bl-2 [corrected] Expression on prostate cancer and its relationship to cell cycle and prognosis

BACKGROUND

bcl-2 protein is an oncoprotein encoded by a protooncogene bcl-2 which is thought to be a key gene for the regulation of cell life and death. bcl-2 protein has been reported to be expressed in a subset of prostate cancers, and its biological role in this disease has not yet been elucidated. This present study focused on the cell cycle analysis of bcl-2 immunoreactivity in prostate tumor samples and correlated findings with the prognosis of the patients.

METHODS

Archival tissues from 37 prostate cancers were submitted for immunohistochemistry and DNA analysis via flow cytometry. All tissues were obtained before the patients received any treatment. Immunohistochemistry was performed using streptavidin biotin procedures, and DNA flow cytometry was done by a combination of two methods.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 37 prostate cancers (38%) exhibited bcl-2 immunoreactivity. bcl-2 positive prostate cancers significantly correlated with DNA aneuploidy and higher proliferation indices, but not with histological differentiation. Clinically, there was a poorer prognosis for patients with bcl-2 positive prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicates that bcl-2 protein expression in prostate cancer is associated with cell proliferation and may serve as a predictive factor for the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy of testicular tumors: peculiar features and clinical significance

To verify the usefulness of testicular DNA ploidy measurement, we tried some approaches to tumorous and nontumorous testes. Separation of paraffin-embedded specimens into single dissociated nuclei was performed by Hedley's technique and nuclei were stained with propidium iodide. Control nontumorous testes were clearly separated into the three-peak type with a high G2M percentage and the two-peak type with a low G2M percentage. Among testicular tumors, 25% (8 of 32) had a normal DNA diploid pattern, 15.6% (5 of 32) had an increased DNA tetraploid pattern including DNA polyploidy, and 59.4% (19 of 32) were DNA aneuploid. In detail, 26.3% (5 of 19) of seminomas and 23.1% (3 of 13) of nonseminomas were DNA diploid. Interestingly, seminomas showed a variety of DNA histogram profiles. Among DNA aneuploid tumors, the DNA index of a seminoma was significantly higher than that of a nonseminoma. Among patients who received curative orchiectomy, postoperative metastases did not occur in any of the 8 DNA diploid or 5 tetraploid tumors, but did occur in 4 (21.1%) of 19 DNA aneuploid tumors during an at least 6-year follow-up. Clinicopathological findings were not as predictable as DNA ploidy. Flow cytometry appeared to be useful to characterize testicular tumors.

[Evaluation of reliability of IPSS by 24-hour uroflowmetry]

BACKGROUND

Although the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) is now often used to assess the symptoms of BPH, whether or not patients answer the questions correctly has not been validated objectively.

METHODS

Reliability of IPSS was evaluated by 24-hour uroflowmetry in 20 hospitalized male patients. Six of them had prostatic hypertrophy or cancer, and the evaluation was performed before and after TURP or hormonal therapy in these six patients. The objective scores for frequency and nocturia were obtained from the time recorded on IC card. The objective score for intermittency was calculated from the uroflow curves.

RESULTS

The answer about frequency was not correct compared with the objective scores for frequency. The answers about nocturia and intermittency were almost the same as the corresponding objective scores. The answer for weak stream correlated with the average of peak flow rate. However, the threshold of peak flow rate for "weak stream" fluctuated markedly before and after the treatment in the same individuals. The answer for hesitancy had no correlation with the hesitation time. Patients seemed to understand the question translated in Japanese as "have you need force to urinate?"

CONCLUSION

Before wider use of IPSS in Japan, the correct translation of the questions and verification of the usefulness of the questions in large number of Japanese patients seem necessary.

Identification of Kk-restricted T-cell epitope within influenza virus nucleoprotein

In order to determine the epitope structure in peptide NP50-63, which has been reported to be the only Kk-restricted T-cell antigen within the influenza virus (A/PR/8/34) nucleoprotein, a series of 13 peptides truncated from C- and N-termini of NP50-63 were synthesized and their sensitizing activities against Kk-restricted nucleoprotein-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were examined. One of the 13 peptides, NP50-57, sensitized L929 cells at the nM level, which was 100-1000 times lower in concentration than that at which the other peptides sensitized these cells. The presence of NP50-57 in A/PR/8/34-infected L929 cells was also investigated. Acid extracts of virus-infected cells were separated on a reverse-phase HPLC column and then anion-exchange column. By both separations, only one peak of sensitizing activity against nucleoprotein-specific CTLs was observed. The position of the peak coincided with that of the elution of NP50-57. These results strongly suggest that NP50-57 is the natural epitope in the antigenic structure, NP50-63.

Soluble thrombomodulin purified from human urine exhibits a potent anticoagulant effect in vitro and in vivo

We examined the anticoagulant activity of two major molecules of soluble thrombomodulin purified from human urine. The apparent molecular weights of these urinary thrombomodulins (UTMs) were 72,000 and 79,000, respectively. Both UTMs showed more potent cofactor activity for protein C activation [specific activity > 5,000 thrombomodulin units (TMU)/mg] than human placental thrombomodulin (2,180 TMU/mg) and rabbit lung thrombomodulin (1,980 TMU/mg). The UTMs prolonged thrombin-induced fibrinogen clotting time (> 1 TMU /ml), APTT (> 5 TMU/ml), TT (> 5 TMU/ml) and PT (> 40 TMU/ ml) in a dose-dependent fashion. These effects appeared in the concentration range of soluble thrombomodulins present in human plasma and urine. In the rat DIC model induced by thromboplastin, administration of UTMs by infusion (300-3,000 TMU/kg) restored the hematological abnormalities derived from DIC in a dose-dependent fashion. These results demonstrate that UTMs exhibit potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities, and could play a physiologically important role in microcirculation.

