[Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the cell kinetics in primary breast cancer]

Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the breast cancer cell kinetics was investigated by flow cytometry on paraffin-embedded tissues. Nuclear DNA contents were measured in 67 primary cases. MPA, 1,2000 mg/day, was administered orally for two weeks in 12 cases (MPA group) and the remaining cases (n-MPA group) served as the controls, until the day before operation. The DNA histograms were compared between both groups. The mean percentage of G0 + G1 phase was higher and that of S-phase and G2 + M phase, lower, in the MPA group than those in the n-MPA group. Especially in estrogen receptor positive and premenopausal cases, a significant difference was present between both groups. These results suggest that MPA could inhibit DNA synthesis with a delay of the cell cycle progression in human breast cancer.

[Intraperitoneal administration of recombinant interferon-beta for prevention in peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer]

Recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-beta) shows a high anti-tumor effect on cancerous ascites, has little local irritative action and can safely be administered intraperitoneally. A randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of intraperitoneal administration of IFN-beta for the purpose of preventing peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. The subjects selected were patients under 75 years of age who were macroscopically positive for serosal invasion and had undergone curative operation. Comparison was made by the envelope method between the cases given IFN-beta i.v. at 6 x 10(6) units continuously for 14 days from the day of operation and from 1 week after operation. MMC, 20 mg (i.v.) on the day of operation and 5-FU, 200 mg (p.o.) for 1 year from 2 weeks after operation were administered, respectively, in the two groups. The number of cases registered from March, 1987 to September, 1988 was 33, with 17 in the administration group and 16 in the control group. No difference was noted between the two groups in 3-year survival rate and disease free survival rate. As to the recurrence involving the peritoneum, however, there was a difference between the two groups, with 1 out of 6 cases in administration group and 3 out 4 cases in control group. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be an effective adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer, if cases are selected.

Demonstration of calmodulin-stimulated phosphatase isozymes by monoclonal antibodies

A procedure combining immunoprecipitation and immunotransblot employing subunit-specific monoclonal antibodies of the brain phosphatase, VJ6 and VA1, was used on tissues including heart, muscle, lung, spleen, pancreas, uterus, and liver. The various tissue extracts were subjected to immunoprecipitation by the beta subunit-specific VA1-immunoabsorbant, the immunoprecipitates were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunotransblot, using both the alpha and beta subunit-specific antibodies VJ6 and VA1, respectively. Protein bands corresponding to alpha and beta subunits and the immunostain of beta subunit were detected in all samples, whereas alpha subunit was strongly stained only in the brain extract, weakly in heart and muscle extracts, and essentially negatively in all the other samples. In contrast, a polyclonal antiserum of bovine brain calmodulin-stimulated phosphatase could immunostain both alpha and beta subunits from all tissues. Calmodulin-binding protein fractions from a number of bovine tissues were all shown to contain the immunoprecipitable alpha subunit, as well as calmodulin-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. Micropeptide mapping showed that alpha subunits of bovine brain and bovine lung calmodulin-stimulated phosphatase isozymes were distinct molecular species. These results provide direct evidences for the existence of calmodulin-stimulated phosphatase isozymes in mammalian tissues.

Purification and characterization of a large, tryptic fragment of human thyroid peroxidase with high catalytic activity

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was purified from human thyroid tissue, obtained at surgery from patients with Graves' disease, by a procedure similar to one that we had previously used for the purification of porcine TPO. The membrane-bound enzyme was solubilized by treatment of the thyroid particulate fraction with trypsin plus detergent. After precipitation with ammonium sulfate, the enzyme was purified by a series of column treatments, including ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, gel filtration through Bio-Gel P-100, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Although a high degree of purification was achieved, the finally isolated product was considerably more heterogeneous than the TPO obtained from porcine thyroids. Several pools of active enzyme differing in values for A412/A280 and in specific activity were collected. Gel electrophoresis was performed under native, denaturing [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)] and denaturing plus reducing conditions. Native gel electrophoresis indicated that the active enzyme (93 kDa) was heavily contaminated with an inactive 60-kDa fragment, which we were unable to remove by HPLC. The inactive fragment was highly antigenic when tested on immunoblots with an antibody to TPO. The presence of the inactive fragment greatly reduced values for A412/A280 in the finally purified human TPO. Two of the pools, with A412/A280 values of 0.159 and 0.273, were used for further testing. Catalytic activity was very similar in these two pools when measured on the basis of heme content by several different assays. Moreover, the specific activities of both, based on heme content, were very similar to those observed with a porcine TPO preparation with A412/A280 = 0.48. These findings indicate that the inactive 60-kDa fragment most likely did not contain heme. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, the 60-kDa fragment completely disappeared and was replaced by a 36- and a 24-kDa component. Amino terminal sequence information obtained on these components indicated that the 24-kDa component represents the amino terminal portion of the active 93-kDa fragment, whereas the 36-kDa fragment represents the carboxyl terminal portion. A model is proposed suggesting that the 60-kDa fragment was generated by trypsin cleavage of native TPO at two internal sites within a disulfide loop (res approximately 300 and res 564) and at one further internal site (res 280). In addition, trypsin cleavage is proposed at sites near the amino and carboxyl ends common to both the active 93-kDa and the inactive 60-kDa fragments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Studies with purified human thyroid peroxidase and thyroid microsomal autoantibodies

We have isolated highly purified thyroid peroxidase (TPO) from human thyroid tissue to study further the relationship between TPO and the thyroid microsomal antigen that elicits the production of microsomal autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Serum samples were obtained from 24 patients with suspected autoimmune thyroid disease, and from 7 normal subjects. Microsomal autoantibodies in the patient sera, as determined by the microsomal hemagglutination assay (MCHA), varied between 1:100 and 1:102,400. Antithyroglobulin antibodies, however, were very low (less than 1:100). Binding of serum autoantibodies to purified human TPO, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, correlated fairly well with MCHA titers (r = 0.72; P less than 0.001). An immunoblot procedure was developed to study the binding of serum antibodies to the major active fragment of TPO (93 kDa), after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. Binding under both conditions correlated very well with MCHA titers (r = 0.80-0.84; P less than 0.001). Studies were performed to determine the inhibitory effect of patient serum on the enzymatic activity of purified human TPO. A marked inhibitory effect on guaiacol activity was observed when TPO was preincubated with as little as 10 microL high titer serum. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.47; P less than 0.01) between MCHA titer and inhibitory effect. The addition of 2 micrograms purified human TPO completely or almost completely inhibited the binding of serum antibodies to thyroid microsomes (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in 10 of 11 patient sera with high MCHA titers (1:25,600 or greater).

[Effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on receptor binding sites and Ca2+ binding to sarcoplasmic reticulum in rat heart]

The effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on cardiac receptor binding sites and Ca2+ binding to cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum were investigated in rats. 1) Quinupramine was found to possess higher affinity for muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding sites in brain and heart, compared with imipramine. 2) Repeated quinupramine treatment induced a significant increase in the Bmax value in cardiac muscarinic cholinergic receptors. 3) In imipramine treated heart, isoproterenol-induced stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity was significantly decreased compared with that in the vehicle control. 4) Repeated quinupramine and imipramine treatment caused a significant reduction of Bmax of 45Ca2+ binding in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions. 5) After single quinupramine treatment, its concentrations in heart were higher than those in brain and plasma. 6) After the repeated quinupramine treatment, its concentration in heart was 2.4 times higher than that after single treatment. These results demonstrate that repeated tricyclic antidepressant drug treatment caused a functional impairment in Ca2+ binding sites of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and adaptive changes of receptor binding sites.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase in bovine parotid gland: purification and characterization

Calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (CaM-PPase) was isolated from bovine parotid gland by sequential application of DEAE-52, Affi-gel blue and calmodulin-affinity chromatography followed by gel filtration and high performance liquid chromatography. The enzyme was activated in the simultaneous presence of Ni2+ or Mn2+ and Ca2+ plus calmodulin. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activation of CaM-PPase was antagonized by inhibitors of calmodulin action, such as W-7 and trifluoperazine. Tryptophan fluorescence was quenched in the presence of Ni2+. CaM-PPase was a heterodimer. The molecular weights of large subunits which bound calmodulin (CaM) were 68 kD and 58 kD - the 68 kD subunit was predominant. Polyclonal antibodies against bovine calcineurin cross-reacted with both types of larger subunits. Using polyclonal antibodies against bovine calcineurin or the monoclonal antibody against subunit B of bovine calcineurin, the smaller molecular weight subunit (19 kD) was found to be immunologically identical to subunit B of bovine calcineurin. In bovine parotid gland, CaM-PPase was found both in acinar and duct cells.

[Two cases of advanced breast cancer with distant metastasis showing long-term survival with multidisciplinary treatment including intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy]

Two cases of advanced breast cancer are reported that have had no recurrence for more than five years after multidisciplinary treatment including intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. The first case is a 62-year-old housewife who had brain metastases. The primary lesion and distant metastases were completely responsive to irradiation combined with chemoendocrine therapy. The other one is a 38-year-old housewife with ovarian metastasis that was revealed after oophorectomy. In this case chemoendocrine therapy was added without irradiation after intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. These cases indicate that intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy can be recommended as a component of multidisciplinary treatment even in advanced breast cancer with distant metastasis.

