Interactions of transforming growth factor-alpha and -beta and luteinizing hormone in the regulation of plasminogen activator activity in avian granulosa cells during follicular development

This study examined the influence of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha), TGF beta, and LH on progesterone (P4) secretion and plasminogen activator (PA) activity in cultured avian granulosa cells from the first (F1), third (F3), and fifth and sixth (F5-6) preovulatory follicles during a 21-h incubation period. PA activity in the cell (PAc) and the medium (PAm) fractions was measured by fibrinolysis and fibrin overlay methods. P4 was determined by RIA. Basal PAc and PAm activities were highest in cell cultures from the less mature (F5-6) follicles and decreased as follicles matured to the F1 stage of development. PAc activity was greater than PAm activity regardless of the stage of follicular maturation. TGF alpha (0.1-10 ng/ml) increased PA activity in cultures of granulosa cells from F1, F3, and F5-6 follicles in a concentration-dependent manner. TGF alpha-induced PAc and PAm activities were observed by 6 and 15 h of incubation, respectively, and increased rapidly between 15-21 h. LH (100 ng/ml) attenuated TGF alpha-induced PA activity by 15 h in cultures of granulosa cells from F1 and F3, but not F5-6, follicles. Basal PA activities were unaffected by the gonadotropin. TGF beta (2-100 ng/ml) stimulated PAc activity in a dose-dependent manner only in cultures of granulosa cells from F5-6 follicles and significantly enhanced TGF alpha-induced PAc and PAm activities in cell cultures from F3 and F5-6, but not F1, follicles. Basal and growth factor-induced PAc and PAm activities corresponded to a mol wt of about 35 kDa, a value consistent with that of the low mol wt uPA species. TGF alpha and TGF beta, alone or in combination, had no effect on basal P4 secretion at all stages of follicular development. TGF alpha, however, decreased LH-induced P4 secretion in F1 and F3 cultures. These results demonstrate a tightly controlled interaction of TGF alpha, TGF beta, and LH in regulating PA activity and P4 secretion during follicular development in the domestic hen.

[Analysis of fatty acid composition of spotted fever group rickettsiae isolated in China by gas chromatography]

In present paper, fatty acid composition of seven Chinese isolates of SFG rickettsiae and six prototype strains of SFG rickettsiae were analyzed by GC-MS. Tested prototype strains of SFG rickettsiae were R. sibirica (strains 232 and 246), R. conorii (Simko), R. rickettsi (R), R. akari (Kaplan), R. australis (W58); Chinese isolates were An-84, Se-85, W-88 (human strain), MT-84, FT-84 (D. nuttalli strain), TO-85 (ova of nuttalli) and Chinese reference strain -JH-74 (D. nuttalli). They were propagated in yolk sacs of embryonated hen eggs and purified by centrifugation in a 30%-36%-42% discontinuous renografin density gradient. The fatty acid composition of selected strains of SFG rickettsiae was analyzed by gas chromatography, and then comparison being carried out by single linkage on mini-computer. Identification of the strains was performed based on the results obtained from GC-MS. Results showed that the fatty acid profiles of all the isolates from China were quantitatively similar to that of R. sibirica and quite different from other prototype strains of SFG rickettsiae.

Cardiovascular effects of chloroethylclonidine, an irreversible alpha 1B-adrenoceptor antagonist, in the unanesthetized rat: a pharmacological analysis in vivo and in vitro

The role of vascular alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) was examined by assessing the effect of i.v. chloroethylclonidine (CEC; irreversible alpha 1B antagonist) in unanesthetized, normotensive Long-Evans rats. MAP, HR and the pressor response to i.v. phenylephrine (PE) were monitored for 24 hr after saline or CEC (15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg) injection. Neither i.v. saline nor CEC affected MAP or HR throughout the course of the study, yet the PE response was maximally inhibited (> 75% at 15 min) by both doses of CEC. The PE response recovered by 2 hr at the 15-mg/kg dose but remained inhibited up to 4 hr at 25 mg/kg. At 24 hr, all cardiovascular parameters returned to control levels. CEC (100 microM, 30 min) produced irreversible blockade of norepinephrine-induced contractions in rat aortic rings; prazosin (10 nM) and sodium thiosulphate (1 mM, a reagent that inactivates aziridinium ions) reversed CEC's inhibitory effect. Precyclized CEC and its hydrolysis product beta-hydroxyethylclonidine (beta-HEC) poorly antagonized aortic alpha 1B-receptors. Ex vivo analysis of aortic rings from saline and CEC-treated rats showed that PE-induced contractions were shifted to the right and maximally depressed in a dose-dependent manner after 24 hr. These results suggest that 1) CEC produces long lasting blockade of alpha 1B-adrenoceptors in vitro and in vivo via formation of an aziridinium ion intermediate and 2) vascular alpha 1B-adrenoceptors are not coupled to the tonic physiological regulation of MAP in the rat.

