Three year prospective, randomized evaluation of intraocular lens implantation through 3.2 and 5.5 mm incisions

PURPOSE

To compare the long-term clinical results of two small incision cataract surgery procedures.

SETTING

Seven centers in Japan.

METHODS

Two hundred eyes were randomly assigned to receive a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) through a 3.2 mm incision or a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOL through a 5.5 mm incision. Except for incision size and implantation technique, the surgical methods were identical. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, keratometry, flare-cell intensity, specular microscopy, and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy rate were analyzed up to 3 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Eyes in the 3.2 mm incision group had significantly better uncorrected and corrected visual acuity in the early postoperative period and lower aqueous flare intensity immediately after surgery, but these differences disappeared after the first postoperative month. However, surgically induced astigmatism was significantly less in the 3.2 mm incision group than in the 5.5 incision group throughout the study. The Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rate was higher in the silicone IOL group (23.5% at 3 years postoperatively) than in the PMMA IOL group (18.4%) but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Smaller incision cataract surgery led to early recovery of visual function in the short term and less induced astigmatism in the long term.

Modulation of synovial cell function by somatostatin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the role of neurologic, endocrine, and immune system interactions in the development of pathologic responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we studied somatostatin (SOM) production and somatostatin receptor (SOMR) expression in RA synovium and its function in patients with RA.

METHODS

The effects of SOM on proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6 [IL-6] and IL-8) and collagenase production by RA synovial cells were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and their messenger RNA expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using limiting dilutions of the complementary DNA. The expression of SOMR by RA synovial cells was also studied by RT-PCR. Local production of SOM was estimated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Physiologic concentrations (approximately 10(-10)M) of SOM inhibited proliferation of RA synovial cells. The production of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases by RA synovial cells was also modulated by SOM. SOMR subtypes 1 and 2 were expressed on fibroblast-like synovial cells, and the expression of SOMR-2 was up-regulated by proinflammatory cytokine treatment of the synovial cells from patients with RA. RA fibroblast-like cells synthesized SOM by themselves, suggesting that SOM acts as an autocrine regulator of synovial cell function in patients with RA.

CONCLUSION

SOM inhibited aberrant synovial cell function in patients with RA, suggesting possible clinical applications of this neuropeptide.

Branched O-linked oligosaccharides ectopically expressed in transgenic mice reduce primary T-cell immune responses

Core 2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, C2GnT, is a key enzyme in O-linked oligosaccharide (O-glycan) biosynthesis and the resultant core 2 branch serves as a backbone for additional glycosylation to form oligosaccharide ligands such as sialyl Le(x). Since the expression of C2GnT is highly regulated during T-cell development and increases in pathological conditions such as the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, we have generated transgenic mice overexpressing C2GnT in the T-cell lineage. Surprisingly, T lymphocytes in the transgenic mice develop normally, but they exhibit a reduced immune response when assayed by delayed-type hypersensitivity, proliferation upon stimulation and cytokine production. Moreover, T lymphocytes from the transgenic mice adhere much less efficiently to ICAM-1 and fibronectin than do T lymphocytes from non-transgenic mice. These results indicate that overexpression of the core 2 branched O-glycans in T lymphocytes results in reduced immune responses due to impaired cell-cell interaction. Such an impaired immune response may be one of the causes for immunodeficiency in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Influences of The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on glycemic control in diabetic patients

We investigated influences on glycemic control in 177 diabetic patients after The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake which occurred on January 17, 1995. Changes in serum HbA(1c) level were studied according to the worsen rate of dietary and living conditions. A significant temporary increase in the mean value of HbA(1c) level was found after the earthquake (8.34 +/- 2.07% in March, 1995 vs. 7.74 +/- 1.82% in December, 1994, P < 0.01). Ninety nine of them showed more than 0.5% in the rate of increase. Multiple regression analysis was applied to the following factors: inappropriate diet, discontinuation of drug uptake, reduction of exercise, destruction of house, long stay at shelter, sex, age, and pre-earthquake therapy. Among them, inappropriate diet demonstrated the highest partial regression coefficient to raise the mean value of the HbA(1c) level. The increased level of HbA(1c) declined gradually to the pre-earthquake level in September, 1995. This study emphasizes the importance of appropriate diet for diabetic patients during a natural disaster. To fulfil it, medical staff have to educate diabetic patients of their disorders tediously in ordinary time. In addition, it seems quite useful to supply a medical information card and a small medical bag containing essential drugs to each patient.

