Modulation of substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor in human astrocytoma cells by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

1. An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide corresponding to the NH2-terminus of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 (SP/NK1) receptor was constructed and added to cultures of human astrocytoma U-87 MG cells in vitro and rats in vivo. 2. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide at a concentration of 30 microM progressively reduced the specific binding [3H][Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP, selective SP/NK1 receptor agonist, in the U-87 MG astrocytoma cells by approx. 31% on the second day after treatment (control: 26.1 +/- 2.4 fmol/mg protein vs antisense oligodeoxynucleotide: 18.0 +/- 1.4 fmol/mg protein, P < 0.001). 3. Treatment with 30 microM antisense oligodeoxynucleotide for 2 days inhibited the SP/MK1 receptor-induced influx of 45Ca2+ into the U-87 MG cells by approx. 35%. 4. When the same antisense oligodeoxynucleotides were encapsulated in liposomes and injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle of rats, functional SP receptor was blocked.

Identification of a novel first exon in the human dystrophin gene and of a new promoter located more than 500 kb upstream of the nearest known promoter

The dystrophin gene, which is mutated in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, is the largest known human gene. Five alternative promoters have been characterized until now. Here we show that a novel dystrophin isoform with a different first exon can be produced through transcription initiation at a previously unidentified alternative promoter. The case study presented is that of a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who had a deletion extending from the 5' end of the dystrophin gene to exon 2, including all promoters previously mapped in the 5' part of the gene. Transcripts from lymphoblastoid cells were found to contain sequences corresponding to exon 3, indicating the presence of new promoter upstream of this exon. The nucleotide sequence of amplified cDNA corresponding to the 5' end of the new transcript indicated that the 5' end of exon 3 was extended by 9 codons, only the last (most 3') of which codes for methionine. The genomic nucleotide sequence upstream from the new exon, as determined using inverse polymerase chain reaction, revealed the presence of sequences similar to a TATA box, an octamer motif and an MEF-2 element. The identified promoter/exon did not map to intron 2, as might have been expected, but to a position more than 500 kb upstream of the most 5' of the previously identified promoters, thereby adding 500 kb to the dystrophin gene. The sequence of part of the new promoter region is very similar to that of certain medium reiteration frequency repetitive sequences. These findings may help us understand the molecular evolution of the dystrophin gene.

Amino-terminal deletion of 53% of dystrophin results in an intermediate Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy phenotype

We report a Japanese boy with muscular dystrophy whose clinical symptoms were intermediate between those usually considered typical of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. The patient had a large inframe deletion extending from exons 3 to 41 of the dystrophin gene, which would be expected to cause the production of a dystrophin protein composing only 53% of the normal polypeptide chain. Such an inframe deletion would be expected to cause Becker muscular dystrophy. We did not obtain evidence for alternative splicing or for RNA editing. Immunocytochemical analysis of skeletal muscle showed that a dystrophin-related polypeptide was detectable with antibody directed against the carboxyl-terminal part of the polypeptide but not with antibodies directed against the amino-terminal part, although labeling by antibody against the carboxyl-terminal was faint and patchy. The severity of the disease in this case may be due to the lack of the amino-terminal, actin-binding domain of dystrophin.

[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt--early experience in eleven liver cirrhosis patients]

Eleven liver cirrhosis patients with variceal bleeding and/or ascites were treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Four of the patients were combined with hepatoma, and 2 had portal thrombosis. Ten of the patients were successfully achieved TIPS, but one patient who had portal thrombosis was failed because of portal vein occlusion; success rate of 90%. An average decrease of 14mmHg in portal vein pressure was measured in the 10 patients. All of the successful patients including 4 with hepatoma were observed the disappeared or diminished varices and ascites without technical complication. Mild encephalopathy was encountered in 2 patients but who responded well to medical therapy. Three dimension MRA before TIPS was helpful for understanding the anatomical relationship between portal vein and hepatic vein. It is concluded that TIPS is an effective and safe treatment, indicating for the patients who have uncontrollable variceal bleeding and/or ascites even with hepatoma.

Stimulation of calcium sequestration by mezerein, a protein kinase C activator, in saponized rabbit platelets

1. The saponin-permeabilized platelet was used to examine the effect of mezerein, a moderate activator of protein kinase C (C-kinase), on the sequestration of Ca2+ to its intracellular storage sites. 2. We found that the activation of C-kinase by mezerein causes the potentiation of the Ca2+ sequestration. 3. It was suggested that C-kinase in platelets might function as a negative feedback regulator for the agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization and might be involved in its oscillation.

