Development of a new knock-in mouse model and evaluation of pharmacological activities of lusutrombopag, a novel, nonpeptidyl small-molecule agonist of the human thrombopoietin receptor c-Mpl

Lusutrombopag (S-888711), an oral small-molecule thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR) agonist, has gained first approval as a drug to treat thrombocytopenia of chronic liver disease in patients undergoing elective invasive procedures in Japan. Preclinical studies were performed to evaluate its efficacy against megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. To investigate the proliferative activity and efficacy of megakaryocytic colony formation via human TPOR, lusutrombopag was applied to cultured human c-Mpl-expressing Ba/F3 (Ba/F3-hMpl) cells and human bone marrow-derived CD34-positive cells, respectively. Lusutrombopag caused a robust increase in Ba/F3-hMpl cells by activating pathways in a manner similar to that of thrombopoietin and induced colony-forming units-megakaryocyte and polyploid megakaryocytes in human CD34-positive cells. Because lusutrombopag has high species specificity for human TPOR, there was no suitable experimental animal model for drug evaluation, except for immunodeficient mouse-based xenograft models. Therefore, a novel genetically modified knock-in mouse, TPOR-Ki/Shi, was developed by replacing mouse Mpl with human-mouse chimera Mpl. In TPOR-Ki/Shi mice, lusutrombopag significantly increased circulating platelets in a dose-dependent manner during 21-day repeated oral administration. Histopathological study of the TPOR-Ki/Shi mice on day 22 also revealed a significant increase in megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. These results indicate that lusutrombopag acts on human TPOR to upregulate differentiation and proliferation of megakaryocytic cells, leading to platelet production.

Overexpression of acetyl CoA carboxylase β exacerbates podocyte injury in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) β gene (ACACB), rs2268388, has been shown to be associated with susceptibility to development of proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. To investigate the biological roles of ACCβ in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, we examined the effects of overexpression of ACACB using podocyte-specific ACACB-transgenic mice or ACACB-overexpressing murine podocytes. Podocyte-specific ACACB-transgenic mice or littermate mice were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes, and 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, we examined the expression of podocyte markers to evaluate the degree of podocyte injury in these mice. We also examined the effects of ACCβ on podocyte injury in ACACB- or LacZ-overexpressing murine podocytes. Podocyte-specific ACACB overexpression did not cause visible podocyte injury in non-diabetic mice. In STZ-induced diabetic mice, ACACB-transgenic mice showed a significant increase in urinary albumin excretion, accompanied by decreased synaptopodin expression and podocin mislocalization in podocytes, compared with wild-type mice. In cultured murine podocytes, overexpression of ACACB significantly decreased synaptopodin expression and reorganized stress fibers under high glucose conditions, but not in normal glucose conditions. The decrease of synaptopodin expression and reorganized stress fibers observed in ACACB overexpressing cells cultured under high glucose conditions was reversed by a treatment of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR), activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The excess of ACCβ might contribute to exacerbation of podocyte injury in the kidney of an animal model for diabetes mellitus, and the AMPK/ACCβ pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of diabetes-related podocyte injury.

The effect of Assertive Community Treatment in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program in a Japanese mental health service setting.

METHOD

This study was a randomized controlled trial. ACT was the intervention condition (n = 59), and the usual hospital-based rehabilitation program was the control condition (n = 59). Outcome indicators include in-patient days, psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, quality of life, and client satisfaction. The follow-up period was 12 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

We found a significant reduction of in-patient days for the ACT group demonstrated by t-test (t = 2.33, P = 0.02). However, the results of ancova did not show significant differences for in-patient days between the two groups (F = 1.85, P = 0.18). The depression score for Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for the ACT group was significantly lower than the control group at the 12-month follow-up assessment (F = 5.57, P = 0.03). According to the t-test, the ACT group had a higher client satisfaction than the control group (t = 2.08, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that ACT had a positive influence, as evidenced by a reduction of in-patient days, lower depressive symptoms, and higher client satisfaction.

Collagen content and architecture of the puboischiofemoralis muscle in male chicks and broilers with different growth rates on various nutritional planes

1. Various growth rates of chickens were induced with different nutritional regimes, and the collagen content and architecture of the medial part of the puboischiofemoralis muscle were compared among 21-d-old chicks and 80- or 95-d-old broilers. 2. The percentage muscle weight relative to live weight increased from chicks to 80-d-old broilers and the 95-d-old broilers attained the largest percentage. An inter-relationship of the percentage muscle weight and the growth rates of birds could not be determined. 3. Collagen concentration was related to the growth rates for the first 21 d post hatching and maintained the same level during the later stages up to 80 d. The 95-d-old broilers, that were subjected to early rapid growth followed by restricted later growth, had the highest collagen content. 4. On SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) photographs, endomysial honeycombs were small and encircled by perimysia of a collagen network with small mesh size. Thin and thick perimysia were distinguished and the expanded portion of thick perimysia was also observed. Generally, the perimysia were made up of rough collagen tissue where fatty tissue developed, especially in the broilers. 5. Perimysial collagen fibres with mainly transverse striation were divided into two fundamental types, wide collagen platelets and narrow cords. With growth from the chick to broiler stage, features of the collagen fibres did not change regardless of expansion of the thick perimysia. Endomysia increased slightly from thin to thick meshwork as growth progressed. However, the collagen architecture of the muscle in broilers did not change under different nutritional regimes. 6. In conclusion, the puboischiofemoralis muscle of chickens develops relative to live weight when later growth is limited in broilers, but the collagen architecture is not affected by the different growth rates.

