Emergent thyroidectomy with sternotomy due to acute respiratory failure with severe thyroid storm

Huge cervical and mediastinal masses may lead to acute respiratory failure caused by laryngotracheal compression and airway obstruction. Thyroid storm is also a life-threatening endocrine emergency originating almost exclusively from uncontrolled Graves' disease. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with acute upper airway obstruction and tachycardia from progressive swelling of a giant thyroid, in conjunction with thyroid storm resulting from uncontrolled Graves' disease. Fibreoptic-assisted nasal intubation was performed while the patient was awake, immediately followed by emergency total thyroidectomy via a cervical and sternal approach. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and recovered well. Respiratory failure due to swelling of a giant thyroid is a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately with endotracheal intubation while the patient is awake following emergent total thyroidectomy, even with a sternotomy.

Specific electronic absorptions of alternate layered nanostructures of two metal oxides synthesized via a thiol–ene click reaction

Absorption properties of alternate stacked structures of niobate and tungstate nanosheets were continuously altered by a change of the interlayer distance.

Homologous recombination repair is regulated by domains at the N- and C-terminus of NBS1 and is dissociated with ATM functions

The proteins responsible for radiation sensitive disorders, NBS1, kinase ataxia-telangiectasia-(A-T)-mutated (ATM) and MRE11, interact through the C-terminus of NBS1 in response to the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and are all implicated in checkpoint regulation and DSB repair, such as homologous recombination (HR). We measured the ability of several NBS1 mutant clones and A-T cells to regulate HR repair using the DR-GFP or SCneo systems. ATM deficiency did not reduce the HR repair frequency of an induced DSB, and it was confirmed by findings that HR frequencies are only slightly affected by deletion of ATM-binding site at the extreme C-terminus of NBS1. In contrast, The HR-regulating ability is dramatically reduced by deletion of the MRE11-binding domain at the C-terminus of NBS1 and markedly inhibited by mutations in the FHA/BRCT domains at the N-terminus. This impaired capability in HR is consistent with a failure to observe MRE11 foci formation. Furthermore, normal HR using sister chromatid was completely inhibited by the absence of FHA/BRCT domains. These results suggested that the N- and C-terminal domains of NBS1 are the major regulatory domains for HR pathways, very likely through the recruitment and retention of the MRE11 nuclease to DSB sites in an ATM-independent fashion.

ATP7A gene mutations in 16 patients with Menkes disease and a patient with occipital horn syndrome

Genomic DNA of 17 unrelated Japanese males with Menkes disease and 2 Japanese males with occipital horn syndrome were studied for mutations in the ATP7A gene. Using SSCP analysis and direct sequencing of the exons and the 5'-upstream region of the gene amplified by PCR, we identified 16 mutations in 16 of 17 males with Menkes disease, including 4 deletions, 2 insertions, 6 nonsense mutations, 2 missense mutations, and 2 splice-site mutations. All these mutations were those that affect the function of the gene. Of the two males with occipital horn syndrome, one had a splice-site mutation in intron 6 that led to normal-size and smaller-size transcripts. The amount of the normal-size transcripts in his cultured skin fibroblasts was 19% of the normal level. His serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels were normal, whereas his cultured skin fibroblasts contained increased levels of copper. These findings indicate that his mild clinical manifestations were due to the presence of normal-size and presumably functional transcripts of the gene. DNA sequencing analysis of the exons and 5'-upstream region of the ATP7A gene in 20 normal individuals and the 19 affected males identified 25 polymorphisms.

Girl with accelerated growth, hearing loss, inner ear anomalies, delayed myelination of the brain, and del(22)(q13.1q13.2)

We report on an 18-month-old Japanese girl with 46,XX,del(22)(q13.1q13.2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of interstitial deletion of a 22q13.1-q13.2 segment. Clinical features included hearing loss accompanied by inner ear anomalies, hypotonia and minor anomalies, such as a long philtrum, full eyelids, epicanthus, left transverse palmar crease and psychomotor developmental delay. Despite the chromosomal deletion, her physical growth was accelerated: her height was between the 75th and 90th percentiles for her age. Her brain MRI showed signs of delayed myelination. The three-dimensional MRI of the inner ear showed abnormalities of the cochlea and vestibule in both ears. Clinical features of the patient are similar to those of a patient with a del(22)(q13.1q13.33) karyotype previously reported by Romain et al.

