Expression of markers for both neuronal and glial cells in human amniotic epithelial cells

Human amniotic epithelial (HAE) cells are formed from amnioblasts, separated from the epiblast at about the 8th day after fertilization. We attempted to detect various developmental antigens specific to neural cells by immunocytochemical methods. The cultured HAE cells displayed positive immunoreactivity to RC1, vimentin, A2B5, neurofilament proteins, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and MAP2 kinase. In addition, the cells also demonstrated immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein, CNPase, myelin basic protein and galactocerebroside. The appearance rate of positive cells was more than 50% in cells positive to RC1, A2B5, vimentin or neuronal markers, and 20-30% to glial cell markers. Double staining showed the heterogeneous appearance of oligodendrocyte lineage cells. These data indicate that HAE cells may have the putative multipotentiality of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Hypertrophy of the cerebral white matter in hemimegalencephaly

We morphometrically measured the cut surface of the cerebral hemisphere and localized epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like immunoreactivity in 4 patients with hemimegalencephaly. On the affected side, the area of cerebral white matter was more than twice as large as that on the unaffected side, while the area of the cerebral cortex on the affected side was relatively small. EGF-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated in cortical neurons (4 of 4 patients) and glial cells (3 of 4 patients), notably in astrocytes. Significant enlargement of the cerebral white matter compared to the cerebral cortex and the expression of EGF-like molecules in astrocytes suggest excessive proliferation in the white matter with hemimegalencephaly and the possible relevance of EGF to these events.

Immunochemical and immunohistochemical localization of Bcl-x protein in the rat central nervous system

To explore the role of bcl-x in the regulation of cell death in the nervous system, we produced monoclonal antibodies against rat Bcl-xL protein, the major product of the rat bcl-x gene that inhibits apoptosis, and defined its distribution in rat neural tissues by immunochemical and immunohistochemical means. Western blotting of tissue homogenates identified the Bcl-x protein as two bands with molecular weights of about 29 and 31 kDa. The level of Bcl-x expression in the nervous system was high, being comparable to that in the hematolymphoid system, and higher in the fetal than in the adult brain. Subcellular fractionation studies localized Bcl-x to various subcellular compartments. In tissue culture, Bcl-x was produced by all the cell types examined, including neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Bcl-x immunoreactivity was more intense in the gray than in the white matter. In the fetal cerebral cortex, labeling was mostly confined to the neuronal perikarya, whereas in the more mature brain, the neuropil of the gray matter, as well as the glial cells in the white matter, was also stained.

Transient expression of apolipoprotein-E in neonates with pontosubicular neuron necrosis

An apolipoprotein-E (Apo-E) immunohistochemical study was performed on neonates with pontosubicular neuron necrosis (PSN), aged 38-42 weeks of gestation, and compared to findings for age-matched neonates without PSN. Apo-E was expressed in neurons in both the pontine nuclei and pyramidal layer of the hippocampus, as well as astrocytes of only the PSN cases. The immunoreactive neurons did not exhibit karyorrhexis and were found in neonates by the age of 6 days. Apo-E may be produced by astrocytes and taken up by neurons on membrane remodeling during early responses to cerebral hypoxic or ischemic insult in PSN neonates.

Sensory neuropeptides are not directly involved in bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by interleukin-8 in guinea-pigs in vivo

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been shown to be a chemotactic factor for neutrophils, T-lymphocytes and eosinophils. Repeated intranasal administration of IL-8 enhances bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine in guinea-pigs. Neuropeptides which are released from C-fibre nerve-endings have been postulated to induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness through neurogenic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine whether sensory neuropeptides are involved in the IL-8-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

METHODS

IL-8 at a dose of 5 micrograms/kg was administered intranasally to guinea-pigs twice a week for 3 weeks. One day after the last administration, animals were anesthetized and artificially ventilated through tracheal cannula, and lateral pressure at the tracheal cannula (Pao) was measured as an overall index of airway responses to increasing concentrations of inhaled histamine (25, 50, 100, and 200 micrograms/mL). A NK1 and NK2 dual antagonist FK224 (10 mg/kg), a selective NK1 antagonist FK888 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was intravenously administered 10 min before measurement of bronchial responsiveness.

RESULTS

The IL-8 treatment significantly enhanced bronchial responsiveness to histamine (ANOVA P < 0.01). FK224 or FK888 did not alter the IL-8-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that repeated intranasal administration of IL-8 causes bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and that neuropeptides such as neurokinin A and substance P do not directly contribute to the development of BHR induced by IL-8.

