Translocation of hsp-70 and protein synthesis during continuous heating at mild temperatures in HeLa cells

We have investigated intracellular translocation of hsp-70 and the synthesis of hsp-70 and total protein during heating at moderate temperatures in HeLa cells. When cells were heated at temperatures above 41 degrees C, hsp-70 translocated from the cytoplasm into the nuclei and apparently accumulated in nucleoli within 10 min. At temperatures above 42 degrees C, hsp-70 remained in the nuclei during heating. When cells were heated at 41 degrees C, the hsp-70 which had translocated into the nuclei returned gradually to the cytoplasm during heating. Synthesis of hsp-70 increased to three- to fourfold that in control cells, then decreased to the control level by 6-8 h. Total protein synthesis first decreased to 60% of the control level, then gradually recovered by 4 h. This indicates the acquisition of translational tolerance during heating at 41 degrees C. The return of hsp-70 to the cytoplasm is related to the recovery of total protein synthesis. Similar results were obtained at 42 degrees C heating in heat-induced thermotolerant cells. From these results, it is suggested that translocation of hsp-70 into the nuclei is very important for the recovery of protein synthesis (acquisition of translational tolerance) during heating at moderate temperatures. Also, cycloheximide and puromycin appeared to lower the temperature threshold about 1 degree C with respect to the translocation of hsp-70.

[Plasma catecholamine response to tracheal intubation after midazolam and vecuronium in elderly patients with hypertension]

This study was undertaken to determine whether midazolam alleviates sympathoadrenal response evoked by tracheal intubation in elderly patients with hypertension. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam in a sleep dose followed by vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg-1. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded before, 1 and 3 minutes after induction with intubation. Free and total catecholamine (CA) in plasma were measured at each time. Dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (EN) were determined using fluorescence derivatization with diphenylethylenediamine by HPLC. Although heart rate and diastolic pressure rose in some degree 1 min after intubation, free and total CA concentrations did not increase during study period. Free and total EN levels decreased significantly 3 min after intubation. The absence of elevation in plasma CA concentrations, especially in free CA, which is physiologically active, would contribute to produce circulatory stability on laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. However, the mystery of why hyperdynamic state was produced without the increase in CA concentrations remains to be solved, even though it occurred for a short period of time.

Immunohistochemical analysis of effects of cyclosporin A on gingival epithelium

Cyclosporin A (CSA)-induced gingival overgrowth was immunohistochemically compared with that phenytoin-induced and nonspecific inflammatory gingiva, and CSA concentration was determined for dental plaque. Leu-6+ epithelial dendric cells (EDC) were found to significantly decrease in number in CSA-induced gingival overgrowth, while the ratio of HLA-DR+ EDC to Leu-6+ EDC did not change significantly. The expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens, such as HLA-DR, -DP and -DQ on keratinocytes did not change by CSA-treatment. Leu-4+ mononuclear cells in CSA-induced gingival overgrowth were located primarily in the connective tissue far outside the epithelium. CSA concentration was much higher in dental plaque than in blood and other tissues. Immune response thus appears to be suppressed in the epithelial layer of CSA-induced gingival overgrowth through decrease in Leu-6+ HLA-DR+ EDC and T cell infiltration, both due to CSA in dental plaque. DNA polymerase alpha was detected in much fewer basal keratinocytes of CSA- and phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth. Epithelial hyperplasia may thus be not due to increased keratinocyte proliferation, but rather to enhanced keratinocyte life span.

Liver phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxidation provoked by ethionine-containing choline-deficient diet in mice

It is shown that peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is enhanced in liver of mice fed a hepatocarcinogenic choline-deficient diet containing 0.1% w/w ethionine. Mice were divided into 4 groups and fed for 4 weeks one of the following diets: choline-supplemented; choline-supplemented containing ethionine; choline-deficient; and choline-deficient containing ethionine. Phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) of liver lipids was measured by high performance liquid chromatography using a chemiluminescence detector. Mice fed a choline-deficient diet containing ethionine showed 6-fold higher PCOOH levels than the choline-supplemented control mice: the PCOOH/PC molar ratios of liver lipids were 32.3 X 10(-5) and 5.6 X 10(-5), respectively. In addition to this remarkable degree of lipid peroxidation in liver of mice fed the choline-deficient diet containing ethionine, we also observed a significant liver fatty infiltration, a decrease in plasma and liver alpha-tocopherol, and an increase in liver injury-indicative enzyme activities. Also, marker enzymes for hepatocarcinogenesis, glucose-6-phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were affected. These data suggest that enhanced hydroperoxidation of phosphatidylcholine may participate in hepatocarcinogenesis provoked by choline deficiency in the presence of ethionine.

