Free snuff-box flap for reconstruction of the wrap-around flap donor site

The big toe donor site of the wrap-around flap has been reconstructed immediately after elevation of the flap with a snuff-box flap from the dorsum of the recipient hand in 6 patients. Rapid wound healing and a satisfactory appearance were achieved.

Use of NK1 receptor antagonists in the exploration of physiological functions of substance P and neurokinin A

Tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists were used to explore the physiological functions of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA). Pharmacological profiles of three NK1 receptor antagonists, GR71251, GR82334, and RP 67580, were examined in the isolated spinal cord preparation of the neonatal rat. These tachykinin receptor antagonists exhibited considerable specificities and antagonized the actions of both SP and NKA to induce the depolarization of ventral roots. Electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve with C-fiber strength evoked a depolarization lasting about 30 s of the ipsilateral L3 ventral root. This response, which is referred to as saphenous-nerve-evoked slow ventral root potential (VRP), was depressed by these NK1 receptor antagonists. In contrast, the saphenous-nerve-evoked slow VRP was potentiated by application of a mixture of peptidase inhibitors, including thiorphan, actinonin, and captopril in the presence of naloxone, but not after further addition of GR71251. Likewise, in the isolated coeliac ganglion of the guinea pig, electrical stimulation of the mesenteric nerves evoked in some ganglionic cells slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), which were depressed by GR71251 and potentiated by peptidase inhibitors. These results further support the notion that SP and NKA serve as neurotransmitters producing slow EPSPs in the neonatal rat spinal cord and guinea pig prevertebral ganglia.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer successfully treated with combination chemotherapy using THP, 5'-DFUR and CDDP, followed by surgical resection]

We reported a patient with advanced gastric cancer and a liver metastasis, who responded remarkably to combination chemotherapy using THP, 5'-DFUR and CDDP. The patient was administered four courses of THP (15 mg/m2/day, on day 1, iv), 5'-DFUR (1400 mg/m2/day, on days 1-4 and 15-18, orally), and CDDP (80 mg/m2/day, on day 5, iv) every 4 weeks. As a result, both the primary and metastatic tumors decreased remarkably in size at more than 19 weeks (PR) and we performed curative total resection of the stomach and partial resection of the liver. Histologically, the effects of chemotherapy on gastric focus were evaluated as grade 1a and the liver metastasis completely disappeared. This combination therapy proved useful to treat advanced gastric cancer in this patient.

Tachykininergic slow depolarization of motoneurones evoked by descending fibres in the neonatal rat spinal cord

1. In the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat, repetitive electrical stimulation of the upper cervical region elicited a prolonged depolarization of lumbar motoneurones (L3-5) lasting 1-2 min, which was recorded extracellularly from ventral roots, or intracellularly. 2. This depolarizing response was markedly depressed by the excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV, 30 microM) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10 microM). The remaining response was further depressed by a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor antagonist, ketanserin (3 microM). 3. In the presence of these antagonists, a small part of the depolarizing response of slow time course remained, and this response was partially blocked by the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists GR71251 (0.3-5 microM) and RP67580 (0.3-1 microM). In contrast, RP68651 (0.3-1 microM), the inactive enantiomer of RP67580, had no effect on the depolarizing response. 4. The slow depolarizing response in the presence of D-APV, CNQX and ketanserin was markedly potentiated by a peptidase inhibitor, thiorphan (1 microM). 5. This descending fibre-evoked slow depolarization became smaller after prolonged treatment (5-7 h) with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (10 microM), a neurotoxin for 5-HT neurones. Under such conditions, the effects of thiorphan and GR71251 on the slow depolarization were virtually absent. 6. Under the action of D-APV, CNQX and ketanserin, applications of tachykinins, substance P and neurokinin A produced depolarizing responses of lumbar motoneurones, and the responses were depressed by GR71251 and potentiated by thiorphan. 7. These results suggest that tachykinins contained in serotonergic fibres serve as neurotransmitters mediating the descending fibre-evoked slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in motoneurones.

Comprehensive site-directed mutagenesis of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase to probe catalytic amino acid residues

L-2-Halo acid dehalogenase catalyzes the stereospecific hydrolytic dehalogenation of L-2-halo acids, with inversion of the C2-configuration. Seven L-2-halo acid dehalogenases from various bacterial strains are significantly similar to one another in their amino acid sequences (36-70% identity), and they are supposed to catalyze the reaction through the same mechanism. To identify catalytically important residues, we mutated all the 36 highly conserved charged and polar amino acid residues of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase from Pseudomonas sp. YL, which consists of 232 amino acid residues, by replacement of D by N, E by Q, R by K, and vice versa, S and T by A, Y and W by F, M by L, and H by N. We found that the replacement of D10, K151, S175, D180, R41, S118, T14, Y157, and N177 led to a significant loss in the enzyme activity or an increase in the Km value for the substrate, showing their involvement in the catalysis. The roles of these residues are discussed.

[Fatty acid metabolism in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: characteristics and prognostic implications]

The characteristics of myocardial fatty acid metabolism in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were investigated by myocardial imaging with beta-methyl-p-[123I]iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) in 16 patients with DCM, 8 patients with hypertensive heart failure (HHF), and 11 normal subjects. Rest myocardial imaging with BMIPP and 201Tl was performed on another day. The index of myocardial BMIPP uptake, or uptake ratio, was calculated from the percentage uptakes of BMIPP and 201Tl. The index of inhomogeneity of intramyocardial isotope distribution was calculated as the coefficient of variation of BMIPP and 201Tl. The uptake ratio was significantly lower in DCM and HHF patients than in normal subjects (p < 0.01). Uptake ratio correlated well with fractional shortening (r = 0.76, p < 0.01), and left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). Although uptake ratio was not different between DCM and HHF patients, defects in BMIPP imaging appeared more frequently in DCM (69%) than in HHF (38%) patients. Furthermore, the extent of the defect in BMIPP imaging in DCM patients was larger than that in 201Tl imaging (p < 0.05), but in HHF patients the extent of the defects in both methods was similar. The coefficient of variation of BMIPP in DCM patients was greater than those in HHF patients and in normal subjects, but those of 201Tl were not different between the three groups. The coefficient of variation of BMIPP in DCM patients correlated well with serum norepinephrine level (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) and atrial natriuretic peptide (r = 0.77, p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ischemic and hemorrhagic brain stem lesions mimicking diabetic ophthalmoplegia

Two patients with diabetes mellitus, one of them with an isolated third cranial nerve palsy and the other with an isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy, are presented. MRI investigations including diffusion-weighted MRI revealed a small ischemic brain stem lesion in the former and a small hemorrhagic brain stem lesion in the latter. In the former case wallerian degeneration of the nerve fascicle within the mesencephalon was also detected. These cases indicate that vascular accidents of the brain stem may masquerade as fascicular or infranuclear disturbance of the oculomotor or abducens nerve; therefore, it is important to include brain stem lesions into the differential diagnosis of isolated ophthalmoplegia. Thorough investigation by MRI including diffusion-weighted MRI is helpful for correct diagnosis.