A patient of short stature with normal GH secretion, but a low serum IGF-I level

We report the case of a 7-year-old patient of short stature who had normal GH secretion, but a very low serum IGF-I level. On admittance, his height and weight were 102.2 cm (-3.8S.D.) and 15.7 kg (-1.8S.D.), respectively. His bone age was 2 years and 8 months. The serum GH responses to insulin, glucagon and L-dopa were all normal. GH secretion during sleep was also normal, but the serum IGF-I level was very low (29 ng/ml). The serum IGF-I level was greatly increased by the administration of GH. No mutation was detected in the GH-1 gene. His height velocity was noticeably improved by GH treatment.

(+/-)-(Z)-2-(aminomethyl)-1-phenylcyclopropanecarboxamide derivatives as a new prototype of NMDA receptor antagonists

(+/-)-(Z)-2-(Aminomethyl)-1-phenylcyclopropane-N,N-diethylcarbo xamide (milnacipran, 1), a clinically useful antidepressant, and its derivatives were prepared by an improved method and were evaluated as NMDA receptor antagonists. Of these, milnacipran (1), its N-methyl and N,N-dimethyl derivatives, 7 and 8, respectively, and its homologue 12 at the aminomethyl moiety had binding affinity for the receptor in vitro (IC50: 1, 6.3 +/- 0.3 microM; 7, 13 +/- 2.1 microM; 8, 88 +/- 1.4 microM; 12, 10 +/- 1.2 microM). These also protected mice from NMDA-induced lethality. These compounds would be important as anovel prototype for designing potent NMDA-receptor antagonists because of their characteristic structure, which clearly differentiated them from known competitive and noncompetitive antagonists to the receptor.

(R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[1]benzothieno[2,3-c]pyridines: novel optically active compounds with strong 5-HT1A receptor binding ability exhibiting anticonflict activity and lessening of memory impairment

(R)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro[1]benzothieno[2,3-c]pyridine derivatives (60-114) were synthesized. The (R)-isomers have affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor while the (S)-isomers have no such ability. The affinity of the (R)-isomers was discussed on the basis of structure-activity relationships between the affinity and hydrophobicity of the (R)-isomers. Compounds 71 and 107, which are representative derivative compounds, have anticonflict activity and lessening of memory impairment. In particular, compound 107 cannot bind to receptors other than the 5-HT1A receptor, demonstrating that it is a unique compound with a different mechanism of action from that of conventional anxiolytics.

Cloning and molecular analysis of cDNA encoding a carboxymethylcellulase of the yeast Cryptococcus flavus

A cDNA copy for carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase 1) of the yeast Cryptococcus flavus was cloned by screening an expression cDNA library with anti-CMCase 1 antibody. The sequence of the cDNA had an open reading frame of 1023 bp that encoded a preprotein of 341 amino acids with a molecular weight of 35,698. The putative precursor begins with a hydrophobic segment that possibly acts as a signal sequence for secretion, which is followed by a presumed prosequence and a sequence consistent with the N-terminal amino acid sequence of secreted CMCase 1. No potential N-glycosylation site was found in the sequence of putative pro-CMCase 1. Comparison of the deduced protein sequence shows that the C. flavus CMCase 1 is partially homologous to the Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase EGIII. Alignment of the cDNA copy and the chromosomal DNA showed seven putative introns of 45 to 134 bp. When introduced into E. coli, the cDNA directed the synthesis of CMCase 1 as seen by CMCase activity and Western blotting using anti-CMCase 1 antibody.

Cloning and expression of the human 5-HT1B-type receptor gene

We report the cloning and expression of a novel 5-HT receptor gene from human genomic DNA. This clone, HGCR1, contains an apparently intronless open reading frame of 390 amino acids with the seven hydrophobic regions, typical of G-protein coupled receptors. The deduced amino acid sequence of HGCR1 is 39%, 55% and 87% identical to that for the human 5-HT1A, the human 5-HT1D and the rat 5-HT1B receptor, respectively. [3H]5-HT binding to transfected COS-7 cell membranes yields a pharmacological profile similar to that of 5-HT1B receptor. Thus these findings indicate the presence of 5-HT1B-type receptor in the human.

