Thyroid cell proliferation-inhibiting activity in serum of patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis

To investigate the possible humoral factor(s) influencing thyroid cell activity in chronic renal failure, we measured serum activity which stimulates or inhibits the [3H]thymidine incorporation by using a cultured functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5 cells) in 17 patients on hemodialysis and 19 healthy controls. Polyethylene glycol-treated serum was centrifuged and FRTL-5 cells were cultured with the supernatant. Thyroid stimulating activity was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation after incubation for 72 h. There was no significant difference in [3H]thymidine incorporation between cultures incubated with patient and normal serum, suggesting the absence of the stimulating activity. But when patient serum was added to cultures together with 20 or 50 microU/ml of TSH, the TSH-stimulated increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation was significantly decreased, indicating the presence of thyroid inhibiting activity, which possibly inhibits the thyroid cell growth. This activity was not significantly altered by hemodialysis. No significant correlation was observed between this activity and serum levels of thyroid hormones or the iodine concentration. Patients on hemodialysis therefore have serum thyroid inhibiting activity which is nondialysable, differs from iodine, and could influence the thyroid cell growth.

Magnetic resonance arthrography in the assessment of anterior instability of the shoulder: comparison with double-contrast computed tomography arthrography

Forty-seven shoulders with traumatic anterior instability were studied by magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) and computed tomography arthrography (CTA) to compare the diagnostic performance of these examinations in the evaluation of Bankart lesions. All shoulders were examined by arthroscopy to verify the lesions. Labral damage evaluated by MRA and by CTA correlated significantly with arthroscopic findings (MRA, r = 0.55, p < 0.0001; CTA, r = 0.45, p = 0.0050). MRA possessed higher sensitivity in detecting torn labra (MRA, sensitivity = 87%, specificity = 75%; CTA, sensitivity = 33%, specificity = 88%). In detecting displaced labra, sensitivity and specificity were 65% and 94% for MRA and 75% and 69% for CTA. The inferior glenohumeral ligament was depicted as a lax structure in 74% by MRA but in only 21% by CTA. We conclude that MRA is superior to CTA in detecting lesions associated with shoulder instability.

Sequence analysis of the genome of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803. II. Sequence determination of the entire genome and assignment of potential protein-coding regions

The sequence determination of the entire genome of the Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 was completed. The total length of the genome finally confirmed was 3,573,470 bp, including the previously reported sequence of 1,003,450 bp from map position 64% to 92% of the genome. The entire sequence was assembled from the sequences of the physical map-based contigs of cosmid clones and of lambda clones and long PCR products which were used for gap-filling. The accuracy of the sequence was guaranteed by analysis of both strands of DNA through the entire genome. The authenticity of the assembled sequence was supported by restriction analysis of long PCR products, which were directly amplified from the genomic DNA using the assembled sequence data. To predict the potential protein-coding regions, analysis of open reading frames (ORFs), analysis by the GeneMark program and similarity search to databases were performed. As a result, a total of 3,168 potential protein genes were assigned on the genome, in which 145 (4.6%) were identical to reported genes and 1,257 (39.6%) and 340 (10.8%) showed similarity to reported and hypothetical genes, respectively. The remaining 1,426 (45.0%) had no apparent similarity to any genes in databases. Among the potential protein genes assigned, 128 were related to the genes participating in photosynthetic reactions. The sum of the sequences coding for potential protein genes occupies 87% of the genome length. By adding rRNA and tRNA genes, therefore, the genome has a very compact arrangement of protein- and RNA-coding regions. A notable feature on the gene organization of the genome was that 99 ORFs, which showed similarity to transposase genes and could be classified into 6 groups, were found spread all over the genome, and at least 26 of them appeared to remain intact. The result implies that rearrangement of the genome occurred frequently during and after establishment of this species.

Localization of mouse Rad51 and Lim15 proteins on meiotic chromosomes at late stages of prophase 1

BACKGROUND

In meiosis, eukaryotic chromosomes show a series of morphological changes, during which chromosomes synapse and recombine. To understand the mechanisms of the morphological changes and recombination of chromosomes, we examined stage-specific localization of the Rad51 and Lim15 proteins on the chromosomes in meiotic prophase 1. These proteins are homologous with the RecA protein and have general properties of searching and pairing of homologous DNA sequences. We used mouse chromosomes whose small sizes allow us to identify the locations of these proteins on the entire structures of the chromosomes.

RESULTS

In the leptotene and zygotene stages, the Rad51 protein was present on chromatin loops of mouse testis chromosomes then the protein left the loops. In the pachytene stage, the Rad51 protein was present almost exclusively along the core of the synaptonemal complexes (SC). When the stage proceeded to diplotene, the protein was present in the synaptic regions of chromosomes, in particular, in the chiasma regions. The protein was not present on separated homologous SC cores. On the other hand, the Lim15 protein that was found on chromatin loops in early prophase 1, was present almost exclusively at both ends of the SC cores throughout the late stages of prophase 1.

CONCLUSION

The Rad51 and Lim15 proteins are present in chromatin loops when chromosomes form SC. The proteins may promote pairing of homologous DNA sequences that would lead formation of SC. The Rad51 protein in the SC cores may be involved in chiasma formation in late stages. The Lim15 protein, instead, may be involved in recombination in the telomeric region or in cohesion of sister chromatids for segregation.

