Analysis of genes under the downstream control of the t(8;21) fusion protein AML1-MTG8: overexpression of the TIS11b (ERF-1, cMG1) gene induces myeloid cell proliferation in response to G-CSF

The AML1-MTG8 fusion transcription factor generated by t(8;21) translocation is thought to dysregulate genes that are crucial for normal differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors to cause acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Although AML1-MTG8 has been shown to repress the transcription of AML1 targets, none of the known targets of AML1 are probably responsible for AML1-MTG8-mediated leukemogenesis. In this study, 24 genes under the downstream control of AML1-MTG8 were isolated by using a differential display technique. Analysis with deletion mutants of AML1-MTG8 demonstrated that the regulation of the majority of these genes requires the region of 51 residues (488-538) containing the Nervy homology region 2 (NHR2), through which AML1-MTG8 interacts with MTGR1. Among the 24 genes identified, 10 were considered to be genes under the control of AML1, because their expression was altered by AML1b or AML1a or both. However, the other 14 genes were not affected by either AML1b or AML1a, suggesting the possibility that AML1-MTG8 regulates a number of specific target genes that are not normally regulated by AML1. Furthermore, an up-regulated gene, TIS11b (ERF-1, cMG1), was highly expressed in t(8;21) leukemic cells, and the overexpression of TIS11b induced myeloid cell proliferation in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. These results suggest that the high-level expression of TIS11b contributes to AML1-MTG8-mediated leukemogenesis. (Blood. 2000;96:655-663)

Hydrogels in pharmaceutical formulations

The availability of large molecular weight protein- and peptide-based drugs due to the recent advances in the field of molecular biology has given us new ways to treat a number of diseases. Synthetic hydrogels offer a possibly effective and convenient way to administer these compounds. Hydrogels are hydrophilic, three-dimensional networks, which are able to imbibe large amounts of water or biological fluids, and thus resemble, to a large extent, a biological tissue. They are insoluble due to the presence of chemical (tie-points, junctions) and/or physical crosslinks such as entanglements and crystallites. These materials can be synthesized to respond to a number of physiological stimuli present in the body, such as pH, ionic strength and temperature. The aim of this article is to present a concise review on the applications of hydrogels in the pharmaceutical field, hydrogel characterization and analysis of drug release from such devices.

[A relationship between a psychosomatic and a skin condition in patients with atopic dermatitis]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been clinically well-known to be frequently exacerbated by some psychosomatic stress. In this study, we examined a relationship between a psychosomatic and a skin condition in patients with AD. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for the grade of general physical condition, mental stress and others were reported daily for themselves, while skin physiological parameters, resident skin bacteria and a psychological questionnaire (POMS) were measured every 2 weeks. It was observed that tense-anxious and depressive scores of POMS tended to correlate with skin conductance, a skin clinical score and a number of total skin bacteria and others. These results suggest that changes of psychosomatic condition reciprocally correlate with the exacerbation and improvement of skin symptom in patients with AD.

[A case of atopic dermatitis which showed correlation of psychological state and lesions--changes of value of psychological test, skin lesion and NK cell activity]

The relationship between psychological state and skin lesions of atopic dermatitis were investigated with a 31-year-old male patient. He had severe atopic dermatitis which became worse with psychological stress. A psychological test, profile of mood states (POMS), was performed on him every 2 weeks. Peripheral lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cell activity were investigated at some points. When the psychological state showed more depressive, anxiety, anger, fatigue and confusion, the skin lesions became worse and recovered after the psychological states turned well. Correlation was shown between itch and stress or fatigue by a visual analogue scale (VAS) (p < 0.001). NK cell activity decreased during the worse psychological state and recovered during the near normal psychological state, although, the lymphocyte count and CD4/8 ratio in peripheral blood did not change during the study. These results suggest that some patients with atopic dermatitis should be treated psychologically in addition to standard dermatological treatment.

Clinical evaluation of leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia for pediatric open heart operation

BACKGROUND

Blood cardioplegia (BCP) is widely used for myocardial protection during open heart operation. However, BCP may have a chance to induce neutrophil-mediated myocardial injury during aortic cross-clamping. We clinically evaluated the myocardial protective effect of leukocyte-depleted blood cardioplegia (LDBCP) for initial and intermittent BCP administration in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Fifty patients undergoing open heart operation for congenital heart disease between January 1997 and March 1999 were reviewed. Twenty-five were administered LDBCP for myocardial protection during ischemic periods (LDBCP group), and the remaining 25 were given BCP without leukocyte depletion (BCP group).

RESULTS

The difference in plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde between coronary sinus effluent blood and arterial blood just after reperfusion in the LDBCP group (1.68 +/- 0.56 micromol/L) was significantly lower than that in the BCP group (2.35 +/- 0.62 micromol/L; p < 0.01). The LDBCP group showed significantly lower plasma concentrations of human heart fatty acid-binding protein at 50 minutes after reperfusion (LDBCP group, 103.5 +/- 38.7 IU/L; BCP group, 144.8 +/- 48.8 IU/L; p < 0.01) and the peak value of creatine kinase-MB during the first 24 postoperative hours (LDBCP group, 17.0 +/- 8.5 IU/L; BCP group, 26.0 +/- 11.6 IU/L; p < 0.01) than did the BCP group. The maximum dose of catecholamine was significantly smaller in the LDBCP group (LDBCP group, 3.20 +/- 2.18 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1); BCP group, 5.60 +/- 2.83 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1); p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the usefulness of LDBCP for protection from the myocardial injury that can be induced by BCP administration during aortic cross-clamping.

Diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) mimics cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in the rat heart: contribution of KATP channel and PKC

Diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) administration is reported to mimic the effect of ischemic preconditioning (PC) via purine 2y receptors (P2yR) and adenosine receptors. This study was designed to test the contributions of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) and protein kinase C (PKC), two of the main regulator in PC, to the effect of AP4A. Isolated buffer-perfused rat hearts were subjected to 20 min of global ischemia (37 degrees C) and 20 min of reperfusion. Three cycles of 1-min ischemia and 3-min reperfusion induced PC. Chemicals were administrated for 2 min before 20 min of ischemia. AP4A (10 microM) administration was as effective as PC in improving the recovery of post-ischemic contractile function and reducing creatine kinase leakage after reperfusion, whereas adenosine (10 and 100 microM) have not effect. AP4A had not effect on reperfusion-induced arrhythmia, whereas PC significantly prevented it. These effects of AP4A and PC were reversed by co-administration of glibenclimade (KATP channel blocker, 100 microM) and GF109203X (PKC inhibitor, 10 microM); the effects of AP4A but not PC were reversed by co-administration of reactive blue (P2yR antagonist, 13 nM). AP4A appears to activate the KATP channel and PKC via P2yR mimic the effects of PC in part. The role of P2yR indicated that trigger mechanism of the effect of PC and AP4A administration might differ in rat hearts.

The significance of serum homocysteine levels in diabetic patients on haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic diseases are the major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients on haemodialysis (HD). Furthermore, the prognosis of diabetic patients on HD is especially poor due to atherosclerotic complications. Because homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur-containing amino acid, is emerging as an important risk factor for atherosclerosis in patients with end-stage renal disease, we examined the significance of serum Hcy levels in diabetic patients on HD.

METHODS

We measured total serum Hcy levels (tHcy) in 31 patients with diabetes mellitus on HD (DM group) and 37 non-diabetic patients on HD (N group), adjusting for age and HD duration. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlation of multiple variables to tHcy.

