[Germinal matrix hemorrhage and hydrocephalus in premature infants]

An analysis of 25 preterm infants with grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage and surgically treated progressive hydrocephalus was undertaken to assess mortality, cognitive outcome and motor deficit. All patients underwent surgery at the author's institute since 1981 and represented 4.7% of all intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants. Surgical procedure was initial placement of a miniature Ommaya's reservoir and conversion to a ventriculoperitoneal shunt diversion. Overall, outcomes were achieved in 64.7% of ambulatory and improvement of cerebroventricular index on follow-up CT image from 0.68 +/- 0.36% to 0.36 +/- 0.31%. The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage continues to be a major problem in low birth weight infants whose rate survival continues to increase as the major improvements in perinatal medicine. We feel that miniature Ommaya's reservoir is quite helpful in the treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in the preterm infant who prove refractory to aggressive conservative therapy.

Preparation of a complex of dexamethasone palmitate-low density lipoprotein and its effect on foam cell formation of murine peritoneal macrophages

In the early progression of atherosclerosis, LDL migrates in the subendothelial space of the artery and plays an important role in foam cell formations of macrophages. LDL may serve as a carrier of site-specific delivery of drugs to atherosclerotic lesions. In this exploratory study, dexamethasone palmitate (DP) was incorporated in LDL, and an inhibitory effect of this complex on foam cell formations was examined. LDL was isolated from human plasma, and the DP-LDL complex was prepared by incubation in the presence of Celite 545. No degradation nor modification of LDL was observed. The DP/LDL molar ratio of the complex was 35-50:1. Foam cell formations of murine macrophages were induced by incubation with oxidized LDL. When macrophages were pretreated with the DP-LDL complex, accumulation of cholesterol ester in the macrophages induced by oxidized LDL, i.e., an index of foam cell formation, was decreased. These findings indicated that the DP-LDL complex showed similar characteristics to LDL, and the DP-LDL complex inhibited foam cell formations of macrophages in vitro. This study provides the basis for further study of the DP-LDL complex as a drug-carrier complex for treatment of atherosclerosis.

Prevention of occupational allergy caused by exposure to acid anhydrides

This paper focuses on the prevention of IgE-mediated symptoms of the eyes and airways caused by exposure to acid anhydrides in the workplace. Acid anhydrides are widely used in the production of alkyd resins and as curing agents for epoxy resins. Heavy exposure to acid anhydrides causes severe irritation. However, reports of direct irritation of mucous membranes or skin are rare in recent years, since a package of multiple engineering controls has been introduced to reduce exposure. On the other hand, acid anhydrides are well-known industrial inhalant sensitizers and can cause occupational allergy even at very low exposure intensities. Therefore, safe use in industry demands both control of the level of exposure causing allergic diseases in the workshop and programmes for prevention of occupational allergy.

Genotype difference of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene in alcohol drinkers influences the incidence of Japanese colorectal cancer patients

A case-control study was conducted to explore the possible etiologic role of alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene among Japanese colorectal cancer patients. Information on their drinking, smoking and dietary habits was collected from 265 colon and 164 rectum cancer patients, and 794 non-cancer patients as a control group. Genotypes of the ALDH2 gene at codon 487, glutamic acid (ALDH2*1) as a wild-type or lysine (ALDH2*2) as a mutated type with reduced enzyme activity, were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in 160 colon and 110 rectum cancer patients and 121 control persons. Univariate analysis with the chi 2 statistical test showed that heavy alcohol drinking (P < 0.01), frequent meat intake (P < 0.001), and irregular (P < 0.01), hasty (P < 0.01) and excessive (P < 0.001) eating habits were associated with the incidence of both colon and rectum cancers, whereas heavier smoking (P < 0.05) and infrequent fish (P < 0.03) and fruit (P < 0.01) intake were solely associated with incidence of rectum cancer. Infrequent green vegetable intake was not correlated with the incidence of colorectal cancer. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis confirmed the association of alcohol consumption (P < 0.01) and meat intake (P < 0.05). Homozygous and heterozygous carriers of ALDH2*2 allele tended to be found in colon (trend P = 0.04) but not in rectum cancer patients compared to controls. Risk elevation for colon cancer due to alcohol consumption was pronounced among the heterozygotes and it was statistically significant especially for distal colon cancer (trend P = 0.02). We conclude that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for colorectal cancer and the risk can be enhanced in ALDH2 heterozygotes.

Effects of YM90K, a selective AMPA receptor antagonist, on amygdala-kindling and long-term hippocampal potentiation in the rat

To investigate the role of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) type glutamate receptors in epileptic seizures, we examined the antiepileptogenic and anticonvulsant effects of YM90K [6-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-7-nitro-2,3-(1H,4H)-quinoxalinedione hydrochloride], a potent and selective new AMPA receptor antagonist, in the rat amygdala-kindling model of epilepsy. Pretreatment with YM90K (7.5-30 mg/kg i.p.) markedly retarded the evolution of kindling. Once kindling was established, administration of YM90K (7.5-30 mg/kg i.p.) significantly and dose-dependently suppressed fully kindled seizures. The maximal effects were observed 15-30 min after injection. When the intensity of electrical stimulation was increased to twice the generalized seizure-triggering threshold, the anticonvulsant effects of YM90K were reversed, suggesting that they were due to elevation of the generalized seizure-triggering threshold. Furthermore, an anticonvulsant dose (15 mg/kg) of YM90K affected neither field potentials nor long-term potentiation in the hippocampus in vivo. These results indicate that AMPA receptors play an important role in the seizure expression mechanism and the development of kindling-induced epileptogenesis, and suggest the possible clinical usefulness of AMPA receptor antagonists as antiepileptic drugs.

[Report of questionnaire survey for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Kinki District]

In the Kinki District (Hyogo area, Osaka City area, Osaka Outskirts area, Nara area and Wakayama area), a questionnaire survey of 30 institutions was conducted for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP). Median number of their bed was 500 ranging 0 to 1076, 3239 (56%) of the 5815 strains of S. aureus were methicillin-resistant. Although no different prevalence was found among the areas, they were predominantly isolated from sputum of inpatients more than from outpatients, 336 (44%) of the 763 strains of S. pneumoniae were penicillin-resistant. The prevalence rate was the highest in the outpatients in Osaka outskirts. Almost all strains of MRSA were sensitive to vancomycin (VCM) and sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim (ST). Resistant strains were observed in 2% against arbekacin, 6% against amikacin, 44% against minocycline (MINO), and in 54% against gentamicin (GM). Almost all strains of PRSP were sensitive to VCM and ST. Resistant strains were observed in 75% against erythromycin, 50% against MINO, and 75% against GM. This survey identified the trend of hospital infection for MRSA and community infection for PRSP, and sensitive drugs for the treatment.

