Binding specificity of Lactobacillus to glycolipids

Lactobacillus, a representative useful bacterium, in the intestinal tract was found to bind to some specific glycosphingolipids, like the pathogenic intestinal bacteria. Thin layer chromatography overlay assays using rabbit antiserum against Lactobacillus casei revealed that the bacteria bound to GA1 and trihexosylceramide strongly, but not to any gangliosides. The bacteria generally bound to glycosphingolipids having short sugar chains and galactosyl moiety in the non-reducing terminal. L.casei did not bind to GM1, but bound to the product after sialidase treatment, GA1. This indicated that sialic acid inhibited the adhesion of L.casei to tissues. L.casei actually bound nonacid glycosphingolipids but not acid glycosphingolipids extracted from the small intestinal mucosa of rats.

[Successful treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with cimetidine--report of two cases]

There has been no effective therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Cimetidine has been demonstrated to block histamine mediated activation of suppressor T cells in man and in animal models, resulting in an anti-tumor immune response. We treated two patients with cimetidine for matastatic RCC. Case 1: A 61-year-old man presented with a diagnosis of metastatic lung and brain tumor of RCC. Interferon therapy was not effective, but after radiation therapy, his brain metastasis revealed partial response. He received cimetidine 800 mg orally after radiation, his lung metastasis revealed almost complete response. But he died of ischemic heart disease. Case 2: A 58-year-old woman presented with a metastatic lung tumor of RCC. We started interferon therapy. But because of general fatigue and anemia, she required discontinution of interferon therapy. So she received cimetidine 800 mg orally and her lung metastasis revealed complete response. She remained well and had no evidence of disease. Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma can occasionally respond to cimetidine and further investigation must be studied.

The expression of retinoblastoma protein in epidermis is induced by ultraviolet B exposure

DNA damage induced by ultraviolet light (UV) can be repaired while cells are arrested in the cell cycle. Tumour suppressor gene p53 has been implicated as being involved in the G1 arrest after UV irradiation. Normal human skin from three volunteers was exposed to UVB and the expression of p53, Ki-67 and retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) was examined immunohistochemically, in addition to observation for sunburn cells. p53 protein started to be expressed at 6 h after UVB irradiation. It peaked at 12-48 h. Ki-67 expression was induced after 48 or 72 h of irradiation. pRb begun to be expressed at 24 or 48 h and peaked at 48-96 h. p53-positive cells were distributed throughout the epidermis, while Ki-67 and pRb positive cells were seen mainly at the lower epidermis. Finally, sunburn cells, which are presumably apoptotic cells, appeared at 24 h and peaked at 24-48 h and were seen at upper epidermis. The different and co-ordinated expression, although variable between individuals, indicates important roles for p53 and pRb on the maintenance of the homeostasis of the epidermis after UV irradiation.

Immunohistochemical localization of cell adhesion molecules and cell-cell contact proteins during regeneration of the rat optic nerve induced by sciatic nerve autotransplantation

BACKGROUND

The central nervous system neurons of adult mammals are known to regenerate into peripheral nerve autograft. The localization of cell adhesion molecules and cell-cell contact proteins were studied during axonal regeneration induced by sciatic nerve autotransplantation.

METHODS

A sciatic nerve autograft was anastomosed to the proximal stump of the transected rat optic nerve. Immunofluorescence microscopy, thin sectioning, and immunoelectron microscopy with the preembedding method and ultrathin cryosections were used to localize cell adhesion molecules (L1; neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM; myelin-associated glycoprotein, MAG) and cell-cell contact proteins (connexins 32, 43, ZO-1) at 3 days to 4 weeks postoperation.

RESULTS

Most regenerating axons contacted astrocytes in the optic nerve and Schwann cells in the graft. Immunoreactivity of NCAM was widely distributed along the surface of axons, astrocytes, Schwann cells, and perineurial cells. The L1 immunoreactivity was confined to the interface of axon-astrocyte and of axon-Schwann cell. MAG immunoreactivity was seen at the interface of axon and myelin within the graft. Connexins 32, 43, and ZO-1 immunoreactivities were observed at contact sites between axons and Schwann cells within the graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Cell adhesion molecules (L1, NCAM, MAG) are localized at the cell surface of regenerating axons, astrocytes, and Schwann cells during optic nerve regeneration elicited by peripheral nerve graft. Cell-cell contact proteins (connexins 32, 43, ZO-1) are present at the interface between axons and Schwann cells in the graft. Our results suggest that these molecules are involved in cell adhesion events during optic nerve regeneration.

Applying very high resolution microfocus X-ray CT and 3-D reconstruction to the human auditory apparatus

Conventional high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is an important medical technique because it provides sectional images (tomograms) of internal structures without destroying the specimen. However, it is difficult to observe and to analyze fine structures less than a few cubic millimeters in size because of its low spatial resolution of 0.4 mm. Overcoming this problem would not only enable visualization of human anatomical structures in living subjects by means of computer images but would make it possible to obtain the equivalent of microscopic images by XCT without making microscopic sections of biopsy material, which would allow the examination of the entire body and detection of focal lesions at an early stage. Bonse et al. and Kinney et al. studied absorption contrast microtomography by using synchrotron radiation and achieved 8-microns spatial resolution in human cancellous bone. Recently, Momose et al. reported examining the soft tissue of cancerous rabbit liver by a modification of the phase-contrast technique using synchrotron radiation with a spatial resolution of 30 microns (ref. 4). However, the equipment for synchrotron radiation requires a great deal of space and is very expensive. Aoki et al., on a different tack, reported microtomography of frog embryos by using a conventional laboratory microfocus X-ray source with a spot size of about 2 microns (ref. 5). As no human tomographic studies by superresolution microfocus XCT (MFXCT) using a normal open-type X-ray source have been reported, we tried using MFXCT with a maximum experimental spatial resolution of 2.5 microns, especially designed for industrial use, on the auditory ossicles of a human fetus, the smallest and lightest bones in the skeletal system. No XCT studies of fetal auditory ossicles have been reported to date. The fine tomograms with three-dimensional reconstructions obtained showed the existence of an apparently previously undescribed joint between the tympanic ring and the anterior process of the malleus. We hope the early development of this MFXCT for clinical use will make a great contribution to medicine.

