[Transferrin receptor and iron deposition pattern in the hepatic lobules of the iron-deficient and iron-overloaded rats]

Wistar rats were made iron deficient by a low iron regimen. Iron overload was produced by repeated intraperitoneal injections of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe(3+)-NTA) for one to four months. Hepatic tissues from these iron deficient, overloaded and control rats were examined for transferrin receptor (TfR), transferrin (Tf) and iron after immunohistochemical staining. TfR and Tf were mainly distributed in the peripheral part of the lobule (zone 1) in the normal, iron deficient and iron-overloaded rats. The staining intensity decreased from zone 1 to zone 3. The staining intensity of TfR was strongest in iron-deficiency rat hepatic cells, weakest in iron-overloaded rat hepatic cells when compared with controls. The difference of Tf staining between the three groups of rats was similar to that of TfR. In the iron-overloaded rats, the staining intensity of iron was stronger in zone 1 than in zone 2 and 3, similar to the distribution pattern of TfR and Tf. These findings suggest that (1) iron uptake in hepatic cells in vivo is regulated and mediated by TfR and Tf, (2) the expression pattern of TfR and Tf in zone 1 to zone 3 liver cells may result in the progressive decrease of iron deposition in the hepatic lobules of the iron overloaded rats.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of sacral insufficiency fractures: characteristic features and differentiation from sacral metastasis]

Seven patients with sacral insufficiency fractures and seven patients with sacral metastasis were studied with MR imaging. The diagnoses were confirmed with other imaging modalities and clinical follow-up. The insufficiency fractures appeared as bands of abnormal signal: low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and slightly low to iso signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The lesions were delineated better on T1-weighted images than on T2-weighted images. The sacral alae were involved in all patients; five patients had bilateral lesions. The lesions that run across the sacral body were seen in three cases. Inclined coronal images were useful in demonstrating the pattern of distribution of the sacral insufficiency fractures. In three patients with follow-up MR studies, the lesions were markedly reduced or disappeared. The sacral metastatic tumors were of low signal in density on T1-weighted images and iso to high signal in density on T2-weighted images. The extent and distribution patterns of the lesions were various. It is possible to differentiate sacral insufficiency fractures from sacral metastases based on their distribution patterns on MRI. However, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if the symptoms persist or become worse, follow-up MR studies may be necessary.

Clinical significance of beta 2-microglobulin in serum of adult T cell leukemia

To clarify the clinical and biological significance of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) in serum of adult T cell leukemia (ATL) associated with human lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I), beta 2-M was measured in 52 patients with ATL (acute ATL, 35 patients; lymphoma ATL, two patients; chronic ATL, 12 patients; smoldering ATL, three patients), and it was compared with serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Statistical analysis disclosed a correlation between beta 2-M level and the percentage of abnormal lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and platelet count (P < 0.01). There was a correlation between LDH and platelet count (P < 0.01), and a tendency of correlation between LDH and the percentage of abnormal lymphocytes (P < 0.15). Significant difference was present in beta 2-M as well as LDH between acute ATL and chronic ATL (P < 0.01), and between acute ATL and smoldering ATL (P < 0.01). We also investigated a significant inverse correlation between beta 2-M level as well as LDH level and the length of survival after the initial diagnosis (P < 0.01). Thus, the beta 2-M level may indicate the aggressiveness of ATL cells and predict the length of survival.

The correlation between incision size and corneal shape changes in sutureless cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To examine the correlation between incision size and corneal shape changes in sutureless surgery using corneal topography.

METHODS

Two hundred eyes undergoing sutureless cataract surgery were assigned randomly to three groups according to the incision size: group A, 3.2-mm incision; group B, 4.0-mm incision; and group C, 5.0-mm incision. All eyes were examined by corneal topography preoperatively as well as at 1 week and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

In the average of difference maps of eyes in the 3.2-mm incision group, a wound-related flattening in the peripheral cornea occurred 1 week after surgery, but decreased rapidly thereafter. Subsequently, no significant changes were observed in the cornea after 1 month. In the 4.0-mm incision group, with a reduction of the wound-related peripheral flattening, an irregular steepening appeared in the lower central cornea 6 months after surgery. In the 5.0-mm incision group, a similar steepening in the lower cornea occurred just after surgery. This steepening persisted and even extended to the upper central cornea in its later postoperative periods.

CONCLUSION

The 3.2-mm incision hardly produced any irreversible corneal shape changes, whereas both the 4.0- and 5.0-mm incisions caused a persistent irregular steepening in the central cornea.

