[The influence of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) on respiro-circulatory condition in patients with portal hypertension--the effect of oxygen administration]

We studied the influence of EIS on the respiro-circulatory condition of patients with portal hypertension. Subjects were fifty patients with portal hypertension who were successfully injected more than 5.0 ml of sclerotant into varices. A prospective randomized controlled trial was proposed to elucidate the effect of prophylactic administration of pure oxygen. Twenty-five patients inhaled pure oxygen (O2), remaining twenty-five patients did not during EIS. Respiro-circulatory function of patients was evaluated by monitoring O2 saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure during EIS. PaO2 was measured before and after EIS in seven patients without O2. EIS by the 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol (EOI) was performed under X-ray monitoring. O2 saturation in patients without O2 inhalation was lowered, whereas that in patients with O2 inhalation was stable during EIS. O2 saturation during injection of EOI and after EIS in patients without O2 inhalation was significantly lower than that in patients with O2 inhalation. Pulse rate was significantly lower and a rise in blood pressure was smaller in patients given O2. No significant differences of PaO2 was noted before and after EIS. In conclusion, the monitoring of O2 saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure is necessary during EIS. Prophylactic administration of pure oxygen may be useful for prevention of hypoxic state and respiro-circulatory stabilization during EIS.

Trabeculotomy ab externo, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation: preliminary report

PURPOSE

To compare the results of a triple procedure using either extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or one of two phacoemulsification techniques combined with trabeculotomy ab externo and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

SETTING

Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan, and Nagata Eye Hospital, Nara, Japan.

METHODS

In this comparative study, 25 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma had ECCE combined with trabeculotomy ab externo and IOL implantation and 22 had the same procedure using phacoemulsification instead of ECCE. Of the eyes that had phacoemulsification, 10 had a single-flap and 12 had a double-flap procedure.

RESULTS

All 22 eyes that had phacoemulsification had a postoperative IOP of 21 mm Hg or less, as did all ECCE eyes except 2. Although the self-sealing incision might have caused the higher incidence of IOP spikes in the immediate postoperative period, IOPs in the phacoemulsification groups were lower after 3 months. Results were similar in the single-flap and double-flap phacoemulsification groups. There were no significant complications.

CONCLUSION

Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification or ECCE combined with IOL implantation and trabeculotomy ab externo is a safe, effective treatment for patients with coexisting glaucoma and cataract.

[Prognostic value of serial Doppler echocardiographic follow-up of transmitral flow patterns in patients with congestive heart failure who presented with pulmonary edema]

The predictive value of serial Doppler echocardiographic follow-up of transmitral flow patterns for the prognosis of patients with congestive heart failure who presented with pulmonary edema was evaluated in 80 consecutive patients with decreased left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction < 40%). Restrictive patterns [peak early diastolic filling velocity (E)/peak late diastolic filling velocity (A) ratio (E/A) > 2 and/or deceleration time for E wave to decline to baseline (DcT) < 150 msec] were observed in 72 patients (90%) on admission. After intensive therapy, DcT showed a nonrestrictive pattern in 38 of 72 patients (53%). The survival rates at 1 year was 50% for the restrictive group, and 97% for the nonrestrictive group. E/A showed a nonrestrictive pattern in 37 of 56 patients (66%). The survival rates at 1 year was 86% for the restrictive group, and 58% for the nonrestrictive group. Serial Doppler echocardiographic follow-up of transmitral flow patterns is useful in predicting the prognosis in patients with congestive heart failure who presented with pulmonary edema.

In vivo quantitation of peroxides in the vitreous humor by fluorophotometry

PURPOSE

To detect intravitreal peroxides in vivo by a new fluorophotometric method with a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-sensitive fluorescent dye.

METHODS

The authors used a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) assay to measure oxidative status in the rabbit vitreous. In the presence of H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxides, nonfluorescent DCFH in the vitreous is oxidized to highly fluorescent 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF; excitation, 495 nm; emission, 520 nm) that is detectable by fluorophotometry. Reactions of DCFH with various concentrations of H2O2 were investigated in vitro and in vivo. An inhibitory effect of catalase also was monitored. Vitreous fluorophotometry with DCFH was performed immediately and at 3, 7, and 28 days after constant light exposure to the retina (1800 lux, 24 hours) as an oxidative stress.

