The rat peptidylarginine deiminase-encoding gene: structural analysis and the 5'-flanking sequence

Genomic clones of the rat peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD)-encoding gene (PAD) were isolated, and the gene organization was analyzed by restriction mapping and nucleotide sequencing. The PAD spans more than 50 kb and contains 16 exons and 15 introns. The lengths of the introns from 0.5 kb to more than 16.5 kb. A 1.7-kb sequence in the 5'-flanking region was determined. S1 nuclease mapping revealed two putative cap sites 79 and 81 bp upstream from the N-terminal ATG codon of PAD, which had been determined by amino acid sequence analysis. This ATG was confirmed to be the translation start site, since no other ATG codon was found in the open reading frame downstream from the cap sites. The 5'-flanking sequence contains four potential SP1-binding sites, a putative Pit-1/GHF-1-binding site, four short sequences either identical or homologous to the sequences in the promoter regions of rat or human growth hormone encoding genes, as well as a sequence similar to an estrogen-responsive element. However, neither a typical TATAA box, nor CCAAT box is present. These results provide important clues for elucidating the mechanism of female-specific and/or sex cycle-dependent gene expression.

Enhancement and suppression in the auditory midbrain nucleus (MLD) of the pigeon

Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) and spike responses were recorded from the same recording site in the nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis pars dorsalis (MLD) in pigeons with a tungsten microelectrode. Depending on the recording sites within the MLD, enhancement and suppression of the AEPs in response to clicks were observed at particular frequencies of a background continuous pure tone. Post stimulus time histograms (PSTs) of the spike responses, if available in such cases, were recorded from the same position by the same electrode. Suppression of the AEPs always occurred but enhancement occurred in only 21% of the trials. The frequencies of tone bursts that caused maximum AEP were vaguely related to the frequencies of continuous pure tones that elicited maximum suppression of the AEPs in response to clicks. However, enhancement was produced by a continuous pure tone of approximately 1.5 kHz, independent of the frequencies of tone bursts that produced maximum AEPs. Most of the PSTs in such instances showed parallel relations between the spike responses and the amplitudes of the AEPs. The nature of the enhancement and suppression of the click evoked AEPs during continuous pure tones was clearly different from those in recordings from the nucleus magnocellularis, nucleus angularis and Field L in respect to the probability of occurrence of enhancement and suppression.

Ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion associated with alteration of presynaptic components of dopamine neurons in the nucleus accumbens of mice

The underlying mechanisms of ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion were examined in mice. An intraperitoneal (IP) injection of ketamine (3-150 mg/kg) increased locomotor activity in a dose-dependent fashion. A low dose of ketamine (30 mg/kg) produced peak locomotion within the first 10 min followed by a rapid decline. In contrast, a high dose (150 mg/kg) inhibited locomotor activity to the control level during the first 30 min. Thereafter the activity gradually increased and reached a peak at approximately 2 h followed by a gradual decline. The hyperactivities induced by both low and high doses of ketamine were inhibited by a low dose of haloperidol (0.10 mg/kg, IP), a dopamine (DA) receptor antagonist. However, neither a high dose of phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg, IP), an alpha-blocker nor a high dose of propranolol (20 mg/kg, IP), a beta-blocker inhibited the hyperactivities. Destruction of catecholaminergic terminals by 6-hydroxydopamine suppressed ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion. Regional brain monoamine assays revealed that, at peak locomotion, a low dose of ketamine (30 mg/kg) selectively increased DA turnover in the nucleus accumbens which is a forebrain region believed to be involved in the initiation and regulation of locomotor activity, while a high dose (150 mg/kg) increased not only DA but also norepinephrine and serotonin turnover in many regions of the brain. In vitro, ketamine slightly provoked [3H]DA release from nucleus accumbens and striatal slices to a similar extent, but inhibited synaptosomal uptake of [3H]DA in the nucleus accumbens to a greater degree than in the striatum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The usefulness of simultaneous determinations of glucosaminylation and fucosylation indices of alpha-fetoprotein in the differential diagnosis of neoplastic diseases of the liver

The degrees of glucosaminylation (glucosaminylation index) and fucosylation (fucosylation index) of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were determined in serum samples of 351 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 47 with carcinoma metastatic to the liver from digestive organs, five with mixed cholangiocellular and HCC, and 176 with benign liver diseases. The glucosaminylation index of AFP in patients with carcinoma metastatic to the liver (42 +/- 23%, mean +/- SD) was significantly higher than that in patients with HCC (5 +/- 7%, P less than 0.001) or that in patients with benign liver diseases (2 +/- 4%, P less than 0.001). The fucosylation indices of AFP in patients with carcinoma metastatic to the liver, with HCC, and with benign liver diseases were 76 +/- 25%, 42 +/- 30%, and 4 +/- 6%, respectively. Thus, the fucosylation indices of AFP were high in two neoplastic liver diseases (carcinoma metastatic to the liver and HCC) and low in benign liver diseases, whereas the glucosaminylation indices were high in carcinoma metastatic to the liver but low in HCC and benign liver diseases. When the values of 30% and 80% were used as the level of the glucosaminylation and fucosylation indices, respectively, to discriminate carcinoma metastatic to the liver from HCC, 40 of 47 patients with carcinoma metastatic to the liver (85%) were able to be discriminated from HCC (sensitivity). The specificity, the positive predictive value, and the overall accuracy were 86% (302/351), 45% (40/40 + 47 + 3 - 2) and 86% (40 + 302/47 + 351), respectively. These data suggest that the combined information in these two indices provides a potent criterion for the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases of the liver.