Collagen content and architecture of the Iliotibialis lateralis muscle in male chicks and broilers with different growth rates fed on different nutritional planes

1. Varying growth rates in chickens were induced by different nutritional regimes. The collagen content and architecture of iliotibialis lateralis (ITL) muscle were compared among 21-d-old chick types and broiler types at 80 or 95 d of age. 2. Relative size of ITL muscle was greater in the rapid growing (1.16% of live weight) than the slow growing chicks (1.02% of live weight). The 80-d-old broilers with a compensatory growth phase after an earlier slow growth period produced ITL muscle at 1.65-1.69% of live weight. The ITL muscle in 80- and 95-d-old broilers with restricted later growth after an earlier rapid growth period was 1.29 and 1.49% of live weight, respectively. 3. Collagen content of ITL muscle did not differ between chick types and also among the broiler types. However, collagen concentration decreased from 6.00-6.51 mg/g in the chicks to 3.33-4.00 mg/g in the broilers. 4. Thick and thin perimysia and honeycomb endomysia were viewed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) photography. In the perimysia, a central wide layer of longitudinal collagen fibres and peripheral narrow band of transverse fibres were distinguished. Collagen baskets of adipocytes were observed in the perimysia. 5. Perimysial collagen fibres markedly increased in number and formed a larger fibre cluster during growth from chicks to broilers. Endomysia changed from thin to thicker meshwork with growth. However, the collagen architecture of the muscle in broilers did not change under different nutritional regimes. 6. In conclusion, ITL muscle of chicken develops optimally when body growth is enhanced, but the collagen content and architecture in broilers are not affected by different growth processes.

Histochemical properties and collagen architecture of M. iliotibialis lateralis and M. puboischiofemoralis in male broilers with different growth rates induced by feeding at different planes of nutrition

1. The histochemical properties and the collagen content and architecture of the iliotibialis lateralis (ITL) and puboischiofemoralis (PIF) muscles were assessed in Red Cornish x New Hampshire cockerels reared on a high nutrient plane for 80 d (H80d), or a low nutrient plane for 80 d (L80d) or 95 d (L95d). 2. Final live weights were 3410 g in H80d, 2810 g in L80d and 3467 g in L95d. Both ITL and PIF muscle weights were lowest in L80d and did not differ between H80d and L95d. 3. ITL muscle was composed of fast-twitch myofibres such as IIA (high reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase, NADH-DH activity), IIB (low NADH-DH activity) and IIC (intermediate NADH-DH activity). The high percentage of type IIB myofibres in H80d (76.6%) and L95d (76.2%) birds were reflected in low percentages of type IIC myofibres (12.2%) in H80d birds and type IIA myofibres (8.2%) in L95d birds. Percentages of IIA, IIB and IIC myofibres in L80d cockerels were 12.4, 69.8 and 17.6%, respectively. 4. The myofibres in PIF muscle were divided into two basic types, I and IIA, and a transitional form (I-tr) from IIA to I. In the caudal region, all myofibres in H80d and L95d cockerels were type I but in L80d cockerels 15% of myofibres were categorised as type I-tr. In the cranial region, the great majority (52 to 63%) of myofibres were type IIA. Type I myofibres occurred at a higher percentage in H80d (30.5%) than L95d (21.8%) and type I-tr in L95d (15.7%) than H80d (7.3%) and L80d (11.5%). 5. The total amount of collagen was higher in ITL than PIF muscle in every bird group. In both muscles the highest collagen content was in L95d cockerels but the content did not differ between H80d and L80d birds. The thickness of thick and thin perimysia increased with muscle size. The circular collagen fibre in the thick perimysium was larger in ITL (6.1 to 7.0 microm) than PIF (3.7 to 3.8 microm) muscle but did not differ among the bird groups. 6. From these results, it was concluded that feeding on a high nutritional plane promotes growth of the thigh muscles, with accompanying enlargement of the perimysial thickness, no increase in collagen content and various changes of histochemical properties.

