Purification and characterization of two Ca(2+)-dependent lectins from coelomic plasma of sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus

Two structurally distinct lectins were purified from the coelomic plasma of holothurian, Stichopus japonicus, by affinity chromatography on a porcine stomach mucin-conjugated agarose column, gel filtration on a Superose 6 column, and ion-exchange chromatography on a HiTrap Q-FPLC. The two lectins showed apparent molecular masses of about 400 kDa (SPL-1) and 60 kDa (SPL-2) on gel filtration, but about 17 kDa on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Both lectins showed hemagglutination activity toward rabbit erythrocytes in the presence of Ca2+ ions. The N-terminal amino acid sequences were highly homologous to but distinct from those of a Ca(2+)-dependent (C-type) lectin named SJL-I purified from the same species. In addition to porcine stomach mucin, the hemagglutination activity of SPL-1 was strongly inhibited by uronic acids such as galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid, while the activity of SPL-2 was inhibited by GalNAc and galactosides. Both lectins were adsorbed on clotted coelomocytes in the presence of Ca2+ but not in the presence of inhibitory sugars or EGTA, suggesting the presence of an endogenous carbohydrate ligand(s) for plasma C-type lectins in the clot. However, coelomocyte clotting occurred normally even in the presence of inhibitory sugars, but was strongly inhibited by synthetic GRGDSP peptide or EGTA, suggesting the participation of integrin but not the lectin-carbohydrate interaction in the clotting events.

Immunohistochemical analysis of nm23/NDP kinase expression in human lung adenocarcinoma: association with tumor progression in Clara cell type

Levels of nm23-H1/nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDP kinase) expression have been reported to correlate inversely with metastatic potential in some tumors but not in others. Whether or not nm23 gene product is associated with metastatic potential in lung cancer is not clear as yet. We therefore immunohistochemically examined the expression of nm23 gene products in primary lung adenocarcinomas according to cytologic subtypes in order to clarify the association of its expression with the clinical features of the disease. Seventy-two (64.9%) of the 111 lung adenocarcinomas were positive for nm23 protein. In lung adenocarcinoma of Clara cell type, high levels of nm23 expression were associated with advanced pathologic stage, positive lymph node status, and poorer prognosis (P < 0.05). However, no correlation with clinical outcome was observed in other cell types. Our data suggest that higher levels of nm23 expression are associated with tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma of Clara cell type.

Diffuse arteriovenous malformation involving jejunum and total colon with mesenteric varices. Case report

Diffuse intestinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is very rare. We describe a case of diffuse AVM involving the jejunum and the total colon in an adult. In addition, mesenteric varices without portal hypertension is demonstrated on angiography of the superior mesenteric artery. The high flow through the AVMs may be a major component in the etiology of the mesenteric varices in our case.

Expression of the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) in non-small cell lung cancer

To ezamine the clinical relevance of P-glycoprotein, encoded by the human multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), to multidrug resistance in lung cancer, we examined the expression of MDR1 in 107 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and 20 corresponding specimens of normal lung tissues. We also evaluated the relationship between MDR1 expression and the histopathology and pathological staging of NSCLC. The tumors consisted of 60 adenocarcinomas, 38 squamous cell carcinomas, 8 large cell carcinomas, and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma. MDR1 expression was semi-quantified by use of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. We subclassified the NSCLC into 3 grades according to the MDR1 expression level (-, +, ++). Sixty-one of the 107 tumor specimens (57%) and 18 of the normal lung tissue specimens (90%) expressed various levels of the MDR1 gene. Only one tumor specimen showed higher MDR1 expression than the corresponding normal lung tissue. The relationship between pathological stage and MDR1 expression levels was not significant. These results suggest that the level of MDR1 expression in lung cells is decreased as cells progress from the normal to the transformed state.

Transcription of the faoAB operon which encodes the HDT multienzyme complex involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation in Pseudomonas fragi B-0771

Transcription of the two clustered genes, faoA and faoB, for the multienzyme complex for fatty acid beta-oxidation (HDT) from the Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas fragi, was investigated. Northern blot hybridization and primer extension analysis indicated that these genes comprised an operon, giving a 3.6 kb mRNA. Transcription of the 3.6 kb faoAB mRNA was induced by palmitic acid. Using the lacZ gene as a reporter gene for a promoter activity search, the essential region for induction of the faoAB gene transcription by palmitic acid was mapped at the 331 bp region just upstream of the transcription initiation site. Deletion of the 136 bp SalI-NheI fragment just downstream of the transcription initiation site caused the constitutive expression of the faoA-lacZ fusion protein in P. fragi, suggesting that there is a regulatory element interacting with the transcription repressor.

