1-alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D3 treatment decreases bone turnover and modulates calcium-regulating hormones in early postmenopausal women

50 Japanese women within 10 years after menopause (mean age 52.5 years) were studied to determine the effects of 0.75 microgram of 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 [1-alpha-(OH)D3] with calcium (150 mg/day) (treated group: N = 25) and calcium only (control group: N = 25) for 12 months on bone mass and metabolism. Their L2-4 BMD measurements were 1.5 SD below the mean value of Japanese young, normal women. L2-4 BMDs increased significantly in the treated group (+2.1%; p < 0.01), but decreased significantly in controls (-2.1%; p < 0.01). Although serum calcium and creatinine remained unchanged in both groups, phosphorus levels increased significantly in the treated group (p < 0.01). Urinary calcium/creatinine (Cr) increased in both groups. Urinary pyridinoline/Cr and deoxypyridinoline/Cr decreased significantly in the treated group (p < 0.05), but not in the control group. Serum osteocalcin levels remained unchanged in both groups. Intact parathyroid hormone levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and calcitonin levels significantly increased in the treated group (p < 0.05), but these changes were not observed in the control group. These data clearly demonstrate that 0.75 microgram of 1-alpha-(OH)D3 maintained bone mass by reducing bone resorption by modulation of calcium-regulating hormones. Temporarily increased urinary calcium excretion was observed in control group, but did not appear to be effective in modulating bone turnover.

Stimulated rapid expression in vitro for early detection of in vivo T-cell receptor mutations induced by radiation exposure

The T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay for in vivo somatic mutations is a sensitive indicator of exposure to ionizing radiation. However, this assay cannot be immediately applied after radiation exposure because expression of a mutant phenotype may require as long as several months. In the present study, we eliminate this time lag by stimulating lymphocytes with a mitogen that can accelerate the turnover of TCR protein expression in T-cells. When lymphocytes obtained from healthy donors were irradiated with various doses of X-rays and cultured with human interleukin-2 after phytohemagglutinin (PHA) pulse stimulation, the mutant frequency (MF) of CD4+ T-cells increased dose dependently during the first 7 days, then decreased rapidly due to the growth disadvantage of mutant cells. This suggests that PHA stimulation can shorten the expression time of a mutant phenotype to within a week after radiation exposure. The relationship between radiation dose and TCR MF on the seventh day was best fitted by a linear-quadratic dose-response model. We applied this improved TCR mutation assay to gynecological cancer patients who received 5 days of localized radiotherapy, totaling about 10 Gy. The in vivo TCR MF in the patients did not change within a week after radiotherapy, whereas the in vitro TCR MF of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from the same patients significantly increased 7 days after initiating culture. The estimated mean radiation dose to the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the cancer patients was about 0.9 Gy, based on the in vitro linear-quadratic dose-response curve. This estimated dose was close to that described in a previous report on unstable-type chromosome aberrations from cervical cancer patients after receiving the same course of radiotherapy. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the improved TCR mutation assay is a useful biological dosimeter for recent radiation exposure.

Identification of cellular recognition sequence of epimorphin and critical role of cell/epimorphin interaction in lung branching morphogenesis

A mesenchymal protein, epimorphin, is known to bind directly to the cell surface through its central portion and to act as a signaling molecule for epithelial morphogenesis. Utilizing several recombinant polypeptides and synthetic peptides, we identified the cellular recognition sequence of epimorphin in the central portion of this molecule (amino acids 105-123, NGNRTSVDLRIRRTQHSVL; termed NL-peptide sequence). Interestingly, although a model cell type bound to the NL-peptide as strong as to the full-length epimorphin, this peptide itself didn't induce the cellular functional responses so far tested. We found that the NL-peptide behaved as an antagonist for the endogenous epimorphin and severely perturbed lung branching morphogenesis in organ culture. These results not only revealed a part of the functional mechanism of epimorphin but also demonstrated that cell/ epimorphin interaction through the NL-peptide sequence is a critical step for lung epithelial morphogenesis.

A rapid and simple method to quantify Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric MKN-28 cells

A rapid and simple method to quantitatively analyse Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric epithelial cells was developed by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This method made it possible to quantitatively evaluate the adhesion activities of many different H. pylori strains at a time. Our studies indicate that this method is well suited for the quantitative analysis of H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells.

Effect of azelastine hydrochloride on release and production of platelet activating factor in human neutrophils

Effect of azelastine hydrochloride (azelastine) on release and production of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in neutrophils obtained from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients was investigated. Neutrophils were preincubated with or without azelastine and stimulated with f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP, 10 microM) for 15 min. PAF-like activity was detected by aggregation of washed guinea pig platelets. PAF-like activity released from asthmatic neutrophils without preincubation of azelastine was 5.67[0.89] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 21.8[0.76] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF-like activity reduced to 5.96[0.97] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells), 3.49[0.63], and 1.89[0.09] (n = 15) in the supernatants, and 20.7[0.97], 13.9[0.29], and 8.91 [0.99] (n = 15) in the cell pellets, respectively. PAF-like activity in non-asthmatic neutrophils without preincubation of azelastine was 4.67[0.19] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 18.5[0.34] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF-like activity reduced to 4.39[0.51] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells), 2.77[0.22], and 1.75[0.07] (n = 15) in the supernatants, and 17.9[0.54], 10.8[0.25], and 5.97 [0.59] (n = 15) in the cell pellets, respectively. Our results showed that preincubation with azelastine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of intra and extracellular PAF-like activity from asthmatic and non-asthmatic neutrophils in the same manner.

Effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on loss of bone mineral density immediately after artificial menopause

To evaluate the effects of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha(OH)D3), a series of clinical trials, preventive and therapeutic, were performed in an open label manner in women immediately after oophorectomy. The series included a total of 121 oophorectomized subjects, whose lumbar bone mineral density (L2-4BMD) was followed by the use of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. (1) Preventive trial: 61 women who had undergone premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy, were divided into 3 groups (Group C: control; Group L: 0.25 micrograms 1 alpha (OH)D3/day; Group H: 0.50-0.75 micrograms 1 alpha (OH)D3/day). The changes in BMD and chemical indices were followed up for one year. (2) Therapeutic trial: the trial included 60 premenopausally oophorectomized subjects having L2-4BMD lower than the normal control level minus 1SD which has been reported in age-matched normal Japanese women. These subjects were divided into 3 groups and treated in the same way as in the preventive trial. In the preventive trial, L2-4BMD decreased by 8.2%, 6.5% and 4.5% in groups C, L and H, respectively, at 12 months of treatment, whereas in the therapeutic trial, L2-4BMD decreased by 3.6%, 3.2% and 0.8% in the groups C, L and H, respectively, at 12 months of treatment. In conclusion, 1 alpha(OH)D3 was found to be effective both to prevent the bone loss subsequent to bilateral oophorectomy and improve low bone mass after oophorectomy.

Plasma levels of leukotriene E4 during clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We investigated the relationship between circulating leukotriene E4 (LTE4) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring plasma levels of leukotriene E4 in patients with COPD and 10 normal controls. We also investigated the relationship between LTE4 levels and FEV1 and PaO2. Leukotriene E4 was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay. The mean leukotriene E4 level in patients with COPD during remission, during acute exacerbation before and after prednisolone treatment were 16.8[4.02], 41.7[21.9], and 19.5[3.78] pg/ml (mean[SD]), respectively. In contrast, the mean leukotriene E4 level of 10 normal controls was 11.8[4.49] pg/ml. Thus, the mean LTE4 level during an acute exacerbation of COPD was significantly lower in patients after prednisolone treatment than in patients before prednisolone treatment. The mean LTE4 level in patients after prednisolone treatment did not significantly differ from that in patients during remission and in normal controls (Scheffe F-test, P < 0.05) (Fig. 1). Mean FEV1 (% predict) values were 51.4[9.02] (mean[SD]), 38.0[4.82], and 44.2[4.48] on the three occasions, respectively; corresponding mean PaO2 values (mmHg) were 84.0[5.01] (mean[SD]), 61.3[1.66], and 80.6[5.30], respectively. Leukotriene E4 levels were significantly correlated with PaO2 and relatively with FEV1 in the patients during acute exacerbation before prednisolone treatment. Thus, we suggest that leukotriene E4 levels in arterial blood reflect the severity of COPD lung and oral prednisolone reduces the plasma levels of leukotriene E4 in patients with COPD.

Intervention of somatic mutational events in vivo by a germline defect at the adenine phosphoribosyltransferase locus

Both germline and somatic mutations are known to affect phenotypes of human cells in vivo. In previous studies, we cloned mutant peripheral blood T cells from germline heterozygous humans for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) (EC 2.4.2.7) deficiency and found that approximately 1.3 x 10-4 peripheral T cells had undergone in vivo somatic mutations. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was the major cause of the mutations at the APRT locus since approximately 80% of the mutant T cell clones exhibited loss of normal alleles. In the present study, we identified three heterozygous individuals for APRT deficiency (representing two separate families), in whom none of the somatic mutant cells exhibited LOH at the APRT locus. The germline mutant APRT alleles of these heterozygotes from two unrelated families had the same gross DNA abnormalities detectable by Southern blotting. None of the germline mutant APRT alleles so far reported had such gross DNA abnormalities. The data suggest that the germline mutation unique to these heterozygous individuals is associated with the abrogation of LOH in somatic cells. The absence of LOH at a different locus has already been reported in vitro in an established cell line but the present study describes the first such event in vivo in human individuals.

A chick wingless mutation causes abnormality in maintenance of Fgf8 expression in the wing apical ridge, resulting in loss of the dorsoventral boundary

We analyzed a Japanese chick wingless mutant (Jwg) to know a molecular mechanism underlying wing development. We observed expression patterns of eleven marker genes to characterize the mutant. Expressions of dorsoventral (DV) and mesenchymal marker genes were intact in nascent Jwg limb buds. However, expression of Fgf8, a marker gene for the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), was delayed and shortly disappeared in the wing regressing AER. Later on, ventral expression of dorsal marker genes of Wnt7a and Lmx1 indicated that the wing bud without the AER became bi-dorsal. In addition, the posterior mesoderm became defective, as deduced from the impaired expression patterns of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Msx1, and Prx1. We attempted to rescue a wing by implanting Fgf8-expressing cells into the Jwg wing bud. We found that FGF8 can rescue outgrowth of the wing bud by maintaining Shh expression. Thus, the Jwg gene seems to be involved in maintenance of the Fgf8 expression in the wing bud. Further, it is suggested that the AER is required for maintenance of the DV boundary and the polarizing activity of the established wing bud.

Isolation and mapping of karyopherin alpha 3 (KPNA3), a human gene that is highly homologous to genes encoding Xenopus importin, yeast SRP1 and human RCH1

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library, we isolated and characterized a novel gene (KPNA3) encoding a protein highly homologous to certain nuclear transport proteins of Xenopus and human. The complete cDNA clone, designated karyopherin alpha 3, contained an open reading frame of 1,563 nucleotides encoding 521 amino acids. The predicted amino acid sequence showed 48%, 45% and 48% identity with Xenopus importin, yeast SRP1 and human RCH1, respectively. The similarities among these proteins suggest that karyopherin alpha 3 may be involved in the nuclear transport system. Eight repeats of the arm motif were well conserved among these proteins. The N-terminal region of the predicted karyopherin alpha 3 product was highly basic and the C-terminal region was strongly acidic. A 4.3-kb transcript was expressed in all adult human tissues examined by Northern blotting. The cDNA clone was assigned to chromosome band 13q14.3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Prognostic value of peritoneal cytology in patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Peritoneal cytology was obtained in 374 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix (stage IB-IIB) in whom gross intraperitoneal disease was absent at the time of radical hysterectomy and node dissections. The relevance of positive peritoneal cytology in relation to the cell type of the tumor was examined. An exceedingly small rate of peritoneal cytologic positivity was found in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (1.7%, 4/242). One of the four patients with positive cytology developed a lung recurrence. On the other hand, the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology in patients with adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma was 11.4% (15/132). The 3-year disease-free survival rate in patients having adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma with positive peritoneal cytology was 57.8%, while it was 80.7% in patients with negative peritoneal cytology. However, this factor was closely associated with other adverse prognostic factors. A multivariate analysis revealed that positive peritoneal cytology was not an independent prognostic factor in patients with adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. In addition, intraperitoneal recurrence was not correlated with the presence of cancer cells in the peritoneal fluid. The series indicates that peritoneal cytology in cervical cancer is of little value in treatment planning.

Cloning and characterization of two novel human cDNAs (NELL1 and NELL2) encoding proteins with six EGF-like repeats

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated two novel genes encoding peptides containing six EGF-like repeats. Both showed significant homologies with nel, a gene strongly expressed in neural tissues of chicken. The cDNAs, designated NELL1 (nel-like, type 1) and NELL2 (nel-like, type 2), contained open reading frames encoding 810 and 816 amino acids, respectively. NELL2 is strongly expressed in brain of adult and fetus but only weakly in fetal kidney. NELL1 and NELL2 were mapped by FISH to chromosomal bands 11p15.1-p15.2 and 12q13.11-q13.12, respectively.

Neutral endopeptidase activity in serum and cerebrospinal fluid

We measured neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity in serum from non-smoking healthy Japanese and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients without neurological or inflammatory diseases. The serum NEP activity (sNEP) of 25 males and 25 females, aged 20 to 65 years, ranged from 0.003 to 1.62 pmole/min/microliter. There was no significant difference in sNEP activity between the sexes (male: 0.40 +/- 0.34 pmol/min/microliter vs female: 0.37 +/- 0.30, mean +/- S.D.). There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between sNEP and age. The NEP activity in the CSF (cNEP) ranged from 0.07 to 0.63 pmole/min/microliter. Male patients with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) showed cNEP activity of 0.21 +/- 0.11 pmol/min/microliter (n = 13), and female patients with myoma uteri (MU) or dysplasia of the uterus mucosa (DUM) showed activity of 0.32 +/- 0.20 (n = 5). There was no significant difference in cNEP activity between the sexes. Three patients with severe body pain showed cNEP activity of 0.21, 0.15, and 0.16 pmole/min/microliter, and these values were dissimilar from those of the BPH, MU, or DUM patients.

Human astrocytoma cells (U-87 MG) exhibit a specific substance P binding site with the characteristics of an NK-1 receptor

To investigate substance P (SP) receptors on an established human astrocytoma cell line (U-87 MG), [3H][Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP, a selective SP receptor agonist, was used to identify and characterize the cell membrane binding sites for SP. SP receptor mRNA was examined by solution hybridization analysis, and the existence of SP binding protein on the surface of membranes was evaluated by flow cytometry using an anti-SP binding protein antibody. In U-87 MG and U-373 MG RNA preparations, transcripts were identified that corresponded to both mature and partially spliced receptor forms. In U-87 MG cell membrane-enriched preparations, the binding of [3H][Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP was found to be time and cell number dependent, specific, saturable, and of high affinity. Equilibrium binding analysis revealed a single class of binding sites with an apparent KD of 1.15 +/- 0.15 nM and a Bmax of 108 +/- 9.8 fmol/mg of protein. [3H][Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP binding was basically not influenced by addition of mono (Na+, Li+) or divalent (Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+) cations; only high doses of divalent cations decreased the binding. GTP and guanylyl-5'-imidodiphosphate, but not GDP and GMP, reduced the Bmax without changing the affinity of [3H][Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. We also examined the effects of pretreatment with three lectins [concanavalin A (con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)] to determine the nature of carbohydrate chains on the U-87 MG cell. Of three lectins analyzed for effects on agonist binding, WGA and LCA had an inhibitory effect, whereas con A was ineffective. These results suggest that SP receptors on the human astrocytoma cell line U-87 MG have either a biantennary complex-type or a high mannose-type of carbohydrate chain and may be regulated by GTP-binding protein(s).

Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max

This study consists of two training experiments using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. First, the effect of 6 wk of moderate-intensity endurance training (intensity: 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), 60 min.d-1, 5 d.wk-1) on the anaerobic capacity (the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and VO2max was evaluated. After the training, the anaerobic capacity did not increase significantly (P > 0.10), while VO2max increased from 53 +/- 5 ml.kg-1 min-1 to 58 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.01) (mean +/- SD). Second, to quantify the effect of high-intensity intermittent training on energy release, seven subjects performed an intermittent training exercise 5 d.wk-1 for 6 wk. The exhaustive intermittent training consisted of seven to eight sets of 20-s exercise at an intensity of about 170% of VO2max with a 10-s rest between each bout. After the training period, VO2max increased by 7 ml.kg-1.min-1, while the anaerobic capacity increased by 28%. In conclusion, this study showed that moderate-intensity aerobic training that improves the maximal aerobic power does not change anaerobic capacity and that adequate high-intensity intermittent training may improve both anaerobic and aerobic energy supplying systems significantly, probably through imposing intensive stimuli on both systems.

Alteration of bile acid metabolism by cimetidine in healthy humans

BACKGROUND

To clarify an effect of cimetidine on bile acid metabolism, we evaluated whether an increased deconjugation of bile acids would occur in healthy humans who have received cimetidine. We examined: 1) whether healthy volunteers taking cimetidine would have positive bile acid breath tests because of bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum; 2) whether the isolated bacteria would exhibit deconjugation ability; and 3) whether a change in gastric pH was related to the bacterial overgrowth.

METHODS

We evaluated 73 healthy Japanese volunteers; 53 of them received cimetidine and 20 did not. Deconjugation of bile acids was detected as 14CO2 specific activity of expired air measured by a bile acid breath test giving 5 muCi of oral glycine-1-(14)C labeled glycocholate. Aspiration of jejunal fluids was performed by a double lumen tube with a rubber cover on the tip, and deconjugation ability of bacteria was evaluated using thin layer chromotography.

RESULTS

Samples of expired breath from the 53 healthy volunteers showed a significant increase in 14CO2 specific activity after the administration of cimetidine rather than before the administration of cimetidine. Bacterial over-growth was found in the jejunal fluid after the administration of cimetidine. The administration of tetracycline to 27 subjects significantly reduced the 14CO2 specific activity. The following species were identified in the jejunal fluid samples obtained from the subjects: enterococcus, Lactobacillus bifidus, Bacteroides vulgatus, B uniformis, Eubacterium lentum, E parvum, and Escherichia coli. Except for E coli, all of the bacterial species identified deconjugated bile acids. We observed a significant relationship between 14CO2's specific activity and gastric pH before and after administration of cimetidine, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthy volunteers who received cimetidine showed an increased deconjugation of bile acid caused by overgrowth of bacteria in the jejunum, which can deconjugate bile acids. The bacterial overgrowth is probably associated with a shift to neutral pH in the gastric juice caused by cimetidine.

Steroidal glycosides from the subterranean parts of Liriope spicata var. prolifera

In a continuation of phytochemical studies on the underground organs of Liriope spicata var. prolifera, four new steroidal glycosides, lirioproliosides A-D, along with two known compounds, 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside and ophiopogonin A, were identified. The structures of lirioproliosides A-D were established by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods as 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)][beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[3-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside, 25(S)-ruscogenin (1-O-[2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside and ruscogenin (1-O-[2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside, respectively. Among these steroidal glycosides, ophiopogonin A and lirioprolioside B, and lirioproliosides C and D, were isolated as epimeric pairs.

Pelvic lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer with no myometrial invasion

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence of pelvic lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma with no myometrial invasion.

METHODS

Between 1971 and 1995, 684 women with stage I endometrial carcinoma underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymph-adenectomy. The incidence of pelvic lymph node metastases in 100 cases without myometrial invasion was examined.

RESULTS

Histologic examination of the surgical specimens revealed a single pelvic lymph node metastasis in each of four cases. The incidence of pelvic lymph node metastasis was four of 83 in grade 1, zero of 13 in grade 2, and zero of four in grade 3 tumors.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer with no myometrial invasion is not rare, even with grade 1 tumors. Lymphadenectomies may be necessary in all patients with endometrial cancer, except when clinical or operative factors increase the procedure's risk of morbidity.

Somatic cell mutations at the glycophorin A locus in erythrocytes of atomic bomb survivors: implications for radiation carcinogenesis

To clarify the relationship between somatic cell mutations and radiation exposure, the frequency of hemizygous mutant erythrocytes at the glycophorin A (GPA) locus was measured by flow cytometry for 1,226 heterozygous atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For statistical analysis, both GPA mutant frequency and radiation dose were log-transformed to normalize skewed distributions of these variables. The GPA mutant frequency increased slightly but significantly with age at testing and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Also, mutant frequency was significantly higher in males than in females even with adjustment for smoking and was higher in Hiroshima than in Nagasaki. These characteristics of background GPA mutant frequency are qualitatively similar to those of background solid cancer incidence or mortality obtained from previous epidemiological studies of survivors. An analysis of the mutant frequency dose response using a descriptive model showed that the doubling dose is about 1.20 Sv [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.56], whereas the minimum dose for detecting a significant increase in mutant frequency is about 0.24 Sv (95% CI: 0.041-0.51). No significant effects of sex, city or age at the time of exposure on the dose response were detected. Interestingly, the doubling dose of the GPA mutant frequency was similar to that of solid cancer incidence in A-bomb survivors. This observation is in line with the hypothesis that radiation-induced somatic cell mutations are the major cause of excess cancer risk after radiation exposure. Furthermore, the dose response was significantly higher in persons previously or subsequently diagnosed with cancer than in cancer-free individuals. This may suggest an earlier onset of cancer due to elevated mutant frequency or a higher radiation sensitivity in the cancer group, although the possibility of dosimetry errors should be considered. The findings obtained in the present study suggest that the GPA mutant frequency may reflect the cancer risk among people exposed to radiation.

Ovarian hemangioma associated with concomitant stromal luteinization and ascites

A 62-year-old female presented with a pelvic mass and ascites. The Papanicolaou vaginal smear showed an unusual maturation, maturation index being 0/80/20. The serum level of estradiol was 48.7 pg/ml. The preoperative checkup suggested a pelvic malignancy with a differential diagnosis of hormone-secreting ovarian tumor. On surgical exploration, she had a hemangioma of the ovary without malignant cytology in the ascitic fluid. Histologically, this tumor was associated with stromal luteinization. This is the first case, reported in the literature, possessing ovarian hemangioma with stromal luteinization accompanying massive ascites. It should be noted that an ovarian hemangioma can be associated with stromal luteinization and ascites, and that MR imaging is sometimes of value for making a preoperative diagnosis of ovarian hemangioma.

In vivo effect of prednisolone on release of leukotriene B4 from neutrophils from asthmatic patients

We examined the release of leukotriene B4 from calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated neutrophils from asthmatic patients treated with or without intravenous prednisolone during an asthmatic attack. The mean level of LTB4 in the supernatant of stimulated neutrophils from patients treated with intravenous prednisolone was significantly lower than that in the supernatant of stimulated neutrophils from those without prednisolone treatment. Preincubation with prednisolone caused a dose-dependent inhibition of LTB4 release from calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated neutrophils. These findings suggest that intravenous prednisolone inhibits the release of LTB4 from neutrophils in vivo.

Monitoring exposure to atomic bomb radiation by somatic mutation

Atomic bomb survivors are a population suitable for studying the relationship between somatic mutation and cancer risk because their exposure doses are relatively well known and their dose responses in terms of cancer risk have also been thoroughly studied. An analysis has been made of erythrocyte glycophorin A (GPA) gene mutations in 1,226 atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The GPA mutation frequency (Mf) increased slightly but significantly with age at the time of measurement and with the number of cigarettes smoked. After adjustment for the effect of smoking, the Mf was significantly higher in males than in females and higher in Hiroshima than in Nagasaki. All of these characteristics of the background GPA Mf were in accord with those of solid tumor incidence obtained from an earlier epidemiological study of A-bomb survivors. Analysis of the dose effect on Mf revealed the doubling dose to be about 1.20 Sv and the minimum dose for detection of a significant increase to be about 0.24 Sv. No significant dose effect for difference in sex, city, or age at the time of bombing was observed. Interestingly, the doubling dose for the GPA Mf approximated that for solid cancer incidence (1.59 Sv). And the minimum dose for detection was not inconsistent with the data for solid cancer incidence. The dose effect was significantly higher in those diagnosed with cancer before or after measurement than in those without a history of cancer. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that somatic mutations are the main cause of excess cancer risk from radiation exposure.

Lipid profile of Helicobacter spp.: presence of cholesteryl glucoside as a characteristic feature

The lipid and fatty acid profiles of eight Helicobacter spp. (H. nemestrinae, H. acinonyx, H. canis, Helicobacter sp. strain CLO-3, "H. rappini" [Flexispira rappini], H. pametensis, Helicobacter sp. strain Bird-B, and Helicobacter sp. strain Bird-C) and the fatty acid profiles of five additional species (H. pylori, H. felis, H. muridarum, H. mustelae, and H. fennelliae) were analyzed and compared. A heterologous fatty acid profile was observed among the Helicobacter spp., and on that basis the species could be divided into two groups. Group A had 19-carbon cyclopropane fatty acid (19:0cyc) and tetradecanoic acid (14:0) as the major fatty acids, and group B characteristically lacked the 19:0cyc and had hexadecanoic acid (16:0) and octadecenoic (18:1) acids as the major fatty acids. The species of group A are primarily gastric colonizers, and those of group B are primarily intestinal colonizers. Seven of the eight species studied showed the unusual and characteristic presence of cholesteryl glucosides (CGs), and most of these seven showed a very large amount (9.7 to 27.4% of the weight of total extractable lipid). The types of CGs and their distribution in different species were as follows: cholesteryl-6-O-acyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (cholesteryl-6-O-tetradecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in H. nemestrinae and mainly cholesteryl-6-O-dodecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in "H. rappini"), cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. nemestrinae, H. acinonyx, H. canis, Helicobacter sp. strain CLO-3, and "H. rappini"), and cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. nemestrinae, H. acinonyx, H. canis, and Helicobacter sp. strain CLO-3). Besides this, we could also detect cholesteryl acyl glucoside in H. acinonyx, cholesteryl glucoside in Helicobacter sp. strains Bird-B and -C, and cholesteryl phosphatidyl glucoside in "H. rappini" and Helicobacter sp. strain Bird-C. A selective accumulation of free cholesterol was observed in the neutral lipid fractions. On the basis of the detection of CGs in 11 of the 13 species studied so far, the presence of CGs appears to be a characteristic feature of the genus Helicobacter. In view of this and also because of a simple and rapid detection method described herein, the CGs can be used as a valuable chemotaxonomic marker.

[Peripheral lymphocyte subset of patients with pancreatic diabetes mellitus--about a decreased ratio of T-LGL and ability of host defense]

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often suffer from various and severe infection. Patients with pancreatic DM have malnutrition due to chronic pancreatitis. Therefore it is believed that patients with pancreatic DM have a lower ability of host defence to infectious diseases than normal subjects. We examined the primpheral lymphocyte subsets (T cell, B cell, NK cell, CD3+ 56+ T) of eighteen patients (males, age = 52.8 +/- 12.7 years old, mean +/- SD) with pancreatic DM by two color flow-cytometry to evaluate the lymphocyte function. Ratios of T cell (T%, 66.9 +/- 9.3%, mean +/- SD). B cell (B%, 13.1 +/- 5.8%) and NK cell (Nk%, 19.3 +/- 8.7%) to total peripheral lymphocytes of patients with pancreatic DM were not significantly different from those (T% = 66.4 +/- 7.8%, B% = 13.5 +/- 6.7%, NK% = 19.9 +/- 9.1%) of thirteen normal subjects (males, age = 51.2 +/- 13.1). CD3+56+ T cell % (4.1 +/- 1.9%) of patients with pancreatic DM was lower than that (6.0 +/- 3.0%) of normal subjects (p < 0.05). CD3+56+ T cells have cytotoxic activity and it is likely that this activity is similar to that of NK cells. These results suggested that a decrease in peripheral CD3+56+ T cell % is a factor showing a weak host defense mechanism to infectious diseases in patients with pancreatic DM.

[Transient complete left bundle branch block during epidural anesthesia with mepivacaine]

A 65-year-old woman with ovarian tumor was scheduled for abdominal total hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy under epidural anesthesia. Preoperative examinations revealed no abnormalities including ECG. Twenty minites after the epidural injection of mepivacaine, widened QRS complexes, which were diagnosed as complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) later, appeared on ECG. At that time, heart rate (HR) was 150.min-1. CLBBB disappeared when HR decreased to 110.min-1 following the administration of pindolol and verapamil. The operation was postponed. Exercise-treated ECG showed neither CLBBB nor ischemic change even when HR increased to 160.min-1. Two weeks later the operation was attempted again. CLBBB appeared again twenty minites after the epidural injection of mepivacaine. The CLBBB disappeared 5 minites after the induction of general anesthesia when HR decreased to 100.min-1. The operation was performed uneventfully. The effective refractory period (ERP) is shortened with the increase in HR, but the shortning of ERP varies in different part of the cardiac conduction system. In tachycardia, ERP of left bundle branch is longer than that of right one. Because the cardiac conduction system is depressed by local anesthetics, it is speculated that ERP of left bundle branch is elongated further by mepivacaine and CLBBB appeared in this case.

A new strategy for large-scale preparation of high-titer recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors by using packaging cell lines and sulfonated cellulose column chromatography

The extensive testing of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for human gene therapy has been hampered by low efficiency of the current packaging system, which is based on transient transfection with plasmid DNAs and infection with adenovirus in permissive cells. In an effort to resolve this problem, HeLa cell-based packaging cell lines were established. These packaging cells carry multiple copies of the AAV genome lacking the inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences. The AAV genes were silent in these cells but inducibly expressed by adenovirus infection. When the AAV vector plasmid containing the neoR gene flanked by the ITRs was also integrated into these cells, efficient production of the recombinant AAV particles occurred after adenovirus infection. AAV vector particles in cell lysates could be concentrated by sulfonated cellulose column chromatography. Using the packaging cells and the column chromatography technique, it is possible to prepare AAV vectors with the titer of higher than 10(8) cfu/ml or 5 x 10(10) particles/ml. This new strategy should be useful for testing AAV vectors in vivo.

Priming effect of platelet activating factor on leukotriene C4 from stimulated eosinophils of asthmatic patients

BACKGROUND

Eosinophils from asthmatic patients are known to release greater amounts of leukotrienes than normal eosinophils when stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187. The effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) in priming eosinophils was investigated.

