Angioscopic detection of residual pulmonary thrombi in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Definite diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) by conventional methods such as angiography is frequently difficult. If residual thromboemboli incorporated into the pulmonary arterial wall or in the distal small segments are visible, differential diagnosis of PE versus primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) can be made without open-chest pulmonary biopsy. Six patients suspected of having acute PE, 6 suspected of having chronic PE, and 4 with PPH diagnosed by pulmonary biopsy underwent percutaneous pulmonary angioscopy. In patients suspected of having PE, globular and mural thromboemboli were detected by both angioscopy and angiography in 4 and 1 patients, respectively. By angioscopy, emboli incorporated into the arterial wall were detected in 7 and microemboli obstructing the distal small segments were detected in 6. However, these emboli were detected by angiography in none. In patients with PPH, no embolus was detected by angioscopy and angiography. Angioscopically, however, stenoses were observed in the distal small segments in all patients. The results indicate that residual pulmonary thromboemboli in PE and stenoses of distal pulmonary arteries in PPH are detectable by percutaneous angioscopy, and therefore this method is feasible for differential diagnosis of PE.

Prediction of acute coronary syndromes by percutaneous coronary angioscopy in patients with stable angina

To pinpoint the link between plaque characteristics and acute coronary syndromes, we performed a 12-month prospective follow-up study in 157 patients with stable angina pectoris in whom regular coronary plaques were observed by percutaneous coronary angioscopy. Acute coronary syndromes occurred more frequently in patients with yellow plaque than in those with white plaques (11 of 39 vs 4 of 118; p = 0.00021). Moreover, the syndromes occurred more frequently in patients with glistening yellow plaques than in those with nonglistening yellow plaques (9 of 13 vs 2 of 26; p = 0.00026). Thrombus arising from the ruptured identical plaques was confirmed by angioscopy as the culprit lesion of the syndromes. The results indicate that acute coronary syndromes occur frequently and in a short time in patients with glistening yellow plaques and that angioscopy but not angiography is feasible for prediction of the syndromes.

Improvement of insulin sensitivity for glucose metabolism with the long-acting Ca-channel blocker amlodipine in essential hypertensive subjects

To clarify whether the long-acting calcium-channel blocker amlodipine restores insulin insensitivity in essential hypertension, insulin sensitivity tests were performed at the physiological steady-state insulin level (45 to 55 microU/mL) before and after amlodipine (2.5 to 7.5 mg/d) administration for 2 to 4 months in borderline and mild essential hypertensive subjects. Instead of somatostatin, Sandostatin (Sandoz, Basel, Switzerland) was used for the determination of steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) in the same way as previously described. SSPG, which was initially high (212.9 +/- 18.0 mg/dL, mean +/- SE), was significantly reduced to 169.8 +/- 14.7 after amlodipine treatment. Responses of ketone bodies during the test at 30 minutes, which reflect the insulin effect on lipolysis in adipose tissue and hepatic fatty acid oxidation, also improved after amlodipine treatment. Norepinephrine, noted to be mildly elevated after amlodipine treatment, decreased during the sensitivity test at 2 hours probably due to the sedative effect, without any change in the fractional extraction of Na. This indicates that the physiological level of insulin does not activate sympathetic nerve activity or stimulate Na reabsorption. The long-acting calcium-channel blocker amlodipine has significantly improved the initially decreased insulin sensitivity for glucose metabolism at least partially in borderline or mild essential hypertension.

