A pediatric case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome with acute liver failure, resulting in liver transplantation

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are fatal adverse skin reactions characterized by high fever, epidermal detachment, and mucositis. It is well known that SJS/TEN occasionally affects various organs, leading to permanent damage and death in some patients. Although acute liver dysfunction is a relatively common complication of SJS/TEN, severe acute liver dysfunction requiring liver transplantation is rare. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl with SJS complicated by severe and rapidly progressive liver dysfunction, specifically, acute liver failure (ALF) requiring liver transplantation. A lymphocyte transformation test showed positive results for acetaminophen and cefdinir. Furthermore, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping revealed the presence of the HLA-A*02:06 genotype, which is reported to be strongly associated with acetaminophen-related SJS/TEN with severe ocular complications. These results suggested that our patient may have presented with acetaminophen-induced SJS complicated by ALF, but no ocular complications. This is the first report of a pediatric patient with SJS who required liver transplantation. In rare instances, severe liver dysfunction requiring liver transplantation should be considered as a possible complication of SJS/TEN.

Case of severe bullous erythema including intertrigo-like eruptions with angioedema induced by pegylated liposomal doxorubicin

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is an anthracycline anticancer agent used in ovarian cancer and a form of doxorubicin enclosed in pegylated liposomes. There are only a few reports on intertrigo-like eruptions caused by PLD. We describe the first case of severe bullous erythema, including intertrigo-like eruptions with angioedema, induced by PLD in Japan. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. After receiving three cycles of PLD, the patient developed swelling of the upper lip and painful erythema with blisters and erosions on the axilla, upper back, flank and wrists. The patient was diagnosed with angioedema and severe skin lesions, including intertrigo-like eruptions induced by PLD. Although treatment with oral prednisolone and topical steroids was effective against these eruptions, the administration of PLD was discontinued because of its ineffectiveness against the primary disease. Several risk factors, such as obesity, perspiration and racial differences, may contribute toward a severe manifestation such as that seen in our patient. Moreover, our case was the first accompanied by angioedema. The mechanism of coexistence of intertrigo-like eruptions and angioedema is not clear; further studies are required to clarify the pathological mechanism of intertrigo-like eruptions.

Upregulation of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor Expression by the Heat-Inactivated Potential Probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 in a Mouse Intestinal Explant Model

We determined whether a potential probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 (BB6378), exerts beneficial effects on the mucosal immune system in a mouse intestinal explant model. The addition of heat-inactivated BB6378 to intestinal explants prepared from embryonic day 18 BALB/c mice increased the expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) mRNA by two- to fivefold. These effects were observed on ileal and colonic explants but not on jejunal explants, suggesting that the BB6378-induced pIgR upregulation is site-specific within the mouse intestine. The upregulation of pIgR protein expression in colonic explants was also detected after 24 h of culture. The results of DNA microarray analysis of ileal and colonic samples indicated that BB6378 increased the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β, and IL-1α content in colonic explants was significantly increased after 20 h of culture with BB6378. We then examined the involvement of endogenously induced IL-1α in pIgR mRNA upregulation by using IL-1α knockout (KO) mice. Contrary to our expectations, pIgR mRNA expression was equally upregulated by BB6378 in colonic explants from BALB/c and IL-1α KO mice. Conversely, we examined the involvement of Toll-like receptors in pIgR mRNA upregulation by using MyD88 KO mice. The upregulation of pIgR was completely suppressed in the explants derived from MyD88 KO mice. Taken together, we conclude that in a mouse intestinal explant model, the heat-inactivated potential probiotic BB6378 increases intestinal pIgR expression in a site-specific manner and that the upregulation of pIgR could be explained by a direct microbial effect on the epithelium via Toll-like receptors.

A small variance in the antigenicity but not function of recombinant β-lactoglobulin purified from the culture supernatant of transformed yeast cells

We purified recombinant bovine β-lactoglobulin (rβ-LG) from the culture supernatant of transformed yeast and investigated whether rβ-LG maintained the functional ability and antigenicity of native β-LG. Immunostaining following gel electrophoresis and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that rβ-LG was purified homogeneously. rβ-LG showed almost the same retinol-binding ability as native β-LG purified from bovine milk. However, affinities of two anti-β-LG monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to rβ-LG were different from those to native β-LG, although three other mAbs bound these two proteins equally. Since our panel of five mAbs has been previously shown to be able to detect structural changes occurring in β-LG, this variance in antigenicity can be attributed to conformational differences between rβ-LG and native β-LG. Then, we studied which step in the production and purification procedure was responsible for altering the antigenicity of rβ-LG. Bovine milk native β-LG was added to several steps in this procedure and purified in the same manner as rβ-LG. The results suggested that incubation in the yeast culture had adverse effects on maintaining the antigenicity of this recombinant protein. We conclude from these results that even if no difference between the native and recombinant proteins can be detected by functional analysis, some subtle conformational change which can be distinguished by mAbs may be incorporated into the recombinant protein during its production and ultimately cause a different immune reaction in vivo.Abbreviations β-LG, β-lactoglobulin; rβ-LG, recombinant β-LG; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; PBS-Tween, PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Noradrenergic excitation of a subpopulation of GABAergic cells in the basolateral amygdala via both activation of nonselective cationic conductance and suppression of resting K+ conductance: a study using glutamate decarboxylase 67-green fluorescent protein knock-in mice

GABAergic interneurons play central roles in the regulation of neuronal activity in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). They are also suggested to be the principal targets of the brainstem noradrenergic afferents which are involved in the enhancement of the BLA-related memory. In addition, behavioral stress has been shown to impair noradrenergic facilitation of GABAergic transmission. However, the noradrenaline (NA) effects in the BLA have not been differentiated among medium- to large-sized GABAergic neurons and principal cells, and remain to be elucidated in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) is a biosynthetic enzyme of GABA and is specifically expressed in GABAergic neurons. To facilitate the study of the NA effects on GABAergic neurons in live preparations, we generated GAD67-green fluorescent protein (GFP) knock-in mice, in which GFP was expressed under the control of an endogenous GAD67 gene promoter. Here, we show that GFP was specifically expressed in GABAergic neurons in the BLA of this GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse. Under whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in vitro, we identified a certain subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in the BLA chiefly on the basis of the electrophysiological properties. When depolarized by a current injection, these neurons, which are referred to as type A, generated action potentials at relatively low frequency. We found that NA directly excited type-A cells via alpha1-adrenoceptors, whereas its effects on the other types of neurons were negligible. Two ionic mechanisms were involved in this excitability: the activation of nonselective cationic conductance and the suppression of the resting K+ conductance. NA also increased the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs in the principal cells of the BLA. It is suggested that the NA-dependent excitation of type-A cells attenuates the BLA output for a certain period.

