Enzymatic determination of serum 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids concentration with bile acid 3 alpha-sulfate sulfohydrolase

A newly developed enzymatic method for determining urinary 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids was used to measure serum 3 alpha-sulfated bile acid levels in 114 patients with hepatobiliary diseases and 56 healthy subjects. The lowest measurable amount of the 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids was 0.5 mumol/liter. The standard curves for glycolithocholic acid 3 alpha-sulfate, glycoursodeoxycholic acid 3 alpha-sulfate, and lithocholic acid 3 alpha-sulfate were linear from 0.5 to 250 mumol/liter. Specificity of the assay was satisfactory and intra- and interassay variations ranged from 0.8 to 4.4% and from 1.2 to 7.9%, respectively. Analytical recovery was more than 91%. The values obtained by this assay were well correlated with those by gas-liquid chromatography measurement (r = 0.91, P < 0.01). The fasting serum 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids level in healthy subjects ranged from undetectable to 1.9 mumol/liter (mean +/- SE; 0.9 +/- 0.1 mumol/liter). The percentage of 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids in total bile acids (sum of 3 alpha-sulfated and 3 alpha-hydroxy bile acids) in serum was 16.8 +/- 1.5%. In subjects with hepatobiliary diseases, serum 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids levels were elevated; however, the percentage of 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids in total bile acids was decreased and correlated with the severity of hepatocellular insufficiency. This enzymatic assay is simple, rapid, and accurate for the determination of serum 3 alpha-sulfated bile acids.

GpIIb/IIIa+ subpopulation of rat megakaryocyte progenitor cells exhibits high responsiveness to human thrombopoietin

The recently cloned factor thrombopoietin (TPO) has been shown to exhibit megakaryocyte colony-stimulating activity in vitro. In this investigation, to further evaluate the action of TPO on megakaryocyte progenitor cells (colony-forming units-megakaryocyte [CFU-MK]), GpIIb/IIIa+ and GpIIb/IIIa- populations of CFU-MK were prepared from rat bone marrow cells based on their reactivity with P55 antibody, a monoclonal antibody against rat GpIIb/IIIa, and their responsiveness to recombinant human TPO (rhTPO) and recombinant rat interleukin-3 (rrIL-3) was examined using a megakaryocyte colony-forming assay (Meg-CSA). rhTPO supported only megakaryocyte colony growth from both fractions in a dose-dependent fashion. The mean colony size observed with the GpIIb/IIIa+ population was smaller than that seen with the GpIIb/IIIa- population. With the optimal concentration of either rhTPO or rrIL-3, similar numbers of megakaryocyte colonies were formed from the GpIIb/IIIa+ population previously shown to be highly enriched for CFU-MK. In contrast, the maximum number of megakaryocyte colonies from the GpIIb/IIIa- population stimulated by rhTPO was only 24.2% of that achieved with rrIL-3. Morphologic analysis of rhTPO-promoted megakaryocyte colonies from the GpIIb/IIIa+ population showed that the average colony size was smaller but that the mean diameter of individual megakaryocytes was larger than in megakaryocyte colonies promoted with rrIL-3. rhTPO plus rrIL-3, each at suboptimal concentrations, had an additive effect on proliferation of CFU-MK in the GpIIb/IIIa+ fraction, whereas rhTPO plus murine IL-6 or murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (mG-M-CSF) modestly but significantly reduced megakaryocyte colony growth. These results indicate that TPO preferentially acts on GpIIb/IIIa+ late CFU-MK with lower proliferative capacity and interacts with some other cytokines in CFU-MK development.