Amplification of selected exons by polymerase chain reaction enables determination of the translational reading frame of dystrophin mRNA resulting from deletion mutations

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD) are severe and mild phenotypes, respectively, of the mutated dystrophin gene. Based on the frameshift theory, an out-of-frame deletion causes DMD, while an in-frame deletion causes BMD. Amplification of deletion-prone exons by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used for the screening of deletion mutations of the dystrophin gene. However, it is difficult to determine the resulting translational reading frame in deleted cases by amplification of the deletion-prone exons. To determine the resulting translational reading frame, we employed a method which selectively amplifies exons affecting the following translational reading frame. Using this method, thirty-three DMD/BMD patients with a deletion mutation in the central region of the dystrophin gene were examined. Twenty-seven of 29 DMD patients had out-of-frame deletions, while only two had in-frame deletions. All four BMD patients had in-frame deletions. Therefore, 93.9% patients fitted the frameshift theory. This method is very useful for clinical diagnosis because of its precision and convenience.

Differential effects of divalent cations on specific 3H-GR 65630 binding to 5-HT3 receptors in rat cortical membranes

We have examined the ability of divalent cations to inhibit 3H-GR 65630 binding to 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites in rat brain cortical membranes. Among the divalent metal cations tested, Cd2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ inhibited the specific 3H-GR 65630 binding activity to 5-HT3 receptors at a concentration of 0.1-1 mM. The other divalent metal cations tested (i.e. Co2+, Ni2+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+) produced no inhibition of the specific 3H-GR 65630 binding. Cd2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ did not change the Bmax value of the binding activity, but significantly increased the Kd value. It was suggested that these cations inhibited the binding activity by reducing affinity of the 5-HT3 receptor for the antagonist, resulting in apparent inhibition of the binding activity. As to the binding association rate, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ were found to have an inhibitory effect. The binding dissociation rate, however, was shown to be decreased by Cu2+ but not by Cd2+ and Zn2+. Furthermore, the Zn(2+)-induced inhibition of 3H-GR 65630 binding was suggested to be antagonized by both concanavalin A and wheatgerm agglutinin. The Cu(2+)-induced inhibition, however, was not influenced by these lectins, indicating that Cu2+ has a different lectin sensitivity for its inhibitory effect. The different mechanism of action between Cu2+ and Zn2+ was suggested in their inhibitory effect on the specific 3H-GR 65630 binding activity.

A novel point mutation (G-1 to T) in a 5' splice donor site of intron 13 of the dystrophin gene results in exon skipping and is responsible for Becker muscular dystrophy

The mutations in one-third of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients remain unknown, as they do not involve gross rearrangements of the dystrophin gene. We now report a defect in the splicing of precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA), resulting from a maternally inherited mutation of the dystrophin gene in a patient with Becker muscular dystrophy. This defect results from a G-to-T transversion at the terminal nucleotide of exon 13, within the 5' splice site of intron 13, and causes complete skipping of exon 13 during processing of dystrophin pre-mRNA. The predicted polypeptide encoded by the aberrant mRNA is a truncated dystrophin lacking 40 amino acids from the amino-proximal end of the rod domain. This is the first report of an intraexon point mutation that completely inactivates a 5' splice donor site in dystrophin pre-mRNA. Analysis of the genomic context of the G-1-to-T mutation at the 5' splice site supports the exon-definition model of pre-mRNA splicing and contributes to the understanding of splice-site selection.

Brain- and muscle-type promoters of the dystrophin gene are selected in peripheral lymphocytes and Epstein Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid [correction of lymphoplastoid] cells

Promoter-specific transcripts of the dystrophin gene in peripheral lymphocytes and Epstein Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cells were analysed using reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction. Two DNA fragments, corresponding to the alternative first exons transcribed from either brain- or muscle-type promoters, were both amplified from cDNA prepared from normal lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells. The nucleotide sequences of the amplified products were 100% homologous to the 5' termini of the cDNA of brain- and muscle-type dystrophins, respectively. Neither fragment was amplified from the lymphoblastoid cells of a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who has a partial deletion involving the brain- and muscle-type promoters in the dystrophin gene. These findings showed that the brain-type as well as the muscle-type promoter of the dystrophin gene was active in lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells.