Abdominal wall desmoid mimicking intra-abdominal mass: MR features

A case of abdominal wall desmoid which enlarged toward the liver and mimicked an intra-abdominal tumor is presented. T*2-weighted MR images clearly demonstrated the tumor's continuity with the rectus abdominis muscle. The case presented suggests MRI may provide more valuable information concerning the origin of a right-upper-quadrant mass than CT does. However, the nature of the signals and attachment which this case showed were so unusual for desmoids that this case has not been diagnosed accurately.

C-type galactoside-binding lectin from Bothrops jararaca venom: comparison of its structure and function with those of botrocetin

A Ca(2+)-dependent type (C-type) galactoside-binding lectin was purified from venom of the snake Bothrops jararaca by thiodigalactoside-Sepharose affinity column chromatography. B. jararaca lectin is a disulfide-linked homodimer composed of 14-kDa subunits. The N-terminal 55-residue amino acid sequence was determined and appeared to belong to the animal C-type lectin family. This 55-residue sequence showed 37% identity with botrocetin, an exogenous von Willebrand factor modulator purified from the same venom, and 85% identity with a lectin from rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom. B. jararaca lectin showed Ca(2+)-dependent hemagglutination activity but did not induce platelet aggregation in the presence or absence of Ca2+ and von Willebrand factor and did not inhibit platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin and von Willebrand factor. On the other hand, botrocetin, which also contains a C-type lectin motif in the N-terminal sequence, did not show hemagglutinating activity toward rabbit and human erythrocytes, nor binding activity toward immobilized glycoproteins. These results indicate that at least two structurally similar but functionally distinct proteins, both belonging to the C-type lectin family, are present in the venom of B. jararaca.

Comparative studies of asparagine-linked sugar chains of immunoglobulin G from eleven mammalian species

1. Asparagine-linked sugar chains released by hydrazinolysis from IgGs of porcine, equine, bovine, goat, ovine, canine, rabbit, guinea-pig and rat were comparatively analyzed by microsequencing and lectin affinity chromatography. 2. Sugar chains of all IgGs basically consisted of biantennary complex-type oligosaccharides containing 0-2 sialic acid residue(s). More than 70% of the oligosaccharides were neutral, except for guinea-pig IgG, and fucosylated trimannosyl core structures were dominant except for rabbit IgG. Bisecting N-acetylglucosamine residue was absent in porcine and equine IgGs. 3. A large quantity of galactose-less oligosaccharides were present in IgGs of porcine, equine, canine and rat.

Expression of carbohydrate antigens in human pulmonary adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The altered and anomalous expression of carbohydrate antigens (CA) occur in patients with lung carcinomas.

METHODS

To investigate the relationship between prognosis and immunohistochemical findings of CA in serum and pulmonary adenocarcinomas (PA), PA specimens surgically resected from 102 patients were studied with the use of A, B, H, Lewis(Le)a, Le(b), Le(x), Le(y), sialyl Le(a) (FH-7), sialyl Le(x-i) (SLX) (FH-6), sialosyl Tn (TKH-2), and CA 19-9. The Lewis blood group types were determined by the dot blotting method on patients' serum using monoclonal anti-Le(a), Le(b), Le(x), and Le(y). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded PA sections were stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex methods.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between the patients' postoperative survival and tissue expression of CA, although survival correlated with the clinical stages, histologic differentiation of PA, and serum SLX in Stage 4. The higher the positive rate of both Le(b) and Le(y), the better their differentiation in PA specimens. Regardless of blood group type, PA showed high positive reactions for FH-6 (88%) and Le(y) (87%). The serum concentration of CA 19-9 correlated with immunohistochemical reactions of tumors (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.33, P = 0.02). The expression of Le(a) in Lewis (a-b+) phenotype patients and Type 2 CA, such as Le(y) and FH-6, is characteristic in PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that CA tissue expression may not reflect postoperative survival length of patients with PA, but biological aberrant fucosylation or sialylation as well as morphologic alteration may occur in neoplastic cells.

[Inflammatory tumor of the hepatic hilus mimicking bile duct cancer--report of a case]

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of jaundice. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a tumor of the hepatic hilus causing obstructive jaundice. Angiography revealed a stenosis of the right hepatic artery. Under the diagnosis of carcinoma of the hepatic hilus, extended right hepatectomy with resection of the caudate lobe was performed. A tumor showing expophytic growth, 2.1 x 1.9 x 1.5cm in size, was seen in the hepatic hilus. Histologically, the tumor was proved to be a non-neoplastic fibrous tissue simulating the inflammatory pseudotumor.

Immunohistochemical analysis of cathepsin B expression in human lung adenocarcinoma: the role in cancer progression

Production of cathepsin B by tumor cells has been linked to metastatic potential in several experimental models. Sections of 95 primary lung adenocarcinomas were examined for expression of cathepsin B using a standard avidin-biotin immunohistochemical technique. Staining for cathepsin B was observed in 22.1% of all cases and 28.0% of those of the Clara cell type. In Clara cell adenocarcinomas, cathepsin B expression correlated with positive lymph node status, presence of distant metastases, and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). However, no correlation with clinical outcome was observed in other cell types. Our data suggest that cathepsin B may be involved in invasion and metastasis in Clara cell lung adenocarcinoma.

