Differential display with carboxy-X-rhodamine-labeled primers and the selection of differentially amplified cDNA fragments without cloning

Differential display (DD) has been used extensively to detect differentially expressed genes. However, the low reproducibility of displayed bands makes verification by Northern blot difficult and the technique is labor-intensive. This report describes a fluorescent DD with a ROX (carboxy-X-rhodamine)-labeled anchor primer and a revised RT-PCR, utilizing AMV reverse transcriptase, a more thermostable reverse transcriptase than Mu-MLV, and optimized concentrations of dNTPs and of MgCl2. Our technique yielded clear fingerprints with high reproducibility. Further, we have developed a method of rapid screening to select the cDNA fragments of interest in excised bands from a polyacrylamide gel without cloning. This method consists of electrophoresis with an agarose gel containing a base-specific DNA ligand to separate the equally sized fragments differing in base composition, and side-by-side comparison of the reamplified products from the experimental and control lane. Most of the cDNA fragments selected by this protocol provided readable sequences by direct sequencing and were confirmed to exhibit differential expression by Northern blot analysis or semiquantitative RT-PCR.

Importance of dissolution process on systemic availability of drugs delivered by colon delivery system

The relationship between in vitro drug release characteristics from colon delivery systems and in vivo drug absorption was investigated using three kinds of delayed-release systems. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), tegafur (FT) and carbamazepine (CBZ) were selected as model drugs. Pressure-controlled colon delivery capsules (PCC) for liquid preparations, time-controlled colon delivery capsules (TCC) for liquid and solid preparations and Eudragit S coated tablets for solid preparations were used in this study. At first, in vitro dissolution tests for all preparations were performed. Drug release from solid preparations was delayed compared to that from liquid preparations with all three drugs. Next, these preparations were administered to fasted beagle dogs. For 5-ASA, the mean Cmaxs (peak level) of Eudragit S coated tablets and PCC were 5.52 and 16.89 micrograms ml-1, respectively. The mean Tmaxs (time when drug reached peak level) were 3.0 and 5.3 h. AUCs were 22.57 and 48.09 micrograms.h ml-1, respectively. For FT, Cmaxs of Eudragit S coated tablet and PCC were 0.87 and 1.46 micrograms ml-1, and Tmaxs were 7.0 and 6.7 h, respectively. AUCs were 9.73 and 15.55 micrograms.h ml-1 and bioavailabilities were 43.79 and 70.84%. For CBZ, the mean Cmaxs of liquid preparations and solid preparations were 0.37 and 0.22 micrograms ml-1, respectively. The mean Tmaxs were 4.7 and 4.3 h. AUCs were 0.673 and 0.392 micrograms.h ml-1. With liquid preparations, drug was thought to contact to the colonic membrane easily because of lack of interference by stools, and to be absorbed well as compared with solid preparations. From these findings, drug release from colon delivery systems and drug dissolution in the colonic lumen are very important factors for the systemic availability of drugs from the colon delivery systems.

Comparative analysis of human and macaque monkey CD4: differences in formaldehyde lability and conformation

Here we characterized macaque monkey CD4 by flow cytometry. The results showed that relatively lower fluorescence intensity was observed depending on the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used for staining; Leu-3a exhibited four-fold lower intensity than Nu-Th/i, and that formaldehyde fixation dramatically reduced fluorescence intensity of macaque CD4+ cells stained with Leu-3a but not of human cells. Nu-Th/i is therefore preferable for the analysis of macaque CD4. Pretreatment of either mAb inhibited the other mAb binding to human CD4. On the contrary, Nu-Th/i inhibited Leu-3a binding but Leu-3a poorly blocked Nu-Th/i binding to the macaque CD4. These results indicate that Leu-3a and Nu-Th/i epitopes are conserved in macaque CD4 but Leu-3a epitope is conformationally cryptic and/or fragile, resulting in the lower affinity. Amino acid sequence alignment of CD4 domain 1 shows that the substitutions outside the linear Leu-3a epitope may determine these characteristics of macaque CD4.

Antiviral effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine in rhesus monkeys acutely infected with simian immunodeficiency virus

A lipophilic dideoxynucleoside analogue, 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG), was expected to be effective against AIDS-related dementia. In this study, we tested the effect of 6-Cl-ddG on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239) replication in vitro and on acute infection of six rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with SIVmac239. This compound inhibited SIV-induced cytopathic effect in CEM x 174 cells and SIV replication in vitro with an ED50 value of 2.5 microM. A dose of 25 mg/kg 6-Cl-ddG was administered to three monkeys every 8 h for 10 days and an untreated group of three monkeys was injected with the solvent without drug. Although 6-Cl-ddG was not detected in the plasma, the metabolite ddG was maintained at a concentration of more than 3 microM for 8 h after administration. In the cerebrospinal fluid, the ddG concentration was 2 microM at 2 h after administration. SIV antigen (p27) and antibody appearance in the plasma were delayed for 5-8 days compared with the mock-treated group. The occurrence of lymphadenopathy in treated monkeys was delayed for 6 days compared with the mock-treated group. Signs of 6-Cl-ddG toxicity were minimal after the treatment. The results of this study provide further evidence that 6-Cl-ddG may act as a potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus agent in vivo.

Efficacy of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) on rhesus macaque monkeys chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239)

To assess the therapeutic effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG), a lipophilic dideoxynucleoside analogue, three rhesus macaques chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239) were subcutaneously administered 25 mg/kg of the drug every 8 hours for 2 weeks. In two of three animals, the viral RNA in plasma and the cell-associated viral load from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were markedly decreased and the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were increased after 6-Cl-ddG administration. The decrease of the virus copies was associated with a reciprocal increase in the number of CD4+ lymphocytes. Additionally, a limiting dilution assay revealed a marked decrease in the lymph node cell-associated virus titer during the treatment. However, in the third monkey, the baseline of the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes was higher than that of the other monkeys; these numbers changed very little during the treatment. In this monkey, the plasma SIV RNA level was decreased at the first week and was the same as the pretreatment level at the second week of the 6-Cl-ddG administration. In all three treated monkeys, the number of SIV RNA copies in the cerebrospinal fluid also tended to decrease during the 6-Cl-ddG treatment.

