Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by triple-helix-forming phosphorothioate oligonucleotides targeted to the polypurine tract

We show the effects of triple-helix formation by assays of primer extension inhibition in vitro using two systems (two-strand-system (FTFOs) or three-strand-system (TFOs) targeted to the polypurine tract (PPT) of HIV-1. The FTFOs were more effective than the TFOs. We found that the FTFOs containing phosphorothioate groups at the 3'- and 5'-ends, or inside the hairpin loop, exhibited higher inhibitory effects on cDNA synthesis and greater exonuclease resistance than the unmodified FTFOs and TFOs. The abilities of the FTFOs containing phosphorothioate groups at the antisense sequence sites to inhibit HIV-1 replications were examined. The FTFOs containing phosphorothioate groups at the antisense sequence sites inhibit the replication of HIV-1 more efficiently than the antisense oligonucleotides, indicating sequence-specific inhibition of HIV-1 replication.

Specific inhibition of influenza virus RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein genes expression by liposomally endocapsulated antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides: penetration and localization of oligonucleotides in clone 76 cells

Liposomally encapsulated phosphorothioate oligonucleotides with four target sites (PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) were synthesized and tested for inhibitory effects by a CAT-ELISA assay using the clone 76 cell line. The liposomally encapsulated phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) complementary to the sites of the PB2-AUG and PA-AUG initiation codons showed highly inhibitory effects. Displacement of the target AUG initiation codon sequence to the 3'-end, 5'-end, and/or center sites on the antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides was studied with regard to the inhibition of influenza virus RNA polymerases and NP. The antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide containing the AUG initiation codon at the center site of the oligonucleotide had the highest inhibitory effects. The liposomally encapsulated phosphorothioate oligonucleotides exhibited higher inhibitory activity than the free oligonucleotides. Observation of clone 76 cells treated with the endocapsulated antisense phosphodiester oligonucleotide, FITC-ODNs-PB2-T3, by a confocal laser scanning microscope, revealed diffuse fluorescence, apparently within the cytoplasm. Interestingly, the endocapsulated antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, FITC-S-ODNs-PB2-T3 accumulated in the nuclear region of clone 76 cells. However, weak fluorescence was observed in the endosomes and in the cytoplasms of the clone 76 cells treated with the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides.

Hepatocyte growth factor is constitutively produced by human bone marrow stromal cells and indirectly promotes hematopoiesis

Bone marrow (BM) stromal cells are required for normal hematopoiesis. A number of soluble factors secreted by these cells that mediate hematopoiesis have been characterized. However, the mechanism of hematopoiesis cannot be explained solely by these known factors, and the existence of other, still unknown stromal factors has been postulated. We showed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one such cytokine produced by human BM stromal cells. BM stromal cells were shown to constitutively produce HGF and also to express the c-MET/HGF receptor. The production of HGF was enhanced by addition of heparin and phorbol ester. Dexamethasone and tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibited the production of HGF. Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and N6,2'-o-dibutyryl-adenosine-3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (dbc-AMP) showed no obvious influence on HGF production. Western blot analysis of HGF derived from BM stromal cells showed two bands at 85 and 28 kD corresponding to native and variant HGF, respectively. Addition of recombinant HGF significantly promoted the formation of burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming unit-granulocyte erythroid macrophage (CFU-GEM) by BM mononuclear cells in the presence of erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), but the formation of CFU-GM was not modified. However, HGF had no effects on colony formation by purified CD34+ cells. Within BM mononuclear cells, c-MET was expressed on a proportion of cells (CD34-, CD33+, CD13+, CD14+, and CD15+), but was not found on CD34+ cells. We conclude that HGF is constitutively produced by BM stromal cells and that it enhances hematopoiesis. In addition, expression of c-MET on the stromal cells suggests the presence of an autocrine mechanism, operating through HGF, among stromal cells.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy assisted by percutaneous transhepatic choledochal tube: a preliminary report

We report a method of endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy in patients in whom the optimal viewing of the papilla of Vater is hardly obtained. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD)-tube is placed under ultrasonographic guidance. PTCD-tube coming out of the papilla of Vater is observed by the endoscope and the guide wire inside the shpincterotome is inserted into the PTCD-tube. Sphincterotome is advanced into the common bile duct by the guidance of the guide wire and PTCD-tube. Sphincterotomy is performed in a usual fashion. Two patients with previous history of gastrectomy underwent this procedure with successful results. This method should be tried when usual method of EST is difficult and unsuccessful.

