Diagnostic Accuracy of Diastolic Fractional Flow Reserve for Functional Evaluation of Coronary Stenosis

Background

In the resting conditions, narrowing the window of coronary pressure measurements from the whole cardiac cycle to diastole improves diagnostic performance of coronary pressure–derived physiological index. However, whether this also applies to the hyperemic conditions has not yet been thoroughly evaluated.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess whether diastolic fractional flow reserve (diastolic FFR) has better diagnostic performance in identifying ischemia-causing coronary lesions than conventional FFR in a prospective, multicenter, and independent core laboratory–based environment.

Methods

In this prospective multicenter registry at 29 Japanese centers, we compared the diagnostic performance of FFR, diastolic FFR, resting distal to aortic coronary pressure (Pd/Pa), and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) as the reference standard in 378 patients with single-vessel coronary disease.

Results

Inducible myocardial ischemia was found on MPS in the relevant myocardial territory of the target vessel in 85 patients (22%). In the receiver-operating curve analyses, diastolic FFR had comparable area under the curve (AUC) compared with FFR (AUC_{diastolic FFR}: 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-0.73, vs AUC_FFR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.58-0.74, P = 0.624). FFR and diastolic FFR showed significantly larger AUCs than resting Pd/Pa (0.62; 95% CI: 0.54-0.70; P = 0.033 and P = 0.046) but did not show significantly larger AUCs than dPR (0.62; 95% CI: 0.55-0.70; P = 0.102 and P = 0.113).

Conclusions

Diastolic FFR showed a similar diagnostic performance to FFR as compared with MPS. This result reaffirms the use of FFR as the most accurate invasive physiological lesion assessment. (Diagnostic accuracy of diastolic fractional flow reserve (d-FFR) for functional evaluation of coronary stenosis; UMIN000015906)

Stimulation of cell growth in the U-937 human myeloid cell line by honey royal jelly protein

Royal jelly was fractionated by ion-exchange chromatography and a protein (DIII protein) that had growth stimulating activity to the U-937 human myeloid cell line was obtained. The molecular weight of the DIII protein was 58 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The growth stimulating activity of the DIII protein was shown to be relatively heat and pH stable.

The hydroxyflavone, fisetin, suppresses mast cell activation induced by interaction with activated T cell membranes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cell-to-cell interactions between mast cells and activated T cells are increasingly recognized as a possible mechanism in the aetiology of allergic or non-allergic inflammatory disorders. To determine the anti-allergic effect of fisetin, we examined the ability of fisetin to suppress activation of the human mast cell line, HMC-1, induced by activated Jurkat T cell membranes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

HMC-1 cells were incubated with or without fisetin for 15 min and then co-cultured with Jurkat T cell membranes activated by phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate for 16 h. We determined gene expression in activated HMC-1 cells by DNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis. We also examined activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and MAP kinases (MAPKs) in activated HMC-1 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Fisetin suppresses cell spreading and gene expression in HMC-1 cells stimulated by activated T cell membranes. Additionally, we show that these stimulated HMC-1 cells expressed granzyme B. The stimulatory interaction also induced activation of NF-kappaB and MAPKs; these activations were suppressed by fisetin. Fisetin also reduced the amount of cell surface antigen CD40 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on activated HMC-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Fisetin suppressed activation of HMC-1 cells by activated T cell membranes by interfering with cell-to-cell interaction and inhibiting the activity of NF-kappaB and MAPKs and thereby suppressing gene expression. Fisetin may protect against the progression of inflammatory diseases by limiting interactions between mast cells and activated T cells.

Ergosterol peroxide from an edible mushroom suppresses inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages and growth of HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

5alpha,8alpha-Epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6, 22-dien-3beta-ol (ergosterol peroxide) is a major antitumour sterol produced by edible or medicinal mushrooms. However, its molecular mechanism of action has yet to be determined. Here, we examine the anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects of ergosterol peroxide.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

After treating RAW264.7 macrophages with LPS and purified ergosterol peroxide or ergosterol, we determined LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines, nuclear DNA binding activity of transcription factors and phosphorylation of MAP kinases (MAPKs). HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were treated with ergosterol peroxide for 5 days. To investigate the antitumour properties of ergosterol peroxide, we performed DNA microarray and RT-PCR analyses and determined the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HT29 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Ergosterol peroxide suppressed LPS-induced TNF-alpha secretion and IL-1alpha/beta expression in RAW264.7 cells. Ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol suppressed LPS-induced DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB and C/EBPbeta, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, JNK and ERK MAPKs. Ergosterol peroxide down-regulated the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) regulated by C/EBP, and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, ergosterol peroxide showed cytostatic effects on HT29 cells and increased intracellular ROS. Furthermore, ergosterol peroxide induced the expression of oxidative stress-inducible genes, and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A, and suppressed STAT1 and interferon-inducible genes.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

Our results suggest that ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol suppress LPS-induced inflammatory responses through inhibition of NF-kappaB and C/EBPbeta transcriptional activity, and phosphorylation of MAPKs. Moreover, ergosterol peroxide appears to suppress cell growth and STAT1 mediated inflammatory responses by altering the redox state in HT29 cells.

