Synthesis of 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone acyl derivatives and their anti-cataract effect on spontaneous cataract rats (ICR/f)

4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) and 2(or 5)-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EHMF) are known to inhibit cataract development in spontaneous cataract rats (ICR/f). Forty-five acylated hydroxyfuranone derivatives were designed and synthesized for an anti-cataract test, and their hydrophobic constants were also tested. Among these derivatives, 2,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxy-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF pivalate) exerted a marked protective effect against the development of cataract in a galactose-induced model using cultured rat lens (in vitro). When tested on an ICR/f cataract model (in vivo), HDMF pivalate showed more significant inhibition of cataract development than parent compound HDMF. This derivative is more lipophilic than HDMF, so that HDMF pivalate can penetrate the cornea more easily than HDMF. The inhibition of cataract development by HDMF converted from HDMF pivalate is supported by the fact that HDMF was observed in the lens of ICR/f rats treated with HDMF pivalate.

Antioxidative activities of 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanones and their anti-cataract effect on spontaneous cataract rat (ICR/f)

We determined the anti-cataract effects and antioxidative activities of four 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanones. These four furanones showed similar antioxidative activities in the ferric ion reduction model. 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) and 2(or 5)-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EHMF) exhibited a higher suppression effect on lipid peroxidation in human plasma than the other furanones did. The effects of hydroxy furanones on the onset of cataract in spontaneous cataract rat (ICR/f rat) were tested, and it was observed that HDMF and EHMF inhibited cataract formation. These results suggest that the antioxidative activity of HDMF and EHMF against superoxide radicals in lens tissue contributed to inhibiting the onset of spontaneous cataract.

Assay of trypsin activity by capillary isoelectric focusing with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Capillary isoelectric focusing is a highly effective method for the separation of proteins due to focusing as a function of their pI values in the separation process. This technique is also effective for certain types of peptides that focus well. Fluorescence labeling and subsequent detection by laser-induced fluorescence farther enhance the sensitivity of this technique. This paper demonstrates the utility of this technique in an enzyme assay. A synthetic nona peptide, H-Gly-Cys-His-Glu-Ala-Arg-Ala-Glu-Glu-OH, was labeled with an iodoacetyl derivative of Lissamine rhodamine B at the thiol group of the cysteine residue as a substrate for trypsin. Trypsin catalyzed the cleavage of the Arg-Ala bond of the labeled substrate, which focused at pH 4.8, and liberated a shortened, labeled product, H-Gly-*Cys-His-Glu-Ala-Arg-OH that focused at pH 6.9 (* indicates the label). The product peptide at 3-300 pM was determined with a relative standard deviation of 5.5% (n = 5) by fluorescence detection at 590 nm with excitation by a green line of He-Ne laser. Incubation of trypsin with the substrate for 10 min at 37 degrees C allowed the determination of 50-250 pg of trypsin, with a relative standard deviation of 5.3% (n = 5).

Power and colour Doppler ultrasonography for the evaluation of the vasculature of the human corpus luteum

We used power Doppler imaging to examine neovascularization in the corpus luteum (CL) in 12 healthy volunteers. We also investigated whether CL blood flow reflected luteal function. The ratio of the area of vessels in the CL to the area of a sectional plane at the maximum diameter of the CL observed by power Doppler (FA ratio) was used as a quantitative index of the vascularity of the CL. The pulsatility index (PI) was significantly lower in ovarian arteries with CL than without CL (P < 0.05). Changes in ovarian arterial and intra-luteal PI appeared to reflect physiological changes in the vasculature of the CL. There was no correlation between the volume of the CL or the FA ratio and the concentration of progesterone. The pattern of changes in the product of the FA ratio and the CL volume and in the progesterone concentration was similar. The progesterone concentration was positively correlated with this product (r = 0.74, P < 0.01). The product of the FA ratio and the CL volume plateaued during the mid- to late luteal phase, suggesting the presence of functional and structural luteolysis. These findings suggest that colour Doppler ultrasonography, including power Doppler imaging, can detect physiological changes in the blood flow of the ovary in the luteal phase, and may be a useful noninvasive tool for evaluating CL function.

Distribution of phenol in a fatal poisoning case determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A victim who was presumed to have ingested waste fluid containing phenol of DNA extraction was found dead in his laboratory. The skin was partially chemically burned, with blisters as maps. No mechanical injuries were observed. The pathological findings of the liver and kidney were typical of those of acute substantial poisoning. Phenol concentrations in the blood, urine, stomach contents and organs were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Phenol was distributed throughout the body. The concentration of free phenol in the blood was found to be 60 micrograms/mL, and in the urine it was 208 micrograms/mL. The phenol concentrations in the organs were found as follows: 106 micrograms/g in the brain; 116 micrograms/g in the lungs; 166 micrograms/g in the liver, and 874 micrograms/g in the kidney, respectively. Significantly high concentrations were observed in the kidney, urine, and liver. To the best of our knowledge, such an intoxication through this kind of ingestion has never been reported before. Distributions of phenol in fatal poisonings have been reported, but colorimetry was used as the analytical method and it cannot exclude the interference of other phenolic compounds.

Decreased plasma cortisol level during alprazolam treatment of panic disorder: a case report

1. Changes in the plasma cortisol level were reported in a male patient with panic disorder during the period of low-dose alprazolam treatment (mean 0.62 +/- 0.15 mg/day) compared with during the period of high-dose period (mean 1.08 +/- 0.28 mg/day). 2. The plasma cortisol level was significantly higher in the low-dose period (mean 13.90 +/- 3.35 micrograms/ml) than in the high-dose period (mean 9.06 +/- 2.75 micrograms/ml) although, paradoxically, the panic attack frequency was significantly lower in the low-dose period (mean 1.35 +/- 0.29/day) than in the high-dose period (mean 2.09 +/- 0.66/day). 3. Thus, the decreased plasma cortisol level during alprazolam treatment of panic disorder was suggested to be caused not by symptom alleviation due to alprazolam but by alprazolam administration itself.

Novel galactose-binding proteins in Annelida. Characterization of 29-kDa tandem repeat-type lectins from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris

Novel type lectins were found in the phylum Annelida, i.e. in the earthworm, tubifex, leech, and lugworm. The lectins (29-31 kDa) were extracted from the worms without the use of detergent and purified by affinity chromatography on asialofetuin-agarose. On the basis of the partial primary structures of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris 29-kDa lectin (EW29), degenerate primers were synthesized for use in the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. An amplified 155-base pair fragment was used to screen a cDNA library. Four types of full-length clones were obtained, all of which encoded 260 amino acids, but which were found to differ at 29 nucleotide positions. Since three of them resulted in non-silent substitutions, EW29 mRNA was considered to be a mixture of at least three distinct polynucleotides encoding the following proteins: Ala44-Gln197-Ile213 (clone 5), Gly44-Gln197-Val213 (clone 7), and Ala44-His197-Ile213 (clones 8 and 9; different at the nucleotide level, but encoding an identical polypeptide). Genomic polymerase chain reaction using DNA from a single worm revealed that the single worm already had four sets of cDNAs. The EW29 protein showed two features. First, the lectin was composed of two homologous domains (14,500 Da) showing 27% identity with each other. When each of the domains was separately expressed in Escherichia coli, the C-terminal domain was found to bind to asialofetuin-agarose as strongly as the whole protein, whereas the N-terminal domain did not bind and only retardation was observed. EW29 was found to exist as a monomer under non-denaturing conditions. It had significant hemagglutinating activity, which was inhibited by a wide range of galactose-containing saccharides. Second, EW29 contained multiple short conserved motifs, "Gly-X-X-X-Gln-X-Trp." Similar motifs have been found in many carbohydrate-recognizing proteins from an extensive variety of organisms, e.g. plant lectin ricin B-chain and Clostridium botulinum 33-kDa hemagglutinin. Therefore, these carbohydrate-recognition proteins appear to form a protein superfamily.

Soft tissue adaptability to hard tissues in facial profiles

The purpose of this study was to investigate soft tissue adaptability to hard tissue. A canonical correlation analysis was performed in an attempt to assess the relationships between hard tissue structure and soft tissue profile in the static state. For the dynamic study, multiple-regression analysis was performed to identify the changes of soft tissue profiles associated with the retraction of upper and lower incisors. The samples comprised lateral cephalograms from 297 Japanese women for the static canonical correlation analysis and 32 sets of lateral cephalograms of pre- and posttreatment adult orthodontic patients for the dynamic multiple-regression analysis. In the static state, the vertical dimension of lower facial height and the position of the lower incisors were associated with the thickness of the upper-lip vermilion and soft tissue B, and the horizontal relationships between upper- and lower-jaw positions were associated with the thickness of upper lips and of pogonion (soft tissue chin). In the dynamic state, the results indicated that the changes of stomion and lower lip could be predicted and strongly reflected the changes of the hard tissue. On the contrary, the change of the upper lip showed a weaker association with the hard tissue changes. Predictions of chin form described by the soft tissue B and soft tissue pogonion were less accurate than estimates of upper- and lower-lip form. Chin form was influenced by the hard tissue structures such as ANB angle and lower-facial height rather than by changes in lower- and upper-incisor retraction.

Missense mutation (C1263R) in the thyroglobulin gene causes congenital goiter with mild hypothyroidism by impaired intracellular transport

Metabolic abnormalities in thyroid hormonogenesis cause congenital goiter. Here we studied a case of mild hypothyroidism caused by a novel missense mutation in the thyroglobulin (TG) gene. A female patient underwent thyroidectomy twice at the age of 27 and 43 years because of gradual enlargement of the thyroid. By RNase cleavage assay and PCR direct sequencing we identified a thymine to cytosine transition at nucleotide 3828 (from the transcription start site) which causes amino acid change from cysteine to arginine at codon 1263. A pedigree study suggested autosomal recessive inheritance due to consanguineous marriage of her parents. Immunohistochemical study suggested impaired intracellular transport of the mutant TG. Sensitivity to endoglycosidase H confirmed that the mutant TG failed to reach the Golgi compartment. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses showed that formation of monomers and homodimers was defective with abundant high molecular-weight aggregates which are normally formed transiently after translation. To examine if the mutant TG is functionally defective, we separated thyroid tissue extract on a Biogel A5m column and measured T4 and T3 released from proteins in each fraction by treatment with proteinase K. Although thyroid hormones released per mole of the mutant TG protein did not decrease, those released per mg of total protein decreased. In conclusion, the missense mutation in the TG gene caused congenital goiter with mild hypothyroidism due to an altered protein structure which resulted in defective intracellular processing and premature degradation by "quality control" mechanisms. Although the tissue TG content was greatly reduced, the hypothyroidism was mild with slow progression of the goiter, because the mutant TG was a relatively good substrate for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones.

[The impact of low calcium dialysate (1.25 mmol/l; LCD) on bone metabolism in CAPD patients]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of LCD on bone metabolism, and assess the indication of LCD. Fourteen patients on CAPD (m = 8, f = 6) were converted to LCD following over 1 year on standard calcium dialysate (1.75 mmol/l; SCD) treatment, and followed for 1 year. The biochemical measurements included plasma levels of Ca, P, ALP, and i-PTH. The bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Ca-carbonate and calcitriol were administered to maintain plasma Ca levels within the normal range. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the i-PTH levels just before the conversion to LCD. Group 1; n = 5, i-PTH < 65. Group 2; n = 5, 65 < or = i-PTH < 200. Group 3; n = 4, 200 < or = i-PTH (pg/ml). Mean BMD Z scores decreased significantly in group 3. Mean serum i-PTH significantly increased in all groups. These results suggest that LCD is effective for treating adynamic bone disease, which is seen in high frequency in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. However, these results also pointed to the disadvantage of worsening the secondary hyperparathyroidism. In conclusion, LCD should be used carefully in patients whose i-PTH levels are high, because of the possibility of bone mineral loss.

