Cell proliferation of human bladder tumors determined by BrdUrd and Ki-67 immunostaining

The cell proliferation of bladder tumors was assessed in situ using BrdUrd (bromodeoxyuridine) and Ki-67 immunostaining. BrdUrd is incorporated into S-phase cells, and Ki-67 monoclonal antibody recognizes a nuclear antigen present in proliferating, but not resting cells. The percentage of labeled cells was expressed as the labeling index (LI). The average BrdUrd LI obtained applying this method to normal epithelium and to transitional cell carcinoma were 4.1% and 13.1%, respectively, while the Ki-67 LI had average values of 6.2% and 17.8%, respectively. Labeled cells were distributed throughout both the basal and surface layers of transitional cell carcinoma. In general, the value of the BrdUrd LI was correlated to that of the Ki-67 LI. A relatively large fraction of labeled cells was found in high grade or invasive tumors. Bladder tumors with lymph node involvement had higher LI than those without. In addition, a high frequency of S-phase cells within tumor tissue appeared to indicate a great potential for malignancy and thus a poor prognosis. These findings indicate that immunostaining with BrdUrd and Ki-67 may be useful tools for easy and quick evaluation of proliferating cells in bladder tumors.

The behavior of human ameloblastoma tissue in collagen matrix in vitro: an immunohistochemical study

We investigated the three-dimensional outgrowth of human ameloblastoma cells cultured in collagen matrix. Growth patterns of four cases of ameloblastoma resembled each other and was characterized by appeared duct-like structures. Case 1 ameloblastoma was subcultured 3 times. Ameloblastoma tissues and cultured cells were stained with various lectins by avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) staining methods. Both the tissues and cultured cells had the same receptors to Concanavalin ensiforme (Con A), Ricinus communis Agglutinin (RCA-I) and Triticum vulgaris (WGA) but not to Dolichos biflorus (DBA), Ulex europaeus (UEA-1), Soybean (SBA) and Arachis hypogea (PNA). These findings indicated that the cultured cells examined in this study were ameloblastoma cells in origin.

Fertilizing competency of multiple ovulated eggs in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

Fertilizing competency of multiple ovulated eggs in the domestic fowl was examined by fertilization in vitro and early development in culture. Normal laying hens (White Leghorn) were treated with 75 IU of PMSG for 7 days followed by injection of anterior pituitary extracts from chickens (CAPE). Ovulation began to occur 7.5 h after injection of CAPE. These hens ovulated 1-7 ova but some premature ovulation of GV stage ova were observed. In vitro fertilization of the multiple ovulated ova was examined by inseminating 10(6)-10(7) sperm onto the germinal disks in m-Ringer's solution. The gamete or zygote nuclei were detected by DNA specific fluorescence using DAPI (4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole) in the histological section prepared from the germinal disk. Process of fertilization was examined in the eggs incubated for 4 h after insemination in DMEM + liquid albumen at 41 degrees C under the atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Fertilization rate of the total multiple ovulated eggs was 55% (11/20), in which 90% (9/10) and 10% (1/10) in the eggs recovered 7.5-8.5 h and 9.0-9.5 h after CAPE injection were obtained, respectively. Normal pronuclei were formed in five eggs of those recovered 7.5-8.5 h after CAPE injection. Early development after fertilization in vitro was also examined by incubation for 12 h in DMEM + liquid albumen at 41 degrees C under the atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Although development in vitro was delayed compared to that in utero condition, normal development was observed in naturally and multiple ovulated eggs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Palytoxin: a potent stimulator of catecholamine release from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of palytoxin (PTX), a potent marine toxin, on catecholamine release from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was examined. PTX at concentrations of over 10(-9) M induced catecholamine release dose-dependently. About 40-50% of the total cellular catecholamine was released during 20-min incubation with 3 x 10(-8) M PTX. PTX-induced catecholamine release was dependent on both extracellular Na+ and Ca2+, and was inhibited by organic and inorganic Ca2+ channel blockers, but not by tetrodotoxin. PTX-induced increase in 45Ca2+ influx into the cells, which was associated with catecholamine release, was also inhibited by these Ca2+ channel blockers. These results indicated that PTX-induced catecholamine release was mediated by activation of Na(+)-dependent, tetrodotoxin (TTX) insensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Enhancing effect of partial cystectomy on rat urinary bladder carcinogenesis

