Intranuclear relocalization of matrix binding sites during T cell activation detected by amplified fluorescence in situ hybridization

We describe a method for analyzing the nuclear localization of specific DNA sequences, with special emphasis on their binding status to the nuclear matrix, depending on the developmental stage of the cells. This method employs high-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization procedures. For our studies, it was important to examine the nuclear localization of a particular gene locus. Previously, however, it was not possible to detect a single-copy genomic sequence using a DNA probe less than several kilobases in size. We describe here a signal amplification technique based on tyramide which makes such a task possible. Using this method, we monitored single-copy loci using a short, 509-bp DNA sequence that binds in vivo to the T cell factor SATB1 within T cell nuclei, high-salt-extracted nuclei (histone-depleted nuclei generating "halos" with distended chromatin loops), and the nuclear matrix, before and after T cell activation. We found that these loci were anchored onto the nuclear matrix, creating new bases of chromatin loops, only after T cell activation. This experimental strategy, therefore, enabled us to detect the changes in higher order chromatin structure upon activation and study gene regulation at a new dimension: the loop domain structure. The methods shown here can be widely applied to explore other functions involving chromatin, including recombination and replication.

[Studies on the infrared spectra of mico2-OR or micro2-SR-bridged double-cubane-like clusters containing MoFe3S4 cores]

The IR spectra of micro2-OR or micro2-SR- bridged double-cubane-like clusters containing MoFe3S4 cores (Et4N)3 [Mo2Fe6S8Cl6 (OMe)3] (1), (Et4N) [Mo2Fe6S8 (SPh)6 (OMe)3 (2), (Bu4N)3 Mo2Fe6S (SPh)6 (OMe)3] (3), (Et4N)3 [Mo2Fe6S8 (SBu(t))6(OMe)3](4), (Et4N)3[Mo2Fe6S8 (SPh)9](5) have been investigated. Their characteristic frequencies (v)Mo-micro2O(R), (v)Mo-micro2S(R), (v)Mo-S, (v)Fe-S*, (v)Fe-SR, (v)Fe-Cl were assigned by comparing their vibrational frequencies with their structural parameters and by comparing the IR spectra of them with that of the linear clusters. The electrophilic induced effects in different way and the relationship between deltav (i.e. (v)Mo-S* (v)Fe-S*) and Fe --> Mo charge transfer have been discussed. Finaly, the sameness and difference between the double-cubane-like and linear Mo-Fe-S clusters were demonstrated.

[Expression of MAGE-1 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of MAGE-1 mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to discuss the possibility of using MAGE-1 antigens as a new peptide vaccine for immunotherapy for HCC.

METHODS

The expression of MAGE-1 mRNA in HCC tissue and the adjacent non-HCC liver tissue was detected using RT-PCR in 45 samples of HCC, 16 samples of cirrhosis and 12 samples of normal liver tissue. The 6 samples of MAGE-1 mRNA positive PCR products were DNA sequenced. The sequenced fragments of MAGE-1 cDNA were used as template to which a [alpha 32P] labeled probe was synthesized and employed for Southern blot analysis. HLA class I-A and I-B typing of 43 HCC patients were assayed by ELISA test.

RESULTS

Of the 45 HCC samples, 32 expressed MAGE-1 mRNA. None of the HCC adjacent tissue or liver tissue from cirrhosis or normal liver samples expressed MAGE-1 mRNA. The DNA sequence confirmed that the target gene fragment in all the 6 samples of PCR products was MAGE-1 cDNA. Point mutation occurred in 3 samples resulting in alternation of amino acid residues in 2 positions. Southern blot analysis showed that MAGE-1 was also detectable in HCC tissue which was MAGE-1 positive in RT-PCR assay, but not detectable in non-HCC liver tissue. In HCC patients, the predominant types of HLA were A2(53.5%), A11(25.6%), A24(20.9%), A33(20.9%), B13 (28.3%) and B35(23.2%). MAGE-1 mRNA expression in HCC showed no correlation with the level of alpha-FP in blood and the diameter of tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

MAGE-1 mRNA is expressed at a high percentage of HCC samples. This tumor rejection antigen may have potential to be used as a new peptide vaccine for immunotherapy for HCC. There are point mutations of MAGE-1 gene sequence in some Chinese HCC patients.

Feasibility study of an ultrasound contrast agent (levovist) in color Doppler imaging of liver neoplasms

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of using an ultrasound contrast agent (levovist) to enhance the color Doppler imaging of liver neoplasms. Thirty patients with hepatic tumors were enrolled in this study. After intravenous administration of levovist, the color Doppler signals of normal hepatic vessels were enhanced. In various hepatic tumors, the different patterns of tumor vascularity were observed, which had not been demonstrated in conventional non-contrast color Doppler imaging. In 11 of 16 patients with hepatocarcinoma, additional color Doppler signals were observed in the central part of the tumors. On the contrary, 3 patients with metastatic liver lesions the enhanced color Doppler signals appear only at the peripheral of tumors. A typical rim-like color enhancement was seen in 2 of the 3 cases. In six patients with hepatic hemangiomas contrast-enhanced color Doppler imaging demonstrated the blood vessels at the margin of the neoplasms. Contrast-enhanced color Doppler imaging improves the visualization of the hepatic neoplasm vascularity. This technique holds great promise for detecting small liver tumors and differentiating hepatic neoplasms.

A feasible and effective technique for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum cercaria-infested water

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new technique for detecting Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) cercariae so as to predict the distribution of area with high transmission potential and to control acute infection of schistosoma.

METHODS

A C-6 film was established and used to adhere the cercariae on water surface and compared with a few other conventional detecting techniques.

RESULTS

The average rate of the cercaria-recovery was 40% in laboratory and field using C-6 film, which was 20 times higher than that of traditional nylon-tissue adsorbing and precipitating method. Either in some areas where oncomelania were present or in some places where the snail had been under control, the technique could detect the cercariae.

CONCLUSION

The technique can be characterized by a feasible, economical, promptly accessible method, especially for field application.

