Mechanical stress induced cellular orientation and phenotypic modulation of 3-D cultured smooth muscle cells

The effect of periodic stretch on cellular orientation and intracellular ultrastructure of three-dimensionally (3-D) cultured arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was investigated. Ring shaped hybrid tissues were prepared by thermal gelation of a mixed solution of Type I collagen and SMCs derived from bovine aorta. The gels were subjected to three modes of stress loading: floated (control), stretched isometrically (static stress), and periodically stretched and recoiled with 10% amplitude at 60 rpm frequency (dynamic stress). After 4 weeks of stress loading, the gels were morphologically investigated with a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Irrespective of static or dynamic stress loading, SMCs in stress loaded gels exhibited an elongated bipolar spindle shape and were oriented parallel to the direction of stretch, whereas those in control gels were polygonal shaped and randomly oriented. TEM observation showed that SMCs in control and static stress loaded gels were intracellularly filled with organelles, such as rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, Golgi complexes, and mitochondria, indicating that the cells were of the synthetic phenotype. On the other hand, SMCs in dynamic stress loaded gels tended to have increased contractile apparatus, such as myofilaments, dense bodies, and basement membranes, suggesting that periodic stretch plays an important role in phenotypic modulation of SMCs from the synthetic to the contractile state, as well as cellular orientation.

In vitro reconstruction of hybrid vascular tissue. Hierarchic and oriented cell layers

Hybrid vascular tissue was hierarchically reconstructed in vitro. A hybrid medial layer composed of type I collagen gel, in which SMCs derived from a mongrel dog were embedded, was formed on the inner surface of a compliant porous polyurethane graft (internal diameter = 3 mm). Endothelial cells (ECs) from the same animal were seeded and cultured on the hybrid media to build an intimal layer. Subsequently, hierarchically structured grafts constructed in this manner were subjected to pulsatile flow (flow rate: 8.5 ml/min; frequency: 60 rpm; amplitude: 5% of graft outer diameter) of culture medium (Medium 199 supplemented with 20% fetal calf serum). After stress loading for as long as 10 days, tissues were morphologically investigated with a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Inner surfaces of the hybrid tissues were covered with EC monolayers that aligned along the direction of the flow (i.e., longitudinally). However, SMCs beneath the intima aligned in the circumferential direction. These cellular orientations resembled those in native muscular arteries. The pulsatile stress loaded hybrid tissue mimicked native muscular arteries with respect to hierarchic structure and cellular orientation. In vitro mechanical stress loading on a hybrid graft might provide a high degree of integrity in terms of tissue structure that promises high tolerance toward hydrodynamic stress and regulation of vasomotor tone upon implantation.

[Renal autotransplantation and graft replacement for DeBakey IIIb dissecting aneurysm--a case report]

A successfully repaired case, a 53-years old man, who suffered DeBakey IIIb type dissecting aneurysm and renal dysfunction was reported. The right kidney, of which artery was originated from the false lumen, was autotransplanted to the right iliac system to improve the renal blood circulation. Then the descending aorta was segmentally replaced with the prosthesis under profound hypothermia, circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion without cross-clamping the aortic arch. Three months later, aortography and catheterization study suggested that the reperfused left kidney resulted in renin-dependent hypertension. Kidney, therefore, was resected to improve blood pressure control. Patient recovered successfully, with no evidence of neurological complication.

Small diameter vascular prostheses with incorporated bioabsorbable matrices. A preliminary study

The authors have designed small diameter vascular prostheses with incorporated matrices that can be absorbed into a growing anastomotic neointima. First, a gelatin-heparin complex was coated on the inner surface of tubular ultrafine polyester fabrics presealed with heat denatured albumin. Second, to control the bioabsorption rate, the prepared grafts were cross-linked with polyepoxy compounds for 3 days (Group I; n = 14) or 5 days (Group II; n = 4). These grafts, 3 mm in diameter and 4 cm long, replaced the carotid arteries of nine mongrel dogs weighing 9.5-14 kg. Six of eight (75%) grafts in Group I were patent when the animals were killed 4 weeks after surgery. Doppler sound examination revealed that the remaining six were patent for 16 weeks. In Group II, three of four (75%) grafts were patent when the animals were killed 8 weeks after surgery. In both groups, scanning electron microscopic study showed neither platelet aggregation nor fibrin formation on the midportion. However, these two groups significantly differed in histology. In Group I, thin anastomotic neointima advanced over the mostly absorbed gelatin-heparin complex layer. Connective tissue was well formed around the polyester scaffold. In contrast, thick neointima advanced over the gelatin-heparin complex layer that still remained on the luminal surface in Group II. These results suggest that the gelatin-heparin complex, when cross-linked adequately, could simultaneously function as a temporary antithrombogenic surface and as an excellent substructure of an anastomotic neointima.

Electron-equivalent dose for the effect of gadolinium neutron capture therapy on the growth of subcutaneously-inoculated Ehrlich tumor cells in mice

The present in vivo study estimates the dose resulting from the gadolinium neutron capture reaction and the gadolinium enhancement extent of the thermal neutron effect. The assay is based on the time required from cell inoculation to the formation of tumors with an arbitrary size of 200 mm2. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously with Ehrlich tumor cells with or without meglumine gadopentetate (1.2 mg 157Gd/0.2 ml), and were exposed to 1.1 x 10(12) thermal neutrons cm-2(n 8), or 3 MeV electrons at three dose levels (each n 10). To reach 200 mm2 in size, it took 18.8 days for tumors treated with neutrons only and 34.7 days for those treated with gadolinium and neutrons. From the time-dose relation obtained with 3 MeV electrons, the equivalent doses corresponding to delays of 34.7 and 18.8 days were 15.0 and 7.4 Gy, respectively. Thus, gadolinium enhanced the thermal neutron effect two-fold (15.0/7.4) in the present study.