[Biochemical studies of oxiracetam (CT-848) on cholinergic neurons]

Effects of oxiracetam on cholinergic neurons were investigated by biochemical methods. 1) Oxiracetam did not inhibit 3H-QNB binding in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. 2) In the 3H-QNB binding study, oxiracetam did not change the inhibition-concentration curve for the muscarinic agonist carbachol and had no effect on GppNHp-induced inhibition of oxotremorine binding. 3) Oxiracetam (10-100 microM) enhanced K(+)-induced ACh release from slices of rat hippocampus. 4) In the in vitro perfusion studies, oxiracetam (10-100 microM), but not aniracetam and piracetam, enhanced choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the hippocampal slices. 5) Repeated administration of oxiracetam (100 or 500 mg/kg, p.o., once daily) to old rats significantly enhanced ChAT activities in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum, while it did not influence the Bmax and Kd for 3H-QNB binding in the hippocampus. 6) Oxiracetam did not affect the acetylcholinesterase activity in mouse brain homogenate. These results suggest that oxiracetam enhances precholinergic functions.

Blockade of intracellular actions of calcium may protect against ischaemic damage to the gerbil brain

1. The brain cytoprotective effects of a putative calcium-associated protein kinase inhibitor, HA1077, as well as a calcium entry blocker nicardipine were evaluated in models of cerebral ischaemia in Mongolian gerbils. Morphological changes characterizing delayed neuronal death of selectively vulnerable CA1 pyramidal neurones in the hippocampus of the Mongolian gerbil brain occurred 7 days after transient bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. 2. A single injection of HA1077 (1 and 3 mg kg-1, i.p.) 5 min after the occlusion led to a dose-dependent protection of the CA1 neurones. Repeated administrations of HA1077 (1 and 3 mg kg-1, i.p., twice daily for 7 days post-ischaemia) revealed an increase in the number of normal cells, compared to findings with a single administration. 3. In contrast to HA1077, nicardipine (0.3 and 1 mg kg-1, i.p.) did not reduce neuronal degeneration. 4. HA1077 did not interact with the ion channel within which MK-801 binds, as determined by receptor binding. 5. The calcium ionophore, A23187, caused a tonic contraction in canine cerebral arterial strips. HA1077, but not nicardipine, relaxed the A23187-induced contraction, concentration-dependently. 6. These results suggest that blockade of the intracellular actions of calcium may provide protection against ischaemic damage in the brain.

Administration of IL-7 to normal mice stimulates B-lymphopoiesis and peripheral lymphadenopathy

Normal mice were injected with IL-7 (500 ng, twice daily) for various periods of time up to 6 days and the cellularity and phenotypic composition of the thymus, spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow was assessed. After 6 days of treatment, significant increases in the cellularity of the spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow were observed which returned to the normal range within 6 days after cessation of treatment. After 3 days of IL-7 treatment, increased numbers of B220+/surface(s) IgM- bone marrow cells were observed. After 6 days of treatment, these numbers were still further increased and a significant population of B220+/sIgM- cells were observed in the spleen. The numbers of c mu+/sIgM- cells were also increased in the IL-7-treated mice. Analysis of the expression of B220 and BP-1 on the sIgM- bone marrow cells revealed that the B220+/BP-1+ population was dramatically increased after IL-7 treatment and the size of the B220+/BP-1- population did not differ from control mice. The pre-B cell numbers declined rapidly after the cessation of IL-7 treatment. After 6 days of IL-7 treatment, a twofold increase in the number of B cells in the spleen and lymph node was observed. The B cell numbers declined to normal values within 6 days after the cessation of IL-7 administration. In the spleens of the IL-7-treated mice, there was a significant increase in the number of B cells with an immature phenotype (e.g., sIgMhi/sIgDlo, decreased levels of Ia and FcR expression). The numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were also increased in the lymph node and spleen of the IL-7-treated mice. These numbers declined to normal levels after the cessation of IL-7 treatment.

