compared in vitro and in vivo. (S)-(+)-5k had the best pharmacological profile and was selected as a candidate drug for further development. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Expression of the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene in non-small-cell lung cancer

We examined the levels of expression of the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene quantified by Northern blot analysis in comparison with those of the MDR1 gene determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 104 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens [59 adenocarcinoma (Ad), 40 squamous cell carcinoma (Sq), four large cell carcinoma (La) and one adeno-squamous carcinoma (AdSq)]. Thirty-three (31.7%) of the 104 NSCLC expressed the MRP gene at various levels. The NSCLC showing high (++) levels of MRP gene expression (19 out of 33, 57.6%) were predominantly squamous cell carcinomas (Ad, 5; Sq, 13; La, 1) (P < 0.05). Six of the eight NSCLCs expressing high levels of MRP mRNA and no MDR1 (MRP ++, MDR1-) were squamous cell carcinomas. Sixty-one of the 104 NSCLC patients received chemotherapy with MRP-related anti-cancer drugs [vindesine (VDS) and etoposide (VP-16)]. Twenty-three patients (37.7%) with tumour expressing high or moderate levels of MRP showed significantly worse prognoses than those with non- or low-MRP-expressing tumours (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the level of MRP gene expression is related to the histopathology and prognosis of NSCLC.

Effects of nitrofurazone on spermatogenesis and reproductive toxicity in male rats--part of a collaborative work to determine optimal administration period and endpoints

To determine an appropriate administration period and sensitive end-points for the evaluation of effects on male fertility, male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally given nitrofurazone, a model compound, at doses of 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks, or at doses of 12.5 or 25 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks before mating with untreated females. Copulation and fertility indices were decreased, and pregnancy did not result at doses of 25 mg/kg/day and over with both dosing periods. An increase in preimplantation loss, and decreases in implants and live fetuses were observed with 12.5 mg/kg/day after 9-weeks dosing. However, no reproductive endpoints were affected by the same dose level for 4-weeks. Sperm head count was reduced at doses of 25 mg/kg/day and over with both dosing periods. Histopathology revealed tubular degeneration and interstitial cell hyperplasia at doses of 25 mg/kg/day and over after both periods of dosing. Moreover, failure of spermiation in tubular epithelia was also detected in the 12.5 mg/kg groups. These results suggest that 4-weeks premating exposure is sufficient for evaluation of the effects of nitrofurazone on mate fertility, and the most sensitive endpoint in this 4-week premating-dose study is a histopathological change.

Stenosis enhances role of platelets in growth of regional thrombus and intimal wall thickening in rat carotid arteries

The authors present the results of a study in which stenosis was induced, resulting in either thrombus or intimal wall thickening, in rat carotid arteries. At > or = 75% stenosis in mildly denuded arteries, an acute and occlusive thrombus formation was induced, but the thrombus was significantly reduced in thrombocytopenia. Thrombus formation near the site of stenosis decreased with decreasing degree of stenosis, whereas the percent formation in the distal region (percent total thrombus) increased. Numerous mural platelet microthrombi were noted at the distal region of the stenosed arteries. After chronic 50% stenosis of the carotid artery for 2 weeks, significant intimal thickening was observed, without any occlusive thrombus formation. The combination with mild denudation was critical in eliciting the effect of stenosis. The magnitude of intimal growth in the stenosed artery was marked by day 6 and plateaued thereafter, whereas it was slight in nonstenosed arteries. The 5-bromodeoxyuridine index of the cells of the medial layer at day 3 was significantly increased by the stenosis, and the effect was reversed in thrombocytopenia. Complete reendothelialization of the intimal surface was observed by 7 to 10 days after surgery in the stenosed arteries. These findings suggest that the introduction of stenosis in these arteries enhances the interaction of platelets with the damaged arterial walls under abnormal fluid shear and that this enhancement leads to acute and occlusive thrombus formation associated with more marked stenosis as well as to sustained increase of intimal wall thickness in less marked stenosis.

Metabolism of clomipramine in a Japanese psychiatric population: hydroxylation, desmethylation, and glucuronidation

We measured the concentrations of clomipramine and its metabolites, N-desmethylclomipramine, 8-hydroxy-N-desmethylclomipramine, 8-hydroxyclomipramine by high-performance liquid chromatography in 108 Japanese psychiatric patients receiving clomipramine hydrochloride PO. The concentrations of the glucuronide conjugates of 8-hydroxyclomipramine and 8-hydroxy-N-desmethylclomipramine were assayed via enzymatic hydrolysis. Although there were large interindividual variations of concentrations of parent, intermediate metabolic compounds, and glucuronide conjugates, significant positive correlations were observed between these drug concentrations and daily doses of clomipramine hydrochloride (mg/kg body weight). Although the metabolic ratios for desmethylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation that were calculated from steady-state drug concentrations varied substantially with 36-, 14-, and 28-fold interindividual variations, respectively, apparent poor desmethylators, poor hydroxylators, or poor glucuronidators were not found.

