Ricin fusion toxin targeted to the human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor is selectively toxic to acute myeloid leukemia cells

Treatment failure of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is frequently due to the development of multidrug resistance phenotype blasts. We have expressed a fusion protein consisting of human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) fused to the N-terminus of a lectin-deficient ricin toxin B chain (RTB) in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells. The fusion protein was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography and reassociated with chemically deglycosylated ricin toxin A chain (RTA). The resulting fusion toxin was found to react with antibodies to GMCSF, RTB and RTA and had the predicted molecular mass of 80 kDa. GMCSF-ricin bound poorly to asialofetuin (Kd = 10(6) M-1) and receptor negative cells indicating loss of lectin activity, but bound strongly to GMCSF receptor positive HL60 cells. Ligand displacement assays showed fusion toxin affinity 2.6-fold less than native GMCSF. Selective inhibition of protein synthesis was observed on receptor positive cells. Induction of apoptosis was also observed on receptor positive cells. Cells expressing multidrug resistance gene products (P-gp, Bcl2 and BclXL) were also sensitive to fusion toxin. These results suggest that GMCSF-ricin deserves further preclinical development.

Lectin-deficient ricin toxin intoxicates cells bearing the D-mannose receptor

Ricin toxin with genetic or chemical modification of lectin sites has been previously reported to show markedly reduced cytotoxicity to cells following uptake by several receptors including the mannose receptor. Investigators have hypothesized that an intracellular galactoside-binding function was required for optimal intracellular targeting of ricin for these receptors. We have prepared insect-derived mutant ricin toxin B chain (RTB) with modifications of three lectin side domains (1 alpha, 1 beta, and 2 gamma) yielding a 1000-fold reduced galactoside avidity. After reassociation with plant RTA, the recombinant heterodimer and plant ricin were tested for cytotoxicity on mammalian cells expressing (mouse peritoneal macrophages, J774E cells, and MMR61 cells) or not expressing (KB cells) the D-mannose receptor. Receptor expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Lactose was included in the media to block cell-surface galactoside binding, and mannan was added as a control in each experiment to confirm mannose receptor-specific targeting. Plant ricin A chain (RTA) and E. coli-derived RTA were also tested for cytotoxicity on J774E and KB cells. Both wild-type and lectin-deficient ricin displayed mannose-receptor mediated cell cytotoxicity. This is the first report of a genetically modified ricin showing that RTB intracellular galactose binding activity is not required for ricin cytotoxicity. Sensitivity of mannose-receptor bearing cells, but not control cells, to mannosylated RTA, but not unglycosylated RTA, confirmed these observations. These results imply fusion toxins employing ricin can be prepared with maximal reductions in normal tissue binding.

[The effect of composition and structure of radiological equivalent materials on radiological equivalent]

Morphology of inorganic material powders before and after being treated by ultrafine crush was observed by transformite electron microscope. The length and diameter of granules were measured. Polymers inorganic material powders before and after being treated by ultrafine crush were used for preparing radiological equivalent materials. Blending compatibility of inorganic meterials with polymer materials was observed by scanning electron microscope. CT values of tissue equivalent materials were measured by X-ray CT. Distribution of inorganic materials was examined. The compactness of materials was determined by the water absorbed method. The elastic module of materials was measured by laser speckle interferementry method. The results showed that the inorganic material powders treated by the ultrafine crush blent well with polymer and the distribution of these powders in the polymer was homogeneous. The equivalent errors of linear attenuation coefficients and CT values of equivalent materials were small. Their elastic modules increased one order of magnitude from 6.028 x 10(2) kg/cm2 to 9.753 x 10(3) kg/cm2. In addition, the rod inorganic material powders having rod granule blent easily with polymer. The present study provides a theoretical guidance and experimental basis for the design and synthesis of radiological equivalent materials.

