Recombinant, chimaeric live, attenuated vaccine (ChimeriVax) incorporating the envelope genes of Japanese encephalitis (SA14-14-2) virus and the capsid and nonstructural genes of yellow fever (17D) virus is safe, immunogenic and protective in non-human primates

Yellow fever 17D virus, a safe and effective live, attenuated vaccine, was used as a vector for genes encoding the protective antigenic determinants of a heterologous member of the genus Flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, the leading cause of acute viral central nervous system infection and death throughout Asia. The viral envelope (prM and E) genes of a full-length cDNA clone of YF 17D virus were replaced with the corresponding genes of JE SA14-14-2, a strain licensed as a live, attenuated vaccine in China. Full-length RNA transcripts of the YF/JE chimaera were used to transfect Vero cells. The progeny virus (named 'ChimeriVax-JE'), was used to define safety after intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation of rhesus monkeys. Monkeys (N = 3) inoculated with a high dose (6.6 log10 pfu) developed a brief viremia, showed no signs of illness, developed high titers of anti-JE neutralizing antibody, and had minimal brain and spinal cord lesion scores according to criteria specified in the WHO monkey neurovirulence test. A control group of 3 monkeys that received a lower dose (4.2 log10 pfu) of commercial YF 17D vaccine had slightly higher lesion scores. To develop a lethal monkey model of JE for vaccine protection tests, we inoculated groups of monkeys i.c. or intranasally (i.n.) with a JE virus strain found to be highly neurovirulent and neuroinvasive for mice. Monkeys inoculated i.c., but not i.n., developed severe encephalitis after an incubation period of 8-13 days. The ChimeriVax-JE virus was passed in a cell line acceptable for human use (diploid fetal rhesus lung) and 4.3 or 5.3 log10 pfu were inoculated into groups of 3 monkeys by the subcutaneous route. All 6 animals developed brief viremias (peak titer < 2.0 log10 pfu/ml) and subsequently had anti-JE but no yellow fever neutralizing antibodies. On day 64, the monkeys were challenged i.c. with 5.5 log10 pfu of virulent JE virus. The immunized animals had no detectable viremia post-challenge, whereas 4 unimmunized controls became viremic. Only 1 of 6 (17%) vaccinated monkeys but 4 of 4 (100%) unvaccinated controls developed encephalitis. Histopathological examination 30 days after challenge confirmed that the protected, immunized animals had no or minimal evidence of encephalitis. These data demonstrated the ability of the ChimeriVax-JE to induce a rapid humoral immune response and to protect against a very severe, direct intracerebral virus challenge. Target areas of neuronal damage and inflammation in monkeys infected IC with wild-type JE, the chimaeric virus and YF 17D were similar, indicating that the histopathological scoring system used for the WHO yellow fever monkey neurovirulence test will be applicable to control testing of chimaeric seed viruses and vaccines.

Cell Viability and DNA Denaturation Measurements by Two-Photon Fluorescence Excitation in CW Al:GaAs Diode Laser Optical Traps

Cell viability and DNA denaturation are measured through two-photon fluorescence excitation using a single diode laser beam as the trapping and exciting source simultaneously. Two-photon fluorescence emission spectra are presented for CHO cells and T lymphocytes loaded with various fluorescent probes. This single beam method is demonstrated to be a safe tool to monitor the viability of optically trapped cells, even under intense 809 nm diode laser illumination (∼106 W/cm2). The dynamics of cellular necrosis is monitored by adding ethanol to the cell suspension during trapping. Thermal damage to heat-treated samples is assessed by recording shifts in the emission spectra from trapped cells loaded with the nucleic acid probe, acridine orange. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Antiviral drug therapy of filovirus infections: S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitors inhibit Ebola virus in vitro and in a lethal mouse model