Attenuation by dietary taurine of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice and of THP-1-induced damage to intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers

The effects of dietary taurine on the experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice were evaluated. C57BL/6 female mice were given 3% DSS in drinking water for 5 d to induce acute colitis. Taurine at 2% was added to the drinking water 5 d before and during the DSS-treatment to investigate its preventive effect. Taurine supplementation significantly attenuated the weight decrease, diarrhea severity, colon shortening, and the increase in the colonic tissue myeloperoxidase activity induced by DSS. Taurine also significantly inhibited the increase in the expression of a pro-inflammatory chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), but not of interleukin (IL)-1beta or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA. Furthermore, taurine significantly protected the intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers from the damage by macrophage-like THP-1 cells in an in vitro coculture system. These results suggest that taurine prevented DSS-induced colitis partly in association with (1) its inhibitory effects on the secretion of MIP-2 from the intestinal epithelial cells and on the infiltration of such inflammatory cells as neutrophils and (2) its cytoprotective functions on the epithelial barrier from the direct toxicity of DSS and from the inflammatory cell-induced injury.

Effect of temocapril hydrochloride on serum lipid levels in patients with hypertensive type 2 diabetes mellitus

The effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, temocapril hydrochloride on the serum lipoproteins, and especially on the size of low density lipoproteins (LDL) of hypertensive diabetic patients, were studied. Temocapril hydrochloride (5 mg/day) was administered to 32 hypertensive type 2 diabetes patients for 16 weeks. During treatment, systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly from 162/95 mmHg to 138/76 mmHg at 16 weeks (p<0.001), and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed significant reduction, but those of HbA1c, triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) showed no significant changes. LDL particle size evaluated by polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis was normalized from small size. It is concluded that temocapril hydrochloride favorably affects the serum lipoprotein metabolism of hypertensive type 2 dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

An unusual staining of the tooth roots: a case report with histological and micro-analytical studies

The discoloration of tooth roots is rare. We report here a 22-year-old Japanese woman with blackish-brown staining of the roots of the upper and lower third molars. Staining was found in the dentin and cementum. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis showed no significant difference in the composing elements between the stained tooth root and control tooth. Fluorescent bands coincided with staining in the dentin of the root and cementum along the incremental lines under confocal laser-scanning microscope.

[A case of IgA2-lambda type M-protein that IgA concentration differs from the values of M-protein by serum protein electrophoresis]

We report an IgA-lambda type M-protein in which the IgA concentration differed from the values of M-protein by serum protein electrophoresis found in a 53-year-old man with multiple myeloma. The M-protein value as determined by serum protein electrophoresis was 6,170 mg/dl. However, the serum IgA concentration was 3,052 mg/dl by turbidimetric immunoassay. Immuno-fixation electrophoresis using IgA subclass antisera revealed that this M-protein was the IgA2-lambda type. Western blotting analysis showed that the IgA2 molecules were composed of two approximately 68 kDa alpha 2 chains and two 28 kDa lambda chains. In addition the free lambda chain band was detected at the position of 28 kDa without 2-mercaptoethanol(2-ME) even though the patient IgA was purified. Since it is known that IgA2m(1) allotype easily release light chains from the IgA molecules in SDS-PAGE without 2-ME, we speculated that in this patient the IgA was the IgA2m(1) allotype. After peripheral blood stem cell transplantation(PBSCT), immunofixation electrophoresis of the patient serum revealed not only the bands of IgA2-lambda type M-protein, but also three bands of IgG1-kappa type M-protein in the gamma region.

Histological and analytical studies of a tooth in a patient with cleidocranial dysostosis

A histopathological and analytical study of a permanent tooth from a patient with cleidocranial dysostosis (CCD) was performed. The patient was a 47-year-old woman, who had 10 erupted permanent teeth and 2 partially erupted and 19 completely impacted teeth, including supernumerary teeth. The erupted right upper premolar was extracted and observed using a light microscope and an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer (EPMA). Findings showed enamel hypoplasia, predominantly irregular globular dentin and Tomes' granular layer, and a complete lack of cellular cementum in the ground section. The incremental von Ebner and counter Owen lines were obscure. Comparative quantitative analysis using the EPMA showed that the quantities of calcium and phosphate were lower in the enamel and dentin than those of the control sample.

[The effect of celiprolol hydrochloride for lipid metabolism--especially for the low density lipoprotein particle size]

Recently, much attention has been paid to small sized low density lipoprotein (LDL) as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease. We investigated the effect of celiprolol hydrochloride (CH), which is a beta 1 selective beta-blocker with high intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), on the LDL particle size. We treated 41 hypertensive patients with CH and studied the change in LDL particle size according to the score of fast beta lipoprotein and LDL relative mobility value (LDL-Rm) measured by lipoprotein polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis (PAGE). We also studied changes in blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), trygiyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and midband on PAGE. Systolic and dyastolic blood pressure and pulse significantly decreased during treatment. TC levels were significantly decreased at 8 weeks in all subjects and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in patients with a TC value of over 220 mg/dl. TG levels were significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks in patients with initial levels of over 150 mg/dl, and significantly increased at 4 and 8 weeks in those with initial levels of under 150 mg/dl of TG. HDL-C levels did not significantly change during treatment. LDL-C levels were significantly decreased at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in patients with initial levels of over 150 mg/dl. Apo AI, AII, B, CII, CIII and E levels did not significantly change during treatment. Fast beta lipoprotein scores did not significantly change overall during treatment, but were significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks in patients initial TG levels of over 150 mg/dl and at 4 and 12 weeks in those with initial levels of over 220 mg/dl of TC. LDL-Rm scores did not significantly change during treatment. Midband scores were significantly reduced overall at 8 weeks, and after 4 and 8 weeks in patients with initial TG levels of over 150 mg/dl and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in those with initial TC levels of over 220 mg/dl. These results indicated that CH did not change LDL particle size. It was suggested that CH might be a beneficial beta-blocker from the standpoint of prevention for atherosclerosis.

