Suppression subtractive hybridization identifies genes expressed in oviduct during mouse preimplantation period

Fertilization and development of mouse embryos occur in the ampullae of oviduct. Various growth factors and embryotrophic factors produced by the oviductal cells have been demonstrated to enhance embryo development in vitro. As a step towards understanding the genetic changes of mouse oviduct during mouse embryos preimplantation period, we adopted suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to establish four subtracted cDNA libraries to identify (1) oviduct-expressing genes, and (2) genes that may support embryo development in vivo. Using this method, we isolated 82, 88, 99, and 109 clones from four mouse libraries prepared from 0 (day 0), 24 (day 1), 48 (day 2), and 72 h (day 3) post-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treated mice. Reverse dot-blot analysis confirmed that 25 (day 0), 24 (day 1), 40 (day 2), and 29 (day 3) clones were highly expressed in mouse oviduct when compared to other tissues. DNA sequence analysis identified genes encoding mouse oviduct-specific glycoprotein (MOGP), actin-binding protein 280, and several viral genes. Northern analysis confirmed that the genes were mainly expressed in oviduct, with some viral genes also expressed in uterus. About 9% of these oviduct expressing clones (11/118) were novel. We further demonstrated that one of the novel clones ODEG0-17 was expressed in the oviduct during early embryo preimplantation period and rarely in other tissues by RT-PCR. Our results show that SSH is a powerful method applicable to identifying tissue-specific transcripts on fertilization and development.

p75 is important for axon growth and schwann cell migration during development

Mice lacking the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75 have multiple peripheral neural deficits. Here we examined the developmental nature of these deficiencies. Peripheral axons in p75 -/- embryos were severely stunted and poorly arborized from embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) to E14.5. In vitro, neurite outgrowth from the dorsal root ganglia was significantly decreased in the p75 -/- embryos at E12.5, suggesting that stunted axonal growth in the embryo may result in part from defects in neurite elongation. Additionally, Schwann cell marker S100beta immunoreactivity was decreased or absent along the growing axons of the ophthalmic branch from the trigeminal ganglia in p75 -/- embryos. Electron microscopy studies of the axons of the trigeminal ganglion at E13.5 revealed that in the p75 mutant embryo, nerve bundles were highly impaired and that coverage of the growing axons by Schwann cell cytoplasm was substantially reduced. In vitro, Schwann cell migration from the dorsal root ganglia was significantly decreased in the p75 -/- embryos at E12.5, suggesting that the lack of S100beta staining and Schwann cell coverage in the p75 mutant results from a deficit in Schwann cell migration. These results provide evidence that p75 is important in the developing embryo for regulating axon growth and arborization and for Schwann cell migration.

CT features of mediastinal lymphangiohemangioma associated with superior vena cava ectasia. A case report

We present a case of mediastinal mesenchymal tumor in a 53-year-old woman with a 1-month history of chest tightness. A histological diagnosis of lymphangiohemangioma was obtained by excisional biopsy. CT findings are reported with emphasis on its association with intratumoral superior vena cava ectasia.

Sonographic and pathologic findings in typical and atypical medullary carcinomas of the breast

PURPOSE

We investigated whether there was a relationship between the sonographic and histologic appearances of medullary carcinomas of the breast to determine whether sonography is helpful in the differentiation of typical and atypical medullary carcinomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the histologic slides and sonograms of 20 patients who had been diagnosed with medullary carcinoma of the breast. We then classified the carcinomas as typical or atypical based on strict histologic criteria. We also evaluated the relationship between sonographic findings and the histologic reclassification.

RESULTS

Eight (40%) of the 20 medullary carcinomas were classified as typical, and 12 (60%) were classified as atypical. On sonography, a smooth outline was visualized in 6 (75%) of the 8 typical medullary carcinomas but in none of the 12 atypical carcinomas. A jagged margin was sonographically visualized in 10 (83%) of the 12 atypical carcinomas, and a focal irregularity in the margin was visualized in 2 (17%) of the 12 atypical carcinomas. Four of the typical medullary carcinomas had posterior enhancement, and 9 of the atypical medullary carcinomas showed retrotumoral shadowing. The difference in tumor-margin regularity between typical and atypical medullary carcinomas was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001) using the 2-tailed Fisher's exact test.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent overdiagnosis of medullary carcinoma, a thorough pathologic review of the entire tumor is recommended if sonography shows a jagged margin or a margin with focal irregularity.