Treatment of nevus Ota by liquid nitrogen cryotherapy

Nevus Ota is a disfiguring facial dermal melanosis that is observed rarely in Caucasians but is common in Asians. Until recently, carbon dioxide snow cryotherapy had been used most frequently to treat this disorder, but the results were not always satisfactory and often left scarring after treatment. During the past 15 years, we have treated a total of 600 cases of dermal pigmentary facial disfiguration using CRYO-MINI, a liquid nitrogen cryogenic instrument with a removable disk-shaped copper tip. We have found this method to be simple and extremely effective in the treatment of nevus Ota and senile lentigines, and it is also useful for treatment of delayed nevus spilus and blue nevus. This report presents our techniques and experiences as well as the results achieved with four patients who have a deeply situated type of nevus Ota. Associated problems to be considered in future treatment are discussed also.

Our mini-facelift for Orientals

Facelifts are classified into (1) the extra skin facelift in which redundant skin around the ear is excised without skin undermining, (2) the mini-facelift in which cheek skin is undermined up to the lateral side of the canthus, (3) the radical facelift in which subcutaneous undermining is done up to the nasolabial groove, and (4) the total facelift that includes forehead, eyelids, lips, chin, and so on. The authors checked the results of each facelift by measuring width of the preauricular that was excised. They report that the mini-facelift for Orientals yields the same results but less complications when compared with other facelift procedures except for the total facelift. The authors explain their mini-facelift technique and also the differences in the skin thickness, skeleton, and so on, between Caucasians and Orientals which influence the results of the facelift.

Characterization of defectiveness in endogenous antigen presentation of novel murine cells established from methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas

Three cell lines (4A1, 4C2 and 6D1 cells) derived from fibrosarcoma induced by the inoculation of 3-methylcholanthrene into C3H/HeN (H-2k) mice were examined for their ability to present antigens to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). 6D1 and 4C2 cells were deficient in presenting endogenously synthesized influenza virus antigens to CTL, but they were able to present antigens when they were sensitized with a synthetic epitope peptide. The expression of the H-2 Kk gene in 4C2 and 6D1 cells was much reduced and was detectable only with Northern blot hybridization. The expression of two transporter genes (TAP1 and TAP2), examined by Northern hybridization, was also reduced in both cells, and negligible particularly in 4C2 cells. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment of these cells induced expression of Kk, TAP1 and TAP2 genes and rescued the defect of class I-restricted antigen presentation in 4C2 and 6D1 cells. Even after this treatment, however, antigen-presentation capability of 4C2 cells was still much lower than that of normal 4A1 cells. This finding suggests that 4C2 cells might have an additional defective gene(s), whose products are involved in the processing of class I-restricted antigen, besides the Kk and TAP genes, and this may explain the difficulty of 4C2 cells to induce tumour-specific immunity, as described previously. To our knowledge, the 4C2 cell is the first tumour cell postulated to have more than three defective genes involved in class I-restricted antigen presentation.

Poisoning by the red alga 'ogonori' (Gracilaria verrucosa) on the Nojima Coast, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

A food poisoning case due to the ingestion of 'ogonori', an edible red alga, occurred at Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, in late October 1993, resulting in two victims, including one death (female). No causative agent present in the ogonori was found from a routine bioassay for marine toxins. From the production of increased amounts of prostaglandins (PGs), mainly PGE2, by the alga on stimulation by cutting or soaking in fresh water, and further increase of PGE2 by addition of arachidonic acid, it appeared that an enzyme, probably fatty acid cyclooxygenase, in the ogonori and the body of the victim, was acting on the highly unsaturated fatty acids in the oil of the ingested seafood and in the blood hemorrhaged from the stomach of the victim. This resulted in the production of over 30 mg of PGE2 and small amounts of other PGs in a comparatively short time. With this dosage the victim suffered from nausea, vomiting, and hypotension, and died of hypotensive shock. PGE2 seems to work more selectively on females. This type of poisoning is very unusual, and differs from the more familiar forms of poisoning occurring after ingestion of marine organisms.

Effect of initial therapy on dynamics of immunogloblin G levels to some periodontopathic bacteria in serum and gingival crevicular fluid

Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the IgG antibody levels to specific gram-negative periodontopathic bacteria in serum of 21 adult periodontitis patients and the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from 42 sites with destructive lesions and 21 healthy sites were evaluated before and after initial preparation. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Campylobacter rectus, Treponema denticola and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival plaque samples from the patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Subgingival plaque, GCF, and serum samples were taken at baseline and three weeks after initial preparation. For 14 patients, changes in clinical parameters due to the initial preparation were correlated with reduction of periodontopathogens and to IgG antibody levels in GCF and serum against them. P. gingivalis, T. denticola and C. rectus were found to be predominant in destructive sites. No significant differences were found in GCF IgG antibody levels between destructive and healthy sites. In destructive sites, the prevalence of P. gingivalis and C. rectus was significantly correlated with elevated IgG antibody against these microorganisms in GCF. The initial preparation resulted in significant reduction of serum IgG antibody levels against all microorganisms tested. No decrease in GCF IgG antibody was observed, but levels to P. gingivalis and C. rectus were significantly increased (p<0.05). The assessment of GCF IgG antibodies to specific periodontopathic bacteria may be of considerable value in reflecting the conditions of periodontitis.

