Hydrazide-containing inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase

Inhibitors of HIV integrase are currently being sought as potential new therapeutics for the treatment of AIDS. A large number of inhibitors discovered to date contain the o-bis-hydroxy catechol structure. In an effort to discover structural leads for the development of new HIV integrase inhibitors which do not rely on this potentially cytotoxic catechol substructure, NSC 310217 was identified using a three-point pharmacophore search based on its assigned structure N-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-N-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)hydrazine (1). When a sample of NSC 310217 was obtained from the NCI repository, it was shown to exhibit potent inhibition of HIV-1 integrase (3'-processing IC50 = 0.6 microgram/mL). In work reported herein, we demonstrate that NSC 310217, rather than containing 1, which has no inhibitory potency against HIV-1 integrase, is comprised of roughly a 1:1 mixture of N-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)hydrazine (6) and N,N'-bis-salicylhydrazine 7, with all inhibitory potency residing with compound 7(IC50 = 0.7 microM for strand transfer). In subsequent structure-activity studies on 7, it is shown that removing a single amide carbonyl (compound 14, IC50 = 5.2 microM) or replacing one aromatic ring system with a naphthyl ring (compound 19, IC50 = 1.1 microM) can be accomplished with little loss of inhibitory potency. Additionally, replacing a single hydroxyl with a sulfhydryl (compound 23, IC50 = 5.8 microM) results in only moderate loss of potency. All other modifications examined, including the replacement of a single hydroxyl with an amino group (compound 22), resulted in complete loss of potency. Being potent, structurally simple, and non-catechol-containing, compounds such as 7 and 14 may provide useful leads for the development of a new class of HIV integrase inhibitor.

[CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy of small peripheral pulmonary lesions]

OBJECTIVE

CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy (PTFNAB) was performed in small peripheral pulmonary lesions, which are not easily diagnosed or accessible to fibrobronchoscopes.

METHODS

Twenty-four sputum negative cases of small pulmonary lesions smaller than 2 cm in diameter were studied. After thin-slide scanning and localization with Somatom DR-H computed tomorgraphy, the pulmonary nodules were biopsied with a 20 Gauge needle guided by a ruler especially designed. Biopsy materials were used for cyto- and histopathologic examination. The diagnosis accuracy of biopsy was evaluated by the result of postoperative pathology and/or observation for 2 years.

RESULTS

Sixteen pulmonary lesions were proved to be malignant and 8 benign. The sensitivity rate was 75.0% (12/16), specitivity rate 8/8 and accuracy rate 83.3% (20/24) according to cytopathology and 87.5% (14/16), 8/8, 91.7% (22/24) by histopathology, respectively. Two cases of early-stage peripheral lung cancer were detected and proved by operation.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided PTFNAB is safe and quick for diagnosis with high accuracy for small peripheral pulmonary lesions which are usually negative in sputum examination and bronchoscopy. PTFNAB should be widely used as routine in the diagnosis of lung neoplasms.

[Construction of genomic library of L. interrogans serovar lai using lambda gt11 as the vector and a study of recombiant plasmid pDL121]

A genomic library of L. interrogans serovar lai strain 017 has been constructed using lambda gt11 as the vector. DNA was partially digested by two blunt-end restriction enzymes, then methylated with EcoR I methylase; after EcoR I linker was added to the DNA, the linker-ended DNA was ligated to the dephosphorylated EcoR I digested lambda gt11 arms. The recombined DNA was packaged in vitro, and used to transduct E. coli Y1090 for amplification. There were 2.1 x 10(6) recombinant bacteriophages as recognized by their ability to form white plaques plated on Lac host in the presence of both IPTG and X-Ga1. A positive clone, designated lambda DL12, was screened with a rabbit anti-serum against L. interrogans serovar lai from the genomic library. The DNA from lambda DL12 was subcloned into plasmid pUC18. A recombinant (designated as pDL121) was obtained. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that a 23 kd was expressed in E. coli JM 103 harboring pDL121. Western blotting analysis showed that a specific protein band molecular weight of 23 kd could be recognized by the rabbit antiserum against L. interrogans serovar lai strain 017.

