The significant role of telomerase activity in human brain tumors

BACKGROUND

In this study, telomerase activity in human brain tumors was analyzed.

METHODS

Telomerase activity was examined in 41 brain tumor cases (20 of glioblastoma multiformes [GBMs] [14 primary tumors and 6 recurrent tumors], 3 anaplastic astrocytomas [AAs], 4 low grade astrocytomas [LGAs] [World Health Organization Grade 2], 2 oligodendrogliomas [OGs], 9 meningiomas [MNs], and 3 metastatic brain tumors [MBTs]) by means of telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay. The activity of telomerase was compared with histologic diagnosis, the MIB-1 proliferative cell index (PCI), and the patient's prognosis.

RESULTS

Twelve of 20 GBMs, 2 of 2 OGs, and 3 of 3 MBTs demonstrated telomerase activity. AAs, LGAs, and MNs exhibited no activity. No clear correlations were confirmed in GBMs between telomerase activity and the MIB-1 PCI data. However, the telomerase activity tended to correlate with the patient's prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that telomerase activity may be an important marker of brain tumor malignancy. Furthermore, the change from negative activity to positive activity in the recurrent tumors appeared to be a useful prognosticator for malignant astrocytic tumor.

The effects of oligohydramnios and cervical cord transection on lung growth in experimental pulmonary hypoplasia in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to examine the effects of oligohydramnios and cervical cord transection on fetal lung development, pulmonary surfactant, and lung mechanics in rabbits.

STUDY DESIGN

The amniotic fluid was shunted into the maternal abdominal cavity in a group of 12 fetal rabbits. In another group (n = 12) high cervical cord transection was performed at day 24 of gestation. Another 12 littermates not operated on served as the control group. Fetuses were delivered on day 30 of gestation by cesarean section and immediately put to death. The body weight and wet lung and liver weights were measured. To determine the extent of fetal lung growth, we measured the size of lung acini, the number of terminal airspaces, and the diameter of alveoli. We also measured the dynamic compliance of the lung, the concentration of phosphatidylcholine, and the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in lung lavage fluid at birth.

RESULTS

Amniotic fluid shunting produced a significant reduction in amniotic fluid volume. Amniotic shunt and cervical cord transection significantly decreased wet lung weight and fetal lung/body weight ratio compared with the control. The concentration of phosphatidylcholine and the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in lung fluid lavage from fetuses with amniotic shunt were significantly higher than the values for control and cord transection fetuses. Histopathologic examination of the lungs showed significant reductions in the size of acini, the number of terminal airspaces, and the diameter of alveoli in shunted and cord transection groups compared with the control group. The dynamic compliance of transection fetuses was significantly reduced compared with control and shunted fetuses.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that oligohydramnios or cervical cord transections cause pulmonary hypoplasia. However, oligohydramnios-induced pulmonary hypoplasia is associated with increased pulmonary surfactant compared with control and cord transection fetuses.

Identification of differentially expressed mRNAs during rat C6 glial cell differentiation by mRNA fingerprinting using arbitrarily primed PCR (RAP)

Differentiation of glial cells is controlled by a complex program of differential expressions of many genes. To identify differentially expressed genes that are involved in rat C6 glial cell differentiation induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and theophylline, mRNA fingerprinting using arbitrarily primed PCR (RAP) was used. Four cDNA fragments, that were differentially expressed during differentiation, were isolated. Sequence analysis revealed that one of them, abundantly expressed during differentiation, was homologous to a hamster calcium-dependent serine protease. Another one was highly similar to rabbit dystrobrevin and the other two clones were identical to rat triose phosphate isomerase and calnexin. The results obtained suggest that the expressions of particular genes were changed and that RAP is a useful method to identify genes which are differentially expressed during glial cell differentiation.

Clinical analysis of recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage after neck clipping surgery

The clinical features of recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after neck clipping surgery were investigated in a series of 1,436 consecutive patients treated between 1980 and 1994, and seven patients treated prior to 1980. Recurrent SAH occurred within 1 month in seven patients and between 1.5 and 20 years in 20 patients (mean interval 9.2 years) from the first surgery. The patients were aged from 31 to 76 years (mean 49.8 years) at the first SAH. There were 19 females and eight males. Recurrent SAH occurred at the same site as the prior aneurysms in 12 cases, at an infundibular dilatation in three cases, de novo aneurysms in nine cases, untreated multiple aneurysms in two cases, and unknown in one case. The main causes for early recurrent SAH were incomplete clipping or untreated multiple aneurysms, whereas late recurrent SAH was due to de novo aneurysms, untreated multiple aneurysms, or regrowth aneurysm at the prior site. The outcomes of late recurrent SAH were good in eight cases, moderate disability in two, severe disability in three, and dead in seven, whereas most cases of early recurrent SAH resulted in poor outcome. Immediate postoperative angiography is desirable in cases with incomplete clipping, because early recurrent SAH resulted in poor outcomes. De novo or regrowth aneurysms caused late recurrent SAH, so follow-up angiography is strongly recommended for young patients, even if complete clipping was achieved.

