Cytosolic calcium elevation and cGMP production induced by serotonin in a clonal cell of glial origin

It has been shown recently that astroglial cells of the mammalian CNS possess receptors for neurotransmitters. In order to analyze what sequences of cellular events occur upon activation of these glial receptors, we utilized a 5-HT receptor in a rat clonal cell of glial origin as a model system. When the C6BU-1 glioma cells were exposed to 5-HT, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was elevated and the cellular content of cGMP was increased in a dose-dependent manner. 5-HT receptor antagonists and a Ca2+ entry blocker suppressed the increases in both [Ca2+]i and cGMP. The magnitude of the cGMP increment depended on the environmental Ca2+ concentration and was totally blocked by Ca2+ depletion. Application of a Ca2+ ionophore increased [Ca2+]i and cGMP. There was a tendency for extremely high [Ca2+]i to suppress the cGMP increment. On the contrary, membrane-permeable cyclic nucleotide analogs failed to increase [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that the following sequence of events occurs in 5-HT-induced C6BU-1 cells: activation of 5-HT receptors, Ca2+ influx, a rise in [Ca2+]i, activation of guanylate cyclase, and, finally, activation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase.

Monitoring of intracellular Ca2+ elevation in a single neural cell using a fluorescence microscope/video-camera system

For monitoring the changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), we developed a simple system combining a fluorescence microscope, an image intensifier, a video-camera, a cathode ray tube display and a photodiode, employing quin2 as a Ca2+ indicator. We recorded increases of the fluorescence intensity due to [Ca2+]i rises, when high K+ medium, neurotransmitter and Ca2+ ionophore were applied to the single cells of nervous system origin in culture. The present system is capable of simultaneous detection of the [Ca2+]i changes from multiple separate cells.

Rhodopsin and retinochrome in the retina of a marine gastropod, Conomulex luhuanus

Photopigments in the conch retina were examined with special attention given to the photic vesicles characteristic of gastropod photoreceptors. Three different fractions of visual cell fragments were prepared from the retina: the MV-fraction containing the rhabdomal microvilli, and the PVH- and PVL-fractions containing the photic vesicles located in the visual cell body. Rhodopsin was found in the MV-fraction (lambda max = 474 nm), and yielded a photoequilibrium mixture with metarhodopsin (lambda max = 512 nm) on irradiation with blue light. Retinochrome was found in both of the PVH- and PVL-fractions (lambda max = approximately 510 nm), and was bleached into metaretinochrome by exposure to orange light, showing no marked shift of the absorption peak. Unlike the PVH-fraction, the PVL-fraction contains much aporetinochrome in addition to retinochrome, suggesting that the large mass of photic vesicles around the nucleus may serve as storage for retinal in retinochrome and for newly synthesized aporetinochrome. The total amount of retinochrome in the retina was several times higher than that of rhodopsin, distinguishing the gastropod eye from the cephalopod eye.

Requirement for ascorbic acid in a rat mutant unable to synthesize ascorbic acid

The activities of several enzymes involved in hepatic ascorbic acid synthesis and the requirement of dietary ascorbic acid were investigated in the OD (osteogenic disorder) rat, which has a hereditary defect in ascorbic acid-synthesizing ability. No activity of hepatic L-gulonolactone oxidase was detected in OD rats. However, OD rats maintained the normal activities of hepatic UDPglucose dehydrogenase, UDPglucuronyl transferase and beta-glucuronidase. Hemorrhage in muscle and leg joints, lower hepatic content of cytochrome P-450 and lower activities of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, higher serum and adrenal levels of corticosterone and lower urinary excretion of hydroxyproline were observed in ascorbic acid-deficient OD rats than in OD rats fed 300 mg ascorbic acid/kilogram diet. Consequently, we conclude that OD rats cannot synthesize ascorbic acid because of the lack of activity of hepatic L-gulonolactone oxidase and that the dietary addition of about 300 mg ascorbic acid (per kilogram diet) is enough to prevent signs of vitamin C deficiency and to achieve maximum growth, and that more than 300 mg ascorbic acid per kilogram diet may be required for the maximum activity of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes.

