Glucose-induced synthesis of diacylglycerol de novo is associated with translocation (activation) of protein kinase C in rat adipocytes

Addition of glucose (5-20 mM) to rat adipocytes provoked dose-related increases in diacylglycerol, without increasing production of [3H]inositol phosphates. Cytosolic protein kinase C enzyme activity and immunoreactivity decreased within 1-5 min of 5 mM glucose addition, and further over 20 min. Membrane protein kinase C increased stoichiometrically during the first 5 min and then decreased. Higher concentrations (10 and 20 mM) of glucose provoked greater and more rapid decreases of cytosolic and membrane protein kinase C. Our findings suggest that glucose stimulates diacylglycerol production by providing substrate for phosphatidic acid synthesis de novo, and this is associated with translocative activation of protein kinase C.

Rat liver phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase: existence of the purified enzyme as heterogeneous aggregates and identification of the catalytic subunit

Mammalian phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase has been extensively investigated. However, considerable ambiguity remains concerning its physical and regulatory properties. We purified PRPP synthetase from rat liver and studied some of the physical properties, in parallel with cloning experiments (Taira, M. et. al. [1987] J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14867-14870). 1) The enzyme was purified to a specific activity of 7,280 milliunits/mg, the highest value in the literature for a mammalian PRPP synthetase. The apparent molecular mass was over 1,000 kDa. 2) The final preparation contained 34-kDa, 38-kDa, and 40-kDa protein species, as analyzed by SDS gel electrophoresis. 3) Further attempts at separation using conventional procedures only led to a co-purification of the components. Thus, the purified enzyme appears to exist as complex aggregates composed of heterogeneous components. 4) Gel filtration of the enzyme in the presence of 1 M MgCl2 isolated part of the 34-kDa component, free of other species. The preparation was catalytically active, indicating that this component is the catalytic subunit. 5) The amino acid composition of the 34-kDa subunit and the amino acid sequences of its N-terminal region and of two tryptic peptides were determined. The results are in accord with the results of cDNA analyses.

Early mitogenic stimulation of metabolic flux through phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate into nucleotides in Swiss 3T3 cells and requirement of external magnesium for the response

5-Phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) is a common precursor for the synthesis of all nucleotides and also serves as a critical regulator for the synthesis. In spite of a number of studies in vitro on mammalian PRPP synthetase, our understanding of the regulation of PRPP synthesis in situ is very limited. Various mitogens are known to activate purine and pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis and purine base phosphoribosylation as an early response in quiescent mouse fibroblasts. We aimed at elucidation of the underlying mechanism for the possible increase in PRPP synthesis in mitogen-stimulated mouse fibroblasts in culture. In order to quantitatively follow metabolic flux through PRPP into nucleotides, [ribosyl-14C]inosine was enzymatically prepared and used as a tracer to preferentially label intracellular ribose phosphate. The radioactivity incorporation into cellular nucleotides was measured. Evidence supported the validity of the method. Prior exposure of quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells in culture to epidermal growth factor (EGF) plus insulin for 45-60 min enhanced approximately 2-fold the radioactivity incorporation from [ribosyl-14C]inosine into nucleotides, without increasing the specific radioactivity of intracellular free ribose 5-phosphate. [14C]Uracil incorporation into nucleotides, a measure for PRPP-independent ribose phosphate utilization for nucleotide synthesis, was not increased. These and other results indicate that EGF plus insulin stimulates the metabolic flux through PRPP. A similar stimulation was induced by bombesin and melittin in combination with insulin and by fibroblast growth factor alone. Quiescent Swiss 3T6 cells and human fetal fibroblasts showed a similar stimulation of nucleotide synthesis in response to exposure to serum. For characterization of intracellular signaling pathways, we examined effects of several inhibitors and agents on the stimulation. The divalent cation ionophore A23187 mimicked the response to EGF and insulin in Swiss 3T3 cells, thereby suggesting involvement of divalent cation mobilization in this increase. The effect of the ionophore was not additive to that of the growth factors. Omission of Ca2+ from the incubation medium did not affect the response to EGF and insulin, whereas the omission of Mg2+ did abolish the response. Furosemide, an inhibitor of Mg2+ influx, partially inhibited the stimulated synthesis of nucleotides. Thus, the entry of external Mg2+ into the cells may play a critical role in this signal transduction. These results provided an important access to elucidation of the intracellular mechanisms for the mitogen-induced increase in PRPP and nucleotide syntheses.