Evaluation of Uniform-Sized Microcapsules Using a Vibration-Nozzle Method

In order to prepare microcapsules (MC) using polyvinylacetal diethyl-aminoacetate (AEA) gel, we have studied both the unique properties of AEA gel, in which cold-water solution forms a hard gel with exclusion of water at high temperature, and the microencapsulation technique for clarithromycin (CAM), which has an unpleasant taste (1, 2). In our previous paper (3), we described a new uniform-sized microencapsulation machine with a vibration nozzle with 536 holes 100µ in diameter designed for precise regulation of dissolution of CAM from MC.In order to evaluate the MC thus obtained, we prepared syrups (without water) by adding sweetening agents to MC, and conducted a dissolution test at various pHs using the method described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (12th edition), a test for bitter taste and a test to determine bioavailability (BA) in human subjects. At pHs below 4.0,100% of CAM in MC was dissolved from the syrup within 5min. However, there was little dissolution of CAM from syrup at pH6.8. The results of the test for bitter taste showed that the syrup preparations, which were administered to 12 male and female volunteers with 20ml water, masked bitter taste completely during the 60min period following administration of the syrup. The mean area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUCo-24) and the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) for administration of syrup preparations to 6 male volunteers were 5.66 ± 0.73µg·hr/ml and 0.66 ± 0.13µg/ml, respectively. Blood concentration was maintained at a level above the minimum inhibitory concentration for gram-positive bacteria for a period of about 14hr after administration, demonstrating the usefulness of the syrup preparation.

Comparison of the binding of beta-cyclodextrin and alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins with pullulanase from Klebsiella pneumoniae as studied by equilibrium and kinetic fluorometry

The change in fluorescence spectra of crystalline pullulanase from Klebsiella pneumoniae caused by the addition of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-beta-cyclodextrin was investigated at 25 degrees C and pH 5.6. The fluorescence intensity at around 325 nm (excitation at 280 nm) was increased by the addition of all the cyclodextrins studied. The dissociation constant, Kd, of the enzyme-cyclodextrin complex was evaluated by fluorometric titration for each cyclodextrin, and was consistent with the inhibitor constant, Ki, obtained previously [Iwamoto et al. (1993) J. Biochem. 113, 93-96]. The Kd values of beta-cyclodextrin and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-beta-cyclodextrin were approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than those of alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins. Fluorescence titration of a cyclodextrin in the presence of another cyclodextrin revealed competition among alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins for binding with the enzyme, which indicates that the binding region of beta-cyclodextrin overlaps those of alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins. On the other hand, with excitation at 295 nm, a fluorescence spectral change similar to that excited at 280 nm was observed for alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin, whereas beta-cyclodextrin and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-beta-cyclodextrin did not show any such change. These results suggest that the binding site or the binding mode of beta-cyclodextrin is slightly different from those of alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protective effect of recombinant neutrophil elastase inhibitor (R-020) on sepsis-induced organ injury in rat

Severe inflammatory responses after major surgeries, trauma, and infection develop multiple organ dysfunction. In the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of these responses, activated neutrophils are thought to be important in terms of their ability to produce various kinds of proteinases, which can degrade various proteins constructing human tissues. Among their proteinases, neutrophil elastase is the strongest serine proteinase secreted from activated neutrophils. Thus, we examined in this study the inhibitory effect and therapeutic efficacy of newly produced recombinant human Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor (R-020), which coded the second domain of human urinary trypsin inhibitor. R-020 was effective in significantly improving the survival rate after induction of the rat lethal peritonitis model (cecal ligation and puncture-induced septic shock model). We suggest that various serine proteinases are implicated in the pathogenesis of neutrophil-related multiple organ failure and that recombinant human Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor might be effective in the treatment of these kinds of organ dysfunction.

Rhabdomyolysis associated with bacteremic pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus

A case of rhabdomyolysis associated with bacteremic pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus is reported. A 58-year-old man was admitted because of severe left lobar pneumonia, and presented myoglobinuria on admission. The serum creatine phosphokinase level was transiently elevated and myoglobinuria were disclosed. Sputum and venous blood cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus. Rhabdomyolysis has rarely been reported in cases of bacterial infection, especially those due to Staphylococcus aureus. This case might be an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis complicating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia following severe left upper lobar pneumonia.