Intracranial pressure monitoring using a newly developed transducer-tipped ventricular drainage catheter

A transducer-tipped ventricular drainage catheter (TVDC) was developed to allow continuous measurement of intracranial pressure (i.c.p.) without interrupting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. The 8.5 Fr catheter with a double lumen has 16 side holes for CSF drainage and a small silicone strain-gauge transducer on the side of the catheter tip to measure the ICP directly. The transducer is composed of a 2 x 1 mm2 silicone plate. Calibration must be performed before insertion. The calibrated catheter is inserted into the ventricles, usually via the anterior horn of the lateral ventricles to the foramen of Monro. Recalibration is not necessary even if the patient's head is tilted. The TVDC was applied to patients in whom ICP was suspected to be high and in whom the ventricles were large enough for tapping. The ICP wave form and values measured by the TVDC and the manometer method were equivalent. The drift phenomenon did not occur throughout the entire measurement period. The TVDC is very useful for both controlling and monitoring ICP.

Glucocorticoid regulation of adrenomedullin in a rat model of endotoxic shock

Wistar rats were injected intravenously with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and developed endotoxic shock with severe hypotension. This was accompanied by significantly elevated concentrations of adrenomedullin (AM) in the plasma and expression of high levels of AM mRNA in the lung. Pretreatment of the rats with dexamethasone (DEX) prevented hypotension caused by LPS administration, but plasma AM concentrations and AM mRNA levels in the lung remained elevated. Adrenalectomized (ADX) rats developed a more severe form of circulatory shock in response to a low-dose of LPS. This was accompanied by only a slight increase in circulating AM in the plasma. However, pretreatment of ADX rats with DEX caused substantial elevations of plasma AM concentrations and expression of AM mRNA in the lung. Our studies demonstrate that glucocorticoid upregulates the expression and secretion of AM in vivo, and endogenous glucocorticoid is required for increased AM secretion under certain conditions such as endotoxic shock.

Expression of carbohydrate antigens, p80NPM/ALK, cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, and Epstein-Barr virus gene products in anaplastic large cell lymphomas

The expression of carbohydrate antigens, including sialyl Lewis X (SLEX) and BNH9 antigen, the nucleophosmin (NPM)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein (p80NPM/ALK), cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene products in CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods. The expression of SLEX and BNH9 antigen in ALCL was examined using CSLEX1 and BNH9, which specifically react with SLEX and oligosaccharides (H and Y haptens), respectively. SLEX was expressed in seven of 12 ALCL and BNH9 was positive for five of 12 ALCL. With respect to the relationship between SLEX and BNH9 expression in ALCL, some ALCL expressed both antigens, which suggests that they might have an increased or preserved activity of glycosyltransferase that is responsible for the synthesis of the type I or type II core sequences, although other ALCL expressed either SLEX or BNH9. To detect p80NPM/ALK in ALCL, the sections were immunostained with an anti-p80 antibody. Three of 12 ALCL expressed the NPM/ALK-encoded p80 protein. All three ALCL positive for p80NPM/ALK expressed SLEX and two of them were stained with BNH9, which raised the possibility that p80 overexpression may be involved in the aberrant expression of type I or type II chains with varying degrees of fucosylation or sialylation. While the expression of cytotoxic cell-associated antigens such as CD8, CD56 and T cell intercellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) in ALCL was immunohistochemically examined, none of the 12 ALCL expressed CD56 and only one case expressed CD8. TIA-1 was expressed in seven of 12 ALCL. Four of five BNH9-positive cases expressed TIA-1, suggesting that BNH9-positive cases tended to have TIA-1. In situ hybridization studies using an EBV-encoded RNA-1 (EBER-1) probe were performed on 12 ALCL to detect EBV in the lymphoma cells. EBER-1 signals were detected in the small lymphocytes but not in the lymphoma cells of two ALCL. However, latent membrane protein 1 immunoreactivity was found in one case. These results appear to indicate that there is no strong association between EBV and ALCL.

Induction of nitric oxide and tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis by lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus in vascular smooth muscle cells

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a component of the membrane of gram-positive bacteria, induces an isoform of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) in vascular smooth muscle; this process may be associated with the vascular failure observed in gram-positive septic shock. The aim of the present work was to study the cellular mechanisms involved in the induction of NO synthesis by LTA from Staphylococcus aureus in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. LTA induces the gene expression of iNOS and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) as well as the formation of NO and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), effects which are synergistic with interferon-gamma. 2,4-Diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), a selective inhibitor of GTPCH, inhibits both the increase in cellular levels of BH4 as well as the concomitant formation of NO caused by LTA in combination with interferon-gamma. This inhibition by DAHP is reversed by co-addition of sepiapterin which is a substrate for BH4 synthesis. Thus, BH4 synthesis is an absolute requirement for the induction of NO synthesis by LTA in vascular smooth muscle. Our findings also suggest that interrupting pterin synthesis may be an effective target for pharmacologic interventions aimed at limiting NO overproduction in gram-positive shock.

Capillary affinophoresis of pea lectin with polyliganded affinophores: a model study of divalent-polyvalent interactions

Affinophoresis is a type of affinity electrophoresis using an affinophore, a soluble ionic carrier bearing affinity ligand(s). It was reported previously that an affinophore, prepared by coupling multiple p-aminophenyl alpha-D-mannoside ligands to a part of the carboxyl groups of succinylated polylysine, specifically changed the mobility of pea lectin in agarose gel. The affinophoresis of this divalent lectin with the polyliganded affinophore was investigated by using capillary electrophoresis. Analysis of the mobility change of the lectin in the presence of differently modified affinophores showed that the affinity was larger for affinophores having higher ligand density. Analysis of the inhibition of the mobility change by a neutral ligand, with a known affinity constant for the lectin, allowed estimation of the contributions of monovalent and divalent interactions to the binding in the lectin-affinophore complex. The proportion of divalent complexes was greater for affinophores having higher ligand density. This approach to estimate the contribution of divalency in complex formation should be generally applicable to the analysis of divalent interactions with different techniques other than electrophoresis.