Differential expression of Rho family GTP-binding proteins and protein kinase C isozymes during C6 glial cell differentiation

The differential expression of Rho family of low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins and protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes were examined during differentiation of rat C6 glial cells to astrocytic phenotypes induced by dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP)/theophylline. The cells showed rapid and distinct morphological changes, resembling stellate astrocytes at 12 h after the treatment. The treated cells had a round cell body that extended several long processes each with a beaded appearance. In addition to morphological changes, Western blot analysis revealed that S-100 protein, known as a glial cell differentiation marker, increased and reached the maximal level (approximately 6-fold increase) at 24 h following the addition of dbcAMP. In the control experiments with cells cultured in the absence of serum but also without dbcAMP/theophylline, morphological changes were marginal and apparent increases of S-100 protein were not observed by Western blotting. In response to dbcAMP/theophylline treatment, RhoA showed increases in the mRNA level followed by the protein level, as inferred by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Rac1 and Cdc42 proteins were undetectable by Western blot analyses. In PKC isozymes, increases were observed in PKC beta 1, epsilon, and zeta by RT-PCR, and in beta 1 and epsilon by Western blotting. Among them, PKC epsilon showed the most distinct changes. Its mRNA level transiently increased from 3 to 6 h and then decreased even below the basal level at 18 h after the treatment. In contrast, Western blot analysis revealed that PKC epsilon gradually increased time-dependently to 24 h (approximately 6-fold increase), and remained elevated until 48 h. These results suggested that RhoA and PKC epsilon, and probably also PKC beta 1 and PKC zeta, were closely implicated in C6 cell differentiation.

[The relation between pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity in colorectal cancer tissues and pathological effects]

Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) and IL-1 alpha concentration were measured in colorectal cancer tissues from 15 patients who preoperatively administered 5'-DFUR orally. The relation between changes of the PyNPase activity and pathological effects of resected specimens was studied. PyNPase activity changes showed that the increase cases were 9 patients and the decrease cases were 6 patients in pre- and post-administration of 5'-DFUR. The IL-1 alpha concentration in cancer tissues was 2933.65 +/- 2038.65 in the decrease cases and 1207.51 +/- 1378.83 in the increase cases. The level was significantly higher in the decrease case (p < 0.05). And there tended to be more pathologically effective in the decrease cases than in increase cases. The effects of preoperative oral chemotherapy in colorectal cancer was strongly influenced by changes of PyNPase activity and IL-1 alpha concentration in tumor tissues.

Fetal redistribution of blood flow and amniotic fluid volume in growth-retarded fetuses

Our purpose was to assess the relationship between the fetal redistribution of blood flow and the amount of amniotic fluid in appropriate-for gestational-age fetuses and growth-retarded fetuses. Blood flow velocity waveforms of the umbilical artery, descending aorta, middle cerebral artery, renal artery and uterine artery were recorded using pulsed Doppler ultrasonography in 100 appropriate-for gestational age fetuses and 39 growth-retarded fetuses. The pulsatility index (PI) values and the amount of amniotic fluid were compared between the two groups. The PI values of the umbilical artery and renal artery were significantly higher in appropriate for gestational-age-fetuses with oligohydraminos than in fetuses with an adequate amount of amniotic fluid. The PI values of the umbilical artery and renal artery were significantly higher and the PI of the middle cerebral artery was significantly lower in growth-retarded fetuses with oligohydramnios than in fetuses with an adequate amount of amniotic fluid. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the PI value of the renal artery and the vertical diameter of amniotic fluid, and between the PI value of the renal artery and the amniotic fluid index. The PI value of the renal artery was related to the amount of amniotic fluid in growth-retarded fetuses, and the same relationship was demonstrated in appropriate-for gestational age fetuses.

Messenger RNA fingerprinting analysis using arbitrarily primed PCR (RAP) of genes expressed during rat C6 glioma cell differentiation

To identify differentially expressed genes involved in rat C6 glioma cell differentiation induced by cyclic AMP, we adopted mRNA fingerprinting using arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (RAP). Four complementary DNA (cDNA) fragments differentially expressed during differentiation were isolated, and they appeared to contain coding regions of corresponding mRNAs. RAP can be used to efficiently identify cDNA fragments by comparing nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences with those in databases, and is thus a useful method to search for and identify important genes involved in complex cellular processes such as glioma cell differentiation.

Cloning, sequencing, and chromosomal localization of two tandemly arranged human pseudogenes for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)

We have characterized a human genomic clone carrying two pseudogenes for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which were tandemly arranged on human Chromosome (Chr) 4. One is a processed pseudogene that showed a 73% nucleotide homology to the human PCNA cDNA and possessed none of the introns existing in the functional PCNA gene. This pseudogene presumably arose by reverse transcription of a PCNA mRNA followed by integration of the cDNA into the genome. The other is a 5' and 3' truncated pseudogene that showed a nucleotide homology to a 3' region of the exon 4 and to a 5' region of the exon 5 of the PCNA gene and did not have the intronic sequence between the exons 4 and 5. Both pseudogenes had the same nucleotide deletion as compared with the human functional PCNA gene. A phylogenetic analysis of PCNA gene family, including the functional PCNA gene and another PCNA pseudogene located on a different chromosome, revealed that the truncated pseudogene exhibits the closest evolutionary relationship with the processed pseudogene, suggesting that the truncated pseudogene was generated by duplication of the processed pseudogene after translocation to Chr 4. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these pseudogenes are located on the long arm of Chr 4, 4q24.

