Ultrastructural and biochemical studies of lipolysis by lipolysosomes in chick hepatocytes

Lipolysosomes in chick hepatocytes were studied by biochemical and electron-microscopic techniques. Their lipolysis was investigated in vitro using the floating lipid fraction isolated from chick liver homogenates. Many lipid droplets were noted to be enveloped by a unit membrane with a partially thickened electron-dense layer containing some myelin-like structures, electron-dense material or electron-lucent droplets, close to the inner leaflet of the membrane. Cytochemically, the dense layer showed acid phosphatase activity, and thus the lipid droplets were identified as lipolysosomes. The lipolysosomes isolated in a floating lipid fraction retained the characteristic dense layer and the surrounding membrane, and the fraction showed little contamination by other organelles. Free fatty acids were released in the fraction after incubation at 37 degrees C, but not at 0 degree C. The reaction was completely inhibited by HgCl2, p-chloromercuribenzoate and esterastin, a potent inhibitor of acid lipase. These results suggest an involvement of acid lipase in lipolysis of the lipolysosomes.

[Purification of the Ro/SSA antigen and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for quantitation of the antibody]

Antibodies to the Ro/SSA antigen occur in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and other collagen diseases. In this study, we used ammonium sulfate precipitation, anti-Ro/SSA immunoaffinity chromatography and gel filtration to purify the Ro/SSA antigen from pig spleen. In addition, the normal human IgG affinity column chromatography was also used to adsorb nonspecific reacting materials as heterophile antigens which contaminated in preparations after immunoaffinity chromatography. On SDS-PAGE the purified Ro/SSA antigen migrated as 60K and 53K polypeptides bands and the antigenicity was observed on 60 K band. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the purified antigen was developed for quantitation of the antibody which was found to be sensitive, precise and specific. By the method, anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were detected in SLE (44%), MCTD (71%), PSS (50%), SjS (83%), RA (16%), PBC (23%), lupoid hepatitis (23%) but only 4% in normal controls. The purified antigen and ELISA method will provide beneficial tools for the investigation of autoimmune diseases.

Salvage chemotherapy of refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with aclacinomycin, behenoyl ara-C, etoposide, and prednisolone

A total of 40 patients with recurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with ABEP combination chemotherapy (aclarubicin, N4-behenoyl-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine, etoposide, and prednisolone). A complete remission (CR) was achieved in 37.5% of the patients and partial remission, in 15.0%. The ABEP regimen proved to be effective in T-cell as well as B-cell lymphoma. It appears that the ABEP regimen may be partially non-cross-resistant with front-line doxorubicin-containing combinations. Survival for 39 months was achieved in 42.0% of the CR responders compared with 6.7% of partial responders (PRs) and nonresponders (NRs) (P less than 0.01). Disease-free survival for 45 months was seen in 66% of the CR patients. The ABEP regimen was effective in the treatment of patients with recurrent or refractory lymphoma, enabling hope for long-term survival in the majority of CR cases.

Histochemical comparison of specificity of three bowel carcinoma-reactive lectins, Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-II, peanut agglutinin and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I

A comparison of the histochemical affinities of three lectins reputedly specific to human large bowel carcinoma, namely Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-II (GSA-II), peanut agglutinin (PNA) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I), was done using 28 specimens in which normal mucosa, adenoma and carcinoma tissue were present and in contact with each other. In the normal mucosa, GSA-II and PNA revealed only weak affinity to the Golgi region of epithelial cells, whereas UEA-I showed binding to the apical surface of columnar cells and goblet cell mucins, especially in the right colon. Adenoma was characterized by relatively intense reactivity of the Golgi regions of epithelial cells for GSA-II and PNA as well as reactivity of the apical surface of the columnar cells for UEA-I. In carcinomas the apical surface of columnar cell-type tumor cells was stained most intensely with UEA-I, and then in descending order with GSA-II and PNA. GSA-II- and PNA-reactive carcinoma cells occurred more frequently in invasive carcinoma than in intramucosal carcinoma. Goblet cell-type tumor cells retained the properties of their normal counterparts. Staining with these lectins, especially GSA-II-horseradish peroxidase, might be helpful in the identification of carcinoma cells and for analysis of carcinoma-associated antigens.

