[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Horseshoe Kidney]

We reported a case of sigmoid colon cancer with horseshoe kidney. A 79-year-old man had lower abdominal pain and underwent colonoscopy. The results of colonoscopy revealed sigmoid cancer. Preoperative computed tomography revealed horseshoe kidney. He underwent radical laparoscopic surgery. The histopathological diagnosis was pStage Ⅱa(The 9th Edition). He has not recurred 22 months later after operation. Surgery for colorectal cancer with congenital anomalies of the urinary tract requires attention to intraoperative secondary injuries. Therefore, preoperative evaluation using 3D-CT is useful tool for safety. Operating the proper dissecting normal layer would make safe laparoscopic operation possible without unexpected injuries.

[A Case of Appendiceal Metastasis from Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Acute Perforated Appendicitis and Cholecystitis]

An 88-year-old woman had been diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma for 3 years since she received metallic stents for malignant biliary obstruction, and observed without any aggressive medical treatment. She was admitted to our hospital for further investigation of her abdominal pain. Abdominal CT showed an enlarged gallbladder, fluid collection in the right paracolic gutter, and swollen appendix. Laboratory tests showed high-grade inflammation. She was diagnosed with acute perforated appendicitis with acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy were performed. Perforation was confirmed intraoperatively in the appendix wall and accumulation of pus was found in the right paracolic gutter. There were no macroscopic findings of metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. Microscopic examination of the resected appendix showed adenocarcinoma cells positive for CK7 and negative for CK20 and CDX2, and were predominantly infiltrated from the muscular layer to the serosa of the appendix wall, with a diagnosis of appendiceal metastasis from hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Metastatic appendiceal carcinoma is rare, and appendiceal metastasis from hilar cholangiocarcinoma is extremely rare. Herein, we report a rare case of metastatic appendiceal carcinoma from hilar bile duct cancer with acute perforated appendicitis and cholecystitis along with findings of previous literature.

[A Case of Resected Type 4 Rectal Cancer with Difficulty in Preoperative Diagnosis]

We reported a case of Type 4 rectal cancer performed laparoscopic surgery. A 73-year-old man had diarrhea and constipation and underwent colonoscopy. From the first colonoscopy, histological findings of biopsy showed non-neoplastic cells. The results of colonoscopy strongly suggested the possibility of Type 4 rectal cancer. Therefore, we performed colonoscopy twice and he was diagnosed Type 4 rectal cancer. Computed tomography revealed no distant metastasis. He underwent radical laparoscopic surgery. The histopathological diagnosis was pStage Ⅲc(The 9th edition). He then received adjuvant chemotherapy but was relapsed at bones and lymph nodes. He died 18 months later after surgery.

[A Case of Rectal Cancer with Protein-Losing Gastroenteropathy]

We report a case receiving laparoscopic surgical resection of rectal cancer with protein-losing gastroenteropathy. A 58- year-old man was referred to our hospital because of melena, diarrhea, and anorexia. He showed septic shock, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. CT scan showed a rectal tumor with regional lymph node swelling and a cavernous lung lesion with a pulmonary embolus. Ninety-five days after admission to intensive care, he was introduced to our department because of the disappearance of a lung lesion indicating a lung abscess. Colonoscopy showed a cauliflower-like type 1 rectal cancer lesion. He experienced laparoscopic low anterior resection 121 days after admission. He was discharged without problems 66 days after the operation. After 8 months of surgery and no chemotherapy, he had no recurrence of rectal cancer. Colon cancer with protein-losing gastroenteropathy is rare and shows a typical cauliflower-like type 1 tumor appearance. Hypoproteinemia can be improved after resection of colon cancer.

[A Case of Rectal GIST Resected using the TAMIS Method]

We reported a case of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)performed transanal surgery. A 46-year-old woman was pointed out uterinal cancer and lower rectal GIST. After operation for uterine cancer, GIST was treated. Because of the patent's opinion for anal preservation, chemotherapy with imatinib for 3 months was performed and local resection was done by transanal minimally invasive surgery(TAMIS). The histopathological diagnosis was low-grade GIST and immunostaining showed the tumor was positive for c-kit, CD34, DOG-1 and α-SMA. Because capsule of the GIST was damaged intraoperatively, imatinib therapy was started and she has no recurrence after 2 years.