Effects of a new clerodane diterpenoid isolated from propolis on chemically induced skin tumors in mice

Propolis is a resinous material gathered by honey bees from the buds and bark of certain trees and plants, and used inside their hives. Characteristic components of propolis are many kinds of flavonoid aglycones. The methanol extract of a Brazilian propolis was fractionated by HPLC, and a tumoricidal substance was isolated and characterized as a new clerodane diterpenoid (PMS-1) with a molecular formula of C20H32O3 (MW: 320). We investigated the effects of PMS-1 on skin tumorigenesis and the development of skin tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene application on mouse back skin. It was tentatively concluded that PMS-1 reduced the incidence of skin tumors by inhibition of DNA synthesis in a de novo pathway, and suppressed the growth of the tumors by decreasing DNA synthesis in a salvage pathway.

Differential mRNA expression of phospholipase D (PLD) isozymes during cAMP-induced differentiation in C6 glioma cells

GTP gamma S-dependent phospholipase D (PLD) activity time-dependently increased during differentiation of rat C6 glioma cells to astrocytic phenotypes induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP)/theophylline. The changes in PLD mRNA level were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method using the degenerate primers designed based on two conserved amino acid sequences in PLDs of human and yeast. The amplified three DNA fragments (tentatively termed as rPLDa, b, and c) contained the conserved regions present in PLDs of various organisms. RT-PCR using non-degenerate primers showed that rPLDa mRNA increased within 12h following treatment with dbcAMP, reaching a broad plateau and then returned to the initial level at 48h. In contrast, the level of rPLDb mRNA showed a concurrent decrease. rPLDc decreased in a time-dependent manner. These results suggest that the expression of PLD mRNAs are differentially regulated during differentiation in C6 glioma cells.

Ultrasonographic prediction of lethal pulmonary hypoplasia: comparison of eight different ultrasonographic parameters

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of eight different ultrasonographic fetal parameters for predicting fetal pulmonary hypoplasia.

STUDY DESIGN

Nomograms of eight different ultrasonographic fetal parameters were evaluated by studying uncomplicated single fetus pregnancies with well-established dates between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation. The eight parameters, which could reflect fetal lung mass, were as follows: thoracic circumference, thoracic area, thoracic area minus heart area, lung area, thoracic circumference/abdominal circumference ratio, thoracic area/heart area ratio, thoracic area minus heart area/thoracic area ratio and lung area/thoracic area ratio. The relative efficacy of the eight parameters was determined by studying 21 fetuses at high risk for development of lethal pulmonary hypoplasia and 30 fetuses with premature rupture of membranes within 1 week.

RESULTS

The lung area (gestational age-dependent parameter) and the thoracic circumference/abdominal circumference (gestational age-independent parameter) ratio had the best diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 81.3% and 90.5%, specificity 100% and 90.0%, positive predictive value 100% and 86.4%, negative predictive value 90.9% and 93.1%, respectively). There were significant linear relationships between lung weight and lung area and between the lung weight/body weight ratio and the thoracic circumference/abdominal circumference ratio.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that the application of lung area and the thoracic circumference/abdominal circumference ratio are clinically useful for the evaluation of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia.

Effects of estrone with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate on the femur in aged rats

In an attempt to define the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal osteoporosis, we investigated the effects of estrone with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate on the bone mineral density of the femur of aged rats, of which plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol were markedly reduced in comparison with those of younger rats. Although additional sex hormones had little effect on the plasma levels of gonadotropins, chronic administration of estrone significantly enhanced the bone mineral density of femur in aged animals.

Identification of a YAC clone carrying the Xa-1 allele, a bacterial blight resistance gene in rice

Map-based cloning methods have been applied for isolation of Xa-1, one of the bacterial blight resistance genes in rice.Xa-1 was previously mapped on chromosome 4 using molecular markers. For positional cloning of Xa-1, a high-resolution genetic map was made for theXa-1 region using an F2 population of 402 plants and additional molecular markers. Three restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, XNpb235, XNpb264 and C600 were found to be linked tightly to Xa-1, with no recombinants, and U08 750 was mapped 1.5 cM from Xa-1. The screening of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library using theseXa-1-linked RFLP markers resulted in the identification of ten contiguous YAC clones. Among these, one YAC clone, designated Y5212, with an insert of 340 kb, hybridized with all three tightly linked markers. This YAC was confirmed to possess the Xa-1 allele by mapping the Xa-1 gene between both end clones of this YAC (Y5212R and Y5212L).