RESULTS

The proportion of atherosclerotic disease in the DM group was significantly higher than in the N group. However, serum tHcy, serum creatinine and per cent creatinine generation rate in the DM group were significantly lower than in the N group. In the DM group, serum tHcy was positively correlated with creatinine, albumin and per cent creatinine generation rate, respectively. This was not the case in the N group.

CONCLUSIONS

The demethylation pathway in methionine metabolism in the liver, which is linked directly to the creatinine generation system, may be disturbed in diabetic patients on HD. This may be the reason why serum tHcy and creatinine in diabetic patients on HD are lower than in non-diabetic patients on HD. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the possibility of an altered relation between serum tHcy and vessel disease when evaluating the atherogenic risk in diabetic patients on HD.

Neutrophil activation in immunoadsorption

Immunoadsorption therapy (IAT) is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Although IAT has been reported to modify humoral immunity by inducing chemokines and activating complements, much remains unknown about the biological effects of IAT on cellular components in peripheral blood. To define the influence of IAT on leukocytes, we determined leukocyte L-selectin (CD62L) and Mac-1 (CD11b) as parameters for activation of leukocytes in peripheral blood during IAT. Peripheral leukocyte L-selectin and Mac-1 were determined continuously by flow cytometry in 6 patients with neuroimmunological disorders in whom IAT was conducted using a Plasma Flow OP-05 (Asahi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan) as a plasma separator and Immusorba TR-350 (Asahi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan) as an adsorption column. Expression of neutrophils (PMN) L-selectin was decreased 30 min after starting IAT, with the decreases particularly marked at the end of IAT, while expression of mononuclear cells (MNC) L-selectin slightly increased during IAT. Expression of PMN Mac-1 was markedly increased at the end of IAT, whereas expression of MNC Mac-1 did not change during IAT. Leukocyte counts decreased 30 min after starting IAT, and then increased to the initial level or higher in parallel with L-selectin downregulation and Mac-1 upregulation on PMN. L-selectin downregulation and Mac-1 upregulation on PMN suggested that activation of PMN associated with changes in peripheral leukocyte counts occurred during IAT and might play some role in modulating the human circulating blood and immune systems.

Combined action of two transcription factors regulates genes encoding spore coat proteins of Bacillus subtilis

During sporulation of Bacillus subtilis, spore coat proteins encoded by cot genes are expressed in the mother cell and deposited on the forespore. Transcription of the cotB, cotC, and cotX genes by final sigma(K) RNA polymerase is activated by a small, DNA-binding protein called GerE. The promoter region of each of these genes has two GerE binding sites. 5' deletions that eliminated the more upstream GerE site decreased expression of lacZ fused to cotB and cotX by approximately 80% and 60%, respectively but had no effect on cotC-lacZ expression. The cotC-lacZ fusion was expressed later during sporulation than the other two fusions. Primer extension analysis confirmed that cotB mRNA increases first during sporulation, followed by cotX and cotC mRNAs over a 2-h period. In vitro transcription experiments suggest that the differential pattern of cot gene expression results from the combined action of GerE and another transcription factor, SpoIIID. A low concentration of GerE activated cotB transcription by final sigma(K) RNA polymerase, whereas a higher concentration was needed to activate transcription of cotX or cotC. SpoIIID at low concentration repressed cotC transcription, whereas a higher concentration only partially repressed cotX transcription and had little effect on cotB transcription. DNase I footprinting showed that SpoIIID binds strongly to two sites in the cotC promoter region, binds weakly to one site in the cotX promoter, and does not bind specifically to cotB. We propose that late in sporulation the rising level of GerE and the falling level of SpoIIID, together with the position and affinity of binding sites for these transcription factors in cot gene promoters, dictates the timing and level of spore coat protein synthesis, ensuring optimal assembly of the protein shell on the forespore surface.

Neurocalcin-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglion provide myelinated innervation to the tooth pulp and periodontal ligament

The distribution of neurocalcin-immunoreactive (NC-ir) primary sensory neurons was examined in the trigeminal ganglion (TG), mesencephalic trigeminal tract nucleus (Mes5) and intraoral structures. NC-ir primary sensory neurons were located in the TG but not the Mes5. The coexpression study demonstrated that virtually all NC-ir TG neurons exhibited S100-immunoreactivity (-ir). In the tooth pulp, NC-ir nerve fibers were observed in the subodontoblastic and odontoblastic layers. Immunoelectron microscopic and retrograde tracing methods revealed that myelinated pulpal axons derived from the TG mostly exhibited the ir. In the periodontal ligament, bush-like endings showed NC-ir. These endings were morphologically identical to Ruffini-like endings. The present study suggests that NC-ir trigeminal primary sensory neurons have their cell bodies in the TG. Their peripheral axons are probably myelinated. Such neurons include pulpal nociceptors and low-threshold mechanoreceptors.

P-selectin monoclonal antibody may attenuate the whole body inflammatory response induced by cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to induce an inflammatory response in association with neutrophil mediated lung injury. P-Selectin has been reported to be involved in the initiation of this inflammatory response by promoting the adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells in postcapillary venules. However, the role of P-selectin in the inflammatory response induced by CPB has never been clarified. To elucidate its role, we evaluated the effect of an anti-rat specific P-selectin monoclonal antibody (ARP2-4; Sumitomo Pharmaceutical) on the response of inflammatory cytokines and lung injury in a rat-CPB model. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent CPB for 30 minutes (80 ml/kg per minute, 34 degrees C) under one of two conditions. In group P, ARP2-4 (3 mg/kg) was added to the priming solution of the bypass circuit (n = 10). Saline alone was given to group C (n = 10). Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin[IL]-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8) and respiratory index (RI) as a marker of pulmonary gas-exchange ability were measured 1) before the initiation of CPB, 2) at the termination of CPB, and 3) 2 hours after the termination of CPB. Neither TNF-alpha nor IL-1beta was detected during the experimental period in either group. The plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 increased after CPB in both groups, but they were significantly lower in group P than in group C. The RI value increased in a pattern similar to that of the inflammatory cytokines and was significantly lower in group P. These data demonstrate that the addition of an anti-rat specific monoclonal antibody inhibits the abnormal release of inflammatory cytokines and attenuates CPB induced lung injury in rats. Thus, P-selectin may play a role in the augmentation of CPB induced inflammatory response, and the use of its inhibitory monoclonal antibody seems to be a promising strategy for the treatment of CPB induced lung injury.

Comparative ultrastructure of eggs in Echinostoma paraensei, E. caproni, and E. trivolvis (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

The 37-collar-spined echinostomes Echinostoma paraensei, E. caproni, and E. trivolvis are digeneans that live in the intestine of small mammals and birds. Comparative studies of the eggs of these species were done using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The egg of E. caproni was the largest of the three species studied, whereas the egg of E. trivolvis was the smallest in both length and width. The SEM study showed differences in the aboperculum region of the eggs in all three species. The TEM study showed that the eggshell of all three species consisted of three layers, but no difference in eggshell structure was observed in any species.

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support with heparin-coated circuits in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Efficacy and comparison with left heart bypass

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, a simplified form of venoarterial bypass, using totally heparin-coated circuits, has recently come into clinical use. To clarify its efficacy in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock to aid weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, we compared results of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support with those of left heart bypass using a centrifugal pump.