Evidence for early mitogenic stimulation of metabolic flux through phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate into nucleotides in Swiss 3T3 cells

Various mitogens activate purine and pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis and purine base phosphoribosylation as an early response in quiescent fibroblasts. Increased synthesis of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) may precede or underlie these activations, but little direct evidence has been presented for this notion, due to lack of suitable analytical methods. To preferentially label intracellular ribose phosphate and quantitatively follow metabolic flux through PRPP into nucleotides, we prepared [ribosyl-14C]inosine and used it as a tracer. Evidence showed the validity of this method. Prior exposure of quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells in culture to epidermal growth factor plus insulin for 45-60 min enhanced approximately 2-fold the radioactivity incorporation from [ribosyl-14C]inosine into nucleotides, without increasing the specific radioactivity of intracellular free ribose 5-phosphate. [14C]Uracil incorporation into nucleotides, a measure of PRPP-independent ribose phosphate utilization for nucleotide synthesis, was not increased. These and other results indicate that epidermal growth factor plus insulin stimulates the metabolic flux through PRPP. Similar extents of stimulation were induced by bombesin and melittin in combination with insulin and by fibroblast growth factor alone, suggesting the presence of an unknown signaling pathway common to these mitogens. This system is highly useful for studies of the mechanisms that stimulate in situ activity of PRPP synthetase.

Differential redistribution of protein kinase C in human aldosteronoma cells and adjacent adrenal cells stimulated with ACTH and angiotensin II

We have examined protein kinase C activity and hormone secretion in aldosteronoma cells derived from adrenocortical glomerulosa cells and in adjacent adrenal cells containing adrenocortical fasciculata-reticularis cells. When aldosteronoma cells were stimulated with ACTH or angiotensin II, protein kinase C activity gradually decreased in cytosol whereas it increased in membrane. Coincident with the changes of protein kinase C activity, there was enhancement of secretion of aldosterone. On the other hand, incubation of adjacent adrenal fasciculata-reticularis cells with ACTH induced cortisol secretion and an increase in cytosolic protein kinase C activity, accompanied by a decrease in the enzyme activity in membrane. Upon stimulation with angiotensin II, adjacent adrenal fasciculata-reticularis cells did not secrete cortisol and no significant changes of protein kinase C activities were observed in either cytosolic or membrane fractions. These results indicate that both ACTH and angiotensin II stimulate aldosterone secretion and cause translocation of protein kinase C from cytosol to membranes in aldosteronoma cells, whereas, in fasciculata-reticularis cells, only ACTH stimulates cortisol secretion and this is associated with translocation of protein kinase C in the opposite direction, viz., from membrane to cytosol.

Diagnosis of a case of pulmonary carcinosarcoma by detection of rhabdomyosarcoma cells in sputum

Cytologic examination of sputum samples from an elderly patient revealed the presence of two cell populations: squamous cell carcinoma cells and rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The abnormal squamous cells showed both keratinizing and nonkeratinizing forms while some of the rhabdomyosarcoma cells showed cross striations. Sputum cytology was thus able to suggest a diagnosis of pulmonary carcinosarcoma. Histologically, the tumor was composed mainly of sarcomatous tissue showing various kinds of cells: fusiform or fibrous cells, round anaplastic cells, spindled cells with typical cross striations and myoblastic cells. A partially myxomatous degeneration was present. In addition, squamous cell carcinoma proliferated along the bronchi and formed small invasive cell nests in the sarcomatous tissue. No transition between the two components was noted. Both cellular constituents had metastasized to an interlobar lymph node.