Columbin isolated from calumbae radix affects the sleeping time of anesthetized mice

In a screening series of bioactive components in edible and medicinal plants, we found that Calumbae Radix (Colombo root, 1% powdered feed, for 5 d) and its component, columbin (20-40 mg/kg/d, for 5 d, orally), shortened the sleeping time induced by a urethane and alpha-chloralose mixture and prolonged the sleeping time induced by hexobarbital in mice.

A novel proteinase, glucagon-degrading enzyme, secreted by a human pancreatic cancer cell line, HPC-YO

Sixty-four kinds of cell lines were examined as to their ability to degrade glucagon using conditioned-media obtained from their protein-free cultures. Two human tumor cell lines were shown to produce this activity, and the cell line, HPC-YO, established from a human pancreatic carcinoma was shown to produce the highest level of activity. The glucagon-degrading enzyme (GDE) was purified from HPC-YO conditioned-medium by a combination of ion-exchange, gel filtration, and hydroxylapatite column chromatographies. The purified GDE also degraded vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and secretin, however, it did not cleave EGF, gastrin, insulin, somatostatin, substance P, neurotensin, or growth hormone. The molecular weight of GDE is 83,000, as determined on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of GDE was blocked, and the five partial amino acid sequences obtained on lysyl-endopeptidase digestion were determined to be N-L-T-E-E-Y-D-V-S-D-G-E-I-E-L-L-Y-E-K, V-E-T-Y-Y-D-L-L-F-E-K, L-Y-W-F-L-D-E-A-K, S-N-S-T-S-Y-V-K, and Y-Y-A-S-T-S-Y-D-D-T-Y-K. The same or homologous amino acid sequences have not been found in known proteins, demonstrating that GDE is a novel peptidase that degrades the secretin family: glucagon, VIP, and secretin.

Unique primary structure of 2-nitropropane dioxygenase from Hansenula mrakii

We have isolated the gene encoding 2-nitropropane dioxygenase from Hansenula mrakii, an FAD enzyme that catalyzes the oxygenative denitrification of various anionic nitroalkanes. The gene contained an open reading frame consisting of 1122 nucleotides corresponding to 374 amino acid residues. The protein molecular mass was estimated to be 41,466 Da, which was similar to the subunit molecular mass of the enzyme determined by SDS/PAGE. Several FAD enzymes such as D-amino acid oxidase and glucose oxidase also catalyze the oxidation of nitroalkanes as a side-reaction, although not so efficiently [Kido, T. & Soda, K. (1984) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 234, 468-475]. However, we found no proteins in the databases (GenBank, EMBL, PIR and SWISS-PROT) which are homologous to 2-nitropropane dioxygenase of H. mrakii in primary structure. No protein motifs, including a nucleotide-binding motif, GXGXXG, were found in PROSITE, a database of biologically significant protein sites and patterns. Accordingly, 2-nitropropane dioxygenase is a new type of flavoprotein with a unique structure.

Evidence for deactivation of both ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase by adenosine A1 receptor activation in the rat cardiomyocytes

Adenosine, an important regulator of many cardiac functions, is produced by ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase. The activity of these enzymes is influenced by several ischemia-sensitive metabolic factors, e.g., ATP, ADP, H+, and inorganic phosphate. However, there is no clear evidence that adenosine itself affects 5'-nucleotidase activity. This study tested whether adenosine decreases the activity of ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult male Wistar rats and suspended in the modified Hepes-Tyrode buffer solution. After stabilization, isolated cardiomyocytes were incubated with and without adenosine (10(-9) - 10(-4) M). Ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity was decreased by exogenous adenosine (ectosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity, 20.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.6 mumol/min per 10(6) cells [P < 0.05]; cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity, 2.47 +/- 0.58 vs. 1.61 +/- 0.54 mumol/min per 10(6) cells [P < 0.05] at 10(-6) M adenosine) after 30 min. The decrease in ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity was inhibited by 8-phenyltheophylline and pertussis toxin, and was mimicked by N6-cyclohexyladenosine, an adenosine A1 receptor agonist. Neither CGS21680C, and A2 receptor agonist, nor cycloheximide deactivated ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase. Thus, we conclude that activation of adenosine A1 receptors is coupled to Gi proteins and attenuates ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity in rat cardiomyocytes.

Invasive ductal carcinoma with a predominant intraductal component arising in a fibroadenoma of the breast

A rare case of invasive ductal carcinoma with a predominant intraductal component arising within a fibroadenoma of the breast in a 42 year old Japanese female was investigated by light microscopy. The patient, who had a well-defined, rubbery breast tumor measuring 2.0 x 3.0 cm, had undergone a tumorectomy 21 months after she noticed the tumor. Histologically, the fundamental architecture of the tumor showed an intracanalicular-type of fibroadenoma, but extensive proliferation of atypical cells was noticed in the lumen of the ducts. Tumor cells in the canaliculi had characteristics of ductal carcinoma, such as solid, comedo and cribriform patterns. As most of the ducts were occupied by carcinoma cells with several foci of microinvasion in the stroma of the fibroadenoma, it was diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma with a predominant intraductal component arising within a fibroadenoma. This coexistence of in situ proliferation and invasive lesions of carcinoma within a fibroadenoma suggest the origin of the carcinoma to have been in the epithelial component of the fibroadenoma. In addition, this study clarifies the fact that carcinoma cells may proliferate and spread along the lumen of pre-existing ducts of the fibroadenoma and speculates that the duct system of the fibroadenoma has complete continuity.