[Bowel elongation technique by using omentum as vascular pedicle in beagle dogs]

Basing on the establishment of an isolated bowel segement (IBS) in Beagle dog by omentoenteropexy, the possibility of using omentum as vascular pedicle in bowel elongation was investigated. Five young Beagle dogs (3 females, 2 males) with a body weight of 5-9 kg were used. A longitudinal incision (15 cm long) was made down to the seromuscular layer of the jejunal segment on the antimesenteric border, 20 cm distal to the duodenojejunal fold, the mucosal layer should never be injured. Then the free margin of the omentum was attached to the seromuscular border of the jejunum by interrupted sutures. One dog died from volvulus and necrosis of the bowel 3 days after operation. Seven weeks later, the mesentery was ligated in one dog and the bowel lengthening procedure was carried out in the other 3 dogs. The procedure consisted of longitudinal splitting of the isolated bowel segment anteroposteriorly, thus two separated segments of bowel were obtained, each received its own blood supply from either omental or mesenteric blood vessels. Either of the longitudinally splitting segments was rebuilt into one intestinal canal by 3/0 non-traumatic sutures. Then isoperistaltic end-to-end anastomosis of these two isolated segments was carried out, and an jejunostomy was established. The free jejunal ends were rejoined together to restore the continuity of the bowel lumen. Two weeks later, the blood supply of the experimental bowel segment was observed. It was shown that the IBS and elongated bowel segment (EBS) appeared viable, and there was good collateral circulation between the bowel segment and the omentum. The regeneration of lymphatics was observed from injection of methylene blue. It was concluded that a viable IBS and EBS could be established by using omentoenteropexy technique. The application of the this model in the management of short bowel syndrome needed to be further investigated.

Vitamin E succinate induces Fas-mediated apoptosis in estrogen receptor-negative human breast cancer cells

Vitamin E succinate (VES), a derivative of the fat-soluble vitamin D-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), inhibited growth and induced apoptotic cell death of estrogen receptor-negative human breast cancer cells. VES-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and SKBR-3 cells occurred through a Fas pathway. Total protein levels of the Fas receptor (Fas; APO-1/CD-95) and the Fas ligand (Fas-L) were increased following VES treatment. In addition, VES increased cell surface Fas expression. Fas-neutralizing antibodies and Fas-L antisense oligonucleotides blocked VES-induced apoptosis. The presence of Fas-L antisense oligonucleotides also completely blocked the VES-mediated increase in Fas-L protein expression. These data indicate a role for Fas signaling in VES-mediated apoptotic cell death of human breast cancer cells. These findings also suggest that VES may be of clinical use in the treatment of aggressive human breast cancers, particularly those that are refractory to antiestrogen therapy.

[Isolation and properties of a novel fibrinolytic enzyme from an earth worm]

A novel fibrinolytic enzyme is isolated from one species of Pheretima by means of homogenizing, extracting with an extractive agent, precipitating with ammunonium sulfate, ultrafiltration and chromatography. The enzyme consists of a single chain with an M. W. of 22,000. It can not only dissolve human thrombi and fibrin directly and strongly, but also activate human plasminogen. The enzyme shows little toxic and side effects in animal tests. The activity, purity and etraction-rate of the enzyme in this report are all very high.

IL2 fused to lectin-deficient ricin is toxic to human leukemia cells expressing the IL2 receptor

Interleukin-2 (IL2) fused to ricin B chain (RTB) with modifications of amino acid residues in each of three galactose-binding subdomains (1alpha, 1beta and 2gamma) was expressed in insect cells, purified by immunoaffinity chromatography and reassociated with ricin A chain (RTA). The fusion toxin-bound human leukemic cells with IL2 receptors and the binding was competed with IL2 but not asialofetuin. In contrast, binding was not observed with receptor negative human cell lines, and the fusion molecule very weakly bound asialofetuin (Kd= 10(-6)M), indicating lectin-deficient RTB. The IL2-lectin-deficient RTB-RTA intoxicated IL2 receptor bearing cells as well as ricin or IL2-wild-type RTB-RTA. While ricin and IL2-wild-type RTB-RTA were equally toxic to receptor negative cell lines, the IL2-lectin-deficient RTB-RTA was two-two and one half logs less cytotoxic to these cell lines. The sensitivity of receptor-positive cells to the lectin-deficient fusion protein suggests that high avidity intracellular galactose binding may not be required for ricin intoxication, at least in the case of IL2 receptor-targeted molecules. Furthermore, the potent selective cytotoxicity of the fusion protein suggests that the IL2-lectin-deficient RTB-RTA and similar ricin fusion molecules directed against other leukemic cell surface receptors provide a novel class of fusion toxins for therapy of human leukemias.