Methotrexate-induced resistance to dactinomycin in choriocarcinoma

NaUCC-2, a choriocarcinoma cell line, was derived from a patient who had a very poor clinical response to combination chemotherapy. Methotrexate (MTX) might have inhibited the antitumor effect of dactinomycin. To investigate this point, in vitro studies were performed to determine the sensitivity and uptake of MTX and dactinomycin (administered individually and in combination) to NaUCC-2 and three other choriocarcinoma cell lines. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) concentrations were studied as well. Although NaUCC-2 showed sensitivity to MTX and dactinomycin, which were comparable to the other cell lines when they were given separately, NaUCC-2 was unique in that the combination of MTX and dactinomycin was less lethal than dactinomycin given by itself. The uptake of MTX in NaUCC-2 was significantly higher than that in the other cell lines, and MTX also induced an increase in dactinomycin uptake in NaUCC-2. There was no significant difference in DHFR activity. Although additional studies are necessary to determine the mechanism responsible for this effect, these findings suggest that a mechanism other than drug uptake or DHFR activity must play a role in the drug resistance for choriocarcinoma. These findings also suggest that the most commonly used combination chemotherapy for choriocarcinoma, dactinomycin and MTX, may not always be the best method.

[Recent advances in the treatment of choriocarcinoma]

Recent advances in intensive care procedures have improved the therapeutic results of choriocarcinoma treatment. The mortality of patients with choriocarcinoma, which was 100% in 1958, has gradually decreased, and finally fell to about 10% in 1983. These favorable results have been mainly due to the progress made in chemotherapy, including combined administration of methotrexate and actinomycin-D. However, recent progress has been chiefly dependent on intensive care procedures, involving so-called multidisciplinary treatment, including surgical treatment for pulmonary or intracranial metastatic foci and whole-brain irradiation. When the treatment results for choriocarcinoma were compared between metastatic and non-metastatic cases, the mortality, which had decreased for both groups with time, had already reached 0% in non-metastatic cases, although it was still about 20% in metastatic cases. These results have made it clear that the most important aspect is how to treat choriocarcinoma metastatic foci. With the goal of finding some form of treatment that will help to attain complete cure of choriocarcinoma, we present here details of recent progress made in choriocarcinoma treatment.

Effect of circulation time on plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol in rats

The effect of circulation time on plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was investigated in 20 male Wistar rats injected with alcohol, stressed with lighting, or fed a high fat diet. Circulation time was measured during anaesthesia with a computerised dichromatic earpiece densitometer. Indocyanine green, 0.5% concentration and 0.05 ml volume, was injected directly into the intracardiac cavity. The densitometer was held against the right foot of the rat, where the concentration of indocyanine green was measured by a light absorption method. Circulation time was defined as the time during which indocyanine green passed from the heart to the foot. At the same time blood was collected for determining high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, and control circulation time and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were obtained. In six rats injected with 100% ethyl alcohol, 0.03 ml.100 g-1 body weight in volume, into the abdominal cavity and five rats placed under 400 Lux lighting for 48 h the increase in circulation time was inversely proportional to the increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (r = -0.644, p less than 0.05). Of nine rats given a high fat diet containing 7.0% fat for 48 h, all showed increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, but no correlation was noted between the increases in circulation time and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.303).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanism of methotrexate-sensitivity of choriocarcinoma cells in culture

Four cell lines established from choriocarcinoma were compared for sensitivity to methotrexate (MTX). In this paper, we have compared the relative gene copy number of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the target enzyme of methotrexate (MTX), in order to clarify whether or not amplification of the gene is involved in the relative resistance to MTX observed for one of the cell lines, designated NaUCC-1, which is 4- to 5-fold more resistant to MTX as compared with the other cell lines and exhibits a reduced uptake of [3H]MTX. Neither dot blot nor Southern blot hybridization revealed any significant difference in the gene copy number among the four cell lines. Therefore, the resistance to MTX of the NaUCC-1 line is explained by a reduced uptake of the drug, rather than amplification of the target gene.

Concanavalin A- or phorbol ester-induced translocation of protein kinase C in thymoma cells from a patient with myasthenia gravis

We have examined the localization of phospholipid/calcium-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) in thymoma cells, which were resected from a patient with myasthenia gravis. Upon stimulation with 4 micrograms/ml of concanavalin A (Con A) for 30 min, protein kinase C activity in the cytosolic fraction was increased from 7.44 pmol/min per 10(7) cells to 11.42 pmol/min per 10(7) cells. On the other hand, membrane-associated protein kinase C activity was decreased from 1.69 to 0.71 pmol/min per 10(7) cells. On the contrary, 10(-7) mol/l tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) decreased cytosolic protein kinase C activity from 9.31 to 8.04 pmol/min per 10(7) cells, while membrane-associated protein kinase C activity was increased from 1.69 to 2.94 pmol/min per 10(7) cells. Several endogenous phosphorylated proteins (mol wt 20,000, 23,000) were observed as inferred by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These findings indicated that Con A and TPA produce differential translocation of protein kinase C.

