Freeze-fracture cytochemistry: a new method combining immunocytochemistry and enzyme cytochemistry on replicas

We describe a new freeze-fracture cytochemical technique consisting of combined immunocytochemistry and enzyme cytochemistry. This technique reveals the relationship between molecules in biological membranes by double labeling with two different cytochemical markers (i.e., immunogold probes and cerium). In this method, antigens were detected with specific primary antibodies and appropriate secondary immunoprobes. Subsequently, alkaline phosphates activity was detected with cerium as the capture agent on the same replicas. Octyl-glucoside (OG) digestion before the cytochemical reactions was crucial to the success of this combined method. OG is an efficient detergent and OG digestion can preserve both immunocytochemical antigenicity and enzyme activity on replicas. As an initial examination, we applied this technique to the study of glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol-anchored proteins and adhesion molecules in human neutrophils. The method described here should serve as a unique additional approach for the study of topology and dynamics of molecules in biomembranes.

Long-circulating immunoliposomal amphotericin B against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mice

We investigated the efficacy of long-circulating immunoliposomal amphotericin B (AmB) against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mice using three types of liposomal AmB: conventional liposomal AmB (AmBisome), a long-circulating liposomal AmB and prepared by coating the liposome surface with polyethylene glycol (PEG; PEG-L-AmB), long-circulating immunoliposomal AmB (34A-PEG-L-AmB). The survival rates for mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis treated with an intravenous dose of 2 mg of AmBisome, PEG-L-AmB, or 34A-PEG-L-AmB per kg of body weight were 16.7, 83.3, and 100%, respectively. Treatment with 34A-PEG-L-AmB produced a marked reduction in the number of Aspergillus fumigatus organisms in the lungs. Pharmacokinetic studies showed the presence of high AmB concentrations in the plasma of mice treated with PEG-L-AmB (40.8 microg/ml) and in the lungs of mice treated with 34A-PEG-L-AmB (42.3 microg/g). We conclude that 34A-PEG-L-AmB, a long-circulating immunoliposomal AmB, is a promising form of AmB against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

CD95 predicts responsiveness to tretinoin in acute promyelocytic leukemia

We describe a predictive marker (CD95) for the responsiveness to tretinoin (RA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Functional CD95 expression during RA treatment have been observed only in those patients who responded to RA. Expression of CD95 (Fas antigen), which plays a major role in apoptosis, was determined by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. APL cases in which no enhancement of CD95 expression was observed showed no response to RA and did not obtain complete remission. We propose that CD95 can predict the clinical response to RA probably due to differentiation.

[The evolution of the thought of "Yojo" and its function as a theoretical bases for development of health culture]

The purpose of this monograph is to clarify the role of "Yojo" on public health in Japan. Yojo is a traditional concept which has been used for the nourishment of life in Eastern cultures. These thoughts on Yojo were published under the title of Yojoron in ancient China. Yojoron was imported into Japan somewhere from the 7th to 10th centuries. In ancient and medievel Japan, there were few writings about Yojoron. However during the Edo period, Yojoron suddenly flourished. Dominant in Yojoron was diet. Issues such as exercise, mental control, and sexual restraint were also considered in the Bunka, Bunsei, and Tenpo periods (the first half of 19th century). Yojoron included not only matters of physical and mental health but various other matters regarding the general quality of life such as morality, domestic economy, culture and education. However other health-related issues such as longevity and absence of diseases, showed a simultaneous decrease in the importance. Also principles of Yojoron such as restraint and austerity in behaviour were liberalized. These trends indicated the basic shift in Yojoron from personal health care to self-culture for the entire quality of life. Writings on Yojoron were still published after the Meiji restoration (1868). The principle of Yojoron in the Meiji period was based on both social Darwinism and social revolution theories. The primary concerns of Yojoron were consolidated into achieving health and longevity by personal effort. Therefore Yojoron can be seen as the theory of lifestyle and quality of life in traditional societies in Japan. The public saw in Yojoron a design for living through improved health. This meant the Yojoron was a very refined art of living, and therefore, implies that health care should be integrated with entire self-development. The principle of Yojo offers the ideal foundation of 'health culture' in modern societies.

Giant unruptured aneurysm of the vertebral artery presenting with rapidly progressing bulbar compression--case report

A 65-year-old male with a giant aneurysm of the vertebral artery, which had caused minimal neurological deficits for a few years, suffered rapid onset of respiratory disturbance followed by coma. Serial neuroimaging studies showed the thrombosed aneurysm continued to enlarge, resulting in increasing compression of the brainstem. Intraoperative observation and histological examination revealed that the aneurysm was composed of totally organized thrombus. Total extirpation of the giant aneurysm resulted in the patient regaining spontaneous respiration and clear consciousness, suggesting that growth of this aneurysm is due to increases in the size and number of the intrathrombotic capillary channels.