[The operation for malignant tumors in the frontal skull base: combined transbasal & transfacial approach]

The authors have previously reported on an extensive transbasal approach, through which a supraorbital bar is osteotomized. This operative technique has been applied by the authors not merely to benign but also to malignant tumors in the frontal skull base. However, in the operation for malignant tumors of the frontal base, it is important to resect en-bloc the tumors and surrounding tissues, such as dura of the skull base and the orbital contents. The authors describe the operative mode of the combined transbasal & transfacial approach and its good results in 19 cases with malignant tumors in the frontal skull base, and 3 types of en-bloc resection in this operative approach (from type A to C) are introduced. Type A of en-bloc resection in the combined transbasal & transfacial approach was performed in 11 cases with the tumors invading the ethmoid sinuses. Type B was performed in 4 cases with tumors extending to the orbit. Type C was performed in 4 cases with tumors extending to the orbit and the maxillary sinuses on the affected side. These operative modes are useful in skull base surgery.

Suppressed expression of CD44 variant isoforms during human glioma A172 cell differentiation induced by cyclic AMP

CD44 is a major receptor for hyaluronic acid, which is the most frequent route of malignant glioma invasion. Multiple isoforms of CD44 are generated by alternative mRNA splicing. We have examined differential expression of CD44 variant isoforms (CD44vs) during dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP)/theophylline-induced differentiation of human glioma A172 cells using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Treatment of cells with dbcAMP and theophylline caused decreased expression of all CD44 isoforms after 24 h. The CD44 standard form was observed to return to the unstimulated level after 72 h, whereas the variant isoforms, CD44 8v-10v and 10v, remained at the low level after 24-72 h. Changes of CD44vs were correlated with the level of expression of c-jun. These results suggested that the expression patterns of CD44vs might correlate with cellular differentiation in human glioma cells.).

ABO genotyping following a single PCR amplification

Using primers designed by Lee and Chang, 200 base-pair (bp) fragment of ABO locus was amplified by PCR, which spans the site of the single nucleotide deletion associated with O allele. O allele could be identified by Kpn I digestion of the PCR product as reported. A and B alleles were also distinguishable by Mae II digestion of the product. Thus restriction digestion by Kpn I and Mae II could genotype ABO blood group following the single amplification. The nucleotide substitution in the 200-bp product between A and B alleles was also found in O allele, resulting in 2 different suballeles OA and OG. The single-strand conformational polymorphism of the PCR product was also investigated for ABO genotyping following the single amplification.

Effects of a new antiulcer agent, ecabet sodium on a cutaneous tumorigenesis induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in mice

A new antiulcer agent, ecabet sodium is one of dehydroabietic acid derivatives prepared from pine resin, and is known to have a potent protective effect on gastric hemorrhagic lesions induced with carcinogens by covering a gastric mucosa after oral administration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of synthetic ecabet sodium on cutaneous tumorigenesis and development of skin-tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene application on mouse back skin. It was tentatively concluded that ecabet sodium reduced the incidence of skin-tumors (squamous cell papillomas) by inhibition of DNA synthesis in de novo pathway, and suppressed the development of papillomas by decrease of DNA synthesis in a salvage pathway.

1-(2-Tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil in combination with uracil suppresses mammary carcinogenesis and growth of tumors induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in rats

The effects of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil in combination with uracil (UFT) on mammary carcinogenesis and growth of tumors induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) were investigated in rats. Daily oral administration of UFT reduced the incidence and number of mammary tumors compared with those of the DMBA control group, resulting in lower activities in DNA synthesizing enzymes, thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase, and a reduction of bromodeoxyuridine-immunoreactive (S-phase) cells in mammary tumors of UFT-treated rats.

Pharmacotherapeutic effects of toki-shakuyaku-san on leukorrhagia in young women

Toki-shakuyaku-san is a traditional Chinese herbal prescriptions that is composed of 6 herbal plants, i.e., peony root, atractylodes lancea rhizome, alisma rhizome, hoelen, cnidium rhizome and Japanese angelica root. Administration with Toki-shakuyaku-san normalized irregular menstrual cycle, healed cervical pseudo-erosion and reduced leukorrhagia in young women who had insufficient luteal function.

Plasma glutathione peroxidase deficiency caused by renal dysfunction

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was determined in the plasma of 118 healthy persons, 18 nondialyzed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), 20 patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and 58 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Serum creatinine levels in the nondialyzed CRF patients revealed a highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.71, p < 0.001) with plasma GPx activity. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the plasma (extracellular) GPx protein was reduced or undetectable in patients with low plasma GPx activity. Plasma GPx activities in the HD and CAPD patients were reduced to 44 and 23% (female), and to 70 and 45% (male) of the sex-matched control values, respectively. In contrast, erythrocyte (cellular) GPx activity was not decreased in the nondialyzed CRF patients and the dialyzed patients. Plasma selenium concentrations were within the normal range in these patient groups. These results indicate that the plasma GPx activity largely depends on renal function.

Intraarterial infusion of high-concentration papaverine damages cerebral arteries in rats

PURPOSE

To determine the appropriate concentration of papaverine for therapeutic intraarterial infusion against cerebral vasospasm.

METHODS

We investigated histopathologic changes in cerebral arteries and brain tissue of normal Wistar rats that had received infusions of papaverine via the carotid artery. Rats were infused with 0.20 mL papaverine (concentration, 0.4% to 4.0%) via the internal carotid artery. Injury to the vascular wall was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy; pathologic changes in cerebral tissue were studied by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Neither brain necrosis nor brain edema was seen under light microscopy at any concentration. At 4.0% papaverine concentration, degeneration of endothelial cells and medial smooth muscle, including vacuole formation, was observed under electron microscopy. At 1.4% concentration, degeneration of endothelial cells was seen. Extravasation of Evans blue dye was noted when drug concentration exceeded 1.4%. At 0.8% concentration, no histopathologic change was noted.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of these results, we recommend a papaverine concentration of 0.8% or less for intraarterial infusion.

[The relationship between blood flow redistribution in umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery and fetal growth in intrauterine growth retardation]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery PI and the ratio of these values as predictors of fetal growth-retardation and adverse perinatal outcome. In 100 normal fetuses and 105 intrauterine growth-retarded fetuses Doppler velocity waveforms were recorded from the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery, and we calculated the incidence of low birth weight, gestational age at delivery, fetal distress and umbilical artery blood gas. The results were as follows: 1. There were moderate correlations between umbilical PI and birth weight (r = -0.43, p < 0.0001) and between middle cerebral artery PI and birth weight (r = 0.37, p < 0.0001) and a close correlation between cerebral-umbilical PI ratio and birth weight (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). 2. There was a significant association between the cerebral-umbilical PI ratio and the HC/AC ratio (r = -0.46, p < 0.0001). 3. The cerebral-umbilical PI ratio was the best predictor of birth weight, fetal distress and neonatal mortality compared with umbilical artery PI and middle cerebral artery PI. In growth retarded fetuses, high umbilical artery PI and low middle cerebral artery PI, the so called "brain sparing effect" was demonstrated. The cerebral-umbilical PI ratio provided a better predictor of IUGR and adverse perinatal outcome than umbilical artery PI and middle cerebral artery PI alone.

Analysis of organic compounds in a case of suicide by ignition with lacquer thinner

An autopsy case of suicide by ignition using lacquer thinner is presented. A wholly-charred body of a 54-year-old man and a can of lacquer thinner were found at the burnt driver's seat of a truck. Organic solvents in blood, urine, lung tissue, trachea and gastric contents and of the remaining clothes have been analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). High levels of toluene, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate were detected in his clothes. The concentrations of toluene in the left and right heart blood, urine, gastric contents, squeeze sample and a block of lung tissue were 0.309, 0.226, 0.018, 0.051, and 0.268 mg/ml, and 0.340 mg/g, respectively. The ethanol levels in these samples were 1.89, 1.71, 1.58, 13.88 and 1.39 mg/ml, and 1.49 mg/g, respectively, and the profile suggested that the source of the ethanol was mainly drinking. The carboxyhemoglobin concentration in the left and right heart blood was 43.3 and 36.1%, respectively. The GC/MS data on organic solvents are consistent with the idea that he used the lacquer thinner contained in the can found in his truck for ignition. The high levels of toluene in his blood suggest that not only burns but also toluene poisoning contributed to his death.

WS75624 A and B, new endothelin converting enzyme inhibitors isolated from Saccharothrix sp. No. 75624. II. Structure elucidation of WS75624 A and B

The structures of WS75624 A and B, novel endothelin converting enzyme inhibitors, were determined to be 1 and 2A, respectively, by a combination of chemical evidence and a series of 2D NMR spectral analyses.

Autoperfusion balloon catheter for treatment of vertebral artery stenosis

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the vertebral artery was performed with an autoperfusion balloon catheter in five patients. There were no complications in the form of embolic episodes or neurological deficits due to brain ischaemia during inflation. In critical cases with insufficient collateral circulation during temporary occlusion, the use of an autoperfusion balloon catheter may expand the indications for PTA in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.

Ribosome modulation factor: stationary growth phase-specific inhibitor of ribosome functions from Escherichia coli

Ribosome modulation factor (RMF) is an Escherichia coli protein associated with 100S ribosome dimers, which are formed at stationary growth phase or in slowly growing cells. RMF either purified from stationary-phase ribosomes or synthesized by a chemical method was examined for its functions. By adding either natural or synthetic RMF to 70S ribosomes prepared from both exponentially growing and stationary phase cells, 100S ribosome dimers were generated in a concentration-dependent manner. Protein synthesis in vitro was inhibited concomittantly with the formation of 100S ribosomes. The binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to ribosomes was inhibited in parallel. Taken together we propose that RMF is a stationary phase-specific inhibitor of ribosome functions and 100S dimers are stored forms of ribosomes.

[Experience in intra-hepatic-arterial chemotherapy and hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer]

Out of 213 consecutive cases of colorectal cancer patients, 39 patients had liver metastasis (31 synchronous metastases and 8 metachronous metastases). One-and 3-year survivals of these patients with liver metastases were 46.5% and 30.1%, respectively. Twenty-four patients who were treated with intra-hepatic-arterial chemotherapy had better survival rates of 54.7% at 1 year, and 36.5% at 3 years than non-treated patients. Fifteen patients who underwent curative hepatic resection had better survival rates of 83.1% at 1 year, and 48.5% at 3 years than non-resected patients. Thirteen patients who underwent curative hepatic resection followed by intra-hepatic-arterial chemotherapy had good survival rates of 80.8% at 1 year, and 53.9% at 3 years. Seven patients who had multiple metastases to both lobes, were treated with intra-hepatic-arterial chemotherapy. These patients had a better survival rate of 22.9% at 1 year than non-treated patients.

Intra-arterial infusion of papaverine combined with intravenous administration of high-dose nicardipine for cerebral vasospasm

The clinical effect of combination therapy with high doses of intravenous nicardipine and intra-arterial infusion of papaverine on symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) was analysed retrospectively. In 66 of 122 patients who underwent early aneurysm surgery between 1990 and 1993, the intracranial haemodynamics were documented by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography. 33 of these 66 patients received high dose nicardipine intravenously (Group I); the other 33 patients were not treated with calcium antagonists (Group II). Symptomatic vasospasm occurred in 6 Group I patients (18%) and in 13 (39%) in Group II patients. All 19 symptomatic patients received an intra-arterial infusion of papaverine; 15 patients (79%) responded well to this therapy and the symptoms were reversed quickly. Although the mean flow velocity (MFV) was not different between the two groups, it was reduced significantly after papverine infusion. Our retrospective analysis suggests that symptomatic vasospasm can be treated effectively with the combination of intravenous high dose nicardipine and intra-arterial infusion of papaverine, and that the correct timing of the infusions is crucial.

Immunolocalization of glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PO) in human adrenal gland--studies on adrenocortical adenomas associated with primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome

Immunocytochemical localization of glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PO) in human adrenal glands was studied on adrenocortical adenomas associated with primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome. Normal adrenal glands were obtained from non-adenomatous regions of the same surgical specimens. In the normal adrenal glands, GSH-PO was immunohistochemically localized in the zonae fasciculata and reticularis of the adrenal cortex. In immunoelectron microscopic investigations, GSH-PO was localized not only in cytoplasm (cytosol GSH-PO) but also in mitochondria (mitochondrial GSH-PO). Mitochondrial GSH-PO was mostly observed in lipid-depleted inner fasciculata cells. Cytosol GSH-PO was mainly localized in lipid-laden or lipofuscin granule-laden zona reticularis cells. In the adrenocortical adenoma cells associated with primary aldosteronism, GSH-PO was weak or negative. In immunoelectron microscopic investigations, GSH-PO was localized in cytoplasm near the lipid droplets. Mitochondrial GSH-PO was hardly seen. Based on our findings, cytosol GSH-PO may play an important role in protective effects against cell injury by lipid peroxides induced in the process of the steroid hormone synthesis or the cellular aging process, and mitochondrial GSH-PO was strongly suggested to be one of the most important enzymes for steroidogenesis, especially cortisol synthesis. Furthermore, the lipid peroxidation rate in the process of aldosterone synthesis may be less than that during cortisol synthesis. In the adrenocortical adenoma cells associated with Cushing's syndrome, GSH-PO was localized mainly in lipid-depleted compact cells. Intracellular localization of GSH-PO w2s observed only in cytoplasm near the well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum or round mitochondria. This suggests that the intramitochondrial lipid peroxidation rate is less in the adrenocortical adenoma cells than in the normal adrenocortical cells. Furthermore, intramitochondrially derived free radicals might be diffuse across the mitochondrial membrane, and cytosol GSH-PO may be enhanced as a result. These findings may correspond to the functional significance of the adrenocortical adenoma cells.

[Epidemiologic study of Alnus sieboldiana Matsumura (alder) pollinosis in Ashiya city]

Alnus sieboldiana has been planted widely on denuded sites in the Rokko mountains. Its pollination season is in the latter half of that of Japanese cedar. This epidemiologic study was carried out in Ashiya in the 1991 spring hay fever season. The subjects were 532 female residents chosen at random, who had been living there more than ten years. There was an evident relation between the airbone alder pollen count and the prevalence of alder pollinosis. In the mountain town most severely inundated with alder pollen (977/sq. cm/year), the prevalence rate of alder pollinosis alone or both alder and cedar pollinosis was 26.1%. In the flat area 5 km far from south of the mountain town, where aribome pollen count was 386/sq.cm/year, the prevalence rate of alder pollinosis was 4.3%. The heavy traffic main road pass through the flat area, thus the air pollution was significantly strong in the flat area more than in the mountain town. However, we couldn't find adjuvant effect of air pollution on the alder pollinosis, which was often reported about Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Immunohistochemical localization of glutathione peroxidase, a lipid peroxidase scavenger, in atherosclerotic lesions of human arteries

The localization of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PO) in the human arteriosclerotic lesions was investigated by immunohistochemical methods. GSH-PO is an enzyme that effectively reduces lipid peroxides. It is also known that its synthesis is significantly increased by lipid peroxides, the substrate of the enzyme. Accordingly, the increased expression of GSH-PO would indicate the promotion of lipid peroxidation in the site. Immunohistochemistry for Apo-B protein, the major protein component of plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL), was also performed to show the amount of plasma LDL permeation and deposition on the arterial wall. Atheromatous plaques contained numerous GSH-PO positive cells with foamy cytoplasm, while normal arterial walls were almost devoid of GSH-PO positive cells. Immunoelectron microscopically, the GSH-PO reaction products were observed diffusely in the cytoplasm of these cells. The deposition of Apo-B was closely related to the localization of GSH-PO positive cells in the atheromatous lesions. These findings suggest that the lipid peroxidation that surpasses the protective actions of GSH-PO may cause foamy change of smooth muscle cells and macrophages to ultimately form atherosclerotic lesions.

[Role of autoantibody in preeclampsia]

The role of anti-ssDNA and dsDNA antibody in preeclampsia were studied. Serum samples were taken from 38 pregnants with preeclampsia including 19 cases of severe type. Also, 26 normal pregnant women were studied as the control. Anti-ssDNA and dsDNA antibody were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-phospholipid antibody (APA), was measured by ELISA. Anti-dsDNA antibody was positive in 1 of the 38 preeclampsia. Anti-ssDNA antibody was positive in 15 out of the 38 cases (39.4%) in preeclampsia. Incidence of anti-ssDNA positive preeclampsia is related to it's severity of symptom as following: Six of 19 mild preeclampsia (26.3%) were positive. In severe cases, 10 of 19 (52.6%). However, the relationship between anti-ssDNA antibody and IUGR in preeclampsia, was not confirmed, although the antiphospholipid antibody was related to the IUGR. From these results, we concluded that the autoantibody, such as anti-DNA antibody, might be produced in preeclampsia and the B cell activation might play a role of exaggeration of preeclampsia.

Comparison of the free and DNA-complexed forms of the DNA-binding domain from c-Myb

The DNA-binding domain of c-Myb consists of three imperfect tandem repeats (R1, R2 and R3). The three repeats have similar overall architectures, each containing a helix-turn-helix variation motif. The three conserved tryptophans in each repeat participate in forming a hydrophobic core. Comparison of the three repeat structures indicated that cavities are found in the hydrophobic core of R2, which is thermally unstable. On complexation with DNA, the orientations of R2 and R3 are fixed by tight binding and their conformations are slightly changed. No significant changes occur in the chemical shifts of R1 consistent with its loose interaction with DNA.

Three-dimensional structure of gurmarin, a sweet taste-suppressing polypeptide

The solution structure of gurmarin was studied by two-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy at 600 MHz. Gurmarin, a 35-amino acid residue polypeptide recently discovered in an Indian-originated tree Gymnema sylvestre, selectively suppresses the neural responses of rat to sweet taste stimuli. Sequence-specific resonance assignments were obtained for all backbone protons and for most of the side-chain protons. The three-dimensional solution structure was determined by simulated-annealing calculations on the basis of 135 interproton distance constraints derived from NOEs, six distance constraints for three hydrogen bonds and 16 dihedral angle constraints derived from coupling constants. A total of 10 structures folded into a well-defined structure with a triple-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet. The average rmsd values between any two structures were 1.65 +/- 0.39 A for the backbone atoms (N, C alpha, C) and 2.95 +/- 0.27 A for all heavy atoms. The positions of the three disulfide bridges, which could not be determined chemically, were estimated to be Cys3-Cys18, Cys10-Cys23 and Cys17-Cys33 on the basis of the NMR distance constraints. This disulfide bridge pattern in gurmarin turned out to be analogous to that in omega-conotoxin and Momordica charantia trypsin inhibitor-II, and the topology of folding was the same as that in omega-conotoxin.

Embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas with interlocking detachable coils

Our clinical experience with interlocking detachable coils for the embolization of high-flow dural arteriovenous fistulas is reported. Interlocking detachable coils are useful for transarterial and transvenous embolizations of dural arteriovenous fistulas because (a) immediate coil detachment is possible, (b) the coils can be replaced easily, (c) detached coils rarely migrate, and (d) fewer interlocking detachable coils than conventional fiber coils are required for successful embolization.

Arteriovenous fistula around the ventriculoperitoneal shunt system in a patient with a dural arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa. Case report

A dural arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the posterior fossa can produce persistent tinnitus, convulsions, and dementia. Successful therapeutic embolization may result in a complete cure, but in some cases, patients do not respond to the treatment. The authors report a patient with a dural AVM of the posterior fossa that did not respond to repeated intravascular treatments, but resulted in an arteriovenous shunt in the scalp around the ventriculoperitoneal shunt system. Although several hypotheses have been proposed on the pathogenesis of dural AVMs, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The rare complication we encountered may shed some light on the pathogenesis of dural AVMs.