The effects of 5% and 50% partial cystectomies on bladder tumorigenesis initiated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine(BBN) were investigated in Wistar rats by examining the histological findings and cell proliferative activity. The incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) into the DNA synthesis phase was determined by an in-vitro labeling technique. After eight weeks of treatment with drinking water containing 0.05% BBN, 5% or 50% partial cystectomy was performed at the end of week 16, and the resected bladder was sutured with dexon or silk. There was no difference in the incidence of papillary or nodular (PN) hyperplasia between the control and partial cystectomy groups. However, the incidence of cancer in the group given partial cystectomy was much higher than that in the control. All the cancers in the control group were grade-1 superficial tumors, whereas grade-2 or invasive tumor was observed in six of 40 animals in the partial cystectomy group. The 31.0% labeling index of cancer in the partial cystectomy group was greater than the 24.1% in the control group. There was also a significant difference in the number of BrdUrd-labeled cells in PN hyperplasia between the control and partial cystectomy groups. These findings indicate that partial cystectomy enhances BBN-initiated bladder carcinogenesis and the increase in DNA synthesis found in PN hyperplasia and cancer may be associated with the induction of bladder tumors.

[Clinical effect of terodiline hydrochloride on pollakisuria and urinary incontinence]

Efficacy and safety of terodiline hydrochloride were studied by treating 38 patients who complained of pollakiuria and incontinence with this drug. Terodiline hydrochloride in a dose of 24 mg once or 12 mg twice a day was administered to these patients for 4 weeks and the conditions of the patients before and after the treatment were evaluated. According to the subjective symptoms, pollakisuria during the daytime and at night, incontinence, anischuria at night and frequency of urination were all reduced significantly. Objective symptoms detected after the treatment a tendency of increase (p less than 0.1) in the bladder volume at the time of maximum micturition. However, no change in the urination volume and the maximum urine flow was observed before and after the administration. A significant decrease (p less than 0.05) in residual urine was noted after the treatment. The results were favorable with overall improvement of 78.4% and efficacy of 75.7%. Side effects were observed in 3 of the 38 cases (7.9%), but all the symptoms were slight.

[Follow-up study of residual and recurrent stone after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy]

The rate of residual stones and that of recurrent lithiasis were investigated in 183 patients who had undergone extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) between July, 1986 and December, 1988. The investigation was done by questionnaire survey at 22 institutions including our hospital on patients who were followed up after ESWL. The 183 patients included 126 male and 57 female patients between 9 and 77 years old (the mean 43.6 years). The greater part of patients had lithiasis of the lower renal calyx and upper ureter. The rate of residual stones 3 months after ESWL was 33.3% (61 patients) and the success rate was 72.2%. Chemical analysis of stones disclosed calcium oxalate-containing stones in 61% and calcium phosphate-containing ones in 10.8%. Recurrence of lithiasis was observed in 18 of the 131 patients (13.7%) who could be followed up for 6 months or more. These results were compared with those obtained after endoscopic treatment at Kinki University.

[A clinical evaluation of lymphography in bladder tumor]

A study was conducted in a total of 51 patients with urinary bladder tumor who had received surgical operation associated with removal of regional lymph nodes after lymphography. Abnormal findings were observed in lymphogram of 22 patients. The other 29 patients showed no such abnormality. After the operation pathological metastasis was confirmed in 7 patients. Lymphograms of these patients ith positive lymphatic metastasis revealed filling defects in 85.7% and collaterals in 57.4%. There as correlation between the occurrences of these two findings based on quantification analysis III of multivariate analysis. Lymphography before operation showed 87.5% of sensitivity, 65.1% of specificity and accuracy of 68.6%, not having higher accuracy compared to other studies. These results suggest that lymphography, which may have clinical significance, is not a decisive method in exploration of bladder tumor. Comprehensive analysis of diagnostic imaging should be performed, including CT after lymphography.

Early nuclear events of in vitro fertilization in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

In vitro fertilization in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) was investigated by observation of the early nuclear events. Ova retrieved from the fimbria following ovulation were inseminated in vitro with 10(6)-10(7) spermatozoa in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) for 10 min and then further incubated in DMEM + albumen for 1, 2, 3, or 4 hr. These eggs were histologically examined by epifluorescent microscopy after staining with 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Nuclei of spermatozoa at various stages of transformation were observed in the ova incubated for 1-3 hr. Close pairing of two pronuclei, presumed to be male and female juxtaposition, was detected in ova incubated for 4 hr. These data provide direct evidence for the in vitro fertilization of fowl eggs and suggested that the early process of in vitro fertilization is comparable to that of in vivo fertilization.

