In vivo roles of donor and host dendritic cells in allogeneic immune response: cluster formation with host proliferating T cells

Possible roles of dendritic cells (DCs) in allogeneic immune responses in host lymphoid tissues were characterized in situ by using rat DC transfer and cardiac transplantation models. When allogeneic DCs were intravenously injected, these cells selectively migrated to the T-cell area of hepatic lymph nodes, with peak accumulation at 18 h after injection. Donor DCs and proliferating host T cells formed clusters (rosettes) in which the T-cell proliferative response started. The donor DCs were CD80(+) CD86(+) and, ultrastructurally, were in intimate contact with lymphoblasts within the rosettes. As a novel finding, some of the migrated donor DCs were quickly phagocytosed by putative host interdigitating DCS: By 48 h, the remaining donor DCs had disintegrated within the rosettes. Host interdigitating DCs also formed rosettes throughout the T-cell area, and their kinetics correlated well with that of the T-cell proliferation. In the cardiac allograft model, a few donor DCs selectively migrated to the host spleen and hepatic nodes. Rosette formation by donor and host DCs, phagocytosis of donor DCs, and the T-cell proliferative response occurred in much the same fashion as they did in the first experiment. We conclude that the donor rosettes at the early stage represent the sites of direct allosensitization and those at the late stage represent donor-DC killing. Host rosettes are the sites of T-cell proliferation. In this structure, phagocytosed donor-DC-derived antigens are presumably indirectly presented.

[Efficacy of mesalamine enema in the treatment of steroid-resistant or dependent distal ulcerative colitis]

The efficacy and safety of mesalamine enema were examined in 20 patients with steroid-resistant or dependent, distal ulcerative colitis. Rectal bleeding disappeared in 3 (18%). 8 (50%) of 16 patients within 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the start of mesalamine enema treatment, respectively. Mean clinical activity index (CAI) score after the treatment was significantly reduced (8.1-->3.6, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Mean doses of oral corticosteroid after the treatment (7.3 mg) were also significantly lower than those before the treatment (12.8 mg) (p < 0.01). Four patients dropped out. Three patients could not retain the enemas because of abdominal discomfort and one patient had fever and rash. There were no significant differences in age, gender, disease duration, disease type, and mean doses of oral corticosteroid before the treatment between the response group (n = 8) and the non-response group (n = 8). However, clinical and endoscopic activities before mesalamine enema treatment in the non-response group (CAI 9.8, Matts score 8.0) were higher than those in the response group (CAI 6.4, Matts score 5.5). These results suggest that mesalamine enema is useful for mildly to moderately active distal ulcerative colitis by improving clinical symptoms and reducing corticosteroid.

Hepatic resection under selective portal vein occlusion using degradable starch microspheres. A simple procedure of an experimental study using the pig

A simple technique is described to perform hepatectomy. The technique consists of portal vein blood flow occlusion using degradable starch microspheres injected through an ultrasonically-guided puncture at the point of resection root and hepatic artery occlusion. The method minimizes ischemic damage to the liver remnant and is easy to perform.

In vivo migration of rat dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise a dynamic cellular system with a continuous traffic throughout the body. DCs connect nonlymphoid and lymphoid tissues via the lymph and blood, and transport antigenic information from most parts of the body to the immune system (1). To understand the migratory behavior of DCs in vivo is very important, because in different immunological situations, this behavior could change easily and, in turn, greatly affect immune responses (2). Factors that determine the behavior of DCs, such as adhesion molecules, could potentially be the targets for manipulating and regulating immune responses. The study of DC migration, therefore, should provide useful information for understanding the role of DCs not only in local but also in systemic host-defense mechanisms (3). The aim of this chapter is to introduce several useful methods that help to examine DC migration in vivo.

Quantitative study of changes in intestinal morphology and mucus gel on total parenteral nutrition in rats