Ricin toxin contains three lectin sites which contribute to its in vivo toxicity

Ricin intoxication of mammalian cells is initiated by B chain (RTB) binding to cell surface galactosides. Recombinant insect-derived RTB mutants with modifications in lectin-site subdomains 2 gamma, 1 alpha/2 gamma, and 1 alpha/1 beta/2 gamma were reassociated with plant RTA and tested for lethality in C57B1/6 6-8 weeks old mice. The LD50 of intraperitoneally injected castor bean ricin was 75 ng per 18 g mouse. The LD50 of single-site 2 gamma mutant heterodimer was 100 ng: the LD50 of the double-site 1 alpha/2 gamma mutant heterodimer was 500 ng, and the LD50 of the triple-site 1 alpha/1 beta,2 gamma mutant heterodimer was > 10 micrograms. Plant RTA alone had an LD50 of 300 micrograms. Animals died between 1 and 10 days post-injection. Histopathological examination of morbid animals receiving an LD50 dose of each toxin revealed only apoptosis in the thymus and spleen. The present data provide clear evidence for participation of three lectin sites in ricin in vivo toxicity. These results suggest an origin for some of the normal tissue toxicities observed with clinical trials of doubly blocked ricin conjugates and suggest modification of at least three RTB subdomains will be necessary in genetically engineered ricin fusion proteins.

Ricin toxin contains at least three galactose-binding sites located in B chain subdomains 1 alpha, 1 beta, and 2 gamma

Ricin toxin, the heterodimeric 65 kDa glycoprotein synthesized in castor bean seeds, consists of a cell binding lectin subunit (RTB) disulfide linked to an rRNA N-glycosidase protein synthesis inactivating subunit (RTA). While X-ray crystallography and equilibrium dialysis suggested two sugar-combining sites located in subdomains 1 alpha and 2 gamma, biochemical and mutational analyses suggested the existence of a third lectin site. We performed oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis on RTB cDNA to create mutants with modifications in subdomains 1 alpha, 2 gamma, and either 1 beta or 2 alpha. The triple-site mutant RTBs were expressed in insect cells. Partially purified recombinant proteins obtained from infected cell extracts and cell supernatants were characterized for asialofetuin and cell binding, immunoreactivites, ability to reassociate with RTA, and recombinant heterodimer cell cytotoxicity. Yields of both triple-site mutants were similar to the parent double-site mutant. Both mutants showed immunoreactivity with a panel of anti-RTB monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The triple-site mutant with modification of amino acid residues in subdomains 1 alpha, 2 alpha, and 2 gamma bound asialofetuin and cells similarly to the parent 1 alpha, 2 gamma, subdomain mutant. In contrast, the 1 alpha, 1 beta, 2 gamma subdomain triple-site mutant had a one and one-half log decrease in asialofetuin and cell binding relative to the parent double-site mutant. The 1 alpha, 2 alpha, 2 gamma triple-site mutant and 1 alpha, 2 gamma parent protein had sugar binding which was inhibited by 3-27-fold by lactose and asialofetuin. Both triple-site mutants reassociated well with RTA. The 1 alpha, 2 alpha, 2 gamma triple-site mutant-RTA was equally cytotoxic to mammalian cells as the double-site mutant-RTA heterodimer. In contrast, the 1 alpha, 1 beta, 2 gamma triple-site mutant-RTA was 25 times less toxic than the double mutant and 20 times more toxic than RTA alone. These data support a model for at least three lectin-binding subdomains in RTB.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 functions in monocytic differentiation of hematopoietic cells through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms

This study examined the role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in monocytic differentiation of hematopoietic cells. TGF-beta 1 and retinoic acid (RA) inhibited HL-60 cell growth in a dose-dependent fashion. Treatment of HL-60 cells with a combination of TGF-beta 1 and a 50% optimal dose of RA (RA + TGF-beta 1) resulted in increased growth suppression compared to the individual treatments. Morphological studies revealed that TGF-beta 1 induced promonocytic differentiation (68%), RA induced granulocytic differentiation (98%), and RA + TGF-beta 1 induced monocytic (54%) and granulocytic (46%) differentiation of HL-60 cells. Induction of the monocyte-specific marker, nonspecific esterase, was markedly increased by TGF-beta 1 and RA + TGF-beta 1 treatment but not by RA treatment. Both TGF-beta 1 treatment and RA treatment increased TGF-beta ligand and TGF-beta receptor protein and mRNA levels. To determine whether RA mediated HL-60 cell growth inhibition and differentiation through the autocrine expression of TGF-beta 1, experiments using TGF-beta 1 antisense oligonucleotides or TGF-beta 1-neutralizing antibodies were conducted. TGF-beta 1 antisense oligonucleotides and neutralizing antibodies partially blocked RA-induced inhibition of proliferation, and TGF-beta 1 antisense oligonucleotides reversed RA-induced granulocytic maturation, demonstrating that RA signals autocrine expression of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta receptors. The effect of TGF-beta 1 on normal hematopoiesis was also studied using primary human fetal liver cells. TGF-beta 1 alone and in the presence of interleukin 3 promoted macrophage differentiation of primitive fetal liver cells. Cell surface expression of the monocyte/macrophage-specific marker c-fms was increased 3.1-fold following TGF-beta 1 treatment. In addition, TGF-beta 1-treated cells displayed a 51% increase in phagocytosis as compared to interleukin 3-treated control cells. These studies define a role for TGF-beta 1 in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of monocyte/macrophage differentiation.

Double-lectin site ricin B chain mutants expressed in insect cells have residual galactose binding: evidence for more than two lectin sites on the ricin toxin B chain

Ricin toxin, the heterodimeric 65 kDa glycoprotein synthesized in castor bean seeds, contains a cell binding lectin subunit (RTB) disulfide linked to an RNA N-glycosidase protein synthesis-inactivating subunit (RTA). Investigations of the molecular nature of the lectin sites in RTB by X-ray crystallography, equilibrium dialysis, chemical modification, and mutational analysis have yielded conflicting results as to the number, location, and affinity of sugar-combining sites. An accurate assessment of the amino acid residues of RTB involved in galactose binding is needed both for correlating structure-function of a number of plant lectins and for the design and synthesis of targeted toxins for cancer and autoimmune disease therapy. We have performed oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis on cDNA encoding RTB and expressed the mutant RTBs in insect cells. Partially purified recombinant proteins obtained from infected cell supernatants and cell extracts were characterized as to yields, immunoreactivities, asialofetuin binding, cell binding, ability to reassociate with RTA, and recombinant heterodimer cell cytotoxicity. Two single-site mutants (subdomain 1 alpha or 2 gamma) and two double-site mutants (subdomains 1 alpha 2 gamma) were produced and studied. Yields varied by two logs with lower recoveries of double-site mutants. All the mutants showed immunoreactivity with a panel of anti-RTB monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Single-lectin site mutants displayed up to a 1 log decrease in asialofetuin binding avidity, while the double-site mutants showed close to a 2 log decrease in sugar binding. However, for each of the double-site mutants, residual sugar binding was demonstrated to both immobilized asialofetuin and cells, and this binding was specifically inhibitable with alpha-lactose. All mutants reassociated with RTA, and the mutant heterodimers were cytotoxic to mammalian cells with potencies 1000-fold or more times that of unreassociated wild-type RTA or RTB. These data support a model for three or more lectin binding subdomains in RTB.

p120-v-Abl expression overcomes TGF-beta1 negative regulation of c-myc transcription but not cell growth

