Breakthrough in purification of fossil pollen for dating of sediments by a new large-particle on-chip sorter

Particle sorting is a fundamental method in various fields of medical and biological research. However, existing sorting applications are not capable for high-throughput sorting of large-size (>100 micrometers) particles. Here, we present a novel on-chip sorting method using traveling vortices generated by on-demand microjet flows, which locally exceed laminar flow condition, allowing for high-throughput sorting (5 kilohertz) with a record-wide sorting area of 520 micrometers. Using an activation system based on fluorescence detection, the method successfully sorted 160-micrometer microbeads and purified fossil pollen (maximum dimension around 170 micrometers) from lake sediments. Radiocarbon dates of sorting-derived fossil pollen concentrates proved accurate, demonstrating the method's ability to enhance building chronologies for paleoenvironmental records from sedimentary archives. The method is capable to cover urgent needs for high-throughput large-particle sorting in genomics, metabolomics, and regenerative medicine and opens up new opportunities for the use of pollen and other microfossils in geochronology, paleoecology, and paleoclimatology.

Characterization of ASKP1240, a fully human antibody targeting human CD40 with potent immunosuppressive effects

Blocking the CD40-CD154 interaction is reported to be effective for transplantation management and autoimmune disease models in rodents and nonhuman primates. However, clinical trials with anti-CD154 mAbs were halted because of high incidence of thromboembolic complications. Thus, we generated and characterized a fully human anti-CD40 mAb ASKP1240, as an alternative to anti-CD154 mAb. In vitro ASKP1240 concentration-dependently inhibited human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation induced by soluble CD154. In addition, ASKP1240 did not destabilize platelet thrombi under physiological high shear conditions while mouse anti-human CD154 mAb (mu5C8) did. And ASKP1240 itself did not activate platelet and endothelial cells. In vivo administration of ASKP1240 (1 or 10 mg/kg, intravenously) to cynomolgus monkeys, weekly for 3 weeks, significantly attenuated both delayed-type hypersensitivity and specific antibody formation evoked by tetanus toxoid. The immunosuppressive effect was well correlated with the CD40 receptor saturation. Thus, these results suggest that ASKP1240 is immunosuppressive but not prothromboembolic, and as such appears to be a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of solid organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases therapy.

Maximum permissible load weight of a Taishuh pony at a trot

The aim of this study was to determine the loading capacity of a trotting Taishuh pony by gait analysis using a motion analysis system. Seven Taishuh Ponies (5 mares and 2 geldings) and their rider were fitted with a marker (70 mm in diameter placed on their chest) and recorded by 2 high-resolution digital DVD cameras (at a sampling frequency of 60 Hz) as they were trotting along a straight course. Each horse performed 7 tests: 1 test with a loaded weight of 70 kg, 5 tests with random loaded weights between 80 kg and 120 kg, and a final test with a loaded weight of 70 kg again. Three-dimensional movements of each marker were analyzed using motion capture system. The time series of the vertical displacements of the marker was subjected to spectrum analysis by the maximum entropy method, and the autocorrelation coefficient was calculated. The first 2 peaks of the autocorrelation were defined as symmetry and regularity of the gait, and the sum of symmetry and regularity was defined as stability. The cross-spectrum analysis (Blackman-Tukey method) also was performed to analyze the time lag and cross-correlation coefficient between the time series of both pony and rider. Among ponies, symmetry in the 120 kg test (0.54) was significantly lower than that in the first 70 kg test (0.75, P < 0.05) and stabilities in the 100 kg (1.17) and 120 kg (1.17) tests were significantly less than that in the first 70 kg (1.46, P < 0.05). Regarding the rider, there were no significant differences in symmetry, regularity, and stability between loaded weights. The time lag between the time series of horse and rider in the 120 kg test (47.6 ms) was significantly greater than that in the first 70 kg (14.3 ms, P < 0.05) test. These results suggests that the maximum permissible load weight of the Taishuh pony trotting at 3.0 m/s over a short distance was less than 100 kg, which is 43% of the BW.

Characterization of a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced chronic dermatitis model in rats

Although many mouse models of atopic dermatitis have been reported, few rat models have been studied. In this study, a rat chronic allergic dermatitis model was developed and evaluated as a pharmacological model of atopic dermatitis. Prominent ear thickening and scratching were induced after the application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to the right ear of Brown Norway rats 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Histopathologically, infiltration of T cells in the ear was observed on day 7, and eosinophils and mast cells were found in addition to T cells on day 21. The expression of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 was increased on day 7 when compared with normal rats. However, interferon-gamma expression had disappeared by day 21. Tacrolimus ointment applied after ear tissue thickening fully developed, suppressed chronic dermatitis in a dose-dependent manner. This model has some symptomatic and histopathological similarities to atopic dermatitis and might be useful in pharmacological studies.

Use of sonographic elastography of the masseter muscles for optimizing massage pressure: a preliminary study

To examine the stiffness of the masseter muscle using sonographic elastography and to investigate its relationship with the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy volunteers. In 16 healthy volunteers (10 men and 6 women), the Masseter Stiffness Index (MSI) was measured using EUB-7000 real-time tissue elastography. They underwent massages at three kinds of pressures using the Oral Rehabilitation Robot (WAO-1). A subjective evaluation regarding the comfort of each massage was recorded on the visual analogue scale. Elastography was also performed in two patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction with the myofascial pain. The mean MSI of the right and left muscles in the healthy volunteers were 0.85 +/- 0.44 and 0.74 +/- 0.35 respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left MSI in the healthy volunteers. The MSI was related to massage pressure at which the healthy men felt most comfortable. The two temporomandibular disorder patients had a large laterality in the MSI. The MSI was related to the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy men. The MSI can be one index for determining the massage pressure.

Changes in electrical resistance of sound fissure enamel in first molars for 66 months from eruption

The purposes of this study were to investigate the enamel maturation process in the occlusal pit of sound first molars by measuring electrical resistance. Ninety-nine sound first molars in 34 children (mean age of 6.47 +/- 0.51 years) were measured electrically once every 6 months and were monitored for a maximum of 66 months. Electrical resistance increased during the posteruptive period. However, the results suggest that posteruptive enamel maturation in the occlusal pits may not be completed even 66 months after tooth eruption.

Fluoride Intake from Food and Liquid in Japanese Children Living in Two Areas with Different Fluoride Concentrations in the Water Supply

The purpose of this study was to estimate the average daily amount of fluoride from the diet ingested by Japanese children of ages susceptible to dental fluorosis in two areas with different fluoride concentrations in the water supply. Thirty-eight children aged 2-8 years participated in a survey of fluoride intake. Twenty-one out of 38 children lived in an area in which the community water fluoride concentration was an average of 0.555 ppm (moderate fluoride area: MFA), and 17 lived in a low fluoride area (LFA), which ranged between 0.040 and 0.131 ppm. To measure the fluoride intake, diets were collected with a duplicate-diet technique. The fluoride concentrations in each sample were measured using the diffusion technique of Taves and the electrode technique. Meanwhile, after clinical examinations for dental caries and fluorosis, 228 subjects aged 13-15 years were selected for analysis from the same communities. The mean DMFT in the MFA was significantly lower than that in the LFA. The severest grade of dental fluorosis observed was 'very mild' according to Dean's fluorosis index in both areas. The total daily fluoride intakes were 0.0252-0.0254 mg F/kg/day in the MFA and 0.0126-0.0144 mg F/kg/day in the LFA. Differences in the fluoride concentration of drinking water in this study were reflected in the fluoride intake from the diet in a typical Japanese diet.

Balanitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes: a report of two cases

Streptococcus pyogenes (the Lancefield group A streptococcus) is a cause of pharyngitis and impetigo. However, it has rarely been implicated as a sexually transmitted pathogen. We herein report two cases of severe balanitis due to S. pyogenes in sexually active men. It is postulated that penile cellulitis developed following the invasion of S. pyogenes through a traumatic abrasion acquired during fellatio performed by commercial sex workers. Both patients were treated successfully with oral administration of penicillin.

Tumour Lines from a Spontaneous Rat Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, Showing Dendritic Cell-like and Myofibroblastic Cell-like Phenotypes

A transplantable tumour (RY) and cell lines (RY-PB and clone RY-B-E3 isolated from RY-PB) were established from a naturally occurring endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) found in a 24-month-old female F344 rat. The primary tumour and RY tumours, which had been serially passaged in syngeneic female rats up to the 10th generation, consisted of spindle or round cells arranged in ill-defined bundles or sheets. Neoplastic cells of the primary and RY tumours, as well as cultured cells of RY-PB and RY-B-E3, showed positive reactions to vimentin, ED1/ED2 (both for rat macrophages/histiocytes), OX6 (for dendritic cells expressing rat MHC class II antigens), and lysosomal enzymes such as acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase, in varying degrees. Ultrastructurally, neoplastic cells characteristically had tubulovesicular system-like structures and variously developed lysosomes in the cytoplasm. Neoplastic cells also exhibited immunoexpression to an alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). The addition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 to RY-PB and RY-B-E3 cultures increased the number of alpha-SMA-positive cells, whilst the positive cell number was decreased by anti-TGF-beta antibody. The RT-PCR method revealed the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA in the cultured cells. The present study showed that rat ESS-derived cells exhibited dendritic cell-like and myofibroblastic cell-like phenotypes. The histogenesis of ESSs in human beings and rats remains poorly understood, and these tumour lines may therefore become useful tools for further research.

Fluoride mouth rinsing proficiency of Japanese preschool-aged children

AIM

To determine whether Japanese preschool-aged children swallow fluoride solution while rinsing and how much fluoride was retained in the mouth after rinsing.

METHODS

The subjects were 769 children who participated in a school-based fluoride mouth rinse programme (FMR) using 0.05% sodium fluoride solution daily. The group of younger, mean age of 4 years and 10 months, experienced the FMR for two months, and the group of older children, mean age of 5 years and 4 months, did it for at least 8 months, rinsing for a minute using 7 ml of the solution. The amount of fluoride retained in the mouth was estimated as the amount present in the net rinsing solution prepared minus what returned to the solution expectorated.

RESULTS

No child swallowed all the solution. The rate of fluoride retained was 12.0% (mean = 0.19 mg) in the younger group and 10.7% (mean = 0.17 mg) in the older. Only six children retained over 0.5 mg of fluoride. With the extra survey using weekly intervals, the amount retained was below 0.5 mg in all children.

CONCLUSION

That Japanese preschoolaged children could perform fluoride mouth rinsing safely and efficiently.

Effect of FK506 eye drops on late and delayed-type responses in ocular allergy models

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that FK506 strongly inhibits cytokine production by T cells in vitro. However, less evidence is available from in vivo studies of ocular allergy.

OBJECTIVE

To study the anti-inflammatory effect of FK506 eye drops on late and delayed-type responses in several animal models of ocular allergy.

METHODS

Rats and guinea-pigs were sensitized with egg albumin (EA) in adjuvant and later challenged by topical EA application to their eyes to examine the late response. Biopsy specimens of conjunctiva were stained with haematoxylin-eosin or stained for T cells and eosinophils. In addition, rats, rabbits and guinea-pigs were sensitized with complete Freund's adjuvant and later challenged by injecting purified protein derivatives for the delayed-type response. Bulbar conjunctival oedema and hyperaemia were graded by score in rabbits, and Evans blue (EB) extravasation was measured in rats and guinea-pigs. FK506 (0.01-1%) and steroid (0.1%) eye drops were instilled in the eyes of animals several times, before and after challenge.

RESULTS

FK506 eye drops inhibited T cell and eosinophil infiltration in the late response and EB extravasation in the delayed-type response in rats. Also, they inhibited conjunctival oedema, hyperaemia and ocular mucus in the delayed-type response in rabbits. These effects were similar to those of steroid eye drops (betamethasone sodium phosphate, fluorometholone). FK506 eye drops also inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, the loss of conjunctival epithelium and decrease of goblet cells in the late response as well as EB extravasation in the delayed-type response in guineapigs, a steroid-resistant species.

CONCLUSION

FK506 eye drops inhibit late and delayed-type responses in animal models of ocular allergy.

Characterization of newly established tumor lines from a spontaneous malignant schwannoma in F344 rats: nerve growth factor production, growth inhibition by transforming growth factor-beta1, and macrophage-like phenotype expression

Transplantable tumor (KE) and clone cell (KE-F11) lines were established from a spontaneous malignant schwannoma found in an aged F344 rat. The primary tumor and KE tumors consisted of oval or spindle cells arranged in ill-defined bundles. Cultured KE-F11 cells exhibited polygonal or spindle configurations. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells in KE and KE-F11 reacted to vimentin, S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, myelin basic protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein in varying degrees, indicating neurogenic features; occasional cells reacted to alpha-smooth muscle actin. Cells positive for lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase), and ED1 (rat macrophage specific) were observed in KE-F11, and electron microscopically, cells with many lysosomes were frequently present, indicating expression of macrophage-like phenotypes. Bioassay analysis revealed that KE-F11 cells produced high levels of nerve growth factor. DNA synthesis was inhibited by addition of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and Northern blot analysis revealed that expression of c-myc, a cell cycle-related immediate early gene, was depressed by TGF-beta1. Likely, TGF-beta1 is a factor capable of inhibiting cellular growth of Schwann cells. mRNA expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) was seen in KE-F11 cells by Northern blot analysis, and the level was decreased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. LRP may be attributable to regulation of Schwann cell functions. KE-F11 cells seeded on laminin-coated dishes exhibited more extended cytoplasmic projections than on collagen type I-coated dishes. The present study provides evidence that biological properties of malignant schwannoma-derived cells might be affected by exogenous factors such as TGF-beta1, LPS and laminin. These tumor lines may be useful for studies on pathobiological characteristics of Schwann cells.