[A Case of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Following Transverse Colon Cancer Surgery]

We reported a case of superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome after decreased body weight and unstable oral intakes due to anastomotic leakage of postoperative transverse colon cancer. A 63-year-old man underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy and D3 lymph node dissection with a diagnosis of transverse colon cancer. He had postoperative anastomotic leakage and was discharged after conservative treatment on postoperative day 35. However, he had visited our hospital by the symptom of bowel obstruction caused by anastomotic stenosis and had been admitted twice. After second colonoscopic balloon dilation on postoperative day 129, he was diagnosed as anastomotic perforation and emergency reoperation was performed. In the postoperative course, he repeated vomiting and his body weight decreased and superior mesenteric artery syndrome was diagnosed. He improved after conservative treatment by fasting, a nasogastric intubation and total parenteral nutrition and was discharged 22 days after the diagnosis.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Surgery for Sigmoid Lymph Node Metastases after Surgery for Rectal Cancer]

Herein, we report a case of laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid lymph node metastases after surgery for rectal cancer. A 58- year-old man underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. He underwent D2 lymph node dissection, and he was undergoing dialysis for renal disease as a complication of diabetes. CT imaging performed 15 months after surgery revealed recurrence of tumors in the sigmoid lymph nodes. Subsequently, laparoscopic removal of the sigmoid lymph nodes was planned, as the patient had no tumor recurrence at any other location, and because his condition was not suitable for chemotherapy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged a few days after surgery.

[A Case of Small Intestinal Cancer Resected by Laparoscopic Surgery]

We report a case of laparoscopic surgical resection of a small intestinal cancer. A woman in her 40s was referred to our department for prolonged abdominal problems(epigastralgia, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation). CT scan revealed a small intestinal tumor with dilatation of the oral side of the intestine. She was admitted to our hospital, and an ileus tube was introduced. One week after admission, she experienced laparoscopic partial resection of the small intestine. She was soon discharged without any problems and has had no recurrence of small intestinal cancer after 8 months of surgery without any adjuvant chemotherapy. Small intestinal cancer is frequently detected in an advanced stage, resulting in poor prognosis, but curative surgery can improve the prognosis. Optimal therapy for small intestinal cancer has not been established yet because it is rare. A multi-centered study of small intestinal cancer for the establishment of its diagnosis and therapy needs to be conducted.

Efficacy and thyroidal effects of sunitinib in Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Hypothyroidism and thyroid atrophy as potential biomarkers for sunitinib?

e16097

Background: Although hypothyroidism is a well-known adverse effect of sunitinib in western patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC), the effects on thyroid gland of sunitinib in Japanese pts still remain unclear. We therefore evaluated thyroid dysfunction and thyroid atrophy in Japanese RCC pts who received sunitinib. Methods: Fourteen (8 males, 6 females) of 51 pts who were treated in a phase II trial of sunitinib in Japanese pts with MRCC were included in this retrospective study. All 14 pts were euthyroid at baseline. The measurement of serum thyroid function test (fT3, fT4, TSH) was performed at the beginning of each sunitinib treatment cycle. A TSH concentration greater than 10 mU/L was considered as hypothyroidism regardless of subclinical or clinical. CT volumetry of the thyroid gland was performed utilizing the data obtained for tumor assessment in a phase II trial. Tumor response was evaluated based on the RECIST criteria. Results: 9 (64%) of 14 pts achieved RECIST-defined objective response (1 CR, 8 PRs). With regard to thyroid function, hypothyroidism was experienced by 11 (79%) pts. Three of 11 pts had Sunitinib-induced thyrotoxicosis before experiencing hypothyroidism. The mean time to development of hypothyroidism was 55 days (range 13–668). Six pts received typical doses of L-thyroxine. The response rate was 73% (8/11) in pts with hypothyroidism and 33% (1/3) in pts without. With regard to the volume of thyroid gland in 13 pts, 8 pts had more than 50% reduction comparing the volume at the baseline. Median reduction rate in volume of 13 pts was 57% (range 0–95%). Hypothyroidism was experienced by all 8 pts with more than 50% reduction in volume and 2 of 5 (40%) without. Furthermore, the response rate was 88% (7/8) in former pts and 40% (2/5) in latter pts. Conclusions: In addition to high anti-tumor efficacy, hypothyroidism and thyroid atrophy were commonly observed in Japanese MRCC pts who received sunitinib. Although further study should be required, these abnormal findings in thyroid gland following treatment with sunitinib may be potential biomarkers for tumor response to sunitinib.

