Towards application of water extract from heat-killed Lactococcus lactis H61 as a cosmetic ingredient

We previously reported that oral administration of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis H61 improves certain human skin properties. For topical application of this strain, we reasoned that a bacterial cell extract obtained with an aqueous solvent could be readily formulated as a cosmetic ingredient. In the present study, we characterized the water extract from heat-killed H61. The extract had inhibitory activity for angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is known as suppression of inflammation of skin, and absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range. UVB-irradiated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) had lower viability than nonirradiated NHEKs. The NHEK survival rate was significantly higher in cells treated with the extract at 10 mg dried cells per ml prior to UVB exposure than in untreated cells or cells treated with lower extract concentrations. At this concentration, the extract also inhibited the production of interleukin-8 induced by UVB. The extract did not protect against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell damage. These data indicate that topical application of the H61 extract alleviates UVB damage and reduces inflammation in skin cells. The present study expands the potential application of strain H61 to its use as a cosmetic ingredient in addition to its use in the food industry. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In our previous report, oral administration of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis H61 improved certain human skin properties. This study aimed exploring the potential topical use of this strain. The water extract derived from heat-killed cells with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, which is known as suppression of inflammation of skin, could protect normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) from damage caused by UVB. Higher interleukin-8 production by UVB-exposed NHEKs than nontreated cells was suppressed by addition of the extract. The extract absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range. This extract could help in the maintenance of skin health by suppressing inflammation.

The Impact of MicroRNA-223-3p on IL-17 Receptor D Expression in Synovial Cells

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting joints. Elevated plasma levels of microRNA-223-3p (miR-223-3p) in patients with RA are implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. This study aimed to analyze the functional role of miR-223-3p in the pathogenesis of RA by overexpressing miR-223-3p in synovial cell lines.

METHODS

Arthritis was induced in the RA model of SKG mice by injection of ß-glucan. The histopathologic features of joints were examined using hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Plasma levels of miRNA were determined by panel real-time PCR analysis. Target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs in SKG mice were analyzed using miRNA target prediction algorithms. The dual-luciferase reporter system was used to evaluate the relationship between miR-223-3p and IL-17 receptor D (IL-17RD). The activity of miR-223-3p was analyzed by transfection of plasmid vectors overexpressing miR-223-3p into IL-17RD-expressing NIH3T3 and MH7A cell lines. Il6 and Il17rd mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. IL-17RD protein expression was analyzed by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 17 upregulated miRNAs (fold change > 2.0) in plasma of SKG mice injected with ß-glucan relative to untreated SKG mice. Il17rd was identified as the candidate target gene of miR-223-3p using five miRNA target prediction algorithms. The transfection of plasmid vectors overexpressing miR-223-3p into NIH3T3 and MH7A cells resulted in the downregulation of Il17rd expression and upregulation of Il6 expression. Expression of miR-223-3p and Il6 mRNA in MH7A cells was upregulated; however, that of Il17rd mRNA was downregulated following TNF-α stimulation. IL-17RD expression in synovial tissues from SKG mice and RA patients was inversely correlated with the severity of arthritis.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to demonstrate that miR-223-3p downregulates IL-17RD in both mouse and human cells; miR-223-3p may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by downregulating the expression of IL-17RD and upregulating that of IL-6 in synovial cells.

Identification of Candidate Target Cyp Genes for microRNAs Whose Expression Is Altered by PCN and TCPOBOP, Representative Ligands of PXR and CAR

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in mRNA post-transcriptional regulation. The deregulation of miRNAs affects the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and nuclear receptors, all of which are important in regulating drug metabolism. miRNA expression can be altered by several endogenous or exogenous agents, such as steroid hormones, carcinogens, and therapeutic drugs. However, it is unclear whether hepatic miRNA expression is regulated by nuclear receptors, such as pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which are indispensable for the expression of the CYPs. Here we investigated the effects of the mouse PXR and CAR ligands pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN) and 1,4-bis[(3,5-dichloropyridin-2-yl)oxy]benzene (TCPOBOP) on hepatic miRNA expression in mice. We found that the expression of 9 miRNAs was increased (>2-fold) and of 4 miRNAs was decreased (>50%) in response to PCN, while TCPOBOP treatment led to the up-regulation of 8 miRNAs and down-regulation of 6 miRNAs. Using several miRNA target prediction algorithms, we found that the predicted target genes included several lesser known Cyp genes (Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, Cyp2b10, Cyp2c38, Cyp2u1, Cyp4a12a/b, Cyp4v3, Cyp17a1, Cyp39a1, and Cyp51). We analyzed the expression of these genes in response to PCN and TCPOBOP and found changes in their mRNA levels, some of which were negatively correlated with the expression of their corresponding miRNAs, suggesting that miRNAs may play a role in regulating Cyp enzyme expression. Further studies will be required to fully elucidate the miRNA regulatory mechanisms that contribute to modulating CYP expression.

Social Isolation-Induced Territorial Aggression in Male Offspring Is Enhanced by Exposure to Diesel Exhaust during Pregnancy

Diesel exhaust particles are a major component of ambient particulate matter, and concern about the health effects of exposure to ambient particulate matter is growing. Previously, we found that in utero exposure to diesel exhaust affected locomotor activity and motor coordination, but there are also indications that such exposure may contribute to increased aggression in offspring. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the effects of prenatal diesel exhaust exposure on social isolation-induced territorial aggression. Pregnant mice were exposed to low concentrations of diesel exhaust (DE; mass concentration of 90 μg/m3: DE group: n = 15) or clean air (control group: n = 15) for 8 h/day during gestation. Basal locomotion of male offspring was measured at 10 weeks of age. Thereafter, male offspring were individually housed for 2 weeks and subsequently assessed for aggression using the resident-intruder test at 12 weeks of age, and blood and brain tissue were collected from the male offspring on the following day for measuring serum testosterone levels and neurochemical analysis. There were no significant differences in locomotion between control and DE-exposed mice. However, DE-exposed mice showed significantly greater social isolation-induced territorial aggressive behavior than control mice. Additionally, socially-isolated DE-exposed mice expressed significantly higher concentrations of serum testosterone levels than control mice. Neurochemical analysis revealed that dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens were higher in socially isolated DE-exposed mice. Serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hypothalamus were also lower in the socially isolated DE-exposed mice than in control mice. Thus, even at low doses, prenatal exposure to DE increased aggression and serum testosterone levels, and caused neurochemical changes in male socially isolated mice. These results may have serious implications for pregnant women living in regions with high levels of traffic-related air pollution.