Locally delivered minocycline and guided tissue regeneration to treat post-juvenile periodontitis. A case report

A case of post-juvenile periodontitis in a 28-year-old female patient is described along with new periodontal treatment modalities. Administration of minocycline-HCl with local drug delivery system was introduced as a part of initial periodontal therapy following microbiological and immunological examinations. The lesions were subsequently treated by guided tissue regeneration, which resulted in considerable gain of attachment with minimal recession of marginal gingiva. This observation suggests that the local delivery of antibiotics and regenerative therapy may prove to be effective alternative modalities in treatment of post-juvenile periodontitis.

A rotary shadow freeze-drying replica method for the three dimensional view of virus ultrastructure

A new rotary-shadowing process to obtain freeze-drying replicas is described for the analysis of virus ultrastructure, using the inner capsid of human rotavirus as a model. The findings corroborate the icosahedral symmetry with an arrangement pattern of capsomers of T = 13L.

The effect of prostaglandin E1.alpha CD on vibratory threshold determined with the SMV-5 vibrometer in patients with diabetic neuropathy

We studied the effect of prostaglandin E1.alpha CD (PGE1) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy by evaluating subjective symptoms and vibration sensation using a new vibrometer (SMV-5). Patients with diabetic neuropathy (n = 38) were divided into three groups; group A received no drugs (control), group B was treated with 1500 micrograms/day of oral methyl vitamin B12 (VB12) for four weeks, and group C received 1.2 micrograms/kg/day PGE1 intravenously for four weeks. There was a close relationship between symptom scores and vibratory threshold (VT). The effect of PGE1 on subjective symptoms and VT were compared with those in groups A and B. Patients who received PGE1 showed a significant improvement rate in pain and hypesthesia compared to patients in groups A and B, and in numbness compared to group A. During the study period, there was no significant change in VT in groups A and B, whereas VT was significantly improved at styloid process (P < 0.05) and at medial malleolus (P < 0.001) in group C. Our results confirmed that PGE1 significantly improved both subjective symptoms and VT, indicating that PGE1 therapy may be useful in diabetic neuropathy.

[Two-color flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytic subsets in renal cell carcinoma]

The subsets of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in 17 patients with renal cell carcinoma were studied by two-color flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. In grade 1 tumors, CD4-positive cells were significantly increased compared to grade 2 and 3 tumors (35 +/- 7% vs 25 +/- 10%) (p < 0.05). In 10 of 14 patients, CD8-positive cells were predominant over CD4-positive cells, resulting in less than one in CD4/CD8-ratio. Regarding CD4 cells in all 17 cases, the helper T-cells (CD4-positive and CD45RA-negative) were statistically predominant over the inducer T-cells (CD4-positive and CD45RA-positive) (p < 0.01). When CD8 cells were investigated in 16 out of the 17 cases, the cytotoxic T-cells (CD8-positive and CD11b-negative) were found also significantly predominant over the suppressor T-cells (CD8-positive and CD11b-positive) (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemically, the infiltrating pattern of TILs in the 17 patients was classified into cluster (N = 4), separate (N = 6), and mixed types (N = 7). The tumor in the cluster and mixed type had a tendency to be dominant in low grade tumors, and had the prominent CD8-positive cells (more than 90% were cytotoxic T-cells) over CD4-positive cells. However, no statistical significance was noted in this finding. The advanced tumor tended to show the single type of TIL infiltration. These results suggest that cytotoxic T-cells consisted of most of TILs in cluster and mixed types play an immunoreactive role against renal cell carcinoma.

Clinical and flow cytometric analyses of renal cell carcinomas with reference to incidental or non-incidental detection

In recent years renal cell carcinomas have been diagnosed as incidental findings. The tumors are usually associated with low stage and good prognosis. To find out if they might have a different malignant potential from suspected tumors, we retrospectively compared 56 cases of incidentally detected tumors with 84 cases of suspected tumors, with regard to tumor stage, nuclear grade, tumor size and DNA ploidy pattern as evaluated by flow cytometry. The incidentally detected tumors were lower in stage (P < 0.01), smaller in size (P < 0.01) and higher in probability of survival (P < 0.02) than the suspected tumors, as other studies have reported. Meanwhile, there was no difference in nuclear grade, DNA ploidy pattern and survival in stage I tumors between the two groups of renal cancers. The results suggest that the better prognosis in incidental renal cancer might be due to early detection rather than lower malignant potential of this specific type of renal cancer.

Electron microscopy of influenza virus growth in a human lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, MOLT4 cells

We studied the interaction of influenza virus and a human lymphoblastic line, MOLT4 cells, as a model for that of influenza virus and human T lymphocytes. Influenza virus was found to grow relatively poorly in MOLT4 cells in terms of yield of plaque forming units (PFU) in the presence of trypsin. However, electron microscopy of infected cells revealed that a lot of viral antigens were accumulated in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus, and a number of budding virions were on the cell surfaces. Consistently, gel electrophoresis of infected cells demonstrated that the synthesis of virus proteins was abundant. These findings indicated that MOLT4 cells were permissive to influenza virus growth, with production of a relatively smaller number of infectious particles in terms of PFU. Production of interferon (IFN)-alpha and -gamma were not detected in this system by ELISA.