Correlation of elevated level of blood midkine with poor prognostic factors of human neuroblastomas

The heparin-binding growth factor midkine (MK) is the product of a retinoic acid-responsive gene, and is implicated in neuronal survival and differentiation, and carcinogenesis. We previously reported that MK mRNA expression is elevated in neuroblastoma specimens at all stages, whereas pleiotrophin, the other member of the MK family, is expressed at high levels in favourable neuroblastomas. As MK is a secretory protein, it can be detected in the blood. Here, we show a significant correlation of the plasma MK level with prognostic factors of neuroblastomas. The plasma MK level was determined in 220 patients with neuroblastomas, and compared with that in children without malignant tumors (n=17, <500 pg ml(-1)). The plasma MK level became significantly elevated with advancing stages (stage 1: 445 pg ml(-1) (median), n=73; stage 2: 589, n=39; stage 3: 864, n=40; stage 4: 1445, n=56; and stage 4S: 2439, n=12). More importantly, a higher MK level was strongly correlated with poor prognostic factors: over 1 year of age (P=0.0299), MYCN amplification (P<0.0001), low TrkA expression (P=0.0005), nonmass screening, sporadic neuroblastomas (P<0.0001), and diploidy/tetraploidy (P=0.0007). Thus, these results demonstrate that the plasma MK level is a good marker for evaluating the progression of neuroblastomas. Moreover, considering the ability of antisense MK oligodeoxyribonucleotide to suppress tumour growth of colorectal carcinoma cells in nude mice, as recently reported, the present study suggests that MK is a possible candidate molecular target for therapy for neuroblastomas.

Participation of different macrophage populations and myofibroblastic cells in chronically developed renal interstitial fibrosis after cisplatin-induced renal injury in rats

To shed some light on the mechanisms behind renal fibrogenesis, the present study immunohistochemically investigated the participation of different macrophage populations and myofibroblastic cells in rat renal interstitial fibrosis developed chronically after repeated injection of cisplatin (2 mg/kg body weight, once weekly for 7 weeks). During the 19-week recovery period after the final injection, fibrotic lesions progressively developed in the corticomedullary junction, with the greatest level at post-final injection (FPI) week 5, and then the lesions were gradually repaired by PFI week 19, indicative of a healing process. In conformity with the development of fibrotic lesions, the number of myofibroblastic cells reacting with an anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody was increased, with a peak at PFI week 3, and collagens (types I, III, and IV), fibronection, and laminin were excessively accumulated in these areas. Interstitial cells forming the fibrotic lesions showed mitotic activity at the early stages, whereas they disappeared by apoptosis in the healing process. A large number of cells reacting with an antibody of ED1 (for exudate macrophages), ED2 (for resident macrophages), or OX6 (for major histocompatibility complex class II-presenting macrophages and interstitial dendritic cells) had already appeared at PF1 week 1, and then their numbers increased, with a peak at PFI weeks 7, 3, and 9 in ED1-, ED2-, and OX6-positive cells, respectively. Thereafter, the number of ED1- and ED2-positive cells decreased, whereas the number of OX6-positive cells persisted at a high level until PFI week 19. In the healing process, clusters of lymphocytes were present, the development of which might have been related to OX6-positive cells. The present study demonstrated that chronically developing rat renal interstitial fibrosis might be produced by the complicated mechanisms evoked by interactions between different macrophage populations and myofibroblastic cells, because macrophages show heterogeneous functions depending on microenvironmental factors.

Characterization of Ascaris-induced biphasic skin allergic reaction model in mice: possible roles of mast cells in early-phase and CD4-positive T cells in late-phase reactions

We established an Ascaris-induced biphasic skin allergic reaction in mice. In the early-phase reaction (EPR), mast cell degranulation was observed, and tranilast inhibited ear edema. In mast-cell-deficient mice (WBB6F(1)-W/W(V) mice), ear edema in the EPR disappeared, whereas that in the late-phase reaction (LPR) remained. Eosinophils increased, and CD4-positive T cells tended to increase in the LPR. Anti-CD4 antibody, anti-IL-4 antibody and anti-IL-5 antibody all inhibited ear edema and had a tendency to inhibit eosinophil infiltration in the LPR. These data suggest that the EPR is induced by histamine released from mast cells, whereas the LPR is induced by IL-4 and IL-5 produced from CD4-positive T cells.

Three-dimensional angioarchitecture in transplantable rat fibrosarcomas

Three-dimensional angioarchitecture in a transplantable fibrosarcoma (SS) in F344 rats was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts. Tumours were produced in syngeneic rats by implantation of a tumour fragment from another SS tumour. Viable SS tumours, observed up to post-implantation (PI) week 5, showed a high degree of vascularization, consisting of arterioles and veins, and intertwining capillaries branching from such vessels. The capillaries showed numerous finger-like outgrowths, indicating active sprouting of endothelial cells and contributing to tumour growth. In contrast, SS tumours in rats given a single dose (4 mg/kg/bodyweight) of cisplatin at PI week 1 were reduced in volume, lacking in capillary outgrowths, and of low vascular density. Necrotic areas in SS tumours were surrounded by capillaries with sharp tips and wrinkled surfaces. Thus, the findings indicated differences in three-dimensional angioarchitecture between vigorously developing tumours and (1) tumours degenerating as the result of treatment with an anti-cancer drug, or (2) necrotic tumour tissues. SEM of vascular corrosion casts may prove useful for the evaluation of neovascularization in mesenchymal tumours.

Rhodium(I)-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to alpha,beta-unsaturated amides

The conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to alpha,beta-unsaturated amides was carried out in the presence of a chiral rhodium catalyst and an aqueous base. The catalyst prepared in situ from Rh(acac)(CH(2)=CH(2))(2) and (S)-binap provided (R)-N-benzyl-3-phenylbutanamide with 93% ee in the addition of phenylboronic acid to N-benzyl crotonamide. The reaction suffered from incomplete conversion resulting in moderate yields, but addition of an aqueous base, such as K(2)CO(3) (10-50 mol%) was found to be highly effective to improve the chemical yields. The role of the base giving a RhOH species active for transmetalation with arylboronic acids was discussed.

Brainstem auditory regions in mice: expression of nociceptin/orphanin FQ precursor mRNA in select neurons

Nociceptin peptide-receptor system is known to be essential for the regulation of hearing ability. The mRNA for nociceptin precursor protein is highly expressed in the brainstem. We explored a detailed hybridohistochemical expression pattern of the nociceptin precursor mRNA in the mouse brainstem, and identified positive cells in several auditory brainstem nuclei. Positive cells were seen in the dorsal and ventral nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, the rostral periolivary region, the lateroventral and medioventral periolivary nuclei, the dorsal periolivary region, the superior paraolivary nucleus, and the external cortex and dorsal cortex of the inferior colliculus. Of these, the medioventral and lateroventral periolivary nuclei, the major sites of origin of olivocochlear bundle, were most populated by positive cells.

Atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions induced by topical application of mite antigens in NC/Nga mice

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation usually observed in patients with an individual or a familial history of atopic diseases, precipitated by environmental factors including mite antigens (Ag). However, the exact etiology of AD is unclear. To further explore the pathogenesis and treatment of AD, a suitable animal model is necessary. In this study, we developed a new animal model of AD induced by mite Ag in NC/Nga mice.

METHODS

We injected the extracts of mite Ag intradermally at the ventral side of the ear of SPF NC/Nga mice on days 0, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16, and measured the clinical symptoms and the ear thickness. On day 18, we collected blood and submandibular lymph nodes (LN) of the immunized ear to perform a histochemical analysis, and to measure the plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines.