Chemical kindling induced by cAMP and transfer to electrical kindling

Repeated injection of an initially subconvulsive dose of cAMP into the rat amygdala (AM) produced progressive seizure development similar to that of electrical kindling. The chemical kindling occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, when cAMP was combined with EDTA, a strong inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase, the seizure development was remarkably facilitated. When the animals that had been chemically kindled were subjected to electrical kindling, they rapidly developed seizures. These results, together with those previously published, suggest that cAMP participates in the seizure development induced by AM kindling.

[The clinicopathologic analysis of autopsied breast cancer]

In 46 patients with recurrent breast cancer, the chronological change of pathomorphologic findings and its relationship with the clinical courses were studied with the comparison between the materials obtained at the time of operations and autopsies. Histologically, 24 cases (52.2%) showed undifferentiated change with time, and 22 cases (47.8%), no change. There were no cases with differentiation. The cases with undifferentiated change progressed acutely with no response to treatment, resulting in poor prognosis. Some of these cases showed metastatic behavior similar to leukemia, malignant lymphoma or small cell carcinoma of lung. It was suggested that the chronological and histological change was to some extent related to the clinical course.

Thyroid peroxidase and thyroid microsomal autoantibodies

The antithyroid microsomal antibodies found in the serum of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease are directed largely, if not entirely, against thyroid peroxidase (TPO). In this study we used a highly purified, well characterized, large tryptic fragment of porcine TPO (hereafter referred to as purified porcine TPO) to examine possible differences among microsomal antibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Antibodies against this TPO preparation and also against a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 780-793 of the deduced sequence of the native enzyme were compared with microsomal antibodies from patients in immunoblot experiments. The antiporcine TPO and antisynthetic peptide antibodies reacted with crude preparations of human TPO. Binding of serum microsomal antibodies to purified porcine TPO was also found. Purified porcine TPO shows two fragments after gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions: a 59K fragment corresponding to the amino end of the molecule, and two approximately 30K fragments corresponding to the carboxyl end. Using an immunoblot procedure with purified porcine TPO as the antigen, we found that at least two epitopes were involved in microsomal antibody production: one associated with the 59K fragment and the other with the approximately 30K fragment(s). The distribution of serum antibodies against these epitopes differed among the patients, indicating that these antibodies comprise a heterogeneous group. Serum from patients with autoimmune thyroid disease significantly inhibited human TPO activity, raising the possibility that microsomal antibodies may contribute to the impaired thyroid function that occurs in some patients with autoimmune thyroid disease.

[Application of beta-tricalcium phosphate to periodontal therapy. Part 1. Fundamental studies and biological tests of beta-TCP prepared by mechanochemical method]

Physical, chemical, biological and implant tests on calcium phosphate prepared by the mechanochemical method with wet milling were performed to determine their applicability for periodontal therapy. 1. Materials synthesized by the new method had a stoichiometric ratio of Ca/P = 1.50 and a density of 3.70 g/cm3 and coincided with the standard pattern of beta-TCP (ASTM Card) very well. 2. The surface structure of dense type sintered at 1,100 degrees C showed fewer fine pores than the dense type sintered at 1,050 degrees C. The surface structure of the porous type sintered at 1,050 degrees C showed finer pores, except for a continuous large pore than the porous type sintered at 1,000 degrees C. 3. Specific conductivity tests should higher solubilities of the porous type than of the dense type in pure water, and of materials sintered at low temperature than at high temperature. 4. Cytotoxicity studies with V-79 cells showed no significant differences from the controls, and other biological tests revealed no abnormalities. 5. At three and six weeks after implantation in muscles, all of beta-TCP was enclosed with collagen fiber. The porous type of beta-TCP was almost completely fused to cranical bone in rabbits three weeks after implantation. The dense type of beta-TCP was completely fused to cranical bone six weeks after implantation. From these results, it can be concluded that beta-TCP prepared by the new method is of high purity and biocompatibility. Consequently beta-TCP is expected to be effective in clinical use.

Protein-losing gastroenteropathy in association with immune deposits in gastrointestinal mucosal capillaries

A 30-yr-old man presented with anasarca and visual disturbance. The serum albumin was 1.9 g/dl. Loss of albumin into the stomach and upper small intestine was demonstrated by technetium-99m (99mTc)-albumin scintigraphy. However, no anatomical lesions were found in the gastrointestinal tract. Renal function was normal, urinary protein was minimal, and hepatic function was near normal. A variety of autoantibodies, such as antinuclear antibodies, SS-A, SS-B, or Coombs' antibodies, were detected in serum in association with hypocomplementemia. Immunological studies revealed IgG, IgM, C1q, and C3 deposits in the walls of capillaries in the lamina propria of gastrointestinal mucosae. Combination therapy of prednisolone with an immunosuppressive agent improved the loss of albumin into the bowel and abnormal laboratory findings. This report indicates that the autoimmune process may contribute to the pathogenesis of certain types of protein-losing gastroenteropathy.

