Detection of Leu-19 (CD56) antigen on human thyroid epithelial cells by an immunohistochemical method

The Leu-19 (CD56) antigen, which is recognized by anti-Leu-19 and NKH-1 monoclonal antibody, is a 200,000-220,000 molecular weight (MW) glycoprotein that is expressed predominantly on human natural killer (NK) cells that mediate major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted cytotoxicity. However, cross-reactivity of this antibody has been observed in lung cancer, and in muscle and neural tissues. In the present study, we used the immunoperoxidase technique to examine the expression of Leu-19 antigen in human thyroid epithelial cells. In normal thyroid tissues (n = 4), thyroid tissues from Graves' patients (n = 7) and benign thyroid tumours (n = 7), thyroid epithelial cells expressed Leu-19 antigen in all cases. In thyroid papillary carcinoma (n = 6) there was no expression in four cases. This staining pattern of anti-Leu-19 antibody is similar to that of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody. These findings implicate that the expression of Leu-19 antigen is closely related to the differentiation of thyroid epithelial cells.

Abnormality in cultured oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells isolated from the twitcher mouse

Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells were isolated from the brain and dorsal root ganglia of the twitcher mouse, a murine model of Krabbe's disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy), and grown in tissue culture. Oligodendrocytes were cultured for up to 22 d in vitro and were immunostained with a galactocerebroside antibody, a specific marker for oligodendrocytes. The control oligodendrocytes developed well-branched processes and membrane sheets, whereas the twitcher oligodendrocyte had wirelike processes with no membrane expansion and progressive degeneration. Schwann cells from the twitcher could not extend their processes as long as normal counterparts. The amounts of psychosine in the enriched population of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells from the twitcher mouse are about 50-fold and 70-fold higher, respectively, than those in the control cells. These data suggest that psychosine may play an important role in the progression of abnormal features of oligodendroglial membrane formation and in the absence of process elongation in Schwann cells in the twitcher mutant.

Psychosine cytotoxicity in rat neural cell cultures and protection by phorbol ester and dimethyl sulfoxide

In Krabbe's disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy), galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) is considered to be a causative agent of the pathology found in the nervous system of the patients. In our study, we examined the cytotoxic effect of psychosine in neural cell cultures derived from the rat nervous system. The concentration of toxic thresholds varied from cell type to cell type. The 50% of toxic doses for oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia were 8, 20, and 30 micrograms/mL, respectively. Oligodendrocytes, therefore, appeared to show a higher sensitivity to psychosine than did astrocytes or neurons. When phorbol ester or DMSO was applied simultaneously with psychosine as protective agents in enriched cultures of rat oligodendrocytes, the total number of live cells and galactocerebroside-positive cells and the 2'3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase activity in these cultures were considerably higher as compared with their levels in the experimental cultures treated with psychosine alone. These results indicate that phorbol ester and DMSO could serve as protective agents for psychosine neurotoxicity.

Biochemical pathogenesis of demyelination in globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease): the effects of psychosine upon oligodendroglial cell culture

The effects of psychosine on the metabolism of myelin associated glycolipids such as galactocerebroside and sulfatide in mouse brain cell cultures were investigated in order to clarify the mechanism of demyelination in globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease). The incorporation of 3H-galactose into cerebroside and sulfatide was studied in the presence of psychosine (1-3 micrograms/ml medium). These data indicated that psychosine inhibited the incorporation of 3H-galactose into cerebroside and sulfatide not in astroglial cell culture but in oligodendroglial cell culture. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the central nervous system, and cerebroside and sulfatide are major components of myelin. These results suggest that psychosine influences the lipid metabolisms of myelin and subsequently leads to the demyelination in Krabbe's disease.

