Chromosome mapping of human (ZNF147) and mouse genes for estrogen-responsive finger protein (efp), a member of the RING finger family

We have previously identified an estrogen-responsive gene, efp (estrogen-responsive finger protein), that encodes a putative zinc finger protein (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 11117-11121, 1993). The efp protein has a RING finger, a variant type of zinc finger motif, B1 box, and B2 box, each having a pair of zinc fingers, present in a family of apparent DNA-binding proteins. Some members of this family have transformation capabilities when found in chromosomal translocations. Chromosome mapping of the efp gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals that human EFP (ZNF147) is located at 17q23.1 and that mouse Efp is located at 11C. These results provide additional evidence that the mouse 11C region displays conserved synteny with the 17q23.1 region of the human genome.

Multi-enzyme reference material from established human cell lines and human sources

A multi-enzyme reference material was prepared from seven enzymes of asparatate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, EC 3.1.3.1), lactate dehydrogenase (LD, EC 1.1.1.27), creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.2.2), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT, EC 2.3.2.2) and amylase (AMY, EC 3.2.1.1) which were purified from human sources including established human cell lines. The enzymatic properties of the material closely resembled those of human serum. In lyophilized form the preparation was stable for at least 200 days when stored at 40 degrees C. Intermethod comparisons of the enzyme activities in 80 clinical specimens were done by correcting the mean values with calibration constants for different assay methods resulting from use of a human serum, the multi-enzyme reference and a commercial control serum. The results from the comparison for the six enzymes of AST, ALT, LD, CK, gamma-GT and AMY in use of the multi-enzyme reference were almost the same as those with use of a human serum as a calibrator, but were not satisfactory for ALP. Even though further search for more reliable material for ALP is required the multi-enzyme reference material can be used for standardization in clinical chemistry.

High-performance liquid chromatographic assay for farnesyl-protein transferase activity with dabsylated peptide

An HPLC assay for farnesyl-protein transferase activity using a dabsylated peptide is described. The substrates used were a synthetic dabsylated nonapeptide, N-dabsyl-L-serinyl-L-methioninyl-L-glycinyl-L-++ +leucinyl-L-prolinyl-L-cysteinyl- L-valinyl-L-valinyl-L-methionine, corresponding to the C-terminal peptide sequence of human N-Ras p21 without the N-terminal serine, and farnesyl diphosphate. The product was separated from the substrates on a reversed-phase C18 column, using gradient elution with acetonitrile (0.05% trifluoroacetic acid)-water (0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) and was detected at 436 nm. The addition of the farnesyl group to the peptide was confirmed by MS and NMR. Enzymatic reaction was ascertained from the dependences on time, on the protein of the enzyme source and on the substrates. The reaction was specifically inhibited by L-cysteinyl-L-valinyl-L-valinyl-L-methionine, the tetrapeptide corresponding to the "CAAX" motif. The limit of detection was 2 pmol per 100-microliters reaction mixture. The farnesyl-protein transferase activity can quantitatively be measured up to 200 micrograms cytosolic protein in human liver. This method provides a convenient and quantitative assay for crude materials, such as tissue homogenate from clinical samples, without the use of radioactive probes and large amounts of Ras protein.

Distribution of the Kexin family proteases in pancreatic islets: PACE4C is specifically expressed in B cells of pancreatic islets

The distribution of Kexin family proteases in adult rat pancreatic islets was investigated by immunohistochemical means using a series of specific antibodies specific for PC1, PC2, PC6, Furin, PACE4A and a recently identified member of the Kexin family, PACE4C. PACE4C expression was limited to B cells of the pancreatic islets. PC2 was found in A and in some D cells more than in B cells and PC1 was evident only in B cells. Furin and PC6 were weakly and evenly expressed in the entire islet. PACE4A was hardly found in the islets. These findings indicated that individual Kexin family proteases are uniquely distributed in the islets and suggested that these proteases share roles in these cells as follows: PC2 is involved in the peptide hormone precursor processing in A cells and in D cells, and PACE4C, PC1 and PC2 (mainly PACE4C and PC1) are responsible for the processing event(s) specific to B cells.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by human T lymphocytes upon Legionella pneumophila stimulation in vitro