Significance of sublobular hepatic necrosis in the progression of chronic hepatitis C

The clinical characteristics of hepatitis C virus associated chronic liver diseases (C-LD) in 17 patients were compared with hepatitis B virus associated diseases (B-LD) in 47 patients, by analysing the histological findings of the liver and the change in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. The persistence of the moderate abnormality in ALT (> 100 IU/L) for longer than 1 year was more frequently seen in the C-LD group (P < 0.01), although the severe exacerbation of the disease with ALT higher than 500 IU/L was more frequent in the B-LD group (P < 0.01). The patients with the histological finding of sublobular hepatic necrosis (SN) in the C-LD group progressed to advanced stages more frequently than those with SN in the B-LD group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, nine of 10 patients with SN in C-LD finally progressed to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 52 +/- 23 months, whereas three of 16 with SN in B-LD developed HCC in 81 +/- 34 months. Although the morphological features of SN in C-LD and B-LD were almost the same, SN in C-LD seemed to be a more significant diagnostic condition for the progression to liver cirrhosis or HCC. The patients with SN in the C-LD group should be closely followed for the early detection of HCC, although further study with a greater number of patients is necessary.

Spontaneous occurrence of autoimmune cholangitis in senescent mice

The biliary lesions that developed spontaneously in senescent female C57BL/6NCrj mice were investigated. Degeneration of the bile duct epithelium was observed in 12 of 13 mice (92%), destruction of bile duct epithelial cells was seen in six of 13 mice (46%) and chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis was found in three of 13 mice (23%). The biliary lesions were characterized by prominent round cell infiltrates in the portal areas. Extra-hepatic lesions such as sialoadenitis were observed in six mice (46%) and pancreatis in seven (53%). IgM class antipyruvate dehydrogenase antibody was positive in one of three C57BL/6NCrj mice not given anti-Lyt 2 antibody and in three of six C57BL/6NCrj mice injected with anti-Lyt 2 antibody. These lesions were not observed in male C57BL/6NCrj mice, young female C57BL/6NCrj mice, or ICR mice. However, by transferring the splenic cells of senescent female C57BL/6NCrj mice to 6 week old females, the biliary lesions could be transferred at the rate of 6/9. The lymphocytes infiltrating in the bile ducts were CD8 positive lymphocytes. Moreover, in the ultrastructural immunocytochemical analysis of lymphocytes infiltrating bile duct epithelia, CD8 positive lymphocytes often formed broad contacts with the epithelial cells. The biliary lesions developing spontaneously in these mice are similar to those found in human primary biliary cirrhosis.

Urinary excretion of stress hormones of rats in tail-suspension

Tail-suspension of rats has been employed for the study of disuse atrophy of hindlimb muscles and bones. From our study, it is suggested that stress exacerbates muscle and bone atrophy; however, the determination of stress hormones has been inappropriately performed. For assessing the effect of tail suspension on stress hormone secretion, suspension was performed for 7 days in a metabolic cage. Urinary excretions of corticosterone, catecholamines and antidiuretic hormone were determined during the 7-day suspension. Urine volume was unchanged during the suspension period, whereas water consumption was decreased during suspension. Urinary excretion of corticosterone and catecholamines increased significantly during the initial 3 days of suspension. The excretion of antidiuretic hormone increased throughout the suspension period. Our results demonstrated that the determination of urinary excretion of these hormones is useful for evaluating the stress reaction.

Autonomic nervous system disturbance as etiological background of vertigo and dizziness

In order to investigate whether dysautonomia lies behind vertigo and/or dizziness in the neurotological clinic, an electrocardiogram (ECG) R-peak to R-peak test (R-R test) along with the Schellong test were simultaneously performed in 136 subjects. ECG data were analyzed by a microcomputer, and R-R intervals were calculated. In a dynamic test performed during postural changes from the supine to the standing position, there were 23 of 55 (41.8%) positive test results in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders, 28 of 51 (54.9%) with central vestibular disorders, and 15 of 18 (83.3%) with spinocerebellar degeneration. In a static test with the patient in the standing position, there were 13 of 55 (29.1%) positive test results in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders, 16 of 51 with central vestibular disorders, and 8 of 18 (44.4%) with spinocerebellar degeneration. A significant difference in the positive rate between spinocerebellar degeneration and both other central and peripheral vestibular disorders in the dynamic test was observed. These results also demonstrated that dysautonomia upon postural changes might play an important role in the development of vertigo and dizziness and that it is provoked by disorders of the autoregulatory mechanisms of the cerebral blood flow. This test is presumed to be excellent for detecting dysautonomia by virtue of being non-invasive, having good reproducibility and being readily available to quantitative evaluation by using a microcomputer.

Effects of isosorbide in patients with Menière's disease

The effects of isosorbide on vertigo, disability, hearing loss and tinnitus in 32 patients with Menière's disease were evaluated after a 24-month observation period. Vestibular symptoms in 80% of patients were assessed as improved according to the 1985 AAO-HNS post-treatment reporting criteria. In contrast, the effect of this osmotic diuretic on cochlear symptoms was limited.