[Two cases of intrapulmonary teratoma]

We encountered two unusual cases of intrapulmonary teratoma, one in a 31-year-old female and the other in a 15-year-old female. The chief complaint of both patients was fever, and in both a consolidation was detected in the left upper lobe using routine radiography. We performed left upper lobectomy for the former patient and segmentectomy of the left lingual segment for the latter. Neither tumor communicated with the mediastinum. Histological examination revealed a pulmonary teratoma containing no thymic tissue in both. Intrapulmonary teratoma has been reported to be extremely rare, and only 27 cases including these two have been reported in the literature.

Primary structure of two-chain botrocetin, a von Willebrand factor modulator purified from the venom of Bothrops jararaca

The complete amino acid sequence and location of the disulfide bonds of two-chain botrocetin, which promotes platelet agglutination in the presence of von Willebrand factor, from venom of the snake Bothrops jararaca are presented. Sequences of the alpha and beta subunits were determined by analysis of peptides generated by digestion of the S-pyridylethylated protein with Achromobacter protease I or alpha-chymotrypsin and by chemical cleavage with cyanogen bromide or 2-(2'-nitrophenylsulfenyl)-3-methyl-3-bromoindolenine. Two-chain botrocetin is a heterodimer composed of the alpha subunit (consisting of 133 amino acid residues) and the beta subunit (consisting of 125 amino acid residues) held together by a disulfide bond. Seven disulfide bonds link half-cystine residues 2 to 13, 30 to 128, and 103 to 120 of the alpha subunit; 2 to 13, 30 to 121, and 98 to 113 of the beta subunit; and 80 of the alpha subunit to 75 of the beta subunit. In terms of amino acid sequence and disulfide bond location, two-chain botrocetin is homologous to echinoidin (a sea urchin lectin) and other C-type (Ca(2+)-dependent) lectins.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma extending across the midline: MR features

A rare adult case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly demonstrated unusual extension of the tumor across the midline is reported. Dynamic MR imaging was very useful to distinguish benign ganglioneuroma from other retroperitoneal tumors, especially neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma.

[A case of chest wall abscess due to Salmonella newport]

A 18-year-old female with a history of precordial pain was admitted. There was a mass (3.5 x 2.5 cm) in the right inframammary region which was suspected to be chest wall tumor on the basis of CT scan and Ga scintigraphy findings. Exploratory surgery, consisting of total resection of the tumor without removing the ribs, was performed and revealed an abscess. Culture of pus from the abscess grew Salmonella newport (0 antigen 8, H antigen eh; 1.2). Focal infection with Salmonellosis is discussed. Surgical treatment is necessary in addition to chemotherapy.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: hypertrophic gastroepiploic and omental arteries identified by radioimmune angiography

We report a first case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma examined by radioimmune (RI) angiography with technetium-99m human serum albumin. The RI angiography clearly demonstrated the characteristic findings including hypertrophic gastroepiploic arteries and dilated omental branches. These findings may be very helpful in distinguishing malignant peritoneal mesotheliomas from peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Promotion of plantlet formation from somatic embryos of carrot treated with a high molecular weight extract from a marine cyanobacterium

Somatic embryos of Daucus carota L. developed into plantlets at high frequency after addition of an extract from a marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902. High molecular weight, nondialyzing fraction, separated from the extract, possessed enhanced plantlet formation promoting activity. Plantlet formation frequency was 60 % after addition of nondialysate (100 mg/l) compared to 28 % without addition. Embryos treated with the nondialysate contained five times more chlorophyll than nontreated embryos after 6 days of culture. The chlorophyll a/b ratio of 4-day old treated somatic embryos was found to be similar to that of zygotic embryos. However, the chlorophyll a/b ratio of plantlets induced from nontreated somatic embryos was variable. Nondialysate was fractionated by ultracentrifugation and an active component obtained, which gave a maximum plantlet formation frequency of 71 %, and induced rapid greening of shoots.