[Chronic persistent coughing successfully treated with ozagrel]

A 25-year-old woman complained of coughing for over 8 weeks. The coughing was not relieved by a bronchodilator (beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist; clenbuterol), and anti-allergic agent (azelastine), or an inhaled corticosteroid. The thromboxane synthetase inhibitor ozagrel completely abolished her cough. In this case, thromboxane A2 may have contributed to the coughing.

Involvement of NK2 receptors rather than NK1 receptors in bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by allergic reaction in guinea-pigs

1. In this study, the role of neuropeptides in antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and bronchial responsiveness in guinea-pigs was evaluated by use of phosphoramidon, the inhibitor of neutral endopeptidases (NEP), the NK1 receptor antagonist, FK888, and the dual NK1/NK2 receptor antagonist, FK224. The role of endogenous tachykinins in bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by inhaled capsaicin was also observed with FK888 and FK224. 2. Allergic bronchoconstriction and bronchial responsiveness was evoked by inhalation of ovalbumin (OA), and increasing doses of methacholine were inhaled at 5-min intervals for 30 min after OA challenge in passively sensitized and artificially ventilated guinea-pigs. Animals were treated with a 30 s inhalation of phosphoramidon (10(-3)M) or saline 10 min before the OA challenge. FK888 (1.0 or 10 mg kg-1) or FK224 (1.0 or 10 mg kg-1) was administered intravenously 5 min before the OA challenge. 3. Treatment with phosphoramidon did not alter the increase in the lateral pressure at the tracheal tube (Pao) caused by OA inhalation or the increase in bronchial response to methacholine following the allergic reaction. Pretreatment with FK224 did not inhibit the increase in Pao after antigen provocation but did significantly inhibit antigen-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness in a dose-dependent manner, while FK888 did not affect either allergic bronchoconstriction or post-allergic bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 4. Histamine, 25, 50, 100 or 200 micrograms ml-1 was inhaled for 20 s at 5-min intervals in non-sensitized guinea-pigs which were pretreated with inhalation of subthreshold dose of capsaicin (10(-7) M). FK888 or FK224, each at a dose of 0.1 or 1.0 mg kg-1, or vehicle was given to guinea-pigs intravenously 3 min before inhalation of capsaicin. The capsaicin inhalation significantly potentiated bronchial responsiveness to histamine, compared with control. The capsaicin-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness was completely blocked by FK224 in a dose-dependent manner but not by FK888. 5. These results suggest that NK2 receptors rather than NK1 receptors may play an important role in bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by antigen challenge as well as capsaicin while tachykinins do not play a primary role in the acute bronchospasm elicited by antigen challenge in passively sensitized guinea-pigs.

Neuronal and vascular pathology produced by verocytotoxin 2 in the rabbit central nervous system

To study the pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS) involvement associated with verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli infection, we developed an animal model by administering verocytotoxin 2 to rabbits either intravenously or intrathecally. After an interval of 2-9 days, the rabbits became paralyzed in a dose-dependent manner and in the absence of renal impairment. The minimal intravenous and intrathecal doses that produced these neurological signs were 250 and 0.4 ng/kg, respectively. After intravenous administration, most of the toxin was cleared from the serum within 24 h, with concomitant transition of a small amount into the cerebrospinal fluid. Pathological examination revealed that neurons in various CNS regions showed atrophy, cytoplasmic hyperchromasia and nuclear pyknosis as early as 6 h after administration. The distribution of affected neurons was constant and irrespective of the route of administration. Abnormalities of the blood vessels, such as the thickening of arterioles walls, were noted from 2 days after administration. The vascular lesions became more prominent after the intrathecal injection, which caused thrombosis and multiple infarction. Selective deposition of the toxin on the vessel walls was demonstrated immunohistochemically. Thus, the pathological manifestations of verocytotoxin 2 neurotoxicity consisted essentially of two types of lesions, early neuronal and late vascular, both of which might have developed under the influence of the toxin that had entered the CNS by crossing or circumventing the blood-brain barrier.

High expression of Bcl-x protein in the developing human cerebellar cortex

The gene bcl-x, which is related to a bcl-2, regulates programmed cell death. bcl-x may function in the development of the nervous system. We raised a polyclonal antibody against human Bcl-x protein, and investigated its distribution in the developing human cerebellum. Western blotting revealed that Bcl-x expression in the cerebellum is higher in the fetal, than in the postnatal period. Immunohistochemical studies of fetal brains localized intense Bcl-x immunoreactivity in the granule cell processes at 13-22 gestational weeks and in the Purkinje cell bodies at 24-38 weeks. The immunoreactivity decreased after birth, but was retained in the Purkinje cells at a low level until adulthood. These results suggested that Bcl-x expression in the cerebellum is developmentally regulated and involved specifically in the development of neuronal subpopulations.