Design of variants of the second domain of urinary trypsin inhibitor (R-020) with increased factor Xa inhibitory activity

The second domain (R-020) of human urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) exerts similar inhibitory activities on trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, leukocyte elastase, and plasmin to those of UTI itself, and additionally inhibits coagulation factor Xa (FXa) and plasma kallikrein, on both of which UTI has no inhibitory effect. In the present study, we attempted to increase this FXa-inhibitory activity by modeling the structure of R-020-FXa complex and substituting one or two amino acids in R-020 using recombinant DNA technology. Molecular modeling of R-020 and FXa was performed with reference to X-ray analysis of the complex of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and bovine trypsin to determine the site of amino acid modification. The expression plasmids into which R-020 genes with base substitution were inserted were prepared and introduced into Escherichia coli to express R-020 variants. The resulting variants were purified and their enzyme inhibitory activities were measured. The FXa-inhibitory activity was increased in four variants with single amino acid substitution. With another four variants having two amino acid substitutions involving combinations of the above single amino acid substitutions, the FXa-inhibitory activity was further increased. Because the electrostatic interaction within R-020-FXa complex seemed stronger in these R-020 variants, this increase in FXa-inhibitory effect was speculated to be a consequence of more potent binding between the enzyme and the inhibitor.

Functional and structural relationship of various extradiol aromatic ring-cleavage dioxygenases of Pseudomonas origin

The extradiol ring-cleavage dioxygenases derived from seven different Pseudomonas strains were expressed in Escherichia coli and the substrate specificities were investigated for a variety of catecholic compounds. The substrate range of four 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl dioxygenases from biphenyl-utilizing bacteria, 3-methylcatechol dioxygenase from toluene utilizing Pseudomonas putida F1, 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dioxygenase from a NAH7 plasmid, and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase from a TOL plasmid pWW0 were compared. Among the dioxygenases, that from Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707 showed a very narrow substrate range. Contrary to this, the dioxygenase from pWW0 showed a relaxed substrate range. The seven extradiol dioxygenases from the various Pseudomonas strains are highly diversified in terms of substrate specificity.

Characterization of ascorbate oxidase from Acremonium sp. HI-25

The ascorbate oxidase obtained from a microorganism, Acremonium sp. HI-25 (molecular weight, 80 kDa; monomeric protein), was studied with respect to atomic absorption, EPR, absorption spectra, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, and steady-state kinetics. The enzyme was found to be a multicopper protein, containing four copper atoms of three kinds, types 1, 2, and 3 copper, in the ratio of 1:1:2. The EPR parameters of the type 1 and 2 copper atoms in the ascorbate oxidase are very similar to those in the case of the ascorbate oxidase obtained from cucumber, which is a dimeric protein. The apparent Km and kcat values for ascorbic acid of the ascorbate oxidase from Acremonium sp. HI-25 are almost the same as those of the monomeric unit of the ascorbate oxidase from cucumber.

Pulmonary plasma cell granuloma improves with corticosteroid therapy

Two cases of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma that progressed after respiratory infectious disease are described. The men, 48 and 32 years old, were admitted to the hospital with blood-streaked sputum and mass or nodular shadow on chest radiograph. Close examination revealed that these tumors were plasma cell granulomas, which are known as postinflammatory pseudotumors. Biopsy specimens, obtained by way of transbronchial biopsy, demonstrated proliferation of mature plasma cells and infiltration of lymphocytes supported by granulation tissue, and there was no evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis. Although surgery is common in the treatment of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma, some cases relapse or invade the mediastinum. Therefore, we decided to treat these patients with prednisolone, 30 mg/d, an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent. Two or 4 weeks later, these tumors disappeared completely and they have never recurred. As middle-dosage corticosteroid therapy is not cytotoxic, it is useful for the treatment of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma, especially in multifocal, unresectable, and/or relapsing cases.

