Inhibitory effect on curcumin on mammalian phospholipase D activity

Curcumin, the major yellow pigment of turmeric (Curcuma longa), has strong anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. We examined the effects of curcumin on enzyme activities of the following phospholipases in a cell-free system: G protein-mediated phospholipase D (PLD), phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, and phospholipase A2 from mouse macrophage-like cell line J774.1 cells, sphingomyelinase from bovine brain, and phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus. Curcumin inhibited several types of phospholipases, most effectively PLD among those tested. It also inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced PLD activation in intact J774.1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic action of curcumin is partly due to the inhibition of PLD.

Decrease in class pi glutathione transferase mRNA levels by ultraviolet irradiation of cultured rat keratinocytes

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation on pi class glutathione transferase (GST-P) gene expression was examined in cultured rat keratinocytes. Immunoblotting demonstrated GST-P to be the major GST form in the cells, and it was significantly decreased following irradiation. Northern blot analysis revealed that the mRNA decreased to 10-25% of the initial value 24 h after irradiation at a dose of 40 mJ/cm2. No remarkable changes were observed at earlier time points. Hydrogen peroxide treatment enhanced GST-P mRNA expression, with a 70% increase at 250 microM concentration. Alterations in possible trans-acting factors were examined to clarify the mechanism of repression by UV irradiation. c-Jun mRNA was induced 3.5-fold at 4 h after irradiation, but by 24 h fell to a lower level than that observed initially. c-Fos mRNA was increased 10-fold at 1 h but was completely suppressed at 12 and 24 h. Thus, the changes of c-Jun and c-Fos mRNA differed from that of GST-P mRNA. The level of mRNA for silencer factor-B was decreased to less than 10% at 12 h. UV irradiation of cells transfected with the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene containing enhancer (GPE I) or silencer regions of the GST-P gene did not suppress CAT activity. Although basal expression of the GST-P gene was mainly dependent on GPE I, altered expression of c-jun, c-fos and other genes coding for factors possibly trans-acting on GPE I did not appear to be responsible for the decreased GST-P mRNA levels.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of beta 1-subunit of Na+/K(+)-ATPase in the mechanoreceptive Ruffini-like endings of the rat incisor ligament

The localization of one of the isoforms of Na+/K(+)-ATPase, the beta 1-subunit, was investigated in the periodontal Ruffini endings of rat incisors by light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry. Immunoreactivity for the rat beta 1-subunit followed the pattern of dendritic terminal arborization in the alveolar half of the lingual periodontal ligament. Ultrastructurally, the reaction products were localized in dilatations of axons, possibly the terminals of Ruffini-like endings in the periodontal ligament. No immunoreactivity was seen in Schwann cells. The immunostaining results support the view that the beta 1-subunit of Na+/K(+)-ATPase is the predominant isoform in sensory neurones, and that this protein is a useful marker for periodontal Ruffini-like endings.

Stimulatory effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Bone marrow stroma contains multipotential mesenchymal progenitor cells which can differentiate into osteoblastic cells; we refer to these cells as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) have been implicated in the osteogenic regulatory process by virtue of their mitogenic and differentiation activities, respectively. This study examines and compares the effects of bFGF and BMP-2 on dexamethasone (Dex)-dependent in vitro osteogenic differentiation of rat marrow-derived MSCs. A 6-day exposure to bFGF markedly stimulated cell growth and induced osteoblastic differentiation as shown by osteocalcin mRNA expression (day 14), bone nodule formation (day 18), and calcium deposition (day 18). These results indicate that bFGF enhances both mitogenic activity and osteogenic development of Dex-treated marrow MSCs. In contrast, BMP-2 did not induce osteogenesis as strongly as bFGF. Thus, exposure to BMP-2 slightly increased bone nodule number and calcium content compared with the control. Exposure of MSCs to both BMP-2 and bFGF induced expression of osteocalcin mRNA and mineralizing bone-like nodules as early as day 11 and resulted in enhancement of bone formation more markedly than either factor alone. Consistent with these results, porous calcium phosphate ceramic cubes implanted in vivo, which were loaded with MSCs pre-exposed to both bFGF and BMP-2, showed higher histologic score for bone formation than those with MSCs pre-exposed to either bFGF or BMP-2 alone. These data indicate that combined treatment with bFGF and BMP-2 synergistically enhances the osteogenic potency of bFGF in rat marrow MSC culture.