Interindividual variations of desmethylation and hydroxylation of amitriptyline in a Japanese psychiatric population

We measured the concentrations in plasma of amitriptyline and its metabolites, nortriptyline and geometric isomers of 10-hydroxynortriptyline and 10-hydroxyamitriptyline, in 73 Japanese psychiatric patients receiving amitriptyline hydrochloride (Tryptanol; Banyu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) by high-performance liquid chromatography. Although there were large interindividual variations of total drug concentrations and concentrations of parent or intermediate metabolic compounds in plasma, significant positive correlations were observed between these drug concentrations and daily doses of amitriptyline hydrochloride (milligrams per kilogram of body weight). The metabolic ratios for both hydroxylation and desmethylation varied substantially with approximately 8- to 19-fold interindividual variations. Frequency distribution histograms and probit analyses of these parameters identified neither definite poor hydroxylators nor poor desmethylators of amitriptyline.

Clinical study on hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic malignancies

In a consecutive series of 146 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 10 patients (6.8%) were found to have one or two extrahepatic malignancies (EHM). Of these, eight had double cancers and two, triple cancers. The associated malignancies included eight cases of gastric cancer and four cases of colon cancer. Among the 12 lesions, eight were in the early stage. All the 10 patients were hepatitis B surface antigen negative. The incidence of coexisting liver cirrhosis and the retention rate of indocyanin green in 15 minutes among HCCs with EHM were significantly lower than those among HCC alone. These results suggest that the etiology of HCC with EHM is different from the etiology of HCC alone in Japan.

Tissue fibronectin is an endogenous ligand for galectin-1

A 14K beta-galactoside-binding lectin (galectin-1) is present in many animal tissues. In a search for endogenous ligands, we surveyed galectin-1-binding proteins in human placenta. Extract of human placenta with 2 M urea was applied to a Sepharose 4B column conjugated with galectin-1 purified from frog (Rana catesbeiana) eggs. Two major proteins eluted with 100 mM lactose from the column-bound fraction showed apparent molecular masses of 220 and 180 kDa on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Western blotting analysis using monoclonal antibodies indicated that these proteins were fibronectin and laminin, respectively. Most placental and amniotic fibronectins bound strongly to the column, whereas almost all plasma fibronectin passed through the column. The galectin-1, fibronectin and laminin were immunohistochemically shown to be co-localized in the extracellular matrix of placental tissue. In a cell attachment assay, rhabdosarcoma cells adhered to a plate coated with placental fibronectin, even in the presence of GRGDS peptide, if galectin-1 were also present. This adhesive effect of galectin-1 was inhibited by lactose. These results indicate that tissue fibronectin, as well as laminin, serve as endogenous ligands for galectin-1, suggesting that galectin-1 may play a role in assembly of the extracellular matrix, or in the control of cell adhesion based on lectin-extracellular matrix interaction.

Developmental expression of D-galactoside-binding lectin in sea urchin (Anthocidaris crassispina) eggs

The spatial and temporal expression of a sea urchin (Anthocidaris crassispina) egg lectin (SUEL) during early embryogenesis was studied using antiserum raised against SUEL. Western blotting analysis revealed the presence of SUEL in all stages so far examined, from unfertilized eggs to gastrula stage embryos. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic observation showed that SUEL was stored in small electron-dense granules which migrated to the cortex within 10 min after fertilization. SUEL was localized in the cortical cytoplasm of the blastomere during cleavage stages and subsequently migrated to the outer surface of the embryo, including the invaginated portion of the gastrula. Immunoelectron microscopic study indicated that SUEL was deposited in the hyaline layer at least at the mid gastrula stage. Migration of SUEL to the cortex was significantly reduced by treatment with cytochalasin B, suggesting that actin filaments play an important role in this translocation. Exogenously added SUEL was adsorbed at the surface of unfertilized eggs and hatched embryos, but not to embryos with fertilization membrane. Lactose inhibited this adsorption, suggesting the presence of an endogenous glycoligand(s) specific for SUEL on the surface of unfertilized eggs and in the hyaline layer. We conclude that SUEL is secreted at a certain stage of embryogenesis and specifically adsorbed to the hyaline layer. Temporal changes in extraembryonic matrices caused by SUEL seem to play an important role in developmental morphogenesis.

