Distribution of macrophage lineage cells in rat gingival tissue after topical application of lipopolysaccharide: an immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies: OX6, ED1 and ED2

To discuss the role of macrophage lineage cells on the periodontal tissue destruction, we immunohistochemically examined the phenotype and the dynamics of macrophage lineage cells 1 or 3 h or 1, 2, 3 or 7 d after topical application of LPS (5 mg/ml in physiological saline) from the rat gingival sulcus using 3 monoclonal antibodies: OX6 (antigen-presenting cells), ED1 (monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells) and ED2 (resident macrophages). We could detect at least 3 different types of macrophage lineage cells, namely OX6+/ED1+/ED2- dendritic cells and exudate macrophages and ED2+ resident macrophages. After LPS application the majority of macrophage lineage cells accumulated in the subjunctional epithelial area were newly extravasated OX6+/ED1+/ED2- dendritic cells or macrophages. The number of these cells increased progressively with time and reached a maximum level at d 2. On the other hand, number and tissue distribution of ED2+ resident macrophages did not change. These results indicate that several types of macrophage lineage cells exist in rat gingival tissue and suggest that dendritic cells and exudate macrophages transiently accumulated after LPS application are responsible for various host immune response and tissue destruction caused by LPS.

[In vitro antibacterial activity of vancomycin in combination with panipenem against carbapenem-resistant MRSA]

The synergistic relationship between vancomycin (VCM) and carbapenem (CRB) has been reported in antibacterial activity against CRB-resistant strains of MRSA. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity against CRB-resistant MRSA using VCM, panipenem (PAPM), and a combination of both. 8 strains of CRB-resistant MRSA were used to examine the effects of these antibiotics by the broth microdiluton technique. The effect of pH (pH 6, 7, 8) on MIC of VCM alone was not observed in 7 out of 8 strains; MICs were between 1.0-2.0 micrograms/ml. PAPM alone, however, showed an enhancing tendency in alkaline condition in 6 out of 8 strains. There was no influence of pH on MICs in the combination use of VCM and PAPM, showing additive effect in 1 strain and synergistic in 6 strains. Killing-curves against PAPM-resistant MRSA were examined under the following drug combinations; 1/4 MIC of VCM (0.5 micrograms/ml) plus 1/4 MIC of PAPM (16 micrograms/ml), and 1/4 MIC of VCM plus 1/8 MIC of PAPM (8 micrograms/ml). The former drug combination showed synersistic effect; decrease from 1.05 x 10(5) to 6.45 x 10(4) CFU/ml after 6 hours' incubation and to less than 10 CFU/ml after 24 hours. The latter drug combination showed synergistic activity (2.68 x 10(2) CFU/ml) after 24 hours' incubation, but lost antibacterial activity after 48 hours. In conclusion, PAPM in combination with VCM showed synergistic effects on CRB-resistant MRSA. This combination therapy should be evaluated for the treatment of MRSA infection in patients with renal dysfunction.

Expression of CD44 containing variant exon 9 (CD44v9) in gastric adenomas and adenocarcinomas: relation to the proliferation and progression

The expression of CD44 splice variant containing exon 14 (variant exon 9: CD44v9) was examined immunohistochemically in non-neoplastic mucosa, adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the stomach and analyzed the relation with the expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein. In non-neoplastic gastric mucosa, basolateral membrane of the epithelial cells in the pyloric glands showed the expression of CD44v9. The epithelial cells in the intestinal metaplastic mucosa of the stomach sometimes expressed CD44v9. In the neoplastic lesions, the expression of CD44v9 was detected in 20% (34/170) of the adenomas and 28% (132/478) of the adenocarcinomas, respectively. The incidence of CD44v9 expression did not differ among histological type of gastric carcinoma. Twelve per cent of the adenocarcinomas showed strong expression of CD44v9, whereas non of the adenomas did. The incidence of CD44v9 expression was significantly higher in carcinomas invading into muscularis propria or the cases of stages 3 and 4 in comparison with that in carcinomas limited to submucosa or the stages 1 and 2 cases (p<0.05). The incidence of positive cases was higher in carcinomas with lymph node metastasis than those without metastasis (p<0.05). The expression of CD44v9 was significantly correlated with the expression of Ki-67 (p<0.05). It was also correlated with the expression of p53 protein in the tumor cells (p<0.01). These findings overall suggest that the expression of CD44v9 may be associated with the development as well as progression of the gastric carcinomas.

Reduced calcium elevation in hippocampal CA1 neurons of ischemia-tolerant gerbils

Transient forebrain ischemia causes selective neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 neurons. A short sublethal ischemic episode preceding ischemia of longer duration is known to increase tolerance against cell death. The mechanisms of this ischemic tolerance are still poorly understood. Here we show, using Ca2+ imaging, that intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) elevation in CA1 neurons after an anoxic-aglycemic episode is markedly inhibited in the ischemia-tolerant gerbil. The hippocampus of gerbils which did not acquire tolerance showed a high [Ca2+]i elevation during the anoxic-aglycemic episode, similar to controls. Since hypoxia/ischemia-induced neurodegeneration can be triggered by cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload, the tolerant gerbil may regulate calcium and keep [Ca2+]i below the critical level for initiating neuronal death.

Preoperative nocturnal desaturations as a risk factor for late postoperative nocturnal desaturations

Severe postoperative hypoxaemia during sleep may increase the risk of postoperative cardiovascular complications. We hypothesized that the severity of hypoxic episodes after surgery are related to the presence of preoperative sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). We tested this hypothesis in a multicentre study designed to elucidate the major risk factors for development of postoperative nocturnal desaturations. We performed overnight oximetry before operation and for one night between the second and fourth day after operation in 80 patients undergoing major surgery. We calculated oximetry variables such as oxygen desaturation index (ODI), defined as the number of oxygen desaturations exceeding 4% below baseline, percentage time spent at SpO2 < 90% (CT90, %) and lowest SpO2 value. After operation, although the change in ODI was not significant (P = 0.34), deterioration in CT90 and lowest SpO2 values were significant (P = 0.036 and P = 0.007, respectively). Multivariate analysis of possible risk factors for postoperative desaturations revealed that preoperative hypoxaemia and apnoea witnessed by others were highly correlated with postoperative hypoxaemia.

