Cloning of cDNAs encoding argininosuccinate lyase and arginase from Rana catesbeiana liver and regulation of their mRNAs during spontaneous and thyroid hormone-induced metamorphosis

Thyroid hormones are responsible for a change in the expression of many target genes during amphibian metamorphosis. In this study we cloned and sequenced cDNAs encoding two of the five urea cycle enzymes, argininosuccinate lyase and arginase, from adult liver of Rana catesbeiana. The cDNAs for the bullfrog argininosuccinate lyase and arginase encoded proteins of 467 and 321 amino acids with predicted molecular weights of 52,257 and 35,088, which were 72-75 and 64-68% identical to the mammalian enzymes, respectively. The accumulation of the mRNAs for argininosuccinate lyase and arginase in liver increased 26 and 4-times in a coordinated manner during spontaneous metamorphosis. Thyroid hormone-treatment induced about 5 and 10-times accumulation of mRNAs for argininosuccinate lyase and arginase in liver from premetamorphosing tadpoles within 4 days. These results suggest that the mRNA levels of the two enzymes in liver are upregulated by thyroid hormone during metamorphosis.

Enalapril improves heart failure induced by monocrotaline without reducing pulmonary hypertension in rats: roles of preserved myocardial creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes

We investigated the redistribution of myocardial isoenzymes of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) in rats with right heart failure induced by monocrotaline and assessed the effect of enalapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control (n = 20), (2) control + enalapril (25 mg/kg/day) (n = 22), (3) monocrotaline (50 mg/kg) (n = 45), (4) monocrotaline (50 mg/kg) + enalapril (25 mg/kg/day) (n = 32). After 4 weeks, the monocrotaline group developed severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy with marked decrease in myocardial norepinephrine and increase in both plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and mortality rate (33.3%). The marked decrease in both MM and mitochondrial CK ('creatine shuttle') and the relatively constant BB and MB CK caused the net depression of total CK. The depression of LD1 (aerobic LD) was remarkable compared with the relatively constant total LD. In the monocrotaline+enalapril group, mortality rate (9.4%), cardiac hypertrophy and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide were all significantly reduced and myocardial norepinephrine recovered although pulmonary hypertension was not improved at all. However, myocardial total, MM and mitochondrial CK and LD1 activities were all recovered completely or partially in this group. Thus, enalapril reduced cardiac hypertrophy and failure and improved the prognosis in this model of pulmonary hypertension. This beneficial effect of enalapril was not associated with pulmonary vasodepression but with the inhibition of myocardial isoenzyme redistribution of CK and LD, i.e. the preservation of 'creatine shuttle' and aerobic LD.

Long-term histological evaluation of hydroxyapatite ceramics in humans

We have investigated the interface between bone and hydroxyapatite (HA) chronically implanted in man. By light microscopy, HA appeared to bind directly to bone without intervening fibrous tissue. By transmission electron microscopy, two patterns were noted: (1) HA either bound directly to bone; or (2) electron-dense material intervened between HA and bone. The orientation of bone collagen fibres likewise showed two patterns: (1) collagen fibres were oriented parallel to the HA; or (2) the fibres were aligned perpendicularly. We have observed similar binding properties of HA to the jaw bone of humans in vivo and in vitro.

Sensitive determination of salmon calcitonin, by means of pre-column derivatization, HPLC and fluorometric determination

A high sensitive analytical method for salmon calcitonin (sCT) was established by means of derivatization with a fluorescence labelling agent, DBD-F, followed by HPLC separation and fluorescence detection at 558 nm with excitation at 430 nm. Under optimized conditions (DBD-F, 0.1 M borate buffer (pH 8.5):acetonitrile (70:30, v/v)), three molecules of DBD-F reacted with one sCT molecule in the presence of 1 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) at 50 degrees C for 3 h. The detection limit for the sCT derivative was 20 fmol. A linear relationship was obtained between the amount of sCT on column and the peak heights in the range of 35-8000 fmol.

Developmental alteration of the chromatin state at promoter/replication origin region of the aldolase B locus precedes transcriptional activation in the liver

Liver-specific expression of the rat aldolase B (AldB) gene is conferred by proximal promoter region (-200 bp to + 1 bp), which is centered on an origin region of DNA replication. Transcriptional activation of the gene in the liver occurs during the late one-third of fetal stage. To know the mechanism involved in such activation, we studied developmental changes in chromatin structure and in the extent of CpG methylation in the promoter/origin region of the gene. At an early fetal stage, when the AldB gene in the liver is not yet activated, the gene chromatin had two DNase 1-hypersensitive sites in the promoter region. One corresponded to that typical of AldB-expressing cells in the adult. The other, located approximately 200 bp upstream of the above site, disappeared as the activation of transcription started. A CpG dinucleotide in the promoter/origin region was heavily methylated at an early stage of gestation, but progressively demethylated as the liver develops. This CpG site is located at the center of an important binding site for a transcription factor. These changes occurred early in the fetal stage, prior to the gene activation, and were thus thought to be associated with differentiation of the liver cell or with cessation of cell proliferation.

Molecular mass measurement of polymerase chain reaction products amplified from human blood DNA by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

We report here on the first analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products amplified from a small amount of human blood DNA by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene fragment of about 50 base pairs (bp) with a relative molecular mass (M(r)) of approximately 15,000 u was amplified from human blood DNA by PCR. The accurate molecular mass of the PCR products was determined with an accuracy of approximately 0.005% by ESI-MS. The amount of DNA used was only 100 ng (approximately 50 zmol; the theoretically required amount of blood is therefore less than 1 microliter for PCR). The ESI-MS measurement of the PCR products proved to be a new accurate, sensitive and fast tool for gene diagnosis.

Successful treatment of a 93-year-old patient with hypoplastic acute monocytic leukemia using macrophage colony-stimulating factor

A 93-year-old patient with hypoplastic acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL) achieved a complete remission after macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) therapy. Initially, the patient was treated with a low dose of cytarabine, but this treatment proved ineffective. M-CSF was administered for 14 days by drip intravenous infusion, 800 x 10(4) units per day. After a gradual decrease in the number of leukemic cells, a rapid increase in neutrophils was observed in the peripheral blood, and a bone marrow examination 22 days after discontinuation of M-CSF medication revealed a complete remission. These findings suggest that M-CSF may be useful in treating some elderly patients who have hypoplastic AMoL.

Characteristics of human gait related variables in association with vestibular system disorders

Gait analysis was performed in patients with vestibular system disorders, using foot switches and electromyography. They were divided into three groups: 11 cases with vestibular neuronitis (VN), 10 cases with large acoustic neuroma (LAN) who had central lesion evidenced by neurotological examinations, and 10 cases with olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). A total of 14 healthy adults served as controls. Results showed that time from heel strike to forefoot strike was the most sensitive variable to indicate gait abnormality but had no specificity. As for the variables of stance, swing, and time to reach the initial peak of the tibialis anterior's activity from forefoot off, occurrence rate of abnormality was high in the OPCA group, followed by the LAN and VN groups. Concerning the double support period which is related with body weight transfer from one leg to the other, the LAN and OPCA groups showed higher occurrence rate of abnormality than the VN group. These differences among the three groups could reflect different effects to the gait control systems caused by lesion.

Comparative study on gait abnormality in patients with vestibular neuronitis and patients with large acoustic neuroma

A comparative study on gait analysis comprising 11 patients with vestibular neuronitis and 10 patients with large acoustic neuroma was undertaken by the use of foot switches and electromyography. Central disorders in the neuroma group were evidenced by neurotological examinations. Fourteen healthy adults served as controls. Variables employed for the analysis were time from heel strike to forefoot strike (HA-I), time from heel off to forefoot off (HA-II) as well as duration of stance, swing and double supports (DS), location of maximum contraction of the gastrocnemius during stance, and location of the first and second peak of muscle contraction of the tibialis anterior from early swing phase (TA-off) to early stance phase (TA-on). The occurrence rate of abnormality of HA-I was the highest in both groups and most of the variables showed a higher rate in the large acoustic neuroma cases. In addition, a significantly higher CV value was obtained in HA-II of the lesion side's foot in the AN group. These changes could reflect the pathophysiological difference in the gait control systems between the two groups.