Immunocytochemical localization of prohormone convertases PC1/PC3 and PC2 in rat pancreatic islets

The prohormone convertases PC1/PC3 and PC2 are endoproteases involved in prohormone cleavage at pairs of basic amino acids. To determine the cellular and subcellular distribution of PC1/PC3 and PC2 in the rat pancreas, we generated their polyclonal antisera in rabbits, using as immunogens two synthetic peptide antigens corresponding to amino acids 442-459 (ST-28) of PC1/PC3 and 613-629 (ST-29) of PC2 and two bacterially expressed antigens covering amino acids 145-414 (KN-1) of PC1/PC3 and 385-637 (KN-2) of PC2. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of PC1/PC3 (87 and 68 kDa) and PC2 (75 and 70 kDa) in rat pancreatic islets, indicating that the antisera are specific for the corresponding antigens. Immunocytochemical staining of serial sections demonstrated that the antibody against PC1/PC3 immunostained only insulin-producing cells, whereas the PC2 antibody stained insulin, glucagon-, somatostatin-, and pancreatic polypeptide-producing cells. Double-immunolabeling of the prohormone convertases and pancreatic hormones with gold particles of different sizes revealed that insulin-positive secretory granules were also immunolabeled with PC1/PC3 and PC2 antibodies, whereas glucagon-, somatostatin-, or pancreatic polypeptide-positive granules were labeled only with the PC2 antibody. This differential localization of PC1/PC3 and PC2 provides a further problem on the substrate-specificity of these enzymes in the processing of pancreatic prohormones.

Amyloidosis localized in the sigmoid colon

A 79-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital presenting with bloody stool. Colonoscopic examination showed many irregularly-shaped discrete ulcerations in the sigmoid colon extending for a length of 6 cm, situated 16 cm proximal to the anal ring. Histopathology of the biopsy specimen in and around the ulcerations revealed the deposition of amyloid materials in the proper mucosa and the submucosa. Similar ulcerations were not detected by endoscopy in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Multiple biopsy specimens taken from various parts of the gastrointestinal tract other than the sigmoid colon showed no amyloid deposition. Further investigations showed no particular abnormality in any organs and the patient was free of such systemic disease as myeloma or collagen disease. The findings were consistent with those of localized sigmoid amyloidosis. Localized colonic amyloidosis is rare, this being the fifth patient reported in Japan in the past 15 years.

Characterization of T cell receptor beta chains of accumulating T cells in skin allografts in mice

The study of T cells involved in the immune reaction that occurs in engrafted organs should provide information that would be helpful in the regulation of allograft rejection in organ transplantation. Toward this end, we focused on detection and characterization of accumulating T cells in mouse skin allografts from B10.A(4R) to C57BL/6 mice in vivo. T cell receptor beta genes were amplified by reverse transcriptase-PCR from mRNA of the skin grafts, and accumulating T cell receptor beta gene clonotypes were identified by their single strand conformation polymorphism. Their joining region usage and the amino acid sequences of the complementarity-determining region-3 were then determined. The results were as follows: (1) Distinct oligoclonal accumulation of T cells was more prevalent in the skin allografts than in the syngenic skin grafts. (2) Although the accumulating T cell clonotypes appeared to use many different variable-region gene families, preferential combinations of variable region-joining region were found. (3) Several homologous amino acid sequences were found in these accumulating TCR beta genes in allografts, suggesting that these T cells are driven by the same or similar antigens. (4) In addition, little T cell accumulation was found in spleens from the mice with allografts or syngenic skin grafts. Taken together, accumulating T cells in the skin allografts were detected in vivo, and some appeared to have characteristics in common. This may lead to T cell clonotype-specific therapy in organ transplantation.

Missense mutation of the cholecystokinin B receptor gene: lack of association with panic disorder

Cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK4) is known to induce panic attacks in patients with panic disorder at a lower dose than in normal controls. Therefore, the cholecystokinin B (CCKB) receptor gene is a candidate gene for panic disorder. We searched for mutations in the CCKB gene in 22 probands of panic disorder pedigrees, using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Two polymorphisms were detected. A polymorphism in an intron (2491 C-->A) between exons 4 and 5 was observed in 10 of 22 probands. A missense mutation in the extracellular loop of exon 2 (1550 G-->A, Val125-->Ile) was found in only one proband. This mutation was also examined in additional 34 unrelated patients with panic disorder and 112 controls. The prevalence rate of this mutation was 8.8% in patients with panic disorder (3/34) and 4.4% in controls (5/112). The mutation did not segregate with panic disorder in two families where this could be tested. These results suggest no pathophysiological significance of this mutation in panic disorder.

