[Alloreactivity and mitogen-induced responses in allogeneic murine bone marrow chimeras]

Alloreactive mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), mitogen-induced response (MR), and suppressor cells against these responses in murine bone marrow chimeras were examined, to clarify the mechanisms of immunological tolerance and immunodeficiency after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Between 35 and 70 days after BMT, there was no response of spleen cells from allogeneic chimeras against host (C3H/He) and donor (BALB/c) cells, although responses against third party (C57BL/6) cells were detected, thus indicating that these allogeneic chimeras were immunologically tolerant. The activity of suppressor cells against alloreactive responses was increased 35 to 55 days after BMT, so that these suppressor cells appeared to be related to immunological tolerance. Some of the suppressor cells against alloreactive responses were Thy1+. Among them some were Lyt1+ or Lyt2+, and others were Lyt1+2+. Plastic dish non-adherent cells had slightly weaker suppressor activity than adherent cells. Proliferative responses to Con A, PHA, and PWM were decreased 13 to 15 days after BMT, and gradually increased. The responses to LPS differed from those to the former three mitogens, showing an enhanced response 21 to 25 days after BMT. The increased response to LPS did not appear to be simply due to the increased number of non-T cells in the spleen of allogeneic chimeras. The alloantigen specific suppressor cells may play an important role in the induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance, while the alloantigen nonspecific suppressor cells and suppressor cells against MRs may be related to immunodeficiency after BMT.

[Two cases of adrenal cysts--the meaning of imaging in diagnosing adrenal cysts]

Two cases of adrenal cysts are reported. The first case is of a left adrenal cyst in a 19-year-old woman and was incidentally discovered by computed tomography (CT). Its margin was clear, its contents was homogeneous and its signal indicated water contents on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It was punctured and is now followed up by CT. The second case is of a left adrenal cyst in a 62-year-old woman, which also happened to be discovered by CT. Its contents was heterogeneous by MRI. It was removed and proved to be a lymphangiomatous cyst. The conclusion is that MRI will be useful in the differential diagnosis of adrenal cysts.

[Production of fibroblast chemotactic factors from root canal bacteria]

It is well known that periapical pathosis is one of endogenous infections caused by indigenous bacteria in the oral cavity. Therefore, interaction of host and parasite factors affect the progress of the lesion. In host factors, fibroblasts migrate chemotactically, proliferate and constitute new connective tissues at a late stage of the inflammation process. All of chemoattractants for fibroblasts previously reported are derived from the host. In this study, fibroblast chemotactic activities in bacteria isolated from chronic periapical pathosis cases were examined. Fibroblast chemotactic activity was measured by the membrane filter method using cultured guinea pig dermal fibroblasts. Fibroblast migration was activated by bacterial supernatants of 4 species among 45 species tested. This indicates the possibility that these bacterial factors as well as host derivatives such as fibronectin, lymphokine, collagen-, elastin- and platelet-derived factors, may exert an influence on the process of periapical pathosis. The supernatant from Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens showed the most intensive chemotactic activity, which were separated into two fractions by Sephacryl S-300. The active fraction having a lower molecular weight (Mw. ca. 280K) did not absorb on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B and this activity was resistant to heat and proteolytic enzymes.

[N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine early dynamic image with ring-type emission CT in cerebrovascular disease]

N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine (IMP) SPECT was done in 14 patients with cerebrovascular disease. Immediately after injection of 3 mCi IMP, sequential 2 minutes SPECT images (dynamic images) were obtained for 15 minutes using a circular detector array emission tomographic system (Shimadzu SET-030W). Then standard SPECT images were obtained at 30 minutes (early images) and 5 hours (delayed images) using a rotating scintillation camera ECT system (GCA-601E, Toshiba). Two patients out of 14 studies showed discrepancy of the findings between dynamic images and early images; dynamic images revealed low uptake area though early images showed no defect. Possible mechanism of this phenomenon might be due to so called redistribution phenomenon occurred during obtaining early images. In conclusion, early dynamic images is useful in cases with slightly decreased cerebral blood flow.