Morphological variation of the frontal sinus in Melanesian (Fiji) and Polynesian (Western Samoa) populations

The aims of this study were to investigate gender differences in frontal sinus morphology and to estimate differences between Fijian and Western Samoan populations. Cephalograms of 118 Fijians (59 male, 59 female), 80 W. Samoans (33 male, 47 female) and 89 Japanese (60 male, 29 female) were used in this study. The thickness of the frontal sinus and the convexity of glabella in males were found to be larger than those of females in each population. The angle of Sg-N-G in the Fijians was larger than that of the Western Samoans and Japanese. In order to compare the frontal sinus morphology among populations, Mahalanobis' generalized distances were calculated on the basis of the five distance diameters. The results indicate that gender is separated by the first axis which indicates the overall size. Japanese samples were separated from South Pacific samples by the second axis which indicates the shape factor. In populational discrimination, there was a higher percentage of correct discriminations of the females of the males. In conclusion, gender difference was recognized in the size of the frontal sinus, and the populational differences were shown in the shape factor between Melanesian and Polynesian populations, and also between South Pacific and Japanese populations.

New enzymatic synthesis of 6(3)-modified maltooligosaccharides and their inhibitory activities for human alpha-amylases

Ten new 6(3)-modified maltopentaoses and tetraoses were synthesized by enzymatic reactions utilizing cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.19) and subsequent human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA) (EC 3.2.1.1). Among these compounds, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-D-glucopyranose (11) and alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-D-glucopyranose (12) showed strong inhibitory activities for human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) and HSA. The IC50 of 6(3)-deoxymaltopentaose 11 (8.0 x 10(-5) M for HPA, 1.0 x 10(-4) M for HSA) and 6(3)-deoxymaltotetraose 12 (2.0 x 10(-3) M for HPA, 2.0 x 10(-3) M for HSA) were lower than that of 6(3)-deoxymaltotriose [(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-alpha-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-D-glucopyranose 13; 2.0 x 10(-3) M for HPA, 4.2 x 10(-2) M for HSA].

Capillary affinophoresis as a versatile tool for the study of biomolecular interactions: a mini-review

Combination of capillary electrophoresis and bioaffinity interaction gave rise to powerful research tools for analyzing molecular recognition. They take advantages of the electrophoretic behavior of the complex formed between a target biomolecule and a specially designed mobile ligand molecule (affinophore or affinity probe), and enable detection of complex formation, determination of the equilibrium constants and stoichiometry, etc.

Comparative study of craniofacial morphology and bite force in Fijians and Japanese

An anthropological survey was conducted in Fiji in 1994 and 1995 to study dental arch form, craniofacial morphology, and bite force of Fijians. Measurements were obtained from dental casts, cephalograms, and thin pressure-sensitive sheets (Dental Prescale®) for bite force analysis. Results were compared with those of Japanese. In every direction, the size of the dental arch in Fijians was larger than in Japanese. Fijians displayed longer palates, longer mandibles, and bimaxillary protrusion. There was no significant difference in upper and lower facial heights. FH to lower incisor angle in Fijians was significantly larger than in Japanese. Fijians were characterized by a small palatal plane angle, occlusal plane angle and mandibular plane angle, and were thus brachyfacial. The Japanese tended to be more dolichofacial. The distances from the Cd line to the pterygoid muscles, masseter muscles, and teeth in Fijians were significantly longer than in Japanese. Occlusal contact areas of Fijians were also greater than those of Japanese. The results indicate that the masticatory muscles and craniofacial morphologies supporting them would be better integrated in Fijians than in Japanese. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:63-72, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Dental arch form in three Pacific populations: a comparison with Japanese and Australian aboriginal samples

The purpose of this study was to provide information about arch shape variations among South Pacific populations. The application of Fourier transforms, Y(phi i) = ao/2 + sigma (aicos phi i + bisin phi i) was used to separate two components of variation; size and shape. Dental arch size can be described by one coefficient (ao), while the shape can be summarized by the first three harmonics (amp1-3) in the Fourier series. The materials used in this study were dental casts of South Pacific populations (Fiji, Western Samoa and Kiribati), Australian Aboriginals and Japanese. Fijians, Western Samoans and Kiribati people have larger upper and lower dental arches than that of Japanese. These populations were separated by the arch size and first Fourier amplitudes which showed the arch depth/width ratio. The Fijian upper and lower dental arches were significantly larger than those found in other populations and was characterized by a wide posterior arch breadth. The Western Samoan and Kiribati arch shape was more similar to the Japanese arch shape than the Fijian. Distribution patterns of arch shape characteristics in these populations showed the same tendencies in the upper and lower arches.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate inhibits cytokine-induced VCAM-1 gene expression in rat cardiac myocytes

We investigated whether interleukin-1alpha (IL-1) would induce gene expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in cardiac myocytes and, if so, whether nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) was involved. We evaluated the VCAM-1 gene expression in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. IL-1 alone or together with interferon-gamma (IFN) induced VCAM-1 gene expression in the cells. Induction of VCAM-1 gene expression in response to IL-1 and IFN was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NF-kappa b activation (25-100 microM). Tosyl-lysine-chloromethyl ketone, another inhibitor of NF-kappa b activation, also inhibited the expression of the VCAM-1 gene in response to IL-1 and IFN. Thus, VCAM-1 gene expression appeared to be mediated by NF-kappa b in cardiac myocytes, and this cardiac myocyte VCAM-1 may be involved in cardiac inflammatory disorders. Disruption of expression of VCAM-1 by inhibition of NF-kappa b activation may indicate a target for pharmacologic intervention intended to limit cardiac inflammation.

[Significance of residual renal functions of patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis]

It is generally accepted that residual renal function remains well-preserved longer with CAPD than with hemodialysis. However, consideration and impact of the contributory effects of residual renal function on the adequacy of renal replacement therapy has not been well defined. In this report, creatinine clearance (Ccr), Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) and urinary excretion of uremic solutes were studied in 26 stable CAPD patients with a four-bag exchange. Weekly Ccr, weekly Kt/V and nPCR were 62.3 +/- 20.2 l/week/1.73 m2, 1.77 +/- 0.35, and 0.90 +/- 0.13 g/kg/day, respectively. These parameters correlated significantly with the daily urine volume. The weekly Ccr and Kt/V of anuric patients seemed to be inadequate. Urinary excretion of urea nitrogen, Cr, Na, Cl, Pi and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) were dependent upon the daily urine volume. Significant phosphorus and beta 2-MG excretion seemed to have an effect on the prevention of bone and joint complications, because serum iPTH and beta 2-MG levels increased after the patients fell into an anuric state. It was suggested from this study that CAPD should be started before the patient loses residual renal function because four bag exchange as the standard CAPD prescription might not be adequate once the patient loses urine excretion.

Glucocorticoid regulation of nitric oxide and tetrahydrobiopterin in a rat model of endotoxic shock

Wistar rats injected intravenously with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) developed endotoxic shock with severe hypotension, significantly elevated concentrations of NOx (nitrate and nitrite) and biopterin in the plasma, and lung expression of high levels of the mRNAs for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH). Pretreatment of the rats with dexamethasone (DEX) prevented the hypotension, attenuated the increase in plasma NOx and biopterin concentrations, and significantly inhibited the increase in lung biopterin content caused by LPS treatment. DEX also inhibited the induction of iNOS mRNA but not GTPCH mRNA. Adrenalectomized (ADX) rats developed a more severe form of circulatory shock in response to low-dose LPS accompanied by a substantial increase in circulating NOx as well as biopterin, which was prevented by pretreatment with DEX. Thus, glucocorticoids may protect against endotoxic shock by inhibiting the induction of NO synthesis, not only by attenuating iNOS protein induction but also by limiting biopterin availability. Although endogenous glucocorticoids may inhibit the production of NO as well as biopterin after LPS in rats, the mechanisms for these effects appear to be different.

A general method to design dominant negatives to B-HLHZip proteins that abolish DNA binding

We describe a method to design dominant-negative proteins (D-N) to the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (B-HLHZip) family of sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factors. The D-Ns specifically heterodimerize with the B-HLHZip dimerization domain of the transcription factors and abolish DNA binding in an equimolar competition. Thermal denaturation studies indicate that a heterodimer between a Myc B-HLHZip domain and a D-N consisting of a 12-amino acid sequence appended onto the Max dimerization domain (A-Max) is -6.3 kcal.mol-1 more stable than the Myc:Max heterodimer. One molar equivalent of A-Max can totally abolish the DNA binding activity of a Myc:Max heterodimer. This acidic extension also has been appended onto the dimerization domain of the B-HLHZip protein Mitf, a member of the transcription factor enhancer binding subfamily, to produce A-Mitf. The heterodimer between A-Mitf and the B-HLHZip domain of Mitf is -3.7 kcal.mol-1 more stable than the Mitf homodimer. Cell culture studies show that A-Mitf can inhibit Mitf-dependent transactivation both in acidic extension and in a dimerization-dependent manner. A-Max can inhibit Myc-dependent foci formation twice as well as the Max dimerization domain (HLHZip). This strategy of producing D-Ns may be applicable to other B-HLHZip or B-HLH proteins because it provides a method to inhibit the DNA binding of these transcription factors in a dimerization-specific manner.

Production of granulocyte/macrophage and macrophage colony-stimulating factors by human thyrocytes in culture

Monocytes/macrophages can be activated by the colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), granulocyte/macrophage CSF and macrophage CSF, and play a pivotal role in immune and inflammatory responses. We examined whether human thyrocytes can produce these CSFs. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) strongly up-regulated the gene and protein expression of the two CSFs. Interferon-gamma stimulated M-CSF expression but inversely suppressed GM-CSF expression in either basal or IL-1-stimulated condition. Thyrocytes prepared from Graves' thyroid tissues produced relatively larger amounts of GM-CSF in response to IL-1 and M-CSF in both basal and IL-1-stimulated conditions when compared to those obtained from normal and adenomatous goiter thyroid tissues. Thyrotropin attenuated M-CSF, but not GM-CSF, production. The present finding indicates that human thyrocytes themselves produce both GM-CSF and M-CSF, and thus may participate in immune and inflammatory responses through these CSFs production.

GTP cyclohydrolase I mRNA induction and tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis in human endothelial cells

The key role of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in the synthesis of nitric oxide by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) has been demonstrated. We characterized the induction of BH4 synthesis in a cell line (ECV) derived from HUVEC and primary HUVEC. A significant induction of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) mRNA was observed in response to TNF, IL-1beta, and IFNgamma in ECV and HUVEC. The induction of GTPCH mRNA was abolished by actinomycin D. The cytokines led to an increased accumulation of BH4 in ECV. This effect was prevented by 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine, a selective inhibitor of GTPCH, as well as by actinomycin D and by cycloheximide. Results provide evidence for an increase in GTPCH activity and in BH4 levels in response to immunostimulants in human endothelial cells.

Localization of rat CD1 transcripts and protein in rat tissues--an analysis of rat CD1 expression by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

CD1 molecules are cell surface glycoproteins non-covalently associated with beta2-microglobulin. Recently, functional features of the CD1 family such as a target ligand and an antigen-presenting structure for T cells have been reported. In the current study, tissue distribution of rat CD1 was analysed by in situ hybridization (ISH) in conjunction with immunohistochemistry to clarify the precise localization of both transcripts and proteins. CD1 transcripts were detected by ISH in a variety of organs: spleen, thymus, liver, lung, heart, kidney, small intestine and skin. In most organs, CD1 immunoreactivity paralleled the amount of CD1 mRNA expression and was localized in the same regions as its gene transcripts. However, there was a clear difference between the level of rat CD1 transcription and protein expression in the small intestine. CD1 mRNA was detected in the enterocytes of crypts of Lieberkuhn, but not in those of the intestinal villi, while immunoreactivity of CD1 protein was observed in the cells of the intestinal villi but not in those of crypts of Lieberkuhn. This suggests that CD1 gene transcription occurs in the enterocytes of intestinal crypts, and that as the cells of intestinal crypts migrate from the crypts to the intestinal villi, CD1 proteins are synthesized and accumulated in the intestinal villi. Such CD1 expression in the enterocytes appears to be consistent with migration-associated differentiation, and suggests that rat CD1 may take part in mucosal immunity as a first line of defence. In addition, clear cell membrane CD1 immunoreactivity on lymphoid cells raises the possibility that intercellular interaction via rat CD1 and T cell receptors may be involved in both lymphoid cell differentiation and immunoregulation.

