[The detection of codeine abuse by hair analysis]

For the purpose of assessing possible opiate dependence (question of culpability) toxicological tests (gas chromatography; mass-spectrometry) were performed on cuttings of hair of a 30-year-old man who had within a short period committed several punishable offences 8 months previously. It was thus possible to determine opiate intake over a period of time corresponding to the length of hair. About 20 micrograms/g codeine and up to 4 micrograms/g morphine were demonstrated, in addition also 30 micrograms/g bromazepam. These results proved that amounts exceeding therapeutic levels of bromazepam and codeine-containing drugs had been taken during the period in question.

Structural DNA analysis from a single hair root by standard or pulsed field gel electrophoresis

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Inheritance of some electrophoretic phenotypes of human hair

Four isokeratin patterns were demonstrated by means of one-dimensional SDS electrophoresis of low sulfur proteins in human hair. The phenotypes had the following frequencies: K1 = 69.70%, K1m = 18.18%, K3 = 9.09%, K3m = 3.03%. Pedigree analysis and evaluation of observed and expected frequencies of the phenotypes gave rise to the conclusion that the phenotypes are controlled by genes of two independent autosomal loci K and m. We believe that *K3 and *m are dominant, whereas *K1 and *non-m are recessive.

Hair analysis for drug abuse, Part II. Hair analysis for monitoring of methamphetamine abuse by isotope dilution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Sectional analysis of methamphetamine abuser's hair was performed by using stable-isotope dilution GC/MS method. Drug concentrations of hair shaft cut into 2-cm sections from the root side were compared with the self-reported drug histories of 11 cases and the results of experiments on monkeys. It was found that in nine of the 11 cases, the relationship between the results of sectional analysis and drug histories coincided, but the sectional analyses of two cases were not consistent with self-reported drug history. The difference in drug concentrations between the regions of scalp hair was also investigated. Our study suggests that hair analysis, especially sectional analysis, may be useful in determining past drug history even though it is not exact.

Metabolism of selenite and selenomethionine in the rhesus monkey

Female rhesus monkeys were fed a commercial monkey diet and given selenium (Se) as either selenite or selenomethionine (SeMet) in the drinking water for 11 mo. Muscle and liver biopsies were taken initially and at the end of the experiment for determination of Se levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. Blood was collected at monthly to bimonthly intervals, and the plasma and erythrocytes were subjected to gel filtration to determine the distribution of Se among proteins of various molecular weights. At the end of the experiment, there was significantly more Se in liver, muscle and hair from the monkeys given SeMet than in tissues from those given selenite, but there were no differences in liver or muscle GPX activity between the two treatment groups. The erythrocyte and plasma Se levels were significantly higher in the monkeys given SeMet than in those receiving selenite, but there were no differences in the GPX levels between these groups. About 68% of erythrocyte Se was associated with GPX in monkeys given selenite whereas only 34% was associated with GPX in those administered SeMet. The correlation coefficient for blood Se level and erythrocyte GPX activity was 0.92 in monkeys given selenite but only 0.37 in those given SeMet. Gel filtration of plasma revealed only one Se peak for plasma from the monkeys given selenite but at least two major Se peaks for plasma from monkeys receiving SeMet. The possible implications of these results for humans are discussed, including the reasons for poor correlations of GPX activity and blood Se levels.

Melanocytotoxicity and antimelanoma effects of phenolic amine compounds in mice in vivo