Thrombopoietin supports proliferation of human primitive hematopoietic cells in synergy with steel factor and/or interleukin-3

We have studied the effects of recombinant human thrombopoietin (TPO; mpl ligand) on the proliferation of human primitive hematopoietic progenitors in vitro. CD34+ cells were enriched for cell-cycle-dormant primitive progenitors by separation on the basis of expression of c-kit and CD38. In the presence of varying combinations of TPO, Steel factor (SF), and interleukin-3 (IL-3), CD34+/c-kit(low)/CD38neg/low cells produced fewer colonies than CD34+/c-kit(low)/CD38high cells. However, when cultured in suspension for 7 days and replated in methylcellulose culture for measurement of colony-forming cells, the former population generated more colony-forming cells than the latter. In suspension culture of CD34+/c-kit(low)/CD38neg/low cells, TPO acted synergistically with SF and/or IL-3 in support of the production of colony-forming cells for granulocyte/macrophage colonies, erythroid colonies, and mixed colonies. Culture studies of individual CD34+/c-kit(low)/CD38neg/low cells provided the evidence for the direct nature of the effects of TPO. When combined with SF, TPO showed stronger stimulation of production of progenitors in suspension culture than other early-acting factors, such as IL-6, IL-11, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). TPO may be an important cytokine for in vitro manipulation of human hematopoietic stem cells.

[An antigenicity study of calcipotriol (MC903)]

Antigenicity of calcipotriol (MC903), an anti-psoriasic agent, was investigated in mice and guinea-pigs. 1. In mice, MC903 administered alone or with an adjuvant (Alum) did not result in the production of MC903-specific IgE antibody. 2. In guinea-pigs sensitized with MC903 alone or plus an adjuvant (FCA), systemic anaphylaxis was not induced by challenging with MC903. IgG1 antibody in MC903-sensitized guinea-pigs was not detected by the 4-hr PCA test. 3. Ovalbumin induced the production of ovalbumin-specific IgE antibody in mice, and ovalbumin-specific IgG1 antibody in guinea-pigs. Intense systemic anaphylaxis in the ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs was induced by challenging with ovalbumin. 4. Results obtained in the present study suggest that MC903 does not induce the production of IgE antibody in mouse, and IgG1 antibody in guinea-pig, and in MC903-sensitized guinea-pig systemic anaphylaxis is not induced by challenging with MC903.

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

A number of diagnostic tests have been developed for the detection of H. pylori. Diagnostic techniques can be divided into invasive and noninvasive methods. The invasive methods require upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and involve culture of gastric biopsy specimens, examination of stained biopsies and detection of urease activity in the biopsies themselves. In addition, we have developed endoscopic diagnosis of H. pylori infection in gastric mucosa using phenol red dye-spraying. The noninvasive methods include urea breath test and serological techniques. Although there has been considerable improvement in the techniques, a combination of at least two different techniques should be used in order to optimize the diagnostic yield. We recommend the use of one rapid test in the combination. The rapid urease test, cytology and the phenol red dye-spraying endoscopy give results available before the patient leaves the endoscopy suite.

Development of a novel form of an oral 5-fluorouracil derivative (S-1) directed to the potentiation of the tumor selective cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil by two biochemical modulators

