Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and blood pressure falls after alcohol moderation

Drinkers showing higher serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels tend to have higher blood pressure (BP), independent of the volume of alcohol consumed. To further evaluate the link between alcohol consumption and elevated serum GGT and BP, we observed BP, serum biochemical parameters, plasma pressor hormones and intraplatelet free calcium (Plt. [Ca2+]i) in 40 moderate drinkers who were composed of four categories of 10 each with or without hypertension (> or = 140/90 mmHg) or high serum GGT level (> or = 50 U/L) during four-week alcohol moderation. BP and serum hepatic enzymes including GGT decreased more conspicuously in both normotensive and hypertensive drinkers with high serum GGT. Serum triglyceride was higher and potassium was lower in the drinkers with high serum GGT, and were normalized during alcohol moderation. Serum calcium, Plt. [Ca2+]i and plasma renin activity and cortisol showed some decreases during alcohol moderation, but were not different in the drinkers with different serum GGT and BP levels. No significant changes were observed in plasma catecholamines and aldosterone. These results suggest that BP elevations in moderate drinkers are closely related to hepatic, lipid and electrolyte metabolic alterations induced by alcohol rather than specific pressor agents.

[Beneficial effects of continuous hemodiafiltration after cardiac surgery in patients with chronic renal failure]

From December 1993 to June 1996, fourteen patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) were underwent cardiac surgery. Thirteen of them had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and one patient had aortic valve replacement. We employed continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) with or without peritoneal dialysis in eleven cases in the early postoperative course of open heart surgery. In these cases, the usefulness of CHDF were examined. CHDF was started after 16.9 +/- 13.7 hours of surgery, and continued for 31.9 +/- 18.0 hours. We adjusted blood flow as 80 ml/min, perfusate flow of hemofilter as 500 ml/hr, and the activated clotting time (ACT) as 150-200 seconds with heparin or nafamostat mesilate. No hemorrhagic tendency was observed. Mean serum creatinine level before and after 24 hours of CHDF was 5.6 +/- 2.2 and 5.6 +/- 2.1 mg/dl respectively, and it was not elevated. The average removal volume was 2,223 +/- 1,256 ml for the first 24 hours, and pulmonary wedge pressure was decreased from 9.0 +/- 2.3 to 6.4 +/- 3.0 mmHg (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change at cardiac output before and after CHDF. Total dose of dopamine and dobutamine were unchanged. No significant change were noted at systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance. We conclude that CHDF allows an adequate removal of fluid and waste products without deleterious effects on hemodynamics even in patients after cardiac surgery. CHDF is a safe and effective alternative in patients with CRF after cardiac surgery.

Expression of LECAM-1 and LFA-1 on pre-B lymphoma cells but not on preneoplastic pre-B cells in SL/KH mice

The pre-B lymphoma-prone inbred strain SL/Kh mice showed a polyclonal expansion of BP-1+ pre-B cells in bone marrow early in life. Preneoplastic pre-B cells did not express adhesion molecules LECAM-1 and LFA-1, whereas neoplastic pre-B cells consistently expressed both molecules. There were two types of pre-B lymphomas in SL/Kh with distinct in vivo behavior. One infiltrated lymph nodes and spleen and another, predominantly bone marrow. However, lymphoma cells of both types expressed BP-1, LECAM-1 and LFA-1. Expression of these adhesion molecules on BP-1+ cells, therefore, may represent an important consequence of pre-B lymphomagenesis in SL/Kh strain, but is not sufficient to explain the in vivo behavior of the pre-B lymphoma cells.

Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome associated with acute myeloblastic leukemia

Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, cataracts, short stature and varying degrees of mental retardation. A high incidence of malignant disease associated with this syndrome has not so far been reported. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl affected with Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome, who developed acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML, M2), and whose karyotype was 46,XX,t(8;21),(q22;q22) in bone marrow blasts. This is the first report of Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome associated with malignant disorders.

