Synovial sarcoma. Inter-relationship of the biphasic and monophasic subtypes

In order to assess minimum diagnostic criteria for synovial sarcoma, particularly the monophasic variety, and the inter-relationship between the monophasic and biphasic types, 32 examples were studied histologically, immunohistochemically (26 cases), and ultrastructurally (13 cases). Of the six biphasic synovial sarcomas examined by electron microscopy, the spindle cell component did not show evidence of epithelial differentiation or resemble the epithelial phase, but did appear fibroblastic; no tumor cells transitional between the spindle and epithelial component were evident. In contrast, all of the seven monophasic lesions had ultrastructural growth patterns and some cellular features approximating the epithelial cells of the biphasic variant. In 11 biphasic synovial sarcomas, epithelial membrane antigen was detected in the glandular epithelium of all cases and cytokeratins in eight cases; in no case were these antigens detected in the spindle cell regions of biphasic lesions. Of the 15 monophasic synovial sarcomas, two were positive for cytokeratins and four for epithelial membrane antigen. Thus, the detection of epithelial markers either immunohistochemically or by electron microscopy (or both) should be the minimal diagnostic criteria for monophasic synovial sarcomas. Based on these findings, it is suggested that monophasic synovial sarcomas do not represent the spindle cell or "stromal" phase of biphasic synovial sarcomas, but are a poorly differentiated variant of the latter. As others have suggested, these tumors are, in fact, carcinosarcomas and carcinomas of the soft tissues and the designation synovial sarcoma is inappropriate for this tumor class.

Hydrogen peroxide modification of human oxyhemoglobin

The effect of H2O2 on the primary structure of OxyHb was studied. Upon treatment of OxyHb with H2O2 ([Heme]/[H2O2] = 1), tryptophan and methionine residues of the beta-chain were modified. Treatment of ApoHb with H2O2 resulted in the modification of histidine and methionine residues in both globin chains. Tryptophan residues were unaffected. Modification of methionine residues in both the beta-chain of OxyHb and ApoHb probably results from the direct oxidation of methionine by H2O2. The modification of histidine residues in ApoHb may be mediated by a metal-catalyzed oxidation system comprised of H2O2 and histidine-bound iron. The H2O2-mediated modification of tryptophan in the OxyHb beta-chain, however, requires the heme moiety.

The use of water-soluble radical scavengers to detect hydroxyl radical formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte secretes both O2- and H2O2 when stimulated by various soluble or particulate stimuli. Since a reaction involving iron, O2-, and H2O2 could generate the hydroxyl radical (HO.) there has been speculation that the HO. may participate in the bactericidal activity of the neutrophil. A variety of water-soluble HO. scavengers have been used to test for the participation of HO. and the results imply that HO. might participate. However, other workers have not been able to detect the formation of significant amounts of HO. by the activated neutrophil. We have examined the effect of several commonly used HO. radical scavengers on the ability of the neutrophil to secrete O2- and H2O2. Several of these compounds actively inhibit secretion without affecting the viability of the neutrophil. After considering the various complications inherent in using water soluble radical scavengers, we suggest that they only be used with well defined experimental systems.

Evaluation of memory dysfunction following experimental brain injury using the Morris water maze

Memory dysfunction, a common clinical feature of traumatic brain injury (TBI), is thought to be related to secondary damage of key anatomic structures in the brain, including the hippocampus. In the present study, we have characterized and evaluated a novel experimental paradigm using the Morris water maze (MWM) technique, to measure post-TBI memory retention after lateral (parasagittal) fluid percussion (FP) brain injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 37) received a total of 20 training trials over 2 days in the MWM. Two and a half hours after the last training trial, the animals received FP brain injury of moderate severity (2.3 atmospheres, n = 12), high severity (2.6 atm, n = 13), or no injury (n = 12). Forty-two hours after FP brain injury, we observed a highly sufficient memory dysfunction in animals from both injury groups compared to the uninjured group (p less than 0.001). The degree of memory dysfunction was found to be directly related to the severity of injury, with the high severity group scoring significantly worse than the moderately injured group (p = 0.15). In addition, hippocampal cell loss was observed after brain injury, but only unilaterally. These data suggest that lateral FP brain injury causes memory dysfunction possibly related to concurrent hippocampal cell loss and that posttraumatic memory deficits may be sensitively quantitated using the memory testing paradigm described.

