Specific expression of type II protein kinase c after axotomy in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and the hypoglossal nucleus

Protein kinase C (PKC) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) were investigated immunohistochemically in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and the hypoglossal nucleus after axotomy using monoclonal antibodies against type I, II and III PKC and GAP-43. In the control side of both nuclei, anti-type I and II PKC weakly stained neuronal cell bodies, while anti-type III PKC did not show any reaction with neurons. In the axotomized side of both nuclei, anti-type II PKC antibody intensely stained affected nerve cell bodies as well as plasma membrane. Some of the severed neurons showed intensified reactions for both anti-type II PKC and anti-GAP-43 antibodies in the serial sections. These findings suggest that axotomy increases the type II PKC of the severed neurons, and type II PKC seems to phosphorylate some protein, such as GAP-43, and plays some role in the retrograde neuronal reaction.

Causative role of lysosomal enzymes in the pathogenesis of cerebral lesions due to brain edema under chronic hypertension

In order to clarify the role of lysosomal enzymes in the developmental mechanisms of cerebral lesions under chronic hypertensive conditions, we histochemically and biochemically investigated acid phosphatase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, and cathepsin B in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Histochemical investigation showed that SHRSP had an increased number of cells with positive reaction to these enzymes in the edematous cortex and degenerated subcortical white matter. The cells with positive reaction were made up of reactive astrocytes and microglias. The activities of all enzymes in the aged SHRSP were higher than those in normotensive rats, the differences being significant at 24 weeks of age. The present study suggests that chronic hypertension or chronic edema causes increased activities of lysosomal enzymes in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter, and that the activated lysosomal enzymes take part in the developmental mechanisms of cystic formation as well as the diffuse degeneration of the white matter.

Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in astrocytes at the site of cerebral lesions and edematous areas under chronic hypertension

In an attempt to obtain information about changes of the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the brain under chronic hypertensive condition, we studied immunohistochemically the distribution of bFGF in the brain of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). In the control normotensive rats, only weak immunoreactivity for bFGF was demonstrated in nerve cells and some astrocytes. In SHRSP marked immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the densely packed reactive cells, particularly astrocytes, in and around cerebral lesions. Slightly increased reaction for bFGF was found in the nerve cells around lesions. Astrocytes in the white matter also showed immunoreactivity for bFGF, the localization of which corresponded very well with the site of edema. This finding indicates the possibility that brain edema expresses bFGF in astrocytes and possibly in nerve cells.

Haemopoietic activity associated with biglycan like proteoglycan

One of the monocytic cell colony stimulating factors produced by thymic myoid cells, a 100 kDa factor, was purified by reversed phase HPLC and found to be homologous to the secreted form of proteoglycan 1 (biglycan) core protein. This biglycan associated colony stimulating factor did not carry an immunological motif of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), but predominantly stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of monocytic lineage cells from bone marrow cells, nonadherent thymic cells and peritoneal exudate cells.

Different stability of neurofilaments for trypsin treatment after axotomy in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve and the hypoglossal nucleus

In an attempt to obtain information about changes of neurofilaments in motor neurons after axotomy, we immuno-histochemically investigated the accumulated neurofilaments in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve, which shows nerve cell loss and degenerative changes after axotomy, and in the hypoglossal nucleus, which shows regenerative changes. Affected neurons in the hypoglossal nucleus showed intensified immunoreactivities for neurofilament antibodies phosphorylated at the carboxy-terminal, and these reactions disappeared with trypsin treatment. Accumulated neurofilaments in the neuronal perikarya in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve and axons in brain stem also showed intensified immunoreactivities for the same antibodies, and these reactions remained positive after trypsin treatment. Anti-ubiquitin antibody preferentially stained accumulated neurofilaments in the affected vagal neurons, while no reaction was found in the affected hypoglossal neurons. Phosphorylated neurofilaments in hypoglossal neurons are vulnerable to trypsin treatment probably because of the blocking of polymerization or the disassembly of neurofilaments due to amino-terminal phosphorylation. In vagal neurons, the deteriorated amino-terminal phosphorylation or hyperphosphorylation at the carboxy-terminal seems to cause the cross-linkage and polymerization of neurofilaments, and densely packed polymerized neurofilaments probably fail in axonal transport resulting in nerve cell degeneration and death in the dorsal motor nucleus.

