Immunologic effects of acute hyperglycemia in nondiabetic rats

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to determine the consequences of acute hyperglycemia on the immune function of peripheral neutrophils, peritoneal macrophages, and alveolar macrophages in nondiabetic rats.

METHODS

The animals were randomly divided into nonsurgical (normal) and surgical groups. The postoperative rats were further divided into normoglycemic (control) and hyperglycemic (glucose) groups. The hyperglycemic condition was maintained by constant infusion of glucose to raise plasma glucose concentration to 300 mg/dL for 3 hours. The immune cells were then harvested to determine their phagocytic and oxidative capacities via flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The results showed that hyperglycemia significantly decreased the respiratory burst of alveolar macrophages (p < .05). In contrast, hyperglycemia enhanced phagocytosis in these cells (p < .002). There was a significant activation of the respiratory burst in peripheral neutrophils by surgery (p < .002), but no effect of hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that hyperglycemia itself can influence immune function in some phagocytic cells, which may be an important factor in postsurgical infection.

Visualisation of capillaries in human skeletal muscle

A double staining method combining Ulex europaeus agglutinin I lectin (UEA-I) and collagen type IV staining was used to determine the capillary density and the number of capillaries relative to different fibre types in human skeletal muscles. The result of this combined staining was compared with that of other staining methods including amylase-periodic acid Schiff (PAS), UEA-I, anti-collagen type IV and anti-von Willebrand factor. Muscle biopsy specimens, 12 from M. vastus lateralis and 6 from M. soleus, were obtained from 18 healthy young men. Compared with amylase-PAS staining, double staining showed a larger number of capillaries surrounding type I (+9.6%), type IIA (+8.6%) and type IIB (+11.6%) fibres in the M. vastus lateralis specimens (P < 0.001 for all differences). The capillary to fibre ratio (cap fibre-1) and the capillary density (cap.mm-2) were 8.3% (P < 0.002) and 7.9% (P < 0.001) larger, respectively. In the M. soleus specimens, cap.fibre-1 and cap.mm-2 were 7.4 and 9.9% larger, respectively, by double staining compared with PAS staining. Further comparisons showed that the cap.fibre-1 and cap.mm-2 obtained with double staining were similar to the values determined by the UEA-I staining, but greater than that measured by the collagen type IV method. The double staining gave a more marked stain of capillaries and revealed muscle fibre borders clearly, which is an advantage in studies that require comparisons between serial sections using computerised image analyses. It is concluded that the double staining method is superior to either the UEA-I, collagen type IV or the traditional amylase-PAS staining methods in analysing capillary density of normal human skeletal muscle.

Efficient gene expression in mammalian clock pacemaker cell in vitro by an adenovirus vector

An efficient modified adeno system to express foreign genes to the central nervous system was developed recently. This modified recombinant adenoviral vectors can be used successfully to deliver lacZ to the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which is composed of mammalian clock pacemaker. The expression of lacZ in the primary culture of SCN was dose-dependent and higher enough in nearly 100% of these cells. We also showed that viral toxicity and lacZ overexpression had no serious effects on the rhythmic expression of arginine vasopressin (AVP) release from the SCN cell culture.

Altered immunohistochemical localization of basic fibroblast growth factor after bleomycin-induced lung injury

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent inducer of growth and proliferation for many cell types involved in wound healing. Although bFGF has previously been identified in lung tissue, its role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. We investigated the distribution of bFGF after bleomycin-induced lung injury in the rat in hope of learning how bFGF might participate in the process of lung injury, repair and fibrosis. Increased immunoreactive bFGF was found in the extracellular matrix after bleomycin and co-localized to a marker of active cell proliferation. This suggests that bFGF may participate in directing cell proliferation following lung injury. In addition, a marked increase in the number of mast cells with strong reactivity for bFGF was found at days 14 and 21 after bleomycin. These cells may represent a source of bFGF during the fibroproliferative stage after lung injury.

