[Quantitative real time measurement of iris configuration in living human eyes]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of real time measurement of iris morphology in living human eyes.

METHODS

Based on the platform of software (Autocad, version 12), we developed an ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) image assistant measuring system. Using the system, we can perform the iris configuration quantitative measurement in living eyes. The measuring parameters include: iris rest length, radius of iris curvature and the thickness of different part of iris. Ten anterior segment images of one normal individual were obtained by a single operator to evaluate the intraobserver reproducibility of image capture, and ten times of measurement of one image were performed by a single operator to assess the reproducibility of image measurement. The measurements of three independent observers were compared to investigate interobserver reproducibility in quantitative measurement. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of measurement were assessed by calculating the coefficient of variation for each individual observer and by using F test to detect a difference among the observers. The iris configurations of 96 subjects (192 eyes) were measured.

RESULTS

Intraobserver reproducibility ranged from 0.9 - 4.9% in all measured parameters. Interobserver reproducibility for some of the measured parameters varied considerably and was affect by subjective interpretation of visualized anatomic landmarks. The preliminary measured parameters in Chinese show that iris rest length is 3.699 +/- 0.397 mm, radius of iris curvature is 9.101 plus minus 1.408 mm, the average thickness of iris is 0.406 +/- 0.042 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraobserver reproducibility and the measured accuracy can fit the requisition of the ocular biometry, physiology and pharmacology studies. The method supplies a new assistance for UBM image measurement.

Phase II study of Temodal in the treatment of patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

A single-institution phase II trial of Temodal (temozolomide, SCH52365) in Chinese patients with advance nasopharyngeal carcinoma was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of the drug in this population.

METHODS

A total of 14 patients with metastatic or locoregionally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma were entered into the study. One patient was unevaluable. Temodal was given at doses of 150 or 200 mg/m2 daily on days 1-5 every 28 days.

RESULTS

In all, 30 cycles of Temodal were given with no significant toxicity. All 13 (100%) evaluable patients had progressive disease after 2 (84.6%) or 4 (15.4%) courses.

CONCLUSION

Temodal given on this schedule has no activity in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Splenic sympathetic response to endotoxin is blunted in the fetal alcohol-exposed rat: role of nitric oxide

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) mediates the blunted splenic sympathetic response to lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) that occurs in young rats exposed to alcohol in utero (FAE). The subjects, 26-29-day-old rats, were progeny of pregnant dams fed an alcohol diet (35% of the calories were derived from ethanol) or their control and pair-fed (PFC) cohorts. We examined the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) on splenic norepinephrine (NE) turnover, an index of sympathetic neural activity, splenic inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein immunoreactivity, and NO metabolites nitrite/nitrate concentrations in plasma. In response to LPS, splenic NE turnover was increased by more than twofold in the PFC groups, but the increase did not occur in their FAE cohorts. The blockade of NOS with L-NAME (30 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed this difference. In both the PFC and FAE rats, basal levels of splenic iNOS protein immunoreactivity were equally barely detected and plasma NO metabolite levels were relatively low (25 microM in both groups). In response to LPS, however, iNOS protein displayed a marked increase in the PFC group and an even greater increase (by close to threefold) in the FAE rats. LPS also substantially increased plasma NO metabolite levels by close to eightfold in the control groups, but by 15-fold in their FAE cohorts compared to the basal levels. These findings support the hypothesis that in the FAE rat, an augmented NO formation accounts for the blunted sympathetic response to endotoxin.

[Ultrasound biomicroscopic dark room provocative test]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical application of ultrasound biomicroscopic (UBM) dark room provocative test and traditional one in screening primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

METHOD

22 eyes (22 cases) with PACG in prodromal stage and 30 eyes (15 cases) with deep anterior chamber and wide angle of 15 normal persons were observed in this trial. Traditional dark room provocative test and UBM dark room provocative test were performed on all the 52 eyes at the same day time on separate days. With different positive diagnostic criteria, the sensitivity of the two methods was compared by using chi-square analysis.

RESULTS

After staying in dark room for 2 hours, in PACG group, the intraocular pressure (IOP) in 10 of 22 eyes raised more than 1.07 kPa (1 kPa = 7.5 mmHg), and in 12 eyes less than 1.07 kPa or had no changes; appositional angle closure was found by Goldmann gonioscopy in 8 eyes; 3 eyes in two quadrants, 5 eyes in more than two quadrants; the appositional angle closure was found by ultrasound biomicroscopy in 15 eyes; 3 eyes in one quadrant, 5 eyes in two quadrants, 7 eyes in more than two quadrants. In the control group, IOP raised more than 1.07 kPa in 3 eyes. There was no appositional angle closure found in the control group. With the appositional angle closure as a positive diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity of the traditional test and UBM dark room test was 31.8% and 68.2%, respectively. With statistic chi-square test, there is a statistically significant difference between the two methods (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity of UBM dark room provocative test is higher than that of the traditional one. The specificity of both methods is 100%. UBM dark room provocative test elevates the sensitivity and specificity of traditional dark room test, and reduces the false negative or positive rate in screening PACG, that is helpful to its accurate diagnosis.

