Molecular cloning of Lyt-2, a membrane glycoprotein marking a subset of mouse T lymphocytes: molecular homology to its human counterpart, Leu-2/T8, and to immunoglobulin variable regions

The sequence of Lyt-2 cDNA shows that it is a new member of the immunoglobulin super gene family. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence indicates that the Lyt-2 polypeptide is synthesized with a 27-amino acid leader, and that the mature protein has an immunoglobulin variable region (Ig V)-related sequence of approximately 100 amino acids, an extracellular spacer of 43, a transmembrane region of 38, and an intracytoplasmic region of 27 amino acids. Lyt-2 and its human analogue Leu-2 are 56% homologous; analysis indicates that the Ig V-related domains of the two molecules have evolved away from each other faster than the carboxyl-terminal half of the proteins.

Intravaginal application of leukocyte interferon gel in the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)

Leukocyte interferon gel (1 X 10(6) units) was applied twice daily by a vaginal applicator to areas of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in 7 patients. A partial response was obtained in 3 patients and complete response in 2 patients. This suggests that leukocyte interferon gel can be used to treat CIN.

Alteration of thromboxane and prostacyclin levels in experimental spinal cord injury

We measured levels of thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rabbit spinal cord and cat CSF after impact injury to spinal cord. Rabbit tissue thromboxane B2 levels increased more than 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. In cat, CSF thromboxane B2 was higher the first hour postinjury; CSF 6-keto-PGF1 alpha also increased, but less so. These results imply activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The relatively greater increase of thromboxane B2 suggests that thromboxane-prostacyclin imbalance may contribute to post-traumatic ischemia.

In vitro estradiol synthesis and secretion by tadpole ovaries of different developmental stages

The tadpole ovaries at TK stage XIX can synthesize and secrete estradiol (E2), yet it is unknown when this ovarian function starts and how it develops. To this end, the present work has been carried out. The ovaries of different developmental stages of tadpoles and young frogs of Rana catesbeiana were taken, cut into small pieces, and incubated for 6 hr at 20 degrees in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer. The media were then analyzed for E2 by radioimmunoassay. The results indicate that the tadpoles synthesize and release E2 as early as stage X, that E2 increases slowly and gradually through stage XXV, and that E2 increases rapidly in juvenile frogs. This trend of growth of the ovarian function in estradiol secretion in vitro is in accordance with that reported for female chick embryos. There exists the possibility that the growth of E2 secretion could be biphasic, one with slow increment of autonomous E2 secretion at early stages and the other with quick increase due to pituitary stimulation at the stage of metamorphic climax.

The development of ACTH-like substance during tadpole metamorphosis

The interrenals of tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana at various developmental TK stages were frozen, sectioned, and prepared histochemically for assessment of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) activity. The interrenals of hypophysectomized (HX) tadpoles from the same batch of eggs as control tadpoles were prepared similarly for delta 5-3 beta-HSD activity following a series of intraperitoneal injections of different concentrations of mammalian ACTH. The histochemically stained sections of control and HX tadpoles were scanned with a computerized microscope spectrophotometer for diformazan absorbance. Two regression equations were obtained: Y = 0.1460 + 0.0015X and Y' = 0.1494 + 0.0893X', where Y or Y' = delta 5-3 beta-HSD activity absorbance (for the control and HX tadpoles, respectively), X = developmental stages of control, and X' = exogenous ACTH dosage administered to the HX tadpoles. Taking absorbance of delta 5-3 beta-HSD activity as the common factor, a curve of concentrations of ACTH-like substance against TK stages was made. The developing concentration of ACTH-like substance was very low at first and then rose during metamorphic climax. The trend of the development of ACTH-like substance was discussed from the view point of thyroid and delta 5-3 beta-HSD activities.

Transfection and cloning of genes for membrane antigens using the FACS

In order to facilitate cloning of genes for cell surface molecules, we cotransfected LTK- mouse fibroblasts with thymidine kinase (TK) genes and total human or mouse DNA. TK+ cells, selected by growth in HAT medium, were stained with fluorochrome conjugated monoclonal antibodies or other fluorescent ligands which bind to one or another membrane differentiation antigen or receptor. We isolated fluorescent transfectants expressing these molecules using a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). For some antigens, spontaneous gene amplification occurred. By repeated cycles of FACS sorting and regrowth we obtained high expressing clones. We then isolated cDNA and genomic clones using selected cDNA probes to screen phage with cDNA inserts. DNA from virtually any tissue source transfected equally well for the various molecules except for DNA from a trophoblast derived choriocarcinoma cell line which did not transfect for Leu-2.