Synthesis of omega-agatoxin IVA and its related peptides

A potent and selective P type calcium channel blocker isolated from the venom of the funnel web spider Agelenopsis aperta, omega-agatoxin IVA, and its related peptides were synthesized by the solution procedure. Synthetic omega-agatoxin IVA was found to block high-threshold P-type calcium current in rat Purkinje neuron with the same potency as that reported for the natural product. Its disulfide structure was determined by amino acid analysis, gas-phase sequencing and mass spectrometry of the proteolytic fragments. The N-terminus biotinylated and truncated peptides showed the same disulfide-bond-forming profile and the same activities as those of omega-agatoxin IVA, indicating that the N-terminal basic tripeptide, Lys-Lys-Lys, is not important for both the folding and the expression of the biological activity. However, the Trp residue in the molecule might be essential for the toxin to bind tightly with the channel pores.

[Percutaneous arterial prostheses of femoro-femoral bypass: using a new method of Modified Seldinger technique]

An experimental study of percutaneous arterial prostheses of femoro-femoral bypass was performed in 3 dogs using Modified Seldinger technique. Modified Seldinger technique with an arc needle was a newly designed method to penetrate the arterial wall due to introduce a bypass graft into the artery percutaneously. In all dogs, the bypass graft was successfully placed and proved to be effective in excellent blood flow. No significant complication was encountered. It is concluded that this method is feasible in the dog model.

Modulation of acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum by 5-lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid

Eicosatetraenoic acid, an inhibitor of 5- and 12-lipoxygenase, and AA861, a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, dose dependently inhibited acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum induced by electrical field stimulation. Metabolites of arachidonic acid produced by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, such as 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), leukotriene C4, D4 and E4, reversed the inhibitory effect of AA861. Among them, leukotriene D4 was the most potent, having an EC50 value of about 3 nM. The present study shows for the first time that 5-lipoxygenase metabolites may have a modulatory effect on acetylcholine release in the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum.

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography of the internal jugular veins

92 patients with various head-related symptoms were underwent study with IV-DSA. The width and density of the internal jugular veins were compared with the width and density of the common carotid arteries. The right internal jugular vein was more than twice as broad as the common carotid artery in 58 patients (63%), and was denser than the common carotid artery in 14 patients (15%). On the other hand, the left internal jugular vein was broader than the common carotid artery in 76 patients (83%) and more than twice as broad as the common carotid artery in 19 patients (21%). However, the left jugular vein was narrower than the common carotid artery in 12 patients (13%), and in 5 patients (5%) could not be demonstrated. If it is recalled that the internal jugular veins are sometimes congenitally aplastic or hypoplastic as developmental variations of the confluence of sinuses, the occurrence of complications associated with retrograde catheterization can be minimized.

Effects of detergents on binding of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes

In the absence of detergent, specific binding of [3H]GR65630, a 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) antagonist, determined in the presence of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ICS205-930, was at most 30% of the total binding. To decrease the level of nonspecific binding, the effects of detergents on [3H]GR65630 binding to rat cortical membranes were investigated. The use of a detergent (0.1% Lubrol PX or Triton X-100) decreased nonspecific binding, increasing the proportion of specific binding to 70% of total binding. In the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100, binding of [3H]GR65630 was rapid, reversible and saturable at 25 degrees C. The rank order of 5-HT3 receptor active drugs in inhibiting [3H]GR65630 binding was quipazine > ICS205-930 > 2-methyl-5-HT = 5-HT > metoclopramide, which confirmed that [3H]GR65630 efficiently labeled 5-HT3 receptors in the presence of Triton X-100. Triton X-100 improved 5-HT3 receptor binding with rat brain membranes.

Insertion of a 5' truncated L1 element into the 3' end of exon 44 of the dystrophin gene resulted in skipping of the exon during splicing in a case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

