Detection and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 1 using loop-mediated isothermal amplification with three primer sets

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) causes tomato wilt. Based on the difference in pathogenicity towards tomato cultivars, Fol is classified into three races. In this study, a rapid method is developed for the detection and discrimination of Fol race 1 using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay with two primer sets targeting a region of the nucleotide sequence of the SIX4 gene specific for race 1 and a primer set targeting the SIX5 gene, conserved in all known Fol isolates. Upon LAMP reaction, amplification using all three primer sets was observed only when DNA of Fol race 1 was used as a template, and not when DNA of other Fol races or other fungal species was used. This method could detect 300 fg of Fol race 1 DNA, a 100-fold higher sensitivity than that obtained by conventional PCR. The method can also detect DNA extracted from soil artificially infested with Fol race 1. It is now possible to detect Fol race 1 in colonies and infected tomato stems without DNA isolation. This method is a rapid and simple tool for discrimination of Fol race 1.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) race 1 by using three primer sets targeting for the SIX4 and SIX5 genes. These genes are present together only in Fol race 1. This method can detect Fol race 1 in infected tomato stems without DNA extraction, affording an efficient diagnosis of Fusarium wilt on tomatoes in the field.

Evidence of the purely leptonic decay B- --> tau- nu(tau)

We present the first evidence of the decay B- --> tau- nu(tau), using 414 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. Events are tagged by fully reconstructing one of the B mesons in hadronic modes. We detect the signal with a significance of 3.5 standard deviations including systematics and measure the branching fraction to be B(B- --> tau- nu(tau)) = (1.79(-0.49) +0.56(stat)(-0.51) +0.46(syst)) x 10(-4). This implies that fB = 0.229(-0.031) +0.036(stat)(-0.037) +0.034(syst) GeV and is the first direct measurement of this quantity.

Observation of B0-->pi0pi0

We report the observation of the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0), using a 253 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. The measured branching fraction is B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0))=(2.3(+0.4+0.2)(-0.5-0.3))x10(-6), with a significance of 5.8 standard deviations including systematic uncertainties. We also make a measurement of the direct CP violating asymmetry in this mode.

Evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->K+pi- decays

We report evidence for direct CP violation in the decay B0-->K+pi(-) with 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Using 275x10(6) BB pairs we observe a B-->K+/-pi(-/+) signal with 2140+/-53 events. The measured CP violating asymmetry is A(CP)(K+pi(-))=-0.101+/-0.025(stat)+/-0.005(syst), corresponding to a significance of 3.9sigma including systematics. We also search for CP violation in the decays B+-->K+pi(0) and B+-->pi(+)pi(0). The measured CP violating asymmetries are A(CP)(K+pi(0))=0.04+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.02(syst) and A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))=-0.02+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.01(syst), corresponding to the intervals -0.05<A(CP)(K+pi(0))<0.13 and -0.18<A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))<0.14 at 90% confidence level.

Observation of large CP violation and evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays

We report the first observation of CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays based on 152x10(6) gamma (4S)-->BB decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We reconstruct a B0-->pi(+)pi(-) CP eigenstate and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we obtain A(pipi)=+0.58+/-0.15(stat)+/-0.07(syst) and S(pipi)=-1.00+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.07(syst). We rule out the CP-conserving case, A(pipi)=S(pipi)=0, at a level of 5.2 standard deviations. We also find evidence for direct CP violation with a significance at or greater than 3.2 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value.

Upper bound on the decay tau-->microgamma from the Belle detector

We have performed a search for the lepton-flavor-violating decay tau-->microgamma using a data sample of 86.3 fb(-1) accumulated by the Belle detector at KEK. No evidence for a signal is seen, and we set an upper limit for the branching fraction of B(tau-->microgamma)<3.1 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->phiK(0)S, K+K-K0(S), and eta'K0(S) decays

We present an improved measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->phiK(0)(S), K(+)K(-)K(0)(S), and eta(')K(0)(S) decays based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in one of the specified decay channels, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters for each of the three modes are obtained from the asymmetries in the distributions of the proper-time intervals between the two B decays. We find that the observed CP asymmetry in the B-->phiK(0)(S) decay differs from the standard model (SM) expectation by 3.5 standard deviations, while the other cases are consistent with the SM.

Evidence for B0-->pi0pi0

We report evidence for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0). The analysis is based on a data sample of 152x10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We detect a signal for B0-->pi(0)pi(0) with a significance of 3.4 standard deviations, and measure the branching fraction to be [1.7+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.2(syst)]x10(-6).