Ebola (subtype Zaire) viral replication was inhibited in vitro by a series of nine nucleoside analogue inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, an important target for antiviral drug development. Adult BALB/c mice lethally infected with mouse-adapted Ebola virus die 5-7 days after infection. Treatment initiated on day 0 or 1 resulted in dose-dependent protection, with mortality completely prevented at doses > or =0.7 mg/kg every 8 h. There was significant protection (90%) when treatment was begun on day 2, at which time, the liver had an average titer of 3 x 10(5) pfu/g virus and the spleen had 2 x 10(6) pfu/g. Treatment with 2.2 mg/kg initiated on day 3, when the liver had an average titer of 2 x 10(7) pfu/g virus and the spleen had 2 x 10(8) pfu/g, resulted in 40% survival. As reported here, Carbocyclic 3-deazaadenosine is the first compound demonstrated to cure animals from this otherwise lethal Ebola virus infection.

Effects of dexamethasone on intracellular Ca2+ in its sensitive cells from neonatal mouse hippocampus and cultured cortical neurogliocytes

AIM

To investigate the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in the single neuron or neurogliocyte.

METHODS

Neonatal mouse hippocampal cells (NMHC) and cultured cortical neurogliocytes (CCN) were loaded with Fura 2-AM. The [Ca2+]i was measured with AR-CM-MIC-cation measurement system.

RESULTS

Most of freshly isolated NMHC exhibited a rapid and concentration-dependent [Ca2+]i increase after administration of Dex 40-200 mumol.L-1. Only 10% of NMHC showed their [Ca2+]i decreases in total 96 tested cells. Dex-triggered [Ca2+]i rise was prevented by incubating the cells with Mg(2+)-free solution and reduced by adding LaCl3. Suspended NMHC in Ca(2+)-free solution or pretreated cells with mifepristone or tetrodotoxin prevented the initial [Ca2+]i increases caused by Dex 40-90 mumol.L-1, but only diminished the later [Ca2+]i rises by Dex 200 mumol.L-1. About 50% of tested single CCN showed a rapid and concentration-related [Ca2+]i increase due to Dex 90-270 mumol.L-1 exposure. This effect was partially inhibited under extracellular Ca(2+)- or Mg(2+)-free and mifepristone pretreatment conditions.

CONCLUSION

Dex produces the rapid [Ca2+]i changes in both neurons and glia cells. Reactions among most cells include a Mg(2+)-dependent and glucocorticoid receptor-related extracellular Ca2+ influx and a high concentration of Dex-mediated intracellular Ca2+ release.

Serum antitoxin antibodies mediate systemic and mucosal protection from Clostridium difficile disease in hamsters

Clostridium difficile is the bacterial pathogen identified as the cause of pseudomembranous colitis and is principally responsible for nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. The pathologic findings associated with this infection are believed to be caused by two large (approximately 300-kDa) exotoxins, toxins A and B. Because of the mucosal nature of this infection, vaccination strategies aimed at providing prophylactic or therapeutic immune protection have included immunization by mucosal routes. Using the hamster model of C. difficile infection, we examined the protective efficacy of inactivated toxin (toxoid) vaccine formulations prepared as either culture filtrate or partially purified toxoid. We compared combination parenteral and mucosal vaccination regimens involving intranasal, intragastric, or rectal routes of immunization and found that rectal immunization in conjunction with intramuscular (i.m.) vaccination provided full protection of hamsters from death and diarrhea while the other mucosal routes did not. Protection was associated with high levels of toxin-neutralizing antibodies in serum. The requirement for adjuvants for protection was assessed by using sequential i.m. and rectal or i.m. vaccination regimens. Unexpectedly, i.m. immunization without adjuvant conferred the highest protection from death and diarrhea; this regimen elicited the highest serum anti-toxin B titers as well as toxin B neutralizing titers. Passive transfer of mouse antitoxin antibodies protected hamsters in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating the principal role of circulating antitoxin antibodies in immunity from this toxin-mediated mucosal disease. These results suggest that prophylactic parenteral vaccination or intravenous immunotherapy could provide protection from C. difficile disease in humans.