Administration of IL-7 to normal mice stimulates B-lymphopoiesis and peripheral lymphadenopathy

Normal mice were injected with IL-7 (500 ng, twice daily) for various periods of time up to 6 days and the cellularity and phenotypic composition of the thymus, spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow was assessed. After 6 days of treatment, significant increases in the cellularity of the spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow were observed which returned to the normal range within 6 days after cessation of treatment. After 3 days of IL-7 treatment, increased numbers of B220+/surface(s) IgM- bone marrow cells were observed. After 6 days of treatment, these numbers were still further increased and a significant population of B220+/sIgM- cells were observed in the spleen. The numbers of c mu+/sIgM- cells were also increased in the IL-7-treated mice. Analysis of the expression of B220 and BP-1 on the sIgM- bone marrow cells revealed that the B220+/BP-1+ population was dramatically increased after IL-7 treatment and the size of the B220+/BP-1- population did not differ from control mice. The pre-B cell numbers declined rapidly after the cessation of IL-7 treatment. After 6 days of IL-7 treatment, a twofold increase in the number of B cells in the spleen and lymph node was observed. The B cell numbers declined to normal values within 6 days after the cessation of IL-7 administration. In the spleens of the IL-7-treated mice, there was a significant increase in the number of B cells with an immature phenotype (e.g., sIgMhi/sIgDlo, decreased levels of Ia and FcR expression). The numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were also increased in the lymph node and spleen of the IL-7-treated mice. These numbers declined to normal levels after the cessation of IL-7 treatment.

Synergistic effects of purified recombinant human and murine B cell growth factor-1/IL-4 on colony formation in vitro by hematopoietic progenitor cells. Multiple actions

Purified recombinant human B cell growth factor-1/IL-4 was evaluated, alone and in combination, with purified preparations of recombinant human (rhu) CSF or erythropoietin (Epo) for effects on colony formation by human bone marrow CFU-GM progenitor cells (GM) and burst forming unit-E progenitor cells. rhu IL-4 synergized with rhu G-CSF to enhance granulocyte colony formation, but had no effect on CFU-GM colony formation stimulated by rhu GM-CSF, rhu IL-3, or rhu CSF-1. Rhu IL-4 synergized with Epo to enhance BFU-E colony formation equal to that of Epo plus either rhu IL-3, rhu GM-CSF, or rhu G-CSF. Removal of adherent cells and T lymphocytes did not influence the synergistic activities of rhu IL-4. Rmu IL-4, synergized with rhu G-CSF, but not with rmu GM-CSF, rmu IL-3, or natural mu CSF-1, to enhance CFU-GM (mainly granulocyte) colony numbers by a greater than 90% pure preparation of murine CFU-GM. Also, rhu IL-4 at low concentrations enhanced release of CSF and at higher concentrations the release also of suppressor molecules from human monocytes and PHA-stimulated human T lymphocytes. Use of specific CSF antibodies suggested that rhu IL-4 was enhancing the release of G-CSF and CSF-1 from monocytes and the release of GM-CSF and possibly G-CSF from PHA-stimulated T lymphocytes. Use of antibodies for TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, or TNF-beta as well as measurement of TNF and IFN titers suggested that the suppressor molecule(s) released from monocytes were acting with TNF-alpha and those released from PHA-stimulated T lymphocytes were acting with IFN-gamma. These results implicate B cell growth factor-1/IL-4 as a synergistic activity for hematopoietic progenitors and suggest that the actions can be on both progenitor and accessory cells.

Effect of the 'antidementia drug' pantoyl-GABA on high affinity transport of choline and on the contents of choline and acetylcholine in rat brain

1. Effect of pantoyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid (pantoyl-GABA) on high affinity transport of choline into synaptosomes and on the choline (Ch) and acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations of rat brain were studied. 2. Pantoyl-GABA was injected intraperitoneally four times at a dose of 500 mg kg-1 at intervals of 30 min. One hour after the last injection, rats were killed by decapitation for measurement of high affinity transport of Ch into synaptosomes or by microwave irradiation for the measurement of Ch and ACh concentrations. 3. Transport of Ch was increased into synaptosomes prepared from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, but not into those from the striatum. 4. In the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, Ch concentration was increased and ACh concentration decreased. 5. Since treatments that enhance the activity of cholinergic neurones in vivo are reported to increase high affinity transport of Ch measured in vitro, the present results suggest that pantoyl-GABA may increase cholinergic activity in vivo. This action of the drug may be related to changes in the Ch and ACh concentrations.

