Sorbicillinol, a key intermediate of bisorbicillinoid biosynthesis in Trichoderma sp. USF-2690

In the course of our screening program for free radical scavengers from Trichoderma sp. USF-2690, we found an unidentified metabolite (1) that appeared by the method used for HPLC analysis. Metabolite 1 gradually decreased with the production of bisorbicillinoids and was easily missed during the general isolation procedure. The LC-ESI-MS (negative) analysis for 1 gave m/z 247 as the (M-1)- ion peak. The hydrolysis of synthetic 6-O-acetylsorbicillinol (+/- -2) by 0.05 M KOH and acetylation of product 1 in an aqueous solution indicated that the structure of 1 was (6S)-4-(2,4-hexadienoyl)-3,6-dihydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-2,4-cyclohexadien-1-one, designated sorbicillinol, a quinol that has been postulated to be important in bisorbicillinoid biosynthesis.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel nikkomycin analogs: inhibitors of the fungal cell wall biosynthesis enzyme chitin synthase

A series of novel nikkomycin analogs, which inhibited chitin synthase, the fungal cell wall biosynthesis enzyme, has been synthesized and evaluated their inhibitory activities.

Novel nikkomycin analogues: inhibitors of the fungal cell wall biosynthesis enzyme chitin synthase

A series of novel nikkomycin analogue inhibitors of the chitin synthase of fungal cell wall was synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities. Among them, the compound having a phenanthrene group at the terminal amino acid was found to possess strong anti-chitin synthase activity.

A case of vulvar schwannoma

Schwannoma is generally a solitary, nodular, benign tumor of a peripheral nerve sheath, and it rarely affects the external female genitalia. Its most-common locations are the head, neck, upper and lower extremities, posterior mediastinum, and retroperitoneum. We treated a 29-year-old woman with a vulvar schwannoma. A tumor of 2.5 cm in diameter was resected for treatment and biopsy. It was a capsulate tumor with a smooth surface, and was elastic in consistency. A histological examination revealed a swirling pattern with some palisading of spindle-shaped cells in H.E. stains. Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumor to be positive for S-100 protein and negative for desmin. As a result, the mass proved to be schwannoma originating from the vulva.

Visual findings and histologic diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis under laparoscopy and laparotomy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic value of visual findings in the diagnosis of endometriosis from the histological point of view.

STUDY DESIGN

212 specimens from 107 patients with benign (74.8%) or malignant (25.2%) disease were obtained by biopsy or resection under laparoscopy (65 patients) or laparotomy (42 patients). Ages ranged from 19 to 62 (mean age 36.4). Visual findings were classified according to the criteria established by the Endometriosis Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1993. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and 15 cases with periodic acid-Schiff stain or silver impregnation stain.

RESULTS

Among pigmented lesions, endometriosis was found in 73.0% of specimens from the pelvic peritoneum and in 56.4% of those from the ovaries. Blueberry spots in the pelvic peritoneum as well as ovarian chocolate cysts showed the highest positive rate. In the presence of multiple or complex pigmented lesions of the pelvic area, the rate was still higher (88.6%). Those rates were due to our inclusion of inaccurate and incomplete biopsy specimens. Endometriosis of nonpigmented lesions was found in only 11 patients (12.0%) who also had pigmented lesions and/or adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis can be made only when multiple complex pigmented lesions are observed, but, otherwise, histopathological confirmation is necessary.

Morphologic hysteroscopic criteria suggestive of endometrial hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the morphologic hysteroscopic criteria leading to a diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia and compare their accuracy with that of histology.

METHODS

A total of 95 hysteroscopic examinations were evaluated. Of these, 37 had a histologic diagnosis of normal endometrium and the remaining 58 of simple or complex endometrial hyperplasia. We compared the morphologic hysteroscopic criteria for the two groups using Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Only the presence of endometrial glands presenting a cystic pattern at hysteroscopy gave statistically significant results (P < 0.05), with low sensitivity (15.79%), high specificity (97.29%) and a relative risk of 6.75. With a prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia of 22.97% in a population of women with metrorrhagia, the positive predictive value was 63.53% and the negative predictive value was 79.40%.

CONCLUSION

Additional, prospective studies are needed to determine the real value of the diagnostic morphologic parameters under consideration.

Endocrinological and histological changes after treatment of uterine leiomyomas with danazol or buserelin

The following results were obtained from our investigations performed to compare the effects of danazol (400 mg/day orally for 4 to 6 months, n = 164) with those of buserelin (900 micrograms/day intranasally for 4 to 6 months, n = 83) on patients with uterine myomas. The effectiveness of buserelin (76.1%) in shrinking uterine myomas was better than that of danazol (56.7%). The serum-estradiol and progesterone levels were lower in the buserelin group than in the danazol group. The estrogen and progesterone receptors in a hysterectomied uterus were positively stained even at the end of those therapies. The degree and frequency of hyaline degeneration were higher in the buserelin group than in the danazol group. Thus, the shrinking of uterine myomas and the degree of hyaline degeneration might be caused by the lowering of uterine-tissue hormones, particularly of estradiol levels.

