Amino acid residues of S-modulin responsible for interaction with rhodopsin kinase

S-modulin in frog or its bovine homologue, recoverin, is a 23-kDa EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein found in rod photoreceptors. The Ca(2+)-bound form of S-modulin binds to rhodopsin kinase (Rk) and inhibits its activity. Through this regulation, S-modulin is thought to modulate the light sensitivity of a rod. In the present study, we tried to identify the interaction site of the Ca(2+)-bound form of S-modulin to Rk. First, we mapped roughly the interaction regions by using partial peptides of S-modulin. The result suggested that a specific region near the amino terminus is the interaction site of S-modulin. We then identified the essential amino acid residues in this region by using S-modulin mutant proteins: four amino acid residues (Phe(22), Glu(26), Phe(55), and Thr(92)) were suggested to interact with Rk. These residues are located in a small closed pocket in the Ca(2+)-free, inactive form of S-modulin, but exposed to the surface of the molecule in the Ca(2+)-bound, active form of S-modulin. Two additional amino acid residues (Tyr(108) and Arg(150)) were found to be crucial for the Ca(2+)-dependent conformational changes of S-modulin.

Successful transplantation of a cadaveric kidney with post-infectious glomerulonephritis

This report describes a successful renal Tx in a patient with chronic renal failure, caused by dysplastic kidneys, who received a cadaveric kidney with post-infectious glomerulonephritis. Sequential renal biopsies were performed at 12 h before Tx, and at 1 h and on days 8 and 58 post-Tx. Post-operative hematuria disappeared on day 9 and proteinuria on day 13. Normal graft function was observed within 1 month, with histologic resolution. Our study suggests that while the donor kidney facilitates deposition of certain immune reactants, this is a host (environmental) problem and when transplanted into a new host (new environment), the problem is no longer sustained.

Calcium-dependent regulation of rhodopsin phosphorylation

Depending on ambient light conditions, a rod photoreceptor cell adapts to a light stimulus. For example, when it is kept in the light, its light sensitivity decreases because of light adaptation. The adaptational state is regulated by the Ca2+ concentration in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]i). The [Ca2+]i is high in the dark and becomes low when the cell is light-adapted. The change in [Ca2+]i is detected by several Ca(2+)-binding proteins that change their conformations by binding Ca2+. S-modulin, found in frog rods, or its bovine homologue recoverin, is a 23 kDa Ca(2+)-binding protein that inhibits rhodopsin phosphorylation at high Ca2+ concentrations by inhibiting rhodopsin kinase. Since rhodopsin phosphorylation is an inactivating mechanism for light-activated rhodopsin (R*), the inhibition of this reaction will prolong the lifetime of R*. In this way, S-modulin is expected to increase the efficiency of phototransduction and therefore the light-sensitivity of rods in the dark. When rods are light-adapted, [Ca2+]i decreases so that the lifetime of the R* is expected to reduce, resulting in a decrease in light sensitivity. Even though it is generally agreed that S-modulin inhibits rhodopsin phosphorylation, its physiological function is not yet well understood.

Effect of caspase inhibitors on myocardial infarct size and myocyte DNA fragmentation in the ischemia-reperfused rat heart

OBJECTIVE

Caspase family proteases are recognized as key mediators of apoptosis. However, the role of caspases in the ischemia-reperfused heart remains uncertain. We evaluated the effect of caspase inhibitors on myocardial infarct size and the myocyte DNA fragmentation in the ischemia-reperfused rat hearts.

METHODS

Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 7, each) were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 6 h of reperfusion. One of the following drugs: (1) YVAD-aldehyde, a caspase-1-like protease inhibitor (3.5 mg/kg; YVAD), (2) DEVD-aldehyde, a caspase-3-like protease inhibitor (3.5 mg/kg, DEVD), (3) vehicle (140 microliters/kg) was administered intravenously 5 min prior to the ischemia in each group. Myocardial infarct size was defined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Immunohistochemical staining by in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL) of cardiomyocytes and DNA electrophoresis were used for detecting DNA fragmentation. Ultrastructural analysis was done by electron microscopy. The caspase activity was measured in the myocardium of both groups.

RESULTS

The percentage of TUNEL-positive myocyte nuclei (%AP) was quantified by microscopy. A ladder pattern was detected by electrophoresis of DNA from the risk area and TUNEL-positive myocytes were seen in the risk area. The %AP was significantly reduced from 20 +/- 1% to 12 +/- 3% by YVAD and to 10 +/- 3% by DEVD (both P < 0.01). However, caspase inhibitors did not significantly change the infarct size. Electronmicrograph showed similar salcolemmal and mitochondrial damage in both group. The caspase activity was blocked by DEVD at 4 h after reperfusion.

CONCLUSION

Myocyte DNA fragmentation and caspase activation was inhibited by caspase inhibitors without reduction of the infarct size in ischemia-reperfused rat hearts.

Zonal organization of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus in the cat: cholera toxin mapping

A zonal organization of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNv) in the cat was studied with the bidirectional tracing method by using the subunit b of cholera toxin (CTb) as the marker. The prime objectives of the present study were to examine precise distribution of terminals of the retinal afferents to the LGNv, and to correlate it with the origins and terminations of the other central connections of the nucleus. The results obtained are summarized as follows: (1) the LGNv of the cat is divided into 3 zones according to the terminations of retinal afferents: lateral, intermediate, and medial; (2) the lateral zone receives afferents from the retina in which ipsi- and contralateral fibers terminate in a complementary fashion. According to the density of labeling of retinal terminals, the lateral zone is further divided into several areas. It also receives fibers from the visual related cortex; (3) the intermediate zone, which does not receive fibers from the retina nor the visual cortex, is reciprocally connected with the midbrain, primarily with the superficial layers of the superior colliculus (SC), and gives rise to thalamic projections to the nucleus centralis lateralis bilaterally; and (4) the medial zone, from which commissural fibers arise, receives afferents bilaterally from the retina, and sends fibers to the SC bilaterally. These results suggest that the LGNv of the cat has three different zones. Functional participation of each zone has been discussed.

