Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and erythropoietin act competitively to induce two different programs of differentiation in the human pluripotent cell line UT-7

The UT-7 cell line was established from a patient with a megakaryoblastic leukemia (Komatsu et al, Cancer Res 51: 341, 1991). Its proliferation is strictly dependent on the presence of hematopoietic growth factors including erythropoietin (Epo), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interleukin-3 (IL-3). We investigated the differentiation capacities of this cell line under the action of several growth factors, using immunomarkers, flow cytometry, and ultrastructural techniques. In the presence of GM-CSF and IL-3, eosinophil and basophil promyelocytes were detected, as well as a few cells with erythroid and megakaryocytic (MK) differentiation features. In contrast, Epo induced a marked erythroid differentiation with an increase of glycophorin A expression, accompanied by a few hemoglobinized cells. Differentiation induced by the growth factors took 24 to 48 hours to begin, and increased with cell passages to a plateau at 2 weeks of culture. However, this was not only due to a cell selection because the differential effects of Epo and GM-CSF were observed from a single cell clone and the phenotype could be reversed by opposite growth factors, even after a long period of culture. We subsequently investigated the phenotype of UT-7 in the presence of combinations of Epo, IL-3, and GM-CSF, and showed that GM-CSF and IL-3 act predominantly over Epo. This effect was mediated by a rapid downmodulation of Epo receptors by GM-CSF at messenger RNA and binding sites levels, without a change in receptor affinities. On the other hand, Epo had no effect on number and affinity of GM-CSF receptors. This study shows that UT-7 is a growth factor-dependent pluripotent cell line in which commitment may be directed by a hierarchical action of growth factors through an early and rapid transmodulation of growth factor receptors.

Polymorphism of coagulation factor XIII B subunit: further occurrence of FXIIIB*15 in Japanese and phenotyping in bloodstains

The polymorphism of FXIIIB was investigated in 555 unrelated Japanese individuals using isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. Five common phenotypes and a rare variant type FXIIIB 15-3 were observed. The allele frequencies were FXIIIB*1 = 0.3063, FXIIIB*2 = 0.0162, FXIIIB*3 = 0.6766 and FXIIIB*15 = 0.0009. Phenotyping was also possible from bloodstains stored at 37 degrees C for up to 4 months and from bloodstains stored at room temperature and at 4 degrees C for over 6 months. The FXIIIB system can provide a new powerful genetic marker for the medicolegal grouping of bloodstains.

Induction of anti-Escherichia coli activity in mice by phenothiazines, benzo[a]phenothiazines and benz[c]acridines

The abilities of 14 phenothiazines, 8 benzo[a]phenothiazines and 12 benz[c]acridines to induce anti-Escherichia coli activity in mice were compared. Pretreatment with several benzo[a]phenothiazines or benz[c]acridines protected mice from lethal infection of Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner, whereas most of the phenothiazines induced much weaker anti-Escherichia coli activity. However, direct contact of Escherichia coli with these compounds or their administration just after bacterial inoculation were ineffective. These data suggest the immunopotentiation activity of benzo[a]phenothiazines and benz[c]acridines.

A truncated erythropoietin receptor that fails to prevent programmed cell death of erythroid cells

A form of the human erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) was identified in which the cytoplasmic region is truncated by alternative splicing. The truncated form of the receptor (EPOR-T) is the most prevalent form of EPOR in early-stage erythroid progenitor cells, but the full-length EPOR (EPOR-F) becomes the most prevalent form in late-stage progenitors. EPOR-T can transduce a mitogenic signal. However, cells transfected with EPOR-T are more prone to programmed cell death than those expressing EPOR-F. EPOR-F may transduce a signal to prevent programmed cell death that is independent of the mitogenic signal, and alternative splicing of the EPOR gene may have an important role in erythropoiesis.