[Is myocardial fatty acid metabolism different between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertensive hypertrophy?]

To investigate the characteristics of fatty acid metabolism in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), we performed myocardial imaging with 123I-iodophenyl-3-methylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) in 24 patients with HCM, 13 patients with hypertensive hypertrophy (HT) and 10 normal subjects. Rest myocardial imaging with 123I-BMIPP was obtained at 20 minutes and 3 hours after 123I-BMIPP injection. Rest 201Tl imaging was also performed. In addition to ordinary tomography, whole body imaging was performed to calculate % Uptake (percentage of cardiac uptake of the isotope to total injected dose). As global indexes of fatty acid metabolism, we calculated two parameters; 1) Uptake Ratio (%Uptake of 123I-BMIPP normalized by myocardial perfusion) and 2) WOR (percent reduction of myocardial 123I-BMIPP within 3 hours). Regional abnormality was evaluated by visual assessment of ordinary tomograms and by BMIPP/T1 map. BMIPP/T1 map was made from Bull's-eye maps of 123I-BMIPP and 201Tl, and it represented 123I-BMIPP uptake normalized by myocardial perfusion of each pixel which constructed the image. %Uptake of 123I-BMIPP was not different among three groups. But Uptake Ratio was significantly (p < 0.001) different among three groups; normal (1.13 +/- 0.08) > HT (1.03 +/- 0.08) > HCM (0.87 +/- 0.09). WOR of 123I-BMIPP was accelerated in HCM (12.7 +/- 4.7%) and HT (10.2 +/- 2.9%) comparing with that in normal (5.1 +/- 3.1%) (p < 0.01). In patients with HCM, by visual assessment, regional abnormality of 123I-BMIPP distribution was found in 17 of 24 patients (71%) including 3 patients with equivocal abnormality. But in patients with HT, only equivocal abnormality was observed in 23%. In BMIPP/T1 map, abnormality was observed in 92% of HCM and 8% of HT. Although global myocardial fatty acid metabolism was equally disturbed both in HCM and HT, regional abnormality of fatty acid metabolism was observed preferentially in HCM. This indicated myocardial fatty acid metabolism was not identical between HCM and HT.

Effect of interferon therapy in a patient with chronic active hepatitis type C associated with interstitial pneumonia and rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

Interferon (IFN) is widely used to treat patients with chronic hepatitis types B and C but has been found to occasionally aggravate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or cause interstitial pneumonia. We administered 6 MIU/d IFN-beta by intravenous injection for 6 weeks to a 55-year-old man with chronic active hepatitis type C associated with RA and interstitial pneumonia. Transaminase levels rapidly returned to normal after treatment and hepatitis C virus-RNA (nested RT-PCR method) was negative on completion of treatment. No significant adverse reactions or aggravation of RA or interstitial pneumonia occurred. These findings suggest that use of IFN-beta in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis type C associated with RA and/or interstitial pneumonia presents no problem if appropriate precautions are taken.

Comparative studies of genes encoding thermostable L-2-halo acid dehalogenase from Pseudomonas sp. strain YL, other dehalogenases, and two related hypothetical proteins from Escherichia coli

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding thermostable L-2-halo acid dehalogenase (L-DEX) from the 2-chloroacrylate-utilizable bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain YL. The open reading frame consists of 696 nucleotides corresponding to 232 amino acid residues. The protein molecular weight was estimated to be 26,179, which was in good agreement with the subunit molecular weight of the enzyme. The gene was efficiently expressed in the recombinant Escherichia coli cells: the amount of L-DEX corresponds to about 49% of the total soluble proteins. The predicted amino acid sequence showed a high level of similarity to those of L-DEXs from other bacterial strains and haloacetate dehalogenase H-2 from Moraxella sp. strain B (38 to 57% identity) but a very low level of similarity to those of haloacetate dehalogenase H-1 from Moraxella sp. strain B (10%) and haloalkane dehalogenase from Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 (12%). By searching the protein amino acid sequence database, we found two E. coli hypothetical proteins similar to the Pseudomonas sp. strain YL L-DEX (21 to 22%).

[Unilateral external ophthalmoplegia caused by ipsilateral oculomotor nuclear lesion: analysis with diffusion weighted MRI]

A 49-year-old man who had been suffering from poorly controlled diabetes mellitus for 20 years was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaints of diplopia and right ptosis. The onset of his symptoms was sudden. On admission, he had right palpebral ptosis, upward and left lateral gaze paresis of the right eye. Hess screen chart examination revealed paresis of the right superior rectus, inferior oblique and medial rectus muscles. T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed high intensity area in the medial part of the right midbrain tegmentum where the oculomotor nucleus located, and diffusion weighted MRI demonstrated high intensity area which corresponded to the oculomotor fascicles of the midbrain. The latter represented Wallerian degeneration of the fascicles. The diagnosis of small infarction of the right oculomotor nucleus presenting ipsilateral external ophthalmoplegia was made. The superior rectus muscle is innervated by the neurons in the contralateral oculomotor nucleus, and the other external ocular muscles innervated by the third cranial nerve are conducted by the neurons in the ipsilateral oculomotor nucleus; therefore, unilateral oculomotor nuclear lesion generally causes ipsilateral ophthalmoplegia plus contralateral superior rectus palsy. Our case presented here shows that there may be such a case with oculomotor nuclear disturbance which masquerades with oculomotor fascicular or infranuclear disturbance; therefore, it is important to include these lesions in differential diagnosis.

[Quantitative evaluation of liver function with 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy using extraction index]

Extraction index (EI5) was introduced to evaluate liver function quantitatively with 99mTc-GSA (GSA) scintigraphy, and it was compared with conventional indices; receptor index (LHL15) and clearance index (HH15). EI5 is expressed as following equation: EI5 = (L5 - L3)/(H3 + H5) * PH/PL where L3, L5: counts at 3 or 5 minutes after the injection in the liver ROI, respectively, H3, H5: counts at 3 or 5 minutes in the heart ROI, respectively; PL, PH: numbers of pixels in the liver- and heart-ROI, respectively. We performed GSA scintigraphy in 40 patients with liver dysfunction and calculated values of the indices. Good correlations were observed between EI5 and liver function tests. Correlation coefficients were almost equal to or higher than those between conventional parameters and liver functional tests. EI5 was thought to be a practical index, and it could be calculated in a short time without aid of computer. Evaluation of local liver function may be possible, because EI5 was corrected with numbers of pixels in the liver- and heart-ROI; which was not considered in the conventional parameters.