Genetic analyses of visual pigments of the pigeon (Columba livia)

We isolated five classes of retinal opsin genes rh1(Cl), rh2(Cl), sws1(Cl), sws2(Cl), and lws(Cl) from the pigeon; these encode RH1(Cl), RH2(Cl), SWS1(Cl), SWS2(Cl), and LWS(Cl) opsins, respectively. Upon binding to 11-cis-retinal, these opsins regenerate the corresponding photosensitive molecules, visual pigments. The absorbance spectra of visual pigments have a broad bell shape with the peak, being called lambdamax. Previously, the SWS1(Cl) opsin cDNA was isolated from the pigeon retinal RNA, expressed in cultured COS1 cells, reconstituted with 11-cis-retinal, and the lambdamax of the resulting SWS1(Cl) pigment was shown to be 393 nm. In this article, using the same methods, the lambdamax values of RH1(Cl), RH2(Cl), SWS2(Cl), and LWS(Cl) pigments were determined to be 502, 503, 448, and 559 nm, respectively. The pigeon is also known for its UV vision, detecting light at 320-380 nm. Being the only pigments that absorb light below 400 nm, the SWS1(Cl) pigments must mediate its UV vision. We also determined that a nonretinal P(Cl) pigment in the pineal gland of the pigeon has a lambdamax value at 481 nm.

Evaluation of sandwich ELISA galactomannan test in samples of positive LA test and positive aspergillus antibody

OBJECTIVE

The detection of circulating Aspergillus galactomannan antigen is a useful tool for serodiagnosis of aspergillosis. However, the latex agglutination test for the detection of galactomannan is not completely reliable due to it's low sensitivity. The sandwich ELISA was developed to achieve high sensitivity.

MATERIALS

The sandwich immunocapture ELISA was evaluated by testing 56 sero-positive and 56 sero-negative samples of circulating galactomannan detected by LA test retrospectively.

RESULTS

Sixty of the samples were positive for galactomannan as measured by sandwich ELISA. Fifteen samples out of 56 samples negative by LA test were positive by ELISA and 4 samples out of 56 samples positive by LA test were negative by ELISA. Among 47 serum samples positive for anti-Aspergillus antibody, 14 samples were positive by ELISA.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, galactomannan may be detected in more samples of by the new sandwich ELISA than by LA test.

Histological changes in the rat common carotid artery following simultaneous topical application of cotton sheet and cyanoacrylate glue

Histological changes in and around the arterial walls of rats were investigated following simultaneous topical application of cotton sheet and cyanoacrylate glue. The bilateral common carotid arteries were exposed using sterile techniques, and the test materials were applied to the right artery. The left artery served as a control. Changes in arterial histology were evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after surgery. Extensive inflammation consisting primarily of histiocytes and multinuclear giant cells was observed around the materials, but tended to decrease by 3 months. Necrosis in the media and fibrosis in the adventitia initially appeared around 2 weeks, and became advanced by 2-3 months. At 2-3 months, disruption of elastic fibers and marked fibrosis in the media were seen, and endothelial proliferation in the intima appeared. Intimal proliferation was observed at both the experimental and other sites of the vessels. The present results suggest that simultaneous use of the test materials can cause the arterial occlusive lesions observed following aneurysmal surgery.

Arginine-55 in the beta-arm is essential for the activity of DNA-binding protein HU from Bacillus stearothermophilus

DNA-binding protein HU (BstHU) from Bacillus stearothermophilus is a homodimeric protein which binds to DNA in a sequence-nonspecific manner. In order to identify the Arg residues essential for DNA binding, four Arg residues (Arg-53, Arg-55, Arg-58, and Arg-61) within the beta-arm structure were replaced either by Gln, Lys, or Glu residues, and the resulting mutants were characterized with respect to their DNA-binding activity by a filter-binding analysis and surface plasmon resonance analysis. The results indicate that three Arg residues (Arg-55, Arg-58, and Arg-61) play a crucial role in DNA binding as positively charged recognition groups in the order of Arg-55 > Arg-58 > Arg-61 and that these are required to decrease the dissociation rate constant for BstHU-DNA interaction. In contrast, the Arg-53 residue was found to make no contribution to the binding activity of BstHU.

Ischemic preconditioning attenuates apoptosis through protein kinase C in rat hearts

To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mechanism of ischemic preconditioning (IP), infarct size and the incidence of apoptosis caused by ischemia-reperfusion were tested in four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats. Dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) or calphostin C (0.1 mg/ml) was administered 5 min before the 30-min coronary occlusion followed by a 6-h reperfusion. Three cycles of 3 min of ischemia followed by 3 min of reperfusion was performed as IP before the 30-min ischemia followed by a 6-h reperfusion with or without calphostin C pretreatment. Infarct size defined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was reduced from 60 +/- 2 to 26 +/- 2% by IP (P < 0.01), but the effect of IP was abolished by calphostin C (51 +/- 3%). Apoptosis defined by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end-labeling (TUNEL) was reduced by IP from 44 +/- 3 to 13 +/- 2% in the subendocardial region (P < 0.01). This effect of IP was abolished by calphostin C (42 +/- 8%). Thus the effect of IP on reducing the infarct size and the incidence of apoptosis are both mediated by PKC in rat hearts.

Postoperative anticonvulsant prophylaxis for patients treated for cerebral aneurysms

The incidences of postoperative seizures and side effects were evaluated in 193 patients with cerebral aneurysm who received anticonvulsant prophylaxis and underwent 224 craniotomies for cerebral aneurysms between 1993 and 1995. The patients were 73 males and 120 females aged between 31 and 80 years. One hundred and sixteen patients had ruptured cerebral aneurysms and 108 had unruptured aneurysms. Phenytoin followed by valproic acid were administered. Early postoperative seizures occurred in five patients (4 with ruptured and 1 with unruptured aneurysms) within 14 days after surgery. Late postoperative seizures occurred in four different patients with ruptured aneurysms more than 14 days after surgery. The presence of cortical lesions detected by cerebral computed tomography and occurrence of symptomatic vasospasm were correlated with the occurrence of early postoperative seizure (p < 0.05). Three of the four patients with late postoperative seizure had cortical lesions and two were receiving continued medication. Side effects that warranted discontinuation of therapy were seen in the follow-up period in 12.9% of patients. Anticonvulsant prophylaxis is not recommended due to the higher incidence of side effects than seizure, except in patients in poor clinical condition for the purpose of brain protection. Otherwise, anticonvulsant medication should be initiated at the time of the initial seizure attack.

Enterocolitis associated with dual infection by Clostridium piliforme and feline panleukopenia virus in three kittens

Dual infection by Clostridium piliforme and feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) was found in three kittens. In all cases, we found focal necrosis and desquamation of epithelial cells with occasional neutrophil infiltration in the large intestine. Large filamentous bacilli and spores were observed in the epithelium by using the Warthin-Starry method. Electron microscopy revealed the vegetative forms with characteristic peritrichous flagella and spore forms. Immunohistochemically, these bacilli showed a positive reaction with mouse antisera against the RT and MSK C. piliforme strains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using cecum specimens demonstrated the 196-bp band specific to C. piliforme 16S rRNA. All three kittens were also diagnosed as FPLV-infected on the basis of the characteristic mucosal lesions, including intranuclear inclusions and PCR study for the FPLV genomic DNA. The PCR techniques are useful for confirming the C. piliforme and FPLV infection in spontaneous cases.

Spontaneous recovery from pathologically confirmed lymphocytic adenohypophysitis with a dramatic reduction of hypophyseal size

A pituitary mass compressing the optic nerve was revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 35-year-old woman complaining of visual disturbance in the post-partum period. Responses of plasma gonadotropin and corticotropin-cortisol levels to respective hypothalamic hormones were delayed or blunted, but the response of plasma prolactin to thyrotropin-releasing hormone was exaggerated. Diabetes insipidus was not associated. Biopsy revealed lymphocytic adenohypophysitis, and no hypophysectomy was performed. Only five weeks later, the pituitary mass spontaneously disappeared on MRI. The pituitary function was normalized. Anti-thyroidal and anti-pituitary antibodies were negative throughout the clinical course. Pituitary masses developing during late pregnancy or the post-partum period should be carefully observed.

Four new human renal cell carcinoma cell lines expressing globo-series gangliosides

Clinicopathological studies revealed that monosialosyl galactosyl globoside (MSGG) and disialosyl galactosyl globoside (DSGG) expressed by renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are one of the biochemical indicator related to the metastatic potential. The present study examines the characteristics of four new human RCC cell lines and compares the expression of MSGG and DSGG among them using TLC immunostaining and flow cytometry. TOS-1 and TOS-2 were derived from metastatic subcutaneous tissues. TOS-3 and TOS-3LN were derived from the primary lesion and from metastatic lymph nodes respectively. Monolayer culture, light microscopy and electron microscopy of these cells showed that these cell lines were derived from RCC. TLC immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis revealed increased levels of MSGG in TOS-2 and TOS-3LN, and increased DSGG in TOS-1 and TOS-3LN. These cell lines would be useful for functional studies of globo-series ganglioside expressed by RCC.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosed early by polymerase chain reaction assay

We compared the usefulness of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with the serodiagnosis of sufficient concentrations of galactomannan using the same serum samples. A patient was treated with prednisolone for the management of hepatitis. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed the nodular shadow with a cavity containing a clear fungus ball. DNA of Aspergillus spp. from a serum sample was detected and using the same serum sample, both latex agglutination and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of galactomannan were negative. PCR assay provides an early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis compared with ELISA of galactomannan.

High molecular weight corticotropin measured with immunoradiometric assay in a patient with asymptomatic pituitary corticotropinoma

A 57-yr-old female with corticotropinoma showing no Cushingoid stigmata is reported. Basal plasma levels of ACTH measured with immunoradiometric assay and beta-endorphin were high, 12.6-15.9 pmol/l and 3.5 pmol/l, respectively. Plasma cortisol level and urinary free cortisol excretion were normal, 303-359 nmol/l and 171-226 nmol/day, respectively. Plasma ACTH markedly increased to 70.5 pmol/l with intravenous administration of 100 microg CRH. Diurnal rhythm of plasma ACTH was seen, but its level in the night was still high. Plasma ACTH suppression with dexamethasone was insufficient. CRH stimulation after dexamethasone suppression increased plasma ACTH level from 4.4 to 13.7 pmol/l. Intravenous administration of 4 microg desmopressin increased plasma ACTH from 15.6 to 19.6 pmol/l. Oral administration of 16 mg lepramide insufficiently decreased plasma ACTH from 7.3 to 5.3 pmol/l. However, plasma cortisol responses in these conditions were normal. Postoperative pathological study revealed subtype 1 corticotropinoma immunohistochemically and electron-microscopically. Postoperative basal plasma ACTH decreased to 3.9 pmol/l, although plasma cortisol did not change. Diurnal rhythm and dexamethasone suppressibility of plasma ACTH became normal. Plasma sample was chromatographed on a Sephadex G-75 column. The elution profile showed two peaks of ACTH, one of which was compatible with 1-39 ACTH and another with higher molecular weight ACTH which was probably secreted from corticotropinoma. Anomaly in processing of proopiomelanocortin was suspected.

[A case of invasive aspergillosis in an amyloidosis patient]

A sixty-four-year-old male patient was admitted on 13 April 1995 with diagnosis of old pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary aspergilloma. He developed a tarry stool and frequent loose motion in early November 1995. Histopathological findings of endoscopic biopsy from the duodenum and colon were suggestive of secondary amyloidosis. In spite of antibiotic and steroid pulse, he developed shock, and massive infiltration shadow appeared in chest X-ray. The patient died on 29 December 1995. The postmortem examination in the specimens of the lung, heart, kidney, liver, and spleen revealed hyphae of Aspergillus sp. and in the specimens of the lung, kidney, spleen, esophagus, adrenal gland, and thyroid revealed amyloid. He was finally diagnosed as invasive aspergillosis with secondary amyloidosis.

Determination of bovine beta2-microglobulin and albumin in urine by a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze beta2-microglobulin and albumin in bovine urine. The urine samples were chromatographed on TSK-gel ODS-120T column with an acetonitrile gradient. Urinary beta2-m and albumin were detected at 220 nm. For the pre-treatment, there were two steps proceeding injection: dialysis of urine with distilled water overnight, followed by concentration by solid-phase extraction method using a Sep-Pak cartridge. The retention times of beta2-microglobulin and albumin were 25.35 +/- 0.85 and 32.20 +/- 0.20 minutes (n=5), respectively. The mean analytical recoveries of beta2-microglobulin and albumin added to 0.1 ml of urine samples were 94.5 and 100.5%, respectively. The within-run coefficients of variation ranged from 1.5 to 5.3% for beta2-microglobulin and from 2.3 to 7.0% for albumin. The sensitivity for quantification of each protein was 0.5 microg in 100 microl injected urine samples. Urine samples from healthy cows and from cows with different types of proteinuria were analyzed by this reversed-phase HPLC. Results revealed albumin was remarkable in the urine from a cow with glomerulonephritis, and beta2-microglobulin was, in the urine from a cow with tubular dysfunction.

