Clinicocytopathological and immunohistochemical study of adenoma malignum of the uterine cervix

Adenoma malignum is a rare type of very highly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, and is quite difficult to diagnose because there are few findings definitely suggesting malignancy on cytologic or histologic examination. We recently encountered four patients with adenoma malignum and reviewed their clinicocytopathological and immunohistochemical findings. The most characteristic symptom was a watery discharge and an enlarged cervix was palpable, while multiple cystic lesions (MCL) were observed by transvaginal and abdominal ultrasonography, CT or MRI. On cytodiagnosis, the cervical gland cells formed large sheets or showed a palisading arrangement. Slightly enlarged nuclei and yellowish-orange staining of the cytoplasmic mucus were the characteristic findings. On histological examination, many cervical glands of different sizes were present and extended deep into the muscle layer, while branching or papillary growth into the lumen was also observed. On immunohistochemical study, HIK1083, a monoclonal antibody for gastric gland mucous cell mucin, was found to be positive in 3 of 4 cases, and this was fairly useful in the diagnosis of adenoma malignum.

Macrophage-colony stimulating factor inhibits the growth of human ovarian cancer cells in vitro

The effect of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), which regulates the growth and differentiation of haematopoietic progenitor cells on the growth of ovarian cancer cells was investigated in three ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. The spontaneous growth of these cells was significantly inhibited by the addition of M-CSF in a concentration-dependent manner over 96 h of culturing. The maximum response was obtained with 10 ng/ml (3857 U/ml) of M-CSF by counting the viable cell number using the trypan blue exclusion assay. [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation by these cells was also suppressed following a 96-h incubation with M-CSF. The inhibitory effect of M-CSF was reversed by the addition of anti-M-CSF monoclonal antibody. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the treated ovarian cancer cells arrested at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. These cells expressed M-CSF receptors on their surface as detected by Scatchard plot analysis using (125)I-labelled M-CSF. These results indicate that M-CSF has an antitumour activity for ovarian cancer cells and suggest that it can be applied for the treatment of this disease.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) in common epithelial tumors of the ovary

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to play an important role in cancer cell invasion by mediating the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. The activity of such MMPs are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in 114 epithelial ovarian tumors (14 adenomas, 22 borderline tumors, and 78 adenocarcinomas). mRNA expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2 was determined by RT-PCR in selected samples. The diffuse positive rates of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, and MMP-9 in ovarian carcinomas were significantly higher than those in the borderline and in benign tumors. Conversely, the diffuse positive rate of TIMP-1 was higher in the benign and borderline ovarian tumors than that in ovarian carcinomas. The percentages of the cases with triple diffuse positive expression for MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2 within the same tumor was significantly higher in malignant tumors than those in borderline and in benign tumors. With respect to clinical stage, the triple diffuse positive rate in advanced-stage (stage II/III/IV) carcinomas was significantly higher than that in early-stage (stage I) carcinomas. A significantly higher triple diffuse positive rate was also observed in high-grade (grade 2/3) disease than in low-grade (grade 1) disease. Considerable levels of mRNA expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 were detected in all selected samples that showed triple diffuse positive immunostaining, confirming the co-expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2 at the transcriptional level within the same tumor. All cases with diffuse positive expression for MMP-9 showed regional or negative TIMP-1 expression. The diffuse positive rate of MMP-9 was significantly higher in ovarian carcinomas with lymph node metastasis than in those without lymph node metastasis. Our results suggest that the overexpression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, and MMP-9 and down-regulation of TIMP-1 may contribute to the development or enhanced growth capacity of ovarian tumors. Co-expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2 within the same tumor seems to play an important role in the progression of ovarian cancer. Elevated MMP-9 expression together with low expression of TIMP-1 may also contribute to the lymph node metastasis of ovarian carcinoma cells.

Embryonic lethality of molecular chaperone hsp47 knockout mice is associated with defects in collagen biosynthesis

Triple helix formation of procollagen after the assembly of three alpha-chains at the C-propeptide is a prerequisite for refined structures such as fibers and meshworks. Hsp47 is an ER-resident stress inducible glycoprotein that specifically and transiently binds to newly synthesized procollagens. However, the real function of Hsp47 in collagen biosynthesis has not been elucidated in vitro or in vivo. Here, we describe the establishment of Hsp47 knockout mice that are severely deficient in the mature, propeptide-processed form of alpha1(I) collagen and fibril structures in mesenchymal tissues. The molecular form of type IV collagen was also affected, and basement membranes were discontinuously disrupted in the homozygotes. The homozygous mice did not survive beyond 11.5 days postcoitus (dpc), and displayed abnormally orientated epithelial tissues and ruptured blood vessels. When triple helix formation of type I collagen secreted from cultured cells was monitored by protease digestion, the collagens of Hsp47+/+ and Hsp47+/- cells were resistant, but those of Hsp47-/- cells were sensitive. These results indicate for the first time that type I collagen is unable to form a rigid triple-helical structure without the assistance of molecular chaperone Hsp47, and that mice require Hsp47 for normal development.

Neutrophil elastase may play a key role in developing symptomatic disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure in patients with head injury

OBJECTIVE

To study the mechanism associated with the development of symptomatic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) after head injury.

METHODS

Plasma parameters were analyzed in patients with symptomatic (group A, n = 10) and asymptomatic DIC (group B, n = 15) induced by head injury, and in patients in whom DIC was caused by sepsis (group C, n = 10).

RESULTS

Levels of fibrinogen, alpha2PI-plasmin complex and platelets in group A (58.1 mg/dL, 22.4 microg/mL, 16.0 x 10(4)/ mm3) and group B (98.3, 22.1, 16.6 x 10(4)) were comparable, but differed significantly from those in group C (297.4, 2.4, 6.3 x 10(4)). Significant differences were observed between groups A and B in both neutrophil-elastase (1,528 vs. 293 microg/ml) and D-dimer (42.1 vs. 17.6 microg/mL).

CONCLUSION

Neutrophil elastase may be implicated in the development of symptomatic DIC after head injury, whose characteristics include "enhanced fibrinolysis with minimal platelet loss."

Previous exposure to footshock stress attenuates nicotine-induced serotonin release in rat striatum during the subsequent stress

We have analyzed the effects of chronic or repeated footshock stress on the release of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) in the striatum of rats that received nicotine by using a microdialysis technique. Neither local infusion of nicotine alone nor stress application alone changed 5-HT release. Local infusion of 1 mM nicotine to the striatum, however, significantly increased 5-HT release in the striatum to 145.9 +/- 30.8 pg/dialysate during simultaneous stress application. These increases of extracellular 5-HT release induced by the combination of nicotine and stress application were also observed in rats that had received daily chronic footshock. However, the previously administered footshock induced the reduced release of 5-HT from the striatum to 33.5 +/- 8. 6 (repeated footshock) and 10.0 +/- 3.6 pg/dialysate (daily footshock) when footshock was given together with nicotine infusion. These results suggest that previous exposure to stress attenuated the nicotine-induced 5-HT release in the striatum during the subsequent stress.

Age and magnetic effects on ectopic bone formation induced by purified bone morphogenetic protein

A mixture of heparin-Sepharose-purified bovine bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and type I atellocollagen was implanted in the subcutaneous tissues of 4-week, 10-month and 18-month-old rats. The implants were removed at 7, 14 and 21 days after implantation. The effects of rat age on ectopic bone formation were evaluated on the explants using H&E staining, morphometric analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium (Ca) content determination, as well as immunohistochemical staining of type IV collagen present in the basement membrane of blood vessels. On day 14 and 21, bone was observed in 4-week and 10-month-old rats but the amount of bone formed in the later was less than in the former. In 18-month-old rats, bone was first found focally in very limited regions of the explants on day 21 and the amount of bone was much less than in 4-week-old rats. At all periods ALP activity was higher in younger rats. On day 7, there were more blood vessels in the explants of 4-week-old rats than in those of 10- or 18-month-old rats. On day 14 and 21, more blood vessels were found in the central regions of the explants in 4-week-old rats than in the same regions in 10- or 18-month-old rats. The findings in the present study indicated that the rate and quantity of ectopic bone formation were reduced, and that the difference in blood vessel distribution might be related to the reduction in ectopic bone formation in aged rats, and suggest that the difference in blood vessel distribution is related to ectopic bone formation. Magnetism can stimulate ectopic bone formation induced by BMP.

Serotonergic neurons projecting to hippocampus activate locomotion

Although the role of brain serotonergic neurons in locomotion has been extensively studied, their influence may vary depending upon the terminal areas. Thus, using microdialysis and microinjection techniques, we examined the relationship between serotonin (5-HT) levels in striatum, hippocampus or prefrontal cortex (PFC) and motor activity in rats. The systemic injection (10 mg/kg i.p.) of monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tranylcypromine (TC), significantly elevated 5-HT levels in the striatum, hippocampus and PFC accompanied by a parallel increase in motor activity of the rats. This effect was mimicked by microinfusions of TC (1.0 mM) or 5-HT (1. 0 mM) into the hippocampus and to some extent into PFC (the response delayed in time), but not into striatum. The increase in motor activity produced by local infusions of TC either into the hippocampus or PFC could be prevented by pretreatment with 10 microM tetrodotoxin infused into the hippocampus. However, tetrodotoxin infused to PFC failed to prevent hyperlocomotion produced by intrahippocampal infusion of TC, although the response was delayed in time. Thus, we conclude that serotonergic neurons projecting to the hippocampus are involved in locomotor activity and PFC serotonergic fibers may facilitate hippocampal control of locomotion.

Fluoride profiles in dental plaque in vivo formed on fluoride pre-treated human enamel

Using a novel device capable of generating plaque in vivo on a natural enamel substrate, it has been possible to determine fluoride profiles from the saliva-plaque interface towards the enamel surface. Fluoride profiles in dental plaques tended to fall from the saliva-plaque interface towards the enamel. The device also offered the possibility of examining fluoride distributions after pre-treatment of the enamel with fluoride in vitro. Fluoride profiles were determined in plaque generated in vivo on enamel surfaces, which had been previously treated with a 900-ppm fluoride solution. The results showed the previously reported fall from the plaque surface, but in addition, a further rise towards the enamel surface was seen. The data imply that enamel loaded with fluoride can release some of this fluoride back into the plaque and may act as a fluoride reservoir.

Prospective analysis of DNA ploidy, proliferative index and epidermal growth factor receptor as prognostic factors for pretreated uterine cancer

For the purpose of identifying prognostic factors for pretreated uterine cancer, DNA ploidy, proliferative index (P.I.) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression were analyzed in a large prospective series of 76 cervical cancer and 64 endometrial cancer patients observed for 5 years or more (median 76 months). The frequency of aneuploid cells was 62.0% (44/71) in cervical cancer and 16.7% (10/60) in endometrial cancer. There was no association between DNA ploidy and the clinicopathological findings without clinical stage, in which aneuploid cervical and endometrial cancers were significantly more common among advanced tumors (cervical: p<0. 05, endometrial: p<0.01). The P.I. was significantly higher in the patients with aneuploid tumors (cervical: p<0.05, endometrial p<0. 01). EGFR expression was detected in 56.6% (30/53) in cervical cancer and 59.6% (34/57) in endometrial cancer, and the mean EGFR level was 17.8+/-37.7 and 9.5+/-42.5 fmol/mg. protein, respectively. There was no correlation between EGFR expression and DNA ploidy, P.I. and clinicopathological findings analyzed. Five-year survival rate in patients with aneuploid tumors tended to have a worse outcome in cervical cancer cases (p=0.1003, log-rank test), and was significantly worse in endometrial cancer (p=0.0048, log-rank test). No significant relationship was noted between P.I., EGFR expression and 5-year survival. Cox multivariate analysis showed that DNA ploidy, P.I., and EGFR expression are not association with the risk of death. Our data showed neither DNA ploidy, P.I. nor EGFR expression were independent prognostic factors for pretreated uterine cancer.