Unsuspected gallbladder cancer diagnosed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a clinicopathological study

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for gallstones has become a popular treatment modality, but LC for gallbladder cancer is not yet established and its prognosis is still unknown. We clinicopathologically studied unsuspected gallbladder cancer presenting at pathologic evaluation after LC. The entire cross section of gallbladders after 456 LCs was histologically examined. The presence of malignant lesions was confirmed in 13 (2.85%) of 456 cases. The preoperative diagnoses were gallstones in 5 patients, gallbladder polyps in 5, gallstones with gallbladder polyps in 2, and gallstones with adenomyomatosis in 1. The carcinoma had invaded the mucosa in 7, the proper muscle in 2, and the subserosa in 3; the serosa was exposed in 1. The tumor size ranged from 2 mm to the entire gallbladder. An additional resection was performed in 2 patients. During the mean follow-up period of 25.9 months, 1 patient died of recurrence at 8 months while 1 demonstrated recurrence at the port site 1 year after surgery. No other patients have had any recurrence to date. Since early gallbladder cancer removed laparoscopically can be expected to have a satisfactory outcome, diagnostic and therapeutic LC is recommended in cases where total biopsy is indicated. However, in every case, extreme caution needs to be exercised to prevent the dissemination and implantation of cancer cells at the port site.

Effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) in surface lymph nodes of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239)

We studied the effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG), an antiretroviral drug, in surface lymph nodes of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The rhesus monkeys were treated with 25 mg/kg of 6-Cl-ddG every 8 hr for 2 weeks. We performed sequential biopsies of the surface lymph nodes three times: before, during, and after the drug treatment. The 6-Cl-ddG dramatically decreased the number of infectious virus (measured by limiting dilution assay) in lymph node mononuclear cells. This decrease was consistent with the decrease in the number of viral RNA-positive cells in lymph nodes (analyzed by in situ hybridization). Histopathological analysis revealed that hyperplastic lymphoid follicles were reduced in size, especially, enlarged areas of centroblasts in lymphoid follicles (the so-called dark areas of germinal centers) were declined. Our results demonstrated that 6-Cl-ddG decreased the viral burden concomitantly with reduced hyper-activation of germinal centers in lymphoid follicles of SIV-infected rhesus monkeys.

Deposition of amyloid beta protein (A beta) subtypes [A beta 40 and A beta 42(43)] in canine senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy

To clarify the immunohistochemical features of canine senile plaques (SPs) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), the distribution of the amyloid beta protein (A beta) subtypes A beta 40 and A beta 42(43), A beta precursor protein (APP), and glial cell reaction were examined in the brains of seven aged dogs (12-18 years). A beta 42(43) was found to be deposited in all types of SPs, whereas A beta 40 was deposited only in mature (classical and primitive) plaques. CAA, which was located along parenchymal and meningeal arterioles and capillaries, consisted of both subtypes of A beta. APP was exhibited in normal and degenerative neurons and swollen neurites of mature plaques. It was, therefore, considered that A beta 42(43) in diffuse plaques might be derived from APP in neurons, while A beta 40 and A beta 42(43) in mature plaques might be generated from APP in swollen neurites in the plaque. In contrast to the case in humans, in whom deposition of A beta 40 and A beta 42(43) in the mature plaques is predominantly associated with microglial reaction, in dogs we found that it was closely associated with astroglial reaction. The present findings showed characteristics of canine SPs which are different from those of humans.

[One-stage replacement of the entire thoracic aorta with aortic valve reimplantation technique--a reoperation for a Marfan patient with annulo-aortic ectasia and chronic aortic dissection of DeBakey type I]

A 23-year-old man with Marfan syndrome, who had annulo-aortic ectasia and chronic aortic dissection of type I, was successfully treated. He underwent one-stage replacement of the entire thoracic aorta using a retrograde pull-through technique with aortic valve sparing reimplantation (David procedure). The descending aorta was replaced with a Hemashield graft, and then the graft was passed through within the descending aortic aneurysm in the retrograde fashion. Thus, the graft was inserted inside the descending aortic aneurysm without ligation of some of the intercostal arteries. Postoperative MRI showed complete clotting of the space between the graft and the aneurysm. David's reimplantation procedure which spares own aortic valve, requires no anticoagulant therapy in the post operative period. Neither aortic regurgitation nor pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta were observed postoperatively. We conclude that the replacement of the entire thoracic aorta using a retrograde pull-through technique with an aortic valve sparing reimplantation by the single stage is useful for the selected patients with aneurysm of the entire thoracic aorta and annulo-aortic ectasia.

Long-term efficacy of a self-retaining intraurethral catheter for the treatment of prostatic obstruction

BACKGROUND

Transurethral prostatectomy is a standard treatment modality for infravesical obstruction with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, some patients cannot undergo this procedure, so alternative devices or surgical procedures have recently been developed.

METHODS

We treated 26 patients with prostatic outflow obstruction by placement of a self-retaining intraurethral catheter (IUC). All patients had coexisting medical complications which contraindicated transurethral prostatectomy.

RESULTS

In the short-term, the treatment was successful in 96.2% of the patients, however, longer follow-up demonstrated a significant failure rate, and the 3-year success rate declined to 12.5%. The majority of late failures were associated with urinary tract infections.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that although placement of an IUC to treat prostatic obstruction was effective in the short-term, its long-term efficacy was highly limited.

Prophylaxis of experimental HTLV-I infection in cynomolgus monkeys by passive immunization

The protective effect of purified human immunoglobulin against human T-cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I), designated ATLIG on HTLV-I infection was examined in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) as a preclinical study. Passive immunization of ATLIG 24 h before challenging HTLV-I protected the monkeys from HTLV-I infection. The result suggests that passive immunization of ATLIG could provide safe and sufficient protection against HTLV-I infection in humans.

[Life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia after CABG in a patient with poor LV function--an experience with the implantable cardioverter defibrillator]

A 52-year-old man with reduced left ventricular function (ejection fraction 0.27) due to myocardial infarction, underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; LITA-LAD, free RITA-4PD) for angina pectoris. He had suffered from recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) since 5 hours after CABG. This arrhythmia was resistant to various antiarrhythmic agents such as Lidocaine, Mexiletine, Disopyramide, Procainamide and Propafenone. He required mechanical circulatory supports (intra-aortic balloon pumping and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support) for the maintenance of hemodynamics during repeated VT that required cardioversions of a total of 441 times during 18 days. Following the administration of Amiodarone, the VT was successfully suppressed. However, he had repeated episodes of VT on exercise, thus, he underwent insertion of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator at the 98 post-operative day, and he was successfully discharged at the 134 post-operative day after CABG. The instrument was verified to be normal in function after the VT induction test.

