Effects of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on macrophage colony-stimulating factor production and proliferation of human monocytic cells

1 alpha-25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3] stimulates the proliferation of human monocytes in vitro. In the present study, we investigated a possible role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-induced proliferation of human circulating monocytes and the effects of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 on M-CSF production by human monocytic cells. Both 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 and recombinant human M-CSF increased 2.5-fold the nucleus number of human circulating monocytes on day 6 of the culture. These effects were inhibited by antihuman M-CSF antibody as well as by anti-c-fms antibody, although these antibodies themselves did not affect the nucleus number when added to control culture. These results indicated that M-CSF is required for 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-stimulated monocyte proliferation. In addition, 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 stimulated M-CSF secretion from human circulating monocytes. Secretion and mRNA expression of M-CSF by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated THP-1 cells (human monocytic leukemia cell line) and TPA-treated HL-60 cells (human promyelocytic leukemia cell line) were also increased by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. M-CSF secretion from TPA-treated THP-1 cells was increased by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent and metabolite-specific manner. The present study demonstrates that 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 is a potent stimulator for M-CSF production by human monocytic cells and that the proliferative effect of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 on human monocytes may be attributed, at least in part, to the stimulated secretion of M-CSF.

Developmental expression of trout egg polysialoglycoproteins and the prerequisite alpha 2,6-, and alpha 2,8-sialyl and alpha 2,8-polysialyltransferase activities required for their synthesis during oogenesis

The developmental expression of the alpha 2,6- and alpha 2,8-linked sialic acid (Sia) residues in trout egg polysialoglycoproteins (PSGPs) was studied by correlating the temporal expression of these sugar residues, and the prerequisite sialyltransferases responsible for their synthesis, during oogenesis. The following new findings are reported. 1) Disialylated glycoproteins were identified in ovaries 4-6 months prior to ovulation. Three months prior to ovulation, a second more highly sialylated glycoprotein appeared. Structural studies confirmed that the two glycoproteins were discrete molecular species, designated PSGP(low Sia) and PSGP(high Sia), which differed only in their Sia content. PSGP(low Sia) contained mostly disialyl (Sia alpha 2,8-Sia alpha 2,6-) side chains, whereas PSGP(high Sia) contained alpha 2,8-linked oligo/polySia side chains ranging in length from 2 to over 20 Sia residues. The average degree of polymerization ([DP]av) was 6. 2) Biosynthetic studies using CMP-[14C]Neu5Ac indicated that three sialyltransferase activities were responsible for synthesis of the polysialyl residues of PSGPs: (i) alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha 2,6-sialyltransferase (alpha 2,6-ST), which catalyzed formation of the Sia residues alpha 2,6-linked to the proximal GalNAc residues in asialo-PSGP; (ii) alpha 2,6-sialoside alpha 2,8-sialyltransferase (alpha 2,8-ST or "initiase"), which catalyzed transfer of the first alpha 2,8-Sia residue to the alpha 2,6-linked Sia residue; and (iii) an alpha 2,8-polysialyltransferase (alpha 2,8-polyST or "polymerase"), responsible for synthesis of the alpha 2,8-linked poly/oligo Sia chains in PSGP(high Sia). Expression of these enzyme activities increased in accordance with the developmental appearance of each PSGP. 3) Structural characterization of the [14C]Sia-labeled side chains of each PSGP at different stages of development confirmed that synthesis of the disialyl unit containing a single alpha 2,8-Sia residue occurred before alpha 2,8-polysialylation. 4) In ovaries, 96% of the sialyltransferase activities were found in the Golgi-derived immature cortical vesicles or as soluble enzymes released from the fragile vesicles. Less than 4% of the activities were localized in the membrane (Golgi) fraction. In mature eggs, the sialyltransferases were also detected as soluble enzymes, and within the cortical vesicles.

Immunocytochemical identification of androgen receptor in mouse osteoclast-like multinucleated cells

Expression of androgen receptor (AR) in mouse osteoclast-like multi-nucleated cells (OCs) was examined with immunocytochemical techniques. Murine OCs were obtained by co-culturing mouse osteoblastic cells and bone marrow cells. Three preparations of polyclonal anti-AR antibody which were raised in rabbit against different parts of the human AR were employed for the experiments. Specific staining for AR was demonstrated in the nuclei and the perinuclear area of mouse OCs. This is the first report demonstrating the presence of AR in osteoclast-like cells.