[Classification and pathogenesis of cerebral cortical malformations]

Cerebral cortical malformation is now diagnosed by neuroimagings, and important as a cause of developmental disorder or epilepsy. The classification of cortical malformations was tried from developmental aspect, and agyria in Miller-Dieker syndrome and polymicrogyria in Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy were compared on their pathogeneses. Unilateral hemimegalencephaly and focal cortical dysplasia were reviewed on literatures.

A tyrosine kinase-like molecule is localized in the nuclear membrane of neurons: hippocampal behavior under stress

Protein tyrosine kinases play important roles in the development of the mammalian nervous system during embryogenesis and in the maintenance of function of the adult brain. Using a semi-nested PCR technique based on a short amino acid motif of protein tyrosine kinases, we isolated a human genomic DNA encoding a peptide whose sequence was related to known mammalian protein tyrosine kinases. The expression was examined by Northern blot analysis, and transcripts were detected almost exclusively in the brain. The corresponding cDNA was sequenced, and it was revealed that the gene designated as byk coded for a receptor-like molecule with a motif of protein tyrosine kinase. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the Byk protein was expressed in neurons and was located in the nuclear envelope. To understand the physiological significance of the Byk protein, we investigated the behavior of this molecule in the hippocampus after ischemia. Byk-like immunoreactivity disappeared from the neurons in the fields CA1 through CA3 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus following 20 min of ischemia. After recirculation of blood flow, neurons in the CA3 field and the dentate gyrus re-expressed Byk-like antigen but CA1 neurons did not. Interestingly, Byk-like immunoreactivity was detected in microglial cells and astrocytes in the CA1 field that were activated after ischemia. Byk could be a new tool to study the neuron-glia and glia-glia interactions.

Immunohistochemical expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha in neonatal leukomalacia

The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) was examined in infants with leukomalacia by means of immunohistochemical methods with an antihuman TNF alpha monoclonal antibody. We studied 23 patients with neonatal leukomalacia, classified as having "focal," "widespread," or "diffuse" disease according to the distribution of the lesions, and 18 age-matched controls. TNF alpha immunoreactivity was positive in 19 of the 23 (83%) patients with leukomalacia, and in 7 of the 18 (39%) controls. TNF alpha was expressed mainly in glial cells in the deep white matter in both groups, and was most abundant around the necrotic foci in the focal group. TNF alpha immunoreactivity appeared earlier in patients with leukomalacia than in controls, being first detected at 25 and 29 weeks gestation, respectively. Immunofluorescence double-labeling revealed the TNF alpha -immunoreactive cells were Ricinus communis agglutinin-1 (RCA-1)-positive microglial cells. Thus, our study revealed increasing expression of TNF alpha in the normally developing brain during the late fetal period, and overproduction of TNF alpha by microglial cells associated with the pathogenesis of neonatal leukomalacia.

Inhibition of HTLV-I induction and virus-induced syncytia formation by oligodeoxynucleotides

HTLV-I is an exogenous human retrovirus that is a causative agent of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). In addition to the structural genes (gag, pol and env), a gene termed pX is postulated to be associated with leukemogenesis in ATL. Since no effective chemotherapy is currently available, it is important to find suitable therapeutic means against ATL. Here, we tested the inhibitory effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on HTLV-I infection in different systems. ODNs were synthesized with the phosphorothioate backbone targeted to either structural genes or transactivator genes. The phosphorothioate ODNs were found to have two distinct target sites to exert their effect on HTLV-I infection: 1) Several ODNs, including sense ODNs and random oligomers, blocked syncytium formation induced by HTLV-I at a concentration of 0.1 microM. Their inhibitory effect on syncytium formation seemed to be exerted in a nonantisense manner, most probably due to their interaction with the cell membrane. 2) Efficient suppression by ODNs of gag gene expression after chemical induction was observed in HTLV-I-transformed T cells in an antisense manner. In this suppression, tax-antisense ODN showed virtually complete inhibition of gag protein expression, but not RNA expression, at the concentration of 0.1 microM, whereas tax-sense ODN displayed a weak inhibitory effect. Our results suggest that the influence of the phosphorothioate compound should be considered from the aspect of two separated mechanisms of antiviral activity, the effects on early (viral adsorption) and late (translation) phase infection.

[MR imaging of colonic cancer with retrograde administration of contrast material containing ferric ammonium citrate]

MR imaging was performed with the retrograde administration of ferro-magnetic contrast material and air in 10 patients with rectosigmoid colon cancer. The border of the lesions was well demonstrated in spin echo images, and MR imaging yielded additional diagnostic information to that provided by barium enemas and CT scans in all cases. In conclusion, this type of contrast material seemed promising in the MRI diagnosis of rectal lesions.

