Potentiating effects on pilocarpine-induced saliva secretion, by extracts and N-containing sugars derived from mulberry leaves, in streptozocin-diabetic mice

The effects of hot water extracts and six compounds of N-containing sugars, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), N-methyl-DNJ (N-Me-DNJ), 2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-DNJ (GAL-DNJ), fagomine, 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (DAB), and 1,2 alpha,3 beta,4 alpha-tetrahydroxynortropane (calystegin B2), derived from mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.), were investigated on pilocarpine-induced saliva secretion in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated the pilocarpine-induced salivary flow but not the protein content. The component compounds (37.5-300 mumol/kg) potentiated the saliva secretion, and the potency order was DAB > fagomine > GAL-DNJ. Only fagomine significantly increased the protein content in the saliva. The potentiation of pilocarpine-induced salivary flow was correlated with anti-hyperglycemic effects by the extract and GAL-DNJ from mulberry leaves in the same dose ranges.

Competence effect of PDGF on Ki-67 antigen and DNA contents, and its inhibition by trichostatin-A and a butylydene phthalide BP-421 in primary smooth muscle cells of rat aorta by flow cytometry

We investigated with flow cytometry the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced competence in primary cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) of rat thoracic aorta. A cytogram was obtained by a double staining technique with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated mouse monoclonal antibody against the proliferation-associated nucleus antigen Ki-67, and propidium iodide for total DNA content. (1) The nearly confluent SMC after 6 d-culture with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) were further cultured under serum starvation for 2d. (2) SMC was cultured with 5% FBS for 4 d, and then with 5% FBS+trichostatin-A (TS-A) (1 microgram/ml) for 2d. The cytogram showed the broadening of Ki-67 antigen signal for G0/G1 phase by TS-A compared with that of SMC under serum starvation, suggesting the existence of early and late phases of G1. (3) After serum starvation, the preculture with PDGF (100 ng/ml) for 3 h which was followed by a further 15 h-culture with 3% FBS caused significant more entry into S phase than control culture. The extent was greater than that with 15 h-culture with 10% FBS. (4) 15 h-culture with 1% FBS after PDGF (30 ng/ml) pretreatment stimulated entry into S phase cells, which was inhibited by TS-A (1 microgram/ml) and by a butylydene phthalide derivative BP-421 (3 micrograms/ml). Flow cytometric analysis demonstrate that PDGF pretreatment stimulates the entry into S phase by 20% of total SMC having early and late phases of G1, and that the PDGF-competence is inhibited by TS-A and BP-421.

Blasticidin S deaminase gene (BSD): a new selection marker gene for transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum

Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum were transformed to blasticidin S (BS) resistance with BSD (the BS deaminase gene from Aspergillus terreus) using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. Expression of BSD allowed direct selection of transformants by the fungicide, and both kinds of transgenic plants showed high level of resistance phenotype at 100 ppm of BS sprayed on the leaves. Using Botrytis cinerea, the causal fungus of gray mold disease, it was exemplified that application of BS could control the disease in transgenic tobacco with negligible phytotoxicity.

Cloning and characterization of a gene involved in aerial mycelium formation in Streptomyces griseus

A-factor (2-isocapryloyl-3R-hydroxymethyl-gamma-butyrolactone) is essentially required for aerial mycelium formation and streptomycin production in Streptomyces griseus. A DNA fragment which induced aerial mycelium formation and sporulation in an A-factor-deficient mutant strain, S. griseus HH1, was cloned from this strain on a high-copy-number plasmid. Subcloning and nucleotide sequencing revealed that one open reading frame with 218 amino acids, named AmfC, served as a multicopy suppressor of the aerial mycelium-defective phenotype of the A-factor-deficient strain. The amfC gene did not restore A-factor or streptomycin production, indicating that amfC is involved in aerial mycelium formation independently of secondary metabolic function. Disruption of the chromosomal amfC gene in the wild-type S. griseus strain caused a severe reduction in the abundance of spores but no effect on the shape or size of the spores. The infrequent sporulation of the amfC disruptant was reversed by introduction of amfC on a plasmid. The amfC-defective phenotype was also restored by the orf1590 gene but not by the amfR-amfA-amfB gene cluster. Nucleotide sequences homologous to the amfC gene were distributed in all of 12 Streptomyces species tested, including Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). The amfC homolog of S. coelicolor A3(2) was cloned and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The AmfC products of S. griseus and S. coelicolor A3(2) showed a 60% identity in their amino acid sequences. Introduction of the amfC gene of S. coelicolor A3(2) into strain HH1 induced aerial mycelium formation and sporulation, which suggests that both play the same functional role in morphogenesis in the strains.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of unresectable liver cancer