[Development of ELISPOT assay for thyroid autoantibody-producing cells]

A new assay system for detection of thyroid-autoantibody-producing cells was developed. This assay is based on the ELISPOT method with antigen-coated nitrocellulose membranes in 96-well microfilter plates. This was more sensitive than conventional methods such as a radioimmunoassay and a passive agglutination method for detection of thyroid-autoantibody production. The coefficients of inter- and intra-assay variations for antibody-producing cells were less than 6.5%. Thus, this assay system can be used to analyse the thyroid-specific immunological abnormalities as a routine test.

[Experimental study relating to the anti-cancer effect of doxifluridine]

We investigated the anti-cancer effect of Doxifluridine (5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine: 5'-DFUR) on an experimentally prepared tumor bearing mouse.

METHOD

A 20-methylcholanthrene induced squamous cell cancer was prepared on the skin of ddN female mouse and 5'-DFUR was administered orally by catheter (90 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 210 mg/kg and physiological saline 0.5 ml/body). The each group consisted of 10 mice. Oral medications were performed once a day for one week (6 days continuous duration) and these medications were continued during a total period of four weeks. Once a week, the general condition of the animals was checked and at the same time, the size (length x width) of the tumor was measured, and the anti-cancer effect was determined.

RESULT

It was noted between the control and 5'-DFUR medication group that there was a marked effectiveness on the rate of decrease in size and disappear of the squamous cell cancer according to the medication of 5'-DFUR. It regarded to the amount of 5'-DFUR, that there was a significant difference in the anti-cancer effect between 90 mg/kg and 210 mg/kg groups and between 150 mg/kg or 210 mg/kg and control groups. However, the difference could not be observed between 90 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg groups and between 150 mg/kg and 210 mg/kg groups.

Phospholipid hydroperoxide accumulation in liver of rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride and its inhibition by dietary alpha-tocopherol

The formation and accumulation of phospholipid hydroperoxides, especially of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH), a primary peroxidation product of phosphatidylcholine (PC), in livers of carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats was investigated. PCOOH in liver and blood plasma was measured by a chemiluminescence-high-performance liquid chromatography procedure originally developed by Miyazawa et al. (Anal. Lett. 20, 915, 1987; Free Radical Biol. Med. 7, 209, 1989). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (120 g body wt., 5 weeks of age) were used in the experiments. The amount of PCOOH in the liver of control rats (CCl4-untreated) was 160 +/- 20 pmol/100 mg protein (mean +/- SD) and the PCOOH/PC molar ratio was 1.1 +/- 0.1 X 10(-5). In CCl4 (0.1 ml/100 g body wt.)-dosed rats, the liver PCOOH was 289 +/- 65 pmol/100 mg protein (PCOOH/PC = 2.4 +/- 0.4 X 10(-5], 764 +/- 271 pmol/100 mg protein (PCOOH/PC = 5.2 +/- 1.7 X 10(-5], and 856 +/- 165 pmol/100 mg protien (PCOOH/PC = 6.0 +/- 0.8 X 10(-5] at 6 h, 24 h, and 1 week after the dose, respectively. Under such conditions, the liver phosphatidylethanolamine hydroperoxide (PEOOH) level was not altered and the concentration was less than 100 pmol/100 mg protein even after the dose. The increments of liver PCOOH were suppressed 56% by the oral supplementation of DL-alpha-tocopherol (5 mg/100 g body wt./day) for a week before CCl4 administration. A relatively larger amount of PEOOH was found after stimulation of PC hydroperoxidation in the liver of rats with a large amount of CCl4 (0.25 ml/100 g body wt.) rather than with the small amount of CCl4 (0.1 ml/100 g body wt.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Oral aging and loss of teeth]

The human oral mucosa atrophies with aging, and at the same time, loss of teeth occurs and the muscles involved in mastication weaken, leading to masticatory hypofunction. The loss of teeth in animal is serious in that it leads to death. For humans, however, dental prosthesis may aim at functional recovery. From the viewpoint of oral functional recovery, it is important to have a firm grasp of the change in the oral environment with aging. Elderly patients who complain of dry mouth may often have glossodynia, stomatitis, dysgeusia, prosthetic disorder, etc. Although atrophy of the salivary gland is mainly responsible for these disturbances, influences of complications and/or medications cannot be ignored. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion in the saliva of elderly cases showed a concentration comparable to that of young subjects in their twenties and was considered to be satisfactory from the view-point of oral infection control. On the other hand, plate prosthetic wearers may have high incidence of oral candidiasis, so that in case of loss of teeth, prostheses with so-called implant dentures using artificial dental implants are regarded as physiologically preferable to conventional plate denture.