Progression of glomerulosclerosis, renal hypertrophy, and an increased expression of fibronectin in the renal cortex associated with aging and salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

Aging and hypertension are known to be closely related with the pathogenesis and development of glomerulosclerosis. In this study, we examined the time course changes in the glomerulus associated with salt-induced hypertension using the inbred Dahl salt-sensitive rats. For this purpose, 5-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive rats (n=36) were fed either 4% NaCl diet (n=18) or 0.3% NaCl diet (n=18) up to 17 weeks of age. The high salt diet caused a dramatic increase in systolic blood pressure and also a dramatic renal hypertrophy as shown by a significant increase in the kidney weight. Histological examination revealed an age-dependent progression of glomerulosclerosis as documented by a quantitative scoring. This age-dependent progression was further accelerated by the co-existence of salt-induced hypertension in the high salt diet group. Northern blot analysis revealed an increase in the steady state mRNA levels of fibronectin, an important component of mesangial matrices, in the renal cortex, but not in the renal medulla, only in salt-loaded Dahl salt-sensitive rats. These findings indicate that salt-induced hypertension accelerates the age-dependent progression of glomerulosclerosis in Dahl salt-sensitive rats, and fibronectin may play a role in the pathogenesis, development, and progression of glomerulosclerosis associated with salt-induced hypertension.

Effect of nitric oxide on DNA replication induced by angiotensin II in rat cardiac fibroblasts

Our previous in vivo studies (Hou et al. J Clin Invest. 1995;96:2469-2477.) demonstrated that chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase led to an exaggerated response to relatively low doses of angiotensin II, resulting in a rapid and marked cardiac fibrosis. To examine further the importance of angiotensin II in inducing cardiac fibrosis and the possibility that nitric oxide serves as a modulator of the proliferative effects of angiotensin II, we used cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts to study the interrelationships between these substances. Angiotensin II induced a delayed DNA synthetic response in quiescent cells that occurred 30 hours after exposure to the hormone. The most pronounced effect of angiotensin II on thymidine uptake occurred 36 to 42 hours after the addition to cells. This response was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of either S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine or sodium nitroprusside, each a source of nitric oxide. The nitric oxide donor was most effective in reducing thymidine incorporation when added 12 hours after angiotensin II, whereas the metabolite N-acetylpenicillamine had no effect at any time. The inhibitory effect of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine was mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate but not by 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate. Nitric oxide donors did not appear to inhibit the induction of c-fos, Egr-1, or other immediate-early genes in response to angiotensin II. The results suggest that nitric oxide affects the cell cycle following the transition into G, and modulates the proliferation of fibroblasts during cardiac fibrosis induced by angiotensin II.

Gene transfer into vascular cells using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors

OBJECTIVES

Recombinant viral vectors based on the nonpathogenic parvovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), have a number of attractive features for gene therapy, including the ability to transduce non-dividing cells and its long-term transgene expression. In this study, an AAV vector containing bacterial beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ) was used to transduce cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in vitro and rat thoracic aortas ex vivo.

METHODS

VSMC were transduced with AAV-lacZ at multiplicities of infection (MOI) ranging from 5.0 x 10(5) to 1.0 x 10(7). Expression of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) in VSMC was evaluated by X-gal staining and a beta-gal ELISA method. Excised rat aortas were incubated with medium containing AAV-lacZ. Expression of beta-gal in the aortic segments was evaluated by X-gal staining.

RESULTS

With increasing MOI, up to 50% of cultured VSMC were positive by X-gal staining and the beta-gal expression increased up to 15 ng/mg protein. The expression gradually decreased during the culture but was detectable for at least 1 month. In the ex vivo study, AAV vectors transduced endothelial and adventitial cells in rat aortic segments, while no expression was seen in medial VSMC.

CONCLUSIONS

AAV vectors can efficiently transduce rat VSMC in vitro. AAV-mediated ex vivo gene transfer into the normal aorta resulted in efficient gene transfer into endothelial and adventitial cells but not into medial VSMC. These findings suggest that AAV-based vectors are promising for use in cardiovascular gene therapy.

Expression of CD44 variants in gastric carcinoma with or without Epstein-Barr virus

The significance of CD44 variants in gastric carcinoma has not been fully investigated in terms of the pathological features of the carcinoma, including its association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this study, a total of 104 primary gastric carcinoma tissues (EBV-associated gastric carcinomas, EBVaGC, and EBV-negative carcinomas) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. When the immunoreactivity of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections was graded on a scale of 0-3, the frequencies of grades 0-1, 2 and 3 were, respectively, 77%, 16% and 7% using monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3G5, which recognizes V3-5, and 70%, 14% and 15% with MAb 2F10, which recognizes V6. The expression of CD44 variants is independently correlated with lymph node metastasis and EBV-association in gastric carcinoma. Significant correlations were observed between V3-5 expression and lymph vessel invasion or lymph node metastasis, and between V6 expression and lymph node metastasis. The expression of both variants was significantly correlated with EBV-association. EBV-association and lymph node metastasis contributed independently to CD44 variant expression by multivariate analysis. Thus, the mechanism and significance of CD44 variant-expression are different in gastric carcinomas with or without EBV. EBVaGC is a distinct type of gastric carcinoma which should be considered separately from EBV-negative carcinoma.

