Possible involvement of the lysine epsilon-aminotransferase gene (lat) in the expression of the genes encoding ACV synthetase (pcbAB) and isopenicillin N synthase (pcbC) in Streptomyces clavuligerus

Streptomyces clavuligerus produces the beta-lactam antibiotics penicillin N, O-carbamoyldeacetylcephalosporin C and cephamycin C. We characterized a wild-type DNA region which restores antibiotic formation to a mutant strain named NP1, previously shown to exhibit depressed activities for two early enzymes of cephalosporin synthesis, delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase (ACVS) and isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS). L-Lysine epsilon-aminotransferase (LAT) assays and alpha-AAA feeding experiments suggested that strain NP1 is a lat mutant. NP1 recovered LAT, ACVS and IPNS activities when transformed with the cloned region. DNA sequencing showed that this region encodes the entire LAT gene (lat), required for the conversion of L-lysine to the beta-lactam precursor L-alpha-aminoadipic acid (alpha-AAA), as well as the upstream half of the ACVS gene (pcbAB). The activities of ACVS and IPNS appear to depend upon LAT expression. Gene fusions constructed to investigate promoter activities in the cloned region support a model of interdependence in the expression of the genes for LAT, ACVS and IPNS (pcbC).

[A clinical study of respiratory infections due to mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa diagnosed by transtracheal aspiration]

We performed a clinical study of 20 cases (33 episodes) of respiratory infections due to mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa by transtracheal aspiration (TTA) in the recent 10 years. There was only one pneumonia without underlying chronic lower respiratory infection (CLRTI) case positive for mucoid P. aeruginosa and others were all CLRTI among 33 TTA trials. In contrast, nonmucoid P. aeruginosa was recovered from 9 cases of respiratory infections without underlying CLRTI among 46 TTA trials. Monomicrobial infection of mucoid P. aeruginosa was 69.7%, and polymicrobial infection containing mucoid P. aeruginosa was 30.3%, and Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequent microorganism recovered with mucoid P. aeruginosa. The recovery rate of mucoid P. aeruginosa among P. aeruginosa-colonized cases was 56.3% in diffuse panbronchiolitis, and that was 42.9% and 40.0% in bronchiectasis and chronic bronchitis, respectively. Mortality due to pneumonia with nonmucoid P. aeruginosa was 46.1%, but there was no fatal pneumonia case with mucoid P. aeruginosa. In CLRTI, laboratory data were not remarkably different between mucoid and non-mocoid P. aeruginosa-colonized cases. Thus, these results suggest that mucoid P. aeruginosa is a more important organism in persistent infections in the lower respiratory tract compared with nonmucoid P. aeruginosa, and further investigations is required on the mechanism and clinical role of this infection.

Antianginal effects of FK409, a new spontaneous NO releaser

1. The aim of this study was to compare antianginal effects of (+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide (FK409), a new spontaneous nitric oxide releaser, with those of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). We used two types of rat angina model; methacholine- and arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced coronary vasospasm models. 2. In the in vitro study, FK409 showed 80 times more potent vasorelaxant effect in dog isolated coronary artery than ISDN (EC50 = 16.7 +/- 4.8 and 1340 +/- 320 nM, respectively). 3. In the rat methacholine-induced coronary vasospasm model, FK409 suppressed the elevation of ST segment dose-dependently and significantly at 0.1 mg kg-1, i.d. On the other hand, ISDN suppressed it significantly at 3.2 mg kg-1, i.d. In addition, the efficacy of 3.2 mg kg-1 ISDN in the model was almost the same as that of 0.1 mg kg-1 FK409. 4. In the above experiments, FK409 and ISDN decreased mean blood pressure significantly at the maximum dose tested (1.0 mg kg-1, i.d. and 3.2 mg kg-1, i.d., respectively) but did not change heart rate at these doses. Therefore, the hypotensive effect of FK409 was 10 times weaker than the antianginal effect of the compound, while those of ISDN were almost the same. 5. In the rat AVP-induced coronary vasospasm model, 32 mg kg-1 FK409 significantly inhibited the depression of ST segment 60 min after oral administration. On the other hand, 32 mg kg-1 ISDN did not inhibit it at 60 and 120 min after oral administration. 6. In conclusion, FK409 inhibits coronary vasospasm more potently in two types of rat angina models than ISDN. In addition, FK409 shows an antianginal effect more selectively that a hypotensive effect,compared with ISDN.