Purification and characterization of two Ca(2+)-dependent lectins from coelomic plasma of sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus

Two structurally distinct lectins were purified from the coelomic plasma of holothurian, Stichopus japonicus, by affinity chromatography on a porcine stomach mucin-conjugated agarose column, gel filtration on a Superose 6 column, and ion-exchange chromatography on a HiTrap Q-FPLC. The two lectins showed apparent molecular masses of about 400 kDa (SPL-1) and 60 kDa (SPL-2) on gel filtration, but about 17 kDa on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Both lectins showed hemagglutination activity toward rabbit erythrocytes in the presence of Ca2+ ions. The N-terminal amino acid sequences were highly homologous to but distinct from those of a Ca(2+)-dependent (C-type) lectin named SJL-I purified from the same species. In addition to porcine stomach mucin, the hemagglutination activity of SPL-1 was strongly inhibited by uronic acids such as galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid, while the activity of SPL-2 was inhibited by GalNAc and galactosides. Both lectins were adsorbed on clotted coelomocytes in the presence of Ca2+ but not in the presence of inhibitory sugars or EGTA, suggesting the presence of an endogenous carbohydrate ligand(s) for plasma C-type lectins in the clot. However, coelomocyte clotting occurred normally even in the presence of inhibitory sugars, but was strongly inhibited by synthetic GRGDSP peptide or EGTA, suggesting the participation of integrin but not the lectin-carbohydrate interaction in the clotting events.

Immunohistochemical analysis of nm23/NDP kinase expression in human lung adenocarcinoma: association with tumor progression in Clara cell type

Levels of nm23-H1/nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDP kinase) expression have been reported to correlate inversely with metastatic potential in some tumors but not in others. Whether or not nm23 gene product is associated with metastatic potential in lung cancer is not clear as yet. We therefore immunohistochemically examined the expression of nm23 gene products in primary lung adenocarcinomas according to cytologic subtypes in order to clarify the association of its expression with the clinical features of the disease. Seventy-two (64.9%) of the 111 lung adenocarcinomas were positive for nm23 protein. In lung adenocarcinoma of Clara cell type, high levels of nm23 expression were associated with advanced pathologic stage, positive lymph node status, and poorer prognosis (P < 0.05). However, no correlation with clinical outcome was observed in other cell types. Our data suggest that higher levels of nm23 expression are associated with tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma of Clara cell type.

Diffuse arteriovenous malformation involving jejunum and total colon with mesenteric varices. Case report

Diffuse intestinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is very rare. We describe a case of diffuse AVM involving the jejunum and the total colon in an adult. In addition, mesenteric varices without portal hypertension is demonstrated on angiography of the superior mesenteric artery. The high flow through the AVMs may be a major component in the etiology of the mesenteric varices in our case.

Expression of the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) in non-small cell lung cancer

To ezamine the clinical relevance of P-glycoprotein, encoded by the human multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), to multidrug resistance in lung cancer, we examined the expression of MDR1 in 107 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and 20 corresponding specimens of normal lung tissues. We also evaluated the relationship between MDR1 expression and the histopathology and pathological staging of NSCLC. The tumors consisted of 60 adenocarcinomas, 38 squamous cell carcinomas, 8 large cell carcinomas, and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma. MDR1 expression was semi-quantified by use of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. We subclassified the NSCLC into 3 grades according to the MDR1 expression level (-, +, ++). Sixty-one of the 107 tumor specimens (57%) and 18 of the normal lung tissue specimens (90%) expressed various levels of the MDR1 gene. Only one tumor specimen showed higher MDR1 expression than the corresponding normal lung tissue. The relationship between pathological stage and MDR1 expression levels was not significant. These results suggest that the level of MDR1 expression in lung cells is decreased as cells progress from the normal to the transformed state.

Transcription of the faoAB operon which encodes the HDT multienzyme complex involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation in Pseudomonas fragi B-0771

Transcription of the two clustered genes, faoA and faoB, for the multienzyme complex for fatty acid beta-oxidation (HDT) from the Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas fragi, was investigated. Northern blot hybridization and primer extension analysis indicated that these genes comprised an operon, giving a 3.6 kb mRNA. Transcription of the 3.6 kb faoAB mRNA was induced by palmitic acid. Using the lacZ gene as a reporter gene for a promoter activity search, the essential region for induction of the faoAB gene transcription by palmitic acid was mapped at the 331 bp region just upstream of the transcription initiation site. Deletion of the 136 bp SalI-NheI fragment just downstream of the transcription initiation site caused the constitutive expression of the faoA-lacZ fusion protein in P. fragi, suggesting that there is a regulatory element interacting with the transcription repressor.

