Fluorescence in situ hybridization using 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotides reveals localization of methanogens and selected uncultured bacteria in mesophilic and thermophilic sludge granules

16S rRNA-targeted in situ hybridization combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to elucidate the spatial distribution of microbes within two types of methanogenic granular sludge, mesophilic (35 degrees C) and thermophilic (55 degrees C), in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors fed with sucrose-, acetate-, and propionate-based artificial wastewater. The spatial organization of the microbes was visualized in thin sections of the granules by using fluorescent oligonucleotide probes specific to several phylogenetic groups of microbes. In situ hybridization with archaeal- and bacterial-domain probes within granule sections clearly showed that both mesophilic and thermophilic granules had layered structures and that the outer layer harbored mainly bacterial cells while the inner layer consisted mainly of archaeal cells. Methanosaeta-, Methanobacterium-, Methanospirillum-, and Methanosarcina-like cells were detected with oligonucleotide probes specific for the different groups of methanogens, and they were found to be localized inside the granules, in both types of which dominant methanogens were members of the genus Methanosaeta. For specific detection of bacteria which were previously detected by whole-microbial-community 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)-cloning analysis (Y. Sekiguchi, Y. Kamagata, K. Syutsubo, A. Ohashi, H. Harada, and K. Nakamura, Microbiology 144:2655-2665, 1998) we designed probes specific for clonal 16S rDNAs related to unidentified green nonsulfur bacteria and clones related to Syntrophobacter species. The probe designed for the cluster closely related to Syntrophobacter species hybridized with coccoid cells in the inner layer of the mesophilic granule sections. The probe for the unidentified bacteria which were clustered with the green nonsulfur bacteria detected filamentous cells in the outermost layer of the thermophilic sludge granule sections. These results revealed the spatial organizations of methanogens and uncultivated bacteria and their in situ morphologies and metabolic functions in both mesophilic and thermophilic granular sludges.

[Nonoperative management of major blunt renal lacerations with urinary extravasation: report of two cases]

Two cases of major blunt renal trauma with urinary extravasation managed by conservative treatment are presented herein. The first case: A 13-year-old girl fell from a bicycle. A computed tomographic (CT) scan showed right renal laceration with retroperitoneal hematoma. Renal arteriography showed evidence of fresh arterial bleeding without visualization of the lower pole. She was treated conservatively with superselective arterial embolization of the lower pole. She developed no urinoma with normal renal function. Renal renin and blood pressures stayed within the normal range in follow up studies. The second case: A 12-year-old boy fell from a tree and hit his right flank. A CT scan showed fragmentation of right renal cortex with retroperitoneal hematoma. He was treated conservatively as his vital signs remained stable, no active arterial bleeding was found no renal arteriography and both renal pelvis and ureters were well visualized by intra venous pyelography. Retroperitoneal hematoma was absorbed without formation of urinoma. Renal function remained within normal limits in follow up studies.

[Evaluation of therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure by iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging: comparison with heart rate variability power spectral analysis]

The relationship between the myocardial uptake of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) and heart rate variability parameters has not been determined. This study determined the relationship between the change in myocardial uptake of 123I-MIBG and improvement in left ventricular function after treatment, to determine the usefulness of 123I-MIBG imaging to assess the effect of therapy on heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 123I-MIBG imaging and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability were performed before and after treatment in 17 patients with heart failure due to DCM. The following parameters were compared before and after treatment: New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, radiographic cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), blood pressure, echocardiographic data [left ventricular end-systolic (LVDs) and end-diastolic (LVDd) diameters, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)], plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine, heart rate variability power spectral analysis data [mean low frequency (MLF) and high frequency power (MHF)] and the myocardium to mediastinum activity ratio (MYO/M) obtained in early and late images, and washout rate calculated by anterior planar imaging of 123I-MIBG. The NYHA functional class, LVEF, LVDs, CTR, MLF and MHF improved after treatment. Early MYO/M and late MYO/M improved after treatment. The rate of increase in late MYO/M was positively correlated with the rate of improvement of LVEF after treatment. Furthermore, the late MYO/M was negatively correlated with MLF. Washout rate revealed no correlation with hemodynamic parameters. These findings suggest that late MYO/M is more useful than washout rate to assess the effect of treatment on heart failure due to DCM. Furthermore, the 123I-MIBG imaging and heart rate variability parameters are useful to assess the autonomic tone in DCM with heart failure.