Biodistribution of cyclosporin encapsulated in liposomes modified with bioadhesive polymer

The purpose of this investigation was to study the possibility of renewing the immunosuppressive activity of cyclosporin by formulating the compound in liposomes modified with bioadhesive polymers. The liposomes prepared were evaluated both pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically. Tissue distribution and plasma pharmacokinetics of cyclosporin and model dye, sudan black, which is as hydrophobic as cyclosporin, were studied in rats after intravenous infusion (10 mg kg-1). The immunosuppressive efficacy of liposomal cyclosporin preparations was studied in the allogenic rat-heart-transplantation model, where cyclosporin therapy (10 mg kg-1) continued for one week. The entrapment of sudan black in liposomes modified with bioadhesive polymers resulted in higher sudan black delivery to the spleen and the liver than with standard sudan-black-loaded liposomes. Among the modified liposomes, those modified with carbopol 941 showed the most remarkable enhancing effect on the delivery of sudan black to these organs and total plasma clearance of sudan black decreased to 38.6 +/- 7.8 mL h-1 kg-1 (standard liposomes, 58.9 +/- 6.4 mL h-1 kg-1). Delivery of cyclosporin to the spleen and the liver was increased approximately twofold by modifying the liposomes with carbopol 941. In the preliminary study on the allogenic rat-heart-transplantation model, the mean survival days of the graft were 18.8 +/- 2.9 days for the group receiving cyclosporin liposomes modified with carbopol 941, 14.2 +/- 4.4 days for the group receiving standard cyclosporin liposomes and 7.6 +/- 0.5 days for the group receiving cyclosporin solution. The encapsulation of cyclosporin in liposomes modified with bioadhesive polymer enhanced the residence time of cyclosporin in the systemic circulation, resulting in approximately twofold greater delivery of cyclosporin to the spleen and liver. However, in the allogenic rat-heart-transplantation model no significant difference was detected between the immunosuppressive efficacy of cyclosporin encapsulated in bioadhesive polymer-modified liposomes and that encapsulated in standard liposomes.

CD4 and CD8 expressions in African green monkey helper T lymphocytes: implication for resistance to SIV infection

We found that most peripheral CD4 cells co-express a low density of CD8 alpha antigen in African green monkeys (AGM). Further, the cell surface expression of CD4 and the expression of CD4 mRNA underwent a decrease when purified CD4CD8low cells were cultured with mitogen and IL-2. These observations suggest that AGM CD4 cells are subject to loss of CD4 expression after lymphocyte activation. Part of the peripheral CD8 fraction exhibited a significant helper activity which suggested the phenotypic conversion in helper T cells from CD4+ to CD4- in vivo. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) grew well in CD4 panning cells following SIV infection. In contrast, CD4CD8low cells were resistant to SIV infection after their conversion to CD4- cells.

Malignant lymphoma induction in rabbits by oral inoculation of crude virus fraction prepared from Ts-B6 cells (cynomolgus B-lymphoblastoid cells harboring Epstein-Barr virus-related simian herpesvirus)

Malignant lymphoma was induced in Japanese (JWY), New Zealand (NZY) and Dutch (DUY) white rabbits by oral spray of cell-free pellets of culture fluid (crude virus fraction) of Ts-B6 cells (cynomolgus monkey B-lymphoblastoid cells harboring Epstein Barr virus-related simian herpesvirus or Cyno-EBV). Nine of 11 inoculated rabbits developed malignant lymphomas within 42-160 days after oral inoculation (JWY, 2/3; NZY, 5/6; DUY, 2/2). In contrast, none of the control rabbits inoculated in the same fashion with B95-8 (EBV-producing marmoset cell line) cell-free pellets developed malignant lymphoma. Most rabbits showed increased anti-VCA IgG and anti-EA-DR IgG antibody titers after inoculation by oral spray of Ts-B6 cell-free pellets. EBV-encoded RNA-1 was revealed in the tumor cells by in situ hybridization. EBV DNA was detected in the rabbit peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) by polymerase chain reaction; the earliest positive result was obtained only two days after oral inoculation. These data suggest that orally administered Cyno-EBV in Ts-B6 cells infects PBL and then induces malignant lymphoma in rabbits. The availability of this animal model promises to clarify the role of EBV in human lymphoma and provides a means for studying prophylactic and therapeutic regimens.

Displacement of the double-lumen endobronchial tube can be detected by bronchial cuff pressure change

We measured the bronchial cuff pressure of left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) in 54 patients to confirm the effect of DLT displacement on cuff pressure. After positioning the cephalad surface of the bronchial cuff of the DLT 2.5 cm distal to the carina (23 patients in the first part of the study) or just below the carina (23 patients in the second part), the cuff was withdrawn in 0.5-cm steps during right-sided, one-lung ventilation. The bronchial cuff pressure was measured, and the capnogram and pressure-volume loop, displayed by a side-stream spirometer, was evaluated. After positioning the cephalad surface of the bronchial cuff just below the carina (eight patients in the third part), bronchial cuff pressure was measured while confirming the position of the bronchial cuff during the 30 min of the operative procedure. The bronchial cuff pressure decreased significantly by 28.4 cm H2O (P < 0.01) and 21.3 cm H2O (P < 0.01) in the first and second parts, respectively, before the pressure-volume loop or the capnogram changed. The bronchial cuff pressure in the third part showed no significant change. We conclude that bronchial cuff pressure monitoring was very helpful in detecting displacement of the DLT during right-sided, one-lung ventilation.

Peripheral blood CD4+CD8+ lymphocytes in cynomolgus monkeys are of resting memory T lineage

In this study, we analyzed peripheral blood CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) lymphocytes in adult cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Forty of 55 monkeys had > 5% of the peripheral blood DP subpopulation (9.3 +/- 5.9%; mean +/- SD) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in contrast to a low percentage of peripheral blood DP cells in humans and mice. In a cross-sectional study, the peripheral blood DP cells were found to increase in proportion with age. To clarify whether peripheral blood DP lymphocytes were immature precursors released from thymus without prior differentiation, the expressions of CD8 chains and CD1b on peripheral blood DP lymphocytes were compared with those on thymocytes. The peripheral blood DP lymphocytes were CD8 alpha + beta- and CD1b-, while thymic DP lymphocytes were CD8 alpha + beta + and CD1b +, suggesting that the peripheral blood DP cells are extrathymic T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the peripheral blood DP lymphocytes exhibited a resting memory T cell phenotype with CD2hiCD3+CD28-CD29hiCD49dhiCD69-CD80lo. Taken together, adult cynomolgus monkeys possess a unique peripheral blood DP T cell subpopulation which expresses a resting memory T cell phenotype. In addition, similar phenotypic properties of DP lymphocytes were distributed in the spleen and lymph nodes, although the proportion was less in the spleen and much less in lymph nodes than in PBL.