The possible role of lysosomal enzymes in the pathogenesis of hypertensive cerebral lesions in spontaneously hypertensive rats

In an attempt to clarify the role of lysosomal enzymes in the developmental mechanisms of cerebral lesions under chronic hypertensive conditions, we biochemically investigated the activities of acid phosphatase (AcPase), N-acetyl beta-glucosaminidase (NAGase) and cathepsin B (CathB) in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). We also investigated enzyme-histochemically the activities of AcPase and NAGase, and immunohistochemically the distribution of CathB. The activities of all enzymes tended to increase with advancing age. The enzyme activities in the aged SHRSPs were in general higher than those in normotensive rats, the differences being significant at 24 weeks of age. Histochemical investigation showed that SHRSPs had an increased number of cells with positive reaction to these enzymes in the edematous cortex with and without vascular changes, and degenerated subcortical white matter. These cells with positive reaction were made up of reactively increased astrocytes and microglia. Neurons in the edematous area also showed slightly intensified enzyme activities. The present studies suggest that chronic hypertension or chronic edema due to hypertension causes increased activities of lysosomal enzymes in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter and, thus, that activated lysosomal enzymes may take part in the developmental mechanisms of cystic formation as well as the diffuse degeneration of the white matter.

Variomatrix--a newly developed transesophageal echocardiography probe with a rotating matrix biplane transducer. Technological aspects and initial clinical experience

The recently developed multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes cannot provide real-time synchronous biplane imaging. We have developed a new "Variomatrix" probe that combines the advantages of the rotating mechanism of the multiplane probe with the capability of providing simultaneous, side-by-side imaging. Its advantages are: (1) easy manipulation to obtain the optimal planes; (2) avoidance of excessive movement of the probe inside the esophagus; (3) assessment of oblique planes that are not viewed with the usual biplane probe; (4) better understanding of the continuity of structures by the simultaneous, side-by-side biplane, rotating images, providing clearer three-dimensional conception; and (5) shorter examination time by providing a 180 degrees imaging range by rotating the transducer just 90 degrees .

High-resolution scanning electron microscopic study of the mouse submandibular salivary gland

The submandibular gland of the mouse was studied by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, using the osmium-dimethylsulfoxide-osmium method. The three-dimensional structures of the intracellular membranous organelles of acinar cells were clearly revealed. The luminal surface of cisterns of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus exhibited particles of 8-15 nm in diameter. The secretory canaliculi presented short microvilli which were irregularly arranged. The striated duct cells were characterized by rich mitochondria arranged vertically in the basal portion. The lamellar mitochondrial cristae were noted in three-dimensional images. The luminal surface extended short microvilli, while that of the excretory duct cell presented complicated microplicae. The capillary endotheliocytes showed a few short microvilli, and their fenestrated areas were bordered by cytoplasmic crests. Fenestrae were 50-80 nm in diameter and showed a plug in their center. The basement membranes of the acini and capillaries showed a spongy structure with various strands and meshes. Collagenous fibrils crisscrossed on their surface.

Enzymological evidence for the indispensability of small intestine in the synthesis of arginine from glutamate. II. N-acetylglutamate synthase