Scratching behavior induced by pruritogenic but not algesiogenic agents in mice

We compared the behavioral effects of treatment with pruritogenic and algesiogenic agents in mice. The animals were given subcutaneous injections of pruritogenic agents, compound 48/80 (3-100 micrograms), substance P (10-300 micrograms) and histamine (3-300 micrograms), and algesiogenic agents, capsaicin (30 and 100 micrograms) and dilute formalin (5 mg of formaldehyde), into the rostral back, and scratching of the injected site by the hind paws was counted. Compound 48/80 and substance P dose dependently elicited the scratching behavior, but histamine, capsaicin and dilute formalin were without significant effects at the doses examined. These results suggest that compound 48/80- and substance P-induced scratching of the injected site is due to itch, but not to pain. The data did not provide support for the idea that histamine produces itch in the mouse.

Myogenic cell migration from somites is induced by tissue contact with medial region of the presumptive limb mesoderm in chick embryos

It is known that myogenic cells in limb buds are derived from somites. In order to examine the potential of the limb primordium (presumptive limb somatopleure) to induce myogenic cell migration, we transplanted chick presumptive limb somatopleure to the flank region of an embryo, a region that does not normally contribute myogenic cells to the limb. Somitic cell migration was examined using a vital labeling technique. When the presumptive limb somatopleure was transplanted and was in contact with the host flank somite, somitic-cell migration toward the graft was observed. The labeled somitic cells within the graft were identified as myogenic cells in two ways: first, we found that N-cadherin-expressing cells appeared in the graft. Second, after 3 further days of incubation, the somitic cells formed dorsal and ventral masses and expressed sarcomeric myosin heavy chain within the graft. Cell migration occurred only when the somite was in contact with the medial region of the presumptive limb somatopleure. When the somite was not in contact with the limb somatopleure, or when the somite was in contact with the lateral region of the limb somatopleure, migration did not occur. These observations indicate that the potential to induce myogenic cell migration is restricted to the medial region of the presumptive limb somatopleure and that tissue contact is required.

An SV40-immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line and its characterization

PURPOSE

The authors attempted to immortalize human corneal epithelial cells; it is difficult to propagate primary human corneal epithelial cells because of scarcity of available tissue. However, cell immortalization by virus is always accompanied by shedding of free virus. The current study was performed to establish a cell line that produces no free viral particle.

METHODS

Primary cultured human corneal epithelial cells were infected with a recombinant sv40-adenovirus vector and were cloned three times to obtain a continuously growing cell line. Morphologic, cytologic, and biochemical characteristics of this cell line were analyzed.

RESULTS

This cell line continued to grow for more than 400 generations, exhibiting a cobblestone-like appearance similar to normal corneal epithelial cells in culture. Transmission electron microscopy showed the evidence for the characteristic features of epithelial cells, including desmosome formation and development of microvilli. It expressed cornea-specific, 64-kD cytokeratin in addition to five major insoluble proteins. By enzymatic analysis using NADP as a coenzyme and a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, this cell line was found to possess 8.71 IU/mg protein of aldehydedehydrogenase activity. When this cell line was grown at air-liquid interface on collagen type I gel, it differentiated in a multilayered fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors have established an SV40-immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line with properties similar to normal corneal epithelial cells.

Renal effects of amlodipine

The effects of a new dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, on blood pressure (BP) and renal function were studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). These effects were compared with those of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril. In addition, the effects of amlodipine on BP and renal function were studied in hypertensive patients with renal impairment. In five of six nephrectomised salt-loaded SHR, increases in BP, urinary excretion of protein and serum creatinine were attenuated by the administration of 2 mg/kg/day of amlodipine. The progression of renal histological damage was also markedly decreased. The protective effects of amlodipine against renal damage were similar to those of enalapril. However, the mechanisms of action of these two agents seem to differ as, unlike enalapril, amlodipine did not significantly dilate the efferent arteriole in hydronephrotic perfused rat kidney. In a clinical study, 2.5-5 mg/day of amlodipine was administered once a day for 8-10 weeks to 39 hypertensive patients with renal impairment (serum creatinine > or = 1.5 mg/dl to < 5 mg/dl) or renal parenchymal disease (serum creatinine < 5 mg/dl). A significant reduction in BP (reduction of mean BP > or = 13 mm Hg) was observed in 28 patients (80%). Headache was experienced as a side-effect in one of 35 patients (2.9%). With respect to the influence of amlodipine on renal function, mean values of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were unchanged for the total group whereas a slight elevation of serum creatinine was observed in four of 35 patients (11.4%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

CNS myelinogenesis in vitro: time course and pattern of rat oligodendrocyte development

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells that develop into myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system (CNS) were cultured from newborn rat brain to study how they proliferate and differentiate in normal conditioning medium, and their cell development was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and immunocytochemical studies. We have identified A2B5-negative pre-O2A progenitor cells (so-called "type-1" oligodendrocytes) in the secondary cultures on the astrocyte feeder layer. These cells are very small (diameter: 3.5 microns), round, and glossy, and develop into the process-bearing O2A progenitor cells (called "type-2" oligodendrocytes), which also express myelin basic protein (MBP) both in the cell body and in their cell processes. Finally, they develop into mature oligodendrocytes (called "type-3" oligodendrocytes). After MBP expression is elicited in these cells and MBP accumulates in the cell process in the area in contact with the axon, these cells are capable of forming the myelin sheath. Therefore, we examined the mechanism of myelin-sheath formation of "type-3" oligodendrocytes using video time-lapse movies, and demonstrated that these cells initially sent out processes to search for axons several times before the onset of myelination. Then thick filopodia extended towards the axon, and at the same time, the axonal part of neuron moved forward. Finally the ruffling lamellipodial parts wrapped up the axon similarly to a transverse wave with the secured thick filopodial process on the axon acting as scaffolding. These results suggest that our experimental systems are useful in studying normal oligodendrocyte development and their cellular biochemistry, as well as investigating the mechanism of myelin formation by oligodendrocytes.

Micelle/water partition properties of phenols determined by liquid chromatographic method. Proposal for versatile measure of hydrophobicity

Partition properties have been determined for 28 monosubstituted phenols in the sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)/water system by micellar liquid chromatography (MLC), offering a useful and versatile method to estimate the hydrophobicity of compounds. The enthalpy and entropy terms of partition have also been determined from variable temperature experiments on MLC and are interpreted by such factors as molecular size and hydrogen-bond ability of the solute. The pi constants (pi, pi H and pi S) are determined from the experimental partition properties and applied to quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) analysis, and their versatility supported.

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system in anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis

Activity of the renin-angiotensin system in the nephrotic syndrome was investigated in rats with acute nephritis induced by anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody. Injection of anti-GBM antibody resulted in a transient 2-fold elevation of both plasma renin and angiotensinogen with a peak at 12 h. Angiotensinogen mRNA levels in the liver also rapidly and transiently increased 4-fold at 3 h. The manifestation of acute nephritis, indicated by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia and an increase in serum creatinine, following injection of anti-GBM antibody, was inhibited by a single administration of the selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist TCV-116 (1 mg/kg, p.o.) 2 h before an injection with the antibody, but not by successive administration of this drug for 1 week from 3 d after the injection of antibody. These results suggested that the enhanced generation of angiotensin II by elevated levels of both renin and its substrate in the early phase of anti-GBM nephritis promotes the evolution of acute nephritis via angiotensin II type 1 receptor.

Three acyclic bis-phenylpropane lignanamides from fruits of Cannabis sativa

Three new acyclic bis-phenylpropane lignanamides, named cannabisin E, F and G were isolated from the fruits of Cannabis sativa. Their structures have been elucidated based on spectral and chemical evidence.

Transferrin receptor distribution and iron deposition in the hepatic lobule of iron-overloaded rats

Under the condition of obvious iron-overload, there is a zonal hemosiderin (iron) deposition in hepatic lobules. The deposition is heaviest in the periportal (zone 1) and lightest in the perivenous (zone 3) hepatocytes. However, the mechanism for this pattern of iron deposition is obscure. Hepatic tissues from control, iron-deficient or iron-overloaded Wistar rats were used to study its pathogenesis. Iron-deficiency was induced by a low iron regimen. Iron-overload was produced by repeated intraperitoneal injections of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe(3+)-NTA) for 1-4 months. Liver tissues of the rats were immunohistochemically and histochemically stained for transferrin receptor (TfR), transferrin (Tf), ferritin (Ft), and iron. The staining intensity of TfR, Tf and Ft increased in hepatocytes of iron-deficient rats and decreased in that of the iron-overloaded in comparison with the control rats. TfR staining was strong in zone 1, with gradual transition into weak staining in zone 3 hepatocytes of the rat liver. TfR located primarily on the hepatocyte membrane. Tf had both membranous and cytoplasmic distribution. Many hepatocytes in group B had strong cytoplasmic Tf staining. Conversely, only a few hepatocytes had weakly stained cytoplasmic Tf in group C. Hepatocytes and Kupffer cells were Ft positive in control rats. Ft was distributed only in the cytoplasm. The staining intensity of Ft was stronger in zone 3 than in zone 1 hepatocytes of iron-deficient rats. In iron-overloaded rats, the iron deposition was severe in zone 1 and mild in zone 3 hepatocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cycloartane-type glycosides from thalictri herba