Serotonin receptor subtypes that depolarize guinea pig inferior mesenteric ganglion neurons

Our previous studies indicated that serotonin (5-HT) depolarized a majority of guinea pig inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) neurons and may be another transmitter for the noncholinergic late slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (ls-EPSP) in the IMG. However, the subtypes of 5-HT receptor mediating these responses have not yet been identified. Using intracellular recording, we examined the effect of 5-HT receptor antagonists with specificity to various 5-HT receptor subtypes on the 5-HT-mediated depolarization and ls-EPSP in IMG neurons in vitro. Cyproheptadine, a 5-HT(1/2) receptor antagonist, reversibly inhibited the slow, but not the fast, depolarization and ls-EPSP in the 5-HT-sensitive neurons. Both mianserin and spiperone, 5-HT(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonists, did not significantly alter either the fast or slow depolarizing responses or the ls-EPSP. The 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist MDL 72222 (Bemesetron) completely inhibited the fast depolarization with little diminution of the slow depolarization and ls-EPSP. Superfusion of putative 5-HT(1P) receptor antagonist, BRL 24924 (Renzapride), reversibly attenuated both the depolarization and ls-EPSP. However, 5-HT-insensitive neurons with ls-EPSP were found to be insensitive to both cyproheptadine and BRL 24924. In most 5-HT-sensitive neurons, the 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, and the selective 5-HT(1P) agonist, MCPP or 5-OHIP, evoked a fast and a slow depolarization in 55.6 and 71.4% of the neurons, respectively, without a significant effect on the membrane potential in 85.7 and 100% of the 5-HT-insensitive neurons. In 5-HT-sensitive neurons, MDL 72222 reversibly abolished the fast depolarization induced by 2-methyl-5-HT; BRL 24924 significantly inhibited the slow depolarization induced by MCPP or 5-OHIP, but not by SP. Prolonged superfusion of 5-HT-sensitive neurons with MCPP abolished the evoked ls-EPSP without inhibition of action potential. These results suggest that the fast and slow depolarizations in these neurons are mediated by 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(1P) receptor subtypes, respectively. The latter may also mediate the ls-EPSP in 5-HT-sensitive neurons.

[Studies on identification of yinchaihu by UV and IR]

OBJECTIVE

To study the identification of nine species of Yinchaihu derived from four genera of Caryophyllaceae, namely, Stellaria dichotoma var. lanceolata, St. dichotoma var. dichotoma, Arenaria juncea, A. capillaris var. glandulifera, Silene fortunei, Si. jenisseensis, Gypsophila pacifica, G. oldhamiana and G. licentiana.

METHOD

UV and IR of alcohol extraction.

RESULTS

The UV and IR spectra of these 9 plant roots have some difference.

CONCLUSION

St. dichotoma var. lanceolata specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia can be distinguished from the other plants and all these 4 genera can be differentiated from one another by both UV and first derivative spectra. The genus Stellaria can be identified from the other 3 genera by IR.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase isoenzymes as biomarker of renal dysfunction caused by cadmium in a general population

N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and its isoenzymes in urine have been studied in a population group residing in a polluted area in China. The area studied was contaminated by industrial wastewater from a nearby smelter that discharged cadmium-polluted wastewater into a river used for the irrigation of rice fields. Cadmium concentrations in rice were 3.70, 0.51, and 0.07 mg/kg for the highly and moderately polluted areas and the control area, respectively. Cadmium concentrations in urine exceeded 5 microgram/liter in the majority of subjects in the most highly polluted area. There was a marked dose-dependent increase in NAG and NAG B content of urine related both to urinary cadmium and to the calculated cadmium uptake. It is concluded that urinary NAG and its isoenzymes could serve as a sensitive biomarker of renal dysfunction in cadmium-exposed populations. The mechanisms underlying the increase in NAG and its isoenzymes after cadmium exposure need to be studied further.

Identification of beta-turn and random coil amide III infrared bands for secondary structure estimation of proteins

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is increasingly becoming an important method to determine secondary structure of peptides and proteins. Among the spectral regions arising out of coupled and uncoupled stretching and bending modes of amide bonds, amide I and amide III spectral bands have been found to be the most sensitive to the variations in secondary structure folding. Amide I spectral region (1700-1600 cm-1), although most commonly used primarily because of its strong signal, suffers from several limitations, including a strong interference from water vibrational band, relatively unstructured spectral contour, and overlap of revolved bands correspondingly to various secondary structures. In contrast, amide III spectral region (1350-1200 cm-1), albeit relatively weak in signals, does not have the above limitations. Easily resolved and better defined amide III bands are quite suitable for quantitative analysis of protein secondary structure. While amide III region has been successfully used for determination of alpha-helix and beta-sheets (Fu, F.-N., et al. (1994) Appl. Spectrosc. 48, 1432-1441), bands corresponding to beta-turns and random coils have not been identified, so far. In this paper, we describe, for the first time, identification of amide III bands corresponding to beta-turns and random coils by selectively enhancing random coils by treatment with a denaturing reagent, and secondary structure estimation of several proteins by using the band assignments. The assignments of spectral bands were as follows: 1330-1295 cm-1, alpha-helix; 1295-1270 cm-1, beta-turns; 1270-1250 cm-1, random coils; and 1250-1220 cm-1, beta-sheets. The estimations of secondary structural elements by the above assignments correlated quite well with secondary structure estimations from X-ray crystallography data.

[Implementation of "four-early principle" to raise the successful rate in mass burn casualties]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and result of "four-early principle" in the treatment of mass burn casualties.

METHODS

During the last 12 years, a total of 155 burn patients were admitted in 18 groups, and the following principles were implemented; early rapid fluid resuscitation during shock stage for delayed resuscitation patients; early tracheostomy to assist air passage humidification and lavation for moderate and severe inhalation injury; planning escharectomy and grafting during shock stage in patients with extensive deep burns; emphasizing early stage enteral nutritional support.

RESULTS

The successful rate of treatment was raised, and the incidence of complications decreased in mass casualties with serious burn after implementing early stage treatment principles.

CONCLUSION

The application of "four-early principle" on the treatment of mass burn casualties is feasible and effective.

[Prognostic value of cell proliferation and apoptosis in uterine cervical cancer treated with radiation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the prognostic value of cell proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer patients treated with radiation.

METHODS

A retrospective study was done in 40 radiotherapy-uncontrolled cases of squamous-cell carcinoma of the cervix uteri and an equal number of cases, matched in age, clinical stage, tumor size and histologic grade, which had been cured by radiotherapy. Cell proliferation was judged by the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positively stained cell number x intensity of staining, and number of cells in mitosis per 10 high-power microscopic fields (HPF). Apoptotic cells were identified by TUNEL method and the result was expressed as the number of cells undergone apoptosis per 10 HPF.

