Use of real‐time magnetic resonance image guidance in endoscopic sinus surgery

We evaluated the effectiveness of magnetic resonance image (MRI) guidance using an optical tracking system (MRI-guided therapy: MRT) in performing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The profiles of the fourteen patients in the present study were as follows: eleven with mucocele in the paranasal sinus, one with recurrent chronic sinusitis, one with maxillary cancer, and one with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Preparation of the MRT system required an additional 54 min in cases involving general anesthesia, and an additional 17 min in cases involving local anesthesia, in comparison with corresponding control groups undergoing ESS in a traditional operating room. We developed nonmetal probes that were visualized in a real-time mode and assistive devices for the optical tracking system that were equipped to avoid obstruction caused by surgical instruments as well as by the hands of surgeons. Using these unique devices, anatomic landmarks were visualized using the present MRT system. The prognosis of patients was favorable, and in particular, no patients with sinus mucocele showed a recurrence of their lesions. We concluded that the MRT system used here for performing ESS was beneficial, especially in terms of the intranasal marsupialization of sinus mucoceles and for the verification of orbital contents.

The transcriptional landscape of the mammalian genome

This study describes comprehensive polling of transcription start and termination sites and analysis of previously unidentified full-length complementary DNAs derived from the mouse genome. We identify the 5' and 3' boundaries of 181,047 transcripts with extensive variation in transcripts arising from alternative promoter usage, splicing, and polyadenylation. There are 16,247 new mouse protein-coding transcripts, including 5154 encoding previously unidentified proteins. Genomic mapping of the transcriptome reveals transcriptional forests, with overlapping transcription on both strands, separated by deserts in which few transcripts are observed. The data provide a comprehensive platform for the comparative analysis of mammalian transcriptional regulation in differentiation and development.

[Japanese cedar pollen in house dust]

Caring for oneself against Japanese cedar pollinosis is important as well as receiving medical-care. Although the importance of avoiding pollen is described in the guideline for nasal allergy medical treatment, however, there is no information for effective dust cleaning for the home. This study examined how many cedar pollens were included in indoor dust in order to obtain basic data whether dust removal for cedar pollen is available for pollinosis suffers. As a result, the study found that there were many Japanese cedar pollens in indoor dust even before the pollen season. Cedar pollen increased with the increasing number of airborne pollen. The highest number of pollen found in one week was approximately 450 pollens in a square meter of a living room floor. The study concluded that cleaning is one of the best way to remove Japanese cedar pollens found in indoor dust.

Endoscopic surgery for a parathyroid functioning adenoma resection with the neck region-lifting method

Recently, endoscopic surgery has been applied to cervical exploration. We have developed new techniques for endoscopic neck surgery. We reported on a 53-year-old Japanese man with functioning parathyroid adenoma resected by endoscopic surgery with a neck region-lifting method. A 10-mm midline trocar for the endoscope and two 5-mm lateral trocars were inserted from the anterior chest wall to avoid neck scars. There were no intraoperative complications. The incisions were completely covered by the patient's undergarments.

[IFOBT-positive gastric cancer]

Among 888 patients who underwent operation or endoscopic resection for gastric cancer (1994-1998), 75 patients, who had no colorectal disease or only small polyps 5 mm or less in diameter, were positive on the immunologic fecal occult blood test (IFOBT) (the positive group). They are compared with the other 813 patients (the negative group) as to the following 6 points: symptoms, presence of anemia, depth of invasion including macroscopic appearance, location, maximum diameter of lesions, and microscopic findings. The rate of positive-IFOBT gastric cancer was 8.4%. The average blood hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the positive group than in the negative group. Advanced cancers, especially type 2 and 3, were significantly more frequent in the positive group than in the negative group. The size of the lesions tended to be larger in the positive group than in the negative group. There was no difference between the groups as to symptoms, location, depth of invasion and microscopic findings. In conclusion, IFOBT-positive patients who have no colorectal disease or only small polyps 5 mm or less in diameter should be recommended to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Regulation of tumor growth as a 'total mass' in mice: apoptosis as a major mechanism in altering growth rates of single and multiple coexisting tumor nodules

Earlier studies have suggested that a solid tumor behaves, in its general pattern of growth, like a normal integrated organ. In this study, the growth patterns of spherically shaped tumor nodules are re-examined using an accurate tumor volume-measuring procedure, with the aim of investigating the possible role of apoptosis in regulating tumor growth. Observations revealed at least three distinct phases of growth: rapid growth phase I, slower growth phase II and 'stationary' phase III. Transition from one phase to the next was primarily due to an increase in the level of apoptosis and not to a decrease in the cell proliferation rate. The level of apoptosis, at a given phase, was similar in a single nodule and each of the multiple coexisting nodules of the same tumor line. However, temporal shifts in apoptosis levels caused early phase transition in coexisting nodules, such that their total volume was the same as that of a single nodule. It can be concluded that apoptosis appears to be a primary mechanism regulating tumor growth as a 'total mass', irrespective of whether the tumor exists in one or multiple nodules, if derived from the same tumor line.