Structural studies of a novel type of pentaantennary large glycan unit in the fertilization-associated carbohydrate-rich glycopeptide isolated from the fertilized eggs of Oryzias latipes

In a previous report (Kitajima, K., Inoue, S., and Inoue, Y. (1989) Dev. Biol. 132, 544-553), we found the presence of a heavily glycosylated polyprotein, "H-hyosophorin," isolated from the unfertilized eggs of Oryzias latipes. We now report our detailed analysis of the structure of the N-glycan chain in L-hyosophorin, the smallest repeating unit of H-hyosophorin, which was isolated from the fertilized eggs of O. latipes and formed from H-hyosophorin upon fertilization. The N-glycan structures were defined by a combination of compositional analysis, methylation analysis, selective chemical degradation (i.e. mild methanolysis, periodate-Smith degradation, and hydrazinolysis-nitrous acid deamination), enzymatic (endo-beta-galactosidase, peptide:N-glycanase, and Newcastle disease virus sialidase) digestion, and instrumental analyses (one- and two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry) which revealed novel and unique features: (a) the presence of highly branched poly-N-acetylactosamino pentaantennary structures; (b) the presence of a beta-galactosylated Lewis X antigenic epitope, Gal beta 1-->4 Gal beta 1-->4 (Fuc alpha 1-->3) GlcNAc beta 1-->; (c) the presence of a beta-galactosylated sialyl Lewis X structure, Gal beta 1-->4 (Neu5Ac alpha 2-->3) Gal beta 1-->4(Fuc alpha 1-->3) GlcNAc beta 1-->; (d) the presence of Gal beta 1-->4 Gal beta 1--> and Gal beta 1--> 4Gal beta 1-->4Gal beta 1--> as the major and minor groupings, respectively; and (e) the presence of the branched Gal residues, -->4GlcNAc beta 1-->3(Gal beta 1-->4) Gal beta 1-->. This study represents the first detailed investigation regarding the nature of highly branched complex asparagine-linked pentaantennary glycans in glycoproteins. The unique expression of such bulky multiantennary glycan units on proteins could be essential during early embryogenesis.

Significant predictors for readmission of the severely mentally ill to a provincial hospital: is the efficacy of community care explicit or implicit?

The aim of our study was to determine the factors pertaining to the seriously mentally ill patients who were forewarned of readmission to a provincial mental hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is well known that, compared to the psychiatric care delivery systems in Japan, Vancouver and its metropolitan area provide the seriously mentally ill with a much wider range of community mental health programs. Our sample was 161 first admission DSM-II schizophrenic patients to a provincial hospital, who had been followed for five years. A discriminant analysis showed that of the 11 predictive factors selected, such socio-cultural factors as living situations and country of birth were the most significant predictors.

Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridisation detection of adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) gene in the microglia of human brain tissue

To investigate whether brain tissue is infected latently by adenovirus via a monocyte/microglia-mediated entry mechanism, brain tissue resected at necropsy from seven senile subjects (five with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) and two subjects without pathological changes) was examined for adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) gene and its expression using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical staining. HLA-DR positive, reactive microglial cells in both SDAT and normal brain tissue showed positive hybridisation and immunoreactive expression of adenovirus E1A. Thus there may be monocyte/microglia-mediated entry of adenovirus in the central nervous system which would be a novel and presumably common interaction between brain tissue and adenovirus.

Syntheses and pharmacological activities of novel optically active inhibitors of acyl-CoA: cholesterol O-acyltransferase: EAB-309 ((R)-N-2-(1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)heptyl-N'-2,6-diisopropylphenylurea) and its enantiomer

Novel and potent ACAT (acyl-CoA: cholesterol O-acyltransferase) inhibitors, (R)-N-2-(1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)heptyl-N'-2,6-diisopropylphenylur ea (2a, EAB-309), and its enantiomer 2b (EAB-310), were prepared from 4-(1,3-benzodioxole)carbaldehyde (7) via optically active (R or S)-2-(1,3- benzodioxol-4-yl)heptanoic acid (12a or 12b). Compound 2a showed potent inhibitory effects on ACATs in vitro, and lowered plasma cholesterol in vivo. The IC50 value for inhibition of rat hepatic microsomal ACAT was 5 nM. The ED30 values of hypolipidemic activities in hamster and rat models were 0.25 and 0.75 mg/kg p.o., respectively. The results indicate that 2a has potential to be a novel hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic agent. The activities of 2a in vitro and in vivo were only several times more potent than those of the enantiomer 2b. Modeling studies suggested that the three-dimensional structures of the two enantiomers are similar to each other.

