Impact of environmental change and schistosomiasis transmission in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River following the Three Gorges construction project

With the construction of the Three Gorges high dam on the Yangtze River in China in mind, a serious of ecological environmental factors that might affect the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in Jian Han Plain were investigated by means of data collection, field surveys and observation in Hubei Province. Several ecological factors including water level of the Yangtze River; riparian water table, annual rainfall and yearly evaporation were investigated in relation to the prevalence of schistosomiasis. The results suggest that after the dam construction, middle water level flows (ie between flood flows and dry-weather flows) will persist in the flood season due to a rise in the water table. The investigation indicated that snail distribution and human schistosomiasis prevalence differed significantly between years which had typically high, middle and low typical water levels in the Yangzte. Moreover, the prevalence of the disease showed a significant linear regression relationship with density of snail intermediate hosts, water table, annual rainfall, yearly evaporation and ground altitude in the survey area. Systematic and careful monitoring and surveillance is necessary to investigate the impact of the environmental changes brought about by the dam construction on schistosomiasis transmission.

Simplified Description of Adsorption Breakthrough Curves of 1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) on Activated Carbon with Temperature Effect

Recovery of HCFC-141b, used as a major alternative solvent and foam-blowing agent for CFCs in industrial applications, has received great attention due to its gradual phase out. This paper describes an investigation of the adsorption breakthrough of HCFC-141b vapor on a commercial activated carbon. A simple theoretical model developed by Yoon and Nelson was applied to investigate the breakthrough behavior of HCFC-141b on an activated carbon column. The values of parameters k' (a rate constant) and tau (the time required for 50% adsorbate breakthrough) in the Yoon and Nelson model were determined at four different concentration levels (i.e., 399, 734, 1139, and 1954 ppmv) and five temperature ranges (i.e., 283, 293, 298, 303, and 313 K), respectively. These values were used to calculate the entire (0-100%) breakthrough curve (plot of percentage breakthrough versus time) regarding the adsorption of HCFC-141b on activated carbon columns. It was found that the calculated theoretical breakthrough curves are in high agreement with the corresponding experimental data. Also, the rate constant k' can be reasonably represented by the empirical Arrhenius equation. The results obtained are applicable for the scale-up design of adsorption columns in the HCFC adsorption on activated carbon adsorbent. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

[On the mechanisms of cardiac hypertrophy]

Here we reviewed the progress of researches on the mechanism of cardiac hypertrophy and discussed its putative mechanisms. With regard to the heredity and variability of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and mitochondrial cardiomyopathy and other changes, we emphasize that the imbalance between the energy supply and demand of the overloaded pressure determines the occurrence of cardiac hypertrophy. Also we refer to the involving roles of the mechanical stress and some paracrine/autocrine factors in cardiac hypertrophy. Finally we hypothesize that there exists an unknown small molecule being involved in regulating the gene expression and phenotype in cardiac hypertrophy.

Uridine diphosphate-glucose transport into the endoplasmic reticulum of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: in vivo and in vitro evidence

It has been proposed that synthesis of beta-1,6-glucan, one of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall components, is initiated by a uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose-dependent reaction in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Because this sugar nucleotide is not synthesized in the lumen of the ER, we have examined whether or not UDP-glucose can be transported across the ER membrane. We have detected transport of this sugar nucleotide into the ER in vivo and into ER-containing microsomes in vitro. Experiments with ER-containing microsomes showed that transport of UDP-glucose was temperature dependent and saturable with an apparent Km of 46 microM and a Vmax of 200 pmol/mg protein/3 min. Transport was substrate specific because UDP-N-acetylglucosamine did not enter these vesicles. Demonstration of UDP-glucose transport into the ER lumen in vivo was accomplished by functional expression of Schizosaccharomyces pombe UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (GT) in S. cerevisiae, which is devoid of this activity. Monoglucosylated protein-linked oligosaccharides were detected in alg6 or alg5 mutant cells, which transfer Man9GlcNAc2 to protein; glucosylation was dependent on the inhibition of glucosidase II or the disruption of the gene encoding this enzyme. Although S. cerevisiae lacks GT, it contains Kre5p, a protein with significant homology and the same size and subcellular location as GT. Deletion mutants, kre5Delta, lack cell wall beta-1,6 glucan and grow very slowly. Expression of S. pombe GT in kre5Delta mutants did not complement the slow-growth phenotype, indicating that both proteins have different functions in spite of their similarities.