BALB/c 3T3 cells co-expressing FGF-2 and soluble FGF receptor acquire tumorigenicity

The physiological significance of the soluble fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors is not clear yet although they are present in blood, vitreous fluid and in the extracellular matrix of vascular endothelial cells. A hypothesis that they might help FGF-2 release from cells is very interesting because FGF-2 does not have clear secretion signal and the mechanism of the secretion of FGF-2 is still unclear. Single overexpression of FGF-2 is related neither to the secretion potential of the molecule nor to the tumorigenicity of the cells. In this report, BALB/c 3T3 cells transformed with the full length of human FGF-2 cDNA are further transformed with the cDNA coding the extracellular domain of human FGF receptor 1. The obtained transformants co-expressing FGF-2 and soluble FGF receptor are highly tumorigenic in nude mice, while the parental cells do not show any tumorigenicity. In the conditioned medium of the double-transformants, FGF-2 is immunologically detected. These results suggest that naturally produced soluble form of FGF receptor supports the release of FGF-2 from the cells and that over-expression of these two molecules leads to induce the malignant tumours in vivo.

[Spinal electrostimulation in the treatment of advanced chronic obliterating arteriopathies]

From 1989 to 1992 83 patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease without medical or surgical possibilities, were treated by spinal cord stimulation (SCS). We studied claudicatio intermittens, rest pain and ischemic lesion behaviour in all the patients. We also studied microcirculation behaviour of 21 patients, by oxygen transcutaneous tension (vasodilatation index VI = TcPO2 42 degrees C: TcPO2 45 degrees C) and laser Doppler flowmetry (resting flow RF, standing flow SF, venoarteriolar reflex VAR = RF - SF, flow temperature increase FTI = F 40 degrees C 15'-RF). The clinical follow-up at 2 years showed an improvement of walking distance in 85.7% of 7 controls, a complete rest pain control in 82.35% of 17 controls, an improvement and healing of ischemic lesions respectively in 27.07% and 53.86% of 18 controls. In arteriosclerotic arteriopathy with or without diabetes but without neuropathy VI increased and FTI decreased, after SCS, showing a sympathetic tone decrease. In arteriosclerotic arteriopathy with diabetic neuropathy V.I. decreased and FTI increased, after SCS, showing a sympathetic tone reappearance. VAR improved or reappeared, in arteriosclerotic arteriopathy with or without diabetes, showing improvement of tissue perfusion as regards a better efficiency of "paramicrovessels" and "microvascular unit". We believe that SCS, as regards favourable clinical results represents a useful and effective treatment in peripheral vascular disease treatment.

Recombinant human pancreatic ribonuclease produced in E. coli: importance of the amino-terminal sequence

Human pancreatic ribonuclease 1 (hRNase 1) in the mature form has been produced in E. coli using T7 expression system. The recombinant hRNase 1 protein was solubilized from the inclusion bodies, refolded in glutathione redox system, and purified through chromatographic procedures by utilizing cation-exchange and reversed-phase columns. The ribonucleolytic activity of recombinant hRNase 1 was examined on yeast RNA and cytidylyl-3',5'-adenosine revealing the distinctive ribonucleolytic activity. The activity was perfectly inhibited by human placental RNase inhibitor. Truncation of 7 amino acid residues in the amino-terminal sequence resulted in much reduction in ribonucleolytic activity and in affinity to human placental RNase inhibitor with the disintegration of secondary structures of the protein observed by circular dichroism spectra. The present study has revealed the important contribution of the amino-terminal sequence of hRNase 1 to the characteristics of the protein.

Nucleotide sequence encoding human pancreatic ribonuclease

A cDNA coding for human pancreatic ribonuclease was isolated from a pancreas cDNA library and sequenced. This cDNA (1620 bp) includes an entire open reading frame encoding mature protein (128 aa) following a signal peptide (28 aa) as well as 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions.

Gene ecology: a cis-acting gene-to-gene interaction due to the spatial arrangement of genes in chromosomes affects neighbouring transfected c-H-ras expression

A cis-acting interference between gene activities, which occurs when two genes lie on the same DNA strand and have an intergenic distance less than a defined length, was previously deduced when chromosomal organizations of various higher eukaryote nuclear genes in clusters were compared. In order to investigate such an interference due to arrangement of genes along chromosomes, we have isolated a few cell lines which possessed (i) human mutated c-H-ras fused with the mouse mammary tumour virus long terminal repeat and (ii) the E. coli xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (gpt) gene with the SV40 promoter, on the same or on different DNA strands, separated by a short intergenic distance or unlinked. Since the cancerous phenotype of a cell can be readily identified due to c-H-ras expression, we examined in these cell lines whether continuous c-H-ras expression, induced by dexamethasone, is disturbed through a cis-acting gene-to-gene interaction when the expression of the neighbouring gpt gene is enforced and as a result, the cancerous state of a cell is converted to the 'normal' state. The enforced expression of the neighbouring gpt gene was shown to alter c-H-ras expression, and thus reversible conversion of a cell between cancerous and normal states occurred only when the cell possessed an optimum number of the gene pair, in which both c-H-ras and the gpt gene were on the same DNA strand. This implies that the spatial arrangement of genes in chromosomes plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression in a cluster.

Morphology of the kidney of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus: Monotremata)

The platypus kidney shows morphological similarities to those of other mammals. Macroscopically, the cortex is easily distinguishable from the fairly wide medulla. Within the medulla, no clear border is observed between the inner and outer zones. Light and transmission electron microscopically, the glomeruli show quite similar architecture to those of other mammals; however, the glomerular lobulation is very clear. The glomerular tufts are rather simple, but capillary lumen varies widely in size, which is one of the unique features of the platypus kidney. The urinary tubule is generally similar to that of human and other mammals in shape and segmentation; however, the staining specificities of histochemical reactions and the shape of epithelial cells of the Henle's loop differ from those of other mammals. The most conspicuous features are: 1) although no protein casts are found in the tubular lumina, epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) have numerous electron-dense vesicles as in human nephrotic kidneys; and 2) the platypus Henle's loop consists of the thick epithelial cells similar to the mammalian type nephron of birds. As compared to those of other mammals such as humans and rats, our observations suggest that the platypus kidney is less developed, in terms of evolution.

