Localisation of apoptosis and expression of apoptosis related proteins in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether apoptosis occurs in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the intermediate molecules operating in this process.

METHODS

DNA fragmentation was detected by in situ nick end labelling (ISNEL) in the synovium of patients with RA (n = 11) and control patients with femoral neck fracture (n = 5). The expression of proteins p53, p21WAFI/CIPI, c-myc, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Bcl-2 was also examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

ISNEL positive synovial cells with apoptosis specific morphology were detected in extremely limited areas in only two RA synovial tissue specimens. Proteins p53, p21WAFI/CIPI, and c-myc, known inducers of apoptosis or cell cycle arrest or both, were expressed in the sublining cells independent of ISNEL positive cells. PCNA, a marker for cell proliferation, was observed in the synovial lining cells. Bcl-2, an inhibitor of apoptosis, was expressed mainly in infiltrated lymphocytes and in parts of the sublining layer cells of RA; it also did not correspond with ISNEL staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that RA synovial cells undergo apoptosis in addition to cell proliferation, but the frequency of apoptosis was very low. We suspect that the apoptotic process in the RA synovium may be suppressed by over-expression of Bcl-2. Although expressed proteins p53, p21WAFI/CIPI, and c-myc were present in the RA synovium, these protooncogenes are probably not implicated in the apoptotic process.

Focal cortical blood flow activation is regulated by intrinsic cortical cholinergic neurons

We evaluated the cholinergic mechanism underlying focal cortical vascular response to neuronal activation, using positron emission tomography for use on animals to measure cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism activation upon vibrotactile stimulation in cats. Bromopyruvate, which blocks acetylcholine synthesis through inhibition of the production of acetyl CoA, was injected into the cerebral cortex and basal forebrain as well as the sphenopalatine ganglion, all of which have been confirmed to supply cholinergic terminals to the cerebral cortex. Although glucose metabolism was preserved, indicating that the neuronal activities were enhanced, cerebral blood flow increase during cortical neuronal activation was abolished by bromopyruvate injection into only the cerebral cortex and not other cholinergic systems. We conclude that the cholinergic intrinsic neurons control the focal cerebral blood flow increase in response to neuronal activation.

Influence of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate on replication of porcine cytomegalovirus in the 19-PFT-F cell line

Severe cytopathic effects, formation of swollen cells and small syncitia, appeared in 19-PFT-F cell cultures at 2 days when a large amount of the OF1 strain of porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) was inoculated and cultured in media containing 5, 10, 30 and 60 ng per ml of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Characteristic focal clusters of swollen cells appeared on the 19-PFT-F monolayers 3 to 4 days after inoculation with a small amount of the virus. Cells in the foci contained specific fluorescent antigens in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The infectivity could be determined for 4 days after inoculation by means of measuring focus formation in the presence of medium containing TPA. The virus replicated more rapidly in the medium with, rather than without, TPA.

Uncoupling between cortical glucose metabolism and blood flow after ibotenate lesion of the rat basal forebrain: a PET study

We evaluated the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRGlu) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) after unilateral lesioning of the rat basal forebrain cholinergic projection system using ibotenic acid. Using positron emission tomography, we measured CMRGlu and CBF with [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and with H2(15)O, respectively. Three days after surgery, CMRGlu and k3* (the rate constant for the phosphorylation of FDG) were reduced in the frontal cortex on the ibotenic acid-injected side, whereas CBF and K1* (the rate constant for the FDG transport from the plasma to brain) in the same rats remained in the normal range. It is concluded that the decreased cortical CMRGlu after the lesion of the cholinergic system projecting from the basal forebrain is due to the diminished neural activity rather than to decreased CBF.

Abnormality in membrane fatty acid compositions of cells measured on erythrocyte in alcoholic liver disease

It has been proven that the fatty acids of esterified phospholipids in the cell membrane play an important role in membrane fluidity. Our previous in vitro experiment indicated that the impairment of erythrocyte membrane fluidity might be largely because of the change in fatty acids. The aim of this study is to clarify changes of cell membrane fatty acids in more detail in relation to various stages and pathology of alcoholic liver disease. For the analysis, erythrocyte membranes were exploited on the assumption that their fatty acid compositions may be similar to those of other organs. In alcoholic liver disease, unsaturated fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane decreased and saturated fatty acids increased. Consequently, the unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio decreased significantly. When fractions of saturated fatty acids were studied, myristic acid (C14:0) increased markedly in the alcoholic group, and the increase was striking particularly in the cases of alcoholic hepatitis concurrently with hemolysis. Palmitic acid (C16:0) also tended to increase in the alcoholic liver disease group. A longer chain saturated fatty acid, stearic acid (C18:0), showed a moderate but significant increase in the alcoholic fatty liver and hepatic fibrosis group, but it decreased significantly in the alcoholic liver cirrhosis, as with the finding in viral liver cirrhosis. As with unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (C18:2), arachidonic acid (C20:4), and eicosapentanoic acid (C20:5) decreased significantly. The arachidonic acid/linoleic acid ratio, which indicates microsomal elongation activity of liver cells, was found to be broadly distributed. No significant change was found in each group of alcoholic liver disease. However, the cases showing a decrease in this ratio had severe hepatic dysfunction concurrently. Thrombogenic Index, serving as an indicator for fatty acids in food, and that is concerned with formation of thrombus, was studied, using fatty acid fractions of the erythrocyte membrane. The index was significantly increased in alcoholic liver disease. It was suggested that the chronic alcohol intake and the resultant liver diseases might enhance the abnormality of the membrane fatty acid composition. These changes may affect cell membrane fluidity and eventually metabolic functions of the cell.

