Determination of ketorolac enantiomers in plasma using enantioselective liquid chromatography on an alpha 1-acid glycoprotein chiral stationary phase and ultraviolet detection

A chirally selective high-performance liquid chromatographic assay was developed to measure the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers of ketorolac in plasma for pharmacokinetic studies. Naproxen sodium [S(+) enantiomer] (10 micrograms) was used as an internal standard. Plasma samples (0.5 ml) were acidified (50 microliters of 4 M H3PO4 to pH 1.5), extracted into 0.4 ml of 10% pentan-2-ol in hexane and back-extracted into 0.15 ml of base (20 mM NaOH pH to 7-8), of which samples (5 microliters) were chromatographed on a 100 x 4 mm I.D. column packed with an HPLC chiral stationary phase based upon immobilized alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (Chiral AGP-CSP) with 4% propan-2-ol in 0.1 M NaH2PO4 pH 5.5, at 0.9 ml/min. Detection was at 325 nm and run time was 10 min. Retention times of R- and S-ketorolac and of S(+)-naproxen were 3.3, 4.8 and 6.4 min, respectively. The metabolite p-hydroxyketorolac was not resolved enantiomerically and had a retention time of 2.2 min. The assay was linear over the range 0.5-10 mg/l, with precisions < 5% C.V. Good separations (alpha > 1.35) and resolutions (Rs > 3.23) between peaks were achieved. The sensitivity could be extended to 35 micrograms/l with less precision by increasing the injection volume to 100 microliters.

Studies on hyperthermic solidification as a supplement to surgical resection in the treatment of 39 advanced cases of liver cancer

Localized hyperthermic solidification therapy employs a high temperature of around 65 degrees C to induce biological heat effects for the solidification and inactivation of the cells of visceral cancers without affecting the physiological processes of the body or any of the viscera. This technique was used in combination with surgical resection to treat 39 moderately or far advanced cases of liver cancer and quite satisfactory results were obtained. The FHCL-92B localized hyperthermic solidification apparatus, designed and manufactured under the supervision of the authors, was preliminarily put into clinical use and exhibited its efficiency. It is believed that, if the technique of localized hyperthermic solidification is introduced more widely into the field of cancer surgery for internal organs, it will be of benefit to prevent iatrogenic metastases and to promote the efficacy of cancer surgery.

The morbidity and mortality associated with childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus

From 1977 till 1991, the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made on 137 children aged 18 years or under in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The medical records were reviewed and the clinical data were analysed with emphasis on the morbidity and mortality of this disease. The clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar to the findings from most other reports. Renal failure accounted for 8% of the initial presentation. The non-infectious complications were, in the order of frequencies, hypertension, avascular necrosis of femoral head, cataract, encephalopathy, and venous thrombosis. Sepsis, cutaneous infection and urinary tract infection were the frequently encountered infectious complications. The major causes of death in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus were sepsis (42%) and renal failure (30.7%). Forty patients were lost to follow-up. The 5-year survival rate, calculated by life-table, was 76.3%.

Gene synthesis and functional expression of a protein exhibiting monodomain IgG Fc binding

A gene encoding a bacterial IgG Fc binding domain was designed and synthesized. The synthetic DNA fragment was cloned 3' to an inducible trpE promoter such that expression of the gene in Escherichia coli produced abundant Fc binding protein fused to the first seven amino acids of the trpE protein. The recombinant protein contained a single Fc binding domain and demonstrated efficient binding to human IgG in Western blot analysis. This protein degraded rapidly following cell lysis in the absence of protease inhibitors, but could be effectively protected by the addition of protease inhibitor. After purification of the protein by IgG affinity chromatography, IgG Fc binding ability was retained for at least 24 h at either 23 or 37 degrees C and on heating for 15 min at temperatures up to 65 degrees C. No immunoprecipitation was observed in interactions between the monodomain Fc binding protein and IgG molecules. Unlike staphylococcal protein A, no detectable binding of the monodomain IgG Fc binding protein was observed to either IgM or IgA. Truncated proteins, expressed from a series of 3' deletions of the synthetic gene, were used to estimate the minimum portion of a monodomain Fc binding protein that retained Fc binding ability.

Pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity of a novel isonucleoside, BMS-181165, against simian varicella virus infection in African green monkeys

A novel nucleoside analog BMS-181165 with potent activity against varicella-zoster virus was tested for efficacy in a simian varicella virus infection in African green monkeys. BMS-181165 was effective in preventing the development of a rash, decreasing the development of viremia and preventing death in infected monkeys when administered orally at 4, 16 or 64 mg/kg/day. The compound is well orally absorbed in monkeys, between 44 to 50% oral bioavailability, and may prove of value in therapy of varicella-zoster infections in humans.

Influence of perfusion flow rate on uptake and pharmacodynamics of quinidine in isolated perfused rat heart

With the single-pass isolated perfused rat heart preparation, we examined the effect of perfusate flow rate on the time course of quinidine output concentration (Cout) and the change in the QT interval (delta QT) on the electrocardiogram. Four hearts were perfused at 5.6 mL/min with quinidine (20 microM) for 25-45 min. This was followed by a 50-min washout period with drug-free perfusate. This procedure was repeated four times in each heart. Using a one-compartment model, the rate constants calculated from the time course of Cout (k) and delta QT (Ke) were similar (p > 0.05) and did not vary among the five phases. A zero-time intercept for Cout indicated shunting of perfusate (1.2-13.6%), from which the coronary output concentration (Ccor) and coronary flow rate were calculated. These experiments were repeated in another six hearts, except flow rates of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 2 mL/min were used in each phase. Equilibration of Cout and delta QT was faster with increasing flow rate, and ke and k were similar at each flow rate (p > 0.05). A modified Kety-Renkin-Crone equation was fitted to values for k and coronary flow rate. The mean permeability surface product estimate was 15.3 +/- 3.0 mL/min/g heart, which in comparison with the highest flow rate used (9 mL/min/g heart) suggests that quinidine has intermediate permeability. The excellent fit obtained indicates that a more complex model, incorporating heterogeneous flows or opening of capillaries at higher flows, was not necessary.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Herpes zoster in infancy after intrauterine exposure to varicella zoster virus: report of two cases

Herpes zoster occurs very rarely in infancy. We report two infants who developed zoster-like lesions at three and seven months of age. They had no history of chickenpox after birth. Both mothers acquired varicella infection during their sixth month of pregnancy. The crops of vesicular rashes appeared in right L1-3 dermatomes in one patient and left V3, C2 dermatomes in the other. Laboratory findings demonstrated a four-fold rise in varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibody in one patient and positive VZV IgM antibody in the other. Both infants received acyclovir treatment and the skin lesions healed rapidly without sequela. In infancy, herpes zoster may be the primary clinical manifestation of reactivation of latent VZV infection acquired transplacentally during intrauterine life.

Albumin decreases myocardial permeability of unbound quinidine in perfused rat heart

With the single-pass, isolated, perfused rat heart preparation, we examined the effect of different perfusate albumin concentrations on the capillary permeability and pharmacodynamic effects of quinidine. Nine hearts were perfused for five consecutive 35-min phases with buffer containing quinidine and albumin concentrations of 0%, 0.1%, 1%, 6% and 0%, in that order, with a 55-min washout between each phase. Compared with 0% albumin perfusate, the equilibrium rate of quinidine perfusate output concentration (Cout) was slower with 0.1% albumin but faster with 1% and 6% albumin. Quinidine Cout, unbound fraction (fu) and perfusion flow rate (Q) for each phase of each experiment were fitted by a modified Kety-Renkin-Crone equation. Estimates of the capillary permeability-surface product (PS) for the two 0% albumin phases (14.4 +/- 5.6 and 12.3 +/- 4.4 ml/min) were significantly higher than those for the three albumin phases (5.3 +/- 1.0, 6.7 +/- 1.2 and 7.4 +/- 2.2 ml/min, respectively; P < .05). There was a direct, linear relationship between lengthening of the QT interval of the ECG and total and unbound quinidine concentrations, but the relationship for unbound concentration was independent of fu, showing that the pharmacodynamic effect was mediated by unbound concentration. In four additional experiments with antipyrine instead of quinidine, PS for the two 0% albumin phases (24.7 +/- 6.5 and 23.2 +/- 2.4 ml/min) was not significantly different than that for the three albumin phases (25.5 +/- 6.1, 22.5 +/- 2.9 and 22.9 +/- 3.6 ml/min, respectively). Albumin had no effect on the volume of distribution referenced to unbound drug for either drug.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate in the treatment of recurrent wheezing in infancy and early childhood