RESULTS

The NC/Nga mice immunized with mite Ag suffered from AD-like skin lesions including erythema followed by edema, excoriation and scaling. The histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the affected skin showed epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, severe infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages, and degranulation of mast cells. The total plasma IgE level was markedly elevated in mite Ag-treated mice. LN cells of mice immunized with mite Ag synthesized IgE in an Ag-dependent manner and secreted interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 but not interferon-gamma.

CONCLUSIONS

NC/Nga mice treated with mite Ag manifest clinical and immunological aspects similar to patients with AD, suggesting that this model is suitable for exploring the pathogenesis of human AD.

Colour Doppler sonographic analysis of blood-flow velocity in the human facial artery and changes in masseter muscle thickness during low-level static contraction

Muscle oedema, which can be seen as a thickness increment by ultrasonography, is important in provoking pain and fatigue during low-level contraction. Although oedema is related to the balance of inflow and outflow of blood, there are no data on the correlation between muscle thickness change and blood-flow. Blood-flow velocities in the facial artery and the muscle thickness changes were measured by colour Doppler ultrasonography in 30 healthy volunteers during 20 min contraction with 10% of maximum force. Thickness and velocity changes both reached a peak in the initial phase of contraction. The initial change of thickness did not correlate with the velocity in the facial artery, while those immediately after exercise showed a high correlation. The velocity changes in the facial artery might depend on both the general response to contraction and local metabolic or mechanical factors in the contracted masseters.

FK506 is superior to methotrexate in therapeutic effects on advanced stage of rat adjuvant-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The anti-arthritic properties of FK506 were compared with methotrexate (MTX) in established adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats.

MATERIAL

Female Lewis rats.

TREATMENT

Arthritic rats were orally administered with FK506 (1-5.6 mg/kg) and MTX (0.1-1 mg/kg) from days 15-24.

METHODS

Arthritis was induced by injection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the right hind footpad on day 0. Efficacy was determined on the basis of paw inflammation measured by paw volume and histological change, hyperalgesia and grip strength. Grip strength measurement was employed as an indication of function of paws in arthritic rats. Peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts and thymus weights were measured, mainly as indicators of toxic side effects.

RESULTS

FK506 suppressed paw inflammation and hyperalgesia without toxic effects on WBC and thymus in established AIA. MTX slightly suppressed paw inflammation and hyperalgesia at the highest dose (1 mg/kg). Toxic effects were observed at lower doses than the effective treatment dose with MTX. Grip strength was found to decrease during development of AIA. FK506, but not MTX, treated rats recovered grip strength loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that FK506 is more effective and less toxic than MTX in treating established AIA in rats.

Effects of FK506 and other immunosuppressive anti-rheumatic agents on T cell activation mediated IL-6 and IgM production in vitro

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of FK506 and other immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on the effects on in vitro IL-6 production and IL-6-mediated immune response. We employed an in vitro model producing IL-6 via T cell activation in human PBMC, based on the hypothesis that T cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of RA. FK506 potently inhibited IL-6 production from PBMC stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD3/CD28). Cyclosporin A (CsA) also inhibited the anti-CD3/CD28 induced IL-6 production but was about 100 times less potent than FK506. Dexamethasone (DEX) inhibited both anti-CD3/CD28 and LPS induced IL-6 production at almost the same concentration. Methotrexate (MTX) did not affect cytokine production. Anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated PBMC culture supernatants were found to enhance IgM production in SKW6.4 cells. The effects of anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated culture supernatants in the presence of agents on IgM production in SKW6.4 cells were investigated. FK506 and CsA led to suppression of IgM production induced by culture supernatants probably via inhibition of IgM inducible cytokine production from PBMC. DEX profoundly enhanced IgM production, although IL-6 production from PBMC was strongly inhibited by the agent. MTX decreased IgM production although it has no inhibitory effect on IL-6 production. The present study suggests that FK506 is the most effective among the four agents for the suppression of IL-6 production and IL-6-mediated autoantibody production in T cell activation related autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Three-dimensional image display without special eyeglasses: observation of magnetic resonance angiography using the stereoscopic liquid crystal display

The authors have developed a new stereoscopic liquid crystal display that provides real-time 3-dimensional image viewing without special eyeglasses. The device consists of 3 major parts: (1) an image display composed of a 10.4-inch color liquid crystal plate with a resolution of 640 x 480, (2) an automatic head tracking system, and (3) a special backlight unit for the right and left eyes. Eight radiologists interpreted 60 cases of magnetic resonance angiography (29 cases of cerebrovascular disease and 31 normal cases) to compare film display and the liquid crystal display (ie, pseudo 3-dimensional display and true 3-dimensional display). Using a continuously distributed scale ranging from 0% to 100%, the observers ranked their confidence levels in determining the presence or absence of steno-occlusive disease, aneurysm, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and their locations. For statistical evaluation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Brier score were used. For detecting AVM, film reading showed a significantly higher value in the area under the binormal ROC curve (Az) than did pseudo-3-dimensional display (P < .05). Excluding this, however, no significant difference existed in Az values among the 3 viewing methods. Also, there was no significant difference in Brier score between not only the stereoscopic view and nonstereoscopic view groups, but also the senior and junior groups. Subjective estimation of true 3-dimensional display showed that vessels were more distinguishable with less eye fatigue compared with stereoscopic film reading. The stereoscopic liquid crystal display provided almost equal efficacy to film reading; however, the short optimum distance for observation and the low resolution should be improved.

Biorecognizable HPMA copolymer-drug conjugates for colon-specific delivery of 9-aminocamptothecin

N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer conjugates for colon-specific delivery of 9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) were designed. They hold 9-AC bound via spacers containing amino acid residues and aromatic azo bonds. In vitro release profiles of 9-AC from HPMA copolymer conjugates were evaluated under artificial conditions that simulated large intestinal azoreductase and peptidase activities. The studies indicated that the azo bond was reduced first, followed by the release of unmodified 9-AC from the 9-AC containing fragment by peptidases. Release profiles depended on the chemical structure of the peptide part of the spacer. Conjugates containing leucylalanine showed high colon-specific release of 9-AC when compared to alanine containing conjugates. It appears that the studied conjugates are suitable as colon-specific drug delivery systems.

The variation on the mutagenicity of CNP during anaerobic biodegradation

The mutagenicity of water, including herbicide CNP, and its time-variation during anaerobic biodegradation were studied through Ames assay using strains with or without. S9 mix: TA98, TA 100, YG1021, YG1024, YG1026, and YG1029. The bacteria, for the anaerobic biodegradation, was obtained from a paddy field, and preincubated for a month. The CNP was decomposed in an anaerobic culture inoculated with the bacteria, and finally yielded CNP-amino as one of the CNP metabolites. About 16% of the initial CNP was transformed into CNP-amino by the 14th day. The mutagenicities to TA98. YG1024, and YG1029 strains with S9 mix increased with cultivating time, the latter two showed the strongest sensitivity to CNP-amino. The contribution of CNP to the mutagenicity decreased as the chemical decomposed, while the contribution of CNP-amino increased. However, the increased mutagenicity was not limited to the contribution of CNP-amino. but also to the contribution of other metabolites. The contributions of other CNP metabolites were 67% of total mutagenicity to the TA98 strain and 30% to the YG1029 strain. These unknown mutagenic metabolites were the indirect frameshift mutagens which did not have nitro- and amino-substituents, and the indirect base-pair mutagens which might possibly have some amino-substituents.