Computer survey for likely genes in the one megabase contiguous genomic sequence data of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803

Using the computer program GeneMark, the open reading frames (ORFs) previously assigned within the one megabase sequence data of the genome of the cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 (Kaneko et al., DNA Res. 2: 153-166, 1995), were re-examined. Matrices required by GeneMark for its statistical calculation were generated and modified by running a script termed GeneMark-Genesis that performed recursive application of GeneMark against the Synechocystis data and evaluated the probability scores for optimization. Based on the matrices thus generated, 752 of the 818 previously assigned ORFs (92%) were supported by GeneMark as likely coding sequences, of which 26 were predicted to start at more internal positions than previously assigned. In addition, 50 ORFs were newly identified as likely coding sequences, most of them being shorter than 300 bp. Thus, the procedure was proven to be very powerful to locate likely coding regions within the genomic sequence data of Synechocystis without having prior information concerning their similarity to the genes of other organisms. However, GeneMark did not predict 66 previously assigned ORFs as likely genes: 14 of them showed significant degrees of similarity to known genes and 10 others were found within IS-like elements. It seems that these genes, many of which appear to be exogenous origin, escaped detection by GeneMark as in the case of "class 3 (horizontally transferred) genes" of E. coli, which in turn suggests that genes of different phylogenetic origins might also be detected as such by modifying the matrices.

IgE-mediated allergy to spider mite, Panonychus citri in occupationally exposed individuals

This paper is the first report on allergy caused by a spider mite, Panonychus citri. Some of fruitgrowers cultivating Citrus junos were manifested immediate allergic symptoms by farming, especially by harvest. By examining C. junos trees, we found the trees cultivated by the fruitgrowers were infested with P. citri. Twelve subjects complaining of immediate allergic symptoms were examined by intradermal test and RAST using allergen extracts prepared from P. citri and Dermatophagoides spp. In intradermal test, ten out of twelve showed a positive response to P. citri and twelve positive to D. farinae. Positive RAST to P. citri were obtained in seven of twelve. Six of them also had positive RAST to D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus. In ELISA inhibition using a serum from Case 4, the inhibition with P. citri extract reached to 92% at the highest concentration used but at the same concentration D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus extracts did not inhibit the binding of specific IgE antibodies to allergen of P. citri. In Case 7, the extracts of P. citri, D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus inhibited at the same concentration 94%, 81%, and 87%, respectively. These results lead to the following conclusions: Seven subjects positive to P. citri in intradermal test and RAST are sensitized to P. citri. P. citri has a specific allergenic determinant in addition to a common determinant with Dermatophagoides spp.

Adult T-cell leukemia with multiple lymphomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract

A rare case of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) in which multiple lymphomatous polyposis (MLP) was revealed throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract is reported here. The polypectomy specimens taken from the rectum revealed infiltration of neoplastic T-cells, the integration of HTLV-1 proviral DNA, and increased CD4 (OKT4) and CD25 (IL-2R) cells. The analysis of surface markers of the lymphocytes from polypoid lesions may be useful for elucidating cell tropism and homing properties in the gastrointestinal tract. Although MLP has always been associated with B-cell lymphoma in the Western world, it is important for clinicians and pathologists to be aware that MLP may be caused by the infiltration of ATL cells.

Expression profiles of a human gene identified as a structural homologue of meiosis-specific recA-like genes

Using the cDNA clone from mouse testis which carries the conserved sequences among meiosis-specific recA-like genes, a highly homologous cDNA clone was isolated from a cDNA library of human testis. The clone had the coding capacity of a protein consisting of 340 amino acid residues, which coincides with the average size of putative eukaryotic recA-like proteins. When expression of the corresponding gene, named HsLIM15, in various tissues was examined by reverse transcription-PCR, products of two different sizes were detected in testis: While the longer was predominantly seen in the testis, the shorter was commonly to all the tissues including the testis. Analysis of the sequences indicated that the longer product corresponded to the above cDNA clone, and the shorter one was its deletion product missing an internal 165 bp portion. The result strongly suggests that the mRNA species coding for the putative meiosis-specific RecA-like protein in human is predominantly expressed in testis possibly as an alternative splicing product of a ubiquitously expressed gene.

Sequence analysis of the genome of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803. I. Sequence features in the 1 Mb region from map positions 64% to 92% of the genome

The contiguous sequence of 1,003,450 bp spanning map positions 64% to 92% of the genome of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 has been deduced. Computer analysis of the sequence predicts that this region contains at least 818 potential ORFs, in which 255 (31%) were either genes that had already been identified or their homologues, 84 (10%) were homologues to registered hypothetical genes, and 149 (18%) showed weak similarities to reported genes. The remaining 330 ORFs showed no apparent similarity to any reported genes or carried no significant protein motifs. The potential ORFs as a whole occupied 86% of the sequenced region, implying compact arrangement of genes in the genome. As to the structural RNA genes, one rRNA operon consisting of 5,028 bp and at least 11 species of tRNA genes were identified. It is noteworthy that 10 out of the 11 tRNA species showed significant sequence similarities to tRNAs reported in plant chloroplasts. As other notable unique sequences, three classes of IS-like elements each with characteristics typical of IS elements were identified, and a typical unit of WD(Trp-Asp)-repeats which have only been detected in the regulatory proteins of eukaryotes was identified within the large 5,079-bp ORF located at map position 69%.