Two new cycloartane-type glycosides, designated as thalictosides V and IX, were isolated from the methanolic extract of Thalictri Herba (Takatogusa), the dried aerial parts of Thalictrum sp. plants. Their chemical structures have been characterized as 3-O-monodesmoside and the 3,21-di-O-bisdesmoside of 3 beta,22 zeta,30-trihydroxycycloart-24-en-21-oic acid, by chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Three acyclic bis-phenylpropane lignanamides from fruits of Cannabis sativa

Three new acyclic bis-phenylpropane lignanamides, named cannabisin E, F and G were isolated from the fruits of Cannabis sativa. Their structures have been elucidated based on spectral and chemical evidence.

Accumulation of distinct T cell clonotypes in human solid tumors

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) have been described in a variety of human solid tumors. It is unknown whether such T cells are nonspecific inflammatory cells or a subset of specific host immune responses. To examine this question, we have analyzed the clonotypes of TCR beta-chain messages expressed in TIL, draining lymph nodes, and PBL of 10 patients with uterine or ovarian tumors. We report here that TIL bears distinct T cell clonotype accumulations only in patients without obvious metastasis. In contrast, accumulations of clonally expanded T cells were also found in lymph nodes and PBL of patients with metastatic cancer. The numbers and locations of the accumulated T cell clonotypes seemed to correlate with the stage of tumor invasion and the degree of metastasis. These data support the existence of Ag-driven immune responses to solid tumors in vivo.

Accumulation of distinct T cell clonotypes in human solid tumors

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) have been described in a variety of human solid tumors. It is unknown whether such T cells are nonspecific inflammatory cells or a subset of specific host immune responses. To examine this question, we have analyzed the clonotypes of TCR beta-chain messages expressed in TIL, draining lymph nodes, and PBL of 10 patients with uterine or ovarian tumors. We report here that TIL bears distinct T cell clonotype accumulations only in patients without obvious metastasis. In contrast, accumulations of clonally expanded T cells were also found in lymph nodes and PBL of patients with metastatic cancer. The numbers and locations of the accumulated T cell clonotypes seemed to correlate with the stage of tumor invasion and the degree of metastasis. These data support the existence of Ag-driven immune responses to solid tumors in vivo.

Tissue expression of rat ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) mRNA and production of the recombinant CNTF

We used the polymerase chain reaction to show that CNTF mRNA is widely expressed in the brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney and testis of the rat, in addition to preferential expression in the sciatic nerve. We produced the recombinant CNTF in E. coli using rat sciatic nerve cDNA and obtained high yields of pure CNTF. The biological activity of the recombinant protein was comparable to that of native rat CNTF in its support of the survival of cultured embryonic day-8 chick ciliary ganglions. Western Blot analysis using antibody against the recombinant CNTF clearly showed the presence of CNTF protein (25kD) in rabbit sciatic nerve.

Isolation of an antioxidant from Penicillium roquefortii IFO 5956

In the search for antioxidants from microbial organisms, we found that Penicillium roquefortii IFO 5956 produced an antioxidant. This antioxidant was isolated from a culture broth of the strain, and its structure was identified to be 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid (1). The antioxidative activity of 1 was nearly equal to that of tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisol (BHA).

Cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine, medetomidine-midazolam and medetomidine-midazolam-atipamezole in dogs

Cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine (20 micrograms/kg)-midazolam (0.3 mg) (Me-Mi) were compared with those of medetomidine alone (80 micrograms/kg) (Me80) in dogs. The intramuscular administration of this combination caused bradycardia and transient mild pressor response. Heart rate decreased soon after the administration and remained significantly below the baseline value with average values of 50-70 beats/min. Blood pressure increased to its maximum within 5 to 10 min then decreased gradually. Cardiac index decreased corresponding the decrease in heart rate. However these changes were less profound than those of Me80 indicating significantly higher values in cardiac index and lower values in systemic vascular resistance. Effects on the respiratory function were slight. The reduction of the dose of medetomidine to one-fourth in Me-Mi was effective to reduce the adverse effect of medetomidine, especially in peripheral vasoconstriction. Atipamezole effectively reversed cardiopulmonary effects induced by medetomidine-midazolam. Heart rate and cardiac index increased and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly after administration of atipamezole. The possible use of an antagonist as a reversal agent might enhance the value and availability of medtomidine-midazolam as a chemical restraint agent in dogs.