Evidence for the presence of cytosolic inhibitors for phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase in mastocytoma cell

1. Two kinds of C-kinase inhibitors were indicated to be present in mastocytoma cells. 2. One is a protein (mol. wt 64,000) which is weak but specific for C-kinase. 3. The other component (mol. wt 23,000) does not seem to be a protein and inhibits A-kinase as well as C-kinase.

Biphasic effects of dexamethasone on growth hormone release in vitro

The effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on growth hormone (GH) release was examined in vitro in monolayer culture of normal rat pituitary cells and human somatotropinoma cells from patients with acromegaly. In either cell strain, Dex, at a concentration of 50 nM initially inhibited, but later (48 less than or equal to h) potentiated, the release of GH into the medium, with or without growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). The intracellular GH was significantly increased by 4-hour incubation with Dex in rat cell cultures. These results indicate a biphasic effect of glucocorticoids on GH release, irrespective of the origin of somatotrophs, and that the initial inhibitory effect is probably caused by inhibition of the release.

[Evaluation of ultrasonography in management of choriocarcinoma and invasive mole]

To clarify the clinical significance of ultrasonography (USG) in the therapeutic course of invasive mole and choriocarcinoma, a detailed study of USG images from 31 patients, taken upon admission, in which an abnormal condition was clearly indicated, was undertaken. In addition, the clinical value of the pulse doppler and color doppler images used to determine the blood flow was also studied. The results revealed the following points. 1) Before the 1st therapy, USG conditions could be classified into three categories, type I (massive echogenic), type II (one or more echo free space (EFS) surrounded with a massive echogenic area) and type III (EFS). 2) A large number of patients with invasive mole exhibited type II, with a few exhibiting type III. A large number of patients with choriocarcinoma exhibited type I, and a few exhibited type II. 3) A comparison with PAG conditions showed a high correlation between the pooling image in PAG and the EFS in USG. 4) There was a positive correlation between the estimated volume of the tumor at the start of therapy and the hCG value in urine. In the chemotherapy patients, the reduction of hCG was accompanied by shrinkage of the tumor, and in 9 out of 22 patients (40.9%), the tumor disappeared on the USG at the point where the hCG became negative. 5) 14 of 22 chemotherapy patients (63.6%) matched the "Standard Progress" course, which was decided and based on the changes observed in the USG image over the course of chemotherapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase activity in human parathyroid adenoma

We have examined the activities of phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases of the parathyroid adenomas and the atrophic glands which were resected from three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase activity of atrophic parathyroid gland was exclusively present in cytosol fraction (90.7 +/- 12.3%). On the other hand, phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase activity of parathyroid adenomas was 66.9 +/- 6.4% in cytosol and 33.1 +/- 6.4% in membrane fraction, suggesting a translocation of the enzyme from the cytosol to the membranes. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity appeared to be higher in parathyroid adenoma than in atrophic parathyroid gland in both cytosol and membrane fractions.

Dichotomic action of glucocorticoids on growth hormone secretion

The mechanism of apparently discrepant actions of glucocorticoids (GC) on GH secretion, in vivo suppression and in vitro potentiation, was studied in rats. Dexamethasone (Dex), at the concentration of 50 nmol/l, potentiated basal and GHRH-stimulated GH release from monolayer culture of normal rat pituitary cells in 48 h. On the other hand, in vivo administration of Dex, 165 micrograms daily for 3 days, consistently suppressed serum GH levels in female rats. In these rats, the hypothalamic content of immunoreactive (IR) SRIH was significantly increased, whereas that of IR-GHRH was significantly decreased in comparison with the untreated rats. Bioassayable GH-releasing activity was also lower in Dex-treated rats. These findings indicate that the suppressing effect of GC on GH release in vivo is, at least partially, due to the increase in hypothalamic SRIH release and probably also to the decrease in GHRH release, and these effects surpass the potentiating effect of GC on GH release at the pituitary level, resulting in a net inhibitory effect in vivo.