Modulation of urocortin-induced hypophagia and weight loss by corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 deficiency in mice

Intracerebroventricular injection of CRF or urocortin (Ucn) reduces appetite and body weight. CRFR1 and CRFR2, the receptors for CRF and Ucn, are expressed in neurons associated with appetite-control and metabolism, but their relative contributions in mediating CRF- or Ucn-induced hypophagia and weight loss are not known. We used homozygous mice lacking CRFR1 (CRFR1-/-) and wild-type littermates to determine the role of CRFR1 in mediating the changes in food intake and body weight following intracerebroventricular administration of Ucn. CRFR1-/- mice, which are glucocorticoid deficient, were given corticosterone in their drinking water to induce diurnal variations in circulating corticosterone. A 7-day intracerebroventricular infusion of Ucn transiently suppressed ad libitum food intake equally in CRFR1-/- and wild-type mice. Body weight reduction during Ucn infusion paralleled food intake in wild-type mice, but persisted throughout the infusion in CRFR1-/- mice. After food-deprivation, acute intracerebroventricular injection of Ucn suppressed food intake for 1.5 h in wild-type mice. By contrast, CRFR1-/- mice did not respond to Ucn 1.5 h after injection. At later time points, Ucn suppressed food intake equally in both genotypes. The distinct time courses of CRF-receptor-induced hypophagia suggest that separate pathways act cooperatively to adjust food intake during challenges to homeostasis.

Induction of postnatal schwann cell death by the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor in vitro and after axotomy

Schwann cells express the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75), but no role for either the neurotrophins or their cognate receptors in Schwann cell development has been established. We have found that Schwann cells isolated from postnatal day 1 (P1) or P2 mice that were p75-deficient exhibited potentiated survival compared to wild-type cells after growth factor and serum withdrawal. There was, however, no disparity in the survival of p75-deficient and wild-type Schwann cells isolated at embryonic day 15, suggesting that the death-inducing effects of p75 are developmentally regulated. A comparable degree of cell death was also observed in the sciatic nerves of both wild-type and p75-deficient mice at P1. However, 24 hr after axotomy, there was a 13-fold increase in the percentage of apoptotic nuclei in the distal nerve stumps of the transected sciatic nerves of neonatal wild-type but not p75-deficient mice. The expression of both the p75 and nerve growth factor (NGF) genes was upregulated after axotomy in neonatal wild-type nerves. Collectively, these results suggest that NGF-mediated activation of p75 is likely to be an important mediator of Schwann cell apoptosis in the context of peripheral nerve injury.

Sonographically guided core-needle biopsy in the diagnosis of superficial lymphadenopathy

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy for establishing histopathologic diagnoses of palpable enlarged lymph nodes.

METHODS

Thirty patients without a history of malignancy or recent infection underwent ultrasound-guided core-needle lymph node biopsies. Only patients with enlarged lymph nodes ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 cm in greatest diameter that had been present for more than 2 months were included in this study. Two cores from each lymph node were obtained by a freehand core-needle biopsy technique using a 7-MHz ultrasound transducer and an automatic spring-loaded biopsy gun with an 18-gauge cutting needle.

RESULTS

The histologic diagnoses were conclusive in 24 cases (80%) and inconclusive in 6 cases (20%). In the 24 conclusive cases, the lymph node enlargement was due to benign causes in 12 cases and malignancy in 12 cases. All specimens in the conclusive cases were sufficient for histologic diagnosis, but there was insufficient material for a diagnosis in 3 of the inconclusive cases. No complications were seen in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes is a safe, minimally invasive alternative to surgical biopsy, enabling a histologic diagnosis for treatment planning in most cases.

Schistosomiasis of the ovary with endometriosis and corpus hemorrhagicum: a case report

We present a case of Schistosomiasis of the ovary associated with endometriosis and corpus hemorrhagicum. This association has not been reported previously. A 31-year-old Filipino woman visited Li Shin Hospital because of several weeks' history of lower abdominal pain. An ultrasound study revealed a right ovarian mass, and a right oophorectomy was performed. The gross findings included a corpus hemorrhagicum and endometriosis. The histopathologic findings revealed Schistosoma japonicum eggs in the fibrous wall of the ovary with evidence of a chronic inflammatory response containing eosinophils. After a second surgery and medical treatment with antiparasitic drugs, her symptoms were relieved. Adhesions resulting from the oophorectomy and endometriosis of the ovary had resulted in alteration of the blood channels and contributed to the aberrant spread of the Schistosoma eggs. The migration of overseas workers from endemic countries and the growing popularity of worldwide tourism may increase the incidence of parasitic infections.