Altered superoxide dismutase activity by carbohydrate utilization in a Lactococcus lactis strain

Reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide, can damage cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes catalyze the conversion of superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide and dioxygen. SOD is present in most lactococcal bacteria, which are commonly used as starters for manufacturing fermented dairy products and may have health benefits when taken orally. We assessed the effects of carbohydrate use on SOD activity in lactococci. In Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis G50, the SOD activity of cells grown on lactose and galactose was higher than that on glucose; in Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris H61, SOD activity was independent of the type of carbohydrate used. We also investigated the activity of NADH oxidase, which is related to the production of superoxide in strains G50 and H61. Activity was highest in G50 cells grown on lactose, lower on galactose, and lowest on glucose, whereas activity in H61 cells did not differ with the carbohydrate source used. The SOD and NADH oxidase activities of strain G50 in three carbohydrates were linked. Strain G50 fermented lactose and galactose to lactate, acetate, formate, and ethanol (mixed-acid fermentation) and fermented glucose to mainly lactate (homolactic fermentation). Strain H61 fermented glucose, lactose, and galactose to mainly lactate (homolactic fermentation). In strain G50, when growth efficiency was reduced by adding a metabolic inhibitor to the growth medium, SOD activity was higher than in the control; however, the metabolism was homofermentative. Aerobic conditions, but not glucose-limited conditions, increased SOD activity, and mixed-acid fermentation occurred. We conclude that the effect of carbohydrate on SOD activity in lactococci is strain dependent and that the activity of commercial lactococci can be enhanced through carbohydrate selection for mixed-acid fermentation or by changing the energy distribution, thus enhancing the value of the starter and the resulting dairy products.

Different expression patterns of hepatic cytochrome P450 s during anaphylactic or lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation

Certain physiological states and diseases can alter the expression and activity of cytochrome P450 s (CYPs), which have the potential to cause unexpected adverse effects. We previously demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation attenuates the induction of CYPs by xenobiotics in mouse liver. In this study, to investigate whether anaphylaxis-induced inflammation affects the hepatic CYPs' expression, we examined the effects of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced anaphylaxis on constitutive CYP mRNA and protein expressions. We also compared these effects with those obtained with LPS treatment. In addition, we examined the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and interleukin (IL)-113 mRNA levels, because these cytokines are known to be induced by LPS treatment and anaphylactic reactions. LPS treatment decreased the constitutively expressed Cyp1a2, Cyp2c29, and Cyp3al 1 mRNAs, and increased the TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNAs. LPS treatment also decreased the CYP1A2 and CYP3A protein levels. Anaphylaxis, on the other hand, did not change the levels of the constitutively expressed Cyp1a2, Cyp2c29, or Cyp3a1 1 mRNAs, although it increased the TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNAs, as observed in the LPS-treated mice. These results suggest that anaphylaxis-induced inflammation had less effect than LPS-induced inflammation on these CYPs in the liver. In contrast, we observed that the expressions of Cyp2b10 mRNA and its protein were quite different from those of the other CYPs in both the anaphylactic and LPS-treated mice. Our findings strongly suggest that the alteration of the constitutive CYPs' expression levels during inflammation varies according to the immunostimulation pathway.

Ingestion of medium chain fatty acids by lactating dairy cows increases concentrations of plasma ghrelin

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) on plasma ghrelin concentration in lactating dairy cows. Five early-lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a crossover design with 2-wk periods. Treatments consisted of diets supplemented or not (control) with calcium salts of MCFAs (MCFA-Ca; 1.5% dry matter). Plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations in blood samples taken from the jugular vein were measured on the morning of feeding on day 14 of each period. Dry matter intake, milk protein, and lactose content of cows fed the MCFA-Ca diet were decreased compared with controls, but with no change in milk yield. Plasma ghrelin concentrations were higher in cows fed the MCFA-Ca diet; however, no significant effect was found on glucagon-like peptide-1 concentrations in plasma. Plasma insulin concentrations decreased, but plasma glucagon concentrations remained unchanged in cows fed the MCFA-Ca diet. The concentrations of nonesterified FAs, total cholesterol, and β-hydroxybutyrate in plasma increased in these cows. In conclusion, dietary MCFAs increase the plasma ghrelin concentrations in lactating dairy cows.

Exposure to diesel exhaust during fetal period affects behavior and neurotransmitters in male offspring mice

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) has been associated with the onset of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are major components of ambient PM. We first reported DEP in the central nervous system of offspring utilizing maternal inhalation to diesel exhaust (DE). In addition, we found that the effects of maternal exposure to DE reduced spontaneous motor activity. However, it is still unknown whether maternal exposure to DE affects higher order behavioral function. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of fetal exposure to DE on motor coordination, impulsive behavior and monoaminergic systems in various brain regions. The results of the rotating rod test showed that DE-exposed mice displayed decreased time on the rota rod compared to control mice. However, no changes were detected between the two groups in the hanging test. Furthermore, the cliff avoidance test revealed that DE-exposed mice spent more time in the corner and fell off an inverted glass beaker compared to control mice. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that noradrenaline turnover in the cerebellum was decreased by prenatal exposure to DE, and was significantly increased in the hypothalamus. Dopamine and serotonin levels in various brain regions were also changed by prenatal exposure to DE. Our study found that prenatal exposure to DE alters motor coordination, impulsive behavior and related monoamine levels. Therefore, the present study underscores the role of behavioral changes related to monoamine in response to maternal inhalation of DE.

Effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids and rumen-protected methionine on plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7 to 36) amide and pancreatic hormones in lactating cows

Our objective was to determine the effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (CLFAs) and rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7 to 36) amide, and pancreatic hormones in lactating cows. Four Holstein cows in midlactation were used in a 4 by 4 Latin square experiment in each 2-wk period. Cows were fed corn silage-based diets with supplements of CLFAs (1.5% added on dry matter basis), RPM (20 g/d), CLFAs plus RPM, and without supplement. Jugular blood samples were taken from 1 h before to 2 h after morning feeding at 10-min intervals on day 12 of each period. CLFAs decreased dry matter intake, but RPM did not affect dry matter intake. Both supplements of CLFAs and RPM did not affect metabolizable energy intake and milk yield and composition. Plasma concentrations of NEFAs, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (T-Cho) were increased with CLFAs alone, but increases of plasma concentrations of TG and T-Cho were moderated by CLFAs plus RPM. Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids increased plasma ghrelin concentration, and the ghrelin concentration with CLFAs plus RPM was the highest among the treatments. Plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon, and insulin were decreased with CLFAs, whereas adding RPM moderated the decrease of plasma glucagon concentration by CLFAs. These results indicate that the addition of methionine to cows given CLFAs increases plasma concentrations of ghrelin and glucagon associated with the decrease in plasma concentrations of TG and T-Cho.