The effects of genotyping errors and interference on estimation of genetic distance

Analysis of linkage data has typically been carried out assuming genotyping errors are absent. Recent studies have shown, however, that the impact of ignoring genotyping errors can be great, especially in dense marker maps [Buetow, Am J Hum Genet 1991; 49:985-994; Lincoln and Lander, Genomics 1992; 14:604-610]. Because most organisms exhibit positive chiasma interference, we use the chi 2 model [Foss et al., Genetics 1993; 144:681-691] to examine the role interference plays in the estimation of genetic distance in the presence of genotyping errors. For simplicity, we confine our analyses to samples of 1,000 fully informative gametes. Our results support previous findings that ignoring errors inflates distance estimates. The larger the error rate, the greater the inflation. For a given error rate, the relative error in estimated genetic distance is greatest when interference is known to be weak or absent. An approximation to relative error which quantifies the relation to distance, error rate, and interference is provided. Robustness of estimation to error misspecification is also investigated. When the assumed error rate is too low, distance is overestimated while interference is underestimated. The situation is reversed when too large an error rate is assumed (interference is overestimated, and distance underestimated). Unfortunately, the joint estimation of distance and interference is not very robust to error misspecification.

In vivo phase variation of MR/P fimbrial gene expression in Proteus mirabilis infecting the urinary tract

Proteus mirabilis, associated with complicated urinary tract infection, expresses mannose-resistant/Proteus-like (MR/P) fimbriae. Expression of these surface structures, which mediate haemagglutination and have a demonstrated role in virulence, undergoes phase variation. By DNA sequence analysis, a 252 bp invertible element was found in the intergenic region between mrpl, the putative site-specific recombinase gene, and mrpA, the primary structural subunit gene. The invertible segment is flanked by identical 21 bp inverted repeats and the presumptive half-sites for recombinase binding show homology to those recognized by FimB and FimE encoded by the Escherichia coli fim (Type 1 fimbriae) gene cluster. When amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from static broth cultures expressing MR/P fimbriae, the switch region was found in both ON and OFF positions. When PCR was used to amplify agar cultures which do not express the fimbriae, the switch region was OFF only. A canonical sigma 70 promoter inside the invertible element drives the transcription of mrpA when in the ON position; in the OFF position it is directed away from mrpA but does not appear to drive expression of mrpI. The mrpI gene was able to confer inversion of the mrp switch region in trans from both ON to OFF and OFF to ON. To examine the position of the switch in vivo, urine, bladder, and kidneys from mice transurethrally infected with P. mirabilis were used to prepare template DNA for PCR amplification. In the absence of urolithiasis (urease-mediated stone formation), the switch was found 100% in the ON position, a condition never observed following in vitro culture. We conclude that MR/P phase variation is regulated at the transcriptional level by the action of MrpI on an invertible element and that there is strong selective pressure for the expression of MR/P fimbriae in vivo.

PCR amplification, molecular cloning, DNA sequence analysis and immuno/protection in BALB/C mice of the 33 kDa endoflagellar protein of L. interrorgans serovar lai

A pair of oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify the endoflagella gene of L. interrogans serovar lai. An approximately 840 bp fragment was generated with PCR and inserted into plasmid pUC8, after the fragment and pUC8 were digested respectively with BamHI and PstI. A recombinant plasmid (designated as pLF1) was obtained. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that a 33 kDa was expressed in E. coli JM103 harboring pLF1 and the expression level of the protein was 11% of the total bacterial soluble proteins. Western blot analysis showed that the protein band could be recognized by the antiserum against the endoflegella (Axial filament) of Leptospira interrogans serover lai. Nucleotide sequence data showed an open reading frame encoding 282 aminoacids residues, corresponding to a protein of molecular weight 33.6 kDa. Comparison of the deduced endoflagellar subunit protein (flaB) amino acid sequence with flagellins from other bacteria revealed a high level of identity with the Treponema pallidum flaB proteins. Immunization/protection experiment was performed on the model of BALB/C mice and showed that there was higher survival rate in the group JM103-pLE1 than in the group JM103-pUC8.