Differential roles of two types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the dendrites of rat cerebellar Purkinje neurons

The distribution and function of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in Purkinje neurons in rat cerebellar slices were studied using simultaneous Ca2+ imaging and whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were activated by applying depolarizing voltage steps through the pipette attached at the soma in a voltage-clamp mode in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Poor space clamp due to extensive arborization of the dendrites allowed the dendrites to fire Ca2+ spikes. Ca2+ imaging with Fura-2 injected through the pipette, showed a steady [Ca2+]i increase at the soma and transient, spike-linked [Ca2+]i jumps in the dendrites. omega-Agatoxin-IVA (200 nM) abolished the depolarization-induced Ca2+ spikes, the spike-linked [Ca2+]i increase in the dendrites, and the steady [Ca2+]i increase at the soma. omega-Conotoxin-GVIA (5 microM) and nifedipine (3 microM) had no significant effect on the depolarization-induced responses. In the presence of 4-aminopyridine(2 mM) and omega-Agatoxin-IVA, transient [Ca2+]i increases remained in the dendrites. Low concentrations of Ni2+(100 microM) reversibly suppressed this [Ca2+]i increase. The voltage for half-maximal activation and inactivation of this component were lower than -50 mV and -31 mV, respectively. In normal conditions, low concentration of Ni2+ slowed the onset of the Ca2+ spike without changing the time course of the spikes or the amplitude of the accompanying [Ca2+]i increase. These results show that omega-Agatoxin-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channels are distributed both in the soma and the dendrites, and are responsible for dendritic Ca2+ spikes, whereas low-voltage activated, Ni2+-sensitive Ca2+ channels are distributed in the whole dendrites including both thick and fine branches, and provide boosting current for spike generation.

Effect of follicle stimulating hormone and insulin-like growth factors on proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 in human granulosa cells

Follicular fluid from dominant follicles, but not atretic follicles, contains insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) proteolytic activity. The effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on IGFBP-4 proteolytic activity was studied using granulosa cell cultures. Proteolytic activity was assessed by the incubation of [1251]-IGFBP-4 with medium and cleaved products which were analysed by autoradiography. The iodinated IGFBP-4 was cleaved into an 18 kDa fragment when cells were incubated with FSH or IGFs while IGFBP-4 remained intact in the control culture. Inhibition of IGFBP-4 degradation by several protease inhibitors suggests that IGFBP-4 degradation was induced by a metalloserine protease. The degradation of IGFBP-4 was not stimulated when cells were incubated with the IGF-I analogue, LR3-IGF-I, and insulin which binds to IGF-I receptor but has little or no affinity for IGFBPs. Addition of IGFs, but not FSH, to medium from untreated granulosa cell cultures stimulated proteolysis of [1251]-IGFBP-4. Similarly, exogenously added covalently cross-linked [125I]-IGF-II-IGFBP-4 complexes were proteolyzed; however, IGFs did not enhance the degradation of these complexes. These results suggest that human granulosa cells produce IGFBP-4 protease and that the increased susceptibility of IGFBP-4 to proteolysis is induced by the binding of IGFs to IGFBP-4. These novel mechanisms may be important in modulating IGF-mediated folliculogenesis in the ovary.

Evidence for modulation of osteocalcin containing gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues synthesis by insulin-like growth factor-I and vitamin K2 in human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63

The effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and 2-methyl-3-all-trans-tetraphenyl-1,4-naphtoquinone (vitamin K2) on the synthesis of osteocalcin containing gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues which is the physiologically relevant form in bone metabolism was studied in cultured human osteoblast-like (MG-63) cells. Both IGF-I and vitamin K2 stimulated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)-induced osteocalcin containing Gla secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect of IGF-I and vitamin K2 was additive. Vitamin K2-enhanced osteocalcin containing Gla secretion was selectively suppressed by 3-(alpha-acetonyl-benzyl)-4-hydroxy-coumarin (warfarin). The stimulatory effect of IGF-I was completely abolished by the presence of cycloheximide; in contrast the effect of vitamin K2 was still observed in the presence of cycloheximide. Treatment of MG-63 cells with IGF-I caused an approximately 2.2-fold increase in osteocalcin mRNA levels (determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). Vitamin K2 had no effect on either the stimulation of mRNA level by IGF-I or the basal level. IGF-I-stimulated osteocalcin containing Gla secretion was inhibited by one of its binding proteins (insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4) in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the modes of action of IGF-I and vitamin K2 on 1.25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin containing Gla secretion in MG-63 cells are different.

Pharmacological detection of AMPA receptor heterogeneity by use of two allosteric potentiators in rat hippocampal cultures

1. In order to examine whether a recently developed allosteric potentiator for AMPA receptors, 4-[2-(phenylsulphonylamino)ethylthio]-2,6-difluoro-phenoxyaceta mide (PEPA), can be utilized as an indicator of AMPA receptor heterogeneity, the action of PEPA upon the increase of intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) elicited by AMPA was investigated in rat hippocampal cultures, and the action was compared with that of cyclothiazide, a well characterized allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors. 2. PEPA dose-dependently potentiated AMPA-induced increase of [Ca2+]i. In 90% (72 out of 80) of the cells in which cyclothiazide acts, PEPA potentiated the increased [Ca2+]i induced by AMPA with pronounced cell-to-cell variation in rat hippocampal cultures. 3. The ratio of the potentiation by PEPA to the potentiation by cyclothiazide (P/C ratio) also varied with cells between 0 and 2.15. It was found that the cultured hippocampal cells consisted of multiple populations with different P/C ratios. Among them two populations exhibited characteristic P/C ratios; low (0 to 0.15; 27 out of 80 cells, 34%) and high (> or = 2.00; 1 out of 80 cells, 1%) P/C ratios. The P/C ratios of the other populations were between 0.25 and 1.20, and these cells constituted 65% (52 out of 80 cells) of the cells tested. 4. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that GluR2-flip, GluR1-flip, GluR2-flop, and GluR1-flop were abundantly expressed (in this rank order) in the cultures used. 5. In Xenopus oocytes expressing GluR1, GluR3, or these subunits plus GluR2, the potentiation of AMPA response by PEPA and by cyclothiazide varied with subunit and splice-variant combinations, and the P/C ratio was between 0.19 and 2.20. Oocytes with low P/C ratios (0.19 to 0.50) and low sensitivity to PEPA potentiation (1.9 fold to 6.41 fold) were those expressing flip variants predominantly, and oocytes with high P/C ratios (1.8 to 2.2) were those expressing flop variants predominantly. Oocytes with intermediate P/C ratios (0.51 to 1.20) were those expressing various combinations of flip and flop variants, and it was impossible to specify the relative abundance of flip and flop variants in these cells. Therefore, the P/C ratio can be used to infer subunit/splice variant expression only when the ratio is low or high. 6. These results suggest that the potentiation by PEPA alone reveals cell-to-cell heterogeneity of AMPA receptors, but a comparison of the actions of PEPA and cyclothiazide further facilitates the detection of the heterogeneity.

