Effect of FK506 eye drops on late and delayed-type responses in ocular allergy models

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that FK506 strongly inhibits cytokine production by T cells in vitro. However, less evidence is available from in vivo studies of ocular allergy.

OBJECTIVE

To study the anti-inflammatory effect of FK506 eye drops on late and delayed-type responses in several animal models of ocular allergy.

METHODS

Rats and guinea-pigs were sensitized with egg albumin (EA) in adjuvant and later challenged by topical EA application to their eyes to examine the late response. Biopsy specimens of conjunctiva were stained with haematoxylin-eosin or stained for T cells and eosinophils. In addition, rats, rabbits and guinea-pigs were sensitized with complete Freund's adjuvant and later challenged by injecting purified protein derivatives for the delayed-type response. Bulbar conjunctival oedema and hyperaemia were graded by score in rabbits, and Evans blue (EB) extravasation was measured in rats and guinea-pigs. FK506 (0.01-1%) and steroid (0.1%) eye drops were instilled in the eyes of animals several times, before and after challenge.

RESULTS

FK506 eye drops inhibited T cell and eosinophil infiltration in the late response and EB extravasation in the delayed-type response in rats. Also, they inhibited conjunctival oedema, hyperaemia and ocular mucus in the delayed-type response in rabbits. These effects were similar to those of steroid eye drops (betamethasone sodium phosphate, fluorometholone). FK506 eye drops also inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, the loss of conjunctival epithelium and decrease of goblet cells in the late response as well as EB extravasation in the delayed-type response in guineapigs, a steroid-resistant species.

CONCLUSION

FK506 eye drops inhibit late and delayed-type responses in animal models of ocular allergy.

A Japanese case with inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase deficiency attributable to an enzymatic defect in white blood cells

Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPase) deficiency is characterized by abnormal accumulation of inosine triphosphate. We describe the first Japanese case with ITPase deficiency and demonstrate that the deficiency of ITPase activity is not only found in erythrocytes but also in white blood cells.

Anti-arthritic properties of FK506 on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

To determine the effect of FK506 (tacrolimus) on paw inflammation, TNF-alpha expression in joint, and bone and cartilage destruction in type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats.

METHODS

CIA was induced by immunization of female Lewis rats with an emulsion of bovine type II collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Paw inflammation was assessed by the increase in paw volume. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -alpha expression in hind knee joint was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Lesions of bone and cartilage were assessed on the basis of histological change in knee joint, radiographic analysis in hind paw, bone mineral density in femora and proteoglycan contents in the cartilage of femoral heads. FK506 at doses of 1, 1.8 and 3.2 mg/kg or its placebo formulation was orally administered to rats for 28 days from the day after immunization (n = 10). Effect of FK506 was compared with that of vehicle (distilled water).

RESULTS

FK506 at a dose of 1.8 mg/kg significantly suppressed paw swelling (p < 0.01) and histological change in knee joint (p < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was mainly expressed in the region with a marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in the hind knee joint. FK506 (3.2 mg/kg) markedly reduced TNF-alpha expression. FK506 at a dose of 1.8 mg/kg suppressed radiographic changes in hind paw (p < 0.05) and also recovered the decrease in bone mineral density in the femora (p < 0.05). Proteoglycan contents in the cartilage of femoral heads were determined to evaluate the cartilage destruction more quantitatively and found to significantly decrease in CIA rats. FK506 at a dose of 1.8 mg/kg recovered the loss of proteoglycan contents (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results show that FK506 is effective in suppressing inflammation, TNF-alpha expression in joint, and damage to bone and cartilage in rat CIA, and may be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Coordinate regulation and synergistic actions of BMP4, SHH and FGF8 in the rostral prosencephalon regulate morphogenesis of the telencephalic and optic vesicles

