Neuroleptic malignant syndrome with prolonged catatonia in a dopa-responsive dystonia patient

The authors describe a patient with dopa-responsive dystonia who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome with prolonged catatonia following treatment with neuroleptic agents. Use of these agents probably expanded the patient's neuronal dysfunction beyond the nigrostriatal system to involve multiple dopaminergic systems. Electroconvulsive treatment alleviated the prolonged catatonia.

Activation of caspase-8 is critical for sensitivity to cytotoxic anti-Fas antibody-induced apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells

Two ovarian cancer cell lines named NOS4 and SKOV-3 have been shown to have different sensitivities to a cytotoxic anti-Fas antibody, CH-11. Although both cell lines express Fas molecules on the cell surfaces at the same intensities, apoptosis is induced by CH-11 in NOS4 cells but not in SKOV-3 cells. In this study, the different apoptosis-sensitivities of these cells were assessed. Both cell lines express almost the same levels of FADD, RIP, c-FLIP, FAP-1, Bax, Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. Evidence of caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and of cleavage of PARP and Bid was obtained in NOS4 cells but not in SKOV-3 cells. When triggered by FasL protein, DNA fragmentation and caspase-8 activation were observed in SKOV-3 cells, though they were not as clear as in NOS4 cells. All the anti-Fas antibody-mediated signals for apoptosis induction in NOS4 cells were completely blocked by a caspase-8-specific inhibitor, Z-IETD-FMK. These results indicate that the different sensitivities to the anti-Fas antibody are solely dependent on the activation of caspase-8, which could be influenced by yet unknown qualitative or quantitative abnormalities in molecules involved in DISC formation.

RET tyrosine kinase enhances hair growth in association with promotion of melanogenesis

We first demonstrated that c-Ret protein is transiently expressed mainly in the inner and outer root sheaths of hair follicles soon after birth in the skin of normal C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. A longer-lasting expression of activated RET protein overlapped the c-Ret expression with some preferential expression in the outer root sheath in close association with increase in the number of S-100 protein-containing cells in the area and excess melanogenesis in and around hair bulbs in the skin of RFP-RET-transgenic mice on a C57BL/6 background (RFP-RET/B6). Hair follicles in the skin of the transgenic mice continuously showed histology of the anagen phase, and the recovery period for the hair of the transgenic mice after shaving was shortened. Such growth promotion was not observed in the case of white hairs of RFP-RET-transgenic mice on a BALB/c background. These results suggest that RET works to extend the anagen phase in association with upregulation of melanin production.

Immunohistochemical localization of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in brains with multiple system atrophy

Oligodendrocytes have been shown to display some morphological characteristics of apoptosis in MSA. The accumulated evidence shows that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is closely associated with the regulation of apoptosis. Thus, we examined immunohistochemically PI3K in the cerebellum and pons from autopsy samples with MSA. In control tissues, PI3K was immunostained in some neurons and a few oligodendrocytes. In MSA samples, the larger number of oligodendrocytes was observed in the pons and cerebellum. Furthermore, some neurons were strongly immunolabeled in MSA samples. The recent study has shown that PI3K phosphorylates PKB/Akt which phosphorylates BAD resulting in the cessation of apoptotic process. The present results suggest that PI3K is upregulated in oligodendrocytes and some neurons in MSA, possibly in response to the apoptotic signals to these cells.

Involvement of phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase by ROCK in trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle contraction

The control of smooth muscle contraction is an important factor in maintaining normal intraocular pressure. However, the specific factors causing changes in control by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation schemes in the eye are not well-defined. The purposes of this experiment were to (i) determine the localization of ROCK (Rho-associated, coiled coil-forming kinase) in monkey and rabbit eye tissues and (ii) measure phosphorylation of ROCK substrate during trabecular meshwork or ciliary muscle contraction induced by carbachol. We found that mRNAs for both ROCK I and II were expressed in most eye tissues from rabbit and monkey. Proteins for ROCK I and II were present in all eye tissues studied except lens. When trabecular meshwork or ciliary muscle were incubated with carbachol to induce contraction, phosphorylation of the myosin-binding subunit (MBS) of myosin phosphatase, a substrate for ROCK, started within 1 min and continued for at least 1 h. This phosphorylation was well correlated with contraction of trabecular meshwork or ciliary muscle. These results suggested that ROCK might regulate contraction of trabecular meshwork or ciliary muscle through phosphorylation of MBS of myosin phosphatase.

T-cell-immunity-based inhibitory effects of orally administered herbal medicine juzen-taiho-to on the growth of primarily developed melanocytic tumors in RET-transgenic mice

We examined the effect of oral administration of juzen-taiho-to, one of the most popular herbal medicines in Japan, on primary melanocytic tumor growth in RET-transgenic mice. There was virtually no difference between the lengths of tumor-free stages in the juzen-taiho-to-treated mice and the untreated littermate control mice. The rate of tumor growth in the juzen-taiho-to-treated mice, however, was greatly suppressed during the entire period after the initial tumor development. Correspondingly, the life span of juzen-taiho-to-treated transgenic mice was longer (over 6 mo in mean value) than that of control mice. We partially elucidated the mechanism of the antitumor effect of juzen-taiho-to. The addition of juzen-taiho-to at any of a wide range (50-1600 microg per ml) of concentrations to in vitro cultures of Mel-Ret cells, a malignant melanoma cell line derived from a RET-transgenic mouse, caused neither cell death nor cell cycle arrest directly. The addition of 50-400 microg per ml of juzen-taiho-to to cultures of murine spleen cells, however, promoted their DNA synthesis. More importantly, peritoneal exudate cells from the juzen-taiho-to-treated transgenic mice, in which the ratio and number of T cells were increased, displayed an antitumor immunity against Mel-Ret cells in vitro. Interestingly, the peritoneal-exudate-cell-associated antitumor immunity was further augmented by the addition of 200-400 microg per ml of juzen-taiho-to in vitro. This immunity, which was primarily conveyed by Thy-1+ T cells, was antigen (RET/melanoma) specific and cytotoxic. Amongst various chemical ingredients of juzen-taiho-to examined in this study, glycirrhizin displayed an action, partially replacing that of juzen-taiho-to, in promoting anti-Mel-Ret immunity when supplementarily added in vitro. These results suggest that juzen-taiho-to suppresses once-developed primary melanocytic tumors through potentiation of T-cell-mediated antitumor cytotoxic immunity in vivo.

pH and cation effects on the properties of parallel pyrimidine motif DNA triplexes

The effects of cytosine protonation and various cations on the properties of parallel pyrimidine motif DNA triplexes were intensively investigated and characterized by several different techniques, such as circular dichroism (CD) conformation, ultraviolet (UV) melting, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal denaturation, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) real-time dynamics. The comparative CD spectra of the triplex and the corresponding homoduplexes showed that the negative peak at approximately 218 nm would be the eigenpeak of the Hoogsteen paired strand, and moreover, the formation pathway of a triplex was significantly pH-dependent and fell into three groups: under acidic conditions, the triplex is formed by a one-step docking, under near physiological conditions, the Watson-Crick duplex is first structured and then accepts the Hoogsteen third strand into its major groove, and under basic conditions, the triplex is not formed. The pH-dependent thermodynamics of the global triplex, the Watson-Crick antiparallel duplex, and the Crick-Hoogsteen parallel duplex were comparatively discussed for the first time. These data revealed that the thermodynamic stabilities of the Watson-Crick-Hoogsteen triplex and the Crick-Hoogsteen duplex would be strongly dependent on cytosine protonation, but a low-pH environment somewhat destabilized the Watson-Crick duplex. The binding energy of triplex formation would be different from the unfolding energy of triplex melting under acidic conditions due to the disparity in the pathway between the formation and unfolding of a triplex. Real-time dynamic measurements showed that the association and dissociation rate constants of a duplex-to-triplex formation are (1.98 +/- 0.24) x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) and (4.09 +/- 0.96) x 10(-4) s(-1) at 20 degrees C and pH 6.0, respectively. The formation energy of the duplex-to-triplex transition derived from SPR measurements was in agreement with the unfolding energy of the free Hoogsteen paired duplex derived from UV measurements. The calorimetric enthalpies of the triplex-to-duplex-to-single transition were 39.3 and 75.3 kcal/mol under near physiological conditions (pH 7.0), respectively, which were underestimated relative to the van't Hoff enthalpies. In addition, the effects of various cations, ionic strength, mixed-valent cations, and the position of the C(+)xG.C triplets on the thermodynamics of the triplexes were addressed under near physiological conditions. The interaction of metal ions with the triplexes clearly depended on the type and ionic strength of the cations, and the efficiency with which the cations stabilized the global triplex was in the order Mg(2+) > Mn(2+) > Ca(2+) > Ba(2+) >> Na(+). These observations would be useful for the design of triplex-forming oligonucleotides for antigene drugs and therapeutic purposes.

Glyoxal and methylglyoxal trigger distinct signals for map family kinases and caspase activation in human endothelial cells

Carbonyl compounds with diverse carbon skeletons may be differentially related to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. In this study, we compared intracellular signals delivered into cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO), which differ only by a methyl group. Depending on their concentrations, GO and MGO promoted phosphorylations of ERK1 and ERK2, which were blocked by the protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors herbimycin A and staurosporine, thereby being PTK-dependent. GO and MGO also induced phosphorylations of JNK, p38 MAPK, and c-Jun, either PTK-dependently (GO) or -independently (MGO). Next, we found that MGO, but not GO, induced degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) as the intracellular substrate of caspase-3. Curcumin and SB203580, which inhibit JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, but not herbimycin A/staurosporine, prevented the MGO-induced PARP degradation. We then found that MGO, but not GO, reduced the intracellular glutathione level, and that cysteine, but not cystine, inhibited the MGO-mediated activation of ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK, or c-Jun more extensively than did lysine or arginine. In addition, all the signals triggered by GO and MGO were blocked by amino guanidine (AG), which traps carbonyls. These results demonstrated that GO and MGO triggered two distinct signal cascades, one for PTK-dependent control of ERK and another for PTK-independent redox-linked activation of JNK/p38 MAPK and caspases in HUVECs, depending on the structure of the carbon skeleton of the chemicals.

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal is a powerful endogenous inhibitor of endothelial response

There is increasing evidence that lipid peroxidation is involved in many of the pathophysiologies associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and the long-term complications of diabetes. Among the products which originate from the peroxidation of cellular membrane lipids, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is believed to be largely responsible for the cytopathological effects observed during oxidative stress in vivo. Here we found that HNE dramatically inhibited the expression of adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory stimuli in human aortic endothelial cells. The inhibition was found to be accompanied by a significant reduction of NF-kappaB activation followed by nuclear localization. This and the observation that the HNE treatment of the cells resulted in a rapid reduction of intracellular glutathione levels suggest that redox regulation of NF-kappaB may be involved in the modulation of the endothelial response by reactive aldehydes.

P39 immunoreactivity in glial cytoplasmic inclusions in brains with multiple system atrophy

Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) characteristically occur in the oligodendrocytes of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) regulates cytoskeletal dynamism through phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins such as neurofilament proteins, tau and microtubule-associated protein 2. We examined the immunohistochemical localization of p39, a Cdk5 activator, in human brain specimens obtained post mortem from controls and patients with MSA. Among control specimens, p39 immunoreactivity was found in some neuronal somata and axons. Similar immunoreactivity was detected in MSA neuronal cell bodies and axons, but a number of inclusions were heavily labeled. These results suggest that p39 and Cdk5 are up-regulated in oligodendrocytes and may be involved in the formation of GCIs through phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins in oligodendrocytes in MSA.

Immunohistochemical localization of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the human central nervous system

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, initially purified from the rat glial cell line B49, has the ability to promote the survival and differentiation of various types of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the present study, to evaluate the physiological role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system, we investigated the cellular and regional distribution of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactivity in autopsied control human brains and spinal cords using a polyclonal glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-specific antibody. On western blot analysis, the antibody reacted with recombinant human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and recognized a single band at a molecular weight of approximately 34,000 in human brain homogenates. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactivity was observed mainly in the neuronal somata, dendrites and axons. In the telencephalon, diencephalon and brainstem, the cell bodies and proximal processes of several neuronal subtypes were immunostained with punctate dots. Furthermore, immunopositive nerve fibers were also observed, and numerous axons were intensely immunolabeled in the internal segment of the globus pallidus and the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra. In the cerebellum, the most conspicuous immunostaining was found in the Purkinje cells, in which the somata and dendrites were strongly immunolabeled. Intense immunoreactivity was also detected in the posterior horn of the spinal cord. In addition to the neuronal elements, immunopositive glial cell bodies and processes were observed in various regions. Our results suggest that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor is widely localized, but can be found selectively in certain neuronal subpopulations of the human central nervous system. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor may regulate the maintenance of neuronal functions under normal circumstances.