5-Fluorouracil derivatives. XXII. Synthesis and antitumor activities of 1-carbamoyl-5-fluorouracils

Fifty-four 1-carbamoyl-5-fluorouracils were synthesized from 5-fluorouracil and isocyanate or amine. Antitumor activity was tested in the L-1210 tumor system, and 11 compounds gave better values of therapeutic ratio than HCFU (1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil). 1-(4-Methoxycyclohexylcarbamoyl)-5-fluorouracil gave the best result.

Infected subdural effusion associated with resolving subdural hematoma--case report

A 70-year-old male presented with rapid neurological deterioration and fever 3 months after suffering a closed head trauma. He underwent craniotomy for possible subdural empyema based on computed tomography and clinical findings. Dural incision revealed an outer membrane typical of chronic subdural hematoma which covered a clear, yellowish fluid containing Campylobacter fetus. Histological examination confirmed the capsule of the hematoma, with a necrotic focus infiltrated by neutrophils. Administration of intravenous imipenem and topical tobramycin and cefalothin achieved total resolution of his neurological deficits. Development of the infected subdural effusion was probably secondary to bacterial infection in the pre-existing chronic subdural hematoma in the resolving stage. The presence of the hematoma capsule always carries the risk of development of an infectious focus.

The best site for bronchial stapling in left and right upper lobectomies: a comparative study

Bronchial stapling and postoperative bronchoscopy was performed in 22 left upper lobectomies (LUL) and 18 right upper lobectomies (RUL). Seven LUL cases and 15 RUL cases with staples positioned 2 bronchial rings (BR) from the entrance to the upper lobe bronchus (ULB) had no residual cartilaginous rings at the stump (RCRS). Deformity of the residual bronchus (DRB) was found in 6 of these 7 LUL cases, and 3 of these 15 RUL cases (p < 0.01), with a high rate of suffering from a severe cough. The remaining 15 LUL cases and 3 RUL cases had staples positioned 3 to 4 BR from the entrance to the ULB resulting in one or two RCRS. Only one LUL case with one RCRS was accompanied by DRB and coughing. These facts strongly imply a connection between cough and DRB. DRB was frequently seen in LUL cases with no RCRS (86%), was less likely to occur in cases with one RCRS (10%), and was absent in cases with two RCRS (p < 0.01). We conclude that bronchial staples applied during a LUL should be positioned 3 or 4 bronchial rings distal from the entrance to the left ULB.

[Effects of fibronectin on the monokine production by cultured-human monocytes]

The effect of fibronectin (FN) on IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 production was investigated with cultured monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood. Monokine concentrations were determined by ELISA. FN markedly stimulated the secretion of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 from cultured monocytes. Northern blot analysis revealed the up-regulated expression of mRNA specific for each monokine on exposure of monocytes to FN. GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, and LPS synergistically enhanced FN-induced IL-1 alpha production. We further investigated the signal transduction pathways involved in FN-stimulated monokine secretion. FN-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion was markedly inhibited by either herbimycin A or genistein, inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), but was not affected by staurosporin, a inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC). The results suggest that PTK is required for FN-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion. In contrast, LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion was markedly inhibited by not only herbimycin A or genistein, but also staurosporin. Therefore, both PTK and PKC may be involved in LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion. We also demonstrated that, in monocytes, cytoplasmic proteins of about 70 and 240 kDa were phosphorylated after FN stimulation. Our results indicate that FN may contribute to the inflammatory response of monocyte by inducing monokine production.