Effect of Processing Additives on Carbon Black Dispersion and Grip Property of High-Performance Tire Tread Compound

Rubber and carbon black compounds show complex behaviors in their mixing process due to their complicated microcomposite structure. Therefore, establishing a clear relationship between the mixing state of the rubber compound and the physical properties of its cured rubber has still remained to be solved in spite of formidable efforts by many rubber technologists. This paper investigated the influence of a processing additive on the carbon black incorporation and its dispersion behavior by inspecting Banbury power curves. From this investigation, we considered that good wettability toward the carbon black surface was necessary for processing additives in order to improve carbon black dispersion. The function of the processing additive was thought to enhance the surface lubrication of carbon black for disagglomeration in the early steps of mixing. The dry grip properties of a tire was estimated from the temperature dependence of dynamic viscoelastic properties of rubber compounds, with improved carbon black dispersion due to the processing additive; and it was confirmed by an actual tire running evaluation. Consequently, we found that tread compounds with improved carbon black dispersion had a remarkable effect on tire dry-grip properties at high temperatures.

Serum levels of soluble Fas/APO-1 receptor in human retroviral infection and associated diseases

Fas/APO-1 mediates apoptosis via Fas and Fas ligand transduction. Recently, a soluble form of Fas (sFas) was described which seems to be functionally implicated in the Fas signal system, suggesting a relationship between some disorders and sFas function. We measured sFas-levels in sera from normal controls and patients with disorders linked to human retroviral infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1). The sFas level of normal controls. HTLV-1 carriers seronegative for HIV, and patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical paraparesis (HAM/TSP), adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), and AIDS was 1.62 +/- 0.49, 1.90 +/- 0.49, 2.00 +/- 0.59, 3.32 +/- 2.05, and 3.06 +/- 0.92 ng/ml, respectively. Although the level of sFas in patient groups with HAM/TSP, ATL, and AIDS was significantly high in comparison to that of normal controls (p < 0.01), the individual values were highly variable within the groups. The sFas level was statistically correlated to the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level, as well as to cells expressing membrane Fas (mFas), indicating the same cellular origin. In some ATL cases, however, serum sFas levels and mFas expression density on leukemic T-cells were discrepant, with especially high levels of the soluble form and a lack of expression of the membrane form observed in 2 cases, sFas detection could serve as a putative marker for active diseases in patients with ATL and AIDS.

Genotype of cytochrome P450 2E1 and alcohol-related blood pressure elevation in Japanese men

Three-hundred-and-sixty-seven unrelated Japanese male workers aged between 36 and 61 years were analysed for the genotypes of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and the association with alcohol-related health effects including blood pressure (BP) elevation. Homozygous for the c1 (wild) gene was found in 204 men (55%), homozygous for the c2 (variant) gene in 17 (5%), and heterozygous in 146 (40%). Arithmetic means of alcohol consumed per week in the genotypes of c1/c1, c1/c2 and c2/c2 were 218, 257 and 211 g, respectively, and were not statistically different. BP was elevated with the increase in alcohol consumption, and was significantly higher in the c2/c2 genotype than in the other genotypes among the subjects consuming 200 g or more of alcohol per week. Serum uric acid did not correlate with alcohol consumption in the whole subjects, but it was also higher in drinkers having the c2/c2 genotype. Although the number of subjects was too small for a definite conclusion to be drawn, these results suggest to some extent that Japanese men having the c2/c2 genotype of CYP2E1 are more sensitive to the pressor effect of alcohol. Further studies are required to confirm this.

Vagal and sympathetic denervation in the development of oleic acid-induced pulmonary edema