Singlet oxygen (1 delta g) generation from coproporphyrin in Propionibacterium acnes on irradiation

Although singlet oxygen has been postulated to be a highly reactive and toxic intermediate, there has been no evidence of considerable generation of singlet oxygen in vivo level except for special cases. In this work, we firstly measured the near-infrared emission spectra corresponding to the O2(1 delta g) --> O2(3 epsilon g-) transition of singlet oxygen of cutaneous Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) porphyrin under laser excitation. A comparison of the singlet oxygen production of coproporphyrin, which is produced predominantly from P. acnes, with that of other photosensitizers revealed coproporphyrin to be a highly efficient singlet oxygen generator under ultraviolet light A irradiation on the skin. These results suggest that singlet oxygen can be generated on the skin surface from P. acnes porphyrin under ultraviolet irradiation and induce serious damage to the skin.

Expression of p53 protein in melanoma progression

p53, A tumor suppressor gene, has been documented as the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers including non-melanoma skin tumors. It has been controversial whether the p53 gene mutation plays a major role for melanoma genesis. To examine the role of p53 in human malignant melanoma carcinogenesis, we performed immunohistochemical analysis using anti-p53 antibodies (CM-1 and DO-7) in microwaved paraffin sections. When cases having more than 1% reactive cells were regarded as positive, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that in primary melanomas 14 of 51 (27%) were positive with CM-1 or 15 of 51 (29%) were positive with DO-7. Tumor thickness of primary melanomas in p53 positive cases was significantly thicker than that in p53 negative cases. In metastatic melanomas, 35 of 41 (85%) lymph node metastases were positive with either antibody and in skin metastases 16 of 28 (57%) lesions with CM-1 or 18 of 28 (64%) lesions with DO-7 were positive. The mean percentages of reactive cells were 2.3% in primary lesions and 4.9% in metastases. The incidence of positivity was significantly higher in metastases than primary lesions. In 10 cases examined, with both primary and metastatic melanoma, 3 cases were negative in both lesions and 1 case was positive in both lesions, while 6 cases were negative in the primary lesions and positive only in metastatic lesions. Four Spitz nevi, 6 dysplastic nevi and 11 common nevi were all negative. These data suggest that the expression of p53 protein may be a late event in melanoma progression.

Elcatonin raises levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide in human plasma

Elcatonin, used for treatment of hypercalcaemia, Paget's disease and osteoporosis, causes flushing of the face and hands. To determine whether this was because of increased levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide, which is known to induce vasodilation, the effect of elcatonin on the plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide was studied in five healthy volunteers. After a single intramuscular administration of elcatonin (20 int units), peak plasma elcatonin levels (approx. 30 pg mL-1) were achieved 30 min after injection. Plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations rose similarly with peak levels of about 17 pg mL-1 after 30 min. Side-effects such as cutaneous flushing (most obvious in the face and hands) occurred to an extent dependent on the amount of elcatonin administered, and declined over 45 min in parallel with the fate of plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide. The side-effects of elcatonin, especially cutaneous flushing, seem to be closely connected with vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Myofibroblasts in the lamina propria of human semi-niferous tubules are dynamic structures of heterogeneous phenotype

Myofibroblasts of the lamina propria of human seminiferous tubules were studied in testes having normal or slightly reduced spermatogenesis by means of electron microscopy, confocal laser microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Myofibroblasts are large, flat individual cells braced in a network of microfibrils and collagen fibrils in the tubular wall. They are arranged in discontinuous cell layers with interposed layers of an extracellular matrix. Myofibroblasts of the lamina propria exhibit an unique cell shape with the peripheral cytoplasm split up in two or more layers. After FITC-phalloidin staining and by means of confocal laser microscopy, actin filaments of variable orientation are visible in their cytoplasm. The thickness and preferential direction of actin filaments differ in the outer and innermost cell layers. The myofibroblasts express both antigens of smooth muscle cells (alpha-smooth muscle actin, pan-actin, desmin, GB 42, smooth muscle myosin), and of connective tissue cells (vimentin, fibroblast surface protein). The variable expression of these antigens evidenced the existence of different phenotypes of myofibroblasts. Immunoreactivity for basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta as well as for components of the extracellular matrix indicate that these agents may be important for the phenotypic differentiation of the lamina propria cells. The detection of CNPase-and galactocerebroside-immunoreactivity in a number of lamina propria cells and some cells of the intertubular tissue gives rise to the hypothesis that components of the testicular tissue share some structural similarities with glia cells of the nervous system. Finally, immunoreactivities for the neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, soluble guanylyl cyclase, cyclic GMP, calmodulin, calcium-dependent protein kinase II and glutamate indicate that the contractility of myofibroblasts in the lamina propria of human seminiferous tubules may be in part modulated by the NO/cGMP-system.

Destruction of cholera toxin receptor on HeLa cell membrane using microbial endoglycoceramidase

The sensitivity of HeLa cells to cholera toxin decreased by Corynebacterium sp. endoglycoceramidase treatment. This endo-enzyme destroyed the cholera toxin receptor, ganglioside G(M1), on the cell surface membrane by liberating intact oligosaccharide from it, which was confirmed by the decrease of intracellular cAMP accumulation and the results of the analysis of released oligosaccharide with a combination of pyridylamination method and HPLC. Fluorescence microscopy using the immunofluorescence method revealed that the amount of cholera toxin attached to the cells decreased in endoglycoceramidase-treated cells. The enzyme acted on cellular glycosphingolipids without addition of any activator protein which is required by other similar enzymes. Corynebacterium endoglycoceramidase is a useful tool to elucidate the function of glycosphingolipids on the cell surface in situ.

