Expression of enhanced levels of small RNA polymerase III transcripts encoded by the B2 repeats in simian virus 40-transformed mouse cells

Although specific viral genes are known which are sufficient to transform certain types of cells, viral transformation has been shown to be accompanied by a change in the level of expression of cellular genes. Assuming that this latter class of genes is involved in some way in the establishment of the transformed state, we and others have sought to characterize them. To this end, we constructed a complementary DNA library from a simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed mouse cell line and screened this library for induced genes. Here we focus on the characterization of a specific cDNA clone called 10 lambda 5. We show that the clone 10 lambda 5 contains a B2 repeat, and that the levels of the small heterogeneously sized B2 cytoplasmic RNAs homologous to 10 lambda 5 are enhanced in transformed cells. Our studies show that these RNAs are a specific class of polymerase III transcripts containing a highly conserved 5' end. SV40 transformation results, therefore, in the activation of specific polymerase III transcripts as well as specific polymerase II transcripts.

Photoaffinity labeling of the Sarcoma 180 cell surface by daunomycin

We have used photoaffinity labeling to investigate the distribution and function of daunomycin binding sites in Sarcoma 180 cells. When native daunomycin is irradiated at 366 or 488 nm in the presence of cells, the drug is irreversibly incorporated into cellular molecules. The cellular acceptor for the photoincorporation cannot be extracted by chloroform-methanol nor can it be degraded by DNase. However, the drug acceptor is susceptible to trypsin digestion. These results show that the photoincorporation site is composed of protein but not of lipid or DNA. Furthermore, the fact that photoincorporation proceeds equally well at 0 degrees (where drug does not accumulate inside the cells) as compared to 37 degrees (where free drug concentrates in the cells) suggests that the labeling reaction occurs principally at the cell surface. The photolabeling process is not highly specific since it is not saturable at high drug concentrations and cannot be competed for by unlabeled daunomycin. When 2 X 10(5) daunomycin molecules are incorporated per Sarcoma 180 cell, the cells can still accumulate free drug. This result suggests that the photolabeling reaction does not occur at the drug transport locus. Photoincorporation of daunomycin also does not affect the viability of Sarcoma 180 cells, as judged by a cloning assay. Thus, there is probably no surface receptor for the drug which mediates cytotoxicity when occupied. This result is as expected from previous work predicting that the mechanism of daunomycin involves disruption of some generalized membrane property like fluidity. However, in a series of Sarcoma 180 sublines selected for increasing resistance to daunomycin, the photoincorporation increases in direct proportion to drug sensitivity. Consequently, daunomycin appears to be capable of photoaffinity labeling a cell surface protein which, although not directly involved in the mechanism of cytotoxicity is implicated in the expression of drug resistance.

Trial of baclofen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A trial of the antispastic drug baclofen was made in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Some patients noted reduction of tonus and spasticity; but others had no benefit, nor was the course of the disease altered by long-term administration of baclofen. No major side effects occurred.

Apolipoproteins in human cerebrospinal fluid

The presence of apolipoproteins A-I, E, C-II, and C-III and the absence of apolipoprotein B was demonstrated in human cerebrospinal fluid. The concentration of apolipoproteins was measured by electroimmunoassay. Apolipoproteins E, C-II, and C-III were present in cerebrospinal fluid at 3--5% of their concentration in plasma; the cerebrospinal fluid level of apolipoprotein A-I was 0.4%. Most of the cerebrospinal fluid apolipoproteins were present in the rho less than 1.21 g/ml lipoprotein fraction. The major apolipoporteins of cerebrospinal fluid are E and A-I. The possible mechanism of transfer and the physiological and pathophysiological role of apolipoproteins in cerebrospinal fluid are postulated.

Arachnoid cyst and associated subdural hematoma. Observations on conventional roentgenographic and computerized tomographic diagnosis

Information about computerized tomography (CT) of arachnoid cysts of the middle fossa (ACMF) is increasing, and it appears that certain CT characteristics may be diagnostic. The association of ACMF and subdural hematoma has been emphasized previously but is not common knowledge. We present three new cases of ACMF and associated subdural hematoma studied by plain roentgenograms, EEG, conventional brain scanning, CT scanning, and angiography. The cysts were clearly shown in each case by CT scan, but no subdural hematoma was visualized in our first two cases. Angiography was necessary to establish the associated hematoma. We review and emphasize computerized tomographic characteristics that may be pathognomonic of ACMF. It is suggested that angiography be included in the study of patients symptomatic with ACMF because associated subdural hematoma is not an uncommon lesion and may fail to visualize on CT scan. Angiography still remains the most conclusive study to establish or exclude the diagnosis of subdural hematoma.

Effect of diet on serum accumulation and renal excretion of aryl acids and secretory activity in normal and uremic man

The influence of diet on aryl acid metabolism was determined in normal and azotemic subjects. Aryl acid content of serum and urine was estimated by fluorometry in relation to hippuric acid as a standard (FI-Hipp). Secretory activity, a reflection of the biological potency of aromatic acids in serum and urine, was determined by bioassay. The urinary excretion of FI-Hipp and secretory activity of five normal persons on an ad lib diet was 0.78 and 2.25 mM/day, respectively; similar values were observed in two subjects with chronic renal insufficiency. Subjects were fed prunes and cranberries, since these foods contain abundant quantities of hippurate precursors. Prunes 1.5 g/kg body weight, caused the urinary excretion of both FI-Hipp and secretory activity to increase about tenfold in normal and azotemic subjects. Prune feeding caused the serum levels of FI-Hipp and secretory activity to increase about threefold. Cranberries increased the renal excretion of FI-Hipp and secretory activity as did the ingestion of a beverage containing benzoate as a preservative. On the basis of these studies it is clear that diet is an important determinant of the load of aryl acids for urinary excretion; in patients with renal insufficiency the ingestion of foods containing precursors may cause serum level of biologically active aryl acids to increase strikingly.