[The effect of intraportal chemotherapy in terms of administered dose of 5-FU]

Forty-six patients with colorectal cancer were studied for the effects of intraportal chemotherapy in terms of the administered dose of 5-FU. No liver metastases occurred in patients with a total dose of more than 4 g of 5-FU. The five-year survival rate for patients with a total dose of more than 4 g of 5-FU was 98%, which was better than that for control (72%). In patients administered 500 approximately 600 mg/body/day of 5-FU, the concentration of 5-FU in the peripheral blood was 0.022 approximately 0.027 microgram/ml. Liver dysfunction occurred in 22%, 33%, and 80% of patients administered less than 4 g, 4 approximately 4.9 g, or more than 5 g of 5-FU, respectively, but almost all of them were grade 1. These results suggest that intraportal chemotherapy administered with a total of more than 4 g of 5-FU was effective for prevention of liver metastases after resection of colorectal cancer.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding the gibberellin biosynthetic enzyme ent-kaurene synthase B from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.)

The first committed step in the formation of diterpenoids leading to gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis is the conversion of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) to ent-kaurene. ent-Kaurene synthase A (KSA) catalyzes the conversion of GGDP to copalyl diphosphate (CDP), which is subsequently converted to ent-kaurene by ent-kaurene synthase B (KSB). A full-length KSB cDNA was isolated from developing cotyledons in immature seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.). Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed from the amino acid sequences obtained from the purified protein to amplify a cDNA fragment, which was used for library screening. The isolated full-length cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein, which demonstrated the KSB activity to cyclize [3H]CDP to [3H]ent-kaurene. The KSB transcript was most abundant in growing tissues, but was detected in every organ in pumpkin seedlings. The deduced amino acid sequence shares significant homology with other terpene cyclases, including the conserved DDXXD motif, a putative divalent metal ion-diphosphate complex binding site. A putative transit peptide sequence that may target the translated product into the plastids is present in the N-terminal region.

cDNA cloning and characterization of a gibberellin-responsive gene in hypocotyls of Cucumis sativus L

A cDNA clone corresponding to a gibberellin-responsive gene (CRG16) was isolated from cucumber hypocotyls. CRG16 was deduced to encode an extremely hydrophobic protein of 65 amino acids. The deduced sequence exhibited no significant homology to other proteins. Levels of CRG16 mRNA reflected the gibberellin-induced elongation of cucumber hypocotyls.

[A case of Nothnagel syndrome]

A 72-year-old woman developed a sudden onset of bilateral ptosis, diplopia and gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed bilateral oculomotor palsies, truncal ataxia, and transient slight weakness in the right upper extremity. She was diagnosed to have Nothnagel syndrome. T2-weighted MRI disclosed a high signal intensity lesion at the left paracentral portion of the upper midbrain in addition to the bilateral medial thalamic lesions, while brain CT showed only the thalamic lesions. Brain MRI was useful for detecting the small midbrain lesion.

Cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with high altitude pulmonary oedema at moderate altitude in Japan

BACKGROUND

The precise mechanism of high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of cytokines and P-selectin in the development of HAPE which occurred at moderate altitude in Japan.

METHODS

The following cellular and biochemical markers and chemotactic cytokines were measured in the bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid from four patients with HAPE at 2857-3180 m in the Japanese Alps: total proteins, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and the soluble form of P-selectin.

RESULTS

At admission there were significant increases in the levels of total cells, especially macrophages and neutrophils, total protein, albumin and LDH when compared with 13 healthy individuals. Furthermore, the levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were also considerably increased but returned quickly to the normal ranges or were not detected after recovery. The levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-10, and P-selectin did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that an inflammatory process almost identical with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may occur in HAPE, but that these changes are transient and are not associated with any increase in P-selectin levels in the BAL fluid.

Conformation and dynamics of [3-13C]Ala- labeled bacteriorhodopsin and bacterioopsin, induced by interaction with retinal and its analogs, as studied by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance

13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of [3-13C]Ala-labeled bacteriorhodopsin (bR), bacterioopsin (bO), and regenerated bR with retinal or bO complex with retinal analogs were recorded in order to gain insights into how the conformation and dynamics of apoprotein (bO) vary with or without retinal or its analogs. First, we assigned the 13C NMR peak resonating at 16.3 ppm to Ala 53 of both bR and bO, which appears to contact the side chain of Lys 216 at the site of the Schiff base in the former, utilizing the 13C NMR peaks of A53V and A53G proteins in comparison with those of wild-type bR and bO. Characteristic spectral differences between the apoprotein and bR were observed upon removal of the retinal: the changes of the peak intensities at 16.4, 15.9, and 16.9 ppm are notable. We found that the loops (17.4 ppm) and transmembrane alpha II helical region (15.9 ppm) acquired motional freedom with a correlation time of 10(-5)s when the retinal was removed, as detected by proton spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame. A 13C NMR spectrum very similar to that of native bR was recorded when bR was regenerated by addition of retinal to bO. On the other hand, the addition of the retinal analogs retinol or beta-ionone, which are bound in the retinal binding site but are incapable of forming a Schiff base to the apoprotein, caused distinct spectral changes different from those of bR, as manifested from the displacements of 13C chemical shifts. These spectral changes must be ascribed to significant conformational changes of apoprotein at various locations in the protein, including the site of Ala 53 induced by modified interaction between the apoprotein and chromophore.

[Significance of the coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters as predictors for carotid atherosclerosis]

We investigated the relation between atherosclerosis of common carotid artery measured by B-mode ultrasound sonography and vascular risk factors, in particular the coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters. A total of 118 patients without either hematological disease or symptomatic brain infarction are enrolled in this study. Vascular risk factors associated with increased intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery were advancing age, sex (male), systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. There was a significant correlation of IMT with the activity of von Willebrand factor (vW factor) which had a significant correlation with concentration of beta-thromboglobin (beta TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4). It has been reported that vW factor is a useful parameter for the evaluation of the extent of vascular involvement. vW factor in plasma and in the vessel wall is known to contribute appreciably to the platelet adherence, and to play a major role in the platelet aggregation particularly at high shear stress. In this study, we showed that plasma vW factor might enhance platelet aggregation. In addition, we revealed that plasma vW factor might reflect the injury of carotid artery wall and serve as a significant predictor of carotid atherosclerosis. There was a significant correlation of IMT with concentration of fibrinogen (Fbg), suggesting Fbg may play a role in atherogenesis by affecting local blood flow especially at the bifurcation. We reconfirmed that Fbg is a significant indicator of carotid atherosclerosis. Concentrations of beta TG and PF4 were significantly correlated with IMT. They are useful parameters of platelet activation and elevated in various angiopathies. These results, therefore, indicate that beta TG and PF4 also reflect the injury of carotid artery wall, and could be markers for carotid atherosclerosis.

Role of mast cells, eosinophils and IL-5 in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in sensitized mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In order to study the role of mast cells and IL-5 in allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity in mice, airway responsiveness in WBB6F1-W/Wv mice (mast cell deficient) and the effects of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody (NC-17) and three anti-allergic drugs (N-556, ketotifen and amlexanox) on airway hyperreactivity in Balb/c mice were studied.

METHODS

Mice were immunized with an antigen (ovalbumin; OA) at intervals of 12 days. OA was inhaled 10 days after the secondary immunization. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation, airway reactivity to acetylcholine was measured and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained.

RESULTS

Three inhalations of OA caused an increase in leucocytes (including eosinophils), accompanied by increases in IL-5 in BALF, and airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine in Balb/c and WBB6F1- +/+ mice. In WBB6F1-W/Wv mice, antigen inhalation resulted in increases in leucocytes and IL-5 in BALF but did not result in airway hyperreactivity. NC-17 at doses between 10 and 20 micrograms (intratracheal injection) inhibited the antigen-induced eosinophilia but did not affect airway hyperreactivity in Balb/c mice. Three 'anti-allergic' drugs clearly inhibited antigen-induced increases in IL-5 levels and the number of eosinophils in BALF, but did not affect airway hyperreactivity in Balb/c mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that mast cells play an important role in the onset of airway hyperreactivity but do not play a role in the production of IL-5 and eosinophilia. Furthermore, indicate that the inhibition of IL-5 is not always associated with a reduction in antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in mice.

Metabolic alkalosis and myoclonus from antacid ingestion

A patient with a history of cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and previous gastrectomy developed metabolic alkalosis and myoclonus. His medications included the anti-hypertensive agents nicardipine hydrochloride, delapril, prazosin; dihydroergotoxin and ticlopidine for cerebral infarction; estazolam for insomnia; azuren-L-glutamine compound and S-M powder. In addition, he had taken 12 grams per day of Ohta's Isan antacid, which contained 625 mg sodium bicarbonate per 1.3 g of antacid powder over a 6-month period. This antacid is commonly used in Japan. This is the first report of a case of metabolic alkalosis and myoclonus secondary to ingestion of a commercially available antacid in Japan.

Increasing coronary perfusion pressure on diastolic and systolic performance is less pronounced in right ventricle than in left ventricle

OBJECTIVE

Little is known as to whether an increase in coronary perfusion pressure can alter the right ventricular (RV) distensibility and the contractile function as it does in the case of the LV.

METHODS

In eight isolated isovolumically contracting canine hearts, RV and LV volumes and coronary perfusion were independently controlled. Effects of an increase in coronary perfusion pressure (from 73 +/- 1 to 152 +/- 6 mmHg) on the end-diastolic and end-systolic pressure-volume relations in both RV and LV were assessed.

RESULTS

Following an increase in coronary perfusion, and at a similar volume of the ventricles, end-diastolic pressure was elevated by 2.8 +/- 0.8 mmHg in RV and 8.9 +/- 2.0 mmHg in LV (P < 0.01; RV vs LV), and the slope of RV end-systolic pressure-volume relation, Ees, increased by 11 +/- 6% (P < 0.05) and that of the LV Ees by 21 +/- 5% (P < 0.01). The percent change of RV pressure-volume area (PVA) was less than that in LV-PVA (26 +/- 9 vs 48 +/- 11%; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Accordingly, increases in coronary perfusion pressure and/or flow decreased the RV distensibility and enhanced the RV contractile function, the extent of which, however, was less than that in the LV.

Tissue-specific regulation of angiotensinogen gene expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Angiotensinogen is expressed in many tissues besides the liver. Recent studies have suggested that abnormalities in the regulation of angiotensinogen gene expression may be involved in the development of hypertension. However, little information is available concerning the functional significance of tissue angiotensinogen. In this study, we measured plasma angiotensinogen concentration by radioimmunoassay and examined the expression of tissue angiotensinogen by Northern blot analysis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Although plasma angiotensinogen concentration in SHR was comparable to that in WKY at 6 weeks of age, it was increased significantly at 14 weeks of age in SHR and became higher than that in WKY. The levels of hepatic angiotensinogen mRNA were similar in SHR and WKY, and the levels of aortic, adrenal, and renal angiotensinogen mRNAs were lower in SHR than in WKY at both 6 and 14 weeks of age. Brain angiotensinogen expression in SHR was higher than in WKY at 6 weeks of age and was comparable to that in WKY at 14 weeks of age. On the other hand, cardiac and fat angiotensinogen mRNA levels were significantly increased at 14 weeks of age in SHR. These results demonstrate that the expression of tissue angiotensinogen is regulated differently in SHR and WKY and indicate that the development of hypertension is accompanied at least temporally with increases in plasma angiotensinogen concentration as well as cardiac and adipogenic angiotensinogen mRNA in SHR.

Immunotitration analysis of cytosolic acetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase activity in human fibroblasts

There are five known thiolases in human fibroblasts, and all but mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) have thiolase activity toward acetoacetyl-CoA (AACoA). We investigated the contribution of mitochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACoAT) (T2), cytosolic AACoAT (CT), and mitochondrial 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (T1) to the total AACoAT activity in control human fibroblasts. Immunotitration of AACoAT activity with antibodies against T2, CT, or T1 was carried out in control fibroblasts, with the following results. In the case of AACoAT activity in the absence of potassium ion, 26-38%, 40-47%, and 11-20% of the total activity derived from CT, T1, and T2, respectively. The residual 6-9% total activity was not immunotitrated when three antibodies were used in combination. Hence, the contribution of peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase to the total AACoAT activity in the absence of potassium ion was at least less than 6-9%. Because the normal range of total AACoAT activity is relatively wide, it is difficult to evaluate CT defects based on a decrease of total AACoAT activity. Immunotitration with anti-CT antibody in six control fibroblasts revealed that CT activity ranges between 1.3 and 2.4 nmol/min/mg of protein. Immunotitration proved to be an accurate method to evaluate CT activity. The two cell lines from patients with CT deficiency have become extinct.

Sulfated colominic acid: an antiviral agent that inhibits the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in vitro

Colominic acid is a homopolymer of N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), which has an alpha-2,8 ketosidic linkage between its polymer units. In this study, colominic acids were sulfated under different conditions and their antiviral activities against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were examined. Sulfated colominic acids, containing 6-12% sulfur, blocked the expression of HIV-1 antigen in MT-4 cells or C8166 cells following exposure to MOLT-4/HTLV-IIIB or HIV-1[GUN-1]. The compounds inhibited syncytium formation upon co-cultivation of MOLT-4 cells (clone 8) with MOLT-4/HTLV-IIIB cells and abolished the production of HIV-1 p24 antigen in culture medium of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity was not directly affected by the drugs. The compounds did not prolong activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at 10 and 1.0 microgram/ml, suggesting that they may not have appreciable side effects in vivo. These agents were still able to block the expression of HIV-1 antigen even when the cells were infected with HIV-1 in RPMI-1640 medium containing high percentages of fetal calf serum (FCS). These properties may be therapeutically advantageous if these compounds were considered for possible clinical use.

Effect of carnitine administration on glycine metabolism in patients with isovaleric acidemia: significance of acetylcarnitine determination to estimate the proper carnitine dose

In isovaleric acidemia (IVA), accumulated isovaleryl-CoA in the mitochondrion induces variable metabolic disturbances. To remove intramitochondrial isovaleryl groups, glycine therapy has been advocated primarily. On the other hand, secondary carnitine deficiency has been documented in this disorder and carnitine supplementation alone has been reported to be effective. In the present study, we administered carnitine and glycine to patients with IVA, and investigated serum carnitine and urinary excretion of total and free carnitine, acylcarnitine profile (i.e., isovalerylcarnitine and acetylcarnitine), and isovalerylglycine. By adding carnitine to glycine supplementation, more isovalerylglycine, not only isovalerylcarnitine, was excreted in the urine. Acetylcarnitine was detected in the urine only when sufficient carnitine was supplemented. We concluded that combined therapy of glycine and carnitine is more effective and safer to eliminate isovaleryl-CoA in IVA than conventional therapy using either glycine or carnitine. Urinary acetylcarnitine concentration might be a good marker indicating the optimal dose of L-carnitine supplementation.

Cortical glucose metabolism in psychiatric wandering patients with vascular dementia

The cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (CMRglc) in 18 patients with vascular dementia (VD) and 15 age-matched normal subjects was measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose technique. Nine of the 18 VD patients manifested abnormal wandering behavior with some psychiatric symptoms: they showed relatively spared CMRglc, which was higher than that of nonwandering patients, especially in the bilateral frontal lobes, left parietal lobe, left temporo-parieto-occipital region, left occipital lobe, and cerebellum. The results suggest that psychiatric wandering behavior of patients with VD could be correlated with partial sparing of CMRglc in the regions listed above.

Behavior of the cell cycle-associated proteins in an unusual G0-arrestable cancer cell line

An adenocarcinoma cell line which has the ability to arrest in G0 phase under exhausted culture conditions was established. Using the cell line, we investigated the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins including cdc2, cdk2, cyclin A, cyclin Dl, and Rb during entry into or withdrawal from the cell cycle. MAP kinase expression was also investigated as one of the most downstream proteins of the signal transduction of growth factors. The cells in the quiescent state did not express cdc2. In contrast, cdk2 was expressed weakly, and cyclin A and cyclin D1 were strongly expressed in the quiescent cells. The expression of cdk2 and cyclin D1 in the quiescent cells was reduced after stimulation by renewal of the medium and then increased, accompanied by Rb phosphorylation and cdc2 expression around the G1/S transition. Cdc2 and the hyperphosphorylated form of Rb disappeared as the cells became quiescent. MAP kinase expression was unchanged throughout all the phases analyzed. The results indicate that down-regulation of neither cdk2, cyclin A, cyclin D1, nor MAP kinase is necessary to arrest cells in G0, but that only Rb dephosphorylation and down-regulation of cdc2 are accompanied by an arrest of cell proliferation in G0 in the cell line.

[Evaluation of postoperative pain in spinal surgery--usefulness of the administration of local anesthetics into the peridural cavity]

Analgesic effects of perioperative administration of local anesthetics into the peridural cavity were examined in 21 patients with cervical or lumbar vertebral diseases. Sufficient analgesic effects were obtained particularly in patients with lumbar vertebral disease. Administration of local anesthetics was also effective for postoperative sleep on the day of operation. No postoperative neurological side effects were observed. These findings suggest that peridural administration of local anesthetics during spinal surgery is very useful.

Mutations in fliK and flhB affecting flagellar hook and filament assembly in Salmonella typhimurium

Mutations in the fliK gene of Salmonella typhimurium commonly cause failure to terminate hook assembly and initiate filament assembly (polyhook phenotype). Polyhook mutants give rise to pseudorevertants which are still defective in hook termination but have recovered the ability to assemble filament (polyhook-filament phenotype). The polyhook mutations have been found to be either frameshift or nonsense, resulting in truncation of the C terminus of FliK. Intragenic suppressors of frameshift mutations were found to be ones that restored the original frame (and therefore the C-terminal sequence), but in most cases with substantial loss of natural sequence and sometimes the introduction of artificial sequence; in no cases did intragenic suppression occur when significant disruption remained within the C-terminal region. By use of a novel PCR protocol, in-frame deletions affecting the N-terminal and central regions of FliK were constructed and the resulting phenotypes were examined. Small deletions resulted in almost normal hook length control and almost wild-type swarming. Larger deletions resulted in loss of control of hook length and poor swarming. The largest deletions severely affected filament assembly as well as hook length control. Extragenic suppressors map to an unlinked gene, flhB, which encodes an integral membrane protein (T. Hirano, S. Yamaguchi, K. Oosawa, and S.-I. Aizawa, J. Bacteriol. 176:5439-5449, 1994; K. Kutsukake, T. Minamino, and T. Yokoseki, J. Bacteriol. 176:7625-7629, 1994). They were either point mutations in the C-terminal cytoplasmic region of FlhB or frameshift or nonsense mutations close to the C terminus. The processes of hook and filament assembly and the roles of FliK and FlhB in these processes are discussed in light of these and other available data. We suggest that FliK measures hook length and, at the appropriate point, sends a signal to FlhB to switch the substrate specificity of export from hook protein to late proteins such as flagellin.

Idiopathic tumoral calcinosis involving the cervical spine

We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with idiopathic tumoral calcinosis of the neck. There are calcium deposits in the paraspinal soft tissue with bony involvement in the cervical spine. CT and MR images are presented along with clinical and pathological features. Bony involvement in this disease has not been recognized before.

[Coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters as predictors for small-vessel disease revealed by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain]

We correlated coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters with small-vessel disease revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. One hundred and eleven patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic cerebral infarction were randomly selected for the study; 57 males and 54 females with an average age of 66.6 +/- 9.6, age range 40 to 85, years old. Among them, 76 patients had a history of symptomatic cerebral infarction; 38 patients hypertension; and 24 patients diabetes mellitus. Patients with large cortical infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, demyelinating disease or mass lesions were excluded from the present study. The MRI scans were reviewed for areas with increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The small infarction was defined as a lesion less than 10mm in diameter. The activity of von Willebrand factor (vWF) correlated significantly with the grade of caps at the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral ventricle, and the number of small infarctions in the subcortical white matter and basal ganglia, suggesting vWF could be a predictor for these small-vessel disease. The grade of caps at posterior horn of the lateral ventricle and the number of small infarctions in the subcortical white matter were associated significantly with the concentration of plasma fibrinogen and reversely with the activity of antithrombin III, an inhibitory factor in coagulation system. These results indicate that hypercoagulable state may causatively relate with small-vessel disease in the territory of medullary artery branching from cortical artery. On the contrary, these coagulation parameters did not correlate significantly with small ischemic lesions in the territory of perforating artery. No correlation was observed between the level of marker proteins for platelet activation and the degree of small-vessel disease, indicating the activation of platelet could not associate with the etiology of small-vessel disease.

Determination of the 8-methyl ether of xanthurenic acid in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

We developed a simple and sensitive assay for the 8-methyl ether of xanthurenic acid in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (excitation at 340 nm, emission at 450 nm). The compound under study in serum samples was extracted with Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and the extract was applied to an octadecylsilane-bonded column (Nucleosil 5C18, 150 x 4 mm I.D.). The mobile phase used was a mixture of 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.0), containing 5 mM sodium 1-octanesulfonate and 0.1 mM Na2EDTA, and acetonitrile (93:7, v/v). The 8-methyl ether of xanthurenic acid from serum samples was sufficiently separated to be clearly distinguishable. The quantification limit was 2 x 10(-14) mol, which was sensitive enough to detect 8-methyl ether of xanthurenic acid in serum from normal subjects. The method was applied to samples from patients with deficiency in tryptophan metabolism, xanthurenic acid/3-hydroxy kynurenineuria and showed a striking elevation in serum 8-methyl ether of xanthurenic acid.