Role of ATP metabolites in induction of incomplete recovery of cardiac contractile force after hypoxia

The present study was designed to elucidate metabolic factors related to reoxygenation-induced recovery of cardiac contractile force after a period of hypoxia, from the view point of energy metabolism in the myocardium. Rabbit hearts were perfused for 20 mins under various degrees of hypoxic conditions, followed by 45 mins of reoxygenation. Hypoxia induced a rise in resting tension, a cessation of cardiac contractile force, a depletion of high energy phosphates, an increase in tissue calcium and an increase in UV absorbance of the perfusate. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the perfusate indicated that the increase in UV absorbance of the perfusate was attributed to the release of ATP metabolites from the perfused heart. Reoxygenation-induced recovery of cardiac contractile force after 20 mins of hypoxia was predicted by the degree of the rise in resting tension at the final period of hypoxia. The recovery was related to the level of high energy phosphates in the reoxygenated heart as well as the loss of ATP metabolites from the heart but not to the tissue calcium content. The loss of ATP metabolites also correlated with myocardial ATP levels at 45 mins of reoxygenation and a rise in resting tension at 20 mins of hypoxia. The results suggest that loss of ATP metabolites is a vital step in the induction of incomplete recovery of cardiac contractile force after hypoxia.

Expression of a hepatocyte membrane antigen during hepatocarcinogenesis and in the developing liver of the rat

Changes in the expression of a cell membrane antigen during hepatocarcinogenesis and in the developing liver were analyzed by HAM.4, a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against a membrane glycoprotein of normal rat hepatocyte. Of the precancerous lesions observed during hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine, 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy, early neoplastic foci were uniformly stained by HAM.4. In contrast, some cells in the neoplastic nodules at the late stage did not express HAM.4 antigen on the cell surface. Of the cancer tissues, well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas were stained by HAM.4 whereas poorly differentiated carcinomas did not bind HAM.4 In developing rat liver, HAM.4 antigen was first expressed on fetal hepatocytes at the 18th day of gestation. It gradually increased until 4 weeks after birth when the intensity of the stain was almost the same as in adult rat liver. These results suggest that the expression of a membrane antigen defined by HAM.4 is closely associated with the differentiation of bile canalicular face and that HAM.4 might be useful in characterizing differentiation of cells during malignant transformation of hepatocytes.

An antigen specific to hyperplastic liver nodules defined with monoclonal antibody: a new marker for preneoplastic cells in rat chemical hepatocarcinogenesis

Two monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were prepared against the hepatocytes of hyperplastic liver nodules from rats killed in the 13th week during hepatocarcinogenesis with 2-acetylaminofluorene. The specificity of these MoAbs was confirmed by cellular radioimmunoassay. By means of immunoperoxidase staining with 2 MoAbs (HAM 6 and HAM 7), HAM 6-defined antigen was detected on the plasma membrane and/or cytoplasm of the hepatocytes in hyperplastic nodules, while HAM 7 reacted to the hepatocytes surrounding hyperplastic nodules. Therefore, HAM 6 seemed to be specific to hyperplastic nodules, but HAM 7 to be a MoAb developed accidentally to the surrounding hepatocytes by contamination of the cell suspension of hyperplastic nodules.

Production of monoclonal antibodies against surface antigenic determinants of Klebsiella pneumoniae

The production of four murine monoclonal antibodies (Kp26, Kp53, Kp62 and Kp71) to Klebsiella pneumoniae surface antigen(s) is described. The binding of all four monoclonal antibodies to K. pneumoniae was inhibited by F(ab')2 fragments of normal human serum IgG, suggesting that the antigenic determinants of K. pneumoniae detected by the four monoclonal antibodies may be similar to those recognized by human serum IgG. The antigen identified by Kp62 was purified from a deoxycholate-solubilized bacterial fraction using immunoaffinity chromatography. The molecular weight of the antigen was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to be 50,000-70,000.

Factors influencing insulin secretion after pancreatoduodenectomy

Preoperative patients with periampullary cancer had a higher mean sigma IRI value than that of normal controls, and also had a delayed pattern of insulin response and a lower insulinogenic index during oral-GTT. sigma IRI levels after pancreatoduodenectomy were similar to those of normal controls when the pancreatic remnants were histologically intact at the time of surgery. Postoperative sigma IRI levels could not be predicted based on the extent of histological fibrosis of the distal pancreas at the time of surgery. Patency of pancreatojejunostomy was obtained with the modified Warren's method in 39 out of 40 patients, and sigma IRI levels were maintained up to 5 years postoperatively. No significant difference was found in sigma IRI levels between pancreatoduodenectomised patients with the conventional Roux-en-Y procedure and those with the inverted Roux-en-Y with jejunal interposition. The mean insulin peak value and sigma IRI level were higher in pancreatoduodenectomised patients than in normal controls, and higher in gastrectomised patients than in pancreatoduodenectomised patients. Pancreatoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric arterial dissection resulted in remarkably low sigma IRI levels.