Endocrine function of the peri- and postmenopausal ovary

The concentration of sex steroids in peripheral and ovarian venous blood was measured in 130 perimenopausal women. We found that the postmenopausal ovary continues to secrete a large amount of testosterone and a moderate amount of androstenedione, estrone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Although the mean estradiol levels in the ovarian vein of postmenopausal women was low, a few subjects showed estradiol levels higher than 50 pg/ml. Postmenopausal ovaries probably continue to secrete estradiol under some endocrine conditions. These data show that the postmenopausal ovary maintains some secretory function related to estrone and estradiol. However, the endocrine effect of the postmenopausal ovary may be related to its contribution of androgens to the plasma pool of estrogens through extragonadal conversion.

Hereditary abnormality of luteinizing hormone resulting in discrepant serum concentrations determined by different assays

We herein report familial defects in the molecular structure of luteinizing hormone (LH). The propositus was a 29-year-old women with repeated abortion in whom the serum LH concentration was extremely low determined by an immunoradiometric assay utilizing two monoclonal antibodies for the intact LH dimer and beta-subunit of LH (SPAC-S kit). Further studies on the serum LH concentration in this propositus by five different assay systems gave various results ranging from low to normal values. Bioassay of the propositus's LH using C57 black mice showed normal in biological activity. These data suggest that LH in the propositus is abnormal in terms of its molecular structure located in the bond region between alpha and beta subunits. A family study showed that the bioactivity of LH was normal in all family members. The serum LH was not detected in either the propositus or her brother with the SPAC-S kit even after the administration of LHRH, while the serum LH concentrations in the father, mother and sister were approximately half the normal range, indicating that the defect is hereditary and the mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant: the propositus and brother were homozygously affected, and the parents and sister heterozygously affected.

[Long-term administration of carmofur as a post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy for cervical adenocarcinoma. Cervical Adenocarcinoma Cooperative Research Association]

Cervical adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous cell carcinoma are low in radiation sensitivity, and the prognosis is said to be inferior to that of squamous cell carcinoma. Eleven facilities nationwide participated in the historical control study on the recurrence prevention effect of carmofur (HCFU) administered at 300 mg/day for more than two years postoperatively as an adjuvant chemotherapy to patients with cervical adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous cell carcinoma for which radical operation is possible. Registered for the study was a total of 252 patients: 77 patients for whom administration of carmofur was begun during the period from January 1987 and March 1989, 71 patients (control 1) who were treated for the cancer after January 1982 but did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, and 104 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapies with other than carmofur (control 2). In analyses with the Kaplan-Meier method, the carmofur administration group demonstrated a better cumulative survival rate and disease free rate than control 1 (no adjuvant chemotherapy), suggesting carmofur was effective in preventing the recurrence of cervical adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous cell carcinoma.

Cyclic bcl-2 gene expression in human uterine endometrium during menstrual cycle

To investigate an apoptotic role for bcl-2 in menses, we studied bcl-2 protein production throughout the cycle. Bcl-2 protein was observed in endometrial glandular, stromal and myometrial smooth-muscle cells. Glandular cells expressed bcl-2 at proliferative through early secretory phases but not at late secretory through menstrual phases. This cyclic expression of bcl-2 gene was similar to that of oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Thus bcl-2 expression in glandular cells may be regulated by ovarian hormones. The disappearance of bcl-2 expression in glandular cells at late secretory phase was consistent with the appearance of apoptotic cells in the same phase.

[Correlation of ill-defined syndrome with depression in the climacterium]

The psychologic and somatic symptoms at climacterium are multiplicative, ill-defined, and nonspecific. We studied 390 climacteric patients with ill-defined psychologic and somatic symptoms. While such symptoms arise from an estrogen-deficient state of the menopause, these also occur in certain major psychiatric disorders, especially those of depression. Thirteen and twenty-one percent of the women were diagnosed as depression and masked depression, respectively. The incidence of generalized and panic disorder was 6.7% in each. The ill-defined syndrome of the menopausal age may be severe and persistent enough to meet the diagnosis of a major psychiatric illness, i.e. depression. As these disorders are important differential diagnoses, personality analysis and careful observation of clinical course may be indicated. Furthermore, the psychosomatic approach is recommended for all of these cases.

Antigenic alteration of an anomalous human luteinizing hormone caused by two chorionic gonadotropin-type amino-acid substitutions

We analyzed the nucleotide sequence of the luteinizing hormone beta subunit (LH beta) in a patient with an anomalous LH. This anomalous LH showed abnormal immunogenicity, but normal bioactivity, suggesting that this variance of antigenicity was caused by amino acid substitution(s). In the anomalous LH, two single amino acid substitutions, Trp(TGG) to Arg(CGG) and Ile(ATC) to Thr(ACC), were found at the codon for the 8th and 15th residue of LH beta. These two substituted amino acid residues of the anomalous LH are identical to those of chorionic gonadotropin, but not to those of LH, although the rest of the region showed the normal sequence of human LH beta. Pedigree analysis by direct DNA sequencing revealed that the parents of the patient and the healthy sister were heterozygotes for the mutation and the patient and the healthy brother were homozygotes.

