Elevated plasma nitrate levels in depressive states

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors show preclinical antidepressant-like properties, suggesting that NO is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The purpose of this study is to examine whether or not NO production increases in depressed patients.

METHODS

Plasma nitrate concentrations, an index of NO production, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in depressed patients (n=17) and compared with patients suffering anxiety (n=6) and with healthy controls (n=12).

RESULTS

Plasma nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in depressed patients than in patients with an anxiety disorder (P<0.05) or in controls (P<0.01).

LIMITATIONS

The study group was small. The source of the surplus production of NO in patients with major depressive episode remains unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that NO production is increased in depression.

Characterization of monoclonal antibody MEST-2 specific to glucosylceramide of fungi and plants

An IgG2a monoclonal antibody anti-glucosylceramide was established and termed MEST-2. High performance thin layer chromatography immunostaining, and solid-phase radioimmunoassay showed that MEST-2 reacts with glucosylceramide from yeast and mycelium forms of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Sporothrix schenckii; from hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus; and from yeast forms of Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Cryptococcus albidus. Studies on the fine specificity of MEST-2 showed that it recognizes the beta-D-glucose residue, and that the 2-hydroxy group present in the fatty acid is an important auxiliary feature for the antibody binding. It was also demonstrated that phosphatidylcholine and ergosterol modulate MEST-2 reactivity to glucosylceramide, by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that MEST-2 reacts with the surface of yeast forms of P. brasiliensis, H. capsulatum and S. schenckii. Weak staining of mycelial forms of P. brasiliensis and hyphae of A. fumigatus was also observed. The availability of a monoclonal antibody specific to fungal glucosylceramide, and its potential use in analyzing biological roles attributed to glucosylceramide in fungi are discussed.

Characterization of cerebrosides from the thermally dimorphic mycopathogen Histoplasma capsulatum: expression of 2-hydroxy fatty N-acyl (E)-Delta(3)-unsaturation correlates with the yeast-mycelium phase transition

Cerebroside (monohexosylceramide) components were identified in neutral lipids extracted from both the yeast and mycelial forms of the thermally dimorphic mycopathogen Histoplasma capsulatum. The components were purified from both forms and their structures elucidated by 1- and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and low energy tandem collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/CID-MS). Both components were characterized as beta-glucopyranosylceramides (GlcCers) containing (4E,8E)-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine as the long-chain base, attached to 18-carbon 2-hydroxy fatty N-acyl components. However, while the fatty acid of the yeast form GlcCer was virtually all N-2'-hydroxyoctadecanoate, the mycelium form GlcCer was characterized by almost exclusive expression of N-2'-hydroxy-(E)-delta(3)-octadecenoate. These results suggest that the yeast-mycelium transition is accompanied by up-regulation of an as yet uncharacterized ceramide or cerebroside 2-hydroxy fatty N-acyl (E)-delta(3)-desaturase activity. They also constitute further evidence for the existence of two distinct pathways for ceramide biosynthesis in fungi, since glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs), the other major class of fungal glycosphingolipids, are found with ceramides consisting of 4-hydroxysphinganine (phytosphingosine) and longer chain 2-hydroxy fatty acids. In addition to identification of the major glucocerebroside components, minor components (< 5%) detectable by molecular weight differences in the ESI-MS profiles were also characterized by tandem ESI-MS/CID-MS analysis. These minor components were identified as variants differing in fatty acyl chain length, or the absence of the sphingoid 9-methyl group or (E)-delta(8)-unsaturation, and are hypothesized to be either biosynthetic intermediates or the result of imperfect chemical transformation by the enzymes responsible for these features. Possible implications of these findings with respect to chemotaxonomy, compartmentalization of fungal glycosphingolipid biosynthetic pathways, and regulation of morphological transitions in H.capsulatum and other dimorphic fungi are discussed.

[Lung involvement in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate pulmonary involvement in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Of 71 patients in whom RPGN was diagnosed, 32 (45.1%) had pulmonary involvement: 12, alveolar hemorrhage (AH) (16.9%); 10, interstitial pneumonia (IP) (14.1%); four, chronic bronchial lesions (5.6%); two, consolidation (2.8%), and four, old inflammatory lesions (5.6%). Investigation of which organ of the twelve AH patients, the kidney or the lung, was the first to be involved, showed that the lung preceded in one patient, the kidney was first in three, and the lung and kidney occurred at the same time in the other eight. Of the ten IP patients, the lung preceded in eight, the kidney was ahead in two, and lung and kidney were simultaneous in one. Three patients had a history of pneumoconiosis, and two had acute progressive IP. Seventeen (45.9%) of 37 patients who tested positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (MPO-ANCA) had lung involvement, and three (30.0%) of the ten patients who tested negative for MPO-ANCA, PR 3-ANCA and anti-GBM antibody also had lung involvement.

Transcriptional activation of the cyclin D1 gene is mediated by multiple cis-elements, including SP1 sites and a cAMP-responsive element in vascular endothelial cells

In an attempt to examine the mechanisms by which transcriptional activity of the cyclin D1 promoter is regulated in vascular endothelial cells (EC), we examined the cis-elements in the human cyclin D1 promoter, which are required for transcriptional activation of the gene. The results of luciferase assays showed that transcriptional activity of the cyclin D1 promoter was largely mediated by SP1 sites and a cAMP-responsive element (CRE). DNA binding activity at the SP1 sites, which was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, was significantly increased in the early to mid G(1) phase, whereas DNA binding activity at CRE did not change significantly. Furthermore, Induction of the cyclin D1 promoter activity in the early to mid G(1) phase depended largely on the promoter fragment containing the SP1 sites, whereas the proximal fragment containing CRE but not the SP1 sites was constitutively active. Finally, the increase in DNA binding and promoter activities via the SP1 sites was mediated by the Ras-dependent pathway. The results suggested that the activation of the cyclin D1 gene in vascular ECs was regulated by a dual system; one was inducible in the G(1) phase, and the other was constitutively active.

Discrimination of 1990s original automotive paint systems: a collaborative study of black nonmetallic base coat/clear coat finishes using infrared spectroscopy

The 1990s saw the introduction of significantly new types of paint binder chemistries into the automotive finish coat market. Considering the pronounced changes in the binders that can now be found in automotive paints and their potential use in a wide variety of finishes worldwide, the Paint Subgroup of the Scientific Working Group for Materials (SWGMAT) initiated a validation study to investigate the ability of commonly accepted methods of forensic paint examination to differentiate between these newer types of paints. Nine automotive paint systems typical of original equipment applications were acquired from General Motors Corporation in 1992. They consisted of steel panels coated with typical electrocoat primers and/or primer surfacers followed by a black nonmetallic base coat and clear coat. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the discrimination power of common forensic techniques when applied to the newer generation original automotive finishes. The second purpose was to evaluate interlaboratory reproducibility of automotive paint spectra collected on a variety of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers and accessories normally used for forensic paint examinations. The results demonstrate that infrared spectroscopy is an effective tool for discriminating between the major automotive paint manufacturers' formulation types which are currently used in original finishes. Furthermore, and equally important, the results illustrate that the mid-infrared spectra of these finishes are generally quite reproducible even when comparing data from different laboratories, commercial FT-IR instruments, and accessories in a "real world," mostly uncontrolled, environment.