cDNA cloning, expression, and mutagenesis study of liver-type prostaglandin F synthase

Prostaglandin (PG) F synthase catalyzes the reduction of PGD2 to 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 and that of PGH2 to PGF2alpha on the same molecule. PGF synthase has at least two isoforms, the lung-type enzyme (Km value of 120 microM for PGD2 (Watanabe, K., Yoshida, R., Shimizu, T., and Hayaishi, O. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 7035-7041) and the liver-type one (Km value of 10 microM for PGD2 (Chen, L. -Y., Watanabe, K., and Hayaishi, O. (1992) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 296, 17-26)). The liver-type enzyme was presently found to consist of a 969-base pair open reading frame coding for a 323-amino acid polypeptide with a Mr of 36,742. Sequence analysis indicated that the bovine liver PGF synthase had 87, 79, 77, and 76% identity with the bovine lung PGF synthase and human liver dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DD) isozymes DD1, DD2, and DD4, respectively. Moreover, the amino acid sequence of the liver-type PGF synthase was identical with that of bovine liver DD3. The liver-type PGF synthase was expressed in COS-7 cells, and its recombinant enzyme had almost the same properties as the native enzyme. Furthermore, to investigate the nature of catalysis and/or substrate binding of PGF synthase, we constructed and characterized various mutant enzymes as follows: R27E, R91Q, H170C, R223L, K225S, S301R, and N306Y. Although the reductase activities toward PGH2 and phenanthrenequinone (PQ) of almost all mutants were not inactivated, the Km values of R27E, R91Q, H170C, R223L, and N306Y for PGD2 were increased from 15 to 110, 145, 75, 180, and 100 microM, respectively, indicating that Arg27, Arg91, His170, Arg223, and Asn306 are essential to give a low Km value for PGD2 of the liver-type PGF synthase and that these amino acid residues serve in the binding of PGD2. Moreover, the R223L mutant among these seven mutants especially has a profound effect on kcat for PGD2 reduction. The Km values of R223L, K225S, and S301R for PQ were about 2-10-fold lower than the wild-type value, indicating that the amino acid residues at 223, 225 and 301 serve in the binding of PQ to the enzyme. On the other hand, the Km value of H170C for PGH2 was 8-fold lower than that of the wild type, indicating that the amino acid residue at 170 is related to the binding of PGH2 to the enzyme and that Cys170 confer high affinity for PGH2. Additionally, the 5-fold increase in kcat/Km value of the N306Y mutant for PGH2 compared with the wild-type value suggests that the amino acid at 306 plays an important role in catalytic efficiency for PGH2.

Developmental profile of a caltrin-like protease inhibitor, P12, in mouse seminal vesicle and characterization of its binding sites on sperm surface

We examined the developmental profile of a kazal-type trypsin inhibitor (P12) of Mr 6126 in mouse seminal vesicle, characterized its binding sites on the surface of sperm, and assessed its effect on Ca2+ uptake by spermatozoa. Among the genital tracts of adult mice, P12 was found only in the male accessory glands including seminal vesicle, coagulating gland, and prostate. It was immunolocalized on the luminal epithelium of the primary and secondary folds in both the seminal vesicle and coagulating gland, and on the folds projecting into the lumen of the glandular alveolus in the prostate. The protein and its RNA message in seminal vesicle did not appear in the prepubertal period, but expression coincided with maturation. Castration of adult mice resulted in cessation of P12 expression. Treatment of the castrated mice with testosterone propionate in corn oil restored the protein expression in the seminal vesicle. Spermatozoa collected from caudal epididymis were devoid of P12. Cytochemical study illustrated a P12-binding region on the anterior acrosomes of cells preincubated with P12. Analysis of equilibrium data from the binding assay using 125I-P12 with a Scatchard plot showed a single type of P12-binding sites on sperm, with an apparent dissociation constant of 70.15 +/- 5.25 nM and the capacity of 1.49 +/- 0.06 x 10(6) binding sites/cell. The protein could serve as a calcium transport inhibitor to suppress a great extent of Ca2+ uptake by spermatozoa. The immunohistochemical staining patterns of testis revealed that the P12-binding sites appeared on postmeiotic cells such as spermatids and spermatozoa, but were absent in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes in seminiferous tubules.