Basis, techniques, and recent strategies and results of interventional treatments for hepatoma were reviewed. The basic experimental researches indispensable to justify clinical technique and dosage have been accomplished. A total of 1310 unresectable cases underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and/or related therapies. The related therapies are several modified or strengthened TACE such as Lipiodol-TACE and subsegmental TACE. The therapies for unembolizable cases are balloon occluded arterial infusion, Lipiodol-SMANCS infusion and percutaneous direct injection chemotherapy, that reinforces the effect of TACE. As for the resectable cases, postoperative TACE was proved to be beneficial because it increased survival rates; however, preoperative TACE was not beneficial. The TACE and related interventional radiologic therapies for the hepatoma can be an equal or superior therapy by virtue of targeting chemotherapy.

[Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: a case report]

We described an 11-year-old boy with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). He presented symptoms of allodynia and hyperesthesia in the right foot with pale color and coldness. Before the onset he had abdominal pain and a change of taste. The symptoms were resistant to physical therapy and the right foot became atrophic. Intermittent lumber epidural anesthesia by an indwelling catheter was performed for three weeks after 5 months from the onset. Improvement of symptoms did not occur during the anesthesia, but did soon after that. The pathogenesis of RSD remains unknown, although a psychological factor may have been involved in this case. RSD in childhood is usually considered to be more responsive to conservative therapy. However, some children such as our patient are resistant to conservative therapy. Recognition of RSD and early interventions such as physical therapy and psychological approach are important. In intractable cases invasive approaches such as sympathetic blockade should be also considered.

Diabetic state-induced rapid inactivation of noncontractile Ca2+ mobilization operated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in mouse diaphragm muscle

1. Diabetic modifications of nicotinic receptor-operated noncontractile Ca2- mobilization observed in the presence of anticholinesterase were investigated by measuring Ca(2+)-aequorin luminescence in diaphragm muscles of mice with diabetes induced by injections of streptozotocin (150 mg kg-1, bolus i.v.) and alloxan (85 mg kg-1, bolus i.v.). 2. The diabetic state accelerated the decline of noncontractile Ca2+ transients without affecting their peak amplitude. Insulin treatment reversed this alteration. 3. The increase in contractile Ca2+ transients by cholinesterase inhibition was attenuated 0.6 fold and became resistant to changes in [Ca2+]o in the diabetic state. 4. Changes in extracellular pH from 7.6 to 5.6 depressed the peak amplitude of noncontractile Ca2+ transients without affecting their duration, and enhanced the peak amplitude of contractile Ca2+ transients. 5. These results suggest that the inactivation process of noncontractile Ca2+ mobilization is promoted in diabetic muscles, presumably by desensitization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Expression of major histocompatibility complex in mouse peritoneal macrophages increasingly depends on plasma corticosterone levels: stimulation by aconitine