Role of interferons in demyelinating diseases

IFN beta-1b reduces the frequency of major multiple sclerosis attacks by 50 percent. Serial MRI scanning over the course of the clinical trial that led to approval of the agent revealed a significant lessening both in disease activity and in accumulating burden of disease in IFN beta-1b-treated patients compared to placebo-treated controls. The mechanism by which IFN beta-1b exerts its beneficial effect in multiple sclerosis is unknown. T suppressor cell function fails during MS attacks and is persistently subnormal in multiple sclerosis patients with progressive disease. IFN beta-1b partially restores suppressor function in multiple sclerosis patients. IFN beta-1b also inhibits release of lymphotoxin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon gamma, at least in vitro. All three cytokines are toxic to oligodendrocytes. In contrast; production of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta 1) is increased by IFN beta-1b. TGF beta 1 is an immunosuppressive cytokine. All of the above listed actions of IFN beta-1b could contribute to its beneficial effect. Perhaps all do.

Determinants of plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and albumin and their hepatic mRNAs: the role of dietary protein content and tumor necrosis factor in malnourished rats

Protein restriction decreases plasma concentrations of albumin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) by reducing their hepatic mRNA levels, whereas protein restriction increases IGF-I binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) gene expression in the liver. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as an inducer of the injury response, decreases plasma albumin concentration and albumin mRNA in the liver. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of protein repletion and TNF on plasma albumin and IGF-I and their mRNAs and IGFBP-2 mRNA in the liver of protein-restricted rats. After 2 weeks of feeding a 2% casein diet, rats were assigned to four groups according to either being refed with a 2% or 20% casein diet or receiving saline or TNF by intraperitoneal injection (50 microg/kg x d) for 4 days. Plasma IGF-I and albumin were assayed. Hepatic mRNAs of IGF-I, albumin, and IGFBP-2 were determined. Protein repletion increased plasma concentrations of IGF-I and albumin and their mRNA content in the liver, but decreased IGFBP-2 mRNA. TNF did not alter plasma IGF-I concentration but did increase hepatic IGF-I mRNA in protein-repleted animals, and plasma albumin concentration was significantly decreased with unaltered hepatic albumin mRNA. Thus, protein repletion of malnourished rats increased plasma IGF-I and albumin concentrations in association with increased expression of their mRNAs in the liver. However, plasma albumin but not IGF-I decreased following TNF in protein-restricted rats, whereas TNF increased hepatic IGF-I mRNA in protein-repleted rats. Thus, only plasma albumin concentration responds to both principal determinants, diet and injury, in the development of malnutrition.

[Effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein on the expression of MCP-1 by monocytes]

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent chemotatic factor for monocytes. This study aimed at examination of the effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) and oxidized very low density lipoprotein (OX-VLDL) on the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein by monocytes. The guanidinium isothiocyanate method was used to extract total RNA from monocytes which were exposed to LDL, OX-LDL, VLDL and OX-VLDL for 24 hours respectively and the monocyte derived conditioned media collected. MCP-1 mRNA expression in monocytes was examined by slot blot and Northern blot analysis using a gamma 32P-end-labelled 35 mer oligonucleotide probe of MCP-1. Meanwhile, MCP-1 protein in the conditioned media was examined by use of sandwich ELISA. It was found that monocytes from human peripheral blood can express MCP-1 mRNA and protein after 24 hours incubation at 37 degrees C and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein was markedly increased by a 24 hour exposure to OX-LDL and OX-VLDL, whereas the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein was only sightly increased when exposed to LDL and VLDL. It is concluded that monocytes can express MCP-1 that induce additional monocyte migration into the subendothelial space, and that OX-LDL and OX-VLDL enhance this function by inducing stronger MCP-1 expression in monocytes.

[Protective effects of radix Salviae miltiorrhizae on azathioprine hepatotoxicity in rats]

The changes of liver function and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were studied in rats intoxicated with azathioprine (Aza) 15mg/(kg.d) and in rats treated with Aza mixed Salviae 8g/(kg.d). The results showed that in the Aza group, the levels of ALT, AKP, MDA increased and GSH decreased significantly in week 1 and week 2. But in the Salviae group the levels of ALT, AKP, MDA decreased and GSH increased significantly, approaching the normal levels, It follows that Salviae has protective effects on Aza hepatotoxicity in rats.