Synergistic effects of purified recombinant human and murine B cell growth factor-1/IL-4 on colony formation in vitro by hematopoietic progenitor cells. Multiple actions

Purified recombinant human B cell growth factor-1/IL-4 was evaluated, alone and in combination, with purified preparations of recombinant human (rhu) CSF or erythropoietin (Epo) for effects on colony formation by human bone marrow CFU-GM progenitor cells (GM) and burst forming unit-E progenitor cells. rhu IL-4 synergized with rhu G-CSF to enhance granulocyte colony formation, but had no effect on CFU-GM colony formation stimulated by rhu GM-CSF, rhu IL-3, or rhu CSF-1. Rhu IL-4 synergized with Epo to enhance BFU-E colony formation equal to that of Epo plus either rhu IL-3, rhu GM-CSF, or rhu G-CSF. Removal of adherent cells and T lymphocytes did not influence the synergistic activities of rhu IL-4. Rmu IL-4, synergized with rhu G-CSF, but not with rmu GM-CSF, rmu IL-3, or natural mu CSF-1, to enhance CFU-GM (mainly granulocyte) colony numbers by a greater than 90% pure preparation of murine CFU-GM. Also, rhu IL-4 at low concentrations enhanced release of CSF and at higher concentrations the release also of suppressor molecules from human monocytes and PHA-stimulated human T lymphocytes. Use of specific CSF antibodies suggested that rhu IL-4 was enhancing the release of G-CSF and CSF-1 from monocytes and the release of GM-CSF and possibly G-CSF from PHA-stimulated T lymphocytes. Use of antibodies for TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, or TNF-beta as well as measurement of TNF and IFN titers suggested that the suppressor molecule(s) released from monocytes were acting with TNF-alpha and those released from PHA-stimulated T lymphocytes were acting with IFN-gamma. These results implicate B cell growth factor-1/IL-4 as a synergistic activity for hematopoietic progenitors and suggest that the actions can be on both progenitor and accessory cells.

Effects of pantoyl-GABA on GABAA and GABAB receptors in the rat brain

The interactions of the "antidementia drug" pantoyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid (pantoyl-GABA) with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors were investigated by studies on bindings of radiolabelled ligands in rat brain. Pantoyl-GABA inhibited the binding of [3H]GABA to GABAA receptors and those of [3H]baclofen and [3H]GABA to GABAB receptors in the rat cerebral cortex. These data suggest that pantoyl-GABA interacts with both types of GABA-receptors in the rat brain.

[The neuromuscular blocking activity of isepamicin sulfate (HAPA-B) compared with other aminoglycoside antibiotics]

Effects of isepamicin sulfate (HAPA-B), a new aminoglycoside antibiotic, on the neuromuscular transmission were studied in rats and compared with those of amikacin (AMK) or other aminoglycoside antibiotics. The HAPA-B, as well as other aminoglycoside antibiotics, depressed the twitch response of diaphragm to phrenic nerve stimulation in vitro. The depression effects of different drugs were compared and graded in the order of strengths of blocking action as: netilmicin (NTL) greater than gentamicin (GM) greater than streptomycin (SM) greater than kanamycin (KM) greater than AMK greater than HAPA-B. The IC50 (concentration which inhibited the response by 50%) of HAPA-B was 3.6 X 10(-3) g/ml. The neuromuscular blockade produced by HAPA-B was reversed by CaCl2, KCl or caffeine but not by neostigmine. D-Tubocurarine or MgCl2 augmented the neuromuscular effects of HAPA-B. Intramuscular (400 mg/kg) and intravenous (100 mg/kg) injections of HAPA-B did not affect the twitch response of gastrocnemius muscle to sciatic nerve stimulation in situ. Intravenous injection of 200 mg/kg caused death in some rats and depression of the twitch response in others. Intravenous AMK produced no significant effect on the twitch response at 50 mg/kg and caused death at 100 mg/kg. GM and SM caused death or significant degree of depression of the twitch response at intravenous doses of 50 mg/kg. In experiments of intravenous drug infusion for 60 minutes, the twitch response was depressed by HAPA-B at 400 mg/kg/hr and by AMK at 200 and 400 mg/kg/hr. In conclusion, HAPA-B has a neuromuscular blocking action presumably at the nerve terminal. However, its action was the weakest among the aminoglycoside antibiotics tested.

Expression, purification and characterization of recombinant murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and bovine interleukin-2 from yeast

Expression and secretion of two lymphokines, murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MuGM-CSF) and bovine interleukin-2 (BoIL-2), to levels of 50-60 mg per liter were achieved by placing these cDNAs in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression vector that utilized the yeast alcohol dehydrogenase-2 promoter and alpha-factor leader peptide. These lymphokines were purified to homogeneity by direct application of the crude yeast medium to reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Despite the fact that both lymphokines contain at least one N-glycosylation site and have identical N-terminal residues (Ala-Pro-Thr), recombinant (R) GM-CSF was found to be heterogeneously glycosylated by yeast while RBoIL-2 was secreted without glycosylation. Additionally, approximately 40% of the RGM-CSF was found to be proteolytically cleaved after the second amino acid residue, while RBoIL-2 was found to be intact.

