Sequential observation of mitochondrial distribution in mouse oocytes and embryos

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to elucidate changes in the distribution of mitochondria through the cell cycle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse oocytes and embryos were recovered sequentially from mice and stained with the vital fluorescent mitochondrial stain rhodamine 123. Mitochondrial staining pattern were classified into three types: aggregation (Ag), homogeneous (H), and perinuclear accumulation (PA).

RESULTS

Sequential observations revealed that mitochondria of oocytes and embryos grown in vivo translocated in the cytoplasm during the cell cycle, showing the H pattern before human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, the PA pattern 8-9 hr post-hCG, the H pattern again 10-14 hr post-hCG, and the PA pattern again 24 and 31-32 hr post-hCG following fertilization. In the two-cell stage, the Ag pattern was shown 35 hr post-hCG, the H pattern was observed 40 hr post-hCG, and the PA pattern was found 48 hr post-hCG. In the embryos cultured in vitro and showing developmental block, mitochondrial translocation was shown to be inhibited after they aggregated in the early two-cell stage (35 hr post-hCG). Moreover, the translocation of mitochondria was restored by the addition of superoxide dismutase or thioredoxin to the culture medium. Both of these enzymes have already been shown to have the ability to overcome developmental block.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that mitochondria translocated in the cell cycle and suggested that there is a close relationship between mitochondrial translocation and developmental arrest.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor down-regulates the surface expression of the human leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 on human neutrophils in vitro and in vivo

The leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (LAM-1) is the human homologue of the murine peripheral lymph node homing receptor, MEL-14, and might play a crucial role in neutrophil localization at inflammatory sites. We have reported previously that recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) stimulates or enhances several neutrophil functions in vivo, as well as in vitro. To further explore the possible role of G-CSF in inflammation we studied the effect of rhG-CSF on the surface expression of LAM-1 on human neutrophils, both in vitro and in vivo. The expression of LAM-1 by human neutrophils was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence using flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies anti-Leu-8 and TQ1. A whole blood analysis was performed to minimize in vitro manipulation. Most circulating human neutrophils expressed LAM-1 on the cell surface. Brief exposure of neutrophils to rhG-CSF in vitro decreased the surface expression of LAM-1. rhG-CSF down-regulated neutrophil LAM-1 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Neutrophils from healthy volunteers and from patients who were receiving rhG-CSF exhibited a decreased expression of LAM-1 after rhG-CSF administration, and the expression thereafter returned or overshot the pretreatment level after stopping rhG-CSF administration. These findings indicate that rhG-CSF down-regulates the surface expression of LAM-1 on human neutrophils in vivo, as well as in vitro, and G-CSF might participate in neutrophil-endothelial cell interaction in inflamed tissue.

[Two cases of intrahepatic biloma during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy proved by CT-Scan]

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using 5-FU is effective for colorectal cancer, but there are increasing reports of complications, for example, liver abscess, bile duct necrosis and sclerosing cholangitis. We encountered two cases of liver cell necrosis around the Glisson's sheath which were discovered by CT-scan. At the first operation, liver metastasis was present and a resection of the main tumor and metastatic lesion was performed. Hepatic cannulation was done in one case at the same time as the operation, and another at a different time. The metastatic lesion was well controlled and the blood serum CEA was within normal limits. It was pointed out that the mechanism of the liver cell necrosis was due to ischemia or toxicity of the anticancer drug. In two cases, the destruction of the second or third branch of bile duct was remarkable, because of the high 5-FU levels in the proximal part of the liver cells. One mechanism involved the laminar flow of the artery. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was effective for the biloma around the Glisson's sheath.