[Three-dimensional images of the cystic duct obtained with helical DIC CT]

Before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important to clarify the anatomy of the cystic duct. This study assessed three-dimensional CT images (3D images) of the cystic duct obtained non-invasively using helical DIC CT and these images were compared with those obtained with ERCP and DIC. The three-dimensional technique using Helical DIC-CT was applied in 168 patients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The cystic duct detected by 3D imaging was evaluated for patency, length and bifurcation. Three-dimensional images showed the cystic duct in 157 of 168 cases (93.5%) and in 81 of 89 cases (91%) in which the cystic duct was not clearly visualized on DIC. Among the 23 cases in which were both 3D images and ERCP undergone, 3D images were equal to those of ERCP in detection of the cystic duct in 20 cases, superior to ERCP in two cases, and inferior to ERCP in one. The technique of 3D images proved useful in demonstrating the patency, length and variations in bifurcation of the cystic duct for surgeons performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and might be substitute ERCP in preoperative assessment.

Compartment analysis of cerebral glucose metabolism and in vitro glucose-metabolizing enzyme activities in the rat brain

To clarify the relationship between cerebral glucose metabolic rate constants and glucose-metabolizing enzyme activities in the cerebral cortex, we evaluated the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRGlu), metabolic rate constants of [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and related enzyme activities in the frontal cortex under normal and glucose metabolism-suppressed conditions. Applying a three-compartment four-parameter model, metabolic rate constants were obtained by dynamic positron emission tomography with FDG, and CMRGlu was calculated based on these rate constants. The glycolytic enzyme activities were determined by in vitro biochemical assay. Three days after ibotenic acid injection into the basal forebrain, CMRGlu was decreased in the ibotenic acid-treated frontal cortex as well as k3* (phosphorylation), while K1* (plasma to brain) showed no remarkable change. No significant reductions of the enzyme activities except for hexokinase activity were found in the frontal cortex. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between k3* and the hexokinase activity. These results suggested that k3* in the compartment analysis reflects hexokinase activity.

[Evaluation of risk factors of interferon-associated retinopathy in patients with type C chronic active hepatitis]

The risk factors of retinopathy associated with administration of interferon have not been fully clarified. We prospectively examined the retinal condition in 50 patients with type C chronic active hepatitis during alpha-interferon treatment. 43 patients (86%) were shown to have retinopathy during the course of interferon treatment, and were divided into three groups. Grades I, II and III were patients having a single episode of transient retinopathy with soft exudate or hemorrhage (34%), frequent episodes of retinopathy (42%), and exacerbating retinopathy requiring change or cessation of interferon treatment (10%), respectively. The patients with grade II and III were found to have the first retinal changes within 8 weeks after initiation of the interferon therapy. Early onset of retinopathy and presence of systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension were risk factors for serious retinopathy with statistical significance. The grades of retinopathy were also well correlated with dosage and duration of interferon treatment. These results suggest that careful fundus examination is required up to 8 weeks after initiation of interferon treatment, especially for the patients with risk factors such as early onset of retinopathy, presence of systemic diseases, and large dosages and long duration of interferon therapy, in order to prevent serious ocular complications.

[Interventional radiology for portal hypertension. PTO.TIO]

Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) and transileocolic vein obliteration (TIO) are techniques of interventional radiology for embolization of collaterals due to portal hypertension 1) We can obtain good results from the precise selection of these techniques in accordance with the patient's hemodynamics and general condition. 2) Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) combined with PTO or TIO for esophageal varices proves to be superior in reliability and durability to EIS alone, and the time before retreatment is much longer when this combination therapy is used. 3) In the intractable EIS only cases, a distinct improvement in results and prognosis appears in using PTO or TIO and also in adding more EIS thereafter. 4) After treatment with EIS and PTO or TIO for cardiac varices, we obtain better results in the disappearance rate as well as in the recurrence rate compared with EIS alone. 5) Gastric varices disappear and hepatic encephalopathy due to porto-systemic shunt is improved after PTO or TIO or using these with balloon occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO). Thus PTO and TIO would be analogous to surgical devascularization or ligation. Therefore it is concluded that the best results would be obtained with PTO or TIO with other nonsurgical treatments.

Cloning and sequence analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus ompK gene encoding a 26-kDa outer membrane protein, OmpK, that serves as receptor for a broad-host-range vibriophage, KVP40

The ompK gene of Vibrio parahaemolyticus 1010 (RIMD 2210001) encoding an outer membrane protein (OMP), OmpK, which serves as the receptor for a broad-host-range vibriophage, KVP40, was cloned and sequenced. The gene consisted of 789 nucleotides encoding 263 amino acids. Since the first 20 amino acids most likely constitute the signal peptide, mature OmpK would consist of 243 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 27458 Da. Sequence comparisons indicate that OmpK is unique among Vibrio OMPs so far sequenced, but may be distantly related to Tsx of enteric bacteria and is homologous to an Aeromonas hydrophila OMP, protein IV.

Localization of D-amino acid oxidase mRNA in the mouse kidney and the effect of testosterone treatment

D-Amino acid oxidase (DAO), which catalyzes oxidative deamination of D-amino acids, is known to be highly expressed in the kidney. This study was designed to examine the localization of DAO mRNA in the mouse kidney using in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISH). For comparison, ISH for mRNA of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which is also highly expressed in the mouse kidney, was simultaneously performed. Adult, male mice which received 1 mg of testosterone propionate or vehicle injection, were sacrificed 14 h after injection and their kidneys were removed and processed for ISH. Hybridization signals for both mRNAs were exclusively located over the epithelial cells of the proximal tubule in the vehicle-treated animals. Signals for the DAO mRNA were observed at nearly the same hybridization intensity throughout the proximal tubule, whereas hybridization signals for the ODC mRNA were observed exclusively in the pars convoluta. Following testosterone treatment, ODC mRNA in the pars convoluta was expressed with a stronger intensity than that in the vehicle-injected animals. ODC mRNA was also expressed in the pars recta with a weaker intensity than in the pars convoluta. On the other hand, DAO mRNA expression was little affected by testosterone treatment. These results indicate that, although both genes are possibly expressed in the same cells, the expression of these genes is regulated by different mechanisms.

Effect of perinatal hypothyroidism on expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, which is cloned by differential plaque screening from the cerebellum of newborn rat

Early development of the central nervous system is influenced by several hormones including thyroid hormone. This study was designed to clone the gene whose expression is changed in association with perinatal hypothyroidism in the rat cerebellum. Rats were sacrificed at 15 day-old postnatal age (P15) and their cerebella were removed. Poly (A)+ RNA was extracted to construct a cDNA library using lambda gt 10 cloning vector. Differential plaque screening was then performed using 32P-labeled antisense cDNA synthesized from poly (A)+ RNA of the methimazole-treated (hypothyroid) P15 rat cerebellum (hypothyroid probe), and of the euthyroid P15 rat cerebellum (euthyroid probe). The clones, which hybridized strongly to the euthyroid probe and weakly or not at all to the hypothyroid probe, were isolated. Sequence analysis of these clones revealed that all isolated clones encode cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I), which is located in the mitochondrial DNA. The decrease in COX I gene expression was not seen in the animals, which received methimazole treatment and daily replacement of thyroid hormone. In situ hybridization detection showed not only overall decrease in COX I gene expression but also change in distribution of hybridization signal in the cerebellar cortex of hypothyroid rat. Such change was not observed in the T4-replaced animals. Based on the evidence that thyroid hormone greatly influences brain development, the results of the present study indicate that the terminal enzyme of mitochondrial respiratory chain, COX I is one of the important target molecules regulated by thyroid hormone in the newborn rat cerebellum.

Progression of atrophy of the corpus callosum with deterioration of cerebral cortical oxygen metabolism after carotid artery occlusion: a follow up study with MRI and PET

In cerebrovascular disease, progression of brain atrophy may reflect an increase in ischaemic changes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether atrophy of the corpus callosum progresses in association with a deterioration in cerebral cortical oxygen metabolism after occlusion of the carotid artery. Magnetic resonance imaging and PET were used to serially evaluate six patients with occlusion of the unilateral internal carotid artery at intervals ranging from 12 to 50 months. One patient had no symptoms, one had a transient ischaemic attack, and four had a minor stroke. All patients had presented at most only subcortical lesions at the first evaluation. During follow up, no patient showed extension of subcortical lesions or recurrent stroke. The initial total callosal area:skull area ratio for the patients was significantly less than that for 14 age matched normal control subjects. The yearly decrease of callosal size in the patients, which differed significantly from zero and exceeded that in the controls, was significantly correlated with the deterioration in mean cerebral cortical oxygen metabolism. Three of the four patients who showed significant progression of callosal atrophy presented deterioration in haemodynamic states as well. It is concluded that in some patients atrophy of the corpus callosum progresses after occlusion of the carotid artery even in the absence of any overt episode of stroke, and that this atrophy is associated with deterioration in cerebral cortical oxygen metabolism. An increase in cerebral morphological changes with deterioration in cerebral metabolism related to ischaemia may occur after occlusion of the carotid artery, even in the absence of symptoms.