In vitro immune responses to Legionella pneumophila were investigated. When human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from healthy volunteers were stimulated with formalin-killed L. pneumophila for 7 days in vitro, strong proliferative responses were observed. The responding cells were shown to be a CD4 T cell subset. It was also found that the CD4 T cells secreted significant amounts of IFN-gamma into the PBL culture supernatant. The production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 by PBL was measured semiquantitatively by reverse transcriptase-assisted polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. Formalin-killed or live L. pneumophila-stimulated PBL expressed the mRNA for IFN-gamma but not the mRNA for IL-4. The results suggest that the whole bacterium, as opposed to the supernatant, predominantly stimulates Th1 type helper T cells. The cloned T cells specific for L. pneumophila expressed the mRNA for IFN-gamma but not for IL-4. In contrast to formalin-killed or live L. pneumophila stimulation, when PBL were stimulated with the bacterial culture supernatant, the proliferating T cells produced the mRNA for IL-4 as well as for IFN-gamma. A significant correlation between the proliferative response to formalin-killed L. pneumophila and IFN-gamma release in culture was observed (r = 0.6932, P < 0.001) in PBL from 30 healthy volunteers. From these in vitro studies, it is suggested that the whole L. pneumophila bacterium and their soluble antigens stimulate T cells in a manner which results in a different pattern of cytokine production.

Relationship between granulocyte elastase levels and perinatal infections

This study was conducted in order to investigate the usefulness of granulocyte elastase levels as predictive factors in the onset of perinatal infections. The subjects were 41 patients who delivered within 48 h after amniocentesis after giving their informed consent. The relationship between cervical granulocyte elastase (Cx-E), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and amniotic fluid granulocyte elastase (Af-E), and placental infections and neonatal infections was comparatively investigated. In some cases, gastric juice granulocyte elastase in neonates (Gj-E) was measured, and the correlation by site was investigated. Elastase levels were not used as a management protocol. In predicting neonatal infections, diagnostic efficacy (sensitivity x specificity) of placental infections (0.97) and abnormal Af-E (0.79) were superior to those of abnormal Cx-E (0.40) and abnormal CRP (0.49). There was no correlation between Cx-E and Af-E or between Cx-E and Gj-E; however, a very close correlation was noted between Af-E and Gj-E. In predicting abnormal amniotic fluids, Cx-E (> or = 1.2 micrograms/ml) + CRP (> or = 1.0 mg/dl) had the highest diagnostic efficacy with 0.58. These findings demonstrate that Af-E is a good index for predicting the onset of neonatal infections. In predicting abnormal amniotic fluid, it might be advisable to consider amniocentesis in order to diagnose intrauterine infections, when both Cx-E and CRP show abnormal levels.

Cerebral magnetic resonance angiographic findings in severe preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to investigate the cerebral pathophysiology of severe preeclampsia using the noninvasive method of magnetic resonance angiography.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied cerebral magnetic resonance angiography findings in 9 severely preeclamptic patients.

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance angiographies were abnormal on first scanning within 48 h postpartum, followed by normal findings on repeat scanning during the 1st postpartum month in 6 patients. The most common abnormality was vascular narrowing of anterior cerebral artery and basilar artery. Three of these 6 patients complained of headaches and/or visual disturbances.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that cerebral artery vasospasm is seen in some severe preeclamptic patients.

[CT-guided stereotactic operation for cerebellar abscess by the transtentorial hiatus approach: a case report]

We reported a case of cerebellar vermian abscess, well managed by CT-guided stereotactic aspiration and drainage via the transtentorial hiatus route. A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of acute deterioration of bronchiectasis. About one month later, he complained of headache and gait unsteadiness. CT scan revealed a multilocular abscess in the cerebellar vermis. Although conservative therapy with antibiotics was applied, the symptoms deteriorated and the lesion continued to grow. Aspiration and drainage were therefore performed for the main lesion by CT-guided stereotactic surgery via the transtentorial hiatus route. This was completed without complications. The postoperative course was good and the lesion had disappeared when enhanced CT was carried out about 2 months after the operation. We consider this stereotactic transtentorial hiatus operation to be an effective treatment for patients such as the present one with a superior vermian lesion and who is at risk due to a poor respiratory condition.

KT-5720 reverses multidrug resistance in variant S49 mouse lymphoma cells transduced with the human MDR1 cDNA and in human multidrug-resistant carcinoma cells

T-25-Adh cells, cell variants derived from S49 mouse lymphoma, were transduced with a retrovirus containing the human MDR1 cDNA. The resultant cells (HU-1) are cross-resistant to colchicine, doxorubicin, vinblastine and actinomycin D, and their resistance to colchicine is reversed by verapamil. HU-1 cells were used to screen several protein kinase modulators for their ability to reverse multidrug resistance. Among the tested indole carbazole (K-252a) family of protein kinase inhibitors, only the antibiotic alkaloid KT-5720 (9-n-hexyl derivative of K-252a) could overcome the multidrug resistance of HU-1 cells and KB-V1 human carcinoma cells. Since other protein kinase A, C and G modulators did not reverse multidrug resistance in the tested multidrug-resistant cells, the chemosensitising activity of KT-5720 on these cells is apparently independent of its kinase inhibitory effects. Since KT-5720 fully reversed multidrug resistance at non-toxic concentrations, it might be a candidate for clinical chemosensitisation in combination chemotherapy.

Effect of particle size of metastable calcium phosphates on mechanical strength of a novel self-setting bioactive calcium phosphate cement

Resistance to compressive strength after setting of the calcium phosphate cement consisting of tetracalcium phosphate (TECP), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), and 40 wt/wt% of a synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) was tested. An equimolar mixture of the calcium phosphate powder containing DCPD (particle diameter [D] 0.52-3.33 microns) and TECP (D, 1.1-13.1 microns) transformed into HAP at 37 degrees C, 100% RH after being mixed with 25 mM phosphoric acid. X-ray diffraction suggested that the cement containing fine particles of DCPD and TECP completely transformed to HAP, but that mixtures containing larger particles did not. Because particle size of both DCPD and TECP affected the compressive strength of the cement, the crystal growth of HAP during cement formation depended on the specific surface area (Sw) of the raw materials. The crystallite size of transformed HAP was estimated based on X-ray diffraction peaks at 25.8 and 32.8 degrees attributable to the 002 and 300 planes. The crystalline size attributable to the 300 plane decreased with increasing Sw, but that attributable to the 002 plane showed no significant relationship. The compressive strength of the cement after hardening increased with an increase of its Sw. This suggested that the harder calcium phosphate cement was (derived) from the smaller particle size of the raw materials.

Drug release from a novel self-setting bioactive glass bone cement containing cephalexin and its physicochemical properties

A novel device containing cephalexin as a model drug using a self-setting bioactive cement based on CaO-SiO2-P2O5 glass was investigated. The device consisted of 95 wt/wt% glass powders and 5 wt/wt% cephalexin powder hardened within 5 min after mixing with a phosphate buffer. After setting, in vitro drug release from homogeneous or heterogeneous drug-loaded cement pellets in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at pH 7.25 and 37 degrees C continued for over 4 weeks. The hardened cement gradually formed low-crystallinity hydroxyapatite with high bioactivity in hard bone tissue and reduced in volume by about 5% during dissolution testing in SBF. Consequently, 30% of the loaded drug was squeezed from the cement system at the initial stage of the drug release, and the remainder released more slowly. Because the heterogeneous system consisting of the cement and drug-loaded pellet avoided the drug-squeezing effect, it showed a longer drug release term than the homogeneous drug-loaded cement. The heterogeneous system using the hardened cement after soaking in SBF at 37 degrees C for 10 days showed very slow drug release at the initial stage because it completely avoided the drug-squeezing effect, and the release was a zero-order pattern.

Effects of a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, 3,3'-dimethyl-3,4,3',4'-tetrahydro-6,8,6',8'-tetramethoxy-[10,10' -bi-2- oxanthracene]-4,9,9'-(1H,1'H)-triol 4-acetate (ES-242-1), on NMDA-induced increases of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured hippocampal neurons

The effects of a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, ES-242-1 (3,3'-dimethyl-3,4,3',4'-tetrahydro-6,8,6',8'-tetramethoxy-[10,10' - bi-2-oxanthracene]-4,9,9'-(1H,1'H)-triol 4-acetate), on NMDA-induced increases of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured hippocampal neurons were examined. ES-242-1 selectively blocked the NMDA-induced increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), but not the [Ca2+]i increase stimulated by quisqualate or kainate. The effect of ES-242-1 appeared in the slow development of a blockade of [Ca2+]i (half blocking time: 90 sec) when 100 microM NMDA was applied with 10 microM ES-242-1, whereas the initial [Ca2+]i rise was attenuated by 10 microM ES-242-1 when the latter was applied with a lower concentration of NMDA (10 microM). This is consistent with a previous observation that ES-242-1 binds to both the transmitter recognition site and the channel domain. The blockade by ES-242-1 was reversed by washing. In contrast, the blockade by MK-801 was not relieved easily by washing. These results suggest that ES-242-1 blocks the NMDA-induced [Ca2+]i increase due to a combination of two well-recognized mechanisms, which are different from that of MK-801, at the NMDA receptor.

In situ demonstration of the HTLV-I genome in the spinal cord of a patient with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy

Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization, we investigated the HTLV-I genome in the CNS of an HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patient with a 20-year disease duration. Neuropathologically, there was severe white matter degeneration throughout the spinal cord, but lymphocytic infiltrates were not evident in any lesion. PCR amplification of the pX region of HTLV-I DNA detected its sequence in the spinal cord and all extra-CNS tissue samples. In situ hybridization using probes complementary to the pX and gag regions detected the HTLV-I genome in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells in the thoracic cord. The findings indicate a direct involvement of HTLV-I in the neurodegeneration of HAM/TSP.

Spot mapping on the standard profile of restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) of sorted chromosome 20 using methylation-insensitive enzyme

We established the spot mapping system on a restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) profile using sorted chromosome as RLGS material. In this mapping system, we can mapped RLGS spots physically, regardless of their polymorphism, using methylation-insensitive enzymes in all RLGS steps. Here, we report that we identified 28 spots derived from human chromosome 20 on an RLGS profile, and that number was in good agreement with the number predicted from the length of the chromosome 20.

Ca++ mobilization mediated by endothelin ETA receptor in endothelium of rabbit aortic valve

The mechanism of Ca++ mobilization induced by endothelins (ETs) and the receptor subtype responsible for this effect were examined in the endothelium of rabbit aortic valve. In the endothelium loaded with fura-2, ET-1 (1-100 nM) induced large transient increase followed by small sustained increase in cytosolic Ca++ level ([Ca++]i) in a concentration-dependent manner. ET-3 induced only a small increase in [Ca++]i at higher concentrations (100-300 nM) than ET-1, whereas a selective ETB agonist, 100 nM IRL 1620 (succinyl-[Glu9, Ala11,15]ET-1 8-21), was ineffective. A selective ETA antagonist, 3 microM BQ-123, (cyclo [-Asp-Pro-Val-Leu-Trp-]) but not a selective ETB antagonist, 10 microM RES-701-1 [cyclic (Gly1-Asp9) (Gly-Asn-Trp-His-Gly-Thr-Ala-Pro-Asp- Trp-Phe-Phe-Asn-Tyr-Tyr-Trp)], inhibited the effects of ET-1 and ET-3. The sustained increase in [Ca++]i induced by ET-1 was abolished by 30 microM La , although 100 nM nicardipine was ineffective. In the absence of external Ca++ (with 0.5 mM EGTA), ET-1 induced only a transient increase in [Ca++]i, which was inhibited by an inhibitor of Ca+(+)-ATPase in endoplasmic reticulum, 1 microM thapsigargin. However, an inhibitor and an activator of Ca+(+)-induced Ca+(+)-release channel, 10 microM ryanodine and 10 mM caffeine, did not change [Ca++]i. These results suggest that, in the endothelium of rabbit aortic valve, only the ETA receptor mediates the effects of ETs to increase [Ca++]i, which is attributable to the release of Ca++ from thapsigargin-sensitive and ryanodine-insensitive Ca++ stores and also to the Ca++ influx through La (-)sensitive and dihydropyridine-insensitive Ca++ channels.

Augmented receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization causes supersensitivity of contractile response to serotonin in atherosclerotic arteries