METHODS

We reviewed 18 patients treated between 1991 and 1998 who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. Nine were aided by totally heparin-coated percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS group), and 9 supported by left heart bypass using a centrifugal pump (LHB group). In both groups, activated clotting time was controlled at 150-200 seconds using minimal doses of heparin as needed.

RESULTS

Weaning and survival rates were higher in the PCPS group than in the LHB group (100% vs 55.6%, and 66.7% vs 22.2%). The PCPS group had a smaller amount of blood loss and needed a smaller amount of blood components in the immediate postoperative period. One percutaneous cardiopulmonary support patient required surgical re-exploration for postoperative bleeding (11.1%), but no clinical thromboembolic event occurred in the PCPS group. In the LHB group, 5 patients underwent surgical re-exploration for postoperative bleeding (55.6%), and 2 underwent thrombus extirpation in the left ventricle (22.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study was retrospective and historical backgrounds could have been involved, our data suggest that totally heparin-coated percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system appears more effective as an aid to weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and in short-term circulatory support for patients in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

Osteopontin-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons in the rat spinal and trigeminal nervous systems

1200 micrometer(2) and 9% of those in the range 600-1200 micrometer(2) showed the immunoreactivity (ir). DRG neurons <600 micrometer(2)800 micrometer(2) showed the ir and 21% of those in the range 400-800 micrometer(2) were immunoreactive for this protein. TG neurons <400 micrometer(2) were mostly devoid of OPN-ir (2%). Virtually all (99%) Mes5 primary sensory neurons exhibited the ir. Muscle spindles in the soleus and masseter muscles contained OPN-ir spiral axon terminals. In the hard palate and incisor periodontal ligament, unencapsulated corpuscular endings exhibited the ir. The co-expression of OPN with parvalbumin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was also examined in the DRG and TG. In the DRG, virtually all (97%) OPN-ir neurons exhibited parvalbumin-ir. Conversely, 66% of parvalbumin-ir DRG neurons co-expressed OPN-ir. In the TG, 81% of OPN-ir neurons exhibited parvalbumin-ir and 69% of parvalbumin-ir ones showed OPN-ir. Virtually all OPN-ir DRG and TG neurons were devoid of CGRP-ir. The present study indicates that OPN-ir primary sensory neurons in the DRG and Mes5 are spinal and trigeminal proprioceptors. OPN-ir TG neurons appear to include low-threshold mechanoreceptors.

Puralpha, a single-stranded DNA binding protein, suppresses the enhancer activity of cAMP response element (CRE)

Puralpha, a single-stranded DNA binding protein, recognizes a PUR element (GGN repeat). We have reported that Puralpha binds to a single-stranded oligonucleotide probe containing the cAMP response element (CRE) of rat somatostatin gene using a gel mobility shift assay. Here, we showed that Puralpha binds to the probe only in the presence of a PUR element by a more detailed characterization. We also examined the effects of Puralpha on the enhancer activity of the somatostatin CRE in PC12 cells using the reporter gene assay. Transfected Puralpha suppressed the CRE enhancer activity stimulated by forskolin (which increases intracellular cAMP), but suppression was not observed when the PUR element was deleted. The neurite extension induced by forskolin was inhibited by the transfection of Puralpha, but that by NGF was not suppressed. The c-fos mRNA induced by forskolin, but not by NGF, was also suppressed by Puralpha transfection. These results indicate that Puralpha suppresses the biological activities induced by forskolin, but not by NGF, in PC12 cells and that Puralpha could interfere with a cAMP-CRE signal pathway.

Endothelial cells exposed to anoxia/reoxygenation are hyperadhesive to T-lymphocytes: kinetics and molecular mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the time-course of T-lymphocyte adhesion to monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) that were exposed to 60 min of anoxia followed by 24 h of reoxygenation, and 2) define the mechanisms responsible for the hyperadhesivity of postanoxic HUVEC to human T-lymphocytes.

METHODS

Human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes were isolated from heparinized peripheral blood. T-lymphocytes were obtained by negative selection using a MACS column. HUVEC monolayers were exposed to anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R), and then reacted with 51Cr -labeled T-lymphocytes in adhesion assays.

RESULTS

A/R leads to an increased adhesion of T-lymphocytes to HUVEC monolayers, with peak responses occurring at 8 h after reoxygenation. This adhesion response was largely attributed to the CD4+ T-cell subset. The hyperadhesivity of A/R-exposed HUVEC was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies directed against either LFA-1, VLA-4, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1, indicating a contribution of these adhesion molecules and their ligands. Moreover, T-cell hyperadhesivity was attenuated by anti- IL-8. consistent with a role for this chemokine in the adhesion response. Protein synthesis inhibitors (actinomycin D and cycloheximide) as well as chemical inhibitors of (and binding ds-oligonucleotides to) NFkappaB and AP-1 significantly attenuated the A/R-induced T-lymphocyte adhesion responses. The kinetics of VCAM-1 on post-anoxic HUVEC correlated with the T-lymphocyte adhesion response.

CONCLUSIONS

A/R elicits a T-lymphocyte-endothelial cell adhesion response that involves transcription-dependent surface expression of VCAM-1.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Robinia pseudoacacia

ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA: (black locust) plants were regenerated after co-cultivation of stem and leaf segments with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 (pMP90) that harbored a binary vector that included genes for β-glucuronidase (GUS) and hygromycin phosphotransferase. Successful transformation was confirmed by the ability of stem and leaf segments to produce calli in the presence of hygromycin, by histochemical and fluorometric assays of GUS activity in plant tissues, and by Southern blotting analysis. In this transformation system, about 2 months were required for regeneration of transgenic plants from stem and leaf segments. The frequency of transformation from stem segments was approximately 24%, and the morphology of regenerated plants resembled that of the original parental strain.

Gadolinium neutron-capture therapy using novel gadopentetic acid-chitosan complex nanoparticles: in vivo growth suppression of experimental melanoma solid tumor

The potential of gadolinium neutron-capture therapy (Gd-NCT) for cancer was evaluated using chitosan nanoparticles as a novel gadolinium device. The nanoparticles, incorporating 1200 microg of natural gadolinium, were administered intratumorally twice in mice bearing subcutaneous B16F10 melanoma. The thermal neutron irradiation was performed for the tumor site, with the fluence of 6. 32x10(12) neutrons/cm(2), 8 h after the second gadolinium administration. After the irradiation, the tumor growth in the nanoparticle-administered group was significantly suppressed compared to that in the gadopentetate solution-administered group, despite radioresistance of melanoma and the smaller Gd dose than that administered in past Gd-NCT trials. This study demonstrated the potential usefulness of Gd-NCT using gadolinium-loaded nanoparticles.

The effect of neonatal capsaicin on the c-Fos-like immunoreactivity induced in subnucleus oralis neurons by noxious intraoral stimulation

The noxious stimulus-dependent induction of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) in neurons in the subnucleus oralis and the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) was significantly suppressed by the selective destruction of unmyelinated primary neurons. The induction of Fos-LI by topical capsaicin application to the lingual mucosal stimulation was almost completely suppressed by neonatal capsaicin treatment. Fos-LI induction by the tooth pulp stimulation and by formalin injection to the lingual mucosa were only partially reduced. These results provide an evidence that the noxious signals from the intraoral structures are transmitted by both unmyelinated and myelinated nociceptors to the subnucleus oralis as well as the MDH.