Quantumchemical structure of carcinogenic benz[c]acridines

Resonance energies, circuit resonance energies and bond currents of benz[c]acridines were calculated by Aihara's IRE theory. Consequently, it was shown that these compounds had very stable aromatic characters with positive resonance energies and that the resonance energies per pi-electron values for the compounds with lack of the double bond corresponding to the K-region from parent skeleton were more stable than those of their parent compounds. Carcinogenic activity of the compounds was related to the charge at QK, QN and QL and high electron density on HOMO orbital.

Role of eicosapentaenoic acid in lipid metabolism in the liver, with special reference to experimental fatty liver

Choline-deficient feed was given to three groups (n = 7 in each) of male Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 weeks to induce the development of fatty liver. In addition, two of the groups received eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 1000 mg/kg/d, administered orally either for all 4 weeks or for only the last 2 weeks of the study, respectively. The third group received the choline-deficient diet but no EPA. The untreated control group (n = 7) received only normal feed. The efficacy of EPA in preventing fatty liver was assessed based on the evaluation of pathologic and biochemical parameters and hepatic blood flow. EPA markedly improved fatty liver, probably due to both direct effects (inhibition of the synthesis of triglyceride in the liver) and indirect effects (increased hepatic blood flow). Decreased blood flow due to sinusoidal block is responsible for the progression of fatty liver. EPA has been shown to decrease thromboxane A2 production and blood viscosity and to enhance red cell deformability. These effects are thought to have contributed to the increases in hepatic blood flow.

Involvement of enzymatic degradation in the inactivation of tachykinin neurotransmitters in neonatal rat spinal cord

1. The possible involvement of enzymatic degradation in the inactivation of tachykinin neurotransmitters was examined in the spinal cord of the neonatal rat. 2. The magnitude of substance P (SP)- or neurokinin A (NKA)-evoked depolarization of a lumbar ventral root in the isolated spinal cord preparation was increased by a mixture of peptidase inhibitors, consisting of actinonin (6 microM), arphamenine B (6 microM), bestatin (10 microM), captopril (10 microM) and thiorphan (0.3 microM). The mixture augmented the response to NKA more markedly than that to SP. 3. In the isolated spinal cord-cutaneous nerve preparation, the saphenous nerve-evoked slow depolarization of the L3 ventral root was augmented by the mixture of peptidase inhibitors in the presence of naloxone (0.5 microM) but not in the presence of both naloxone and a tachykinin receptor antagonist, GR71251 (5 microM). 4. Application of capsaicin (0.5 microM) for 6 min to the spinal cord evoked an increase in the release of SP from the spinal cord. The amount of SP released was significantly augmented by the mixture of peptidase inhibitors. 5. Synaptic membrane fractions were prepared from neonatal rat spinal cords. These fractions showed degrading activities for SP and NKA and the activities were inhibited by the mixture of peptidase inhibitors. The degrading activity for NKA was higher than that for SP and the inhibitory effect of the mixture for NKA was more marked than that for SP. Although some other fractions obtained from homogenates of spinal cords showed higher degrading activities for SP, these activities were insensitive to the mixture of peptidase inhibitors. 6. Effects of individual peptidase inhibitors on the enzymatic degradation of SP and NKA by synaptic membrane fractions were examined. Thiorphan, actinonin and captopril inhibited SP degradation, while thiorphan and actinonin, but not captopril, inhibited NKA degradation. The potency of the inhibition of each peptidase inhibitor was lower than that of the mixture.7. The present results suggest that enzymatic degradation is involved in the inactivation of tachykinin neurotransmitters in the spinal cord of the neonatal rat.

[Myocardial imaging with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) in essential hypertension: does the 123I-MIBG imaging have the ability to predict its prognosis?]

To study myocardial norepinephrine (NE) activity in essential Hypertension 9HT) and to clarify its prognostic significance, we performed myocardial imaging with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) and 201Tl at rest in 16 patients with HT and 9 normal subjects. In addition to ordinary tomograms, whole body images were obtained in both 123I-MIBG and 201Tl imaging. From the whole body image, a ratio of myocardial radionuclide accumulation to total injected dose was calculated (%Uptake). And Uptake Ratio (%Uptake of 123I-MIBG/%Uptake of 201Tl) was used as an index of myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake. Reduction of myocardial 123I-MIBG during 3 hours was calculated and expressed as washout rate (WOR). From the Bull's-eye map, the extent of defect was quantitatively assessed (Defect Score) and the homogeneity of the radionuclide distribution within the myocardium (CV) was calculated. In 123I-MIBG imaging, defect appeared in 12 patients with HT (75%), but in normal subject no one showed defect. Patients with HT were divided into two groups according to left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) responses to exercise stress which were obtained by 99mTc blood pool imaging. Group 1 consisted of 8 patients who showed EF elevation (5-10%) by exercise and group 2 consisted of 6 patients with depression of EF (-4-6%) by exercise. Rest EF, peak filling rate, exercise heart rate, exercise blood pressure and left ventricular mass were identical between two groups. Uptake Ratio in Group 2 (0.67 +/- 0.04) was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than those in Group 1 (0.75 +/- 0.05) and normal subject (0.75 +/- 0.06). And in Group 2, WOR of 123I-MIBG was greater than that of Group 1. In Group 2, defect of 123I-MIBG appeared in all patients, but in Group 1 defect developed in 50%, besides Defect Score was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 (3.8 +/- 1.4 vs. 1.5 +/- 1.8, p < 0.05). The unhomogeneity of 123I-MIBG distribution was significantly greater in Group 2 (CV; 30 +/- 5%) than in Group 1 (21 +/- 4%) and in normal subjects (18 +/- 4%). These results suggested that quantitative analysis of 123I-MIBG imaging may be helpful for assessing the prognosis of HT.