A phenolic amine compound, 4-S-cysteaminylphenol (4-S-CAP), is a potent depigmenting agent. To develop more efficacious antimelanoma agents, we synthesized four homologues of 4-S-CAP: N-acetyl-4-S-CAP (N-Ac-4-S-CAP), alpha-methyl-4-S-CAP, 4-S-homo-CAP, and N,N'-dimethyl-4-S-CAP. We tested these five compounds in mice in vivo. After s.c. or i.p. injection of saline solution (in control groups) or one of the compounds, follicular melanocytes were examined by light and electron microscopy to assess the degree of melanocytotoxicity; N-Ac-4-S-CAP induced the most depigmentation (98%), whether given i.p. or s.c. After injection of 4-S-CAP or N-Ac-4-S-CAP, the number of murine B16F10 melanoma colonies formed in the lungs was determined; 4-S-CAP and N-Ac-4-S-CAP were almost equally effective, reducing the colonies to 32 and 25% of mean control, respectively. Metabolic studies of the urine showed 9% of 4-S-CAP and 20% of N-Ac-4-S-CAP injected i.p. were excreted unchanged in 24 h; 1.3% of the N-Ac-4-S-CAP was excreted as 4-S-CAP, indicating some conversion. We conclude that N-Ac-4-S-CAP is a suitable model for developing chemotherapy to treat melanoma characterized by high tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis.

[Electron spin resonance (ESR) study on hair of rats with diabetic cataract]

The hair taken from 40 rats with diabetic cataract and 20 normal controls was tested by using ESR. It was found that the 'g factor' of the hair of the rats with diabetic cataract is higher than that in normal controls. The intensity of ESR signals of the hair taken from rats with diabetic cataract is three times higher than that of ESR signals of the hair from the normal controls. The results have suggested a good reappearance and a remarkable increase in number of the free radicals and other particles of paramagnetic substances during the course of the development of the rats' diabetic cataract. The study provides new scientific data for the theory of free radicals damaging to the crystal in the process of the formation of diabetic cataract.

Fluoride in the urine, hair, and nails of phosphate fertiliser workers

The fluoride content in the urine, hair, and nails of 106 workers employed in a phosphate fertiliser plant was significantly raised above the control level. Positive correlations were found between the group means for concentrations of fluorides in urine and hair (r = 0.77), urine and nails (r = 0.99), and hair and nails (r = 0.70). Individual values in the whole population gave significant correlations between concentrations in urine and nails (r = 0.73). The obtained results indicate that the fluoride content in hair and nails may be used as an indicator of occupational exposure to fluorides.

Trichothiodystrophy: review of sulfur-deficient brittle hair syndromes and association with the ectodermal dysplasias

Trichothiodystrophy appears to represent a central pathologic feature of a specific hair dysplasia associated with several disorders in organs derived from ectoderm and neuroectoderm. The key finding is brittle hair with low sulfur content, but alternating dark and light bands under polarizing microscopy, trichoschisis, and absent or defective cuticle are additional important clues for the diagnosis of trichothiodystrophy. Our review of the literature revealed extensive associated findings in trichothiodystrophy. Classification of patients with trichothiodystrophy and other dysplasias is difficult because diminution of sulfur-rich protein in hair is not a sufficient marker to allow precise differentiation, although several similar ectodermal dysplasias can be excluded by demonstration of abnormal sulfur content in hair of patients with trichothiodystrophy. Patients with trichothiodystrophy should have a thorough evaluation for other associated manifestations, including investigation of photosensitivity and DNA repair defects. Detection of low-sulfur brittle hair syndrome is also important for genetic counseling because the disease appears to be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human hair matrix proteins using isoelectric focusing electrophoresis as the first dimension

S-carboxymethylated (SCM) matrix proteins from fifteen normal human scalp hair specimens were analyzed using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with usual isoelectric focusing electrophoresis as the first dimension and then with usual sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE as the second dimension. On the electrophoregrams obtained, one low-mobility smear of SCM proteins embedding one SCM protein band was always seen. Many higher-mobility SCM protein spots were also always seen. However, some variations were seen in these SCM protein compositions; in type I, there were eighteen SCM protein components and, in type II, seventeen components.

Shampoo residue profiles in human head hair

Washing hair with shampoo results in an accumulation of shampoo components in the hair. Hair of individuals using different shampoos can be distinguished by analysis of shampoo residues. A method for extraction and analysis of such residues is presented. The hair is extracted using a methanol/water mixture, and the extract is analyzed by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The detector system consists of two ultraviolet (UV) detectors connected in series. The method is nondestructive to hair and is sensitive enough to be applied to a single hair 5 to 10 cm in length. Residues from hair balsams are analyzed by this technique as well. The use of this method in forensic science examination of human head hair is demonstrated.