[Juvenile parkinsonism in monozygotic twins]

A pair of monozygotic twins concordant for juvenile Parkinsonism are described. These twin sisters have lived together until 18 years old. Twin A noted tremor in the right hand and right-sided stiffness and slowness at the age 20. Initially, a marked improvement was shown with L-dopa treatment. However, one year after the beginning of treatment, dopa-induced dyskinesia appeared. Twin B noted tremor and right-sided stiffness and basal ganglia calcification in both patients. These twin patients suggest that genetic factors may play an important role in the cause of juvenile Parkinsonism.

Synapse formation by autonomic nerves in the previously denervated neuromuscular junctions of the feline intrinsic laryngeal muscles

Nerve terminals of unknown origin at the previously denervated neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) of the feline intrinsic laryngeal muscles were investigated. Until 3 weeks after the transection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), no axons were observed in the Büngner's bands and the NMJ, accompanied by a marked decrease of autonomic nerves around the blood vessels. At 5-6 weeks nerve varicosities labeled by 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA) were observed in the Büngner's bands together with an increase of autonomic nerves around the blood vessels. At 9-30 weeks (8 cases) nerve terminals were found at the NMJ in all cases. Even if the ipsilateral vagosympathetic trunk was transected at 17 weeks, nerve terminals were found at all the NMJ 3 weeks after this treatment, indicating that nerve terminals were not from the original RLN. These nerve terminals were considered to be autonomic because nerve terminals labeled by 5-OHDA were observed. Furthermore, in the case of the removal of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and the nodose ganglion at 21 weeks, though nerve varicosities were found in the Büngner's bands, nerve terminals were not found 9 days after this treatment, suggesting that the ipsilateral SCG possibly played an important role. In electromyographic findings fibrillation-like activities were recognized in 8/11 cases after 5 weeks. The relationship of this phenomenon to fibrillation and muscle atrophy was discussed.

Ultrastructural and histochemical study of the neuromuscular junctions in the denervated intrinsic laryngeal muscle of the cat

Morphological changes and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) of the normal and denervated posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA muscle) of the cat were studied. Two days after denervation, the nerve terminals at the NMJ had almost disappeared. Six weeks after denervation, intensity of AchE activity at the former junctional site (FJS) was unchanged histochemically. At this stage, primary synaptic clefts were distorted and the Schwann's cells covered the FJS. Fourteen weeks after denervation, AchE activity at the FJS had decreased in contrast to that of the non-affected side. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was also investigated at the NMJ of the normal PCA muscles immunocytochemically. The present study shows that CGRP coexists with Ach in the nerve terminals of the PCA muscles and may be involved in the regulation of the contractile function of the intrinsic laryngeal muscle.

[Two cases of HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM) complicated with Sjögren's syndrome, T-lymphocyte alveolitis and arthropathy]

Two cases of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM) complicated with Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), T-lymphocyte alveolitis and arthropathy were reported. Case 1 was a 55-year-old woman. Since 40 years of age she had been suffering from repetitive pulmonary infection. She also noted polyarthralgia since 42 years of her age and was diagnosed as SjS at her age 43. She developed gait disturbance since April 1988. Case 2 was a 65-year-old woman. She began to have gait disturbance at 62 years of age. A right knee joint pain started in December 1988. The two cases have the following features in common: 1. The diagnosis of HAM is definite because of pyramidal signs and positive anti-HTLV-I antibody in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. 2. The histological findings of the minor salivary glands are compatible with SjS. 3. Differential cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed an increase in lymphocytes which suggested the presence of clinical or subclinical T-lymphocyte alveolitis. 4. A mono-or polyarthropathy is observed. These findings are suggestive that HAM is not the disease restricted within the central nervous system but the disease with systemic involvement which may be caused by the activated T-lymphocytes. Thus the two cases are interesting for the understanding of the pathogenesis of HAM.

1-Methyl-4-(2'-methylphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (2'-methyl-MPTP) is less neurotoxic than MPTP in the common marmoset

Four adult marmosets were treated with increasing doses of 1-methyl-4-(2'-methylphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (2'-methyl-MPTP) in the range 0.23-4.3 mg/kg i.p. to give a cumulative dose of 11.0-11.6 mg/kg over a 6-10 day period. After 4 days of treatment, and as the dosage was gradually increased, the animals exhibited mild motor deficits. These abnormalities slowly declined over the following 1-6 week period. In contrast, similar treatment of common marmosets with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (1-4 mg/kg i.p.) for 3-5 days in a cumulative dose of 6.9-9.2 mg/kg produced gross impairment of motor function which persisted throughout the 5 weeks period of observation. Administration of 2'-methyl-MPTP for 6-10 days caused some decrease in dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), but not homovanillic acid (HVA) content in the caudate nucleus in animals 5-6 weeks after the start of treatment. There was a small decrease in [3H]dopamine uptake into putamen synaptosomes. This contrasted with the marked decreases in all these parameters observed after MPTP treatment of common marmosets. Histological examination of the substantia nigra from the four animals treated with 2'-methyl-MPTP did not show degeneration or loss of dopamine-containing cell bodies in the zona compacta. In contrast, MPTP caused severe destruction of these pigmented nigral neurones. In the common marmoset 2'-methyl-MPTP does not appear to show the same neurotoxic action as MPTP itself. This contrasts with findings in the mouse where 2'-methyl-MPTP is more toxic to dopamine-containing cells of substantia nigra than MPTP.