Endoscopic Nd-YAG laser therapy in upper gastrointestinal tract

Forty-seven patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, benign tumor and malignancy were treated by YAG-laser therapy from 1980 to 1987. For active bleeding, laser coagulation was effective in inducing hemostasis. This therapy was also effective for the potential bleeding lesions. Benign sessile lesions such as polyp and adenoma were completely treated by laser vaporization. In cases with malignancy, the small-sized early gastric cancer (less than 15 mm in diameter) could be effectively treated. Among them, one case was followed up for as long as 82 months without any sign of recurrence. On the other hand, poor results were obtained in the cases suffering from early esophageal cancer due to incomplete laser irradiation resulting from the fear of penetration through the thin-walled esophageal mucosa. However, for the malignant stricture, the laser therapy was useful to relieve the lesion due to the regression of the tumor size. After the treatment, the patient was able to take meals orally. The above data demonstrate that the laser therapy is useful for the treatment of bleeding, sessile lesions, small-sized early gastric cancers and malignant strictures induced by advanced cancer.

[Distribution of neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) and neurotensin receptor in the rat brain and effects of various drugs on NTLI concentration and NT receptor in the rat cerebral cortex]

A radioimmunoassay for neurotensin(NT) and binding assay for NT receptor have been developed to determine neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) concentration and to characterize NT receptor in the rat brain. The effect of various drugs affecting the dopaminergic system in the brain were also investigated to clarify the relationship between NT and dopamine. NTLI was widely distributed in various regions of the rat brain: the highest level was 53.1 +/- 14.1 ng/g wet wt in the hypothalamus, 11.9 +/- 6.0 ng/g wet wt in the thalamus, 6.9 +/- 0.7 ng/g wet wt in the cerebral cortex and 0.7 +/- 0.2 ng/g wet wt in the cerebellar cortex. The Bmax of NT receptor was 20.2 +/- 4.6 fmol/mg protein in the cerebral cortex, 16.0 +/- 4.9 fmol/mg protein in the hypothalamus, 13.3 +/- 3.7 fmol/mg protein in the thalamus and no detectable level in the cerebellar cortex. The Kd of NT receptor was 2.7 +/- 0.7 nM in the cerebral cortex, 1.9 +/- 0.8 nM in the hypothalamus, 1.1 +/- 0.2 nM in the thalamus. Intraperitoneal(ip) bolus administration of L-DOPA caused the reduction in NTLI concentration from 9.2 +/- 1.0 ng/g wet wt to 5.3 +/- 2.1 ng/g wet wt and Bmax of NT receptor from 19.7 +/- 3.1 fmol/mg protein to 13.9 +/- 2.6 fmol/mg protein with no change in Kd. Intracerebroventricular administration of dopamine also induced a significant reduction of NTLI concentration and Bmax of NT receptor with no change in Kd. Inversely, ip bolus administration of alpha-methyldopa evoked an increase in NTLI concentration from 6.9 +/- 0.9 ng/g wet wt to 12.0 +/- 3.0 ng/g wet wt and that in Bmax of NT receptor from 15.9 +/- 2.9 fmol/mg protein to 24.2 +/- 4.6 fmol/mg protein. Serial administration of haloperidol evoked an increase in Bmax of NT receptor from 16.9 +/- 1.5 fmol/mg protein to 20.5 +/- 1.9 fmol/mg protein with no changes in Kd and NTLI concentration. These results suggest that dopamine may modulate the action of NT in the rat cerebral cortex.

Suppressor activity in the supernatant of T cell clones derived from chimeric mouse spleen cells

The supernatant from cultures of T cell clones derived from (BALB/c----C3H/He) chimeras suppresses BALB/c anti-C3H/He or BALB/c anti-C57BL/6 MLRs. When we studied the alloantigen specificity of the suppressor activity in culture supernatant, we observed three types of the suppressor activity (i.e., the suppressor activity against BALB/c anti-C3H/He MLR, against BALB/c anti-C57BL/6 MLR, and against both MLRs) on day 3 after stimulation of the T cell clones with 20% crude IL2 and feeder cells. Since the alloantigen specificity fluctuated somewhat with time, we considered that a time-course study was needed to determine it correctly. We thought it unlikely that any IFN-gamma or PGE2 in the culture supernatant of the T cell clones would have mediated the suppression. Our results suggest that alloantigen specific and non-specific suppressor T cells exist in bone marrow chimeras. The former appears to play an important role in inducing and maintaining transplantation tolerance, while the latter seems to have a rather harmful effect upon chimeras.