Heterogeneity in the occurrence of a subset of autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase in autoimmune polyendocrine patients with islet cell antibodies

Glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65) is a major target for autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Autoantibodies to GAD are also found in patients with stiff man syndrome (SMS) or polyendocrine autoimmunity (PE). The epitope specificities of autoantibodies to GAD in IDDM and SMS have been well documented, but the locations of autoantibody epitopes of GAD in PE patients have not been mapped. Thus, the properties of anti-GAD antibodies in PE patients (with or without diabetes) were investigated. The ability of PE serum antibodies to inhibit the binding of the mouse monoclonal antibody, GAD-6, to native GAD in ELISA was determined. For PE patients without diabetes, levels of inhibition of GAD-6 binding ranged from 0% to almost 70% and were unrelated to the level of binding of serum antibodies to GAD (P = 0.351) or to the functional affinities of these antibodies. This suggests differences in the epitope specificities of anti-GAD antibodies in different patients. Levels of inhibition were also unrelated to clinical condition. SMS antibodies showed similar levels of inhibition of GAD-6 binding. Similar analysis was applied to PE patients with diabetes and levels of inhibition of GAD-6 binding to GAD were determined. These ranged from 0% to 80%, and levels of inhibition were similar in samples taken before or after diabetes onset. There was no significant difference between anti-GAD antibodies from PE patients with or without diabetes in the range of abilities to inhibit GAD-6 binding to GAD, although the highest levels of inhibition were given by sera from non-diabetic patients. This raises the possibility of differential expression of subsets of anti-GAD antibodies in progressive versus slow or non-progressive anti-islet autoimmune responses. Serum antibodies of PE and SMS patients did not inhibit the binding of antibodies specific for the extreme C-terminus of GAD, indicating that this is not the site of the epitopes for the patients' antibodies or for GAD-6.

Cell wall active antifungal compounds produced by the marine fungus Hypoxylon oceanicum LL-15G256. III. Biological properties of 15G256 gamma

15G256 gamma is a cyclic lipopeptide antifungal agent discovered in a mechanism of action screen for cell wall acting antifungal agents. The compound shows moderate activity in both greenhouse tests against plant disease caused by pathogenic fungi and in in vitro tests against human fungal pathogens. Microscopic examination of treated fungi suggests that the compound acts by the inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis. However, in vitro inhibition of Neurospora crassa glucan and chitin synthase were only observed at high drug concentrations suggesting that 15G256 gamma may act on a novel cell wall target.

An evaluation of two-phase treatment with the Herbst appliance and preadjusted edgewise therapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes occurring during two-phase orthodontic treatment. A cephalometric study of Class II correction was carried out in 40 subjects (20 females, 20 males) who had been treated with the acrylic-splint Herbst appliance immediately followed by a second phase of preadjusted edgewise therapy. The average age at the start of Herbst therapy was 12.5 +/- 0.8 years for females and 13.6 +/- 1.2 years for males. Descriptive cephalometric data were compared with the normative values derived from the University of Michigan Elementary and Secondary School Growth Study. Control values were generated for each of the 40 Herbst patients based on gender, initial age, and duration of treatment. The results of this study indicate that the Class II correction achieved during Phase I treatment with Herbst appliance was due mainly to an increase in mandibular length, as well as distal movement of the maxillary molars and mesial movement of the mandibular molars and incisors. The accelerated mandibular growth rate observed during Herbst therapy was followed by a diminished growth rate during the edgewise phase that was less than control values. The overall increase in mandibular length was slight (approximately 1 mm), but significantly greater than control data for the whole group and the male subgroup; however, it was not significantly different between the treatment group and control data in the female subgroup. There were no significant treatment effects on lower anterior facial height and the mandibular plane angle at the end of either phase of treatment. The skeletal changes contributed to 55% of the molar correction during the Herbst therapy, whereas at the end of the second phase of treatment, skeletal change accounted for 80%. Significant anteroposterior dentoalveolar rebound was seen during the edgewise phase.

Evaluation of two different protocols for peripheral blood stem cell collection with the Fresenius AS 104 blood cell separator

OBJECTIVES

Reconstitution of hematopoiesis by means of peripheral blood stem cells is a valid alternative to autologous bone marrow transplantation. The aim of this investigation was to increase the efficiency of collection of circulating blood progenitor cells and to obtain a purer product for transplant.

METHODS

We carried out leukapheresis procedures with the Fresenius AS 104 blood cell separator, using two different protocols, the previously used PBSC-LYM and a new mononuclear cell collection program.

RESULTS

Both programs were highly effective in collecting mononuclear cells (MNC) and CD34+ cells. Some differences were found, especially regarding MNC yield and efficiencies. There are remarkable differences in the efficiency of collection of CD34+ cells (62.38% with the new program as opposed to 31.69% with the older one). Linear regression analysis showed a negative correlation between blood volume processed and MNC efficiency only for the PBSC-LYM program. Differences were also observed in the degree of inverse correlation existing in both programs between patients' white blood cell precount and MNC collection efficiency. The inverse correlation was stronger for the PBSC-LYM program. Seven patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies received high dose chemotherapy and were subsequently transplanted with peripheral blood stem cells collected using the new protocol. All patients obtained a complete and stable engraftment with the reinfusion product collected with one or two leukapheresis procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

High efficiencies and yields were observed in the new protocol for MNC and CD34+ cells. These were able to effect rapid and complete bone marrow recovery after myeloablative chemotherapy.

Quantitative techniques for lesion load measurement in multiple sclerosis: an assessment of the global threshold technique after non uniformity and histogram matching corrections

The quantitative assessment of abnormalities on brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in multiple sclerosis (MS) provides a widely used endpoint in monitoring treatment efficacy. Semi-automated intensity thresholding (global thresholding) is an established method of lesion segmentation, but it is limited by the heavy dependence of derived volumes on the chosen intensity threshold. Inconsistency in threshold choice substantially contributes to its suboptimal reproducibility. A potential improvement to global thresholding is to utilize the histogram matching algorithm to correct for variations in scanner sensitivity. This study evaluated whether or not a single intensity threshold could then be applied across multiple histogram matched images. Eight MS patients were scanned at baseline and after nine months. After non-uniformity correction, the histogram matching correction was applied, reducing the mean absolute percentage variation in normal appearing white matter signal intensity from 15.2 to 3.8% for baseline scans and from 11.9 to 2.1% across serial studies. Lesion volumes were measured with the global threshold technique using a single threshold selected from one scan. A local thresholding technique (contouring) was also performed as a gold standard measure. Agreement between techniques for baseline lesion volumes was only moderate with an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.46 and there was little agreement for change in lesion volume (ICC = 0.17), reflecting inconsistencies in the volume of non-lesion regions included by the threshold. Agreement was improved by deleting non-lesion regions, but this was time consuming and less reproducible than contouring method. At present, the contour technique remains a more appropriate method for lesion load quantification.