Association of a Mutation in TRPV3 with Defective Hair Growth in Rodents

DS-Nh mice and WBN/Kob-Ht rats are spontaneous hairless mutant rodent strains. These animals develop spontaneous dermatitis under normal conditions. The non-hair Nh and Ht phenotypes are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and the Nh mutation possesses a high potency for penetration. We previously reported that genes involved in dermatitis and hairlessness did not segregate from each other. Here, we carried out genetic analysis to identify the genes responsible for these hairless mutations. An amino-acid substitution at the same position in one gene was detected in DS-Nh mice and WBN/Kob-Ht rats: Gly573 to Ser (Nh mutation) or Gly573 to Cys (Ht mutation), located in the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel subfamily V member 3 (TRPV3) gene. Mutated TRPV3 was expressed in skin keratinocytes of DS-Nh mice. Histopathological analyses revealed that mast cells in skin lesions were increased in both rodents compared to their age-matched parent strains, and that this may partially be due to hairlessness and dermatitis. We concluded that TRPV3 was the gene responsible for Nh and Ht mutations, and that mutation in TRPV3 possibly correlated with increased mast cell numbers.

Effects of nutritional level on muscle development, histochemical properties of myofibre and collagen architecture in the pectoralis muscle of male broilers

1. The effects of nutritional level on muscle development, histochemical properties of myofibre and collagen architecture in the pectoralis muscle were evaluated using male broilers of Red Cornish x New Hampshire stock, reared on diets of high nutritional value for up to 80 d (H80d) and low nutritional value for up to 80 d (L80d, same age as H80d) or 95 d (L95d, same body weight as H80d). 2. The total live weight and the weight of pectoralis muscle were lower in L80d than in both H80d and L95d. The muscle weight as a percentage of live weight was 8.7% in L80d, 10.7% in H80d and 11.5% in L95d. 3. Pectoralis muscle was composed only of type IIB myofibres and showed no differences in myofibre type composition among the chicken groups. The largest diameter of type IIB myofibres was observed in L95d, followed by H80d and the smallest in L80d. 4. The total amount of intramuscular collagen did not differ among the chicken groups (1.92 to 1.99 mg/g). Types I and III collagens were immunohistochemically detected in both the perimysia and endomysia. The thin perimysia around the primary myofibre fascicles showed larger width in H80d than L80d and L95d, and also the thick perimysia around the secondary fascicles in H80d than L80d. 5. The collagen structure of the perimysium was most developed in H80d, followed by L95d and on the least in L80d. The development of perimysial collagen fibres could be enhanced by a rapid growth rate of the muscle induced by high nutritional level and depressed by a slow growth rate with low nutritional foods. 6. The endomysial collagen architecture was observed as a felt-like tissue of the fibril bundles with many slits. The thinnest endomysial wall was observed in L80d, followed by H80d and the thickest in L95d. 7. From these results, it was indicated that foods of high nutritional value could enhance growth of the pectoralis muscle of broilers, and this is accompanied by hypertrophy of the type IIB myofibres and development of the perimysial collagen architecture.

Age-related changes in the intramuscular distribution of melanocytes in the Silky fowl

1. The characteristics of melanocyte distribution in skeletal muscles in the Silky fowl were investigated in association with growth. 2. Pectoralis (PT) and iliotibialis lateralis (ITL) muscles from 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-, 20- and 30-week-old Silky males were weighed and collagen type I was detected in frozen sections immunohistochemically. 3. Melanocytes were observed in the collagen type I-immunopositive endomysium and perimysium in both muscles. 4. Image analysis indicated that the total area occupied by melanocytes in histological sections sharply decreased from 0.61% to 0.16% in PT muscle and from 1.67% to 0.33% in ITL muscle at 1 to 3 weeks, and then gradually decreased. The melanocyte area was larger in ITL muscle than in PT muscle until 10 weeks of age. 5. We concluded that the proportion of intramuscular melanocytes in the Silky fowl differs between types of muscles in the early stages of development, and it decreases with growth.

Alterations in follicular dynamics and steroidogenic abilities induced by heat stress during follicular recruitment in goats

We investigated the changes in follicular dynamics and steroidogenic activity during heat stress in goats. Adult female goats were exposed to heat stress at 36 degrees C and 70% relative humidity for 48 h and then injected with prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha (the time of PGF2alpha injection was designated as 0 h). In experiment 1, every follicle greater than 2 mm in diameter was monitored by ultrasonography to investigate the follicular dynamics, and plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, progesterone, and oestradiol were measured from -48 h to 120 h. In experiment 2, the follicles were recovered from the goats at 48 h, and the concentration of oestradiol, the aromatase activity, and the LH receptor level in the follicles were determined. In control (non-heat-stressed) goats, ovulatory follicles were mainly recruited from -24 h to 0 h, whereas no follicles recruited during that period were ovulated in the heat-stressed goats. The timing of the recruitment of ovulatory follicles was delayed by heat stress by approximately 24 h. The plasma concentration of oestradiol in the heat-stressed goats was significantly lower from 36 to 54 h compared with the controls, although the concentrations of FSH and progesterone did not differ between the treatments. In addition, the concentration of oestradiol, the aromatase activity, and the LH receptor level in the follicles from heat-stressed goats were significantly lower compared with the controls. These results indicate that heat stress during follicular recruitment suppresses subsequent growth to ovulation, accompanied by decreased LH receptor level and oestradiol synthesis activity in the follicles.

