Energetic recovery from hypothermic preservation in the rat liver

Changes in energy metabolism induced by norepinephrine were observed in liver perfused immediately after dissection and in liver stored in Euro-Collins solution at 0 degrees C for 24 hr. Oxygen consumption, glucose output, ATP content, and tissue pH were measured in isolated perfused rat liver at 37 degrees C. In fresh liver, a two-fold increase in glucose output and oxygen consumption was induced by norepinephrine (1 microM), while changes in ATP content and tissue pH were minimal. In stored liver, the cumulative increments in glucose output and oxygen consumption induced by norepinephrine were 30 and 27% those of fresh liver, respectively. ATP content of the unstimulated liver was 76% that of the fresh liver, then decreased to 50% during stimulation. A transient decrease in tissue pH (0.14 pH unit) was significant compared with that of fresh liver. These results suggest that norepinephrine stimulation is useful for assessing energetic and functional recovery of reperfused liver following hypothermic storage.

Remarkable improvement of growth and developmental retardation in Crohn's disease by parenteral and enteral nutrition therapy

The patient, an 18-yr-old male (admission ht 153 cm, wt 30 kg), had been suffering from growth arrest and intermittent abdominal pain since he was 13 yr old, which was left untreated. Examinations on admission disclosed almost normal pituitary function, while levels of testosterone and somatomedin C were low. Roentgenological examination revealed extensive skip-stenotic lesions and longitudinal ulcers in the ileum, diagnostic of Crohn's disease. Therapy involving high-caloric parenteral and enteral alimentation resulted in a marked increase in both ht and wt, and improvement in roentgenological and colonoscopical findings. The interrelation between Crohn's disease and malnutrition with reference to some reports in the literature is discussed.

Molecular cloning and characterization of guinea pig Fc gamma RIII: expression but not function is independent of the gamma chain of Fc epsilon RI

We have isolated two cDNA clones encoding the guinea pig receptor for the Fc portion of IgG2 (Fc gamma 2R) from a guinea pig peritoneal macrophage cDNA library. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of the one cDNA clone indicated that the guinea pig Fc gamma 2R is a type I transmembrane protein and has approximately 72% DNA sequence homology and approximately 57% protein sequence homology with the human Fc gamma RIII. Therefore, we propose that the guinea pig Fc gamma 2R is referred to as guinea pig Fc gamma RIII. The most important finding in this report is that the obtained cDNA directed the cell surface expression of the Fc gamma 2R on COS-7 cells without association with the gamma chain of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI gamma) which is required for human and mouse Fc gamma RIII to be expressed on the cell surface. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the endocytosis activity of Fc gamma RIII is dependent upon the association with Fc epsilon RI gamma, suggesting that Fc epsilon RI gamma is involved in the functions of guinea pig Fc gamma RIII. The other clone was found to lack the sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, suggesting the presence of a soluble form of guinea pig Fc gamma RIII. Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR showed that a transmembrane form of guinea pig Fc gamma RIII was expressed in peritoneal macrophages, but not in neutrophils in spite of the fact that they express Fc gamma 2R, indicating that the Fc gamma 2R on neutrophils is a product of a distinct gene.

Involvement of CD28/CTLA4-B7 costimulatory pathway in the development of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in MRL/lpr mice

MRL/lpr mouse is an established animal model which develops autoimmune diseases including glomerulonephritis, sialoadenitis, hepatitis and inflammatory lung disease. Additionally, it has been reported that lpr strains uniquely accumulate CD3+ CD4- CD8- B220+ (double negative, DN) T cells in lymphoid organs leading to lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. To investigate the role of CD28/CTLA4-B7 pathway in the development of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, MRL/lpr mice were treated with soluble form of CTLA4 molecules, CTLA4IgG, which efficiently blocks this pathway. It was demonstrated that (i) the development of DN T cells was independent of the CD28/CTLA4-B7 pathway, (ii) the CD28/CTLA4-B7 pathway was required for the development of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, (iii) the CD28/CTLA4-B7 pathway was important for the accumulation of various cell populations in the lymph node and spleen, (iv) composition of the accumulating cell populations was not altered by CTLA4IgG treatment, and (v) activation of conventional T cells and IL-4 production from conventional T cells were the CD28/CTLA4-B7 pathway dependent. Thus, we concluded that the CD28/CTLA4-B7 pathway was required for the development of full-blown lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in MRL/lpr mice.

