Relation of mood ratings and neurohormonal responses during daily life in employed women

Diurnal variations in urinary norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, and self-reported mood states were examined in 101 employed women. Urine was collected on 2 consecutive workdays at 3 time periods: (1) overnight, (2) daytime, and (3) evening. Self-reports of 14 mood states were combined to correspond with the urinary collection periods. Factor analyses revealed 3 mood factors: Pressured (rushed, busy, stressed, hassled, and tense), Distressed (afraid, depressed, bored, and nervous), and Contented (satisfied, thoughtful, excited, and calm). The Distressed factor was significantly associated with norepinephrine excretion (p <.001). The Pressured factor was significantly associated with cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine excretion (p <.001) independent of age, ethnicity, marital status, parental status, department within the company and activity level. Secretion of urinary hormones and the Pressured factor followed the same diurnal pattern. Specifically, as women's self-ratings of feeling pressured initially increased and then decreased over the course of the workday, urinary hormones also peaked and then dropped. Once time of day was statistically controlled, however, the mood factors were no longer significantly related to the urinary hormones.

Surgical treatment of anterior callosal tumors

OBJECTIVE

Thirteen patients with neoplasm of anterior corpus callosum have undergone our observation during the last two years.

METHODS

For the diagnosis, all the patients underwent TC, NMR and stereotactic biopsy. In 6 cases with glioblastomas, a radiation treatment was adopted. The other 7 patients underwent total surgical treatment in 5 cases, and partial in 2 cases, as documented by postoperative contrast-enhanced CT scanning. Histologically, there were: 3 glioblastomas, 1 grade III astrocytoma, 1 neuroblastoma (PNET), 2 pilocytic astrocytomas.

RESULTS

Neuropsychological tests carried out on the 5 patients still living showed persistent disturbances of verbal memory in all five and disturbances of verbal phonological fluency in 3 cases. No patient presented apraxia, dysgraphia and dyslexia.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, no severe neuropsychological deficits developed after surgical treatment of anterior callosal tumors.

Cholinergic stimulation of human microcytoma cell line H69

Experiments were addressed to investigate the mechanisms by which cholinergic stimulation is coupled to the enhancement of proliferation of small cell lung cancer cells H69. Muscarinic stimulation triggers the release of cytosolic Ca2+ and of inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate with comparable time courses. The presence of alpha-bungarotoxin or the absence of Ca2+ in external medium suppresses enhancement of clonal growth induced by brief applications of nicotine. Here we suggest that Ca2+ mobilization represents a trigger for the enhancement of small cell lung cancer cell proliferation upon cholinergic stimulation.

Expression of trKB neurotrophin receptor during T cell development. Role of brain derived neurotrophic factor in immature thymocyte survival

The relationships between the nervous and the immune systems raise the question of whether neurotrophic factors, in addition to the regulation of neural cell ontogeny, may influence lymphocyte development. We report in this work that the pattern of neurotrophin receptor expression depends on the developmental stage of T cells. The presence of nerve growth factor receptor trkA could not be detected in any of the thymocyte subsets, whereas brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor trkB was expressed in all thymocyte subpopulations. Interestingly, both trkB mRNA and protein expression inversely correlated with the maturation stage and the differentiation potential of thymocytes, being more expressed in CD4-8- immature thymocytes and progressively declining in CD8+ and CD4+ single-positive and CD4+8+ more mature thymocytes. The developmentally regulated expression of trkB is further shown by the inhibition or enhancement of trkB expression induced by signals that either trigger or impair the transition from immature to more differentiated stages of the thymocyte developmental pathway. Signals generated following the interaction of BDNF with trkB receptor resulted in the stimulation of trkB autophosphorylation and in the up-regulation of the expression of the c-fos gene in CD4-8- cells and enhanced thymocyte survival. Finally, BDNF is expressed in thymic stroma and is further up-regulated by signals generated by the thymocyte/stromal cell interaction. These data suggest that BDNF may be a novel survival factor for thymocyte precursors and support the presence of developmentally regulated feedback mechanisms based on autocrine/paracrine neurotrophin/receptor interactions that may be involved in the thymocyte differentiation process.