Nitric oxide modulates sympathetic control of left ventricular contraction in vivo in the dog

Recently, evidence has been presented that nitric oxide (NO) modulates myocardial contraction induced by beta-adrenergic stimulation in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether inhibition of the L-arginine NO system augments the positive inotropic response of the left ventricle to direct stimulation of the sympathetic nerves in vivo in the dog. Electrical stimulation was applied to the left stellate ganglion (LSG) for 1 min at submaximal (5 V, 2.5, 5 and 10 Hz) and supramaximal intensities (10 V, 10 Hz) in twelve anesthetized and vagotomized dogs. Next, in the same dogs, N(omega)-nitro L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) was infused into the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, and LSG stimulation repeated using the same protocol. Finally, L-arginine was infused into the LAD artery, and LSG stimulation repeated. We used the maximum of the first derivative of left ventricular pressure (LV max d P/dt) as an index of the myocardial contractility. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were measured in the coronary sinus at 5 V, 2.5 Hz before and after L-NAME treatment in five of twelve dogs. L-NAME treatment significantly augmented the inotropic response of the left ventricle (percent change in the LV max dP/dt) to LSG submaximal stimulation trains from 164 +/- 13 to.212 +/- 21 (P < 0.03), from 187 +/- 15 to 234 +/- 25 (P < 0.05) and from 220 +/- 19 to 280 +/- 33% (P < 0.05), respectively. This response was reversed by L-arginine treatment. However, the inotropic response to the supramaximal stimulation train did not change after L-NAME and L-arginine treatment. L-NAME significantly increased plasma norepinephrine concentration from 0.69 +/- 0.41 to 1.00 +/- 0.52 ng/ml without changing plasma epinephrine concentration in the coronary sinus. It is concluded that the inhibition of the L-arginine NO system augmented the positive inotropic effect on the left ventricle during sympathetic nerve stimulation in normal dogs in vivo.

Production of granulocyte/macrophage and macrophage colony-stimulating factors by human thyrocytes in culture

Monocytes/macrophages can be activated by the colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), granulocyte/macrophage CSF and macrophage CSF, and play a pivotal role in immune and inflammatory responses. We examined whether human thyrocytes can produce these CSFs. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) strongly up-regulated the gene and protein expression of the two CSFs. Interferon-gamma stimulated M-CSF expression but inversely suppressed GM-CSF expression in either basal or IL-1-stimulated condition. Thyrocytes prepared from Graves' thyroid tissues produced relatively larger amounts of GM-CSF in response to IL-1 and M-CSF in both basal and IL-1-stimulated conditions when compared to those obtained from normal and adenomatous goiter thyroid tissues. Thyrotropin attenuated M-CSF, but not GM-CSF, production. The present finding indicates that human thyrocytes themselves produce both GM-CSF and M-CSF, and thus may participate in immune and inflammatory responses through these CSFs production.

[Endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the prostate: a case report]

A 69-year-old man was referred to our department with gross hematuria. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the tumor directly invading the rectum. Biopsy of the tumor by transurethral resection demonstrated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was normal. Because the tumor did not respond to hormonal therapy for a month, radical prostatectomy combined with rectal amputation was performed. Immunohistochemically, carcinoembryonic antigen was detected but PSA and prostatic acid phosphatase were not.

Involvement of bacterial antigens in immunoglobulin A nephropathy

To investigate the involvement of bacterial antigens in Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, we measured IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies to gram-negative Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Haemophilus influenzae (H.influenzae) by ELISA in 24 patients (11 males and 13 females) with IgA nephropathy and 22 normal controls (11 males and 11 females). The titers of IgA and IgM antibodies for E.coli and H.influenzae were significantly higher in the IgA nephropathy group than in the controls. In addition, IgA and IgM antibody titers for E.coli and H.influenzae showed a significant positive correlation with serum IgA and IgM levels. These findings suggest that subclinical infection by these bacteria stimulates IgA production and that this may be a factor in the development and progression of IgA nephropathy.