Therapy of migraine by modulating dopamine hypersensitivity: its effect on mood and pain

Clinical and pharmacological evidences support the hypothesis of a hypersensitivity of dopamine (DA) receptors in migraine patients. The aim of our single-blind and placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the presence of this hypersensitivity and to desensitize the DA system with apomorphine, a classical DA receptor agonist. We studied six patients suffering from migraine without aura resistant to the prophylactic treatment and with high frequency of attacks. In these patients, we first tested individual sensitivity by a single i.m. low dose of apomorphine to assess the lowest effective dose to be administered s.c. in continuous infusion without side-effects. We used the response of growth hormone (GH) to apomorphine as a marker of DA2-receptor function. Clinical evaluation, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before placebo or apomorphine administration and monitored every 15 min for 1 h after each injection. The treatment consisted of the continuous subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine for three weeks at the dosage previously assessed by the test. No difference in blood pressure and heart rate was found during test and treatment. The treatment was effective in reducing the frequency and the severity of migraine attacks.

[Studies on the pharmacognosy of Cortex Illicii and its adulterants]

The traditional Chinese Medicine Cortex Illicii and its adulterants were studied on textual identification, botanical origin, morphological and histological characters. The TLC and UV spertra methods were established to separate and estimate Difengpin, Magnolol and beta-sitosterol in Cortex Illicii and its products.

Autonomic dysfunction and upper digestive functional disorders in untreated adult coeliac disease

There is recent evidence that upper-gut motor abnormalities may be present in coeliac disease. However, to date, the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the above have not been explored. The purpose of the present study was to investigate upper-gut motor activity in coeliac disease and explore the role played by the autonomic nervous system in motility disturbances. Thirty untreated adult coeliac patients were recruited into the study. Oesophageal manometry and cardiovascular autonomic tests were performed in all patients; oesophageal pH-metry was carried out in 20 patients, gastrointestinal manometry in eight and scintigraphic gastric emptying in 13. Oesophageal motor abnormalities were detected in about 50% of patients, pH-metry was abnormal in 30% of them, and up to 75% of coeliac patients displayed gastrointestinal motility alterations. Delayed gastric emptying was documented in about 50% of patients and was correlated with manometric post-prandial hypomotility. Autonomic tests were positive in 45% of patients as a group, and reached pathological score in 19% of them. Autonomic score correlated significantly with the percentage of bi-peaked waves and with the number of fasting intestinal clusters. This study confirms that upper-gut motor abnormalities are frequently present in adult coeliac disease. Extrinsec autonomic neuropathy may play a role, although other pathophysiological mechanisms are likely to occur.

Focal brain injury increases activin betaA mRNA expression in hippocampal neurons

The role of activin in the mammalian brain is of increasing interest as evidence accumulates to suggest a number of different neural functions. Here, we report that activin betaA mRNA is transiently induced in dentate gyrus neurons after unilateral mechanical brain injury by saline injection. Expression is dependent on NMDA receptor activation since pretreatment with MK801 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) largely attenuates the signal. Induction also requires de novo protein synthesis, as cycloheximide (10 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatment abolishes the expression of activin betaA mRNA 1 h after injury. These results show that activin betaA mRNA expression is regulated by excitatory activity induced by focal brain injury and suggests a possible neuroplastic role in the recovery from such injury.

Treatment of multiple sclerosis with the monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody cM-T412: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, MR-monitored phase II trial

We report the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory trial of the chimeric monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody cM-T412 in 71 patients suffering from active relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Infusion of the antibody produced frequent but usually minor side effects and resulted in a long-lasting reduction of circulating CD4-positive T cells. There was no significant effect on the primary measure of efficacy, the number of active lesions on monthly gadolinium-enhanced MRI over 9 months. Further statistical evaluation provided evidence that the degree of depletion of CD4-positive cells was important with regard to treatment efficacy; using CD4 counts as a covariate there was a statistically significant effect on the number of active lesions over 18 months (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant reduction of 41% in the number of clinical relapses (a secondary efficacy parameter) after 9 months (p = 0.02), which was still present after 18 months, but this finding may be partly due to physician unblinding. Other secondary efficacy parameters (Expanded Disability Status Scale progression, number of courses of methylprednisolone) were not influenced by anti-CD4 treatment. We conclude that intravenous treatment with the monoclonal antibody cM-T412 in the dosage we used results in a substantial and sustained reduction of the number of circulating CD4-positive cells, but is not able to reduce MS activity as measured by monthly gadolinium-enhanced MRI, and is therefore unlikely to have a beneficial effect on the clinical disease course. We found preliminary evidence suggesting that more aggressive depletion of CD4-positive cells might lead to a more substantial reduction in MRI activity.

Longitudinal study of soluble adhesion molecules in multiple sclerosis: correlation with gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether serial serum levels of soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) are useful as surrogate markers of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).

BACKGROUND

Increased levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 have been described in cross-sectional, but not longitudinal, studies of patients with MS. Although they appear to correlate with clinical and MRI markers of disease activity, their role as potential surrogate markers remains undefined.

METHODS

Serial serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were measured in patients with MS undergoing monthly gadolinium-enhanced MRI studies of the brain (462 gadolinium-enhanced MRI in 57 patients) and in 12 normal control subjects. Ten patients had primary progressive (PP), 22 relapsing remitting (RR), and 25 secondary progressive (SP) disease.