Repeated injections of nicergoline increase the nerve growth factor level in the aged rat brain

We studied whether nicergoline, clinically active in chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, influences nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the rat brain. In young Fischer rats, repeated intraperitoneal injections of nicergoline (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight) did not show any effects on frontal NGF contents determined by a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay. In aged rats, 22-month-old, however, repeated injections of nicergoline (1.0 mg/kg body weight) induced a significant increase in the NGF level in the frontal region.

Phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) inhibits while non-phosphorylated IGFBP-1 stimulates IGF-I-induced amino acid uptake by cultured trophoblast cells

The effects of phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (pIGFBP-1) and non-phosphorylated (npIGFBP-1) IGFBP-1 on amino acid uptake induced by IGF-I were studied using cultured trophoblast cells. Trophoblast cells obtained from term pregnancy were incubated with indicated concentrations of pIGFBP-1 or npIGFBP-1 for 24 h and further incubated with 10 nM IGF-I for 3 h. Cells were then incubated with 3H-alpha-amino isobutyric acid (3H-AIB) for 30 min. Both pIGFBP-1 and npIGFBP-1 alone had no effect on 3H-AIB uptake; however, pIGFBP-1 inhibited IGF-I-stimulated 3H-AIB uptake with an ED50 of 0.26 nM while npIGFBP-1 potentiated 3H-AIB uptake with an ED50 of 0.27 nM. Maternal IGF-I promotes fetal growth by stimulating nutrient transport in the placenta. As shown in this study, pIGFBP-1 inhibits while npIGFBP-1 stimulates this IGF-I action in the placenta. Thus, it is suggested that IGFBP-1 phosphoisoforms are also involved in fetal growth by modulating IGF-I action in the placenta.

[Immunotoxicity of beryllium]

The lymphocyte transformation test and the macrophage migration inhibition test are quantitative methods invaluable for examination of beryllium (hereafter referred to as Be) effects on cell-mediated immunity. We recognized that the Be sensitizing ability was related to active as well as passive cell-mediated immunity in mice subcutaneously injected with Be once a week over a 6-week period. Be also affects B cells, and it increases the amount of immunoglobulins in sera. In the study of immunological health surveys of Be workers in a copper-beryllium casting factory, the serum complement titer tended to be lower in Be workers than in the controls. In mice, injected with Be once a week over a 12-week period, serum complement titers decreased. Correlation coefficients of the experimental parameters showed a significant negative correlation between the complement titers and the prothrombin time or the coagulation time for factor VII, using mice injected with 5 micrograms of Be. It was suggested that increases in the complement titers after Be administration may be induced by temporarily-activated plasma serin protease, which is a component of blood coagulation factor VII. The delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and porphobilinogen deaminase activities were significantly elevated in the pregnant untreated group, compared with the nonpregnant mice (the control group). However, it was noted that these values in the pregnant mice injected with 50 micrograms of Be were almost the same as the values of the controls. It suggests that Be suppressed the expected pregnancy-induced increase in hematopoietic function. There are at least two risk factors induced in the effects of beryllium on organisms-exposure to the metal and inheritance of the genetic marker. It is necessary to reduce exposure, to give preventive education and to carry out periodic health examinations for the prevention of disease induced by Be.

Detection of melatonin and serotonin N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities in rat ovary

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) and the activities of two melatonin-synthesizing enzymes, serotonin N-acetyltransferase (acetyl coenzyme A: arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase EC 2.3.1.87; NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (S-adenosyl-L-methionine: N-acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase EC 2.1.1.4; HIOMT), were assayed in extracts of ovaries obtained from virgin Wistar-derived rats (7-9 week-old) during the light period of a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle. Melatonin was detected in the rat ovary using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorometric detection and radioimmunoassay (RIA). In addition, NAT and HIOMT activities were found in rat ovary. The apparent Michaelis constants (Km) for the substrates of NAT and HIOMT in the rat ovary were similar to those reported for the pineal gland and retina. These data suggest that the rat ovary, like the pineal gland and the retina, may synthesize melatonin from serotonin by the sequential action of NAT and HIOMT.

Ovulation induction in a woman with premature ovarian failure resulting from a partial deletion of the X chromosome long arm, 46,X,del(X)(q22)

OBJECTIVE

To report successful ovulation induction in a woman with premature ovarian failure (POF) resulting from a partial Xq deletion.

DESIGN

An uncontrolled study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 27-year-old woman with 46,X,del(X)(q22) who had hypergonadotropic secondary amenorrhea.

INTERVENTION(S)

Injections of hMG (225 IU/d) for 8 consecutive days after endogenous gonadotropin suppression with a long-acting GnRH agonist (900 micrograms/d) for 12 weeks, together with cyclic sex steroid replacement therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum concentrations of E2 and P as well as ultrasonography.

RESULT(S)

Folliculogenesis and ovulation.

CONCLUSION(S)

Ovulation induction is possible in patients with POF caused by X chromosome aberrations.

Overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase-activating CDC25B phosphatase in human gastric carcinomas

CDC25 phosphatases activate cyclin-dependent kinases by removing inhibitory phosphate groups on the molecules and positively regulate the cell cycle progression. The expression of CDC25A, B and C was examined in gastric carcinoma cell lines and gastric carcinoma tissues by northern blotting and immunohistochemistry. The gastric carcinoma cell lines expressed CDC25A, B and C mRNA at various levels. The expression levels of CDC25B were generally higher than those of CDC25A and C. Of the 40 gastric carcinomas, 70% of the tumors expressed CDC25B mRNA at higher levels than the corresponding normal mucosas, while 38% overexpressed CDC25A mRNA. The CDC25C expression was at very low or undetectable levels. No obvious correlation was detected between the expression of CDC25B and p53 gene mutations. Immunohistochemically, CDC25-positive tumor cells were detected in 43 (78%) of 55 gastric carcinoma cases, of which 27 (49%) were strongly positive. Strong expression of CDC25B protein was associated with advanced stage and deep invasion. Furthermore, the incidence of strong expression was significantly higher in carcinomas with nodal metastasis than in those without metastasis. These findings suggest that overexpression of CDC25B may favor development and progression and may be an indicator of malignant behavior of gastric carcinomas.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of central effect of the novel antiallergic agent betotastine besilate

Betotastine besilate (betotastine CAS 125602-71-3, TAU-284) is a novel antiallergic agent with histamine H1 receptor antagonistic activity. As the classical antihistamines are known to produce drowsiness, the present study was conducted to assess a possible influence of betotastine on the central nervous system (CNS). Measurement of the drug concentration in brain and plasma after i.v. administration revealed that betotastine, as well as cetirizine and epinastine, poorly penetrate into the CNS, while terfenadine do so slightly more and ketotifen remarkably more. In vitro receptor binding assays demonstrated that betotastine is a highly specific histamine H1 receptor ligand, having no significant binding affinity for histamine H3, adrenergic alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, dopamine D2L, serotonin 5-HT2, muscarinic, and benzodiazepine receptors. On global behavior of mice, oral administration of betotastine did not produce any marked changes at the doses of 100-1000 mg/kg, but suppressed huddling behavior at 1000 mg/kg and caused slight mydriasis at 300 mg/kg and more. Betotastine did not significantly affect spontaneous motor activity (SMA) and hexobarbital-induced anesthesia in mice up to 300 mg/kg p.o. In the sleep-wakefulness pattern of cats, it reduced the total duration of sleep at 10 mg/kg p.o., but did not show significant effect at 30 and 100 mg/ kg p.o. Cetirizine showed a similar profile as betotastine in these experiments, whereas ketotifen and epinastine induced sedative signs or toxic symptoms in lower doses, and terfenadine affected SMA and the anesthesia at a high dose. These results suggest the very low liability of betotastine to produce sedative side-effect in a therapeutic dose range.

A novel aortic smooth muscle cell line obtained from p53 knock out mice expresses several differentiation characteristics

Here we report that we could obtain a highly differentiated smooth muscle cell line by screening the expression of a-smooth muscle actin from p53 knook out mice aorta. This cell revealed extended bipolar shape and expressed h-caldesmon and calponin as well as a-smooth muscle actin as protein markers of differentiated smooth muscle. Further intracellular calcium increase was induced by application of noradrenaline in a dose dependent manner and calcium oscillation was also observed in a higher dose (100 microM). Appropriate application of 5-azacytidine enhanced these tendencies and induced slow contraction by endothelin-1 and phenylephrine.

Imaging of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in living neural cells using a novel fluorescent substrate

In order to visualize the activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in living cells, we have constructed a new fluorescence PKA substrate by conjugating a fluorescence probe to a partial amino acid sequence of PKA regulatory domain II which contains a specific autophosphorylation site. The fluorescent peptide was cell-permeable and became phosphorylated when the intracellular cAMP concentration was increased, resulting in a decrease in its fluorescence intensity. In NG108-15 cells, PKA activity was localized to the cytosol around the nucleus. In cultured hippocampal neurons, addition of L-glutamate caused PKA activation associated with increase of the cellular cAMP.

Factors that reverse the persistent depolarization produced by deprivation of oxygen and glucose in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in vitro

In CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal tissue slices, superfusion with ischemia-simulating medium produced a rapid depolarization after 6 min of exposure. The membrane potential eventually reached 0 after 5 min (a persistent depolarization), even when oxygen and glucose were reintroduced. The role of various ions in the reversal of this persistent depolarization after reintroduction of oxygen and glucose was investigated. The peak of the persistent depolarization was decreased in solutions containing reduced Na+ or Ca2+ and in solutions containing Co2+ or Ni2+. In contrast, the depolarization was not affected by reduction of external K+ or Cl- or by addition of tetrodotoxin (TTX), flunarizine, or nifedipine. These results suggest that sustained Na+ and Ca2+ influxes produce the persistent depolarization. The membrane potential recovered after reintroduction of oxygen and glucose in low Ca2+, low Cl-, or K+-rich medium and in TTX- or tetraethylammonium-containing medium, but not in low Na+ or low K+ medium and in flunarizine- or nifedipine-containing medium. Either reduction in extracellular Ca2+ or addition of Co2+ was the most effective in promoting recovery from the persistent depolarization, suggesting that Ca2+ influx has a key role in causing the membrane dysfunction. The peak of the persistent depolarization was reduced by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), DL-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (AP3), or DL-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, suggesting that activation of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA), NMDA, and metabotropic glutamate (Glu) receptors is involved in the generation and maintenance of the persistent depolarization. Among these Glu receptor antagonists, only CNQX or AP5 was able to reduce dose dependently the level of depolarization, suggesting that Ca2+ influx via both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/kainate type II receptors and NMDA receptors contributes to the membrane dysfunction. trans-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (t-ACPD) did not affect the peak potential of the persistent depolarization, but it dose-dependently restored the membrane potential. AP3 antagonized the protective action of t-ACPD. The membrane potential also recovered after reintroduction when the slice was pretreated by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetraacetoxymethyl ester, ryanodol 3-(1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate), 8-(diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride, and procaine, suggesting that raised [Ca2+]i from Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release pool contributes to the membrane dysfunction. It, therefore, is concluded that raised [Ca2+]i has a dominant role in causing irreversible changes. The increase in [Ca2+]i during the persistent depolarization may be the result of Ca2+ entry via both a leaky membrane and Glu-activated receptor channels as well as Ca2+ released from internal stores.

