Headache and stress in a group of nurses and government administrators in Japan

We surveyed a group of 311 nurses and 283 mid-level government administrators in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, to determine the prevalence and character of their headaches. We investigated the relationship of headaches to the subjects' stress, and their behavior and coping patterns. The questionnaire we administered explored background factors, as well as the state of the respondents' mental health, life events, work motivation, support system, and interpersonal relationships. The questionnaire was completed by 76.8% of nurses and 100% of administrators. Of these, 40.6% of nurses and 19.1% of the administrators reported recurrent headaches. Furthermore, the number of headache sufferers among the women administrators was significantly higher than in the men. The nurses and the administrators who reported headache scored significantly higher than the nonheadache groups on the questions measuring symptoms of burnout, General Health Questionnaire, and learned helplessness. The group of nurses with headache had higher scores for life events, decreased work motivation, and nervous behavior than the nonheadache group; the administrators with headache scored higher for daily hassles than those of the nonheadache groups. In this study of a Japanese sample, the character of the subjects' headache and the possible inducing factors are consistent with those reported in studies of Europeans and Americans using similar testing methods. However, the high prevalence of headache among nurses and women administrators seems to be related to psychological stress, particularly work stress, which may be characteristic in Japan.

Loss of heterozygosity at loci on chromosome 4, a common genetic event during the spontaneous immortalization of mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Spontaneously immortalized fibroblast cell lines derived from embryonic tissues of C3D2F1, mice were analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at multiple chromosomal loci to identify candidate suppressor loci for immortalization. Among 47 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci selected for screening, those on chromosome 4 exhibited an exceptionally high LDH incidence of up to 89%. Only four other chromosomes (8, 11, 12, and 18) showed LOH, with the highest incidence being 33%. To further localize candidate suppressor genes on mouse chromosome 4, detailed deletion mapping was performed with 18 cell lines and 14 SSR markers. The greatest LOH incidence (94%) was observed at the D4Mit14 locus located on distal chromosome 4, indicating that a major suppressor gene resides in this region. On the other hand, at the D4Mit77 locus, 30 cM proximal to the D4Mit14 locus, we found the SSR to be homozygously lost in 39% of the cell lines. Because the D4Mit77 is tightly linked to the tumor suppressor gene p16, for which homozygous deletion has been reported in various human tumor cell lines, we also examined our fibroblast cell lines for gross aberrations of the p16 gene by using the Southern blot method. The p16 gene was found to be homozygously deleted in 56% of the cell lines. Although this result implies that the p16 gene plays a role as a suppressor gene for immortalization, the combined incidence of LOH and homozygous deletion at the D4Mit77 locus was 72%, which is significantly lower than the observed incidence at the D4Mit14 locus. Consequently, we concluded that immortalization of mouse embryonic fibroblasts may involve more than one suppressor gene on chromosome 4.

Recovery of portal blood flow after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with obstructive jaundice

Using an ultrasonic Doppler system, we prospectively studied the changes in portal venous flow (PVF) following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and evaluated the correlation between PVF and liver function in 10 patients with obstructive jaundice. The patients were divided into two groups according to their rate of decrease in serum bilirubin ("b"). Group A comprised 5 patients with a "b" of less than -0.1, while group B consisted of 5 patients who did not meet this criterion. The mean PVF increased following PTBD (P < 0.01). The increase in PVF was due to an increase in the maximum velocity of the portal vein (Vmax). The rate of increase in the Vmax in group A was significantly higher than that in group B on both the 7th and 14th postdrainage days (P < 0.05). The rate of increase in the Vmax correlated significantly with the rate of decrease in the serum bilirubin concentration (P < 0.01). Based on the above findings, we conclude that measuring the Vmax by Doppler ultrasonography is useful in evaluating the liver function in patients with obstructive jaundice.

Molecular analysis of stimulatory anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSAbs) involved in Graves' disease. Isolation and reconstruction of antibody genes, and production of monoclonal TSAbs

Anti-thyrotropin (TSH) receptor autoantibodies (TRAbs) have been known to be involved in Graves' disease. To understand the molecular mechanism for pathogenesis of TSAbs in Graves' disease, we isolated and reconstituted the Ig genes of EBV-transformed B cell clones producing monoclonal thyroid stimulating Ab (TSAb) obtained from patients with Graves' disease. The V region genes of Ig heavy (H) and light (L) chains of two TSAb clones, IgG clone B6B7 and IgM clone 101-2, were isolated by the PCR. Nucleotide sequencing analysis revealed that germ-line VH and VK segments widely used for autoantibodies including the previously isolated TRAbs were utilized in the two clones. A significant number of somatic mutations were found in V regions of both clones, indicating the involvement of somatic mutations for the TSAb specificity. Reconstituted Ig H and L chain genes of the two clones were stably introduced into myeloma cells for IgG1 production. IgGs purified from cultured supernatants of both transfectants exhibited significant TSAb activities, while they did not inhibit TSH binding to the receptor. The successful expression of recombinant TSAbs in eukaryotic cells will provide opportunities to apply them to various pathophysiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic investigations in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Molecular analysis of stimulatory anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSAbs) involved in Graves' disease. Isolation and reconstruction of antibody genes, and production of monoclonal TSAbs