[Table: see text]

[Quality control (QC) of CT on rail system (FOCAL Unit) with a micro-multi leaf collimator (mMLC) using new GafChromic film for stereotactic radiotherapy]

PURPOSE

Recent years, CT on rail system was reported to be useful as a tool for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). This system was clinically developed with the aim of stereotactic irradiation (STI) for brain, lung, liver, prostate and other sites. Quality assurance and quality control (QC) is an important issue in CT on rail system to assure geometric accuracies. The purpose of this study is to estimate the geometric accuracies of our CT on rail system using a detachable micro-multi leaf collimator (mMLC) with new type radiochromic films. Carrying out our original QC program, translational errors, setup reproducibility, beam misalignment and beam characteristics were evaluated.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We have studied with CT on rail system (FOCAL unit, Toshiba Medical systems, Tokyo, Japan) and mMLC unit (Accuknife, Direx Inc., Tokyo, Japan). We have developed original alignment phantom and small steel markers (2 mm phi) were implanted on its surface at certain intervals. Firstly, we have evaluated the accuracy of self-moving CT gantry and CT resolutions for cranio-caudal directions by changing slice thickness. And then using the phantom, we have measured the accuracy and reproducibility of geometric isocenter of the linac side and the CT gantry side by scanning the phantom. We have also measured the geometric changes of the common treatment couch by weight-loaded test (up to 135 kgw). To estimate dosimetric and geometric accuracies with the mMLC unit, the misalignment of the beam axes (gantry, collimator and couch rotation axis), mMLC leaf positions, and dose distributions for the verification plan were measured with new type GafChromic films (GafChromic-RTQA, ISP Inc., USA) and cylindrical phantom. The dose characteristics of the GafChromic film were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The reproducibility of the self-moving CT gantry have a good agreement within 1 mm. Weight-load test have shown a good reliability within 2 mm at the common treatment couch. The translational precision of the common treatment couch was 0.0 +/- 0.1 mm at linac side and -0.2 +/- 0.5 mm at CT gantry side. The misalignments of beam axes have been kept within 0.4 mm at maximum. Gap test have shown the accuracies of the mMLC leaf positions, which is needed to keep within 1 mm by a routine calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

To practice quality control program for the FOCAL unit and the mMLC unit is essential for a regular interval to reduce systematic errors. New type radiochromic film would be useful for a verification tool as alternative to conventional film.

Expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 is downregulated after operation

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptors (TLR) that recognize microbial pathogens play a critical role in innate immunity; however, their expression and function after surgery remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine TLR2 and TLR4 expression on monocytes and their responses to each agonist after surgical insults.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 83 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery. TLR2, TLR4, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 or lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

TLR2 and TLR4 decreased and showed the lowest values on the postoperative days 3 and 1, respectively. Macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production was decreased immediately after the operation (P<.05), increased to a maximum value on postoperative day 1, and then decreased gradually. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha production was also suppressed immediately (P<.05) after operation then showed a gradual increase to maximum values on postoperative day 3. Inducible nitric oxide synthase in cultured PBMC that was obtained immediately after operation was upregulated (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

Expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 were downregulated by operation, and agonist-induced cytokine production was suppressed transiently and soon increased through the activation of PBMC. The present study may offer new insights for postoperative modulation of innate immunity under surgical stress.

Effect of mucosal suture on the healing of mucosal defect in laparoscopic intragastric surgery

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of mucosal suturing for the healing of a mucosal defect in laparoscopic intragastric surgery (LIGS) for gastric lesions is not yet known.