We describe here a concise assay procedure for N-acetylglutamate (AGA) synthase (AGAS) and its application to an extensive study of tissue distribution of AGAS activity. Crude mitochondria from several tissues were incubated in a pair of assay mixtures with [14C]glutamate in the absence and presence of acetyl-CoA at 15 degrees C for 10 min. Anionic components including [14C]AGA were first isolated from glutamate by a cation exchanger column. In order to remove anionic contaminants such as succinate, the AGA was converted to glutamate enzymatically by aminoacylase, and then the glutamate was isolated by cation exchange chromatography and counted. Recoveries were corrected individually. The difference between the pair incubations was taken as the activity. An extensive survey of AGAS activity in rats showed that, although the liver expressed the highest activity, the small intestine, testis, lung and submaxillary gland also exhibited considerable activity. Sexual differences in activity were not found in the liver and small intestine. We also detected activity in the human small intestine for the first time. Optimization of incubation temperature and time and the presence of arginine in an assay mixture was essential and we demonstrated that the AGAS reaction with crude mitochondria as an enzyme source was unstable without arginine and at higher temperatures. This procedure appears suitable for studying the physiological and nutritional role of AGAS in non-hepatic tissues. In the accompanying paper we applied this procedure to study the ontogeny of AGAS in developing rat tissues.

Development of pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase and N-acetylglutamate synthase and their changes in lactation and aging

Using newly developed assay procedures, we studied the development of pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (PCS) and N-acetylglutamate synthase (AGAS) activity in rat tissues. PCS in the small intestine of fetuses was 1/5 that of adults and reached an adult level as early as postnatal Day 1. The highest peak was observed at Day 14, and then activity decreased to the adult level. However, PCS in the brain was highest at birth and quickly inactivated in a few days. AGAS in the fetus small intestine was 1/3 that of adults and became higher than the adult level by 40% at Day 1 but was reduced to 1/2 that of adults at Day 3. Subsequently activity increased gradually to the adult level at Day 24. On the contrary, AGAS in the fetus liver was only 1/20 that of adults, and activity increased slowly up to 10 weeks and more. Pregnancy and lactation reduced liver AGAS markedly up to Day 8 and intestinal PCS considerably up to Day 14 after parturition. PCS in the small intestine of senescent rats was almost halved compared to young controls on a whole tissue basis. AGAS in the small intestine was also halved on a gram wet weight basis. Nonetheless the liver AGAS of 430-day-old rats was higher than that of the controls, although that of 630-day rats was lower. The results indicate that the arginine synthesizing enzymes in the small intestine are highly activated in suckling and weaning, and raise a question whether arginine remains fully dispensable in pregnancy, lactation, and senescence.

Enzymological evidence for the indispensability of small intestine in the synthesis of arginine from glutamate. I. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase

The in vivo synthesis of arginine from glutamate in mammals requires seven enzymes to cooperate. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (PCS) is the first enzyme required. In order to establish the interorgan dependency of arginine synthesis, we quantitated PCS activity in as many as 32 rat tissues and found that the activity was concentrated only in the upper small intestine. Minor activity was found in pancreas, thymus, lymph node, and some other tissues: this was confirmed by the dependency on specific substrates, the loss of activity in the presence of an inhibitor, and identifying the reduced product as proline. No difference in activity was found between male and female rats on a milligram protein basis. The strict tissue localization of PCS and the localization of other enzymes of arginine synthesis previously reported clearly indicate that the upper small intestine is an indispensable tissue for the arginine synthesis from glutamate. Many of the tissues examined showed an activity to form an unknown product from glutamate. When assayed by the previously reported radiometric assay procedure using an AG1-X8 column (acetate), the product was not separated from PC and caused false-positive activities of PCS. An improved procedure was developed to overcome this technical difficulty. The new procedure enabled us to detect even 20 pmol PC without contamination by the adjoining unknown product. A preliminary characterization of the unknown product was achieved.

[Effects of hypoxia on the brain cholinergic system in the rat]

Effects of mild hypoxic hypoxia on brain cholinergic system in the rat were investigated with choline acetyltransferase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (MR) as indicators of cholinergic system. Hypoxic exposure of 10% oxygen concentration was undertaken for one week. The activity of CAT and AChE was reduced, while MR increased. CAT is known as the specific enzyme of cholinergic neuron, but AChE is contained also in postsynaptic neuron of the cholinergic neuron. Reduction in the activity of both enzymes may mean reduction in the activity of cholinergic system. MR is contained in postsynaptic membrane. The increase in MR may indicate recovery from agonist-dependent desensitized receptor.