Nonenzymatic sequence-specific cleavage of duplex DNA via triple-helix formation by homopyrimidine phosphorothioate oligonucleotides

Phenanthroline was attached covalently to the 5'-terminus of the unmodified and modified (3'-terminal phosphorothioate) oligonucleotide sequences, TTTTTTCTTCTCTTTCC (OP-17 mer) and TTTTTTTCTTCTCTTTCsC (OPRp-17 mer or OPSp-17 mer) via a phosphoramidite bond. Simian virus 40 DNA contains a single target site for these oligonucleotides. In the presence of copper ions, the efficient double-stranded cleavage at 37 degrees C and pH 7.0 was observed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The asymmetric distribution of the cleavage sites on the two strands revealed that the cleavage reaction took place in the minor groove, even though the linker was located in the major groove. Of particular interest are the 3'-terminal phosphorothioate oligonucleotide-phenanthroline derivatives (Rp or Sp), which were found to have cleavage activities of the same order as for the oligonucleotide phenanthroline (OP-17 mer). Furthermore, the OPSp-17 mer was intact after incubation in 10% fetal bovine serum for 24 h, whereas, the OPRp-17 mer was slightly more unstable than the OPSp-17 mer. However, the OP-17 mer was completely degraded. An increased resistance to nucleases has been observed by the introduction of phosphorothioate groups on the 3'-terminus of oligonucleotide-phenanthroline derivatives. This stabilization should help us to design much more efficient chemical recognition enzymes and antisense nucleic acid based anti-viral therapies, which could be used as tools in cellular biology.

Properties of triple helix formation with oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine and 2'-modified nucleoside derivatives

The ability of homopyrimidine oligonucleotides containing 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine (dAOH), 2'-methoxyuridine (Um), 2'-fluorouridine (Uf), 2'-methoxycytidine (Cm), and 2'-fluorocytidine (Cf) to form stable, triple-helical structures with sequences containing the recognition site for the class II-S restriction enzyme, Ksp632-I, was studied as a function of pH. The 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine substituted oligomers were shown to bind within the physiological pH range in a pH-independent fashion, without a compromise in specificity. In particular, the substitutions of three deoxycytidine residues with 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine showed higher endonuclease inhibition than the substitution of either one or two deoxycytidine residues with 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine. In contrast, the oligonucleotides containing 2'-modified nucleosides (Uf, Um, Uf-Cf, Um-Cm, dAOH-Uf, and dAOH-Um) bind in a pH-dependent manner to the target duplex.

Hairpin antisense oligonucleotides containing 2'-methoxynucleosides with base-pairing in the stem region at the 3'-end: penetration, localization, and Anti-HIV activity

Hairpin antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 2'-methoxynucleosides were more active in the micromolar concentration range than linear and DNA hairpin phosphorothioate oligonucleotides with the same sequence. Furthermore, the abilities of hairpin antisense and random hairpin phosphorothioate oligonucleotides to inhibit HIV-1 replication were examined. Antisense oligonucleotides inhibit the replication and the expression of HIV-1 more efficiently than random-oligomers of the same length or with the same internucleotide modification. Four different target sites (gag, pol, rev, and tat) within the HIV-1 genome were studied with regard to the inhibition of HIV-1 replication by antisense oligonucleotides. Antisense oligomers complementary to the sites of the initiation sequences of gag were most effective. The [32P]-labeled hairpin phosphorothioate oligonucleotide was rapidly assimilated by MOLT-4 cells, whereas the [32P]-labeled hairpin phosphodiester oligonucleotide was not. In MOLT-4 cells treated with the FITC-hairpin phosphorothioate oligonucleotide containing 2'-methoxynucleosides by a confocal laser scanning microscope, diffuse fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, fluorescent signals accumulated in the nuclear region of chronically infected MOLT-4/HIV-1 cells after a 60 min incubation.

Rhodothermus obamensis sp. nov., a modern lineage of extremely thermophilic marine bacteria

A novel extremely thermophilic bacterium was isolated from a shallow marine hydrothermal vent environment (depth, 22 m) in Tachibana Bay, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The cells of this organism were gram-negative rods. Growth occurred at temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees C (optimum temperature, 80 degrees C; doubling time at optimum temperature, 90 min), at pH 5.5 and 9.0 (optimum pH, 7.0), and in the presence of 1 and 5% NaCl (optimum NaCl concentration, 3%). The new isolate was an aerobic heterotroph which utilized the following compounds as sole energy and carbon sources: yeast extract, peptone, starch, casein, Casamino Acids, a variety of sugars, some carboxylic acids, and amino acids. As determined by a sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, the new isolate belongs to the genus Rhodothermus and represents a modern lineage of extreme thermophiles within the domain Bacteria. On the basis of the physiological and molecular properties of the new isolate, we describe a new species, Rhodothermus obamensis. The type strain of R. obamensis is strain OKD7 (= JCM 9785).

A case of traumatic neuroma of the gallbladder in the absence of previous surgery and cholelithiasis

We experienced a patient with traumatic neuroma of the gallbladder with no history of gallbladder surgery or cholelithiasis. A 74-year-old man was referred to our department after a gallbladder tumor was incidentally discovered during a preoperative screening examination for prostate hypertrophy. Ultrasonography, MRI, CT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a protuberant lesion of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted but adhesion between the liver and duodenum forced us to convert to open laparotomy. Cholecystectomy and adjacent liver tissue resection was performed. Diagnosis was made by frozen histology during operation. It revealed no malignancy. Postoperative pathological examination revealed traumatic neuroma associated with inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of gallbladder neuroma without a history of gallstones or surgery in the English and Japanese literature since 1980. This traumatic neuroma should be considered in a differential diagnosis in treating gallbladder neoplasm, even in the absence of an operative history or cholelithiasis.