Presence of antideoxyribonucleic acid antibody in patients with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease

In 16 untreated patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease, serum antidouble stranded DNA antibody, measured by RIA, was positive (greater than 20 U/ml) in 14. In methimazole-treated patients with T3-suppressible thyroid uptake, anti-DNA antibody was found in 9% (3 of 35). The frequency of positive tests in methimazole-treated patients with T3-nonsuppressible thyroid uptake and in surgically treated patients was 24% (5 of 21) and 57% (4 of 7), respectively. Among anti-DNA antibody-negative (less than 9 U/ml) and weakly positive (10-19 U/ml) patients, those with T3-suppressible thyroid uptake had lower anti-DNA antibody titers than those with T3-nonsuppressible thyroid uptake. Among 32 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, anti-DNA antibody was positive in 7. None of the patients with simple goiter had positive or weakly positive anti-DNA antibody results. Although the quantity of antibodies did not correlate well in individual patients, the rates of positive TSH binding-inhibiting immunoglobulin and anti-DNA antibody tests were roughly comparable in these patient groups. None of these patients with thyroid disease associated with anti-DNA antibody had clinical or other serological evidence suggestive of systemic lupus erythematosus or related collagen vascular disorders. The finding of anti-DNA antibody provides a new aspect of immunological abnormality associated with hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease.

[Clinical and experimental studies on the formation of calcium bilirubinate gallstones]

We identified the bacteria in the bile and measured the activity of bacterial beta-glucuronidase and analyzed the percentage of bilirubin glucuronide and unconjugated bilirubin by high performance liquid chromatography in the bile of human biliary stone disease. The percentage of positive bacterial infection in the bile are 72.0% with calcium bilirubinate gallstone, and 42.3% with cholesterol gallstone. The activity of beta-Glucuronidase (U/dl.hr.) was significantly higher in the bile of calcium bilirubinate gallstone than that of cholesterol gallstone (7013 +/- 5113 vs 3338 +/- 2615, mean +/- S.D.). Also, the percentage of unconjugated bilirubin (IX alpha) of the bile was significantly higher in calcium bilirubinate gallstone than in cholesterol gallstone (5.7 +/- 4.7% vs 2.6 +/- 2.0%, mean +/- S.D.). The beta-Glucuronidase activity of bacteria was as follows; E. coli 18752, K. pneumoniae 333, E.cloacae 124, S.faecalis 324, and B.fragilis 983. After 60 minutes' incubation at 37 degrees C of normal bile with E.coli, the percentage of unconjugated bilirubin (IX alpha) increased from 1.1% to 9.1%. Whereas, the other four bacteria did not increase the unconjugated bilirubin at all. We confirmed that the increase of unconjugated bilirubin caused by the high bacterial beta-Glucuronidase activity was the most important factor in the formation of calcium bilirubinate gallstone.

Purification and partial characterization of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein from human placenta

Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) has been purified to homogeneity from human placenta by a series of procedures, including acetone powder extraction, gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and on SP-Sephadex. Cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) was isolated concurrently. CRABP was purified 75,400-fold, based on total soluble acetone powder extract of placenta. The protein is a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of 14,600 Da, estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis or gel filtration, and has an isoelectric point of 4.78 (apo-CRABP, 4.82). On analysis of absorption and fluorescence spectra, the protein was seen to exhibit an absorption peak at 350 nm, fluorescence excitation maxima at 350 and 370 nm, and a fluorescence emission maximum at 475 nm. Human CRABP was immunologically distinct from human CRBP and serum retinol-binding protein.

Significance of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen for the differential diagnosis of acute and chronic hepatitis B virus infection and for the evaluation of the inflammatory activity of type B chronic liver diseases

IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) was assayed using a commercial kit in acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and evaluated for its diagnostic and clinical significance. IgM anti-HBc was positive in all of 21 cases with type B acute hepatitis in the acute phase, and was also detected in 5 of 20 cases with type B chronic persistent hepatitis, in 4 of 20 patients with type B chronic active hepatitis and in one of 10 with type B liver cirrhosis. The absence of this marker was noted in all of 20 asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and in 50 with HBsAg-negative patients with liver disease and in 200 healthy blood donors. The cut-off index of IgM anti-HBc was greater than 2.0 in all serum samples obtained in the acute phase of type B acute hepatitis, but was below 2.0 in type B chronic liver disease. A close relationship was found between the presence of IgM anti-HBc and the degree of inflammatory activity in patients with HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease. These data show that examination of IgM anti-HBc is useful in distingushing type B acute hepatitis from type B chronic liver disease, and also in evaluating the severity of disease in type B chronic liver disease.