Redistribution of protein kinase C in pancreatic acinar cells stimulated with caerulein or carbachol

We examined phospholipid/calcium-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) activity and amylase secretion in isolated pancreatic acinar cells, when exposed to caerulein or carbachol. Upon stimulation with 10(-10) M caerulein or 10(-6) M carbachol cytosolic protein kinase C activity was increased in accordance with amylase secretion. Effect of carbachol on increase in membrane-associated protein kinase C activity was maximal at 10(-6) M where the rate of amylase secretion was highest. On the other hand, caerulein showed the maximal secretion of amylase at 10(-9) M, but the activity of the protein kinase C associated with membranes increased progressively with increasing concentration of caerulein. These results indicate different profiles of redistribution of protein kinase C upon stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells with carbachol or caerulein, and they were discussed in terms of amylase secretion.

Frequency analysis of first heart sound for the elderly

Frequency analysis of first heart sound in elderly and expired cases was performed to reveal changes of the cardiovascular system accompanying aging. The vibration was analyzed for isometric contraction phase or 0.06 seconds following the main vibration of first sound by means of fast Fourier transform technique, and main frequency was compared. Mean main frequencies were 43.0 +/- 15.4 cps (mean +/- SD) in 21 cases from 54 years to 69 years, 41.4 +/- 12.6 cps in 34 cases from 70 years to 79 years, 40.0 +/- 14.4 cps in 19 cases from 80 years to 89 years, and 44.2 +/- 4.5 cps in 4 cases from 90 years to 94 years. It was 44.4 +/- 8.0 cps in 6 cases with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on ECG, and 37.2 +/- 7.5 cps in 18 cases without LVH. It was 35.7 +/- 6.5 cps in 9 cases who expired and 32.6 +/- 5.8 cps in cases of those who died within a year. Though mean main frequencies were almost equal in these groups, it is higher than that of younger subjects, which suggests stiffness of the cardiovascular system of the aged. It was suggested that the stiffness of the cardiovascular system is greater than the increase in cardiac weight of elderly subjects with LVH. Mean main frequency was low in subjects who dies within a year, which may be due to cardiomegaly.

Cell surface phenotyping of megakaryoblasts

Surface phenotypic characterization of megakaryoblasts, identified by platelet peroxidase activity, was investigated in four patients who showed increased proliferation of megakaryoblasts: one patient with typical features of acute leukemia, one presenting with acute myelofibrosis, and two with Down's syndrome in whom blasts disappeared spontaneously (transient abnormal myelopoiesis, TAM). MY10 and/or MY9 antigens were expressed on the surface of some megakaryoblasts, but MY7, and MY4, antigens specific to granulocytic or monocytic cells, were not. Some megakaryoblasts were positive for only anti-HLA-DR antibodies. It was speculated that, during the differentiation of the megakaryocytic lineage, MY9 antigen appears transiently on the surface of megakaryoblasts that have lost HLA-DR antigens and have gained the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antigen. This study also demonstrated that the proliferating blasts in some patients with TAM were mainly megakaryoblasts and suggested that the target cells in TAM are CFU-GEMM.

Redistribution of phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase in mast cells activated by various agonists

Three types of agonists; receptor-mediated concanavalin A), direct (phorbol ester), and membrane-perturbing (compound 48/80), elicit histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells. We tested whether activation of the mast cells by these agents is accompanied by subcellular redistribution of protein kinase C. Phorbol ester treatment predictably caused a profound decrease of phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent histone kinase activity in the cytosol and a concomitant increase of [3H]PMA-binding capacity in the membrane fraction, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Similar, but less marked effects were observed with stimulations by concanavalin A and compound 48/80. When mast cells labeled with [32P] and then stimulated with the agents, phosphorylation of a 50,000-Dalton protein was enhanced in the membrane fraction. These results suggest that protein kinase C may play a role in mast cell activation through phosphorylation of the membrane protein.