Independent anchoring and assembly mechanisms of INAD signaling complexes in Drosophila photoreceptors

In Drosophila photoreceptors the multivalent PDZ protein INAD organizes the phototransduction cascade into a macromolecular signaling complex containing the effector PLC, the light-activated TRP channels, and a regulatory PKC. Previously, we showed that the subcellular localization of INAD signaling complexes is critical for signaling. Now we have examined how INAD complexes are anchored and assembled in photoreceptor cells. We find that trp mutants, or transgenic flies expressing inaD alleles that disrupt the interaction between INAD and TRP, cause the mislocalization of the entire transduction complex. The INAD-TRP interaction is not required for targeting but rather for anchoring of complexes, because INAD and TRP can be targeted independently of each other. We also show that, in addition to its scaffold role, INAD functions to preassemble transduction complexes. Preassembly of signaling complexes helps to ensure that transduction complexes with the appropriate composition end up in the proper location. This may be a general mechanism used by cells to target different signaling machinery to the pertinent subcellular location.

Quantitation of catechol estrogens and their N-acetylcysteine conjugates in urine of rats and hamsters

A method for the analysis of N-acetylcysteine conjugates of catechol estrogens [catechol estrogen mercapturates (CE SRs)], which are likely to be urinary markers of estrogen-induced tumors, was established in this study. The characteristics of the method that was established were (1) cleanup of urine using the immunoaffinity column of CE SRs, (2) detection of catechol estrogens (CEs) and CE SRs by electrochemical detection, which provided the high specificity, and (3) stability of CE SRs through the cleanup. Using this method, the simultaneous quantitation of 2-hydroxy-17beta-estradiol (2-OHE(2)), 4-hydroxy-17beta-estradiol (4-OHE(2)), 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE(1)), 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE(1)), 2-hydroxyestrone 1-N-acetylcysteine thioether (2-OHE(1) 1SR), 2-hydroxyestrone 4-N-acetylcysteine thioether (2-OHE(1) 4SR), and 4-hydroxyestrone 2-N-acetylcysteine thioether (4-OHE(1) 2SR) in the range of 1-15 ng was performed. We first demonstrated the presence of CE SRs, 2-OHE(1) 1SR and 2-OHE(1) 4SR, in urine from rats treated intraperitoneally with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) at a dose of 5 mg/kg. In female rats, the amount of 2-OHE(1) 1SR was several-fold greater than that of 2-OHE(1) 4SR, while the presence of 4-OHE(1) 2SR was not confirmed. The level of CEs and CE SRs in male rats was approximately (1)/(2)-(1)/(20) of that in female rats. The excretion rate following administration of 2-OHE(1) at 2 mg/kg and that following the administration of 4-OHE(1) at 2 mg/kg were different in female rats. In addition, 4-OHE(1) 2SR was present in the urine of male Syrian hamsters treated intraperitoneally with E(2), whereas it was absent in rats.

Temporally restricted expression of transcription factor betaFTZ-F1: significance for embryogenesis, molting and metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster

FTZ-F1, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been implicated in the activation of the segmentation gene fushi tarazu during early embryogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster. We found that an isoform of FTZ-F1, betaFTZ-F1, is expressed in the nuclei of almost all tissues slightly before the first and second larval ecdysis and before pupation. Severely affected ftz-f1 mutants display an embryonic lethal phenotype, but can be rescued by ectopic expression of betaFTZ-F1 during the period of endogenous betaFTZ-F1 expression in the wild type. The resulting larvae are not able to molt, but this activity is rescued again by forced expression of betaFTZ-F1, allowing progression to the next larval instar stage. On the other hand, premature expression of betaFTZ-F1 in wild-type larvae at mid-first instar or mid-second instar stages causes defects in the molting process. Sensitive periods were found to be around the time of peak ecdysteroid levels and slightly before the start of endogenous betaFTZ-F1 expression. A hypomorphic ftz-f1 mutant that arrests in the prepupal stage can also be rescued by ectopic, time-specific expression of betaFTZ-F1. Failure of salivary gland histolysis, one of the phenotypes of the ftz-f1 mutant, is rescued by forced expression of the ftz-f1 downstream gene BR-C during the late prepupal period. These results suggest that betaFTZ-F1 regulates genes associated with ecdysis and metamorphosis, and that the exact timing of its action in the ecdysone-induced gene cascade is important for proper development.

Investigation on the formation and the determination of gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanylhistidine and related isopeptide in the macromolecular fraction of beef soup stock

To confirm the formation of gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanylhistidine and related peptide, a model solution (amide-containing amino acids and carnosine) has been heated, and the products are investigated. Spectroscopical analysis indicates that the major product from asparagine and carnosine is beta-aspartyl-beta-alanylhistidine, and that from glutamine and carnosine is gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanylhistidine. Furthermore, to confirm the increase of the above peptides during the heating process of food, an HPLC method for the determination of these isopeptides in food protein is constructed. The isopeptides are liberated by proteolytic digestion and fractionated by solid-phase extraction using Toyopack IC-SP cartridges. The fraction containing the isopeptides is derivatized with phenylisothiocyanate (PITC) and separated and quantified by HPLC using an octadecyl-silica column. As a result of quantification, an increase of the gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanylhistidine isopeptide in the macromolecular fraction of heated beef soup stock solution has been observed. These results suggest that the formation of the isopeptide occurs in the heating of various foods containing carnosine.

Cyclin A downregulation and p21(cip1) upregulation correlate with GATA-6-induced growth arrest in glomerular mesangial cells

The GATA-6 transcription factor is reported to be expressed in vascular myocytes. Because glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and vascular myocytes have similar properties, we examined whether GATA-6 was expressed in cultured GMCs and whether overexpression of GATA-6 induced cell cycle arrest in GMCs, using a recombinant adenovirus that expresses GATA-6 (Ad GATA-6). GATA-6 expression in GMCs was downregulated when quiescent GMCs were stimulated by serum to reenter the cell cycle. [(3)H]thymidine uptake was inhibited in GMCs infected with Ad GATA-6 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of cyclin A protein was decreased and that of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(cip1) was increased in GMCs infected with Ad GATA-6. Although the expression of p21(cip1) transcripts did not change remarkably, p21(cip1) protein was stabilized in GMCs infected with Ad GATA-6, suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation of p21(cip1) expression. Northern blot analysis showed that expression of the cyclin A transcript was decreased in Ad GATA-6-infected cells, whereas this decrease of cyclin A was not observed in GMCs derived from p21(cip1) null mice. Our results demonstrate that GATA-6 is endogenously expressed in GMCs and that overexpression of GATA-6 can induce cell cycle arrest. Our results also show that GATA-6-induced cell cycle arrest is associated with inhibition of cyclin A expression and p21(cip1) upregulation. Finally, our results indicate that the GATA-6-induced suppression of cyclin A expression depends on the presence of p21(cip1).