Immunocytochemical localization of Na/K-ATPase in the isolated ciliary epithelial bilayer of the rabbit

This study examined the localization of Na/K-ATPase in a specially isolated ciliary epithelial bilayer of the rabbit. This bilayer, harvested by a technique developed in this laboratory, consisted of pigmented epithelial (PE) and non-pigmented epithelial (NPE) cells free of stroma and with a well preserved ultrastructural morphology. Immunocytochemical localization of Na/K-ATPase was performed using goat anti-rabbit Na/K-ATPase with the biotin-streptavidin peroxidase method on fresh as well as fixed preparations. The most prominent immunostaining was found along the basolateral infoldings and interdigitations of both NPE and PE cells. This finding suggests that both ciliary epithelial layers participate in active ion transport and the production of aqueous humor.

[Role of X-ray computed tomography in the evaluation of prognosis of cervical carcinoma]

In 129 patients with cervical cancer, CT findings before treatment were analysed on the basis of the outcome during a 5 year follow-up period (75 survivals, and 54 deaths). 1) The incidence of each CT finding in the two groups was; (1) enlargement of the uterine cervix: 40.0% in survivals, 64.8% in deaths, (2) low density area in the cervix: 18.7%, 37.0%, (3) necrotic cavity: 4.0%, 33.3%, (4) pyometra: 8.0%, 31.5%, (5) irregular and indistinct margin of the cervix: 2.7%, 51.9%, (6) abnormal image of parametrium: 25.3%, 87.0%, (7) extension to the vagina: 2.7%, 37.0%, (8) extension toward the bladder: 8.0%, 57.4%, and (9) enlarged lymph node: 0%, 27.8%. 2) CT scores obtained by multivariate analysis for prognostic discrimination of cervical cancer were (1) + 1, (2) - 1, (3) + 1, (4) - 3, (5) + 25, (6) type B + 29, C + 25, D + 10, (7) + 2, (8) grade I + 12, II + 7, III + 20, and (9) + 18, respectively. The discrimination ratio for the prognosis of cervical cancer was 82.9%. 3) The score obtained by multivariate analysis showed significant increases according with the stage. Even in the same stage, there were significant differences between the scores for survivals and deaths (stage II: p less than 0.01, stage III: p less than 0.05). The survival period in the poor prognosis group was correlated with the score, especially in the cases treated with radiotherapy (r = -0.54, p less than 0.01).

The isolated ciliary bilayer is useful for studies of aqueous humor formation

An intact ciliary epithelial bilayer has been isolated from the rabbit eye by perfusion, microsurgical dissection, and recovery techniques. Vital subcellular organelles and intercellular junctions of this epithelial bilayer preparation are very well preserved. The total electrical resistance of the epithelial bilayer is 350 ohms, and the transepithelial potential is 650 microV, nonpigmented epithelium side negative. The electrical resistance is reduced by 0.2 mM EGTA and the transepithelial potential reduced by 0.1 mM ouabain. Bicarbonate depletion at a constant pH of 7.4 rapidly and significantly reduces the transepithelial potential. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors decrease transmembrane potential by as much as 30%. These morphologic and physiologic experiments authenticate the validity of this bilayered epithelial preparation for future use in detailed studies of the mechanism of aqueous humor formation.

Isolation and purification of a non-A, non-B hepatitis-associated microtubular aggregates protein

Blood-borne type non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis-associated microtubular aggregates protein was isolated and partially sequenced. The microtubular aggregates were isolated from the hepatocytes of NANB-infected chimpanzees and were found to have a buoyant density in sucrose solution of 1.21 to 1.23 g/ml. A single protein, recognized by our anti-microtubular aggregates monoclonal antibodies, was found to have an Mr of 44,000 (p44). This p44 protein was not found in uninfected chimpanzees. We determined a partial amino acid sequence for p44, and showed that it has no homology to any known proteins.