[Clinical evaluation of gamma-seminoprotein as a serum marker of prostate carcinoma]

The serum levels of gamma-Seminoprotein (gamma-Sm) were determined by enzyme immunoassay in 77 patients with prostatic cancer (30 untreated and 47 treated), 44 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy and 12 patients with prostatitis. Serum levels of gamma-Sm in each disease were as follows; untreated prostatic cancer 23.2 +/- 18.3 ng/ml (positive rate 93%), treated prostatic cancer 4.7 +/- 8.3 (positive rate 25.5%), benign prostatic hypertrophy 3.6 +/- 3.3 (positive rate 23.7%), prostatitis 2.0 +/- 2.0 (positive rate 7.7%). Serum gamma-Sm levels in prostatic cancer were higher in advanced stage but relatively low in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. We consider that the level of serum gamma-Sm is a useful tumor marker as well as prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in diagnosis and follow-up of the patients with prostatic cancer.

[Primary carcinoma of the male urethra: report of two cases]

Two cases of primary carcinoma of male urethra are reported. Case 1: A 31-year-old male, who complained of urethral bleeding, was admitted to our clinic in April, 1982. A rice size papillary tumor was found at the fossa navicularis in the glans, and resected by electric knife. Histologically, the tumor was well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Case 2: A 37-year-old man, who complained of urethral bleeding, was admitted to our clinic in July, 1985. A tumor was found at the fossa navicularis in the glans and resected. Histologically, the tumor was well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma confined to mucosa. These two cases have not shown any signs of recurrence. Including these cases, 135 cases of primary carcinoma of urethra in the literature in Japan are reviewed.

[Early esophageal cancer discovered 6 months after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices]

Early esophageal cancer was discovered in a 55-year-old male with liver cirrhosis six months after the start of treatment for esophageal varices by a series of endoscopic sclerotherapeutic injections using 5% ethanolamine oleate. A histological examination of the entire length of the resected esophageal wall revealed a carcinomatous lesion oralwards and far removed from the lesion where subsequent changes due to sclerotherapy were prominent. Further, the causal relationship between sclerotherapy and carcinoma is discussed.

Absence of teratogenic effects of progesterone on the developing genital tract of the human female fetus

It has been questioned whether prenatal exposure to progesterone, like exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), results in teratogenic abnormalities of the upper and lower genital tract in human females. Through the use of a recently described model in which human fetal reproductive tracts can be transplanted and grown in vivo for extended periods in athymic nude mice, genital tracts from human female fetuses, ages 7 to 18 weeks postovulation, were grafted into castrated murine hosts and grown for 4 to 10 weeks in the presence or absence of continuous exposure to progesterone. Substantial growth was observed. For all specimens, the morphogenetic process proceeded normally, resulting in the harmonious organization of a complete, well differentiated genital tract composed of fallopian tubes, uterine corpus, and cervix and vagina. The fallopian tubes were highly convoluted and disclosed fimbria. The uterine corpus was lined by a simple columnar epithelium; two layers of stroma in the wall were distinctly separated from each other. In the older specimens, the outer layer of stroma had assumed microscopic properties diagnostic of smooth muscle (myometrium). In the majority of specimens the region of the cervix/vagina disclosed the development of a fornix-like evagination at which point or slightly cranially there was a gradual but defined transition from columnar epithelium to squamous epithelium. The inner layer of endometrial stroma tapered and disappeared at or close to the squamocolumnar junction. The vaginal stroma was a single homogeneous layer and was continuous with the myometrium of the uterine corpus. In the context of this model system, prenatal exposure of the developing human female genital tract of progesterone was not associated with any obvious teratogenic effects.

A male subject with 3 Y chromosomes (48, XYYY): a case report

We describe a male subject with 3 Y chromosomes who presented with complaints of lack of sexual desire and failure to achieve rigid erection. The patient was tall and had markedly incurved little fingers on both hands as well as small testes. Karyotype was 48, XYYY. The patient's parents had normal karyotypes. Endocrinological profile suggested a primary functional disturbance of the gonads. Testicular biopsy demonstrated atrophic seminiferous tubules without spermatogenesis. To our knowledge this case represents the third instance of a man with an 48, XYYY karyotype without mosaicism.