A case of iatrogenic growth retardation induced by a corticosteroid-containing anti-allergic drug

A nine-year old boy developed reduced growth velocity at the age of seven. The peak plasma growth hormone (GH) response to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, GH-releasing factor and insulin was 10.2, 8.1 and 7.6 micrograms/l, respectively, suggesting that the GH reserve was slightly reduced. Serum cortisol was undetectable and urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid was low (0.22-0.31 mg/day), but there were no physical or biochemical signs of adrenocortical insufficiency. He had taken an anti-allergic drug containing 0.25 mg of betamethasone and 2 mg of d-chlorpheniramine maleate per tablet for about 2 years to treat allergic rhinitis. Catch-up growth occurred when this drug was stopped. The present case suggests that daily administration of 0.25 mg of betamethasone can induce growth retardation and that ingestion of corticosteroid-containing preparations needs to be excluded in children who develop short stature without other symptoms.

Assignment of 82 known genes and gene clusters on the genome of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803

We have previously constructed the physical map of a cyanobacterium, Synechoystis sp. strain PCC6803 on the basis of restriction and linking clone analysis. Since a total of 82 genes and gene clusters have been isolated from this strain, most of which are involved in oxygenic photosynthesis, portions of their sequences were amplified by the PCR method and assigned on the physical map of the genome by hybridization with restriction fragments, ordered clones, which were obtained from cosmid and lambda libraries, and long PCR-products. An exception was the gene psbG2 which was mapped on an extra-chromosomal unit of 45 kb. Since genetic maps of some of genes assigned above, especially those for photosynthesis, have been reported for two other cyanobacterial strains, Anabaena sp. PCC7120 and Synechococcus sp. PCC7002, gene organizations were compared among the three strains. However, no significant correlation was observed, suggesting that rearrangement of genes occurred in the respective strains during or after establishment of the species.

Characterization of a mouse recA-like gene specifically expressed in testis

Using the sequence information on a class of recA-like genes, which have been isolated from meiosis-specific cDNA libraries of Lilium and budding yeast and identified in various plant cells, a new gene was screened from a mouse testis cDNA library. The putative product of the gene, termed MmLim15, was 37.8 kDa consisting of 340 amino acid residues. The predicted amino acid sequence showed 72-78% similarity to those of Lim15 from Lilium and other meiosis-specific RecA-like proteins. Similarity was also found to another class of recA-like proteins, Rad51 and its homologues, which have been detected in both budding and fission yeasts and various animal cells, but to a lesser extent and the similarity patterns were somewhat different from those for Lim15 type proteins, revealing that the two classes of recA-like genes are phylogenetically separate. Reverse transcription-PCR using poly(A)+ RNAs from various tissues as templates indicated that transcription of MmLim15 occurred specifically in the testis, suggesting that the MmLim15 product participates in meiotic recombination.

Two-stage bronchoplasty for synchronous contralateral lung cancers

A 62-year-old male with two synchronous squamous-cell carcinoma was successfully treated in two stages by right upper sleeve lobectomy and left S6 sleeve segmentectomy. The patient remains well without recurrence two years after surgery. Bronchoplastic surgery is an effective approach for multicentric hilar cancers with poor pulmonary function.

Characterization of a protein tyrosine phosphatase (RIP) expressed at a very early stage of differentiation in both mouse erythroleukemia and embryonal carcinoma cells

From our previous studies, several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPase) are implicated in the early events leading to in vitro differentiation of both mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) and embryonal carcinoma (F9) cells. Among the PTPases, recent experiments suggest that a new PTPase (RIP) plays a critical role in differentiation processes, particularly at their early stages. We isolated cDNA clones for RIP from a RNA preparation isolated from differentiating MEL cells, and determined the total 7932 bp base sequence for RIP cDNA. The cDNA codes for a putative 269.8 kDa (2450 amino acids) protein with a PTPase catalytic domain. We have demonstrated that the transcripts exist in multiple forms, and among mouse tissues they were found predominantly in kidney and, to a lesser extent, in lung, heart, brain and testis. The RIP gene was mapped between D5Mit90 and D5Mit25 on mouse chromosome 5.

Structural analysis of a recA-like gene in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana

A recA-like gene was identified in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana by means of PCR using primers designed on the basis of previously reported amino acid sequences of eukaryotic RecA-like proteins. The structure of the gene, termed ArLIM15, was investigated by comparing the primary structure of the genomic DNA with that of the corresponding cDNA. The open reading frame, which was split into 15 exons, was established to have the capacity for encoding a 37.3-kDa polypeptide. The amino acid sequence of the putative product of ArLIM15 showed a high degree of similarity to that of LIM15 in the monocotyledonous plant Lilium, including a 93% identity, and to those of other recA-like genes in yeasts and vertebrates with identities of 69-71%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated ArLIM15 to be much closer to meiosis-specific LIM15 and DMC1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae than to RAD51 in S. cerevisiae and its homologues on an evolutionary scale.

Meiosis specific transcription and functional proteins

We have discussed and/or demonstrated the following: 1. Many enzymes and structural proteins have been identified as meiosis-specific proteins. These can be classified according to their metabolic behavior. 2. We obtained and analyzed 18 cDNA clones from lily meiocytes. One of them, LIM15, was similar to known genes like RecA, RAD57, and DMC1/ISC2, and might function in pairing and recombination. 3. Transcription of these genes is regulated by their regulator region(s). When such a regulator, mei2 promoter sequence isolated from S. pombe, was ligated with the proper vector and transfected, it functioned specifically in meiotic cells but not in the somatic cells tested. 4. Presence of a new lamin, lamin B3 was identified in mammalian spermatocytes and the transfection of lamin B3 gene (inserted into vector) into somatic cells alters the nuclear shape, possibly expressing a characteristic shape of meiotic nuclei. Lamin B3 was synthesized after meiosis-specific processing of lamin B2 mRNA. Other protein specific to meiotic nuclear-skeleton (MNS1) were found and characterized. All these events were studied basically focussing on homologous pairing and recombination which take place in meiosis I. We recognize the necessity of further studies on these and other events like the structure and segregation of chromosomes and the suppression of somatic gene expression during meiosis.

Collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer in the teeth of the rat and the house shrew, Suncus murinus, by scanning electron microscopy using a maceration method

It is not well known whether there are gaps in the tight junctions between odontoblasts and whether the fluid flows from the pulp to the predentin through these gaps. The collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer were investigated using a maceration method in order to show the existence of the gaps between tight junctions of the odontoblasts. The mandibles containing teeth of the rat and the house shrew were digested by NaOH maceration and revealed the architecture of the collagen fibrils under scanning electron microscopy. The collagen fibrils went from the pulp, through the odontoblast layer, and were woven into the collagen network of the predentin in all teeth used in this study. Thick bundles of collagen were seen in the odontoblast layer at the pulp horn of the rat molars. Because there are many collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer, it is considered that the tight junction of the odontoblast is of the discontinuous type.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. III. The coding sequences of 40 new genes (KIAA0081-KIAA0120) deduced by analysis of cDNA clones from human cell line KG-1

We isolated full-length cDNA clones from size-fractionated cDNA libraries of human immature myeloid cell line KG-1, and the coding sequences of 40 genes were newly predicted. A computer search of the GenBank/EMBL databases indicated that the sequences of 14 genes were unrelated to any reported genes, while the remaining 26 genes carried some sequences with similarities to known genes. Significant transmembrane domains were identified in 17 genes, and protein motifs that matched those in the PROSITE motif database were identified in 11 genes. Northern hybridization analysis with 18 different cells and tissues demonstrated that 10 genes were apparently expressed in a cell-specific or tissue-specific manner. Among the genes predicted, half were isolated from the medium-sized cDNA library and the other half from the small-sized cDNA library, and their average sizes were 4 kb and 1.4 kb, respectively. As judged by Northern hybridization profiles, small-sized cDNAs appeared to be expressed more ubiquitously and abundantly in various tissues, compared with that of medium-sized cDNAs.

[Immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (M0)]

We examined leukemic blasts from 5 cases of AML-M0 diagnosed according to The French-American-British (FAB) classification for expression of immunological markers as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) using flow cytometry (FCM) and immunocytochemistry (ICC). In one patient, the myeloid antigens, CD13 and CD33, were negative on FCM, but apparently positive in the cytoplasm by ICC, leading to a diagnosis of AML-M0. We examined MPO with anti-MPO monoclonal antibody in four patients by ICC, and could detect 3% or more MPO positive rates in all cases. These findings indicate that immunological studies for MPO and myeloid markers using ICC are very useful for the diagnosis of AML-M0. Two of 5 patients achieved CR, but they relapsed soon or after one year, respectively. The treatment outcomes suggest that the AML-M0 is an AML subtype with poor prognosis.

[Treatments for advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract: chemotherapy and operation]

The current status of treatments for advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract with metastasis is reported. A total of 62 patients were treated in Nara Medical University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals between January, 1980 and June, 1993. All patients were divided into two categories; cases in which local recurrence and/or distant metastasis had developed during the followup study (group 1) (n = 32) and fresh cases with distant metastasis (group 2) (n = 30). Most of the metastatic sites were treated with chemotherapy alone or combination therapy including chemotherapy. As for clinical response of each case, CR + PR rate in group 1 (34%) was higher than that in group 2 (13%) (p < 0.1). As for prognosis, the survival rate in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (p < 0.05). In group 1, the survival of CR was significantly higher than that of the non-responders. No adjuvant therapy for invasive bladder cancer and post-operative adjuvant therapy for renal pelvic and/or ureteral cancer can be recommended to prevent local recurrence or distant metastasis. In addition, supporting therapy and dose intensified chemotherapy would lead to good prognosis in advanced urothelial cancer patients.

Identification of human DAN gene, mapping to the putative neuroblastoma tumor suppressor locus

The expression of DAN gene (previously designated as N03 gene) is significantly reduced in a variety of transformed rat fibroblasts, including v-src- (SR-3Y1), SV40- and v-mos-transformed 3Y1 cells, compared with that in parental 3Y1 cells. Recently, DAN gene has been shown to possess a tumor suppressive activity when it is overexpressed in SR-3Y1 cells (Ozaki & Sakiyama, 1994). To assess the involvement of DAN gene with human neoplasms, we have isolated human DAN counterpart from a normal lung cDNA library by using rat DAN cDNA as a probe, and determined its chromosomal location. Human DAN gene mapped to chromosome 1p36.11-p36.13, which is well known to show highly significant linkage with the genesis and/or progression of human neuroblastoma. Southern blot analysis on tumor DNA from 26 patients with neuroblastoma has detected three patients showing genomic rearrangement or deletion within or closely linked to the DAN gene locus. Collectively, we propose that human DAN gene is a possible candidate for a tumor suppressor gene of human neuroblastoma.

Collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer of the rat incisor by scanning electron microscopy using the maceration method

BACKGROUND

There is not universal agreement on the existence of the extracellular pathway from the pulp along the odontoblast layer to the predentin.

METHOD

To confirm this pathway, the architecture of collagen fibrils in the rat incisor dentin and pulp, especially in the odontoblast layer of the lateral (periodontal ligament) sides of the tooth, was demonstrated in the present investigation using scanning electron microscopy of the maceration method for collagen networks.