Quantification of changes in gastrointestinal morphology and mucus gel has been difficult to study. In the present study, we investigated changes in rat intestine under total parenteral nutrition (TPN) using fluoresceinated lectin staining and image analysis. Wistar rats (n = 34) were divided into two groups: one group received TPN for 2 weeks, and a control group received standard rat chow and water ad libitum for the same period. A 1-cm segment of distal ileum was removed and cut into cross sections. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and to stain the mucus, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB), and fluoresceinated lectin, that is, FITC-labeled Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (FITC-UEA-I), were used. Light microscope images were stored in a personal computer and analyzed using image analysis. We measured perimeter length, mucosal thickness, villus area, villus surface area index, mucus stain-positive area, mucosal area ratio, and mucosal surface area ratio. Perimeter length, mucosal thickness, villus area, and villus surface area index in the TPN group were significantly less than those in the control group (P < 0.001 for each parameter). In all mucus stainings, the stain-positive area in the TPN group was significantly less than that in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in mucosal area or mucosal surface area ratios between the two groups. The FITC-UEA-I-positive area was significantly greater than the PAS- or and AB-positive area. There were significant positive correlations between the FITC-UEA-I-positive area and both the PAS-positive and AB-positive areas. TPN for 2 weeks promoted intestinal atrophy and decreased absolute quantity of mucus gel. We successfully introduced the FITC-UEA-I staining method to evaluate changes in mucus gel.

Antigen retrieval on formaldehyde-fixed paraffin sections: its potential drawbacks and optimization for double immunostaining

It is well known that the major artifact induced by formaldehyde fixation is the masking of tissue antigens due to cross-linking of protein amino acid residues. Recently many antigen retrieval techniques have been devised to unmask the hidden antigen epitopes and recover immunoreactivity. In this study, some practical problems of two common unmasking techniques, i.e. heat-induced epitope retrieval and enzyme digestion have been reviewed in immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) on formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. As the heating conditions became more severe, false-positive staining and/or nonspecific background staining occurred. Based on the principle of protein inactivation/denaturation and the possible mechanisms of antigen retrieval, it has been suggested that the antigen retrieval itself can also denature proteins in tissues, just as many other protein inactivation processes. Thus, the total magnitude of protein conformational change caused by the overall unmasking procedure is in practice crucial. To prove this hypothesis and to overcome such undesirable drawbacks after antigen retrieval, a new combination technique of a mild heating condition (microwaved at 80 degrees C for 15-20min) and pepsin digestion was devised. This technique led to a strong specific immunoreactivity of PCNA, without any undesirable false positive or background staining. The procedure was also adapted for double immunostaining of PCNA together with alpha-actin, bromodeoxyuridine, keratin, type IV collagen and vimentin.

[Combination effect of teicoplanin and beta-lactams on MRSA]

In vitro combination effect of teicoplanin and beta-lactams was investigated against 109 MRSA strains isolated from a variety of clinical specimens at the Social Health Insurance Medical Center during the period from January 1994 through February 2000. TEIC + panipenem (PAPM) was revealed by microbroth dilution method-based checkerboard method, to exhibit synergistic effect of min. FIC index < or = 0.5 against all the 109 strains. The combination of TEIC and flomoxef (FMOX) was shown to have synergistic effect on 108 strains (99.1%). The combination of TEIC and cefepime (CFPM) was shown to have synergistic effect on 96 strains (88.1%). The combination of TEIC and cefmetazole (CMZ) was shown to have synergistic effect on all the 109 strains (100%). The mean value of min. FIC indices obtained from each of the combinations was 0.1259 as to TEIC + PAPM, 0.2019 as to TEIC + FMOX, 0.3257 as to TEIC + CFPM and 0.1995 as to TEIC + CMZ, in other words, the combination of TEIC + PAPM showed the lowest value of all the combinations. While MIC80 was 2.0 micrograms/ml when TEIC was used alone, it was < or = 0.06 microgram/ml when used together with PAPM, and 0.13 microgram/ml when used together with FMOX, respectively. While MIC80 was 3.2 micrograms/ml when PAPM was used alone, it was 0.5 microgram/ml when used together with TEIC. Meanwhile, the value for FMOX was changed from > or = 128 micrograms/ml to 4.0 micrograms/ml. When TEIC was used in combination with CFPM, MIC80 was found to be 0.5 microgram/ml. Similar to the case of the concurrent use with FMOX, the value obtained by combination with CMZ was 0.13 microgram/ml. While MIC80 was 128 micrograms/ml when CFPM was used alone, it was 8.0 micrograms/ml when used together with TEIC, whereas the value for CMZ was decreased from 64 micrograms/ml to 2.0 micrograms/ml. In conclusion, TEIC's antibacterial activity was shown to be accentuated by any of the combinations.