The effect of KN-62, Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II inhibitor on cell cycle

The isoquinolinesulfonamide derivative, KN-62, is a potent and specific inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) (Tokumitsu, H., Chijiwa, T., Hagiwara, M., Mizutani, A., Terasawa, M., and Hidaka, H.(1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4315-4320). KN-62 inhibits growth of K562 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrates that the treatment of K562 cells with 10 microM KN-62 causes an accumulation of cells in S phase. Immunoblotting studies showed that specific antibodies against CaM kinase II recognized the 65 kDa of protein in K562 cells. This protein showed protein kinase activity as examined by the activity gel method. The inhibition of this enzyme activity by KN-62 was dose-dependent. The immunoprecipitates with the antibodies from K562 cells phosphorylates the synthetic peptide substrates, syntide-2. These results suggest that CaM kinase II plays an important role in the mechanisms for the cell growth in K562 cells.

Calcium ion binding of three different types of oligo/polysialic acids as studied by equilibrium dialysis and circular dichroic methods

Ca2+ binding properties of three different types of oligo/polysialic acid chains, i.e., oligo/poly(Neu5Ac), oligo/poly(Neu5Gc), and oligo/poly(KDN), were studied by equilibrium dialysis and circular dichroism. Colominic acid, high molecular weight polysialoglycoprotein (H-PSGP), low molecular weight polysialoglycoprotein (L-PSGP), and 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-2-nonulosonic acid (KDN) glycoprotein were found to bind calcium ions with about 8-100 times the affinity of sialic acid monomer. Analysis by equilibrium dialysis of the binding of Ca2+ to colominic acid was biphasic, and the high-affinity interaction was shown to change with the degree of polymerization. Specific binding of Ca2+ to polysialic acid (polySia) caused characteristic effects in the circular dichroism spectrum. A pronounced decrease in the circular dichroism of polySia at 205 nm was observed upon addition of calcium. H-PSGP was found to bind calcium ions with 3-fold higher affinity than L-PSGP.

Dose-related protective efficacy of immunoglobulins in experimentally induced group B streptococcal infection

This study investigates the dose-dependent effect of administration of commercially available intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on the survival of newborn rats experimentally infected with group B streptococci (GBS). The opsonic activity of various concentrations of IVIG in vitro was determined by examination of opsonophagocytosis of GBS by peritoneal macrophages and bacterial killing by blood neutrophils. The best survival was observed in newborn rats who received immunoglobulins at doses of 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of bodyweight. The survival of animals that received either 125 mg/kg or 2.5 g/kg of immunoglobulins was no better than that of animals who received no immunoglobulins. The maximal phagocytosis and bacterial killing were observed at in vitro immunoglobulin concentrations ranging from 32 to 250 mg/dL (these in vitro concentrations may correspond roughly to in vivo administration doses ranging from 150 to 1200 mg/kg). These doses are comparable to the doses of IVIG currently administered to neonates. However use of very high doses may be harmful to babies since the high concentration of non-specific immunoglobulins inhibited in vitro phagocytosis and bacterial killing by phagocytes.

Histopathology of canine hearts subjected to catheter ablation using radiofrequency energy

To investigate the pathologic changes of the myocardium and the adverse effects of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation, we observed canine hearts that had been ablated by RF energy. Catheter ablation was administered to three sites of the hearts of 46 dogs: endomyocardium, coronary sinus, and atrioventricular junction. The dogs were sacrificed 0-12 weeks after ablation and the lesions were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Azan stain. Each ablated lesion was well demarcated from the adjacent normal tissue. The margin between the ablated lesion and normal tissue became clearer with time. The lesions were hemispherical and measured about 2 to 10 mm in diameter and 1 to 6 mm in depth. Histologic examination in the acute phase demonstrated the presence of coagulation necrosis of the myocardium, interstitial hemorrhage and edema, followed by infiltration of inflammatory cells. Granulation tissue replaced the normal myocardium. In the chronic phase, the lesions became fibrotic and fatty. A mural thrombus was found in 30% of the cases of endomyocardial ablation and 50% of the right ventricular lesions were transmural. Ablated lesions in the coronary sinus extended to the left atrium and left ventricle. Obstruction of the coronary sinus was observed in 8% of the ablated dogs. Most of the lesions with complete atrioventricular block were ablated at the His penetrating region of the conduction system. Thus, since the ablated lesions were clearly delineated, catheter ablation using RF energy appears to eliminate only the target area.

Long-term effects of bone marrow transplantation for inborn errors of metabolism: a study of four patients with lysosomal storage diseases

Long-term effects of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were evaluated in patients with I-cell disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome or Hunter syndrome (mild form). Donors were human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched siblings, and the follow-up periods were 24-71 months after BMT. The enzyme activities were increased in leukocytes, plasma or liver tissues compared with pre-BMT levels. A patient with I-cell disease acquired development of 4-8 month old infants and showed no further progression in cardiac dysfunctions. A patient with MLD showed a decelerated disease progression and an improved peripheral neuropathy, but progressive brain atrophy was not prevented. Patients with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome or Hunter syndrome showed improvements in hepatomegaly, joint contractures, short stature and tight skin, and this greatly increased their quality of life. These results indicated that the long-term therapeutic effects achieved by BMT were subject to multiple factors including biochemical improvements, a reversibility of affected tissues, or advanced states of disease and central nervous system impairments in inborn errors of metabolism.

Gastric damage and body weight loss in LHA-lesioned rats: effects of cytoprotective geranylgeranylacetone

We investigated the development of gastric damage and body weight (BW) loss in lateral hypothalamic area (LHA)-lesioned rats, measured 2 h and 1 and 3 days after the lesioning (experiment 1), as well as the effects of geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), a cytoprotective antiulcer agent, on these disorders (experiment 2). In experiment 1, BW of LHA-lesioned rats decreased throughout the 3-day experiment. In LHA-lesioned rats, gastric mucosal lesions appeared 1 day after lesioning in the glandular portion and persisted, whereas those in the rumenal portion appeared only after 3 days. Gastric transepithelial potential differences (PDs) of glandular portion began to decrease after 2 h and had decreased in both portions. Gastric acid output was increased transiently at 2 h but it was not high after 1 day and after 3 days was lower than that in sham-LHA-lesioned rats. In experiment 2, PDs of the rumenal decreased more in LHA-lesioned rats than in sham-LHA-lesioned rats pair fed to LHA-lesioned rats after 3 days. Three days of treatment with GGA (200 mg/kg ip) improved PDs of rumenal and glandular portions in LHA-lesioned rats and reduced lesions of the rumenal portion. Loss of BW in LHA-lesioned rats was significantly but not completely inhibited by GGA. These results indicate that disturbance to the gastric defensive mechanism plays an important role in the development of gastric lesions after LHA lesions and that the impairment of gastric functions may be a partial cause of the loss of BW in LHA-lesioned rats.

Ultrastructure of quick-frozen secretory ameloblasts of the rat molar tooth

Ameloblasts in molar tooth germs from 4 to 12-day-old neonatal rats were quick-frozen and then freeze-substituted in acetone-tannic acid and acetone-osmium tetroxide. Following quick freezing and freeze-substitution, the preservation of ameloblasts was principally the same as seen in conventionally-fixed ones. Several differences, however, became apparent between two methods. Concerning enamel formation, the quick-freezing procedure greatly improved the preservation including that of the extrusion of secretory granules into the extracellular space. The exocytosis is a type of merocrine secretion. The precursor stippled material was demonstrated at the front of Tomes' processes and in the intercellular space of the distal terminal junction. In the more advanced stage, the stippled material tended to decrease gradually in amount. Prior to the formation of the typical Tomes' process, large secretory granules fused directly with the distal plasma membrane, which plays a role in the formation of prismless enamel. After the typical Tomes' process had formed, secretory granules containing electron-dense material instead of the large secretory granules accumulated in the distal portion of the Tomes' process. These latter secretory granules had two different destinations; i.e. the granules discharged their contents into the infoldings of the distal part of Tomes' process and into the infoldings of the lateral cell membrane. These types of secretion seem to have a functional role in the rod or inter-rod enamel formation. The ultrastructure of the stippled material consisted of 3-dimensionally interconnected strands after quick freezing, which is different from the appearance of granules embedded in amorphous material after conventional fixation. The stippled material was seen in the intercrystal space among the newly formed crystals. Also, an extensive tubulo-vesicular structure was preserved in both the cell body and Tomes' process. The present data suggest that the membrane of this structure showed a smooth contour opening to the extracellular space, and also an intimate relationship with the secretory granules.

[Two cases of elderly people diagnosed with acute tuberculous pneumonia possibly succeeded by the perforation of lymph nodes in the bronchus]

The report is a study of the cases in which elderly people (83 years-old male and 81 years-old female) diagnosed has having acute tuberculous pneumonia possibly suffered from subsequent perforation of lymph nodes in the bronchus. Neither of the patients had a prior history of tuberculosis treatment. Both patients were admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia. After the administration of antibiotics, the symptoms of illness improved, but chest roentgenograms were taken failed to show improvement. The patients were then transferred to our hospital, because sputa smear tests for Mycobacteria (Ziehl-Neelsen stain) were performed, and the results were positive. Case I (male) was suspected of having endobronchial tuberculosis, since rhonchi was audible in the left-front upper chest during expiration when performing auscultation. A bronchoscopy was conducted at which time ulcer lesions on the left upper lobe of the bronchus and perforated lymph node of the upper bronchus were detected. Case II (female) was suspected of having lung cancer and a bronchoscopy was performed due to the findings of a chest roentgenogram taken after one month of chemotherapy. A perforated lymph node in right truncus intermedius was detected. In this report, we discussed the early diagnosis of tuberculous pneumonia and the perforation of caseous lymph nodes in the bronchus, which was the main cause of tuberculous pneumonia.

Usefulness of narrow pedicled intercostal cutaneous perforator flap for coverage of the burned hand

A narrow pedicled intercostal cutaneous perforator (np-ICP) flap is used for reconstruction of hand scar contractures after burns. This flap is designed with a narrow pedicle which includes some intercostal cutaneous perforators of 4-7th intercostal spaces, and with a wide distal area which lies over the costal cage and upper abdomen. Additionally the flap is thinned until only the subdermal vascular network is preserved in most of the wide distal area. It seems that this flap is more useful, not only functionally but also aesthetically, than conventional methods. This report describes the technique and concept, with a demonstration of some clinical examples.

Diabetes-induced reduction of neuronal survival in hypotonic environments in culture

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and normal C57BL mice were exposed to three different hypotonic environments (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 osmolar solutions). After rapid applications of these hypotonic solutions to the neurons, the cell volume autoregulatory mechanism operated in 1/2 osmolar solution but was disrupted in superhypotonic solutions below 1/4 osmolar in both kinds of mice. None of the neurons could survive 12 h after treatment with superhypotonic solutions. On the other hand, a gradual reduction of osmolarity of the culture medium enabled neurons in the normal mice to survive in 1/2 and 1/4 osmolar solutions as well as in an isotonic solution. However, this reduction of osmolarity increased neuronal cell death in the diabetic mice. These results suggest that the ability of DRG neurons to survive in hypotonic environments in culture may be lost in diabetes.

A soundproof pressure chamber

For neurotological research we designed a soundproof pressure chamber in which pressure can be adjusted +/- 1000 mmH2O at the rate of less than 100 mmH2O per second. Noise in the chamber can be maintained under 30-35 dB while pressure is kept at a given level.

Test for pressure control capacity of the Eustachian tube

Because of Eustachian tube controls middle ear pressure to maintain the best hearing level, we tested the equilibration capacity of the Eustachian tube by measuring hearing levels in a soundproof pressure chamber. The number of swallows to recover normal hearing after the chamber pressure reached -200 mm H2O (an index of equilibration capacity for the static pressure differences across the eardrum) was less than 9 in normal subjects. The worst level of hearing and the time required to recover normal hearing from the beginning of alteration in the chamber pressure to -700 mm H2O (indexes of equilibration capacity for dynamic pressure differences across the eardrum) were 0-17 dB and within 120s in normal subjects. It was difficult to determine definitive normal ranges of the equilibrium capacity of the Eustachian tube when positive pressure was applied.

Effect of atmospheric pressure on hearing in normal subjects

Hearing is assumed to be altered during or immediately after a change in atmospheric pressure, although this has not been tested experimentally. We used a soundproof pressure chamber to examine the effect of alterations in atmospheric pressure on hearing in 26 normal healthy subjects. The subjects were placed in the soundproof pressure chamber in a supine position and instructed to actively equilibrate middle ear pressure or to abstain from doing so. When the pressure was changed to +/- 500 mmH2O at 33 mmH2O/s the results were as follows: When subjects did not equilibrate middle ear pressure, air conduction at low frequency tones increased more than bone conduction. The degree of deterioration in hearing was greater when the chamber pressure was increased (descent) than where pressure was decreased (ascent). When the subjects equilibrated middle ear pressure, little change in the levels of air or bone conduction was observed. Most of the deterioration in bone conduction was considered to reflect functional loss due to increased stiffness and damping of the sound transmission mechanism.

Fibromyxoma of the trachea

A 53-year-old male with a small cell carcinoma of the lung was admitted to the Department of Respiratory Diseases, Nikko Memorial Hospital. During bronchofiberoptic examination of the cancer, a small nodule was discovered on the anterior wall of the trachea, about 8 cm below the vocal cord. Histopathologically, it was diagnosed as fibromyxoma of the trachea. Primary tumors of the trachea are very rare and fibromyxoma of the trachea is extremely rare. This is only the second report of a fibromyxoma on the tracheal wall. In this report its clinical manifestations were compared with those reported in the first case.