Heterogeneity of the retinal G-protein transducin from frog rod photoreceptors. Biochemical identification and characterization of new subunits

Transducin, a retinal G-protein, has been shown to exist as heterotrimers of alpha (39,000), beta (36,000), and gamma (approximately 7,000) subunits. Blue Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography of a transducin preparation extracted with a metal-free, low salt buffer containing GTP showed three distinct alpha and two distinct beta gamma activities in frog (Rana catesbeiana) rod outer segment. The binding of a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog in these alpha fractions was proportional to the amount of the M(r) 39,000 protein. The first alpha was eluted in a complex with an inhibitory subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase, but alpha subunits in the second and the third fractions were not complexed with any proteins. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and characterization with regard to the interaction with the inhibitory subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase suggested that the first and the second alpha s were the same protein; however, the third alpha showed different characters as follows. We designated alpha in the first two fractions as alpha 1, and alpha in the third fraction as alpha 2. Nonlinear regression analysis for the binding of a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog to both alpha subunits revealed a single class of GTP binding sites with an apparent stoichiometry of 1 mol of GTP/mol of alpha. Compared with alpha 1, alpha 2 required larger amounts of rhodopsin and beta gamma for the binding of a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog. alpha 2 also showed less binding with the inhibitory subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase. Both alpha 1 and alpha 2 complexed with beta gamma or beta delta (described below) were substrates for pertussis toxin-dependent ADP-ribosylation. The protein profiles of two beta gamma fractions revealed that the main fraction was composed of a beta gamma complex; however, the second active fraction was composed of beta complexed with delta (M(r) 12,000). Compared with beta gamma, beta delta stimulated GTP binding to alpha 1 at approximately 10-fold higher concentration. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed five beta and two gamma isoforms in beta gamma. Only one beta isoform was present in beta delta. The diversity of transducin subunits may reflect different signaling pathways in visual signal transduction.

Highly conserved epitope domain in major core protein p24 is structurally similar among human, simian and feline immunodeficiency viruses

Linear B cell epitopes were mapped on the major core protein p24 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVAGM) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) using a fusion protein-based method and murine monoclonal antibodies reactive against the p24 antigens expressed on the surface of HIV-1- and FIV-infected cells. The results suggest that the sites identified here are encoded at similar positions in the three virus genomes and consist of highly conserved epitopes, which could exhibit immunodominance.

Functional alterations of G-proteins in diabetic rat retina: a possible explanation for the early visual abnormalities in diabetes mellitus

We examined changes in guanosine triphosphate-dependent signal transduction mechanisms in the retina from the early stages of the streptozotocin-diabetic rat, a model for Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Guanosine triphosphate binding, guanosine triphosphatase activity, and binding of (azido) guanosine triphosphate decreased significantly in the retina as early as 2 weeks after the induction of diabetes. The ability of guanosine triphosphate to inhibit forskolin-stimulatable adenyl cyclase was also abolished. These data suggest functional deterioration of G-proteins, especially Gi, in diabetic retina. Further studies using retinal rod outer segments revealed deterioration in light-sensitive, guanosine triphosphate-dependent functions of transducin in diabetic rats. Pertussis toxin-catalysed ADP ribosylation of the alpha subunit of transducin, a heterotrimeric G-protein of rod outer segments, was also reduced in diabetes. No functional effects were seen in purified subunits of transducin subjected to non-enzymatic glycation in vitro. On the other hand, incubation of non-diabetic rod outer segments with (12-0-tetradeconyl) phorbol-13-acetate, a protein kinase C agonist, in the presence of magnesium and adenosine triphosphate resulted in the reduction of guanosine triphosphate-binding and hydrolysis, thus indicating that protein kinase C may be involved in the regulation of these activities. The significance of these observations in the early visual abnormalities associated with diabetes is discussed.

Impaired long-term T cell immunity to Epstein-Barr virus in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The long-term T cell immunity to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is considered to play an important role in suppressing proliferation of EBV-infected B cells and outgrowth of EBV-associated tumors. It can be manifested and quantified by the EBV-induced focus regression assay. In the present study, we examined the strength of T cell immunity to EBV in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and other cancers originating from the head and neck region. In contrast to patients with other types of cancers, including EBV-negative NPC, patients with EBV-positive NPC were found to have a profound impairment in the long-term T cell immunity to EBV.

Cloning and expression of the gene for the Avi-3 antigen of Mycobacterium avium and mapping of its epitopes

The Avi-3 antigen, which is found only in Mycobacterium avium culture sonic extracts, is species specific and results in strong skin test activity in guinea pigs sensitized with heat-killed M. avium. Its gene was cloned by using a previously developed single-probe method and was sequenced. The gene encoded a 194-amino-acid polypeptide with a molecular weight of 21,500. A recombinant Avi-3 antigen expressed in Escherichia coli reacted with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised against the native Avi-3 antigen. To identify epitopes on this protein for immunodiagnostic purposes, various parts of the Avi-3 antigen were expressed as beta-galactosidase fusion proteins, using pUR and pURS expression vectors. The clones screened by both antibody reactivity and T-cell proliferative activity defined fragments with coexisting B- and T-cell epitopes. A B-cell epitope (Asn-176 to Ala-186) and two T-cell epitopes (Glu-75 to Ile-86 and Arg-155 to Leu-164) were thus defined. The synthetic polymerized peptides of the T-cell epitopes were proven to elicit a delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction in guinea pigs. This mapping method would be useful in the development of a subunit vaccine consisting of an immunodominant B-cell epitope linked to a T-cell epitope in the vicinity.

Possible site of action of 2-methylserotonin in inducing relaxation of acetylcholine-induced contraction in the molluscan (Mytilus edulis) smooth muscle

1. The present study investigated the presence of 5-HT3 receptor using 2-methylserotonin (2-Me-5-HT) in the smooth muscle of Mytilus ABRM. 2. 2-Me-5-HT relaxed the acetylcholine-induced contraction in a dose-dependent manner ranging from 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-4) M (pD2 = 5.55 +/- 0.32). 3. 2-Me-5-HT-induced relaxation was antagonized by 3 x 10(-5) M ketanserin in a competitive manner (pA2 = 5.14 +/- 0.1), but not by cypropheptadine, mianserin, MDL 72222 or ICS 205-930 at a concentration of 3 x 10(-5) M. 4. 2-Me-5-HT (3 x 10(-4) M) did not alter the content of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in the ABRM. 5. These findings suggested that the 2-Me-5-HT-induced relaxation was mediated through 5-HT2-like receptors and was not linked to cyclic AMP or GMP systems, and, further, that 5-HT3 receptor subtype was not present in the ABRM.

Induction of interleukin-1 beta mRNA in rat brain after transient forebrain ischemia

The expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus of rats was studied after transient forebrain ischemia. IL-1 beta mRNA was not detected in all these regions of sham-operated control rats. IL-1 beta mRNA was induced after transient forebrain ischemia and reached a detectable level in all regions examined 15 min after the start of recirculation. The induction of IL-1 beta mRNA had a few peaks, that is, peaks were observed at 30 and 240 min in the four regions examined, and another peak was observed at 90 min in the striatum. One day after the start of recirculation, IL-1 beta mRNA levels were markedly decreased, but even 7 days after that, IL-1 beta mRNA was found at very low levels in all regions examined. The amounts of c-fos and beta-actin mRNAs on the same blots were also examined. The induction of c-fos mRNA was transient and had only one peak in all regions examined, whereas the levels of beta-actin mRNA in these regions were fairly constant throughout the recirculation period. Thus, we provide the first evidence for a characteristic expression of IL-1 beta mRNA in several brain regions after transient forebrain ischemia.

Reversal of multidrug resistance by an immunosuppressive agent FK-506

FK-506, a novel immunosuppressive agent, was examined for its reversing effect on multidrug-resistant tumor cells. FK-506 at 3 microM completely reversed the resistance against vincristine (VCR) in vitro in VCR-resistant mouse leukemia P388 cells (P388/VCR). FK-506 also enhanced the cytotoxicity of VCR in Adriamycin(ADM)-resistant human ovarian cancer A2780 cells (AD10) and ADM-resistant human myelogenous leukemia K562 cells (K562/ADM) in vitro. FK-506 was also effective in modulating sensitivity to ADM in AD10 cells in vitro. FK-506 enhanced the chemotherapeutic effect of VCR in P388/VCR-bearing mice. When 20 mg/kg FK-506 was combined with 200 micrograms/kg VCR, a T/C value of 151% was obtained. Under the protocol used in this study, FK-506 was more potent than cyclosporin A (CsA) and verapamil. FK-506 inhibited [3H]azidopine binding to P-glycoprotein efficiently. The binding of VCR to K562/ADM plasma membrane was inhibited by FK-506 as effectively as by CsA. Moreover, the accumulation of VCR in AD10 cells was increased by FK-506 as efficiently as that of CsA and verapamil. These results indicate that FK-506 directly interacts with P-glycoprotein like CsA and verapamil, inhibits the active efflux of vincristine from resistant cells, increases the vincristine accumulation in resistant cells, and thus overcomes multidrug resistance in vitro and in vivo.

Insulin-like growth factor I rapidly induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a Mr 150,000 and a Mr 160,000 protein in highly metastatic mouse colon carcinoma 26 NL-17 cells

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) stimulates the proliferation of highly metastatic NL-17 cells to a greater extent than poorly metastatic NL-44 cells, both of which are derived from mouse colon carcinoma 26. The NL-17 cells have been compared with NL-44 cells for the signal transduction pathway of IGF-I. IGF-I receptors of both cell types were identified by affinity labeling, and there was no significant difference between the two cell types in the amount or the autophosphorylation activity of the IGF-I receptors. However, when IGF-I-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular components was examined, remarkable tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins with molecular weights of 150,000 (pp150) and 160,000 (pp160) was found in NL-17 cells. In contrast, this phosphorylation stayed at significantly lower levels in NL-44 cells than in NL-17 cells. The phosphorylation of pp150 and pp160 was induced within 10 s after the addition of IGF-I and reached its maximal level by 30 s. After the removal of IGF-I, the phosphorylation of pp150 and pp160 was reduced to the basal level within 30 min. This phosphorylation was not induced by platelet-derived or epidermal growth factor. The pp150 and pp160 were not absorbed by wheat germ agglutinin-agarose. They were found in the soluble fraction of cytoplasm but not in the membrane or the cytoskeleton. The pp150 and pp160 might be endogenous substrates of IGF-I receptor kinase. These results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp150 and pp160 mediates the higher proliferative response of NL-17 cells to IGF-I.

Magnetic resonance imaging and histologic study of hypertrophic cervical posterior longitudinal ligament. A case report

Magnetic resonance imaging and histologic features of hypertrophic cervical posterior longitudinal ligament were determined in a cervical myelopathy patient. On T1-weighted images, the thickened ligament and the prolapsed nucleus pulposus showed isointensity shadows, making it impossible to differentiate these tissues. On T2-weighted images, the thickened ligament and prolapsed nucleus pulposus were visualized at high and low intensity, respectively. Sagittal T1-weighted images after gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid injection showed obvious enhancement of the thickened ligament.

[Study on recombinant BCG]

For the purpose to establish the system to express foreign antigen from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We have cloned, sequenced and expressed genes for secreting proteins, alpha antigen, MPB64, MPB57 and MPB70 from M. bovis BCG. The upstreams and structural genes were characterized. The gene for alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was also characterized. The gene for alpha antigen of M. kansasii (k-alpha) was chosen for the further study at first. This gene was fused with shuttle plasmid PIJ666-PAL5000 obtained from T. Kisser and transfected to M. bovis BCG (Tokyo). Transformant was obtained by a selection with kanamycin. It was able to secrete k-alpha antigen. DNA-containing a B-cell epitope (Glu-12-Leu-Asp-Arg-Trp-Glu-Lys-Ile-19) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 P17 gag was fused to this vector at C terminal of k-alpha. Using this vector, we have succeeded to express foreign antigen in M. bovis BCG. The products were analyzed in one or two dimensional electro-phoresis. The results thus obtained will be reported elsewhere.

[Two cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contamination of an ultrasonic humidifier]

Two cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contamination of ultrasonic-humidifier were reported. The first case, a 64-year-old man, developed fever and dyspnea on exertion in January 1986. He was hospitalized for 18 days and received antibiotics for presumptive bacterial pneumonia. Half a day after discharge, those symptoms recurred. On readmission, fine crackles were heard at the left lung base, and chest X-ray film showed ground glass shadows all over the lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) were performed on the next day after readmission. TBLB specimen revealed lymphocyte alveolitis, granulomatous tissue and infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in alveoli. Differential cell count of the BAL fluid showed not only lymphocytosis (38.2%) but also increased PMNs (44.2%). In the second BAL performed 18 days later, the value of PMNs demonstrated a dramatic decrease. Environmental challenge tests revealed that his hypersensitivity pneumonitis was caused by an ultrasonic humidifier in his bed room. Immunological examinations showed positive Arthus type skin reaction and serum precipitin against Aspergillus fumigatus. Inhalation challenge with A. fumigatus produced cough and dyspnea with a decrease of 10 Torr in PaO2. These data suggest that A. fumigatus may be the causative antigen in this case. The second case, a 64-year-old man who had used ultrasonic humidifier in his living room, was admitted for 8 weeks with an illness characterized by cough, low fever and general malaise on 22 January 1987. Examination revealed fine crackles on both lung bases. Chest X-ray film demonstrated diffuse nodular shadows. The TBLB specimen showed lymphocytic alveolitis and bronchiolitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Polymorphism in purified guanylate cyclase from vertebrate rod photoreceptors

Guanylate cyclase from rod photoreceptors of amphibian (toad, Bufo marinus, and frog, Rana catesbeiana) and bovine retinas was solubilized and purified by a single chromatography step on a GTP-agarose column. Silver staining of purified amphibian enzymes in SDS/polyacrylamide gels disclosed a doublet band (110 and 115 kDa), while the bovine enzyme appeared as a singlet band (110 kDa). The identification of these guanylate cyclases was confirmed using three chromatography systems with the purified enzymes. Specific binding to Con A-Sepharose suggested that rod guanylate cyclase is a glycoprotein. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of purified toad, frog, and bovine enzymes resolved two, three, and five variants, respectively, that differed in isoelectric point. Two variants of toad guanylate cyclase showed differences in various characterizations. These data suggest multiple mechanisms for regulation of guanylate cyclase activity in vertebrate rod photoreceptors.

Phosphatidylinositol-stimulated phosphorylation of an inhibitory subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase in vertebrate rod photoreceptors

An inhibitory subunit (P gamma) of cGMP phosphodiesterase from vertebrate rod photoreceptors (frog, toad, and bovine) was phosphorylated by cytosolic protein kinase(s) derived from intact frog rod outer segments. The phosphorylation of frog P gamma was stimulated by phosphatidylinositol but not by cAMP or cGMP. One- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that 70-80% of P gamma was phosphorylated with 1 mol of phosphate per frog P gamma under optimal conditions. A peptide that derived from an active domain of bovine P gamma was also phosphorylated. Phosphorylation of frog P gamma was inhibited by addition of the peptide to the reaction mixture. Phosphorylation of frog P gamma was also inhibited by addition of transducin subunits or active (P gamma-less) cGMP phosphodiesterase. Okadaic acid, on the other hand, enhanced P gamma phosphorylation, suggesting the presence of protein phosphatase(s) in the cytosolic fraction. These data suggest another mechanism for the regulation of cGMP phosphodiesterase in vertebrate rod photoreceptors.

Cross-resistance of human multidrug-resistant cells to mitomycin C

Human multidrug-resistant cells, K562/ADM, KB-C-4, AdrRMCF-7 and CEM/VLB100 showed 21-, 7.5-, 105- and 3.4-fold cross-resistance to mitomycin C (MMC). The resistance to MMC in K562/ADM, KB-C-4, AdrRMCF-7, CEM/VLB100 cells was reversed by 6.6 microM verapamil. Accumulation of [3H]MMC in K562/ADM, AdrRMCF-7 and CEM/VLB100 cells also decreased by 37, 26 and 33%, as compared with their drug-sensitive counterparts. In KB-C-4 cells, accumulation of [3H]MMC decreased by 60%, and efflux rate of [3H]MMC was slightly increased as compared to their parental KB-3-1 cells. Verapamil at 6.6 microM increased accumulation of [3H]MMC in these multidrug-resistant sublines. K562/ADM10, K562/ADM50, K562/ADM100 and K562/ADM250 cells, which showed 17- to 230-fold resistance to Adriamycin, also showed 0.8- to 7.3-fold cross-resistance to MMC. In these cell lines, the extent of resistance to Adriamycin (ADM) that was consistent with expression levels of P-glycoprotein shown by immunoblotting was directly proportional to the extent of their resistance to MMC. Regression analysis indicated that relative resistance to Adriamycin was correlated with relative resistance to MMC (r = 0.98). These results indicate that MMC can be transported by P-glycoprotein overexpressed in multidrug-resistant cells.

[Chemotherapeutic evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with a complication of hepatic dysfunction]

A retrospective study on the evaluation of antituberculous drugs for patients with hepatic dysfunction was undertaken to clarify treatment regimens. The values of GOT, GPT and T. Bil were used as indicators of liver function, and the "deterioration" in the liver function was defined as a level greater than 1.5 times the initial value. Of total 538 cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis, 103 cases (19.1%) had abnormalities in liver functions before chemotherapy, and 21 of 103 cases showed the deterioration in their liver functions during chemotherapy. There was little relationship between the initial status of liver functions and the incidence of their deteriorations after chemotherapy. Nine of 21 cases did not exceed the 3 times of normal ranges of liver functions. These nine cases could tolerate the same regimens of chemotherapy, and showed satisfactory clinical responses to chemotherapy with two exceptions: one died of tuberculosis and the other cerebrovascular disease. On the other hand, of 12 cases with elevated values of hepatic function greater than 3 times the normal limits, 6 cases discontinued chemotherapy. One case, however, died of hepatic failure related to chronic active hepatitis. Eight of 12 cases showed the rapid improvement of liver dysfunctions. These results suggest that antituberculous drugs are acceptable to patients with hepatic dysfunction as long as the elevations of GOT, GPT and T. Bil stay within 3 times of normal limits. Further chemotherapy could be continued under careful monitoring of liver functions even if the cases exhibit elevated levels of liver functions greater than 3 times the normal ranges.

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the urinary bladder: a case report]

A case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the urinary bladder was presented. A 59-year-old man visited our hospital with a chief complaint of gross hematuria with clots. Intravenous urography revealed a filling defect on the left side of the bladder. CT scan demonstrated that the tumor invaded the bladder wall deeply. The histology of the biopsy specimens obtained by TUR was suspected to be transitional cell carcinoma. Bleeding from the bladder was so severe that a lot of units of blood transfusion were required in order to compensate for anemia before total cystectomy was performed. The tumor was hemispheric, moderately demarcated, measuring 5.5 cm x 4.0 cm x 5.5 cm, and located at the posterior wall. The histological diagnosis was malignant fibrous histiocytoma, inflammatory type, with venous invasion of tumor cells. Postoperatively, the patient received 5 courses of combination chemotherapy of adriamycin (100 mg/body, day 1) and dacarbazine (400 mg/body, day 1-5). He is alive with no evidence of local and metastatic disease 24 months after operation, in spite of the poor prognosis predicted from the histological findings. MFH of the urinary bladder is very rare. We also made a brief review of prior reports on this disease.

Fusion protein based epitope mapping of the MPB57 protein from Mycobacterium bovis BCG and its epitope insertion into the native protein

The gene coding for the 12-kDa protein (MPB57) of Mycobacterium bovis BCG has recently been cloned and sequenced (R. Yamaguchi, K. Matsuo, A. Yamazaki, S. Nagai, K. Terasaka, and T. Yamada. 1988. FEBS Lett. 240: 115-117). To map linear B-cell epitopes by beta-galactosidase fusion proteins, we have constructed convenient vectors (pUR278S, pUR288S, and pUR289S) with the SmaI site. Based on recognition by polyclonal antibodies, two epitope regions on the MPB57 protein were identified, both of which corresponded to the amino acid sequences Glu20 to Val45 (26 residues, epitope I region) and Ile78 to Leu86 (9 residues, epitope II). Complementary oligonucleotides encoding epitope II were synthesized, polymerized by a ligase reaction, inserted into the native MPB57 protein gene, and expressed in Escherichia coli, giving rise to epitope-inserted proteins. Their stability and potential uses are described.

Establishment of a foreign antigen secretion system in mycobacteria

In order to develop recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG into a useful multivaccine vehicle, we established a foreign antigen secretion system in mycobacteria in which an extracellular alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was utilized as a carrier. By using this system, a B-cell epitope (Glu-12-Leu-Asp-Arg-Trp-Glu-Lys-Ile-19) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 p17gag, which was identified by a fusion protein-based method, has been successfully obtained from BCG along with the alpha antigen. This is the first report of expression and secretion of a foreign viral antigen from BCG. It is possible that the system can become a universal vaccination vehicle applicable to protection against various infectious diseases.

Protein breakdown in submandibular glands rendered hypertrophic by amputation of lower incisor teeth in rats

Protein breakdown in submandibular glands rendered hypertrophic by amputation of the lower incisor teeth in rats was investigated. Reduced protein breakdown was observed in the hypertrophic gland tissues, and was found to be inhibited by 20 mM epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid, an inhibitor of serine protease, and 50 microM leupeptin, an inhibitor of trypsin, plasmin, papain and cathepsin B, but not by 2 mM PMSF (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride), an inhibitor of serine protease, 10 microM pepstatin, an inhibitor of cathepsin D and 20 microM antipain, an inhibitor of cathepsin A and B. These results suggest that some serine proteases and leupeptin-sensitive proteases (presumably cathepsin B) participate in protein breakdown in hypertrophic gland tissues, and that hypertrophy of the submandibular glands is closely related to the reduced protein breakdown in these tissues.

Interactions between the subunits of transducin and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in Rana catesbiana rod photoreceptors

In bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) rods the activity of cyclic GMP (cGMP) phosphodiesterase was stimulated 10 times by washing disc membranes with an isotonic, GTP-containing buffer. This stimulation was maintained following hydrolysis of GTP and after removal of guanine nucleotides. At least 60-70% of the inhibitory gamma subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase (P gamma) was physically released from membranes by these washing procedures. When cGMP phosphodiesterase was activated by a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogue, P gamma was found in the supernatant complexed with the transducin alpha subunit (T alpha) using three chromatography systems. When GTP was used to activate cGMP phosphodiesterase, P gamma was also found in the supernatant complexed with GDP.T alpha. This complex was also isolated using the same three chromatography systems, indicating that P gamma remained tightly bound to T alpha even after bound GTP was hydrolyzed. Interaction with the beta,gamma subunits of transducin, which remained associated with disc membranes, was required for the release of P gamma from the GDP.T alpha complex, which resulted in the deactivation of active cGMP phosphodiesterase. We conclude that during activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase, P gamma is complexed with T alpha (both GTP and GDP forms) in the supernatant and that, following GTP hydrolysis, beta,gamma subunits of transducin are necessary for the release of P gamma from the complex and the resulting inactivation of cGMP phosphodiesterase in frog photoreceptors.

Inhibition by protein kinase-C inhibitor and cycloheximide of phorbol ester- and epidermal growth factor-induced arachidonic acid metabolism in cultured porcine thyroid cells

In an attempt to elucidate possible mechanism(s) for stimulated arachidonic acid metabolism by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in porcine thyroid cells, we examined the effects of protein kinase inhibitors, isoquinolinesulfonamide derivatives (H-7 and HA-1004), and cycloheximide. The production of PGE2 stimulated by either PMA or EGF was strongly inhibited by H-7, with an ID50 value of approximately 20 to 25 mumol/L in each case, as well as by cycloheximide, with an ID50 value of less than 0.5 micrograms/mL in each case. In contrast, 100 mumol/L of HA-1004 showed less inhibition of PGE2 production provocated by either PMA or EGF. On the other hand, PGE2 production in basal or stimulated condition by exogenously added arachidonic acid, was inhibited to an even lesser extent by both H-7 and cycloheximide. The EGF- and PMA-stimulated release of 3H-arachidonic acid from the cells was also strongly inhibited by H-7 and cycloheximide. These results suggest an induction of synthesis of some proteins responsible for the release of arachidonic acid, which might be attributed to protein kinase-C activation in arachidonic acid metabolism stimulated by PMA or EGF. Moreover, PGE2 production was potently induced by PMA and slightly by EGF in the cyclooxygenase-inactivated cells by acetyl salicylate pretreatment, which also suggests that both agents might induce the synthesis of cyclooxygenase in cultured porcine thyroid cells, although we did not measure its activity.

Cross-resistance to anti-HIV nucleoside analogs in multidrug-resistant human cells

Human multidrug-resistant K562/ADM cells showed 12-fold and 31-fold resistance to AZT (3'-azido-2', 3'dideoxythymidine) and DDC (2', 3'-dideoxycytidine), respectively. Other multidrug-resistant human cells CEM/VLB100 and AdrRMCF-7 also showed resistance to these nucleoside analogs. However, verapamil (10 microM) failed to reverse the resistance to the nucleoside analogs. Accumulation of [3H]AZT in human multidrug-resistant K562/ADM, CEM/VLB100 and AdrRMCF-7 cells decreased by 23, 35, and 42% respectively, as compared to their parental cells. These results suggest that anti-HIV nucleoside analogs including AZT, DDC could be transported by outward drug-transport system in the multidrug-resistant cells.

[A bulky mass non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with dysuria in the rectovesical space]

A case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is reported. A 71-year-old man presented with complaint of dysuria and urinary frequency. Rectal examination and CT scan revealed a bulky mass in the rectovesical space. Transperineal needle biopsy of the tumor revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, large cell type, diffuse. The patient received combination chemotherapy of adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and pepleomycin. After two days the tumor was marvelously reduced in size, and partial response (PR) by CT was achieved after two months. PR was sustained for two months with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone. However, the tumor progressed gradually, and he died five months after the first treatment and two additional courses of chemotherapy. Autopsy showed a 1,700 g bulky mass in the rectovesical space. The mass was covered with peritoneum and had a fistula from rectum to central necrosis of the tumor. Nine cases of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with complaint of dysuria have been reported in Japan before our case, which seemed to arise from the submucosal tissue of anterior rectal wall, prostate or lymphatic tissue of rectovesical space.