[Comparison of in vitro antibacterial activities of new cephems against clinical organisms (isolated between June 1983 and January 1984)]

We compared the in vitro antibacterial activities of ceftizoxime (CZX), cefotaxime (CTX), cefmenoxime (CMX), cefoperazone (CPZ), ceftazidime (CAZ), latamoxef (LMOX) and cefotetan (CTT) against 2,729 strains of 11 organisms freshly isolated from 10 medical institutions in Japan between June 1983 and January 1984 and obtained the following results: Against S. pyogenes, LMOX and CTT, which have the methoxy group at the 7 position, were less active than the other drugs. LMOX inhibited 80% of S. pyogenes at 0.78 micrograms/ml; CTT, at 1.56 micrograms/ml; but CZX and CTX inhibited 100% at 0.025 micrograms/ml or lower; CMX, at 0.05 micrograms/ml; and CPZ and CAZ, at 0.20 micrograms/ml. Against H. influenzae, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and indole-positive Proteus, these test antibiotics, especially CZX, CTX and CMX, which have the aminothiazolyl methoxyimino group, were potently active. Against S. marcescens CZX and CAZ were more active than the other drugs and against P. aeruginosa CAZ was more active than the other drugs. The test organisms did not tend to acquire resistance to these cephems when our results were compared with the results obtained at the development period.

Studies on 4(1H)-quinazolinones. 5. Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of 4(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives

A number of new 4(1H)-quinazolinones were synthesized and evaluated in the carrageenin-induced paw edema test. Most of the compounds were obtained by the cyclization of the appropriately substituted anthranilamides with acid chlorides, followed by further chemical transformation. Structure-activity data suggest that 2-isopropyl-1-phenyl-, 2-cyclopropyl-1-phenyl-, and 1-isopropyl-2-phenyl-4(1H)-quinazolinones afford optimal potency and the presence of a halogen atom is preferred for activity. Adrenalectomy does not affect the antiinflammatory test results. The best result taking into account both efficacy and side effects was displayed by 1-isopropyl-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(1H)-quinazolinone (50).

[Comparative study of various heath indicators in Japan and Cuba]

The medical systems in Cuba and Japan are described by using specific indicators and considering geographical, demographic and economical situations of the two countries. Objective data were tabulated to compare the present situation. An attempt was made to predict the future prospects of the medical system in both countries. The following difference between the two countries was noted. Japan is a highly industrialized country with a high standard of living and a mature economy that can tolerate unfavourable international economy. In recent years, the growth of the economy in Cuba has been made stable due to government planning at a rate of 5 percent in 1983. However, Cuba is still in the midst of industrialization and highly susceptible to the bad condition of the international economy.

Mechanism of regulation of actin polymerization by Physarum profilin

Physarum profilin reduces the rates of nucleation and elongation of F-actin and also reduces the extent of polymerization of actin at the steady state in a concentration-dependent fashion. The apparent critical concentration for polymerization of actin is increased by the addition of profilin. These results can be explained by the idea that Physarum profilin forms a 1:1 complex with G-actin and decreases the concentration of actin available for polymerization. The dissociation constant for binding of profilin to G-actin is estimated from the kinetics of polymerization of G-actin and elongation of F-actin nuclei and from the increase of apparent critical concentration in the presence of profilin. The dissociation constants for binding of Physarum profilin to Physarum and muscle actins under physiological ionic conditions are in the ranges of 1.4-3.7 microM and 11.3-28.5 microM, respectively. When profilin is added to an F-actin solution, profilin binds to G-actin which co-exists with F-actin, and then G-actin is dissociated from F-actin to compensate for the decrease of the concentration of free G-actin and to keep it constant at the critical concentration. At the steady state, free G-actin of the critical concentration is in equilibrium not only with F-actin but also with profilin-G-actin complex. The stoichiometry of 1:1 for the formation of complex between profilin and G-actin is directly shown by means of chemical cross-linking.

