A case report of salivary duct carcinoma

We present a 65-year-old man with an enlarged mass in the right parotid gland. A fine-needle aspiration cytology suspected Warthin's tumor. The ill-defined margin of the tumor in diagnostic imaging and unexpected clinical course of the occurrence of facial nerve paralysis suggested malignant neoplasm. The patient was treated with surgical resection of the primary site and neck following radiation therapy. Pathologic diagnosis was a salivary duct carcinoma. Difficulty in early diagnosis of this tumor may result in local extension, early metastasis to regional lymph nodes and distant sites, and death.

Acute oral toxicity of microcystin-LR, a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin, in mice

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a hepatotoxic peptide produced by Microcystis aeruginosa, an alga found worldwide in reservoirs for drinking supply; however, acute oral toxicity of purified MCLR remains unknown. Therefore, a single dose of MCLR (more than 95% purity) ranging from 8.0 to 20.0 mg/kg body weight was orally given to female 6-week old BALB/c mice, and lethality and pathological changes were observed. Median lethal dose (LD50) of the orally given MCLR estimated by the up and down method was 10.9 mg/kg, which was 167 times higher than the i.p. LD50 value (65.4 microgram/kg by moving average method). Orally administrated toxin caused primarily hepatocellular injuries with characteristics of hemorrhage and necrosis. In situ end-labeling as well as electron microscopic observation revealed an induction of apoptotic cell death to hepatocytes. These results indicate the lethality of MCLR was much lower in oral dosage than by i.p. administration, but toxic effects are similar. In addition, apoptosis is considered one of major components in MCLR-induced hepatotoxicity.

Unified model for the corneal permeability of related and diverse compounds with respect to their physicochemical properties

Corneal permeability data taken from the literature were analyzed for possible quantitative relationships with physicochemical properties. Although a parabolic relationship was obtained with good correlation between lipophilicity, as expressed by the 1-octanol-water partition coefficients, log Poctanol (or the distribution coefficients, log D for ionizable compounds), and the permeability in individual analyses of compound classes such as beta-adrenoceptor blockers and steroids, the correlation was reduced when taken together. However, delta log P (i.e., log Poctanol-log Palkane) correlated inversely with the combined permeability data for beta-blockers and steroids and played a key role as a unifying variable. To a lesser extent, lipophilicity itself also contributes positively to corneal permeation. Even with the addition of miscellaneous compounds such as methanol and ibuprofen, the delta log P and lipophilicity terms were still significant. However, small molecules were likely to be underestimated, which is consistent with penetration via another pathway besides that governed by delta log P and lipophilicity.

Survey of microcystins in environmental water by a highly sensitive immunoassay based on monoclonal antibody

By using a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a monoclonal antibody, microcystin (MC) concentration was analyzed in environmental water samples (total, 134), collected in 1993-1995 from ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers in Japan, Thailand, Germany, and Portugal. MCs detected in the water samples filtered over a glass filter were designated as free MCs, and those samples that were freeze-thawed twice before the filtration were designated as total MCs. MCs (> 50 pg/ml) were detected in 14 of 24 samples collected from the lakes that were used as recreation and water supply in Japan in different regions. In the MC-positive samples, the concentration of free MCs was only a few percentages of the total MCs, indicating that the most part of MCs found in the water samples was present in algal cells. An additional trial on 33 samples collected continuously from Lake Inbanuma, Japan, during June-September 1994-1995 revealed that the total MCs were in a range of 52-52,000 pg/ml. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, 6 of 10 samples were positive, with the mean and highest of 161 and 354 pg/ml, respectively. In the Frankfurt area. Germany, 4 of 10 and 7 of 8 samples collected in the same lakes for recreation in July 1993 and November-December 1994 showed the presence of MCs, with their mean and highest values of 257 and 407 pg/ml, respectively. Another survey of MCs in dense bloomed samples collected with plankton net revealed a contamination of MCs up to 36,000 pg/ml. In Portugal, 28 of 29 samples from 4 lakes, 20 rivers, and 5 reservoirs were positive for MCs, with the respective means of 13,664, 11,048, and 2,278 pg/ml. These data indicated that MCs contaminate environmental water in ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs worldwide. The present ELISA is considered to be a reliable tool for the mass monitoring and risk assessment of MCs in water supplies.

The role of a complement regulatory protein in rat mesangial glomerulonephritis

The host cells are protected from the indiscriminate attack of homologous complement by the membrane-associated complement regulatory proteins. A mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) 512 (immunoglobulin G1 subclass) has recently been described that recognizes and inhibits the function of a rat complement regulatory protein, a rat homologue of mouse Crry/p65. The aim of this work is to assess the role of a complement regulatory protein (512Ag) recognized by mAb 512 in the complement-dependent glomerular injury induced by mAb OX7 against rat Thy-1.1. For the induction of mesangial injury, the left kidney of a rat was perfused with a combination of OX7 and 512 and the perfusate was discarded from the renal vein (Group I). After the renal artery and vein were restored, the left kidney was connected to the systemic circulation. Rats were euthanized 3 h, 2 days, and 14 days later. Rats perfused either with OX7 (Group II) or with 512 (Group III) or with vehicle only (Group IV) were used as controls. At 3 h, rats of Group I showed more prominent cellular infiltration and mesangial lysis and more C3 deposition in the glomeruli than rats of Group II. Rats of Groups III and IV showed no significant changes. At Day 2, there was still significant mesangial lysis and leukocyte infiltration in Group I rats, whereas rats in other groups showed an almost normal appearance. Glomerular injury in Group I rats returned to normal by Day 14.

Partial purification and some properties of a neutral proteinase in rat ovary

The ovary of rat possessed a neutral proteinase which had an optimum pH at around 8.5 in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl. The proteinase was soluble only in media of high ionic strength such as 2 M NaCl. In order to prevent the reprecipitation in media of low ionic strength of the enzyme solubilized, it is necessary to add protamine sulfate to the solubilizing medium. When the solubilized enzyme was applied to a Sephadex column, the proteinase activity was eluted at the same position as bovine alpha-chymotrypsinogen. The results using some protease inhibitors showed that the proteinase was a chymotrypsin-like serine enzyme. When rats were treated with compound 48/80, the proteinase activity almost completely disappeared, suggesting that the enzyme is of mast cell origin.

Long-term observation of a case of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula with pulmonary hypertension

A case of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) with pulmonary hypertension (PH) occurring in an adult woman is described. Resection of PAVF was not performed and she has been followed up for 5 years, receiving repeated right cardiac catheterization. We discuss the causal relationship of PH and the development of PAVF.

In vivo effects of hyperglycemia on the outcome of acute mesangial injury in rats

To assess the effects of high blood glucose concentration on glomerular changes after the acute mesangial cell injury in the rat, the monoclonal anti-Thy1.1 antibody OX-7 was injected into streptozoticin-induced diabetic rats or normal rats. The increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in glomeruli at day 4 and glomerular hypercellularity at day 18 was less prominent in diabetic rats than in normal rats. The expansion of mesangial matrix area assessed by fibronectin immunostaining was more prominent, and segmental glomerulosclerosis was observed at day 60 in the diabetic rats. These data suggest that the insulin-deficient group may reflect impaired "wound-healing," leading to the prolonged ECM accumulation under the hyperglycemic condition in vivo.

[Minority versus majority: intergroup discrimination in the minimal group paradigm]

The present study was conducted to investigate the intergroup behaviour from the perspective of social identity theory. It was predicted that (a) when group membership was based on trivial categorization (e.g., by drawing lots), minority group members would be more conscious of their social identity, and favour their own group more in reward distribution than majority group members; (b) when based on value-loaded categorization (e.g., by social attitudes), both minority group and majority group members would favour their own group; (c) both minority group and majority group members would perceive converted members, who move away from their initial attitudes, as a threat to their social identity, and discriminate them. Results from three experiments under the minimal group paradigm, with undergraduate students, supported these predictions. Findings were discussed in terms of salience of social identity in categorization of minority versus majority, and the impact of anonymity in the minimal group paradigm. They were also discussed to compare the theory with belief congruence theory, which argues that attraction due to similarity of belief is the cause of ingroup favoritism.

Role of CD59 in experimental glomerulonephritis in rats

CD59 is a molecule which is present on the host cell membranes and inhibits formation of membrane attack complex. A monoclonal antibody, 6D1, recognizes a rat analogue of human CD59. 6D1 inhibits function of rat CD59 and can enhance complement-mediated hemolysis in vitro. To assess the role of CD59 in complement-mediated glomerular injury, 6D1 was tested in a model of experimental glomerulonephritis induced by a lectin and its antibodies. The left kidney of a rat was perfused either with 200 micrograms of Lens culinaris hemagglutinin (LCH) plus 1 mg of 6D1 (IgG1 fraction) (Group I and III) or with LCH only (Group II) through a cannula placed in the left renal artery. All the perfusate was discarded from a cannula in the renal vein. The holes in the artery and vein were repaired by microsurgery and the blood circulation was re-established. Rats were injected either with 0.125 ml of rabbit anti-LCH serum (Group I and II), or with normal rabbit serum (Group III) via tail vein one minute after the recirculation. Fifteen minutes after injection, significant C9 deposition in the glomeruli was observed only in Group I, whereas C3 deposition in Group I and II were comparable. At Day 4, total glomerular cells, proliferating cells, glomerular expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and fibrin deposition in Group I were all significantly increased when compared with Group II. At Day 7, number of total glomerular cells and leukocytes in the glomeruli of Group I were significantly higher than in Group II. The glomeruli in Group III appeared normal throughout experiments. These data indicate that the functional inhibition of a rat analogue of human CD59 worsens complement-mediated glomerular injury in vivo.

[Bacterial cerebritis developed from purulent meningitis--serial CT and MRI study of a case]

A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of purulent meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae during a long-term administration of prednisolone for the treatment of bronchial asthma. After admission, both antibiotics and steroids were given, which resulted in her good general and neurological condition, and the normal protein and glucose content in her cerebrospinal fluid three weeks later. However, post-contrast computerized tomography (CT) at this time showed various size of multiple irregular high-densities devoid of capsular component in the white matter of the bilateral cerebral hemisphere. MRI examination revealed that the lesions were of low intensity on the T1-weighted sequence whereas high on T2-weighted sequence. Gd-DTPA enhanced the T1-weighted images on these lesions. These findings may indicate that the lesions were at the pre-encapsulation stage of cerebritis, because the lesions were gradually reduced and disappeared after the subsequent antibiotic therapy. It is emphasized that patients with purulent meningitis under steroid therapy require careful observation for the risk of bacterial cerebritis.

[Study of cardiac function in first stage examination of RA-700. RA-700 Clinical Study Group]

There are many studies in the literature on the subject of anti-neoplastic drugs for acute and chronic cardiac toxic function. It is important to check previously the cardiac toxicity of the new anti-neoplastic drugs. Now we have had a chance to study the first stage examination of RA-700, isolated from Rubia akane or Rubia cordifolia. Then we tried to study several kinds of parameters, for instance ECG, ultrasonic cardiograms and arterio-grams on cardiac toxicities of RA-700. We injected the first group of neoplastic patients only once with RA-700, while in the second group, we injected them with RA-700 for 5 consecutive days (see our previous report.) In the present study, we made some conclusions about the administration of RA-700. 1) Changes in cardiac function were noted in both groups. 2) Changes in blood pressure, sigma QRS, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening of the second group tended to be more extreme than those of the first group. Care for continuity is a concern with long-term and high doses of RA-700. 3) Because of the small sample, we could find no relationship between the changes in cardiac function and the injection doses of RA-700. 4) Therefore, the cardiac function must be checked by giving anti-neoplastic drugs to neoplastic patients.

Renal lesions of the FGS strain of mice: a spontaneous animal model of progressive glomerulosclerosis

The strain of FGS/Nga mouse is reported to develop proteinuria and progressive glomerulosclerosis. We studied the renal pathology of that strain periodically for 1 year. Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis was observed 3 months after birth and the lesion progressed to the glomerular obsolescence in a year. Electron microscopic study revealed electron dense deposits (DD) in the mesangium and the splitting of glomerular basement membrane. Studies using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that these DD were contained IgA, IgM, C3 and the retroviral envelope antigen (gp70). Clinically, proteinuria began at the age of 3 months and the renal function was decreased on time course. No other organs were involved. We studied the renal lesions of FGS mice by the histological and immunohistochemical methods and concluded that this mouse strain provides the tool for studying the mechanisms of the progression of glomerulosclerosis.