Conservative therapy for microinvasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix

The purpose of this study was to evaluate conservative therapy for microinvasive carcinoma (MIC) of the cervix. Large contact Nd-YAG laser conization (laser cone) with contact vaporization using contact probes was performed on 90 cases of MIC and 21 cases of early invasive carcinoma (early IC), with long-term postoperative follow-up for patients at Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan. The cure rates of MIC and early IC were 96.7 and 80.9%, respectively. The rates of incomplete excision and true residuation in cases with MIC were 17.8 and 10.0% and those in cases with early IC were 76.2 and 19.0%. Therefore, the spontaneous cure rate following incomplete excision of MIC and early IC was 43.7 and 75.0%. Hysterectomy was performed, for various indications, after cone in 5 patients (5.6%) with MIC, none of the patients with IC of less than 3 mm, 2 (22.2%) of the patients with IC of 3.1 to 5 mm, and 7 patients (87.5%) whose IC was 5.1 mm or more in depth. Combining the data from our department and those in the literature collected an incidence of lymph node metastasis of 0.15% for MIC and of 1.13% of IC of less than 5 mm. In conclusion, conservative therapy is indicated for MIC, and the contact laser cone with contact vaporization is considered to be an excellent therapeutic conservative method.

Direct determination of NotI cleavage sites in the genomic DNA of adult mouse kidney and human trophoblast using whole-range restriction landmark genomic scanning

Restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) is a method for visualizing restriction landmarks, employing direct labeling of restriction sites of genomic DNA and high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis. We determined the conditions for both the first and second dimensions of RLGS that define all of the restriction fragments which carry the NotI landmark. Using this system, we determined the number of cleavable NotI sites of genomic DNA from the mouse kidney (C57BL/6) and from the human placenta. The mouse and human genomes were cleaved at 2,380 +/- 80 sites (4,760 +/- 160 spots) and 3,240 +/- 110 sites (6,480 +/- 220 spots), respectively with NotI.

Characterization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and biological effect of EGF on human uterine cervical adenocarcinoma cell line OMC-4

In this paper, we investigated how epidermal growth factor (EGF) acts on growth and regulation of extracellular matrix components and their degenerative enzymes in uterine cervical adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. Effects of EGF on cell growth, DNA synthesis, and laminin, collagen IV, and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) production of human uterine cervical adenocarcinoma cell line OMC-4 were examined, together with the characteristics of its EGF receptors. Scatchard plot of EGF binding to OMC-4 indicated two classes of binding sites with a dissociation constant of 170 pM and 510 pM. The total binding sites were 1.6 x 10(5)sites/cell. The number of OMC-4 cells did not increase in the presence of EGF, whereas 3H-thymidine incorporation was inhibited by EGF at concentrations of 1 and 10 nM. The production of laminin and collagen IV by OMC-4 cells was inhibited by EGF, whereas that of t-PA was significantly promoted at the physiological concentration of 0.1 nM. These results suggest that EGF is closely associated with regulation of proliferation and extracellular matrix degradation of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma cells.

Antigenic analysis of avian rotavirus VP6 using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared to analyze antigens on the major inner capsid protein, VP6 of avian group A rotavirus. Based on the results of a competitive binding assay using 15 MAbs directed against VP6 of the PO-13 rotavirus strain, isolated from a pigeon in Japan, it was found that VP6 of avian rotavirus possesses at least four spatially distinct antigenic sites. Two antigenic sites (I and II) were topologically distinct from the other two (III and IV), which were in close proximity. From the reaction of MAbs in indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests to a series of known rotaviruses, epitopes representing common antigens of all group A rotavirus including avian rotavirus were localized in sites II and III. One epitope in site IV appeared to have a subgroup antigenic specificity that reacted only with rotaviruses belonging to subgroup I. Interestingly, avian rotaviruses isolated from turkeys and chickens in Northern Ireland also reacted only with these subgroup I specific MAbs, but not with subgroup II specific MAb. This indicates that avian rotavirus has subgroup I specific antigen, which is antigenically similar to that of other mammalian rotavirus strains.

Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in perimenopausal women. Clinical research in 1198 Japanese women

Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. We studied plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels with a survey of endocrine changes in the perimenopausal Japanese women. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased with age, whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol level fell slightly. The rise in triglyceride and low density lipoprotein levels were particularly more marked just before the onset of the menopause. It might be important that the rapid rise of triglyceride and low density lipoprotein levels at about the menopause age was associated with a decline of estrogen levels. The percentage of hyperlipidemia in the perimenopausal women who showed total cholesterol level exceeding 5.7 mmol/l (220 mg/dl) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol level exceeding 3.9 mmol/l (150 mg/dl) were 31.9% and 27.2%, respectively. It was concluded that we need to recognize relatively high incidence of hyperlipidemia in perimenopausal period, and need to pay careful attention to plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels for prevention of coronary heart disease in perimenopausal women.