RESULTS

Levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were increased intermittently in patients with all subtypes of MS. Median levels of sICAM-1 were elevated in patients with MS compared with normal controls (normal controls median [interquartile range] = 176[119-209] compared with PP = 502[194-1768], RR = 419[158-481], and SP = 352[196-469] ng/mL; p = 0.04). After excluding patients with PP MS, patients with high sICAM-1 levels had a greater number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions per study (1.9[0.9-4.3]) than patients with normal levels (0.4[0-2.7], p = 0.03), and patients with MRI studies with no gadolinium-enhancing lesions had lower associated sICAM-1 levels (200 ng/mL[85-561]) than patients with only persistent (349 ng/mL[82-615]) or new enhancing lesions (497 ng/mL[108-667], p = 0.03). Patients with RR or SP disease that progressed clinically during the study had a greater number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions per MRI study (3.5[0.4-5.5]) than did patients in whom disease did not progress (1.2 [0.3-2.7], p = 0.03). The patients with progressive disease tended to have higher sICAM-1 levels (469 ng/mL [196-1019]) than patients in whom disease did not progress (353 ng/mL [171-469], p = 0.07). Although MS patients tended to have higher sVCAM-1 levels than did normal controls, this finding was not significant. No correlation could be found between levels of sVCAM-1 and gadolinium enhancement on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MS have elevated levels of sICAM-1, which correlate with gadolinium enhancement on MRI and possibly short-term disease progression. Soluble ICAM-1, and not sVCAM-1, may therefore be suitable as a long-term surrogate marker of disease activity in MS.

Effects of anti-CD4 antibody treatment on lymphocyte subsets and stimulated tumor necrosis factor alpha production: a study of 29 multiple sclerosis patients entered into a clinical trial of cM-T412

T lymphocytes may play a central role in MS. The search for more targeted immunosuppression than is currently available has led to recent clinical trials of novel therapeutics. We studied 29 patients in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of the chimeric monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody, cM-T412 (Centocor, Leiden, Holland) over a period of 18 months. Total and differential WBC counts; T, B, and natural killer lymphocytes; CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; CD4+ and CD4- naive cells; CD4+ and CD4- memory cells; interleukin-2 receptor- and major histocompatibility class II-positive T cells; serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha); and PHA (phytohemagglutinin)/LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated whole blood TNF-alpha production were all examined serially in peripheral blood for the duration of the trial. In addition, for the first two treatment cycles, the above variables were tested 1 and 7 days after treatment. The results demonstrated significant long-term reductions, lasting up to 12 months after the last treatment cycle in all CD4+ subsets studied, but with a relative preservation of CD4+ memory cells as opposed to CD4+ naive cells. CD4- subsets also showed significant reductions after treatment but returned to baseline levels within 7 days. Monocyte counts were unaffected by cM-T412. Serum TNF-alpha and 2- and 18-hour PHA/LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha levels were also unchanged in the long term, although significant increases were observed in the 2- and 18-hour PHA/LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha levels the day immediately after treatment. There was no significant correlation between any of the immunologic markers studied and MRI measures of disease activity.

Quantitative real time measurement of iris configuration in human eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of real time measurement of iris morphology in living human eyes.

METHODS

Based on the platform of software (Autocad, version 12), we developed an ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) image assistant measuring system. By using the system, we can perform the iris configuration quantitative measurement in living eyes. The measuring parameters including: iris rest length, radius of iris curvature, and the thickness in different parts of iris. Ten anterior segment images of one normal individual were obtained by a single operator to evaluate the intraobserver reproducibility of image capture, and ten times measurement of one image were performed by a single operator to assess the reproducibility of image measurement. The measurement of three independent observers were compared to investigate interobserver reproducibility in quantitative measurement. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of measurement were assessed by calculating the coefficient of variation for each individual observer and by using the F test to detect a difference among observers. The iris configuration of 96 subjects (192 eyes) were measured.

RESULTS

Intraobserver reproducibility was ranged from 0.9-4.9% in all measured parameters. Interobserver reproducibility for some of measured parameters varied considerably and was affected by subjective interpretative of visualized anatomic landmarks. The preliminary measured parameters in Chinese Show that iris rest length is 3.699 +/- 0.397 mm, radius of iris curvature is 9.101 +/- 1.408 mm, the average thickness of iris is 0.406 +/- 0.042 mm.

CONCLUSION

The intraobserver reproducibility and the measured accuracy can fit the requisition of the ocular biometry and of the ocular physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology study. The method supply a new assistance for UBM image measurement.

Effect of dimerization on signal transduction and biological function of oncogenic Ros, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I receptors

The avian sarcoma virus UR2 codes for an oncogenic Gag-Ros fusion protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK). We have previously derived two retroviruses, T6 and NM1, coding for oncogenic Gag-insulin receptor and Gag-insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGFR) fusion proteins, respectively. The Gag-IGFR fusion protein dimerizes, whereas Gag-Ros does not. To identify sequences affecting dimerization and the effect of dimerization on signaling and biological functions, we generated recombinants exchanging the extracellular and transmembrane sequences among the three fusion receptors. The presence of multiple cysteines in the Gag sequence appears to preclude dimerization, since deletion of the 3' cysteine residue allows for dimerization. Most of the chimeric receptors retain high PTK activity and induce transformation regardless of their configuration on the cell surface. UT, a UR2/T6 chimera, retained mitogenic activity but has a markedly reduced transforming ability, while UN7, a UR2/NM1 recombinant, which also harbors Y950F and F951S mutations in IGFR, exhibits dramatic reductions in both activities. All of the fusion receptors can phosphorylate insulin receptor substrate 1 and activate PI 3-kinase. UT protein induces Shc phosphorylation, whereas UN7 protein does not, but both are unable to activate mitogen-activated protein kinase. Our results show that overexpressed oncogenic Gag-fusion receptors do not require dimerization for their signaling and transforming functions and that the extracellular and transmembrane sequences of a receptor PTK can affect its specific substrate interactions.