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

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

[Epidemiological study for comparative biological profiles on MRSA strains isolated in 1992 vs. 1993]

The trend of epidemiological study against MRSA strains which were isolated in 1992 and in 1993 was investigated. Number of stains tested yearly consisted of 30 isolates that were considered to play pathogenic roles for inpatients in clinical departments at our institute. In comparing with biological studies on MRSA strains and the epidemiological surveillance of the background of the isolation, the data summarizes as followings; 1) No. of MRSA strains which were producible for TSST increased from 24/30, 80% up to 30/30, 100%. 2) No. of enterotoxin type harbouring biotype of B/C increased 0/30, 0% up to 12/30, 40%. 3) No. of type of plasmid DNA profile increased in varying from 3 types (A, B, C) to 8 types (A-H). 4) The in vitro activity of antimicrobials, as such MINO, GM, IPM, CMZ was less potent than that of the prior year, and even for VCM, ABK, the activity proved less potent in 1-2 tubes in MIC90. 5) No. significant hospital acquired infection was detected between the inpatients, with MRSA infection and isolates from plasmid DNA profiles. 6) Since the ratio of the coincidence of plasmid DNA profiles of MRSA was only in 4 patients out of 27, 14.9 &, nosocomial infections with MRSA brought to patients have not only been considered by medical, paramedical staff, but that the infection may be caused by broad contamination at the institute.

Electron-microscopic study of gamma-aminobutyric acid immunoreactivity in the chief cells of the mouse carotid body

The present study shows gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivity in almost all chief cells of the mouse carotid body. GABA immunoreaction products were distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm as well as in the dense-cored granules. These findings suggest that GABA may be localized in the cytoplasm and granules, and may be released from the cells.

Direct monitoring of the microcirculation in experimental venous flaps with afferent arteriovenous fistulas

This study was conducted to determine the survival mechanism of tissue transfers which make use of an afferent arteriovenous fistula. The study was carried out using a rabbit ear chamber method. In the first experiment (n = 34), the rabbit ear was used to create a flap with a central afferent arteriovenous fistula with either dual (n = 28) or single (n = 6) drainage. In the second experiment (n = 6), a flap with a central arteriovenous fistula with single drainage was created as above. The central vein was then ligated in the flap to investigate the influence of the competent venous valve in the central vein. In both the first and second experiments, blood flow was noted in the capillaries and arterioles. This finding was interpreted as meaning that a flap with an afferent arteriovenous fistula is nourished through capillary circulation. It appears that the blood flow can circumvent the competent venous valve to perfuse the distal part of the ear.

Role of Coulomb energy in promoting collisionally activated dissociation of multiply charged peptides formed by electrospray ionization

Electrospray ionization tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry has been applied to a series of lysine-substituted octaalanines and some naturally occurring peptides containing more than two basic amino acid residues. Unusually high fragmentation efficiency along with site-specific cleavages at the outer side of and remote from basic residues were observed for collisionally activated dissociation spectra of multiply charged peptides (MCP) with basic residues in close proximity. It was suggested that Coulomb energy (CE) rather than Coulomb repulsion (CR) was responsible for promoting fragmentation of the MCP studied. A possible fragmentation mechanism of MCP is proposed, in which the conversion of CE into internal vibrational energy was brought about by intramolecular proton migration in the presence of CR between charged sites.

[LDL apheresis in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia]

In order to the reduce the LDL level of Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), direct LDL removal techniques have been used in several laboratories. In Japan, selective LDL-apheresis by dextran sulfate cellulose column have been developed and is used in treatment of homo- and heterozygous FH patients. In this paper, I reviewed the effectiveness of LDL-apheresis treatment in FH patients with many evidences of regression of atherosclerosis and discussed the potential role of this technique in the future treatment for coronary heart disease. No significant side effect for long term treatment is not experienced.

