Cytokine dependent growth of human TF-1 leukemic cell line in human GM-CSF and IL-3 producing transgenic SCID mice

Although severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice are considered useful as an animal model for human hematopoietic diseases, the complete reconstruction of human hematopoietic cells can not be established even in these mice. This appears to be because human cytokines, adhesion molecules and extracellular matrices which support differentiation and growth of human hematopoietic cells differ from those in animals. To improve this animal model, we attempted to produce transgenic (Tg) mice producing human interleukin 3 (hIL-3) and human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) with the homozygote of the scid gene. We established two Tg mouse lines, one releasing both 0.5-1 ng/ml of hIL-3 and 0.05-0.2 ng/ml of hGM-CSF in their sera and another releasing only high (2-10 ng/ml) levels of hGM-CSF. When human cytokine-dependent myeloid cell line, TF-1, was subcutaneously transplanted into these two Tg-SCID mouse lines, TF-1 could be successfully engrafted and grew in all lines of Tg-SCID mice but not in control mice. We also observed that TF-1 grows in GM-CSF Tg-SCID mice in a dose dependent manner in vivo and IL-3 shows an additive effect on its growth. These results indicated that these Tg-SCID mice were an useful in vivo model for investigating human leukemogenesis, especially the role of IL-3 and GM-CSF in leukemogenesis.

Interaction of cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts from human psoriatic and normal skin in immunodeficient mice

Clarification of the pathogenesis of psoriasis requires separate studies of the epidermis, dermis, and inflammatory cells. We previously subcutaneously transplanted a mixture of cultured human keratinocytes and fibroblasts into mice to develop cysts with human skin structures. Using this method, we separately cultured psoriatic and normal keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Four mixtures were prepared: normal keratinocytes and normal fibroblasts (NK/NF); psoriatic keratinocytes and normal fibroblasts (PK/NF); normal keratinocytes and psoriatic fibroblasts (NK/PF); and psoriatic keratinocytes and psoriatic fibroblasts (PK/PF). Each mixture was transplanted into immunodeficient mice to observe formation of cysts and histological changes. The cysts varied in structure depending on the mixture, which suggests that psoriatic keratinocytes and fibroblasts had some abnormalities. Psoriatic fibroblasts may be partially responsible for thickening of the epidermis. Cell differentiation might have been accelerated in psoriatic keratinocytes after transplantation, resulting in the loss of epidermis structures.

Histological and immunocytochemical studies of human psoriatic lesions transplanted onto SCID mice

To investigate the pathology of psoriasis, we developed an animal model for this disease using severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. These mice possess neither B nor T Lymphocytes so that both cellular and humoral immunities are impaired. For the in vivo study of psoriasis, human psoriatic skin was grafted on SCID mice. Long-term morphological and immunohistochemical changes in the grafted skin ware examined for up to 22 weeks after transplantation. The human skin graft were generally well maintained during this period, but the histological and immunohistochemical findings characteristic of psoriasis, except for acanthosis and hyperkeratosis, gradually disappeared as lymphocytic infiltration of the psoriatic lesions declined.

Role of endothelium and adventitia on eugenol-induced relaxation of rabbit ear artery precontracted by histamine

Eugenol (> or = 0.1 mM) inhibited the contractions induced by various stimulants, such as 90 mM extracellular K+ solution ([K+]0), histamine and noradrenaline in the rabbit ear artery. Inhibitory actions of eugenol occurred in a concentration-dependent manner, however, eugenol more dominantly inhibited the histamine-induced contraction than those induced by either 90 mM [K+]0 solution or noradrenaline. Removal of both endothelium and adventitia did not change the inhibitory actions of eugenol on the 90 mM [K+]0- and noradrenaline-induced contractions, however, attenuated those on the histamine-induced contraction. Chlorphenylamine abolished the histamine-induced contraction, but neither cimetidine, ranitidine nor thioperamide modified the eugenol actions on the contractions induced by histamine. Pretreatment with nitric oxide syntheses inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (LNNA; 100 microM), but not soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (MB; 10 microM), prevented endothelium/adventitia-dependent augmentation of the eugenol-induced relaxation on the histamine-induced contraction. When an intact tissue, but not an endothelium/adventitia-denuded tissue, was placed at the up-stream close to the other denuded preparation (test preparation), histamine-induced contraction observed in the test preparation tended to be augmented. Similarly, eugenol-induced relaxation was also augmented by the same treatment. Eugenol (0.3 mM) inhibited the excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) without hyperpolarization of the membrane. However, a high concentration of eugenol (1 mM) slightly hyperpolarized the membrane (ca. 5 mV). No transient enhancement of amplitude of EJP was recorded. These results suggest that eugenol may inhibit the histamine-induced muscle contraction directly, and the inhibition is augmented by the adventitia and endothelium partly by vasoactive substances, which were released from the adventitia/endothelium-derived substances in rabbit ear artery.

