[A case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate]

We experienced a case of mucin producing prostate carcinoma, which occurred 46-year-old male patient. Serum tumor markers of prostate carcinoma were all in normal levels, and physical findings were similar to those of benign prostate hypertrophy. Histopathological study showed poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma occupying more than 30% of specimen. In literatures there seemed two types of mucin producing prostate carcinoma, the one is different from usual prostate carcinoma as our case and the other is a subtype of usual one, and so it was suggested that we must respect to this point on diagnosis and therapy of it.

Mechanisms of HSP65 expression induced by gamma delta T cells in murine Toxoplasma gondii infection

We have previously reported that the expression of an endogenous 65-kD heat shock protein (HSP65) in macrophages is closely correlated with the protection against infection by Toxoplasma gondii in mice, and gamma delta T cells play a critical role in the expression of this protein. In this study, we investigated how gamma delta T cells contribute to the protection and HSP65 expression. After intraperitoneal infection with bradyzoites of the Beverley strain of T. gondii, mRNA encoding IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha was detected in the peritoneal gamma delta T cells by RT-PCR technique, and macrophages that produced nitric oxide (NO) and expressed HSP65 were also detected. Depletion of gamma delta T cells resulted in suppression of NO production by macrophages, and it also inhibited HSP65 expression. HSP65 expression, however, does not appear to be induced by stimulation with NO, since treatment with NG-monomethylarginine, an inhibitor of NO synthesis, did not attenuate the expression of HSP65. This expression was completely suppressed when mice were simultaneously treated with anti-IFN-gamma and anti-TNF-alpha although either antibody alone was less effective. The synergistic effect of these cytokines was also demonstrated by an in vitro experiment, in which peritoneal macrophages were cultured with recombinant IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. These results indicate that gamma delta T cells, which protect against infection with T. gondii induce the expression of HSP65 by secreting IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and the production of NO, and that the expression of HSP65 is independent of inflammatory chemical compounds like NO and H2O2.

Actions of imidazolines on bovine ciliary artery

A segment of bovine ciliary artery exhibits nonlinear biphasic contractile responses to agonists. The maximal responses of oxymetazoline (OMZ) and norepinephrine (NE) were 55% and 45%, respectively (KCl = 100%). The relative potency comparison based on the ED50 of the first component of the dose-response curve was OMZ; 1 > NE; 1/7 > phenylephrine; 1/72. At equipotent doses of NE and OMZ, the t1/2 duration of response of the latter agonist was 43 times greater than that of the former and, after 3 hrs, responses were 95% reproducible. Naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline and para-aminoclonidine did not produce significant contraction of the blood vessel but did antagonize the action of the agonists. As compared to that of NE, naphazoline was selective in blocking responses of OMZ. Phentolamine blocking action of NE was greater than that of OMZ. Nifedipine, 100 nM, reduced the second component of OMZ response. Although the vascular action of NE was blocked by prazosin, the contractile action of OMZ was totally resistant to block by 1 microM of prazosin. These results indicate that ciliary artery contains a subtype of alpha-adrenoceptors (alpha 11) with low sensitivity to prazosin. The tissue also contains a unique OMZ sensitive site or imidazoline receptors which exhibit low affinity to alpha-adrenoceptor blockers.

Effects of guizhi-fuling-wan on male infertility with varicocele

Thirty-seven infertile patients with varicocele were treated with Guizhi-Fuling-Wan (7.5 g/day) for at least 3 months. Before and after the administration, semen qualities such as sperm concentration and motility were examined, and the varicocele was graded. A varicocele disappearance rate of 80% was obtained with 40 out of 50 varicocele, and improvement of sperm concentration and motility were found in 71.4% and 62.1% of patients, respectively. From these results, Guizhi-Fuling-Wan is considered to be effective for circulation disorders in varicocele as well as semen quality.

Immunoelectron microscopy of corticotropes and melanotropes in the pituitary gland of the European ferret, Mustela putorius furo

The superimposition technique and protein A-gold method of immunoelectron microscopy were employed to study the ultrastructure of corticotropes as well as melanotropes in the ferret pituitary gland. This is the first study ever elucidating the ultrastructural heterogeneity of melanotropes in mammalian pars intermedia on an immunocytochemical basis. Morphological heterogeneity of pars distalis corticotropes has also been elucidated. It is suggested that the different subtypes may represent stages of development (histogenesis), or functional phases of a single cell type. In addition, the occurrence and distribution of both corticotropes and melanotropes in different hypophyseal components have been studied by light-microscopic immunocytochemistry.

Cytogenetic effects of advanced maternal age and delayed fertilization on first-cleavage mouse embryos

It has been shown that both advanced maternal age and delayed fertilization may induce chromosomal anomalies. We therefore examined the combined effects of these two factors on chromosomal anomalies in first-cleavage mouse embryos. We set up normal and (6-h) delayed subgroups in two different age groups (young, 3-4 mo; aged, 9-11 mo) and compared the incidence of chromosomal anomalies. In first-cleavage embryos, egg-derived chromosomes can be distinguished from sperm-derived chromosomes. The incidence of maternally derived aneuploidy was highest in the aged-delayed fertilization subgroup. We therefore conclude that advanced maternal age affects the production of aneuploidy more severely when combined with the effect of delayed fertilization.

[Corneal thickness mapping with an ultrasound biomicroscope]

We developed a corneal thickness mapping system with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Perpendicular section ultrasonic echo images of cornea within a radius of 2.5 mm from the center of the cornea in normal eyes were digitized and analyzed with a computer. Pachymetric maps were then represented by a color scale. Individual corneal thickness mapping will be necessary in refractive surgery and helpful in understanding pathologic states.

Characterization of extracellular matrix-degrading proteinase and its inhibitor in gynecologic cancer tissues with clinically different metastatic form

BACKGROUND

The authors conducted a comparison study of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) activities in clinically different metastatic types of ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer tissues.

METHODS

Gelatinase activity in culture medium obtained from each cancer tissue was detected by zymography and was quantitated by densitometer. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 activity was measured in culture medium by the human TIMP-1 enzyme immunoassay kit.

RESULTS

Six dominant gelatinases were detected in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers: 200-kDa; 130-kDa; 92-kDa (MMP-9); 83-kDa, which is an active form of 92-kDa gelatinase; 72-kDa (MMP-2); and 66-kDa gelatinase, which is an active form of 72-kDa gelatinase. The 92-kDa and 72-kDa gelatinolytic bands were present in all samples. The expression rates of 200-, 130-, and 83-kDa gelatinase in endometrial cancer and cervical cancer tissues were higher than that observed in ovarian cancer tissue. Densitometric analysis showed that the 92-kDa/72-kDa ratio was significantly higher in cervical cancer tissue than in ovarian and endometrial cancer tissues (P < 0.05), and the 66-kDa/72-kDa ratio was significantly higher in endometrial cancer tissue than in ovarian cancer tissue (P < 0.01). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 activity was significantly lower in cervical cancer tissue than in ovarian and endometrial cancer tissues (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results reflect the difference of metastatic forms and are indicative of the possibility of the strong relationship to MMP activity in the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, compared with those of ovarian cancer.

Organic solvent-tolerant bacterium which secretes an organic solvent-stable proteolytic enzyme

A bacterial strain which can be grown in a medium containing organic solvents and can secrete a proteolytic enzyme was isolated and identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strain was derived by the following two-step procedures: high proteolytic enzyme producers were first isolated by the usual method, and then the organic solvent-tolerant microorganism was selected from these high-rate proteolytic enzyme producers. The proteolytic activity of the supernatant of the culture was stable in the presence of various organic solvents. The stability of the enzyme in the presence of organic solvents, of which the values of the logarithm of the partition coefficient (log P) were equal to or more than 3.2, was almost the same as that in the absence of organic solvents. It is expected that both the solvent-tolerant microorganism and the solvent-stable enzyme produced by this strain can be used as catalysts for reactions in the presence of organic solvents.

Prognostic evaluation of lymphadenectomy for epithelial ovarian cancer

Between 1989 and 1991, 150 patients with ovarian cancer were treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin, in the Tokai Ovarian Tumor Study Group. Of these patients, 25 underwent cytoreductive surgery with lymphadenectomy, including removal of either pelvic or para-aortic lymph nodes, and 36 underwent both lymphadenectomies. A significant difference was observed between survival curves of the groups with positive and negative lymph nodes, respectively (P = 0.0049). The overall survival was longer in the lymphadenectomy group than in the nonlymphadenectomy group (P = 0.0842), and a significantly longer survival time was noted for stage III patients who underwent lymphadenectomy compared with those who did not (P = 0.0185). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymphadenectomy is a positive prognostic factor. The authors conclude that both pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes should be resected to improve survival as well as to assess exact staging in patients with ovarian cancer.

The fine structure of dexamethasone-induced growth hormone cells in the anterior pituitary gland of the rat fetus

The effect of synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), on the fine structure of the fetal growth hormone (GH) cell was examined in rats on Days 17-19 of gestation by the protein A-gold method of immuno-electron microscopy. GH cells appeared on Day 19 in the control fetuses. The DEX-induced GH cells of Day 17 fetuses displayed more immature features than those of Day 18, which closely resembled GH cells found in the control fetus on Day 19. Cytological changes which indicate increased secretory activity such as the development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or enlargement of the Golgi complex, and an accumulation of secretory granules were evident only in the DEX-treated fetuses on Day 19. It is concluded that DEX not only accelerates the development of GH cells, as observed on Day 17 or 18, but also brings them to a functionally stimulated state by Day 19.

Pulmonary hypertension in rats. 1. Role of bromodeoxyuridine-positive mononuclear cells and alveolar macrophages

The role of activated cells determined by staining with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and the role of alveolar macrophages as a source of cytokines were investigated in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rats. BrdU was mainly incorporated by mononuclear cells; their number increased strikingly prior to the development of PH. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor were produced during the development of PH. The amount of IL-6 showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) with the number of BrdU-positive cells, which, in turn, correlated with the extent of PH. These results indicate that BrdU-positive cells and cytokines produced by alveolar macrophages may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MCT-induced PH in rats.

CD4+ intestinal mucosal lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease

To analyze the nature of intestinal mucosal lymphocytes in Crohn's disease, we established T cell lines of patients' intraepithelial lymphocytes. T cell lines from the affected terminal ileum of the patients showed an increased proportion of CD4+V beta 5.2/5.3+ T cells. These cells were increased in number after stimulation with staphylococcal enterotoxins C1 and D, showed an increase in cytolytic activity, and produced a large amount of interferon-gamma. To clarify the role of CD4+ mucosal lymphocytes in the intestinal inflammation, we then developed a novel colitis model by immunizing a rat with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNB) emulsion with adjuvant. Deep ulceration and granuloma formation in this colitis model resembled the histopathological findings of human Crohn's disease. Immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the number of CD45RC(high)CD4+ mucosal lymphocytes was increased. Interestingly, the administration of anti-CD4 Abs prevented severe inflammation in the model. After treatment with anti-CD4 Abs, the anti-TNB Ab titer, the number of CD45RC(high)CD4+ cells, and interferon-gamma mRNA expression were significantly decreased in the mucosa of the model. These results suggest that some subsets of CD4+ mucosal lymphocytes play an important role in the triggering and progression of inflammation in Crohn's disease.

Pulmonary hypertension in rats. 2. Role of interleukin-6

We administered human interleukin (IL)-6 to rats to examine whether it is implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The rats injected with IL-6 developed PH as determined by the weight ratio of the right ventricle to the left ventricle+septum. This ratio decreased with the appearance of IgG anti-human IL-6 antibody. Histologically we observed in the lungs, luminal occlusion of small muscular arteries, capillaries filled with fibrin thrombi, and localized hemorrhage. IL-6 increased the number of platelets, and the number of platelets correlated with the extent of PH. Thus, it seems likely that (IL-6) is involved in the formation of PH in this model.

Age- and sex-related alterations of microsomal drug- and testosterone-oxidizing cytochrome P450 in Sprague-Dawley strain-derived dwarf rats

Effect of growth hormone (GH) on the age-related changes in hepatic cytochrome P450 (P450) was studied using GH-deficient dwarf and parental Sprague-Dawley rats. Microsomal testosterone (T) T2 alpha- and T2 beta-hydroxylations were lower in livers of mature male dwarf rats than the normals, whereas T16 beta-hydroxylation was rather higher in male dwarf rats. Although T2 alpha-, T2 beta-, T6 beta-, T16 alpha- and T16 beta-hydroxylations were barely detectable in senescence normal rats (24 months old), considerable levels of T6 beta-, T16 alpha- and T16 beta-hydroxylations were maintained in senescence dwarf rats (after 22 months old). These results are caused by the alteration of specific P450 forms including CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 in dwarf rats. Appearance of male-specific CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 and high levels of CYP2B1 and CYP2B2 in female dwarf rats indicate the role of pituitary GH on liver of normal rats. However, the additional role of a factor other than GH was suggested on the sex-related differences and age-associated alterations of specific P450 contents in dwarf rats. CYP2C11 appears in dwarf female rats with the same developmental profile as observed in normal male rats. This form appears apparently with the development of GH receptor in livers, suggesting the possibility that a factor independent from androgen and GH governs the ontogeny of this P450 in the liver. A female-specific protein, CYP2C12, in normal rat livers, also appeared in both sexes of senescence dwarf rats, suggesting the role of non-GH factor on the expression of this P450 in liver.

Characterization of a thermostable lysine-specific metalloendopeptidase from the fruiting bodies of a basidiomycete, Grifola frondosa

A zinc-metalloendopeptidase, MEP, capable of catalyzing specific cleavage of acyl-lysine bonds (-X-Lys-) in polypeptides has been purified 212-fold in a yield of 24.7% from the fruiting bodies of Grifola frondosa, which is a popular edible mushroom called "MAITA-KE" in Japan. The purified enzyme consists of a single polypeptide chain with an apparent molecular mass of 20 kDa and a pI value of 7.46, contains 1 atom of zinc/molecule and can be inactivated with EDTA or 1,10-phenanthroline. Treatment of MEP with EDTA affords an apoenzyme, whose activity can be fully restored by the addition of Mn2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, or Co2+. Prominent features of MEP are its remarkable heat stability and its high affinity for beta-D-glucans and chitin. It hydrolyzes proteins maximally at pH 9-10, liberating only lysylpeptides. Polylysine and lysine copolymers with alanine, phenylalanine, or glutamic acid can serve as good substrates. Lysylalanine was liberated from bovine insulin and its oxidized B chain by the action of MEP. Mass spectrometric analysis by Frit-FAB MS of the fragments generated from horse heart cytochrome c presented unambiguous evidence to corroborate the specificity of MEP for acyl-lysine bonds.

[A case of abdominal desmoid causing urinary tract obstruction]

A 62-year-old male patient presented with a complaint of the lower abdominal distention. Ultrasonography demonstrated bilateral hydronephroses and a huge heterogeneous mass in the pelvic cavity. Excretory urogram showed left-non visualized kidney and right-hydronephrosis. CT showed a heterogenous mass, situating 25 cm in diameter, adjacent to the left side of the bladder. Tumor resection was carried out on May 17th of 1994. Histopathological diagnosis of the surgical specimen was abdominal desmoid with HE stain.