A newly established strain of spontaneously hypertensive rat with a defect of ascorbic acid biosynthesis

To investigate the effects of ascorbic acid deficiency on the pathogenesis of hypertension and/or its complications, we established a rat strain with both genetic hypertension and a defect of ascorbic acid biosynthesis. The od gene (L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase gene) of the ODS (Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi) rat, which is a rat mutant unable to synthesize ascorbic acid, was introduced into spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and a novel congenic strain, SHR-od, was established. SHR-od showed scurvy when fed an ascorbic acid-free diet. Systolic blood pressure of male SHR-od began to increase at 9 weeks of age and reached 190-200 mmHg at 20 weeks of age. In 25-week-old SHR-od, ascorbic acid deficiency when fed an ascorbic acid-free diet for 6 weeks caused a remarkable reduction of blood pressure to lower than 110 mmHg. The wall to lumen ratio of the testicular artery in ascorbic acid-deficient SHR-od was lower than that of the control rats. When rats were fed a diet supplemented with ascorbic acid (300 mg/kg), ascorbic acid concentration in SHR-od was lower in the serum and liver than that in ODS rats. These results indicate that ascorbic acid could be closely related to the development of hypertension in SHR-od. We believe that SHR-od will be a useful model for experimental studies on hypertension and its complications, since all of them suffer from hypertension spontaneously and the level of ascorbic acid deficiency in these rats could be controlled at will both in concentration and duration.

Administration of melatonin in drinking water promotes the phase advance of light-dark cycle in senescence-accelerated mice, SAMR1 but not SAMP8

We analyzed effects of aging on behavioral rhythms in the mouse showing senescence acceleration, SAMP8 strains. The free-running rhythms had longer free-running periods (tau) in SAMP8 than in the control strain (SAMR1). Drinking of melatonin promoted the adaptation to advanced LD in SAMR1 but not in SAMP8, although both strains exhibited melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. The present results suggest that melatonin promotes the adaptation to advanced LD cycles in normal aging mice.

Seasonality of birth in patients with mood disorders in Japan

BACKGROUND

Findings about seasonality of birth in individuals with mood disorders have been inconsistent.

METHODS

Data were collected from the governmental statistics, the Patient Survey in Japan in 1996. The number of patients with mood disorders was 13,969. We obtained information about each patient's date of birth, sex, and diagnosis according to ICD-10. Distributions of monthly birth numbers of patients with mood disorders were compared to those of the general population.

RESULTS

Birth excess was observed from winter to early-spring in both sexes, compared to births of the general population. The magnitude of the excess was larger in females than in males. Although the same tendencies were observed in patients with bipolar disorder and depressive disorder, the differences were more marked in females.

LIMITATIONS

Insufficient birth data in the general population before 1940 and hospital diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Among Japanese patients with mood disorders, there are excess births from winter to early-spring, compared to the general population. This difference is more marked in females than in males.

[The effects of family interventions for the patients with mental illness in health centers focusing on the relatives' own life]

Recently, the burden on relatives of patients with mental illness has been recognized and the need for support to reduce such burden has increased. In Japan, family interventions have been conducted at Health Centers, most of them focusing on the family functioning as a caregiver. However, it is also important to focus on the relative's functioning to live their own life in family interventions. In this study, we executed a program focusing on relatives' life and health, and investigated the effects of this program on both family functioning. Family intervention programs were conducted at 10 Health Centers including both urban and rural areas in Japan. A total of 102 relatives responded to the self-administered questionnaire at the first and the last session of the family interventions. We measured functioning as a caregiver using the Support for the Disabled Score and Rejective Feeling Score, and functioning to live their own life by GHQ Distress in Daily life Score, Perceived Health Condition Score and Life Satisfaction Score. During interventions, GHQ score and Distress in Daily Life score which indicate the disfunction in living their own life decreased, and Support score increased in all sample. In the short-term illness group (n = 35), only the GHQ score decreased, while in long-term illness group (n = 44) Distress score decreased and Support Score increased. The intervention program focusing on relatives' life and health may improve both family functionings to give adequate care for patients, and to live their own daily life. Results suggested that the short-term illness group requires more intensive and personal advices, and the long-term illness group need continuous support focusing on the relative's own life. Expected roles of Health Centers are cooperation with family interventions provided at hospitals and coordination of the services in the community, as well as providing family interventions in terms of relatives' life.

Intra-uterine physical growth in schizophrenia: evidence confirming excess of premature birth

BACKGROUND

Many studies have suggested a possible aetiological role for obstetric complications in the development of schizophrenia. We focused on prenatal physical growth in schizophrenia, a contentious issue in the literature.

METHODS

We compared gestational age at birth, birth weight (BW) and birth head circumference (BHC) between 312 schizophrenics and 517 controls, and between 187 schizophrenics and their matched healthy siblings. Information on obstetric histories was obtained from the Maternal and Child Health Handbooks (i.e. contemporaneous records).