Reconsideration of the essential role of a histidine residue of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase

His20 of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase from Pseudomonas cepacia MBA4 was suggested to serve as a catalytic base [Biochem. J. (1993) 292, 69-74]. In this study, we substituted Asn or Leu for His19 of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase from Pseudomonas sp. YL, which corresponds to His20 of the P. cepacia enzyme. Although the substrate specificity was affected by the substitution, the susceptibilities of substrate halo acids were not substantially diminished, and the Km and kcat values of the mutant enzymes for L-2-chloropropionate were not significantly different from those of the wild-type enzyme. In addition, the wild-type and mutant enzymes showed the same pH optimum. Accordingly, His19 is not essential for catalysis of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase.

Purification and characterization of thermostable and nonthermostable 2-haloacid dehalogenases with different stereospecificities from Pseudomonas sp. strain YL

Two novel hydrolytic dehalogenases, thermostable L-2-haloacid dehalogenase (L-DEX) inducibly synthesized by 2-chloropropionate (2-CPA) and nonthermostable DL-2-haloacid dehalogenase (DL-DEX) induced by 2-chloroacrylate, were purified to homogeneity from Pseudomonas sp. strain YL. DL-DEX consisted of a monomer with a molecular weight of about 36,000 and catalyzed the dehalogenation of L and D isomers of 2-CPA to produce D- and L-lactates, respectively. It acted on 2-haloalkanoic acids with a carbon chain length of 2 to 4. The maximum activity on DL-2-CPA was found at pH 10.5 and 45 degrees C. L-DEX, composed of two subunits with identical molecular weights of 27,000, catalyzes the dehalogenation of L-2-haloalkanoic acids to produce the corresponding D-2-hydroxyalkanoic acids. The enzyme acts not only on short-carbon-chain 2-haloacids such as monochloroacetate and monoiodoacetate in aqueous solution but also on long-carbon-chain 2-haloacids such as 2-bromohexadecanoate in n-heptane. L-DEX is thermostable: it retained its full activity upon heating at 60 degrees C for 30 min. The pH and temperature optima for dehalogenation of L-2-CPA were 9.5 and 65 degrees C, respectively. L-DEX was strongly inhibited by modification of carboxyl groups with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and Woodward reagent K, but DL-DEX was not.

Novel and potent aldose reductase inhibitors: 4-benzyl- and 4-(benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)-3,4-dihydro-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine-2-ac etic acid derivatives

A number of 1,4-benzothiazine-2-acetic acid derivatives (1, 2 and 3) and their bioisosteres (15b, 16, 18 and 20b) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for the ability to inhibit aldose reductase (AR) in porcine lens. The compounds which exhibited potent activity in vitro were also assayed in vivo for inhibitory activity against sorbitol accumulation in the erythrocytes, sciatic nerve and lens of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. The 4-(substituted benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)-1,4-benzothiazine-2-acetic acid derivatives (2 and 3) showed more potent AR inhibitory activity than did the 4-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)-1,4-benzothiazine-2-acetic acid derivatives (1). 4-(4,5,7-Tri-fluorobenzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)-3,4-dihydro-3- oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine-2-acetic acid (2q, SPR-210) showed not only a potent AR-inhibitory activity in vitro (IC50 9.5 x 10(-9) M) but also a significant reduction in sorbitol accumulation in rat sciatic nerve (ID50 0.1 mg/kg) and lens (ID50 9.8 mg/kg). Optical resolution of the racemic SPR-210 was achieved by means of a diastereomer salt method using (-)-brucine. The biological activities of both enantiomers, (+)- and (-)-SPR-210, were comparable to that of the racemate.

Increased rate of spontaneous mitotic recombination in T lymphocytes from a Bloom's syndrome patient using a flow-cytometric assay at HLA-A locus

Bloom's syndrome (BS) is an autosomal recessive disorder conferring high propensity for cancer and displaying a high degree of genetic instability; the frequency of sister chromatid exchange is characteristically 10 times above background. The symmetrical four-armed chromatid interchanges are much more readily detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes of BS patients, suggesting that the frequency of somatic recombination is also increased. In the present study, the rate of spontaneous loss of HLA-A allele expression was estimated following fluctuation analysis in cultured T lymphocytes using a flow-cytometric assay. It was found to be 10 times or more higher than normal in lymphocytes from a BS patient. Molecular and chromosome analyses showed that all 13 independent variants from the patient were most likely derived from somatic recombinations. Further tests for loss of heterozygosity at a closely linked proximal locus, HLA-DQA1, showed that as many as half of the recombinants retained heterozygosity irrespective of the donor. The results suggest that the HLA region is hyperrecombinogenic in somatic cells and that the elevated recombination rate in BS cells results from the general increase at ordinary sites and not from random creation of unusual sites for recombination.

Molecular defects of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase in a patient with mild hepatoerythropoietic porphyria

The molecular defect of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) was examined in a patient with mild hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. To elucidate the UROD defect, we cloned UROD cDNAs from EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells of the proband using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned UROD cDNAs revealed two separate missense mutations, each occurring in a separate allele. One mutation was a Val134-->Gln transition, and was due to three sequential point mutations (T417G418T419-->CCA); the other mutation was a His220-->Pro transition (A677-->C). UROD phenotype studies demonstrated that the TGT-->CCA mutation was inherited from the father, and the A-->C mutation was inherited from the mother. In contrast to the null activity previously described for a mutant UROD from a patient with familial porphyria cutanea tarda, these mutant URODs had subnormal but substantial enzyme activities, when expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. This is the first demonstration of a mutation caused by three sequential base substitutions.

Solid-phase synthesis of human osteocalcin by using a gamma-carboxyglutamic acid derivative

Human osteocalcin, also called bone Gla protein (BGP), consisting of 49 amino acids with two or three gamma-carboxyglutamate residues, was chemically synthesized for the first time by a novel solid-phase peptide synthesis. An L-enantiomer of N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-gamma,gamma'-dicyclohexyl-gamma-carboxyglutamic acid was designed, prepared and utilized as a monomeric compound and proven to be useful for the solid-phase peptide synthesis of human osteocalcin. The synthesis and optical resolution of the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) derivative are first described, followed by the synthesis and characterization of Gla17-human osteocalcin.