Efficient degradation of trichloroethylene by a hybrid aromatic ring dioxygenase

Engineering of hybrid gene clusters between the toluene metabolic tod operon and the biphenyl metabolic bph operon greatly enhanced the rate of biodegradation of trichloroethylene. Escherichia coli cells carrying a hybrid gene cluster composed of todC1 (the gene encoding the large subunit of toluene terminal dioxygenase in Pseudomonas putida F1), bphA2 (the gene encoding the small subunit of biphenyl terminal dioxygenase in Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707), bphA3 (the gene encoding ferredoxin in KF707), and bphA4 (the gene encoding ferredoxin reductase in KF707) degraded trichloroethylene much faster than E. coli cells carrying the original toluene dioxygenase genes (todC1C2BA) or the original biphenyl dioxygenase genes (bphA1A2A3A4).

Minocycline-induced pneumonitis with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion

A 65-year-old man developed respiratory failure with diffuse interstitial shadow, bilateral pleural effusion, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray and CT, after intravenous administration of minocycline. Corticosteroid therapy was effective. The findings from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy were compatible with eosinophilic pneumonia. Provocation test supported this diagnosis, but the lymphocyte stimulation test was negative. A review of the literature and the diagnoses of drug-induced pulmonary diseases are discussed.

Novel factor Xa and plasma kallikrein inhibitory-activities of the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain of urinary trypsin inhibitor

Urinary trypsin inhibitor is a glycoprotein with a structure in which two Kunitz-type inhibitory domains are linked in a row. We isolated two genes encoding the 70 amino acid sequence from the 78th amino acid (Thr) to the C-terminal and the 68 amino acid sequence from the 80th (Ala) to the C-terminal of human urinary trypsin inhibitor, both which correspond to the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain, and then constructed expression plasmids by ligating it to the E. coli alkaline phosphatase signal peptide gene. These plasmids under the control of the tryptophan promoter expressed the second domain in E. coli strain JE5505 which lacks the membrane lipoprotein. The recombinant second domain purified from the culture supernatant of the transformant inhibited trypsin, plasmin, leukocyte elastase and chymotrypsin which are known to be inhibited by urinary trypsin inhibitor. In addition it inhibited blood coagulation factor Xa and plasma kallikrein in a concentration dependent and competitive manner, and significantly prolonged the plasma-based activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The truncated natural counterpart obtained by a limited degradation of human urinary trypsin inhibitor also revealed the identical inhibitory activities.

Construction of hybrid biphenyl (bph) and toluene (tod) genes for functional analysis of aromatic ring dioxygenases

Multicomponent enzyme complexes of biphenyl (BP) dioxygenase (Dox) encoded by the gene cluster, bphA1A2A3A4 in Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes strain KF707 [Taira et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267 (1992) 4844-4858] and toluene Dox encoded by the gene cluster, todC1C2BA in P. putida strain F1 [Zylstra et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264 (1989) 14940-14946], show high homologies (approx. 60%) for the corresponding subunit component in spite of the fact that they have discrete substrate specificities. We constructed hybrid gene clusters by replacing the gene component(s) between the large and small subunits of terminal Dox in the bph and tod gene clusters, and analyzed the function of a novel hybrid aromatic ring Dox. Escherichia coli cells expressing the hybrid gene clusters, todC1::bphA2A3A4, todC1C2::bphA3A4 and bphA1::todC2::bphA3A4, gained the ability to convert benzene-toluene and their derivatives to the dihydrodiols, indicating that the hybrid terminal Dox composed of TodC1::BphA2 and BphA1::TodC2 forms a functionally active multicomponent Dox associated with ferredoxin (Fer) (BphA3) and Fer reductase (BphA4). Moreover, hybrid Dox (composed of TodC1::BphA2A3A4 and TodC1C2::BphA3A4) showed a wide substrate specificity rather similar to that of the wild-type toluene Dox (TodC1C2BA). On the other hand, the hybrid Dox (BphA1::TodC2::BphA3A4) showed oxidative activities for the same compounds, but the rate of oxidation was dependent upon the substrate. These results suggest that (i) the two subunits of terminal Dox are critically involved in the substrate specificity for BP, benzene and their derivatives, and (ii) the electron transport proteins, Fer and Fer reductase, are exchangeable with one another between the BP Dox and toluene Dox complexes.

