Effect of an N-succinyl-L-trialanine p-nitroanilide-hydrolyzing protease from pronase on glucose metabolism in mice

Effect of an N-succinyl-L-trialanine p-nitroanilide-hydrolyzing protease (STA-protease) purified from Pronase on glucose metabolism was investigated by an intravenous injection into fasted mice. The maximum decrease in blood sugar level by STA-protease was observed 2 h after the injection of a dose of 5.0 mg/kg. The hypoglycemic activity was observed with other microbial proteases, such as Pronase E and subtilisin BPN', whereas no activity was found with the modified enzymes which almost wholly lost their proteolytic activities by the treatment with diisopropyl fluorophosphate or guanidine HCl. The increase in blood sugar level by epinephrine and the conversion of [1-14C] pyruvate into blood glucose were distinctly suppressed with STA-protease as well as 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA), an inhibitor of gluconeogenesis. A slight increase in glycogen content in diaphragm of mice was observed during 2-4 h after the injection of STA-protease, though it was markedly increased by insulin. In test of glucose tolerance, the increase in blood sugar was distinctly suppressed by insulin but not by STA-protease. Blood lactate level was not subjected to change by STA-protease, in Therefore, STA-protease may affect the in vivo metabolism of glucose in a different way from the in vitro action which has been reported to react with cell surface and consequently to mimic the actions of insulin.

Simple and rapid identification of phosphorylated peptides from bovine brain myelin basic protein by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

The phosphorylation sites of the myelin basic protein from bovine brain were determined after phosphorylation with a cyclic 3':5'-phosphate-dependent protein kinase from the same source. Three phosphorylated peptides were selectively and rapidly separated, before and after dephosphorylation, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a styrene 250 column under alkaline conditions. Partial sequencing of the peptides by automated Edman degradation revealed that the serine-115 residue located in the main encephalitogenic determinant of the protein was a phosphorylation site, in addition to the two phosphorylation sites established (threonine-34 and serine-55).

[Familial occurrence of intracranial arteriovenous malformation]

It is beyond that cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disease based on abnormal vascular formation in the embryonic stage. Nevertheless, familial occurrence of cerebral AVMs has been previously reported only in five families throughout the world, when complications of specific diseases such as Sturge-Weber-Dimitri disease, von Hippel-Lindaeu disease, and Osler-Rendu-Weber disease were ruled out. We have recently encountered four cases of two familial AVMs. In this paper, we review nineteen cases of nine familial AVMs from literature including our four cases from two families. Case 1: A 50-year-old male was admitted in June, 1975, for clonic convulsion. Cerebral angiography showed an AVM situated in the left parietal region, which was supplied from callosomarginal and central arteries. Total excision of the AVM was performed. The patient was completely cured and discharged without abnormal neurological deficits. Case 2: A 16-year-old male was admitted in May, 1978, with about ten years history of general convulsions. This patient was the third child of Case 1. Cerebral angiography revealed an AVM situated in the right parietal region, which was supplied from callosomarginal and precentral arteries. Total resection of the AVM was performed. The patient was completely cured. Case 3: An 11-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital in a comatose state in January, 1978, and soon died. Cerebral angiography showed only presence of internal hydrocephalus. The autopsy revealed a hematoma in the right cerebellar hemisphere with bilateral intraventricular hematomas, and AVM was histologically found in the cerebellum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of elastase on glucose and lipid metabolism in rat fat cells

We examined the effects of elastase [EC 3.4.21.11] on lipogenesis, antilipolysis, and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in rat epididymal adipose tissue in comparison with those of insulin and trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4]. The rate of conversion of [3-3H]-glucose into lipid in fat cells was stimulated by elastase, trypsin, and insulin. When fat pads were incubated with elastase, trypsin, or insulin in the presence of glucose, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in the homogenate of the incubated fat pads was markedly increased. In the absence of glucose, elastase did not increase pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, though trypsin and insulin showed a slight but significant increase. Further, the increasing effect of elastase in the presence of glucose was inhibited by the addition of 3-O-methylglucose or phlorizin to the incubation mixture of the fat pads. Trypsin and insulin still showed a significant increase under similar conditions. When the homogenate of intact fat pads was incubated with elastase, the pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was progressively decreased with increase in the concentration of elastase. Concanavalin A showed an additive effect on the pyruvate dehydrogenase activity increase caused by elastase, whereas such an effect was not observed with insulin or H2O2. The stimulation of lipolysis by epinephrine in the fat cells was not suppressed by elastase, in contrast to trypsin and insulin. These results suggest that elastase reacts with the cell surface, facilitates glucose transport into the fat cells, and consequently affects glucose and lipid metabolism by somewhat different mechanisms from those of insulin and trypsin.