[The effect of high energy shock waves on growth and metastasis of implanted tumors of nude mice in vivo]

We observed the effect of high energy shock waves (HESW) on tumor growth, histological and ultrastructural variations, and metastasis to lymph nodes and viscera in nude mice with implanted tumors. HESW was cytotoxic to tumors in vivo, and acted on levels of cell membrane, cytoplasmic organelles, and nuclear chromatins. At definite working voltage, this effect was positively proportional to the impulse number. Histological examination showed no metastatic focci to lymph nodes and viscera of nude mice with implanted tumors. The possible mechanism of HESW in vivo may be direct mechanical damage and indirect inhibition of tumor growth due to damage to the blood supply. Other hypotheses were also discussed.

[The stimulatory effect of dorsal vagal complex injection of pentagastrin on gastric motility in rats]

Changes in antral motility induced by pentagastrin (G5) microinjected into the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) were investigated in fasting conscious rats. Antral motility was monitored by using chronically implanted force transducer sutured to the antrum. DVC injection of G5 markedly stimulated the amplitude of gastric contraction in a dose-dependent manner. The effect, being rapid in onset and long lasting, could not be mimicked by intravenous administration of G5 but could be markedly inhibited by microinjection of antigastrin serum into DVC. Atropine (100 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) and vagotomy could also abolish the G5 induced antral motility. No significant changes in plasma motilin were observed in portal venous blood after administration of G5 in DVC. These results suggested that DVC is an important site of action for G5 induced stimulation of gastric contraction as mediated by vagal cholinergic pathway.

Influence of recreational activity and muscle strength on ulnar bending stiffness in men

Bone bending stiffness (modulus of elasticity [E] x moment of inertia [I]), a measure of bone strength, is related to its mineral content (BMC) and geometry and may be influenced by exercise. We evaluated the relationship of habitual recreational exercise and muscle strength to ulnar EI, width, and BMC in 51 healthy men, 28-61 yr of age. BMC and width were measured by single photon absorptiometry and EI by mechanical resistance tissue analysis. Maximum biceps strength was determined dynamically (1-RM) and grip strength isometrically. Subjects were classified as sedentary (S) (N = 13), moderately (M) (N = 18), or highly active (H) (N = 20) and exercised 0.2 +/- 0.2; 2.2 +/- 1.3; and 6.8 +/- 2.3 h.wk-1 (P < 0.001). H had greater biceps (P < 0.0005) and grip strength (P < 0.05), ulnar BMC (P < 0.05), and ulnar EI (P = 0.01) than M or S, who were similar. Amount of activity correlated with grip and biceps strength (r = 0.47 and 0.49; P < 0.001), but not with bone measurements, whereas muscle strength correlated with both EI and BMC (r = 0.40-0.52, P < 0.005). EI also correlated significantly with both BMC and ulnar width (P < 0.0001). Ulnar width and biceps strength were the only independent predictors of EI (r2 = 0.67, P < 0.0001). We conclude that levels of physical activity sufficient to increase arm strength influence ulnar bending stiffness.

Automation of temperature control for large-array microwave surface applicators

An adaptive temperature control system has been developed for the microstrip antenna array applicators used for large area superficial hyperthermia. A recursive algorithm which allows rapid power updating even for large antenna arrays and accounts for coupling between neighbouring antennas has been developed, based on a first-order difference equation model. Surface temperatures from the centre of each antenna element are the primary feedback information. Also used are temperatures from additional surface probes placed within the treatment field to protect locations vulnerable to excessive temperatures. In addition, temperatures at depth are observed by mappers and utilized to restrain power to reduce treatment-related complications. Experiments on a tissue-equivalent phantom capable of dynamic differential cooling have successfully verified this temperature control system. The results with the 25 (5 x 5) antenna array have demonstrated that during dynamic water cooling changes and other experimentally simulated disturbances, the controlled temperatures converge to desired temperature patterns with a precision close to the resolution of the thermometry system (0.1 degree C).

Characterization of a receptor for macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha and related proteins on human and murine cells

Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) is a potent stem cell inhibitor and a member of a large and expanding family of related cytokines. In an effort to understand the molecular basis of the activities of MIP-1 alpha, we have sought to characterize the cellular receptors for this molecule. Our results demonstrate the presence of abundant MIP-1 alpha receptors on both human and murine cells. The receptor on K562 cells can bind a range of members of the MIP-1 alpha family and may thus be a general MIP-1 alpha family receptor. Murine FDCPmix cells also bind a range of members of this peptide family, although the receptor(s) that they express appear somewhat more selective for peptides capable of displaying stem cell inhibitory properties. The human and murine receptors do not bind members of the related interleukin 8 family of peptides and are thus distinct from the recently cloned interleukin 8 receptor. We suggest that the receptor on the murine cell is a candidate for the receptor responsible for articulating stem cell inhibitory signals following MIP-1 alpha binding.

[Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibody GCF-5 to human giant cell tumor of bone]

Hybrid cell line has been derived from fusion of mouse myeloma (Sp2/0-Ag14) cell and spleen cell from mouse which was immunized with cultured cells of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT). Hybrid cells produce monoclonal antibody against GCT associated antigen in the surface of the tumor cells. The monoclonal antibody was detected by immunoperoxidase staining and was designated by GCF-5. There were more than eighty per cent of tested GCT which showed this antigen. It had no cross reaction with many kinds of normal tissue, HLA antigen, alpha-Fetal Protein, Carcino-Embryonic Antigen and beta-Microglobulin. The subclass of the antibody is IgG1. The hybridoma has been cultured and stored under -196 degrees C for more than eight months and its secretion remains stable.

[Changes of endogenous opioid peptides content in RPGL during acupuncture analgesia]

By push-pull perfusion technique and RIA of neuro-peptides, it was found that after 20 minutes' electroacupunture (EA), the release of LEK from the RPGL in the EA group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The release of beta-EP from the RPGL in the EA group with higher efficacy was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), but no significant changes were found in the EA group with lower efficacy. There was a positive correlation between the changes of release of LEK or beta-EP and the increase of pain threshold. The release of DynA1-13 tends to show a barely significant extent (P > 0.05). The results indicate that acupuncture analgesia is able to increase the release of LEK and beta-EP in the RPGL.

Effects of government intervention on population growth in Imperial China

This study explores the role of imperial governments in affecting mortality levels and, particularly, fertility behaviors. It attempts to demonstrate that one element in Malthus' population theory, preventive checks, did exist in pre-modern China. Economic rationalism motivated peasants to adopt certain measures under varied conditions which raises doubts about the uniqueness of European societies in this aspect. Due mainly to government relief and welfare efforts, incentives to preventive checks gradually declined, which may be viewed as one more case of the influence of non-economic factors on the course of economic development.

Quantitation of human cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II (CRABP-II) RNA from cultured human skin fibroblast cells and human skin biopsies treated with retinoic acid

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method has been validated for the quantitation of retinoic acid (RA) induction of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II (CRABP-II) RNA from cultured human skin fibroblasts and human skin biopsies. The method utilizes reverse transcription and PCR (RT-PCR) to compare cellular CRABP-II RNA with a known amount of added internal standard RNA generated from a modified CRABP-II cDNA containing a 42 bp deletion. Thus, after RT-PCR of cellular and standard CRABP-II RNA in the same tube, the resulting DNA bands could be distinguished by size on ethidium bromide-stained, nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel. Serial dilutions of cellular RNA were co-amplified with a fixed amount of internal standard CRABP-II RNA, and the ratio of intensities of the two DNA bands was determined by computerized image analysis of the gel photograph. A linear relationship was found between the logs of this ratio and the input RNA. Absolute quantitation of cellular CRABP-II RNA was determined from the 'equivalence point', the dilution at which band intensities from cellular and standard RNAs were identical. Using this quantitative assay, the amount of CRABP-II RNA in cultured fibroblasts was 24 attomoles per microgram total RNA. A 4.2-fold increase in CRABP-II RNA was seen following 24 hours treatment with 10(-6) M RA. CRABP-II RNA content in skin biopsies taken from 3 human subjects ranged from 16 to 25 attomole/micrograms RNA. Topical treatment with 0.1% RA cream resulted in induction ranging from 3.9- to 12-fold over vehicle treatment. The method described here offers a rapid, sensitive and quantitative assay of specific RNAs, and should be especially useful for the measurement of RNA levels from small solid-tissue biopsies.

Growth regulation of ovarian cancer cells by epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factors alpha and beta 1

Regulation of ovarian cancer growth is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of EGF, TGF alpha and TGF beta 1 on two ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and CAOV-3) were investigated. The results showed that EGF/TGF alpha stimulated cell growth and DNA synthesis in OVCAR-3 cells, but inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in CAOV-3 cells. TGF beta 1 invariably inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in both cell lines. These effects on growth factors are dose dependent. The interaction of TGF beta 1 and EGF/TGF alpha was antagonistic in OVCAR-3 cells. In contrast, EGF/TGF alpha and TGF beta 1 had an additive inhibitory effect on CAOV-3 cells. Our results demonstrated that mature and functional EGF receptors are present in both cell lines and that they are capable of ligand binding, internalization, processing and ligand-enhanced autophosphorylation. Both high- and low-affinity binding are present in these cell lines, with CAOV-3 cells having about 2-3-fold higher total receptors than OVCAR-3 cells. These results together with those from our previous studies show that these cells express TGF alpha, TGF beta 1 and EGF receptors and that cell growth may be modulated by these growth factors in an autocrine and paracrine manner. This report presents evidence supporting the important roles of growth factors in ovarian cancer growth and provides a foundation for further study into the mechanism of growth regulation by growth factors in these cell lines.