RESULTS

Gestational age at birth was significantly earlier in the schizophrenics than in the controls (P = 0.017). Pre-term birth (gestational age of 36 weeks or less) was more common in schizophrenics than in controls (8.0% v. 3.4%, P = 0.005, odds ratio 2.5). Low BW (2500 g or less) was more frequent in schizophrenics than in controls (9.6% v. 4.6%, P = 0.005, odds ratio 2.2). The schizophrenics had significantly lighter BW (P = 0.0003) and tended to have smaller BHC (P = 0.081) compared with controls. However, multiple regression analysis showed that there was no significant difference in BW or BHC between the schizophrenics and controls when gestational age and maternal weight were controlled. There was no significant difference in BW or BHC between schizophrenics and their siblings, although the schizophrenics tended to be born at earlier gestational age than their siblings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that prematurity at birth is associated with a risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood. When gestational age and maternal body weight were allowed for, there was no evidence that schizophrenics tend to have lower mean BW or smaller BHC.

[A study of the guideline of case management for persons with mental disorders analyzed with fidelity index. The conditions of effective implementation]

OBJECTIVE

The present study examines the condition of effective case management based on the guideline of case management for persons with mental disorders.

METHODS

A total of 295 clients were admitted to a case management trial for about 2 months. A fidelity index of program implementation and outcome measures of case management were developed. The relationship between implementation of critical program components measured by fidelity index, and outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

Fidelity Index was significantly correlated with outcome measures of clients, staffs and the care system. Effective but not-easily-feasible elements of program were having case-conference, application, of informal support and development of services.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to facilitate application of informal support with liaison with public health nurses, to standardize case-conference and to place development of care services in the core of programs for ensuring effective implementation of case management for persons with mental disorders in Japan.

No relationship between schizophrenic birth and influenza epidemics in Japan

The finding that influenza epidemics are associated with an increased risk of adult schizophrenia has been controversial. Data was obtained from Japan's governmental statistics, the Patient Survey. Index years were defined as 1957/1958, 1962, and 1965, and comparison years were defined 2 years before and 2 years after the index year. Subjects were patients with schizophrenia who were born in the index years of influenza epidemics. Periods 5 months after the influenza epidemics were defined as exposed months. Proportions of patients born during the exposed period in the index years were compared with those of patients born in the corresponding months in the comparison years. The proportions of patients born in the exposed months in the index years were not significantly different from those born in the corresponding months in the comparison years, with odds ratios around 1 in the whole country, the Kanto area, and the Shikoku/Kyushu area where a remarkable influenza epidemic was observed in 1957. No difference was observed in analyses stratified by sex. In Japan, there was no relationship between influenza epidemics and schizophrenic birth.

Mood disorders and influenza epidemics in Japan

The finding that influenza epidemics are associated with an increased risk of adult mood disorder has been controversial. In this study, data were collected from governmental statistics, the Patient Survey in Japan, in 1996. Index years were defined as 1957/58, 1962, and 1965, and comparison years were defined as 2 years before and 2 years after the index year. The subjects were 361 patients with mood disorders who were born in the index years of influenza epidemics. In order to isolate patients exposed to an influenza epidemic during their second prenatal trimester, the months of birth 5 months after the influenza epidemics were defined as risk exposure months. The proportions of patients born during the exposure period in the index years were compared with those of patients born in the corresponding months in the comparison years. The same procedures were conducted for the periods 2 and 8 months after the epidemics. For female inpatients only, the proportion of patients born in the A2 influenza-exposure months in 1965 with second-trimester exposure was smaller than that of patients born in the corresponding months in the comparison years; the same phenomenon was observed for third-trimester exposure in 1957-58. However, no differences were observed in other comparisons. These findings suggest that prenatal exposure to influenza might decrease the risk for adult mood disorders in females. However, whether there is a causal relationship is still unproven.

The FLS mouse: a new inbred strain with spontaneous fatty liver

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A new strain of mouse, named FLS (fatty liver Shionogi), which develops spontaneous fatty liver without obesity, was established by inbreeding. Morphologic, physiologic, and genetic characterization of the strain was done.

METHODS

Characteristics of male FLS mice were compared with those of the sister strain, dd Shionogi (DS), which does not develop spontaneous fatty liver. A genetic cross experiment was performed by mating FLS with C3H/He/Shi mice.

RESULTS

The hepatocytes of neonatal FLS mice contained fine lipid droplets throughout the lobules, and large lipid droplets appeared as mice aged. Liver triglyceride concentrations of FLS mice were fivefold higher than those of DS mice, but serum lipid concentrations and the lipoprotein profile did not indicate abnormalities. Higher plasma aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities in FLS, compared with DS mice, suggested hepatocellular lesions. The genetic cross experiment suggested that the fatty liver formation is a complex polygenic trait.

CONCLUSION

The FLS mice develop a progressive hepatic steatosis without obesity and diabetes. The FLS mouse might be a good model for investigating hepatic disorders accompanied by fatty liver unrelated to alcoholism or obesity.

Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction of neutrophils in heat stressed goats is not influenced by selenium and vitamin E injection

Experiment was designed to determine whether heat stress suppresses neutrophil function and injections of selenium and vitamin E prior to heat stress prevent suppression of neutrophil function in goats. Twelve female goats were divided into 2 groups of 6 each and were kept at 25 degrees C. Goats in the treatment group were injected intramuscularly with 0.1 mg/kg of selenium and 2.72 IU/kg of vitamin E at 8 and 1 day prior to the initiation of heat stress. The other group was kept as control. All goats were exposed to hot environment at 38 degrees C from day 0 through 8. Decreased tendency in plasma cortisol concentrations and temporary increase in plasma glucose concentrations were shown in both groups. In the control group, plasma selenium concentration gradually increased and alpha-tocopherol concentration decreased during the first 2 days. After the second injection with selenium and vitamin E, plasma selenium and alpha-tocopherol concentration significantly increased and remained higher than those in the control group. Whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the treatment group tended to be greater than that in the control group, but no significant difference was observed between 2 groups. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction by activated neutrophils significantly decreased on day 6 in the control group but not in the treatment group. The NBT reduction by resting neutrophils significantly decreased in both groups. These data suggest that heat stress depresses neutrophil function, and selenium and vitamin E injection prior to heat stress has no apparent effect on neutrophil function during the stress.

[Evaluation of effectiveness of community mental health system in Kawasaki City--a comparison with national statistics]

The pioneering community mental health system of Kawasaki was evaluated by comparison with national statistics using the data from a citywide survey of patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

Subjects were citizens of Kawasaki who were receiving medical treatment for schizophrenia (ICD-9) in the city. All inpatients (565 cases) and a random sample of outpatients (685 cases; extraction rate was 1/3) who met the criteria were asked to complete the questionnaires by themselves. The responsible medical staffs of the subjects were also asked to complete the questionnaires. In order to calculate the total prevalence rate in the city, the number of patients who received medical treatment outside the city was estimated by extrapolation.

RESULTS

Higher outpatient rate and lower inpatient rate of Kawasaki were indicated despite the almost equal prevalence (i.e. 32.7 per 10,000 population) compared to the national rate. The outpatient rate was 70.6% in Kawasaki, which was 16% higher than the national average. And the rate of outpatients with schizophrenia living alone in Kawasaki was three times higher. While national outpatient rates declined significantly when patients became 40 years old, such a decline was not evident in Kawasaki. On the other hand, as patients with schizophrenia got older, the rate of outpatients living alone or living with spouse increased in Kawasaki due to the change of caregivers' generation.

CONCLUSION

The higher outpatient rate especially of people over 40 years old and the higher rate of patients who lived alone may be explained by the effective community care system in Kawasaki. However, more an intensive support system which provides' daily services such as home-help and group home services should be developed, as the living conditions of outpatients who lived alone were very difficult.

[Hepatectomy and intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer]

We experienced 339 patients with primary colorectal cancer in our department. In the present study 69 cases of liver metastasis were examined for their treatments and effects. One-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 49.2%, 16.2% and 6.8% in the 69 patients, respectively. Fourteen patients underwent hepatic resection plus hepatic artery infusion therapy. The overall survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were favorable: 88.3%, 55.6% and 29.6%, respectively. Three patients with H3 liver metastasis underwent hepatic resection plus hepatic artery infusion therapy. One patient is alive 29 months after operation, one died 25 months after operation, and the other is alive 8 months after operation. Thirteen patients with H3 liver metastasis from colorectal cancer underwent hepatic artery infusion therapy, and the one-year survival rate was 30.8%. None of the H3 patients without hepatic artery infusion therapy survived more than one year.

[Public health center based educational approach for families of the mentally disabled in Japan]

In order to evaluate a public health center based educational approach for families of the mentally disabled, questionnaires were sent to all public health centers in Japan. Out of 852 public health centers, 742 responded satisfactorily. At 68.6% of the 742 public health centers, some form of educational programs for families of the mentally disabled have been conducted. In a structured educational program, public health nurses and mental health counselors participated as the main staff. Training seminars for the staff were conducted by prefectural mental health centers or Zenkaren, The National Federation of Families with the Mentally Ill. In order to develop an educational program at the public health centers, the following three elements are required: 1) information transmitted through training seminars and publications, 2) trained staff members including mental health welfare counselors and public health nurses specialized in mental health, and 3) a sufficient budget. Further development of the program is considered crucial for a functional improvement of the public health centers.

[Practical training adopted from essential laboratory tests in laboratory medicine]

A proposal of essential laboratory tests, made by the Japan Society of Clinical Pathology in 1989, was applied to the education of medical students in Tokushima University. The effects of this proposal on lecture and practice of laboratory medicine were evaluated by obtaining information through a questionnaire from students and clinicians. Our curriculum of laboratory medicine generally received good assessment from students and my opinion and practical training on essential laboratory tests were understood by them. The mean coefficient of variation of intra-assay precision was 3.7% and mean recovery was 70.3 at the measurement for serum protein concentration, which is one of the items in the essential laboratory tests. However, the quality of this experiment was not in accordance with the scholarly attainments or the results of the state examination for physicians. The clinicians in service at the medical school have more selected items than items of essential laboratory tests both at the initial outpatient examination and at hospital admission. Therefore, essential laboratory tests in daily primary medical care may be considered from a different standpoint, when used in the education of laboratory medicine.