High expression of CD56 (N-CAM) in a patient with cutaneous CD4-positive lymphoma

Cutaneous lymphoma is a disease characterized with massive skin infiltration of lymphoid malignant cells. They commonly express some T-cell markers, such as CD2, CD3, CD4, and CD7, and thus termed as CTCL (cutaneous T cell lymphoma). Here, we present a case with CD56/N-CAM-positive cutaneous lymphoma, which appears lymphocytic morphology and expresses CD4, but does not express CD2, CD3, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD57, and CD20. The most malignant cells contained no distinctive azurophilic granules in the cytoplasm. Southern blot analysis revealed that T cell receptor-beta, gamma, and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in the cells were in germ-line configurations. Electron microscopic examination showed characteristics of lymphoid cells with higher nucleocytoplasmic ratio and lacked structures typical of other cell types (i.e., epithelial cells, neuroendocrine cells, and mesenchymal cells). Thus, the cells are likely to be immature lymphoid cells. Histological analysis revealed the cells infiltrate mainly into the dermis with angiocentric growth pattern. The clinical course was aggressive, with rapid involvement of bone marrow and central nervous system. These striking features of the patient may represent a novel fraction (CD2-, CD4+, and CD56+) of cutaneous lymphoma.

[The role of viral infection in adults with bronchopulmonary infections]

We isolated the virus from the respiratory specimens of 16 patients (7.9%) when we investigated the bronchopulmonary infections of 203 adult patients by the viral isolation method for the diagnosis of the viral infection and transtracheal aspiration (TTA) for taking directly the specimen from the lower respiratory tract. The bronchopulmonary infections, isolated the virus, consisted of acute bronchitis (3 cases), pneumonia (8 cases) and the acute exacerbation of chronic lower respiratory infection (5 cases). The positive viral isolation consisted of Rhinovirus (11 strains), Herpes simplex virus I (3 strains), Parainfluenza virus III (1 strain) and Respiratory syncytial virus (1 stain). There were 9 transtracheal aspirates, 8 pharyngeal swabs and 5 nasal washings in the positive viral specimens. We experienced 5 cases who had the same virus isolated from both the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. H. influenzae, P. aeruginosa and other bacteria were found in 14 of the 16 TTA cultures. These results suggest that the role of the viral infection is important either independently or relating the bacterial infection in the adult bronchopulmonary infections.

Implications of flow cytometry in preoperative detection of biologic variables of gastric cancer and malignant condition of gastric remnant cells obtained by endoscopic biopsy

Flow cytometric (FCM) DNA studies were performed on cell suspensions obtained by endoscopic biopsy in 73 patients with gastric cancer and in 61 patients with gastric remnant. In cancer, DNA aneuploidies were detected in 49 tumors (67.1%), including 51.7% (15/29) of early gastric cancers and 77.3% (34/44) of advanced gastric cancers. Nuclear DNA content of biopsy materials had a significant correlation with that of surgically obtained ones, providing the estimation of the original ploidy pattern and DNA index (p < 0.01). The serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, and vascular invasion of the DNA aneuploidy were significantly higher than those of the DNA diploidy (p < 0.05). In patients with gastric remnant, 9 biopsy specimens in the anastomotic site showed DNA aneuploidy (13.9%). The DNA measurement of the endoscopically obtained specimens may provide additional preoperative information and help to identify biologic variables.