[Pharmacokinetics and disposition of triptonide in rats]

Triptonide, isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook., was found to show significant antiinflammatory, immunosuppression and antitumor activities. A RP-HPLC method was applied to determine the plasma concentration of triptonide at different times in rats. Concentration-time curves after i.v., 0.7, 1.4 and 2.8 mg.kg-1 of triptonide were fitted to a two-compartment open model with T1/2 alpha of 0.167-0.195 h and T1/2 beta of 4.95-6.49 h. The area under curves (AUCs) were linearly related to the dosages (gamma = 0.9894). Systematic clearances (CLs) were independent of dosages. Mean residence time (MRT) of the three doses was 3.26-5.14 h by noncompartmental (the statistical moment method) analyses. The tissue distribution of triptonide in rats appeared to be wide throughout the body. The triptonide levels were high in the lung and liver, moderate in the heart, kidney, spleen and muscle and low in the testis, intestine and brain. Data of the urine and bile excretion indicated that only a small percent of unchanged triptonide was excreted. Plasma protein binding of triptonide rate was about 75%.

Randomized clinical trial on the combination of preoperative irradiation and surgery in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of gastric cardia (AGC)--report on 370 patients

PURPOSE

An attempt was made to define the role of radiotherapy before operation for AGC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From January 1978 to May 1989, a prospective randomized trial on preoperative radiotherapy (R+S) vs. surgery alone (S) for AGC was carried out in 370 patients. Patients were randomized into a combined group (R+S, 171 patients) or a surgery alone group (S, 199 patients) by the envelope method. 8-MV photon or telecobalt was used for the preoperative radiation therapy, using anterior-posterior opposing parallel fields to deliver 40 Gy to the cardia, lower segment of the esophagus, fundus, lesser curvature, and hepatogastric ligament. Surgery was performed after 2 to 4 weeks rest.

RESULTS

The 5- and 10-year survival rates of the R+S Group and the S Alone Group were 30.10% and 19.75%, 20.26% and 13.30%, respectively. The survival curves of these two groups diverged right from the beginning after the operation over the ninth year. Statistics by Kaplan-Meier log rank test proves that the difference is significant (chi2 = 6.74, p = 0.0094). The immediate results were: resection rate 89.5% and 79.4% (p < 0.01); pathologic stage after resection T2 12.9% and 4.5% (p < 0.01), T4 40.3% and 51.3% (p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis rates 64.3% and 84.9% (p < 0.001); operative mortality rates 0.6% and 2.5%; intrathoracic leak rates 1.8% and 4.0%, respectively. The causes of failure were: local uncontrol and recurrence 38.6% vs. 51.7% (p < 0.025), regional lymph node metastasis 38.6% vs. 54.6% (p < 0.005), distant metastasis 24.3% vs. 24.7%.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative radiation therapy is able to improve the results of surgery for adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia.

Neuron degeneration induced by verapamil and attenuated by EGb761

Calcium channel blockers are used as neuroprotective agents, as glutamate antagonists. However, it has been found that calcium channel blockers may compromise neuronal survival after long-term exposure. To explore the mechanisms of the toxicity of calcium channel blockers on neurons, we studied the morphological characteristics and biochemical changes of cultured cortical neurons treated with verapamil, a calcium channel blocker. We now report that cerebral cortical cultures exposed to verapamil for 48 h undergo neuronal degeneration in both concentration-dependent and time-dependent fashion, possibly partially through the activation of apoptosis. On the other hand, it was found that Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) attenuated verapamil-induced neuronal injury, suggesting the possibility of using verapamil combined with EGb761 clinically. Furthermore, both B-50 immunoactivity (BIA) and the concentration of intracellular calcium in single neurons ([Ca2+]i) decreased after a 48-h exposure to verapamil, suggesting that the mechanisms of verapamil-induced degeneration may be associated with the disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis and the inhibition of normal axonal elongation.