[Effect of clarithromycin on symptoms and mucociliary transport in patients with sino-bronchial syndrome]

The effect of clarithromycin on symptoms and on mucociliary transport (as assessed by the saccharin test) were studied in 32 patients with sino-bronchial syndrome. Before treatment with clarithromycin, the nasal clearance time was significantly longer in these patients (70.3 +/- 64.7 min, mean +/- SD) than in control subjects (11.9 +/- 5.3 min, p < 0.001). By the end of 4 weeks of treatment with oral clarithromycin (400 mg/day), nasal clearance time in the patients had improved significantly (30.4 +/- 39.5 min, p < 0.001). Before clarithromycin therapy, bacteria were found in cultures of sputum from 15 patients. After clarithromycin therapy, bacteria were found in cultures of sputum from only 3 of those 15 patients. Cough frequency, volume of sputum, and dyspnea on exertion were significantly improved by clarithromycin therapy. These findings suggest that mucociliary transport is abnormal in patients with sino-bronchial syndrome, and that clarithromycin can be clinically useful in these patients.

Development of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells in the human cerebrum

We demonstrate the distribution and development of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) immunoreactivity in vessels of the human brain. eNOS-positive endothelial cells were recognized in small vessels in the parenchyma of the cerebrum, as well as in the large arteries and veins in the leptomeninges. By 10-13 weeks of gestation, eNOS-positive endothelial cells had already appeared in the vessels of the leptomeninges and deep white matter. Immunoreactivity for eNOS was noted in most vessels at 14-17 weeks in the intermediate white matter, at 18-21 weeks in the cortex, and at 23-26 weeks in the subcortical white matter. Such differences in regional development may be responsible in part for the topographical predilection for hemorrhagic or hypoxic-ischemic lesions in the developing brain.

Developmental changes of epidermal growth factor-like immunoreactivity in the human fetal brain

We investigated the immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the developing human brain from 6 weeks of gestation to 3 months postpartum. EGF-like immunoreactivity varied in its localization and intensity according to the stage of development. At 10 - 20 weeks of gestation, EGF-like immunoreactivity appeared in proliferating and migrating cells in the cerebrum, disappeared thereafter, and appeared again in cortical neurons after 27 weeks of gestation. Astrocytes also showed EGF-like immunoreactivity from 27 weeks of gestation. These results suggest developmental regulation of EGF expression in the human brain, suggesting its physiological role in both neuronal and glial cells.

Neuronal localization of CD38 antigen in the human brain

CD38 is a lymphocyte differentiation antigen which is involved in the cyclic ADP-ribose-mediated second messenger system. We provide immunochemical and immunohistochemical evidence for the expression of CD38 in the adult human brain. We used six polyclonal antibodies against synthetic CD38 polypeptides, in addition to four monoclonal antibodies already available. Brain CD38 was detectable by Western blotting after immunoaffinity purification of the brain extracts. Immunoperoxidase staining localized CD38 immunoreactivity to the perikarya and dendrites of many neurons, such as the cerebellar Purkinje cells, implying that CD38 is involved in the signal transduction within the central nervous system neurons.

Lissencephaly gene product. Localization in the central nervous system and loss of immunoreactivity in Miller-Dieker syndrome

The Miller-Dieker syndrome, a disorder of neuronal migration, is caused by deletions of chromosome 17p13.3. Recently, a gene on 17p13.3, named LIS-1, was identified as the causative gene for this cerebral anomaly. Here we immunochemically and immunohistochemically localized the gene product, LIS-1 protein, among control normal subjects and patients with Miller-Dieker syndrome, using specific antibodies raised against synthetic peptide fragments of LIS-1 protein. Western blot analyses identified LIS-1 protein as a 45-kd, heparin-binding protein abundant in the cytosolic fraction. The protein was restricted to the central nervous system and detectable in brains of controls of all ages, from the early fetal to adult period. Immunostaining demonstrated the widespread distribution of LIS-1 protein in the brain and spinal cord of controls and a loss of immunoreactivity in individuals with Miller-Dieker syndrome. These results are consistent with the notion that a deficiency of LIS-1 protein is the direct cause of the brain malformation and that the protein plays a critical role in neuronal migration.

Cystic leukomalacia in the cerebellar folia of premature infants

Cystic necrosis in the cerebellar white matter was found in three premature infants. The necrosis was characteristically localized in the center of the white matter of the superficial cerebellar folia, sparing the overlying cortex. The patients were aged between 28 and 34 gestational weeks, and had a clinical history of severe systemic hypotension. Thus, cystic leukomalacia represents a characteristic brain lesion in premature infants which may be caused by cerebellar hypoperfusion.