The synapse-associated protein rapsyn regulates tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins colocalized at nicotinic acetylcholine receptor clusters

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation has been suggested to play an important role in the clustering of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the developing neuromuscular junction. Recent studies have shown that the 43-kDa synapse-associated protein rapsyn induces clustering of the AChR in heterologous expression systems. In this study we examined whether tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in this rapsyn-induced AChR clustering. Rapsyn-induced AChR clusters in fibroblasts contain phosphotyrosine, as detected using immunofluorescent labeling with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. No anti-phosphotyrosine staining of rapsyn clusters is seen in the absence of AChR expression, indicating that the AChR is required for the appearance of phosphotyrosine at clusters. In addition, coexpression of rapsyn with the AChR induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta amd delta subunits of the AChR. Surprisingly, mutation of the tyrosine phosphorylation sites in the AChR did not inhibit rapsyn-induced clustering of the AChR and clusters of the mutant AChRs still contained high levels of phosphotyrosine. Experiments with single AChR subunits demonstrate that the alpha subunit of the AChR appears to be necessary and sufficient for codistribution of phosphotyrosine with rapsyn-induced clusters of AChR subunits. Finally, transfection of cells with rapsyn activates cellular protein tyrosine kinase activity, resulting in the tyrosine phosphorylation of several membrane-associated proteins. These results suggest that rapsyn may therefore regulate clustering at least in part by regulating the tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins.

Characterization of the murine antibody response to peptides representing the variable domains of the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia pneumoniae

In an attempt to gain more knowledge about the immunogenicity of the variable domains (VDs) of the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia pneumoniae, peptides representing these areas were used to immunize BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Antisera to the peptides and to peptides conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were characterized by their ability to recognize the immunizing peptide and elementary bodies (EBs) of C. pneumoniae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (immunoblot). In addition, antiserum was analyzed for its molecular specificity by a pepscan as well as its in vitro neutralizing ability. In general, results obtained with antisera to the peptides paralleled the results obtained with the antisera to the KLH-conjugated peptides except that the titers or strength of reaction in the assays was less. Antisera to the VDs in both strains of mice gave ELISA titers to the homologous VD peptide ranging from 1,000 to >64,000. The strength of reactivity with the reduced MOMP as judged by Western blot, in most cases, paralleled the ELISA titer to the peptide. However, only antisera raised in both strains of mice to the VD1 and VD4 peptides reacted strongly with the EBs, suggesting surface exposure of these VDs. In addition, antisera to VD3 from C57BL/6 mice gave strong reactivity to EBs. By pepscan analysis antisera from both strains of mice reacted with several VD1 and VD3 octameric peptides, with weaker reactivity being seen with the octameric peptides in the other two VDs. This was in contrast to antisera raised to EBs of C. pneumoniae TW-183, which identified two immunogenic regions, one in VD1 and the other mapped to VD4. While antisera raised to EBs strongly neutralized the infectivity of C. pneumoniae, none of the peptide antisera was able to neutralize. In addition, peptides to the VDs were not able to block the neutralizing ability of the antisera to EBs of C. pneumoniae. Therefore, these results suggest that the VDs of the MOMP of C. pneumoniae are surface exposed but do not elicit neutralizing antibodies when linear peptides representing them are used as the immunogen.

