Splicing patterns of type XI collagen transcripts act as molecular markers for osteochondrogenic tumors

Primary transcripts for three distinct alpha chains of the type XI collagen molecule (alpha1(XI), alpha2(XI) and alpha3[XI]) undergo tissue-specific alternative splicing during the process of osteochondrogenesis. In the present study, we analyzed the splicing patterns of type XI collagen genes in osteochondrogenic tumors as well as in various normal tissues using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. Analysis of normal subjects revealed the coordinated expression of short alpha1(XI), alpha2(XI) and alpha3(XI) transcripts in the normal differentiated cartilage. Osteochondroma followed this pattern, reflecting the highly chondrogenic phenotype of this benign tumor. Another benign tumor, chondroblastoma, exclusively expressed the long alpha1(XI) transcript, probably reflecting the lack of a chondrogenic nature. Among malignant chondrogenic tumors, the splicing patterns of type XI collagen transcripts were more complex, showing dissociated expression of long alpha1(XI) and short alpha2(XI) mRNAs. This expression pattern may reflect heterogeneous cell populations and may also reflect various levels of cell differentiation in malignant tumors. In addition, short alpha3(XI) expression switched to the long transcript as chondrosarcomas became more aggressive. Thus, the alternative splicing of type XI collagen genes seems to be oncodevelopmentally regulated and splicing analysis may therefore be a useful marker for chondrogenic tumors.

Blockade of angiotensin II receptors inhibits the increase in blood pressure induced by insulin

To elucidate whether hyperinsulinemia increases blood pressure by increasing sympathetic outflow via the activation of the central angiotensin system, insulin was infused into urethane-anesthetized rats intravenously (i.v.) or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) under euglycemic conditions. Infusion (i.v.) of insulin elicited pressor effects in a dose-dependent manner (13, 20, and 40 mU/min). Although depressor responses to i.v. injections of hexamethonium were significantly greater in insulin-infused than in saline-infused rats, i.v. captopril and d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-arginine vasopressin did not show any differences between the groups. Infusions (i.c.v.) of insulin (8 mU/10 microl) also induced cardiovascular acceleration and augmented the depressor response to i.v. hexamethonium in insulin-infused rats. The i.c.v. pretreatment with the angiotensin II antagonist losartan inhibited the pressor responses to both the i.c.v. and i.v. infusion of insulin. These results suggest that the increase in blood pressure induced by euglycemic hyperinsulinemia is elicited by sympathetic activation and that hyperinsulinemia stimulates the angiotensin system in the brain to increase sympathetic nerve activity.

Variation in tooth morphology of Pongo pygmaeus

This study examines the postcanine morphology of Pongo pygmaeus, identifying sexual, populational, and subspecific differences, with particular focus on the cusp area proportions. Little differences between the sexes were found in molar shapes, and cusp area proportions can be considered population specific. Inter-population differences are significant between the two Bornean populations, with the Kapuas River as a biogeographic barrier, and are as great as inter-subspecies (Borneo-Sumatra) differences.

Variation in tooth morphology of Gorilla gorilla

Gorilla gorilla exemplifies a species that shows considerable variation in habitat, behaviour, genetic structure and morphology. This study examines variation of dental morphology in gorillas. Despite the marked size dimorphism, there are no significant shape differences between the sexes within subspecies. Differences in dental morphology, including tooth cusp proportions between the western G. g. gorilla and the eastern G. g. beringei are considerable. Although more similar to G. g. beringei than to the western G. g. gorilla, G. g. graueri also shows distinct morphological features. This indicates that the morphology of G. g. graueri is not merely intermediate, and genetic isolation between the two eastern subspecies could have had a substantial influence. Such extensive variation in dental morphology in Gorilla gorilla can be considered to be the result of an interesting combination of factors, including local dietary adaptations.

Induction of human osteoclast-like cells by treatment of blood monocytes with anti-fusion regulatory protein-1/CD98 monoclonal antibodies

We have developed a new and simple system of human osteoclast formation by fusing peripheral blood monocytes with anti-Fusion Regulatory Protein-1 (anti-FRP-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb). When human blood monocytes were cultured in the presence of anti-FRP-1/CD98 mAbs, polykaryocytes began to appear at approximately 15 h and increased in size with time until 3-4 days of incubation with anti-FRP-1 mAb. These fused cells showed positive staining in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, possessed numerous calcitonin receptors, and were capable of bone resorption. These results strongly suggest that anti-FRP-1 antibody-induced multinucleated cells are osteoclasts. Furthermore, FRP-1 antigens were detected in osteoclasts isolated from human bone and in the osteoclast-like cells obtained from human giant cell tumors of bone.

Identification and characterization of XPC-binding domain of hHR23B

hHR23B was originally isolated as a component of a protein complex that specifically complements nucleotide excision repair (NER) defects of xeroderma pigmentosum group C cell extracts in vitro and was identified as one of two human homologs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae NER gene product Rad23. Recombinant hHR23B has previously been shown to significantly stimulate the NER activity of recombinant human XPC protein (rhXPC). In this study we identify and functionally characterize the XPC-binding domain of hHR23B protein. We prepared various internal as well as terminal deletion products of hHR23B protein in a His-tagged form and examined their binding with rhXPC by using nickel-chelating Sepharose. We demonstrate that a domain covering 56 amino acids of hHR23B is required for binding to rhXPC as well as for stimulation of in vitro NER reactions. Interestingly, a small polypeptide corresponding to the XPC-binding domain is sufficient to exert stimulation of XPC NER activity. Comparison with known crystal structures and analysis with secondary structure programs provided strong indications that the binding domain has a predominantly amphipathic alpha-helical character, consistent with evidence that the affinity with XPC is based on hydrophobic interactions. Our work shows that binding to XPC alone is required and sufficient for the role of hHR23B in in vitro NER but does not rule out the possibility that the protein has additional functions in vivo.

Two human homologs of Rad23 are functionally interchangeable in complex formation and stimulation of XPC repair activity

XPC-hHR23B protein complex is specifically involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) of DNA lesions on transcriptionally inactive sequences as well as the nontranscribed strand of active genes. Here we demonstrate that not only highly purified recombinant hHR23B (rhHR23B) but also a second human homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad23 repair protein, hHR23A, stimulates the in vitro repair activity of recombinant human XPC (rhXPC), revealing functional redundancy between these human Rad23 homologs. Coprecipitation experiments with His-tagged rhHR23 as well as sedimentation velocity analysis showed that both rhHR23 proteins in vitro reconstitute a physical complex with rhXPC. Both complexes were more active than free rhXPC, indicating that complex assembly is required for the stimulation. rhHR23B was shown to stimulate an early stage of NER at or prior to incision. Furthermore, both rhHR23 proteins function in a defined NER system reconstituted with purified proteins, indicating direct involvement of hHR23 proteins in the DNA repair reaction via interaction with XPC.