RESULTS

In vitro study revealed that H2O2 oxidized DCFH to DCF in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 0.1 to 100 mmol/1 in concentration. Catalase inhibited DCF production. Vitreous fluorophotometry demonstrated that H2O2 oxidized DCFH to DCF in vivo in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 0.06 to 60 mmol/1 in concentration. DCF production in the vitreous significantly increased immediately (P = 0.03) and at 3 days (P = 0.01) and 7 days (P = 0.01) after light exposure, and it returned to the pretreatment level by day 28.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that this fluorophotometric method quantitatively can detect intravitreal peroxides in vivo. This method will be helpful to study the oxidative status in some experimental pathologic conditions.

Interferon alfa induces leukocyte capillary trapping in rat retinal microcirculation

BACKGROUND

Interferon alfa has been suggested as a possible treatment for choroidal neovascularization. However, retinal complications following interferon therapy have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of interferon alfa on leukocyte dynamics in the rat retinal microcirculation.

METHODS

Interferon alfa of different doses was intravenously administered in rats. Leukocyte dynamics were observed with acridine orange digital fluorography, which uses a nuclear fluorescent dye of acridine orange and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. This technique allows visualization of leukocyte movements in the retinal microcirculation in vivo.

RESULTS

After interferon alfa was administered, leukocytes adhered to vascular walls and became trapped in the retinal microcirculation. Leukocyte trapping was dose-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

Interferon alfa increased leukocyte adherence to vascular endothelium and subsequent leukocyte trapping in the retinal capillaries. Interferon alfa may activate leukocytes, and activated leukocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis of microinfarction associated with interferon-induced retinopathy.

Protective effect of the novel cerebrovascular-selective calcium antagonist (+/-)-(E)-1-(3-fluoro-6, 11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]-oxepine-11-yl)-4-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-piperazine dimaleate on ischemic brain damage after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

In this study the effect of post-ischemic treatment of AJ-3941 ((+/-)-(E)-1-(3-fluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenz [b,e]-oxepine-11-yl)-4-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-piperazine dimaleate, CAS 143110-70-7) a cerebrovascular-selective calcium antagonist, on brain infarction and edema in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) was evaluated. Brain infarct size was determined at 24 h after MCAo by measuring 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-negative stained area of the serial brain sections. Post-ischemic treatment of AJ-3941 (3 mg/kg p.o.), 10 min and 3 h after the insult, significantly reduced brain infarct size by 44-80%, compared to vehicle control. The reducing effect was observed both in the cortical and subcortical regions. Three days after MCAo, contents of water and Na+ in the ipsilateral hemisphere significantly increased comparing with those in control rats. Post-ischemic treatment with AJ-3941 (3 and 10 mg/kg twice daily p.o. for 2 days) markedly inhibited the increase in water content and suppressed the increase in Na+ content. In the contralateral hemisphere, these contents showed no significant differences between vehicle-treated group and either control (non-operated) or AJ-3941-treated group. AJ-3941 had only minimum effect on body temperature and physiological parameters, such as blood pressure, blood gases and glucose, even when the maximum dose used (10 mg/kg) was repeatedly administered. These results indicate that post-ischemic treatment with AJ-3941 may ameliorate the brain infarction and edema after permanent focal cerebral ischemia, and they also suggest that AJ-3941 has a beneficial effect in the treatment of ischemic cerebral damage.

[Phasic flow velocity characteristics of the right coronary artery in patients with aortic stenosis: a Doppler guide wire study]

This study investigated the characteristics of the phasic flow velocity pattern of the right coronary artery and the relationship to hemodynamic parameters in patients with aortic stenosis. Coronary flow velocities were recorded at the proximal (segment 1) and the distal (segment 4PD) portion of the right coronary artery using a Doppler guide wire (0.014-in, 15 MHz) in 10 patients with aortic stenosis and 8 control subjects with normal coronary arteries. The diastolic to systolic peak velocity ratio at both the proximal and distal portion were significantly greater in patients with aortic stenosis than in control subjects. Systolic flow reversal was not seen in the right coronary artery in control subjects, but it was observed in 5 patients (50%) at the proximal portion and in 10 patients (100%) at the distal portion. Peak velocity of flow reversal at the distal portion showed a significant correlation with mean pressure gradient across the aortic valve (y = -1.3x + 37.3, r = 0.71, p = 0.02). Systolic flow reversal is characteristic in the right coronary artery, especially at the distal portion, in patients with aortic stenosis. This may be related to the pressure difference across the aortic valve through the posterior descending artery.

Extracellular polysaccharides produced by tuberose callus

A high yield of extracellular polysaccharide (ECP) was obtained from callus cultures of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), which could be separated into an unadsorbed and two acidic fractions (TPS-1, -2) by ion-exchange column chromatography. The yields of each fraction were markedly increased by the addition of 10(-5) M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid to the medium. Of the three fractions, the amount of TPS-1 accounted for over 60% of total yield of ECP, which was a predominant polysaccharide consisting of arabinose (Ara), mannose (Man) and galactose (Gal) as major neutral monosaccharides. Judging from the patterns of electrophoresis and ultra-centrifugation, TPS-1 was identified to be homogeneous. Methylation and GC-mass spectrometry analyses of this fraction revealed the presence of 1,2,3-linked Man, 1-linked Ara, 1,3-linked Ara, 1-linked Gal and 1,3,4-linked glucuronosyl (GlcUA) residues in a molar ratio of 1.0:1.08:0.85:0.75:1.08. Based on additional analyses of the mild acid hydrolysate and the absolute configuration of the constituent monosaccharides, a possible structure for TPS-1 was a glucuronomannan possessing the unit of -->4)-beta-D-GlcUAp-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1--> with branching at the C-3 position, where -->1)-alpha-L-Araf, -->1)-beta-D-galp, -->1)-alpha-L-Araf-(3-->1)-alpha-L-Araf or -->1)-alpha-L-Araf-(3-->1)-beta-D-Galp were attached randomly. About 35% of the GlcUA moieties were present as methyl esters. Further confirmation was made by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.

Recombinant synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4): Development, validation, and application of a radioimmunoassay for IGFBP-4 in human serum and other biological fluids

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4), like the five other IGFBPs present in human serum, acts as a transport protein for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-II and modulates their biological effects. To investigate the role of IGFBP-4 in the physiology of the IGF system, we developed a sensitive RIA for IGFBP-4 employing, as antigen, tracer, and standard, recombinant human IGFBP-4 (rhIGFBP-4) expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase and affinity purified with glutathione-derivatized resin. Antibody against the rhIGFBP-4 fusion protein was raised in guinea pigs; tracer and standard were provided by the rhIGFBP-4 moiety that had been cleaved from the rhIGFBP-4 fusion protein and repurified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. We report that both IGFBP-4 purified from PC3 human prostate cell-conditioned medium and rhIGFBP-4 bound IGF and migrated in electrophoresis gels in an identical manner; that in gel permeation chromatography, rhIGFBP-4 coeluted with the IGFBP-4 present in human serum; and that both are equally immunoreactive with the IGFBP-4 antiserum. Employing this IGFBP-4 RIA, we determined that no IGFBP other than IGFBP-4 reacted with the IGFBP-4 antiserum, and that recovery of IGFBP-4 from serum samples exceeded 90% when exogenous IGFBP-4 was added and was unaffected by the addition of IGFs or by repeated freezing and thawing of the sample. We employed this IGFBP-4 RIA to demonstrate an increase in IGFBP-4 in TE85 human osteosarcoma cell-conditioned medium after treatment with dibutyryl cAMP, PTH, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, agents known to increase the IGFBP-4 messenger ribonucleic acid level. Application of this RIA to the measurement of IGFBP-4 in human serum revealed that the circulating level of IGFBP-4 in 41 individuals in the 61-87 yr age group (546 +/- 135 microgram/L) was 35% higher than that in 24 individuals in the 23-40 yr age group (404 +/- 156 microgram/L). The mean circulating level of PTH was also 20% higher in the 61-87 yr group compared to that in the 23-40 yr group (P < 0.01). In addition, serum IGFBP-4 amounts showed a significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.54; P < 0.001) and serum PTH (r = 0.26; P < 0.01). These data validate this IGFBP-4 RIA and illustrate its utility in illuminating the physiological mechanisms that regulate IGFBP-4 in vivo and influence its effects on the IGFs in both normal and abnormal pathology and in aging.