An optimum dose of c-H-ras is a prerequisite for hormone-dependent conversion of a cell between cancerous and normal states in tissue culture

We have established a few cell lines which can be reversibly converted from cancerous to normal and vice versa by the addition to, or removal from the culture medium of glucocorticoid hormone. These cell lines were derived from mouse NIH 3T3 cells and possessed the integrated gene pairs on chromosomes, which are composed of human mutated c-H-ras fused with mouse mammary tumour virus long terminal repeat and E. coli xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene with the SV40 promoter. We have characterised these cell lines in order to elucidate an essential requirement for the conversion of the state of a cell. It was found that the presence of at least two to three copies of the gene pair per diploid genome are essential. An approximate threshold level of c-H-ras 1.6 kb RNA required for reversible conversion was estimated.

Histochemical studies on the mechanism of macromolecule leakage across the glomerular capillary wall. Barrier effect of the anionic groups of the capillary wall against the serum protein leakage

For the purpose of revealing the barrier effect of the anionic groups of glomerular capillary wall against the serum protein leakage, morphologic and histochemical observations were made on the rat kidney perfused in situ with three kinds of cationic macromolecules different in chemical characteristics followed by blood flow restoration. The polyethyleneimine perfusion resulted in the complete disapperance of ionized anionic groups of glomerular capillary and the massive protein leakage through glomeruli by blood flow restoration. Cationic ferric colloid perfusion induced moderate protein leakage, and avidin perfusion was less in neutralization effect of anionic groups and the protein leakage was of least. The protein leakage from glomeruli, however, was stopped or markedly suppressed soon after the blood flow restoration by the newly formed functioning anionic barrier probably by some particular serum protein deposition. The findings indicate that the deionization of the glomerular capillary wall will not be responsible for the persistent albuminuria.

Transport of ferritin from Kupffer cells to liver parenchymal cells. Morphological and immunocytochemical observations

In attempting to determine the pathway of ferritin from Kupffer cells to liver parenchymal cells, anionic iron colloid particles of a ferric hydroxide-potassium polyvinyl sulfate complex (Fe-PVS) were injected intravenously into blood-depleted anemic rats. After iron loading, the process of ferritin formation and the daily change in the latter's distribution in the liver were studied by ultrastructural-immunocytochemical techniques. Three days after Fe-PVS injection, a mass of reaction products of ferritin was found in Kupffer cells, though not in the sinusoidal endothelial or parenchymal cells. Four days post-Fe-PVS injection, however, reaction products in Kupffer cells disappeared, while appearing in parenchymal cells. Observations at 3.5 days after the injection revealed heavy deposition of reaction products in the sinusoid and Disse's spaces as well. Electron microscopic observation of tissue sections treated with bismuth subnitrate taken at this stage revealed diffuse dispersion of ferritin particles in the cytoplasmic matrix of parenchymal cells as well as in the sinusoid and Disse's spaces. Ferritin particles were not found in the coated pits and vesicles of the Kupffer cells and parenchymal cells. Four days after injection, ferritin particles were found in clusters in the cytoplasm of the parenchymal cells and also in their lysosomal bodies. The results indicate that ferritin synthesized in Kupffer cells is released into sinusoidal and Disse's spaces and then accumulated in parenchymal cells.

Intestinal mucosa and intra-abdominal lymphoid tissues of the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus

The morphological features of the intestinal mucosa and intra-abdominal lymphoid tissues of the platypus were examined. The mucosal surface of the intestine was characterized by the formation of large folds instead of the finger-like villi found in placental mammals. The lamina propria of the mucosal fold was well developed and contained numerous lymphocytes, expressing the lymphoid nature which is characteristic of the lamina propria of mammalian intestines. Although numerous well-developed Peyer's patches were observed in the ileum, solitary lymphoid nodules could not be found anywhere in the small intestine. Other intra-abdominal lymphoid tissues, particularly mesenteric lymphoid nodules, were well developed. However, each nodule represented a single follicle in contrast to the mammalian mesenteric lymph node which is composed of numerous follicles fused together. On the basis of the above findings, the tissues in question are considered to be at an evolutionary level preceding that of placental mammals.

[Extended hypothermic heart-lung preservation system for cardiopulmonary preservation with retrograde coronary sinus perfusion and lung immersion]

One major restriction of clinical heart-lung transplantation has been the inability to provide extended hypothermic organ preservation. We examined whether core-cooling, retrograde heart perfusion and lung immersion could provide adequate cardiopulmonary preservation. Hence, donor dogs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, and rapidly cooled to 15 degrees C. Then heterotopic heart unilateral left lung transplantations were performed. In control group I (n = 5), hearts and lungs were harvested following core-cooling and cardioplegic arrest, and transplanted immediately. In experimental group II (n = 5), heart-lung blocks were similarly excised but stored at 4 degrees C for 12 hours and then transplanted. During preservation, the lungs were immersed in the extracellular solution. For the heart, non-recirculating retrograde coronary sinus perfusion was performed with oxygenated intracellular solution containing perfluorochemicals. Myocardial function determined by the ratio of end-systolic pressure to end-systolic dimension in the experimental group was similar to that in controls. Although pulmonary vascular resistance and extravascular lung water of the experimental group was higher than those in control group, arterial oxygenation was similar in both groups. Thus, extended heart-lung preservation with core-cooling, retrograde heart perfusion and lung immersion technique could be achieved for heart-lung transplantation.