Transformation of interleukin-3 dependent (IL-3) 32D-123 myeloid cells by p120-v-Abl produced the factor-independent 32D-abl cell line. In 32D-abl cells, myc expression was found to be significantly higher than in the parental cells and was correlated with increased E2F-1 protein expression and DNA binding ability. Surprisingly, in 32D-abl cells, TGF-beta1, a potent G1/S inhibitor of 32D-123 and 32D-abl cell growth, increased E2F transactivation as shown by increased c-myc promoter-CAT and GAL4-E2F-1 activity. In addition, TGF-beta1 was also found to increase E2F-1 protein levels but had no effect on steady-state retinoblastoma (RB) protein levels or phosphorylation state. In the absence of TGF-beta1, transient expression of RB in v-Abl expressing cells resulted in decreased c-myc transcription, inhibition of GAL4-E2F-1 driven transactivation and inhibition of cellular proliferation. RB and v-Abl were found to physically associate in vivo and in vitro via v-Abl's ATP binding region. In summary, these studies established that in myeloid cells: (1) v-Abl binds RB resulting in increased E2F-1-driven c-myc transcription, and (2) an alternative pathway exists for TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition of v-Abl-transformed cells, in which increased rather than decreased E2F-mediated c-myc transcription is observed.

Characterization of a ricin fusion toxin targeted to the interleukin-2 receptor

Fusion toxins are hybrid proteins consisting of peptide ligands linked through amide bonds to polypeptide toxins. The ligand directs the molecule to the surface of target cells and the toxin enters the cytosol and induces cell death. Ricin is an excellent candidate for use in fusion toxins because of its extreme potency, the extensive knowledge of its atomic structure and the lack of prior immunological exposure in patients. We synthesized a baculovirus transfer vector with the polyhedrin promoter followed sequentially from the 5' end with DNA encoding the gp67A leader sequence, the tripeptide ADP, IL-2 (interleukin-2), another ADP tripeptide and RTB (ricin toxin B chain) with lectin-site mutations W37S and Y248H. Recombinant baculovirus was generated in Sf9 insect cells and used to infect Sf9 cells. Recombinant IL-2-RTB[W37S/Y248H] protein (fusion protein of IL-2 with modifications W37S and Y248H) was recovered at high yields from day 6 insect cell supernatants, partially purified by affinity chromatography and reassociated with RTA (ricin toxin A chain). The fusion toxin was soluble, immunoreactive with antibodies to RTB, IL-2 and RTA and had a molecular weight of 80 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The molecule reacted poorly with asialofetuin, but bound strongly to IL-2 receptor based on selective cytotoxicity to IL-2 receptor bearing cells. The specific cytotoxicity could be blocked with IL-2 but not lactose. Thus, we report a novel targeted fusion toxin protein with full biological activity.

[Inducing effect of dimethy-4, 4'-dimethoxy-5, 6,5',6-dimethylenedioxybipheny-2, 2'-dicarboxylate (DDB) on differentiation of leukemia HL-60 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of anti-hepatitis drug, DDB, on leukemia cell line HL-60.

METHOD

Cytobiological methods were used.

RESULT

DDB was inhibited the proliferation of HL-60 cells. About 50% of HL-60 cells treated with DDB (10(-4)mol/L) for 6 days exhibited NBT reduction, and phagocytosis activity was also enhanced by DDB (10(-4)mol/L) for 4 days. The HL-60 cells treated with DDB turned out to be mature granulocytes morphologically.

CONCLUSION

The activity of acid phosphatase in DDB-treated HL-60 cells was significantly increased. DDB can induce HL-60 cells to differentiate along granulocyte lineage.

Modulation of bradykinin-induced intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in v-Ki-ras-transformed fibroblasts

Modulation of bradykinin (BK)-induced intracellular Ca2+ oscillations was investigated with single cell Ca2+ analysis in v-Ki-ras-transformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts. The Ca2+ oscillations were inhibited by the addition of a specific antagonist for subtype 2 of BK receptors (B2 receptor), not the antagonist for B1 receptor. Decrease of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration suppressed the [Ca2+]i oscillations and application of thapsigargin dissipated the [Ca2+]i oscillations. These findings suggest that the continuous activation of B2 receptor leading to the fluctuations of both Ca2+ influx which refills the internal Ca2+ stores, and Ca2+ mobilization from the internal stores, is essential to the occurrence of the [Ca2+]i oscillations in these cells.