Suppression of spontaneous development of uterine adenomyosis by a Chinese herbal medicine, keishi-bukuryo-gan, in mice

Keishi-bukuryo-gan (KBG) is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy and has been used for the treatment of gynecological disorders, such as hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. The effects of KBG on the development of uterine adenomyosis, which is characterized by an abnormal growth of glands and stroma into and beyond the smooth muscle layers of the uterus, were examined in an experimental animal model using the SHN strain of mice. Mice fed handmade chow containing relatively high doses of KBG (0.5% and 1%) showed a significantly lower incidence of adenomyosis and lower activity of thymidylate synthetase (TS) in the uteri than mice fed control handmade chow containing no KBG. The long-term exposure to KBG between 25 and 120 days of age hardly affected the estrous cycle, food intake and body weight. However, mice provided with chow containing a low dose of KBG (0.1%) showed no difference in the incidence of adenomyosis as compared with the controls. The inhibitory effects of the high doses of KBG were nullified by pituitary isografting, which has been proved to enhance the development of adenomyosis. The present mouse data support the view in humans that the oral administration of KBG is a useful tool for the treatment of uterine adenomyosis.

[Exercise therapy of atherosclerosis]

The effect of exercise on the progression of atherosclerotic diseases is reviewed. Prospective studies have reported that a low daily physical activity is associated with a lower incidence of coronary artery disease. Mild aerobic exercise improves survival in patients with coronary artery disease, lowers blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension, improves insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus, lowers weight in obesity and increases HDL-cholesterol and decrease triglyceride in patients with dyslipidemia. Mild exercise therapy may be beneficial in the management of atherosclerotic diseases.

Central interferon-alpha inhibits natural killer cytotoxicity through sympathetic innervation

The brain has been known to produce high levels of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) during viral infections. We investigated the central and peripheral mechanisms of the brain IFN-alpha-induced suppression of natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity in the rat. The activity of NK cells in the spleen and the peripheral blood decreased 30-120 min after intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of recombinant human IFN-alpha of > 1,000 U but not after its intraperitoneal injection. This effect was antagonized by pretreatment with icv naltrexone (NLTX). Splenic denervation was observed to completely abolish the IFN-alpha-induced suppression of NK activity, whereas bilateral adrenalectomy did not. Furthermore, this immunosuppression was blocked by an icv injection of an antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), alpha-helical CRF-(9-41). The icv injection of CRF resulted in reduced NK activity, which was not affected by NLTX. The results suggest that brain IFN-alpha activates the CRF system through central opioid receptors and thereby suppresses the NK cytotoxicity predominantly through splenic sympathetic innervation.

Study of gypsum-bonded casting investments. Part 2

The simultaneous differential thermal analysis--thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) method used in Part 1 of this two-part study was extended to analyse two gypsum-bonded dental casting investments, Kerr Cristobalite Inlay and GC Cristobalite Micro. Both investments had a similar cristobalite content of about 70 per cent. The remaining 30 per cent was dental stone in GCM, and a mixture of plaster and dental stone in KCl. Inclusion of plaster in KCl appeared responsible for the greater amount of water required for mixing this investment. The DTA-TG method used in the present study can be applied to identify the type and amount of hemihydrate, and the type of silica, in currently available gypsum-bonded investments.

Nicorandil as a nitrate, and cromakalim as a potassium channel opener, dilate isolated porcine large coronary arteries in an agonist-nonselective manner