This study investigates the effects of autonomic denervation on extravascular lung water, pulmonary hemodynamics, the filtration coefficient of pulmonary vasculature and oxygenation in the development of pulmonary edema. Thirty seven dogs were divided into seven groups. No experimental treatment was conducted in group Nc (n = 4, sham operation) or group Nv (n = 6, bilateral vagotomy) during a 3 h observation period. In the following groups, oleic acid (0.06 ml/kg) was injected into a central vein to induce pulmonary edema: group OAc (n = 6, intact innervation); group OAv (n = 6, bilateral vagotomy); group OAa (n = 6, alpha-blockade by phentolamine); group OAs (n = 6, alpha- and beta-blockade by sympathectomy); and group OAvs (n = 3, vagosympathectomy). The results showed that in the dogs with normal lungs, bilateral vagotomy per se did not cause lung injury during 3 h of observation. However, in oleic acid pulmonary edema, vagotomy significantly deteriorated pulmonary edema by increasing pulmonary intravascular pressures; Alpha- or alpha- and beta- sympathetic inhibition deteriorated pulmonary edema by increasing pulmonary microvascular permeability. The severity of oleic acid-induced pulmonary edema was same in the dogs with vagosympathectomy as in the dogs with intact innervation. These results suggest the inhibition of vagal or sympathetic innervation will aggravate pulmonary edema in the dog.

[An anesthesia machine malfunction due to dew condensation produced by abnormally high humidity in the electronically-controlled panel]

We present a case of anesthesia machine (NAR-KOMED 2CTM; N2C) malfunction caused by dew condensation. N2C is electronically controlled by an alarm-panel using the remote display. Abnormally high humidity in the operating room made dew condensation in the alarm-panel resulting in an electronic short circuit. Of great importance may be the damp proof improvement on medical equipment including anesthesia machines which have electronic circuits.

Mechanical strength of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer with Teflon felt augmentation

Tensile properties of Teflon felt augmentation after latissimus dorsi tendon transfer to rotator cuff defect were examined in dog cadaver shoulders. Two experimental groups with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer were designed. In group 1 (right shoulders, n = 7) the tendon ends of latissimus dorsi were sutured to the greater tuberosity. In group 2 (left shoulders, n = 7) the repair was augmented with Teflon felt at the suture site. The ultimate tensile force and stiffness of each specimen in group 2 were individually compared with those in group 1. The average increases in ultimate tensile force and stiffness in group 2 were 53.8% and -3.7%, respectively. The individual value of ultimate tensile force in group 2 was significantly greater than that in group 1. These results demonstrate that augmentation at the repair site is mechanically effective latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. The augmentation procedure may provide protection during the healing period because of this and a surrounding fibrous tissue reaction.

Inhibition by 1-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylate of the activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase obtained from senescing petals of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers

We partially purified 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase from senescing petals of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. Nora) flowers and investigated its general characteristics, and, in particular, the inhibition of its activity by ACC analogs. The enzyme had an optimum pH at 7-7.5 and required Fe2+, ascorbate and NaHCO3 for its maximal activity. The Km for ACC was calculated as 111-125 microM in the presence of NaHCO3. Its M(r) was estimated to be 35 and 36 kDa by gel-filtration chromatography on HPLC and SDS-PAGE, respectively, indicating that the enzyme exists in a monomeric form. These properties were in agreement with those reported previously with ACC oxidases from different plant tissues including senescing carnation petals. Among six ACC analogs tested, 1-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylate (ACBC) inhibited most severely the activity of ACC oxidase from carnation petals. ACBC acted as a competitive inhibitor with the Ki of 20-30 microM. The comparison between the Km for ACC and the Ki for ACBC indicated that ACBC had an affinity which was ca. 5-fold higher than that of ACC. Whereas ACC inactivated carnation ACC oxidase in a time-dependent manner during incubation, ACBC did not cause the inactivation of the enzyme. Preliminary experiments showed that ACBC and its N-substituted derivatives delayed the onset of senescence in cut carnation flowers.