The fine structure of the fibrous zone of articular cartilage in the rat mandibular condyle

The ultrastructure of the articular fibrous zone of the rat mandibular condyle was observed at 3 and 6 weeks of age in order to investigate the histological changes that occur during the establishment of mastication after suckling. We divided the articular fibrous zone into two layers (F1 layer and F2 layer). The F1 layer was composed of fibroblast-like cells, macrophage-like cells, and the matrix which consisted of granular or fibrillar material, loosely arranged small bundles of collagen fibrils with uniform thickness of 30-50 nm, and independent microfibrils. The F1 layer was continuous with the synovial membrane without any distinct boundary in its peripheral area. Mitotic figures could infrequently be observed in the fibroblast-like cells. The cells in the F2 layer closely resembled fibroblasts. The matrix in the F2 layer mostly consisted of densely arranged bundles of collagen fibrils which are not of uniform diameter ranging 40-100 nm. Elastic fibers occurred among the collagen fibrils. The F1 layer which was observed clearly at 3 weeks almost disappeared at 6 weeks of age. It is confirmed that the F1 layer resembling the synovial membrane exists over the condyle up to the weaning period about 3 weeks of age but it degenerates before 6 weeks of age when the masticatory function is established.

Activity of dipeptidyl peptidase II and dipeptidyl peptidase IV in human gingiva with chronic marginal periodontitis

The activity of DPP II was higher in gingiva from patients with periodontitis, but the activity of DPP IV, post-proline cleaving enzyme and collagenase-like peptidase was not significantly higher than that of the control group. As DPP II activity is known to be altered in immunological diseases, these findings may suggest some role for DPP II in the pathogenesis of chronic marginal periodontitis.

Immunohistochemical analysis of inflammatory infiltrates around the injection site of a streptococcal preparation, OK-432, in rat tongue

On the assumption that neutrophils around the injection site of OK-432, a heat- and penicillin-treated lyophilized preparation of the Su strain of Streptococcus pyogenes, enhance immunologic response through the production of Interleukin-1 (IL-1), OK-432 was injected into rat tongue, and specimens from the tongue were immunohistochemically investigated at various intervals after the injection, to clarify the process of inflammatory and immune responses at the injection site. Neutrophils and mononuclear cells appeared around the OK-432 injection site after 1 hour, increased to their maximum level at 24 hours, and then decreased from the 3rd to the 7th day. IL-1 was detected on neutrophils 3 hours after the injection, and OX-08-positive cells (suppressor/cytotoxic T cells and the majority of natural killer cells) remarkably increased. OX-39-positive cells (IL-2 receptor) appeared after 12 hours. These results suggest that neutrophils around the injection site of OK-432 at early phases of inflammation play a role in the expression of BRM function through IL-1.

Spontaneous and luminol-dependent chemiluminescences from tissue preparations of benzo[a]pyrene-injected mice

Chemiluminescence (CL) from tissue preparations of mice i.p. injected with and without the chemical carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BP) was detected by a single photon counting apparatus. The spontaneously emitted CL (spontaneous CL) and the CL after luminol addition (luminol-CL) were measured for mice with and without previous induction of their liver mixed-function oxidases (MFO) by phenobarbital. In MFO-non-induced mice, although the spontaneous CL was not notably modified by BP injection, the kidneys presented three times greater luminol-CL after BP injection. On the other hand, MFO-induced mice had higher spontaneous CL of plasma, liver, kidneys, and lungs, as well as higher luminol-CL of liver after BP injection, when compared with the respective MFO-induced but BP-non-injected mice. The luminol-CL of liver was suppressed by scavengers of active oxygen and free-radicals such as TIRON, butylhydroxytoluene and in a less extent by superoxide dismutase. The CL detected from tissue preparations of mice after BP treatment is thought to reflect the formation of oxygen radicals and electronically excited-species during BP metabolism.

Expression of DNA polymerase alpha and Leu3a molecules in growing and saturated cultures of human leukemic cells: phenotype analysis of proliferative cells by flow cytometry

A flow cytometric method to analyze phenotypes of proliferative cells was developed using human leukemic cell line MOLT 4. A nuclear protein, DNA polymerase alpha (pol alpha), was selected as a marker for proliferative cells, and Leu3a molecule as a cell-surface antigen phenotype marker of the cells. The procedure involved the simultaneous use of fluorescein-conjugated anti-pol alpha antibody, developed by us, and commercially available phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-Leu3a antibody. The optimal fixative for both proteins was phosphate-buffered 2% paraformaldehyde. The pol alpha-positive population in logarythmically growing MOLT 4 cells was estimated, by flow cytometry, to be ca. 95%. A sharp flow cytometry histogram with a strong pol alpha-linked fluorescence was observed. On the other hand, the pol alpha-positive population in the saturated culture was ca. 70%, with weaker pol alpha-linked fluorescence. Thus, the population of pol alpha-positive cells and the amount of pol alpha in cells was dependent on the cell density of the culture. In contrast, ca. 90% Leu3a-positive populations with similar flow cytometry histograms were seen in either growing or saturated states, suggesting that expression of Leu3a was independent of cell density. The flow cytometric method using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-pol alpha antibody is useful for detecting proliferative fractions of free tumor cells, such as leukemic cells. Furthermore, analysis of the phenotype of the proliferative or non-proliferative cells became easier by simultaneous labeling with antibodies against pol alpha and phenotype-specific proteins.

