bcl-2 gene enables rescue from in vitro myelosuppression (bone marrow cell death) induced by chemotherapy

Recent studies have shown that the use of cytokines such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to ameliorate chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression may enhance the viability of tumour cells with functional receptors for these cytokines. In this study, therefore, we used murine bone marrow (BM) cells in an in vitro model in an attempt to determine whether topoisomerase inhibitors (camptothecin, etoposide and doxorubicin) induce myelosuppression (BM cell death) and whether novel treatments other than the administration of G-CSF can be used for rescue from myelosuppression. DNA fragmentation assay, ultrastructural analysis and cell cycle analysis demonstrated that these chemotherapeutic agents induced apoptosis in BM cells. We demonstrated in addition that enforced expression of the bcl-2 gene in BM cells by MPZenNeo (bcl-2) retroviral gene transfer increased resistance to the apoptosis induced by these agents. These findings suggest the possibility that enforced expression of the bcl-2 gene in BM cells using gene transfer techniques may enable rescue from chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression.

Analysis of acute myeloid leukemia cells by flow cytometry, introducing a new light-scattering classification

A combined flow-cytometric evaluation of light scattering and the immunophenotype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells from 71 newly diagnosed consecutive patients was conducted. Light-scattering characteristic of AML cells examined by flow cytometry and multiple surface markers were also analyzed using the same samples, to enable a comparison with the French-American-British (FAB) classification. Our AML cases could be classified into three light-scattering classification (LSC) types according to their physical properties on flow cytometry. These were type A, where forward light scattering (FSC) of the leukemic cell population was larger than that of lymphocytes, while side light scattering (SSC) was the same or larger than that of lymphocytes but smaller than that of monocytes; type B, where FSC of the leukemic cell population was larger than that of lymphocytes and SSC spread toward that of monocytes; and type C, where both FSC and SSC of the leukemic cell population spread beyond those of monocytes. Although a clear relationship between the FAB classification and LSC classification by the light-scattering profile of AML was not established, we observed the following findings. The majority of cases were classified as type A (58%), while type B comprised 25% and type C comprised 17%. While CD7 expression on AML cells is considered to be an immature characteristic, CD7 was expressed more frequently among LSC type A cases. Furthermore, all but one of the FAB M1 cases were classified as type A. On the other hand, CD7 was not expressed on type C leukemic cells. The percentage of cases in which more than 60% of leukemic cells possessed another immature surface antigen, CD 34ö, was 13/18 (72%) among FAB M1 cases, much higher than among FAB M2 (35%) or FAB M4 (27%) cases. A negative correlation was observed between mature antigen CD33 and CD34 among the FAB M2 cases. The frequency of CD7 expression was 25% among the total cases, and CD7-positive cases were frequent among FAB M1 and M2, but not among FAB M3 cases. These findings concerning LSC and immunophenotyping indicate that the scattergram pattern analysis may contribute towards more precise immunophenotyping, in that it reflects the maturation stage of each AML case.

Lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 is required for maximum elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are known to play an important role in cell-mediated immunity and inflammation. To investigate the importance of one of the CAMs, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a specific anti-LFA-1 monoclonal antibody was injected into the ears of mice after sensitization but prior to challenge with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). BALB/c mice were sensitized on the dorsal skin with DNFB, and challenged on the ears 6 days later. The effect of the antibody on the elicitation phase of contact sensitization was determined by its intradermal injection into the pinnae of the mice at doses of 1-40 micrograms. At 24 and 48 h after challenge, ear swelling was dose-dependently suppressed by injection of LFA-1 antibody at doses of 2-40 micrograms, which are less than 10% of the systemic dose required for effective suppression of delayed-type hypersensitivity in previous studies. Maximal inhibition of ear swelling (44%) was observed after injection of 20 micrograms of anti-LFA-1 antibody. Inhibition of ear swelling was accompanied by a reduction in dermal oedema and leucocyte infiltration into the dermis. Our results suggest that LFA-1 plays a significant role in the elicitation of ACD reactions, and also that our test system is a sensitive and useful means of evaluating the blocking effect of antibody to adhesion molecules thought to be involved in the elicitation phase of ACD.

Study on pulmonary delivery of salmon calcitonin in rats: effects of protease inhibitors and absorption enhancers

Effects of protease inhibitors and absorption enhancers on the absorption of salmon calcitonin (sCT) were evaluated after intratracheal coadministration to rats using the plasma Ca level as an index. Remarkable absorption enhancement could be attained with unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (absorption enhancers) and with chymostatin, bacitracin, potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor and phosphoramidon (protease inhibitors). sCT degrading enzymes had four times higher activity per total protein in membrane fraction of lung homogenates than the activity in cytosol fraction. These enzymes are thought to be serine proteases and metalloenzymes from the in vitro action profile of protease inhibitors. A good correlation between the in vitro activity of protease inhibitors and the in vivo enhancing effect on sCT activity suggested that membrane enzymes are responsible for the inactivation of sCT. Metabolic degradation and low permeability of sCT may be possible barriers to the absorption of sCT.