Abdominal wall desmoid mimicking intra-abdominal mass: MR features

A case of abdominal wall desmoid which enlarged toward the liver and mimicked an intra-abdominal tumor is presented. T*2-weighted MR images clearly demonstrated the tumor's continuity with the rectus abdominis muscle. The case presented suggests MRI may provide more valuable information concerning the origin of a right-upper-quadrant mass than CT does. However, the nature of the signals and attachment which this case showed were so unusual for desmoids that this case has not been diagnosed accurately.

C-type galactoside-binding lectin from Bothrops jararaca venom: comparison of its structure and function with those of botrocetin

A Ca(2+)-dependent type (C-type) galactoside-binding lectin was purified from venom of the snake Bothrops jararaca by thiodigalactoside-Sepharose affinity column chromatography. B. jararaca lectin is a disulfide-linked homodimer composed of 14-kDa subunits. The N-terminal 55-residue amino acid sequence was determined and appeared to belong to the animal C-type lectin family. This 55-residue sequence showed 37% identity with botrocetin, an exogenous von Willebrand factor modulator purified from the same venom, and 85% identity with a lectin from rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom. B. jararaca lectin showed Ca(2+)-dependent hemagglutination activity but did not induce platelet aggregation in the presence or absence of Ca2+ and von Willebrand factor and did not inhibit platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin and von Willebrand factor. On the other hand, botrocetin, which also contains a C-type lectin motif in the N-terminal sequence, did not show hemagglutinating activity toward rabbit and human erythrocytes, nor binding activity toward immobilized glycoproteins. These results indicate that at least two structurally similar but functionally distinct proteins, both belonging to the C-type lectin family, are present in the venom of B. jararaca.

Comparative studies of asparagine-linked sugar chains of immunoglobulin G from eleven mammalian species

1. Asparagine-linked sugar chains released by hydrazinolysis from IgGs of porcine, equine, bovine, goat, ovine, canine, rabbit, guinea-pig and rat were comparatively analyzed by microsequencing and lectin affinity chromatography. 2. Sugar chains of all IgGs basically consisted of biantennary complex-type oligosaccharides containing 0-2 sialic acid residue(s). More than 70% of the oligosaccharides were neutral, except for guinea-pig IgG, and fucosylated trimannosyl core structures were dominant except for rabbit IgG. Bisecting N-acetylglucosamine residue was absent in porcine and equine IgGs. 3. A large quantity of galactose-less oligosaccharides were present in IgGs of porcine, equine, canine and rat.

Expression of carbohydrate antigens in human pulmonary adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The altered and anomalous expression of carbohydrate antigens (CA) occur in patients with lung carcinomas.

METHODS

To investigate the relationship between prognosis and immunohistochemical findings of CA in serum and pulmonary adenocarcinomas (PA), PA specimens surgically resected from 102 patients were studied with the use of A, B, H, Lewis(Le)a, Le(b), Le(x), Le(y), sialyl Le(a) (FH-7), sialyl Le(x-i) (SLX) (FH-6), sialosyl Tn (TKH-2), and CA 19-9. The Lewis blood group types were determined by the dot blotting method on patients' serum using monoclonal anti-Le(a), Le(b), Le(x), and Le(y). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded PA sections were stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex methods.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between the patients' postoperative survival and tissue expression of CA, although survival correlated with the clinical stages, histologic differentiation of PA, and serum SLX in Stage 4. The higher the positive rate of both Le(b) and Le(y), the better their differentiation in PA specimens. Regardless of blood group type, PA showed high positive reactions for FH-6 (88%) and Le(y) (87%). The serum concentration of CA 19-9 correlated with immunohistochemical reactions of tumors (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.33, P = 0.02). The expression of Le(a) in Lewis (a-b+) phenotype patients and Type 2 CA, such as Le(y) and FH-6, is characteristic in PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that CA tissue expression may not reflect postoperative survival length of patients with PA, but biological aberrant fucosylation or sialylation as well as morphologic alteration may occur in neoplastic cells.

[Inflammatory tumor of the hepatic hilus mimicking bile duct cancer--report of a case]

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of jaundice. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a tumor of the hepatic hilus causing obstructive jaundice. Angiography revealed a stenosis of the right hepatic artery. Under the diagnosis of carcinoma of the hepatic hilus, extended right hepatectomy with resection of the caudate lobe was performed. A tumor showing expophytic growth, 2.1 x 1.9 x 1.5cm in size, was seen in the hepatic hilus. Histologically, the tumor was proved to be a non-neoplastic fibrous tissue simulating the inflammatory pseudotumor.