Lipopolysaccharide tolerance in relation to intrabronchial influx of neutrophils in the rat

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent chemotactic component for polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN, neutrophils). Since LPS tolerance was first described, many studies have been reported about the hyporesponsiveness in vitro corresponding to attenuating production of proinflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that in vivo daily exposure to LPS stimuli impairs neutrophil accumulation in the rat airway. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and/or CXC-chemokine, a neutrophil chemoattractant and activating cytokine, have been implicated as proinflammatory mediators in gram-negative respiratory tract infections. It is possible that the tolerance to LPS has occurred in relation to this chemoattractant cytokine production. To settle this issue, we examined whether the neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) decreases after daily inhalation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS into the rat airway. Repeated inhalation of LPS into the airway resulted in reduction in neutrophil recruitment. We measured rat CXC-chemokine (rat GRO/CINC1) levels in recovered BALF. There were noted reductions of rat GRO corresponding to the diminished neutrophil trafficking. We also confirmed that the HLA-DR positive lymphocyte number in BALF gradually increased after daily inhalation of LPS. These results suggest that continuous stimuli of LPS mitigate the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the airway by reducing chemokine production with a consequent change in the appearance of local inflammation to a chronic state.

Postsynaptic filopodia in muscle cells interact with innervating motoneuron axons

Precise synaptogenesis is crucial to brain development, and depends on the ability of specific partner cells to locate and communicate with one another. Dynamic properties of axonal filopodia during synaptic targeting are well documented, but the cytomorphological dynamics of postsynaptic cells have received less attention. In Drosophila embryos, muscle cells bear numerous postsynaptic filopodia ('myopodia') during motoneuron targeting. Here we show that myopodia are actin-filled microprocesses, which progressively clustered at the site of motoneuron innervation while intermingling with presynaptic filopodia. In prospero mutants, which have severe delays in axon outgrowth from the CNS, myopodia were present initially but clustering behavior was not observed, demonstrating that clustering depends on innervating axons. Thus, postsynaptic filopodia are capable of intimate interaction with innervating presynaptic axons. We propose that, by contributing to direct long-distance cellular communication, they are dynamically involved in synaptic matchmaking.

Synaptic development is controlled in the periactive zones of Drosophila synapses

A cell-adhesion molecule fasciclin 2 (FAS2), which is required for synaptic growth and still life (SIF), an activator of RAC, were found to localize in the surrounding region of the active zone, defining the periactive zone in Drosophila neuromuscular synapses. BetaPS integrin and discs large (DLG), both involved in synaptic development, also decorated the zone. However, shibire (SHI), the Drosophila dynamin that regulates endocytosis, was found in the distinct region. Mutant analyses showed that sif genetically interacted with Fas2 in synaptic growth and that the proper localization of SIF required FAS2, suggesting that they are components in related signaling pathways that locally function in the periactive zones. We propose that neurotransmission and synaptic growth are primarily regulated in segregated subcellular spaces, active zones and periactive zones, respectively.

Endogenous GLP-1 is involved in beta-amyloid protein-induced memory impairment and hippocampal neuronal death in rats

We examined the effects of continuous infusion of exendin (5-39), an antagonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, into the rat brain using a mini-osmotic pump on beta-amyloid protein-induced amnesia and apoptosis. Co-infusion of exendin (5-39) with beta-amyloid protein (1-40) prevented the memory impairment and DNA fragmentation in the hippocampal CA1 region observed with infusion of beta-amyloid protein alone. These results indicated a functional role of endogenous GLP-1 in beta-amyloid protein-induced neurotoxicity.

[A case of interferon beta-induced pneumonia]

A 58-year-old man had been treated with one intravenous injection of 120 mg of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU), ten thrice-weekly doses of 3,000,000 U of interferon beta, and brain irradiation for cerebral glioblastoma. One month later he had fever, appetite loss, a productive cough and dyspnea. Chest radiography and CT showed diffuse, nonsegmental ground glass opacity in both lung fields. Hypoxemia and lung shadows were exacerbated day by day. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed an increases in the total cell count and the percentages of lymphocytes and neutrophils, and a decrease of the CD 4/8 ratio. Interferon beta therapy was stopped, and steroid pulse therapy and prednisolone 40 mg administration were initiated. The symptoms, hypoxemia and lung shadows quickly improved. Reported cases of interferon beta-induced pneumonia are rare.

Glufosinate ammonium stimulates nitric oxide production through N-methyl D-aspartate receptors in rat cerebellum

Glufosinate ammonium, a structural analogue of glutamate, is an active herbicidal ingredient. The neuronal activities of this compound were investigated by use of a microdialysis system that allowed us to measure nitric oxide production in the rat cerebellum in vivo. Kainate (0.3-30 nmol/10 microliter), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) (3-300 nmol/10 microliter) and glufosinate ammonium (30-3000 nmol/10 microliter), which were administered through the microdialysis probe at a rate of 1 microliter/min for 10 min, stimulated nitric oxide production. The glufosinate ammonium-elicited increase in nitric oxide production was suppressed by an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and was antagonized by NMDA receptor antagonists, but not by a kainate/(+/-)-alphaamino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor antagonist. These results suggest that glufosinate ammonium stimulates nitric oxide production through NMDA receptors.

Effects of vasodilatory antihypertensive agents on endothelial dysfunction in rats with ischemic acute renal failure

Ischemic acute renal failure is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. We examined whether vasodilatory antihypertensive agents would improve endothelial function in rats with ischemia/reperfusion renal injury. Rat kidneys were isolated and perfused after clipping of the bilateral renal arteries for 45 min and reperfusion for 24 h, and renal perfusion pressure and nitric oxide concentration in the venous effluent (chemiluminescence assay) were monitored. Preischemic administration of celiprolol (a beta-blocker; 100 mg/kg p.o.), benidipine (a calcium channel blocker; 1 mg/kg p.o.), or imidapril (an angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor; 3 mg/kg p.o.) restored endothelial function in rats subjected to acute renal ischemia (deltarenal perfusion pressure [10(-8) M acetylcholine]: sham -42+/-3%, ischemia -31+/-1%, ischemia +celiprolol -39+/-1%*, ischemia+benidipine -38+/-2%*, ischemia+imidapril -42+/-2%*; *p<0.05 vs. ischemia). Serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were also lower in the treated groups. Furthermore, ischemia-induced decreases in the response to acetylcholine and renal excretory function were smaller in SHR than in deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertensive rats, in which endothelial damage was marked. These results suggest that preischemic endothelial function may influence the degree of ischemic renal injury. Calcium channel blockers, converting-enzyme inhibitors, and endothelial NO synthase-activating beta-blockers had beneficial effects on renovascular endothelial dysfunction due to ischemia.