Peritoneal and peripheral B-1-cell populations in patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of B-1 cells in the peritoneal cavity and peripheral blood of patients with endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 31 patients with endometriosis and 14 normal nonpregnant women. Peripheral blood cells and peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) were stained with FITC or PE-labeled anti-CD5/CD19 monoclonal antibodies. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed using a flow cytometer. The significance of differences between the patient and control groups was determined by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the percentages of B-1 cells in the peripheral blood of women with and without endometriosis (median, 22.7%; range, 4.7-92.3% vs median, 20.05%; range, 11.1-12.6%, respectively). Endometriosis patients with antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) demonstrated significantly elevated B-1 cells compared to both endometriosis patients without ANAs and normal controls (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). Endometriosis patients demonstrated significantly higher B-1 cell populations (B-1 cells/total B-cell ratio) in PECs than did non-endometriosis patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The peripheral B-1-cell population in patients with endometriosis is related to ANA production. B-1 cells might play important roles in the development of endometriosis through autoantibody production.

Effects of paternal lymphocyte immunization on peripheral Th1/Th2 balance and TCR V beta and V gamma repertoire usage of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions

PROBLEM

The mechanism of immunotherapy for patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions is not well understood. In order to investigate the suppressor mechanism of paternal lymphocyte immunization, we examined peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and the repertoire of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene segments.

METHOD OF STUDY

Twelve patients with recurrent miscarriage were treated with immunization with paternal lymphocyte vaccinations three times during 12-14 weeks. Before and 2 weeks after the final inoculation, lymphocyte subsets and intra-cellular interferon (IFN)-gamma and/or interleukin (IL)-4 production were examined by flow cytometry. TCR V beta and V gamma repertoires were examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

We found no significant difference in CD4/CD8 ratios, prevalence of CD56+CD3+ or CD57+CD3+ cells (possible extrathymic T cells), gamma(delta)T cells, and CD5+ CD19+ (B-1) cells. However, by in vitro activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, peripheral CD4 cells demonstrated a significant decrease of IFN-gamma-producing T helper 1 (Th1) cells and an increase of IL-4-producing T helper 2 (Th2) cells after immunotherapy. Seven of nine patients who exhibited remarkable decreases in Th1/Th2 ratios became pregnant within 6 months after three courses of immunotherapy, and four women delivered healthy babies, while none of the three patients who exhibited an increased or unchanged Th1/Th2 ratio had full-term pregnancies (chi2 < 0.0001). Further, changes in usage of TCR V beta and V gamma gene segments were observed after immunotherapy in six patients examined.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a shift of Th1-dominant to Th2-dominant status by vaccination might play important roles in maintaining successful pregnancies. Induction of some T cells that utilize different TCR repertoires possibly suppresses maternal rejection reactions.

Induction of matrix metalloprotease-7 is common in mucinous ovarian tumors including early stage disease

Matrix metalloproteases are known to play an important role in tumor invasion by mediating degradation of the extracellular matrix. In this study, we have investigated the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloprotease -7 (MMP-7) in 44 mucinous ovarian tumors (9 adenomas, 13 low malignant potential tumors, 22 adenocarcinomas) and 6 normal ovaries. Positive staining of MMP-7 is observed in all mucinous ovarian tumors, whereas little or no staining was observed in surface epithelium as well as the epithelial cells of germinal inclusion cyst of the normal ovary. Positive immunostaining of MMP-7 is also observed in the secreted mucin in the tumor glands, which suggests the secretion of the MMP-7 protein from tumor cells. mRNA expression of MMP-7 was confirmed using RT-PCR. The MMP-7 gene was amplified in parallel with an internal control gene beta-tubulin using a thermal cycler. mRNA expression levels of MMP-7 were significantly elevated in mucinous tumor samples compared with that in normal ovaries. Our results suggest that MMP-7 is frequently overexpressed in mucinous ovarian tumors and secreted with the mucin which is produced from the tumor cells. MMP-7 may therefore contribute to mucinous ovarian tumor development or enhanced growth capacity of mucinous ovarian tumors. MMP-7 may also serve as a target for therapeutic intervention in the down regulation of tumor progression.