Observation of the D(sJ)(2317) and D(sJ)(2457) in B decays

We report the first observation of the B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2317) and B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2457) decays based on 123.8x10(6) BBmacr; events collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. We observe the D(sJ)(2317) decay to D(s)pi(0) and the D(sJ)(2457) decay to the D(*)(s)pi(0) and D(s)gamma final states. We also set 90% C.L. upper limits for the decays D(sJ)(2317)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(0), and D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(+)pi(-).

Observation of B-->K*l+l-

We report the observation of the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K(*)l(+)l(-) and an im-proved measurement of the decay B-->Kl(+)l(-), where l represents an electron or a muon, with a data sample of 140 fb(-1) accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. The results for the branching fractions are B(B-->K(*)l(+)l(-))=(11.5(+2.6)(-2.4)+/-0.8+/-0.2)x10(-7) and B(B-->Kl(+)l(-))=(4.8(+1.0)(-0.9)+/-0.3+/-0.1)x10(-7), where the first error is statistical, the second is systematic and the third is from model dependence.

Observation of a narrow charmoniumlike state in exclusive B+/--->K+/-pi+pi-J/psi decays

We report the observation of a narrow charmoniumlike state produced in the exclusive decay process B+/--->K+/-pi(+)pi(-)J/psi. This state, which decays into pi(+)pi(-)J/psi, has a mass of 3872.0+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst) MeV, a value that is very near the M(D0)+M(D(*0)) mass threshold. The results are based on an analysis of 152M B-Bmacr; events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance in the Belle detector at the KEKB collider. The signal has a statistical significance that is in excess of 10sigma.

Effects of low doses of endothelin-1 on basal vascular tone and autoregulatory vasodilation in canine coronary microcirculation in vivo

The plasma level of endothelin-1 (ET-1) increases in several cardiovascular disorders. The present study examined whether threshold doses of ET-1 affect vascular tone and autoregulatory vasodilation during a reduction in perfusion pressure in the coronary microcirculation in vivo. In anesthetized open-chest dogs, arterial microvessels in the epimyocardium were observed through a microscope equipped with a floating objective. In 6 dogs, ET-1 (10(-13) to 10(-8)mol/L) was superfused onto the epimyocardium in a cumulative fashion. In another set of dogs (n= 16), the perfusion pressure of the observed vascular bed was reduced to 60 mmHg (mild stenosis) and to 40 mmHg (severe stenosis) by a hydraulic occluder, and the microvascular responses were observed in the presence (n=9) or absence (n=7) of ET-1 (10(-12) or 10(-11) mol/L). ET-1 > or =10(-11) mol/L constricted coronary arterioles (< or =100 microm in diameter) and small arteries (>100 microm in diameter) in a dose-dependent fashion. ET-1 of 10(-12) mol/L affected neither the basal diameters nor the dilation of vessels during the pressure reduction. ET-1 of 10(-11) mol/L decreased the diameters of arterioles and small arteries before and during the mild and severe stenosis. However, ET-1 did not attenuate the percentage dilation of arterioles from the baseline in response to the mild and severe stenosis. The data indicates the following: (1) ET-1 at doses > or =10(-11) mol/L similarly constricts coronary arterioles and small arteries; (2) ET-1 at 10(-11) mol/L, which is slightly higher than the pathophysiological plasma level, increases the basal vascular tone, but does not attenuate the autoregulatory vasodilation of the coronary microcirculation.

Anti-atherogenicity in women does not prevent restenosis after balloon angioplasty

To test the hypothesis that anti-atherogenicity in women exerts beneficial effects to prevent restenosis formation after coronary angioplasty, we studied 493 men (988 lesions) and 81 women (159 lesions), aged 40-60 years, who had undergone successful balloon angioplasty and had follow-up angiography, 4.9 +/- 4.1 months later. We compared the extent of restenosis between men and women, and between pre- and post-menopausal women, which was assessed by a categorical definition of restenosis (more than 50% diameter stenosis at follow-up) and by percent diameter measured immediately after angioplasty and at follow-up. Hypertension was more frequent in women and a significantly lower percentage of women smoked. In women, the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher. The location of dilated lesions, frequency of angioplasty for lesions with chronic total occlusion, and frequency of emergency angioplasty in patients with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction were similar in men and women. Restenosis formation, estimated by the categorical definition or percent diameter, did not differ between men and women, or between pre- and post-menopausal women. Menopausal status or sex was not an independent predictor of restenosis by multivariate analysis. Thus, the benefit of anti-atherogenicity in women does not play an important role in preventing restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