The role of glucosidase I (Cwh41p) in the biosynthesis of cell wall beta-1,6-glucan is indirect

CWH41, a gene involved in the assembly of cell wall beta-1,6-glucan, has recently been shown to be the structural gene for Saccharomyces cerevisiae glucosidase I that is responsible for initiating the trimming of terminal alpha-1,2-glucose residue in the N-glycan processing pathway. To distinguish between a direct or indirect role of Cwh41p in the biosynthesis of beta-1,6-glucan, we constructed a double mutant, alg5Delta (lacking dolichol-P-glucose synthase) cwh41Delta, and found that it has the same phenotype as the alg5Delta single mutant. It contains wild-type levels of cell wall beta-1,6-glucan, shows moderate underglycosylation of N-linked glycoproteins, and grows at concentrations of Calcofluor White (which interferes with cell wall assembly) that are lethal to cwh41Delta single mutant. The strong genetic interactions of CWH41 with KRE6 and KRE1, two other genes involved in the beta-1,6-glucan biosynthetic pathway, disappear in the absence of dolichol-P-glucose synthase (alg5Delta). The triple mutant alg5Deltacwh41Deltakre6Delta is viable, whereas the double mutant cwh41Deltakre6Delta in the same genetic background is not. The severe slow growth phenotype and 75% reduction in cell wall beta-1,6-glucan, characteristic of the cwh41Deltakre1Delta double mutant, are not observed in the triple mutant alg5Deltacwh41Deltakre1Delta. Kre6p, a putative Golgi glucan synthase, is unstable in cwh41Delta strains, and its overexpression renders these cells Calcofluor White resistant. These results demonstrate that the role of glucosidase I (Cwh41p) in the biosynthesis of cell wall beta-1,6-glucan is indirect and that dolichol-P-glucose is not an intermediate in this pathway.

Lead-induced changes in spermatozoa function and metabolism

The relationships between sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the capacitation process and acrosome reaction, and the spermoocyte penetration rate (SOPR) were investigated to understand the effect of lead toxicity on sperm functions and the mechanisms of these effects. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received weekly intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg or 50 mg lead acetate/kg or 20 mg or 50 mg sodium acetate/kg (control) for 6 wk. Serum testosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. In cauda epididymal spermatozoa, the chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the sperm ROS generation. Chlortetracycline fluorescence assay was used to study the status of capacitation and acrosome reaction on fresh cauda epididymal spermatozoa and after 2, 4, or 24 h of incubation with 5 mg/ml bovine serum albumin. In lead-exposed rats, the serum testosterone levels were reduced, and the percentage of capacitation and the chemiluminescence were significantly increased in fresh cauda epididymal spermatozoa. The serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Sperm chemiluminescence was positively correlated with the percentage of both capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. The SOPR was negatively associated with the percentage of both capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. In summary, this study showed that male rats exposed to lead had decreased serum testosterone levels and that this metal produced early onset of capacitation by one of the pathways of ROS generation. These effects might consequently result in premature acrosome reaction and reduced zona-intact oocyte-penetrating capability.

Purification, characterization and complete amino acid sequence of nuclease C1 from Cunninghamella echinulata var. echinulata

It is known, from the zymogram method of nuclease activity assay, that the crude extracts of Cunninghamella echinulata var. echinulata contained at least three distinct extracellular nucleases. Among them, the major form was 30 kDa in molecular mass and termed nuclease C1. In this report, nuclease C1 was purified to apparent homogeneity by chromatography on Cibacron blue-3GA, phenyl-Sepharose 4B and HiTrap Heparin. Nuclease C1 acquired enzymatic activity in the presence of Mn2+ or Mg2+ and was inhibited by EDTA. The activity was maximal at pH 7-8.5. The primary structure of nuclease C1 was completely determined using enzymatic digestion and gene cloning. The N-terminal 49 residues of nuclease C1 were first elucidated from a tryptic digest. Two degenerate upstream primers were subsequently designed to amplify the cDNA encoding nuclease C1. The resulting protein sequence of nuclease C1 was shown to be composed of 252 residues. It was intriguing to find that the protein sequence of nuclease C1 showed significant similarities with the sequences of the mitochondrial nucleases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (44% identity) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (42% identity). Residue His87 of nuclease C1 was postulated to be located at the active site from sequence similarity with secreted nuclease from Serratia marcescens.