Growth hormone stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT5, but not insulin receptor substrate-1 or SHC proteins in liver and skeletal muscle of normal rats in vivo

GH has been shown to stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2, several STAT proteins, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and SHC proteins in cultured cells. The goal of this study was to determine GH effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in liver and skeletal muscle of normal rats in vivo. Nonfasted male Sprague-Dawley rats (225-250 g) were injected with GH iv, and tissues were obtained after 5, 15, 30, or 60 min. At a maximally effective GH dose (1.5 mg/kg body weight), phosphotyrosine antibody immunoblots demonstrated marked stimulation of the tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 (maximal at 5 min) and a 95,000 Mr protein (maximal at 15 min) in both liver and skeletal muscle. The 95,000 Mr protein was recognized and immunodepleted by STAT5 antibody, but not by other STAT protein antibodies. Although basal tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and SHC was evident, GH did not stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of either of these proteins in liver or skeletal muscle. In conclusion, GH stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT5, but not IRS-1, SHC, or other STAT proteins in liver and skeletal muscle of normal rats. These results differ from findings in cultured cells and support the concept that selectivity for tyrosine kinase substrates is an important determinant of postreceptor signaling specificity in vivo.

[Experimental study on delayed effect of external skin expansion]

In using the external skin expander, we found that the expanded skin had the feature similar to a delayed flap. To study its mechanism, we chose 20 New Zealand rabbits and divided them into 2 groups randomly. The skin on the animal's back in the experimental group was expanded with the external skin expander. The laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) and oxyhemograph (SpO2) were applied to detect skin microcirculation. The survival area and the results of microangiography of the two groups were compared. Results showed that the value of LDF of the expanded skin increased and the value of SpO2 returned to its origingal level at 12 days after expansion. The survival area in the experimental group was larger than the control. Microangiographic examinations indicated that the subcutaneous vascular anastomoses were obviously increased in the experimental group. We conclude that external skin expansion does not affect the quality of the expanded skin, and its effect is similar to delay technique.

Protein and lipid refeeding changes protein metabolism and colonic but not small intestinal morphology in protein-depleted rats

In this study, we fed rats a 2% casein AIN 76 diet for 2 wk to produce protein malnutrition. We determined in these animals the effects of different concentrations of dietary protein refeeding (2% and 20% casein) on recovery and gut mucosal repletion and the potential role of type of dietary fat in the regulation of protein metabolism and mucosal growth by providing conventional long-chain triglyceride (LCT), a structured lipid composed of long-, medium- and short-chain fatty acids (SC/SL), or a physical mixture of the same components present in the structured lipid given as individual pure triglycerides (SC/PM) along with adequate amounts of protein and energy. The results confirmed that protein malnutrition can be reversed rapidly by protein refeeding, as indicated by an increase in body weight, positive nitrogen balance, liver growth and elevations in plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1, leucine and albumin. In the colon, crypt cell number, crypt depth and number of crypt cells in the rapidly proliferating fraction of the colon were greater in rats fed the higher protein diet. However, the general architecture of small intestinal mucosa, including duodenum, jejunum and ileum, was not affected by protein malnutrition. Although the number of colonic cells was similar with fat refeeding, there were significantly fewer displaying the proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the colonic epithelium when rats were fed SC/PM compared with SC/SL. Therefore, changes in colonic mucosal proliferation were only seen with repletion by adequate protein and by SC/SL feeding.

The effect of orientation within a chimeric peptide on the immunogenicity of Chlamydia trachomatis epitopes

Peptides representing the Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein variable domains (VD) 1 and 4 of serovars C and E, respectively, have been shown to elicit a neutralizing antibody response in mice. To assess whether the position within a chimeric peptide influences the immunogenicity of the epitopes, two constructs, VD 1-4 and VD 4-1, were made in which the position of the VD relative to the amino and carboxy terminals were rotated. C57BL/10 mice were immunized with 100 micrograms of peptide in complete Freund's adjuvant (FA) on day 0, followed by an immunization with peptide (100 micrograms) in complete FA on day 14. By day 21 the immunodominant epitope in both chimeras as measured by ELISA was the one located at the carboxy terminus. A pepscan of the VD 1-4 antisera revealed a main peak in VD 4 which had been previously identified by neutralizing MAbs. The VD 4-1 antisera gave a peak in the VD 1 region which did not correspond to regions previously mapped with neutralizing MAbs. The VD 1-4 antisera but not the VD 4-1 antisera was able to neutralize in vitro serovar E. In summary, the position of these chlamydial epitopes within a chimeric peptide greatly influenced the resulting immune response.