Coronary angioplasty ameliorates hypoperfusion-induced endothelial dysfunction in patients with stable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the effect of coronary angioplasty on chronic hypoperfusion-induced endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND

The endothelium is an important component for organ flow regulation. Ischemia with or without reperfusion is known to cause endothelial dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that chronic hypoperfusion impairs endothelial function in the angiographically normal coronary artery segment distal to stenosis and that the impairment by chronic hypoperfusion is reduced by coronary angioplasty.

METHODS

In 13 patients with stable angina pectoris, substance P (10, 30 and 100 pmol) and nitroglycerin (200 micrograms) were sequentially infused into the coronary artery in a cumulative manner on the day after coronary angioplasty. In 10 of these patients, vascular responses to these agents were again investigated 3 months after angioplasty. Changes in vascular diameter were evaluated in vessels located proximal and distal to the target lesion, both of which were angiographically normal, by performing computer-assisted quantitative coronary angiography. In five patients, the transstenotic pressure gradient was also measured with a pressure sensor-mounted guide wire before angioplasty.

RESULTS

On the day after angioplasty, the magnitude of dilation by substance P in distal segments was significantly less than that in proximal segments and inversely correlated with the transstenotic pressure gradient (p < 0.05) and lesion stenosis (p < 0.05). There was no difference in nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation between the two vessel segment groups. Three months later, the impaired response to substance P in the distal segment was restored to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that chronic hypoperfusion impairs endothelium-dependent dilation of coronary artery distal to critical stenosis in patients with ischemic heart disease and that coronary angioplasty ameliorates the endothelial dysfunction within 3 months.

Vasodilatory effect of nicorandil on coronary arterial microvessels: its dependency on vessel size and the involvement of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels

We aimed to clarify the size dependency of nicorandil-induced dilation in coronary microcirculation and the involvement of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels. Coronary arterial microvessels were observed through a microscope equipped with a floating objective in anesthetized open-chest dogs (n = 29). Heart rate and mean aortic pressure were maintained at control level. In 16 dogs, nicorandil was infused into the coronary in a cumulative fashion (0.1, 1.0, 10, and 100 micrograms/kg/min, for 5 min for each dose). In 13 dogs, glibenclamide (10 microM) was topically applied onto the observed area, and nicorandil was similarly infused. Nicorandil dilated vessels < 100 microns in diameter at all applied doses in a dose-dependent manner. Glibenclamide abolished the dilation of these vessels at the lower two doses. Vessels > 100 microns in diameter dilated only at the two higher doses and the dilation was not affected by glibenclamide. These data suggest that the vessels < 100 microns are more sensitive to this agent than other size vessels, and that ATP-sensitive potassium channels are involved in the nicorandil-induced dilation of vessels smaller than 100 microns, whereas the dilation of other size vessels occurs independently of this channel.

Effect of an ATP sensitive potassium channel opener, levcromakalim, on coronary arterial microvessels in the beating canine heart

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to clarify the site in the coronary microcirculation that is dilated by an ATP sensitive potassium channel opener, levcromakalim, and to examine whether the magnitude of dilatation is size dependent.

METHODS

Coronary arterial microvessels were observed through an intravital microscope equipped with a floating objective in beating canine left ventricles in situ. Flow velocity of the left anterior descending coronary artery was measured with a suction-type Doppler probe. Heart rate and aortic pressure were maintained at control levels throughout the experiments. Three doses of levcromakalim (0.01-1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1) or a single dose (1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1) were infused into the coronary artery in groups, with or without intracoronary glibenclamide pretreatment (200 or 400 micrograms.kg-1). The effect of levcromakalim on different sized vessels was assessed by dividing them into three groups according to control diameter (small, internal diameter < 100 microns; medium, > or = 100, < 200 microns; large, > or = 200 microns).