RESULTS

Numerous collagen bundles were observed in the odontoblast layer in the mature odontoblast region which, except for the young odontoblast region, comprises the major portion of the incisor. The collagen bundles went from the pulp, through the odontoblast layer, and were woven into the collagen network of the predentin. The meshwork structure was composed of fine secondary fibrils among these collagen bundles. The surface of the predentin contained many oval-shaped holes which were surrounded by collagen fibrils. Fracturing the dentin longitudinally relative to the dentinal tubules revealed that the arrangement of the collagen fibrils at the surface of the tubules was either circular or oblique. In the young odontoblast region, i.e., the thin portion from the apical end of the incisor where the mineralization of the dentin does not occur and where the height of the odontoblasts was less than 30 microns, many thick bundles composed of thick collagen fibrils ran straight from the pulp to the predentin through the odontoblast layer and fanned out in the collagen network of the predentin. These thick bundles might correspond to the so-called "von Korff fibers." The distribution of collagen fibrils in the pulp was random except on the surface of the blood vessels where the fibrils comprised two sheets of collagen: the inner sheet which coursed longitudinally to the long axis of the vessel, and the outer sheet which ran transversely.

CONCLUSION

It was considered that the fluid in the pulp could flow to the predentin along the collagen fibrils through the tight junction between the odontoblasts.

Identification and characterization of genes induced during sexual differentiation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Five cDNA clones, harboring genetic messages preferentially expressed during the sexual differentiation process, were isolated from a cDNA library of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by subtractive screening. Transcription of the corresponding genes, termed isp3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, was dependent on nitrogen starvation and their induction occurred at several stages of spore formation. Analysis of the cDNA primary structures revealed a capacity for the coding of polypeptides of 19.2 kDa, 88.3 kDa, 60.1 kDa, 49.7 kDa, and 43.8 kDa, respectively. The translated amino-acid sequences of isp5 and isp6 were found to show significant similarities to those of amino-acid permeases and proteinase B of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. Disruption of isp6 arrested the cell cycle prior to conjugation and caused a drastic blocking effect on spore formation.

[A case of acute myocardial infarction complicated with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and ventricular septal rupture]

An 87-year-old woman was admitted to another hospital with acute inferior myocardial infarction on May 31, 1991. On the 6th hospital day she suddenly developed transient complete A-V block and ventricular tachycardia. She was transferred to our hospital for the treatment of intractable heart failure on the 18th hospital day. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed a saccular chamber with a narrow-necked connection to the left ventricle. Color Doppler echocardiography showed bidirectional blood flow between the left ventricle and saccular chamber during systole and diastole. There was 35% left to right shunt in the ventricular level on right heart catheterization. Acute myocardial infarction complicated with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and ventricular septal perforation was diagnosed. She died on the 26th hospital day without aggressive medical treatment. Autopsy demonstrated the pseudoaneurysm in the posterior wall of the left ventricle and the connection to the right ventricle. The so-called double rupture could be diagnosed before death.

[Percutaneous renal cyst puncture with CO2 instillation therapy]

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture of renal cysts replaced by CO2 was performed on 9 renal cysts of 6 patients from May 1993 through September 1993. Puncture and aspiration of cysts was performed using a 5.5 Fr one-step fluid drain kit (pig tail stent) under ultrasonography inspection. Aspirated volume of cyst contents was 15-292ml (mean 115 ml), and the instilled CO2 volume was 15-150 ml (mean 73 ml). All patients were checked by CT scan. In one month, the reduction rate of cyst volume was 46-84% (mean 69%) and lumbago, their chief complaint, was improved in all patients. No complications were observed in patients treated by CO2 instillation. Although long-term followup is needed to draw a definite conclusion, this therapy may be useful for benign renal cystic lesions.

[Lung 3H-thymidine incorporation in monocrotaline (MCT)-treated rats--role of platelet-activating factor (PAF)]

Monocrotaline (MCT) causes chronic pulmonary hypertension associated with pulmonary vascular thickening in rats. Since components of the pulmonary vascular thickening are reflected in increased DNA synthesis in medial smooth muscle cells, and since platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been reported to contribute to the pulmonary hypertension induced by MCT, we examined the effect of WEB 2170, a specific PAF receptor blocker, on MCT-induced pulmonary vascular thickening and in vitro 3H-thymidine incorporation into lung tissue, as an index of stimulation of cell proliferation. In MCT-treated rats, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular thickening developed at 3 weeks after injection. Also, in MCT-treated rat lung tissue, there was a significant increase in the in vitro 3H-thymidine incorporation rate. In WEB 2170-treated MCT rats, these changes were significantly less severe than those observed in rats receiving MCT alone. We conclude that PAF plays a role in the inflammatory process that contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling associated with increased lung cell proliferation in MCT-treated rats.

cDNA cloning and functional characterization of a meiosis-specific protein (MNS1) with apparent nuclear association