Chronic angiotensin blockade with candesartan cilexetil in DOCA/salt hypertensive rats reduces cardiac hypertrophy and coronary resistance without affecting blood pressure

To determine whether angiotensin II participates in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and impairs coronary circulation in DOCA/salt hypertension, DOCA hypertensive rats were treated with candesartan cilexetil for 8 wk. DOCA/salt hypertension was induced in Wistar rats by removing the right kidney and subcutaneously injecting deoxycorticosterone acetate once a week. Control rats were given subcutaneous injections of saline and maintained on a normal diet. After 4 wk of observation, the angiotensin II receptor antagonist candesartan cilexetil was administered by oral gavage for 8 wk to 14 rats. Systolic blood pressure was measured weekly with the tail-cuff method. After 12 wk, the rats were killed and prepared. The isolated hearts were perfused by a Langendorff apparatus at constant flow. Perfusion pressure was measured by a small-volume transducer, and perfusion flow was recorded by a drop counter. Development of hypertension was not prevented by candesartan cilexetil treatment, but development of cardiac hypertrophy was inhibited. Minimum coronary vascular resistance (MCVR) obtained upon infusing adenosine into the isolated hearts was significantly higher in DOCA/salt hypertensive rats than in sham-operated controls. The elevated MCVR in DOCA/salt hypertensive rats was decreased by the administration of candesartan cilexetil for 8 wk. Thus, candesartan cilexetil regressed cardiac hypertrophy and improved coronary vascular resistance without affecting high blood pressure. These findings suggest that angiotensin II plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy in DOCA/salt hypertension and that cardiac hypertrophy increases coronary vascular resistance.

Expression of the Escherichia coli bo-type ubiquinol oxidase with a chimeric subunit II having the CuA-cytochrome c domain from the thermophilic Bacillus caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase

The C-terminal periplasmic domain of subunit II of the Escherichia coli bo-type ubiquinol oxidase was replaced with the counterpart of the thermophilic Bacillus caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase containing the CuA-cytochrome c domain by means of gene engineering techniques. The chimeric terminal oxidase was expressed by a pBR322 derivative in a terminal oxidase deficient mutant of E. coli, although the amount of the chimeric enzyme was smaller than that of the Escherichia coli bo-type ubiquinol oxidase expressed by the original cytochrome bo-expressing plasmid. The chimeric enzyme showed much higher TMPD (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine) oxidase activity than the wild-type cytochrome bo, but lower activity than the thermophilic Bacillus caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase. The chimeric subunit II was confirmed to bind to heme C. These results suggest that the CuA-cytochrome c domain grafted to this membrane anchor can facilitate electron transfer from reduced TMPD to low-spin protoheme b in subunit I.

Smooth muscle cell phenotype-dependent transcriptional regulation of the alpha1 integrin gene

The expressional regulation of chicken alpha1 integrin in smooth muscle cells was studied. The alpha1 integrin mRNA was expressed developmentally and was distributed dominantly in vascular and visceral smooth muscles in chick embryos. In a primary culture of smooth muscle cells, alpha1 integrin expression was dramatically down-regulated during serum-induced dedifferentiation. Promoter analyses revealed that the 5'-upstream region (-516 to +281) was sufficient for transcriptional activation in differentiated smooth muscle cells but not in dedifferentiated smooth muscle cells or chick embryo fibroblasts. Like other alpha integrin promoters, the promoter region of the alpha1 integrin gene lacks TATA and CCAAT boxes and contains binding sites for AP1 and AP2. The essential difference from other alpha integrin promoters is the presence of a CArG box-like motif. Deletion and site-directed mutation analyses revealed that the CArG box-like motif was an essential cis-element for transcriptional activation in differentiated smooth muscle cells, whereas the binding sites for AP1 and AP2 were not. Using specific antibodies, a nuclear protein factor specifically bound to the CArG box-like motif was identified as serum response factor. These results indicate that alpha1 integrin expression in smooth muscle cells is regulated transcriptionally in a phenotype-dependent manner and that serum response factor binding plays a crucial role in this regulation.

Nerve expansion in nerve regeneration: effect of time on induction of ornithine decarboxylase and Schwann cell proliferation

We studied the effect of initiation time of nerve expansion after nerve transection on the induction of ODC activity and Schwann cell proliferation in nerve tissue under Wallerian degeneration. The levels of ODC activity and Schwann cell proliferation decreased as the initiation time of nerve expansion was delayed after nerve transection, and peak levels of ODC activity following nerve expansion preceded peak levels of Schwann cell proliferation.

Transient damage to the axonal transport system without Wallerian degeneration by acute nerve compression

The aim of this study was to examine whether acute nerve compression damages an axonal transport system based on microtubules and how the fibers recover after the compression. A 5-mm segment of the tibial nerve of male wistar rat was compressed with a specially designed clip. Functional recovery was assessed using Tibial Nerve Functional Index (TFI). Rats were sacrificed each day from Day 0 to Day 2 and every 2 days between Day 4 and Day 10. For immunohistochemical analysis of the tibial nerve, the proximal uncompressed, the middle compressed, and the distal uncompressed segments of each section were assessed under immunofluoroscent microscopy for anti-dynein, anti-tubulin, and anti-neurofilament antibodies staining. In rats whose tibial nerve was compressed by 25 g/mm2 of pressure for 5 min, staining of dynein and mirotubules in the compressed portion were obscure on Days 4-8, suggesting that the microtubules based axonal transport system was temporarily damaged, while neurofilaments were retained. In contrast, in the distal portion, anti-neurofilament staining showed no abnormality throughout the experimental period, indicating that Wallerian degeneration did not occur. We conclude that acute nerve compression can cause transient damage to the axonal transport system in nerve fibers without Wallerian degeneration.

