Distribution of prostasomes in neoplastic epithelial prostate cells

BACKGROUND

Prostasomes are a secretory product from the prostate. We aimed to investigate whether the distribution and amount of prostasomes in normal prostate epithelium were influenced by the dedifferentiation occurring in adenocarcinomas of the human prostate gland.

METHODS

Transurethrally resected material from 11 patients with prostatic carcinoma of various malignancy grades, material from two lymph node metastases, and benign tissue from 10 total prostatectomies were subjected to immunohistochemical staining, using a mouse monoclonal antibody against human prostasomes (mAb78).

RESULTS

Immunostaining of low-grade carcinoma was similar to that of normal prostate gland which displayed a cytoplasmic granular staining of the apical (luminal) aspects of the secretory epithelial cells. In moderately well and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, the amount of stained components decreased, and the staining pattern became more heterogeneous. In multilayered glandular structures, the staining was concentrated at the lumen, leaving most other cells negative. The neoplastic cells of lymph node metastases of prostate carcinoma differed in amount and distribution of immunostained prostasomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The antigen recognized in the prostasomes by mAb78 was expressed in benign prostate tissue, prostate cancer, and to a lesser degree in lymph node metastases. There was a tendency towards decreased expression with increasing tumor grade.

[Clinical and experimental study on effect of Shuguan granule on mid-late rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Shuguan Granule (SGG) in treating mid-late rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Based on the principle of reinforcing Kidney to treat arthritis, removing phlegm to remove stasis, two SGG, Shuguan Wenjing granule (SW) and Shuguan Qingluo granule (SQ) were prepared and used to treat mid-late 44 and 43 patients of rheumatoid arthritis respectively. The clinical result was compared with that of Wangbi Granule. Animal experiments on the effect of the two SGG were conducted.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of the SW, SQ and control group was 88.64%, 93.02% and 73.17% respectively. Results of experimental studies in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis showed that the two SGG obviously raise the level of serum SOD, and lowered the levels of serum interleukin-1, plasma prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2, as compared with the model group, the difference was significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The two SGG have a comprehensive function of anti-inflammatory, analgesia, antioxidation, antihypercoagulation and immunoregulation.

Heterologous gene expression in avian cells: potential as a producer of recombinant proteins

We have explored the possibility of using avian cells for the expression of human proteins. We found that various avian cells including quail fibrosarcoma cells (QF), duck embryo cells (DE) and primary chicken embryo fibroblasts (CE) could efficiently be transfected with DNA by calcium phosphate coprecipitation, and that promoters which are transcriptionally active in mammalian cells also functioned well in these avian cells. Among the promoters we tested, the major immediate early promoter of human cytomegalovirus drove the highest level of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) expression, outperforming the SV40 early promoter and the RSV LTR. Using the bacterial CAT gene as a reporter, we found that levels of CAT activity were higher in QF and DE cells than in mammalian cells such as CHO, HeLa, Vero and 293T cells. We further cloned a sequence encoding human erythropoietin (EPO) and compared its expression in QF and mammalian cells. Consistent with the CAT data, in transient transfection assays, QF cells produced higher levels of EPO than the mammalian cell lines tested. QF cells which can be passaged permanently were stably transfected with an EPO expression vector. The subcloned QF line was able to produce up to 1,700 U/ml EPO from 3 x 10(6) cells in 72 h. Purified QF-produced EPO showed a broad but discrete protein band, ranging from 33 to 41 kD and was as biologically active as CHO-produced EPO. Although a number of factors still remain to be optimized, our results demonstrate the potential of avian cells such as QF as producers of heterologous proteins.

[Isolation and identification of oleanonic acid from Patrinia scabiosaefolia]

Oleanonic acid has been isolated from the acetone extracts of the roots and rhizomes of Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fish. ex. Link. Its structure was identified by the compare of its spectra data with that of Oleanonic acid. It was found in the patrinia for the first time.

Application of magnetic field-induced heat shock protein 70 for presurgical cytoprotection

To develop an alternative to hyperthermia for the induction of hsp70 for presurgical cytoprotection, we investigated the optimal exposure conditions for magnetic field induction of hsp70. Normal human breast cells (HTB124) were exposed to 60-Hz magnetic fields and hsp70 levels were measured following three different exposure conditions: continuous exposure up to 3 h, a single 20-min exposure, and a single 20-min exposure followed by repeated 20-min exposures at different field strengths. In cells exposed continuously for 3 h, hsp70 levels peaked (46%) within 20 min and returned to control levels by 2 h. Following a single 20-min exposure, the return of hsp70 levels to control values extended to more than 3 h. When cells underwent a 20-min exposure followed by repeated 20-min exposures (restimulation) with different field strengths, additional increases in hsp70 levels were induced: 31% at 1 h, 41% at 2 h, and 30% at 3 h.

[Isolation and identification of triterpenoide compound from Patrinia scabiosaefolia]

In this paper, a triterpenoide was isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fish ex Link. Its structure was identified by combination of chemical reactions and spectrum analysis as 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-hederagenin ester. The compound was found in the Patrinia for the first time.