Disposition of radioactivity after injection of liver-targeted proteins labeled with 111In or 125I. Effect of labeling on distribution and excretion of radioactivity in rats

The effect of radiolabeling liver-specific proteins on the in vivo disposition of radioactivity was investigated. The suitability of 111In and 125I as radiolabels for protein disposition studies in vivo was examined. Galactosylated and cationized bovine serum albumin were labeled with either 125I by the chloramine-T method or 111In, using 1-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (SCN-BZ-EDTA) or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) as bifunctional chelating agents (BCAs) and administered intravenously to rats. 125I radioactivity disappeared rapidly from the liver with subsequent excretion in the urine and bile, mainly in the TCA soluble fraction. 111In-associated radioactivity, on the other hand, remained in the hepatic tissue in considerably higher amounts during the experiment and was excreted in the bile and urine to a lower extent when compared with 125I. When the effect of BCA on excretion of 111In radioactivity was compared, no significant differences were observed in the urinary clearances. However, biliary excretion was significantly higher for 111In-SCN-BZ-EDTA-bound radioactivity. In conclusion, when compared with 125I, 111In labeling seems to more accurately characterize the in vivo distribution of liver-targeted proteins after their iv administration in rats and allows a more accurate pharmacokinetic evaluation to be performed.

Self-reported alcohol-associated symptoms and drinking behavior in three ALDH2 genotypes among Japanese university students

BACKGROUND

Alcohol abuse is one of the most serious health problems among young adults. Nearly half of the Japanese population is sensitive to alcohol due to a genetic polymorphism in low K(m) aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). In the present study, we investigated the effects of the ALDH2 genotype on both self-reported alcohol-associated symptoms and alcohol drinking behavior among Japanese university students.

METHODS

The study subjects were 423 (389 males and 34 females) university students in a medical university. The subjects completed a questionnaire regarding self-reported alcohol-associated symptoms and alcohol drinking behavior. The ALDH2 genotype was determined through digestion of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products by a restriction enzyme Ksp632I. The frequency of alcohol-associated symptoms generally increased in the order ALDH2*1/*1, ALDH2*1/*2, ALDH2*2/*2 among males. The frequency of those who drink > or = 5 days/week was less than 10% in all genotype groups. However, the frequency of those who drink 1-4 days/week was significantly higher in ALDH2*1/*1 than that in ALDH2*1/*2 and in ALDH2*2/*2. A similar tendency also was observed in females. Mean amounts of alcohol consumption per occasion in the three ALDH2 genotypes stratified by drinking frequency generally increased significantly in the order ALDH2*2/*2, ALDH2*1/*2, ALDH2*1/*1 in both sexes. The proportion of binge drinkers defined by those who drink ethanol of > or = 75 ml per occasion on average also increased in the order ALDH2*2/*2 (0.0%), ALDH2*1/*2 (9.8%), ALDH2*1/*1 (22.1%) among male drinkers (> or = 1 day/month).

CONCLUSIONS

We for the first time demonstrated clear associations between the ALDH2 genotype, self-reported alcohol-associated symptoms, and alcohol drinking behavior among Japanese university students.

Induction of oxidative DNA damage in anaerobes

We compared oxidative DNA damage in strictly anaerobic Prevotella melaninogenica, aerotolerant anaerobic Bacteroides fragilis, and facultative anaerobic Salmonella typhimurium after exposure to O2 or H2O2. Using HPLC with electrochemical detection, we measured 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) as a damage marker. O2 induced 8OHdG in P. melaninogenica but not in B. fragilis, which shows catalase activity, or in S. typhimurium. In P. melaninogenica, with catalase, O2 induced less 8OHdG; superoxide dismutase had no effect; with glucose and glucose oxidase, O2 induced more 8OHdG. H2O2 also markedly increased 8OHdG. O2 was suggested to induce 8OHdG through H2O2. O2 or H2O2 decreased survival only in P. melaninogenica. Highly sensitive to oxidative stress, P. melaninogenica could prove useful for investigating oxidative DNA damage.

[Benzodiazepine receptor imaging in the brain: recent developments and clinical validity]

Recent developments of benzodiazepine receptor imaging (123I-Iomazenil SPECT and 11C-Flumazenil PET) in neuropsychiatric disorders were reviewed. In focal epilepsy, a number of previous studies have reported a decreased benzodiazepine receptor binding in epileptic foci and greater sensitivity compared to regional cerebral blood flow imaging, especially for diagnosis of medial temporal lobe epilepsy. These findings indicate clinical validity of benzodiazepine receptor imaging in focal epilepsy and may be related to the "disinhibition mechanism" in GABA/benzodiazepine systems underlying epilepsy. In panic disorder, abnormal benzodiazepine receptor bindings are recently demonstrated in the temporal, parietal or frontal cortex. Further studies would clarify the "benzodiazepine dysfunction hypothesis" in panic disorder.

Tracheal barrier and the permeability of hydrophilic drugs and dipeptides

The permeability of model hydrophilic compounds with different molecular weights and model dipeptides were examined to characterize the tracheal epithelial barrier in in vitro experiments using excised rabbit trachea. 6-Carboxyfluorescein (6-CF; 376 Da) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans (FDs) with varying molecular weights (4 to 70 kDa) were used as model hydrophilic and macromolecular compounds, and glycyl-D-phenylalanine (Gly-D-Phe) and glycyl-L-phenylalanine (Gly-L-Phe) were used as model dipeptides in this experiment. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of 6-CF and FDs with Mw 376 Da to 70 kDa ranged from 2.35x10(-7) to 4.05x10(-10)cm/s and exhibited a good inverse correlation with their molecular weights. The tracheal permeability of 6-CF, FD-4 (4 kDa) and FD-10 (10 kDa) were increased over three fold by 10 mM glycocholate, which is an absorption enhancer. The Papp of Gly-D-Phe was 1.03x10(-6)cm/s and there was no metabolism during tracheal permeation. Gly-L-Phe was immediately degraded in the mucosal fluid and its intact form was not detected in serosal fluid during the 150 min experimental period. These results suggest that absorption of some peptide drugs via the respiratory tract may contribute to their systemic delivery following pulmonary administration by intratracheal insufflation and instillation.