Successful gonadotrophin treatment of hypogonadism in postoperative patients with macroprolactinoma and persistent hyperprolactinaemia

We report on two males with prolactinoma in whom hyperprolactinaemia and hypogonadism persisted for several years postoperatively despite the administration of a dopamine agonist or bromocriptine. In these patients, a GnRH test revealed no response in the levels of serum LH or FSH. An hCG stimulation test provoked no response in the serum levels of testosterone. Case 1, who was 28 years old at the first visit, received parenteral testosterone and appreciable virilization of the genitalia was noted within a few months. When he married and desired to father a child, the treatment was switched to hCG/hMG combined therapy and spermatozoa appeared subsequently in the ejaculate, although their numbers were low. His wife conceived and delivered a healthy baby girl. Case 2 was a single young man who presented with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and hyperprolactinaemia. He was started on hCG injections three times per week and the maturation of his genitalia was advanced rapidly. Semen analyses showed sperm concentration and motility to be within the normal range. Post-treatment GnRH test revealed no improvement in gonadotrophin responses for LH or FSH. In both cases, the hCG test repeated after the gonadotrophin treatment showed normal basal and stimulated testosterone levels. During the course of gonadotrophin treatment in these cases, serum prolactin levels remained elevated, and it is suggested that, in the two cases, the hypothalamo-pituitary function was disturbed by the tumour or its manipulation and the capacity of the pituitary gland to secrete gonadotrophin was impaired. Under such circumstances with persisting hyperprolactinaemia, hCG and/or hCG/hMG combination treatment can induce normal virilization and advance spermatogenesis sufficiently to achieve fertility.

Immunoelectron microscopy of parainfluenza virion glycoproteins with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies: movement of glycoprotein with monoclonal antibody

Two glycoproteins (HN and F) of parainfluenza virus were immunogold-labeled with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, respectively, and their labeling patterns were compared. Both glycoproteins HN and F were efficiently and homogeneously labeled with polyclonal antibodies, whereas they were labeled much less and heterogeneously with monoclonal antibodies. When either protein was initially labeled with monoclonal antibody, and then the other one, with polyclonal antibody, immunolabels of two glycoproteins were almost completely segregated. Although this segregation deformed virion morphology, it supported the concept of monoclonal antibody-mediated movements of glycoproteins.

Immortalization of rabbit corneal epithelial cells by a recombinant SV40-adenovirus vector

PURPOSE

Cultured corneal epithelial cell is detrimental because of its short life span and its heterogeneity. We have tried to establish an immortalized epithelial cell line.

METHODS

Primary cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells were infected with a recombinant SV40-adenovirus vector and were cloned three times.

RESULTS

The immortalized cell continued to grow by more than 400 generations through 100 passages. SV40-associated large T antigen was demonstrable on the nuclear membrane of these immortalized cells by immunofluorescence technique. This cell line exhibited a similar cobblestone-like appearance as normal corneal epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed a line of evidence for stratification, including desmosome formation and microvilli development at the superficial cell layer. As the culture grew, these cells began to express cornea-specific 64 kD cytokeratins. In contrast to cultured normal corneal epithelial cells, this cell line had a good proliferative ability after a long-term storage in liquid nitrogen.

CONCLUSIONS

Because this particular cell line shares properties consistent with normal corneal epithelial cells and is easy to handle in vitro, it may serve as a useful tool in corneal epithelial research.

Iloprost decreases urinary albumin excretion rate in patients with diabetic nephropathy

We conducted an open clinical trial to determine whether administration of iloprost, a stable prostacyclin analog, has any effect on urinary albumin excretion and other parameters associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. Twenty-three NIDDM patients with nephropathy were divided into groups A and B which were matched in terms of sex, age, duration of diabetes and blood glucose control. After 2 weeks of observation, 11 patients in group A received an intravenous infusion of iloprost (10 micrograms at a rate of 0.075 microgram/kg per h) once daily for 2 weeks, while 12 untreated diabetic patients in group B served as controls. In group A, iloprost significantly reduced the urinary albumin excretion rate, the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase without decreasing creatinine clearance during the treatment period (P < 0.05, respectively). However, none of these parameters changed significantly in group B. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin, blood pressure, heart rate, serum electrolytes, BUN and serum creatinine were not significantly altered by iloprost during the treatment period. Side effects associated with iloprost were mild and could be ameliorated by slowing the infusion rate. We conclude that iloprost appears to be safe and has an apparent effect on the urinary albumin excretion rate and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase.

Significance of serum antibody against surface antigens of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in patients with adult periodontitis

This study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, its serotype distribution and the serum immune responses against its surface antigens in 41 Japanese patients with adult periodontitis. The dominant A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype isolated was serotype c. Immunoblot analysis of 3 serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans-sonicated antigens and the patient sera revealed that the reactivities with serotype c were the most frequent and that heat-stable surface serotype-specific antigen appeared to be immunodominant. Elevated serum immunoglobulin G titers to extracted lipopolysaccharide and fimbriae antigen of A. actinomycetemcomitans were noted for the patient sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High serum immunoglobulin G titers to the fimbriae antigen detected in patients without cultivable A. actinomycetemcomitans suggested the possibility that the elicited antibody to the antigen played a role in eliminating A. actinomycetemcomitans from the periodontal lesions.