Effects of nicotine administration on elemental concentrations in mouse granulosa cells, maturing oocytes and oviduct epithelium studied by X-ray microanalysis

A normal maturation of the oocytes is dependent upon, among other things, normally functioning granulosa and corona radiata cells. Analyses performed during human in vitro fertilization programs have revealed that, in smokers, ovarian functions are affected and that smokers have a decreased fertilization rate. Further, animal studies have indicated that nicotine can reach the genital tractus, and that nicotine administration interferes with oocyte maturation, fertilization and early pregnancy. We applied X-ray microanalysis to monitor whether nicotine administration changed the ionic balance of cells in the reproductive tract (granulosa cells, oocytes and oviduct epithelial cells). The animals were given nicotine in the drinking water at a concentration of 108 mumol/l. After 15 days the animals were superovulated, ovaries and oviducts were frozen, and thick cryosections were prepared for energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. In the granulosa cells, the concentrations of Na and Cl increased after nicotine treatment, while the K concentrations decreased resulting in an increased Na/K ratio. The treated oocytes had a higher K concentration and a decreased Na/K ratio compared to the controls. In the epithelial cells of the oviduct, the concentrations of Na and K decreased after nicotine treatment without any changes in the Na/K ratio. Thus, heavy nicotine administration to mice causes significant changes in the ionic composition of the granulosa cells, the ovarian oocytes and the oviduct epithelium.

[Treatment of metastatic bone pain with Aredia(Pamidronate)]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of Aredia to relieve pain due to metastatic bone tumor.

METHODS

Aredia 60-90 mg in 500 ml 5% glucose or normal saline was given by i.v. infusion. The treatment was repeated at 2-4 week intervals.

RESULTS

Complete relief of pain was observed in 9 patients, partial relief in 13 patients. The treatment was of no effect in 3 patients. The therapeutic effect was achieved in 72.7% of the patients within 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Aredia is a good pain reliever in patients with metastatic cancer of the bone.

The mammalian calcium-binding protein, nucleobindin (CALNUC), is a Golgi resident protein

We have identified CALNUC, an EF-hand, Ca2+-binding protein, as a Golgi resident protein. CALNUC corresponds to a previously identified EF-hand/calcium-binding protein known as nucleobindin. CALNUC interacts with Galphai3 subunits in the yeast two-hybrid system and in GST-CALNUC pull-down assays. Analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the EF-hand and intervening acidic regions are the site of CALNUC's interaction with Galphai3. CALNUC is found in both cytosolic and membrane fractions. The membrane pool is tightly associated with the luminal surface of Golgi membranes. CALNUC is widely expressed, as it is detected by immunofluorescence in the Golgi region of all tissues and cell lines examined. By immunoelectron microscopy, CALNUC is localized to cis-Golgi cisternae and the cis-Golgi network (CGN). CALNUC is the major Ca2+-binding protein detected by 45Ca2+-binding assay on Golgi fractions. The properties of CALNUC and its high homology to calreticulin suggest that it may play a key role in calcium homeostasis in the CGN and cis-Golgi cisternae.

[Measurement of interfragmentary micromovement induced by mechanical vibration with accelerometers in vitro]

The interfragmentary micromovement induced by mechanical vibration was measured in vitro in seven preserved adult cadaveric femurs by using accelerometers. Accuracy analysis of this method indicated that it can detect relative interfragmentary micromovement as small as 0.1 mm or below under certain range of frequency. Also, the results have shown that the mechanical vibration can induce interfragmentary micromovement under intramedullary nailing, but it can not do so under plate fixation.

Monoclonal antibodies against human prostasomes

BACKGROUND

The prostasomes are secreted into the gland ducts of the human prostate. At ejaculation, these native prostasomes are expelled with the secretions of the prostate and appear in the seminal plasma as seminal prostasomes, where they facilitate sperm function in various ways. We have designed methods for producing monoclonal anti-prostasome antibodies to be used for immunohistochemistry and sequencing analyses of the prostasomes.

METHODS

The immunogen applied was purified seminal prostasomes placed on small pieces of nitrocellulose membranes (prostasome blots) and deposited into the spleen of mice for immunization. For screening, both seminal and native prostasomes were used.

RESULTS

We obtained antibodies which detected native prostasomes both in prostatic secretions and in paraffin sections of the prostate. The immunostaining demonstrated that all prostate epithelial cells contained prostasomes. They were located in the apical parts of the secretory cells and in the gland ducts, while the nuclei and the corpora amylacea were unstained.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the methods described, monoclonal antibodies against native prostasomes were produced. In addition to their usefulness in structural and functional studies of prostasomes, specific monoclonal antibodies can be used to characterize prostasomes by sequencing analyses.

Myc-mediated transactivation of HSP70 expression following exposure to magnetic fields

We investigated c-myc protein-binding sites on the HSP70 promoter as modulators of the induction of HSP70 gene expression in response to magnetic field stimulation (8microT at 60Hz) and whether the presence of c-myc protein potentiates transactivation of HSP70 expression. A 320 base pair region in the HSP70 promoter (+1 to -320) was analyzed. This region contains two c-myc-protein binding sites with consensus sequences located at -230 and -160 nucleotide positions (relative to the transcription initiation site) and overlapping with the region reported for the regulation of HSP70 gene expression by c-myc protein. This promoter region is upstream of other regulatory sequences, including the heat shock element (HSE), AP-2, and serum response element (SRE). Transfectants containing both c-myc protein-binding sites, HSP-MYC A and HSP-MYC B, and exposed to magnetic fields showed a 3.0-fold increase in expression of CAT activity as compared with sham-exposed control transfectants. Transfectants containing one c-myc binding site, HSP-MYC A, and exposed to magnetic fields showed a 2.3-fold increase in CAT expression. Transfectants in which both HSP-MYC A and HSP-MYC B binding sites were deleted showed no magnetic field sensitivity; values were virtually identical with sham-exposed controls. If the c-myc expression vector was not co-transfected with the constructs containing myc-binding sites, there was no difference in the expression of CAT activity between magnetically stimulated and sham-exposed controls, although both responded to heat shock. These data suggest that endogenous elevated levels of myc protein contribute to the induction of HSP70 in response to magnetic field stimulation.

Replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus strain mac (SIVmac) and chimeric HIV-1/SIVmac viruses having env genes derived from macrophage-tropic viruses: an indication of different mechanisms of macrophage-tropism in human and monkey cells

To investigate the transferability of macrophage (Mphi)-tropism among primate lentiviruses, we constructed recombinants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus strain mac (SIVmac) and chimeric HIV-1/SIVmac (SHIV) having env region Mphi-tropic determinants. A recombinant HIV-1 having env partially derived from a Mphi-tropic HIV-1 strain (JR-FL) replicated in human macrophages but not in monkey macrophages. Conversely, a recombinant SIVmac having env from a Mphi-tropic strain (SIVmac316) replicated in monkey macrophages but not in human macrophages. A new SHIV (designated NM-3rN/JRFL) carrying the LTR and gag, pol, vif, vpx and nef of SIVmac and vpr, tat, rev, vpu and env of HIV-1 with env partially replaced by that of JR-FL was replication-competent in human macrophages but not in monkey macrophages. These results suggest that the Mphi-tropic determinant is specific to each host species and that the mechanism of Mphi-tropism is different between HIV and SIV.

The Finnish follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene mutation is rare in North American women with 46,XX ovarian failure

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether FSH receptor gene missense mutation in Finnish women with premature ovarian failure (POF) is present in North American women with POF.

DESIGN

Analysis of DNA from patients and controls.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-five women with POF and ten normal controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

Extraction of DNA with subsequent digestion by the enzyme BsmI, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ethidium bromide staining, and photography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

After restriction enzyme digestion, the frequencies of the normal allele (two fragments of 51 and 27 base pairs) and the mutant allele (a single 78-base pair fragment) were determined.

RESULT(S)

BsmI digestion was noted for all 35 affected individuals and 10 controls, thus demonstrating homozygosity for the normal FSH receptor allele. No patient or control was heterozygous or homozygous for the mutant allele.

CONCLUSION(S)

The missense mutation in the human FSH receptor gene in Finnish women with POF is uncommon in North American women with POF. The molecular basis of ovarian failure for most patients remains unknown.

Effects of recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta 1 or/and interleukin-6 on growth inhibition and proto-oncogene c-myc expression in human leukemia cells

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta 1 (rhTGF-beta 1) alone or recombinant human interleukin 6 (rhIL-6) alone or in combination on proliferation inhibition of the human leukaemia cell line.

METHODS

In the present study, using the human monoblastic cell line (U937) and human promyelocytic cell line (HL60) as an in vitro model, we analyzed the effect of two cytokins on proliferation inhibition with rate of 3H-TdR incorporation, the cellular content of DNA, DNA indices, the cell cycle and the expression of c-myc mRNA.

RESULTS

With administration of rhTGF-beta 1 and rhIL-6, U937 cell growth was inhibited and the rate of 3H-TdR incorporation inhibition was increased. There was a decrease in the cellular content of DNA and DNA indices. And no change in the cell cycle was observed after administration of rhTGF-beta 1 or rhIL-6. However, there was an increase in G0/G1 phase cells and a decrease in G2M + S phase cells after administration of combination of rhTGF-beta 1 and rhIL-6. It was also found that rhIL-6 could inhibit proliferative responses of HL60 cells, meanwhile the inhibition could be enhanced by rhTGF-beta 1. The rate of 3H-TdR incorporation inhibition rose up to 39.89%, and DNA index fell to 1.00 following induction by rhIL-6 plus rhTGF-beta 1. Furthermore, G0/G1 phase cells increased while G2M + S cells decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that combination of rhTGF-beta 1 and rhIL-6 acted in synergy to inhibit proliferation of both U937 and HL60 cell lines. Molecular hybridization test show that rhTGF-beta 1 alone, rhIL-6 alone or rhTGF-beta 1 and rhIL-6 in combination can inhibit U937 and HL60 cells expression of c-myc mRNA in a time and dose dependent manner. rhTGF-beta 1 and rhIL-6 in combination synergistically inhibited c-myc expression, which may be one of the machanisms for the actions of the two cytokines.

Induction of a 72-kDa heat shock protein and cytoprotection against thioacetamide-induced liver injury in rats

Heat shock proteins are ubiquitous intracellular proteins induced by various physiological stress-related events. A 72-kDa heat shock protein (HSP72) has been reported to be an endogenous cytoprotectant in variety of cells in vitro. In order to study the cytoprotective function of HSP72 in the liver, the effect of preinduction of HSP72 in rat liver by systemic hyperthermia on thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury was investigated in this study. Expression of HSP72 in the liver was investigated by immunoblot and densitometric analysis. Rats were injected with thioacetamide (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously) with or without preinduction of HSP72 by hyperthermia. Serum AST and ALT concentrations were measured before and after thioacetamide injection in both group. Histologic alteration of the liver was evaluated also. Systemic hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C, 20 min) significantly induced HSP72 in the liver. Thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury was clearly prevented by preinduction of HSP72 by hyperthermia. Prevention of hepatocyte damage was more clear in the area around central veins where HSP72 induction was apparent. Our findings might suggest that HSP72 has an important function in the liver with respect to cytoprotection. These results might be important for understanding the mechanism of "adaptive cytoprotection" in the liver mediated by the function of heat shock proteins as "molecular chaperons" as reported in vitro.

Disseminated intra-abdominal cystic lymphangiomatosis with severe intestinal bleeding. A case report

We describe cystic lymphangiomatosis with intestinal bleeding developing multiple lymphangiomas in the small intestine, mesentery, mesocolon, omentum, retroperitoneum, and spleen. Small intestinal fluorography showed multiple polypoid lesions, mainly in the jejunum. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse cystic tumors in the mesentery and spleen. Cystic lymphangiomatosis was proved by histologic findings of the biopsied specimen at laparotomy.

Differential induction of HSP60 and HSP72 by different stress situations in rats. Correlation with cerulein-induced pancreatitis

We previously reported that water-immersion stress specifically induced the synthesis of a 60-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP60, chaperonin homolog) in pancreatic cells and preinduction of HSP60 completely prevented development of cerulein-induced pancreatitis in the rat in an HSP60 quantitatively dependent manner. In order to study the cytoprotective function of a 72-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP72, stress-inducible hsp70), the effect of specific preinduction of HSP72 by hyperthermia on cerulein-induced pancreatitis was investigated and compared with the effect of preinduction of HSP60 in this study. Expression of HSP60 and HSP72 in the pancreas was investigated by immunoblot before and after water immersion or hyperthermia. Following pretreatment with water-immersion stress or hyperthermia, the rats were injected with cerulein (40 micrograms/kg, intraperitoneally). The pancreas wet weight and serum amylase concentration were measured before and after cerulein injection. Hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C, 20 min) specifically induced HSP72 in the pancreas. The synthesis of HSP60 was specifically induced by water-immersion stress in the pancreas. Cerulein-induced pancreatitis was clearly prevented by specific preinduction of HSP60 by water-immersion stress. However, preinduction of HSP72 by hyperthermia had no preventive effect on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Our findings suggest that HSP60 and HSP72 have distinct functions in the pancreas, and their induction mechanisms are also different in vivo. These results could be important for understanding the mechanism of "adaptive cytoprotection" in the pancreas mediated by heat-shock proteins.

Anti-human prostasome MAB 78 binds to antigen distinct from PSA and PAP

PURPOSE

The characteristics of an antigen corresponding to a monoclonal antibody (mAb 78) against human prostasomes were compared with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). The correspondence of Ag 78 to two other prostate-derived antigens, prostasin and peptide pGlu-Phe-Pro-NH2, were also considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The immunoreactivity of mAb 78 and the cross-reactivity of mAb 78 with PSA and PAP were studied with immunohistochemical and enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) Western blotting methods.

RESULTS

The mAb 78 did not bind to PSA blots, and anti-PSA antibody did not label prostasome blots. Neither did PSA and PAP impede the binding of mAb 78 onto prostasome blots nor to paraffin sections of prostate epithelium. Afer Western blots, mAb 78 bound diffusely to a band with a molecular weight of 35 kDa, but did not bind to PSA 933 kDa) or PAP (monomer 50 kDa, intact molecule 100 kDa) bands. From purified 35 kDa bands, three fractions were sequenced, which showed no similarities to PSA and PAP.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ag 78 is different from PSA and PAP, and probably also from prostasin and peptide pGlu-Phe-Pro-NH2. The mAb 78 can be used as a new marker for human prostasomes.

Effect of preinduction of heat shock proteins on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

In order to study the cytoprotective function of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in vivo, the effect of preinduction of HSPs by hyperthermia on acetic acid-induced colitis was investigated. Expression of 60-kDa, 72-kDa, and 90-kDa heat shock proteins (HSP60, HSP72, and HSP90, respectively) in rat colonic mucosa was investigated by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical study before and after hyperthermia. Following pretreatment with or without hyperthermia, the rats received intrarectal infusion of various doses of acetic acid. The colonic mucosal damage was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic assessments 24 hr after the intrarectal infusion of acetic acid. Expression of HSPs was significantly increased by hyperthermia in rat colonic mucosa. Immunohistochemical study also showed the increments of HSPs in the colonic mucosal cells after hyperthermia. Acetic acid-induced colitis was dramatically prevented by pretreatment with hyperthermia when HSP72 and HSP90 were preinduced. On the other hand, induction of HSP60 did not correlate with mucosal protection. Our findings suggest that HSP72 and HSP90 may have cytoprotective function against acetic acid-induced mucosal damage. These results may be important for understanding the mechanism of "adaptive cytoprotection" mediated by HSPs.

Effect of pre-induction of heat shock proteins on indomethacin-induced small-intestinal lesion in rats

Systemic hyperthermia induces the synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in several organs. However, the mechanism of induction and the functions of HSPs in the small-intestinal mucosa have not been established. We examined the expression of HSPs in the small-intestinal mucosa after systemic hyperthermia, and evaluated the cytoprotective function of pre-induced HSPs on experimentally induced mucosal damage. HSP expression was investigated by Western blot and densitometric analysis before and after hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C; 20 min). Expression of a 72-kDa heat shock protein (HSP72) and a 73-kDa heat shock protein (HSP73), both of which are endogenous cytoprotectants in vitro significantly increased, peaking 6-9 h after hyperthermia, without any pathologic alterations, whereas the expression of a 60-kDa heat shock protein (HSP60) did not increase. To investigate the influence of pre-induction of HSPs on small-intestinal damage, rats received indomethacin (10 mg/kg; orally) with or without pre-treatment with hyperthermia. Small-intestinal damage caused by indomethacin was not influenced by pre-induction of HSP72 and HSP73. We demonstrated that systemic hyperthermia induced HSP72 and HSP73, although pre-induction of these proteins did not have a cytoprotective function in the small-intestinal damage caused by indomethacin.