Characterization of O-acetyl-L-serine sulfhydrylase purified from an alkaliphilic bacterium

O-Acetyl-L-serine sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.8) activity was shown to be very high compared with O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.10) activity and L-cystathionine cleaving activities, in an extract of cells of an alkaliphilic bacterium grown in a synthetic medium. The synthesis of the first enzyme was repressed by approximately 55% by both L-cystine and L-djenkolic acid added to the medium at a concentration of 0.5 mM, but L-methionine (1 mM) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (0.5 mM) affected it to lesser extents. Its enzyme activity was inhibited by 25% and 12% by methionine (10 mM) and S-adenosylmethionine (5 mM), respectively. The enzyme was purified from the extract through ammonium sulfate fractionation, heat treatment, and chromatography on columns of DEAE-cellulose, Sephacryl S-300, and Octyl Sepharose CL-4B with a recovery of 21%. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecylsulfate of the preparation obtained finally showed its homogeneity and the molecular mass of 37,000 Da for dissociated subunits. Gel filtration of the enzyme on a Sephacryl S-300 column showed an approximate molecular mass of 72,000 Da, suggesting that the enzyme was comprised of two identical subunits. The enzyme catalyzed the beta-replacement reaction with O-acetylserine as a substrate, and showed no reactivity to other O-substituted amino acids tested. The reaction proceeded best at 40 degrees C (when tested at pH 7.5), and at pH 6.5 (at 40 degrees C). The enzyme kept 90% its activity after incubation at 65 degrees C (at pH 7.5) for 30 min, and more than 90% after 30 min incubation at pHs 7-12 at 30 degrees C. The enzyme had a Km of 4 mM for O-acetyl-L-serine and a Vmax of 37.0 micromol/min/mg of protein, a very low value compared with those of other organisms. However, the content of the enzyme in the extract was calculated to be approximately 3.5% total protein. Sensitivity of the enzyme to carbonyl reagents was very low, although it was shown to have pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as a cofactor by examination of its absorption spectrum. Sulfhydryl reagents tested showed no inhibition. The novelty of this enzyme among analogous sulfhydrylases purified from other organisms was discussed.

Rapid quantitative detection of carcinoembryonic antigen-expressing free tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity of gastric-cancer patients with real-time RT-PCR on the lightcycler

Detection of free cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity by RT-PCR using carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a target gene is a more sensitive predictor of peritoneal dissemination than conventional cytology in gastric-cancer patients. Difficulties with this method are the lack of quantitative assessment of free cancer cells and the length of time before completion. To overcome these problems, we have established a rapid and quantitative detection method using a novel real-time fluorescence PCR system (LightCycler). Using this device with hybridization probes as fluorophores, we detected CEA mRNA in peritoneal washes during surgery (within 3 hr) without any post-PCR procedure. This method could reproducibly quantitate 10 to 10(6) CEA-expressing colon carcinoma cells per 10(7) peripheral blood leukocytes, a comparable sensitivity to conventional RT-PCR with a wide dynamic range. Analysis of peritoneal washes from 109 gastric-cancer patients with this assay revealed relative values of CEA transcripts that correlated well with the depth of tumor invasion (p < 0.01). Average values of CEA transcript in peritoneal washes in patients with cytology (-)/RT-PCR(-), cytology (-)/RT-PCR(+) and cytology (+)/RT-PCR(+) results were 0.64, 1,525 and 6,715, respectively. Moreover, CEA transcripts in peritoneal washes in patients with synchronous peritoneal metastasis were more than 50-fold higher than in those without metastasis. These results suggest a positive correlation between CEA mRNA levels in peritoneal washes and prognosis. We conclude that real-time RT-PCR with hybridization probes is a sensitive, quantitative, specific and rapid method to detect free cancer cells in peritoneal washes. This clinically relevant system is a powerful technique to evaluate the risk of peritoneal recurrence in patients with gastric cancer.

Age changes of neuromuscular junctions in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of spontaneous thymoma BUF/Mna rats. A scanning and transmission electron microscopic study

BUF/Mna rats spontaneously develop thymomas and cause muscle weakness of hind legs at an advanced age. This rat strain has been recognized as a suitable animal model for human myasthenia gravis or related myopathies. To characterize the structural changes of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in BUF/Mna rats, subneural apparatuses (SNAs) of extensor digitorum longus muscles of young-adult (4-month-old) and aged (22- to 25-month-old) male rats were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The SNAs of NMJs in young rats consist of complex labyrinthine gutters with numerous slit-like junctional folds. SNAs in aged BUF/Mna rats, however, are characterized by: (1) a group of cup-like depressions with very wide slit-like junctional folds in relatively large muscle fibers (the major type), (2) the presence of slit-like folds on the flat sarcoplasm outside the cup-like depressions or on the protruded sarcoplasm, and (3) winding gutters or a small number of round depressions with poorly developed synaptic folds in small and medium-sized muscle fibers (the minor type). Since similar structural changes have been reported in dystrophic mice or normally aged rats, it is suggested that both the slowly progressing muscle atrophy and age-dependent turnover of muscle fibers may occur in the aged BUF/Mna rats.