Dietary diosgenin attenuates subacute intestinal inflammation associated with indomethacin in rats

We investigated the effects of dietary diosgenin (Dio), a plant-derived sapogenin, on indomethacin (Indo)-induced intestinal inflammation and alterations in bile secretion in rats. In anesthetized rats, bile secretion, intestinal inflammation, and blood chemistry were assessed 3 days after two subcutaneous injections of Indo given 24 h apart. Dio (> 80 mg.kg-1.day-1) pretreatment significantly inhibited weight and food intake decreases and intestinal inflammation. This protective effect was confirmed by examination of gross and histological findings and intestinal myeloperoxidase activity. Dio significantly increased biliary cholesterol (Chol) output and prevented the decreases in bile flow, bile acid output, and biliary alpha-muricholic acid and the increases in biliary hyodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and hydrophobicity index of bile. Significantly more biliary Chol and phospholipids were present in macromolecules separate from bile acids and Indo in Dio-treated rats. Dio significantly increased the elimination constant of Indo and reduced plasma Indo levels at 3 and 12 h but did not influence biliary secretion of Indo for 3.5 h after injection. Although Dio dose-dependently attenuated subacute intestinal inflammation and normalized bile secretion in this model, it may also compromise the anti-inflammatory action of indo.

Influence of local recurrence on the prognosis of soft-tissue sarcomas

We have investigated the significance of local recurrence on survival in 173 patients with localised soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs and of the trunk. The overall survival rates at five and ten years were 75.2% and 68.0%, respectively. After definitive surgery at our hospitals, there was local recurrence in 25 patients (14.5%). After inadequate operations elsewhere, there was a higher incidence of late local recurrence (28.3%), in comparison with those with primary tumours treated by us (9.0%), or patients referred to us immediately after inadequate surgery elsewhere (10.2%). Because of small numbers these differences in the survival rates were not statistically significantly different. Univariate survival analysis showed that local recurrence after definitive surgery (p = 0.006) together with the histological grade (p = 0.0002), the size of the tumour (p = 0.002), its depth in relation to deep fascia (p = 0.003), and the surgical margin (p = 0.0001) were the significant prognostic factors. Local recurrence at the initial presentation did not affect survival. Multivariate analysis showed that local recurrence after definitive surgery also lost its apparent prognostic significance.

Extremely thermostable phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from an extreme thermophile, Rhodothermus obamensis

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was purified from an extremely thermophilic bacterium, Rhodothermus obamensis, growing optimally at 80 degrees C, which had recently been isolated from a shallow marine hydrothermal vent in Japan. The native enzyme was a homotetramer of 400 kDa in molecular mass, as estimated by gel filtration chromatography, and the subunit exhibited an apparent molecular mass of 100 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The optimum temperature for enzyme activity was 75 degrees C. The enzyme exhibited an absolute requirement for divalent cations and a pH optimum of 8.0. The enzyme was extremely thermostable and there was no loss of enzyme activity on incubation for 2 h at 85 degrees C. The enzyme exhibited a positive allosteric property with acetyl-CoA and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, and a negative one with L-aspartate and L-malate. These effectors affected not only the thermophilicity but also the thermostability of the enzyme, and the substrate, co-factors, and salts increased the thermostability as well. The extrinsic thermostabilization might be a possible mechanism for adaptation of the enzyme to high temperature.

Induction of apoptotic cell death in three human osteosarcoma cell lines by a polyamine synthesis inhibitor, methylglyoxal bis(cyclopentylamidinohydrazone) (MGBCP)

Our previous experiments have shown that methylglyoxal bis(cyclopentylamidinohydrazone) (MGBCP), a polyamine synthesis inhibitor, suppresses the growth of osteosarcoma cells repressing their intracellular polyamine levels, and that this inhibition of cell growth is only partially reversed by the addition of polyamines. In the present study, we found evidence indicating that the incomplete recovery of cell growth by the addition of polyamines to the polyamine-depleted cells was due to programmed cell death (apoptosis) induced by MGBCP. Morphological changes showing blebbing and chromatin condensation were observed in MGBCP-treated cells, and hypodiploid subpopulations containing apoptotic cells were clearly visible in the profile of flow cytometric analysis. Characteristic oligonucleosomal-sized fragments were increased as the concentration of MGBCP was increased. The results presented here suggest that in addition to reducing the growth rates, MGBCP can induce apoptotic cell death in three human osteosarcoma cell lines.

INFLUENCE OF LOCAL RECURRENCE ON THE PROGNOSIS OF SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMAS

We have investigated the significance of local recurrence on survival in 173 patients with localised soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs and of the trunk.

The overall survival rates at five and ten years were 75.2% and 68.0%, respectively. After definitive surgery at our hospitals, there was local recurrence in 25 patients (14.5%). After inadequate operations elsewhere, there was a higher incidence of late local recurrence (28.3%), in comparison with those with primary tumours treated by us (9.0%), or patients referred to us immediately after inadequate surgery elsewhere (10.2%). Because of small numbers these differences in the survival rates were not statistically significantly different.

Univariate survival analysis showed that local recurrence after definitive surgery (p = 0.006) together with the histological grade (p = 0.0002), the size of the tumour (p = 0.002), its depth in relation to deep fascia (p = 0.003), and the surgical margin (p = 0.0001) were the significant prognostic factors. Local recurrence at the initial presentation did not affect survival. Multivariate analysis showed that local recurrence after definitive surgery also lost its apparent prognostic significance.

A posterior lumbar approach for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: assessment of surgical efficacy

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy by a posterior lumbar approach (RPA) with that obtained by a transperitoneal anterior approach (TAA) or retroperitoneal lateral flank approach (RLA).

METHODS

Fifty-one patients underwent endoscopic adrenalectomy by three approaches, including laparoscopic adrenalectomy by TAA in 33, retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy by RLA in 5, and retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy by RPA in 13.

RESULTS

The average adrenal tumor size was 27 mm (range 8 to 65). The average number of trocars required for RPA was 3.2 which was significantly less than that for TAA and for RLA (4.2 and 4.1, respectively). The conversion rate to open surgery was 9.1% by TAA, 0% by RLA, and 7.7% by RPA. The average operating time for TAA was 252 minutes, which was significantly shortened to 194 minutes by RLA and 142 minutes by RPA (P < 0.02). The average blood loss was 101 mL for TAA and was negligible by RLA and RPA (22 and 32 mL. respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

RPA allowed direct access to the main adrenal vascular supply before the gland was greatly manipulated. Endoscopic adrenalectomy by TAA or even by RLA required extra ports for retraction of liver, spleen, vena cava, or adrenal gland, with higher chance of vein avulsion. RPA was technically feasible and most effective for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in regard to the simplicity of vascular control. The operating time, perioperative morbidity, and cost were reduced with this approach.

Skeletal metastases from soft-tissue sarcomas. Incidence, patterns, and radiological features

We reviewed 277 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) treated between 1975 and 1995 to study the incidence, distribution, time of appearance, and radiological findings of skeletal metastases. Of these, 28 (10.1%) had metastases within a mean period of 18.6 months after admission. The incidence of skeletal metastases differed among the histological subtypes of sarcoma; alveolar soft-part sarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma tended to show higher incidences. The regional bones close to the primary tumour were affected in 13 (46.4%) of the 28 patients, and the axial bones in 18 (64.3%). Radiologically, the metastatic bony lesions predominantly showed osteolytic changes, and there were pathological fractures in 21 of 44 lesions.

SKELETAL METASTASES FROM SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMAS

We reviewed 277 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) treated between 1975 and 1995 to study the incidence, distribution, time of appearance, and radiological findings of skeletal metastases. Of these, 28 (10.1%) had metastases within a mean period of 18.6 months after admission.

The incidence of skeletal metastases differed among the histological subtypes of sarcoma; alveolar soft-part sarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma tended to show higher incidences. The regional bones close to the primary tumour were affected in 13 (46.4%) of the 28 patients, and the axial bones in 18 (64.3%). Radiologically, the metastatic bony lesions predominantly showed osteolytic changes, and there were pathological fractures in 21 of 44 lesions.

Taurochenodeoxycholic acid ameliorates and ursodeoxycholic acid exacerbates small intestinal inflammation

Intraluminal bacteria, food intake, and bile play important roles in indomethacin-induced small intestinal inflammation in rats. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) inhibit hydrophobic bile acid-induced damage in various types of cells. We investigated the effects of these bile acids along with the possible influence of other bile acids on this model of inflammation. Clinical and intestinal inflammatory parameters and bile secretion were assessed after 7-day dietary bile acid pretreatments and subsequent indomethacin injections. UDCA significantly enhanced indomethacin-associated reductions in food intake and body weight, increases in gross inflammatory scores and myeloperoxidase activity, and the shortening of small intestinal length. Taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) significantly normalized the clinical inflammatory parameters, prevented indomethacin-induced increases in the biliary contents of secondary bile acids and hydrophobicity index, and tended to attenuate the intestinal inflammation. Although elevated biliary levels of muricholic acids and a decreased hydrophobicity index were evident before indomethacin injection in the TCDCA case, these alterations could not explain the TCDCA-mediated protection. Dietary TCDCA attenuates whereas UDCA exacerbates intestinal inflammation in this model. Alterations in the bile composition (increases in UDCA and chenodeoxycholic acid) may explain the observed modification effects.

Immunohistochemical detection of bcl-2 and p53 proteins and apoptosis in soft tissue sarcoma: their correlations with prognosis

Information on prognostic factors is essential to establish appropriate therapeutic modalities for soft tissue sarcoma (STS). To evaluate the biological nature and prognostic factors of STS, p53 and bcl-2 expression was immunohistochemically studied on paraffin-embedded sections from 70 patients with STS in the extremities and trunk. In addition, the degree of apoptosis was examined by in situ end-labeling. Histologic diagnoses in these cases were malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 29 cases, liposarcoma in 11, synovial sarcoma in 11, leiomyosarcoma in 5, malignant neurogenic tumor in 5, and others in 9. Tumor cells in 31 of 70 cases (44%) showed positive nuclear staining for p53 protein. There was no correlation between p53 expression and tumor size, histologic grade, argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) count, cellularity and extent of neerosis. Expression of p53 did not correlate with survival of patients. Tumor cells in 24 of 56 cases (43%) were positive for bcl-2 protein expression. The frequency of bcl-2 expression in the tumor cells showed a direct proportion to tumor size (> or = 10 vs. < 10 cm) but inverse proportion to AgNOR counts and cellularity. The 5-year survival rate in patients with bcl-2-positive tumors (87%) was more favorable than in those with bcl-2-negative tumors (53%; p < 0.05). The frequency of apoptosis in low-grade STS was significantly higher than that in the intermediate and high-grade STS (p < 0.001). Extent of necrosis, a well-known prognostic indicator in STS, was not correlated with the frequency of apoptosis. Multivariate analysis showed that cellularity, bcl-2 and AgNOR counts were independent prognostic factors in patients with STS. The current study revealed that STS with a higher expression of bcl-2 had lower proliferative activity and larger size than those without. Immunohistochemical detection of bcl-2 is useful for predicting prognosis in patients with STS.

Purification, properties, and N-terminal amino acid sequences of guar gum-degrading enzyme from Bacillus circulans K-1

A guar gum-degrading enzyme of the newly isolated Bacillus circulans K-1 was purified to an electrophoretically homogeneous state. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was 62,000 by SDS-PAGE. The purified enzyme was separated into a least six isozymes by isoelectric focusing and the pI of these isozymes were 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.8, 6.0, and 6.2, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the typical three of these proteins were all the same, Ala-Ser-Gly-Phe-Tyr-Val-Ser-Gly-Thr-Lys-Leu-Asp-Ala-Thr-Gly-Gln-Pro-Phe- Val- Met-Arg. The enzyme was most active at pH 6.9 and at 64 degrees C. The enzyme was activated slightly by Al3+ and inhibited strongly by Sn2+ and Zn2+, N-bromosuccinimide, 2-mercaptoethanol, and ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid.

YF476 is a new potent and selective gastrin/cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonist in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

We newly synthesized YF476 ((R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1-pivaloylmethyl-5-(2'-pyridyl)-1H-1, 4benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylamino-phenyl)urea) as a gastrin/cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor antagonist. We investigated the pharmacological profile of YF476 in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

We examined the binding properties of YF476 to the rat brain, cloned canine and cloned human gastrin/CCK-B receptors, and the effect of YF476 on secretagogue-induced gastric acid secretion in rats and Heidenhain pouch dogs.

RESULTS

YF476 replaced the specific binding of [125I]CCK-8 to the rat brain, cloned canine and cloned human gastrin/CCK-B receptors, with Ki values of 0.068, 0.62 and 0.19 nM, respectively. The affinity of YF476 for rat brain gastrin/CCK-B receptor was 4100-fold higher than that for rat pancreatic CCK-A receptor. In anaesthetized rats, intravenous YF476 inhibited pentagastrin-induced acid secretion with an ED50 value of 0.0086 micromol/kg, but did not affect histamine- and bethanechol-induced acid secretion at a dose of 10 micromol/kg. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, intravenous and oral YF476 inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with ED50 values of 0.018 and 0.020 micromol/kg, respectively, but did not affect histamine-induced acid secretion.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that YF476 is an extremely potent and highly selective gastrin/CCK-B receptor antagonist, and that the gastrin/CCK-B receptor is not involved in histamine- or bethanechol-induced gastric acid secretion in dogs or rats.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pediatric osteosarcoma patients

BACKGROUND

Since the first trial for chemotherapy in children with osteosarcoma in 1977, the survival rate has gradually improved. Currently, more than 60% of all patients are cured, mainly because of the introduction of intensive chemotherapy using doxorubicin, high dose methotrexate, and cisplatin. The increased survival rates have promoted efforts to improve the quality of survival through the use of limb salvage surgery rather than amputation. Improvements in chemotherapeutic efficacy should result in a more favorable outcome and better function of the affected limb. The current study evaluated factors that influence chemotherapy so that a higher survival rate could be obtained.

METHODS

Three chemotherapy regimens comprised of doxorubicin, high dose methotrexate, cisplatin, and ifosfamide were retrospectively analyzed in 67 pediatric osteosarcoma patients. Twenty-three patients were treated with chemotherapy comprised of high dose methotrexate and doxorubicin (OOS-A regimen), 25 were treated with OOS-A with the addition of cisplatin (OOS-B), and 19 were treated with OOS-B with the addition of ifosfamide (OOS-C).

RESULTS

The OOS-A regimen was poorest in terms of survival (40.6%) compared with the OOS-B (67.5%) and OOS-C regimens (72.5%) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in survival between the OOS-B and OOS-C regimens. In the OOS-B regimen, patients who received a higher relative dose intensity showed a better prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that doxorubicin, high dose methotrexate, and cisplatin are the most potent drugs and suggest that it is more important to maintain the dose intensity of the regimen to improve survival rather than add a new drug.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor expression on human transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Receptors for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSFRs) have been confirmed on the cell surfaces of several non-haematopoietic cell types, including bladder cancer cells. This observation has naturally led to the hypothesis that the expression of G-CSFR on these cells may enhance their growth by G-CSF. In this study, the expression of G-CSFR was determined in both established human bladder cancer cell lines and primary bladder cancers. We studied five different human bladder cancer cell lines (KU-1, KU-7, T-24, NBT-2 and KK) and 26 newly diagnosed bladder tumours. G-CSFR mRNA expressions on cultured cell lines were determined using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Furthermore, the G-CSFR binding experiments on the cultured cell lines were conducted using the Na(125)I-labelled G-CSF ligand-binding assay method. Moreover, the G-CSFR mRNA expressions on primary bladder tumour specimens were assessed using the in situ RT-PCR method. Three out of the five cultured cell lines (KU-1, NBT-2 and KK) exhibited G-CSFR mRNA signals when the RT-PCR method was used. The G-CSFR binding experiments showed an equilibrium dissociation constant (K[d]) of 490 pM for KU-1, 340 pM for NBT-2 and 103 pM for KK cells. With in situ RT-PCR, the tumour cells of 6 out of 26 primary bladder tumour specimens (23.1%) presented positive G-CSFR mRNA signals. Thus, in this study, G-CSFR expression was frequently observed on bladder cancer cells. Therefore, the clinical use of G-CSF for patients with bladder cancer should be selected with great care.

Reduction of insulin resistance attenuates the development of hypertension in sucrose-fed SHR

We examined the effect of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione derivative that increases insulin sensitivity without increasing insulin secretion, on the development and maintenance of hypertension in sucrose-fed SHR. Nine-week-old male SHR received 12% sucrose dissolved in tap water as drinking water. For 5 weeks, half of the rats were given regular rat chow, and the rest were fed with rat chow containing 0.03% pioglitazone. In week 6, blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were examined before and after oral glucose administration by gavage. Sucrose treatment elicited a significant elevation of systolic blood pressure 3 weeks after the beginning of treatment; pioglitazone treatment attenuated this elevation. The insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia observed in sucrose-fed SHR were prevented by pioglitazone treatment. Pioglitazone treatment also significantly reduced the urinary excretion of catecholamines and plasma renin activity, both of which were significantly greater in sucrose-fed SHR than in control SHR. Along with improving insulin sensitivity, pioglitazone treatment also attenuated the development of hypertension in SHR fed the regular rat chow, but not in WKY rats. These results indicate that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play an important role in the development of hypertension in SHR probably through the activation of the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous outflow. This study also shows that chronic sucrose treatment exacerbated the development of hypertension through these mechanisms, precipitating insulin resistance.

Interleukin-6 is a useful marker for early prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis

Twelve patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to our department between January 1993 and December 1994 were studied prospectively and classified into two groups (severe group, five patients; mild group, seven patients), according to the criteria for grading severity of acute pancreatitis proposed by the Research Committee for Intractable Diseases of the Pancreas, Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (1990). To evaluate markers for early estimation of the severity of acute pancreatitis, we measured serum changes in various parameters. In the severe group interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were increased significantly 5, 24, 72, and 120 h after the onset (p < 0.01), compared with the mild group. C-reactive protein (CRP), thrombin antithrombin III, and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor plasmin complex levels were significantly increased only at the 72-h time point. Peak values of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and soluble human E selectin were observed at 5 and 72 h, respectively, after the onset. There was a significant correlation between IL-6 at 5 h and both pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (r = 0.85) and CRP (r = 0.94) at 72 h. We therefore conclude that IL-6 is a useful marker for assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis in its early stages.

[Spontaneous pyeloduodenal fistula: a case report]

A 71-year-old female presented with recurrent episodes of right flank pain and fever for the past several years. No pathogens were detected in the urine culture. Abdominal X-ray revealed staghorn calculi of the right kidney. Computerized tomography revealed pneumopelvis and staghorn stones of the right kidney. A nephrectomy was indicated based on the results of intravenous pyelography (IVP) and renogram which revealed a right non-functioning kidney. The adhesion of the right kidney with the duodenum and a transverse colon was so strong that a nephrectomy, a wedge resection of the duodenum and a transverse colectomy were performed. There was a fistula between the renal pelvis and the second portion of the duodenum. The fistula was speculated to have occurred by the spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis to the duodenum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 15th case of spontaneous nephroduodenal fistula in Japan.

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the subcutis

This report describes an 82-year-old woman with dedifferentiated liposarcoma, an extremely rare neoplasm of the subcutis. The patient had first recognized a very soft mass in the anterolateral part of the right thigh more than 20 years earlier, but because the tumor showed little change over this period, she did not seek treatment. She recently noticed a hard, rapidly growing mass within the former tumor. Both magnetic resonance imaging and axial computed tomography revealed a subcutaneous fatty lesion measuring 12 x 7 x 4 cm and a well-delineated mass-like area (4 x 3 x 3 cm) of nonfatty tissue within the lesion. Histologically, the former was a mature lipomatous tumor with broad fibrous septa containing some atypical stromal cells, and the latter was a much more cellular, spindle cell tumor with a malignant fibrous histiocytoma-like pattern. The authors propose that dedifferentiated liposarcoma is not restricted to the deep soft tissues and may develop in the subcutis and further suggest appropriate surgical management for well-differentiated fatty tumors of subcutaneous origin.

Two types of apoptotic cell death of rat central nervous system-derived neuroblastoma B50 and B104 cells: apoptosis induced during proliferation and after differentiation

We describe here two types of apoptotic cell death observed in the rat CNS-derived neuroblastoma B50 and B104 cells. One type was induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP) after differentiation, and the other was induced by treatment of proliferating cells with cycloheximide. When B50 and B104 cells were treated with 1 mM DBcAMP in the presence of 0.5% fetal calf serum, they began to extend neurites within 12 h and differentiated into neurons at 24 h, as reported previously. However, further cultivation with DBcAMP for up to 72 h led to flotation and, finally, death. Death was by apoptosis as shown by chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Addition of a protein kinase A inhibitor or removal of DBcAMP after differentiation suppressed apoptosis, indicating the involvement of cyclic AMP and protein kinase A in apoptotic cell death. Cell death was also induced in proliferating cells without neurite outgrowth by treatment with cycloheximide. The death was also judged to be by apoptosis based on chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation, although DNA fragmentation into small sizes was not detected. Both types of cell death showed similar responses to inhibitors for protein kinases and protein phosphatases.

GABAB-ergic stimulation in hypothalamic pressor area induces larger sympathetic and cardiovascular depression in spontaneously hypertensive rats

To determine whether central GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) B receptor stimulation would affect the sympathetic and cardiovascular activities, baclofen (a GABAB receptor agonist) was injected into lateral cerebral ventricles (intracerebroventricularly, ICV) in urethane-anesthetized normotensive rats. Intracerebroventricular injections of GABAA agonist (muscimol, 1 microgram) consistently decreased blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast ICV injections of baclofen (2 micrograms) increased blood pressure (BP) and heart rate with initial transient cardiovascular depression, and these effects of baclofen were abolished by ICV pretreatment with GABAB antagonist (saclofen, 100 micrograms). To determine whether the cardiovascular effects of ICV injections were elicited by activating GABA receptors in the hypothalamus, we injected baclofen or muscimol directly into various hypothalamic areas. Baclofen (100 and 800 ng) injected into the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) or posterior hypothalamus (PH) of normotensive rats produced dose-related decreases in sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure, and heart rate. These effects of baclofen were larger in VMH injections than in PH injections. The depressor responses elicited by VMH injections of baclofen were abolished by intravenous pretreatment with alpha-blocker, but unaffected by parasympathetic blocker, further indicating that the depressor responses of baclofen (VMH) were not due to parasympathetic activation, but due to peripheral sympathetic depression. Muscimol (400 ng) and baclofen (800 ng) injected into VMH produced similar amplitude of sympathetic-depressant, depressor and bradycardic responses. In contrast, BP was increased by the same dose of baclofen injected into the hypothalamic depressor area (anterior hypothalamus, AH), but was unaffected by muscimol. Final experiments were performed to determine whether these sympathetic and cardiovascular effects to hypothalamic GABAB stimulations would be altered in hypertension. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), basal BP and heart rate were already higher than in normotensive controls (Wistar-Kyoto rat, WKY). Baclofen injected into VMH reduced sympathetic nerve activity, BP, and heart rate in both groups of rats, and these effects were significantly larger in SHR than in WKY. This enhanced depressor response induced by baclofen (VMH) in SHR persisted even after sinoaortic denervation, which indicates that the enhanced depressor response is not due to reduced peripheral baroreflex sensitivity in SHR. On the other hand, baclofen injected into AH increased BP and heart rate in both WKY and SHR, but the magnitude of these responses did not differ between two groups. In summary, GABA reduces sympathetic nerve activity, BP, and heart rate through both GABAA and B receptors in VMH. The GABAB system acts on the depressor area, AH, to further regulate the cardiovascular activities. In SHR, the GABAB-ergic system in VMH but not in AH is altered, and this might contribute to the development of hypertension.

Rhodothermus obamensis sp. nov., a modern lineage of extremely thermophilic marine bacteria

A novel extremely thermophilic bacterium was isolated from a shallow marine hydrothermal vent environment (depth, 22 m) in Tachibana Bay, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The cells of this organism were gram-negative rods. Growth occurred at temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees C (optimum temperature, 80 degrees C; doubling time at optimum temperature, 90 min), at pH 5.5 and 9.0 (optimum pH, 7.0), and in the presence of 1 and 5% NaCl (optimum NaCl concentration, 3%). The new isolate was an aerobic heterotroph which utilized the following compounds as sole energy and carbon sources: yeast extract, peptone, starch, casein, Casamino Acids, a variety of sugars, some carboxylic acids, and amino acids. As determined by a sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, the new isolate belongs to the genus Rhodothermus and represents a modern lineage of extreme thermophiles within the domain Bacteria. On the basis of the physiological and molecular properties of the new isolate, we describe a new species, Rhodothermus obamensis. The type strain of R. obamensis is strain OKD7 (= JCM 9785).

Aeropyrum pernix gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel aerobic hyperthermophilic archaeon growing at temperatures up to 100 degrees C

A novel aerobic hyperthermophilic archaeon was isolated from a coastal solfataric vent at Kodakara-Jima Island, Japan. The new isolate, strain K1, is the first strictly aerobic organism growing at temperatures up to 100 degrees C. It grows optimally at 90 to 95 degrees C, pH 7.0, and a salinity of 3.5%. The cells are spherical shaped and 0.8 to 1.2 microns in diameter. Various proteinaceous complex compounds served as substrates during aerobic growth. Thiosulfate stimulates growth without producing H2S. The core lipids consist solely of C25-isopranyl archaeol (glycerol diether). The G + C content of the genomic DNA is 67 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequence indicates that strain K1 is a new member of Crenarchaeota. On the basis of our results, the name Aeropyrum pernix gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed (type strain: K1; JCM 9820).

Effects of methylglyoxal bis (cyclopentylamidinohydrazone) (MGBCP) on cell cycle progression in three human osteosarcoma cell lines

Our previous experiments have indicated that the antitumor effects of a polyamine biosynthetic inhibitor, methylglyoxal bis(cyclopentylamidinohydrazone) (MGBCP), on human osteosarcoma cell lines such as MG-63, G-292 and HOS cells are obtained by its action depleting the cellular polyamine contents. In the present study, the effects of polyamine depletion by MGBCP on the cell cycle progression in these osteosarcoma cell lines were investigated by flow cytofluormetric analysis. MGBCP arrested the tumor cells at the G1 phase by preventing the G/S phase transition. Mitotic indexes (MIs) in these MGBCP-inhibited tumor cells were also decreased. These findings suggest that MGBCP suppresses the cell cycle progression in osteosarcoma MG-63, G-292 and HOS cells by inhibiting intracellular polyamine biosynthesis.

HHR23B, a human Rad23 homolog, stimulates XPC protein in nucleotide excision repair in vitro

A protein complex which specifically complements defects of XP-C cell extracts in vitro was previously purified to near homogeneity from HeLa cells. The complex consists of two tightly associated proteins: the XPC gene product and HHR23B, one of two human homologs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae repair gene product Rad23 (Masutani et al., EMBO J. 13:1831-1843, 1994). To elucidate the roles of these proteins in "genome-overall" repair, we expressed the XPC protein in a baculovirus system and purified it to near homogeneity. The recombinant human XPC (rhXPC) protein exhibited a high level of affinity for single-stranded DNA and corrected the repair defect in XP-C whole-cell extracts without extra addition of recombinant HHR23B (rHHR23B) protein. However, Western blot (immunoblot) experiments revealed that XP-C cell extracts contained excess endogenous HHR23B protein, which might be able to form a complex upon addition of the rhXPC protein. To investigate the role of HHR23B, we fractionated the XP-C cell extracts and constructed a reconstituted system in which neither endogenous XPC nor HHR23B proteins were present. In this assay system, rhXPC alone weakly corrected the repair defect, while significant enhancement of the correcting activity was observed upon coaddition of rHHR23B protein. Stimulation of XPC by HHR23B was found with simian virus 40 minichromosomes as well as with naked plasmid DNA and with UV- as well as N-acetoxy-2- acetylfluorene-induced DNA lesions, indicating a general role of HHR23B in XPC functioning in the genome-overall nucleotide excision repair subpathway.

Purification and characterization of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanothermus sociabilis

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was purified for the first time from hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanothermus sociabilis, growing autotrophically with an optimum at 88 degrees C. The optimum temperature for enzyme activity was similar to that for growth and was 85 degrees C. The native enzyme was a homotetramer of 240 kDa molecular mass and the subunit displayed an apparent molecular mass of 60 kDa. The archaeal PEPC was insensitive to various metabolites which are known as allosteric effectors for most bacterial and eucaryal counterparts. The enzyme showed extreme thermostability such that there remained 80% of the enzyme activity after incubation for 2 h at 80 degrees C. These results implied that archaeal PEPC was significantly different from bacterial and eucaryal entities.

A novel fucosyltetrahexosylceramide in plerocercoids of the parasite Spirometra erinacei

This glycosphingolipid was tentatively designated as GalSEGLx, in which the carbohydrate structure is characterized by an additional galactose molecule attached to the reducing-end galactose of SEGLx [Gal beta-4 (Fuc alpha-3) Glc beta-3 Gal beta Cer], which was previously determined by us [Kawakami, Y., Nakamura, K., Kojima, H., Suzuki, M., Inagaki, F., Suzuki, A., Sonoki, S., Uchida, A., Murata, Y. & Tamai, Y. (1993) J. Biochem. 114, 677-683], through a beta 1-6 linkage. The ceramide contained sphinganine and 4D-hydroxysphinganine in an about equimolar ratio, and a non-hydroxy fatty acid with carbon atoms ranging from 16 to 28, 26:0, 28:0 and 28:1 being major components. Based on the finding that a novel carbohydrate structure. Gal beta-4 Glc beta-3 Gal, was commonly found in glycosphingolipids from the parasite, S. erinacei, we here propose the terms, spirometo series, for this core structure series, and spirometosides, for glycosphingolipids having this carbohydrate structure.

Prognostic factors in angiosarcoma: a multivariate analysis of 55 cases

Data for prognostic factors in angiosarcoma (AS) are limited, prompting a large-scale study of AS with multivariate analysis. To analyze prognostic factors in angiosarcoma (AS), clinical and histologic findings in 55 patients collected from hospitals in Japan were reviewed. Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox's proportional hazards models. The study involved 32 males and 23 females, ages 18-93 (median, 69) years. The primary sites of tumors included head and neck (32 cases), trunk (10), extremities (3), spleen (3), breast (3), and other (4). The overall 2-year survival rate was 21%. Univariate analysis of clinical factors including age, sex, size and depth of tumor, tumor-related symptoms, interval between onset of symptoms and admission, surgical procedures, adjuvant chemotherapy, and adjuvant radiotherapy showed that age, tumor size, and mode of treatment were significant for survival. Histologic factors analyzed were mitotic counts, cellularity, cellular pleomorphism, extent of necrosis, vascular differentiation, and nonspecific diagnosis. Only mitotic counts were significant for prognosis. Multivariate analysis on these four factors revealed that tumor size, mode of treatment, and mitotic counts were independent prognostic factors.

BCL-2 inhibits B7-induced MHC-unrestricted cytolysis mediated by a human NK cell line

Recent work demonstrated that B7 expression by tumor cells can enhance antitumor immune responses. However, the B7 molecule is expressed abundantly on most non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas and solid lymphoid tumors. How these tumor cells escape from immune surveillance mechanisms remains unclear. Lately, it has become clear that bcl-2 oncogene is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and renders tumor cells more resistant to cytolytic T-cells (CTL) mediated cytotoxicity. We cloned B7 and B7/Bcl-2 transfectants and compared their susceptibilities to a human natural killer (NK) cell line and normal NK cells. The results demonstrate that Bcl-2 oncoprotein in tumor cells blocks B7-induced cytolysis mediated by a NK cell line and NK cells. Thus, they suggest that Bcl-2 oncoprotein plays a role in tumor avoidance of effective antitumor cytotoxicity.

[Perioperative fractionated high dose rate brachytherapy in bone and soft-tissue tumors]

The 13 lesions of 11 patients with bone and soft-tissue tumors (four primary and nine recurrent lesions) were treated with surgery and postoperative fractionated high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy started on the 6-7th day after surgery. The total dose was 40-50 Gy/7-10 fr/6-7d(bid) at 5 mm from the source. Local control was achieved in eight of 13 lesions (62%). Four of the five uncontrolled lesions had macroscopic residual tumor after the surgery. There was one peripheral nerve damage as a side effect. This study indicates that the use of perioperative fractionated HDR brachytherapy is feasible and well tolerated.

Prosthetic reconstruction for periacetabular malignant tumors

This article reports the reconstruction method and functional results of a newly designed tumor hip prosthesis with a constrained joint mechanism which was used after treatment for 13 primary and 5 metastatic periacetabular malignant bone tumors. The overall 5-year survival rate for patients with primary tumors (n=13) was 50%. The local recurrence rate was 30%. More than 90% of the patients whose hips were reconstructed with the constrained tumor hip prosthesis experienced pain relief and were able to walk with a cane. No patients had greater than 3 cm shortening of the involved limb. Infection was the most serious complication. This prosthesis restored iliofemoral stability after surgical resection of periacetabular malignant tumors.

Bile secretion in rats with indomethacin-induced intestinal inflammation

The objective of this study was to characterize the bile secretion, including the composition of biliary bile acids, bile salt pool size, and transcytotic vesicle transport, in a rat model of subacute intestinal inflammation induced by indomethacin. Indomethacin treatment significantly decreased bile acid-independent bile flow and biliary secretion of bile acid and cholesterol, while increasing biliary phospholipid output in vivo. Although indomethacin treatment did not change the bile salt pool size in vivo, alpha- and beta-muricholic acids were significantly deceased and hyodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids were increased in bile. Bile flow and the transport maximum of taurocholate did not decrease, and biliary horseradish peroxidase output was significantly enhanced in isolated perfused livers from indomethacin-treated rats. Endotoxin in the portal blood was significantly increased in rats treated with indomethacin. Clindamycin slightly reduced intestinal inflammation but significantly prevented decreases in bile flow, bile acid output, and transport maximum of taurocholate. We conclude that, although biliary secretory function was apparently decreased in vivo, that of hepatocyte function was maintained in this model.

Prognostic significance of Ki67 (MIB1) proliferation index and p53 over-expression in chondrosarcomas

To investigate the prognostic significance of the Ki67 (MIBI)-proliferation index and p53 over-expression in chondrosarcomas, we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 29 patients with chondrosarcomas using immunohistochemical assays with MIBI and p53 monoclonal antibodies on formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded tissue samples with microwave preparation. We also assessed 19 patients with benign cartilaginous tumors as a control group. There was a significant positive correlation between MIBI index and tumor grade in chondrosarcomas, while there was no significant difference in the MIBI index between the grade-1 chondrosarcomas and the benign cartilaginous tumors. Patients categorized in the high-MIBI-index group had a significantly lower survival rate than those in the low-index group. Moreover, in analyzing the sub-set of the patients with grade-II chondrosarcomas, it was found that they could be prognostically sub-divided according to MIBI index. The p53 index also significantly correlated with patient survival, and there was significant correlation between the MIBI index and the p53 index. However, in multivariate analysis, only the MIBI index and tumor grade proved to be independent prognostic indicators of chondrosarcomas. These results demonstrate that the MIBI index can be a useful procedure for assessing tumor grade in chondrosarcomas, especially for determining the prognosis of patients with grade-II chondrosarcoma.

[Contingent negative variations associated with vocalization in humans]

We investigated the late negative components of the contingent negative variations (CNVs) in the verbalization task. Six subjects were instructed to perform three different motor tasks, jaw opening, vocalization of a meaningless sound and that of a word, in response to a sound stimulus following a visual warning stimulus with interstimulus interval of 4.0 sec. The electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded from the midline-central (Cz), left and right temporal areas (T3 and T4) and frontal areas (F7 and F8). EEGs were averaged 16 times using the visual stimulus pulse as a trigger to obtain the CNVs in each motor task. There was no significant difference between the tasks of the jaw opening and vocalization of the sound in the CNV amplitudes at bilateral electrodes. However, the amplitudes of the CNVs at the left frontal and temporal areas were significantly larger in the case of vocalization of the word than in that of jaw opening (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between these two tasks in the CNV amplitudes at the right frontal and temporal areas. Our results suggested that the CNVs generated over the left hemisphere might reflect the brain activities involved in language production.

Induction of autologous tumor killing by heat treatment of fresh human tumor cells: involvement of gamma delta T cells and heat shock protein 70

Autologous tumor killing (ATK) has been implicated as an important prognostic factor in cancer patients since the ability of blood lymphocytes to kill freshly isolated autologous tumor cells was strongly associated with good prognosis of the patients. The present study was designed to induce or enhance ATK sensitivity of fresh human tumor cells by heat stress. Brief exposure of fresh human tumor cells to elevated temperature increased their susceptibility to lysis by autologous blood lymphocytes in a short-term (51)Cr release assay. In addition, the heat-elevated ATK sensitivity was confirmed by clonogenic assays. An increase in ATK was observed with unstimulated lymphocytes in 42% of the cases and OK432 (streptococcal preparation)-activated lymphocytes in 80% of the cases. Stimulation of blood lymphocytes with autologous, heat-stressed tumor cells and OK432 resulted in an increase in number of gamma delta T cells, which was associated with elevated ATK activity against the stressed tumor cells. At the clonal level, three gamma delta T-cell clones (V gamma 9/V delta 2+) proliferated in response to autologous, heat stressed tumor cells and/or OK432 and exhibited elevated cytotoxicity against the tumor cells. Western blot analysis revealed an increased expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 in heat- treated tumor cells. Some of them expressed HSP70 on their surfaces. The elevated cytoxicity against heat-stressed tumor cells was inhibited by treatment of targets with anti-HSP70 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or of effector cells with anti-V delta2 mAb. Reactivity of gamma delta T cells to autologous, heat- stressed tumor cells was also inhibited by anti-HSP70 mAb. These results indicate that exposure to heat of tumor cells induces ATK susceptibility, especially to OK432-activated effector cells, and suggest that gamma delta T cells may be involved in ATK against stressed tumor cells through recognition of HSP70 on the target cells.

Prognostic factors in angiosarcoma: a multivariate analysis of 55 cases

Data for prognostic factors in angiosarcoma (AS) are limited, prompting a large-scale study of AS with multivariate analysis. To analyze prognostic factors in angiosarcoma (AS), clinical and histologic findings in 55 patients collected from hospitals in Japan were reviewed. Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox's proportional hazards models. The study involved 32 males and 23 females, ages 18-93 (median, 69) years. The primary sites of tumors included head and neck (32 cases), trunk (10), extremities (3), spleen (3), breast (3), and other (4). The overall 2-year survival rate was 21%. Univariate analysis of clinical factors including age, sex, size and depth of tumor, tumor-related symptoms, interval between onset of symptoms and admission, surgical procedures, adjuvant chemotherapy, and adjuvant radiotherapy showed that age, tumor size, and mode of treatment were significant for survival. Histologic factors analyzed were mitotic counts, cellularity, cellular pleomorphism, extent of necrosis, vascular differentiation, and nonspecific diagnosis. Only mitotic counts were significant for prognosis. Multivariate analysis on these four factors revealed that tumor size, mode of treatment, and mitotic counts were independent prognostic factors.