Melano-macrophage centers in the aglomerular kidney of the sea horse (teleosts): morphologic studies on its formation and possible function

In order to elucidate the process of the formation and possible function of the renal "melano-macrophage centers (MMC)" of fish, light and electron microscopic observations were carried out on the aglomerular kidney of the sea horse, Hippocampus kuda BLEEKER, injected with antigenic horse-spleen ferritin (AF) and nonantigenic carbon particles (CP). Kidneys of the sea horse have well-developed hemopoietic foci in the interstitial tissues surrounding the bundles of renal tubules. Each hemopoietic focus has a small artery in the central area and is framed with the densely arranged sinusoids lined with monolayered macrophages which have no melanin pigments. In the hemopoietic foci free macrophages (M phi) were hardly found, but large clusters of MMC filled with densely packed masses of cell debris with some melanin pigments were encountered. Some of them had degenerated M phi with fibrotic change surrounded by fibroblasts. AF and CP injected intraperitoneally entered quickly into blood vessels and were taken up actively by the sinusoidal M phi. The M phi full of AF or CP left the sinusoidal wall and moved gradually into hemopoietic foci to form the MMC or to fuse with the preexisting MMC. The melanophores in the interstitial connective tissue joined to form the MMC. No specific histologic change suggestive of immune response to the AF was present in and around the MMC. The results indicate that the MMC of fish should be only the aggregates of M phi to digest the ingested materials effectively. The process of formation of MMC and their possible function is discussed.

Intestinal absorption of cationic and anionic ferric colloids and complexes: biochemical, histochemical and morphological observations in rats

This experiment was undertaken to study the possible difference in the intestinal iron absorption efficiency among iron compounds with different electric charges. Observation of rats given oral administration of 59Fe-labeled cationic cacodylate ferric (59Fe-Cac) colloid, anionic citrate ferric (59Fe-Cit) colloid, cationic 59Fe-Cac complex and anionic 59Fe-Cit complex revealed that iron absorption was more efficient in the 59Fe-Cac colloid, moderate in the 59Fe-Cac complex, low in the 59Fe-Cit colloid, and lowest in the 59Fe- cases given 59Fe-Cac colloid and 59Fe-Cac complex, a very high ratio activity was found in the liver and in the erythrocyte or hemoglobin in circulating blood, while the blood plasma, bone marrow, and spleen were low in activity. Histochemical observations of rat jejunal mucosa exposed independently for 10 min to the Fe-Cac colloid, anionic Fe-Cit colloid, and Fe-Cac and Fe-Cit complexes revealed that the cationic Fe-Cac colloid and Fe-Cac complex adhered to the luminal surface of the mucosa covering the apical area of villi with some ferric iron in the capillaries, while the anionic Fe-Cit colloid and complex did not adhere to the epithelial cells and were found free in the jejunal lumen. Electron microscopy revealed that Fe-Cac colloid particles were taken into epithelial cells by pinocytosis at the webs of microvilli, moved to the Golgi area, exocytosed to the intercellular spaces, and then translocated into the basement membrane toward blood capillaries.

Adenine uptake cells in the rat kidney with remarks on the expression of Ia antigen

The patterns of [14C] adenine ([14C]A) incorporation into DNA by proliferative cells in the kidney were studied by the autoradiographic technique. It was revealed that, after 3 daily injections of [14C]A (1 microCi/g body weight each), a portion of the glomerular cells and a few fibroblastoid cells in the cortical intexstitium incorporated [14C]A into DNA to a remarkable extent. Such cells also incorporated [3H]thymidine, but to a lesser extent. The cells which incorporate [14C]A to a particularly great extent (adenine uptake cells) also occur in other tissues. Such cells are confined to a few cell types of either the macrophage or fibroblast or reticulum cell lines. This fact suggests that the adenine uptake cells observed in the glomerulus are also of a similar cell line and most likely mesangial cells. By immunohistochemical examination for Ia antigen, adenine uptake cells are divided into Ia-positive and Ia-negative types. The present examination showed that the major portion of adenine uptake cells in the glomerulus are Ia-negative, and it is suggested that these cells are analogous to the Ia-negative macrophages in the lung. This suggestion is supported by the fact that, in the glomerulus, colloidal carbon uptake cells (macrophage-like cells) are present in fairly large numbers. The Ia-positive cells seem to be of the same cell line as the adenine uptake cells that express Ia antigen in other tissues, such as septal fibroblasts in the lung.