[Bacteria isolated from surgical infections and their susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents: special references to bacteria isolated between July 1996 and June 1997]

The annual multicenter studies on isolated bacteria from infections in general surgery and their antimicrobial susceptibility have been conducted in 20 facilities in Japan since July 1982. This paper describes the results obtained during period from July 1996 to June 1997. The number of cases investigated as objectives was 217 for one year. A total of 406 strains were isolated from 177 cases (81.6% of total cases). From primary infections 162 strains were isolated, and from postoperative infections 244 strains were isolated, respectively. From primary infections, anaerobic bacteria were predominant, while from postoperative infections, aerobic Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Among aerobic Gram-positive bacteria, the isolation rate of Enterococcus spp. was the highest. In postoperative infections, the majority of them were Enterococcus faecalis, while in primary infections, many of them were Enterococcus avium. The isolation rate of Staphylococcus spp., especially from postoperative infections, followed that of Enterococcus spp. Among anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria, Peptostreptococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were commonly isolated from both types of infections. Among aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli was the most predominantly isolated from primary infections, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in this order, and from postoperative infections, P. aeruginosa was the most predominantly isolated, followed by E. coli and Enterobacter cloacae. Among anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, Bacteroides fragilis group was the majority of isolates from both types of infections. The isolation rate of aerobic Gram-negative bacillus has decreased with time, while those of anaerobes like B. fragilis group and of aerobic Gram-positive bacteria have gradually increased in both types of infections. We found vancomycin-resistant strains of neither Staphylacoccus aureus nor Enterococcus spp.; however, the MIC of arbekacin for one of strains of S. aureus was 100 micrograms/ml. Both the MIC90's of meropenem and imipenem/cilastatin against P. aeruginosa isolated in this term were 25 micrograms/ml, which were higher than those against the strains isolated in the previous years. Compared with the isolated strains in the year 1995, progress of resistance against carbapenem antibiotics was confirmed.

Method for the preparation of bispecific F(ab')2mu fragments from mouse monoclonal antibodies of the immunoglobulin M class and characterization of the fragments

Bispecific F(ab')2mu fragments (Bs F(ab')2mu) binding simultaneously both sialyl Lewis A antigen (SLA) and human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were prepared by disulfide bond exchange between F(ab')2mu fragments derived from IgM monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against SLA and CEA, and were purified to homogeneity in a one-step procedure of hydrophobic interaction HPLC. The final yield of Bs F(ab')2mu from F(ab')2mu fragments was 70-78%, and the purity was higher than 98%. The immunoreactivities of the Bs F(ab')2mu fragments against SLA and CEA were almost the same as those of the respective parental F(ab')2mu fragments. The dissociation constant (0.17 microM) of the Bs F(ab')2mu for CEA was in good agreement with that of the parental F(ab')2mu fragments. Although the number of applications of IgM mAbs is restricted because of the large molecular mass and low solubility, Bs F(ab')2mu might, nevertheless, be a useful tool for immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis.

Quality of life domains in the healthy public: A trial investigation using attendants for an annual health checkup

A trial investigation of subjects gathered for annual health checkups was performed to detect domains of quality of life in the healthy public, and to explore the changes of their demographic characteristics for the possibility of engaging them in health service activities in the community. The eligible 1,096 subjects aged 30-79 years were investigated. The period of this survey was from September to December, 1997. The subjects were questioned using ten quality of life domains which were preliminarily prepared and had been assumed to be most important in the subjects' lives in relation to the order of priority, importance, and satisfaction levels. The first most important domain in both the male and female subjects' lives was personal health, followed by relationships with family, though the mean importance scores for their personal health and relationships with family were almost equivalent. The mean scores for work abruptly decreased in males over 60 years of age. Also, the first large and the second relatively small principal components were extracted through principal components analysis. The proposed ten domains of quality of life are most likely valid and reliable in terms of the results analyzed and the comparison with a referred study. Relationships with family is an effective cue for health service activities in the community, and the significance of work on quality of life in the healthy public will have to be taken into account separately, especially in males.

[Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation: multi-staged feeder clipping in two neonatal cases with intractable heart failure]

The authors reported the surgical experience of two cases of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation in the newborn, whose congestive high-output cardiac failure was intractable. Along with the intensive care to clinical manifestations of the heart failure, multi-staged feeder clipping was carried out to decrease the high-flow shunt of the malformation. As stages going on, heart failure was relieved gradually and cathecolamines were weaned. Although certain retardation became apparent in both cases, they are showing satisfactory development in the long-term follow up. By the recent advancement of the embolization technique, the embolization appears to have already taken place the treatment of choice for this malformation. According to the neonatal evaluation score of Lasjaunias, the embolization would no longer be recommendation in neonates, whose general condition scored less than eight points. The authors believe, based on our two cases, that multi-staged feeder clipping is one of the effective modality of treatment in neonates of the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation with severe multiorgan failure.

Effects of alcohol intake and low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase on hepatic function in a high hepatitis C virus-prevalent Japanese island population

In Asians from the Pacific rim countries, alcohol sensitivity has been attributed mainly to a highly prevalent polymorphism in low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). Chronic alcohol abuse may accelerate or aggravate the liver injury in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected subjects. In this study, we examined the relationships among alcohol intake, ALDH2 genotypes, and liver injury in a high HCV-prevalent Japanese native island population. The ALDH2 genotypes are significantly associated with drinking habits. In HCV RNA positive subjects, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), were significantly higher in habitual drinkers than in nonhabitual drinkers. In male habitual drinkers, the ALDH2*1/*1 subjects had higher liver necroinflammatory scores than the ALDH2*1/*2 subjects in all groups classified as: I, anti-HCV-seronegative; II, anti-HCV-seropositive with negative HCV RNA; and III, HCV RNA positive, although scores for the latter two groups were not statistically significant because of limited sample size. It was suggested that the liver function might be affected by the interaction between the ALDH2 genotypes and alcohol intake. These findings indicate that HCV-infected ALDH2*1/*1 habitual drinkers are the major target for the prevention of alcoholic liver diseases.

[Study on evaluating methods for the quality control of glycoprotein products. (II)--Erythropoietin products. Part 2]

Using recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO) from three different sources, the usefulness of HPAEC-PAD (high-pH anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection) for evaluation of carbohydrate moieties of rh-EPO products was evaluated. It is well known that in vivo bioactivity and metabolic fate of EPO are dependent on the number of sialic acids and the degree of branching in the carbohydrate moieties. Here we show that HPAEC analysis reveals differences in the number of sialic acids as well as in the structure of desialylated N-glycans among the rh-EPO products. Therefore, HPAEC is useful for evaluation of the quality of rh-EPO products.

Reduced urination rate while drinking beer with an unpleasant taste and off-flavor

A lowered subjective evaluation of the taste and flavor of beer due to staleness or to the addition of an unpleasant taste and flavor was found to be closely correlated with the urination rate. Beer in the same lot was compared immediately after shipment from the brewery and after leaving at room temperature for 1 month or 5 months. Each beer sample was given to volunteers at the rate of 3 ml/kg/15 min for 2 hours, and the urine volume was measured every 30 minutes. The urination rate was highest from the volunteers who drank fresh beer and lowest from those who drank 5-month-old beer. The subjective evaluation of both the taste and drinkability of 5-month-old beer was significantly lower than that of fresh beer. Beer samples with various unpleasant taste and flavor substances added lowered the urination rate. The results suggest that the perception of an unpleasant taste and off-flavor would lower the urination rate.

Sequencing, expression, and transcription analysis of the Clostridium paraputrificum chiA gene encoding chitinase ChiA

Immediately (17 bp) upstream of the Clostridium paraputrificum chiB gene [J. Bacteriol. 179: 7306-7314 (1997)], we found another chitinase gene chiA encoding chitinase A (ChiA). The chiA gene consists of an open reading frame of 2496 nucleotides and encodes 832 amino acids with a deduced molecular mass of 92,585 Da. The mature ChiA is a modular enzyme composed of a family-18 catalytic domain responsible for chitinase activity, two cadherin-like domains, and a chitin-binding domain. The domain organization of ChiA is fundamentally identical to that of ChiB and the overall sequence identity between them is 35.4%. ChiA was purified from the periplasm fraction of Escherichia coli harboring the chiA gene. The molecular mass of purified ChiA (89,000 Da), determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, was in good agreement with the value (89,119 Da) calculated from the deduced amino acid sequence, excluding the signal peptide. Immunological and N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses revealed that ChiA and ChiB are major chitinases of C. paraputrificum and their production is inducible by ball-milled chitin. Northern blot analysis indicated that the chiA and chiB genes constitute a polycistronic operon. Primer-extension analysis confirmed that the transcription of this operon starts upstream of chiA.

[Urodynamic studies on the untethering of spinal lipoma in the children]

We performed conus untethering on 44 children with spinal lipoma. In this retrospective study, we studied urological examinations obtained in 36 consecutive patients. Urological examinations were ultrasonography of bladder and kidney, voiding cystourethrography (VCG), and urodynamic cystometry. In those of them, 6 patients had already had urinary dysfunction at preoperative stage, but 4 patients' spinal lipoma was one complication of cloaca exstrophy and 2 patients' spinal lipoma after repairment of their myelomeningocele. In the remaining 30 cases, 18 patients (60.0%) as the group 1 did not have urinary dysfunction and abnormality in any urological examinations. Another 7 patients (23.3%) as group 2 also did not have urinary dysfunction, but abnormal vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was found out in their VCG examination. At postoperative stage, abnormal VUR resolved or improved in all these 7 cases, but one of them showed transient urinary retention. Two patients of 18 in the group 1 had to require clean intermittent self-catheterization at postoperative stage. These observations confirmed that children with spinal lipoma were more likely to present with urological findings, and so it was imperative that a diagnosis be made and treatment be instituted as early as possible.

[A case of chronic myelogenous leukemia presenting multiple extramedullary tumors localized in cranial dura]

A 64-year-old woman had been given a diagnosis of Ph-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (Ph+ CML) in October 1992 and accordingly treated with interferon-alpha busulfan, and hydroxyurea. She was admitted to our hospital with a one-day history of consciousness disturbance on May 30, 1993. Two weeks before admission, she had received chemotherapy consisting of vincristine and predonisolone because of progressive thrombocytopenia, basophilia, and leukocytosis accompanied by a heightened degree of cell immaturity in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Cranial computerized tomography on admission disclosed tumoral masses in the left frontal lobe and the right temporal lobe. Moreover, lumbar puncture ezinkns disclosed blastoid cells in cerebrospinal fluid. Based on these laboratory findings, the diagnosis was blastic crisis CML, 46XX t(9; 22; 17) (q34; q11; q23), cytogenetic aberration and extramedulary brain disease Although the patient underwent the same combined chemotherapy again, her unconsciousness did not resolve. She died of cerebellar herniation on the 7th hospital day. Post mortem examination revealed three extramedullary tumors localized in cranial dura. This was a rare case of CML presenting multiple extramedullary tumors localized in cranial dura.

Fungal pseudotumor masquerading as pancreatic cancer-a sequela of new technology?

Fungal infection resulting in chronic pancreatitis is rare. We report a case of chronic pancreatitis due to fungal infection causing common bile duct obstruction and abdominal pain mimicking pancreatic cancer. Treatment included resection to cure the pain and rule out malignancy. Long-term effects of fungal infection may be seen more frequently as total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and foreign bodies (e.g., stents, drains, central venous catheters) are more often being used in the treatment of many diseases.

[Follow-up of children with early neonatal surgery of fetal hydrocephalus]

This is a retrospective study of patients with surgically treated antenatal diagnosed hydrocephalus. We conducted the study to elucidate the outcomes of the patients, as well as potential pitfalls in their care. A series of 51 patients underwent surgical intervention between 1987 and 1997. All lesions were diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound sonography. After the estimation of their lung maturation, they were delivered in early pregnancy stage and the operation had performed for hydrocephalus. 43 children could be followed-up. To estimate the morphological improvement from radiological examinations objectively, we compared cerebroventricular index (CVI) of pre-operation with that of post-operation. The result was that excellent improvement group was 18 cases, good improvement group was 13 cases, fair improvement group was 8 cases and poor improvement group was 4 cases. In 43 cases, 20 children also had myelomeningocele and in them the improvement of hydrocephalus was that excellent improvement group was 10 cases, good improvement group was 5 cases and fair improvement group was 5 cases. About motor function of 20 children with myelomeningocele, only 5 children were ambulatory with brace. Attending to the rest 23 children without myelomeningocele, 6 children in 8 excellent improvement cases and 6 children in 8 good improvement cases were ambulatory by themselves. But all 7 children belonging to fair and poor improvement groups were unambulatory. We concluded that it was necessary to improve dilated ventricle on the radiological examinations with surgical procedure in order to get better motor function, even semilobar and lobar holoprosencephaly.

Cyclosporine induces cancer progression by a cell-autonomous mechanism

Malignancy is a common and dreaded complication following organ transplantation. The high incidence of neoplasm and its aggressive progression, which are associated with immunosuppressive therapy, are thought to be due to the resulting impairment of the organ recipient's immune-surveillance system. Here we report a mechanism for the heightened malignancy that is independent of host immunity. We show that cyclosporine (cyclosporin A), an immunosuppressant that has had a major impact on improving patient outcome following organ transplantation, induces phenotypic changes, including invasiveness of non-transformed cells, by a cell-autonomous mechanism. Our studies show that cyclosporine treatment of adenocarcinoma cells results in striking morphological alterations, including membrane ruffling and numerous pseudopodial protrusions, increased cell motility, and anchorage-independent (invasive) growth. These changes are prevented by treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed at transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). In vivo, cyclosporine enhances tumour growth in immunodeficient SCID-beige mice; anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibodies but not control antibodies prevent the cyclosporine-induced increase in the number of metastases. Our findings suggest that immunosuppressants like cyclosporine can promote cancer progression by a direct cellular effect that is independent of its effect on the host's immune cells, and that cyclosporine-induced TGF-beta production is involved in this.

Pubertal genitofemoral nerve division induces testicular ascent in adult rats

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Ascending testes, which normally are located at the bottom of the scrotum in early infancy and later ascend back out of the scrotum, have been reported by several investigators. However, little is known about the effect of the division of the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) on testicular ascent as boys grow. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the division of the proximal genitofemoral nerve in prepubertal rats induces testicular ascent in adulthood.

METHODS

Thirty-day-old Wistar King A Rats (n = 27) underwent a unilateral proximal GFN transection on either the right or left side. At 150 days of age, the rats were killed, and their testicular position was examined. The length of the processus vaginalis was measured, and the testes were removed and weighed. Sham-operated rats were used as controls (n = 10). Student's t and the chi2 test were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

At 150 days of age, 21 of the 27 operated rats (77.8%) showed unilateral testicular ascent on the operated side. All testes were located at the bottom of the scrotum in sham-operated control rats (20 testes). Both the length of the processus vaginalis and the testicular weight were decreased significantly more on the operated side than in the sham-operated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the proximal division of the genitofemoral nerve in prepubertal rats may induce a relative ascent of the testis by preventing the growth of the processus vaginalis in adulthood. In patients with such ascending testes, an abnormal development or accidental trauma of the genitofemoral nerve may be involved in testicular ascent.

Application of surface-coated liposomes for oral delivery of peptide: effects of coating the liposome's surface on the GI transit of insulin

We prepared two kinds of surface-coated liposomes and investigated their potencies as oral dosage forms for peptide drugs by focusing on their effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) transit of drugs. The surface of the liposomes was coated with poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 (PEG-Lip) or the sugar chain of mucin (Mucin-Lip). As a model peptide drug, insulin was encapsulated in these liposomes. Coating the surface with poly(ethylene glycol) was found to reduce the transit rate of liposomes in the small intestine after oral administration to rats in vivo. Mucin-Lip was retained in the stomach longer than PEG-Lip or uncoated liposomes. The effect of surface coating on the intestinal transit of liposomes was determined by means of in situ single pass perfusion in the rat small intestine. Statistical moment analysis was applied to the outflow pattern of both liposomes and encapsulated insulin. The mean transit time (MTT) and deviation of transit time (DTT) in the intestinal tract were calculated. The MTT of PEG-Lip was much longer than those of uncoated liposomes and Mucin-Lip and was significantly shortened after removal of the intestinal mucous layer. These results indicated that PEG-Lip interacts strongly with the intestinal mucous layer, leading to its slow transit in the intestine. In contrast, coating the liposome's surface with mucin did not affect either the MTT or DTT of liposomes in the intestine. This result is in accordance with the in vivo observation that Mucin-Lip was highly retained in the stomach, but not in any region of the small intestine in vivo. Both the MTT and DTT values of insulin encapsulated in PEG-Lip and Mucin-Lip were almost the same as those of liposomes themselves, suggesting that surface-coated liposomes retained insulin in the intestinal tract. However, MTT and DTT of insulin were significantly shorter than those of uncoated liposomes because these liposomes degraded and released significant amounts of insulin during single pass perfusion. The ability of surface-coated liposomes, especially of PEG-Lip, to interact with the mucus layer and slow the transit rate in the GI tract is considered desirable for oral delivery of peptide drugs. Modification of the liposomal surface with appropriate materials, therefore, should be an effective method by which to achieve the oral delivery of peptide drugs.

Studies on the rabies virus RNA polymerase: 2. Possible relationships between the two forms of the non-catalytic subunit (P protein)

We investigated the relationship between the two forms of rabies virus P protein, a non-catalytic subunit of rabies virus RNA polymerase. The two displayed different electrophoretic mobilities as 37- and 40-kDa polypeptides, hence termed as p37 and p40, respectively. Double labeling experiments with [3H]leucine and [32P]orthophosphate demonstrated that p40 was much more phosphorylated than p37. Treatment of the virion proteins with alkaline phosphatase eliminated only p40, and not 37-kDa polypeptide. The p37 was a major product of the P gene, and was accumulated in the infected cell and incorporated into the virion. On the other hand, p40 was apparently detected only in the virion, and little detected in the cells. Treatment of infected cells with okadaic acid, however, resulted in significant accumulation of p40 in the cell, suggesting that p40 was continuously produced in the cell but dephosphorylated quickly. We detected both 37- and 40-kDa products in P cDNA-transfected animal cells, while only a 37-kDa product was produced in Escherichia coli. Incubation of 37-kDa products from E. coli with the lysates of animal cells in vitro resulted in the production of a 40-kDa product, which was also shown to be suppressed by the heparin. From these results, it is suggested that p40 is produced by the hyperphosphorylation of a 37-kDa polypeptide, which depends on certain heparin-sensitive cellular enzyme(s) and occurs even in the absence of the other viral gene products, and that p40 is reverted quickly to p37 in the infected cells, probably being dependent on some virus-induced factor(s).

Thermosensitive polymer-modified liposomes that release contents around physiological temperature

To obtain temperature-sensitive liposomes which release their contents around the physiological temperature, we designed dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine liposomes modified with copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and acryloylpyrrolidine. Copolymers of acryloylpyrrolidine and N-isopropylacrylamide, which exhibit a lower critical solution temperature around the physiological temperature, were prepared by free radical copolymerization using azobis(isobutyronitrile) as the initiator. The copolymers with anchors to the liposome membrane were obtained by using N, N-didodecylacrylamide as an additional comonomer. The copolymer having the anchor group at the terminal of the polymer chain was also synthesized by copolymerization of these monomers in the presence of 2-aminoethanethiol and subsequent conjugation of N, N-didodecyl succinamic acid to the terminal amino group of the copolymer. Calcein-loaded dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine liposomes modified with these copolymers were prepared and release of the contents from these liposomes was investigated. It was found that the release from these copolymer-modified liposomes was promoted around and above the lower critical temperature of the copolymer. Also, the liposomes modified with the terminal anchor-type copolymer released the contents more drastically responding to a small temperature change than the liposomes modified with random copolymers containing N,N-didodecylacrylamide units as the anchor.

Nitrogen dioxide compromises defence functions of the airway epithelium

The effect of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure on airway epithelial defence functions, such as ciliary activity, mucociliary transport velocity and junctional barrier function, remains to be elucidated. Our study investigates the effect of 24-h exposure to 3.0 ppm of NO2 on the airway epithelial defence functions in the healthy rabbit. Fifty-two healthy rabbits were exposed to 3.0 ppm of NO2 (NO2 group) or pure air (control group) for 24 successive hours in exposure chambers. After completion of the exposure sequence, the ciliary activity in the trachea was examined by a photoelectric method, the mucociliary transport velocity in the trachea by an endoscopic method and epithelial permeability of the trachea to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextrans (FD-70s; molecular weight: 70,000 daltons) by an in vitro tracheal sac method. In the NO2 group, all epithelial defence functions, including ciliary activity, mucociliary transport velocity and epithelial permeability were significantly inferior to those in the control group. Although there was considerable overlap in the parameters examined between the two groups, approximately two-thirds of the animals were susceptible to 24-h exposure to 3 ppm of NO2. Dysfunction of both the junctional barrier and the mucociliary system could allow easier entry of allergen molecules to the airway parenchyma, where immunocomponent cells exist. NO2 might be involved to some extent in the clinical manifestation of airway allergic disorders through epithelial dysfunction.