Cell-surface antigens expressed on L-cells transfected with whole DNA from non-expressing and expressing cells

We have shown previously that transfection of mouse L-cells with DNA from JM, a human T-cell line expressing certain T-cell differentiation antigens, yields stable transfectants expressing one or another of these antigens. The identities of the antigens were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We now report that our procedure--co-transfection with the chicken thymidine kinase gene (tk) and whole cellular DNA, selection with hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (HAT), and staining of the cells with fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence-activated cell-sorter (FACS) selection--yields transfectants expressing a variety of cell-surface molecules (19 of 21 investigated), most at a frequency of about one per 10(3) Tk+ transformants. Of these, 9 of 12 were transferred and expressed as readily using DNA from cells which did not express the cell-surface antigens as from tissues or cells that did express them.

Orthostatic hypotension with brainstem tumors

Three patients with brainstem tumors had orthostatic hypotension as the major presenting manifestation. Two patients had primary tumors that involved the dorsal medulla, pons, and rostral spinal cord; one was a malignant astrocytoma and the other a hemangioblastoma. The third patient had an oat cell carcinoma of the lung with subependymal spread to the medulla, pons, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Evaluation of baroreceptor function in the patient with the malignant astrocytoma showed a defect in the efferent sympathetic limb of the baroreceptor reflex arc.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Occurring With the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

A 33-year-old homosexual man with symptoms and signs of a focal brain process was subsequently found to have an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with biopsy-proven progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This report reemphasizes the association of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with AIDS and probably is best viewed as another example of an opportunistic CNS infection complicating deficient cell-mediated immunity.

The assessment of radio-response of cervical carcinoma by colposcopy

Ninety-four patients with invasive carcinoma of the cervix were investigated for radio-response during treatment using colposcopy and serial biopsies. In 31 patients, the results were further correlated with pathological examination of the Wertheim hysterectomy specimen. It is established that colposcopy can be as reliable as biopsy in predicting radio-response and can be employed complementary to serial biopsies and clinical examinations. The colposcopic features of cervical carcinomas undergoing irradiation are described.

Blue bodies in cytology specimens in a case of pulmonary talcosis

Unusual extracellular birefringent laminated ovoid structures are seen in bronchial brushing, aspiration, and washing specimens in a 28-year-old woman who had histologic evidence of pulmonary talcosis. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis and microchemical studies have identified them to be calcium carbonate. These structures are known as pulmonary blue bodies and are seen mainly in histologic paraffin sections. Their occurrence in cytologic preparations and association with talcosis have not been reported.

Exfoliative cytology in the evaluation of interferon treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Local interferon injection in four patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) regularly elicited progressive regression of the lesions. The response was observed with exfoliative cytology after each injection, guided by colposcopic examination. The cytologic changes showed a cytocidal effect mainly on the dyskaryotic cells, preceded by cellular degeneration not unlike that of nonspecific inflammation and accompanied by an increase in neutrophil infiltration. The cytologic response was closely correlated with partial or complete clinical regression based on the absence of viable or degenerated dyskaryotic cells in the cervical smears. Three patients showed complete clinical regression after treatment. One patient showed recurrent viable dyskaryotic cells when the dosage was reduced, and treatment was suspended temporarily although her lesion had regressed completely after five injections. Clinical recurrence was noted one week after viable dyskaryotic cells reappeared in her smears. These observations suggest that cytology may be a useful means of monitoring interferon treatment in CIN.

Cytologic diagnosis of lung tumors from bronchial brushings of Chinese patients in Hong Kong

In 1,156 single or multiple specimens obtained from fiberoptic bronchoscopy on 1,016 Chinese patients in Hong Kong, a positive diagnosis of malignancy was made on cytologic examination in 288 and a histologic type assigned. On histologic examination of tissue, malignant tumors were diagnosed in 284 cases. The total positive yield by cytology was 88%, and the overall cytologic accuracy in correlation with histology was 73%. Comparing cases typed by cytology and by histology, the diagnostic accuracy of cytology was 83% in squamous-cell carcinoma, 81% in small-cell carcinoma, 69% in adenocarcinoma and 46% in large-cell carcinoma. The detection rate of nonbronchogenic tumors was 50%. Bronchogenic tumors showed a low male:female ratio, 1.96:1, whereas 80% of squamous-cell carcinomas and 45% of adenocarcinomas occurred in males. All seven cases of bronchogenic carcinoma in patients under 40 years of age occurred in males.