[A family of von Recklinghausen's disease associated with bilateral acoustic neurinomas and falx meningiomas]

A familial or inherited occurrence of von Recklinghausen's disease has been reported hitherto, some of which were associated with intracranial tumors such as gliomas, neurinomas, meningiomas or others. Authers report a family (case 1: father, case 2: son, case 3: daughter) of von Recklinghausen's disease associated with both bilateral acoustic neurinomas and falx meningioma. Case 1. A 41 year-old male was admitted to our hospital with complaints of bilateral hearing disturbance, headache and loss of visual acuity. On admission, neurological examination revealed left papilledema, right cataracta, impairment of bilateral cranial nerves V, IX, X, bilateral deafness, cerebellar ataxia, motor weakness of lower extremities and sensory disturbance of peripheral region of extremities. Twelve subcutaneous nodules were noted over the entire body and Café-au-lait spots were found slightly to be scattered over the chest and the back. Craniogram and vertebral angiography demonstrated bilateral CP angle tumors, and the diagnosis of bilateral acoustic neurinomas was made. Subtotal removal of bilateral tumors and Torkildsen's shunting were carried out. Histological diagnosis was neurinoma. Post-operative course was good. But 6 years later, he complained of gait disturbance. Computed tomography revealed falx meningioma in the frontal lobe and recurrence of bilateral acoustic neurinomas. So meningioma was totally removed. Eight months after surgery he died of aspiration pneumonia aged 47. Case 2. A 15 year-old male, son of case 1, was admitted with complaints of bilateral deafness, gait disturbance and visual disturbance. Neurological examination disclosed left papilledema, right congenital cataracta, impairment of bilateral cranial nerves V, IX, X, ataxic gait and sensory disturbance of right lower extremity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A case of intracranial multiple fibrous histiocytoma. Case report and review of literature]

A case of intracranial multiple fibrous histiocytom is arising from the dura mater and both lateral ventricles is presented. To the authors' knowledge, this is the ninth case of intracranial fibrous histiocytomas reported in the literature. A 10-year-old girl was admitted with a 6 month history of cerebellar ataxia. Radiological examination including CT scan revealed a large mass in occipito-suboccipital region. On November 1, 1978, subtotal resection of the tumor was performed. Yellowish hard tumor, weighing 195 g had wide attachment to the dura mater, but did not invade the brain tissue. Postoperative CT scan, three months later revealed the other tumors in the left lateral ventricle and in the suprasellar region in addition to the lesion that had been operated on. In the course of hospitalization, the suprasellar tumor enlarged rapidly despite of 60Co radiation therapy, then led her to hypothalamic dysfunction. In January, 1981, she had paraplegia and paresis of the right upper extremity. Spinal lesion at the level of C-5 was presumed, but further examination was not performed because of her poor condition. On February 19, 1981, she expired. Autopsy of the head revealed four independent lesions in both lateral ventricles, the suprasellar region and the residual lesion which had been resected subtotally at the operation, respectively. Entire falx cerebri was invaded continuously by the tumor in occipito-suboccipital area. Microscopically, all tumors were identical in histology and were composed of spindle shaped cells with storiform pattern, foam cells and rare giant cells. Any mitotic figures were not detected. Clinical behavior was aggressive but histological figures suggested fibrous histiocytoma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Postoperative treatment for malignant intracranial tumors--especially concerning intermittent intra-carotid administration of adriamycin]

Seventeen patients, aged 9 to 63 years (mean age 38.2 years), with 6 recurring malignant glioma, 5 malignant meningioma, 4 metastatic brain tumor, one endodermal sinus tumor and one embryonal carcinoma were postoperatively treated with adriamycin (ADM). As a rule, 20 mg of ADM (to 960 mg in a total dosis) were given by means of intra-carotid administration every two weeks (to 250 months in duration). According to Karnofsky's evaluation, 4 of 6 glioblastoma patients(66.7%), 4 of 5 malignant meningioma (80%), 2 of 4 metastatic brain tumor (50%) and one embryonal carcinoma had improvement of clinical condition, at least during two months after the beginning of the treatment, and/or remission of more than 50% of the enhanced area on CT scan. Consequently, allover response rate was 64.7%. Tumor tissue concentration of ADM administered intraoperatively by the same regimen, was estimated by fluorescence assay, twenty times in sixteen patients. The level of the concentration was higher in malignant tumor (3.6 to 6.2 micrograms/g) than in low grade astrocytoma (1.5 microgram/g in maximum) during sixty minutes after ADM administration. On the other hand, when ADM of same dosis was given intravenously, maximum serum level was 2.8 microgram/ml, which was less than half in comparison with tissue level of intracarotid administration. There was a serious myelosuppression in two cases in our series, but no cardiomuscular damage was observed in any cases. In conclusion, ADM concentration of brain tissue such as malignant meningioma, metastatic brain tumor and, even glioblastoma, was highly obtained. Further, intermittent intra-carotid administration of ADM was more effective than intravenous dripping in treating malignant intracranial tumor, although side effects should be carefully avoided.

Evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function by oral administration of N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (PFD test) in primary diabetes mellitus

Exocrine pancreatic function was evaluated in patients with primary diabetes mellitus by oral administration of N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (pancreatic function diagnostic test, PFD test) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA absorption test). In both primary diabetes mellitus and chronic pancreatitis, the mean excretion of PABA in the urine in the PFD test was significantly less than in the controls, and in 19 of 31 (61.3%) patients with primary diabetes mellitus and 11 of 12 (91.7%) patients with chronic pancreatitis there was a low PABA excretion rate. In contrast, the mean excretion of PABA in the urine in the PABA absorption test was significantly less in those with primary diabetes mellitus than in the controls. Therefore, to detect disturbances of pancreatic exocrine function in patients with primary diabetes mellitus, differences in the excretion of PABA in the urine between PFD test and PABA absorption test should be calculated. According to this method, the rate of abnormality was 12.9% in primary diabetes mellitus and 100% in chronic pancreatitis. There was a significant correlation between the excretion of PABA in the urine in the PFD test and results of renal function tests in primary diabetic patients with a normal range of serum creatinine levels. The serum PABA levels in the PFD test remained high in patients with primary diabetes mellitus and decreased in cases of chronic pancreatitis, as compared with the controls.

[Scotomatous defects in the central visual field, associated with pituitary tumor--a case report (author's transl)]

A rare case which showed scotomatous defects in the left central visual field was presented. A 51 year-old man was admitted to our clinic because of the visual deterioration. In neuroradiological examinations the left carotid angiography showed elevation of both A1 portions and CT suggested pituitary tumor. On February 5, 1980 radical operation was carried out, in which it was confirmed that part of the optic nerve was concave and split longitudinally with a compression of the pituitary adenoma. Postoperative course was uneventful and recovery from the defects in the central visual field was quickly. In this case longitudinal splitting of unilateral optic nerve, caused by gradual compression of supra- or parasellar tumor, was considered as one cause of scotomatous defects in the central visual field. In addition, visual status of forty six cases of pituitary adenoma which had been operated at our clinic during the past fourteen years was analysed both pre- and post-operatively, compared with the case described above.

Insulin-like activity of proteases. IV. Effect of partial digestion by an alkaline protease obtained from pronase on glucogen content in isolated mouse diaphragm

When an isolated mouse diaphragm was incubated with an insulin-like activity-possessing protease (ILAPP), the amount of Folin-positive materials released into medium increased as the incubation proceeded. However, the digestion by ILAPP did not affect the action of epinephrine on the glycogen content in diaphragm. Comparative studies on the effects of ILAPP and insulin on the glycogen content in diaphragm incubated in the presence or absence of ouabain at different concentrations of K+ increased in the incubation medium, that the glycogen-increasing effect of ILAPP or insulin was observed in each buffer containing K+ at a concentration of 0, 0.59, or 5.9 mM, and that the additive effect of ouabain used together with ILAPP or insulin was distinctly observed in the 5.9 mM K+-buffer but not in the 0.59 mM-buffer or K+-buffer. Thus, the effects of ILAPP resembled those of insulin. ILAPP probably digests the surface of diaphragm at a limited portion other than an epinephrine receptor to exhibit insulin-like activity.

Sequential changes in the number of surface immunoglobulin-bearing B lymphocytes in infectious bursal disease virus-infected chickens

Variations of B lymphocytes bearing surface immunoglobulin (SIg) M [SIg(M)] and G [SIg(G)] were studied in the spleen and peripheral blood of chickens infected with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). The proportion of SIg-bearing B lymphocytes and SIg(M)- and SIg(G)-bearing B cells in chickens infected at one day of age decreased from 1 week postinfection (p.i.) onward and was significantly lower at 8 weeks p.i. In chickens infected at 4 weeks, the percentage of SIg-bearing B cells decreased severely during the first 2 weeks p.i. The decrease of SIg(M)-bearing B cells preceded that of SIg (G)-bearing B cells: the lowest percentage of SIg(M)-bearing B cells has observed 2 to 3 days p.i., and that of SIg(G)-bearing B cells was seen 4 days p.i. The results suggest that SIg(M)-bearing B cells are the major target for IBDV infection.

[Peripheral arterial aneurysm of the brain occurring after brain abscess extirpation and healing spontaneously-report of a case and review of the literature (author's transl)]

In 33 year-old man an aneurysm of a pheripheral branch of the right middle cerebral artery was disclosed by angiography 8 days after extirpation of a parietotemporal brain abscess. The aneurysm was absent in the preoperative angiogram. Since the site of the aneutysm coincided with the operative field, it is sure that the etiology of the aneurysm was related to operative trauma and/or arteritis. Although inflammatory or mycotic factor could not be excluded from its etiology, it seems reasonable that traumatic factor was major one. The aneurysm was found to have disappeared eventually in the angiogram made on 372th postoperative day. Traumatic aneurysms arising from peripheral branches of the intracranial arteries are very rare. The first case was reported by Krauland in 1949. We collected 32 such cases from the literature. Of the 33 cases including the present one, 5 are iatrogenic. In more than half of the 33 cases, aneurysms were formed within 14 days following head injury. Posttraumatic delayed hemorrhage was found in 15 cases, the hemorrhage occurring within one month following injury in 12 cases. Of 31 cases with known prognosis, 11 died, 6 of them dying of delayed hemorrhage. Aneurysm operation was performed in 21 cases and 15 of them survived. In the present case, aneurysm luckily healed spontaneously. There are two cases including the present one, of spontaneous healing in the 33 cases. We believe surgical treatment is one of choice whenever possible.