Structure and mechanism of a sub-family of enzymes related to N-acetylneuraminate lyase

We describe here a sub-family of enzymes related both structurally and functionally to N-acetylneuraminate lyase. Two members of this family (N-acetylneuraminate lyase and dihydrodipicolinate synthase) have known three-dimensional structures and we now proceed to show their structural and functional relationship to two further proteins, trans-o-hydroxybenzylidenepyruvate hydratase-aldolase and D-4-deoxy-5-oxoglucarate dehydratase. These enzymes are all thought to involve intermediate Schiff-base formation with their respective substrates. In order to understand the nature of this intermediate, we have determined the three-dimensional structure of N-acetylneuraminate lyase in complex with hydroxypyruvate (a product analogue) and in complex with one of its products (pyruvate). From these structures we deduce the presence of a closely similar Schiff-base forming motif in all members of the N-acetylneuraminate lyase sub-family. A fifth protein, MosA, is also confirmed to be a member of the sub-family although the involvement of an intermediate Schiff-base in its proposed reaction is unclear.

A review of localized tomography

Localized computed tomography is the field of reconstructing an image of a portion of the internal structure of an object from an incomplete set of projections. Standard computed tomographic techniques require a full set of projections even when only a small portion of the object is of interest. The first localized tomographic technique was developed in the field of non-destructive testing in 1981 by Soviet scientists. Since this initial work numerous other researchers have advanced the field of localized tomography in theoretical and applied areas. This paper reviews the diverse localized computed tomography field.

Local carboplatin and radiation therapy in the treatment of murine transgenic retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Combined modality therapy in the treatment of retinoblastoma may decrease treatment-related morbidity and second tumor-associated mortality, while maintaining excellent tumor control rates.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate tumor control and potential synergy between intravitreally delivered carboplatin and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), using a transgenic murine model of spontaneous heritable retinoblastoma.

METHODS

Sixty-six mouse eyes from 4-week-old transgenic mice positive for the simian virus 40 large T antigen were evaluated. Thirty-three mice were treated with 5 intravitreal injections of carboplatin (ranging from 0.1-4.0 micrograms) combined with concurrent bilateral EBRT (ranging from 10-30 Gy) delivered in twice daily 5-Gy fractions. All eyes were followed up for treatment complications. Twelve weeks following final treatment, all eyes were enucleated, serial histologic sections obtained, and the eyes examined for the presence of retinoblastoma.

RESULTS

No eye treated with 0.1 microgram of carboplatin and EBRT exhibited tumor control. Three (75%) of 4 mice receiving 1.0 microgram of carboplatin combined with 10-Gy EBRT had complete tumor control. Four (100%) of 4 mice receiving 1.0 microgram of carboplatin combined with 30-Gy EBRT had complete tumor control. Nine (100%) of 9 mice receiving 4.0 micrograms of carboplatin in combination with EBRT had complete tumor control. The chemotherapeutic enhancement ratio ranged from 1.07 to 3.24.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined administration of intravitreal carboplatin and EBRT enhances local tumor control in murine retinoblastoma. Combining these treatment modalities may allow tumor control in selected patients with retinoblastoma while decreasing treatment-related morbidity and the mutagenic risks associated with radiation and systemic chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy and ferromagnetic hyperthermia in the treatment of murine transgenic retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Combined modality therapy for childhood retinoblastoma holds the potential of decreasing treatment-related morbidity while maintaining excellent tumor control rates.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), ferromagnetic hyperthermia (FMH), and the combination of both modalities in the control of ocular tumors in a transgenic murine model of retinoblastoma.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-six mouse eyes from 4-week-old animals transgenically positive for simian virus 40 large T antigen were treated with a total dose of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 45, or 50 Gy of EBRT in 5-Gy fractions twice daily, with 48 degrees C or 54 degrees C FMH for 20 minutes, or with combined EBRT at 10 or 30 Gy and 48 degrees C or 54 degrees C FMH for 20 minutes. Serial histologic sections, obtained 8 weeks after treatment, were examined for the presence of tumor.