An oblique cylinder contrast-adjusted (OCCA) phantom to measure the accuracy of MRI brain lesion volume estimation schemes in multiple sclerosis

A new OCCA phantom using Oblique Cylinders and Contrast Adjustment for measuring the accuracy of brain lesion volume estimation schemes is described. It uses obliquely oriented cylinders made from acrylic rod, mounted in a water bath, to give realistic partial volume errors. Image intensities are inverted, scaled, and shifted, and noise is added, to form images that have realistic values of lesion-white matter contrast (5-30%) and contrast-to-noise ratio (3-20%). Artificial gray matter, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), and scalp lipid are added because these bright areas may determine how the gray level display window is set. The performance of manual and contouring methods for estimating lesion volume was measured for three observers and nine lesions with individual volumes from 0.3 to 6.2 ml. There was a large variation, depending on the choice of method, the observer, and the lesion contrast. Volumes were usually overestimated, with the error increasing at high contrasts. The average error in estimating total lesion volume was 17% (range -16% to +30%). The OCCA phantom may have a role in training observers to improve their accuracy (and hence inter- and intraobserver reproducibility).

Daily urinary neopterin excretion as an immunological marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis

The aim of this study was to assess neopterin, a marker of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) induced macrophage activity, as a possible surrogate marker of inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Urinary neopterin to creatinine ratios (UNCRs) were measured daily in 10 primary progressive (PP). 10 relapsing remitting (RR) and 11 secondary progressive (SP) patients with multiple sclerosis, and 14 normal control (NC) subjects, for periods of up to 12 weeks. After excluding measurements related to infection, the median of the individuals' average UNCRs was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.001 for all patients and P < 0.01 for each of the three groups of patients); the median UNCRs (and interquartile ranges) were 187 (135-231), 187 (165-277), 218 (164-517) and 134 (97-152) mumol/mol for PP, RR, SP patients and controls, respectively. Similarly, patients had a greater median proportion of days with a UNCR above normal (P < 0.001 for all patients and P < 0.01 for each group); the median percentage (and interquartile ranges) were 16 (6-62), 28 (21-36), 49 (14-86) and 0 (0-6)% for PP, RR, SP patients and controls, respectively. They also had a greater number of peaks in their serial UNCR measurements than controls (P < 0.001 for all patients and P < 0.01 for each group); the means +/- SD peaks/subject/month were: 2.1 +/- 1.8; 3.0 +/- 1.7; 3.3 +/- 2.3 and 0.2 +/- 0.6 for PP, RR, SP patients and controls, respectively. Nine relapses occurred in nine patients during the study, and all were associated with increased neopterin excretion, which tended to be greater than that on days not associated with a relapse. Three of the nine relapses were preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection. In eight out of 13 patients who had infections during the study, increased neopterin excretion was noted for periods of up to 6 weeks post-infection, significantly longer than that which occurred after infections in controls. This confirms infection as a potent inducer of symptomatic and asymptomatic disease activity in mutiple sclerosis, and provides further support of a pivotal role for IFN-gamma in te pathogenesis of mutiple sclerosis. Urinary neopterin excretion is increased in patients with both progressive and relapsing mutiple sclerosis, and therefore has potential as a surrogate marker of the inflammatory component of mutiple sclerosis disease activity.

[Content determination of total coumarin of qian-hu]

The total content of coumarin in Qian-Hu was determined by UV spectrometry. The 25 samples which derived from different places of production were included eleven varieties. The results were found to have max = 322 nm, 99.18% of recovery rate and 2.08% of RSD.

[The application of Ultrasound Biomicroscope in anterior segment contusion]

PURPOSE

To study the clinical value of Ultrasound Biomicroscope in anterior segment contusion.

METHODS

Seven eyes with anterior segment contusion were examined by regular ophthalmic examination, ophthalmic B-scan, and Ultrasound Biomicroscope.

RESULTS

Ultrasound Biomicroscope can show angle recession, cyclodialysis, iridodialysis, zonular breaking, lens dislocation and vitreous protrusion to posterior chamber. In most cases cyclodialysis and shallow detachment of choroid can not be diagnosed because shallow anterior chamber and hypton.

CONCLUSION

The result suggests that Ultrasound Biomicroscope has high clinical value in diagnosis of anterior segment contusion, especially in cornea edema, hyphemia, hypton, Ultrasound Biomicroscope can refer precise diagnosis of anterior segment contusion.

Apparent diffusion coefficients in benign and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis by nuclear magnetic resonance

The diffusion characteristics of water in brain white matter were studied in patients with benign and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and also in normal controls. In the MS patients, both lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) were examined to assess whether pathological differences might be evident from the diffusion behavior. A volume-selective technique was used to reduce data acquisition time and improve the reliability and precision of the measurements. This also allowed the time-dependence of apparent diffusion coefficients to be assessed. While lesions from both patient groups showed an elevated diffusion coefficient, no differences between the two groups were found. In addition, NAWM was elevated for both patient groups compared with the control group, although this was only statistically significant for patients with a benign disease course. The degree of elevation of the diffusion coefficient within the individual lesions measured was not related to the disability of the patient. Pathological differences between lesions in patients with different disease courses, if they exist, have not been detected in this study of brain water diffusion.

A phase II trial of anti-CD4 antibodies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis (MS) myelin damage is the result of a chronic inflammatory process mediated by CD4 positive T helper/effector cells. In experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS, treatment with anti-CD4 antibodies can prevent the onset of disease. Natural history studies have demonstrated that gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is more sensitive and objective in assessing inflammatory disease activity in MS than clinical monitoring, so that less patients and shorter studies suffice to reach the same statistical power as compared to trials using clinical outcome parameters. In this paper we describe the design of an exploratory trial of chimeric monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies in the treatment of MS. For this study we chose the number of active MS lesions on monthly gadolinium enhanced MRI scans as the primary outcome measure.