Enhancement of preheparin serum lipoprotein lipase mass by bezafibrate administration

To clarify the clinical implication of preheparin serum lipoprotein lipase mass (preheparin LpL mass), we studied the relationships between preheparin LpL mass and serum lipids, including midband lipoproteins, which migrate between very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins on polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis, in hyperlipidemias. And we also studied the changes of preheparin LpL mass in hypertriglyceridemic patients during bezafibrate administration, which is known to enhance LpL activity in postheparin plasma. Preheparin LpL mass correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (r=0.418, P<0.01) and negatively with triglyceride (TG) (r=-0.256, P<0.01), but did not correlate with total cholesterol (TC) in 64 hyperlipidemic (type IIa, IIb and IV) patients. The midband lipoproteins were observed in 80% of hypertriglyceridemic patients (32/40). Preheparin LpL mass in midband lipoprotein-positive subjects was lower significantly than that in midband-negative subjects. When bezafibrate (400 mg/day) was administrated to 40 hypertriglyceridemic patients for 4 months, TG level significantly decreased (-49+/-7%, P<0.01), TC levels decreased (-11+/-4%, not significant), and HDL-C levels increased (+27+/-4%, P<0.01). The midband lipoproteins disappeared in 95% of patients. Preheparin LpL mass significantly increased (+25+/-6%, P<0. 0005). In nine patients who stopped bezafibrate, TG levels significantly increased (+49+/-7%, P<0.01) and HDL-C levels decreased (-27+/-4%, P<0.01). Preheparin LPL mass significantly decreased (-25+/-6%, P<0.0005). These results suggested that bezafibrate administration enhanced preheparin LpL mass. And it might be implicated that enhanced LpL production by bezafibrate could reflect an increase of preheparin LpL mass.

Dietary nucleotides increase the proportion of a TCR gammadelta+ subset of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and IL-7 production by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC); implications for modification of cellular and molecular cross-talk between IEL and IEC by dietary nucleotides

We have investigated the effects of dietary nucleotides on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) in weanling mice. The proportion of T-cell receptor (TCR) gammadelta+ IEL in BALB/c mice fed a diet supplemented with nucleotides (NT(+) diet) was significantly higher than that in mice fed the nucleotide-free diet, while the proportion of TCR alphabeta+ IEL in NT(+) diet-fed mice was significantly decreased. The change of the TCR alphabeta+/TCR gammadelta+ ratio was mainly observed in a CD8 alphaalpha+ subset of IEL. IEC from NT(+) diet-fed mice produced a higher level of IL-7, which is important in the development of TCR gammadelta+ IEL, than those from control diet-fed mice. The expression levels of IL-7 and IL-2 receptors on IEL were not different between the two dietary groups. Our findings suggest that the increased population of a TCR gammadelta+ IEL subset by feeding nucleotides may be caused by the increased production of IL-7 by IEC.

Dietary nucleotides can up-regulate antigen-specific Th1 immune responses and suppress antigen-specific IgE responses in mice

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that dietary nucleotides enhance T helper cell activities. In this study, we have determined the effects of dietary nucleotides on antigen-specific Th1 and Th2 responses and IgE responses.

METHODS

Ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (OVA-TCR Tg) mice, 3 weeks old, were fed a nucleotide-free diet (NT(-) diet) or the NT(-) diet supplemented with dietary nucleotides (NT(+) diet) for 4 weeks. Cytokine production by spleen cells and macrophages obtained from these mice was measured in vitro. BALB/c mice, 3 weeks old, immunized intraperitoneally with OVA adsorbed onto alum, were fed the NT(-) diet or the NT(+) diet for 4 weeks. Serum levels of antigen-specific antibodies in the BALB/c mice were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

The level of production of antigen-specific interferon-gamma by spleen cells was significantly higher in the OVA-TCR Tg mice fed the NT(+) diet than in the control mice. The levels of secretion of bioactive IL-12 by spleen cells and peritoneal macrophages were also significantly increased in the NT(+) diet group. The serum OVA-specific IgE level was significantly decreased in BALB/c mice fed the NT(+) diet compared with those fed the NT(-) diet.

CONCLUSION

These results show that dietary nucleotides up-regulate the antigen-specific Th1 immune response through the enhancement of IL-12 production and suppress the antigen-specific IgE response.

Intravascular ultrasound imaging of the pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Intravascular ultrasound has the unique ability to provide cross-sectional images of the arterial wall. This study examined intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of the proximal pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).

METHODOLOGY

Study 1: Specimens from four patients who had died of PPH (in vitro PPH group) were compared with those of three patients who had died of subarachnoid haemorrhage but had no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease (in vitro control group). Three-centimetre segments of the following levels were examined by IVUS: pulmonary trunk, eight secondary branch arteries of the upper, middle, and lower lobes of both lungs, and the thoracic descending aorta. Study 2: Four patients with PPH (in vivo PPH group) and five patients without pulmonary hypertension and no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease (in vivo control group) were examined. The IVUS images of the apical segmental artery of the right upper lobe and the descending branch of the right pulmonary artery were studied.

RESULTS

Echographic examination of formalin-fixed preparations of secondary branch sections of the pulmonary artery failed to show a clear three-layer structure in the in vitro control group (24 preparations), but a distinct three-layer structure and increased vessel wall thickness were observed in the in vitro PPH group (32 preparations). Similar findings were obtained in the in vivo study. The mean echo density of the proximal pulmonary arterial wall correlated well with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPA) in the in vitro PPH, and also correlated with the mPA in the in vivo study (r = 0.960, P < 0.0001). The echo intensity of secondary branch sections of the pulmonary artery was higher in the in vitro PPH group than in the in vitro control group (180.5 +/- 27.0 vs 132.5 +/- 26.7 counts, P < 0.001); similar results were obtained in the in vivo study (144.7 +/- 23.4 vs 85.0 +/- 14.3 counts, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the histological changes detected in the pulmonary artery walls in the PPH group were responsible for the increased echo intensity.