Expression of beta-amyloid precursor protein in axons of periventricular leukomalacia brains

Human beta-amyloid precursor protein immunoreactivity was demonstrated in axonal swellings (spheroids) around periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) of neonates. Immunoreactive axons were found at the early, but not late stage of PVL. beta-Amyloid precursor protein immunoreactivity was homogeneous in damaged axons at the early stage of PVL manifesting microglial activation, concentrated at the center of axonal swellings at the subsequent stage manifesting astrogliosis, and undetectable at the terminal stage of cavitation or neovasculation. Immunostaining for beta-amyloid precursor protein was useful in localizing PVL lesions at their early stages.

Developmental changes of apolipoprotein E immunoreactivity in Down syndrome brains

The temporal profile of apolipoprotein-E (apo-E) expression was investigated immunohistochemically in the brains of Down syndrome patients and of normal controls. The number of apo-E immunoreactive astrocytes in the frontal cortex was larger in Down syndrome patients than in controls from 7 months to 24 years of age. It suggests that apo-E producing astrocytes in the early phase of pathological process lead to presenile dementia in Down syndrome patients. In contrast, the number in the white matter was smaller in Down syndrome patients from 28 gestational weeks to 5 years. Apo-E immunoreactive senile plaques were noted in Down syndrome brains from the age of 25 years, while APP immunoreactivity was first noted in senile plaques at the age of 32 years.

The prenatal age critical for the development of the pontosubicular necrosis

Pontosubicular neuronal necrosis is characterized by neuronal karyorrhexis, showing a peculiar distribution. In infants delivered at more than 29 gestational weeks (GW), neuronal karyorrhexis is restricted to the pons and subiculum, while in very premature infants (delivered at less than 28 GW), neurons in other brain regions, such as the inferior olivary nucleus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebral cortex, are also involved. Thus, karyorrhexis is more widely distributed in the more immature brain, implicating neuronal maturation as one of the pathogenetic factors relevant to this type of neuronal cell death.

[A case of chronic persistent cough caused by gastro-esophageal reflux]

Although gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is one of the major causes of chronic persistent cough (CPC) in the USA and in Europe, it is a rare cause of CPC in Japan. We report a rare case of CPC caused by GER, in which treatment with an H2-blocker or with a proton pump inhibitor was successful. A 65-year-old woman had complained of coughing for over 25 years. Her coughing was not alleviated by treatment with a bronchodilator (beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist), an anti-allergic agent, a corticosteroid, or a sedative. GER was considered as a possible cause of her coughing because exacerbation of the coughing was associated with the development of gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn). Fiberoptic esophagoscopy showed esophagitis and esophageal herniation of the sliding type. Twenty four-hour monitoring of distal esophageal pH showed that the coughing occurred when the pH dropped below 4, and that the pH was less than 4 for about 7% of the whole monitoring time. An H2-blocker or a proton pump inhibitor completely eliminated the symptoms. Therefore, CPC caused by GER was diagnosed. We found that coughing could be induced by instillation of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at the distal esophagus, and that the coughing was partially inhibited by inhalation of an anti-muscarinic agent (ipratropium bromide) and by esophageal instillation of 4% xylocaine. These data support the "reflex theory". Although CPC caused by GER is rare in Japan, we should remember that GER can be a cause of CPC even in Japanese patients.

Developmental changes of heat shock protein 73 in human brain

The expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 73, a constitutive form of HSP, was evaluated immunohistologically in human brains, from embryos to adults. HSP 73 immunoreactivity was first detected in the embryo at 6 weeks of gestational age (GW) in the ventral horn cells of the spinal cord and the dorsal root ganglion cells. During the fetal period, the reactivity extended cranially, becoming detectable in the cerebral pyramidal cells at 40 GW. Glial cells in the spinal cord also showed HSP 73 immunoreactivity, from 22 GW. The time course of the development of HSP 73 immunoreactivity was mostly consistent with the time courses of overall neuronal and glial maturation, suggesting an increasing role of HSP 73 during neural cell differentiation.

Acute necrotising encephalopathy of childhood: a new syndrome presenting with multifocal, symmetric brain lesions

The clinicopathological features of a previously unrecognised type of acute encephalopathy prevalent among Japanese children is described by reviewing the records of 13 consecutive patients treated and 28 previously reported cases. The hallmark of this encephalopathy, proposed to be a novel entity termed acute necrotising encephalopathy of childhood, is multiple, necrotic brain lesions showing a symmetric distribution. The encephalopathy was noted in previously healthy children after respiratory tract infections, with presenting symptoms of coma, convulsions, vomiting, hyperpyrexia, and hepatomegaly. Laboratory examinations disclosed liver dysfunction, uraemia, and hypoproteinaemia. The histological appearance of the liver was variable and non-specific. Cerebrospinal fluid contained an increased amount of protein. Computed tomography and MRI showed the presence of symmetrically distributed brain lesions of the thalamus, cerebral white matter, brainstem, and cerebellum. Necropsy examination confirmed extensive fresh necrosis of these regions with evidence of local breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. Based on the characteristic combination of clinical and pathological findings, acute necrotising encephalopathy of childhood can be distinguished from previously known encephalopathies, including Reye's syndrome.