Cytotoxicity of platinum(IV) and platinum(II) complexes containing 1R,2R-cyclohexanediamine as a ligand

Several Pt(IV) and Pt(II) complexes containing 1R,2R-cyclohexanediamine (1R,2R-dach) as a carrier ligand were synthesized. The cytotoxicities and the uptake of the platinum complexes by leukemia L1210 cells were compared in order to study the correlation between their structures and cytotoxicities. [Pt(II)Cl2(1R,2R-dach)], [(Pt(II)(oxalato)(1R,2R-dach)], and [Pt(II)(malonato)(1R,2R-dach)], which have excellent anticancer properties, exhibited very high cytotoxicities and were easily taken up by leukemia L1210 cells. [Pt(IV)Cl4(1R,2R-dach)], trans(Cl)-[Pt(IV)Cl2(oxalato)(1R,2R-dach)], and trans(Cl)-[Pt(IV)Cl2(malonato)(1R,2R-dach)] also had high cytotoxicities. After a short incubation time, the uptake of [Pt(II)Cl2(1R,2R-dach)], [Pt(II)(oxalato)(1R,2R-dach)], and [Pt(II)(malonato)(1R,2R-dach)] by leukemia L1210 cells were respectively very similar to those of [Pt(IV)Cl4(1R,2R-dach)], trans(Cl)-[Pt(IV)Cl2(oxalato)(1R,2R-dach)], and trans(Cl)-[Pt(IV)Cl2(malonato)(1R,2R-dach)]. In addition, trans(OH)-[Pt(IV)(OH)2Y2(1R,2R-dach)] (Y2: oxalato or malonato) did not exhibit cytotoxicity towards leukemia L1210 cells, whereas trans(Cl)-[Pt(IV)Cl2Y2(1R,2R-dach)] (Y2: oxalato or malonato) were highly cytotoxic. The accumulation of trans(OH)-[Pt(IV)(OH)2Y2(1R,2R-dach)] in leukemia L1210 cells was much lower than that of trans(Cl)-[Pt(IV)Cl2Y2(1R,2R-dach)]. Platinum(IV) complexes, in which leaving groups are replaced by hydroxide groups, have decreased cytotoxic activity, because the hydroxide groups of the platinum(IV) complex reduce the uptake of platinum by the cells. trans(OH),cis(Cl)-[Pt(IV)(OH)2Cl2(1R,2R-dach)], which has hydroxide and chloride groups, was easily incorporated into the cells and exhibited the high cytotoxic activity. This behavior indicates that the chloride group apparently overcomes the ameliorating effect of the hydroxide group.

[A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by toluene diisocyanate presenting with transient bronchoconstriction]

A 50-year-old male spray paint worker was admitted with non-productive cough and dyspnea on exertion. Chest X-ray and chest CT showed diffuse interstitial shadows in the bilateral lung fields. After admission, the symptoms and chest X-ray findings improved over several days, and he was followed as an outpatient. He then developed nocturnal dyspnea with wheezing and dry cough every day. About two months later, chest X-ray showed more severe diffuse interstitial shadows which did not disappear after admission. Bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy revealed allergic exudative interstitial pneumonia, and he was treated with steroid therapy. Paint contains toluene diisocyanate, and challenge test to toluene diisocyanate was positive. In the early course, this case presented with bronchoconstriction; bronchial reversibility and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine were positive. Bronchoconstriction may cause worsening of respiratory symptoms in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by isocyanates.