Regulation of the human protein C inhibitor gene expression in HepG2 cells: role of Sp1 and AP2

Protein C inhibitor (PCI) is the plasma inhibitor of activated protein C, which is the main protease of the anticoagulant protein C pathway. In this study the transcriptional regulation of human PCI gene in the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, was characterized by evaluating the transient expression of a luciferase reporter gene. The 5' flanking region (residues -1587 to +2) of the PCI gene showed an adequate transcriptional activity, the maximum transcriptional activity being in a region between residues -452 and -94, which contains an Sp1-binding site, two AP2-binding sites and an inverted AP2-binding site. Transient expression assays with various deletion mutants and site-directed mutants showed that the Sp1-binding site (residues -302 to -294) has a potent promoter activity and that the upstream AP2-binding site (residues -350 to -343) has a potent enhancer activity; no activity was detected in the inverted (residues -413 to -404) and downstream (residues -136 to -127) AP2-binding sites. In addition, a region of the PCI gene (residues -452 to -414) containing the STATx-binding site, the A-activator (AA)-binding site, and the interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) response element, and another region of the PCI gene (residues -176 to -147) containing the GATA-1 and the IFN-gamma response element showed potent silencer activities. Gel mobility-shift assays with various DNA fragments indicated that the Sp1-binding site, the upstream AP2-binding site, the AA-binding site and the IFN-gamma response element interact with nuclear protein(s) of HepG2 cells. These findings suggest that the Sp1-binding site is the promoter, the AP2-binding site (residues -350 to -343) the enhancer, and both the AA-binding site and the IFN-gamma response element are the silencers of human PCI gene expression in HepG2 cells.

[The diversity of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells: IX. Cell-cycles kinetics related macromolecules DNA, RNA and protein contents in CD34+ hematopoietic cells of human bone marrow]

DNA, RNA and PRO comprise the bulk of macromolecules in cells, which have been proven to play an important role in regulating cell cycle transverse capacity, cell division, growth, and size. Simultaneous analysis of these moieties could provide more comprehensive and accurate information on cell cycle kinetics. In this study, DNA, RNA and PRO contents related to cell cycle kinetics in CD34+ hematopoietic cells of human bone marrow were measured to understanding the cell cycle kinetic features in CD34+ hematopoietic cells. For this reason, CIMS-100 immunomagnetic isolator, a novel isolation system, was used to enrich efficiently CD34+ hematopoietic cells from human bone marrow. The purity of enriched CD34+ hematopoietic cells determined by both FACS and APAAP staining is ranging from 90%-95%. Cellular DNA, RNA and PRO were stained with fluorochromes propidium iodide, pyronin Y and fluorescein isothiocyante respectively The fluorescence intensities reflecting the DNA, RNA and PRO content of individual cell were analyzed in FACS can by different excitation wavelengthes. DNA, RNA and PRO contents in CD34+ hematopoietic cells were far lower than these of bone marrow mononuclear cells, only being 34 +/- 3% (DNA), 48 +/- 21% (RNA) and 62 +/- 14% (PRO) of BMMNCs respectively. Collectively, these data combined with previous results from both ours and others indicated that CD34+ hematopoietic cells are indeed an unique cell population, not only in reconstitute of hematopoietic and immunological functions, but also in cell cycle kinetics. This is, to our knowledge, the first detailed report on the analysis of DNA, RNA and PRO contents related to cell cycle kinetics in CD34+ hematopoietic cells. And the results provide more direct evidence that the majority of CD34+ hematopoietic cells are in resting state.

The herbal medicine unkei-to stimulates cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant production in the pituitary folliculo-stellate-like cell line (TtT/GF)

PROBLEM

We previously reported that a cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was produced in the pituitary gland and that it influenced anterior pituitary hormone release. In this study we investigated the effect of Unkei-to, a Japanese herbal medicine, on CINC production in the rat anterior pituitary gland and the pituitary folliculo-stellate-like cell line (TtT/GF).