FGF and Shh signals control dopaminergic and serotonergic cell fate in the anterior neural plate

During development, distinct classes of neurons are specified in precise locations along the dorso-ventral and anterior-posterior axes of the neural tube. We provide evidence that intersections of Shh, which is expressed along the ventral neural tube, and FGF8, which is locally produced at the mid/hindbrain boundary and in the rostral forebrain, create induction sites for dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain and forebrain. The same intersection, when preceded by a third signal, FGF4, which is expressed in the primitive streak, defines an inductive center for hindbrain 5-HT neurons. These findings illustrate that cell patterning in the neural plate is a multistep process in which early inducers, which initially divide the neural plate into crude compartments, are replaced by multiple local organizing centers, which specify distinct neuronal cell types within these compartments.

[A 4-week toxicity study of magnesium sulfate administered by 24-hr intravenous infusion in beagle dogs]

A 4-week toxicity study of magnesium sulfate administered by 24-hr intravenous infusion at the dosage levels of 0, 12.5, 50 and 100 mg/kg/hr in female beagle dogs was conducted. No death occurred in any group. Changes attributable to the treatment with magnesium sulfate were decreased food consumption and body weight gain, anemic change, increased urine volume, decreased serum calcium level, increased inorganic phosphorus level, slight prolongation of conduction time in electrocardiogram and tubular basophilia in the kidneys in the group treated with 100 mg/kg/hr. In addition, essentially similar changes were also observed at the same dosage level in the 2-week study of this drug, in which recoverability was recognized with 2-week follow-up observation after drug withdrawal. In conclusion, the nontoxic dosage level was judged to be 50 mg/kg/hr under the condition of the present study.

[Mutagenicity studies of magnesium sulfate--reverse mutation test with bacteria and chromosomal aberration test with mammalian cells in culture]

The mutagenicity potential of magnesium sulfate was re-assessed using the current procedure of the reverse mutation test with bacteria and chromosomal aberration test with mammalian cells (a Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line; CHL/IU) in culture. In the reverse mutation test with bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium TA100, TA98, TA1535 and TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA were use and the maximum dose level was set at 5000 micrograms/plate irrespective of the absence or presence of metabolic activation. Five dose levels (313-5000 micrograms/plate) were selected for all strains except for TA98 without metabolic activation and for TA1537 with metabolic activation, for which 6 dose levels (156-5000 micrograms/plate) were selected. Magnesium sulfate induced no increase in the number of colonies with reverse mutation in any of the strains irrespective of the absence of presence of metabolic activation in the dose-range-finding study or in the main study. In the chromosomal aberration test with mammalian cells, a Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line (CHL/IU) in culture was used and the maximum dose level was set at 5.0 mg/mL both in the direct and metabolic activation methods. Three dose levels (1.25-5.0 mg/mL) were selected. Magnesium sulfate induced no increase in the incidence of cells with chromosomal aberration or those with genome mutation (polyploidy) in any of the strains irrespective of the absence of presence of metabolic activation. Thus, it is concluded that magnesium sulfate does not have mutagenic potential under the presence experimental conditions.

[A study for effects on pre- and postnatal development, including maternal function in rats treated subcutaneously with magnesium sulfate]

Magnesium sulfate, at dose levels of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously three times daily to Crj:CD(SD) female rats from day 15 through day 20 of gestation. The effects of the compound on dams and F1 animals were examined. In the dams, decreased food consumption was observed in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg groups. Hypolocomotion, pronation, bradypnea and decreased body weight gain were observed in the 1000 mg/kg group. But there were no effects on the delivery or lactation conditions and necropsy from administration of the test article. In the F1 animals, low body weight, delays in differentiation (eruption of lower incisor, opening of eyelid) and reversible change in ribs (wavy rib) were observed in the 1000 mg/kg group. But there were no effects from administration of the test article in viability, functional examinations, behavior tests or reproductive ability. Based on the above results, under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that the non-toxic dose levels for general toxicological effects on dams was 3 x 250 mg/kg/day, for reproductive ability of dams was 3 x 1000 mg/kg/day, and for development of F1 animals was 3 x 500 mg/kg/day.