A human cell system for detecting asbestos cytogenotoxicity in vitro

Crocidolite, a carcinogenic asbestos in humans, specifically induces mesothelioma. We investigated the cytogenotoxic effects of crocidolite in a human mesothelioma cell line, MSTO211H, and a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL60. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that the MSTO211H cells had phagocytotic activity, whereas the HL60 cells did not. In the MSTO211H cells, crocidolite decreased the cell population and increased the numbers of polynucleated cells (PN) and tetraploid cells, and increased the coefficients of variation (CV) of DNA contents in G0/G1 cells and the formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. In contrast, crocidolite showed none of these cytogenotoxic effects in HL60 cells. To investigate the importance of phagocytosis in the cytogenotoxicity of crocidolite, we sorted the crocidolite-phagocytosed cells from less-phagocytosed cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and studied the differences in cytogenotoxicity between these two cell groups. We found significant increases in the numbers of PN and tetraploid cells and the CV in the crocidolite-phagocytosed cells compared to the less-phagocytosed cells. These findings indicate that MSTO211H cells are susceptible to the cytogenotoxic effects of asbestos due to their phagocytotic activity, and that the MSTO211H cell line is suitable for the detection of such effects on human cells by asbestos and other materials which need to be phagocytosed to exert their toxicity.

Exposure-response relationships in rhinitis and conjunctivitis caused by methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride

OBJECTIVE

To examine exposure-response relationships in the occurrence of symptoms of the eyes and airways in workers exposed to methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA).

METHODS

A population of 111 workers from 2 condenser plants (A and B) using epoxy resin with MTHPA underwent a questionnaire survey and serology investigations, and data obtained on 95 subjects in assembly and inspection lines were analyzed for this study.

RESULTS

In all, 24 (65%) of 37 workers in plant A and 38 (66%) of 58 workers in plant B had positive MTHPA-specific IgE. The air levels of MTHPA detected in assembly and inspection lines were higher in plant A than in plant B (geometric mean 25.5-63.9 and 4.93-5.49 microg/m3, respectively). IgE-sensitized workers in each plant had significantly (P < 0.05) more complaints regarding the eyes and nose than did unsensitized workers, suggesting that there is an IgE-mediated mechanism in most of these symptoms. The sensitized workers in plant A had higher frequencies for symptoms of the eyes, nose, and pharynx than did those in plant B (P < 0.02). Furthermore, only 15% of persons often displayed work-related symptoms among the 20 symptomatic workers in plant B as compared with 73% of the 26 symptomatic workers in plant A (P < 0.0001). These results can be explained by the difference in the MTHPA levels measured in the lines between the two plants. In plant B the minimal level of MTHPA that was associated with work-related symptoms was 15-22 microg/m3, which was lower than the geometric mean levels detected in assembly and inspection lines in plant A.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that MTHPA exposure at levels above 15 microg/m3 should be avoided to prevent the development of occupational allergic diseases in most workers.

Activation of adenosine A2 receptors enhances high K(+)-evoked taurine release from rat hippocampus: a microdialysis study

The present study was designed to examine which type of adenosine receptors was involved in enhancement of high K(+)-evoked taurine release from in vivo rat hippocampus using microdialysis. Perfusion with 0.5 or 5.0 mM adenosine enhanced high K(+)-evoked taurine release. Perfusion with 2 microM R(-)-N6-2-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA), a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, did not modulate taurine release. Perfusion with 1 microM 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, increased taurine release. On the other hand, perfusion with 20 microM 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethyl-carboxamide-adenos ine (CGS21680), a selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist, enhanced taurine release, while perfusion with 1 mM 3,7-dimethyl-propagylxanthine (DMPX), an adenosine A2 receptor antagonist, did not affect taurine release. These results demonstrate that adenosine enhances high K(+)-evoked taurine release via activation of adenosine A2A receptors from both neurons and glial cells of in vivo rat hippocampus.

Structural characterization of recombinant human erythropoietins by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis

Routine analysis of the carbohydrate moieties of a glycoprotein is critical for ensuring the consistent quality of biopharmaceutical products. Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) is a recently introduced method for the separation, by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of oligosaccharides labeled with 8-amino-naphthalene-1,3,6-trisulphonic acid (ANTS). In this study, we have evaluated the applicability of the FACE method to analysis of the carbohydrate moieties of three different recombinant human erythropoietins (rHuEPOs), two Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-derived rHuEPOs, and one baby hamster kidney (BHK) cell-derived rHuEPO. The N-linked oligosaccharides released from the rHuEPOs were labeled with ANTS. Enzymic sequence analysis of the N-linked oligosaccharides was performed by the FACE method. The results showed that the FACE method was useful for the analysis of sialo-, asialo-, and agalacto-oligosaccharides in the same gel. Its usefulness for rapidly and reliably revealing the oligosaccharide profiles of given glycoproteins, and its reproducibility were also confirmed in this study. In conclusion, the method can be used for evaluating the quality consistency of recombinant glycoprotein products in terms of the carbohydrate moiety.

Pathogenicity of different rabies virus variants inversely correlates with apoptosis and rabies virus glycoprotein expression in infected primary neuron cultures

The mouse-adapted rabies virus strain CVS-24 has stable variants, CVS-B2c and CVS-N2c, which differ greatly in their pathogenicity for normal adult mice and in their ability to infect nonneuronal cells. The glycoprotein (G protein), which has previously been implicated in rabies virus pathogenicity, shows substantial structural differences between these variants. Although prior studies have identified antigenic site III of the G protein as the major pathogenicity determinant, CVS-B2c and CVS-N2c do not vary at this site. The possibility that pathogenicity is inversely related to G protein expression levels is suggested by the finding that CVS-B2c, the less pathogenic variant, expresses at least fourfold-higher levels of G protein than CVS-N2c in infected neurons. Although there is some difference between CVS-B2c- and CVS-N2c-infected neurons in G protein mRNA expression levels, the differential expression of G protein appears to be largely determined by posttranslational mechanisms that affect G protein stability. Pulse-chase experiments indicated that the G protein of CVS-B2c is degraded more slowly than that of CVS-N2c. The accumulation of G protein correlated with the induction of programmed cell death in CVS-B2c-infected neurons. The extent of apoptosis was considerably lower in CVS-N2c-infected neurons, where G protein expression was minimal. While nucleoprotein (N protein) expression levels were similar in neurons infected with either variant, the transport of N protein into neuronal processes was strongly inhibited in CVS-B2c-infected cells. Thus, downregulation of G protein expression in neuronal cells evidently contributes to rabies virus pathogenesis by preventing apoptosis and the apparently associated failure of the axonal transport of N protein.