The detection of two surface antigens on human lung macrophages using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (McAb), designated AMH1 (IgM, lambda) and AMH2 (IgG1, Kappa), against specific surface antigens of human lung macrophages were produced by the fusion of the NS-1 plasmacytoma cell line with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with bronchoalveolar lavaged (BAL) cells obtained from selected smoking subjects. The screening and characterization of these McAb were carried out employing cellular radioimmunoassay, flow cytofluorography, and immunohistochemical methods. These two antibodies specifically reacted with macrophages in the alveolar spaces and BAL fluids. AMH1 did not react with peripheral blood cells including freshly separated monocytes, cultured monocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and platelets. In addition, AMH1 did not react with peritoneal exudate cells or pleural exudate cells. On the other hand AMH2 showed the dull-positive reaction with some monocytes and pleural exudate cells among above-mentioned cells. These two McAb seemed to detect cell surface antigens that are expressed by highly differentiated or mature macrophages compared to OKM1. These antibodies will allow not only better characterization of immune cells but also assessment of maturity of lung macrophages.

Correlation of the size of isolated right ventricular infarction with the changes of ST segment in dogs

Vectorcardiographic, electrocardiographic, and hemodynamic changes in isolated infarction (infarct confined to the right ventricular free wall) were studied in 19 mongrel dogs. An isolated right ventricular infarction was produced by embolizing the right coronary artery with Spongel under closed chest conditions. The size of the infarct, identified by TTC staining, accounted for 6-65% (35.9 +/- 22.0%, mean +/- SD) of the right ventricular free wall. The STx, STy, STz, and the spatial magnitude of the ST segment (STM) were continuously recorded with an automated, real-time vectorcardiographic ST-segment analyzer (ST-monitor) using the Frank lead system. The cardiac index (CI) ratio (CI after embolization/CI before embolization) of all dogs with larger infarcts (infarct greater than 35% of the right ventricle) was below 1.0. In dogs with smaller infarcts (% RVI less than or equal to 35%), there were no differences in the hemodynamic data before and 4 h after embolization. In dogs with larger infarcts, however, pulmonary arterial pressure and heart rate 4 h after embolization were significantly decreased compared with those before embolization. In addition, right atrial pressure 4 h after embolization in the larger infarct group was significantly elevated compared with that in the smaller infarct group. In dogs with larger infarcts, STx, STy, and STM were significantly larger than in those with smaller infarcts both 15 min and 4 h after embolization. There were no significant correlations between infarct size and change in vectorcardiographic ST segments in the smaller infarct group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinicopathological study on cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Although rare, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is an established pathological entity. However, its characteristic features on diagnostic imaging have not yet been defined. Based upon clinicopathological studies on 5 cases, two subgroups of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas are proposed: the endophytic and the exophytic types. The former consist of large well-demarcated cystic tumors with numerous inward-growing cauliflower-like excrescences in mucinous material, which were characteristically demonstrated either by CT or ultrasonography. Tumors of this subtype were visualized as hypervascular masses in the capillary phase of angiography. Areas of malignant tissue were well-demarcated without capsular invasion, and tumors were free from lymph node or distant metastasis. Though cystic, the exophytic subtype had negligible inward-growing papillary projections. Corresponding to their macroscopic features, these tumors were demonstrated as cystic lesions lacking papillary projections on ultrasonography or CT. No tumor stains could be demonstrated by angiography. Despite of their smaller size than the former subtype, cancerous growth penetrated through the cyst wall and metastasized to lymph nodes, causing poorer prognosis than in the former.