Discrete characteristics of antibodies raised against thyrotropin receptor-related peptides whose sequences are not conserved in the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor

In order to identify the specific regions in the human TSH receptor for TSAb and thyroid stimulation-blocking antibody (TSBAb), we produced rabbit antibodies raised against several peptides of the extracellular domain of the human TSH receptor, where sequences are not conserved in the LH/CG receptor, and measured the TSAb activity and TSBAb activity of those antibodies using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human TSH receptors. Only antisera from rabbits that were immunized with a peptide of amino acid 32-56, including the small insertion near the N-terminal end of the extracellular domain, showed apparent TSAb activities and have been shown to be significantly precipitated by IgG of patients with Graves' disease. TSAb activity positively correlated with the antibody titers against the peptide in those rabbits. In contrast, antisera from rabbits immunized with a peptide of amino acid 352-378, including a part of the large insertion near the C-terminal end of the extracellular domain, showed the obvious TSBAb activities. TSBAb activity also positively correlated with the degree of antibody titers against the peptide in those rabbits. Moreover, this peptide was significantly immunoprecipitated by the IgG from hypothyroid patients who had TSBAb, and the immunoprecipitation of this peptide positively correlated with TSBAb activities. These results suggest that the epitope responsible for TSAb is quite different from that for TSBAb in the extracellular domain of the human TSH receptor.

Relationship between amylase and fluid secretion in the isolated perfused whole parotid gland of the rat

Whole gland perfusion technique was applied to rat parotid glands to assess whether amylase affects fluid secretion. Control perfusion without any secretagogue evoked no spontaneous secretion. Carbachol (CCh 1 microM) induced both amylase and fluid secretion with distinctive kinetics. Fluid secretion occurred constantly at 40-120 microliter/g-min (average plateau was 60 microliter/g-min), whereas amylase secretion exhibited an initial peak (10 mg maltose/30 s per g wet w. of the gland), followed by a rapid decrease to reach a plateau level of 1 mg maltose/30 s later than 1.5-2 min. Isoproterenol (Isop 1 microM) alone did not induce fluid secretion although it evoked amylase secretion as measured in isolated perfused acini. Addition of Isop during CCh stimulation evoked a rapid and large rise in amylase secretion to 15 mg maltose/30 s accompanied by the increase in oxygen consumption. However, the fluid secretion exhibited a rather gradual decrease. These findings suggest that control of salivary fluid secretion is independent of the amylase secretion system induced by CCh and/or Isop. Morphological observations carried out by HR SEM and TEM revealed exocytotic profiles following Isop stimulation. CCh stimulation alone seldom showed -exocytotic profiles, suggesting a low incidence of amylase secretion during copious fluid secretion. Combined stimulation of CCh and Isop induced both vacuolation and exocytosis along intercellular canaliculi. During washout of secretagogues, lysosomal digestion of excess membrane took place.

2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol-reducing activity of phagocytosis-associated NADPH oxidase

The 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP)-reducing activity of the phagocytosis-associated NADPH oxidase was investigated using homogenates and a membrane fraction (F2) of elicited guinea pig peritoneal macrophages stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate. Essentially all of the stimulation-specific DCIP reduction under aerobic conditions could be inhibited when high concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), about 10 times those usually used to inhibit the superoxide (O-2)-mediated cytochrome c reduction, were used. SOD inhibited the DCIP reduction by chemically generated O2- in the same manner as the stimulation-specific DCIP reduction by the macrophage F2, and the concentration of SOD necessary for 50% inhibition was about 10 times that for the reduction of cytochrome c. Under anaerobic conditions, however, the NADPH oxidase could reduce DCIP, though the rate was slow because we could not use a sufficiently high DCIP concentration. The observations indicate that the NADPH oxidase preferentially reduces oxygen under aerobic conditions, though the oxidase can reduce DCIP in the anaerobic state.