[Effects of selegiline hydrochloride on intracellular Ca2+ contents in cultured neuronal cells]

The effects of Selegiline hydrochloride (Selegiline HCl) on the intracellular Ca2+ contents of primarily cultured rat striatal, mesencephalic neuronal cells and PC-12 cells were examined by the use of a Ca2+ imaging analyzer. In the former two cell types, Selegiline HCl (10(-5)-10(-6) M) induced a transient inflow of extracellular Ca2+ through the voltage-dependent N-type Ca2+ channel. In addition, all cells indicating an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ content were found to be catecholaminergic neurons which showed a positive reaction with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies. Furthermore, a transient intracellular influx of Ca2+ was observed in the NGF-pretreated PC-12 cells. From these results, it is suggested that Selegiline HCl elicits various functions, including antioxidation, activation of neurotrophic factor biosynthesis and neuronal protection probably via an unidentified specific proteins of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons.

A behavioral and immunohistochemical study on the development of perirhinal cortical kindling: a comparison with other types of limbic kindling

We have previously reported that the perirhinal cortex (PRC) plays an important role in the generalization of kindled seizures. In the present study, we kindled the rat PRC and made a comparison with amygdala (AM) and dorsal hippocampal (dHIPP) kindling. In order to produce a functional map of the seizure generalization pathway from these limbic foci, we also stained for Fos protein in sections of the PRC-, AM- and dHIPP-kindled brains using an immunohistochemistry technique. In the generalized seizures of PRC kindling the duration of afterdischarges (ADs) and the latency to forelimb clonus were significantly shorter than those of AM kindling or dHIPP kindling. Typically, the PRC-kindled rats demonstrated moving arrest or exploratory behavior for about 10 days, and then a characteristic 'rapid backward moving' behavior for 1 day, followed by the sudden appearance of generalized motor seizures. Fos protein induction after a single stimulation of the PRC is more widely observed than after a single stimulation of the AM, in that the PRC stimulation produced Fos protein expression in the temporal and parietal neocortices. Following AM and PRC kindling, the Fos-positive areas were asymmetrically propagated from the ipsilateral to the contralateral hemisphere. The contralateral PRC was primarily activated at the generalization of epileptic activity in the contralateral hemisphere. In contrast, the Fos protein distribution of the dHIPP-kindled rats was restricted to the bilateral hippocampi during the early stages, followed by the symmetrical propagation from the limbic system to the neocortex during the generalized seizures. These results indicate that the PRC plays a characteristic role in the seizure generalization of kindling.

[Hydromyelia associated with spinal lipoma]

We studied morphological changes of hydromyelia complicated with spinal lipoma of infants who were untethered. Since the MRI was introduced, early detection of spinal lipoma with lumbosacral skin abnormalities has become possible. We have experienced 44 surgical cases of spinal lipoma. Out of 36 such cases, 25 (69.4%) had hydromyelia, and hydromyelia of 9 patients was found to be of the terminal ventricle type. As many as 36% of spinal lipoma patients with hydromyelia concurrently had terminal-type hydromyelia, which was considered to fall under a specific category of congenital hydromyelia. At the stage of embryogenesis of the spinal cord, the caudal cell mass undergoes vacuolization, canalization and retrogressive differentiation, and during this process, the terminal ventricle with ependymallined cells becomes morbid. Though the morphological changes of hydromyelia after surgery as untethering were varied, hydromyelia of 9 patients became smaller after untethering, and hydromyelia of 8 expanded but attenuated afterwards, totaling 17 (68.0%). However, 5 had an expanding tendency and 3 did not show any morphological changes during the follow-up period (20.6-26.9 months) by MRI.

Synthesis and reactivities of 3-indocyanine-green-acyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione (ICG-ATT) as a new near-infrared fluorescent-labeling reagent

A new near-infrared fluorescent-labeling reagent (ICG-ATT) bearing the 3-acyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione (ATT) moiety with the chemoselective acylation feature and the dye moiety of indocyanine green (ICG) has been developed. Synthesis and reactivities of the ICG-ATT are described.

Angiography of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis with ultrastructural correlation

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been used to evaluate posterior uveitis in the clinical setting, despite the shortage of data on possible pathological correlates of observed findings.

METHODS

We used both ICG angiography and fluorescein angiography to examine rats that developed a mild form of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) induced by immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). Angiography was performed on days 9, 10, 11 and 23 after IRBP immunization, and freshly enucleated eyes obtained on the same days were examined histopathologically by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Diffuse dilatation and tortuosity of the retinal vessels was observed by both ICG and fluorescein angiography, with leakage from these vessels in focal areas in the periphery. In addition, deep hyperfluorescent spots in the central posterior pole, not associated with retinal vessels, were observed by ICG angiography only. These corresponded to Dalen-Fuchs-like nodules on funduscopy. On histopathological examination, eyes showed inflammatory cell infiltration around retinal vessels, disorganization of outer retinal layers, focal subretinal accumulations of cells (resembling Dalen-Fuchs nodules), and diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration in the choroid. Ultrastructural examination of a Dalen-Fuchs-like nodule revealed a mound of monocytes, appearing to contain phagosomes of lipofuscin and phospholipids, sandwiched between transformed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells with disrupted apical processes and loss of basal interdigitation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that ICG angiography may be useful in delineating certain abnormalities at the level of the RPE, in association with posterior ocular inflammation, that cannot be observed by fluorescein angiography alone.

Development of a questionnaire method to discriminate between typical and atypical genotypes of low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase in a Japanese population

Nearly half of all Orientals exhibit aversive symptoms, such as "Oriental flushing" or palpitation, during alcohol consumption. This high alcohol sensitivity among Orientals has been attributed to a highly prevalent polymorphism in low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). In the present study, we attempted to develop a reliable questionnaire method to probe the frequency of alcohol drinking-related symptoms to estimate the ALDH2 genotype. Four-hundred twenty-four male and 100 female workers provided blood samples for polymerase chain reaction analysis and completed the questionnaire. We performed a stepwise logistic regression analysis to discriminate between the typical homozygote (ALDH2*1/*1) and the atypical heterozygote (ALDH2*1/*2) in male subjects. Because of the limitation in the sample size for ALDH2*2/*2, this genotype was not included in the analysis. Results revealed that only three symptoms (facial flushing, flushing elsewhere, and palpitation) were enough to correctly predict the ALDH2 genotypes in approximately 89% of all subjects. The present questionnaire method (ALcohol Sensitivity screening Test; ALST) takes a little time and effort for the genotype determination, and may be especially useful in epidemiological studies with a large sample size or with subjects from whom DNA samples are not available.