Effect of prenatal exposure to diesel exhaust on dopaminergic system in mice

Diesel exhaust (DE) is composed of particles and gaseous compounds. It has been reported that DE causes pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. We have previously reported that fetal exposure to DE had deleterious effects to the reproductive system of mice offspring. However, there is still little known about the effects of prenatal exposure to DE to the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we found that prenatal exposure to DE induced reduction of locomotion, furthermore, dopamine (DA) turnover was significantly decreased in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to DE has an effect on the CNS. Hypolocomotion could be due to a decrease in DA turnover associated with DA nervous system abnormality. The present study provides the possibility that maternally inhaled DE might influence the development of central dopaminergic system and result in behavior disorder.

The posterior inferior cerebellar artery arising from the extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery via the hypoglossal canal without an interposed segment of the basilar artery: a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery variant

The authors present a rare case of a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PHA) variant ending in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) without an interposed segment of the basilar artery and describe briefly the possible embryogenesis of this anomaly.

In vitro pancreas formation from Xenopus ectoderm treated with activin and retinoic acid

In the present study, isolated presumptive ectoderm from Xenopus blastula was treated with activin and retinoic acid to induce differentiation into pancreas. The presumptive ectoderm region of the blastula consists of undifferentiated cells and is fated to become epidermis and neural tissue in normal development. When the region is isolated and cultured in vitro, it develops into atypical epidermis. Isolated presumptive ectoderm was treated with activin and retinoic acid. The ectoderm frequently differentiated into pancreas-like structures accompanied by an intestinal epithelium-like structure. Sections of the explants viewed using light and electron microscopy showed some cells clustered and forming an acinus-like structure, including secretory granules. The pancreas-specific molecular markers insulin and XIHbox8 were also expressed in the treated explants. The pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon, were detected in the explants using immunohistochemistry. Therefore, sequential treatment with activin and retinoic acid can induce presumptive ectoderm to differentiate into a morphological and functional pancreas in vitro. When ectoderm was immediately treated with retinoic acid after treatment with activin, well-differentiated pronephric tubules were seen in a few of the differentiated pancreases. Treatment with retinoic acid 3-5 h after activin treatment induced frequent pancreatic differentiation. When the time lag was longer than 15h, the explants developed into axial mesoderm and pharynx. The present study provides an effective system for analyzing pancreas differentiation in vertebrate development.

In vitro organogenesis of pancreas in Xenopus laevis dorsal lips treated with retinoic acid

Dorsal lips of Xenopus laevis may differentiate into pancreas after treatment with retinoic acid in vitro. The dorsal lip region is fated to be dorsal mesoderm and anterior endoderm. Dorsal lip cells isolated from stage 10 early gastrula differentiate into tissues such as notochord, muscle and pharynx. However, in the present study, dorsal lips treated with 10(-4) M retinoic acid for 3 h differentiated into pancreas-like structures accompanied by notochord and thick endodermal epithelium. Sections of the explants showed that some cells gathered and formed an acinus-like structure as observed under microscopes. In addition to the morphological changes, expressions of the pancreas-specific molecular markers, XIHbox8 and insulin, were induced in retinoic acid-treated dorsal lip explants. Therefore, it is suggested that retinoic acid may induce the dorsal lip cells to differentiate into a functional pancreas. However, continuous treatment with retinoic acid did not induce pancreas differentiation at any concentration. Dorsal lips treated with retinoic acid within 5 h after isolation differentiated into pancreas-like cells, while those treated after 15 h or more did not. The present study provided a suitable test system for analyzing pancreas differentiation in early vertebrate development.

Epidermal T cells: their functional role and disease relevance for dermatologists

T cells found within the epidermis in inflammatory dermatoses are generally accepted as making a major contribution to epidermal damage. On the other hand, those T cells residing in the murine epidermis are supposed to play an important role in protecting the epidermis from potentially dangerous immune reactions. Overwhelming evidence has accumulated that dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) expressing monomorphic TCR gammadelta are responsible for the protection of epidermal structures against skin tumor, bacterial infection, and autoimmune attack. In animals congenitally lacking these gammadelta+ DETC, the epidermis is populated with bone marrow-derived TCR alphabeta+, CD8+ DETC. Although it remains unclear whether this subset of DETC could home to the epidermis to substitute for the physiologic function of gammadelta+ DETC or whether they would be pathologically relevant to epidermal injury, it should be noted that this subset represents the major fraction of T cells present in normal human epidermis and the most abundant in the lesional epidermis of fixed drug eruption (FDE). Because they are shown to kill target cells including keratinocytes upon stimulation and utilize a very limited range of TCR V alpha and Vbeta gene families, localized epidermal injury in FDE lesions would be mediated by activation of these epidermal T cells with autoaggressive potential. Epidermal T cells are thus likely to form several T-cell populations with different immunologic functions that are triggered by different modes of stimulation. Immune homeostasis in the epidermis would rely on a delicate balance between at least two types of epidermal T cells: autoaggressive T cells and protective T cells.

Novel amino acid metabolite produced by Streptomyces sp.: I. Taxonomy, isolation, and structural elucidation

A strain of streptomycete isolated from a soil sample was found to produce a novel amino acid metabolite. The compound was purified from the culture fluid by chromatography, using cation exchange resin, a synthetic adsorbent, and finally by preparative HPLC with a reverse-phase column. The structure of the compound was established as N(delta)-(5-methyl-4-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-L-ornithine on the basis of an analysis of the spectral data and chemical degradation. This was confirmed by comparing the NMR spectrum of the metabolite with that of the compound synthesized by treating methylglyoxal and N(alpha)-acetyl-L-arginine. The substance did not show any antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and yeasts by the agar plate method, but exhibited a weak preventive effect on cucumber mildew disease in a pot test.