Peripheral large granular lymphocytes in normal pregnant and postpartum women: decrease in late pregnancy and dynamic change in the puerperium

Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) have a variety of cytotoxic activities of NK, K and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, suggesting that their morphology is indicative of lytic function. In non-pregnant normal control women (n = 48), the number of LGLs was 0.30 +/- 0.14 x 10(9)/l and the proportion of LGLs in their peripheral lymphocyte fraction was 14.0 +/- 5.4%. The number and proportion of LGLs were significantly decreased in the third trimester of pregnancy (n = 32; 0.19 +/- 0.08 x 10(9)/l, P less than 0.01, and 11.7 +/- 3.8%, P less than 0.05), although an unexpected increase in the proportion of LGLs was observed in the first trimester of pregnancy (n = 24; 17.5 +/- 6.5%, P less than 0.05). After delivery, the number and proportion of LGLs increased rapidly to restore the non-pregnant levels and showed a marked increase in LGL count 4 months postpartum. These data suggest that lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity decreases in late pregnancy and increase dynamically after delivery to restore the non-pregnant state.

Marked increase of CD5 + B cells in hyperthyroid Graves' disease

We examined the proportions of B lymphocytes bearing CD5 cell surface antigen (CD5+ B cells), which are capable of making autoantibodies, in peripheral blood from patients with various thyroid diseases. The level of CD5+ B cells was markedly increased (>9.0%) above the normal range (0.5-7.7%) in untreated, hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease, although about 10% of the patients had no detectable serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb). However, the levels of CD5+ B cells were normal in untreated patients with destructive thyrotoxicosis due to aggravation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis or subacute thyroiditis. In patients with stimulated hyperthyroid Graves' disease the levels of CD5+ B cells were correlated with those of thyroid hormones and TRAb, all significantly increased. However, once hyperthyroidism was controlled by anti-thyroid drugs, CD5+ B cells were decreased, followed in turn by reduction of TRAb. We conclude that the proportion of CD5+ B cells is useful as a therapeutic index and for diagnosis of Graves' disease and its differentiation from destruction-induced thyrotoxicosis.

The effect of dietary autoxidized oils on immunocompetent cells in mice

Effects of dietary autoxidized oil on immunocompetent cells, such as splenocytes and thymocytes, were studied in mice. When the autoxidized methyl linoleate was administered orally to male C57BL/6 mice in a single dose, the DNA synthesis of thymocytes was remarkably depressed 1 day after the treatment, and then the mitogenic response to concanavalin A of splenocytes was increased 3 days after the dose. With long-term (90 days) feeding of slightly autoxidized soybean oil (with a peroxide value of 150 mequiv/kg) in mice, the DNA synthesis of thymocytes was depressed and the mitogenic response to concanavalin A of splenocytes was increased. No effect was observed on plasma glutamic acid-oxaloacetic acid transaminase and glutamic acid-pyruvic acid transaminase levels, nor on liver thiobarbituric acid reactants due to the dose of autoxidized soybean oil. These findings indicate that oral intake of autoxidized oil affects immunocompetent cells and causes depression of the DNA synthesis of thymocytes in mice.

A clinicoradiological study of maxillary osteomyelitis

Eleven cases of maxillary osteomyelitis were studied clinically and radiologically. Clinically, the molar area was most affected. The average age of the patients was 47 years and there was no sex difference. Radiologically, the spotty type of osteolytic change was the most frequent, and osteosclerosis was rare. Sequestrum was not a clear feature radiologically. The features of maxillary and mandibular osteomyelitis were compared and the findings discussed.

Gene expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in neoplastic cells of leukemia and lymphoma

Expression levels of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mRNA in fresh leukemia and lymphoma cells were measured by northern blotting analysis. Bands of 2.1 kb mRNA were detected in all of eight cases of TdT activity-positive leukemias: two cases of null-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (null-ALL), two of common ALL, one of pre-B ALL, one of T-ALL, and two of chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic crisis. One of the null-ALL and one of the common ALL cases also showed large TdT mRNA (3.3 kb). Since all TdT activity-positive samples exhibited TdT mRNA, the TdT gene might be mainly regulated at the transcription level in leukemic cells. An elevated level of 2.1 kb TdT mRNA was also detected in one lymphoma case, where neither TdT activity nor immunoreactive TdT was detected. The extensive chromosomal abnormality demonstrated in this case might be associated with the translational anomaly of TdT.

Proliferative cell index in endometrial adenocarcinoma of different nuclear grades

Proliferative cell indices (PCI) in 20 cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma were obtained by staining DNA polymerase alpha. The PCI ranged from 11.1 to 42.1, averaging 24.7 +/- 8.7. Four cases of stage III all exhibited fairly large PCI (30.4-32.9). In contrast, in 16 cases of stage I the values were spread over a wide range. In 13 cases with histological grade (HG) 1 of stage I, larger PCI were obtained in the nuclear grade (NG) 2 group; the mean PCI values of HG 1-NG 1 and HG 1-NG 2 were 16.5 +/- 4.6 and 25.6 +/- 5.2, respectively. Because of the good correlation between PCI and HG or NG, PCI may be useful as an additional prognostic factor in endometrial adenocarcinoma, especially in stage I cases.