Vector U loop in normal and hypertensive subjects

The U loops of vectorcardiograms (VCG) were recorded in 100 normal subjects and 123 subjects with hypertension, using a direct-writing vectorcardiograph with memory function. These U loops were examined qualitatively and quantitatively. Subjects with hypertension were classified into four groups on the basis of electrocardiographic findings, and the correlation between findings on the U loop and the severity of hypertension was studied. The U loop of normal subjects was directed similarly to the T loop, showing either an arc or semilunar shape in the horizontal plane. In hypertensive subjects the U loop tended to be displaced anteroinferiorly and to the right with an increase in severity of hypertension. In these subjects the U loop was of slightly greater amplitude than in normal subjects, and was long and slender in shape. Anterior and rightward displacement of the U loop was also observed in hypertensive cases who showed no abnormality in the T wave of standard lead ECGs or in the T loop of the VCG. These findings seem useful as clinical parameters of the hemodynamic state in the early stage of hypertension. Based on these results, it was hypothesized that mechanical factors, such as stretch of the ventricular muscles induced by pressure loading of the left ventricle, may contribute greatly to genesis of the U loop.

Bullous amyloidosis associated with Bence Jones proteinemia without proteinuria

A 74 yo female was found to have bullous dermal amyloidosis on the background of systemic amyloidosis with multiple myeloma. There was monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain of kappa type in the serum with no proteinuria (Bence Jones proteinemia without Bence Jones proteinuria), along with proliferations of kappa-producing plasma cells in the marrow.

Results of malleostapediopexy

In the eight years from 1973 to 1980, we performed tympanoplasty on approximately 350 cases, in 50 of which malleostapediopexy was undertaken. Postoperative hearing improvement occurred in 86%. Hearing further improved as compared with that at the third postoperative week occurred in 17 of 31 long-term follow-up cases (55%). Malleostapediopexy proved satisfactory in that it could be applied if the malleus and stapes were intact, it was technically simple, requiring no higher skill, and produced good improvement of hearing.

Perceived, actual, and seasonal changes in the shape of the face, hands and legs

In this study, we measured the shape of the face, legs, hands and fingers during the course of a day to determine the amount of swelling. We examined the relationship between the perception of swelling and the degree of actual swelling, and considered the influence of seasonal factors. The topology of the face was measured using the 3D curved shape measuring apparatus, VOXELAN, while the circumference of the legs and fingers and the volume of the hands were also recorded. The measurements were used to determine the amount of change in each parameter, which was then used to determine the degree of swelling. The subjects for the experiment were 10 healthy Japanese women aged 24 to 30 years of standard build (BMI: 19.3-25.0). Measurements were carried out twice a day in the mornings and afternoon, first between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. and then between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. At each measurement session, subjects were asked if they perceived swelling to have occurred. We investigated the relationship between the degree of actual swelling and the reported perception of swelling. We also investigated the influence of seasonal factors by conducting the same tests on the same subjects in summer (August 1997) and in winter (February-March 1998). The relationship between perceived and actual swelling differs depending on the part of the body. For the face, actual swelling correlates strongly with perceived swelling. This trend is particularly noticeable for the upper eyelids. For the thigh and lower leg, on the other hand, there was no significant difference. The frequency with which subjects reported the perception of swelling varied depending on the area of the body, and was generally extremely low for the thighs, hands and fingers. With respect to seasonal variation, swelling in the face, hands and feet tended to be more pronounced during the summer. In the facial region, the biggest difference was in the lower eyelid, where swelling increased more than five times. This level of variation suggests that the atmospheric temperature is the main factor affecting swelling.

Detection of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice and analysis of their target antigens

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been widely studied and recognized to be clinically very important for some human diseases including systemic rheumatic diseases. We analyzed ANCA response and their target antigens in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL-lpr) mice, an animal model of systemic rheumatic disease. P-ANCA was detected in 57% of the mice. Antibodies to the known P-ANCA target antigens at the same age were examined. Among these, antibodies to high mobility group (HMG) proteins HMG1 and HMG2 were detected in 57% of the mice, 75% of which were also positive for P-ANCA. These anti-HMG1/HMG2 activities were absorbed by preincubation with a mixture of HMG1 and HMG2. In contrast, antibodies to myeloperoxidase and cathepsin G were detected in 14% and 7%, respectively, but these activities were not inhibited by preincubation with corresponding antigens. In addition, the titers of P-ANCA and anti-HMG1/HMG2 antibodies in MRL-lpr mice were significantly correlated with each other. Thus, HMG1 and HMG2 were considered to be significant target antigens of P-ANCA in MRL-lpr mice.

Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance in isolated perfused rat pancreas

Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to measure phosphorus energy metabolites in isolated perfused rat pancreas. The gland was perfused with a modified Krebs-Henseleit solution at room temperature (25 degrees C). 31P resonances of creatine phosphate (PCr), ATP, ADP, inorganic phosphate (Pi), and phosphomonoesters (PMEs) were observed in all the preparations of pancreas. In different individual preparations, the resonance of PCr varied, but those of ATP were almost the same. The initial levels of PCr and ATP in individual preparations, however, remained almost unchanged during perfusion with the standard solution for 2 h. When the perfusion was stopped, the levels of ATP and PCr decreased, while the levels of PME and Pi increased. At that time, the Pi resonance shifted to a higher magnetic field, indicating that the tissue pH decreased. On reperfusion, the tissue levels of phosphorus compounds and the tissue pH were restored to their initial resting levels. Continuous infusion of 0.1 microM acetylcholine caused marked and sustained increases in the flow of pancreatic juice and protein output. During the stimulation the tissue levels of phosphorus compounds remained unchanged, while the tissue pH was decreased slightly (0.05 pH unit).

Effect of histamine on cyclic AMP levels in the submandibular gland

Histamine and 4-methylhistamine increased on cyclic AMP level in chopped guinea-pig submandibular glands. 4-Methylhistamine was more active than histamine. 2-(2-Pyridyl)ethylamine was less active than histamine or almost inactive. Metiamide markedly antagonized the histamine-induced cyclic AMP increase but mepyramine had no inhibitory effect on this increase. These results suggest that there are H2-receptors which mediate the cyclic AMP response to histamine in the guinea-pig submandibular gland.

Phototransduction in cones as examined in excised membrane patch

Phototransduction mechanisms have been so far investigated mostly in rods, whereas those in cones are much less known. In the present experiment, we investigated phototransduction mechanisms in inside-out patches excised from cone outer segments of the carp. Cyclic GMP-activated channels on the patch became light-sensitive when both GTP and Mg2+ were supplied by perfusion. When the channels were activated by a hydrolysis-resistant analogue of cGMP, activities were not suppressed by light even though both GTP and Mg2+ were present. Thus activation of transducin and phosphodiesterase (PDE) were involved in the transduction processes, indicating that phototransduction mechanisms in cones are qualitatively similar to those in rods. In cone patches, however, light responses fully terminated even though ATP was absent, opposing to the report that ATP was indispensable for light response termination in rods. The response termination in the cone patch might result from activation of guanylate cyclase and/or inactivation of PDE. Under the perfusion of GTP together with Mg2+ and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine, no channel activities were observed, indicating that no guanylate cyclase activity was present in cone patch preparations. Therefore, termination of the light response in the patch might be caused by inactivation of PDE which resulted from inactivation of photopigment and transducin. Based on these observations, differences in light response kinetics between the rod and cone are discussed.

Reversal potentials of color opponent responses in horizontal cells of the carp retina

Reversal potentials of color opponent responses were measured in H2 and H3 horizontal cells of the carp using Ca2+ action potential method. All responses reversed around -5 mV, suggesting that the ionic mechanisms of light responses are common among all types of horizontal cells. Glutamate-induced depolarizations in H2 and H3 cells had the same reversal potentials as those of light responses, consistent with the idea that these cells receive glutamate-mediated inputs from the cones. Simultaneous recordings showed that depolarization of H1 cells by Ca2+ action potential was transmitted to H2 cells in sign-inverted manner through a negative feedback interposed between these cells.

Chemistry and anti-tumor activity of sperabillin polymers

Sperabillin A, 3-[[(3R,5R)-3-amino-6-[(2E,4Z)-2,4-hexadienoylamino]- 5-hydroxyhexanoyl]amino]propanamidine dihydrochloride, was polymerized on standing for several days under a highly humid atmosphere or in the presence of radical initiators. The average molecular weight of the polymers obtained could be regulated by changing the reaction conditions in the latter case. Spectral analyses of the polymers revealed that the 2,4-hexadienoyl moiety of sperabillins was polymerized in a free radical-initiated reaction. The polymers selectively inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells. Polymers having higher molecular weight showed stronger inhibition of HUVE cell proliferation. In addition, the polymers showed anti-tumor activity against B16 melanoma in vivo.