Successful extended hypothermic cardiopulmonary preservation for heart-lung transplantation

The inability to obtain sufficiently extended hypothermic organ preservation is a major restriction on clinical heart-lung transplantation. We used core cooling, nonrecirculating retrograde heart perfusion, and lung immersion with liposomal recombinant human superoxide dismutase in an attempt to provide effective 12-hour cardiopulmonary preservation. Donor dogs supported by cardiopulmonary bypass were rapidly cooled to 15 degrees C with cardioplegic arrest, and heterotopic heart and unilateral left lung transplantations were performed. In control dogs (n = 7), hearts and lungs, harvested after core cooling and cardioplegic arrest, were transplanted with a total mean ischemic time of 88 +/- 5 minutes. In group II (n = 7), heart-lung blocks were similarly excised but preserved at 4 degrees C for 12 hours (756 +/- 30 minutes) and then transplanted. During preservation, the lungs were immersed in hyperosmolar extracellular solution. For the heart, retrograde coronary sinus perfusion was performed with intracellular solution containing perfluorochemicals at a temperature of 4 degrees C and a rate of 30 ml/hr for 12 hours. In group III (n = 7), donor organs were similarly excised and preserved for 12 hours (726 +/- 39 minutes), except that liposomal recombinant human superoxide dismutase was administered during harvest, preservation, and reperfusion. Myocardial function, assessed by the ratio of end-systolic pressure to end-systolic dimension, after the 12-hour preservation period in both experimental groups was similar to that of the control group 4 and 6 hours after transplantation. The mean arterial oxygen capacity of the transplanted left lung during ventilation with an inspired oxygen concentration of 40% was also similar in each group. In contrast, the 12-hour preservation of pulmonary function assessed by pulmonary vascular resistance, the accumulation of extravascular lung water, and histologic evidence of alveolar wall injury, interstitial edema, and perivascular hemorrhage were significantly impaired in the absence of liposal recombinant human superoxide dismutase. These findings suggest that successful extended cardiopulmonary preservation for heart-lung transplantation is possible with core cooling, nonrecirculating retrograde heart perfusion, and hypothermic lung immersion incorporating liposomal recombinant human superoxide dismutase.

An experimental study on the pathway of iron transfer from macrophages to erythrocytes in rat liver

In order to reveal the pathway of iron release from macrophages, a 59Fe-labelled ferric hydroxide-potassium polyvinyl sulfate complex (Fe-PVS) was injected intravenously into anemic rats and the level of radioactivity in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, blood plasma and red blood cells (RBC) was estimated at various time intervals after the injection. Histochemical observation of ferric iron and ferritin in the liver was also made on anemic rats treated using unlabelled Fe-PVS. Fe-PVS injection promoted the recovery of anemia causing a rapid increase in the RBC number, with activated erythropoiesis occurring in the spleen and bone marrow. Soon after the injection, most of the radio iron was found in the liver with a small amount in the circulating erythrocytes, bone marrow and spleen. The iron level in the liver decreased gradually with a rapid increase in the iron level of the erythrocytes which reached a very high level 6 days after the 59Fe-PVS injection. Histochemical observations showed a heavy deposition of ferritin in the Kupffer cells 3 days after Fe-PVS injection. This deposition was minimized after 6 days with an increase in the level of ferritin in the parenchymal cells in the central area of acini. The level of radioferritin estimated biochemically in the nonparenchymal cell fractions of the liver revealed that the level dropped by about one third approximately 3.5 days after the Fe-PVS injection, showing the stimulated ferritin release at this stage. Results indicate that Kupffer cells in the liver play an important role in ferritin synthesis from the phagocytized iron compounds and that the iron is supplied for erythroid cell proliferation.

A new method of the immunohistochemical detection of cellular antigens for light and electron microscopy

A new immunohistochemical method for light and electron microscopy of tissue- and cell-specific antigens by using ferric colloid-labeled antibody is presented. The antibodies labeled with the cationic cacodylate ferric colloid are stable and bind specifically to the target antigens to show clearly the site of antigens in tissue sections and on free cells by Prussian blue reaction for light microscopy and by the specific figure of electron opaque ferric colloid particles for electron microscopy. The staining procedure is very simple and it gives clear picture. So the method will be of beneficial for general laboratory use in immunohistochemical researches.

[High energy phosphates and mitochondrial respiratory function after 24 hours cardiac preservation--comparison between simple hypothermic immersion and continuous hypothermic perfusion]

Cardiac preservation is one of the most important step during heart transplantation. Prolonged preservation period is necessary to get the greater donor pool. To get safe prolonged preservation two methods, simple hypothermic immersion method (group A) and continuous hypothermic perfusion method (group B), were compared in this report by evaluating the myocardiac high energy phosphate level and mitochondrial respiratory function. The values of ATP, TAN and Energy charge were significantly higher in group B than group A (p less than 0.001). Mitochondrial respiratory function such as state 3 QO2, state 4 QO2, RCI and ADP/O also showed significantly higher values in group B than group A (p less than 0.001). These date indicate that continuous hypothermic perfusion method provides better preservation than simple hypothermic immersion method for 24 hours cardiac preservation.

Oxygenated perfluorocarbon, recombinant human superoxide dismutase, and catalase ameliorate free radical induced myocardial injury during heart preservation and transplantation

The effect of free radical scavengers on free radical-induced myocardial injury during heart preservation and transplantation was examined. Four groups of nine hearts each were harvested from mongrel dogs (12.5 to 16.5 kg) and orthotopically transplanted to size-matched recipients. All hearts received a continuous perfusion of oxygenated modified Collins' solution (group A). In addition, groups B, C, and D received Fluosol DA and albumin. Preservation perfusion was performed for 18 hours, at 4 degrees C, pH = 7.4, and 20 mm Hg. In group C, recombinant human superoxide dismutase (4,080 U/mg, 20 mg/kg) and bovine catalase (46,200 U/mg, 20 mg/kg) were administered only during preservation perfusion. In group D, these scavengers were administered just before and during reperfusion for 1 hour. Hemodynamic studies were performed before excision of the donor hearts and 1 hour after the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass. Creatinine kinase MB isoenzyme and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels in the coronary effluent were determined during preservation perfusion and reperfusion. Only group A showed a significant heart weight gain (p less than 0.05) and a decline in passive compliance (p less than 0.05) during preservation. Lactate release was higher in group A than in the groups receiving Fluosol DA. In contrast, pyruvate levels in group A were lower than in other groups. The generation of free radicals stayed at a low level during preservation, but significantly increased during reperfusion and was associated with a corresponding increase in creatinine kinase MB isoenzyme. Perfusion with a perfluorochemical solution (group B) inhibited the sharp rise in levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and of creatinine kinase MB isoenzyme and improved cardiac function during reperfusion (versus group A). Exogeneous free radical scavengers administered just before and during reperfusion (group D) significantly ameliorated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and creatinine kinase MB isoenzyme levels and also induced a significant hemodynamic improvement during reperfusion. However, administration of scavengers during preservation did not. This study demonstrates that the generation of free radicals is primarily significant during reperfusion and reoxygenation after ischemia. Thus the best time for administration of scavengers is just before and just after the onset of reperfusion. Furthermore, perfusion with perfluorochemicals effectively maintains aerobic metabolism and ameliorates free radical damage during this period.

Core-cooling, heart-perfusion, lung-immersion technique provides successful cardiopulmonary preservation for heart-lung transplantation

Mongrel dogs underwent heterotopic heart-orthotopic left lung transplantation. In Group I (N = 6), donor organs procured following core cooling to 15 degrees C on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with cardioplegic arrest were immediately transplanted. In Group II (N = 6), following cardioplegic arrest without CPB core-cooling, the pulmonary artery was flushed with modified Collins' solution. Heart-lung blocks were immersed in extracellular solution for 6 hours and then transplanted. In Groups III and IV (N = 6 each), following CPB core-cooling to 15 degrees C and cardioplegic arrest, the organ blocks were immersed in extracellular solution (Group III) and the heart was perfused with oxygenated extracellular solution (Group IV). Evaluation of lung function using differences in arterial oxygen tension between the left and right atria demonstrated no differences between groups. However, extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly elevated in Group II. Cardiac function assessed by the ratio of end-systolic pressure to end-systolic dimension was significantly better in Group IV than in Groups II and III. Thus, adequate 6-hour hypothermic cardiopulmonary preservation with core cooling plus heart perfusion can be achieved for heart-lung transplantation.

Twenty-four-hour isolated heart preservation by perfusion method with oxygenated solution containing perfluorochemicals and albumin

In Experiment 1 the donor hearts (group C) perfused for 24 hours with an intracellular-like solution containing perfluorochemicals, calcium antagonist, and albumin were compared with the hearts immersed for 24 hours in an intracellular-like solution to which calcium antagonist was added (group B) and the hearts in which the ischemic time was less than 1 hour (group A) followed by orthotopic heart transplantation. In Experiment 2 perfusates with (group I) and without (group II) perfluorochemicals and albumin were used for 24-hour isolated heart preservation. Periodic assessment of the hearts was performed during the perfusion. Experiment 1: All transplanted hearts started beating spontaneously. There was no statistically significant functional difference between the three groups. At the end of the preservation the creatinine phosphokinase and lactate releases of group C were at lower levels than those in group B. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the myocardium in group B was damaged more severely than in group C. Experiment 2: The level of the creatinine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase released in group I was lower than that in group II. The lactate concentration was at a lower level in group I. At the end of the preservation the pyruvate concentration was higher in group I. The gain in heart weight in group II was more marked than that in group I. The passive compliance decreased only in group II. It is suggested that the perfusion method is superior to the immersion method for 24-hour isolated heart preservation and that the perfusate containing perfluorochemicals and albumin is useful.

Experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis with pulmonary hemorrhage in rats. The dose-effect relationship of the nephritogenic antigen from bovine glomerular basement membrane

Experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis with pulmonary hemorrhage was induced in rats by a single injection of soluble antigen obtained from bovine glomerular basement membrane. Groups of rats were injected with various amounts of the nephritogenic antigen with Freund's complete adjuvant and killed 10 weeks later. Glomerulonephritis with linear deposition of IgG along the glomerular basement membrane developed in 7 of 10 rats injected with 10 micrograms of the antigen and all 20 rats of other 2 groups with 100 or 1,000 micrograms of the antigen. Pulmonary hemorrhage was observed in 21 of 27 rats with nephritis, and it was particularly severe in those injected with 1,000 micrograms. Glomerulonephritis with pulmonary hemorrhage and the linear deposition of IgG along with the glomerular basement membrane suggests that this model resembles human anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis including Goodpasture's syndrome. The nephritic rats showed symptoms of nephrotic syndrome such as hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceremia, and the severities of these symptoms clearly depended on the degree of proteinuria.

