Central distribution of efferent and afferent components of the pudendal nerve in rat

Central distribution of efferent and afferent components of the pudendal nerve was examined in the rat by the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method after HRP application to the central cut end of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal motoneurons were located in the dorsolateral, dorsomedial and lateral groups at L5 and L6. Each of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial groups constituted a slender longitudinal cell column. Pudendal motoneurons in the lateral group were scattered at L5, rostrodorsally to the dorsolateral group. The neurons in the dorsolateral and lateral groups were labelled with HRP applied to the nerve branch innervating the ischiocavernosus and sphincter urethrae muscles. The neurons in the dorsomedial group were labelled with HRP applied to the branch supplying the sphincter ani externus and bulbospongiosus muscles. Some dendrites of pudendal motoneurons in the dorsomedial group extended to the contralateral dorsomedial group. These crossing dendrites were observed not only in male rats but also in female. The average number of the pudendal motoneurons in the dorsolateral and dorsomedial groups were larger in male rats than in female. A few neurons of the intermediolateral nucleus at upper L6 were also labelled with HRP applied to the dorsalis penis (clitoridis) nerve. Axon terminals of the pudendal nerve were distributed, bilaterally with an ipsilateral predominance, to the gracile nucleus, as well as to the dorsal horn and dorsal commissural gray from L4 to S2. A few labelled axons were seen in the intermediolateral nucleus at L6 and S1. Axon terminals from the dorsalis penis nerve were distributed more medially in the dorsal horn than those from the perinealis nerve.

Expression of HLA-DR antigens on colonic epithelium in ulcerative colitis

Although the expression of HLA-DR antigens on colonic epithelium in ulcerative colitis has been observed by several groups, the results of the expression in remission have been conflicting and there has been virtually no study concerning the expression in non-inflamed area in active ulcerative colitis. We studied systematically HLA-DR expression on colonic epithelium in 37 patients with ulcerative colitis chronologically, namely in remission as well as in the active stage and inflamed and non-inflamed areas simultaneously in the active stage. HLA-DR antigens were detected by indirect peroxidase staining using anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody. We confirmed the previous observation that epithelium from control colon does not express HLA-DR antigens, while epithelium from ulcerative colitis expresses the antigens with high frequency (83.3 percent). In addition, we demonstrated that HLA-DR expression on colonic epithelium in active ulcerative colitis disappeared in remission. Our new finding was that there is no HLA-DR expression on colonic epithelium in non-inflamed mucosa in active ulcerative colitis. Namely HLA-DR antigens were expressed only on inflamed epithelium of ulcerative colitis. These results lead to the conclusion that the expression of HLA-DR antigens on colonic epithelium in ulcerative colitis is closely related to the inflammation of mucosa.

Behçet's disease associated with amyloidosis

A case of Behçet's disease associated with amyloidosis is reported. A 34 year-old woman was referred to our Department after suffering diarrhea for one month. She had the complete type of Behçet's disease which began development when she was 12 years old. Diarrhea disappeared after she was admitted to the hospital but stool occult blood was strongly positive. A barium enema revealed the disappearance of haustration in the left colon. Urinalysis was normal. She suffered from cholecystolithiasis, and a cholecystectomy was performed. A histopathological examination revealed amyloid deposits in the stomach, duodenum, large bowel, gallbladder, and kidney. Amyloid was indicated as AA type after treating kidney and colon sections with potassium permanganate. Upon discharge, she was free of symptoms. Up to the present time, 19 cases, including our case of Behçet's disease with amyloidosis, have been reported. Four cases in Japan have been reported in Japanese. Reviewing the 19 cases, however, all of them developed initially as Behçet's disease, followed by amyloidosis and there have only been three cases including ours where the type of amyloid was studied. Our finding was identical to the previous two reports; namely identification of the AA type which is common in secondary amyloidosis. These findings lead to a conclusion that amyloidosis associated with Behçet's disease is secondary.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in dried blood spotted on filter paper