Differential effects of transforming growth factor-beta1, a fibrogenic factor, on macrophage-like cells (HS-P) and myofibroblastic cells (MT-9) in vitro

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) produced by infiltrating macrophages plays a role in fibrotic disorders through the induction of myofibroblasts. To explore possible mechanisms by which TGF-beta1 may act in this context, we investigated effects of TGF-beta1 on macrophage-like (HS-P) and myofibroblastic (MT-9) cells, two novel cell lines developed by us. Immunocytochemically, the addition of TGF-beta1 (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 ng/ml) dose-dependently suppressed the expressions of antigens recognized by macrophage/histiocyte-specific antibodies (ED1 and ED2) in HS-P cells, whereas the addition concomitantly increased the number of anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody-positive myofibroblastic cells, suggesting a possible phenotypical modulation of macrophages into myofibroblasts in the fibrotic lesions. By contrast, MT-9 cells did not show such immunophenotypical changes following TGF-beta1 addition. DNA synthesis, measured by tritiated thymidine-incorporation, was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in MT-9 cells by TGF-beta1 addition (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 5, and 10 ng/ml), but that in HS-P cells was unchanged. Northern blot analysis revealed that expressions of cell cycle-related early genes, c-jun and c-myc, were increased in HS-P cells after TGF-beta1 (1 ng/ml) addition, with c-jun showing peak expression prior to c-myc. By contrast, the peak expressions of c-jun and c-myc were delayed in TGF-beta1 (1 ng/ml)-added MT-9 cells, and their levels were less in MT-9 cells than in HS-P cells. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 (1 and 10 ng/ml) induced DNA laddering in MT-9 cells, but did not in HS-P cells. Based on these findings, it was speculated that TGF-beta1 could have induced G1 arrest in cell cycle and apoptosis in MT-9 cells. The present study showed that there were significant differences in the effects of TGF-beta1 between macrophage-like HS-P cells and myofibroblastic MT-9 cells, presumably depending on divergent susceptibilities to TGF-beta1 between both cell types. Because such cell types are key cells in the fibrogenesis, HS-P and MT-9 might be useful models for investigating the pathogenesis of fibrosis in vitro.

Effects of lipopolysaccharide on a macrophage-like cell line (HS-P) from a rat histiocytic sarcoma

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major modulator of macrophage functions. To characterize a newly established rat histiocytic sarcoma-derived cell line (HS-P), immunophenotypic changes and cellular growth responses of HS-P cells exposed to LPS were investigated and compared with those of MT-9 cells isolated from a rat malignant fibrous histiocytoma. MT-9 cells have somewhat histiocytic features, because occasional cells react to rat macrophage-specific antibodies. Addition of LPS to cultured HS-P cells increased the numbers of cells immunopositive to ED1 (rat macrophage-specific antibody) and ED2 (rat histiocyte-specific antibody) and stimulated the phagocytosis of latex beads, whereas LPS-treated MT-9 cells did not show such immunophenotypic changes. LPS-treated HS-P cells showed enhanced immunolabelling of alpha-smooth muscle actin, suggesting a possible modulation of macrophages towards myofibroblastic cells. To evaluate cellular growth after the addition of LPS or fetal bovine serum, DNA synthesis was examined by measuring tritiated thymidine incorporation, and the mRNA expression of c- jun and c- myc (immediate early genes in the cell cycle) was examined by Northern blot analysis. In HS-P cells, the addition of serum greatly increased DNA synthesis and induced high expression of c- jun and c- myc; in contrast, LPS markedly depressed DNA synthesis and reduced the expression of c- jun and c- myc. HS-P cells were more sensitive than MT-9 cells to the growth-promoting effect of serum and the growth-inhibiting effect of LPS. The study demonstrated that HS-P cells are highly LPS-responsive, indicating that they would be useful for studies of macrophage functions.

Tacrolimus suppressed the production of cytokines involved in atopic dermatitis by direct stimulation of human PBMC system. (Comparison with steroids)

Tacrolimus (FK506) ointment showed remarkable efficacy against atopic dermatitis in animal models and clinical trials. The suppressive effect of tacrolimus on the production of the cytokines involved in atopic dermatitis (IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF) from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated. We constructed a new cytokine production system in which T cells are activated by direct stimulation in vitro with anti-CD3/CD2 or anti-CD3/CD28 antibody combination. Tacrolimus inhibited the production of these cytokines by both stimulations. In a comparative study with steroids (alclometasone dipropionate and betamethason valerate) in anti-CD3/CD2 system, tacrolimus and both steroids inhibited Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) and IL-3, GM-CSF (produced by both Th1 and Th2). The suppressive effect of tacrolimus on cytokine production was stronger than that of alclometasone dipropionate and equal to or stronger than that of betamethason valerate. The effective dose of tacrolimus (IC50, 0.02-0.11 ng/ml) is almost the same as for Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and 1 ng/ml of tacrolimus suppressed all cytokines completely. These results suggest that tacrolimus suppresses the allergic cytokines from T cells, and that tacrolimus ointment is effective against atopic dermatitis through the inhibition of cytokine production.

Glypican-2 binds to midkine: the role of glypican-2 in neuronal cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth

Cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans participate in molecular events that regulate cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. The present study was performed to elucidate whether glypican-2 plays a role in interactions of neurons with midkine (MK), a heparin-binding neuroregulatory factor. MK bound to heparan sulfate chains of glypican-2 in a manner similar to syndecan-3. Microbeads coated with MK or poly-L-lysine induced clustering of glypican-2 as well as syndecan-3. Substratum-bound MK or poly-L-lysine induced cell adhesion of N2a neuroblastoma cells, while only MK promoted neurite outgrowth of these cells. Ligation of cell-surface glypican-2 with MK or an antibody against epitope-tagged glypican-2 induced cell adhesion and promoted neurite outgrowth. These results verified that cell-surface glypican-2 bound to MK and suggested that MK-glypican-2 interactions participate in neuronal cell migration and neurite outgrowth. In addition, we observed different localization of epitope-tagged glypican-2 and syndecan-3 on the surface of N2a cells; the result suggested that they may play different roles in MK-mediated neural function.

Haptotactic migration induced by midkine. Involvement of protein-tyrosine phosphatase zeta. Mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Midkine, a heparin-binding growth factor, plays a critical role in cell migration causing suppression of neointima formation in midkine-deficient mice. Here we have determined the molecules essential for midkine-induced migration. Midkine induced haptotaxis of osteoblast-like cells, which was abrogated by the soluble form of midkine or pleiotrophin, a midkine-homologous protein. Chondroitin sulfate B, E, chondroitinase ABC, B, and orthovanadate, an inhibitor of protein-tyrosine phosphatase, suppressed the migration. Supporting these data, the cells examined expressed PTPzeta, a receptor-type protein-tyrosine phosphatase that exhibits high affinity to both midkine and pleiotrophin and harbors chondroitin sulfate chains. Furthermore, strong synergism between midkine and platelet-derived growth factor in migration was detected. The use of specific inhibitors demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and protein-tyrosine phosphatase were involved in midkine-induced haptotaxis but not PDGF-induced chemotaxis, whereas phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase and protein kinase C were involved in both functions. Midkine activated both PI3-kinase and MAP kinases, the latter activation was blocked by a PI3-kinase inhibitor. Midkine further recruited PTPzeta and PI3-kinase. These results indicate that PTPzeta and concerted signaling involving PI3-kinase and MAP kinase are required for midkine-induced migration and demonstrate for the first time the synergism between midkine and platelet-derived growth factor in cell migration.