Postural myoclonus associated with long-term administration of neuroleptics in schizophrenic patients

Postural myoclonus associated with long-term administration of neuroleptics was demonstrated in schizophrenic patients. Sixty patients who had been taking neuroleptics for more than 3 months were investigated for myoclonus and the relationships between postural myoclonus and age, duration of illness, duration of medication, current daily dose, cumulative dose, occurrence of abnormal finger movement, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia were evaluated. Twenty-three patients (38%) showed postural myoclonus when holding the hands forward with the elbow joints flexed at about 90%. Male patients showed a higher incidence of myoclonus than female patients. Patients with myoclonus had been given significantly higher doses of neuroleptics than those without myoclonus. There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of myoclonus and abnormal finger movement. Electromyographic recordings in 7 patients with prominent myoclonus revealed that arrhythmic jerks occurred in the extensor carpi radialis and posterior deltoid muscles and that the jerks on the left and right side were not synchronized. Clonazepam reduced the frequency of the myoclonic activity.

Structure and in vitro transcription of the rat CYP2A1 and CYP2A2 genes and regional localization of the CYP2A gene subfamily on mouse chromosome 7

The CYP2A1 and CYP2A2 genes code for hepatic steroid hydroxylases and differ in their development regulation and expression in male and female rats. In order to explore the mechanism of regulation of these two genes, both genes were isolated and sequenced, their upstream regions compared, and their promoters transcribed in a cell-free system derived from liver. The CYP2A1 gene was completely sequenced and spanned 12,835 bp. The CYP2A2 gene was sequenced except for 1.5 and 12 kbp in the second and fifth introns, respectively. This gene was about 10 kbp longer than CYP2A1. Both genes possess nine exons that displayed overall 93% nucleotide similarity. DNA 4544 and 5529 bp upstream from the CYP2A1 and CYP2A2 genes, respectively, was also sequenced, and the transcription start sites were determined. Both genes had typical TATA boxes but did not contain CCAAT boxes within -100 bp of their polymerase start sites. CYP2A1, however, contained a reverse CCAAT box between -85 and -90. Search of the Gene Bank revealed a 255 bp region that lies -3 kbp upstream from the transcription start site of CYP2A1 displaying similarity with retrovirus polymerase. Two regions upstream of CYP2A2 were also found that displayed 90% sequence similarity with the consensus long interspersed middle repetitive element (LINE). In addition, an unusual 1.6 kbp inserted sequence was detected between -165 and -1779 bp upstream of the CYP2A2 gene that appears to be a retropseudogene. A nuclear extract derived from adult hepatocytes was used to direct in vitro transcription of the CYP2A1 and CYP2A2 gene promoters. Both genes were accurately transcribed in extracts derived from livers of male and female rats. This result is surprising in view of the fact that the CYP2A1 gene is expressed in adult female rats while the CYP2A2 gene is expressed exclusively in adult males. The CYP2A1 promoter was more actively expressed in both extracts than that of CYP2A2. By analyzing the segregation pattern of CYP2A genes in backcross offspring from an interspecies cross between the laboratory strain NFS/N and the wild mouse Mus musculus musculus, the Cyp2a subfamily was mapped proximal to the Gpi-1 locus near the centromere on chromosome 7.

Treatment with a selective MAO B inhibitor prevents loss of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens of MPTP-treated common marmosets

Administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to common marmosets induced motor deficits, associated with a marked decrease in the uptake of [3H]dopamine into synaptosomes in the putamen and a reduction in the content of dopamine in both caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens. Histological analysis showed a marked loss of dopamine-containing cells in the zona compacta of the substantia nigra and less loss in the ventral tegmental area. Treatment of animals with the selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitor, MDL 72145 (0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg) prior to, during and following administration of MPTP partially protected animals from the motor abnormalities induced by administration of MPTP alone. Both doses inhibited the onset of akinesia but only the large dose of MDL 72145 prevented the occurrence of other motor abnormalities. Moreover, while MDL 72145 (2.0 mg/kg) prevented the loss in uptake of [3H]dopamine into synaptosomes of the putamen, this was only partly prevented using the smaller dose. Similarly, while MDL 72145 (2.0 mg/kg) prevented loss of dopamine in the caudate, only partial protection was afforded by the smaller dose. However, in the nucleus accumbens, both doses of MDL 72145 prevented the depletion of dopamine, occurring in this region. Histological examination of the substantia nigra showed little or no cell loss in animals receiving the larger dose of MDL 72145 but a moderate cell loss in animals receiving the smaller dose. No damage was observed in the ventral tegmental area of animals treated with MDL 72145 (2.0 mg/kg) and only mild cell loss in those receiving the smaller dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transient depletion of nucleus accumbens dopamine content may contribute to initial akinesia induced by MPTP in common marmosets

Acute treatment of common marmosets with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) caused an initial profound akinesia and other motor deficits. However, over the following months akinesia gradually disappeared although the animals remained clumsy and poorly coordinated. At 10 days following MPTP treatment there was a profound decrease in the dopamine, HVA and DOPAC content of the caudate nucleus, putamen and nucleus accumbens. By 3-4 months following MPTP treatment the animals had largely recovered from their akinesia, but the caudate nucleus and putamen dopamine, HVA and DOPAC content remained low. In contrast, the dopamine content of the nucleus accumbens had returned towards normal and the metabolite levels were higher than at 10 days. No overall alterations in 5HT or 5HIAA levels were observed at either time point. The transient and reversible nature of dopamine loss in the nucleus accumbens may contribute to the initial profound akinesia exhibited by common marmosets treated with MPTP. The restoration of dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens may be partially responsible for the subsequent recovery of motor function that occurs in MPTP-treated marmosets.