Influence of seat characteristics on occupant motion in low-speed rear impacts

To analyze the effect of the seat characteristics on dummy motions and human volunteer motions, sled tests simulating low-speed rear impacts were conducted with some seats which had different characteristics. Volunteer's cervical vertebral motions were photographed with an X-ray cineradiographic system at a speed of 90 frames/s as well as the visible motions of dummy's and volunteer's were recorded. Although the tests were conducted under limited conditions, the results indicated the relationship between the occupant's visible motions, which are assumed to be closely related to the whiplash injury mechanism, and seat characteristics. It should be noted that the volunteer sled tests were discussed and approved by the Tsukuba University Ethics Committee and the volunteer submitted his informed consent in writing in line with the Helsinki Declaration.

Studies of the metabolism of alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers in rats using [5-methyl-(14)C]SRR- and RRR-alpha-tocopherol

We investigated the distribution and metabolism of SRR-alpha-tocopherol (SRR-alpha-Toc), synthetic alpha-Toc compared with RRR-alpha-Toc, in rats after a single oral administration of 2 mg (20 microCi) SRR- and RRR-alpha-[5-methyl-(14)C]Toc. In the liver, there was no difference in the recovery of radioactivity until 12 h after administration, and it reached a maximum of 4.4% of the dose after 12 h, but in other tissues, radioactivity derived from RRR-alpha-Toc was clearly higher than that derived from SRR-alpha-Toc after 12 h. For 96 h after administration, urinary excretions of SRR-alpha-Toc were 7.8% of the dose and significantly greater than that of RRR-alpha-Toc, which was 1.3% of the dose. On the other hand, total fecal excretions of SRR- and RRR-alpha-Toc were 87.6% and 83.0%, respectively. Therefore, radioactivity in the urine was assumed to have transferred out of the liver. Furthermore, the urine samples were hydrolyzed with 3 N methanolic HCl and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that about 73% of the total radioactivity injected into HPLC was found to be 2,5,7, 8-tetramethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxy chroman (alpha-CEHC), as well as RRR-alpha-Toc. Thus, there is no difference between SRR-alpha-Toc and RRR-alpha-Toc in metabolic pathways, and it is suggested that SRR-alpha-Toc discriminated in the liver is rapidly metabolized by the liver and excreted as the conjugate of alpha-CEHC in the urine.

The significance of atherogenic indices in patients on hemodialysis

Atherosclerotic diseases (ASD) are the major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients on hemodialysis (HD). To evaluate the significance and usefulness of atherogenic indices, we examined lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), remnant-like particles cholesterol (RLP.C), homocysteine (Hcy), cardiac troponin T (TnT), and ankle-arm blood pressure index (AABI) in 114 patients on HD (male 79, female 35; age 62.1 +/- 1.3 years). As a result, serum cardiac TnT and AABI levels in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 33) were significantly higher than those in patients without DM (n = 81). In patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), serum levels of both RLP.C and Hcy, and AABI levels were significantly higher than those in patients without CVD. In patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD), serum cardiac TnT and AABI levels were significantly higher than those in patients without CAD. In patients with peripheral vascular diseases (PVD), serum levels of both Hcy and cardiac TnT were significantly higher than those in patients without PVD. Multiple regression analysis did show that the presence of DM, serum Hcy levels and age were independent factors as- sociated with ASD: ASD = -0.348 + 0.426 x DM (scored: 0, absence; 1, presence) + 0.005 x Hcy (nmol/ml) + 0. 010 x Age (years) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the presence of DM and advanced age are major determinants for atherosclerosis. In addition, serum Hcy levels are independent risk factors for atherosclerosis irrespective of the absence of DM.

[Successful total gastrectomy of gastric cancer in a congenital factor V deficient patient]

Congenital factor V deficiency is a very rare hereditary coagulation disorder. Total gastrectomy in a patient with factor V deficiency has not been reported in Japan. A 71-year-old woman visited our hospital because of gastric cancer and gallbladder stone. A preoperative screening examination revealed severe anemia, prolonged prothrombin time (35.1 sec.) and activated partial thromboplastin time (109.8 sec.) The value of factor V was 8%. Her parents had a consanguineous marriage. The level of factor V in her two children and a grandchild were lower than the normal limit. We transfused fresh blood and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) preoperatively in order to improve anemia and prothrombin time and activated thromboplastin time. Operating carefully with transfused FFP and fresh blood, we performed total gastrectomy with cholecystectomy successfully. There was no serious tendency to hemorrhage during the operation and the postoperative period. Enough FFP should be transfused during the pre- and postoperative period, paying attention to pulmonary or cardiac failure in elderly patients. Postoperatively, during FFP should be used for 3-10 day with under careful observation of wound bleeding.

Effect of vitamin E on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

We investigated the effect of vitamin E on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and were fed for 20 weeks with a diet containing <0.1 mg/100 g of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E-deficient), 2 mg/100 g of alpha-tocopherol (normal and vitamin E-sufficient), or 50 mg/100 g of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E-supplemented). In vitamin E-deficient rats, oral administration of aspirin (200 mg/kg) plus HCI created more severe hemorrhagic erosions than in other rats. Vitamin E-deficient rats had higher levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, myeloperoxidase activity, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant in the gastric mucosa. Flow cytometry showed that CD18 expression on stimulated neutrophils was higher in vitamin E-deficient rats than in vitamin E-supplemented rats. These results suggest that vitamin E protects against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and accumulation of activated neutrophils.

Developmental dependency of Meissner corpuscles on trkB but not trkA or trkC

The distribution of S100-immunoreactive (ir) corpuscular endings was examined in the palate of wildtype and knockout mice for trkA, trkB or trkC. In wildtype mice, S100-ir corpuscular endings were abundant at the top of palatal rugae. The endings contained 2-4 parallel arrays of S100-ir neurites. The distribution of S100-ir nerve endings in trkA and trkC knockout mice was similar to that in wildtype mice; S100-ir corpuscular endings were abundant in palates of the mutant mice. In trkB knockout mice, the palate was devoid of corpuscular endings, An immunoelectron microscopic method indicated that S100-ir corpuscular endings were identical to Meissner corpuscles. The normal development of Meissner corpuscles is probably dependent on trkB but not trkA or trkC.

[Synchronous primary triple cancers including the lung, stomach, and thyroid: a case report]

A 62-year-old man with synchronous multiple primary cancers involving the lung, stomach, and thyroid was admitted. Initially the patient's chest X-ray showed an abnormal shadow in the right middle-lobe indicating lung cancer. During preoperative examination, gastric cancer of the antrum and angle were detected. Excisional biopsy of the lymph node in the neck after chest surgery revealed thyroid cancer. A middle lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed for lung cancer and the histological diagnosis was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, pT4N2M0, stage IIIB. Gastric cancer was treated by endoscopic mucosal resection. Considering the relatively better prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer, we concluded that no further treatment to the thyroid lesion was necessary. In Japan, according to autopsy reports, triple primary cancers are gradually increasing. During the periods 1994 to 1996, the incidence of triple cancers was 0.81% of all autopsy cases reported.