Initiation of liver growth by tumor necrosis factor: deficient liver regeneration in mice lacking type I tumor necrosis factor receptor

The mechanisms that initiate liver regeneration after resection of liver tissue are not known. To determine whether cytokines are involved in the initiation of liver growth, we studied the regeneration of the liver after partial hepatectomy (PH) in mice lacking type I tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR-I). DNA synthesis after PH was severely impaired in these animals, and the expected increases in the binding of the NF-kappaB and STAT3 transcription factors shortly after PH failed to occur. Binding of AP-1 after PH was decreased in TNFR-I knockout mice compared with animals with the intact receptor whereas C/EBP binding was not modified. Injection of interleukin 6 in TNFR-I-deficient animals 30 min before PH corrected the defect in DNA synthesis and restored STAT3 and AP-1 binding to normal levels but had no effect on NF-kappaB binding in the regenerating liver. The results indicate that TNF, signaling through the TNFR-I, can initiate liver regeneration and acts by activating an interleukin 6-dependent pathway that involves the STAT3 transcription factor.

Effect of monochlorohydrins of linoleic acid on guinea-pig cardiac papillary muscles

The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-myeloperoxidase system can convert linoleic acid (LA) to monochlorohydrins. LA monochlorohydrins can also be produced when LA monoepoxides are subjected to low pH solutions. We chemically synthesized and purified LA monochlorohydrins and examined their effect on the developed tension of guinea-pig papillary muscles in vitro in terms of both concentration and the duration of exposure. A decrease in muscular tension was observed immediately after addition of LA monochlorohydrins at concentrations of 30, 100, and 300 microM. We also compared the effect of LA monochlorohydrins on muscle tension with those of LA monoepoxides.

Formation of recombinant triple-helical [alpha 1(IV)]2 alpha 2(IV) collagen molecules in CHO cells

Collagen IV molecules represent a major structural component of basement membranes providing a network of support for the supramolecular structure. Like other collagens, collagen IV forms a triple-helical molecule composed of three alpha chains. Six different alpha chains exist for collagen IV, although the most common isoform consists of two alpha 1(IV) and one alpha 2(IV) chain. To understand the molecular mechanism of triple-helical formation of collagen IV, we expressed recombinant alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) mouse collagen chains in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. An expression vector containing the full length cDNA for the mouse alpha 1(IV) chain was stably transfected into CHO cells and a cell line, A222, which expressed recombinant alpha 1(IV) chains was selected. These A222 cells were then infected with a retroviral expression vector containing the mouse alpha 2(IV) chain and a cell line, A222-A2, stably expressing both recombinant alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) chains was obtained. Immunoprecipitation of A222 cell lysates revealed a high level of alpha 1(IV) chain monomer, which was unable to form a homotrimer. Analysis of A222-A2 cell lysates revealed the presence of both monomeric alpha 2(IV) and alpha 1(IV) chains as well as a higher molecular weight collagen IV species. Second dimensional SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the high molecular weight species was a heterotrimer consisting of two alpha 1(IV) and one alpha 2(IV) chain. This heterotrimer collagen IV species was pepsin-resistant indicating the formation of a stable triple-helical structure. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the monomer alpha 1(IV) chain was secreted, but at a much slower rate than the heterotrimer. Together these results demonstrate that the alpha 1(IV) chain is not capable of forming homotrimers and suggest that the coexpression with the alpha 2(IV) chain is necessary to form a triple-helical structure.

Integration patterns of HTLV-I provirus in relation to the clinical course of ATL: frequent clonal change at crisis from indolent disease

We examined human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) DNA integration in 68 patients with adult T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma (ATL) by Southern blotting using EcoRI, which does not cut within the 9 kb of the genome and probes for pX and gag-pol region of HTLV-I. We detected defective proviral integration as a monoclonal band of various sizes with the pX but not with the gag-pol probe, or a monoclonal band of less than 9 kb with the pX probe, in 20 patients (29.4%). These were designated defective (D) type. With both probes, a single band greater than 9 kb was detected in 34 (50.0%), designated complete (C) type, and two or more bands greater than 9 kb, were designated multiple (M) type, in 14 (20.6%). Advanced age, a high LDH value, and hypercalcemia were more frequent in D type patients. The median survival time (MST) was 6.8, 24.4, and 33.3 months, for D, C, and M types, respectively (log rank P = .006). Among 52 sequentially examined patients, the HTLV-I integration patterns changed in 4 (7.5%). In three of these four, the rearrangements of the T-cell receptor (TCR)b gene concomitantly changed, suggesting the appearance of a new ATL clone. Another patient had the same rearrangement of the TCRb gene, indicating clonal evolution. The HTLV-I integration pattern changed at crisis from indolent to aggressive ATL in three patients. These findings suggested that the HTLV-I integration patterns have clinical implications in ATL pathophysiology. In contrast to the clonal evolution characteristic of the multistep carcinogenesis of most human malignancies, the frequent clonal change of ATL at crisis is a peculiar phenomenon, probably reflecting the emergence of multiple premalignant clones in viral leukemogenesis as suggested in Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphomagenesis in the immunocompromised host.

