[Structure-function studies of galanin]

Galanin is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system and exerts a variety of physiological effects. This review briefly describes the chemical structure, tissue distribution, physiological effects, receptors and structure-function relationships of galanin. It is worth noting that the inhibitory effect of newly synthesized galanin (1-15)-ol on guinea pig ileum contractions was of the same magnitude as that of galanin. This observation gives us an important clue as to the discovery of antagonists of galanin for neural systems.

[Clinical investigation on acute respiratory failure in patients with severe hematologic malignancy]

Ten patients with severe hematologic malignancies (four with acute leukemia, three with multiple myeloma, one with prolymphocytic leukemia, one with malignant lymphoma and one with blastic crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia) developed respiratory failure during the period between April 1986 and May 1990. Clinically, the patients manifested high-fever, dyspnea refractory to oxygen therapy, diffuse pulmonary rales and severe hypoxemia without evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Chest roentgenograms displayed diffuse alveolar infiltrates. Respiratory failure occurred as early as 48 hours and as late as 66 days after the administration of intensive anti-neoplastic chemotherapy. At that time leukocyte count was between 100/microliters and 54,900/microliters. Marked leukocytosis was observed in two patients with AML and PLL. Respiratory failure was preceded by sepsis in one patient with AML and by pneumonia in nine patients. DIC was diagnosed in four patients. All patients treated with high dose methyl prednisolone (mPSL) within 12 hours after the onset of respiratory failure. Only one patient required assisted ventilation. High dose mPSL had significant effect on seven of ten patients. But three patients died from progressive respiratory failure, sepsis, pneumonia and multi-organ failure.

Effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration in normal and experimentally infected newborn rats

We investigated the effects of repetitive recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) administration at three different doses (every 12 h times six doses, starting at 12-24 h of age) on the kinetics of neutrophil production in Sprague-Dawley rats. We determined WBC counts, differentials, the number of total nucleated cells, the myeloid mitotic pool cells (promyelocytes and myelocytes), the storage pool cells (metamyelocytes, bands, and polymorphonuclear cells [PMNs]) and the granulocyte-macrophage (granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, CFU-GM) and macrophage (macrophage colony-forming units, CFU-M) progenitor cells of the bone marrow, spleen, and the liver before the first dose of rhG-CSF administration and 12 h after the second, fourth, and sixth dose. Control animals were given the diluent by the same schedule. Recombinant human G-CSF-treated rats showed a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of total WBC and neutrophil counts at all time points compared to control rats. The total number of CFU-GM and myeloid mitotic pool cells (marrow plus spleen plus liver) progressively increased with age in both control and G-CSF groups, but the G-CSF treated groups showed a significantly larger number of mitotic pool cells at hour 24, continuing up to hour 72, compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference at any time point in the number of CFU-G/GM as detected by the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-supported culture system. Priming of newborn rats with injections every 12 h of rhG-CSF times two doses, or six doses followed by inoculation of group B streptococci (GBS) did not significantly change the sepsis death rate of animals, although the neutrophil counts in infected rhG-CSF-primed animals were significantly larger than the infected control animals. Injection of human i.v. gammaglobulin 3 h following inoculation with GBS significantly improved the survival of animals compared to G-CSF administration or administration of the diluent alone (control). Thus G-CSF alone may not be beneficial for the treatment of neonates with sepsis. Additional work is needed to determine whether combination of G-CSF with antibiotics or other cytokines, such as GM-CSF or interleukin 6 (IL-6) may be of benefit.

[Studies on 15 seropositive cases to Lyme disease using immunoperoxidase test in Japan]

The serological survey, analyzing sera which were obtained from Lyme disease suspected subjects was performed using immunoperoxidase (IP) test between July, 1987 and February, 1989. Fifteen seropositive subjects to Borrelia burgdorferi have been found in this survey, and these cases were considered to be true Lyme disease or highly suspected for this illness. Most of these seropositive cases geographically occurred in northern part of Japan, and both sexes and all age subjects were affected. In clinical manifestations, 5 cases developed a typical skin lesion of erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) followed by tick-bite. Neurologic manifestations were found in 6 cases, including one patient who also had ECM after a known tick bite. Of these neurologic manifestations, 4 cases had lymphocytic meningitis, 3 unilateral or bilateral facial palsy, and one encephalomyelitis. When 8 of these 15 sera were analyzed for antibodies to Lyme disease with ELISA, a poor agreement of serodiagnosis between IP test and ELISA has been found in the course of this study.

Structural determination of a directly mutagenic amino-nitrobiphenyl as the S9 metabolite of 2,4,2',4'-tetranitrobiphenyl in Salmonella typhimurium TA98

In order to elucidate the mechanisms of mutagenic activation of nitrobiphenyls by mammalian activation systems, 2,4,2',4'-tetranitrobiphenyl was incubated with S9 and its mutagenic metabolites were separated by SiO2 and Al2O3 column chromatography. The most mutagenic diamino-dinitrobiphenyl was isolated from the reaction mixture of 2,4,2',4'-tetranitrobiphenyl with S9 mix at 37 degrees C for 48 h, and its mutability was 4646 revertants/50 ng in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 without S9 mix. The deamination product of this most mutagenic metabolite was identical to 2,4'-dinitrobiphenyl by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Therefore, the structure of the metabolite was determined as 2,4'-diamino-2',4-dinitrobiphenyl by its chemical and physico-chemical properties.

A case report of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in a child

A ten-year-old boy with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is described. Although hemolytic anemia was evident, Ham's test was negative and the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity was normal at the first admission. The diagnosis of hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology was made. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was started, but could not prevent the hemolytic crises associated with infections. Twelve months later Ham's test turned positive and ACHE activity decreased. The diagnosis of PNH was confirmed. As the disease is insidious in onset, we emphasize that a high index of suspicion and Ham's test and sucrose water test repeated at regular intervals are required to avoid missing the diagnosis.

Is helodermin-like immunoreactivity in human thyroid C cells due to a salmon calcitonin-like substance?

Helodermin-like and salmon calcitonin (sCT)-like immunoreactivities co-existed in a subset of human calcitonin (hCT)-containing cells in normal human thyroid tissue and medullary thyroid carcinomas. Helodermin/sCT-immunoreactive cells were mostly different from calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive cells. Helodermin and sCT immunoreactivities were not identified in pulmonary and pancreatic hCT-positive neuroendocrine tumors, except for a few lung tumor cells showing positive staining with one of two sCT antisera used. Helodermin immunoreactivity demonstrated by rabbit antiserum R0086 was completely abolished in the presence of synthetic sCT, while sCT immunoreactivity was not absorbed by synthetic helodermin. The carboxyl terminal Arg30-Thr31 sequence (and Pro35 amide structure) of helodermin would be the epitopic site recognized by this antiserum, since a similar amino acid sequence is present in sCT molecules but absent from hCT and CGRP.

Effect of haloperidol on immunoreactive neuropeptide Y in rat cerebral cortex and basal ganglia

To clarify the dopaminergic regulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, the effect of haloperidol on NPY in basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex of the rat brain was investigated by sensitive radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemistry using antiserum against rat NPY. After repeated intraperitoneal injections of haloperidol (5 mg/kg) for 6 days, the content of immunoreactive NPY was significantly decreased in the caudate-putamen, but significantly increased in the lateral prefrontal cortex. After treatment for 21 days, the content of immunoreactive NPY in the caudate-putamen remained significantly low, but the extent of change in the lateral prefrontal cortex diminished. In the medial prefrontal cortex, piriform cortex, parietal cortex and nucleus accumbens, no significant changes were found after treatment for either 6 or 21 days. These findings were compatible with those obtained by immunocytochemistry using the same antiserum: an increase of immunoreactive fibers and terminals in the lateral prefrontal cortex and their decrease in the caudate-putamen. However, in the nucleus accumbens the density of immunoreactive fibers and terminals was decreased in the rostral portion, but not in the caudal portion after haloperidol treatment for 6 and 21 days. These findings suggest that dopaminergic afferents region-specifically regulate dopamine-sensitive NPY neurons in the rat brain.

Necrotizing buccal and cervical fasciitis

A bite wound led to necrotizing fasciitis in the temporal space, the lateral pharyngeal space and the carotid sheath, indicative of a Streptococcus and Bacteroides infection, and was successfully treated with repeated incisions, radical debridement and antibiotic therapy.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-associated peptide immunoreactivity in bovine colostrum

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)-associated peptide (GAP) is a 56-amino acid peptide found on the C-terminal of the GnRH (also called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) precursor and is assumed to be co-produced with GnRH. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the presence of GAP immunoreactivity in bovine colostrum. Radioimmunoassay of acidified methanolic extracts demonstrated a concentration of GAP immunoreactivity of approximately 1.5 +/- 0.1 pmol/g dry skim bovine colostrum. Gel filtration (Sephadex G-10) and high-performance liquid chromatography of extracts containing GAP immunoreactivity showed it to be of low molecular weight and a high hydrophobic character. The presence of GAP immunoreactivity in bovine colostrum suggests that the GnRH precursor is synthesized and processed in mammary tissue itself.

Content and distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in cavernous tissue of human penis

Penile erection is controlled by a valvular structure in the helicine artery in humans. The opening and closing of this valve are believed to be regulated by the autonomic nervous system, especially through the release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). We determined the content of VIP in cavernous tissue in 18 impotent patients and in 5 normal controls by radioimmunoassay, and we examined the distribution of VIP-ergic nerve fibers in cavernous tissue by an immunohistochemical method. As a result, it was found that the lower penile VIP content was more frequent among patients with organic impotence than among the controls. Furthermore, VIP-ergic nerve fibers were seen to be diffusely and loosely distributed in a large number of organic impotence patients. These findings suggest that organic impotence in some patients may be due to decreases in the VIP content and in VIP-ergic nerve fibers.

Metabolic activation of 2,4-dinitrobiphenyl derivatives for their mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98

In order to elucidate the mechanisms of mutagenic activation of nitroarenes, we tested the mutagenic potency of 18 kinds of nitroarenes including nitrated biphenyl, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene on Salmonella typhimurium TA98 in the absence and presence of S9 mix. The mutagenicities of 2,4-dinitrobiphenyl derivatives and 4-nitrobiphenyl were enhanced by the addition of S9. 2,4,6-Trinitrobiphenyl (3 net rev./10 micrograms without S9) was activated 60-fold by the mammalian metabolic system (181 net rev./10 micrograms with 10% S9). The mutagenic potency of 2,4,2',4'-tetranitrobiphenyl in TA98, TA98NR and TA98/1,8-DNP6 was also enhanced by the addition of 10% S9. But 1-nitropyrene and 1,3-dinitropyrene, which are well-known mutagens and carcinogens, were deactivated to 3% and 0.4%, respectively, by the addition of 10% S9. Separate addition of microsomal and cytosolic fractions slightly activated the mutagenicity of 2,4,6-trinitrobiphenyl, and 2,4,2',4'-tetranitrobiphenyl was activated not only by S9 but also by the cytosolic fraction.

[Studies on the giardiasis as the zoonosis]

To obtain basic data on the route of Giardia infection as zoonosis, we examined feces from 80 dogs and 16 cats for Giardia cysts and evaluated the detection rates. In addition, familial infection was studied in 3 family members of the patient with giardiasis. Giardia cysts were detected in 10 of the 80 dogs (12.5%) but none of the cats. Of the 10 dogs from which Giardia cysts were isolated, 6 had been maintained by the breeders. Tow other dogs were for examination in the research institutions. None of the family members of the patient with giardiasis had this infection. Since the detection rates of Giardia cysts in the dogs and cats were low, the possibility that human infection is acquired from dogs or cats seemed to be low. However, some of patients with giardiasis we encountered had never been abroad. This fact together with the presence of Giardia cysts in the dogs despite the low detection rates suggest that attention should be paid to the possible association between human giardiasis and pets since the number of people keeping pets is increasing.

[Encephalomyelitis with elevated serum antibody against Borrelia burgdorferi]

A 60-year-old female was admitted because of intermittent fever, arthralgia, itching of whole body, pretibial edema, urinary incontinence, pain of both legs and gait disturbance, after an insect bite. On admission, she had fever of 38 degrees C, and nuchal pain and stiffness. Neurological examination revealed spasticity of lower legs and increased deep tendon reflexes of all extremities. Hyperesthesia and hyperalgesia were noted on C2-4 and L5-S5 areas. Leukocyte count was 10,100/mm3 and CRP was 2+. CSF showed no pleocytosis (3/mm3, lymphocyte), but total protein (50 mg/dl) and IgG (10.5 mg/dl) were increased. On T2-weighted images of brain MRI, multiple small high signal areas were shown. The symptom improved markedly by prednisolone, but 3 months later left lateral gaze palsy appeared abruptly. A demyelinating lesion of the pons to the medulla oblongata including the left paramedian pontine reticular formation was suspected, and a corticosteroid pulse therapy was very effective. Serum titer of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi-IgG antibody by indirect immunoperoxidase method was 400 x at first and 1600 x after 3 months. Neuroborreliosis was diagnosed, but high doses of intravenous penicillin were not effective, and an immune-mediated demyelinating mechanism was probably thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of neuroborreliosis.

[Using specific radioimmunoassay for guinea pig VIP (GP VIP), immunoreactive GP VIP levels in respiratory tract tissue of normal and airway-allergic guinea pigs]

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has recently received widespread attention with respect to its control of airway constriction, and is now regarded as the most promising candidate as a neurotransmitter for nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory nerves in the airway. A specific system of radioimmunoassay (RIA) was devised to measure guinea pig VIP (gp VIP) concentration in airway tissue. An antiserum, R 550, was obtained by immunizing rabbits with newly synthesized gp VIP. The detectable VIP concentration was assessed to be 10 fmol/tube with the RIA system. The concentration of gp VIP in the respiratory tract tissue of normal guinea pigs was 0.04-0.22 pmol/g wet weight of tissue. The VIP level was highest in the trachea, in contrast to lower levels in both the major bronchus and lower lung. After being passively sensitized with ovalbumin, the experimental guinea pigs were exposed to the same antigen. After three minutes, as the expiration time was prolonged and the respiratory resistance increased, the immunoreactivity in the trachea and the major bronchus was significantly higher than the pre-exposure levels. After six hours, however, they returned to the original levels except in the lower lung where the level was constant throughout the respiratory change. As described above, the possibility of controlling airway constriction by VIPergic nerve in immediate-type allergic reactions is suggested by our findings.

[Experience with clarithromycin in pediatric patients]

Clarithromycin (TE-031, A-56268), a newly synthesized macrolide antibiotic, was administered to children and its efficacy was examined. The clinical efficacy rate of TE-031 was 88.5% in 26 patients with pediatric infections. This rate was regarded as quite high. A side effect, transaminase elevation, was observed in 1 out of the 26 patients but it was subsided after a cessation of the antibiotic treatment. TE-031 was considered to be effective antibiotic for the infectious disease in the pediatric fields because of highly efficacy rate.

Recent advances in brain-gut hormones

Although recent advances in gene technology have made it possible to produce peptides and proteins by the recombinant technique, chemical synthesis either by the solution or by the solid-phase technique is still only a method of choice for the syntheses of a brain-gut hormone and its superagonist and/or antagonist. In addition, synthetic replicates of brain-gut hormones, their analogus and fragments or their precursor-related peptides are important haptenic immunogens to produce region-specific antisera to the respective peptides. In the present study, antisera against proglucagon and pro-LH-RH related peptides were proved to be useful not only for identifying hormone-producing cells, but also for demonstrating the post-translational biosynthetic processing in the cells. For galanin, a novel brain-gut hormone, have structural similarity in its C-terminal region to tachykinins, a monoclonal antibody against synthetic porcine galanin (1-15) was prepared for immunohistochemical study. This monoclonal antibody was found to recognize specifically galanin-producing cells and not to cross-react with any of tachykinins examined. These observations indicate that monoclonal antibodies are highly useful for identifying cells possessing a brain-gut hormone containing structures common to those of different known peptides.

Demonstration of two distinct insulin-binding components in solubilized human placental membranes by radioimmunoassay using synthetic peptide and anti-synthetic peptide antibody

A peptide corresponding to the 957-980 sequence of human placental insulin receptor precursor (HIRP) was synthesized and antisera were produced against the synthetic peptide. Anti-synthetic HIRP(957-980) serum HIR-27 was proved to cross-react with HIRP-related proteins in solubilized human placental membranes. A radioimmunoassay developed with the antiserum and synthetic peptide HIRP(957-980) enabled us to separate, in combination with gel filtration, two insulin-binding components in solubilized human placental membranes which conceivably correspond to the alpha 2 beta 2 and alpha beta structures of the placental insulin receptor. The two components were shown to be distinct in insulin-binding behavior depending on conditions of pH and ionic strength in the binding assay.

[Experiences with sultamicillin granules in pediatric patients]

Sultamicillin (SBTPC) is a combination drug of sulbactam (SBT) and ampicillin (ABPC) in an ester bonding at 1:1 ratio. SBT, a new semisynthetic beta-lactamase inhibitor restores and extends the spectrum of ABPC against resistant strains of bacteria. SBTPC granules were administered to 26 pediatric patients with infections, and clinical efficacies were studied in 23 patients. The clinical efficacy rate was 95.7% and the drug was evaluated to be highly effective for the treatment of infectious diseases in the pediatric field. SBTPC was safe and well tolerated.

Structure requirements for antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of marine coral prostanoids from the Japanese stolonifer Clavularia viridis against human myeloid leukemia cells in culture

The structural requirements for antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of marine coral prostanoids from Japanese stolonifer Clavularia viridis and related compounds were examined in HL-60 cells in culture. From our data on the structure-activity relationship of these compounds, we elucidated that 1) the alkylidenecyclopentenone structure in these prostanoids was required for the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities against HL-60 cells, but the epoxy prostanoids without cross-conjugated cyclopentenone system had the activities; 2) the presence of hydroxyl group at C-12 position in the prostanoids enhanced the activities, but the stereospecificity of the 12-hydroxyl group was not required for the activities; 3) the introduction of halogen atom at C-10 position of the prostanoids potentiated the activities (Cl greater than Br = I greater than H); 4) the introduction of blocking groups for blocking beta-oxidation to the alpha-side chain of the prostanoids did not cause the marked increase of the activities; 5) the presence of dienone (C5-6 and C7-8) in the structure potentiated the activities. These results provide the basis for drug-design of a new class of antitumor agent from marine coral prostanoids.