RESULTS

The tumor control dose for 50% of eyes (TCD50) treated with EBRT occurred at 27.6 Gy. Ferromagnetic hyperthermia at 48 degrees C cured 30% (6/20) of eyes, while 54 degrees C FMH resulted in a 100% (20/20) cure rate. Combined treatment with 48 degrees C FMH and EBRT exhibited a TCD50 at 3.3 Gy. The thermal enhancement ratio was 8.4. Ferromagnetic hyperthermia at 54 degrees C exhibited tumor cure in all animals, but 25% of eyes were lost owing to secondary treatment complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This represents the first documentation of tumor control via EBRT, ocular FMH, and a combination of these treatment modalities in this murine transgenic retinoblastoma model. The extent of treatment synergy in this model suggests that combined treatment application may allow a reduction in total ocular and periocular radiation dose while maintaining excellent local tumor control.

Characterization of the effects of tebufelone on hepatic cytochromes P450 in the beagle dog

Tebufelone (1-[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-phenyl]-hex-5-yne-1-one) is an investigational ditertiary butylphenol nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of tebufelone on hepatocyte ultrastructure and hepatic cytochromes p450 (P450s) in the beagle dog after 2 weeks of oral administration at dose levels of 0, 5, 15, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day (N = 1/sex/dose level). Hepatic tissue was obtained at necropsy for histologic, ultrastructural, and biochemical evaluation. Hepatocellular hypertrophy was observed in only a single tebufelone-treated dog (50 mg/kg). Electron microscopic evaluation, however, revealed marked dose-dependent increases in smooth endoplasmic reticulum in all of the tebufelone treatment groups. Biochemical indicators suggested that tebufelone produced mixed effects on hepatic P450s. p-Nitroanisole O-demethylase and, to a greater extent, ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities were decreased with increasing tebufelone dose. The precise mechanism by which tebufelone decreased ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity in dogs in unknown, but it was not by competitive inhibition, P450 inactivation, or reduced CYP1A expression. Tebufelone treatment increased NADPH-dependent cytochrome c reductase, total P450, and indicators of CYP2B11 (chloramphenicol covalent binding and immunochemically determined 2B11) and CYP3A12 (erythromycin N-demethylase, triacetyloleandomycin spectral complex formation, testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylase, and immunochemically determined 3A12). The largest increase in the 2B11 and 3A12 markers occurred in the 50 or 100 mg/kg treatment groups. The greatest increase in CYP2B11 markers produced by tebufelone treatment ranged from 2- to 3-fold, whereas the increase in CYP3A12 markers ranged from 5- to 10-fold. The changes in hepatic ultrastructure and increases in CYP2B11 and CYP3A12 markers produced by tebufelone in dogs are similar to that reported for phenobarbital.

The genetics of retinoblastoma and current diagnostic testing

We review the genetics of retinoblastoma and the most recent molecular detection methods. Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular tumor in children, occurs in either a heritable or non-heritable form. The heritable form, which is highly penetrant and predisposes individuals to a considerably greater second tumor risk, can be distinguished most definitively through the use of genetic testing. Genetic testing for individuals and families suspected of carrying the heritable mutations can help ensure that more comprehensive treatment plans and accurate genetic counseling for affected individuals and their families are provided.

Fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium of the barred owl (Strix varia)

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as well as the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) have been studied by light and electron microscopy in the barred owl (Strix varia). The RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined laterally by a series of tight junctions that forms part of the blood-ocular barrier. Basally (sclerally) the retinal epithelial cells display numerous deep infoldings while apically (vitreally) microvillar processes interdigitate with the photoreceptor outer segments. Internally the RPE cells show a large vesicular nucleus, plentiful smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and polysomes but very little rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Numerous pleomorphic (including ring-shaped) mitochondria are basally located. In the light-adapted state the small melanosomes are almost exclusively located within the apical process indicating that retinomotor movements probably occur. Phagosomes and lysosome-like bodies are present as are myeloid bodies which may show ribosomes on their outer surface. Bruch's membrane is typical of avian species in that it is pentalaminate and the central lamina densa is displaced towards the choroid. The choriocapillaris endothelium is thin but only minimally fenestrated facing Bruch's membrane. Most fenestrations present show a single-layered diaphragm while others display a double-layered diaphragm as noted in other avian species.