RESULTS

The lowest dose of levcromakalim dilated only the small vessels. The two higher doses dilated vessels of all sizes, but the magnitude of dilatation was greater in the small vessel group than in the other two groups. Coronary resistance significantly decreased dose dependently during the infusion of 0.1 and 1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1 of levcromakalim. Pretreatment with glibenclamide markedly attenuated the levcromakalim induced dilatation of all vessel groups and the reduction in coronary vascular resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Levcromakalim heterogeneously dilates coronary arterial microvessels via the opening of ATP sensitive potassium channels, and small vessels are more sensitive to levcromakalim.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein mediates coronary microvascular control during autoregulation and ischemia in canine heart

GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) regulate various biological functions, but their participation in controlling coronary microvascular tone has not been established yet. The goal of the present study was to elucidate the role of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G protein in regulating coronary microvascular tone during autoregulation and ischemia. In 42 open-chest dogs, coronary arterial microvessels on the surface of the left ventricle were directly observed by epi-illuminated fluorescence microangiography using a floating objective system. PTX (300 ng/mL) was superfused onto the surface of the left ventricle for 2 hours to block Gi and G(o) protein in epimyocardial coronary microvessels in vivo. PTX superfusion caused no change in the resting diameters of microvessels and significantly blocked the vasoconstriction induced by BHT 920 (a selective alpha 2-agonist). After pretreatment with PTX or its vehicle, the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded by a hydraulic occluder to reduce coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) in a stepwise fashion. A mild stenosis (CPP, 60 mm Hg), a severe stenosis (CPP, 40 mm Hg), and complete occlusion were sequentially produced. Coronary flow velocity in the LAD distal to the stenotic site was continuously monitored. In both PTX and vehicle groups, flow velocity did not significantly decrease during mild stenosis, proving that transmural coronary autoregulatory function was well preserved in the preparation. During severe stenosis and complete occlusion, the coronary flow velocity significantly decreased. In the vehicle group, microvessels < 100 microns in inner diameter significantly dilated in response to the reduction in perfusion pressure (mild stenosis, 6.2 +/- 1.9%; severe stenosis, 21.1 +/- 4.4%; and complete occlusion, 16.8 +/- 5.9%; P < .05 versus baseline diameters). In the PTX group, microvessels did not dilate during each occlusion level (mild stenosis, -2.0 +/- 0.9%; severe stenosis, -3.9 +/- 1.9%; and complete occlusion, -13.4 +/- 2.9%; P < .05 versus vehicle group). PTX did not affect the microvascular dilation caused by nitroprusside. The present data indicate that PTX-sensitive G protein is crucially involved in microvascular control during autoregulation and ischemia.

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on coronary microvessels and its role in acute myocardial ischemia

BACKGROUND

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent dilator of epicardial conduit vessels and is released during myocardial ischemia in humans. However, the effect of CGRP on coronary arterial microvessels is still unclear, and it is unknown if CGRP modulates the tone of coronary arterial microvessels during acute myocardial ischemia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Epimyocardial microvessels were observed through a microscope equipped with a floating objective system in anesthetized open-chest dogs. Heart rate and aortic pressure were maintained at control levels. Flow velocity of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was measured with a suction-cup Doppler probe. When CGRP was cumulatively infused into the LAD (0.05, 0.5, 5.0, and 50 pmol/kg per minute) or superfused (0.03, 0.3, 3.0, and 30 nmol/L) over the left ventricular surface, arterial control microvessels > 100 microns in diameter dilated dose dependently at dosages of 0.5 to 50 pmol/kg per minute (infused) or 0.3 to 30 nmol/L (superfused), but those < 100 microns dilated only at the highest dose, and those > 100 microns had greater dilation in both groups. Only the highest dose of CGRP (infused) significantly increased coronary flow. The superfusion of CGRP(8-37) (CGRP receptor antagonist, 300 nmol/L) did not affect the control diameters of coronary arterial microvessels but completely abolished CGRP-induced vasodilation at the same doses (infused and superfused). However, 300 nmol/L of CGRP(8-37) did not affect the response of coronary arterial microvessels to the LAD occlusion in any size.

CONCLUSIONS

CGRP preferentially dilates the coronary arterial microvessels > 100 microns in diameter but has only a small effect on those < 100 microns. Endogenous CGRP does not modulate the tone of coronary arterial microvessels during acute myocardial ischemia in beating canine hearts.