[Clomiphene citrate therapy in idiopathic male infertility]

Clomiphene citrate therapy was performed on 30 patients with idiopathic male infertility, who were intractable to non-hormonal therapy. Clomiphene citrate was administered orally at a dose of 25 mg per day for 25 days with 5 days of rest following Paulson' protocol, and we favorable results were obtained: Both sperm count and sperm motility improved in 11 cases (36.7%). Odera's score count decreased in 14 cases (46.7%), which were judged as effective. The wives of 4 patients treated by this therapy became pregnant. After this therapy, the serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were 1.90, 1.81, 1.89 and 1.22 times higher, respectively. These findings indicate that clomiphene citrate therapy is an effective for idiopathic male infertility, but we need to consider that the sudden and marked elevation of serum testosterone level by this therapy might affect male accessory sex organs such as the prostatic gland which shows androgen dependency later in life.

[A case of testicular feminization]

A 21-year-old female visited the gynecological clinic because of primary amenorrhea. The patient was a phenotypic female with scanty pubic hair, short and blind-ending vagina and bilateral inguinal soft masses. The patients was referred to our clinic. The serum luteinizing hormone level was 27.1 mIU/ml, follicle stimulating hormone level was 8.8 mIU/ml, and testosterone level was 11 ng/ml. Chromosomal analysis of peripheral lymphocytes revealed the karyotype 46, XY. The pathological specimens of bilateral inguinal masses showed atrophic testis without spermatogenesis and with Sertoli's cell nodular hyperplasia. The diagnosis of testicular feminization was established.

Temporal and spatial factors in diethylstilbestrol-induced squamous metaplasia of the developing human prostate

The effects of exogenous estrogen on the developing human prostate were examined in human fetal prostatic rudiments grown for 1 month as subcapsular renal grafts in athymic male nude mice treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES). Prostatic rudiments grown in untreated (control) hosts exhibited normal ductal morphogenesis, growth, and secretory cytodifferentiation. Squamous metaplasia was observed rarely in controls (2 of 22). Conversely, squamous metaplasia was observed in the prostatic utricle and urethra of all 17 specimens grown in DES-treated hosts. Proximal and distal prostatic ducts exhibited DES-induced squamous metaplasia in 13 and 12 of the specimens, respectively. When present, metaplastic changes were mild in the distal ducts. The distribution and intensity of metaplasia were related to the age of the specimen during the period of DES exposure. In specimens grown in DES-treated hosts to a gestational age equivalent of 16.5 weeks or less, squamous metaplasia was only seen in the prostatic utricle and urethra; however, in specimens grown to a gestational age equivalency of 17 weeks or more, squamous metaplasia was observed in the prostatic ducts as well. The nonuniform distribution of estrogen-induced squamous metaplasia within the developing prostatic ductal system emphasizes a regional and age-dependent susceptibility to exogenous estrogens in proximal ductal areas (near the urethra) as compared with distal ductal regions of the developing human prostate.

[Clinical evaluation of pyeloplasty of ureteropelvic junction obstruction]

Twenty-five of 34 patients who underwent pyeloplasty operation for ureteropelvic junction obstruction were able to be followed up for three months or more after operation. Postoperative results were compared in twenty-six kidneys of these patients according to clinical conditions such as age, duration of indwelling nephrostomy tube and splint catheter, operative method (one-stage or two-stage operation), preoperative urinary tract infections, preoperative grade of hydronephrosis and the postoperative period evaluated. Postoperative results evaluated at three months after operation, revealed no case with excellent improvement. At 36 months after operation excellent improvement rate was 46.7% and there was a significant difference in excellent improvement rate between these times. At 3, 6, 12 and 36 months after operation, improvement rate was 35.7, 55.0, 52.9 and 86.7%, respectively. At 3 and 6 months or more, deterioration rate was 29 and 0%, respectively. It is concluded that evaluation of pyeloplasty should be done at least 6 months after operation and even if renal function is stable at this period, more improvement in renal function can be expected at one year or more after operation.

Fundic patch operation in the treatment of esophageal stricture with Barrett's esophagus--a case report

A 66-year-old woman, who had a stricture of the distal esophagus with Barrett's epithelium caused by gastroesophageal reflux, was operated upon by means of the fundic patch method. Preoperative manometric and pH studies revealed that the patient had a cardiac incompetence and a delayed acid clearance of the esophagus. Endoscopic biopsies between 33-35 cm from the incisors, above the gastroesophageal junction, showed columnar metaplasia with a villiform surface, mucous glands, intestinal goblet cells, moderate inflammatory changes and focal mild dysplasia. After the operation, relief of the dysphagia and reflux symptoms were obtained successfully, and an endoscopy done 7 months later demonstrated that the esophageal lumen was adequate enough for passage, and that there was improvement of the esophagitis, though persistent Barrett's esophagus without malignancy still existed. These results indicate that the fundic patch operation with the formation of a mucosal valve and 270 degrees fundoplication is a useful method of choice for benign strictures of the lower esophagus.