Blood flow in and around the masseter muscle: normal and pathologic features demonstrated by color Doppler sonography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to clarify the normal findings of arteries in and around the masseter muscle and to present their pathologic changes with the use of color Doppler sonography.

STUDY DESIGN

The vascular appearances were examined for the 4 main arteries feeding the masseter muscle in healthy volunteers (n = 38) and patients with inflammation (n = 5) and intramuscular hemangioma (n = 3). The features of these arteries were investigated together with the flow diameter, flow velocities, and arterial resistances. The symmetry indices were also calculated to assess the pathologic changes.

RESULTS

The detection rates of the branch from the transverse facial artery, the masseter artery, and the branch from the maxillary or external carotid artery were 98.7%, 21.1%, and 84.2% in healthy volunteers, respectively. The facial artery that feeds the muscle from the inferior part represented 2 patterns according to anatomic variant: the masseteric branch (22.4%) and the main trunk itself (77.6%). The means of the flow diameter, maximum and minimum velocities, resistive index, and pulsatility index in healthy subjects were 1.8 mm, 24.6 cm/s, 5.1 cm/s, 0.80, and 2.51, respectively. In most of the patients with symptoms, the symmetry indices of all measurement values increased in comparison with those of healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler sonography is useful in describing the arteries in and around the masseter muscle and has the potential of being used to depict the pathologic changes.

An increase in circulating mast cell colony-forming cells in asthma

We compared a potential to generate mast cells among various sources of CD34(+) peripheral blood (PB) cells in the presence of stem cell factor (SCF) with or without thrombopoietin (TPO), using a serum-deprived liquid culture system. From the time course of relative numbers of tryptase-positive and chymase-positive cells in the cultured cells grown by CD34(+) PB cells of nonasthmatic healthy individuals treated with G-CSF, TPO appears to potentiate the SCF-dependent growth of mast cells without influencing the differentiation into mast cell lineage. CD34(+) PB cells from asthmatic patients in a stable condition generated significantly more mast cells under stimulation with SCF alone or SCF+TPO at 6 wk of culture than did steady-state CD34(+) PB cells of normal controls. Single-cell culture studies showed a substantial difference in the number of SCF-responsive or SCF+TPO-responsive mast cell progenitors in CD34(+) PB cells between the two groups. In the presence of TPO, CD34(+) PB cells from asthmatic children could respond to a suboptimal concentration of SCF to a greater extent, compared with the values obtained by those of normal controls. Six-week cultured mast cells of asthmatic subjects had maturation properties (intracellular histamine content and tryptase/chymase enzymatic activities) similar to those derived from mobilized CD34(+) PB cells of nonasthmatic subjects. An increase in a potential of circulating hemopoietic progenitors to differentiate into mast cell lineage may contribute to the recruitment of mast cells toward sites of asthmatic mucosal inflammation.

Design of nanoparticles composed of graft copolymers for oral peptide delivery

The development of a dosage form that improves the absorption of peptide and protein drugs via the gastrointestinal tract is one of the greatest challenges in the pharmaceutical field. Many researchers have taken up the challenge, using approaches including mucoadhesive drug delivery, colon delivery, particulate drug delivery such as nanoparticles, microcapsules, liposomes, emulsions, micelles, and so on. The objective of this article is to provide the reader with outlines of novel nanoparticle technologies for oral peptide delivery based on polymer chemistry. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and their behavior on exposure to physiological media are greatly dominated by their chemical structures and surface characteristics. We will especially focus on the design of nanoparticles composed of novel graft copolymers having a hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic branches as drug carriers.

Intraventricular administration of the neurotrophic factor midkine ameliorates hippocampal delayed neuronal death following transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils

Midkine (MK) is a growth factor with neurotrophic activities, and is expressed during the early stages of experimental cerebral infarction in rats in the zone surrounding the infarct. To evaluate in vivo activity of MK in preventing neuronal death, MK produced in yeast (Pichia pastoris) was administered into the brain ventricle immediately before occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery of Mongolian gerbils. MK administration at the dose of 0.5-2 microg immediately before occlusion was found to ameliorate delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region caused by transient ischemia 7 days after the insult. The hippocampal neurons of the MK-administered gerbils tended to degenerate 14 and 21 days after the insult, but their numbers remained higher than those in saline-administered controls; however, the hippocampal neurons were degenerated 28 days after the insult. MK administration at 2 h after occlusion did not ameliorate the neuronal death. These findings suggested that the therapeutic time window was narrow. The two to four times repeated administration of 2 microg MK immediately before and at 1, 2, or 3 weeks after the occlusion were not significantly different for the hippocampal neuronal death at 28 days after the insult compared with a single injection, but were significantly effective compared with vehicle administration alone. These findings suggested that the therapeutic time window was relatively narrow. The potent neuroprotective activity of MK observed in vivo suggested that MK might be useful as a therapeutic reagent for prevention of neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) cells and macrophages/histiocytes have a common antigen recognized by a monoclonal antibody risen against a rat MFH-derived cloned cell line

A monoclonal antibody (B9) was generated by using a rat malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH)-derived cloned cell line (MT-8) as the immunogen. Immunohistochemically, B9 reacted specifically with a cytoplasmic antigen of MT-8 cells. Furthermore, B9 immunolabeled another MFH-derived cloned cells (MT-9) and histiocytic sarcoma cells, as well as macrophages/histiocytes in normal and diseased tissues of rats. These findings suggest the presence of a common antigen recognized by B9 between MFH cells and macrophages/histiocytes. This suggests that MFH cells may express histiocytic nature.

Antimicrobial effect of fluoride mouthrinse on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine whether the long-term use of fluoride mouthrinse affects the salivary levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.

METHODS

The subjects consisted of 414 school children aged 7, 10, and 12 yrs. Among these subjects, 243 children had received fluoride mouthrinse since 5 years of age at nursery schools, and comprised the "mouthrinse group." The remaining 171 children, the "no mouthrinse group," had not received fluoride mouthrinse. All of the children received routine dental health education. The levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli for the subjects in both groups were measured using Dentocult SM Strip mutans and Dentocult LB Dip Slide, respectively. Dental examinations were conducted to obtain data on caries prevalence (dfs and DMFS). Logistic regression analysis was used to control confounding factors: age, dfs, DMFS, frequency of toothbrushing, sum of permanent tooth surfaces sealed, frequency of sweet snacks, frequency of sweet drinks, and the use of fluoridated toothpaste.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in mean DMFS between the mouthrinse group and no mouthrinse group at all ages. Children with fluoride mouthrinse had lower levels of mutans streptococci, and there was a significant association between the experience of fluoride mouthrinse and the score of Dentocult SM strip Odds ratio: 0.64, P < 0.05. However, there was no significant relation between the experience of fluoride mouthrinse and the score of Dentocult LB Dip Slide. The results of this study demonstrated that the long-term use of fluoride mouthrinse affected the detectable levels of mutans streptococci, but did not affect the levels of lactobacilli.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that fluoride mouthrinse might contribute to reducing the number of mutans streptococci.