Immunohistochemical localization of plasma retinol-binding protein and prealbumin in human pancreatic islets

This study was undertaken, employing the immunoenzyme method, to confirm the presence of retinol-binding protein in human pancreatic islets, and to compare its distribution with that of prealbumin, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. It was found that most islet cells contained retinol-binding protein, although centrally located cells showed stronger reactivity than those in the peripheral region. The distribution of each of the five polypeptides differed from that of retinol-binding protein, indicating that these peptides did not cross-react with anti-retinol-binding protein antibody. Islet cells which contained prealbumin, on the other hand, were mostly classified as A cells. Further studies are necessary to confirm whether the islet cells produce retinol-binding protein or only store it.

Cellular FITC-linked immunospecific assay (cell-FLISA) for detection of monoclonal antibodies against cell-surface antigens

A cellular fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-linked immunospecific assay (Cell-FLISA) has been established using the recently developed fluorophotometer for microplates. In the Cell-FLISA system, monoclonal antibodies specific for the surface antigens of live cells are detected by measuring the fluorescence intensity of an FITC-labeled second antibody: goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibody. It takes only 2 min to count 96 samples in microplate wells using the fluorophotometer for microplates. Moreover, by this system, the analysis is finished within 2 hr. Thus, the Cell-FLISA system has advantages in screening a large number of samples, such as hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies against cell-surface antigens.

Enhancement of RNA synthesis in chick liver by food intake: possible role of high mobility group nonhistone proteins

RNA synthesis in the nuclei of liver from newly hatched (4-d-old) chicks is enhanced by intake of food. The enhanced synthesis was ascribed not to an increase in the activity of solubilized DNA-dependent RNA polymerase but to an increase in the initiation of RNA synthesis. Enhanced RNA synthesis in fed chicks was accompanied by greater susceptibility of nuclei to digestion by micrococcal nuclease. Salt extraction abolished the difference in nuclease sensitivity between the fed and fasted groups. Reconstitution with either 0.35 M NaCl extracts or high mobility group (HMG) nonhistone proteins restored digestion susceptibility, but changing the source of extracted proteins did not equalize the extent of digestion in nuclei from livers of fed and fasted chicks. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of HMG proteins revealed the presence of HMGs 1 and 2 as well as a 38,000-dalton protein. The nuclear HMG protein content in fed chicks was greater than that of fasted chicks (121 +/- 17 micrograms/mg DNA vs. 31 +/- 12 micrograms/mg DNA). The electron microscopic examination of hepatocyte nuclei revealed the enlargment of nucleoli and scarcity of aggregated heterochromatin structures in the fed chicks as compared with the fasted chicks. These morphological features are compatible with the high transcriptional activity in liver of fed chicks.

[A case report of a double cancer of the ureter and stomach]

A 63-year-old man complained of hunger epigastralgia. X-ray and endoscopic examination demonstrated Borrmann II type gastric carcinoma. Radical gastrectomy was performed on October 20, 1982. The histological findings revealed moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. In May 1983, right hydronephrosis was recognized by ultrasonography. A papillary tumor was visualized in the right ureter in retrograde pyelography, and percutaneous transrenal urinary tract drainage was performed. Cytological findings revealed class V. Total nephro-uretectomy was performed on June 16, 1983. The histological findings revealed transitional cell carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting extrahepatic biliary obstruction

An autopsy case of hepatocellular carcinoma presenting extrahepatic obstructive jaundice was reported. The patient was a 68-year-old man with 5-year history of chronic liver disease and markedly jaundiced, and died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Autopsy revealed hepatocellular carcinoma associated with liver cirrhosis and metastatic polypoid growth in the common bile duct and cystic duct which completely obstructed the duct lumen. Obstructive jaundice secondary to complete obstruction of the common bile duct was a rare complication of hepatocellular carcinoma. The other 85 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma presenting extrahepatic biliary obstruction are reviewed.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of retinol-binding protein in the lysosomes of the proximal tubules of the human kidney

The localization of plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the human kidney was determined by two immunocytochemical techniques, the PAP method and the protein A-gold technique. By using the affinity purified antibody against RBP obtained from the urine of the patients with cadmium poisoning (Itai-Itai disease), the immunoreactive substances were located by light microscopy in the proximal tubules of the human kidney. By immuno-electron microscopy, the stained organelles were identified as lysosomes in both S1 and S2 segments of the tubules. These data suggested that the reabsorption of low molecular weight plasma proteins like RBP can occur in the two segments. We inferred a similarity between the S1 and S2 segments concerning the reabsorption of RBP.