[A 2-week toxicity study of magnesium sulfate administered by 24-hr intravenous infusion in beagle dogs followed by 2-week recovery period]

A 2-week toxicity study of magnesium sulfate administered by a 24-hr intravenous infusion at the dosage levels of 0, 12.5, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/hr in female beagle dogs was conducted, with 2-week follow-up observation after drug withdrawal. One of 2 animals in the 200 mg/kg/hr group died approx. 32 hr after the start of infusion. At the same time, the remaining 1 animal of the same group was sacrificed in a moribund state. Changes attributable to the treatment of magnesium sulfate were decreased food consumption and body weight gain, anemia, mild prolongation of conduction time in electrocardiogram and tubular basophilia in the kidneys in the animals treated with 100 mg/kg/hr. Furthermore, decreased calcium level was recorded in the animals treated with 50 mg/kg/hr or more. However, these changes disappeared after drug withdrawal, and reversibility was suggested. Judging from the mode of occurrence, since the change in calcium level observed in the group treated with 50 mg/kg/hr was slight, it was considered to be toxicologically insignificant. In conclusion, the nontoxic dosage level of magnesium sulfate was judged to be 50 mg/kg/hr under the condition of the present study.

[A single dose toxicity study of magnesium sulfate in rats and dogs]

A single dose toxicity study of magnesium sulfate by intravenous administration was conducted in rats and dogs. The results are summarized in the following. Magnesium sulfate was administered once at dose levels of 90, 130, 200, 300 and 450 mg/kg to Crj:CD(SD) rats at 6 weeks of age. Deaths occurred in the 200 mg/kg and above groups in both sexes. The LD50 values were 206 mg/kg for males and 174 mg/kg for females. In the surviving animals, in the 130 mg/kg and above groups, tonic convulsions, abnormal gait and tachypnea were seen. However, these signs disappeared gradually and all animals returned to a normal state by 15 min after dosing. There were no treatment-related changes in the body weight or gross pathology. Magnesium sulfate was infused for 6 hr at dose levels of 75, 300 and 1200 mg/kg (12.5, 50 and 200 mg/kg/hr) to female beagle dogs at 6 months of age. No deaths were observed in any of the dose groups and it was considered that the lethal dose level would be higher than 1200 mg/kg(200 mg/kg/hr). In the 1200 mg/kg group, vomiting, decreased spontaneous movement, staggering gait, prone position and flush of the conjunctiva and ear auricles were seen. However, these signs disappeared gradually and animals returned to a normal state by 1 hr after dosing. There were no treatment-related changes in the body weight, food consumption or gross pathology.

Regionalization of the prosencephalic neural plate

Recent embryological studies are beginning to establish that the underlying organization of the forebrain may be reduced to relatively simple elements that are common to all vertebrates. We begin this chapter by reviewing studies that describe the similarities in prospective fate and molecular organization of the developing neural plate in fish, frogs, chickens, and mice. The chapter next addresses mechanisms that regulate regional specification in the anterior central nervous system. There is now evidence that the axial mesendoderm anterior to the notochord (the prechordal plate) has a central role in induction of the floor and basal plate primordia (hypothalamus) of the forebrain. Patterning of the anterolateral neural plate (telencephalon) may be regulated by FGF8 produced in the anterior neural ridge. Thus, the synthesis of information from fate mapping and experimental embryological and genetic studies is illuminating the mechanisms that generate the different components of the forebrain.

Altered expression of alpha-actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain-1 and calponin in cultured smooth muscle cells by oxidized low density lipoproteins

The expression of the contractile proteins, alpha-actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain-1 (SM1) and calponin present in smooth muscle cells (SMC) in the presence of oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) was investigated in two different cell cultures: the mouse smooth muscle cell line SVSC and rat smooth muscle cells (RSMC). Exposure of the cells to 187 microg protein/ml oxLDL for 24 h reduced the expression of all three contractile proteins in both cell cultures when compared to cells incubated in the presence of native LDL. This investigation of the response of SMC contractile proteins to oxLDL may provide further insights into the mechanisms by which oxidatively modified LDL is atherogenic and suggests that oxLDL may contribute to the regulation of the expression of the genes responsible for the synthesis of smooth muscle cell contractile proteins.