Purification to homogeneity of B cell stimulating factor. A molecule that stimulates proliferation of multiple lymphokine-dependent cell lines

Murine B cell stimulating factor 1 (BSF-1) was purified to homogeneity from supernatants of a stimulated thymoma cell line. A protein of 18.4 kD with a unique N-terminal amino acid sequence was identified. BSF-1 had a sp act of at least 3.28 X 10(8) U/mg. In addition to its B cell-stimulatory activity, BSF-1 also stimulated the proliferation of several IL-2- and IL-3-dependent cell lines. We conclude that BSF-1 is both a growth factor and a differentiation factor. Finally, these results also suggest additional biologic properties of BSF-1 on lineages besides B lymphocytes.

Isolation of two active glucosides, braxin A1 and A2, from rhizomes of bracken fern

Two glucosides to enhance histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells were isolated from rhizomes of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) by column chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 and droplet counter-current chromatography, and named braxin A1 and A2. They were beta-glucopyranosides with an aromatic structure in the aglycone moiety. They were appreciably unstable in activity and chemical structure, and were different from the active glucoside in the young fronds. Braxin A1 and A2 may well be identical with the toxic principles responsible for the bracken poisoning.

Lymphokine purification by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography has been used to purify to homogeneity two different lymphokines. Human IL-2 was purified on a C8 reversed-phase column in pyridine-acetate-propanol followed by chromatography on a C18 reversed-phase column in trifluoroacetic acid-acetonitrile. Protein sequence analysis of in situ-generated cyanogen bromide peptides obtained from this preparation established the homogeneity of this material and confirmed the amino acid sequence predicted from the published DNA sequence. Murine CSF-2 alpha was purified on a C18 reversed-phase column in trifluoroacetic acid-acetonitrile followed by chromatography on the same column in pyridine-acetate-propanol. The final preparation yielded a single band on a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel with a molecular weight of 24,500.

Biochemical comparison of murine colony-stimulating factors secreted by a T cell lymphoma and a myelomonocytic leukemia

Factors that stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of murine bone marrow cells have been purified from a cloned T cell lymphoma, LBRM-33, and a cloned myelomonocytic leukemia cell line, WEHI-3. These colony-stimulating factors (CSF) have been purified by sequential fractionation by using salt precipitation, gel filtration, anion and cation exchange chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography. Both LBRM-33 and WEHI-3 cells secrete a CSF species with similar chemical and biologic properties. This CSF species appears to exist in two forms, termed CSF-2 alpha and CSF-2 beta, both of which stimulate the growth of bone marrow cells in the granulocyte, macrophage, megakaryocyte, mast cell, and erythrocyte lineages, as well as the growth of a CSF-dependent cell line, FDC-P2. These properties of CSF-2 alpha and -2 beta are similar to those reported for interleukin 3, hematopoietic cell growth factor, mast cell growth factor, and persisting cell growth factor. However, LBRM-33 cells secrete another CSF species, not produced by WEHI-3 cells. This CSF species, unique to LBRM cells, is termed here CSF-2 gamma and it stimulates the proliferation of granulocytes and macrophages from bone marrow but does not support the growth of FDC-P2 cells.

Biochemical comparison of murine colony-stimulating factors secreted by a T cell lymphoma and a myelomonocytic leukemia

Factors that stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of murine bone marrow cells have been purified from a cloned T cell lymphoma, LBRM-33, and a cloned myelomonocytic leukemia cell line, WEHI-3. These colony-stimulating factors (CSF) have been purified by sequential fractionation by using salt precipitation, gel filtration, anion and cation exchange chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography. Both LBRM-33 and WEHI-3 cells secrete a CSF species with similar chemical and biologic properties. This CSF species appears to exist in two forms, termed CSF-2 alpha and CSF-2 beta, both of which stimulate the growth of bone marrow cells in the granulocyte, macrophage, megakaryocyte, mast cell, and erythrocyte lineages, as well as the growth of a CSF-dependent cell line, FDC-P2. These properties of CSF-2 alpha and -2 beta are similar to those reported for interleukin 3, hematopoietic cell growth factor, mast cell growth factor, and persisting cell growth factor. However, LBRM-33 cells secrete another CSF species, not produced by WEHI-3 cells. This CSF species, unique to LBRM cells, is termed here CSF-2 gamma and it stimulates the proliferation of granulocytes and macrophages from bone marrow but does not support the growth of FDC-P2 cells.