[Clinical survey of background and personality associated with panic disorder seen in the gynecology out-patient clinic]

Personality, social circumstances, and source of worry were studied in the patients with panic disorder seen in the Gynecology out-patient clinic. 1) Forty percent (6/15) of patients have experienced surgical operation. Ten out of 15 (66.7%) patients were anguished and felt anxious about their diseases and 5 patients had a feeling of dissatisfaction about the explanation from the doctors. 2) Sixty percent of patients were considered to have an alexithymic personality and 46.7% had an N shaped pattern in the Egogram. The patients with panic disorder were considered to have a perfectionistic, scrupulous personality, which is related to a Tellenbach's melancholic type. 3) Social circumstances, status variables, and causes of worry associated most closely with panic attacks were health problems, or a troublesome relationship with their husbands or relatives. These data suggest that psychologic, personality, and sociologic factors may be responsible for panic attacks. We need to treat the patients with panic disorder psychosomatically taking into consideration the sociocultural and psychological factors of each individual.

[A study of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in cervical cancer]

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), one of the adhesion molecules, plays an important role in target-cell lysis by immune cells. In this study we examined the expression of ICAM-1 in 15 cases of cervical cancer. We also examined ICAM-1 expression on cervical cancer cell lines in response to cytokines. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression (4 positive among 15 cases) of ICAM-1 in cervical cancer. Furthermore, the expression of ICAM-1 on cervical cancer was correlated with the degree of mononuclear cell infiltration, bearing CD3. On the other hand, the expression of ICAM-1 was not correlated with Class I or Class II antigens in cervical cancer. The expression of ICAM-1 on cervical cancer cell lines was augmented by in vitro treatment with interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. These results suggest that the expression of ICAM-1 on cervical cancer might be modified by cytokines, and ICAM-1 expression on cervical cancer might augment the host immune reaction. So it will be possible to use cytokines in immunotherapy.

[Clinical study of pregnant women with psychotic disorders during last 14 years in Osaka Medical College]

The clinical features and outcomes of 51 pregnancies (47 patients) complicated by psychotic disorders were studied. These patients were diagnosed as having the following psychotic disorders: 7 schizophrenias, 8 atypical psychoses, 6 mood disorders, 25 epilepsies, 4 anxiety disorders, and 1 personality disorder. The mean delivery age of women suffering from schizophrenia, atypical psychosis, and anxiety disorder was over 30 with deliveries 7-10 years after the onset of their psychoses. The predominant obstetrical complications for schizophrenias, atypical psychoses, and mood disorders were gestational toxicosis, threatened premature birth, and premature birth, respectively. Six out of eight (75.0%) patients with atypical psychosis, 4 out of 6 (66.7%) patients with mood disorder, and 2 of 4 patients with anxiety disorder became worse during pregnancy and/or postpartum. The rate of deterioration of the patients with schizophrenia was 14.3% (1/7) during pregnancy. An increasing rate of epileptic attack during pregnancy and/or postpartum were observed in 40.0% (10/25) of patients. Nine cases underwent cesarean section not due to their mental disorders but for obstetrical reasons. The present study suggests that the cooperation between obstetrician and psychiatrist, and the existence of a key person who knows the patient very well is required for a desirable outcome of the treatment.

Clinical observation of personality characteristics of perimenopausal women with undefined complaints

Personality tests, including the Self-Rating Questionnaire for Depression (SRQ-D), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Alexithymia Scale (MMPI-AS), and the Egogram Check List (ECL) were completed by 202 perimenopausal women with undefined complaints. Patients diagnosed as having mental disorders showed SRQ-D scores of over 16 points. Patients diagnosed as having mental disorders showed MMPI-AS scores of over 13 points, which can be estimated as alexithymia. Patients experiencing climacteric disorders and the ovarian deficiency syndrome showed slightly higher MMPI-AS scores than healthy middle-aged women. The average ECL scores of patients diagnosed as having mental disorders tended to show an N-shape pattern. The findings suggest that personality tests would be helpful for screening perimenopausal women with mental disorders who are seen at outpatient gynecology clinics.