[A case of intra-pulmonary lymph nodes presenting as multiple small nodular lesions in both lungs]

A 59-year-old man came to our hospital for further examination of multiple small nodular lesions in both lungs. Chest CT scan revealed multiple nodular lesions in rt-S6, It-S5, and It-S9 (two lesions). All of these nodules measured about 10 mm or less and those in It-S9 had spicula. Bronchoscopic examination did not yield a definitive diagnosis, so open lung biopsy was done. The open lung biopsy specimen revealed intra-pulmonary lymph nodes with anthracosis and pulmonary emphysema. Intrapulmonary lymph nodes are very difficult to distinguish from small lung tumors by radiographic examination alone, so the possibility that small nodules in the lungs may be intra-pulmonary lymph nodes should be kept in mind.

Identification of a lysine residue in the NADH-binding site of salicylate hydroxylase from Pseudomonas putida S-1

Salicylate hydroxylase from Pseudomonas putida S-1 was irreversibly inactivated by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The reaction was linearly dependent on TNBS concentration and the second-order rate constant was 120 M-1.min-1 for the holoprotein at pH 8.5. Modification of one mole of lysine residue per mole of enzyme caused a large loss of the activity, and the enzyme was no longer able to show NADH-dehydrogenase activity after uncoupling. The presence of NADH, NAD+, ATP, or AMP afforded protection against the inactivation. The enzyme modified at a single lysine residue was isolated by hydrophobic chromatography as an apoprotein form and characterized. It could bind FAD with the same Kd value for that of native apoprotein. The apparent Michaelis constant of the enzyme was increased 13-fold for NADH, but not for salicylate. Vmax for NADH oxidation was decreased to one-fifth of that of the native enzyme. A peptide containing one trinitrophenyl-lysine residue was isolated from the chymotryptic digest of the modified enzyme and its amino acid sequence was determined to be TADVAIAADGIKSSM, which is homologous to the sequence from R-154 to I-168 of salicylate hydroxylase from P. putida PpG7. The lysine in the peptide may represent a basic residue interacting with an anionic group of NADH in the binding site of the enzyme.

High expression on Kunitz-type protease inhibitor-containing substances in the cerebral vessels of patients with Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) brains, from 19 gestational weeks to 50 years of age were studied by immunohistochemical methods with a polyclonal antibody against synthetic peptide comprising part of the Kunitz-type protease inhibitor (KPI) domain of Alzheimer disease amyloid precursor protein (APP), residues 301 to 323 of APP 770. In DS, positive KPI immunoreactivity was observed in early infancy and from child to adulthood on the tunica media of the arteries in the leptomeninges, cerebral cortex and white matter, but negative or little in controls. In DS with Alzheimer type dementia, KPI immunoreactivity in the arteries was reduced, but a gross granular reactivity was noted in neurons and glial cells. The high expression of KPI in DS vessels may be one of the predisposing factors to vascular diseases and amyloid deposition associated with DS.

Distribution of leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia in alobar holoprosencephaly

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the pathogenetic significance of the topographic distribution of leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia, a common finding in holoprosencephaly.

DESIGN

Gross, histological, and immunohistochemical observations of alobar holoprosencephaly in brain specimens taken at autopsy.

SETTING

Referral center.

MATERIALS

Brains removed at autopsy from five consecutive patients with alobar holoprosencephaly.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Immunoperoxidase staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein.

RESULTS

In all brains, leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia showed an identical distribution, ranging from the basal prosencephalon to the pons, with the thickest distribution occurring in the basal prosencephalon.

CONCLUSION

The constant localization implicates leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia in severe dysgenesis of midline prosencephalon, the basic pathogenesis of the anomaly.

Expression of Bcl-2 protein in murine neural cells in culture

To explore the role of the protooncogene bcl-2 in the prevention of programmed cell death in the nervous system, we investigated its expression in mouse neural cells in primary culture. The 26 kDa protein product, Bcl-2, was detected by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting in cultured neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but the immunoreactivity of microglial cells was not detectable by immunoblotting. The subcellular distribution of Bcl-2 was similar between in vivo (brain) and in vitro (culture) and between cultured neurons and astrocytes, while the content was higher in astrocytes than in neurons. The substantial expression of bcl-2 in primary cultured brain cells suggests that it has some physiological control in the brain over programmed cell death, which may be exerted not only in neurons but also in some glial cells such as astrocytes.