Nicorandil is an antianginal vasodilator having a hybrid property between nitrates and potassium channel openers, and cromakalim is a relatively specific potassium channel opener. We investigated whether or not the vasorelaxant actions of the two drugs would be selective for certain vasoconstrictor agonists (simply agonists hereafter), and the underlying mechanisms in isolated porcine large coronary arteries. Both nicorandil and cromakalim produced a complete relaxation in the arteries precontracted with seven agonists, i.e., Bay-K-8644, endothelin, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), phenylephrine, PGF2 alpha, and U 46619. The EC50 values (-log M) of nicorandil and cromakalim were 5.20-5.44 and 6.43-6.87, respectively, toward the seven agonists, indicating that the vasorelaxant actions of the two drugs were agonist nonselective. In the arteries precontracted with Bay-K-8644, endothelin, 5-HT, and U 46619, the vasorelaxant action of cromakalim was antagonized by glibenclamide, an antagonist of potassium channel openers, and Schild analysis of these antagonisms yielded pA2 values of 7.10-7.41 for glibenclamide. The vasorelaxant actions of nicorandil in the arteries precontracted with the four agonists each were not antagonized by glibenclamide. Instead, the vasorelaxant action of nicorandil was antagonized by methylene blue (10 microM), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, and slightly potentiated by M&B 22,948 (10 microM), an inhibitor of cyclic-GMP phosphodiesterase, in the arteries precontracted with U 46619. These results indicate that the vasorelaxant actions of nicorandil and cromakalim in the porcine large coronary artery are agonist nonselective and that nicorandil exerts such an action entirely as a nitrate, whereas cromakalim does so entirely as a potassium channel opener.

FK-506: a new immunosuppressive agent, failed to reduce cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

To define the relationship between the immunologic reaction and the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm (VS) following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), we examined the effect of a cell mediated immunosuppressive agent, FK-506, isolated from Streptomyces tsukubaensis, by using the canine SAH model. There was a significant vasoconstriction in the basilar artery in the control group after SAH. This constriction, however was not successfully prevented by FK-506 or combination of FK-506 and steroid, since there was no significant difference in the vessel caliber size among these groups. The pathologic approach, accompanied by immunohistochemistry, could not discriminate the differences in the nature of the lesion between the untreated group and FK-506 treated groups, except for slight lymphocytic infiltrations present around the basilar artery of untreated group. Histopathologically, inflammatory reactions consisting of neutrophils, that were not suppressed by FK-506 treatment, were clearly seen around the spastic vessels in the subarachnoid space. Furthermore, several constrictive changes or degenerative alterations were also observed in the spastic vascular wall. Immunohistochemically, the deposition of IgG, IgM and C3 was present in the intima and the luminal side of the smooth muscle layer, and capillary vessels of the brain stem. It is considered that this deposition was caused by increased vascular permeability in VS. On the basis of the above findings that the cell mediated immunosuppressive agent, FK-506 failed to prevent vasoconstriction or pathologic lesions but lymphocytic infiltrations, it is considered that the cell mediated immunopathogenesis may play little role in producing VS following SAH.

Correlation between E-cadherin expression and invasiveness in vitro in a human esophageal cancer cell line

E-cadherin, a member of the cadherin family, plays a major role in cell-cell adhesion of normal epithelium. Recent studies have shown that reduction or loss of E-cadherin expression in carcinomas have some relationship with their clinicopathological manifestation including invasion and metastasis. In the present study, we have established cell clones with different E-cadherin expression from human esophageal cancer, TE-2, and examined their adhesive capacity and invasiveness in vitro. Cell clones with positive E-cadherin expression [ECD(+) cells] were round and formed cobblestone colonies, while cell clones negative for E-cadherin [ECD(-) cells] had spindle shapes and formed dispersed colonies. ECD(+) cells showed higher adhesive capacity than ECD(-) cells, in both an aggregation assay with gyratory shaking culture and a dissociation assay of cells passing through the micropore membrane. Monoclonal antibody against human E-cadherin (HECD1) effectively diminished the mutual adhesion of ECD(+) cells but did not affect that of ECD(-) cells. Tumor invasiveness was evaluated with organotypic raft culture which is a coculture system consisting of two layers, a collagen gel layer containing fibroblasts and overlying reconstituted stratified squamous epithelium. ECD(+) cells formed complete stratified epithelium, but ECD(-) cells did not. ECD(+) cells did not invade the collagen/fibroblast gel, but ECD(-) cells did. Furthermore, ECD(+) cells showed invasion when an antibody against E-cadherin was used. Thus, loss or dysfunction of E-cadherin diminishes intercellular adhesion and results in the acquisition of invasive capacity in the cell line we examined.