Expression of trKB neurotrophin receptor during T cell development. Role of brain derived neurotrophic factor in immature thymocyte survival

The relationships between the nervous and the immune systems raise the question of whether neurotrophic factors, in addition to the regulation of neural cell ontogeny, may influence lymphocyte development. We report in this work that the pattern of neurotrophin receptor expression depends on the developmental stage of T cells. The presence of nerve growth factor receptor trkA could not be detected in any of the thymocyte subsets, whereas brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor trkB was expressed in all thymocyte subpopulations. Interestingly, both trkB mRNA and protein expression inversely correlated with the maturation stage and the differentiation potential of thymocytes, being more expressed in CD4-8- immature thymocytes and progressively declining in CD8+ and CD4+ single-positive and CD4+8+ more mature thymocytes. The developmentally regulated expression of trkB is further shown by the inhibition or enhancement of trkB expression induced by signals that either trigger or impair the transition from immature to more differentiated stages of the thymocyte developmental pathway. Signals generated following the interaction of BDNF with trkB receptor resulted in the stimulation of trkB autophosphorylation and in the up-regulation of the expression of the c-fos gene in CD4-8- cells and enhanced thymocyte survival. Finally, BDNF is expressed in thymic stroma and is further up-regulated by signals generated by the thymocyte/stromal cell interaction. These data suggest that BDNF may be a novel survival factor for thymocyte precursors and support the presence of developmentally regulated feedback mechanisms based on autocrine/paracrine neurotrophin/receptor interactions that may be involved in the thymocyte differentiation process.

Molecular cloning of TER1, a chemokine receptor-like gene expressed by lymphoid tissues

Several chemokine receptors have been cloned and shown to belong to a superfamily of seven transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptors. We report here the molecular cloning of TER1, a novel human chemokine receptor-like gene. The amino acid sequence deduced from the TER1 cDNA shows 43, 40, 40, and 39% identity to CCR4, CCR5, CCR1, and CCR2B beta chemokine receptors, respectively. By the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization, we have mapped the TER1 gene to chromosome 3p21, clustered with other chemokine receptor genes. By Northern blot analysis, TER1 mRNA is found to be expressed in the thymus, spleen, and at barely detectable levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Moreover, TER1 message in abundant in the NK cell line NK3.3 and in the T cell line MOLT-4. The restricted TER1 expression in cells and tissues of the lymphoid lineage suggests that this receptor may play a role in regulating immune functions.

Molecular cloning of TER1, a chemokine receptor-like gene expressed by lymphoid tissues

Several chemokine receptors have been cloned and shown to belong to a superfamily of seven transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptors. We report here the molecular cloning of TER1, a novel human chemokine receptor-like gene. The amino acid sequence deduced from the TER1 cDNA shows 43, 40, 40, and 39% identity to CCR4, CCR5, CCR1, and CCR2B beta chemokine receptors, respectively. By the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization, we have mapped the TER1 gene to chromosome 3p21, clustered with other chemokine receptor genes. By Northern blot analysis, TER1 mRNA is found to be expressed in the thymus, spleen, and at barely detectable levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Moreover, TER1 message in abundant in the NK cell line NK3.3 and in the T cell line MOLT-4. The restricted TER1 expression in cells and tissues of the lymphoid lineage suggests that this receptor may play a role in regulating immune functions.

Characterization of the cDNA and gene encoding human PDE3B, the cGIP1 isoform of the human cyclic GMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase family

Two distinct PDE3 [cyclic GMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (cGI PDE)] isoforms, cGIP1 and cGIP2, have been identified. Here we report cloning of the cDNA and gene encoding human (H)cGIP1 (classified as PDE3B). The cDNA encodes a protein of 1112 amino acids (approximately 123 kDa). Northern blots indicate that its mRNA is expressed in several adipose tissue depots. The human PDE3B gene is composed of 16 exons spanning more than 114 kb and was localized to chromosome 11p15 by in situ hybridization. Exon/intron boundaries were determined, and genetic polymorphism, confirmed by single-strand conformational polymorphism of DNA from 25 healthy subjects, was demonstrated in exon 4 at nucleotide 1389 (A/G). Two polymorphic dinucleotide repeat sequences were identified in introns 5 and 12.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus in the cervix of healthy women