Pharmacological effects of nicergoline and its metabolites, decomposition products and impurities in animals

The main pharmacological effects and acute toxicity of nicergoline (NCG, ester type), its 5 metabolites [1-DN (ester type), 1-MMDL, 1-OHMMDL, MDL (ergoline-alcohol type) and 5-BNA (bromonicotinic acid)], 2 decomposition products (1-MMDL and 5-BNA) and 2 impurities [1-DN and 5-CN (ester type)] were studied in animals. In mice, the acute intraperitoneal toxicity of 1-MMDL, 1-OHMMDL and 5-CN was similar to that of NCG (LD50 197.6 mg/kg). The toxicity of 1-DN, MDL and 5-BNA was approximately 2-fold, 2- fold and one half of NCG, respectively. These substances caused no delayed death. In protective effects against KCN- and adrenaline-induced death in mice when given i.p., 1-DN and 1-MMDL were less potent than NCG, and 1-CN was similar in potency to NCG. In competitive inhibitory effects on phenylephrine-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig vas deferens, 1-DN was less potent, 1-MMDL was much less potent and 5-CN was more potent than NCG. In an inhibitory effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro using rat platelet-rich plasma, 1-DN and 5-CN were similar in activity to NCG and 1-MMDL was less active than NCG. On the other hand, 1-OHMMDL, MDL and 5-BNA were inactive in these experiments. In experiments on gross behavior, motor function and barbital anesthesia using mice, when given i.p., 5-CN as well as NCG moderately induced depressive effects on the central nervous systems. 1-DN and 1-MMDL were less potent in the effects than NCG. In anesthetized rats, when given i.v., 1-DN and 5-CN dose-dependently caused lowering effects on blood pressure similar to NCG. 1-MMDL and 1-OHMMDL were less potent than NCG in the lowering effect. 1-DN and 5-CN moderately decreased the contractile force in the isolated guinea pig heart when given i.a. 5-CN alone decreased urine volume in rats when given i.p. and all the substances had no effect on the intestinal transit ability in mice when given i.p. These results suggest that the pharmacological effects of NCG are due to NCG per se and in part to its metabolites. As regards structure-activity relationships, NCG, 1-DN and 5-CN with an ester linkage were found to be more potent in pharmacological activities than ergoline-alcohol compounds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Macroamylasemia associated with thyroid cancer, elevated serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), chronic pancreatitis and gastrointestinal polyposis

A case of macroamylasemia in a 78 year-old female, associated with papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid and elevated serum thyroxine-binding globulin was described. Serum amylase of the patient was very high despite a normal level of serum lipase. Her serum amylase was characterized as macroamylase on the basis of electrophoresis and elution profile of gel chromatography. Serum precipitation response using chain-specific rabbit anti-human IgG, IgA and IgM antisera disclosed that her macroamylase was mainly composed of immune complexes between amylase and IgA class anti-amylase antibodies. Both the pathogenesis and clinical significance of the association of these disorders in this patient were discussed.

Determination of phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid for prediction of foetal lung maturity by microbore-column liquid chromatography

Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) has been determined in amniotic fluid from 55 patients by using a microbore-column liquid chromatographic system. The present analysis time is 1 h 40 min for pretreatment of amniotic fluid and 20 min for a chromatographic run. From 2 ml of amniotic fluid, the PG content has been determined between 1.0 and 0.05 mg/dl. The detection limit of PG is 10 ng. As the injection volume (0.5 microliter) is small, repeated analyses are possible if necessary. It is concluded that, in the case of PG values over 0.10 mg/dl, a mother can deliver an infant without respiratory distress syndrome. This method is useful not only for the prenatal evaluation of lung maturity, but also for the assessment of any therapeutic effect.

Maternal liver impairment associated with prolonged high-dose administration of terbutaline for premature labor

Widespread use of beta 2-sympathomimetic therapy for premature labor has resulted in a diverse number of serious maternal complications, ie, pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia, etc. However, to the authors' knowledge, there has been only one previous report of mild maternal liver impairment associated with this therapy. Recently, a patient developed marked elevation of liver enzymes (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) during therapy with terbutaline sulfate for premature labor.