Identification of critical amino-terminal regions of XylS. The positive regulator encoded by the TOL plasmid

The XylS protein is the positive regulator of the promoter controlling the meta-cleavage pathway (Pm) for catabolism of certain alkylbenzoates on the TOL plasmid of Pseudomonas. Transcription from Pm is mediated by XylS either in the presence of benzoate effectors or through XylS hyperproduction. Two regions of the NH2 terminus of XylS (residues 37-45) had been predicted to be involved in effector control of XylS transcriptional activation. Different methods were used to induce mutations in this region, including genetic selections (where Pm controlled a tetracycline resistance gene), bisulfite mutagenesis at a unique restriction site, and extensive oligonucleotide mutagenesis at residues 41 and 45. The mutants fell into four classes based on their phenotypes with respect to effector-mediated activation of a Pm-lacZ fusion: (a) effector profiles similar to wild type, (b) no Pm stimulation with benzoates, (c) altered effector specificity, and (d) higher basal Pm activities, in some cases including changes in effector specificity. In some mutants, higher basal Pm activity was apparently due to mutations that increased XylS stability. Substitutions at Arg-41 resulted in all four mutant phenotypes, indicating that this is a critical residue in XylS for effector stimulation of transcription activity.

[Physiological changes in middle-aged persons and old people before and after tennis competition]

An examination of medical and physiological changes before and after tennis competition was performed on 71 middle-aged persons and old people in order to know whether they were adapted to this intense match or not. The result was that in the male group 1 (50-59 yrs), the heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure before and after the tennis game had no significant differences (P > 0.05), indicating that this group was fit for the tennis competition, in the male group 2 (60-69 yrs) and male group 3 (70-79 yrs), as age advances, the number of unfitness to this game was increased gradually; in the female group (50-59 yrs), 28.5% of them showed a marked increase in the heart rate after the competition. We think that when persons have an electrocardiogram showing a significant undue changes of the ST segment and T wave after the contest, they are not suitable to this violent competition. So the medical surveillance is very important for the old people to play violent games such as tennis. The periodical health examination should be done before any exercise event with emphasis on the cardiovascular system so that the old sportsman can choose the proper exercise item and take self-control during the exercise.

[Radioimmunoassay of serum and CSF myelin basic protein and its application to patients with acute cerebrovascular accident]

Myelin basic protein (MBP) was measured in the serum and CSF of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD, 34 cases), demyelinating disorders (DMD, 30 cases) and other neurological diseases (OND, 26 cases) by using a double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA). Patients with acute CVD had a mean serum MBP concentration and positivity rate much higher than those with DMD and OND. The differences were significant (P < 0.05). In CSF, MBP levels in patients with acute CVD and patients with DMD were significantly greater than those in OND patients (P < 0.05). The results also show that there was a linear relationship between the CSF MBP levels and the serum MBP levels in patients with acute CVD (r = 0.72, P < 0.01), but no such relationship in patients with DMD and OND. The amount of serum MBP was also significantly correlated to the severity of acute CVD, to the level of consciousness disorder and limb paralysis, and to the extent and site of the cerebral lesion at CT-scan (P < 0.05). This study shows that the measurement of brain specific MBP in serum as a marker of cerebral damage may have clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with CVD.

[Alteration of calcium uptake and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum in rat during ischemia-reperfusion]

Using Langendorff's perfusion model of isolated rat heart, the effect of period of ischemia, ischemia-reperfusion and changes in perfusate pH on the function of calcium uptake of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was observed. The initial rate and capacity of calcium uptake by SR decreased significantly after 25 min ischemia, and were further worsened when ischemia was prolonged to 40 min. When hearts were subjected to 15 min reperfusion after 25 min ischemia, calcium uptake capacity and initial rate decreased even more in comparison with that of 40 min ischemia. In addition, the calcium dependent ATPase activity of SR was also markedly inhibited. Reperfusion with acid (pH 6.8) or alkaline (pH 8.0) made no significant difference on the aforementioned reperfusion induced changes. The results indicated that myocardial ischemia depressed the calcium transport activity of SR, and this depression was further aggravated with prolonging ischemia. Reperfusion after ischemia exacerbated the ischemic injury. Reperfusion with either acid or alkaline Krebs-Henseleit solution could not improve the calcium uptake function of SR, implying that the pH change does not seem to be an important factor in inducing the SR dysfunction during ischemia-reperfusion.