The prevalence of some sexually transmitted viruses, possibly involved in cervical carcinogenesis, was studied in the cervix of women with normal cytology. The presence of human papillomaviruses (HPV) type 16 and 18, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes in cervical cells taken from 143 healthy Italian women was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study population was divided into four groups with respect to age as follows: group I, 17 to 25 years, n = 48 women; group II, 26 to 35 years, n = 30; group III, 36 to 50 years, n = 32; and group IV, 51 to 70 years, n = 33. In the first age group prevalence rates of HPV 16, CMV and EBV infection of 23%, 21% and 19% were found respectively. The infection rates of HPV 16 and CMV were shown to decrease with age, with prevalences of HPV 16 at 10% in the second group, 6% in the third and 3% in the fourth and of CMV at 13% in the second and third and 6% in the fourth groups. The prevalence of EBV infection did not decrease with increasing age (19% in the first and third groups, 20% in the second and 18% in the fourth). The occurrence of HPV 18 genome was very low (0-3%) and independent of age. In the first age group a higher percentage of double infections (16.6%) was found than in the three other age groups (6% in the second and third and 3% in the fourth). The finding of multiple infections in younger women requires further study in order to clarify the implications of such viral infections in healthy women and their contribution to the development of genital tract malignancies.

Bcl-2/bax mRNA expression ratio as prognostic factor in low-grade urinary bladder cancer

Apoptotic cell death represents an important mechanism for the precise regulation of cell numbers, and a defence mechanism against tumoral cell. bcl-2 and bax genes are known to be involved in the control of apoptotic pathways; in particular, the ratio between bcl-2 and bax represents a cell rheostat that is able to predict a cell's response toward life or death to an apoptotic stimulus. In the present study we investigated the role of bcl-2 and bax gene expression in a panel of 37 low-grade tumours of the urinary bladder, and correlated the expression of these genes to the prognosis of patients in a follow-up of more than one year. We found that levels of bax expression higher than bcl-2 in bladder tumours well correlates to a better outcome for patients. Early relapses are much more frequently observed in those patients whose tumours express more bcl-2 than bax mRNA. We conclude that the bcl-2/bax expression ratio may be considered as a marker for disease progression in low grade bladder tumours, independently of clinical staging and histological grading.

Modulation of fibronectin and thymic stromal cell-dependent thymocyte maturation by retinoic acid

Retinoic acid (RA) controls the differentiation of a variety of cell types, although its role in influencing T cell development and the mechanisms potentially involved have not been thoroughly investigated. To study the ability of RA to modulate T cell development, we established a thymic stromal cell line (TC-1S) that supports the phenotypic maturation of CD4-8- double negative (DN) or CD3-4-8- triple negative (TN) thymocyte precursors. Cocultures of either DN or TN thymocytes on a monolayer of TC-1S cells resulted in the appearance of thymocytes with a more mature phenotype (CD4+8+ double positive, CD4+ or CD8+ single positive, and CD3(low) cells). Double negative T cell contact with TC-1S cells also increased the production of fibronectin (FN) by the thymic stroma and the expression of the VLA-4 FN receptor on the DN cells. Ab-mediated inhibition of the interaction between FN and its receptors significantly reduced the level of induced T cell maturation. Addition of RA either to TC-1S cells alone or to the coculture with DN cells decreased stromal cell FN expression, antagonized DN cell-induced increase in stromal cell FN production and significantly inhibited in vitro thymocyte maturation. The effects of RA were likely mediated by RA acid receptors alpha and gamma expressed both in DN thymocytes and TC-1S cells. Together these data suggest that FN/VLA-4 interaction may be an important component of stromal cell-dependent thymocyte phenotypic differentiation and that this interaction can be one of the targets for the influence of RA in T cell development.