Relationship between progression of gastric mucosal atrophy and Helicobacter pylori infection: retrospective long-term endoscopic follow-up study

A retrospective long-term endoscopic follow-up study was designed to examine atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa over time in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients. Over a period of 8-17 years (mean, 13.4 years) 22 subjects (5 men, 17 women, mean age, 55 years) without localized gastroduodenal lesions underwent serial endoscopic examinations and serological and microbiological assessments of H. pylori infection. The extent of atrophic mucosa in the gastric body was expressed using the Kimura-Takemoto classification of atrophic pattern. Atrophic patterns were unchanged over time in 7 H. pylori-seronegative and culture-negative subjects with normal stomach, and in 1 seropositive and culture-negative subject with severe atrophy. Seven of 10 H. pylori culture-positive subjects not including three with the O-3 pattern, i.e., open type atrophic pattern, exhibited a cephalad shift of atrophic pattern. The cumulative progression rates of atrophy in the culture-positive subjects excluding O-3 subjects, were 10% after 2 years, 20% after 4 years, 50% after 6 years, and 70% after 8 years. The increases in the extent of the atrophic area were discontinuous, in terms of age, in the H. pylori-positive individuals and occasionally advanced rapidly within periods of several years with no relation to age.

[A case of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome successfully treated with prednisolone and low-dose aspirin, with subsequent normal pregnancy]

We reported a 26-year-old female who had experienced 2 miscarriages associated with a possible cause of antiphospholipid antibody. She consulted to Kainan Municipal Hospital with major complaints of miscarriages and positive antiphospholipid antibody. No evidence of obstetric disorder was apparent and routine haematological parameters were normal. Serological studies and clinical evidence did not show SLE. While biologically false positive (reaction of serological test for syphilis) and lupus anticoagulant was negative, IgG anticardiolipin antibody was positive. She was diagnosed as possible antiphospholipid antibody syndrome based on positive anticardiolipin antibody and the history of miscarriages. In 1993, she was started on prednisolone and aspirin therapy; antiphospholipid antibody returned to negative. Treatment with prednisolone (7.5 mg/day) and aspirin (40 mg/day) was continued. She was able to be pregnant. She gave birth successfully at our hospital in August 1995. She and her newborn showed no abnormalities.

Colonic cancer in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis and long-standing ulcerative colitis

A 27-year-old woman with a 9-year history of ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon was admitted to our hospital in August 1992 because of bloody stools and left lower abdominal pain. She had been treated with sulfasalazine since 1983 and the colitis had been clinically quiescent or mild for 7 years. She had also been diagnosed as having primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) 4 years prior to this admission, based on the clinical, laboratory, and cholangiographic findings. A barium enema and colonoscopy showed an irregular mass obstructing the bowel lumen in the distal portion of the descending colon. Biopsy specimens taken from the mass revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, and a subtotal colectomy was performed. Histologic examination of the mass lesion showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma invading the pericolic adipose tissue. She is currently alive 3 years after surgery. PSC has recently been reported as a risk factor for colonic neoplasia in patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis. In Japan, however, colorectal cancer associated with PSC and ulcerative colitis has rarely been reported. The present case suggests that the risk of colonic cancer is higher in patients with ulcerative colitis and PSC than in patients with ulcerative colitis alone.