Down-regulation of antigen-specific antibody production by TCR antagonist peptides in vivo

The efficacy of TCR antagonist peptides in inhibition of antigen-specific antibody production and T cell responses in vivo was evaluated. Among amino acid-substituted analogs of a peptide corresponding to residues 119 - 133 of bovine beta-lactoglobulin (p119 - 133), pR124Q and pD129S, prepared by substitution of Gln and Ser for Arg(124) and Asp(129), respectively, have been shown to display TCR antagonist activity for three out of four distinct p119 - 133-specific T cell clones and for polyclonal T cells derived from p119 - 133-immunized C57BL / 6 mice. Both pD129S and pR124Q inhibited in vivo priming and subsequent activation of T cells by p119 - 133 when co-injected with p119 - 133 into mice, as shown by the decreased proliferation of T cells in response to p119-133 in vitro. pD129S significantly inhibited production of anti-p119 - 113 antibodies of IgG1, IgG2b and IgE isotype in vivo when co-injected into mice together with p119 - 133 at the time of the first immunization. However, pR124Q was totally ineffective in inhibition of the antibody responses. Anti-p119 - 133 antibodies from p119 - 133-immunized mice could bind to pR124Q but not to pD129S, suggesting that the difference in cross-reactivity is responsible for the different effect of these two peptides on specific antibody production. Our findings demonstrate that a single TCR antagonist peptide can inhibit antigen-specific polyclonal antibody production when this antagonist peptide does not cross-react with the antibody elicited in response to an antigenic peptide.

Primary response of naive CD4(+) T cells to amino acid-substituted analogs of an antigenic peptide can show distinct activation patterns: Th1- and Th2-type cytokine secretion, and helper activity for antibody production without apparent cytokine secretion

Naive CD4(+) T cells differentiate into two types of helper T cells showing an interferon-gamma-predominant (Th1) or an interleukin-4-predominant (Th2) cytokine secretion profile after repeated antigenic stimulation. Their differentiation can be influenced by slight differences in the interaction between the T cell receptor (TCR) and its ligand at the time of primary activation. However, the primary response of freshly isolated naive CD4(+) T cells to altered TCR ligands is still unclear. Here, we investigated the primary response of splenic naive CD4(+) T cells derived from transgenic mice expressing TCR specific for residues 323-339 of ovalbumin (OVA323-339) bound to I-A(d) molecules. Naive CD4(+) T cells secreted either Th1- or Th2-type cytokines immediately after stimulation with OVA323-339 or its single amino acid-substituted analogs. Helper activity for antibody secretion by co-cultured resting B cells was also found in the primary response, accompanied by either low-level Th2-type cytokine secretion or no apparent cytokine secretion. Our results clearly indicate that dichotomy of the Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion profile can be elicited upon primary activation of naive CD4(+) T cells. We also demonstrate that the helper activity of naive CD4(+) T cells for antibody production does not correspond to the amounts of the relevant cytokines secreted.

Effect of exhaustive exercise on human neutrophils in athletes

In order to investigate the effect of exercise on the capacity of neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), eight male cross-country skiers underwent maximal exercise. Peripheral blood samples were taken pre-exercise, 0 h, 1 h, and 2 h after finishing maximal exercise. Leukocyte counts significantly increased (p < 0. 05), particularly lymphocytes (p < 0.05), just after the exercise period (0 h) and significantly increased again (p < 0.05), particularly neutrophils (p < 0.05), 2 h after the exercise compared with pre-exercise values. The capacity of isolated neutrophils to produce ROS was assessed by lucigenin (Lg)-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) and luminol (Lm)-dependent CL on stimulation with opsonized zymosan (OZ) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Just after exercise, the LgCL response was not affected, while the response of LmCL mixed with sodium azide, which inhibits catalase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). In addition, just after exercise, the level of serum growth hormone increased significantly (p < 0.05). The serum cortisol level also increased significantly just after and 1 h after exercise (p < 0.05). These data indicated that maximal exercise not only mobilized neutrophils from marginated pools into the circulation, but also caused increased ROS generation.

Supernumerary teeth with eumorphism in the lower incisor region: a report of five cases and a review of the literature

Five cases of supernumerary teeth with eumorphism in the lower incisor region of the permanent dentition are reported. The patients were two males and three females. One (a 31-year-old woman) of them had bilateral supernumerary teeth. The review of the English language literature yielded only one such bilateral supernumerary teeth in the lower incisor region of the permanent dentition was reported.

The effect of insulin sensitizer, troglitazone, on lipoprotein lipase mass in preheparin serum

Lipoprotein lipase mass exists in preheparin serum, even though the activity is scarcely found. The implication of this is unclear. We studied the effect of an insulin sensitizer, troglitazone, on this preheparin serum lipoprotein lipase mass (preheparin LPL mass) in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients as well as on serum lipid levels and low density lipoproteins (LDL) particle size. Thirty-one NIDDM patients with poor control were administered troglitazone 400 mg/day. Hemoglobin A1c had significantly decreased (13%, P < 0.001) 2 months later. Preheparin LPL mass had gradually increased and a 69% increase (P<0.01) was observed 4 months later. Triglyceride significantly decreased (23%, P < 0.01) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased (10%, P < 0.01), whereas total cholesterol and LDL levels did not change 4 months later. The size of LDL increased significantly (P < 0.01). These results were consistent with the idea that preheparin LPL mass might be relating to the insulin sensitivity enhanced by troglitazone, as well as LDL particle size.

Endurance exercise causes interaction among stress hormones, cytokines, neutrophil dynamics, and muscle damage

We analyzed adaptation mechanisms regulating systemic inflammatory response of the stressed body by using an experimental challenge of repeated exercise bouts and accompanying muscle inflammation. Eight untrained men bicycled at 90 W for 90 min, 3 days in a row. Exercise induced peripheral neutrophilia with a leftward shift of neutrophil nucleus and neutrophil priming for oxidative activity determined by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Plasma growth hormone and interleukin-6 rose significantly after exercise and were closely correlated with the neutrophil responses. Serum creatine kinase and myoglobin levels as muscle damage markers rose after exercise in "delayed onset" and were closely correlated with the preceding neutrophil responses. These exercise-induced responses were strongest on day 1, but the magnitude gradually decreased with progressive daily exercise. In contrast, the magnitude of catecholamine responses to exercise sessions gradually rose, possibly suppressing neutrophil oxidative responses. These results indicate that stress-induced systemic release of bioactive substances may determine neutrophil mobilization and functional status, which then may affect local tissue damage of susceptible organs.