[Influence of physical responses due to controlled frequency breathing during exercise]

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of respiratory responses due to controlled frequency breathing (CFB) during steady state cycle ergometric exercise (50% of Peak VO2, 60rpm) and to compare their responses between long distance (L), badminton (B), Swimming (S) and untrained (C; Control) group. Twenty-two (n = 6; L, B, C.n = 4; S) female university students were forced to take CFB for 1 min every 3 min during 20 min exercise. The breathing frequencies (BR) were 10, 12, 15, 20 and 30 frequencies in a minute. They were represented by CFB10, CFB12, CFB15, CFB20 and CFB30 respectively. In addition, CFB5, and 40 were given in a separate series. Ventiratory volume (VE) decreased significantly, (P < 0.05) when BR decreased less than about 50% of normal breathing (NB), CFB15 in (B) and (C). It showed to be less than CFB12 in (S), and CFB10 in (L). According to the decrease of VE, tidal volume and O2 pulse increased during CFB10 and 15 in all groups to maintain a constant O2 consumption for a given workload. End tidal partial pressure of O2 (PETO2) significantly decreased during less than CFB15 in (B) and (C), during CFB10 in (L). PETCO2 increased during less than CFB15 in (B), less than CFB12 in (L) and (C). However in (S) during every CFB, neither PETO2 nor PETCO2 changed significantly. Talking about the main differences shown between the four groups, (S) and (L) significantly exceeded (C) in maintaining of VE during CFB. However, in consideration of a ratio of the frequency of CFB to that of NB, (L) could maintain VE against more strictly controlled of breathing than other groups. (B) showed similar tendencies as (C) about some responses. It is considered that these differences in respiratory responses to CFB may result from difference of the duration and the level of breathing control that were forced during their daily training rather than whether their breathing frequency during each exercise is high or low.

Glycation of human beta 2-microglobulin in patients with hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis: identification of the glycated sites

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2M) is a major component forming amyloid deposits in patients with hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis (HAA), a serious complication of long-term hemodialysis. Recently, we demonstrated that beta 2M modified with the Maillard reaction is a definite constituent of amyloid deposits in patients with HAA. Our further study demonstrated that this modified beta 2M induces not only chemotaxis of monocytes but also secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 from macrophages, suggesting the potential link of glycation of beta 2M by the Maillard reaction to the pathogenesis of HAA. The present study was undertaken to identify the glycated site(s) of beta 2M purified from long-term hemodialysis patients as well as beta 2M incubated with glucose in vitro. Borotritide-treated beta 2M was cleaved by endoproteinase Lys-C, and peptides were isolated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, followed by amino acid sequence analysis and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry to identify the glycated site. The glycated sites of beta 2M formed in vivo were found to be almost the same as those of glycated beta 2M in vitro. The primary glycated site was the alpha-amino group of the amino terminal isoleucine. Other minor sites were the epsilon-amino groups of Lys-19, -41, -48, -58, -91, and -94. Computer graphics of the three-dimensional structure of beta 2M suggested that the high specificity for the glycated site at Ile-1 may be explained by its high solvent accessibility and the nearby imidazole group of His-31 as an acid-base catalyst of the Amadori rearrangement.

Chemical modification of Penicillium 1,2-alpha-D-mannosidase by water-soluble carbodi-imide: identification of a catalytically important aspartic acid residue

1,2-alpha-D-Mannosidase from Penicillium citrinum was inactivated by chemical modification with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylamino-propyl)carbodi-imide (EDC). Most of the activity was lost after modification in the absence of a nucleophile, glycine ethyl ester. 1-Deoxymannojirimycin (dMM), a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, showed partial protection against the inactivation. After the modification by EDC without the presence of a nucleophile, proteolytic digests of the enzyme were analysed by reversed-phase h.p.l.c. and a unique peptide was shown to decrease when dMM was present during the modification. The peptide was absent from the digests of unmodified enzyme. The amino acid sequence of the peptide (A; Ile-Gly-Pro) was identical in part with that of the adjacent peptide (B; Ile-Gly-Pro-Asp-Ser-Trp-Gly-Trp-Asp-Pro-Lys). When cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) was modified by EDC alone, the modified peptide could be separated from unmodified peptide by reversed-phase h.p.i.c., and Edman degradation was stopped before the modified aspartic acid residue. This suggested that, in the enzyme, peptide A was derived from peptide B by the modification. Consequently, Asp-4 in peptide B was assumed to be masked by dMM during the modification, and to be involved in the interaction of the enzyme with its substrate.