Effects of TAK-029, a novel GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, on arterial thrombosis in guinea pigs, dogs and monkeys

The antithrombotic and bleeding time (BT) prolonging effects of TAK-029, a novel GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, were examined in three arterial thrombosis models. In guinea pigs, TAK-029 at 30 micrograms/kg (i.v.) inhibited ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation completely and prolonged BT to 4.5 times the control value 5 min after administration, and it prevented thrombotic occlusion in 2 out of 5 animals in a photochemically-induced basilar thrombosis model. TAK-029 at 100 micrograms/kg (i.v.) prolonged BT more than 9 times 5 min after administration, and it prevented thrombus formation for over 60 min. In dogs, TAK-029 at 30 micrograms/kg (i.v.) inhibited ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation by 87% 5 min after administration, and it prevented thrombotic occlusion in injured and stenosed coronary arteries for 22 min without prolonging the BT. TAK-029 at 100 micrograms/ kg (i.v.) inhibited platelet aggregation completely and prolonged BT 3.6 times 5 min after administration, and it prevented thrombus formation for over 45 min. In monkeys, TAK-029 at 10 micrograms/kg (i.v.) inhibited ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation by 84% and prolonged BT 4.6 times 5 min after the administration, and it prevented thrombotic occlusion in injured and stenosed carotid arteries for 24 min. TAK-029 at 30 micrograms/kg (i.v.) completely inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombus formation for over 60 min, and it prolonged BT more than 7.3 times 60 min after administration. In conclusion, TAK-029 exerted potent antithrombotic effects with BT prolongation in three different arterial thrombosis models. TAK-029 may be effective for the treatment of various arterial thrombotic diseases.

Adult thymus contains dendritic epidermal T cell precursors that home to the epidermis in irradiated, but not in normal, mice

It was generally assumed that Vgamma5+ fetal thymocytes are the only cells capable of homing to the epidermis. However, we have recently demonstrated that reconstitution of thymectomized irradiated mice with T-cell-depleted bone marrow (BM) cells results in the appearance of donor-type CD8+, TCR-alphabeta+ dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) phenotypically distinct from their normal gammadelta+ counterparts. In the present study, we found that the epidermis of lethally irradiated, BM-reconstituted (XBM) mice was also repopulated by DETC of host origin as well as donor BM-derived DETC and that the host-derived DETC were rarely detected in the epidermis of athymic BM chimeras (ATXBM). This result indicates that the host-derived DETC are originated from intrathymic radioresistant cells that may share migratory capacities with the fetal thymocytes. We demonstrated that transfer of radioresistant intrathymic precursor cells into ATXBM mice resulted in the appearance of donor-type CD8+, TCR-alphabeta+ DETC. Contrary to our initial expectation, however, transferred normal adult thymocytes also gave rise to donor-type DETC with frequency similar to radioresistant thymocyte-derived DETC. These thymocyte-derived DETC were phenotypically similar to those derived from BM cells but differed in some respects. Tissue tropism by the CD8+ subset was observed only for the epidermis, but not for other lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes. The epidermis of normal mice, unlike that of irradiated mice, was refractory to the appearance of the thymus-derived DETC. These results suggest that prior irradiation of the host may confer a susceptibility of the epidermis to repopulation of DETC precursors, which are otherwise incapable of migrating into the epidermis. This provides an explanation for why CD8+, TCR-alphabeta+ DETC of adult thymus or BM origin are rarely detected in the normal epidermis, but abundantly observed in the irradiated mice.

Formation of the mutagenic/carcinogenic imidazoquinoxaline-type heterocyclic amines through the unstable free radical Maillard intermediates and its inhibition by phenolic antioxidants

Generation of the imidazoquinoxaline-type heterocyclic amines in the heated model system composed of glucose/glycine/creatinine in aqueous diethylene glycol was effectively prevented by phenolic antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate (PG), sesamol, esculetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in a dose-dependent manner. Generation of the mutagens in heated-and-dried bonito meat was effectively prevented on pretreatment with EGCG or green tea extract. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies showed that the heated model mixture of glucose/glycine generated the unstable pyrazine cation radical, and its formation was inhibited by BHA, sesamol and EGCG. ESR-spin trapping studies using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) and N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN) showed that the heated model mixture of glucose/glycine or glucose/glycine/creatinine generated unstable carbon-centred radical(s), and their formation was effectively inhibited by BHA, sesamol and EGCG. It is likely that the unstable free radical Maillard intermediates played an important role in the formation of the imidazoquinoxaline-type heterocyclic amines, and the phenolic antioxidants effectively scavenged the radical species to prevent the mutagen formation.

T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and function of human epidermal T cells: restricted TCR V alpha-V beta genes are utilized by T cells residing in the lesional epidermis in fixed drug eruption

Human epidermis contains a phenotypically heterogeneous population of T cells. No information however, is available regarding the TCR repertoire of these T cells and their relevant physiologic and pathologic functions in vivo. To this end, T cells were prepared from the lesional epidermis in two patients with fixed drug eruption (FDE) and their phenotype, function and TCR repertoire were examined in parallel. Both epidermal T cells, termed FDE-1 and -2 cells, respectively, expressed alpha beta TCR, but displayed some phenotypic heterogeneity. These T cells were induced to display cytolytic activity by ligation of the CD3/TCR-alpha beta complex. Comparative analyses of TCR V alpha and V beta expression in the epidermal T cells and the paired peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that the epidermal T cells, but not the paired PBL, utilized a very limited range of V alpha and V beta genes. These results indicate that some expansion or preferential migration of epidermal T cells that recognize a restricted set of antigens expressed within the epidermis could occur in situ following ingestion of the causative drug. The persistence of these epidermal T cells in FDE lesions suggests their pathologic role in a drug-induced flare.