Hyperplastic polyps following treatment of acute gastric ulcers

Although hyperplastic polyps are the most common polyps of the stomach, the etiology of these polyps is not completely understood. We report a 61-year-old woman who developed gastric hyperplastic polyps following acute gastric lesions. She was admitted for endoscopic injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. After the end of sclerotherapy, acute gastric lesions developed. For treatment of the lesions, omeprazole was used for 8 weeks followed by famotidine for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, she developed multiple gastric hyperplastic polyps, suggesting that acute gastric lesions and/or treatment of the gastric lesions are related to the development of hyperplastic polyps in the stomach.

Myoclonic epilepsy and a maternally derived deletion of 15pter-->q13

Deletion of a 15pter-->q13 segment of maternal origin was observed in a mentally retarded infant. In addition to the symptoms common to deletions of proximal 15q, the phenotype included myoclonic epilepsy of early infantile onset. The deletion was caused by a 3:1 disjunction in the mother, who was a carrier of t(15;22)(13q;p11) translocation.

Infantile bilateral striatal necrosis: chronic and acute manifestations in a single case

We report a girl who exhibited a slowly progressive extrapyramidal disorder with onset in early infancy. CT examinations demonstrated progressive atrophy of the cerebrum. At the age of 6 years, acute exacerbation occurred with impairment of consciousness and autonomic functions. During the acute episode, CT revealed lesions in the bilateral striatum and globus pallidus.

[Movement disorders in miscellaneous disorders--inherited metabolic diseases]

A variety of inheritable metabolic disorders produce movement disorders. A lists of conditions associated with tremor, athetosis, chorea, dystonia and myoclonus are presented as a guide for the differential diagnosis of such abnormal involuntary movements. The list includes aminoacidopathies, lipidoses, mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidoses, organic acidemias, mitochondrial cytopathies and disorders of carbohydrate, purine, and metal metabolism. Clinical, pathological and biochemical features of movement disorders of three typical examples, Wilson's disease, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and glutaric acidemia type 1, are described.

Pulmonary carcinoma associated with hamartoma in an 11-year-old boy

PURPOSE

We describe a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung in an 11-year-old boy who had had a pulmonary hamartoma for at least 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A hamartoma, even if clinically silent, may lead to the development of malignant tumors on rare occasions.

Weber syndrome caused by intracerebral hemorrhage in a hemophiliac boy

A rare occurrence of the Weber syndrome in childhood is reported. The patient was a 7-year-old hemophiliac with recurrent intracerebral bleeding into the right cerebral peduncle and pontine base. Left hemiparesis involving the face and tongue developed and was later accompanied by right oculomotor nerve palsy.

Specific expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase in dendritic spines

Ultrastructural localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3K) in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus was studied immunohistochemically. In both regions, the major structure expressing a high level of IP3K was the dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons, where immunoreactivity was associated with the spine apparatuses and plasmalemma. The postsynaptic densities showed the most intense labelling. Taking into account the results of our previous observations, which demonstrated the restricted localization of the enzyme in the dendritic spines of Purkinje and basket cells in cerebellum, IP3K may be localized specifically in dendritic spines in various regions of the central nervous system, and involved in synaptic signal transduction at the spines.

Developmental profile of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase in rat cerebellar cortex: light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical studies

Developmental expression and intracellular distribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase in the rat cerebellar cortex were studied immunohistochemically. Immunoreactivity appeared first at postnatal day 1 in the rostral region of the cerebellum and by day 15 had extended throughout the whole cerebellum, being localized in the Purkinje cell layer. Shortly after the expression of the enzyme in each Purkinje cell, the labelling showed a tendency to accumulate in the dendrites in a fine granular pattern. Electron microscopy revealed that immunoreactivity was present in the Purkinje dendritic trunks with accentuation in the distal segments during the early postnatal period, thereafter becoming concentrated in the dendritic spines at later developmental stages. Labelling was associated mainly with the plasmalemma, including the postsynaptic densities and open coated vesicles, and the subplasmalemmal vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Immunoreactivity was also evident in the perisomatic processes of immature Purkinje cells, which are transient projections synapsing with climbing fibers. In developing Purkinje axons, immunoreactivity was accentuated in the distal segments, associated with the plasmalemma and synaptic vesicles. These results suggest that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase is involved in the dendritic arborization and subsequent spine synaptogenesis of Purkinje cells, and that the developing presynaptic nerve endings of these cells are another functional site for the enzyme.