We report here the second evidence of retrotransposition of L1, which was found inserted into the dystrophin gene of a patient, causing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). When the PCR was used to amplify a region of the dystrophin gene encompassing exon 44 from genomic DNA of two Japanese brothers with DMD, it was found to be approximately 600 bp larger than expected. Both the normal and the abnormally large products were amplified from the DNA of their mother. However, the maternal grandparents did not have the abnormal allele, and the mutation must therefore have occurred in the mother. Analysis of nucleotide sequence of the amplified product from a patient disclosed that the insertion was present zero to two bases upstream from the 3' end of exon 44 and that two to four bases of the exon sequence were deleted from the insertion site. The insertion sequence was found to be composed of 606-608 bp and to be almost identical to the inverse complement of 3' portion of the L1 retrotransposon consensus sequence. The dystrophin gene transcript from peripheral lymphocytes of one of the patients was analyzed by using reverse transcription/semi-nested PCR. The size of the amplified product encompassing exon 42 to 46 was smaller than expected. Sequencing of the amplified product disclosed that the sequence of exon 43 was directly joined to that of exon 45. Exon 44 of the transcript was thus shown to be skipped during splicing. This novel mutation of the dystrophin gene has important implications regarding retrotransposition of an active L1 element and provides a new insight into the origins of mutations in the dystrophin gene.

[Manifesting carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy over two generations]

We report a family with manifesting DMD carriers over two generations. Sixty years old female (case 1) suffered from slowly progressive weakness since her thirties. Her youngest daughter aged 30 (case 2) had cramping calf muscle pain since her 5 years old. Progressive muscle weakness developed and lost her ambulation by the age of 20. Grandson of case 1 (son of case 1's eldest daughter who has no clinical symptoms) was diagnosed as DMD with deletion of exon 19-21 in dystrophin gene. Case 1 and case 2 were revealed to be DMD carriers. We speculate that, in this family, X-inactivation process was not random and paternal X was preferentially inactivated by maternal mutant X.

Intra-arterial digital subtraction portography with a blood-isotonic, non-ionic, dimeric contrast medium

Intra-arterial digital subtraction portography (IA-DSP) with a blood-isotonic, non-ionic, dimeric contrast medium was carried out in 27 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. It was possible to obtain images of excellent or good quality of the portal vein and its bilateral main branches in all patients. The third-order branches of the portal vein in the right lobe could be identified in all patients, and images of excellent or good quality were obtained in a mean of 80.2% of patients. Images of third-order branches in the left lobe were of lower quality than those of third-order branches in the right lobe; in particular, images obtained were of poor quality for 27.3% of the medial branches of the left lobe. It was impossible to identify the caudal branches in almost all patients. The side effects of IA-DSP, pain and sensations of heat were very mild: only one patient complained of mild pain, while 18 patients (69.2%) complained of no sensations of heat whatsoever.

Relationships between serotonin induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and stimulation of Ca2+ influx in blood platelets

Serotonin (5-HT) caused immediate elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in blood platelets, and it was completely inhibited by 1 mM EGTA. In Ca2+ replenished platelets, however, 2 mM EGTA did not affect the 5-HT induced elevation of [Ca2+]i when EGTA was applied just before or during the stimulation by 5-HT. At the same concentration 5-HT was also found to enhance Ca2+ influx through the activation of 5-HT2 receptor, but with rather longer latent time. From these results it is suggested that 5-HT induced elevation of [Ca2+]i is caused by mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular Ca2+ storage sites, but not by direct stimulation of Ca2+ influx. Depletion of such Ca2+ stores might impair the effect of 5-HT on [Ca2+]i. Thus, 5-HT induced augmentation of Ca2+ influx might be secondary to replenishment of the depleted Ca2+ stores which was caused by 5-HT induced internal release of Ca2+. It is concluded that the effects of 5-HT on [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ influx in platelets are manifested sequentially or independently.

Clinical evaluation of interventional radiology for renal cell carcinoma in 100 patients

One hundred of 160 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were treated by interventional radiology (IVR) in the period from 1978 to 1989. The number and kind of interventions done each year were classified retrospectively. More than half of the patients underwent therapeutic arterial embolization or intraarterial infusion of anticancer drugs during the first half of the period. More recently, about half of the patients have had nephrectomies without IVR. One patient with advanced RCC by IVR 18 times lived 8 years and three months after diagnosis, but that was exceptionally long. IVR has been more effective against hepatocellular carcinoma than RCC, for several reasons.

[X-ray computed tomographic scans of lower limb and trunk muscles in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy]

X-rays computed tomographic (CT) scans of muscles of the lower limbs and the trunk in 14 patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH) were studied. The CT scans showed that the affected muscles were decreased in density and size. The laterality of muscular involvement was sometimes observed. The muscular lesions in the lower limbs showed proximal distribution. In the thigh, the hamstrings were affected first, the adductor muscles second, and then the muscular involvement progressed to the quadriceps femoris muscle. In the lower leg, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were relatively spared as compared with the tibialis anterior muscle. In the lumbar girdle, the abdominal muscles were involved first, the gluteal muscles second, the back muscles third, and the psoas major muscle were relatively spared. The muscular weakness of this distribution exacerbated lumbar lordosis. The neck muscles were less affected than those of the lumbar girdle. The CT scans in FSH demonstrated the characteristic pattern of muscular involvement, which differed from the inherited muscular diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and others.