Calretinin-like immunoreactivity in the Ruffini endings, slowly adapting mechanoreceptors, of the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor

The distribution and ultrastructural localization of calretinin (CR)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) were investigated in the lingual periodontal ligament of rat incisors. Some thick nerve fibers within the nerve bundle displayed CR-LI; these CR-like immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers entered the alveolar half of the lingual periodontal ligament of the incisor where dendritic terminal arborization was exhibited. Thin and beaded CR-IR nerve fibers were rarely observed in the periodontal ligament. Observations of adjacent sections immunostained with protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) revealed that most, if not all, PGP 9.5-IR nerve terminals showing a dendritic arborization expressed CR-LI. Immunoelectron microscopic observations showed that electron-opaque immunoreaction products were localized in the axoplasm of the axon terminals, except for the mitochondria, which were surrounded by Schwann sheaths and multiple-layered basal lamina. Neither cell bodies, the cytoplasmic extension of terminal Schwann cells, nor other cellular elements such as periodontal fibroblasts exhibited CR-LI. The present findings suggest that Ruffini endings, an essential mechanoreceptor in the periodontal ligament and categorized as a slowly adapting mechanoreceptor, express CR-LI, and that CR may participate in the Ca2+ homeostasis against external stimuli in the periodontal Ruffini endings.

[A drug revolving fund program for rural villages in the Philippines]

In 1994, a community-based drug revolving fund program was introduced in 10 pilot villages in the province of Tarlac, Philippines, as a component of a health project by the provincial health office and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The purpose of the program was to set up a cooperative drug store in each community in order to regularly provide rural residents with essential drugs at affordable prices. The following are the results and findings during the first two years of operation. 1. Collaboration with a local NGO facilitated implementation and management of the program, when socio-cultural consideration was necessary. Stable and prompt procurement of drugs was secured on a contract with a commercial wholesaler in Manila. 2. Out of the 105 kinds of pharmaceuticals that were sold both in the cooperative and commercial drug stores, 83% were less expensive than the average market price, and 51% were discounted more than 25% of the market price. 3. The levy of premiums was introduced to increase the cooperative fund with the consent of each community. The amount was 0.1-0.2% of the average family income. However, regular collection of premiums was difficult due to various reasons. The practice of the sales on credit was common in all pilot villages. 4. While the knowledge of community health workers, who were in charge drug sales, was improved after training sessions on rational drug use, it was not at a sufficient level yet. 5. When assisting a community-oriented health program, an exterior organization should try to encourage the community to generate its own solutions to operational difficulties, based on the socio-cultural context in the community.

Down-regulation of gap junctional intercellular communication between osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells by basic fibroblast growth factor and a phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate)

To address the relation between osteoblast growth and cell-to-cell communication, we examined the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), both potent stimulators of osteoblastic proliferation, on gap junctional intercellular communication between osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The level of intercellular communication was estimated by a photobleaching method. TPA inhibited the degree of intercellular communication in two different time-dependent manners. The early (< 1 h) inhibition by TPA was consistent with an increase in the phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43). The later inhibition was caused by reduction in the total amount of Cx43 on the plasma membrane, due to the decrease in the level of Cx43 transcripts. These qualitative and quantitative modulations by TPA were inhibited by a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, GF109203X. bFGF also attenuated the gap junctional intercellular communication. However, short exposure (< 5 h) to bFGF did not affect the communication. The fact that the growth factor immediately stimulated the phosphorylation of Cx43 indicates that the phosphorylation site(s) affected by bFGF was not involved in the inhibition of communication. The decrease in the intercellular communication level was detected by the longer exposure (> 8 h) to bFGF and paralleled the decline in the Cx-mRNA level. This inhibitory effect of bFGF was abolished by the addition of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A. Thus, gap junctional intercellular communication between osteoblasts was down-regulated by osteoblastic mitogens through different mechanisms of the modulation of Cx43.