Resistance to cutaneous graft-vs.-host disease is not induced in T cell receptor delta gene-mutant mice

The function of murine dendritic epidermal cells (dEC) remains largely speculative, probably because of the lack of a suitable in vivo model, although previous studies suggest that gamma/delta+ dEC may have originally evolved to serve as a self-protection mechanism(s). Our previous study demonstrated that the epidermis of mice that had spontaneously recovered from cutaneous graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) induced by local injection of CD4+ autoreactive T cells contained unexpectedly large numbers of dEC and became resistant to subsequent attempts to induce GVHD in a site-restricted manner, suggesting that the resistance is mediated by dEC. However, because alpha/beta+ dEC as well as gamma/delta+ dEC were greatly increased in number in the epidermis, it was unclear whether gamma/delta+ dEC are indeed responsible for this protection. The availability of this murine model and mice selectively lacking gamma/delta T cells as a result of disruption of the T cell receptor C delta gene segment allowed us to investigate the role of gamma/delta+ dEC. In the epidermis of gamma/delta T cell-deficient mice (delta-/-), a congenital lack of gamma/delta+ dEC was substituted for by alpha/beta+ dEC of either a CD4-8+ or a CD4-8- phenotype. After intradermal injection of the autoreactive T cells, delta-/- mice developed significantly enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and cutaneous GVHD, which persisted longer than in heterozygous littermate controls (delta+/-). Surprisingly, resistance to the cutaneous GVHD was not induced in the epidermis of delta-/- mice after spontaneous recovery from the GVHD, whereas the "susceptible" epidermis of delta-/+ mice contained large numbers of alpha/beta dEC comparable to those in "resistant" epidermis of delta+/- mice. Injection of day 16 fetal thymocytes from wild-type mice into delta-/- mice resulted in the appearance of donor-type gamma/delta+ dEC in the epidermis, and reconstitution with gamma/delta+ dEC restored the protective immune response of the epidermis against the GVHD to nearly normal levels. These results indicate that gamma/delta+ dEC are responsible for the site-restricted protection against cutaneous GVHD.

Antithrombotic effects of TAK-029, a novel GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, in guinea pigs: comparative studies with ticlopidine, clopidogrel, aspirin, prostaglandin E1 and argatroban

The antithrombotic and bleeding time (BT)-prolonging effects of TAK-029, a novel glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist, were characterized and compared with those of conventional antithrombotic agents in guinea pigs. TAK-029 potently inhibited the binding of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor to purified human GPIIb/IIIa with IC50 values of 0.67 +/- 0.03 and 0.33 +/- 0.04 nM; it also inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by various aggregating agents with IC50 values of 29 to 38 nM. The in vitro antiplatelet effect of TAK-029 was potent in humans, guinea pigs and monkeys. When TAK-029 was given p.o. to guinea pigs, severe prolonging of BT (>1800 sec) was not observed with plasma concentrations of TAK-029 that inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation by < 100%. The p.o. administration of TAK-029, ticlopidine and clopidogrel prolonged BT to the same extent, in parallel with their inhibition of ex vivo platelet aggregation. TAK-029 inhibited ex vivo platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in an arteriovenous shunt model more strongly than ticlopidine, clopidogrel and aspirin at doses causing similar prolongations of BT. In a balloon catheter-induced carotid thrombosis model, i.v. administration of TAK-029 significantly inhibited thrombus formation without prolonging BT. At doses that caused an incomplete antithrombotic effect, PGE1-alpha-cyclodextrin and argatroban produced hypotension and prolongation of BT, respectively. TAK-029 may be effective in patients suffering from arterial thrombotic diseases, which are refractory to these conventional antithrombotic agents.

DNA breaking activity and mutagenicity of soy sauce: characterization of the active components and identification of 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone

Soy sauce is a seasoning consumed widely in Southeast Asia. When supercoiled DNA was incubated with soy sauce at pH7.4 and 37 degrees C, extensive breaking of DNA single-strands was caused. It was found that the breaking activity was due to multiple components with different molecular weight and polarity. One of the components with the breaking activity was purified successively by extraction with ethyl acetate, thin-layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, and identified as 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (HMF), one of the fragrant components in soy sauce. Formation of this component was found due to Maillard reaction of pentoses/amino acids. HMF was readily degraded into the compound with an endiol-ketol structure and reducing activity. Using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) in an electron spin resonance-spin trapping technique, generation of hydroxyl radical in an aqueous solution of HMF was confirmed. While DNA breaking by soy sauce was little inhibited by the scavengers of active oxygen radicals, the breaking by HMF was effectively inhibited by superoxide dismutase, catalase, hydroxyl radical scavengers, spin-trapping agents, thiol compounds and metal chelating agents. Hence, DNA breaking activity of HMF was found due to generation of active oxygen radicals. HMF was found mutagenic to Salmonella bacteria without metabolic activation, probably due to generation of active oxygen radicals.

GAPO syndrome: report on the first case in Japan

We studied a 3.5-year-old Japanese boy with growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia, and bilateral papilledema. He was born of nonconsanguineous parents, but his paternal grandparents were related. From his characteristic physical manifestations, we diagnosed him as the first known case of GAPO syndrome in Japan and perhaps in the Mongoloid race. Our case had prominent dilatation of scalp veins and an audible intracranial bruit. Cranial angiography documented a narrowing of the sigmoid sinuses, with no flow to either jugular vein. We discuss here the relationships between optic atrophy and intracranial vascular changes in this syndrome.

A new constitutively activating point mutation in the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene in cases of male-limited precocious puberty

A single point mutation that encodes an aspartic acid (Asp578) to glycine substitution in the LH/CG receptor (LH/CGR) gene, D578G, was recently found in American patients with familial male-limited precocious puberty and in a Japanese patient with a sporadic form of the disorder. Transfection of the mutant, compared to the wild-type, LH/CGR complementary DNA into COS-7 cells results in higher basal cAMP production, but a normal agonist-induced response; the mutation is, therefore, proposed to constitutively activate Leydig cells and elevate serum testosterone, despite low levels of gonadotropin. In the current study we examined two additional Japanese patients with male-limited precocious puberty without a family history of the disease. We describe a heterozygous cytosine (C) to thymine (T) transition at nucleotide 1715 in both; the mutation encodes an alanine to valine substitution in codon 572 of transmembrane helix 6, A572V. Transfected into COS-7 cells, the A572V mutant exhibited the same constitutively high basal cAMP levels and normal agonist-induced cAMP response as the D578G mutant. We conclude that the constitutively higher cAMP levels caused by the A572V mutation led to Leydig cell activation and male-limited precocious puberty, as in the previously described D578G mutation. As the mother of one of the two patients had the same heterozygous mutation, this patient represents the first recognized case of inherited male-limited precocious puberty in the Japanese population. The previously described D578G mutant did not increase basal or agonist-induced inositol phosphate production in transfected COS-7 cells, or the number of LH/CGRs or their affinity for LH/CG. In contrast, transfection of the A572V mutation in COS-7 cells exhibited significantly higher inositol phosphate levels basally and at 10(-11) mol/L hCG, but significantly lower inositol phosphate levels at 10(-7) mol/L hCG. These data suggest that the A572V mutation of the LH/CGR may have effects on the guanine nucleotide binding protein which activates phospholipase C (Gq) coupling and phospholipase-C activation in addition to its effects on Gs coupling and activation of adenylyl cyclase. A572V-transfected cells also exhibited a higher affinity, despite an apparent decrease in the number of binding sites, for [125I]hCG, compared to transfectants with the wild-type LH/CGR. We hypothesize that these differences between the A572V and D578G mutations reflect a greater impact of the A572V mutation on receptor conformation.