Biochemical and biologic characterization of lymphocyte regulatory molecules. VIII. Purification of interleukin 2 from a human T cell leukemia

The ability of interleukin 2 (IL 2) to stimulate and maintain growth in IL 2-dependent cell lines distinguishes this substance from interleukin 1 and other T cell lymphokines. Jurkat-FHCRC, a human T cell leukemia cell line, has been shown to produce relatively high quantities of IL 2 after stimulation with the T cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A. In this paper we describe techniques used to isolate human IL 2 from Jurkat supernatants and the biochemical properties of the resulting material. IL 2 produced by this cell line is eluted from a DEAE-Sephacel ion-exchange column with 0.05 M NaCl and has a m.w. determined by AcA54 gel chromatography in the range of 9000 to 18,000. Isoelectric focusing yields active material with a pI value of 7.75. Elution of IL 2 from a SDS-polyacrylamide gel shows it to have a m.w. of approximately 13,500. This material is capable of stimulating mouse as well as human IL 2-dependent cell lines.

Biochemical and biologic characterization of lymphocyte regulatory molecules. VIII. Purification of interleukin 2 from a human T cell leukemia

The ability of interleukin 2 (IL 2) to stimulate and maintain growth in IL 2-dependent cell lines distinguishes this substance from interleukin 1 and other T cell lymphokines. Jurkat-FHCRC, a human T cell leukemia cell line, has been shown to produce relatively high quantities of IL 2 after stimulation with the T cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A. In this paper we describe techniques used to isolate human IL 2 from Jurkat supernatants and the biochemical properties of the resulting material. IL 2 produced by this cell line is eluted from a DEAE-Sephacel ion-exchange column with 0.05 M NaCl and has a m.w. determined by AcA54 gel chromatography in the range of 9000 to 18,000. Isoelectric focusing yields active material with a pI value of 7.75. Elution of IL 2 from a SDS-polyacrylamide gel shows it to have a m.w. of approximately 13,500. This material is capable of stimulating mouse as well as human IL 2-dependent cell lines.

Comparative mitogenic effects of herpes simplex virus and mycoplasma on murine lymphocytes

Previous work indicated that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a mitogen for mouse spleen cultures, as monitored by uptake of 3H-thymidine. We observed variable responses of mouse spleen cultures to different viral preparations. The variable responses, which did not follow normal dose-response relationships, were not due to HSV-1 strain differences, altered response kinetics or the presence or absence of defective viral particles, but to mycoplasma contamination of viral stocks. Mycoplasma-free (MF) HSV-1 stocks were prepared by transfection of MF NHF cells with HSV-1 DNA. MF HSV-1 infection of spleen cultures resulted in a five- to sixfold stimulation of DNA synthesis and stimulation of a polyclonal antibody response. Heat treatment (56 degrees C for 1 h) and antibiotics were used to distinguish mycoplasma and HSV-1-induced spleen culture mitogenic responses. The mycoplasma-induced mitogenic activity was found to be heat labile and sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol. In contrast, the HSV-1 induced response was not affected by gentamicin or chloramphenicol and heat treatment resulted in only a 50% loss of activity.

Biochemical and biologic characterization of lymphocyte regulatory molecules. IV. Purification of Interleukin 2 from a murine T cell lymphoma

A cloned murine T cell line, LBRM-33 5A4, growing in culture can be activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to secrete Interleukin 2 (IL-2) activity. In the absence of PHA, LBRM cells do not produce IL-2. The chemical and biologic properties of LBRM-derived IL-2 are compared to those of murine spleen-derived IL-2. The fractionation of culture supernatants from PHA-activated LBRM cells by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and isoelectric focusing (IEF) reveals that IL-2 activity is contained in a class of molecules indistinguishable in size (30,000) and charge (pI 4.3-4.7 and 4.9-5.1) from murine spleen IL-2. LBRM-derived IL-2 also exhibits the entire spectrum of biologic activities exhibited by spleen IL-2, stimulating the growth of established T cell lines in culture, the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in thymocyte cultures and the induction of antibody responses in nude spleen cultures. Both LBRM and splenic-derived IL-2 activities exhibit similar properties after digestion with proteases, and various chemical and temperature treatments. Since IL-2 is derived from a cloned cell line, it is likely these lymphocyte assays are detecting a single class of molecules that act directly on activated T cells. The use of LBRM cells as a source of IL-2 should greatly facilitate studies on the molecular characterization and biologic activity of this class of lymphocyte regulatory molecules.

Biochemical and biologic characterization of lymphocyte regulatory molecules. IV. Purification of Interleukin 2 from a murine T cell lymphoma

A cloned murine T cell line, LBRM-33 5A4, growing in culture can be activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to secrete Interleukin 2 (IL-2) activity. In the absence of PHA, LBRM cells do not produce IL-2. The chemical and biologic properties of LBRM-derived IL-2 are compared to those of murine spleen-derived IL-2. The fractionation of culture supernatants from PHA-activated LBRM cells by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and isoelectric focusing (IEF) reveals that IL-2 activity is contained in a class of molecules indistinguishable in size (30,000) and charge (pI 4.3-4.7 and 4.9-5.1) from murine spleen IL-2. LBRM-derived IL-2 also exhibits the entire spectrum of biologic activities exhibited by spleen IL-2, stimulating the growth of established T cell lines in culture, the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in thymocyte cultures and the induction of antibody responses in nude spleen cultures. Both LBRM and splenic-derived IL-2 activities exhibit similar properties after digestion with proteases, and various chemical and temperature treatments. Since IL-2 is derived from a cloned cell line, it is likely these lymphocyte assays are detecting a single class of molecules that act directly on activated T cells. The use of LBRM cells as a source of IL-2 should greatly facilitate studies on the molecular characterization and biologic activity of this class of lymphocyte regulatory molecules.

Biochemical and biological characterization of lymphocyte regulatory molecules. I. Purification of a class of murine lymphokines

Murine spleen cells activated by concanavalin A (Con A) in culture produce a class of lymphokine molecules which possess biological activity in a number of lymphocyte response assays. Lymphokines with a mol wt of 30,000, as estimated from gel filtration studies, can be resolved into two components which differ by charge, with isoelectric point (pI) values of 4.3 and 4.9, respectively. Both components stimulate (a) the growth of established T-cell lines in culture, (b) the proliferation of thymocytes in the presence of Con A under culture conditions where Con A alone is nonmitogenic, (c) the induction of antibody responses to heterologous erythrocyte antigens in athymic (nude) spleen cultures, (d) the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in thymocyte cultures, and (e) the generation of CTL in nude spleen cultures. In each of these culture systems we suggest that the assays are detecting a single class of lymphokine which acts directly on activated T cells. Nonactivated T cells must be stimulated by either antigen or mitogen before becoming responsive to lymphokine, but do not require antigen or mitogen for continued growth with lymphokine. The two molecular species, separable by isoelectric focusing are referred to as the T-cell growth factor (TCGF). A lymphokine, similar in size (30,000 daltons) to TCGF but heterogeneous in charge (pI 3.0--4.0), stimulates immune responses to erythrocyte antigens in T-cell-depleted spleen cultures but has no stimulatory activity in the other lymphocyte assay systems described. The data have been interpreted as showing the two molecular forms of murine TCGF (pI 4.3 and 4.9) are responsible for many of the lymphokine activities described elsewhere as thymocyte mitogenic factor, nonspecific T-cell-replacing factor and killer helper factor or costimulator. The other lymphokine, separable from TCGF by charge, appears to have true T-cell-replacing activity.

The interaction of Herpes Simplex Virus with murine lymphocytes. I. Mitogenic properties of herpes simplex virus

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) stimulates DNA synthesis in mouse spleen cultures prepared from normal, macrophage-depleted, and T-cell-depleted spleen cells, but not from thymocytes. In addition, a polyclonal antibody response is observed in HSV-infected spleen cultures. These findings indicate that the cells stimulated to undergo DNA synthesis after HSV infection appear to be the bone marrow-derived lymphocytes. The newly synthesized DNA is host cell and not of viral origin. Heat treatment and ultraviolet irradiation of HSV before addition to spleen cultures prevents the induction of DNA synthesis. We consider the use of this system as assay for the study of cell transformation by HSV and also for the study of host cell control of the expression of the viral genome.