Primary structures of the genes, faoA and faoB, from Pseudomonas fragi B-0771 which encode the two subunits of the HDT multienzyme complex involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation

Three enzyme activities involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation, i.e., those of enoyl-CoA hydratase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase, are exhibited by one multienzyme complex (HDT) composed of two molecules each of two peptides in Pseudomonas fragi. Using specific antisera against the two subunits of HDT, we isolated the genes encoding the subunits of HDT and designated them "faoA" (for the alpha-subunit) and "faoB" (for the beta-subunit). Their complete nucleotide sequences were determined and it was revealed that faoA and faoB, both with individual putative S.D. sequences at suitable positions, formed a cluster, in that order. The amino acid sequences deduced from the nucleotide sequences of the two genes indicated that the alpha-subunit, encoded by faoA, is a polypeptide of 715 amino acid residues, and that the beta-subunit, encoded by faoB, consists of 390 amino acid residues lacking the first methionine of the primary product encoded by faoB. Immunoblotting of cell lysates prepared from Escherichia coli transformants carrying plasmids which possess the faoA and/or faoB gene with antisera against the subunits of HDT showed that both the faoA and faoB genes were transcribed and translated in E. coli. The overall activities of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase were increased in the E. coli cells transformed with the plasmid possessing the faoA gene, suggesting that both the hydratase and dehydrogenase activities may be exhibited by the alpha-subunit of HDT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of enzymes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation in Pseudomonas fragi B-0771 cells grown in media supplemented with fatty acid

Induction of the enzymes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation in Pseudomonas fragi B-0771 cells grown in a medium containing straight chain saturated fatty acids was studied. The acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACDH) activity was induced during the exponential phase in cells grown in palmitic acid-supplemented medium, reached a maximum at the early stationary phase, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Changes in the overall activities of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, both existing on the multienzyme complex (HDT) involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation, were similar to that in ACDH activity. Straight chain saturated fatty acids having more than 6 carbon atoms could induce both the ACDH and HDT activities, and C13-C15 fatty acids caused the greatest induction of both activities. Changes in the overall activities of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase correlated with that in the amount of the alpha-subunit of HDT during the entire culture period in the medium containing palmitic acid. Surprisingly, the stoichiometry of the alpha- and beta-subunit proteins of HDT was not maintained into the stationary phase culture, though the genes encoding the alpha- and beta-subunits are tandemly coded in bacterial genomic DNA.

Organ-specific occurrence and expression of the isoforms of nonspecific lipid transfer protein in castor bean seedlings, and molecular cloning of a full-length cDNA for a cotyledon-specific isoform

Four kinds of nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP) were purified from different organs of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) seedlings. Amino acid compositions and amino-terminal sequences of the four nsLTPs were determined and compared with those of castor bean isoforms, nsLTP-A, -B, and -C, previously reported [Takishima et al. (1986) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 870, 248-255; Takishima et al. (1988) Eur. J. Biochem. 177, 241-249]. Two isoforms from the cotyledons were identified as nsLTP-A and -C, one isoform from the endosperms as nsLTP-B, and the other was a new isoform from the axes. This new isoform was named nsLTP-D and its amino acid sequence was determined. These results demonstrated organ-specific occurrence of the nsLTP isoforms in castor bean seedlings. The isoforms nsLTP-A, -B, -C, and -D showed similar transfer activity not only for phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine but also for monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, although the homology among their amino acid sequences ranged from 70 to 30%. Two cDNA clones (pnsLTP-C and pnsLTP-D) for nsLTPs of castor bean seedlings were isolated and sequenced. pnsLTP-C was the cDNA clone for nsLTP-C expressed in the cotyledons, and pnsLTP-D was that for nsLTP-D in the axis. A coupled in vitro transcription-translation analysis of both cDNA clones revealed that pnsLTP-C encodes the full-length of nsLTP-C precursor (pro-nsLTP-C), while pnsLTP-D encodes a part of nsLTP-D precursor. PronsLTP-C contained a 24-amino acid pre-sequence preceding the mature nsLTP-C (92 amino acids).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell adhesive activity of two animal lectins through different recognition mechanisms

Cell adhesive activity of two animal lectins, frog (Rana catesbeiana) S-type 14K lectin and echinoidin (a C-type lectin from sea urchin plasma), was studied with human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. RD cells attached to and spread on plastic plates coated with each lectin. Cell adhesion by the frog lectin was completely inhibited by the addition of lactose or asialofetuin glycopeptide. Echinoidin-induced cell adhesion was only inhibited by peptide GRGDS. Since echinoidin is known to contain an RGD-sequence, our results clearly indicate that this sequence is active as the cell adhesive signal. These results suggest that some of the animal lectins may function as a cell adhesive molecule rather than using the carbohydrate-recognition mechanism.

Purification and characterization of beta-galactoside binding lectin from frog (Rana catesbeiana) eggs

A beta-galactoside-binding lectin, a homodimer composed of 14kDa subunits, was purified from unfertilized eggs of the frog Rana catesbeiana by asialofetuin-Sepharose 4B affinity column chromatography. The lectin was solubilized from eggs by addition of neither haptenic sugar nor detergent and showed a unique characteristic that it requires neither Ca++ nor SH-reagent for its hemagglutination activity. However, the partial amino acid sequence indicated that the lectin belongs to a family of soluble 14kDa beta-galactoside-binding lectins (14K-lectin) widely distributed in vertebrates and classified as S type lectins. These results indicate that a 14K-lectin is present as the free form in unfertilized frog eggs, presenting the first structural evidence for the presence of a soluble 14K-lectin in the amphibian eggs.