Stereoselective reversal of MPTP-induced parkinsonism in the marmoset after dermal application of N-0437

The selective dopamine D-2 receptor agonist N-0437 produced a rapid and dose-dependent reversal of motor deficits lasting 90-120 min following i.p. or oral administration of the racemate to MPTP-treated common marmosets. In contrast, topical application of (+/-)-, (+)- or (-)-N-0437 to the skin of MPTP-treated animals did not alter locomotor activity in the initial 4 h although other motor disabilities were reduced. However, 24 h following application of the racemate or the (-) enantiomer both locomotor activity and the other motor deficits induced by MPTP were improved. The increase in locomotor activity returned to basal values by 48-52 h following application of the racemate to the skin and by 72-76 h following administration of (-)-N-0437; the other motor deficits induced by MPTP were reduced for up to 72-76 h by both (+/-)- and (-)-N-0437. Application to skin of the (+) enantiomer produced no behavioural improvement or stimulation of locomotor activity. Transdermal administration of the active enantiomer of N-0437 may be of value in producing a prolonged reversal of parkinsonian motor deficits in man.

Histologic studies on the hepatic lesions induced by graft-versus-host reaction in MHC class II disparate hosts compared with primary biliary cirrhosis

By light and electron microscopic examinations, histologic changes in the liver of mice with graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) were analyzed. To induce GVHR, C57BL/6 (B6) spleen cells were injected into (B6Xbm1)F1, (B6Xbm12)F1, and (bm1Xbm12)F1 mice. In (B6Xbm12)F1 recipient mice, bile duct changes resembling chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis (CNSDC) and a formation of epithelioid granulomas were observed during the course of GVHR. An epithelioid granuloma in the liver of (B6Xbm1)F1 or (bm1.Xbm12)F1 recipients was not detected. By electron microscopy, the bile duct epithelia were seen to be in close contact with infiltrating cells, and marked alterations of their cytoplasm and microvilli were demonstrated; ie, vacuolation of the cytoplasm, deterioration of microvilli, and bleb formation were frequently observed in the liver of class II-disparate hosts. Concerning the basement membrane, no marked changes characteristic of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), such as many-layered basement membranes containing osmium positive substance, were detected. Because the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-disparate system was used in our experimental system in the GVHR, the antigen expressed on the bile duct might be a target and be associated with the formation of the initial hepatic lesions in PBC such as CNSDC and epithelioid granuloma formation. Thus, GVHR across the MHC class II antigen is believed to play an important role in the development of PBC.

[Histochemical study of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junctions of the cat posterior cricoarytenoid muscle using erabutoxin B]

Acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) at the neuromuscular junctions of the cat posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA muscle) were demonstrated by using erabutoxin b (Eb) which has a curare-like action. Eb is one of the short-chain neurotoxins which is obtained from Laticauda-semifasciata. At the light microscopic level, the localization of the neuromuscular junctions was detected on the muscle fiber by rhodamine-labeled Eb (TMR-Eb) under a fluorescein microscopy. For the electron microscopy horseradish peroxidase-labeled Eb (HRP-Eb) was used. After incubation with HRP-Eb conjugate the tissue was fixed in a mixture of paraformaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, then embedded in Epon. The reaction products were largely restricted to the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity was also demonstrated electron microscopically by Karnovsky's and Lewis' methods respectively. The reaction products were localized at the subneural apparatus of the neuromuscular junction. Both these results were compared.

Increased caudate dopamine turnover may contribute to the recovery of motor function in marmosets treated with the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPTP

Administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to common marmosets initially impaired motor function, but a partial recovery occurred over the following weeks. At both 10 days and 4-6 weeks following MPTP treatment, [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) uptake into synaptosomal preparations of putamen was markedly decreased. At 10 days and 4-6 weeks following MPTP treatment DA, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in the caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens were substantially reduced. However, the levels of HVA and DOPAC in caudate nucleus were higher at 4-6 weeks than at 10 days. The ratio of (DOPAC + HVA)/DA in caudate nucleus was elevated at 10 days following MPTP treatment and even more so at 4-6 weeks. No change in Bmax or Kd values for [3H]spiperone binding to caudate preparations were observed. The recovery of motor function in marmosets observed following MPTP treatment may result partially from a compensatory increase in caudate DA turnover by remaining neurones.

[An ultrastructural study of the neuromuscular junctions of the cat intrinsic laryngeal muscles. II. Synapse formation by autonomic nerves]

The purpose of this study is to identify the origin of the nerve terminals of unknown origin observed at the previously denervated neuromuscular junctions in the cat intrinsic laryngeal muscles. The results were as follows: 1. Until 3 weeks after the transection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, no nerve terminals were found at the neuromuscular junctions of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles except for the cricothyroid muscle, and no nerve fibres were detected in the Schwann tubes formed by Schwann cells and perineural cells. In addition, autonomic nerves around the vessels in the muscles were markedly decreased. 2. At 6 weeks, accompanied by an increase of autonomic nerves around the vessels, nerve fibres and nerve varicosities containing a number of large granular vesicles were observed in the Schwann tubes. 3. From 9 to 30 weeks, nerve terminals containing large granular vesicles were found at the neuromuscular junctions in all cases, even though the superior laryngeal nerve or the vagal nerve was transected on the ipsilateral side. 4. A spontaneous discharge was recognized in 6/8 cases after 6 weeks, but an evoked electromyogram could not be recognized. 5. The synaptic vesicles of the nerve terminals were labelled by 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA), which was used as a marker for the sympathetic nerve. From these results, it was indicated that if the transected recurrent laryngeal nerve was prevented from regenerating, the autonomic nerves around the vessels entered into the Schwann tubes and reached the denervated neuromuscular junctions, instead of the motor nerve. The effect of autonomic nerves on muscle fibres was discussed.

[An ultrastructural study of the neuromuscular junctions of the cat intrinsic laryngeal muscles. I. Denervation and reinnervation]

Morphological changes of the neuromuscular junctions induced by denervation and reinnervation have been investigated electronmicroscopically using cat intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Two experiments were performed: 1. simple transection of the unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve at the level of the second tracheal ring; 2. neurorrhaphy immediately after the transection at the same level. 1. All the ipsilateral intrinsic laryngeal muscles except for the cricothyroid muscle were denervated 48 hours after the transection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. In the denervated neuromuscular junctions some primary synaptic clefts were narrowed and others were flattened, while the secondary synaptic clefts were structurally preserved. 2. Some of the regenerating axons returned to the neuromuscular junctions 3 weeks after neurorrhaphy, and all the muscle fibres were reinnervated after 6 weeks. The structural features of the reinnervated neuromuscular junctions were as follows; 1) synaptic vesicles of the nerve terminals were more densely observed, 2) the original postsynaptic membranes were only partially in contact with the regenerated nerve terminals. These conditions persisted until 22 weeks after neurorrhaphy, when the appearance of remyelination was found in the vicinity of the neuromuscular junctions. Using an evoked electromyogram, the presence of neuromuscular transmission was observed 3 weeks after neurorrhaphy, indicating that the structural maturation of the neuromuscular junction was not necessary for neuromuscular transmission.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: a case report with electron microscopic findings

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare tumor. Histological and ultrastructural features of a primary squamous cell carcinoma arising in the right parotid gland is presented. Light microscopically the tumor consisted of poorly differentiated squamous cell nests. PAS reaction was negative. Ultrastructurally the tumor cells were oval or spindle shaped and the cytoplasmic processes were frequently found. The majority of the tumor cells contained numerous intermediate filaments in their cytoplasm. No secretory granule was found. The desmosomes were well developed. It is known that mucoepidermoid carcinoma may be often misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. These findings can enable us to distinguish primary squamous cell carcinoma from mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland.

The D1 agonist SKF 38393 inhibits the antiparkinsonian activity of the D2 agonist LY 171555 in the MPTP-treated marmoset

Administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to common marmosets induced persistent motor deficits. Administration of the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (2.5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a dose-dependent increase of this akinesia. Administration of the D2 agonist LY 171555 (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the motor deficits induced by MPTP treatment. Pretreatment of animals with SKF 38393 (2.5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) caused dose-dependent inhibition of the anti-parkinsonian action of LY 171555 (0.3 mg/kg i.p.). In primates SKF 38393 does not reverse motor deficits induced by MPTP and inhibits the actions of a D2-agonist.

Hepatic lesions induced by graft-versus-host reaction across MHC class II antigens: an implication for animal model of primary biliary cirrhosis

To induce graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR), C57B1/6 (B6) spleen cells were injected into (B6 x bm1)F1, (B6 x bm12)F1, and (bm1 x bm12)F1 mice. Since the strains bm1 and bm12 are mutant at the H-2Kb and I-Ab regions of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), respectively, we can assess MHC class I- or class II-different GVHR. As reported earlier, immunological perturbations assessed by the number of immunoglobulin-producing cells and immune complex deposition in renal glomeruli were demonstrated in MHC class II-different GVHR. A conspicuous finding in this report is that epithelioid granuloma formation was observed in the portal area and around the central vein of liver of (B6 x bm12)F1 mice injected with B6 spleen cells. The epithelioid granuloma formation was not observed in (B6 x bm1)F1 nor (bm1 x bm12)F1 recipient mice. Degenerative changes resembling chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis in primary biliary cirrhosis were also observed in the bile duct epithelium in (B6 x bm12)F1 and (bm1 x bm12)F1 mice. These lesions were already obvious at the 2 week postinjection of donor cells and were continuously observed up to 10 weeks when immunological perturbations subsided. Thus, class II-disparate GVHR in this experimental system might provide a novel animal model of protracted disease, primary biliary cirrhosis.

Levels of Met-enkephalin, Leu-enkephalin, substance P and cholecystokinin in the brain of the common marmoset following long term 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6,-tetrahydropyridine treatment

Common marmosets were treated daily with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 7-9 mg/kg i.p.) for 25 days, and then kept out of drug for three months before biochemical measurements in various brain areas. This treatment induced a dramatic fall (-80%) in dopamine, homovanillic acid and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in the putamen and caudate nucleus, and a significant but less pronounced reduction (less than or equal to 50%) in the levels of these compounds in the nucleus accumbens. In contrast, the concentrations of four neuropeptides: met-enkephalin, leu-enkephalin, substance P, and cholecystokinin, remained unaltered in all brain areas examined in MPTP-treated marmosets. Therefore the neuropeptide alterations previously reported in Parkinson's disease are probably not secondary to the severe lesion of dopaminergic neurones, but constitute another intrinsic feature of the disease.