Tetrahydrobiopterin attenuates modulation of platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities by nitric oxide

Endothelial cells secrete large amounts of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) in septic conditions. BH(4) is a cofactor for nitric oxide (NO) synthase and an essential regulator of its activity. We recently showed that NO can be a modulator of both platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BH(4) on the activities of 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase in rabbit platelets. The influence of BH(4) on NO-induced modulation of these enzyme activities was investigated. Exogenous BH(4) did not affect platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities. The modulatory effects of NO on the two enzymatic pathways were reversed by addition of BH(4) but not by reduced glutathione. These results suggest that exogenous BH(4) is not essential for NO synthase activity of platelets, but that it is an important regulator of the action of NO released from other sources on platelet 12-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities.

Macrophage-like cell line (HS-P) from a rat histiocytic sarcoma

With future exploration of macrophage properties in mind, we established a novel cell line (HS-P) from a transplantable histiocytic sarcoma, derived originally from a tumour in an aged F344 rat. HS-P was subjected to 70 serial passages, in which the mean doubling time was 15.7 h. The cells, which were round, oval or polygonal in shape, were arranged in a compact sheet. They reacted to varying degrees for lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase) and with the following antibodies: ED1/ED2 (rat macrophage/histiocyte-specific), OX6 (rat MHC class II-specific), lysozyme antibody and alpha1-antichymotrypsin antibody. Electron microscopically, HS-P cells showed lysosomes and prominent cell projections. These findings indicated that the cultured cells were macrophage-like. Syngeneic rats inoculated subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with HS-P cells invariably developed sarcomatous tumours consisting of monomorphic mononuclear cells, which exhibited cytochemical properties similar to those of cultured HS-P cells. Bioassay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction methods revealed that tumour necrosis factor-alpha increased on addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), indicating that HS-P cells remained LPS-responsive. HS-P cells may prove to be a useful tool for in-vitro studies of macrophage function.

Characterization of multiple Chinese hamster carbonyl reductases

Carbonyl reductase (CR) is an enzyme which can catalyze the oxidoreduction of various carbonyl compounds in the presence of NAD(P)H. With the PCR method, using primers carrying the conserved nucleotide sequence among mammalian CRs, we isolated three different cDNAs (CHCR1, CHCR2 and CHCR3) which encode a unique carbonyl reductase from the Chinese hamster. The PCR products of CHCR1 and CHCR2 were clearly isolated with Bpu1102I, BspEI and XmaI restriction enzymes. The nucleotide-sequence of CHCR3 was completely different from those of CHCR1 and CHCR2. The predicted double-wound betaalphabetaalpha-structures of the CHCRs suggests the presence of a typical NADP(+)-binding motif and is similar to the corresponding region of 3alpha,20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and mouse lung tetrameric carbonyl reductase. The deduced amino acid sequence of CHCR1 showed a high homology to CHCR2 (>96%) and the other mammalian CRs (>81%). However, CHCR3 showed a high homology to human CBR3 (>86%) and a relatively lower homology to the other CHCRs (<76%). Bacterial recombinant CHCRs showed typical carbonyl reductase activities towards 4-benzoylpyridine, 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and pyridine 4-carboxyaldehyde. These three CRs showed not only 3-keto reductase of steroids, but also 20-keto reductase. However, these CRs did not show any activity of 17-keto reductase activity. Both CHCR1 and CHCR2 have prostaglandin 9-keto reductase and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activities towards PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) from the analyses of enzymatic reaction products. The results of Western blotting and RT-PCR suggest these CHCRs have a tissue-dependent-distribution in the Chinese hamster.

Immunohistochemical analysis of macrophages and myofibroblasts appearing in hepatic and renal fibrosis of dogs

Some peptide growth factors produced by macrophages play a role in fibrosis following tissue injury, through the induction of myofibroblasts. In the present study, the appearance of macrophages and myofibroblast development in hepatic and renal fibrosis was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of tissue from 15 dogs. The hepatic and renal fibrosis was classified as grade I, II or III, depending on the extent (percentage) of fibrotic areas per unit area measured by morphometry with Azan-stained sections. The presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin-immunolabelled myofibroblasts was directly related to advancing grade of both hepatic and renal fibrosis. Lysozyme-immunolabelled macrophages also increased in number with increasing grade of hepatic and renal fibrosis. These findings indicate that myofibroblasts and lysozyme-positive macrophages may contribute to progressive fibrosis in canine liver and kidney disease. Interestingly, the number of macrophages recognized by AM-3K, a newly generated monoclonal antibody capable of labelling exuded macrophages and resident tissue macrophages in dogs, fell significantly in grades II and III of renal fibrosis. By contrast, in hepatic fibrosis there were no marked differences in the number of AM-3K-positive macrophages between grades. These findings suggest that there are functional differences between lysozyme- and AM-3K-positive macrophages.

The effects of fatty acyl CoA esters on the formation of prostaglandin and arachidonoyl-CoA formed from arachidonic acid in rabbit kidney medulla microsomes

Under physiological conditions, small amounts of free arachidonic acid (AA) are released from membrane phospholipids, and cyclooxygenase (COX) and acyl CoA synthetase (ACS) competitively act on this fatty acid to form prostaglandins (PGs) and arachidonoyl-CoA (AA-CoA). We have previously shown that palmitoyl-CoA (PA-CoA) shifts AA away from the COX pathway into the ACS pathway in rabbit kidney medulla at a low concentration of AA (5 microM, close to the physiological concentration of substrate). In the present study, we investigated the effects of stearoyl (SA)-, oleoyl (OA)- and linoleoyl (LA)- CoAs on the formation of PG and AA-CoA from 5microM AA in rabbit kidney medulla microsomes. The kidney medulla microsomes were incubated with 5microM [(14)C]-AA in 0.1 M-Tris/HCl buffer (pH 8.0) containing cofactors of COX (reduced glutathione and hydroquinone) and cofactors of ACS (ATP, MgCl(2)and CoA). After incubation, PG (as total PGs), AA-CoA and residual AA were separated by selective extraction using petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. SA- and OA-CoAs increased AA-CoA formation with a reduction of PG formation, as well as PA-CoA. On the other hand, LA-CoA decreased formation of both PG and AA-CoA. These results suggest that fatty acyl CoA esters can be regulators of PG and AA-CoA formation in kidney medulla under physiological conditions.