Ca2+ transport in myocardial sarcolemma from rainbow trout

Sacrolemmal vesicles were isolated from trout ventricles with a yield of 0.51 mg protein/g wet wt of a fraction enriched approximately 15-fold over the crude homogenate as estimated by K(+)-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase (K(+)-pNPPase) activity. Although the K(+)-pNPPase specific activity compared favorably with that of the rat heart, there were some striking differences in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and specific phospholipid content (mumol/mg protein) of the sacrolemmal fractions between the two species. Two major sarcolemmal Ca2(+)-transport proteins were investigated, the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger and the dihydropyridine (DHP) receptor, a component of the voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel. From the initial rates of Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ uptake, it was determined that the exchanger has an apparent Km for Ca2+ of 14 +/- 1 microM and a maximum velocity of 7.7 +/- 1.1 nmol.mg protein-1.s-1 at 21 degrees C. Experiments using the DHP ligand [3H] (+) PN 200-110 to characterize the equilibrium binding to the DHP receptor in the sarcolemmal fraction yielded a Kd of 0.08 nM and maximum binding sites of 3.06 +/- 0.49 pmol/mg protein. Given the smaller dimensions of the trout myocyte and the resultant higher sarcolemmal surface to cytosolic volume compared with the mammalian myocyte, these in vitro findings are consistent with the notion that Ca2+ transport across sarcolemma is a quantitatively important contributor of Ca2+ delivery to and removal from the contractile element.

A new bifunctional spin-label suitable for saturation-transfer EPR studies of protein rotational motion

A new bifunctional spin-label (BSL) has been synthesized that can be immobilized on the surface of proteins, allowing measurement of rotational motion of proteins by saturation-transfer electron paramagnetic resonance (STEPR). The spin-label contains a photoactivatable azido moiety, a cleavable disulfide, and a nitroxide spin with restricted mobility relative to the rest of the label. The label reacts with surface lysine residues modified with beta-mercaptopropionate. Bifunctional attachment is achieved by photoactivation of the azido group. Any spin-label that remains monofunctionally attached after photolysis is removed by reduction of the disulfide. Only bifunctionally attached BSL remains on the protein. Hemoglobin was used to test the utility of the BSL in STEPR by comparison with hemoglobin modified with maleimide spin-label (MSL), a commonly used standard for the STEPR technique. MSL is a monofunctional spin-label which is fortuitously immobilized by local protein structure within hemoglobin. The BSL labeling of hemoglobin did not significantly affect the quaternary structure of hemoglobin as determined by gel filtration chromatography. The conventional EPR spectra of the mono- and bifunctionally attached BSL-hemoglobin were similar to the MSL-hemoglobin spectrum, indicating that both forms of BSL were rigidly bound to hemoglobin. In contrast, the spectrum obtained by reaction of modified hemoglobin lysine residues with MSL indicated that these labels were highly mobile. The monofunctionally attached BSL was mobilized upon octyl glucoside addition whereas bifunctionally attached BSL was only slightly mobilized, suggesting that hydrophobic interactions immobilize the monofunctionally attached label on hemoglobin. The response of STEPR spectra of mono- and bifunctionally attached BSL-hemoglobin to changes in hemoglobin rotational correlation time was similar to the MSL-hemoglobin over the range of 10(-5)-10(-3) s. The spectra of bifunctionally attached BSL indicated slightly less motion than corresponding spectra for MSL or monofunctionally attached BSL. The new BSL is a good reporter of protein rotation and does not require unique protein structures for its immobilization on the protein. Thus, the BSL should be more generally applicable for STEPR studies of membrane protein rotation than existing monofunctional spin-labels.

Ca2+ transport across the plasma membrane of striated muscle

In both types of striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac), calcium flux across the plasma membrane (sarcolemma) is regulated by at least three distinct membrane proteins; a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, Ca2+ pump (Ca2+ ATPase), and the Na+/Ca2+ antiporter. Each of these proteins is subject to regulation by intracellular second messengers. The magnitude and the role of this transsarcolemmal calcium flux are quite different between cardiac and skeletal muscle. In cardiac muscle, the influx is large, precedes, and is obligatory for contraction. There is general agreement that this influx is the trigger for Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the heart according to the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release hypothesis. Variations in the transsarcolemmal Ca2+ influx have a profound effect on the strength of cardiac contraction, and it appears that this is the primary physiological strategy for regulation of contractility. In skeletal muscle, on the other hand, the T-tubules represent the richest source of dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive calcium channels known to exist, yet the influx of Ca2+ is proportionally much smaller and a significant portion enters the fiber following the twitch. While the majority of the Ca2+ influx is twitch dependent, it is quite clear that contraction in skeletal muscle is not predicated on this influx. It has been proposed that these DHP channels act as voltage sensors in order to initiate release of SR Ca2+; however, the link between the sensors and the opening of the SR Ca2+ (ryanodine-sensitive) channel is unknown. Transsarcolemmal Ca2+ transport appears to be subject to intense regulation to modify the acute response and demonstrates some plasticity in the adaptation to chronic perturbations.