Fine structure of the retinal photoreceptors of the barred owl (Strix varia)

The photoreceptors of the barred owl (Strix varia) consist of rods, single cones and unequal double cones present in a ratio of about 35:1:3. In the light-adapted condition the rods are of uniform diameter along their entire length and are therefore not felt to undergo photomechanical changes. The rod outer segment consists of a stack of scalloped bimembranous discs enclosed in a limiting membrane. The rod inner segment displays an ellipsoid of mitochondria, much rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), numerous polysomes, Golgi zones and autophagic vacuoles, but no hyperboloid of glycogen. Single cones show a slightly tapered outer segment and a heterogeneous oil droplet along with an ellipsoid of mitochondria at the apex of the inner segment. Double cones consist of a larger chief member which also displays a heterogeneous oil droplet and a slightly smaller accessory member which does not. Both members of the double cone as well as the single cones show plentiful polysomes and RER as well as Golgi zones in the inner segment, but none of the cones possessed a condensed paraboloid of glycogen. The contiguous membranes of the chief and accessory cones displayed a few presumed junctional complexes. Judging by their elongated shape in the light-adapted state, cones in this species do not undergo retinomotor movements. Rods and both types of cones have both invaginated (ribbon) and superficial (conventional) synaptic sites.

Fine structure of the pecten oculi of the barred owl (Strix varia)

The pecten oculi of the barred owl (Strix varia) has been examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The pecten in this species is of the pleated type and is small in comparison to the size of the ocular globe. The pecten consists of 8-10 accordion-like folds that are linked apically by a pigmented tissue bridge. Each fold contains numerous capillaries, larger supply and drainage vessels, and abundant pleomorphic melanocytes. Most of these capillaries are extremely specialized vessels that possess plentiful microfolds on both the luminal and abluminal surfaces. Some capillaries however display only a few microfolds. The endothelial cell bodies are extremely attenuated, with most organelles located near the nucleus. All capillaries are surrounded by a very thick fibrillar basal lamina, which is thought to provide structural support to these small vessels. Pericytes are commonly found within these thickened basal laminae. Numerous melanocytes are also present, with processes that form an incomplete sheath around the capillaries. These processes are also presumed to provide structural support for the capillaries. As in other avian species, the morphology of the barred owl pecten is indicative of extensive involvement in substance transport. When compared to the pecten of more visually-oriented species, this pecten is smaller, has fewer folds, and displays a reduced number of microfolds within the capillaries. In these and other features, the barred owl pecten is similar to the pecten of the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

Ovarian toxicity of 4-vinylcyclohexene and related olefins in B6C3F1 mice: role of diepoxides