The locus controlling pineal serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity (Nat-2) is located on mouse chromosome 11

Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin by the enzymes serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyl-transferase (HIOMT). We have previously reported that C57BL/6 mice do not have SNAT activity because of a mutation in an autosomal gene which is responsible for the absence of normal SNAT activity. In the present study, we have tried to map the loci of Nat-2 (the locus controlling SNAT activity) on chromosomes using a set of the BxH recombinant inbred strains which were derived from an initial cross between C3H/He with SNAT and C57BL/6 without the enzyme. Based on strain distribution patterns (SDPs), a close linkage on chromosome 11 was found between Nat-2, Es-3 (esterase-3), Glk (the locus controlling galactokinase activity) and Myla (myosin alkali light chains expressed in cardiac atrial muscle). The linkage between Nat-2 and Es-3 was confirmed by a conventional linkage test and the recombination frequency between these loci was estimated to be 16.1 +/- 3.6% (mean +/- S.E.M.).

Application of in vivo microdialysis to pineal research in birds: measurement of circadian rhythms of melatonin

Circadian rhythms of pineal melatonin release were measured in free-moving pigeons, Japanese quails, and chickens under light-dark cycles followed by constant dim light. Although melatonin levels differed among individual birds, circadian rhythms of melatonin were observed in all of them. Using this technique, we could examine phase shifts of melatonin rhythms and suppression of melatonin release by photic stimulation in pigeons. We could also examine effects of norepinephrine infusion on melatonin release. These results indicate that microdialysis is useful for the study of pineal melatonin rhythms in birds.

Radioimmunoassay of human pancreatic amylase with monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody (E-21) was obtained that specifically binds to human pancreatic amylase and shows negligible cross-reaction with human salivary amylase. Using this antibody a radioimmunoassay was developed for pancreatic amylase in human serum. The assay was shown to be sensitive (detectable up to 7 mg/L), reproducible, and specific for pancreatic amylase. In normal subjects, the mean concentration of serum pancreatic amylase determined by this method was 36.3 mg/L with a 95% confidence range of 16.5 to 79.2 mg/L. A good correlation was observed between the concentrations of immunoreactive pancreatic amylase (IR-PA) and enzymatic activities in 20 serum samples (r = 0.97). The concentration of serum IR-PA was below the detectable limit in pancreatectomised patients, and was greatly increased in patients with acute pancreatitis; the latter was accompanied by parallel changes in total enzymic activity. In patients with mumps, the serum IR-PA level was within the normal range whereas the total enzymic activity was elevated.

Melatonin content of the pineal gland in different mouse strains

Pineal melatonin content at several times during the day and night was measured in 36 inbred strains of mice (Mus musculus) kept under LD 12:12 cycles. The results have indicated that only five inbred strains have pineal melatonin content, with higher levels during the night and lower levels during the day; the other 31 strains do not contain detectable melatonin in their pineal gland at any of times examined. The former group includes two commonly used strains (C3H/He and CBA/Ms) and three wild-derived strains (Mol-A, Mol-Nis, MOM). C3H and CBA mice showed a similar pattern of pineal melatonin rhythm with a peak at 2 hours before lights on. The peak levels were about 150 pg/gland in both strains. The rhythmic patterns of melatonin content in Mol-A, Mol-Nis, and MOM were slightly different from those in CBA and C3H. In the wild-derived strains, the peak of melatonin content did not occur at 2 hours before lights on but tended to occur at midnight. The peak levels were 67-91 pg/gland at the highest point in these strains.

Different responses of the circadian system to GABA-active drugs in two strains of mice

Recent work in our laboratory has shown that sodium pentobarbital injections can induce phase-dependent phase shifts of the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity with the maximum advance at circadian time (CT) 8 and the maximum delay at CT0 in SK/Nga mice but no phase shifts in C57BL/6 mice. In the present study, the possibility that the differences in the effects of pentobarbital on the circadian rhythm may be due to different contributions of the GABA-ergic system to circadian organization in the two strains was tested by comparing the responses of SK mice with those of C57BL mice to muscimol (2 mg/kg), a GABA receptor agonist, and triazolam (25 mg/kg), which is thought to act by potentiating the action of GABA. The hypothesis that pentobarbital-induced phase shifts of SK mice are mediated by the GABA receptor system was also tested by observing whether the phase-shifting effects of pentobarbital were blocked by bicuculline (0.5 mg/kg), a selective antagonist of GABA, injected 3 min prior to pentobarbital (30 mg/kg). The results indicated that muscimol induced phase advances at CT8 and phase delays at CT0, and triazolam induced phase advances at CT8 in SK mice. No phase shifts were induced by any treatment in C57BL mice. These results suggest that the role of GABA-ergic systems in circadian organization may be different in SK and C57BL mice. In addition, bicuculline could block the phase-shifting effects of pentobarbital in SK mice, suggesting that the GABA receptor system may mediate phase-shifting effects of pentobarbital in SK mice.