N-ethylmaleimide inhibits xanthine oxidase activity with no detectable change in xanthine dehydrogenase activity in rabbit liver

The effect of an alkylating agent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), on the activities of xanthine oxidase (XO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) in the presence and absence of Cu2+ or trypsin in the cytosolic fraction from rabbit liver was examined. At concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 2.0 microM, allopurinol, which is generally considered to be a XO inhibitor, suppressed the XD activity (41.5-93.4% inhibition) in addition to the XO activity (28.6-88.4% inhibition) under basal conditions, without the addition of Cu2+ or trypsin. In contrast, NEM (100-400 microM) inhibited the XO activity (35.7-85.7% inhibition) without affecting the XD activity. Also, NEM inhibited the Cu2+- and trypsin-induced XO activities, but did not affect the XD activity at the same concentration range. These results demonstrate that NEM can be a selective inhibitor of XO activity in rabbit liver.

Three episodes of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions due to multiple red cell antibodies, anti-Di, anti-Jk and anti-E

There is no report in which three episodes of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) occurred from multiple antibodies to red cells (RBCs) in the course of treatment of a patient. This paper describes episodes of anemia and hyperbilirubinemia in concert with the development of three alloantibodies in a multiple transfused patient. The patient was a 71-year-old male suffering from valvular heart disease and hemophilia B with a history of transfusions. Although he received compatible RBCs from 14 donors as judged by a crossmatch test using the albumin-antiglobulin method, three episodes of DHTR occurred after surgery. The first hemolytic episode on day 7 after surgery was due to anti-Di(a) because of clinical and laboratory evidence which included jaundice, sudden increases in total bilirubin (T-Bil) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels, and a decrease (2.2 g/dl) in hemoglobin (Hb) level. The second hemolytic episode on day 16 resulted from newly producted anti-Jk(b). The patient experienced fever, fatigue, nausea and anorexia, and laboratory data showed a second increase in T-Bil, a second decrease (3 g/dl) in Hb, and moderate elevations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) levels. The third hemolytic episode on day 39 was due to anti-E. The patient complained of fever and fatigue and had a third unexplained drop (1.5 g/dl) in Hb despite no bleeding. This is the first reported case in which three episodes of DHTR occurred from different red cell antibodies.

Overexpression of midkine in pancreatic duct adenocarcinomas induced by N-Nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine in hamsters and their cell lines

The expression of midkine (MK) was investigated in pancreatic ductal hyperplasias, atypical hyperplasias and adenocarcinomas induced by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) in hamsters, and in hamster ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines (HPD-1NR, -2NR and -3NR). MK mRNA was clearly overexpressed in invasive pancreatic duct adenocarcinomas (PCs) and the three cell lines as assessed by northern blot analysis, and MK protein expression increased from ductal hyperplasia through atypical hyperplasias, intraductal carcinomas and invasive PCs by immunohistochemistry. The extent of overexpression of MK mRNA in PCs was almost the same as in hamster whole embryonic tissue. MK is reported to be a retinoid-responsive gene, but MK mRNA expression was not affected by treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (tRA) or N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR) in HPD-1NR cells. The results thus suggest that MK expression is involved in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas induced by BOP in hamsters, with loss of upregulation by retinoic acid.

FK506 suppresses neutrophil chemoattractant production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

To understand the mechanism of action of FK506 (Tacrolimus) on neutrophil chemotaxis, we examined its effect on human neutrophil chemotaxis and neutrophil chemoattractant production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. FK506 and cyclosporin A had no direct suppressive effect on neutrophil chemotaxis induced by interleukin-8, leukotriene B(4), complement 5a (C5a), zymosan-activated serum and formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). FK506 and cyclosporin A only slightly suppressed the chemotactic activity of platelet-activating factor (PAF). Dexamethasone did not inhibit the chemotactic activity of any chemoattractant. The supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with anti-CD3 and CD2 antibodies induced neutrophil chemotaxis. FK506 and cyclosporin A suppressed the chemotactic activity of the supernatant in parallel to the suppression of interleukin-8 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Anti-interleukin-8 antibody completely suppressed the chemotactic activity of the supernatant without drugs. These studies indicate that FK506 may exert a beneficial effect on human inflammatory diseases by suppressing neutrophil chemotaxis secondary to inhibition of chemoattractant (for example, interleukin-8) production by leukocytes.

Serum midkine levels are increased in patients with various types of carcinomas

The level of expression of midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, is increased in many types of human carcinomas. An enzyme-linked immunoassay, which utilizes a combination of rabbit and chicken antibodies revealed that serum MK level in the controls (n = 135) was 0.154 +/- 0.076 (mean +/- SD) ng ml(-1)with an apparent cut-off value as 0.5 ng ml(-1). Serum MK level was significantly elevated in the cancer patients (n = 150) (P< 0.001); 87% of the patients showed levels of more than 0.5 ng ml(-1). All ten types of cancer examined showed a similar profile of serum MK level. There was no or weak correlation between C-reactive protein level, a marker of inflammation, and serum MK level. Furthermore, in case of gastric carcinoma and lung carcinoma, patients with stage I carcinoma already showed elevated serum MK levels. The present results indicated that serum MK could serve as a general tumour marker with a good potential for clinical application.

Distribution of nociceptin/orphanin FQ precursor protein and receptor in brain and spinal cord: a study using in situ hybridization and X-gal histochemistry in receptor-deficient mice

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an opioid-like heptadecapeptide agonist for the opioid receptor homolog, N/OFQ receptor. To explore the precise distribution of the peptide-receptor system, the authors examined the brain and spinal cord from receptor-deficient mice bearing the targeted mutation (morc(m1)), a lacZ insertional mutation in the N/OFQ receptor gene. Precursor protein N/OFQ (preproN/OFQ) mRNA was detected by using in situ hybridization, and the N/OFQ receptor was detected by using X-gal histochemistry. The N/OFQ receptor reflected by lacZ expression was observed at high levels in the dentate gyrus, lateral septum, subparafascicular thalamic nucleus, medial preoptic area, median preoptic nucleus, ventromedial preoptic nucleus, anterior hypothalamic area, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, auditory brainstem nuclei, pontine dorsal tegmentum, and nucleus of the solitary tract. In situ detection of the N/OFQ receptor mRNA by digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes coupled with tyramide signal amplification in normal and wild-type mice resulted in the regional distribution paralleling the lacZ expression in these regions. PreproN/OFQ mRNA was expressed at high levels in the subparafascicular thalamic nucleus, central gray, central tegmental field, auditory brainstem nuclei, caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus, and spinal dorsal horn. Furthermore, variable levels of expression of the peptide and receptor were seen in distinct sites of the brain and spinal cord. These data indicate a correspondence of the peptide and the receptor in local distribution at limbic, hypothalamic, and brainstem sites. Together with concurrent physiologic and behavioral studies in mutant mice, the results suggest functional roles for the N/OFQ system, including the central regulation of learning and memory, hearing ability, water balance, food intake, and blood pressure.

Influence of sodium impurities on arf excimer-laser-induced absorption in CaF2 crystals

The formation of color centers induced by irradiation with ArF excimer lasers in CaF(2) crystals was found to depend strongly on the sodium impurity concentration. Sodium-related color centers were generated by two-photon absorption because the slope of the induced absorption coefficient just after irradiation started was proportional to the square of the laser fluence. The saturation absorption also depended on laser fluence, and a photobleaching induced absorption phenomenon was observed. We concluded that the saturation absorption level was determined by the equilibrium between two-photon excitation and one-photon reverse reaction.