We have previously reported that atherosclerotic arteries obtained from Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits exhibit a marked increase of contractile response to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) and ergonovine and that these augmented contractile responses to specific agonists may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm. In the present study, we investigated whether supersensitivity to 5-HT in atherlosclerotic arteries was due to an increase in 5-HT receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization or to an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements. We measured simultaneously both isometric tension and [Ca2+]i in fura 2-loaded aortic smooth muscle strips from control and WHHL rabbits. Muscle tension in the high K+ (72.7 mmol/L)-stimulated states and [Ca2+]i in both resting and high K(+)-stimulated states did not differ between control and WHHL rabbits. In atherosclerotic aortas from WHHL rabbits, the dose-response curves of both tension and [Ca2+]i for 5-HT were shifted to the left at lower threshold concentrations and one-half maximally effective dose. The maximum response of contraction produced by 5-HT in WHHL rabbits was augmented compared with that in control rabbits (123 +/- 17% versus 33 +/- 7% of the 72.7 mmol/L K(+)-induced contraction, P < .001). The maximum response of [Ca2+]i produced by 5-HT was also augmented in WHHL rabbits compared with control rabbits (29 +/- 4% versus 10 +/- 0.9% of the 72.7 mmol/L K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i, P < .001). In contrast, the responses of contraction and [Ca2+]i to phenylephrine were similar between control and WHHL rabbits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Essential role of myosin light chain kinase in the mechanism for MgATP-dependent priming of exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Ca(2+)-induced exocytosis in chromaffin cells now seems to consist of at least two distinct steps:MgATP-dependent Ca(2+)-dependent priming of the secretory apparatus, and Ca(2+)-dependent MgATP-independent step that triggers exocytosis (Bittner and Holz, 1992). Recently we found that a specific inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), wortmannin, inhibits Ca(2+)-induced catecholamine release from digitonin-permeabilized chromaffin cells, suggesting an implication of MLCK in the mechanisms of Ca(2+)-induced exocytosis (Imaizumi et al., 1992b). To elucidate further the implication of MLCK in the mechanism of exocytosis, we studied the effects of wortmannin and a peptide inhibitor (SM-1) corresponding to the pseudosubstrate domain of MLCK on MgATP-dependent and MgATP-independent release in digitonin-permeabilized chromaffin cells. Ca(2+)-induced exocytosis from the permeabilized cells in the presence of MgATP was inhibited by both SM-1 and wortmannin. Inhibitory effect of wortmannin on the rate of release induced by 10 microM Ca2+ in the presence of MgATP was much prominent in the later phase (1-10 min), although the initial rate was also decreased. SM-1 strongly inhibited ATP-dependent release without affecting Ca(2+)-dependent ATP-independent release at all. In addition, priming effect of MgATP that underlies Ca(2+)-dependent ATP-independent release was remarkably reduced by both wortmannin and SM-1. These results suggest that MLCK plays an essential role in ATP-dependent priming of Ca(2+)-induced exocytosis in chromaffin cells.

Transposition of Tnr1 in rice genomes to 5'-PuTAPy-3' sites, duplicating the TA sequence

Tnr1 is a repetitive sequence in rice with several features characteristic of a transposable DNA element. Its copy number was estimated to be about 3500 per haploid genome by slot-blot hybridization. We have isolated six members of Tnr1 located at different loci by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and determined their nucleotide sequences. The Tnr1 elements were similar in size and highly homologous (about 85%) to the Tnr1 sequence identified first in the Waxy gene in Oryza glaberrima. A consensus sequence of 235 bp could be derived from the nucleotide sequences of all the Tnr1 members. The consensus sequence showed that base substitutions occurred frequently in Tnr1 by transition, and that Tnr1 has terminal inverted repeat sequences of 75 bp. Almost all the chromosomal sequences that flank the Tnr1 members were 5'-PuTA-3' and 5'-TAPy-3', indicating that Tnr1 transposed to 5'-PuTAPy-3' sites, duplicating the TA sequence. PCR-amplified fragments from some rice species did not contain the Tnr1 members at corresponding loci. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of the fragments with or without a Tnr1 member confirmed preferential transposition of Tnr1 to 5'-PuTAPy-3' sites, duplicating the TA sequence. One amplified sequence suggested that imprecise excision had occurred to remove a DNA segment containing a Tnr1 member and its neighboring sequences at the Waxy locus of rice species with genome types other than AA. We also present data that may suggest that Tnr1 is a defective form of an autonomous transposable element.

Dissolution behavior of phenytoin-bile salt complexes prepared by co-grinding

The physicochemical properties of phenytoin (PHT)-bile salt complexes comprised of sodium dehydrocholate (DHCNa), sodium deoxycholate (DCNa) or sodium cholate (CNa) prepared by co-grinding were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, DSC and dissolution kinetics. All X-ray diffraction peak intensities of the co-ground PHT-bile salt [1 mol: 1 mol] mixtures were decreased by grinding for 3 h, and showed a halo pattern of a noncrystalline solid. The solubility of ground products with DCNa, DHCNa and CNa were 212, 56, 68 times higher, respectively, than those of physical mixtures.