Treatment of fetal bovine serum with activated charcoal enhances spontaneous differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells

We established a spontaneous differentiation system for murine erythroleukemia cells, MELC-DS19, with high inducibility (80%). The spontaneous differentiation reflected the cells' loss of proliferative capacity. However, this phenomenon was only observed using a subclone, i.e. DS19-sc4, with an inducer-mediated commitment to terminal cell differentiation that was not suppressed by dexamethasone. Essential aspects of the system are the low initial cell density (less than 10(4)/ml) and the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) treated with activated charcoal instead of ordinary FBS. This system is useful for studying the molecular basis of the spontaneous differentiation of MELC as well as the erythropoiesis regulating factor of sera.

Biosynthesis of branched-chain fatty acids in Bacillus subtilis. A decarboxylase is essential for branched-chain fatty acid synthetase

Branched long-chain fatty acids of the iso and anteiso series are synthesized in many bacteria from the branched-chain alpha-keto acids of valine, leucine, and isoleucine after their decarboxylation followed by chain elongation. Two distinct branched-chain alpha-keto acid (BCKA) and pyruvate decarboxylases, which are considered to be responsible for primer synthesis, were detected in, and purified in homogenous form from Bacillus subtilis 168 strain by procedures including ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatography on ion exchange, reversed-phase, and gel absorption columns. The chemical and catalytic properties of the two decarboxylases were studied in detail. The removal of BCKA decarboxylase, using chromatographic fractionation, from the fatty acid synthetase significantly reduced its activity. The synthetase activity was completely lost upon immunoprecipitation of the decarboxylase. The removal of pyruvate decarboxylase by the above two methods, however, did not affect any activity of the fatty acid synthetase. Thus, BCKA decarboxylase, but not pyruvate decarboxylase, is essential for the synthesis of branched-chain fatty acids. The very high affinity of BCKA decarboxylase toward branched-chain alpha-keto acids is responsible for its function in fatty acid synthesis.

Chronotropic effect of nizofenone fumarate in rabbit sino-atrial node in vitro

1. The effects of nizofenone fumarate were studied on the membrane potentials and currents of rabbit sino-atrial node preparations by means of the double-microelectrode voltage clamp method. 2. In spontaneously firing pacemaker cells, nizofenone (above 1 microM) decreased the heart rate. Above 3 microM, nizofenone reduced the maximum upstroke velocity, the amplitude of the action potential and the slope of the phase 4 depolarization, and prolonged the action potential duration at 50% repolarization. 3. Under voltage clamp conditions, nizofenone decreased the slow inward current and the time-dependent potassium outward current in a dose-dependent manner. 4. These findings suggest that nizofenone exerts an inhibitory action on the automaticity of sinoatrial node preparations via effects on both inward and outward currents.

Transplantation of mucosal tissue model composed of rabbit oral mucosal cells

Since skin grafted into the oral cavity does not differentiate into mucosa, its original characteristics remain unchanged. This may cause discomfort to patients treated with such grafted skin, due to the skin's hair follicles and keratinization. This phenomenon is controlled by subepithelial connective tissues, and is thus referred to as the Epithelio-Mesenchymal Interaction. The grafting of mucosa itself would be preferable, but this procedure is severely limited due to the scarcity of suitable tissue. Accordingly, we have recently prepared artificial mucosa in vitro, using fibroblasts and epithelial cells derived from rabbit oral mucosa and collagen gel, and transplanted it into a donor animal. This paper is the first report of a method using artificial mucosa for the reconstruction of mucosal defects.

Characterization of fluorescent products from reaction of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides with adenine in the presence of Fe2+ and ascorbic acid

The structures of fluorescent products formed in the reaction of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides with adenine, FeSO4 and ascorbic acid were investigated to elucidate the mechanism of interaction. The fluorescent products consisted of at least four major components (I-IV), which could be separated by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Both 2-octenal and 2,4-decadienal, degradation products of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides, reacted with adenine to produce a fluorescent product similar to one of the major compounds (II) formed in the reaction of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides. Spectroscopic data suggest that I and III are the same type of compounds, which have closed ring structures with alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl groups between the amino group at the 6-position and the nitrogen at the 1-position of adenine. Component II has a closed ring structure at the same site as I and III, and the presence of an ether linkage was suggested. On the basis of these structures, the involvement of 3-nonenal, methyl 12-oxo-9-dodecenoate and 2-octenal was suggested in the interaction of the methyl linoleate hydroperoxides decomposition products and adenine or DNA in the presence of FeSO4 and ascorbic acid.