Influence of aconite extract and a main component of aconite, aconitine were investigated on the plasma corticosterone level for the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (Ia antigen) of macrophage. In peritoneal macrophage exposed to corticosterone (2.9-87 microns) in vitro the interferon (IFN)-gamma (0.1 unit/ml)-induced Ia antigen expression was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Ia antigen expression in macrophages harvested from the corticosterone (1.25mg/mouse/d, i.m., 4d)-excessive mice and aconitine (3 micrograms/kg, i.p., 7d)-treated mice was significantly stimulated, whereas that of adrenalectomized (7d) mice was inhibited. In macrophage exposed to aconitine up to 46.5 microns in culture Ia antigen expressed was not affected. Administration of aconite extract (3 mg/kg, i.p., 7d) and aconitine (3 micrograms/kg, i.p., 7d) increased plasma corticosterone levels. These result demonstrate that high levels of corticosterone increases the macrophage response to ifn-gamma on Ia antigen expression and that low levels of corticosterone decrease it. Aconite extract and aconitine stimulate the response to IFN-gamma-activated expression of Ia antigen by macrophages which is caused by increasing the plasma corticosterone level.

Interferon-gamma-activated macrophages release interleukin-1 alpha to increase tube formation from endothelial cells of rat aorta

Interferon (IFN)-gamma (160 and 460 pM)-treated peritoneal macrophages (M phi) increase tube formation from subcultured aortic endothelial cells (EC) of rat in type I collagen gel (Kobayashi et al., Immunopharmacology, 27: 23, 1994). The present study was carried out to identify factors released from these M phi. Interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) increased tube formation, and their 50% effective concentrations were 0.46, 6.4 and 140 pM, respectively. A polyclonal anti-mouse IL-1 alpha antibody (0.33%) inhibited 57.7 +/- 6.5% of the activity of conditioned medium (CM) from IFN-gamma-treated M phi, but not from medium of basal M phi or EC. A monoclonal anti-human bFGF antibody (20 ng/ml) inhibited both the activities of CM from IFN-gamma-treated and basal M phi by 43.2 +/- 15.0% and 46.7 +/- 15.9%, respectively. However, a polyclonal anti-human PDGF-BB antibody (0.33%; 3.3 micrograms/ml) did not inhibit either activity of M phi. These results demonstrate that the effect of IFN-gamma-treated M phi on tube formation was caused by released IL-1 alpha. The release of IL-1 alpha was dependent on the action of IFN-gamma, a different mechanism from those of bFGF and PDGF-BB.

Complementary effects of paeoniflorin and glycyrrhizin on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in the nerve-stimulated skeletal muscle of mice

Effects of paeoniflorin (PF) and glycyrrhizin (GLR), contained in paeony and licorice roots, respectively, on contractile and non-contractile Ca2+ mobilization were examined by measuring the Ca(2+)-aequorin luminescence (Ca2+ transients) of the nerve-stimulated skeletal muscle of mice in the presence of neostigmine (0.3 microM). PF (0.1-1 mM) prolonged the duration of non-contractile Ca2+ transients, which may induce the desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, but did not affect contractile Ca2+ transients. GLR (0.3-1 mM) depressed contractile Ca2+ transients without affecting non-contractile transients. These results suggest that PF and GLR may have complementary effects on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization to block the neuromuscular transmission.

Do superoxide radicals in blood indicate anastomotic patency after microvascular tissue reperfusion?

Superoxide radicals were measured in the blood of six patients who underwent vascular reconstruction after ischemic injury in an attempt to predict prognosis following surgery. Three free-tissue transfers (two free latissimus dorsi flaps, one free vascularized fibular osteocutaneous graft) were performed on patients with skin or bone defects associated with open tibial fractures. Vascular reconstructions were performed on two patients with popliteal vascular injuries, in one case with an open femoral fracture and in another with an open knee dislocation. A third vascular reconstruction was performed on a patient with a subclavian artery injury associated with a clavicular fracture. Superoxide levels in the blood were quantified by a chemiluminescence method using a derivative of luciferin. Blood was obtained prior to reperfusion and periodically to 72 hr postoperatively. In patients who underwent successful reconstructions, superoxide levels increased after reperfusion. Vascular insufficiency was associated with acute drops in superoxide concentrations. Superoxide levels are a promising clinical marker which can predict insufficiency during reperfusion following tissue ischemia.