Effects of vitamin E and/or C on reactive oxygen species-related lead toxicity in the rat sperm

This study was undertaken to investigate whether treatment with vitamin E (VE) and/or vitamin C (VC) protects rat sperm by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation induced by lead (Pb) exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following five groups: vitamin-unsupplemented; 150 mg VE/kg chow supplemented; 300 mg VE/kg chow supplemented; 500 mg VC/l drinking water supplemented and 150 mg VE/kg chow + 500 mg VC/l drinking water supplemented group. Rats in each group were divided into Pb-unexposed and Pb-exposed subgroups, received weekly intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg sodium acetate or 10 mg Pb acetate/kg for 6 weeks, respectively. The blood and sperm Pb levels were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the generation of sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS). Motility and sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR) were measured. In Pb-unexposed rats, epididymal sperm counts, motility, ROS, and SOPR were not different in the five supplemented groups. Lead exposure might decrease the defense capacity of sperm to the oxidative stress and therefore elevate the ROS generation, reduce sperm motility, and reduce SOPR. Supplementation with VE and/or VC reduced ROS generation, prevented loss of motility and capacity of oocyte penetration in Pb-exposed rats. This study suggests that supplementation with VE and/or VC inhibits Pb-related ROS generation, protects spermatozoa from loss of motility and oocyte penetration capability.

Evidence for the presence of L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in human red blood cells: relevance in the effects of red blood cells on platelet function

There is a renewed interest in the role of red blood cells (RBCs) in the regulation of vascular tone and platelet homeostasis. To examine whether human RBCs synthesize NO from L-arginine, which may mediate the antiplatelet effects of these cells, purified RBCs (10(7)-10(8)/ml) were incubated with [3H]L-arginine, and its conversion into [3H]L-citrulline determined. RBCs consistently converted [3H]L-arginine to [3H]L-citrulline in a Ca2+-dependent fashion, and this conversion was inhibited by two different specific NO synthase inhibitors. Suspension of RBCs (10(7)-10(8)/ml) reduced platelet aggregation, and the RBC-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation was blocked by pretreatment of RBCs with NO synthase inhibitor and potentiated by pretreatment with superoxide dismutase. Release of serotonin by aggregating platelets also was inhibited in the presence of RBCs. Western analysis with a specific mouse monoclonal antibody provided direct evidence for the presence of human endothelium-type constitutive NO synthase with a molecular mass approximately 140 kDa in the RBC cytosol. These observations suggest that RBCs possess endothelium-type NO synthase and may regulate platelet function at least in part by in situ release of NO.

[Pupillary responses evoked by spatial patterns]

Human pupillary responses evoked by visual spatial patterns were investigated. Experimental data revealed that: (1) pupillary constriction can be induced not only by increment of luminance but also by change of gratings or checkerboards without change of space-averaged luminance; (2) constriction amplitude increases with increasing difference of spatial frequency; (3) pupillary response can be evoked by changing from uniform brightness to checkerboard patterns or from checkerboard to darkness, without any increment of the local luminance. These results indicate that the human pupillary response system is not merely controlled by luminous flux but also receives and processes visual pattern information.

Involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in the rapid induction of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein in 9L rat brain tumor cells

We have previously shown that treatment with okadaic acid (OA) followed by heat shock (HS) (termed OA --> HS treatment) leads to rapid transactivation of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein gene (grp78) in 9L rat brain tumor cells. A cAMP-responsive element-like (CRE-like, TGACGTGA) promoter sequence and a protein kinase A signaling pathway are involved in this induction, and activation of both CRE binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) is required in the above process. Herein, we report that transactivation of grp78, as well as phosphorylation/activation of ATF-2, can be completely annihilated by SB203580, a highly specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38(MAPK)). Activation of p38(MAPK) by OA --> HS is also substantiated by its own phosphorylation as well as the phosphorylation and activation of MAPK activating protein kinase-2 in cells subjected to this treatment. The involvement of p38(MAPK) in the activation of ATF-2, which leads to the transactivation of rat grp78, is confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay using a probe containing the CRE-like sequence as well as by transient transfection assays with a plasmid containing a 710-base pair stretch of the grp78 promoter. Together with our previous studies, these results led us to conclude that phosphorylation/activation of CREB upon OA --> HS treatment is mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, whereas that of ATF-2 is mediated by p38(MAPK). The transcription factors may bind to each other to form heterodimers that in turn transactivate grp78 by binding to the CRE-like element. This suggests that distinct signaling pathways converge on CREB-ATF-2, where each subunit is individually activated by a specific class of protein kinases. This may allow modulation of grp78 transactivation by diverse external stimuli.