Myoepithelioma--new concepts of histology and classification: a light and electron microscopic study

Based on histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies, it is now apparent that the modified myoepithelial cell component of pleomorphic adenomas has a considerable range of cytological features. We reasoned that myoepitheliomas could be tumors with a similar spectrum of neoplastic myoepithelium but lacking the ductal element displayed in pleomorphic adenomas. A review of available salivary gland tumors identified 40 examples based on this definition. Architecturally, these myoepitheliomas displayed either nonmyxoid (solid), myxoid (pleomorphic adenoma-like), reticular (canalicularlike), or mixed growth patterns, while cytologically the lesions were composed of spindle-type (32.5%), hyaline-type (7.5%), epithelial-type (45.0%), clear-type (2.5%), or mixed-type (12.5%) tumor cells. Electron microscopy was carried out on eight examples and detailed immunohistochemistry on two methanol-fixed cases. As a result of the current review of myoepitheliomas and the description of similar lesions in the literature, it is our contention that salivary gland myoepitheliomas are not as rare as has been purported.

Ultrastructural contributions to the study of morphological differentiation in malignant mixed (pleomorphic) tumors of salivary gland

Ultrastructural studies of pleomorphic adenoma have shown a coordinated differentiation of luminal epithelial and modified myoepithelial cells with the latter cells related to processes resulting in the myxochondroid stroma. Five examples of various histologic types of malignant mixed tumor of parotid origin were examined by electron microscopy to see if underlying patterns of tumor cell differentiation and organization matched those of pleomorphic adenoma. Whether they were intracapsular tumors (with or without identifiable pleomorphic adenoma), carcinomas ex pleomorphic adenoma, or a true malignant mixed tumor, all lesions had cell types and organizations either identical to those in pleomorphic adenoma or, as in less-differentiated examples, displayed features suggesting origin from luminal cells, myoepithelial cells, or both. Even the chondroid cells in the true malignant mixed tumor expressed ultrastructural features indicating their epithelial derivation. On the basis of these findings, some alterations to the classification and terminology of the subtypes of malignant mixed tumor are suggested.

Stereospecific bioactions of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoate

5(S)-Hydroxyicosatetraenoate stimulates human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to raise their cytosolic calcium. It also potentiates the cells' degranulation responses to platelet-activating factor and diacylglycerols. We synthesized 5(R)-hydroxyicosatetraenoate and found it to be 20-100-fold weaker than the natural isomer in these assays. Thus, the arachidonic acid metabolite activates PMNs by a stereospecific possibly receptor-mediated mechanism.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for Z-DNA

Dot blot and transblot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (e.l.i.s.a.) are described which provide sensitive non-radioactive methods for screening Z-DNA-specific antisera and for detecting Z-DNA in polydeoxyribonucleotides and supercoiled plasmids. In the alkaline phosphatase dot blot e.l.i.s.a., Z-DNA, Br-poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), or B-DNA, poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), poly(dA-dT).poly(dA-dT), Br-poly(dI-dC).poly(dI-dC), or salmon sperm DNA were spotted onto nitrocellulose discs and baked. The e.l.i.s.a. was conducted in 48-well culture dishes at 37 degrees C using a rabbit polyclonal antiserum developed against Br-poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated second antibody, and p-nitrophenol as the substrate. Under conditions where antibody concentrations were not limiting, alkaline phosphatase activity was linear for 2 h. Dot blot e.l.i.s.a. conditions are described which allow quantification of Z-DNA [Br-poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC)] within the range 5-250 ng. Dot blot and transblot horseradish peroxidase e.l.i.s.a. are described that detect Z-DNA within supercoiled plasmid DNAs immobilized on diazophenylthioether (DPT) paper. In the transblot e.l.i.s.a., plasmid pUC8 derivatives containing 16, 24, or 32 residues of Z-DNA were electrophoresed in agarose gels and electrophoretically transferred to DPT paper. Z-DNA-antibody complexes were detected by the horseradish peroxidase-catalysed conversion of 4-chloro-1-naphthol to a coloured product that was covalently bound to the DPT paper. Z-DNA antibody reactivity was specific for supercoiled Z-DNA containing plasmids after removal of the antibodies cross-reactive with B-DNA by absorption onto native DNA-cellulose. The transblot e.l.i.s.a. was sensitive enough to detect 16 base pairs of alternating G-C residues in 100 ng of pUC8 DNA.