Proprioceptive afferents survive in the masseter muscle of trkC knockout mice

Peripheral innervation patterns of proprioceptive afferents from dorsal root ganglia and the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus were assessed in trkC-deficient mice using immunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 and parvalbumin. In trkC knockout mice, spinal proprioceptive afferents were completely absent in the limb skeletal muscles, M. biceps femoris and M. gastrocnemius, as previously reported. In these same animals, however, proprioceptive afferents from mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus innervated masseter muscles and formed primary endings of muscle spindles. Three wild-type mice averaged 35.7 spindle profiles (range: 31-41), six heterozygotes averaged 32.3 spindles (range: 27-41), and four homozygotes averaged 32.8 spindles (range: 26-42). Parvalbumin and Nissl staining of the brain stem showed approximately 50% surviving mesencephalic trigeminal sensory neurons in trkC-deficient mice. TrkC-/- mice (n = 5) had 309.4 +/- 15.9 mesencephalic trigeminal sensory cells versus 616.5 +/- 26.3 the sensory cells in trkC+/+ mice (n = 4). These data indicate that while mesencephalic trigeminal sensory neurons are significantly reduced in number by trkC deletion, they are not completely absent. Furthermore, unlike their spinal counterparts, trigeminal proprioceptive afferents survive and give rise to stretch receptor complexes in masseter muscles of trkC knockout mice. This indicates that spinal and mesencephalic trigeminal proprioceptive afferents have different neurotrophin-supporting system during survival and differentiation. It is likely that one or more other neurotrophin receptors expressed in mesencephalic trigeminal proprioceptive neurons of trkC knockout mice compensate for the lack of normal neurotrophin-3 signaling through trkC.

A novel positively thermosensitive controlled-release microcapsule with membrane of nano-sized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel dispersed in ethylcellulose matrix

A positively thermosensitive drug-release microcapsule (MC) with diameter around 100 microm was designed and its preparation was carried out by using an air suspension coating technique (the Wurster process). The MC had a core layered with carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (CCSS, a water-soluble model drug) particles and a thermosensitive coat composed of an ethylcellulose matrix containing nano-sized thermosensitive hydrogels. The hydrogel particles consisted of a newly synthesized composite latex with a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm)) shell that could reversibly change the shell thickness in water with response to an environmental temperature change. This MC demonstrated a positively thermosensitive drug release: the release rate was remarkably enhanced at temperatures above a lower gel collapse point (temperature for complete deswelling) of 32 degrees C, suggesting that the shrinkage of poly(NIPAAm) shells most likely created many voids in the coat and thereby imparted the higher water-permeability to the coat. Thermosensitivity of drug release highly depended on the composite latex particle content in the coat. It became most distinct when its content reached 12.5 and 15 wt%. In addition, it was found that the present MC membrane made it possible to obtain an 'on-off' pulsatile release, which could alter the release rate in the order of a minute, in response to stepwise temperature changes between 30 and 50 degrees C.

Biodistribution of gadolinium incorporated in lipid emulsions intraperitoneally administered for neutron-capture therapy with tumor-bearing hamsters

Emulsions containing a distearylamide (Gd-DTPA-SA) or a distearylester (Gd-DTPA-SE) of Gd (gadolinium)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) were intraperitoneally injected in Greene's melanoma-bearing hamsters at a dose of 2.0 ml (3.0 or 6.0 mg Gd) per hamster. In the standard-Gd and high-Gd formulations used, the weight ratios of soybean oil, water, Gd-DTPA derivative (Gd-DTPA-SA or Gd-DTPA-SE), hydrogenated L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk (HEPC) and co-surfactant (HCO-60, Myrj 53, Myrj 59 or Brij 700) were 7.36:92:1:2:3 and 7.36:92:2:1:3, respectively. When the effects of the co-surfactants on the biodistribution of Gd from Gd-DTPA-SA-containing emulsions in the standard-Gd formulation were compared, the HCO-60 emulsion exhibited the highest Gd accumulation in tumors, possibly resulting from its fast and complete absorption, its small particle size (78 nm) and the stable coat on the particle surfaces with polyoxyethylene. Brij 700 emulsion kept the highest blood Gd concentration for a prolonged period, possibly due to particle properties similar to those of HCO-60. However, it exhibited a slower Gd accumulation in tumors, only reaching an identical level, in comparison with the HCO-60 emulsion. This suggested the tumor to be saturated with lipid particles. When Gd-DTPA-SE was used instead of Gd-DTPA-SA, its HCO-60 emulsion exhibited only very poor Gd-accumulation due to its easy degradation. The HCO-60 emulsion particles containing Gd-DTPA-SA in the high-Gd formulation (6.0 mg Gd in 2 ml) exhibited in vivo behavior identical to those in the standard-Gd formulation; then the Gd level in tumors reached 107 micrograms Gd/g tumor (wet), and the tumor:blood (T/B) and tumor:skin (T/Sk) Gd concentration ratios were 13.2 and 5.6, respectively, at 48 h after intraperitoneal administration. These results suggest that when intraperitoneally administered, this HCO-60 emulsion, and possibly also the corresponding Brij 700 emulsion, may be an excellent delivery system for accumulating Gd in tumors in neutron-capture therapy (NCT).

Chitosan-gadopentetic acid complex nanoparticles for gadolinium neutron-capture therapy of cancer: preparation by novel emulsion-droplet coalescence technique and characterization

PURPOSE

The gadopentetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Gd-nanoCPs) were prepared for gadolinium neutron-capture therapy (Gd-NCT) and characterized and evaluated as a device for intratumoral (i.t.) injection.

METHODS

Gd-nanoCPs were prepared by a novel emulsion-droplet coalescence technique. The effects of the deacetylation degree of chitosan and Gd-DTPA concentration in chitosan medium on the particle size and the gadolinium content in Gd-nanoCPs were examined. In vitro Gd-DTPA release from Gd-nanoCPs was evaluated using an isotonic phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS, pH 7.4) and human plasma. In vivo Gd-DTPA retention in the tumor after i.t. injection of Gd-nanoCPs was estimated on mice bearing s.c. B16F10 melanoma.

RESULTS

Gd-nanoCPs with the highest Gd content, which were obtained using 100% deacetylated chitosan in 15% Gd-DTPA aqueous solution, were 452 nm in diameter and 45% in Gd-DTPA content. A lower deacetylation degree of chitosan led to an increase in particle size and a decrease in Gd-DTPA content in Gd-nanoCPs. As Gd-DTPA concentration in the chitosan solution increased, Gd-DTPA content in Gd-nanoCPs increased but the particle size did not vary. Gd-DTPA loaded to Gd-nanoCPs was hardly released over 7 days in PBS (1.8%) despite the high water solubility of Gd-DTPA. In contrast, 91% of Gd-DTPA was released in plasma over 24 hours. When Gd-nanoCPs were i.t. injected, 92% of Gd-DTPA injected effectually without outflow was held in the tumor tissue for 24 hours, which was different from the case of gadopentetate solution injection (only 1.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Gd-nanoCPs highly incorporating Gd-DTPA were successfully prepared by the emulsion-droplet coalescence technique. Their releasing properties and their ability for long-term retention of Gd-DTPA in the tumor indicated that Gd-nanoCPs might be useful as an i.t. injectable device for Gd-NCT.

Extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis in an octogenarian. A case report

An 86-year-old woman with myasthenia gravis successfully underwent an extended thymectomy. The patient had a 2-year history of generalized myasthenia and had limited response to anticholinesterases and steroids. An extended thymectomy was successfully performed in the usual fashion. The postoperative course was uneventful except for an episode of psychosis probably due to postoperative steroid therapy. The steroid dosage was gradually reduced to 5 mg/day over seven months after the operation, during which she became fully asymptomatic. No symptoms due to myasthenia have surfaced for over 2 years after surgery. Although elderly patients are usually considered to be less responsive to an operation, thymectomy may sometimes be the treatment of choice for myasthenia gravis even in octogenarians.