We have focused our attention on the development of a novel form of a tegafur-based [FT; a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)] antitumor agent. We have used two biochemical and pharmacological modulators of 5-FU to improve its overall activity. To potentiate the antitumor activity of FT, 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP) was used as a potent reversible inhibitor of 5-FU degradation. The reduction of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, induced in the host by 5-FU, was modulated by potassium oxonate (Oxo), an inhibitor of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase that catalyzes the phosphorylation of 5-FU, a process believed to be responsible for the toxic effects of 5-FU. When CDHP and FT were simultaneously given orally to Yoshida sarcoma-bearing rats in various molar ratios, the antitumor effect of FT was significantly potentiated by the combination consisting of at least a 0.2 versus 1 molar ratio of CDHP to FT, respectively. This augmentation of an antitumor activity was supported by potent and prolonged inhibition of dihydrouracil dehydrogenase activity (5-FU degrading activities) in the liver of tumor-bearing rats after oral CDHP (0.2:0.8 molar ratio) and furthermore by elevation and over 12 h retention of 5-FU levels in the tumors following combined administration of FT and CDHP at a molar ratio of 1:0.4, respectively. Moreover, to reduce the severe GI injury and subsequent loss of body weight, observed in parallel with an increased antitumor efficacy, Oxo was given orally to Yoshida sarcoma-bearing rats and nude rats xenografted with H-81 human gastric carcinoma, during consecutive administration of the FT-CDHP mixture. Combined treatment with Oxo and FT (1:2 molar ratio) supplemented with 0.4 molar CDHP resulted in protection of body weight loss without affecting the high antitumor efficacy of the FT-CDHP mixture. When [2-14C]FT plus CDHP was administered with Oxo, the 14C-labeled fluoronucleotide content was objectively decreased in the GI tract of the tumor-bearing rats but not in the tumor and bone marrow, which supports our initial hypothesis. Based on these promising data, we propose a suitable formulation of a FT-based anticancer drug, called S-1, and consisting of FT, CDHP and Oxo at a 1:0.4:1 molar ratio and showing tumor-selective cytotoxicity of 5-FU.

Ontogenic and glucocorticoid-accelerated expression of rat 14 kDa bile acid-binding protein

BACKGROUND

A 14 kDa protein is a major rat ileal cytosolic bile acid-binding protein (14 kDa I-BABP). This report describes the normal and glucocorticoid-accelerated postnatal expression of 14 kDa I-BABP. METHODS. 14 kDa I-BABP and its mRNA were detected by antiserum and antisense cRNA probe, respectively, in ileum and ovary from 7-, 14-, 21-, 28-, and 35-day-old rats.

RESULTS

A positive histochemical reaction with 14 kDa I-BABP antiserum was found in cytosol of ileal enterocytes and ovarian luteal cells at 21 and 35 days of age, respectively. Likewise, Northern blot analysis indicated that the cRNA probe hybridized to a single transcript of 500 bp in total cellular RNA prepared from the ileum of 21-day-old and ovary of 35-day-old rats. Corticosteroid treatment resulted in a histochemical reaction in ileum of 14-day-old animals as compared to the appearance of this reaction in 21-day-old control littermates. Similarly, Northern blot analysis detected the earlier appearance of mRNA levels in corticosteroid-treated animals (11 days vs. 17 days in control animals).

CONCLUSIONS

14 kDa I-BABP and its mRNA are normally expressed in rat ileum at 17 days of postnatal life. 14 kDa I-BABP is expressed considerably later in rat ovary. Corticosteroid treatment results in precocious expression of ileal 14 kDa I-BABP.

Serum thrombopoietin and plasma glycocalicin concentrations as useful diagnostic markers in thrombocytopenic disorders

Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we measured the concentrations of serum thrombopoietin (TPO) and plasma glycocalicin, a proteolytic fragment of platelet glycoprotien Ib alpha, in 13 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aplastic anaemia (AA) or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In the patients with AA or MDS, the TPO concentrations were remarkably increased, and their glycocalicin concentrations were decreased compared with the normal control individuals. In the patients with ITP, however, the TPO and glycocalicin levels were not changed as much as in the AA/MDS patients in spite of the same degree of thrombocytopenia. During immunosuppressive treatment of ITP patients, there was an inverse relationship between the level of TPO and the platelet count. Thus, measurements of TPO and glycocalicin levels are useful for the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia, and our results from ITP patients did not support the model which suggested the simple feedback regulation of TPO in thrombocytopenia.