[Quantitative analysis of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial imaging: assessment of its usefulness in patients with congestive heart failure]

To investigate the usefulness of the quantitative analysis of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) myocardial uptake, we studied 9 normal subjects and 18 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Rest myocardial imaging with 123I-MIBG was performed at 20 minutes and 3 hours (delayed image) after 123I-MIBG injection. Rest 201Tl imaging was obtained at 20 minutes after 201Tl injection. In addition to ordinary tomograms, a planar anterior image and a whole body image were supplemented in each imaging. In patients with CHF fractional shortening (%FS) was calculated from echocardiography and left ventricular ejection fraction was obtained from cardiac blood pool imaging with 99mTc at rest. We calculated H/M (heart to mediastinum count ratio) from the anterior planar image and %Uptake (percentage of cardiac uptake of the isotope to total injected dose) from the whole body image. H/M of 123I-MIBG in delayed images separated patients with CHF from normal subjects (2.00 +/- 0.19 vs. 2.56 +/- 0.13, p < 0.01). H/M Ratio (H/M of 123I-MIBG divided by H/M of 201Tl) in delayed image could distinguish these two groups poorly (0.72 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.88 +/- 0.14, p < 0.05). On the other hand, %Uptake of 123I-MIBG was not different between two groups (3.49 +/- 0.60% in CHF, 3.54 +/- 0.34% in normal). But %Uptake of 201Tl was greater in CHF than in normal (5.96 +/- 1.09% vs. 4.70 +/- 0.30%, p < 0.05). When myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake was normalized by myocardial perfusion (%Uptake of 123I-MIBG divided by %Uptake of 201Tl, Uptake Ratio), Uptake Ratio in delayed image could distinguish theses two groups as same as H/M (0.60 +/- 0.05 in CHF, 0.75 +/- 0.05 in normal, p < 0.01). In patients with CHF, H/M of 123I-MIBG did not reflect LV function and serum norepinephrine (NE) level. But Uptake Ratio and H/M Ratio in delayed image correlated well with %FS (r = 0.88, r = 0.65), EF (r = 0.80, r = 0.68) and NE level (r = -0.77, r = -0.75). Although the calculation of Uptake Ratio is time consuming and expensive, it was assumed that Uptake Ratio is an useful index to quantitate myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake.

Substituted 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-ones as selective phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors

New substituted 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-ones have been found to exhibit highly selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) IV inhibition. These compounds inhibited polymorphonuclear leukocyte activation induced by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and caused relaxation of isolated guinea pig trachea precontracted by histamine or leukotriene D4. In anesthetized guinea pigs, presensitized with the antigen, these compounds also alleviated airway constriction induced by the antigen. Since these compounds differ in their chemical structure compared with theophylline and other PDE IV inhibitors so far reported and some of them have been shown to be well tolerated in acute toxicity studies, they will provide a new tool for investigating the possible relationship between PDE IV inhibition and anti-asthmatic activity.

Meisenheimer rearrangement of azetopyridoindoles, VI. Synthesis of 12-carbaeudistomin and related compounds

For structure-activity relationship investigation of eudistomins 1, 12-carbaeudistomin 3, its 1,10-trans isomer 4, and 11,12-didehydro-12-carbaeudistomin 5 have been synthesized. The [2,3]-Meisenheimer rearrangement of the corresponding N-oxide of the 2-vinylazetopyridoindole 12a bearing a benzenesulfonyl group as a protective group of the indole nitrogen atom afforded the oxazepino ester 14, which was easily isomerized to 20a. Compounds 3 and 4 were synthesized from 14 and 20a, respectively, according to the following reaction sequences [hydrogenation of the double bond (Pd-C/H2), desulfonylation (Mg in MeOH), hydrolysis (AlBr3-EtSH), and Curtius rearrangement (a mixed anhydride method using NaN3), followed by debenzylation (Pd-C/H2)]. The Curtius reaction of the carboxylic acid 27 using DPPA gave the carbamate 29, which was subjected to debenzylation (AlBr3-EtSH) followed by desulfonylation (LiAlH4) to afford 5. Evaluation of anti-influenza virus activities of the amino compounds 3, 4, and 5 revealed that 12-carbaeudistomin 3 possesses a specific activity against influenza virus B.

Microarterial anastomosis with a distal tapering technique

In microsurgical arterial anastomoses, there are some occasions in which the diameter of the distal artery is much larger than that of the proximal one. A fish-mouth incision technique is useful when there is considerable size discrepancy. However, this method cannot be used when the distal artery is much larger than the proximal artery because turbulent flow and thrombus formation occur, due to the sudden increase of luminal diameter. The distal tapering technique is recommended to prevent turbulent flow. A wedge resection is performed in the distal surplus vessel wall, and there is no sudden change in luminal diameter. Two clinical cases are presented in which this technique was used effectively.

A hydrophilic tetrahydro-beta-carboline in human urine

A substance that exhibited a tryptophan-like fluorescence peak at 354 nm on excitation at 295 nm at neutral pH was isolated from human urine. This compound was determined by visible-light absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies, and FAB-MS to be 1-(1',2',3',4',5'-pentahydroxypentyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-carboli ne-3- carboxylic acid. This compound, named tetrahydropentoxyline, is a new type of hydrophilic tetrahydro-beta-carboline, and its elution position was between those of 4-pyridoxic acid and kynurenic acid on C18 reversed-phase HPLC. The amount of tetrahydropentoxyline excreted in the urine of normal subjects [n = 21; age, 45 (SD 20) years] was about 5.2 (SD 1.0) mg per day.

Prenatal ethanol exposure affects the activity and mRNA expression of neuronal membrane enzymes in rat offspring

In order to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction in offspring exposed to ethanol in utero, subclinical doses of ethanol that do not have apparent structural effect on the offspring were administered intraperitoneally to pregnant rats at various gestational stages. We measured the activity of membrane marker enzymes and the level of mRNA of myelin proteins of the offspring brain. The activity of a myelin specific enzyme, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) decreased in ethanol-exposed offspring. This effect was not related to the period of gestation or the dose of ethanol. Perikaryonal enzymes, acetylcholinesterase and Na+, K(+)-ATPase, were significantly affected in groups exposed to ethanol at early fetal stage and in high doses. Expression of mRNAs of CNP and myelin basic proteins decreased significantly in the ethanol-treated group, with abnormal developmental profile suggesting a relationship with delayed myelination in offspring exposed to ethanol in utero. The present findings suggest that in spite of the low doses of ethanol that do not cause clinical symptoms in the offspring, prenatal exposure to ethanol affects the level of mRNA of membrane enzyme proteins in the offspring brain, consequently causing a corresponding reduction in enzyme activity, that may lead to neuronal dysfunction. In a separate study, blood ethanol levels were found to reach a maximum level within 30 min after injection and be undetectable after 5 to 10 h. No accumulation effects due to daily injection were observed.