Complete nucleotide sequence, origin of isoform and functional characterization of the mouse hepsin gene

Hepsin, a type-II membrane-associated serine protease, has been implicated in cell growth and development as well as possible initiation of blood coagulation. Here, we report on the complete nucleotide sequence, functional characterization of key structural features and the promoter of the mouse hepsin gene. The gene has a size of approximately 17 kb, and is composed of 12, 13, or 14 exons depending on alternative intron splicings - one in the 5'-UTR and the other two in the second intron. The latter two, which occur in approximately half of the hepsin transcripts, generate a hepsin mRNA species with an extra exon, which is responsible for producing a hepsin isoform with a unique 20-residue sequence inserted in the cytoplasmic portion of hepsin. Most hepsin transcripts have the 5'-UTR intron spliced, and its splicing can occur independently of the other alternative splicings. The transcriptional initiation site was determined to be 636 bp upstream of the first ATG site in a cytidine-rich region. The 5'-flanking region of hepsin up to nucleotide 274 showed a substantial promoter activity in HepG2 cells, with its expression activity sevenfold higher in the presence of the 5'-UTR intron sequence in comparison to that without the intron sequence. The basal promoter region contains potential binding sites for several transcription factors including SP1, AP2, C/EBP, LF-A1, and E box, which may be responsible for ubiquitous, but liver- and kidney-preferred tissue expression of the hepsin gene.

Development of Babesia gibsoni in the midgut of the nymphal stage of the tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Studies were made on the development of Babesia gibsoni in the midgut of the nymphal stage of the tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Six hr after repletion, merozoites of B. gibsoni, free of erythrocytes, were observed in the midgut contents of the ticks. After that, within 24 hr, those merozoites were transformed into ring-forms which were relatively large ring 1-2 microns in diameter. Later, the ring forms developed into spherical forms which were somewhat elliptical in shape and 3-4 microns in diameter. Within 2-4 days, bizarre forms (5-6 microns in diameter) developed into elongated forms (5-6 microns in length). About 5-6 days after repletion, large round or elliptic zygotes (7-9 microns in diameter) were observed in the ticks gut.

Hypothermia bed system for stroke patients. Technical note

A new hypothermia bed system was used to induce mild hypothermia (33-35 degrees C) in six patients with stroke due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, or embolic internal carotid artery occlusion. The system bed contained all necessary equipment including a respirator, a cooling unit, physiological monitors, and a storage battery. Surface cooling of the patients was performed using water-circulating blankets, and core temperature was maintained based on bladder temperature and a feedback computer program. During hypothermic therapy, patient transfer and radiological examination including computed tomography and positron emission tomography could be easily and safely performed. Differences between the measured bladder temperature and the target temperature were approximately +/- 0.1 degree C. The proposed hypothermia system bed may be useful for serial radiological examination of patients with stroke.

The significance of resections for residual masses after chemotherapy in metastatic testicular tumors

BACKGROUND

After chemotherapy for metastatic testicular tumors, masses may remain, often in the metastatic sites. This study analyses the role of resections for the residual masses.

METHODS

Seventy-seven patients with advanced (stage II, III) testicular tumors were treated. Of these, 38 patients, including eight with seminoma and 30 patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, underwent resection of residual masses after chemotherapy and have been followed for a median of 41.5 months (range 2-138) after the resection.

RESULTS

Residual masses were necrosis/fibrosis in 19 patients, mature teratoma in 11 and cancer in eight. The ratio of cancer in stage III (41.2%) was significantly higher than that in stage II (4.8%). Ten of 38 (26.3%) patients experienced recurrences in sites other than the resected sites, and five of 10 patients have died of cancer. Most recurrences (80%) occurred within two years. Recurrences after resection were detected in 4.8% of stage II patients, 52.9% of stage III, 16.7% of necrosis/fibrosis and mature teratoma, and 62.5% of cancer. The survival rate of patients with cancer was significantly lower in spite of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection for residual masses after chemotherapy in metastatic testicular tumors was useful in confirming the tissue and in controlling the metastatic sites. Recurrences were often found in patients with cancer in the residual mass and the prognosis of patients with cancer was poor, therefore the development of more effective therapy for patients with cancer is required to improve the prognosis.

Ruptured anterior spinal artery aneurysm: a case report

BACKGROUND

Spinal artery aneurysms are rare, and are usually found in association with arteriovenous malformations or coarctation of the aorta.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old man with a ruptured anterior spinal artery aneurysm is presented here. He experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage, which was confirmed by computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an aneurysm in front of the upper part of the medulla. Angiography demonstrated bilateral vertebral artery occlusion. Distal vertebral arteries and the basilar artery were perfused via the dilated anterior spinal artery, which originates in the right subclavian artery. The aneurysm was located at the distal part of the anterior spinal artery, and was successfully clipped through a lateral suboccipital craniotomy 2 months after bleeding from the aneurysm. After rehabilitation, the patient was able to walk with no apparent neurologic deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

This case suggests that the anterior spinal artery as a collateral route after bilateral vertebral artery occlusion is under hemodynamic stress, resulting in aneurysm formation and rupture.

Development of Babesia gibsoni in the midgut of larval tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Studies were made on the development of Babesia gibsoni in the midgut of the larval tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Six hr after repletion, merozoites of B. gibsoni, freed from erythrocytes, were observed in the midgut contents of the tick. After that, within 24 hr, those merozoites were transformed into the ring-forms which were relatively large, 2-3 microns in diameter. Later, the ring forms developed into the spherical forms which were subelliptical in shape and 4-6 microns in diameter. Within 2-4 days, the elongated forms, 5-8 microns in length, were found. At this time, some of the binucleated fusion form has assumed a form intermediate between the spherical and elongated-forms. About 5-6 days after repletion, large round or elliptic zygotes, 8-10 microns in diameter, were observed in the tick gut.

The complete amino acid sequence of dog beta2-microglobulin

Dog beta2-microglobulin was purified from the urine of dogs with potassium dichromate induced tubular damage. It was purified by sequential use of anion exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Comparisons of the amino acid sequence of the dog protein with human, mouse, and rabbit beta2-microglobulin, indicated a high degree of similarity. The dog protein was very similar to human beta2-microglobulin in that it had a molecular weight of 11.8 kDa and contained two half-cystinyl residues. Dog and human beta2-microglobulin were demonstrably different at 24 of the 99 positions compared. The data supported the conclusion that the purified protein was dog beta2-microglobulin and that all four proteins from dog, human, mouse, and rabbit were closely related.