Cyclic change of cytokines in a patient with cyclic thrombocytopenia

The serial change of various cytokines in the serum from a patient with cyclic thrombocytopenia is described. Interleukin 7, stem cell factor, and transforming growth factor beta 1 synchronized with the platelet count, and there was a significant positive correlation between the three cytokines and the platelet count. Levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor, thrombopoietin, platelet-associated IgG and erythropoietin changed reciprocally with the platelet count, and there was a significant negative correlation between the platelet count and these cytokines except erythropoietin. No cyclic change was observed in IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or leukaemia inhibitory factor. These observations suggest that this disease involves two cyclic changes: megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet destruction, in both of which the cytokines play an important role.

[Dermatotoxicity studies of calcipotriol (MC903) ointment--primary skin irritation, skin sensitization, phototoxicity and skin photosensitization]

MC903 ointment was studied on primary skin irritation in rabbits and skin sensitization, skin photosensitization and phototoxicity in guinea-pigs. 1. MC903 ointment, ointment base and deteriorated MC903 ointment induced erythematous changes in rabbit skin. These erythematous changes were not so serious, and they were classified as a mild irritant. 2. MC903 ointment was almost negative in skin sensitization study. 3. MC903 ointment has no skin phototoxicity in guinea-pigs. 4. MC903 ointment has no skin photosensitizing activity in guinea-pigs.

Coherence analysis of EEG changes during odour stimulation in humans

In a pilot study, EEG changes during odour administration were evaluated by coherence analysis. Ten normal adults were studied. Simultaneous recordings of 16 EEG channels with, and without, odour administration were stored on magnetic tape for further processing. EEG signals were analysed using a signal analyser. Coherence spectra were calculated between all possible channel pairs on the scalp. The amount of data was reduced by extracting broad band coherence values for five frequency bands: delta (2-3.9 Hz), theta (4-7.9 Hz), alpha 1 (8-9.9 Hz), alpha 2 (10-12.9 Hz), and beta 1 (13-17.9 Hz). Coherence values extracted from the control EEG recordings and those during odour administration were compared to evaluate the presence of any significant differences. The results demonstrated significant changes in the EEG coherence between the two control recordings (control before and control after) in the theta and beta 1 bands. These frequency bands were therefore excluded from the examination. During odorant stimulation with methyl-cyclopentenolone, the coherence in the delta band decreased in the frontal region, while that in the alpha 1 and alpha 2 bands increased in the temporal region. During odorant stimulation with scatol, the coherence in the delta band decreased in the frontal region, while that in the alpha 1 and alpha 2 bands increased between the longitudinal electrode locations. It was suggested that EEG coherence mapping may provide the basis for the development of an objective test of olfactory function in humans.

Choline-containing compounds detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the basal ganglia in bipolar disorder

Choline-containing compounds (Cho) were examined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in the left subcortical region, including basal ganglia, in 19 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and 19 age-matched normal controls. Ten of the patients were treated with lithium; the remaining 9 were not treated with lithium for at least 30 d. The Cho to creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr) peak ratio in the bipolar patients (0.75 +/- 0.38 [mean +/- SD]) was higher than that in the normal controls (0.52 +/- 0.26, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Cho:Cr peak ratio between patients treated with lithium (0.63 +/- 0.36) and without lithium (0.89 +/- 0.35). These results do not support the hypothesis that lithium increases the brain choline-containing compounds, but rather imply that membrane breakdown may occur in the basal ganglia of patients with bipolar disorder.

[Prognostic importance of prostate specific antigen in patients with hormonally treated stage D2 prostate carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between PSA value and prognosis of the patients with stage D2 prostate carcinoma.

METHODS

Serum prostate specific antigen was analyzed in 61 patients with stage D2 prostate carcinoma submitted to hormone therapy.

RESULTS

The median values of PSA parameters were 77.6 ng/ml for the initial PSA, 91.8% for the maximal decrease, 2.7 ng/ml for the nadir, 1.1 months for the half-time time, 3.0 months for the time to nadir, 3.2 months for the doubling time after progression and 0.39 for the ratio of antemortem versus initial PSA. The median biochemical progression-free time was 15.0 months and the median actuarial survival after progression was 24.9 months. The progression-free time was significantly correlated with the normalization of PSA (p < 0.001) and the initial PSA of less than 100 ng/ml (p < 0.05), and the survival time after progression was significantly correlated with the doubling time (p < 0.05). The normalization of PSA was affected by initial value, maximal decrease rate and half-life time of PSA respectively, but not by the histological grade of the primary tumors. The doubling time was not correlated with these factors nor with the progression-free time.

CONCLUSION

The results show that the initial value, nadir level and doubling time of PSA can be used as prognostic parameters for prostatic carcinoma. Both the low ratio of premortem versus initial PSA, which may reflect an increase of stem cell fraction, and the PSA doubling time after relapse, which seems similar to or shorter than that of untreated cases, will indicate an aggressive potential of hormone-refractory tumors.

Detection of basal acetylcholine release in the microdialysis of rat frontal cortex by high-performance liquid chromatography using a horseradish peroxidase-osmium redox polymer electrode with pre-enzyme reactor

To determine the basal acetylcholine level in the dialysate of rat frontal cortex, a horseradish peroxidase-osmium redox polymer-modified glassy carbon electrode (HRP-GCE) was employed instead of the conventional platinum electrode used in high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). In initial experiments, an oxidizable unknown compound interfered with the detection of basal acetylcholine release on HPLC-HRP-GCE. An immobilized peroxidase-choline oxidase precolumn (pre-reactor) was included in the HPLC system, to eliminate the interference from the unknown compound. This combination could detect less than 10 fmol of standard acetylcholine and basal acetylcholine levels in the dialysate from a conventional concentric design microdialysis probe, without the use of cholinesterase inhibitor, and may facilitate physiological investigation of cholinergic neuronal activity in the central nervous system.

Establishment and characterization of the thrombopoietin-dependent megakaryocytic cell line, UT-7/TPO

UT-7 is a human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line with absolute dependence on interleukin-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or erythropoietin (EPO) for growth and survival. We investigated the effect of thrombopoietin (TPO), the ligand for the receptor encoded by c-mpl proto-oncogene, on the proliferation and differentiation of UT-7 and its sublines. We found that UT-7/GM, which is a subline of UT-7, but neither UT-7 nor UT-7/EPO, can proliferate in response to TPO. The subline, UT-7/TPO, was established from UT-7/GM by culture at lower concentrations of TPO. UT-7/TPO cells had morphologically mature megakaryocytic characteristics such as developed demarcation membrane in the cytoplasm and multinucleated appearance. This was also confirmed by the high expression of platelet factor-4 and glycoprotein IIb at the mRNA levels and by the high level of DNA content. UT-7/TPO can be maintained by TPO alone, with a doubling time of 24 hours in log growth phase. In the absence of TPO, the majority of the cells died within a few days. Thus, UT-7/TPO has an absolute dependence on TPO for growth and survival and has mature megakaryocytic features. The mRNA for c-mpl was detected in UT-7/TPO and, to a lesser degree, in UT-7/GM. The mRNA level of NF- E2 p45, reported to be an erythroid-specific transcription factor, was upregulated in UT-7/TPO, whereas it was down-regulated in the erythroid subline, UT-7/EPO. There were no significant differences in GATA-1 and GATA-2 mRNA levels among UT-7 and its sublines. Not only EPO but also TPO induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 tyrosine kinase and STAT5-related protein. These findings indicate that UT-7/TPO would be a useful model with which to analyze the gene regulation of megakaryocytic maturation-associated proteins and to study the specific actions of TPO.

Clonotypic analysis of T cells infiltrating the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis: evidence for antigen-driven accumulation of T cells

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammation of the skin characterized by marked infiltration of lymphocytes, suggesting an important role for cellular immune responses in the pathogenesis of AD. It is still unclear, however, whether accumulation of lymphocytes results from antigen-driven mechanisms or by nonspecific inflammatory processes. We applied a novel method of T cell clonotypic analysis, using a combination of reverse transcriptase-PCR with multiple T cell receptor (TCR) primers and subsequent single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Using this method, we were able to detect oligoclonal accumulation of T cells in inflamed skin areas of patients with AD, but not in normal skin. Identical T cell clones with the same antigen specificities were present in samples obtained from separate skin regions. Our results indicate that antigen(s) that exist in large areas of the skin stimulate and expand a relatively restricted number of antigen-specific T cells, leading to oligoclonal accumulation of T cells. We suggest that a marked antigen-driven infiltration of T cells is present in AD.