Calcium regulating activity of 26,27-dimethyl analog of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

To determine the possibility that methyl substitution in 26- and 27-positions of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] alters activities of the original compound, the effects of 24,25(OH)2D3 on calcium (Ca) regulating activity were compared with those of its methyl analog [24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3] in addition to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. 24,25(OH)2D3 at 10(-6) M and 24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3 at 10(-7) M and above significantly stimulated both bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvaria cultures and formation of osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (MNC) in mouse bone marrow cultures. A stimulative effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on bone resorption and MNC formation was recognized in very low concentrations (10(-11) M and above). Although a potency of 24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3 in stimulating bone calcium (Ca) mobilization and intestinal Ca transport was higher than that of 24,25(OH)2D3, the potencies of both compounds were similar to that of 1,25(OH)2D3 unlike in vitro experiments. As 1,24R,25-trihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3 showed almost the same effect as 24,25(OH)2(CH3)2D3, the dihydroxy form is suggested to be hydroxylated at 1 alpha position and converted to trihydroxy form in vitamin D-deficient rats. From these results, methyl substitution in 26- and 27-position of 24,25(OH)2D3 was found to elevate Ca regulating activity of the original compound. In addition, it is suggested that the basis for a similarity in potency between 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 or its dimethyl analog in vitamin D-deficient rats is likely the result of 1 alpha-hydroxylation.

[A case report of light and heavy chain deposition disease (IgG2 lambda)]

A 73-year-old male was admitted to the renal division of our hospital because of hypertension, proteinuria and bilateral pretibial edema. Eight years previously, he was diagnosed as being afflicted with interstitial pneumonia on the basis of a chest X-ray examination. Laboratory tests conducted during the current admission showed normocytic normochromic anemia, renal dysfunction and mild proteinuria. Total IgG was normal, but a high proportion of IgG2 was observed. M-protein in the serum was positive for both IgG lambda and Bence Jones protein (lambda type). A bone marrow biopsy showed the proportion of plasma cells to be 10.6%, but atypical cells were not found. We diagnosed the patient's condition as plasma cell dyscrasia. Light microscopy examination of a renal biopsy specimen showed moderate mesangial proliferation with a deposition of PAS-positive and Congo red negative materials in the mesangial area: nodular gomerulonephritis was seen in some glomeruli. Immunofluorescence revealed IgG and lambda light chains, strong linear staining along the glomerular basement membrane and tubular basement membrane and positivity in the mesangial area. Results of staining for IgA, IgM, fibrinogen and C3 were weakly positive in the mesangium area, while those for C4, Clq and free kappa were negative. Positive staining of IgG2 was seen by immunoperoxidase study, but the tissue was negative for IgG1, IgG3, IgG4. Electron microscopy demonstrated a dense granular deposition in the mesangial, subendothelial and peritubular area and a microfibrillar structure in the mesangial area. The diameter of the microfibrillar structure was 14 nm on the average.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Developmental competence of bovine oocytes frozen at different cooling rates

Experiments were conducted to determine the optimal cooling conditions for improving the developmental competence of in vitro-matured bovine oocytes when frozen in 1.6 M 1,2-propanediol. Bovine oocytes were cooled from 0 degree to -5.5 degrees C at 1 degree C/min, seeded, and then cooled to -30 degrees C at different cooling rates (0.3 degree, 0.6 degree or 0.9 degree C/min) and then plunged into LN2. When frozen-thawed oocytes were fertilized in vitro, the proportions of fertilization and developmental competence did not differ among the three groups frozen at different cooling rates. The findings indicated that a cooling rate of less than 1.0 degree C/min in the freezing procedure did not affect the developmental competence of postthaw in vitro-matured bovine oocytes.