METHODS

We prospectively studied ten patients who underwent mucosal resection by LIGS for gastric tumors: four patients with early gastric cancer and six with gastric adenoma. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group I (n = 5); patients who underwent mucosal resection by LIGS with mucosal defect suturing and group II (n = 5); patients who underwent mucosal resection by LIGS without mucosal defect suturing. We performed endoscopy on day 10, and 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after the operation to observe the healing process of the mucosal defect. The ulcer stage by endoscopy was classified as active, healing, or scarring according to the classification of Sakita and colleagues. Patients were given an H(2)-blocker daily until the mucosal defect improved to the scarring stage.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in sex, age, tumor location, size of mucosal resection, or the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection between groups I and II. The ulcer stages in group I were significantly lower than those in group II on day 10, and 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months postoperation. The medication cost (H2-blocker) in group I was significantly lower than that in group II.

CONCLUSION

Mucosal defect suturing after mucosal resection by LIGS promotes more rapid healing of mucosal defects and reduces drug costs for patients.

Multidetector CT of high-risk patients with occult gastrointestinal stromal tumors

OBJECTIVE

Stromal tumors are an important cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who are middle aged or older. This study evaluated the size at which stromal tumors become symptomatic and necrotic and examined the role and limitations of multidetector CT in detecting gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred seventy-one patients with stromal tumors were retrospectively studied to examine the size of symptomatic, necrotic, or malignant stromal tumors. Next, five asymptomatic family members with germline c-kit mutations were prospectively screened to evaluate the role and limitations of multidetector CT.

RESULTS

In this retrospective study, two thirds of the patients with stromal tumors had symptoms and signs that were correlated with tumor size. Stromal tumors larger than 3 cm were accompanied by necrosis, whereas this finding was rare for those smaller than 3 cm. In the prospective screening, multidetector CT with IV infusion of contrast material showed gastrointestinal stromal tumors of more than 2 cm as slightly enhanced intramural or extramural nodules and also detected most gastrointestinal stromal tumors between 1 and 2 cm. Stromal tumors of less than 3 cm were not accompanied by necrosis and appeared as slightly enhanced homogenous tumors with the administration of contrast media.

CONCLUSION

Screening with multidetector CT should be feasible for detecting symptomatic stromal tumors of unknown location in the gastrointestinal tract.

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy of brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From May 1983 to September 1998, 35 patients with brain metastases from RCC underwent radiotherapy at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo; 10 patients treated initially with FSRT (FSRT group); 11 with surgery followed by conventional radiotherapy (S/CR group); and 14 with conventional radiotherapy (CR group). Survival and local control rates were determined for patients who had an ECOG performance status of 0-2.

RESULTS

Overall median survival rate was 18 months, and actuarial 1- and 2-year survival rates were 57.6% and 31.0%, respectively. Median survival rates were 25.6 months for the FSRT group, 18.7 months for the S/CR group, and 4.3 months for the CR group. Significant prognostic factors associated with survival were age less than 60 years and good performance status. In patients treated with FSRT, imaging studies revealed that 21 of 24 tumors (88%) were locally controlled during a median follow-up time of 5.2 months (range 0.5-68). Actuarial 1- and 2-year local control rates were 89.6% and 55.2%, respectively. No patient suffered from acute or late complications during and following FSRT.

CONCLUSIONS

FSRT offers better tumor control and prolonged survival over the S/CR or CR groups, and should be considered as primary treatment for brain metastases from RCC. Patients under 60-years-old and those with a good performance status at the beginning of radiotherapy had a better prognosis.

Internalization of CD26 by mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor contributes to T cell activation

CD26 is a T cell activation antigen known to bind adenosine deaminase and have dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity. Cross-linking of CD26 and CD3 with immobilized mAbs can deliver a costimulatory signal that contributes to T cell activation. Our earlier studies revealed that cross-linking of CD26 induces its internalization, the phosphorylation of a number of proteins involved in the signaling pathway, and subsequent T cell proliferation. Although these findings suggest the importance of internalization in the function of CD26, CD26 has only 6 aa residues in its cytoplasmic region with no known motif for endocytosis. In the present study, we have identified the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGFIIR) as a binding protein for CD26 and that mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) residues in the carbohydrate moiety of CD26 are critical for this binding. Activation of peripheral blood T cells results in the mannose 6 phosphorylation of CD26. In addition, the cross-linking of CD26 with an anti-CD26 antibody induces not only capping and internalization of CD26 but also colocalization of CD26 with M6P/IGFIIR. Finally, both internalization of CD26 and the T cell proliferative response induced by CD26-mediated costimulation were inhibited by the addition of M6P, but not by glucose 6-phosphate or mannose 1-phosphate. These results indicate that internalization of CD26 after cross-linking is mediated in part by M6P/IGFIIR and that the interaction between mannose 6-phosphorylated CD26 and M6P/IGFIIR may play an important role in CD26-mediated T cell costimulatory signaling.

CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV differentially regulates the chemotaxis of T cells and monocytes toward RANTES: possible mechanism for the switch from innate to acquired immune response

CD26, a 110 kDa cell surface glycoprotein, exhibits dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV; EC 3.4.14.5) enzyme activity and plays an important role in T cell co-stimulation. In the present study, the function of CD26/DPPIV in transendothelial migration was examined using beta-chemokines as chemoattractants. When soluble recombinant CD26 (sCD26/DPPIV+) was added to the transendothelial chemotaxis system, chemotactic migration of T cells toward RANTES was significantly enhanced. Addition of sCD26 to 50 ng/ml of RANTES enhanced the migratory response by a factor of two compared to RANTES alone, whereas mutant soluble CD26 (mCD26), lacking the DPPIV enzyme activity, had no enhancing effect on RANTES-induced T cell migration. In the process of analyzing the mechanisms of the enhancement of T cell migration by sCD26, we showed that RANTES was cleaved by sCD26 under physiologic conditions at the precise site characteristic of its enzyme specificity. However, synthesized RANTES which lacks two N-terminal amino acids showed a chemotactic activity equivalent to full-length RANTES on T cells. Furthermore, addition of sCD26 showed enhancement of T cell migration induced by both forms of RANTES. In contrast to T cells, the truncated RANTES is inactive in chemotaxis of purified monocytes and supplement of sCD26 but not mCD26 reduced the migratory response of monocytes to RANTES. These results suggest that CD26/DPPIV differentially regulate the chemotactic response of T cells and monocytes to RANTES.

Radiation Complications Following Breast Conserving Therapy

BACKGROUND: Breast conserving therapy is being established as a standard therapeutic procedure for early breast cancer in Japan. However, the indications of radiotherapy and a standardized therapeutic procedure have not been established yet. In this study, complications following radiotherapy were evaluated in patients who had previously undergone breast conserving therapy at Tokushima University Hospital. METHODS From October 1989 to March 1996, 60 women with stage I or II breast cancer underwent radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery, and all patients were followed-up for a median of 27 months. Radiation morbidity scoring of the breast and adjacent organs was performed using the toxity criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and European Organization for Research andTreatment of Cancer (EORTC). RESULTS: Only 1 patient developed local recurrence, and no distant metastasisor death was observed. The cause of recurrence in 1 case was considered to be due to extended intraductal component. Although transient dermal reaction was induced by irradiation of the breast, no side effects that may cause cosmetic problems were found. No serious radiation complications were found in the lungs, ribs, heart or other adjacent organs. CONCLUSION: The adverse reactions caused by irradiation does not reduce the merit of combined use of radiation therapy in breast conserving therapy, and therefore, are not the hesitation factor in application of radiotherapy.

Detection of virulent Rhodococcus equi in tracheal aspirate samples by polymerase chain reaction for rapid diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia in foals

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays were developed to detect virulent Rhodococcus equi in transtracheal aspirate samples from sick foals showing respiratory signs. An oligonucleotide primer pair from the sequence of the virulence-associated 15- to 17-kDa antigen gene of the virulence plasmid in virulent R. equi was used to amplify a 564 bp region by PCR, and the result was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. No positive reaction was seen in DNA from 13 different microorganisms typically found in the respiratory tract. In tracheal aspirates seeded with virulent R. equi, a visible band could detect 10 to 10(2) bacteria per PCR assay (10(3) to 10(4)/ml of the aspirate). Virulent R. equi was demonstrated in 31 of 42 transtracheal aspirates by culture and colony blot analysis, whereas a positive PCR result was observed in only 12 of the 31 culture positive samples. To prevent false-negative results, two methods were developed: a nested PCR and a PCR in combination with enrichment cultures of aspirates in the selective medium to increase the number of bacteria to 10(4)/ml or more. All of the PCR-negative and culture-positive samples were positive by the two methods. These results indicated that PCR-based assays provide a specific and sensitive means to detect virulent R. equi in tracheal aspirates of foals, and they are more rapid than the routine culture procedures for the diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia in foals.

Different regulatory effects of pentoxifylline on human T cell activation pathways

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine derivative, was examined for its effects on T cell proliferation and cytokine production stimulated by cross-linking anti-CD3 alone, anti-CD3 with PMA, anti-CD3 with anti-CD26, or anti-CD3 with anti-CD28 mAb, respectively. PTX at a 3.5 x 10(-5) M concentration significantly inhibited T cell proliferation and the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2, and interleukin-4. Moreover, this effect was selective for stimulation by cross-linking anti-CD3 with PMA, or anti-CD3 with anti-CD26, but not by cross-linking anti-CD3 with anti-CD28. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PTX on T cell activation involves the CD3 and CD26, but not the CD28 signal pathway.

[Eight cases of intracranial arteriovenous malformations treated by conventional radiation therapy]

We conducted radiotherapy in 8 cases of intracranial arteriovenous malformation that had difficult embolectomy and other surgery from 1983 to October, 1988. The results in 6 cases of dural arteriovenous malformation at the cavernous sinus were "marked effect" in 4 cases, "relapse" in 1 case, and "no effect" in 1 case. One case of dural arteriovenous malformation at the sigmoid venous sinus demonstrated only slight irradiation effect. No irradiation effect was observed in 1 case of cerebral arteriovenous malformation.

Streptomyces auranticolor Sp. Nov., a new anticoccidial antibiotics producer

A new species of Streptomyces is described and designated Streptomyces auranticolor (FERM-P No. 5365) which produces new anticoccidial antibiotics, designated as WS-5995 A and WS-5995 B. The organism is characterized by gray spore mass color, spiral spore chain with smooth spores, non-chromogenic reaction, soluble pigment, and carbon utilization characteristics. It differs from previously described streptomycetes on the basis of carbon utilization, and pigment production.

New anticoccidial antibiotics, WS-5995 A and B. I. Isolation and characterization

WS-5995 A, B and C are produced by a new strain of Streptomyces designated Streptomyces auranticolor. These antibiotics were purified by solvent extraction followed by chromatography on silica gel and then crystallized. WS-5995 A (C19H12O6, m.p., 289 approximately 291 degrees C) and WS-5995 B (C19H14O6, sublimation at 300 degrees C) protect chickens from infection with Eimeria tenella, a species of coccidia, which produces morbidity or mortality in chickens. WS-5995 C (C19H14O 7, m.p. 288 approximately 290 degrees C), a biologically inactive component, was found to be converted to WS-5995 A on treatment with trifluoroacetic anhydride.

Thiopeptin, a new feed additive antibiotic: microbiological and chemical studies

The thiopeptins are a new group of sulfur-containing peptide antibiotics produced by Streptomyces tateyamensis. The antibiotic consists of a major component (designated as thiopeptin B) and four minor ones (thiopeptins A(1) to A(4)). These components were isolated by solvent extraction from mycelium followed by chromatography on silica gel with various ratios of chloroform and methanol as elution solvents. Acid hydrolysis of each of the thiopeptin components yielded 1 mole of valine, 1 of threonine, 1 of cysteine, and 2 of alanine as amino acids. Each component of the thiopeptin A group has chemical and biological properties closely similar to those of thiopeptin B, but detailed characterization has established that thiopeptins A(1), A(3), and A(4) are new antibiotics. We could not obtain accurate data for determination of the uniqueness of A(2) because of insufficient sample. Thiopeptin has strong antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria and Mycoplasma, and exhibits no cross-resistance to major human-use antibiotics.