A sensitive sandwich ELISA for measuring thrombopoietin in human serum: serum thrombopoietin levels in healthy volunteers and in patients with haemopoietic disorders

A sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been established to estimate serum thrombopoietin (TPO) concentrations in healthy volunteers and patients with haemopoietic disorders. The ELISA uses a mouse monoclonal antibody (Ab) as the capture Ab and a biotinylated rabbit polyclonal Ab as the detector. The ELISA was reproducible, highly sensitive and specific for human TPO. The coefficients of intra-and inter assay variation were from 3.0% to 4.9% and from 5.9% to 6.1%, respectively. The quantitative limit of the ELISA was 0.09 fmol/ml in serum. The quantitative limit was lower than the normal level. The dose-response curves of serum samples from healthy volunteers and patients with haemopoietic disorders were parallel to the standard curves. The ELISA did not cross-react with a variety of blood components and cytokines to produce false-positive results. The serum TPO concentrations from 29 normal males and 21 females were 0.79 +/- 0.35 and 0.70 +/- 0.26 fmol/ml, respectively. Serum TPO levels in patients with aplastic anaemia (AA), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) were measured using the ELISA. The serum TPO levels in the patients with ET (n = 6, 2.80 +/- 1.55 fmol/ml) were higher than the normal level. The patients with AA (n = 7, 18.53 +/- 12.37 fmol/ml) and ALL (n = 5, 10.36 +/- 5.57 fmol/ml) had significantly higher serum TPO levels than normal individuals. These results indicate that the ELISA specific to TPO should prove useful in measuring the TPO concentration in serum samples.

[A case of neonatal herpes infection which proved to be a mixed infection of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2]

We encountered a case which proved to be a mixed infection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 in retrospective terms by in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The case was a male. The gestational age was 39 weeks and 2 days. The birth body weight was 3024 g. A fever developed from the age of 6 days and he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the age of eight days. AST was 1042 IU/L, and ALT 206 IU/L. In spite of treatment, the patient died at the age of 12 days. Using paraffin embedded tissues, we performed the ISH and PCR on the cerebrum, lungs, liver, spleen, bone marrow, adrenal gland, and kidneys. With the ISH, the lungs, liver, spleen and adrenal gland were both HSV type 1 and type 2. With the PCR, only the liver was positive for type 1, and the lungs, liver, spleen, and adrenal gland were positive for type 2. In the ISH, a probe showing a cross reaction between type 1 and type 2 was used for type 1 probe this time. But a type 2 probe and PCR did not show a cross reaction. We concluded that this case confirmed the presence of mixed infection (HSV type 1 and type 2) in neonatal HSV infection.

Synthetic cationic amphiphile for liposome-mediated DNA transfection with less cytotoxicity

A cationic peptide amphiphile comprising an L-alanine residue interposed between a charged head group and a double-chain segment, N,N-dihexadecyl-N alpha-[6-(trimethylammonio)- hexanoyl]-L-alaninamide bromide (NC5Ala2C16), was synthesized and used to prepare sonicated liposomes. We examined the efficiency of this liposome in gene transfer according to the transient expression of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). This cationic liposome reagent facilitates efficient DNA transfection in COS-7 cells. We determined the optimum conditions for NC5Ala2C16 liposome-mediated transfection. The optimal amounts of the amphiphile and plasmid DNA were determined to be about 100 micrograms and 10 micrograms per 35-mm dish, respectively. The activity of this liposome was greater than that of commercial reagents, lipofectin, and N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl-ammonium methylsulfate (DOTAP), and it was less toxic than lipofectin and DOTAP in COS-7 cells.