METHOD OF STUDY

Dispersed normal anterior pituitary cells and the folliculo-stellate-like cell line TtT/GF were used to test the effect of Unkei-to on CINC secretion and CINC mRNA accumulation. Concentrations of CINC in the conditioned media were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and levels of CINC mRNA were analyzed by Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

Unkei-to (20 micrograms/ml) significantly increased the secretion of CINC by normal anterior pituitary cells within 12 hr of incubation. Unkei-to also stimulated CINC secretion from TtT/GF cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Unkei-to (20 micrograms/ml) increased CINC mRNA accumulation in TtT/GF cells within 3 hr of incubation and also caused a 13-fold increase in the secretion of CINC from TtT/GF cells compared with the vehicle group within 24 hr of incubation. Finally, we found that some of the Unkei-to's ingredients, Evodiae fructus and Pinelliae tuber, markedly stimulated CINC secretion from TtT/GF cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results will help to elucidate the mechanism behind the clinical effect of Unkei-to on the anterior pituitary gland. They also suggested the presence of special substances, which stimulate CINC secretion, within Unkei-to's ingredients such as E. fructus and P. tuber.

Evidence that folliculo-stellate cells mediate the inhibitory effect of Japanese kampo medicine, unkei-to, on growth hormone secretion in rat anterior pituitary cell cultures

PROBLEM

Cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was reported to influence anterior pituitary hormone release. We recently found that Unkei-to, one of the Japanese Kampo medicines, stimulated CINC secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells and the pituitary folliculo-stellate (FS)-like cell line (TtT/GF). Therefore, the effect of Unkei-to on growth hormone (GH) secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells was investigated.

METHOD OF STUDY

Dispersed normal anterior pituitary cells, the folliculo-stellate-like cell line TtT/GF, and the GH3 cell were used to test the effect of Unkei-to on GH secretion. In reconstitutive coculture experiments, TtT/GF cells were mixed with GH3 cells at a ratio (TtT/GF cells: GH3 cells) of 1:99. From this mixture, cells were seeded onto plates at a density of 10(4) cells/well and were cultured for 5 days. The cells were then used in the experiments.

RESULTS

Unkei-to at 20 micrograms/ml significantly inhibited GH secretion by normal anterior pituitary cells within 12 hr of incubation. In contrast Unkei-to stimulated GH secretion by GH3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, suggesting that an accessory cell type was involved. To assess the contribution of CINC as a paracrine factor, an experiment using a reconstitutive coculture system was performed, and Unkei-to was found to inhibit GH secretion when GH3 cells were cocultured with TtT/GF cells. The addition of anti-CINC antibody to the reconstitutive coculture system antagonized Unkei-to-inhibited GH secretion.

CONCLUSION

CINC, which was secreted from FS cells by Unkei-to, may be responsible for mediating the inhibitory effect of Unkei-to on GH secretion by rat anterior pituitary cells.

Enhancing effects of beta-endorphin on glutamate neurotoxicity

AIM

To study the effect of beta-endorphin (beta-End) on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity (GNT).

METHODS

Image analysis of neuronal areas and determination of mitochondrial membrane protein-bound Ca2+ and intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were used.

RESULTS

beta-End aggravated MSG-induced neuronal injury in arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus in a dose-dependent manner in the range from 0.5 to 5.0 mg.kg-1. MSG-induced increase in mitochondrial membrane protein-bound Ca2+ was enhanced when treated with beta-End 2 g.L-1. MSG-induced elevation in [Ca2+]i in single neuron was also augmented from 320 +/- 84 to 589 +/- 78 nmol.L-1 by the treatment with beta-End 2 g.L-1.

CONCLUSION

beta-End enhanced GNT via aggravating the disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis induced by MSG.