A cytochemical study of acid phosphatase, thiamine pyrophosphatase and horseradish peroxidase in the Golgi-GERL complex of hepatoma ascites cells

Data from studies of ascitic cells of Chang hepatoma have shown that acid phosphatase (ACPase) can be localized simultaneously within the trans portion of the Golgi apparatus and in tubules of the Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum-lysosome (GERL) system. Reaction products of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) were also present consistently within trans elements of the Golgi apparatus and within GERL tubules. These new findings indicate that a close physiological association may exist between the Golgi apparatus and GERL, a concept that is consistent with previous observations of fibroblasts. When horseradish peroxidase (PO) is injected intraperitoneally into ascites-bearing rats and the ascitic cells withdrawn at different time intervals, PO could be localized within vesicles and tubules in the GERL region but could not be detected within the Golgi apparatus. Bulk-phase endocytosis requires a long time and a high concentration of PO to occur. The presence of PO within GERL indicates that this organelle may play a role in transporting or processing of certain exogenous proteins.

Sonographic appearances of the partial hydatidiform mole

A partial hydatidiform mole differs morphologically and cytologically from the complete mole. Correct preoperative diagnosis of the partial mole by ultrasonography is often difficult. Some partial moles have sonographic appearances indistinguishable from those of the common complete moles or missed abortions. The predominant feature in the remainder is the presence of a well-defined gestational sac, either empty or containing inappropriately small fetal echoes, surrounded by a relatively thick rim of placental echoes with intermingling cystic spaces. An echogenic rim around the sac, as is found in missed abortion or blighted ovum, is notably absent. There appeared to be no correlation between these sonographic patterns and the clinical profiles of patients.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary: case report and review of the literature

A case of sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary in a Chinese girl of 17 years is reported. She presented with metrorrhagia and an abdominal mass in the right lower quadrant. At operation, a large unilocular cyst was found in the right ovary. Light microscopic and ultrastructural study established the diagnosis of sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary. To date, 63 cases have been recorded in the literature, 33 of which have been described in detail.

Partial hydatidiform mole: ultrasonographic features

Four patients with partial hyatidiform mole managed at the Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, are described. The diagnosis of blighted ovum or missed abortion was made on the sonographic findings prior to suction evacuation. The dominant features in these cases consisted of a relatively large central transonic area bearing the appearance of an empty gestational sac and surrounded by a thick rim of low-level placenta-like echoes; in contrast with the case of the blighted ovum, a well-defined echogenic sac wall is absent. In another 9 patients with molar pregnancy managed during the same period, the more typical 'snow-storm' vesicular appearance was present. It was concluded that the anembryonic appearance described should alert the sonologist and clinician to the possible diagnosis of partial hydatitiform mole. The evacuated material from the uterine cavity should be examined morphologically and if possible cytogenetically.

Effects of piperonyl butoxide on cephalosporin nephrotoxicity in the rabbit. An effect on cephaloridine transport

To evaluate the hypothesis that cytochrome P-450 mixed-function oxidase (MFO) activity may have a causal role in the production of cephalosporin nephrotoxicity, the effects of the MFO inhibitors cobaltous chloride and piperonyl butoxide on the nephrotoxicity of cephaloridine in the rabbit were examined. Although cobaltous chloride had no effect on cephaloridine nephrotoxicity, piperonyl butoxide had a significant protective effect. However, in correlated studies of the effects on the renal cortical uptake and disappearance of cephaloridine, it was found that piperonyl butoxide significantly reduces (by 50%) the cortical concentrations of the cephalosporin, both decreasing its uptake by and increasing its disappearance from tubular cells. Finally, we evaluated the effect of piperonyl butoxide on the nephrotoxicity of cephaloglycin, a more toxic cephalosporin that lacks the thiophene side-ring proposed as the target of MFO activation in earlier studies with cephaloridine. No protection against cephaloglycin was found. It is concluded that these inhibitors of MFO activity do not reduce cephalosporin nephrotoxicity in general, and that the reduction of cephaloridine toxicity by piperonyl butoxide can be explained by an effect on the intracellular concentrations of that particular cephalosporin.

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of bronchial cancer: comparison of washings, brushings and biopsies in central and peripheral tumours

Fibreoptic bronchoscopic cytodiagnosis by washings and brushings and histodiagnosis by forceps biopsy were studied in 484 Chinese patients with bronchial carcinoma. When the tumour was bronchoscopically visible, the yields of the three procedures were: washings 76%, brushings 74% and biopsy 82%, giving a total yield of 94%. For peripheral bronchoscopically non-visible tumour, the yields were 52%, 52% and 61% respectively, making a total yield of 86%. Bronchial washings and brushings were important complementary procedures to biopsy and provided the exclusive diagnosis in 12% of the central and 25% of the peripheral tumours. The cytologic cell typing accuracy is 92% for epidermoid carcinoma, 87% for small cell carcinoma, 83% for adenocarcinoma and only 38% for large cell carcinoma. The accuracy of cell-typing of the two bronchial cytodiagnostic methods was comparable in central tumours, but higher with brushings in peripheral tumours.