Erythropoietin rapidly induces tyrosine phosphorylation in the human erythropoietin-dependent cell line, UT-7

UT-7 is a human megakaryoblastic cell line capable of growing in interleukin-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or erythropoietin (Epo) (Cancer Res 51:341, 1991). We used this cell line and a selected Epo-dependent subcell line (UT-7/Epo) to study the early signal transduction events induced by Epo. When UT-7 cells were exposed to Epo, tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins (with molecular weight equivalent to that of p85, p110, and p145) was observed. Protein phosphorylation occurred in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. p85 showed a marked increase in phosphotyrosine content within 30 seconds; maximal phosphorylation was observed at 1 minute. Subsequently, tyrosine phosphorylation of p110 and p145 was observed, beginning at 1 minute and reaching plateau at 5 minutes. The degree of phosphorylation of these three proteins gradually decreased thereafter. In addition, in UT-7/Epo cells, Epo induced tyrosine phosphorylation of other proteins that were not observed in Epo-induced UT-7 cells. The concentration of Epo required to induce tyrosine phosphorylation was in the same range of concentration required to stimulate cell growth. Epo was also able to activate p21ras as measured by exchange of guanosine diphosphate for guanosine triphosphate. These data show that tyrosine phosphorylation and P21ras activation are early signals in the Epo-induced mitogenic pathway.

Effects of Catuaba extracts on microbial and HIV infection

Pretreatment of mice with hot water and alkaline extracts of Catuaba casca (Erythroxylum catuaba Arr. Cam.) effectively protected them from lethal infection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts significantly inhibited both the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced cytopathic effect and the expression of HIV antigen in HIV-1HTLV-IIIB or HIV-2ROD infected human lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) positive MT-4 cells. The 50% effective concentrations of the active fractions (21-263 micrograms/ml) were 1/4 - 1/43 of their 50% cytotoxic concentrations. Their anti-HIV activity was shown to be induced, at least in part, via the inhibition of HIV adsorption to the cells. The data suggest a medicinal potential of Catuaba extracts against opportunistic infection in HIV patients.

Two cases of acute myeloid leukemia evolving into a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia-like state after induction therapy

Two patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) developed a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMMoL)-like state after chemotherapy. Both patients showed morphological evidence of myelodysplasia together with acute leukemia at presentation (Case 1: M5b with trilineage myelodysplasia and Case 2: M4 with dysmegakaryocytopoiesis). They also showed persistent monocytosis without prominent blast cell proliferation after induction therapy. The possibility was suggested that these two patients were in acute transformation from CMMoL at presentation and returned to a CMMoL-like state after induction therapy.

First continuous propagation of B19 parvovirus in a cell line

The pathogenic human parvovirus B19 has extreme tropism for human erythroid progenitor cells and has resisted cultivation in conventional cell lines. We report first propagation of this virus in an erythropoietin-dependent strain of a megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line called UT-7. Virus protein was present in about 5% of cells after 1 week of culture. Appropriate ratios of major and minor capsid proteins were determined by immunoblot, and newly synthesized capsid protein was detected by immunoprecipitation of radioactively labeled cell lysates. High molecular weight monomer and dimer intermediates were detected by Southern analysis, indicating active viral replication. Approximately 1,000 genome copies were present per infected cell, and at the optimal multiplicity of infection 20- to 50-fold more virus was produced than inoculated. Virus propagation only occurred in UT-7 cells that were adapted to growth in erythropoietin; virus signal was not detected in UT-7 cells adapted for growth in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or interleukin-3, even with exposure to erythropoietin for several days. Infectious virus was detected in cultures as long as 3 months after inoculation. Despite persistence, there was no evidence of viral integration on Southern analysis. This cell line may prove useful for the production of infectious virus and in the analysis of B19 parvovirus persistence, cytotoxicity, and permissivity.

Effect of pine seed shell extract on microbial and viral infection

Pretreatment of mice with ammonia extract of seed shell of Pinus Koraicenis, via the intraperitoneal or intravenous route, effectively protected them from lethal infection of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The pine seed shell extract also moderately inhibited syncytium formation and cytopathogenic effect induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in cultured human lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) positive MT-4 cells. These data suggest a medicinal potential of pine seed shell extract against opportunistic infection in HIV patients.