Dexamethasone-induced suppression of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Possible mechanisms

We investigated the mechanisms by which corticosteroids affect atherosclerosis. Male New Zealand White rabbits were injected with 0.125 mg dexamethasone (n = 10) or vehicle (control group, n = 10). Both groups were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Although the dexamethasone-treated animals exhibited a greater degree of hyperlipidemia, they exhibited significantly less atherosclerotic plaque of the aortic surface than control animals (7.8% versus 47.2%). Immunofluorescence study of the aortic plaque specimens showed that dexamethasone administration reduced both macrophages and T lymphocytes. In vitro, dexamethasone suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of U937 cells and inhibited uptake and degradation of beta-very low density lipoproteins by mouse peritoneal macrophages. These findings suggest that dexamethasone suppresses the development of atherosclerosis in the aorta of rabbits by inhibiting recruitment and proliferation of macrophages and the formation of foam cells in plaques.

Nephrotic syndrome with massive accumulation of type I and type III collagen in the glomeruli

A 54-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome underwent renal biopsy. By light microscopy, the glomerular capillary lumen was remarkably narrowed because of diffuse accumulation of Periodic acid Shiff (PAS) positive material along the glomerular capillary wall. By electron microscopy, collagenous fibers were observed in the mesangium and subendothelial area. The fibrous material reacted with antibodies against type I and III collagen but not with those against laminin or type IV collagen by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. This case seemed to be a case of collagenofibrotic glomerulonephropathy.

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis induced in rats by a lentil lectin and its antibodies

Experimental glomerulonephritis was induced in rats to investigate the consequence of the antigen-antibody interaction on the surface of glomerular endothelial cells (GENs). A lectin, Lens culinaris hemoagglutinin (LCH), was first planted in the left kidney by isolated perfusion of a left kidney, and then the circulation was reestablished. Rabbit anti-LCH antibodies were injected from the tail vein 3 minutes after the recirculation of the left kidney, and acute glomerulonephritis ensued. Fifteen minutes after the injection, rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG), rat C3, and LCH were observed exclusively on the surface of GENs. Accumulation of platelets was prominent. Three hours later, the immune deposits were seen in the subendothelial space, and the polymorphonuclear cells were the dominant infiltrate in the glomeruli. Up to the seventh day, immune deposits were seen in the subendothelial space, and the widening of this area was increasingly observed. Fourteen days later, immune deposits containing rat IgG were observed in the subepithelial area, but they were only occasionally seen in the subendothelial space and in the mesangial area. No crescent formation was seen at day 14, but the mesangial area was expanded, with an increased number of cells. The number of nuclei in the cross-section of a glomerulus increased after the induction of glomerulonephritis, but the number of leukocyte common antigen-positive cells (infiltrating cells) decreased gradually from day 4 to day 14. The staining of Thy-1.1, a marker of mesangial cell, was markedly enlarged in the glomerulus at day 14. These data suggest that mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis can be induced by the antigen-antibody interaction on the surface of GENs.

Acute renal failure and degenerative tubular lesions associated with in situ formation of adenovirus immune complexes in a patient with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

We describe the development of acute renal failure and degenerative tubular lesions associated with local immune deposits in a patient with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. A 21-year-old man with an acute myelocytic leukemia received a bone marrow graft from a cousin mismatched for a single HLA-DR locus antigen. Hemorrhagic cystitis due to adenovirus type 11 infection occurred 26 days after transplantation, and 17 days later the patients developed acute renal failure. A study of renal tissue obtained by needle biopsy showed degenerative and necrotic lesions, especially in the distal part of the nephron. By electron microscopy adenovirus type 11 particles were found in the nuclei of tubular cells and in cellular debris in tubular lumina. By immunofluorescence technique, granular immune deposits containing adenovirus type 11 related antigen(s), immunoglobulins, C3, and membrane attack complex (MAC) C5b-9 of the complement system were detected along the tubular basement membranes but not in glomeruli. The patient's IgG did not bind to normal human kidneys. These findings suggest that adenovirus type 11 directly induced acute tubular damage, and that the tubular immune deposits were formed "in situ" by viral antigens and circulating viral antibody.

A case of POEMS syndrome showing elevated serum interleukin 6 and abnormal expression of interleukin 6 in the kidney

A 46-year-old female presented with POEMS syndrome. Hemodialysis was initiated to control severe anasarca and declining renal function. Corticosteroids were effective in treating renal insufficiency and other symptoms. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) was elevated before the corticosteroid therapy but returned to the normal level under the therapy. Immunostaining for the kidney tissue obtained by a renal biopsy showed a diffuse distribution of IL-6 in the glomeruli; thus, in contrast to normal, IL-6 was detected not only in mesangial cells but also in endothelial cells. IL-6 was also distributed in capillaries in the interstitium. While these results suggest a pathogenic role of IL-6 in POEMS syndrome, other factors may be necessary for the full expression of symptoms. Furthermore, it is suggested that chronically stimulated glomerular endothelial cells are capable of producing IL-6.

The kidney disease of Crow-Fukase (POEMS) syndrome: a clinico-pathological study of four cases

We studied four cases of Crow-Fukase syndrome with renal dysfunction. Kidney specimens obtained by needle biopsy showed glomerular lesions resembling those seen in conditions characterized by microangiopathy. Common glomerular findings by light microscopy were mesangial expansion and narrowing of the capillary lumina. An enlarged subendothelial space and mesangial area with deposition of amorphous material as well as swelling and vacuolization of endothelial cells were observed by electron microscopy. In an active phase, severe mesangial edema and segmental mesangiolysis, and in a late stage, mesangial cell interposition and sclerosis were seen. Tests by immunofluorescence microscopy for the presence of immunoglobulins A, M, G, lambda and kappa light chains, C3, and C4 were negative. Decay accelerating factor was found in glomeruli and in the vascular pole. Other findings included lymph node angiosclerosis, peripheral nerve microangiopathy and hemangioma formation with endothelial cell proliferation. These observations suggest that chronic endothelial injury constitutes the basic pathology of Crow-Fukase syndrome. Hemodialysis was required to manage anasarca in three of the patients although serum creatinine levels were below 5.0 mg/dl. Urinalysis revealed mild abnormalities and did not reflect the severity of the glomerular lesion. Corticosteroids given to three of the patients were effective in controlling fever and the lymphadenopathy; in two cases the corticosteroids induced a recovery of renal function. Thus Crow-Fukase syndrome may be due to chronic endothelial injury; the clinical symptoms and renal involvement respond to corticosteroid therapy.

[Blood gas changes during treadmill exercise in convalescents from pulmonary tuberculosis. 2. Clinical results]

We reported earlier in the 1st report the use of treadmill walk apparatus and transcutaneous blood gas measurement apparatus as a newly designed exercise test. In this report, test was carried out in 90 persons (4 healthy, 66 recovered from pulmonary tuberculosis, 3 recovered from silico-pulmonary tuberculosis, 12 of COPD, and 5 of pulmonary fibrosis et bronchiectasis). The changing curves of transcutaneously measured O2 partial pressure (tPo2) were, as previously reported, classified into 4 types: 1. unchange-6, 2. slightly decreased-38, 3. moderately decreased-24, 4. markedly decreased-21. And unexpected odd curves were seen in 4 patients, 3 of whom were retested the other day, and their changing curves of tPo2 in the second test were corrected and classified into slightly or moderately decreased type. The decreasing slopes of 4 types of tPo2 curves were subclassified, in each type, into 3 to 4 forms. In recovered pulmonary tuberculosis patients, in general, when the spread of pathologic changes in the lungs was wider, the more decreased types of tPo2 curves were seen. But in COPD patients, such was not the case. In the exercise test, total tolerance time (minutes) against the definite load was significantly shorter in the more decreased type; unchanged-13.5-14.5, slightly decreased -7-10, moderately decreased-6-9, and markedly decreased-3-5. The recovering time of tPo2, pulse rate, blood pressure etc. from the records in the end of the exercise to the pre-exercise records, was longer in the more decreased type. On the other hand, usually the lower Pao2 of the patients were, the more their changing curves of tPo2 decreased. Pao2 was previously measured in blood taken from brachial artery in supine position before the test. But exceptionally in some patients with high Pao2 value, the curves belonged to markedly decreased type. The changes of oxygen values of some patients during exercise test were individually different, showing that this exercise test reflected their comprehensive respiratory function. Prognosis was especially bad in patients with markedly decreased type, 8 of whom had died from respiratory failure within 2 years after the test. In conclusion, it can be said that this exercise test was effective in judging the pulmonary reserve function and the prognosis in recovered pulmonary tuberculosis patients, but more detailed investigations are necessary, especially in more COPD patients, for the understanding of the respiratory distress.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A case of angiotropic large cell lymphoma manifesting nephrotic syndrome and treated successfully with combination chemotherapy

A 52-year-old female had a nephrotic syndrome without neurological or dermatological manifestations. Renal biopsy revealed that glomeruli were filled with tumor cells which bore leukocyte common antigen and pan B cell marker. These cells occupied the capillary lumen and invaded into the mesangial area. Morphological alteration of endothelial cells and glomerular basement membrane were also noticed. The interstitium was well preserved. After five cycles of a combination chemotherapy, CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone), the second biopsy revealed that tumor cells disappeared from glomeruli showing mild sclerosis. Proteinuria became absent. This is the first report of an angiotropic large cell lymphoma manifesting a nephrotic syndrome and treated successfully by CHOP therapy.

Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies of diseased human glomeruli

In order to study the localization of Lentil lectin (LCH)-binding glycoresidues in glomeruli from patients with a variety of glomerulopathies, and to elucidate the relationship between LCH-binding sugars and the components of the extracellular matrix, laminin and type IV collagen, investigations of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded kidney tissues digested with trypsin were carried out by the direct and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy techniques. The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and the mesangium reacted well with LCH, whereas areas with sclerotic lesions exhibited a decreased reactivity. The pattern of LCH binding to the GBM in various glomerulopathies was similar to that of laminin but different from that of type IV collagen. The pattern of localization of LCH-reacting sites and of laminin in the GBM included the double linear lines in diabetic nephropathy, inner linear line with outer projections (spikes) in membranous nephropathy, and reduplicated basement membrane in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The results obtained by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay showed that LCH had a stronger reactivity for laminin than for type IV collagen or fibronectin. These findings suggest that LCH is more reactive with laminin than with other components of the glomerular extracellular matrix.

Unique glomerular lesion with spontaneous lipid deposition in glomerular capillary lumina in the NON strain of mice

We found a strain of nonobese, nondiabetic (NON) mice which has spontaneous lipid deposition in glomerular capillary lumina. This strain was developed together with a diabetic strain of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice for the generation of mouse models of diabetes mellitus. In the NON strain, contrary to the name, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was observed in about half of the mice. Meanwhile, peculiar glomerular abnormalities which remotely resemble those of diabetic nephropathy were observed in the NON strain. The lesions were characterized by massive lipid accumulation with proteinaceous material within the glomerular capillary lumina. In addition, positive staining for immunoglobulins, especially IgM, was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy. The overall frequency of this lesion was 91%. Mesangiolysis, capillary ballooning with many small lipid vesicles were the striking features by electron microscopy. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of various lipids in these lesions. However, as far as we examined, these lesions did not correlate with hyperlipidemia or IGT. Lymphoid follicle-like structures were seen around the renal arterioles. The cellular components of these lymphoid follicles reacted with monoclonal antibodies to L3T4. High levels of serum immunoglobulins were observed in this strain. We suppose that the immunological disorders may have some bearing in the evolution of this lesion in NON mice. We believe that this model may be of use in studying the role of lipid derangements in renal diseases.

A plasma membrane antigen of rat glomerular epithelial cells. Antigenic determinants involving N-linked sugar residues in a 140-kilodalton sialoglycoprotein of the podocytes

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antigenic make up of the plasma membrane of rat glomerular visceral epithelial cells (GEP). A crude plasma membrane fraction (PM) was extracted by 1% sodium dioxycholate from isolated rat glomeruli. PM was digested with neuraminidase (NRD) and purified by the Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA)-affinity column. When studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the HPA-affinity purified plasma membrane fraction (HPA-PM) formed two bands, a main band of 160 kilodaltons (kd) and a smaller band of 40 kd. By Western blot analysis, the antibodies raised in a rabbit against HPA-PM (RbAHPA-PM) reacted only with the 160-kd protein of HPA-PM, or with the relevant 140-kd protein of PM when PM was digested by NRD. The 140-kd protein of PM was reactive with wheat germ agglutinin and, when treated with NRD, was reactive with HPA and peanut lectin. The 160-kd protein of HPA-PM was degraded by endoglycosidase-F and lost its reactivity with RbAHPA-PM. These results suggest that RbAHPA-PM react with antigenic sites involving N-linked sugar residues of a 140-kd sialoglycoprotein, presumably podocalyxin. Immunohistochemical studies using normal rat kidney tissues treated with NRD as substratum showed that RbAHPA-PM bound to the free surface of GEP but not with soles of the foot processes or with other structures of the kidney. In rats intravenously injected with NRD and subsequently with RbAHPA-PM, antibodies were rapidly fixed (within 1 hour) to the free surface of GEP. Immunofluorescence study showed that RbAHPA-PM also reacted with human glomeruli after treatment with NRD. These results suggest that GEP express surface sugar residues that are potential targets for direct immunologic attack.