Porcine thyroid peroxidase: relationship between the native enzyme and an active, highly purified tryptic fragment

We previously described the preparation of highly purified porcine thyroid peroxidase by a procedure that involved initial solubilization of the enzyme with trypsin plus detergent. Recently, the complete amino acid sequence of porcine thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was determined by cDNA cloning, and it became of interest to compare the structure of the purified trypsin-solubilized enzyme with that of the native enzyme. For this purpose we employed antibodies to the purified enzyme and to two synthetic peptides representing defined regions of the protein. We also obtained N-terminal amino acid sequence data on TPO fragments separated by gel electrophoresis. Trypsin cleavage sites in the purified enzyme were observed after arg residues 109 and 561, and also at two undetermined sites close to the putative membrane spanning region at the carboxyl end. Major fragments of approximately 60, 32, and 29 kilodaltons were observed when the purified enzyme was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions. This observation is explained by assuming that the cleavage site after arg residue 561 occurred within a disulfide loop. The Mr of the trypsin-solubilized enzyme is approximately 88,000 compared to approximately 106,000 for the native enzyme. The difference can be accounted for by the loss of approximately 90 residues from the amino terminus and of at least 80 residues from the carboxyl end. Despite the loss of these fragments totaling approximately 18 kilodaltons and cleavage of the peptide bond after arg residue 561, the purified trypsin-solubilized TPO appears to retain full enzyme activity.

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with survival of more than 7 years after extended right lobectomy]

A 48-year-old male was referred to our hospital because of a space occupying lesion that had been revealed by hepatic scintigraphy, which had been seen because of an evaluation of his serum alpha-fetoprotein level while under therapy for chronic hepatitis. Laboratory data revealed an impaired liver function and a hepatic angiography showed a hypervascular tumor of the right hepatic branch. An extended right lobectomy was performed. Postoperatively, this case was histologically diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite having had an intraportal tumor thrombus, the patient survived for 7 years and 3 months and died of a cancer recurrence with hepatic failure. In this case surgical resection proved very useful for survival over a long period.

Treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy

This preliminary study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of high-dose iv methylprednisolone pulse therapy in 5 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. One gram of methylprednisolone sodium succinate was given iv daily for 3 successive days. The 3-day infusion was repeated 3 to 7 times at intervals of 1 week; total duration of pulse therapy was 3 to 7 weeks. The clinical improvement of eye involvements by pulse therapy was assessed immediately after the last pulse therapy. The clinical assessment of the effect of pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy showed a good response in 3 patients, a fair response in one, and no response in one. However, in one patient, who was judged to show no response, complete improvement of the enlarged extraocular muscle was observed on orbital computed tomography. Moreover, two patients, who have been followed without any other therapies, showed no relapse of eye involvements for 32 and 10 months, respectively. Although it is impossible to determine whether pulse therapy is more effective than other immunosuppressive therapies, the results of this preliminary study suggest that pulse therapy may be a good immunosuppressive therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy too. Controlled studies are desired.

[Adenocarcinoma of an extraperitoneal rectum in a 17-year-old female]

A 17-year-old female with an adenocarcinoma of the extraperitoneal rectum, which was diagnosed correctly by preoperative intrarectal ultrasonography as being in Dukes' A stage, was operated on, this surgery performed adhering to function preserving procedures. Histologically, the tumor uncovered was found to be a well differentiated adenocarcinoma and, as had been expected, in Dukes' A stage. An absolute curative operation was achieved. The operative procedure for juvenile rectal cancer must be planned to achieve both tumor removal and bodily function preservation to assure the best possible quality of postoperative life. We recommend intrarectal ultrasonography at the preoperative stage, the results to be used in deciding on the operative procedure.

Ultrastructural studies of concentric lamellar bodies in the bronchus of patients with sarcoidosis

Biopsy specimens of the major bronchus of sixty-nine patients with sarcoidosis were investigated electronmicroscopically. 22 patients (12 males, 10 females), 32% of the cases, showed concentric lamellar or similar kinds of dense bodies in the bronchial wall. Typically, the concentric lamellar bodies were observed in various numbers, scattered in the collagen-increased tunica propria or superficial submucosal layer, where adjacent or deeply located blood capillary vessels were mostly obliterated. They were generally of 0.2 to 1.8 micron in size, but occasionally smaller ones were observed. We also found large swollen and irregular lamellated bodies greater than 2 microns in the cell cytoplasm. Six cases with particularly large numbers of these bodies in the bronchial wall showed "capped" figures, in which the concentric lamellar bodies were partly attached to other demilunar dense bodies. These figures were assumed to be the very early stage of formation of conchoidal bodies at the LM level, so-called Schaumann bodies. Two cases (5%) (chronic bronchitis, lung cancer) among 40 control patients with other diseases disclosed the same small lamellated bodies in the bronchial wall. We were unable to resolve the problem of the origin of these deposited in them, but assume that they will initially occur in the cell cytoplasm in some patients with sarcoidosis and eventually develop into typical concentric lamellar bodies.

Binding characteristics of [3H]quinupramine to rat brain membrane fractions

The binding characteristics of [3H]quinupramine to rat brain membrane fractions were studied. The specific binding of [3H]quinupramine to rat brain membrane fractions was stable, reversible and saturable. Scatchard analysis of the data from saturation experiments indicated that the specific binding was a single population with an affinity (KD) of 3.04 nM, a maximal binding site number (Bmax) of 714 fmol/mg protein, and a Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.08. Compounds known to inhibit muscarinic cholinergic receptors such as atropine and quinuclidinyl benzilate were the most potent competitors of [3H]quinupramine binding. When the drug potencies in inhibiting [3H]quinupramine binding were tested in the presence of 10 nM atropine, mianserin was the most potent competitor. Studies of the subcellular fractions showed that there was an enrichment of [3H]quinupramine binding sites in the synaptosome fraction. The regional distribution study revealed the highest densities of binding sites in the cerebral cortex and the lowest in the cerebellum. Thus, the specific binding of [3H]quinupramine observed here can be accounted for by both muscarinic cholinergic and serotonin S2 receptors.

Inhibitory effect of interferon-gamma on the response of human thyrocytes to thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation: relationship between the response to TSH and the expression of DR antigen

Thyroid epithelial cells (thyrocytes) in autoimmune thyroid disease have been found to express DR antigens on their surfaces, and interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) induces DR antigen expression. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of IFN gamma on the response of human thyrocytes to TSH stimulation and the relationship between the response to TSH and the expression of DR antigen induced by IFN gamma, using monolayer cultures of Graves' thyrocytes. When confluent thyrocyte monolayers were incubated with TSH or Bu2cAMP (DBcAMP) for 7-9 days, T3 and thyroglobulin concentrations in the culture medium increased gradually in a dose-dependent manner. However, when TSH or DBcAMP was added after the cells had been cultured for 4 days with IFN gamma, T3 and thyroglobulin secretion in response to both 10 mU/mL TSH and 1 mM DBcAMP was significantly inhibited. The inhibition by IFN gamma was dose dependent and correlated with the number of DR antigen-positive thyrocytes present on the last day of culture. IFN alpha and -beta did not affect the response of thyrocytes to TSH or DBcAMP stimulation. These results suggest that DR antigen-positive thyrocytes fail to respond to TSH stimulation at a site located distal to cAMP formation.

Down-regulation of central serotonin S2 receptors after repeated treatment with quinupramine in rats

The present studies were undertaken to determine whether the repeated administration of quinupramine caused down- or up-regulation of beta-, alpha 2-adrenergic, serotonin S2, imipramine and muscarinic cholinergic receptors, as had been demonstrated for tricyclic and atypical antidepressant drugs. Quinupramine administered at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) twice daily for 10 days caused a down-regulation of serotonin S2 receptors in the frontal cortex of the rat as determined by [3H]ketanserin binding. However, quinupramine did not alter the binding populations of beta-adrenergic, muscarinic cholinergic and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the rat brain as determined by the Scatchard analysis of the [3H]ligand binding data. Differing from quinupramine, imipramine caused down-regulation of beta-adrenergic and serotonin S2 receptor bindings, and it caused slight but significant up-regulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptor bindings. These results show that the antidepressant activity of quinupramine is associated with the central serotonin system, but not with the beta-adrenergic system. Accordingly, quinupramine, chemically one of the typical tricyclic antidepressant drugs, seems to be pharmacologically one of the atypical antidepressant drugs, and it was suggested that the central serotonin system plays an important role in the antidepressant activity of quinupramine.

Heterogeneity of Graves' immunoglobulin G: comparison of thyrotropin receptor antibodies in serum and in culture supernatants of lymphocytes transformed by Epstein-Barr virus infection

It is well known that in patients with Graves' disease there is dissociation among values for TSH receptor antibodies such as TSH binding-inhibiting antibody (TBIAb) and thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb). This study was designed to compare TSH receptor antibodies in serum and in culture supernatants of lymphocytes transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. TBIAb was assayed using solubilized porcine thyroid membranes and TSAb using cultured porcine thyroid cells. Transformation of peripheral lymphocytes by EBV was performed in eight untreated hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease who had a clear dissociation between values for TBIAb and TSAb, even after multiple dilutions of serum. EBV-infected lymphocytes from a patient were distributed into the wells of 4 24-well culture plates. After the first 4-week culture, the cells in each well positive for TBIAb and/or TSAb were further distributed to 12 wells and cultured for 2 weeks. In the supernatants of 372 wells of the second culture in the 8 patients, 31 were positive for TBIAb, and 41 were positive for TSAb. Among the 76 wells positive for TSH receptor antibodies, 72 wells (94.7%) were positive in only 1 assay. These results suggest that there are two types of TSH receptor antibodies, one having a single function (TBIAb or TSAb) and the other multifunctional (both), in Graves' patients. The incidence of the single functional type is much greater than that of the multifunctional type. We conclude, therefore, that the heterogeneity of Graves' immunoglobulin G is due mainly to multiple antibodies with a single function.

Stimulation of thyroid adenylate cyclase activity by sera from patients with non-thyroidal illness

We have previously shown that sera from many hypothyroid patients stimulated adenylate cyclase activity as measured by serum bioactive TSH concentrations produced by FRTL-5 cell line. This TSH-stimulating activity did not correlate with serum immunoreactive TSH. IgG fractions of these sera did not stimulate FRTL-5 cells. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate the thyroid stimulating activity of sera from patients with non-thyroidal illness. Studies were performed in 36 patients with various non-thyroidal illness. In these patients, serum concentrations of T4, free thyroxine, T3, and TSH were determined. In addition, sera were incubated with FRTL-5 cells or porcine thyroid cells in primary culture in the presence of 0.4 mM MIBX, and medium cAMP concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Sera obtained from some patients with various non-thyroidal illness increased cAMP concentrations in culture media of FRTL-5 cells as well as that of porcine thyroid cells. The thyroid stimulating effects of sera were not disease specific and significantly correlated inversely with serum T3 and T4 concentrations. Serum TSH concentrations in these patients were within the normal range even by the newly developed ultrasensitive assay. Although the nature of substance(s) present in sera of patients with low T3 syndrome which stimulates thyroid adenylate cyclase is not entirely known, it is conceivable that there exist mechanisms independent of TSH to compensate the decreased serum T3 levels in low T3 syndrome.

Determination of the volume of the thyroid gland by a high resolutional ultrasonic scanner

We developed a new ultrasonic scanner for the thyroid and, in this study, the estimated volumes of the thyroids by this scanner were compared with the weights of those obtained at operation. In this ultrasonic scanner, an annular array transducer was employed instead of the conventional single element concave transducer. The distance of the focused area by this transducer was as long as 5 cm compared to 1 cm by the conventional transducer; therefore, the image obtained by the new scanner was so clear that it was not difficult to draw accurately the outlines of the thyroids. The volumes of the thyroids were calculated by a computerized digitizer. The estimated volumes of the thyroids by the ultrasonic scanner were closely correlated with their weights calculated by adding the actual weights of the thyroids removed to the estimates of the thyroids left at operation. Their correlation coefficients were as high as 0.99. This suggests that this new ultrasonic scanner is very useful in the determination of the volumes of the thyroids, since the measurement is very accurate, simple, and reproducible.

CGS 9896: agonist-antagonist benzodiazepine receptor activity revealed by anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxation assessment in rodents

CGS 9896, a pyrazoloquinoline that potently binds to benzodiazepine receptors, has been reported to have anticonflict activity in conventional footshock paradigms and to antagonize pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. In the present experiments, the pentylenetetrazol discriminative cue was blocked by CGS 9896 with a potency comparable to that of diazepam. CGS 9896 also selectively lengthened the latency to terminate self-initiated brain stimulation reward. These procedures extend the anxiolytic activity of CGS 9896 to models that do not rely upon footshock-induced conflict. CGS 9896 did not impair the traction reflex in mice, did not impair rotorod performance in rats, did not reduce unpunished operant responding and decreased motor activity only slightly, indicating no distinguishable sedation or muscle relaxation in rodent models. In fact, diazepam-induced rotorod impairment was blocked by CGS 9896. The anticonvulsant effects of CGS 9896, as indicated by audiogenic seizure and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure studies, were substantial but were weaker than those of diazepam, possibly because of the muscle relaxant component of diazepam. Ethanol-induced motor impairment was potentiated more markedly by diazepam than by CGS 9896. Mixed agonist-antagonist properties of CGS 9896 therefore emerge when a comprehensive battery of behavioral assessments is utilized. CGS 9896 may have clinical anxiolytic activity without sedation or muscle relaxation.

Receptor binding profile of quinupramine, a new tricyclic antidepressant

The receptor binding profile, composed of the Ki-values measured in eight different receptor binding models using rat brain membranes, is reported for the new tricyclic antidepressant quinupramine, 10,11-dihydro-5-(3-quinuclidinyl)-5H-dibenz[b, f]azepine, and three reference compounds with a tertiaryamine side chain. Quinupramine was found to possess high affinity for muscarinic cholinergic and histamine H1 receptor binding sites in rat brain, whereas its affinity for imipramine binding sites was only one seventieth that of imipramine. Receptor binding profiles of the reference compounds were almost similar to that of quinupramine, except in the case of imipramine binding sites.

In vitro characterization of benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists and agonist/antagonists

Using an extensively washed membrane preparation and standardized incubation conditions, the actions of benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor ligands were evaluated on [3H]flunitrazepam [+/- 10 microM gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)], [3H]muscimol (+/- 2.5 microM etazolate) and [35S]butyl bicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding. Classical BZ receptor agonists stimulated [35S]TBPS binding and [3H]muscimol binding in the presence of etazolate. These agents also possessed ratios for [3H]flunitrazepam binding in the absence and presence of GABA (GABA ratio) of 2 to 5. BZ antagonists and inverse agonists had GABA ratios less than 1 and did not alter, or reduced, both [35S]TBPS and [3H]muscimol (+etazolate) binding. The nonsedating BZ agonist/antagonist agents CGS 9896, CL 218872, PK 8165 and PK 9084 all possessed GABA ratios between 1.1 and 1.4 and only stimulated [35S]TBPS and [3H]muscimol (+etazolate) binding to approximately 50% of the level of classical BZ agonists. The BZ partial agonists CGS 9895 and RU 39419 both were unique in that they possessed GABA ratios of 1 or less, stimulated [35S]TBPS binding and had no effect on [3H]muscimol binding (+etazolate). Therefore, by monitoring the major components of the BZ receptor complex (BZ receptor, GABA receptor and chloride channel), we were able to distinguish between different BZ drugs and to support suggestions that these drugs act via unique BZ receptor populations which possess differential couplings to the GABA receptor and chloride channel.

Gc types in western Japan: report of a new variant Gc 1C35

Gc types were examined in a total of 1,000 unrelated Japanese individuals from Western Japan. By isoelectric focusing the six common subtypes and several rare types were observed. In addition, a new variant with a mobility between the Gc 1S and 1C2 was identified in 2 individuals. A family investigation confirmed the inheritance of the corresponding allele Gc* 1C35.

PI(alpha 1-antitrypsin) polymorphism in the Japanese: confirmation of PI*M4 and description of new PI variants

PI phenotyping by separator isoelectric focusing (SIEF) was performed on a total of 1000 unrelated Japanese individuals from two different areas of Western Japan. The PI M1M4 subtype was observed together with the six common PI M subtypes. PI*M4 was confirmed to be present but rare in the Japanese. Several new PI variants were identified by comparison runs of each variant with previously reported genetic variants. The significance of treatment of serum with dithiothreitol (DTT) followed by iodacetic acid (IAC) in determination of PI variants is also described.

Radioimmunoassay of guanabenz, an antihypertensive agent

Antibodies with a high specificity and sensitivity for [(2,6-dichlorobenzylidene)amino]guanidine acetate (guanabenz, GB), a potent antihypertensive agent, were produced in rabbits immunized with GB conjugated to bovine serum albumin. GB-specific antibodies were detected 6-8 days after the first booster injection and the titer steadily increased over the initial 17-25 weeks of immunization. A high degree of specificity was demonstrated. No metabolite of GB detected in humans or several animal species cross-reacted, even when present in over 100-fold excess. A rapid and convenient radioimmunoassay procedure for GB was designed using these antibodies. Competition between tritiated GB tracer and unlabeled GB for specific antibody binding sites made feasible measurement of as little as 30 pg GB. GB was absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract and reached a maximum level in the plasma (2.50 +/- 0.45 ng/ml) at 2 h after oral administration (1 mg/kg) to dogs.

A new model of osteoarthritis in rabbits. III. Evaluation of anti-osteoarthritic effects of selected drugs administered intraarticularly

A battery of steroidal and nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs and protease inhibitors were tested by intraarticular injection for effects on osteoarthritis of the knees of rabbits subjected to partial lateral meniscectomy and section of the sesamoid and collateral fibular ligaments. Among the standard drugs, only the glucocorticoid, triamcinolone hexacetonide, and the protease inhibitor, tranexamic acid, exhibited significant anti-osteoarthritic activity. An experimental drug, GPA 2163, also offered some protection against joint degeneration. The nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs had no effect on the development of osteoarthritis in the model.

Comparison of middle cerebral artery trunk occlusion by silicone cylinder embolization and by trapping

The authors produced occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk in dogs by two methods: silicone cylinder embolization and trapping. Comparative analyses of the clinicopathological features in these models, extending from the acute to chronic stage, were performed. Within 24 hours after embolization, the brain exhibited swelling without macroscopic infarction. Microangiograms revealed impaired filling in the deep areas of the brain with midline shift. At 4 to 7 days after embolization, the animals showed major neurological deficits, evident deep cerebral infarction, and poorly perfused areas in the deep cerebrum with prominent midline shift. At 3 to 4 weeks after embolization, the neurological deficits improved and the affected regions showed cavities or localized lesions. Microangiograms demonstrated hypervascular areas with abnormal vessels in the affected cerebrum. On the other hand, trapping of the MCA trunk produced mild neurological deficits, although there was no evidence of macroscopic lesions or impairment of filling. This study shows that silicone cylinder embolization in the MCA trunk produces a reliable and reproducible deep cerebral infarction in dogs.

Regulation of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in the submandibular gland of adult rat

Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase was investigated in the submandibular gland of the adult rat to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of cGMP concentration in this gland. Ca2+ sensitivity was easily demonstrated as in other tissues using EGTA in the buffer for elution from DEAE-cellulose. The presence of inhibitor proteins for basal and calmodulin-activated portions of Ca2+-dependent phosphodiesterase was suggested. The inhibitor for the basal activity of Ca2+-dependent phosphodiesterase was deemed to be a heat-labile protein, which decreased Vmax, but had no effect on the Km value for cGMP. The presence of more than one kind of inhibitor for the calmodulin-activated portion of the Ca2+-dependent phosphodiesterase was also suggested. One of these, which was not absorbed on DEAE-cellulose, was a heat-labile protein which caused an increase of Km for cGMP, but no change of Vmax.

Purification of calmodulin from bovine parotid gland

Calmodulin was purified from bovine parotid gland. This calmodulin showed a single band upon sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and a characteristic decrease of the mobility on native gel in the presence of Ca2+. The parotid gland calmodulin activated also calmodulin-deficient cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in a Ca2+-dependent fashion, and this activation was abolished by trifluoperazine, W-7 or chlorpromazine. These results may indicate clearly the existence of calmodulin in bovine parotid gland.

Distribution and regulation of mitochondrial hexokinase in rat submandibular gland

1. In rat submandibular gland, hexokinase was distributed not only in cytosol fraction but also in mitochondrial fraction. 2. Glucose-6-phosphate and ATP were most effective substances on releasing hexokinase from mitochondria. However, all the hexokinase in mitochondria could not be extracted with these substances. 3. Concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate and ATP were decreased with the administration of epinephrine in vivo. 4. Increase of the amount of mitochondria-bound hexokinase was observed for 5 min with epinephrine administration, and it returned to the control level after 10 min. 5. In rat submandibular gland, mitochondrial hexokinase may reversibly bind to and release from mitochondria as observed in brain.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in rat parotid gland

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase was investigated in rat parotid gland to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms for the enzyme. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities from DEAE-cellulose column chromatography showed two main peaks. One of them was eluted with 0.15 M KCl and was fairly specific for cGMP. This enzyme was activated by calmodulin with an increase in Vmax and with no effect on Km. The other one was eluted with 0.25 M KCl and showed a higher specificity for cAMP than for cGMP. This enzyme, however, was not activated by Ca2=nd calmodulin. The presence of calmodulin and an inhibitor substance was confirmed by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The inhibitor substance was protein in nature and did not inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase. These results may indicate that cGMP in rat parotid gland, which is supposed to correlate with secretion, is regulated also by phosphodiesterase through calmodulin and an inhibitor substance.

Primary hemangiopericytoma of the heart. A case report

Hemangiopericytoma (HP) represents a rare cellular vascular tumor. The present report of primary HP of the heart in a 53-year-old Japanese male is the first of its kind. Most of the tumor masses were removed, but masses tightly adhering to both the pericardium and the epicardium were not excised because of profuse bleeding. The patient has remained free of complaints for 10 months post-operatively. Non-invasive methods including a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and thallium-201 myocardial imaging were found to be useful adjuncts of the diagnosis of cardiac tumor.