Wedelolactone suppresses LPS-induced caspase-11 expression by directly inhibiting the IKK Complex

Caspase-11 is a key regulator of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta maturation and pathological apoptosis. Caspase-11 is not expressed in most tissues under normal condition, but highly inducible upon pathological stimulation such as in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here, we describe the identification and characterization of wedelolactone, a natural compound that inhibits LPS-induced caspase-11 expression in cultured cells by inhibiting NF-kappaB-mediated transcription. We demonstrate that wedelolactone is an inhibitor of IKK, a kinase critical for activation of NF-kappaB by mediating phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha.

"A system biology" approach to bioinformatics and functional genomics in complex human diseases: arthritis

Human and other annotated genome sequences have facilitated generation of vast amounts of correlative data, from human/animal genetics, normal and disease-affected tissues from complex diseases such as arthritis using gene/protein chips and SNP analysis. These data sets include genes/proteins whose functions are partially known at the cellular level or may be completely unknown (e.g. ESTs). Thus, genomic research has transformed molecular biology from "data poor" to "data rich" science, allowing further division into subpopulations of subcellular fractions, which are often given an "-omic" suffix. These disciplines have to converge at a systemic level to examine the structure and dynamics of cellular and organismal function. The challenge of characterizing ESTs linked to complex diseases is like interpreting sharp images on a blurred background and therefore requires a multidimensional screen for functional genomics ("functionomics") in tissues, mice and zebra fish model, which intertwines various approaches and readouts to study development and homeostasis of a system. In summary, the post-genomic era of functionomics will facilitate to narrow the bridge between correlative data and causative data by quaint hypothesis-driven research using a system approach integrating "intercoms" of interacting and interdependent disciplines forming a unified whole as described in this review for Arthritis.

Analysis of increased leukocyte ratio induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha using several inhibitors in the undisturbed microcirculation of the rat mesentery

Increased leukocyte ratio induced by intraperitoneal injection of TNF-alpha was analyzed in undisturbed rat mesentery venules, a long-term experimental model. TNF-alpha induced a biphasic increase in PMNL ratio in the mesentery venules; in particular, there was a large increase in PMNL ratio 3 h after injection of TNF-alpha. Anti-P and anti-L-selectin compounds, fucoidin and dextran sulfate, inhibited the PMNL ratio by about 40%. Dexamethasone completely inhibited the increased ratio. These results suggest that all selectins may be involved in the increased ratio, i.e. rolling and adhesion reaction.

Revision of failed metal-backed patellar component of Miller/Galante-I total knee prosthesis

Of 38 Miller/Galante-I total knee prostheses implanted between 1987 and 1990, 20 (53%) were revised. Failed metal-backed patella (15 knees; 40%) was the most frequent reason for revision. In most patients, the components were found well fixed to bone. The purpose of this study was to describe the revision technique we used for failed metal-backed patella. Total revision of all components would be ideal. However, removal of all components results in large bone loss, large blood loss, and a longer operation time. Because of the patients' relatively old age (78.7 years), less demanding activities of daily life (ADL), and the lower body weight of the Japanese patient, we chose a less invasive approach. The revision technique had the following features: (1) the grooved femoral component was not replaced, (2) the failed patellar component was replaced by an all-polyethylene patella, (3) synovectomy was performed, and (4) realignment of patellar tracking was done by lateral release and medial imbrication of the quadriceps mechanism. The mean follow-up after revision was 2 years, 4 months, and good short-term results were obtained. This less invasive approach would be beneficial for elderly patients whose ADL are less demanding.

Effects of brushing with a dentifrice for sensitive teeth on tubule occlusion and abrasion of dentin

By using a dentifrice or toothpaste for sensitive teeth, the brushing-induced effects on dentinal tubule occlusion and abrasion of human sound dentin were investigated with a scanning electron microscope and a scanning laser microscope. The dentifrice contained diatomaceous earth and silica as abrasives and strontium chloride hexahydrate as an active ingredient. Thirty dentin pieces of human premolar teeth with an average of 20% occluded dentinal tubules were attached to resin plates and exposed to the oral cavities of five adult subjects for 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Brushing with and without dentifrice was performed 1 min per day, respectively. Brushing with the dentifrice gradually decreased the mean average of occluded tubules from about 91 to 77% during 2 to 8 weeks, although there were no significant differences among the individual values. However, the mean abrasive loss of the dentin surfaces brushed with dentifrice significantly increased from about 52 to 143 microm in depth. The brushed surfaces of the dentin showed a rough topography with numerous toothbrush scratches but no organic pellicle was found. On the other hand, brushing without dentifrice caused about 99% of the dentinal tubules to occlude in 2 and 4 weeks and 100% in 8 weeks. The brushed dentin surfaces at 8 weeks were entirely covered with organic pellicle containing fine mineral granules derived from saliva, and the abrasive loss was about 1.4 microm in mean depth. Such results indicate that brushing with abrasive dentifrices for sensitive teeth remarkably erodes dentin, and suggest that the brushing should cause the dentinal tubules to open again for a certain period of time.