Decreased contents of surfactant proteins A and D in BAL fluids of healthy smokers

Hydrophilic surfactant proteins, surfactant protein A (SP-A) and surfactant protein D (SP-D), have important roles in modulating the host defense functions in the peripheral airways. It has been reported that cigarette smoke may alter the component and function of pulmonary surfactant. In this study, we determined the contents of SP-A and SP-D in BAL fluids of healthy smokers and nonsmokers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibodies against each protein. The contents of SP-A and SP-D in BAL fluids were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in smokers compared to those in nonsmokers, although there was no significant difference of total phospholipid content between smokers and nonsmokers. These results suggest that the decreased levels of SP-A and SP-D in smokers may impair the host defense functions of surfactant in the peripheral airways and might have a crucial roles in the development of chronic obstructive lung disease.

[Two cases of clear cell tumor of the lung]

We report two cases of benign clear cell tumor of the lung, which were found as well-circumscribed lesions on chest X-ray films without any symptoms, and removed surgically. Light microscopy showed proliferation of clear cells filled with glycogen in both cases. Immunohistochemical examination performed in a case suggested that the tumor cells might be associated to a derivation from neural and/or smooth muscle cells, because of positive staining for NSE and SMA. In another case, the tumor formed a necrotic cavity, which could be detected by the preoperative MRI examination. This report might introduce a note of caution for the pathologic and radiographic diversity of this disease.

Distinct Ca2+ response patterns in human natural killer cells during induction of necrosis or apoptosis of target cells

Human CD3-, CD16+ natural killer cells (NKs) induced necrosis in the cell line K562 and the minor population of MOLT-4, while induced apoptosis in the majority of MOLT-4, in one-to-one cell interaction. Simultaneous Ca2+ imaging of NK and target cells revealed remarkable differences in changes of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during the process of distinct target cell killing. A rapid [Ca2+]i rise in NK was generated within 2 min after contact with any target. For induction of necrosis, the [Ca2+]i rise in NK reached a peak of 580 +/- 195 nM (mean +/- SD, n = 41) and was followed by an abrupt large [Ca2+]i rise in target cells probably due to Ca2+ entry through pores formed by perforin which was released from NK. The interval between onsets of NK and target Ca2+ responses (Tnk-t) was shorter than 3 min in most cases. Target cells were soon permeabilized, and NK Ca2+ responses ceased in 14 +/- 7 min. For induction of apoptosis, NK Ca2+ responses were relatively smaller (405 +/- 125 nM, n = 16), and Tnk-t was widely scattered up to 30 min. NK Ca2+ responses lasted much longer in a form of Ca2+ oscillations (total duration, 66 +/- 33 min) in parallel with target Ca2+ responses, and ceased as apoptotic changes such as cellular and nuclear fragmentation advanced. The difference in Tnk-t suggests that rapid synchronous release of perforin tends to cause necrosis rather than apoptosis. The duration of NK Ca2+ responses suggests that some 'off signals' may be transmitted to NK following recognition of target cell damage.

Evaluation of retinal microcirculatory alterations in the Goto-Kakizaki rat. A spontaneous model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes

PURPOSE

To evaluate retinal microcirculation in the spontaneous diabetic GK (Goto-Kakizaki) rat over an extended time.

METHODS

The dye-dilution technique with scanning laser ophthalmoscope-based fluorescein angiography was used to evaluate retinal circulation in GK rats with diabetes of 1, 3, and 5 months' duration and in age-matched controls. Scanning laser ophthalmoscope fluorescein angiograms were recorded after a 10-microliter bolus of 10% sodium fluorescein was injected into the tail vein, followed by a flush of 0.1 ml saline. Retinal mean circulation times (MCTs), vessel diameters, and retinal segmental blood flows (SBFs) were determined using computer-assisted image analysis on a frame-by-frame basis.

RESULTS

The MCTs were significantly prolonged (P< 0.01) in the GK rat groups (2.60 +/- 0.31, 2.74 +/- 0.28, and 2.84 +/- 0.38 seconds at 1, 3, and 5 months' duration of diabetes, respectively) compared to the age-matched controls (1.94 +/- 0.20, 1.99 +/- 0.12, and 1.91 +/- 0.22 seconds, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the retinal arterial and venous diameters between groups at each time period. The SBFs were significantly reduced (P< 0.03) in the GK rat groups (12.0 +/- 1.5, 12.1 +/- 2.0, and 11.8 +/- 2.5 x 10(2) micrometer squared/second at 1, 3, and 5 months' duration of diabetes, respectively) compared to the controls (16.0 +/- 2.2, 16.7 +/- 1.8, and 17.2 +/- 2.5 x 10(2) micrometer squared/second, respectively). In either group, no significant changes with growth were observed in MCT, vessel diameters, or SBF, although the MCTs in the GK rat group tended to lengthen, and arterial and venous diameters in the GK rat group tended to increase with duration of diabetes. Goto-Kakizaki rats did not exhibit dense cataracts, the retinal circulation could be observed, and morphologic changes of diabetic retinopathy did not develop throughout the experimental period.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant prolongation in MCT and a significant reduction in SBF appeared in GK rats at an early stage in diabetes. This tendency continued until 5 months' duration of diabetes. These results suggest that retinal circulatory abnormalities are found before observable retinopathy development in GK rats and that there may be some mechanism causing a reduction in SBF without changing major retinal vessel diameters at an early stage in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In addition, this study demonstrates that the GK rat will be a useful model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to evaluate retinal circulation over an extended time.

[Evaluation of left ventricular volume and ejection fraction using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography]

Left ventricular (LV) volume and ejection fraction (EF) derived from three-dimensional echocardiography using a multiplane transesophageal probe (3D-TEE) were compared with LV volume and EF obtained from left ventriculography (LVG) in 14 patients (mean age: 61 years). Left ventricular volumes were calculated using a summation of disks algorithm based on multiple reconstructed short-axis cross-sections from 3D data. Left ventricular volume (end-diastole and end-systole) and EF from 3D-TEE were compared with those from LVG using linear regression analysis. Three-dimensional TEE demonstrated excellent correlations with LVG for measuring LV volume (r = 0.97, SEE = 11 ml) and EF (r = 0.95, SEE-4%), respectively. Three-dimensional TEE is useful for the measurement of LV volume and EF in the clinical setting.

Dual actions of nitric oxide in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated neurotoxicity in cultured retinal neurons

This study was performed to elucidate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated glutamate neurotoxicity in the retina. The experiments were done with primary retinal cultures obtained from 17- to 19-day-old rat fetuses. The NOS activity measured by monitoring the conversion of [3H]arginine to [3H]citrulline was approximately 5 pmol/min/mg protein. A 10-min exposure of the cultured cells to glutamate (1 mM) or NMDA (1 mM) followed by a 1-h incubation in a normal medium consistently resulted in 60% cell death. The concomitant addition of an inhibitor of NOS, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (300 microM), with glutamate or NMDA reduced cell death by 70%. A brief exposure of the cells to sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 500 microM) or S-nitrosocysteine (SNOC, 500 microM), NO-generating agents, caused 60% cell death. Depletion of NO by reduced hemoglobin prevented the cell death induced by either glutamate, NMDA, or NO generating agents. Fifty microM SNOC alone had no effect on the cell viability. However, pretreatment with 50 microM SNOC as well as simultaneous application of 50 microM SNOC with NMDA inhibited cell death induced by NMDA. These findings indicate that a low concentration of NO plays a protective role in glutamate neurotoxicity via closing the NMDA receptor gated ion channel. However, elevated concentrations of NO, interacting with oxygen radicals, become toxic and mediate glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the cultured retinal neurons.