Sucrose-diet feeding induces gene expression of heat shock protein in rat brain under stress

Stress-induced hyperphagia is enhanced in the presence of sweets, particularly sucrose, which may act to attenuate stress. Recently, it was also reported that heat shock protein (HSP) may be involved in the defense against stress. To explore whether sucrose alters gene expression of HSP under stress, we determined the HSP mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex after restraint stress in sucrose-diet-fed rats. Competitive RT-PCR revealed that gene expressions of HSP27 in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and of HSP70 in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum were induced by restraint stress under a sucrose-diet-fed condition. However, restraint stress by itself or sucrose diet alone did not induce expression of HSP27 or HSP70 mRNA in any of the three anatomical parts. It is suggested that sucrose facilitates the gene expression of HSP27 and HSP70 in brain after restraint stress, which may attenuate stress.

Relationship between the glass transition of soy protein and molecular structure

The change in molecular structure of the soy protein samples as a result of the microbial transglutaminase treatment was studied using solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD), and the relation to the glass transition temperature (T(g)) was examined. From NMR measurements, the structure of the local region of the C(alpha) methine was observed to change, and the region had relatively high mobility. From CD measurements, the structural change seemed to be caused by the change in the secondary structure (disintegration of the beta-structure). By comparison with the T(g) of another protein, the state of the secondary structure of a protein was suggested to be a key in determining its T(g).

Usefulness of waveform analysis of popliteal artery in type II diabetic patients using gated magnetic resonance 2D-cine-PC imaging and 31P spectroscopy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We studied 76 patients with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and 16 age-matched non-diabetic subjects (control group) to clarify qualitative and quantitative abnormalities of waveform and flow volume of the popliteal artery.

METHODS

The 76 diabetic patients comprised 16 patients with occlusive arterial disease in the lower extremities [arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) group] and 60 patients free from this disease (non-ASO group). We flow analysed the popliteal artery and measured the phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate ratio of resting plantar muscles to identify risk factors for foot lesions using gated magnetic resonance two-dimensional cine-mode phase-contrast imaging and 31P spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The control and non-ASO groups had a triphasic waveform with systolic, early and late diastolic components. All ASO patients had an abnormal monophasic waveform and a lower ankle brachial index than that of the control and non-ASO groups. To clarify the mechanism of reduced flow volume of lower extremities, we assigned the 60 patients of the non-ASO group to the three subgroups based on their levels of total flow volume of the popliteal artery. The lowest group showed an abnormal triphasic waveform with lower amplitudes of systolic and late diastolic components and flow velocities in foot arteries than those of the highest group although ABI was similar. From stepwise multiple regression analysis, late diastolic flow volume was identified as an independent determinant for the phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate ratio (r2 = 0.484, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Waveform analysis of popliteal artery provides a powerful tool for identifying impaired peripheral circulation caused by either occlusive arterial disease or increased arterial resistance in diabetic patients.

Cell-growth control by monomeric antigen: the cell surface expression of lysozyme-specific Ig V-domains fused to truncated Epo receptor

Previously we have shown that the V(H) and V(L) fragments of an anti-hen egg lysozyme (HEL) antibody HyHEL-10 are weakly associated but can be driven together by antigen. By joining these antibody variable domains to the cytoplasmic portion of the murine erythropoietin receptor, we created a chimeric growth factor receptor that could be activated by HEL. After co-transfection with two plasmids encoding the respective chimeric receptors in IL-3 dependent murine pro-B Ba/F3 cells, a portion of the cells survived under antigen dependent stimulation without IL-3. These surviving cells all showed coexpression of the two chimeric receptor chains and demonstrated HEL dose-dependent growth stimulation without IL-3. When another IL-3 dependent cell line 32D was transfected with a variant of such chimeric receptor with a linker peptide (Gly-Ser-Gly) inserted between V(H)/V(L) and EpoR domains, an improved growth response was attained. These observations suggest the utility of heterodimeric Fv chimeric receptors in creating cells that respond to monomeric antigen.

Structural analysis of the complex of a distamycin analogue with the Dickerson dodecamer 13C labeled at 5'-carbons using NMR spectroscopy

Structural analysis of the complex of a distamycin analogue (Tallimustine) with the Dickerson dodecamer d(C*G*C*G*A*A*T*T*C*G*C*G) [N*:[5'-(13)C]nucleotide] was performed by NMR spectroscopy and the results will be described in detail.

[A case of isolated sarcoidosis of the cerebral falx]

A 28 year-old man complaining of intermittent headaches for a month following an episode of general convulsions was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of our hospital. His brain CT scan showed a well-enhanced mass growing symmetrically along the anterior cerebral falx in a manner compatible with meningioma. Nothing abnormal was detected in chest radiography on admission. Histopathological examination of the mass after partial resection revealed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas with giant cells indicating sarcoidosis. After 4 weeks of treatment with oral prednisolone 30 mg/day, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in our department. In the lavage fluid, both the total cell count and the percentage of lymphocytes were elevated. The lung specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy also showed epithelioid cell granulomas. CNS sarcoidosis is reportedly usually observed in the vicinity of the hypothalamus with other organ involvement. In the present case, differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis from meningioma was difficult because the solitary lesion was growing along the anterior cerebral falx without radiographic evidence of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.

Adrenomedullin and nitric oxide inhibit human endothelial cell apoptosis via a cyclic GMP-independent mechanism

Adrenomedullin, which was discovered as a vasodilating peptide, has been reported to be produced in various organs, in which adrenomedullin regulates not only vascular tone but also cell proliferation and differentiation in an autocrine/paracrine manner. We evaluated the effect of adrenomedullin on endothelial cell apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells underwent apoptosis when cultured in serum-free medium. Treatment with adrenomedullin reduced the number of cells with pyknotic nuclei (Hoechst 33258 staining) and inhibited cell death (dimethylthiazol-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay) in a dose-dependent manner. The administration of adrenomedullin did not alter the expression levels of Bcl-2 family proteins. Experiments with analogs of cAMP or a cAMP-elevating agonist demonstrated that elevation of the intracellular cAMP concentration does not mediate the antiapoptotic effect of adrenomedullin. The coadministration of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (2 mmol/L), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, abrogated the effect of adrenomedullin. Lower doses of sodium nitroprusside (1 to 10 micromol/L), a nitric oxide donor, mimicked the antiapoptotic effect of adrenomedullin. The antiapoptotic effect of sodium nitroprusside was not attenuated by the inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase with 1 micromol/L oxadiazolo-quinoxalin-1-one nor could apoptosis be inhibited by the incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with 1 mmol/L 8-bromo-cGMP, a cell-permeant cGMP analog. These results indicate that adrenomedullin and nitric oxide inhibit endothelial cell apoptosis via a cGMP-independent mechanism.