Flavonoids inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells

We investigated the growth inhibitory activity of several flavonoids, including apigenin, luteolin, kaempherol, quercetin, butein, isoliquiritigenin, naringenin, genistein, and daizein against B16 mouse melanoma 4A5 cells. Isoliquiritigenin and butein, belonging to the chalcone group, markedly suppressed the growth of B16 melanoma cells and induced cell death. The other flavonoids tested showed little growth inhibitory activity and scarcely caused cell death. In cells treated with isoliquiritigenin or butein, condensation of nuclei and fragmentation of nuclear DNA, which are typical phenomena of apoptosis, were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining and by agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA. Flowcytometric analysis showed that isoliquiritigenin and butein increased the proportion of hypodiploid cells in the population of B16 melanoma cells. These results demonstrate that isoliquiritigenin and butein inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in B16 melanoma cells. Extracellular glucose decreased the proportion of hypodiploid cells that appeared as a result of isoliquiritigenin treatment. p53 was not detected in cells treated with either of these chalcones, however, protein of the Bcl-2 family were detected. The level of expression of Bax in cells treated with either of these chalcones was markedly elevated and the level of Bcl-XL decreased slightly. Isoliquiritigenin did not affect Bcl-2 expression, but butein down-regulated Bcl-2 expression. From these results, it seems that the pathway by which the chalcones induce apoptosis may be independent of p53 and dependent on proteins of the Bcl-2 family. It was supposed that isoliquiritigenin induces apoptosis in B16 cells by a mechanism involving inhibition of glucose transmembrane transport and promotion of Bax expression. On the other hand, it was suggested that butein induces apoptosis via down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and promotion of Bax expression. This mechanism differs from the isoliquiritigenin induction pathway.

Phloretin-induced apoptosis in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells and HL60 human leukemia cells

The dihydrochalcone phloretin induced apoptosis in B16 mouse melanoma 4A5 cells and HL60 human leukemia cells. Phloretin was suggested to induce apoptosis in B16 cells mainly through the inhibition of glucose transmembrane transport. The phloretin-induced apoptosis in B16 cells was inhibited by actinomycin D, Ac-YVAD-CHO caspase-1-like inhibitor, and Ac-DEVD-CHO caspase-3-like inhibitor. During the induction of apoptosis by phloretin, the expression of Bax protein in B16 cells increased and the levels of p53, Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL proteins did not change. Our results suggested that phloretin induced apoptosis through the promotion of Bax protein expression and caspases activation. On the other hand, phloretin may induce apoptosis in HL60 cells through the inhibition of protein kinase C activity because phloretin inhibited protein kinase C activity in HL60 cells more than that in B16 cells. The phloretin induced-apoptosis in HL60 cells was not inhibited by actinomycin D and the caspase-1-like inhibitor, but slightly inhibited by the caspase-3-like inhibitor. Phloretin reduced the level of caspase 3 protein in HL60 cells, but not the level of the Bcl-2 protein. Phloretin did not increase the level of Bax protein. Phloretin was suggested to induce apoptosis in HL60 cells through the inhibition of protein kinase C activity, followed by the pathway, which is different from that in B16 cells.

Abrasion of human enamel by brushing with a commercial dentifrice containing hydroxyapatite crystals in vitro

Automatic toothbrushing with a commercial dentifrice containing hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals was performed on the tangential polished surfaces of sound human enamel, mainly consisting of biological apatite similar to HAP, for 10 min in vitro. The X-ray diffraction peaks of HAP, brushite (DCPD), and monetite (DCP) crystals were detected from the dentifrice. After brushing, the enamel surfaces were observed with a scanning electron and a confocal scanning laser microscope. The brushing caused larger abrasive loss and more remarkable roughness of the enamel surfaces following the broad traces of brush bristles and the exposure of prism structures than brushing with a dentifrice containing only DCPD, which we previously reported. We claim that the fine granular-shaped HAP crystals of the dentifrice indicated as an active ingredient for preventing enamel caries possess stronger abrasivity of sound enamel than the DCPD and DCP as abrasives on account of their Mohs hardness values rather than sizes and shapes. The HAP crystals of dentifrices may not occlude the small defects of early caries enamel, but erode them more strongly as an abrasive than the other abrasives.

Structure-activity relationships of flavonoids and the induction of granulocytic- or monocytic-differentiation in HL60 human myeloid leukemia cells

The flavones apigenin and luteolin strongly inhibited the growth of HL60 cells and induced morphological differentiation into granulocytes. The flavonol quercetin inhibited the cell growth and induced a differentiation marker, i.e., NBT reducing ability. However quercetin-treated cells were not morphologically differentiated into granulocytes. The chalcone phloretin weakly induced NBT reducing ability and a marker of monocytic differentiation alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase activity in the cells. Quercetin and phloretin appeared to induce the differentiation of HL60 cells into monocytes. The proportion of alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase-positive cells induced by genistein was less than that of the NBT-positive cells. Some of the nuclei in genistein-treated HL60 cells morphologically changed. Genistein must have induced both granulocytic and monocytic differentiation of HL60 cells. The flavonols galangin and kaempferol, which had fewer hydroxyl group(s) in the B-ring than quercetin, and the flavanone naringenin inhibited the growth but did not induce the differentiation of HL60 cells.