METHODS

Eosinophils were obtained from 18 asthmatic patients and 18 healthy donors. Cells separated by the Percoll gradients were incubated with PAF (C-18) for 30 minutes and then stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187 (2.5 microM) for 15 minutes. The amount of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in supernatants was measured using a combination of high pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) amount of LTC4 released by eosinophils from asthmatic patients upon stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187 alone was 27.9 (9.9) ng/10(6) cells (n = 6). The amount of LTC4 released following stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187 after pretreatment with PAF (1, 5, and 10 microM) was 57.2 (8.9), 75.1 (14.3), and 52.6 (10.7) ng/10(6) cells (n = 6), respectively. Trace amounts of LTC4 (0.9 (0.02) ng/10(6) cells, n = 6) were detected in the supernatant of the cells after stimulation by PAF alone (5 microM). The amount of LTC4 released upon stimulation by calcium ionophore A23187 alone in eosinophils from healthy donors was 10.3 (3.7) ng/10(6) cells (n = 4). The amounts of LTC4 released upon stimulation with calcium ionophore A23187 after pretreatment with PAF at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 microM were 11.9 (3.5), 17.8 (5.6), and 12.7 (5.1) ng/10(6) cells (n = 4), respectively. Trace amounts of LTC4 (0.6 (0.02) ng/10(6) cells, n = 4) were detected in the supernatant of the cells upon stimulation with PAF alone (5 microM). The amounts of LTC4 released upon stimulation with calcium ionophore A23187 after pretreatment with lyso-PAF at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 microM (n = 4 or 6) were 30.8 (5.2), 22.9 (5.1), and 27.3 (4.3) ng/10(6) cells (n = 6) from the eosinophils of asthmatic patients and 13.7 (3.3), 15.2 (4.9), and 14.7 (3.8) ng/10(6) cells (n = 4) from the eosinophils of healthy donors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that PAF enhanced LTC4 formation by eosinophils obtained from asthmatic patients stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187, but not those obtained from normal subjects.

[A comparative study on the efficacies of ritipenem acoxil and cefotiam hexetil in bacterial pneumonia by the double-blind method]

To objectively evaluate the efficacy, safety and usefulness of the newly developed penem oral antibiotic, ritipenem acoxil (RIPM-AC), against bacterial pneumonia, we conducted a multi-center double-blind comparative study using cefotiam hexetil (CTM-HE) as the control drug. Both RIPM-AC and CTM-HE were orally administered at 200 mg t.i.d. for 14 days, in principle. The results were as follows: The total number of patients enrolled in this trial was 208, of which 152 cases (RIPM-AC group: 73, CTM-HE group: 79) were evaluable for clinical efficacy. 1. The clinical efficacy rates (excellent + good) were 91.8% (67/73) in the RIPM-AC group and 94.9% (75/79) in the CMT-HE group. There was no significant difference between the two groups, and the clinical equivalency of RIPM-AC to CTM-HE was demonstrated. 2. In the patients enrolled in the evaluation of clinical efficacy, the eradication rates of the causative organisms were 84.6% (22/26) in the RIPM-AC group and 91.7% (22/24) in the CTM-HE group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 3. Side effects were noted in 9 cases (9.6%) of the RIPM-AC group and 5 cases (4.9%) of the CTM-HE group. Abnormal laboratory test findings were observed in 23 cases (26.7%) of the RIPM-AC group and 15 cases (15.6%) of the CTM-HE group. There was no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of side effects nor of abnormal laboratory test findings. In the safety evaluation, RIPM-AC was judged to be safe in 64 cases (68.1%) and CTM-HE in 82 cases (80.4%), with no significant difference. 4. The usefulness rates (markedly useful+useful) were 86.5% (64/74) in the RIPM-AC group and 92.5% (74/80) in the CTM-HE group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Since RIPM-AC showed clinical efficacy similar to those of CTM-HE and posed no particular safety problems, it is expected to be a useful antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia.

Inductive influences of epimorphin on endothelial cells in vitro

Epimorphin is known as a mesenchymal factor involved in epithelial morphogenesis. This protein has, however, a curious nature in that only certain of its molecules are transported to extracellular regions after having undergone complex conformational changes. In the present study, we generated an N-terminally modified recombinant epimorphin fragment as a substitute for the extracellular epimorphin and examined n detail how this polypeptide affects cellular behavior in a model cell system. As immunohistochemical studies revealed that epimorphin is abundant in regions close to endothelial cells in venulae, we chose endothelial cells as the model cell and investigated the influence of this polypeptide on their cellular behavior in vitro. The recombinant epimorphin guided the endothelial cells to align themselves in tandem and to present a branched morphology in the three-dimensional culture system. We also discovered that the endothelial cells were induced to secrete several cytokines, including those involved in angiogenesis, and were suppressed in terms of proliferation by this molecule. These results suggest that epimorphin has a regulatory role in the activation of endothelial cells and is active in supporting the resulting cellular arrangement.

Cloning, expression and chromosome mapping of adducin-like 70 (ADDL), a human cDNA highly homologous to human erythrocyte adducin

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a novel human cDNA, termed human adducin-like 70 (gene symbol ADDL), whose predicted amino acid sequence showed a high degree of homology to adducins. This cDNA clone (ADDL), which contained an open reading frame of 2,022 nucleotides encoding 674 amino acids, revealed 54%, 53%, and 59% identity in predicted amino acid sequence with alpha and beta components of human adducin and rat adducin 63, respectively. Human adducin-like 70 is likely to play an important role in the skeletal organization of the cell membrane. Northern blot analysis indicated ubiquitous expression of this gene in adult human tissues. We localized the gene to chromosome bands 10q24.2-->q24.3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Cloning, expression pattern and mapping to 12p 13.2 --> p13.1 of CLAPS3, a gene encoding a novel clathrin-adaptor small chain

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a novel gene encoding a peptide homologous to clathrin-adaptor small chains in rat, mouse, and yeast. The cDNA, designated CLAPS3 (clathrin-associated/assembly/adaptor protein, small 3, 22 kDa), contained an open reading frame of 579 nucleotides encoding 193 amino acids. Northern-blot analysis revealed expression of a 1.35-kb transcript in all human tissues examined. This gene was mapped to chromosome bands 12p13.2 --> p13.1 by FISH.

Cloning, expression, and mapping of TCTEL1, a putative human homologue of murine Tcte1, to 6q

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a putative human homologue of the murine Tcte1 gene. The cDNA, designated TCTEL1, contained an open reading frame of 339 nucleotides encoding 113 amino acids. The predicted peptides of TCTEL1 showed 94% and 55% identity (100% and 94% similarity) with those of murine Tcte1 and human RP3. Northern-blot analysis revealed a 0.9-kb transcript in all tissues examined. This gene was mapped by FISH to chromosome bands 6q25.2 --> q25.3, the syntenic region of the murine t-complex locus of chromosome 17.

Cloning, expression pattern and mapping to Xq of NAP1L3, a gene encoding a peptide homologous to human and yeast nucleosome assembly proteins

From a human fetal brain cDNA library, we isolated a novel gene sharing significant homology with the genes of nucleosome assembly proteins (NAPs). This cDNA clone, designated NAP1L3 (nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 3), contained an open reading frame of 1518 nucleotides encoding 506 amino acids. Its predicted amino acid sequence showed 46% identity and 65% similarity with NAP1L. In its C-terminal half NAP1L3 contained several characteristic motifs strictly conserved with NAP1L and yeast NAP1, but the N-terminal half showed little conservation. Northern-blot analysis revealed strong expression of a 3.0-kb transcript in human adult brain and weak expression in heart. NAP1L3 was closely linked to a marker (DXS990) mapped to chromosome bands Xq21.3-->q22, where genes responsible for several X-linked mental retardation syndromes have been localized.

Cloning, expression, and mapping of CKAPI, which encodes a putative cytoskeleton-associated protein containing a CAP-GLY domain

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a novel cDNA clone encoding a protein containing a CAP-GLY domain that is highly conserved among several cytoskeleton-associated proteins. The CAP-GLY domain is thought to be essential for their association with microtubules. The cDNA, designated CKAPI (for cytoskeleton-associated protein I, glycine motif) contained an open reading frame of 579 nucleotides encoding 193 amino acids. Northern-blot analysis revealed expression of three transcripts, 1.0, 3.4, and 4.6 kb in size, in all tissues examined. The 1.0-kb transcript was significantly higher in brain and heart than in other tissues. This gene was mapped by FISH to chromosome bands 19q13.11-->q13.12.

Quantitative detection of secretory immunoglobulin A to Helicobacter pylori in gastric juice: antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Helicobacter pylori is a major etiologic agent in gastroduodenal disorders. In this study, immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to H. pylori were estimated in serum and gastric juice specimens from patients with gastritis and peptic ulcers using antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ACELISAs). The antibody titers of the ACELISAs are independent of the antibody concentration and reflect the ratio of H. pylori-specific IgA to total IgA. The ratio is stable, although the antibody concentration fluctuates in gastric juice. Using the ACELISAs it was possible to evaluate quantitatively not only serum IgA (SR-IgA) antibodies but also secretory IgA (SC-IgA) antibodies in gastric juice. There were significant differences between the patients and control group in the SR-IgA and SC-IgA ACELISAs. Furthermore, the ACELISAs made it possible to compare between SR-IgA antibodies in serum and SC-IgA antibodies in gastric juice. In all patients, the ratios of H. pylori-specific IgA were higher in gastric juice than in serum. These results suggest that H. pylori SC-IgA antibodies are mainly produced by the local immune response in the gastric mucosa. Our studies indicate that ACELISA is well suited for the analysis of local immune response in mucosa.

Molecular cloning of UBE2G, encoding a human skeletal muscle-specific ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme homologous to UBC7 of C. elegans

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a novel ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. The cDNA, designated UBE2G, contained an open reading frame of 510 nucleotides encoding 170 amino acids. The predicted peptide product showed 74% identity at the amino acid level with UBC7 of C. elegans, a high degree of homology with UBC7s of other species, and significant homologies with other subgroups of UBCs. Northern-blot analysis revealed strong expression of 4.4-kb, 2.4-kb, and 1.6-kb transcripts in skeletal muscle. Weak expression was observed in 15 other tissues examined. Radiation-hybrid mapping localized this cDNA to chromosome band lq42.

Selection against blood cells deficient in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) in Lesch-Nyhan heterozygotes occurs at the level of multipotent stem cells

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is caused by a severe genetic deficiency of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) and is characterized by central nervous system disorders, gout, and in some cases, macrocytic anemia. Women heterozygous for HPRT deficiency are healthy but their somatic cells are mosaic for enzyme deficiency owing to random inactivation of the X chromosome. Frequencies of red blood cells and T cells deficient in HPRT are significantly lower than the expected 50% in heterozygotes, suggesting that HPRT-negative blood cells are selected against in heterozygotes. To determine at which stage of hematopoiesis such selection occurs, we determined the frequencies of HPRT-negative T, B and erythroid precursor cells in three heterozygotes. Since the cloning efficiencies of T and B cells and colony forming efficiency of burst-forming unit erythroid (BFU-E) for sample from Lesch-Nyhan patients were similar to those of normal cells, HPRT deficiency does not seem to render the differentiated cells less efficient for proliferation. However, the frequencies of HPRT-negative T and B cells, and BFU-E were all less than 10% in each of the three heterozygotes. Although the frequencies of HPRT-negative cells showed tenfold variations between the heterozygotes, each heterozygote had similar frequencies of HPRT-negative cells in the three cell types. These results suggest that HPRT is important at early stages of hematopoiesis, but less so after the cells have differentiated into T cells, B cells and erythroid precursor cells.

Molecular cloning of a novel human cDNA, RT14, containing a putative ORF highly conserved between human, fruit fly, and nematode

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a novel gene, designated RT14, whose cDNA contained an open reading frame of 375 nucleotides encoding 125 amino acids. A 71-amino-acids region of the predicted peptide sequence showed 62% identity with a putative peptide encoded in the region close to Drosophila Tra-2. It also showed significant homology with the putative peptide of T20G5.10 of C. elegans. Northern-blot analysis revealed expression of 0.7-kb and 1.1-kb transcripts in all human tissues examined.

Activation of telomerase in human lymphocytes and hematopoietic progenitor cells

This is the first report describing up-regulation of telomerase activity in human normal cells. Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, has been thought to be involved in maintaining telomere length stability in germline and most cancer cells, but not in normal cells. However, in the present study, we demonstrate that telomerase activity is detectable at low levels in normal human T and B cells, increases by in vitro mitogenic stimulation, increases in hematopoietic progenitor cells upon their proliferation and differentiation, and decreases with aging. Understanding the regulation of telomerase activity in normal cells may provide important insights not only into the mechanisms of normal cellular senescence but also into the mechanisms of telomerase activity deregulation as part of cancer development.

Activation of telomerase in human lymphocytes and hematopoietic progenitor cells

This is the first report describing up-regulation of telomerase activity in human normal cells. Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, has been thought to be involved in maintaining telomere length stability in germline and most cancer cells, but not in normal cells. However, in the present study, we demonstrate that telomerase activity is detectable at low levels in normal human T and B cells, increases by in vitro mitogenic stimulation, increases in hematopoietic progenitor cells upon their proliferation and differentiation, and decreases with aging. Understanding the regulation of telomerase activity in normal cells may provide important insights not only into the mechanisms of normal cellular senescence but also into the mechanisms of telomerase activity deregulation as part of cancer development.

Mutation frequency in human blood cells increases with age

Using either the colony formation assay or flow cytometry, it is feasible to measure the frequency of rare mutant lymphocytes or erythrocytes in human peripheral blood. Accordingly, we have investigated the mutant cell frequencies of the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase and T-cell receptor genes in T lymphocytes and of the glycophorin A gene in erythrocytes of several hundred persons aged 0-96 years. The mutant frequency of every one of these genes increased significantly with age. A simple accumulation of mutations in hematopoietic stem cells over time may explain the age-dependent increase in the frequency of glycophorin A mutants. In contrast, a balance between mutant cell generation and loss should be taken into account for the mechanism of the increase of T-cell mutations.

In vivo effect of prednisolone on release of leukotriene C4 in eosinophils obtained from asthmatic patients

We investigated the release of leukotriene C4 from eosinophils of asthmatic patients who were treated with or without intravenous prednisolone. The mean level of LTC4 in the supernatant of A23187-stimulated eosinophils obtained from asthmatic patients during an attack was significantly lower with intravenous prednisolone than without prednisolone treatment. Findings suggest that intravenous prednisolone inhibits the release of LTC4 from the eosinophils of asthmatic patients by acting on these cells in vivo.

Cytogenetic and immunologic identification of clonal expansion of stem cells into T and B lymphocytes in one Atomic-bomb survivor

Chromosome aberration frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes is elevated in radiation-exposed people, and identical karyotypic changes are not infrequently encountered in one blood sample as well as in separate samples from the same donor. Such clonal propagation originates either from a single immature stem cell able to expand and differentiate into several cell types or from a single mature lymphocyte able to expand after antigen stimulation in vivo. In the present study, a total 71 T-lymphocyte and 58 B-lymphocyte colonies were established from one atomic-bomb survivor, who showed a persistent clonal aberration t(4;6), t(5;13) in phytohemagglutinin culture of peripheral lymphocytes. Nearly 10% of the colonies (6 T-lymphocyte and 7 B-lymphocyte colonies) showed the same chromosome abnormality. Southern blot analyses of the T-cell-receptor or Ig heavy-chain gene showed all different rearrangement patterns among T- or B-lymphocyte colonies, respectively. Thus, the chromosome aberration occurred in a precursor cell before differentiation into T and B lineages and was not derived from monoclonal proliferation of mature T or B lymphocytes in the periphery. To confirm the issue, cells from erythroid burst-forming unit (BFU-E) colonies were examined by the chromosome-painting method. Two translocations, one between chromosomes 5 and 13 and the other between chromosomes 4 and one of group C, perfectly consistent with the t(4;6), t(5;13), were found in about 10% of the cells. The results imply that a single stem cell of an adult is capable of generating long-lived myeloid and lymphoid progeny amounting to several percent of the total population of circulating lymphocytes and hematopoietic progenitors.

Characterization of Streptococcus sanguis isolated from patients with Behçet's disease

The DNA homology and cell wall sugar constituents of eight Streptococcus sanguis(-like) strains, three isolated from the patients with Behçet's disease (BD114-23, BD113-20, BD118-1), two from patients with Kawasaki disease (MCLS-1, MCLS-2), and three type and reference strains of ATCC (ATCC10556T: S. sanguis, ATCC10557: S. oralis, and ATCC10558T: S. gordonii) were analyzed. Strains BD114-23 and BD118-1 showed high DNA homology to ATCC10556T, and their cell wall constituents were identical. Conversely, BD113-20, MCLS-1, MCLS-2, and ATCC10557 showed little DNA homology to ATCC10556T and ATCC10558T, but showed approximately 50 to 60% homology to each other. The cell wall constituents of BD113-20, MCLS-1, MCLS-2, and ATCC10557, however, were somewhat different, indicating that some of the clinical isolates have different characters from those of the three ATCC strains.

[Anesthetic experiences in 3 patients with multiple myeloma]

Multiple myeloma which occurs mostly in aged people is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells characterized by immunoglobulin disorders. It presents various kinds of signs and complications depending on its stage and involved organs, and these complications often require surgical treatment. Risk factors to be considered include renal failure, hemorrhagic tendency, increased susceptibility to infections, hyperviscosity syndrome, anemia, and hypercalcemia. We report 5 anesthetic experiences in 3 cases with multiple myeloma.

Unique cholesteryl glucosides in Helicobacter pylori: composition and structural analysis

A chloroform-methanol-extracted lipid of Helicobacter pylori was studied. Three kinds of glycolipids, accounting for about 25% (wt/wt) of the total lipid, were detected and identified to be cholesteryl glucosides. The structures of two of them were determined to be cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside and cholesteryl-6-O-tetrade-canoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, and the plausible structure of the third one was identified as cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside. Cholesteryl glucosides are very rare in animals and bacteria. Furthermore, those in H. pylori had an alpha-glycosidic linkage, which is rather unusual for natural glycosides, and a phosphate-linked cholesteryl glycoside like the cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside has not been reported previously. As the cholesterol glucosides were detected in strains obtained from diverse geographical locations, the presence of cholesteryl glucosides in H. pylori is a very unique and a characteristic feature of the species. These findings add a new facet to the physiology and biochemistry, especially the cholesterol and glucose metabolism, of H. pylori. Furthermore, the cholesteryl glucosides of H. pylori showed hemolytic activities.

Steryl glycosides: a characteristic feature of the Helicobacter spp.?

The lipids of different species of Helicobacter (H.felis, H. muridarum, H. mustelae, H. fennelliae, and H. cinaedi) were studied. Different types of cholesteryl glucosides were found in all of the species studied except H. cinaedi. The total amount of cholesteryl glucosides varied from 14.8% of total lipids in H. mustelae to 33.1% of total lipids in H. felis. The different types of cholesteryl glucosides and their species distribution are cholesteryl-6-O-acyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (cholesteryl-6-O-tetradecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in H. felis and cholesteryl-6-O-dodecanoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in H. muridarum), cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. felis, H. muridarum, H. mustelae, and H. fennelliae), and cholesteryl-6-O-phosphatidyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H. fennelliae). The neutral lipid fractions showed a high percentage of cholesterol, with selective accumulation of free cholesterol. The study thus shows that the characteristic presence of steryl glycosides in Helicobacter spp. may be an important chemotaxonomic marker for many of the species, and the helicobacters show a selective accumulation of free cholesterol from the media.