[Natural organic compounds that affect to microtubule functions: syntheses and structure-activity relationships of combretastatins, curacin A and their analogs as the colchicine-site ligands on tubulin]

Microtubules (MT) are cylindrical polymers of the protein tubulin (TN) alpha, beta-heterodimer, and are known to be the main component of spindles in mitotic apparatus of eucaryotic cells. MT are also involved in many other basic and essential cell functions. There are a number of natural and synthetic compounds that interfere with MT function to cause the mitotic arrest of eucaryotic cells. Such antimitotic agents show a broad biological activity, and can be used for medicinal and agrochemical purposes. On the other hand, they are important also as the biochemical tools for understanding the dynamics of MT network. Most of such antimitotic agents, with a few exceptions, bind to beta-TN. Among them, colchicine (CLC), vinblastine and taxol have played major roles in practical uses as well as in biochemical studies of MT functions. They all bind to beta-TN but their binding sites are different. We have worked on a variety of antimitotic agents that bind to either of colchicine-site, vinblastine-site and taxol-site, in discovery, structures, biological actions and/or interactions with TN. In this paper, the results of our studies on CLC-site ligands were summarized; (1) synthetic analogs of combretastatin A-4 (CBS A-4), isolated as a cytotoxic compound produced by a species of South African tree Combretum caffrum, (2) curacin A (CU-A), a cytotoxic metabolite of a marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula, and its related compounds. Interactions of these compounds with TN were studied and structure-activity relationships of these two classes of compounds were discussed.

Effect of maternal separation on feeding behavior of rats in later life

Effects of maternal separation on feeding behavior, particularly on rebound hyperphagia, in adult rats were examined. Time-restricted scheduled feeding (2 h per day for 6 days), was given at the age of 3, 6, 9 or 12 weeks in rats that were maternal separated from postnatal days (PD) 1-21 and control rats. Following the time-restricted scheduled feeding, rats were fed freely for 24 h (rebound hyperphagia). Body weight, daily normal food consumption and food consumption during time-restricted scheduled feeding and rebound hyperphagia were measured. Body weight of 3-week-old maternally separated rats were less than those of control rats. There was no significant difference in normal daily food consumption. Food consumption during rebound hyperphagia was significantly increased in 6- to 9-week-old female maternally separated rats, but there was no difference observed in males. Postnatal maternal separation enhanced rebound hyperphagia of female rats in later life. These results indicate that postnatal maternal separation made rats more vulnerable to the development of abnormal feeding behavior in response to food restriction in later life.

Two distinct mechanisms underlie the stimulation of neurotransmitter release by phorbol esters in clonal rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

Phorbol ester treatment induces the phosphorylation of SNAP-25 at Ser(187) and the potentiation of Ca(2+)-induced dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (Ach) release from PC12 cells. In order to evaluate the functional consequences of phosphorylation, quantitative analysis was carried out using an anti-phosphopeptide antibody that specifically recognizes SNAP-25 phosphorylated at Ser(187). DA and ACh release, assayed in low-K(+) as well as high-K(+) solution, increased by treating the cells with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA); however, the stimulation of high-K(+)-dependent release occurred at lower concentrations and with shorter exposures to PMA than that of the basal release in low-K(+)-solution. The PMA-induced phosphorylation of SNAP-25 did not correlate with the potentiation of high-K(+)-dependent neurotransmitter release. The potentiation of high-K(+)-dependent DA release by phorbol 12,13-diacetate (PDA), a water soluble phorbol ester, almost completely disappeared within 1 min after washing PDA in the presence of okadaic acid, conditions under which the phosphorylation of SNAP-25 persisted for at least 15 min. PMA-induced phosphorylation of SNAP-25 was inhibited by staurosporine, however, the potentiation of high-K(+)-dependent DA release was suppressed only partially. These results indicate that protein kinase activation does not account for a large fraction of the phorbol ester-induced potentiation of depolarization-dependent neurotransmitter release from PC12 cells.