[Therapeutic guide line for hemoptysis]

We report the result of treatment for thirty-two patients whose chief complaint was hemoptysis and represent the therapeutic guide line for hemoptysis. In thirty-two cases, there were twenty men and twelve women and average of age was fifty-two years old. Twenty-nine of them were chronic lung diseases such as tuberculosis and bronchiectasis and only three cases have malignant tumors. Two of them recovered with conservative therapy and bronchial arteriography (BAG) have been performed in thirty patients in order to determine the bleeding foci, BAG was failed in two cases, but these two cases have been recovered with following up, BAG was succeeded in twenty-eight cases and twelve cases of them could not been determined the bleeding foci by angiography and could be controlled using hemostatic and antibiotic agents. Embolization of bronchial arteries with gelatin sponge have been performed in sixteen cases and made success in eleven cases. In ten of these cases, BAE was effective less than two times. Only one of silicosis with restrictive lung function was considered contraindication of surgery and recovered by three times of BAE. Four cases of five uneffective BAE (rebleeding after two times of BAE) have been treated by operation in good course. But one case complicated with WPW syndrome has died because of aspiration pneumonia without operation. In our institute, the rate of operation for hemoptysis was low as 13% of thirty-two cases. In order to consider the indication of surgery, bronchial arteriography was essential to determine bleeding foci and BAE was effective in over 80% of hemoptysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Extracts of Marine cyanobacteria stimulated somatic embryogenesis of Daucus carota L

Twenty five strains of marine cyanobacteria were screened for their ability to promote carrot somatic embryogenesis. Hot water extracts prepared from 21 of these strains promoted plantlet formation. Extracts from four strains increased plantlet numbers to an average of over 3.7-fold. Dialysates and nondialysates of each of these extracts also increased plantlet formation. For extracts from filamentous cyanobacteria, Nostoc sp. and Anabaena sp., dialysate was more effective (4.2-fold increase) than nondialysate (3.0-fold increase), whereas for unicellular strains Synechococcus sp. and Xenococcus sp., nondialysate was more effective (5.2-fold increase) than the dialysate (3.2-fold increase). These cyanobacterial extracts also promoted embryolike structure formation from two-year old carrot cell cultures which were unable to produce plantlets using the usual methods. Here, we demonstrate the existence in marine cyanobacterial extracts of low and high molecular weight factors which strongly promote somatic embryogenesis in carrot cell cultures.

Amino acid sequence and molecular characterization of a D-galactoside-specific lectin purified from sea urchin (Anthocidaris crassispina) eggs

The complete amino acid sequence of a 11.5-kDa subunit of D-galactoside binding lectin purified from sea urchin (Anthocidaris crassispina) eggs is presented. The 105-residue sequence of the subunit was determined by analysis of the intact S-carbamoylmethylated protein and peptides generated by digestion with Achromobacter protease I or Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. The lectin exists as a disulfide-linked homodimer of two subunits; the dimeric form is essential for hemagglutination activity. However, the monomeric form obtained by partial reduction retains the carbohydrate binding capacity. Neither Ca2+ nor SH reagent is essential for hemagglutination or carbohydrate binding. The sequence has no similarity to that of any known protein and apparently represents a new type of galactoside binding lectin.

Light-Independent Expression of cab and rbcS Genes in Dark-Grown Pine Seedlings

In angiosperms, light has been shown to induce the expression of cab and rbcS genes, which encode the apoprotein of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein (LHCP) and the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), respectively. By contrast, chlorophylls are synthesized in the cotyledons of pine seedlings even if seeds are germinated in the dark. We have examined the expression of cab and rbcS genes in the cotyledons of pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings grown in darkness. The proteins of LHCP and the large subunit and the small subunit of Rubisco were detected in the cotyledons of dark-grown seedlings. The transcripts of cab and rbcS genes were present at substantial levels in dark-grown seedlings. However, the transcripts and the translated products of the genes were not found in the embryos of dry seeds. These results indicate that light is not required for the expression of cab and rbcS genes during the course of development of the cotyledons of pine seedlings. The processing of the precursor polypeptides of the mature proteins also appears to take place even in the dark.