A preliminary study into the sensitivity of disease activity detection by serial weekly magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis

Long TR and gadolinium enhanced spin echo brain MRI was performed weekly for three months in three patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. During the study, 38 new enhancing lesions were seen; 11 showed enhancement for less than four weeks, and two enhanced on only one scan. All 16 new lesions seen on long TR scans showed initial enhancement. When only every fourth (monthly) scan was analysed, a total of 33 new enhancing lesions were seen. Subject to confirmation in a larger cohort, the results suggest: (a) that blood brain barrier leakage is an invariable event in new lesion development in relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis; (b) the small increase in sensitivity of weekly scanning does not justify its use in preference to monthly scanning when monitoring treatments.

Sequential patterns of inhibin subunit gene expression following hypoxic-ischemic injury in the rat brain

Injury to the central nervous system initiates a series of signals that control cell survival and rearrangement, leading to some functional recovery. Using a unilateral model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, we report strong induction of inhibin beta A and alpha subunit messenger RNA in several regions of the brain and provide evidence for novel roles for the inhibin/activin family of peptides in modulating neural function. Expression was visualized by in situ hybridization and the beta A subunit was observed as early as 1 h after injury in the dentate gyrus of the non-ligated hemisphere. Strong induction was seen in the hippocampus, piriform cortex and amygdala on the non-ligated hemisphere 24 h after injury. The early induction of inhibin beta A was associated with seizure activity, since administration of the anticonvulsant carbamazepine (8 mg/kg) markedly attenuated the signal. Only background expression was observed for the alpha and beta B subunits at these early time points. A bilateral induction of both beta A and alpha subunit messenger RNA was demonstrated in the meningeal membrane from three to seven days after injury. This second wave was not blocked by carbamazepine. Thirdly, beta A and alpha subunit expression was observed in the infarct from days 5 to 7. However, expression was not co-localized with isolectin B4 staining for reactive microglia or astrocytes, but instead the pattern of distribution strongly suggested that inhibin/activin was induced around microvessels. These data demonstrated three distinct waves of beta A subunit expression following hypoxic-ischemic injury, two of which coincided with alpha subunit expression. The early induction of beta A subunit was seizure related, whereas subsequent co-induction of beta A and alpha subunit suggested involvement in vascular and meningeal reactions. These results suggest specific roles for both activin and inhibin in the central nervous system during recovery from injury.

The combination of erythropoietin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor increases the rate of haemopoietic recovery with clinical benefit after peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation

In order to investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration after peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (PBPCT) we performed a phase I/II study in patients with high-risk cancer. 15 consecutive patients were treated wit recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) at the dose of 5 micrograms/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) every 24 h until day + 12 and with recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) at the dose of 150 IU/kg s.c. every 48 h until day + 11 following PBPCT. Their haemopoietic recovery was compared to that obtained in eight historic and control patients who did not receive any cytokines after PBPCT. No side-effects were observed during EPO plus G-CSF treatment and the treatment was not discontinued in any of the patients before completion of the treatment plan. The administration of EPO plus G-CSF after PBPCT produced a significant increase in the rate of white blood cell (WBC) (P = 0.0005), polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) (P = 0.0005) and platelet (PLT) (P = 0.0105) recovery compared to the control group. The acceleration in haemopoietic recovery observed in the EPO plus G-CSF-treated patients produced a significant reduction of the days with WBC < 1 x 10(9)/l (P = 0.0009), PMN < 0.2 x 10(9)/l (P = 0.0030) and PMN < 0.5 x 10(9)/l (P = 0.0006). EPO plus G-CSF-treated patients required a significantly lower number of single donor PLT transfusions (P = 0.0142) and did not experience neutropenic fever, but historic control patients experienced fever > 38 degrees C for a median period of 4 d (0-12) with a medial period of parenteral antibiotic administration of 7.5 d (0-17). The length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter in the study group than in the historic control group (P = 0.0264). In conclusion, we can confirm that EPO plus G-CSF treatment is feasible and potentiates the haemopoietic recovery after PBPCT, thus simplifying the clinical management of cancer patients who undergo high-dose chemotherapy.

Quantification of MRI lesion load in multiple sclerosis: a comparison of three computer-assisted techniques

Several computer-assisted techniques for measuring multiple sclerosis lesion load on MR images have been developed to provide a quantitative and sensitive means for monitoring disease activity, particularly in the context of treatment trials. We have evaluated three techniques: manual outlining (similar to that of the North American interferon beta-1b trial), semiautomated lesion contouring (local lesion based threshold), and intensity-based thresholding for the whole brain. Contiguous, 5 mm-thick, axial, T2-weighted images of the brain were obtained on a 1.5T MR imager in eight patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis. Analyses of the scans were performed twice, independently by three operators, using the three different techniques. The coefficient of variation of the measurement techniques was: (a) intrarater precision, 9.0 +/- 5.2 (mean +/- SD) (range 0.4-18.5) for the manual outlining, 2.5 +/- 2.1 (0.1-7.7) for the contour technique, and 7.5 +/- 6.9 (0.2-22.0) for the global threshold technique; (b) interrater precision, 11.0 +/- 5.8 (4.9-21.7) for the manual outlining, 4.5 +/- 1.6 (1.8-6.6) for the contour technique, and 11.4 +/- 4.9 (2.8-19.2) for the global threshold technique (0.0 = perfect precision). The absolute lesion loads measured were very similar using the manual outlining and the contour techniques but were significantly smaller using the global threshold technique. We conclude that the contour technique is a promising tool for use in treatment trials. Further studies are needed to assess sensitivity to changes in lesion load over time.

Dopamine hypersensitivity in migraine: role in apomorphine syncope

There is some evidence supporting a potential role of hypersensitivity of the dopaminergic system in the pathogenesis of migraine. In this case report, we describe a syncopal episode in a patient with migraine without aura after the administration of a very low dose of apomorphine, a classical agonist of dopaminergic receptors. The absence of cardiovascular risk factors in this patient suggests that the clinical event might have been caused by hypersensitivity of the dopaminergic system.

Low-dose cyclophosphamide in combination with cisplatin or epirubicin plus rhG-CSF allows adequate collection of PBSC for autotransplantation during adjuvant therapy for high-risk cancer

Six patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma (OvCa), and six patients with stage II or III resectable breast cancer (BrCa) were treated with low-dose CY (LD-CY, 1500 mg/m2) and cisplatin (CDDP) 100 mg/m2 (OvCa) or epirubicin (EPR) 120 mg/m2 (BrCa) plus recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF). Twelve days after chemotherapy, all patients underwent PBSC collection on an outpatient basis. Following the completion of the induction programme, all patients underwent high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with carboplatin 1200 mg/m2, etoposide 900 mg/m2 and melphalan 100 mg/m2 with the reinfusion of PBSC. LD-CY plus rhG-CSF in combination with CDDP or EPR mobilised a very large number of PBSC. After a median of 13 days from chemotherapy, the concentration of PBSC in the peripheral blood was 40-fold higher than the same patient's baseline value. Each collection yielded a median of 10.8 x 10(4)/kg colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage. Severe myelosuppression occurred in all patients following HDC, but the infusion of PBSC produced a rapid and sustained haemopoietic recovery. After a median of 11 days from reinfusion, haemopoietic engraftment was complete and 80% of the patients had platelets > 100 x 10(9)/l and PMN > 1 x 10(9)/l within 14 days after reinfusion. We can conclude that the present therapeutic approach is an excellent option for mobilisation, collection and transplantation of PBSC during intensive dose adjuvant polychemotherapy of high-risk cancer.

Single-grating laser pulse stretcher and compressor

Stretching and compressing of laser pulses is demonstrated with a single-grating apparatus. A laser pulse of 110 fs is stretched to 250 ps and then recompressed to 115 fs. The apparatus exploits a two-level structure: one level for stretching and the other for compressing. This single-grating configuration shows significant simplification in structure and alignment over existing multiple-grating systems. Such a stretcher-compressor is particularly suitable for use with chirped-pulse amplification in which laser wavelength tuning is desirable. Only one rotational adjustment is rquired to restore the alignment of the entire stretcher and compressor when the laser wavelength is changed.

Antibodies to islet 37k antigen, but not to glutamate decarboxylase, discriminate rapid progression to IDDM in endocrine autoimmunity

Apart from islet cell antibodies (ICAs), antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), insulin autoantibodies (IAAs), and a novel islet antigen (37k antigen) are potential markers for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). GAD is also an antigen in stiff-man syndrome (SMS), and both SMS and IDDM are associated with ICAs and autoimmunity to other endocrine organs. We investigated possible links between antibody responses to islet antigens with autoimmunity to other endocrine organs and determined which specific antibodies can identify individuals who progress to IDDM. Antibodies to GAD were detected in > or = 90% of both diabetic and nondiabetic patients with ICAs and other endocrine autoimmunity, in 59% of ICA-positive IDDM patients without endocrine autoimmunity, in all patients with SMS, but in only 1-3% of healthy (nondiabetic) and autoimmune disease control subjects. GAD antibody levels were increased in ICA-positive IDDM patients with polyendocrine autoimmunity compared with those without. In contrast, antibodies to 37k antigen were only detected in patients who developed acute-onset IDDM. IAAs were also associated with IDDM. Thus, certain factors enhance antibody responses to GAD in polyendocrine autoimmunity, but this does not necessarily lead to development of IDDM or SMS. Antibodies to 37k antigen are strongly associated with acute-onset IDDM and are useful serological markers for disease.

Self-starting, self-mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser

Self-starting of a self-mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser has been demonstrated, without any additional elements other than those necessary for self-mode locking. This self-starting is attributed to a gain saturation lens, as with self-mode locking to a Kerr lens. I achieve the self-starting by optimizing and cascading the cavity loss modulation induced by the gain saturation lens and the Kerr lens. Stable pulses shorter than 100 fs in duration are obtained at a wavelength near 840 nm.

Structural and molecular changes in intestinal smooth muscle induced by Trichinella spiralis infection

Infection with Trichinella spiralis in the rat causes altered intestinal motility and jejunal smooth muscle contractility by day 6 postinoculation. The purpose of this study was to determine structural and molecular changes in the smooth muscle that could account for the functional changes that have been reported. By day 6 postinoculation, there was an increase in thickness of both muscle layers of the jejunum. This increase in mass was accompanied by an increase in total protein content of the seromuscular tissues. When specific proteins were analyzed, increases in actin and myosin heavy chain contents were found. On the other hand, there was no increase in collagen content. Alterations in gene expression at the pretranslational level were determined by monitoring total RNA and the proportion of mRNA that codes for alpha-smooth muscle actin. There was an increase in both parameters in longitudinal muscle from the jejunum of infected animals. The increase appeared to be site selective because there were no increases in either parameter in longitudinal muscle of the distal intestine. These results indicate that pretranslational upregulation of gene expression for actin isoforms occurs in smooth muscle of the proximal but not distal intestine during the early enteric phase of infection with T. spiralis. Thus the altered smooth muscle contractility that has been reported in experimental trichinosis may be related in part to an increased expression of smooth muscle protein.

Novel subtype of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase deficiency and bifunctional enzyme deficiency with detectable enzyme protein: identification by means of complementation analysis

We describe four infants with a novel subtype of an isolated deficiency of one of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes with detectable enzyme protein. The patients showed characteristic clinical and biochemical abnormalities, including hypotonia, psychomotor retardation, hepatomegaly, typical facial appearance, accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids, and decreased lignoceric acid oxidation. However, beta-oxidation enzyme proteins were detected by immunoblot analyses, and large peroxisomes were identified by immunofluorescence staining. In order to identify the underlying defect in these patients, complementation analysis was introduced using fibroblasts from these patients and patients with an established deficiency of either acyl-CoA oxidase or bifunctional enzyme, as identified by immunoblotting. In the complementing combinations, fused cells showed increased lignoceric acid oxidation, resistance against 1-pyrene dodecanoic acid/UV selection, and normalization of the size and the distribution of peroxisomes. The results indicate that two patients with a more severe clinical course were suffering from bifunctional enzyme deficiency and that the other two infants, who were siblings and had a less severe clinical presentation, were the first patients with acyl-CoA oxidase deficiency with detectable enzyme protein.