Translocation of Salmonella typhimurium in rats; effect of enteral and parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVE

To study translocation of Salmonella typhimurium from ileal loops in rats fed enterally or parenterally.

DESIGN

Laboratory experiment.

SETTING

University departments of surgery and microbiology, Japan.

SUBJECTS

Male Wistar rats and female BALB/C CrSlc mice.

INTERVENTIONS

First experiment: portal venous blood and mesenteric lymph nodes from normally fed rats were cultured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Second experiment: various concentrations of S. typhimurium (GIFU 12142) were injected intraperitoneally in mice and their survival was monitored. Third experiment: 7 rats were given total parenteral nutrition for 14 days and 6 were given standard chow and water for the same period. Cultures of S. typhimurium were injected into closed ileal loops and portal and vena caval blood and mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Presence and number of bacteria in all samples, and survival of mice.

RESULTS

In the first experiment 3/17 blood samples and 9/17 node samples grew enteric bacteria. In the second experiment all the mice died within 5 days. In the third experiment no sample grew bacteria in the enterally fed group, whereas at least some samples from 5/7 rats in the parenterally fed group grew organisms; the difference was significant (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Total parenteral nutrition encourages the translocation of S. typhimurium from ileal loops.

Rapid quantitative detection of carcinoembryonic antigen-expressing free tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity of gastric-cancer patients with real-time RT-PCR on the lightcycler

Detection of free cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity by RT-PCR using carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a target gene is a more sensitive predictor of peritoneal dissemination than conventional cytology in gastric-cancer patients. Difficulties with this method are the lack of quantitative assessment of free cancer cells and the length of time before completion. To overcome these problems, we have established a rapid and quantitative detection method using a novel real-time fluorescence PCR system (LightCycler). Using this device with hybridization probes as fluorophores, we detected CEA mRNA in peritoneal washes during surgery (within 3 hr) without any post-PCR procedure. This method could reproducibly quantitate 10 to 10(6) CEA-expressing colon carcinoma cells per 10(7) peripheral blood leukocytes, a comparable sensitivity to conventional RT-PCR with a wide dynamic range. Analysis of peritoneal washes from 109 gastric-cancer patients with this assay revealed relative values of CEA transcripts that correlated well with the depth of tumor invasion (p < 0.01). Average values of CEA transcript in peritoneal washes in patients with cytology (-)/RT-PCR(-), cytology (-)/RT-PCR(+) and cytology (+)/RT-PCR(+) results were 0.64, 1,525 and 6,715, respectively. Moreover, CEA transcripts in peritoneal washes in patients with synchronous peritoneal metastasis were more than 50-fold higher than in those without metastasis. These results suggest a positive correlation between CEA mRNA levels in peritoneal washes and prognosis. We conclude that real-time RT-PCR with hybridization probes is a sensitive, quantitative, specific and rapid method to detect free cancer cells in peritoneal washes. This clinically relevant system is a powerful technique to evaluate the risk of peritoneal recurrence in patients with gastric cancer.

Burkholderia uboniae sp. nov., L-arabinose-assimilating but different from Burkholderia thailandensis and Burkholderia vietnamiensis

A polar multitrichous gram-negative motile rod, EY 3383, originally identified as Burkholderia thailandensis, revealed a DNA-DNA reassociation rate of 36.7%, under stringent conditions, with the type strain of B. thailandensis, despite the 16S rDNA homology value between two type strains being as high as 97.9%. The strain was clearly differentiated from the type strain of B. thailandensis by physiological, bio-chemical, and nutritional characteristics, without significant difference in cellular fatty acid and lipid composition. Based on the results of 16S rDNA sequence analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic characterization, Burkholderia uboniae sp. nov. is herein proposed. The type strain is NCTC 13147=EY 3383, isolated on 8 December 1989 from surface soil along the roadside in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone-8(Q8). G+C content of DNA is 69.71%.