Application of asymmetric TPX membranes to transdermal delivery of nitroglycerin

In this study, asymmetric poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (TPX) membranes, fabricated by the dry/wet inversion method, were applied to transdermal delivery of nitroglycerin (NTG), a drug for treating angina pectoris. The flux of NTG through the TPX membrane was measured in vitro by a Franz cell. The results indicate that the NTG flux through asymmetric TPX membranes is strongly dependent on the membrane structure, which can be varied by adding nonsolvents in the casting solution. By adding different kinds of nonsolvents and adjusting the added amounts, membranes with different NTG release rates can be fabricated. It was also found that, with suitable drug formula, the NTG dissolution rate of a prototype TPX patch is comparable to that of a commercial patch, Transderm-Nitro. In addition, the data of NTG flux through a composite of TPX membrane and pig skin are also presented.

Cleidocranial dysplasia: a rare case associated with congenital hypothyroidism and severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Cleidocranial dysplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting skeletal ossification and tooth development. This disorder can be rarely associated with blood, intestinal and vascular anomalies. There has been no case reported in previous literature that discusses this disorder in association with congenital hypothyroidism and severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Herein, we report on a 4-year-old boy who in an outpatient clinic was diagnosed as having cleidocranial dysplasia, with defective ossification over bilateral hypoplastic clavicles, narrowed thoracic cage on chest x-ray and prominent wormian bones over the lambdoid sutures on skull x-ray. Physical examination revealed a 4-fb wide open anterial fontanel, frontal bossing and malalignment of teeth. He was a primpara with birth weight of 2350 gm and gestation age of 33 weeks. He had received blood exchange transfusion on the 4th postnatal day at Ping-Tong Christian Hospital because of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed on the 10th day. He was then treated with thyroxine and transferred to our hospital. Thyroid scan revealed diffusely decreased radioactivity in bilateral lobes of the thyroid gland. According to out clinic findings at his regular follow ups, with continued use of thyroxine supplement, he now has a normal thyroid function and has a body length of about 50 percentile.

A role for Ras signaling in coreceptor regulation during differentiation of a double-positive thymocyte cell line

Evidence suggests that the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is required for positive selection of thymocytes. We have asked whether Ras activation is also sufficient to mediate changes in gene expression that are associated with positive selection. To accomplish this, we expressed a constitutively active form of Ras in the immature CD4+ 8+ DPK thymocyte cell line. DPK cells that express active Ras have reduced levels of CD8alpha and CD8beta at the level of cell surface protein and mRNA. These data provide evidence of a direct link between Ras signaling pathways and coreceptor regulation during positive selection. They also suggest that a sustained or potent Ras signal may play a critical role in directing thymocytes into the CD4 lineage. DPK cells that express active Ras, however, were not fully differentiated, indicating that Ras signaling provides only a partial signal for double-positive thymocyte differentiation.

A role for Ras signaling in coreceptor regulation during differentiation of a double-positive thymocyte cell line

Evidence suggests that the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is required for positive selection of thymocytes. We have asked whether Ras activation is also sufficient to mediate changes in gene expression that are associated with positive selection. To accomplish this, we expressed a constitutively active form of Ras in the immature CD4+ 8+ DPK thymocyte cell line. DPK cells that express active Ras have reduced levels of CD8alpha and CD8beta at the level of cell surface protein and mRNA. These data provide evidence of a direct link between Ras signaling pathways and coreceptor regulation during positive selection. They also suggest that a sustained or potent Ras signal may play a critical role in directing thymocytes into the CD4 lineage. DPK cells that express active Ras, however, were not fully differentiated, indicating that Ras signaling provides only a partial signal for double-positive thymocyte differentiation.