Membrane potential of mesenteric artery from carvedilol-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effects of chronic treatment of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) with carvedilol, an antihypertensive agent which has both alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor-blocking actions, on membrane potential and relaxation of mesenteric resistant artery were studied. Five-week old SHRSP were treated with carvedilol for three months. At 16 weeks, the resting membrane potential of arteries from carvedilol-treated SHRSP was more negative than that of arteries from untreated SHRSP. The magnitude of acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization in arteries from carvedilol-treated SHRSP was not different from that of arteries from untreated SHRSP. In the presence of noradrenaline, the membrane potential of arteries from carvedilol-treated SHRSP was more negative than that of arteries from untreated SHRSP. The membrane potential of arteries from carvedilol-treated SHRSP in the presence of noradrenaline and acetylcholine was more negative than that of arteries from untreated SHRSP. The acetylcholine-induced relaxation in noradrenaline-precontracted preparations from carvedilol-treated SHRSP was greater than that in preparations from untreated SHRSP and was smaller than that in preparations from Wistar Kyoto rats. Scanning electronmicroscopy showed that carvedilol-treatment decreased the structural abnormalities of the endothelium of arteries from SHRSP. These results indicate that chronic carvedilol treatment made the membrane potential of smooth muscle more negative and improved endothelial function in the mesenteric artery of SHRSP, which may contribute to the antihypertensive effect of carvedilol.

Control of anteroposterior and dorsoventral domains of Nkx-6.1 gene expression relative to other Nkx genes during vertebrate CNS development

Here we report the isolation, sequence and developmental expression in the central nervous system of several members of the chicken and mouse Nkx gene family. These are among the earliest genes to be regionally expressed in the neural plate; they are expressed just above the axial mesendoderm (prechordal mesendoderm and notochord). Each Nkx gene has a distinct spatial pattern of expression along the anterior-posterior axis of the ventral central nervous system: Nkx-2. 2 is expressed along the entire axis, whereas Nkx-2.1 is restricted to the forebrain, and Nkx-6.1 and Nkx-6.2 are largely excluded from the forebrain. They are also expressed in distinct patterns along the dorsal-ventral axis. These genes are expressed in both the ventricular and mantle zones; in the mantle zone Nkx-6.1 is co-expressed with Islet-1 in a subset of motor neurons. Like other Nkx genes, expression of Nkx-6.1 is induced by the axial mesendoderm and by sonic hedgehog protein. BMP-7 represses Nkx-6.1 expression. While the notochord can induce Nkx-6.1 expression in the anterior neural plate, sonic hedgehog protein does not, suggesting that the notochord produces additional molecules that can regulate ventral patterning.

[Environmental factors possibly associated with onset of senile dementia]

Factors associated with senile dementia have not been clarified, and factors, especially those in the living environment which seem to have a close link to the dementia need to be analysed. We conducted a case-control study targeting patients within the jurisdiction of Nagahama Public Health Center in Shiga and Hikone city, who are diagnosed to have senile dementia of the Vascular type, senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, and senile dementia of the Mixed type, and compared them to age matched controls. The outcome of the study by Matched pair analysis (McNemar's test) before the onset of the senile dementia were as follows. 1 The factors related to senile dementia of the vascular type were: Previous histories (Matched Odds Ratio (MOR): 8.0 p < 0.05), disturbance of the lower limbs (MOR = 8.0 p < 0.05). Environmental factors were: strong preference for sweets (MOR = 8.0 p < 0.05 female), smoking (MOR = 3.7 p < 0.10), lower utilization of health care (MOR = 3.3 p < 0.10), such as periodic medical check (MOR = 0/6 p < 0.10), sleep (MOR = 0/5 p < 0.10), less commitment to hobbies (MOR = 2.6 p < 0.10), such as handicrafts (MOR = 0/5 p < 0.10) etc, less intercourse with relatives (MOR = 0/9 p < 0.01), not living together with children's family (MOR = 0.20 p < 0.05 female), and death (MOR = 8/0 p < 0.05) or hospitalization (MOR = 9.0 p < 0.05) of a family member. 2 The factors related to senile dementia of the Alzheimer type and the Mixed type were: some previous histories (MOR = 8.0 p < 0.05), less disturbance of gait (MOR = 0/5 p < 0.10). Environmental factors were: lower utilization of health care, such as periodic medical check (MOR = 0.18 p < 0.05), and lower participation in exercise (MOR = 0/5 p < 0.10) etc, less association with neighbors (MOR = 0.11 p < 0.05), less participation in community activities (MOR = 0.11 p < 0.05), not living together with children's family (MOR = 0/8 p < 0.05), relocation (MOR = 5/0 p < 0.10) and retirement (MOR = 5/0 p < 0.10).