A novel skeletal drug delivery system using self-setting calcium phosphate cement. 7. Effect of biological factors on indomethacin release from the cement loaded on bovine bone

The use of self-setting bioactive calcium phosphate cement containing indomethacin as a model drug in bovine bone was investigated by means of an in vitro drug release test, mercury porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Calcium phosphate cements containing 2 and 5% indomethacin after being mixed with dilute phosphoric acid were applied to defect sites and the medullary cavity of bovine bone and transformed into hydroxyapatite. The in vitro drug release from the cement loaded on the defect site into a simulated body fluid (SBF) containing 2.5 mM Ca2+ and 1.0 mM HPO4(2+) or 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.25 and 37 degrees C continued for more than 3 weeks. The release profiles of the drug-loaded cements in phosphate buffer were linear using the Higuchi plot; however, that was not the case for SBF. The drug release in SBF was much lower than that in phosphate buffer. The total pore volume of the cement after the drug release test in SBF was lower than its initial value. However, the pore size of 0.1-0.01 microns after drug release in phosphate buffer was higher than that seen in SBF. The micropore distribution results suggested that hydroxyapatite crystallized from SBF and the pore volume in the cement decreased after drug release. However, in phosphate buffer it appeared to dissolve. The SEM observations for cements loaded on the bone after drug release in phosphate buffer suggested that there was a boundary layer between the cement and natural bone, but this was not the case in SBF, where the cement bonded with the natural bone. The drug release rates from the cement-loaded bone were significantly higher than those from cement loaded on the dissolution holder. The results suggested that cement formation and drug release were affected by the presence of protein from natural bone. The drug release rates from the cement loaded on the defective bone were slower than those from the medullary cavity.

A novel skeletal drug delivery system using a self-setting calcium phosphate cement. 5. Drug release behavior from a heterogeneous drug-loaded cement containing an anticancer drug

A novel drug delivery device based on a self-setting bioactive calcium phosphate cement formed from tetracalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate has been developed and tested in vitro using the anticancer agent 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) as a model compound. X-ray diffraction results suggest that equimolar mixtures of the calcium phosphate salts were transformed into hydroxyapatite after being mixed with a dilute phosphoric acid solution, even in the presence of various amounts of 6-MP powder. The inclusion of 6-MP in the reaction mixture resulted in the formation of a homogeneous drug-containing cement. Alternatively, the drug was loaded after cement formation to produce a heterogeneous drug-containing pellet. In vitro drug release from both the homogeneous and heterogeneous drug-loaded cement pellets into simulated body fluid (pH 7.25, 37.0 degrees C) was measured using the rotating-disk method. Release from the homogeneous 5% drug-loaded cements did not obey the Higuchi equation. The release rate from the heterogeneous drug-loaded cements of different thicknesses (1, 2, and 3 mm) was a function of thickness, indicating that release kinetics could be controlled by the design of the cement formulation.

PS-990, a novel neuritogenic compound from Acremonium sp

A novel compound, PS-990, which induces differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, was isolated from the culture broth of a fungus, Acremonium sp. KY12702. PS-990 inhibited brain calcium calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase with an IC50 value of 3 micrograms/ml, and markedly induced neurite extension of mouse neuroblastoma, Neuro2A, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 micrograms ml.

Characterization of mouse non-receptor tyrosine kinase gene, HYL

We previously reported a novel human non-receptor tyrosine kinase gene, HYL (hematopoietic consensus tyrosine-lacking kinase) (Sakano et al., 1994), which consists of each of the SH2 (src homology 2), SH3 and tyrosine kinase catalytic domains. HYL has unique structural features shared with CSK (C-terminal Src kinase). Recently it has also been reported that matk (Bennett et al., 1994) and Ctk (Klages et al., 1994) are isolated as novel kinases with structural similarity to CSK. Comparisons of cDNA sequence indicate the HYL, matk and Ctk are the same gene. We further characterized the mouse HYL genomic structure and HYL mRNA expression in mouse brain. The mouse HYL gene is distributed over 5.8 kb and is composed of 12 exons. The exon-intron organization is almost identical with that of human CSK. The mouse HYL gene was assigned to the R-positive C1 band of chromosome 10 by fluorescent in situ hybridization. RNA in situ hybridization demonstrated the broad distribution of HYL mRNA expression in various neuronal cells. Especially, strong signals were detected in Purkinje cells, pyramidal cells in the hippocampus, granule cells in the dentate gyrus, and mitral cells in the olfactory bulb, indicating that mRNA expression of HYL in brain is very similar to that of SRC-family kinases. These findings establish close relationship between the HYL and CSK genes and also suggest that HYL may play an important role in signal transduction through SRC-family kinases in the central nervous system.