Modulation of fibronectin and thymic stromal cell-dependent thymocyte maturation by retinoic acid

Retinoic acid (RA) controls the differentiation of a variety of cell types, although its role in influencing T cell development and the mechanisms potentially involved have not been thoroughly investigated. To study the ability of RA to modulate T cell development, we established a thymic stromal cell line (TC-1S) that supports the phenotypic maturation of CD4-8- double negative (DN) or CD3-4-8- triple negative (TN) thymocyte precursors. Cocultures of either DN or TN thymocytes on a monolayer of TC-1S cells resulted in the appearance of thymocytes with a more mature phenotype (CD4+8+ double positive, CD4+ or CD8+ single positive, and CD3(low) cells). Double negative T cell contact with TC-1S cells also increased the production of fibronectin (FN) by the thymic stroma and the expression of the VLA-4 FN receptor on the DN cells. Ab-mediated inhibition of the interaction between FN and its receptors significantly reduced the level of induced T cell maturation. Addition of RA either to TC-1S cells alone or to the coculture with DN cells decreased stromal cell FN expression, antagonized DN cell-induced increase in stromal cell FN production and significantly inhibited in vitro thymocyte maturation. The effects of RA were likely mediated by RA acid receptors alpha and gamma expressed both in DN thymocytes and TC-1S cells. Together these data suggest that FN/VLA-4 interaction may be an important component of stromal cell-dependent thymocyte phenotypic differentiation and that this interaction can be one of the targets for the influence of RA in T cell development.

A novel p53 mutant in human breast cancer revealed by multiple SSCP analysis

DNA from tumor tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes of primary breast cancer patients was screened for the presence of p53 mutations. In DNA from one tumor we found that the histidine codon 193 (CAT) was somatically converted to arginine (CGT). This amino acid residue is highly conserved in many species, thus suggesting that such mutation plays an important role in the loss of wt-p53 function.

Acute intracerebral haemorrhage: circadian and circannual patterns of onset

Hypothesis of the circannual and circadian variation in onset of intracerebral haemorrhage (CH) was verified, by means of single cosinor method and chi-square test for goodness of fit, in 161 consecutive patients (94 men and 67 women) admitted into the Institute of Neurosurgery of Ferrara Hospital, Italy, over 9 years. The majority of CH occurred in the morning between 06.00 AM and 12.00 noon (36.7% of cases, p < 0.001); when considering the specific anatomical sites, typical supratentorial haemorrhages showed a similar pattern (37.4%, p = 0.01). A similar morning behavior was found when considering subgroups by sex (men 36.2%, women 37.3%), age > or = 60 years (42.5%), no presence of hypertension (39.7%), no presence of diabetes mellitus (33.3%) and non-smokers (30.4%). The results by cosinor analysis yielded a circadian rhythmicity both for total sample and, for the men's subgroup, with a morning peak at 11.44 and 11.25, respectively. For women, however, spectral analysis found a significant ultradian cycle, having a period of 12 h (p = 0.01). A circannual periodicity, with a prevalent peak in February, was found for total sample and males subgroups, too. The results of this study confirm that intracerebral haemorrhages present a characteristic circadian and circannual pattern in onset.

Detection of human papillomavirus type 16 DNA sequences in paraffin-embedded tissues from the female urinary tract

We investigated the presence of human papillomavirus-related DNA sequences (HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18) in 33 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies from the urinary tract of female patients with recurrent and persistent urethritis and cystitis, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The samples for PCR reaction were selected among tissues examined for histological diagnosis on the basis of the presence of microscopic changes consistent with HPV infection. Sequences homologous to HPV 6, 11 and 18 genome were not found, while HPV 16-related DNA sequences were identified in 25/33 lesions with histopathological diagnosis of metaplasia (1 from the urethra, 23 from the trigone and 1 from the bladder). The results suggest that the spread of HPV in the female urinary tract may not be uncommon and point to the need for further research on the possible pathogenic role in recurrent female disturbances.

High frequency of human papillomavirus detection in urinary bladder cancer

We investigated the presence of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) types 16 and 18 DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from the urinary bladder (46 transitional carcinomas and 10 non-neoplastic normal urinary samples) to find a possible role for HPV types in urinary tract cancerogenesis. The analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction followed by filter hybridization with oligonucleotide-specific probes. The HPV16 and/or HPV18 genomes were detected in 23 of 46 (50%) bladder carcinomas and in none of 10 (0%) non-neoplastic urinary samples. These results suggest that HPV16 and 18 may carry a risk for the development of malignancy in the urinary tract as it occurs in the anogenital regions.