Differential effects of nicotine against stress-induced changes in dopaminergic system in rat striatum and hippocampus

A number of studies have shown an increase in nicotine self-administration among smokers when exposed to stress. Since it is well known that nicotine or stress alter the dopaminergic system, we examined the effect of chronic nicotine administration on the dopamine level and its metabolism in the striatum and the hippocampus during stressful conditions in rats. Nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) increased the dopamine level in the striatum (P<0. 05) and decreased it in the hippocampus (P<0.05) in comparison with the effect of saline. Three hours of water-immersion restraint stress sharply elevated the dopamine level (P<0.05) and reduced the 3-methoxytyramine level (P ranged from 0.05 to 0.001 depending on the area and time point) in both brain regions studied, while dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanilic acid levels were not altered. Nicotine pretreatment attenuated some of these changes in a region- and time-dependent manner. However, stress induced a decrease in dopamine turnover in the hippocampus (P<0.05) but not in the striatum, and nicotine failed to prevent this effect. Stress-induced alterations gradually returned toward normal during the 48-h observation period, and in some cases this was facilitated by nicotine. Thus, we demonstrated differential, region- and time-dependent protective effects of chronic nicotine administration against stress-induced changes in dopamine levels and release in brain regions critically affected by stress.

Comparative effects of tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase, and staphylokinase on cerebral ischemic infarction and pulmonary clot lysis in hamster models

BACKGROUND

The effects of alteplase (rtPA), streptokinase, and staphylokinase (rSak) on focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) and on pulmonary clot lysis (PCL) were studied in hamsters.

METHODS AND RESULTS

++FCI was produced by ligation of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and common carotid artery (CCA) and a 10-minute occlusion of the right CCA. FCI was measured after 24 hours by 2,3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. (125)I-fibrin-labeled plasma clots were injected via the jugular vein, and clot lysis was determined from residual radioactivity at 90 minutes. Study drugs were given intravenously over 60 minutes. FCI increased from 1.2 (0. 27 to 2.3) mm(3) (median and 17th to 83rd percentile range, n=24) in controls to 19 to 27 mm(3) with thrombolytic agent, with maximal rates at 0.13+/-0.05 mg/kg rtPA, 0.23+/-0.09 mg/kg streptokinase, and 0.037+/-0.025 mg/kg rSak. PCL increased from 18+/-2% (mean+/-SEM, n=27) in controls to approximately 85% with thrombolytics, with maximal rates at 0.12+/-0.03 mg/kg rtPA, 0.17+/-0.05 mg/kg streptokinase, and 0.018+/-0.002 mg/kg rSak. All agents caused maximal FCI and PCL rates at similar doses without alpha(2)-antiplasmin and fibrinogen depletion. Injection of 6 mg/kg human plasminogen combined with streptokinase caused a "systemic fibrinolytic state" with fibrinogen depletion. Maximal rates of FCI were obtained with 0.097+/-0.077 mg/kg streptokinase (P=0.26 versus streptokinase alone) and of PCL with 0.010+/-0.002 mg/kg (P=0.006 versus streptokinase alone).

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombolytic agents cause similar dose-related extension of FCI after MCA ligation and PCL, irrespective of the agent or systemic plasmin generation.

Microsatellite instability and hMSH2 gene mutation in a triple cancer (colon cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer) patient in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) kindred

A patient who had triple cancer (colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer) in HNPCC kindred is reported. Her family history revealed the occurrence of colon cancer in her paternal aunt and in two cousins, fulfilling the minimum HNPCC criteria. Microsatellite instability analysis revealed replication error (RER)+ in all cancer lesions at 2 microsatellite loci (D1S191, BAT 40). SSCP analysis suggested germline mutation in exon 2 of the hMSH2 gene. This case showed the importance of complete family-history investigations to identify HNPCC patients. In the near future, definitive diagnosis of HNPCC will be possible on the basis of DNA studies.

[A case of uterine cervical cancer in which UFT was an effective preoperative treatment]

We report a case in which UFT was effective as a preoperative treatment for stage II b cervical cancer. The patient was a 66-year-old female whose chief complaint was brown vaginal discharge. Following cytological, histological and CT examinations, a diagnosis was made of papillary squamous cell carcinoma invading the vagina and left parametrium. We administered UFT (600 mg/day, for 5 days) as one course, and conducted two courses with an interval of 2 days. The tumor had shrunk 2 weeks later and a radical hysterectomy was performed after additional treatment with intraarterial cisplatin (120 mg/body) infusion. Thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), which are enzymes in 5-FU metabolism, and the labeling index (ID) of DNA fragmentation in the tumor were estimated before and after UFT. The results showed that TS was 0.69 pmol/g tissue and DPD 39.98 pmol/mg/min before UFT, and that LI of DNA fragmentation was 21.8 +/- 5.0% before UFT and 37.9 +/- 16.2% after UFT. We suggest that preoperative UFT administration is an effective treatment for cervical cancer, and that TS, DPD and LI of DNA fragmentation might be useful biomarkers to estimate the sensitivity of UFT.

Chemotherapeutic malaria control as a selective primary health care activity in the Solomon Islands

Malaria control by chemotherapy has been established in rural villages of Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands, following field trials. As a selective primary health care activity, mobile unit teams visited villages once or twice a year to detect malaria positives and gave chloroquine and primaquine to treat the infection and interrupt the transmission. On site diagnosis was by the use of acridine orange fluorescent staining or the ICTPf commercial diagnostic kit. To avoid possible haemolytic crises, a new single step screening method of G6PD deficiency was introduced. This approach has been accepted well by villagers and proved to be an efficient and feasible control method even in remote rural villages with endemic malaria transmission. Epidemiological modelling of the situation predicts reduction of prevalence in five years.

Inhibition of telomerase activity and cell proliferation by a reverse transcriptase inhibitor in gynaecological cancer cell lines

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein which has a RNA template to bind and extend telomere ends, so prolonging the life of tumour cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether transcriptase function of telomerase could be inhibited by the reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTI); azydothymidine (AZT), dideoxyinosine (ddI) and AZT-5' triphosphate (AZT-TP). We examined their effects on the proliferation of cancer cells and the antitumour effects of cisplatin in vitro. The three agents did not cause major changes in telomerase activity or telomere length in MCAS cells. However, in HEC-1 cells changes in telomerase activity and telomere length were observed that were dependent on the RTI concentration and duration of exposure. ddI and AZT-TP reduced telomerase activity and shortened the length of the telomere. In the presence of RTI, the antitumour effects of cisplatin were enhanced. This was particularly evident in HEC-1 cells where there was a marked reduction in cell proliferation, appearance of morphological changes and senescent-like cells in the presence of ddI or AZT-TP. In MCAS cells, TP53 expression was increased by ddI and AZT-TP, while p21 expression was unchanged. In HEC-1 cells the expression of both TP53 and P21 was increased by ddI. Continuous administration of RTI enhanced the cell growth inhibition of cisplatin. RTI also inhibited the proliferation of some cells.

Bone augmentation by recombinant human BMP-2 and collagen on adult rat parietal bone

A composite of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and collagen was implanted beneath the cranial periosteum of 10-month-old rats to observe bone development and absorbent change of carrier collagen. The rhBMP-2/collagen onlay implant resulted in active bone formation and the augmented bone was connected directly with the original bone, whereas the collagen alone resulted in neither bone nor cartilage. The ossification process in the rhBMP-2/collagen occurred directly through bone formation, similar to intramembranous ossification. The carrier collagen fibers were found in the woven bone and were completely absorbed at 8 weeks in the presence of rhBMP-2, while the collagen alone implant remained encapsulated by a thin, fibrous connective tissue. Our results indicate that rhBMP-2/collagen is an effective material as a biological onlay implant, showing osteoinductive properties and being completely replaced by new bone. Carrier collagen not only plays a role in rhBMP-2 delivery, but also provides a cell anchorage for cell differentiation and remains as an artificial matrix in woven bone.

Role of plasminogen system components in focal cerebral ischemic infarction: a gene targeting and gene transfer study in mice

BACKGROUND

The role of plasminogen system components in focal cerebral ischemic infarction (FCI) was studied in mice deficient in plasminogen (Plg-/-), in tissue or urokinase plasminogen activator (tPA-/- or uPA-/-), or in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 or alpha2-antiplasmin (PAI-1(-/-) or alpha2-AP-/-).

METHODS AND RESULTS

FCI was produced by ligation of the left middle cerebral artery and measured after 24 hours by planimetry of stained brain slices. In control (wild-type) mice, infarct size was 7.6+/-1.1 mm3 (mean+/-SEM), uPA-/- mice had similar infarcts (7.8+/-1.0 mm3, P=NS), tPA-/- mice smaller (2.6+/-0.80 mm3, P<0.0001), PAI-1(-/-) mice larger (16+/-0.52 mm3, P<0.0001), and Plg-/- mice larger (12+/-1.2 mm3, P=0.037) infarcts. alpha2-AP-/- mice had smaller infarcts (2. 2+/-1.1 mm3, P<0.0001 versus wild-type), which increased to 13+/-2.5 mm3 (P<0.005 versus alpha2-AP-/-) after intravenous injection of human alpha2-AP. Injection into alpha2-AP-/- mice of Fab fragments of affinospecific rabbit IgG against human alpha2-AP, after injection of 200 microg human alpha2-AP, reduced FCI from 11+/-1.5 to 5.1+/-1.1 mm3 (P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Plg system components affect FCI at 2 different levels: (1) reduction of tPA activity (tPA gene inactivation) reduces whereas its augmentation (PAI-1 gene inactivation) increases infarct size, and (2) reduction of Plg activity (Plg gene inactivation or alpha2-AP injection) increases whereas its augmentation (alpha2-AP gene inactivation or alpha2-AP neutralization) reduces infarct size. Inhibition of alpha2-AP may constitute a potential avenue to treatment of FCI.

Interleukin-12 augments cytolytic activity of peripheral and decidual lymphocytes against choriocarcinoma cell lines and primary culture human placental trophoblasts

PROBLEM

Human trophoblasts are tolerant to the maternal immune system, but susceptible to interleukin (IL)-2-activated lymphocytes. IL-12 is also a key cytokine in the induction of cytotoxic responses. We administered IL-12 to peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and to decidual lymphocytes (DLs) and studied resulting cytotoxicity against trophoblasts.

METHOD OF STUDY

PBLs and DLs were stimulated with rIL-2 and/or rIL-12 for 48 hr in vitro. Cytotoxicity against the choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3, JAR, and primary culture trophoblasts were examined by LDH release assay. The proliferative response was estimated by MTT assay. Expression of cytotoxic factors was studied by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Whereas IL-12 alone produced a modest enhancement in cytotoxicity of PBLs and DLs, the combination of IL-2 and IL-12 was most effective in trophoblast cell lysis. IL-12 enhanced the mRNA expression of T-cell specific serine protease (TSP, granzyme B) and FasL in DLs, but the expression of perforin was unchanged. Expression of these cytotoxic factors in PBLs was up-regulated by IL-12.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate critical roles of IL-12 in the activation of maternal lymphocytes, which could possibly result in pregnancy failure syndromes.