Drug-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on lesional keratinocytes in fixed drug eruption

The mechanism(s) and the factor(s) that contribute to preferential localization of fixed drug eruption (FDE) lesions to certain skin sites remain speculative. Previous studies suggested that populations of T cells residing in the lesional epidermis may be involved in selective destruction of the epidermis in FDE. In this study, to define the earliest cellular and molecular events with potential relevance to activation of the epidermal T cells, expression of adhesion molecules on keratinocytes (KC) and vascular endothelium was examined sequentially in the lesional skin of FDE patients after challenge with the causative drug. Rapid and intense intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression was induced on the vascular endothelium and KC as early as 1.5 hours after challenge, at which time E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were not up-regulated. In vitro studies using skin organ culture showed that the lesional KC and endothelium responded more rapidly and intensely to express ICAM-1 to tumor necrosis factor-alpha or interferon-gamma compared with those in the nonlesional skin. Surprisingly, such selective induction of KC ICAM-1 restricted to the lesional skin was also observed after exposure to the causative drug alone in skin organ culture. Pretreatment of the lesional skin with anti-tumor necrosis factor completely abrogated in vitro induction of KC ICAM-1 expression by the drug. Drug-induced, TNF-alpha-dependent KC ICAM-1 expression in the lesional skin suggests that induction of ICAM-1 expression by the lesional KC after ingestion of the drug would probably provide a localized initiating stimulus for activation of the disease-associated epidermal T cells.

Comparison of American and Japanese outpatients with borderline personality disorder

The borderline psychopathology of 33 American and 19 Japanese female outpatients who met the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R) criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) was compared. There were significant differences between the samples in the DIB-R total score, as well as in the affect/cognition section and scaled section scores. However, only one of the 22 summary statements (SS) of the DIB-R distinguished American borderlines from Japanese borderlines. Most of the differences seemed to reflect differences in inclusion criteria. It is concluded that there are borderline patients in Japan whose psychopathology is basically identical to that of American borderline patients.

Intestinal absorption of serrapeptase (TSP) in rats

A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay (e.i.a.) for serrapeptase (TSP), an orally available anti-inflammatory proteinase, was established using affinity-purified anti-TSP rabbit IgG and its Fab' fragment conjugated with horseradish peroxidase as the first and the second antibodies respectively. TSP in the plasma was determined by the e.i.a. after its oral administration (100 mg/kg) to rats. The peak concentration was observed between 30 min and 2 h after administration. TSP in the plasma samples was trapped on a microtitre plate coated with the affinity-purified anti-TSP rabbit IgG, and the hydrolysis of a synthetic fluorogenic substrate, butoxycarbonyl-Glu(benzyloxy)-Ala-Arg-4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide, by the trapped TSP was fluorometrically measured (proteinase assay). The values obtained by the e.i.a. and those obtained by the proteinase assay correlated well for various plasma samples. These results indicate that orally administered TSP was absorbed from the intestinal tract and transferred into the circulation in an enzymically active form.

[Randomized controlled study of sequential methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil therapy with or without 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine against advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Hirosaki Cooperative Study Group for Cancer Chemotherapy]

Seventy-five patients with gastrointestinal cancer were entered in this study. The number of eligible cases were 38 in the group treated with sequential methotrexate (MTX)/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) (group A) and 34 in the group without 5'-DFUR (group B). The treatment schedules were as follows: MTX/100 mg/m2 was given intravenously (i.v.) followed by 5-FU 600 mg/m2 i.v. 2 hours later and leucovorin 15 mg/body i.v. 8 and 20 hours later. This cycle was repeated once a week. In group A, 5'-DFUR 1,200 mg/body/day was given orally 5 consecutive days per week. Three of 35 cases in group A showed PR, while no case showed PR in group B. Median survival time was 5.0 months in group A and 5.3 months in group B, respectively. Gastrointestinal toxicity was commonly observed, and diarrhea was more frequent in group A (p < 0.05).

[Sequential methotrexate/5-fluorouracil therapy with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine against advanced gastric cancer: comparison between bolus injection and drip infusion of 5-fluorouracil administration. Hirosaki Cooperative Study Group for Cancer Chemotherapy]

Forty-two patients with gastric cancer were entered in this study. Forty-one of them were eligible and administered sequential methotrexate (MTX)/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR). 5-FU was administered intravenously by drip infusion for 2 hours in 22 cases (group A), and was infused by bolus injection in 19 cases (group B). The treatment schedules were as follows: MTX 100 mg/m2 was given intravenously (i.v.) followed by 5-FU 600 mg/m2 i.v. 2 hours later and leucovorin 15 mg/body i.v. 8 and 20 hours later. This cycle was repeated once a week. 5'-DFUR 1,200 mg/body/day was given orally on 5 consecutive days per week. Three of 20 cases (15%) in group A showed PR, while 5 of 15 cases (33%) in group B showed PR. Median survival time was 2.8 months in group A and 3.7 months in group B. There was, however, no statistical difference. Gastrointestinal toxicity was commonly observed. Leukocytopenia was more severe in group B. Alopecia was more frequently observed in group B (p < 0.025). These results suggested bolus injection of 5-FU was a promising way of administration in sequential MTX/5-FU therapy.