An upstream activating sequence containing curved DNA involved in activation of the Clostridium perfringens plc promoter

The plc gene, which encodes phospholipase C (alpha-toxin) of Clostridium perfringens, possesses three poly(A) tracts forming an intrinsically curved DNA region immediately upstream of the promoter. The in vivo transcriptional activity of the plasmid-borne plc gene was stimulated by this curved-DNA-containing sequence, depending on its proper linear and rotational orientation. The in vitro transcriptional activity of the plc gene was also stimulated by the upstream sequence. In addition, the stimulatory effect of the sequence and the degree of DNA bending were greater at lower temperature, as was demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo transcription assays, and a gel-mobility assay, respectively. A similar temperature effect was also observed with the chromosomal plc gene. These observations suggest that the upstream DNA curvature per se stimulates the initiation of transcription of the plc gene, possibly through direct contact with RNA polymerase.

Purification and characterization of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanothermus sociabilis

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was purified for the first time from hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanothermus sociabilis, growing autotrophically with an optimum at 88 degrees C. The optimum temperature for enzyme activity was similar to that for growth and was 85 degrees C. The native enzyme was a homotetramer of 240 kDa molecular mass and the subunit displayed an apparent molecular mass of 60 kDa. The archaeal PEPC was insensitive to various metabolites which are known as allosteric effectors for most bacterial and eucaryal counterparts. The enzyme showed extreme thermostability such that there remained 80% of the enzyme activity after incubation for 2 h at 80 degrees C. These results implied that archaeal PEPC was significantly different from bacterial and eucaryal entities.

Hepatic extraction ratio of 5-fluorouracil in rats. Dose dependence and effect of uracil and interleukin-2

The hepatic extraction ratios (EH) of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) in rats were studied to clarify the disposition of FUra in the liver. The EH of FUra in rats at infusion rates ranging from 0.375 to 3 mg/kg/min decreased from 0.750 to 0.225. The EH of values of tegafur, a pro-drug of FUra, were 0.076 to 0.103 over the range of infusion rates, 0.577 to 4.616 mg/kg/min, and were much lower than those of FUra. The EH of FUra at an infusion rate of 0.375 mg/kg/min combined with uracil (0.323 mg/kg/min) was 0.646, which was significantly lower than that of FUra alone, 0.750 (P < 0.001). The EH of FUra combined with interleukin-2 (IL-2) at an infusion rate of 7500 U/kg/min was significantly higher than that of FUra alone (P < 0.01). The dose dependence of the EH of FUra and the effects of uracil and IL-2 on the EH of FUra corresponded with clinical findings. These results suggest that this experimental model in rats may be useful for predicting the clinical pharmacokinetics and efficacy of FUra. We also studied the effect of IL-2 on the EH of mitomycin C (MMC). The EH of MMC combined with IL-2 was higher than that of MMC alone, but the difference was not significant.

Codon-reading specificity of an unmodified form of Escherichia coli tRNA1Ser in cell-free protein synthesis

Unmodified tRNA molecules are useful for many purposes in cell-free protein biosynthesis, but there is little information about how the lack of tRNA post-transcriptional modifications affects the coding specificity for synonymous codons. In the present study, we prepared an unmodified form of Escherichia coli tRNA1Ser, which originally has the cmo5UGA anticodon (cmo5U = uridine 5-oxyacetic acid) and recognizes the UCU, UCA and UCG codons. The codon specificity of the unmodified tRNA was tested in a cell-free protein synthesis directed by designed mRNAs under competition conditions with the parent tRNA1Ser. It was found that the unmodified tRNA with the UGA anti-codon recognizes the UCA codon nearly as efficiently as the modified tRNA. The unmodified tRNA recognized the UCU codon with low, but detectable efficiency, whereas no recognition of the UCC and UCG codons was detected. Therefore, the absence of modifications makes this tRNA more specific to the UCA codon by remarkably reducing the efficiencies of wobble reading of other synonymous codons, without a significant decrease in the UCA reading efficiency.

Inhibition of influenza virus RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein genes expression by unmodified, phosphorothioated, and liposomally encapsulated oligonucleotides

We have demonstrated that antisense phosphodiester (ODNs) and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) inhibit CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) protein expression in the clone 76 cell line, which is a derivative of the murine C127 cell line. This cell line expresses the influenza virus RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein (NP) genes in response to treatment with dexamethasone. Phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, and liposomally encapsulated oligonucleotides with four target sites (PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) were synthesized and tested for inhibitory effects by a CAT-ELISA assay using the clone 76 cell line. The ODNs and S-ODNs complementary to the sites of the PB2-AUG and PA-AUG initiation codons showed highly inhibitory effects. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of the S-ODNs targeted to PB1 was considerably decreased in comparison with the other three target sites. Liposome encapsulation afforded oligomer protection in serum-containing medium and substantially improved cellular accumulation. The liposomal encapsulated oligonucleotides exhibited higher inhibitory activity than the free oligonucleotides. The activities of the unmodified oligonucleotides are effectively enhanced by using the liposomal carrier.