Cholera toxin accentuates the antagonism by acetylcholine of higenamine-induced positive chronotropy is isolated right atria of mice

+/- -Higenamine (demethylcoclaurine), a cardiotonic principle from aconite root, chronotropic and inotropic actions mediated through beta 1-adrenergic receptors. We have investigated the influence of cholera toxin (CTX), a Gs-protein activator, and pertussis toxin (PTX), a Gi-protein inhibitor on the chronotropic interaction between higenamine and a muscarinic agonist, acetylcholine (ACh) in the isolated right atria of mice. CTX (100nm, 1h) pretreatment accentuated the inhibitory responses to cumulative applications of ACh (30nM--30 microns for the positive chronotropic effects induced by higenamine (100nM), isoproterenol (3 and 10 nM) or dobutamine (100nM). In normal atria (CTX-untreated), ACh physiologically antagonized the positive chronotropic effects of these beta-adrenergic agonists. Pretreatment with PTX (150 microgram/kg, i.p., 3d) abolished the CTX (100nm, 1 h)-induced accentuation in the inhibitory effect of ACh against higenamine. PTX pretreatment also attenuated the physiological antagonism by ACh against higenamine in normal atria. The negative chronotropic effect of ACh was not affected by a submaximal concentration of forskolin (1 micron). The These results suggest an accentuated antagonism between higenamine and ACH in CTX-treated, but not in untreated, isolated right atria of mice, which may occur through a functional interaction between the beta1-adrenergic-Gs and muscarinic-Gi systems.

Cloning and structural analysis of the gene for cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit from Plasmodium yoelii

We isolated the gene encoding the cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (cAPK[C]) from Plasmodium yoelii by screening a genomic library for the DNA fragment as produced by the polymerase chain reaction. The deduced protein of 341 amino acids conserves residues that are important for the function of serine/threonine protein kinases and shows the highest homology to cAPK[C]s of other organisms. However, P. yoelii cAPK[C] has 8 residues, which are perfectly conserved in cAPK[C]s of other organisms, radically replaced with residues having different side-chain properties. It is stressed that two radical replacements occur in regions for the binding with a regulatory subunit and/or a heat-stable inhibitor protein.

Two groups of diabetic KK-CAy mice specifically bred for high and low sensitivity to exogenous acetylcholine and beta 1-adrenergic stimulation: interaction of higenamine and aconitine on pulse rate

Diabetic KK-CAy mice were specifically bred for high and low sensitivity to the addition of exogenous acetylcholine (ACh). The sensitivity to ACh was measured by the change in pulse rate 2 min after the administration of ACh (10 mg/kg, s.c.). The two groups of mice, with high and low sensitivity to ACh, were specially selected and mated sequentially until the 12th filial generation. Although higenamine (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.), a beta 1-adrenergic agonist (a compound derived from aconite), had no effect per se, it inhibited aconitine (another compound derived from aconite extract)-induced bradycardia within 30 s of administration in ACh-low sensitive mice but not in ACh-high sensitive mice. The effects of aconitine and higenamine alone did not differ between these two groups of mice. This demonstrates that the high muscarinic and high beta 1-adrenergic sensitive mice may be stratified into two groups based upon an antagonistic interaction between higenamine and aconitine.

The endothelin receptor profile in L6 myotubes

In this study we characterized the endothelin (ET) receptors of cultured L6 myotubes in order to gain a further insight into the mechanism of the ET effect on skeletal muscle cells. Displacements of 125I-ET-1 by unlabeled ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3 revealed receptors with a high affinity (Kd < 1 nmol/l) to ET-1 and ET-2 and a low affinity (Kd > 100 nmol/l) to ET-3, which suggested the presence of primarily ETA receptors on L6 myotubes. These findings were complemented by displacement binding kinetics, in which the ETA receptor antagonist JKC-301 was used. More-over, the ET-1-evoked increase in the cytosolic free Ca was blocked by JKC-301 but not by the ETB receptor antagonist IRL-1038. Collectively, these findings indicate that the ET-mediated response in cultured skeletal muscle cells is through the ETA receptor.

Inhibitory effect of isoliquiritin, a compound in licorice root, on angiogenesis in vivo and tube formation in vitro

A water extract of licorice root inhibits granuloma angiogenesis in adjuvant-induced chronic inflammation (Phytother. Res., 5, 195. 1991). The present study has investigated the effects of licorice-derived compounds on granuloma angiogenesis. Isoliquiritin (0.31-3.1 mg/kg), a licorice-derived flavonoid, inhibited the carmine content of granuloma tissue 50-fold greater than licorice extract. Glyeyrrhizin (20-80 mg/kg), a licorice-derived saponin, inhibited carmine content with a weak potency. The licorice extract (0.01-1 mg/ml) also inhibited tube formation from vascular endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. From the chemical structure-activities of used licorice-derived flavonoids (0.1-100 microM), their potencies for anti-tube formation were in the order isoliquiritigenin > isoliquiritin > liquiritigenin >> isoliquiritin-apioside. Glycyrrhizin (0.1-100 microM) and glycyrrhetinic acid (0.1-10 microM) increased tube formation. A glycyrrhizin (82 micrograms/ml)-induced increase in tube formation was inhibited by isoliquiritin. The combined effect of a mixture of 82 micrograms/ml glycyrrhizin and 4.2 micrograms/ml isoliquiritin, a similar concentration ratio to their yield ratio in the licorice extract, corresponded to the effect of 100 micrograms/ml extract. In conclusion, the anti-angiogenic effect of licorice extract depended on the anti-tube formation effect of isoliquiritin.

Activation by alpha 1-adrenergic agonists of the progression phase in the proliferation of primary cultures of smooth muscle cells in mouse and rat aorta

The effects of catecholamines on the competence and progression phases in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in mouse and rat were investigated in primary cultures: alpha,beta-Adrenergic agonists such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, and the alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, stimulated proliferation of primary cultured SMCs, whereas the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, clonidine, and beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, did not. The stimulating effect of epinephrine was maximal at 0.54 microM and was then decreased at higher concentrations. The alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phentolamine, and alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin, inhibited epinephrine-induced SMC proliferation, while the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine, and beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, did not. In primary cultured and synchronized SMCs at the G0 phase, norepinephrine accelerated the rate of SMC proliferation, but did not change the starting time of DNA synthesis and proliferation. These results show that catecholamines activate the progression phase in primary cultured aortic SMCs alpha 1-adrenergic receptors.

Fertirelin and buserelin compared by LH release, milk progesterone and subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows treated for follicular cysts

This field study compared the efficacy of a single injection of 200 microg fertirelin with that of 20 microg buserelin in shortening the recovery period of 68 laotating Holstein-Friesian cows with ovarian follicular cysts 65 d post partum or later. Differential diagnosis was based not only on palpation per rectum but also on skim milk progesterone profiles (<or= 1.0 ng/ml) spanning a 15-d period rather than the conventional 7-d period, and diagnostic accuracy was markedly enhanced by the 15-d progesterone profiles. At 2 to 2.5 h post treatment all the cows showed an LH increase four-fold or greater. Luteinization, indicated by progesterone levels (>or= 1.0 ng/ml) 1 wk after treatment, was evidenced in 75% of the fertirelin group and 72% of the buserelin group. A 74% conception rate was achieved in fertirelin-treated cows, with a mean interval of 71 d from treatment to conception. In the buserelin-treated cows, 65% conceived and the treatment-to-conception interval was 63 d. Differences were insignificant. At the doses used the two GnRH analogs were deemed equally effective in managing particularly stubborn follicular cysts.

Relationship between coronary angioscopic and intravascular ultrasound imaging and restenosis

In order to investigate the relationship between restenosis and the morphology detected by coronary angioscopy (CASC) and introvascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS), 17 patients were detected by CASC and IVUS immediately and 3 months after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioscopy (PTCA). The results showed that the dilation index by IVUS (DIu) was significantly lower in restenosis patients than in non-restenosis patients (0.42 +/- 0.08 versus 0.78 +/- 0.16, P < 0.01) and that the elastic recoil (ER) was higher in restenosis patients than in non-restenosis patients (4.51 +/- 1.42 mm2 versus 1.63 +/- 1.20 mm2, P < 0.01), and that the elastic recoil rate (ERR) was also higher in restenosis patients than in non-restenosis patients (57.3 +/- 8.07% versus 21.80 +/- 16.84% P < 0.01), and that coronary dissection, atheromatous plaque and calcification as well as the colour of inner coronary artery had no relation with chronic restenosis. In conclusion, the elastic recoil is one of the important factors of chronic restenosis after PTCA.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the component acellular pertussis vaccine produced by a combination of column purified pertussis toxin and filamentous haemagglutinin

This is the report on a prospective, single blind, comparative study of a component acellular pertussis vaccine produced by a combination of detoxified, column purified pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTcaP) and the traditional acellular pertussis vaccine produced with essentially the same method as described by Sato with DT (DTaP) of the same manufacturer. A total of 616 infants and children received DTcaP and a total of 289 received DTaP. In all age groups for both vaccines values of serum antibodies to PT and FHA after two doses of the vaccines were comparable to those of convalescent sera. Incidences of systemic and local reactions were, in general, not greatly different between DTcaP and DTaP recipients. In Japan the use of traditional acellular vaccines replaced whole cell vaccines in 1981. Protective antigens of Bordetella pertussis have now been specified and thus component vaccines have become theoretically possible. This is the first component vaccine which has been developed in Japan. Several other component vaccines are now under investigation in the world.

Differential induction of cytochrome P-450 isozymes by rifampicin in the Chinese hamster, Cricetus griseus

Treatment of male and female Chinese hamsters with rifampicin at intraperitoneal doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg did not increase the cytochrome P-450 content of the liver except for a 1.3-fold increase in male hamsters at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Enhancement of the activities of erythromycin N-demethylase and testosterone hydroxylases, except for 15 alpha-hydroxylation, was observed in the livers of both male and female hamsters treated with rifampicin at both doses. Western blot analysis revealed that rifampicin caused no change in the content of CYP3A subfamily proteins in the liver, whereas changes in that of CYP2A subfamily proteins were evident.

Specific detection of the precursor of ras p21 with a mouse monoclonal anti-C-terminal peptide antibody, SARA-K1

In an attempt to clarify the post-translational modifications of ras oncogene product p21, we have established a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for the precursor of p21. The C-terminal peptide (156-188) of K(4A)-ras oncogene product p21 (p21K(4A), termed K(4A)-peptide, was used as the immunogen. In Western blotting, monoclonal antibodies were examined for their differential reactivity between two types of p21K(4A) expressed in Escherichia coli (esh-p21K(4A)) and mammalian cell (mam-p21K(4A)). One monoclonal antibody, designated SARA-K1, reacted selectively with esh-p21K(4A). The epitope for SARA-K1 was defined on tryptic peptide (177-184), containing Cys180, of the K(4A)-peptide. Pulse-chase experiments of mam-p21K(4A) synthesis at 24 degrees C revealed that SARA-K1 precipitated a 21 kDa protein within a 7 min chase but not after a 10 min chase, indicating that SARA-K1 recognizes the precursor of mam-p21K(4A). Furthermore, in Triton X-114 partitioning experiments using mammalian cells pre-treated with Mevalotin, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor, SARA-K1 precipitated [35S]methionine-labeled, [3H]mevalonic acid-unlabeled mam-p21K(4A) in the aqueous phase, but did not precipitate [3H]mevalonic acid-labeled mam-p21K(4A) in either aqueous or detergent phase. The data presented clearly show that the SARA-K1 specifically recognizes the primary translational product pro-p21K(4A).