[A patient with Crow-Fukase syndrome associated with pulmonary plasmacytoma]

We here reported a 54-year-old female patient with Crow-Fukase syndrome associated with pulmonary plasmacytoma. She was found to have scattered tumor in 1990. Although the tumor had slowly grown for the last 10 years, she showed no clinical symptoms. Numbness and weakness of lower extremities began in June 1999, and she was referred to Kyoto University Hospital on Oct. 21 1999 for evaluation of progressive symptoms. She had skin pigmentation, edema of the lower extremities, lymphadenopathy, muscle weakness and sensory disturbance in a glove-and-stocking distribution. Serological examination showed monoclonal IgG-lambda gammopathy. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was markedly elevated. Microscopic studies on biopsied sural nerve demonstrated mild decrease of myelinated fibers. Immunohistochemically, the pulmonary tumor was defined as an IgG (lambda type) plasmacytoma. After treatment with melphalan-prednisolone therapy, the neurological symptoms improved along with decrease of serum VEGF levels as well as the size of pulmonary plasmacytoma. This is the first report of a patient with Crow-Fukase syndrome associated with pulmonary plasmacytoma. This case suggests that growth of pulmonary plasmacytoma might have played an important role in the overproduction of VEGF and thus development of Crow-Fukase syndrome.

Chromosomal localization of 18S rDNA and telomere sequence in the aye-aye, Daubentonia madagascariensis

Chromosomal localization of 18S rDNA and telomere sequence was attempted on the chromosomes of the aye-aye (2n = 30) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and primed in situ labeling (PRINS), respectively. The rDNA was localized at the tip or whole of the short arm of acrocentric chromosomes 13 and 14 in all spreads observed. However, post-FISH silver-nitrate (Ag) staining showed that transcriptional activity of the rRNA genes was variable, particularly in chromosome 14, which was most frequently negative in one homologue carrying the smaller copy number of rDNA. This observation supports, at the molecular cytogenetic level, previous data concerning the relationship between the copy number of rDNA and its trancriptional activity. On the other hand, telomere sequence was localized only at the telomeric region of all chromosomes, the so-called telomere-only pattern, a characteristic similar to that of the greater bushbaby. These data may provide information on the chromosomal evolution of the lemur, because locations of rDNA and telomere sequences frequently offer important clues in reconstruction of karyotype differentiation.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-like immunoreactivity in the cerebella of normal subjects and patients with multiple system atrophy

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has a trophic effect on various types of neurons, including cerebellar Purkinje cells. To investigate the role of GDNF in the human cerebellum, we examined the cerebella of eight control cases and eight patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) immunohistochemically using a polyclonal anti-GDNF antibody. The antibody recognized a single band of approximately 34 kDa on Western blot analysis of human cerebellar homogenates. In the cerebella from normal subjects, the neuronal somata and dendrites of the Purkinje cells were immunostained intensely, as were some axons, including torpedoes, immunolabeled in the granular layer. Many axons and a few oligodendrocytes were also immunopositive in the white matter, and weak immunoreactivity was detected in the granule cells and neurons in the cerebellar nuclei. In the cerebella from patients with MSA, the general immunostaining pattern was similar to that observed in the normal subjects. Most of the remaining Purkinje cells showed strong immunoreactivity, and abundant GDNF-positive granular structures or dense arborizations of GDNF-positive dendrites were found in some areas of the molecular layer. These data suggest that GDNF may be mainly produced and localized in the Purkinje cells of the human cerebellum, even in patients with MSA, and that the functional impairment of the Purkinje cells of MSA patients might cause a focal accumulation of GDNF in the dendrites of some of the surviving Purkinje cells.

[Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with divergent cartilage differentiation from the acoustic nerve: case report]

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors(MPNSTs) of the acoustic nerve are very rare. Only seven cases of MPNST arising from the acoustic nerve have been reported. The authors present a case of MPNST with divergent cartilage and melanotic differentiation of the acoustic nerve. The patient was a 69 year old man admitted to our neurosurgical service in January 1999 complaining of left facial nerve palsy and hearing difficulty of his left ear. The initial CT showed a tumor at the left cerebellopontine angle region. On MRI the tumor was depicted as low intensity on T 1-weighted image and high intensity on T 2-weighted image, the mass was heterogeneously enhanced after administration of Gd-DTPA. The partial removal of the tumor was performed in January 1999. He was discharged February 1999. But he was admitted again because of progressive cerebellar ataxia. MRI showed the rapid regrowth of the residual tumor. In March 1999, complete removal of the tumor was performed. Histopathological analysis revealed a malignant spindle cell neoplasm with divergent cartilage and melanotic differentiation. We review the relevant literature concerning MPNST of the acoustic nerve and discuss the clinical features of malignant eighth cranial nerve tumor.

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, the end product of lipid peroxidation, is a specific inducer of cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the committed step in prostanoid biosynthesis, is the product of an immediate early gene capable of being upregulated by diverse stimuli. Based on the experimental evidence that oxidative stress is associated with the upregulation of COX-2, we evaluated the effect of the oxidized fatty acid metabolites on COX-2 induction in rat liver epithelial RL34 cells. Among the compounds tested, only 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a highly mutagenic and genotoxic aldehyde generated during oxidative stress, dramatically induced COX-2. Enhanced gene expression of COX-2 by treatment with HNE was evident as a drastic elevation of the mRNA level. We also found that intracellular glutathione status was strictly related to HNE-induced COX-2 expression. These findings suggest the presence of a signaling pathway in the cellular response mediated by locally produced lipid peroxidation products under oxidative stress.

Sympatric distribution of the two morphological types of the common tree shrew in Hat-Yai districts (South Thailand)

The two color types (grayish northern and reddish southern types) of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis and Tupaia belangeri) were co-distributed in Hat-Yai region (South Thailand). Although the Isthmus of Kra in South Thailand has been considered as distribution barrier of the two types, the sympatric distribution of both types was confirmed in southern side of the Isthmus. In the principal component analysis, the skull measurement character from Hat-Yai region could also be separated into the northern and southern groups according to the skin color identification of corresponding individuals. We could generally distinguish the common tree shrew into two types by skull morphology as well as external skin color.

Osteometrical skull character in the four species of tree shrew

The skull size and shape were osteometrically examined in the four species of the tree shrews (Tupaia tana, T. javanica, T. minor and T. dorsalis). We suggest that the skull characters were affected by the species specific behavior and terrestrial, arbo-terrestrial and arboreal life, among the genus Tupaia. The neurocranium was laterally narrower in the braincase area, and the splanchnocranium was longer only on dorsal side in T. tana, and these characters were opposite to T. minor. The principal component analysis confirmed the obviously separated clusters among T. tana, T. javanica and T. minor, affected by the adaptation for each behavior. T. dorsalis was considered as terrestrial species from the results of proportion analysis and the principal component analysis.

PRINS analysis of the telomeric sequence in seven lemurs

We examined the chromosomal localization of the telomeric sequence, (TTAGGG)n, in seven species of the lemurs and one greater galago, as an outgroup, using the primed in-situ labeling (PRINS) technique. As expected, the telomeric sequence was identified at both ends of all chromosomes of the eight prosimians. However, six species showed a signal at some pericentromeric regions involving constitutive heterochromatin as well. The pericentromeric region of chromosome 1 of Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi) was labeled with a large and intense signal. The range of the signal considerably exceeded the area of DAPI positive heterochromatin. On the other hand, in the five lemurs, a large signal was detected also in the short arm of acrocentric chromosomes. Acquisition of the large block of the telomeric sequence into the acrocentric short arm might be interpretable in terms of the tandem growth of the heterochromatic short arm and the reciprocal translocation between heterochromatic short arms involving the telomeric sequence. Subsequently, it was postulated that meta- or submetacentric chromosomes possessing the telomeric sequence at the pericentromeric region could be formed by centric fusion between such acrocentric chromosomes.

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins as potential inducers of phase II detoxification enzymes. 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin j2-induced expression of glutathione S-transferases

Exposure of cells to a wide variety of chemoprotective compounds confers resistance to a broad set of carcinogens. For a subset of the chemoprotective compounds, protection is generated by an increase in the abundance of protective enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). In the present study, we developed a cell culture system that potently responds to phenolic antioxidants and found that antitumor prostaglandins (PGs) are potential inducers of GSTs. We screened primary hepatocytes and multiple cell lines for inducing GST activity upon incubation with the phenolic antioxidant (tert-butylhydroquinone) and found that rat liver epithelial RL34 cells most potently responded. Based on an extensive screening of diverse chemical agents on the induction of GST activity in RL34 cells, the J2 series of PGs, 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2) in particular, were found to be potential inducers of GST. Enhanced gene expression of Class pi GST isozyme (GSTP1) by 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 was evident as a drastic elevation of the mRNA level. Hence, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-PGJ2-induced GSTP1 gene expression. From functional analysis of various deletion mutant genes, we found that the 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-PGJ2 reponse element was localized in a region containing a GSTP1 enhancer I (GPEI) that consists of two imperfect phorbol 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response elements. When the GPEI was combined with the minimum GSTP1 promoter, the element indeed showed an enhancer activity in response to 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-PGJ2. Point mutations of either of the two imperfect 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response elements in GPEI completely abolished the enhancer activity. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 specifically stimulated the binding of nuclear proteins including the transcription factor c-Jun, but not Nrf2, to GPEI. These results suggest that 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 induces the expression of the rat GSTP1 gene through binding of proteins, including c-Jun, to a specific GPEI.

Multivariate analysis in skull osteometry of the common tree shrew from both sides of the Isthmus of Kra in Southern Thailand

The Isthmus of Kra in Southern Thailand consists of a lowland of about 70 km in length. It has been suggested that the Isthmus may sink beneath the sea surface according to the change of level of the sea, and may function as a zoogeographical barrier in land mammals in this region. So, the geographical variation was osteometrically examined in skull of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) from the both sides of Isthmus of Kra. The osteometrical examination demonstrated that the skull is larger in southern population than in northern one. In the charts of the principal component analysis, however, the morphological separation between two populations can not be obviously seen in female. While, the results of the discriminant analysis indicated the morphological separation between the two populations. These findings suggest that the zoogeographical barrier of Isthmus of Kra may have influence on the osteometrical variation in the common tree shrew, when the Isthmus was covered with sea.

Expression of the endocytosis regulatory proteins Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 in glial cytoplasmic inclusions from brains with multiple system atrophy

BACKGROUND

Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) occur specifically in oligodendrocytes in brains with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Oligodendrocytes in MSA appear to be functionally altered in their nature in terms of the occurrence of GCIs and aberrant expression of various proteins such as neuron specific protein, MAP2 or pre-synaptic protein, ct-synuclein. The present study examined whether or not aberrant expression of the endocytosis regulatory proteins Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 occcur in oligodendrocytes of brains with MSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined immunohistochemically the post-mortem brain tissues from 5 patients with MSA and 5 controls. Immunohistochemistry was done using monoclonal anti-Rab5 and anti-Rabaptin-5 antibodies based on ABC method.

RESULTS

We have observed Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 immunoreactivity in the neuronal somata and axons of the controls, suggesting that Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 are involved in the regulation of the endocytosis in neurons of the human central nervous system. In the brain tissues from patients with MSA, we have found Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 immunoreactivity in GCIs.

CONCLUSION

Rab5, in association with Rabaptin-5, has been demonstrated in the early endosome and regulates the endocytosis. Since Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 have been immunolocalized to neurons in the human brains, we propose that oligodendrocytes may ectopically express Rab5 and Rabaptin-5 in MSA. Thus, the oligodendrocytes in MSA brains appear to be functionally significantly altered, which may be associated with the formation of GCIs in the oligodendrocytes.

Absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc in growing male rats fed diets containing either phytate-free soybean protein or soybean protein isolate or casein

The effect of dietary phytate-free soybean protein (PFS) on intestinal mineral absorption and retention was examined in growing male rats using a three-day mineral balance technique. The rats were fed diets containing PFS, soybean protein isolate (SPI) or casein at a 20% level for 5 wk. Total calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents in diets were adjusted to 0.35, 0.05, 0.7, 0.0035 and 0.003%, respectively, by supplementation of the diet with their salts. Mineral absorption and retention ratios in rats fed the PFS diet were significantly higher than those in rats fed either the SPI or casein diet. These results suggest that PFS may be a promising dietary protein source for improving the mineral bioavailability in humans.

Redox regulation of glutathione S-transferase induction by benzyl isothiocyanate: correlation of enzyme induction with the formation of reactive oxygen intermediates

Here we report the molecular mechanism underlying the induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in rat liver epithelial RL34 cells treated with a cancer chemopreventive isothiocyanate compound, benzylisothiocyanate (BITC). BITC was found to significantly induce GST activity in RL34 cells. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that BITC specifically enhanced the production of the class pi GST isozyme (GSTP1). Our studies demonstrated for the first time that the addition of BITC to the cells resulted in an immediate increase in the reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) detected by a fluorescence probe, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. The level of the ROIs in the cells treated with BITC (10 microM) was approximately 50-fold higher than those in the control cells. Furthermore, glutathione depletion by diethyl maleate significantly enhanced BITC-induced ROI production and accelerated the BITC-induced elevation of the GST activity, whereas pretreatment of the cells with glutathione inhibited both the ROI production and GST induction. The structure-activity relationship of the isothiocyanates also indicated that the ROI-producing activities closely correlated with their GST-inducing potencies. Moreover, the GSTP1 enhancer I-containing region was found to be essential for induction of the GSTP1 gene by intracellular ROI inducers such as BITC and diethyl maleate. These data suggest the involvement of the redox regulation on the induction of GSTP1 by BITC.

Molecular mechanism of activation and superactivation of Ret tyrosine kinases by ultraviolet light irradiation

The catalytic activities of Ret tyrosine kinases as the products of oncogene RET with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (Ret-MEN2A) or 2B (Ret-MEN2B) mutations and the hybrid gene from c-RET and RFP (Rfp-Ret) were higher than those of c-Ret. We demonstrated that ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation induced activation of c-Ret and superactivation of genetically mutated, and thereby constitutively activated, Ret-MEN2A, Ret-MEN2B, and Rfp-Ret. We found that small proportions of c-Ret and Ret-MEN2B and a large proportion of MEN2A were dimerized due to disulfide bonds and that high kinase activity resided in these fractions. The UV-induced activation of c-Ret and superactivation of Ret-MEN2A and Ret-MEN2B were then shown to be closely associated with promotion of the disulfide bond-mediated dimerization of the Ret proteins. Furthermore, we showed that a large proportion of Rfp-Ret was dimerized or polymerized and that almost all kinase activities resided in the highly polymerized but not dimerized fraction. The UV-induced superactivation of Rfp-Ret was also found to be closely associated with promotion of polymerization but not with dimerization of Rfp-Ret. Further experiments revealed that UV induced intracellular dimerization and activation of the extracellular domain-deleted mutant Ret (Ret-PTC-1). Most importantly, the levels of basal kinase activity and dimerization of Ret-TPC-1-C376A, in which cysteine 376 in the tyrosine kinase domain of Ret-TPC-1 was replaced with alanine, were low and were not increased by UV irradiation. These results suggest that the cysteine at this position works as the primary target of dimerization of Ret proteins inside the cell for both the maintenance of the basal kinase activity and its promotion by UV, possibly in co-operation with the cysteine(s) in the extracellular domain of Ret-MEN2A and Rfp-Ret, which is the target of dimerization and polymerization outside the cell. The potential biological significance of the UV-mediated superactivation of mutant Ret through the newly proposed mechanism in oncogenesis is discussed.

[Myelopathy caused by tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula: a rare case report]

A 51-year-old man with myelopathy due to intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dural AVF) is reported. At age 46, the patient experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by rupture of the dural AVF and underwent embolization of the lesion at another hospital. At this time, the patient complained of numbness in his legs and showed paraplegic gait disturbance. MRI scan revealed swelling of the cervical spinal cord. Cerebral angiograms demonstrated the recurrence of tentorial dural AVF fed by bilateral meningohypopheseal trunks and the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Arteriovenous shunt (AV shunt) flow was drained into the anterior spinal vein. It seemed that the swelling of the spinal cord and myelopathy was caused by venous hypertension of spinal veins. After surgical interruption of the right petrosal vein which connected dAVF with cerebellar veins, AV shunt was obliterated successfully. Postoperative cerebral angiograms showed disappearance of dural AVF. The patient became ambulant and his cervical spinal cord appeared normal on the postoperative MRI scan. Surgical interruption of the draining vein was simple, effective and essential treatment.

[Supratentorial ectopic ependymoma: a case report]

Ependymomas usually arise from the ventricular surface and approximately two-thirds of them are infratentorial. We present an unusual case of supratentorial ependymoma located in the parietal parenchyma and exhibiting no continuity with the ventricular system. On March 30, 1998, a 63-year-old woman was admitted to our neurosurgical service because of a sudden consciousness loss attack two weeks before. On admission, neurological examination revealed no abnormal findings. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed a mass lesion of the parietal lobe which was enhanced homogeneously. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also showed the mass of the parietal lobe which was iso-intense on T1-weighted images, iso and high intense on T2-weighted images and homogeneously enhanced by administration of Gd-DTPA. In the angiography, left carotid angiograms showed a tumor stain. On February 26, 1998, total removal of the tumor was performed using stereotactic craniotomy with neuronavigator and intraoperative echography. After surgery, focal radiation therapy (56Gy) was carried out. The pathological diagnosis was cellular ependymoma with partial clear cell components. Several kinds of tumor may occur in the cerebral parenchyma. We conclude, however, that ependymoma has to be included in the differential diagnosis when the tumor location is distant from the ventricles.

Immunohistochemical localization of CDK5 activator p39 in the rat brain

We examined the immunohistochemical localization of p39, the regulatory subunit of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), in the adult rat brain. Cdk5 requires either p39 or p35 to assume its active form in the mammalian CNS. We developed a specific antibody against p39, and localized p39-immunoreactivity in the rat brain. p39-immunoreactivity was observed in the neuronal somata of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and basal ganglia, and also in the Purkinje cells. Immunopositive astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were scattered throughout the rat brain. p35 immunoactivity has been observed exclusively in neurons and was never detected in glial cells. The present results suggest that p39 and p35 may have different functional roles in the regulation of Cdk5 in the rat CNS.