Reversing effect of anti-asthmatic drugs on bronchoconstriction induced by antigen challenge and histamine in anesthetized guinea pigs

We performed an in vivo evaluation of bronchodilation using a model of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in anesthetized guinea pigs pretreated with indomethacin, pyrilamine and propranolol, and the results were compared with those for the histamine-induced response. Test drugs were administered intravenously when the antigen or histamine response reached its peak. Leukotriene (LT) D4 antagonists, FPL55712 and LY171883, gradually reduced the antigen-induced response, whereas the lipoxygenase inhibitor phenidone had no such effect. The bronchodilator theophylline rapidly reduced the antigen-induced response, and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin had a similar effect. The following drugs also had no effect: nifedipine (calcium-channel antagonist), cromakalim (potassium-channel opener), amlexanox and disodium cromoglycate: DSCG (anti-allergic drugs), OKY-046 (thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor), and dapsone (anti-inflammatory drug). Theophylline, the beta-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol and the histamine H1-blocker pyrilamine had only a small reversing effect on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. These results suggest that antigen-, but not histamine-, induced bronchoconstriction in anesthetized guinea pigs is a useful in vivo model for evaluating the bronchodilating effect of anti-asthmatic drugs.

Polymorphism of complement factor I: population study in Japanese and phenotyping in bloodstains

Polymorphism of the complement component factor I (IF) was investigated in 645 unrelated Japanese individuals using isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. The allele frequencies were IF*A = 0.1031 and IF*B = 0.8969. The population data fitted the Hardy-Weinberg law. Phenotyping was also possible from bloodstains stored at 37 degrees C for up to 1 week, at room temperature for up to 2 weeks and at 4 degrees C for up to 5 weeks. The IF system can be a useful supplement for the medicolegal identification of bloodstains, but seems useless in Caucasoids.

Second relapse of acute promyelocytic leukemia (ANLL-M3) with t(15;17) and t(1;3)(p36;q21)

We describe herein a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)-(ANLL-M3) whose bone marrow cells in the second relapse showed t(1;3)(p36;q21) together with t(15;17) (q22;q11-q12). Although a total of 21 patients with t(1;3) have been reported so far, among which three cases with de novo acute nonlymphocytic leukemia were included, our patient is the first case with APL. The hematologic findings in our case confirmed the previous observations that this anomaly is associated with relatively high platelet count and the multi-myeloid lineage involvement of leukemic cells. Our patient responded well to chemotherapy and achieved first and second remission with 42 months of total survival, contrary to our expectation that patients with this anomaly have a poor prognosis.

Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase of porcine pancreas: its localization in acinar cells

Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase has been found so far in various types of leukocyte. When a homogenate of porcine pancreas was incubated with arachidonic acid, 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid was predominantly produced concomitant with small amounts of compounds derived from leukotriene A4. After differential centrifugation of the homogenate, the 5-lipoxygenase activity was found predominantly in the 1000 x g pellet and 105,000 x g supernatant. When porcine pancreas was investigated immunohistochemically with anti-5-lipoxygenase antibody, Langerhans islets were unstained, and infiltration of 5-lipoxygenase-positive leukocytes was hardly observed. In contrast, acinar cells were positively stained. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated the localization of the enzyme along the nuclear membranes of the acinar cells.

Exact ultrastructural localization of glutathione peroxidase in normal rat hepatocytes: advantages of microwave fixation

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PO), a highly soluble, selenium-dependent enzyme metabolizing lipid peroxides, is allegedly distributed in both the cytosol and mitochondria. With the pre-embedding method of immunoelectron microscopy for GSH-PO employing conventional immersion-fixation, the nuclei of rat hepatocytes stain positively, whereas mitochondria are negative. Such observations are inconsistent with the results of biochemical and immunoblot analyses using isolated subcellular fractions. In the present study, we employed the combination of microwave irradiation and fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA), with or without 0.1% glutaraldehyde (GA), to enhance the accuracy of ultrastructural localization of GSH-PO in rat liver. A small block of liver was irradiated by microwave for 10 sec in cold cacodylate-buffered 4% PFA containing 0.1% GA. After further immersion of the tissue in 4% PFA at 4 degrees C for 1-6 hr, the standard procedure for pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy was employed. We observed partial inhibition of artifactual diffusion of cytosolic GSH-PO into the nuclei and consistent GSH-PO localization in mitochondria. Dual localization of this enzyme in the cytosol and mitochondria of normal rat hepatocytes was thus confirmed.

The biosynthesis of thrombomodulin and its enhancement by dibutyryl cAMP in a human megakaryoblastic cell line, UT-7

Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial cell membrane glycoprotein which modulates coagulation via the formation of thrombin-TM complexes. We investigated the human megakaryoblastic cell line (UT-7) for the presence of functional TM on the cell surface and in cell lysates using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a functional assay, and analysis by fluorescent activated cell sorter. We also examined the effect of cyclic nucleotides on TM in UT-7 cells. Quiescent UT-7 cells contained TM protein in cell lysates, but no TM antigen was observed on the cell surface. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP up-regulated TM: UT-7 cells transiently expressed functional TM antigen on the cell surface via de novo synthesis of TM protein resulting from increased TM mRNA levels. In contrast, dibutyryl cyclic GMP did not significantly affect TM antigen levels. The results suggest that megakaryocytes produce TM antigen and protein kinase A are involved in cellular mechanisms of TM expression.

Immunohistochemical study on arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase in porcine leukocytes and other tissues

Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxygenation of arachidonic acid, producing 5-hydroperoxy acid. This enzymatic reaction initiates the biosynthesis of various bioactive leukotrienes. An antiserum was raised in a rabbit against the purified 5-lipoxygenase of porcine leukocytes, and various types of porcine leukocytes were immunostained by use of the antibody. As examined by light and electron microscopy, neutrophils and eosinophils were positively stained. The 5-lipoxygenase was localized in the cytoplasm but not in the plasma membrane and subcellular organelles of the positively stained cells. In contrast, lymphocytes were unstained. In porcine ileum, the majority of 5-lipoxygenase-positive cells were eosinophils and mast cells resident in the lamina propria mucosae, whereas parenchymal cells were not stained. In porcine lung, certain bronchiolar or bronchial epithelial cells were clearly immunostained, in addition to eosinophils and mast cells found in the interstitium.

Indiscriminate activity from the B19 parvovirus p6 promoter in nonpermissive cells

B19 parvovirus is absolutely tropic for human erythroid progenitor cells. Among the untested mechanisms underlying this tropism is the possibility of cell-specific positive regulation of the promoter in permissive cells. Using the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and firefly luciferase reporter genes, we detected strong activity from the B19 P6 promoter in transfected nonpermissive cells. Very high-level expression was seen in a T lymphoblastoid cell line, CEM. No transcriptional enhancement occurred in an erythropoietin-dependent semipermissive cell line. A putative second B19 promoter at map unit 44 (P44) was nonfunctional and unable to confer tissue specificity. Thus, tropism is unlikely to be regulated at the level of transcriptional initiation from either the P6 or P44 promoter.

[Practical value of LDH-X determination for the detection of sperm traces]

The examination of 38 stains collected in sexual offences provided spermatozoa-positive, LDH-X-negative results in 4 samples and spermatozoa-negative, LDH-X-positive results in 6 samples. The results suggest that besides the microscopic detection of spermatozoa the demonstration of LDH-X should be performed in medicolegal identification of seminal stains.

Antitumor, antiviral and immunopotentiating activities of pine cone extracts: potential medicinal efficacy of natural and synthetic lignin-related materials (review)

Several antitumor substances that effectively inhibited the growth of ascites and solid tumor cells transplanted in mice were isolated from pine cone NaOH extract by acid- and ethanol-precipitation. These antitumor substances were also potent antiviral agents against human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus and influenza virus; they induced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcal aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, and induced antiparasite activity against Hymenolepis nana in mice. Chemical analysis of these substances by IR, UV, NMR, ESR and partition chromatography on cellulose-TLC plate disclosed that they had lignin-related structures complexed with sugars or polysaccharides. Chlorinated decomposition of the lignin portion significantly reduced their antiviral activity. In agreement with this, the antiviral activity of synthesized lignins prepared by polymerization of phenylpropanoid precursors was comparable to that of the undecomposed counterparts of the pine cone extract. Acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide portion significantly reduced the ability of the substances to induce antitumor and antimicrobial activities in mice. With an appropriate eliciting agent, intravenous administration of natural lignified substances transiently induced endogenous production of a cytotoxic factor (possibly tumor necrosis factor) in normal mice. Their priming activity was significantly higher than that of their component units or degradation products. These data suggest the importance of conjugating lignins with polysaccharides for in vivo expression of various kinds of immunopotentiating activity. As possible explanations for their induction of a variety of immunopotentiating activities, these natural and synthetic lignins stimulated macrophage NBT-reducing activity, polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) iodination and splenocyte DNA synthesis and inhibited poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities.

Macrophage stimulation activity of antimicrobial N,N-dimethylaminoethyl paramylon

Pretreatment with N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (DMAE) paramylon significantly protected mice from infection by various microorganisms. When mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured with DMAE-paramylon, they showed morphological change (spreading) and elevated NBT-reducing activity. Macrophages prepared from DMAE-paramylon-treated mice had higher NBT-reducing activity than those from control mice. On the other hand, carboxymethyl paramylon and paramylon sulfate, which did not induce appreciable antimicrobial activity, failed to stimulate macrophage functions. The data suggest a significant role of macrophages in antimicrobial activity induction by cationized glucans.

[Staphylococcus aureus sepsis in patients with hematological malignancies: increase in MRSA sepsis]

From January 1978 to August 1990, Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) were identified in 31 patients with hematological malignancies at Jichi Medical School hospital. Mortality due to SAB was 48.4% (15/31). Of the variables analyzed, four factors were significantly associated with a poor prognosis; elderly age (p = 0.015), high granulocyte count (more than 500/microliters) (p = 0.015), presence of DIC (p = 0.011) and presence of pneumonia (p = 0.023). The incidence of methicillin-resistant SAB was 32.3% (10/31) and the first patient developed in 1985. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend of higher mortality for methicillin-resistant SAB (70%) than for methicillin-sensitive SAB (38.1%). Most strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to minocycline, chloramphenicol and vancomycin.

Establishment and characterization of a human leukemic cell line with megakaryocytic features: dependency on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin 3, or erythropoietin for growth and survival

A new human leukemia cell line with megakaryocytic features, designated UT-7, was established from the bone marrow of a patient with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Surface marker analysis revealed that the majority of the cells reacted with monoclonal antibodies against platelet glycoprotein Ib (CD42b), glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (CD41a), MY 7 (CD13), MY 9 (CD33), and glycophorin A antigens. Cytogenetic analysis showed a human male near-tetraploid karyotype with a modal chromosome number of 92-96. Flow cytometry-derived DNA histograms demonstrated that the majority of the cells spontaneously contained 4 N DNA ploidy levels. Ultrastructural study showed that platelet peroxidase activity was weakly positive but myeloperoxidase activity was negative. Ferritin and theta-granule, which have been used as ultrastructural markers for the erythroid lineage, could not be detected. In response to phorbol myristate acetate, platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin, which were specifically synthesized in the process of megakaryocyte maturation, dramatically increased in UT-7 cells. This was accompanied by an increase in cell size, ploidy level, platelet peroxidase activity, and the surface density of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antigen. These findings suggest that UT-7 is a new leukemic cell line with megakaryocytic features and with the potential to differentiate into cells with more mature megakaryocytic properties in response to phorbol myristate acetate. This cell line showed strict dependency on interleukin 3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or erythropoietin. The maximal effective doses of IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and erythropoietin for proliferation in liquid culture were 10 units/ml, 1 ng/ml, and 1 unit/ml, respectively. These concentrations were comparable to the doses that maximally stimulate the clonal growth of normal hemopoietic cells. IL-6 could stimulate the proliferation of UT-7 cells but not maintain the line in long-term culture. UT-7 cells may be a useful model for (a) the analysis of gene regulation of megakaryocytic maturation-associated proteins expressed in the process of megakaryocytic differentiation and (b) the study of signal transduction of hemopoietic factors associated with megakaryocytopoiesis.

C1R subcomponent polymorphism in Japanese: description of a new allele

The polymorphism of C1R was investigated in 570 unrelated Japanese individuals using isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. A total of 11 different C1R phenotypes including a new pattern designated C1R 11-1 were observed. The allele frequencies were C1R*1 = 0.4561, C1R*2 = 0.3377, C1R*5 = 0.1956, C1R*8 = 0.0088 and C1R*R (C1R*9 and C1R*11) = 0.0018. The population data fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The C1R polymorphism in Japanese was shown to be controlled by 3 common alleles, C1R*1, C1R*2 and C1R*5, as compared to Caucasians where only the former 2 are present commonly. This complement system can be a useful genetic marker for anthropological studies.

Polymorphism of uridine monophosphate kinase: population study in Japanese and phenotyping in bloodstains

The polymorphism of UMPK was investigated in 677 unrelated Japanese individuals. The allele frequencies were estimated to be UMPK*1 = 0.9594 and UMPK*2 = 0.0406. Our sample was devoid of the UMPK*3 allele. Phenotyping was also possible from bloodstains stored at 37 degrees C for up to 1 week, at room temperature for up to 4 weeks and at 4 degrees C over 10 weeks. The UMPK system can be a useful supplement for the mediocolegal grouping of bloodstains.

PGD phenotyping in bloodstains, organ tissues, dental pulps and hair roots by isoelectric focusing

Polymorphism of PGD was investigated in bloodstains, organ tissues, dental pulps, hair roots and semen by isoelectric focusing. This technique provided much higher resolution of PGD isoenzymes than starch gel electrophoresis. Phenotyping was possible from bloodstains for 5 weeks, from organ tissues (except pancreas) for 1-3 weeks, from dental pulps for 2 weeks and from hair roots for 2 weeks when they were stored at room temperature. The method is simple, rapid, reliable and therefore useful in medicolegal individualization of bloodstains, organ tissues, teeth and hairs.

Lignified materials as potential medicinal resources. II. Prevention of pathogenic bacterial infections in mice

Antibacterial activity was demonstrated when ddY mice were intraperitoneally infected with E. coli or P. aeruginosa two days after a single ip-injection of a hot-water or alkaline extract obtained from lignified materials, such as chips of slash pine, Douglas fir, tallow wood, and two shelf fungi. Lignified material is a promising medicinal resource for the prevention and/or treatment of pathogenic microbial infection.

Factor B subtyping in sera and bloodstains by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting

The polymorphism of BF was investigated in 765 unrelated Japanese individuals by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. Besides five common subtypes three rare variants were observed. The allele frequencies were: BF*S = 0.8078, BF*FA = 0.1797, BF*FB = 0.0105, BF*Var. = 0.0020. The above method was successfully applied to subtyping BF in stored bloodstains. The determination limits were: at 4 degrees C 8 weeks, at room temperature 2 weeks and at 37 degrees C only 2 days after storage. The BF subtyping is of practical use in medicolegal individualization of unknown bloodstains.

[A case of "interval" form of acute carbon monoxide poisoning--brain MRI and therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygenation]

A 43-year-old female who had suffered from paranoid reaction attempted suicide with city gas. She was admitted to an emergency hospital in a comatose state, regained consciousness the next day and was discharged 12 days after. However, on the 21st day after the poisoning, behavioral anomalies and staggering appeared. She was readmitted into another emergency hospital with the diagnosis of an "interval" form of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. She was performed hyperbaric oxygen therapy 42 times until the 53rd day after the accident. Nevertheless, her symptoms did not improve and remained in a state like an apallic syndrome. With little promise of improvement, she was moved to our hospital, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy further continued for 40 times which resulted in a remarkable recovery. Repeat EEGs were performed. On the 32nd day, EEG showed an abnormality consisting of generalized delta waves. On the 56th day, the abnormal EEG improved slightly with more alpha activity. EEG was normalized 126 days after. The X-ray CT scan on the 32nd day revealed low densities in the bilateral globus pallidus and the deep white matters adjacent to the frontal horns of the lateral ventricle and in the semioval centers. On the 57th day, these low density areas were depicted more clearly by the X-ray CT scan, which became less marked on the 73rd day. MRI was performed 3 times.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antimicrobial spectrum of lignin-related pine cone extracts of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc

Pine cones of Pinus parviflora Sieb., et Zucc, were extracted successively with 5% NaHCO3, 3% NH4OH, 1% NaOH and 4% NaOH, and the extracts were tested for ability to induce antimicrobial activity in mice infected with Staphylococcal aureus. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, or Salmonella enteritidis. These alkaline extracts were potent against the first 5 of these strains of microorganisms, and the activity was recovered mostly from their acid-precipitates at pH 5. After further fractionation on a Sephadex LH-60 column, the highest molecular weight fraction was most potent. Chemical structures in these bioactive fractions were assumed to be lignin-related structures, based on spectral data from UV, NMR and IR spectroscopy.

Chemical modification potentiates paramylon induction of antimicrobial activity

Induction of antimicrobial activity by two water-insoluble polysaccharides, paramylon and TAK, was significantly potentiated by introduction of positively charged groups (such as N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; N,N-diethylaminoethyl; and 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniopropyl), but not by introduction of negatively charged groups (such as carboxymethyl or sulfate). Cross-linking of these derivatives with epichlorohydrin did not increase their potentiating activity. The effects of these derivatives did not always correlate with their ability to accumulate polymorphonuclear cells and to stimulate the generation of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence by peritoneal exudate cells.

Growth and differentiation of a human megakaryoblastic cell line, CMK

Recently, a human megakaryoblastic cell line, CMK, was established from the peripheral blood of a megakaryoblastic leukemia patient with Down syndrome. Using this cell line, we studied the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytic cells in the presence of highly purified human hematopoietic factors and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). In a methylcellulose culture system, interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) facilitated colony formation by CMK cells in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum stimulating doses of these factors were 10 and 200 U/mL, respectively. These concentrations were comparable to those that stimulate activity in normal hematopoietic cells. In contrast, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), and erythropoietin (EPO) had no effects on the colony formation of CMK cells. In a liquid culture system, 20% of the CMK cells expressed glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) antigen without hematopoietic factors, whereas 40% of the cells expressed GPIIb/IIIa with the addition of IL-3 and GM-CSF. EPO also slightly enhanced expression of GPIIb/IIIa. On the other hand, PMA inhibited growth of CMK cells and induced most of them to express the GPIIb/IIIa antigen. Furthermore, PMA induced CMK cells to produce growth activity toward new inocula of CMK cells. This growth factor (GF) contained colony-stimulating activity (CSA) in normal bone marrow (BM) cells. The activity was believed to be attributable mainly to GM-CSF, since 64% of this activity was neutralized by anti-GM-CSF antibodies and a transcript of GM-CSF was detected in mRNA from PMA-treated CMK cells by Northern blot analysis. These observations suggest that GM-CSF, as well as IL-3, should play an important role in megakaryocytopoiesis.

Immunohistochemical study of arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase in porcine tissues

12-Lipoxygenase oxygenates the 12 position of arachidonic acid and produces its 12-hydroperoxy derivative. The enzyme is found in greatest amounts in porcine leukocytes and is distributed widely in various other tissues. An anti-12-lipoxygenase antibody was raised in rabbits with the immunoaffinity-purified enzyme as an antigen and was used in immunohisto- and cytochemical studies on the enzyme, the physiological significance of which remains to be clarified. When peripheral blood cells were examined by immunoelectron microscopy, the enzyme was found in neutrophils and monocytes but was not detected in lymphocytes, platelets, and erythrocytes. In immunostained neutrophils and monocytes the enzyme was localized in the cytosol but was not clearly detected in the plasma membrane, nuclear membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and other organelles. Several other organs known to contain considerable amounts of 12-lipoxygenase were also investigated immunohistochemically, i.e., alimentary tract (ileum and jejunum), lymphatic organs (spleen, lymph node, and thymus), ovary, lung, liver, and others. In these organs, resident mast cells and granulocytes infiltrating the interstitial tissues were positively immunostained. The enzyme was not detected in parenchymal cells of these organs under our experimental conditions.

Effects of the in vivo administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor following cytotoxic chemotherapy on granulocytic precursors in patients with malignant lymphoma

We examined the effects of the in vivo administration of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) on granulocytic precursors in the bone marrow of 4 patients with malignant lymphoma who received chemotherapy. Patients were treated with rhG-CSF at doses of 100-800 micrograms/m2/day intravenously for 14 days only in the first course of chemotherapy (G-CSF course) followed by the second course of chemotherapy without rhG-CSF which was used as a control course. In the G-CSF course, white blood cell counts (WBCs) demonstrated a biphasic response consisting of a first peak observed within a few days after the initiation of rhG-CSF administration, and a second peak observed on the last day of rhG-CSF injection or the day after. In the second peak, the incidence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM) in mononucleated bone marrow cells did not change significantly after treatment with rhG-CSF as compared with a control. However, since the number of nucleated cells in the bone marrow increased, the absolute number of CFU-GM in the bone marrow increased. The number of mature and immature granulocytes in the bone marrow increased. These findings suggest that G-CSF stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of granulocytic precursors in the bone marrow in granulocytopenic patients who received cytotoxic drugs and causes mature granulocytes to be released from the bone marrow.

Double replica electroblotting for the simultaneous phenotyping of C6 and C7, and its application to the examination of bloodstains

A new reliable and reproducible technique for the simultaneous determination of C6 and C7 types is presented, which employs double replica electroblotting after isoelectric focusing. It permitted clear discrimination of both C6 and C7 components, and the patterns were nearly comparable to those demonstrated separately. The population data obtained by this new technique fitted the genetic hypothesis. The present double replica electroblotting method was successfully applied to the combined phenotyping of C6 and C7 from bloodstains which were stored at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. The method is quite suitable for medicolegal examination of bloodstains particularly for the saving in the amount of sample.

C7 polymorphism in Japanese: new allele C7*8

The polymorphism of C7 was investigated in neuraminidase-treated sera from 513 unrelated Japanese individuals using isoelectric focusing followed by an electroimmunoblotting technique. Besides the common phenotypes 5 rare variants including 2 types of new variants were detected. The family analysis suggested the hereditary occurrence of a new allele C7*8. The allele frequencies were: C7*1 = 0.8314, C7*2 = 0.0926, C7*3 = 0.0380, C7*4 = 0.0331, C7*6 = 0.0010, and C7*8 = 0.0039.

Placental glucose dehydrogenase polymorphism in Japanese

The polymorphism of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) was investigated in 516 Japanese placentae. The allele frequencies were GDH*1 = 0.510, GDH*2 = 0.488 and GDH*3 = 0.002. GDH*3 appears to increase from Japan via Southeast Asia and India to Europe.

Glucose phosphate isomerase variants in human bloodstains and seminal stains

Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) variants occurring in human red cells were also demonstrated in human semen. Phenotyping was possible from bloodstains of 6 weeks storage and seminal stains of 12 weeks storage. The GPI system may be a supplemental tool for medicolegal individualization of seminal stains.

A very slow BF variant (S085) detected in a Japanese population

Using high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofixation a very slow BF variant was detected in a Japanese person living in Yamanashi district. The family analysis suggested the hereditary occurrence of a new allele, BF*S085.

Confirmation of bone marrow engraftment by detection of M/N blood group antigens on erythroblasts in erythroid bursts

In order to confirm erythroid engraftment, we examined the changes in blood group antigens expressed on erythroblasts in the haematopoietic colonies of a bone marrow transplant recipient. A 44-year-old female with acute myelogenous leukaemia underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from her sister donor. Prior to the transplantation, the blood groups of both recipient and donor were analysed, and their M/N groups found to differ, the former being MN and the latter N. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were obtained from the patient on day 21 after bone marrow transplantation and cultured in semi-solid medium. Erythroblasts were collected from the erythroid bursts that had formed, and were subjected to flow cytometry using monoclonal anti-M and anti-N. Anti-N reactive cells accounted for 99.2% of those in the erythroid bursts, while only 0.3% of these cells were anti-M reactive. MN type erythrocytes in the recipient's peripheral blood had been replaced by N type and only 2.0% of erythrocytes were anti-M reactive on the 70th day after BMT. These erythroblasts and erythrocytes were phenotypically N, and originated from the donor haemopoietic stem cells with the success of bone marrow engraftment. From our findings, it appears that the M/N blood group antigens were produced by the erythroid cells themselves.

[C7 typing of blood stains using isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting]

By means of isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting C7 types were clearly demonstrated from bloodstains which had been stored at 37 degrees C for up to three weeks, at room temperature for up to six weeks and at 4 degrees C for over ten weeks. The C7 typing is practically useful in medicolegal individualization of unknown bloodstains.