Peptide 19-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons in the rat trigeminal ganglion

Peptide 19-immunoreactivity (PEP 19-IR) was examined in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) of the adult rat. A half of TG neurons were immunoreactive(IR) for PEP 19. PEP 19-IR neurons were mostly medium-sized to large. 66% of TG neurons > 600 microm(2) and 38% of those in the range 300-600 microm(2) showed the IR. TG neurons <300 microm(2) were mostly devoid of PEP 19-IR (86%). A double immunofluorescence method revealed the coexpression of PEP 19 and calcium-binding proteins. 31% and 16% of PEP 19-IR neurons exhibited parvalbumin- and calbindin D-28k-IRs, respectively. Conversely, a half of parvalbumin- (53%) and calbindin D-28k-IR (55%) neurons coexpressed PEP 19-IR. PEP 19-IR neurons were mostly IR for S100 (91%) and 80% of S100-IR neurons showed PEP 19-IR. Virtually all (99%) PEP 19-IR neurons were devoid of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-IR. The molar tooth pulp contained PEP 19-IR nerve fibers. In the root pulp, PEP 19-IR nerve fibers projected straight until they reached the coronal pulp. Accompanied by blood vessels, these nerve fibers ascended toward the pulp horn. They formed nerve plexuses in the subodontoblastic layer, and reached the base of the odontoblastic layer. However, PEP 19-IR nerve fibers could not be observed within the odontoblastic layer, predentine or dentine. The distribution of these nerve fibers was similar to that of parvalbumin-IR ones. In the TG, PEP 19-IR was found in 34% of primary sensory neurons retrogradely labeled from the molar tooth pulp. 80% of PEP 19-IR tooth pulp TG neurons coexpressed parvalbumin-IR. An immunoelectron microscopic method revealed that a half of radicular axons showed PEP 19-IR. 80% of myelinated axons exhibited PEP 19-IR, whereas 20% of unmyelinated ones showed the IR. In the subodontoblastic layer, PEP 19-IR nerve fibers mostly lost myelin sheath or Schwann cell ensheathment. At the base of the odontoblastic layer, PEP 19-IR neurites made close contact with odontoblasts. PEP 19-IR nerve endings could not be observed in other oro-facial tissues. The coexpression of PEP 19 and CaBPs suggests that low-threshold mechanoreceptors contain PEP 19-IR in the TG. It is also likely that PEP 19-IR TG neurons include myelinated nociceptors.

The coexistence of TrkA with putative transmitter agents and calcium-binding proteins in the vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons of the adult rat

The presence of the neurotrophin receptor, TrkA, in neurochemically identified vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons of the adult rat was examined. TrkA was colocalized with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), parvalbumin, or calbindin D-28k in neurons of the nodose, petrosal and/or jugular ganglia. In contrast, no TrkA-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in these ganglia colocalized tyrosine hydroxylase-ir. About one-half of the TrkA-ir neurons in the jugular and petrosal ganglia contained CGRP-ir, whereas only a few of the numerous TrkA-ir neurons in the nodose ganglion contained CGRP-ir. Although 43% of the TrkA-ir neurons in the nodose ganglion contained calbindin D-28k-ir, few or no TrkA-ir neurons in the petrosal or jugular ganglia were also labeled for either calcium-binding protein. These data show distinct colocalizations of TrkA with specific neurochemicals in vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons, and suggest that nerve growth factor (NGF), the neurotrophin ligand for TrkA, plays a role in functions of specific neurochemically defined subpopulations of mature vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons.

Formula optimization based on artificial neural networks in transdermal drug delivery

The promoting effect of O-ethylmenthol (MET) on the percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen from alcoholic hydrogels was evaluated in rats in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a novel simultaneous optimization technique incorporating an artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to a design of a ketoprofen hydrogel containing MET. When a small quantity of MET (0.25-0.5%) was added to the hydrogels, the permeation of ketoprofen increased remarkably, compared with the control. On the other hand, little change in permeation was observed when small amounts of menthol were used (<1%), and at least 2% menthol was required to obtain a promoting efficiency comparable with 0.25% MET. The partitioning of ketoprofen from the hydrogel to the skin was improved by the addition of a small amount of MET, whereas the diffusivity of the drug was enhanced at higher concentration of MET (0.5-1%). For the optimization study, the amount of ethanol and MET were selected as causal factors. A rate of penetration (R(p)) and lag time (t(L)) and total irritation score (TIS) were selected as response variables. A set of causal factors and response variables was used as tutorial data for ANN and fed into a computer. Nonlinear relationships between the causal factors and the response variables were represented well with the response surface predicted by ANN. The optimization of the ketoprofen hydrogel was performed according to the generalized distance function method. The observed results of R(p) and TIS, which had a lot of influence on the effectiveness and safety, coincided well the predictions.

Dual transforming activities of the FUS (TLS)-ERG leukemia fusion protein conferred by two N-terminal domains of FUS (TLS)

The FUS (TLS)-ERG chimeric protein associated with t(16;21)(p11;q22) acute myeloid leukemia is structurally similar to the Ewing's sarcoma chimeric transcription factor EWS-ERG. We found that both FUS-ERG and EWS-ERG could induce anchorage-independent proliferation of the mouse fibroblast cell line NIH 3T3. However, only FUS-ERG was able to inhibit the differentiation into neutrophils of a mouse myeloid precursor cell line L-G and induce its granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-dependent growth. We constructed several deletion mutants of FUS-ERG lacking a part of the N-terminal FUS region. A deletion mutant lacking the region between amino acids 1 and 173 (exons 1 to 5) lost the NIH 3T3-transforming activity but retained the L-G-transforming activity. On the other hand, a mutant lacking the region between amino acids 174 and 265 (exons 6 and 7) lost the L-G-transforming activity but retained the NIH 3T3-transforming activity. These results indicate that the N-terminal region of FUS contains two independent functional domains required for the NIH 3T3 and L-G transformation, which we named TR1 and TR2, respectively. Although EWS intrinsically possessed the TR2 domain, the EWS-ERG construct employed lacked the EWS sequence containing this domain. Since the TR2 domain is always found in chimeric proteins identified from t(16;21) leukemia patients but not in chimeric proteins from Ewing's sarcoma patients, it seems that the TR2 function is required only for the leukemogenic potential. In addition, we identified three cellular genes whose expression was altered by ectopic expression of FUS-ERG and found that these are regulated in either a TR1-dependent or a TR2-dependent manner. These results suggest that FUS-ERG may activate two independent oncogenic pathways during the leukemogenic process by modulating the expression of two different groups of genes simultaneously.

Myocardial protection with endogenous overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase

BACKGROUND

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a potent candidate for myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, its clinical significance by means of exogenous administration remains controversial.

METHODS

To determine a role of endogenously overexpressed manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) in myocardial tolerance, rat hearts were transfected with Mn-SOD gene (group M) or no gene (group C) through intracoronary infusion of hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) liposome. Each group was divided into two subgroups to be subjected to ischemia-reperfusion using Langendorff apparatus with (subgroups M+ and C+) or without (M- and C-) administration of recombinant SOD.

RESULTS

Mn-SOD overexpression was confirmed in M with ELISA, activity measurement, and immunohistochemistry. The highest recoveries of maximum and minimum dp/dt and the least creatine phosphokinase (CPK) leakage were observed in M+. These recoveries were higher in M- than in C- and C+.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, endogenous overexpression of Mn-SOD improved myocardial tolerance and its protective effect was enhanced by exogenous administration of SOD. These results suggest a possible strategy for myocardial protection with SOD: a combination of endogenous introduction through gene transfer with exogenous administration.