Evidence that absence of Wnt-3a signaling promotes neuralization instead of paraxial mesoderm development in the mouse

Wnt-3a mutant embryos show defects caudal to the forelimb level; somites are absent, the notochord is disrupted, and the central nervous system has a pronounced dysmorphology. Previous studies revealed that the primary defects of the mutant embryos are likely to be in the process of paraxial mesoderm formation. In this study, we analyzed the phenotype of Wnt-3a mutant embryos at early somite stages (8.0 days post coitum), when somite formation is initiated. In Wnt-3a mutants, cells which have ingressed through the primitive streak do not migrate laterally but remain under the streak and form an ectopic tubular structure. Several neural-specific molecular markers, but no paraxial mesoderm markers, are expressed in this structure, suggesting that the ectopic tube is an additional neural tube. In normal embryos, Wnt-3a is expressed in the primitive ectoderm, including the cells which are fated to give rise to the paraxial mesoderm and neurectoderm, but expression is absent in migrating mesoderm cells. These results suggest that Wnt-3a signaling may play a role in regulating paraxial mesodermal fates, at the expense of neurectodermal fates, within the primitive ectoderm of the gastrulating mouse embryo.

Bladder neck support prosthesis: a nonoperative treatment for stress or mixed urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

We evaluated the usefulness and safety of a bladder neck support prosthesis in patients with stress or mixed incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 57 women with stress and 20 with mixed incontinence completed a 12-week prospective clinical trial of a bladder neck support prosthesis. While indexes of incontinence episodes, leakage amounts and urgency along with a bothersome index were subjectively evaluated, a 60-minute pad test and urinary flow parameters were objectively evaluated. Three patients scheduled to undergo surgery for stress incontinence voluntarily used the device, and provided urodynamic data and cystourethrograms. Two prongs at 1 end of the ring, a type of elastic vaginal pessary, elevate the bladder neck against the pubic bone and facilitate pressure transmission around the bladder neck, resulting in urinary continence.

RESULTS

Four subjective indexes significantly improved. There was no urinary flow obstruction. Urine loss decreased from 20.6 to 4.8 gm. per hour (p < 0.001) on the 60-minute pad test. Of the patients 22 (29%) reported complete continence and 39 (51%) had decreased severity of incontinence by more than 50%. Minor adverse effects occurred in 26% of the patients. Taking subjective evaluation, changes in objective parameters and adverse effects into consideration, 62 patients (81%) had some or maximum benefit according to the global usefulness rating.

CONCLUSIONS

The bladder neck support prosthesis is safe, well tolerated and clinically effective for the treatment of stress or mixed incontinence.

In vitro fertilization of follicular oocytes by frozen-thawed spermatozoa in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata)

We report the cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization for Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). Ovarian stimulation of seven monkeys was studied by the administration of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) during the nonbreeding season, after which oocytes were collected from ovarian follicles. The oocytes were subjected to in vitro fertilization by the frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa collected from a male monkey during the nonbreeding season. Before the experiment the epididymides and oocytes were transported about 500 km, during which the epididymides were kept in mineral oil to prevent drying and the oocytes were kept in a maturation medium. This technique of cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization has a wide applicability in nonhuman primate reproduction, including the treatment of infertility and the preservation of wild, nonhuman primates.

Plant 21D7 protein, a nuclear antigen associated with cell division, is a component of the 26S proteasome

Previously, we cloned a carrot (Daucus carota L.) cDNA encoding a 45-kD protein, 21D7, located in the nuclei of proliferating cells. The 21D7 protein is similar to the partial sequence of a regulatory subunit of the bovine 26S proteasome, p58 (G. DeMartino, C.R. Moomaw, O.P. Zagnitko, R.J. Proske, M. Chu-Ping, S.J. Afendis, J.C. Swaffield, C.A. Slaughter [1994] J Biol Chem 269: 20878-20884) and to the deduced sequence encoded by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene SUN2 (M. Kawamura, K. Kominami, J. Takeuchi, A. Toh-e [1996] Mol Gen Genet 251: [146-152]). In our work, the expression of plant 21D7 cDNA rescued the yeast sun2 mutant. Fractionation of carrot and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) crude extracts showed that the 21D7 protein sedimented with the active 26S proteasomes. The cessation of cell proliferation in carrot suspensions at the stationary phase caused 26S proteasome dissociation and, correspondingly, the 21D7 protein sedimented together with the free regulatory complexes of the 26s proteasomes. Large-scale purification of carrot 26s proteasomes resulted in co-isolation of the 21D7 protein. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions showed that the 21D7 protein had the same mobility as the 26S proteasome and that proteasome dissociation changed the mobility of the 21D7 protein accordingly. We conclude that the 21D7 protein is a subunit of the plant 26S proteasome and that it probably belongs to the proteasome regulatory complex.

Changes in normal vaginal flora of African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) during the menstrual cycle

Changes in normal vaginal flora of African green monkeys associated with the estrous cycle were examined by the swab method. Bacteroidaceae, corynebacteria, and streptococci were predominant throughout the whole estrous cycle, although individual differences were great. It was also clear that all bacterial species tended to decrease in the menstrual phase. Lactobacilli, the most predominant bacteria in the normal vagina of humans, were detected only in very low numbers in the African green monkey, suggesting that the normal vagina of the African green monkey has a different ecosystem from that of normal human vaginal flora.