Antifungal, antimitotic and anti-HIV-1 agents from the roots of Wikstroemia indica

With guidance of Pyricularia oryzae bioassay, daphnoretin (1), (+)-nortrachelogenin (2), genkwanol A (3), wikstrol A (4), wikstrol B (5) and daphnodorin B (6) were isolated from the roots of Wikstroemia indica. Compounds 1-6 induced morphological deformation of P. oryzae mycelia with MMDC values of 68.4 +/- 1.3, 31.3 +/- 1.8, 45.8 +/- 0.5, 70.1 +/- 2.4, 52.3 +/- 0.9 and 73.7 +/- 1.6 microM, respectively. Compounds 3-6 showed moderate activity against microtubule polymerization with IC50 values of 112 +/- 4, 131 +/- 3, 184 +/- 6 and 142 +/- 2 microM in vitro, respectively. Compounds 2, 3, 5 and 6 were moderately active against HIV-1 in vitro. The findings of bioactivity of 1-6 support the antifungus, antimitosis and anti-HIV-1 uses for W. indica roots.

Immunohistochemical studies on vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1/CD-31 in islet transplantation

Neovascularization may be necessary for better and longer function of transplanted islets. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to be one of the most important factors of angiogenesis. Recently, VEGF was reported to be expressed in islets of normal pancreas. We studied the expression of VEGF and neovascularization related peptides in transplanted islets. To determine the angiogenic microcapillary, immunochemical staining was performed for Factor VIII-related antigen (von Willebrand factor [vWF]) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1/CD31 (PECAM-1), both of which are known as markers of the angiogenic microvessel. Transplantable islets were isolated from Lewis rats (8-10 weeks of age) by discontinuous dextran gradient after collagenase digestion. Seven to twelve hundred islets were injected into the portal vein (IPV group, n = 7) or transplanted into subnephrocapsular cavity (SNC, n = 12) of the same descent rats. In the IPV group, the liver was resected 1 hour, 1 week, or 4 weeks after transplantation (Tx). In the SNC group, the kidney was resected 1, 3, 7, or 28 days after Tx. Each tissue was fixed in formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Serial 4-microm slices were immunostained for insulin, VEGF, PECAM-1, or vWF using specific antibodies. In IPV group, insulin-positive cells were VEGF positive as were in the normal pancreas at all time points. Islets of 1 hour after Tx were barely PECAM-1 positive as were in normal pancreas, but islets became weakly stained at 7 and 28 days after Tx. In vWF staining, transplanted islets showed stronger staining than those in the normal pancreas. In SNC group, VEGF was also stained in insulin-positive cells at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. In PECAM-1 staining, islets of 1 day after Tx were barely stained as were in normal pancreas. However, the staining was increasingly enhanced from 3 to 7 days and then appeared weakened at 28 days after Tx. In vWF staining, islets were always vWF positive, as was seen in IPV group. This study revealed that PECAM-1 appeared in islets after islet Tx, suggesting that neovascularization occurs within the islet grafts. On the other hand, VEGF of transplanted islet did not obviously vary with time. Enhancement of the neovascularization may lead to better results of islet Tx.

Carbon dioxide absorbents containing potassium hydroxide produce much larger concentrations of compound A from sevoflurane in clinical practice

We investigated the concentrations of degraded sevoflurane Compound A during low-flow anesthesia with four carbon dioxide (CO(2)) absorbents. The concentrations of Compound A, obtained from the inspiratory limb of the circle system, were measured by using a gas chromatograph. In the groups administered 2 L/min fresh gas flow with 1% sevoflurane, when the conventional CO(2) absorbents, Wakolime(TM) (Wako, Tokyo, Japan) and Drägersorb(TM) (Dräger, Lübeck, Germany), were used, the concentrations of Compound A increased steadily from a baseline to 14.3 ppm (mean) and 13.2 ppm, respectively, at 2 h after exposure to sevoflurane. In contrast, when the other novel types of absorbents containing decreased or no potassium hydroxide/sodium hydroxide, Medisorb(TM) (Datex-Ohmeda, Louisville, CO) and Amsorb(TM) (Armstrong, Coleraine, Northern Ireland), were used, Compound A remained at baseline (<2 ppm) throughout the study. In the groups administered 1 L/min fresh gas flow with 2% sevoflurane, Wakolime(TM) and Drägersorb(TM) produced much larger concentrations of Compound A (35.4 ppm and 34.2 ppm, respectively) at 2 h after exposure to sevoflurane. Medisorb(TM) showed measurable concentrations of Compound A (8.6 ppm at 2 h), but they were significantly smaller than those produced by the two conventional absorbents. In contrast, when Amsorb(TM) was used, Compound A concentrations remained at baseline throughout the study period.

