[Comparison of sensitivity of Hep-2 cells with that of HL cells against Chlamydia pneumoniae]

We compared the growth of Chlamydia pneumoniae, reference strain TW183 and an isolate from a Japanese infant, AC43 in HeLa229, HL and Hep-2 cells. The mean number of inclusion-forming units was significantly higher on HL cells than HeLa229 cells, when the cells were not pretreated with DEAE-dextran. When the cells were not pretreated with DEAE-dextran, Hep-2 cells had a higher mean number of inclusion-forming units and a higher yield than other cell lines. Iscove's modified Dulbecco medium enhanced growth of strain TW183 in HeLa229 cells but had a low yield of strain AC43 in Hep-2 cells.

Triacetin as food additive in gummy candy and other foodstuffs on the market

The qualitative and quantitative analytical methods were proposed for the simple and rapid determination of triacetin (TAc) in commercial gummy candies and other foodstuffs by gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Each extract from the samples was obtained by pretreatment of the foodstuffs as follows: (A) Gummy candy was dissolved in warm water and the solution was extracted with chloroform. The organic (chloroform) layer was separated. (B) Samples (such as ice cream) containing substantial water were mixed with anhydrous Na2SO4 and stirred to sandy appearance and dried. The residue was homogenized with ether, followed by centrifuging, and the organic (ether) layer was separated. (C) Dried samples (such as chocolate and cookie) were smashed, homogenized with ether, and followed by centrifuging, and the organic (ether) layer was separated. (D) Candy was dissolved in warm water and the solution was extracted with ether. The organic (ether) layer was separated. Each organic layer from (A)-(D) was washed with 10% NaHCO3 and evaporated. The residue containing TAc was dissolved in dichloromethane. The extract obtained was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel. The fractions containing TAc were employed in GC with 25% PEG-20M column, TLC, and IR analyses. Recovery of TAc from gummy candy was 99.1 +/- 3.0% and those from other foodstuffs ranged from was 82.1 to 99.4% by GC. Detection limit by this method was 10 ppm. TAc was found to contain at a level as high as 550 ppm in one domestic gummy candy. On the other hand, one imported gummy candy contained no more than 20 ppm of TAc gummy candy.

Demonstration of a hepatitis C virus-specific antigen predicted from the putative core gene in the circulation of infected hosts

An ELISA was used to detect a protein derived from the core gene of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human plasma. The solid phase antibody in the assay was a murine monoclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide deduced from the putative core gene of HCV (residues 39 to 74). An enzyme-labelled affinity-purified human antibody directed at another region within the HCV core (residues 5 to 23) was the second antibody tracer. The ELISA had a sensitivity capable of detecting a few ng/ml of the HCV core polypeptide expressed in Escherichia coli. Core antigen activity in plasma of infected hosts was detected after treatment of HCV RNA-rich fractions from buoyant density centrifugation with the detergent Tween 80. There was a direct correlation between core antigen ELISA values of a plasma fraction and intensities of polymerase chain reaction signals for HCV RNA. These observations are consistent with the proposal that the N-terminal sequence of the predicted polyprotein of HCV is a nucleocapsid protein, and that improved core antigen assays may correlate with viraemia.

Cellular interactions in effector cell generation and tumor regression mediated by anti-CD3/interleukin 2-activated tumor-draining lymph node cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that progressive growth of the weakly immunogenic MCA 106 murine sarcoma stimulated, in the draining lymph nodes, the production of tumor-sensitized but not fully functional preeffector lymphocytes. These lymphocytes could develop into specific immune effector cells after sequential in vitro activation with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and interleukin 2 (IL-2). In this study, we analyzed cellular requirements for in vivo sensitization of preeffector cells, for generation of immune effector cells by the method of anti-CD3/IL-2 activation, and for adoptive immunotherapy mediated by activated cells. By selective depletion of T-cell subsets in vivo, we found that tumor regression after systemic adoptive immunotherapy required the collaboration of activated CD4+ and CD8+ cells. It was further demonstrated that CD8+ immune cells alone could mediate antitumor effects if exogenous IL-2 was provided in vivo. These results suggest that CD8+ cells served as immediate effector cells, whereas CD4+ immune cells provided a helper function via the secretion of IL-2. During in vitro anti-CD3/IL-2 activation, generation of effector cells depended on the collaborative interaction between previously sensitized CD4+ and CD8+ preeffector cells. At the stage of in vitro activation, the addition of IL-2 could not substitute the function of CD4+ cells. We next examined whether the sensitization of preeffector cells in the draining lymph nodes required cellular interactions between CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. By in vivo depletion of T-cell subsets during tumor growth, we found that CD4+ cells were sensitized independently of CD8+ cells. More interestingly, in vivo sensitization of CD8+ preeffector cells also occurred independently in the absence of a CD4+ helper cell response. The lack of T-cell-T-cell interactions in vivo may explain the failure of effector cell generation during progressive tumor growth. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the anti-CD3/IL-2 activation defines an immune response distinct from many previously described mechanisms of antitumor immune responses.