Activated charcoal diminishes the lot difference of fetal bovine sera in erythroid colony formation of human bone marrow cells

Using normal bone marrow as target cells, we assayed the colony-forming efficiency of early and late erythroid progenitor cells and granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells using several different lots of fetal bovine serum (FBS). There was a marked difference in the ability of these sera to support colony formation, particularly in erythroid colony assays. When adsorbed by activated charcoal, all these sera supported erythroid colony formation more efficiently than before adsorption. There was no significant effect of charcoal adsorption of FBS on granulocyte-macrophage colony formation. Gel-filtration study showed that charcoal adsorption diminished low-molecular-weight fractions by less than 5000 Da. The inhibitory activity of this fraction was heat labile and Pronase sensitive. Concentrated samples obtained from these fractions inhibited erythroid colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that low-molecular-weight inhibitors that are relatively specific to erythropoiesis play a critical role in the lot differences of FBS for erythroid colony formation.

DDAVP and epinephrine-induced changes in the localization of von Willebrand factor antigen in endothelial cells of human oral mucosa

A peroxidase-labeled antibody technique revealed von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) in rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), the perinuclear region, and the cytoplasmic vesicles of capillary endothelial cells in oral mucosa. After administration of epinephrine or 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), the localization of vWF:Ag was shown to have changed to the basement membrane and the surrounding interstitium. This change of vWF:Ag localization induced by epinephrine and DDAVP may play a role in the adhesion of platelets to subendothelium following endothelial injury during surgery and may be an unknown hemostatic effect of these drugs.

Immunohistochemical analysis of cells in mucosal lesions of oral lichen planus

We immunohistochemically analyzed the immunological background of the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP). Abundant lymphocytes infiltrated OLP mucosal lesions, particularly in satellite cell necrosis (SCN) regions, and cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes were predominant in seven of 10 OLP cases. Some carried IL-2 receptors, particularly in SCN. Keratinocytes of the mucosal lesions expressed both HLA-ABC and HLA-DR antigens. This suggests that activated cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes may play a major role in cytotoxicity to keratinocytes as effector cells in OLP. OKM1-, OKM5+, HLA-DR+ and IL-1+ cells, vascular endothelial cells and clusters of spindle-shaped or oval cells, which had the same surface characteristics as a monocyte macrophage subset, were abundant and, together with migrating lymphocytes, might play a role in the immune response in mucosal lesions of OLP.

Immunoelectron microscopical localization of immunoglobulins, secretory component and J chain in the human minor salivary glands

Localization of IgA, secretory component (SC) and J chain was investigated immunocytochemically in minor salivary glands of the lip and palate to define the mechanism involved in the transport of immunoglobulin A (sIgA) into the saliva from the minor salivary glands. SC synthesis was detected in mucous acinar cells and ductal epithelial cells. Free SC is secreted into the saliva through secretory granules in the mucous acinar cells. Dimeric IgA containing J chain is translocated through these cells as sIgA by a SC-mediated transport mechanism involving cytoplasmic vesicles.

Purification and properties of 4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate dehydrogenase from Corynebacterium cyclohexanicum

4-Hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate dehydrogenase, which requires NAD as a cofactor, was detected in crude soluble extracts of Corynebacterium cyclohexanicum grown on cyclohexanecarboxylic acid as the sole carbon source. The dehydrogenase was purified from extracts to an electrophoretically homogenous state by ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-650s, agarose-NAD and hydroxyapatite. The enzyme consisted of two identical subunits and had a native relative molecular mass of 53,600. There were two residues each of cysteine and tryptophan in the enzyme molecule. Oxo acid rather than hydroxy acid was routinely used as substrate for assay of the enzyme. The enzyme is highly specific for 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid: the carboxyl group is essential and the position of carbonyl group is important; neither the 2-oxo nor the 3-oxo homologue was used as substrate. A methyl substitution on the ring of 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate resulted in an almost complete loss of its activity. The reduction product was identified as trans-4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. It was used as a substrate for the reverse reaction in the presence of NAD but not its cis-isomer. The enzyme was specific for the B-side (pro-S) hydrogen of NADH in the hydrogen transfer from NADH to 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate. The Km values for 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate and NADH in the reduction reaction at pH 6.8 were 0.50 mM and 0.28 mM, respectively, whereas those for trans-4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate and NAD in the oxidation reaction at pH 8.8 were 0.51 mM and 0.23 mM, respectively. The equilibrium constant of the reaction was 1.79 x 10(-10) M. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by N-bromosuccinimide.