Clinical evaluation of transcatheter arterial embolization and one-shot chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

The therapeutic effect and the prognosis of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and one-shot chemotherapy were studied in 90 cases of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A therapeutic effect, which was assessed by the serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein, angiography, computed tomography and ultrasonography, was seen in 33 (83%) out of 40 cases treated with TAE, and in 16 (32%) out of 50 cases treated with one-shot chemotherapy. In the cases that received TAE, the cumulative percentage survival rates at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months were 75%, 48% and 20%, respectively. In contrast, the survival rates in the cases that received one-shot chemotherapy were 30%, 10% and 2%, respectively. In addition, the prognosis on the basis of the degree of tumor invasion of the portal vein was studied. In cases with the same degree of tumor invasion, the survival rate of the cases treated with TAE was significantly higher than that of those treated with one-shot chemo-therapy, except for those cases with tumor invasion of the main portal vein. These results show that TAE should be performed as the therapy of first choice in unresectable cases of HCC.

The fucosylation index of alpha-fetoprotein and its usefulness in the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

The serum concentration and degree of fucosylation (fucosylation index) of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were determined in serum samples from 258 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 114 patients with benign liver diseases. When the serum AFP concentration was below 1000 ng/ml, it could not be used as a measure to distinguish between HCC and benign liver diseases. However, the fucosylation index of AFP proved useful for such a purpose. The sensitivity of the analysis using the fucosylation index in total patients with HCC was 69%; the specificity was 96% in benign liver diseases, and the accuracy of this test was 77%. When HCC patients who were grouped according to tumor size (5 cm, 3 cm, and 2 cm in diameter) were analyzed, they all had a fucosylation index significantly higher than that in benign liver disease patients. The mean fucosylation index in 28 patients with a serum AFP concentration below 1000 ng/ml and a tumor diameter less than 3 cm was 26 +/- 30%. Corresponding values for 16 patients with an AFP concentration below 400 ng/ml and a tumor size less than 3 cm and for 8 patients with a concentration below 400 ng/ml and a tumor size less than 2 cm were 32 +/- 31% and 27 +/- 27%, respectively. These values were higher, with statistical significance, than those in patients with benign liver diseases. These data indicate that the measurement of the fucosylation index of AFP is useful for the early diagnosis of HCC.

The fucosylation index of alpha-fetoprotein and its usefulness in the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

The serum concentration and degree of fucosylation (fucosylation index) of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were determined in serum samples from 258 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 114 patients with benign liver diseases. When the serum AFP concentration was below 1000 ng/ml, it could not be used as a measure to distinguish between HCC and benign liver diseases. However, the fucosylation index of AFP proved useful for such a purpose. The sensitivity of the analysis using the fucosylation index in total patients with HCC was 69%; the specificity was 96% in benign liver diseases, and the accuracy of this test was 77%. When HCC patients who were grouped according to tumor size (5 cm, 3 cm, and 2 cm in diameter) were analyzed, they all had a fucosylation index significantly higher than that in benign liver disease patients. The mean fucosylation index in 28 patients with a serum AFP concentration below 1000 ng/ml and a tumor diameter less than 3 cm was 26 +/- 30%. Corresponding values for 16 patients with an AFP concentration below 400 ng/ml and a tumor size less than 3 cm and for 8 patients with a concentration below 400 ng/ml and a tumor size less than 2 cm were 32 +/- 31% and 27 +/- 27%, respectively. These values were higher, with statistical significance, than those in patients with benign liver diseases. These data indicate that the measurement of the fucosylation index of AFP is useful for the early diagnosis of HCC.

Cytochemical demonstration of actin filaments in myoepithelial cells of the human parotid gland

Ultrastructurally, myoepithelial cells were shown to contain numerous fine filaments in their cytoplasm and resembled smooth muscle cells. The myoepithelial cell of the salivary gland has been considered to play an important role in the secretion of saliva. The present study showed that all the thin filaments (actin filaments) in the myoepithelial cell of the human parotid gland bound heavy meromyosin (HMM) and formed characteristic arrowhead structures. These filaments ran in two opposite directions with the poles at different ends. On the other hand, there was no binding of HMM with thicker filaments (10-nm filaments), plasma membrane, nuclear membrane, collagen fibrils, basement membrane or other cytoplasmic organelles. The present results strongly suggest that myoepithelial cells possess a contractile function parallel to the long axis of the cell for supporting the secretion of saliva in the parotid gland.

Light and electron microscopic studies of localized laryngeal amyloidosis

We performed light and electron microscopic studies in a case of localized supraglottic laryngeal amyloidosis involving a 55-year-old woman. Tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and alkaline Congo red with or without permanganate (KMnO4) treatment, and were also examined with peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemistry. Biopsy specimens from the epiglottis showed diffuse replacement of the subepithelial region by amyloid, which showed a typical green birefringence under polarized light. Tissue affinity for Congo red was persistent after the KMnO4 treatment. However, the tissue sections showed a positive reaction only to the anti-P component antibody. Electron microscopic studies revealed some disorders of the plasma cells, suggesting that these cells play an important role in focal production of amyloid fibrils.