IMPLICATIONS

Carbon dioxide absorbents containing potassium hydroxide/sodium hydroxide produce much larger concentrations of Compound A from sevoflurane in clinical practice. An absorbent containing neither potassium hydroxide nor sodium hydroxide produces the smallest concentrations of Compound A.

[Experimental study of esophageal covered stent for prevention of migration: use of clay to simulate stenosis of the esophagogastric junction or anastomosis site]

PURPOSE

An inner-covered Spiral Z-stent (IC-SZ) developed by our group was examined for its effectiveness in preventing migration by experimental comparison with commercially available esophageal covered stents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The following six types of stents were used: inner-covered Spiral Z-stents with diameters of 16 mm (small IC-SZ) and 19 mm (large IC-SZ), outer-covered Spiral Z-stent (OC-SZ), covered Wallstent, covered Ultraflex stent, and Cook Z-stent. Experimental models were prepared using clay to simulate stenosis of the esophagogastric junction or anastomosis site due to tumor, and each stent was placed in the clay. After the stent had been fully expanded with a balloon catheter, one of its ends was pulled until the stent migrated out of the clay, and the traction force was measured. The inner cavity of the stent placed in the clay was observed using an endoscope.

RESULTS

The mean maximal traction force required to pull the stents out of the clay were as follows, in decreasing order: 4.14 +/- 0.39 kg for the large IC-SZ, 4.12 +/- 0.83 kg for the small IC-SZ, 3.64 +/- 0.44 kg for the Cook Z-stent (p < 0.05), 3.34 +/- 0.62 kg for the covered Ultraflex stent (p < 0.05), 1.53 +/- 0.43 kg for the OC-SZ (p < 0.01), and 0.56 +/- 0.16 kg for the covered Wallstent (p < 0.01). The force required to pull out the large IC-SZ stent was the greatest, showing a significant difference from the values for the other four types of stents (excluding the small IC-SZ). Observation using an endoscope revealed that the wire of the IC-SZ stent was almost entirely embedded in the clay, whereas the wires of other stents were not.

CONCLUSION

The IC-SZ stent may be less likely to migrate than other esophageal covered stents.

[A case of autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP) with onset at the age of 6 years]

We report a 26-year-old woman with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP). Her parents made consanguineous marriage. The disease started with dystonic posture of legs 20 years prior to the admission (6 years old). The equinovarus foot appeared at 9 years old and parkinsonism gradually developed. These symptoms were remarkably improved after sleep. Levodopa was effective on her parkinsonian symptoms. However, the response to levodopa gradually reduced. On admission, she presented with a masked face, marked rigidity, moderate retropulsion, postural tremor in the upper limbs and mild hyperreflexia in the lower limbs. Mutational analysis revealed homozygous deletion of exon 4 in perkin gene. This patient has youngest age of onset for ARJP to our knowledge.

Enhancement pattern of normal extraocular muscles in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with fat suppression

PURPOSE

To evaluate the internal structure of normal extraocular muscles on fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten subjects were examined using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. We evaluated the enhancement pattern (C-shaped or ring-like) of extraocular muscles and quantified the maximum ratios of enhancement (Rmax) and maximum ratios of signal increase (Vmax). We also quantified Rmax and Vmax in the central and peripheral portions of medial rectus muscles.