Individual difference in toxic diffuse goiters assessed by heme-based specific activity and Km value

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was purified from each thyroid of 10 patients (experiment 1) and 4 patients (experiment 2) with toxic diffuse goiter by a simplified method with monoclonal anti-TPO antibody-assisted immunoaffinity column chromatography. The final preparations were used to measure the heme concentration based on the cyanide difference spectrum, and to determine the Km and kcat values from double reciprocal plots in the assay employing guaiacol and iodide as the second substrates. The heme-based specific activities of TPO purified from thyroids in experiment 1 were higher than those in experiment 2, which were probably impaired by freezing-thawing, and those of porcine TPO previously reported. There were some differences in the kinetic properties between experiment 1 and experiment 2, but the individual differences within each group were relatively small, the values for CV (= SD/mean) being 0.16-0.48.

Acute subdural hematoma: severity of injury, surgical intervention, and mortality

Sixty patients with acute subdural hematoma were treated at Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital between 1981 and 1989. The overall mortality was 55% and the functional recovery rate 30%. Thirteen (93%) of 14 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 died, while all eight patients with a GCS score of 7 or more achieved functional recovery. The mortality of patients with GCS scores of 4-6 ranged from 45 to 67%. Patients with GCS scores of 4-6 over 65 years old had a mortality of 82%, compared to 50% mortality for those aged 19-40 years. The mortality for patients with GCS scores of 4-6 operated on within 4 hours of injury was 62% in contrast to 33% for those operated on from 4 to 10 hours. Patients with GCS scores of 4-6 who underwent craniotomy with evacuation of the hematoma achieved significantly better recovery than those treated by burr holes. Four patients with GCS scores of 4-6 died in spite of decompressive craniectomy or craniotomy with duroplasty. The mortality is only influenced by age and type of surgical intervention among patients with GCS scores of 4-6. Shorter time from injury to surgical evacuation does not affect mortality within 10 hours of injury.

Aesthetic camouflage of bilateral cleft lip scars: technical revisions

We have attempted to change the two scar lines of bilateral cleft lip repair into one zigzag scar line. The prolabium is used to push up the columella and the nasal tip. The donor site of the prolabium is closed by transposition of the nasolabial flap. The postoperative scar shows one zigzag line at the center of the lip. This method has many advantages including an inconspicuous scar, repair of the short columella and flat nasal tip, repair of a wide nose, and repair of the whistling deformity. Complications of this method are maxillary retardation, long lip deformity, and keloid formation. However, these can be avoided by modifying the method.

Relative avidity of serum immunoglobulin G antibody for the fimbria antigen of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in patients with adult periodontitis

The relative avidity of serum immunoglobulin G antibody for the fimbria antigen of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was assessed by diethylamine dissociation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients with adult periodontitis. High-titer sera from patients not harboring A. actinomycetemcomitans had significantly higher avidities for the fimbria antigen than did high-titer sera from patients with A. actinomycetemcomitans in their periodontal pockets. The elicited antibodies against the fimbria antigen may afford protection against A. actinomycetemcomitans infection.

[DNA ploidy pattern of flow cytometry as indicator of malignancy and prognosis in bladder cancer]

Flow cytometry (FCM) of bladder cancer has unique characteristics. First, bladder washing is a suitable material to measure in terms of single cell suspension, while the urine appears inadequate because of the low sensitivity for detecting bladder cancer. Second, the role of FCM depends on the different features of superficial, in situ or invasive bladder cancer. In superficial cancers, FCM can detect the presence of cancer, predict intravesical recurrence and evaluate the response of intravesical instillation therapy. In carcinomas in situ, frequent occurrence of polyclonal aneuploid may indicate the aggressive nature of high grade malignancy. Early removal of bladder may be endorsed unless BCG instillation is effective. For invasive cancers, FCM does not seem to be so useful, but FCM relates well to other prognostic parameters.

Immunoelectron microscopy of influenza A virus neuraminidase glycoprotein topography

Using immunoelectron microscopy, the distribution of influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins was examined, after performing immunoreactions to virions on the grid. With polyclonal antibody, the immunolabels of the glycoproteins were found to be homogeneously distributed, whereas with monoclonal antibody they were found to be distributed in clusters. After destruction of haemagglutinin (HA) but not of NA activity with a high concentration of trypsin, the remaining visible spikes were evenly distributed. This finding was consistent with the absence of immunolabelling with anti-HA antibody, and the homogeneous pattern of immunolabels with anti-NA polyclonal antibody, but not with the clustered labelling with the anti-NA monoclonal antibody. Thus, the immunolabelling image with anti-NA polyclonal antibody was considered to reflect the true one.

Glucose modulation of aldose reductase mRNA expression and its activity in cultured calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells

We examined the effect of glucose on aldose reductase mRNA expression and its activity in calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells. After the cells were exposed to 18 mmol/l glucose, aldose reductase mRNA expression began to increase at 6 h, reached a maximum (about 2.4-fold increase) at 12 h, and thereafter gradually decreased. Aldose reductase activity was found to strongly correlate with aldose reductase mRNA expression after cells were exposed to 18 mmol/l glucose. In contrast, aldose reductase mRNA expression was significantly decreased following exposure to 55 mmol/l glucose. Aldose reductase activity was also decreased at 24 h after 55 mmol/l glucose. The increase in aldose reductase mRNA level caused by glucose was inhibited by 1 microgram/ml of actinomycin D. These phenomena appear to be glucose-specific since neither 3-O-methylglucose nor fructose affected the levels of aldose reductase mRNA. We clearly demonstrate that aldose reductase mRNA level and its activity are modulated by glucose in calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Our data suggest that activation of aldose reductase in endothelial cells may contribute to the development of diabetic macroangiopathy.