Detection of influenza virus RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of influenza patients

Gastroenteritis, arthralgaia and myalgia are frequently associated with influenza virus infections in humans. One explantation for these symptoms may be extrarespiratory transmission of virus by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We tried to detect genomic viral RNA of the nucleoprotein (NP) and H3 subtype hemagglutinin (HA) genes by the method of RT-PCR in PBMC of 18 children aged 1-14 who suffered from an influenza outbreak in the Kansai district of Japan between December 1992 and February 1993. Three of the 18 samples were RT-PCR positive. The NP gene sequence observed in one patient's PBMC was identical to that obtained from his throat swab fluid. The HA gene sequences observed in the two other PBMC differed from those of RT-PCR-amplified DNA from throat swabs by an order of 3-9 nucleotides. We believe these results suggest the presence of a PBMC-associated virus.

Synthesis and characterization of radioiodinated (S)-5-iodonicotine: a new ligand for potential imaging of brain nicotinic cholinergic receptors by single photon emission computed tomography

(S)-5-Iodonicotine (4a), an (S)-nicotine analog iodinated at the 5-position of the pyridine ring, was synthesized and evaluated as a potential radiopharmaceutical for investigating brain nicotine receptors by single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). [125I]-(S)-Iodonicotine ([125I]-4a) was synthesized by the iododestannylation reaction under no-carrier-added conditions and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The binding affinity of 4a for brain nicotine receptors was measured in terms of displacement of [3H]cytisine from binding sites in rat cortical membranes. The binding data revealed that the affinity of 4a was the same as that of (S)-nicotine and 80-fold higher than that of the (R)-enantiomer (4b). Biodistribution studies in mice disclosed that the brain uptake of [125I]-4a was rapid and profound. Regional cerebral distribution studies in rats by autoradiography disclosed that the accumulation of [125I]-4a was dense in the thalamus, intermediate in the cortex and striatum, and less marked in the cerebellum. Furthermore, the administration of (S)-nicotine reduced the uptake of [125I]-4a in the thalamus and resulted in a nearly identical level of radioactivity in the cerebellum. [125I]-(R)-5-Iodonicotine ([125I]-4b) showed more rapid washout from the brain and a less extensive regional cerebral distribution than the (S)-enantiomer ([125I]-4a). Thus, 4a bound to brain nicotine receptor in vivo, and therefore iodine-123-labeled 4a may be a potential radioligand for use in vivo cerebral nicotinic receptor studies by SPECT.

Antitumor activity of paclitaxel against human breast carcinoma xenografts serially transplanted into nude mice

BACKGROUND

Paclitaxel (BMS-181339: Taxol) is a promising agent against previously treated breast cancer. The antitumor activity of paclitaxel was evaluated using five human breast carcinoma xenografts in nude mice.

METHODS

Paclitaxel at 20 mg/kg dissolved in 0.2 ml ethanol/cremophor EL solution was administered intraperitoneally daily for 5 days.

RESULTS

Paclitaxel showed significant antitumor activity against MCF-7 and MX-1, but only limited activity against the other three xenografts (R-27, Br-10, and T-61), suggesting its substantially different antitumor spectrum from conventional antibreast cancer drugs. The different sensitivity of xenografts to paclitaxel was successfully reproduced in vitro using the MTT assay, when the cutoff concentration of paclitaxel was 20 microg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Since no significant differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel in sensitive and resistant tumor cell lines, the efficacy of this agent seemed to depend on the sensitivity of tumor cells rather than the intratumoral concentration of agent.

A new method of bone tissue measurement based upon light scattering

In recent years, time-resolved spectroscopy systems using near infrared pulsed laser have been applied to develop optical computed tomography. We applied this technique to measure the optical properties of osseous tissues. First, we gradually demineralized 10 mm blocks of bovine trabecular bone with EDTA, maintaining the absorption characteristics and structure but varying the hydroxyapatite content, thus creating specimens differing only in light scattering properties. We used computer densitograms to assess light penetration, and analyzed the correlation with bone mineral density (BMD) as with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. The light penetration increased with decreasing BMD. Second, using the above-mentioned pulsed laser time-resolved spectroscopy system, we investigated the correlation between the BMD and the time response waveforms of 10-mm blocks of bovine cortical bone, trabecular bone, and surrounding tissue as well as human trabecular bone. The human lumbar vertebral bone also displayed an inverse correlation between BMD and maximum light penetration and a positive correlation between BMD and peak time delay. This is the first demonstration of a correlation between BMD and light scattering properties showing that BMD can indeed be measured with light. Our results show the possibility of obtaining information on internal bone structure and composition in vivo through assessment of the waveforms obtained by a time-resolution system in the near infrared region.