Purification of a Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote 60-kilodalton surface glycoprotein that primes and activates murine lymphocytes

We have purified a glycoprotein with a relative molecular mass of 60 kDa and present on the surface of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes and studied its ability to prime and stimulate the proliferation of murine spleen cells. T. cruzi trypomastigote membrane proteins were separated by preparative isoelectrofocusing. A trypomastigote 60-kDa surface protein with an isoelectric point of 4.2 was enriched by chromatofocusing and was readily purified in native form to homogeneity by gel filtration on a Superose column by use of a fast protein liquid chromatography system. Biotinylated wheat germ agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin, and Datura stramonium agglutinin bound to blots containing the purified trypomastigote 60-kDa surface protein, indicating that this protein was glycosylated. The purified trypomastigote 60-kDa glycoprotein was recognized by antibodies produced during human infection, and immunoglobulin G against the purified glycoprotein immunoprecipitated a biotinylated 60-kDa molecule from the surface of trypomastigotes but not epimastigotes. Specific immunoglobulin G against the 60-kDa glycoprotein also increased the uptake of trypomastigotes and promoted parasite killing by macrophages. The purified 60-kDa glycoprotein was able to specifically activate primed lymphocytes, since there was a significant increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation by spleen cells obtained from CBA mice primed with this glycoprotein, with respect to control values. Furthermore, the 60-kDa glycoprotein did not stimulate unprimed spleen cells, indicating that the lymphoproliferation induced by this glycoprotein was specific and was not due to polyclonal activation. Our findings indicate that this T. cruzi trypomastigote 60-kDa surface glycoprotein primes and activates lymphocytes, which could lead to a beneficial immune response in the host.

[Histamine as modulator of potassium currents in ventricular cells isolated from heart of guinea pig. A possible regulator effect of ventricular electric activity]

Histamine is present in cardiac tissues in considerable amount, but its physiological role is not well understood. There are two kinds of histamine receptors on the cardiac cells (H1 and H2). Whereas the H2 actions are very well studied little is known about H1 effects. It has been reported that stimulation of H1 receptors induce a shortening of the action potential as a decrease in excitability, but the ionic mechanisms responsible for these are not known. The aim of the present paper is to explore the possible ionic mechanisms related to these effects on isolated ventricular myocytes by means of voltage clamp technique. Histamine induced a shift in the current-voltage relationship of the potassium background current to the right. This shift implies an increase in outward current at the plateau level, responsible for the shortening, as well as for the decrease in excitability. This is, as far as we know, the first report in potassium background channel modulation by an endogenous substance and firmly support the hypothesis that histamine is playing a role in cardiac modulation.

Nitrotriazoles bearing sulfur-substituted side chains: preparation and characterization as hypoxic cell radiosensitizers

A series of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole (NTA) derivatives with -(CH2)mC(= Y)NH(CH2)nZCH3(Y, Z = O or S; m = 1 or 2; n = 2 or 3) group in the side chain at the N-1 position of NTA and their fluorinated analogs were synthesized. Their physicochemical properties and radiosensitizing activities in vitro and in vivo were investigated with respect, particularly, to the effects of sulfur substitution on the side chain of triazoles. The sulfur substitution of the oxygen atom in the side chain of NTA derivatives increased the partition coefficient (P value), but had little effect on the one-electron reduction potential. The derivatives bearing a thioether group in the side chain were more effective in vitro on hypoxic EMT6/KU cells, but were less effective in vivo on SCCVII tumor than their oxygen analogs. The thioamide compounds showed almost the same or slightly higher sensitizing activities in vitro compared with their oxygen analogs.

[The effect of EBCI Iontophoresis on orthodontic tooth movement in rabbits]

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of EBC ionophoresis on increasing the rate of tooth movement in rabbits.21 rabbits,in whose lower incisors the standard orthodontic appliances were placed,were divided into 3 groups at rendom which separately received iontoporesis of EBC,iontophosesis and injection of physiological saline at the submucosal area of the lower incisors.The results showed that the animals with EBC iontophoresis obtained tooth movement rate of 4.275+/-0.1214(mm) and the animals with NaCl iontophoresis and injection were respectively 3.337+/-0.4626(mm) and 2.178+/-0.2922(mm).The histological observation had also found the evidence of the ability of EBC to stimulate osteoclasts in preiodontal pression side and osteoblasts in tension.This study suggested that iontophoresis of EBC could play an important role in reconstructing the periodontum and speeding the tooth movement in rabbits.

Membrane affinity chromatography used for the separation of trypsin inhibitor

Polysulphone (PS) was chemically modified by acrylation-amination and by chloromethylation-amination, respectively. An ultrafiltration membrane of chemically modified polysulphone (CMPS) was prepared by the phase inversion method. Trypsin was then covalently bonded onto the CMPS membrane by diazotization. The activity of immobilized trypsin reaches up to 10200 U/g; 15 mg trypsin was immobilized on 1 g CMPS membrane. Separation of soybean trypsin inhibitor was carried out on the affinity membrane, yielding 6.5 mg pure trypsin inhibitor in one run. The enzyme membrane has good activity and stability.