Microvascular sites and mechanisms responsible for reactive hyperemia in the coronary circulation of the beating canine heart

Our aim was to elucidate the site and mechanism responsible for reactive hyperemia in coronary circulation. In in vivo beating canine hearts, microvessels of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were observed through a microscope equipped with a floating objective. Flow velocity of the LAD was measured with a suction-type Doppler probe. The LAD was occluded for 20 or 30 seconds and then released, and reactive hyperemia was observed before and after 8-phenyltheophylline (7.5 mg/kg i.v.) or glibenclamide (200 micrograms/kg into the LAD) infusion. During the occlusion, only arterial microvessels smaller than 100 microns in diameter dilated. Dilation of those vessels was partially attenuated by 8-phenyltheophylline and completely abolished with glibenclamide. In the early phase of reactive hyperemia, all arterial microvessels dilated, and the magnitude of peak dilation was greater in vessels smaller than 100 microns compared with those larger than 100 microns. Vasodilation during reactive hyperemia ceased within 60 seconds in vessels smaller than 100 microns but was sustained for more than 120 seconds in those larger than 100 microns. 8-Phenyltheophylline did not change peak dilation of arterial microvessels but reduced dilation after the peak. Glibenclamide remarkably attenuated dilation of all arterial microvessels in the whole phase of reactive hyperemia. These results indicate that all arterial microvessels are responsible for reactive hyperemia after coronary artery occlusions of 20-30 seconds, but there is greater participation of vessels smaller than 100 microns in the early phase of reactive hyperemia. Dilation of vessels larger than 100 microns assumes an important role in the later phase. ATP-sensitive K+ channels mediate dilation of arterial microvessels both in brief ischemia and reactive hyperemia.

Effects of and adrenergic blockade on coronary arterial microvessels in the beating canine heart

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to clarify the effects of alpha and beta adrenergic blockade on coronary arterial microvessels and to assess the role of alpha and beta adrenergic tone in normally beating hearts.

METHODS

47 anaesthetised open chest dogs were studied. The diameters of epicardial arterial microvessels were measured in beating hearts using an incident light fluorescence microscope equipped with a floating objective. Drugs were infused into the left anterior descending coronary artery keeping the heart rate and aortic pressure at control levels. To examine the effect of alpha adrenergic blockade, phentolamine (100 micrograms.kg-1) was given in the absence or presence of beta adrenergic blockade (propranolol 50 micrograms.kg-1). To examine the effect of beta adrenergic blockade, propranolol (50 micrograms.kg-1) or three doses of ICI 118,551 (a selective beta 2 antagonist, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1) was given.

RESULTS

Coronary arterial microvessels were divided into three groups according to the control diameters (D) of small (D less than 100 microns), medium (100 less than or equal to D less than 200 microns) and large (D greater than or equal to 200 microns) groups. In the absence of beta adrenergic blockade, phentolamine significantly dilated all vessel groups: small +19.6 (SEM 5.6)%, medium +5.8(2.3)%, large +5.3(0.9)%. In the presence of beta adrenergic blockade, the vasodilator effect of phentolamine was completely abolished. Propranolol constricted all vessel groups: small -3.6(1.1)%, medium -4.8(1.0)%, large -3.5(1.0)%. ICI 118,551 significantly constricted the large vessel group [-2.5(0.6)%] at the mid dose, and the medium and large vessel groups [medium -3.1(0.8)%, large -3.5(1.3)%] at the highest dose.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that (1) the vasodilator effect of phentolamine is induced by beta adrenergic stimulation; (2) resting alpha adrenergic tone of coronary arterial microvessels is minimal in normally beating hearts, and (3) resting beta adrenergic tone may play a physiological role in coronary arterial microvessels, and beta 2 adrenergic tone predominates in arterial microvessels greater than 100 microns in diameter.

[Clinico-histological study of low-density non-enhancing glioma]

Some gliomas are not noticeably enhanced on initial computer tomography (CT) scans. Such low-density non-enhancing gliomas have a relatively long period between onset and surgery ranging from 5 to 25 months. The mechanism causing the low density over a certain period of time in the sequential CT findings was retrospectively investigated. Characteristic histological findings associated with such low-density areas were microcystic formation, necrosis, intratumoral edema, infiltrative growth, and absence of capillary proliferation. Proliferation of capillary vessels is characteristic of CT enhancement.