Efficacy of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) on an ARC/AIDS rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) infected with simian immunodeficiency virus

The efficacy of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) was investigated in vivo by using a male ARC/AIDS rhesus macaque infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251/32H). He was administered subcutaneously 6-Cl-ddG (50 mg/kg B.W.) every 8 hr for 14 days when he showed clinical features of recurrent weight loss, severe diarrhea and neuropathy. The number of CD4+, CD8+ cells and total T cells increased rapidly after administration of 6-Cl-ddG and a high level was maintained for 2 months, but the B cell count decreased during the treatment. The antibody titer to SIV did not change significantly during or after the treatment, but the virus load in the plasma measured by RT-PCR dropped to one-third at the start of the 6-Cl-ddG treatment. Within 3 days after the start of 6-Cl-ddG administration, he began to show recovery in clinical signs including weight increase, and disappearance of diarrhea and neuropathy. These findings suggested that 6-Cl-ddG was effective at the stage of ARC/AIDS in a rhesus monkey infected with SIV.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with ischemic peripheral neuropathy and lupus anticoagulant: response to intravenous prostaglandin E1

We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus with cutaneous vasculitis and peripheral neuropathy. Results of laboratory examinations revealed lupus anticoagulant in the patient's serum. His lower limbs showed asymmetry. A sural nerve biopsy specimen showed modest degeneration of nerve fibers and incomplete obstruction of nutrient vessels. His cutaneous vasculitis responded to treatment with high-dose corticosteroid, but the lower limb neuropathy responded incompletely. Daily intravenous prostaglandin E1 treatment improved his neurologic and cutaneous symptoms markedly. Our case implied that nutritional vascular ischemia caused by lupus anticoagulant is involved in the pathogenesis of lupus neuropathy in addition to well-known peripheral nerve vasculitis. It also documented the effectiveness of intravenous prostaglandin E1 in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

[Diagnostic values and limitations of conventional urodynamic studies (uroflowmetry.residual urine measurement.cystometry) in benign prostatic hypertrophy]

PURPOSE AND METHODS

Diagnostic values and limitation of conventional urodynamic study (UDS) were assessed in 380 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), in terms of uroflowmetry, measurement of postvoid residual urine and cystometry.

RESULTS

Maximum and average flow rate on uroflowmetry improved with increasing voided volume. Neither maximum nor average flow rate correlated with size of the prostate, subjective symptom (International Prostate Symptom Score) and bothersomeness for prostatism. Pre-TUR maximum flow rate did not predict outcomes on postoperative flow rate and surgical treatment failures. Uroflowmetry did not differentiate between obstruction and weakness of detrusor contraction. The intraindividual variation of postvoid residual urine was great and the volume of residual urine correlated poorly with subjective symptom, size of the prostate, maximum and average flow rate. On filling cystometry, although uninhibited detrusor contraction was much more frequently observed in patients with urge incontinence as compared with continent patients, there was no significant difference in other parameters between the two groups. Every parameter on cystometry did not correlate with nocturnal frequency. Postoperative persistence of urge incontinence did not correlate with the bladder volume at the first desire to void or at the maximum desire to void, an amplitude of uninhibited detrusor contractions, or bladder compliance. In some cases, evaluation of the intravesical pressure on voiding phase and uroflowmetry was diagnostic of apparent obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

In diagnosis of BPH, conventional UDS has limitation for certain and some caution showed be taken in interpretation of the data. However, since conventional UDS provides important and objective information on obstruction and detrusor function, which are independent of subjective symptom and prostate size, these should be necessary in diagnosis, determination of treatment options and evaluation of treatment outcomes in BPH.

Daunomycin unfolds compactly packed DNA

Daunomycin is an antitumor antibiotic known to inhibit DNA replication and transcription. Although the inhibition is assumed to be caused by a direct interaction of the drug with DNA, the exact effect of daunomycin on the higher order DNA structure remains uncertain. We studied the effect of daunomycin on DNA compacted states using fluorescence and electron microscopies. Structural changes in individual DNA molecules were examined under the following conditions. T4 phage DNA (166 kbp) was first compacted by spermidine followed by the addition of daunomycin to the compacted DNA. A direct observation of individual single duplex DNAs by fluorescence microscopy indicated that daunomycin induced unfolding of the compacted DNA. Electron microscopic observation of the morphological changes of the higher order DNA structure supported the results obtained by fluorescence microscopy. We discuss here the mechanisms of the unfolding of the compacted structure following intercalation of daunomycin into DNA particularly in terms of the free energy.

Folding and aggregation of DNA chains induced by complexation with lipospermine: formation of a nucleosome-like structure and network assembly

Dioctadecylamidoglycylspermine (DOGS) is a cationic lipid vector capable of efficiently introducing DNA into various eukaryotic cells. We investigated the higher-order structure of the DNA/DOGS complex using fluorescence and electron microscopy. Our results show that the DNA/DOGS complex exhibits a nucleosome-like structure in which DNA wraps around an aggregate of DOGS molecules. In addition, DNA/DOGS complexes tend to associate with each other to form network structures. The resulting network assembly may play a role in effective gene transfection.

Immunohistochemical characteristics of the constituents of senile plaques and amyloid angiopathy in aged cynomolgus monkeys

In this study, we immunohistochemically examined the several constituents of senile plaques (SPs) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in aged cynomolgus monkeys. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) deposited in all mature plaques and CAA, and in half of the diffuse plaques. Alpha-1-antichymotripsin (alpha ACT) deposited in half of the mature plaques and in one third of the CAA. Amyloid precursor protein (APP), ubiquitin (Ub), and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) accumulated in the swollen neurites of mature plaques. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was detected in the astrocytes and their processes surrounding the mature plaques. Tau was detected in neither the SPs nor CAA. Therefore, mature plaques involved extracellular A beta, apoE, and alpha ACT, and also astrocytes and swollen neurites. However, diffuse plaques involved only extracellular A beta and apoE. Since these features, except for tau, were consistent with those in humans, this animal model will be useful for studying the pathogenesis of cerebral amyloid deposition.

Injury to a duplicated cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Duplication of the cystic duct is a rare variation of the biliary system. It is important to pay attention to this variation to avoid intraoperative biliary system injury, especially during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In a 66-year-old woman with gallstones, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed no anomaly of the biliary system. At laparoscopic cholecystectomy, although intraoperative cholangiography demonstrated the second cystic duct, we misdiagnosed the duplication of cystic duct because preoperative ERCP had demonstrated normal anatomy. It was thought that the second cystic duct was dissected during the operation and the patient suffered from postoperative bile leakage. After reoperation, the patient recovered well. The diagnostic and therapeutic problems of such an anomaly are discussed below with the review of the literature.

[Synthetic vectors for gene transfection]

Although viruses can be efficient gene transfer vehicles developed by natural evolution, progress also has been made toward developing nonviral gene delivery systems. Various methods for nonviral gene transfer have been proposed and shown to be generally safe. Basically, synthetic vectors have to be capable of binding to DNAs and carrying them inside into target cells. Synthetic vectors are classified into three groups with respect to the chemical structure: cationic lipids, ligand-polycation conjugates and polycationic polymers. In this review, we summarize their ability to mediate gene transfer in relation to their structural characteristics. Although the molecular mechanisms including internalization via cell membrane and nuclear transport are still poorly understood, in the future systematic studies on the structure-activity relationship will be helpful for the design of more efficient artificial vectors.