Fine structure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the Japanese monkey Macaca fuscata fuscata

Filiform papillae, which were densely distributed all over the dorsal surface of the lingual body, were crown-shaped, with a central, circular area that sloped in the anterior direction and several branches that surrounded it in a semicircle from the back of the central area. Dome-shaped, fungiform papillae were scattered among these filiform papillae. At the posterior end of the lingual body, there were four circumvallate papillae. Prominent microridges and elevated intercellular borders were widely distributed in the central area of the filiform papillae and the interpapillar region. On the surface of the branches of the filiform papillae, microridges were rarely seen. On the surface of the fungiform papillae, indistinct microridges were observed. Histologically, the dorsal lingual epithelium revealed three different regions: the epithelium on the anterior side of the filiform papillae, the epithelium on the posterior side of the filiform papillae and the interpapillar epithelium. Whereas the basal and suprabasal cells are similar throughout, differences characterize the intermediate and surface layers. Keratohyalin granules appear predominantly in the intermediate layer in the epithelium on the anterior side of filiform papillae. In the epithelium on the posterior side of the filiform papillae, no keratohyalin granules occur and, instead, tonofibrils are prominent. The cells become significantly flattened. In the interpapillar epithelium, no keratohyalin granules are visible, and the tonofilaments occupy almost the entire cytoplasm of most cells in the intermediate and surface layers. The cells are larger in volume in these layers.

Salinity tolerance and structure of external and internal gills in tadpoles of the crab-eating frog, Rana cancrivora

Salinity tolerance and histology of gills were studied in Rana cancrivora larvae. The tadpoles at the external gill stages (W stages 21-22) were able to survive in media containing up to 40% seawater, but died in water of higher salinity. Their external gills appear to have no critical role in adaptation to seawater. However, advanced tadpoles with internal gills (T-K stages I-XVIII) were able to tolerate 50% or higher seawater. In the internal gills, there are numerous mitochondria-rich cells (MR cells) scattered on the ventral and lateral epithelia of the gill arches and the gill tufts in both freshwater- and seawater-acclimated tadpoles. In freshwater-acclimated tadpoles there are three types of MR cell: (1) microplicated, (2) microvillous, and (3) apically vacuolated. In tadpoles acclimated to dilute seawater, the ratio of type-1 to type-2 cells is lower, although all three types of MR cell are present. In 60%-seawater-acclimated tadpoles, a few MR cells with a lumen and concave cytoplasm at the apical membrane (type 4) are present. The changes in MR cell morphology under ambient conditions of low or high salinity may reflect alterations in the physiological roles of the gills with regard to transport of ions.

Serodiagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection by ELISA for antibodies against the putative core protein (p20c) expressed in Escherichia coli

The putative core gene of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was incorporated into a plasmid vector (pCC5-J4), and expressed in Escherichia coli. The product of 180 amino acids (p20c) was purified by gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, and used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against the putative core protein of HCV (anti-p20c). Anti-p20c was detected in 13 (1.5%) of 873 apparently healthy blood donors. It was detected in 205 (86.5%) of 237 patients with acute or chronic non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatic disease, significantly more frequently (p less than 0.01) than antibodies against the C100-3 protein encoded by nonstructural regions of HCV (anti-C100-3) that was found in 178 (75.1%). Anti-p20c developed in the circulation of a patient with acute NANB hepatitis much earlier than anti-C100-3. HCV RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in serum samples from blood donors positive for anti-p20c in high titers, one of which was negative for anti-C100-3. These results indicated that anti-p20c would be useful in complementing anti-C100-3 for the diagnosis of NANB hepatitis and further decreasing the incidence of posttransfusion NANB hepatitis.

Enhancing effect of interleukin 1 alpha administration on antitumor effector T-cell development

Antitumor effector T cells can be generated from tumor-draining lymph node cells by activation with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and interleukin 2. Fresh tumor-draining lymph node cells do not have antitumor activity, but after anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody-interleukin 2 activation, these cells mediate immunologically specific tumor regression in vivo. We examined the effect of interleukin 1 alpha administration on the development of effector T cells derived from tumor-draining lymph nodes. Mice were inoculated with tumor cells, and interleukin 1 alpha (180 to 720 ng) was administered on days 0, 2, and 4. Tumor-draining lymph nodes harvested 10 to 14 days later were activated in anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody for 2 days followed by expansion in interleukin 2 for 3 days. Antitumor efficacy of the activated cells was assessed in the adoptive immunotherapy of lung micrometastases. Administration of interleukin 1 alpha enhanced the antitumor reactivity of effector cells derived from tumor-draining lymph nodes without changing the immunologic specificity of the cells. Administration of interleukin 1 alpha did not alter the phenotype of fresh or activated tumor-draining lymph node cells. Interleukin 1 alpha deserves further investigation as an immune adjuvant in adoptive immunotherapy.