Co-stimulation with LFA-1 triggers apoptosis in gamma delta T cells on T cell receptor engagement

Stimulation of T cells through the T cell receptor (TcR) initiate activation pathways, and paradoxically can also result in activation-induced cell death. Many factors influence a stimulated cell's decision to manifest one or the other. Here we show that co-stimulation with LFA-1 plays a key role in the choice between the two fates, differentiating between alpha beta and gamma delta T cells. Peripheral gamma delta. T cells but not alpha beta T cells undergo apoptosis upon co-cross-linking of TcR and LFA-1 in MRL lpr/lpr mice as well as +/+ mice. Our results suggest that apoptosis of gamma delta T cells is inducible by combined stimuli independent of the Fas-mediated pathway.

The phylogenetic relationships of species of the genus Dekkera van der Walt based on the partial sequences of 18S and 26S ribosomal RNAs (Saccharomycetaceae)

Eight strains of species of the teleomorphic genus Dekkera (and anamorphic genus Brettanomyces) were examined for their partial base sequences of 18S and 26S rRNAs. In the 26S rRNA partial base sequencings in positions 493-622 (130 bases) of 26S rRNA, D. bruxellensis (type species) (and B. bruxellensis, type species) and D. anomala (and B. anomalus) were related phylogenetically (percent similarities, 73-82). The percent similarity of D. naardenensis and D. custersiana were very low (48-56 and 48-53, respectively). In the 26S rRNA partial base sequencings in positions 1611-1835 (225 bases) of 26S rRNA, D. bruxellensis (and B. bruxellensis) and D. anomala (and B. anomalus) were related phylogenetically (base differences, 8-6). The base differences of D. naardenensis and D. custersiana were 46-38 and 38-27, respectively. In the 18S rRNA partial base sequencings in positions 1451-1618 (168 bases) of 18S rRNA, D. bruxellensis (and B. bruxellensis) and D. anomala (and B. anomalus) were closely related phylogenetically (base difference, one). The base differences of D. naardenensis were three with the above-mentioned two species. In contrast, D. custersiana was distant phylogenetically (base differences, 10-9). The sequence data obtained were discussed taxonomically, especially on setting up a new teleomorphic genus for D. custersiana.

Antiplatelet activities of FK409, a new spontaneous NO releaser

1. We reported that (+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide (FK409) released nitric oxide (NO) spontaneously with a chemiluminescence analyzer. The aim of this study was to compare antiplatelet activities of FK409, a new NO releaser, with those of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) in vivo and in vitro. In order to elucidate the differences in antiplatelet activities between FK409 and ISDN, we compared their modes of action. 2. In in vitro experiments, FK409 had a more potent inhibitory effect on rat platelet aggregation induced by adenosine 5'-diphosphate (2.0 microM) than ISDN (IC50 = 4.32 +/- 0.95 microM and > 100 microM respectively). 3. In the rat extracorporeal shunt model (in vivo experiments), FK409 suppressed thrombus formation dose-dependently from 0.32 mg kg-1, p.o. and showed the maximum inhibition (52% inhibition vs. vehicle treatment) at 10 mg kg-1, p.o., while ISDN showed no inhibition at 10 mg kg-1 and only 17% inhibition at 32 mg kg-1, p.o. 4. FK409 could generate nitrite, which is an oxidative product of NO, much faster than ISDN in phosphate buffer solution and rat plasma during 60-min incubation at 37 degrees C. 5. These data show that FK409 has more potent antiplatelet effects than ISDN, by acting through spontaneously released NO.

A histochemical study of the behavior of macrophages during experimental apical periodontitis in rats

The behavior of macrophages from experimentally induced periapical lesions of rats was studied in paraffin sections using nonspecific esterase and a monoclonal antibody, ED1. Macrophages were seen near the regularly arranged osteoblasts in controls and the detached osteoblasts at the initiation phase of bone resorption. In addition, numerous macrophages were widely distributed throughout the periodontium at the activation phase of bone resorption. On the other hand, macrophages were rarely seen near the bone formation surfaces, but large numbers of macrophages were localized in microabscess at the activation phase of bone formation. It is suggested that macrophages may play an important role in activation of osteoclastic bone resorption and inhibition of complete bone repair in bone remodeling during experimental apical periodontitis.