Stachybotrin C and parvisporin, novel neuritogenic compounds. II. Structure determination

The structures of stachybotrin C and parvisporin have been determined by spectroscopic analyses and chemical derivatization. Stachybotrin C contains a unique pyrano-isoindolinone ring system, while parvisporin has a hydroxyl farnesyl phenol structure.

Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes extension of regenerating axons of peripheral nerve. In vivo experiments using a Schwann cell basal lamina tube model

Schwann cell basal lamina tubes serve as attractive conduits for regeneration of peripheral nerve axons. In the present study, by using basal lamina tubes prepared by in situ freeze-treatment of rat saphenous nerve, the effects of exogenously applied basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on peripheral nerve regeneration was examined 2 and 5 days after bFGF administration. Regenerating axons were observed by light and electron microscopy using PGP9.5-immunohistochemistry for specific staining of axons. In addition, the localizations of bFGF and its receptor (FGF receptor-1) were examined by immunohistochemistry using anti-bFGF antibody and anti-FGF receptor-1 antibody, respectively. Regenerating axons extended further in the bFGF-administered segment than in the bFGF-untreated control segment. Electron microscopy showed that regenerating axons grew out unaccompanied by Schwann cells. Findings concerning angiogenesis and Schwann cell migration were very similar between the bFGF treated and control nerve segment. bFGF-immunoreactivity was not detected in the control nerve segment. In contrast, bFGF-immunoreactivity was detected on the basal lamina tubes as well as on the plasmalemma of regenerating axons facing the basal lamina in the bFGF treated nerve segment up to 5 days after administration, suggesting that exogenous bFGF can be retained in the basal lamina for several days after administration. FGF receptor was detected on the plasma membrane of regenerating axons where they abutted the basal lamina. These results indicate that bFGF could promote the extension of early regenerating axons by directly influencing the axons, but not via Schwann cells or angiogenesis.

Stachybotrin C and parvisporin, novel neuritogenic compounds. I. Taxonomy, isolation, physico-chemical and biological properties

Stachybotrin C and parvisporin, novel neuritogenic compounds, were isolated from the culture broth of Stachybotrys parvispora F4708. Stachybotrin C induced significant neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and showed cell survival activity in the primary culture of cerebral cortical neurons. Parvisporin demonstrated only weak neuritogenic activity.

A multiparametric analysis of occlusal and periodontal jaw reflex characteristics in young adults with normal occlusion

Periodontal jaw reflex, duration of percussion sounds, tooth mobility, and time-moment analysis of occlusal contacts by the T-scan system was recorded in nine periodontally healthy volunteers. The results showed that (i) reflex responses to the pressure applied to the uppercentageral incisors in the lingolabial direction varied, depending on the background jaw-clenching force (BCF) of the same-sided first molars. The BCF levels to elicit excitatory reflexes were 6-8 Kgf, and inhibitory reflexes were clearly elicited with a BCF of 10 Kgf and beyond. (ii) Duration of percussion sounds via an occlusal sound analyser (4.73-4.84 mS: upper first molars, 4.89-5.00 mS: uppercentageral incisors) and tooth mobility using a 'Periotest' (3.3-3.5: upper first molars, 5.5-5.6: uppercentageral incisors) showed a normal value. (iii) The time moments of occlusal contacts were symmetrical toward the midsagittal axis of the occlusal plane. The centre of the anteroposterior occlusal contacts was located in the first molar regions.