Degranulation effect of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe3+-NTA) on the pancreatic islet beta-cells: its acute toxic effect on glucose metabolism

A single injection of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe3+-NTA) caused a transitory increase in plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and plasma immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) in rats. They reached maximum levels at 2 days after injection and returned to the normal range at 10 days. At 2 days after Fe3+-NTA injection, blood glucose level was normal but the glucose tolerance test (GTT) was impaired. There was a further increase in plasma IRI level and IRG level was suppressed after glucose loading. At 10 days after Fe3+-NTA injection, glucose tolerance was normal and IRI also returned to the normal range. No degenerative changes were found on H.E.-stained rat pancreatic tissue sections after Fe3+-NTA injection. Histochemical staining, however, showed a reduction in beta-granules and heavy metals (Timm's granules) from islet cells in the central area of the rat pancreatic islet 1 to 3 days after injection of Fe3+-NTA. The fading remained in some islets even at 10 days after injection, but by then the beta-granule distribution was restored in most islet cells. The results indicate a single Fe3+-NTA injection induced transitory instability of the pancreatic islet beta-cell granules and the glucose intolerance with a hyperresponse of IRI.

Isolation and characterization of nephritogenic antigen from bovine glomerular basement membrane

A method for isolation of a potent nephritogenic antigen from bovine glomerular basement membrane has been established; the glomerular basement membrane was solubilized by trypsin digestion and fractionated successively by gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA-34, concanavalin A affinity chromatography and affinity chromatography on immobilized antibodies. The antigen thus prepared was found to be highly nephritogenic; it causes glomerulonephritis in rats by a single injection of 0.1 mg per individual. Amino acid and carbohydrate analyses revealed that the antigen is a glycoprotein which contains amino acids and sugars characteristic of collagen, namely, hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, glycine, glucose and galactose, although the relative amounts of these amino acids and sugars are less than those found in Type IV collagen of glomerular basement membrane.

The anionic barrier system in the mesonephric renal glomerulus of the arctic lamprey, Entosphenus japonicus (Martens) (Cyclostomata)

To examine the selective permeability of the nephrons of lower vertebrates, the permeability of the glomerulus in the kidney of an arctic lamprey, Entosphenus japonicus (Martens), to native anionic ferritin or cationized ferritin was studied by observing the distribution of ionized anionic groups in renal tissues. The cationized ferritin molecules injected into the dorsal aorta penetrated rapidly into the glomerular basement membrane layer through fenestrae present in the capillary endothelium and were subsequently excreted into the urinary spaces via the interstices between foot processes of the visceral epithelial cells. Native anionic ferritin, on the other hand, passed only minimally through the capillary wall. Cytochemical staining of fixed tissue or perfusion of the kidney in situ with cationic cacodylate-iron colloid revealed that the ionized anionic groups of acid mucopolysaccharides were distributed on both the luminal and abluminal surfaces of endothelial cells, and in the thick fibrous lamina rara interna of the glomerular basement membrane; they were especially dense on the surfaces of visceral epithelial cells and their foot processes. These results suggest that the mesonephric glomerulus of the arctic lamprey possesses a functionally well developed anionic barrier system comparable to that of the mammalian metanephric glomerulus.

The anionic barrier system on the mesonephric renal glomerulus of the brown hagfish, Paramyxine atami Dean (Cylostomi)

The distribution of anionic groups of acid mucopolysaccharides on the surface of glomerular constituents of a brown hagfish, Paramyxine atami Dean, has been studied morphologically. The ionized anionic groups of acid mucopolysaccharides were labeled on fixed tissues by staining with cationic cacodylate iron colloid (Fe-Cac) at pH 4.0. The glomerular permeability to cationic and anionic macromolecules was observed morphologically in the kidney of the animal injected with native anionic ferritin (NF) or cationized ferritin (CF) into the dorsal aorta. Histochemical staining of tissues with Fe-Cac (pH 4.0) revealed the ionized anionic groups of acid mucopolysaccharides on both luminal and abluminal surfaces of endothelial cells, within the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), and on the visceral epithelial cell surface facing the urinary space. The CF molecules introduced into the dorsal aorta easily passed through the fenestrae of the capillary endothelial cell layer and the thick fibrillar GBM, reaching the urinary space to be adsorbed to the visceral epithelial cell surface or taken up by these visceral epithelial cells. On the other hand, NF hardly passed through the capillary wall. These results show that the nonosmoregulating mesonephric glomerulus of the brown hagfish has a working anionic barrier system. The function of its glomerulus is compared to that of the mammalian metanephric glomerulus.

Absorption of elastase through the jejunal mucosa of the rat. An immunocytochemical study

In order to reveal the absorption process of elastase from the intestine, hog pancreatic elastase was injected into the ligated jejunum lumen of the rat, and the tissues were cytochemically observed at various times after injection. The peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method using anti-hog-elastase rabbit antibody was used for light microscopy, and the anti-elastase Fab'-peroxidase conjugate was used for electron microscopy. The tissues stained by the PAP method exhibited a dense deposition of reaction products on the luminal surface of epithelial cells and a moderate deposition in the blood and lymph capillaries of the intestinal villi. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the reaction product was deposited on the surface of the microvilli and in their pocketing; some was found in the pinocytotic vesicles in the terminal-web area and on the inner surface of the enlarged smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Round droplets which gave a positive reaction were found in the widened intercellular cleft and the thick basement membrane lining the blood capillaries and lymphatics. The jejunum retained its normal ultrastructure. The results indicate that the elastase molecules, which were introduced into the rat jejunum lumen, were absorbed without being decomposed through healthy intestinal epithelial cells by pinocytosis and translocated into blood and lymph capillaries.