Probiotic bacteria stimulate gut epithelial cell proliferation in rat

Probiotics are used for various intestinal diseases. However, their effects on gut epithelial cell proliferation have not been investigated. We administered 10(7) colony-forming units of Lactobacillus casei or Clostridium butyricum, or no probiotics (control) by gastric intubation once a day for seven days to rats fed an elemental diet. We estimated the crypt cell production rate of the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and distal colon. We also quantified cecal bacteria. Both probiotics increased the crypt cell production rate of the jejunum and ileum by 25-40%, of the cecum by 70%, and of the distal colon by more than 200% compared with control. Only minor variance in the cecal bacterial composition existed among the three groups. Probiotics enhanced gut epithelial cell proliferation in rats fed an elemental diet.

Osteocalcin-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons in the rat spinal and trigeminal nervous systems

Osteocalcin-immunoreactivity (OC-ir) was examined in spinal and trigeminal primary sensory neurons of the adult rat. Sixteen percent of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were immunoreactive (ir) for this protein. These neurons were mostly large and measured 594-4583 microm(2) (mean+/-S.D.=2243+/-748 microm(2)). Thirty-four percent of DRG neurons >1200 microm(2) and 4% of those in the range 600-1200 microm(2) showed the ir. Virtually all DRG neurons <600 microm(2) were devoid of OC-ir. In the trigeminal ganglion (TG), 25% of neurons exhibited the ir. Such neurons were of various sizes (range=156-2825 microm(2), mean+/-S.D.=1234+/-543 microm(2)). Forty-five percent of TG neurons >800 microm(2) and 6% of those <400 microm(2) were immunoreactive for this protein. Twelve percent of TG neurons in the range 400-800 microm(2) showed the ir. In the mesencephalic trigeminal tract nucleus (Mes5), 63% of primary sensory neurons contained OC-ir. Virtually all OC-ir DRG and Mes5 neurons co-expressed parvalbumin-ir but not CGRP-ir. On the other hand, only 31% of OC-ir neurons co-expressed parvalbumin-ir and 10% co-expressed CGRP-ir in the TG. The present study indicates that DRG and Mes5 primary sensory neurons co-expressing OC- and parvalbumin-irs are spinal and trigeminal proprioceptors. OC-ir TG neurons which co-express parvalbumin- and CGRP-irs appear to include low-threshold mechanoreceptors and nociceptors, respectively.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of neuropeptides in the articular disk of the human temporomandibular joint

The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) was examined in the human temporomandibular articular disk using an indirect immunofluorescent method. All examined neuropeptides were observed in nerve fibers in the disk. These fibers were mostly located in the loose fibrous tissue of the posterior part (posterior attachment) and in the lateral region of the anterior part (anterolateral loose fibrous tissue) of the disk. The posterior attachment and anterolateral loose fibrous tissue occasionally contained isolated nerve fibers which usually showed immunoreactivity (IR) for CGRP or SP. In this tissue, perivascular fibers contained VIP or NPY, whereas isolated fibers and free nerve endings showed the IR for CGRP or SP. These neuropeptides may be involved in the regulation of blood flow and/or pain sensation in the human articular disk of the temporomandibular joint.

Characterization of auxin-binding protein 1 from tobacco: content, localization and auxin-binding activity

There is evidence that auxin-binding protein 1 (ABP1) is an auxin receptor on the plasma membrane. Maize (Zea mays L.) possesses a high level of auxin-binding activity due to ABP1, but no other plant source has been shown to possess such an activity. We have analyzed the ABP1 content of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to examine whether or not the ABP1 content of maize is exceptionally high among plants. The ABP1 content of tobacco leaves was shown by quantitative immunoblot analysis to be between 0.7 and 1.2 microg ABP1 per gram of fresh leaf. This value is comparable to the reported value in maize shoots, indicating that ABP1 is present at a similar level in both monocot and dicot plants. The ABP1 content of tobacco leaves was increased up to 20-fold by expression of a recombinant ABP1 gene, and decreased to half of the original value by expression of the antisense gene. Although ABP1 was found mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum fraction, a secreted protein showing a molecular size and epitopes similar to intracellular ABP1 was also detected in the culture medium of tobacco leaf disks. The secretion of this protein was dependent on the expression level of the ABP1 gene.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction using an external control mRNA for determination of gene expression in a heterogeneous cell population

Gene expression can be evaluated quantitatively by conventional RT-PCR or Northern blotting with the aid of a correction based on the expression of an internal control gene. However, this approach is not suitable for quantitating gene expression in a group of heterogeneous cell subsets, because the internal control gene expression may vary among the subsets. Therefore, we developed a new method for quantitative PCR using rat poly(A)+ RNA as an external control. We used this method to investigate cytokine gene expression in lymph node cells from mice during the induction of contact hypersensitivity. Expression of the murine glyceraldehydephosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, a candidate internal control, was not constant in cells from trinitrochlorobenzene- and vehicle-applied animals, suggesting that GAPDH gene expression changes in heterogeneous lymph node-cell subsets during induction of contact hypersensitivity. Therefore, we decided to use rat GAPDH mRNA as an external control. Cytokine gene expression was measured by quantitative PCR and was corrected based on external rat GAPDH cDNA. The reliability of this quantitative PCR was superior to that of the conventional method with an internal control.

Multiple organ harvesting from a single donor for transplantation. A comparison of simple cooling technique and bypass technique

BACKGROUND

We compared a simple, cooling technique to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technique for multiple organ harvesting (MOH) from a single donor.

METHODS

Adult mongrel dogs were divided into three groups. In the in situ cooling group, the aorta and IVC were first clamped and the hepatic and renal vascular beds were washed out with a cold lactated Ringer's solution. In the peritoneal cooling group, hypothermia was induced using an ice slush in the abdominal cavity, and in the CPB group using CPB. As the esophageal temperature reached 25 degrees C, the liver and kidneys were harvested using the same procedure in all three groups. After the splanchnic perfusion, the heart was harvested while it continued to beat. The heart was preserved for 12 hours, and the liver and kidneys for 24 hours in a cold UW solution. Myocardial high-energy phosphates were measured using 31P-MRS, and the hearts were transplanted. Hepatic vascular beds were flushed during preservation, and the effluent was analyzed. Following kidney transplantation, its function was measured.

RESULTS

There's no significant difference in myocardial high-energy phosphate or in cardiac function after transplantation. During liver preservation, ALT and LDH levels of the effluent were significantly higher in the in situ group than those in other groups. There's no difference following kidney transplantation.

CONCLUSION

The CPB method and peritoneal cooling technique demonstrated stronger early function of hepatic grafts compared with the in situ cooling method. The peritoneal cooling technique is a simpler, safer and more feasible alternative for MOH compared with CPB method, and it may have broad clinical application.

Preparation of gadopentetic acid-loaded chitosan microparticles for gadolinium neutron-capture therapy of cancer by a novel emulsion-droplet coalescence technique

Biodegradable gadopentetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-loaded chitosan microparticles (Gd-microCPs) were prepared as a device for gadolinium neutron-capture therapy (Gd-NCT) by a novel emulsion-droplet coalescence technique: a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion A containing chitosan and Gd-DTPA in droplets and a w/o emulsion B containing NaOH in droplets were mixed and stirred to solidify chitosan as a result of collision and coalescence between droplets of each emulsion. Gd-microCPs prepared by using 100% deacetylated chitosan in 25% Gd-DTPA solution were 4.1 microns (non-lyophilized) and 3.3 microns (lyophilized) in mass median diameter, and were 3.4% in gadolinium content, corresponding to 11.7% as Gd-DTPA. The particle size and gadolinium content of Gd-microCPs were not affected by Gd-DTPA concentration in the chitosan medium. However, the deacetylation degree of chitosan influenced the particle size; as the deacetylation degree of chitosan decreased, the particle size increased. The incorporated Gd-DTPA was not released entirely from Gd-microCPs in an isotonic phosphate buffered saline solution despite the high water-solubility of Gd-DTPA (less than 0.8% with every type of Gd-microCPs). These results indicated that ion-complex formation might be contributable to incorporation of Gd-DTPA. As a preliminary study, it was confirmed that the loss of gamma-ray emission by gadolinium-loading in microparticle was negligible in the thermal neutron irradiation test in vitro. These results suggested that Gd-microCPs could be a useful device for intratumoral injection into solid tumor on Gd-NCT.

Microagglomeration of pulverized pharmaceutical powders using the Wurster process I. Preparation of highly drug-incorporated, subsieve-sized core particles for subsequent microencapsulation by film-coating

A novel agglomeration process of pulverized pharmaceutical powders into subsieve-sized agglomerates (microagglomeration) was designed for manufacturing highly drug-incorporated core particles for subsequent microencapsulation by film-coating. The microagglomeration of pulverized phenacetin powder, whose mass median diameter was 9 microm, was performed by spraying an aqueous colloidal dispersion of acrylic polymer, Eudragit(R) RS30D, as a binding/coating agent using a spouted bed assisted with a draft tube (the Wurster process), and the effect of process variables was examined. An appropriate spray liquid flow rate made it possible to produce microagglomerates of 20-50 microm with 60% yield. However, 10% of the product still survived as particles smaller than 10 microm even at the elevated liquid flow rate. In contrast, the survived particles smaller than 10 microm tended to be predominantly reduced to 2%, while coarse agglomerates larger than 53 microm were not excessively produced, by additionally setting a fixed bed of glass beads in the spouted bed apparatus. The length of the draft tube influenced compaction of the agglomerates as well as their surface-smoothening. Equipping the fixed bed of the glass beads and the long draft tube in the spouted bed allowed us to prepare microagglomerates of 20-50 microm at yield of 55% applicable as highly drug-incorporated, free-flowing, surface-smoothed, narrowly size-distributed core particles for subsequent microencapsulation by film-coating.

Apoptotic cascade of neurons in the subcortical sensory relay nuclei following the neonatal infraorbital nerve transection

A terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was utilized for detection of neuronal death in the subcortical relay nuclei of the trigeminosensory system following the infraorbital nerve transection in newborn rats. At 18-24 h after injury, numerous TUNEL-positive profiles were found within the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) contralateral to the injury, whereas the VPM on the ipsilateral side and of the age-matched normal control contained only a few profiles per section. Electron microscopy revealed that the TUNEL-positive profiles were apoptotic neurons. The ventral part of the ipsilateral brainstem sensory trigeminal nuclear complex (the nucleus principalis, and the subnuclei oralis and interpolaris) exhibited statistically significant 65-70% increase in number of apoptotic neurons compared to the contralateral side. Taken together with our previous study [T. Sugimoto, C. Xiao, H. Ichikawa, Neonatal primary neuronal death induced by capsaicin and axotomy involves an apoptotic mechanism, Brain Res. 807 (1998) 147-154], the present results demonstrated a cascade of apoptosis in the primary, secondary and tertiary order sensory neurons along the neuroaxis.

Effect of selective proteasome inhibitors on TNF-induced activation of primary and transformed endothelial cells

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of two structurally distinct yet selective proteasome inhibitors (PS-341 and lactacystin) on leukocyte adhesion, endothelial cell adhesion molecule (ECAM) expression, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the transformed, HUVEC-derived, ECV cell line. We found that TNF (10 ng/ml) significantly enhanced U-937 and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) adhesion to HUVEC but not to ECV; TNF also significantly enhanced surface expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin (in HUVEC only), as well as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1; in HUVEC and ECV). Pretreatment of HUVEC with lactacystin completely blocked TNF-stimulated PMN adhesion, partially blocked U-937 adhesion, and completely blocked TNF-stimulated ECAM expression. Lactacystin attenuated TNF-stimulated ICAM-1 expression in ECV. Pretreatment of HUVEC with PS-341 partially blocked TNF-stimulated leukocyte adhesion and ECAM expression. These effects of lactacystin and PS-341 were associated with inhibitory effects on TNF-stimulated NF-kappaB activation in both HUVEC and ECV. Our results demonstrate the importance of the 26S proteasome in TNF-induced activation of NF-kappaB, ECAM expression, and leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions in vitro.

[Surgery for mitral regurgitation in children]

In pediatric patients, mitral valve (MV) repair is preferable than MV replacement because of no need for anticoagulation and its feasibility in small children. However, long-term outcome of MV repair is still unclear. In the present study, fifty-two pediatric patients who underwent MV repair (n = 46) and MV replacement (n = 6) against mitral regurgitation (MR) between January 1970 and December 1996 were evaluated. 46 patients had associated diseases. Mitral annuloplasty was applied in 20 patients (by Kay method (n = 14) and Paneth-Burr method (n = 6) before and after 1991, respectively). Freedom from reoperation rate in patients with partial endocardial cushion defect (ECD) was significantly lower than that in other patients after MV repair, which was significantly higher than that in patients with MV replacement. Diameter of mitral annulus grew within normal range after MV repair. In conclusion, MV repair may provide better outcomes with respect to reoperation and growth of MV in pediatric patients except with partial ECD.

Negative regulation by the Bacillus subtilis GerE protein

GerE is a transcription factor produced in the mother cell compartment of sporulating Bacillus subtilis. It is a critical regulator of cot genes encoding proteins that form the spore coat late in development. Most cot genes, and the gerE gene, are transcribed by sigmaK RNA polymerase. Previously, it was shown that the GerE protein inhibits transcription in vitro of the sigK gene encoding sigmaK. Here, we show that GerE binds near the sigK transcriptional start site, to act as a repressor. A sigK-lacZ fusion containing the GerE-binding site in the promoter region was expressed at a 2-fold lower level during sporulation of wild-type cells than gerE mutant cells. Likewise, the level of SigK protein (i. e. pro-sigmaK and sigmaK) was lower in sporulating wild-type cells than in a gerE mutant. These results demonstrate that sigmaK-dependent transcription of gerE initiates a negative feedback loop in which GerE acts as a repressor to limit production of sigmaK. In addition, GerE directly represses transcription of particular cot genes. We show that GerE binds to two sites that span the -35 region of the cotD promoter. A low level of GerE activated transcription of cotD by sigmaK RNA polymerase in vitro, but a higher level of GerE repressed cotD transcription. The upstream GerE-binding site was required for activation but not for repression. These results suggest that a rising level of GerE in sporulating cells may first activate cotD transcription from the upstream site then repress transcription as the downstream site becomes occupied. Negative regulation by GerE, in addition to its positive effects on transcription, presumably ensures that sigmaK and spore coat proteins are synthesized at optimal levels to produce a germination-competent spore.