Generation of microglial cell lines by transfection with simian virus 40 large T gene

Microglial cells, which were isolated from a primary culture of neonatal rat brain, were transfected with temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (SV40) large T gene by the calcium phosphate precipitation method. Four weeks after transfection, several colonies were generated, and cloned cells were characterized. One of the cloned cells (RBM129) proliferated actively at 37 degrees C and the dividing rate was significantly decreased at 40.5 degrees C. The expression of large T antigen was detected by western blotting in cells incubated at both 37 degrees C and 40.5 degrees C. The cell line showed high activity of non-specific esterase, isolectin B4 binding and phagocytosis. Also the cells were stained by ED 1 monoclonal antibody. These results indicate that these cells were derived from rat brain microglia, and immortalized by large T gene.

The regulation of two distinct glucose transporter (GLUT1 and GLUT4) gene expressions in cultured rat thyroid cells by thyrotropin

We investigated the glucose transporter mRNAs expressed in FRTL5, a rat thyroid cell line, and their regulation by TSH by means of the polymerase chain reaction. FRTL5 cells as well as rat thyroid tissue expressed three types of glucose transporter mRNAs: GLUT1 or erythrocyte/HepG2/brain isoform, GLUT2 or pancreatic beta-cell/liver isoform, and GLUT4 or muscle/fat isoform. GLUT1 mRNA predominated, GLUT4 mRNA was minor, and GLUT2 mRNA expression was faint. Incubation of FRTL5 cells with TSH induced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in GLUT1 mRNA levels, while GLUT4 mRNA levels were decreased. The response of GLUT1 mRNA to TSH was evident at 3 h, and the maximal response was achieved at 12 h. TSH at a dose of 1 mU/ml elicited an approximately 3-fold increase in GLUT1 mRNA levels. (Bu)2cAMP (1 mM), 8-bromo-cAMP (1 mM), and forskolin (50 microM) mimicked the effect of TSH on GLUT1 and GLUT4 mRNA levels. The increase in GLUT1 mRNA by TSH was correlated with the increase in GLUT1 protein and the increase in 2-deoxyglucose transport activity. These observations suggest that in thyroid cells, TSH stimulates glucose transport at least in part by enhancing GLUT1 gene expression, and that the effect of TSH on GLUT1 and GLUT4 mRNA levels is mediated by a cAMP-dependent pathway.

Assessment of the molluscicidal activities of Tribromosalan, Cartap and Chlorothalonil against Oncomelania hupensis

Molluscicidal activities of Tribromosalan, Cartap and Chlorothalonil were evaluated in the laboratory and the field against Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. The three chemicals were very effective against O. hupensis in the laboratory. The molluscicidal activities found in the field trials suggest that Tribromosalan and Cartap may be used as practical molluscicides. Dosage of 10 g/m2 of Tribromosalan in spring only and 20 g/m2 of Cartap in both spring and autumn would be recommendable as practical mollusciciding doses for the control of O. hupensis.

Transcriptional regulation of hexokinase I mRNA levels by TSH in cultured rat thyroid FRTL5 cells

We investigated the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on the expression of hexokinase I mRNA by cultured rat thyroid FRTL5 cells. TSH stimulated hexokinase I gene expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. An increase in hexokinase I mRNA was detected after 3 h of incubation with TSH, and a maximum was reached after 12 h showing about 2.5-fold increase at 1 mU/ml TSH. A nuclear run-on transcriptional assay showed that the effect of TSH on hexokinase I mRNA was due to an increase in the rate of gene transcription. (Bu)2cAMP and forskolin also increased hexokinase I mRNA expression to almost the same extent as TSH. These findings suggest that TSH stimulates hexokinase I gene expression at the transcriptional level via the cAMP-dependent pathway.

Aldose reductase mRNA expression and its activity are induced by glucose in fetal rat aortic smooth muscle (A10) cells

The induction of aldose reductase (AR) mRNA expression and its activity by glucose were investigated in fetal rat aortic smooth muscle (A10) cells. The increase in the expression of AR mRNA was observed at 6 h, and reached a maximum (2.3 fold) at 12 h after exposure to 80 mM glucose. On the other hand, increase in AR activity was observed at 12 h and reached a maximum (2 fold) at 48 h after exposure to 80 mM glucose. AR mRNA levels as well as its activity increased almost linearly in a concentration dependent manner up to 80 mM. Although not significant, there was a consistent increase in AR mRNA level and its activity at 23.75 mM glucose. There was a good correlation between AR mRNA level and AR activity. In the presence of 1 microgram/ml actinomycin D, the increase in the expression of AR mRNA level by glucose was almost completely abolished, suggesting its transcriptional regulation by glucose. Other osmolytes were also effective in inducing AR mRNA expression as well as its activity at 80 mOsm/kg. Therefore, the increase in AR mRNA level and its activity by glucose in A10 cells may be a response to the increase in osmolarity.