RESULTS

The average level of PCNA expression was 5.38 +/- 3.21 in the cured patients and 7.50 +/- 3.16 in the radiotherapy-uncontrolled patients (P < 0.01). The number of mitotic cells/10 HPF was 6.33 +/- 5.15 in the cured patients and 11.33 +/- 7.50 in the uncontrolled patients (P < 0.001). The number of apoptotic cells/10 HPF was 20.90 +/- 8.19 in the cured patients and 27.13 +/- 17.28 in the uncontrolled patients (P < 0.05). The ratio of number of apoptotic cells to that of mitotic cells (A/M) was 4.97 +/- 3.31 in the cured and 3.36 +/- 2.83 in the uncontrolled (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In cervical cancer, PCNA expression, the number of cells in mitosis and that of cells in apoptosis are significantly increased while the A/M ratio is significantly decreased in radiotherapy-uncontrolled patients compared to those of patients cured by radiotherapy. These parameters may be of value of predict response to radiotherapy and prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.

Specific and nonspecific immune stimulation of MHC-II-deficient mice results in chronic HSV-1 infection of the trigeminal ganglia following ocular challenge

Ocular herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection of MHC-II-deficient mice (AO/Obeta mice) or their parental C57BL/6J wild-type mice resulted in the establishment of typical HSV-1 latent infections in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) of the surviving mice by day 28 postinfection. Latency was characterized by the complete absence of infectious virus in TG extracts, the ability to recover latent virus only following prolonged tissue culture cultivation of explanted TG, and the presence of HSV-1 DNA in TG extracts. When mice were vaccinated prior to ocular HSV-1 challenge, latency appeared unaltered in the C57BL/6J wild-type mice. However, in AO/Obeta mice, clearance of virus from the TG appeared to be seriously impaired, resulting in a chronic productive infection, rather than a latent infection. Infectious virus was readily detected in TG extracts of vaccinated AO/Obeta mice until at least 63 days postinfection. Glycoprotein B mRNA was also readily detected, confirming continued viral transcription. These chronic infections occurred regardless of whether the AO/Obeta mice were vaccinated with HSV-1-specific antigens (i.e., live HSV-1 strain KOS, recombinantly expressed HSV-1 glycoprotein D plus Freund's adjuvant, or a mixture of seven recombinantly expressed HSV-1 glycoproteins plus adjuvant) or non-HSV-1-specific antigens (i.e., tissue culture medium plus 5% fetal bovine serum, the expression vector plus adjuvant, or adjuvant alone). Passive transfer of HSV-1 neutralizing antibody to vaccinated AO/Obeta mice between days 0 and 28 post-ocular challenge did not clear infectious virus from the TG. Passive transfer of anti-HSV-1 antibody or purified naive mouse serum to unvaccinated AO/Obeta mice on days 3 or 6 post-HSV-1 ocular challenge also resulted in chronic, rather than latent, infection of the TG. Passive transfer of naive sera from B-cell-deficient mice or injection of keyhole limpet hemocyanin or purified IgG, but not PBS or dextran, 3 days after HSV-1 challenge also resulted in chronic infection of the TG.

Vaccination with different HSV-1 glycoproteins induces different patterns of ocular cytokine responses following HSV-1 challenge of vaccinated mice

We previously reported that vaccination of BALB/c mice with different baculovirus expressed HSV-1 glycoproteins induced varying degrees of protection against HSV-1 ocular challenge, ranging from complete protection to no protection, to exacerbation of eye disease. To correlate specific local immune responses with protection and exacerbation of corneal scarring, we examined immune cell infiltrates in the cornea after ocular HSV-1 challenge of vaccinated mice. Mice were vaccinated with gD, which completely protects against corneal scarring, gG, which produces no protection against corneal scarring, or gK, which exacerbates corneal scarring. Cryostat sections of cornea were taken at different times after challenge and examined for infiltrating cells containing IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma, IL-6, or TNF-alpha. No corneal infiltrates were seen before challenge or 1 day after ocular challenge in any groups. By days 3-7, many cells containing IL-4 and IFN-gamma, but few cells containing IL-2, had infiltrated into the corneas of gG or mock vaccinated mice. At the same times, many cells containing IL-2, but few cells containing IL-4 or IFN-gamma, were seen in the corneas of gD vaccinated mice. In contrast, the corneas of mice vaccinated with gK contained large amounts of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IL-4. Our results suggest that: (1) corneas from gD vaccinated mice had no corneal disease and developed a response highly biased toward IL-2 responses; (2) corneas from gG or mock vaccinated eyes had significant corneal disease and developed a mostly IL-4 and IFN-gamma cytokine response; and (3) corneas from gK vaccinated mice had exacerbated corneal disease and developed strong IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma cytokine responses.

Significant reduction of T-cell chemotaxis to MCP-1 in patients with primary and metastatic melanoma

OBJECTIVE

To address whether circulating T-cells from the patients with primary and metastatic malignant melanoma show altered chemotaxis to monocyte-chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and its relation to tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) and metastasis.

METHODS

Chemotactic response of T-cells towards MCP-1 and immuno-histochemistry study of TIL and tumor-associated-macrophages (TAM) were investigated in patients with primary and metastatic melanoma compared to patients with basal cell carcinoma and healthy persons.

RESULTS

T-cells from patients with primary and metastatic melanoma showed a significantly decreased chemotactic migration towards MCP-1 and T-cells from patients with basal cell carcinoma showed normal chemotactic response. Immuno-histochemistry study showed that there was no correlation between the number of TIL and the decreased chemotaxis of circulating T-cells to MCP-1 in patients with primary melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating T-cells from patients with primary and metastatic melanoma showed a MCP-1-specific decrease in chemotactic migration. This may be due to abnormal expression or modulation of MCP-1-receptor expression on these cells.

[Effects of yi qi tong mai oral liquid on acute myocardial ischemia in dogs]

The objective of this study was to assess the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Yi Qi Tong Mai Oral Liquid (YQTMOL) on acute myocardial ischemia. The models of ischemia were made, in which the anterior coronary arteries of anesthetized dogs were ligated. Four groups of dogs were examined and compared. We determined the extent of their myocardial ischemia and infarction by means of epicardial mapping and N-BT staining. The results showed that in the treatment groups, the increase of sigma-ST was inhibited 30-180 minutes after the oral administration of YQTMOL(compared with control group, P < 0.01), and the sigma-ST was decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the group dosed with YQTMOL (10 g/kg), the ratios of "area of infarction/heart weight" and "area of infarction/ventricle weight" both decreased (compared with control group, P < 0.05). These findings indicated that YQTMOL reduced the area of myocardial ischemia and the degree of myocardial infarction in dogs, so it could be effective for the prevention and treatment of acute myocardial ischemia.