We investigated the roles of bare morphogenetic protein (BMP), sonic hedgehog (SHH) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-expressing signaling centers in regulating the patterned outgrowth of the telencephalic and optic vesicles. Implantation of BMP4 beads in the anterior neuropore of stage 10 chicken embryos repressed FGF8 and SHH expression. Similarly, loss of SHH expression in Shh mutant mice leads to increased BMP signaling and loss of Fgf8 expression in the prosencephalon. Increased BMP signaling and loss of FGF and SHH expression was correlated with decreased proliferation, increased cell death, and hypoplasia of the telencephalic and optic vesicles. However, decreased BMP signaling, through ectopic expression of Noggin, a BMP-binding protein, also caused decreased proliferation and hypoplasia of the telencephalic and optic vesicles, but with maintenance of Fgf8 and Shh expression, and no detectable increase in cell death. These results suggest that optimal growth requires a balance of BMP, FGF8 and SHH signaling. We suggest that the juxtaposition of Fgf8, Bmp4 and Shh expression domains generate patterning centers that coordinate the growth of the telencephalic and optic vesicles, similar to how Fgf8, Bmp4 and Shh regulate growth of the limb bud. Furthermore, these patterning centers regulate regional specification within the forebrain and eye, as exemplified by the regulation of Emx2 expression by different levels of BMP signaling. In summary, we present evidence that there is cross-regulation between BMP-, FGF- and SHH-expressing signaling centers in the prosencephalon which regulate morphogenesis of, and regional specification within, the telencephalic and optic vesicles.

Coordinate expression of Fgf8, Otx2, Bmp4, and Shh in the rostral prosencephalon during development of the telencephalic and optic vesicles

Previous studies suggest that Fgf8 has a key role in regulating vertebrate development. In the rostral head of the embryonic chicken, there are increasing numbers of separate Fgf8 domains; these are present in tissues that appear to have previously expressed Otx2. As Fgf8 expression becomes established, Otx2 expression weakens, but remains in cells abutting the Fgf8 expression domain. These Fgf8 expression domains are closely associated with tissues expressing Bmp4 and Shh. Based on analogy with the embryonic limb, we suggest that Fgf8, Bmp4 and Shh function together in patterning regions of the embryonic head. Gene expression changes are particularly prominent in 14-21 somite stage embryos in the rostral forebrain, during early morphogenesis of the telencephalic and optic vesicles, when several new interfaces of Fgf8, Bmp4 and Shh are generated. To gain insights into the functions of fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) in the embryonic forebrain, we studied the effects of implanting beads containing this protein in the dorsal prosencephalon of embryonic day 2 chicken embryos. Ectopic FGF8 had profound effects on morphogenesis of the telencephalic and optic vesicles. It disrupted formation of the optic stalk and caused a transformation of the pigment epithelium into neural retina. Within the telencephalon, FGF8 beads frequently induced a sulcus that had features of an ectopic rostral midline. The sulcus separated the telencephalon into rostral and caudal vesicles. Furthermore, we present evidence that FGF8 can regulate regionalization of the prosencephalon through inhibition of Otx2 and Emx2 expression. Thus, these experiments provide evidence that FGF8 can regulate both morphogenesis and patterning of the rostral prosencephalon (telencephalic and optic vesicles). FGF8 beads can induce midline properties (e.g. a sulcus) and can modulate the specification and differentiation of adjacent tissues. We suggest that some of these effects are through regulating the expression of homeobox genes (Otx2 and Emx2) that are known to participate in forebrain patterning.

Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and cavity formation in active pulmonary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

In active pulmonary tuberculosis, certain cytokines have been postulated to be related to cavity formation, although the detailed mechanism of cavity formation is not yet known.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationship between cavity formation in pulmonary tuberculosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which functions as an angiogenesis factor.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into two groups according to cavity formation as evaluated by chest high-resolution computed tomography. We evaluated serum VEGF levels by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Group A (with cavities) was comprised of 22 patients and group B (without cavities) was comprised of 26 patients. The serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in group B (58.733 +/- 21.612 pg/ml) than those in normal individuals (8.739 +/- 3.656 pg/ml) and in group A (13.053 +/- 8.670 pg/ml) (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.0149 and p = 0.0481, respectively). Serum levels of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that increased serum VEGF levels subdue cavity formation in active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Characterization of Ascaris-induced biphasic skin allergic reaction model in mice: possible roles of mast cells in early-phase and CD4-positive T cells in late-phase reactions

We established an Ascaris-induced biphasic skin allergic reaction in mice. In the early-phase reaction (EPR), mast cell degranulation was observed, and tranilast inhibited ear edema. In mast-cell-deficient mice (WBB6F(1)-W/W(V) mice), ear edema in the EPR disappeared, whereas that in the late-phase reaction (LPR) remained. Eosinophils increased, and CD4-positive T cells tended to increase in the LPR. Anti-CD4 antibody, anti-IL-4 antibody and anti-IL-5 antibody all inhibited ear edema and had a tendency to inhibit eosinophil infiltration in the LPR. These data suggest that the EPR is induced by histamine released from mast cells, whereas the LPR is induced by IL-4 and IL-5 produced from CD4-positive T cells.

