Multiple clear cell acanthomas--treatment by cryotherapy

Clear cell acanthomas (Degos' acanthomas) are usually solitary tumours and an excisional diagnostic biopsy therefore provides effective treatment. Such an approach is, however, impractical in the much rarer condition of multiple clear cell acanthomas where up to 30 lesions have been described on one patient. We describe a case of multiple clear cell acanthomas in which cryotherapy provided a quick and convenient method of treatment resulting in minimal scarring especially when compared to excision biopsy.

The contribution of direct immunofluorescence to the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus

The contributions of direct immunofluorescence, light microscopy and serology to the investigation of 52 patients with possible lupus erythematosus were studied. Direct immunofluorescence was found to be most valuable in the investigation of possible systemic lupus erythematosus whilst only of supportive value in the investigation of possible chronic discoid lupus erythematosus. The importance of performing light microscopy before direct immunofluorescence in cases of possible chronic discoid lupus erythematosus is shown.

Identification of a red "fiber": chironomid larvae

During preliminary examination of the body of a homicide victim, a peculiar red "fiber" was noticed and recovered. Initially believing this to be a carpet fiber, the item was subjected to fiber analysis. It was found to be a short coiled particle not like any known natural or synthetic fabric fiber. Subsequent examinations determined this "fiber" to be the larva of a common freshwater midge (Diptera; Chironomidae). Chironomid larvae have been observed on other bodies recovered from freshwater environments. Entomological studies of this organism have led to the conclusion that the presence of chironomid larvae indicates submersion of the body.

Use of aquatic insects in determining submersion interval

Although its potential is great, the use of aquatic insects in determining submersion intervals at death-scene investigations has not been exploited in the past. Aquatic environments have no known true specific indicator species, as do terrestrial habitats. However, aquatic environmental studies show that organisms may colonize a substrate dependent on factors such as size, position, exposure to current, water temperature, current speed, water depth, the presence of algal communities, or detritus. Certain aquatic insects such as the chironomid midges (Diptera, Chironomidae), and the caddisflies (Trichoptera), are capable of colonizing immersed bodies; and with the known biology of a specific species of insect for a certain geographic area, time intervals of submersion can be established.

Nonhematopoietic tumor cells express functional GM-CSF receptors

Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulates the colony growth of myeloid progenitors in semisolid media, and enhances the function of mature effector cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Small cell carcinoma lines (SCCL) have properties of amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) cells and express high levels of the enzyme, L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. We looked for possible expression of GM-CSF receptors on nonhematopoietic cells and found specific high-affinity binding of human GM-CSF to SCCL and to the SV40-transformed African green monkey kidney cell line, COS. The small cell carcinoma lines responded to GM-CSF with enhanced proliferation, and both small cells and COS cells were found to express authentic 84,000 dalton GM-CSF receptor protein. These findings indicate that nonhematopoietic cells can bind and respond to GM-CSF, suggesting additional biological activities as well as the possibility of tumor responses when GM-CSF is used therapeutically in humans. Since preliminary clinical trials using CSFs as adjunctive treatment in patients with solid tumors are underway, it will be important to consider the possible responsiveness of nonhematopoietic tumor cells to CSFs.

Role of the maleyl-albumin receptor in activation of murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro

It has been previously demonstrated that maley-lated-BSA (maleyl-albumin) induces functional activation in murine peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, maleyl-albumin has been shown to interact with two distinct sites on human monocytes; one site is the scavenger receptor, a 260-kDa oligomeric protein which recognizes modified forms of low density lipoprotein (LDL), and the second is a lower affinity site which has yet to be structurally characterized. In the present study, we wished to quantitatively assess the number and character of maleyl-albumin-binding sites on murine peritoneal macrophages and to determine which site or sites are involved in signaling the macrophage to undergo extensive functional development. Binding studies. demonstrate at least two distinct receptors for maleyl-albumin on murine peritoneal macrophages. Scatchard analyses of the binding isotherms reveal two sites characterized by dissociation constants (Kd) of 17.6 nM and 4.9 microM and maximal binding of 1.2 x 10(5) and 1 x 10(6) sites/cell, respectively. The contribution of the scavenger receptor, determined by binding analyses of malondialdehyde-LDL, is described by two sites with Kd of 39.4 pM and 9.6 nM, and maximal binding of 2.7 x 10(3) and 1.9 x 10(4) sites/cell, respectively. Maleyl-albumin blocks binding of malondialdehyde-LDL, whereas modified LDL fails to inhibit binding of maleyl-albumin. Maleyl-albumin, at concentrations producing lower affinity binding, stimulates tumor cytolysis, expression of mRNA encoding TNF, and suppression of INF-gamma-induced expression of Ia Ag. Malondialdehyde-LDL fails to elicit these responses. We conclude that macrophage activation produced by maleyl-albumin is mediated by interaction with the low affinity, high capacity binding site for maleyl-albumin rather than the scavenger receptor.

Role of the maleyl-albumin receptor in activation of murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro

It has been previously demonstrated that maley-lated-BSA (maleyl-albumin) induces functional activation in murine peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, maleyl-albumin has been shown to interact with two distinct sites on human monocytes; one site is the scavenger receptor, a 260-kDa oligomeric protein which recognizes modified forms of low density lipoprotein (LDL), and the second is a lower affinity site which has yet to be structurally characterized. In the present study, we wished to quantitatively assess the number and character of maleyl-albumin-binding sites on murine peritoneal macrophages and to determine which site or sites are involved in signaling the macrophage to undergo extensive functional development. Binding studies. demonstrate at least two distinct receptors for maleyl-albumin on murine peritoneal macrophages. Scatchard analyses of the binding isotherms reveal two sites characterized by dissociation constants (Kd) of 17.6 nM and 4.9 microM and maximal binding of 1.2 x 10(5) and 1 x 10(6) sites/cell, respectively. The contribution of the scavenger receptor, determined by binding analyses of malondialdehyde-LDL, is described by two sites with Kd of 39.4 pM and 9.6 nM, and maximal binding of 2.7 x 10(3) and 1.9 x 10(4) sites/cell, respectively. Maleyl-albumin blocks binding of malondialdehyde-LDL, whereas modified LDL fails to inhibit binding of maleyl-albumin. Maleyl-albumin, at concentrations producing lower affinity binding, stimulates tumor cytolysis, expression of mRNA encoding TNF, and suppression of INF-gamma-induced expression of Ia Ag. Malondialdehyde-LDL fails to elicit these responses. We conclude that macrophage activation produced by maleyl-albumin is mediated by interaction with the low affinity, high capacity binding site for maleyl-albumin rather than the scavenger receptor.

K562 cells produce and respond to human erythroid-potentiating activity

Human erythroid-potentiating activity (EPA) is a 28,000 mol wt glycoprotein that stimulates the growth of erythroid progenitors in vitro and enhances colony formation by the K562 human erythroleukemia cell line. EPA has potent protease inhibitory activity, and is also referred to as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). We observed that colony formation by K562 cells in semi-solid medium containing reduced fetal calf serum (FCS) is not directly proportional to the number of cells plated, suggesting production of autostimulatory factors by K562 cells. Using radioimmunoprecipitation and a bioassay for EPA, medium conditioned by K562 cells was found to contain high levels of biologically active EPA; Northern hybridization analysis confirmed the expression of EPA mRNA. Radiolabeled EPA was used to identify cell surface receptors on K562 cells. Together, these results suggest that EPA may act as an autocrine growth factor for K562 cells.