[Amyloidogenic peptides such as beta-amyloid, amylin and calcitonin strongly enhance the susceptibility of rat hippocampal neurons to excitatory amino acids in vivo]

We have previously shown that in vivo injection of beta-amyloid (beta 1-40, beta 25-35) with non-toxic amounts of ibotenic acid, an excitatory amino acid, causes synergistic and drastic neuronal degeneration in rat hippocampus. It was, however, yet not clear whether the neuronal degeneration in vivo was associated with their primary amino acid sequences, their secondary beta-structure or their activities to suppress MTT reduction activity in vitro. In addition to beta-amyloid, other amyloidogenic peptides such as human amylin or calcitonin are known to deposit extracellularly in systemic and peripheral amyloidosis. In this study, we measured the activity of amyloidogenic peptides (beta 1-40, human amylin and calcitonin) to suppress cellular MTT reduction activity in vitro and their synergistic neurodegeneration with ibotenic acid in vivo. All amyloidogenic peptides, but not non-amyloidogenic peptides (beta 40-1, BSA), suppressed the MTT reduction activity in HeLa cells and in the primary cultured neurons in vitro, and also produced the synergistic neuronal cell loss in rat hippocampal region by enhancing the toxicity of ibotenic acid in vivo. The deposits of amyloidogenic peptides at the injection sites were thioflavin S fluorescence positive, suggesting the fibrillary beta-structures. These results indicate that the neurodegeneration in vivo by amyloidogenic peptides is strongly associated with their fibrillary beta-structure and their activity to suppress MTT reduction activity in vitro.

[A case of congenital toxoplasmosis confirmed by detection of Toxoplasma gondii in placenta]

We report a case of congenital toxoplasmosis with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrocephalus. A CT scan performed at birth revealed ventricular dilation with calcification. The serum and CSF Toxoplasma specific IgM were elevated. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of Toxoplasma cysts in the placenta, and detection of the Toxoplasma SAG1 gene by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (placenta, positive; CSF, negative). Signs of active central nervous system infection, such as the decreased CSF glucose, and elevated CSF protein, neuron specific enolase and LDH, resolved after initiation of treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfazoxine. A PCR test using the placental tissue may be useful for the rapid diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis.

[Severe hemolytic anemia with tear drop red cells as initial manifestation of Wilson's disease]

A 16-year-old girl was admitted for a detailed examination of hemolytic anemia in November 1995. Initial laboratory findings included a total bilirubin concentration of 1.46 mg/dl, hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dl, and a reticulocyte count of 89/1000 percent. The plasma haptoglobin concentration was below 10 mg/dl. A blood smear showed many dacryocytes and a few echinocytes and codocytes. GOT was 71 IU/l; GPT, 44 IU/l; and LDH, 812 IU/l; the results of a hepaplastin test were 45% of normal. On further investigation, the level of serum ceruloplasmin was found to be 4 mg/dl, and of serum copper, 43 micrograms/dl. Urinary copper excretion was markedly increased, at 345 micrograms per day. Slit-lamp examination of both corneas revealed obvious Kayser-Fleischer rings. A liver biopsy sample showed fibrosis histologically and an elevated copper concentration of 535 micrograms/g dry weight and 183 micrograms/g wet weight. In family studies, the patient's asymptomatic 5-year-old sister was observed to have metabolic abnormalities consistent with Wilson's disease. These findings suggested that the patient's hemolytic anemia with red cell deformities was due to abnormal copper metabolism associated with Wilson's disease.

[Manifestation of Chiari II symptoms following peritoneal shunt tube extension]

A 5-year-old boy with hydrocephalus and a lumbar myelomeningocele underwent extension of peritoneal tube of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt system. Prior to the operation he had been able to walk independently with the use of braces, to speak complex sentences and to sing songs. After the surgery, he lost consciousness and became critically ill with irregular respiration. He was artificially ventilated for 10 days, and then recovered, with sequelae of right facial paresis and slight dysarthria. T1 weighted magnetic resonance image showed high intensities of the medial part of the inferior lobe of the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, which were interpreted as representing edema. This case illustrates that Chiari II malformation can become symptomatic after a VP shunt trouble.

Studies on rabies virus RNA polymerase: 1. cDNA cloning of the catalytic subunit (L protein) of avirulent HEP-flury strain and its expression in animal cells

To investigate the RNA polymerase of rabies virus, we cloned a cDNA of the catalytic subunit (called L protein because of its large molecular size) of the HEP-Flury strain, an avirulent strain obtained by high frequencies of serial embryonated hen egg passages. Nucleotide sequencing showed that the cDNA encodes a long polypeptide of 2,127 amino acids (Mr. 242,938). A comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with that of other strains (PV and SAD B19) indicated that the sequence was highly conserved, except for several amino acid substitutions which were accumulated in some limited regions. A fragment of the cDNA was used for expression in Escherichia coli (E. coli) to prepare the L antigen for raising the antibodies in rabbits. Immunoprecipitation studies with the rabbit antiserum showed that the polypeptides produced in the L cDNA-transfected COS-7 cells displayed almost the same electrophoretic mobility as that of authentic L protein. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that both L and P (another subunit of RNA polymerase) proteins displayed colocalized distribution with the nucleocapsid antigen (N) in the cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, where envelope proteins (G and M) were absent. On the other hand, expression of the L protein alone did not cause inclusion body-like granular distribution, suggesting that the inclusion body-like accumulation depends on certain interaction(s) with other viral gene products, probably with the ribonucleoproteins comprising the inclusion bodies.

The association between serum levels of Th cytokines and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride

BACKGROUND

There are few epidemiologic studies on the association between serum levels of T helper (Th) cytokines and allergic symptoms caused by sensitizing agents.

METHODS

A population of 147 workers from two condenser plants using epoxy resin with methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) underwent a questionnaire survey and serologic investigations. Total and MTHPA-specific IgE levels were measured by the Pharmacia CAP System, and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

A significant association was found between work-related eye and nasal symptoms and a range of atopic characteristics, including the frequency of positive specific IgE, specific and total IgE levels, and IL-4 levels. A positive correlation was observed between levels of IL-4 and IL-13 (r=0.42). Furthermore, multiple logistic analysis revealed significant contributions of specific IgE and IL-13 to the work-related symptoms. A similar but nonsignificant association was also found for IL-4 (P=0.07). On the other hand, a multiple regression model with specific IgE levels as a dependent variable showed a significant association with total IgE, but not with IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that work-related eye and nasal symptoms are closely related to specific IgE antibodies, and that allergic responses, mediated by IgE, to MTHPA may lead to a shift in the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells.