Evaluation of antitumour effects of docetaxel (Taxotere) on human gastric cancers in vitro and in vivo

In vitro antitumour effects of docetaxel (Taxotere) were examined in nine cultured human gastric cancer cell lines and 18 clinical gastric cancer specimens. In vivo antitumour effects were examined in human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice. The activity was compared with paclitaxel (Taxol). Docetaxel was more effective than paclitaxel in six of the nine cell lines and the effectiveness rates of docetaxel and paclitaxel were 56% (10/18) and 6% (1/17), respectively, in the clinical gastric cancer specimens. In vivo docetaxel showed superior antitumour effect on well differentiated (MKN-28), poorly differentiated (MKN-45) and undifferentiated (KKLS) gastric cancer xenografts. We conclude that docetaxel promises to be clinically active against gastric carcinomas.

Three-vessel study of cerebral blood flow using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging: effect of physical characteristics

The development of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (P-C MRI) provides a noninvasive method for measurement of volumetric blood flow (VFR). We performed P-C MRI to study the effects of physical characteristics on cerebral blood flow. VFR of the left and right internal carotid arteries and basilar artery were measured using P-C MRI and total cerebral blood flow (tCBF) was calculated by summing up the VFR values in the three vessels. Moreover, we investigated the changes in these blood flows as influenced by age, head size, height, weight, body surface area, and handedness. The blood flows were 142 +/- 58 ml/min (mean +/- standard deviation) in the basilar artery; and 229 +/- 86 ml/min in the left, and 223 +/- 58 ml/min in the right internal carotid artery; and tCBF was 617 +/- 128 ml/min. Significant increases were observed in head size-related change of VFR in the basilar artery (p = .028) and height-related change of tCBF (p = .045). The other characteristics did not significantly influence any VFR. The results suggest that head size and height may reflect CBF, and that these effects should be considered when changes of CBF are diagnosed. Phase-contrast MRI is useful for a noninvasive and rapid analysis of cerebral VFR and has potential for clinical use.

Effects of linoleic acid and eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors on the growth and c-myc oncogene expression of human breast cancer cells

We investigated the effects of linoleic acid and eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors on the growth, DNA synthesis, and c-myc oncogene expression of human breast cancer cell lines. The cell growth of all cell lines examined was stimulated by linoleic acid, although the optimal concentration of linoleic acid for the growth stimulation differed among the cell lines. The growth stimulation of MCF7 and MDA-MB-435 cells was not dependent on the amount of released prostaglandin E(2) but their growth-concentration curve showed the same pattern as that of released leukotriene B-4. Moreover, linoleic acid stimulated the expression of c-myc mRNA in MCF7 cells without the presense of estrogen. Indomethacin as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor did not inhibit the c-myc expression in MCF7, but a lipoxygenase inhibitor, esculetin, markedly inhibited the c-myc expression in MCF7 affected by linoleic acid. These results suggest that linoleic acid has a direct mitogenic effect on breast cancer cells, and its mechanism is distinct from hormonal stimulation, Moreover, metabolites of lipoxygenase rather than those of cyclooxygenase may play an important role in the c-myc oncogene expression affected by linoleic acid.

Noninvasive analysis of water movement in rat testis using deuterium magnetic resonance imaging

To measure water movement in the testis without the effects from the blood-testis barrier, we performed in vivo deuterium magnetic resonance imaging (2H MRI) of rats administered with deuterated saline. Alcohol was injected into one testis of each animal and the other was administered with normal saline as a control. Dynamic 2H MRI was obtained at 2 T by FLASH pulse sequence (TR, 300 ms; TE, 10 ms; alpha = 90 degrees) using a surface coil (3 cm in diameter). The variation in 2H signal intensity between the two testes as a function of time after deuterated saline injection was examined every 1.1 min up to 20 min. The signal intensity in the testis receiving the alcohol treatment was lower than that in the normal control. Thus, deuterium MRI can be used to analyze functional disorders of the testis.

Effect of a specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, ONO-5046, on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury

Because excessive neutrophil elastase (NE) activity is involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, we speculated that administering anti-NE might prevent lung injury. In a guinea pig model of acute lung injury induced by Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), we investigated the effect of ONO-5046, a low-molecular-weight and specific inhibitor of NE. ONO-5046 produced concentration-dependent inhibition of guinea pig NE, whereas there were no inhibitory effects on neutrophil chemotaxis or the expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. Detectable NE activity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was present in the LPS-alone group. No NE activity in BAL fluid was detected in the LPS+ONO-5046 groups. Neutrophil counts in BAL fluid, the lung tissue wet to dry weight ratio, and the lung tissue or BAL fluid to plasma ratio of 125I-albumin were increased in the LPS-alone group as compared with the saline group (p < 0.05). In the LPS+ONO-5046 group, neutrophil counts in BAL fluid, the lung tissue wet to dry weight ratio and BAL fluid to plasma ratio of 125I-albumin were decreased as compared with the LPS-alone group (p < 0.05). These data suggest that ONO-5046 can attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury.

[Effects of feed and mating age on reproductive performance in Syrian hamsters]

In order to utilize Syrian hamsters in selection experiments, we investigated desirable conditions of feed and mating age for reproduction in females. Hamsters were subdivided into two groups, raised on pellet feed for herbivores (ZC-2) and breeding (MB-1), respectively. Half of the hamsters in each group were switched to the other feed, respectively, after mating. They were mated at 8 or 12 weeks of age. In the group that has been fed on ZC-2 before mating and MB-1 after mating, there was significantly more females giving birth and weaning, and exhibited the largest litter size and litter weight at 3 weeks of age (P < 0.01). The hamsters of the groups mated at 12 weeks of age exhibited a higher percentage of females giving birth and litter size and litter weight at birth than those at 8 weeks of age, but that was no significant difference in litter size and litter weight at 3 weeks of age. We conclude that Syrian hamsters raised by fibrous feed before mating gave optimal reproductive performance.

Differences in metabolic and morphological reactions after radiation therapy: proton NMR spectroscopy and imaging of patients with intracranial tumors

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to detect tumor cell viability, the diagnosis of which is the most important point in clinical therapy for malignant tumors. The advent of localized proton spectroscopy has made this detection possible. The spectral peak intensities were found to be very different depending on tumor tissue pathology.

METHODS

The tumor cell reaction after radiation therapy was examined with proton localized spectroscopy in addition to enhanced MR imaging using a 1.5 Tesla MR system (Philips, Gyroscan S15-HP). Plain MR images (short spin echo) were used for localization pilot images, and after the MRS study, contrast enhanced MRI was carried out. Studies were performed pre-radiation, mid-radiation, and post-radiation if possible.

MATERIALS

Sixteen patients (total 27 examinations) with intracranial tumors and three normal volunteers underwent proton NMR localized spectroscopy. The brain tumors were diagnosed before the MR study, and nine patients had metastatic brain tumors, such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, and seven other patients were diagnosed with glioma-type tumors.

RESULTS

The reaction patterns of proton NMR spectroscopy of brain tumors after radiation therapy were very different and depended on tumor histology.

CONCLUSION

Proton NMR spectroscopy is an excellent means of determining tumor cell viability.

Deuterium MR in vivo imaging of the rat eye using 2H2O

In vivo deuterium MR imaging (2H MR) was investigated in rats after intraperitoneal administration of deuterated saline, and a dynamic study of the water movement in rat eyes was performed. Deuterium MR imaging was carried out by means of a gradient-echo (GRE) and a spin-echo (SE) pulse sequence. The rat eye was imaged in 2H MR more selectively by SE than by GRE, but a lower signal-to-noise ratio was obtained in 2H MR imaging using the SE sequence. The MR signal intensity of the rat eye was followed by a 3-compartment model, which enabled determination of the flow rate constant of the water in the eye (0.359/min). Deuterium MR imaging is useful to visualize the dynamic change of water in rat eyes using 2H MR at the same magnetic field (2 T) that can also be used for conventional MR imaging in humans.

Blood flow rate in jejunal ischemia-reperfusion injury

We examined changes in the blood flow rate in the course of jejunal ischemic injury using a laser Doppler flowmeter. For this purpose, we designed a sensor holding system, which involved the fixation of the sensor to the jejunum and allowed their movements to be synchronized. When the jejunum was reperfused after 10 min of ischemia, the blood flow rate markedly increased and then gradually decreased to the initial level. A 30-min period of ischemia produced the slowest recovery of the blood flow rate. This system could be useful for monitoring the blood flow rate in different anatomical regions.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics in the families with diabetes and a mitochondrial tRNA(LEU(UUR)) gene mutation

We identified three families having a mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA(LEU(UUR)) gene at bp 3243 in 300 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who had first degree relatives of patients with NIDDM. We found six individuals with diabetes, one with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and five with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) among three families. Insulin secretory response to oral glucose load was impaired in six diabetics, but was normal in IGT and NGT, and the proportion of mutant DNA in the blood did not always associate with the severity of glucose intolerance. Furthermore, both gender and obesity may influence the clinical expression of diabetes in three pairs with an age-matched brother-sister relationship with similar high mutation rate in blood samples. Thus, although patients with mitochondrial gene mutation had a high frequency of diabetes, the proportion of mutant DNA evaluated by blood samples may not necessarily indicate glucose intolerance in the members with the mutation. Unidentified factors including gender, aging, and obesity may alter the clinical manifestation of diabetes.

Molecular cloning of CWP1: a gene encoding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall protein solubilized with Rarobacter faecitabidus protease I

A yeast cell wall glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 40,000, named gp40, was solubilized from SDS-extracted cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by incubation with Rarobacter faecitabidus protease I, which is a yeast-lytic enzyme. Based on its amino acid sequence, we cloned and sequenced the gene encoding the precursor of gp40, named CWP1; cell wall protein gene. The DNA sequence of the CWP1 gene was identical to YKL443, an open reading frame identified in a genome sequencing program for yeast chromosome XI. This gene encoded a serine-rich protein of 239 amino acids with a molecular weight of 24,267. The presence of hydrophobic sequences in the N- and C-termini of the CWP1 protein suggests that it is secreted as a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein and is subsequently integrated into the cell wall. Since a gene disruption experiment showed no growth defect, the CWP1 gene is not essential for growth. Mutant CWP1 protein deficient in the C-terminal hydrophobic sequence was secreted into the culture medium, not anchored to the cell wall, thereby indicating that this hydrophobic sequence plays a crucial role in anchoring to the cell wall. Homology between the CWP1 protein and TIP1 family of cold shock proteins suggests that they belong to a new family of cell wall proteins.

The quantitative analysis of inhalational anaesthetics in forensic samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/selected ion monitoring

The quantitative analysis of volatile anaesthetics for biomedical applications by means of gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry/selected ion monitoring (GC/MS/SIM) was studied. Xenon gas was selected as an internal standard for the assay by adding to a closed system, because of its stability and inactivity. In the assay of inhalational anaesthetics, isoflurane and nitrous oxide (laughing gas), in forensic samples (serum and cerebrospinal fluid), the calibration of the anaesthetic was linear from 0.12 to 12 nmol/mL in isoflurane and from 30 to 300 nmol/mL in nitrous oxide. Our results suggest that this new method is suitable for the quantitative analysis of inhalational anaesthetics in the biomedical field.

Photodynamic therapy of photofrin II and excimer dye laser on experimental tumors

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) by combination of photofrin II and excimer dye laser was evaluated for its usefulness in experimental tumors. High antitumor effects of PDT on sarcoma 180 solid type were obtained when PDT was performed with laser irradiation at an energy of 50 or 100 J/cm2 (40 or 80 Hz, 4 mJ/pulse) 48 h after i.v. administration of photofrin II at a dose of 25 mg/kg. Under the same conditions, the antitumor effects of PDT on murine Lewis lung carcinoma, human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 and human bladder transitional cell carcinoma KK-47 were also observed. These results suggest that clinical application of PDT with photofrin II and excimer dye laser might be useful.

Deuterium magnetic resonance imaging of rabbit eye in vivo

We used deuterium magnetic resonance imaging (2H MRI) to visualize water movement in the rabbit eye. Dynamic 2H MRI was obtained every 3.5 min at 2 tesla by FLASH pulse sequence (TR, 300 ms; TE, 10 ms; alpha = 90 degrees) with a slice thickness of 10 mm using a surface coil (4 cm in diameter). After topical administration (0.2 ml D2O), only the aqueous chamber was imaged, and the signals decreased mono-exponentially. The flow rate was 0.113/min, in agreement with that already reported. After intravenous administration of deuterated saline (3 ml/kg), the aqueous chamber became visible first during imaging, then by the vitreous body. The signals around the lens were only faintly detected. Thus, deuterium MRI was determined to be useful for visualizing water movement in the eye.

Intracranial microdialysis of salicylic acid to detect hydroxyl radical generation by monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the rat

The effect of pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, on the generation of hydroxyl free radicals (OH) was investigated using striatal microdialysis. Salicylic acid in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol microliter-1 min-1) was infused through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) as reflected by the formation of dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the striatum. When pargyline (100 nmol microliter-1 min-1) was infused in rat brain, the level of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner. In addition, a marked elevation of DHBA was observed. The present results indicate that accumulation of dopamine (DA) in the extracellular fluid elicited by pargyline can be auto-oxidized, which in turn leads (possibly by an indirect mechanism) to the formation of cytotoxic OH free radicals.

[Investigation into the therapeutic efficacy of continuous isoproterenol inhalation in relation to respiratory infections in asthmatic children]

In our Department, continuous isoproterenol inhalation therapy has been conducted on status asthmatics over the last 10 years. In the present study, we investigated whether there are any differences in the therapeutic efficacy of continuous inhalation of isoproterenol in the presence or absence of respiratory infections which may induce or aggravate asthma attacks. The treatment period was significantly longer in patients with pneumonia. Further prolongation of the treatment period was noted in patients with atelectasis. However, there were no apparent differences in therapeutic efficacy according to age or the severity of attacks. These findings suggest that continuous inhalation of isoproterenol is very effective for status asthmatics if respiratory infections are thoroughly controlled.

Myocardial microdialysis of salicylic acid to detect hydroxyl radical generation during ischemia

We examined in vivo monitoring of hydroxyl radical (.OH) generation during myocardial ischemia for 30 min by occluding the left anterior descending (LAD) in dog heart using a microdialysis technique. The hydroxyl radical reacts with salicylate and generates 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids (DHBA) which can be measured electrochemically in picomole quantity by a high pressure liquid chromatography-electrochemical (HPLC-EC) procedure. When the premature ventricular contraction (PVC) occurred at almost 25 sec intervals, marked elevation of the levels of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA was observed in the heart dialysate of 30-min ischemia. This study demonstrated the generation of .OH in the canine heart subjected to 30-min ischemic insult.

[A comparative evaluation of three commercially available peak flowmeters before and after being used 1000 times]

The differences in values, accuracy, reproducibility and interdevice variability of three models of portable peak flowmeters (standard and low range of Assess, mini-Wright, Pulmo-Graph) before use and after they had been used 1000 times. A computerized standard flow generator was used to evaluate. Standard range; The three models showed differences in values before and after 100 uses of less than 3 percent at flow rates below 480 L/min. However, the used flowmeters, especially the Assess, showed higher values compared with the new ones at higher flow ranges. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the new and used mini-Wright and Pulmo-Graph models. The used Assess, howevers, showed higher values at higher ranges, thus demonstrating improved accuracy over the new ones. The reproducibilities of the three models deteriorated at high flow rates. The interdevice variability of the used Pulmo-Graph flowmeter was better than that the new one. No significant changes were observed in the mini-Wright, while the Assess showed deteriorated interdevice variability. Low range; The three models showed no significant differences in values, accuracy, reproducibility or interdevice variability before and after use.