Suppression of ventricular premature contractions possibly related to triggered activity by oral diltiazem and atenolol

The clinical importance of triggered activity as a cause of arrhythmias is uncertain. We assumed that ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) caused by triggered activity could be increased at higher heart rates and be suppressed by calcium channel blockers and beta-adrenoceptor blocker. Thus, we evaluated VPC frequency as a function of underlying heart rate and examined the efficacy of diltiazem and atenolol on VPCs, using 24 hour ECG recording. Plots of VPC frequency vs. heart rate were made at 1-beat/min intervals for all heart rates recorded for at least 5 min during 24 hours. Diltiazem (90-180 mg/day) and atenolol (50 mg/day) were given orally for 4 weeks, respectively in 36 and 16 patients with VPCs of more than 2000/day. Patterns of relationship between VPC frequency and heart rate observed before diltiazem therapy included: an increase of VPCs at higher heart rates (positive correlation) in 16 patients, an increase at low heart rates and a decrease at high heart rates (bidirectional correlation) in 13 patients, an increase at low heart rates and flat curve at high heart rates (positive-flat correlation) in 5 patients, a linear decrease (negative correlation) in 1 patient, and flat curve (flat correlation) in 1 patient. The patterns of correlation in patients treated with atenolol were positive in 6, bidirectional in 7, positive-flat in 2 and negative in 1. Both drugs significantly reduced the VPC frequency per 24 hours for patients with a positive correlation (P group), but induced no significant change for those with the other patterns of correlation (NP group). At the 70% VPC suppression level, diltiazem was effective in 9 of 16 patients of P group and only 1 of 20 patients of NP group (p less than 0.01); atenolol was effective in 5 of 6 patients of P group and only 1 of 10 patients of NP group (p less than 0.05). Both drugs reduced the slope of a positive correlation. These results suggest that: VPCs which increase at higher heart rates may be related to triggered activity, and an evaluation of VPC frequency as a function of heart rate predicts the response of VPCs to diltiazem and atenolol, and probably to other calcium antagonists and beta blockers.

Endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions following partial pancreatectomy + partial hepatectomy

Comparative studies were performed on changes in endocrine and exocrine responses of the pancreas after partial hepatectomy, partial pancreatectomy or combination of these procedures in rats, in order to clarify the effect of the combined operation on the remnant pancreatic parenchyma. Three days after partial (60%) pancreatectomy with partial (70%) hepatectomy, endocrine function was better preserved than after partial pancreatectomy alone, suggesting that hypersecretion of insulin initiated by partial hepatectomy may ameliorate the defective glucose-induced insulin secretion following partial pancreatectomy. Further, exocrine function in terms of amylase output was relatively well maintained 3 days after partial pancreatectomy + partial hepatectomy as compared with partial pan after partial pancreatectomy + partial hepatectomy as compared with partial pancreatectomy alone.

Effects of oral diltiazem on ventricular premature contractions

The effects of oral diltiazem (90-180 mg/day for four weeks) on ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) were studied in 16 patients with frequent VPCs using 24-hour ambulatory ECG recordings. VPC frequency was evaluated as a function of underlying heart rate. Plots of VPC frequency vs. heart rate were made at 1-beat/min intervals for all heart rates recorded for at least five minutes during 24 hours. Patterns of correlation between VPC frequency and heart rate observed before diltiazem therapy included: 1) a relatively linear increase in VPCs with heart rate (positive correlation) in ten patients, 2) a linear decrease (negative correlation) in one patient, and 3) an increase at low heart rates and a decrease at high heart rates (bidirectional correlation) in five patients. Diltiazem significantly reduced the mean VPC frequency per 24 hours for patients with a positive correlation, but induced no significant change for patients with a negative or a bidirectional correlation. At the 65% level of VPC reduction, diltiazem was effective in eight of ten patients with a positive correlation but was not effective in the six patients with other correlations (p less than 0.01). These results suggest that an evaluation of VPC frequency as a function of heart rate predicts the response of VPCs to diltiazem.

Purification and characterisation of MHC class I antigen from rat liver with monoclonal antibody

We have described three monoclonal antibodies (HAM1, HAM2, and HAM3) to rat liver cell membrane glycoproteins. Recently also we reported another monoclonal antibody (HAM4) to rat hepato-renal membrane antigen. Using these monoclonal antibodies, it is possible to purify membrane antigens. This paper describes the details of the purification and the nature of the antigen purified with one of the monoclonal antibodies (HAM2) to rat liver cell membrane glycoproteins. Antigen was purified with immunoaffinity column. The amino acid composition was determined and compared with those of mice MHC class I antigen (H-2) and with the rat lymphocyte membrane antigens which were purified with monoclonal antibodies and of which amino acids compositions were determined.