Attachment of Trypanosoma cruzi to host cells: a monoclonal antibody recognizes a trypomastigote stage-specific epitope on the gp 83 required for parasite attachment

A set of monoclonal antibodies against the purified surface gp 83 of T. cruzi trypomastigotes was produced and the ability of these monoclonals to inhibit the attachment of trypomastigotes to heart myoblasts was investigated. Western blots of solubilized trypomastigotes, epimastigotes or amastigotes probed with this set of monoclonal antibodies show that the gp 83 is present in invasive trypomastigotes, but not in non-invasive epimastigotes or amastigotes. One monoclonal antibody (Mab 4A4) from this set inhibits the attachment of trypomastigotes to heart myoblasts, whereas the others (MAbs 2H6, 4B9, 2D11) do not. These results show that the Mab 4A4 recognizes an epitope on the gp 83 of invasive trypomastigotes required for parasite binding to host cells.

Comparison of incidence, mortality and treatment of acute myocardial infarction in hospitals in Japan and China

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most intractable diseases and is increasing rapidly in Japan and China. Two hospitals in Japan and China, the Critical Care Center of Kurume University Hospital and the Chinese Beijing 309 Hospital in China (abbreviated to Beijing 309 Hospital) were compared. The incidence, mortality and treatment of AMI were investigated in both hospitals from 1989 to 1991. The incidence of AMI for all patients admitted during the three years was 5% in Kurume University Hospital and 4.7% in Beijing 309 Hospital, which are similar rates. The average age of the patients in Beijing 309 Hospital was younger (58 +/- 13) than in Kurume University Hospital (64 +/- 11). The mortality rate in Kurume University Hospital was slightly lower than the rate in Beijing 309 Hospital (8.1% vs 8.9%). Thrombolytic therapy was actively performed in both hospitals. In Kurume University Hospital, urokinase (UK: 71.4%) or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA: 28.6%) was administered by intravenous (85.7%) and intracoronary percutaneous transluminal coronary recanalization (PTCR: 14.3%) injection. In Beijing 309 Hospital, UK (32.7%) or snake poison enzyme (SPE: 62.3%) was administered by intravenous (85.8%) or intra-aortic (14.2%) injection. Rt-PA was only used in Japan and SPE was only used in China, but both had very strong fibrinolytic effects and resulted in high success rates of coronary reperfusion. The incidence of direct coronary intervention with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) for cardiogenic shock was much higher at Kurume University Hospital than at Beijing 309 Hospital.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolic regulation of pigment formation of Onosma paniculatum cultured cells

The pigment yields of Onosma paniculatum callus and suspension cultured cells were increased 5.5 and 8.1 fold of that of the control respectively, when 10(-5) M of copper ion was added into the medium. The pigments synthesis was also stimulated greatly when 10(-5) M of L-phenylalanine was added into the medium and the cells were cultured for twenty-one days. The maximum yield of pigments was obtained when 10(-6) M of ascorbic acid was added to the medium.

Metabolic rate modification of nitrotriazole radiosensitizers by sulfur substitution of side chain

The pharmacokinetic properties and radiosensitizing activities in vitro and in vivo of a series of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole (NTA) derivatives with a -CH2(C = Y)NH(CH2)nZCH3 (Y, Z = O or S; n = 2 or 3) group in the side chain at N-1 position of NTA were investigated with respect, particularly, to the effects of sulfur substitution in the side chain of NTA. The sulfur substitution for an oxygen atom in the side chain NTA radiosensitizers increased the rho value, but gave rise to little effect on the one-electron reduction potential. The derivatives bearing a thioether group (-CH2SCH3) in the side chain were slightly less effective both in vitro on hypoxic EMT6/KU cells and in vivo on SCCVII tumors than their oxygen analogs (-CH2OCH3). The thioether compounds tended to metabolize rapidly. The thioamide compound showed high sensitizing activity in vitro, but metabolized very slow.

Characteristics of physiological tremor in five fingers and evaluations of fatigue of fingers in typing

Physiological tremor, which is the invisible mechanical vibration of body part, was measured for five fingers. It was obtained that the power spectrum always has two peaks at 10 and 25Hz for each of the five fingers. The peaks were considered to be generated in the following two loop systems: The component of the lower frequency originated from the central nervous system as a long loop, and that of the higher frequency originated from the muscle-spine loop system as a short loop. The total power, which was the sum of power spectra ranging from 1.5 to 50Hz, was defined as an evaluation index, and it showed characteristic results for the five fingers. The muscular load produced by two hours of typing work was responsible mainly for the increase of total power and for the change of peak frequencies. The mechanism for the change of the power spectrum due to muscular load was well explained by the two-loop theory. It was found that the fatigue of the fingers due to muscular load could be evaluated by the total power.

Noble metal abundances in an Early Archean impact deposit

We report detailed analyses on the concentrations of the noble metals Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, and Au in an early Archean spherule bed (S4) of probable impact origin from the lower Fig Tree Group, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. Compared to other sedimentary deposits of known or suspected impact origin, some noble metals are present in exceptionally high concentrations. Noble metal abundances are fractionated relative to abundances in chondrites with ratios of Os/Ir, Pt/Ir, Pd/Ir, and Au/Ir at only 80, 80, 41, and 2% of these values in CI chondrites. Although an extraterrestrial source is favored for the noble metal enrichment, the most plausible cause of the fractionation is by regional hydrothermal/metasomatic alteration.