Accelerated secretion of mutant beta-lactoglobulin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulting from a single amino acid substitution

Transformed yeasts producing a mutant form of bovine beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG), W19Y, in which Trp(19) was replaced with Tyr, were shown to secrete 6 times more than those producing wild type beta-LG. Northern blot analysis suggested that the enhanced level of secretion was not the result of upregulated transcription of W19Y. The ratio of the amount of W19Y secreted into the supernatant to the amount of W19Y remaining inside the cells was much larger than that in the case of wild type beta-LG as shown by immunoblot analysis. A pulse/chase experiment revealed that the speed of secretion of W19Y was significantly accelerated, compared to wild type beta-LG. These results indicated that W19Y was more efficiently and rapidly transported in the course of secretion than wild type beta-LG. Our previous study showed that the DeltaG of unfolding of W19Y in water is 6.9 kcal/mol smaller than that of wild type beta-LG. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis of intracellular beta-LG under non-reducing conditions indicated that W19Y as well as wild type beta-LG maintained a specific folded structure inside the yeast cells, whereas other non-secretable mutant beta-LGs with Phe or Ala at position 19 (W19F and W19A, respectively) did not. These data suggest that low molecular stability and the maintenance of a specific folded structure inside the yeast cells are prerequisites for efficient and rapid secretion. W19Y was more efficiently secreted than wild type beta-LG also in transformed ern1 mutant yeast cells expressing only a basal level of BiP which is considered to function in quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by playing an important role in determining the secretion efficiency of secretory proteins. Thus, the reason for the enhanced secretion of W19Y is considered to be that the improved folding ability of W19Y can allow the half-life of the W19Y-BiP complex to become shorter than that of the wild type beta-LG-BiP complex, leading to faster translocation of W19Y into transport vesicles, or that W19Y can fold in a BiP-independent manner in the ER of the yeast cells. Our findings demonstrate that the amount of protein secreted can be improved by alteration of a single amino acid residue crucial for its structure.

Autocrine B-cell stimulation by interleukin-2 during a cognate interaction with T-cells

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion as well as expression of IL-2 receptor has been demonstrated for B-cells in response to several activating stimuli. However, the exact role of B-cell-derived IL-2 in the T-cell-dependent antibody response remains to be determined. Here, we have examined the autocrine regulatory roles of IL-2 secreted from B-cells. Splenic resting B-cells were stimulated with a fixed pre-activated Th1 clone, G1.19, in the presence of a single amino acid-substituted peptide (pD129A; Ala-129 substituted for Asp-129), an analog of the original ligand (p119-133, derived from bovine beta-lactoglobulin) recognized by G1.19 cells. pD129A allowed a cognate interaction between B-cells and fixed pre-activated G1.19 T-cells, but pD129A had no agonistic activity against G1.19 T-cells. Thus, the level of expression of B-cell-activating molecules on T-cells remained unchanged after stimulation with pD129A. Regardless of the lack of ability to induce IL-2 secretion in the case of T-cells, pD129A significantly enhanced antibody secretion from B-cells, and this was partially blocked by anti-IL-2 antibody. Furthermore, IL-2 secretion from B-cells was modestly upregulated in response to added pD129A. Taken together, these data suggest that helper signals from interacting cognate T-cells induce IL-2 secretion by B-cells, which can enhance antibody secretion in an autocrine manner.

Enhancement of antigen-specific IFN-gamma production from CD8(+) T cells by a single amino acid-substituted peptide derived from bovine alphas1-casein

Modulation of CD8(+) T-cell responses specific for an exogenous antigen by epitope variants would be advantageous to develop a novel means of antigen-specific immune regulation. We have analyzed CD8(+) T-cell responses to single amino acid-substituted variants of a peptide corresponding to residues 142-149 (p142-149; LAYFYPEL) of alphas1-casein, a major milk allergen, which is a dominant determinant restricted by H-2Kb. An analog peptide L142I with a substitution of Ile for Leu at the nonanchor N-terminal residue induced more IFN-gamma secretion than p142-149 from specific CD8(+) T cells. Furthermore, L142I could prime CD8(+) T cells more efficiently in vivo, and these L142I-primed cells secreted more IFN-gamma than p142-149-primed CD8(+) T cells upon stimulation with p142-149 in vitro. These findings are mainly explained by the greater ability of L142I to form stable Kb-peptide complexes. These findings indicate that appropriate analog peptides may be useful as efficient inducers of CD8(+) T cells which recognize the parent peptide and secrete IFN-gamma, a potent inhibitor of Th2-dependent events, including IgE production.

[Effects of acute endurance exercise and 8 week training on the production of reactive oxygen species from neutrophils in untrained men]

We investigated the effects of acute endurance exercise and habitual physical activity for health maintenance on human neutrophil function in 12 untrained men. The acute exercise condition was a continuous exercise for 90 minutes at the intensity of 50% and 55% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) on an ergometer. The training program was 3 km jogging three times per week for 8 weeks. The capacity of neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected with lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence (LgCL) and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LmCL) on stimulation with opsonized zymosan (OZ) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). As for the acute exercise effects, both LgCL and LmCL responses of neutrophils, stimulated using PMA consistently increased after exercise at 50%VO2max, whereas those stimulated with OZ remained unchanged. At 55%VO2max, LgCL responses to both stimulants increase maximally 1 h after exercise, and then decreased 3 h after exercise, whereas LmCL responses to both stimulants increased continuously after exercise at 55%VO2max. These phenomena observed at 55%VO2max compared to 50%VO2max suggests the improved capacity of producing ROS neutrophils after exercise. The number of neutrophils also increased maximally 1 h after exercise, due to the mobilization of band neutrophils (shift to the left), suggesting that functional changes was associated with cell mobilization. The increase in the capacity of neutrophils to produce ROS and marked neutrophilia following the acute endurance exercise suggests that a large quantity of ROS may be produced in vivo. As for the training effects, the LgCL and LmCL responses were maintained in the exercise group as compared to the decreased ones in the control group. The difference between the exercise group and the control group was observed only in LgCL response to OZ. Humoral immune factors (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4) and serum opsonic activity were also unaltered. These phenomena suggest that homeostasis might be kept constant in terms of immunity through regular physical activity.