Forty-one children, aged six to 36 months (mean, 23.3 months), with a past history of acute bronchiolitis with or without recurrent wheezing episodes were treated with either a beclomethasone dipropionate metered dose inhaler 150 microgram twice daily, or a placebo for 12 weeks. Aerosols were inhaled through an AeroChamber (Trudell, Canada) using a mask. The patients were followed up biweekly. The two groups were well matched in anthropometric data and frequency of wheezing prior to the study being undertaken. At the end of four to six weeks, the beclomethasone dipropionate treatment group showed a significant improvement in both wheezing and sleep patterns, and systemic steroid therapy was able to be tapered. No significant side effect could be ascribed to this treatment.

Effect of alpha 1-acidglycoprotein on myocardial uptake and pharmacodynamics of quinidine in perfused rat heart

The myocardial uptake and pharmacodynamics of quinidine were examined in the isolated perfused rat heart preparation under conditions of varying concentrations of bovine alpha 1-acidglycoprotein (AAG) in the perfusate. Three hearts were perfused for five consecutive 35 min phases with buffer containing quinidine and AAG in concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.5 and 0 g/L, in that order, with a 55 min washout period between each phase. The equilibration rate constant for the quinidine output concentration increased with increasing AAG concentration, but not as much as predicted by the conventional pharmacokinetic uptake model, which assumes constant capillary permeability among the phases. Estimates of the permeability surface product for the two zero AAG phases (17.7 +/- 1.91 and 19.1 +/- 0.82 mL/min/g) were significantly greater than those for the three AAG phases (8.94 +/- 0.99, 8.70 +/- 0.26, 9.01 +/- 0.26 mL/min/g; P < 0.05). This effect of AAG is the same as that observed previously by us with bovine serum albumin in this same experimental preparation. This suggests that the mechanism of reduced capillary permeability is the same for both proteins, i.e., the formation of a steric barrier to paracellular transport rather than an electrostatic barrier. There was a direct, linear relationship between lengthening of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram and total and unbound quinidine concentrations, but the relationship for unbound concentration was independent of quinidine unbound fraction. Therefore, the electrocardiogram effect of quinidine was directly related to the circulating unbound rather than total drug concentration.

Simple direct injection high-performance liquid chromatographic method to determine quinidine in plasma

High-performance liquid chromatographic methods that use direct injection of plasma include column-switching procedures, modified mobile phases and small-pore modified stationary phases. By using a large-pore (300 A) Selectosil C18 column, developed for the analysis of macromolecules, we have shown that quinidine in plasma and protein solutions can be assayed accurately and rapidly by directly injecting 2 microliters plasma or protein solution onto the column. Column life is not reduced, and the limit of quantitation is 0.01 microM.

Influence of pH on the uptake and pharmacodynamics of quinidine in the isolated perfused rat heart