Immunohistochemical analysis of cathepsin B expression in human lung adenocarcinoma: the role in cancer progression

Production of cathepsin B by tumor cells has been linked to metastatic potential in several experimental models. Sections of 95 primary lung adenocarcinomas were examined for expression of cathepsin B using a standard avidin-biotin immunohistochemical technique. Staining for cathepsin B was observed in 22.1% of all cases and 28.0% of those of the Clara cell type. In Clara cell adenocarcinomas, cathepsin B expression correlated with positive lymph node status, presence of distant metastases, and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). However, no correlation with clinical outcome was observed in other cell types. Our data suggest that cathepsin B may be involved in invasion and metastasis in Clara cell lung adenocarcinoma.

[Two cases of intrapulmonary teratoma]

We encountered two unusual cases of intrapulmonary teratoma, one in a 31-year-old female and the other in a 15-year-old female. The chief complaint of both patients was fever, and in both a consolidation was detected in the left upper lobe using routine radiography. We performed left upper lobectomy for the former patient and segmentectomy of the left lingual segment for the latter. Neither tumor communicated with the mediastinum. Histological examination revealed a pulmonary teratoma containing no thymic tissue in both. Intrapulmonary teratoma has been reported to be extremely rare, and only 27 cases including these two have been reported in the literature.

Primary structure of two-chain botrocetin, a von Willebrand factor modulator purified from the venom of Bothrops jararaca

The complete amino acid sequence and location of the disulfide bonds of two-chain botrocetin, which promotes platelet agglutination in the presence of von Willebrand factor, from venom of the snake Bothrops jararaca are presented. Sequences of the alpha and beta subunits were determined by analysis of peptides generated by digestion of the S-pyridylethylated protein with Achromobacter protease I or alpha-chymotrypsin and by chemical cleavage with cyanogen bromide or 2-(2'-nitrophenylsulfenyl)-3-methyl-3-bromoindolenine. Two-chain botrocetin is a heterodimer composed of the alpha subunit (consisting of 133 amino acid residues) and the beta subunit (consisting of 125 amino acid residues) held together by a disulfide bond. Seven disulfide bonds link half-cystine residues 2 to 13, 30 to 128, and 103 to 120 of the alpha subunit; 2 to 13, 30 to 121, and 98 to 113 of the beta subunit; and 80 of the alpha subunit to 75 of the beta subunit. In terms of amino acid sequence and disulfide bond location, two-chain botrocetin is homologous to echinoidin (a sea urchin lectin) and other C-type (Ca(2+)-dependent) lectins.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma extending across the midline: MR features

A rare adult case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly demonstrated unusual extension of the tumor across the midline is reported. Dynamic MR imaging was very useful to distinguish benign ganglioneuroma from other retroperitoneal tumors, especially neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma.

[A case of chest wall abscess due to Salmonella newport]

A 18-year-old female with a history of precordial pain was admitted. There was a mass (3.5 x 2.5 cm) in the right inframammary region which was suspected to be chest wall tumor on the basis of CT scan and Ga scintigraphy findings. Exploratory surgery, consisting of total resection of the tumor without removing the ribs, was performed and revealed an abscess. Culture of pus from the abscess grew Salmonella newport (0 antigen 8, H antigen eh; 1.2). Focal infection with Salmonellosis is discussed. Surgical treatment is necessary in addition to chemotherapy.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: hypertrophic gastroepiploic and omental arteries identified by radioimmune angiography

We report a first case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma examined by radioimmune (RI) angiography with technetium-99m human serum albumin. The RI angiography clearly demonstrated the characteristic findings including hypertrophic gastroepiploic arteries and dilated omental branches. These findings may be very helpful in distinguishing malignant peritoneal mesotheliomas from peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Promotion of plantlet formation from somatic embryos of carrot treated with a high molecular weight extract from a marine cyanobacterium

Somatic embryos of Daucus carota L. developed into plantlets at high frequency after addition of an extract from a marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902. High molecular weight, nondialyzing fraction, separated from the extract, possessed enhanced plantlet formation promoting activity. Plantlet formation frequency was 60 % after addition of nondialysate (100 mg/l) compared to 28 % without addition. Embryos treated with the nondialysate contained five times more chlorophyll than nontreated embryos after 6 days of culture. The chlorophyll a/b ratio of 4-day old treated somatic embryos was found to be similar to that of zygotic embryos. However, the chlorophyll a/b ratio of plantlets induced from nontreated somatic embryos was variable. Nondialysate was fractionated by ultracentrifugation and an active component obtained, which gave a maximum plantlet formation frequency of 71 %, and induced rapid greening of shoots.