4-Vinylcyclohexene (VCH) is an ovarian toxicant in mice. Studies have established that bioactivation of VCH to epoxides is required for its ovotoxicity, with vinylcyclohexene diepoxide being the most potent epoxide of VCH in terms of follicular depletion. To determine the role of the diepoxide in the ovarian toxicity of VCH and related compounds, a structure-activity study was conducted. Following administration (ip) of VCH for 30 days, a significant depletion of ovarian follicles was observed. No alteration of small ovarian follicle counts occurred following treatment with structural analogues of VCH (vinylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexene, and cyclohexene) that contain only a single unsaturated site. These VCH analogues were converted to monoepoxides both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, when the monoepoxide forms of the VCH analogues were administered to mice, they were not ovotoxic. These results indicate that vinylcyclohexene diepoxide may be the ultimate ovotoxic metabolite of VCH. A diepoxide was also shown to be critical for butadiene- and isoprene-induced follicular loss. Butadiene monoepoxide, butadiene diepoxide, and isoprene were ovotoxic. In contrast, the monoepoxide, epoxybutane, was not ovotoxic. The ovotoxicity of these compounds correlated with their chemical reactivity as assessed by alkylation of nicotinamide. Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide and butadiene diepoxide had a 3.5- to 10-fold higher chemical reactivity as compared to their monoepoxide precursors and structurally related monoepoxides. Thus, a relationship exists between chemical reactivity and ovotoxicity. Only those compounds which are metabolized to a diepoxide or are a diepoxide were ovotoxic. The formation of these diepoxide metabolites may in turn be linked to the ovarian toxicity and carcinogenicity of these olefins.

Patella of selected bats: patterns of occurrence or absence and associated modifications of the quadriceps femoris tendon

BACKGROUND

Having observed the apparent absence of a bony patella in a Madagascar flying fox (Pteropus sp.), other species from the two suborders of bats (Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera) were examined to determine the presence or absence of a bony patella and the distribution of this feature among bats.

METHODS

Gross, radiographic, and histologic examination of seven megachiropteran species representing four genera, as well as six microchiropteran species representing six genera, was performed.

RESULTS

A bony patella was observed in all six microchiropteran and in three megachiropteran species. The tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle in Microchiropteran species was composed mainly of dense regular connective tissue. The quadriceps tendon in Megachiropteran species with a patella contained an abundance of fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage, unlike the quadriceps femoris tendon of the Microchiroptera or a laboratory mouse examined for comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

Four species of the megachiropteran genus Pteropus lacking a bony patella displayed a similar occurrence and distribution of fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage within the quadriceps tendon as seen in the other bats. In reference to this singular feature, Pteropus is unique among the representatives of megachiropteran and microchiropteran genera examined here.

Exploring Widows' Experiences After the Suicide of Their Spouse

1. The widow of a spouse who committed suicide must cope with issues related to depression, anger, blame, guilt, and the stigma associated with suicide that makes recovery from this type of loss different for the survivors. 2. The predominant need of widows and widowers of suicide victims was to talk in an environment of acceptance and understanding, which could only be provided by other people who have had the same kind of experience. 3. There is no precise formula that exists to guide caregivers when assisting survivors of suicide victims, however suggestions include communicating with compassion; demonstrating care and concern; accepting the individual's grief; and offering and providing information.

B lymphocyte precursor cells represent sensitive targets of T2 mycotoxin exposure

Exposure of experimental animals and humans to the Fusarium trichothecene metabolite, T2 toxin, has been associated with a variety of immunosuppressive effects, including altered parameters of humoral-mediated immunity. Although T2 toxin is cytotoxic in vitro to lymphocytic cells, limited information is presently available regarding the contribution of such a mechanism to immunosuppression in vivo, or to potential immune cell targets. In the present report, subchronic T2 toxin treatment of timed-pregnant B6C3F1 mice resulted in significant and selective depletion of fetal liver cells expressing low levels of surface CD44 and CD45 antigens, suggestive of possible lymphoid progenitor cell sensitivity to this agent. Evaluation of CD45R antigen expression in fetal liver supported such a hypothesis, demonstrating a significant reduction in fetal liver B lymphocytic cells in animals exposed to T2 toxin. Subsequent in vitro T2 toxin exposure of fetal liver cells enriched for prolymphocytes by differential density gradient centrifugation demonstrated the presence of a highly sensitive subpopulation of cells that was eliminated in a selective, and near-complete, manner by T2 toxin exposure. This sensitive cell population was observed to have light-scatter characteristics of CD45R+ B-lineage lymphocytes. Additional studies in adult mice demonstrated a reduction in CD44lo and CD45R+ bone marrow cells similar to that seen in fetal liver, indicating that T2 toxin may also target immature B lymphocytes in this hematopoietic compartment. Taken together, these data suggest that the precursors of B cells may represent, for unknown reasons, highly sensitive targets of T2 toxin exposure.