[Efficacy of sustained-released theophylline on peak expiratory flow rate in asthmatic patients]

Nocturnal worsening is an important problem in asthma management. We evaluated the efficacy of two sustained-released theophylline formulations, administered twice-a-day (TD) and once-a-day (UP). In 20 asthmatic patients with low peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) in the morning (< 80% of predicted) administered TD (mean dose 475 mg/day) for 2 weeks, we evaluated PEF, diurnal variability of PEF, symptom score, results of spirometry and serum theophylline concentration (STC) and then changed theophylline, from TD to UP (mean dose 470 mg/day) for 2-4 weeks. PEF in the morning was higher during the UP period (mean +/- SD: 335 +/- 110 L/min) than during the TD period (mean +/- SD: 308 +/- 95 L/min) (p < 0.05), and diurnal variabirity of PEF was lower during the UP period (17.1 +/- 8.0%) than TD period (22.9 +/- 13.4%) (p < 0.05). However, there were no changes in PEF at night or daytime, symptom score, spirometry parameters or STC during the study period. The improvement in morning PEF observed in this study was consistent with the differences in pharmacokinetics between the two theophylline formulations. Morning PEF was increased during the UP period, probably because STC in the early morning during the UP period was higher than STC during the TD period.

X-ray structures of a novel acid phosphatase from Escherichia blattae and its complex with the transition-state analog molybdate

The structure of Escherichia blattae non-specific acid phosphatase (EB-NSAP) has been determined at 1.9 A resolution with a bound sulfate marking the phosphate-binding site. The enzyme is a 150 kDa homohexamer. EB-NSAP shares a conserved sequence motif not only with several lipid phosphatases and the mammalian glucose-6-phosphatases, but also with the vanadium-containing chloroperoxidase (CPO) of Curvularia inaequalis. Comparison of the crystal structures of EB-NSAP and CPO reveals striking similarity in the active site structures. In addition, the topology of the EB-NSAP core shows considerable similarity to the fold of the active site containing part of the monomeric 67 kDa CPO, despite the lack of further sequence identity. These two enzymes are apparently related by divergent evolution. We have also determined the crystal structure of EB-NSAP complexed with the transition-state analog molybdate. Structural comparison of the native enzyme and the enzyme-molybdate complex reveals that the side-chain of His150, a putative catalytic residue, moves toward the molybdate so that it forms a hydrogen bond with the metal oxyanion when the molybdenum forms a covalent bond with NE2 of His189.

[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a patient with superior vena cava syndrome caused by lung cancer]

A 48-year-old man was treated with chemotherapy and irradiation therapy for superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) caused by adenocarcinoma of the lung, and his symptoms subsided temporarily. However, the same symptoms recurred, and severe snoring during sleep and daytime hypersomnolence developed. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was diagnosed by respiratory inductive plethysmography. After chemotherapy, the symptoms of edema of the face and arms, snoring, and daytime somnolence tendency were alleviated, and the patient's apnea hypopnea index decreased remarkably. In addition, lateral cephalograms disclosed improved patency of the upper respiratory tract and dilation of the soft palate. These findings suggested a relationship between SVCS and OSAS. OSAS may cause a deterioration of circulatory dynamics and the quality of life when it develops secondary to SVCS. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether OSAS is present and accordingly provide suitable treatment in patients with SVCS.

Apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide under serum deprivation and its inhibition by antisense c-jun in F-MEL cells

Under serum deprivation F-MEL cells die by apoptosis. We previously showed that apoptosis induced by serum deprivation was suppressed by inhibition of c-jun expression using antisense c-jun transfected cell line, c-junAS. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms we examined the species which is responsible for apoptosis under serum deprivation. When catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were included in the medium, cell death under serum deprivation was effectively suppressed in F-MEL cells. Intracellular generation of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) was also detected under serum deprivation in parental F-MEL cells, but it was suppressed in c-junAS (+) cells, in which antisense c-jun was expressed and c-Jun protein expression was inhibited as shown by Western blot. When H(2)O(2) was directly applied to F-MEL cells at 3 mM, apoptotic cell death was induced, whereas it was suppressed in c-junAS (+) cells. Induction of apoptosis by H(2)O(2) and its inhibition by antisense c-jun was confirmed by detection of internucleosomal fragmentation of DNA, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and morphological alteration of nuclei. These results indicate that apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in F-MEL cells is mediated by H(2)O(2) and c-jun expression is essential to apoptosis induced by H(2)O(2) in F-MEL cells.

Intermediate state during the crystal transition in aspartame, studied with thermal analysis, solid-state NMR, and molecular dynamics simulation

Aspartame (L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a dipeptide sweetener about 200 times as sweet as sugar. It exists in crystal forms such as IA, IB, IIA, and IIB, which differ in crystal structure and in the degree of hydration. Among these, IIA is the most stable crystal form, and its crystal structure has been well determined (Hatada et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 107, 4279-4282 (1985)). To elucidate the structural factors of thermal stability in the IIA form of aspartame and to examine the physical process in the crystal transformation between the IIA and IIB forms, we performed a thermal analysis and solid-state NMR measurements. We found that a quasi-stable intermediate state exists in the transformation, and it has the same crystal lattice as the usual IIA form, despite the dehydration from 1/2 mol to 1/3 mol per 1 mol of aspartame. The results of the energy component analysis and the molecular dynamics simulation suggest that the entropic effect promotes the generation of the intermediate state, which is presumably caused by the evaporation of the water of crystallization and the increase of molecular motion in aspartame. Thus, the thermal stability of the IIA form is attributable to a structural property, i.e., the crystal lattice itself is retained during the above dehydration. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the aspartame molecules have two kinds of conformational flexibility in the intermediate state.