Lead exposure causes generation of reactive oxygen species and functional impairment in rat sperm

The relationships between blood lead, sperm lead, sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and sperm fertile capability were investigated to understand the effects of lead exposure on sperm function and the mechanism of these effects. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 7 weeks old, were randomly divided into control group and lead-treated group. The controls and lead-treated animals received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg sodium acetate and 10 mg lead acetate/kg body weight, respectively, weekly for 6 or 9 weeks. The blood lead and epididymal sperm lead were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the generation of sperm ROS. Sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR) was measured to evaluate sperm function. After 6 weeks of lead exposure, the rats had average blood lead levels of 32 microg/dl, sperm lead levels of 0.67 +/- 0.11 microg/10(9) sperm, unchanged epididymal sperm counts, percent of motile sperms, and motile epididymal sperm counts compared with control animals. However, after 9 weeks of lead exposure, the rats had average blood lead levels of 48.0 +/- 4.3 microg/dl, sperm lead levels of 0.88 +/- 0.16 microg/10(9) sperm, statistically lower epididymal sperm counts, and lower motile epididymal sperm counts. There was a good correlation between the blood lead and sperm lead(r2 = 0.946, P < 0.001). The sperms of lead-exposed rats produced significantly higher counts ofchemiluminescence than did those from the control rats (P < 0.001). The chemiluminescence counts were positively associated with sperm lead level (r2 = 0.613, P < 0.001). Epididymal sperm counts, motility and motile epididymal sperm counts were negatively associated with sperm chemiluminescence (r2 = 0.255, 0.152, and 0.299; P < 0.01, 0.05, and 0.01, respectively). The SOPR were positively associated with epididymal sperm counts, motility and motile epididymal sperm counts (r2 = 0.136, 0.285, and 0.264; P < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001, respectively). The sperm chemiluminescence was negatively associated with SOPR (r2 = 0.519, P < 0.001). It is concluded that lead exposure probably affected the sperm function by activating one of the pathways of ROS generation.

Measurement of the radiation doses absorbed by jaw bones during irradiation of nasopharyngeal cancers

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) occurs more frequently for Chinese than for other ethnic groups. The most common treatment for NPC is radiotherapy, but there is no report of the doses of radiation absorbed by the mandibular and maxillary bones, although exposure to radiation is one of the most important references for those patients who need to have oral surgical treatments.

METHODS

Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) was used to measure radiation absorbed by a rando phantom and cancer patients.

RESULTS

The results showed that the doses absorbed by the mandible and maxilla depend on the dose applied, field size, and field shape. In the rando phantom, the range of absorption in the mandible was, for the central incisor 1.89-3.36 Gy, canine 1.96-3.78 Gy, bicuspid 2.24-14.14 Gy, second molar 4.34-31.92 Gy, internal pterygoid muscle region 70 Gy. In the maxilla the range was, for the central incisor 2.17-2.94 Gy, canine 2.24-3.36 Gy, bicuspid 3.15-4.41 Gy, second molar 7.00-7.42 Gy. In nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, the mean radiation absorbed by the bicuspid vestibular region of the mandible was 3.09 Gy, by the bicuspid vestibule of the maxilla 3.35 Gy and by the midline vestibule 2.31 Gy. The radiation doses absorbed by maxilla and mandible from the incisor to the second premolars were less than 20% of the dose to the primary tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

The doses absorbed by the mandible and maxilla are relatively low in NPC patients receiving radiation therapy.

Induction of the early growth response (Egr) family of transcription factors during thymic selection

There is little known about the regulation of gene expression during TCR-mediated differentiation of immature CD4+8+ (double positive) thymocytes into mature T cells. Using the DPK CD4+8+ thymocyte precursor cell line, we demonstrate that the early growth response-1 gene (Erg-1), encoding a zinc finger transcription factor, is rapidly upregulated after TCR stimulation. We also report that Egr-1 is expressed by a subset of normal double positive thymocytes in the thymic cortex, as well by a majority of medullary single positive thymocytes. Expression of Egr-1 is dramatically reduced in the thymus of major histocompatibility complex knockout mice, but can be induced by anti-CD3 antibody stimulation of isolated thymocytes from these animals. These and other data suggest that high level expression of Egr-1 in the thymus is a consequence of selection. A similar pattern of expression is found for family members Egr-2 and Egr-3. Using the DPK cell line, we also demonstrate that expression of Egr-1, 2, and 3 is dependent upon ras activation, as is the initiation of differentiation to a single positive cell. In contrast, the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A, which inhibits DPK cell differentiation as well as positive selection, inhibits expression of Egr-2 and Egr-3, but not Egr-1. The identification of the Egr family in this context represents the first report of a link between the two known signaling pathways involved in positive selection and downstream transcriptional regulators.