Detection of green algae (Chlorophyceae) for the diagnosis of drowning

The plankton test (generally, diatom test) is one of the methods available to diagnose the cause of death of submerged bodies. The solubilization method using tissue solubilizer Soluene-350 was used in this study to detect not only diatoms but also green algae, based on the fact that the solubilizer does not digest the cell walls of green algae which are made from cellulose. Detection of green algae from organs of submerged cadavers is very informative to determine drowning in fresh water, and also in cases where only few diatoms are detected in the organs.

Effects of danazol on proliferation and viability of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumours in rats

The suppressive effects of danazol, an isoxazol derivative of a synthetic steroid 17 alpha-ethinyltestosterone, on cellular viability and DNA synthesis in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced mammary tumours were investigated in adult female rats by enzyme assays and immunohistochemistry with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Rats treated with danazol for 30 days showed a decrease of plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and estradiol associated with a dysfunction in hypothalamo-hypophysial-gonadal axis, resulting in lower activities in succinate dehydrogenase and thymidine kinase, and a reduction of BrdU-immunoreactive cells in mammary tumours compared with the control, i.e., decreases of viability and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis in tumour cells in danazol-treated rats.

Suppression of plasma glutathione peroxidase activity by ifosfamide

Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is synthesized predominantly in the kidneys. Plasma-GPx activities were measured in 12 patients with gynecological malignancies before and after chemotherapy. The patients were treated with cisplatin alone (P); with VP16 and cisplatin (EP); with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (CAP); or with ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (IAP). The protein levels of the enzyme were semi-quantitatively determined by immuno-blot analysis. Plasma GPx activity was decreased by an average of 61% (p < 0.01) in patients treated with IAP, while no significant decreases were observed in patients treated with any drug combinations without ifosfamide. Immuno-blot analysis of plasma samples from a patient treated with IAP revealed no differences in the protein levels of plasma GPx either before or after IAP administration, although the plasma GPx activity decreased 83%, from 0.173 to 0.029 units/ml. The results indicate that the decrease in plasma GPx activity was not due to impaired production of the enzyme in the kidneys, and that ifosfamide is responsible for inhibition of the enzyme activity. Since GPx is an enzyme of major importance in detoxification of lipid peroxides in the brain, CNS toxicity induced by ifosfamide might be related to severe suppression of plasma GPx activity.

[On the finger-drawing strategy in recognition of random shapes]

The present study was designed to identify the memory-enhancing factor of finger-drawing strategy, and investigate the relationship between finger-drawing and semantic processing of random shapes. Forty subjects were randomly assigned to one of the five conditions: imagery encoding, verbal encoding, finger-drawing for encoding, finger-drawing for searching, and finger-drawing for both encoding and searching, and performed recognition tasks of random shapes. Results indicated that in the two conditions under which finger-drawing was used for encoding, recognition of complex shapes was superior to that of simple ones. No differences were found for those of high and low associative shapes. Verbal reports of the subjects indicated that finger-drawing for encoding prevented them from naming the shapes. In contrast, in the other three conditions under which finger-drawing was not used for encoding, recognition of simple shapes was superior to that of complex ones. Also, recognition of high associative shapes was superior to that of low ones. These results suggest that kinetic representation, rather than amount of attention, is responsible for the memory-facilitating effect of finger-drawing, and that finger-drawing for encoding inhibits active semantic processing.

Nucleotide sequence of a human genomic DNA fragment containing the PCNA pseudogene and its localization on chromosome 4

A one kb human genomic DNA fragment, containing a processed pseudogene of a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA/DNA polymerase delta auxiliary protein), was isolated and sequenced. The PCNA pseudogene consisted of the 3' half of exon 4 and the 5' half of exon 5 of the PCNA gene, and shared 84% nucleotide homology with the human PCNA cDNA. The PCNA pseudogene was localized on human chromosome 4, based on data obtained from a panel of human-mouse hybrid cell lines.

Intra-arterial papaverine for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Intra-arterial infusion of papaverine was used clinically as a vasodilator for spastic arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage, since in vitro experiment demonstrated that papaverine is one of the most potent vasodilators of human cerebral arteries following subarachnoid hemorrhage. The present report describes the successful treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage by intra-arterial infusion of papaverine hydrochloride and discusses the experimental background of this treatment.

The human plasma glutathione peroxidase-encoding gene: organization, sequence and localization to chromosome 5q32

A genomic clone encoding the human plasma glutathione peroxidase (PGPx), a major enzyme in reducing lipid hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide in plasma, was isolated and 5618 nucleotides (nt) were determined. The nt sequence data revealed that the PGPx gene is composed of five exons spanning approx. 10 kb. Primer extension experiments mapped the transcription start point at 298 nt upstream from the predicted start codon. Twenty nt upstream from the polyadenylation site of the gene, an uncanonical polyadenylation signal, AGTAAA, was found. Human PGPx was localized on chromosome 5 band q32 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.