[In vitro study on the effect of sex steroid and growth factor on growth and laminin, collagen IV, and tissue plasminogen activator production of normal endometrial cells and endometrial cancer cells in culture]

The mechanism of the invasion and proliferation of endometrial cancer is closely related to interactions between the endometrial glands and stroma. In this study, we examined the biological role of sex steroids (estradiol; E2, progesterone; P) and growth factors (epidermal growth factor; EGF, transforming growth factor-beta; TGF-beta) on cell growth and laminin, collagen IV and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) production of normal endometrial cells and endometrial cancer cells in culture. Normal endometrial gland cells and stromal cells, and endometrial cancer cell lines (Ishikawa, OMC-2) were used. E2, P, EGF and TGF-beta were added to the culture in physiological concentrations. The growth of normal endometrial gland cells was promoted by E2 and EGF, whereas that of Ishikawa cells and OMC-2 cells was promoted by EGF. E2 enhanced the effects of EGF in normal endometrial gland cells. The growth of normal endometrial stromal cells was not affected by them. OMC-2 was inhibited by anti-EGF receptor antibody. On the other hand, the production of laminin and collagen IV of these cultured cells was inhibited by EGF and promoted by TGF-beta, whereas that of t-PA was promoted by EGF and inhibited by TGF-beta. These results suggest that the growth of normal endometrial gland cells with estrogen receptor (ER) is controlled by both E2 and EGF, whereas that of endometrial cancer cells is affected only by EGF, and those cells without ER depend particularly on the autocrine growth mechanism of EGF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Pharmacokinetics and toxicological study on the intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin and etoposide in gynecological malignancies]

We administered cisplatin and etoposide into the peritoneal cavity of 13 postoperative patients with gynecological malignancies, and studied the pharmacokinetics and toxicity in the combination of both drugs. Cisplatin 100 mg/body and etoposide 200 mg-400 mg/body were mixed together in 500 ml or 1,500 ml of normal saline and administered intraperitoneally on the day of operation and two or three weeks later. The peritoneal peak level of free cisplatin, diluted with 500 ml, was about two times higher than that, diluted with 1,500 ml. However, there was no difference in the peritoneal and plasma AUC. The peritoneal level and AUC of etoposide, diluted with 500 ml, was about two times higher than that, diluted with 1,500 ml. Among the groups of 1,500 ml, peritoneal and plasma levels and AUC were almost proportional to the doses. Nausea and vomiting were experienced in all patients. With the increase of etoposide, more marrow suppression was observed. However, we encountered no other significant side effects. In conclusion, intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin and etoposide in this setting can be used safely with minimum side effects, and the dilution of 1,500 ml seems to be better.

Changes in cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of specific cytosol protein in the peri- and postmenopausal ovary

Changes in cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of 53 kDa protein in a human ovary with respect to the aging process were studied. The phosphorylation of endogenous proteins in ovarian cytosol decreased with aging. However, ovarian aging was accompanied by an increase in the cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of 53 kDa specific protein while the amount of this protein decreased with aging. The plasma gonadotropin levels of women with regular menstrual periods were significantly different from those of women whose menstrual periods had in the recent past become irregular (FSH: p less than 0.01; LH: p less than 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the plasma estradiol levels between these two groups. Our data show the possible correlations between the non-steroidal ovarian factor (53 kDa protein) and/or its phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and the ovarian aging process.

A case of panic disorder induced by oral contraceptive

A 27-year-old woman experienced feelings of unreality and fear after taking an oral contraceptive in the form of birth control pills. She subsequently experienced a panic attack just after she had stopped taking the pills. This was characterized by palpitation, general fatigue, trembling of the whole body, and dyspnea. The panic disorder experienced by the patient could have been due to the drug's potentiating of the sympathoadrenal response to simple physiological stimuli, or possibly to a disorder in psychological functioning caused by an anxiotropic effect of rapid endocrinological change.

[In vitro studies on the expression of c-myc oncogene product in gynecological cultured cancer cells]

In this study, immunocytochemical and biochemical detection of c-myc protein in gynecological cultured cancer cells were performed together with gene expression of the cells. OMC-1 (cervical squamous carcinoma cell line), OMC-2 (endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line), OMC-3 (ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma cell line) and OMC-4 (cervical adenocarcinoma cell line) were used. Immunocytochemically, c-myc protein was detected in both nuclei and cytoplasms of cultured cells when they were fixed in 95% ethanol, 10% formalin and 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) including 10mM NaCl. However, it was detected in the nuclei of almost all of the cells in nuclei of the cells when they were fixed in 4% PFA including 1,000mM NaCl. Western blotting against a nuclear fraction of the cells demonstrated 66Kd protein in OMC-1 and 62Kd protein in OMC-2,3,4, respectively. They were completely absorbed by c-myc synthetic peptide. However, there was no reaction against the cytoplasmic fraction of the cells. Slot blot hybridization against the DNA of the cells demonstrated 15 times and 5 times c-myc gene amplification in OMC-2 and OMC-4, respectively. These results suggest that OMC-1,2,3,4 can be used as positive controls for the immunocyto- and histochemical detection of c-myc protein in clinical materials. However, it must be noted that the redistribution of c-myc nuclear protein into the cytoplasm may occur in the fixation process.