Using the single-pass isolated perfused rat heart preparation we examined the effect of perfusate pH (pH 7.05, 7.46, 7.71, 7.92) on quinidine output concentration (C(out)) and delta QT. Eight hearts were perfused at 2.5 ml/min. with quinidine (20 microM) for 35 min. followed by a 35-40 min. washout period with drug-free perfusate. This procedure was repeated four times in each preparation with the pH sequence varied and the same pH used in the first and last phases. Increasing pH slowed the rate of equilibration of C(out), the equilibration rate constant (k) decreasing from 0.273 min.-1 at pH 7.05 to 0.095 min.-1 at pH 7.92. A modified Kety-Renkin-Crone equation was fitted to the C(out) versus time data for each pH. The estimated volume of distribution (V) increased significantly with pH from 11.5 +/- 1.1 to 32.5 +/- 2.9 ml/g, but the permeability surface product did not change with pH (mean 17.7 ml/min./g). There was a linear relationship between V and calculated un-ionised quinidine C(out), with an intercept of 5.70 ml/g corresponding to the V of ionised drug. This indicates that ionised and un-ionised drug readily enter the heart and that the slower equilibration with pH is due to the increased V which results from increased partitioning of un-ionised quinidine into myocardial tissue. Perfusion pH did not directly affect baseline QT interval, but the rate of attainment of maximum delta QT decreased with increasing perfusate pH. Plots of delta QT versus calculated coronary output quinidine concentration did not change with pH, showing that this drug effect was due to both ionised and un-ionised moieties. This study shows that myocardial permeability and pharmacodynamic effect (delta QT) of quinidine are not influenced by perfusion pH over the range 7.0 to 7.9, although rate of equilibration of both C(out) and effect vary with pH.

Candida tropicalis fungemia in children with leukemia and lymphoma

Five episodes of fungemias are described; all had occurred in children with leukemia or lymphoma between January 1, 1978 and December 31, 1990. These fungemias comprised 3.4% of the total septicemias encountered during that period. Three episodes occurred during the induction phase and two during relapse. All patients had fever of varying degree and duration. In addition to steroids, all were receiving combination antibiotics before the fungemia had occurred. All patients had severe neutropenia lasting more than one week. Bacteremia preceded fungemia in four patients. Two episodes were diagnosed antemortem. The same species were isolated from other sites in three cases. Fever, chills and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common clinical features; other symptoms included cough, dyspnea, oliguria and azotemia. One patient experienced skin lesion, dysphagia, hoarseness and hemiparesis. Only one patient survived. The prognosis from fungemia in leukemia and lymphoma patients is very poor. Empiric antifungal therapy is indicated in neutropenic patients who have recurrent or persistent fever despite one week of broad spectrum antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment will aid in improving the overall poor outcome of this disease.

Role of ovarian steroids in development of uterine binding sites for prolactin in the ferret

The objectives of this study were to investigate 1) the presence of specific prolactin (PRL) binding sites in the ferret uterus, 2) the uterine location of 125I-labeled ovine PRL (oPRL) binding sites, 3) changes in uterine PRL binding sites during pseudo-pregnancy, and 4) regulation of PRL binding sites by ovarian steroids. Binding was determined through use of 125I-oPRL and 300-800 micrograms of protein from the 50,000 x g particulate fraction. Optimal binding occurred within 6 h at 25 degrees C. Scatchard analysis of saturation data revealed a single set of high-affinity (Kd = 4.99 x 10(-11) +/- 0.88 M), low-capacity (22.76 +/- 1.62 fmol/mg) binding sites. Analysis of hormonal specificity revealed that ovine growth hormone (oGH) cross-reacted with oPRL for the uterine binding sites, displacing 38% of the bound ligand. However, no inhibition of 125I-oPRL binding occurred in the presence of a 500-fold excess of bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone (bTSH), ovine LH (oLH), or ovine FSH (oFSH), suggesting hormonal specificity of the binding sites that are located in the luminal and glandular epithelium. Prolactin binding to ferret uterine membranes increased during the first half of pseudopregnancy, plateaued between Days 21 and 28, and then declined. The concentration of PRL binding sites in uteri of ferrets on Day 1 of pseudopregnancy was 4.91 +/- 0.42 fmol/mg of protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Efficacy of (-)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine in African green monkeys infected with simian varicella virus

(-)-9-[4-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine was evaluated for its efficacy in African green monkeys infected with simian varicella virus. Treatment by intramuscular injection was initiated 48 h after virus inoculation and was continued for 10 days; the treatment showed therapeutic effects on rash and viremia at dosages down to 1 mg/kg of body weight per day.

Luteal protein secretion during preimplantation in the ferret

Ferret CL were collected on Days 5-11 of pregnancy or pseudopregnancy and incubated in McCoy's medium with radiolabeled amino acids to determine the ability of ferret CL to synthesize and secrete proteins during the preimplantation period. Products recovered from the medium were separated by one- and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE followed by fluorography and were quantified by densitometry. Selected secretory proteins were tentatively identified with specific antibodies on Western blots. Ferret CL synthesized and secreted a relatively large number of radiolabeled products. The predominant secretory proteins had molecular masses of 16, 22, 28, 32, 47, 68, and 185 kDa and were secreted at all stages of the preimplantation period. There were no qualitative changes in ferret luteal protein synthesis and secretion between Days 5-11 of pregnancy, and neither ovine prolactin (oPRL) nor dibutyryl cAMP (dcAMP) affected the pattern of protein secretion. However, oPRL (100 and 1000 ng/ml) increased incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids into luteal proteins during a 36-h incubation. The relative mobility of a 185-kDa radiolabeled product was identical to that of alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) subunits. Antibody to human alpha 2M cross-reacted with a product (185 kDa) in ferret luteal extracts and culture medium, and the partially purified protein (185 kDa) inhibited trypsin activity. The major radiolabeled secretory protein (32 kDa) exhibited weak cross-reaction with antibody to a human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP). This study demonstrates the wide range of proteinaceous secretory products of the ferret CL, two of which have been tentatively identified as protease inhibitors.

Effect of plasma protein binding on kinetics of capillary uptake and efflux

We examined the effect of plasma protein binding on the kinetics of organ accumulation and washout of drugs using the single-pass Kety-Renkin-Crone capillary model. An equation relating the accumulation and washout rate constant (k) with the plasma unbound fraction (fu) was derived. Simulations showed that k was highly dependent on fu if capillary permeability was high but was independent of fu if permeability was low. The effect of plasma protein binding was to increase the rate of tissue accumulation and washout of drug but to decrease the equilibrium amount of drug taken up by the tissue, both effects mediated via a decrease in the volume of distribution. This model was used to analyze published data on the effect of plasma protein binding on the kinetics of accumulation and washout of isradipine and propafenone in the isolated perfused heart preparation. The relationship between k and fu and the directly measured volume of distribution were in accordance with the model. Although more complex models relating k and fu could be proposed, taking into account unequal flows in capillaries, slow dissociation of ligand from protein, and unstirred layer constraints, this simple model appears adequate for describing the effect of fu on myocardial accumulation and washout of isradipine and propafenone.

6-Dimethylamino-9-(beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-9H-purine: pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity in simian varicella virus-infected monkeys

6-Dimethylamino-9-(beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-9H-purine (ara-DMAP) effectively prevented the development of rash and appreciably reduced viremia in simian varicella virus-infected monkeys. Doses of 100 and 50 mg/kg/day, administered orally, were highly effective. The lowest dose of 20 mg/kg/day was much less effective in preventing moderate viremia. However, the 20 mg/kg/day did prevent the development of rash in two of three monkeys. All three doses of ara-DMAP reduced liver infection as reflected by lower aspartate aminotransferase values in the sera of the African green monkeys. Orally administered ara-DMAP was rapidly absorbed. However, significant variation among individual monkeys in the AUC values, peak plasma levels, and plasma half-lives were observed.

Oral bioavailability and anti-simian varicella virus efficacy of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-E-5-(2-bromovinyl)uracil (BV-araU) in monkeys

BV-araU (1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-E-5-[2-bromovinyl]uracil) has potent antiviral activity against varicella zoster virus in cell culture and is undergoing clinical evaluation. In the present study, pharmacokinetic parameters and the efficacy of BV-araU against infection with simian varicella virus (SVV) were evaluated in African green monkeys. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by analysis of the BV-araU content of sera obtained after oral and intravenous administration to normal monkeys. Peak serum concentrations showed dose proportionality, with the 0.1 mg/kg dose resulting in a peak serum concentration of 0.05 micrograms/ml, the approximately ED50 value for the SVV inoculum in cell culture. BV-araU administered orally twice daily at 0.1 mg/kg for 10 days starting 48 h after intratracheal SVV infection prevented vesicular rash development and suppressed viremia. Effective therapy could be initiated 96 h after infection. Taken together, these results indicate that BV-araU is effective oral therapy at doses that achieve peak serum levels equivalent to the ED50 for SVV in cell culture.