[Lymphocytic subsets of tumor tissue, non tumorous kidney, and the peripheral blood in primary renal cell carcinoma]

Lymphocyte subsets were examined in renal cell carcinoma (TILs), adjacent non-tumor renal tissue and peripheral blood (PBLs) by flow cytometry and histochemistry in eighteen patients with renal cell carcinoma. CD5-positive cells were predominant in the TILs in 14 patients. In the renal cell carcinoma tissue, CD8-positive cells were predominant over CD4-positive cells, resulting in a less than unity ratio of CD4/CF8-positive cells. The lymphocyte number was significantly in adjacent normal renal tissue than in renal cell carcinoma. However, lymphocyte subsets ratios were not significantly different between these two tissues. PBLs showed the same proportions (CD4/CD8 mean 1.9 +/- 0.8) as the previously published healthy controlled data. The proportions of CD8-positive cells were significantly increased (p less than 0.05) and those of CD4-positive cells were also significantly decreased (p less than 0.01) in the TILs. The infiltrating pattern of TILs in 17 patients was divided histochemically into cluster (N = 7), single (N = 4), and mixed types (N = 6). The cluster and mixed types were significantly more common in grade 1 tumors and the single type was more common in the grade 2 tumors (p less than 0.05). The pT3 tumors showed the single type of TIL infiltration pattern, but showed no significant difference. In the cluster pattern of TILs, CD8-positive cells were surrounded by CD4-positive cells. Non-tumorous kidneys showed no infiltration of lymphocytes, except in 2 patients of pyelonephritis. These results suggest that cytotoxic T-cells stained as CD8 play an immunoreactive role against renal cell carcinoma.

The contour lines of the upper lip and a revised method of cleft lip repair

Many techniques for cleft lip repair have been reported, but these techniques do not consider the contour lines of the upper lip and, in fact, destroy them. The upper lip has complicated contour lines including the vermilion free margin, vermilion border, upper lip horizontal groove (upper lip groove), philtrum (dimple and columns), nostril sills, and nasolabial grooves. Incision lines should be designed so that the postoperative scars do not cross these contour lines. We feel that our incision lines and postoperative scars provide better aesthetic results and diminish hypertrophic scar formation.

Operations for microforms of cleft lip

Microform cleft lip is a mild expression of cleft lip and may be difficult to repair. Its severity may be defined by the degree of downward depression of the nostril rim, skin striae of the upper lip, notching of Cupid's bow, and deformity of the vermilion border. Variation in surgical repair is reported for each type of microform cleft lip.

Haemodynamic changes during the apnoea test for diagnosis of brain death

Haemodynamic responses to the apnoea test for the diagnosis of brain death were investigated in nine patients with severe head injury or cerebrovascular disease. To prove apnoea, the ventilator was disconnected for ten minutes and oxygen was insufflated to avoid hypoxaemia. No respiratory movement was seen in any patient. Ten minutes after disconnecting the ventilator, PaCO2 was increased to 78 +/- 3 mmHg and pH was reduced to 7.17 +/- 0.02. Adequate oxygenation was maintained in all patients. Cardiac output increased from 4.8 +/- 0.7 to 5.7 +/- 0.8 L.min-1 (P less than 0.05), and mean pulmonary artery pressure increased from 11 +/- 1 to 17 +/- 2 mmHg (P less than 0.01). However, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, pulmonary artery wedge pressure and right atrial pressure did not change. Plasma catecholamines were measured in three patients. Plasma norepinephrine concentrations increased in all three patients but the changes in plasma epinephrine were minimal. These circulatory responses to acute hypercapnia were less than those reported in awake volunteers and in patients during general anaesthesia. However, since plasma norepinephrine concentration increased during the test, some sympathoadrenal response, probably of spinal origin, was present, and may have prevented the direct depressant circulatory effects of acute hypercapnia. In conclusion, the apnoea test did not produce haemodynamic disturbances when respiratory acidosis was limited to a pH 7.17 +/- 0.02 and PaCO2 60-80 mmHg.

Clinical and microbiological study of local minocycline delivery (Periocline) following scaling and root planing in recurrent periodontal pockets

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of local administration of 2% minocycline-HCl ointment (Periocline) combined with scaling and root planing in recurrent periodontal pockets. Thirty-three sites were selected for this examination. The sites had probing depths greater than 5 mm and loss of attachment greater than 2 mm within the previous 3 months. They were assigned as test (22 sites) or control sites (11 sites). After meticulous scaling (SC) and root planing (RP), Periocline was delivered into the periodontal pockets of test sites: control sites were irrigated with biological saline following SC/RP. Administration of Periocline or irrigation with saline was performed once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The effects on clinical conditions including probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were evaluated at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Microbiological examinations consisting of darkfield microscopic study and culture were performed at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks. Clinical conditions improved in both groups following treatment; significantly better improvements were obtained in the test group. Microbiological study revealed that Periocline effectively eliminated periodontopathic gram-negative bacteria. These results indicated that a combination of SC/RP with local administration of 2% minocycline for recurrent periodontal pockets brought about more satisfactory results than conventional SC/RP.

[Lectins expression of parathyroid glands with primary hyperparathyroidism]

The binding sites of lectins in parathyroid glands were determined by an immunohistochemical method in normal parathyroid gland, hyperplasia, adenoma and carcinoma, the used lectins were commercially available Glycine max (SBA), Concanavalin enciformis (Con A), Triticum vulgaris (WGA), Richinus communis (RCA), Banderiaea simplicifolia II (BSA II) and Arachis hypogaea (PNA). For normal parathyroid glands (2 cases) and hyperplasia (2 cases), WGA and BSA II were stained in cytoplasma and cell membrane. For carcinoma (1 cases), all lectins but BSA II were positively stained. In particular, SBA revealed more stronger stain than any other hystological types. From the staining patterns of lectins, it was suggested that adenomas (22 cases) be divided into one group similar to carcinoma and the others to normal parathyroid gland and hyperplasia. But there was no difference in clinical data of patients between the two groups.