Proanthocyanidins from barley bran potentiate retinoic acid-induced granulocytic and sodium butyrate-induced monocytic differentiation of HL60 cells

Polyphenol extract from barley bran (BPE) induced nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing activity and alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase activity in HL60 human myeloid leukemia cells. Because BPE induced the biochemical markers of HL60 cell differentiation, we investigated the effects of proanthocyanidins isolated from BPE on the HL60 cell differentiation of HL60 cells. Prodelphinidin B-3, T1, T2, and T3 induced 26-40% NBT-positive cells and 22-32% alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase-positive cells. Proanthocyanidins potentiated retinoic acid (all-trans-retinoic acid)-induced granulocytic and sodium butyrate-induced monocytic differentiation in HL60 cells.

Large scale isolation of osteoclast-specific genes by an improved method involving the preparation of a subtracted cDNA library

BACKGROUND

Osteoclasts play crucial roles in bone resorption, which triggers bone remodeling. Molecular mechanisms underlying these osteoclast-specific biological functions remain elusive because only a limited number of osteoclast-specific genes have been identified. To circumvent this, we isolated a large number of osteoclast-specific genes by preparing a subtracted cDNA library of high quality.

RESULTS

We first constructed a plasmid expression vector (pAP3neo) that allowed an efficient subtraction. Then, we improved the standard protocols for preparation of the cDNA library and the subsequent subtraction procedure. Using our protocol, we prepared a rabbit osteoclast cDNA library of high complexity. Subsequently, we prepared an osteoclast-specific cDNA library of high complexity by subtracting it with biotin-labelled mRNA, derived from rabbit spleen through the biotin-avidin method. The resulting library included a high proportion of full-length cDNA inserts. Using DNA dot blot analysis, we found that the osteoclast-specific cDNA clones were highly enriched in this subtracted cDNA library, i.e. nearly 70% of the analysed clones were primarily detected in osteoclasts but not in spleen. Multiple-tissue Northern analysis also showed that many of these clones were expressed almost exclusively in osteoclasts. DNA sequencing of randomly selected clones showed that 424 cDNA species out of 1136 analysed were novel. DNA sequencing also showed that our subtracted cDNA library was almost equalized, suggesting that the library may contain almost all of the osteoclast-specific genes.

CONCLUSION

From these data, we conclude that our subtraction protocols, and the subsequent procedure for the analysis of the isolated clones developed here, are useful for the comprehensive isolation and identification of transcriptionally up- or down-regulated genes in general.

Expression and localization of matrix metalloproteinase-12 in the aorta of cholesterol-fed rabbits: relationship to lesion development

Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the aorta is a critical step for the development of atherosclerosis. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 (macrophage elastase), an elastin-degrading proteinase in the MMP family, was investigated in the thoracic aorta of rabbits fed a 1% cholesterol-containing diet for 16 weeks. In the atherosclerotic lesions, MMP-12 was produced abundantly at both the mRNA and protein levels, whereas no expression was observed in the normal rabbit aortas. The principal source of MMP-12 was macrophage foam cells (MFCs) that had infiltrated the atherosclerotic intima; this was demonstrated in both in vitro culture studies of MFCs purified from atherosclerotic lesions and immunohistochemical studies of aortic lesions. Additional biochemical studies using recombinant rabbit MMP-12 revealed that MMP-12 digested elastin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin and also activated MMP-2 and MMP-3. Expression of MMP-12 by human macrophage cell lines was increased by stimulation with acetylated low-density lipoprotein, implying augmentation of MMP-12 production during foam cell formation. Increased expression of MMP-12 in atherosclerotic lesions, concomitant with foam cell generation, which triggers the acceleration of ECM breakdown, is likely to be a critical step in the initiation and progression of the atherosclerotic cascade.

Calcium-sensing receptor in mature osteoclasts, which are bone resorbing cells

Bone metabolism consists of osteoblast-mediated bone formation coupled to osteoclastic resorption of bone. Osteoclastic bone resorption plays an important role in normal skeletal development and the maintenance of its integrity throughout life. Although osteoclastic activity is thought to be under the control of feedback regulation by extracellular cations, the molecular mechanism of detecting extracellular cations within the bone microenvironment remains to be clarified. In the present study we showed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis that cultured mature osteoclasts express the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) mRNA. The nucleotide sequence of rabbit osteoclast CaSR was approximately 90% identical to that of CaSR cDNA from human, bovine, and rat parathyroid glands. Moreover, the activity of osteoclastic bone resorption, as determined by pit formation, was regulated by extracellular calcium ion as well as its agonists that are known to act through the CaSR. We conclude that CaSR, homologous to that identified in parathyroid glands, is present in mature osteoclasts and calcium ion released from bone may directly regulate osteoclastic bone resorption.