Anti-thyrotropin (TSH) receptor autoantibodies (TRAbs) have been known to be involved in Graves' disease. To understand the molecular mechanism for pathogenesis of TSAbs in Graves' disease, we isolated and reconstituted the Ig genes of EBV-transformed B cell clones producing monoclonal thyroid stimulating Ab (TSAb) obtained from patients with Graves' disease. The V region genes of Ig heavy (H) and light (L) chains of two TSAb clones, IgG clone B6B7 and IgM clone 101-2, were isolated by the PCR. Nucleotide sequencing analysis revealed that germ-line VH and VK segments widely used for autoantibodies including the previously isolated TRAbs were utilized in the two clones. A significant number of somatic mutations were found in V regions of both clones, indicating the involvement of somatic mutations for the TSAb specificity. Reconstituted Ig H and L chain genes of the two clones were stably introduced into myeloma cells for IgG1 production. IgGs purified from cultured supernatants of both transfectants exhibited significant TSAb activities, while they did not inhibit TSH binding to the receptor. The successful expression of recombinant TSAbs in eukaryotic cells will provide opportunities to apply them to various pathophysiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic investigations in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

A mouse/human-chimeric bispecific antibody reactive with human carcinoembryonic antigen-expressing cells and human T-lymphocytes

A mouse/human-chimeric bispecific antibody, designated CBA-CEACD3, with dual specificities for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CD3, was generated by chemical cross-linking of a chimeric antibody specific for CEA to another chimeric antibody against CD3. Flow cytometric analysis showed that CBA-CEACD3 can bind specifically to cells expressing CEA and to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (HPBMCs) bearing CD3, respectively. Furthermore, a cell to cell adhesion analysis by a colorimetric assay using the dye 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) demonstrated that CBA-CEACD3 is able to bind CEA-producing cells to CD3-expressing cells, suggesting that both arms of CBA-CEACD3 are simultaneously working and can retarget T-cells to the tumor. In an additional colorimetric assay using MTT, this antibody was shown to effectively mediate CEA-expressing tumor cell killing by freshly isolated HPBMCs. Together these results demonstrate that this chimeric bispecific antibody may serve as a potentially useful immunotherapeutic reagent for human CEA-producing cancers.

Myofibroblastoma of the breast: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 36-year-old woman in whom a breast mass was diagnosed histologically and immunohistochemically as myofibroblastoma (MFB). The patient initially presented with a breast mass measuring 1.0 x 1.5 cm which was demonstrated by mammography as a well-circumscribed, round tumor with two coarse calcifications. On ultrasonography, the tumor showed slight shadowy internal echoes. Histological examination of an excisional biopsy specimen demonstrated a tumor consisting of spindle-shaped cells and broad bands of hyalinized collagen with cartilaginous and osseous components, but no epithelial components were observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for alpha smooth muscle actin, and a diagnosis of MFB was made. A wide excision of the breast was performed as a secondary procedure, and the patient is well and free from recurrence 1 year after her operation. We present this case to stress the need for breast surgeons to be aware of the existence of MFB when considering the differential diagnosis of stromal lesions of the breast to avoid performing unnecessarily extensive procedures.

Cloning and sequencing of the VH and V kappa genes of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, and construction of a mouse/human chimeric antibody

Mouse monoclonal antibodies against CD3 on human T lymphocytes have been used for therapy in organ-transplant patients as a potent immunosuppressive agent or for treatment of cancer as a potent T cell activating agent. However, an inherent problem in their in vivo application is the human anti-mouse antibody response. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the variable region genes of the heavy and light chains (VH and V kappa) of a mouse anti-human CD3 monoclonal antibody (OKT3) using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. Then, we constructed a mouse/human chimeric antibody, designated as Ch OKT3, by fusing the OKT3 VH and V kappa genes to the human heavy and light chain constant region genes (C gamma 1 and C kappa) derived from a human plasma cell leukemia line (ARH77), respectively. The chimeric gene constructs were sequentially co-transfected into mouse non-Ig-producing hybridoma cells (Sp2/0) by electroporation. The Ch OKT3 antibody thus prepared bound to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and competitively inhibited the binding of the parental MAb OKT3 to the blood mononuclear cells, indicating that this chimeric antibody seems to be suitable for in vivo therapeutic approaches.

Radioimmunoscintigraphy using technetium-99m-labeled parental mouse and mouse-human chimeric antibodies to carcinoembryonic antigen in athymic nude mice bearing tumor

Biodistribution and imaging characteristics of Tc-99m-labeled parental mouse and mouse-human chimeric antibodies to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), designated F11-39 and ChF11-39, respectively, were evaluated in athymic nude mice bearing the human CEA-producing gastric carcinoma (MKN-45) xenografts. Group F monoclonal antibodies such as F11-39 and ChF11-39 have been found to recognize the protein epitopes present on the domain B3 of the CEA molecule and to discriminate CEA in tumor tissues from the CEA-related antigens. The Tc-99m labeling was performed by immediately mixing a reduced antibody by 2-mercaptoethanol with Tc-99m pertechnetate in the presence of stannous chloride. The labeling yields of the two antibodies were greater than 95% when estimated using gel chromatography. Although these Tc-99m-labeled antibodies were stable in neutral saline solution, Tc-99m from both labeled antibodies was associated with cysteine solution. Technetium-99m ChF11-39 was more susceptible to transchelation than was Tc-99m F11-39. The immunoreactivity of each Tc-99m-labeled antibody was confirmed using MKN-45 cell-binding assay. Biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing mice were performed at 1 h, 5 h, and 20 h after being given IV injections of 3.7 MBq of either Tc-99m F11-39 or Tc-99m ChF11-39. All tumor-to-organ uptake ratios increased with time for both Tc-99m-labeled antibodies. Imaging results also showed selective and progressive accumulation of both Tc-99m antibodies at the tumor site. Both these Tc-99m-labeled antibodies have proved to be good radiotracers giving satisfactory scintigrams of the CEA-producing tumor.