[A study on the role of ultrasonography in antenatal care in Thailand with focus on the appropriate technology]

The authors investigated the state of antenatal care, outcome of deliveries and use of ultrasonography at the Maternal and Childhood Health Hospital in Khonkane province, Thailand. The study was conducted before (stage I) and after (stage II) the introduction of the second ultrasonographic equipment in an attempt to set up a proper standard of technological level of clinical laboratory services and to investigate the usefulness of introducing ultrasonography into the prenatal care in developing countries. As a result, about 60% of first antenatal visits were in their second or third trimester, about 80% of pregnancies terminated by normal vaginal deliveries, parity, rate of cesareans sections and pre-term labors were not significantly different in both stages. Ultrasonography was performed on 16% of the first antenatal visits in stage I, while, in stage II, it was performed on 31.3% of them. Ultrasonography was used most frequently to determine the gestational age and presentation of the fetus in both years (70.3% and 79.1% respectively in stage I and stage II). In most of the cases, ultrasonography was performed only once during the gestation. Thus, it was proved that technical training must be provided with introduction of new equipment to medical facilities and utilization of medical technologists for ultrasonography was another concern in developing countries. Beside, it was important to determine the proper period during the gestation when ultrasonography should be applied and to adopt an effective public health service including health education and health insurance to promote antenatal visits in time during the proper periods.

[In vitro combination effect of vancomycin and carbapenems against carbapenem-resistant MRSA]

We determined in vitro combined effects of vancomycin (VCM) plus carbapenems (CRBs) on 12 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which are resistant to CRBs. Combinations of VCM plus imipenem (IPM) and VCM plus panipenem (PAPM) and VCM plus meropenem (MEPM) indicated synergistic effects, fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices of < or = 0.05, against 67%, 75%, 67% of the strains, respectively. Against forty two percent of strains tested, 1 MIC of VCM was equal to 1 MBC, and similarly, IPM, PAPM and MEPM had 1 MIC = 1 MBC against 42%, 67% and 75% of the strains tested, respectively. Combinations of VCM plus IPM and VCM plus PAPM and VCM plus MEPM showed synergistic effects, hence a fractional bactericidal concentration (FBC) index of < or = 0.50, against 42%, 50%, 75% of the strains, respectively, and the combination of VCM plus MEPM was most synergistic. These results suggest that combination therapy of VCM with CRB is useful for the treatment of MRSA infection in patients with renal dysfunction.

Mechanisms underlying the rapid depolarization produced by deprivation of oxygen and glucose in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in vitro

Intracellular recordings were made to investigate the mechanism, site, and ionic basis of generation of the rapid depolarization induced by superfusion with ischemia-simulating medium in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat tissue slices. Superfusion with ischemia-simulating medium produced a rapid depolarization after approximately 6 min of exposure. When oxygen and glucose were reintroduced, the membrane potential did not repolarize but depolarized further, reaching 0 mV approximately 5 min after reintroduction. Simultaneous recordings of changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential recorded from 1-[6-amino-2-(5-carboxy-2-oxazolyl)-5-benzofuranyloxy]-2-(2- amino-5-methylphenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid pentaacetoxymethyl ester (Fura-2/AM) loaded slices revealed a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in all CA1 layers corresponding to the rapid depolarization of the soma membrane. The result suggests that the rapid depolarization is generated not only in the soma but also in the apical and basal dendrites. Application of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), DL-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, and DL-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid or bicuculline did not affect the amplitude and the maximal slope. Reduction in the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ or addition of CNQX or DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid delayed the onset of the rapid depolarization. The amplitude of the rapid depolarization recorded with Cs acetate electrodes in tetraethylammonium-containing medium had a linear relationship to the membrane potential between -50 and 20 mV. The reversal potential was shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction by a decrease in either [Na+]o or [Ca2+]o, whereas the reversal potential was shifted in the depolarizing direction by a decrease in [Cl-]o or using CsCl electrodes. An increase or decrease in [K+]o did not affect the reversal potential. These results indicate that the rapid depolarization is Na+, Ca2+, and Cl- dependent. The lack of effects of changes in [K+]o is probably due to the accumulation of interstitial K+ before generating the rapid depolarization. Prolonged application of ouabain (30 microM) caused an initial small hyperpolarization, a subsequent slow depolarization, and a rapid depolarization. In summary, the present study has demonstrated that the rapid depolarization is voltage-independent and is probably due to a nonselective increase in permeability to all participating ions, which may occur only in pathological conditions. The underlying conductance change is primarily the result of inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity in the recorded neuron.

Expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 in colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas and its correlation with p53 protein expression

The expression of p53-inducible cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21WAF1/CIP1 in non-neoplastic mucosa, adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the colorectum was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting and its relation with the expression of p53 protein was analyzed. Non-neoplastic epithelial cells at the surface area showing no proliferative activity expressed p21WAF1/CIP1. The expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 was immunohistochemically detected in 55% (206/377) of the adenomas and 66% (190/289) of the adenocarcinomas, respectively. The incidence of strongly positive cases was significantly higher in the adenocarcinomas (27%) than in the adenomas (18%) (P < 0.05). The incidence of cases with strong p21WAF1/CIP1 expression was higher in stages 0, 1 and 2 carcinomas than in stages 3 and 4 carcinomas (P < 0.05). A decrease in the incidence of cases with strong expression was detected in carcinomas invading deeper than muscularis propria. The incidence of strongly positive cases was significantly lower in carcinomas with lymph node metastasis than those without metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of p21 as well as p53 detected by western blotting was compatible with the results of immunohistochemistry in most cases examined. However, there was no significant correlation between the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 and the abnormal accumulation of p53. These findings overall suggest that: (i) the physiological expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 may be associated with cellular senescence of colorectal mucosa; (ii) reduced expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 may participate in the progression of colorectal carcinoma; and (iii) p53-independent pathway may be considerably involved in the induction of p21WAF1/CIP1.