Binding of viral glycoprotein with trypsin and its relation to virulency. II. Comparison between bovine and Streptomyces griseus trypsins

The two step nature of the binding reaction between trypsin and viral glycoproteins was further investigated using two types of trypsin, bovine trypsin and Streptomyces griseus trypsin. The experimental results were explained by the van der Waals energy operating in the second step, suggesting that the conformational aspects, in addition to the electrostatic nature, of the interacting peptides are decisive in this specific process.

Regulation of the human T-cell response to Schistosoma japonicum egg antigen by concomitant cellular and humoral mechanisms in vitro

Serum-mediated regulation of T-cell responses specific for soluble egg antigen (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum was tested in human hosts. When we added autologous serum to SEA-specific human T-cell lines (CD3+, 4+, 8-), we observed suppression of T-cell proliferation, and this suppressive activity was detected in the immunoglobulin-G2 (IgG2) subclass. Suppression was dose-dependent and antigen-specific. T-cell proliferation induced by only one SEA fraction of greater than 18 kDa was modulated in the presence of 100 micrograms/ml autologous as well as allogeneic infected IgG2. This SEA fraction-driven proliferation was also regulated by suppressor T-cells through distinct suppressive mechanisms. Our results suggest that T-cell responses to a particular component(s) of SEA are strictly regulated through both cellular and humoral mechanisms in human chronic S. japonicum infection.

Flow cytometric DNA histograms of paraffin-embedded pheochromocytomas

We proposed a new classification of pheochromocytomas according to DNA ploidy patterns. Proliferation index (PI = S% + 4C%) might be an alternative to 4C% which was used as a critical marker of DNA nonaneuploid histograms. The follow-up survey revealed that DNA tetraploid with minimum increase of PI could not rule out the substantial possibility of malignancy and the comparison of DNA diploid histograms disclosed that 22 and 0% showed significant increase of the ratio of 4C% to S% under PI and 4C% criteria, respectively. In conclusion, 4C% was more effective and reliable than PI in order to classify DNA nonaneuploid pheochromocytomas.

[In situ hybridization study of human papillomavirus from the penile cancer]

The histochemical detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) was performed using the technique of in situ hybridization from the formalin fixed paraffin embedded specimens of penile carcinoma and condylomata+ acuminata . One of 19 penile cancer cases (5.3%) revealed the positive staining on the nuclei of the tumors for HPV type 16/18. However, the positive nuclei were scattered and localized in small part of the tumor which showed no koilocytosis. On the contrary, 11 of 12 condyloma acuminata cases (91.7%) showed positive staining on the nuclei of the tumors for HPV type 6/11, also 5 of the 11 cases (45.5%) revealed cross reaction for other type of HPV. The HPV types 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33/35 may be unrelated to the pathogenesis of the Japanese penile carcinoma. However, further study is necessary to evaluate that the number of HPV-DNA copy in our cases is too small, or the other type of HPV is responsibility.

[Histological and flow cytometric analyses of carcinogenesis of rat prostate cancer]

Histological and flow cytometry (FCM) analyses were performed of carcinogenesis of rat prostate cancer induced with N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU). Ten-week-old rats were inoculated intravenously (i.v.) with twice injections of NMU (30 mg/kg body weight) and then, divided into 3 groups; Group 1: the rats were injected subcutaneously with LH-RH analogue (100 micrograms/kg b.w.) every 4 weeks. Group 2: the rats were injected subcutaneously with testosterone enanthate (10 mg/body) every 2 weeks and Group 3: the rats were untreated to serve as controls. We further divided Groups 1 and 2 into (+) and (-) subgroups at 34 weeks after initial injection. Group 1 (+) or 2 (+) rats were continuously given the drug and in Group 1 (-) or 2 (-) rats the drug was suspended. At 44 or 53 weeks after initial injection, we removed the prostate and seminal vesicles of all rats and performed histological and FCM analyses of them. Histological analysis of rat prostates revealed hyperplasia in each group, and both Groups 2 (+) and 2 (-) showed an incidence as high as 87.5%. Atypical hyperplasia was sometimes observed in each group and its incidence was not significantly different between any 2 groups. At 51 weeks after initial injection, a macroscopic adenocarcinoma (weighing about 11 g) was found in the prostate of a dead rat of Group 2 (+). Histological analysis of rat seminal vesicles revealed hyperplasia in each group, in particular in Groups 2 (+) and 2 (-). In these groups all rats showed hyperplasia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bactericidal effects on subgingival bacteria of irrigation with a povidone-iodine solution (Neojodin)

This study was undertaken to determine the optimal concentration of a povidone-iodine solution (Neojodin: NJD) for irrigation of subgingival pockets. Three different dilutions were prepared (undiluted, 20%, and 10%). Statistically significant reduction of total colony forming units (CFU) was shown after irrigation with undiluted NJD solution when compared to control sites. Although reduction was not significant after irrigation with 20% or 10% NJD solution, total CFU were reduced to less than 1% in several sites, which was not true with biological saline.