Uridine and stimulant-induced motor activity

Chronic administration of uridine alters dopaminergic activity and related behavior. The present study investigated this effect using amphetamine and cocaine-induced activity and rotation in rats with unilateral dopaminergic lesions. Adult, female Sprague-Dawley rats with free access to food and water received daily intraperitoneal uridine (16 mg/kg) or an equal volume of saline. Activity was assessed for 10 min in a photocell chamber 30 min after intraperitoneal amphetamine or cocaine and 4 hr after the uridine or saline. Additional rats with unilateral dopaminergic lesions were treated comparably and assessed for stimulant-induced rotation. Uridine exerted no effect on body weight, activity, or rotation under baseline conditions. At higher doses, amphetamine and cocaine decreased activity and caused a dose-dependent increase in rotations. In the activity test, uridine-treated rats exhibited a significant increase in sensitivity to amphetamine but not to cocaine. In the rotation test, uridine-treated rats showed increased sensitivity to both stimulants. Finally, neurochemical analysis of a third set of comparably treated rats revealed that uridine blunted the amphetamine-induced increase in striatal dopamine. These observations are interpreted as indicating that chronic uridine modulates the stimulant-induced release of dopamine and, therefore, may be of therapeutic interest.

Characterization of a receptor for macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha and related proteins on human and murine cells

Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) is a potent stem cell inhibitor and a member of a large and expanding family of related cytokines. In an effort to understand the molecular basis of the activities of MIP-1 alpha, we have sought to characterize the cellular receptors for this molecule. Our results demonstrate the presence of abundant MIP-1 alpha receptors on both human and murine cells. The receptor on K562 cells can bind a range of members of the MIP-1 alpha family and may thus be a general MIP-1 alpha family receptor. Murine FDCPmix cells also bind a range of members of this peptide family, although the receptor(s) that they express appear somewhat more selective for peptides capable of displaying stem cell inhibitory properties. The human and murine receptors do not bind members of the related interleukin 8 family of peptides and are thus distinct from the recently cloned interleukin 8 receptor. We suggest that the receptor on the murine cell is a candidate for the receptor responsible for articulating stem cell inhibitory signals following MIP-1 alpha binding.

Immunological and clinical effects of intramuscular rIFN alpha-2a and low dose subcutaneous rIL-2 in patients with advanced malignant melanoma

Fifteen patients with tumour recurrence following radical surgical excision of malignant melanoma were treated with a combination of interferon alpha-2a (rIFN alpha-2a) and interleukin-2 (rIL-2). Immunological monitoring (performed prior to therapy and on days 7, 21, and 28, of each course of treatment) showed significant changes of several parameters after rIFN alpha-2a and rIL-2 administration. A significant increase in cells expressing CD16 (cells bearing Fc receptor), CD25 (cells bearing IL-2 receptor), and CD56 (NK cells, activated lymphocytes), as well in levels of soluble IL-2 receptor, beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin was observed. Immunological changes were closely related to the injection of the biological agent and were more relevant during the first than the second cycle of treatment. rIFN alpha-2a and rIL-2 exerted a clear synergistic activity on the same immunological parameters. No major response was seen with the present approach: four subjects showed rapid progression of decrease during the first month of therapy, while of 11 patients who completed two courses of treatment, only five were considered in stable disease. In conclusion, our results suggest that a combination of rIFN alpha-2a and rIL-2, at dosages and schedules, used in this trial, was well-tolerated and immunologically active, but was clinically ineffective in the management of advanced melanoma.

Differences in membrane electrical properties between C3H 10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts and their ionizing radiation and chemically transformed counterparts

Membrane electrical properties of mouse embryo fibroblasts and their ionizing radiation and chemically transformed counterparts were investigated using dielectric relaxation measurements in the radio frequency range. This determination is possible because, in the radio frequency range, suspensions of cells in an electrolyte buffer show a conductivity dispersion due to interfacial polarization. An analysis of the experimental data based on a "single-shell" model showed that conductivity and permittivity of the membranes of both radiation and chemically transformed fibroblasts were lower than in normal cells. In addition, the conductivity of the cytoplasm was higher in both transformed cell types than in the normal mouse fibroblasts. We discuss the significance of these findings in view of the possible structural and functional modifications brought about by the process of neoplastic transformation.