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on SY5555 dry syrup in children]

SY5555 is a new oral penem antibiotic. Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies using SY5555 dry syrup (powder which is dissolved before use) were performed in pediatric patients. 1. Pharmacokinetic investigation Peak plasma concentrations of SY5555 after dose of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg were, respectively, 1.58 +/- 0.37 micrograms/ml, 2.78 +/- 0.54 micrograms/ml and 5.28 micrograms/ml at 1 hour. The average half-life with 5 mg/kg administration was 0.94 +/- 0.05 hours, that with 10 mg/kg was 1.46 +/- 0.31 hours and that with 15 mg/kg was 0.88 hours. 2. Clinical investigation Enrolled in the study were 15 patients including 5 with acute otitis media, 5 with urinary tract infections and 1 each with pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and subcutaneous abscess. Responses were excellent in 4 patients, good in 8 patients, fair in 2 patients and poor in 1 patient. In the assessment of the bacteriological efficacy, 8 out of 10 strains of organism identified previous to treatment were eradicated and 2 strains were unchanged, hence the eradication rate was 80.0%. 3. No adverse reactions attributable to the drug were observed and good drug compliance were obtained. From the above results, it has been concluded that SY5555 is a highly effective and safe agent for mild to moderate respiratory and urinary tract infections in children.

Construction and characterization of a chimeric beta-glucosidase

The amino acid sequences of beta-glucosidases from Cellvibrio gilvus and Agrobacterium tumefaciens show significant similarity in most of the parts. However, the pH/temperature optima and stabilities of the two enzymes are quite different. C. gilvus beta-glucosidase exhibits an optimum pH of 6.2-6.4 and temperature of 35 degrees C, whereas the corresponding values for A. tumefaciens are 7.2-7.4 and 60 degrees C respectively. To analyse these properties further, a chimeric beta-glucosidase was constructed by replacing a segment from the C-terminal region of C. gilvus beta-glucosidase gene with that of A. tumefaciens. The partially purified chimeric enzyme was characterized with respect to pH/temperature activity and stability and substrate affinity. Our results suggest that C-terminal segment(s) might be important in beta-glucosidase specificity, and shuffling of even a small segment of gene in this region might significantly alter or improve the enzymic properties such as thermal stability.

Trypsin and elastase inhibitors from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia LINN.) seeds: purification, amino acid sequences, and inhibitory activities of four new inhibitors

Serine proteinase inhibitors of the squash family were isolated from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia LINN.) seeds by the conventional purification method. Heat treatment of the extract of the seeds allowed removal of large amounts of protein without loss of trypsin and elastase inhibitory activities. From the supernatants thus obtained, the inhibitors were isolated to homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and reversed phase chromatography. One trypsin inhibitor (Momordica charantia trypsin inhibitor-III; MCTI-III) and three elastase inhibitors (Momordica charantia elastase inhibitor-II, -III, and -IV; MCEI-II, -III, and -IV) were newly isolated in addition to trypsin inhibitors MCTI-I and -II and elastase inhibitor MCEI-I previously reported [Hara, S. et. al. (1989). J. Biochem. 105, 88-92]. The primary structures of the four new inhibitors were determined as follows. [sequence: see text] The dissociation constants, Ki, of MCTI-III complex with bovine beta-trypsin, and of MCEI-II, -III, -IV with porcine elastase were determined to be 1.9 x 10(-7) M, 9.4 x 10(-9) M, 4.0 x 10(-9) M, and 4.7 x 10(-9) M, respectively. Although MCTI-III differed from MCTI-I in only two amino acids, having Gly(3) and Gln(13) in place of Arg(3) and Arg(13), the Ki value of MCTI-III was 20-fold larger than that of MCTI-I. Addition of an amino terminal Glu residue, a dipeptide (Glu-Glu-), and a tripeptide (Glu-Glu-Glu-) to MCEI-I strengthened its elastase inhibitory activity by 200-fold.