[Possibilities of DNA sex determination in hair roots]

Species- and sex-determination on hair roots were simultaneously performed using extracted DNA and a human Y chromosomespecific probe. (pH Y 2.1) After Southern hybridization, Hae III-digested DNA fragments were detected by non-radioactive digoxigenin detection system. DNA was extracted from one to five freshly plucked hair roots. The specific 2.12 kb fragment was successfully detected in male DNA samples from a single hair root. A positive identification of female DNA was more difficult. The hair root DNA was revealed to be stable at room temperature for at least 2 weeks (examination time) and produced the same specific band pattern as the DNA of fresh hair roots. In the blind tests with DNA samples from randomly plucked one to four hair roots, the rate of successful sex-determination was 95.8% on male samples (23 out of 24 samples) and 25% on female samples (4 out of 16 samples).

[Lead in bio-substrates of industrial city inhabitants]

Results of lead studies in bio-substrates (hair and urine) of representatives of various age and professional groups of the population are presented. The influence of various pollution sources on the lead level in those bio-substrates was assessed. The major spatial regularities of changes in lead bio-concentrations, relationship between those and the content of this metal in the ambient air and soil were determined.

An evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction method for forensic applications

This paper describes the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplifying small amounts of DNA obtained from samples of interest to the forensic scientist. A region of the HLA DQalpha (DQa) locus was amplified in DNA prepared from the following: hair roots, liquid blood, blood-stains, semen and vaginal swabs (semen free and semen contaminated). A population study was conducted using DNA from 78 unrelated individuals. The observed distribution of HLA DQa alleles varied from that reported for an American population but obeyed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Interpretation problems associated with the PCR technique are discussed.

Detection of beta-globin gene from single hairs

DNA can be extracted from hair shafts and hair roots. The content of DNA in hairs is usually limited: the root end of hairs may contain 0.5 micrograms DNA and shed hairs contain less than 10 ng DNA. DNA analysis with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) requires microgram amounts of DNA. Such DNA cannot be obtained from such samples as single hairs or blood stains. Even with a little amount of DNA, specific genes of DNA can be greatly amplified to more than 10(6)-fold in vitro by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We extracted the DNA from a half, 1, and 2 hair roots and 4 hair shafts and amplified the DNA with primer pairs (5'-GCACCATTCTAAAGAATAAC-3', 5'-GGATTGTAGCTGCTATTAGC-3') of the beta-globin gene, covering part sequences of the IVS-2 region by using the polymerase chain reaction for 50 cycles. The electrophoresis of the PCR product revealed a 131 base pairs band. Finally, we hybridized the PCR product with an IVS-2 probe (5'-GGGTTAAGGCAATAGCAAT-3'). A fragment of the IVS-2 extending from nucleotide 612 to 742 of the beta-globin gene can be demonstrated in the slot blot filter of hair roots and hair shafts, but not in the 1 microgram of blood which was not amplified by PCR. Detection of the beta-globin gene from single hairs by using the PCR may be useful for the diagnosis of thalassemia from single hairs.

Trichothiodystrophy, mental retardation, short stature, ataxia, and gonadal dysfunction in three Moroccan siblings

Three sibs, a boy and two girls, born to Moroccan consanguineous parents, were affected with a syndrome characterized by brittle hair, mental retardation, short stature, ataxia, and gonadal dysfunction. The hair in these three patients displayed the morphological and biochemical hallmarks of trichothiodystrophy (TTD). Gonadal function tests showed abnormal gonadotropic responses to LHRH, consistent with delayed puberty in the male and ovarian failure in both females. Comparison with previously reported cases of TTD associated with mental retardation suggests genetic heterogeneity, although specific biochemical markers are needed in order to answer this question.