Novel detection method of nitric oxide using horseradish peroxidase

Nitric oxide (NO) readily makes corresponding complexes not only with ferrous iron but also with ferric iron. However, NO-ferric complexes of many heme proteins were unstable, while horseradish peroxidase formed the very stable NO-ferric porphyrin complex with a shift of the Soret band of the absorption wavelength from 396.5 nm to 420.0 nm. The concentration of NO in aqueous media could be monitored by measuring the absorption changes, and the detection limit was 10 nM. The simple procedure is convenient for concentration determination of NO solution.

Nitric oxide release from kidneys of hypertensive rats treated with imidapril

To examine whether endothelial dysfunction in hypertension is reversible or not, we studied the effects of imidapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on nitric oxide release in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. After a 4-week treatment with imidapril (1 or 10 mg/d SC) or vehicle, acetylcholine-induced vasodilation and nitric oxide release in the isolated kidneys were determined. Nitric oxide release was measured by a chemiluminescense assay. Imidapril lowered blood pressure in stroke-prone SHR in a dose-dependent manner. Untreated stroke-prone SHR exhibited significantly attenuated responses to acetylcholine (10(-8) mol/L) of both renal perfusion pressure (stroke-prone SHE 42 +/- 4% versus Wistar-Kyoto rats [WKY] 58 +/- 4% [mean +/- SE], P < .01) and nitric oxide release (stroke-prone SHR +7.6 +/- 2.1 versus WKY +29.7 +/- 9.7 fmol/min per gram of kidney wt, P < .01). Imidapril at 10 mg/d significantly increased acetylcholine-induced renal vasodilation and nitric oxide release in stroke-prone SHR (renal perfusion pressure, 56 +/- 3%; nitric oxide release, +27.1 +/- 6.4 fmol/min per gram of kidney wt; both P < .01 versus stroke-prone SHR treated with vehicle). On the other hand, imidapril neither decreased blood pressure nor changed nitric oxide release induced by acetylcholine in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Staining for endothelial nitric oxide synthase and brain nitric oxide synthase was clearly detected in the kidneys of both stroke-prone SHR and WKY, whereas staining intensity was weaker in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Inducible nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was barely noticeable in any type of rat. Thus, imidapril restored endothelial damage by pressure-dependent mechanisms. Most of the nitric oxide detected in the perfusate seemed to be derived from constitutive nitric oxide synthase.

E. coli endotoxin enhances cardiomyopathy in rats with chronic alcohol consumption

The purpose of the study was to show whether it was possible to produce alcoholic cardiomyopathy by short-term alcohol ingestion combined with an infinitesimally low endotoxin injection. Wistar rats were fed an alcoholic liquid diet according to the formula of Lieber and Decarli, and challenged with an injection of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (1.0 microgram/g body weight per day for ten weeks). After ten weeks alcohol diet combined with LPS challenge, light microscopical examination showed changes commonly seen in alcoholic cardiomyopathy such as hypertrophy, oedema and disarray of myofibers. By electron microscopy, degeneration of mitochondria and degeneration of myocardial fibers were observed, the latter showing disturbance of the myofibrilla arrangement and interstitial fibrosis. Rats on an alcoholic liquid diet and rats challenged with a single identical doses of LPS did not show characteristic histological findings of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. These results suggest that short-term alcohol ingestion combined with an infinitesimally low endotoxin injection experimentally produces alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and may support the idea that endotoxin plays an important role in the aetiology of alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Peritubular myoid cells in the testis: their structure and function

Peritubular myoid cells, surrounding the seminiferous tubules in the testis, have been found in all mammalian species, but their organization in the peritubular interstitial tissue varies by species. In laboratory rodents, including rats, hamsters and mice, only one layer of myoid cells is seen in the testis. The cells in these animals are joined by junctional complexes as are epithelial cells. On the other hand, several cellular layers exist in the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubule in the human and some other animals. Myoid cells contain abundant actin filaments which are distributed in the cells in a species-specific manner. In the rat, the filaments within one myoid cell run both longitudinally and circularly to the long axis of the seminiferous tubule, exhibiting a lattice-work pattern. The arrangement of the actin filaments in the cells changes during postnatal development, and the disruption of spermatogenesis, such as cryptorchidism, seems to affect further the arrangement of the filaments. Other cytoskeletal proteins, including myosin, desmin/vimentin and alpha-actinin, are also found in the cells. Myoid cells have been shown to be contractile, involved in the transport of spermatozoa and testicular fluid in the tubule. Several substances (prostaglandins, oxytocin, TGF beta, NO/cGMP) have been suggested to affect the contraction of the cell, though the mechanisms of the contraction are still unknown. Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that the cells secrete a number of substances including extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, type I and IV collagens, proteoglycans) and growth factors (PModS, TGF beta, IGF-I, activin-A). Some of these substances are known to affect the Sertoli cell function. Furthermore, it has been reported that myoid cells contain androgen receptors and are involved in retinol processing. Considering all this, it is evident that peritubular myoid cells not only provide structural integrity to the tubule but also take part in the regulation of spermatogenesis and the testicular function. Their precise roles, however, remain to be solved.

Measurement of 1268 nm emission for comparison of singlet oxygen (1 delta g) production efficiency of various dyes

Singlet oxygen generation from laser-excited photosensitive dyes was measured directly using a sensitive near-infrared emission spectrometer to monitor the O2(1 delta g)-->O2(3 sigma -g) transition at 1268 nm. The emission intensity was proportional to both the laser power and the concentration of the dyes. The singlet oxygen producing ability of the dyes was compared with that of eosin YS as a standard in methanol. The relative efficiencies of singlet oxygen generation were determined for rose bengal, erythrosine B, phloxine B and eosin YS as 2.39, 1.73, 1.38, 1.00, respectively, while uranine showed no emission in this spectral region. Using rose bengal, erythrosine B, phloxine B and eosin YS, the efficiency of singlet oxygen generation correlated with the photobleaching reaction rate of azo-dyes by these dyes, suggesting singlet oxygen to be a species responsible for causing the photobleaching of azo-dyes. The halogen substituent effect on the efficiency of singlet oxygen generation from laser-excited photosensitive dyes was also examined systematically.

[A case of hemolytic uremic syndrome after cadaveric renal transplantation]

We report a cadaveric renal transplant recipient suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). A 46-year-old woman received a cadaveric renal transplantation on February 16, 1994. From the 20th postoperative day, anemia, thrombocytopenia and deterioration of graft function occurred. Graft biopsy on the 20th postoperative day indicated HUS by microthrombotic arterioglomerulopathy. Plasma exchange and 15-deoxyspergualin improved her graft function. From these clinicopathological findings, we conclude that she had HUS caused by acute humoral rejection.

Epitope analysis of HLA-DR-restricted helper T-cell responses to Der p II, a major allergen molecule of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

T-cell epitopes of Der p II, a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were analyzed by using human T-cell clones. We tested 38 cloned T cells from two Japanese patients with allergic rhinitis, and identified at least two peptides (K33-T47 and I58-C73) as helper T-cell epitopes. The former epitope was shown to be restricted by HLA-DRB1*1502, and the latter by HLA-DRB1*0405, both of which are typical Japanese HLA-DR alleles, suggesting that those T-cell epitopes might be important for the onset of house-dust mite allergy in the Japanese population. We prepared 15 analog peptides of the HLA- DRB1*1502-restricted 15-mer peptide. Of those 15 residues, five (F35, L37, A39, F41, and E42) were critical for the epitope activity, and three residues (F35, A39, and E42) seemed to be included in anchor motifs for HLA-DRB1*1502. The epitope peptide was also recognized by HLA-DRB1*1502-positive healthy donors; however, only allergic T cells showed Th2 functions. Antigen-presenting cells of nonallergic donors were able to activate allergic T cells to express Th2 function. This seemed to suggest that antigen recognition of T cells, as well as additional unknown factors which promote Th2, rather than Th1, responses, might be important for the onset of house-dust mite allergy.

Experimental studies on postmortem diffusion of ethanol-d6 using rats

In an investigation of postmortem ethanol diffusion deuterium-labeled ethanol-d6 was instilled by peroral gavage immediately after death by CO into the stomach of rat carcasses which were subsequently kept for 12-72 h at 5 or 30 degrees C. The heart blood, abdominal fluid and several tissues were collected and analyzed by head space gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rat carcasses showed no macroscopic changes until at least 72 h at 5 degrees C, and 12 h at 30 degrees C. At 30 degrees C, slight macroscopic change was observed after 24 h, moderate change after 48 h and marked change after 72 h. In the abdomen ethanol-d6 diffused gradually into neighboring organs (hepatic left lobe, left kidney and spleen) at 5 degrees C, with ethanol-d6 reaching a peak concentration of 0.75-2.38 mg/g at 24 h. At 30 degrees C, ethanol-d6 was also detected in neighboring organs and reached a peak concentration of 1.06-2.61 mg/g at 12 h. Thereafter, the ethanol-d6 concentration in the liver, kidney and spleen decreased, with concentrations ranging from 0.30 to 0.61 mg/g at 30 degrees C and 0.05 to 1.47 mg/g at 5 degrees C at 48 h. In the femoral skeletal muscle, ethanol-d6 was not detected until 24 h or more storage at 30 degrees C and never detected at 5 degrees C. In the brain and the organs in the thoracic cavity ethanol-d6 was detected after 12 h or more at 5 or 30 degrees C. Comparison of these results of direct peroral gastric instillation with those when ethanol-d6 was injected into the stomach through a laparotomy incision suggest that the brain and thoracic cavity changes were a result of diffusion from the mouth and esophagus. After 24 h at 30 degrees C, the postmortem ethanol production (0.33-0.85 mg/g) was comparable to those in previous reports. These results indicate that the assessment of ethanol concentration in the heart blood and organs in autopsy cases must be carefully conducted in comparison with the alcohol content of the stomach.

Postmortem degradation of administered ethanol-d6 and production of endogenous ethanol: experimental studies using rats and rabbits

Deuterium-labeled ethanol-d6 was employed to study the metabolism and postmortem change of ethanol in putrefied organ tissues. First, 4 ml/kg body weight of 25% (w/v) solution of ethanol-d6 was administered orally to each of 15 rats. The heart blood and organs were collected 15-90 min after the administration and the ethanol-d6 was analyzed by head space gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The ethanol-d6 concentration in the organ tissues reached its maximum at 15 min after the administration and then gradually declined, showing the same pattern as human ethanol metabolism. Ethanol-d6 (3 ml of the same solution/kg body weight) was injected into the vein of a rabbit's ear (total of 12 rabbits). The rabbit was killed with carbon monoxide 30 min after the administration and the carcass was allowed to stand for 1-4 days at 30 degrees C in a moist chamber. The concentration of ethanol-d6 decreased moderately. Postmortem ethanol and 1-propanol concentrations, in contrast, showed marked increases 2.5 days and more after sacrifice in line with the degree of putrefaction of each organ tissue including skeletal muscle. This suggests the postmortem activation of micro-organism activity. These results indicate that ethanol concentrations in cadaver tissues must be carefully assessed with due consideration of postmortem degradation and production.

Self-organization of the velocity selectivity of a directionally selective neural network

We first present a mathematical analysis of the relation between the parameters and the behavior of the basic module in the proposed neural network model for visual motion detection. Based on the analytical results, a learning rule is put forth that can develop velocity selectivity of directionally selective cells in the basic module. The learning rule is furthermore introduced into the total model called a 'mass model', which is constructed with many basic modules. Numerical simulation results showed that each basic module in the mass model learned in a self-organizing manner to acquire selectivity for the velocity of an input stimulus. The proposed learning rule would be plausible in the actual nervous system in that it is simple and can be described with only local information.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in China

Thirty strains of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were isolated from rabbits (17 strains), wild rats (9 strains) and house rats (4 strains) in China between 1990 and 1993. The biochemical properties of these isolates were identical with those of Y. pseudotuberculosis and no special characteristics were found in these strains. Serologically, serogroups 4b and 5b were identical to isolates found in Japan, and a new serogroup 1c and unclassified strains have also been detected. The existence of virulence-associated properties were different among strains. The pYV plasmid was detected from 6 strains of 30 isolates. This report documents the presence of Y. pseudotuberculosis in China, providing important epidemiological information.

[Clinical statistics of 67 cadaveric renal transplantation at the Department of Urology, Kinki University School of Medicine]

A statistic survey was made on the patients undergoing cadaveric renal transplantation between June, 1980 and December, 1993. The total number of patients was sixty-seven. The number of patients per year increased annually. The graft survival rate was 73.8% at 1 year and 63.1% at 5 years. Some transition was seen in immunosuppressive regimens using cyclosporin.

Cyclin D and retinoblastoma gene product expression in actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in relation to p53 expression

Abnormality of the molecules regulating the cell cycle has been shown to lead cells to transformation. Recently, overexpression of cyclin D protein, one of the G1 cyclins, and the abnormality of the retinoblastoma gene have been found in various human cancers. We analyzed the expression of cyclin D, retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) and p53 in actinic keratoses (AKs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) by immunohistochemistry to elucidate the role of these molecules in keratinocyte carcinogenesis. In the normal epidermis, a few cyclin D positive cells were seen mainly at the basal layer. In 11 seborrheic keratoses, no overexpression of cyclin D was observed. Twelve of 26 AKs (46%) and 27 of 45 SCCs (60%) showed cyclin D overexpression. A few pRB positive cells were seen in the basal layer and in the suprabasal spinous layer of the normal epidermis. An abnormality of pRB, loss of expression, was seen in 2 of 26 AKs (8%) and 7 of 45 SCCs (16%). p53 protein was positive in 12 of 26 AKs (46%) and 24 of 45 SCCs (53%). Forty-five SCCs examined were divided into 22 ultraviolet (UV)-related SCCs and 23 UV-unrelated SCCs. Though UV-related SCCs showed a significantly higher incidence of p53 positivity, as previously reported by us, no significant difference in cyclin D overexpression and loss of the pRB expression was observed between UV-related and UV-unrelated SCCs. These results suggest that cyclin D overexpression is frequently involved in keratinocyte carcinogenesis and that this is an early event, as well as p53 abnormality. In addition, abnormality of the retinoblastoma gene is also related to epidermal cell carcinogenesis, though the frequency is relatively low.

Distribution of the basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor gene expression in normal and degenerated rat intervertebral discs

STUDY DESIGN

Using a rat spondylosis model, the distributions of cells expressing the basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor were investigated in normal and degenerated intervertebral discs. Cell-proliferating activity in degenerated discs was also assessed.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to determine whether basic fibroblast growth factor is related to intervertebral disc degeneration.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates proliferation and matrix synthesis of cultured intervertebral disc cells.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization histochemistry were conducted to detect cells with basic fibroblast growth factor-like immunoreactivity and fibroblast growth factor receptor messenger RNA, respectively. Cell-proliferating activity was evaluated by AgNOR staining.

RESULTS

In degenerated discs, round chondrocytes with basic fibroblast growth factor-like immunoreactivity and fibroblast growth factor receptor messenger RNA are scattered instead of spindle-shaped cells in the normal anulus (normal anular cells), which are devoid of basic fibroblast growth factor-like immunoreactivity and fibroblast growth factor receptor messenger RNA. The proliferating activity of these chondrocytes is suggested to exceed that of normal anular cells.

CONCLUSION

Basic fibroblast growth factor is suggested to promote proliferation of chondrocytes in degenerated discs in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Basic fibroblast growth factor may be related to intervertebral disc degeneration as a proliferation-stimulating factor of chondrocytes that replace normal anular cells during disc degeneration.

Activated liver macrophages in human liver diseases

Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies specific for cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage reveals that resident liver macrophages have a phenotype distinct from that of monocytes or activated liver macrophages. Liver macrophages consist of heterogeneous cell populations in maturation (matured 25F9-positive and immature 25F9-negative) but the ratio of two populations is constant in normal and diseased livers. The expression of CD14 is down-regulated in resident liver macrophages as compared to that in monocytes, while the expression of 25F9 is up-regulated. On the other hand, the expressions of CD14 and Fc gamma RI are up-regulated in activated liver macrophages in viral and autoimmune hepatitis. In vitro culture of monocytes in medium without cytokines induces the phenotype similar to that of resident liver macrophages. Addition of macrophage-colony stimulating factor or interferon-gamma into the culture medium induces the expression of Fc gamma RI, the phenotype of which resembles that of activated liver macrophages. These results suggest that liver macrophages consist of heterogeneous cell populations and that both phenotype and function are affected by the local milieu of cytokines.

Ophthalmic preservatives as absorption promoters for ocular drug delivery

The effects of ophthalmic preservatives on the drug permeability through isolated ocular membranes of albino rabbits were investigated using a two-chamber glass diffusion cell. Tilisolol and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans (average molecular weights 4400 and 9400 Da; FD-4 and FD-10, respectively) were used as model penetrants of ophthalmic beta-blockers and peptide drugs. Preservatives significantly enhanced the corneal penetration of not only tilisolol but also FITC-dextrans. Especially, benzalkonium chloride increased the corneal permeability of FD-4 and FD-10 by 28.8 and 37.1 times, respectively. These results indicate the usefulness of ophthalmic preservatives as absorption promoters for the ocular delivery of beta-blockers and hydrophilic macromolecules. Preservatives also enhanced the conjunctival permeability of tilisolol, FD-4 and FD-10. The promoting effect of preservatives on the conjunctival drug penetration was smaller than that on the corneal one. Preservative increased the ratio of corneal to conjunctival permeability of tilisolol, FD-4 and FD-10. The different responses of corneal and conjunctival drug penetrations to ophthalmic preservatives may be useful to control the extent and pathway for the ocular and systemic absorptions of instilled drugs.

Different effects of absorption promoters on corneal and conjunctival penetration of ophthalmic beta-blockers

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement in corneal penetration of ophthalmic beta-blockers of various lipophilicities afforded by absorption promoters and to compare the corneal against conjunctival penetration in response to absorption promoters.

METHODS

The penetration of the beta-blockers, atenolol, carteolol, tilisolol, timolol, and befunolol, in the presence of absorption promoters, across the isolated corneal and conjunctival membranes of albino rabbits was measured using a two-chamber glass diffusion cell. EDTA, taurocholic acid, capric acid, and saponin were used as the absorption promoters.

RESULTS

The absorption promoters significantly increased the corneal permeability of most beta-blockers, especially the hydrophilic agents. The absorption promoters also enhanced the conjunctival permeability of beta-blockers, although their effect in promoting conjunctival penetration was less than that on corneal penetration. There was a differing penetration of instilled beta-blockers in the cornea and conjunctiva in response to absorption promoters. Capric acid and saponin showed significant promoting action on corneal penetration, but not on conjunctival penetration. Taurocholic acid had a significant effect on conjunctival penetration but not on corneal penetration. Saponin caused slight irritation.

CONCLUSIONS

Absorption promoters can improve the ocular delivery of beta-blockers and a selective use of absorption promoter can improve the extent and pathway of drug ocular absorption.

Regional distribution of messenger RNA encoding the insulin-like growth factor type 2 receptor in the rat lower brainstem

Distribution of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type 2 receptor (IGF2R) is investigated in the rat lower brainstem by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Cells with IGF2R mRNA are distributed widely in a region-specific manner. It is expressed in: (1) motor nuclei such as the oculomotor nucleus, trochlear nucleus, motor trigeminal nucleus, abducens nucleus, facial nucleus, ambiguus nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and hypoglossal nucleus; (2) several sensory-related nuclei like the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, lateral and spinal vestibular nuclei, ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei and nucleus of the trapezoid body; and (3) other regions such as the red nucleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, pontine nuclei, three cerebellar nuclei (medial, interposed and lateral), Purkinje cells, cells in the granular layer of the cerebellum, locus coeruleus, several areas of the reticular nucleus and area postrema.

[Clinical study on cerebrovascular diseases after renal transplantation]

Between October 1975 and December 1994, 131 renal transplants were performed on our hospital. Eight of these patients had 9 cerebrovascular diseases, which were 2 cerebral hemorrhages, 5 cerebral infarctions, 2 subarachnoid hemorrhages. Five of the 8 patients whose graft functions were bad died. We studied the relationship of the incidence of these complications to some factors as follows; 1) blood pressure, 2) hypercholestemia, 3) duration of hemodialysis, and 4) graft function. The cerebrovascular diseases after renal transplantation were related to the hypertension after renal transplantation and no correlation with the other factors could be found. Therefore, we think that the control of the hypertension after renal transplantation is the most important for the cerebrovascular diseases and the patient's prognosis.

Screening of volatile substances and determination of toluene (a thinner component) in the blood and urine in emergency medical care and autopsy cases by the pulse heating method

Screening of volatile substances was performed by pulse heating gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using a GS-Q column in 211 emergency medical care and 342 autopsy cases. At least 36 standard substances could be separately detected. Six kinds of volatile substances were screened in a total of 553 cases. Toluene and/or hippuric acid were detected in the blood and/or urine in respectively, 4 emergency medical care and 8 autopsy cases. There were 11 abusers (9 males and 2 females) in these 12 positive cases. The ages of the abusers ranged from 13-26 years. There was no particular pattern to the monthly frequency distribution of identification of thinner (toluene) abuse cases, which occurred throughout the year. It is believed that these data at least partly reflect the present status of thinner/glue abuse in Japan. We conclude that pulse heating GC-MS is useful in the screening and quantitative determination of volatile substances including toluene and other thinner/glue components.

[Essential thrombocythemia transformed to minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia]

A 64-year-old female diagnosed for essential thrombocythemia was treated with MCNU 50 mg four times in the course of the disease. Six months after the last administration, in May 1991, she was admitted because of decreasing thrombocyte count and appearance of blasts in the peripheral blood. On admission, laboratory findings were as follows: WBC 700/microliters with 5% of blasts, RBC 331 x 10(4)/microliters, and PLT 17.9 x 10(4)/microliters. Bone marrow aspiration revealed hypocellular marrow with 39% blasts. About 5% of the blasts were positive for myeloperoxidase by electron microscopy analysis. Leukemic cells were positive for CD 7, 13, 33 and 34, negative for other lymphoid lineage markers, and demonstrated no rearrangement of TCR-beta, gamma and IgH genes. Although she was treated with low-dose cytosine arabinoside, no response was observed. Subdural hematoma and sequential pneumonia developed and the patient died eight months after leukemic transformation. In conclusion, we think that the leukemic transformation might have been developed in the natural course of essential thrombocythemia in the present case. However, we cannot exclude the influence of MCNU.

[Tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) in transplanted kidneys]

We have studied the involvement of fibrinolysis in acute rejection after kidney transplantation by analyzing changes in urinary levels of substances such as FDP, D-dimer, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI). Fibrinolytic activity was found to be low (that is, PAI is dominant) during acute rejection, and it was elevated (that is, PA became dominant) as acute rejection subsided. It appears that the dominance of PA leads to an increase in the products of fibrinolysis and an elevation in the D-dimer/FDP ratio, resulting in disappearance of the acute rejection. Based on these findings, we thought it necessary to administer t-PA to kidney recipients so that PA becomes dominant earlier and the acute rejection can be reduced. It is necessary for us to directly study the phenomena within the kidneys. Therefore, we recently conducted a histochemical study of the distribution of t-PA, Urokinase type PA (u-PA) and PAI in transplanted kidneys. Transplanted kidney, which functioned well or showed signs of acute or chronic rejection, were biopsied. These renal samples as well as control samples (biopsied from normal nongrafted kidney) were examined as to distribution of t-PA, u-PA and PAI by the indirect enzyme complement method. In conclusion, t-PA, u-PA and PAI were detected in the glomeruli, arterioles, tubule and interstices of the control kidneys, well functioning grafts, acutely rejected grafts chronically rejected grafts. All samples showed intense chromatic responses in the arterioles and part of the tubules. On the whole, the chromatic response tended to be more intense in the acute rejection group than in the other group.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors in the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation is mainly due to endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) and hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). To explore the mechanisms underlying attenuated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypertensive arteries, we measured the EDNO released from isolated kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) using a sensitive chemiluminescence assay system of NO. ACh-induced renal vasodilation was significantly smaller in SHR than in the normotensive control, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). However, ACh-induced NO release did not differ between SHR and WKY (10(-7) M: SHR +37 +/- 2 [SE] vs. WKY +32 +/- 4 fmol/min/g kidney). Perfusion with a 20 mEq/L high-K+ buffer, which is reported to inhibit action of EDHF, significantly reduced ACh-induced vasorelaxation in WKY but not in SHR, resulting in identical renal perfusion pressure in SHR and wKY under these conditions. These results indicate that attenuated ACh-induced vasorelaxation in the SHR kidney may be attributed to a decrease in EDHF rather than that in EDNO.

Direct measurements of endothelium-derived nitric oxide release by stimulation of endothelin receptors in rat kidney and its alteration in salt-induced hypertension

BACKGROUND

Stimulation of endothelin subtype B (ETB) receptors has been proposed to induce release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO).

METHODS AND RESULTS

To obtain direct evidence of its release and its alteration in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, EDNO released from renal vessels by ET stimulation was assayed by a highly sensitive chemiluminescence method. Kidneys were isolated from DOCA-salt and control rats, and renal perfusion pressure (RPP) and EDNO (by hydrogen peroxide-luminol chemiluminescence) in the perfusate were monitored simultaneously during perfusion of ET-1, ET-3, an ETA receptor antagonist (BQ-123), and an ETB receptor agonist (BQ-3020). In control rats, ET-1 and ET-3 dose-dependently increased both RPP and NO release. Although the vasoconstricting effects of ET-1 were greater, their NO-releasing effects were comparable. The increase in NO release by ETs was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. After 10(-6) mol/L BQ-123 treatment, ET-1 decreased RPP and increased NO release in control kidneys. DOCA-salt rats responded to these agents with much less NO release. BQ-3020 at up to 10(-10) mol/L caused vasodilation (RPP, 10(-11) mol/L, -5.4 +/- 1.7%, P < .01) associated with increased NO release in control kidneys (+9.0 +/- 2.7 fmol.min-1.g-1 kidney wt, P < .01). However, in DOCA-salt kidneys, BQ-3020 caused renal vasoconstriction (RPP, +5.4 +/- 2.4%, P < .01 versus control) and a much smaller NO release (+1.1 +/- 0.4 fmol.min-1.g-1 kidney wt, P < .01 versus control). Northern blot analysis revealed that renal ETB mRNA was significantly decreased in DOCA-salt rat kidneys compared with controls (0.36 +/- 0.13 versus 1.00 +/- 0.23, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that ET-1 and ET-3 release EDNO via ETB receptors in renal vessels. ETB-mediated NO release was reduced in DOCA-salt rats, which may modulate renal function and thus blood pressure regulation in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats.

Reduction of ultraviolet-induced skin cancer in mice by topical application of DNA excision repair enzymes

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation produces two major photoproducts, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and (6-4) photoproducts. T4 endonuclease V (T4N5), which specifically repairs CPD, is encapsulated in liposomes. A previous study has shown that UV-induced carcinogenesis in mice was suppressed by the application of T4N5 liposomes. To confirm the suppressive effect, we applied T4N5 liposomes with repeated UVB exposure to hairless mice. At the end of the experiment, mice treated with T4N5 liposomes had 3.5 +/- 1.3 tumors per mouse, and control mice had 6.3 +/- 2.8 tumors per mouse. In addition, the incidence of tumors was reduced in T4N5 liposome-treated mice compared with controls. The pathological diagnosis of the tumors was not significantly different between two groups. Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 protein in UV-induced tumors showed that nearly half of the tumors in both groups were positive. When the biopsied normal-looking skin taken during the experiment was stained with p53 antibody, there was no significant difference of the timing of p53 protein expression between the control mice and T4N5 liposome-treated mice. These results confirmed that CPD plays a pivotal role in UV carcinogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms of the suppression by T4N5 liposomes should be further clarified.

Heterogeneity of acute myeloblastic leukemia without maturation: an ultrastructural study

We demonstrated by ultrastructural examination that the leukemic blasts of 13 patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) without maturation (M1 in the French-American-British classification) showed heterogeneous features. In 7 patients, the leukemic blasts had a high level of light microscopic myeloperoxidase positivity (> 50%). Ultrastructurally, the cells were myeloblast-promyelocytes with 100% myeloperoxidase positivity, and these 7 patients appeared to have typical AML. In contrast, the remaining 6 patients had leukemic blasts with a low myeloperoxidase positivity (< 50%) and heterogeneous features. Three had ultrastructural features of myelomonocytic or monocytic lineage, 1 had myelomonocytic cells associated with megakaryoblasts, and 1 had undifferentiated blasts. The former group had a better prognosis than the latter, indicating that ultrastructural analysis of M1 leukemia may help predict the response to therapy.

High-performance liquid chromatography and fluorometric detection of arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) and its analogues, derivatized with 4-(N-chloroformylmethyl-N-methyl)amino-7-N,N-dimethylaminosulp honyl-2,1 ,3- benzoxadiazole (DBD-COCl)

The endogeneous ligand for the cannabinoid receptor, arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) and its analogues, oleinylethanolamide, palmitylethanolamide and eicosapentaenoylethanolamide, were derivatized with a fluorogenic reagent, 4-(N-chloroformylmethyl-N-methyl)amino-7-N,N-dimethylaminsulpho ny1-2,1,3- benzoxadiazole (DBD-COCl). They were separated on a reversed phase HPLC with a mobile phase of acetonitrile:water. The fluorometric detection of the derivatives was made at 560 nm with excitation at 450 nm and the detection limits for anandamide was 20 fmol on column. The structures of DBD-CO-ethanolamides were confirmed by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS).

Trends in nonmelanoma skin cancer in Japan

We compared the prevalence of skin cancer and solar keratosis (SK) in patients who attended 26 Japanese university hospitals between 1976-1980 with those who attended between 1986-1990 to investigate whether the incidence of skin cancer has increased or not. Age-adjusted incidence rates of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and SK, but not squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), from 1986-1990 were higher than those from 1976-1980. In addition, a population-based incidence study was conducted in Kasai City, Hyogo prefecture, to establish the frequency of skin cancer and SK. A total of 4736 people over 20 years of age were examined. Two BCC and 36 SK patients were identified clinically and histopathologically. SCC was not found. Age-adjusted incidence rates of BCC and SK per 100,000 were 16.5 and 486.1, respectively. The BCC incidence rate in Kasai City was significantly higher than the incidence of Japanese nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) reported by Gordon in 1976. Further, subjects classified as skin type I showed statistically higher SK prevalence rates compared to skin types II and III. The present study indicates that the prevalences of NMSC and SK in Japanese have increased during the last three decades and that skin type I may be a risk factor for NMSC in Japanese.

Establishment of a rabbit short-term dry eye model

The dry eye syndrome is a chronic disease which can become a serious threat to useful vision. However, there is only a limited understanding regarding effective treatment or prevention of this disease. Establishing an effective mode of treatment requires the use of a satisfactory animal dry eye model. Ideally, such a model should rapidly determine the effectiveness of agents that inhibit the damaging effects of this syndrome. This paper presents a short-term dry eye model using rabbits, which combines mechanical prevention of blinking and methylene blue staining. This model is not intended to be a precise representation of the dry eye syndrome, since this disorder has recently become recognized to involve a primary pathological process of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. However, by using this model, clinical signs of dry eye can be observed after a few hours in the form of acute desiccation. Corneal damage can easily be evaluated both qualitatively by methylene blue staining scores, and quantitatively by chronic assay. Visually observed corneal epithelial thinning was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to be due to loss of epithelial integrity. Using a 3% chondroitin sulfate solution, an already proven effective agent for dry eye, this model effectively demonstrated an 80% inhibition in the development of methylene blue positive lesion after a period of only 2 hours. This short term dry eye model is valuable in primarily screening the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of dry eye.

Changes in the arrangement of actin filaments in myoid cells and Sertoli cells of rat testes during postnatal development and after experimental cryptorchidism

BACKGROUND

Abundant actin filaments are present in myoid cells and Sertoli cells in the testis. In the adult rat, the filaments form a lattice arrangement within the myoid cell, and show a hexagonal pattern in the basal junctional regions of Sertoli cells.

METHODS

Isolated seminiferous tubules and frozen sections were prepared from juvenile to adult Wistar rat testes, stained with FITC-conjugated phalloidin, and observed by confocal microscopy. Unilateral cryptorchidism was induced in adult rats, and seven days later, their testes were also examined.

RESULTS

In the myoid cell, parallel actin filaments running circularly around the seminiferous tubules were observed at 15 and 20 days of age. Then, at 30 days, actin filaments arranged longitudinally along the tubular long axis appeared in addition to the circular bundles. A lattice arrangement of actin-filament bundles in myoid cells became obvious at 40 days, when elongated spermatids are found in the tubule. Actin filaments in the basal junctional regions of Sertoli cells did not acquire the hexagonal pattern seen in the adult testis until 30 days of age. In the cryptorchid testes, the arrangement of actin filaments in the both cells showed a remarkable change compared to the control testis; the filaments became thinner and disrupted.

CONCLUSIONS

A lattice arrangement of the actin filaments in the myoid cell appear at around 30 days, before the completion of spermatogenesis. A hexagonal pattern of the filaments in the junctional regions of Sertoli cells has already developed at this age. Cryptorchidism affects the actin filaments of the both cells.

[The retinal image of three multifocal intraocular lenses through an eye model]

Retinal images produced by two types of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) were studied using an eye model. One of them was a refractive IOL with five zones, and the other was a diffractive lens. The IOLs were inserted into an eye model with a pupil diameter of 3 mm. The retinal plane of the eye model was observed microscopically. When the section of the IOL used for far vision was in focus, the retinal image of the refractive IOL was almost the same as that of the monofocal IOL, which was better than that of the diffractive IOL. When the near vision section of the IOL was in focus, the retinal image of the diffractive IOL had almost the same quality as the far section. The light rings produced when the multifocal IOLs were illuminated by a glare source were also examined. They showed that the diffractive IOL was stronger than the refractive IOL, but the monofocal was the smallest of the three.