Precursor directed biosynthesis of aureobasidins

The antifungal antibiotic aureobasidin A (AbA) is a cyclic depsipeptide composed of eight amino acids and a hydroxy acid. New Ab analogs were produced by feeding various amino acids to Aureobasidium pullulans R 106 c-712 in a chemically-defined medium containing glucose and ammonium sulfate. The constituent amino acids of AbA at positions 3 (L-phenylalanine), 4 (N-methyl-L-phenylalanine), 5 (L-proline), 6 (L-allo-isoleucine) and 8 (L-leucine) were replaced by respective analogous amino acids such as o-fluoro-L-phenylalanine, 4-hydroxy-L-proline, L-norleucine and L-norvaline, resulting in the production of eight new Ab analogs. This is the first paper to describe amino acid replacements at positions 3, 5 and 8. L-[1-13C]-Valine exogenously added was incorporated into the three valine-related moieties of AbA at positions 2, 7 (both N-methyl-L-valine) and 9 (beta-hydroxy-N-methyl-L-valine), but these moieties were never replaced by exogenous amino acid analogs. The comparative antifungal activities of AbA and the eight new Ab analogs were determined.

Changes in bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae after parturition in African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)

We examined the effect of lactation on the maternal bone components in laboratory-bred African green monkeys. Bone mineral density (BMD) with bone mineral content (BMC), bone area and mean width of lumbar vertebrae (L3-L5) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Measurements were conducted at two-week intervals from parturition up to 40 weeks after parturition. The BMC and BMD values gradually decreased during the lactation period and then gradually increased after weaning, but the BMC and BMD of the maternal lumbar vertebrae did not recover completely to the values at parturition even at 40 weeks after parturition.

Human monoclonal rheumatoid factors augment arthritis in mice by the activation of T cells

In order to investigate the in vivo role of rheumatoid factor (RF), the effects of the administration of human monoclonal (m) IgM-RF and IgG-RF on the development of arthritis in mice were examined. The administration of human mRFs into mice immunized with type II collagen (CII) markedly enhanced the clinical score and paw swelling. The severity of arthritic joint disease with a marked infiltration of lymphoid cells, proliferation of synovial membrane, pannus formation and destruction of articular cartilage was significantly enhanced in both groups receiving RF (RF-enhanced arthritis). Skin ulcers were also observed in some of these RF-enhanced arthritis mice, whereas no such signs were observed in CII-immunized mice without mRFs. Both IgM-RF and IgG-RF increased CII-specific IgG antibodies in circulation, and the severity of arthritis correlated with the production of high titres of anti-CII antibodies. In vivo treatment of RF-enhanced arthritis mice with an anti-CD4 MoAb or an anti-CD8 MoAb inhibited the induction and progression of arthritis in these mice. Administration of RF to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with arthritis developed by the transfer of spleen cells from CII-immunized mice, prolonged the arthritis and enhanced the severity. This murine model of RF-enhanced arthritis may provide a useful tool for analysing the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis in RF-positive patients.

Functional restoration of rat bladder after subtotal cystectomy: in vivo cystometry and in vitro study of whole bladder

Functional restoration of the rat urinary bladder following subtotal cystectomy was studied via in vivo infusion cystometry and an in vitro whole bladder model. After the bladder had been separated from the prostate, subtotal cystectomy was achieved by ligating the bladder completely at a level just above the insertion of the ureters into the bladder. Bladder function was investigated immediately and 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. Bladder weight was reduced to 17% that in sham-operated controls immediately after surgery, but recovered to 76% of that in controls 28 days after the operation. In vivo capacity also increased after surgery from 13% that of controls to 59% 28 days later. However, voiding pressure remained low (34% of control) 28 days later. An in vitro whole bladder study showed that the response to field stimulation decreased significantly on day 7, but had recovered considerably by day 28. The maximal response to bethanechol decreased significantly 7 days after surgery, but recovered thereafter. The response to phenylephrine increased significantly immediately after surgery, but gradually returned to the control level. An in vitro volume-pressure study showed that passive compliance of the cystectomized bladder decreased after surgery, but improved with time. The peak of the active pressure increase to field stimulation occurred at a low infusion volume immediately after surgery, but bladder capacity increased gradually until 28 days later, when the maximal active pressure was obtained. Our results suggest that restoration of the bladder following subtotal cystectomy may not derive simply from an expansion of the bladder wall. Functional alteration involving the bladder base was also observed.

Transient expression of CD20 antigen (pan B cell marker) in activated lymph node T cells

In contrast to the case of peripheral T cells, the surface expression of CD20 antigen and the expression of CD20 mRNA in monkey lymph node (LN) T cells underwent a noticeable increase when they were cultured with mitogen and interleukin-2 (IL-2). To confirm in vivo regulation of CD20 expression during the activation of LN T cells, we examined LNs derived from monkeys experimentally inoculated with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Significant expression of CD20 antigen was detected in the T cells of the LNs at the stage of lymphadenopathy. These findings suggest that lymphocyte activation in the LNs induced expression of the CD20 molecule in some T cells.

Survey for Pneumocystis carinii infection of wild-born and laboratory-bred monkeys by indirect immunofluorescence and cyst-staining methods

A serosurvey for Pneumocystis carinii infection of laboratory-bred and wild-born monkeys was made by the indirect immunofluorescence method. The antibody titers of wild cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata) to P. carinii (Pc) were higher than those of laboratory-bred cynomolgus monkeys; 54.9% of the wild cynomolgus and 40% of Japanese monkeys had antibody titers higher than 1:40, although only 9.4% of the laboratory-bred cynomolgus monkeys did so. Pc cysts in the lungs were examined in the laboratory-bred cynomolgus monkeys by using toluidine blue O stain, and the number of cysts in the lung was small, when compared with those in the lungs of SIV-infected monkeys showing severe pneumosystosis. The results obtained from the studies suggested the possibility that P. carinii infection was more widely epidemic in the wild-born monkeys than in laboratory-bred monkeys.