Isolation and characterization of Streptoverticillium anticoagulant (SAC), a novel protein inhibitor of blood coagulation produced by Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. cinnamoneum

Three Streptoverticillium anticoagulants, SAC I, II, and III, which strongly inhibit human intrinsic blood coagulation, were each isolated in a homogeneous form from a culture fluid of Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. cinnamoneum IFO 12852. SAC I, II, and III are simple proteins with molecular weights of around 12,000, and with isoelectric points of 9.7, 9.7, and 9.9, respectively. Their amino acid compositions are similar and each SAC possesses two disulfide bonds. The COOH-terminal residue of each of these proteins is phenylalanine. Together with the similarity of their protein chemical properties, the results of NH2-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of these SAC proteins strongly suggested that the deletion of Ser-Leu and Ser-Leu-Tyr from the NH2-terminus of SAC I (Ser-Leu-Tyr-Ala-Pro-...) results in the generation of SAC II and III, respectively. The amount of each SAC necessary to double the partial thromboplastin time was around 5 micrograms/ml. SAC I inhibited activated human factor XII and human plasma kallikrein. It also inhibited, but to a lesser extent, activated factor X. The inhibition constants (Ki) of SAC I toward activated factor XII and plasma kallikrein were 5.3 x 10(-8) and 7.2 x 10(-9) M, respectively. The SACs also inhibited some microbial serine proteases such as subtilisin Carlsberg and, to a lesser extent, mammalian serine proteases including bovine trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. Of these three inhibitors, only SAC I inhibited metalloproteases such as thermolysin in addition to these serine proteases.

Clinical study of biological response modifiers as maintenance therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial comparing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with or without biological response modifiers (BRMs) as a maintenance therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or arterial infusion of antitumor agents (AI). A total of 58 cases of HCC were classified into 4 groups as follows: group I, PSK with 5-FU (n = 15); group II, lentinan with 5-FU (n = 15); group III, OK-432 with 5-FU (n = 12); and group IV, 5-FU alone as the control (n = 16). The mean survival time, mortality rate, time to progression, and T4/T8 ratio of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were compared among the four groups. There was no significant difference in the background factors among the groups. In group I, the T4/T8 ratio of lymphocytes was reduced after the therapy. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of the mean survival time, mortality rate, or time to progression. PEI for initial therapy was superior to the other therapies in terms of the mean survival time and mortality rate. These results suggest that the addition of BRM to maintenance therapy with 5-FU exerts no prognostic benefit on HCC patients treated with PEI, TAE, or AI.

Identification of a novel population of CD8 alpha+ beta- bone marrow-derived dendritic epidermal cells. This unique population is subsequently outnumbered by thymus-independent expansion of the CD8 alpha+ beta+ dendritic epidermal cells

Maturation of some T cell populations has been suggested to occur in epithelial tissues. The CD8 molecule, which is expressed as heterodimers made of alpha/beta-chains on virtually all peripheral T cells, is preferentially expressed as homodimers made only of alpha-chains on a subset of CD8+ mouse gut intraepithelial lymphocytes, which arise from bone marrow (BM) precursors in a thymus-independent mechanism. This unique population of CD8 alpha+ beta- T cells, however, has not been identified in other lymphoid tissues in normal adult mice. Because our previous study demonstrated that reconstitution of thymectomized irradiated mice with T cell-depleted BM cells resulted in the appearance of CD8+, TCR-alpha beta+ dendritic epidermal cells (DEC) and suggested that a proportion of the BM-derived DEC may mature within the epidermis, we asked whether the unique phenotype of CD8 alpha+ beta- could be detected among the CD8+ BM-derived DEC. In this report for the first time we identified this unique population of CD8 alpha+ beta- cells among the DEC. Although this population comprised the predominant fraction of the BM-derived DEC in the early post-transfer period (2 to 3 mo), gradual shift from the CD8 alpha+ beta+ phenotypes occurred during the late post-transfer period (4 to 6 mo) independently of the presence of the thymus. Kinetic studies on the BM-derived DEC revealed that this phenotypic shift could be caused by the subsequent expansion of the CD8 alpha+ beta+ DEC. In contrast, the CD8 alpha+ beta- population was the major subset of the BM-derived intraepithelial lymphocytes throughout the entire observation period and the phenotypic shift with age was never observed. These results indicate that CD8 alpha+ beta- cells are preferentially detected on T cells that home to the epithelial tissues and that in the epidermis, but not in the gut epithelia, the subsequent expansion of the CD8 alpha+ beta+ DEC would dilute the high number of the CD8 alpha+ beta- cells.

Identification of a novel population of CD8 alpha+ beta- bone marrow-derived dendritic epidermal cells. This unique population is subsequently outnumbered by thymus-independent expansion of the CD8 alpha+ beta+ dendritic epidermal cells

Maturation of some T cell populations has been suggested to occur in epithelial tissues. The CD8 molecule, which is expressed as heterodimers made of alpha/beta-chains on virtually all peripheral T cells, is preferentially expressed as homodimers made only of alpha-chains on a subset of CD8+ mouse gut intraepithelial lymphocytes, which arise from bone marrow (BM) precursors in a thymus-independent mechanism. This unique population of CD8 alpha+ beta- T cells, however, has not been identified in other lymphoid tissues in normal adult mice. Because our previous study demonstrated that reconstitution of thymectomized irradiated mice with T cell-depleted BM cells resulted in the appearance of CD8+, TCR-alpha beta+ dendritic epidermal cells (DEC) and suggested that a proportion of the BM-derived DEC may mature within the epidermis, we asked whether the unique phenotype of CD8 alpha+ beta- could be detected among the CD8+ BM-derived DEC. In this report for the first time we identified this unique population of CD8 alpha+ beta- cells among the DEC. Although this population comprised the predominant fraction of the BM-derived DEC in the early post-transfer period (2 to 3 mo), gradual shift from the CD8 alpha+ beta+ phenotypes occurred during the late post-transfer period (4 to 6 mo) independently of the presence of the thymus. Kinetic studies on the BM-derived DEC revealed that this phenotypic shift could be caused by the subsequent expansion of the CD8 alpha+ beta+ DEC. In contrast, the CD8 alpha+ beta- population was the major subset of the BM-derived intraepithelial lymphocytes throughout the entire observation period and the phenotypic shift with age was never observed. These results indicate that CD8 alpha+ beta- cells are preferentially detected on T cells that home to the epithelial tissues and that in the epidermis, but not in the gut epithelia, the subsequent expansion of the CD8 alpha+ beta+ DEC would dilute the high number of the CD8 alpha+ beta- cells.