Progressive effects of phloridzin on melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cells

When we studied the effects of polyphenols from apple fruits on melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cell lines, phloridzin had dose-dependent progressive effects on melanogenesis between 10 and 500 micrograms/ml without inhibiting cell growth. At a concentration of 500 micrograms/ml, phloridzin increased the melanin content in the cells to 181% of that in control cells. In contrast, phloretin, the aglycon of phloridzin, did not activate melanogenesis in the cells and was cytotoxic at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml. Phloridzin increased the activity of tyrosinase to 223% of that in control cells. Furthermore, phloridzin inhibited the activity of protein kinase C (PKC), which is recognized to regulate tyrosinase activity. The inhibition of PKC activity continued for 120 min from the addition of phloridzin. Therefore, we estimated that the activation of melanogenesis by phloridzin resulted from the increase of tyrosinase activity caused by the inhibition of PKC activity.

Phloretin-induced apoptosis in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells by inhibition of glucose transmembrane transport

Phloretin, a naturally occurring dihydrochalcone, is known to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. To clarify the anti-tumor effects of phloretin, its apoptosis-inducing effects in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells were examined. Phloretin induced the internucleosomal DNA fragmentation typical of apoptosis in B16 melanoma cells. The addition of extracellular glucose remarkably inhibited the phloretin-induced apoptosis in the cells. When apoptosis was strongly induced in the B16 cells by phloretin, protein kinase C activity was inhibited in the cells. Our results suggest that phloretin induced apoptosis in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells mainly through the inhibition of glucose transmembrane transport. Inhibition of protein kinase C activity by phloretin probably promotes the ratio of apoptotic cells in the cells.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1alpha-hydroxylase and vitamin D synthesis

Renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1alpha-hydroxylase [1alpha(OH)ase] catalyzes metabolic activation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 into 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3], an active form of vitamin D, and is inhibited by 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. 1alpha(OH)ase, which was cloned from the kidney of mice lacking the vitamin D receptor (VDR-/- mice), is a member of the P450 family of enzymes (P450VD1alpha). Expression of 1alpha(OH)ase was suppressed by 1alpha, 25(OH)2D3 in VDR+/+ and VDR+/- mice but not in VDR-/- mice. These results indicate that the negative feedback regulation of active vitamin D synthesis is mediated by 1alpha(OH)ase through liganded VDR.

Competitive ELISA of bovine lactoferrin with bispecific monoclonal antibodies

A mouse hybrid-hybridoma, HH1-4-3, secreting IgG1 class bispecific antibodies to bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and horseradish peroxidase (HRPO), was established previously. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of bLF using the HH1-4-3 culture supernatant was not sensitive enough to measure bLF concentration in biological fluids. To improve the sensitivity of the competitive ELISA, we fractionated the bispecific antibodies by antigen affinity column chromatography. A column immobilized with bLF adsorbed 60% of the antibodies of the HH1-4-3 supernatant, and the amount of antibodies adsorbed on a column immobilized with HRPO was less than 5%. The competitive ELISA of bLF using the affinity purified bispecific antibodies through an HRPO-immobilized column chromatography showed a good standard curve at bLF concentrations of 10 ng/ml to 100 micrograms/ml.

Assessment of the mutagenicity of extracts of TMV-coat-protein-gene induced transgenic tomato by the umu-test

We examined the mutagenicity of extracts (juice and ethanol extract) from a transgenic tomato that was established by transfection of a gene encoding the coat protein of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) to the F1 hybrid between Lycopersicon esculentum LA1000 and L. peruvianum PI128650, by the umu-test with Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 as the test organism. The extracts showed no detectable mutagenicity. The extracts from the above-mentioned F1 hybrids and wild tomatoes and cultivars (L. peruvianum PI128650, L. peruvianum PI126944, L. pimpinellifolium LS1524, L. pimpinellifolium LA722, L. hirsutum LS503, Mini-carol, Sun-cherry, Momotaro, Odoriko, Kagome77, and Ponderosa) also showed no detectable mutagenicity.

[Influence of hypotensive anesthesia on the organ blood flow--comparison of trinitroglycerine and nicardipine]

Adult mongrel dogs under anesthesia with 50% N2O + 0.5% halothane were further subjected to hypotensive anesthesia. For hypotensive anesthesia, we used two different drugs: trinitroglycerine (TNG-group) and nicardipine (NIC-group). In each of these groups, we measured respiratory and circulatory parameters and organ blood flow. The parameters of organ blood flow measured were renal cortical blood flow (RCBF), renal medullarly blood flow (RMBF), liver blood flow (LBF) and muscle blood flow (MBF). At the same time, distribution of organ blood flow was also determined. In TNG-group, significant decreases were observed in CI, LV dp/dt max, MPAP and PCWP due to decrease in venous return. In NIC-group, CI and LV dp/dt max increased significantly. No significant changes were seen in PaO2 in both groups. During hypotensive anesthesia organ blood flow decreased in all sites in TNG-group. However, as to blood distribution rate in TNG-group, RCBF and RMBF increased significantly, while a decreasing tendency was seen in MBF. On the other hand, in NIC-group RCBF decreased significantly, while MBF increased significantly. In NIC-group, distribution rate of RCBF, RMBF and LBF decreased significantly, but MBF showed a tendency to increase. From these results, it was indicated that hypotensive anesthesia using NIC may be associated with increased bleeding from the operative field due to increase in MBF.

[Influence of the hypotensive anesthesia using halothane or trinitroglycerin on coronary blood flow--comparison of normal group and normovolemic hemodilution group]

We divided adult mongrel dogs under halothane anesthesia (1 MAC: 0.86%) into the normal group (N-group: no-hemodilution, with Hct 38 +/- 7%) and the hemodilutional group (H-group: normovolemic hemodilution, with Hct 38 +/- 4%-->21 +/- 4%). For dilution of blood, Dextran 70 was used. In both groups, control values of respiratory and circulatory parameters and coronary blood flow (CBF) were measured. We repeated these measurements after animals had been anesthetized by two different methods:halothane hypotensive anesthesia and trinitroglycerine hypotensive anesthesia. Under hypotensive anesthesia with halothane, CI, LV dp/dt max, and LVSWI decreased significantly as compared to control values in both group. CBF also decreased significantly as compared to the control values in both groups. Under trinitroglycerine hypotensive anesthesia, CI, LV dp/dt max and LVSWI decreased significantly from the control values in both groups as observed under halothane hypotensive anesthesia. Differing from these findings, under trinitroglycerine hypotensive anesthesia no difference from the control group was observed in CBF in N-group, while in H-group CBF decreased significantly from the control value. It was indicated from our results that the increase in coronary blood flow induced by trinitroglycerine becomes obscure under hemodilutional state.

[Evaluation of the tolerance to hemorrhagic shock--comparison between hemodilution and non-hemodilution]

We induced various degrees of bleedings in adult mongrel dogs to determine their tolerance to bleedings. The dogs were divided into two groups: the hemodilution group (Group A: Hct 11.1 +/- 1.9%) and the non-hemodilution group (Group B: Hct 36.8 +/- 6.6%). The Group A tended to show higher tolerance to bleedings than the Group B, although the difference was not significant. Throughout the period of increasing degrees of bleedings, MAP remained higher in Group B than in Group A, but CI was higher in Group A than Group B. DO2I was kept higher in Group B than in Group A. Both PaO2 and PaCO2 showed no difference between the two groups. The results of our study indicate that hemodilution group tends to be more tolerant to bleeding than non-hemodilution group. The reason is probably that under hemodilution the oxygen delivery is maintained through an increase in cardiac output in the presence of decreased arterial oxygen content. In addition, it is considered that the safety is obtained through various factors such as preferential blood distribution to important organs (in particular to the myocardium), more efficient extraction of oxygen from the blood, and the decreased work load resulting from a reduced blood viscosity.

Identification of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in rabbit osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are multinucleate giant cells that play key roles in bone resorption. To identify genes predominantly expressed in osteoclasts, we screened a cDNA library of osteoclasts with cDNA probes of osteoclasts and alveolar macrophages. Clones specifically hybridizing to the osteoclast probe were isolated and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of one such clone, F17, was found to share significant similarity with the sequences of human and mouse matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) cDNA. By isolation and sequencing of the full-length cDNA, F17 was revealed to encode the rabbit counterpart of MMP-9. By Northern blotting, messenger RNA for MMP-9 was found to be highly and predominantly expressed in isolated osteoclasts when compared with its level in alveolar macrophages and other tissues. By gelatin zymography, gelatinase activity was detected in conditioned medium of isolated osteoclasts, suggesting that MMP-9 is secreted by isolated osteoclasts. Expression of MMP-9 was also observed in in vivo osteoclasts in metacarpal bones of newborn rabbits by in situ hybridization. These facts suggest that MMP-9 is one of the major proteases produced by osteoclasts and possibly plays a role in osteoclastic bone resorption.

[Effects of total spinal block on the circulatory system and myocardial oxygen demand and supply balance]

Total spinal block with 1.5% lidocaine was performed in adult mongrel dogs, and its effects on circulatory system and myocardial oxygen demand and supply balance were investigated. The study demonstrates that the circulatory system is depressed under induced total spinal block, as manifested by a marked decrease in HR, MAP, CI, and LV dp/dt max. A decrease in SvO2 suggests that total spinal block places the animals in lack of oxygen supply. On the other hand, coronary arterial blood flow was significantly reduced by total spinal block. With reduction in myocardial oxygen consumption, however, coronary venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and myocardial oxygen extraction rate remained unaffected, and myocardial lactate uptake was also affected little. The results suggest that sufficient coronary arterial blood flow is maintained during total spinal block to respond to the myocardial oxygen demand. There is a possibility that myocardial oxygen demand and supply are well balanced under total spinal block.

Suppressive effect of spinach extract on the formation of melanin in B16 mouse melanoma cells

A non-dialyzable extract of fresh spinach leaves exhibited a strong antioxidant activity towards oxidation of linoleic acid and suppressed the melanin formation of a mouse melanoma cell line, B16 melanoma 4A5, without any significant effect on the proliferation of cells.