Oral sustained-release cisplatin capsule

An oral sustained-release cisplatin preparation was prepared by combining microporous water-insoluble pharmaceutical polymer, ethylcellulose, a membrane and a gel-forming polymer, poly(acrylic) acid (Carbopol). As cisplatin is an extremely hydrophilic and small compound, it was difficult to control the release rate solely by the micropores on the ethylcellulose capsule. To retain cisplatin within the capsule, gel-forming polymer was formulated inside the capsule. The release rate of cisplatin was dependent both on the number of micropores of the capsule and the formulated amount of Carbopol. The number of micropores ranged from 20 and 30 to 60, and the formulated amount of Carbopol varied from 15 to 100 mg. In-vitro release experiments suggested that the release rate decreased as the formulated amount of Carbopol increased when the pore number was 60 and 30. However, when pore number was decreased to 20, the effect of the amount of Carbopol was not clearly observed. In the in-vivo study using rabbits, the sustained-release cisplatin capsule was evaluated in comparison with solution after oral administration of 20 mg drug. With the pore number of 60, Cmax was 0.46 +/- 0.02 microgram mL-1 at 4 h and thereafter serum concentrations declined rapidly. When the pore number was 30, serum cisplatin level-time profiles showed long-acting patterns and AUC was reversely correlated with the formulated amount of Carbopol. Cmax and tmax were 0.41 +/- 0.02 microgram mL-1 and 3.33 +/- 0.88 h, respectively and 0.23 +/- 0.01 microgram mL-1 was obtained at 24 h after oral administration of capsule having 30 pores and 15 mg of Carbopol. We conclude that the possibility of developing an oral sustained-release cisplatin preparation is feasible.

In vitro immortalization of Old World monkey T lymphocytes with Herpesvirus saimiri: its susceptibility to infection with simian immunodeficiency viruses

Peripheral blood T lymphocytes of Old World monkeys, rhesus and cynomolgus monkey (Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis, respectively), were successfully immortalized by infection with Herpesvirus saimiri subtype C. The T cell lines were stably cultured without addition of exogenous IL-2. The STP-C488 protein, the oncogene product of subtype C strain 488-77, was detected in these cells by Western blotting. They also expressed some markers of activated or matured T cell phenotypes such as CD2+, monkey Pan-T+, CD25+,CD29+ and MHC-II DR+. Interestingly, not only CD4+CD8- or CD4-CD8+ single positive subpopulations but also CD4+CD8+ double positive ones were present in all of them. Furthermore, they were productively infected with both SIVmac and SIVagm. The levels of the viral replication were comparable to those in human T cell lines. Thus, Herpes Virus Saimiri-immortalized Old World monkey T lymphocytes will be suitable for further studies of immune system in Old World monkeys and cell-virus interactions in SIV infection.

Studies on the mechanism of early onset macular degeneration in cynomolgus monkeys. II. Suppression of metallothionein synthesis in the retina in oxidative stress

Initial investigations done in this laboratory detected increased albumin and decreased glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase concentrations in the retina of an animal model manifesting early onset macular degeneration. Both glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and albumin are markers of oxidative stress in cells. In this study, we used the same animal model to study further biochemical and physiological processes which may be involved in the pathogenesis of early onset macular degeneration in monkeys. We detected 60% lower catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the affected retinas suggesting lower antioxidant activities and oxidative stress. One of the consequences of oxidative stress is the production of metallothionein, a low molecular weight protein also induced by high concentrations of heavy metals such as zinc. Metallothionein was detected by RT-PCR in these monkey retinas. However initial quantitative PCR studies on this protein showed that the synthesis of metallothionein in affected retinas appears to be less than in normal controls. The affected retinas also showed a fourfold lower zinc concentration compared with the normal controls. No significant difference, however, could be detected in the zinc concentrations in plasma samples. Since induction of metallothionein synthesis is mediated by transcription factors which require heavy metals such as zinc for binding to specific sites in the DNA, the lowered zinc concentration may, thus, correlate with the lowered metallothionein expression. And since metallothionein is suggested to function as a free radical scavenger, the lowered metallothionein synthesis may consequently contribute to increased peroxidation reactions in the affected retinas. It appears therefore, that oxidative stress and the decreased metallothionein synthesis may be involved in the pathogenesis of early onset macular degeneration in this animal model.

Immunohistochemical study on the deposition of apolipoprotein E in cerebral and islet amyloidoses in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

To investigate the role of apolipoprotein E (apo E) in amyloidoses of cynomolgus monkeys, the localization of apo E in cerebral amyloid, including senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid, and in islet amyloid was examined immunohistochemically. Mature types of senile plaques with amyloid deposits and cerebrovascular amyloid showed intense immunoreactivity to both antisera to apo E and amyloid beta protein (A beta). In contrast, diffuse plaques without obvious Congophilic amyloid showed weak immunoreactivity to antiserum to apo E, but intense reactivity to antiserum to A beta. In addition, the number of these apo E-positive diffuse plaques was small compared with that of A beta-positive plaques. On the other hand, diabetic islet amyloid that was negative with A beta, reacted intensely with antiserum to apo E. These findings suggest that apo E plays an important role in amyloid fibril formation in several types of amyloidoses.

Studies on the mechanism of early onset macular degeneration in cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys. I. Abnormal concentrations of two proteins in the retina

Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys from three families, which showed symptoms of early onset macular degeneration was studied. Two proteins, albumin and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, were found to have markedly altered concentrations in whole retina of the monkeys with early onset macular degeneration, compared with normal controls. SDS-polyacrylamide gel patterns detected a 40-70% increase in the concentration of albumin and about 65% decrease in the concentration of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in these affected retinas. There was however no significant difference in the relative concentrations of albumin in the plasma samples of affected and normal monkeys belonging to the three families studied and to an unrelated family. These initial findings suggest that degradative as well as antioxidant enzymes might be involved in the mechanisms leading to macular degeneration. In addition, the results also correlate with a possible role of these two proteins in H2O2 toxicity and appear to indicate that oxidative stress is significant in the etiology of early onset macular degeneration.