A dual computed tomography linear accelerator unit for stereotactic radiation therapy: a new approach without cranially fixated stereotactic frames

PURPOSE

To perform stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) without cranially fixated stereotactic frames, we developed a dual computed tomography (CT) linear accelerator (linac) treatment unit.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This unit is composed of a linac, CT, and motorized table. The linac and CT are set up at opposite ends of the table, which is suitable for both machines. The gantry axis of the linac is coaxial with that of the CT scanner. Thus, the center of the target detected with the CT can be matched easily with the gantry axis of the linac by rotating the table. Positioning is confirmed with the CT for each treatment session. Positioning and treatment errors with this unit were examined by phantom studies. Between August and December 1994, 8 patients with 11 lesions of primary or metastatic brain tumors received SRT with this unit. All lesions were treated with 24 Gy in three fractions to 30 Gy in 10 fractions to the 80% isodose line, with or without conventional external beam radiation therapy.

RESULTS

Phantom studies revealed that treatment errors with this unit were within 1 mm after careful positioning. The position was easily maintained using two tiny metallic balls as vertical and horizontal marks. Motion of patients was negligible using a conventional heat-flexible head mold and dental impression. The overall time for a multiple noncoplanar arcs treatment for a single isocenter was less than 1 h on the initial treatment day and usually less than 20 min on subsequent days. Treatment was outpatient-based and well tolerated with no acute toxicities. Satisfactory responses have been documented.

CONCLUSION

Using this treatment unit, multiple fractionated SRT is performed easily and precisely without cranially fixated stereotactic frames.

5'-linked lipid-oligodeoxyridonucleotide derivatives as inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication

The covalent attachment of a phospholipid moiety, bound to the 5'-ends of phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (L-ODNs and LS-ODNs), was achieved using H-phosphonate chemistry, and the lipid-oligonucleotides were assayed for the inhibition of virus replication in HIV-1 infected MT-4 cells. In the anti-HIV activity test, lipid-phosphorothioate oligonucleotides showed higher anti-HIV activities than non-lipid-phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, at the low concentration of 0.04 microM. LS-ODNs can inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity through interactions with the enzyme. We found that the covalent attachment of a phospholipid group to the 5'-end of the phosphorothioate oligonucleotide enhances its nonsequence specific anti-HIV activity.

[Distribution of EIA reactive values and serum antibody titers of Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis and cervicitis at the first visit]

Among 120 non-gonococcal male urethritis, 83 were found to be Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) positive by Chlamydiazyme with 2 to 5 times repeated urethral swab collection during pre-treatment period. Among 97 female partner of male CT urethritis, 76 were CT positive by the same repeated specimen collection from cervix. In the 83 male CT urethritis and the 76 female CT cervicitis, EIA reactive values by Chlamydiazyme and serum CT antibody titer by FA at the first visit were investigated. The EIA reactive values of cervicitis were lower than those of urethritis. There was no case of "CT negative at the first visit and positive at repeated detection" in male urethritis. 3 case of "CT negative at the first visit and CT positive at repeated detection" were experienced among females who were the partner of male CT urethritis. The sensitivity of Chlamydiazyme was found to be enough to decide presence or absence of CT by single specimen collection in male urethritis but not enough in female cervicitis. It could be assumed that by the improved sensitivity of CT detection, CT detection rate would be raised among female cervicitis but not in male urethritis. Positive rate CT serum antibody were 63.9% in male urethritis and 100% in female cervicitis. The clinical value of CT antibody detection might be not as detection method of CT infection in progress, but as non-invasive screening for CT infection up to the present, namely the risk factor of STD, especially in females in whom detection of CT is not complete.

Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides block reverse transcription by the Rnase H activity associated with the HIV-1 polymerase

We demonstrate the degradation of RNA bound to an antisense oligonucleotide by a reverse transcriptase enzyme-associated RNase H activity. We found that phosphorothioate oligonucleotides inhibit the RNase H activity by binding to AMV RT, rather than to the template RNA, whereas the RNase H activity of HIV-1 RT is not affected by the antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide. Selective inhibition of HIV-1 gene expression involves the degradation of the template RNA bound to the antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide by the RNase H activity associated with the HIV-1 polymerase.

Properties of base-pairing in the stem region of hairpin antisense oligonucleotides containing 2'-methoxynucleosides

We have designed a new type of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide. These oligonucleotides are able to form hairpin loop structures at the 3'-ends. The stability to nuclease degradation was observed by incubation of these hairpin oligonucleotides with snake venom phosphodiesterase, DNA polymerase, and fetal bovine serum. Of particular interest is the hairpin antisense oligonucleotide containing 2'-methoxynucleosides with base-pairing in the stem region at the 3'-end, which has increased nuclease resistance.

Saturable uptake of a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor derivative, nartograstim, by the bone marrow and spleen of rats in vivo