Characteristics of U-937 and HL-60 leukemia cells differentiated by spinach extract

Some characteristics of U-937 and HL-60 leukemia cell lines treated with a fraction of non-dialyzable extract of spinach are reported. The absorbed fraction separated by a DEAE-Tyopearl 650 column chromatography of the non-dialyzable extract induced NBT reducing activity of U-937 and HL-60 cells. This fraction also induced substrate adhesion of U-937 cells, and the non-specific esterase activity of HL-60 cells. The expression of CD11b, CD11c and CD36 antigens on the U-937 cell surface was enhanced by the treatment with the fraction, whereas CD24 antigen was not. The treatment of HL-60 cells with the fraction also induced the expression of CD11b and CD11c antigens, but CD24 and CD36 were not expressed. These results indicated that the non-dialyzable extract of spinach induced immature differentiation of U-937 and HL-60 cells into monocyte/macrophages.

[Influence of posture changes on hemodynamics under fentanyl-diazepam anesthesia--effects of nitrous oxide]

Patients for myocardial revascularization were divided into 50% oxygen-50% nitrogen group (group A) and 50% oxygen-50% nitrous oxide group (group B) according to the kind of gas administered after the induction of anesthesia. Anesthetic induction was carried out with fentanyl and diazepam in both groups. With sufficient hemodynamic stabilization following the induction of anesthesia, the hemodynamic parameters were measured in supine position for baseline data (BASELINE). The operating table was kept at Trendelenburg position (TREND), i.e., head down position, to measure hemodynamic parameters. Next, the operating table was kept at Fowler position (FOW), i.e., head up position, and hemodynamic parameters were measured. Heart rate was little influenced by posture change in both groups. While mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, central venous pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure increased significantly in TREND in both groups, and decreased significantly in FOW. Cardiac index increased significantly in TREND in group A, but no such change occurred in group B. In FOW, cardiac index showed no significant change in group A, but decreased significantly in group B. Systemic vascular resistance was little influenced by posture change in both groups. This study suggests that it is necessary to exert a great caution in administering nitrous oxide when posture change is needed under fentanyl-diazepam anesthesia.

[Effects of nicardipine on hemodynamics and skin blood flow--comparison between N2O-sevoflurane and N2O-isoflurane anesthesia]

Dividing the surgical patients into GOS (N2O-oxygen-sevoflurane anesthesia) group and GOI (N2O-oxygen-isoflurane anesthesia) group, we studied the effects of nicardipine on hemodynamics and skin blood flow under each anesthetic method. Control measurements were taken when the hemodynamic parameters were stable during surgery and the incremental doses of nicardipine (0.5 mg) were administered up to a total of 2.0 mg. The changes in hemodynamic parameters and skin blood flow were measured at the nicardipine dosage of 0.5 mg (S1), 1.0 mg (S2), 1.5 mg (S3), and 2.0 mg (S4). Heart rate tended to increase in both groups. Blood pressure, on the other hand, decreased at S1 and S2, but showed little change at S3 and S4 in both groups. Skin blood flow tended to increase in the GOS group, but in the GOI group little change in skin blood flow was noted at S1-S3. Skin blood flow tended to decrease at S4 in the GOI group.

[A comparison of pancuronium and vecuronium used during the induction of high-dose fentanyl anesthesia]

Effects on hemodynamics and blood catecholamine levels of pancuronium and vecuronium used during the induction of anesthesia, were studied in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Anesthesia was induced out with fentanyl, 70 micrograms.kg-1, and diazepam, 0.2 mg.kg-1, and either pancuronium or vecuronium was administered in a dose of 0.2 mg.kg-1. Control measurements were made before the induction of anesthesia. Hemodynamic parameters and blood levels of norepinephrine (NEP) and epinephrine (EP) were measured three minutes (S1) and ten minutes (S2) after tracheal intubation. The study showed that HR, AP, CI, and coronary perfusing pressure were more stable in the group of patients receiving pancuronium (group P) than in the group receiving vecuronium (group V) during the induction of anesthesia. LVSWI and RVSWI showed a comparable decline in both groups. While NEP was unaffected in group P during the induction of anesthesia, it decreased significantly at S1 and S2, compared with control (S0), in group V. On the other hand, EP decreased significantly at S1 and S2 during the induction of anesthesia in both groups, but group V showed a greater change. The results of this study suggest that pancuronium is more advantageous than vecuronium as a muscle relaxant used during the induction of high-dose fentanyl anesthesia.

[Effect of hemodilutional autotransfusion on coagulative-fibrinolytic dynamics and metabolic response]

We studied the effect of hemodilutional autotransfusion on coagulative-fibrinolytic dynamics and metabolic response. Hemodilutional solutions used were Dextran-40 (group A) and Salin-HES (group B). The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) immediately after hemodilution was prolonged in both groups. Prothrombin time (PT) and hepaplastin decreased significantly, and a remarkable variation was observed particularly in group A. The results suggest that effect on fibrinolytic dynamics is not exerted in either group because antithrombin-III (AT-III) and fibrinogen decreased significantly, while fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) are within normal ranges, and plasminogen as well as alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2-PI) decreased significantly. On the other hand, all other parameters such as lactic acid level, pyruvic acid level in blood, lactic acid pyruvic acid ratio, and blood glucose level were elevated during surgery, but no difference was observed regarding these parameters between the two groups.