The effect of dietary lipid hydroperoxide on lymphoid tissues in mice

Effects of dietary lipid hydroperoxides on lymphoid tissue were studied in mice. When graded amounts (190, 270 and 310 mg) of methyl linoleate hydroperoxide (MLHPO) were orally administered to male C57BL/6 mice (6 weeks old), necrosis was observed in lymphocytes located among the reticular network in the thymus, and thymus weight was significantly decreased 24 h after the treatment. The spleen weight of mice given MLHPO tended to decrease. Spontaneous chemiluminescence of the thymus was remarkably increased after the dose. Thiobarbituric acid reactants in the liver, thymus and blood were also increased after the dose of MLHPO. At intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after a dose of 14C-labeled MLHPO, 14C was detected in the blood and liver. Fatty infiltration of the liver was found after the treatment with MLHPO. These findings indicate that oral intake of lipid hydroperoxides causes significant damage to lymphoid tissues of mice.

Stereoselectivity in the 2-methylbutyrate incorporation into anteiso fatty acids in Bacillus subtilis mutants

Two Bacillus subtilis mutants defective in branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase can grow when 2-methylbutyrate is provided in trypticase soy medium. Both enantiomers of the acid supported growth of the mutants but the (S)-(+)-isomer (natural) was more active than the (R)-(-)-isomer (unnatural). The mutants utilized these isomers as primer to specifically synthesize either enantiomer of anteiso fatty acids. No racemization of the isomer primers was observed during the synthesis. Thus, cells grown with (-)-isomer possessed anteiso fatty acids (over 80%) of the total fatty acids, being entirely the unnatural enantiomer. The stereospecific synthesis was found to be controlled at the step of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA synthesis. In a wild strain, only (+)-specific acyl-CoA synthetase was detected. In the mutants, either enantiomer of 2-methylbutyrate could simultaneously induce both types, (+)-specific and (-)-specific, of acyl-CoA synthetase. (+)-Specific synthetase had a higher activity and affinity towards substrate than (-)-specific synthetase. The detailed preparative procedures for (R)-(-)- and 2-[3,4-3H]methylbutyric acid are described.

Presence of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide in human plasma

A chemiluminescence-high performance liquid chromatography (CL-HPLC) system was newly developed and used for the hydroperoxide-specific determination of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) in human plasma. The method involves separation of phosphatidylcholine derivatives from plasma lipids by normal phase HPLC and subsequent detection of hydroperoxide-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) of PCOOH. CL was produced through luminol oxidation during the reaction of the hydroperoxide and cytochrome c-heme. The high specificity for the hydroperoxide allows the sensitive assaying of a large PCOOH range over a concentration range of 50-2,000 pmol of hydroperoxide-O2. Using this method, the occurrence of PCOOH in normal human plasma was strongly suggested and was confirmed quantitatively.

Detection of proliferative cells in dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix by monoclonal antibody against DNA polymerase alpha

The distribution of DNA polymerase alpha-positive cells in neoplasia of the uterine cervix and in normal cervical epithelium was studied using a monoclonal antibody against DNA polymerase alpha. The positive cells were found only in the parabasal layer of normal cervical epithelium and only in the nonkeratinized areas of the cancer nests of invasive keratinizing carcinoma. Most cells in cancer nests of an invasive nonkeratinizing carcinoma were found to be DNA polymerase alpha-positive. In cases of mild or moderate dysplasia DNA polymerase alpha-positive cells were found only in the lower half of the epithelium. DNA polymerase alpha-positive cells in severe dysplasia to carcinoma in situ were distributed throughout the full thickness of the epithelium. The percentages of DNA polymerase alpha-positive cells in mild or moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia to carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma were 32.2%, 45.7%, and 53.7%, respectively. The authors previously developed immunohistochemical methods for detecting DNA polymerase alpha by monoclonal antibody that allowed the proliferative activity of cells in normal and neoplastic tissues to be estimated.

Fever of unknown origin caused by dental infection. Report of a case

There are indications that dental infections may be causally related to a wide spectrum of systemic and local disorders. We present a case report of a fever that lasted more than 50 days and discuss the pathogenesis of associated dental infections.

A Mutant of Synechococcus PCC7942 Incapable of Adapting to Low CO(2) Concentration

Some properties of a mutant (RK1) of Synechococcus PCC7942, which requires high CO(2) for growth, are described. The photosynthetic affinity for inorganic carbon (C(i)) in RK1 was about 40 times lower than that in the wild type (WT) when grown at 3% CO(2) (H-cells) and did not change during 10 hours of exposure to low CO(2) (air containing 0.04% CO(2)). The gas exchange of WT and RK1 cells was measured using an open gas-analysis system. All the measurements were performed at a CO(2) concentration of 400 microliters per liter under the conditions where photosynthetic CO(2) fixation is inhibited. When the suspension of H-cells of WT or RK1 was illuminated, the rate of CO(2) influx from the gas phase into the suspension was low and addition of carbonic anhydrase during illumination released only a small amount of CO(2) from the medium into the gas phase. The rate of CO(2) influx and the amount of CO(2) released by carbonic anhydrase were increased in WT during low CO(2) adaptation. These changes did not occur in RK1 during exposure to low CO(2). Cytoplasmic membrane from H-cells of WT or RK1 contained small amount of 42-kilodalton polypeptide. Exposure of RK1 to low CO(2) did not have significant effect on the amount of 42-kilodalton polypeptide, while the same treatment on WT resulted in a large increase of this polypeptide. The RK1 mutant appears to be defective in its ability to utilize the intracellular C(i) pool for photosynthesis and also to transmit a low CO(2) signal for inducing the functional and compositional changes observed in WT during low CO(2) adaptation.