[In vitro susceptibilities of causative organisms isolated from patients with primary respiratory tract infections to BRL 25000 (clavulanic acid/amoxicillin)]

The in vitro susceptibilities of various causative organisms recently isolated from patients with primary respiratory tract infections to BRL 25000 (a formulation of amoxicillin, 2 parts, and potassium clavulanate, 1 part), amoxicillin (AMPC), cefaclor (CCL), cephalexin (CEX), cefadroxil (CDX) and cefroxadine (CXD) were determined. beta-Lactamase producing strains were detected by nitrocefin chromogenic method and PCG acidometric method. The frequency of isolation of beta-lactamase production in strains of S. aureus, H. influenzae, B. catarrhalis and K. pneumoniae was 92%, 18%, 36% and 98%, respectively. Against S. aureus strains with MIC values to AMPC of less than or equal to 100 micrograms/ml and CEX of less than or equal to 25 micrograms/ml BRL 25000 showed MIC values in the range 0.39-6.25 micrograms/ml with inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, while BRL 25000 required 12.5-100 micrograms/ml of concentrations for inhibition of the strains with MIC values to AMPC of greater than 100 micrograms/ml and CEX of greater than or equal to 25 micrograms/ml. Against S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae BRL 25000 showed MIC values in the range less than 0.024-0.10 micrograms/ml with inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, which is much more active than CCL, CEX, CDX and CXD and slight less active than AMPC. Against H. influenzae and B. catarrhalis BRL 25000 showed MIC values in the range 0.20-6.25 micrograms/ml with inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, which showed most potent activity among the agents tested. The activity of BRL 25000 against K. pneumoniae was approximately equal to that of CCL and superior to that of AMPC, CEX, CDX and CXD.

Generation of anti-H-Y-reactive T cells in vivo by the addition of activated macrophages

The popliteal lymph node (PLN) enlargement assay is a sensitive measure of the graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) in the rat. It has been used to detect T cells reacting to the male-specific (H-Y) antigen. Normal or presensitized female T cells were injected into the footpads of syngeneic male rats, with or without the addition of activated macrophages. Anti-H-Y-reactive T cells from normal female DA rats were induced by the simultaneous injection of female peritoneal macrophages activated by i.p. injection of streptococci, as monitored by the degree of the PLN enlargement. Anti-H-Y reactivity reached a peak 7 days after injection. The synergistic action of the macrophages with female T cells was exerted during the inductive phase of the reaction, and was not restricted by the RT 1 complex. The dependence of anti-H-Y-reactive T cells on the activated macrophages was influenced by the degree of presensitization with H-Y antigen: nonsensitized, once-sensitized, and twice-sensitized female T cells exhibited anti-H-Y reactivity, if macrophages were injected concomitantly. Cells sensitized three times did not require the addition of macrophages. The anti-H-Y GVHR assay could provide a useful model for the study of the mechanism rendering T cells reactive to H-Y antigen, and also for the study of cellular interactions between the H-Y-reactive T cells and activated macrophages.

A monoclonal antibody to a rat hepato-renal membrane antigen

A monoclonal antibody against a membrane glycoprotein of rat hepatocytes has been produced. The nature of this antibody designated as HAM.4 was analysed by cellular radioimmunoassay, flow cytofluorography and indirect immunoperoxidase procedures. The following characteristics of HAM.4 were elucidated. First, an immunohistochemical study revealed that this antibody stained preferentially the bile canalicular face of hepatocyte membrane. Secondly, HAM.4 cross-reacted with kidney, spleen and thymus as well as liver. The kidney expressed much more the antigen molecules detected by this antibody than the liver did. The antigen was located predominantly on the brush border of proximal tubules in kidney. Thus, HAM.4 would be useful for analysing one of the brush border antigens of renal tubules which has been thought to be a pathogenic antigen for inducing experimental membranous glomerulonephritis. Finally, HAM.4 failed to label the cell membrane of rat hepatoma cell lines examined, indicating that the antigen detected by HAM.4 may disappear from cell surface during the course of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Monoclonal antibodies against an alpha-amylase inhibitor from wheat kernel