Clinical significance of hair cadmium content in the diagnosis of mental retardation of children

Cadmium (Cd) is known to be closely related to the development of children's intelligence. To investigate the clinical significance of the hair cadmium content in the diagnosis of mental retardation (MR), 415 normal and 85 MR children's hair cadmium contents were measured by 79-1 anodic stripping voltmeter. The data were processed by an Apple-II microcomputer. Comparing the median value and using the Chi-square test the Cd contents in the hair of both male and female MR children were obviously higher than those of normal children (P less than 0.001). If the Cd content in the hair of male children is higher than 0.239 microgram/g, and higher than 0.180 microgram/g in the female, MR can be diagnosed. The sensitivity and specificity of the test are greater than 90%; false positive and false negative rates are lower than 10%. Hair Cd can be used as an additional criterion in the diagnosis of MR and may be important in the screening for MR.

Zinc, magnesium, copper, and protein concentrations in human saliva: age- and sex-related differences

Normal concentrations of trace elements in parotid saliva, supernatant- and sediment-mixed saliva, plasma, and hair were determined in 278 healthy adults grouped as young (18-29 y), middle-aged (30-64 y), and elderly (65-93 y). Age-related increases (p less than 0.05) were observed in concentrations of zinc in the supernatant of mixed saliva and parotid saliva, copper in plasma, and protein in all fractions of saliva studied. Concentrations of zinc in salivary sediment and plasma did not vary with age. Age-related decreases (p less than 0.05) were found in concentrations of magnesium in mixed-saliva supernatant, copper in salivary sediment, and zinc and copper in hair. Males had higher concentrations of zinc in plasma (p less than 0.05) and of copper in sediment (p less than 0.01) than did females but lower amounts of copper in plasma and of protein in parotid saliva (p less than 0.05). Concentrations of zinc in saliva were not correlated with those in plasma or hair. Copper in mixed-saliva supernatant was positively associated with concentrations in plasma but negatively related to concentrations in hair.

Impaired zinc metabolic status in children affected by idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Zinc content of serum, hair and erythrocytes, urinary zinc excretion, zinc clearance (CZn) and the ratio of CZn to creatinine clearance (CCr) (CZn/CCr) were measured in 32 children aged between 2.1 and 14.4 years suffering from idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) without renal failure (CCr greater than 70 ml/min 1.73 m2 body surface area). Nineteen subjects had proteinuria and the remaining 13 were in remission. All children received calcium and vitamin D supplementation while on steroid therapy. There was high dietary zinc and protein intake. The results were compared with those obtained from 19 healthy subjects (aged 2-14 years). Zinc concentration in serum, erythrocytes and urine were measured by a colourimetric method. Proton induced X-ray emission was used to determine zinc content in hair. In patients both with and without proteinuria, the mean contents of serum, hair and erythrocytes were significantly lower than in the control group. The urinary zinc excretion, CZn and CZn/CCr in INS children were significantly higher than in the control group. A positive correlation was found between urinary zinc and protein excretion. In spite of high dietary zinc intake and normal intestinal absorption, children with INS had a zinc deficiency. This was probably caused by an increased urinary zinc loss.

Distribution of trace elements in the lipid and nonlipid matter of hair

We studied the effect of lipid removal on the concentrations of 13 trace elements measured in human hair. We used a pooled specimen of hair from a barber shop, initially washed with de-ionized water, with ultrasonic cleaning, then analyzed for Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Si, Sr, and Zn with use of an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer. The lipid was removed by Soxhlet extraction with ethanol, and the hair was re-analyzed. We found several elements present in a relatively large proportion (greater than 20%) in the lipid fraction, mainly Na, K, Ca, Mg, Ni, and Sr. We suggest that removal of part or all of the lipids from hair by using detergents or other lipid-removing solvents for washing may account for the variability in data on elements in hair reported by different laboratories, and that those elements largely present in the lipid fraction are the result of environmental exposure, whereas those retained in the hair fiber after lipid removal can be attributed to nutritional and clinical aspects. We believe that such determination of the distribution of elements may help validate the use of hair in assessing trace elements in the body.

[Chemical elements in human hair as indicators of occupational and environmental pollution]

Pollution of occupational and atmospheric air could be evaluated by means of bioindicators, such as human hair. There was developed a system of biomonitoring tested in various cities of the country. Basic principles of the changes in trace elemental structure of workers' hair at different production plants and the hair of the population living near pollution sources were determined.