Downregulation of nitric oxide synthase activity in human platelets by nitroglycerin and authentic nitric oxide

BACKGROUND

Besides endothelial cells, platelets possess active nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme, which converts L-arginine to NO and L-citrulline. Nitroglycerin (NTG) inhibits platelet aggregation by increasing intracellular cGMP levels, an effect similar to that of NO. In this study we examined the regulation of platelet NOS activity by NTG and authentic NO.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nitric oxide synthase activity was measured as formation of L-citrulline from L-arginine. As expected, incubation of platelet-rich plasma with NTG resulted in a concentration-dependent (40-400 mumol/L) increase in nitrite levels and an increase in cGMP accumulation. Concurrently, NTG was found to exert an inhibitory effect on platelet NOS activity. Exposure of washed platelets to authentic NO also resulted in approximately 50% decrease in NOS activity. Western analysis showed that NTG and authentic NO had no effect on NOS protein expression in human platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that NO, either authentic or derived from NTG, decreases NOS activity without affecting NOS protein expression in human platelets. The downregulation of NOS activity may have a bearing on the phenomenon of nitrate tolerance.

Reperfusion injury in the endotoxin-treated rat heart: reevaluation of the role of nitric oxide

1. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in ischaemia-reperfusion injury to the heart continues to be debated. 2. The role of NO released during endotoxemia on myocardial reperfusion injury was examined in rats given saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg. kg-1). 3. Aortic rings from LPS-treated rats showed a markedly decreased contractile response to both noradrenaline (NA) and U46619, and a diminished relaxation response to acetylcholine, thrombin and aggregating platelets. Treatment of rat aortic rings from LPS-treated rats with the NO synthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) reversed the diminished contractile response to NE and U46619. 4. Before ischaemia-reperfusion, baseline force of cardiac contraction (FCC) and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) were lower and coronary flow was higher in hearts from LPS-treated rats (all P < 0.05 vs. saline-treated group). Treatment of hearts from LPS-treated rats with L-NOARG increased baseline FCC and CPP. 5. After ischaemia-reperfusion, hearts from saline-treated rats showed a 36 +/- 5% fall in FCC, a 38 +/- 6% rise in CPP and a 38 +/- 5% fall in coronary flow, whereas hearts from LPS-treated rats revealed only a 16 +/- 9% fall in FCC, a 10 +/- 3% rise in CPP and a 20 +/- 4% fall in coronary flow (all P < 0.05 vs. changes in saline-treated group). Fewer hearts from LPS-treated rats developed reperfusion arrhythmias (6% vs. 60% hearts from saline-treated rats, P < 0.02). Myocardial superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the LPS-treated group (P < 0.05). 6. NO synthesis, measured as formation of nitrite, was higher (P < 0.05) in cardiac and aortic tissues from LPS-treated rats. Prostacyclin (PGI2) release in coronary effluent was greater in LPS-treated rat hearts (P < 0.05 vs. saline-treated rats). 7. Thus LPS-treated hearts demonstrate a basal decrease in FCC and coronary vascular resistance. These hearts demonstrate a modest protection from reperfusion injury. Induction of NO synthesis, and possibly PGI2 release, may underlie cardioprotection from ischaemia-reperfusion.

A crossover comparison of intermittent oral and intravenous administration of calcitriol on the parathyroid hormone concentration in hemodialysis patients