[Effects of both puerarin and gypsum on the firing of pyrogen-treated thermosensitive neurons in the region POAH of anesthetized cats]

To investigate the possible central mechanism of antipyretic effects of Chinese medicines, puerarin and gypsum, the firing rate of thermosensitive neurons in preoptic-anterior hypothalamus (POAH) region of 34 cats was recorded by using extracellular micro-electrode technigue. Injection of pyrogen caused decrease in firing rate of 14 warm-sensitive neurons and increase in firing rate of 11 cold-sensitive neurons in the region of POAH. The effects could be reversed by the injection of puerarin and gypsum. The results showed the antipyretic action of puerarin and gypsum might be mediated by influences on the electroactivity of pyrogen-treated thermosensitive neurons in the region of POAH. Effect of puerarin and gypsum on cold-sensitive neurons was stronger than that of single one, suggesting that both are synergic in central level.

Regulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor and its gene expression: role in renal growth

Low sodium intake has been demonstrated to upregulate the gene expression of the predominant renal type 1 angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor (AT1), the AT1A subtype. The study presented here tests the hypothesis that the upregulation of renal AT1 mRNA induced by sodium depletion occurs conjointly with an elevation of the AT1 receptor that modulates renal growth. Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated for 2 wk with normal sodium diet, normal sodium diet plus 3 mg/kg/day losartan, low sodium diet, or low sodium diet plus losartan. Body weight and MAP were not significantly different among the four groups. Plasma renin activity was significantly elevated by losartan treatment, low salt intake, or a combination of the two, compared with the plasma renin activity of the controls. Northern blot analysis indicated that renal AT1 mRNA levels were significantly increased-183% by losartan, 212% by low salt intake, and 227% by the combination of the two-compared with their levels in controls. Radioligand binding assays revealed that AT1 receptors were significantly increased by low salt intake but were significantly decreased by losartan treatment. Renal AT1 receptor binding in the rats subjected to sodium depletion plus losartan did not differ from that in control rats. Kidney weight, kidney weight/body weight ratio, and renal DNA and protein content were not altered by sodium depletion but were significantly lowered by losartan treatment with both normal and low sodium intake, compared with those of controls. The protein/DNA ratio was not significantly different among the four groups. Blockade of renal AT1 receptors with losartan was found to retard normal renal growth, indicating that Ang II is required for normal renal development. Low sodium intake was found to increase mRNA and expression of the renal AT1 receptor but to have no effect on renal growth, suggesting that an increase in renal mass above a normal level requires the activation of multiple factors. Blockade of the AT1 receptor by losartan was found to upregulate AT1 mRNA but to down-regulate the AT1 receptor, suggesting that AT1 receptor-mediated intracellular events are necessary to sustain functional AT1 receptor expression in the kidney.

Diarylsulfones, a novel class of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase inhibitors

A majority of reported human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase (HIV-1 IN) inhibitors are polyhydroxylated aromatic compounds containing two phenyl rings separated by aliphatic or aromatic linkers. Most inhibitors possessing a catechol moiety exhibit considerable toxicity in cellular assays. In an effort to identify nonhydroxylated analogs, a series of aromatic sulfones were tested for their ability to inhibit the 3' processing and strand transfer steps that are necessary for HIV replication. Several aromatic sulfones have previously been shown to have moderate activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in cellular assays; however, their inhibitory potencies against IN have not been explored. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of a series of sulfones and sulfonamides against IN was determined. Among 52 diaryl sulfones tested, 4 were determined to be highly potent (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50], 0.8 to 10 micrograms/ml), 5 had good potencies (IC50, 11 to 50 micrograms/ml), 10 showed moderate potencies (IC50, 51 to 100 micrograms/ml), and 33 were inactive (IC50, > 100 micrograms/ml) against IN. All of the active compounds exhibited similar potencies against HIV-2 IN. Sulfa drugs, used extensively in treating Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDs patients, were also examined. Among 19 sulfonamides tested, sulfasalazine (IC50, 50 micrograms/ml) was the most potent. We conclude that potent inhibitors of IN can be designed based on the results presented in this study.

Coumarin-based inhibitors of HIV integrase

The structures of a large number of HIV-1 integrase inhibitors have in common two aryl units separated by a central linker. Frequently at least one of these aryl moieties must contain 1,2-dihydroxy substituents in order to exhibit high inhibitory potency. The ability of o-dihydroxy-containing species to undergo in situ oxidation to reactive quinones presents a potential limitation to the utility of such compounds. The recent report of tetrameric 4-hydroxycoumarin-derived inhibitor 5 provided a lead example of an inhibitor which does not contain the catechol moiety. Compound 5 represents a large, highly complex yet symmetrical molecule. It was the purpose of the present study to determine the critical components of 5 and if possible to simplify its structure while maintaining potency. In the present study, dissection of tetrameric 5 (IC50 = 1.5 microM) into its constituent parts showed that the minimum active pharmacophore consisted of a coumarin dimer containing an aryl substituent on the central linker methylene. However, in the simplest case in which the central linker aryl unit consisted of a phenyl ring (compound 8, IC50 = 43 microM), a significant reduction in potency resulted by removing two of the original four coumarin units. Replacement of this central phenyl ring by more extended aromatic systems having higher lipophilicity improved potency, as did the addition of 7-hydroxy substituents to the coumarin rings. Combining these latter two modifications resulted in compounds such as 3,3'-(2-naphthalenomethylene)bis[4,7-dihydroxycoumarin] (34, IC50 = 4.2 microM) which exhibited nearly the full potency of the parent tetramer 5 yet were structurally much simpler.

Anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in immunized guinea pigs provoked by inhalation and intravenous administration of hexahydrophthalic anhydride and methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride

We established a guinea-pig model of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction provoked in immunized animals by inhalation and intravenous administration of 4,4-methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) and hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA). Guinea pigs were immunized intradermally with either MTHPA (n = 8) or HHPA (n = 8) suspended in olive oil. Control animals (n = 8) were injected with olive oil alone. After 4 weeks, the animals were challenged during mechanical ventilation by inhalation or intravenous administration of MTHPA or HHPA conjugated with guinea-pig serum albumin (GPSA). Airway flow, and airway and esophageal pressures were measured. Resistance (R) and static compliance (Cst) of the respiratory system (rs), lung (1), and chest wall were studied with the flow-interruption technique. After challenge with MTHPA-GPSA or HHPA-GPSA, R,rs and R,1 increased dramatically while Cst,rs and Cst,1 decreased, and severe arterial hypoxia developed. The reaction occurred at a well-defined dose of anhydride and lasted about 30 min. When the same dose was repeated after 30 min, the response was much attenuated. MTHPA and HHPA can induce asthma in guinea pigs. The dose-response curve at antigen challenge is steep. Once a threshold dose is reached, a severe reaction occurs. The reactivity is then exhausted. This model may be suitable for assessing occupational asthma caused by acid anhydrides and possibly by other low-molecular-weight chemicals.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a depressor in NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced hypertension during pregnancy

Inhibition of nitric oxide production with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) increases blood pressure and fetal mortality in pregnant rats. We previously reported that administration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) reduces the blood pressure and fetal death produced by L-NAME. To determine the hemodynamic role of endogenous CGRP in this setting, CGRP8-37, a CGRP receptor antagonist, was used. In addition, CGRP mRNA and peptide levels were determined in dorsal root ganglia. L-NAME or control rats had intravenous (for drug administration) and arterial (for continuous mean blood pressure monitoring) catheters surgically placed and were studied in the conscious unrestrained state. Baseline blood pressure was higher in the L-NAME than the control rats on days 19, 20, and 21 or pregnancy and postpartum day 1. Vehicle administration did not change blood pressure in any group, and CGRP8-37 (100 micrograms) did not change blood pressure in control groups. However, CGRP8-37 administration to the L-NAME rats further increased blood pressure (P < .05) on days 19 (8 +/- 1), 20 (12 +/- 2), and 21 (7 +/- 1) of gestation but was without effect on postpartum day 1. Furthermore, CGRP mRNA or peptide levels in dorsal root ganglia were not different between the L-NAME and control rats at any of the time points studied. These data indicate that in experimental preeclampsia, CGRP is playing a compensatory vasodilator role to attenuate the elevated blood pressure. The mechanism of this effect appears to be an enhanced vascular responsiveness to CGRP that is attenuated after the birth of pups.

The correction of Class II, division 1 malocclusion with bionator headgear combination appliance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate skeletal and dental effects of bionator headgear combination appliances on patients in development period with Class II, division 1 malocclusion. The comparison of computerized X-ray cephalometric measurements between the 26 treated children and 26 untreated children was made. The results showed that ANB angle was significantly reduced and horizontal mandibular growth development tended to be normal in the treated group. It was suggested that the bionator headgear combination appliance can restrain the maxillary growth early and promote the forward mandibular growth which contribute the functional jaws correction.

Bipolar esophageal electrocardiography by using standard limb leads

The ear-xiphisternum distance (EXD, the distance from the low edge of the ear to the xiphisternal basis in supine position) was used as a reference value for esophageal catheter insertion. ECGs recorded in the esophagus with bipolar electrocardiography using standard limb lead (ESLL) and conventional unipolar lead (ECUL) were compared. 112 patients with sinus rhythm and 76 patients during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) whose P-wave and QRS complex did not overlap were studied. The results suggested that in sinus rhythm the amplitude of the P-wave in ESLL was larger and the T-wave was smaller than in ECUL. During PSVT, the P-wave was much clear and higher in each lead of ESLL than that in ECUL. The ideal range of esophageal ECG recording was situated between the end of EXD and 6.5 cm proximal to it.

Specific labeling approaches to guanine and adenine imino and amino proton assignments in the AMP-RNA aptamer complex

The secondary structure of a recently identified ATP-binding RNA aptamer consists of a purine-rich 11-residue internal loop positioned opposite a single guanine bulge flanked on either side by helical stem segments. The ATP ligand targets the internal loop and bulge domains, inducing a structural transition in this RNA segment on complex formation. Specifically, 10 new slowly exchanging proton resonances in the imino, amino and sugar hydroxyl chemical shift range are observed on AMP-RNA aptamer complex formation. This paper outlines site-specific labeling approaches to identify slowly exchanging imino (guanine) and amino (guanine and adenine) protons in internal loop and bulge segments of compact RNA folds such as found in the AMP-RNA aptamer complex. One approach incorporates 15N-labeled guanine (N1 imino and N2 amino positions) and 15N-labeled adenine (N6 amino position), one residue at a time, in the AMP-binding RNA aptamer, with labeling incorporation through chemical synthesis facilitated by generating the aptamer from two separate strands. The unambiguous assignments deduced from the 15N labeling studies have been verified from an independent labeling strategy where individual guanines in the internal loop have been replaced, one at a time, by inosines and assignments were made on the basis of the large 2 ppm downfield shift of the guanine imino protons on inosine substitution. The strengths and limitations of the inosine-for-guanine substitution approach emerge from our studies on the AMP-RNA aptamer complex. The assignment of the internal loop and bulge imino and amino protons was critical in our efforts to define the solution structure of the AMP-RNA aptamer complex since these slowly exchanging protons exhibit a large number of long-range intramolecular NOEs within the RNA, as well as intermolecular NOEs to the AMP in the complex. The current application of specific 15N and inosine labeling approaches for exchangeable imino and imino proton assignments in the nonhelical segments of an RNA aptamer complex in our laboratory complements selective 2H and 13C approaches to assign nonexchangeable base and sugar protons in RNA and ligand-RNA complexes reported in the literature.