Surgical correction of Ebstein's anomaly by tricuspid valve replacement and its late problems

The choice between valve replacement and plasty for surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly still remains controversial. Since 1960, we have treated 16 cases of Ebstein's anomaly, and 7 of the 16 cases have undergone surgical correction. Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) without plication of the atrialized ventricle was applied in 4 cases, and Hardy's procedure was adopted in three cases. The division of the Bundle of Kent was carried out simultaneously in 2 cases with Wolff-Parkinson-White (W-P-W) syndrome of the TVR group. All patients have survived the operation. Early and late (as long as 14 years) postoperative evaluations have demonstrated superiority of the TVR group. However, the late echocardiographic findings have revealed new problems in the TVR group, such as hypokinetic or paradoxical motion of the atrialized ventricle in two cases and hypofunction of the left as well as the right heart.

Purification of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GTP) from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and comparison of gamma-GTP with the enzyme from human kidney

In order to elucidate the characteristics of novel gamma-GTP, which was reported in our previous publications to be specific to sera of HCC, gamma-GTP was purified from HCC tissues, and its physicochemical and immunologic properties were compared with those of the normal adult kidney enzyme. The enzyme from HCC tissue and from normal kidney were found to be similar or identical with respect to the Km value for substrate, optimal pH, thermostability, effect of various amino acids as acceptors, behavior to cations or ethylendiaminetetraacetate, and immunologic properties. However, the HCC tissue enzyme was distinguishable from the normal kidney enzyme with respect to molecular weight, electrophoretic mobility before and after neuraminidase treatment, Con-A-affinity, sensitivity to neuraminidase, and isoelectrophoretic point. These results support the conceivability that novel gamma-GTP in the sera of HCC patients is largely due to structural differences in the carbohydrate moieties.

Squid retinochrome. Configurational changes of the retinal chromophore

The configurations of the retinal chromophore in light and dark reactions of squid retinochrome were investigated by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Orange light isomerized the chromophore of retinochrome, all-trans-retinal, mainly to the 11-cis configuration in metaretinochrome. Irradiation with shorter-wavelength lights not only accelerates the photoreversal of metaretinochrome to retinochrome but also leads to a slight production of isoretinochrome (13-cis-retinochrome), yielding a photoequilibrium mixture of three kinds of retinochrome. 13-cis- and 9-cis-retinochromes are photosensitive, and are converted into metaretinochrome upon irradiation with orange light. When steadily exposed to orange light in the presence of a trace of retinochrome-protein, all of the all-trans-, 13-cis-, and 9-cis-retinals are catalytically isomerized only to the 11-cis form, although the reaction rate is reduced in the order of the retinals listed above. In the dark, 9-cis-retinochrome, like retinochrome, remains unchanged, but both meta- and 13-cis-retinochromes slowly change to retinochrome. The chromophore of 13-cis-retinochrome changes directly to the all-trans form, whereas the 11-cis chromophore of metaretinochrome goes to all-trans mainly through the 13-cis form. The direct isomerization from 11-cis to all-trans hardly occurs at temperatures as low as 20 degrees C, and shows high values of the activation enthalpy and entropy changes. Based upon these findings, the role of retinochrome in the photoreception of the visual cells is discussed.

Histochemical localization of retinochrome and rhodopsin studied by fluorescence microscopy

Retinochrome is readily reduced by sodium borohydride into an N-retinyl protein that emits visible fluorescence upon irradiation with near-ultraviolet light. Rhodopsin is also converted to a similar fluorescent product, but only when denatured with formaldehyde before reduction. Based upon this difference, retinochrome was discriminated from rhodopsin on frozen sections. The distribution of these two photopigments in various photosensitive tissues was examined by means of epifluorescence microscopy. In the octopus retina (Octopus vulgaris), the yellow-green fluorescence of reduced retinochrome was observed in both the basal regions of the outer segments and throughout the inner segments of the visual cells, while the fluorescence of reduced rhodopsin was restricted to within the rhabdomal layer of the outer segments. In the squid parolfactory vesicles (Todarodes pacificus), rhodopsin was present in the central lumen, which contains the distal processes of the photoreceptor cells, while retinochrome was detected in the myeloid bodies scattered within the vesicular wall. In the slug retina (Limax flavus), rhodopsin was found in the microvilli, and retinochrome appeared to be concentrated in the photic vesicles of the visual cells.

Changes of the levels of antithrombin III in patients with cerebrovascular diseases

Dynamic fluctuations of biological activities and antigen amounts of antithrombin III (AT-III) in acute cerebrovascular diseases were analyzed and evaluated. (1) AT-III levels assayed by both biological and immunological methods showed a gradual decrease with increasing age, and levels in patients with cerebral thrombosis were lower than those in patients with cerebral hemorrhage. (2) AT-III in cerebral thrombosis decreased slowly after administration of urokinase. After administration of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), however, AT-III levels increased presumably due to inhibition of coagulation activities. (3) Both biological activities and antigen amounts of AT-III increased after administration of an AT-III preparation, but the measured value, especially that of biological activity, was dissociated from the expected one, due to changes of the coagulation system after an operation.

[Tumor markers of hepatocellular carcinoma with special reference to diagnostic efficacy of combination of these markers and relation to its stages]

The authors concurrently determined four markers consisting of novel gamma-GTP isoenzyme (Novel gamma-GTP), variant alkaline phosphatase (VAALP), basic fetoprotein (BFP) and CEA in addition to AFP in 144 patients having HCC. Serum AFP levels below 400ng/ml, a condition commonly seen in sera of hepatobiliary diseases other than HCC were obtained in 60 our of patients, or 42%. There was little correlation among positivities of these markers, and the diagnostic usefulness was increased by combination assay of these markers, except in the case of CEA. Specific diagnosis of HCC could be made in 78% by a combination of Novel gamma-GTP and VAALP in addition to AFP. Moreover, diagnosis of an existing malignancy could be made in 87% by BFP in addition to AFP, Novel gamma-GTP and VAALP. Positive ratios of BFP and CEA increased in proportion to staging, whereas those of AFP and Novel gamma-GTP were independent of the stage and relatively high even in patients within the early stage. In general, incidences of these markers were relatively lower in patients having small HCC, however, markers of a secreting type such as AFP and Novel gamma-GTP were relatively useful for early diagnosis of HCC.

Biphasic occurrence of delayed ischemia after early aneurysm surgery. Case report

An unusual case of delayed ischemia following rupture of an aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery is reported. Symptoms occurred twice after clipping the aneurysm and removing most of the subarachnoid blood on the left side the day after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Initial ischemia due to vasospasm occurred on the left side of the brain on the 8th day after SAH and responded favorably to induced hypervolemia. After complete recovery, a second episode due to vasospasm occurred on the 16th day after SAH on the right side of the brain from which the subarachnoid blood had not been removed. This caused a massive lesion and permanent severe neurological deficits. This case suggests that removal of subarachnoid blood may affect the severity and time course of vasospasm, and emphasizes the necessity of extensive removal of subarachnoid blood for prevention of severe delayed ischemic symptoms.

Clinical evaluation of specific gamma-GTP isoenzyme in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The authors evaluated specific gamma-GTP isoenzyme (specific gamma-GTP) found in sera of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition to band II and II' which had been reported in our previous publication, band I' also had a high specificity for HCC. One or more of these bands were detectable in 109 (55%) of 200 patients with HCC, but only in seven (3%) of 279 patients with other hepatobiliary diseases. Specific gamma-GTP was found in 38% of HCC patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels below 400 ng/ml. The incidence of this isoenzyme was independent of the clinical stage as classified by liver scanning. Even in Stage I, where filling defects were not seen, the incidence was 52%. We conclude that the specific gamma-GTP is useful in diagnosis of HCC patients with low levels of AFP or at a relatively early stage.

Isolation and characterization of Physarum profilin

A protein that functionally resembles mammalian and Acanthamoeba profilins, has been purified from Physarum plasmodia. Physarum profilin consists of a single polypeptide with a molecular weight of 11,000-13,000. It has an isoelectric point of 5.35-5.40 under denaturing conditions. The amino acid composition of this protein is similar to those of profilins isolated from other sources. Physarum profilin prolongs the process of actin polymerization in a concentration-dependent fashion. This effect is much stronger for Physarum G-actin than for muscle G-actin.