Mammalian cell mutants of membrane phospholipid biogenesis

Cultured mammalian cell mutants defective in the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids, although limited in number, are increasing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and the biological significance of membrane phospholipids in higher eukaryotes. This review summarizes the progress in the isolation and characterization of such mutants, focusing on those isolated from cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

Involvement of diacylglycerol production in activation of nuclear factor kappaB by a CD14-mediated lipopolysaccharide stimulus

Exposure of Chinese hamster CHO-K1 transfectant cells expressing mouse CD14 (CHO/CD14 cells) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced rapid elevation of the cellular diacylglycerol (DAG) and choline/phosphocholine levels and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB). When cells were incubated with short-chain DAG analogues or bacterial phospholipase C, NFkappaB activation occurred even without the LPS stimulus. Treatment of CHO/CD14 cells with tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2.6)]decyl-(9[8])xanthogenate (D609), an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and phospholipase D, almost completely inhibited not only the LPS-dependent production of DAG and choline/phosphocholine but also the LPS-dependent NFkappaB activation. In contrast, treatment of cells with 1-(6-{[3-methoxyoestra-1,3, 5(10)-trien-17beta-yl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C in vitro, did not affect the LPS-dependent activation of NFkappaB. Production of DAG and activation of NFkappaB after the LPS stimulus were observed in mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells, and this response to LPS by J774. 1 cells was also inhibited by D609. These results suggest that the production of DAG from phosphatidylcholine was upstream of NFkappaB activation in response to a CD14-mediated LPS stimulus.

Immunocytochemical detection of p53 protein as an adjunct in cytologic diagnosis from pancreatic duct brushings in mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

In cases of mucin-producing tumor (MPT) of the pancreas, a new clinical entity of pancreatic tumor, it has been reported to be difficult to distinguish adenoma from carcinoma preoperatively. This observation caused the authors to develop a new method of p53 immunocytochemistry using cytologic samples obtained by endoscopic retrograde pancreatic duct brushing (ERPDB).

METHODS

Fifteen cases of MPT (9 with carcinoma and 6 with adenoma) were examined. In all cases, histologic diagnosis was determined by surgery or autopsy. A wire with a small brush was pushed into the dilatated pancreatic duct detected by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). Specimens obtained by brushing were prepared on slides and subsequently fixed with ethanol. Papanicolaou staining and p53 immunocytochemistry were performed simultaneously. The ability of conventional cytology to distinguish adenoma from carcinoma was compared with that of p53 immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Five of 9 cases (56%) with carcinoma of MPT were correctly diagnosed by Papanicolaou staining. Two of four cases, classified as benign by Papanicolaou staining, expressed p53 protein. Overall, 7 of 9 cases (78%) with carcinoma MPT were correctly diagnosed by Papanicolaou staining associated with p53 immunocytochemistry. In the cases with adenoma MPT, all cases were classified as benign by Papanicolaou staining and no case positive for p53 protein was encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that p53 immunocytochemistry as an adjunct in cytologic diagnosis using ERPDB may contribute to differentiating adenoma from carcinoma MPT of the pancreas preoperatively.

Immunohistochemical localization of calbindin D28k in the periodontal Ruffini endings of rat incisors

It was examined whether calbindin D28k (CB) might be located in the rat incisor periodontal Ruffini ending, an essential mechanoreceptor in periodontal ligament, by light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry. Some thick nerve fibers showing CB-like immunoreactivity (LI) entered the lingual half of the periodontal ligament of the incisor and showed the dendritic terminal arborization. Electron-dense immunoreaction products indicating CB-LI were distributed diffusely in axoplasm of the axon terminals, no mitochondria, however, were not labeled. Neither cell bodies nor cytoplasmic extensions of the terminal Schwann cells exhibited CB-LI. CB was presumed to be involved in the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis in the mechano-electric transduction in mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament.