Rab1a and multiple other Rab proteins are associated with the transcytotic pathway in rat liver

To better understand the function of Rab1a, we have immunoisolated Rab1a-associated transport vesicles from rat liver using affinity-purified anti-Rab1a-coated magnetic beads. A fraction enriched in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi transport vesicles (CV2, rho = 1.158) was subjected to immunoisolation, and proteins of the bound and non-bound subfractions were analyzed by Western blotting. To our surprise, we found that immunoisolated vesicles contained not only ER markers (105-kDa form of the polymeric IgA receptor (pIgAR)) but also transcytotic markers (dIgA and the 120-kDa form of pIgAR), suggesting that Rab1a is associated with transcytotic vesicles in rat liver. To investigate this possibility, we used an antibody to the cytoplasmic domain of pIgAR to immunoisolate transcytotic vesicles from a fraction (CV1, rho = 1. 146) known to be enriched in these vesicles. Rab1a was detected in the immunoadsorbed subfractions. The composition of the vesicles immunoisolated from the CV1 fraction on anti-Rab1a was similar to that of transcytotic vesicles immunoisolated from the same fraction on pIgAR. Both were enriched in transcytotic markers and depleted in ER and Golgi markers. The main difference between the two was that those isolated on anti-Rab1a appeared to be enriched in postendosomal transcytotic vesicles, whereas those isolated on pIgAR contained both pre- and postendosomal elements. Analysis of anti-Rab1a isolated vesicles using [alpha-32P]GTP overlay demonstrated the presence of multiple GTP-binding proteins. Some of these were identified by immunoblotting as epithelia-specific Rab17 and ubiquitous Rabs1b, -2, and -6. Taken together, these results indicate that: 1) Rab1a is associated with both ER to Golgi and postendosomal transcytotic vesicles, and 2) multiple GTP-binding proteins are associated with each class of isolated vesicle.

Replication and cytopathogenicity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)/simian immunodeficiency virus agm3 chimeric viruses in human and monkey cells: the 5' half of the HIV-1 genome is responsible for virus cytopathogenicity

Two chimeric viruses were constructed between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and an apathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVagm3mc) from African green monkeys. One of the chimeras, HE-A391, expressed the HIV-1-derived env, vpu, tat and rev genes and the SIVagm3mc-derived LTR and the gag, pol and vif genes. The other chimera, SE-H13, contained the SIVagm3mc-derived env, tat and rev genes and the HIV-1-derived LTR and the gag, pol, vif and nef genes. Both constructs yielded infectious viruses and their phenotypes (growth-competence and cell-killing capacity) were examined in various CD4+ cells including human and monkey PBMCs. The results indicated that the replicative properties of the chimeras were mainly dependent on the 5'-genomic half of the parental viruses, and the determinant for viral cytopathogenicity was located within the 5' half of the HIV-1 genome.

Human autoantibodies recognizing human and mouse preimplantation stages

PROBLEM

To find out whether autoantibodies against human preimplantation stages are present in some human sera and, if so, whether the antibodies could be capable to affect the egg development and/or to trigger an activation of the complement system at the procedures of assisted conception.

METHODS

1. Immunohistochemistry on blots of human preimplantation stages. 2. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of human and mouse preimplantation stages. 3. Culture of mouse morulae to analyze complement activation.

RESULTS

1. Some human sera contained autoantibodies against human preimplantation stages. 2. Human-mouse cross-reacting antibodies against preimplantation stages occurred. 3. Immune complexes, formed on mouse preimplantation stages, activated the complement systems in egg cultures, resulting in a damaging of the eggs.

CONCLUSION

The presence of natural autoantibodies to preimplantation stages may be associated with reproduction failure, caused by a direct effect by the autoantibodies and/or an activation of the uterine complement system by the immune complexes formed.

Induction of B cell proliferation and NF-kappa B activation by a water soluble glycan from Lentinus lepideus

Many immune modulating compounds have been isolated from fungal extracts, but the molecular mechanisms of their action have rarely been elucidated. In this study we isolated a proteoglycan from cultured mycelia of Lentinus lepideus and tested its effects on murine spleen cells. The acidic-polysaccharide fraction was obtained by extraction with hot water followed by purification using DEAE-cellulose anion exchange. The molecular mass of the compound was determined by Sepharose CL-4B gel filtration to be approximately 47 kDa. When cultured in the presence of the compound, spleen cells from C3H mice underwent rapid cell proliferation and cell aggregation. Treatment with the compound also caused a 10-fold increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation compared to a control, confirming cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the affected cell population was mainly B cells. As one approach to understanding the molecular mechanism of this action, we investigated the effects of the compound on cellular transcription factors which are known to control the proliferation of immune cells. Using gel retardation assays, we found that the compound significantly activated NF-kappa B but not AP-1 in spleen cells. Taken together, the data suggest that the proteoglycan compound is a biological response modifier that stimulates B cell proliferation, probably by regulating cellular transcription factors such as NF-kappa B.

Identification and expression of eight novel mutations among non-Jewish patients with Canavan disease

Canavan disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait that is caused by the deficiency of aspartoacylase (ASPA). The majority of patients with Canavan disease are from an Ashkenazi Jewish background. Mutations in ASPA that lead to loss of enzymatic activity have been identified, and E285A and Y231X are the two predominant mutations that account for 97% of the mutant chromosomes in Ashkenazi Jewish patients. The current study was aimed at finding the molecular basis of Canavan disease in 25 independent patients of non-Jewish background. Eight novel and three previously characterized mutations accounted for 80% (40/50) of mutant chromosomes. The A305E missense mutation accounted for 48% (24/50) of mutant chromosomes in patients of western European descent, while the two predominant Jewish mutations each accounted for a single mutant chromosome. The eight novel mutations identified included 1- and 4-bp deletions (32 deltaT and 876 deltaAGAA, respectively) and I16T, G27R, D114E, G123E, C152Y, and R168C missense mutations. The homozygous 32 deltaT deletion was identified in the only known patient of African-American origin with Canavan disease. The heterozygosity for 876 deltaAGAA mutation was identified in three independent patients from England. Six single-base changes leading to missense mutations were identified in patients from Turkey (D114E, R168C), The Netherlands (I16T), Germany (G27R), Ireland (C152Y), and Canada (G123E). A PCR-based protocol is described that was used to introduce mutations in wild-type cDNA. In vitro expression of mutant cDNA clones demonstrated that all of these mutations led to a deficiency of ASPA and should therefore result in Canavan disease.

[Treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder with pectoralis minor muscle-bone flap]

We treated 10 patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder by transplantation of pectoralis minor muscle-bone flap transplanted to the upper part of the humerus. All patients were followed-up for an average 31 months and no recurrent was found. We consider that the muscle beily exerts a protective effect like a barrier on the weak anterio inferior region of the shoulder and increases the force for extending the shoulder and lifting the arm. The operation is based on biomechanics. Meanwhile, suturing the laxative joint capsule and repairing the weak anteroinfeior region of the shoulder is more beneficial to prevent from redislocation of the humerus head.

Adherence of human prostasomes to mouse spermatozoa and their displacement by monoclonal antibodies as revealed by free zone electrophoresis

Prostasomes, small corpuscular organelles derived from the prostate gland, were isolated from human seminal plasma by means of ultracentrifugation and Sephadex G 200 chromatography to examine their interactive ability with mouse spermatozoa as assessed by free zone electrophoresis. During the run, human prostasomes and mouse spermatozoa approached each other and finally fused into one single peak that was not further dissociated. In some cases the fusion of prostasomes and spermatozoa failed to appear following pretreatment of prostasomes with monoclonal antibodies raised against these organelles.

Genetic complementation between replication-defective mutants of HIV-1 and SIVagm

To investigate the functional complementation of essential genes for virus growth between HIV-1 and SIVagm derived from African green monkeys, we co-transfected replication-defective molecular clones containing mutations in gag, pol, env, tat or rev, and monitored transient complementation by reverse transcriptase assay (RT), cytopathic effect (CPE) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The following results were obtained: 1) No complementation was observed in combinations of the gag and pol mutants. 2) The rev mutant of HIV-1 was minimally complemented by other SIVagm mutants, although the rev mutant of SIVagm was significantly complemented by other HIV-1 mutants. 3) Among all combinations tested, the env mutant of HIV-1 was the most effectively complemented by SIVagm mutants. 4) CPE was mostly absent in combinations of the env mutant of SIVagm and the gag, pol, or tat mutants of HIV-1, although there were significant positive results in RT and IFA assays. These findings provided basic information about the functional compatibility of pathogenic HIV-1 and nonpathogenic SIVagm which will be useful for generating chimeras of these two viruses.

Immunolocalization of prostasomes in the human prostate

Prostasomes are prostate-derived organelles, which can be isolated from seminal plasma. We have produced a panel of monoclonal antibodies against purified human prostasomes by intrasplenic immunization. Among the prostasome-positive mAbs obtained, one antibody (mAb 78) was selected for further characterization. SDS-PAGE and Western blots demonstrated that mAb 78 recognized a hand of about 35 kDa from purified prostasomes, seminal plasma and extracts of prostatic gland tissues. Immunostaining with mAb 78 resulted in positive reactions in the apical parts of the secretory cells of the prostate epithelium and in the secretions of the gland lumen. The nuclei were not stained. The mAb 78 has the potentials of a prostasome marker.

Monoclonal antibodies against unfertilized zona-free mouse oocytes: characterization and effects on fertilization

A panel of anti-oocyte antibodies was raised against unfertilized zona-free mouse oocytes by intrasplenic immunization and checked for their effects on in vitro fertilization. Four antibodies decreased the fertilization rate from about 90% in controls to 8% (B5-2 F7), 12% (A2-2 A7), 13% (4-G1), and 25% (A2-2 F2), when the sperm cell concentration was 1 x 10(5) to 1 x 10(6). Antigen localization: All the antibodies labelled components in the cell membrane of zona-free oocytes as demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence and/or by complement-mediated oocyte lysis. In various patterns, the ooplasm and zona pellucida were also labelled with different intensities. Western blotting: A2-2 A7 and A2-2 F2 recognized a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 65 kDa, while antibody B5-2 F7 bound a 97 kDa protein. Complement activation and complement-mediated oocyte lysis: Systemically injected antibodies, C3 and C4 were detected on zona-free oocytes recovered from the mouse oviduct indicating the activation of C3 and C4 by antigen-antibody complexes. The recovered oocytes were not damaged, suggesting a presence of complement-regulating factors. In vitro, however, a large number of zona-free oocytes preincubated with antibodies were lysed or protruded ooplasma vesicles in complement-active serum. Stage, tissue, and species specificity: None of the antibodies, except A2-2 A7, showed a positive immunolabelling to the pronuclear stage. Antibodies 4-G1 and A2-2 F2 cross-reacted with the ovarian oocytes. No antibodies bound to any of the tissues tested, indicating that the corresponding antigen epitopes are not commonly expressed. A2-2 A7, A2-2 F2, and B5-2 F7 cross-reacted with hamster and human unfertilized oocytes, suggesting the presence of developmentally conserved molecules and the possibility to apply these antibodies in hamster and human in vitro fertilization. It is concluded that the approach used could be a useful strategy in searching for anti-fertilization antibodies for human contraception.