Partial purification of smooth muscle cell derived growth factor

The serum free medium conditioned by cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells was partially purified using ultrafiltration and heparin affinity chromatography. Incorporation of [3H]-thymidine (3H-TdR) into cell DNA was used to measure the mitogenic activity of the fractions from chromatography for NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The molecular weight and the iso-electric point of these fractions were determined by NaDodSO4-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and iso-electric focusing, respectively. The results showed that the protein eluted in 1.0-1.6 mol/L NaCl from the heparin-Sepharose was mitogenic for 3T3 cells, and this protein had a molecular weight of 22.8-26.7 ku and an iso-electric point of about 4.6. The fact that the above-mentioned biochemical properties differed from that of PDGF, IGF and FGF suggests that this mitogenic protein may be a separate growth factor.

Mast cells are a major source of basic fibroblast growth factor in chronic inflammation and cutaneous hemangioma

Mast cells play an essential role during development of inflammation after chemical and immunological insults and have been implicated in tissue fibrosis and angiogenesis. The exact contribution of mast cells to these conditions is largely unknown. In this study, we found that a potent angiogenic and mitogenic polypeptide, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), is localized to the majority of mast cells from normal skin and lung and in tissue samples characterized by fibrosis, hyperplasia, and neovascularization. Using specific antibodies to mast cell tryptase, tissue macrophage, and bFGF, we demonstrate that cytoplasmic bFGF immunoreactivity is localized to 96.8 +/- 9.6% of tryptase-positive cells in human fibrotic lung tissue (n = 10), 82.3 +/- 6.9% of tryptase-positive cells in rheumatoid synovia (n = 6), and 93.1 +/- 4.8% of tryptase-positive cells in skin hemangioma (n = 5). Moreover, these tryptase-positive cells comprise a major portion (86 to 97%) of nonvascular cells exhibiting cytoplasmic bFGF staining in these tissues. In contrast, macrophage-like cells contribute less than 10% of the bFGF-positive cells in the same samples. The specificity of the immunostaining results was supported by the finding that cultured human mast cells (HMC-1) express both bFGF mRNA and protein. Our data indicate that mast cells, a primary source of heparin, also serve as a significant source of a heparin-binding growth factor, bFGF, in these disease processes. These observations suggest that mast cells may contribute to these pathological conditions by releasing this polypeptide.

Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have implicated polypeptide growth factors in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is characterized by synoviocyte hyperplasia and neovascularization. One such polypeptide, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), is of particular interest because of its potent mitogenic and angiogenic activities. We have previously reported that cultured human synoviocytes synthesize and bind bFGF and also proliferate in response to it (1). Recently, we found a close association between increased bFGF expression and destructive changes in arthritic joints from rats (2). Now we extend our study by detecting in vivo expression of bFGF in human synovial tissues obtained from patients with RA.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Human synovial tissues from patients with RA, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and trauma were collected during joint surgery. The expression of bFGF protein and mRNA by the synovia was examined by immunolocalization, Western blot, Northern blot, and RNase protection assays. Synovium from patients with DJD and trauma was used to compare with rheumatoid synovium. Double immunostaining with cell type-specific antibodies was carried out to identify cellular sources of bFGF.

RESULTS

Both polypeptide and mRNA for bFGF were detected in the synovial samples examined. Increased bFGF staining was found in synovium-cartilage interface where joint destruction occurred and in hyperplastic synoviocytes of a subset of rheumatoid synovium. Strong cytoplasmic bFGF staining was localized in the majority of mast cells and vascular cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Synovial tissue from patients with RA, DJD, and trauma express bFGF. Increased bFGF staining in the hyperplastic lining synoviocytes and at the pannus-cartilage interface suggests that bFGF may play a role in synovial hyperplasia and joint destruction. Strong cytoplasmic bFGF staining found in mast cells and vascular cells indicates that these cells are the major sources of tissue bFGF.

Phosphorylation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by protein tyrosine kinases

Most neurotransmitter receptors examined to date are either regulated by phosphorylation or contain consensus sequences for phosphorylation by protein kinases. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), which mediates depolarization at the neuromuscular junction, has served as a model for the study of the structure, function, and regulation of ligand-gated ion channels. The AChR is phosphorylated by protein kinase A, protein kinase C, and an unidentified protein tyrosine kinase. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR is correlated with a modulation of the rate of receptor desensitization and is associated with AChR clustering. We showed that agrin, a neuronally derived extracellular matrix protein, induces AChR clustering and tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, we identified two protein tyrosine kinases, Fyn and Fyk, that appear to be involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction by phosphorylating the AChR. The two kinases are highly expressed in Torpedo electric organ, a tissue enriched in synaptic components including the AChR. As demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation, Fyn and Fyk associate with the AChR. Furthermore, the AChR is phosphorylated in Fyn and Fyk immunoprecipitates. We investigated the molecular basis for the association of the AChR with Fyn and Fyk using fusion proteins derived from the kinases. The AChR bound specifically to the SH2 domain fusion proteins of Fyn and Fyk. The association of the AChR with the SH2 domains is dependent on the state of AChR tyrosine phosphorylation and is mediated by the delta subunit of the receptor. These data provide evidence that the protein tyrosine kinases Fyn and Fyk may act to phosphorylate the AChR in vivo.

Effects of daurisoline on cytosolic free calcium in fetal rat cerebral cells

Cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured in dissociated cerebral cells isolated from fetal rats with the fluorescent indicater fura-2. Increase in [Ca2+]i occurred rapidly following exposure of the cells to 50 mmol/L KCl, 10(-7) mol/L Bay K 8644 or 200 mumol/L glutamate (Glu). [Ca2+]i elevated by K(+)-depolarization was attenuated by pretreatment with 10(-7), 10(-6) mol/L daurisoline (Dau). The response of [Ca2+]i to K(+)-depolarization did not change when 10(-8) mol/L Dau was added. When 10(-8)-10(-6) mol/L Dau was added to the cell suspensions prior to exposure to Glu, the Glu-stimulated rises in [Ca2+]i were reduced significantly. However, Dau (10(-6), 10(-7) and 10(-8) mol/L) did not alter the response to Bay K 8644. These results indicate that Dau can inhibit the increase of [Ca2+]i in fetal rat cerebral cells induced by certain Ca2+ agonists, especially Glu, suggesting that this drug may have a protective effect against cerebral cellular injury.

Effect of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase on the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes

We have studied the effect of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase on the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducible expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. We constructed an expression plasmid capable of expressing either a sense RNA (MT-ARS) or an antisense RNA (pAS-FL or pAS-5') for poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase. We transfected the plasmid into mouse or human macrophage tumor cells and examined the effect on the expression of MHC class II molecules. The IFN-gamma-inducible expression of MHC class II gene was considerably reduced in transformant clones (A-2, B-2), in which the synthetase was highly expressed, whereas the depletion of the synthetase due to the expression of antisense RNA for the synthetase amplified the expression of MHC class II molecules. The results indicate that the level of the synthetase critically regulates the IFN-gamma-inducible MHC class II molecules. Next, we analyzed DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS) of mouse MHC class II, I-A beta gene and found two sites, one in the promoter region and the other one in the first intron. The DHS in first intron was less sensitive towards DNase I attack in transformant clones (A-2, B-2) in which the synthetase was synthesized in a large quantity. Thus we constructed two beta-galactosidase reporter genes, one (A beta 2.0kb-lac z) containing the promoter region to a part of the second exon of the class II gene, and the other (A beta pro-lac z) containing the promoter region of the class II gene alone. The expression of the reporter gene was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and found that the expression of A beta 2.0kb-lac z was suppressed in the transformant clones (A-2, B-2) relevant to control cells but the expression of A beta pro-lac z was the same level among those cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)