Inhibitory effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on the progression of chronic hepatic disorders with special reference to increases in blood flow

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is commonly used as a cholesterol-gallstone-dissolving agent, is now expected to be effective not only for primary biliary cirrhosis but for chronic active hepatitis as well. In this study, we administered 0.1% ethionine-added, choline-deficient diet for 8 weeks to male Sprague-Dawley rats to prepare an animal model of chronic hepatic disorders. At the same time, UDCA (50 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to these animals, and its effects on the liver, including effects on hepatic blood flow determined with a laser Doppler blood flow meter, were evaluated. Hepatic blood flow increased significantly in the UDCA group compared with the untreated groups. Transaminase levels decreased significantly in the UDCA group compared with the untreated group. Histologic differences were noted between the UDCA and untreated groups in histopathologic examinations of the liver, with liver cirrhosis or early liver cirrhosis being present in the untreated group, compared with only chronic active hepatitis in the UDCA group. These findings suggest that UDCA is able to prevent or inhibit the progression of chronic hepatic disorders, an effect that may be due in part to increases in hepatic blood flow.

[Assessment of myocardial viability by exercise stress-redistribution myocardial scintigraphy with thallium-201: the usefulness of C-map]

Standard exercise (Ex)-redistribution (RD) myocardial imaging with thallium-201 (201Tl) may not differentiate viable myocardium from necrosis. This study was intended to clarify whether 201Tl washout rate (WOR) abnormality after Ex can detect myocardial viability in the myocardium with perfusion defect using routine RD image. We performed Ex-RD (three hours after) myocardial tomography with 201Tl in 29 patients with coronary artery disease. From myocardial tomography, 201Tl distribution Bull's-eye maps (Ex and RD) and WOR Bull's-eye map were made. At RD image before PTCA, by referring to the original image, the activity of the myocardial region below 40% to 55% of the maximal 201Tl activity was considered as perfusion defect (RD-Map). Then we constructed a new image (C-Map) by adding the location of WOR abnormality (< or = 30%) to the RD-Map and each map was divided into 17 segments. If the defect-segment in the RD-Map corresponded to WOR abnormality, the segment in the C-Map was judged as viable (no defect). The C-Map and myocardial imaging after PTCA (Post-Map) were compared. In the RD-Map before PTCA, defect was found in 152 segments but in the C-Map they decreased to 59 segments, while defect was found in 62 segments in the Post-Map. In 23 patients the number of defect-segments in the C-Map decreased as compared with those in the RD-Map. And in 22 of them, the Post-Map showed the reduction of defect-segments in comparison with the RD-Map, but in one of them defect did not change.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Concept of simulation surgery

The concept of simulation surgery was first proposed by Fujino in 1989 and reinforced in 1991. It is divided in two sections; empirical simulation surgery, where the surgical procedure is designed first in the surgeon's brain, and computer simulation surgery, where the disease condition and the possible surgical procedures can be viewed in three-dimensions (3D) either on a computer monitor, or by means of a solid 3D model, crafted from computer generated data, before proceeding to the actual surgery itself. Each of these sections is subdivided into three subsections; morphological, functional and psychological simulation surgery, respectively. Along those lines, the concept of simulation surgery is discussed, with special reference to plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Muscarinic excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms involved in afferent fibre-evoked depolarization of motoneurones in the neonatal rat spinal cord

1. The involvement of acetylcholine and muscarinic receptors in spinal synaptic responses evoked by electrical and noxious sensory stimuli was investigated in the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro. 2. Potentials were recorded extracellularly from a ventral root (L3-L5) of the isolated spinal cord, spinal cord-cutaneous nerve, and spinal cord-skin preparations of 1- to 4-day-old rats. Spinal reflexes were elicited by electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral dorsal root or the cutaneous saphenous nerve, or by noxious skin stimulation. 3. Single shock stimulation of supramaximum intensity of a dorsal root induced a mono-synaptic reflex in the corresponding ventral root. Bath-application of the muscarinic agonists, muscarine (0.3-30 microM) and (+)-cis-dioxolane (0.1-100 microM), produced an inhibition of the mono-synaptic reflex and a depolarization of motoneurones. Other muscarinic agonists, arecoline (10 nM-10 microM) and oxotremorine (10 nM-1 microM), inhibited the mono-synaptic reflex with little or no depolarization of motoneurones. Repetitive stimulation of the saphenous nerve at C-fibre strength induced a slow depolarizing response lasting about 30 s of the L3 ventral root. This slow ventral root potential (VRP) was also inhibited by arecoline (10 nM-10 microM) and oxotremorine (10 nM-1 microM). 4. In the spinal cord-saphenous nerve-skin preparation, a slow VRP was evoked by application of capsaicin (0.5 microM), bradykinin (3 microM), or noxious heat (47 degrees C) to skin. This slow VRP was depressed by the muscarinic agonists, arecoline (3 microM) and oxotremorine (1 microM). 5. Of the (+)-cis-dioxolane-induced inhibition of mono-synaptic reflex and motoneurone depolarization, the M2 antagonists, AF-DX 116 (0.1-1 microM) and methoctramine (100-300 nM), preferentially blocked the former response, whereas the M3 antagonists, 4-DAMP (3-10 nM) and p-F-HHSiD (0.3-3 microM), preferentially blocked the latter response. AF-DX 116 (0.1-1 microM) and methoctramine (100-300 nM) also effectively antagonized the arecoline- and oxotremorine-induced inhibition of the slow VRP. The pA2 values of AF-DX 116 and methoctramine against the arecoline-induced inhibition of the mono-synaptic reflex were both 6.79, and that of 4-DAMP against the (+)-cis-dioxolane-induced motoneurone depolarization was 8.16. 6. In the spinal cord-cutaneous nerve preparation, the saphenous nerve-evoked slow VRP was augmented by the anticholinesterase, edrophonium (5 microM). AF-DX 116 (1 microM) and methoctramine (100 nM) also potentiated the slow VRP, whereas 4-DAMP (10 nM) depressed the response. 4-DAMP(5-10 nM) depressed the capsaicin-induced slow VRP in the spinal cord-skin preparation.7. Oxotremorine (0.3 microM) and arecoline (1 AM) markedly depressed the depolarization of motoneurones evoked by application of capsaicin (3 9AM) to the spinal cord, whereas they depressed only slightly the depolarization induced by substance P (10 nM).8. The present study suggests that both excitatory (via M3-type receptors) and inhibitory (via M2-type receptors) muscarinic mechanisms are involved in afferent fibre-evoked nociceptive transmissions in the neonatal rat spinal cord.