Intestinal and extraintestinal complications of Crohn's disease: predictors and cumulative probability of complications

Of 238 patients with Crohn's disease seen at our clinics from April 1973 to August 1988, 203 patients were selected for this study, since they fulfilled the following criteria: they had been followed up for more than 6 months as outpatients or had been treated as inpatients for more than 1 month. They were studied to elucidate: (a) the different types and incidence of various complications, (b) the factors related to complications present at the time of diagnosis, (c) predictors of new complications arising after diagnosis, and (d) the cumulative incidence of complications occurring during the course of the disease from the times of onset and diagnosis. Of the intestinal complications, perianal fistula was most common (33%), followed by strictures with dilatations of the proximal bowel (21%), and internal fistula (14%). Of the extraintestinal complications, menstrual disturbance was the most common (18% of the female patients), followed by arthritis (10%), and aphthous stomatitis (10%). As for the factors influencing complications present at the time of diagnosis, the pattern of bowel involvement was significantly correlated with the presence of intestinal stricture, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly correlated with the presence of perianal fistula. A significant predictor of new complications arising after diagnosis was the general well-being of patients at the time of diagnosis. Patients who, at diagnosis, already have complications such as stricture, abdominal abscess, internal or external fistula, massive hemorrhage, and free perforation or anal lesions are more likely to develop new complications in addition to those present at diagnosis, compared with patients without any complications at diagnosis (P = 0.055).

Nucleotide sequence and characterization of the feline herpesvirus type 1 immediate early gene

We report the nucleotide sequence of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) immediate early (IE) gene encoding a homologue to the ICP4 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 and its flanking sequences. When we examined the regulatory function of the FHV-1 IE gene product by using the transient transfection assay with an effector plasmid expressing the FHV-1 IE gene in combination with chimeric various promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter constructs, the product was able to transactivate a putative FHV-1 TK promoter, pseudorabies virus and equine herpesvirus type 1 ICP4 promoters, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) long terminal repeat (LTR) in Crandell feline kidney cells. Furthermore, the FHV-1 IE gene product could transactivate both feline immunodeficiency virus and HIV LTRs in SW480 cells but not in Felis catus whole fetus 4 cells.

Inhibition of feline immunodeficiency virus gene expression and replication by alphaherpesvirus ICP4 homologues

We investigated the effects of pseudorabies virus (PRV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) ICP4 homologues on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) long terminal repeat (LTR)-directed gene expression. This was done by using the transient expression chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assay in Crandell feline kidney (CRFK) and Felis catus whole fetus 4 cells transfected with a chimeric FIV LTR-CAT reporter construct in combination with effector plasmids expressing the PRV, HSV-1 or EHV-1 ICP4 homologue. The experiments demonstrated that the ICP4 homologues could significantly inhibit FIV LTR-directed gene expression. Moreover, the ICP4 homologues also exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on FIV replication in CRFK cells cotransfected with an infectious molecular clone of FIV.

[Suppression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced biofilm formation on human epithelial cells by erythromycin]

In the present study, were examined the inhibitory effect of erythromycin on the biofilm formation by a temperature-sensitive mutant (Ts25) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa N-42 on the surface of Ishikawa cells which can produce a mucin-like glycoprotein physicochemically similar to mucoproteins produced in the human airway. Usually, 38-45 microcolonies (biofilms) were formed after 10 days of incubation in cultures of Ishikawa cells and P. aeruginosa Ts25. Erythromcin suppressed the adhesion to Ishikawsa cells of P. aeruginosa and its subsequent biofilm formation at doses as low as 0.2 microgram/ml. Erythromycin also exhibited the suppressive effect on the production of glycoproteins by Ishikawa cells at doses higher than 1 microgram/ml and the production of elastase and exoenxyme A from P. aeruginosa at doses higher than 2 micrograms/ml. These results suggest that erythromycin can inhibit the biofilm formation in culture of human epithelial cells and P. aeruginosa and the in-vivo bacterial biofilm formation may be attributed to host cell-derived factors rather than bacterial products.

[An evaluation of pathogens in patients with bronchopulmonary infection by transtracheal aspiration: December 1978-March 1993]

We performed transtracheal aspiration (TTA) in 1165 patients, who were suspected to have bronchopulmonary infection, from December 1978 to March 1993. We isolated pathogens from TTA in 806 patients (69.2%). We isolated H. influenzae (62 cases), S. pneumoniae (39 cases) and M. catarrhalis (24 cases) in patients with acute bronchitis, S. pneumoniae (65 cases), alpha-Streptococcus sp. (52 cases), H. influenzae (32 cases) and S. aureus (29 cases) in patients with pneumonia or lung abscess and H. influenzae (174 cases), S. pneumoniae (84 cases), P. aeruginosa (81 cases) and M. catarrhalis (42 cases) in patients with chronic lower respiratory tract infection. Anaerobic bacteria isolated from TTA included Peptostreptococcus sp. (19 cases), Bacteroides sp. (19 cases) and others. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was isolated from TTA in 8 patients with pneumonia without other organisms. Virus isolated from TTA included Rhinovirus (6 cases) and others. These results suggest that various pathogens affect the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary infection. Therefore, we must diagnose the bronchopulmonary infection by the correct methods such as TTA.

Basic fibroblast growth factor-binding domain of heparan sulfate in the human glomerulosclerosis and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The saccharide side chains of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans show enormous complexity. These polysaccharides can interact specifically with cytokines such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The understanding of HS expression in glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis, which is still rudimentary, could provide some insight about the role of bFGF in kidney diseases.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Kidney sections were exposed to exogenous bFGF and then to a monoclonal anti-bFGF antibody. Specificity of the interaction between HS and bFGF was established by monitoring concomitant loss of bFGF during selective removal of HS with heparitinase and competitive inhibition studies. To further characterize regional changes in saccharide sequences, heparitinase-generated unsaturated disaccharides, N-sulfated glucosamine-enriched but O-sulfate-scarce portions characteristics of native HS, and such portions characteristic of Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor HS were studied.

RESULTS

HS was detected in interstitial fibrosis and in advanced glomerulosclerosis, whereas bFGF-binding domains were found only in the fibrosis: The distributional pattern of the N-sulfate-enriched and O-sulfate-scarce portions of native HS was similar to that of bFGF-binding domains. Moreover, a small population of parenchymal cells in advanced tubulointerstitial fibrosis with marked cellular infiltration were especially rich in the bFGF-binding domains.

CONCLUSIONS

In fibrotic lesions of the peritubular interstitium, HS shows enrichment of bFGF-binding domains. These regions may play an important role in the fibrogenesis through their interaction with endogenous bFGF.

[A case of fistula-cancer response to arterial chemoembolization]

Arterial chemoembolization was performed three times preoperatively for cancer associated with fistula-in-ano for diminishing the postoperative surgical tissue defect of the perineum. Partial response of the tumor to this treatment was confirmed by computed tomography. A sixty-two-year-old male patient recognized a mass in the perineum one and a half years ago. He had suffered from fistula-in-ano for thirty years. The mass increased its size and formed a tumor in the bilateral buttocks (12 x 9 cm and 9 x 9 cm in diameter). Biopsy specimen showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Angiography showed a hypervascular tumor stain. The main feeders to the tumor were the superior rectal artery and bilateral internal iliac artery. Arterial chemoembolization was performed three times through the right and left internal iliac artery with Gelfoam particle. Arterial infusion chemotherapy was added through inferior mesenteric artery and bilateral internal iliac artery with a total 120 mg of adriamycin and 1,500 mg of 5-FU simultaneously. The tumor decreased in size to 44% of the preoperative size by the treatment. A radical operation was performed following the preoperative treatment. Preoperative arterial chemoembolization for cancer associated fistula-in-ano was considered to be helpful for local control.