The rise of cancer among the elderly in Hawaii

The purpose of this study was to determine if time trends in cancer incidence among the elderly in Hawaii were similar to the trends observed in the mainland United States and to determine if the trends were comparable among the various ethnic groups living in Hawaii. Average annual incidence rates per 100,000 persons, age 65 or older, were determined by sex and ethnicity for the time periods 1973 to 1977 and 1983 to 1986 through the Hawaii Tumor Registry, a population-based central cancer registry. The incidence of all cancers combined increased 27% among men and 26% among women between the 2 time periods. Similar to the rest of the United States, melanoma and cancers of the brain, lung, colon, breast and prostate have risen substantially among elderly Hawaii residents. Comparisons across ethnic groups revealed that melanoma increased mainly among Caucasians, lung cancer increased primarily among Hawaiians and Caucasians, and colon cancer increased in all ethnic groups.

The effect of epinephrine on the intracellular free calcium of parent and Ki-ras-transfected NIH3T3 cells

Here we describe differences in the formation of the epinephrine-induced Ca2+ transients between parent and Ki-ras-transformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts. These transients proved to be the results of an efflux from both the thapsigargin-sensitive and -insensitive intracellular pools. While the epinephrine-induced detachment of the ras-transformed cells might be due to cytoskeletal and/or cell-matrix alterations.

Inhibition of HIV infection by baicalin--a flavonoid compound purified from Chinese herbal medicine

Baicalin (BA), (formulated as 7-D-glucuronic acid-5,6-dihydroxy-flavone), was purified from the plant Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi. It has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The inhibitory effect of BA against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection and replication has been studied in vitro. The compound inhibits HIV-1 infection and replication as measured by: (1) a quantitative focal syncytium formation on CEM-ss monolayer cells; and (2) HIV-1 specific core antigen p24 expression and retroviral reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in the HIV-1-infected H9 cells. We have further demonstrated that the enzymatic activity of purified recombinant HIV-1/RT was inhibited by BA. In addition to lymphoid cell lines, the anti-HIV-1 activity of BA was also observed in cultures of primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with HIV-1 in vitro. Neither cytotoxic nor cytostatic effects on the indicator cells were found under the assay condition. This data suggests that BA may serve as a useful drug for the treatment and prevention of HIV infections.

Thy-1 inhibits mitogen-induced Ca2+ oscillation in ras-transformed mouse fibroblasts

Cell surface glycoprotein Thy-1 functions as a transformation suppressor in v-ras-transformed NIH/3T3 cells [Sugimoto et al., (1991) Cancer Res. 51, 99-104.]. In order to understand the mechanism of action of Thy-1, we examined the effect of Thy-1 expression on mitogen-induced Ca2+ oscillation which was correlated with v-ras-transformation [Fu et al., (1991) FEBS Lett. 281, 263-266.]. Forced expression of Thy-1 in v-ras-transformed cells inhibited mitogen-induced Ca2+ oscillation. Although v-Ras-free, Thy-1-positive NIH/3T3 cells (major population) did not show Ca2+ oscillation, whereas in Thy-1-negative NIH/3T3 cells (less than 1% of the population) Ca2+ oscillation was observed. Finally, replacement of the carboxyl-half of Thy-1 with that of CD4 abolished the inhibitory effect of Thy-1. These results suggest that Thy-1 directly or indirectly participates in the negative regulation of Ca2+ response by inhibiting Ca2+ oscillation.

Clinical evaluation of radioimmunoimaging with 131I-C0C183B2 monoclonal antibody against ovarian carcinoma by intraperitoneal injection

Forty-eight cases subjected to radioimmunoimaging (RII) by intraperitoneal injection with 131I-C0C183B2 monoclonal antibody (MAb) prepared in our laboratory were studied. Thirteen of 14 cases of proved primary ovarian carcinoma were positive. In 11 follow-up cases of ovarian carcinoma after initial surgery and chemotherapy, 5 recurrences were positive and 6 cases without recurrence were negative; all were confirmed histopathologically after a second operation. One false negative was ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma, which also negatively stained with C0C183B2 by the peroxidase anti-peroxidase method. Twenty of 23 cases of nonepithelial or metastatic carcinoma of the ovary, benign tumors, and benign diseases were negative. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.7 and 89.7%, respectively. If patients had complications with ascites, the MAb which positively stained with the cancer cells in the ascites was chosen for RII. For follow-up cases PAP staining with the tumor tissue from the initial surgery and the MAb should be done before RII. These are the principal factors that increase the positive rate and accuracy of RII. The intraperitoneal route seems to be a valuable method for clinical staging and tumor localization as well as for follow-up use.