The EBNA2-related resistance towards alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) in Burkitt's lymphoma cells effects induction of IFN-induced genes but not the activation of transcription factor ISGF-3

Transfection of a plasmid encoding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) gene confers resistance to the antiproliferative effect of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) in EBV-negative U968 cells (P. Aman and A. von Gabain, EMBO J. 9:147-152, 1990). We studied the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in two pairs of Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines, differing in the expression of the putative immortalizing gene of EBV, EBNA2. In EBNA2-expressing cells, the induction of four ISGs by IFN-alpha was strongly reduced or, in some cases, abolished. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene constructs containing different IFN-stimulated response elements were transfected into EBNA2-negative and EBNA2-positive cells. Induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity by IFN was impaired in EBNA2-positive cells. Also, a reporter gene construct driven by an IFN-gamma-sensitive promoter element was affected. However, as revealed by gel shift assays, EBNA2-positive and EBNA2-negative cells exhibited a nearly identical pattern of IFN-stimulated response element-binding proteins. Most important, activation of the factor ISGF-3, which previously has been shown to be required and sufficient for transcriptional activation of IFN-induced genes, was not inhibited in IFN-resistant cells expressing EBNA2. The mechanism of the EBNA2-related IFN resistance seems to be distinct both from the resistance mediated by hepatitis virus and adenovirus gene products and from the IFN resistance in Daudi cell variants. In these three cases, the transcriptional block of IFN-induced genes is due to inhibition of ISGF-3 activation and binding. Our data suggest that the EBNA2-related IFN resistance in Burkitt's lymphoma cells acts downstream of the activation of ISGF-3.

Two-dimensional orientational response of smooth muscle cells to cyclic stretching

It was hypothesized that an orientated cellular tissue for incorporation into vital, functioning hybrid artificial organs can be prepared by periodically applying mechanical stresses on a hybrid tissue. Therefore, the effect of cyclic stretching on the two-dimensional (2-D) orientation response of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was studied. Smooth muscle cells derived from bovine aortas were seeded onto transparent elastomeric membranes made of polyurethane, and subjected to periodical stretching with various amplitudes from 5-20% at frequencies of 15 to 120 RPM for up to 24 hours. Phase-contrast microscopic views of SMCs were time-lapse video recorded. The orientation angle to the direction of stretching (OA) and cellular longitudinal length (CLL) of individual cells were analyzed by a computerized image processor. After several hours, SMCs subjected to the stress exhibited orientation responses perpendicular to the direction of stretching, evidenced by a significant increase in OA. The responses were more rapid under operating conditions with higher amplitudes and frequencies of stretching. Meanwhile, little significant change in CLL was observed. These findings indicate that an applied mechanical stress induces a significant orientation response, without morphologic alteration of SMCs. The mechanically induced orientation response provides a fundamental basis for more structured hybrid organs and tissue engineering.

A 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent pathway is responsible for a rapid increase in c-fos messenger ribonucleic acid by adrenocorticotropin

ACTH rapidly and transiently increases c-fos mRNA in the rat adrenals in vivo. The present investigation was undertaken in order to determine what kind(s) of second messenger systems is involved in this increase. Rat adrenal cells were grown in monolayers in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. After 2 days of culture, cells were treated with ACTH and various agents alone or in combination. The amount of c-fos mRNA was determined by dot blot hybridization and corticosterone levels in the media were measured by RIA. ACTH (300 pg/ml) increased c-fos mRNA transiently with a peak level after 60 min. A similar increase was observed when (Bu)2cAMP (1 mM) was substituted for ACTH. Pretreatment with N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H-89), a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, suppressed both basal and ACTH-increased c-fos mRNA. H-89 also suppressed corticosterone production. On the other hand, neither 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (100 ng/ml) nor elevated potassium ion (50 mM) affected the amount of c-fos mRNA and corticosterone production. Furthermore, pretreatment with cycloheximide (5 micrograms/ml) increased both basal and ACTH-increased c-fos mRNA. These results indicate that ACTH increases c-fos mRNA by phosphorylation of preexisting trans-acting factor(s) via cAMP-dependent protein kinase in common with steroidogenesis.

[Development of a method to prevent degenerative changes of the vein graft for arterial reconstruction]

Autologous vein graft is frequently used for arterial reconstruction in vascular surgery. Its' long-term patency rate, however, is low because of the degenerative changes of the vein wall. Of the basis of our hypothesis that the degenerative changes are mainly caused by an over-distension of vein wall in arterial system, in this study, autologous vein grafts of rabbit (N = 56) were implanted in the carotid arteries. To prevent overdistension, some of the grafts were covered with prosthesis which was made of microporous, compliant biodegradable polyurethane and were compared with those without prosthesis. The integrity of the architecture of the vein wall covered with prosthesis was well preserved at 6 weeks after implantation, where the biodegradation of prosthesis induced an optimal arterialization of the vein grafts. The results indicate that this method may prevent the degenerative changes of vein wall such as fibrosis and intimal hyperplasia, which would cause poor long-term patency of vein graft used for arterial reconstruction.

The seroepidemiology of hepatitis A and B in a Japanese town

Sera collected from 1,118 healthy children and adults aged between four years and 90 years during the period 1989 to 1990, were tested for serological markers of hepatitis A virus (HAV) [antibody to HAV (anti-HAV)] and hepatitis B virus (HBV) [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBsAb)]. The overall prevalence rates of anti-HAV, HBsAg, and anti-HBV were 20.2%, 0.36%, and 5.1%, respectively. No body was found to be positive for anti-HAV below 30 years of age but more than 70% of the adults aged 50 years or over were positive for anti-HAV. The level of exposure of HAV infection is declining in Japan and paradoxically at the same time a vast majority of people are becoming susceptible to more severe illness. The fall in prevalence of HBsAg possibly represents the positive impact of ongoing vaccination programs and other preventive measures against HBV.