The cDNA-deduced amino acid sequence for trichohyalin, a differentiation marker in the hair follicle, contains a 23 amino acid repeat

Trichohyalin is a highly expressed protein within the inner root sheath of hair follicles and is similar, or identical, to a protein present in the hair medulla. In situ hybridization studies have shown that trichohyalin is a very early differentiation marker in both tissues and that in each case the trichohyalin mRNA is expressed from the same single copy gene. A partial cDNA clone for sheep trichohyalin has been isolated and represents approximately 40% of the full-length trichohyalin mRNA. The carboxy-terminal 458 amino acids of trichohyalin are encoded, and the first 429 amino acids consist of full- or partial-length tandem repeats of a 23 amino acid sequence. These repeats are characterized by a high proportion of charged amino acids. Secondary structure analyses predict that the majority of the encoded protein could form alpha-helical structures that might form filamentous aggregates of intermediate filament dimensions, even though the heptad motif obligatory for the intermediate filament structure itself is absent. The alternative structural role of trichohyalin could be as an intermediate filament-associated protein, as proposed from other evidence.

The measurement of haloperidol and reduced haloperidol in hair as an index of dosage history

1. We report a method for measuring the concentrations of haloperidol (HL) and its major active metabolite, reduced haloperidol (RHL), in human scalp hair. 2. Hair samples were obtained from 59 patients who had been taking HL at fixed daily doses for more than 4 months and whose compliance was good. A morning pre-dose plasma sample was also obtained from 48 of these patients. 3. The concentrations of HL and RHL in hair (ng mg-1 hair) correlated significantly both with the daily dose (micrograms kg-1 body weight) of HL (r = 0.682, P less than 0.001 for HL and r = 0.813, P less than 0.001 for RHL, n = 59) and with the trough concentration (ng ml-1) of the corresponding compound in plasma at steady state (r = 0.558, P less than 0.001 for HL and r = 0.563, P less than 0.001 for RHL, n = 48). The correlation coefficients were slightly higher using the sum of the concentrations of both substances in hair (r = 0.829 for the correlation with daily dose and r = 0.609 for that with trough concentration). 4. Hair from other patients, in whom the dosage of HL had been changed within a few months prior to sampling, was sectioned into 1 cm-long portions successively from the roots and the concentrations of both compounds in each portion were measured. Assuming a growth rate of 1-1.5 cm/month, a history of individual dosage could be deduced in all patients from the distribution of the drug and metabolite along the single hair length.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Testing human hair for drugs of abuse. I. Individual dose and time profiles of morphine and codeine in plasma, saliva, urine, and beard compared to drug-induced effects on pupils and behavior

The time course of appearance of morphine and codeine in beard after single dose administration in two human subjects was monitored by radioimmunoassay and confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Both morphine and codeine appeared in beard approximately 7-8 days after drug administration at a time when drug levels in urine, plasma, and saliva were not detectable and drug-induced effects had disappeared. Drug levels in beard appeared to be dose-related suggesting that hair analysis can provide evidence of time and degree of drug exposure.

Human scalp hair as evidence of individual dosage history of haloperidol: a possible linkage of haloperidol excretion into hair with hair pigment

We report a method for determining haloperidol concentration in human scalp hair and discuss a possible linkage of haloperidol excretion into hair with the hair pigment melanin. First, an animal study was conducted to support the idea that hair contains amounts of haloperidol corresponding to the doses given and pigmented hair contains much more drug than does unpigmented hair. The haloperidol concentration was measured using a radioimmunoassay technique after hairs were dissolved in 2.5 N NaOH solution and the drug extracted. Pigmented and albino rats, whose hair from an area on the back had been removed beforehand by plucking, were administered either 1, 3, or 10 mg of haloperidol (i.p.) per kg body weight every day for 3 weeks. At the end of the administration period hair which had newly grown on the denuded area was plucked and collected. In each of the two groups classified by hair color the drug levels in the hair correlated with the doses given; however, the concentrations in the hair from the albino rats were much lower than those in the hair from the pigmented rats (which was less than 8.5%). Second, black and white hair was collected from each of seven human subjects with grizzled hair, who were receiving or had been administered haloperidol at fixed daily doses for more than 1 month, and the concentration of haloperidol in each type of hair was measured. In the same subject the concentration in the white hair was found to be much lower than that in the black (less than 10%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Non-specific hypersensitivity from membrane instability of target cells is based on disequilibrium of trace elements?]

Non-specific hypersensitivity from target cell membranes instability sometimes causes a syndrome of acute cutaneous-mucosal problems, which are not found in the usual list of real allergies: no atopic history; no criteria of unity of time or place of action; no allergy equivalent of the atopic series; no individual allergen; absence of the biological criteria of allergy. The body levels of 16 oligo-elements in the capilliaries of patients is reflected in the common anomalies that seem to be involved in the dis-equilibrium of the membrane stability. Deficiency of manganese, iron, magnesium and zinc are most often found. A complementary therapeutic scheme seems to be useful to resolve the situation.

Amino-acid composition in trichorrhexis nodosa

Trichorrhexis nodosa is a common shaft defect affecting scalp hair. Two-hundred scalp hairs exhibiting trichorrhexis nodosa were obtained from two normal females; samples were prepared from proximal shaft, pre-nodule, nodule and post-nodule sections and analysed for their respective amino-acid compositions. Significant reductions in cystine (P less than 0.001) of the pre-nodule, nodule and post-nodule sections, which decreased by 17.2%, 19.8% and 14.3%, respectively, and an increase in the acidic amino acids (P less than 0.03) were found, compared to values obtained from proximal shaft of the same hairs. The majority of nodules occurred within the last 10% of the shaft, and the similarity in amino-acid compositions between pre-nodule, nodule and post-nodule sections suggests that 'weathering' is the major factor influencing nodule occurrence. It is postulated that nodule formation requires a specific degree of exposure to 'weathering' together with a reduction in cuticle cell coverage. It is suggested that an initial structural defect, created by a change in the DNA coding for a cuticle polypeptide fraction, could be responsible for the selective and isolated presentation of the nodule within a 'weathered' section of hair shaft.

Changes of mercury contents in hair of Chinese scholars after they came to Japan

In April 1988, 49 Chinese scholars came to Japan for one year medical training. Their hair samples were collected in June 1988 and March 1989 for analyses of mercury. After they lived in Japan for nearly one year, the mean total-Hg contents in hair were increased from 0.82 microgram/g to 1.96, and those of methyl-Hg in hair, from 0.19 microgram/g to 0.32, both with significant differences (p less than 0.01). It is suggested that Japanese foods, especially the fish, might be the responsible factor in increasing the mercury contents in their hair.

Amounts of fibrous proteins and matrix substances in hairs of different races

Fibrous proteins (FPs) and matrix substances (MSs) were extracted as S-carboxymethylated (SCM) derivatives from scalp hair of five individuals each of the Mongoloid, Negroid and Caucasoid races. The ratio of the extracted SCM FPs to SCM MSs in dry weight was calculated for each hair specimen. The ratios obtained from the Mongoloid hair were 0.45 +/- 0.03; those from the Negroid, 0.18 +/- 0.02; and those from the Caucasoid, 0.29 +/- 0.02. It has thus been suggested that the ratios of FP to MS contents in the hair may be involved in the determination of the macroscopic racial variations in the form of hair.

Iron, copper, cadmium, zinc and magnesium contents of urinary tract stones and hair from men with stone disease

Forty-seven urinary tract stones consisting of 5 pure magnesium ammonium phosphate (subgroup 1), 5 mixed calcium oxalate-magnesium ammonium phosphate (subgroup 2), 8 mixed calcium oxalate-calcium phosphate (subgroup 3), 6 mixed calcium oxalate-uric acid (subgroup 4) and 23 pure calcium oxalate stones (subgroup 5) and hair from these patients and control subjects were analyzed for iron, copper, cadmium, zinc and magnesium content by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mean values +/- SD for each group were determined and statistical correlations were made to establish differences among the stone elements themselves, the hair elements themselves, and the stone and hair elements for group 5 (calcium oxalate stone group). We found significant differences among the element levels of the stones, patient hair and control hair. In particular, hair magnesium and cadmium levels of control and patient groups appear to have promising features for future work concerning urinary tract stone disease.

Cholesterol sulphate levels in the hair and nails of patients with recessive X-linked ichthyosis

Cholesterol sulphate (CS) has been suggested as an intercellular glue for corneocyte-corneocyte cohesion from studies on patients with recessive X-linked ichthyosis (RXLI). Pathological stratum corneum of RXLI patients was found to show a significant elevation of CS. In the present study hair and nails, unaffected keratinized tissues in RXLI patients, were examined for CS levels. The results demonstrated significantly elevated CS levels in both tissues in RXLI patients (P less than 0.001). In particular the mean CS level in the hair of RXLI patients was five times greater than normal. The present study suggests that hair is a useful material for the diagnosis of RXLI.

Elemental analysis of hair among hydrofluoric acid exposed workers

The concentrations of fluorine (F), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and iodine (I) in the hair of 142 hydrofluoric acid (HF) exposed workers and 273 control subjects were analyzed by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Postshift urine and serum specimens were also collected for the determination of fluoride. To determine whether external contamination influences hair analysis, the control hair samples were kept in the work environment for one week. With the exception of lower K and Fe values, the levels of F and other elements in the hair of HF workers were higher than in the control subjects. The concentrations of F in hair and in postshift urine were in good correlation (r = 0.65). In the hair of HF workers F and Ca, F and Mg, F and P, F and Al were well correlated with each other (r greater than 0.6). F concentration in the hair increased after the sample was retained, however, it decreased to the reference value after washing. The levels of Ca, Mg and other elements did not change during the experiment.

[Chronic alcoholic intoxication and the trace element composition of the hair]

Chronic alcoholic intoxication was found to result in changes in trace elemental structure of human hair and mongrel white rat hair. Reliable increase of iron, zinc, copper and manganese in hair of alcoholic patients and tendency to increase iron content in rat hair were detected.

Determination of gestational cocaine exposure by hair analysis

Drug self-reports are often unreliable and standard blood and urine tests detect only recent cocaine use. Since cocaine is deposited in hair, we have applied a radioimmunoassay to hair extract to detect past cocaine use. Hair from 16 adult users was positive for benzoylecgonine, in the presence of negative findings from urine screening tests. Benzoylecgonine in admitted heavy users averaged 8775 ng/g of hair (range, 640 to 29,089 ng/g of hair), whereas in occasional users it averaged 624 ng/g of hair (range, 32 to 1210 ng/g of hair). Benzoylecgonine was not detected in hair of 21 adults who reported no use of cocaine ever and whose urine samples were negative for the metabolite. Neonatal hair from seven infants whose mothers were known cocaine users averaged 5430 ng of benzoylecgonine per gram of hair (range, 200 to 27500 ng/g of hair). Hair from two infants 2.5 and 3.5 months of age averaged 6050 ng of benzoylecgonine per gram of hair. However, values were negative for infants 1 year and older, corresponding to loss of fetal hair in the few months after birth. Because studies reporting reproductive risks of cocaine compare exposed and nonexposed groups, validation of drug-free status of control subjects is extremely important. Hair analysis may remedy the disadvantages of currently used methods and may identify intrauterine exposure to cocaine in babies when a maternal drug history is not available or of doubtful truthfulness.

Mitochondrial DNA sequences in single hairs from a southern African population

Hypervariable parts of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were amplified enzymatically and sequenced directly by using genomic DNA from single plucked human hairs. This method has been applied to study mtDNA sequence variation among 15 members of the !Kung population. A genealogical tree relating these aboriginal, Khoisan-speaking southern Africans to 68 other humans and to one chimpanzee has the deepest branches occurring amongst the !Kung, a result consistent with an African origin of human mtDNA. Fifteen cases of unrelated individuals having identical sequences in the most variable parts of the mtDNA control region were found within populations of !Kung, Western Pygmies, and Eastern Pygmies, but no cases of identity were evident among these populations. This and other evidence of geographic structuring of the mitochondrial diversity in Africa, together with knowledge of the rate of accumulation of base changes in human mtDNA, implies that the average rate at which female lineages have moved their home bases during hunter-gatherer times could be as low as 13 meters per year. The technique of enzymatic amplification and direct sequencing applied to readily collected, highly stable biological materials such as hairs makes it possible to examine with high resolution many representatives of virtually any population.

Amino acid compositions of human hair fibrous protein components purified with two-dimensional electrophoresis

Normal human S-carboxymethylated (SCM) hair fibrous protein (HFP) components were purified with two-dimensional electrophoresis, and their amino acid compositions were examined. As previously reported, the SCM cysteine and glycine contents of the crude HFPs were characteristically high and low, respectively, as compared with those reported for the stratum corneum fibrous proteins (SCFPs). However, the SCM cysteine and glycine contents of the purified SCM HFP components were not as high or as low, respectively, but were rather very similar to those of the SCFPs. This suggests that, with respect to cysteine and glycine content, fibrous protein components similar to those of the stratum corneum exist in normal human hair.

Expression of keratin 5 as a distinctive feature of epithelial and biphasic mesotheliomas. An immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibody AE14

In previous biochemical analyses, keratin 5 (Mr 58,000) has been detected in most mesotheliomas with epithelial component but not in pulmonary adenocarcinomas (Blobel et al., Am J Pathol 121: 235-247, 1985). In the present study, we have characterized a monoclonal antibody, AE14, as being selectively specific for keratin 5 (apart from the reactivity with certain hair proteins) as shown by immunoblotting of gel-electrophoretically separated proteins from various tissues. Immunohistochemical screening of a variety of normal human tissues, using immunoperoxidase microscopy on cryostat sections, revealed the binding of this antibody to the basal, immature cells of stratified squamous epithelia, to basal cells of pseudostratified epithelia, to some myoepithelial cells, thymic reticulum cells, certain pancreatic duct cells, as well as a variable subpopulation of mesothelial cells of the pleura and the peritoneum. In 12/13 epithelial and biphasic mesotheliomas of the pleura, heterogeneous but extended staining with antibody AE14 was seen whereas 21 pulmonary adenocarcinomas were negative or, in six of these cases, showed staining of only a few cells. Among carcinomas from other sites, colonic adenocarcinomas and renal cell carcinomas were negative whereas limited staining was found in some pancreatic adenocarcinomas. It is suggested that antibody AE14 may be useful, as a defined polypeptide-specific reagent, in the histologic distinction between mesotheliomas and most adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, the expression patterns of keratin 5 as detected by antibody AE14 in various normal and malignant epithelial tissues are discussed, particularly their relation to processes of squamous metaplasia and their indication of phenotypic tumor heterogeneity.

A new analytical method for stereoisomers of methamphetamine and amphetamine and its application to forensic toxicology

We have developed a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of low concentrations of the stereoisomers of methamphetamine (MAMP) and the demethylated metabolite, amphetamine (AMP). The acetyl derivatives of the stereoisomers (d and l-form) of MAMP and AMP smuggled by gangsters or extracted from biological specimens (hair) of drug addicts were clearly separated on two stereoisomer-analytical columns (Chiralcel OB and OJ, Daicel Ind. Co., Japan) connected in series at 50 degrees C. The mobile phase was a mixture of n-hexane and isopropanol (9:1, v/v) and the UV detector was set at 220 nm. The practical limit of sensitivity for the analysis was 62.5 ng of the stereoisomers of MAMP and AMP. Our analytical method for MAMP and AMP in human hair is very useful for the diagnosis of abuse of the drug. The determination of the d/l ratio of MAMP and AMP (the fingerprint of MAMP and AMP) is applicable to the investigation of smuggling routes of these drugs.