The evidence for post-meiotic expression of a testis-specific isoform of a regulatory subunit of calcineurin using a monoclonal antibody

The expression of a regulatory subunit of calcineurin (CaN beta) during rat spermatogenesis was examined in rat testes using a monoclonal antibody Va1. Results showed that a testis-specific isoform of CaN beta was expressed only 3 weeks after birth, when meiosis begins, and increased in amount depending on the maturation of spermatogenesis. The matured sperm, which consists of only post-meiotic cells, is most likely to have only the testis-specific isoform of CaN beta. The brain type isoform of CaN beta was not detected in rat sperm. Immunoblot analysis of testes from different rodent species by a monoclonal antibody Va1 showed that all rodent species examined had their own homologues corresponding to a testis-specific isoform of CaN beta in rats, although they showed distinctively different molecular weights on SDS-PAGE compared to the testis-specific isoform in rats. Each homologue was shown to be specifically expressed in post-meiotic phase of spermatogenesis, as was seen in rats.

Identification of a src family protein specifically expressed in rat astrocytes by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescent study

Identification of a src-related tyrosine kinase and its regional and cellular distributions were studied in rat brain. The study was performed using a specific antibody raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the conserved autophosphorylation site of src-family tyrosine kinases. The antibody (alpha-src antibody) recognized a 43 kDa polypeptide in plasma membrane enriched fraction. The immunohistochemical data revealed that the polypeptide is localized in astrocytes of corpus callosum and fimbria hippocampus. The presence of this src-related protein in astrocytes suggests that it may have some control in their proliferation and differentiation.

Fluorescence digital image analysis of thrombin and ADP induced rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration of single blood platelets

Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, was estimated in single rabbit blood platelets by digital imaging microscopy with the use of the specific Ca(2+)-indicator dye Fura-2. Uneven distribution and low level of [Ca2+]i was found in the resting platelet even in the presence of extracellular 1 mM Ca2+. Thrombin at 1 unit/ml immediately caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, which was followed by a secondary and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. The distribution of increased levels of [Ca2+]i was also shown to be uneven within the cell. The presence of 1 mM EGTA in the medium only slightly decreased the initial rise in [Ca2+]i, but completely inhibited the latter phase, a sustained rise in [Ca2+]i. This result shows that the initial rise of [Ca2+]i might not be caused by Ca2+ influx, but might be induced by mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular Ca2+ storage sites. This speculation is further supported by the fact that the elevated [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin immediately decreased to the base line value when 3 mM EGTA was applied. Thus, thrombin induced elevation of [Ca2+]i is suggested to consist of two different processes, namely the mobilization of Ca2+ from the intracellular storage sites and the successive Ca2+ influx through the receptor activated Ca2+ channels. Stimulation with ADP also caused a rapid elevation of platelet [Ca2+]i, but this effect of ADP was different form that of thrombin. Thus, the ADP induced rise in [Ca2+]i was accompanied by oscillation and was inhibited by extracellular EGTA. Our present experiment is the first report that clearly and directly reveals the differences between the effects of thrombin and ADP on [Ca2+]i of platelets.

Isolation of substance P binding protein from rat brain

Substance P (SP) binding protein of rat brain was solubilized by digitonin. The solubilized proteins were then purified by sequential gel filtration, concanavalin A lectin Sepharose, and SP-affinity chromatography. The calculated molecular weight of this purified SP binding protein was 76-74 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The rabbits were immunized with the purified protein and resulting polyclonal anti-sera were tested. The immune serum significantly inhibited [3H]SP binding to the 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate solubilized membrane fractions from rat brain, whereas pre-bleed antiserum failed to inhibit the binding. This polyclonal antibody also inhibited the activity of 45Ca influx into astroglioma cells stimulated by SP, but does not inhibit that stimulated by histamine. Furthermore, this polyclonal antibody recognized the 76-74 kDa band as assessed by Western blotting. These data strongly suggest that this polyclonal antibody could recognize a part of the natural SP receptor site.