A patient with primary hypoparathyroidism developing hypercalcemia associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

A 38-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with symptoms and signs of hypocalcemia in 1977 and a diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism was made with a positive Ellsworth Howard test. She was then lost to follow up until 1992 when she returned this time with symptoms and signs of hypercalcemia. An inguinal lymph node was biopsied showing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse pleomorphic type and monoclonal integration of proviral human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 DNA was detected in lymph node cells indicating ATLL. Serum parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) was slightly elevated and the tumor cells were positively stained with anti-PTHrP serum. Combination chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and prednisolone was given to the patient with disappearance of the lymphadenopathy and subsequent normalization of PTHrP levels. Interestingly, the signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia reappeared after the treatment requiring replacement therapy with calcium and vitamin D.

bcl-2 gene prevents apoptosis of basic fibroblast growth factor-deprived murine aortic endothelial cells

Growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been found to promote the survival and proliferation of endothelial cells. However, the mechanism by which growth factors control the regeneration and degeneration of the endothelial cells remained poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that apoptosis of murine aortic endothelial (MAE) cells was induced by deprivation of bFGF but required new RNA and protein synthesis. Furthermore, enforced expression of bcl-2 gene in MAE cells using gene transfer techniques decreased apoptosis induced by deprivation of bFGF. These findings suggest that bcl-2 interferes with a pathway for endothelial cell death that is induced by deprivation of bFGF.

An immunohistochemical study of sebaceous carcinoma with anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies: comparison with other skin cancers

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of six cases of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma were studied immunohistochemically with eight anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies, 34 beta B4, 35 beta H11, Ks13.1, Ks19.1, PKK1, LP34, KL1 and AE1. The staining patterns of sebaceous carcinoma were compared with those of normal sebaceous glands and other skin cancers which should be distinguished from sebaceous carcinoma histopathologically. The other skin cancers compared were eccrine porocarcinoma, malignant clear cell hidradenoma, extramammary Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma, malignant trichilemmoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Most cases of sebaceous carcinoma were stained with 35 beta H11, Ks19.1, LP34, KL1 and AE1, while normal sebaceous glands were positive only with 35 beta H11, LP34, KL1 and AE1. By immunostaining, sebaceous carcinoma was distinguishable from extramammary Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant trichilemmoma, and eccrine porocarcinoma, but was not clearly distinguishable from malignant clear cell hidradenoma. These findings demonstrate that sebaceous carcinoma shows positive reactions with antibodies to simple epithelial keratin, probably as a result of neoplastic transformation, and that immunohistochemical examination using anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies is useful in distinguishing sebaceous carcinoma from several other skin cancers.

Acute changes in liver gene expression in the N-nitrosodiethylamine-treated rat

We constructed a complementary DNA (cDNA) library from mRNAs of rat liver induced by an initiating dose of a chemical carcinogen, N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN). Using a differential hybridization with cDNA probes prepared from mRNAs of control and DEN-treated rat liver, eight cDNAs of which expression was altered by an acute single dose of DEN were cloned. Colony hybridization and nucleotide sequencing demonstrated six independent cDNA clones. These were known genes encoding liver-specific proteins such as microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH; epoxide hydrolase, EC 3.3.2.3), albumin, transthyretin, CYP2B7, CYP1A2 (microsomal cytochrome P450, EC 1.14.14.1) and argininosuccinate synthetase (EC 6.3.4.5). Quantitative Northern blot hybridization was carried out to measure the mRNA content of DEN-initiated rat liver at various times after DEN injection. We also analyzed the expression of glutathione transferase P (GST-P; glutathione transferase, EC 2.5.1.18), c-jun and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; glyceraldehyde-phosphate dehydrogenase, EC 1.2.1.12). A single injection of DEN increased the mRNA levels of mEH, beta-actin and c-jun markedly and those of GST-P and GAPDH moderately, but decreased the mRNA levels of CYP2B7, CYP1A2, albumin and argininosuccinate synthetase. Transthyretin mRNA content was not changed, indicating that it was a false-positive clone picked up by chance. These dramatic changes in liver gene expression after acute exposure to DEN are discussed in terms of acute reactions to the massive damage to the DNA and self-defense mechanisms against toxic xenobiotics.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome without hemolytic anemia: a case report

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. Most cases of HUS are caused by E. coli O157:H7 verotoxin. In the case reported here, diarrhea continued for twenty days after an E. coli 0157:H7 infection and was followed by acute renal failure and thrombocytopenia. Examination of percutaneous renal biopsy tissue showed typical HUS findings, e.g., mesangiolysis in glomeruli and thickening of capillary walls with prominent double outlines, but there was no indication of hemolytic anemia. LDH and haptoglobin, indications of hemolytic anemia, were in the normal range throughout the patient's clinical course. The patient's red blood cells had P1 antigen, which reportedly provides protection by adsorption of toxin into the red blood cells thereby preventing or limiting toxic damage to other organs. Therefore, we assumed that because of the expression of P1 antigen in this patient, the kidneys were not severely damaged and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia was thereby avoided.