MHC class II/T-cell receptor interactions potentiate secretion of IgG but not IgM in response to T-dependent antigens

We have examined whether the interaction of peptide-loaded MHC molecules on the surface of B-cells with antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) enhances Ig secretion in the presence of other antigen-independent interactions in vitro. B-cells specific for region 25-40 of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) were stimulated in a T-cell dependent manner using plasma membranes (PM) derived from two different T-helper (Th) clones, culture supernatants of activated Th2 cells and beta-LG as a specific antigen. PM were obtained from either the beta-LG-specific T-cell clone H1.1 which can mediate specific TCR/MHC class II interactions as well as antigen-independent ones or from the D10 clone which bears a TCR of an irrelevant specificity and thus, can only mediate antigen-independent interactions. IgG, but not IgM, secretion was specifically enhanced by H1.1 PM, but not D10 PM in the presence of beta-LG. Furthermore, a blockade of TCR/MHC class II interactions using either anti-T-cell receptor, beta or anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies inhibited this enhanced IgG secretion in response to beta-LG. The results show that while antigen-independent interactions between T- and B-cells can enhance secretion of IgM antibodies, specific interactions between TCRs and peptide:MHC complexes stimulate B-cells to enhance secretion of IgG but not IgM antibodies. This mechanism may contribute to antibody secretion only from B-cells activated through cognate interaction in vivo.

Selective induction of CD8+ T cell functions by single substituted analogs of an antigenic peptide: distinct signals for IL-10 production

The CD8+ T cell clone 5F1 produces interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interferon gamma(IFN-gamma) in response to stimulation with a peptide corresponding to region 142-149 of bovine alpha(s1)-casein (p142-149). Ninety analog peptides derived from p142-149 with single amino acid substitutions of putative T cell receptor contact residues were prepared to examine whether production of IL-10 and IFN-gamma by 5F1 can be altered by stimulation with these peptides. We found that some peptides triggered only IL-10 production whereas others induced production of IFN-gamma alone or both of these cytokines. Peptides inducing IFN-gamma production triggered both cytotoxicity and a proliferative response, whereas peptides inducing production of IL-10 but not IFN-gamma triggered neither of these responses. Our results clearly demonstrate that the signaling pathway required for IL-10 production in CD8+ T cells differs from that required for IFN-gamma production. The distinct cellular signals for IL-10 production appear to be independent of those for cytotoxicity and the proliferative response of CD8+ T cells.

A central tubercle on the lingual surface of the upper lateral incisor: report of a case

A case of a central tubercle on the lingual surface of the upper lateral incisor in a 61-year-old Japanese male is reported. The morphologic form of the central tubercle was similar to that of dens evaginatus frequently found in premolars. It was completely distinguishable from a talon cusp, which is a protrusion of the lingual cingulum. Radiographically, the present case was also complicated by dens invaginatus. We also review the Japanese literature on central tubercles of the incisal region.

Antigen-specific inhibition of CD4+ T-cell responses to beta-lactoglobulin by its single amino acid-substituted mutant form through T-cell receptor antagonism

T-cell responses can be antagonized by some single amino acid-substituted analogs of a peptide ligand for T-cell receptors (TCR), and these are called TCR antagonists. In this study, we addressed the question of whether TCR antagonism can be elicited by a whole protein antigen carrying a mutated T-cell determinant region corresponding to a TCR antagonist peptide. To clarify this, we examined the ability of a single amino acid-substituted mutant form of bovine beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) to inhibit three CD4+ T-cell clones recognizing a peptide corresponding to an immunodominant determinant region 119-133 of beta-Lg (p119-133). First, we identified pD129A, an analog of p119-133 with a substitution of Ala for 129Asp, as an antagonist which can inhibit the response of two of the three T-cell clones. Then, using a yeast expression system, we prepared a mutant beta-Lg (mutD129A) with the same substitution of Ala for 129Asp as that in pD129A. This mutant protein could inhibit the proliferation of the two T-cell clones in a manner similar to the effect of pD129A. From these results we can demonstrate that TCR antagonism can be elicited by peptides naturally processed from a single-substituted mutant protein as well as by the corresponding peptides added exogenously.

Fine mapping of T-cell determinants of bovine beta-lactoglobulin

T-cell recognition sites, i.e. T-cell determinants, of bovine beta-lactoglobulin, a major allergen in milk, were analyzed in detail. For this purpose, we prepared primary cultures of lymph node cells from three strains of mice, C57BL/6 (H-2b), C3H/HeN (H-2k), and BALB/c (H-2d), and examined the proliferative response of these cells to a complete set of overlapping 15-mer peptides which covered the entire sequence of beta-lactoglobulin by shifting in single amino acid steps. We were able to determine the putative core sequence of each T-cell determinant and estimate its relative importance. In the case of C57BL/6 mice, dominant, subdominant, and minor determinants were identified as residues 122-130, 16-26, and 108-122, respectively, as represented by their core sequences. Each determinant peptide induced the production of interferon-gamma, the amount of which showed a correlation with the intensity of the proliferative response induced by each determinant. In the case of C3H/HeN mice, a dominant determinant comprised of residues 140-148 was identified together with three subdominant and two minor determinants. Dominant T-cell determinants recognized in BALB/c mice were identified as residues 67-75, 71-79, and 80-88, and six other regions were identified as subdominant determinants. Comparisons between our results and the determinants predicted from relevant MHC-binding motifs reported to date revealed the inadequacy of the motifs in predicting even the dominant determinants. The information obtained by complete mapping of T-cell determinants as done in this study is expected to be helpful in establishment and evaluation of new prediction methods and also may contribute to the development of a new approach to control immune responses by manipulation of the T-cell determinants of allergens.

Capacity of circulating neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species after exhaustive exercise

To investigate the cause of disagreement within the large body of literature concerning the effect of exercise on the capacity of circulating neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), 10 male endurance-trained athletes underwent maximal exercise. The generation of superoxide radical (O2-.) by neutrophils was first detected on a cell-by-cell basis by using histochemical nitro blue tetrazolium tests performed directly on fresh unseparated blood, which showed that responsive neutrophils under several stimulatory conditions relatively decreased after exercise. Similarly, O2-. detected with bis-N-methylacridinium nitrate (lucigenin)-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) of a fixed number of purified neutrophils on stimulation with opsonized zymosan was decreased slightly after exercise. In contrast, the 5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione (luminol)-dependent CL response of the neutrophils indicative of the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated formation of highly reactive oxidants was significantly enhanced after exercise. It therefore suggests that the pathway of neutrophil ROS metabolism might be forwarded from the precursor O2-. production to the stages of more reactive oxidant formation due to the facilitation of MPO degranulation. In addition, these phenomena were closely associated with the exercise-induced mobilization of neutrophils from the marginated pool into the circulation, which was mediated by the overshooting of catecholamines during exercise. These findings indicate that the use of different techniques for detecting ROS or the different stages of neutrophil ROS metabolism could explain some of the disparate findings of the previous studies.

The direct cloning of the immunoglobulin VH genes from primary cultured B cells specific for a short peptide

A new and simple method was devised to obtain immunoglobulin VH genes directly from primary cultured B cells specific for a short peptide. Peptide-specific B cells were separated from splenocytes of peptide-immunized BALB/c mice with antigen-coated magnetic beads, and were cloned by a limitedly diluted culture in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, recombinant interleukin (rIL) -2, rIL-4 and rIL-5, and 3T3 fibroblasts as filler cells for 7 days. Seventeen clones were obtained from 3 x 10(3) fractionated cells by screening the positive wells containing anti-peptide antibody-secreting cells by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The VH cDNAs of these clones were amplified by a set of primers; a primer complementary to the mu-chain constant region gene and the other with high complementarity to most of the VH genes. This is the first report of success in obtaining unknown VH genes directly from primary B cell clones, after their antigen-specificity has been confirmed by ELISA. This new method will provide a powerful tool for designing specific recombinant antibodies.

[Dietary patterns and intake of nutrients, energy, and dietary fiber in medical students]

The diet of 686 medical student at Hirosaki University were studies between 1986 to 1993. Food groups that showed a higher intake in males than in females were grains, meat, liquor, and others. On the other hand, the food groups that showed a higher intake in females were confectioneries, fruits, green vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed. The nutrients that showed a higher intake in males than in females were energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins B1 and B2. On the other hand, only vitamin C showed a higher intake in females. Mean daily dietary fiber intake per student was 19.4 g by the Southgate method and 15.9 g by the Prosky method in males and 18.3 g by the Southgate method and 16.9 g by the Prosky method in females. These values were lower than the mean value for Japanese adults by about 4 g. Overall the intake from grains was disproportionately higher in males compared to females. Energy and nutrient intakes met recommended dietary allowance except for energy in females which was lower (93.7%).

Effects of exhaustive endurance exercise and its one-week daily repetition on neutrophil count and functional status in untrained men

Whereas endurance exercise is known to induce marked neutrophilia, it remains to be fully understood as to whether the cell functions are altered as well as whether the adaptability of the responses to training occurs. To address both of these issues, we undertook the present longitudinal investigation in ten healthy untrained men (20-24 years, VO2max 39.1 +/- 4.2 ml/kg/min). The exercise protocol was 7 consecutive sessions of the same workload performed each day for 1.5 h at an intensity of 70% of VO2max. Peripheral blood samples were obtained before, immediately after, and 1 h after exercise on Days 1, 4, and 7, and served for determination of total and differential leukocyte counts, chemotaxis and chemiluminescence of neutrophils. Acute endurance exercise caused marked peripheral neutrophilia with significant increase in both absolute number and relative proportion of band neutrophils (p < 0.01, respectively), indicating partial recruitment of bone marrow neutrophils. While chemotaxis remained unaltered following exercise, reactive oxygen species generation of neutrophils, measured by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence upon stimulation with opsonized zymosan, was not only significantly enhanced following exercise (p < 0.01), but also associated with the proportional increase in band neutrophils (r = 0.727, p < 0.05), suggesting that neutrophils mobilized from the bone marrow following endurance exercise may possess higher responsiveness. On the other hand, the magnitude of the exercise-induced changes was reduced gradually by daily repeated exposure to endurance exercise, but none of the trends were significant except the decline in resting segmented neutrophil counts (p < 0.05) at least during a 1-wk period of repeated exercise sessions.

Y-shaped lower bilateral incisors. A previously undescribed oral malformation

A case of Y-shaped lower bilateral central incisors found in an 18-year-old Japanese man is reported. Each of the central incisors had an abnormally high cusp located at the labial surface. The cause of this malformation of the lower central incisors is obscure, but we suspect that it was due to hyperplasia of the labial surface of the central lobe of the incisor during tooth development.

[Differential patterns of the number and proportion of blood leukocytes following endurance exercise of moderate, strenuous and severe conditions]

A study was conducted to elucidate the acute effects of endurance exercise on white blood cells by setting three conditions of different intensity and duration; (a) an upper limit of aerobic exercise for health promotion and (b) superior limits within endurance exercise tolerance for untrained persons were prescribed separately for the same healthy untrained male student volunteers (n = 10) at intensities of 85% and 95% of the individual anaerobic threshold (AT) values for 1 h and 1.5 h, respectively, on a bicycle ergometer. In addition, (c) participants in a 100-km marathon race (n = 20) who continued running for 10-13 h were examined. Every condition caused significant leukocytosis due to predominant neutrophilia and, to a minor degree, a significant increase in monocyte number, the magnitude of which depended on the severity of endurance workload and persisted even 1 h after the termination of exercise. Simultaneously, microscopic evaluation of blood smears revealed the occurrence of an increased proportion of band neutrophils and a decreased proportion of hypersegmented neutrophils (shift to the left) following exercise in condition (b) but not in (a), suggesting that neutrophils are mobilized partly from the bone marrow reserve to the circulation. On the other hand, peripheral lymphopenia was observed after the termination of endurance exercise. These phenomena closely mimicked the known effects of exogenous glucocorticoid administration, suggesting an association with endogenous stress hormone (cortisol) secretion following strenuous exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tryptophan-19 of beta-lactoglobulin, the only residue completely conserved in the lipocalin superfamily, is not essential for binding retinol, but relevant to stabilizing bound retinol and maintaining its structure

Residue 19 of tryptophan in bovine beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) is the only invariant residue throughout the lipocalin superfamily having two characteristic features: binding ability for small hydrophobic molecules and the unique beta-barrel three-dimensional structure. In this study, we investigated whether this strictly conserved Trp-19 of beta-LG would be indispensable for its structure and function such as maintaining the molecular structure and biological activity of beta-LG. Spectroscopic and enzymatic oxidation experiments on retinol bound to W19Y, in which Tyr was substituted for Trp-19, showed that Trp-19 was not critical for this binding, but was important for stably maintaining the environment surrounding retinol and the bound retinol. An using four anti-beta-LG monoclonal antibodies as probes, revealed a structural change in region 20-29, but not in the reverse region of Trp-19. A guanidine hydrochloride-induced unfolding study showed that the conformational stability of W19Y was greatly reduced by 6.9 kcal/mol compared to that of wild-type beta-LG. These facts indicated that Trp-19 is one of the important residues in correctly maintaining the local structure of beta-LG and stably retaining its overall structure, thereby conserving the bound retinol molecule.

[Study on recombinant BCG]

For the purpose to establish the system to express foreign antigen from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We have cloned, sequenced and expressed genes for secreting proteins, alpha antigen, MPB64, MPB57 and MPB70 from M. bovis BCG. The upstreams and structural genes were characterized. The gene for alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was also characterized. The gene for alpha antigen of M. kansasii (k-alpha) was chosen for the further study at first. This gene was fused with shuttle plasmid PIJ666-PAL5000 obtained from T. Kisser and transfected to M. bovis BCG (Tokyo). Transformant was obtained by a selection with kanamycin. It was able to secrete k-alpha antigen. DNA-containing a B-cell epitope (Glu-12-Leu-Asp-Arg-Trp-Glu-Lys-Ile-19) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 P17 gag was fused to this vector at C terminal of k-alpha. Using this vector, we have succeeded to express foreign antigen in M. bovis BCG. The products were analyzed in one or two dimensional electro-phoresis. The results thus obtained will be reported elsewhere.

Pathological study of the hyperplastic dental follicle

Eleven specimens of hyperplastic dental follicles were studied clinicopathologically, with reference to the patient's sex and age at the time of diagnosis, site of the lesions, and histopathology. The patients comprised 6 males and 5 females with an average age of 15.7 years (range 10 to 23 years). Two cases involved multiple lesions, and 9 a single lesion. The lesions were related to impaction of the canine, second premolar, second molar or third molar. Radiographically, the lesions showed various degrees of radiolucency around the crown of the impacted tooth. Most of the cases were diagnosed clinically as dentigerous cyst. The histopathological features of the lesions were similar to those of normal dental follicular tissue around the developing tooth. No tumorous features such as odontogenic fibroma, odontogenic myxoma or myxofibroma were evident in the lesions.

Establishment of a foreign antigen secretion system in mycobacteria

In order to develop recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG into a useful multivaccine vehicle, we established a foreign antigen secretion system in mycobacteria in which an extracellular alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was utilized as a carrier. By using this system, a B-cell epitope (Glu-12-Leu-Asp-Arg-Trp-Glu-Lys-Ile-19) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 p17gag, which was identified by a fusion protein-based method, has been successfully obtained from BCG along with the alpha antigen. This is the first report of expression and secretion of a foreign viral antigen from BCG. It is possible that the system can become a universal vaccination vehicle applicable to protection against various infectious diseases.

Expression and secretion of bovine beta-lactoglobulin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A bovine beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae carrying bovine pre-beta-LG cDNA and secreted into its growth medium. The expression plasmid was constructed by inserting the whole coding region of the cDNA encoding pre-beta-LG between the promoter and terminator of the yeast glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene of pYG100, a yeast expression vector. In the supernatant of the yeast growth medium, beta-LG with a native conformation was detected by sandwich ELISA, and its amount was estimated to be 1.1 mg/l. A Western-immunoblotting analysis revealed that beta-LG secrected in the growth medium had the same mobility as that of authentic bovine beta-LG. The N-terminal sequence was also identical with that of authentic mature bovine beta-LG.

[Relationship between exercise-induced changes in serum and hepatic cholesterol metabolism in rats]

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise training on serum cholesterol level and hepatic cholesterol metabolism in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar strain rats, aged 6 weeks, were assigned to one of three experimental groups; control (n = 8), exercised 20 minutes a day (E20, n = 8), and exercised 60 minutes a day (E60, n = 8). Rats were sacrificed after ten weeks exercise. The levels of serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in the group E20 and group E60 were lower than that of control, 8% and 24% (p less than 0.01) for the total cholesterol and 10% and 24% (p less than 0.05) for the HDL-cholesterol, respectively. The activity of HMG-CoA reductase in liver microsome was significantly higher in the group E60 than that of control. The hepatic microsomal HMG-CoA reductase activity was negatively related to serum total (r = -0.62, p less than 0.01) and HDL (r = -0.58, p less than 0.01) cholesterol levels. From these results, we concluded that the enhancement of the cholesterol metabolism in the liver by exercise is a major course of the exercise-induced change in serum cholesterol of Wistar rats.

Chemical analyses, local Shwartzman reactivity, and body weight-decreasing activity of aqueous-phenol extracts of Mycoplasma salivarium cells. Biological activities of Mycoplasma salivarium

Aqueous-phenol extracts of Mycoplasma salivarium ATCC 23064 cells (APM) showed demonstrable differences from lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of Veillonella rodentium ATCC 17743. These were as follows: smaller amounts of amino sugars and an absence of 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate; local Shwartzman reactivity and body weight-decreasing activity, even though the activities were rather weak compared with those of LPSs. Therefore, phenol-water extractive components of Mycoplasma salivarium might be of pathogenic importance in mediating damaging effects on the periodontium.

[Therapeutic evaluation of combination therapy using C-425, human native immunoglobulin liquid preparation for i.v. administration, with antibiotics in severe infections in the field of surgery]

In a nationwide study conducted in 11 surgical institutions of C-425, a newly developed human native immunoglobulin liquid preparation for intravenous injection, was combined with conventional antibiotic treatment to investigate the efficacy and safety. A total of 47 patients with severe infections which had not symptomatically responded to 3-day or longer treatment with any antibiotics was included. Doctors in charge judged the efficacy of C-425 to be "excellent" in 3 patients, "good" in 13, "fair" in 15, and "poor" in 4. Thus, a total of 16 patients (45.7%) was judged to have responded to C-425 when the "excellent" and "good" responses were combined. The number responding was 31 (88.6%) when the "fair" cases were also included. Excluding 31 patients who did not meet the Committee's criteria, the Committee judged the efficacy of C-425 in a total of 16 patients; the efficacy was "excellent" in 2 patients, "good" in 4, "fair" in 9, and "poor" in 1. The number of responding patients was 6 (37.5%) of the 16 when the "excellent" and "good" cases were combined, and 15 (93.8%) when the "fair" cases were added. Bacteriological assessment was conducted in a total of 9 patients. Causative bacteria were eradicated in 3 patients, decreased in number in 1, replaced in 2, and persisted in 3. Thus, bacteriological efficacy was observed in 6 of the 9 patients (66.7%). Neither adverse reactions nor drug-related laboratory abnormalities were observed in the 47 patients.