Inhibition of in vitro transcription by specific double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides

A potential new therapeutic approach to control gene expression is the use of double-stranded (ds) oligodeoxyribonucleotides (oligos) to compete for the binding of nuclear factors to specific promoter and enhancer elements. As a model, we have tested the effect of oligo length, sequence and number of nuclear factor binding sites on in vitro transcription of adenovirus (Ad)E1b. Short ds oligos containing an SP1-binding sequence (sp1) inhibited transcription of E1b by more than 90%. Oligos containing multiple sp1 sequences were more effective inhibitors than would be expected for a comparable number of unlinked sp1 sites. A ds oligo with phosphorothioate (PS) linkages inhibited transcription at one-tenth the concentration needed for its normal homologue. An oligo with sp1 and a consensus TATA site was no more effective than one with sp1 alone. The stability of the PS-linked oligos will allow testing of this approach in vivo if they are adequately incorporated into whole cells.

[Ultrastructures of the capsule and subcapsular epithelium of the senile cataractous lens]

The capsule and subcapsular epithelium of 18 senile cataractous lenses and 2 normal lenses were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The structures of the capsule and subcapsular epithelium in most senile cataractous lenses were similar to those in the normal lenses. Low electron density bands composed of tiny granular or fibrillar material deep in the posterior capsule were observed in 4 of the senile cataractous lenses. Degeneration was more marked in the subcapsular epithelial cells in some of the senile cataractous lenses.

[Effect of dry ginger and roasted ginger on experimental gastric ulcers in rats]

This paper reports the effect of dry ginger and roasted ginger decoctions on four experimental gastric ulcer models in rats at an oral administration of 4.5 g/kg. The result shows that the roasted ginger has an obvious inhibiting tendency on three gastric ulcer models except the indomethacin induced model while the dry ginger has no such effects. The acute toxicity test has shown that the LD50 of roasted ginger decoction administered orally is 170.6 +/- 1.1 g/kg, but it is over 250 g/kg with dry ginger. This suggests that the water soluble constituents of the dry ginger have changed in the roasting process.

Human-mouse interspecies collagen I heterotrimer is functional during embryonic development of Mov13 mutant mouse embryos

To investigate whether the human pro alpha 1(I) collagen chain could form an in vivo functional interspecies heterotrimer with the mouse pro alpha 2(I) collagen chain, we introduced the human COL1A1 gene into Mov13 mice which have a functional deletion of the endogenous COL1A1 gene. Transgenic mouse strains (HucI and HucII) carrying the human COL1A1 gene were first generated by microinjecting the COL1A1 gene into wild-type mouse embryos. Genetic evidence indicated that the transgene in the HucI strain was closely linked to the endogenous mouse COL1A1 gene and was X linked in the HucII transgenic strain. Northern (RNA) blot and S1 protection analyses showed that the transgene was expressed in the appropriate tissue-specific manner and as efficiently as the endogenous COL1A1 gene. HucII mice were crossed with Mov13 mice to transfer the human transgene into the mutant strain. Whereas homozygous Mov13 embryos die between days 13 and 14 of gestation, the presence of the transgene permitted apparently normal development of the mutant embryos to birth. This indicated that the mouse-human interspecies collagen I heterotrimer was functional in the animal. The rescue was, however, only partial, as all homozygotes died within 36 h after delivery, with signs of internal bleeding. This could have been due to a functional defect in the interspecies hybrid collagen. Extensive analysis failed to reveal any biochemical or morphological abnormalities of the collagen I molecules in Mov13-HucII embryos. This may indicate that there was a subtle functional defect of the interspecies hybrid protein which was not revealed by our analysis or that another gene has been mutated by the retroviral insertion in the Mov13 mutant strain.

A study on the life-cycle and epidemiology of Pseudanoplocephala crawfordi Baylis, 1927

A study of the life-cycle and epidemiology of Pseudanoplocephala crawfordi Baylis, 1927 is reported. Intermediate hosts are Tenebrio obscurus, T. molitor, Carpophilus dimidiatus and Tribolium castaneum. The first three species are new host records. Development in the intermediate host takes 1-1.5 months. The completion of the life-cycle takes 2-2.5 months. Surveys of intermediate hosts, pigs, humans and rats were carried out. In Rattus norvegicus, the prevalence was as high as 22%. Epidemiological factors and suggestions for control measures are discussed.