Allogeneic skin grafting for extensive skin chronic graft-versus-host disease

A 35-year-old female with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from her genotypically-matched brother in 1990. The extensive chronic graft-versus-host skin disease supervened with skin ulcers on both lower legs in 1992. Conservative therapy was unsuccessful for these lesions. Therefore, not only autologous skin grafting but also allogeneic skin grafting from the marrow donor was successfully performed. She has been maintaining her daily activities (Karnofsky performance status 90%) with little limitation for 17 months after the final skin grafting.

Pharmacokinetics of a new human monoclonal antibody against cytomegalovirus. First communication: plasma concentration, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the new monoclonal antibody, regavirumab after intravenous administration in rats and rabbits

TI-23 consists of lyophilized regavirumab (monoclonal antibody C23, MCA C23), a new human monoclonal antibody against cytomegalovirus (CMV), human serum albumin (HSA) and amino acetic acid. The pharmacokinetics of MCA C23 was investigated in rats and rabbits. Plasma concentrations of radioactivity were shown to increase dose-dependently after 2, 10 or 50 mg/kg of 125I-labeled TI-23 was administered intravenously to rats. Their elimination of half-lives from plasma were 11-13 days. The radioactivity in plasma corresponded with the idiotype activity (antigenicity against idiotype antibody) of the monoclonal antibody. No significant difference was detected in plasma concentration and half-lives between male and female rats. Quantitative and qualitative distribution studies demonstrated that high radioactivity was distributed predominantly to the blood and blood-rich organs. The idiotype activity which remained in those tissues was attributable to the blood in the tissues. The radioactivity was mainly excreted in the urine as free iodine, and about 40% of the dose remained in the body. After the rabbits received 2 mg/kg of 125I-TI-23, the initial radioactivity in plasma was higher than in rats, and a larger distribution volume and shorter elimination half-lives of radioactivity in plasma were observed.

Pharmacokinetics of a new human monoclonal antibody against cytomegalovirus. Third communication: correspondence of the idiotype activity and virus neutralization activity of the new monoclonal antibody, regavirumab in rat serum and its pharmacokinetics in rats and monkeys

TI-23 consists of lyophilized regavirumab (monoclonal antibody C23, MCA C23), a new human monoclonal antibody against cytomegalovirus (CMV), human serum albumin (HSA) and amino acetic acid. The pharmacokinetics of MCA C23 was studied in rats and monkeys, and virus neutralization activity was investigated after intravenous administration of TI-23 in rats. MCA C23 idiotype activity (antigenicity against idiotype antibody) was not affected by heat treatment. The rat serum obtained after injection of TI-23 showed a potent inhibition activity of plaque formation. A good correlation (r = 0.873) was observed between idiotype activity and the inhibition activity of plaque formation in the diluted serum samples. After single or repeated injection of TI-23 to cynomolgus monkeys, the MCA C23 concentration in plasma was determined by an immunological method. 1 h after single injection, 60.8 +/- 5.1 micrograms/ml of MCA C23 was detected in plasma, then the plasma level decreased with an elimination half-life of 20.5 +/- 6.2 days and the AUC value was 18.3 +/- 3.4 mg.h/ml. In the repeated administration experiment (2 mg/kg/week, 5 times), the MCA C23 plasma concentration reached a steady state (74.4 +/- 11.8 micrograms/ml) at 24 h after the fourth injection. The elimination half-life after the final injection was similar to that after the single injection.

Interferon-gamma induces a decrease in the susceptibility of human glioma cells to lysis by lymphokine-activated killer cells

We studied the effect that treating two types of glioblastoma cell lines, U-87 MG and U-251 MG, with interferon (IFN)-gamma had on their susceptibility to lysis by lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. We also examined the participation of cell-adhesion molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigens present on the target cells in lysis by LAK cells. Treatment with IFN-gamma (1000 U/ml) for 48 hours resulted in the increased expression of both intercellular-adhesion molecule 1 and MHC class I antigens on tumor cells. In addition, untreated tumor cells expressed neural-cell-adhesion molecules and MHC class II antigens highly, but their expression was not affected by IFN-gamma treatment. These changes in expression were accompanied by a decreased susceptibility to lysis by LAK cells. Treatment with antisense-intercellular-adhesion molecule-1 oligonucleotide further inhibited LAK lysis of target cells, following treatment with IFN-gamma. In contrast, acid treatment of tumor cells after treatment with IFN-gamma increased their susceptibility to lysis by LAK cells. These findings suggest that treatment of glioblastoma cells with IFN-gamma decreased their susceptibility to lysis by LAK cells, and that this decrease in susceptibility is attributable principally to the increased expression of MHC class I antigen on target cells.