Ca(2+)-sensitivity of portal vein circular muscle from normotensive and hypertensive rats

Contractile sensitivity to Ca2+ was studied in rat portal vein circular muscle isolated from normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). There was no difference in resting membrane potential between WKY and SHRSP. Elevation of extracellular K+ concentration induced similar increase in tension in preparations from WKY and SHRSP. High K(+)-depolarized preparation developed tension increase when extracellular Ca2+ concentration was increased. The sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+ was similar in preparations from WKY and SHRSP. Permeabilized preparation contracted when free Ca2+ concentration was increased. Sensitivity of permeabilized preparation to Ca2+ was similar in preparations from WKY and SHRSP. These results indicate that regulation of contraction by Ca2+ was similar between WKY and SHRSP. Since there was no change in high K-induced contraction in intact preparations or Ca-induced contraction in permeabilized preparations, there seemed to be no difference in Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent channels in portal vein circular muscle from WKY and SHRSP.

Nitric oxide is a sensory nerve neurotransmitter in the mesenteric artery of guinea pig

Previous studies have shown that the guinea pig inferior mesenteric artery receives spinal sensory vasodilatory innervation, which can be activated by colon distention and electrical nerve stimulation. In the present study, we investigated the hypotheses that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is present in guinea pig primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and in nerve fibers surrounding the mesenteric arteries, and that nitric oxide (NO) is a sensory neurotransmitter in the inferior mesenteric artery in vitro. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry showed that neuronal NOS-IR was found in 12% of cells of guinea pig thoracic and lumbar DRGs; in 95.1% of these cells it was colocalized with substance P (SP), and SP immunoreactivity (SP-IR) was present in 23% of cells of the same DRGs. Neuronal NOS-like immunoreactivity was localized in nerve fibers surrounding guinea pig mesenteric artery and 25% of them were double stained with SP-IR. Endothelium-denuded inferior mesenteric artery preparations in vitro were incubated with guanethidine (30 microns, 30 min) and pre-contracted with methoxamine (30 microns). The NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (1 micron) and L-nitrosocysteine (300 microns), produced 91.0 +/- 5.5 and 90.4 +/- 9.6% vasodilatation of total vasodilatation in the vessel segments, respectively, which was capsaicin- or tetrodotoxin-insensitive. Repetitive electrical field stimulation of the preparations produced a frequency-dependent vasodilatation which was reduced by pretreatment with capsaicin or by tetrodotoxin (10 microns). The NOS inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (100 microns, 30 min) diminished the nerve-evoked vasodilatation from 41.8 +/- 8.4 to 21.4 +/- 9.7% at 2 Hz and from 50.8 +/- 5.6 to 19.0 +/- 7.3% at 15 Hz (P < 0.05), whereas NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microns-1 mM) did not significantly inhibit the relaxation. The stereo isomer nitro-D-arginine (D-NNA, 100 microns, 30 min) was ineffective. These findings suggest that NO is a neurotransmitter released from primary sensory nerves which mediates vasodilation in vitro.

Basaloid squamous carcinoma of the larynx: report of a case

Basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare neoplasm. We present a case of basaloid squamous carcinoma of the larynx in a 57-year-old male patient. The diagnosis before treatment was supraglottic carcinoma (T3N1MO) and biopsy of the larynx revealed a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Total laryngectomy and right radical neck dissection were performed, and pathological studies of a specimen removed from the larynx revealed BSC of the larynx. The patient's postoperative progress was uneventful, however, 12 months later he developed lung metastasis of the left side. The patient underwent partial resection of the lung. He developed recurrence of lung metastasis 6 months later. Chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) and vindesine sulfate (VSD) was administered in two courses, but the efficacy was evaluated as no change (NC). At present, 26 months after the first visit, he has been asymptomatic with lung metastasis, and there was no evidence of recurrence in the neck.