On the substrate specificity of rat liver phospholipase A1

The substrate specificity of purified phospholipase A1 was studied using mixed micelles of phospholipid and Triton X-100. The kinetic analysis employed determined Vmax, Ks (a dissociation constant for the phospholipase A1-mixed micelle complex), and Km (the Michaelis constant for the catalytic step which reflects the binding of the enzyme to the substrate in the interface). The order of Vmax values was phosphatidic acid greater than phosphatidylethanolamine greater than phosphatidylcholine greater than phosphatidylserine. The order of Ks values was phosphatidylcholine greater than phosphatidylethanolamine greater than phosphatidic acid greater than phosphatidylserine; the order of Km values was phosphatidic acid greater than phosphatidylethanolamine = phosphatidylserine greater than phosphatidylcholine. When present together, phosphatidylcholine inhibited the hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine but phosphatidylethanolamine did not affect the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. Sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine plasmalogen, and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen had no effect on the hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine. The effects of the reaction products, lysolipids and/or fatty acids, were also considered for their influence on phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase A1. Free fatty acid was found to inhibit, whereas lysophospholipids stimulated hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine. In a mixture of 1,2- and 1,3-diacylglycerides in mixed micelles, only the acyl chain at the sn-1 position of the 1,2 compound was hydrolyzed. Surface charge did not modulate the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine vesicles or mixed micelles. In conclusion, it is hypothesized that steric hindrance at position 3 of the glycerol regulates substrate binding in the active site and that an acyl group in position 1 is favored over a vinyl ether linkage for binding.

Myoepithelioma of the lung

This report describes the first documented case (to our knowledge) of a myoepithelioma occurring in the lung. The neoplasm showed histologic features identical to those described in myoepitheliomas of major and minor salivary glands. The histologic diagnosis was confirmed ultrastructurally by the presence of longitudinal cytoplasmic bundles of 6-nm myofilaments and was supported immunologically by the expression of S100 protein.

Identification of 12-keto-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid as an arachidonic acid metabolite produced by human HL-60 leukemia cells

An unusual cyclooxygenase-derived metabolite of arachidonic acid has been shown to be produced by N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)-induced, terminally differentiated human HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells and to a much lesser extent by untreated cells. Biochemical evidence in conjunction with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/thermospray mass spectrometry analyses indicates that the product is 12-keto-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (KHT). Both KHT and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) were produced when arachidonic acid was incubated with cell lysates obtained from differentiated HL-60 granulocytes. Indomethacin and the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor UK-38485 inhibited the production of both metabolites, whereas ethacrynic acid inhibited only the production of KHT. In 100,000 g supernatant fractions, obtained from either untreated or differentiated cells, KHT was produced when HHT was used as substrate. The addition of exogenous NAD, but not NADP, to incubations caused a significant increase in the production of KHT coincident with a decrease in the level of HHT. These data suggest that, in both differentiated and undifferentiated HL-60 cells, an NAD-dependent enzyme, apparently 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), is expressed and catalyzes the conversion of HHT to KHT. In differentiated HL-60 cells, this metabolite is produced from arachidonic acid through a multi-enzymatic process involving the activities of cyclooxygenase, thromboxane synthetase and 15-PGDH. The production of KHT from arachidonic acid in undifferentiated HL-60 cells is probably limited, therefore, by the virtual absence of cyclooxygenase activity in these cells.

UV radiation measurement in a study of elderly subjects

Elderly subjects were exposed to controlled amounts of sunshine over a 3-month period. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was monitored using two types of sensors, polysulphone film and a digital radiation meter. The time periods for sun exposure were computer-derived so as to yield 'safe' exposure times, but these times may have been underestimated. Erythemally effective radiation doses calculated from the sensor readings indicated good agreement between the sensors.

Role of free radical processes in stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes produce large quantities of superoxide when they attack and kill bacteria. However, superoxide is a weak oxidizing and reducing agent, and other more reactive oxygen species derived from reactions of superoxide are suggested to participate in the killing processes. To test the hypothesis that a reactive free radical or singlet oxygen is involved in bactericidal activity, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were exposed to phagocytozable particles containing lipids that contain the easily autoxidized 1,4-diene moiety. After incubation the preparations were extracted and the extracts reduced with NaBH4 to convert hydroperoxides to stable alcohols. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to analyze the extracts, we were unable to detect products unless iron salts were added to the medium. The products obtained by extraction are those that would be expected if both free radical chain autoxidation and 1O2 oxidation were taking place. In summary, we find that polymorphonuclear leukocytes do not cause peroxidation, implying that formation of strongly oxidizing free radicals is not an intrinsic property of the leukocyte. Added iron catalyzes peroxidation by activated leukocytes yielding an unusual distribution of hydroxylated products.