Identification of novel members of G-protein coupled receptor superfamily expressed in bovine taste tissue

Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and degenerate oligonucleotide primers, we amplified novel members of two different subfamily of G-protein coupled receptor (GCR) superfamily from bovine taste tissue. Type A receptor clones composed of multiple cDNA clones had significant similarity with putative olfactory receptor subfamily, while a single type B clone had significant similarity with peptide receptor subfamily. Physiological functions of these receptors in taste cells are discussed.

Characterization of topa quinone cofactor

Electrochemical characterization of topa quinone (6-hydroxydopa quinone), the organic cofactor of copper-containing amine oxidases, has been performed with the aid of spectroscopy and ab initio energy minimization technique. Topa quinone exhibits a totally reversible cyclic voltammogram at a mercury electrode, which is ascribed to a two-step one-electron conversion between topa quinone and topa via topa semiquinone intermediate. Digital simulation of the reversible wave has afforded the separated estimation of each one-electron redox potential. The acid-dissociation constants of the phenolic hydroxyl groups of topa quinone, topa semiquinone and topa have been evaluated electrochemically and supported by electronic and electron spin resonance spectra. At pH 7.0, topa quinone is acid-dissociated and has a two-electron redox potential of 0.079 V vs. NHE coupled with a three-proton transfer. Redox catalytic activity of topa quinone for the oxidation of amines and NADH was not observed over conventional voltammetric time periods. Energy minimization calculation of acid-dissociated topa quinone anion indicates an intermediate electronic structure between the p- and o-quinone types with three almost equivalent carbonyl groups. The lack of the redox catalytic activity of free topa quinone appears to be attributable to the partial contribution of the p-quinone-type structure.

Orally active, nonpeptide vasopressin V1 antagonists. A novel series of 1-(1-substituted 4-piperidyl)-3,4-dihdyro-2(1H)-quinolinone

A series of compounds has been synthesized and demonstrated to be antagonists of V1 receptors both in vitro and in vivo. These compounds are structurally related to the 1-(4-piperidyl)-2(1H)-quinolinones, including OPC-21268, an orally bioavailable AVP V1 antagonist with high V1 specificity. It has been found that the introduction of an acetamide group on the terminal alkoxy chain of 41-44 leads to an increase in oral activity. Certain of these compounds may have efficacy in the study of AVP V1 receptors.

Induction of vascular endothelial tubular morphogenesis by human glioma cells. A model system for tumor angiogenesis

We have developed two different models of tumor angiogenesis by human brain tumors: one being tube formation by bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells cocultured with tumor cells in vitro, and other being in vivo angiogenesis in mice when tumor cells are transplanted into the dorsal sac. We investigated whether tube formation could be induced in BAE cells in type I collagen gel when these cells were cocultured with seven human glioma cell lines. Four of the seven glioma cell lines, which had high levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA, induced tube formation by BAE cells. The tube formation was blocked by coadministration of anti-bFGF antibody. In in vivo model system of tumor angiogenesis in mice, these four cell lines were highly angiogenic. In contrast, with the other three glioma cell lines, which had poor expression of bFGF, BAE cells showed no apparent tube formation. These three cell lines did not efficiently develop capillary networks in mice. The results demonstrated a correlative relationship in the tubulogenesis of BAE cells, bFGF mRNA levels and angiogenesis in mice. The present study with two model systems of tumor angiogenesis suggests that the angiogenesis of some human glioma cell lines is mediated by bFGF, possibly via paracrine control.

[Usefulness of subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis]

Recently in Japan, most of surgeons have been performing restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis, leaving unsolved problems with regard to postoperative complications. Analysis was made on subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis with the following policies. Firstly, the inflammation of the remnant intestine could be easily and correctly controlled by medication in outpatient. Secondly, carcinomas associated with ulcerative colitis can be discovered by postoperative colonoscopic examinations. Operations were carried out to 26 cases of ulcerative colitis for the past 13 years. Subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis were performed to 11 cases. Three cases of colorectal carcinomas associated with ulcerative colitis were experienced. One of the resected specimen was investigated using stereomicroscopy after alcian blue staining to formalin fixed one. As a result of this research, we have convinced that colorectal anastomosis should be favorable surgical potion to the cases of chronic ulcerative colitis because postoperative anal function and quality of life are excellent in our series, in addition, carcinomas in the remnant intestine can be probably easily found out at the early stage by annual colonoscopic examinations with dye staining.

[Application of intravascular ultrasound imaging to carotid artery]

Although conventional angiography is utilized to assess the extent and severity of carotid artery disease, it yields only a silhouette of the vessel lumen. Intravascular ultrasound imaging (IUI), which has been developed for imaging the coronary artery, can supplement angiography by providing a tomographic perspective of the vessel wall structure. Therefore, we applied IUI (4.3F, 30MHz) to the carotid artery to evaluate the extent of arteriosclerosis, and we were successful in imaging the perspective of the carotid artery. Our results suggest that IUI is a useful device to evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis of the carotid artery.

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide level in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the involvement of brain natriuretic peptide in the circulation of pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

METHODS

We determined the plasma levels of brain and atrial natriuretic peptides in a cross-sectional study of 36 normal pregnant women and 17 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

RESULTS

During normal pregnancy, the plasma brain natriuretic peptide level was similar to that in nonpregnant women, but the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level in the second trimester was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant women (P < .05). In women with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension, the plasma brain natriuretic peptide level was eight times higher than that in normal pregnant women in the third trimester; the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level in the same patients was three times higher than that in normal pregnancy. The plasma brain natriuretic peptide level showed a positive correlation with the mean blood pressure (r = 0.62, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that brain natriuretic peptide is increased in the plasma of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and that brain natriuretic peptide, in concert with atrial natriuretic peptide, participates in maintaining homeostasis of the maternal circulation.

Role of protein supplements in the culture of mouse embryos

The effect of various types of proteins used in single protein supplements for Bigger-Whitten-Whittingham (BWW) medium on the in vitro development of mouse preimplantation embryos was evaluated. Thioredoxin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and apotransferrin showed prominent growth-promoting activity, whereas bovine serum albumin (BSA), fatty acid-free BSA, and catalase showed moderate promoting effects. beta-lipoprotein, ovalbumin and hemoglobin were ineffective, and holo-type transferrin and ceruloplasmin were actually toxic to the embryos. These results suggest that the growth-promotive effect of proteins on mouse pronuclear stage embryos is due to their antioxidative action, or to the removal of some free metal ion(s) such as Fe(3+). The mild growth promoting effect of both BSA and fatty acid free BSA suggest that the effect mediated by BSA is not dependent on bound fatty acids, but more likely is due to their antioxidative effect or chelating effect.

Effect of the rice bran-derived phytosterol cycloartenol ferulic acid ester on the central nervous system

In order to investigate the effect of cycloartenol ferulic acid ester (CFE, CAS 21238-33-5), a component of gamma-oryzanol which is a phytosterol derived from rice bran, on the central nervous system, a variety of pharmacological tests were performed. It was shown that CFE had a suppressant effect on the central nervous system, but its properties were different from those of existing major and minor tranquilizers. In addition, its efficacy in several models of cerebral dysfunction was demonstrated. Since any clear effects could not be obtained under the treatments with gamma-oryzanol, CFE seems to be more useful than gamma-oryzanol. Thus the results of this study suggest that CFE may serve as a new plant-derived cerebral activator possessing a wide range of pharmacological actions.

[Retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis--duration of chemotherapy]

Although standard chemotherapy for initial treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis has been established, regimens for retreatment of tuberculosis have not yet been established. One hundred fifty nine retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases admitted to Fukujuji Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Regardless of the age at the start of retreatment, majority of cases were treated previously between 1955 and 1960. Bacillary negative conversion rate, duration of chemotherapy, follow-up period and bacteriological relapse rate were compared according to resistance against isoniazid and/or rifampicin. Sixty four cases were sensitive to both INH and RFP. For this group the average duration of chemotherapy was 14.6 months, mean follow up period was 47.3 months and relapse rate was 3.1%. This rate was similar to that of initial treatment cases. Sixty one (94%), were treated with more than two sensitive drugs containing INH and RFP. The 22 INH-resistant and RFP-susceptible cases were treated for 18.6 months and followed up for 55.2 months. The relapse rate of this group was 13.6%. Thirteen cases were treated with more than 2 sensitive drugs containing RFP. Eleven cases were resistant to both INH and RFP. Five of them were surgically operated of which 3 cases were converted to negative and among the nonsurgical cases in this group only one remained sputum positive. All of these retreatment regimens did not contain pyrazinamide and ofloxacin. Although bacillary positive rate of INH and RFP susceptible cases was 13.0% at 6 months after treatment and 5.3% at 12 months after treatment, that of INH resistant and RFP susceptible cases were 25.0% and 12.5%, respectively. A certain rule of retreatment could be obtained from the result of this study.

3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1) inhibits the removal of both cyclobutane dimers and (6-4) photoproducts from the DNA of ultraviolet-irradiated E. coli

Heterocyclic amines have been isolated from cooked foods and found to be mutagens and carcinogens. Among them, 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1) and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) were also found to enhance UV-induced mutation frequencies in Escherichia coli at the concentrations where they were neither toxic nor mutagenic by themselves. Using an immunological method recently developed to detect UV-induced DNA damage, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Trp-P-1 on the removal of both cyclobutane dimers and (6-4)photoproducts from the DNA of UV-irradiated E.coli. Cells repaired 60% of the initial cyclobutane dimers within 30 min and 75% at 120 min after UV-irradiation. Furthermore, the same cells repaired 90% of the initial (6-4)photoproducts within 30 min. On the other hand, Trp-P-1 clearly showed inhibition of repair of both photolesions in a concentration-dependent manner. The levels of repair inhibition by Trp-P-1 were almost the same between cyclobutane dimers and (6-4)photoproducts. These results suggested that the enhancing effect of Trp-P-1 on UV-induced mutagenesis in E.coli stemmed from the inhibition of the removal of photolesions from the DNA.

Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 protein over-expression in endometrial carcinomas: inverse correlation with sex steroid receptor status

Mutations of the tumour suppressor p53 gene have been reported in a variety of human malignant tumours, and are frequently associated with over-expression of p53 protein. To examine the significance of p53 gene alteration in endometrial carcinomas, we studied the immunohistochemical reactivity with a monoclonal antibody against p53 (PAb 1801) in 30 endometrial carcinomas as well as in 64 normal endometria. The presence or absence of correlation of p53 over-expression with the clinicopathological features and with the immunohistochemical expression of sex steroid receptors (oestrogen receptors; ER, progesterone receptors; PR) was also analysed. Expression of p53 was found in none of 64 normal endometria, but was identified in 5 of the 30 (16.7%) endometrial carcinomas. All 5 of the p53-positive tumours developed in women more than 3 years post-menopause, whereas the carcinomas in 5 pre-menopausal women and 3 women less than 3 years post-menopause were p53-negative. None of the 5 p53-positive carcinomas was associated with adjacent endometrial hyperplasia. Two of the 5 p53-positive tumours showed non-endometrioid histology: serous papillary and clear cell carcinomas. In contrast, 6 carcinomas accompanied by adjacent hyperplasia were p53-negative. In addition, ER and/or PR expression was found in none of the 5 p53-positive tumours, but was present in 21 of the 25 p53-negative tumours (p < 0.01). These clinicopathological features of p53-positive carcinomas and the inverse correlation of p53 immunoreactivity with sex steroid receptor status suggest that p53 over-expression is frequent in a specific category of endometrial carcinoma, presumably oestrogen-unrelated tumours.