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced alterations in total immune cell number and cell-surface antigen expression in the thymus, spleen and bone marrow of B6C3F1 mice

Although considerable evidence suggests that carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are immunosuppressive compounds, limited information is available regarding precise effects of these agents on immune cells. In the present report, the effect of subchronic exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) on immune cells in bone marrow, thymus and spleen of B6C3F1 mice was investigated. B[a]P treatment was found to reduce thymic cellularity and also to significantly alter normal thymocyte differentiation, as indicated by expression of CD4 and CD8 cell-surface antigens. Exposure to B[a]P also reduced cellularity of the bone marrow, including decreased percentage and absolute number of CD45R+ B-lineage lymphocytes. Further, B[a]P treatment dramatically increased the percentage of CD44hi cells in bone marrow, while proportionately reducing CD44lo cells. These results may indicate CD44lo bone marrow cells, including prolymphocytic cells, represent sensitive targets of B[a]P. The spleens of treated mice were found deficient in both Thy 1.2+ T lymphocytes and CD45R+ B lymphocytes, effects that correlate well with the chemical-induced alterations observed in thymus and bone marrow, respectively.

Alterations in murine fetal thymus and liver hematopoietic cell populations following developmental exposure to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Gestational exposure of ICR mice to the environmental contaminant 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was used (i) to study the developmental immunotoxicity of this chemical agent and (ii) to evaluate potential hematopoietic cellular targets in a sensitive developmental model which may be involved in immunosuppression induced by this carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). DMBA produced a dose-dependent hypocellularity in both fetal mouse thymus and liver. Resident hematopoietic cell subpopulations in fetal liver, identified by CD44, CD45R, and Mac-1 monoclonal antibody binding, were reduced by the gestational DMBA treatment. In particular, the total number of CD45R+ B-lineage lymphocytic cells in fetal liver was reduced to 20% of control levels by DMBA. Unlike previous reports with related PAH, DMBA did not inhibit thymocyte differentiation, as indicated by unaltered thymocyte expression of CD4, CD8, and heat-stable antigens. These data may indicate that production of thymic atrophy and impairment of thymocyte differentiation by PAH involve separate mechanisms of action. Results of the present study additionally identify changes in immune cell populations that correlate well with inhibition of cell- and humoral-mediated immunity in experimental animals treated with DMBA.

Prevalence and serovars of leptospira involved in equine abortions in central Kentucky during the 1991-1993 foaling seasons

In this study, the prevalence of leptospira-induced abortions/stillbirths for the past 3 foaling seasons (1991-1993) was determined, and fetal tissues and/or the mare's urine from positive cases were cultured in an attempt to isolate and identify the leptospira serovars responsible for the abortions. The sensitivity and specificity of the primary diagnostic tests, the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), used for the diagnosis of leptospirosis were also determined. For the 3 years, 74 (3.3%) of 2,264 abortion/stillborn submissions were diagnosed as leptospirosis. Twelve cases occurred in the 1991, 19 in the 1992, and 43 in the 1993 foaling seasons. Leptospires were isolated from 45 (60.8%) of the 74 cases, and they were identified as serovar kennewicki (43 cases), serovar grippotyphosa (1 case), and a serovar similar to pomona (1 case). Of the 29 culture-negative cases, serologic results indicated that leptospires in the Pomona serogroup (kennewicki is a member of this serogroup) were responsible for 25 abortions, leptospires in the Grippotyphosa serogroup for 1 abortion, and leptospires in the Sejroe serogroup for 1 abortion. The specificities of the FAT on fetal tissues and mare's placenta and of the MAT on fetal fluid were 100%. The sensitivity of the FAT was 98.7%, and that of the MAT was 81.3%.