A novel differentiation factor for PC12 cells from culture supernatant of mouse hepatocyte cell line MLE-15A2

We have found a factor that induces neurite outgrowth of rat PC12 cells in the culture supernatant of the cell line MLE-15A2. This factor was designated as MDDF. The factor was sensitive to protease, dithiothreitol, and high-temperature treatments. The apparent molecular mass was 80 kDa on Superdex 200 gel filtration. No significant tyrosine phosphorylation was detected after MDDF stimulation in Western blotting analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody, suggesting that the signal transduction may not be mediated by a tyrosine kinase cascade that is involved in signaling of most of the known factors. Activation of MAP kinase was very weak and was seen only 5 min after stimulation, suggesting that prolonged activation of MAP kinase was not required for neurite outgrowth induced by MDDF. Because the biochemical characteristics of MDDF are different from those of any known peptide factors that induce neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells, MDDF may be a novel differentiation factor for PC12 cells.

Tumor-specific accumulation of 125I-labeled mouse-human chimeric anti-CEA antibody in a xenografted human cancer model demonstrated by whole-body autoradiography and immunostaining

Whole-body autoradiography (WBAR) was used to study the biodistribution of 125I-labeled mouse-human chimeric antibody (Ch F11-39) to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in athymic nude mice bearing the CEA-producing MKN-45 human gastric carcinoma xenografts. Significantly high uptake of 125I-Ch F11-39 in the tumors obtained by tissue-counting technique was confirmed by WBAR of mice of 12, 24, 48, and 96 h postinjection of 125I-Ch F11-39. When compared with histochemical or immunohistochemical staining results of the tumor tissue sections, imaging profiles of 125I-Ch F11-39 obtained by WBARs were topographically correlated with histopathological findings of tissues and immunohistochemical localization of CEA in the tumor tissues, indicating that the accumulation of 125I-Ch F11-39 at the tumor site is based on its specificity for CEA. These results demonstrate that this chimeric antibody may serve as a potential useful diagnostic and/or therapeutic reagent for human CEA-producing cancers.

A novel inotropic vasodilator, OPC-18790, reduces myocardial oxygen consumption and improves mechanical efficiency with congestive heart failure

We analyzed the left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume relation and obtained direct measurements of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) before and after drug administration in 21 patients with New York Heart Association functional class II to III congestive heart failure to compare the mechanoenergetic effects of OPC-18790, a novel inotropic agent, and dobutamine. Pressure-volume data were obtained by the conductance method, and MVO2 measurements were obtained with a double-thermistor coronary sinus catheter before and after administration of OPC-18790 and dobutamine. The LV end-diastolic volume index decreased significantly without an increase in the heart rate after administration of OPC-18790, unlike that after administration of dobutamine. Both drugs significantly increased the LV contractility index (Emax) and caused similar improvements in ventricular-arterial coupling. OPC-18790 significantly reduced MVo2, whereas dobutamine increased MVo2. The ratio of the pressure-volume area to myocardial oxygen consumption (PVA/MVo2) remained unchanged after administration of OPC-18790 and decreased after administration of dobutamine. The ratio of external work to the pressure-volume area (EW/PVA) was similarly increased by both drugs, resulting in an improvement in mechanical efficiency (EW/MVo2) with OPC-18790 (p < 0.05) and in a deterioration with dobutamine (p < 0.05). OPC-18790 had an energetic advantage over dobutamine in spite of its positive inotropic effect. Our findings suggest that OPC-18790 may be useful for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure.

Different biodistribution of 99mTc-labelled chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody between athymic mice model and human

Biodistribution of chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody against non-specific cross-reacting antigen (chNCA Ab) was studied in athymic mice and patients with metastatic bone disease. 99mTc-chNCA Ab showed a high labelling efficiency, stability and also a high binding ratio to human granulocytes. Since NCA showed cross-reactivity with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), animal experiments showed that 99mTc-chNCA Ab was accumulated in the xenografted tumour which expressed CEA, suggesting the preserved immunoreactivity of labelled materials. In the clinical study, injected 99mTc-chNCA Ab formed a high molecular weight complex immediately after intravenous administration and was trapped mainly in liver. The first-phase plasma half-life was 6.4 +/- 1.1 min. None of the patients showed adverse reaction or human antimurine or anti-chimeric antibody in their serum. 99mTc-chNCA Ab demonstrated remarkably different biodistribution between patients and the animal model and showed different pharmacokinetics from other murine and chimeric Abs reported previously. For safety HPLC analysis should be performed before clinical radioimmunodetection or radioimmunotherapy by incubating radiolabelled MAb with human serum under strict conditions.

Establishment of a hepatocyte cell line producing growth-promoting factors for liver-colonizing tumor cells

A hepatocyte-derived cell line designated MLE-15A2 was established from a primary culture of mouse hepatocytes. The MLE-15A2 cells appeared to retain the basic nature of hepatocytes in that they showed morphology of an epithelial cell type and secreted albumin into the culture medium. These cells were grown on collagen-coated plates and could be easily expanded to a large-scale culture. Therefore, MLE-15A2 cells may provide a more useful model for studying liver microenvironments than primary cultures of hepatocytes. We found that conditioned media from MLE-15A2 cells, as well as from primary cultures of hepatocytes, promoted the proliferation of highly liver-colonizing colon 26 NL-17 cells better than the poorly liver-colonizing colon 26 NL-4 cells. Moreover, the conditioned media stimulated the growth of some human colon cancer cell lines. These results indicate that MLE-15A2 cells secrete growth factors that selectively stimulate certain tumor cell types. Hepatocyte-derived growth factors may regulate selective survival and colonization of tumor cells in the process of liver metastasis. The growth-promoting activity was unaffected by dialysis, was stable at 80 degrees C for 30 minutes and was bound to a heparin-Sepharose column. The major activity was eluted from the column with 0.7-0.75 M NaCl, and some minor activities eluted with lower concentrations of NaCl. These results suggest that the active components are heterogeneous heparin-binding proteins with lower affinity to heparin than platelet-derived and fibroblast growth factors.