Effects of site-directed removal of N-glycosylation sites in human erythropoietin on its production and biological properties

Erythropoietin (Epo) has three N-linked sugar chains. Codons for asparagine at N-glycosylation sites in genomic human Epo DNA were replaced with those for glutamine. The wild-type Epo gene and seven mutants that lacked N-glycosylation sites in every possible combination were introduced into baby hamster-kidney cells. To study the role of the N-linked sugars in Epo biosynthesis, Epo protein expressed transiently was measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. The elimination of all three N-glycosylation sites decreased Epo production to 10% of that of the wild-type Epo. Wild-type and mutant Epos produced by stably transfected cells were partially purified to investigate their properties. Removal of N-glycosylation sites changed affinity of Epo to the receptor. The in vitro activity of Epo that lost all N-glycosylation sites was comparable with that of the wild-type Epo, while the in vivo activity severely decreased. These results indicate that N-linked sugars of Epo have two major functions; N-linked sugars are important for 1) proper biosynthesis and/or secretion and 2) expression of the in vivo activity probably by enhancing survival in the circulation. N-Linked sugars of Epo affect binding affinity of the ligand to the receptor but do not play a key role in expression of the in vitro activity.

Absence of association of HTLV-I infection with type 1 neurofibromatosis in the United States or Japan

An HTLV-I tax transgenic mouse model develops a syndrome with similarities to type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF-1). To investigate possible associations between this human retrovirus and NF-1, we have analyzed 67 neurofibromas from Japan (where HTLV-I infection is endemic) and compared them with 21 cases from the United States. We were not able to identify virus in tumor tissue in either group. This suggests that HTLV-I infection is not commonly associated with NF-1.

[Assay of nuclear triiodothyronine receptors in the precentral gyrus in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

Abnormality in the receptor of the cell might have some bearing on the selective cellular damage in systemic degenerative diseases. In relation to deranged metabolic turnover of the folate cycle in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we have measured nuclear triiodothyronine receptors (NT3R) in the precentral gyrus, stored at -80 degrees C after autopsy, of 4 ALS patients and 8 patients with non-neurological diseases. Cell nuclei were separated in bulk from about 1 g of grey matter by the method of Løvtrup-Rein & McEwen, and T3-binding assay was carried out by the method of Silva et al. DNA was measured by the method of Giles & Myers based on Burton's method. Specific bindings comprised more than 85% of total bindings. Scatchard analysis showed that the maximal binding capacity, namely the density of NT3R was significantly reduced in ALS, compared to that of the controls. The dissociation constant, namely the affinity was not different between the two groups. The present investigation suggests that NT3R may be reduced in the motoneuron of ALS patients, although the result might merely indicate the loss of nerve cells from the ALS motor cortex. This point should be clarified, but the bulk separation of pure nerve cell nuclei from autopsied human brain has not so far been successful in our laboratory. Action of thyroid hormone in the mature brain has not fully been clarified. Meanwhile, some investigators suggest that the metabolic state of the central nervous system of ALS has a tendency of hypothyroidism. Therefore, the relevance of thyroid hormone to pathogenesis or pathophysiology of ALS will be an important subject in future study.

Characterization and use of monoclonal antibodies directed against human erythropoietin that recognize different antigenic determinants

We have established four hybridoma cells that produce monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) R2, R4, R6, and R12 directed toward recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). MoAbs R2, R4, and R6 bound to EPO with high affinities (kd = approximately 2, 4, and 1 nmol/L, respectively) but MoAb R12 had a low affinity (240 nmol/L). These antibodies inhibited the biological activity of rHuEPO and EPOs from humans, rats, mice, and rabbits. This inhibition was due to the blocking of EPO binding to the target cells. The fully deglycosylated rHuEPO bound to the MoAbs, indicating that they recognized peptide sequences of the antigen but not the carbohydrates attached to the antigen. An immunosorbent column with the immobilized MoAb R2 was effective for the rapid purification of EPO. MoAb R6 bound to EPO at a site(s) different from those to which other MoAbs bound. Based on this finding, a sensitive and rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of EPO, in which EPO was sandwiched between two MoAbs (R2 and R6), was developed. The assay measured plasma levels of EPO as low as 5 mU/mL within several hours.

[Morphologic findings and biologic behavior in the high grade glioma--a postmortem study of 22 cases]