Studies on algal cytochromes VI: some properties and amino acid sequence of cytochrome c6 from a green alga, Bryopsis maxima

A photosynthetic c-type cytochrome, cytochrome c6, was extracted from a green alga, Bryopsis maxima, by cutting and immersing the frozen thalli in phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, and purified by acrinol treatment, ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and Bio-Gel P-10 gel filtration. The ferrcytochrome c6 has absorption maxima at 553.5 (alpha), 523 (beta), 417 (gamma), 318 (delta), and 275 nm, and the ferricytochrome at 695, 528, and 411 (gamma). The molecular weight was estimated to be about 10,000 from Sephadex G-75 gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The midpoint redox potential for the cytochrome was determined by equilibrium titration with a ferro- and ferricyanide system to be 0.385 volt at pH 7.0. Isoelectric points for ferro- and ferricytochromes were determined by density gradient isoelectric focusing electrophoresis to be at pH 3.91 and 4.02, respectively. The complete amino acid sequence of the cytochrome was determined by Edman degradation and by carboxypeptidase digestions of the Cm-cytochrome, 6 staphylococcal protease peptides and 5 lysyl endopeptidase peptides. The cytochrome contained 88 amino acid residues, giving a molecular weight of 9,904 including 1 mol of heme c. The sequence is as follows: GGDLEIGADVFTGNCAACHAGGANSVEPLKTLNKEDVTKYLDGGLSIEAITSQVRNGKGAMPAWSDRLD DEEIDGVVAYVFKNINEGW. A phylogenetic tree of 13 algal cytochromes c6 was constructed by comparing the amino acid differences.

[Prostatic development, cytodifferentiation and growth: epithelial-mesenchymal interaction and heterogeneity of prostatic cellular activity]

Prostatic growth and hormonal effects on the prostate play a basic role in the pathogenesis of abnormal proliferative diseases (i.e. benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma). During the embryonic period, the prostate is organized through the budding and branching of the epithelial cords into the urogenital sinus mesenchyme. The urogenital sinus mesenchyme has an inductive potential for the prostatic epithelial development and cytodifferentiation under the influence of androgen and an epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. In this interaction, mesenchymal cells are considered as a mediator of hormonal action on epithelial cells. Postnatal prostatic growth is obtained further ductal branching morphogenesis and regulated by the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, androgen, and epithelial/mesenchymal ratio. Castration-induced degeneration, and androgen-induced regeneration of the glandular architecture of the mouse prostate were investigated by microdissection techniques that permitted precise quantitation of the numbers of the terminal ductal tips and ductal branch-points. During the first 15 days after birth, active branching morphogenesis occurred as a result of focally high levels of DNA synthesis confined almost exclusively to the distal tips of the branching ducts. Following castration about 35% of the ductal tips and branch-points were lost in distal regions (usually near the capsule). By contrast, in more proximal regions of the prostate the ducts survived in an atrophic condition. The lost distal ductal morphology completely regenerated following administration of testosterone propionate (TP) to the castrated males. Whole-mount autoradiography demonstrated that labelling intensity reached a maximum on the third day of TP treatment in distal ductal areas. Recognition of the mesenchymal-epithelial interaction and heterogeneities in the morphogenesis, androgen dependency, and DNA synthetic activity within the prostatic architecture is fundamental to understanding the mechanism of androgenic regulation of normal or abnormal prostatic growth and development.

[Chromosomal investigation in infertile cases of azoospermia]

Chromosomal examination in 85 patients with azoospermia revealed 62 patients (73%) with the karyotype 46, XY and 23 patients (27%) with other abnormal karyotypes. In this population, there were 17 patients with 47, XXY. Other anomalies were: 46, XYp+, 46, XXp+, 46, XYp-, 45, X, t (Ynf; 21), 45, XY, t (13q 15q), and 46, XY, r (18). Serum LH and FSH levels were high and testosterone level was low in the patients with 47, XXY compared with the other 6 patients (p less than 0.01). Also the mean value of testicular volume was low in the patients with 47, XXY (p less than 0.05).