Carcinoembryonic antigen and related antigens expressed on keratinocytes in inflammatory dermatoses

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is recognized as being important not only as a tumour marker, but also as a cell adhesion molecule in the metastasis of malignant tumour cells, and in the development of inflammatory disorders in some organs. However, the role played by this antigen in inflammatory dermatoses has not been studied previously. To investigate the expression of CEA in inflamed skin, we performed immunohistochemical studies to detect the antigen in both frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of inflammatory dermatoses, using five different monoclonal antibodies and one polyclonal antibody against human CEA or CEA-related molecules. CEA and CEA-related antigens were expressed by epidermal keratinocytes and by some infiltrating inflammatory cells in inflamed skin. The expression was observed primarily in the upper part of the malpighian layers of the epidermis. On the basis of the distribution of this expression, we suggest an additional role for CEA-related molecules, differing from their roles as tumour markers and adhesion molecules, namely that these molecules may be associated with the state of differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Unexpected expression of CEA-related antigens was seen on normal follicular keratinocytes. Thus, it is conceivable that CEA-related antigen may also play a role in the biology of hair follicles.

Sweat duct milia--immunohistological analysis of structure and three-dimensional reconstruction

The fine structure of sweat duct milia and the pathomechanism in their aetiology are still unknown. To examine the relationship and connection of milia to the sweat ducts as well as to the overlying epidermis, nine sweat duct milia, six incomplete and three complete, were studied by three-dimensional reconstruction (3DR) analysis based on photomicrographs obtained after histological and immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA 50) and human cytokeratin 19 (CK 19). In both incomplete and complete milia, an eccrine duct expressing the antigens penetrated into the cyst wall at the centre of its base, formed a circular path within the wall, and opened into the inner cavity. The eccrine duct was mature in eight milia and immature in one. In the cyst wall, CA 50 and CK 19 were detected throughout the entire cyst except for the most apical portion of incomplete milia, where the cyst wall fused with the overlying epidermis which did not express any of the antigens. CEA was distributed mainly in the basal half of the milia. The finding that the path of the eccrine duct within the cyst wall is circular conflicts with the currently accepted concept of simple penetration of the eccrine duct into the wall, suggesting an acrosyringeal origin of the milia. An incomplete milium is the result of fusion between cells derived from an eccrine duct and those derived from the surrounding epidermis, while the formation of a complete milium does not involve this fusion.

Mutations and oxidative DNA damage in phage M13mp2 exposed to N-nitrosomorpholine plus near-ultraviolet light

Previously we reported that a direct-acting mutagen can be formed from N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) on exposure to near-ultraviolet light (UVA, 320-400 nm). We have now studied the spectrum of mutations caused by NMOR plus UVA. M13mp2 phages suspended in a sodium phosphate buffer were treated with NMOR under UVA irradiation and Escherichia coli NR9099 was then infected with the phage. Mutations induced in the phage DNA lacZ alpha region were analyzed. The majority (approximately 50%) of the induced sequence changes were G to T transversions. This suggested that modifications in guanine residues were responsible for these transversions. We explored the formation of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in the DNA. When the phage were treated with NMOR plus UVA, 8-oxodG/dG in DNA increased up to 12-fold over the value in untreated control. When a mutM-deficient mutant of E. coli CSH50 was used as the host, the mutation level was higher than that observed with CSH50. We conclude that 8-oxodG may be involved in mutations induced by NMOR plus UVA.

Long-term follow-up of the residual intracanalicular tumours after subtotal removal of acoustic neurinomas

We examined growth potential of residual intracanalicular tumours left from subtotal removal of large acoustic neurinomas. Eleven patients were followed-up by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The interval between surgery and MR study ranged from 12 to 29 years (median, 16 years). MR images of two patients showed no evidence of tumour remnant, and in six a small tumour was localized in the internal auditory canal. The other three showed an intracanalicular tumour protruding slightly towards the intracranial portion. This result suggests that the intracanalicular residual tumours have less risk of regrowth after subtotal removal of acoustic neurinomas. It is advisable to choose intracapsular, subtotal removal without opening the internal auditory canal in the treatment of acoustic neurinoma, if it is large in size and there is a high risk of nerve injury.

Tyrosine phosphorylation in desmosomes and hemidesmosomes of the corneal epithelium

We examined the localization of phosphotyrosine (p-Tyr)-modified proteins in the normal corneal epithelium using affinity-purified rabbit anti-p-Tyr antibody. Normal rat cornea was fixed and semi-thin and ultra-thin frozen sections were prepared. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that p-Tyr was distributed along the cell membrane of the corneal epithelium. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that the labeling is exclusively localized in the desmosomes and hemidesmosomes. A fraction enriched with desmosomes was extracted from the bovine corneal epithelium and examined by Western blotting. Immunoblotting for p-Tyr showed eight prominent bands (290, 200, 190, 115, 85, 62, 50, and 47 kD) in the desmosomal fraction. The enrichment of p-Tyr in desmosomes and hemidesmosomes of the corneal epithelium suggests that these cell-to-cell and cell-to-substrate junctions are involved in signal transduction.

Lipid analysis and surfactant-associated protein expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells from pleural effusion

Primary lung adenocarcinomas originate from the progenitor cells of peripheral airway cells. Alveolar type II cells and Clara cells are the major progenitor cells of peripheral airway cells. Alveolar type II cells produce a lipid-protein complex called surfactant, which contains surfactant proteins SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) are believed to be essential for the surfactant function. Clara cells also express SP-A, SP-B and SP-D but not SP-C. In this study we examined the properties of the cancer cells isolated from the pleural effusion of a patient with primary lung adenocarcinoma by analyzing lipids, proteins and mRNAs. The cancer cells, designated as LC117 cells, were isolated from the pleural effusion of a patient with primary lung adenocarcinoma. The percent distributions of [14C]-acetate incorporated into PC and PG in the cancer cells were 55.7 and 1.1%, respectively. The disaturated species in total PC was 46.2%. Immunoblotting analysis using anti-SP-D monoclonal antibody revealed that the pleural effusion from a patient with lung adenocarcinoma contained SP-D. We determined the concentrations of SP-A and SP-D by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pleural effusions from this patient and the media incubated with cancer cells exhibited significant levels of SP-D as well as SP-A. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the tumor cells expressed mRNAs for SP-C as well as the other surfactant proteins. The results demonstrate that tumor cells from lung adenocarcinoma express all of surfactant-associated proteins, indicating that LC117 cells originate from alveolar type II cells. This study indicates that the combination of analyses of lipids, proteins and mRNAs in the cancer cells isolated from pleural effusion is useful to understand the property of lung adenocarcinoma.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system components in human prostatic cancer cell-lines: LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 cells

BACKGROUND

Evidence has been accumulating that in many tumors, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) promote cancer cell growth in an autocrine/paracrine manner via the IGF-I receptor. In an effort to understand the role of IGFs in prostate cancer cell growth, we characterized the IGF system components produced by human prostatic cancer cell-lines, LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3, grown in serum-free medium.

METHODS

IGFs, their receptors, and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) produced by the three human prostate cell lines were characterized by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), radioimmunoassay (RIA), Western ligand blot, Western immunoblot, and Northern blot analyses.

RESULTS

mRNA for IGF-II and receptors for IGF-I and IGF-II were detected in all three cell-lines by RT-PCR. In contrast to the published study, only LNCaP cells expressed a trace amount of IGF-I mRNA. RIA on conditioned media collected from these cells revealed that all three cell-lines produced measurable IGF-II but not IGF-I. Western Ligand blot, Western immunoblot, and Northern blot analyses revealed that LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 cells expressed IGFBP-2, IGFBP-2/-3/-4/-6, and IGFBP-2/-3/-4/-5/-6, respectively. IGF-II stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in DU145 and PC-3 cells significantly although the effect was small. DNA synthesis in PC-3 cells but not in LNCaP and DU145 cells was significantly inhibited by the IGF-I receptor-specific monoclonal antibody.

CONCLUSION

Theses results suggest potentially important roles of IGFs and IGFBPs in prostate cancer cell growth, and that in particular, IGF-II may play a critical role in prostate cancer cell growth.