Cerebellar infarction with obstructive hydrocephalus

The authors review 15 patients with acute cerebellar infarction accompanied by obstructive hydrocephalus. These patients were among 1700 consecutive patients with acute cerebrovascular disease who were examined by angiography and also, except for the initial 320 cases. by computerized tomography (CT) scan. The CT scans were helpful in diagnosis and management of the patients. It demonstrated cerebellar mass lesions as being low density, isodense, or high density, according to the amount of hemorrhage into the infarcted area. Such cerebellar mass lesions caused acute compression of the posterior fossa. The clinical picture was determined mainly by the extent of the initially infarcted area in the vertebrobasilar territory and the speed of enlargement of the subsequently developing cerebellar mass lesion. Suboccipital decompressive surgery was performed in 10 patients and was generally beneficial. The postoperative prognosis depended mainly on the presence or absence of coexisting brain-stem infarction. Five patients who were managed conservatively died during the acute stage. Prompt and correct diagnosis of this illness is required to ensure adequate therapy.

Connectin, an elastic protein of muscle. A connectin-like protein from the plasmodium Physarum polycephalum

A completely sodium dodecyl sulfate-insoluble protein was obtained from plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum. The amino acid composition of this protein was very similar to that of connectin, an elastic protein of muscle. When the protein suspension was treated with 6 M guanidine-HCl in the presence of 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol, entanglements of very thin filaments, less than 5 nm in width, were observed under an electron microscope. Since the network structure is almost the same as that of isolated muscle connectin, this plasmodium protein can be regarded as forming an elastic net structure. Using an antiserum against the insoluble protein, it appeared to be located at the peripheral region of the plasmodium. This elastic net structure may act as a cytoskeleton at the cytoplasmic surface of the plasmodium cell membrane.

Primary pineal endodermal sinus tumor with elevated serum and CSF alphafetoprotein levels. Case report

A 12-year-old girl with an alphafetoprotein-producing brain tumor in the pineal region is presented. The marker was detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. The amount of the marker decreased after irradiation of the tumor and systemic chemotherapy and increased prior to tumor recurrence. At autopsy, the tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as an endodermal sinus tumor, and alphafetoprotein was demonstrated in the tumor cells by the immunofluorescence method. Alphafetoprotein may represent a specific and sensitive marker for predicting tumor histopathology and for monitoring the therapeutic response in patients with primary intracranial germ-cell tumors.

Dural arteriovenous malformation near the left sphenoparietal sinus

The case of a 14-year-old boy with a dural arteriovenous malformation in the region of the sphenoparietal sinus associated with a markedly dilated dural sinus is reported. The arterial supply was solely via the meningeal branches of the left external carotid artery; venous drainage was through dilated venous channels into the superior ophthalmic vein and pterygoid venous plexus. Treatment consisted of artificial embolization and ligation of the left external carotid artery and excision of the dilated venous sac. The vascular lesions were absent from the post-operative angiogram, except for small angiomatous remnants fed by meningeal branches of the left internal carotid artery.

Novel gamma-GTP isoenzyme as diagnostic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma

Out of 13 bands of gamma-GTP isoenzymes which were separated by our method, band II, II' and I' were specifically found in sera of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and therefore were called HCC specific novel gamma-GTP isoenzyme (novel gamma-GTP). One or more of these bands were detectable in 95 out of 178 patients with HCC. The positive ratio of novel gamma-GTP was 53% in total patients of HCC, and corresponded to 71% in patients whose serum activity of gamma-GTP was more than 100 mu/ml. In general, there was significant correlation between positivity of the novel gamma-GTP and titer of AFP. However, it was found in 33% of patients with AFP levels below 400 ng/ml which were frequently encountered in liver diseases other than HCC. From these results novel gamma-GTP can be useful also in diagnosis of HCC patients in whom serum AFP is lower or negative.