Effect of cyclosporin on hair-existing area of nude mice

We investigated the effect of cyclosporin, as well as minoxidil, testosterone, estradiol and corticosteroid on the hair growth on the hairy part of nude mice. Aliquots of solutions of cyclosporin and other agents were applied once per every day topically on the tails and the lower backs of 5 week-old BALB/c nude mice, for as long as 6 weeks. Cyclosporin prolonged the hair-existing phase of the hair cycle, but did not change the term of the hair cycle, i.e., the resting phase was not affected. Minoxidil, testosterone and estradiol did not influence the hair growth cycle. Combination of cyclosporin and other agents demonstrated that there was neither additive nor synergistic effect, but a high dose of corticosteroid inhibit the cyclosporin effect, as well as suppressing completely the reappearance of the growing phase.

Pharmacokinetics of a new human monoclonal antibody against cytomegalovirus. Second communication: distribution and elimination of the new monoclonal antibody, regavirumab after repeated administration in rats, and placental transfer and milk-passage study after single administration to pregnant and lactating rats

TI-23 consists of lyophilized regavirumab (monoclonal antibody C23, MCA C23), a new human monoclonal antibody against cytomegalovirus (CMV), human serum albumin (HSA) and amino acetic acid. The tissue distribution or pharmacokinetics of MCA C23 was investigated after repeated administration in male rats and single administration in pregnant and lactating rats. Radioactivity and MCA C23 idiotype activity (antigenicity against idiotype antibody) in plasma increased with weekly injections during repeated administration of 125I-labeled TI-23 (2 mg/kg/week). After the fourth injection, the plasma radioactivity concentration reached a steady state and the elimination half-life was determined to be 11.2 days. No significant difference was observed between the radioactivity and the idiotype activity in plasma, indicating that MCA C23 was stable in vivo. The plasma concentration curve after repeated administration corresponded with that simulated by the pharmacokinetic parameters obtained previously and the minimum steady state concentration (Css-min) at 168 h after repeated administration was about 33 micrograms eq. of MCA C23/ml. Trans-placental tissue distribution of radioactivity was investigated after single administration of 125I-TI-23 to 19-day pregnant rats. About 12% of the dose was transferred to the fetus and the idiotype activity remained in fetal tissues at 24 h after injection. In lactating rats, some radioactivity was secreted into the milk and the ratio of milk to plasma radioactivity reached 0.28 after a single administration of 125I-TI-23. Some MCA C23 idiotype activity was observed in the milk.

Synthesis of 2''-amino-2''-deoxyarbekacin and its analogs having potent activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Based on our studies on the enzymatic modifications of arbekacin by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), replacement of the 2''-hydroxyl group by an amino group in arbekacin was designed to synthesize derivatives that would be active against MRSA. 2''-Amino-2''-deoxyarbekacin and five analogs were synthesized starting from dibekacin. Among them, 2''-amino-2''-deoxyarbekacin and the 5-epiamino analog showed excellent antibacterial activities against not only MRSA but also Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas, and lower toxicities than arbekacin.

Progressive bronchial obstruction during the acute stage of respiratory tract infection in asthmatic children

To study the time-course of infectious asthma, we retrospectively examined FEV1 from 5 days before to 10 days after the onset of illness in 31 asthmatic children (20 boys and 11 girls), aged 8 to 12 years. Infections were confirmed by a rise of at least fourfold in serum compliment fixation titers (respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae) and hemoagglutination inhibition titers (parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3). All the patients had 20 percent or more fall in FEV1 from baseline value during acute phase, but were clinically tolerable and required minimum or no bronchodilators. Regardless of infectious agent, FEV1 began to fall on the first disease day or the previous day, and deteriorate for the first few days. Mean(SD) maximum fall in FEV1 ranged from 39(12) percent to 45(20) percent. Thereafter, FEV1 began to improve and returned to the preillness level by the seventh to tenth day. These results suggest that progressive bronchial obstruction may be inevitable during the acute stage of any infectious asthma.

Kupffer cells cytotoxicity against hepatoma cells is related to nitric oxide

We have previously demonstrated that rat resting macrophages have cytotoxicity against tumor cells. In the current study we have performed an in vitro experiment to explore the mechanism of Kupffer cells-mediated cytotoxicity against hepatomas. The coculture of tumor cells with Kupffer cells (derived from rat livers) stimulated syngeneic and allogeneic Kupffer cells to produce nitric oxide. Kupffer cell-mediated cytotoxicity was paralleled to the amount of nitric oxide and was abolished by the addition of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. The ability to stimulate Kupffer cells to produce nitric oxide resided on the membranous fragment of tumor cells.