Galactosylceramide and galactosylsphingosine loading studies in cultured skin fibroblasts in human and murine globoid cell leukodystrophy

Cell level studies of 3H-galactosylceramide(GalCer) and 3H-galactosyl sphingosine (GalSph) have been carried out in cultured skin fibroblasts from human and murine globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD). GalCer loading studies disclosed that the hydrolysis rates of GalCer in human control and GLD were 72% and 45%, respectively, and those from the murine control and GLD cells were 77% and 21%, respectively, on the 5th day of culture. On the other hand, GalSph loading studies showed that the hydrolysis rate of GalSph in the human control and GLD were 40% and 10%, respectively, and those from murine control and GLD cells were 38% and 10% on the 12th day of culture. These data suggest that both GalCer and GalSph degradations were impaired in cell level in human and murine GLD. Furthermore, when radioactive 3H-GalSph was loaded into cultured fibroblasts from murine and human GLD, 3H-GalCer band was formed via GalSph. These data strongly suggest that GalCer could be synthesized through the GalSph route as a minor pathway at least in cultured skin fibroblasts, although the major pathway to synthesize GalCer should be via ceramide.

Biochemical and morphological studies of dorsal root ganglion and its cultured cells from twitcher mouse (murine globoid cell leukodystrophy)

The biochemical pathogenesis of globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) (Krabbe disease) was investigated in vitro using the cultured neural cells obtained from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of twitcher mouse (murine Krabbe disease). Electron microscopic examination of twitcher DRG of 30 days old showed the demyelination and abnormal inclusion bodies, whereas mitochondrial structure appeared to be intact. Cultured neural cells from control mice were well proliferated to form the network processes, while those from twitcher were decreased in cell numbers and showed the vacuolation of cell body, degeneration of processes, and finally died after three weeks. There was no apparent difference of lipid composition between control and twitcher DRG, and the galactocerebroside levels from control were similar to those of twitcher. However, marked accumulation of psychosine was found in the 30-day-old-twitcher DRG. The level of psychosine from twitcher DRG was elevated approximately 70 to 80-fold compared with those of control. These data suggest that neural cells from twitcher mice degenerative with age also in vitro and accumulation of psychosine in twitcher DRG may play an important role for the demyelination in GLD.

Studies on sialic acids. XIII. Isolation of 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosonic acid (KDN) from chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta

A method for analysis of 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosonic acid (KDN) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a strongly basic anion-exchange resin was developed. The method was applied to detect free KDN in water used to rinse of fertilized eggs of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta. Furthermore, KDN was isolated from the water as a fully protected derivative.

[Application of neuronal cell culture in human degenerative brain disorders]

Neuronal cell culture system has been used for the study of pathochemical evaluations in human degenerative brain disorders, particularly for Krabbe's disease and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. To understand the pathochemistry of Krabbe's disease, we added psychosine into neuronal cell cultures and psychosine treated cells showed the destruction of cytoskeleton and pathy intracellular changes. Electron microscopic finding showed the swelling of the mitochondria. Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells were isolated from the brains and sciatic nerve of twitcher mouse as an authentic murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Oligodendroglial cells cultured for 22 days were stained by anti-galactocerebroside antibodies. In twitcher oligodendrocyte processes were wirelike and progressively degenerated and there were few membranous expansion. Schwann cells from twitcher could not elongated their processes. These data suggest that psychosine might be important factor to result in these pathological conditions. Furthermore, we studied the effect of protease inhibitors, E-64 on dissociated primary cultures from fetal rat brain. After treated with E-64 in a concentration from 0.1-50 micrograms/ml, numerous cytoplasmic accumulations appeared in neuronal cells. These morphological pictures resemble with those of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, Batten disease. We will discuss the relationship between the deficiency of catepsin H in Batten disease and inclusion bodies found in E-64.

[Evaluation of the degree of restoration of function with fixed molar bridges]

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of restoration of masticatory function with fixed molar bridges. Evaluations were made of the deep temperature of the masseter muscle, masticatory performance and occlusal contacts (duration, force distribution, area and number of contacts). Criteria were established for the parameters above mention in 30 normal subjects. Fixed bridges were placed in 10 patients with missing only the mandibular first molar. Measurements were carried out both prior to and after placement of the prosthesis. The following results were obtained. 1. The deep temperature of the masseter muscle patients recovered in 30 days after prosthesis. 2. The total number of contact points and contact area increased after placement by 30 days. 3. The duration of occlusal contacts increased up to 30 days after placement. 4. The force distribution of occlusal contacts decreased for a time but recovered as the normal subjects after 30 days. 5. The masticatory performance was restored immediately after the placement and showed no change by 45 days.

Fetal GM1-gangliosidosis: morphological and biochemical studies

A 23-week fetus with GM1-gangliosidosis type 1 was studied morphologically and biochemically. The GM1-ganglioside content in the brain was approximately twice that of a control. A GM1-ganglioside comprised about 25% of the total ganglioside NANA (N-acetyl-neuraminic acid), whereas in control fetus brain the proportion was 14.3%. The storage of GM1-ganglioside in fetal GM1-ganglioside brain was confirmed by a thin-layer chromatogram immunostained with anti-GM1-ganglioside antibody. The accumulation of GM1-ganglioside in visceral organs (liver, spleen and kidney) was not detected with biochemical and immunochemical methods. However, in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, renal tubular cells and spleen cells from the affected fetus, there were many vacuoles which could contain oligosaccharides as storage materials. These data suggest that pathochemical changes in the brain and visceral organs of an affected fetus are already evident in the second trimester of the pregnancy. Tissue specific accumulation of glycolipids or oligosaccharides in fetal GM1-gangliosidosis suggests that the biosynthesis or degradation of these compounds occurs at different periods.

Changes in plasma glucose, insulin (IRI), glucagon (IRG) and free fatty acids (FFA) following alanine loading in hyperthyroid patients

The responses of plasma glucose, insulin (IRI), glucagon (IRG) and free fatty acids (FFA) following alanine loading (0.1 g/kg) were observed in 9 control subjects and 7 hyperthyroid patients, before and after restoration of thyroid function to normal. Despite the persistence of impaired glucose response to alanine, the blunted IRI and IRG responses in the hyperthyroid state were improved with a significant reduction in fasting IRI and IRG after treatment. Markedly increased FFA following alanine loading in hyperthyroid patients was reduced after treatment, but the FFA concentration remained greater than in the control subjects. We tentatively conclude that the impaired alpha and beta-cell responses to alanine were temporarily induced by the direct and/or indirect effects of thyroid hormone excess.

Partial deficiency of beta-hexosaminidase activity in canine GM2-gangliosidosis

4-Methylumbelliferyl-N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate (4MUGLc6S) which is known to be a specific substrate for human hexosaminidase A was used to determine enzymatic features of canine GM2-gangliosidosis. The enzyme activity using 4MUGlc6S in affected dog brain and liver was less than 20 to 30% of control tissues, whereas total 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-glucosaminidase activity in canine GM2-gangliosidosis was normal or elevated. However, when beta-hexosaminidase was fractionated by DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography, beta-hexosaminidase A like fraction in affected dog tissues was reduced to 20 to 30% of control. These data suggest that canine GM2-gangliosidosis is analogous to human juvenile.

[Fundamental and clinical studies on ceftazidime in the field of pediatrics]

Fundamental and clinical studies were carried out on ceftazidime ( CAZ ), a newly synthesized cephalosporin C antibiotic ( CEPs ). The antibacterial activity of CAZ was compared with those of CER, CEZ, CMZ and CPZ against clinical isolates of S. aureus. S. pyogenes. E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis, and with those of GM and CFS against P. aeruginosa. Against S. aureus, the antibacterial activity of CER was highest, followed by that of CEZ. The peak MIC after inoculation of 100-fold dilution was 0.10 microgram/ml with CER and 0.78 microgram/ml with CEZ. But in view of the peak MIC of 6.25 micrograms/ml, the antibacterial activity of CAZ was inferior to that of CPZ by about 2 tubes. This was not surprising, because CAZ was one of the antibiotics in the fifth group of CEPs . The CEPs in the fifth group naturally show high antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes. CAZ , as expected, inhibited the growth of all the strains at the concentration of 0.10 microgram/ml at the inoculation of 100-fold dilution. In the gut bacterial flora such as E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis, CAZ showed the results almost equal to those of other CEPs in the fifth group; the peak MICs of CAZ were 0.20 approximately 0.39, 0.20 approximately 0.39, 0.10 microgram/ml, respectively, at the inoculation of 100-fold dilution, which was good results. In P. mirabilis with the undiluted inoculation, the result of CAZ was slightly inferior to those of the other CEPs in the fifth group previously reported; however, CAZ was prone to be affected by inoculum size, and with the inoculation of 100-fold dilution, MIC of CAZ turned to be as low as 0.10 microgram/ml. Against P. aeruginosa, CAZ showed the activity comparable to that of CFS, the antibiotic considered to have the highest antibacterial activity of all CEPs used in Japan. This finding is in accordance with the findings reported by other authors. The peak MICs of CAZ were 3.13, 12.5 microgram/ml at the inoculation of undiluted solution, and from 1.56 to 3.13 microgram/ml at the inoculation of 100-fold dilution, which were the results equal to, or even better than those of GM. The change in blood levels of CAZ was studied by one shot intravenous injection and 1 hour intravenous drip infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Experimental and clinical evaluation of cefpiramide in pediatrics]

Fundamental and clinical studies on cefpiramide (CPM), a new semisynthetic cephalosporin were performed and the following results were obtained. Antibacterial activity The antibacterial activity of CPM was investigated in comparison with those of CTT, CPZ, CEZ, LMOX and CFS. Against clinical isolates of S. aureus, CPM was superior to CTT and LMOX, but almost similar to CPZ and inferior to CEZ. Against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and S. marcescens, CPM showed the activity almost similar to that of CEZ, but inferior to those of the others. On the contrary, the activity of CPM against P. aeruginosa was satisfactory and was superior to those of CTT, CPZ and LMOX, but slightly inferior to that of CFS. Blood level and urinary recovery Twenty mg/kg of CPM was given intravenously at one shot to 3 patients. The mean serum levels of CPM were 116.9 micrograms/ml at 30 minutes, 90.5 micrograms/ml at 1 hour, 71.1 micrograms/ml at 2 hours, 55.8 micrograms/ml at 4 hours, 24.9 micrograms/ml at 6 hours, 19.3 micrograms/ml at 9 hours and 12.1 micrograms/ml at 12 hours after administration, respectively. The mean half-life was very long and the value was 3.85 hours. The urinary recovery rates in 2 cases were 18.31 and 21.47% respectively up to 12 hours after administration. Clinical results and side effects CPM was given intravenously to 30 diseases including 11 cases of bronchopneumonia, 3 cases of bronchopneumonia and pleurisy, 2 cases of bronchitis, 4 cases of purulent tonsillitis, 5 cases of pyelonephritis and each one case of pyothorax, parotitis, cellulitis, otitis media and salmonellosis. CPM was effective in 29 out of 30 cases, and the effective rate was 96.7%. As side effects, 2 cases of fever and 1 case of cough were observed, but no abnormality in clinical laboratory findings was observed.

[Laboratory and clinical studies on T-1982 (cefbuperazone) in the field of pediatrics]

T-1982 (cefbuperazone), a new 7 alpha-methoxycephem antibiotic, was fundamentally and clinically studied, and the following results were obtained. The antibacterial activities of T-1982 against clinical isolates of S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. marcescens, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa were determined in comparison with those of CER, CEZ, CMZ and CTT. Against S. aureus, CER and CEZ exhibited excellent activity, whereas T-1982 was less active with the peak MIC of 12.5 micrograms/ml even with the inoculum size of 10(6) cells/ml. The activity of T-1982 was equal to that of CTT and by far superior to that of CER, CEZ and CMZ against E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis, the peak MICs with the inoculum size of 10(6) cells/ml being less than or equal to 0.1-0.2 microgram/ml, less than or equal to 0.1-0.2 microgram/ml and 0.2-0.39 microgram/ml, respectively. Against S. marcescens, T-1982 was superior to CMZ and CTT and 48% of the strains were inhibited by 3.13 micrograms/ml or less, whereas all the strains were resistant to CER and CEZ. The MIC of T-1982 against most strains of P. aeruginosa was more than 100 micrograms/ml. 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg of T-1982 was administered by one shot intravenous injection or 1 hour drip infusion to 23 pediatric patients to measure serum levels and urinary recovery. At 30 minutes after one shot injection of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, the highest serum levels of 22.0-38.8 micrograms/ml and 52.4-80 micrograms/ml were observed, the half-lives being 1.32 hours and 1.76 hours. When given by 1 hour drip infusion, the serum levels attained the peaks of 29.2-42.6 micrograms/ml and 49.0-75.6 micrograms/ml at the end of infusion, the half-lives being 1.24 hours and 1.19 hours. The urinary recovery rates within 6 hours were 74.2-92.5% and 50.2-66.5% by one shot injection and 63.4-84.2% and 53.9-79.0% by drip infusion. T-1982 was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg by 30 minutes drip infusion to a child with purulent meningitis. The levels of T-1982 in the cerebrospinal fluid at 1 hour after administration were 4.8-6.7 micrograms/ml with the CSF/serum ratios of 4.4-8.4%. A total of 36 pediatric patients (21 cases of respiratory tract infection, 9 cases of urinary tract infection and each 1 case of purulent cervical lymphadenitis, scarlet fever, purulent meningitis, acute colitis, peritonitis and sinusitis) was treated with 40-80 mg/kg/day of T-1982 (252.6 mg/kg/day in purulent meningitis). The response was excellent in 27 patients and good in 7 patients, the efficacy rate being 94.4%. Diarrhea or eruption were observed in each 1 case. No abnormal laboratory findings were noted in any cases.

Anti-allergic activities of the beta-adrenoceptor stimulant formoterol (BD 40A)

The effects of formoterol (BD 40A) on the rat and guinea-pig hypersensitivity reactions and on mouse IgE antibody formation was investigated. The inhibitory effect of intravenously (i.v.) and perorally (p.o.) administered formoterol on (mouse) IgE-mediated 24-hr passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats was 6.3 and 33 times, respectively, more potent than that of salbutamol. This action was antagonized by pretreatment with propranolol. Formoterol at the dose exhibiting considerable PCA inhibition had no effect on histamine- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced skin reactions. Formoterol, administered i.v. or p.o., inhibited (guinea-pig) IgE-mediated 8-day PCA in guinea-pigs. In the isolated guinea-pig lung, both formoterol and salbutamol exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of antigen-induced histamine release. However, in the isolated rat mesenterium these two drugs showed only partial inhibition of antigen-induced mast cell degranulation, whereas disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) manifested dose-dependent inhibition. Neither formoterol nor salbutamol affected the hapten-specific IgE antibody response in female BDF1 mice.

[General pharmacology of (alpha RS)-3-formamido-4-hydroxy-alpha-[[[(alpha RS)-p-methoxy-alpha-methylphenethyl]amino]methyl] benzyl alcohol fumarate dihydrate (BD 40A), a new bronchodilator agent (author's transl)]

General pharmacological properties of BD 40A, a new bronchodilator agent, were investigated and the following results were obtained. BD 40A showed no effect on the central nervous system, and little effect on the autonomic nervous system. BD 40A produced an increase in heart and respiration rates, a decrease in blood pressure, and change in ECG in both anesthetized dogs and conscious animals. These effects of BD 40A were inhibited by propranolol (beta-blocker) administration. BD 40A potentiated carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in Beagle dogs. The pharmacological profile of BD 40A was similar to that of hexoprenaline which was used as the reference compound.