Post-transfusional human retrovirus infection in 41 Italian beta-thalassemic patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that HTLV-I is present in Italy both in endemic form in Southern Apulia and in epidemic form among the population of intravenous drug addicts. In the present paper we intend to evaluate the risk for transfusional HTLV-I transmission in our country, as well as the already known risk for HIV1.

METHODS

A population of 41 polytransfused Italian beta-thalassemic patients was examined by serological methods and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for human retrovirus infection. Genomic DNA from PBMCs was analyzed by PCR with primer pairs specific for the HTLV-I gag, pol and env regions, and the HTLV-II env region.

RESULTS

Two patients were found to be weakly seroreactive to p19 and p24 HTLV-I/HTLV-II proteins by Western blot. The analysis of genomic DNA from PBMCs by PCR revealed sequence homology to HTLV-I only in these two patients. On the contrary, PCR with primer pairs specific for HTLV-II showed no beta-thalassemic patient was infected by this retrovirus. Surprisingly, Western blot analysis for detecting anti-HIV1 antibodies in these polytransfused subjects showed a seropositivity in two patients (not the same found to be infected with HTLV-I) in spite of a screening for HIV1 antibodies in the blood bank.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that in Italy polytransfused people should still be considered at risk for HIV1 as well as HTLV-I infection, even if the incidence cannot be evaluated from such a small sample. The authors stress the importance of a through medical history of potential blood donors to eliminate possibly infected subjects.

Differences in membrane order between C3H 10 T1/2 cells and their transformed counterparts as measured by EPR

Membrane order of mouse embryo fibroblasts and their ionizing radiation and chemically transformed counterparts was investigated using EPR spectroscopy after labeling the membrane of the cells with the fatty acid spin label, 5-nitroxy stearic acid. The EPR spectra were recorded at temperatures ranging from 18 to 38 degrees C for both control and transformed cells. The distance between the outer hyperfine splitting (2T' parallel), which is used as indicator of membrane order, varies in these two cell types. Below 28 degrees C. 2T' parallel is higher in transformed fibroblasts than in normal cells, whereas above this temperature membrane order is the same. Lipid analysis as carried out by the measurement of the cholesterol/membrane proteins and sphingomyelin/lecithin ratios, showed no difference in the amounts of the main membrane rigidifiers. These findings suggest that cell transformation of mouse fibroblasts induced by radiation or chemicals may produce alterations in the cell membrane, as evidenced by variations in its order at low temperature. These measured differences are presumably not attributable to its fatty acids composition but to its glycoproteins content, since changes in membrane rigidifiers were not observed between normal and transformed cells.

The gene encoding the Act-2 cytokine. Genomic structure, HTLV-I/Tax responsiveness of 5' upstream sequences, and chromosomal localization

Act-2 is a cytokine that belongs to a superfamily of structurally related proteins. Act-2 expression is rapidly induced in T cells, B cells, and monocytes upon mitogenic stimulation. The Act-2 genomic locus is on chromosome 17q. The exons and exon/intron splice junctions have been sequenced, as have the sequences upstream of exon 1. A classical TATA box is located immediately upstream of the transcription initiation site. The upstream sequences possess promoter activity and can be functionally activated after treatment of Jurkat T cells with phythohemagglutinin plus phorbol myristrate acetate. In addition, Act-2 promoter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs are expressed in human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-infected MT-2 cells and in Jurkat cells which can be induced to express the transactivator gene (tax) product of HTLV-I.

Repair of potentially lethal damage by introduction of T4 DNA ligase in eucaryotic cells

The bacterial enzyme PvuII, which generates blunt-ended DNA double-strand breaks, and T4 DNA ligase, which seals adjacent DNA fragments in coupling to ATP cleavage, were introduced in mouse C3H10T1/2 fibroblasts using osmolytic shock of pinocytic vesicles. Cells were then assayed for their clonogenic ability. In agreement with previous studies by others, we find that the PvuII restriction endonuclease simulates ionizing radiation effects by causing a dose-dependent loss of reproductive capacity. Here we show that the concomitant treatment with DNA ligase considerably increases cell survival. Survival curves were shown to be dependent on the ligase enzyme dose and on ATP concentration in the hypertonic medium. We conclude that T4 DNA ligase is able to repair some of the potentially lethal damage produced by restriction endonucleases in eucaryotic cells.

Identification of cell surface receptors for the Act-2 cytokine

We have identified cell surface receptors for Act-2, a secreted protein expressed upon activation of T cells, B cells, and monocytes. Although 125I-Act-2 showed little, if any, specific binding to resting peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) receptors were readily detected on PHA/PMA-activated PBL and a variety of cell lines including MT-2, HL60, DMSO differentiated HL60, HeLa, and K562 cells. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) is 3-12 nM for MT-2, K562, and PBL activated with PHA/PMA for 40-80 h. We have also identified a rabbit polyclonal antiserum that can block Act-2 binding to its receptors. The ability to detect specific Act-2 receptors and the development of a blocking antiserum should prove valuable in efforts to molecularly clone the Act-2 receptor and to dissect the biological actions of Act-2.

Structure, function, and regulation of the interleukin-2 receptor and identification of a novel immune activation gene

This chapter is divided into two sections, the first dealing with a novel immune activation gene, denoted Act-2. This gene encodes a secreted protein that may represent a new cytokine. The Act-2 protein shares significant homology with proteins in two related families of small secreted proteins. Act-2 is rapidly synthesized by activated T cells, B cells and monocytes. The second section deals with interleukin-2 receptors. These receptors are now known to be comprised of three distinct classes of receptors, formed by various combinations of two IL-2 binding proteins, the alpha and beta chains. The low-affinity receptors contain alpha, but not beta chains; the intermediate-affinity receptors contain beta, but not alpha chains, and the high-affinity receptors contain both alpha and beta chains. The beta chain appears to be tyrosine phosphorylated. We discuss evidence for the existence of another protein of relative molecular mass 100,000, which appears to be a subunit of at least the high-affinity receptor.

A model for the relationship between the arterial pressure and the heart period

This paper provides a simple model for predicting the relationship between steady-state heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Two current state-of-the-art models of the cardiovascular system as a pump operating in its circuit are reformulated and combined in order to highlight the role of the duration of the heart cycle. The proposed model establishes that the cardiac cycle lengthens linearly with the inverse of the average blood pressure. Experimental data are reported for sixteen preoperated conscious dogs resting quietly on their sides. Vagal and sympathetic blocks have been produced in four dogs in order to obtain a wide range of sympathetic and parasympathetic tones, namely, to cover the entire range of physiological values of the heart rate. For these dogs a comparison between the experimental values and the theoretical predictions shows a good agreement, the results of the linear regression model being statistically significant at the p = 0.001 level for three dogs and at the p = 0.01 level for the fourth dog.

Identification, cloning, and characterization of an immune activation gene

We have identified an immune activation gene, denoted Act-2, by differential hybridization screening of an activated T-cell library. The gene is induced rapidly after T-cell activation with phytohemagglutinin, B-cell activation with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I, and monocyte activation with lipopolysaccharide. We have isolated a cDNA containing the full-length coding region. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts an open reading frame of 92 amino acids, including a very hydrophobic N terminus, which by weight matrix score is predicted to be a signal peptide. Using a baculovirus expression system, we have shown that this gene encodes a secreted product. It is therefore possible that Act-2 represents a newly discovered cytokine.

Urinary neopterin and immunological features in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma

We studied neopterin excretion levels and immunological features of 20 patients affected by Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), compared to 30 normal controls. Eighteen patients had the classic form of Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS), while two patients were anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive and affected by the epidemic form associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In CKS patients, a trend of an increase of neopterin levels with more advanced stages appeared from our data whereas a significant reduction in CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes subsets was observed already at early stages (P less than 0.01). CD8+ cells did not show significant variations. A significant increase in serum IgA immunoglobulins (P less than 0.05) was also observed. Comparative analysis of the two patients affected by AIDS/KS showed the profound deficit in T-cell immunity but also the prognostic value of neopterin monitoring. Furthermore these findings seem to confirm Kaposi's sarcoma as an 'opportunistic neoplasia' and indicate neopterin as a useful prognostic marker.

Establishment of a new Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized cell line from chronic lymphocytic leukemia with trisomy of chromosome 12 that produces monoclonal IgM against a sheep RBC antigen

Leukemia cells from a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were found to bind sheep RBC (SRBC) through their monoclonal surface IgM. A lymphoblastoid cell line was obtained by immortalization of leukemic cells with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Cultured leukemic cells were found to have a supernumerary chromosome 12, an abnormality typical of CLL of the B cell type. To our knowledge, this is the first EBV-immortalized cell line from B-CLL cells of known SRBC specificity and the third reported CLL cell line carrying trisomy of chromosome 12.

Phenotype of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B-cells. B-CLL cells express the Leu-8 antigen

In the present report we studied the phenotype of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 25 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Cells from all the cases expressed monoclonal surface immunoglobulins (SmIg), formed rosettes with mouse erythrocytes (MRFC) and were positive with OKB 2 and OKIa monoclonal antibodies. In addition, CCB 1 monoclonal antibody was positive in 17 out of 20, Leu-1 in 18 out of 21 and Leu-8 in 23 out of 25 cases. Double labelling experiments confirmed that the Leu-8 antigen was co-expressed on Leu-1+, CCB2+, HLA-DR+ B-CLL cells. Thus, B-CLL cells generally express the SmIg+, MRFC+, Leu-1+, OKB2+, Leu-8+ phenotype. Since it is known that normal peripheral blood B cells may be divided into two subpopulations according to Leu-8 expression, our data indicate that B-CLL cells originate from the more immature Leu-8+ B-cell subset which will respond to anti-IgM, whereas it reacts poorly to pokeweed mitogen.

Tac-positive, HTLV-negative, T helper phenotype chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

In this report we describe an Italian patient with chronic T cell leukemia whose proliferating cells were mature T lymphocytes with a helper phenotype (T helper phenotype chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or Thp-CLL). Unlike other reported cases of Thp-CLL, fresh leukemic cells from this patient were positive with the anti-Tac monoclonal antibody, which recognizes the receptor for interleukin-2 (IL-2). Thus, the phenotype of these cells was similar to that expressed by Japanese patients with adult T cell leukemia (ATL) (OKT3+, OKT4+, OKT8-, Tac+). However, the Italian patient had Thp-CLL, not ATL, since his cells, unlike ATL cells, lacked human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV-I)-related DNA sequences. The Tac receptor, which appears to be modulated in vitro by the anti-Tac antibody, was biologically inactive, since the patient's cells did not respond in vitro to IL-2. In addition, they also failed to demonstrate in vitro functional activities. The clinical course was aggressive, as usual, for both Thp-CLL and ATL. Taking advantage of the description of this case, some similarities and differences between Thp-CLL and ATL are discussed, focusing on the importance of screening of HTLV-I in the differential diagnosis.

Contributions of various types of damage to inactivation of T4 bacteriophage by protons

Mean doses for damage induced by 3.7-MeV protons in T4 phage were measured for the following effects: inactivation, killing, adsorption, DNA injection, capsid rupture with DNA release, and single- and double-strand DNA breaks. These effects have been related to phage survival in the same experiment because of the variability inherent in such measurements. The experiments were carried out in nutrient broth, phosphate buffer, and phosphate buffer plus histidine as suspension media. The following conclusions can be drawn: (i) DNA double-strand breakage is the dominant cause of inactivation in nutrient broth; (ii) scavengers protect the DNA inside the capsid to only a small degree; (iii) indirect actions affect functions associated with proteins; (iv) DNA release, as measured by capsid rupture, accounts for only a small percentage of the loss of viability; (v) essentially all DNA from adsorbed phage is injected even though a large proportion of the DNA contains double-strand breaks.