JHM virus-specific cytotoxic T cells derived from the central nervous system

Spleen cells cultured from Balb/c mice immunized with the JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) have CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTL) specific for both the S and N proteins, but not the M or HE proteins. T cell lines were established from the brains of Balb/c mice infected with JHMV. The majority of the lines (20 of 22) were specific for JHMV. Analysis of the viral structural proteins which served as target structures indicate that most (15 of 20) were specific for the N protein. One line was specific for the S protein and four lines were specific for JHMV but the protein recognized could not be determined. These data suggest that early during infection there is a preferential recruitment of N protein specific CTL into the CNS of infected mice.

Comparison of different monoclonal antibodies for the immunohistochemical assessment of cell proliferation in routine colorectal biopsy specimens

In a series of paraffin-embedded colorectal biopsy specimens the monoclonal antibodies 19F4 and PC10 against the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the antibody mib1, which recognizes the Ki67 antigen in formalin-fixed material, were compared with the Ki67 method on equivalent frozen sections to assess the applicability of these 'proliferation markers'. A high correspondence was found between the localization of the mib1 and the Ki67 immunoreaction product, associated with a highly significant quantitative correlation of the two indices (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). In contrast, after formalin fixation the two PCNA antibodies additionally stained cells outside the proliferative compartment so that a reliable assessment of cell proliferation was only possible after controlled paraformaldehyde or methacarn fixation. In the routine material mib1 was superior to PC10 because of its ability to distinguish the differences in cell proliferation among normal colorectal mucosa (29.1 +/- 6.8% positive cells), adenomas (43.3 +/- 10.6%), and carcinomas (52.9 +/- 8.7%), which PC10 did not possess (normal, 41.4 +/- 5.6%; adenomas, 37.5 +/- 8.7%; carcinomas, 51.5 +/- 8.2%).

Depletion of mesolimbic dopamine during behavioral despair: partial reversal by chronic imipramine

Exposure of rate to the behavioral despair test (an animal model of depression) for 40 min resulted in a long-lasting depletion of mesolimbic dopamine output to about 40% of baseline values. The decrease in extracellular dopamine was partially prevented by chronic pretreatment with imipramine (20 mg/kg per day i.p. for 21 days). The results suggest that a fall in mesolimbic dopamine output may be associated with depressive states and indicate that changes in the functional status of the dopamine system contribute to the mechanism of action of imipramine.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity in the retinas of different animal species

In the present study we investigated the presence of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in the retinas of different animal species. CRH significantly stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in homogenates of calf, pig, rabbit and guinea pig retinas. The stimulatory effects were concentration-dependent with half-maximal responses occurring at 20-30 nM CRH. The enzyme activities increased by 37-80% at the maximal concentration of CRH (1 microM). On the other hand, adenylyl cyclase activities of chicken and pigeon retinas were poorly stimulated by CRH. In calf, pig and rabbit retinas, the CRH effect was completely antagonized by the CRH receptor antagonist alpha-helical CRH 9-41 and required the presence of GTP. The stimulatory response elicited by CRH was also found to be not additive with that produced by either vasoactive intestinal peptide or dopamine. These results provide evidence for the presence in retinas of different animal species of functional CRH receptors, an important criterion for the classification of CRH as a retinal neurotransmitter.

An investigation into the role of reactive oxygen species in the mechanism of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxicity using neuronal cell lines

The study of oxygen radical generation and effects during 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) metabolism was undertaken in an in vitro test system. Three neurochemically discrete neuronal cell lines, B50 (cholinergic) and B65 rat cell lines and SKNSH human neuroblastoma (both catecholaminergic), were exposed to MPTP (0-200 microM). Parallel experiments were performed using reagent H2O2, an intermediate which may be generated during MPTP metabolism, to determine whether MPTP and H2O2 had any selectivity of toxicity and whether the mechanisms of cell death were similar. MPTP toxicity was shown to be reduced by monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, pargyline (P < 0.01) and selegiline (P < 0.05), indicating that toxicity was due to metabolism of MPTP rather than the parent compound. Cytotoxicity was also decreased in the presence of antioxidants, most notably in the presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase together (P < 0.01), suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in MPTP-induced cell death. Attempts to determine the intracellular target for oxidative attack did not identify significant levels of lipid peroxidation products, but did demonstrate nucleoid expansion, possibly the result of double stranded DNA breaks induced by ROS.

Transversely pumped 11-pass amplifier for femtosecond optical pulses

An off-axis near-concentric interferometer is used for multiple passages through a small (2-mm-diameter) cylindrical volume of amplifying dye. The gain volume is pumped transversely by a copper-vapor laser, in a geometry designed for uniform pump. Pulse-to-pulse reproducibility better than 1% is obtained by operating with full saturation and using a solvent with a vanishing temperature-induced change in index of refraction (dn/dT = 0).

Purification of recombinant HIV-1 protease

A method is described to purify recombinant HIV-1 protease from soluble extracts of Escherichia coli. The isolation involves QAE-Sepharose anion exchange chromatography, hexyl agarose hydrophobic interaction chromatography, MonoS cation exchange chromatography, and Superose 6 size exclusion chromatography. Approximately 100 micrograms of protease was obtained from 18 g E. coli paste. The protein was judged to be homogeneous due to the presence of a single band on a silver-stained SDS polyacrylamide gel.