Estrogen feedback needed at the paraventricular nucleus or A2 to suppress pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in fasting female rats

The feedback sites of estrogen within the hypothalamus and lower brain stem involved in the suppression of pulsatile LH secretion during 48-h fasting were examined in ovariectomized rats with local estradiol (E2) implants. The animals were ovariectomized and immediately implanted stereotaxically with stainless steel cannula containing crystal E2 diluted 10 times with crystal cholesterol into the medial preoptic area, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), locus ceruleus, or A1 or A2 region of the brain. Five days later, animals were deprived of food for 48 h, and blood samples were collected every 6 min for 3 h. Animals were immediately refed for 45 h and bled again as described above. Changes in the mean LH concentrations over the 3-h sampling period and the frequency and amplitude of LH pulses were determined by calculating the differences in these parameters between the first and second blood samplings in each animal. Fasting significantly lowered mean LH concentrations in animals implanted with E2 in the A2. The more potent suppression of pulsatile LH release during fasting was found in rats with E2 implants in the PVN: the mean LH concentrations and LH pulse frequency were significantly reduced by fasting in this group. In the animals with E2 implants in the medial preoptic area, ARC, locus ceruleus, or A1, 48-h fasting did not induce any significant changes in LH pulse parameters compared to those in cholesterol-implanted controls. A decrease in LH pulse amplitude was apparent in refed rats as well as fasted animals only when E2 was implanted in the ARC. These results suggest that the feedback action of estrogen at the PVN and/or A2 is required for fasting-induced suppression of pulsatile LH release, as opposed to the so-called negative feedback action of estrogen, which tonically suppresses LH release in nonfasting rats.

Close correlation of the cardioprotective effect of FK409, a spontaneous NO releaser, with an increase in plasma cyclic GMP level

FK409 ((+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide) , which has been reported by us to be a new spontaneous nitric oxide (NO) releaser, prevented myocardial infarction following occlusion and reperfusion in rat coronary artery and increased plasma cyclic GMP level in rats, dose-dependently and significantly at 32 mg kg-1. Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), which is the most popular orally active NO donor used in the treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular diseases, did not show significant effects at 32 mg kg-1 in either experiment. Therefore, it is suggested that FK409 can attenuate myocardial injury during ischaemia and reperfusion in contrast to ISDN and a change in plasma cyclic GMP level may serve as an indicator of the cardioprotective effect of NO-releasing drugs.

Effects of aerobic conditioning at intensities corresponding to lactate threshold plus reduced energy intake in college-age females

The effects of a 15-wk aerobic conditioning (4.2 +/- 1.3 d/wk) plus energy restriction (25 kcal/kg/d diet) program on anthropometric and physiologic attributes were studied in 16 obese women between the ages of 18 and 24. The women were divided into either an experimental (E, n = 10) group or a control (C, n = 6) group. The exercise + diet (E) group demonstrated significant reductions in body weight, both absolute and relative body fat, Katsura index, and serum triglycerides, and increases in oxygen uptake relative to lactate threshold (LT), maximal oxygen uptake, and the ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to total cholesterol. In the C group, none of the variables measured in this study remained unchanged. Thus the benefits of weight reduction without any change in fat free weight following the program were pronounced in the female university-age group that we studied. In conclusion, the highly structured aerobic conditioning at intensities corresponding to LT together with a proper dietary regimen is considered optimal with respect to favorable changes in various anthropometric and physiologic attributes. The feasibility of treating obese individuals with manifestation of medical and/or psychological problems in a school setting should be a significant matter in future research.

Numerical aberrations of chromosome 17 detected by FISH with DNA-specific probe in oral tumors

Numerical aberrations of chromosomes were investigated in oral tumors by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (F1SH) with 4 chromosome centromere-specific DNA probes. The hybridization signals of the centromere sequence were easily detected and counted within interphase nuclei as well as metaphase chromosomes. The number of hybridized signals for chromosome 17 significantly increased in oral malignant tumors compared to benign tumors, which had two spots as well as normal lymphocytes. Cell lines derived from oral squamous cell carcinoma also showed numerical aberrations of chromosomes 1, 4 and 11, in addition to chromosome 17. These findings suggested that numerical aberrations of chromosomes occur during the development of malignant tumors of the oral cavity.