Effect of calcium ions on hydroxyapatite formation from the hydrolysis of anhydrous dicalcium phosphate

Effects of solution calcium ions on hydroxyapatite (HAP) formation from the hydrolysis of dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) were investigated under controlled solution conditions. The hydrolysis experiments (2.5 mmol DCPA/250 mL) were carried out at fixed pH in the absence or presence of CaCl2 (0-200 mmol/L) by standard pH stat techniques at 37 degrees C. The rate of hydrolysis was much faster, and the yield of HAP approximately doubled in the presence of CaCl2 when compared to no CaCl2, but no significant difference was observed over the range of Ca2+ concentrations examined (25-200 mmol/L). At equivalent conversion times, the crystallinity of the HAP formed was also greater in the presence of CaCl2. Calculations showed that much less DCPA dissolved to reach solution equilibrium with respect to HAP in the presence than in the absence of CaCl2. We conclude, therefore, that solution Ca2+ is an important factor in controlling HAP formation from the hydrolysis of acidic calcium phosphates such as DCPA.

[Clinical study of a new injectable cephem, FK037, for acute bacterial prostatitis]

FK037, a new injectable cephem antibiotic, was administered in the treatment of 13 acute bacterial prostatitis (mean age 53.5, range 30-79), and its effectiveness and safety were evaluated. The human prostatic fluid (PF) concentration of FK037 on 7 specimens 1 hour after 1 g i.v.d., was in the range of 0.87-7.47 micrograms/ml (mean +/- SD, 3.43 +/- 2.23 micrograms/ml), whereas, the serum concentration averaged 45.3 +/- 2.88 micrograms/ml, the ratio of PF/serum consequently being 0.08 +/- 0.05. In the clinical study, 1g of FK037 was administered to 13 patients by i.v.d. twice a day for 7-9 days. Bacteriological eradication on expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) was obtained for all clinical isolates which included 11 strains of Escherichia coli (MIC < or = 0.05 microgram/ml), 2 of Enterococcus faecalis, and each one of Staphylococcus aureus and Morganella morganii. Symptomatical cure was 100% in all cases. As for safety profile, no side effects were noted. In laboratory values, slight elevation of transaminase were detected in 3 cases, but they were transient and returned to normal 1-2 weeks after completion of the therapy. We conclude that FK037 is highly effective in the treatment of acute bacterial prostatitis, and is well tolerated in comparison with other relative antimicrobials.

[Hilar type squamous cell carcinoma confined within the bronchial wall with hilar lymph node metastasis: a case report]

A 60-year-old male patient visited our hospital for evaluation of positive sputum cytology. A chest X-ray film revealed no abnormal shadows. Bronchofiberscopy showed a protruding lesion at the spur between left B8 and B9. Histological findings indicated squamous cell carcinoma. Left lower lobectomy with hilar and mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed. The tumor did not infiltrate beyond the bronchial cartilage on postoperative histologic examination. However, hilar lymph node (#12 l) metastasis was identified. Surgical resection with lymph node dissection is mandatory even in the hilar type lung cancer confined within the bronchial wall.

Analysis of gait in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders

Analysis of gait in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders was performed using foot switches and electromyography, with the aid of a telemetry system. Among the eight parameters set for the analysis, the occurrence rate of abnormality in the coefficient of variation (CV) was the highest (78%) for the time from heel strike to forefoot strike, followed by that of the location of maximum monophasic contraction of the gastrocnemius during stance, swing and stance. No significant laterality concerning the abnormally increased CV value in those parameters was found except for swing of the foot contralateral to the lesion side. The CV value of each parameter was significantly increased by removing visual cues, suggesting the importance of visual input for steady locomotion. No significant change in CV values of double support was obtained during the acute stage of vestibular neuronitis, indicating that weight transfer from one leg to the other could be smooth even though some difficulty was expected. Abnormal parameters at an acute stage returned to normal limits at recovery stage. The physiological background of the obtained results is discussed.