TP53 mutations in stage I gallbladder carcinoma with special attention to growth patterns

32 stage I cases of gallbladder carcinoma (GC) were examined to evaluate TP53 mutations with special attention to growth patterns. Their growth patterns were classified into two types: polypoid (P-type) and flat (F-type). 16 cases of GC were classified as P-type and 16 as F-type. p53 immunohistochemistry was performed using a mouse monoclonal anti-p53 antibody. Mutations in exons 5-8 were examined by polymerase chain reaction single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct sequencing. The incidence of p53 immunoreactivity was greater in the cases of F-type (11/16, 69%) than those in P-type (14/16, 25%) (P < 0.05). PCR-SSCP or direct sequencing revealed that TP53 mutations were detected in all cases positive for p53 protein. These results suggest that TP53 mutations may contribute to the carcinogenesis of the F-type GC, and than this pathway in the F-type may differ from that in the P-type GC.

Expression of TrkB-like immunoreactivity in non-neural cells of rat periodontal ligament

The Trk family, a group of high-affinity neurotrophin receptors, is divided into three subtypes, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC. These were originally found in neural elements, and are involved in neural development, maintenance and survival. Recent studies have shown that non-neural cells in vitro also express mRNA encoding some neurotrophin receptors. In our preliminary study, TrkB-like immunoreactivity (LI) was found in the various non-neural cells in the rat periodontal ligament. The present study was undertaken to clarify which cell types express Trk-LI, in particular two types of TrkB-LI, in the periodontal ligament of mature rats, using an immunocytochemical technique with polyclonal antibodies. Intense full-length TrkB-LI was clearly recognized in non-neural cells such as fibroblasts, osteoclasts, odontoclasts and cementoblasts as well as in neural elements. Relatively large cells with many cytoplasmic processes were also frequently immunopositive for full-length TrkB. Immunocytochemistry for TrkB[TK-], a truncated type, also demonstrated a similar immunostaining pattern to that of full-length TrkB in non-neural periodontal cells, and intense positive reactions in endothelial cells. Some non-neural cells were positive for TrkA and TrkC. These findings suggest that neurotrophic factors, the ligands of the Trk family, have certain effects on the proliferation and/or differentiation of non-neural cells, as well as on their neurotrophic functions.

Activation of MAP kinase cascade induced by human pancreatic phospholipase A2 in a human pancreatic cancer cell line

We have found that the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells MIAPaCa-2, induced by human pancreatic phospholipase A2 group I (hPLA2-I), is mediated via its specific receptor but not via its catalytic property. The present study showed that the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in MIAPaCa-2 cells is induced by hPLA2-I: this digestive enzyme induced phosphorylation of MEK1/2, p44/42 MAPK and ATF-2, and the phosphorylation in the MAPK cascade was inhibited after the cells were pre-incubated with a selective inhibitor of MEK, PD98059. In addition, this inhibitor dose-dependently blocked the hPLA2-I-induced MIAPaCa-2 proliferation, suggesting that activation of the MAPK cascade is essential for the hPLA2-I-induced MIAPaCa-2 proliferation.

Photoprotective effect of esterified glutathione against ultraviolet B-induced sunburn cell formation in the hairless mice

Previously we showed a protective role of endogenous glutathione (GSH) in ultraviolet B (UVB) injury. Moderate UVB exposure to hairless mice receiving oral treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, resulted in a greater number of SBCs in the epidermis. The evidence led to the hypothesis that increasing the level of endogenous GSH in the skin may reduce the skin damage caused by a high dose of UVB irradiation. Since systemic administration of a reduced form of GSH (reduced GSH) is understood to have poor permeability into the cells, in the current study we investigated transportability of esterified GSH and photoprotective effect of reduced GSH and the esterified derivative against UVB injury in vivo. Oral administration of esterified GSH revealed increased cutaneous GSH level more effectively than did reduced GSH. The number of sunburn cells (SBC) formed was significantly depressed in the skin exposed to UVB in mice treated with esterified GSH as compared with non-GSH- or reduced GSH-treated mice. The suppressive effect of esterified GSH was prominent in BSO-treated animals.