Primary structures of the genes, faoA and faoB, from Pseudomonas fragi B-0771 which encode the two subunits of the HDT multienzyme complex involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation

Three enzyme activities involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation, i.e., those of enoyl-CoA hydratase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase, are exhibited by one multienzyme complex (HDT) composed of two molecules each of two peptides in Pseudomonas fragi. Using specific antisera against the two subunits of HDT, we isolated the genes encoding the subunits of HDT and designated them "faoA" (for the alpha-subunit) and "faoB" (for the beta-subunit). Their complete nucleotide sequences were determined and it was revealed that faoA and faoB, both with individual putative S.D. sequences at suitable positions, formed a cluster, in that order. The amino acid sequences deduced from the nucleotide sequences of the two genes indicated that the alpha-subunit, encoded by faoA, is a polypeptide of 715 amino acid residues, and that the beta-subunit, encoded by faoB, consists of 390 amino acid residues lacking the first methionine of the primary product encoded by faoB. Immunoblotting of cell lysates prepared from Escherichia coli transformants carrying plasmids which possess the faoA and/or faoB gene with antisera against the subunits of HDT showed that both the faoA and faoB genes were transcribed and translated in E. coli. The overall activities of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase were increased in the E. coli cells transformed with the plasmid possessing the faoA gene, suggesting that both the hydratase and dehydrogenase activities may be exhibited by the alpha-subunit of HDT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of enzymes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation in Pseudomonas fragi B-0771 cells grown in media supplemented with fatty acid

Induction of the enzymes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation in Pseudomonas fragi B-0771 cells grown in a medium containing straight chain saturated fatty acids was studied. The acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACDH) activity was induced during the exponential phase in cells grown in palmitic acid-supplemented medium, reached a maximum at the early stationary phase, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Changes in the overall activities of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, both existing on the multienzyme complex (HDT) involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation, were similar to that in ACDH activity. Straight chain saturated fatty acids having more than 6 carbon atoms could induce both the ACDH and HDT activities, and C13-C15 fatty acids caused the greatest induction of both activities. Changes in the overall activities of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase correlated with that in the amount of the alpha-subunit of HDT during the entire culture period in the medium containing palmitic acid. Surprisingly, the stoichiometry of the alpha- and beta-subunit proteins of HDT was not maintained into the stationary phase culture, though the genes encoding the alpha- and beta-subunits are tandemly coded in bacterial genomic DNA.

Organ-specific occurrence and expression of the isoforms of nonspecific lipid transfer protein in castor bean seedlings, and molecular cloning of a full-length cDNA for a cotyledon-specific isoform

Four kinds of nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP) were purified from different organs of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) seedlings. Amino acid compositions and amino-terminal sequences of the four nsLTPs were determined and compared with those of castor bean isoforms, nsLTP-A, -B, and -C, previously reported [Takishima et al. (1986) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 870, 248-255; Takishima et al. (1988) Eur. J. Biochem. 177, 241-249]. Two isoforms from the cotyledons were identified as nsLTP-A and -C, one isoform from the endosperms as nsLTP-B, and the other was a new isoform from the axes. This new isoform was named nsLTP-D and its amino acid sequence was determined. These results demonstrated organ-specific occurrence of the nsLTP isoforms in castor bean seedlings. The isoforms nsLTP-A, -B, -C, and -D showed similar transfer activity not only for phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine but also for monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, although the homology among their amino acid sequences ranged from 70 to 30%. Two cDNA clones (pnsLTP-C and pnsLTP-D) for nsLTPs of castor bean seedlings were isolated and sequenced. pnsLTP-C was the cDNA clone for nsLTP-C expressed in the cotyledons, and pnsLTP-D was that for nsLTP-D in the axis. A coupled in vitro transcription-translation analysis of both cDNA clones revealed that pnsLTP-C encodes the full-length of nsLTP-C precursor (pro-nsLTP-C), while pnsLTP-D encodes a part of nsLTP-D precursor. PronsLTP-C contained a 24-amino acid pre-sequence preceding the mature nsLTP-C (92 amino acids).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell adhesive activity of two animal lectins through different recognition mechanisms

Cell adhesive activity of two animal lectins, frog (Rana catesbeiana) S-type 14K lectin and echinoidin (a C-type lectin from sea urchin plasma), was studied with human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. RD cells attached to and spread on plastic plates coated with each lectin. Cell adhesion by the frog lectin was completely inhibited by the addition of lactose or asialofetuin glycopeptide. Echinoidin-induced cell adhesion was only inhibited by peptide GRGDS. Since echinoidin is known to contain an RGD-sequence, our results clearly indicate that this sequence is active as the cell adhesive signal. These results suggest that some of the animal lectins may function as a cell adhesive molecule rather than using the carbohydrate-recognition mechanism.