Active vitamin D3 is used commonly in hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Intermittent pulse therapy with active vitamin D3, either orally or intravenously, has been proven to be effective with less hypercalcemic complication than daily oral vitamin D3. We therefore designed a three-phase crossover study to compare the effect of oral and intravenous calcitriol given by intermittent pulse therapy. Thirteen regular hemodialysis patients were enrolled. In phase 1, 1 microgram calcitriol was given orally at bedtime twice a week for 4 months, and then was stopped for 1 month to washout. In phase 2, 1 microgram calcitriol was given intravenously immediately after hemodialysis twice a week for 2 months, and then was stopped for 1 month to washout. Phase 3 repeated phase 1 but lasted for only 2 months. Calcium carbonate was given as the sole phosphate-binding agent if there was no severe hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels decreased dramatically in all three phase therapies. As a result, mid-molecule PTH decreased from 5.71 +/- 2.65 to 3.97 +/- 2.92 ng/ml in phase 1 (p = 0.010), from 4.34 +/- 3.39 to 1.98 +/- 1.76 ng/ml in phase 2 (p = 0.007), and from 2.72 +/- 0.97 to 1.67 +/- 0.71 ng/ml in phase 3 (p = < 0.001). However, there was no difference in the calculation of the PTH declination among the three phases (32, 50 and 42%, respectively). The incidence of hypercalcemia was higher in using calcitriol than without it (23 vs. 6%, p < 0.05), but there was no difference between intravenous and oral calcitriol (35 vs. 19%). The above results suggested that both oral and intravenous calcitriol, with lower doses and intermittent pulse therapy, were equally effective in controlling secondary hyperparathyroidism. The incidences of hypercalcemia were similar in both oral and intravenous calcitriol using 3.5 mEq/1 dialysate calcium concentration and calcium carbonate as the chief phosphate binder.

Platelet inhibitory effect of nitroglycerin in platelet-rich plasma: relevance of glutathione-s-transferases in plasma

BACKGROUND

Nitroglycerin (NTG) is believed to exert its platelet inhibitory effect via its biotransformation to nitric oxide (NO). We examined the relevance of glutathione-s-transferases (GST) in plasma in the conversion of NTG to NO and the platelet inhibitory effect of NTG.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nitroglycerin (1-100 micrograms/mL) was incubated with human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for 10-60 minutes. Nitroglycerin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation in PRP with IC50 approximately 50 micrograms/mL. NTG also enhanced nitrite levels in PRP and stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation in platelets. In contrast, when NTG was incubated with washed platelets (WP) in concentrations as high as 100 micrograms/mL, there was no inhibition of platelet aggregation, formation of nitrite, or accumulation of cGMP. However, treatment of WP suspension with authentic NO exhibited diminished platelet aggregation, suggesting that NTG delivers NO in plasma that subsequently inhibits platelet aggregation. In keeping with this concept, the aggregation inhibitory effect of NTG in PRP was blocked by oxyhemoglobin. The platelet aggregation inhibition by NTG was potentiated by propylthiouracil (600 micrograms/mL), a GST inducer, and antagonized by ketoprofen (100 micrograms/mL), a GST inhibitor. Direct measurement indeed showed significant GST activity in plasma (24 +/- 3 mU/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that NTG inhibits platelet aggregation in PRP by its biotransformation to NO in plasma. The presence of GST, and perhaps other cofactors, in plasma is relevant in the platelet inhibitory effects of NTG in PRP.

Imaging approach to the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration

PURPOSE

To describe the characteristic features of pulmonary sequestration (PS), to evaluate the usefulness of various imaging modalities, and to find a rational approach to accurate diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with PS proved by operation and pathology were reviewed retrospectively. Plain chest films were done in all patients, bronchography in 3, sonography in 14, CT in 6 (including CT angiography in 1 case), MR in 8 (including MR angiography in 1 case) and aortography in 12 (including DSA in 1 case).

RESULTS

Plain chest films demonstrated a solid mass in 14 patients and a cystic mass in 10. Bronchograms showed displacement of adjacent bronchi with no filling of contrast medium within the lesion in 2 cases, while another case had a blind intermediate portion of the right bronchus (hypoplasia of middle and lower lobes associated with extralobar sequestration). Sonography demonstrated a solid lung mass in 12 cases and a solid mass with cystic areas in 2, and detected vessel-like structures within the mass or in its surroundings in 12. Doppler analysis showed arterial spectral wave confirming a feeding artery. CT revealed a solid mass in all patients, a mass with low density area in 4, and emphysema surrounding the mass in 3. MR imaging depicted anomalous arteries in all patients and venous drainage in 4 cases. Aortography demonstrated anomalous systemic arterial supply to the PS in all patients. In this series, 21 cases (87.5%) were correctly diagnosed preoperatively by the imaging modalities.

CONCLUSION

Plain chest films can provide a diagnostic clue to PS. Sonography, CT and MR are helpful for showing arterial blood supply and for making a definite diagnosis. We recommend a rational imaging approach for the diagnosis of PS.