Reduced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 is associated with advanced stage and invasiveness of gastric carcinomas

Reduced expression of a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 has recently been shown to predict poor survival of patients with breast and colorectal cancers. We studied the expression of p27Kip1 in gastric carcinomas by northern blotting, western blotting and immunohistochemistry to determine whether lack of p27 has implications for aggressiveness of gastric cancer. Reduced expression of p27 was detected in 40% of the gastric carcinomas at the mRNA level, while it was detected in 57% at the protein level. No gross alterations of the p27 gene were observed in any of the cases examined by Southern blot analysis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the expression of p27 was well preserved in most of the gastric adenomas, whereas it was so in only 26% of the gastric carcinomas. Fifty-six percent of the carcinomas showed almost no p27-positive cells. Decrease of p27-positive cells significantly correlated with advanced stage, depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. The expression of p27 showed an inverse correlation with the expression of cyclin E. These findings suggest that reduction of p27Kip1 protein may reflect the progression of gastric carcinomas and may be an indicator of high-grade malignancy.

Cellular localization of thrombopoietin mRNA in the liver by in situ hybridization

The expression of thrombopoietin (TPO) mRNA is observed in several tissues, including liver, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle, intestine, spleen, and bone marrow. Among these organs, the highest expression of TPO mRNA is detected in the liver. We identified cells producing TPO by means of in situ hybridization of adult rat liver using digoxigenin-11-UTP-labeled cRNA probes. We found that the cells expressing TPO mRNA also expressed serum albumin mRNA. TPO mRNA was detected in parenchymal cells (hepatocytes) but not in non-parenchymal cells (including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and so forth). To determine the location of TPO expression in embryogenesis, sections of fetal mice were further analyzed by in situ hybridization. TPO mRNA was detected only in hepatocytes of fetal liver, which was also the major site of hematopoiesis. The expression of TPO mRNA in fetal liver was observed from 12.5 days postcoitus. Northern blot analysis showed that mouse liver transcribed the same size of TPO mRNA in the fetus and in the adult. These results clearly demonstrate that hepatocytes are the primary site of TPO production in the liver from fetus to adult.

Activity-dependent survival of rat cerebellar granule neurons is not associated with sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+

Ca2+ plays a pivotal role for the activity-dependent survival of neurons. In primary culture of cerebellar granule neurons, we found that there is no significant difference in intracellular Ca2+ level in the survival-promoting condition (cultures in the presence of 25 mM KCl) and that in the apoptosis-inducing condition (cultures in the presence of 5 mM KCl). This was not due to the inactivation of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels in the survival-promoting condition, but due to the enhanced rate of the influx and the efflux of Ca2+ in the survival-promoting condition compared to that in the apoptosis-inducing condition. These results suggest that the activity-dependent survival of the granule neurons is not associated with sustained rise of intracellular Ca2+ but associated with the enhanced turnover rate of Ca2+.

Activity-dependent expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in rat cerebellar granule neurons. Requirement of PTHrP for the activity-dependent survival of granule neurons

To identify genes whose expression is neuronal activity-dependent, we used an mRNA differential display technique and discovered that parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is expressed in an activity-dependent manner in primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons. PTHrP mRNA was expressed as early as 1 h by the addition of KCl to a final concentration of 25 mM to the culture medium. This expression was induced by Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels and regulated at the transcriptional step. PTHrP mRNA was persistently expressed before and after the time of commitment of granule neurons to apoptosis when they are cultured in the presence of 25 mM KCl or both 150 microM N-methyl-D-aspartic acid and 15 mM KCl, both of which promote the survival of these neurons. PTHrP was rapidly secreted into the culture medium in a depolarization-dependent manner. Parathyroid hormone/PTHrP receptor mRNA was also expressed in the primary cultures, and its expression was up-regulated by KCl and/or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid. The addition of anti-PTHrP antiserum to the culture medium resulted in a reduction of the activity-dependent survival of the granule neurons. These results suggest that PTHrP is involved in an autocrine loop and required for the survival of granule neurons.

[Changes in porphyrin metabolism of mice given beryllium and/or zinc]

Beryllium chloride and/or zinc chloride were intraperitoneally injected into mice. The amount of beryllium (Be) injected corresponded to 1/10th of the LD50 dose intravenously administered. The amount of zinc (Zn) injected was the same as Be. The changes in porphyrin metabolism of the mice were studied. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activities in the blood were found to increase significantly in Zn and BeZn groups when compared to the control level. The blood porphobilinogen deaminase (PBG-D) activity in the Zn group was slightly less than that in the controls. The ALA-D and PBG-D activities in liver were higher in the Be and BeZn groups than in the controls. The splenic ALA-D activities were significantly higher in the Zn and BeZn groups than in the control and Be groups. The splenic PBG-D activities were markedly higher in the Be and/or Zn groups than in the controls. An increase in ALA-D activities in the blood and spleen was observed in the BeZn group, together with an increase in ALA-D activities caused by Zn administration. Furthermore, the increase in PBG-D activities in liver and spleen was observed in the Be and/or Zn groups. The results suggested that chemical similarity between Be and Zn brought about these phenomena.

Peculiar archaea found in Japanese paddy soils

Archaeal 16S rDNA clones retrieved from paddy soil DNA were sequenced. Among 100 clones, 88 clones were assigned to methanogens and nine clones were assigned to crenarchaeota. However, three of the nine clones were phylogenetically far from the cultured crenarchaeota and closely related to marine planktonic archaea. The other three clones showed extremely novel 16S rDNA sequences and were phylogenetically far from both Crenarchaeola and Euryarchaeota. This paper reports the ubiquitous presence of crenarchaeotal and extremely novel clones in paddy soils.

Effect of beryllium chloride on porphyrin metabolism in pregnant mice administered by subcutaneous injection

The effect of beryllium (Be) compounds on porphyrins was investigated in pregnant mice. The blood protoporphyrin (Proto) and zinc protoporphyrin (Zn Proto) concentrations were increased in pregnancy. Regardless of pregnancy or nonpregnancy, the Proto concentration was decreased after Be injection. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) and porphobilinogen deaminase (PBG-D) activities in blood were significantly elevated in the pregnant untreated (Con-pregnant) group, compared to the nonpregnant mice untreated (Con-nonpregnant) and nonpregnant mice treated with Be (Be-nonpregnant) groups. The blood ALA-D activity of the pregnant mice treated with Be (Be-pregnant group) tended to decrease, compared to Con-pregnant group. The blood PBG-D activity in the Be-pregnant group was significantly lower compared with that of the Con-pregnant group. The ALA-D and PBG-D activities in the spleen were also significantly elevated in the Con-pregnant group, compared to nonpregnant groups. However, it was noted that these values in the Be-pregnant group were almost the same as that of the Con-nonpregnant group and were significantly lower than that in the Con-pregnant group. The elevation of ALA-D and PBG-D activities in the blood and spleen, which play a role in the hematopoietic function of mice, was observed in the Con-pregnant mice compared to the nonpregnant mice. However, the phenomenon was not observed in the Be-pregnant mice, it suggesting that Be suppressed the pregnancy-induced increase in hematopoietic function.