[A case of post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion improved by direct infusion of corticosteroid into the pleural space]

A 49-year-old man was admitted with non-productive cough and left chest discomfort. About one month prior to the admission, he suffered a non-penetrating injury to the left anterior chest. Although rib fracture or pleural effusion was not reported, left chest discomfort and non-productive cough progressed gradually. Chest X-ray film and chest CT scan on admission showed left massive pleural effusion. Close examination revealed a marked increase of eosinophils in the pleural effusion (77% of total cell counts). Because malignancy, parasitic disease, and collagen disease were differentiated, we diagnosed this case as post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion, and decided to administers corticosteroid therapy; hydrocortisone 300 mg was infused into the left pleural space. Seven days after the treatment, the pleural effusion and peripheral eosinophilia had completely disappeared. This case suggests that direct infusion of corticosteroid into the pleural space provides greater drug availability in the treatment of post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion related to immunological reaction of the pleura. The indication and dosage of corticosteroids should be established, however, because there have been some reports of cases of improvement without any special treatment.

[Quantitative and qualitative alterations of plasma lipoproteins in obesity]

In order to clarify lipoprotein abnormality in mild to moderate obesity (BMI > or = 25), plasma was separated by table top ultracentrifugation into VLDL (chylomicron), IDL, LDL and HDL. Chol, TG and ApoB were determined in each fraction by enzymatic and sensitive Latex method. The data were analysed according to glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia (HI). In obese subjects, irrespective of glucose intolerance, Chol, TG & ApoB levels were high in plasma, and an increase in VLDL (Chol, TG & ApoB), IDL (Chol & ApoB), LDL (Chol & ApoB), and a decrease in HDL-Chol were observed. These levels were also abnormal in nonDM particularly with HI. In DM, HI did not seem to affect hyperlipidemia. Correlation between Chol, TG and ApoB in three ApoB containing lipoprotein subfractions was noted in obesity. The ratio of Chol/ApoB and TG/ApoB in LDL was significantly lower in obesity implying that LDL particles were smaller in size. Half of nonDM patients had HI, and only 29% of DM patients had HI, and both groups had almost the same lipoprotein abnormality. Hyperlipidemia was severe in nonDMHI(+) compared to nonDMHI(-). Therefore, in hyperlipidemia of obesity, hyperinsulinemia plays a role in nonDM and hyperglycemia in DM. Insulin resistance seems to be an important factor in DM. Although the mechanism may be different, the consequence of hyperlipidemia is similar. Increased numbers of ApoB containing lipoproteins and smaller size of LDL are the characteristic features of hyperlipidemia in mild to moderate obesity. Because these quantitative and qualitative changes appear to be linked to an increased risk for premature arteriosclerosis, intensive therapy should be recommended even in mild to moderate obesity.

Gene components responsible for discrete substrate specificity in the metabolism of biphenyl (bph operon) and toluene (tod operon)

bph operons coding for biphenyl-polychlorinated biphenyl degradation in Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707 and Pseudomonas putida KF715 and tod operons coding for toluene-benzene metabolism in P. putida F1 are very similar in gene organization as well as size and homology of the corresponding enzymes (G. J. Zylstra and D. T. Gibson, J. Biol. Chem. 264:14940-14946, 1989; K. Taira, J. Hirose, S. Hayashida, and K. Furukawa, J. Biol. Chem. 267:4844-4853, 1992), despite their discrete substrate ranges for metabolism. The gene components responsible for substrate specificity between the bph and tod operons were investigated. The large subunit of the terminal dioxygenase (encoded by bphA1 and todC1) and the ring meta-cleavage compound hydrolase (bphD and todF) were critical for their discrete metabolic specificities, as shown by the following results. (i) Introduction of todC1C2 (coding for the large and small subunits of the terminal dioxygenase in toluene metabolism) or even only todC1 into biphenyl-utilizing P. pseudoalcaligenes KF707 and P. putida KF715 allowed them to grow on toluene-benzene by coupling with the lower benzoate meta-cleavage pathway. Introduction of the bphD gene (coding for 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoate hydrolase) into toluene-utilizing P. putida F1 permitted growth on biphenyl. (ii) With various bph and tod mutant strains, it was shown that enzyme components of ferredoxin (encoded by bphA3 and todB), ferredoxin reductase (bphA4 and todA), and dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (bphB and todD) were complementary with one another. (iii) Escherichia coli cells carrying a hybrid gene cluster of todClbphA2A3A4BC (constructed by replacing bphA1 with todC1) converted toluene to a ring meta-cleavage 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-hepta-2,4-dienoic acid, indicating that TodC1 formed a functional multicomponent dioxygenase associated with BphA2 (a small subunit of the terminal dioxygenase in biphenyl metabolism), BphA3, and BphA4.

Interaction between pullulanase from Klebsiella pneumoniae and cyclodextrins

The interaction between pullulanase from Klebsiella pneumoniae and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-beta-cyclodextrin was examined by means of inhibition studies of the enzyme activity, UV difference spectroscopy, and flow calorimetry. All the above cyclodextrins were found to be competitive inhibitors, but beta-cyclodextrin and 6-O-alpha-glucosyl-beta-cyclodextrin showed strong inhibition, the inhibitor constants being two orders of magnitude less than those of alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins. The difference spectra of beta-cyclodextrin were slightly but significantly different from those of the other cyclodextrins, showing blue shift of a few nanometers. Moreover, only beta-cyclodextrin has a positive entropy change upon binding with the enzyme; all the other cyclodextrins have negative values. These results show that the binding mode of beta-cyclodextrin is subtly different from those of alpha- and gamma-cyclodextrins.

Insulin insensitivity in nonobese, nondiabetic essential hypertension and its improvement by an alpha 1-blocker (bunazosin)

To investigate insulin insensitivity and its reversibility, we performed an insulin sensitivity test using the steady state plasma glucose (SSPG) method in 10 lean hypertensive subjects with normal glucose tolerance before and after treatment with alpha 1-blocker bunazosin, and 14 age body mass index-adjusted healthy control subjects. Steady state plasma glucose was significantly higher in the hypertensive subjects compared with the control group (182 +/- 10 mg/dL v 104 +/- 7, P < .01, mean +/- standard error of the mean (SEM). Steady state plasma glucose significantly decreased to 136 +/- 12 mg/dL (P < .01) after the treatment with alpha 1-blocker bunazosin, with a decrease of blood pressure. Hypertensive subjects had shown an increased area under the curve of glucose and insulin during the oral glucose tolerance test compared with normal controls. The glucose area decreased significantly, but the insulin area did not change after the treatment. There was no difference in plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and fractional excretion of Na between normal and hypertensive subjects both before and after treatment with bunazosin at basal and during insulin sensitivity tests (2 h). Serum total cholesterol level decreased and HDL cholesterol increased significantly after treatment with bunazosin. A significant correlation was observed between SSPG and blood pressure, but not between insulin level and blood pressure. The results indicate that insulin sensitivity is better related than hyperinsulinemia to hypertension and that this insensitivity is partially reversible by alpha 1-blocker, bunazosin.

Percutaneous angioplasty of chronic obstruction of peripheral arteries by a temperature-controlled Nd:YAG laser system

The feasibility of an Nd:YAG laser system with automatic control of hot-tip probe temperature was examined in 15 segments (14.7 +/- 6 cm in length) of iliofemoral arteries from 13 patients. The hot-tip temperature to be attained and the upper limit temperature at which lasing was to be stopped were preset. A catheter with a 1.8-mm hot-tip probe was introduced into the obstructed segment and angioplasty (lasing time 5-10 sec) was performed under angioscopic guidance. Recanalization was observed in all segments without obvious complications. No thermal effects below 50 degrees C, coagulation at 100 degrees C, carbonization at 200 degrees C, or sticking of the hot-tip to the luminal surface at 300 degrees C or over, were observed by angioscopy. Rapid recanalization was obtained between 200 degrees C and 300 degrees C. The results indicate that this novel laser system is feasible and hot-tip temperature between 200 degrees C and 300 degrees C is ideal for treatment of chronic arterial obstruction in Japanese patients.