[Re-evaluation of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of uterine endometrial cancer]

To evaluate the clinical value of hysteroscopy in the management of endometrial cancer, findings in 3,681 patients with endometrial cancer treated between 1985 and 1989 at 167 hospitals in Japan were analyzed. In 1,040 of these patients, hysteroscopy was performed before operation. Pre-operative staging by fractional curettage with or without hysteroscopy was compared with post-operative histological diagnoses. The accuracy rates of diagnosis at final stages I and II were 91.4% and 79.4%, respectively, with hysteroscopy. There figures were not significantly different from those of 91.4% and 77.7% without hysteroscopy. The accuracy rate for diagnosis at the final stage I was 98.0% with the hystero-fiberscope and significantly higher than that with rigid hysteroscopy (86.0%). Tumor cells in the pelvic cavity were examined at the time of operation in 1,115 patients. Tumor cells were found in 8.5% of those in stage I, 18.8% of those in stage II, 64.7% of those in stage III and 75.0% of those in Stage IV by hysteroscopy. These values were not significantly different from those of 7.3%, 22.7%, 57.1% and 81.1%, respectively, observed without hysteroscopy. These findings indicate that hystero-fiberscopy might be valuable for the pre-operative diagnosis of endometrial cancer, but has no effect on cytological malignancy in the peritoneal cavity.

Localization of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase in neurons and glia in monkey brain

The localization of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase in monkey brain was investigated by the immunoperoxidase method using the monoclonal antibody (PES-7) raised against the enzyme purified from bovine seminal vesicle. The frozen sections with 30-microns thickness were employed after the brain was fixed with perfusion of 2% paraformaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline. The immunoreactivity was most intense in the neurons of cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and was moderate in the neurons of caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus and amygdala, while it was relatively weak in glial cells in the whole brain regions including the white matter. The majority of neurons showed the immunoreactivity in the somata and proximal dendrites, but exceptionally in the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, positive staining was also observed in the apical dendrites. In the cerebellum, the immunoreactivity in both neurons and glia was rather faint as compared with that in other regions. Positive staining was not significantly observed in the vasculatures and arachnoid membranes. These findings indicate that most of neuronal and glial cells in monkey brain contain the enzyme of the rate-limiting and initial step of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins which regulate a variety of neural functions.

Establishment and characterization of a cell line (OMC-3) originating from a human mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary

A new human ovarian carcinoma cell line, designated OMC-3, was established from the mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of a 59-year-old woman. This cell line has grown well for 65 months and has been subcultured more than 50 times. Monolayer-cultured cells are polygonal in shape, showing a pavement-like arrangement and a tendency to pile up without contact inhibition. The chromosomal number shows aneuploidy and the modal chromosomal number is in the hypodiploid range. The cells were transplanted into the subcutis of nude mice and produced tumors resembling the original tumor. Ten thousand OMC-3 cells produced CA-125 (228-580 U) and CA-19-9 (2900-5640 U) during 17 days in culture media. CA-125 and CA-19-9 were demonstrated immunohistochemically in the original tumor, heterotransplanted tumor, and OMC-3 cells. The cells contain no estrogen or progesterone receptors. OMC-3 cells were sensitive to actinomycin D, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, and mitomycin C in vitro. Three other reports of ovarian mucinous carcinoma cell lines are reviewed.

[Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of extension in uterine cervical cancer cases with special attention to imaging planes]

To prove the usefulness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in determining the invasion of uterine cervical cancer with imaging planes, we evaluated 44 patients with histologically proved cervical cancer. MRI was performed with a Signa 1.5 T (General Electric), and a T2-weighted image was used. In coronal planes, the accuracy was 75.0% for parametrial invasion. It was impossible to diagnose in 77.8%, 92.1% and 63.2% the invasion of the uterine body, bladder and rectum, respectively. In axial planes, the accuracy was 76.3%, 92.1% and 78.9% for the invasion of parametrium, bladder and rectum, respectively. It was impossible to diagnose in 72.2% the invasion of the uterine body. In sagittal planes, the accuracy was 80.6%, 97.4% and 89.7% for invasion of the uterine body, bladder and rectum, respectively. In all 39 cases it was impossible to diagnose parametrial invasion. In five cases, MRI failed to detect the tumor in any of the three planes, but in three cases it was able to detect the tumor in at least one of the three. We conclude as follows: 1) MRI is a useful method in determining the invasion of cervical cancer. 2) Coronal planes are recommended for the determination of parametrial invasion, axial planes for the parametrium, bladder and rectum, and sagittal planes for the uterine body, bladder and rectum. 3) All three planes are needed to determine cervical cancer.

Lymphatics, intraepithelial lymphocytes and endometrial lymphoid tissues in the rabbit uterus: an electron microscopic and immunohistological study

Rabbit uterine intraepithelial lymphocytes, endometrial lymphoid aggregates and lymphatic capillaries were examined electron-microscopically and immunohistochemically at well-defined intervals after the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Lymphatic capillaries originated near the bases of the glands in the uterine cervix and in the border zone between the lamina propria mucosae and myometrium in the uterine body. The lymphatic capillaries were maximally dilated, and their endothelial cells were thinnest 8 hours after hCG injection. Patent junctions between the adjacent endothelial cells of lymphatics in the uterine body were observed in good accordance with the appearance of stromal edema and lymphatic dilatation. The numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes and macrophages changed cyclically after the induction of ovulation. They were highest 11 hours after hCG injection when lymphocytes were seen occasionally in the lumens of lymphatics located in the lamina propria mucosae of the uterine body. Most of the intraepithelial and interstitial lymphocytes were cells labeled with T cell serum but some were labeled with IgA serum and were occasionally seen beneath the epithelium. Lymphoid aggregates were uniformly present in the stratum basalis and consisted of lymphocytes and macrophages. They had no germinal centers, surrounding lymphatics or high endothelial venules (HEV). The results suggest that lymphatic capillaries are the main route for the removal of edema fluid and for migratory lymphoid cells in the rabbit uterus.

[Bone marrow suppression in gynecological patients with malignant tumor treated with combination chemotherapy cyclophosphamide, pirarubicin and cisplatin]

We treated 14 patients with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatin (CAP), and 16 patients with cyclophosphamide, Pirarubicin and cisplatin (CTP). Hematological changes in the peripheral blood were compared in the two groups to determine whether there was any difference in bone marrow suppression. 1) The lowest leukocyte counts were similar in the two groups. The leukocyte count reached its nadir at 11.6 +/- 2.1 days in the CTP group and at 15.1 +/- 2.8 days in the CAP group, a significant difference (p less than 0.01). 2) The leukocyte count recovered rapidly in the CTP group and was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) at 3 to 4 weeks than in the CAP group, and it returned to the pretreatment level in the CTP group in the fourth week. 3) The platelet count reached its lowest level in the second week in both groups. In the CTP group, it was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than in the CAP group. 4) Reticulocyte count reached its lowest level in the first week in both groups, and then started increasing. 5) In the CTP group, a course of treatment was 28.0 +/- 2.3 days and it was 29.5 +/- 2.3 days in the CAP group. In 28% of the CPA group, it took 30 days or more for the leukocyte count to return to normal after one course, while none of the CTP group did the leukocyte count remain low for 30 days. These results show that CTP causes more rapid bone marrow suppression (particularly leukocytopenia) than CAP, does but that a recovery is more rapid with CTP. These CTP may be a better form of treatment than CAP.

Scatchard analysis of EGF receptor and effects of EGF on growth and TA-4 production of newly established uterine cervical cancer cell line (OMC-1)

Effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on growth and tumor antigen-4 (TA-4) production of newly established uterine cervical cancer cell line (OMC-1) are reported. OMC -1 was established from a metastatic lesion of Virchow's lymph node of a large cell non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and successively subcultured for about 4 years. Scatchard analysis of EGF binding to OMC-1 cells indicated a single class of binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 360 pM. The theoretical maximum number of binding sites was 2.4 x 10(4) sites/cell. The growth of OMC-1 cells was stimulated by EGF at 0.01-0.1 nM and inhibited at higher concentrations. The TA-4 production of OMC-1 cells was slightly stimulated by EGF at 0.01-1 nM and significantly stimulated at 10 nM. OMC-1 may serve as one of the available model systems for studies of regulation of proliferation and tumor marker production by EGF, particularly in cervical squamous cell carcinomas.

Establishment and characterization of CA 125 producing cell line (OMC-2) originating from a human endometrial adenocarcinoma

A new human endometrial carcinoma cell line, designated OMC-2, was established from the endometrial adenocarcinoma of a 59-year-old woman. This cell line has grown well for 51 months and has been subcultured more than 50 times. Monolayer cultured cells are polygonal in shape, showing a pavement-like arrangement and a piling up tendency without contact inhibition. The chromosomal number shows aneuploidy and the modal chromosomal number is in the diploid range. The cells were transplanted into the subcutis of nude mice and produced tumors resembling the original tumor. 1 X 10(5) OMC-2 cells produced CA 125 (184-682 U) during 19 days in culture media. CA 125 was demonstrated immunohistochemically in the original tumor, heterotransplanted tumor, and OMC-2 cells. The cells contain no estrogen or progesterone receptors. Twenty-nine other reports of endometrial carcinoma cell lines are reviewed.

Lymphatics and lymphoid tissue of the fallopian tube: immunoelectronmicroscopic study