Perineural and neural involvement in skin cancers

BACKGROUND

Malignant skin tumors rarely spread along nerves. Complete resection of involved nerves is often unsuccessful.

OBJECTIVE

In the treatment of tumors with perineural invasion, surgeons should accurately estimate the extent of distant spread.

METHODS

We report six cases of skin cancers, including two basal cell carcinomas, two squamous cell carcinomas, and two neurotropic malignant melanomas, that invaded nerve or perineural spaces.

RESULTS

In three of the cases, the tumors developed on the face and involved the infraorbital nerves or its branches. Two patients suffered from tumors on old burn scars of lower legs. Branches of posttibal nerves were involved in both cases. In the last case, tumor invasion of a branch of the greater occipital nerve was detected.

CONCLUSION

The extent of surgical excision should include the area of skin supplied by the affected nerve, which must be resected in continuity.

The phylogeny of the genera Chryseomonas, Flavimonas, and Pseudomonas supports synonymy of these three genera

The 16S rRNA sequences of Chryseomonas luteola, the type species of the genus Chryseomonas, and Flavimonas oryzihabitans, the type species of the genus Flavimonas, were determined. These sequences were compared with the sequences of 27 representative strains of the genus Pseudomonas. C. luteola and F. oryzihabitans were located in the cluster that contains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the type species of genus Pseudomonas Migula 1894, and the levels of 16S rRNA sequence homology between P. aeruginosa and the other two species were more than 93.9%. All of the strains of the genus Pseudomonas sensu stricto whose sequences have been determined were included in the P. aeruginosa cluster. These results suggested that Chryseomonas, Flavimonas, and Pseudomonas are synonymous, and we concluded that Chryseomonas and Flavimonas are junior subjective synonyms of Pseudomonas.

Phenobarbital molecularly imprinted polymer selectively binds phenobarbital

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared against phenobarbital using methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross linking monomer. We analyzed the recognition properties of the phenobarbital MIP. In some organic solvents, imprinted polymer showed selective binding to phenobarbital. Two dissociation constants of binding were calculated by Scatchard plot analyses; Kd values were 1.8, 121.7 microM, and the number of binding sites was 8.3, 92.3 mumol/g MIP in toluene-heptane-acetic acid (25 : 75 : 1, v/v), respectively. The relationship between the binding affinity to phenobarbital MIP and the polarity of the solvent system, as well as the structure of the template molecule is also discussed.

[Ca2+ dynamics in glial cells]

Because glial cells have been characterized by electrophysiological studies as being silent and inactive, neuroscientists have overlooked the roles of these cells in the dynamic function of the central nervous system. Recent measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, however, revealed the dynamic and active features of the glial cells. Some populations of these cells gave rise to increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration by stimulation with neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine through the activation of specific neurotransmitter receptors distributed on the glial cells. Although the roles of the increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in glial cells have not been elucidated, these properties suggested the functional participation of glial cells in synaptic modulation and plasticity.

Inducible expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels from cloned cDNAs in CHO cells

To develop a drug screening system, we introduced expression vectors carrying the mouse N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channel epsilon1 and zeta1 subunit cDNAs under the promoter of the Drosophila heat shock protein hsp70 into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We selected clonal cell lines by means of RNA blot hybridization and fura-2 fluorometry. One of these cell lines, ZE1-1, optimally expressed the epsilon1 and zeta1 subunit mRNAs when induced by an incubation at 43 degrees C for 2 h. Heated ZE1-1 cells exhibited the NMDA-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevation, whereas unheated they showed no such response. NMDA and L-glutamate, but not alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) and kainate, induced an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The response to the agonists was marginal in the absence of glycine, and diminished by Mg2+ and NMDA receptor antagonists. Furthermore, exposure to agonists of ZE1-1 cells expressing the epsilon1/zeta1 NMDA receptor channel resulted in the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture medium indicating agonist-induced cell death. NMDA receptor antagonists inhibited the LDH activity release. These results suggest that ZE1-1 cells will provide a useful screening system for novel drugs acting on the epsilon1/zeta1 NMDA receptor channel.

Estrogen and parathyroid hormone regulate insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 in SaOS-2 cells

The effect of 17beta-estradiol and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) messenger RNA (mRNA) was studied in the cultured human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Treatment of SaOS-2 cells with PTH for 3 h caused 3.3-fold increase in IGFBP-4 mRNA levels which was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. 17beta-Estradiol had no effect on either the stimulation of mRNA level by PTH or the basal level. Together with our previous report that 17beta-estradiol inhibits the PTH-induced reduction of IGFBP-4 proteolysis in these cells, the results obtained may help to explain the mechanisms of determining IGFBP-4 availability by systemic hormones in osteoblast cells.

Imaging of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in hippocampal neurones

Our aim was to visualize the dynamic features of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity. In order to do so, we synthesized a new reagent by conjugating a fluoroprobe, 6-acryloyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (acrylodan), to syntide 2, a specific peptide substrate for CaMKII. In cell-free conditions, the conjugate was found to be an effective indicator of calmodulin activation by Ca2+ and the subsequent activation of CaMKII. The reagent is cell-permeable and can stain living cells when bath-applied. Using this technique we were able to obtain fluorescence images of stained cells and analyse the dynamic features of CaMKII inside the cells by means of image processing. Regional heterogeneity of CaMKII activation in cultured hippocampal neurones was seen following L-glutamate administration.

Isolation and characterization of restriction endonuclease in Plesiomonas shigelloides and Aeromonas species

Five restriction endonucleases (ENases) and one ENase were found in a screen of 196 strains of Plesiomonas shigelloides and 147 strains of Aeromonas species. Plesiomonas and Aeromonas species are classified as Vibrionaceae, identified as food-poisoning bacteria, are closely genetically related to each other, and their ENases producing abilities have not bee reported. ENases were detected at relatively low frequencies in these species as compared to those in other species, such as Salmonella species and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. All Enases were shown to be isoschizomers of already known ENases. One of the Plesiomonas ENases, designated PshBI, recognizing the sequence 5'-AT/TAAT-3' should be useful, since PshBI ENase is produced at a high yield of 7000 units/g of wet cells. The specificities of other ENases are also described in this paper.

The regulation of type-I collagen synthesis by insulin-like growth factor-I in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells

The effect of insulin-like growth factor-I on collagen synthesis was studied using cultured human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells by measuring the incorporation of tritiated L-proline into immunoprecipitable type-I collagen. Tritiated L-proline incorporation into collagen was significantly stimulated by insulin-like growth factor-I in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Unlabelled L-proline and alpha-(methylamino) isobutyric acid inhibited either the influx into cells, or the incorporation into collagen, of tritiated L-proline. The increase in incorporation of tritiated L-proline was significantly reduced by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. L-Proline incorporation into collagen was also stimulated by insulin-like growth factor-II, insulin-like growth factor-I analogues and insulin. The insulin-like growth factor-I-stimulated L-proline incorporation was inhibited by one of its binding proteins, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4, in a concentration-dependent manner.

[Home oxygen therapy (HOT) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae--comparison between patients medically treated and those surgically treated]

In Japan there are about 40,000 patients under home oxygen therapy (HOT), of whom about 30 to 40% are pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae (TBS). These patients can be divided into three groups depending on the treatments they had, Group 1: those who had medical treatments only, Group 2: those who had artificial pneumothorax, and Group 3: those who had thoracoplasties or other surgical treatments. The purpose of this study was to observe the distributions and possible differences in the survival rates among these groups. The study included 1537 patients with TBS under HOT followed at National Hospitals and Sanatoriums nationwide in Japan. In 819 patients the treatments were specified and of those 354 were in Group 1, 29 in Group 2, and 436 in Group 3, so that the proportion of surgically treated patients in PTS was estimated between 28.4% (436/ 1537) to 53.2% (436/819). The ages at the onset of tuberculosis, at the start of HOT and the intervals in between were 36.6, 66.2 and 29.8 in Group 1, and 26.8, 65.5, and 38.1 in Group 3 respectively. Though the ages at the start of HOT were the same, those at the onset of tuberculosis were about ten years younger in Group 3 than in Group 1. Comparing Group 1 and 3, the survival rates after the initiation of HOT (Kaplan-Meier method) was better in Group 2 (surgically treated) than in Group 1 (medically treated). It is speculated that the reason could be a better preservation of the function of the remaining lung in the surgically treated and a higher incidence of obstructive impairments in the medically treated patients.

Frontonasal flap for reconstruction of complete alar defects

BACKGROUND

It is difficult to reconstruct a satisfactory ala. Axial frontonasal flap has been common in reconstruction of nasal tip. We modified this flap to reconstruct nasal ala.

OBJECTIVE

A modified axial frontonasal flap was applied for reconstruction of complete unilateral alar defects in two patients.

METHODS

Skin from an intact nasal tip covered the alar defect. The resulting defect in the nasal tip was covered with dorsal skin from the nose. Extended mucosa or a hinged nasolabial flap was used to line the mucosal side of the reconstructed ala.

RESULTS

The outcome judged by shape, and texture, was satisfactory. This technique can be employed under field block.

CONCLUSION

The modified frontonasal flap is one of the ideal techniques to reconstruct an entire nasal ala.

Binding assay of low density lipoprotein to Asp-hemolysin from Aspergillus fumigatus

Binding activity of Asp-hemolysin to low density lipoprotein (LDL) was measured. LDL binds to Asp-hemolysin with an affinity as high as the LDL receptor. The apparent Kd, determined by Scatchard plot analysis, was 8.9 x 10(-9) M [125I]LDL. Asp-hemolysin is thus identified as a novel LDL-binding protein.

A facilitatory effect on the induction of long-term potentiation in vivo by chronic administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against catalytic subunits of calcineurin

A rise in Ca2+ concentration at postsynaptic sites provides an initial step in inducing both the long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. LTP induction requires the activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive protein kinases following the rise in Ca2+. By contrast, the activity of protein phosphatase(s) appears to be critical to induce LTD. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of the synthesis of calcineurin A alpha and A beta, catalytic subunits of Ca2+/calmodulin- (CaM) dependent protein phosphatase, reduces the threshold of induction for commissural-CA1 LTP in anesthetized rats. In rats administered antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) against calcineurin A alpha and A beta intraventricularly for 7 days, a brief tetanic stimulation to the CA3 region, which in the control case was below threshold for the induction of LTP, now produced a long-lasting increase in both the EPSP slope and the amplitude of population spike recorded from the commissural-CA1 pathway. Western blot analysis of calcineurin showed that the threshold reduction was accompanied by a selective decrease in the protein levels in the hippocampus. Thus our study provides direct evidence that calcineurin per se has an antagonizing role in LTP induction. Complementary experiments with the selective calcineurin inhibitor, FK506, also showed the reduction of LTP threshold in a dose-dependent manner. These results, together with previous studies, support the hypothesis that the quantitative phosphorylation level of critical intracellular proteins determines whether the synaptic efficacy will increase or decrease after the activity-dependent rise in postsynaptic Ca2+.

A case of Ki-1 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma transformed from mycosis fungoides

A case of cutaneous Ki-1 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma which developed in the plaque stage of mycosis fungoides was described. A 73-year-old woman who had suffered from pruritic scaly eruptions over her entire body for more than two decades was admitted because of an ulcerated tumor measuring 45 x 55 x 15 mm and several satellite tumors on the buttock. All tumorous lesions were resected without recurrence to date. Histochemical study revealed that the tumor consisted of large anaplastic cells which were Ki-1 (CD30)-positive and LCA-negative. Some of the erythematous plaques contained LCA-positive, small-sized atypical lymphocytes. In other plaques which developed two years later, there were large Ki-1-positive atypical cells. In the specimens obtained from the tumor and the plaque, the same pattern of T-cell receptor gene rearrangements was detected. These findings indicate that both Ki-1 positive anaplastic cells in the tumor and atypical lymphoid cells in the plaques were derived from the same T cell clone.