Transferrin is not involved in the entry of 67Ga into hepatocytes from regenerating liver of partially hepatectomized rats

Ever since the first observation of 67Ga accumulation in tumors and inflammatory lesions, 67Ga has been used to detect various tumors and inflammations. The aims of this study were to clarify whether or not transferrin is involved in the uptake of 67Ga by the regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy. The uptake of 67Ga by the liver of rats reached a maximum 2 d after partial hepatectomy. In order to inhibit the binding of 67Ga to transferrin in the blood, FeCl3 was administered 5 min before the injection of 67Ga. The administration of FeCl3 decreased the uptake of 67Ga by the liver of the partially hepatectomized rats, suggesting that transferrin is involved in the uptake by the liver. However, 67Ga was taken up only slightly by hepatocytes obtained from the liver of these rats. We conclude that transferrin is involved in the uptake of 67Ga by the liver tissue of partially hepatectomized rats but is not involved in its entry into the hepatocytes. Only a slight amount of gallium-67 enters the hepatocytes, and may accumulate primarily in the extracellular matrix of the liver tissue of these rats.

Activation of mu-opioid pathway is associated with the canceling effect of footshock stimulus on the restraint stress-induced inhibition of small intestinal motility in rats

We previously reported that small intestinal motility was significantly inhibited by restraint stress, but not by footshock stress. In the present study, we found that plasma beta-endorphin levels were more significantly elevated by footshock stress than restraint stress, and that preloading of footshock stimulus canceled the inhibition of small intestinal motility by restraint stress. Pretreatment with the mu-opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone significantly attenuated this canceling effect of footshock stimulus. These results suggest that footshock stimulus may cancel the inhibition of small intestinal motility by restraint stress via activation of mu-opioid receptors.

Atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions induced by topical application of mite antigens in NC/Nga mice

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation usually observed in patients with an individual or a familial history of atopic diseases, precipitated by environmental factors including mite antigens (Ag). However, the exact etiology of AD is unclear. To further explore the pathogenesis and treatment of AD, a suitable animal model is necessary. In this study, we developed a new animal model of AD induced by mite Ag in NC/Nga mice.

METHODS

We injected the extracts of mite Ag intradermally at the ventral side of the ear of SPF NC/Nga mice on days 0, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16, and measured the clinical symptoms and the ear thickness. On day 18, we collected blood and submandibular lymph nodes (LN) of the immunized ear to perform a histochemical analysis, and to measure the plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines.

RESULTS

The NC/Nga mice immunized with mite Ag suffered from AD-like skin lesions including erythema followed by edema, excoriation and scaling. The histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the affected skin showed epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, severe infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages, and degranulation of mast cells. The total plasma IgE level was markedly elevated in mite Ag-treated mice. LN cells of mice immunized with mite Ag synthesized IgE in an Ag-dependent manner and secreted interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 but not interferon-gamma.

CONCLUSIONS

NC/Nga mice treated with mite Ag manifest clinical and immunological aspects similar to patients with AD, suggesting that this model is suitable for exploring the pathogenesis of human AD.

[A case of renal cell carcinoma complicated with interstitial pneumonitis, complete A-V block and pleural effusion during interferon-alpha therapy]

A 76-year-old man with postoperative renal cell carcinoma accompanied by multiple lung metastasis was being treated with recombinant interferon-alpha. After administration of 3 MU/day on 3 days/week for 1 month, he complained of headache and tinnitus. During continuous treatment for 3 months, he complained of appetite loss, low-grade fever and dyspnea. He was then referred to our Department of Internal Medicine. Electrocardiography indicated a complete A-V block, and chest radiography (CXR) showed a reticular shadow in both lower lung fields and bilateral pleural effusion. Chest computed tomography (CT) indicated subpleural emphysematous changes, multiple nodules, consolidation shadow with ground glass opacity in both lower lobes, and bilateral pleural effusion. The findings in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid included increases in the numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils. We reached a diagnosis of interferon-alpha-induced pneumonitis on the basis of the patient's clinical course, and the CXR, chest CT and BAL fluid findings. Treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy for 3 days and then administration of prednisolone for 1 month resulted in marked improvement in the complete A-V block and interstitial pneumonitis. At day 7 after discontinuation of prednisolone, the serum level of C-reactive protein increased, and CXR showed bilateral pleural effusion. We therefore believe that the pleural effusion was probably also induced by interferon-alpha. Interferon is an effective drug for chronic hepatitis C and malignant diseases. Many complications have been reported during interferon therapy. However, although these complications, such as interstitial pneumonitis, complete A-V block and pleural effusion, have rarely been reported, careful attention is required during interferon therapy in case any appear.

FK506 is superior to methotrexate in therapeutic effects on advanced stage of rat adjuvant-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The anti-arthritic properties of FK506 were compared with methotrexate (MTX) in established adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats.

MATERIAL

Female Lewis rats.

TREATMENT

Arthritic rats were orally administered with FK506 (1-5.6 mg/kg) and MTX (0.1-1 mg/kg) from days 15-24.

METHODS

Arthritis was induced by injection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the right hind footpad on day 0. Efficacy was determined on the basis of paw inflammation measured by paw volume and histological change, hyperalgesia and grip strength. Grip strength measurement was employed as an indication of function of paws in arthritic rats. Peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts and thymus weights were measured, mainly as indicators of toxic side effects.

RESULTS

FK506 suppressed paw inflammation and hyperalgesia without toxic effects on WBC and thymus in established AIA. MTX slightly suppressed paw inflammation and hyperalgesia at the highest dose (1 mg/kg). Toxic effects were observed at lower doses than the effective treatment dose with MTX. Grip strength was found to decrease during development of AIA. FK506, but not MTX, treated rats recovered grip strength loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that FK506 is more effective and less toxic than MTX in treating established AIA in rats.

Effects of FK506 and other immunosuppressive anti-rheumatic agents on T cell activation mediated IL-6 and IgM production in vitro

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of FK506 and other immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on the effects on in vitro IL-6 production and IL-6-mediated immune response. We employed an in vitro model producing IL-6 via T cell activation in human PBMC, based on the hypothesis that T cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of RA. FK506 potently inhibited IL-6 production from PBMC stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD3/CD28). Cyclosporin A (CsA) also inhibited the anti-CD3/CD28 induced IL-6 production but was about 100 times less potent than FK506. Dexamethasone (DEX) inhibited both anti-CD3/CD28 and LPS induced IL-6 production at almost the same concentration. Methotrexate (MTX) did not affect cytokine production. Anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated PBMC culture supernatants were found to enhance IgM production in SKW6.4 cells. The effects of anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated culture supernatants in the presence of agents on IgM production in SKW6.4 cells were investigated. FK506 and CsA led to suppression of IgM production induced by culture supernatants probably via inhibition of IgM inducible cytokine production from PBMC. DEX profoundly enhanced IgM production, although IL-6 production from PBMC was strongly inhibited by the agent. MTX decreased IgM production although it has no inhibitory effect on IL-6 production. The present study suggests that FK506 is the most effective among the four agents for the suppression of IL-6 production and IL-6-mediated autoantibody production in T cell activation related autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Multiplanar reconstruction MR image of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the central airway: (MPR of central airway adenoid cystic carcinoma)

Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) is a method that allows free selection of computerized reconstruction images. We reviewed a total of six MPR magnetic resonance (MR) examinations in five cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the central airway, which is a rare low-grade malignant tumor. MPR MR provides images either longitudinally or at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the trachea and main bronchi, so it was useful to diagnose tumor extent along airways more precisely and to evaluate therapeutic effects. MPR MR may help in planning therapeutic strategy and in posttherapeutic follow-up.

Beta3-adrenoceptor is involved in the inhibition of small intestinal motility due to restraint stress in rats

We have reported that acute restraint stress inhibits small intestinal motility in rats. In order to clarify this inhibitory mechanism, we examined the effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists on the inhibition of small intestinal motility induced by restraint stress. This inhibition underwent recovery by propranolol (beta1/beta2-antagonist) or SR59230A (beta3-antagonist), but not by atenolol (beta1-antagonist), ICI-118,551 (beta2-antagonist), prazosin (alpha1-antagonist) or yohimbine (alpha2-antagonist). These results suggest that beta3-adrenoceptors play an important role in the inhibition of small intestinal motility caused by restraint stress.

Thoracic epidural bupivacaine attenuates supraventricular tachyarrhythmias after pulmonary resection

Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias after pulmonary surgery are well described. Some investigators suggest that tachyarrhythmias after thoracic operations may result from the relative sympathotonic status produced by injury to the cardiac parasympathetic nerves. We examined whether postoperative thoracic sympathetic blockade by thoracic epidural bupivacaine might reduce the tachyarrhythmias after pulmonary resection. Fifty patients with lung cancer were randomized to receive epidural bupivacaine (Group B) or epidural morphine (Group M). Patients in Group B were given 6 to 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine epidurally, followed by epidural infusion at 3 to 5 mL/h for 3 days, and patients in Group M were given 2 to 3 mg morphine epidurally, followed by morphine infusion at a rate of 0.2 mg/h. Tachyarrhythmias were diagnosed by using the continuous heart rate trend and arrhythmia trend with a central monitoring system. Postoperative analgesia was not statistically different between groups. However, the incidence of postoperative tachyarrhythmias in Group B was significantly less than in Group M (1 of 23 vs 7 of 25, P = 0.0497, Fisher's exact test). The continuous infusion of thoracic epidural bupivacaine can reduce supraventricular tachyarrhythmias compared with epidural morphine infusion, presumably because of attenuation of the sympathotonic status after pulmonary resection.

IMPLICATIONS

We examined whether postoperative thoracic sympathetic blockade by thoracic epidural bupivacaine after pulmonary resection might reduce the tachyarrhythmias that may result from the relative sympathotonic status produced by injury to the cardiac parasympathetic nerves. The continuous infusion of thoracic epidural bupivacaine was shown to reduce supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Tacrolimus suppressed the production of cytokines involved in atopic dermatitis by direct stimulation of human PBMC system. (Comparison with steroids)

Tacrolimus (FK506) ointment showed remarkable efficacy against atopic dermatitis in animal models and clinical trials. The suppressive effect of tacrolimus on the production of the cytokines involved in atopic dermatitis (IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF) from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated. We constructed a new cytokine production system in which T cells are activated by direct stimulation in vitro with anti-CD3/CD2 or anti-CD3/CD28 antibody combination. Tacrolimus inhibited the production of these cytokines by both stimulations. In a comparative study with steroids (alclometasone dipropionate and betamethason valerate) in anti-CD3/CD2 system, tacrolimus and both steroids inhibited Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) and IL-3, GM-CSF (produced by both Th1 and Th2). The suppressive effect of tacrolimus on cytokine production was stronger than that of alclometasone dipropionate and equal to or stronger than that of betamethason valerate. The effective dose of tacrolimus (IC50, 0.02-0.11 ng/ml) is almost the same as for Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and 1 ng/ml of tacrolimus suppressed all cytokines completely. These results suggest that tacrolimus suppresses the allergic cytokines from T cells, and that tacrolimus ointment is effective against atopic dermatitis through the inhibition of cytokine production.

Development of a simple whole blood panel test for detection of human heart-type fatty acid-binding protein

OBJECTIVE

For the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we have developed a rapid and simple whole blood panel test for the detection of human heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) using one-step immunochromatography.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have developed a whole blood panel test for rapid detection of human H-FABP using a one-step immunochromatography technique. The result of this panel test was not affected by the other contents of the blood such as bilirubin, hemoglobin and others. Furthermore, no cross-reactivity of the antibodies was found with other cardiac markers or other tissue-type FABPs. The result of this panel test was similar to the diagnostic cut-off value, 6.2 ng of H-FABP per mL of serum which was evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

CONCLUSION

We have developed a simple one-step immunochromatography technique to detect H-FABP in whole blood sample. Further studies are required to identify the value of this point-of-care testing (POCT) as a diagnostic marker for AMI.

Evaluation of the effects of restraint and footshock stress on small intestinal motility by an improved method using a radionuclide, 51Cr, in the rat

The effect of two different stress stimuli, restraint stress and footshock stress, on small intestinal motility was evaluated by a more reliable method with improvement of the previous method using a radionuclide, 51Cr. The small intestinal transit was significantly inhibited by restraint stress, but not by footshock stress, although plasma corticosterone levels were significantly elevated to the same extent by restraint stress and footshock stress. These results suggest that restraint stress and footshock stress stimuli influence small intestinal motility via different mechanisms, but the reason for the difference is unclear. This experimental system using 51Cr seems to be useful for the elucidation of mechanisms for restraint stress-induced dysfunction of small intestinal motility because of its excellent quantitative evaluation of small intestinal transit.

Venous hemangioma of the mediastinum

Mediastinal hemangiomas are rare tumors. We present a case of venous hemangioma of the mediastinum. Computed tomography shows anterior mediastinal solid mass without enhancement effects. We believe that it is necessary to include a mediastinal hemangioma for differential diagnosis, when little or no enhancement effects are noted at early and delayed CT examination.

[Two cases of pulmonary disease with perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody]

We encountered two cases of perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA). The first was a case of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia diagnosed in a 73-year-old man since 1998. He was admitted to our hospital because of renal failure and anemia. The serum level of p-ANCA on admission was 264 EU, and specimens obtained by percutaneous renal biopsy showed crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis due to p-ANCA. He was treated with prednisolone pulse therapy and prednisolone (PSL), however interstitial pneumonia occurred during PSL tapering. We treated him for pulmonary fibrosis with plasmapheresis, methylprednisolone (mPSL) and cyclophosphamide (CPA), which suppressed the progress of the interstitial pneumonia. The second case was one of massive pulmonary hemorrhage in a 68-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital. Physical examination revealed anemia: the laboratory data, renal failure; and the serum level of p-ANCA was elevated to 611 EU. The specimens obtained by percutaneous renal biopsy showed crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis. The renal failure was not improved by PSL, but, together with the inflammation, responded to the combination of PSL and CPA. However, both patients died of serious infection. They were regarded as compromised patients because of the therapy mentioned above. No standard therapy has been established against p-ANCA positive pulmonary disease with renal failure. The treatment should control the progression of interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary hemorrhage. It is important to consider the possibility of serious infection.

Occurrence of 11-hydroxyjasmonic acid glucoside in leaflets of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.)

In order to examine the occurrence of 11-hydroxyjasmonic acid glucoside in potato plants, a synthesis of 11-hydroxyjasmonic acid was accomplished, and the synthetic compound was employed as a standard for an LC-SIM analysis. The existence of 11-hydroxyjasmonic acid glucoside was proved by the LC-SIM analysis.

The anti-inflammatory effect of FR188582, a highly selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, with an ulcerogenic sparing effect in rats

The anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effects of FR188582, 3-chloro-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole, were investigated. In a recombinant human cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity, FR188582 inhibited COX-2 with an IC50 value of 0.017 microM, and the inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E2 formation by FR188582 was over 6000 times more selective for COX-2 than COX-1. Oral administration of FR188582 dose-dependently inhibited adjuvant arthritis. This effect was threefold more potent than that of indomethacin. FR188582 and indomethacin dose-dependently suppressed the formation of immunoreactive PGE2, but not immunoreactive leukotriene (LT) B4, in arthritic paw. Unlike indomethacin, FR188582 did not induce visible gastric lesions in rats at doses up to 32 mg/kg, p.o. Furthermore, FR188582 did not inhibit the level of immunoreactive PGE2 and immunoreactive 6-keto PGF1alpha in rat gastric mucosa. These results suggest that FR188582, a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect mediated by inhibition of PGE2 in inflamed tissues. The safety profile of FR188582 appears to be improved over the safety profile of indomethacin.

Involvement of transglutaminase in the receptor-mediated endocytosis of mouse peritoneal macrophages

We investigated the effect of extracellular Ca2+ on the uptake of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-coated normal sheep red blood cells (SRBC) by the mouse peritoneal macrophages. The uptake of SRBC was dose dependently enhanced by Ca2+ concentration. We also investigated the effect of ryanodine on the uptake of SRBC. Ryanodine showed approximately 15% inhibition of the uptake. The activity of transglutaminase (TGase) in the cytosolic fraction of macrophages was enhanced as the Ca2+ concentration increased. The uptake of SRBC decreased by the addition of histamine, a TGase inhibitor. These results suggest that TGase is involved in the receptor-mediated endocytosis system of mouse peritoneal macrophages.