Dietary and hormonal regulation of aldolase B gene transcription in rat liver

In the liver of the fasted rat, the aldolase B (AldB) mRNA level decreased to about half of that of the control rat. When the control rat was refed the glucose-rich diet, the AldB mRNA level increased about six to seven times more than in the fasted rat. This increase was shown as the activation of the AldB gene transcription by a nuclear run-on assay. To understand the causal factor(s) for this activation, the relationship between the AldB mRNA level in the liver and the plasma concentrations of hormones, which are known as major regulators of carbohydrate metabolism during fasting and refeeding, was investigated. The plasma insulin level in the rat which was refed the glucose-rich diet increased in parallel to AldB mRNA level, while the plasma glucagon level decreased reciprocally to it. The relationship of the plasma corticosterone level to the AldB mRNA level was not obvious. To directly confirm the effects of these hormones on AldB gene transcription in the liver, the responses of AldB gene in the primary cultured hepatocytes to these hormones were examined. Insulin and dexamethasone were effective to activate AldB gene, while glucagon and thyroxine were suppressive. Thyroxine did not extinguish the effects of insulin and dexamethasone, but glucagon canceled them. Thus, it is probable that in vivo these hormones synergistically regulate the AldB gene transcription. In vitro transcription analysis of two AldB promoter constructs suggested that the proximal half of the AldB promoter (up to -92 bp from the transcription start site) is, at least in part, involved for this induction, and the distal half which contains liver-specific elements (-93 to -202 bp) is not involved. The possible explanation for the dietary regulation of aldolase B gene transcription in the liver is discussed.

Immunohistochemical and histochemical evidence for the presence of noradrenaline, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid in chief cells of the mouse carotid body

The immunohistochemical study revealed tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), serotonin, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivities in the mouse carotid body. TH and DBH immunoreactivities were found in almost all chief cells and a few ganglion cells, and in relatively numerous varicose nerve fibers of the carotid body. The histofluorescence microscopy showed catecholamine fluorescence in almost all chief cells. However, no PNMT immunoreactivity was observed in the carotid body. Serotonin, GAD and GABA immunoreactivities were also seen in almost all chief cells of the carotid body. From combined immunohistochemistry and fluorescence histochemistry, catecholamine and serotonin or catecholamine and GABA were colocalized in almost all chief cells. Thus, these findings suggest that noradrenaline, serotonin and GABA may be synthesized and co-exist in almost all chief cells of the mouse carotid body and may play roles in chemoreceptive functions.

Long-term outcome for 120 Japanese patients with Takayasu's disease. Clinical and statistical analyses of related prognostic factors

BACKGROUND

Patients with Takayasu's disease, a chronic inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown cause, have variable clinical courses, and predictors of the long-term outcome are not well understood. We studied prognostic factors of this disease, based on follow-up results, and a new prognostic classification was proposed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Life-table methods and Cox regression analyses were applied to clinical data on 120 patients who had been prospectively followed for a median of 13 years (range, 1 month to 34 years). The overall survival rate at 15 years after the diagnosis was 82.9% and remained the same for the remainder of the follow-up period. Univariate Cox analyses revealed that of the six dichotomous variables evaluated at diagnosis, four were statistically significant predictors, including complications (Takayasu's retinopathy, hypertension, aortic regurgitation, and aneurysm), pattern of the past clinical course, age of the patient, and calendar year of diagnosis. Thus, the 15-year survival was 66.3% versus 96.4% for patients with and without a major complication, 67.9% versus 92.9% for patients with and without a progressive course, 58.3% versus 92.7% for age > 35 years and < or = 35 years, and 79.9% versus 96.5% for patients diagnosed in 1957 through 1975 and in 1976 through 1990, respectively. The delay in diagnosis and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were of marginal significance. The multivariate Cox analysis showed that only two of the above variables were statistically independent predictors, ie, the major complication and the progressive course. In addition to these two factors, ESR was the third predictor, if the Cox stepwise elimination procedure was performed. These three predictors used in various combinations made a total of 1822 classifications theoretically feasible. Of these, a three-stage classification was selected as the best one, based on the Akaike information criterion. The presence of both major complication and progressive course (stage 3) was the worst prognostic indicator (43% survival at 15 years). In contrast, no patient died who had neither of these manifestations or who had a progressive course but an elevated ESR as well (stage 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term outcome for patients with Takayasu's disease seems best predicted by two major prognostic factors, ie, complications and the pattern of the past clinical course, as well as by ESR. Aggressive medical and surgical treatment may be considered for patients with a major complication and a progressive course (stage 3).