It is well known that cytoskeleton and karyoskeleton proteins are associated with changes in cell shape and with the rearrangement of the dynamic structures involved in cell division and motility. In higher vertebrates, there are three major skeletal protein groups: microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments, each representing a multigene family. Some of these skeletal proteins are expressed in a temporally- and spatially-specific fashion, and they establish cell-specific cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic organization during development. Here we report the cDNA cloning of a novel 60 kDa skeletal protein from mouse spermatocytes, termed MNS 1 (meiosis-specific nuclear structural protein), whose computer-predicted protein configuration indicates long alpha-helical coiled-coil domains flanked by non-helical terminal domains. Functional characterization of MNS1 by ectopic expression in culture cells indicated that it is a detergent- and high salt-resistant skeletal protein which is involved in organization of the nuclear or perinuclear architecture. The MNS1 protein is specifically expressed at the pachytene stage during spermatogenesis, so that its function may involve the determination and maintenance of the appropriate nuclear morphology during meiotic prophase.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. II. The coding sequences of 40 new genes (KIAA0041-KIAA0080) deduced by analysis of cDNA clones from human cell line KG-1

By applying the protocol previously established, we isolated and sequenced full-length cDNA clones longer than 2 kb from cDNA library of human immature myeloid cell line KG-1, and the coding sequences of 40 new genes were predicted. A computer search of the sequences indicated that 29 genes contained sequences with similarities to reported genes in the GenBank/EMBL databases. Significant transmembrane domains were identified in 9 genes, 5 of which harbored multiple hydrophobic regions. Protein motifs that matched those in the PROSITE motif database were identified in 13 genes. In terms of sequence similarities and protein motifs, 5 genes were related to transcriptional factors. Repetitive sequences were found in the 3'-untranslated region of 8 genes. Northern hybridization demonstrated that the expression of 9 genes was tissue-specific, while the remaining 31 genes were expressed ubiquitously. It was also noted that 17 genes yielded different sizes of bands possibly due to either alternative splicing or alternative initiation. The chromosomal location of these genes has been determined.

[Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults by the modified protocol of L-10M (Sloan-Kettering): long-term outcome]

From January 1984 to April 1988, we treated 20 patients with adult lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 2 patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma with a protocol which we modified L-10M of Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Since the median follow up time is now over 5 years, we report the most recent outcome. Thirteen patients were male and 9 were female. The median age was 31, ranging from 15 to 71 years of age, and there were no Ph1 positive patients. The complete remission (CR) rate was 81.8%. Median CR duration was 32 months and the 5-year continuous CR rate was 33.3%. No significant prognostic factor for CR rate was found. Age at achievement CR and duration were significant prognostic factors. The 5-year continuous CR rate of patients below 35 years old was 54.5%. In this group the leukocyte count was a significant prognostic factor. All patients with a leukocyte count above 1 x 10(4)/microliters relapsed. However, in patients with a WBC below 1 x 10(4)/microliters, the 5-year continuous CR rate was 75%. Based on these results, it seems reasonable to treat patients with ALL by different therapeutic strategies according to the risk factors.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. I. The coding sequences of 40 new genes (KIAA0001-KIAA0040) deduced by analysis of randomly sampled cDNA clones from human immature myeloid cell line KG-1

We established a protocol for the prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes based on the double selection and sequence analysis of cDNA clones with inserts carrying unreported 5'-terminal sequences and with insert sizes corresponding to nearly full-length transcripts. By applying the protocol, cDNA clones with inserts longer than 2 kb were isolated from a cDNA library of human immature myeloid cell line KG-1, and the coding sequences of 40 new genes were predicted. A computer search of the sequences indicated that 20 genes contained sequences similar to known genes in the GenBank/EMBL databases. The sequences of the remaining 20 genes were entirely new, and characteristic protein motifs or domains were identified in 32 genes. Other sequence features noted were that the coding sequences of 23 genes were followed by relatively long stretches of 3'-untranslated sequences and that 5 genes contained repetitive sequences in their 3'-untranslated regions. The chromosomal location of these genes has been determined. By increasing the scale of the above analysis, the coding sequences of many unidentified genes can be predicted.

Characterization of cDNAs induced in meiotic prophase in lily microsporocytes

To identify and analyze genes functioning during reproductive cell formation in higher plants, cDNAs harboring the messages induced in meiotic prophase were isolated and characterized. A cDNA library constructed from microsporocytes in meiotic prophase of Lilium longiflorum was screened with a subtraction probe specific to meiotic prophase. Clones selected were classified into 18 groups by cross hybridization and partial sequencing. Northern blot analysis revealed that the transcripts corresponding to the respective cDNA groups began accumulating at the early stages of meiosis and exhibited clone-specific profiles during meiosis and the spore formation process. The amino acid sequences of the predicted gene products showed similarity with known gene products, e.g. heat shock proteins, serine proteases in Bacillus, and RAD 51 gene product in yeast. Half of the putative gene products had hydrophobic N-terminal regions, suggesting that they may function as signal peptides.

Susceptibility of ebiratide to proteolysis in rat intestinal fluid and homogenates and its protection by various protease inhibitors

In order to estimate the intestinal stability of ebiratide [H-Met(O2)-Glu-His-Phe-D-Lys-Phe-NH(CH2)8-NH2], a novel adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogue, after oral administration, the hydrolytic properties of ebiratide were determined in the rat small intestinal fluid and mucosal homogenates. Ebiratide was extremely stable in the rat small intestinal fluid, while it was degraded in various intestinal mucosal homogenates. Regional differences were observed in its proteolytic properties; e.g., the hydrolytic rates of ebiratide in jejunal and ileal mucosal homogenates were 2-3 times faster than that in duodenal and colonic homogenates. Degradation of ebiratide was markedly inhibited by aminoprotease inhibitors such as sodium glycocholate, puromycin, bestatin and bacitracin. These results suggest that co-administration of certain protease inhibitors are useful to improve the stability of ebiratide in the intestine.