Kinetic analysis of the in vivo tissue distribution of the recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) derivative, nartograstim (NTG; nartograstim is an international nonproprietary name of KW-2228, Kyowa Hakko Kogyo, Tokyo, Japan) was studied in rats to determine the mechanism of the growth factor's nonlinear pharmacokinetic properties. The early-phase tissue uptake clearance (CL(uptake)) by each tissue was determined within 5 min after the i.v. administration of 125I-NTG. Coadministration of various amounts (0.6-150 microgram/kg) of unlabeled NTG did not produce any significant change in CL(uptake) by kidneys and liver. The hepatic and renal extraction ratios of NTG were low, 0.10 to 0.15, which suggests that there is no saturable uptake system in either of these organs. CL(uptake) by the kidneys was comparable to the glomerular filtration rate of unbound NTG. By contrast, a dose-dependent reduction in CL(uptake) by bone marrow and spleen was clearly observed with increasing doses of unlabeled NTG, i.e., at the maximal dose, these values were 14% and 20%, respectively, of those after a tracer dose. A saturable process was, therefore, involved in the tissue uptake of 125I-NTG by bone marrow and spleen. The intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) of this saturable uptake by bone marrow, 1.4 ml min-1 kg-1, was greater than that by the spleen, 0.09 ml min-1 kg-1. The sum of the intrinsic clearances of the saturable process was comparable with the value for the clearance of the saturable elimination process of NTG obtained previously by nonlinear pharmacokinetic analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Epstein-Barr virus associated natural killer cell leukemia: report of an autopsy case]

A 20-year-old female was admitted because of high fever, hepatosplenomegaly, severe hepatic dysfunction and coagulopathy. Peripheral blood showed pancytopenia and granular lymphocytes bearing the natural killer cell phenotype (CD2+CD3-CD16+CD56+CD57-TCR alpha beta-TCR gamma delta-) constituted 97% of leucocytes. Southern blot analysis of DNA obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed germ-line configuration of TCR beta, gamma and delta chain genes. EBV-DNA was detected in a single episomal form by using EBV-terminal repeat probe. Bone marrow findings were consistent with hemophagocytic syndrome and administration of VP-16 was effective transiently. After ten months she died from massive gastrointestinal bleeding. An in situ hybridization study identified EBV-RNA (EBER-1) in atypical lymphocytes infiltrating bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes. Sections of liver showed steatosis and infiltration of T cells (CD3+ and EBER-1-negative) in the portal areas and few atypical lymphocytes in sinusoids. The patients developed an EBV-associated clonal proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells, but the clinical features were suggestive of chronic active EBV infection or virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) rather than leukemia. Bone marrow transplantation for NK cell leukemia is an issue to be discussed.

[Consecutive annual changes in minimum inhibitory concentration in clinically isolated Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains]

Between 1983 and 1991, 465 gonococcal strains isolated in the urological department of Japanese Red Cross Medical Center. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these isolates to 22 kinds of antibiotics including penicillins (PC), cephems, tetracyclins (TC) and new quinolons (NQ) were determined and the annual difference of MIC was studied. The annual incidence of penicillinase producing neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) of these 9 years were distributed in 3 to 17% and increasing tendency was not observed. As for Penicillin G, the MIC 90 of PPNG was seven fold higher than that of non-PPNG. No remarked difference was observed between MIC 90 of Cephems, TC and NQ of PPNG and non-PPNG. No annual difference was observed in MIC of PC, Cephems and SPCM. However the rising tendency of MIC was observed in NQ.

[Inhibition of gene expression by antisense DNA]

We demonstrated that unmodified and modified (phosphorothioate) oligonucleotides prevent cDNA synthesis by AMV, MMLV, or HIV reverse transcriptases. Antisense oligonucleotide/RNA hybrids specifically arrest primer extension. The blockage involves the degradation of the RNA fragment, bound to the antisense oligonucleotide, by reverse transcriptase associated RNase H activity. However, the phosphorothioate oligomer inhibited polymerization, by binding to the AMV- and MMLV-RTs, rather than to the template RNA, whereas there was no competitive binding of the phosphorothioate oligomer on the HIV RT during reverse transcription. Furthermore, the RNase H activity of HIV-RT was only slightly affected by the phosphorothioate oligonucleotide. The anti-HIV activities of phosphorothioate- or 5'-linked lipid-oligonucleotides are also described and some of the problems that still need to be solved are pointed out.

[Comparative study on minimum inhibitory concentration of gonococcal strains according to their auxogroups and serovars]

Auxotypes, serovars and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various antibiotics are investigated on 85 gonococcal strains isolated from the patient with gonorrhea from 1984 to 1986 in Japanese Red Cross Medical Center. As to the auxotypes 33 strains were identified to be Proto, 33 to be Pro, 10 to be Arg and 9 to be PAU. No AHU strain was identified. Serovars were divided into 1A and 1B. MIC of 22 kinds of antibiotics including penicillins, cephems, spectinomycin, tetracycline and new quinolones were determined. Cumulative MIC curves were found to be shifted to the right according to the order of auxotypes Arg, PAU, Proto, Pro in the most antibiotics. Serovar 1A was found to have lower MIC as compared to 1B, though only 5 strain of 1A were in the study. Seventy-eight % of isolates were Proto or Pro, so-called Asian auxotype which were revealed to have higher MIC not only of penicillin but also of the other antibiotics. Nine strains were identified as PAU which was lately identified in Canada. This might suggest that gonococcal strains are spreading over the world in spite of the local predominance of auxotype distribution.

Lack of the expression of EBNA-2 and LMP-1 in T-cell neoplasms possessing Epstein-Barr virus

We investigated 34 cases of T-cell neoplasm [15 cases of T-cell granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-GLL), 10 cases of T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL), six cases of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL), and three cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma] to study their association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In 4 (three T-NHL and one T-GLL) of 34 cases, EBV genome was detected in a single episomal form, while polyclonal EBV-DNA was detected in one (T-NHL) of the remaining cases. All three cases of T-NHL having monoclonal EBV episome showed histologically diffuse large-cell lymphoma and developed leukemic conversion. Phenotypic analysis showed that two of these four cases were CD4+, CD8-, and the remaining two cases were CD4-, CD8+. The cells from all four cases were confirmed to be in T-cell lineage by detecting the rearrangement of T-cell receptor (TCR) beta or gamma chain gene. By reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), EBNA-1 was detected at low levels, and neither EBNA-2 nor LMP-1 were found in any of the three cases examined. Lack of the expression of EBNA-2 and LMP-1 was also confirmed by immunocytochemical staining. The cells of these four cases did not show rearrangement or overexpression of c-myc and bcl-2 genes by Southern and Northern blots, and the mutation of p53 gene was detected in only one patient. These results suggest that other latent gene products of EBV or other cellular oncogenes are involved in the development of Japanese T-cell neoplasm after EBV infection.

Codon recognition by tRNA molecules with a modified or unmodified uridine at the first position of the anticodon

Effects of a single nucleoside modification at the first position of the anticodon of a transfer RNA molecule on its codon reading properties were investigated by use of a cell-free protein synthesis. We prepared two artificial tRNA molecules that differ only in the nucleotide at the first position of the anticodon. One has an unmodified uridine and the other has a 5-methoxyuridine (mo5U). These molecules were charged with labeled serine and introduced into a cell-free protein synthesis directed by a designed mRNA, and the relative codon reading efficiencies were calculated. The results showed that the modification of U into mo5U elevates the reading efficiencies of the UCU and UCG codons but reduces that of the UCA codon.

Triple helix formation with oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine and 2'-modified nucleoside derivatives

The ability of homopyrimidine oligonucleotides containing 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine (dAOH) and/or 2'-methoxyuridine (Um) or 2'-fluorouridine (Uf) to form stable, triple helical structures with the sequences containing the recognition site for the class II-S restriction enzyme, Ksp632-I, was studied as a function of pH. The 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine substituted oligomers were shown to bind within the physiological pH range in a pH-independent fashion, without a compromise specificity. On the other hand, the oligonucleotides containing 2'-modified nucleosides (Uf ,Um, dAOH-Um, and dAOH-Uf) bind in a pH-dependent mannerto the target duplex.

Antiviral effect of phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to human immunodeficiency virus

Modifications of oligodeoxyribonucleotides include the replacement of the backbone phosphodiester groups with phosphorothioate (S-ODNs) groups and the substitution of phosphorothioate (SO-ODNs) groups at both the 3'- and 5'-ends. In assays for HIV, oligomers (S-ODNs) were more active at the micromolar range than were SO-ODNs of the same sequence. Furthermore, the abilities of antisense-, sense-, random-, and mismatched-oligomers, or homo-oligomers containing internucleotidic phosphorothioate linkages to inhibit HIV-1 replication were examined. Antisense oligonucleotides inhibit the replication and the expression of HIV-1 more efficiently than random-, sense-, mismatched-, and homo-oligomers of the same length or with the same internucleotide modification. Five different target sites (gag, pol, rev, tat, and tar) within the HIV genes were also studied with regard to the inhibition of HIV replication by antisense oligonucleotides. Antisense oligomers complementary to the sites of initiation sequences and to certain splice sites were most effective. The effect of antisense oligomer length on inhibiting viral replication was also investigated. Of particular interest was the S-ODNs-rev 15 mer, which possessed higher anti-HIV activity than the sense-, random-, mismatched-, and homo-20 mers.

pH-independent inhibition of restriction endonuclease cleavage via triple helix formation by oligonucleotides containing 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine

The ability of homopyrimidine oligonucleotides containing 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine to form stable, triple helical structures with the sequence containing the recognition site for the class II-S restriction enzyme, Ksp632-I, was studied as a function of pH. The 8-oxo-2'-deoxyadenosine-substituted oligomers were shown to inhibit enzymatic cleavage and to bind within the physiological pH range in a pH-independent fashion without compromising specificity.

[A case of pontine hematoma with Foville's syndrome in childhood]

We reported a surviving case of 6-year-old boy with pontine hematoma. He complained of headache as an initial symptom and developed progressively Foville's syndrome with impairments of the IX-XII cranial nerves. Although brainstem tumor was suspected initially using CT scan, MRI revealed the existence of hematoma in the ventromedial pons. During the first 4 months of his clinical course, Gd-DTPA did not demonstrate any enhancement in that lesion. However, hemangiomatous lesion was suspected by subsequent serial MRIs with positive Gd-DTPA enhancement. Using conservative treatment including oral corticosteroids, all the neurological deficits disappeared in several months and he did not show any recurrence of clinical signs for 3 years. It was suggested that MRI was very useful in the differential diagnosis and the follow-up of hematoma in the posterior fossa.

Effects of irradiation, glucocorticoid and FK506 on cell-surface antigen expression by rat thymocytes: a three-colour flow cytofluorometric analysis

The expression of T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) alpha beta was investigated in rat CD4- CD8- thymocytes during thymic reconstitution after the exposure of animals to irradiation or glucocorticoid. The effect of the immunosuppressant FK506 on the expression of TCR alpha beta in rat CD4- CD8- thymocytes was also examined. The percentage of CD4- CD8- thymocytes constituted 2.6% of total thymocytes and that of CD4- CD8- TCR alpha beta high cells constituted 12.6% of CD4- CD8- thymocytes in normal adult Lewis rats. The percentage of CD4- CD8- TCR alpha beta high cells increased during thymic reconstitution after irradiation, and maximally constituted 28.6% of CD4- CD8- thymocytes on day 7. Similar results were obtained during thymic reconstitution after glucocorticoid treatment. In contrast, continuous treatment with FK506 for 7 days markedly decreased not only the percentages of CD4+ CD8- TCR alpha beta high and CD4- CD8+ TCR alpha beta high thymocytes, but also that of CD4- CD8- TCR alpha beta high thymocytes. These results indicate that rat CD4- CD8- thymocytes contain a subpopulation of mature (TCR alpha beta high) cells. The possible implications of the existence of this subpopulation with regard to thymocyte differentiation and maturation are discussed.

[Positive rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis on pharynx and rectum of patients with gonococcal or chlamydial genital infections]

In an attempt to know the applicability of non-cultural detection technique for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis on pharyngeal and rectal swabs, the swabs taken from N. gonorrhoeae- and C. trachomatis-free subjects were tested by Gonozyme, Chlamydiazyme, Ideia Chlamydia, Gen-Probe and Gen Probe Pace 2. As N. gonorrhoeae- and C. trachomatis-free subjects, the castrated males older than age 70, with known prostate cancer treated at least for 6 months with anti-androgens who were seronegative for C. trachomatis and had a history of Ofloxacin treatment in the last 3 months and whose pharyngeal and rectal swabs were negative for N. gonorrhoeae, were subjected for study. The false negative rates were for N. gonorrhoeae from the pharynx by Gonozyme 57.7%, by Gen-Probe 0%, by Gen-Probe Pace 2 0%, from rectum by Gonozyme 0%, by Gen-Probe 0% by Gen-Probe Pace 2 0%, for C. trachomatis from pharynx by Chlamydiazyme 93.8%, by Ideia Chlamydia 8.3%, by Gen-Probe 0%, by Gen-Probe Pace 2 0%, from rectum by Chlamydiazyme 94.4%, by Ideia Chlamydia 70.9%, by Gen-Probe 20.0% and by Gen-Probe Pace 2 0%. To investigate the incidence of pharyngeal and rectal infection by N. gonorrhoeae among the patients with gonococcal genital infection, as well as pharyngeal and rectal infection by C. trachomatis among the patients with chlamydial genital infection, pharyngeal and recal swabs obtained from the patients with genital infection by N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis were tested by Gen-Probe Pace 2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of fluorescence in situ hybridization with flow cytometry and static image analysis in ploidy analysis of paraffin-embedded prostate adenocarcinoma

Nuclear DNA ploidy has been shown to have an important prognostic association for patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Flow cytometry and static image analysis are ploidy methods that have been used in prostate carcinoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using chromosome-specific probes can be used to evaluate the ploidy of interphase nuclei. In this study FISH was compared with flow cytometry and static image analysis in determining ploidy in paraffin-embedded tissue from 34 prostatic adenocarcinomas. Ploidy status using FISH was determined by enumerating centromeres of two chromosomes (8 and 12) by use of directly-labeled alpha-satellite DNA probes in isolated whole nuclei obtained by the Hedley technique. All three methods identified 11 of 34 cases as diploid and 17 of 34 cases as nondiploid (82% concordance). Six cases were discordant; two cases had discrepant results by each method. Ploidy classification as determined by FISH had an 88% concordance with ploidy classification by either flow cytometry or static image analysis. In conclusion, FISH was found to be a sensitive method of ploidy analysis in isolated paraffin-embedded nuclei from prostate adenocarcinomas. When the chromosomes commonly involved in aneuploidy have been identified in prostate adenocarcinoma, FISH has the potential to provide greater sensitivity for aneuploidy detection compared with currently available methods.

The effects of FK506 and dexamethasone on rat thymocyte differentiation

We investigated the effects of FK506 and glucocorticoids (GC) on rat thymocytes using flow cytofluorometry. Rats were treated with GC (0.1 mg/body, by single injection), with FK506 (1 mg/kg/day, for 7 days), or with FK506 and GC. GC alone significantly decreased the percentage of CD4+8+ thymocytes and increased the percentages of CD4-8-, CD4+8- and CD4-8+ thymocytes on day 7. FK decreased the percentage of CD4+8- and CD4-8+ thymocytes and increased the percentage of CD4+8+ thymocytes on days 5 to 14. FK and GC induced a significant decrease in the number of CD4+8+ thymocytes greater than that seen with GC alone on day 7. The absolute number of TCR alpha beta high MHC class Ihigh thymocytes after FK and GC was significantly lower than that of the control group, and was slightly lower than that after FK alone on day 14. These results suggest that combined treatment with FK506 and GC acts complexly to decrease rat CD4+8+ thymocytes and prevents thymocyte differentiation and maturation.

Site-specific incorporation of photofunctional nonnatural amino acids into a polypeptide through in vitro protein biosynthesis

Nonnatural amino acids with photofunctional groups were incorporated site-specifically into a polypeptide by using in vitro protein synthesizing system. The nonnatural amino acids were attached to tRNA(CCU) through chemical misacylation method, and added to the in vitro system with a mRNA containing a single AGG codon. L-p-Phenylazophenylalanine, L-2-anthrylalanine, L-1-naphthylalanine, L-2-naphthylalanine and L-p-biphenylalanine were successfully incorporated into a polypeptide, but l-1-pyrenylalanine was not. The polypeptides containing the nonnatural amino acids showed photofunctionalities.

Recognition of UUN codons by two leucine tRNA species from Escherichia coli

Codon recognition by Escherichia coli tRNA(Leu)4 and tRNA(Leu)5 was investigated by analysis of the competition between two aminoacyl-tRNA species in an in vitro protein synthesis. Both tRNA species strictly obey the wobble rule when they are in competition with other tRNA species. This is probably due to the post-transcriptional modifications at the first position of the anticodon of these tRNA(Leu) species, supporting the proposal that the conformational rigidity of post-transcriptionally modified pyrimidine nucleotides guarantees the correct codon recognition.

[Endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: results and complications]

We treated eleven cases of primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction with percutaneous endopyeltomy. Endopyelotomy was successful in nine of the eleven cases. Complications during and after endopyelotomy occurred in three cases, two of which had pyelonephritis and the other severe postoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion due to incision of a posterior crossing vessel. In this last case, the kidney was supplied by three arteries. The lower segmental artery passed behind the ureter. We emphasized that angiography should be performed to rule out the presence of a posterior crossing vessel before endopyelotomy, when it is doubtful if an extrinsic cause of ureteropelvic junction obstruction is present.

Adaptability of nonnatural aromatic amino acids to the active center of the E. coli ribosomal A site

3'-N-Aminoacyl analogs of puromycin with nonnatural aromatic amino acids were synthesized and their inhibitory activity in E. coli in vitro protein synthesizing system was evaluated. The analogs with L-2-naphthylalanine, L-p-biphenylalanine, L-2-anthrylalanine and trans-L-p-phenylazophenylalanine were found to inhibit the protein synthesis with high efficiency. The inhibition suggests that these nonnatural amino acids are accepted by the active center of the E. coli ribosomal A site. A model for the adaptability of nonnatural aromatic amino acids to the active center is proposed.

Common bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bile duct injury can occur more frequently during laparoscopic cholecystectomy than in open cholecystectomy. Three cases of common bile or hepatic duct injuries occurred in a series of eighty laparoscopic cholecystectomies; In case 1, the common bile duct was misidentified as the cystic duct. In case 2, bile peritonitis occurred on the fourth postoperative day caused by necrosis of the common hepatic duct involving the cautery surrounding it. In case 3, a bile leak occurred due to an incision at the confluence of the cystic and common duct. Dissection of the cystic duct at the infundibulum of the gallbladder, blunt dissection of the Calot's triangle, the handling of clips with special attention for safety were thought to be necessary in order to lower the risk of bile duct injury. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) is recommended to avoid bile duct injury.

[Immobilization of a sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica L., by volatile anesthetics]

The disappearance of thigmonastic mobility of a sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica L., caused by volatile anesthetic agents such as methoxyflurane, chloroform, halothane, enflurane or sevoflurane revealed that the response to anesthetic agents in plants maybe similar to that in animals. In terms of reversible anesthesia, animals seem to equal plants in order of potency of anesthetics, and the minimum immobilizing concentration (MIC; %) in the plant shows a good correlation with MAC in the human (MICplant = 5.8 MAChuman + 0.01, r2 = 0.946). These phenomena suggest the existence of a certain common mechanism in anesthesia between animals and plants.

Importance of specific purine-pyrimidine amino and hydroxyl groups for efficient cleavage by a hammerhead ribozyme

Subsequent of the discovery that RNA can have site specific cleavage activity, there has been a great deal of interest in the design and testing of trans-acting catalytic RNAs as therapeutic agents. We have chemically synthesized and experimentally analyzed chimeric DNA-RNA ribozymes in which the catalytic center remains as RNA.

Disposition and metabolism of KW-2149, a novel anticancer agent

KW-2149 is a new derivative of mitomycin C (MMC). The plasma concentrations, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [3H]-KW-2149 in normal and tumor-bearing mice after i.v. administration of 16.6 mg/kg were investigated. The plasma radioactivity decreased biexponentially after i.v. administration in normal mice. However, the unchanged drug disappeared rapidly, showing a half-life (t1/2) of 9.7 min, which was shorter than MMC's (18 min). The radioactivity was excreted in mouse urine (33%) and feces (58%) within 144 h. High radioactivity was distributed in the gallbladder, liver, kidney, pancreas, and lung at 1 h after i.v. administration to normal mice. The tumor concentration was lower than the plasma or blood concentration. The lowest radioactivity was observed in the brain. The metabolic rate of KW-2149 was very rapid. The methyl sulfide form (M-16), the symmetrical disulfide dimer (M-18), and the albumin conjugate were detected in plasma, which possessed anticellular activity. The specific anticellular activity of these compounds against uterine carcinoma (HeLa S3) was 1/100, 1, and 1/20 respectively, as compared with that of KW-2149.