Molecular modeling of single polypeptide chain of calcium-binding protein p26olf from dimeric S100B(betabeta)

P26olf from olfactory tissue of frog, which may be involved in olfactory transduction or adaptation, is a Ca2+-binding protein with 217 amino acids. The p26olf molecule contains two homologous parts consisting of the N-terminal half with amino acids 1-109 and the C-terminal half with amino acids 110-217. Each half resembles S100 protein with about 100 amino acids and contains two helix-loop-helix Ca2+-binding structural motifs known as EF-hands: a normal EF-hand at the C-terminus and a pseudo EF-hand at the N-terminus. Multiple alignment of the two S100-like domains of p26olf with 18 S100 proteins indicated that the C-terminal putative EF-hand of each domain contains a four-residue insertion when compared with the typical EF-hand motifs in the S100 protein, while the N-terminal EF-hand is homologous to its pseudo EF-hand. We constructed a three-dimensional model of the p26olf molecule based on results of the multiple alignment and NMR structures of dimeric S100B(betabeta) in the Ca2+-free state. The predicted structure of the p26olf single polypeptide chain satisfactorily adopts a folding pattern remarkably similar to dimeric S100B(betabeta). Each domain of p26olf consists of a unicornate-type four-helix bundle and they interact with each other in an antiparallel manner forming an X-type four-helix bundle between the two domains. The two S100-like domains of p26olf are linked by a loop with no steric hindrance, suggesting that this loop might play an important role in the function of p26olf. The circular dichroism spectral data support the predicted structure of p26olf and indicate that Ca2+-dependent conformational changes occur. Since the C-terminal putative EF-hand of each domain fully keeps the helix-loop-helix motif having a longer Ca2+-binding loop, regardless of the four-residue insertion, we propose that it is a new, novel EF-hand, although it is unclear whether this EF-hand binds Ca2+. P26olf is a new member of the S100 protein family.

Absolute-length determination of a long-baseline Fabry-Perot cavity by means of resonating modulation sidebands

A new method has been demonstrated for absolute-length measurements of a long-baseline Fabry-Perot cavity by use of phase-modulated light. This method is based on determination of a free spectral range (FSR) of the cavity from the frequency difference between a carrier and phase-modulation sidebands, both of which resonate in the cavity. Sensitive response of the Fabry-Perot cavity near resonant frequencies ensures accurate determination of the FSR and thus of the absolute length of the cavity. This method was applied to a 300-m Fabry-Perot cavity of the TAMA gravitational wave detector that is being developed at the National Astronomical Observatory, Tokyo. With a modulation frequency of approximately 12 MHz, we successfully determined the absolute cavity length with resolution of 1 microm (3 x 10(-9) in strain) and observed local ground strain variations of 6 x 10(-8).

Pathological evaluation of steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Protocol biopsies were performed to detect and treat subclinical rejection in eight living related pediatric renal transplant recipients who had been withdrawn from steroids. Low-grade tubulitis (t1) and mononuclear cell interstitial inflammation (i1), typical of borderline rejection and low-grade interstitial fibrosis (ci1), and tubular atrophy (ct1), characteristic of chronic rejection, appeared frequently in protocol biopsies more than 3 yr after steroid withdrawal. In contrast, early-type glomerulitis (g), allograft glomerulopathy (cg), arteriolar hyaline thickening (ah), intimal arteritis (v), and fibrous intimal thickening (cv) were not observed in protocol biopsies after steroid withdrawal. Low-dose pulse therapy (methylprednisolone (MP) 250 or 500 mg/d for 3 d) was administered to five patients for borderline and/or acute grade 1a rejection, as determined by protocol biopsies in the absence of clinical rejection. No oral steroids were administered. Renal function in all patients remained satisfactory, without proteinuria, in follow-up periods ranging from 22 to 68 months after steroid withdrawal. Of the eight patients, three grew to almost normal height (> mean -2SD) and four exhibited catch-up growth. Thus, steroid withdrawal can be safe and improves growth in pediatric renal transplant recipients if undertaken with careful clinical follow-up, including protocol biopsies.

Calpain inhibitor-1 reduces infarct size and DNA fragmentation of myocardium in ischemic/reperfused rat heart

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion activates a calcium-dependent protease, calpain, in the ischemic myocytes. It is not known whether calpain is involved in the mechanism of ischemia/reperfusion injury in hearts. Thus the purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of a selective calpain inhibitor (CAI) on infarct size and the extent of DNA damage in ischemic/reperfused rat hearts. Rats were divided in four groups (n = 7 each). In saline group, 0.3 ml of saline was administered (i.v.) 10 min before 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 6-h reperfusion. In vehicle group, 0.3 ml of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was administered 10 min before the 30-min ischemia. CAI (0.5 mg/kg) was administered 10 min before the 30-min ischemia (CAI-A group) and 10 min before the 6-h reperfusion period (CAI-B group). Infarct size was detected with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, and DNA fragmentation was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and by in situ nick end labeling (ISEL). Infarct size was significantly smaller in the CAI-A group compared with the vehicle group (13+/-9% vs. 48+/-12%; p < 0.01), and the incidence of ISEL-positive myocyte nuclei in the subendocardial region was significantly reduced in the CAI-A group compared with the vehicle group (26+/-3% vs. 59+/-6%; p < 0.01). However, the effects of CAI in CAI-B group were not significant. Activation of calpain is involved in the mechanism of ischemia/reperfusion injury, and the preischemic administration of CAI was effective in reducing myocardial infarct size and the DNA damage of the myocytes in ischemic/reperfused rat heart.

Heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) as a major target of the antibody response in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis

Cryptococcus neoformans causes infection in individuals with defective T cell function, such as AIDS, as well as without underlying disease. It has been suggested that humoral as well as cellular immunity might play an important role in the immune response to C. neoformans infection. We have recently shown, using immunoblotting, that the 70-kD hsp family of C. neoformans was the major target molecule of the humoral response in murine pulmonary cryptococcosis. In this study we also used immunoblotting to define the antibody responses in the sera of 24 patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis: 21 proven and three suspected diagnoses. Anti-C. neoformans hsp70 antibody was detected in 16 of 24 (66.7%) patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. Fourteen of 17 (82.3%) patients with high antigen titres (> or = 1:8) and two of seven (28.6%) patients with low titres (< or = 1:4) had detectable levels of anti-hsp70 antibody. Sera from patients positive for anti-hsp70 antibody showed high titres in the Eiken latex agglutination test for the detection of serum cryptococcal antigen. Our results indicate that the 70-kD hsp family from C. neoformans appears to be a major target molecule of the humoral response, not only in murine pulmonary cryptococcosis, but also in human patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis.

High-resolution crystals of the HU mutant K38N from Bacillus stearothermophilus

The DNA-binding protein HU is ubiquitous in the prokaryotic cell. It is a major protein component of isolated nucleoids and is believed to control the tertiary structure of prokaryotic DNA. The Bacillus stearothermophilus HU (BstHU) mutants obtained by mutagenesis have been investigated. Crystallization experiments of BstHU-K38N (Lys38 is substituted with Asn) resulted in two forms of crystals suitable for high-resolution x-ray analysis. The first form belongs to the monoclinic space group C2 with unit-cell dimensions of a = 90.1 A, b = 43.5 A, c = 63.7 A, and beta = 135.1 degrees, and it diffracts x rays to 1.5-A resolution. The second form belongs to the tetragonal space group I41 with a = b = 62.6 A and c = 43.3 A, and it diffracts up to 1.8-A resolution.

Reduction of plasma gonadotropin levels and pituitary tumor size by treatment with bromocriptine in a patient with gonadotropinoma

A pituitary tumor with suprasellar extension was found by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a male with diabetes mellitus. Endocrine examination revealed high plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and alpha-subunit levels, which increased with administration of thyrotropin (TSH)-releasing hormone (TRH). Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were low. Pituitary gonadotropin producing tumor was diagnosed. Because the patient refused surgery, bromocriptine was administered and plasma FSH and alpha-subunit rapidly decreased; on MRI the tumor size was gradually reduced. When pituitary operation is not feasible, bromocriptine is one choice of treatment.

[Rapidly progressive irradiated cervical cancer that metastasized to the liver during therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]

A 37-year-old woman was given a diagnosis of cervical cancer in August 1994. Because of severe thrombocytopenia, she was given radiation therapy at 50 Gy with great effectiveness. The thrombocytopenia was diagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Because the patient refused to undergo a splenectomy operation, she was treated with prednisolone, gamma-globulin, and danazol with no effect. In January 1995 she began receiving azathioprine and her platelet count gradually increased. In March, she complained of severe left abdominal pain but abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans showed no abnormal findings. Nonetheless, the patient's lumbago persisted and her liver dysfunction was progressive. Abdominal CT scans performed on April 18 disclosed multiple liver tumors. The patient died on April 28. Autopsy revealed that the cervical cancer was the primary origin of the liver tumors. We concluded that extra precautions should be taken when administering immunosuppressive therapy to patients with a history of malignant diseases.

Histological changes in the rat common carotid artery induced by aneurysmal wrapping and coating materials

Histological changes in and around the arterial walls of rats were investigated following topical application of aneurysmal wrapping and coating materials, including a fibrin glue, a cyanoacrylate glue (Biobond), and cotton fibers (Bemsheet). Bilateral common carotid arteries were exposed using sterile techniques, and one of the test materials was applied to the right artery. The left artery was used as the control. Changes in arterial histology were evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after surgery. The fibrin glue was surrounded by intense inflammation at 2 weeks after surgery. Both the fibrin glue and inflammation had disappeared at 2 months, but the glue had induced mild inflammation in the adventitia. Biobond caused chronic inflammation, necrosis of the media, and thickening of the arterial wall due to fibrosis in both the media and adventitia. Bemsheet produced chronic inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and granuloma. Connective tissue increased in the adventitia, but no major changes were observed in the media. The Bemsheet fibers remained unchanged, and adhered to the arterial wall. Although arterial stenoses were not observed in the present study, the results suggest that cyanoacrylate glue can cause the arterial occlusive lesions observed following aneurysm surgery.

Neoadjuvant therapy and bladder substitute for invasive bladder cancer: 20 years experience at Tohoku University

BACKGROUND

Neobladder, using the intestine, was performed after neoadjuvant therapy and total cystectomy as a treatment for invasive bladder cancer.

METHODS

Between January 1977 and April 1997, an ileocecal neobladder was used for 23 patients and a sigmoid neobladder was chosen for use in 32 patients. For the diagnosis of invasive bladder cancer and the evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, we used whole-layer core biopsy (WLCB) of the bladder tumor and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of pelvic lymph nodes after bipedal lymphography. For neoadjuvant therapy, two to four courses of internal iliac arterial infusion chemotherapy (IIA) were undertaken in 32 patients. Five patients were treated with IIA combined with 40 Gy irradiation to the pelvic space.

RESULTS

Pretreatment WLCB revealed a tumor of stage T2b or greater in 10 patients. After neoadjuvant therapy, three patients were down-staged to pT0. In five patients, pretreatment FNAB revealed pelvic lymph node metastases that were not detected by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Fine needle aspiration biopsy post-neoadjuvant therapy revealed tumor stage N0 in all patients and lymph node dissection revealed pN0 in four patients. Of the five patients who received 40 Gy irradiation, none had any postoperative complications, such as intestinal fistula or urinary leakage. Four male patients (10%) had urethral recurrence, but all were successfully treated by transurethral resection. Two patients treated prior to 1985 experienced local recurrence. Neither was treated by neoadjuvant therapy. Eight patients who died after 1985 had metastatic cancer, but none had local recurrence. None of the patients who received a sigmoid neobladder required clean intermittent catheterization or had bilateral vesico-ureteral reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy seems to reduce local recurrence in invasive bladder cancer. The sigmoid colon may be suitable for neobladder.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection of prostate-specific antigen messenger ribonucleic acid in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To develop a rapid, sensitive, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) detection method by applying colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from 16 urogenital cancer cells (including PSA-producing LNCaP cells) from pelvic and inguinal lymph node aspiration biopsy samples from patients with prostate, bladder, and penile cancer, as well as from blood samples of 500 patients with urogenital cancer. We used rTth polymerase for RT and PCR. The RNA target was amplified by RT-PCR with dinitrophenyl-labeled primer. The PCR product was denatured and hybridized on a PSA-specific probe-coated microwell plate.

RESULTS

In 1 6 cancer cell lines, only LNCaP cells expressed especially high PSA mRNA values, with an optical density (OD) greater than 3. In other cell lines, two testicular cells had relatively high ODs, 1.909 and 0.987, respectively. A high PSA mRNA value was obtained by fine needle aspiration from pelvic lymph node specimens of cytologically positive lymph nodes from patients with prostate cancer but not from patients with cytologically proved bladder or penile cancer. Sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration samples were 70% and 100%, respectively. Blood tests obtained from patients with prostate cancer demonstrated high PSA mRNA values.

CONCLUSIONS

The PSA mRNA RT-PCR ELISA method provides a sensitive photometric enzyme immunoassay for the detection of PSA mRNA, using nonradioactive techniques.

[Itraconazole-induced hypokalemia in a patient with pulmonary aspergilloma]

An 80-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pulmonary aspergilloma. A new azole antifungal agent, D 0870, was administered to the patient for 7 days orally, and itraconazole (400 mg/day) was started on March 5, 1997. After 1 month of chemotherapy, facial and pretibial edema were observed and the patient's serum potassium concentration decreased to 2.5 mEq/l. A chest radiograph disclosed cardiomegaly with cardiac effusion and right pleural effusion on admission. The serum potassium concentration rose after the cessation of itraconazole therapy. The serum ITCZ concentration remained high for 2 weeks after admission. Although reports of hypopotassemia induced by ITCZ are rare, we concluded that blood concentrations should be monitored more carefully when treating pulmonary aspergilloma patients with high-dose regimens of ITCZ.

[Public health nurses' disaster responses for intractable neurological patients at home]

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake experience of the local public health nurses. The purpose of the study was to identify problems regarding assistance of intractable neurological patients at home during and after the earthquake and to discuss ways to improve future local disaster responses by public health nurses for those patients.

METHODS

Approximately 2 hours of a group interview of public health nurses from 2 public health centers in Kobe City was conducted in August, 1996. Interview data was collected via audio-tape and transcribed. The data was organized according to phases of the earthquake. The acute phase of the earthquake disaster ended within 72 hours. The data was then analyzed to identify problems in assisting intractable neurological home patients in order to discuss disaster responses by public health nurses.

RESULTS

There was a delay in confirming the safety of and providing needed assistance for intractable neurological patients at home by public health nurses. During the first 3 days after the earthquake, the majority of public health nurses were unable to commute to work due to the shutdown of transportation systems. In addition, nurses, who were able to come to work, were preoccupied with treating earthquake casualties and distributing medical supplies. Other factors associated with the delay included the following: lack of a registration list for intractable neurological patients at home; lack of close contacts between public health nurses and patients, and between public health nurses and patient support groups; and sparing nurses for guiding volunteers and for coordinating between shelters and hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Measures to improve future disaster responses are as follows: a) teaching patients and their families how to safeguard against disaster; b) preparing registration lists; c) establishing support networks and cooperating with network members; and d) upon disaster, assigning some nurses to assess the needs of patients.

Comparison between PCR and detection of antigen in sera for diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis

We evaluated the usefulness of PCR and antigen detection for the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis. Forty-four serum samples from patients with pulmonary aspergillosis (33 with pulmonary aspergilloma, 4 with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, 4 with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and 3 with aspergillus pyothorax) were used in this study. PCR detection of Aspergillus DNA in serum samples was successful in 39 patients. Galactomannan antigen was detected by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 25 patients and by latex agglutination test in 13 patients. Detection of Aspergillus DNA in serum samples by nested PCR had the highest sensitivity of the three methods tested for the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Severe rhabdomyolysis as a complication of high-dose chemotherapy in a patient with advanced testicular cancer

BACKGROUND

A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma in the left testis, a 9 cm retroperitoneal tumor, left hydronephrosis, multiple lung metastasis and gynecomastia. His serum hCG level decreased but was still above the normal range after four courses of standard chemotherapy.

METHODS

High-dose chemotherapy was then given with ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) from days -7 to-3.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

On day -2 the patient became confused and hallucinated, so the sedatives haloperidol and flunitrazepam were administrated. His creatinine phosphokinase levels increased to 6150 IU/L (reference range <197 IU/L) on day 0. Myoglobinuria and myoglobinemia were noted and the renal dysfunction progressed. A peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was performed after hemodialysis on day 0. Although his bone marrow recovered, the patient died of respiratory failure on day 18. An autopsy revealed massive pulmonary bleeding. Pretreatment renal dysfunction, renal damage by high-dose chemotherapy, ifosfamide-induced hallucinations and the administration of sedatives, such as haloperidol and flunitrazepam, may have been causative factors for the rhabdomyolysis observed in this patient.

Ischemic preconditioning translocates PKC-delta and -epsilon, which mediate functional protection in isolated rat heart

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in mediating ischemic preconditioning (PC). However, the relationship between PKC isoforms and PC is still uncertain. We analyzed subcellular localization of PKC isoforms by Western blot analysis in isolated rat heart and demonstrate that PKC-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon were translocated to the membrane fraction associated with the improvement of cardiac function. Translocation of PKC-delta and -epsilon persisted after a 30-min period following PC, but the translocation of PKC-alpha was transient. Under low Ca2+ perfusion (0.2 mmol/l), PC improved the cardiac function associated with the translocation of PKC-delta. Chelerythrine (1.0 micromol/l) suppressed the translocation of all PKC isoforms associated with the loss of improvement of the cardiac function. On the other hand, bisindolylmaleimide (0.1 micromol/l) did not inhibit the improvement of cardiac function induced by PC, which was associated with the translocation of PKC-epsilon. These results indicate that the effect of PC on cardiac function is mediated by the translocation of either PKC-delta or -epsilon independently in rat hearts.