RESULTS

In the early phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, a C-shaped or ring-like pattern was observed in 100% of inferior rectus, 95% of medial rectus, 55% of superior rectus, 20% of lateral rectus, and 15% of superior oblique muscles. Overall mean Rmax and Vmax values showed statistically significant differences to the temporal muscles. For the peripheral portion of medial rectus muscles, mean Rmax and Vmax values were greater than for the central portion.

CONCLUSION

Using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, the C-shape or ring-like internal structure of the extraocular muscles could be visualized, and were considered to reflect their structure of orbital and global layers. Potential usefulness of the fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for detecting pathological status is suggested.

Nerve growth factor-induced phosphorylation of SNAP-25 in PC12 cells: a possible involvement in the regulation of SNAP-25 localization

Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), a t-SNARE protein essential for neurotransmitter release, is phosphorylated at Ser187 following activation of cellular protein kinase C by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. However, it remains unclear whether neuronal activity or an endogenous ligand induces the phosphorylation of SNAP-25. Here we studied the phosphorylation of SNAP-25 in PC12 cells using a specific antibody for SNAP-25 phosphorylated at Ser187. A small fraction of SNAP-25 was phosphorylated when cells were grown in the absence of nerve growth factor (NGF). A brief treatment with NGF that was enough to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway did not increase the phosphorylation of SNAP-25; however, phosphorylation was up-regulated after a prolonged incubation with NGF. Up-regulation was transitory, and maximum phosphorylation (a fourfold increase over basal phosphorylation) was achieved between 36 and 48 h after the addition of NGF. Immunofluorescent microscopy showed that SNAP-25 was localized primarily in the plasma membrane, although a significant population was also present in the cytoplasm. Quantitative microfluorometry revealed that prolonged treatment with NGF resulted in a preferential localization of SNAP-25 in the plasma membrane. A mutational study using a fusion protein with green fluorescent protein as a tag indicated that the point mutation of Ser187 to Ala abolished the NGF-dependent relocalization. A population of SNAP-25 in the plasma membrane was not increased by a point mutation at Ser187 to Glu; however, it was increased by prolonged treatment with NGF, indicating that the SNAP-25 phosphorylation is essential, but not sufficient, for the NGF-induced relocation to the plasma membrane. Our results suggest a close temporal relationship between the up-regulation of SNAP-25 phosphorylation and its relocation, and NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells.

Hereditary sensorineural hearing loss of unknown cause involving mitochondrial DNA 1555 mutation

We report on a family with maternally inherited sensorineural hearing loss, in which no history of aminoglycoside injection and no other specific etiology could be identified in any member. A 1555 A-to-G mutation of mitochondrial DNA was found in all members demonstrating hearing loss. The hearing in the propositus and his sister was severely impaired at a younger age than that in the mother. This case suggests that the 1555 point mutation of mitochondrial DNA has potential to promote inherited nonsyndromic hearing loss without any known etiology.

Production of live calves derived from embryonic stem-like cells aggregated with tetraploid embryos

To date, cloned farm animals have been produced by nuclear transfer from embryonic, fetal, and adult cell types. However, mice completely derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells have been produced by aggregation with tetraploid embryos. The objective of the present study was to generate offspring completely derived from bovine ES-like cells. ES-like cells isolated from the inner cell mass of in vitro-produced embryos were aggregated with tetraploid bovine embryos generated by electrofusion at the 2-cell stage. A total of 77 embryo aggregates produced by coculture of two 8-cell-stage tetraploid embryos and a clump of ES-like cells were cultured in vitro. Twenty-eight of the aggregates developed to the blastocyst stage, and 12 of these were transferred to recipient cows. Six calves representing 2 singletons and 2 sets of twins were produced from the transfer of the chimeric embryos. Microsatellite analysis for the 6 calves demonstrated that one calf was chimeric in the hair roots and the another was chimeric in the liver. However, unfortunately, both of these calves died shortly after birth. Two of the placentae from the remaining pregnancies were also chimeric. These results indicate that the bovine ES-like cells used in these studies were able to contribute to development.