Purification and characterization of beta-galactoside binding lectin from frog (Rana catesbeiana) eggs

A beta-galactoside-binding lectin, a homodimer composed of 14kDa subunits, was purified from unfertilized eggs of the frog Rana catesbeiana by asialofetuin-Sepharose 4B affinity column chromatography. The lectin was solubilized from eggs by addition of neither haptenic sugar nor detergent and showed a unique characteristic that it requires neither Ca++ nor SH-reagent for its hemagglutination activity. However, the partial amino acid sequence indicated that the lectin belongs to a family of soluble 14kDa beta-galactoside-binding lectins (14K-lectin) widely distributed in vertebrates and classified as S type lectins. These results indicate that a 14K-lectin is present as the free form in unfertilized frog eggs, presenting the first structural evidence for the presence of a soluble 14K-lectin in the amphibian eggs.

[Therapeutic guide line for hemoptysis]

We report the result of treatment for thirty-two patients whose chief complaint was hemoptysis and represent the therapeutic guide line for hemoptysis. In thirty-two cases, there were twenty men and twelve women and average of age was fifty-two years old. Twenty-nine of them were chronic lung diseases such as tuberculosis and bronchiectasis and only three cases have malignant tumors. Two of them recovered with conservative therapy and bronchial arteriography (BAG) have been performed in thirty patients in order to determine the bleeding foci, BAG was failed in two cases, but these two cases have been recovered with following up, BAG was succeeded in twenty-eight cases and twelve cases of them could not been determined the bleeding foci by angiography and could be controlled using hemostatic and antibiotic agents. Embolization of bronchial arteries with gelatin sponge have been performed in sixteen cases and made success in eleven cases. In ten of these cases, BAE was effective less than two times. Only one of silicosis with restrictive lung function was considered contraindication of surgery and recovered by three times of BAE. Four cases of five uneffective BAE (rebleeding after two times of BAE) have been treated by operation in good course. But one case complicated with WPW syndrome has died because of aspiration pneumonia without operation. In our institute, the rate of operation for hemoptysis was low as 13% of thirty-two cases. In order to consider the indication of surgery, bronchial arteriography was essential to determine bleeding foci and BAE was effective in over 80% of hemoptysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Extracts of Marine cyanobacteria stimulated somatic embryogenesis of Daucus carota L

Twenty five strains of marine cyanobacteria were screened for their ability to promote carrot somatic embryogenesis. Hot water extracts prepared from 21 of these strains promoted plantlet formation. Extracts from four strains increased plantlet numbers to an average of over 3.7-fold. Dialysates and nondialysates of each of these extracts also increased plantlet formation. For extracts from filamentous cyanobacteria, Nostoc sp. and Anabaena sp., dialysate was more effective (4.2-fold increase) than nondialysate (3.0-fold increase), whereas for unicellular strains Synechococcus sp. and Xenococcus sp., nondialysate was more effective (5.2-fold increase) than the dialysate (3.2-fold increase). These cyanobacterial extracts also promoted embryolike structure formation from two-year old carrot cell cultures which were unable to produce plantlets using the usual methods. Here, we demonstrate the existence in marine cyanobacterial extracts of low and high molecular weight factors which strongly promote somatic embryogenesis in carrot cell cultures.

Amino acid sequence and molecular characterization of a D-galactoside-specific lectin purified from sea urchin (Anthocidaris crassispina) eggs

The complete amino acid sequence of a 11.5-kDa subunit of D-galactoside binding lectin purified from sea urchin (Anthocidaris crassispina) eggs is presented. The 105-residue sequence of the subunit was determined by analysis of the intact S-carbamoylmethylated protein and peptides generated by digestion with Achromobacter protease I or Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. The lectin exists as a disulfide-linked homodimer of two subunits; the dimeric form is essential for hemagglutination activity. However, the monomeric form obtained by partial reduction retains the carbohydrate binding capacity. Neither Ca2+ nor SH reagent is essential for hemagglutination or carbohydrate binding. The sequence has no similarity to that of any known protein and apparently represents a new type of galactoside binding lectin.

Light-Independent Expression of cab and rbcS Genes in Dark-Grown Pine Seedlings

In angiosperms, light has been shown to induce the expression of cab and rbcS genes, which encode the apoprotein of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein (LHCP) and the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), respectively. By contrast, chlorophylls are synthesized in the cotyledons of pine seedlings even if seeds are germinated in the dark. We have examined the expression of cab and rbcS genes in the cotyledons of pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings grown in darkness. The proteins of LHCP and the large subunit and the small subunit of Rubisco were detected in the cotyledons of dark-grown seedlings. The transcripts of cab and rbcS genes were present at substantial levels in dark-grown seedlings. However, the transcripts and the translated products of the genes were not found in the embryos of dry seeds. These results indicate that light is not required for the expression of cab and rbcS genes during the course of development of the cotyledons of pine seedlings. The processing of the precursor polypeptides of the mature proteins also appears to take place even in the dark.

Two cases of endoscopically identified esophageal cancer of the superficial-slightly depressed type

We experienced two cases of superficial type esophageal cancer. Case 1 was a 72-year-old man in whom endoscopic examination revealed a slightly protruded, partially reddened and faded area of irregular shape corresponding to 0-IIa + IIc (slightly depressed type) of the endoscopic classification of esophageal cancers. Macroscopically, it was a superficial, ill-defined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 2.5 x 2.4 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of a swelling type of stage 0. Case 2 was 55-year-old man. Endoscopic examination disclosed an almost roundish, smooth-surfaced, flat and dull red area corresponding to IIc (slightly depressed type). Macroscopically it was a superficial, semidefined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 1.0 x 1.0 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal, semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of stage 0. To detect esophageal cancer at an early stage, the endoscopist needs to inspect the mucosa carefully. In case of males aged over 50, the endoscopist would be well advised to employ the dye-spraying method (Lugol staining method) at the endoscopic examination.

The clinical significance of venous invasion in cancer of the stomach

Specimens from 235 surgically treated cases of gastric cancer were examined for venous invasion in order to investigate its clinical significance. A total of 87 (37.0 per cent) cases showed histologic evidence of venous invasion, with the incidence being 48.3 per cent of 180 cases, after the exclusion of 55 cases where cancerous invasion was limited to the mucosa. The frequency of venous invasion varied with the gross type of tumor, the depth of penetration and the degree of differentiation, being highest in tumors of type 2 and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. It increased proportionately depending upon the depth of penetration and the incidence increased in cases where there was evident lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis. The long term survival rate significantly decreased in patients with venous invasion when compared to those without it. In this report, we also discuss the marked difference in the incidence of liver metastasis between gastric and colorectal carcinomas in relation to venous invasion of the primary tumor. Double staining with Victoria blue and hematoxylin-eosin for elastic fibers proved useful for detecting venous invasion in the carcinomatous tissue, though endothelial markers have great specificity for differentiating small veins from lymphatics.

[Neurofibroma originated from the intrathoracic vagal nerve in a patient with von Recklinghausen's disease--a case report]

A neurofibroma originated from the intrathoracic vagal nerve was presented. A 26-year-old male was found to have an abnormal shadow in the right chest filed on a routine examination. He was complicated with Von Recklinghausen's disease and showed multiple "cafe au lait" spots over his extremities and trunk but no subcutaneous mass. A block resection of the mass was carried for the mediastinal tumor. The tumor was arising from the right intrathoracic vagal nerve which located just below the origin of recurrent nerve and was measured 3 X 3 X 6 cm. Histological examination of the specimen revealed neurofibroma. His postoperative course was uneventful. A brief review in Japan was made on 22 cases collected from the literature.

[Cardiac arrest episodes by cardiomyopathy following total pancreatectomy, a case report]

A 47-year-old man with advanced pancreatic carcinoma underwent total pancreatectomy with resection of the involved portal vein. His postoperative course was complicated by a couple of cardiac arrest episodes. The first episode occurred seven weeks after surgery during drip infusion of CDDP, and later on during the thirteenth week after surgery. There was no apparent cause for those episodes. On both occasions resuscitation was performed adequately. The second arrest was followed by deep inverted T waves on ECG, however, not by elevation of serum CPK-MB. Because of this, myocardial infarction was ruled out. The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy was made possible through the discovery on the echocardiogram of a hypertrophied left ventricle with thick interventricular septum. Then, on catheterization, myocardial squeezing in the left anterior descending coronary artery was noticed. Finally, histological findings concerning the biopsied cardiac muscle led to the same diagnosis. Cardiac arrest in this case seemed to be due to arrhythmia caused by cardiomyopathy. Echo cardiography should be routinely used as part of the examination prior to extended major surgery.

Evidence for the expression of the rol genes of Nicotiana glauca in genetic tumors of N. glauca X N. langsdorffii

Thus far, no evidence has been presented that the rol genes (Ng rol) of Nicotiana glauca (Furner et al. 1986) are expressed in this plant. However, we found that the Ng rol genes were transcribed in genetic tumors formed in hybrids of N. glauca X N. langsdorffii. During the culture of such genetic tumors, the level of transcription of Ng rol B increased while that of Ng rol C decreased in parallel with an increase in the endogenous auxin level in the tissues. Moreover, the transcription of these genes was completely suppressed by the application of exogenous auxin. Since the measured endogenous level of auxin was rather low, the formation of tumors in these hybrids can be tentatively explained as a consequence of the expression of rol genes that is responsible for the increased sensitivity to auxin of the hybrids. This novel finding is discussed in relation to the cause of genetic tumors in Nicotiana.