Non-specific suppressor cells in murine bone marrow chimeras: their possible role in GVHD-associated immunodeficiency

Suppressor cells against several mitogen-induced responses were detected in the spleen of murine bone marrow chimeras, regardless of intravenous (i.v.) or intrasplenic (i.s.) bone marrow transplantation (BMT). According to the time-course of the suppressor activity against Con A, PHA, and PWM, they were readily detected at 11-21 days after BMT and thereafter, either gradually decreased or remained at a plateau level. In contrast, the suppressor activity against the LPS-stimulated response increased at 39-52 days as compared to 24-34 days after BMT. Characterization studies of suppressor cells early (11-21 days) after BMT revealed that those in the i.v. and i.s. chimeras were composed of host-derived plastic dish adherent and/or anti-Thy 1.2 antibody-insensitive spleen cells in general. On the contrary, those in the i.v. and i.s. chimeras that possessed severer GVHD were mainly composed of host-derived plastic dish non-adherent spleen cells. Since the suppressor activity was higher in chimeras with severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) than in conventional chimeras, suppressor cells against the mitogen-induced responses may be related to the immunodeficiency associated with GVHD. Particularly, plastic dish non-adherent suppressor cells may closely relate to GVHD-associated immunodeficiency as compared with plastic dish adherent suppressor cells.

Changes in polyadenylation of lactate dehydrogenase-X mRNA during spermatogenesis in mice

The expression of the mRNA for mouse testicular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-X) was examined by RNA:cDNA hybridization in situ in the testis and by Northern analyses of meiotic and postmeiotic spermatogenic cell populations. Silver grains accumulated in cells inside the second layer from the periphery of the seminiferous tubule, confirming previous findings that LDH-X mRNA first appears in the spermatocyte and continues to accumulate until the late spermatid stage. Northern analyses showed that meiotic and postmeiotic cells contained 1.2 and 1.3 kb classes of hybridizing mRNA, respectively. RNase H digestion of oligo (dT)-hybridized RNA and poly(U)-Sepharose column chromatography with differential elution by formamide revealed that the difference in size of the two classes of mRNAs was due to the poly(A) tail length of the LDH-X mRNA. When the distribution of the LDH-X mRNA was examined across polysome gradients, both mRNAs were partially associated with polysomes. These results suggest that the changes in the polyadenylation of LDH-X mRNA were associated with the meiotic division during spermatogenesis in the mouse. They raise the possibility that the stable accumulation of the LDH-X mRNAs in the postmeiotic cells is enhanced by poly(A) tails of increased length.

Multifunctional above-knee prosthesis for stairs' walking

The multifunctional above-knee prosthesis WLP-7R (Waseda Leg Prosthesis - type 7 Refined) described in this study allows amputees to descend and ascend stairs with no external power sources. With the hydraulic circuit mounted in the shank, the ankle joint and the knee joint mutually conterbalance during stance phase in stair walking as well as level walking so that the following performances are obtained. The yielding (flexing) of the knee joint is prevented and smooth advance from stance-phase to swing-phase is realized in level walking. The gradual yielding of the knee joint and the ankle joint while sustaining full body weight is realized in stair descent. Reciprocal stepping with sound and disabled legs during stair ascent is also realised although the powerful extension of the knee joint during stance phase is not possible. The performance of the WLP-7R was examined by a walking experiment in which amputees could descend and ascend the stairs as well as walk on a flat surface after approximately one hour's training.

An ECM substratum allows mouse mesodermal cells isolated from the primitive streak to exhibit motility similar to that inside the embryo and reveals a deficiency in the T/T mutant cells

The mesodermal cell layer is created by ingression and migration of the cells from the primitive streak region in mouse embryos on day 7 of pregnancy. In order to study the mechanisms of mesodermal cell migration during development, the mesodermal cells isolated from the primitive streak were cultured on various substrata, and cell behaviour and motility were analysed with a time-lapse video system. The mesodermal cells on the surface of extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated dishes (ECM produced by bovine corneal endothelial cells) showed extensive migration at a mean rate of approx. 50 micron h-1. They also showed frequent cell division and exhibited contact paralysis of lamellipodia and contact inhibition of movement. On plastic or glass surfaces, however, the mesodermal cells became more flattened and less motile (approx. 20–30 micron h-1). Cell shape and mean rate of movement on the ECM were very similar to those in situ, as investigated in a previous study (Nakatsuji, Snow & Wylie, 1986). Therefore, this culture condition could provide a useful experimental system for analysing the cellular basis of normal and abnormal morphogenetic movements in mouse embryos. Employing such a culture system, we studied motility of the mesodermal cells from embryos homozygous for Brachyury (T) mutation, which are lethal at the midgestation stage in utero. Histological observations have suggested that anomalous morphogenesis of the T/T embryos may be brought about by defects in migration of the mesodermal cells derived from the primitive streak. When mesodermal cells from the primitive streak of the T/T mutant embryos on days 8–9 were cultured on the ECM substratum, mean rate of cell migration was significantly reduced compared to cells from normal embryos. Results support the idea of retarded migration by the mutant mesodermal cells as an important factor causing abnormalities in morphogenesis.

Coagulability and fibrinolytic changes during veno-venous bypass in liver transplantation

In clinical liver transplantation, a venous bypass that rechannels the blood flow from the inferior vena cava and portal vein to the superior vena cava has been used to maintain the venous return. However, the usage of mechanical shunt has given rise to derangements of blood coagulability and fibrinolysis. Therefore, changes of coagulability and fibrinolysis during the venous bypass were examined in dogs using a centrifugal pump (Bio-Pump), and the effect of gabexate mesilate for coagulation were studied. Venous bypass from the inferior vena cava and the portal vein to the external jugular vein was performed in mongrel dogs (group A: bypass without pump, group B: bypass with the Bio-Pump, group C: bypass with the Bio-Pump and the addition of gabexate mesilate). In group A, blood pressure gradually decreased, but in groups B and C it maintained the pre-bypass level. All results of coagulation parameters and fibrinolytic measurements of group B were not significantly different from those of group A; only partial thromboplastin time was prolonged in group B. However, this prolongation was effectively prevented by the addition of gabexate mesilate in group C.

A new material (single crystal sapphire screw) for internal fixation of the mandibular ramus

A new single crystal sapphire bone screw which has favourable properties such as chemical stability, mechanical strength and biocompatibility, was applied for rigid internal fixation of the sagittal split osteotomies in 86 cases since 1982. Radiographic findings supported the excellent biocompatibility of the material; there was no noticeable bone loss around the screw and the excellent bone adaptation to the threaded portion was observed. The screws can mechanically support the split mandibular rami until bone union occurs. Complications due to the screw were not encountered in follow-up periods of 0.5-3.5 years.

Characterization studies of suppressor cells in murine bone marrow chimaeras

When BALB/c bone marrow cells were transferred to lethally X-irradiated C3H/He mice either intrasplenically (i.s.) or intravenously (i.v.), suppressor cells were detected by means of MLR coculture assays in the spleen of i.s. and i.v. chimaeras. Some but not all of the suppressor cells expressed a Thy 1.2 antigen, indicating that suppressor cells either sensitive or insensitive to anti-Thy 1.2 antibody plus complement treatment were generated in the spleen of i.s. and i.v. chimaeras. According to the examination of Lyt alloantigen expression on suppressor T cells, Lyt 1+2-, Lyt 1-2+, and Lyt 1+2+ suppressor T cells appeared to be present. The culture supernatants from several T-cell clones showed the suppressor activity against alloreactive MLR. Cell surface markers of these clones were composed of Lyt 1+2-, Lyt 1+2+ and Lyt 1-2+. In addition, since Carrageenan treatment abrogated the suppressor activity of plastic dish adherent cells, we conclude that some of them were composed mainly of macrophages.

The activity of suppressor cells in the spleen of murine bone marrow chimeras

An intrasplenic injection (i.s.) of BALB/c bone marrow cells induces a higher survival rate than an intravenous injection (i.v.) in irradiated C3H/He recipients. Coculture experiments revealed the presence of alloantigen-specific and nonspecific suppressor cells in the spleens of mice injected i.s. and i.v. Suppressor activity decreased 50-60 days after bone marrow transplantation in i.v. chimeras, while there was no decrease in i.s. chimeras. In vitro suppressor activity was correlated with in vivo activity. Histopathological changes in the liver were examined. A total of 28% of the i.v. chimeras showed severe changes compared with 6% of the i.s. chimeras. The spleen indices of i.v. and i.s. chimeras were compared. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the spleen indices of i.v. chimeras and those of i.s. chimeras, spleen indices of i.v. chimeras tended to be higher than those of i.s. chimeras. These results show that suppressor cells in i.s. chimeras appear to inhibit graft-versus-host reactions more efficiently. Furthermore, an adoptive transfer assay showed that suppressor cells detected in i.s. chimeras were effective in vivo. We therefore suggest that suppressor cells detected in vitro correlate with in vivo activity and may play some role in the induction and maintenance of transplantation tolerance.

[Fundamental and clinical studies of imipenem/cilastatin sodium in the field of obstetrics and gynecology]

A new carbapenem antibiotic and renal dipeptidase inhibitor, imipenem/cilastatin sodium (MK-0787/MK-0791) were studied for the distribution into various tissues and for clinical aspects in obstetrical and gynecological fields. The following results were obtained. Concentrations of the drug in arterial blood, venous blood, and internal genital organs following an intravenous drip infusion were measured. The results demonstrated good transfer of the drug into various internal genital organs. Four patients with bacterial infections were treated with MK-0787/MK-0791. Therapeutic results were good in 2 cases for, an effective rate of 50%. No side effects were noted in any cases. The above results suggested that MK-0787/MK-0791 may be a useful antibiotic for infectious diseases in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Immunocytochemical study on fibrous sheath formation in mouse spermiogenesis using a monoclonal antibody

One of the components of the fibrous sheath was localized in the spermatids by the immunocytochemical method using the monoclonal antibody, K32, against the fibrous sheath of mouse mature epididymal sperm. The K32 immunoreaction was first detected in the cytoplasm of spermatids at stage 14 and appeared to increase in intensity at stage 15. At this stage, the framework structure of the fibrous sheath was formed completely in the tail, but the positive reaction in the fibrous sheath was observed only in the proximal portion of the principal piece. This change in the antigenicity of the fibrous sheath proceeded in a proximal to distal direction, which was opposite to the mode of formation of the framework structure in the fibrous sheath. Finally, the entire fibrous sheath strongly reacted to the K32 antibody at stage 16, while the reaction in the cytoplasm ceased to occur. These observations indicate that the fibrous sheath matures with immunologically detectable changes in its components following formation of the framework structure. In consideration of the retrograde progression of the cytoplasmic reaction, the fibrous sheath components may possibly be transported from the spermatid cytoplasm into the principal piece.

A postmeiotically expressed clone encodes lactate dehydrogenase isozyme X

We have analysed by the DNA sequencing one of the cDNA clones, pPM459, to mRNA abundant in spermatids of mice. This clone contained 535 base pair nucleotides with a coding region for 139 amino acids and a 3' untranslated region including a single polyadenylation signal. Screening of the protein database revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence highly matched the carboxyl terminal residues 192-330 of mouse lactate dehydrogenase isozyme X (LDH-X). Taken together with our previous report which showed transcription of the message hybridizing to pPM459 after meiosis, it was demonstrated that LDH-X mRNA synthesis continued during the postmeiotic phase in spermatogenesis.

Liver transplantation in dogs after 30 minutes of warm ischemia

In order to investigate the applicability of liver transplantation after warm ischemia, a partial auxiliary auto-transplantation of the liver after 30 min of warm ischemia was carried out in 9 mongrel dogs. Among them, 6 dogs survived longer than 7 days. Liver functions, blood coagulability and histological changes were investigated before and after the transplantation. Serum GOT, LDH, and GPT levels were elevated immediately after transplantation, and returned to normal within a few days. Hemostatic tests also showed significant abnormalities after transplantation. Although PT and thrombotest became normal within a week, PTT and antithrombin III remained slightly abnormal for longer periods. Microscopically, vacuolization and degeneration of hepatocytes were observed after transplantation but they recovered completely within 4 weeks. Based on these results, it could be said that the livers subjected to warm ischemia for 30 min ischemia were still acceptable for auxiliary transplantation.

Post-meiotic transcription in mouse testes detected with spermatid cDNA clones

cDNA clones to poly(A)+ mRNA from spermatids have been obtained to study gene transcription in post-meiotic germ cells. Four cDNA clones detect mRNAs that increase in abundance in post-meiotic germ cells. One clone, pPM459, was shown to correspond to an mRNA that is transcribed after meiosis. Pulse-labelling experiments demonstrate transcription o5 the message in spermatids. These data constitute further evidence for post-meiotic gene transcription in spermatids.