[A case of Werner's syndrome associated with bladder cancer]

A 41-year-old woman was diagnosed as having Werner's syndrome associated with bladder cancer. The patient noticed sudden, total gross hematuria in September, 1985. Cystoscopy revealed a papillary tumor with a stalk that was accompanied by a daughter tumor and concealed the left ureteral orifice. The tumors were 25 X 20 X 10 mm and 15 X 10 X 5 mm. Double contrast cystograms, computed tomography and transurethral echo showed no invasion of muscle layer. Intravesical instillation of mitomycin (10 mg), cylocide (300 mg) and adriacin (30 mg) was carried out 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Tumor size was reduced, and then TUR was performed. High power section of the removed bladder tumor showed pathologically PNT, TCC, grade II, INF alpha, pTla, lyo and v(-). The patient had such clinical manifestations as short stature with low body weight, thin limbs and stocky trunk, senile face, early graying hair, highpitched voice, bilateral cataracts, osteoporosis, sclerodermia-like signs, flat feet, tendency toward diabetes mellitus and parental consanguinity. Hyaluronic acid was not detected in the urine. To the best of our knowledge, this seems to be the 30th report describing the association of malignancy with Werner's syndrome in Japan; besides, only one other case of bladder cancer in Werner's syndrome has been reported to date in the world.

Complete amino acid sequence of plastocyanin from a green alga, Enteromorpha prolifera

The complete amino acid sequence of the plastocyanin from the green alga Enteromorpha prolifera has been determined by Edman degradation of the intact molecule and fragments produced by enzymatic cleavage of the polypeptide chain with chymotrypsin, Staphylococcus aureus protease, proline-specific endopeptidase, Lys-C endopeptidase and trypsin. The molecule consists of 98 amino acid residues with a calculated relative molecular mass of 10103. The amino acid sequence of E. prolifera plastocyanin shows a high degree of homology with those plastocyanins from other algae and higher plants. In particular, the four residues which are copper ligands in other plastocyanins and in the bacterial electron transport protein azurin (two histidines, one cysteine and one methionine) are conserved. Five out of the six acidic amino acid side-chains which create an 'acidic patch' on the surface of plastocyanin from Populus nigra var. italica [Colman, P. M. et al. (1978) Nature (Lond.) 272, 319-324] are conserved in the amino acid sequence of E. prolifera plastocyanin.

Whole-mount autoradiography study of DNA synthetic activity during postnatal development and androgen-induced regeneration in the mouse prostate

Ventral and dorsolateral prostatic lobes (VP and DLP), obtained from mice at different ages and at different intervals after castration or treatment of castrated males with testosterone propionate (TP), were microdissected into two-dimensional arrays and incubated in vitro with 14C-thymidine. Labeled whole-mount specimens were fixed and dried onto glass slides, dipped into photographic emulsion, and processed autoradiographically. The morphological pattern of DNA synthetic activity was similar in the VP and DLP. During early postnatal periods (10-15 days after birth), DNA synthetic activity was highest at the distal ductal tips (near the capsule) and considerably lower in proximal ducts (near the urethra). At 30 days of age, DNA synthesis was almost totally confined to the distal ducts, with exceedingly low labeling in the proximal ductal areas. In the prostate of the intact or castrated adult, DNA synthesis was nearly absent throughout the gland, but silver grains were still observed on the ductal tips. During androgen-induced prostatic regeneration, DNA synthesis was detectable only in distal ducts 24 h after TP was administered. Labeling intensity reached a maximum on the third day of TP treatment in both distal and proximal ductal areas, thereafter, it subsided to focal labeling confined mostly to distal ducts. These results demonstrate that levels of DNA synthetic activity vary considerably within the prostate on a regional basis. Explanation of this heterogeneity in DNA synthetic activity within the prostate gland is fundamental to understanding the mechanism of androgenic regulation of prostatic growth and development.

Stromal-epithelial interactions and heterogeneity of proliferative activity within the prostate

Growth and functional activity within the prostate gland is known to be regulated by androgens whose effects are thought to be mediated via androgen receptors. This concept has been derived in large part through analysis of whole organ homogenates, an approach which ignores potential heterogeneity of biological activity within the gland and the importance of cell-cell interactions. In this review recent findings are summarized which demonstrate that growth of the prostatic ductal network during prepubertal periods, as well as during prostatic regeneration in androgen-treated adult castrates, is nonuniform, with ductal growth being highest at the ductal tips and much lower in proximal ducts closer to the urethra. Androgen dependency for maintenance of ductal architecture following castration follows a similar pattern in that castration results in total destruction of distal ductal architecture, while proximal ducts are maintained albeit in an atrophic state. Thus, striking differences in biological properties are found in distal versus proximal prostatic ducts. Morphogenesis, growth, and secretory cytodifferentiation within the developing prostate is elicited by androgens which act via mesenchymal-epithelial interactions. Through analysis of chimeric prostates constructed with androgen-receptor-positive wild-type mesenchyme and androgen-receptor-negative Tfm (testicular feminization) bladder epithelium, it is now evident that androgenic effects can be elicited in androgen-receptor-deficient (androgen-insensitive) Tfm prostatic epithelium, provided that the connective tissue component of the chimeric prostate is wild type. This observation has been made for both the developing and adult prostate. From this data it is evident that certain androgenic effects (ductal morphogenesis, epithelial growth, and secretory cytodifferentiation) do not require the presence of intraepithelial androgen receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Morphological and histological study of castration-induced degeneration and androgen-induced regeneration in the mouse prostate