The pituitary folliculo-stellate cell line TtT/GF augments basal and TRH-induced prolactin secretion by GH3 cell

Numerous functions have been ascribed to anterior pituitary folliculo-stellate (FS) cells. Recently, we established a pituitary FS-like cell line (TtT/GF) from an isologously transplantable pituitary thyrotropic tumor. Here we investigated the effect of FS cells on prolactin (PRL) secretion by using a co-culture system between TtT/GF cells and GH3 cells. We observed that co-culture with TtT/GF cells significantly increased basal PRL secretion without affecting the growth rate of GH3 cells. Further, addition of anti-cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) antibody partially reduced PRL secretion in co-culture of GH3 cells with 10% TtT/GF cells. Co-culture with 5% TtT/GF cells also markedly enhanced the PRL response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by GH3 cells, while addition of anti-CINC antibody had no effects on the enhanced PRL response to TRH. These results suggest that FS cells augment basal PRL secretion and enhance the secretory response of PRL to TRH by a paracrine mechanism.

[Progress in the study of mammalian selenoprotein]

Selenium is an essential trace element for animals and humans. Selenium exerts its biological function largely through selenoproteins. Up to now nine selenoproteins' cDNAs have been cloned and sequenced, which are cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPX), extracellular glutathine peroxidase(eGPX), phospholipid hydroperoxidase glutathione peroxidase(PHGPX), gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase (GPX-GI), type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase (ID I), type 2 iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase(ID II), type III iodothyronine 5-deiodinase(ID III), selenoprotein P (Se-P) and selenoprotein W. In all these selenoproteins Se is incorporated into the protein molecule via the selenocysteinyl-tRNA which recognizes the specific UGA codons in mRNA to insert selenocysteine into the primary structure of selenoproteins.

Immune responses to the hepatitis C virus NS4A protein are profoundly influenced by the combination of the viral genotype and the host major histocompatibility complex

The interaction between the host major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the genotype of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was analysed using synthetic full-length non-structural (NS) 4A proteins, residues 1658-1712, of genotypes 1b, 2b, 3a, 4a and 5a. Human and murine antibodies specific for the five NS4A genotypes analysed focused on residues 1688-1707. In immunized B10 H-2 congenic mice, the H-2d, H-2f and H-2s haplotypes were good responders to NS4A, irrespective of the viral genotype. In contrast, the H-2k haplotype was a low or non-responder to all NS4A genotypes, except for genotype 2b. Also, H-2f- and H-2s-restricted NS4A genotype 1b-specific T-cells focused on residues 1670-1679 and 1683-1692, respectively, whereas H-2k-restricted NS4A genotype 2b-specific T-cells focused on the carboxy terminus. Interestingly, H-2f-restricted genotype 1b-specific T-cells did not cross-react with T-cell site analogues of seven other genotypes, whereas the H-2s-restricted, genotype 1b-specific T-cells cross-reacted with genotypes 1a, 4a and 5a. Thus the combination of viral genotype and host MHC profoundly influences the ability to mount an HCV NS4A-specific immune response.

[Study of postural drainage of children with obstructive lung disease]

According to the abnormal manifestation of the X-ray chest film, 90 cases were classified into regional shadow and diffuse volume increasing parts. The regional postural drainage method was adopted in the former, all directional postural drainage was performed in the latter. Each part of cases was classified into postural drainage plus ultrasonic aerosol inhalation group, ultrasonic aerosol inhalation and the control group. The results showed that there were significant differences among the parameters of the body temperature, coughing, stridor, rales and the chest film (P < 0.01). The therapeutic effects of the inhalation group was predominantly better than that of the control group with the routine drug treatment, while that of the drainage was more better than that of the inhalation group. It is suggested that the drainage as an adjuvant treatment to treat the obstructive respiratory tract diseases was a cheap, practical, non-damage and worthy advocating method.