[The role of hemorheologic changes in the pathogenesis of acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis]

The hemorheologic alterations were studied in experimental acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis (AHNP) which was induced by injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the main pancreatic duct. The results showed that during the early stage of AHNP, all of hemorheologic parameters were significantly elevated, and continually increased at the rest intervals. The authors suggested that the blood viscosity and hematocrit increase, red blood cells tend to aggregate, and erythrocyte deformation decrease are the causation of pancreatic microcirculatory disturbances and promoting pancreatic progressive necrosis. After using low molecular dextran and Salvia miltiorrhizae, the hemorheologic alterations in AHNP were recovered, and the histologic observation improved. Our data indicate the hemorheologic disturbances is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of AHNP.

"Dry lithotripsy" by a simple modification of the Chinese lithotripter KDE-1

We report on the improved technique upon a water bath lithotripter. With a simple water balloon device added to the Chinese KDE-1 Type water bath lithotripter, an extracorporeal shock wave dry lithotripter has been developed. From June to December 1988, there were 300 cases of upper urinary tract calculi and gallbladder stone treated with this machine with excellent results and no severe complications. The improved technique would be made reference to change old water bath machines into dry (water balloon) machines.

[Effect of electro-acupuncture of zusanli on unit discharges in the lateral hypothalamic area induced by stomach distension]

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that some unit discharges of the neurons in Feeding Centre of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) may be inhibited by distending stomach. The present study was performed to observe the effect of electro-acupuncture of "Zusanli" point on the discharge-inhibitory reaction induced by distending stomach in rats. Among 52 unit discharges observed, 36 (69.2%) showed that electro-acupuncturing "Zusanli" point abolished the inhibitory reaction induced by distending stomach. The durations of the effect range from 5 to 15 minutes. These results indicate that the somatic input from "Zusanli" plant may influence the reactivity of Feeding Centre of LHA to the activity of stomach.

Human deoxycytidine kinase. Sequence of cDNA clones and analysis of expression in cell lines with and without enzyme activity

Deoxycytidine kinase (dC kinase) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the anabolism of important anticancer and retroviral nucleoside derivatives. Its activity is often decreased in resistance to these drugs. To analyze the structure, function, and control of this clinically important enzyme we isolated 15 cDNA clones for human deoxycytidine kinase from lambda gt11 thymus and Molt 4 libraries. Four clones were sequenced. The largest clone is 2.9 kilobases and codes for a 626-amino acid open reading frame. The DNA and deduced amino acid sequence of the human dC kinase clones are homologous with a previously unidentified murine cDNA clone p3.4J (EMBL:MM34j) reported to be related to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Deoxycytidine kinase also has cysteine-rich regions that are homologous with thioredoxin, the beta subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C, thyroid hormone-binding protein, and protein disulfide isomerase. No differences were seen in the amount and size of deoxycytidine kinase protein and mRNA between CCRF/CEM and L1210 leukemic cell lines that express and do not express enzyme activity. Genomic restriction fragments were similar between the active and inactive CCRF/CEM cell lines. These data suggest that the cells deficient in dC kinase activity have a small defect in the structural gene.

Creatine kinase is modified by 2-chloromercuri-4-nitrophenol at the active site thiols with complete inactivation

Creatine kinase modified by mercurials has been reported to be fully reactive as the native enzyme. This was ascribed to the modification of a second class of thiol groups instead of the reactive thiols at the active site (Laue, M.C. and Quiocho, F.A. (1977) Biochemistry 16, 3838-3845). It has now been shown by spectrophotometric titration and fluorescence studies that 2-chloromercuri-4-nitrophenol (MNP) reacts preferentially with the active-site thiol. Moreover, if the activity of the modified enzyme is determined in the absence of added bovine serum albumin or other enzymes, as usually employed in coupled activity assay systems for creatine kinase, the modified enzyme is completely inactive. Addition of an excess of bovine serum albumin or rabbit muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase restores the activity of the enzyme to over 80% of its original level. It appears that the active thiol groups at the active site of creatine kinase are after all modified by MNP with complete inactivation.

[Imaging and biodistribution of 111In-labeled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen monoclonal antibodies in nude mice bearing human colon cancer xenografts]

Anti-CEA monoclonal antibody was labeled with 111In using DTPA cyclic anhydride. The radiochemical purity of the product was more than 99% and specific binding was 38%. Imaging and biodistribution of this radiopharmaceutical in nude mice bearing human colon cancer xenografts were investigated. The results showed that a clear image of tumor was obtained by gamma camera between 24 to 120 hrs, best in 72 hrs, after injection. A high uptake of 111In-labeled monoclonal antibodies in tumor tissue was also observed, although the radioactivity in liver was considerable.