Leukotriene antagonist prevents exacerbation of asthma during reduction of high-dose inhaled corticosteroid. The Tokyo Joshi-Idai Asthma Research Group

To test whether the leukotriene antagonist ONO-1078 (pranlukast) prevents asthma exacerbations during reduction of high-dose inhaled corticosteroid, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 79 asthma patients requiring high doses (1,500 microg/d or more) of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDI) for clinical control (duration of asthma, 11.0 +/- 3.1 yr; duration of BDI treatment, 0.5 +/- 0.3 yr; FEV1 percentage of predicted, 80.7 +/- 2.0%). After a 2-wk run-in period, the doses of BDI were halved, while the patients were assigned to receive orally ONO-1078, 450 mg twice daily, or placebo. In the placebo group FEV1 decreased by 0.33 +/- 0.20 L after 6 wk (p < 0.001). Likewise, morning and evening PEF decreased by 46 +/- 7 L/min and 18 +/- 6 L/min, respectively. By contrast these variables were sustained above baseline in the ONO-1078 group. The number of daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms and the use of beta2-agonist increased in the placebo group, whereas they remained unchanged in the ONO-1078 group. In the placebo group concentrations of serum eosinophil cationic protein and exhaled nitric oxide increased (p = 0.007 and p = 0.025, respectively), compared with no change in the ONO-1078 group. Therefore, the leukotriene antagonist ONO-1078 prevents the asthma deterioration provoked by a 6-wk reduction of the dose of inhaled BDI into half.

Quantitative RT-PCR for inhibin/activin subunits: measurements of rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs during the estrous cycle

Inhibins (alpha-beta(A) and alpha-beta(B)) and activins (beta(A)-beta(A), beta(A)-beta(B) and beta(B)-beta(B)) were originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluids as FSH secretion modifiers. Inhibin/activin subunits, alpha, beta(A) and beta(B), are widely distributed in several tissues, including gonads and brain, and inhibins and activins have been reported to be involved in ovarian or hypothalamic functions. In this study, we established and employed a competitive RT-PCR assay system for rat inhibin/activin subunits by capillary electrophoresis to determine rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNA levels during the estrous cycle. Linearity of standards for alpha, beta(A), and beta(B) subunit assays were between 0.01-0.3 amol, 0.003-0.09 amol and 0.002-0.02 amol of each fragment DNA as a standard, respectively. Hypothalamic beta(A) subunit mRNA during the estrous morning (1000 h) tended to be increased compared with that of the proestrous evening (1700 h), although they were not significantly different. Ovarian alpha subunit mRNA levels tended to be increased during the proestrous morning (1000 h) and were significantly increased in the proestrous evening (1700 h), compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05). Ovarian beta(A) subunit mRNA was also significantly higher in the proestrous evening, compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05), but in the case of beta(B) subunit mRNA there was no difference among diestrus, proestrus and estrus. We thus established a sensitive competitive RT-PCR system for the measurement of inhibin/activin alpha, beta(A) and beta(B) subunits, and this assay system would be helpful for the study of inhibin/activin action in brain and other tissues where these factors are expressed at low levels.

In vivo absorption of calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide from the large intestine in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of the large intestine to absorb calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) from their sparingly water-soluble salts, and also to determine whether fructooligosaccharides (FOS) stimulate the absorption of these minerals in rat large intestine in vivo. Rats were fed Ca- and Mg-free diets with and without 5% FOS. An aqueous suspension of CaCO3 and MgO was infused into the stomach via a gastric tube or into the cecum via an implanted catheter. Coprophagy was prevented by using wire-mesh anal cups throughout the experiment so as to exclude the re-ingestion of feces as an oral mineral source. In rats fed an FOS-free diet, the absorption degrees of Ca and Mg infused into the cecum were the same as those infused into the stomach. The absorption degree of phosphorus (P) was slightly but significantly higher in rats with the infusion of Ca and Mg into the cecum than in rats with the infusion of Ca and Mg into the stomach. FOS-feeding increased the absorption of Mg to a similar extent in either case of infusion via cecal and oral routes, while FOS-feeding did not increase the absorption of Ca in rats with infusion of Ca and Mg into the cecum. We concluded that both CaCO3 and MgO are absorbed in the large intestine, and we ascertained that the increasing effect of FOS on the absorption of Mg took place mainly in the large intestine.

Does arthroscopic abrasion arthroplasty promote cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritic knees with eburnation? A prospective study of high tibial osteotomy with abrasion arthroplasty versus high tibial osteotomy alone

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether or not abrasion arthroplasty promotes cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritic (OA) knees with eburnation. Patients with OA knees were divided into a group of 51 knees treated by osteotomy with abrasion arthroplasty (Group A) and another group of 37 knees treated by osteotomy alone (Group B). Regeneration of cartilage was compared between the groups both arthroscopically and histologically. The Outerbridge classification was used for arthroscopic grading with Grade 0 being normal and Grade IV representing eburnation. On arthroscopic examination, around 12 months after surgery, Group A showed a significantly higher incidence of Grade II repair (a smooth articular surface and small fissures) and a lower incidence of Grade IV repair than Group B on both the femoral (P < .001) and tibial (P < .01) joint surfaces. Age was the only factor influencing the grade of tibial cartilage in Group A. Histological examination showed that 64% of the regenerated tissue studied consisted of fibro-cartilage at around 12 months after surgery. There was no difference in the clinical outcome at 2 to 9 years postoperatively between Groups A and B.