Dissociation of locomotor activation and suppression of food intake induced by CRF in CRFR1-deficient mice

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems are involved in locomotor and feeding behaviors. Two distinct CRF receptor subtypes, CRFR1 and CRFR2, are thought to mediate CRF actions in the central nervous system. However, the role for each receptor in locomotor activity and feeding remains to be determined. Using CRFR1 null mutant mice, the present study examined the functional significance of this receptor in ambulation and feeding. CRF treatment of wild-type mice resulted in increased levels of locomotion whereas no change was observed in CRFR1-deficient mice as compared to vehicle-treated mutant mice. In contrast, CRF decreased food-water intake in both wild type and CRFR1-deficient mice equally. These results support an important role for CRFR1 in mediating CRF-induced locomotor activation, whereas other receptor subtypes, likely CRFR2, may mediate the appetite-suppressing effects of CRF-like peptides.

Mice deficient for corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-2 display anxiety-like behaviour and are hypersensitive to stress

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) is a critical coordinator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to stress, Crh released from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus activates Crh receptors on anterior pituitary corticotropes, resulting in release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (Acth) into the bloodstream. Acth in turn activates Acth receptors in the adrenal cortex to increase synthesis and release of glucocorticoids. The receptors for Crh, Crhr1 and Crhr2, are found throughout the central nervous system and periphery. Crh has a higher affinity for Crhr1 than for Crhr2, and urocortin (Ucn), a Crh-related peptide, is thought to be the endogenous ligand for Crhr2 because it binds with almost 40-fold higher affinity than does Crh. Crhr1 and Crhr2 share approximately 71% amino acid sequence similarity and are distinct in their localization within the brain and peripheral tissues. We generated mice deficient for Crhr2 to determine the physiological role of this receptor. Crhr2-mutant mice are hypersensitive to stress and display increased anxiety-like behaviour. Mutant mice have normal basal feeding and weight gain, but decreased food intake following food deprivation. Intravenous Ucn produces no effect on mean arterial pressure in the mutant mice.

Aberrant development of motor axons and neuromuscular synapses in erbB2-deficient mice

Receptor tyrosine kinase erbB2, which is activated by neuregulin, is expressed in Schwann and muscle cells in the developing neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In vitro studies have shown that neuregulin promotes the survival and migration of Schwann cells and stimulates acetylcholine receptor gene transcription in cultured muscle cells. These findings suggest an important role for erbB2 in the development of the NMJ. Here we examine erbB2-deficient mice to determine whether erbB2 is required for NMJ development in vivo. Our analysis shows that there are pre- and postsynaptic defects of developing NMJ in erbB2-deficient embryos. The presynaptic defects include defasciculation and degeneration of the motor nerves, and an absence of Schwann cells. The postsynaptic defect features an impairment of junctional folds at the neuromuscular synapse in the mutants. These results demonstrate that erbB2 is essential for in vivo development of the NMJ.

Kit/stem cell factor receptor-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase is essential for male fertility

The c-kit-encoded transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor for stem cell factor (Kit/SCF-R) is required for normal haematopoiesis, melanogenesis and gametogenesis. However, the roles of individual Kit/SCF-R-induced signalling pathways in the control of developmental processes in the intact animal are completely unknown. To examine the function of SCF-induced phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3'-kinase activation in vivo, we employed the Cre-loxP system to mutate the codon for Tyr719, the PI 3'-kinase binding site in Kit/SCF-R, to Phe in the genome of mice by homologous recombination. Homozygous (Y719F/Y719F) mutant mice are viable. The mutation completely disrupted PI 3'-kinase binding to Kit/SCF-R and reduced SCF-induced PI 3'-kinase-dependent activation of Akt by 90%. The mutation induced a gender- and tissue-specific defect. Although there are no haematopoietic or pigmentation defects in homozygous mutant mice, males are sterile due to a block in spermatogenesis, with initially decreased proliferation and subsequent extensive apoptosis occurring at the spermatogonial stem-cell level. In contrast, female homozygotes are fully fertile. This is the first report so far demonstrating the role of an individual signalling pathway downstream of Kit/SCF-R in the intact animal. It provides the first in vivo model for male sterility caused by a discrete signalling pathway defect affecting early germ cells.

Generation and characterization of hammerhead ribozymes targeting rodent metallothionein-I and -II ribonucleic acid

Two trans-acting hammerhead ribozymes (Rzs), Rz1-2 and Rz4-9, were designed and shown to be effective in cleaving rat or mouse metallothenein (MT)-I and MT-II mRNA, respectively, at position +147/148, in a sequence-specific manner. The catalytic efficiency for Rz1-2 on rat MT-I was found to be 678 M(-1)s(-1) and that for Rz4-9 on rat MT-II cRNA was found to be 372 M(-1)s(-1). An expression vector, pRz(4-9/1-2), containing both Rzs linked in tandem, was constructed and used to transfect NbE-1 cells, an immortalized ventral prostate epithelial cell line. Two stable-transfected lines, NbE-1(Rz2) and NbE-1(Rz3), expressing substantial levels of (Rz1-2/Rz4-9) and minimal levels of MT-I and MT-II transcripts were found to exhibit increased sensitivity to cadmium (Cd)-induced cytotoxicity compared to the parent line. This article is the first to report successful degradation of rodent MT mRNA in vitro and in cellulo by hammerhead Rzs.

Angiolipoma of the breast with microcalcification. Mammographic, sonographic, and histologic appearances

Angiolipoma of the breast is a rare benign fatty tumor that can be mammographically confused with breast carcinoma. We herein report such a case presenting as a partial obscured mass with microcalcification on mammogram. Sonogram revealed an encapsulated hyperechoic nodule with homogeneous internal echo. Microscopic evaluation revealed abundant adipose tissues with evidence of proliferating vessels and intravascular hyaline thrombi. To our knowledge, angiolipomas of the breast containing microcalcification secondary to intravascular thrombi had not been previously reported.

Heterodyne measurement of Wigner distributions for classical optical fields

We demonstrate a two-window heterodyne method for measuring the x-p cross correlation, ??(*)(x)? (p)?, of an optical field ? for transverse position x and transverse momentum p. This scheme permits independent control of the x and p resolution. A simple linear transform of the x-p correlation function yields the Wigner phase-space distribution. This technique is useful for both coherent and low-coherence light sources and may permit new biological imaging techniques based on transverse coherence measurement with time gating. We point out an interesting analogy between x-p correlation measurements for classical-wave and quantum fields.

Phase II trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage small cell cervical cancer

Clinical complete response (CR) to chemotherapy is not uncommon in small cell carcinoma. To understand its pathologic response, we conducted a phase II trial with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by hysterectomy in patients with small cell cervical cancer and reviewed all reported cases receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by hysterectomy through a MEDLINE search. From December 1993 to December 1997, the enrolled patients were treated with two to three courses of vincristine, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide alternating with cisplatin and etoposide (VAC/PE) before hysterectomy. Another three courses of chemotherapy were added after surgery. A total of seven patients was enrolled. Clinical CR was observed in six patients, but microscopic residual tumor was present in all. Lymphatic permeation, scattered residual tumor clusters and residual superficial invasive adenocarcinoma over the cervix presented in five cases, and another had a metastatic pelvic node with no residual cervical tumor. Three of these seven patients have been alive with no evidence of disease for 16.2, 45.2 and 56.6 months, respectively. The other four died from disease 10.3-23.6 months after diagnosis. These findings indicate the discrepancy between clinical and pathologic responses in small cell cervical cancer after chemotherapy and emphasize the necessity of local treatment.

Reduced anxiety-like and cognitive performance in mice lacking the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been hypothesized to be involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety, depression, cognitive and feeding disorders. Two distinct CRF receptor subtypes, CRFR1 and CRFR2, are thought to mediate CRF actions in the CNS. However, the role for each receptor subtype in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders remains to be determined. Using CRFR1 deficient mice, the present study investigated the functional significance of this CRF receptor subtype in anxiety-like and memory processes. CRFR1 knockout mice displayed an increased exploratory behavior in both the Elevated Plus-maze (EPM) and the Black and White (B-W) test box models of anxiety, indicating an anxiolytic-like effect of the CRFR1 gene deletion. In contrast, during the retrieval trial of a two-trial spatial memory task wild type mice made more visits to and spent more time in the novel arm as opposed to the two familiar ones of a Y-maze apparatus. No increase in the level of exploration of the novel arm by the CRFR1 deficient mice was observed. This indicates that CRFR1 knockout mice are impaired in spatial recognition memory. These results demonstrate that genetic deletion of the CRFR1 receptor can lead to impairments in anxiety-like and cognitive behaviors, supporting a critical role for this receptor in anxiety and cognitive biological processes.

Successful surgical treatment of solitary adrenal metastases from non-small cell lung cancer: case report

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of maligancies and has been one of the leading causes death due to cancer for a long time. Although surgery is the treatment of choice for patients with non-N2 localized disease, most of the lung cancer patients are found to have metastatic lesions at the same time as initial diagnosis. The median survival of patients with metastatic lung cancer is less than one year even when systemic chemotherapy is given. We present a patient with non-small cell lung cancer with no initial evidence of metastasis. He underwent curative resection of the primary tumor followed by local radiotherapy. Adrenal gland metastasis was found fours years after the first surgery. After surgical resection of this metastatic lesion, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, this patient's survival was prolonged with no evidence of disease recurrence until now. The prolonged survival of this patient may be due to a slow rate of progression of the primary tumor.

Rescue of the cardiac defect in ErbB2 mutant mice reveals essential roles of ErbB2 in peripheral nervous system development

ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase plays a role in neuregulin signaling and is expressed in the developing nervous system. We genetically rescued the cardiac defect of erbB2 null mutant embryos, which otherwise died at E11. These rescued erbB2 mutant mice die at birth and display a severe loss of both motor and sensory neurons. Motor and sensory axons are severely defasciculated and aberrantly projected within their final target tissues. Schwann cells are completely absent in the peripheral nerves. Schwann cell precursors are present within the DRG and proliferate normally, but their ability to migrate is decreased. Acetylcholine receptors cluster within the central band of the mutant diaphragm muscle. However, these clusters are dispersed and morphologically different from those in control muscle. Our results reveal an important role for erbB2 during normal peripheral nervous system development.

IKK1-deficient mice exhibit abnormal development of skin and skeleton

IkappaB kinases (IKKs) IKK1 and IKK2 are two putative IkappaBalpha kinases involved in NF-kappaB activation. To examine the in vivo functions of IKK1, we generated IKK1-deficient mice. The mutant mice are perinatally lethal and exhibit a wide range of developmental defects. Newborn mutant mice have shiny, taut, and sticky skin without whiskers. Histological analysis shows thicker epidermis, which is unable to differentiate. Limbs and tail are wrapped inside the skin and do not extend properly out of the body trunk. Skeleton staining reveals a cleft secondary palate, split sternebra 6, and deformed incisors. NF-kappaB activation mediated by TNFalpha and IL-1 is diminished in IKK1-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. The IKK complex in the absence of IKK1 is capable of phosphorylating IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta in vitro. Our results support a role for IKK1 in NF-kappaB activation and uncover its involvement in skin and skeleton development. We conclude further that the two related kinases IKK1 and IKK2 have distinct functions and can not be substituted for each other's functions.

Tumor vascular pattern and blood flow impedance in the differential diagnosis of leiomyoma and adenomyosis by color Doppler sonography

PURPOSE

Our objective was to evaluate the differences between leiomyoma and adenomyosis by color Doppler sonography with new criteria.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients with symptomatic uterine nodularities who were sonographically suspected to have leiomyoma or adenomyosis without other coexisting pathologic conditions was enrolled in the study. All patients underwent transvaginal color Doppler sonography (7.0-MHz vaginal probe) or transabdominal color Doppler sonography (5.0 MHz) during the early follicular phase. The morphology, tumor vascular pattern, and blood flow impedance of the uterine tumors were measured. All of the patients underwent surgery and the pathologic reports were used as references.

RESULTS

The mean age was not statistically significant in patients with adenomyosis versus leiomyoma (P > 0.05). The morphologic criteria for adenomyosis and leiomyoma by sonography detected 79% of adenomyosis and 84% of leiomyoma. Adenomyosis had 87% randomly scattered vessels or intratumoral signals and 88% of leiomyomas showed peripheral scattered vessels or outer feeding vessels. Eighty-two percent of adenomyosis had a pulsitility index (PI) of arteries within or around uterine tumors > 1.17 and 84% of leiomyomas had a PI < or = 1.17. The reliability test of tumor vascular pattern and blood flow impedance were better than that of using morphological criteria alone.

CONCLUSIONS

With the aid of color Doppler sonography, tumor vascular pattern and blood flow impedance of the arteries within or around uterine tumors could more accurately diagnose adenomyosis and leiomyoma in addition to the morphologic criteria on transvaginal sonography.

Severe liver degeneration in mice lacking the IkappaB kinase 2 gene

Phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B (IkappaB) proteins is an important step in the activation of the transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and requires two IkappaB kinases, IKK1 (IKKalpha) and IKK2 (IKKbeta). Mice that are devoid of the IKK2 gene had extensive liver damage from apoptosis and died as embryos, but these mice could be rescued by the inactivation of the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor receptor 1. Mouse embryonic fibroblast cells that were isolated from IKK2-/- embryos showed a marked reduction in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)- and interleukin-1alpha-induced NF-kappaB activity and an enhanced apoptosis in response to TNF-alpha. IKK1 associated with NF-kappaB essential modulator (IKKgamma/IKKAP1), another component of the IKK complex. These results show that IKK2 is essential for mouse development and cannot be substituted with IKK1.