A physical map of the genome of a unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803

An accurate physical map of the genome of a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803, was constructed on the basis of restriction and linking clone analysis. The genome contained 6 recognition sites for AscI, 25 sites for MluI, and 31 sites for SplI, and the entire genome size was estimated to be 3.6 Mb. Sixteen genes or gene clusters, including those involved in the photosynthetic systems, were localized on the physical map of the genome by hybridization. In the course of the above analysis, two extra chromosomal units with approximate sizes of 110 kb and 125 kb were identified.

Sex difference in pharmacokinetics of the novel sulfonylurea antidiabetic glimepiride in rats

Glimepiride (Hoe 490, CAS 93479-97-1), a novel sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent, was studied for the cause of sex-related difference in the elimination clearance of the unchanged drug in rats. After intravenous and oral administration, the serum level of the unchanged drug was higher in female rats and AUC and t1/2 (beta) values were about 1.7- and 1.4-fold those for males, while Vss and oral bioavailability were nearly equal. The excretion clearance of the unchanged drug was quite small in both male and female animals, and most of the administered drug was excreted into the bile as a hydroxymethyl derivative, M1. In the in vitro metabolism study, M1 was found to be formed mainly in the liver microsomal fraction, and its hydroxylation activity was significantly higher in males. This metabolic activity was dependent on NADPH and was inhibited by proadifen. On the other hand, formation of M2, a carboxyl derivative, from M1 was observed in the cytosol fraction and showed no sex difference. Its metabolic activity depended on NAD and was inhibited by pyrazole. These results suggest that the sex difference observed in rat pharmacokinetics is mainly due to different hydroxylation activities of the side chain methyl group based on the participation of sex dependent cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes.

Osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal stem cells in porous hydroxyapatite ceramics

Bioactive materials such as hydroxyapatite ceramics (HA) are known to show a stable interfacial bond with tissues (the bone bonding property has been especially well documented). However, the biological phenomenon on the material surface that evoke bone bonding is not well documented. To address this issue, composites of porous HA and rat marrow cells were implanted into ectopic (subcutaneous) sites. At 3 weeks after implantation, active osteoblasts lining the HA surface initiated bone formation, primarily as mature bone (lamellar type). Gene expression study using Northern blot analysis of the composites showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone Gla protein (BGP) mRNAs began to appear at 2 weeks and the level of BGP mRNA at 4 weeks was comparable to that of cancerous bone. However, HA implantation without marrow cells did not show bone formation and neither BGP nor ALP mRNA were detected. These results indicate that the HA surface is able to support cell differentiation (osteoblastic phenotype expression of marrow stromal stem cells), as well as cell coordination resulting in mature bone formation that bonds to the HA.

Effect of cadmium on osteogenesis within diffusion chambers by bone marrow cells: biochemical evidence of decreased bone formation capacity

The biological and biochemical effects of cadmium administration on bone marrow in rats were examined. When young adult rats were administered cadmium (Cd) repeatedly at a dose of 750 micrograms/kg body wt for up to 4 weeks, metallothionein mRNA was detected by a gene expression analysis in their bone marrow at 2 weeks after the first Cd administration, though the amounts were lower than those in liver. To determine the direct effect of cadmium on bone formation, the potential of Cd-treated bone marrow cells and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) to form bone and cartilage was assessed using a diffusion chamber (DC) in vivo, by histological examination, and by biochemical parameters such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, total calcium and phosphorus content, and the bone-specific vitamin K-dependent Gla-containing protein (BGP) content, relative to mineralization. Diffusion chambers were inoculated with DBM and bone marrow cells from either Cd-treated or nontreated rats (control) and were then implanted subcutaneously into syngeneic nontreated rats. The accumulation of BGP in DCs with Cd-treated bone marrow was significantly lower than that in control DCs. Unlike in control DC, a peak of ALP activity did not occur at 4 weeks postimplantation in DC implants inoculated with Cd-treated bone marrow; the ALP activity and calcium content in these implants were also significantly lower than those of the control bone marrow-containing chambers at the early stage of implantation. Histological examinations of chambers with Cd-treated marrow showed a decreased area of cartilage and bone foci compared with those in control chambers. These findings suggest that Cd administration inhibits the osteoblastic and chondroblastic differentiation pathway in bone marrow through direct effects on these cells.

Determination of felodipine enantiomers using chiral stationary phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and the study of their pharmacokinetic profiles in human and dog

A stereoselective and sensitive method for the determination of the enantiomers of felodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, has been developed and the pharmacokinetic profiles of the enantiomers comparatively studied after oral administration to dogs and humans. D6-Felodipine, the internal standard, was added to the plasma, extracted with a solvent and then optically resolved into S(-) and R(+) enantiomers on a high performance liquid chromatographic Chiralcel OJ column. Each enantiomer in the effluent was analysed by capillary column gas chromatography/positive ion electron impact mass spectrometry. After oral administration of the felodipine racemate, the Tmax and t1/2 values hardly differed between the two enantiomers in dogs and humans. The Cmax and AUC0-24 h values of the S(-) enantiomer were slightly higher than those of the R(+) enantiomer in humans but the difference between the enantiomers was not significant. These results suggested that there is no large difference in the absorption, distribution and elimination of felodipine enantiomers after oral administration of the racemate in either dog or human.