[Levofloxacin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia complicated by bronchial asthma]

A 76-year-old woman who had complained of cough and productive sputum since mid-January, 1999, was admitted to our hospital with fever and dyspnea on February 4, 1999. She had been treated with levofloxacin at an outpatient clinic. On admission, she had orthopnea, and auscultation revealed coarse crackles and wheeze in the bilateral lung fields. Chest x-ray and CT films showed non-segmental infiltration in bilateral lung fields. Laboratory data revealed eosinophilia in peripheral blood (= 24%) and sputum (= 10%), airflow limitation, hypoxemia (PaO2: 46 Torr), and increased airway responsiveness to methacholine (Dmin: 0.127 units). A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid showed increased total cells and a 55% increase in eosinophils, and CD4/CD8 ratio was decreased to 0.8. In addition, IL-5 was increased in BAL fluid. Transbronchial lung biopsy specimens revealed infiltrations of eosinophils in the alveolar and interstitial compartments. Histological features of the bronchial biopsy specimens included increased eosinophils in the submucosa and goblet cell metaplasia. The woman was diagnosed with eosinophilic pneumonia complicated by bronchial asthma. She was given theophylline, pranlukast hydrate, and an inhaled beta 2 receptor agonist (procaterol hydrochloride), and pre-admission drugs including Levofloxacin were discontinued. Her symptoms were improved, peak expiratory flow rate and PaO2 increased, airway responsiveness to methacholine decreased (Dmin: 0.615 units), and radiographic abnormalities disappeared without steroid therapy. A leukocyte migration test for levofloxacin was weakly positive. An environmental provocation test in the patient's home gave negative results. A challenge test for levofloxacin was not performed due to a lack of informed consent. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this case as levofloxacin-induced lung injury manifesting as eosinophilic pneumonia complicated by bronchial asthma. Levofloxacin should be added to the list of agents that can produce eosinophilic pneumonia.

[Multiple nodular and patchy shadows in chest radiograph in a patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with chronic thyroiditis]

A 65-year-old woman was admitted because of dyspnea and persistent cough. Her chest radiograph and CT films revealed multiple nodular and patchy shadows in bilateral lungs, indicating bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)-like shadows. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia was diagnosed because peripheral blood cell analysis revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 5.5 g/dl) with increased reticulocytes (253/1000), and positive direct and indirect Coomb's tests. In addition, decreased diffusion capacity and mild hypoxemia (PaO2, 71 Torr) were recognized. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed the increased number of total cells and lymphocytes, and a decreased CD4(helper)/CD8(suppressor) ratio (= 0.65). Histopathological features of transbronchial lung biopsy showed an infiltration of lymphocytes in the alveolar walls and spaces, and thickening of the alveolar walls. A discrepancy was apparent among roentgenogram, histopathological findings and BALF results. Open lung biopsy had not been performed because of severe hemolytic anemia and lack of informed consent. In addition, the patient suffered from chronic thyroiditis with positive thyroid autoantibody. After oral administration of prednisolone, both pulmonary shadows and anemia improved. We concluded that autoimmune hemolytic anemia may be associated with steroid-sensitive interstitial lung lesions in some cases. Further immunologic studies are necessary to elucidate the relationship between autoimmune hemolytic anemia and interstitial lung shadows.

The Drosophila trio plays an essential role in patterning of axons by regulating their directional extension

We identified the Drosophila trio gene, which encodes a Dbl family protein carrying two Dbl homology (DH) domains, each of which potentially activates Rho family GTPases. Trio was distributed along axons in the central nervous system (CNS) of embryos and was strongly expressed in subsets of brain regions, including the mushroom body (MB). Loss-of-function trio mutations resulted in the misdirection or stall of axons in embryos and also caused malformation of the MB. The MB phenotypes were attributed to alteration in the intrinsic nature of neurites, as revealed by clonal analyses. Thus, Trio is essential in order for neurites to faithfully extend on the correct pathways. In addition, the localization of Trio in the adult brain suggests its postdevelopmental role in neurite terminals.

The ultrastructural interactions of identified pre- and postsynaptic cells during synaptic target recognition in Drosophila embryos

During the development of neural networks, what sets synaptogenic interactions apart from nonsynaptogenic interactions is not well understood at the subcellular level. Using a combination of intracellular dye injection and electron microscopy, we show that a specific motoneuron (RP3) and its synaptic partners (muscles 6 and 7), both often bearing microprocesses, develop intimate membrane contact sites characterized by junctional structures, prior to their initiating synaptogenesis in Drosophila embryos. Other motoneuron growth cones that extend alongside the RP3 growth cone to innervate surrounding muscles do not form such contacts with muscles 6 and 7. We also examined how specific target recognition molecules affect the development of these ultrastructural associations between synaptic partner cells. When Fasciclin III (Fas3), a "positive" target recognition molecule for RP3, is ectopically expressed in neighboring muscles, the RP3 growth cone ectopically develops membrane contact sites with Fas3-misexpressing muscles with which it would not normally associate. In contrast, when Toll, a "negative" target recognition molecule normally expressed by a subset of muscles that surrounds muscles 6 and 7, is misexpressed on muscles 6 and 7, the RP3 growth cone fails to exhibit its normal close contact with these muscles. We propose that the formation of close membrane associations and junctional structures can be regulated under the influence of synaptic target recognition molecules and signifies the beginning of subcellular events during synaptic target recognition.

[Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive alveolar hemorrhage during propylthiouracil therapy for hyperthyroidism]

A 62-year-old woman had been treated with propylthiouracil(PTU) for hyperthyroidism. Because bloody sputum, dyspnea, and severe hypoxemia developed, the patient was admitted to our hospital. Chest X-ray and chest computed tomographic (CT) films disclosed diffuse infiltrative shadows in both lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed abundant hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Alveolar hemorrhage associated with myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) positive vasculitis syndrome was diagnosed because of the high serum level of MPO-ANCA. After the initiation of steroid therapy and termination of PTU, the infiltrative shadows in both lung fields disappeared, PaO2 improved, and MPO-ANCA decreased. There have been some reports of MPO-ANCA positive vasculitis syndrome developing during PTU therapy, but most were concerned with renal disease. We concluded that PTU and similar agents should be given consideration as one of the possible causes of MPO-ANCA-induced alveolar hemorrhage.