In vivo generation of hydroxyl radicals and MPTP-induced dopaminergic toxicity in the basal ganglia

The in vivo generation of .OH free radicals in specific brain regions can be measured by intracerebral microdialysis perfusion of salicylate, avoiding many of the pitfalls inherent in systemic administration of salicylate. Direct infusion of salicylate into the brain can minimize the hepatic hydroxylation of salicylate and its contribution to brain levels of 2,5-DHBA. Levels of 2,5-DHBA detected in the brain dialysate may reflect the .OH adduct plus some enzymatic hydroxylation of salicylate in the brain. After minimizing the contribution of enzyme and/or blood-borne 2,5-DHBA, the present data demonstrate the validity of the use of 2,3-DHBA and apparently 2,5-DHBA as indices of .OH formation in the brain. Therefore, intracranial microdialysis of salicylic acid and measurement of 2,3-DHBA appears to be a useful .OH trapping procedure for monitoring the time course of .OH generation in the extracellular fluid of the brain. These results indicate that nonenzymatic and/or enzymatic oxidation of the dopamine released by MPTP analogues in the extracellular fluid may play a key role in the generation of .OH free radicals in the iron-rich basal ganglia. Moreover, a site-specific generation of cytotoxic .OH free radicals and quinone/semiquinone radicals in the striatum may cause the observed lipid peroxidation, calcium overload, and retrograde degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons. This free-radical-induced nigral injury can be suppressed by antioxidants (i.e., U-78517F, DMSO, and deprenyl) and possibly hypothermia as well. In the future, this in vivo detection of .OH generation may be useful in answering some of the fundamental questions concerning the relevance of oxidants and antioxidants in neurodegenerative disorders during aging. It could also pave the way for the research and development of novel neuroprotective antioxidants and strategies for the early or preventive treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (Wu et al., this issue), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, head trauma, and possibly Alzheimer's cognitive dysfunction as well. In conclusion, this in vivo free-radical trapping procedure provides evidence to support a current working hypothesis that a site-specific formation of cytotoxic .OH free radicals in the basal ganglia may be one of the neurotoxic mechanisms underlying nigrostriatal degeneration and Parkinsonism caused by the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPTP. Addendum added in proof: The controversy concerning possible neurotoxic and/or neuroprotective roles of NO. in cell cultures was discussed and debated at the symposium (Wink et al., this issue; Dawson et al., this issue; Lipton et al., this issue).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of ONO-1078, a peptide leukotriene antagonist, on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury

The role of lipoxygenase metabolites in the pathogenesis of endotoxin (LPS)-induced lung injury remains to be clarified. We investigated the contribution of peptide leukotrienes to LPS-induced acute lung injury using a potent antagonist, ONO-1078 (ONO). Experimental groups consisted of a saline group (n = 10), an LPS group (n = 9) injected intravenously with 2 mg E. coli LPS, an ONO group (n = 8) receiving 30 mg/kg of intraperitoneal ONO, and an LPS+ONO group (n = 6) receiving 30 mg/kg of ONO intraperitoneally 10 min before the LPS injection. The [125I]albumin lung plasma ratio, which is a parameter of acute lung injury, was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the LPS group compared with the saline, ONO, and LPS+ONO groups. The [125I]albumin BAL fluid plasma ratio was also increased (p < 0.01) in the LPS group compared with the other groups. ONO pretreatment attenuated the LPS-induced increases in neutrophil counts in the BAL fluid. In vitro studies showed that ONO suppresses the neutrophil chemotaxis induced by LTB4, zymosan-activated serum, and FMLP. We conclude that (1) ONO-1078 attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury; and (2) this effect appears mainly a result of its potent antagonistic actions against peptide leukotrienes and also, in part, the suppression of neutrophil chemotaxis.

Changes in monoamine oxidase activity in rat liver during stress

Effects of some stresses on monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in rat liver were investigated. Cold stress decreased MAO-A activity. Immobilization stress (IMMO) significantly decreased both MAO-A and MAO-B activities. The MAO-A/MAO-B ratio of the cold stress was significantly decreased, but IMMO was not significantly decreased. These results suggest that cold stress, but not IMMO may change the proportions of the multiple forms of MAO activity.