Differential distribution of cellular forms of beta-amyloid precursor protein in murine glial cell cultures

The production and localization of cell-associated forms of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) of Alzheimer's disease was investigated in primary cultures of mouse glial cells. In both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, immunofluorescence staining with an antibody against the carboxy terminus of APP revealed an intense cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Immunoblotting of the cell extracts detected differences in the composition of APP between oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, notably the abundance of 107 kDa subtype in oligodendrocytes. Differences in immunoblot patterns were also noted between two buffer-insoluble, membrane-rich subcellular fractions of the glial cells, nuclear-mitochondrial and microsomal; the 119 kDa APP was enriched in the former, whereas the 73 and 115 kDa APPs in the latter. The results suggest that each APP subspecies may play a distinct functional role in different cell types and subcellular fractions.

beta-Amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer's disease in cultured bovine oligodendrocytes

The production of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) in cultured oligodendrocytes isolated from adult bovine brains was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Immunostaining of oligodendrocytes with antibodies specific for the carboxy terminus of beta APP demonstrated positive immunoreactivity of oligodendroglial cytoplasm. Immunoblot analysis of cellular extracts detected two distinct bands with estimated molecular weight of 118 and 105 kDa. The amount of these beta APP subspecies increased considerably in response to their attachment to the poly-L-lysine substratum.

Ultrastructural localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase in rat cerebellar cortex

Subcellular localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase in the rat cerebellar cortex was studied immunohistochemically using a monoclonal antibody. Electron microscopy revealed intense immunoreactivity in the dendritic spines of Purkinje cells forming synapses with the parallel fibers, climbing fibers and recurrent collaterals of Purkinje cell axons. The labelling was associated with the hypolemmal cisternae, surrounding matrix and plasmalemma including the postsynaptic densities. Weaker immunoreactivity was present in the dendritic spines of basket cells and in certain segments of Purkinje cell recurrent collaterals. The postsynaptic regions of the dendritic trunks of Purkinje and basket cells were negative. These results indicate that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase is distributed amongst the spines of various synaptic relations with different electrophysiological properties, and that axon terminals of certain cell types are another functional site for the enzyme.

Calbindin D-28k and parvalbumin immunohistochemistry in developing rat retina

The developmental profiles of two calcium-binding proteins, calbindin-D28k (CaBP) and parvalbumin (PV), were investigated immunohistochemically in the developing rat retina. CaBP-immunoreactivity appeared first on embryonic day 17 in the horizontal, amacrine and ganglion cells; on embryonic day 21 in the inner plexiform layer; and on post-natal day 6 in the outer plexiform layer. The reaction intensity had increased to its maximum level by post-natal day 10. PV-immunoreactivity was first noted on embryonic day 19 in the amacrine and ganglion cells and reached its maximum on post-natal day 10. Two distinct subpopulations of amacrine cells were clearly recognized after post-natal day 6; one was positive for CaBP and the other for PV. Some morphological differences were noted between the two.

Development of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase immunoreactivity in cerebellar Purkinje cells in vivo and in vitro

Development profiles in vivo and in vitro of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3K) were investigated immunohistochemically in the cerebellar Purkinje cells. In in vivo preparations of rat cerebellum, IP3K immunoreactivity appeared in Purkinje cell bodies and dendrites shortly after birth, increased rapidly by postnatal day 5, and was subsequently confined to their dendritic processes by day 20. The appearance and shift of IP3K immunoreactivity in Purkinje cells showed an identical time course even when Purkinje cells were placed under culture conditions commencing on day 0, suggesting that Purkinje cells have their own biological clock on the expression of IP3K in the absence of external influences.

Alzheimer's disease beta-amyloid precursor protein in rat neural cells in culture

Immunochemical studies were performed on Alzheimer's beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in rat brain and cultured rat neural cells. Multiple APP subtypes were detected on immunoblots of brain homogenate with several antisera specific for subsequences of APP. In rat neural cell cultures, it was demonstrated that the composition of APP subtypes differed among cell types and subcellular fractions, and that APP subtypes in PC12h cells varied in their heparin binding affinity, suggesting distinct functional roles for different APP subtypes. Compatible with the possible role of APP in cell-matrix interaction, an increase in oligodendroglial APP was observed following their attachment onto poly-L-lysine substratum.

Digital subtraction angiography for leg venography

Venography was performed in 25 legs of 17 patients using digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Reliable diagnoses of deep vein thrombosis or patency were made in the majority of these cases. There were no complications. Multiple injections of contrast material were required to image the entire leg; however, the total quantity of iodine necessary for each leg averaged 9 g, significantly less than with conventional techniques. The preferred method consisted of injecting 15 ml of 100 mg iodine/ml contrast material followed by 15 ml of heparinized saline. DSA proved a safe and useful means of evaluating veins of the leg.