[Rapid determination of cefazolin in porcine serum by high performance capillary electrophoresis]

A rapid high performance capillary electrophoretic method was established to assay cefazolin in porcine blood serum. Porcine serum was deproteined by 60% acetonitrile and superlants were injected with 10 s pressure load. The final assay condition was: 40 cm x 75 microns silica capillary, 50 mmol/L bicarbonate buffer at pH10, 20 kV for 5 min, 254 nm UV detection. The assay was linear within the range of 5-320 micrograms/ml, the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations ranged from 1.7% to 8.0%. Analytical recovery of cefazolin was 107.9%, the limit of detection was 1.5 micrograms/ml, the limit of quantitation was 3.6 micrograms/ml. To investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of cefazolin in pig, six adult pigs were injected with 16 mg/kg cefazolin and all data was analyzed by pharmacokinetic software 3P87. Cefazolin metabolism in adult pigs appeared to be a typical two-compartment model with a clearance of 8.43 ml/(kg.min).

[A study on adhesive properties of transformed human embryonic tendon cells to PLA and PLGA]

To study the adhesive properties of transformed human embryonic tendon cells (THETCs) to polylactic acid(PLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid 85/15 (PLGA 85/15), the adhesive mechanical properties of single THETCs to PLA films (average thickness 18.6 microns) and PLGA 85/15 films (average thickness 17.3 microns) were measured by means of micropipet aspirating technique. The rsults showed that the attachment rate and adhesive force for two polymer groups(PLA precoated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and PLGA 85/15 precoated with BSA) were significantly lower than those for two control groups(PLA and PLGA 85/15), respectively, while the attachment rate and adhesive force for other two polymer groups (PLA precoated with poly-D-lysine (PDL) and PLGA 85/15 precoated with PDL) were significantly higher than those for two control groups, respectively, and that the adhesive properties of THETCs to PLGA 85/15 films were better than those of THETCs to PLA films. These demonstrate that BSA can inhibit THETCs attachment to polymer, and PDL can promote THETCs attachment to polymer, and suggest that PLGA 85/15 films were better than those of THETCs to PLA films. These demonstrate that BSA can inhibit THETCs attachment to polymer, and PDL can promote THETCs attachment to polymer, and suggest that PLGA 85/15 coated with PDL may be used as a new type attachment substrate for THETCs.

Enhancement of the endopeptidase activity of botulinum neurotoxin by its associated proteins and dithiothreitol

Botulinum neurotoxins type A (BoNT/A), the most toxic substance known to man, is produced by Clostridium botulinum type A as a complex with a group of neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs), possibly through a polycistronic expression of a clustered group of genes. The botulinum neurotoxin complex is the only known example of a protein complex where a group of proteins (NAPs) protect another protein (BoNT) against acidity and proteases of the GI tract. We now report that NAPs also potentiate the Zn2+ endopeptidase activity of BoNT/A in both in vitro and in vivo assays against its known intracellular target protein, 25 kDa synaptosomal associated protein (SNAP-25). While BoNT/A exhibited no protease activity prior to reduction with dithiothreitol (DTT), the BoNT/A complex exhibited a high protease activity even in its nonreduced form. Our results suggest that the bacterial production of NAPs along with BoNT is designed for the NAPs to play an accessory role in the neurotoxin function, in contrast to their previously known limited role in protecting the neurotoxin in the GI tract and in the external environment. Structural features of BoNT/A change considerably upon disulfide reduction, as revealed by near-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy. BoNT/A in the reduced form adopts a more flexible structure than in the unreduced form, as also indicated by large differences in DeltaH values (155 vs 248 kJ mol-1) of temperature-induced unfolding of BoNT/A.

Drug interactions with diosmectite: a study using the artificial stomach-duodenum model

Drug interactions with diosmectite, a gastric-protective drug, were studied in vitro using an artificial stomach-duodenum model. The behavior of neutral and ionisable drugs with pKa values ranging between 2 and 8 was monitored to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the interactions. The main neutral (digoxin) and acid (valproic acid) drug substances were moderately fixed by clay (<27%), in a pH-independent manner. Basic compounds with a pKa<7 (dapsone, metronidazole, cimetidine) were strongly fixed in acid medium (?62%), and fully released under neutral conditions. Amphoteric (fluoroquinolones) and basic compounds with a pKa>/=7 (ranitidine, pyrimethamine) were adsorbed by more than 81% by diosmectite in gastric and duodenal compartments. In the part of the model representing the distal duodenum, the potential site for drug absorption, only the active substances which remained positively charged (amphoteric and basic compounds) showed a large reduction (>/=80%) in their available free fraction. Ionisation of drug substances administered per os concomitantly with diosmectite plays a crucial role in these interactions.

The role of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 in herpes simplex virus type 1 ocular replication and eye disease

To assess the relative effect of interleukin (IL)-2- and IL-4-dependent immune responses on herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 infection, naive, vaccinated, and mock-vaccinated IL-20/0 and IL-40/0 knockout mice were challenged ocularly with HSV-1. Naive IL-20/0 mice were significantly more susceptible to lethal infection than IL-40/0 or parental BALB/c mice. Vaccinated, IL-20/0, IL-40/0, and BALB/c mice induced similar neutralizing antibody titers and were completely protected against HSV-1-induced death and corneal scarring. Vaccinated and mock-vaccinated IL-20/0 mice had significantly higher HSV-1 titers in their eyes than BALB/c mice, while vaccinated and mock-vaccinated IL-40/0 mice had significantly lower HSV-1 titers in their eyes than BALB/c mice. Recombinant (r) IL-2 treatment of the IL-20/0 mice significantly reduced ocular HSV-1 replications, but rIL-4 treatment of IL-40/0 mice significantly increased ocular HSV-1 replications. Th1 (IL-2) cytokine responses may help protect mice against ocular HSV-1 challenge and reduce ocular HSV-1 replication.

[Isolation and identification of two flavonoids from Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Taraxacum mongolicum.

METHOD

Compounds were separated by column chromatography on silica gel and polyamide, and their structures were determined by spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

RESULT

Two flavonoid compounds were separated and elucidated as isoquercitrin and hyperin.

CONCLUSION

These two compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time.