Sex-linked agammaglobulinemia (Bruton's disease). A case report

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (Bruton's disease) is a rare disease characterized by marked decrease in all classes of immunoglobulins and absence of circulating B cells and plasma cells. The affected boys frequently present with recurrent respiratory tract infections after 6 months to 2 years of age. A combination regimen of intravenous human immunoglobulins and strong parenteral antibiotics remains the stone of treatment. Herein we report a one year and ten months old boy with Bruton's disease. He has had repeated infections of upper and lower respiratory tract since 6 months of age. Immunological studies revealed panhypogammaglobulinemia, nearly total absence of circulating B cells, negative isohemagglutinins and reversed CD4/CD8 ratio. Pedigree analysis suggests a sex-linked recessive inheritance. Intravenous immunoglobulins as well as parenteral antibiotics were administered to overcome pneumonia and purulent otitis media. He is currently undergoing co-trimethoxazole prophylaxis and periodic intravenous immunoglobulins infusion.

Effect of short-term exposure to low levels of SO2 and NOx on pulmonary function and methacholine and allergen bronchial sensitivities in asthmatic children

Air pollution is an inevitable consequence of industrialization. Continuous exposure to air pollution may cause or trigger respiratory allergic diseases. This study was designed to evaluate whether short-term, 5-min exposures to low levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) influence pulmonary function and increase bronchial sensitivity to methacholine and specific allergens. Five male and 1 female mite-sensitive asthmatic children (mean age 12 y) were studied during symptom-free periods. Pulmonary function tests were conducted after breathing 5, 15, 35, 65, and 105 breaths of compressed polluted air, which was collected from the Lin-Sun S. Road tunnel in Taipei city. Concentrations of SO2 and NOx were 70-120 ppb and 450-500 ppb, respectively, and were 6-fold and 20-fold, respectively, higher than those of ambient air. Methacholine and mite allergen bronchial challenges were completed after 105 breaths of polluted air were inhaled. No difference in pulmonary function was noted after polluted air and ambient air were inhaled, and the methacholine and allergen sensitivities of airways were not increased after polluted air was inhaled. The authors concluded that short-term exposures to low concentrations of SO2 and NOx did not affect the lung function and did not increase bronchial sensitivity to methacholine and allergen.

Evaluation of infrequent dosing regimens with (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonylmethoxy)propyl]-cytosine (S-HPMPC) on simian varicella infection in monkeys

(S)-1-[3-Hydroxy-2-(phosphonylmethoxy)propyl]cytosine (S-HPMPC) was able to prevent simian varicella infection in African green monkeys inoculated intratracheally with virus. A dose of 50 mg/S-HPMPC/kg administered intravenously was shown to prevent the development of rash, reduce viremia and protect the monkeys from death. The 50 mg/kg dose was effective when treatments initiated on day 2 post-infection (p.i.) was given as ten daily doses of 5 mg/kg, as 10 mg/kg administered on five days on an alternate-day schedule, as two 25 mg/kg doses given on day 2 and on day 7 p.i., or as a single injection of 50 mg/kg on day 2. The single 50 mg/kg dose was also effective when treatment was delayed until four days p.i., but was ineffective when treatment was delayed until six days p.i. The 50 mg/kg dose was not effective when given orally by gavage. No evidence of toxicity was noted in daily clinical examinations, or in frequent hematology and clinical chemistry tests performed during the clinical evaluation of the infection.

Mouse dander-allergic bronchial asthma--a case report

A case of mouse dander-allergic bronchial asthma is reported. A 47-year-old female professor of pharmacy has experienced severe chest discomfort, dyspnea and wheezing, and itching nose and eyes each time when she contacted with mice in recent months although she has done animal (mouse) experiments for many years without any difficulty. Those symptoms usually recovered spontaneously after removing the mice or using bronchodilator. The causal relationship between mouse dander and bronchial asthma was established, in addition to history of exposure, by a positive skin test, a strong RAST and overwhelming bronchial provocation test. The allergen was identified, by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting to be a 21 Kd molecule.

Cardiotoxin from cobra venom affects the Ca-Mg-ATPase of cardiac sarcolemmal membrane vesicles

Highly purified sarcolemmal (SL) membrane vesicles were prepared from bovine cardiac tissue and used to evaluate the effects of cardiotoxin (CTX) on Ca2+ transport systems of the SL membrane. The addition of CTX, at 1.0 microM and 10 microM, stimulated the ATP-dependent transport of 45Ca2+ by the Ca2(+)-Mg2(+)-ATPase to 138% and 193% of control levels, respectively. The increase in Ca2+ accumulation by the SL vesicles in the presence of CTX was not affected by 100 microM ouabain but was reduced to 50% of control uptake levels by the addition of 0.5 mM dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Additionally, no effect of CTX (1.0 microM to 10 microM) was seen on 45Ca2+ transport by the Na-Ca exchange system. These effects of CTX on the SL membrane do not appear to be due to non-specific membrane disruption since SL vesicles preloaded with 45Ca2+ did not release (efflux) the accumulated Ca2+ more rapidly in the presence of CTX (1.0 microM to 250 microM). The rate of hydrolysis of ATP by the SL Ca2(+)-Mg2(+)-ATPase was observed to increase (29% to 52%) as CTX concentration increased (1.0 microM to 10 microM). The same concentrations of CTX had no effect on ATP hydrolysis by Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. We conclude that 10 microM CTX stimulates the rate of ATP hydrolysis and Ca2+ transport by the SL Ca2(+)-Mg2(+)-ATPase.

[Observation on the intake of Brugia malayi microfilariae by Anopheles sinensis and host efficiency]

The experiments were carried out under the controlled conditions with temperature at 26 +/- 1 degree C and relative humidity 75-85%. The Brugian microfilariae from the peritoneal cavity of Mongolian jirds, mixed with rabbit blood, were ingested by Anopheles mosquitoes through the artificial membrane. The experimental data show that the number of microfilariae ingested is fewer than would be expected from the microfilarial densities in the blood meal. The linear regression shows their quantitative relation, Y = 0.61X-1.37. At the same time the host efficiency of Anopheles sinensis decreases with the increase of microfilarial number ingested. In case of the relationship between Brugia malayi and Anopheles sinensis, the survival rate of vector host is the chief factor influencing the decrease of host efficiency.

[Application of localized hyperthermia solidification combined with surgery in the treatment of liver cancer: a report of 34 cases]

In 1980, we developed a Localized Hyperthermia Solidification Apparatus (LHSA), which can produce localized controllable hyperthermia and solidify the tumor tissues. Without the interference of the Corporal and visceral physiology. Animal experiments and pathological study proved it an effective and Safe means to deal with visceral cancers. From 1982 to 1988, 34 cases of liver cancer patients received the LHSA therapy combined with operations. The therapy was effective in 86.19% of cases, and the longest survival time was 5 years.

Hepatitis B virus transcript produced by RNA splicing

A new hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcript of about 2.2 kilobases was identified in HBV DNA-transfected human hepatoma cells. The 5' terminus of this viral RNA appears to map at one or more of the precore initiation sites, contains a deletion of 1,223 bases corresponding to the last codon of the core gene to the middle of the surface antigen gene, and terminates at the 3' polyadenylation site used by the other known HBV RNAs. The junction region of the deleted sequences showed the conserved splice donor and acceptor GT-AG sequences. Moreover, when a mutant HBV DNA in which the splice acceptor site was changed from AG to CG was transfected into human hepatoma cells, no 2.2-kilobase RNA was detected, further suggesting that this RNA represents a spliced transcript. The core gene, although an amino acid shorter, still encoded a functional viral core protein in complementation experiments. Sequence analysis of the cDNA of the 2.2-kilobase RNA suggests that this transcript can potentially encode a new protein that comprises the reverse transcriptase domain of HBV. However, genetic analysis using a transient DNA transfection system suggests that the gene product(s) of this transcript is not essential for viral replication. The function of this transcript remains to be studied.

An antigen-specific hypersensitivity which does not fit into traditional classification of hypersensitivity

A unique type of Ag-specific hypersensitivity was induced by challenging the Ag-sensitized mice at the ear. It was elicited within 1 h after the Ag challenge, and thus was distinct from either the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) which developed in 24 h or the immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity which evolved in 4 to 6 h. This hypersensitivity was referred to as early-type hypersensitivity (ETH). The time required for these types of hypersensitivity to develop after immunization was also different; DTH required 4 to 6 days, ETH 9 to 11 days, whereas plasma protein-induced immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity needed 18 to 21 days. The ETH could be induced by a smaller amount of Ag than DTH, and unlike DTH could be transferred by either immune sera or T cell-derived culture factor which was small m.w. Although the ETH developed later than DTH after sensitization, it lasted longer once developed and the pattern of response was inversely related to DTH. Furthermore, the denatured hepatitis B surface Ag induced DTH but not ETH, in contrast to native hepatitis B surface Ag that induced both, suggesting that the epitopes recognized by TETH cells were distinct from those recognized by TDTH cells. The ETH could be induced by most Ag tested including poly(Glu60Ala10Tyr10, L-lactic dehydrogenase, insulin, chicken egg white lysozyme, polymerized human serum albumin, horse gamma-globulin, transferrin, fibrinogen, and plasminogen, but not by purified protein derivative. Because poly(Glu60Ala10Tyr10, L-lactic dehydrogenase, egg white lysozyme and insulin were under the Ir gene control and the inducibility of ETH was Ag dependent and was closely correlated with that of DTH, the expression of ETH also must be regulated by Ir gene. The histopathologic changes in ETH consisted of capillary congestion and edema. The vasopermeability was increased and there was the leakage of plasma proteins into the tissue. Based on these data, we concluded that the ETH reported in this study was a novel type of Ag-specific hypersensitivity.

An antigen-specific hypersensitivity which does not fit into traditional classification of hypersensitivity

A unique type of Ag-specific hypersensitivity was induced by challenging the Ag-sensitized mice at the ear. It was elicited within 1 h after the Ag challenge, and thus was distinct from either the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) which developed in 24 h or the immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity which evolved in 4 to 6 h. This hypersensitivity was referred to as early-type hypersensitivity (ETH). The time required for these types of hypersensitivity to develop after immunization was also different; DTH required 4 to 6 days, ETH 9 to 11 days, whereas plasma protein-induced immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity needed 18 to 21 days. The ETH could be induced by a smaller amount of Ag than DTH, and unlike DTH could be transferred by either immune sera or T cell-derived culture factor which was small m.w. Although the ETH developed later than DTH after sensitization, it lasted longer once developed and the pattern of response was inversely related to DTH. Furthermore, the denatured hepatitis B surface Ag induced DTH but not ETH, in contrast to native hepatitis B surface Ag that induced both, suggesting that the epitopes recognized by TETH cells were distinct from those recognized by TDTH cells. The ETH could be induced by most Ag tested including poly(Glu60Ala10Tyr10, L-lactic dehydrogenase, insulin, chicken egg white lysozyme, polymerized human serum albumin, horse gamma-globulin, transferrin, fibrinogen, and plasminogen, but not by purified protein derivative. Because poly(Glu60Ala10Tyr10, L-lactic dehydrogenase, egg white lysozyme and insulin were under the Ir gene control and the inducibility of ETH was Ag dependent and was closely correlated with that of DTH, the expression of ETH also must be regulated by Ir gene. The histopathologic changes in ETH consisted of capillary congestion and edema. The vasopermeability was increased and there was the leakage of plasma proteins into the tissue. Based on these data, we concluded that the ETH reported in this study was a novel type of Ag-specific hypersensitivity.