Significance of p53 expression as a prognostic factor in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The tumour suppressor gene product p53 is believed to play an important role in the progression of human malignant tumours through mutation and over-expression. Using a microwave oven heating method, we have detected over-expression of p53 in buffered-formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of oesophageal carcinomas immunohistochemically and examined the relationship between the p53 over-expression and postoperative survival. Employing a monoclonal antibody (pAb1801), nuclear p53 was detected in 56 of 105 (53%) tumour specimens. Homogeneous, heterogeneous, and focal immunostaining patterns were noted. No immunostaining was found in adjacent benign tissues. The results in buffered-formalin fixed sections were similar to those in the frozen sections. The cumulative survival rate of patients with p53 expression was significantly lower than that of the patients without expression (P < 0.05), even though there were no significant differences between the clinicopathological features of the two groups. The results indicate that the nuclear accumulation of p53 might be an independent prognostic factor in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

The mechanism of hepatic cellular injury in sepsis: an in vitro study of the implications of cytokines and neutrophils in its pathogenesis

Neutrophil-mediated injury to hepatocytes was evaluated in vitro. A new in vitro coculture system of neutrophils and a human hepatoblastoma cell line (HuH-6), instead of normal hepatocytes, was established. Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activated neutrophils to release neutrophil elastase and showed the significant cytotoxicity for HuH-6 cells, which was determined by measuring the release of the cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), from HuH-6 cells. The concentration of neutrophil elastase from zymosan-primed/TNF (1.0 ng/ml)-stimulated neutrophils cocultured with HuH-6 cells reached to the level of 1.59 +/- 0.18 micrograms/10(6) cells in 24 hr. The release of LDH from HuH-6 cells in this coculture system was 84.8 +/- 17.8 units/liter after 24 hr incubation. Purified human neutrophil elastase also increased LDH release from HuH-6 cells. When HuH-6 cells were cocultured with zymosan-primed/TNF (1.0 ng/ml)-stimulated neutrophils, the secretion of the negative acute phase reactant (APR), alpha-fetoprotein, from HuH-6 cells was significantly decreased, and the production of the positive APR, pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, was decreased in response to the stimulation of interleukin 6. Urinary trypsin inhibitor, the inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, decreased the release of LDH from HuH-6 cells cocultured with stimulated neutrophils, while superoxide scavenger did not. These results show that human neutrophils activated by TNF injure hepatocytes, thus causing hepatic dysfunction, through the release of neutrophil elastase.

Postoperative motor function and mucosal blood flow of lower esophagus: comparison between terminal esophagoproximal gastrectomy and esophageal transection for esophageal varices

Reflux esophagitis and anastomotic ulcer are potential complications associated with surgery for esophagogastric lesions. This study compared 10 cases following terminal esophagoproximal gastrectomy (TEPG) for esophageal varices and 20 cases following esophageal transection (ET) for esophageal varices with respect to postoperative motor function and mucosal blood supply, to ascertain the reason for the development of anastomotic ulcer. Endoscopic findings showed that anastomotic ulcers were detected more often after TEPG than after TR. Maximum swallowing pressure, high pressure zone pressure, and length did not differ between the two groups. However, maximum swallowing pressure in the lower esophagus after both procedures was significantly lower than in the control group (20 cases; p < 0.01). The results, measured by reflectance spectrophotometry, showed that the index of esophageal mucosal blood volume following TEPG is significantly lower than that following ET and in non-operated esophageal varices (10 cases; p < 0.01). Yet the index of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin was similar in the three groups. This study has demonstrated that patients undergoing TEPG have mucosal ischemia of the lower esophagus, causing the development of anastomotic ulcers.