Degenerative and regenerative changes in the ductal architecture of the ventral and dorsolateral prostates (VP and DLP) of the adult mouse were investigated in microdissected specimens over a time-course of 14 days following castration and subsequently during 14 days of administration of testosterone propionate. After castration, about 35% of the ductal tips and branch-points were lost in distal regions (usually near the capsule) in both prostatic lobes. By contrast, in more proximal regions of the prostate (closer to the urethra), the ducts survived in an atrophic condition. The ductal morphology that had been lost in the distal regions completely regenerated after testosterone propionate was administered to the castrated males. In the VP, androgen replacement simply returned the gland to its former size with moderate ductal distension; in the DLP, excessive epithelial infoldings and ductal distension were elicited in the distal regions of the ducts after 14 days of treatment with testosterone propionate. These results suggest that androgenic responsiveness and dependency are different in distal versus proximal ducts. Distal ducts are exquisitely androgen-dependent and androgen-sensitive; in proximal regions, androgen-dependency is not as strict.

Morphogenesis of ductal networks in the mouse prostate

Postnatal growth and development of the glandular architecture of the ventral and dorsolateral lobes of the mouse prostate (VP and DLP) were investigated by microdissection techniques that permitted precise quantification of the numbers of primary ducts emerging from the urethra, the terminal ductal tips, and ductal branch-points. At birth both the right and left lobe of the VP consisted of 1-3 main ducts that had already undergone secondary and tertiary branching. In contrast, at birth the more complex DLP had 9-12 unbranched main ducts per lobe on both the right and left sides. During the first 15 days after birth, 80.7% of tips and 76.4% of branch-points of the adult gland formed in the VP, and 70.4% of tips and 53.6% of the branch-points formed in the DLP. Ductal branching was completed by 60 to 90 days. The DLP developed in three stages: first, formation of unbranched main ducts (first 10 days); second, distal branching of each main duct resulting in 3-5 terminal branches per main duct (10-15 days after birth); third, elaboration of intraductal mucosal infolding in distal ducts after 30 days of age. Ducts of the lateral prostate (LP), a ventrolateral subdivision of the DLP, initiated branching morphogenesis between 1 to 5 days after birth. The LP grew into and became embedded within the capsule of the VP, which may explain why the ductal architecture of these two lobes are similar. These heretofore unrecognized differences in the organogenesis and morphology of the mouse VP and DLP and the striking morphological heterogeneity both between and within the lobes of the mouse prostate may be morphological manifestations of functional heterogeneities within the prostate.

The induction of new ductal growth in adult prostatic epithelium in response to an embryonic prostatic inductor

Tissue recombinants were prepared with a single epithelial ductal tip from adult prostate and mesenchyme from either the embryonic urogenital sinus or adult urinary bladder. Recombinants were grown in vivo beneath the renal capsule of male hosts. After 4 weeks of in vivo growth, extensive growth of arborizing ducts was apparent in recombinants composed of urogenital sinus mesenchyme and a single adult prostatic ductal tip. One-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that these recombinants contained many of the proteins of the mature prostate. Heterospecific recombinants (rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme and mouse prostatic epithelium) showed the ductal tissue to be derived solely from the prostatic epithelium. In recombinants of a prostatic ductal tip with mesenchyme from the urinary bladder, ductal growth was absent, the ductal tip was maintained as a single, discrete, epithelial structure, and the protein composition of these recombinants more closely resembled that of the bladder. The results demonstrate that the epithelial cells of the adult prostate can participate in new ductal growth in response to an embryonic prostatic inductor. These data provide experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that human benign prostatic hyperplasia may result from the anomalous reactivation of embryonic growth potential in the adult prostate.