An alpha-amylase inhibitor (called the 0.53-inhibitor, Maeda, K., Takamori, Y. and Oka, O. (1982) Agric. Biol. Chem. 41, 2873-2875) and the carboxymethylated inhibitor were used to immunize mice (strain BALB/c) according to a procedure described earlier (McMaster, W.R. and Williams, A.F., (1979) Eur. J. Immunol. 9, 426-433). After fusion of spleen cells with NS-1 myeloma cells, three stable clones producing antibodies against the inhibitor were obtained. The binding characteristics of the monoclonal antibodies, AWAI-1, AWAI-2 and AWAI-3, to the inhibitor were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Two of these monoclonal antibodies to the alpha-amylase inhibitor did not show any binding affinity towards carboxymethylated inhibitor, suggesting that the main antigenic determinant on the native inhibitor is tertiary-structure dependent. The monoclonal antibodies obtained cross-reacted with three other alpha-amylase inhibitors (the 0.19-, the 0.36- and the 0.38-inhibitor) in wheat and these were separated together with the 0.53-inhibitor from the rest of inhibitors by immunoaffinity chromatography. One stable clone producing antibody against the carboxymethylated inhibitor was also established, AWAI-4. The antigenic determinant to this antibody was found to be included in the region of Met(5)-Lys(25) on the carboxymethylated inhibitor.

[The use of fibrin glue in neurosurgical operations]

Fibrin glue has been used in 22 neurosurgical patients and following five effects which are very much helpful in neurosurgical practice were recognized. Adhesive effect--Dural defect at cranial base was closed with lyophilized dura and fibrin glue. Hemostatic effect--Fibrin glue soaked oxycel was applied for hemostasis of the bleeding from venous sinus, dura, skull edge and cut surface of tumor. Blocking and sealing effects--In cases of craniopharyngioma, cyst wall around the inserted tube was sealed with oxycel and fibrin glue. CSF leakage from open sphenoidal sinus in aneurysmal operation was closed with fibrin glue soaked gelfoam. Covering and wall strengthening effects--Unclippable aneurysms were coated and wrapped with fibrin glue and oxycel. Packing effect--Huge dead space after removal of mucocele was packed with fibrin glue. In trans-sphenoidal operation of pituitary adenoma, fibrin glue soaked muscle pieces and oxycel were packed in the dead space and sphenoidal sinus. Many other possible availabilities in neurosurgical operations were discussed. Fibrin glue is a biological product, so it can be used with more safety and affinity to the local tissue and with less reaction as foreign body than the artificial adhesives. It takes much time for the preparation of this material for the time being. If this can be prepared instantly, usefulness of this glue will be markedly increased. We have had no hepatitis nor inflammatory complications in our limited experience.

Emotional behavior and arrhythmias induced in cats by hypothalamic stimulation

As the relationship between emotional behavior and electrocardiographic (ECG) change induced by hypothalamic stimulation is poorly understood, eighty-four points in various areas within the hypothalamus in conscious cats were stimulated electrically through chronically implanted electrodes, the objective being to clarify the behavior accompanying ECG changes, in particular poststimulus arrhythmias. Forty-one of 84 points elicited behavioral patterns such as defense reaction, pseudo-rage and restlessness (classified as group A), and in twenty-one (51%) of these 41 points arrhythmias occurred after cessation of stimulation. Forty-three of 84 points elicited behavioral patterns including predatory, exploratory and other behavioral responses (classified as group B), and in three (7%) of 43 points, poststimulus arrhythmias followed. Under light anesthesia, stimulations of twofold current intensity were applied at these points, and the incidences of the arrhythmias did not change in either group. The arrhythmia-inducing area in the cases of group A was found to lie dorsal and caudal to the optic chiasma and to extend caudally in the fornix. Three points in the cases of group B were located in the outer area of the aforementioned area. These studies showed that arrhythmias and group A behavior were observed mainly from stimulation of the anterior hypothalamus, whereas stimulation of other areas of the hypothalamus, including the lateral and the posterolateral hypothalamus, produced group B behavior and no arrhythmias.

Desmoid tumor in the maxillary sinus: a case report

Desmoid tumor in the maxillary sinus is a rare condition. The present case occurred in a 37-year-old male complaining of left nasal obstruction and dull pain in the nape of the neck. The clinical picture, pathology, diagnosis and prognosis are discussed and the literature is reviewed.

A case of internal carotid artery occlusion successfully treated by encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis

In many cases, intracranial occlusive strokes in children are treated symptomatically, with a diagnosis of acute infantile hemiplegia. This is because angiography is more difficult in children and, even if occlusive cerebral arterial disease is diagnosed, there is no definite therapeutic procedure. A case is reported of left internal carotid artery occlusion presenting with acute infantile hemiplegia and followed by repeated transient ischemic attacks. Encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis--developed as an operation for moyamoya disease--was performed on this patient, resulting in a marked revascularization of the brain in 8 postoperative months with good improvement in symptoms. This suggests that the operation may be effective in chronic cerebral ischemic diseases other than moyamoya disease.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against acetylcholine receptors from Narke japonica

Seven hybridoma clones were obtained which secrete monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from Japanese electric ray, Narke japonica. At least five, and probably seven, out of the seven mAbs recognized antigenic determinants located on the extramembranous surface of the receptor molecule. Binding competition between different mAbs to the receptor molecule was studied, and the results showed that these mAbs could be classified into three groups according to the distribution of their antigenic determinants.

[MICs and MBCs of cefotaxime, desacetylcefotaxime and ceftriaxone against four principal bacteria causing meningitis]

The MICs and MBCs of cefotaxime (CTX), desacetylcefotaxime (Des-CTX) and ceftriaxone (CTRX) were determined in relation to 4 of the principal bacterial species which cause meningitis, i.e., S. pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, H. influenzae and E. coli. These tests were performed using final inocula of 10(8) cells/ml and 10(6) cells/ml. Comparison was made with the MIC and MBC values of benzylpenicillin (PCG) and ampicillin (ABPC). 1. Against 25 strains of S. pneumoniae, the MIC 90 values with inocula levels of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml were as follows: CTX, 0.05 and 0.024 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml, respectively; and PCG, less than 0.012 micrograms/ml at both size. Similarly, the MBC 90 values were: CTX, 0.01 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.78 and 0.39 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.20 and 0.10 micrograms/ml; and PCG, 0.024 and 0.012 micrograms/ml, respectively. It is thus apparent that PCG showed the lowest values for both the MIC and MBC, followed by CTX, CTRX and then Des-CTX. Against 25 strains of S. agalactiae, the MIC 90 values with inocula of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml were as follows: CTX, 0.05 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; and PCG, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml, respectively. Similarly, the MBC 90 values of Des-CTX were 0.78 and 0.39 micrograms/ml, while the other 3 antibiotics showed the same values with both the 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml inocula: 0.10 micrograms/ml for CTX, 0.20 micrograms/ml for CTRX and 0.39 micrograms/ml for PCG. Accordingly, CTX showed the lowest values, followed by CTRX and then PCG being about the same as Des-CTX. Against 25 strains of H. influenzae, the MIC 90 values with inocula levels of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml were as follows: CTX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.39 and 0.39 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; and ABPC, 50 and 6.25 micrograms/ml, respectively. Similarly, the MBC 90 values were: CTX, 0.20 and 0.10 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 1.56 and 1.56 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml; and ABPC, greater than 100 and 50 micrograms/ml, respectively. Accordingly, in terms of the MIC 90, CTX and CTRX showed the same values, but in terms of the MBC 90 CTX was superior. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Major-histocompatibility-complex-restricted male skin graft rejection responses in rats

Normal DA (RT1a) female rats rejected male skin isografts when preimmunized with RT1-compatible DA, or ACI (RT1a) male bone marrow cells (BMC), but failed to reject them when preimmunized with RT1-incompatible PvG/c (RT1c), F344 (RT1lvl), or BN (RT1n) male BMC--as well as when they were untreated. DA female rats rendered neonatally tolerant to RT1-incompatible PvG/c female tissues failed to reject, not only DA, but also PvG/c male skin grafts when preimmunized with PvG/c male BMC. DA female rats tolerant of PvG/c female tissues that had rejected DA male skin grafts following immunization with DA male BMC failed to reject PvG/c male skin grafts. These results indicate that in rats, unlike mice, male skin graft rejection responses are MHC-restricted, at least in the DA strain.

Augmentation of the graft-versus-host reactivity of parental cells by the addition of small doses of alloantigen-activated T cells

The direct action of alloantigen-activated T cells on the generation of graft-versus-host (GVH)-reactive T cells from their precursors was investigated in an in vivo system by the popliteal lymph node enlargement assay using normal and macrophage-depleted F1 hybrid rats. When very small numbers of alloantigen-activated parental T cells were inoculated in the foot-pads of F1 hosts 24 hr prior to the parental cell inoculum, a significant increase of the GVH reactivity of peripheral T cells was observed within the draining node in normal F1 rats and in F1 hosts in which an active participation of endogenous cells was greatly minimized. Moreover, a similar augmenting action of alloantigen-activated T cells was found in the thymocyte-GVH reaction, which was much higher than that of peripheral T cells when their stimulation indices were compared. These phenomena were produced by the addition of any of two different RT 1 species of alloantigen-activated T cells that were restimulated with F1 host-specific or nonspecific third-party alloantigen within the region of the assay, suggesting the importance of the restimulation of the alloantigen-activated T cell inoculum. A simultaneous injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide had a cumulative effect on the augmenting action of alloantigen-activated T cells on the thymocyte GVH reaction. This study indicates that the preexistence of alloantigen-activated T cells at the assay site causes precocious maturation and proliferation of immature thymocytes, which allows them to function as GVH-reactive T cells in the periphery in vivo; it also suggests the presence of a serial stimulation network through T-T interactions in connection with macrophage-T-cell synergism and the interleukins.

Monoclonal antibodies to rat liver cell membrane glycoproteins

Monoclonal antibodies were raised against membrane glycoproteins prepared from rat liver using lentil-lectin affinity chromatography. Monoclonal antibodies to rat hepatocytes with three different characteristics were obtained and designated as HAM.1, HAM.2 and HAM.3. The binding characteristics of these three monoclonal antibodies were analysed by flow cytofluorography and indirect radioimmunoassay; HAM.3 recognized a membrane antigen restricted mainly to hepatocytes. However, most rat hepatoma cell lines tested failed to express this antigen. Thus, this antibody might be useful for analysing the molecular nature of a liver-specific antigen or the membrane molecules on the normal and malignantly transformed hepatocytes. All the rat hepatoma cell lines tested were labeled with HAM.1 which recognized a membrane antigen on both hepatocytes and lymphocytes, although the amount of antigen expression was quite low on lymphocytes. HAM.2 was found to recognise the Class 1 (RT-1A) histocompatibility antigen. This antigen was purified from rat liver with a HAM.2-affinity column.

Real-time measurement of the spatial magnitude of the ST segment with the automated vectorcardiographic ST segment analyzer

ST segment deviation has been used as an indicator of the degree of myocardial ischemic injury. An automated vectorcardiograph, i.e., an ST segment analyzing system developed in our laboratory, was applied to experimental coronary artery occlusion in dogs, and continuous real-time measurements of ST segment deviation were undertaken. ST segment deviations of the X, Y and Z leads of the Frank lead system were measured and averaged during eight-second periods (STX, STY and STZ). From the ST segment deviation in three dimensions, the spatial ST magnitude and the direction of ST segment deviation (azimuth and elevation) were computed with the use of a microcomputer. The spatial changes of the ST segment after the occlusion of the coronary arteries in the experimental animals were quite compatible with the site of the occlusion. In addition, various interventions influenced the spatial magnitude of the ST segment resulting from coronary artery occlusion.

[Diagnostic value of radioisotope cisternography combined with intranasal pledgets in CSF rhinorrhea]

The experience with the radioisotope cisternography in 17 cases without CSF rhinorrhea for control study and one with CSF rhinorrhea at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital is reported. In addition to the usual cisternography, we used intranasal pledgets for identification and localization of CSF rhinorrhea. The cotton pledgets are placed in the following regions; 1) sphenoethmoid recess, 2) middle meatus and 3) cribriform region. The radioisotope (111In-DTPA, 1mCi) is introduced by lumbar puncture. After scintiphoto is taken at 4 hours, the pledgets are removed and the radioactivity are counted by well-type scintillation counter. The radioactivity of 1 ml of blood is also counted. There is close correlation between the radioactivity of nasal pledget and blood. The ratio of radioactivity of a pledget to that of blood was less than 0.3. The ratio of radioactivity in patient with CSF rhinorrhea is much greater than 0.3. The usefulness of these combined method for identifying the fistulous tract so that surgeon can carry out a direct operation is emphasized.

Mouse monoclonal antibodies against rat major histocompatibility antigens. Two Ia antigens and expression of Ia and class I antigens in rat thymus

A rat Ia (RT-1B) antigen (called Ia-A) equivalent to the mouse I-A product has been defined with mouse monoclonal antibodies (W. R. McMaster and A. F. Williams, Eur. J. Immunol. 1979. 9: 426). To identify other Ia antigens mouse monoclonal antibodies were raised against rat spleen glycoproteins depleted of the Ia-A antigen. An IgG antibody (called MRC OX17) was obtained and used to purify a molecule which had a similar structure to the Ia-A antigen and reacted with anti-Ia alloantibodies. There was no cross-reaction between the two Ia glycoproteins in assays with mouse monoclonal antibodies, alloantibodies or rabbit antibodies. In one alloantiserum almost all the detectable anti-Ia antibodies reacted with a mixture of the two Ia glycoproteins. The MRC OX17 antibody did not bind to mouse cells, but rabbit antibodies to the pure rat glycoprotein cross-reacted and recognized determinants mapping to the mouse I-E region. In the thymus the rat Ia-E antigen was on cortical epithelial and medullary reticular cells. An IgG monoclonal antibody (MRC OX18) to isotypic determinants of rat histocompatibility RT-1A antigens was also produced and used to analyze these antigens on thymus cells. The heavily labeled thymocytes were those with characteristics of mature T lymphocytes. Cortical epithelial cells and medullary dendritic-like cells were also RT-1A positive.