Induction of Fas-mediated apoptosis in a human renal epithelial cell line by interferon-gamma: involvement of Fas-mediated apoptosis in acute renal rejection

To examine the role of the Fas ligand/Fas (FasL/Fas) system and apoptosis in renal allograft rejection, we analyzed FasL/Fas expression and apoptosis in 63 renal allograft biopsy specimens obtained from 56 renal transplant recipients in Tokyo, Japan. Sixteen biopsy specimens were diagnosed (Banff criteria) as acute rejection (AR), 17 as AR plus chronic rejection, 10 as borderline stages, and 20 as no rejection (NR). Immunohistochemically, Fas antigen was highly expressed in the renal tubular epithelium in tissues from patients with rejection. The mean number of Fas-positive tubular epithelium was significantly higher in biopsy specimens with AR than in those with NR, but FasL expression was highly expressed in infiltrating lymphocytes in the interstitium of allografts with cellular rejection. The mean number of FasL-positive infiltrating lymphocytes was significantly higher in specimens with AR than in those with NR or borderline stages. For detection of apoptotic cells, the specimens were subjected to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling, which showed that the mean number of tubular epithelial cells positive for this labeling was highest for the specimens with AR, the number being significantly higher than in those with AR plus chronic rejection or with NR. Thus, Fas expression on epithelial cells might actively trigger their apoptosis by the interaction between Fas and FasL. Studies of human normal renal-derived cell lines (RPTEC 2601 [epithelial] and NHMC 5155 [mesangial]) showed that both constitutively expressed Fas (but not FasL) mRNA. After pretreatment with interferon-gamma, Fas-induced apoptosis was observed in the RPTEC 2601 line, but without interferon-gamma pretreatment, anti-Fas-mediated apoptosis was not seen. Under identical conditions, the NHMC 5155 line was resistant to anti-Fas-mediated apoptosis regardless of interferon-gamma pretreatment. This suggested that AR might be associated with increased apoptosis in the renal tubular epithelial cells mediated by the Fas/FasL system.

Differential expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis and perception of ethylene during ripening of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims)

An increase in the enzyme activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase induces the evolution of ethylene during the ripening of passion fruit. A much higher level of ethylene is produced in arils than in seeds or peels during ripening. The pattern of expression of two ACC synthase genes (PE-ACS1 and PE-ACS2), one ACC oxidase gene (PE-ACO1), and two ethylene receptor genes (PE-ETR1 and PE-ERS1) revealed that the expression of these genes is differentially regulated. Expression of PE-ACS1 and PE-ACO1 was enhanced during ripening and after ethylene treatment. However, prominent expression of PE-ACS1 was delayed compared to that of PE-ACO1. Much larger quantities of PE-ACS1 mRNA and PE-ACO1 mRNA were seen in arils than in seeds; this corresponds well with an increase in the amount of ethylene produced by the plant tissue itself. The level of PE-ACS2 mRNA was detectable in arils of the preclimacteric fruit, although it decreased during ripening. These results suggest that expression of PE-ACS1 and PE-ACO1 is required to increase the activity of ethylene biosynthetic enzymes during ripening. The level of expression of PE-ETR1 and PE-ERS1 did not significantly change over the course of ripening; however, the mRNA levels of PE-ETR1 and PE-ERS1 were much higher in arils than in seeds.

[A case of malignant rheumatoid arthritis complicated by secondary amyloidosis and membranous nephropathy]

A 30-year-old man had been treated for malignant rheumatoid arthritis from 1989 with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, then bucillamine for six months and prednisolone. Mild proteinuria appeared in May 1994, 4 years after bucillamine therapy was conducted. The patient was admitted to our hospital for a renal biopsy in July 1994. The specimen revealed secondary amyloidosis and membranous nephropathy (MGN). These findings suggest that MGN unrelated to bucillamine therapy might have occurred with secondary amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

[Severe mycosis-factors with fungus and host]

The deep-seated mycosis occurred in immunocompromized patients. Normally, the deep-seated mycosis became sever infection because of the defects of host defense or the adverse effects of antifungal agents. The major factors of the reason on the severity of the deep-seated mycosis depends on the pathogenesity and the drug resistance for antifungal agents in infected fungi. The clinical factors related with hosts defenses are important to the other reason on the severity. We investigated that the multiple drug resistant (MDR) mechanism may be one of the major roles plays in the azole resistant Candida albicans strains isolated form the patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis infected HIV. We analyzed which clinical factors are related with the prognosis of the patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis and aspergilloma. The titer of cryptococcal capsular antigen was earlier improve in the patient without underline disease than in the patients with underline diseases diagnosed pulmonary cryptococcosis. CRP was higher in the death cases in the patients with pulmonary aspergilloma, compared with alive cases.

Purification and molecular cloning of a novel calcium-binding protein, p26olf, in the frog olfactory epithelium

Olfactory adaptation requires the change of intracellular calcium concentration during stimuli. To contribute in the study of the molecular mechanism of calcium-dependent regulations in olfactory receptor cells, we isolated a novel 26-kDa Ca2+-binding protein named p26olf from the frog olfactory epithelium after four chromatographical steps. Based on the partial amino acid sequences of the proteolysed fragments of p26olf, we obtained a cDNA clone that encodes p26olf. The analysis of its amino acid sequence revealed that p26olf consists of two S-100-like regions aligned sequentially with a calculated molecular mass of 24,493. Northern blot analysis showed that p26olf is expressed in the frog olfactory epithelium and also in other tissues. Immunoreactivity against p26olf was detected in the cilia layer of the olfactory epithelium. These results suggest that p26olf is a dimeric form of S-100 proteins and is involved in the olfactory transduction or adaptation.

Intrameatal tumours presenting as a hearing disturbance: case reports of meningioma and lymphoma

This paper presents two patients with chronic progressive hearing disturbance. Each patients had an intrameatal tumour, part of which extended to the cerebellopontine (CP) angle. In both cases, the patients were initially diagnosed with an acoustic neurinoma. A 63-year-old male experienced a hearing disturbance in the left ear for 1.5 years prior to visiting our hospital. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a mass which was surgically resected. The tumour originated from the intrameatal dura mater. Histologically, the tumour was a meningioma. Similarly, a 53-year-old male presented with systemic lymphoma diagnosed 10 months earlier, and a hearing disturbance in the right ear that began 3 months prior to visiting our hospital. MR imaging prior to chemotherapy revealed a mass which extended to the CP angle. Part of the tumour in the CP angle disappeared after chemotherapy, suggesting a secondary lymphoma. Another tumour appeared later in Meckel's cave on the left side; however, it decreased in size following repeated chemotherapy. The present results indicate that differential diagnosis of intrameatal tumours and acoustic neurinomas may be difficult due to the small tumour size. Recent progress in neuroradiology may allow distinction of intrameatal tumours as a separate tumour classification. Our second patient is the sixth reported case of a CP angle lymphoma in the literature.