Androgenic induction of DNA synthesis in prostatic glands induced in the urothelium of testicular feminized (Tfm/Y) mice

It has been shown previously that wild-type urogenital sinus mesenchyme can induce the formation of prostate-like glandular structures in urinary bladder epithelium derived from adult Tfm (testicular feminization) mice. Total DNA synthesis within these tissue recombinants has been shown biochemically to be androgen sensitive. To determine which tissue (epithelium or stroma) accounts for this androgen-dependent DNA synthesis, an autoradiographic study was performed with tissue recombinants composed of rat wild-type urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) associated with bladder epithelium from either wild-type (BLE) or Tfm mice (Tfm BLE). Both types of recombinants were grown under the kidney capsule of male athymic nude mice for 4 weeks. The hosts were then castrated, and 2 weeks later were treated with either testosterone propionate (TP), TP plus cyproterone acetate (CA), or oil vehicle for 3 days. DNA synthetic activity was measured through analysis of labelling index (LI) after incorporation of 3[H]-thymidine in vivo. For both UGM + BLE and UGM + Tfm BLE recombinants thymidine incorporation in epithelial cells greatly exceeded that of the stromal cells. TP stimulated epithelial LI to a similar degree (about 50- to 200-fold greater than controls) in both UGM + BLE and UGM + Tfm BLE recombinants; CA antagonized the effect of TP. Nuclear 3H-DHT binding was observed autoradiographically within the epithelial cells of the induced epithelium of UGM + wild-type BLE recombinants, but not within epithelium of UGM + Tfm BLE recombinants. Wild-type mesenchymal cells in both tissue recombinants showed specific nuclear 3H-DHT uptake. Thus, the proliferative effect of androgens upon prostatic epithelium is not a direct effect mediated by intra-epithelial androgen receptors, but rather it appears to be elicited indirectly via regulatory influences from androgen-receptor-positive stromal cells.

Studies on algal cytochromes. V. Purification and characterization of cytochrome c-552 from a red alga, Polysiphonia urceolata

Cytochrome c-552 was extracted from a red alga, Polysiphonia urceolata, by immersion of the frozen trichomes in deionized water. Purification was carried out by acrinol treatment, ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-Sephacel chromatography, hydroxyapatite column chromatography, and Bio-Gel P-10 gel filtration. The ferrocytochrome c-552 has absorption maxima at 551.5(alpha), 522.5(beta), 416.3(gamma), 318(delta), 292, and 270 nm; those of the ferricytochrome are at 525, 408.5(gamma), and 358 nm. The pyridine ferrohemochrome showed absorption maxima at 550(alpha), 520(beta), and 414 nm(gamma). The alpha-band of the ferrocytochrome is symmetric without any shoulder at room temperature, and does not split even at liquid nitrogen temperature. The ferricytochrome showed a weak absorption shoulder at 695 nm, suggesting a methionine sulfur to be the sixth ligand of heme c iron. The cytochrome is oxidized by ferricyanide and reduced by ferrocyanide, cysteine, ascorbate, and hydrosulfite. Autoxidation was not observed. The midpoint potential (Em) of the cytochrome was determined by equilibration with the ferro- and ferricyanide system to be 0.333 volt at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. The isoelectric points of the ferro- and ferricytochromes were determined to be at pH 3.85 and 4.02, respectively, by the isoelectric focusing method. The molecular weight was estimated to be about 12,000 from the results of gel filtration and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

[A clinical survey on 24 cases of primary ureteral tumors]

A clinical survey was performed on 24 cases of primary ureteral tumors treated in our University Hospital between Jan. 1972 and Dec. 1981. The incidence of primary ureteral tumors was 0.17% among the outpatients in our urologic clinic. The patients ranged from 41 to 84 years old in age (average age: 65 years), and the male to female ratio was 3 to 1. The left ureter and the lower third of the ureter were involved more frequently. The most frequent initial symptom was macrohematuria seen in 19 cases (79%), followed by loin pain seen in 6 cases (25%). A cytologic study of the voided urine or ureteral urine was carried out in 18 cases and positive results were obtained in 9 cases (50%). Cystoscopic examination revealed a tumor protruding through the ureteral orifice in 16.7% (4 of 24 cases), followed by bulging orifice in 8.3% (2 of 24 cases). Excretory pyelography showed ureteral filling defects in 41.7% (10 of 24 cases). Retrograde pyelography showed ureteral filling defects in 100% (10 of 10 cases). CT showed a mass region in 44.4% (4 of 9 cases). A total of 14 patients underwent nephroureterectomy with partial or total cystectomy (66.7%). The overall 5-year-survival rate was 56.5% and could be directly associated with grade and stage of tumors.

Synthesis and in vitro activity of a new carbapenem, RS-533

The synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new synthetic carbapenem, (5R,6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-[(S)-1-acetimidoylpyrrolidin -3-ylthio]-1-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylic acid (RS-533), are described. The MIC values of related penems and carbapenems are also given for comparison with those of the new carbapenem.

Preliminary crystallographic data for plastocyanins from an alga (Enteromorpha prolifera) and from cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

The plastocyanins from a green alga (Enteromorpha prolifera) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) have been crystallized. Crystal data are as follows: E. prolifera plastocyanin, space group I4, a = b = 53.9 A, c = 59.4 A, Z = 8; C. sativus plastocyanin, space group P4(1) (or P4(3) ), a = b = 66.7 A, c = 46.0 A, Z = 8. Accordingly, the asymmetric units of the crystals contain one and two molecules, respectively.

Studies on algal cytochromes. III. Amino acid sequence of cytochrome c-553 from a brown alga, Petalonia fascia

The amino acid sequence of a photosynthetic cytochrome c-553 isolated from a brown alga, Petalonia fascia was determined by BrCN fragmentation and a solid phase Edman degradation. The cytochrome contains 85 amino acid residues, giving a molecular weight of 9,803. The complete amino acid sequence is as follows: Val-Asp-Ile-Asn-Asn-Gly-Glu-Ser-Val-Phe-Thr-Ala-Asn-Cys-Ser-Ala-Cys-His-Ala-Gly -Gly-Asn-Asn-Val-Ile-Met-Pro-Glu-Lys-Thr-Leu-Lys-Lys-Asp-Ala-Leu-Glu-Glu-Asn-Gl u-Met-Asn-Asn-Ile-Lys-Ser-Ile-Thr-Tyr-Gln-Val-Thr-Asn-Gly-Lys-Asn-Ala-Met-Pro-A la-Phe-Gly-Gly-Arg-Leu-Ser-Glu-Thr-Asp-Ile-Glu-Asp-Val-Ala-Asn-Phe-Val-Ile-Ser-Gln-Ser-Gln-Lys-Gly-Trp. The highest homology was found between the sequences of cytochromes c-553 of P. fascia and Alaria esculenta, the next between those of P. fascia and Porphyria tenera.

Purification, crystallization, and properties of plastocyanin from a green alga, Enteromorpha prolifera

Plastocyanin was extracted from a green alga, Enteromorpha prolifera, and purified to an electrophoretically homogeneous state. The ratio of plastocyanin to chlorophyll was 1 : 410. The protein was crystallized; this is the first time that algal plastocyanin has been crystallized. The oxidized form showed absorption maxima at 259, 277, 283.5, 460, 597, and 775 nm, and shoulders at around 253, 265, and 269 nm. The extinction coefficient at 597 nm was 4.7 mM-1.cm-1. The best A277/A597 ratio was 1.3. The maximum at 597 nm shifted to 592.5 nm at 77K. The midpoint redox potential of the plastocyanin was +0.369 volt at pH 7.0 and 26 degrees C. A one-electron change was involved. The molecular weight, estimated by gel filtration, was 12,000, though a minor component with a molecular weight of 22,000 was also observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric point was at pH 4.1 for the oxidized form. The amino acid composition was: Asp15, Thr6, Ser4, Glu6, Pro5, Gly13, Ala12, Cys1, Val11, Met2, Ile7, Leu4, Tyr3, Phe4, Lys4, His2, Arg1, Trp1, giving a total of 101 residues. Enteromorpha plastocyanin was compared with other plastocyanins from various plants.

Studies on algal cytochromes II. Some physical and chemical properties of further purified Petalonia cytochrome c-553

A cytochrome c-553 was isolated from a brown alga, Petalonia fascia, and its physical and chemical properties were investigated. At liquid nitrogen temperature, the α-, β- and γ-band of this cytochrome shifted 1-2 nm to the shorter wavelength in comparison with those at room temperature. The α-band split into two peaks, 551.5 (major band) and 546.5 nm (minor band), at the low temperature. The cytochrome in high concentration showed a shoulder at 695 nm in its oxidized state, suggesting a methionine residue to be the sixth ligand of heme iron. The molecular weight was estimated to be about 10,000 containing one mole of heme c based on analyses of gel filtration, sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide gel electrophoresis, amino acid composition and iron content. The isoelectric points of the ferro- and ferricytochromes were estimated to be at pH 4.1 and 4.3, respectively, by the isoelectric focusing method. The amino acid composition of this cytochrome was Lys6, Arg1, Asp15, Thr5, Ser6, Glu11, Pro2, Gly7, Ala7, Cys2, Val6, Met3, Ile6, Leu3, Tyr1, Phe3, Trp1, with a total of 86 residues. The amino- and carboxylterminal sequences and four chymotryptic peptide sequences were compared with those of other cytochromes c to show that these cytochromes were homologous to one another.