Two cases of endoscopically identified esophageal cancer of the superficial-slightly depressed type

We experienced two cases of superficial type esophageal cancer. Case 1 was a 72-year-old man in whom endoscopic examination revealed a slightly protruded, partially reddened and faded area of irregular shape corresponding to 0-IIa + IIc (slightly depressed type) of the endoscopic classification of esophageal cancers. Macroscopically, it was a superficial, ill-defined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 2.5 x 2.4 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of a swelling type of stage 0. Case 2 was 55-year-old man. Endoscopic examination disclosed an almost roundish, smooth-surfaced, flat and dull red area corresponding to IIc (slightly depressed type). Macroscopically it was a superficial, semidefined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 1.0 x 1.0 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal, semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of stage 0. To detect esophageal cancer at an early stage, the endoscopist needs to inspect the mucosa carefully. In case of males aged over 50, the endoscopist would be well advised to employ the dye-spraying method (Lugol staining method) at the endoscopic examination.

The clinical significance of venous invasion in cancer of the stomach

Specimens from 235 surgically treated cases of gastric cancer were examined for venous invasion in order to investigate its clinical significance. A total of 87 (37.0 per cent) cases showed histologic evidence of venous invasion, with the incidence being 48.3 per cent of 180 cases, after the exclusion of 55 cases where cancerous invasion was limited to the mucosa. The frequency of venous invasion varied with the gross type of tumor, the depth of penetration and the degree of differentiation, being highest in tumors of type 2 and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. It increased proportionately depending upon the depth of penetration and the incidence increased in cases where there was evident lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis. The long term survival rate significantly decreased in patients with venous invasion when compared to those without it. In this report, we also discuss the marked difference in the incidence of liver metastasis between gastric and colorectal carcinomas in relation to venous invasion of the primary tumor. Double staining with Victoria blue and hematoxylin-eosin for elastic fibers proved useful for detecting venous invasion in the carcinomatous tissue, though endothelial markers have great specificity for differentiating small veins from lymphatics.

[Neurofibroma originated from the intrathoracic vagal nerve in a patient with von Recklinghausen's disease--a case report]

A neurofibroma originated from the intrathoracic vagal nerve was presented. A 26-year-old male was found to have an abnormal shadow in the right chest filed on a routine examination. He was complicated with Von Recklinghausen's disease and showed multiple "cafe au lait" spots over his extremities and trunk but no subcutaneous mass. A block resection of the mass was carried for the mediastinal tumor. The tumor was arising from the right intrathoracic vagal nerve which located just below the origin of recurrent nerve and was measured 3 X 3 X 6 cm. Histological examination of the specimen revealed neurofibroma. His postoperative course was uneventful. A brief review in Japan was made on 22 cases collected from the literature.

[Cardiac arrest episodes by cardiomyopathy following total pancreatectomy, a case report]

A 47-year-old man with advanced pancreatic carcinoma underwent total pancreatectomy with resection of the involved portal vein. His postoperative course was complicated by a couple of cardiac arrest episodes. The first episode occurred seven weeks after surgery during drip infusion of CDDP, and later on during the thirteenth week after surgery. There was no apparent cause for those episodes. On both occasions resuscitation was performed adequately. The second arrest was followed by deep inverted T waves on ECG, however, not by elevation of serum CPK-MB. Because of this, myocardial infarction was ruled out. The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy was made possible through the discovery on the echocardiogram of a hypertrophied left ventricle with thick interventricular septum. Then, on catheterization, myocardial squeezing in the left anterior descending coronary artery was noticed. Finally, histological findings concerning the biopsied cardiac muscle led to the same diagnosis. Cardiac arrest in this case seemed to be due to arrhythmia caused by cardiomyopathy. Echo cardiography should be routinely used as part of the examination prior to extended major surgery.

Evidence for the expression of the rol genes of Nicotiana glauca in genetic tumors of N. glauca X N. langsdorffii

Thus far, no evidence has been presented that the rol genes (Ng rol) of Nicotiana glauca (Furner et al. 1986) are expressed in this plant. However, we found that the Ng rol genes were transcribed in genetic tumors formed in hybrids of N. glauca X N. langsdorffii. During the culture of such genetic tumors, the level of transcription of Ng rol B increased while that of Ng rol C decreased in parallel with an increase in the endogenous auxin level in the tissues. Moreover, the transcription of these genes was completely suppressed by the application of exogenous auxin. Since the measured endogenous level of auxin was rather low, the formation of tumors in these hybrids can be tentatively explained as a consequence of the expression of rol genes that is responsible for the increased sensitivity to auxin of the hybrids. This novel finding is discussed in relation to the cause of genetic tumors in Nicotiana.

Specular microscopic observation of posterior corneal vesicles

Specular microscopic investigation was conducted on 5 cases with the diagnosis compatible with posterior corneal vesicles. Endothelial cells were considerably enlarged with a more or less indistinct margin. Deposits onto endothelial cells were occasionally seen. The results of specular microscopy suggest that posterior corneal vesicles be classified as a nonfamilial, unilateral variant of posterior polymorphous dystrophy of the cornea.

Structure and some characterization of the gene for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from rice plants

A nearly full-length cDNA and a genomic clone were isolated that encoded the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) of rice plants, and the complete nucleotide sequences were determined. The gene encodes a polypeptide of 701 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly similar to that of PAL from Phaseolus vulgaris deduced from an incomplete cDNA fragment. The cloned gene spans 4412 bp and consists of two exons and one intron. The site of initiation of transcription was located -86 nucleotides (position 1) upstream from the translational initiation codon by the primer-extension method. Sequences analogous to TATA-box and GC-box were found in the 5'-upstream region from the transcriptional initiation site. Southern blot analysis showed that the PAL gene of rice plants exists as a small multi-gene family. Within this family, the genomic clone isolated in this study was shown to be responsive by light. This also indicated that this genomic sequence functions as a gene for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in rice plants in vivo.

Structure and characterization of a cDNA clone for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from cut-injured roots of sweet potato

A cDNA clone for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) induced in wounded sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) root was obtained by immunoscreening a cDNA library. The protein produced in Escherichia coli cells containing the plasmid pPAL02 was indistinguishable from sweet potato PAL as judged by Ouchterlony double diffusion assays. The M(r) of its subunit was 77,000. The cells converted [(14)C]-l-phenylalanine into [(14)C]-t-cinnamic acid and PAL activity was detected in the homogenate of the cells. The activity was dependent on the presence of the pPAL02 plasmid DNA. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA contained a 2121-base pair (bp) open-reading frame capable of coding for a polypeptide with 707 amino acids (M(r) 77, 137), a 22-bp 5'-noncoding region and a 207-bp 3'-noncoding region. The results suggest that the insert DNA fully encoded the amino acid sequence for sweet potato PAL that is induced by wounding. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with that of a PAL cDNA fragment from Phaseolus vulgaris revealed 78.9% homology. The sequence from amino acid residues 258 to 494 was highly conserved, showing 90.7% homology.

Biosynthesis of nonspecific lipid transfer proteins in germinating castor bean seeds

The biosynthesis of nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (ns-LTPs) in germinating castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) seeds were investigated. Lipid transfer activities of ns-LTPs in the cotyledons, axis, and endosperm increased with growth after germination. The activity increases were accompanied by increased amounts of ns-LTPs in each tissue, as measured by immunoblot using anti-ns-LTP serum. These results suggest that the ns-LTPs are synthesized de novo in each tissue after germination and not activated from inactive proteins synthesized before germination. Comparison of the immunoblot products in each tissue from 4-day-old seedlings indicate the occurrence of tissue-specific isoforms of ns-LTPs; 9 kilodaltons (major) and 7 kilodaltons (minor) in the cotyledons, and 7 kilodaltons (major) and 9 kilodaltons (minor) in the axis, whereas only the 8-kilodalton ns-LTP is present in the endosperm. In vitro translation from poly(A)(+) RNAs from three tissues of castor bean seedlings and the detection of immunoprecipitated products indicate that translatable mRNAs for ns-LTPs exist in the three tissues a day before the synthesis of ns-LTPs; the translation products, which are 3.5 to 4.0 kilodaltons larger than ns-LTPs, were processed to the mature ns-LTPs. The production of mature ns-LTPs from translatable mRNAs without any delay suggests that gene expression of ns-LTPs in castor bean seedlings is controlled at a step before the formation of translatable mRNAs.

[Succinylcholine neuromuscular blockade in a case of pseudocholinesterase variant]

Since there is little or no pseudocholinesterase at the motor end plate, the neuromuscular blockade by succinylcholine is terminated by its diffusion away from the end-plate into extracellular fluid. Pseudocholinesterase (ChE), therefore, influences the duration of action of succinylcholine (SCC) by controlling the rate of hydrolysis before it reaches the end-plate. SCC neuromuscular blockade can be prolonged in the presence of an atypical form of ChE. A 37 year old male with the deficiency of ChE activity underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy under neuroleptanesthesia. The mode, duration and treatments of neuromuscular blockade following succinylcholine (SCC) were studied using train-of-four (TOF). SCC was administered 6 times (total 170 mg) during the operation. Prolonged apnea was noted after the first intravenous injection of SCC (60 mg, 1 mg.kg-1). It was found that spontaneous resolution of the neuromuscular block had four phases and there was a pronounced fade of the TOF response. After the second injection of SCC (30 mg), a remarkable fade of the TOF was detected and the character of the block was considered to be a desensitizing block (phase II block). The block was treated by intravenous infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (400 ml) which contained ChE, at the rate of 231 +/- 56 IU/l/37 degrees C begun shortly after the fifth injection of SCC (20mg). The duration of the block was remarkably shortened but the recovery curves were almost unchanged, indicating the diffusion of SCC away from the end-plate and/or that receptor-channel is presumably slow. The neuromuscular blockade was fully reversed by additional injection of FFP (400 ml) before extubation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primary structure of hemorrhagic protein, HR2a, isolated from the venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis

The complete amino acid sequence and disulfide bridge location of HR2a, one of the hemorrhagic proteins isolated from the snake venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis, have been determined by analysis of peptides derived from digests with cyanogen bromide, lysyl endopeptidase, trypsin, and Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. Peptides were purified by gel filtration followed by reversed-phase HPLC. HR2a has the amino-terminal sequence of less than Glu-Gln-Arg- and consists of a total of 202 residues with a calculated molecular weight of 23,015. Sequence analysis indicates the presence of another isoform which lacks the amino-terminal residue, making 201 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 22,887. Three disulfide bridges of HR2a link Cys-118 to Cys-197, Cys-159 to Cys-181, and Cys-161 to Cys-164. HR2a contains a segment which is similar to the zinc-chelating sequences found in thermolysin and several mammalian metalloproteinases, suggesting that HR2a is a metalloproteinase with limited substrate specificity. However, there is no other significant sequence homology with thermolysin except for the zinc-ligand region.

Primary structure of maize pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase as deduced from cDNA sequence

We have isolated two overlapping cDNA clones that encompass the entire structural gene for pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase from maize. The analysis of the nucleotide sequence has revealed that the cDNA clones include an insert of a total of 3,171 nucleotides without a poly(A) tail and encode a polypeptide that contains 947 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 102,673. Comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase protein with that deduced from the nucleotide sequence shows that the mature form of pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase in the maize chloroplast consists of 876 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 95,353. The amino acid composition of the deduced sequence of pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase is in good agreement with that of the purified enzyme. The region that contains the active and regulatory sites of pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase can be found in the deduced sequence of amino acids. We have predicted the secondary structure and calculated the hydropathy pattern of this region. The extra 71 residues at the N terminus of the deduced sequence of amino acid residues corresponds to the transit peptide which is indispensable for the transport of the precursor protein into chloroplasts. We have compared the primary structure of the pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase transit peptide to those of other proteins and found sequences similar to the consensus sequences found in other transit peptides.

[A study on the DNA histogram pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma--application of a high resolution analytical system using a charge couple device (CCD)]

In 25 cases of primary hepatocellular carcinomas, the relationships between clinical, pathological features and DNA histogram patterns were investigated. Nuclear DNA histogram that represents cell cycle and indicates biological malignancy of carcinoma was analyzed by rapid image sensor analytical system scanning enable to measure the density, area and perimeter of nuclei even on thin tissue sections. Histograms of over 65 years old patients showed low ploidy pattern rather than that of less than 65 patients whose AFP values are over 1000 ng/ml showed statistically higher ploidy pattern compared to those of under 10 ng/ml. No significant relations were verified between pathological findings and DNA histogram patterns. But patients who died within 18 months after hepatectomy showed broad and high ploidy histogram patterns compared to patients who lived over 18 months. These results suggested that DNA histogram analysis is useful for evaluate the biological malignancy of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

[A case of renal angiomyolipoma with bone formation]

A case of renal angiomyolipoma with bone formation is reported. A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with one month history of fever. About 15 cm in diameter mass was palpated in her right lower abdomen. Plain abdominal roentgenography, ultrasonography and computed tomography showed marked calcification in the cephalic portion of the right kidney, tumors surrounding right kidney and another tumor in the right lower abdomen. All these tumors and the kidney constituted a big mass continuously, and no fatty component was demonstrated. Total excision of the mass including the kidney was performed. The mass was 30 X 24 X 10 cm in size and 3,240 g in weight. Histologically, the tumor was compatible to renal angiomyolipoma. But, radiopaque shadows which looked like calcification were disclosed to be bones, and fatty tissues were not seen so much. Therefore, the name "benign mesenchymoma" was thought to be more acceptable than angiomyolipoma in this case. Preoperative diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma is the demonstration of fatty densities in the tumor, and the characteristic extrarenal development should also be taken into consideration. Furthermore, the bone formation of angiomyolipoma, which is very rare might be an important finding to angiomyolipoma.

[Changes of plasma amino acid profiles following total hepatectomy under veno-veno bypass in dogs]

Patients with advanced liver disease demonstrate characteristic plasma amino acid abnormalities. The response of plasma amino acid patterns after liver transplantation in those patients is unknown. Mongrel dogs were subjected to two experimental models, that is, one is total hepatectomy under veno-veno bypass as an assumption of an hepatic phase in liver transplantation and the another is splenectomy as control. In control group, BCAA/AAA ratio rose gradually during operation. The levels of methionine, glycine and alanine were significantly lower at 4 hours. In hepatectomized dogs, BCAA/AAA ratio fell gradually after total hepatectomy. The levels of amino acids except BCAA were higher than preoperative value. Increase of alanine was the most remarkable early after total hepatectomy. It was derived not only from the lack of glucose-alanine cycle but also from increased synthesis due to degradation of the BCAA in muscle.