Construction of human immunodeficiency virus 1/simian immunodeficiency virus strain mac chimeric viruses having vpr and/or nef of different parental origins and their in vitro and in vivo replication

We constructed a series of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)/simian immunodeficiency virus strain mac (SIVmac) chimeric viruses having vpr and/or nef genes of either HIV-1 or SIVmac based on a chimeric virus with LTRs, gag, pol, vif and vpx derived from SIVmac and tar, rev, vpu and env from HIV-1. All of the chimeric viruses replicated in human and macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in several CD4+ human cell lines, though their growth potentials were slightly different depending on whether vpr and nef were from HIV-1 or SIVmac, or were defective. The presence of nef accelerated replication in all the cells used and the replication of each chimera appeared to reflect that of the parental virus from which nef was derived. The presence of vpr had no clear effect in human and monkey PBMCs, but the replication of each chimera was influenced by the origin of vpr in H9 and A3.01 cells. NM-3rN, which carries HIV-1 vpr and SIVmac nef, was inoculated intravenously into three rhesus monkeys, three cynomolgus monkeys and two pig-tailed monkeys. From 2 to 14 weeks after inoculation, viruses were consistently re-isolated from all the monkeys and virus loads were as high as that of SIVmac reported previously. The results indicate that infection with NM-3rN is more efficient than any of our previous chimeric viruses and suggest that NM-3rN, having HIV-1 Env, will be a useful challenge virus for evaluating AIDS vaccines based on HIV-1 Env in macaque monkeys instead of chimpanzees.

sck1, a high copy number suppressor of defects in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway in fission yeast, encodes a protein homologous to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SCH9 kinase

Schizosaccharomyces pombe regulates intracellular cAMP levels, and thus cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity, in response to changes in nutrient conditions. Mutations in any of eight git genes inhibit glucose repression of fbp1 transcription, alter the cell morphology, and cause a reduction in the growth rate. The eight git genes encode components of an adenylate cyclase activation pathway, adenylate cyclase itself, and the catalytic subunit of PKA. Three of these genes have been identified in other studies as regulators of meiosis. Here we show that the sck1 gene, cloned as a high copy number suppressor of a mutation in git3, is able to suppress the defects conferred by a mutation in any of these git genes. Sequence analysis suggests that sck1 encodes a protein most closely related to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SCH9 protein kinase that had previously been identified as a high copy number suppressor of mutations in S. cerevisiae that reduce or eliminate PKA activity. Disruption of the sck1 gene causes a significant delay in exit from stationary phase when combined with a disruption of the pka1 (git6) gene encoding the catalytic subunit of PKA. However, the sck1 disruption by itself has little or no effect upon fbp1 transcription, meiosis, or exit from stationary phase, and does not enhance the constitutive fbp1 transcription observed in a pka1 mutant. Therefore, sck1 appears to function in a redundant fashion to pka1, but to varying degrees, in the pathways regulated by pka1.

Effect of extracellular K+ on hatching and outgrowth of mouse blastocysts in vitro

The dependence of blastocyst development on the extracellular Na+/K+ ratio was investigated in an in vitro system. Hatching and outgrowth of mouse blastocysts was enhanced at Na+/K+ ratios between 3 and 10 compared to the ratio of about 25 typical for most culture media and serum. At a Na+/K+ ratio of 2, blastocyst hatching and outgrowth were inhibited. The requirement of blastocyst development for relatively high extracellular K+ concentrations agrees with the fact that K+ concentrations in oviduct and uterine secretions are higher than in serum. The findings can also be relevant in optimizing in vitro culturing techniques for blastocysts.

Cyclophilin B trafficking through the secretory pathway is altered by binding of cyclosporin A

Cyclophilin B is targeted to the secretory pathway via an endoplasmic reticulum signal sequence. We analyzed the localization and trafficking of endogenous and transfected cyclophilin B in mammalian cells. Cyclophilin B accumulates both in the endoplasmic reticulum and in complexes on the plasma membrane. The immunosuppressant cyclosporin A specifically mobilizes cyclophilin B from the endoplasmic reticulum, and promotes the secretion of cyclophilin B into the medium. We suggest that cyclosporin A competes with endogenous plasma membrane proteins for association with cyclophilin B in the secretory pathway. These findings argue in favor of a role for cyclophilin B as a chaperone to proteins destined for the plasma membrane, rather than solely as a proline isomerase functioning within the endoplasmic reticulum.

Characterization of mouse-hamster-human cross-reacting antioocyte monoclonal antibodies produced by intrasplenic immunization of mice with 12 zona-free mouse oocytes

Several intrasplenic immunizations with batches of approximately 15 or approximately 30 zona-free, unfertilized mouse oocytes resulted in 200-300 hybrids, respectively, among which about 20 positive clones were selected from each fusion between splenic plasma cells and SP2/0 myeloma cells. When nonimmunized splenic plasma cells were used, only one antibody, showing weak immunoreaction, was obtained from approximately 370 hybrids collected from 2 fusions. From one immunization with a total of 12 zona-free, unfertilized mouse oocytes, 15 positive clones were selected for further study. Eleven of these 15 antibodies reacted with antigens only in unfertilized oocytes but not in fertilized, pronuclear stage oocytes. Three antibodies, which recognized antigens in paraffin-embedded oocyte sections, did not label growing ovarian oocytes, indicating that the antibodies were specific to ovulated, unfertilized oocytes. These antibodies did not detect any antigen epitopes in the panel of tissues examined. The molecular weight of one antigen, corresponding to a IgM antibody that is present both in ooplasma and zona pellucida, was approximately 116 kDa. Cross-reactivity to blots of unfertilized zona-free hamster oocytes was demonstrated by 6 antibodies and to unfertilized human oocytes by 7 antibodies. Three antibodies cross-reacted with both hamster and human oocytes. The study indicates that the intrasplenic immunization is an appropriate means of raising antibodies against unfertilized, zona-free mouse oocytes and that the method applied offers an easy way to select antibodies against human oocytes for functional studies.

Alternative splicing of human papillomavirus type-16 e6-messenger RNA in mouse and monkey cell-lines

Previous studies have indicated that the splice patterns of E6-transcripts of human papillomavirus type-16 (HPV-16) are uniform. The splice ratios of E6-transcripts, however, seem to be variable in several HPV-positive cell lines, suggesting that cellular factors may affect the alternative splicing of E6-transcripts. To test this hypothesis, the splice ratios of E6-transcripts in various HPV-16 E6-expressing cell lines derived from CV-1 and 10T1/2 cells were quantitatively evaluated by S1 nuclease protection assays. The splice ratios varied among cell lines derived from the same parental lines, indicating that factors specific to cell-type do not play a major role in alternative splicing. The splice ratios appeared to be low in cell lines which prominently expressed longer than expected E6-transcripts indicating that the structure of the E6-transcript affects its splicing. Analysis of the expression patterns of COS-1 cells which transiently expressed various E6-transcript constructs suggested that structure was a factor in determining alternative splicing.

High-dose mitomycin C-containing regimens in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

In 136 patients (115 males and 21 females) with advanced gastric cancer confirmed histologically, a regimen of high-dose mitomycin C plus tegafur or UFT was administered. Dosage of agents used and schedules were as follows: MMC 20 mg i.v. once a week up to a total of 60 mg, followed either by tegafur 600 mg/day p.o. to a total dosage of 20-40 g, or by UFT 450 mg/day p.o., to a total dosage of 30 g. Patients' ages ranged from 24 to 75 years. Of this series, 70 patients were deemed inoperable, 21 patients underwent nonradical surgical operation, and the other 45 patients had postoperative recurrent disease. Of the 136 patients, 78 achieved complete tumour remission (CR) (21/136) and partial remission (PR) (57/136), yielding a response rate of 57.4%. The median duration of remission and survival was 5.2 (range 2-16+) and 10.1 (range 3-48+) months. The main side effects were leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. None of these patients had liver or kidney function damage.

Photodynamic therapy for upper gastrointestinal tumours over the past 10 years

A total of 207 patients with advanced upper gastrointestinal tumors were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) from 1982 to 1992. This paper reports on the effectiveness and evaluates the follow-up survey of the results. The patients were aged 29-91 years, of whom 189 were men and 18 women. Forty-eight to 72 hr prior to irradiation, 5 mg/kg of HpD was injected intravenously. An argon pumped dye laser was used with an output beam of 630 nm. The entire tumour received an estimated energy dose of 200-250 J/cm2. The diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by biopsy and histological examination. Of the 207 cases treated, 45 had cancer of the esophagus, 123 had cancer of the cardia, and 39 had cancer of the stomach. Response to PDT was seen in 146 patients (70.5%), with CR in 31 patients who were followed up for 6 months to 10 years. Seven of the latter patients (22.6%) survived more than 5 years and are still under close follow-up.

Radioimmunoguided surgery in gastric cancer using 131-I labeled monoclonal antibody 3H11

A clinical trial of radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS) using 131-I labeled monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3H11 was performed on 25 cases with gastric cancer in this study. The results showed that the route of the administration of radiolabeled MAb is the key point of successful RIGS for gastric cancer. The RIGS in 19 cases in the group of submucosal injection via endoscope was very satisfying. For the detection of metastatic lymph nodes, the sensitivity rate of RIGS was 99.2% (118/119), the specificity, 97.7% (43/44), and the accuracy 98.8% (161/163). The accuracy rate in detecting tumor infiltration of the gastric wall was 95.9% (94/98), the sensitivity 94.6% (35/37), and the specificity 96.7% (59/61). Thus, the use of RIGS may improve the radical resectability rate and possibly the overall survival rate in patients with gastric cancer.

Cloning and manipulation of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe his7+ gene as a new selectable marker for molecular genetic studies

We have cloned the his7+ gene of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by complementation of the recessive mutant allele his7-366. The his7+ gene is able to complement a mutation of the Escherichia coli hisI gene, suggesting that his7+ encodes a phosphoribosyl-AMP cyclohydrase. Subcloning experiments localize the gene to a 1.9-kb XbaI-BglII fragment. We describe the construction of plasmids to facilitate the use of his7+ as a selectable marker in S. pombe studies. Plasmid pEA2 carries his7+ cloned into the pUC18 polylinker. From either pEA2 or the original his7+ clone, pMN1, fragments carrying his7+ can be isolated using a variety of restriction enzymes for the construction of gene disruptions. Plasmid pEA500 is a cloning vector that carries his7+ and ars1, yet retains the ability to use the blue/white color screen to identify recombinants.

Role of microtubules in transferrin receptor transport from the cell surface to endosomes and the Golgi complex

Transferrin receptor (TfR) follows complex pathways of transport after endocytosis from the cell surface. Most TfR is transported to endosomes and returns rapidly to the cell surface. In addition, approximately 10% of the internalized receptor recycles through the Golgi complex. To examine the role of microtubules in TfR traffic, K562 cultured human leukemia cells treated with nocodazole to depolymerize microtubules were studied. Nocodazole caused a 50% increase in the level of surface TfR, which was due to a change in receptor dynamics. The endocytosis rate in treated cells was 20% of control, indicating that TfR endocytosis via clathrin-coated vesicles was slowed, whereas the recycling of internalized receptors to the cell surface was unaffected. In contrast, nocodazole had little effect on the transport of TfR from the cell surface to the Golgi complex. Thus, the fragmentation and dispersal of the Golgi complex caused by microtubule depolymerization, which does not interrupt secretory traffic through this organelle, also does not block recycling through the Golgi. The decreased TfR endocytosis via coated vesicles and the increased TfR transport to the Golgi caused by nocodazole suggest that either (i) endocytosis via coated vesicles is not the rate-limiting step in transport to the Golgi or (ii) coated vesicles are not a part of this pathway. Finally, because nocodazole inhibits traffic from endosomes to lysosomes, surface-to-Golgi transport probably does not involve a lysosomal intermediate.