Molecular heterogeneity of e antigen polypeptides in sera from carriers of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B e Ag (HBeAg) was isolated from pooled sera of carriers, without abnormalities in liver function, by affinity column chromatography with mAb against HBeAg. HBeAg polypeptide with an estimated molecular size of 20,000 Da (p20e) was detected, in addition to regular HBeAg polypeptides (p17e/p18e). p20e, as well as p17e/p18e, did not bind with mAb against the carboxyl-terminal domain of the C-gene product. p20e disclosed an N-terminal sequence of MQLFHLXLII- (X unknown), whereas p17e had that of SKLXLGXLXGMDIDPXKEFG- (X's unknown). By comparing them with the amino acid sequence encoded by the precore region and C gene of hepatitis B virus DNA, p20e was deduced to possess amino acids 1 to 19 of the precore-region product at the N-terminus, which contains signal sequence and usually removed before the secretion of HBeAg. p17e had amino acids 20 to 29 of the precore-region product that continued to the C-gene product. Inasmuch as p20e was invariably detected in HBeAg preparations from carriers without evidence for liver disease, it would not have been released into the circulation from destructed hepatocytes. HBeAg polypeptide bearing an uncleaved signal sequence would help in further understanding the mechanism of HBeAg secretion.

Calcitonin-immunoreactive cells are present in the brains of some cyclostomes

In the brains of four species of cyclostomes (two species each of lampreys and hagfishes), immunoreactive calcitonin-producing cells (iCT cells) were located immunohistochemically by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method using anti-salmon calcitonin antiserum. In the case of both the adults and the ammocoetes of the brook lamprey (Lampetra reissneri) which lives in freshwater throughout its life, iCT cells were found in two distinct areas: in the pars ventralis hypothalami of the diencephalon and in the torus semicircularis of the mesencephalon. The iCT cells in the diencephalon are classified as bipolar nerve cells, and those in the mesencephalon are classified as multipolar nerve cells. In both the anadromous and catadromous arctic lamprey (Lampetra japonica), iCT cells were present only in the diencephalon, and those were bipolar nerve cells. There seemed to be no differences in the numbers and the immunostainability of the iCT cells, despite the different environments inhabited by the lampreys. In the hagfishes (Eptatretus burgeir and Paramyxine atami) that inhabit seawater throughout their lives, iCT cells were also found only in the diencephalon, although they were very few in number and exhibited poor immunostainability.

Molecular heterogeneity of e antigen polypeptides in sera from carriers of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B e Ag (HBeAg) was isolated from pooled sera of carriers, without abnormalities in liver function, by affinity column chromatography with mAb against HBeAg. HBeAg polypeptide with an estimated molecular size of 20,000 Da (p20e) was detected, in addition to regular HBeAg polypeptides (p17e/p18e). p20e, as well as p17e/p18e, did not bind with mAb against the carboxyl-terminal domain of the C-gene product. p20e disclosed an N-terminal sequence of MQLFHLXLII- (X unknown), whereas p17e had that of SKLXLGXLXGMDIDPXKEFG- (X's unknown). By comparing them with the amino acid sequence encoded by the precore region and C gene of hepatitis B virus DNA, p20e was deduced to possess amino acids 1 to 19 of the precore-region product at the N-terminus, which contains signal sequence and usually removed before the secretion of HBeAg. p17e had amino acids 20 to 29 of the precore-region product that continued to the C-gene product. Inasmuch as p20e was invariably detected in HBeAg preparations from carriers without evidence for liver disease, it would not have been released into the circulation from destructed hepatocytes. HBeAg polypeptide bearing an uncleaved signal sequence would help in further understanding the mechanism of HBeAg secretion.

Cells showing immunoreactivity for calcitonin or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the central nervous system of some invertebrates

In the central nervous system of some species of several invertebrate phyla, including land planarians (Platyhelminthes), ribbon worms (Nemertina), slugs (Mollusca), polychaetes, earthworms and leeches (Annelida), pill bugs (Arthropoda), and beard worms (Pogonophora), salmon calcitonin-immunoreactive cells and rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive cells were found by immunohistochemistry. These immunoreactive cells were located in the region surrounding the neuropile, although the sizes of the cells varied according to species. Some of them were round or polygonal and regarded as apolar nerve cells because of their lack of cytoplasmic processes, whereas others were spindle-shaped or elongated, being comparable with unipolar nerve cells because of extension of their cytoplasmic processes in the direction of the neuropile. In some cases, it was noted that the cytoplasmic processes had complicated branches or formed loop-like structures at their ends. These observations suggest that a calcitonin-like or CGRP-like substance is extensively present in invertebrates as well as vertebrates.

Specific adoptive immunotherapy mediated by tumor-draining lymph node cells sequentially activated with anti-CD3 and IL-2

Lymph nodes (LN) draining progressively growing tumors contain tumor-sensitized but not fully functional preeffector lymphocytes. These cells could acquire therapeutic efficacy and be expanded upon sequential culture with anti-CD3 mAb for 2 days followed by incubation in IL-2 for 3 days. Using the weakly immunogenic MCA 106 and MCA 205 murine sarcomas, we have further defined conditions of this anti-CD3/IL-2 activation with which preeffector cells differentiated into immune effector cells. In vitro activation and expansion of effector cells required sequential but independent stimulation with anti-CD3 and IL-2 because the simultaneous presence of both anti-CD3 and IL-2 at either stage did not enhance the efficacy of activation. Generation of effector cells by this two-stage activation was critically dependent on the optimal concentrations of anti-CD3 (1.0 microgram/ml) and IL-2 (2-10 U/ml). However, these conditions were not optimal for inducing the greatest cellular proliferation. In adoptive immunotherapy experiments, although the transfer of anti-CD3/IL-2-activated cells alone could mediate the regression of established metastases, the concomitant administration of IL-2 enhanced the in vivo activity of these cells. More importantly, tumor regression mediated by the anti-CD3/IL-2-activated cells was found to be immunologically specific. The specificity was determined by the tumor that stimulated the preeffector cell response. In spite of their in vivo antitumor effects, the anti-CD3/IL-2-activated tumor-draining LN cells did not exhibit detectable in vitro cytotoxicity against the tumor target in the 4-h 51Cr-release assay. In mice bearing progressive tumor, draining LN contained most preeffector cells. Some preeffector cells were also detected in the spleen whereas mesenteric LN did not demonstrate any reactivity. In kinetics studies, sensitization of preeffector cells in the draining LN occurred between 4 to 6 days after tumor inoculation. As the tumor progressed, the presence of preeffector cells declined gradually suggesting a tumor-induced suppression. These results define the conditions whereby tumor-draining LN cells could be stimulated, in the absence of tumor Ag, to develop into specific therapeutic effector cells. Our findings also raise the possibility of using similar approaches for isolating immune effector cells from cancer patients for adoptive immunotherapy.

Specific adoptive immunotherapy mediated by tumor-draining lymph node cells sequentially activated with anti-CD3 and IL-2

Lymph nodes (LN) draining progressively growing tumors contain tumor-sensitized but not fully functional preeffector lymphocytes. These cells could acquire therapeutic efficacy and be expanded upon sequential culture with anti-CD3 mAb for 2 days followed by incubation in IL-2 for 3 days. Using the weakly immunogenic MCA 106 and MCA 205 murine sarcomas, we have further defined conditions of this anti-CD3/IL-2 activation with which preeffector cells differentiated into immune effector cells. In vitro activation and expansion of effector cells required sequential but independent stimulation with anti-CD3 and IL-2 because the simultaneous presence of both anti-CD3 and IL-2 at either stage did not enhance the efficacy of activation. Generation of effector cells by this two-stage activation was critically dependent on the optimal concentrations of anti-CD3 (1.0 microgram/ml) and IL-2 (2-10 U/ml). However, these conditions were not optimal for inducing the greatest cellular proliferation. In adoptive immunotherapy experiments, although the transfer of anti-CD3/IL-2-activated cells alone could mediate the regression of established metastases, the concomitant administration of IL-2 enhanced the in vivo activity of these cells. More importantly, tumor regression mediated by the anti-CD3/IL-2-activated cells was found to be immunologically specific. The specificity was determined by the tumor that stimulated the preeffector cell response. In spite of their in vivo antitumor effects, the anti-CD3/IL-2-activated tumor-draining LN cells did not exhibit detectable in vitro cytotoxicity against the tumor target in the 4-h 51Cr-release assay. In mice bearing progressive tumor, draining LN contained most preeffector cells. Some preeffector cells were also detected in the spleen whereas mesenteric LN did not demonstrate any reactivity. In kinetics studies, sensitization of preeffector cells in the draining LN occurred between 4 to 6 days after tumor inoculation. As the tumor progressed, the presence of preeffector cells declined gradually suggesting a tumor-induced suppression. These results define the conditions whereby tumor-draining LN cells could be stimulated, in the absence of tumor Ag, to develop into specific therapeutic effector cells. Our findings also raise the possibility of using similar approaches for isolating immune effector cells from cancer patients for adoptive immunotherapy.

[A case of malignant rheumatoid arthritis associated with obstructive sleep apnea due to mandibular lesions]

A 55 year old man with malignant rheumatoid arthritis (MRA) was admitted because of severe snoring during sleep and hypersomnolence in the day time. The patient developed an episode of respiratory distress and cardiac arrest, which responded rapidly to tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. He could be easily weaned from ventilator after 3 days. Polysomnography showed that the patient had an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Lateral view of cranial radiography revealed acquired micrognathia and destruction of the temporomandibular joints caused by RA, which induced obstructive sleep apnea. It is important to consider that obstructive sleep apnea can occur in RA patients showing snoring, hypersomnolence and disordered sleep behavior.

Activation by anti-CD3 of tumor-draining lymph node cells for specific adoptive immunotherapy

Lymph nodes draining progressive tumors contain tumor-sensitized but not functional preeffector T lymphocytes. These cells can acquire antitumor reactivity after stimulation with tumor cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2). We demonstrated here that, in the absence of tumor cells, preeffector cells could be stimulated and expanded by sequential culture with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and IL-2. The adoptive transfer of such activated cells mediated immunologically specific reductions of established pulmonary metastases. The therapeutic effects could be enhanced by the administration of IL-2. This activation represents a secondary immune response because effector cells could be generated only from tumor-draining but not from normal or adjuvant-stimulated lymph nodes. Furthermore, treatment of advanced metastases with these cells resulted in prolongation of survival and cure of the disease. Thus, anti-CD3 may serve as a universal reagent for activating tumor-sensitized T lymphocytes for cancer therapy.

[Increased polyamine levels of normal-appearing mucosa and cancers in DMH induced cancer-bearing colon in rats]

Polyamine levels (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) in normal-appearing colonic mucosa of DMH administrated rats were measured in order to assess their importance as markers of precancerous changes. Mean putrescine, spermidine and spermine levels of normal-appearing mucosa were more than three times mean putrescine, more than twice mean spermidine and more than 1.5 times mean spermine levels of normal colonic mucosa. Mean polyamine levels of colon cancers were higher than those of normal-appearing mucosa but only spermidine level was significantly different between them. The mucosal polyamine levels may be a good biochemical marker to detect precancerous changes. There was no correlation between the polyamine levels and the growth rate of the colon cancers.

Blood supply of nerve roots and dorsal root ganglia

The number of patients who suffer from radicular symptoms due to degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine is increasing. This article discusses the differences in anatomic structure between spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves. Blood supply and cerebrospinal fluid flow are explained, and the effect of mechanical compression, direct and indirect, is shown as a possible cause of symptoms.

[Raised polyamines in erythrocytes of DMH administrated rats with colonic cancers and those relationship to tumor volume]

The objective of this study was to assess, in a controlled experimental system, whether the concentrations of polyamines (Pa) in urine or erythrocytes increase during the process of colon carcinogenesis in rats, and whether such changes reflect tumor volume. Colon carcinoma was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous injection of 1, -2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH). 24-hour urine and blood samples were collected and analysed for their Pa consent, with high pressure liquid chromatographic method. The levels of any Pa derivatives in either urine or erythrocytes at 32 weeks after the administration of DMH were not significantly high compared with the control group at the same week. However, certain increases of Pa in erythrocytes were observed in the levels of putrescine (1.3 times), spermidine (1.3 times), and spermine (1.5 times) respectively compared with the control group and there were high positive correlations between tumor volume and the levels of each Pa derivatives. On the ground of the results, Pa in erythrocytes seems to be the sensitive parameter for tumor volume compared with Pa in urine.

Non-A, non-B hepatitis specific antibodies directed at host-derived epitope: implication for an autoimmune process

A cDNA clone (GOR47-1) bearing an epitope with an aminoacid sequence GRRGQKAKSNPNRPL (GOR epitope) was isolated from the plasma of a laboratory chimpanzee infected with human non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH) agent. The epitope was not encoded by reported sequences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) but instead was coded for by a host cellular sequence. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for antibodies to the GOR epitope (anti-GOR). A patient with acute NANBH produced both IgM and IgG classes of anti-GOR in the acute phase of the illness, with concentrations of IgG class anti-GOR rising when anti-HCV became detectable. Anti-GOR was detected in serum from 59 (81%) of 73 patients with chronic NANBH, 40 (65%) of 62 with NANB liver cirrhosis, and 25 (63%) of 40 NANB patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma, but in only less than 10% of patients with chronic liver diseases due to hepatitis B virus, alcohol, or an autoimmune disorder, and in only 2% of voluntary blood donors. Circulating HCV-RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in most patients seropositive for anti-GOR but negative for anti-HCV. Detection of anti-GOR would therefore help in the diagnosis of NANBH and in reducing the occurrence of post-transfusion hepatitis.

The coating and the encapsulation of an interactive powder mixture and its application to sustained release preparations

Fine cohesive isoprenaline HCl particles adhered to the surface of coarser potato starch particles to form interactive mixtures. These were coated with magnesium stearate by dry mixing. To check if there was a lowering of homogeneity in the latter stage, the degree of mixing was investigated before and after adding magnesium stearate. The surface appearance of magnesium stearate-coated interactive mixtures became smoother as mixing time increased or the temperature of the powder bed during mixing was raised. Ultimately, the magnesium stearate encapsulated the particles of interactive mixture. The coated interactive mixtures improved sustained release of isoprenaline HCl over the starch mixtures alone, the effect depending on the density of the magnesium stearate. Only in encapsulated mixtures was the release rate of drug decreased as the amount of magnesium stearate increased. The release of isoprenaline HCl from the interactive mixtures followed first-order kinetics. A linear relationship existed between the first-order rate constant and the reciprocal thickness of the magnesium stearate film, indicating a diffusion-controlled system with the film having some pores.

[Causes of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis--analysis of 117 cases for 13 years]

One hundred seventeen deaths of RA patients (30 males and 87 females) at National Sagamihara Hospital for 13 years (1975-1988) were analysed. The average duration of disease were 10.5 years in male patients and 17.7 years in female. The average life span of the patients with RA, revealing 65.8 years in male and 63.7 years in female, were much shorter than of general population. The causes of all deaths were investigated by ourselves and/or autopsy. The autopsy was performed in 56.6%. The most common causes of death in RA patients were infectious diseases (20.5%), respiratory diseases (16%, mainly interstitial pneumonia and chronic obstructive lung diseases), and gastrointestinal diseases (14.7% chiefly perforation or bleeding of peptic ulcer). The distribution of causes of death in RA patients was quite different from in general population. The gastrointestinal disease decreased from 20% in the early half (1975-1981) to 12.6% in the latter half (1982-1987). It seems likely that H2-receptor antagonist played a major role for preventing the death by perforation or bleeding of ulcer, because the drug has been used since 1982 in Japan. Renal insufficiency including amyloidosis increased markedly in the latter half (14.9%) compared with in the early half (6.7%). Frequency of infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, and basilar impression remain unchanged in all course. Although our study are case-analysis in only one institute and further study will be necessary, the accumulation of the data investigated by rheumatologist will be helpful to grasp correct cause of death in patients with RA.

Detection of hepatitis C virus RNA by a two-stage polymerase chain reaction with two pairs of primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region

The 5'-noncoding region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomes is highly conserved. A two-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR), involving two pairs of primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region of the HCV genome, was developed for a sensitive and specific detection of HCV RNA. The first stage of PCR was performed for 35 cycles with primers capable of multiplying fragments of 221 base pairs. PCR products in samples negative for HCV RNA were subjected to the second stage of PCR for 30 cycles with primers located internal to those employed in the first stage of PCR. The two-stage PCR detected up to 10 chimpanzee infectious doses/ml of HCV, and HCV RNA in 11 (92%) of 12 sera from patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis without detectable antibodies to HCV by a commercial assay kit. Primers from the 5'-noncoding region of the HCV genome would be suitable for detecting HCV RNA by PCR, since the other regions of the HCV genome diverge extensively in sequence because of its nature as an RNA virus.

[An autopsied case of PSS associated with Sjögren's syndrome and secondary generalized amyloidosis]

Fifty year-old female with progressive systemic sclerosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome who died of meteorism, diarrhea, bleeding of digestive canal due to amyloid deposition in the intestine and jaundice was reported. Autopsy revealed pathological findings compatible with that of PSS and Sjögren's syndrome. Furthermore, deposition of amyloid materials were shown in tissue of digestive canal, thyroid gland, heart muscles, lymphnodes, and small vessel wall of the whole body. Amyloid material was demonstrated to be A-A protein based upon the loss of Congo red stain after exposure to potassium permanganate, and reaction to anti A-A protein antibody. Although obstruction of intrahepatic bile duct, especially in Hering canal, could be relating to some unknown factors secondary to intestinal amyloidosis, further studies will be required to clarify the pathogenesis of it.

The 5'-terminal sequence of the hepatitis C virus genome

The 5'-terminal sequence of the genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was determined for two distinct HCV strains in human and chimpanzee carriers. It had a 5'-noncoding region of at least 324 nucleotides, well preserved by the two strains with a high homology (99.1%), followed by 1348 nucleotides that continued to the documented sequence of prototype HCV spanning 7310 nucleotides (European Patent Application #88310922.5). Based on these results, HCV is considered to possess an uninterrupted open reading frame encoding at least 2886 amino acid residues. Two structural genes were postulated on the 5'-terminal sequence of the HCV genome. One gene in the upstream region, highly conserved by the two strains at the amino acid level and rich in basic amino acids such as arginine, appeared to encode the viral capsid protein. The other gene in the downstream region was divergent between the two strains at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. It coded for nine potential N-glycosylation sites, and was considered to encode the viral envelope protein. Disclosure of the 5'-terminal sequence of the HCV genome would facilitate its taxonomic classification, and contribute toward immunological diagnosis of infection and development of vaccines.

Structure of the kidney in the crab-eating frog, Rana cancrivora

The structure of the nephron in the ranid frog, Rana cancrivora, was studied by light and electron microscopy. This frog is the only amphibian species to live in mangrove swamps of very high salinity. The nephron consists of the following parts: renal corpuscle, ciliated neck segment, proximal tubule, ciliated intermediate segment, distal tubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct. The distal tubule is located in the ventromedial region of the kidney, and the other tubules are situated in the dorsolateral region. Renal corpuscles are found between the two regions. Some renal corpuscles have a wide Bowman's space because of the small glomerulus within them. The proximal tubules are composed of columnar cells with a dense luminal brush border of long microvilli and numerous apical vesicles and vacuoles. The initial part of the distal tubule consists of heavily interdigitated cells, characterized by a very regular palisade arrangement of mitochondria. In the terminal part of the distal tubule, shorter mitochondria of the infolding cells are situated irregularly around the nucleus. The connecting tubule consists of principal cells and canaliculus cells. The collecting duct consists of columnar or cuboidal cells; cytoplasmic organelles are relatively sparse. The canaliculus cells are intercalated between principal cells from the terminal distal tubule to the proximal part of the collecting duct. Our findings indicate that the kidney of R. cancrivora is structurally similar to kidneys of other amphibians. These findings are discussed with regard to probable correlations between ultrastructure and function in R. cancrivora.

Nuclear envelope-dependent binding of aflatoxin B1 to DNA

The function of nuclear envelope in the activation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Pretreatment of rats by phenobarbital or polychlorobiphenyl induced markedly the nuclei-dependent binding of AFB1 to DNA as well as the drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as aminopyrine-N-demethylase and epoxide hydratase. The high sensitivity of AFB1 activation to SKF-525A, a low inducibility of 3-methylcholanthrene for AFB1 activation and the removal of nuclear AFB1 activation by Triton X-100 indicate that the AFB1 binding to DNA is mediated by P-450 system localized in the nuclear envelope. In the intact nuclei, trichloropropane oxide, a potent inhibitor of epoxide hydratase, caused no significant increment in AFB1 binding to DNA. While in the reconstructed system composed of microsomes and stripped nuclei prepared by Triton X-100 treatment, this inhibitor caused a marked elevation of AFB1 binding. This evidence supports an assumption that AFB1-2,3-oxide produced by the microsomal oxygenase may be hydrolyzed by the microsomal epoxide hydratase, whereas the nuclear envelope-mediated AFB1-2,3-oxide is insensitive to the nuclear epoxide hydratase.

Effects of compression on intraradicular blood flow in dogs

In order to study the pathogenesis of radiculopathy, the authors investigated the effects of mechanical compression of the intraradicular blood flow in adult dogs using the electrochemically generated hydrogen washout method. The blood flow was more severly disturbed at the proximal side than the distal side when the nerve root was compressed, but when the clamp was released, the blood flow on the proximal side was almost completely restored, whereas the flow on the distal side did not recover and stayed at the reduced level. These phenomena can be explained both by the direction of blood flow in the radicular vessels and by the peculiar structure of the nerve root, which is soaked in cerebrospinal fluid.

[Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen for diagnosis of respiratory infection I. Cross reaction with bacteriae consisting normal flora respiratory tract]

We examined the cross reaction of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) by antigen detection method using EIA against the aerobic bacteria which colonize in the respiratory tract of children. Chlamydiazyme showed a cross reaction among 5 out of 7 species of Gram negative bacteria (= 71.4%) and Neisseria and Branhamella catarrhalis showed a cross reaction even in low concentrations of 1 X 10(3-4) CFU/ml. There were no Gram positive bacteria which showed cross reaction. IDEIA Mark III did not react to Gram negative bacteria even in high concentrations of 1 X 10(7-10) CFU/ml. One strain of coagulase positive staphylococcus (CPS) showed positive at a concentration of 1 X 10(8): however, other Gram positive bacteria including two other strains of CPS exhibited no cross reaction. The detectable concentration of C. trachomatis (D/UW 3 strain) using IDEIA Mark III was 1 X 10(3) IFU/ml. Low cross reaction rate and sensitivity suggest IDEIA Mark III is preferable for diagnosis of respiratory infection of C. trachomatis though further clinical studies are necessary.

[Proposal of revised criteria for malignant rheumatoid arthritis]

The diagnostic criteria for malignant rheumatoid arthritis (MRA), which was proposed by the Research Group of MRA and periarteritis nodosa supported from the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been widely used since 1973. This diagnostic criteria was established for selecting RA patients with life-threatening extraarticular manifestations caused by vasculitis. However, in practice, RA patients with extraarticular involvements related to vasculitis, as well as, cases which were not related to vasculitis were diagnosed as MRA in this criteria. Because of the aforementioned and after research, we revised the diagnostic criteria for MRA. At first, we defined MRA as RA patients having intractable and severe extraarticular manifestations by various causes including vasculitis. One hundred and sixty-nine patients with MRA and 227 patients with RA from 39 medical facilities were analysed. Sixteen extraarticular clinical manifestations and 9 laboratory findings were compared between MRA and RA patients. Comparison of specificity in each criterion for MRA was made by using the Second quantitative analysis. Thereafter, the combinations of the variables which were most specific to MRA were studied. At the same time, sensitivity and specificity for MRA were also studied. The revised criteria are as follows: A. Clinical and Laboratory Findings--(1) visceral infarction, (2) myocarditis, (3) skin ulcer or skin infarction, (4) episcleritis or iritis, (5) polyneuritis, (6) high titers of rheumatoid factor, (7) immune complexes or low complement levels, (8) subcutaneous nodule, (9) pleuritis or pericarditis, (10) interstitial pneumonitis or lung fibrosis. B. Histopathological Findings from Biopsy Specimens--necrotizing vasculitis and/or granulomatous vasculitis and/or endoarteritis obliterans in small and/or medium size arteries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Is immunotherapy for habitual aborters an immunologically hazardous procedure for infants?

Physical development and tests of immunologic function are reported from the first year of life for 13 infants born to mothers who were habitual aborters and who had undergone subcutaneous vaccination with their husband's lymphocytes. The mean weight of the infants at birth was 2,975 +/- 540 g, including one infant who was small for dates. Physical development parameters for the first year were all within normal range. Immunologic studies were performed at ages 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The studies included the following: (1) serum levels of immunoglobulins and complement components; (2) the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and their subpopulations; and (3) proliferative responses by PBL against unrelated lymphocytes and some mitogens (pokeweed, phytohemagglutinin, and concanavalin A). All were normal when compared with studies of infants of nonimmunized mothers. These observations suggested that subcutaneous vaccination of women with their husband's lymphocytes did not result in any adverse effects on their infants' physical or immunologic development.

Pena-Shokeir I syndrome: a comparative pathological study

A case of Pena-Shokeir I syndrome in a female neonate is reported. The baby died of respiratory insufficiency shortly after birth. Postmortem examination revealed marked pulmonary hypoplasia and microscopic abnormalities of the hypoglossal nucleus and anterior horn cells in spinal cord. A comparative study with respect to hypoglossal nucleus disclosed the possibility of hypoplasia of the hypoglossal nucleus as part of this syndrome. This finding led us to propose that hypoplasia of the nucleus is one of the causes of polyhydramnios, based on the lack of swallowing activity. Moreover, ectopic cross-striated muscle fibers and an increase of muscle spindles were noted in tongue. The findings, particularly the neuropathologic one, provide further insight into the pathogenesis of the syndrome.

Extracorporeal immunoadsorption with IM-PH or IM-TR column

In order to selectively remove pathogenic macromolecular reactants, a biological affinity type adsorbent (a DNA colloidin charcoal column or protein A sepharose CL4B = Prosorba) has been developed and used for the treatment of immune disorders, alloimmunization and cancer. However, because physiologically active materials are required in this procedure, it is difficult to ensure an adequate supply of raw materials (and their handling, sterilization and preservation as an immunoadsorbent. To overcome the above-mentioned problems, we developed physicochemical type immunoadsorbents IM-TR and IM-PH, which consist of polyvinyl alcohol gel where tryptophan, in the former, and phenylalanine, in the latter, is used as a ligand. IM-PH has a better selectivity than IM-TR, however, IM-TR is a more efficient adsorbent of anti-acethylcholine receptor antibody than IM-PH. IM-PH plasma perfusion has been successfully used with patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Extracorporeal hydrophobic amino acid adsorbent therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

We developed a new adsorbent utilizing hydrophobic amino acids in order to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis patients with extracorporeal adsorption therapy. In in vitro experiment, the new adsorbent selectively removed immune complexes and rheumatoid factors from RA plasma presumably due to hydrophobic adsorption. Six out of eleven patients markedly improved in clinical as well as laboratory parameters of disease activities, particularly in their extra-articular manifestations. We recommend preferential use of this treatment since it can spare the replacement protein solution and is expected to give similar efficacy to simple plasma exchange therapy.

Monoclonal murine anti-DNA antibody interacts with living mononuclear cells

A monoclonal mouse antibody, 4-B-5, that reacted with both single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA showed direct reactivity and cell association with mouse thymocytes, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Absorption of 4-B-5 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells or with mouse thymocytes markedly reduced reactivity with both ssDNA and double-stranded DNA. However, treatment of mouse thymocytes or human T cells with DNase completely eliminated monoclonal anti-DNA reactivity with cells. The cellular reactivity was completely restored when monoclonal anti-DNA was incubated with DNase-treated cells in the presence of normal human serum. Normal human serum was found to contain 574 +/- 639 ng/ml of ssDNA. Coincubation or cell preincubation of mouse thymocytes with ssDNA produced a marked increase in 4-B-5 cell association. These findings indicate that mouse monoclonal anti-DNA can react with and can penetrate both mouse and human mononuclear cells, and that this reactivity may depend on the presence of cell membrane DNA on both types of target cells.