A rapid method for determining the G+C content of bacterial chromosomes by monitoring fluorescence intensity during DNA denaturation in a capillary tube

A simple and rapid method to determine the G+C content of bacterial chromosomal DNA was developed. It involves determination of Tm by a Light Cycler and calculation of the G+C content by an empirical formula relating Tm to G+C content. Instead of a conventional thermal denaturation method, which monitors the increase of absorbance at 260 nm, thermal denaturation was monitored by the decrease of fluorescence intensity in the presence of SYBR Green 1. In this method, the apparent Tm of DNA was influenced by the concentration of SYBR Green 1, DNA and salt. In addition, when the G+C content was calculated from a linear equation [(mol% G+Cx = mol% G+Cr+1.99(Tmx-Tmr), where x is the unknown organism and y is the reference organism], an error value was introduced among strains with extremely low or high G+C content. Based upon five standards (G+C contents in the range 33-66 mol%), a suitable equation was formulated for the capillary method: mol% G+Cx = mol% G+Cr+1.4652(Tmx-Tmr)+0.0063(Tmx2-Tmr2). To determine the Tm of organisms within this range of G+C contents, Escherichia coli ATCC 11775T was used as a DNA standard and fixed concentrations of SYBR Green 1, sodium citrate and DNA were used. The data from 37 bacterial strains indicated that this equation behaved well. Because it is rapid and simple, it may prove useful for bacterial identification.

Arguments against the replacement of type species of the genus Salmonella from Salmonella choleraesuis to 'Salmonella enterica' and the creation of the term 'neotype species', and for conservation of Salmonella choleraesuis

The proposals of Le Minor and Popoff in 1987 and again of Euzéby in 1999 on the type species of the genus Salmonella are in violation of Rule 20a of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) and should be rejected. The introduction of the term 'neotype species' should be rejected. The specific epithet choleraesuis in the binary combination Salmonella choleraesuis should be conserved. The serovar name Choleraesuis should be changed to Hogcholera.

Dendritic cell dynamics in the liver and hepatic lymph

Dendritic cells (DC) are bone-marrow-derived cells that function as professional antigen-presenting cells (APC). Liver is an essential organ for a host defense. It not only is armed with a powerful macrophage system but also is constantly surveyed by a heavy traffic of DC and lymphocytes. In case of emergency, such as infection and inflammation, DC traffic in the liver is accelerated. DC in the liver (interstitial DC) capture and process antigens, enter the draining lymph (DC in hepatic lymph) and accumulate in the T-cell area of hepatic lymph nodes (LN). DC in the LN present antigens to T and B cells to initiate immune responses. In accelerated states, DC precursors are recruited to the liver and soon translocate to hepatic lymph. Even mature lymph DC can undergo a blood-lymph translocation from the liver to hepatic LN after i.v. injection into normal rats. Rat Kupffer cells in the hepatic sinusoids are capable of selectively trapping DC from the blood in vivo and in vitro, suggesting involvement of certain adhesion molecules. Kupffer cells presumably elaborate chemokines to attract and trap the recruited DC via selective adhesion, leading to DC extravasation. The accelerated traffic and the presence of blood-lymph translocation would induce rapid and efficient immune responses and thus contribute to the local defense to antigens within liver tissues as well as systemic defense to blood-borne antigens. DC progenitors are also present in the liver, and these may play an important role in tolerance induction in liver transplantation.

Taxonomic study of "tufted mitior" strains of streptococci (Streptococcus sanguinis biotype 11); recognition of a new genospecies

The taxonomic position of tufted strains of streptococci, phenotypically resembling Streptococcus mitis and previously referred to as 'tufted mitior' was investigated. By 16S rRNA sequence analysis, it was clear that the "tufted mitior" strains belonged to the mitis group of species within the genus Streptococcus. It was confirmed that these strains were taxonomically independent at the species level, sharing less than 43%, DNA-DNA similarity with all established species of the mitis group. However biochemical test data obtained, using three commercial identification kits (Rapid ID32 Strep, STREPTOGRAM, and Biolog GP-plate) together with in-house biochemical tests employing 4-MUF-linked fluorogenic substrates did not reveal sufficient differential tests with which to identify the "tufted mitior" strains unequivocally. From these data, we conclude that these "tufted mitior" strains represent a new taxon within the mitis group of the genus Streptococcus, and propose that they should be considered as a genospecies until differential phenotypic characteristics are found for their identification.