Sulfate esters of hydroxymethyl-methyl-benz[a]anthracenes as active metabolites of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

7-Hydroxymethyl-12-methylbenz[a]anthracene (7-HMBA) and 12-hydroxymethyl-7-methylbenz[a]anthracene (12-HMBA), carcinogenic major metabolites of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in untreated rat liver, showed high mutagenic activities toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 after preincubation with a sulfotransferase-PAPS system consisting of ATP, sodium sulfate, and a post-mitochondrial fraction (S-9) or a soluble supernatant fraction (S-105) from untreated rat liver. The 7- and 12-HMBAs themselves induced His+ mutation in TA 98 only slightly after preincubation with S-9 in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. Mutagenicity of DMBA toward TA 98 after preincubation with S-9 in the presence of the NADPH-generating system was remarkably enhanced by the addition of ATP and sodium sulfate. The active metabolites, 7-HMBA sulfate and 12-HMBA sulfate, were isolated from these preincubation systems and identified by comparison with the corresponding synthetic specimens. The sulfuric acid ester conjugates were potent mutagens toward TA 98 in the absence of rat liver subcellular fractions. The conjugates bound covalently at significant rates to calf-thymus DNA as well as to S-105 proteins at 37 degrees and pH 7.4 through the 7- or 12-methylene carbon with concomitant loss of their sulfate group. In the presence of S-105, glutathione inhibited the mutagenicity of the metabolically formed or exogenously added 7- and 12-HMBA sulfates. The non-mutagenic glutathione conjugates were isolated from the incubation mixtures and identified as S-(12-methylbenz[a]anthracen-7-yl)methylglutathione from 7-HMBA or its sulfate and S-(7-methylbenz[a]anthracen-12-yl)methylglutathione from 12-HMBA or its sulfate.

In vivo and in vitro ACTH response to ovine corticotropin-releasing factor in a bronchial carcinoid from a patient with ectopic ACTH syndrome

ACTH response in vivo and in vitro to synthetic ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (o-CRF) was examined in a bronchial carcinoid from a patient with ectopic ACTH syndrome. o-CRF, 1 microgram/kg iv bolus, scarcely increased plasma ACTH or cortisol on one occasion, but they showed a low response on retesting. On the other hand, 10(-8) and 10(-7) M of o-CRF significantly stimulated ACTH release in cultured bronchial carcinoid cells.

Studies on 4(1H)-quinazolinones. 5. Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of 4(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives

A number of new 4(1H)-quinazolinones were synthesized and evaluated in the carrageenin-induced paw edema test. Most of the compounds were obtained by the cyclization of the appropriately substituted anthranilamides with acid chlorides, followed by further chemical transformation. Structure-activity data suggest that 2-isopropyl-1-phenyl-, 2-cyclopropyl-1-phenyl-, and 1-isopropyl-2-phenyl-4(1H)-quinazolinones afford optimal potency and the presence of a halogen atom is preferred for activity. Adrenalectomy does not affect the antiinflammatory test results. The best result taking into account both efficacy and side effects was displayed by 1-isopropyl-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(1H)-quinazolinone (50).

Histopathologic classification of uterine choriocarcinoma

Histopathologic features of uterine choriocarcinoma were studied to establish new criteria for grading malignancy of the disease. Thirteen items of histopathologic findings concerning the degree of differentiation and the forms of masses of trophoblasts (Trs), the manner of Tr invasion, and host response of surrounding tissues were studied with relationship to prognosis in 70 patients with uterine lesions (alive, 49; dead, 21). Chi-square test results were examined for each item in relation to prognosis of the patients. Four items were thought to have significance and were selected as criteria: (1) island formation; (2) massive proliferation of intermediate-type Trs; (3) rectangular infiltration of Trs to surrounding muscle fibers; and (4) atypia of Trs at the end-point of tumor invasion. A discriminant analysis was carried out (under the standardization of tumor extension and the historical staging of treatment). From the results obtained in discriminant analysis, scores were given to the four items that existed in the specimen. New criteria for grading malignancy are proposed based on scoring these four items. The algebraic sum of the scores had a possible range of +4 to -16. Patients with scores of -9 and above had a low-grade malignancy with a mortality rate of 7%. Patients with scores of -10 and lower had a mortality of 69% and were classified as having tumors of high-grade malignancy.