Morphologic features of the autopsied specimen of 22 cases with supratentorial gliomas treated by surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy were analysed, and the characteristics of recurrence of gliomas were searched for. The cases consisted of anaplastic 12 astrocytoma and 10 glioblastoma. The results were as follows: 1) Characteristic CT findings before death were regrowth of the tumor mass or the occurrence of a new enhanced lesion in 21 out of 22 cases. The enhanced lesion showing regrowth of the tumor located in the same site as the previous tumor mass in 21 cases. The new enhanced lesion resulting from a trans-or subependymal tumor spread, was seen in the ventricular wall, and these findings were a characteristic feature of the recurrence of gliomas. 2) Modes of extension of the tumor were subdivided into 3 types. One was the expansive or infiltrative type caused by regrowth of the residual tumor. In the second pattern, a spread of tumor cells occurred along the myelinated fiber tracts to the brain stem (60%), or to the contralateral cerebral hemisphere through the corpus callosum (50%). The third mode of tumor propagation was cerebrospinal fluid seeding with intraventricular or subarachnoid tumor regrowth (45%). 3) Characteristic histological findings shown in the original tumor bed were those of increased cellularity with endothelial proliferation, widespread necrosis with occlusion of the blood vessels, occurrence of the gemistocytic astrocytes and large bizarre cells. Thickening of wall of the blood vessels due to effect by radiation was followed by occlusion of the blood vessels. Large necrosis in the tumor tissue was caused by those process and others. Necrotic area was mainly circumscribed and corresponded to the territory of the vessels. One of the specific findings in the morphological changes of the tumor cells was giant cell formation which were monstrous cell, giant cell (12 cases out of 22), and gemistocytic cell (in all cases). These specific cells were supposed to the degenerative changes of the tumor cells exposed while withstanding such adverse conditions as hypoxia, radiation and chemotherapy. 4) Infiltration distant from the primary lesion which were defined only by microscopical examination was demonstrated as both through myelinated fiber tracts in 8 cases and through perivascular spaces in 2 cases. Reinvasion of the tumor cells from the subarachnoid spaces to the brain parenchyma was along the Virchow-Robins spaces of the penetrating blood vessels in the latter cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Neuropathological study of the nucleus basalis of meynert in alcoholic dementia

Intellectual impairment and mental disorders occurring in association with long periods of alcohol abuse are often irreversible; those persons who have difficulty leading normal daily lives because of such disorders are considered to have alcoholic dementia. We investigated this condition from the standpoint of pathomorphology. The subjects were nine autopsy cases of alcoholic dementia; three alcoholic autopsy cases of about the same age level but without dementia were also studied as a control group. In these two groups, the nucleus basalis of Meynert in the substantia innominata was selected as fixed site and nerve cells were counted; strict anatomical measurements were performed on this fixed site, and every effort was made to minimized artifacts in each case. The nucleoli of the nerve cells at this site were calculated in a fixed area on the basis of a fixed magnification; this was repeated in serial sections, and the number of nerve cells on a fixed volume was thus obtained. The "t" distribution test within the two groups was investigated; a probability value of less than 0.05 was obtained and the null hypothesis abandoned. Mean values were found to be different. The results obtained were compared with those found in literature, and important findings concerning lesions in alcoholic dementia were noted.

Demonstration of microglial cells in and around senile (neuritic) plaques in the Alzheimer brain. An immunohistochemical study using a novel monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody, termed AD11/8, reactive to microglial cells, was produced by immunization of mice with partially purified amyloid fibrils of senile (neuritic) plaques. With immunoperoxidase staining on human tissues, AD11/8 also recognized macrophages in the red pulp of the spleen, Kupffer cells in the liver, and macrophages in the bone marrow. The results show that AD11/8 recognizes the antigens associated with mononuclear phagocytes lineage. In normal brains a few resting microglial cells were stained in gray matter, and less frequently in white matter. In senile dementia of the Alzheimer type numerous microglial cells were stained intensively and they often formed clusters in gray matter. By double immunostaining with AD11/8 and a polyclonal antibody against synthetic amyloid beta-protein, clustered microglial cells were observed in and around senile plaques with amyloid deposits. Some amyloid plaque cores were surrounded by microglial cell processes. These results indicate that microglial cells may play an important role in senile plaque formation.

Comparative structural study of N-linked oligosaccharides of urinary and recombinant erythropoietins

The structures of the N-linked oligosaccharides of the urinary erythropoietin (u-EPO) purified from urine of aplastic anemic patients were analyzed and compared with those for recombinant erythropoietin (r-EPO) prepared with baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Asparagine-linked neutral oligosaccharides were released from each EPO protein by N-oligosaccharide glycopeptidase (almond) digestion. The reducing ends of the oligosaccharide chains thus obtained were aminated with a fluorescent reagent, 2-aminopyridine, and the mixture of pyridylamino derivatives of the oligosaccharides was separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on an ODS silica column. More than 8 and 13 kinds of oligosaccharide fractions for u-EPO and r-EPO (BHK), respectively, were completely separated by the one-step HPLC procedure. The structure of each oligosaccharide thus isolated was analyzed by a combination of sequential exoglycosidase digestion and another kind of HPLC with an amide-silica column. Furthermore, high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and methylation analyses were carried out in the case of r-EPO (BHK).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Normal pressure hydrocephalus. Neuropathological study