Guanine nucleotides inhibit agonist-stimulated arachidonic acid release in both intact and saponin-permeabilized human platelets

The effects of guanine nucleotides on arachidonic acid (AA) release were studied in intact and saponin-permeabilized human platelets. While GTP[S] itself caused a stimulation of AA release in permeabilized cells, GTP[S], GDP[S], GTP, ATP and other nucleotides inhibited AA release in response to thrombin and other agonists in intact, as well as permeabilized platelets. Inhibition of agonist-stimulated AA release by nucleotides was partially attenuated by addition of ADP, and was abolished by prior stimulation of platelets to discharge the ADP-containing dense granules. These results suggest: (i) that released ADP plays an important contributory role in agonist-stimulated platelet AA release, and (ii) that guanine nucleotides can modulate platelet activation through an extracellular action which is distinct from their effects on G-proteins.

Purealin, a novel activator of skeletal muscle actomyosin ATPase and myosin EDTA-ATPase that enhanced the superprecipitation of actomyosin

1. Purealin, a novel bioactive principle of a sea sponge Psammaplysilla purea, activated the superprecipitation of myosin B (natural actomyosin) from rabbit skeletal muscle. The maximum change in the turbidity increased with increasing purealin concentrations and was three times the control value in the presence of 50 microM purealin. 2. The ATPase activity of myosin B was also elevated to 160% of the control value by 10 microM purealin. On the other hand, purealin inhibited the myosin ATPase in the presence of 10 mM CaCl2 and 0.5 M KCl (Ca2+-ATPase), and the concentration for the half inhibition was 4 microM. 3. On the other hand, purealin activated the myosin ATPase in the presence of 5 mM EDTA and 0.5 M KCl (EDTA-ATPase). The maximum activation by 10 microM purealin was 160% of the control value. 4. Furthermore, similar results concerning the modification of ATPase activities by purealin were obtained in myosin subfragment-1 instead of myosin. 5. These results suggest that purealin activates the superprecipitation of myosin B by affecting the myosin heads directly. It is also an interesting observation that there is a correlation between the activities of the myosin EDTA-ATPase and actomyosin ATPase of myosin B.

[Radioimmunodetection of human lung cancer xenografts by isotope labeling monoclonal antibody ALT-04 in nude mice]

Three nude mouse models bearing the human lung cancer were established from two fresh surgical specimens and one cell line. Tumor histological structure and cell morphology were similar before and after transplantation. The monoclonal antibody ALT-04 (McAb ALT-04) against human lung cancer was labeled by 125I, 131I and 201Tl. Radioimmunodetection study showed that all the three kinds of xenografts in nude mice were specifically located by McAb ALT-04. Imaging examination confirmed the ability of isotope labeling McAb ALT-04 to detect the presence of transplanted human lung cancer tissues without the aid of background subtraction manipulations. It is suggested that McAb ALT-04 have the possibility of locating in the tumor diagnosis and guiding in the treatment.

[Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies ALT-01 and ALT-04 and identification of lung cancer-associated antigens]

Two IgG1 type monoclonal antibodies ALT-01 and ALT-04 were prepared by two different immunization schedules. ALT-01 was generated by fusing murine myeloma NS-1 cells with splenocytes from a BALB/c mouse immunized by human lung squamous carcinoma cells, which were coated by antisera to mixed human lymphocytes. For preparation of ALT-04, human lung squamous carcinoma xenograft-bearing nude mice were injected I. P. with the spleen cells of normal BALB/c mice in order to acquire immunofunction. The spleen cells from these tumor-bearing nude mice were fused with NS-1 cells. Then, these hybridomas were screened and cloned for 3 times. Two antibodies were shown to recognize the surface antigen on human lung carcinoma cells and several kinds of tumor cell lines but not those on normal cell lines. ALT-01 reacted to neither human lung carcinoma tissue nor its xenograft. ALT-04 reacted to human lung carcinoma tissue, of which, reaction to adenocarcinoma was the strongest but not to various normal tissues. Immunoprecipitation followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography was used to detect the associated antigen in 35S-labeled human lung carcinoma cells. Antigens, reacting to ALT-01, show one band of Mr 38,000 but those to ALT-04 reveal two bands of Mr 48,000 and 36,000.