Hepatic blood flow after acute biliary obstruction and drainage in conscious dogs

BACKGROUND AIMS

Obstructive jaundice is a factor which effects hepatic blood flow and the relative contribution of the hepatic arterial flow and portal venous flow. In this study, and were measured in conscious dogs and the influence of biliary obstruction and drainage was investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Hepatic arterial flow (HAF) and portal venous flow (PVF) after biliary obstruction and subsequent drainage were continuously measured in conscious dogs using implantable transit time ultrasonic flow-meters.

RESULTS

After biliary obstruction hepatic arterial flow rapidly increased compared to the pre-obstructed values(p < 0.01), while portal venous flow was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Total hepatic blood flow was initially increased (p < 0.01) until 2 hours after obstruction. It then decreased gradually. After 2 weeks, it was less than the pre-obstructed values, but this was not significant. Biliary drainage was performed after 2 weeks. Hepatic arterial flow subsequently decreased (p < 0.01) and portal venous flow increased (p < 0.05). Blood flow did not change.

CONCLUSION

Biliary obstruction resulted in significant changes in liver circulation. Biliary drainage facilitated recovery from these changes.

The effects of intravenously infused catecholamines on hepatic blood flow in conscious dogs with experimental obstructive jaundice

This study was conducted to examine how the effects of dopamine and dobutamine on hepatic blood flow were influenced by obstructive jaundice in a conscious canine model. Prior to biliary obstruction, portal venous blood flow (PVF) increased in response to the infusion of either dopamine or dobutamine: dopamine infused at 8 micrograms/kg per min produced an increase of 19 +/- 0% in PVF, while dobutamine infused at 16 micrograms/kg per min produced an increase of 30 +/- 2%. Although hepatic arterial blood flow (HAF) decreased dose-dependently in response to the infusion of dopamine, no significant change was observed in HAF in response to any dose of dobutamine. Obstructive jaundice attenuated or completely abolished the PVF-increasing effect of dopamine, whereas it did not significantly alter the effect of dobutamine on hepatic blood flow. In dogs with obstructive jaundice, dopamine at 16 micrograms/kg per min produced a decrease of 17 +/- 3% in PVF. These findings suggest that dobutamine is more effective than dopamine for increasing hepatic blood flow in patients with obstructive jaundice.

A novel clonality assay for the mouse: application to hepatocellular carcinomas induced with diethylnitrosamine

A polymerase chain reaction-based clonality assay was developed for mouse tumors and cellular proliferations of the mouse. This assay was based on a polymorphism of the phosphoglucokinase-1 (Pgk-1) gene on the X chromosome between two different mouse subspecies and the different methylation patterns of active and inactive X chromosomes. All 15 tumor cell lines examined showed one of the two allelic bands on gel electrophoresis, which is consistent with the theory that tumor cell lines are monoclonally derived. This suggests that the Pgk-1 system is useful for clonality studies that will give insight into cancer development. With this method, nine hepatocellular carcinomas were examined, and eight showed monoallelic patterns. The remaining tumor exhibited a biallelic pattern, which is suggestive of polyclonal origin; however, other possibilities are discussed.

Hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents and humans

In hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents, induction of foci and nodules comprising clonally proliferated initiated cells is considered to be essential for the future development of carcinomas. Nodules in human cirrhotic liver, though known to be associated with a high hepatocellular carcinoma risk, have generally been regarded as regenerative in nature, and not the result of clonal or neoplastic cell proliferation, on a morphological basis. However, when we analyzed 83 cirrhotic nodules from 11 HBV carrier patients, utilizing hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration as a marker for clonal proliferation, we found the existence of clonal populations of more than 10(5) hepatocytes in 26 (31.3%) of them. Although such clonal cell populations are morphologically not discernible from neighboring hepatocytes, they may have particular histogenetic significance in human hepatocarcinogenesis and clearly deserve further investigation. Allelotype analysis of mouse hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), induced by a single dose of diethyl nitrosaminine in C3H/MSM F1 hybrids, revealed no remarkable alterations in the original tumors when microsatellite probes were used, but loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 4 at extremely high frequency (95%) in cultured cell lines derived from these HCC. The shortest common region was about 10 cM distal to the interferon alpha gene, in which the p16 gene is located. The results indicated that loss of gene function, most probably including that of the p16 gene, may be essential for immortalization of cultured hepatocytes but that it may not play any role in initiation or early events in mouse hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo. The mouse HCC used for analysis in this study may be comparable with human HCC at an early stage, for which only very limited genetic alterations have so far been identified.

Determination of growth fraction index in mammary carcinoma using MIB-1 monoclonal antibody: estimation of whole tumor proliferative potential using biopsy specimens

We labeled the Ki-67 antigen in mammary carcinomas, using a MIB-1 monoclonal antibody, to evaluate the usefulness of MIB-1 Ki-67 Growth Fraction Indices (GFI; number of Ki-67 positive cells/total number of cells) of biopsy specimens in estimating the proliferative potential of the carcinomas. Formalin-fixed paraffin sections prepared from biopsy material, primary tumors, and axillary lymph nodes of ten invasive mammary carcinomas were chosen for immunohistochemical study. Bound antibody was detected using the avidin-biotin-complex peroxidase method. The GFI of the resected mammary carcinomas was similar to the estimated values based on the GFI of the biopsy specimens. The GFIs of the metastatic nodes in seven of the carcinomas were similar to those of the primary carcinomas, whereas two carcinomas yielded significantly different GFIs in the metastatic foci. These results suggest that the GFI of a mammary carcinoma biopsy specimen may reflect the proliferative ability of the whole carcinoma.

Report of a case of benign cystic mesothelioma

A 32-yr-old man was admitted to Anjo Kosei Hospital for the examination of a cystic peritoneal lesion. This patient had a past medical history significant for an appendectomy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed multiple cysts in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. An exploratory laparotomy was performed on July 1, 1993, revealing numerous thin-walled and translucent cysts in the serosal tissues of the parietal and visceral abdominal peritoneum. These cysts were excised surgically because of clinical suspicion of pseudo-myxoma peritonei. Microscopic examination revealed cysts within the thin cyst wall that were composed of fibrous connective tissue and lined by a single layer of cuboidal or flattened epithelium. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies demonstrated that the lining cells were of mesothelial origin, and the diagnosis was benign cystic mesothelioma. In this paper, we present appropriate diagnostic and treatment procedures for benign cystic mesothelioma and discuss the particular usefulness of using immunohistochemical methods to achieve a histological diagnosis.

A gene that is related to SRY and is expressed in the testes encodes a leucine zipper-containing protein

SRY-related cDNA encoding a protein with a high-mobility-group (HMG) box and a leucine zipper motif, which was designated SOX-LZ, was isolated from a rainbow trout testis cDNA library. Comparison of this cDNA with the mouse homologous cDNA isolated from a testis cDNA library exhibits an overall amino acid sequence identity of 77%, which is in striking contrast to the abrupt loss of amino acid sequence homology outside the HMG box found among mammalian SRY genes. In both rainbow trout and mice, Northern (RNA) blot analyses have revealed the presence of a testis-specific 3-kb-long SOX-LZ mRNA, and this transcript appeared coincidentally with the protamine mRNA, suggesting its expression in the germ line. A recombinant HMG box region protein encoded by SOX-LZ could bind strongly with an oligonucleotide containing an AACAAT sequence, which is also recognized by mouse Sry and Sox-5. Upon cotransfection into CHO cells, SOX-LZ transactivated transcription through its binding motif when the region including the leucine zipper motif was deleted [SOX-LZ (D105-356)]; however, the intact SOX-LZ failed to transactivate. The intact SOX-LZ could form homodimers through the leucine zipper, which resulted in inhibition of DNA binding by the HMG box, while SOX-LZ (D105-356), which was incapable of dimerization, showed specific binding with the AACAAT sequence. Thus, the repressed transactivation of the intact SOX-LZ in CHO cells was primarily attributable to the low level of DNA binding of SOX-LZ homodimers.

[Tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) in transplanted kidneys]

We have studied the involvement of fibrinolysis in acute rejection after kidney transplantation by analyzing changes in urinary levels of substances such as FDP, D-dimer, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI). Fibrinolytic activity was found to be low (that is, PAI is dominant) during acute rejection, and it was elevated (that is, PA became dominant) as acute rejection subsided. It appears that the dominance of PA leads to an increase in the products of fibrinolysis and an elevation in the D-dimer/FDP ratio, resulting in disappearance of the acute rejection. Based on these findings, we thought it necessary to administer t-PA to kidney recipients so that PA becomes dominant earlier and the acute rejection can be reduced. It is necessary for us to directly study the phenomena within the kidneys. Therefore, we recently conducted a histochemical study of the distribution of t-PA, Urokinase type PA (u-PA) and PAI in transplanted kidneys. Transplanted kidney, which functioned well or showed signs of acute or chronic rejection, were biopsied. These renal samples as well as control samples (biopsied from normal nongrafted kidney) were examined as to distribution of t-PA, u-PA and PAI by the indirect enzyme complement method. In conclusion, t-PA, u-PA and PAI were detected in the glomeruli, arterioles, tubule and interstices of the control kidneys, well functioning grafts, acutely rejected grafts chronically rejected grafts. All samples showed intense chromatic responses in the arterioles and part of the tubules. On the whole, the chromatic response tended to be more intense in the acute rejection group than in the other group.

Frequent loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 4 in diethylnitrosamine-induced C3H/MSM mouse hepatocellular carcinomas in culture

Genetic changes, in particular the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and the presence of c-Ha-ras codon 61 point mutations, were investigated in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in C3H/MSM F1 mice. (MSM are wild mice.) LOH analysis of 48 primary tumors with microsatellite probes covering at least one proximal and one distal site of each autosome revealed no obvious positive results for LOH. Analysis of 23 cell lines established from seven of these HCCs, however, showed LOH on chromosome 4 in all (seven of seven), even in early passages (G2-G3). With regard to other chromosomes, LOH was observed only rarely on chromosomes 16 and 19. These allelotype features were maintained in later passages (G11-G14), with only a few additional occurrences of LOH appearing on chromosomes 1, 6, and 8. Extensive analyses with multiple microsatellite probes from chromosome 4 and with 52 cell lines established from 24 HCCs of 18 mice revealed LOH in 22 of the tumors (92%), with the shortest region about 10 cM distal to the alpha-interferon gene. No c-Ha-ras oncogene activation in codon 61 was observed. These data indicate that loss of tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 4 may play an important role in mouse hepatocarcinogenesis in progression in vivo or in immortalization in vitro or both.

[Renal cell carcinoma in a patient with malignant lymphoma: a case report]

This is a case report of a 51-year-old male in the late stage of malignant lymphoma who presented with pathological fracture renal cell carcinoma secondary to metastatic. He underwent right nephrectomy followed by immunotherapy consisting of interferon alpha and some cytokines. According to his condition and extension of the disease, OK-432, interleukin-2 and interferon gamma were combined. He was also given irradiation to the bone metastases. He died of progressive disease 8 years and 6 months after the initiation of interferon alpha therapy. The autopsy revealed evidence of pancreatic involvement with renal cell carcinoma and malignant lymphoma as well. Malignant lymphoma also infiltrated into the mesentery and left femur. We reviewed other reports regarding multiple malignant tumors associated with renal cell carcinoma and discussed the occurrence of malignant lymphoma in renal cell carcinoma patients.