Experimental use of pravastatin in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis associated with hypercholesterolemia

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a refractory liver disease for which no medical treatment has been established. The investigators administered 20 mg/day of pravastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, to 2 PBC patients with hypercholesterolemia (1010 and 306 mg/dl) for 3 years and 10 months in order to decrease the blood concentration of bile acids and prevent adverse effects on the hepatocellular membrane. The drug markedly decreased not only cholesterol levels but also total bile acid levels, producing particularly pronounced decreases in cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. Histologically, progression was inhibited in one patient, whereas improvement was seen in the other. Bile duct enzymes and other biochemical parameters showed improvement in both cases. General pruritus and blepharal and palmar xanthoma also improved. These findings suggest that pravastatin may be useful in the treatment of PBC associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Suppression of a sec63 mutation identifies a novel component of the yeast endoplasmic reticulum translocation apparatus

Mutations in the SEC63 gene are associated with defects in protein translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as well as in nuclear protein localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To identify proteins that might interact and/or function with SEC63p, we cloned a high copy suppressor (HSS1) of the temperature-sensitive lethal phenotype of the sec63-101 mutant. HSS1 is an allele-specific sec63 suppressor that encodes an integral ER membrane glycoprotein of 206 amino acids with the N-terminus in the ER lumen and C-terminal region in the cytoplasm. Haploid strains disrupted for HSS1 are temperature-sensitive for growth and accumulate precursor forms of Kar2p and invertase. The HSS1 null allele is synthetically lethal in combination with mutations affecting ER translocation. We propose that HSS1p is important for ER translocation and interacts with previously identified components of the yeast translocation apparatus. HSS1 is identical to SEC66, which encodes a glycoprotein complexed with SEC62p and SEC63p.

Ear-piercing technique by using an eyelet-type Teflon piercer (Eyelet-Piercer)

We devised a new method of piercing earlobes. This method, in which an eyelet-shaped Teflon tube (Eyelet-Piercer) is left in the earlobe continuously, is advantageous in that any type of pierced earrings the subject wishes can be used immediately after treatment and in that subjects with metal allergies can safely use pierced earrings. In addition, the incidence of complication was lower with this technique than with conventional methods that use metal earrings for piercing.

Effects of treatment with methyl methanesulfonate during meiotic and postmeiotic stages and maturation of spermatozoa in mice

DNA damage and its related effects were quantitatively measured in germ cells at various meiotic and postmeiotic stages in male mice treated with methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) took place most efficiently in germ cell stages from middle to late spermatocytes at the time of MMS treatment, and essentially no UDS was detected in the stages from late spermatid to maturing spermatozoa, suggesting the absence of DNA repair in late spermatids and maturing spermatozoa. Late spermatids and immature spermatozoa were, on the other hand, most sensitive to MMS in producing DNA single-strand breaks (SSB) as well as chromosome aberrations in eggs fertilized by the treated males. The storage of the spermatozoa in the reproductive tract appeared to enhance the production of SSB. DNA damages induced by MMS should cause various genetic effects during the postmeiotic stages and maturation of spermatozoa through mechanisms not related to excision repair.

Structure, expression and chromosomal localization of the gene encoding human 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase

Four human genomic DNA clones for 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) were isolated by screening a human genomic library with human CNP cDNA clones as probes. Restriction mapping and sequence analysis revealed that the human CNP gene is about 8.5 kb long and composed of four exons interrupted by three introns. There are two transcription start points and in human brain, two forms of CNP mRNA are produced from a single gene by alternative splicing, similar to mouse. A homology search of the 5'-flanking regions of exon 0 and exon 1 in the human CNP gene indicated the presence of oligodendroglia-specific elements and myelin basic protein transcription element (MBTE) motif, in addition to TATA-box-like sequences. Spot blot hybridization of flow-sorted human chromosomes with the 3'-noncoding region of the human CNP cDNA showed the localization of CNP to chromosome 17.

Movement of intrapancreatic calcium in dogs with experimental pancreatic lithiasis. With special reference to the process of pancreatic calculus formation

This study was performed to clarify the movement of calcium in the pancreas of dogs with chronic pancreatitis, using scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM, TEM) equipped with X-ray elemental microanalyzers. Eleven adult mongrel dogs underwent incomplete ligation of the pancreatic duct. After the procedure, the levels of pancreatic enzymes in the serum did not change for 9 mo, but the endocrine function was reduced gradually. Of all dogs, 5 revealed pancreatic sclerosis, and 2 at 9 mo had calculi, 2-4 mm in size, in the small pancreatic duct. SEM examination revealed the intralobular fibrosis and irregularity of the pancreatic duct wall, and TEM examination revealed the intralobular fibrosis and irregularity of the pancreatic duct wall, and TEM examination demonstrated the amorphous or crystalloid substances and secreted granules in the acinar lumen or ductule. In elemental analysis spectra using SEM, a high calcium peak was seen in the pancreatic duct wall. In elemental analysis spectra using TEM, a high calcium peak was observed in the amorphous or crystalloid substances, and a high ratio of Ca/K was seen in these substances. Calcium was also detected in the secreted granules or microvilli. These results suggest that there is a process of calculus formation based on the congregation of the intraductular substances containing a large quantity of calcium.

Murine bone morphogenetic protein-4 gene: existence of multiple promoters and exons for the 5'-untranslated region

A murine genomic clone of about 16 kilobases encompassing putatively entire bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 gene has been isolated. Comparison with the cDNA clones revealed the existence of at least five exons on the 3' side of the clone. There are two alternative transcriptional start sites, one is for the first exon the other for the second, the resulting exon organization in mRNA is I-III-IV-V and II-III-IV-V, respectively. The coding region is dispersed between exons IV and V. Both promoter regions carry no canonical TATA box but carry GC rich sequences.