An anatomic study of neuropeptide immunoreactivities in the lumbar dura mater after lumbar sympathectomy

STUDY DESIGN

The distribution and density of nerve innervation in the lumbar dura mater after lumbar sympathectomy were assessed in wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE

To provide basic information on the interaction between sympathetic and sensory nerves in patients with low back pain.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Many studies have indicated that the sinuvertebral nerve has an important role in innervating the tissues around the vertebrae. However, the origin, innervating pattern, and connections between the nerves are still controversial. It is well known that pain is often accompanied with sympathetic symptoms and exaggerated by sympathetic stimuli. Occasionally, anesthetic block at the L2 or L3 sympathetic ganglion relieves low back pain or symptoms associated with low back pain. The authors assessed the changes of the density and distribution of nerve innervation of the lumbar dura mater after lumbar sympathectomy.

METHODS

Normal adult rats were sympathectomized at L2-L3. The threshold for thermal noxious pain by hot-plate analgesia test and changes in neuropeptides in the lumbar dura mater and dorsal root ganglia using light microscopic immunohistochemistry were assessed and compared with control rats.

RESULTS

In the hot-plate analgesia test, sympathectomized rats increased their hot-plate latency time compared with that of sham-operated rats. Density of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive fibers in sympathectomy side of the lumbar dura mater decreased to 45.5% compared with the contralateral side. The number and size of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive cells in dorsal root ganglia showed no difference between sympathectomized and contralateral side.

CONCLUSION

Sympathectomy increased the pain threshold and made the sympathectomized rats hypesthetic. A large numbers of sensory fibers innervated the lumbar dura mater via L2-L3 sympathetic nerve in rats. Sympathectomy reduced the number of these nerve fibers in the lumbar dura mater. Sympathetic nerves may play an important role for low back pain involving the lumbar dura mater.

Effect of cilazapril on vascular restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

BACKGROUND

In experimental studies using cilazapril, the strongest inhibition of neointima formation was obtained when treatment was initiated 6 days before injury. The MERCATOR trial showed no reduction in restenosis with cilazapril given after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The purpose of this study is to determine whether previous administration of cilazapril could prevent restenosis.

METHODS

A total of 167 patients were randomly and prospectively assigned to the cilazapril group or the control group. In the cilazapril group, 78 patients received a 2 mg dose of cilazparil daily, starting 7 days before PTCA and continuing for 6 months. Only 128 patients (cilazapril 56, control 72) completed the study because 39 dropped out. Coronary angiograms were evaluated by the quantitative coronary angiogram (QCA) system.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups of patients with regard to baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. QCA analysis (cilazapril 66 lesions, control 101 lesions): the loss at follow-up in minimal lumen diameter was 0.36 +/- 0.57 mm in the cilazapril group and 0.57 +/- 0.75 mm in the control group (P < 0.05). Restenosis rate: in the cilazapril group, 16 of 56 patients (28.6%) had restenosis in contrast to 36 of 72 patients (50.0%) in the control group (P < 0.02). When vessel restenosis was evaluated, 16 of 63 vessels (25.4%) demonstrated restenosis in the cilazapril group, in contrast to 41 of 82 vessels (50.0%) in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment using cilazapril 7 days before PTCA significantly reduced the rate of restenosis. These data suggest that previous administration of cilazapril might be important for preventing restenosis.

Quantitative double-tracer autoradiography with tritium and carbon-14 using imaging plates: application to myocardial metabolic studies in rats

A system for 3H- and 14C-labeled macroautoradiography was developed that is able to quantify the tissue radioactivity of two tracers using imaging plates.

METHODS

Discrimination between electrons emitted from 3H and 14C is possible on the basis of their different energy distributions. The general use imaging plate with a protective layer detects 14C radioactivity, but it does not detect 3H radioactivity which has a lower energy distribution than 14C. Recently, a 3H-sensitive imaging plate without a protective layer was developed. The 3H distribution image is obtained by subtracting the UR image from the TR image. For quantification of the tissue radioactivity of 3H and 14C, we obtained tissue equivalent values (Bq/mg) of commercially available 3H- and 14C-labeled graded standards using different dilutions of labeled heart paste and liquid scintillation counting. Using the 3H- and 14C-labeled graded standards, we confirmed the validity of the quantification of the 3H-autoradiographic intensity using this subtraction method. We applied this method to a rat model of acute myocardial ischemia to compare regional myocardial free fatty acid uptake determined by beta-methyl[1-14C]heptadecanoic acid to glucose uptake determined by 2-deoxy-D-[1-3H]glucose.