Macromolecular charge and cellular surface charge in adhesion, ingestion, and blood vessel leakage

To get reliable information about the role of charged groups of tissue components on the integrity of blood circulation, the staining and perfusion experiments of rat organs with cationic (cacodylate iron colloid) and anionic iron colloid (chondroitin iron colloid) particles were carried out. These cationic and anionic iron colloid particles are stable in a wide range of pH's. Dissociation curves of several tissue components at varied pH levels were observed for the analysis of the results obtained by histochemical observations and perfusion experiments. The results indicated that all the intra- and extracellular spaces of living tissues are surrounded by the ionized anionic groups. No ionized cationic groups were found except on the macrophage surface. The cationic iron colloid particles perfused into organs through vessels adhered to the endothelial cell surface inducing the swelling of the cells. The cationic particles invaded into surrounding tissues passing through the damaged endothelial layer, but plasma protein leakage did not occur being prevented by the newly formed fibrin-fibrinogen lining. The anionic iron colloid particles introduced into vessels did not adhere to blood vessel walls but were taken by reticuloendothelial cells or macrophages. The importance of the ionized anionic groups of proteins on the endothelial cell surface and surrounding tissues for the integrity of blood vessel function was stressed.

The anionic barrier of blood vessel walls and the possible pathologic changes due to the deionization of the barrier and plasma proteins

For the purpose to observe the possible vessel wall damage by deionization of the related anionic groups the perfusion test of rat kidney and aorta with cationic iron colloid particles and the injection experiments with albumin-poly-L-lysine complex were carried out. By staining the fixed tissue sections with the cationic iron colloid at pH 7.3 the ionized anionic sites on vessel walls have been demonstrated histochemically. The perfusion test of living tissue with the cationic iron colloid induced the desquamation of the endothelial cells. The perfused colloid particles were adsorbed to the whole endothelial cell surfaces facing to luminal and subluminal sides. Albumin-poly-L-lysine complex injected into vein deposited in the subendothelial spaces of glomerular capillaries through the endothelial cell layer having the well-kept anionic barriers. Discussion was made on possible damage of vessels due to the deionization of anionic groups of endothelial cells and serum proteins by general cationic molecules.

A morphological study of ferritin synthesis in macrophages with ingested ferric hydroxide-potassium polyvinyl sulfate complexes

A ferric hydroxide-polyvinyl sulfate colloidal solution (Fe-PVS), prepared by mixing potassium polyvinyl sulfate (PVSK) and ferric hydroxide colloidal solution was used to study ferritin synthesis in rat peritoneal macrophages. The colloidal particles had spherical electron opaque ferric hydroxide cores with diameters of about 250 nm surrounded by radially arranged fibrous PVS molecules. They also had strong negative electric charges. Fe-PVS particles injected into the peritoneal cavity were taken up by the macrophages then disintegrated rapidly. In the phagolysosomes the electron opaque ferric hydroxide cores of Fe-PVS were denuded of their PVS frames then decomposed into small 5-6 nm granules 24 to 48 h after injection. These small granules were released from the lysosomes into the hyaloplasm and the myelin figures were found in the lysosomal vacuoles. No reaccumulation of granules in lysosomes was found even 3 months later. The intracellular distribution of ferritin in macrophages demonstrated by the immunocytochemical method showed a pattern similar to that of the small granules formed by the disintegration of Fe-PVS. This means that in rat peritoneal macrophages that contain ingested Fe-PVS particles ferritin first is synthesized in phagolysosomes by the ferric hydroxide cores that conjugate with apoferritin or protein subunits then they are dispersed into the cytoplasm. Two possible pathways for the biosynthesis of ferritin are discussed.

Regulation of hexitol catabolism in Streptococcus mutans

Regulation of hexitol catabolism was investigated in Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic human dental plaque bacterium. Induction of hexitol catabolic enzymes and phosphoenolpyruvate:hexitol phosphotransferase and hexitol phosphate dehydrogenase activities was regulated by an inducer exclusion mechanism initiated by D-glucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Kinetic analysis of the inhibitory effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on initial hexitol uptake illustrated that this was a noncompetitive type of inhibition. In mutant strains of S. mutans lacking phosphoenolpyruvate:glucose phosphotransferase activity, 2-deoxy-D-glucose was unable to inhibit hexitol uptake. These observations provide evidence for possible molecular mechanisms for the exclusion process.

Cationic cacodylate iron colloid for the detection of anionic sites on cell surface and the histochemical stain of acid mucopolysaccharides

Stable cationic iron colloid solution was prepared by mixing the Hale's iron colloid (Hale 1946; Mowry 1963) with sodium cacodylate buffer solution. The colloid particles obtained were 30-50 A in size and kept their positive charges in a wide range of pH 1.8-7.6. Observations made on rat kidney tissues proved that this iron colloid solution is promising for the detection of anionic sites of cell surface in fixed tissues as well as in living cells in place of cationic ferritin.

"Pseudo-cap" formation in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells induced by cytochalasin B

Cytochalasin B (CB) treatment induces or accelerates the capping phenomenon in some cells. In Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EATC) CB treatment apparently induced the capping of Con A binding sites as observed under a fluorescent microscope. However, electron microscopic examinations revealed that the CB treatment did not induce a rearrangement of Con A binding sites, but rather it only induced a change in cell shape. On the contrary, CB treatment inhibited the capping phenomenon induced by treatment with Con A. Electron microscopic observations may give exact information on the distribution of lectin binding sites.