In this rapid, cost-effective, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) eluted from dried blood spotted on filter paper, second antibody is coated onto the microwell plate and horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) is the label enzyme. Antiserum to 17-OHP was prepared by using 4-(2-carboxymethylthio)-17-OHP-bovine serum albumin conjugate as immunogen. Enzyme conjugate was prepared from 4-(2-carboxymethylthio)-17-OHP and peroxidase. The blood spots are assayed in the microwells without extraction or centrifugation steps. The detection limit of the assay is 1 microgram/L, equivalent to 3.5 pg (10.6 fmol) per disc. Intra- and interassay CVs at two steroid concentrations (7.38 and 22.79 micrograms/L) ranged from 3.74 to 11.90% (n = 5), and 9.49 and 9.83% (n = 5), respectively. Results correlated well (r = 0.91) with those of a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. The sensitivity, specificity, and precision of this method make it potentially useful in the mass screening of neonates for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in dried blood spotted on filter paper

In this rapid, cost-effective, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) eluted from dried blood spotted on filter paper, second antibody is coated onto the microwell plate and horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) is the label enzyme. Antiserum to 17-OHP was prepared by using 4-(2-carboxymethylthio)-17-OHP-bovine serum albumin conjugate as immunogen. Enzyme conjugate was prepared from 4-(2-carboxymethylthio)-17-OHP and peroxidase. The blood spots are assayed in the microwells without extraction or centrifugation steps. The detection limit of the assay is 1 microgram/L, equivalent to 3.5 pg (10.6 fmol) per disc. Intra- and interassay CVs at two steroid concentrations (7.38 and 22.79 micrograms/L) ranged from 3.74 to 11.90% (n = 5), and 9.49 and 9.83% (n = 5), respectively. Results correlated well (r = 0.91) with those of a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. The sensitivity, specificity, and precision of this method make it potentially useful in the mass screening of neonates for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of rat mitochondrial 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase with no transient presequence: structural relationship with peroxisomal isozyme

The sorting of homologous proteins between two separate intracellular organelles is a major unsolved problem. 3-Oxoacyl-CoA thiolase is localized in mitochondria and peroxisomes, and provides a good system for the study on the problem. Unlike most mitochondrial matrix proteins, mitochondrial 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase in rats is synthesized with no transient presequence and possess information for mitochondrial targeting and import in the mature protein. Two overlapping cDNA clones contained an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 397 amino acid residues (predicted Mr = 41,868), a 5' untranslated sequence of 164 bp, a 3' untranslated sequence of 264 bp and a poly(A) tract. The amino acid sequence of the mitochondrial thiolase is 37% identical with that of the mature portion of rat peroxisomal 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase precursor. These results suggest that the two thiolases have a common origin and obtained information for targeting to respective organelles during evolution. Two portions in the mitochondrial thiolase that may serve as a mitochondrial targeting signal are presented.

Rhabdomyolysis associated with Crohn's disease

Three cases of Crohn's disease (CD) which showed an elevation of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) during the course were reported. In two cases, elevations of serum myoglobin and aldolase were also observed which indicated rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis occurred unrelated to the activity of CD and it was asymptomatic. It was unable to identify an apparent known cause for rhabdomyolysis. All three cases were under elemental diet (ED) but the causality of ED for rhabdomyolysis was uncertain. So far as we know, there is no report on rhabdomyolysis during ED treatment and there are only two reports in which rhabdomyolysis was documented in CD. The latter was rhabdomyolysis due to electrolyte depletion secondary to malabsorption in CD which was not encountered in our cases. Our department dealt only three cases of CD and all of them had an elevation of CPK which had been measured as one of routine blood chemistry in our hospital. These observations led to a following conclusion that subclinical rhabdomyolysis may be one of extra-intestinal complications of CD.