Analysis of the genes encoding the variable regions of human IgG rheumatoid factor

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the immunoglobulin variable (V) region repertoire of rheumatoid factors (RF).

METHODS

We characterized the heavy (H) and light (L) chain gene segments utilized in a monospecific IgG RF secreting hybridoma (AEE111F) which were derived from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The hybridoma was established by fusion of a mouse myeloma cell line with bone marrow derived mononuclear cells from a patient with RA. First strand complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated and used for a polymerase chain reaction amplification of the H and L chain V domains. The amplified V domains were sequenced and compared with an extensive database of germline and cDNA V gene segments.

RESULTS

The VH sequence was found to be 96% homologous to a previously described fetal VH3 cDNA (60P2). The VL sequence was also highly homologous to the previously described V lambda II gene (96%) derived from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus which correlated with an 8.12 idiotype (Id), and to an antibacterial antibody against the Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide (94.7%).

CONCLUSION

The overlap among this RF VL gene and the 2 reported V lambda sequences of antibodies that expressed anti-DNA related Id and an environmental pathogen specificity suggests that a part of the IgG RF isolated from patients with RA may thus be derived from the physiological natural antibody repertoire during an abnormal immune response and then develop high affinity, monospecific RF by the selection of an antigen driven mechanism.

Construction and expression of chimeric antibodies by a simple replacement of heavy and light chain V genes into a single cassette vector

A novel vector pMH-gpt, which is proved useful for cloning mouse immunoglobulin heavy and light chain V genes and for expressing mouse-human chimeric antibody, was constructed. The vector contains human genomic C gamma 1 and C kappa genes, cloning sites for immunoglobulin V region genes, murine Ig promoters, a human Ig heavy chain enhancer, and the selection marker gene Eco-gpt. Because VH and V kappa genes can be cloned into a single vector, a chimeric antibody gene is easily constructed by this simple insertion procedure. The usefulness of the vector was confirmed by construction of two mouse-human chimeric antibodies. Mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) 196-14 recognizes the ovarian cancer-associated antigen (CA125), and MoAb 2-18 reacts with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Mouse-human chimeric 196-14 and 2-18 antibodies were readily constructed and efficiently produced in a mouse myeloma cell line by utilizing the vector. Both chimeric antibodies retained binding activity to their respective antigens. In biodistribution and immunoscintigraphy studies, specificity of radiolabeled chimeric 196-14 antibody was identical to that of its murine counterpart and significant accumulation at the tumor site was observed. The pMH-gpt vector is useful for constructing and producing mouse-human chimeric antibodies.

Importance of early gamma interferon production in Propionibacterium acnes-induced resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice

Treatment of mice with heat-killed Propionibacterium (P.) acnes conferred transient protection against Toxoplasma infection. To investigate the mechanism of this nonspecific resistance, the production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) by P. acnes-injected mice was evaluated in comparison with that by noninjected controls upon infection with Toxoplasma. Mice pretreated with this bacterium produced significantly more IFN-gamma than that produced by control mice up to 24 hr of infection. A single injection of anti-IFN-gamma MAb on day 0 but not later than day 3 of infection resulted in a total abrogation of the resistance conferred by P. acnes. Likewise, daily injection of cyclosporin A (Cs-A), a potent inhibitor of T cell function, during the first 3 days of Toxoplasma infection severely exacerbated the infection, in accordance with a marked suppression of the early IFN-gamma production. In contrast, the administration of Cs-A for 3 consecutive days starting at day 4 had no significant consequence on P. acnes-induced anti-toxoplasma resistance, while it reduced greatly the ability of P. acnes-injected mice to produce IFN-gamma in the later phase of infection. Moreover, no significant increase in mortality and suppression of IFN-gamma production was noted in mice receiving anti-asialo GM1 antibody. These results suggest that the early IFN-gamma production by T cells is an essential event for the establishment of P. acnes-induced anti-toxoplasma resistance in mice.

Possible association of p53 overexpression and mutation with high-grade chondrosarcoma

Overexpression and point mutation of the p53 protein/gene was investigated in a series of chondrosarcoma by an immunohistochemical approach, and direct sequencing of the genomic DNA, respectively. In 2 of the 16 cases studied, both of which were high grade chondrosarcomas (grade III), immunodetectable p53 was identified. Histologically, one was ordinary type and the other a clear cell variant. However, no positivity was observed in the other cases including nine of low grade, ordinary type, three of low grade, clear cell type, and two of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Direct sequencing, following polymerase chain reaction amplification of exons 5-9 of the p53 gene in 14 cases, in which fresh materials were available, successfully demonstrated base substitution mutations in only two cases with detectable p53 overexpression on immunohistochemistry. Their details were GTC (valine) to TTC (phenylalanine) at codon 157 in exon 5, and CGT (arginine) to CAT (histidine) at codon 273 in exon 8. No mutation was detected in the other 12 cases which were negative for p53 immunostaining. These findings strongly suggest that p53 mutation plays a crucial role in the biologically aggressive subtype, and possibly in the process of tumor progression in human chondrosarcoma.

Molecular cloning of a human monoclonal antibody reactive to ganglioside GM3 antigen on human cancers

In this study we report the characterization of a human monoclonal antibody (HuMab), L612, that reacts with ganglioside GM3 and has therapeutic application for the treatment of human neoplasms, particularly melanoma. A permanent IgM-secreting Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line L612 was established. L612 HuMab bound specifically to neoplastic cell lines in culture and in tissue biopsy specimens such as melanoma, colon, breast, and lung cancer. The antibody did not bind to normal cells or biopsy tissue. HuMab L612 showed the highest reactivity to melanoma cells, particularly to those with high concentrations of GM3. Immunostaining on high-performance thin-layer chromatography plates demonstrated that L612 HuMab bound to GM3 purified from melanoma cells. Removal of the sialic acid from GM3 abolished antibody binding. HuMab L612 also reacted to GM4 purified from egg yolk, indicating that it recognizes an NeuAc alpha 2-3 galactose antigen determinant. HuMab L612 heavy and light chains were sequenced and determined to belong to the mu heavy chain variable subgroup III and kappa chain variable subgroup IV families, respectively. The studies indicate that the L612 HuMab has significant therapeutic potential for a wide variety of human cancers.

Hepatocyte growth factor transforms immortalized mouse liver epithelial cells

Transforming activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was demonstrated utilizing immortalized but not fully transformed mouse hepatocytes (MLE-10). Rat HGF cDNA, expressed under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter, was transfected together with the neomycin resistance gene (PSV2neo) into MLE-10 cells by the calcium phosphate method, and propagated G418-resistant colonies were harvested colony by colony. After checking for integration and expression of exogenous HGF, five cell lines (MLE-10-HGF-1-5) were established. Three cell lines transfected with the vector only (MLE-10-CMV-1-3) were also established in the same manner. All MLE-10-HGF cell lines grew much faster than the MLE-10-CMV and original MLE-10 cells in culture and produced large colonies in soft agar, which colony production was blocked by the addition of anti-HGF antibody to the agar. After addition of HGF, original and MLE-10-CMV lines produced colonies in soft agar. The high-HGF-production lines (MLE-10-HGF-4 and -5) also gave rise to tumors within 2 weeks when implanted into the nude mice subcutis. In contrast, all MLE-10-CMV and original MLE-10 cells were negative in these growth assays. A rough parallelism between the level of HGF expression and the growth rate in both soft agar and nude mice subcutis was evident among MLE-10-HGF cell lines. Those with higher HGF production tended to grow in a scattered fashion in culture. High-affinity HGF receptor, HGFR/met, was expressed in MLE-10 and all the derived cell lines. Since HGF and/or HGFR/met gene expression is seen in various tumors and the serum HGF level is elevated in patients with hepatic disease, the present results indicate a possible significance of HGF and its receptor system in carcinogenesis, most probably via autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.

A human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody against CA125 for radioimmunoimaging of ovarian cancer

Murine monoclonal antibody 196-14 recognizes the ovarian-cancer-associated antigen CA125, but the epitope it recognizes is different from that of monoclonal antibody OC125. We developed a human/mouse chimeric 196-14 using the variable regions of the murine 196-14 and human heavy-chain (gamma 1) and light-chain (kappa) constant regions. Cell binding and competitive inhibition assays using chimeric 196-14 labeled with 125I, 111In or 99mTc demonstrated that the in vitro immunoreactivity of the chimeric antibody was identical to that of the parental murine monoclonal antibody. However, in mice bearing human ovarian cancer xenografts, the clearance from blood was faster and absolute levels of accumulation in the tumor were lower for the 125I-labeled or 99mTc-labeled chimeric antibody than for the murine antibody labeled with the corresponding radionuclides. The tumor-to-blood radioactivity ratio was not significantly different between the chimeric antibody and the murine antibody, regardless of the radionuclide used for labeling. Chimeric antibody 196-14 labeled with 131I, 111In or 99mTc is promising for the radioimmunoimaging of ovarian cancer.

Construction and expression of two mouse-human chimeric antibodies with high specificity and affinity for carcinoembryonic antigen

We have previously reported that a group of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), designated Group F MAbs, are able to discriminate CEA in tumor tissues from the CEA-related normal antigens and that CEA assay systems utilizing at least one Group F MAb show the improved cancer diagnosis. In this study, we cloned the genes coding for two Group F MAbs (F11-35 and F11-39) and deduced the amino acid sequences of the variable regions for their heavy and light chains. The variable region for the heavy chain of F11-35 contained a possible N-glycosylation site (Asn/Asp/Thr) at amino acid positions 89-91. Then, we constructed two mouse-human chimeric antibodies by using the F11-35 and F11-39 variable region genes of heavy and light chains (VH and V kappa) and human heavy and light chain constant region genes (gamma 1 and kappa) derived from a human plasma cell leukemia line (ARH77). The chimeric gene constructs were sequentially co-transfected into murine non-Ig-producing myeloma (P3-U1) or hybridoma (Sp2/0) cells by electroporation. The resulting chimeric heavy chain of F11-35 showed a slightly but significantly higher molecular weight than that of F11-39, but the molecular weights of their unglycosylated peptides synthesized in the presence of tunicamycin were similar, indicating the glycosylation at the possible N-glycosylation site in the variable region of the Ch F11-35 heavy chain. Both chimeric antibodies exhibited the same specificity and affinity for CEA as those of the parental murine hybridoma antibodies, respectively. Ascites production of Sp2/0 transfectomas is sufficiently high (600-900 micrograms/ml) for initial clinical studies with the chimeric antibodies.

[Pneumonia due to respiratory syncytial virus diagnosed by transtracheal aspiration in an adult]

A healthy-looking 44-year-old female was admitted to our hospital complaining of fever and hemosputum. The chest roentgenogram on admission showed patchy infiltrates of the segment 3 and 8 of the right lung. Laboratory studies showed a leukocyte count of 9700/microliters, erythrocytes sedimentation rate of 55 mm/hour and C reactive protein of 8.7 mg/dl. The arterial PO2 was 71.9 torr while the patient was breathing room air. Transtracheal aspiration was performed on admission, and strains and culture for bacteria, acid fast bacilli, fungi and mycoplasma were negative. Respiratory syncytial virus was isolated from transtracheal aspirates. The RSV complement fixing antibody titers rose from 1:40 to 1:16. She became afebrile on the fourth day after admission and her chest roentgenogram improved gradually. RSV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical adult pneumonias.