Characterization of two types of histone H2B genes from macronuclei of Tetrahymena thermophila

Two histone H2B gene clones were isolated from macronuclei of Tetrahymena thermophila. Nucleotide sequences of the two clones were highly homologous within the coding region but not in the noncoding region. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences between the two clones showed three differences in a total of 121 amino acids. Each of the two clones contained a TAA triplet within the coding region, which appeared to code for a glutamine residue. To demonstrate the existence of histone mRNA containing UAA triplet, nuclease P1 protection mapping using total cellular RNA and nucleotide sequencing of primer extension products were carried out. The results clearly indicated that two cloned histone H2B genes were transcribed, giving rise to the major histone H2B mRNAs with a UAA triplet sequence in frame. The tentative 5'- and 3'-ends of histone H2B mRNAs were determined.

Anticholinergic-induced chorea in the treatment of focal dystonia

The occurrence of chorea, induced by trihexyphenidyl (benzhexol hydrochloride) during the treatment of five adult patients who had focal or segmental dystonia, is described. The dose at which chorea appeared ranged from 15 to 60 mg/day (mean 31.7 mg/day). All but one patient had developed common adverse effects of this drug (dry mouth, blurred vision, and confusion) at lower doses (mean 21.8 mg per day). There was an inverse relationship between the age of the patient and the dose of trihexyphenidyl at which chorea developed.

Antiparkinsonian activity of (+)-PHNO in the MPTP-treated common marmoset

Administration of MPTP (1-4 mg/kg ip daily for 5-7 days) to common marmosets induced persistent parkinsonian motor deficits. The subcutaneous administration of (+)-PHNO [(+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxynaphthoxazine; 1-4 micrograms/kg] caused a dose-dependent reversal of the akinesia and incoordination of movement. Similarly, oral administration of (+)-PHNO (5-20 micrograms/kg) caused an equivalent reversal of the motor abnormalities. No dyskinetic phenomena were induced by (+)-PHNO on oral or subcutaneous administration. Oral or subcutaneous administration of (+)-PHNO to normal control marmosets also increased the usual repetoire of motor behaviour, but this was not as marked as in MPTP-treated animals. (+)-PHNO is a potent dopamine agonist drug of potential use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

[Power spectral analysis of tremor induced by TRH and oxotremorine in mice]

Tremor induced by TRH and oxotremorine was recorded by a capacitance transducer, and its intensity and frequency were evaluated using power arrays. In mice treated with TRH (20 mg/kg, i.p.), the latency of tremor was 17.1 +/- 1.7 min (mean +/- S.E.) and the duration was 20.4 +/- 2.2 min, while the frequency was 13.7 +/- 0.3 Hz. In animals with oxotremorine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), the latency was 4.3 +/- 0.4 min and the duration was 18 +/- 2.2 min, while the frequency was 12.7 +/- 0.3 Hz. The latter frequency, however, was significantly shifted to a lower frequency as a function of time. In TRH-induced tremor, vertical movements appeared in the same degree as horizontal movements. In oxotremorine-induced tremor, the vertical movements were few, whereas the horizontal movements were observed in a degree similar to those of TRH. The TRH tremor was suppressed by haloperidol and propranolol, but not by atropine. On the contrary, the oxotremorine tremor was inhibited by atropine, but not by haloperidol or propranolol. These results suggest that mechanisms of tremor induced by TRH differ qualitatively from those by oxotremorine; dopaminergic and beta-adrenergic receptor mediated functions may be linked to the developments of tremor caused by TRH, while cholinergic systems have a little effect in mice. The apparatus used in this study and power spectral analysis with power arrays may provide a useful method for simultaneous evaluation of the latency, duration, intensity and frequency of tremors.

Alterations in motor behaviour produced by the isomers of 3-PPP in the MPTP-treated marmoset

Alterations in motor activity induced by the isomers of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N,n-propylpiperidine (3-PPP) were studied in normal and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated marmosets. In both normal and MPTP-treated animals motor activity was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner by the administration of (-)-3-PPP. In control animals (+)-3-PPP caused biphasic changes in motor activity, namely suppression of activity in low doses but stimulation at higher doses. In contrast (-)-3-PPP only caused locomotor stimulation in MPTP-treated marmosets. (+)-3-PPP may potentially be of use as a post-synaptic dopamine agonist drug in Parkinson's disease.

Meclofenoxate therapy in tardive dyskinesia: a preliminary report

Tardive dyskinesia seems to occur as a result of diminished cholinergic and enhanced dopaminergic activity in the striatum. Meclofenoxate has been shown to increase cerebral cholinergic activity. To ameliorate the tardive dyskinesia, meclofenoxate was given orally, 600-1200 mg/day, for 6-12 weeks. The effects of the drug were evaluated by scoring the degree of involuntary movement. Among 11 subjects with tardive dyskinesia or dystonia, 4 improved markedly, 1 moderately, 2 slightly, and there was no improvement in 4. One patient with subacute oral dyskinesia, induced by administration of neuroleptics for 1 month, improved markedly. The possibility that meclofenoxate may be effective in dealing with dyskinesias that are induced by neuroleptics warrants further attention.