Diagnosis and clinical features of borderline personality disorder in the east and west: a preliminary report

In the first clinical study of the borderline personality disorder (BPD) in Asia, the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB) was performed on 85 female outpatients aged 18 to 30 years in Japan. BPD was diagnosed in 32 (38%) of these patients. The International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) diagnoses made at the initial examination of the DIB-identified BPD patients were, in order of frequency, neurotic disorders, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, and manic-depressive psychoses. The DSM-III axis I diagnoses of the DIB-identified BPD patients were affective disorders in 63%, eating disorders in 34%, and substance use disorders in 22%. This study suggests that there are indeed BPD patients in Japan. An exception is made of the low incidence of substance use disorders, and of the fact that most Japanese patients continue to maintain stormy one-to-one or masochistic relationships with their parents because they live at home--their clinical picture is not different from that of American patients.

Object images of eating disorder patients

The authors investigated images held by eating disorder patients toward selected stimulus words using the semantic differential method. The concept "object image" was introduced here to designate the images which any person has about the mother, the father, etc. A comparison was made between 22 eating disorder patients with concurrent borderline personality disorder, 20 patients without borderline pathology, and 48 controls. The eating disorder patients were found to have a "weaker" image of "motherliness" and "womanliness" compared to the control group. Another characteristic of eating disorder patients was their unfavorable image of children. The authors also studied the images held by fathers and mothers. In the families with borderline patients, the discrepancies between what we term "object images" held by fathers, mothers, and daughters were conspicuous. The importance of a tripartite (daughter-mother-father) relationship in the psychopathology of eating disorder is discussed.

Psychotic symptoms in depression and borderline personality disorder

The authors investigated the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in depression and borderline personality disorder employing the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines. Clear-cut delusions and hallucinations were rare among the borderlines. However, derealization and depersonalization symptoms were common and were found to be prevalent as among depressives. The prevalence of these symptoms among patients with both borderline personality disorder and depression was similar to that among patients with only borderline personality disorder or depression. The relationship between depression and borderline personality disorder and the significance of psychotic symptoms in these disorders is discussed.

Bone marrow-derived dendritic epidermal T cells express T cell receptor-alpha beta/CD3 and CD8. Evidence for their extrathymic maturation

The majority of murine Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) express virtually identical TCR encoded by V gamma 5 and V delta 1 genes and are derived from early fetal thymic precursors. However, not consistent with this notion is an early finding that DETC arise continuously from bone marrow (BM) precursors by a thymus-independent mechanism. To address this issue, donor-type DETC were characterized in lethally irradiated mice that were reconstituted by Thy-1-disparate BM cells with or without a thymus. The BM-derived DETC, unlike their normal TCR-gamma delta counterparts, were found to express the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex and CD8, and their migration to the epidermis dermis occurred independently of the thymus. The numbers of the BM-derived DETC increased with time and reached a plateau 6 mo after BM transfer, at which time the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex was expressed on a small fraction of the DETC in athymic BM chimeras. Although no further increase in the number was observed at later times, at 1 yr after transfer most of the BM-derived DETC came to express the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex in the absence of thymic influence. By contrast, most of BM-derived T cells in other lymphoid organs from athymic BM chimeras still failed to express the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex even at 1 yr after transfer. These results suggest that extrathymic differentiation of BM-derived DETC could occur with the epidermal microenvironment.

Bone marrow-derived dendritic epidermal T cells express T cell receptor-alpha beta/CD3 and CD8. Evidence for their extrathymic maturation

The majority of murine Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) express virtually identical TCR encoded by V gamma 5 and V delta 1 genes and are derived from early fetal thymic precursors. However, not consistent with this notion is an early finding that DETC arise continuously from bone marrow (BM) precursors by a thymus-independent mechanism. To address this issue, donor-type DETC were characterized in lethally irradiated mice that were reconstituted by Thy-1-disparate BM cells with or without a thymus. The BM-derived DETC, unlike their normal TCR-gamma delta counterparts, were found to express the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex and CD8, and their migration to the epidermis dermis occurred independently of the thymus. The numbers of the BM-derived DETC increased with time and reached a plateau 6 mo after BM transfer, at which time the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex was expressed on a small fraction of the DETC in athymic BM chimeras. Although no further increase in the number was observed at later times, at 1 yr after transfer most of the BM-derived DETC came to express the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex in the absence of thymic influence. By contrast, most of BM-derived T cells in other lymphoid organs from athymic BM chimeras still failed to express the TCR-alpha beta/CD3 complex even at 1 yr after transfer. These results suggest that extrathymic differentiation of BM-derived DETC could occur with the epidermal microenvironment.

Relationship between clinical symptoms and EEG findings in borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) was diagnosed in female patients (N = 41) between the ages of 18 and 30 using the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients (DIB) and DSM-III. Comparing the EEG findings of BPD (N = 18) and non-BPD (N = 21) groups, there were no EEG findings characteristic of BPD. We also assessed the relationship between the EEG findings and DIB items. Positive spikes appeared in patients with high scores for Impulse Action Patterns, while wave and spike phantoms were observed in patients with high scores for Interpersonal Relations. Dividing the patients into BPD and non-BPD groups, a similar tendency to that observed from an analysis of all patients was observed in the non-BPD group, but no such tendency was observed in the BPD group. The results suggest that BPD patients include those in whom vulnerability of cerebral function plays an important role in the development of these two clinical symptoms as well as those in whom vulnerability of cerebral function plays almost no pathogenic role.

Isolation and characterization of native activin B

To examine whether activin binds to follistatin, an activin-binding protein, to form a complex in vivo, we attempted to purify activin-follistatin complex from porcine follicular fluid. Our results thus obtained indicated that almost equimolar amounts of activins A, AB, and B are present as a complex with follistatin in the follicular fluid. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography of the purified complex yielded follistatin and activins A, AB, and B. The activity of the purified activin B was found to be significantly lower than those of other activins in various assay systems such as stimulation of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion, induction of erythrodifferentiation, and potentiation of expression of gonadotropin receptors on ovarian cells. Moreover, binding of 125I-activin A to erythroleukemic cells which are activin-responsive was competed by activin B with approximately 10-fold lower potency compared with other activins. In contrast to these results, activin B was proved to have a potent Xenopus mesoderm-inducing activity, comparable with that of other activins. This indicates that, unlike activins A and AB, activin B can only elicit mesoderm-inducing activity and cannot function in other biological systems, suggesting a specific role of activin B in early development and unknown biological functions.