Muramyl peptides and serotonin interact at specific binding sites on macrophages and enhance superoxide release

Serotonin at low micromolar concentrations inhibited binding of two [125I]-labeled muramyl peptides to resident mouse peritoneal cells and to a macrophage-derived cell line, PU5-1.8-F7. Binding of [3H]serotonin was inhibited in parallel fashion. Overnight incubation with serotonin or muramyl peptide enhanced the release of superoxide by both types of cells when later stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate. Serotonin antagonists decreased binding of muramyl peptide and serotonin and diminished the subsequent enhancement of superoxide release. A cell line variant lacking detectable binding sites for muramyl peptide was far less responsive (superoxide release) than the parent line, to either drug. The data are consistent with sharing of a common set of receptors on the macrophage by muramyl peptide and serotonin and with involvement of these receptors in enhancing superoxide release.

Scanning electron microscopic observations of the oocyst, sporoblast and sporozoite of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface characteristics of the oocyst, sporoblast and sporozoite of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii. Observations were made of the sporogonic stages of 6-12 day infections of the malaria parasite in Anopheles stephensi. Oocyst and sporoblast development were not synchronous. The surface of the undifferentiated (early stage) oocyst appeared smooth, whereas that of differentiated (late stage) oocysts were rough or wrinkled. The wall of the differentiated oocysts showed numerous micropores at higher magnification (x15,000-20,000) the biological significance of which is not known. Small, bud-like satellite bodies were seen attached to some oocysts. Various forms of different stages of the sporoblast were described. Sporozoite budding took place on the surface of the sporoblast body. The sporozoite was elongate, curved and with a blunt anterior end.

In vivo evidence for prostaglandin inhibitory activity in New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract

Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (eg, aspirin, indomethacin and naproxen) interfere with ovulation and prolong the gestation period in the rat. These properties could provide a novel test bed for the assessment of agents with prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibitory activity. Rats were fed green-lipped mussel extract and the effects on conception and the subsequent gestation period were determined. Parturition was delayed and fetal development was retarded in the Seatone-fed animals. The observations were consistent with the known effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, suggesting that Seatone does contain pharmacologically active material inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis.

Effects of compliance alteration on healing of a porous dacron prosthesis in the thoracic aorta of the dog

In our study, the results reveal that a marked reduction in the compliance of an external-velour, weft-knit Dacron prosthesis did not impair healing of either the graft wall or of the anastomoses when these grafts were implanted in the upper part of the descending thoracic aorta of the dog for 56 days. These observations are clinically relevant, since they are important to the design of noncrimped fabric prostheses which are resistant to kink and compression when used for axillofemoral, femoropopliteal and femorotibial bypass. However, experimental studies of the influence of compliance disparity should be extended to such grafts implanted for several years.

On a new gap phenomenon in riemannian geometry

This note announces some theorems that show that the flat metric of euclidean space has no nearby nonflat complete metric with the property that its curvature keeps a sign and is "uniformly small" in a sense made precise here.

The gene frequency of serum albumin variants in Chinese and the electrophoretic characterization of several serum albumin variants

By screening a Chinese population of 1025 unrelated persons in Beijing, three serum albumin variants were discovered, and the gene frequency of serum albumin variants of Chinese is estimated as 0.0015. These albumin variants can be distinguished electrophoretically from each other, and were named tentatively as albumin Hanzhong, albumin Changzhi and albumin LXX respectively. A polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis procedure has been developed to characterize albumin variants by determining the relative mobilities (Rm) of albumin variants in a tris-succinate buffer system.

Valproic acid therapy in childhood epilepsy

Valproic acid, used alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants in 100 children with epilepsy, improved seizure control in all age groups. Mean improvement in seizure control was 82%. Petit mal seizures responded best, but other types of seizures, even with associated mental and physical handicaps, also responded well. A substantial improvement in alertness and behavior often occurred. Leukopenia (27%) and an elevated SGOT value (44%) were frequent but transient. Other side effects included alopecia (1), gastrointestinal distress with vomiting (7), pancreatitis (1), thrombocytopenia (1), edema (2), and coma (2). Three severely retarded children with frequent seizures died while receiving valproic acid, but it is not clear that death was caused by valproic acid. Children must be monitored carefully for potential toxic effects, and drug interactions with other anticonvulsants may cause problems in treatment.