[Image diagnosis of adrenal disorders--I. CT images of control subjects and image diagnosis of primary aldosteronism]

The shape and size of the adrenals in control subjects without adrenal disorders were studied by computed tomography (CT), and a comparative assessment of diagnostic values of ultrasonography (US) by electronic linear scanner, CT, and adrenal scintigraphy was made on 9 patients with primary aldosteronism. Adrenal imaging by scintigraphy was performed on the 5th and 6th day, or further on the 7th day after the injection of 1 mCi of Adosterol. CT findings of the adrenals in control subjects: Eighty-two % of 100 control right adrenals, and 89% of 100 control left adrenals were detected by CT. Seventy-seven % of the right adrenals were in linear-shape, and the others were in V-shape. The shape of the left adrenals could be classified into triangular-shape (54%), Y-shape (28%) and V-shape (18%). The mean width and thickness of the right adrenals were 28.6 +/- 7.5 mm (M +/- SD) and 3.8 +/- 1.4 mm, respectively. Those of the left ones were 19.4 +/- 5.5 mm and 5.3 +/- 1.8 mm. Image diagnosis of primary aldosteronism: In 2 out of 3 patients examined by US, aldosteronomas were detected. In these 2 patients, one had 2 adenomas 2.8 X 1.7 X 1.2 cm and 1.0 X 1.0 X 2.0 cm in size, and the other had one adenoma 0.8 X 1.0 X 2.0 cm in size. On adrenal scintiscanning under dexamethasone pretreatment (DP), the isotope uptake of aldosteronoma was still seen with the disappearance of the contralateral adrenal in 7 out of 9 cases. In these 7 cases, the laterality of the tumor was confirmed. In one of the remaining 2 cases, the bilateral adrenal images were obtained regardless of DP. In the other case, of which aldosteronoma was the smallest (0.6 X 0.6 X 0.8 cm), the image of the affected adrenal with adenoma as well as the contralateral adrenal disappeared under DP. CT delineated all aldosteronomas in 8 cases examined including 2 cases in which adrenal scintiscanning failed to elucidate the localization of aldosteronoma. These results indicated that the combination of these 3 new image diagnostic methods was available for the detection of aldosteronomas of various sizes.

[Cerebral metastasis of choriocarcinoma]

One hundred and eighty-two cases of choriocarcinoma were treated in our clinic during the 26 years period from 1957 to 1982. Forty-one patients among them (2.3%) had cerebral metastases. Analysis on the autopsy findings of patients with cerebral metastases of choriocarcinoma proved neurosurgical resectability in most cases. Craniotomy and removal of cerebral metastatic lesion has been adopted since 1972, and a significant difference was noted in the surviving time between surgically treated group and the group without surgery. The risk factors for developing brain metastases were analyzed. Patients whose uterine lesion showed immature type of histopathology (p less than 0.01), patients without uterine lesion (p less than 0.05) and patients with pulmonary metastasis (p less than 0.01) had higher risk of developing cerebral metastasis.

[Distribution, metabolism and excretion of 14C-MT-141 in rats. I. Distribution, metabolism and excretion after single intravenous administration in male rats]

The distribution, metabolism and excretion of the radioactivity were studied in male rats after the bolus intravenous administration of 14C-MT-141. The biological half-lives obtained from the blood concentration-time curve were 0.43 hour for the data in the first 4 hours and 16.5 hours for the data from 6 hours to 24 hours after the intravenous administration of 14C-MT-141. The radioactivity was excreted mainly into urine, and the cumulative urinary and fecal excretion of the radioactivity were 75.2% and 24.1% of the dose, respectively, within 120 hours after the intravenous administration of 14C-MT-141. The cumulative biliary excretion of the radioactivity was 18% of the dose within 48 hours after the intravenous administration, and 35% of the radioactivity excreted into bile (about 6% of the dose) was reabsorbed from the intestine. The highest concentration of the radioactivity was observed in the kidneys, and also the relatively high concentrations were observed in the liver, plasma and intestine, while the concentrations in the brain, fat and muscle were low. Within 24 hours after the intravenous administration of 14C-MT-141, the radioactivity in the highly distributed organs or tissues was decreased to less than 3% of the values at 5 minutes after the intravenous administration. A small amount of N-acetyl-MT-141 was found in urine and feces as a metabolite.