The dopamine D2 agonist LY 141865, but not the D1 agonist SKF 38393, reverses parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in the common marmoset

Marmosets treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (1-4 mg/kg i.p. daily for up to 8 days) develop profound parkinsonian akinesia. Administration of the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (1-20 mg/kg i.p.) 4-6 weeks later had no effect on the motor activity of animals pretreated with MPTP. In contrast, the administration of the D2 agonist LY 141865 (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) caused a marked increase in motor activity lasting for up to 2 h. We conclude that stimulation of D2 dopamine receptors is essential for motor activation of parkinsonian marmosets and that D1 stimulation alone is not sufficient to overcome the akinesia induced by MPTP treatment.

Local auditory evoked potentials and effects of pure tones on click evoked potentials in the pigeon

Local auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) in the pigeon were recorded from the nucleus magnocellularis (NM), nucleus angularis (NA) and Field L with tungsten microelectrodes. In the NM and NA, AEPs in response to clicks were always suppressed by application of continuous pure tones at specific frequencies as is usual for simultaneous masking. In the NA, frequencies of continuous pure tones which produced maximum suppression and frequencies of tone bursts which elicited maximum response both centered around 0.8 kHz. The NM tended to respond similarly. In Field L, however, amplitudes of the AEPs to clicks were suppressed, enhanced, both suppressed and enhanced, or unaffected by presentation of continuous pure tones at specific frequencies. The frequencies of tone bursts which caused maximum AEP were vaguely related to the frequencies of continuous pure tones which elicited maximum suppression of the AEPs to clicks. On the other hand, enhancement was produced by 1-2 kHz continuous pure tones independent of the frequency of tone bursts that produced maximum AEP. It was concluded that enhancement, suppression and lack of effect in Field L were due to some central neural mechanism.

Tetrahymena histone H4. Complete amino acid sequences of two variants

The H4 histone of the protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis, as obtained previously (Nomoto, M. & Iwai, K. (1982) J. Biochem. 91, 719-723), was completely sequenced; the total sequence reported preliminarily (Hayashi, H., Nomoto, M., & Iwai, K. (1980) Proc. Jpn. Acad. 56B, 579-584) is one of the two variant sequences determined here. The intact H4 was directly sequenced by automated Edman degradation from the N-terminal through residue 92. Sequence determination was further performed with tryptic peptides and peptic peptides, both covering the whole sequences. Thus, the complete sequences of two variants were determined; both consist of a total of 102 amino acid residues, have identical compositions, have the same molecular weights of 11,228 in the unmodified form, and are partially acetylated at four lysine residues from the N-terminal. The sequences differ in two positions from each other (-Lys-Arg-/-Arg-Lys- at residues 19 and 20, 7 : 3 mol/mol), and in 22 or 20 positions from the human spleen H4 sequence. The implications of these results for the structure-function relationship of this histone species and also for the phylogeny of protozoa are discussed.

Extraction of fibronectin from human normal and cirrhotic livers

Tissue-associated fibronectin was extracted with 4 M urea from human normal and cirrhotic livers. The results of rocket immunoelectrophoresis indicated that the amount of fibronectin in cirrhotic liver was twice as much as that in normal liver. The collagen content was much higher in cirrhotic than in normal livers. These data suggested an important role of fibronectin in tissue fibrosis.

Comparison of low and high calcium requiring forms of the calcium-activated neutral protease (CANP) from rabbit skeletal muscle

Two distinct calcium-dependent neutral proteases (CANPs) with different sensitivities to calcium ions were purified concurrently by almost the same procedures from rabbit skeletal muscle and their enzymatic properties were compared (sensitivity to various divalent metal ions, the pH dependency and heat-stability of the activity, and the hydrolytic activity towards various substrates). They were further compared chemically in terms of the state of thiol groups, the amino acid compositions of subunits and the peptide fragments by digestion with S. aureus V8 protease. The low calcium requiring form of CANP (microCANP) was more sensitive to other divalent metal ions such as Sr2+ and Ba2+ than the high calcium requiring form of CANP (mCANP). The comparison of the pH dependency of these CANP activities showed that microCANP was active in a broader pH range than mCANP and the former was more heat-stable than the latter. Both CANPs had similar affinity to various substrates, but the hydrolytic velocity was several times higher with microCANP than with mCANP. Although they were inhibited by thiol protease inhibitors to the same extent, the states of thiol groups in them were quite different. The thiol group involved in the catalytic activity of the enzyme was exposed without adding Ca2+ in microCANP, whereas the group in mCANP became exposed only when sufficient Ca2+ was added. The large subunits of these two CANPs were different in their amino acid compositions and in the peptide fragment patterns produced by S. aureus V8 protease but the small subunits were indistinguishable from each other. These results led us to conclude that these two CANPs are quite different in nature and are not in a simple relationship, i.e., one of them is not derived from the other by autolysis or modification.

Phenytoin potentiates methamphetamine-induced behavior in mice

We demonstrated that stereotyped behavior and tremor induced by methamphetamine (MA) were potentiated by pretreatment with phenytoin (PNT) in mice. Similar enhancing effects were obtained by pretreatment with carbamazepine. Gas chromatographic study demonstrated that pretreatment with PNT increased MA concentrations in the brain to approximately 2.5 times of control level. The increased MA concentrations were thought to be a major factor for the observed potentiation of MA-induced behavior by PNT. However, all MA-induced behavior were not equally potentiated; tremor was enhanced more than stereotypy. These results suggest that central neuronal mechanisms may also be involved in PNT-potentiated MA-induced behavior in mice.