Clinical usefulness of microsatellite instability for the prediction of gastric adenoma or adenocarcinoma in patients with chronic gastritis

To assess a role of microsatellite instability (MSI) in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma or adenoma from chronic gastritis, we analysed mutations of five microsatellite loci in gastritis, adenoma and adenocarcinoma retrospectively. Gastric mucosa was biopsied from the same area in each patient at different periods and examined for MSI. Only one of 55 patients with chronic gastritis revealed MSI-H phenotype and the other 54 patients showed microsatellite stable (MSS) phenotypes. In six of 17 patients with gastric adenoma or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, MSI-positive phenotypes were demonstrated. Interestingly, all of six patients showing MSI, including three high-level MSI (MSI-H) cases and three low-level (MSH-L) cases, had already revealed MSI at the stage of chronic gastritis. In two of three MSI-H cases, the identical MSI patterns had been observed at the stage of gastritis 1.5-7 years before the final diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The adjacent gastritis mucosa within 10 mm from the carcinoma demonstrated MSI as well. MSI was not found in any of 35 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection, but found in one of 30 patients without infection. Moreover, two of three cases of gastric adenoma or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with MSI-H at the stage of chronic gastritis showed no evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection throughout the observation periods. These results indicate that MSI in biopsy specimens at the stage of chronic gastritis may predict the risk of the progression to adenoma and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and that Helicobacter pylori infection itself may not induce MSI directly in the gastric mucosa.

A novel nuclear phosphoprotein, GANP, is up-regulated in centrocytes of the germinal center and associated with MCM3, a protein essential for DNA replication

Antigen (Ag) immunization induces formation of the germinal center (GC), with large, rapidly proliferating centroblasts in the dark zone, and small, nondividing centrocytes in the light zone. We identified a novel nuclear protein, GANP, that is up-regulated in centrocytes. We found that GANP was up-regulated in GC B cells of Peyer's patches in normal mice and in spleens from Ag-immunized mice. GANP-positive cells appeared in the light zone of the GC, with coexpression of the peanut agglutinin (PNA) (PNA)-positive B220-positive phenotype. The expression of GANP was strikingly correlated with GC formation because Bcl6-deficient mice did not show the up-regulation of GANP. GANP-positive cells were mostly surrounded by follicular dendritic cells. Stimulation with anti-micro and anti-CD40 induced up-regulation of ganp messenger RNA as well as GANP protein in B220-positive B cells in vitro. GANP is a 210-kd protein localized in both the cytoplasm and nuclei, with a homologous region to Map80 that is associated with MCM3, a protein essential for DNA replication. Remarkably, GANP is associated with MCM3 in B cells and MCM3 is also up-regulated in the GC area. These results suggest that the up-regulation of GANP might participate in the development of Ag-driven B cells in GCs through its interaction with MCM3.

Proposal of Salmonella paratyphi sp. nov., nom. rev. and request for an opinion to conserve the specific epithet paratyphi in the binary combination Salmonella paratyphi as nomen epitheton conservandum

We propose Salmonella paratyphi sp. nov., nom. rev., by raising Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. choleraesuis serovar Paratyphi A to species status and request an Opinion to include the specific epithet paratyphi in the binary combination of Salmonella paratyphi in the list of epitheta specifica conservanda.

Recognition of nomenclatural standing of Salmonella typhi (Approved Lists 1980), Salmonella enteritidis (Approved Lists 1980) and Salmonella typhimurium (Approved Lists 1980), and conservation of the specific epithets enteritidis and typhimurium. Request for an opinion

In 1994, the Judicial Commission of the ICSB announced that Le Minor and Popoff's Request for an Opinion in 1987 to designate Salmonella enterica sp. nov., nom. rev. as the type and only species of the genus Salmonella was denied. Thus, the current species of the genus Salmonella are Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella choleraesuis (including six subspecies) and Salmonella bongori, with the type species, S. choleraesuis (Smith 1894) Weldin 1927 (Approved Lists 1980). Because the decision of the Judicial Commission about the request by Le Minor in 1987 was suspended for 7 years, the non-validated name 'S. enterica' has been used among microbiologists and has caused confusion in the nomenclature of Salmonella. In order to overcome such confusion, and because of their importance as human pathogens, we herein propose to recognize the nomenclatural status of S. typhi, S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium as species and request to issue an Opinion to conserve the specific epithets enteritidis and typhimurium in the species names Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium.