Detection of viral RNA by electron microscopic in situ hybridization (ISH-EM) in the germinal epithelium of mice infected with encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus

Electron microscopic in situ hybridization (ISH-EM) was first applied to the detection of viral RNA in the germinal epithelium of mice inoculated i.p. with 10(5) plaque-forming units/mouse of the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC-D). Signals of viral RNA were first detected in a small number of Sertoli cells showing mild degeneration at 2 days post inoculation, and 2 days later, they were also detected in germinal cells and spermatogonia when Sertoli cells showed prominent degeneration. The results clearly demonstrated that the first site of viral attack in the germinal epithelium was Sertoli cell in the case of EMC-D-induced mouse orchitis.

Studies on differentiation inducers. VI. Lignan derivatives from Arctium fructus. (2)

In the previous paper, we reported the differentiation inducing activities of lignoids from Arctium Fructus (the fruits of Arctium lappa L., Compositae) against mouse myeloid leukemia cells (M1). We reinvestigated the active components of this extract and isolated three new dilignans. Furthermore, structure modifications were carried out using the most active lignan (arctigenin, 1) and its structure-activity relationship was investigated. Its aliphatic esters were more effective in inducing the differentiation of M1 cells than its aromatic esters. Especially, n-decanoate, which was the most active derivative, induced more than half of the M1 cells into phagocytic cells at a concentration of 2 microM.

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in an infant treated by thromboexclusion with thoracoabdominal aortic bypass. A case report

A case of a huge thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in an eighteen-month-old boy is reported. Surgical treatment was successfully performed by thromboexclusion of the aneurysm with thoracoabdominal aortic bypass using a low-porosity woven Dacron graft 10 mm in diameter and of sufficient surplus length. During the early postoperative period, he developed moderate hydronephrosis, owing to compression of the left ureter by the graft, but no further deterioration was seen. Follow-up angiographies performed four and six years after surgery revealed straightening of the graft and slight stretching of the aorta at the distal anastomosis, but no stenosis was found. Now, seven and a half years after surgery, he has no pressure gradient between upper and lower extremities.

[89Sr Therapy for pain relief in patients with bone metastases]

Radioactive strontium chloride (89Sr) was administered for pain relief in 6 patients with bone metastases (4 prostate cancer and 2 breast cancer patients). Out of 6 patients, 2 showed apparent relief of bone pain and improvement of QOL, and 3 showed slight relief of the pain with or without improvement of QOL; that is, 83% was effective. Side effects were seen in 2 patients; transient deterioration of bone pain in one patient and bone marrow suppression in the other patient. The patient who showed bone marrow suppression had rather more lesions of bone metastasis (diffuse metastasis) and least urinary excretion of the radioactivity. Urinary excretion for 2 days varied 5 to 40% of the administered dose and was less in the patients with more metastatic lesions.

Osteotropic factor-stimulated synthesis of thrombospondin in rat dental pulp cells

The amount of thrombospondin (TSP) mRNA in confluent clonal rat dental pulp cells was increased by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), 1 alpha-25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (PDD), with maximal levels 6, 36 and 2 h, respectively, after stimulation. These increases were accompanied by enhanced syntheses of TSP proteins which were found in the different forms in cell layer/matrix fraction (198 and 165 kDa TSP) and the culture medium (180 kDa TSP). These three factors also raised the mRNA level of osteopontin, which is thought to play an important role in mineralization in dentin and bone. The order of effectiveness of these factors was PDD > TGF-beta > 1,25(OH)2D3 for all the stimulations described above. These results suggest that the osteotropic factors enhance TSP synthesis at the pretranslational level and that TSP produced by dental pulp cells participates in formation of reparative dentin.

Phenylethanoid glycosides from Stachys officinalis

From the aerial parts of Stachys officinalis, six new phenylethanoid glycosides, named betonyosides A-F, and six known phenylethanoid glycosides, acetoside, acetoside isomer, campneosides II, forsythoside B and leucosceptoside B, were isolated and their structures were elucidated from spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Campneosides II were separated into two epimers.

Araliasaponins XII-XVIII, triterpene saponins from the roots of Aralia chinensis

Seven new oleanane-type saponins, named araliasaponins XII-XVIII, were isolated from the roots of Aralia chinensis, together with 14 known triterpene saponins. On the basis of the chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the structures of these new saponins were elucidated as follows: 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-[beta-D -glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D -glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)] -beta-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-[beta-D -xylopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D -glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L -arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid dimethyl ester and 3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D -glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D -glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl methyl ester, respectively.

Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors promote amylase secretion and inhibit ornithine decarboxylase induction in sialagogue-stimulated rat parotid explants

Three sialagogues, isoproterenol (IPR), carbachol, and methoxamine, caused induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in cultured rat parotid explants. All the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors tested suppressed this ODC induction but enhanced sialagogue-dependent amylase secretion. Sodium orthovanadate showed the reverse effects as the kinase inhibitors. Immunoblot analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody revealed that herbimycin A depresses IPR-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of parotid proteins. Herbimycin A did not affect the IPR- or dibutyryl cAMP-induced surge of the parotid cAMP level but inhibited these agonist-dependent ODC inductions. These results suggest that sialagogue-induced ODC induction and amylase secretion are mediated by different signal transduction pathways and that protein tyrosine kinase participates in IPR-dependent ODC induction and amylase secretion in the process subsequent to the cAMP surge.

Induction of a B1-receptor mediating hypotensive response in young brown Norway rats

A hypotensive response to intravenously injected des-Arg9-bradykinin was elicited in young male Brown Norway rats (8-12 weeks-old), when the rats were intravenously injected with endotoxin (30 micrograms/kg) 24 h before they were repeatedly injected with bradykinin or des-Arg9-bradykinin. The potency of this inducible dose-dependent hypotensive response to des-Arg9-bradykinin was comparable to that induced by bradykinin on a molar base (3-30 nmol/kg). A hypotensive response to des-Arg9-bradykinin could also be induced when the rats were pretreated with endotoxin 6 h before. However, the potency of the response was less than that induced by 24-h pretreatment. This inducible response to des-Arg9-bradykinin did not occur in old rats (8-10 months old). Intravenous infusion of a B1-receptor antagonist, des-Arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin, suppressed the hypotensive response of des-Arg9-bradykinin. These results suggest that the B1-receptor, mediating hypotension in rats, was inducible through time-dependent and age-dependent sensitization by endotoxin pretreatment.

Thrombin stimulates production of interleukin-8 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is regarded as an important mediator of inflammation because of its potent and specific chemotactic activity on neutrophils. In the present investigation, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with thrombin were found to produce IL-8, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After stimulation with 10 U/ml thrombin for 24 hr, the level of IL-8 in the conditioned medium was 14 ng/ml, or enough to elicit PMN chemotaxis in vitro. Northern blot analysis revealed that thrombin as well as IL-1 beta elevates the level of IL-8 mRNA preceding the formation of IL-8 protein. A synthetic peptide SFLLRN [human thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)] was found to mimic the action of thrombin. Preincubation with anti-thrombin compounds such as hirudin and antithrombin-III-heparin almost completely suppressed the action of thrombin without affecting the actions of other stimuli including IL-1 beta, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and TRAP. Diisopropylfluorophosphate-treated thrombin did not stimulate IL-8 production. Calphostin-C, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, attenuated the production of IL-8 by thrombin, TRAP and PMA, but left the action of IL-1 beta unchanged. These results strongly suggest that catalytic activation of thrombin receptor by thrombin results in PKC-dependent IL-8 production accompanied by an increase in IL-8 mRNA level.

Inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid on platelet-activating factor production in rat neutrophils

Platelet-activating factor production in rat neutrophils in response to opsonized zymosan was suppressed dose dependently in the presence of 10-100 microM arachidonic acid. The amount of lyso-PAF was also reduced by these doses of arachidonic acid. Phospholipase A2 activity was not changed by addition of arachidonic acid up to 100 microM, but acetyltransferase activity was slightly reduced at a 100 microM concentration of arachidonic acid. Pretreatment with indomethacin did not alter the inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid on PAF production, indicating no involvement of cyclooxgenase products. Triacsin C, an acyl-CoA synthetase inhibitor, reversed the arachidonic acid-induced suppression of lyso-PAF and PAF production, suggesting that arachidonic acid might exert its inhibition via the acylation pathway of lyso-PAF to reduce the availability of lyso-PAF.

Gigantic aneurysm in the thoraco-abdominal aorta of an infant

We report the case of a boy with a gigantic aneurysm in the thoraco-abdominal region which was detected by a chest X-ray taken prior to surgical correction of ptosis of the eyelids at 11 months of age. At 18 months, he successfully underwent aneurysm exclusion and bypass grafting. A biopsy from the thoracic aorta revealed medial degeneration with conspicuous smooth muscle cell involvement. Laboratory examination showed altered elastase activity in the granulocytes and whole blood. The present case may represent a unique form of aneurysm in infancy.

Five new triterpene saponins, polygalasaponins XXVIII-XXXII from the root of Polygala japonica Houtt

Five new oleanane-type saponins, polygalasaponins XXVIII-XXXII, along with one known saponin, polygalasaponin XXIV, and one known acylated sucrose, tenuifoliside C, were isolated from the root of Polygala japonica. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl pesenegenin 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->5)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamno-pyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[4-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[4-O-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyl]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl persenegenin 28-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-[4-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl]-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

[Comparison of hormone therapy alone and in combination with chemotherapy of cisplatin and methotrexate in newly diagnosed patients with stage D2 prostatic cancer]

BACKGROUND

Prognosis of hormone-refractory prostatic cancer is dismal. We evaluated the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy in combination with hormone therapy in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostatic cancer.

METHODS

From February 1984 to March 1992, 39 newly diagnosed patients with stage D2 prostatic cancer were randomized to orchiectomy plus diethylistilbestrol diphosphate or orchiectomy plus diethylstilbestrol diphosphate plus combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and methotrexate.

RESULTS

There was not significant difference in survival or progression-free survival between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy has not been proved to prolong survival or progression-free survival in patients who received hormone therapy.

The mediators involved in endotoxin-induced vascular permeability increase in the rat skin and their interactions

The injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. Coli into the dorsal skin of rats caused a dose-dependent increase in vascular permeability as measured by the extravasation over a 40-min period of intravenously injected dye. This increase caused by LPS was attenuated by pretreatment with the bradykinin (BK) receptor antagonist HOE140, the selective platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist TCV309, and by combined treatment with mepyramine and methysergide. Combined treatment with HOE140 and TCV309 resulted in further suppression than that achieved with a single treatment alone. By the simultaneous pretreatment with all antagonists, the response was almost totally abolished. On the other hand, indomethacin also inhibited the response induced by LPS, but not those induced by BK and PAF itself. A small dose of BK or histamine synergistically potentiated the effect of PAF when simultaneously injected. These results suggest that BK, PAF, histamine/serotonin and prostaglandins are involved in the LPS-induced increase in vascular permeability, where PAF, in addition to its direct action, potentiates the response to BK and histamine, and prostaglandins potentiate the actions of other mediators without its direct action.

Araliasaponins I-XI, triterpene saponins from the roots of Aralia decaisneana

Seven new oleanane-type and four new ursane-type triterpene saponins, named araliasaponins I-XI were isolated from the roots of Aralia decaisneana, together with four known triterpene saponins. On the basis of the chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the structures of these new saponins were elucidated as follows: 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L- arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L- arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D- xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D- glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D- galactopyranosyl oleanolic acid, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D- xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D- galactopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ursolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L - arabinopyranosyl ursolic acid, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ursolic acid 28- O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl ursolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester.

Relation between distribution of viral RNA and development of histopathological changes in encephalomyocarditis virus-induced orchitis in mice

The relation between the distribution of viral RNA and the development of histopathological changes was investigated in the early stage of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus-induced orchitis in mice. Signals of viral RNA were first detected by in situ hybridization in a few Sertoli cells in almost intact germinal epithelia at 2 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.). The number of Sertoli cells bearing signals of viral RNA increased at 3 d.p.i. when mild degenerative changes were exceptionally found in germinal epithelia. Signals of viral RNA came to be detected not only in Sertoli cells but also in a small number of germinal cells and spermatogonia at 4 d.p.i. when mild to moderate degenerative changes developed in germinal epithelia, resulting in desquamation of degenerated cells. At the same time, virus-like particles were observed by electron-microscopy in the degenerated and desquamated germinal cells. At and after 5 d.p.i., luminal obstruction with cellular debris and inflammatory cells was generally found. These results suggest that EMC virus carried to seminiferous tubules via the blood first attacks Sertoli cells and then damages germinal cells and spermatogonia.

Role of synergistic action of PAF and kinin in bacterial endotoxin-induced hypotension in rats

Involvement of PAF and kinin in the endotoxin (LPS)-induced hypotension was examined in the rat strains, Brown Norway (B/N);Kitasato (Normal) and B/N-Kitasato rats, intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg LPS caused a hypotension composed on two phases (15 min and 70 min after LPS injection). However in the kininogen-deficient B/N-Katholiek rats. LPS induced only the second phase. Pretreatment with bradykinin (BK) antagonist. Hoe 140 suppressed LPS-induced hypotension of normal rats to the level of Katholiek rats. TCV 309, a PAF-antagonist, suppressed the LPS-hypotension almost completely in the both strains. The reason why the PAF-antagonist showed almost complete inhibition, could be explained by a synergism. Because concomitant injection of a small amount of BK with PAF caused potentiation of the effect of the PAF action. These results suggest that formation of endogenous BK contributes mainly to the 1st phase of LPS-hypotension, and PAF contributes to both phases, by either direct and synergistic actions.

cDNA sequence analysis and characterization of a cytokine-inducing monoclonal antibody derived from autoimmune MRL/MP-lpr/lpr mouse

We have previously reported that a monoclonal antibody 1D11 derived from an autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mouse induced synthesis or increased production of IL-3, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in the IL-3-dependent bone marrow-derived cell line FDC-P2/185-4. In this report, we analyzed a sequence of cDNA encoding the V region of 1D11, and found that VH and VL segments of 1D11 belonged to the J558 and V kappa 21 family, respectively. The nucleotide sequence of 1D11 in the VH segment was highly homologous to that of AM9, a monoclonal RF derived from MRL/lpr mouse, and the only difference was the replacement of 3 nucleotides in the framework region 1 (FR1). However, the deduced amino acid sequence of 1D11 was identical to that of AM9. In contrast with the VH segment, the sequences of the VL regions of these two antibodies were quite different from each other; 1D11 showed a 3 base deletion in the FR2 and a 24 base insertion in the FR3 compared with AM9. At present, the mechanisms of such insertions or deletions in the FRs of autoantibodies are almost unknown. It is generally accepted that the differences in specificity and affinity of these autoantibodies depend on differences of CDR sequence. However, it is possible that not only CDRs but also FRs of autoantibodies play a critical role in pathogenicity and/or specificity in autoimmune diseases.

Linderniosides A and B, oleanane saponins from Lindernia pyxidaria

Two new oleanane-type triterpene saponins, named linderniosides A and B, were isolated from the whole plants of Lindernia pyxidaria, together with a known triterpene glycoide, medicagenic acid 3-O-glucuronide. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence.

[Benefits and adverse effects of post-operative radiation therapy after radical cystectomy for patients with advanced bladder cancer]

BACKGROUND

The benefits and adverse effects of post-operative irradiation for advanced bladder cancer patients were investigated.

METHODS

Ten patients with pT3b, pT4 or pN+ bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy at Yamanashi Medical University hospital during 7 years and 3 months from October 1983 to December 1991 received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Group 1). During the same period, six patients with recurrent tumor after radical cystectomy were treated by radiotherapy (Group II). Stages of the primary tumors were pT2 in 1, pT3a in 2, pT3b in 6 and pT4 in 7 cases. In addition, 10 of 16 patients (63%) had positive nodes.

RESULTS

During the follow up period, seven patients died of cancer, and one died of other cause. As a result eight patients (5 in Group I, 3 in Group II) are alive. The cumulative 5-year survival rate is 50%. However, nine of the 16 patients (56%) suffered from the small bowel obstruction as an adverse effect of irradiation. Six patients required resection of the small bowel or bypass surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation after radical cystectomy seemed to be effective for the local control of the tumor, but the adverse effect to the digestive system was very severe and common.

Involvement of bradykinin in endotoxin-induced vascular permeability increase in the skin of rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of bradykinin as well as that of platelet-activating factor in the endotoxin-induced acute vascular permeability increase in the dorsal skin of rats by use of kininogen-deficient and normal Brown-Norway rats. In the kininogen-deficient rats, the dose-dependent dye exudation induced by endotoxin was about one half of that in the normal rats at any doses of endotoxin tested (0.1-1.0 mg per site), whereas the dose-response curves obtained by bradykinin (1-100 nmol per site), platelet-activating factor (0.1-1 nmol per site) or histamine (50-500 nmol per site) were the same in both rats. This effect induced by endotoxin in the kininogen-deficient rats was not changed by pretreatment with a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, HOE140 (D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8]bradykinin, 1 mg kg-1 i.v.), whereas the endotoxin-induced response in the normal rats was attenuated by the receptor antagonist. These responses in both kininogen-deficient and normal rats were significantly inhibited by a selective platelet-activating factor antagonist, TCV309 (3-bromo-5-[N-phenyl-N-[2-[[2-(1,2,3,4,-tetrahydro-2- isoquinolylcarbonyl-oxy)-ethyl]-carbamoyl]-ethyl]carbamoyl]-1-prop yl- pyridinium nitrate, 0.1 mg kg-1 i.v.). These results suggest that bradykinin could be one of the major mediators in the endotoxin-induced vascular permeability increase in rat skin in addition to platelet-activating factor.

Studies on differentiation inducers. V. Steroid glycosides from periplocae radicis cortex

Six pregnane glycosides and three cardenolides were isolated as differentiation inducers using mouse myeloid leukemia (Ml) cells from Periplocae Radicis Cortex (bark of Periploca sepium BGE., Asclepiadaceae). The cardenolides showed much higher activities than the pregnane glycosides. Besides these nine compounds, commercially available cardenolides were tested for their differentiation inducing activities using Ml cells. Digitoxin and digoxin induced Ml cells into phagocytic cells, but others did not. In the presence of 1 nM of actinomycin-D, the activity of steroid glycosides was enhanced against Ml cells.

Thrombin induces GRO alpha/MGSA production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Thrombin, besides being a potent coagulation factor, exerts influence on endothelial and leukocyte functions and may thus be involved in the regulation of inflammatory reactions. The present study investigated whether thrombin stimulates the production of growth-related cytokine/melanoma growth-stimulatory activity (GRO alpha/MGSA) in endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with thrombin were found to product GRO alpha/MGSA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This action of thrombin was completely suppressed by preincubation with either hirudin or antithrombin-III (AT-III)-heparin. Interestingly, the thrombin receptor-activating peptide SFLLRN mimicked the action of thrombin. In addition, staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, attenuated the production of GRO alpha/MGSA by thrombin, SFLLRN and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but left the action of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) unchanged. These results suggest that catalytic activation of thrombin receptor by thrombin results in GRO alpha/MGSA production, at least in part, via a pathway involving PKC in HUVEC.

[Cystic disease of the kidney]

The kidney is one of the most common sites of cyst. Since cystic disease of the kidney includes various disorders, it is difficult to classify the diseases systematically. It appears that the classification of the American Academy of Pediatrics is suitable for clinical side for the present. In this paper the cystic disease of the kidney is explained on actual cases. Recently, development of imaging diagnosis is contributing widely to the diagnosis of the diseases. Treatment of the diseases, however, is not established satisfactorily. It is hoped that the mechanism of occurrence of the diseases is known further and that regulation of the classification and establishment of the treatment will become available.

Studies on the constituents of Polygala japonica HOUTT. II. Structures of polygalasaponins XI-XIX

Nine new oleanane-type saponins polygalasaponins XI-XIX were isolated from the aerial part of Polygala japonica. The structures of these compounds were established on basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Heavy ion mutagenesis: linear energy transfer effects and genetic linkage

We have characterized a series of 69 independent mutants at the endogenous hprt locus of human TK6 lymphoblasts and over 200 independent S1-deficient mutants of the human x hamster hybrid cell line AL arising spontaneously or following low-fluence exposures to densely ionizing Fe ions (600 MeV/amu, linear energy transfer = 190 keV/microns). We find that large deletions are common. The entire hprt gene (> 44 kb) was missing in 19/39 Fe-induced mutants, while only 2/30 spontaneous mutants lost the entire hprt coding sequence. When the gene of interest (S1 locus = M1C1 gene) is located on a nonessential human chromosome 11, multilocus deletions of several million base pairs are observed frequently. The S1 mutation frequency is more than 50-fold greater than the frequency of hprt mutants in the same cells. Taken together, these results suggest that low-fluence exposures to Fe ions are often cytotoxic due to their ability to create multilocus deletions that may often include the loss of essential genes. In addition, the tumorigenic potential of these HZE heavy ions may be due to the high potential for loss of tumor suppressor genes. The relative insensitivity of the hprt locus to mutation is likely due to tight linkage to a gene that is required for viability.

Mazusaponins I-IV, triterpene saponins from Mazus miquelii

From whole plants of Mazus miquelii, four new saponins designated as mazusaponins I-IV and a known saponin, ilexoside VIII, were isolated and the structures of the new compounds elucidated as 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl siaresinolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl pomolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl siaresinolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl pomolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, respectively, by spectroscopic data and chemical evidence.

Six new presenegenin glycosides, reiniosides A--F, from Polygala reinii root

Six new oleanane-type triterpene saponins, called reiniosides A-F, were isolated from the roots of Polygala reinii Fr. et Sav. and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means.

Comparative study of endotoxin-induced hypotension in kininogen-deficient rats with that in normal rats

1. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of endogenous bradykinin (BK) in the hypotensive response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by comparing the degree of hypotension caused by LPS in a strain of specific pathogen-free (SPF) Brown Norway (B/N), kininogen-deficient mutant Katholiek rats with that of B/N normal Kitasato rats. 2. The dose-dependent hypotensive responses caused by intravenous injection of BK (1-100 nmol kg-1) or platelet-activating factor (PAF, 0.003-1 microgram kg-1), were not different in the two strains of rats used. However, there was a strong difference in the hypotensive response induced by LPS in kininogen-deficient and normal rats; in normal rats the hypotensive response was composed of two phases (15 min and 70-80 min after LPS injection), but in kininogen-deficient rats LPS caused a delayed (second phase), but not an acute (first phase) hypotension. 3. We demonstrate that Hoe 140 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) is a potent, selective, and long-lasting antagonist of the hypotensive effects of BK. Hoe 140 diminished the hypotension caused by LPS in normal rats to the level observed in kininogen-deficient rats, but had no effect on the hypotension caused by LPS in kininogen-deficient rats. 4. TCV309 (0.1 mg kg-1, i.v.) selectively inhibited the hypotension caused by repetitive injection of PAF for up to 180 min. Pretreatment with TCV309 caused a near complete inhibition of the LPS-induced hypotension in kininogen-deficient and normal B/N rats. 5. In the normal rats, dexamethasone (0.5 mg kg-1, i.p.) inhibited the second phase of the hypotension induced by LPS, but not the first phase of the hypotension. 6. A small amount of BK (0.1 nmol kg-1) potentiated the hypotensive action of PAF (0.01 microg kg-1),when they were injected simultaneously.7. In conclusion, we demonstrate that formation of endogenous BK contributes primarily to the acute,but not to the delayed hypotension afforded by endotoxin in the rat. In contrast, formation of endogenous PAF contributes to both the acute and the delayed hypotension afforded by endotoxin in vivo.

A hypotensive response induced by des-Arg9-bradykinin in young brown/Norway rats pretreated with endotoxin

A hypotensive effect of intravenously injected des-Arg9-bradykinin was found in Brown/Norway strain young male rats which were pretreated with a small amount of endotoxin 24 h before the experiment, whereas the hypotensive effect of bradykinin was unaffected by the endotoxin. The potency of des-Arg9-bradykinin for the hypotensive effect was comparable to that of bradykinin. On the other hand, in endotoxin-pretreated aged rats, this effect of des-Arg9-bradykinin was not observed. Only during the intravenous infusion of des-Arg9[Leu8]bradykinin, a bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist, was the hypotensive effect of des-Arg9-bradykinin inhibited, whereas that of bradykinin was potentiated. After the end of infusion of des-Arg9[Leu8]bradykinin, the response to des-Arg9-bradykinin rapidly recovered. The results suggest the possibility that des-Arg9-bradykinin might play a role in inflammatory diseases.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 has both promoting and inhibiting effects on induction of DNA synthesis in human fibroblasts

Growth-arrested human normal fibroblasts, TIG-1, initiated DNA synthesis following addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) by itself had no effect on induction of DNA synthesis. When EGF and TGF-beta 1 were added simultaneously to growth-arrested TIG-1 cells, induction of DNA synthesis was enhanced compared with that by EGF alone. Contrarily, when TGF-beta 1 was added earlier than 2 h or later than 2 h of EGF addition, induction of DNA synthesis was prevented. Induction of DNA synthesis by EGF was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PT, an inhibitor of Gi protein) and to staurosporine (a protein kinase inhibitor). The promoting effect of TGF-beta 1 on DNA synthesis was PT-insensitive and staurosporine-insensitive. Contrarily, inhibitory activity of TGF-beta 1 on DNA synthesis was PT-sensitive and staurosporine-insensitive. These studies suggest that the effect of TGF-beta 1 is to promote or to inhibit induction of DNA synthesis by EGF expressed through different signal transduction processes in the same cell.

Studies on the constituents of Polygala japonica Houtt. I. Structures of polygalasaponins I-X

Ten new oleanane-type saponins, polygalasaponins I-X, along with two known saponins, bayogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and lobatoside B were isolated from the aerial part of Polygala japonica Houtt. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Reinioses A--J, oligosaccharide multi-esters from the roots of Polygala reinii Fr. et Sav

Ten new acylated oligosaccharides, called reinioses A--J, and seven known oligosaccharides were isolated from the roots of Polygala reinii Fr. et Sav. and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means. These oligosaccharides were found to be di-, tri-, tetra- and pentasaccharides having two or more acyl residues.

Oleanane-triterpene saponins from Clinopodium chinense var. parviflorum

From the whole plants of Clinopodium chinense var. parviflorum three new saponins, named clinoposaponins IX-XI, were isolated together with three known saponins and their structures elucidated from spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. Clinoposaponins IX, X and XI were identified as 13 beta,28-epoxy-16 beta,23-dihydroxyolean-11-en-3 beta-yl-beta-D- glucopyranoside,13 beta,28-epoxy-16 beta,23-dihydroxyolean-11-en-3 beta-yl-beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 13 beta,28-epoxy-16 beta-hydroxyolean-11-en-3 beta-yl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside.

Phenylethanoid glycoside from Veronica undulata

From a water extract of whole plants of Veronica undulata, a new phenylethanoid triglycoside and five known glycosides were isolated. The structure of the new compound was elucidated from chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Cell differentiation-inducing diterpenes from Andrographis paniculata Nees

The methanol extract of the aerial part of Andrographis paniculata Nees showed potent cell differentiation-inducing activity on mouse myeloid leukemia (M1) cells. From the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the methanol extract, six new diterpenoids of ent-labdane type, 14-epi-andrographolide (3), isoandrographolide (4), 14-deoxy-12-methoxyandrographolide (7), 12-epi-14-deoxy-12-methoxyandrographolide (8), 14-deoxy-12-hydroxyandrographolide (9) and 14-deoxy-11-hydroxyandrographolide (10) as well as two new diterpene glucosides, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographi-side (12) and 6'-acetylneoandrographolide (14), and four new diterpene dimers, bis-andrograpolides A (15), B (16), C (17) and D (18), were isolated along with six known compounds. The structures of the diterpenoids were determined by means of spectral methods. Some of these compounds showed potent cell differentiation-inducing activity towards M1 cells.

Development of a novel method for determination of acetyl-CoA:1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine acetyltransferase activity and its application to screening for acetyltransferase inhibitors. Inhibition by magnolol and honokiol from Magnoliae cortex

A method was developed for determining the activity of acetyl-CoA:1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.67), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The assay involves measurement of the radioactivity in the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitated complex of radioactive product and albumin after incubation of 1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and [3H]acetyl-CoA with rat spleen microsomes or membrane fractions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The radioactive product associated with the precipitate was identified as PAF using an ultrahigh-sensitivity TV camera system after extraction and separation by TLC. This TCA method was then used to screen the components of crude preparations that inhibited acetyltransferase activity. Major components from the cortex of Magnoliae (magnolol and honokiol), which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actions, inhibited the acetyltransferase activity in rat spleen microsomes (IC50, 150 and 150 microM, respectively) and membrane fractions of human PMNs (IC50, 70 and 60 microM, respectively). The inhibitory action of magnolol and honokiol was reversible, and similar to or higher than that of nordihydroguaiaretic acid. PAF production in human PMNs stimulated by the ionophore A23187 was also suppressed dose dependently by magnolol and honokiol. These activities may be relevant to the claimed therapeutic effects of the extract from Magnoliae cortex.

Senegoses J-O, oligosaccharide multi-esters from the roots of Polygala senega L

From the roots of Polygala senega L. six new oligosaccharides, called senegoses J-O, were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means. These oligosaccharides were esterified with acetic, benzoic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids.

[Studies on the constituents of the roots of Acorus calamus L]

A new tricyclic sesquiterpene, named calamenone (1), and two known sesquiterpenes, calamendiol (2) and isocalamendiol (3), were isolated from the roots of Acorus calamus L. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectral and X-ray diffraction data.

Studies on differentiation inducers. IV. Pregnane derivatives from condurango cortex

In connection with the study of differentiation inducers from plants, the methanol extract of Condurango Cortex (bark of Marsdenia condurango REICH, Asclepiadaceae) was investigated to examine its differentiation-inducing activity towards mouse myeloid leukemia (M1) cell line. Six pregnane glycosides, including three new compounds, were isolated as differentiation inducers. Each of the six active glycosides has three or four deoxylated sugars which are well-known to occur in Asclepiadaceae plants. M1 cells were differentiated into phagocytic cells by these glycosides, and they were found to be more effective than their aglycones. Condurangoglycosides A (7) and C (8), having a cinnamoyl group in their aglycones, were the most potent differentiation inducers and M1 cells became phagocytic cells after 24 h treatment with these compounds.

Studies on the constituents of Solidago virga-aurea L. III. Structures of solidagosaponins XXI-XXIX

From the most polar fractions of Solidago virga-aurea L. (Compositae), 9 oleanane-type triterpene saponins named solidagosaponins XXI-XXIX (1-9) were isolated, together with a known saponin, virgaureasaponin 2 (10). These saponins are bisdesmosidic glycosides having two monosaccharides at C-3 and four or five monosaccharides at C-28. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.