The presence of specialized epithelial cells on the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in the mouse

The aggregation of lymphoid cells in the bronchial mucosa has been named the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and investigated in comparison with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). To elucidate precisely the structure and function of the BALT, the present study examined the age-related change in the mouse BALT by light microscopy. We also observed the characteristics of the overlying epithelium, especially the lectin-binding properties of the epithelial cells, by the combined use of light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By LM, lymphoid aggregates were not recognizable in the bronchial mucosa of young (8-10 week-old) mice, while they were commonly found at the second to fourth branching portions of the bronchial tree in older (32-40 week-old) mice. The epithelium overlying the lymphoid aggregates of the mature mice often contained a large number of mononuclear cells. Lectin cytochemistry revealed that UEA1 (Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1) positive cells were not only restricted to the overlying epithelium of the BALT in the older mice but also found in a cell group in the mucous epithelium at the branching portions in the young mice. Comparison between the LM and SEM images of the UEA1-stained whole mount specimens clarified the surface morphology of the lectin-stained epithelial cells, showing them to be non-ciliated cells with a large number of short microvillous projections on the apical surface. TEM studies further demonstrated that the UEA1 reaction products appeared on the plasma membrane of the non-ciliated cells which often enfolded lymphocytes in the old mice. Latex microbeads, which were administrated intratracheally, were selectively taken up by the UEA1-positive cells of the BALT. These results indicate that the mouse BALT has specialized epithelial cells similar to the UEA1 positive M cells in the GALT and probably functions as a part of the mucosal immune system. This study also showed the possibility that the UEA1 positive cells appear in the mucous epithelium before the formation of the BALT.

Inhibition of c-Jun expression induces antioxidant enzymes under serum deprivation

We previously reported that antisense c-jun suppressed apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in F-MEL cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for this suppression of apoptosis we investigated the activities and protein expression of antioxidant materials in the cell under serum deprivation. In the parental F-MEL cells enzyme activities of catalase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased to reach the maximum at 24-72 h after removal of serum and then decreased to initial levels or a little less. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) maintained the initial level for 72 h and increased 1.5- to 2-fold at 96 h. Glutathione (GSH) levels increased at 24 h and then dropped significantly to one-third the initial level. On the other hand, in c-junAS (+) cells, in which antisense c-jun was expressed and c-Jun protein expression was reduced to undetectable level. We found 1.9-, 2.7-, 4.8-, and 15. 8-fold increase in the activities of catalase, GST, SOD, and GPx, respectively, at 96 h. GSH maintained almost the same level as the initial. Enhancement of these enzyme activities in c-junAS (+) cells was induced under serum deprivation. Western blottings for catalase, GST, and SOD also showed enhanced increase in protein expression, supporting the increase in enzyme activities. Cellular peroxide level under serum deprivation was monitored by flow cytometry using DCFH-DA as a probe. We found that the peroxide level increased at 24 h and then decreased at 72 and 96 h in c-junAS (+) cells, and reduction of the peroxide level coincided with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities. These results indicate that antioxidant materials such as catalase, GST, SOD, GPx, and GSH are induced by serum deprivation when c-jun expression is inhibited in F-MEL cells. The link between inhibition of c-jun expression and enhancement of cellular antioxidant defense is discussed.

Reentry into the cell cycle of contact-inhibited vascular endothelial cells by a phosphatase inhibitor. Possible involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Vascular endothelial cells are unique in that they exit from the cell cycle when they come into contact with each other. Although the phenomenon is called "contact inhibition," little is known about the cellular mechanisms involved. Here we show that the phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate (SOV) induced the reentry of contact-inhibited human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) into the cell cycle and that reentry was associated with activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K)/Akt pathways. SOV stimulated [(3)H]thymidine uptake of contact-inhibited HUVECs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. SOV-induced increase in [(3)H]thymidine uptake was significantly inhibited by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 and by the PI 3-K inhibitor LY294002. SOV also stimulated the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin A, and the activity of CDK2 kinase, whereas it decreased the expression of p27(kip1). In marked contrast, growth media alone did not induce these changes. Furthermore, these SOV-induced changes were abolished by pretreatment with PD98059 and LY294002. SOV stimulated phosphorylation of ERK and Akt in contact-inhibited HUVECs, while growth media alone did not. This phosphorylation was associated with inhibition of phosphatase activity in the cells. Finally, overexpression of high cell density-enhanced protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 inhibited c-fos and cyclin A promoter activity. Taken together, our results suggest that in contact-inhibited HUVECs, increased phosphatase activity suppressed the ERK and PI 3-K/Akt pathways, resulting in exit from the cell cycle by down-regulation of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin A and by up-regulation of p27(kip1).

Time-dependent changes of tissue erythorbic acid concentrations in guinea pigs

The concentrations of erythorbic acid(ErA) and L-ascorbic acid(AsA) in the tissues of guinea pigs orally administered AsA or ErA were measured over the passage of time using high-performance liquid chromatography. Guinea pigs were each administered 5 mg AsA or 100 mg ErA, and killed at a specified time thereafter. The AsA concentrations in the tissues of AsA-administered guinea pigs and the ErA concentrations in the tissues of ErA-administered guinea pigs increased for 3 h after the respective administrations and decreased thereafter in both groups. The AsA concentration in the tissues of AsA-administered guinea pigs tended to be similar to the sum of AsA and ErA concentrations in the ErA-administered guinea pigs within 3 h after administration.

1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging as a new diagnostic tool to evaluate neuropathic foot ulcers in Type II diabetic patients

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We studied 36 Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients without occlusive arterial diseases in the lower extremities and 12 age-matched and sex-matched non-diabetic subjects to clarify the association between diabetic polyneuropathy and foot ulcers using 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging.

METHODS

The 36 diabetic patients consisted of 12 patients with superficial foot ulcers and 24 patients free from this disease. We measured fat to water and phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate (PCr:Pi) ratios and calculated the intracellular pH of resting plantar muscles by depth-resolved surface-coil spectroscopy using an 1H-31P double tuned coil. Furthermore, foot vasculature, fat and PCr contents of plantar muscles were visualised by phase-contrast angiography, T1-weighted spin-echo imaging and 31P-chemical shift imaging.

RESULTS

The 12 foot ulcer patients showed a reduced PCr to Pi ratio (p < 0.001) and peripheral nerve functions (p < 0.01-0.001) but an increased fat to water ratio (p < 0.001) and intracellular pH (p < 0.001) compared with the 24 patients without ulcers. From stepwise multiple regression analyses, motor nerve function as well as severity of nephropathy was associated with both fat to water and PCr to Pi ratios. When these patients were categorised into three groups based on their level of motor nerve function, the frequency of foot ulcers of the lowest group was higher than that of the highest group.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Our findings indicated that motor nerve dysfunction in diabetic patients was closely associated with impaired energy metabolism, fatty infiltration and increased intracellular pH of plantar muscles and high frequency of foot ulcers. These new techniques could contribute to help clarify the predisposing factors for foot ulcers.

Structural studies of the Maillard reaction products of a protein using ion trap mass spectrometry

The early stage products of the Maillard reaction of egg white lysozyme with D-glucose were studied. Incubation with D-glucose at 50 degrees C for 20 days caused reaction on the Lys and Arg residues of lysozyme as follows: all of the six Lys residues and 10 of the 11 Arg residues in lysozyme reacted with D-glucose; Arg 61 did not react with D-glucose. The Lys residues reacted with D-glucose with 1 mol of dehydration per mole of residue, and the Arg residues reacted with 2 mol of dehydration per mole of residue. The major constituent of the Amadori product with the epsilon-amino group of the Lys residue and the D-glucose was found to be the beta-pyranose form. The structure of the early stage product of the Maillard reaction of a protein with a sugar is the same as that of an amino acid with a sugar.

Induction by perfluorinated fatty acids with different carbon chain length of peroxisomal beta-oxidation in the liver of rats

The potency of the induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation was compared between perfluorinated fatty acids (PFCAs) with different carbon chain lengths in the liver of male and female rats. In male rats, perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHA) has little effect, although perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) potentially induced the activity. By contrast, PFHA and PFOA did not induce the activity of peroxisomal beta-oxidation in the liver of female rats while PFNA and PFDA effectively induced the activity. The induction of the activity by these PFCAs was in a dose-dependent manner, and there is a highly significant correlation between the induction and hepatic concentrations of PFCAs in the liver regardless of their carbon chain lengths. These results strongly suggest that the difference in their chemical structure is not the cause of the difference in the potency of the induction. Hepatic concentrations of PFOA and PFNA was markedly higher in male compared with female rats. Castration of male rats reduced the concentration of PFNA in the liver and treatment with testosterone entirely restored the reduction. In contrast to the results obtained from the in vivo experiments, the activity of peroxisomal beta-oxidation was induced by PFDA and PFOA to the same extent in cultured hepatocytes prepared from both male and female rats. These results, taken together, indicate that difference in accumulation between PFCAs in the liver was responsible for the different potency of the induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation between PFCAs with different carbon chain lengths and between sexes.

A phase I dose escalation study of multicyclic, dose-intensive chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell support for small cell lung cancer

A phase I dose-escalation study of multicyclic, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) with sequential reinfusion of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) was conducted to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of ICE. Twenty-four patients with SCLC (LD: 6, ED: 18) were treated with ifosfamide (3000-9000 mg/m2, 24-h infusion), carboplatin (300-400 mg/m2), and etoposide (300 mg/m2) followed by subcutaneous filgrastim (75 microg/day) from day 4 to the day of PBSC collection. PBSC were harvested when the WBC count reached >/=5 x 109/l. The leukapheresis product was cryopreserved and reinfused on day 4 of the next cycle, which was started 48 h after the last PBSC collection. The ifosfamide dose was escalated as follows: 3000 mg/m2 (level 1), 5000 mg/m2 (level 2), 7000 mg/m2 (level 3), 9000 mg/m2 (level 4). Patients with LD were treated with concurrent radiotherapy at 1.5 Gy twice daily for the initial 3 weeks to a total dose of 45 Gy and MTD, defined separately. Patients were evaluated for hematologic and non-hematologic toxicity, actual dose intensities, as well as response to therapy. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as the dose level at which more than 5 days of grade 4 myelo- suppression or non-hematologic toxicity greater than grade 3 developed in two thirds of the patients. For ED cases, MTD was level 4 and the recommended dose of ifosfamide was 7000 mg/m2. For LD cases, the recommended dose of ifosfamide was 5000 mg/m2. The dose limiting toxicity of multicyclic ICE was hemato- logic toxicity and CNS toxicity which manifested as ataxia. Tumor responses were seen in all patients, with 14 patients showing a complete response. The actual total dose-intensity at the recommended dose level was 2.2 and 1.74, for ED and LD, respectively, compared with previously reported ICE regimens. PBSC support for dose-intensive ICE regimen permitted dose escalation of ifosfamide with a mean interval of 16-17 days. We conclude that this regimen is well tolerated, with acceptable hematological and non-hematological toxicity. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 5-11.

Enhanced expression of mRNA coding for the adrenaline-synthesizing enzyme phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase in adrenaline-secreting pheochromocytomas

PURPOSE

In some pheochromocytomas, the tumors contain and secrete greater amounts of adrenaline than do normal adrenal medullas. It is not yet known how adrenaline synthesis is enhanced in the adrenaline-secreting pheochromocytomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanisms by which adrenaline synthesis is controlled in these tumors, we measured the level of mRNA coding for the adrenaline-synthesizing enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyl transferase (PNMT) and the content of adrenaline in the pheochromocytomas (n = 9), including 3 cases of the adrenaline-secreting type (one of the patients had bilateral pheochromocytomas), and in normal adrenal medullas (n = 7). We then measured the concentration of cortisol, which is thought to regulate the PNMT activity. Finally, we examined the expression of the mRNA for Egr-1, which was recently reported to be a transcriptional factor regulating PNMT gene expression.

RESULTS

In the 4 tissue specimens from 3 adrenaline-secreting pheochromocytomas, the contents of adrenaline and the PNMT mRNA expression were considerably greater than those of the normal adrenal medullas. PNMT immunoreactivity was only detected in the adrenaline-secreting tumors. Three of the 4 specimens showed high concentrations of cortisol. To show the capacity for cortisol production locally in the pheochromocytoma tissues, we showed the expression of a glucocorticoid biosynthetic enzyme, 17alpha-hydroxylase, in the tumors by Western blotting. PNMT expression was found to be associated with 17alpha-hydroxylase expression in the tumors. The glucocorticoid receptor expression was also correlated with PNMT expression in the tumors and the expression of Egr-1 was also high in 3 of the 4 specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that adrenaline production in adrenaline-secreting pheochromocytomas is primarily controlled by the level of PNMT gene expression, and that the gene expression may be enhanced by both cortisol and Egr-1.

GAL4/UAS-WGA system as a powerful tool for tracing Drosophila transsynaptic neural pathways

Visualization of specific transsynaptic neural pathways is an indispensable technique for understanding the relationship between structure and function in the nervous system. Here, we demonstrate the application of the wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) transgene technique for tracing transsynaptic neural pathways in Drosophila. The intracellular localization of WGA was examined by immunoelectron microscopy. WGA signals were detected in granule-like structures in both the outer photoreceptor cells expressing WGA and the second-order laminar neurons. Misexpression of tetanus toxin (TNT), which inactivates N-synaptobrevin, in the outer photoreceptor cells resulted in the elimination of on/off transients in electroretinogram (ERG) recordings and in a great reduction in WGA transfer into laminar neurons, suggesting that anterograde WGA transsynaptic transfer is dependent mainly on synaptic transmission. Retrograde WGA transfer was also detected upon its forced expression in muscle cells. WGA primarily expressed in muscle cells was taken up by motoneuron axons and transported to their cell bodies in the ventral nerve cord, suggesting that WGA can trace motoneuronal pathways in combination with the muscle-specific GAL4 driver. Thus, the GAL4/UAS-WGA system should facilitate the dissection of the Drosophila neural circuit formation and/or synaptic activity in various regions and at various developmental stages.