Developmental changes in calcium channel types mediating central synaptic transmission

Multiple types of high-voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels trigger neurotransmitter release at the mammalian central synapse. Among them, the omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive N-type channels and the omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive P/Q-type channels mediate fast synaptic transmission. However, at most central synapses, it is not known whether the contributions of different Ca(2+) channel types to synaptic transmission remain stable throughout postnatal development. We have addressed this question by testing type-specific Ca(2+) channel blockers at developing central synapses. Our results indicate that N-type channels contribute to thalamic and cerebellar IPSCs only transiently during early postnatal period and P/Q-type channels predominantly mediate mature synaptic transmission, as we reported previously at the brainstem auditory synapse formed by the calyx of Held. In fact, Ca(2+) currents directly recorded from the auditory calyceal presynaptic terminal were identified as N-, P/Q-, and R-types at postnatal day 7 (P7) to P10 but became predominantly P/Q-type at P13. In contrast to thalamic and cerebellar IPSCs and brainstem auditory EPSCs, N-type Ca(2+) channels persistently contribute to cerebral cortical EPSCs and spinal IPSCs throughout postnatal months. Thus, in adult animals, synaptic transmission is predominantly mediated by P/Q-type channels at a subset of synapses and mediated synergistically by multiple types of Ca(2+) channels at other synapses.

Prevalence of mitochondrial gene mutations among hearing impaired patients

The frequency of three mitochondrial point mutations, 1555A-->G, 3243A-->G, and 7445A-->G, known to be associated with hearing impairment, was examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in two Japanese groups: (1) 319 unrelated SNHL outpatients (including 21 with aminoglycoside antibiotic injection history), and (2) 140 cochlear implantation patients (including 22 with aminoglycoside induced hearing loss). Approximately 3% of the outpatients and 10% of the cochlear implantation patients had the 1555A-->G mutation. The frequency was higher in the patients with a history of aminoglycoside injection (outpatient group 33%, cochlear implantation group 59%). One outpatient (0.314%) had the 3243A-->G mutation, but no outpatients had the 7445A-->G mutation and neither were found in the cochlear implantation group. The significance of the 1555A-->G mutation, the most prevalent mitochondrial mutation found in this study of a hearing impaired population in Japan, among subjects with specific backgrounds, such as aminoglycoside induced hearing loss, is evident.

Ultrastructural study of the relationship between the morphogenesis of filiform papillae and the keratinization of the lingual epithelium in the mouse

Tongues were removed from fetuses of mice on the 15th day of gestation (E15), from newborns (P0), and from juveniles on the 7th day (p7) and on the 21st day (P21) after birth for examination by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In the fetuses at E15, no rudiments of filiform papillae were visible on the dorsal surface of the tongue. No evidence of keratinization was recognized throughout the entire dorsal lingual epithelium. At P0, rudiments of filiform papillae were compactly distributed over the dorsal surface, as are the filiform papillae in the adult, but their tips were rounder than those of the filiform papillae in the adult. Cell columns in the epithelium, with different degrees of keratinization of the type observed in the matured adult were indistinct. However, a keratinized layer was clearly visible on the tip of each filiform papilla. In juveniles at P7, the filiform papillae on the anterior part of the tongue were long and slender, and the anterior and posterior cell columns of the filiform papillae were identical to those in the adult. These results indicate that, in mice, the morphogenesis of filiform papillae advances in parallel with keratinization of the lingual epithelium from the stage just before birth to a stage a few weeks after birth.

[A case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease exhibiting athetosis in the early stage]

A 68-year-old man was hospitalized on 24 June, 1998 because of visual and gait disturbance. A month before admission, he had been aware of blurred or double vision while watching TV. A few days later, he developed dysphagia and clumsiness in the fingers. His gait became unstable and he exhibited restless finger movements. His shoulders and trunk showed torsion while walking. On admission, he became disoriented and showed rigidity in the legs and athetosis in the bilateral fingers. Routine laboratory findings, thyroid function data, and the serum levels of vitamin B1, B12, Cu, and ceruloplasmin were within the normal ranges. Periodic synchronous discharges (PSD) were observed on electroencephalography. MRI showed T2-high intensity and atrophy of the bilateral caudate nucleus and putamen in addition to the cerebral cortex. 99mTc-ECD-SPECT showed a decrease of local blood flow in the bilateral frontal, right temporal, and bilateral parietal lobes and bilateral thalami. Athetosis became exacerbated and was observed for a month, overlapping with myoclonus. We diagnosed the patient as having CJD because of progressive dementia, myoclonus and PSD. Analysis of the prion protein revealed that codon 129 was Met/Met and codon 219 Glu/Glu by DNA sequences. The patient developed akinetic mutism and rigid contracture, and died of pneumonia on 5 September, 1998. Because athetosis is thought to involve the bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen and thalamus, the findings of diagnostic imaging in this patient might be relative to the clinical symptoms.

Specific activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells by bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 has the capacity to induce the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. Unlike nerve growth factor, however, BMP-2 failed to induce the activation of the 41-/43-kDa mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway in these cells. In contrast, BMP-2 characteristically induced the sustained activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with SB203580 inhibited the BMP-2-induced neurite outgrowth formation in a dose-dependent manner; this inhibition coincided well with the ability of SB203580 to inihibit the BMP-2-induced activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway. Overexpression in PC12 cells of wild-type MAP kinase kinase (MKK)-6 enhanced the BMP-2-induced activation of p38 MAP kinase, whose activation correlated well with the ability of these cells to induce neurite outgrowth in response to BMP-2. Transient expression of kinase-negative forms of MKK3/6 inhibited the formation of neurite outgrowth in response to BMP-2. Furthermore, expression of constitutively active forms of MKK3/6 induced neurite outgrowth without BMP-2 stimulation, and SB203580 inhibited this induction. These results clearly indicate that activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway is necessary for BMP-2-induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. Our results also suggest that activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway alone can induce the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells.

Adhesive Force between Hydrophilic Surfaces in Alcohol-Water Solutions

The interaction and adhesive forces between a mica plate and SiO(2) surfaces in water-alcohol (ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol) mixtures were investigated on the molecular scale, using an atomic force microscope. The following results were obtained: (i) alcohols higher than 1-propanol adsorb standing on the hydrophilic surface vertically to form a structured monolayer, when the alcohol concentration is high enough; (ii) the adhesive force between surfaces depends on how closely two surfaces can be brought by breaking the adsorbed layers; (iii) the adhesive force between surfaces is maximized at w(w)/w(ws) approximately 0.25, independent of the kind of alcohol, where w(w) and w(ws) are the weight fractions of water and saturated water, respectively; and (iv) the adhesive force for a particle of rough surface is much smaller than the adhesive force predicted for a particle of smooth surface. It is hypothesized that this adhesive force much greater than the van der Waals attractive force originates from the water bridging between surfaces, and this hypothesis is confirmed by the predictions given by the Laplace equation and the Kelvin relation. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Ultrastructural study of the relationship between the morphogenesis of filiform papillae and the keratinisation of the lingual epithelium in the rat

Tongues were removed from rat fetuses on d 16 of gestation (E16) and from newborn (P0) and juvenile rats on d 7 (P7) and d 21 (P21) postnatally for examination by light and transmission electron microscopy. In the fetuses at E16, no rudiments of filiform papillae were visible on the dorsal surface of the tongue. No evidence of keratinisation could be recognised over the entire dorsal lingual epithelium. At P0, rudiments of filiform papillae showed a similar distribution to that seen in the adult, but had a more rounded appearance. The columnar structure of cells in the epithelium, with the different degrees of keratinisation as observed in the mature adult, was indistinct, but a keratinised layer was clearly located at the tip of each filiform papilla. In juveniles at P7, the filiform papillae on the anterior part of the tongue were long and slender, and the anterior and posterior cell columns of the filiform papillae and the interpapillary cell columns were clearly distinguishable. In juveniles at P21, the structure of filiform papillae was identical to that in the adult. These results indicate that, in rats, the morphogenesis of filiform papillae advances in parallel with keratinisation of the lingual epithelium from just before birth to a few weeks after birth.