[Relationship between catecholamine levels in amniotic fluid and fetal blood flow in fetal distress]

Eighteen cases of complicated pregnancy with fetal distress and/or pregnancy toxemia who underwent Cesarean section (CS) before onset of labor were studied. The resistance indexes (RI) of the umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured by Doppler echography prior to CS. UA blood and amniotic fluid (AF) were obtained during CS and the pH value for the UA and the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) in AF were measured. A significant correlation between the pH value, MCA-RI/UA-RI ratio and the levels of NE and E in amniotic fluid was obtained. NE and E concentrations in AF obtained from the patients with fetal distress before the onset of labor were 1.92 +/- 0.54 and 1.48 +/- 0.28ng/ml and these concentrations were significantly higher then those from elective CS. The deviations (delta SD) of RI from the normal mean for corresponding gestational age in fetal distress were -4.21 +/- 0.94 in MCA and 1.31 +/- 0.48 in UA. A negative correlation between the pH value and delta SD (UA) was observed but the pH value correlated positively with delta SD (MCA). Furthermore, the MCA-RI/UA-RI ratio showed a significant negative correlation with the NE and E levels in AF. These results suggest that fetal catecholamine affects fetal blood flow in fetal distress.

Immunochemical analysis and localisation of a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus rattus with a specific monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody specific to a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus rattus (S. rattus) was prepared after cell fusion of mouse myeloma cells to the spleen cells of mice immunized with whole cells of strain FA1. The monoclonal antibody reacted with a crude and purified polysaccharide antigen of S. rattus in precipitin reactions as well as in a solid phase enzyme assay (EIA). It also reacted in the EIA with whole cells of S. rattus strains, but did not react with any other species of the mutans group or of other oral and streptococcal species. Moreover, among many haptenic sugars and their derivatives tested, D-galactosamine and D-glucosamine strongly inhibited the reaction in a competitive enzyme immunoassay using the purified antigen and whole cells, indicating that the type-specific antigenic determinant of the organism has a structure similar to the amino group of the sugar molecules. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the antigen epitopes formed an irregular fibrous structure over the entire surface of individual cells.

[Light and electron microscopic examination compared to evaluation by tumor size in subrenal capsule assay for chemosensitivity testing in esophageal cancer]

Specimens from six clinical cases of esophageal cancer were transplanted under the renal capsule of AF nude mice, and chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs (UFT, CDDP) was evaluated by measuring tumor size (SRC). Histological analysis of the xenografts by light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) was also performed to confirm the precision of this original method used for SRC. Two-dimensional morphometry by EM was also performed in four cases. With the exception of one case, the same results were obtained by graft measurement analysis and light microscopic observation, which allowed easy evaluation by observing cancer pearl formation, prominent proliferation of tumor cells or total cell keratinization. However, there was no false-positive sensitivity in the former method. EM observation did not reveal any special findings with regard to chemotherapy response, but increased numbers of cytoplasmic vacuoles and desmosomes, cytoplasmic swelling, a reduction of the N/C ratio and nuclear deformity implied common changes to cell necrosis induced by the anticancer drugs. For clinical use of SRC against esophageal cancer, it is supposed to be best to compare LM histological evaluation, which is too complicated and time consuming. For this reason, it is potentially useful to perform SRC by evaluating tumor size, because another goal of chemosensitivity testing involves determination of anticancer drugs without effectiveness.

Synthesis and antibacterial activities of optically active substituted 1,2-dihydro-6-oxo-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylic acids

A series of optically active substituted 1,2-dihydro-6-oxo-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylic acids was prepared via optically active 2-methyl-4,5-difluoroindoline (10) and tested for antibacterial activities. Among them, (2S)-9-[(3R,1'S)-3-(1'-amino)ethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl]-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro- 2- methyl-6-oxo-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]-quinoline-5-carboxylic acid (19) showed potent activity against gram-positive bacteria and (2S)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-2-methyl-9-(3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-6-oxo-6H- pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylic acid (16) exhibited well balanced in vitro activity, good intravenous efficacy, and high aqueous solubility.