RESULTS

Free fatty acid uptake was decreased sharply at the ischemic periphery where glucose uptake was preserved.

CONCLUSION

This double-tracer autoradiography with 3H and 14C which has high sensitivity, a high spatial resolution of 50 microns and superior linearity with a wide dynamic range of 10(4) to 10(5) allows accurate quantification of the tissue radioactivity of the two radiopharmaceuticals.

The herbal medicine sho-saiko-to induces nitric oxide synthase in rat hepatocytes

We have examined the effects of the herbal medicine sho-saiko-to (SST) on nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis in rat hepatocytes by measuring the stable end-product nitrite and the mRNA of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Interferon-gamma (IFN) by itself failed to induce NO synthesis (IFN: 1-1,000 u/ml). SST also did not elicit NO synthesis at concentrations up to 300 micrograms/ml when administered alone, but dose-dependently induced NO production in the presence of IFN. Whereas SST or IFN induced barely detectable levels of iNOS mRNA when administered alone, a combination of SST and IFN markedly induced iNOS mRNA in the cells. SST also modestly increased NO synthesis caused by interleukin-1 or bacterial lipopolysaccharide as a single agent, or in combination with IFN. On the other hand, SST had no effects on the NO synthesis produced by iNOS which were already induced. Thus, we found that SST stimulates cultured hepatocytes to produce NO by inducing iNOS gene expression under appropriate conditions. The capability of SST to induce NO biosynthesis might be related to the therapeutic efficacy of SST on the liver diseases.

Intrapleural omentum simulating pleural effusion

We report herein a case of Morgagni hernia of omentum into the pleural space, simulating a pleural effusion on a routine chest radiograph. A 62-year-old man was referred to our clinic for close examination of a pleural effusion-like shadow at the right costophrenic region. He had no history of trauma and no symptoms. Chest computed tomographic scan showed a pleural effusion-like shadow with a fat density. Thoracoscopy revealed a movable omentum-like mass and no significant fluid in the right pleural space. Magnetic resonance imaging and celiac angiography confirmed the herniation of omentum into the right pleural space. This case suggests that a Morgagni hernia must be excluded in a patient with a fat density effusion-like shadow in the pleural space.

Glycogenolytic activity of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in vivo and in vitro

When pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP-38, 420 pmol/kg) was injected to anesthetized dogs, hyperglycemia associated with elevation in plasma glucagon and adrenalin levels was observed. In dogs undergone adrenalectomy, the same dose of it stimulated insulin, but not glucagon, release and hyperglycemia was not observed. Much higher dose was needed to evoke hyperglycemia in such dogs. Next, direct glycogenolytic activities of PACAP, glucagon and adrenalin were studied on cultured rat hepatocytes. PACAP38 stimulated glucose output via cAMP production by the cells, but the potency was far less than that of glucagon. Adrenalin, however, could not exert the activity with physiological concentrations. These results indicate that hyperglycemic effect of PACAP can be attributed mainly to indirect effects resulting from glucagon and adrenalin release and possibly in part to a direct action on hepatocytes.

Effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine on shock induced by endotoxin and by platelet activating factor in dogs

When NG-nitro-L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, administration was started 5 min prior to shock induction in anesthetized dogs, a partial restoration was observed in endotoxin-induced shock and a complete recovery in platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced shock. When NG-nitro-L-arginine infusion was started 5 min after shock induction, no significant recovery was observed in endotoxin-induced shock and a complete recovery in PAF-induced shock. These data indicate that enhanced production of nitric oxide by vascular endothelial cells may contribute to endotoxin- or PAF-induced shock and also that some mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase and/or cellular damage might be involved in endotoxin-induced shock.