[Patient perceptions and satisfaction of psychiatric services at their discharge]

We conducted a multi-central survey on patient's perception and satisfaction of 31 psychiatric services at their discharge. The subjects were 364 patients who agreed to participate in the survey among 471 discharged patients between August 10th and September 10th, 1997. We excluded 48 patients emergently transferred to another hospitals, 47 patients with dementia or mental retardation, and 12 patients who refused to participate. Of the subjects, 326 patients (89.6%) responded. The rates of patients who rated the psychiatric care positively ranged between 79.4% (Amenity) and 93.6% (Overall satisfaction). Older patients tended to be more satisfied with psychiatric care than younger patients. Patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders rated the psychiatric care more positively, whereas patients with personality disorders rated negatively. Patients with neurosis rated the care positively in informed consent, but negatively in other items. Patients with the 60's score in Global Assessment of Functioning Scale rated higher in nurses and clerks than patients with other scores. Patients who have received their care in non-voluntary admission rated significantly lower in informed consent than other patients. There were no significant correlation of patient satisfaction with former admission and type of ward. Our results indicate that patient satisfaction survey could contribute to improve psychiatric care regarding patient characteristics in Japan.

Retrovirus integration site Mintb encoding the mouse homolog of hnRNP U

Retroviral genes are not usually expressed in mouse embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, but they are readily expressed upon differentiation of these cells. We previously reported the isolation of EC cell lines that express a neomycin resistance (neo) gene introduced by a recombinant transducing Moloney murine leukemia virus from specific integration sites, Minta, Mintb, Mintc, or Mintd. In some of these clones, the entire 5' long terminal repeat (LTR) was deleted, and the neo gene was expressed by read-through transcription from upstream cellular promoters in a "promoter-trap" fashion. One such promoter ("promoter B" at the Mintb locus) was found in a CpG island, associated with an upstream enhancer ("enhancer B"). Although enhancer B caused expression of the neo gene in the transductant EC cell line, no endogenous transcription from promoter B was detected in the parental EC or NIH3T3 cells. In contrast, we found a strong counter-flow endogenous transcription unit ("R" for reverse), which apparently interfered with transcription from promoter B. Promoter R turned out to have a bidirectional activity in transfection assays. In normal tissues, promoter R activates gene R, which encodes an 800-residue protein that is highly homologous to the rat and human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U). Northern and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that gene R was abundantly expressed in the testis, especially in the pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 promotes survival and differentiation of striatal GABAergic neurons in the absence of glial cell proliferation

We examined the potential neurotrophic effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 on the survival and differentiation of neurons cultured from the rat developing striatum at embryonic day 16, a period during which the mRNAs for BMP-2 and its receptor subunits (types IA, IB, and II) were detected. BMP-2 exerted potent activity to promote the survival of striatal neurons and increased the number of surviving microtubule-associated protein-2-positive cells by 2.4-fold as compared with the control cultures after 4 days in vitro. Although basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) also showed relatively high activity to promote the survival of striatal neurons, transforming growth factor-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor promoted their survival weakly. Striatal neurons cultured in the presence of BMP-2 or bFGF possessed extensive neurite outgrowths, the majority of which were GABA-immunoreactive. Inhibition of glial cell proliferation by 5-fluorodeoxyuridine did not affect the capacity of BMP-2 to promote the survival of striatal GABAergic neurons. In contrast, the ability of bFGF to promote the survival of striatal neurons was inhibited significantly by the treatment of cells with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine. All these results suggest that BMP-2 exerts potent neurotrophic effects on the striatal GABAergic neurons in a glial cell-independent manner.