Factors causing difference in force output among motor units in the rat medial gastrocnemius muscle

1. The isometric contractile properties and morphological characteristics of the muscle unit portion of motor units were investigated in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle of Fischer 344 rats. Individual motor units were functionally isolated by stimulating single MG axons in finely dissected ventral root filaments. 2. To study the mechanical properties of the motor units in the rat MG muscle, ninety-six motor units in five animals were classified into three categories (type FF, FR and S units) using two physiological criteria: presence or absence of the 'sag' property and fatigability. The relative distribution of the different motor unit types in the sample was 35.4% for type FF, 47.9% for type FR, and 16.7% for type S units. 3. There was little overlap in the distribution of twitch contraction time between type F (including types FF and FR) and type S units. The mean value was 17.1 ms for type FF, 15.7 ms for type FR, and 28.0 ms for type S units. Type FF units produced the largest tetanic tension (mean +/- S.D.; 201 +/- 75 mN). Tension output of type S units was the smallest (15 +/- 6 mN), and that of type FR units was intermediate (100 +/- 45 mN). These values were significantly different. 4. A muscle unit portion of twenty-three motor units (8 FF, 6 FR, and 9 S units) was depleted of its glycogen through repetitive stimulation after characterization of its mechanical properties. Cross-sectional areas of units fibres and innervation ratio were directly measured in sections stained for glycogen using a periodic and acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction. Specific tension of unit fibres was calculated by dividing the maximum tetanic tension of a unit by its total fibre area. 5. The number of unit fibres ranged from 44 to 77 for type S, 116 to 198 for type FR, and 221 to 356 for type FF units, and differences among their means (66, 154 and 271, respectively) were significant. Tetanic tension was correlated with innervation ratio for all of the twenty-three units, or units within a particular type. 6. Mean fibre area for type S units (1983 microns2) was significantly smaller than that for type FF units (3489 microns2). Fibres belonging to type FR units had an intermediate size (2648 microns2). Correlation between tetanic tension and fibre area was significant for either all units or units within a particular type. 7. Total cross-sectional area was significantly different among the motor unit types, and was highly correlated to the maximum tetanic tension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Neutron-capture therapy of murine ascites tumor with gadolinium-containing microcapsules

Gadolinium-containing microcapsules were evaluated as an agent for gadolinium neutron-capture therapy. Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 10(7) Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and gadolinium microcapsules and exposed to thermal neutrons for 12 min (approximately 1.86 x 10(12) neutrons cm-2). Significantly more mice given gadolinium microcapsules than those given placebo microcapsules or control survived for 60 days and considerably longer (P < 0.0001), indicating that gadolinium neutron-capture reactions effectively suppressed the growth of ascites tumor cells in mice. The results suggest that these microcapsules are an effective gadolinium carrier for neutron-capture therapy.

[A case of erythropoietin-producing renal cell carcinoma with a skin metastasis]

An 83-year-old man came to our hospital complaining of asymptomatic gross hematuria. We found a subcutaneous tumor in his chest and an abdominal mass in his left upper quadrant. Laboratory data showed red blood cell count of 737 x 10(4)/mm3 and hemoglobin level of 17.9 g/dl. The serum erythropoietin level measured by radioimmunoassay was considerably high. He underwent left nephrectomy and tumor resection in the chest wall. Serum erythropoietin level became normal following surgery and erythrocytosis disappeared. Histological findings revealed renal cell carcinoma, alveolar type, clear cell subtype, grade 2. The erythropoietin levels of the extracts of the cancer tissue and the normal kidney tissue were 2430 mU/g and 59.5 mU/g, respectively. Lung, liver and bone metastases appeared four months after the operation and serum erythropoietin level increased again.

Recovery of motor-unit function after peripheral nerve injury in aged rats

The potential capacity of aged motoneurons for the reconstruction of motor-units after nerve crush injury was studied in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle of male Fischer rats. The MG nerve in middle-aged (8 months old) and aged (24 months) rats was aseptically crushed under pentobarbital anesthesia. After a 3-month recovery period, the animal was reanesthetized and physiological properties of individual motor-units were recorded. The three different types (fast twitch, fatigable: FF; fast twitch, fatigue resistant: FR and slow twitch: S) of normal motor-unit organization were restored in both middle-aged and aged reinnervated muscles as measured by their relative distributions, mean twitch contraction times and mean tetanic tensions. Some reinnervated units in both aged and middle-aged rats produced a large tetanic tension which exceeded the range for intact units. These findings indicate that aged motoneurons maintain their ability for axonal regenerating and muscle fiber innervation to reestablish normal function of motor-units.

Registered nurse staffing in Pennsylvania nursing homes: comparison before and after implementation of Medicare's Prospective Payment System

This paper examines changes in resident acuity and registered nurse staffing in all nursing homes in Pennsylvania before and after the introduction of the Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) in 1983. The analysis is based on 1980, 1982, 1985, and 1987 data from the Long Term Care Facilities Survey conducted by the State Health Data Center, Pennsylvania Department of Health. Although the acuity of nursing home residents has increased significantly since the introduction of PPS, full-time registered nurse staffing has remained unchanged, and part-time registered nurse staffing has declined. This alarming trend threatens the quality of care patients receive, yet remains largely unaddressed.

Otoneurological manifestations of the Shy-Drager syndrome

Three patients with the chief complaints of dizziness while standing up or blackouts were diagnosed correctly as having the Shy-Drager syndrome at the Department of Otolaryngology. Both the electrocardiogram R-peak to R-peak interval and the Schellong test revealed disorders of the autonomic nervous system in each of these cases. Electronystagmography also demonstrated pathology of the oculomotor system and/or central vestibular system. Postural balance was also abnormal in one of the cases. Auditory brain-stem responses were normal in all three cases.

Diuretics modify [Arg8]vasopressin-stimulated cAMP but not atrial natriuretic peptide-stimulated cGMP formation in renal cells

The present study was undertaken to examine whether sulfonamide-derived diuretics affect [Arg8]vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated or atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-stimulated cyclic nucleotide formation in cells cultured from rat or dog kidney. In rat renal cells, all four sulfonamide-derived diuretics examined significantly suppressed 10(-9) M AVP-stimulated cAMP formation at concentrations of 10(-4) and 10(-3) M, while basal cAMP formation was unchanged by the diuretics. When cells were stimulated with 10(-7) M AVP, low ceiling diuretics (indapamide and trichlormethiazide) did not suppress cAMP formation, while high ceiling diuretics (furosemide and azosemide) significantly suppressed cAMP formation at concentrations of 10(-4) and 10(-3) M. The suppressive effect of the diuretics on AVP-stimulated cAMP formation in vitro paralleled the reported diuretic potency of the agents in vivo. In dog renal cells, all four diuretics significantly suppressed 10(-9) M AVP-stimulated cAMP formation at concentrations from 10(-6) to 10(-5) M, while these diuretics did not change basal cAMP levels. High ceiling diuretics suppressed 10(-7) M AVP-stimulated cAMP formation, whereas low ceiling diuretics did not. The difference in effective doses between rats and dogs seems to be consistent with the species difference observed in vivo. None of the diuretics affected basal levels of intracellular cGMP or ANP-stimulated cGMP formation in cultured rat renal cells. In addition to the inhibition of the Na/K/Cl co-transporter, it is suggested that most sulfonamide-derived diuretics act, at least in part, by inhibiting the actions of AVP.

Immunocytochemical detection of S-100 protein in rat mandibular condylar cartilage

Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry was used to localize S-100 protein. It was demonstrated in chondrocytes of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones but none could be found in the fibrous articular layer. The staining intensity for S-100 protein was stronger in the hypertrophic cells than in chondrocytes from the proliferative zone. Ultrastructurally, immunoreactive gold particles were detected in the cytosolic region, closely apposed to the profiles of endoplasmic reticulum with occasional dense aggregations. A few gold particles were seen on the nuclear chromatin and on condensing vacuoles of Golgi complexes. Because of the calcium-binding and possibly fatty acid-binding properties of the protein molecule, the immunocytochemical expression of S-100 protein in the chondrocytes may be involved in cartilage cell differentiation, metabolism and mineralization.

Identification of a methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus caprae from a human clinical specimen

The analysis of gel banding patterns of penicillin-binding proteins was used to identify two clinical isolates of a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species as Staphylococcus caprae, a species originally isolated from goat's milk. One of the isolates was further shown to carry mecA, the structural gene for methicillin resistance.

[A case of bone and lung metastasis of breast cancer successfully treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy]

A 34-year-old female patient with breast cancer metastasizing to bone had a remission after a course of treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 1,200 mg/day, but again had a metastasis to the lungs. The patient was then instituted on a combination therapy with UFT 400 mg/day, and MPA 1,200 mg/day. As a result, the pulmonary metastasis disappeared, along with the consolidation of the bone involved.

Gel electrophoretic analysis of penicillin-binding proteins of coagulase negative staphylococci

We analyzed gel electrophoretic banding patterns of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) of 16 type strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. saprophyticus, S. hominis, S. xylosus, S. simulans, S. warneri, S. capitis, S. saccharolyticus, S. auricularis, S. caseolyticus, S. gallinarum, S. hycus subsp. hycus, S. cohnii, S. caprae, and S. sciuri subsp. sciuri. The PBP profile of each CNS species was found to be unique and was clearly distinguishable from those of the rest of the species. Together with the previous work of other researchers, this study substantiates the applicability of the PBP profile analysis to the identification of clinical CNS strains.

[A five-year follow-up study of recipient rates for welfare allowance for the disabled elderly in a metropolitan area]

Improvement of the domiciliary care system for the disabled elderly is one of the most urgent issues of welfare for the elderly. In order to understand more clearly the utilization of domiciliary care service in a metropolitan area, we studied recipient rates for welfare allowance for disabled elderly which was the most frequently used welfare service. Between October 1984 and March 1985 a baseline survey was performed on a random sample of elderly living at home, aged from 65 to 89, in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. A follow-up survey of this sample of 873 persons was performed in November 1989 where survival and their recipience of welfare allowance were reviewed. The main results were as follows: 1. Recipient proportion of welfare allowance increased rapidly with disability of ADL. Of the severely disabled elderly at the baseline the recipient proportion was 46%. During the following five years 27% of the severely disabled were accepted as new recipients. 2. Recipient proportion of elderly who died at age 75 or greater for the following five years was more than 30%. 3. The recipient incidence rate of those who were non-recipient at baseline increased significantly with age after controlling for ADL. This indicates that the risk of ADL disability increases with age. 4. Mean recipient duration varied according to age. Mean durations for those aged over 80 and those under 80 were 2.1 years and 3.9 years respectively.

Neuronal dropout is greater in hindlimb motor nuclei than in forelimb motor nuclei in aged rats

The number of forelimb, ulnar (U) and hindlimb, medial gastrocnemius (MG) motoneurons labeled with retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase was examined in young and aged rats. No significant difference was found between the mean number of U motoneurons in young and aged rats, whereas the mean number of MG motoneurons was significantly lower in aged rats than in young rats. These results suggest that motoneuronal dropout is greater in hindlimb motor nuclei than in forelimb motor nuclei, which may contribute to differential changes in forelimb and hindlimb muscles with increasing age.

Phosphorylation of high-Mr caldesmon by protein kinase C modulates the regulatory function of this protein on the interaction between actin and myosin

High-Mr caldesmon, which is involved in smooth muscle contraction, was phosphorylated by protein kinase C. By chymotryptic digestion, actin- and calmodulin-binding assays and immunoprecipitation with the antibody to the C-terminal 35-kDa fragment, we have identified that all phosphate groups are incorporated exclusively into this fragment, which is the functional domain for binding actin and calmodulin. Phosphorylation of high-Mr caldesmon and its C-terminal 35-kDa fragment reduced their binding abilities to both F-actin and calmodulin. Further, their inhibitory effects on the actin-activated ATPase activity of gizzard myosin were also reversed in proportion to the degree of phosphorylation. These results suggest that phosphorylation of high-Mr caldesmon by protein kinase C, which is restricted within the C-terminal 35-kDa domain, results in the modulation of its activity in the smooth muscle actin--myosin interaction.

Nerve stimulation does not necessarily enhance retrograde HRP labeling of rat motoneuron

The retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeling of medial gastrocnemius (MG) motoneurons was not enhanced by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve after HRP injection into the MG muscle of the rat. When pulse trains with short intermissions were applied immediately after the HRP injection, the number of labeled MG motoneurons on the stimulated side was even smaller than that on the control side.

A novel phage genome integrated into a plasmid in Bacillus thuringiensis strain AF101

Bacillus thuringiensis strain AF101 possesses a single plasmid (pAF101) with a molecular size of 42 MDa (69 kb). During plasmid curing experiments in strain AF101, we found that a phage (J7W-1) was induced by ethidium bromide treatment. Moreover, the phage genome (48 kb) hybridized only with pAF101 on a Southern blot of the DNA of a cleared lysate prepared from strain AF101. Comparison of the restriction patterns of pAF101 and J7W-1 phage DNA revealed that pAF101 contains not only the entire phage DNA but also a plasmid-specific DNA region. These results indicate that the J7W-1 genome has been stably integrated into pAF101 in strain AF101. Integration of the J7W-1 genome into a plasmid was also observed after phage infection of the type strain of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis.

Kinetic approach with ab initio MO method on ionic selectivity and size in sodium channel

Three kinds of models for ionic selectivity and size of the filter in sodium channel have been treated by using ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations with MINI-3 and MIDI-3* basis sets. A three-components system, HCO2M-H2O (M = Li+, Na+ or K+), is acceptable for describing experimental facts well. Thermochemical parameters obtained from harmonic vibrational analysis with MINI-3 basis sets, for the translocation of the permeant metal cations in the HCO2M-H2O system, are that the activation enthalpies for Li+, Na+ and K+ are 7.0, 6.4 and 23.4 kJ/mol, and also the free energies of activation are 10.6, 1.5 and 19.0 kJ/mol, respectively. These results are qualitatively in good correspondence with experimental facts of the ion selectivity of the channel. One of water molecule was found to have a key role in the translocation of the permeant cations.

Primary structure and functional expression of h-caldesmon complementary DNA

Recently, the two Mr forms of caldesmon (Mr's in the range of 120-150kDa and 70-80kDa as judged by SDS-PAGE) have been identified. h-Caldesman (high Mr 120-150kDa caldesmon) is predominantly expressed in smooth muscles, and l-caldesmon (low Mr 70-80kDa caldesmon) in non-muscle cells. In this paper, we report the nucleotide sequence of chick embryo gizzard h-caldesmon cDNA and its translation into amino acid sequence. This sequence predicts a protein of 771 amino acids with a Mr of 88,743. The central portion of this sequence is composed of a 10-fold repeat of conserved amino acid sequence containing 13-15 amino acids. Further, a recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli containing the full-length h-caldesmon cDNA has been characterized. Although the Mr of h-caldesmon predicted from amino acid sequence is 88,743, native and recombinant proteins show the same mol. wt. with 150kDa as measured by SDS-PAGE. This discrepancy may be due to the acidic amino acid-rich sequences at the N-terminal and central portions. A recombinant protein produced in E. coli possesses calmodulin-, F-actin- and tropomyosin-binding abilities in common with the native h-caldesmon.

Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies on the cytoskeleton in the anterior pituitary of rats, with special regard to the relationship between actin filaments and secretory granules

As previously reported, in anterior pituitary cells of the rat, secretory granules are linked with adjacent granules, cytoorganelles, microtubules, and plasma membrane by thin filaments, 4-10 nm in diameter. The quick-freeze, deep-etching method revealed that some of the filaments linking adjacent secretory granules show 5 nm-spaced striations on their surface which are known to be characteristic of actin. Immunocytochemistry showed that actin is localized in the cytoplasm beneath the plasma membrane, and around or between secretory granules. The heavy meromyosin decoration method demonstrated that actin filaments are mainly located in the cytoplasm beneath the plasma membrane, while some actin filaments are connected with the limiting membrane of the secretory granules. The actin filaments associated with the secretory granules are considered to be involved in the intracellular transport of the granules, while those localized in the peripheral cytoplasmic matrix might control the approach of the secretory granules to the plasma membrane and their release.

Alpha-actinins, calspectin (brain spectrin or fodrin), and actin participate in adhesion and movement of growth cones

We have used biochemical and immunocytochemical techniques to investigate the possible involvement of membrane cytoskeletal elements such as alpha-actinin, calspectin (brain spectrin or fodrin), and actin in growth cone activities. During NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells, alpha-actinin increased in association with neurite outgrowth and was predominantly distributed throughout the entire growth cone and the distal portion of neurites. Filopodial movements were sensitive to Ca2+ flux. Two types of alpha-actinin, with Ca2(+)-sensitive and -insensitive actin binding abilities, were identified in the differentiated cells. Ca2(+)-sensitive alpha-actinin and actin filaments were concentrated in filopodia. The Ca2(+)-insensitive protein was distributed from the body of the growth cone to the distal portion of neurites, corresponding to the substratum-adhesive sites. The location of calspectin in growth cones was similar to that of the Ca2(+)-insensitive alpha-actinin. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that Ca2(+)-sensitive alpha-actinin and actin filaments are involved in Ca2(+)-dependent filopodial movement and Ca2(+)-insensitive alpha-actinin and calspectin are associated with adhesion of growth cones.

Review: biological effectiveness of thermal neutrons and 10B(n,alpha)7Li reaction on cultured cells

There are only a few reports on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of thermal neutrons and 10B(n,alpha)7Li reactions either in vitro or in vivo. The data in this paper summarize almost all previously published in vitro data. Because only a few reactors are available for biomedical purposes, it is difficult to make a comparison of data from experiments using the same kind of radiation, and also to make a comparison of data from experiments using the different kinds of radiations. However, it is indispensable for boron neutron capture therapy to make a radiobiological analysis. More intensive study, including repair process and oxygen effect, is necessary for establishing the fundamental basis of the clinical application of boron neutron capture therapy.

Estimation of absorbed dose in the covering skin of human melanoma treated by neutron capture therapy

A patient with malignant melanoma was treated by thermal neutron capture therapy using 10B-paraboronophenylalanine. The compound was injected subcutaneously into ten locations in the tumor-surrounding skin, and the patient was then irradiated with thermal neutrons from the Musashi Reactor at reactor power of 100 KW and neutron flux of 1.2 X 10(9) n/cm2/s. Total absorbed dose to the skin was 11.7-12.5 Gy in the radiation field. The dose equivalents of these doses were estimated as 21.5 and 24.4 Sv, respectively. Early skin reaction after irradiation was checked from day 1 to day 60. The maximum and mean skin scores were 2.0 and 1.5, respectively, and the therapy was safely completed as far as skin reaction was concerned. Some factors influencing the absorbed dose and dose equivalent to the skin are discussed.

35 kDa fragment of h-caldesmon conserves two consensus sequences of the tropomyosin-binding domain in troponin T

Using a tropomyosin-coupled affinity column, we have demonstrated a direct association between the chymotryptic 35 kDa fragment of h-caldesmon, which is located at the C-terminal of the parent molecule, and gizzard tropomyosin. We have subsequently determined the nucleotide sequence of cDNA clones encoding the 35 kDa fragment from the cDNA library prepared from chick embryo gizzards, and have deduced the amino acid sequence. Calculating from the predicted sequence, the 35 kDa fragment is composed of 306 amino acid residues. In agreement with the tropomyosin-binding ability, the 35 kDa fragment conserves two consensus sequences of the tropomyosin-binding domain in troponin T. These results suggest that the 35 kDa fragment of h-caldesmon, at least in part, has a common property to the striated muscle troponin T.

[Afferent projections to the uvula in the cat. I. Climbing fiber projections]

The inferior olive afferents to the cerebellar uvula were studied by means of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the cat. Following large and small injections of HRP into the uvula, the distributions of labeled cells in the inferior olive were investigated. As to the climbing fiber projection, it is revealed that there are six longitudinal parasagittal zone extending throughout the dorsal and ventral uvula. That is, the caudal aspect of the nucleus beta projects to a most medially oriented zone (caudal beta zone), the rostral aspect of the nucleus beta projects to a zone (rostral beta zone) oriented lateral to the caudal beta zone, the caudal aspect of the medial accessory olive (MAO) projects to a zone oriented lateral to the rostral beta zone, the dorsomedial cell column projects to a zone (dorsomedial cell column zone) oriented in the intermediate part of the uvula, the ventral lamella of the principal olive (vlPO) projects to a more lateral zone (vlPO zone), and the rostral aspect of the MAO projects to the most lateral zone (rostral MAO zone).

[Afferent projections to the uvula in the cat. II. Mossy fiber projections]

The mossy fiber projections to the uvula of the cerebellum were studied by means of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the cat. Following large and small injections into the uvula, distribution of the labeled cells in the brainstem nuclei was investigated. The results showed different afferent projections between the dorsal and ventral uvula. Major sources projecting to the dorsal uvula were the peduncular, paramedian, and lateral nuclei of the pontine nuclei. Labeled cells found in the pontine nuclei amounted to 81.6% of the total number of labeled cells in cat 1. On the other hand, major sources projecting to the ventral uvula were the caudal aspect of the medial and inferior vestibular nuclei, the x- and f-groups of the vestibular nuclei, the dorsal and central aspect of the superior vestibular nucleus, the rostral dorsomedial aspect of the paramedian nucleus of the pontine nuclei, the caudal aspect of the prepositus hypoglossal nucleus, and the infratrigeminal nucleus. Labeled cells in the vestibular nuclei amounted to 72.1% of the total number of the labeled cells in the cat 40. It was revealed that the lateral aspect of the ventral uvula receives inputs from the pontine nuclei, whereas the medial part of the ventral uvula receives inputs from the vestibular nuclei. Mediolateral differences were not found in the dorsal uvula. These mossy fiber zones were mediolaterally wide, and the dorsal uvula was different from the ventral uvula with regard to mossy fiber projection.

The effects of blocking nerve conduction on retrograde HRP labeling of rat motoneuron

The effect of blocking nerve conduction on retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeling was investigated for rat hindlimb motoneurons. Conduction of the sciatic nerve in the left leg was blocked with tetrodotoxin, and HRP solution was injected into the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles of both sides. The total number of labeled MG motoneurons and the labeling intensities of individual cell somas were measured. There were no differences in these two parameters between the blocked and the intact sides. The results suggest that motoneurons are sufficiently well labeled with HRP, even if they are electrically silent.

Changes in properties of the medial gastrocnemius motor units in aging rats

1. The properties of motor units were investigated in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) of old rats [27.5 +/- 1.6 (SD) mo old, n = 18]. Individual motor units were functionally isolated by ventral root fiber splitting and grading stimulus intensity. The muscle-unit portion of the motor unit was identified by the glycogen depletion method. The physiological properties of 77 motor units in 6 animals and the histological results of 7 slow-twitch (type S) muscle units were compared with data from motor units in the same muscle of middle-aged rats (12.8 +/- 1.6 mo old, n = 33). 2. The motor units were classified into four types of categories [FF (fast-twitch motor units with a fatigue index less than or equal to 0.5), FI (fast-twitch motor units with a fatigue index greater than 0.5 but less than 0.75), FR (fast-twitch motor units with a fatigue index greater than or equal to 0.75), S (slow-twitch motor units with a fatigue index greater than 0.75)] using the same criteria (i.e., presence or absence of the "sag" property and fatigability) used for middle-aged rats. No significant difference in the relative distributions of these unit types was detected, although the MG muscle in old rats exhibited a relatively high proportion of type S units and fewer type FR units. 3. The mean tetanic tensions for type FF + FI and FR units were significantly smaller than those in the middle-aged rats. On the other hand, type S motor units produced more tension than in the middle-aged rats. 4. The conduction velocity of motor axons was considerably slower in any unit type of old motor units, and the most marked change was found in type FR units. 5. The general morphological features of the old rat MG were fiber-type grouping, disseminated atrophic or angulated fibers, a decrease in the total number of muscle fibers, and an increase in the number of type I muscle fibers. The major distribution patterns of fibers of different types were the same as those in the middle-aged MG. 6. Seven type S units that produced large tetanic tension were depleted of glycogen in the muscle-unit portions. These units had a large innervation ratio compared with those in the middle-aged rats, whereas the mean cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and the calculated specific tension remained unaltered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Potentiation of atrial natriuretic peptide-stimulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate formation by glucocorticoids in cultured rat renal cells

1. The effect of steroid hormones on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-stimulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) formation was studied in cultured rat renal cells. 2. ANP increased cyclic GMP formation in a dose-dependent manner, while cyclic AMP was not changed by ANP. 3. Steroid hormones did not affect basal cyclic GMP levels in cultured rat renal cells. 4. Dexamethasone at 10(-8) M increased ANP (human and rat ANP)-stimulated cyclic GMP dose-dependently in cultured rat renal cells. Cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone at a concentration of 10(-7) M also potentiated ANP-stimulated cyclic GMP formation, although triiodothyronine, oestradiol and testosterone were ineffective. Potentiation of ANP action by these steroids seems to parallel glucocorticoid activity. 5. Dexamethasone did not affect cyclic GMP formation stimulated by sodium nitroprusside which stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase in the cytosol. Therefore, the potentiating action of dexamethasone may be mediated through the action on particulate guanylate cyclase at the plasma membrane. 6. It is suggested that the diuretic action of glucocorticoids may, at least in part, be mediated through the potentiating effect of glucocorticoids on cyclic GMP response to ANP.

Comparison of the regional distribution of calspectin (nonerythroid spectrin or fodrin), alpha-actinin, vinculin nonerythroid protein 4.1, and calpactin in normal and avian sarcoma virus- or Rous sarcoma virus-induced transformed cells

With fluorescence and interference reflection microscopy (IRM), we compared the regional distribution of calspectin, its interacting proteins (nonerythroid protein 4.1 and calpactin), alpha-actinin, and vinculin in NRK cells and their avian sarcoma virus (ASV)- or temperature-sensitive (ts) Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed cells. The localization of these cytoskeletal proteins was determined with the specific antibodies. In NRK cells, alpha-actinin and vinculin were concentrated at adhesion plaques. By contrast, calspectin was distributed throughout the cytoplasm, but not concentrated at adhesion plaques. In ASV- and ts RSV-transformed cells, all three cytoskeletal proteins were concentrated at dot structures representing cellular feet. Nonerythroid protein 4.1 and calpactin were diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm of NRK cells and their transformed counterparts. In the case of calpactin, a part of this protein was excluded near regions of the terminal ends of stress fibers. These two proteins did not show the restricted location at the dot structures of transformed cells. From these findings, it is apparent that the accumulation of calspectin into dot structures is a specific event for cell transformation induced by the src protein.

Localization of 4.1 related proteins in cerebellar neurons

Localization of 4.1 related proteins in neurons was studied with immunofluorescence microscopy and with immunoelectron microscopy on ultrathin cryosections. In rat cerebellum, 4.1 immunoreactive proteins were demonstrated in Purkinje cell bodies, dendrites and other neurons in the cerebellar cortex. Some glial cells showed staining, but no labeling was found in myelinated axons of the white matter and of the glomeruli in the granule cell layer. At the ultrastructural level, the 4.1 related proteins were localized mainly in the cytoplasmic matrix, while some labeling was found underneath the plasma membrane. To determine whether 4.1 related proteins in neuronal cytoplasm exist as part of the cytoskeleton or not, PC12 cells cultured in the presence of nerve growth factor were stained with the anti-4.1 antibody. Since cytoplasmic staining was retained after detergent treatment, the 4.1 related proteins seem to exist as a component of the neural cell cytoskeleton. Localization of 4.1 related proteins during the postnatal development of the cerebellum was also studied. In Purkinje cells, localization of 4.1 related proteins changed according to the stages of the postnatal development. The present data suggest that 4.1 related proteins in neurons localized mainly in the cytoplasm and may play some role in organizing cytoskeletal networks in the cytomatrix. Their distribution is developmentally regulated in some neurons, possibly in relationship to their maturation in the cytoskeleton.