Abolishment of bradykinin-induced calcium oscillations in ras-transformed fibroblasts by the expression of 80 kDa diacylglycerol kinase

Our previous study showed bradykinin-induced periodic Ca2+ changes (Ca2+ oscillations) in v-Ki-ras-transformed NIH/3T3 (DT) cells in which protein kinase C (PKC) activity is partially down-regulated by a sustained high level of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) [FEBS Lett. (1991) 281, 263-266]. In the present study, DAG kinase with 80 kDa mass (80K DGK) has been successfully transfected in DT cells, which exhibited enhanced cellular DAG kinase activities, decreased cellular DAG contents, and increased PKC activities compared to the control vector-transfected cells. Furthermore, these DGK-transfectants showed strong inhibition in bradykinin-induced Ca2+ oscillations. The results suggest that the sustained DAG increase down-regulates the PKC activity, thereby leading to the induction of Ca2+ oscillations in DT cells.

Differential pathways (phospholipase C and phospholipase D) of bradykinin-induced biphasic 1,2-diacylglycerol formation in non-transformed and K-ras-transformed NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. Involvement of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in phosphatidylcholine breakdown

Bradykinin (BK) induced a biphasic increase in 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) in both K-ras-transformed fibroblasts (DT) and the parent NIH-3T3 cells. The first phase was coincident with the increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 resulting from PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, and the second, sustained, phase was derived from phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) hydrolysis. In NIH-3T3 cells, stimulation by BK induced greater production of choline than phosphocholine in [3H]choline-labelled cells and appreciable phosphatidylethanol (PtdEtOH) formation in [3H]myristic acid-labelled cells, suggesting that PtdCho was hydrolysed mainly by a phospholipase D (PLD) activity. Pretreatment with propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, markedly diminished the second DAG accumulation, supporting the above notion. In DT cells, BK induced predominantly phosphocholine generation and little PtdEtOH formation, indicating that the PtdCho hydrolysis was due to a phospholipase C (PLC) activity. The BK-induced oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) observed in single DT cells [Fu, Sugimoto, Oki, Murakami, Okano & Nozawa (1991) FEBS Lett. 281, 263-266] were detected as a sustained [Ca2+]i elevation when assayed in a cell suspension. A receptor-operated Ca2+ channel blocker, SK&F 96365, suppressed both the BK-induced phosphocholine generation and the sustained [Ca2+]i elevation in a similar dose-dependent manner. These results thus suggested that oscillations in [Ca2+]i are involved in the activation of PtdCho-specific PLC in DT cells.

Inhibition of Human T Cell Leukemia Virus by the Plant Flavonoid Baicalin (7-Glucuronic Acid, 5,6-Dihydroxyflavone)

The ability of baicalin (7-glucuronic acid, 5,6-dihydroxyflavone), a flavonoid compound purified from the Chinese medicinal herb, Scutellaria baicalensis georgi, to inhibit human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was examined. Baicalin produced concentration-dependent inhibition of HTLV-I replication in productively infected T and B cells. Moreover, baicalin treatment selectively reduced the detectable levels of HTLV-I p19 gag protein in infected cells by greater than 70% at concentrations that produced insignificant effects on total cellular protein and DNA synthesis with no loss in cell viability. Resistance to HTLV-I infection and virus-mediated transformation was noted in uninfected peripheral blood lymphocytes pretreated with baicalin before cocultivation with lethally irradiated chronically infected cells. Baicalin inhibited reverse transcriptase activity in HTLV-I-infected cells as well as the activity of purified reverse transcriptase from Moloney murine leukemia virus and Rous-associated virus type 2. These results suggest that baicalin may be a potential therapeutic agent against HTLV-I-associated T cell diseases.