Analysis of human terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase cDNA expressible in mammalian cells

Human Molt3 cDNA library was constructed using pcD vector system which permits the expression of cDNA inserts in mammalian cells. Nearly full-length human terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) cDNA was cloned using a fragment of bovine TdT cDNA as a probe. The human TdT cDNA contains an open reading frame of 1,557 bp coding for 519 amino acids, including 31 bp and 341 bp from 5' and 3' untranslated regions, respectively. The TdT cDNA was transfected into COS7 monkey fibroblasts directed the synthesis of enzymatically active protein of Mr 59,495. The cloned TdT cDNA hybridized with poly A+ RNAs of 2,100 b and 3,300 b from stable T-cell leukemia Molt3 and Molt4 cells.

Gas-liquid chromatographic separation of enantiomers as their diastereomeric derivatives, illustrated with 2-methylbutyric acid

A gas-liquid chromatographic method has been developed to separate on a small scale (acid samples as small as 2 mg) the enantiomers of 2-methylbutyric acid and to estimate a few per cent of one isomer as a contaminant in the other. Both the alpha-methylbenzyl ester and the alpha-methylbenzyl amide give a satisfactory resolution of the enantiomers. Chromatographic conditions in the order of importance are the final column temperature, the rate of temperature programming and the initial column temperature.

Revascularization of reversed dermis grafts

The process of vascularization and the vascular patterns in reversed dermis grafts (RDG) and full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) in the rat were studied at various intervals after transplantation by a combination of microangiography and histologic techniques. In the early stages the RDG became vascularized more rapidly than the FTSG. However, the inflammatory reaction in the RDG persisted for longer periods than that in the FTSG in the later stages. The prolonged inflammatory reaction in the RDG was presumed to be due to the lack of epidermis for two to three weeks after surgery. Comparatively severe contraction of RDG may result from this prolonged inflammation and the delayed epithelialization.

Seasonal Population Changes and Characterization of Ice-Nucleating Bacteria in Farm Fields of Central Alberta

During the summer of 1983 in central Alberta, changes in the bacterial population inhabiting the leaves of field beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and canola ( Brassica napus L. Altex) were studied to determine if ice-nucleating bacteria were present on these plants. Three colony types (white, yellow, and peach-colored) were found on field beans and canola leaves. Approximately 25% of the isolates from the white colony group, which dominated the population, were ice-nucleating bacteria. No ice-nucleating bacteria were present on canola leaves. Out of a total of 76 ice-nucleating bacteria isolated, 5 representative cultures were characterized in detail and identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens . The fatty acid composition of these cultures was essentially identical to that of typical P. fluorescens cultures and was altered by varying the growth temperature from 10 to 30°C.

Life-threatening sublingual hematoma in a severely hemophilic patient with factor VIII inhibitor

The management of a patient with Factor VIII inhibitor in whom a marked hematoma of the sublingual region developed is described. Administration of activated prothrombin complex concentrates and nasotracheal intubation with the fiberoptic laryngoscopy were used in the management of this patient.

Distribution of 14C after oral administration of [U-14C]labeled methyl linoleate hydroperoxides and their secondary oxidation products in rats

To study the toxicity of low molecular weight (LMW) compounds formed during the autoxidation of oils, 14C-labeled primary monomeric compounds (methyl linoleate hydroperoxides) and secondary oxidation products, i.e., polymer and LMW compounds prepared from autoxidized methyl [U-14C]linoleate hydroperoxides (MLHPO) were orally administered to rats, and their radioactive distributions in tissues and organs were compared. The polymeric fraction consisted mainly of dimers of MLHPO. For the LMW fraction, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, 8-hydroxy methyl octanoate and 10-formyl methyl-9-decenoate were identified as major constituents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after chemical reduction and derivatization. When LMW compounds were administered to rats, 14CO2 expiration and the excreted radioactivity in urine in 12 hr were significantly higher than those from polymer or MLHPO administration. Maximum 14CO2 expiration appeared 2-4 hr after the dose of LMW compounds. Radioactivity of the upper part of small intestines six hr after the dose of LMW compounds was higher than the values from administered polymer or MLHPO. The remaining radioactivity in the digestive contents and feces 12 hr after administration of LMW compounds was much lower than the values observed from administered polymer or MLHPO. Among internal organs, the liver contained the highest concentration of radioactivities from polymer, MLHPO and LMW fractions, and an especially higher level of radioactivity was found in liver six hr after the administration of LMW compounds. Six hours after the dose of LMW compounds, a relatively higher level of radioactivity also was detected in kidney, brain, heart and lung.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)