Resolution of high and low affinity progesterone receptors from human breast carcinoma T47D cells

Each of four independent experimental approaches showed that human breast carcinoma T47D cells contain both high and low affinity progesterone receptors. (i) Equilibrium-specific [3H]progesterone binding to adherent cultured cells revealed dissociation constants (Kd) of 1.5 and 60 nM and 0.33 and 2.4 X 10(6) sites/cell, respectively. Both the high and low affinity receptors were specific for progestins as demonstrated by steroid binding competition studies conducted at 5 and 50 nM [3H]progesterone. (ii) Equilibrium [3H]progesterone binding to the resolved soluble and particulate fractions from a cell homogenate sedimented at 40,000 X g.min revealed Kd = 1.4 nM high affinity binding sites exclusively in the supernatant fraction and Kd = 24 nM low affinity sites exclusively in the particulate fraction. Extraction of the particulate fraction with a high ionic strength buffer solubilized the low affinity receptors stoichiometrically; but once solubilized, they displayed Kd = 2.4 nM high affinity progesterone binding. Characterizations of 3H-ligand bound specifically to progesterone receptors in intact cells or resolved subcellular fractions revealed no [3H]progesterone metabolites that could account for the low affinity binding. (iii) Calculations based on the rate constants of [3H] progesterone association with or dissociation from adherent cells revealed the same dissociation constants for both high and low affinity binding as those determined by equilibrium measurements. (iv) Nonionic detergent extraction of cells incubated with a wide range of [3H]progesterone concentrations revealed high affinity progesterone binding to receptors in the detergent-soluble fraction and low affinity binding associated primarily with the particulate residue, consistent with the data on equilibrium progesterone binding to resolved cell homogenate fractions. The rate of extraction of the high affinity receptor-progesterone complex with nonionic detergent (t1/2 = 1 min at 0 degrees C) equaled the rate of extraction of a representative lysosomal enzyme, beta-acetylglucosaminidase.

Characterization of the human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor

Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine derived from activated T cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages. It stimulates myeloid and erythroid progenitors to form colonies in semisolid medium in vitro, as well as enhancing multiple differentiated functions of mature neutrophils, macrophages, and eosinophils. We have examined the binding of human GM-CSF to a variety of responsive human cells and cell lines. The most mature myelomonocytic cells, specifically human neutrophils, macrophages, and eosinophils, express the highest numbers of a single class of high affinity receptors (Kd approximately 37 pM, 293-1000 sites/cell). HL-60 and KG-1 cells exhibit an increase in specific binding at high concentrations of GM-CSF; computer analysis of the data is nonetheless consistent with a single class of high affinity binding sites with a Kd approximately 43 pM and 20-450 sites/cell. Dimethyl sulfoxide induces a 3-10-fold increase in high affinity receptors expressed in HL-60 cells, coincident with terminal neutrophilic differentiation. Finally, binding of 125I-GM-CSF to fresh peripheral blood cells from six patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia was analyzed. In three of six cases, binding was similar to the nonsaturable binding observed with HL-60 and KG-1 cells. GM-CSF binding was low, or in some cases, undetectable on myeloblasts obtained from eight patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. The observed affinities of the receptor for GM-CSF are consistent with all known biological activities. Affinity labeling of both normal neutrophils and dimethyl sulfoxide-induced HL-60 cells with unglycosylated 125I-GM-CSF yielded a band of 98 kDa, implying a molecular weight of approximately 84,000 for the human GM-CSF receptor.

Altered glucocorticoid binding and action in response to epidermal growth factor in HBL100 cells

Incubation of adherent human breast epithelial HBL100 cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) decreased [3H]dexamethasone binding by 35% with no effect on affinity. Maximal inhibition was obtained at 3 nM EGF and the 50% effective dose was 0.2 nM EGF. Decreased dexamethasone binding induced by 3 nM EGF was maximal by 5 min of treatment and, in the continuous presence of EGF, persisted at a constant level over 4 days. The action of EGF was antagonized by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, which did not inhibit dexamethasone binding significantly, and by concanavalin A. In homogenates of EGF-treated cells, decreased dexamethasone binding was observed only in the cytosolic fraction. Saturation dexamethasone binding inhibited the growth rate of HBL100 cells by approximately 50%, but concurrent treatment with EGF overcame this inhibition. The effect of EGF on dexamethasone-inhibited cell growth also was antagonized by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

Double-blind study comparing aztreonam with placebo for prophylaxis of infection following prostatic surgery

In a prospective, randomised, double-blind study, 179 patients undergoing retropubic or transurethral prostatectomy were given pre-operatively either 1 g aztreonam or a placebo. In patients treated with aztreonam there was a significant reduction in the number with post-operative bacteriuria and in the number requiring treatment of post-operative bacteriuria. Other differences were not significant. The mean duration of post-operative hospital stay for patients receiving aztreonam was 7.1 days compared with 6.9 days for those receiving placebo. In patients treated with aztreonam there was no increase in the frequency of infections due to Gram-positive bacterial species.

Surgical salvage of advanced testicular tumours

After combination chemotherapy, 19 patients underwent salvage surgery for testicular neoplasia. Active malignancy was found in nine patients, three of whom have died of the disease. Those with benign residual disease have had a good prognosis without further treatment. Biopsy alone of the residual masses proved reliable in determining which patients were to be simply followed or given further chemotherapy. If active malignancy was not resected fully, the prognosis was very poor. Our policy continues to be to attempt complete excision of residual masses after induction chemotherapy and to give salvage chemotherapy to patients with residual active malignancy.

Influence of hog lice, Haematopinus suis, on blood components, behavior, weight gain and feed efficiency of pigs

Blood components, behavior, weight gain and feed efficiency were studied in 40 weaner pigs infested with lice and 40 left uninfested (controls). Packed cell volumes and concentrations of hemoglobin, serum proteins, leukocytes, serum globulins, and serum albumins increased significantly in both groups. Eosinophil concentrations increased and neutrophil concentrations decreased in the infested group but not in the controls. There was a significant increase in erythrocyte concentrations in the control group while the infested group's erythrocyte concentrations decreased at the middle of the experiment. Blood of infested and uninfested pigs showed no significant differences from pre-infestation values in sedimentation rates and concentrations of fibrinogen, basophils, and monocytes. Control pigs spent more time at feeders and more time active while not at feeders. Nevertheless, average daily gains (ADG) and feed efficiencies (FE) of the two groups were not significantly different. When ADG and FE were grouped by severity of Haematopinus suis infestation, pigs with more H. suis had higher ADG and better FE than pigs with fewer or no lice. The results suggest that a decrease in activity by infested pigs allows them to save energy which is then available for growth.

A comparison of the effect of diethylstilbestrol with low dose estramustine phosphate in the treatment of advanced prostatic cancer: final analysis of a phase III trial of the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer

In a randomized phase III trial performed by the Urological Group of the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer low dose estramustine phosphate (280 mg. twice daily for 8 weeks and 140 mg. twice daily thereafter) was compared to diethylstilbestrol (1 mg. 3 times daily) in patients with stages T3 to T4, M0 or M1 prostatic cancer. Of 248 patients entered 227 were evaluable for analysis: 115 received estramustine phosphate and 112 received diethylstilbestrol. The best response of the local tumor as assessed by palpation was seen in patients receiving diethylstilbestrol. There was no significant difference between treatments for response rate of metastases, interval to local progression, distant progression, over-all survival and death of carcinoma of the prostate. Duration of survival was correlated with the assessment of local response as determined by palpation. The response of distant lesions also was correlated closely with survival. Diethylstilbestrol (1 mg. 3 times daily) was associated with a significantly worse degree of cardiovascular toxicity than estramustine phosphate. This finding was especially obvious in patients who had no history of cardiovascular disease. Gastrointestinal toxicity occurred in 25 patients treated with estramustine phosphate, including 6 in whom cessation of treatment was necessary. Further studies are required to determine the optimum dose of diethylstilbestrol and estramustine phosphate, and to establish the best form of hormonal treatment for prostatic carcinoma.

Assignment of lectins specific for D-galactose or N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to two groups, based on their circular dichroism

The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of thirteen lectins, most being specific for D-galactose or N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, were compared. Two groupings are proposed on the basis of the CD in the near-ultraviolet region. Group one comprises the lectins from Arachis hypogaea, Glycine max, Phaseolus coccineus, P. lunatus, P. vulgaris, and Vicia villosa, and group two comprises lectins from Caragana arborescens, Cytisus sessilifolius, Dolichos biflorus, Griffonia simplicifolia, and Wisteria floribunda. The CD spectra of lectins from Bauhinia purpurea and Sophora japonica were different from any of the other lectins. CD difference spectra produced by the two sugars were distinctive for each protein, suggesting that the combining sites of these lectins are not homologous despite similarities in specificity and that the CD spectral similarities arise from residues in other, more homologous regions of the proteins.

The circular dichroism of phosphocholine-specific mouse hybridoma and myeloma proteins: unusual properties of the hybridoma protein 101.6G6

The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of five myeloma and six hybridoma proteins specific for phosphocholine were measured in the 250-310-nm range. The effect on the CD spectra of adding phosphocholine was also examined. The five myeloma proteins all had distinctive native spectra and, except for M603 and W3207, unique changes occurred on ligand binding. The hybridomas were chosen as pairs from each of the three known families of phosphocholine-specific immunoglobulins. Those from the T15 or M603 families resembled the appropriate prototype. However, the proteins from the M167 family were all distinctively different in their CD properties. In particular, the hybridoma protein 101.6G6 showed large CD changes on hapten binding and values for the association constant for phosphocholine of 1.1 X 10(5) M-1 and of 5.8 X 10(2) M-1 for acetylcholine were obtained by CD spectrophotometric titration. The CD properties of the proteins are interpreted in the light of the sequence data so far available, including the possible role of the D-segment.

Structural differences between two lectins from Cytisus scoparius, both specific for D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine

Three lectin fractions were obtained from seeds of the leguminous plant Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) by means of affinity chromatography on a N-acetyl-D-galactosamine medium. The first fraction, termed CSIa, was equally well inhibited in haemagglutination experiments by D-galactose and by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and consisted of a group of isolectins formed from closely related polypeptide chains of approx. Mr 30000. The second fraction, CSIb, was closely related to CSIa in specificity, c.d. and other properties. The third fraction contained a homogeneous lectin, CSII, formed from subunits again of approx. Mr 30000. CSII was 100 times more readily inhibited by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine than by D-galactose. Despite the similarity in specificity, comparative studies of their amino acid composition, c.d. and N-terminal amino acid sequence showed that the CSIa and CSII lectins diverged considerably in structure. The lectin from Cytisus sessilifolius, specific for chitobiose, was also examined and resembled CSIa in composition and c.d. properties.

Chemical modification and serological properties of the 3-deoxy-alpha-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid-containing polysaccharide from Escherichia coli LP1092

The alpha-D configuration of the 3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosylonic acid residues in the E. coli LP1092 polysaccharide was definitively assigned by a comparison of its c.d. spectrum with those of methyl 3-deoxy-alpha- and -beta-D-manno-2-octulopyranosidonic acid. The c.d. spectrum of the polysaccharide showed a negative n----pi transition at 211 nm, associated with carboxyl groups, which correlated well with the negative band at 218 nm exhibited in the c.d. spectrum of the methyl alpha-D-glycoside. In contrast, the methyl beta-D-glycoside gave a positive band in the same region of its c.d. spectrum, at 221 nm. Treatment of the E. coli LP1092 polysaccharide with 3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride yielded a modified polysaccharide containing O-acylisourea groups and intramolecular lactones, in addition to some unesterified carboxyl groups. Both forms of ester could be reduced to hydroxymethyl groups by sodium borohydride. Although immuno-precipitation of an antiserum specific for the E. coli LP1092 polysaccharide is not sensitive to the introduction of O-acylisourea groups into the polysaccharide, precipitation was completely eliminated when approximately half of the carboxyl groups of the polysaccharide were converted either into lactone or hydroxymethyl groups. Failure to precipitate the antiserum can be attributed to significant conformational changes in the polysaccharide brought about by the introduction of the latter two groups.