A ciliated cyst as a component of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

A large cyst, lined with ciliated cells (ciliated cyst), was found as a component of a pleomorphic adenoma of the left parotid gland in a 34-year-old Japanese man. The dimensions of the tumor were 25 x 33 mm and it consisted of a solid mass with a centrally located cyst 20 x 23 mm, which contained yellowish-brown material of muddy consistency. The tumor was encapsulated and the solid mass had features typical of a pleomorphic adenoma. The inner surface of the cyst was lined with ciliated cells and scattered mucus-secreting cells in addition to cuboidal-to-flattened cells. In some regions, the neoplastic cells of the pleomorphic adenoma were exposed to the cavity of the cyst. A histological transformation from ciliated cells to pleomorphic adenomatous cells was also observed. These findings indicated that the ciliated epithelium was an element of the tumor. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a ciliated cyst derived from some elements of a pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor-producing tongue carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Leukocytosis without infection in patients with malignancies is known as the leukemoid reaction. The mechanisms involved in this phenomenon remain uncertain.

METHODS

We describe the clinical, biochemical and immunohistochemical findings in a patient with recurrent tongue carcinoma accompanied by marked leukocytosis as high as 96200/ mm3.

RESULTS

The serum granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) concentration was increased to 204 (normal: < 30) pg/ml, which paralleled to the elevation of white blood cell (WBC) count and the tumor growth. The G-CSF content of the tumor tissue was also elevated (131 pg/mg protein) compared to that in control patients (6.63 +/- 2.63 pg/mg protein). Production of G-CSF from the tumor was evidenced by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody against human recombinant G-CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the G-CSF production of the tumor participates in the mechanisms of the leukemoid reaction.

Inductive interactions direct early regionalization of the mouse forebrain

The cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate regional specification of the forebrain are largely unknown. We studied the expression of transcription factors in neural plate explants to identify tissues, and the molecules produced by these tissues, that regulate medial-lateral and local patterning of the prosencephalic neural plate. Molecular properties of the medial neural plate are regulated by the prechordal plate perhaps through the action of Sonic Hedgehog. By contrast, gene expression in the lateral neural plate is regulated by non-neural ectoderm and bone morphogenetic proteins. This suggests that the forebrain employs the same medial-lateral (ventral-dorsal) patterning mechanisms present in the rest of the central nervous system. We have also found that the anterior neural ridge regulates patterning of the anterior neural plate, perhaps through a mechanism that is distinct from those that regulate general medial-lateral patterning. The anterior neural ridge is essential for expression of BF1, a gene encoding a transcription factor required for regionalization and growth of the telencephalic and optic vesicles. In addition, the anterior neural ridge expresses Fgf8, and recombinant FGF8 protein is capable of inducing BF1, suggesting that FGF8 regulates the development of anterolateral neural plate derivatives. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the neural plate is subdivided into distinct anterior-posterior domains that have different responses to the inductive signals from the prechordal plate, Sonic Hedgehog, the anterior neural ridge and FGF8. In sum, these results suggest that regionalization of the forebrain primordia is established by several distinct patterning mechanisms: (1) anterior-posterior patterning creates transverse zones with differential competence within the neural plate, (2) patterning along the medial-lateral axis generates longitudinally aligned domains and (3) local inductive interactions, such as a signal(s) from the anterior neural ridge, further define the regional organization.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor-producing tongue carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Leukocytosis without infection in patients with malignancies is known as the leukemoid reaction. The mechanisms involved in this phenomenon remain uncertain.

METHODS

We describe the clinical, biochemical and immunohistochemical findings in a patient with recurrent tongue carcinoma accompanied by marked leukocytosis as high as 96200/ mm3.

RESULTS

The serum granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) concentration was increased to 204 (normal: < 30) pg/ml, which paralleled to the elevation of white blood cell (WBC) count and the tumor growth. The G-CSF content of the tumor tissue was also elevated (131 pg/mg protein) compared to that in control patients (6.63 +/- 2.63 pg/mg protein). Production of G-CSF from the tumor was evidenced by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody against human recombinant G-CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the G-CSF production of the tumor participates in the mechanisms of the leukemoid reaction.