The bioavailability of oral dosage forms of a new HIV-1 protease inhibitor, KNI-272, in beagle dogs

The bioavailability (BA) of a tripeptide protease inhibitor, KNI-272, which has a strong pharmacological potential for treating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), has been studied in beagle dogs by administering several oral dosage forms. The tested dosage forms were form 1, plain gelatin capsules; forms 2 and 3, gelatin capsules of which the inner and outer surfaces were coated with 7G ethylcellulose (EC, 30 mu m thickness) and an enteric coating material, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HP-55), respectively; and form 4, gelatin capsules of which the inner surface is coated with 10G EC (60 mu m thickness). The difference between forms 2 and 3 was the amount of citric acid contained in the capsule, namely 100 mg in form 2 and 200 mg in form 3. One hundred milligrams of KNI-272 was placed in each capsule after being dissolved with propylene glycol (PG). These capsules were used to deliver KNI-272 to the stomach for form 1, to the upper part of the small intestine for forms 2 and 3, and to the middle part of the small intestine for form 4. As a reference, 50.0 mg of KNI-272 was administered to the same dogs by intravenous (IV) infusion for 15 min. By measuring the plasma drug levels with the HPLC method, BAs were estimated for each test dosage form. Form 1 showed the highest BA of 26 center dot 2 +/- 7 center dot 0% (mean +/- SE), though the other capsules showed BAs of approximately 10%, namely 6 center dot 6 +/- 0 center dot 4% for form 2, 10 center dot 3 +/- 1 center dot 1% for form 3 and 14 center dot 2 +/- 1 center dot 0% for form 4. Therefore, as the site where KNI-272 is released from the capsule becomes higher, the BA increases. In addition, as the amount of citric acid contained in a capsule increases, the BA value tends to increase. These results suggest that KNI-272 is stable and not extensively hydrolysed in the gut after oral administration, that the dissolution process into GI fluids is important for the BA of KNI-272, and that the most appropriate absorption site of KNI-272 in dogs is the duodenum. The potential of this new tripeptide compound as an orally active anti-AIDS drug has been confirmed.

A case of alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer showing an exogastric growth pattern

A case of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer, which showed a huge abdominal mass due to an exogastric growth, is here described. A 69-year-old Japanese woman with a huge abdominal mass, measuring 22 x 15 cm in size, had a serum AFP level that was exceptionally high (155 x 10(3) ng/ml). CT, barium meal studies, and gastrointestinal fiberoscopy revealed a gastric tumor with an exogastric growth pattern. The patient underwent a partial gastrectomy. The histological examination revealed that the tumor consisted of anaplastic carcinoma with positive staining for AFP. Although no liver metastasis was observed at operation, she died of multiple liver metastases 8 weeks after the operation. A gastric cancer that shows both AFP production and an exogastric growth pattern is quite rare and may be virulent.

Effect of the expression of DR alpha E beta NOD molecule on the development of insulitis and diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse

Previous studies have shown that a transgenic I-E alpha gene, the mouse homologue of human DR alpha gene, prevents the development of insulitis and hence of diabetes in NOD mice. To investigate the mechanism of this prevention, we generated two strains of NOD mice expressing DR alpha E beta molecule: DR alpha-24-NOD expressing DR alpha E beta molecule on thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and bone marrow-derived cells (BDC), and DR alpha-30-NOD expressing DR alpha E beta molecule only on the TEC, and these mice were monitored for disease development. Because the DR alpha E beta molecule reconstituted I-E controlled immune regulation, it would become clear which cell type, TEC or BDC, was responsible for the I-E-mediated disease protection. To our surprise, however, DR alpha-24-NOD developed insulitis and diabetes comparably to non-transgenic littermates. This suggested that the difference in structure between DR alpha and E alpha molecules contributed to the difference in preventive effect on the development of insulitis and diabetes between DR alpha-24-NOD and E alpha-NOD. In an analysis of the T cell proliferative responses to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65-derived peptides which were known to be diabetogenic autoantigens, it was shown that DR alpha-24-NOD and NOD acquired comparable level of T cell response to GAD 509-528 but 5-10-fold higher response was observed in E alpha-NOD. This suggested that I-ANOD and E alpha E beta NOD molecules could present GAD 509-528 peptide to T cells, while DR alpha E beta NOD could not. Furthermore, T cells from DR alpha transgenic mice showed proliferative response to antigen-presenting cells from E alpha transgenic mice in primary mixed lymphocyte reaction. This also suggested that the E alpha E beta molecule does differ in structure and peptide binding from the DR alpha E beta molecule. Present data suggested a possibility that the T cell repertoire selection, or the T cell response to GAD 65 and/or other unknown antigens specifically mediated by I-E molecule, may contribute to the prevention of disease development in E alpha-NOD.

Effect of food intake on the delivery of fluorescein as a model drug in colon delivery capsule after oral administration to beagle dogs

The effect of food on the release time of a model drug, fluorescein (FL), has been studied after oral administration to beagle dogs in colon delivery capsule in comparison to conventional gelatin capsule and enteric capsules. The dose of FL was 30 mg for each animal. After oral administration of each test preparation in fasted or postprandial condition (100 grams of commercial solid food was given at 30 min before drug administration), blood samples were collected and plasma FL concentrations were measured spectrofluorometrically. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with plasma FL concentration vs. time data and the following parameters were determined; Tmax (the time when plasma FL concentration reaches to its maximum concentration), Cmax (peak plasma FL concentration), Tlag (the time when FL appeared at first into the systemic circulation), AUC (area under the plasma FL concentration vs. Time curve) and MRT (mean residence time). For gelatin capsule, mean Tmax appeared at 0.83 +/- 0.33 (S.E.) h after administration and MRT was 2.67 +/- 0.21 h in fasted condition. By feeding, Tmax and MRT increased to 1.50 +/- 0.76 h and 3.09 +/- 0.49 h. For two enteric HPMCP and Eudragit S capsules, MRT were 2.90 +/- 0.48 h and 5.24 +/- 0.32 h in fasted condition, and 11.30 +/- 1.10 h and 12.83 +/- 0.34 h in postprandial condition, respectively. Tlag also increased by postprandial administration. As colon delivery capsule, time-controlled release capsule (TCC) and two types of intestinal inner pressure-controlled release capsules (PCC) (#1 is a separate type and #2 is a seamless one) were tested. MRT of TCC was 4.76 +/- 0.29 h and 6.43 +/- 0.66 h in fasted and postprandial conditions, respectively. This capsule did not receive the effect of food intake. For #1 PCC, MRTs were 5.32 +/- 0.22 h and 12.28 +/- 0.26 h in fasted and postprandial conditions, respectively. For #2 PCC, MRTs were 5.51 +/- 0.26 h and 13.36 +/- 0.84 h in fasted and postprandial conditions, respectively. In addition, the effect of two times feedings was studied with two PCCs and longer MRTs, 28.44 +/- 1.39 h and 26.32 +/- 1.64 h, were obtained. The release time of FL from PCCs increased by postprandial administration. As compared to the results on two enteric capsules, these PCCs are thought to disintegrate in the colon. However, TCC is thought to disintegrate in the stomach after postprandial administration.