[Quantitative evaluation of pharmacological effects and adverse effects based on receptor occupancy theory]

For the quantitative assessment of therapeutic/pharmacologic effects and adverse/toxic effects of drugs which interact with several specific receptors, we developed an integrated pharmacokinetic analysis system by considering a receptor occupancy theory and a ternary complex model. The developed system has made it possible to predict the optimal dosage for the investigation of drugs using pre-clinical and clinical data (phase I study) under development, and to assess quantitatively the intensity of adverse/toxic effects of drugs which are not observed in the stage of clinical study. As for commercially available drugs, the developed system may be useful for planning the rational drug dosage regimen to obtain desired therapeutic effects with minimum adverse/toxic effects. Our new methodology for the rational dosage regimen of a new drug will be established based on the results of this study.

Fibulin-2 binds to the short arms of laminin-5 and laminin-1 via conserved amino acid sequences

Epithelial cell-specific laminin-5, consisting of three chains, alpha3, beta3, and gamma2, is a component of the anchoring filament that traverses the lamina lucida beneath the hemidesmosomes of epidermal cells and functions to link these cells to the basement membrane. We have studied the molecular interaction between laminin-5 and extracellular matrix proteins using recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides. Affinity chromatography assays with recombinant fragments of the laminin gamma2 short arm identified a 195-kDa binding protein in the conditioned media from the mouse epidermal cell line Pam 212 and from primary dermal fibroblasts. This molecule was identified by Western blotting as fibulin-2, a recently identified extracellular matrix protein. Using deletion mutants and various synthetic peptides in competition assays, the 9-amino acid sequence SADFSVHKI (residues 199-207) in domain IV of the gamma2 chain was defined as a critical site for fibulin-2 binding. An anti-gamma2 antibody co-immunoprecipitated fibulin-2 from the conditioned media, further confirming the interaction of fibulin-2 with laminin-5. Fibulin-2 was also found to interact with laminin-1 (alpha1beta1gamma1) through a region (residues 654-665) of the alpha1 chain short arm whose sequence is similar to that of the fibulin-2 binding site of the gamma2 chain. Together these results suggest that fibulin-2 functions to bridge laminin-1 and laminin-5 with other extracellular matrix proteins, providing a linkage between the cell surface and the basement membrane.

Characterization of recombinant perlecan domain I and its substitution by glycosaminoglycans and oligosaccharides

Recombinant mouse perlecan domain 1(173 residues) was produced in transfected embryonic kidney cells and purified from the culture medium on DEAE-cellulose. It was shown to be modified by glycosaminoglycans and could be partially separated into two protein pools which were either substituted with heparan sulfate (fragment IA) or, to a smaller extent (20%), with chondroitin/dermatan sulfate or a mixture of both glycosaminoglycans (fragment IB). The average molecular mass of the glycosaminoglycans was about 8-10 kDa and, thus, smaller than in tissue-derived perlecans. Sequence and carbohydrate analyses localized the heparan sulfate attachment site to three Ser residues within SGD consensus sequences. Furthermore, the N-terminal part of fragment IA contained six Thr/Ser residues substituted by branched galactosamine-containing oligosaccharides and an N-substituted Asn residue. Fragment I was also shown to contain unique immunological epitopes which are not dependent on glycosaminoglycans and are shared by tissue-derived perlecan. Circular dichroism demonstrated a distinct alpha helix (20%) and beta structure (60%) in fragment IA, consistent with predictions of a novel SEA protein module located in the C-terminal part of domain I.