Malignant transformation of a mouse liver epithelial cell line by transfection of an activated c-H-ras gene with a point mutation at codon 12

In order to scrutinize the reason why in mouse liver system only activated H-ras gene with a point mutation at codon 61 but not codon 12 is frequently seen although the latter mutation is highly frequent in methylnitrosourea-induced rat mammary tumors, transforming activity of these two types of mutated H-ras gene was investigated utilizing an immortalized but not fully transformed mouse liver epithelial cell line MLE-10, established in our laboratory. MLE-10 cells were transfected with activated human c-H-ras gene having a point mutation at either codon 12 (PT24) or 61 (PSK2), together with PSV2neo, or with PSV2neo only. G418 resistant colonies, propagated separately, gave rise to 6, 3 and 6 lines respectively. All the PT24 and PSK2-transfected cell lines were growth capable in both soft agar and nude mouse subcutis, with similar growth rate and morphological features whereas none of the cell lines transfected with the PSV2neo only revealed such growth capability. The results thus revealed that c-H-ras with a mutation at codon 12 has oncogenic activity to the mouse hepatocyte, although after immortalization, at the degree similar to the same gene with a mutation at codon 61.

[Hepatocarcinogenesis in terms of HGF and its receptor]

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a highly potent growth stimulator of hepatocytes and c-met proto-oncogene has recently been identified as its high-affinity receptor. Since the c-met gene expression is found in many types of cells, carcinogenic and/or transforming activity through autocline or paracline mechanism of HGF-c-met/HGFR system has become point of interest. By transfecting HGF into a unique immortalized mouse hepatocytes (MLE-10), which expresses c-met at high level, we were able to first demonstrate transforming activity of HGF by autocline mechanism.

Efficient amplification of Drosophila simulans copia directed by high-level reverse transcriptase activity associated with copia virus-like particles

The number of retrotransposon copia per genome in Drosophila melanogaster cultured cells is two to three times higher than that in D. melanogaster embryo cells. Here, we have found that the genome of the related species, Drosophila simulans, contains in cultured cells more efficiently amplified copia DNA (approximately ten fold). Furthermore, we analyzed copia virus-like particles (VLPs) prepared from D. melanogaster and D. simulans cultured cells, which contain copia RNA and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, and thus, play a major role in copia replication. The RT activity associated with the D. simulans VLPs was 25 times higher than that associated with the D. melanogaster VLPs. Taken together with the fact that copia is believed to transpose through an RNA intermediate, these results suggest that the amplification of copia DNA should relate to copia RNA-mediated transposition, and the higher RT activity associated with the D. simulans VLPs would lead to the efficient amplification of copia DNA. In a comparison between D. melanogaster and D. simulans copia nucleotide (nt) sequences, five nt substitutions, which cause the respective amino acid changes, were found in the copia RT-coding region. Polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing showed that these five substitutions are the vast majority in each Drosophila species. The substitutions, therefore, may be responsible for the high level of the RT activity associated with the D. simulans VLPs.

Expression of intermediate filaments and other special markers by testicular germ cell tumors. With reference to embryogenesis

Distribution of intermediate filament proteins (IFs) and several special markers was studied in 39 testicular germ cell tumors and 8 embryos and foetuses. The similarity and difference between development of germ cell tumor and embryogenesis were immunohistochemically investigated. Seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, as tumoral counterparts of undifferentiated germ cells, were characterized by little IF expression. This study revealed that the maturing and differentiating process in germ cell tumor is different from normal embryonal development and the tumor cells showed leaping maturing steps in tumorigenesis. Immunostaining for IFs helped to discover the further differentiation occurring in embryonal carcinoma and to demonstrate heterogeneous elements in non-seminoma germ cell tumors, which sometimes might not be apparent by light microscopical observation of H&E staining section. According to the findings, two patterns in mixed germ cell tumors are suggested; i.e., combined and diffuse types. The mechanism of tumorigenesis of the two types is supposed to be different. Clinically, the prognosis of most patients with testicular germ cell tumor is fairly good because of the improved chemotherapies that are dependent on histological diagnosis.

[Evaluation of kidney graft function with dynamic MRI--preliminary report]

The value of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the examination of the function of transplanted kidneys was examined. Dynamic MRI was performed on 14 renal transplant patients. After the injection of Gd-DTPA (dimeglumine gadopentetate), we used small tip angle gradient echo (STAGE) technique with a flip angle of 20 degrees. The cortex was higher in signal intensity of well functioning grafts than the medulla before the injection in Gd-DTPA. Signal intensity of the cortex decreased after 30 seconds. After 1 minute the signal intensity of the cortex recovered and low intensity band meaning passage of Gd-DTPA at corticomedullary differentiation was displayed. Signal intensity of the medulla decreased after 3 minutes. Signal intensity of the parenchyma of transplanted kidney after 5 minutes was much the same as that before injection. Image of poor functioning grafts displayed unclear figures. Time-intensity values of both cortex and medulla in well functioning grafts decreased rapidly after about 2 minutes, and rose thereafter. Time-intensity curves of both cortex and medulla were almost flat on and after 5 minutes. Time-intensity curves of both cortex and medulla in poor functioning grafts were almost flat through out the examination. We concluded that effective parameters of the graft function for the time-intensity curve were delta I1 and delta I2. Dynamic MRI was suggested to be useful in the evaluation of kidney graft function.