A case of salicylazosulfapyridine (Salazopyrin)-induced acute pancreatitis with positive lymphocyte stimulation test (LST)

A case of acute pancreatitis induced by salicylazosulfapyridine (Salazopyrin, SASP) was reported. A 33-year-old man with ulcerative colitis was given SASP. Five weeks later, P-type serum amylase was found to be elevated. The amylase/creatinine clearance ratio (ACCR) and serum lipase were also elevated. There were neither subjective symptoms nor abnormal ultrasound findings in the pancrease. Lymphocyte stimulation test (LST) to SASP was positive. Asymptomatic pancreatitis by SASP was suspected and SASP administration was halted. Afterwards the abnormal data became normal. Readministration of SASP because of relapse caused an episode of pancreatitis similar to the first occasion. LST was negative before SASP intake and became positive after intake. Desensitization to SASP was unsuccessful. LST was negative before attempting desensitization and became positive when the dosage of SASP increased to 100 mg daily. This is the second case of acute pancreatitis reported to be induced by SASP and this is the first case in which LST to SASP was described. To our knowledge, this is also the first case in which a positive LST was described in drug-induced pancreatitis. This case provides evidence for the role of delayed type hypersensitivity in the etiopathogenesis of SASP allergy and of dose-independent drug-induced pancreatitis.

Protective effect of forphenicinol, a low molecular weight immunomodifier, against infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice and its mechanisms

The oral administration of forphenicinol increased the survival rate of both normal and immunodepressed mice intraperitoneally or intratracheally infected with clinically isolated strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The therapeutic effect of amikacin on intraperitoneal infection with P. aeruginosa was enhanced by combined use with forphenicinol. Forphenicinol did not enhance the bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) towards P. aeruginosa in vitro, but enhanced it in vivo. In vitro study indicated that the macrophages taken from mice treated with forphenicinol or the cultured supernatant of these macrophages enhanced the bactericidal activity of PMN. The protective effect of forphenicinol against P. aeruginosa infection was thus suggested to be due to macrophage activation followed by the enhancement of the bactericidal activity of PMN.

Effect of forphenicinol on the production of lipopolysaccharide-induced interferon and tumor necrosis factor and on the growth of Meth A fibrosarcoma in mice

Oral administration of forphenicinol stimulated the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interferon (IFN) in mice up to 21-fold over control when given more than 10 days before the elicitation. The IFN production in mice sensitized with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) 14 days before LPS injection was further augmented by forphenicinol given after BCG. In addition to the IFN production, forphenicinol increased production of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in mice sensitized with BCG, and the dose of LPS required to induce TNF was reduced by the drug. Furthermore, forphenicinol augmented the antitumor effect of BCG and LPS on Meth A fibrosarcoma.

Fluorescence and chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in dried blood spotted on filter paper

Enzyme immunoassays for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were developed. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), glucose oxidase (GOD), invertase (INV) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were used as label enzymes. Double antibody coated beads or tubes were used for separating the bound and free fractions. Antisera used were prepared by using 4-carboxyethylthio-17-OHP and 3-carboxymethyl oxime-17-OHP-bovine serum albumin as immunogens. The bridge heterologous system was more sensitive than other site heterologous and homologous systems. The minimum amounts of 17-OHP detected were 0.25 and 1.0 pg/tube for fluorescence EIAs using HRP and GOD, and 0.1, 10 and 0.1 pg/tube for chemiluminescence EIAs using GOD, INV and G6PDH, respectively. The reproducibility and correlation with RIA were also studied. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of a neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance study of human plasma alpha-2-macroglobulin

A proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study is reported of human alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha-2-M). It was observed that alpha-2-M, which consists of four identical subunits and has a molecular weight of 720,000, gives several sharp resonances. After cleavage of the "bait" region peptide with trypsin and subsequent removal of the peptide under a high salt condition, most of the sharp resonances disappeared, indicating that the sharp resonances observed in the native alpha-2-M originate from the amino acid residues in the bait region. Resonances due to the aromatic protons of the Tyr residue, which exists in the bait region, have been assigned on the basis of chemical shift. It was observed that the C3- and C5-H proton resonances for the Tyr residue are especially narrow, indicating that the side chain of the Tyr residue in the bait region is in a highly mobile state. Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization experiments clearly show that the Tyr residue is actually exposed to the solvent. It was possible to identify resonances due to several His residues that are exposed to solvent. Other resonances, which probably originate from Arg residues in the bait region, were also observable in the conventional NMR spectra. On the basis of the present NMR data, we conclude that the bait region of the native alpha-2-M is highly flexible and exposed to solvent. On treatment of alpha-2-M with methylamine, no significant change has been detected in the NMR spectra observed in both the conventional and CIDNP mode.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biosynthetic studies on N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid containing teichuronic acid in Bacillus megaterium

The particulate enzymes obtained from four strains of Bacillus megaterium AHU 1240, AHU 1373, AHU 1375, and T catalyzed the synthesis of a polysaccharide and glycolipids from UDP-N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, and UDP-glucose. Chemical studies involving Smith degradation, acid hydrolysis, and N-acetylation revealed that the polysaccharide product has a backbone made up of trisaccharide repeating units comprising glucose, N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid, and N-acetylglucosamine and that the main oligosaccharide moieties of the glycolipids were identical with N-acetylmannosaminuronosyl-N-acetylglucosamine and glucosyl-N-acetylmannosaminuronosyl-N-acetylglucosamine. Incubation of the disaccharide-linked lipid with each particulate enzyme in the presence of UDP-glucose produced the trisaccharide-linked lipid and a polysaccharide. It is therefore suggested that in this polysaccharide-synthesizing system the repeating unit is formed on a carrier lipid from appropriate nucleotide derivatives first and the polymerization of the units then occurs to synthesize the backbone while the growing chain remains in pyrophosphate linkage to the carrier lipid presumed to be undecaprenol.

Lymphoid cell subsets in normal human small intestine

Nineteen specimens of normal tissue were obtained from the duodenum, upper jejunum and terminal ileum. Specimens were fixed with periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde and then frozen sections were made. Lymphoid cell subsets were identified by indirect immunoperoxidase staining using mouse anti-human monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

There was a remarkable variation in the distribution of positive cells among individuals and even within single sections. Lymphoid cell subsets of the three parts of the small intestine were almost identical except for the difference in IgA subclasses of IgA-containing cells. IgA1 predominated over IgA2 in the jejunum while IgA2 predominated over IgA1 in the ileum. The subsets in the lamina propria (LP) and in the epithelium were clearly distinct; Leu 3+ (helper/inducer T) predominated in LP while Leu 2+ (suppressor/cytotoxic T) predominated in the epithelium and no Ig-containing cells were found in the epithelium. In LP the mean ratio of Leu 1+ (pan T):IgA (IgA1 + IgA2) containing cells: IgM: IgG: IgD: IgE: HNK-1+ was 48.9: 36.6: 9.0: 1.8: 1.0: 0.3: 2.4. The staining patterns of HLA-DR+ and Leu 10+ were similar; dense in the top in LP of the villi. In some individuals the apical portion of epithelial cells was stained by anti-HLA-DR. A few positive cells were observed in only two out of 19 cases by anti IL-2R.

Effect of forphenicinol on the production of Ia-positive macrophages in mice with or without L1210 leukemia and on the growth of L1210 in immunized mice

Oral administration of forphenicinol, S-2-(3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethylphenyl)glycine, increased the production of Ia-positive peritoneal macrophages in healthy mice. Moreover, forphenicinol increased Ia-positive macrophages in L1210-bearing mice. Though forphenicinol was ineffective against mouse leukemia L1210 when administered alone, in combination with L1210 vaccine it prolonged the survival time of L1210-bearing mice and the increase in the number of Ia-positive macrophages in peritoneal cavity coincided with the prolongation of the survival time. These results suggest that the initial action of forphenicinol is the preferential induction of Ia-positive macrophages, which play a role in the subsequent activation of various immune responses including macrophage activation.

Unusual properties of crocodilian ovomacroglobulin shown in its methylamine treatment and sulfhydryl titration

The inhibitory activity of chicken and crocodilian ovomacroglobulins against trypsin was measured before and after their incubation with methylamine. The result for crocodilian ovomacroglobulin showed that methylamine treatment destroyed half of its activity, in unique contrast to human alpha 2-macroglobulin and chicken ovomacroglobulin for which methylamine either destroys the inhibitory activity of the former completely or does not affect that of the latter at all. Free sulfhydryl groups of chicken and crocodilian ovomacroglobulins were titrated with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) before and after incubation with trypsin. Prior to the incubation with trypsin the chicken and crocodilian proteins respectively had 0 and 1 titratable sulfhydryl per molecule of Mr 720,000. After treatment with trypsin the crocodilian protein had 3.5-4 titratable sulfhydryls, whereas there were no titratable sulfhydryls in the chicken protein. After denaturation of the crocodilian protein in sodium dodecyl sulfate at 100 degrees C the number of titratable sulfhydryls was 4. Chicken ovomacroglobulin again did not have an appreciable number of titratable sulfhydryls under similar denaturing conditions. Incubation of crocodilian protein with [14C]methylamine showed an incorporation of at least 2 mol of methylamine per molecule. The result indicated the presence of three intramolecular thiol ester bonds in crocodilian ovomacroglobulin with differential stability against external perturbations.

Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay of 21-deoxycortisol in plasma and dried blood sample on filter paper

An enzyme immunoassay of 21-deoxycortisol (21-DOF) in plasma and dried blood spotted on filter paper has been developed. 21-DOF was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase by the mixed anhydride method. Separation of free and bound fractions was done by the use of insolubilized antibody, prepared by coating polyacetal beads with purified IgG of goat anti-rabbit IgG serum. The enzyme activity was measured by the fluorophotometric method using 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid and H2O2 as substrates. The sensitivity of the present method was 0.5 pg/tube for 21-DOF. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 3.2 and 8.2, and 7.9 and 9.2% respectively. The present enzyme immunoassay could be applied to mass-screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Contralateral termination of pudendal nerve fibers in the gracile nucleus of the rat

After applying horseradish peroxidase (HRP) unilaterally to central cut end of the pudendal nerve of the rat, transganglionic HRP-labeling of presumed axon terminals was constantly seen in the nucleus gracilis bilaterally with an ipsilateral predominance.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for thyroxine in dried blood spotted on filter paper

We have developed a rapid and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for thyroxine (T4) in dried blood samples spotted on filter paper. The assay is carried out on microtiter plates without extraction or centrifugation steps. The detection limit of the assay is 5 pg/disc/well, equivalent to 1.25 micrograms/1 of whole blood or 2.5 micrograms/1 of serum. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation for various T4 concentrations are 2.4-9.0% and 5.9-17.5% respectively. Correlation between the proposed ELISA method and the RIA is good (r = 0.900, n = 62, y(RIA) = 0.99x(ELISA) + 9.90). The ELISA method is useful for mass-screening of neonatal congenital hypothyroidism using dried blood samples on filter paper, is very simple and one person can assay more than 300 samples per day.

Isolation and characterization of defective-interfering particles of poliovirus Sabin 1 strain

Defective-interfering (DI) particles of the Sabin strain of type 1 poliovirus were generated on serial high m.o.i. passaging. The deletions, measured by agarose gel electrophoresis, appeared to comprise approximately 10% of the total genome. Analysis of the RNAs, after digestion with RNase T1, by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the locations of the deleted genome regions were similar to those of the DI particles of the Mahoney strain of type 1 poliovirus (A. Nomoto, A. Jacobson, Y. F. Lee, J. Dunn, and E. Wimmer, (1979), J. Mol. Biol. 128, 179-196). Taking the known nucleotide sequences of the total genome and large RNase T1-resistant oligonucleotides into account, the deletions of almost all DI RNAs were found to exist between nucleotide positions 1307 and 2630, a genome region encoding capsid polypeptides VP2, VP3, and VP1. In cells coinfected with the purified DI particles and the Sabin strain of type 2 or type 3 poliovirus, particles containing the DI genomes were effectively produced. These results suggest that encapsidation signals are conserved in all three serotypes of polioviruses. However, only a very small amount of similar DI particles appeared to be produced in cells coinfected with coxsackie virus B1, although the genomes of polioviruses and coxsackie viruses have common sequences and therefore these viruses are considered to have arisen from a common ancestor. These data may suggest differences in encapsidation signals between polioviruses and coxsackie viruses.

Chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for thyroxin with use of glucose oxidase and a bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate-fluorescent dye system

In this chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for thyroxin, glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4) is the enzyme label and the bound and free fractions are separated by the double-antibody solid-phase technique. In the assay of enzyme activity, hydrogen peroxide generated from glucose substrate is measured by its chemiluminescence reaction with bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate and 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonic acid. The measurable range of thyroxin is 2.5 to 200 micrograms/L. The coefficients of variation for thyroxin concentrations of 43.2 and 12.8 micrograms/L were 7.0% and 8.6% (intra-assay), and 6.4% and 12.3% (interassay), respectively. The proposed method is applicable to large-scale preliminary screening of neonates for congenital hypothyroidism, with samples consisting of dried blood spotted on filter paper.

Chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for thyroxin with use of glucose oxidase and a bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate-fluorescent dye system

In this chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay for thyroxin, glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4) is the enzyme label and the bound and free fractions are separated by the double-antibody solid-phase technique. In the assay of enzyme activity, hydrogen peroxide generated from glucose substrate is measured by its chemiluminescence reaction with bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate and 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonic acid. The measurable range of thyroxin is 2.5 to 200 micrograms/L. The coefficients of variation for thyroxin concentrations of 43.2 and 12.8 micrograms/L were 7.0% and 8.6% (intra-assay), and 6.4% and 12.3% (interassay), respectively. The proposed method is applicable to large-scale preliminary screening of neonates for congenital hypothyroidism, with samples consisting of dried blood spotted on filter paper.

Central distribution of efferent and afferent components of the pudendal nerve in macaque monkeys

Central distribution of efferent and afferent components of the pudendal nerve was studied by the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method in 13 macaque monkeys, i.e., in nine Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), and two crab-eating monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). The enzyme was applied to the central cut end of the pudendal nerve; then the monkeys were allowed to survive for 36 to 72 hr. Retrogradely labeled neuronal cell bodies of pudendal motoneurons constituted a slender longitudinal cell column in the ventral horn. The cell column extended from high or middle S1 to high or middle S2 in eight monkeys, from middle or low L7 to high S2 in four monkeys, and from high L7 to middle S1 in a monkey. The cell column appeared to correspond to Onuf's X nucleus in man. No sex difference was recognized in the position of the cell column. The average number of HRP-labeled pudendal motoneurons was larger in male than in female adult Japanese monkeys, whereas no sex difference was found in the average soma diameter of the pudendal motoneurons. Transganglionically labeled axons entered into the spinal cord through the S1 and S2 dorsal roots in 12 monkeys and through the L7 and S1 dorsal roots in one monkey. Labeled axons were distributed ipsilaterally in laminae I-VI and X of the spinal cord at the same and adjacent levels of entry of HRP-labeled dorsal root fibers (from L7 to S3 in 12 monkeys and from L6 to S3 in one monkey).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inherited thermostability variants of seven enzymes in a Japanese population

The frequency of inherited variations in thermostability was investigated in a series of seven enzymes in a Japanese population. Among a total of 5930 determinations, nine variants were encountered. In each instance one parent exhibited a similar finding. It is suggested that this procedure should detect a high proportion of the variants of these enzymes characterized by amino acid substitutions not altering molecular charge. Failure to detect more such thermostability variants is interpreted to mean that electrophoresis not only detects amino acid substitutions altering molecular charge but also a considerable proportion of those that do not alter charge.

Biosynthesis of N-acetylmannosaminuronic-acid-containing cell-wall polysaccharide of Bacillus subtilis

The particulate enzyme from Bacillus subtilis AHU 1031 catalyzed the synthesis of a polysaccharide and glycolipids from UDP-N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid (UDP-ManNAcUA), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), and UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc). The polysaccharide synthesis required UDP-ManNAcUA and UDP-GlcNAc, proceeded optimally at pH 8.5 and in the presence of 5 mM MgCl2 and 2.5 mM dithiothreitol, and was stimulated by the addition of UDP-Glc. The molar ratio of ManNAcUA, GlcNAc, and Glc incorporated into polysaccharide was calculated to be 1:1:1.8 from chemical analysis involving reduction with water soluble carbodiimide; its relative molecular mass was estimated to be 12000. The analysis of Smith degradation products revealed that the polysaccharide backbone is composed of repeating trisaccharide units comprising ManNAcUA, GlcNAc, and Glc. Based on the data regarding the time course of the incorporation of glucose into the polysaccharide, extra glucose seems to be attached to the polysaccharide backbone as lateral branches. The saccharide moieties of the glycolipids were identified as GlcNAc, ManNAcUA-GlcNAc, and Glc-ManNAcUA-GlcNAc from several analytical criteria. The addition of antibiotic 24010, a tunicamycin-like antibiotic, at 10 micrograms/ml resulted in almost complete inhibition of the synthesis of glycolipids and polysaccharide. It is therefore concluded that the glycolipids function as intermediates in polysaccharide formation. Incubation of the ManNAcUA-GlcNAc-linked lipid. (labeled in the ManNAcUA moiety) with the particulate enzyme and UDP-Glc resulted incorporation of radioactivity into a trisaccharide-linked lipid and a polysaccharide. These results suggest that the particulate enzyme utilizes the trisaccharide moiety of the Glc-ManNAcUA-GlcNAc-linked lipid for the elongation of the main polysaccharide chain presumed to be cell wall acidic polysaccharide of this strain.

[One-way valve extension tube for continuous cerebrospinal fluid drainage system]

We designed an extension tube with built-in one-way valve to be used in the external CSF drainage. Placement, replacement or removal of the value can be performed easily and rapidly in patients who require continuous external CSF drainage. Advantages of the system using this one-way value extension tube were discussed. History of ventricular drainage was also mentioned.

Characterization and partial purification of two enzymes transferring N-acetylglucosamine to dolichyl monophosphate and ribonuclease A

Two N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) transferases which catalyze the incorporation of GlcNAc into GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol (dolichol enzyme) and into bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNAseA enzyme) were solubilized from the rat liver microsomes in a non-ionic detergent, Triton X-100. Both enzyme activities were adsorbed on activated CH-Sepharose 4B, and could be eluted with a linear KCl gradient. Two enzyme activities were separated by this column with the dolichol enzyme eluting before the RNAseA enzyme. A 49-fold and 136-fold purification was achieved for the dolichol and the RNAseA enzyme, respectively. The addition of exogeneous dolichyl phosphate resulted in a 3-5-fold stimulation of the purified dolichol enzyme, but did not affect the purified RNAseA enzyme. The addition of RNAseA stimulated only the RNAseA enzyme. Whereas, tunicamycin could inhibit only the dolichol enzyme. The purified dolichol enzyme had a Km of 14 X 10(-6) M for UDP-GlcNAc and the reaction was saturated with about 0.25 M dolichyl phosphate. The purified RNAseA enzyme had a Km of 4.55 X 10(-6) M for UDP-GlcNAc and was saturated with about 0.36 mM RNAseA. The pH optima and the metal ion requirement for the two enzymes were different. These results suggest that because of the different properties of these two enzymes they may have distinct functions regarding the core glycosylation of N-linked glycoproteins. It is well established that the dolichol enzyme catalyzes the formation of the first dolichol-linked intermediate GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol, whereas according to the present finding, the RNAseA enzyme may catalyze the transfer of GlcNAc directly from UDP-GlcNAc into acceptor protein.

Central distribution of afferent and efferent components of the pudendal nerve in cat

Central distribution of afferent and efferent components of the pudendal nerve was examined in the cat by the HRP method after applying HRP to the central cut end of the pudendal nerve. Retrogradely labeled neuronal cell bodies were located primarily in the feline homologue of the Onuf's X nucleus, constituting a slender longitudinal cell column in the ventral horn of the S1 and S2 cord segments. The Onuf's nucleus was present constantly from middle S1 to high S2 cord segments, and occasionally extended rostrally to high S1 or low L7, and caudally to middle S2, low S2, or high S3 cord segments. No sex differences were observed in the distribution pattern, number, and soma size of labeled neurons in the Onuf's nucleus. Transganglionically labeled dorsal root fibers were found to terminate ipsilaterally in the lamina I of the dorsal horn at levels of lower lumbar, sacral, and higher coccygeal cord segments and the gracile nucleus, and bilaterally with an ipsilateral predominance in the dorsal commissural gray and laminae III, IV, V, and VI of the dorsal horn at levels of lower lumbar, sacral, and higher coccygeal cord segments. Some labeled dorsal root fibers appeared to end ipsilaterally in the regions where the sacral parasympathetic preganglionic neurons have been shown to be located.