Studies on algal cytochromes. I. Purification and properties of cytochrome b-561 from Enteromorpha prolifera

Cytochrome b-561 (Enteromorpha prolifera) was extracted from a green alga, E. prolifera, by immersion of the dried thalli in phosphate buffer solution. Purification was carried out by ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose and DEAE-Sephadex column chromatographies, Bio-Gel gel filtration, and hydroxyapatite column chromatography. The reduced form of the cytochrome exhibited absorption maxima at 561 (alpha), 530.5 (beta), and 428.5 nm (gamma), and the oxidized form at 530.5, 417 (gamma), and 275 nm. The alpha-band of the reduced form was symmetric without any shoulder. The pyridine hemochrome showed absorption maxima at 556, 524, and 418 nm. The cytochrome does not combine with carbon monoxide or cyanide. The cytochrome showed little peroxidase activity. The cytochrome is oxidized by ferricyanide and reduced by cysteine, ascorbate, and hydrosulfite. Ferrocyanide and hydroquinone do not completely reduce it. Autoxidation of the cytochrome was found to be very slow. The midpoint potential (Em) of the cytochrome was determined by equilibration with the ferro- and ferri-EDTA system to be +0.23 volt at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. The molecular weight of the cytochrome, estimated by Sephadex gel filtration, was 67 x 10(3).

Purification and properties of cytochrome b-562.5 from Ulva pertusa

Cytochrome b-562.5 (Ulva pertusa) was extracted from a green alga, U. pertusa, by homogenization of the thalli in phosphate buffer solution. Purification was carried out by acrinol treatment, ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose and DEAE-Sephadex column chromatographies, and Sephadex gel filtration. Cytochrome b-562.5 has absorption maxima at 562.5 (alpha), 530.5 (beta), 429 (gamma), and 326 nm (delta) in the reduced form and at 537, 415 (gamma), and 275 nm in the oxidized form. The alpha-band of the reduced form is asymmetric with a shoulder at 560 nm, at liquid nitrogen temperature this band splits into two distinct peaks at 562 and 556.5 nm. The absorption maxima of the pyridine ferrohemochrome appear at 556 (alpha), 523 (beta), and 418 nm (gamma). The cytochrome does not combine with carbon monoxide or cyanide. The preparation of the cytochrome shows little peroxidase activity. The cytochrome is oxidized by ferricyanide and reduced by cysteine, ascorbate, and hydrosulfite. Autoxidation of the cytochrome was found to be very slow. The midpoint potential (Em) of the cytochrome was determined by equilibration with the ferro- and ferri-EDTA system to be +0.20 V at pH7.0. The molecular weight of the cytochrome was estimated by Sephadex gel filtration to be 23x10(3).

[In vivo behavior of 111In-DTPA in rat and mouse after intra-ventricular administration (author's transl)]

In vivo behavior of 111In-DTPA in rat and mouse after intra-ventricular administration was studied. Thus, 50 muCi and 35 muCi of 111In-DTPA was injected intra-ventricularly to rat and mouse respectively. At specific time intervals, the animals were sacrificed, then distribution in organs was determined by radioactivity counting and autoradiographic method. Urinary and fecal excretion were separately collected and excretion rates were estimated. Metabolites in urine of rat were examined with chromatography. A part of 111In-DTPA injected intra-ventricularly to the animals migrated to subarachnoid space, then radioactivity in cerebrospinal fluid effused into blood with about 1 hr initial half-life. Blood clearance was also rapid, about 1 hr after administration the blood level reached maximum and then decreased showing an initial half-life of about 1 hr. The predominant excretion route in rat was urinary and about 90% and 5% of administered dose were excreted within 48 hr through urine and feces respectively. Judging from the Rf-value of radioactivity peak on chromatograms, 111In-DTPA seems to be excreted without suffering any metabolic change. Concerning to the behavior of 111In-DTPA in male and female rat, no difference was observed, and the distribution pattern of 111In-DTPA in mouse was similar to that of rat.

Ionium-Thorium Chronology of Deep-Sea Sediments of the Western North Pacific Ocean

The rate of deposition of deep-sea deposits collected at the depths of 6215 to 8450 m in the western part of the North Pacific Ocean was estimated by means of the ionium/thorium ratio. The ratio was determined by an alpha-ray spectrometer. Results showed the rate of 0.5 to 0.8 mm/10(3) yr for the upper 10-cm layer below the sea bottom.