Loss of the circadian rhythms of locomotor activity, food intake, and plasma melatonin concentration induced by constant bright light in the pigeon (Columba livia)

Locomotor activity and feeding activity were measured together with circulating levels of melatonin in pigeons which were exposed to constant bright light (LLbright, 2000 lux) following light-dark (LD) cycles. Although all the pigeons showed daily rhythms of locomotor activity, feeding activity, and melatonin levels under LD cycles, they lost all the rhythms in prolonged LLbright. Acute exposure to bright light (2000 lux) during darkness reduced plasma melatonin levels. The half-time for the suppression in melatonin levels was about 30 min after short-term light exposure. These results support the hypothesis that melatonin may control the circadian rhythms of locomotor activity and feeding activity in the pigeon.

The phase-shifting effects of pentobarbital on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the mouse: strain differences

The phase response curves (PRCs) generated by pentobarbital injections (30 mg/kg) were obtained in SK and C57BL mice. Pentobarbital injections induced both advance and delay phase-shifts in the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in SK mice but no phase-shifts were observed at any circadian time (CT) for pentobarbital injections in C57BL mice. The observation that a higher dose of pentobarbital (80 mg/kg) does not induce phase-shifting in C57BL mice has indicated that the differences in phase-shifting effects of pentobarbital are not quantitative but qualitative. These strains may be useful for studying the neurochemical regulation of the mammalian circadian rhythm.

Comparison of half-disappearance times, distribution volumes and metabolic clearance rates of exogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucagon in rats

The pharmacokinetics of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in vivo after bolus and continuous i.v. administrations of the peptide were compared with those of glucagon in rats. The half-disappearance time (t1/2) distribution volume (Vd) and metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of GLP-1 given as a bolus injection and by constant infusion, were, respectively, as follows: t1/2 (min), 47.7 +/- 14.5 and 39.5 +/- 15.5 (mean +/- S.D.); Vd (ml), 903.8 +/- 62.4 and 516.3 +/- 92.1 and MCR (ml kg-1 min-1), 27.4 +/- 10.8 and 18.6 +/- 8.6. These values differed significantly from the respective values for glucagon (t1/2, 3.3 +/- 0.6 and 5.8 +/- 1.0; Vd, 206.5 +/- 25.9 and 240.0 +/- 76.1; and MCR, 83.1 +/- 8.2 and 46.7 +/- 13.3). These findings demonstrate that GLP-1 is degraded more slowly than glucagon in vivo.

Asymptomatic hyperbromidaemia detected as pseudohyperchloridaemia measured with an ion selective electrode meter

Six patients were found to have increased serum chloride concentrations when these concentrations were determined with an ion-selective electrode, but not when determined by continuous flow mercuric thiocyanate colorimetry or amperometric-coulometric titration. Their serum bromide levels of 1.8-8.0 mmol/l were much higher than those of 0.07-0.13 mmol/l in normal controls. The urinary bromide excretion, measured in two of these patients, was higher than that in normal subjects. No common symptoms or abnormalities in laboratory findings except hyperbromidaemia were found in these patients, who claimed not to have taken any drugs containing bromide. For determination of the incidence of subclinical hyperbromidaemia, the serum bromide concentrations were measured in sera of 1,323 outpatients sent to Tokushima University Hospital for routine measurements of blood chemistry over a one-month period. Five samples showed abnormally high bromide levels. It is concluded that subclinical hyperbromidaemia is not as rare as generally thought, though the aetiology of this state is unknown. Chloride determination with an ion-selective electrode can be used to screen for hyperbromidaemia, since increased levels of bromide ion result in apparently high chloride values.

Specific radioimmunoassay of glucitol-lysine--application to lens proteins in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

A radioimmunoassay using antibody against glucitol-lysine was developed to quantitate glycated proteins in the lens of diabetic rats. The amount of glycated protein was expressed as molar equivalents of reduced glycated hippuryl lysine (GlcRED-Hip-Lysine). Significant differences (p less than 0.01) were found in the amounts of glycated protein in the lenses of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (3.92 +/- 0.59 nmol/mg protein, n = 5), those with streptozotocin-induced diabetes treated with insulin (2.94 +/- 0.36 nmol/mg protein, n = 4) and normal rats (1.23 +/- 0.22 nmol/mg protein, n = 5). There was a significant correlation between the concentration of glycated protein in the lens and the HbA1c level at the end of the 12 week experiment (r = 0.957, p less than 0.001). These results indicate that glycation of lens protein is parallel with the severity of diabetes in rats.

The measurement and analysis of circadian locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms by a computer-based system

A new computer-based system for collection and analysis of circadian body temperature and locomotor activity rhythms is described. This system makes possible the simultaneous measurements of body temperature and locomotor activity rhythms from 16 animals kept in separate cages. Several programs were developed for measurement and analysis of the data. This system is available not only in the study of circadian rhythms but also in other biological studies where long-term recordings of rest-activity cycles and body temperature are required.