Identification and cloning of a granule autoantigen (carboxypeptidase-H) associated with type I diabetes

Using serum from a prediabetic patient as a probe, we screened 0.5 x 10(6) recombinants from a rat islet lambda gt11 expression library. One plaque-producing antigen reactive with this prediabetic serum was identified, subcloned, and sequenced. Analysis of the sequence reveals that the clone encodes a 136-amino acid fragment of carboxypeptidase-H (enkephalin convertase). Carboxypeptidase-H is a molecule expressed within islet secretory granules and neurendocrine cells. The patient whose antibodies recognize this recombinant molecule (termed DG-1) was negative for anti-DG-1 antibodies in 1984, developed the antibodies by 1986, and remained positive until the development of diabetes in 1988. To date, serum from 5 of 20 cytoplasmic islet cell antibody-positive relatives reacted with the expressed protein, while none of 14 control sera reacted. On Western blotting, the initial patient's serum used for the screening reacts with a 52-kDa antigen corresponding to the mol wt of the membrane form of carboxypeptidase-N. The current study has identified carboxypeptidase-H as an autoantigen recognized by serum of pretype I diabetes, and the methodology used should aid in identification of additional autoantigens associated with type I diabetes.

[A study of textile noise influence on maternal function and embryo-growth]

Ninety hundred seventy-eight female textile workers exposed to noise (greater than or equal to 85 dB (A)) were recruited as the subjects of observation group, and 402 nonexposed female workers were chosen as the controls (less than 75 dB (A)). According to noise level, the observation group was subdivided into three groups: group 1, 100-104 dB (A), 416 workers; group 2, 95-99 dB, (A), 310 workers; group 3, 85-94 dB (A), 252 workers. Non-conditional logistic regression model was used to exclude the effect of mixed factors, such as age and working life. The result showed that noise-exposure could have some adverse effect on reproductive function of women and embryo growth. The workers exposed to noise had significantly increased incidence rates for irregular menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea, lumbago, hypertension in pregnancy, threatened abortion, spontaneous abortion, premature labour, dystocia and low birth weight of newborns. When the noise intensity heightened, the sorts of abnormal function of reproduction increased and the risk of incidence raised too. These demonstrated a dose-response relationship between the noise intensity and incidence rate. The noise-working life had significant effects on the incidence of hypertension in pregnancy and prematurity. Although the age had some influence, it was not statistically significant. In terms of the maternal function and embryo growth, the factors in order of risk are: noise intensity greater than working life greater than age.

An antihypertensive factor in the erythrocytes of essential hypertensive subjects--effects on blood pressure and calcium uptake by vascular tissue in rats

An extract prepared from the erythrocytes of essential hypertensive subjects was found to significantly lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously (SHR) and renal hypertensive rats (RHR) following a single intravenous or intraperitoneal injection: The maximum SBP reduction was 42.8 mmHg in SHR and 38.3 mmHg in RHR. In contrast, this hypertensive factor (AHF) had little effect on normotensive Wistar Kyoto and Wistar rats. AHF was also found to significantly suppress Ca2+ uptake by vascular smooth muscle in the mesenteric artery and aorta of hypertensive and normotensive rats (P less than 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, AHF prepared from the erythrocytes of normotensive subjects was shown to have a similar effect.

[Radioimmunoassay of serum myelin basic protein]

Using purified human brain myelin basic protein (MBP) to raise antiserum in rabbits and to prepare 125I-labelled MBP (chloramine-T method), We have established a high specific, precise and sensitive double-antibody radioimmunoassay for the measurement of human serum MBP. The sensitivity was 0.5 ng/ml. In the present study, the serum samples of thirty patients with various neurological diseases were detected. An important clinical implication is that serum MBP level should serve as an index for the damage degree of central neurological diseases.

Evidence of an EGF/TGE-alpha--independent pathway for estrogen-regulated cell proliferation

To elucidate the relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF)/transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha) and estradiol-17 beta (E) in cell proliferation, we examined their effects on the breast cancer cell line, CAMA-1. While E was able to consistently induce cell proliferation under a variety of experimental conditions, EGF/TGF-alpha was without effect. Despite the presence of the receptor (EGFR) gene, mature EGFR protein and mRNA were not detected by radioreceptor assay, 35S Met-labelling, and the Intron Differential RNA/PCR method under conditions in which cells remain responsive to E. Furthermore, TGF-alpha is not an autocrine factor in CAMA-1 cells. We demonstrated unequivocally that EGF/TGF-alpha interaction with EGFR is not an obligatory event in mediating estrogen-stimulated cell proliferation.