Sequential analysis of recurrent calcium calculi by infrared spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

While the incidence of calcium urolithiasis increases, the precise mechanism of calcium oxalate stone formation is still controversial. Is the composition of a recurrent calcium oxalate stones always the same as previous ones? There are few reports that specifically address the question by study of sequential changes of the composition of recurrent calcium calculi.

METHOD

From our medical records 70 patients with a history of two or more recurrent episodes of calcium oxalate stone disease were selected and the analyses of 190 stones were reviewed. Infrared spectroscopic analysis was done using a Perkin Elmer 1740 spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Calcium oxalate monohydrate were detected in 63 stones, calcium oxalate dihydrate in 12, calcium oxalate monohydrate mixed with dihydrate in 28, calcium oxalate monohydrate mixed with calcium phosphate in 30, calcium oxalate dihydrate mixed with calcium phosphate in 20, calcium oxalate monohydrate mixed with dihydrate and calcium phosphate in 20, calcium oxalate monohydrate mixed with dihydrate and calcium phosphate in 37. Alterations of stone components during follow-up were found in 43 stones from 40 patients. The shift of a main composition from calcium oxalate monohydrate to calcium oxalate dihydrate was found in 24 stones and vice versa in 19 stones.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential changes of the compositions of recurrent calcium calculi are highly likely to occur with time in individual recurrent calcium stone formers. Calcium oxalate monohydrate was a most common component of the studied recurrent calcium stones.

Effect of losartan, an AT1 selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist, on isoproterenol-induced cardiac ornithine decarboxylase activity

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC,EC 4.1.1.7), a rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, is known to be induced by a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol (ISO). ODC activity and cardiac polyamine content are considered to be correlated with ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rat hearts. To determine whether ISO-induced cardiac ODC activity is mediated through the renin-angiotensin system, especially at the AT1-receptor, we used a nonpeptide AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan, in this study. Losartan (10 mg/kg) suppressed both heart ODC and polyamine contents in ISO-treated rats. Although metoprolol (a selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist) totally suppressed ODC activity, these results suggest that ISO-stimulated cardiac ODC activity may be regulated through beta 2-adrenoceptors coupled with AT1 receptors in rats.

alpha-Difluoromethylornithine increases the anti-tumor effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in G-XII rat glioma

The in vivo effects of the single or combined administration of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) on the growth of G-XII glioma cells inoculated subcutaneously in rats were tested. Treatment with DFMO or cisplatin significantly decreased the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index of tumor tissues. Combined treatment with DFMO and cisplatin achieved a further significant decrease in the BrdU labeling index. All treatments significantly reduced the tissue levels of N1-acetylspermidine and putrescine, and the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, but little affected the tissue levels of spermidine and spermine, and the activity of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase. The reduction of ODC activity by cisplatin treatment may be associated with the anti-tumor effect.

Solution X-ray scattering study on the chaperonin GroEL from Escherichia coli

The molecular architecture of native GroEL has been studied by solution X-ray scattering. The radius of gyration for the native molecule was estimated to be 66.0 A in 50 mM Tris-HCl, 100 mM KCl at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees C. The maximum dimension was estimated to be 170 A, based on the pair distance distribution function. A cylindrical structure or two heptameric rings was found to be the best for native GroEL among structures examined by using a multi-sphere model analysis in which the radius of constituent sphere was 6 A. The results of the model analysis show that the radius of GroEL is 68.0 A and the height is 150.7 A. Unexpectedly, the central penetrating hole through GroEL was not confirmed in the best-fit structure.

A 26-kDa outer membrane protein, OmpK, common to Vibrio species is the receptor for a broad-host-range vibriophage, KVP40

KVP40 is a broad-host-range vibriophage forming plaques on strains of at least eight Vibrio and one Photobacterium species. A spontaneous KVP40-resistant mutant, R4000, derived from Vibrio parahaemolyticus 1010 lacked a 26-kDa outer membrane protein designated OmpK. KVP40 was inactivated by outer membrane and OmpK prepared from 1010, but not by outer membrane from R4000. These results strongly suggest that OmpK is the receptor for KVP40. Immunoblotting analyses using an anti-OmpK rabbit serum revealed that OmpK or its homologs of molecular masses 25-29 kDa were distributed widely among Vibrio and Photobacterium strains including those naturally resistant to KVP40.