Scanning laser microscopic surface profiles of human enamel and dentin after brushing with abrasive dentifrice in vitro

Automatic brushing with and without commercial dentifrice containing calcium hydrogen phosphate as an abrasive, commonly available in Japan, was performed on the tangential ground surfaces of sound enamel and dentin in human young premolar teeth with loading of about 120 g for 10 minutes in vitro. Their brushed surfaces were observed with a scanning electron and a scanning laser microscope. Brushing with abrasive dentifrice caused rough surfaces to appear and the abrasion of the enamel and the dentin was measured to be about 0.1 and 1.5 microns/min in mean depth, respectively. Under brushing with only distilled water, however, the enamel surfaces remained intact while the dentin surfaces became smoother.

Effect of some constituents of chicken egg yolk lipoprotein on the growth and IgM production of human-human hybridoma cells and other human-derived cells

Chicken egg yolk lipoprotein (YLP) was partially fractionated into some constituents, and the effect of constituents of YLP were examined on the growth and immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) secretion of a HB4C5 human-human hybridoma cell line cultured in serum-free medium. Among the fractions, YP-1 and YP-2 fractions (LDL-rich fractions) were found to enhance the growth and IgM secretion of HB4C5 cells. The promoting activity was found in the commercial LDL. The lipid fraction in YP-2 fraction conjugated with 2-maltosyl-a-cyclodextrin was found to enhance the growth and IgM secretion of HB4C5 cells. Livetin-rich YP-3 and YP-4 fractions had no significant promoting activity. Commercial gamma-livetin and phosphatidyl choline possessed no growth-promoting activity. Phosphatidyl choline enhanced the IgM secretion of HB4C5 cells.

The acupuncture point and its connecting central pathway for producing acupuncture analgesia

Characteristics of the acupuncture point in producing acupuncture analgesia (AA) were examined by the inhibition of noxious responses in the brain stem reticular formation, potentials, and neuronal activity in the dorsal periaqueductal central gray (D-PAG), and analgesia caused by low frequency stimulation of the acupuncture point. As a result, stimulation of the muscle beneath the acupuncture point was found to be effective in producing AA. AA measured by tail flick, vocalization, and writhing tests was abolished by hypophysectomy, and by antiserum of beta-endorphin administered into the 3rd ventricle. The pathway from the D-PAG to the anterior hypothalamus (AA-AH) in the AA afferent pathway from the acupuncture point to the pituitary gland was determined. The lateral hypothalamus, lateral septum, cingulate bundle, dorsal-hippocampus, and habenulo-interpeduncular tract were found, in addition to regions previously found, to belong to the AA afferent pathway. A network of divergence and convergence in their rostral and caudal relations was observed. The AA afferent pathway diverges from the D-PAG, converges to the HP, and then projects to the AA-AH.

[The influence of normovolemic hemodilution on myocardial blood flow]

Normovolemic hemodilution was carried out in adult mongrel dogs by using SALIN-HES, and myocardial blood flow was measured by hydrogen clearance method. Moreover, distribution of the blood flow against cardiac output was calculated. The hematocrit levels before hemodilution was 40%. The hematocrit level by hemodilution (at 4 stages) were 26% at S1, 19% at S2, 9% at S3 and 5% at S4. Total of 4 localized myocardial blood flows in the outer and inner layer areas in both left and right cardiac ventricles were measured. All myocardial blood flows from S1 to S4 were significantly elevated by hemodilution and particularly the maximum level was observed at S3. The increase of the myocardial blood flow by hemodilution was larger in the left ventricle area than that in the right ventricle area. The distribution of the blood flow against cardiac output in the left ventricle area was elevated at S1 and S2, while no significant change was observed at S3 and S4. No significant change in the right ventricle area was observed from S1 to S4. The higher the degree of hemodilution, the higher was the decrease of blood flow ratio of the inner layer area/outer layer area in the left ventricle, but no change was observed in the right ventricle area.

[Influence of normovolemic hemodilution on organ blood flow]

The normovolemic hemodilution was carried out in adult mongrel dogs by using SALIN-HES, and organ blood flow was measured by hydrogen clearance method, and the distribution rate of cardiac output to the organ was calculated. The organ blood flow was measured in the cerebral cortex (CCBF), liver (LBF) and renal cortex (RCBF). The hematocrit level before hemodilution was 42%. The subsequent hematocrit levels (at 4 stages) were 26% at S1, 18% at S2, 10% at S3 and 5% at S4. The results suggest that higher the degree of hemodilution, CCBF increases more, and that CCBF increased significantly from S2 to S4. However, no significant variation was observed in the distribution rates of the blood flow. Moreover, no significant variation by hemodilution was also observed in both LBF and RCBF. However, a significant decrease of the distribution rate of the blood flow was observed in LBF from S1 to S2 and RCBF from S2 to S4, and the higher the degree of the hemodilution is, the rate of blood flow decreased the more remarkably.