Geographical variation of the skull morphology of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis)

Geographical variation was examined morphologically in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) in some Indochinese and Malayan regions. Osteometrical examination and principal component analysis elucidated the morphological differences among various populations. The populations from southern and western Thailand were distinguished morphologically from the other populations. Variation in males from south Thailand and Kuala Lumpur suggests that the Isthmus of Kra may have an influence on the variation of skull morphology. However, the Isthmus of Kra was not completely considered as a factor of geographical separation in this species, because we could not confirm the separation in skull size and shape between the localities at least in females. While, the Kanchanaburi population in western Thailand was significantly smaller than the other population in skull size, and constituted the morphologically separable group in our study.

In-vitro calcium phosphate growth over functionalized cotton fibers

Biomimetic growth of calcium phosphate compound on cotton sheets treated with tetraethoxy silane and soaked in simulated body fluid solution was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Micro-FTIR and EDAX results show that silicon was coupled to the cotton fiber when cotton was treated with tetra-ethoxy silane (TEOS) at 125 degrees C for 1 h. Calcium phosphate nucleation started to occur on the surface of TEOS-treated cotton fibers upon immersion in 1.5xSBF (simulated body fluid solution) within 3 days and after 20 days, all the fiber surfaces were found covered with a thick and porous coating of calcium phosphate. The Ca and P determined by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) analysis revealed that the Ca/P ratio as well as the amount of calcium phosphate coating depends on the soaking time in SBF solution.

Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor-containing axons in the basal ganglia of patients with multiple system atrophy

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a neurotrophic effect not only on mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, but also on striatal neurons. To investigate whether the abnormal expression of BDNF occurs in the basal ganglia of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), we compared the BDNF levels in the striatum and globus pallidus of patients with PD or MSA to controls using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, to quantitatively evaluate the immunohistochemical changes in the striatum, image analysis of the putamen was performed. BDNF-positive nerve fiber bundles and fine granular structures were scattered throughout the striatum and globus pallidus of all samples. Most of these granular structures were observed in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes. In addition, BDNF-positive neurites were abundant in the striatum of all MSA patients, and numerous BDNF-positive varicose fibers were found in the globus pallidus of some MSA cases with particularly severe striatal involvement. These observations suggest that the upregulated expression of BDNF may occur as a protective mechanism in the striatum of MSA patients, and that severe striatal degeneration may cause the aberrant accumulation of BDNF in the striatal projection areas of the globus pallidus of MSA patients.

Porous calcium phosphate coating over phosphorylated chitosan film by a biomimetic method

A porous calcium phosphate coating deposited on chitosan films was studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) and thin-film X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Chitosan films were first prepared by dissolving chitosan powder in dilute acetic acid and drying in a flat petri dish. The films were phosphorylated using urea and H3PO4 with the P content being 0.1-0.2 wt%. Phosphorylated films soaked in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution for 8 days led to the formation of a calcium phosphate precursor phase over the entire surface. This precursor phase stimulated the growth of a porous coating of calcium-deficient hydroxy apatite when immersed in 1.5 x SBF for more than 20 days. Phosphorylated films not treated with Ca(OH)2 did not show any calcium phosphate growth upon immersion in SBF solution. The precursor phase is thought to be octacalcium phosphate, which nucleates a HAP phase during SBF treatment. Initially, this treatment in SBF results in the formation of a single-layer calcium phosphate particles over the film surface. As immersion time in SBF increases, further nucleation and growth produce a porous HAP coating. The Ca/P ratio of the HAP coating is a function of SBF immersion time.

[Collection of umbilical cord blood to separate the peripheral blood stem cells during the third stage of labor]

In order to collect the umbilical cord blood for the separation of peripheral blood stem cells, obstetrician have to get the document of informed consent from the pregnant women for the umbilical cord blood donation during pregnancy. After the fetal delivery, umbilical cord blood is easier collected from the umbilical vein of the placenta in utero than that of the delivered placenta. After the sterilization of umbilical cord, the special bag attached with tube and needle is more useful to collect the blood disinfectively and abundantly than the syringe. Blood stem cells should be separated as soon as possible after collection, but umbilical blood may be stored in the refrigerator until 24 hours after the collection, if the immediate separation is impossible. There is the positive correlation between the collected blood volume or the preserved hours until the separating management and the separated stem cells. Hearing on the health of the child should be followed until 6 months after delivery.

Biological activity profiles of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, D3, D4, D7, and 24-epi-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2

We have synthesized several 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1alpha,25(OH)2D] derivatives and evaluated their biological activity in terms of their binding affinity for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), antiproliferative or differentiation-inducing effects on human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells, and transcriptional activity on a rat 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase gene promoter, including two vitamin D-responsive elements (VDREs), and human osteocalcin gene promoter, including a VDRE in transfected human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. Furthermore, human VDR- or retinoic acid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha)-mediated luciferase activities of the derivatives were also measured by a one-hybrid system in human epitheloid carcinoma, cervix HeLa cells and African green monkey kidney CV-1 cells. Binding affinity for VDR, bone-resorbing activity, antiproliferative and cell-differentiating effects, transactivation potencies on target genes and VDR- or RXR alpha-mediated gene regulations of 1alpha,25(OH)2D2 and 1alpha,25(OH)2D4 were almost comparable to the effects of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 while 24-epi-1alpha,25(OH)2D2 and 1alpha,25(OH)2D7 were much less active than 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 in these respects. This is the first report concerning biological assessment of 1alpha,25(OH)2D2, 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, 1alpha,25(OH)2D4, 24-epi-1alpha,25(OH)2D2 and 1alpha,25(OH)2D7 at the molecular level, especially with regards to the structural differences at the 24R- or 24S-methyl group and a double bond between carbons 22 and 23 in the side chain of 1alpha,25(OH)2D derivatives.

Cellular localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-like immunoreactivity in adult monkey brain

Immunohistochemical localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the monkey brain was investigated using a polyclonal anti-BDNF antibody produced in our laboratory. The antibody recognized a single band in monkey brain homogenates, and the estimated molecular weight was approximately 14 kDa, which corresponds well to the molecular weight of BDNF monomer. BDNF-like immunoreactivity was observed in the somata and processes of discrete neuronal subpopulations in the monkey brain. BDNF-positive neurons were widely distributed in various structures of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal forebrain, basal ganglia, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum. In addition, immunopositive glial cells were found in some brain regions. These data suggest that BDNF may exist widely in the monkey brain, and may be concerned with various types of neurons in the monkey central nervous system.