Histochemical analysis of blood group antigens in human sublingual glands and pancreas. An application of high-performance liquid chromatography to estimate the quantity of galactose liberated from tissue sections by alpha-galactosidase digestion

Using immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from three different sources as well as anti-B lectin, GSAI-B4 staining and alpha-galactosidase digestion, blood group B antigens were localized and analysed in tissue sections of sublingual glands from blood group B and AB individuals. Quantitative analysis of galactose was simultaneously carried out on the supernatant enzyme solution used for treating tissue sections by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, galactose liberated from the pancreas tissues of blood group B and AB individuals was also estimated by HPLC analysis in order to compare the content of antigens. mAb-B(H079) and GSAI-B4 reacted uniformly with the mucous cells from blood group B and AB secretors. On the other hand, other mAbs-B(B006 and A582) recognized the antigen in a limited number of cells or was even negative in some cases of blood group AB individuals. Only mAb-B(H079) recognized the B antigens in mucous cells from non-secretors. Digestion with alpha-galactosidase resulted in the consistent appearance of H and Le(b) antigens in the mucous cells of all the secretors examined, although the reduction of staining intensity with anti-B reagents was not so marked. Le(y) antigens also appeared in some cases after the enzyme digestion. In non-secretors, Le(b) and Le(y) antigens, but not H antigens, appeared in some mucous cells following enzyme digestion. HPLC analysis of galactose revealed that alpha-galactosidase can specifically liberate the terminal galactose residues of B antigens, and no marked difference was present in the content of liberated galactose from mucous cells of sublingual glands among the individuals investigated (8.5-11.7 nmoles cm-2). No galactose was detected in samples from the sublingual glands of non-secretors, and only a trace amount of galactose was detected in the samples from pancreas tissues. These results suggest that the observed difference in the reactivity of different reagents with each tissue site can be ascribed to both quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity of B antigens.

Isolation and characterization of a novel member of the gene family encoding the cAMP response element-binding protein CRE-BP1

Among multiple CRE (cyclic AMP response element)-binding proteins, CRE-BP1 (also designated ATF-2) has two unique characteristics: it mediates the adenovirus E1A-induced trans-activation and forms a heterodimer with c-Jun. Two structures, a putative metal finger and a leucine zipper, in CRE-BP1 are responsible for these capacities. As a new member of a CRE-BP1 family that has similar metal finger and leucine zipper structures, we have isolated cDNA clones of CRE-BPa by cross-hybridization with CRE-BP1 cDNA. CRE-BPa protein consists of 508 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 56,840. CRE-BPa protein is highly homologous with CRE-BP1 in four regions: two of them are the regions containing the putative metal finger or the DNA-binding domain consisting of the basic amino acid cluster and the leucine zipper. Like CRE-BP1, CRE-BPa binds to CRE with higher affinity than to the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element as a homodimer or a CRE-BPa/c-Jun or CRE-BPa/CRE-BP1 heterodimer. However, using the c-Myb-CRE-BPa fusion protein, it was show that CRE-BPa could not mediate the E1A-induced trans-activation. Expression of CRE-BPa mRNA was found in a limited number of cell lines, and multiple sizes of CRE-BPa mRNA species were detected in some cell lines and tissues. CRE-BPa will be useful to clarify the mechanism of CRE-mediated transcriptional activation by E1A or c-Jun.

High plasma concentrations of endothelin-like immunoreactivities in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The plasma levels of endothelin-like immunoreactivities (ET-IR) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were compared with those of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), using a specific radioimmunoassay for endothelin-1. The mean concentration of plasma ET-IR of 21 HCC patients (30.3 +/- 8.5 pg/ml, n = 21) (means +/- SD) was markedly higher than those in LC (22.1 +/- 4.7 pg/ml, n = 16) (p < 0.01), which were also elevated compared with those in normal subjects (9.4 +/- 1.6 pg/ml, n = 91). Moreover, the level of plasma ET-IR reflected the tumor size of HCC patients, which was estimated by the ultrasonic and computed tomographic examinations. Although there was no relation to other biochemical parameters indicating liver function or tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein, a good positive correlation was obtained between plasma ET-IR and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations of HCC patients (r = 0.805, p < 0.01). We measured the tissue contents of ET-IR in HCC and its adjacent LC tissue, but failed to find any significant difference between the mean content of HCC (0.50 +/- 0.38 ng/g) and LC (0.44 +/- 0.28 ng/g). The endothelial cell damage due to cancer growth may not be responsible for the high concentrations of plasma ET-IR of HCC, because plasma thrombomodulin concentrations were not correlated with plasma ET-IR levels in HCC patients. Our study implies that the high plasma concentration of ET-IR is pathogenomonic to HCC, although the site of production is still debatable.

Isolation and characterization of a yeast gene that is homologous with a meiosis-specific cDNA from a plant

By using as probe a meiosis-specific cDNA clone LIM15 from the monocotyledonous plant, Lilium longiflorum, a clone containing a 2.8 kb DNA fragment was isolated from a genomic library of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Primary structure analysis revealed that the clone includes two complete open reading frames, designated ISC2 and ISC10, capable of coding for a 36.6 kDa and a 31.6 kDa polypeptide, respectively, with the former frame being interrupted by a 92 bp intron. The predicted amino acid sequence of Isc2 was 56% identical with the putative gene product of lily cDNA clone LIM15, and showed limited sequence similarity with the yeast RAD57 gene product. Transcripts of the two genes begin accumulating 2.5 h and 7.5 h after induction of meiosis, respectively, according to a Northern hybridization analysis. Since disruption of either one of these genes had a drastic effect on the ability to form spores, ISC2 and ISC10 are expected to play significant roles in the formation of reproductive cells.