Dimethylthiourea reduces pancreatic islet-cell damage in DBA/1 sucking mice with reovirus type-2 infection

Reovirus type 2 (Reo-2) infection in DBA/1 sucking mice causes pancreatic islet-cell destruction, which results in a diabetes-like syndrome. To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the protective effect of dimethylthiourea (DMTU) was examined, this substance being an effective scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. The degree of cellular infiltration in and around pancreatic islets was the same in mice receiving either virus only or virus and DMTU. The latter had no effect on (1) the number or type of white blood cells, (2) lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1-alpha-positive splenocytes, or (3) viral multiplication in the pancreas. However, treatment with DMTU inhibited the elevation of blood glucose concentrations and reduced pancreatic islet-cell damage (beta-cell degranulation and necrosis). These results suggest that ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of Reo-2-induced diabetes-like syndrome.

Thyroid hormone affects the hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids in the rat hypothalamus

We have attempted to elucidate the effect of thyroid hormone on phospholipase C-linked inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in the rat hypothalamus. Hypothalamic slices of each animal, euthyroid control, hypothyroid, and thyroxine (T4)-supplemented hypothyroid rats were labeled with [3H]myoinositol in the presence of 5 mM LiCl, and then incubated for 60 min in KHG buffer containing either vehicle or 1 mM ouabain, a Na-K ATPase inhibitor. Hypothyroidism caused a significant increase in both basal and ouabain-stimulated accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]IP) in hypothalamic slices, whereas supplement with T4 to hypothyroid rats resulted in a complete restoration of hypothalamic [3H]IP formation to the value of euthyroid control. The present results indicate that thyroid hormone affects phospholipase C-linked inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in the hypothalamus, suggesting that negative feedback action of thyroid hormone may occur at a post-receptor site in the hypothalamus.

[Radioimmunoassay for dexamethasone and its plasma levels after oral administration in patients with liver disease]

Dexamethasone (DXM), one of the strong synthetic glucocorticoids, has been used widely for therapeutic purposes and for evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, information concerning the plasma concentrations of DXM and its metabolism in various liver diseases is limited. In this study, plasma DXM levels were examined in patients with chronic inactive hepatitis (CH), patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and normal subjects (NR) after oral administration of one milligram DXM. Plasma DXM levels were measured directly in plasma extract, using reliable and sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA). The antiserum was obtained by immunizing rabbits with DXM-3-oxime-bovine serum albumin conjugate. Standard curves for DXM were obtained over the range 10-5000 pg. The cross reactivity of endogenous steroids with DXM antiserum was less than 0.1%. In the group of NR, the peak of plasma DXM was 20.9 +/- 2.9 ng/ml within 1.3 +/- 0.4 hours after administration. Half time of its disappearance was 3.3 +/- 1.1 hours, and plasma DXM disappeared in 24 hours, remaining less than 1 ng/ml. In patients with CH and those with LC, the peak levels of DXM were 10.8 +/- 1.0 ng/ml and 10.5 +/- 0.5 ng/ml, respectively, and those values were significantly lower than those of NR. Half time of DXM disappearance in patients with CH and in those with LC were 6.2 +/- 0.6 and 6.3 +/- 0.6 hours, respectively, significantly prolonged compared with that of NR. Although DXM metabolism was impaired in CH as well as in LC, the retention rate of indocyanine green (ICG) at 15 minutes in CH was found within the normal range, 10.0 +/- 1.1%, respectively. These results might suggest that the impaired DXM metabolism in patients with chronic liver disease may be affected not only by the decreased hepatic blood flow but also by some other factors.

Improvement of immunologic abnormalities associated with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease during methimazole treatment

In an attempt to study the effects of methimazole treatment on immunologic abnormality of hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease, TSH receptor antibody (TRab), anti-DNA antibody and HLA-DR were measured in untreated patients with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease and treated patients with methimazole for 2 years, using peripheral blood. In untreated patients, all 3 parameters elevated above normal. Three parameters decreased 2 years after methimazole treatment, but the magnitude of decrease was more in T3-suppressible patients than in T3-unsuppressible patients. However, both anti-DNA antibody and HLA-DR were significantly more in T3-suppressible patients than in normal subjects. It is suggested that immunologic abnormalities should largely be improved before remission of Graves' disease can be obtained.