A fluorinated 2-nitroimidazole, KU-2285, as a new hypoxic cell radiosensitizer

To develop new hypoxic cell radiosensitizers, we incorporated fluorine atoms into the side chain of the 2-nitroimidazole. Of the resulting compounds, KU-2285 (a 2-nitroimidazole with an N1-substituent of CH2CF2CONHCH2-CH2OH) was considered the most useful as a hypoxic cell radiosensitizer. In this study, its in vivo radiosensitizing activity and acute toxicity were compared with those of etanidazole. The reduction potentials of KU-2285 and etanidazole were -0.96 V and -1.05 V vs Ag/Ag+ in N,N-dimethylformamide, respectively, and their respective octanol/water partition coefficients were 0.25 and 0.040. The in vivo radiosensitizing activity of KU-2285 was found to be similar to that of etanidazole at the same administration dose when assayed by an in vivo-in vitro assay, a growth delay assay, and a tumor control assay using SCC VII tumor or transplanted mammary tumor in C3H/He mice. Although the radiosensitizing activity of etanidazole was reduced when it was administered orally, there was no significant difference in the radiosensitizing activity of KU-2285 whether it was administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, or orally. The acute toxicity measured as the LD50/7 in 8-week-old female C3H/HeJ mice was found to be 2.4 g/kg (intravenously), 2.1 g/kg (intraperitonealy), and 4.25 g/kg (orally) for KU-2285, whereas it was 4.75 g/kg (intravenously) for etanidazole.

Reproductive factors and colorectal cancer risk among Chinese females

We report results from a population-based case-control study of colorectal cancer among Chinese women in western North America (NA) and the People's Republic of China (China). A common protocol was used to assess reproductive characteristics and hormone use of 395 Chinese women (189 from NA and 206 from China) with cancer of the colon or rectum and of 1112 age-matched Chinese controls (494 from NA and 618 from China). In NA, risks for cancers of both the colon and rectum were lower among parous compared to nulliparous women (odds ratio for colorectal cancer, 0.6, P = 0.08), but the trend in risk was not smooth with increasing number of livebirths. This association with parity was absent for both cancer sites in China. There were no consistent patterns in the relationships between other reproductive factors (including age at menarche, age at first livebirth, menopausal status) and risk of colon and rectal cancer on either continent.

[Status of Yunnan drug banxia and its botanical origin]

L. Yunnan, the medicinal material Banxia recorded in The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (1985 ed.) is called "Dizhu Banxia" (stem tuber of Pinellia ternata). Besides, "Shanzhu Banxia" (stem tuber of Arisaema yunnanense, A. bathycoleum, A. saxatile and A. prazeri) is also used medically as Banxia, while "Gouzhua Banxia" (stem tuber of Arisaema franchetianum, A. likiangense and Pinellia pedatisecta) is not.

Purification of Trypanosoma cruzi surface proteins involved in adhesion to host cells

We have identified four surface 83 kDa proteins of pI values 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6 in T. cruzi trypomastigotes which specifically bind to rat heart myoblasts. These proteins were purified by isoelectric focusing and anion-exchange chromatography in an FPLC system. These 83 kDa proteins inhibit the attachment of trypomastigotes to myoblasts in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that these trypomastigote proteins mediate the attachment of trypomastigotes to heart myoblasts.

[Inhibitory effect of secretin on gastric motility in isolated vascular perfused rat stomach]

Effect of secretin on gastric motility was studied on the preparation of isolated vascular perfused rat stomach. The results showed: (1) Secretin markedly inhibited spontaneous as well as pentagastrin stimulated antral motility. (2) Antisecretin serum completely abolished the inhibitory effect of secretin on antral motility. (3) Antisomatostatin serum and indomethacin blocked the inhibitory effect on antral motility induced by secretin. The results indicated that the inhibitory effect of secretin might be produced through direct action of secretin on secretin receptors and mediated partially by the local somatostatin and prostaglandin in gastric antrum.

[The measurement of p30 level in the normal human seminal plasma by the Beckman immunochemistry system using anti-30 serum]

This paper is the first report about the measurement of p30 level in the normal human seminal plasma by the Beckman immunochemistry system (ICS) using anti-p30 serum. The p30 levels of 108 samples of normal human seminal plasma were measured. The range of p30 level was 0.2996-4.3913 mg/ml. The square root transformation statistical analysis indicated that the coefficient of skewness was 0.0237 the coefficient of kurtosis was -0.8854, the p30 level in normal human seminal plasma fitted the square root normal distribution, the mean was 1.6236 mg/ml and the standard deviation was 0.1641 mg/ml.

[Anti-anaphylactic pharmacological action of water-soluble constituents of Ginkgo biloba L. episperm]

Water-soluble constituents of Ginkgo biloba episperm 100 or 200 mg/kg po given to mice inhibited passive cutaneous allergic response and the same dose given to rats ip inhibited mast cell degranulation. It antagonized the contractile effect of isolated guinea pig ileum smooth muscles induced by the antigen. It inhibited the deliverance of SRS-A from anaphylactic lung of guinea pig.