[Neuronal kinases in glial cytoplasmic inclusions in patients with multiple system atrophy]

Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI) occur characteristically in the cytoplasms of oligodendrocytes of brains with multiple system atrophy. We examined whether proline-directed protein kinases, which have been found in several neuronal inclusion bodies such as neurofibrillary tangles and Lewy bodies, are associated with GCI. We unexpectedly have observed cdk 5 and MAPK in GCI. These kinases were not immunolabeled in coiled bodies which are oligodendroglial inclusion bodies in brains with progressive supsranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease. We also found microtubule-associated protein 2 in oligodendrocytes in brains with MSA, which have not been observed in normal controls or neurological disease controls. Cdk 5 and MAP 2 are principally neuronal proteins. MAPK have been found in neuronal somata and some astrocytes, but not in oligodendrocytes. Thus, the present results suggest that oligodendrocytes in MSA harbor an abnormal phenotypic nature in terms of the aberrant expressions of the principally neuronal proteins.

Initial anchoring and proliferation of fibroblast L-929 cells on unstable surface of calcium phosphate ceramics

Calcium phosphate ceramics constructed from beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) have been successfully used as implant materials. However, there is a possibility that these materials are responsible for an unwanted inflammatory response during wound healing. Since TCP is soluble in the body, the instability of this material may contribute to this inflammatory response. Using composite ceramics of TCP and HAP that possessed Ca/P molar ratios of 1.50, 1.55, 1.60, 1.64, and 1.67, the effect of surface instability on fibroblast L-929 cells was investigated. The time-dependent variation of the initial anchoring ratio, cell density, and cell viability were measured. In general, the cells were severely damaged and ruptured on the highly soluble thin surface layer of the TCP-HAP ceramics. The initial anchoring ratio for TCP-HAP ceramics was as high as that for the polystyrene dish (Lux, control). However, viability at 6 h decreased to less than 50% of the initial cell density on ceramics with a Ca/P molar ratio of 1.64 (20% TCP-80% HAP), while 85% of the cells were viable on Lux. The viability on 100% TCP, whose surface is the most highly soluble among the TCP-HAP ceramics used in this study, was reduced to 20%. Morphological observation showed that the anchored cells were ruptured when grown in culture medium on the 100% TCP. Although the high solubility of the thin surface layer on the TCP-HAP ceramics of the carrier was found to be the dominant factor in the decreasing cell viability, the initial viability was enhanced by the stabilization of the surface of the TCP-HAP ceramics by pre-incubating the scaffolds in a culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum for 3 d.

Immunohistochemical localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the spinal cords of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and non-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a trophic effect on several neuronal subtypes including motor neurons. To localize and assess BDNF in the human spinal cord with particular reference to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we immunohistochemically studied spinal cords from 8 ALS and 13 non-ALS patients. Punctate staining for BDNF was observed in neuronal somata and proximal processes of large-sized anterior horn cells of non-ALS patients, as were distal axons immunolabeled in the neuropil. The same immunostaining pattern was found in the anterior horn cells of ALS patients. Neurons of the dorsal nucleus of Clarke, intermediolateral nucleus, and posterior horn sensory system were also stained in both groups. The results suggest that BDNF may act widely as a trophic factor in the human spinal cord, and motor neurons in ALS patients might be sufficiently supplied with endogenous BDNF from other neuronal subpopulations in the spinal cord.

Determination of ATP and its metabolites released from rat caudal artery by isocratic ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive and selective assay method for adenine compounds (purines) using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection was developed. The 1,N6-ethenoderivatives of adenine, adenosine, AMP, ADP, and ATP formed by reaction with chloroacetaldehyde at 80 degreesC were separated by ion-pair reversed-phase chromatography within 15 min under isocratic conditions. alpha,beta-Methylene adenosine 5'-diphosphate could be used as an internal standard for the determination of purines. The calibration graphs constructed with peak area ratios against amounts were linear between 0.1 and 10.0 pmol of each purine. The repeatability and intermediate precision were less than 6% (RSD, n = 5) and 8% (RSD, n = 3), respectively, at 0.5 pmol of each purine. A method for calculation of each purine amount which considers hydrolysis by derivatization is described. The optimized method was applied to determine the purines released from the rat caudal artery stimulated by noradrenaline.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and mitogen-activated protein kinase in glial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy

Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI) characteristically occur in the oligodendrocytes of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GCI formation are unknown. To investigate whether these inclusions are related to proline-directed protein kinases that have been associated with neuronal inclusion bodies in some other neurodegenerative diseases, we immunohistochemically probed tissue samples from MSA brains with a panel of antibodies against cyclin-dependent kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinase. We unexpectedly detected cyclin-dependent kinase 5- (cdk5) and mitogen-activated protein kinase- (MAPK) immunoreactivities in GCI. We also found TAU1 immunoreactivity in GCI, and a strong expression of microtubule-associated protein (MAP) 2 immunoreactivity in oligodendrocytes of MSA brains. This immunoreactivity was not observed in the normal or neurological controls. The accumulated evidence suggest a close association between GCI and the microtubular cytoskeleton. Cdk5 phosphorylates tau and MAP2, and MAPK is capable of phosphorylating MAP2. The present results suggest that the aberrant or ectopic expression of cdk5 and MAPK causes abnormal phosphorylation of microtubular cytoskeletal proteins, thus leading to GCI formation in affected oligodendrocytes.

Tandem duplication of nucleolus organizer region (NOR) in the Japanese macaque, Macaca fuscata fuscata

During exploration of chromosome polymorphisms in Japanese macaques, a heteromorphic polymorphism was found in a population in the Zigokudani monkey park. The population consisted of three troops (social units). Of 36 monkeys examined, five females showed heterozygotic 'marker' chromosome (chromosome 9). The polymorphism was a tandem duplication of the nucleolus organizer region (NOR) of the short arm of chromosome 9, which was found for the first time in the genus Macaca. FISH and fibre-FISH using human 18S rDNA and sequential silver nitrate staining revealed that the duplicated region included a part of the euchromatic satellite and the stalk and that the euchromatic block (intercalary satellite) divided the NOR into two parts (distal and proximal). Furthermore, it showed that the distal region possessed much more rDNA than the proximal region, and that the duplications might have been introduced via a mechanism of gene amplification (inverted duplications associated with over-replication and recombination events). As the tandem duplication was observed sporadically in four maternal pedigrees in two troops and the mothers of the variants all had normal chromosomes, the variation might have been introduced from another population's gene pool by a solitary male immigrant.

Fine structure of rat liver, adrenal, testis and seminal vesicle in experimental emaciation

Experimentally emaciated male rats were produced by a bilateral electrical destruction of a part of hypothalamus. In a typical case, when the animals were fixed by perfusion, dissected, and organs weighted, the body weight became 1/2 of the control in 10 weeks. The weight of the viscera (including the subserous fat) was more decreased in comparison with the controls than the weight of the body wall (including extremities and the subcutaneous fat). The weight of the liver became 1/3, the adrenal 1/4, the testis 1/6 and the seminal vesicle 1/19 of the control. Light and electron microscopic examinations showed atrophy and fatty degeneration in the liver, atrophy of the zona reticularis in the adrenal, failure of spermatogenesis, especially at its spermiogenetic stage, in the testis, and an apoptosis in glandular epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle. Two weeks after partial hypothalamus destruction, the weight of the body wall was more decreased in comparison with the controls than the weight of the viscera. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. An experimental model of electron microscopical research of apoptosis are presented.

Near-Infrared Diode Laser Spectroscopy of the Nitrogen Molecule in Rydberg State: Analysis of the c1Piu - a"1Sigmag+, v = 1-0 Band

A new singlet-singlet absorption band between Rydberg states of the nitrogen molecule was studied by near-infrared diode laser spectroscopy in the 1.3 &mgr;m region. An analysis was made for the band to establish line assignments and determine molecular parameters for both the lower and the upper vibronic states. As a result of the analysis, this band was assigned to the c1Piu-a"1Sigmag+, v = 1-0 band. The anomaly of the Lambda-type doubling structure in the c1Piu (v = 1) state was discussed in connection with the interaction with the b'1Sigmau+ (v = 4) state. The predissociation in the c1Piu (v = 1) state was also discussed relating with the line broadening observed. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press

Endothelial cells on plasma-treated segmented-polyurethane: adhesion strength, antithrombogenicity and cultivation in tubes

When the surface of segmented-polyurethane (SPU), where endothelial cells are not capable of proliferating, is modified by plasma treatment, the adhesion and proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) can be drastically improved. The cells were capable of proliferating on the inner surface of a plasma-treated SPU-coated tube (length: 50 mm; inner diameter: 1.5 mm). When a steady flow shear stress of 9 Pa was applied to the cells proliferated on the modified SPU surface for 90 min, most cells did not detach from the surface. From an in vitro evaluation test of antithrombogenicity, the cell surface can be considered to provide an inert surface against thrombus formation and blood coagulation. From analyses of the plasma-treated SPU surface, it was suggested that the improvements in BAEC proliferation and adhesion after plasma treatment were due to the change in wettability of the surface. Data suggest that the plasma treatment would be useful for developing a small-calibre hybrid vascular graft.

p35nck5a and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 colocalize in Lewy bodies of brains with Parkinson's disease

We examined the immunohistochemical localization of p35nck5a, the regulatory subunit of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5), in brains obtained postmortem from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and controls. We found p35nck5a immunoreactivity in Lewy bodies (LB) in the substantia nigra, locus ceruleus, and neocortex of brains from patients with PD. In addition, p35nck5a was colocalized with cdk5 immunoreactivity in LB. Cdk5 is the kinase most likely to be responsible for the phosphorylation of neurofilament proteins of LB, which is a crucial step for the formation of the insoluble LB fibrils. Since p35nck5a regulates the catalytic activity of cdk5 by forming a heterodimer with cdk5, the present results strongly support the hypothesis that a cdk5-p35nck5a complex is involved in the formation of LB fibrils.

Growth of calcium phosphate on phosphorylated chitin fibres

Calcium phosphate growth on chitin phosphorylated fibres was studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM, EDX), micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and solid state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) techniques. The C6 chemical shift positions of 13C MAS NMR in the chitin fibres phosphorylated using urea and H3PO4 are obvious indicating that phosphorylation takes place not in the C1 but in the C6 region. Micro-FTIR and 31P MAS NMR suggested that ammonium hydrogen phosphate formed during the phosphorylation procedure. Chitin fibres phosphorylated using urea and H3PO4 and then soaked in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution at ambient temperature, which lead to the formation of thin coatings formed by partial hydrolysis of the PO4 functionalities, were found to stimulate the growth of a calcium phosphate coating on their surfaces after soaking in 1.5xSBF solution for as little as one day. The thin layer after Ca(OH)2 treatment functioned as a nucleation layer for further calcium phosphate deposition after soaking in 1.5xSBF solution. EDX-measured Ca : P ratios of the coatings of Ca(OH)2-treated phosphorylated chitin in 1.5xSBF solution suggested that calcium-deficient apatite was formed.

The serum resistance of malaria-infected erythrocytes

IgG and IgM antibodies were detected on non-parasitized as well as parasitized erythrocytes (E) from mice surviving over 15 days after infection with rodent malaria, Plasmodium berghei, whereas C3 was detected exclusively on parasitized E. Parasitized E, however, were quite resistant to the haemolytic activity of guinea pig complement and effectively inactivated human C3b to iC3b on their surface. Similarly, parasitized E were extremely resistant to homologous complement as assessed by haemolysis and C3 binding even when regulatory proteins (decay-accelerating factor, DAF; complement receptor related gene y, Crry; heat-stable antigen, HSA) were blocked with specific antibodies. DAF and Crry were equally expressed on both normal E and parasitized E from mice within a week post-infection; therefore, molecules that inhibit the haemolysis or C3 binding of parasitized E appear to be independent of DAF and Crry. Unexpectedly, the molecular forms of HSA and DAF in parasitized erythrocyte membranes were found to be different from those of normal erythrocyte membranes: DAF was detected as three bands (85,000, 64,000 and 30,000 MW) by immunoblotting. HSA was detected as more highly glycosylated forms than normal HSA. These alterations of DAF and HSA could be explained by the modification of membrane proteins and polysaccharides induced by parasitization, and we hypothesize that these changes of membranes or membrane proteins are involved in the resistance of parasitized E against homologous complement.