The pathological changes in the brains of seven patients who had been clinically diagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are described and the possible etiological mechanisms are discussed. The pathological findings in all cases consisted of demyelination akin to Binswanger's type of encephalopathy, especially in the frontal lobes. Arteriosclerosis accompanied by occasional organized thrombi and scattered microinfarcts in the periventricular white matter were seen. Focal leptomeningeal fibrosis, diminution of arachnoidal granulations, and non-specific aging processes were noted. Among the above of particular interest, was the degeneration of both periventricular and deep white matters with microinfarcts, and moderate to severe arteriosclerosis. On the basis of these observations, we assume that the degeneration in the white matter is not merely a secondary change due to the result of enlargement of ventricle, but plays an important role in the development of NPH. The development of NPH requires not only the disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid, but also the pre- or coexisting vulnerability in the white matter caused by variables such as ischemia, hypoxia, and trauma.

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA and a pseudogene for mouse lactate dehydrogenase-A isozyme

A mouse lactate dehydrogenase-A cDNA was isolated and it was shown to contain the 393bp of the protein-coding sequence and 488bp of the 3' untranslated region. The amino acid sequence deduced from its open reading frame provided independent evidence for the sequence of residues 201-331 of mouse LDH-A subunit (muscle). This cDNA clone was used as a probe to isolate a mouse genomic clone containing a truncated, processed LDH-A pseudogene. This pseudogene showed 81.6% homology at 713 positions compared with the LDH-A cDNA sequence. The divergence of this pseudogene was estimated to have occurred 39 million years ago.

Identification of lactate dehydrogenase-X translated in vitro from mouse testicular poly A-containing mRNA

1. The LDH-X polypeptide was specifically immunoprecipitated from the cell-free translation products of poly A-containing mRNA from mouse testes, and it represents 1-2% of the total proteins synethesized in vitro. 2. The in-vitro synthesized LDH-X polypeptide appears to have the same mol. wt of 36,000 as mouse authentic LDH-X and, thus, any presequence of LDH-X must be very short, if present at all. 3. The LDH-X was not found in the mouse liver mRNA translation products immunoprecipitated by anti-LDH-X antibodies.

[Monstrous cell in malignant gliomas--in relation to radiation and chemotherapy (author's transl)]

The pathological effects of irradiation and chemotherapy have been studied in 9 autopsy cases of malignant and low grade gliomas. The brains have been examined by means of the complete study technique. Many histological features have been related to surgery, grading of histological classification of gliomas, irradiation and chemotherapy. Following irradiation and chemotherapy, in addition to increased necrosis and vascular response, a variety of characteristics changes were observed in cell and nuclear morphology with prominent formation of monstrous cells in all of 5 malignant gliomas treated with nitrosourea. These monstrous cells had irregular and hyperchromatic multiple nuclei and showed cytoplasmic degeneration. These cells which had not direct relationship to vessels distributed both in the periphery of tumor or necrosis and in the white matter remote from the main tumor. These changes were more pronounced in autopsy than in biopsy. The features showed here indicate that the monstrous cells may appear due to the result of inhibition of tumor cell division at the late mitotic phase after irradiation and chemotherapy.

Factors influencing the development of Moyamoya phenomenon

Both the Moyamoya Phenomenon and occlusion of the internal carotid fork are essential radiological findings in true Moyamoya Disease of unknown aetiology. However, the Moyamoya Phenomenon is often observed in occlusive diseases of the internal carotid bifurcation of known aetiology. The authors recently observed acute development of the unilateral Moyamoya Phenomenon following severe vasospasm of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries due to rupture of an anterior communicating aneurysm. The following four factors have been suspected of contributing to development of the Moyamoya Phenomenon: 1. The chronology of arterial occlusion. 2. Extent and location of occlusion. 3. The cause of occlusion. 4. Anatomical and functional disposition of the basal circulation. As regards the chronology, chronic or slowly progressive arterial stenosis has been thought to be a mandatory factor in development of a Moyamoya network, which plays an important role in the form of collateral channels. However, based on the findings outlined in this paper, the congenital factor may be the most important of the four factors.