[Continuous recordings of the echocardiogram and electrocardiogram through the night in patients with nocturnal angina: "All-night echocardiography"]

Continuous observation of the left ventricular (LV) wall motion through the night has not been reported yet. So we developed the long-term recording system of the echocardiogram through all of the night, which was proved useful in a clinical setting. In order to record a long-term echocardiogram, a superimposed echocardiogram of each cardiac cycle was developed on the monitor television by using QRS complex as its trigger. This monitor view has a capacity to display such an echocardiogram with 2-channel electrocardiogram (ECG). Sudden changes of the cardiac motion during the recording were easily detected on the monitor view. These pictures were also recorded on the video cassette recorder through the video camera. We call this system "All-night echocardiography". Complete review of the video tape for 10 hours was possible for only 50 minutes by changing the speed of the review tape (one-twelfth of real time). A probe (Monitoring Probe) was fixed on the chest wall during the recording. "All-night echocardiograms" were recorded in eight patients for 10 hours in total 10 nights. LV posterior wall (PW) monitoring was succeeded in 3 patients for 4 nights during the anginal attack. Systolic motion of LVPW was decreased with ST elevation in a VF in the simultaneous ECG during spontaneous attack (Fig. 5).

Importance of the liver in immunoglobulin catabolism

The catabolism of IgG labelled with radioactive iodine was investigated in sheep. The half-life time, fractional catabolic rate and daily loss of radioactivity through the bile were measured. No IgM or IgA were found in sheep bile. The results are discussed in relation to the recent finding that large quantities of oligomeric IgA is excreted in rat bile.

Factor XIII deficiency in antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis and its treatment with factor XIII concentrate

The plasma factor XIII in a 5-year-old girl with antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis decreased to 30%, although her bleeding time and other coagulation factors were normal. Factor XIII concentrate was able to control the severe hemorrhagic diarrhea and improve the laboratory data.

Destruction of Hassall's corpuscles by macrophages in the sheep thymus

The dissolution of Hassall's corpuscles by macrophages has been demonstrated in the sheep thymus. The findings indicate that enlarged Hassall's corpuscles are rapidly broken down by macrophages at the end of gestation or immediately after birth and replaced by newly formed corpuscles, and that these cyclic changes in Hassall's corpuscles persist, under normal physiological conditions, throughout life.

Physico-chemical properties of new acyl derivatives of tylosin produced by microbial transformation

By microbial transformation of tylosin (I), the following eight new acyl derivatives were obtained: 3-acetyltylosin (II), 3-propionyltylosin (III), 4"-butyryltylosin (IV), 4"-isovaleryltylosin (V), 3-acetyl-4"-butyryltylosin (VI), 3-acetyl-4"-isovaleryltylosin (VII), 3-propionyl-4"-butyryltylosin (VIII) and 3-propionyl-4"-isovaleryltylosin (IX).

Augmenting effect of exogenous macrophages on the rat graft-versus-host reaction in F1 hybrids depleted of macrophages

The crucial role of macrophages in the generation of the rat graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) was investigated in normal and macrophage-depleted F1 hybrid rats. The addition of exogenous macrophages, colloidal carbon, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a great augmentation of GVH reactivity of parental lymph node cells in normal F1 hybrid rats. Uptake of foreign materials by F1 macrophages exerts a biphasic action on the GVHR, activating or blocking the biological activity. This depends on the time of injection of foreign materials. To define the extent of macrophage dependence in the GVHR, the additive effect of exogenous macrophages on the reaction was investigated in F1 hybrid rats depleted of effective macrophages and lymphocytes, which had received preliminary host irradiation and colloidal carbon injection. In F1 hybrids depleted of macrophages and given injections of parental lymph node cells depleted of macrophages, the addition of exogenous F1 macrophages resulted in a much higher reaction than did lymphocytes alone. The data suggest that macrophage-induced augmentation of the reaction may be a reflection of the regulatory function of macrophages in the cellular interactions between parental GVH-reactive lymphocytes and alloantigen-bearing host cells in vivo.