[Effect of po li gan capsule on immunofunction in mice]

This study aimed at the immune response of mice to Po Li Gan Capsule (PLGC). The effects of PLGC on phagocytosis of phagocyte, on serum hemolysin, and on IL-1, IL-2 in mice were investigated. The results showed that the coefficient and index of phagocytosis obviously increased in the experiment group, compared with that in the control group (P < 0.01); the serum hemolysin in the experiment group increased too (P < 0.01). The results also showed that PLGC could restore the capacity of macrophage for secreting IL-1 that had been inhibited by cyclophosphamide and PLGC could enhance the release of IL-2 from spleen cell in the experiment group (P < 0.05-0.01). These suggest that PLGC enhances both cellular and humoral immunity function in mice.

Gene deletion and carrier detection in the family of Becker muscular dystrophy by short tandem repeat sequence polymorphism

OBJECTIVE

To type haplotypes among the patients, carriers and normal offspring in a family of males with Becker muscular dystrophy in one generation by allelic fragment length polymorphism analysis.

METHODS

Deletion analysis of the patients were performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of amplification with 9 dystrophin exon primers. Intragenic short tandem repeat (STR) sequence (STR44, STR45, STR49 and STR50) were amplified by PCR to analyse allelic fragment length polymorphisms in the members of the family.

RESULTS

The deletions of exons 17, 19 and 45, as well as deletions of allelic fragments at the loci of STR44 and STR45 were determined in the patients. Hemizygosity at those two loci were detected and carrier status ascertained in the mother of the patients. The normal haplotypes were typed in the sister of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The method of STR sequence polymorphism analysis can determine haplotypes at normal status or at risk status. It would be used in prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection in the families of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

[A new viscoelastic model for granulocytes]

In this paper, a new viscoelastic model for granulocytes was introduced. The stress was placed on the theory and its experimental results of three-parameter viscous model with micropipette aspirating technique. The small deformation of single rat granulocyte into the micropipette was analyzed by the model. Within the small deformation, the fit of the experiment data using the three-parameter viscous model was more satisfactory than that using the standard solid model, and the former suggested that cytoplasm of granulocyte was treated as a liquid rather than a solid.

[The advances of research for problems of developing flow in blood vessel]

The development and the tendency of the problems of developing flow in the vessel are reviewed in this paper. It is pointed out that the problems of developing flow of viscoelastic blood vessel are front subjects, and that consideration shouldbe be give to three aspects, namely the blood flow, the blood vessel's wall motion and the coupling between the blood and the wall.

[Preliminary evaluation of xenotransplantation and utilization of native pig breeds in China]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the general situation of the native pig breeds and the relative present study conditions for better development of xenotransplantation in China.

METHODS

By comparing the profits between the pigs and the non-human primates as the potential donors for xenotransplantation and emphasizing the source of the pigs as the organ donors from the transplantation studies, we analyzed the possible values of the native pig breeds as the donors.

RESULTS

As one of the richest resources in the world, the species variation and relative genetic stability of Chinese native pig breeds could be the very valuable resources for xenotransplantation study and utilization. As a reverse, the xenotransplantation could provide opportunity for more economically and environmentally utilization of the pigs besides as the meat supply.

CONCLUSION

As a very valuable and potential resource of organ donor, the native pig breeds of China might be noticed by the xenotransplantation colleagues in the world. It is necessary, to keep the balance among the risk vs. benefit and the protection vs. utilization of this valuable resource.

[Interaction of cell adhesion to materials in tissue engineering]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the adhesive interactions of cells with materials and the effects of material properties on cell adhesion in tissue engineering.

METHODS

By looking up the recent literatures dealt with adhesive interactions of cells with materials and reviewing previous work on the adhesion of tissue-derived cells to materials.

RESULTS

The adhesion characteristics of cells to materials not only depend on the nature of materials, including bulk and surface properties, surface modification, surface morphology, net charge, porosity and degradation rate, but also on the expression of cell surface molecules and their interaction with the material.

CONCLUSION

The quantitative measure and biophysical mechanisms of cell adhesion to materials might be very important in tissue engineering.

Saikosaponins from roots of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium

Saikosaponin u and saikosaponin v, were isolated from the roots of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium and these saponins were identified as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl]-3 beta,16 alpha,23,28-tetrahydroxy-olean- 11,13(18)-dien-30-oic acid-30-O-[pentito(1-->1)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(6-->)] ester and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl]-3 beta,16 alpha,23,28-tetrahydroxy-olean-11,13(18)-dien-30-oic acid-30-O-[pentito(1-->1)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(6-->)] ester, respectively.

Regulation of cytoskeletal mechanics and cell growth by myosin light chain phosphorylation

The role of myosin light chain phosphorylation in regulating the mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton was studied in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts expressing a truncated, constitutively active form of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (tMK). Cytoskeletal stiffness determined by quantifying the force required to indent the apical surface of adherent cells showed that stiffness was increased twofold in tMK cells compared with control cells expressing the empty plasmid (Neo cells). Cytoskeletal stiffness quantified using magnetic twisting cytometry showed an approximately 1.5-fold increase in stiffness in tMK cells compared with Neo cells. Electronic volume measurements on cells in suspension revealed that tMK cells had a smaller volume and are more resistant to osmotic swelling than Neo cells. tMK cells also have smaller nuclei, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) and translocation of MAP kinase to the nucleus are slower in tMK cells than in control cells. In tMK cells, there is also less bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and the doubling time is increased. These data demonstrate that increased myosin light chain phosphorylation correlates with increased cytoskeletal stiffness and suggest that changing the mechanical characteristics of the cytoskeleton alters the intracellular signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and division.

The role of neutralizing antibody and T-helper subtypes in protection and pathogenesis of vaccinated mice following ocular HSV-1 challenge

In order to determine the possible correlation of specific immune responses with protection against mortality and ocular disease following ocular herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) challenge, BALB/c mice were vaccinated with different doses and regimens of baculovirus-expressed gD. Neutralizing antibody, virus titres in the eyes, corneal scarring, and survival were measured. In addition, infiltration into the cornea of CD4+ T cells and cells containing the lymphokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were monitored on days 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 post-challenge by immunocytochemistry. The vaccination regimens used induced varying degrees of immune responses and protection upon ocular challenge with HSV-1. Our results suggest that neutralizing antibody was the most important immune response in protecting mice against lethal ocular challenge and corneal scarring. TNF-alpha and IL-2 were not crucial in terms of survival and corneal scarring, since gD1 (one vaccination with 1 microg of gD) and gD0.1 (one vaccination with 0.1 microg of gD), both of which provided high levels of protection, showed no TNF-alpha or IL-2 expression. However, TNF-alpha and IL-2 were crucial in terms of virus clearance from the eyes, since gD3 (three vaccinations with 1 microg of gD), which had less virus in their eyes, had high numbers of TNF-alpha and IL-2 infiltrates. Finally, mock-vaccinated mice were not protected from death and corneal disease following HSV-1 challenge. Eyes of mock-vaccinated mice had little or no TNF-alpha or IL-2 responses and the strongest IL-4 and IL-6 responses.

Localization and characterization of nitric oxide synthase at the frog neuromuscular junction

The frog neuromuscular junction is sensitive to nitric oxide (NO), since exogenously applied NO reduces the release of transmitter b presynaptic terminals and the size of ATP-induced Caoffresponses in perisynaptic Schwann cells. This study aimed at determining whether an NO synthase (NOS) is present at the neuromuscular junction, notably in perisynaptic Schwann cells, the glial cells at this synapse. The NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemical technique revealed the presence of NOS in cell bodies and presumed processes of perisynaptic Schwann cells. Incubation with NOS inhibitors, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or NG-nitro-L-arginine-acetate abolished the NADPH-d staining. Moreover, L-arginine, the precursor of NO, impeded the blockade by NOS inhibitors, establishing the NOS specificity of NADPH-d staining in frog tissue. The pattern of labelling with a polyclonal antibody against the neuronal form of NOS was similar to the NADPH-d staining, also suggesting the presence of a neuronal NOS in perisynaptic Schwann cells. Using electron microscopy the NOS immunostaining was found at the membrane and occasionally in the cytoplasm of perisynaptic Schwann cells and was not detected in the nerve terminal or muscle. There was no enzymatic or immunocytochemical labelling of NOS 6 days after denervation. It is concluded that NOS is present in frog perisynaptic Schwann cells. The presence of this endogenous NOS suggests that NO may act as a diffusible glial messenger to modulate synaptic activity and synapse formation at the neuromuscular junction.

[Studies on flavonoids from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.)]

OBJECTIVE

To study the flavonoids in fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) produced in China.

METHOD

The flavonoids were isolated with silica gel, polyamide and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, and their structures were identified by physical, chemical properties and spectral analysis.

RESULT

Five flavonoid compounds were isolated from fenugreek seeds and identified as vitexin, tricin, naringenin, quercetin and tricin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

CONCLUSION

Three flavonoids, tricin, naringenin and tricin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, were isolated from fenugreek as well as from the plants of Trigonella for the first time.

[The comparison of radiosensitivity between uterine cervical squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the radiosensitivity of uterine cervical squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The shrinkage of tumor and the radiation-induced damage were compared between cervical squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma after twice afterloading radiotherapy. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen index (PI), detected immunohistochemically, was compared before and after radiotherapy between the two tumors.

RESULTS

Patients of squamous carcinoma with tumor shrinkage 50% or more accounted for 70% (21/30) and patients of adenocarcinoma accounted for 27% (4/15), which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The radiation-induced damage grade II b-III accounted for 60% (18/30) in squamous carcinoma and for 20% (3/15) in adenocarcinoma, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05); PI decreased from 53.50% +/- 4.34% to 39.30% +/- 4.02% after radiotherapy in squamous carcinoma (P < 0.001), while PI decreased from 35.47% +/- 3.83% to 31.80% +/- 3.06% in adenocarcinoma (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiosensitivity of cervical squamous carcinoma is higher than that of adenocarcinoma. The decrease of PI after radiotherapy may be a biological basis of radiosensitivity for uterine cervical squamous carcinoma.

Blood volume redistribution on fluid treatments after burn-blast combined injury, especially with respect to the regulation role of microcirculation due to the Fåhraeus effect

Considering the Fåhraeus effect and the blood volume regulation role of the microcirculation, we used a new method for calculating the blood volume change in microcirculation, macrocirculation as well as the whole circulation (delta Vmic, delta Vmac, delta Vb), to compare fluid therapy effects of hypertonic saline dextran solution (HSD) and lactic Ringer's solution at the early stage after burn-blast combined injury (BBI). The measurement of plasma viscosity was used in this calculation. The results showed that, with calculation of the blood volume change in microcirculation and macrocirculation, this method could more exactly and distinctly display the change and distribution of blood volume during the therapy. It confirms that HSD treatment can increase blood pressure and attenuate tissue edema, by significantly increasing total blood volume, recouping delta Vmac. The study suggests that a desirable and practical clinical method for blood volume change can be developed based on the present study.

[The relation of diabetic retinopathy with blood-fat and lipid peroxidation]

PURPOSE

To observe and inquire into the relation of diabetic retinopathy with lipid metabolism, and lipid peroxidation.

METHODS

The contents of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxide (LPO) of serum were examined and determined both in thirty patients with diabetes in early stage suffering from retinopathy and twenty four healthy people.

RESULTS

TG, TC, LDL-C and LPO in patients group were obviously higher than those in the control group, while HDL-C and SOD were lower than those in healthy control group.

CONCLUSION

The disorder of lipid metabolism and the growing intensity of lipid peroxidation caused by diabetes may be one of the dangerous factors to bring about the retinopathy.

Single-channel characterization of the pharmacological properties of the K(Ca2+) channel of intermediate conductance in bovine aortic endothelial cells

The pharmacological profile of a voltage-independent Ca2+-activated potassium channel of intermediate conductance (IK(Ca2+)) present in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) was investigated in a series of inside-out and outside-out patch-clamp experiments. Channel inhibition was observed in response to external application of ChTX with a half inhibition concentration of 3.3 +/- 0.3 nm (n = 4). This channel was insensitive to IbTX, but channel block was detected following external application of MgTX and StK leading to the rank order toxin potency ChTX > StK > MgTX >>IbTX. A reduction of the channel unitary current amplitude was also measured in the presence of external TEA, with half reduction occurring at 23 +/- 3 mm TEA (n = 3). The effect of TEA was voltage insensitive, an indication that TEA may bind to a site located on external side of the pore region of this channel. Similarly, the addition of d-TC to the external medium caused a reduction of the channel unitary current amplitude with half reduction at 4.4 +/- 0.3 mm (n = 4). In contrast, application of d-TC to the bathing medium in inside-out experiments led to the appearance of long silent periods, typical of a slow blocking process. Finally, the IK(Ca2+) in BAEC was found to be inhibited by NS1619, an activator of the Ca2+-activated potassium channel of large conductance (Maxi K(Ca2+)), with a half inhibition value of 11 +/- 0.8 micron (n = 4). These results provide evidence for a pharmacological profile distinct from that reported for the Maxi K(Ca2+) channel, with some features attributed to the voltage-gated KV1.2 potassium channel.

The genomic sequences bound to special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) in vivo in Jurkat T cells are tightly associated with the nuclear matrix at the bases of the chromatin loops

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1), a DNA-binding protein expressed predominantly in thymocytes, recognizes an ATC sequence context that consists of a cluster of sequence stretches with well-mixed A's, T's, and C's without G's on one strand. Such regions confer a high propensity for stable base unpairing. Using an in vivo cross-linking strategy, specialized genomic sequences (0.1-1. 1 kbp) that bind to SATB1 in human lymphoblastic cell line Jurkat cells were individually isolated and characterized. All in vivo SATB1-binding sequences examined contained typical ATC sequence contexts, with some exhibiting homology to autonomously replicating sequences from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that function as replication origins in yeast cells. In addition, LINE 1 elements, satellite 2 sequences, and CpG island-containing DNA were identified. To examine the higher-order packaging of these in vivo SATB1-binding sequences, high-resolution in situ fluorescence hybridization was performed with both nuclear "halos" with distended loops and the nuclear matrix after the majority of DNA had been removed by nuclease digestion. In vivo SATB1-binding sequences hybridized to genomic DNA as single spots within the residual nucleus circumscribed by the halo of DNA and remained as single spots in the nuclear matrix, indicating that these sequences are localized at the base of chromatin loops. In human breast cancer SK-BR-3 cells that do not express SATB1, at least one such sequence was found not anchored onto the nuclear matrix. These findings provide the first evidence that a cell type-specific factor such as SATB1 binds to the base of chromatin loops in vivo and suggests that a specific chromatin loop domain structure is involved in T cell-specific gene regulation.

Role of zinc in the structure and toxic activity of botulinum neurotoxin

Zn2+-protease activity of botulinum neurotoxin causes the blockage of neurotransmitter release resulting in botulism disease. We have investigated the role of Zn2+ in the biological activity of type A botulinum neurotoxin by removing the bound Zn2+ by EDTA treatment, followed by monitoring its structure in terms of secondary and tertiary folding (second derivative UV, FT-IR, and circular dichroism spectroscopy) and function in terms of its effect on the release of norepinephrine from PC12 cells. The single Zn2+ bound to each neurotoxin molecule was reversibly removed by EDTA treatment, whereas the biological activity of the neurotoxin was irreversibly lost. Based on the Amide III IR spectral analysis, the alpha-helical content of neurotoxin increased from 29% to 42% upon removal of Zn2+, which reverted to 31% upon treatment with 1:5 molar excess of exogenous Zn2+. Second derivative UV spectroscopy revealed no change in surface topography of Tyr residues with removal of Zn2+. However, near-UV circular dichroism signals suggested significant alterations in the topography of Phe and Tyr residues that could be buried in the protein matrix. Thermal unfolding experiments suggested that removal of Zn2+ results in the formation of the molten globule-like structure of type A botulinum neurotoxin. Tertiary structural changes introduced by Zn2+ removal were irreversible, which correlated well with the irreversibility of the biological activity of the neurotoxin. On the basis of these results, we suggest that Zn2+ plays a significant structural role in addition to its catalytic role in Zn2+-protease activity of type A botulinum neurotoxin.

[Identification of Tougucao derived from Clematis species]

Comparative studies were carried out on the morphology and histology of 5 Clematis species, namely, C. intricata, C. aethusifolia, C. glauca, C. tangutica and C. hexapetala, allegedly used as "Tougucao". New characteristics, a sclerenchymatous ring composed of primary phloem fibers and lignified parenchyma cells, and a parenchymatous tertiary ring were discovered. A parameter representing the ratio of the diameter of cambium ring to the diameter of the stem (RCR) is created. A key for identification of the stems of the above five species is made according to the presence or absence of the sclerenchymatous ring, the diameter and numbers of hair cells, the thickness of fiber wall and the value of RCR, etc.

[Analysis of amino acids in Trigonella foenumgraecum seeds]

Seventeen amino acids in Trigonella foenumgraecum seeds are analyzed by means of HITACHI Model 835-50 High Speed Amino Acid Analyzer. Seven of them are essential amino acid for human body. The results provide references for evaluating the usefulness of T. foenumgraecum seeds in medicine and food.

[Chemical constituents of Taraxacum sinicum Kitag]

Five compounds were separated from Taraxacum sinicum by means of solvent extraction and rechromatography on silical gel. Their structures were established as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and diosmetin by spectral analysis and chemical evidence. All the compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Chlorogenic acid and diosmetin have not been discovered from Taraxacum genus previously.

[Repair of cartilage defect in joint with transplantation of cryopreserved homologous embryonic periosfeum of rabbits]

In order to repair cartilage defect in joint with transplantation of cryopreserved homologous embryonic periosteum, 30 rabbits were used and divided into two groups. A 4 mm x 7 mm whole thickness cartilage defect was made in the patellar groove of femur of each rabbit. The homologous embryonic rabbit skull periosteum (ERSP), preserved in two-step freezing schedule, was transplanted onto the cartilage defect of joints of one group and autogenous periosteal graft was done in the joint defect of the other group. The knees were not immobilized, following operation and 16 weeks later, the newly formed tissue in the defects were assessed by gross observation, histochemical examination and biochemical analysis. The results showed that new hyaline-like cartilage was formed in the cryopreserved ERSP grafted knee, and had no significant difference from that of the knee receiving autogenous periosteal graft, but had significant difference from that of the fresh ERSP grafted knee and the non-grafted knee. Furthermore, the new hyaline-like cartilage had the biochemical characteristics of a fibrous cartilage. The conclusion was that this method might be feasible to repair articular cartilage defects.

T-lymphocyte chemotaxis to IL-8 in patients with psoriasis in vitro

OBJECTIVE

The critical role of infiltrating T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is now well established. In order to determine whether circulating T cells from patients with psoriasis were also involved in the disease process, the authors investigated the biological behavior as studied by chemotactic activity of T cells in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

A 48 microchemotaxis chamber was employed to determine T-cell chemotaxis activity. In addition, the expression of T cell activation markers such as HLA-DR and interleukin 2 receptor were analysed with fluorescence activated cell sorting technique and serum IL-8 level was measured with ELISA methods. Forty-five patients with psoriasis (23 patients with severe psoriasis and 22 with mild psoriasis) and 21 patients with atopic dermatitis were investigated. For comparison, T-lymphocytes from 20 healthy controls were tested equally.

RESULTS

T-cell chemotactic responses were significantly decreased in patients with severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis as compared to healthy controls. Increased expression of activation markers such as HLA-DR and interleukin 2 receptor were demonstrated in circulating T cells from psoriatic patients and atopic dermatitis patients in comparison to healthy controls. Serum IL-8 level was significantly increased in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating T cells in patients with severe psoriasis show abnormal in vitro chemotactic response to IL-8. Furthermore, the in vivo activation state of T lymphocytes in these patients and increased level of serum IL-8 seemed to be associated to their decreased in vitro T-cell chemotactic responses.

Sensitive absorption spectroscopy with a room-temperature distributed-feedback quantum-cascade laser

We report what we believe are the first spectroscopic measurements to be made with a room-temperature quantum-cascade distributed-feedback laser. Using wavelength modulation spectroscopy, we detected N(2)O and CH(4) in the chemical fingerprint wavelength range near 8microm . The noise equivalent absorbance for our measurement was 5 parts in 10(5), limited by excess amplitude modulation on the laser output, which corresponds to a 1-Hz bandwidth detection limit of 250 parts N(2)O in 10(9) parts N(2) in a 1-m path length.

Renal dysfunction from cadmium contamination of irrigation water: dose-response analysis in a Chinese population

In a cadmium-contaminated area in China and a nearby non-contaminated area, 342 persons were selected for studies of a possible relationship between cadmium dose (i.e. total cadmium intake) and response in terms of renal dysfunction. An increase in urinary excretion of beta-2-microglobulin (UB2M), adjusted for age and sex, was used as an indicator of the response. A statistically significant relationship was found between measured cadmium concentrations in whole blood (range; < 3.5 to > 15 micrograms/l) and UB2M, and there was a statistically significant linear trend. Also, cadmium in urine (< 4 to > 16 micrograms/g creatinine) and UB2M displayed a statistically significant positive relationship when the total data set was analysed for males and females. The relationship between a dose index (obtained from calculated cumulative absorbed doses over a lifetime) and UB2M was statistically significant. The results of this first study on dose-response relationships in a Chinese population are similar to those observed in other populations.

[Relationship between nm23-H1 expression and lymph node metastasis and prognosis in cervical cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of nm23-H1 in cervical carcinoma and its significance.

METHODS

Expression of nm23-H1 was examined by immunohistochemical method in 39 cases of adenocarcinoma and 39 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The relationship between expression of nm23-H1 and clinic-pathologic factors and prognosis was analyzed by chi-square test.

RESULTS

Positive staining rate of nm23-H1 was 44.6% in adenocarcinoma and 39.2% in squamous cell Carcinoma. The positive staining rate of nm23-H1 in stage I and II adenocarcinoma was 61.1% and 28.6% respectively (P = 0.044); in patients with recurrence nm23-H1 positive rate was lower than that in patients without recurrence (21.5% vs 56%, P = 0.39); in patients with lymph node negative, nm23-H1 positive staining was more than that in patients with lymph node positive (52% vs 28.6%), however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.162). None of 14 cases of lymph node metastasis was strong positive stainig, whereas 7 of 25 without lymph node metastasis were demonstrated to have strong positive staining (P = 0.031). The 5-year survival rate in negative staining group was lower than that in the positive staining group (52.5% vs 82.4%, P = 0.042). In squamous cell carcinoma there was no statistically significant relationship between nm23-H1 expression and clinic-pathologic factors and prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

nm23-H1 expression was associated with biologic behavior in cervical adenocarcinoma.

[The recent advances in the study of dendritic cells and induction of donor antigen-specific T cell tolerance]

The induction of donor antigen specific T cell tolerance will be one of the effective treatment for overcoming rejection and improving the alive quality of long-term recipients. It is increasingly noted that dendritic cell may play a two way regulation role in the balance between transplantation rejection and tolerance as the advances of knowledge of dentritic cell maturation stages. This review will focus on the recent advances in the relation between dendritic cell and induction of donor antigen specific tolerance; its mechanism and potential therapeutic application in transplantation.

[Spectrophotometric studies on and applications of the reaction of copper with 2-hydroxy-3-carboxy-5-sulfobenzenediazoaminoazobenzene]

A highly sensitive color reaction of copper(II) with 2-hydroxy-3-carboxy-5-sulfobenzenediazoaminoazobenzene (HCSDAA) in the presence of Triton N-101 was studied in detail. In borax buffer medium at pH 10.4-11.5, the red complex formed has a maximum absorption at 530 nm and its apparent molar absorptivity is 1.31 x 10(5)L x mol(-1) x cm(-1) and sandell sensitivity is 4.85 x 10(-4) microg x cm(-2). The molar ratio of copper(II) to HCSDAA in the complex is found to be 1:2. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentraction range of 0-0.24 microg/mL for copper. The proposed method has been applied to the spectrophotometric determination of microamounts of copper in ore and peanut with the relative error and the relative standard deviation (n = 6) of less than 3.7% and 1.6%, respectively.

MHC-II but not MHC-I responses are required for vaccine-induced protection against ocular challenge with HSV-1

PURPOSE

To determine the importance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I versus MHC class-II immune responses in protecting naive versus vaccinated mice against an ocular HSV-1 challenge.

METHODS

Class-II deficient A beta o/o (CD4-CD8+ T cells) knockout mice, which are effectively CD4+ T cells-negative, and class-I deficient beta(2)mo/o (CD4+CD8- T cells) knockout mice, which are effectively CD8+ T cells negative, were either vaccinated or mock-vaccinated and examined for their ability to withstand HSV-1 ocular challenge.

RESULTS

Unvaccinated A beta o/o and beta(2)mo/o mice were both more susceptible to lethal ocular HSV-1 infection than the parental wild type C57BL/6J mice, indicating that both MHC-I and MHC-II were required for optimal protection of naive mice against ocular HSV-1 challenge. Vaccinated beta(2)mo/o mice produced significant neutralizing antibody titers, and following ocular challenge, these mice were completely protected against death and corneal scarring. In contrast, vaccinated A beta o/o mice developed no neutralizing antibody titers and vaccination did not provide these mice with any protection against death or corneal scarring. Passive transfer of anti-HSV-1 antibody into A beta o/o mice up to 6 days post ocular challenge resulted in complete protection against death and corneal scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

Passive antibody transfer, but not vaccination, protected A beta o/o mice against ocular challenge. In contrast, vaccination completely protected beta(2)mo/o mice. These results suggest for a vaccine to provide optimal protection against ocular HSV-1 challenge in this system, it is not only sufficient, but it is also required, that the vaccine induce an effective neutralizing antibody response.