Induction of tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis in rat cardiac myocytes: impact on cytokine-induced NO generation

Because tetra-hydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for nitric oxide (NO) formation, we investigated whether BH4 synthesis is required for cytokine-induced NO production in cultured rat cardiac myocytes. The total biopterin content of untreated cardiac myocytes was below our limit of detection. However, treatment with interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) + interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) caused a significant rise in biopterin levels and induced NO synthesis. 2,4-Diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), a selective inhibitor of GTP cyclohydrolase I (the rate-limiting enzyme for de novo BH4 synthesis), completely abolished the elevation in biopterin levels induced by IL-1 alpha + IFN-gamma. DAHP also caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of (IL-1 alpha + IFN-gamma)-induced NO synthesis. Similarly, N-acetylserotonin, an inhibitor of the BH4 synthetic enzyme sepiapterin reductase, blocked increases in biopterin levels as well as NO synthesis induced by IL-1 alpha + IFN-gamma. Sepiapterin, substrate for BH4 synthesis via the pterin salvage pathway, prevented this inhibition by DAHP or N-acetylserotonin, and this effect was blocked by methotrexate. Sepiapterin and, to a lesser extent, BH4 dose dependently enhanced (IL-1 alpha + IFN-gamma)-induced NO synthesis, suggesting that the concentration of BH4 limits the rate of NO production. Inducible NO synthase mRNA and GTP cyclohydrolase I mRNA were induced by IL-1 alpha + IFN-gamma in parallel. We thus demonstrate that BH4 synthesis is an absolute requirement for induction of NO synthesis by cytokines in cardiac myocytes.

The two lectin domains of the tandem-repeat 32-kDa galectin of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have different binding properties. Studies with recombinant protein

Some properties of recombinant proteins derived from the 32-kDa galectin isolated from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which lectin is composed of two tandemly repeated homologous domains [Hirabayashi et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 15485], were studied in order to elucidate the function of this unique polypeptide architecture. We expressed the whole molecule (N32), the N-terminal lectin domain (Nh), and the C-terminal lectin domain (Ch) in Escherichia coli using the expression vector pET21a. All of the recombinant proteins were bound by asialofetuin-Sepharose. CD spectra of the recombinant proteins indicated all of them to be rich in beta-structure and properly refolded. Gel filtration on an HPLC column suggested that all of them existed as monomers. Neither Nh nor Ch seemed to form dimers, in contrast to vertebrate proto-type galectins. Only N32 showed hemagglutination activity towards trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes. Comparison of the affinity of N32, Nh, and Ch for asialofetuin-Sepharose by frontal affinity chromatography [Kasai et al. (1986) J. Chromatogr. 376, 33] showed that Ch has 7-fold weaker affinity than N32, and Nh proved to have still weaker affinity. Since the Asn residue in the CRD (carbohydrate recognition domain), which is conserved in all other galectins, is substituted by Ser in the case of Nh, these data suggest that the two CRDs in this tandem-repeat galectin have different sugar binding properties and that the 32-kDa galectin may serve as a heterobifunctional crosslinker.

Cephalometric analysis of masseter muscle and dentoskeletal morphology in dentate and edentulous humans

A study was done to clarify the attachment position of the superficial masseter muscle and its relationship with craniofacial morphology in dentate and edentulous subjects. Data were obtained from lateral cephalometric radiographs of a total of 39 cadavers in which the superficial masseter muscle had been defined with colloidal barium. Principal component analysis provided evidence that the lower masseter muscle width was associated with the size of the ramus, and related to the position of the anterior margin of the muscle. Linear discriminant function data suggested that ramus width, coronoid height and the distance between the anterior margin of the masseter muscle and the mandibular notch contributed most to the observed difference between dentate and edentulous subjects. The derived function correctly assigned 100% of dentate and 95% of edentulous subjects. The results of this study indicated that a reduction of masticatory function was associated with the position of the anterior border of the masseter muscle insertion and also with differences in ramus dimension, the most significant of which were differences in the coronoid process and gonial angle. In general, age was not a significant determinant of variation in superficial masseter muscle dimensions or orientation.

Role of nuclear factor kappa B in cytokine-induced nitric oxide and tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis in rat neonatal cardiac myocytes

The nitric oxide (NO) signalling pathway is thought to play a direct role in regulating the contractile properties of cardiac muscle both in vitro and in vivo. The inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS) mediates a sustained increase in NO production in response to cytokines in the cardiac myocytes; however, the regulation of NO synthesis in these cells remains poorly understood. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for NO formation. Cytokines induce the de novo synthesis of BH4 in cardiac myocytes, an event that is essential for the induction of NO synthesis. Activation of NO formation by cytokines in cardiac myocytes requires transcriptional induction of the genes that encode iNOS and guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), the first and rate-limiting enzyme in de novo BH4 synthesis. Given that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) mediates the induction of iNOS gene expression in various cell types, the role of NF-kappa B in the induction of iNOS in cytokine-stimulated rat neonatal cardiac myocytes was assessed by examining the effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation, on the abundance of iNOS mRNA and NO synthesis. The effects of PDTC on GTPCH mRNA abundance and biopterin synthesis were also investigated. PDTC inhibited in a dose-dependent manner both NO and BH4 synthesis induced by a combination of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN gamma), with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 22 muM. PDTC also prevented the accumulation of iNOS and GTPCH mRNAs induced by IL-1 alpha and IFN gamma. Cytokine-induced NO and BH4 synthesis was also inhibited by tosyl-lysine-chloromethyl ketone. another inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation. Results suggest that PDTC inhibits cytokine-induced NO and BH4 synthesis by inhibiting the expression of iNOS and GTPCH genes. Thus, the induction of both genes necessary for NO synthesis in cardiac myocytes appears to be regulated, at least in part, by a common mechanism: NF-kappa B activation.

[The effect of hypothermia on CSD propagation in rats]

In the cortical zone surrounding an ischemic or traumatic focus, CSD is a transient phenomenon involving interstitial ions, blood flow and metabolism and is believed to be completely reversible. However, it may extend to secondary brain injuries because CSD releases excitatory amino acids into the extracellular space. In order to prevent secondary brain injuries, it may be effective to block repeated CSD. This study was designed to determine whether hypothermia can block CSD propagation and whether this study is a potentially useful means for preventing secondary brain injuries. Male wistar rats weighing 270 g on average were used for the experiments. The animals were divided into two groups: hypothermic rats (33.5-34 degrees C, rectal temp.) and normothermic rats (37-37.5 degrees C). The changes in rCBF (regional Cerebral Blood Flow) were monitored in order to observe CSD. LDF (Laser Doppler Flowmetry) was used to measure rCBF. The two LDF probes were placed on the parietal cortex (4 mm apart). To elicit CSD, a needle stab injury was made on the cortex or a piece of paper soaked with 10% KCl was applied on the cortex. The velocity of CSD propagation was more prolonged in the hypothermic rats than in the normothermic rats (p < 0.01). There were smaller numbers of repeated CSD in the hypothermic rats than in the normothermic rats. Histological examination of the cerebral cortex revealed shrinkage neurons more distinctly in the normothermic rats than in hypothermic rats. From these results, we can speculate that hypothermic may block CSD propagation and that hypothermic therapy has the potential to prevent secondary brain injuries.

Relationship between maxillofacial morphology and morphological characteristics of vertical sections of the mandible obtained by CT scanning

A study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between morphological characteristics of vertical sections of the mandibular body and dentopfacial morphology. Cortical bone thickness, tooth inclination and bone inclination of the mandible were investigated. Among skeletal components, ANSMe distance was associated with the buccal cortical bone thickness of the P2 (second premolar) section. Gonial angle, SN to mandibular angle, and palatal to mandibular angle were negatively correlated with the buccal cortical bone thickness of P2 and M1 (first molar) sections. SNA and SNB which indicated the protrusion of the upper and lower jaws were positively correlated with the buccal cortical bone thickness of the M1 section. Among denture components, lower and upper incisor positions showed a significant negative correlation with the buccal cortical bone thickness of the P2 section. The interincisal angle was associated with the basal cortical bone thickness of the M2 (second molar) section. In summary, there were significant and complex relationships between the structures of the mandibular body and maxillofacial morphology. Facial types which relate to masticatory function are associated with the cortical bone thickness of the mandibular body.

Severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy: evolution of seizures

Changes in seizure type of severe myoclonic epilepsy (SME) in infancy were reviewed retrospectively in 14 patients (11 males and 3 females) who were followed-up to the age of 7 years or more. The observation period ranged from 5 to 16 years with a mean of 10 years. During the follow-up, three or four types of seizures were seen per patient, but the pattern of appearance and disappearance of each seizure type varied considerably among the patients. Tonic-clonic convulsion, either generalized or unilateral, was seen most consistently through the entire course, and it continued to the end of follow-up in 11 patients (79%). On the contrary, myoclonic seizure, complex partial seizure, and atypical absence often disappeared and reappeared repeatedly during the course. In SME, seizure symptoms varied widely among patients in comparison with other neurological symptoms, and the most consistent core seizure type was tonic-clonic convulsions.

Induction of p53 protein by carbon-ion and proton beam irradiation in two close human lymphoblastoid cell lines with different p53 status

In this study, we compared the kinetics of the postirradiation p53 protein expression for carbon ion beam (290 MeV/n, LET 75 keV/mu m) and proton beam (65 MeV) with that of (13)7Cs-gamma ray. We used two human lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from the same donor with different p53 status. Wild-type p53 protein increased after irradiation and it was dose-dependent. Meanwhile, the mutated p53 protein level did not show any increase with irradiation. With the three forms of radiation, there was no significant difference as regards the p53 protein kinetics.

Monoclonal antibodies against mouse splenic stromal cells

A panel of rat monoclonal antibodies directed against mouse splenic stromal cells were isolated. These monoclonal antibodies were immunohistochemically divided into four groups which reacted with non-lymphoid cells of the murine spleen; (I) in the white pulp, (II) at the marginal zone, (III) in the red pulp, and (IV) on the endothelium of splenic blood vessels. These monoclonal antibodies were studied immunohistochemically in lymphoid organs by means of light and electron microscopy. Monoclonal antibodies SS-4 (group I) reacted with fibroblastic reticulum cells that were distributed only in the white pulp of the spleen and in the follicular areas of lymph nodes. The SS-4 staining cell, in clustered splenic stromal cells, formed colonies which included a small number of Thy-1 positive lymphocytes. Therefore, we concluded that SS-4 staining stromal cells comprise the lymphoid compartment. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies SS-1, SS-3 and SS-5 (group II) reacted with dendritic shaped cells in the marginal zone of the spleen. Examination of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in mice rescued by bone marrow transplantation after lethal irradiation revealed that SS-3 and SS-5 reacted with dendritic shaped stromal cells in clonal nodules of engrafted marrow in the red pulp. SS-3 and SS-5 staining cells could not be observed in physiologic hematopoiesis of non-transplanted mice. It was suggested that SS-3 and SS-5 staining stromal cells are involved in primitive hematopoiesis. Monoclonal antibodies SS-2, SS-6 and SS-7 (group III) mainly reacted with dendritic cells and macrophages in the red pulp. Monoclonal antibodies SS-B and SS-9 (group IV) reacted with endothelial cells of blood vessels and sinuses. These findings of heterogeneity in mouse splenic stromal cells are further evidence that specific micro-environments are composed by specialized stromal cells.

Induction of NO synthesis by lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus in J774 macrophages: involvement of a CD14-dependent pathway

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a wall fragment of gram-positive bacteria, induces an isoform of NO synthase (iNOS) in vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages which produces large quantities of NO and profound vasodilation in rats; this process may be involved in the cause of gram-positive septic shock. This study investigates the effect of LTA from Staphylococcus aureus on NO synthesis and iNOS mRNA induction in a mouse macrophage cell line (J774). LTA caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in NO production and a marked induction of iNOS mRNA. The induction of NO synthesis and iNOS gene expression in response to LTA was significantly inhibited by an anti-mouse CD14 monoclonal antibody. Studies utilizing a mutant cell line (J7.DEF3), which is defective in the expression of a CD14 antigen, showed that the increase in NO and iNOS mRNA caused by LTA is profoundly depressed in J7.DEF3 cells compared to that in parent J774 cells. In contrast, interferon-gamma produced a similar concentration-dependent increase in NO formation in both cell types. Thus, CD14 is involved in the signal transduction events leading to the enhanced expression of iNOS mRNA and activity elicited by LTA in murine macrophages. We propose that agents which block CD14-dependent events may be useful therapeutics in gram-positive shock.

Induction of mRNAs for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 in cultured rat cardiac myocytes and myocardium in vivo

We evaluated the expression of mRNAs for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and in the rat heart by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with gene specific primers. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma induced gene expression for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 in cultured cardiac myocytes. While mRNA for any of these adhesion molecules was very low or negligible in hearts of control rats, the three mRNAs were substantially induced in hearts 3h after the injection of LPS. Results show that mRNAs for the three inducible adhesion molecules are expressed in cultured cardiac myocytes and rat heart tissues and are enhanced by immune stimulation, suggesting their involvement in cardiac inflammatory disorders.

Effect of oxygen concentration and free radicals on in vitro development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

The effects of free radicals and hypotaurine on the development of bovine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization of in vitro-matured oocytes were examined. Embryos that developed to the 4- to 6-cell stage after in vitro fertilization were cultured without feeder cells in TCM199 medium supplemented with 1% calf serum (CS) under either 5% CO2 in air or 5% O2, 5% CO2 and 90% N2. The percentages of blastocysts (including early, expanding, and hatched stages) that developed under 5% O2 was higher (P < .01) than the percentage of those that developed under 20% O2. The respective percentages in 5% vs 20% O2 concentration were as follows: blastocysts (d 8), 49% vs 17%; expanded blastocysts (d 8), 19% vs 6%; hatched blastocysts (d 10), 16% vs 0%. The development of embryos to blastocysts was suppressed (P < .05) when oxygen radicals were generated in culture medium by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) under both 5% and 20% O2. The addition of hypotaurine permitted the development of embryos to blastocyst stage in medium with AAPH only under 5% O2 (P < .05), but superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not permit the development of embryos to blastocysts. Alternatively, when embryos were cultured in medium without AAPH, the rates of development into blastocysts under 20% O2 increased (P < .05) by the addition of hypotaurine and SOD. However, under 5% O2, the rates of blastocyst formation were not improved by addition of hypotaurine and SOD. Moreover, the cell numbers of blastocysts cultured in medium containing hypotaurine were greater (P < .01) than those of blastocysts cultured in medium without hypotaurine. It is concluded that hypotaurine may exert beneficial effects on in vitro development of bovine embryos under both 20% O2 and 5% O2 of gaseous conditions.

RT1.P, rat class Ib genes related to mouse TL: evidence that CD1 molecules but not authentic TL antigens are expressed by rat thymus

CD1 and TL were once thought to be genetic homologues because of their thymus-specific expression. We investigated their equivalents in the rat to clarify whether their structure and pattern of expression are conserved in rodents. Two rat class Ib genes, containing 3' sequences very similar to mouse TL, were identified and designated RT1.P. Neither of them, however, can encode ordinary class I molecules due to the accumulation of harmful mutations in the 5' regions that are unique to RT1.P, while the 3' TL-like regions still retain protein-coding capacity. Comparison of the structural organization of three types of TL family genes, which include mouse T3/T18-encoding TL antigens, mouse T1/T16, and rat RT1. P1/P2 pseudogenes, revealed the presence of a clear demarcation between the type-specific and TL-specific sequences at intron 3. This finding suggests that recombination plays an important role in creating the TL family genes in rodents. Characteristic features of TL, such as a low level of polymorphism and linkage to the major histocompatibility complex, were also observed in the rat. On the other hand, rat CD1 molecules were expressed at a high level on the surface of thymocytes. Absence of authentic TL antigens and thymic expression of CD1d molecules in the rat suggest the plasticity and conservation of class Ib genes in rodent evolution. Functions of TL may be substituted with CD1 or other class Ib molecules expressed by rat thymus.

Decreased production of nitric oxide by LPS-treated J774 macrophages in high-glucose medium

We investigated the effect of high glucose levels on nitric oxide (NO) production by J774 macrophages treated with LPS. High concentrations of glucose inhibited the accumulation of nitrite, an indicator of NO production, and the steady state levels of inducible NO synthase mRNA were significantly reduced. While phorbol myrystate acetate mimicked the inhibition of NO production by glucose, the aldose reductase inhibitor ONO2235 did not alter NO production under normal or high glucose conditions. High glucose levels also prevented the increase in cellular levels of tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential cofactor of NO synthase. The reduction of inducible NO production by elevated glucose levels may therefore be involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes.

Evaluation of new primers for CSF1PO

We describe new primers for the detection of the STR polymorphism at the CSF1PO locus. These primers have been designed to produce shorter amplicons (150-182 bp) than the primers in standard use (295-327 bp). The reliability of the new primers for CSF1PO typing has been demonstrated by testing on known samples and by sequence analysis. These primers are superior to the original primers with regard to electrophoretic resolution and utility for typing of severely degraded DNA.