Lymphoid tissue of the human fallopian tube consists of follicles, lymphoepithelium, and lymphatic and blood capillaries and is located consistently in the interstitial part of the human fallopian tube. Using an immunoelectronmicroscopic technique, we have elucidated the ultrastructure of the lymphoid tissue of the human fallopian tube and the fine distribution and ultrastructure of the lymphatics associated with the rabbit fallopian tube. Lymphatic capillaries arise in the lamina propria mucosa and the periphery of follicles, where they are sparsely distributed, run through the muscular layer, and form a dense network in the subserosa. Characteristic features of the ultrastructure are aggregations of smooth muscle cells, alternating areas of densely and sparsely distributed collagen fibers, and unmyelinated nerve fibers beneath the lymphatic endothelium. Immunoelectronmicroscopic analysis has demonstrated an obvious difference in the distribution of T- and B-lymphocytes in the lymphoid tissue of the human fallopian tube. Many T-lymphocytes are present in the follicles and epithelium, but B-lymphocytes are either absent or rarely found. T-lymphocytes sometimes infiltrate into the basal lamina of the epithelium lying in close contact with the follicles. We conclude that the lymphoid tissue is constantly located in the interstitial part of the human fallopian tube and that intraepithelial lymphocytes, mainly T-lymphocytes, migrate via the basal lamina of the epithelium from follicles. Lymphatic capillaries in the fallopian tube may be the main migratory route of intraepithelial lymphocytes. The intraepithelial lymphocytes and epithelial cells of the fallopian tube have attracted considerable interest as a result of immunological studies of the recognition of spermatozoal antigens and the fertilized ovum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[In vitro studies of 5-FU sensitivity on uterine cervical cancer cell lines--comparison between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma]

In order to improve the postoperative survival rate of patients with cervical cancer, we have treated them with adjuvant chemotherapy (oral Tegafur) and proved this treatment to be useful. However, the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma cases has not been improved yet. In this study, 5-FU sensitivity, morphological changes and DNA metabolism of cultured cervical cancer cells were examined using OMC-1 and OMC-4 cell line originating from cervical squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, respectively. The EC 50 (Effective Concentration for 50% Cell Kill) of 5-FU on OMC-1 and OMC-4 cells after 96 hours of incubation with 5-FU was 0.13 micrograms/ml and 9.1 micrograms/ml, respectively. The morphological changes were more prominent in OMC-1 cells than in OMC-4 cells after 192 hours of incubation with 0.1 micrograms/ml of 5-FU. The incorporation of 3H-deoxyuridine into the DNA was inhibited more significantly in OMC-1 cells than in OMC-4 cells even at a low concentration of 5-FU. The intracellular FdUMP and thymidylate synthetase (TS) inhibition rate of OMC-1 and OMC-4 after 96 hours of incubation with 0.1 microgram/ml of 5-FU was 4.7 pmol/g and less than 2.6 pmol/g, 58.7% and 60.0%, respectively. These results suggest that 5-FU sensitivity of cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (OMC-4) is lower than that of cervical squamous carcinoma cell line (OMC-1) and it may owe much not to the TS inhibition rate but to the intracellular FdUMP.

Two patients with hypergonadotropic ovarian failure due to pituitary hyperplasia

Two patients with hypergonadotropic ovarian failure were examined. Plasma levels of LH and FSH were markedly elevated to over 113 mIU/mL (Second International Reference Preparation--human menopausal gonadotropin standard), but the FSH/LH ratio was 1 or less in both women. The plasma estradiol (E2) level was 65 pg/mL in one woman before medication, and in the other increased from below 25 to 130 pg/mL after large doses of clomiphene citrate treatment. The pituitary tissues removed by transsphenoidal surgery showed hyperplasia with numerous cells immuno-histochemically positive for LH and FSH. After surgery, the elevated plasma gonadotropins decreased and plasma E2 levels increased. Human menopausal gonadotropin after clomiphene citrate treatment induced ovulation in one patient, and cyclic administration of estrogen and progesterone induced ovulation in the other. These results suggest that elevated gonadotropins may suppress ovarian function in some cases.

[Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate on side effects of CAP therapy in gynecological malignant tumors]

We concomitantly administered a large dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to gynecological malignant tumor patients undergoing CAP therapy (CAP). Hematological changes in the peripheral blood were compared between concomitant MPA patients and those not receiving MPA to examine the effect of MPA in reducing the marrow depression which is the major side effect of CAP. 1) Leukocyte count reached minimum at the second week of CAP in both groups. There was no significant difference in the count between the two groups. At the third week of CAP, the count improved to 84% of the pre-CAP level in patients receiving MPA and to 68% in those not receiving MPA, a significant difference (p less than 0.01). At the fourth week, leukocyte counts were 105% and 96% of pre-CAP levels, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups, but the leukocyte count returned to the pre-CAP level in the patients receiving MPA. 2) Platelet count showed changes similar to those in the leukocyte count. In patients receiving MPA, the count improved more rapidly within three weeks (118%, p less than 0.01), and was significantly higher at the fourth week (107%, p less than 0.05) than in patients not receiving MPA. 3) Reticulocyte count reached minimum in the first week, thereafter improving rapidly in both groups. No differences were noted between the two groups. 4) The periods needed for one course of CAP were 27.7 +/- 3.3 days in the patients receiving MPA and 29.5 +/- 3.7 days in the patients not receiving MPA, making for a significant difference between the two groups (p less than 0.05). These results show that MPA accelerates recovery from marrow depression caused by CAP. It is anticipated, therefore, that MPA will be helpful in the application of various chemotherapies which are expected to be frequently conducted in the future.