RecQ DNA helicase is a suppressor of illegitimate recombination in Escherichia coli

Bloom syndrome and Werner syndrome are genetic disorders in which an increased rate of chromosomal abnormality is observed. The genes responsible for these diseases, BLM and WRN, have been cloned and identified as homologs of the Escherichia coli recQ genes. We studied the effect of recQ mutations on illegitimate recombination, which is an aberrant biological event related to the chromosomal abnormality in humans, and found that a variety of recQ mutations increased spontaneous illegitimate recombination by 20- to 300-fold and increased UV light-induced illegitimate recombination by 10- to 100-fold. Most lambda bio or lambda pro transducing phages are formed by the recombination events at several hot spots, which are enhanced by the recQ mutation. The analysis of nucleotide sequences at the recombination junction in the transducing phages indicates that recombination at the hot spot sites as well as the non-hot spot sites takes place between short homologous sequences. Enhancement of the recombination in the recQ mutants also occurs in the recA, recBC sbcBC, or recBC sbcA backgrounds, indicating that these recombination events are mediated by none of the known recombination pathways, RecBC, RecF, and RecE. We therefore concluded that the RecQ function suppresses illegitimate recombination that depends on short homologous regions. We discuss a model, based on the 3'-to-5' helicase activity of RecQ, to explain the role of this protein as a suppressor of illegitimate recombination.

Results of 90 consecutive hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multivariate analysis of survival

The surgical results and postoperative management of 90 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatectomy were reviewed, and clinical factors relating to HCC were analyzed to determine what type of HCC responds best to hepatectomy. The patients consisted of 69 men and 21 women. Serum anti-hepatitis C virus was positive in 76.9% of patients and hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 18.9%. The operative procedures consisted of right lobectomy in six patients, left lobectomy in seven, right hepatic segmentectomy in eight, left lateral segmentectomy in 13, two adjoining subsegmentectomy in 17, subsegmentectomy in 29, and partial hepatectomy in 10. Liver cirrhosis was confirmed histopathologically in 63 patients. There were two operative deaths and two other in-hospital deaths. During the follow-up period, HCC recurred in 64 of the remaining 86 patients at the following sites: liver in 56 patients (87.5%), bones in four (6.3%), lymph nodes in three (4.7%), and lung in one (1.6%). Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed in 22 of the patients with recurrence, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in combination with percutaneous ethanol injection was performed in 14, hepatectomy was performed in six, and irradiation with Linac x-rays was performed in eight. The cumulative 3- and 5-year survival rates were 63.8% and 37.8%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors influencing survival disclosed that having a single HCC nodule of up to a maximal diameter of 4.0 cm, an absence of intrahepatic metastasis, and a functional liver reserve estimated as clinical stage I contributed significantly and independently to increasing the survival rate.

Stimulation of bone formation by intraosseous application of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor in normal and ovariectomized rabbits

The effect on intraosseous bone formation of a single local injection of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor into the distal femur was examined in normal and ovariectomized rabbits. In normal rabbits, basic fibroblast growth factor increased bone mineral density around the injected site in a dose-dependent manner at 4 weeks, with significant effects at concentrations of 400 micrograms and greater. Doses of 400 and 1,600 micrograms of basic fibroblast growth factor increased bone mineral density by 8 and 9%, respectively, compared with the opposite control femur. Histological examination showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (400 micrograms) induced the proliferation or recruitment of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells around the existing trabeculae at 3 days after the injection. For the first 2 weeks, osteoid formation was strongly stimulated, and this was followed by mineral apposition for another 2 weeks, at which time the femurs were harvested. Consequently, basic fibroblast growth factor stimulated intraosseous bone formation at 4 weeks. We speculate that the direct action of basic fibroblast growth factor on bone formation may be to stimulate proliferation or recruitment of minimally differentiated mesenchymal cells and to initiate the cascade of events in later stages of bone formation. In ovariectomized rabbits, basic fibroblast growth factor (400 micrograms) also increased bone mineral density, histomorphometrical bone formation markers, and trabecular connectivity to levels similar to those in rabbits who had received sham operations.