[The preliminary results of prevention and treatment in the population of patients with COPD and cor pulmonale]

This paper tends to evaluate the effects of comprehensive prevention and treatment in COPD and cor pulmonale in the communities. A Randomized cohort with stratified design was undertaken in the rural areas with hundred thousand population in Beijing municipality, Lianning and Hubei Provinces, from spring 1992 to spring 1995.

RESULTS

(1) the rates to all stratified populations under management were 85.6% among those with high risk, 87.8% among COPD and 83.6% among cor pulmonale, respectively. (2) The levels of KAB were raised more significantly in most intervention group than in control group which up +9.6% to +33.6% and -5.8% to +32.6%, respectively. (3) Comparisons between the two groups revealed: 1. Number of cigarette smokers who smoked more than before increased (20.1% vs 17.8%) but with no statistical significance. 2. The rate of smoking cessation went higher (15.5% vs. 11.3%, P < 0.01). 3. New high risk subjects were reduced (2.8% vs 3.9%, P < 0.01). 4. Number of new cor pulmonale patients decreased (19.9% vs 22.6%, P > 0.05) and mortality rate lowered (4.34% vs 4.78%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

preliminary results indicates that the active intervention is effective in reducing COPD and cor pulmonale among population at high risk in communities. However, it is necessary to point out that COPD and cor pulmonale are both having chronic nature which calls for patient and continuous efforts.

[The diversity of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells: VIII. Sterological features of CD 34+ hematopoietic cells isolated from human bone marrow]

Human CD 34+ hematopoietic cells, a distinctive cell population containing hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, have the capability to highly self-renewal, differentiation into all lineages of committed progenitor cells and reconstitution of both long-term hematopoiesis and immune functions after transplantation. In our previous study, the morphological, ultrastructural and cytochemical features concerning CD 34+ hematopoietic cells obtained by a two-step isolated systems of CIMS-100/FACS 440 with 100% purity were depicted. Based on these observations on CD 34+ hematopoietic cells under light microscope, SEM and TEM, we recently analyze the sterological features of CD 34+ hematopoietic cells with the aid of Quantimet 970 automatic image analyser so that the three-dimension structures regarding CD 34+ hematopoietic cells could be further made clear. By a series of measures including image scan-->modulus transform-->shadow correction-->image store-->statistical analysis, some morphometric parameters of CD 34+ hematopoietic cells were obtained as the followings: diametrs 3.490-6.741 microns, perimeters 11.776-26.240 microns, surface area 9.565-35.686 microns2, form factors 1.048-1.840, nucleus-plasma ratio 0.55-0.72, mean light density 0.17675-0.65100, integral light density 2717.217-46661.000. These morphometric data combined with our previous results from morphology, ultrastructure and functional subsets of CD 34+ hematopoietic cells strongly demonstrate that CD 34+ hematopoietic cells are really a heterogenous population. The possible reasons causing heterogeneous are close associated with either different functional subsets or differentiation lineages. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of sterological features of CD 34+ hematopoietic cells.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is associated with CTLA4 polymorphisms in multiple ethnic groups

Linkage disequilibrium (association) analysis was used to evaluate a candidate region near the CTLA4/CD28 genes using a multi-ethnic collection of families with one or more children affected by IDDM. In the data set unique to this study (Spanish, French, Mexican-American, Chinese and Korean), the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) revealed a highly significant deviation for transmission of alleles at the (AT)n microsatellite marker in the 3' untranslated region (P = 0.002) and the A/G polymorphism in the first exon (P = 0.00002) of the CTLA4 gene. The overall evidence for transmission deviation of the CTLA4 A/G alleles is also highly significant (P = 0.00005) in the combined data set (669 multiplex and 357 simplex families) from this study and a previous report on families from USA, Italy, UK, Spain and Sardinia. Significant heterogeneity was observed in these data sets. The British, Sardinian and Chinese data sets did not show any deviation for the A/G polymorphism, while the Caucasian-American data set showed a weak transmission deviation. Strong deviation for transmission was seen in the three Mediterranean-European populations (Italian, Spanish and French) (P = 10(-5)), the Mexican-American population (P = 0.002) and the Korean population (P = 0.03). These results suggest that a true IDDM susceptibility locus (designated IDDM12) is located near CTLA4.