[Research on the recombinant plasmid pDJH2 of L. interrogans serovar lai: sequencing and alignment with other known bacterial Omp sequence]

The Leptospira whole cell vaccine (LWCV) currently used in China is safe and effective, out the immunity following vaccination with two doses of the fluid medium vaccine is of low order. The duration of immunity conferred by this vaccine is rather short, six months or at most one year. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new generation vaccines against Leptospirosis for the developing world. In this paper we report the sequencing of the insert fragment of pDJH2 from genomic DNA of L. interrogans sevovar lai strain 017 and its alignment with other bacterial omp sequences. A genomic library of Leptospira interrogaans serovar lai strain 017 was constructed with the plasmid vector pUC18. A recombinant plasmid designated pJDH2 was screened from the genomic library. Inserted fragment of pDH2 is 1.9 kb by gel electrophoresis. Immunization/protection was studied in BALB/c mice model. The results showed highly significant difference between pDJH2 and pUC18 (control). Inserted fragment of pDJH2 DNA sequencing was performed by Dr Yan Zhengxin (Max-Planck-Institut for Biology. Tubingen, Germany). Insert fragment was cloned into pBluescript II KS-(stratagene) and sequenced by using AB1 (Applied Bio Systems, Model 373A). Two open reading frames of 565 and 662 nucleotides were identified. There were identifiable initiation codons, terminators, Shine-Dalgano ribosome combining site, Pribnow boxes and Sextama boxes within the 2 sequenced regions. Nucleotide sequences were analysed using Gene Work, a suit of computer program developed by Department of Biochemistry St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis. U.S.A. The results of formatted alignment showed the predicted nucleotide sequence of ORF1 of the serovar lai had significant similarity with ORF2 (49.36%). L. kirschneri ompL1 (49.26%), Borrelia burgdoferi omp (48.97%), Treponema phagedenis omp (47.3%); Salmonella typhimurium ompC(46.87%), Yersinia enterocolitica ompH (46.7%), Leptospira borgpeterseni pfap (46.3%), and Serratia marcescens omp (43.3%). The close relationship of the pDJH2 ORF1 and ORF2 nucleotide sequences from Leptospira kirschneri ompL 1 is apparent. Whether the recombinant pDJH2 will prove useful for vaccine development remains to be tested.

[Subclones of fragment DNA recombinant rpDJH2 of L. interrogans serovar lai strain 017 and it's expression of high level in E. coli]

Fragment of 1.9 kb recombinant DNA of pDJH2 was linked with vectors pT7-7 and pRSETs. Then they were transformed into E. coli JM109 (DE3) respectively. Expression of subclones was achieved in E. coli JM109 (DE3) with IPTG inducement. SDS-PAGE showed that the molecular weights of products were 68kd and 23 kd respectively. The amount of production seemed to be higher than that of the outer membrane proteins of L. interrogans serovar strain 017 in nature. Immunoblotting of pDJt and pDJrB2 (both are subclones) with the specific antiserum of anti-OMP of L. interrogans serovar lai strain 017 and the experiment of initiative immuno-protection in guinea pigs showed both protein-68 kd and 23 kd might be the antigens of immuno-protection on the outer membrane of L. interrogans serovar lai strain 017.

[Asphyxia of the newborn delivered by elective cesarean section and gastroesophageal reflex and aspiration]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the causes, clinical manifestation, management and prevention of gastroesophageal reflex and aspiration (GER-A) in the infants delivered by cesarean section.

METHOD

The clinical data of 6 infants with asphyxia resulted from GER-A, delivered by elective cesarean section were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

GER-A occurred during the period from 5 to 12 minute after birth, and its main clinical manifestation was airway obstruction. Among the patients, four cases recovered completely after treatment, one was diagnosed as having aspiration pneumonia and the other died of severe bronchospasm.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of this complication was probably related to the mode of delivery by cesarean section, the underdevelopment of effective barrier for preventing GER-A at very early stage and the inadequate management of the newborn. It is suggested that the prevention and proper treatment of GER-A was important in lowering neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Inhibition of p185neu kinase activity and cellular transformation by co-expression of a truncated neu protein

The rat neu oncogene product encodes a 185 kDa receptor tyrosine kinase which is constitutively activated as a result of a single amino acid substitution (Val664-->Glu) within the transmembrane region. In this study, we show that the transforming activity of oncogenic p185neu (also termed Tneu) can be inhibited by co-expression of a truncated neu protein with a large cytoplasmic deletion (termed T691stop) which includes the tyrosine kinase domain. In cell lines co-expressing full-length and truncated neu proteins, we observed co-dimerization between full-length p185neu and truncated T691 stop, resulting in the formation of a kinase-inactive heteromeric complex. Phenotypic analysis of several different clones showed that the degree of inhibition of transformation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo was related to the ratio of full-length and truncated p185 proteins co-expressed in cells. These results provide evidence that expression of kinase-deficient neu proteins leads to co-dimerization that results in suppression of kinase activation and oncogenicity of associated p185neu-activated receptors. The mutant neu protein mediates inhibition in both transfected fibroblasts expressing oncogenic p185neu and mammalian cancer cells derived from a rat primary neuroglioblastoma expressing oncogenic p185neu. This truncated peptide may be important for the design of future therapies directed against erbB family oncoproteins.

[Anatomic observation of the dorsal metacarpal arteries]

Anastomosis between the first to the fourth dorsal metacarpal arteries was observed in 43 hands of adult corpses. It was found that 86% of the first dorsal metacarpal artery arises from the radial artery, 14% is replaced by the main artery of thumb or superficial branches of the radial arteries; eighty-six percent of the second dorsal metacarpal artery originates from the dorsal carpal artery. Sixty-seven percent of the third and the fourth dorsal metacarpal arteries is formed by anastomosis of the dorsal carpal artery and its deep palmar arch. The first to the fourth dorsal metacarpal arteries have 4 to 8 cutaneous branches and proximal and distal anastomoses. It is concluded that the dorsal metacarpal arteries are characterized with multiple sources and abundant anastomoses around the metacarpophalangeal joints, which can be used with advantage in the repair of soft tissue defects of the area.

Topical application of lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA) cream reduces the pain of intramuscular infiltration of saline solution

OBJECTIVE

Intramuscular injections may be painful. Some of this pain may be caused by the infiltration of medication into the muscle, separate from the pain of skin puncture. We hypothesized that topical application of lidocaine/prilocaine (EMLA) cream would reduce the pain of intramuscular infiltration.

METHODS

A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was performed in 40 adult volunteers to compare the pain of needle puncture and of infiltration of saline into the deltoid muscle after application of EMLA cream or placebo. Each subject served as his or her own control. Pain scores were obtained by using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Pain associated with needle puncture was significantly reduced by EMLA cream as compared with placebo (median VAS score, 7.5 vs 19.5; p = 0.0043), as was pain associated with intramuscular infiltration (median VAS score, 2.5 vs 11; p < 0.00005).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that further clinical studies of EMLA cream for modifying perceived pain from intramuscular injection in children are warranted.

[Gene expression of bFGF and intimal hyperplasia of autologous vein grafts in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a model of autologous vein graft through translating jugular vein to aortic artery in 80 Wistar rats, and detect gene expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

METHOD

In situ hybridization and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used.

RESULTS

The expression of bFGF mRNA was more decreased than that of normal artery and vein after transplantation, up to 1 week, the level of bFGF gene expression decreased to the lowest (P < 0.05). Two weeks after transplantation, bFGF transcripts recovered.

CONCLUSION

bFGF released from dead and damaged cells of autologous vein graft not only is an important factor that promotes SMC proliferation, but also is a potent stimulator of endothelial regrowth.

Specific interaction in vitro and in vivo of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and LA protein with cis-acting RNAs of human parainfluenza virus type 3

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) genome RNA is transcribed and replicated by the virus-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and specific cellular proteins play a regulatory role in these processes. To search for cellular proteins potentially interacting with HPIV3 cis-acting regulatory RNAs, a gel mobility shift assay was used. Two cellular proteins specifically interacted with the viral cis-acting RNAs containing the genomic 3'-noncoding region and the plus-sense leader sequence region. Surprisingly, by biochemical and immunological analyses, one of the cellular proteins was identified as the key glycolytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The other protein was characterized as the autoantigen, LA protein. Both GAPDH and LA protein also interacted with the same cis-acting RNA sequences in vivo and were found to be associated with the HPIV3 ribonucleoprotein complex in the infected cells. By double immunofluorescent labeling, GAPDH was found to be co-localized with viral ribonucleoprotein in the perinuclear region. These observations strongly suggest that cellular GAPDH and LA Protein participate in the regulation of HPIV3 gene expression.