Prostaglandin E2 stimulates cyclic AMP-mediated hyaluronan synthesis in rabbit pericardial mesothelial cells

We studied the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on hyaluronan synthesis in rabbit pericardial mesothelial cells, and the following results were obtained. (1) PGE2 (10-1000 ng/ml) stimulated hyaluronan synthesis and the level of hyaluronan synthase activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but PGF2 alpha did not. (2) Cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in the cells peaked (about a 7-fold increase) at 5-10 min after adding PGE2 (1000 ng/ml). (3) Increased hyaluronan synthesis induced by PGE2 was significantly inhibited after pretreatment with either an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (2',5'-dideoxyadenosine) or a cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (PKI 5-24), but there was no inhibition with the protein kinase C inhibitor H-7. (4) When the intracellular cAMP level was raised by manipulating the levels of dibutyryl cyclic AMP or forskolin, hyaluronan synthesis and the level of hyaluronan synthase activity were also stimulated. These results suggest that PGE2 produced by cells stimulates hyaluronan synthesis in rabbit pericardial cells and that the stimulation mechanism involves the cAMP-mediated protein kinase signal transduction process.

Elevation of plasma endothelin concentrations during endotoxin shock in dogs

The effect of endotoxin on the release of endothelin, a novel potent vasoconstrictor peptide, was examined in anesthetized dogs and in cultured endothelial cells. Administration of 2.63 mg lipopolysaccharide, E. coli 0111:B4/kg body weight caused shock in the animals and produced a long-lasting increase in the plasma immunoreactive endothelin-1 level that remained higher than the basal level (1.83 pg/ml as mean level) from 30 to 120 min after the injection, with a peak at 90 min (8.15 pg/ml as mean level). In vitro immunoreactive endothelin-1 in a culture medium, in which calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells were incubated in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum, increased dose dependently with the concentration of added lipopolysaccharide between 0.01 and 10 micrograms/ml. These data indicate that plasma endothelin increases during endotoxin shock and that stimulation by endotoxin, per se, in the presence of serum participates at least partially in the mechanism for its release.

Photodynamic therapy using pheophorbide a and Nd:YAG laser

The authors describe a new photodynamic therapy (PDT) method for malignant brain tumors. Pheophorbide a (Ph-a), the photosensitizer, has low toxicity, causes no skin sensitization and is activated with an acoustic Q switched neodymium yttrium-argon-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser which achieves deep tissue penetration. The Ph-a distribution in Fisher 344 (F344) rats bearing rat T9 glioma at 24 hours after intravenous injection was very low in the normal brain tissue, but significantly higher in the T9 glioma giving a tumor to normal brain tissue concentration ratio of 7.5:1. The in vitro survival rate of T9 glioma cells pretreated with Ph-a was 68.8 +/- 5.4% after laser irradiation for 20 minutes, significantly lower than in the control groups. This indicates that Ph-a was activated with the acoustic Q switched Nd:YAG laser causing the photodynamic effect. The survival rate after Ph-a pretreatment and laser irradiation in a waterbath at 44.0 degrees C was further reduced to 15.8 +/- 3.3%. In vivo PDT studies using T9 glioma cells inoculated into the dorsal region of F344 rats showed tumor eradication in four of six rats. The combination of PDT and laser hyperthermia produced tumor eradication in all six rats. The combination of PDT and hyperthermia is a promising method for tumor treatment.

[Effects of celiac plexus block on splanchnic circulation--II: Changes in the systemic hemodynamics and the blood flow of the liver and kidney in dogs]

Effects of celiac plexus block (CPB) on systemic and splanchnic circulation, especially of liver and kidney, were investigated in twenty nine mongrel dogs. CPB was performed by an anterior approach through a catheter placed in a paraaortic compartment using 7 mg.kg-1 of 2% mepivacaine. Tissue blood flow measurement was performed by a hydrogen clearance method in eleven dogs, and vascular blood flow was measured in eighteen dogs by an electromagnetic flow meter. Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted to measure mean arterial pressure (ABP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac output (CO). Then stroke volume (SV), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were calculated. Following CPB, ABP, HR, CVP and C.O. were significantly decreased at 7 to 9%. PAP decreased at 5%. PCWP, SV, SVR and PVR were unchanged. The hepatic arterial blood flow increased significantly, and portal venous blood flow decreased after CPB transiently, and then recovered to control value or to a higher level at 60min after CPB. The tissue blood flow of the liver tended to increase, but the change was not significant. In the kidney, both arterial and tissue blood flows increased significantly after CPB. The results suggest that following CPB, hepatic and renal tissue blood flows increased because of the increments of their arterial blood flows, unless a profound systemic hemodynamic depression occurred.

Accessory cell activity of monocytes in anti-DNA antibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus

Depletion of monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) resulted in a decreased anti-DNA antibody synthesis in vitro. The addition of monocytes restored the response by lymphocytes and the maximum response in the presence of 2.5-8% of monocytes, whereas greater than 15% of monocytes caused rather decreased antibody responses. In order to further evaluate the role of monocytes on an anti-DNA antibody synthesis, we designated an accessory cell index, based on reconstitution experiments using isologous SLE lymphocytes, and compared it in active or inactive SLE and controls. The studies revealed that active SLE monocytes enhanced spontaneously occurring anti-DNA antibody synthesis by SLE lymphocytes. These results indicate that SLE monocytes actively participate in spontaneously occurring anti-DNA autoantibody synthesis in humans.

[The effect of celiac plexus block on splanchnic circulation; changes in systemic hemodynamics and tissue blood flow of the liver and kidney in rabbits]

The effects of the celiac plexus block (CPB) on the hepatic and renal tissue blood flow (TBF) were investigated in 45 rabbits. Together with this, the effects of drugs (phenylephrine: PE, norepinephrine: NE, dopamine: DA, 6% hydroxyethyl starch: HES) used to increase mean blood pressure (MBP) up to control level were also investigated. TBF was measured by the hydrogen clearance method. Following CPB, MBP and heart rate decreased significantly. TBF of the liver and kidney both decreased significantly for 14.3% and 25.9% respectively. A correlation was observed between the decreases of MBP and renal TBF. An increase in hepatic TBF beyond the control level was observed in DA group, and in both hepatic and renal TBF in the HES group after adjustment of MBP. In other groups, both hepatic and renal TBF tended to decrease. It was concluded that hepatic and renal TBF decreased because of hemodynamic suppression following CPB. The results also suggest that both TBFs would have increased if systemic hemodynamic change was not so great.

Impaired accessory cell function of monocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus

We studied the ability of monocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients to act as accessory cells in an in vitro antibody response. Depletion of monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of normal subjects caused markedly diminished immunoglobulin (Ig) production but that of SLE did not. In order to evaluate the accessory cell activity of monocytes in in vitro immunoglobulin (Ig) production, we designed an accessory cell index of monocytes in the antibody responses. The studies revealed that Ig synthesis of isologous lymphocytes, mixed with monocytes from patients with active lupus nephritis, was significantly lower than those mixed with monocytes from healthy subjects. Moreover, the addition of graded numbers of monocytes of the former to unseparated peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not alter in vitro antibody production. These results indicate that monocytes from active SLE patients have an impared accessory cell function in an in vitro antibody response with no stimulating effect on suppressor cell activity.

Molecular cloning and expression of rat interleukin-1 alpha cDNA

A cDNA sequence coding for rat interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) has been isolated from a cDNA library that was prepared with mRNA derived from LPS-stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages by using human IL-1 alpha cDNA as a probe. The rat cDNA encodes a 270 amino acid residue protein which is homologous (65%) to human IL-1 alpha. The rat cDNA sequence under SV40 early promoter directed the synthesis of biologically active IL-1 in monkey COS-1 cells. Rat IL-1 alpha mRNA is not expressed in spleen, lung, liver or brain, and is also not expressed in these organs of LPS-treated rat except spleen. This suggests that IL-1 alpha is not produced constitutively in various tissues and LPS is not sufficient to induce IL-1 alpha in most tissues. Our data indicate that the IL-1 activities which have been reported to be produced in the brain are not of alpha type. We have constructed a plasmid expressing the carboxy terminal 156 amino acids in Escherichia coli. Recombinant rat IL-1 alpha produced in COS cells or E. coli has cytotoxic activity against the human melanoma cell line A375S1 (GIF activity), which has been reported to be sensitive to human IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. This suggests that GIF activity is common to IL-1s derived from various sources.