Antagonistic effects of extract from leaves of ginkgo biloba on glutamate neurotoxicity

AIM

To determine whether the extract of leaves of Ginkgo biloba L (EGb) and several active constituents of EGb have protective effects against glutamate (Glu)-induced neuronal damage.

METHODS

Microscopy and image analysis of nucleus areas in the arcuate nuclei (AN) of mice were made. The neuronal viability in primary cultures from mouse cerebral cortex was assessed using MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] staining and the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single neuron was measured using Fura-2.

RESULTS

EGb (2.5 mg.L-1) and its constituent ginkgolide B (Gin B, 2 mg.L-1) protected the neuronal viability against Glu-induced injury, and prevented the Glu-induced elevation in [Ca2+]i. EGb (3-10 mg.kg-1) attenuated the decrease of nucleus areas in arcuate nuclei induced by Glu (1 g.kg-1, s.c.).

CONCLUSION

EGb and Gin B prevent neurons from Glu neurotoxicity through reduction of the rise in [Ca2+]i.

Interferon-alpha treatment induces delayed CD4 proliferative responses to the hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3 regardless of the outcome of therapy

The proliferative responses to a hepatitis C virus (HCV) recombinant nonstructural protein 3 (rNS3) were analyzed in 9 patients with chronic HCV infection before, during, and after 24 weeks of treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) alone or in combination with ribavirin. Regardless of the therapy and the subsequent outcome, all patients showed an increased rNS3-specific proliferative response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro within 48 weeks from the start of therapy (P < .01). The proliferating cell phenotype was CD4 and was dependent on HLA-DP/DQ/DR class II antigen presentation. rNS3 induced in vitro detectable interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IFN-gamma production in some patients before or after therapy (or both). No significant differences existed between responders and relapsed responders plus nonresponders with respect to the NS3-specific CD4 T helper (Th) cell responses. Thus, IFN-alpha therapy induces HCV NS3-specific CD4 Th cell proliferation regardless of the outcome of therapy.

[Colonic dialysis therapy of Chinese herbal medicine in abstinance of heroin addicts--report of 75 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of the colonic dialysis therapy of Chinese medicine in abstinance of heroin addicts.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty five cases of heroin addicts were randomly divided into two groups: group A was treated with combined dihydroetorphine (DHE) and methadon therapy; group B, besides DHE and methadon, the addicts were given colon dialysis with Chinese herbal medicine from third day of the treatment through to the eighth day.

RESULTS

The effect of group B was superior to that of group A in that the patients heroin abstinance symptoms disappeared more rapidly, the course of the disease was shorter and the effective rate raised to 100%.

CONCLUSION

The cutaneous pigmentation could be removed through dialysis quickly which suggested that the method was able to remove toxic substances in the body and it would benefit the abstinance of heroin addicts.

Pituitary folliculo-stellate-like cell line produces a cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant

In previous studies, we reported that cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was produced in the pituitary gland. Here we investigated the possibility of detection of CINC immunoreactivity in the pituitary folliculo-stellate (FS)-like cell line (TtT/GF). Intense immunoreactivity was observed by immunocytochemistry in the cytoplasm and cell processes of TtT/GF cells. CINC immunoreactivity was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in as little as 3 h after conditioning the medium with TtT/GF cells, and it increased significantly in a time-dependent manner during the first 24 h of the culture. This immunoreactivity could be induced by lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We also observed the expression of CINC mRNA in TtT/GF cells and LPS increased CINC mRNA accumulation in TtT/GF cells. These findings indicate that CINC produced by FS cells may play a role as a paracrine factor of the anterior pituitary gland, and TtT/GF will provide a useful model system for studying the regulation of CINC secretion by FS cells.