[Development of scales of relationships between grandchildren in adolescence and grandparents]

The purposes of this study are (1) to make scales of relationships between grandchildren in adolescence and grandparents, and (2) to clarify functions of grandparents perceived by grandchildren and functions of grandchildren perceived by grandparents. Subjects were 517 students in junior high schools, high schools and universities (mean of age: 17 years old), and 107 elderly persons at home (mean of age: 73 years old). As a result, factorial validity and reliability of the scales were confirmed. We found the functions of "daily emotional support", "acceptance of existence", "time perspectives", and "succession of generations" in both the grandchildren scale and the grandparents scale. Additionally we identified the function of "instrumental informational support" in the grandparents scale. The fact that the functions of "time perspectives", and "succession of generations" were found in two groups suggested the facilitation of mutual development between the generations. In addition, the function of "acceptance of existence" suggested possibilities of genuinely supportive relationships.

6'-Sulfo sialyl Lex but not 6-sulfo sialyl Lex expressed on the cell surface supports L-selectin-mediated adhesion

In order to determine if a sulfated oligosaccharide on the cell surface can function as an L-selectin ligand, a novel approach for in vitro transfer of oligosaccharides was utilized (Srivastava, G., Kaun, K. J., Hindsgaul, O., and Palcic, M. M. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 22356-22361). CHO cells were incubated with synthetic 6'-sulfo sialyl Lex, NeuNAcalpha2-->3(sulfate-6)Galbeta1-->4(Fucalpha1-->3) GlcNAc or 6-sulfo sialyl Lex, NeuNAcalpha2-->3Galbeta1-->4[(Fucalpha1-->3)sulfate--> 6GlcNAc] oligosaccharide linked to C-6 of a fucose residue in GDP-fucose and a milk fucosyltransferase. The resultant CHO cells expressing 6'-sulfo sialyl Lex or 6-sulfo sialyl Lex on their cell surface were tested for adhesion to E-selectin and L-selectin chimeric proteins coated on plates. The results indicate that 6'-sulfo sialyl Lex supports L-selectin-mediated adhesion much better than sialyl Lex similarly tagged on the cell surface. In contrast, 6-sulfo sialyl Lex containing a sulfate group on the N-acetylglucosamine residue did not support adhesion with either selectin. These combined results suggest that 6'-sulfo sialyl Lex is a much better ligand than sialyl Lex oligosaccharide for L-selectin.

Protective effect of S-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)glutathione, an intrinsic tripeptide in liver, heart and lens, and its esters on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The administration of acetaminophen (APAP, 500 mg/kg, i.p.) produced liver necrosis and increased aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) activity in serum. The pretreatment of S-(1,2-diethoxycarbonyl)glutathione isopropyl ester (DCE-Et-GS iPr, 0.5 mmol/kg, p.o.) prevented hepatic necrosis and the elevation of serum AST activity by 99.9%. DCE-Et-GS iPr inhibited APAP-induced hepatotoxicity much more strongly than reduced glutathione (GSH), DCE-GS and other esters of DCE-GS. To clarify this protective effect, the hepatic GSH concentration was determined 2h after APAP administration. It was found that the DCE-Et-GS iPr administration significantly inhibited the GSH depletion caused by APAP, suggesting that the protective effect of DCE-Et-GS iPr on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity was due, at least in part, to the retention of hepatic GSH level.

Cellular distribution of transcripts for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in human hepatocellular carcinomas

The cellular distribution of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 was studied by using in situ hybridization in surgically removed human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and cholangiocellular carcinomas (CCCs). The purpose of this study was to characterize the protein involvement of TIMPs in the development of HCCs and CCCs. All HCCs and CCCs expressed TIMPs. The distribution of transcripts for TIMPs in the tumors was mostly homogeneous. Expression of TIMP in cancer cells was more intense than that in the surrounding noncancerous liver (either, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, or normal), and expression of TIMP-1 was stronger than that of TIMP-2. Expression of TIMPs varied among HCC nodules, but there was no obvious association between the expression level of TIMPs and differentiation stages or invasiveness of the HCCs. Transcripts for TIMPs were clearly demonstrated in the metastatic HCC nodules in the lung. Expression of TIMP-1 CCC was strong, and small nodules of CCC were recognized in the liver. Immunohistochemical study for TIMP-1 revealed a consistent staining of the TIMP protein with the transcripts. In the peritumoral histologically normal liver, which was not infected with either hepatitis B or C virus, expression of TIMP-1 was found in various cell types, but that of TIMP-2 was weak. Expression of TIMP-1 in hepatocytes revealed clear zonal distribution. These results suggest that TIMPs may act on modulating the matrix/tumor interaction and may play an important role in growth and invasion of HCCs and CCCs. Expression of TIMP-1 can be a marker of HCC metastasis to the lung, and also that of the extent of CCC invasion. Furthermore, the consistent expression of TIMPs in many cell types of the noncancerous liver suggests some unknown functional role that must be clarified.

Comparison of various methods of assaying the cytotoxic effects of ethanol on human hepatoblastoma cells (HUH-6 line)

The sensitivity of five kinds of cytotoxicity assays using ethanol on human hepatoblastoma cells (HUH-6 line), which were cultured as monolayers or spheroids, was compared. Ethanol was chosen as a test because it acts on cell membranes directly without being metabolized and exerts its cytotoxicity. The assay methods used were as follows: 3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), colony formation, cell growth and DNA assays. The sensitivity of the assays was: LDH < DNA < cell growth < MTT < colony formation. LDH assay had the advantage that the same culture could be used for multiple assays, but when a small number of cells were assayed, no significant increase in the release of LDH was detected in the assay cultures compared with the control cultures. Although the DNA and cell growth assays were more sensitive than the LDH assay, the extent of cell damage may be underestimated because the damaged cells and DNA present in the cultures are included in the assay samples. On the other hand, both MTT and colony formation assays showed a high sensitivity. The MTT assay was done within 24 h after ethanol was added to the cultures and was applicable to both monolayer and spheroid cultures, while the colony formation assay required 1-2 weeks and it was applicable only to monolayer cultures. Taken together, the MTT assay was the most suitable method to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of ethanol on HUH-6 cells cultured as either monolayers or spheroids.

Spheroid cultures of human hepatoblastoma cells (HuH-6 line) and their application for cytotoxicity assay of alcohols

Spheroid cultures of human hepatoblastoma cells (HuH-6 line) were established by rotating 3 x 10(6) cells/3 ml culture medium in 25-ml Erlenmeyer flasks on a gyratory shaker. The size of the spheroids rapidly increased until 4 days of culture, and thereafter their size gradually increased until 8 days of culture. A considerable amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was detected in the culture medium at 24h after seeding because of cell damage by subculturing, but thereafter the amount released was small, indicating that the spheroids were in healthy condition. Albumin production, one of the differentiated functions of hepatocytes, was higher in spheroid cultures than in monolayer cultures. Using this spheroid culture model, the cytotoxic effects of alcohols on HuH-6 cells were studied by measuring the activity of LDH released in the medium from damaged cells. The results indicate that the increasing order of toxicity of the alcohols was as follows: methanol < ethanol < propanol.

Lysosomal enzyme activities in cultured retinal pigment epithelial and glial cells of RCS rat

PURPOSE

To compare the activities of acid phosphatase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and alpha-mannosidase in cultured retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and glial cells of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat with those in Long Evans (LE).

METHODS

The cultured RPE and glial cells of RCS and LE rat were plated into the same 96 well microtitre, and the biochemical method in microsystem were used for enzyme assays.

RESULTS

The activities of acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase are higher by, respectively, 30% and 46% in cultured RPE of RCS rat than LE rat. The activity of alpha-mannosidase has no significant difference. The activities of 3 enzymes in the retinal glial cells derived from RCS rats are higher than LE rat by 13% to 77%.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the high activities of lysosomal enzymes in RCS RPE and glial cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of retinal dystrophy.

Persistence of hepatitis C virus RNA in established human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

The persistence of the viral RNA of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was examined in 13 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and two hepatoblastoma cell lines by reverse transcription followed by the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HCV RNA was detected in three HCC lines (JHH-1, JHH-4, and JHH-6) and negative-strand viral RNA was found in JHH-4, indicating that there is a putative replicative intermediate of HCV in JHH-4 cells. To rule out the possibility of contamination, the partial nucleotide sequences of HCV-specific PCR products of these three cell lines were determined. The clone from JHH-1 belonged to genotype 1 (1a or 1b), and the clones from JHH-4 and JHH-6 belonged to genotype 2b, but their sequences differed from each other. These cell lines may be useful for studies related to HCV.

Establishment and characterization of a human colon cancer cell line, OUMS-23, from a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis

A human colon carcinoma cell line designated OUMS-23 has been established from metastatic pericardial fluid of a male familial adenomatous polyposis patient with colon cancer. Since 1984, the epithelial cells have been maintained in culture. Ultrastructural studies revealed the presence of numerous microvilli on the cell surface and desmosomes between the adjacent cells. The cells secreted carcinoembryonic antigen into the culture medium (15 ng/10(6) cells-1 24 h-1). The cells expressed heat-stable placental-type-like alkaline phosphatase, whereas the normal counterparts expressed tissue-unspecific alkaline phosphatase. Karyotypic analysis showed that the cell line was of human origin and that the chromosome number was broadly distributed between 53 and 118. Southern blot analysis of the APC gene revealed no abnormalities in OUMS-24 cells, while Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the expression of the gene was about one-half that of the normal human fibroblasts. No mutations at the "hot spots" of codons 12 and 61 of H-, K- and N-ras proto-oncogenes were detected in the cells. The cells could grow in soft agar at a cloning efficiency of 6.5%, and upon transplantation into nude mice the cells formed tumors, which were diagnosed as differentiated adenocarcinoma.

Changes in levels of glutathione and related compounds and activities of glutathione-related enzymes during rat liver regeneration

The levels of glutathione and glutathione disulfide increased during the regeneration process of rat liver, reaching a maximum (about twice the control value) on day 2 and reverting to the normal level within 5 days. During this regeneration process, changes in the hepatic level of cysteine, glycine and glutamate, the substrates for glutathione synthesis, were determined. The cysteine level in liver increased, reaching a maximum on day 2 and returned to the normal level after 5 days. The levels of glycine and glutamate did not change. The enzyme activities of cystathionine-beta synthase and gamma-cystathionase for cysteine synthesis, and of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, which is a limiting enzyme for glutathione synthesis, were clearly increased in regenerating liver. The increase of glutathione level could be clearly accounted for by the elevation of these enzyme activities.

Astigmatic and refractive stabilization after cataract surgery

We assessed the timing of astigmatic and refractive stabilization following six cataract surgery procedures with intraocular lens implantation in 229 eyes divided into six groups in the following incision sizes and methods of wound closure: 11-mm incision with running suture closure (26 eyes) 6.5-mm incision with running suture closure (29 eyes) 6.5-mm incision with single horizontal suture closure (25 eyes) 6.5-mm incision without suture closure (46 eyes) 5.5-mm incision without suture closure (51 eyes) 3.2-mm incision without suture closure (52 eyes) Analyzed up to 6 months postoperatively were: the mean and standard deviation of axis-based keratometric cylinders the absolute value of the induced-cylinder vector the spherical equivalent of the refractive power. In the 11- and 6.5-mm incision running suture groups, these parameters did not stabilize during the study period. In the 6.5-mm incision horizontal suture and sutureless groups, the values stabilized at 3 months postoperatively; in the 5.5-mm incision group, at 1 month; and in the 3.2-mm incision group, at 2 weeks. These results indicate that the appropriate point at which to prescribe postoperative correction spectacles differs significantly depending on the procedure, and that smaller incisions with wound-closure methods that do not exert vertical force are associated with fewer postoperative refractive changes.

[Desensitization immunotherapy on patients with mite-positive bronchial asthma using purified mite feces antigen fractions]

At present, we are performing desensitization immunotherapy on patients with mite-positive bronchial asthma using purified mite feces antigen fractions. We obtained the following results in 13 patients 4 to 12 months after the start of treatment. 1) The fraction showing the maximum reaction in the skin test was HM1-2 (molecular weight: 150-155 kD) in two patients, HM2 (30-40 kD) in nine patients and HM3 (10-20 kD) in two patients, and immunotherapy was performed using these fractions. None of the patients showed the maximum skin reactions or was treated with HM4 (less than 10 kD). 2) In nine patients with perennial asthma, the effects of treatment were excellent in four and moderate in three, while two cases remained unchanged. In four patients with seasonal asthma, the treatment was effective in all cases. 3) In patients in whom immunotherapy was effective, specific IgG antibody increased after the treatment, but it did not increase in the unchanged cases. Among the subclasses of specific IgG antibody increased by the treatment, no clear changes were seen in IgG4 antibody and no conclusion has been reached at present. 4) None of the patients had definite adverse reactions such as the occurrence of asthma attacks or anaphylaxis. These results suggested that purified mite feces antigens are safe and effective. We plan to continue this study with more patients in the future.

Effect of stopping fluoride administration on the distribution profiles of fluoride in three different kinds of rat bones

The aim of this work was to explore the reduction of fluoride concentrations in the skeleton after stopping experimental fluoride administration. Fluoride was administered to the rats at varying doses (0, 50, 100 ppm in drinking water) and for different lengths of time (4, 13, 25 weeks). A series of fluoride concentrations across the full thickness of humerus, parietal bone, and vertebra arch in rats were measured by means of an abrasive micro-sampling technique. The distribution profiles of fluoride from periosteal to endosteal surfaces, which were apparently related to the histological structure of these bones, were U shaped in the humerus, V shaped in the parietal bone, and W shaped in the vertebra arch. The average fluoride concentrations in the bones increased significantly with each increasing dose and length of fluoride administration. The relative increments were similar between the different regions or the different bones. After stopping fluoride administration, on the other hand, the relative reduction of the average fluoride concentrations in the bones were 30-100%. They were greatly related to the length after stopping fluoride administration and the dose and length of fluoride administration, but also dependent upon the type of bone and the region examined.

Expression of distinct fucosylated oligosaccharides and carbohydrate-mediated adhesion efficiency directed by two different alpha-1,3-fucosyltransferases. Comparison of E- and L-selectin-mediated adhesion

Among five different human alpha 1 --> 3 fucosyltransferases cloned, fucosyltransferases III (Fuc-TIII) and IV (Fuc-TIV) differ significantly from each other. Fuc-TIII transfers a fucose to both sialylated and nonsialylated N-acetyllactosamine, but Fuc-TIV apparently transfers a fucose only to neutral N-acetyllactosamine. In this study, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with Fuc-TIII or Fuc-TIV, and the resultant cell lines, CHO-FTIII and CHO-FTIV, were compared for the carbohydrate structures and for their binding to E-selectin or L-selectin. CHO-FTIII and CHO-FTIV cells were labeled metabolically with [3H]galactose, and glycopeptides obtained from these cells were fractionated by serial lectin affinity chromatography. The fractionated glycopeptides were then subjected to various combinations of exoglycosidase treatment or endo-beta-galactosidase digestion. The results obtained can be summarized as follows. CHO-FTIII cells express sialyl Lewisx, Lewisx, and VIM-2 structures, whereas CHO-FTIV cells express only an Lex structure with a small amount of VIM-2 structure. When CHO-FTIII and CHO-FTIV cells were tested for adhesion to E-selectin expressed by tumor necrosis factor-activated endothelial cells and to an E-selectin chimeric protein, only CHO-FTIII cells were found to adhere well to E-selectin. Moreover, both CHO-FTIII and CHO-FTIV cells failed to adhere to an L-selectin chimeric protein. These results clearly indicate that FT-III and FT-IV direct distinctly different fucosylated oligosaccharides. This difference in oligosaccharide structures results in an entirely different efficiency in adhesion to E-selectin. The results also demonstrate that expression of sialyl Lex itself is not sufficient for L-selectin binding.

Differences in protein structure and similarities in catalytic function of two L-stereoselective carbonyl reductases from bakers' yeast

We purified and studied two L-stereoselective carbonyl reductases from bakers' yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). One catalyzed exclusively the enantioselective reduction of carbonyl compounds such as beta-keto esters and the other acted on alpha-acetoxy ketones and beta-keto esters. The enzymes had identical molecular weights and catalyzed the L-stereoselective reduction of various carbonyl compounds with similar substrate specificity, but they were different proteins coded by different genes.

[Refractive changes following cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation]

Refractive changes after six cataract surgery procedures with intraocular lens implantation were assessed; namely, (1) 11 mm incision with running suture closure (n = 25 eyes), (2) 6.5 mm incision with running suture closure (n = 23). (3) 6.5 mm incision with horizontal suture closure (n = 21), (4) 6.5 mm incision without suture closure (n = 40), (5) 5.5 mm incision without suture closure (n = 46), and (6) 3.2 mm incision without suture closure (n = 46). The axis-based keratometric cylinder, absolute value of the induced cylinder vector, and spherical equivalent of the refractive power were analyzed up to 6 months after surgery. Refractive changes did not reach a stable state at 3 months postoperatively for the 11 mm and 6.5 mm running suture closure groups, but they stabilized at 3 months postoperatively for the 6.5 mm horizontal suture and sutureless closure groups, at 1 month postoperatively for the 5.5 mm sutureless closure group, and at 2 weeks postoperatively for the 3.2 mm sutureless closure group. It is concluded that the timing of refractive stabilization differs significantly among procedures, and smaller incisions with wound closure methods which do not exert a vertical force cause fewer postoperative refractive changes.

Fluoride profiles in different surfaces of human permanent molar enamels from a naturally fluoridated and a non-fluoridated area

The surfaces, sites and depths of fluoride profiles of enamel from a naturally fluoridated area (West Hartlepool, WHP, 1.9 parts/10(6) F in drinking water) and a non-fluoridated area (Leeds, LDS, < 0.1 parts/10(6) F in drinking water) were examined in detail. Using a regression curve, y = ax-b, comparisons of fluoride concentrations were made at depths of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 microns at occlusal, middle and cervical sites of buccal, lingual, mesial and distal molar enamel surfaces. In the outermost enamels (< 10 mu in depth), fluoride concentrations tended to be lower in the occlusal sites than in the cervical sites. In interior enamels (> 20 microns in depth), the fluoride concentrations of molars from WHP were statistically higher than those from LDS, while few significant differences were found in the outermost layers. In the mesio- and disto-occlusal sites of approximal surfaces, there were some significant differences in the exponential regression coefficients of fluoride profiles between the two groups of molars.

Amino acids and peptides. XXXVII. Synthesis of stereoisomeric nonapeptides corresponding to sequence 41-49 of eglin c and examination of their inhibitory activity against human leukocyte cathepsin G and alpha-chymotrypsin

A nonapeptide, H-Ser-Pro-Val-Thr-Leu-Asp-Leu-Arg-Tyr-OH, corresponding to sequence 41-49 of eglin c inhibited leukocyte cathepsin G and alpha-chymotrypsin with Ki values of 2.2 x 10(-5) and 7.2 x 10(-6) M, respectively, although eglin c itself inhibited leukocyte elastase, cathepsin G and alpha-chymotrypsin with Ki values of 6.0 x 10(-9), 5.5 x 10(-9) and 2.5 x 10(-9) M, respectively. The inhibitory activity of the nonapeptide decreased following incubation with cathepsin G due to the cleavage of the Leu45-Asp46 peptide bond. Therefore, Leu45 and/or Asp46 were replaced with D-amino acids and the inhibitory activities of the resultant nonapeptides were examined. Their inhibitory activities against cathepsin G and alpha-chymotrypsin were much weaker than those of the all-L-type nonapeptide, suggesting that the amino acids at the active site, Leu45 and Asp46 are required to be in the L-configuration for potent activity.

A low-molecular-size LM2 allergen in mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, extracts containing feces which elicits conjunctival reactions in patients with bronchial asthma

A low-molecular-size antigen, LM2, which possesses a significant activity to elicit histamine release, was isolated from an ultrafilterable (Mr-cutoff < 10k) fraction of a mite extract containing feces by consecutive chromatography on Ultrogel AcA 54 and Sephadex G-25. The isolated antigen was still heterogeneous glycoproteins, giving a smeary band around pI 3-5 on an Ampholine PAG plate, with molecular weights of 6-8k and 4k on SDS-PAGE and Sephadex G-50 gel filtration, respectively. Chemical treatments of the antigen suggested that the epitope responsible for the elicitation of histamine release resided in the protein moiety. The antigen had activities to provoke conjunctival congestion and histamine release in mite-allergic patients, but not immunogenicity by itself. The antigen competitively inhibited the reactions of HM1, HM2, and HM3 fractions to corresponding antisera, but did not cross-react with anti-Der f I or anti-Der f II sera.