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for rectal sunflower seed bezoar

We describe the successful use of polyethylene glycoelectrolyte solution (Golytely) in the management of a child who developed a rectal phytobezoar after ingestion of unshelled sunflower seeds. A brief review of the literature regarding the management of rectal phytobezoar is discussed.

In vitro activation of bovine adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase by rabbit skeletal muscle actin: evidence for a possible role of cytoskeletal elements as an activator for cytoplasmic enzymes

Tyrosine hydroxylase prepared from the soluble fraction of bovine adrenal medulla was markedly activated by rabbit skeletal muscle G-actin, and this activation was accompanied by a decrease in the apparent Km of the enzyme for the pterin cofactor. The activating effect of G-actin on the soluble enzyme was still observed in the medium containing a high concentration of salt or excess amounts of proteinase inhibitors. Furthermore, this effect was not affected by either cytochalasin B or DNase I. These results therefore suggest that G-actin interacts with the enzyme molecule at the binding site(s) different from that involved in actin polymerization, and that it causes the activation of the soluble enzyme as a result of an allosteric alteration in the enzyme structure, thus giving rise to the possibility that cytoskeletal elements play an important role in the regulation of catecholamine synthesis as a factor modulating the activity of cytoplasmic tyrosine hydroxylase.

[Staging of bladder carcinoma by magnetic resonance imaging compared with computed tomography and transurethral echography]

Various techniques are used for tumor staging of bladder carcinoma such as endoscopic photography, transurethral echography, and computed tomographic (CT) scan. Endoscopic photography enables easy observation of tumor morphology, but we utilized other approaches to determine the presence or absence of tumor infiltration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently found widespread use in the staging of tumors. We first employed this approach at our hospital in February 1987. We compared the diagnostic accuracy rate of MRI with that of transurethral echography and CT scan in 10 cases of bladder tumor. The diagnostic accuracy rate of MRI was 70%, while that of transurethral echography and CT scan was 40% and 50%, respectively. We concluded that MRI was very useful in the diagnostic staging of bladder tumor.

Myosin light-chain kinase inhibitor, 1-(5-chlornaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine (ML-9), inhibits catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells by inhibiting Ca2+ uptake into the cells

For determination of whether myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) is involved in the secretory mechanism of adrenal chromaffin cells, the effect of a preferential inhibitor of the enzyme, 1-(5-chlornaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine (ML-9), on catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was studied. ML-9 did not affect basal catecholamine secretion, but inhibited catecholamine secretion stimulated by acetylcholine, high K+, veratridine or palytoxin. At similar concentrations to those inhibiting the secretion of catecholamine, ML-9 also inhibited increased [45Ca]2+ uptake by the cells induced by these stimulants. However, it did not inhibit catecholamine secretion induced by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Moreover, it did not affect catecholamine secretion from digitonin-permeabilized cells induced by a micromolar Ca2+ concentration in the presence of Mg ATP. These results indicate that ML-9 inhibits catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells by inhibiting the transmembrane Ca2+ uptake mechanism, but not by inhibiting the intracellular Ca2+-dependent mechanism. The possible role of MLCK in stimulus-secretion coupling in adrenal chromaffin cells is discussed.

[A study of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with bladder tumors]

The analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytic subpopulations was conducted with 16 bladder tumor patients. Lymphocytes were collected centrifugally from the peripheral blood of preoperative patients with bladder tumors, and measured by means of flow cytometry. Among the stages of the bladder tumor patients, there were no clear relationships in the ratio between T cells and B cells. However, with the progression in stages a rise in OKT 8, as well as the lowering of the OKT 4/OKT 8 ratio were discerned. In relation to pTis, Leu 7 showed a higher value than that in other groups with advanced invasion. This suggests that in measurements of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood, it will to a certain extent be possible to estimate the preoperative immunological competence of bladder tumor patients.

[Anti-tumor effect of LAK (lymphokine activated killer) cells against human bladder tumors transplanted to nude mouse]

The effect of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells on bladder tumor was examined in vivo and in vitro. In the in vitro experiment, 51Cr-cytotoxic assay was performed for which PBL were used as effector cells. A LAK activity of 26.6% was observed in PBL cultured with IL2 for 4 days, whereas OK-432-induced LAK activity was 22%. Furthermore, in the in vivo experiment, the anti-tumor effect of LAK cells was evaluated in human bladder tumor transplanted into nude mouse. IL2, OK432-induced LAK cells were injected intratumorally. In the LAK-treated group, inhibition of tumor growth was seen. Histologically, it was demonstrated that infiltrating lymphocytes were scattered around tumor cells. The augmentation of NK activity in spleen cells was observed in the LAK-treated group. Although further studies are required to establish its full significance, these findings suggest that immunotherapy against bladder tumors is hopeful.

Stimulatory effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on catecholamine secretion from isolated guinea pig adrenal chromaffin cells

The stimulatory effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on catecholamine (CA) secretion from isolated guinea pig adrenal chromaffin cell was studied. VIP (1-10 microM) induced dose-dependent CA secretion, which was slow and continued for at least 30 min. This VIP-induced CA secretion was dependent on the presence of Ca2+ in the medium, but no significant increase in Ca2+ uptake by the cells was observed during their stimulation with VIP. Studies on the intracellular free Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) using fura-2 showed that acetylcholine and muscarine induced a marked increase in the [Ca2+]i, but that VIP induced only a slight increase. Thus VIP may induce CA secretion by increasing the sensitivity of the secretion of CA to Ca2+.

Influence of reduction of cytoplasmic ATP on catecholamine secretion from intact and digitonin-permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of the metabolic inhibitor 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) on the concentration of cytoplasmic ATP and the activity of catecholamine secretion was studied using cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The pretreatment of the cells with DNP resulted in a decrease in the concentration of cytoplasmic ATP. Catecholamine secretion evoked by either carbamylcholine or high K+ was also reduced by DNP pretreatment. Oligomycin caused a significant decrease in both cytoplasmic ATP concentration and catecholamine secretion. In contrast, neither the ATP level nor the secretory response was affected by 2-deoxyglucose. Similarly, catecholamine release from digitonin-permeabilized chromaffin cells in response to a direct calcium challenge was reduced by pretreatment of the cells with DNP, and this reduction was partially prevented by the presence of ATP in the permeabilizing medium. These results suggest that ATP in the cell cytoplasm may play an important role in the regulation of catecholamine secretion as a factor modulating the activity of the exocytotic process in the adrenal chromaffin cell.

Stimulation by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide of catecholamine synthesis in isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Possible involvement of protein kinase C

In isolated bovine adrenal medullary cells, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) stimulated 14C-catecholamine synthesis from 14C-tyrosine, but not from 14C-DOPA. This stimulatory effect of VIP on 14C-catecholamine synthesis was not dependent upon extracellular Ca2+. VIP did not affect the intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) level. The stimulatory effect of VIP on 14C-catecholamine synthesis was additive with that of carbamylcholine, which was dependent upon extracellular Ca2+, but not with that of phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), an activator of protein kinase C. Moreover, 1-(isoquinolinyl-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), an inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited not only TPA-stimulated, but also VIP-stimulated 14C-catecholamine synthesis from 14C-tyrosine. These results suggested that VIP stimulated catecholamine synthesis by activation of tyrosine hydroxylase and that protein kinase C was involved in this stimulatory mechanism.

Functional defects of culture-grown bone marrow-derived macrophages from autoimmune MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mice

To investigate the primary defects and development of macrophages in MRL/MpJ-/pr/lpr (MRL/l) mice, we used a pure population of macrophages derived from bone marrow precursor cells cultured in the presence of L-cell conditioned medium (LCM) as a source of colony stimulating factor. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM phi) from MRL/l mice had lower antigen presenting activity as detected by the induction of antigen-specific T cell proliferation, than age- and sex-matched control mice (CBA/J). Cell surface antigens (Ia and Mac-1) were determined quantitatively by a cell sorter as markers of macrophage differentiation. The BMM phi from MRL/l contained a much smaller number of Ia antigen-positive macrophages than those from normal mice. Treatment of BMM phi with an Ia-inducing of factor (IFN-gamma) markedly increased the expression of Ia antigens. This increase was significantly greater in BMM phi from MRL/l mice than in BMM phi from control mice. Expression of Mac-1 antigen was not different in BMM phi from the two strains. The Fc-mediated phagocytosis of IgG-coated sheep red blood cells was decreased in BMM phi from MRL/l mice compared with those from control mice. The function of nonspecific phagocytosis as measured by latex-bead incorporation was also impaired in MRL/l mice. The functional defects of MRL/l BMM phi found in these experiments are not secondary defects acquired under the influence of environmental signals during development, but are derived from the primary abnormalities which already exist in myeloid stem cells.