Biochemical characterization of Haemophilus species with the minitek differentiation system

Characterization of 102 Haemophilus strains by the Minitek differentiation system (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) was compared with that by the conventional method. The results obtained by the two methods were in good agreement (P less than 0.001; test of independence). Therefore, this system was found to be applicable for the identification of Haemophilus species in routine clinical bacteriology.

Cholesterol diet increases plasma and liver concentrations of cholesterol epoxides and cholestanetriol

Cholesterol alpha-epoxide (5, 6 alpha-epoxy-5-alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol), cholesterol beta-epoxide (5, 6 beta-epoxy-5 beta-cholestan-3 beta-ol), and cholestanetriol (5 alpha-cholestane-3 beta, 5, 6 beta-triol) were isolated from plasma and liver of rabbits by high performance liquid chromatography and identified by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. The 5, 6-oxygenated cholestanols in the plasma and liver of rabbits fed for two months on a diet supplemented with cholesterol wee elevated to 2-5 times and 5-8 times for normal level, respectively. Among the 5, 6-oxy-generated steroids, the beta-epoxide existed at the highest level in tissues of both control and cholesterol-fed rabbits. The ratios of the beta-epoxide to the alpha-epoxide were 2-3 in all the examined biological specimens just as the previously demonstrated ones in the vitro lipid peroxidation-mediated reaction of cholesterol. These results strongly suggest that the epoxidation of the cholesterol double bond in the animal may be mediated by lipid peroxidation. The elevated 5, 6-oxygenated cholestanol levels on long term cholesterol feeding will be discussed in relation to a possible physiological role of cholestanetriol in regulation of tissue cholesterol levels.

[A study of caerulein action on secretory cells, especially in the islets of Langerhans in the rat pancreas (author's transl)]

Although it is known that caerulein exerts an action on the secretory activity of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, the mechanism of this hormone has not yet been ascertained. The present investigation was undertaken to observe the ultramicroscopic changes of the pancreatic islets and the peripheral blood levels of insulin, glucagon, glucose and electrolites after caerulein administration. The animals were divided into four groups, and three were injected intraperitoneally with caerulein at 25 micrograms/kg, 2 micrograms/kg and 0.2 microgram/kg body weight, respectively. The fourth group served as the control. In the first group (25 micrograms caerulein), the endocrine cells of the pancreatic islets showed accelerated functioning immediately and up to about 2 hours after injection. Then these cells degenerated due to cytoplasmic edema and evidenced decreased secretory activity. In the second group (2 micrograms) depression in the secretory activity occurred for about 2 hours immediately after the injection, but there was no destruction of cells and they gradually recovered their functioning. The third group (0.2 microgram) displayed an acceleration of secretory activity immediately after the injection and then recovered to the normal state. There were some changes of electrolites in the peripheral blood in each of the three groups, suggesting that caerulein causes acceleration and depression of the secretory activities in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas depending on the dosage. Moreover, the cell alterations may well depend on the changes of electrolites in the inner and outer atmospheres of the cells.

Cholesterol alpha- and beta-epoxides as obligatory intermediates in the hepatic microsomal metabolism of cholesterol to cholestanetriol

A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the good separation and direct determination of cholesterol alpha-epoxide (5,6 alpha-epoxy-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol) and beta-epoxide (5,6 beta-epoxy-5 beta-cholestan-3 beta-ol) was introduced to the study of microsomal lipid peroxidation-mediated oxygenation of the cholesterol double bond. In the presence of NADPH, FeSO4, and ADP, bovine liver microsomes converted [4-14C] cholesterol to the alpha-epoxide, beta-epoxide, and cholestanetriol (5 alpha-cholestane-3 beta,5,6 beta-triol) in the ratio 1.0:4.3:0.7. Obligatory intermidiacy of both cholesterol alpha- and beta-epoxides and essential role of microsomal cholesterol epoxide hydratease in the conversion of cholesterol to cholestanetriol were established by using the isotope trapping method as well as the cholesterol epoxide hydratase inhibitor, 5,6 alpha-imino-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol. Hepatic microsomal P-450 played no appreciable role in the epoxidation of cholesterol. Microsomal cholesterol epoxide hydratase was with no doubt found to differ in nature from microsomal xenobiotic epoxide hydratase. Microsomal hydrolysis of styrene oxide and safrole oxide (0.1 mM each) was almost completely inhibited by 3,3,3-trichloro-1-propene oxide (1 mM) but not by 5,6 alpha-imino-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol (1 mM). However, microsomal hydrolysis of both cholesterol alpha- and beta-epoxides was remarkably accelerated by 3,3,3-trichloro-1-propene oxide and inhibited by 5,6 alpha-imino-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol.