Stimulation of fracture repair by recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor in normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The effect of local application of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) on fracture repair was examined using normal rats and streptozotocin-diabetic rats with impaired repairing ability. Immediately after fracturing the fibula, rhbFGF was applied by a single injection to the fracture site. Application of rhbFGF increased the volume and mineral content of callus in a dose-dependent manner in both normal and diabetic rats, and callus formation of diabetic rats was stimulated to levels similar to those in nontreated normal rats. The marked effect of rhbFGF on fracture repair was associated with an improvement in the mechanical properties of the healing fibula in both normal and diabetic rats. Immunohistochemical staining showed that endogenous bFGF was widely distributed in normal rats 1 and 3 weeks after fracture, especially in the soft callus and periosteum, whereas much less bFGF was detected in diabetic rats. Insulin treatment of diabetic rats restored the immunostaining for bFGF. These results demonstrate that bFGF is expressed during the early stage of fracture repair, and that the impaired fracture-repairing ability in diabetic rats is associated with reduced expression of bFGF at the fracture site. A single application of bFGF immediately after fracture not only facilitates the repair process in normal rats, but also recovers the impaired repairing ability in diabetic rats. These results suggest that local application of bFGF may facilitate bone union in patients with impaired as well as normal repairing ability.

Single local injection of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 stimulates healing of segmental bone defects in rabbits

The effects of a single local injection of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 on the healing of segmental bone defects were evaluated in rabbits. One month after the external fixator originally designed for this experiment was installed in the tibia of the rabbit, a 3-mm bone defect was created by an osteotomy in the middle of the tibia and 0, 50, 100, 200, or 400 microg of fibroblast growth factor-2 in 100 microl of saline solution was injected into the defect. Injection of the growth factor increased the volume and mineral content of newly made bone at the defect in a dose-dependent manner with significant effects at concentrations of 100 microg or greater. These significant effects were observed at 5 weeks and later. One hundred micrograms of the growth factor increased the volume and mineral content of newly made bone by 95 and 36%, respectively, at 5 weeks. These results indicate that a single local injection of fibroblast growth factor-2 stimulates the healing of segmental defects. We speculate that such an injection could be clinically useful for the healing of fractures even when the fracture gap is rather large.

Acceleration of fracture healing in nonhuman primates by fibroblast growth factor-2

One of the greatest needs in the clinical bone field is a bioactive agent to stimulate bone formation. We previously reported that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) exhibited strong anabolic actions on bone formation in models of rodents and dogs. Aiming at a clinical application, this study was undertaken to clarify the effect of a single local application of recombinant human FGF-2 on fracture healing in nonhuman primates. After a fracture was created at the midshaft of the right ulna of animals and stabilized with an intramedullary nail, gelatin hydrogel alone (n = 10) or gelatin hydrogel containing 200 microg FGF-2 (n = 10) was injected into the fracture site. Although 4 of 10 animals treated with the vehicle alone remained in a nonunion state even after 10 weeks, bone union was complete at 6 weeks in all 10 animals treated with FGF-2. Significant differences in bone mineral content and density at the fracture site between the vehicle and FGF-2 groups were seen at 6 weeks and thereafter. FGF-2 also increased the mechanical property of the fracture site. We conclude that FGF-2 accelerates fracture healing and prevents nonunion in primates, and therefore propose that it is a potent bone anabolic agent for clinical use.

Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma smaller than 5 cm in relation to treatment: study of 100 patients

A total of 100 patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma, less than or equal to 5 cm in diameter, seen during the last 8 years were analyzed retrospectively for survival time in relation to treatment and Child's grading. When analyzed with respect to major treatment modalities without considering stage, the median survival was 35.0 months for 34 patients treated by surgery, 28.8 months for 20 patients treated by transcatheter arterial embolization, 10.6 months for 25 patients treated by intraarterial chemotherapy and 9.7 months for 17 patients who received no specific treatment. When patients were divided into three stages without considering treatment, the median survival was 37.1 months for 37 Child's A patients, 16.2 months for 36 Child's B patients and 1.6 months for 27 Child's C patients. These results suggest that the prognosis depended on treatment given and the Child's grade. The effects of major therapeutic modalities on survival were analyzed with regard to Child's grading. Among Child's A patients, the actuarial survival rate for surgery was better than that for transcatheter arterial embolization and for arterial chemotherapy. Among Child's B patients, the survival rate for transcatheter arterial embolization was better than for other treatments. Among Child's C patients, there was no significant difference in survival rate regardless of treatment and its modality. These results suggest that surgery may be indicated as a first choice in Child's A patients, transcatheter arterial embolization in Child's B patients, and there is no effective treatment in Child's C patients. The major cause of death was hepatic failure irrespective of treatment.

The effect of treatment with interferon-gamma on type II collagen-induced arthritis

We have investigated the effects of recombinant murine interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CA) in DBA/l mice. Therapeutic as well as prophylactic treatment with subcutaneous rIFN-gamma, at 10(5) U/mouse six times a week, inhibited the development of CA without any obvious side effects. The accompanying suppression of anti-CII antibody responses may partly explain the inhibition of CA by rIFN-gamma. The possible role of the anti-inflammatory effect of systemic IFN-gamma in the inhibition of CA is discussed.

Stimulation of bone formation by intraosseous application of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor in normal and ovariectomized rabbits

The effect on intraosseous bone formation of a single local injection of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor into the distal femur was examined in normal and ovariectomized rabbits. In normal rabbits, basic fibroblast growth factor increased bone mineral density around the injected site in a dose-dependent manner at 4 weeks, with significant effects at concentrations of 400 micrograms and greater. Doses of 400 and 1,600 micrograms of basic fibroblast growth factor increased bone mineral density by 8 and 9%, respectively, compared with the opposite control femur. Histological examination showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (400 micrograms) induced the proliferation or recruitment of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells around the existing trabeculae at 3 days after the injection. For the first 2 weeks, osteoid formation was strongly stimulated, and this was followed by mineral apposition for another 2 weeks, at which time the femurs were harvested. Consequently, basic fibroblast growth factor stimulated intraosseous bone formation at 4 weeks. We speculate that the direct action of basic fibroblast growth factor on bone formation may be to stimulate proliferation or recruitment of minimally differentiated mesenchymal cells and to initiate the cascade of events in later stages of bone formation. In ovariectomized rabbits, basic fibroblast growth factor (400 micrograms) also increased bone mineral density, histomorphometrical bone formation markers, and trabecular connectivity to levels similar to those in rabbits who had received sham operations.

Molecular dynamics of collagen side chains in hard and soft tissues. A multinuclear magnetic resonance study

We have prepared samples of (a) intact calvaria collagen (cross-linked and mineralized), (b) intact tendon collagen (cross-linked but not mineralized), and (c) reconstituted chick calvaria collagen (not cross-linked and not mineralized) containing [methyl-2H3]methionyl, [4,4-2H2]pyrrolidinyl, (4-fluorophenyl)alanyl, and [6-15N]lysyl residues. Using multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have investigated the molecular dynamics of the labeled amino acids. Guided by model compound studies, we reached the following conclusions regarding collagen side chain dynamics from our analysis of line shapes and relaxation rates. At 22 degrees C, imino residues in all samples have flexible rings with root mean square angular fluctuations in the 11-30 degree range. Nearly all labeled amino acid side chains reorient about at least two side chain single bonds. At temperatures below -30 degrees C, most of these side chain motions are absent in all the samples. Surprisingly, in contrast with results obtained for backbone motions, side chain motions are only marginally more hindered in mineralized samples as compared with nonmineralized samples, a result we discuss with reference to collagen-mineral interactions. We also discuss the possible relationship between collagen dynamics and function.

Arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with mitomycin C microcapsules

Chemoembolization by selective intra-arterial infusion of mitomycin C in microcapsule form exerts potential therapeutic effects through infarction and prolonged activity. Of 20 patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with one or more courses via a hepatic arterial catheter, a change in tumor size could be measured in 16. Measurable tumor regression amounting to greater than 50% was shown in 6 patients (38%), 25-50% in 3 (19%), and less than or equal to 25% in 6 (38%), while tumor increased in 1. Serum alpha-fetoprotein, which was greater than 300 ng/ml before treatment in 13 patients, clearly fell after treatment in 10 (77%). The survival rate at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment was 75%, 65%, and 24%, respectively, for all patients, and 92%, 85%, and 38% in 11 patients without a tumor cast in the portal vein or its major branches. Systemic toxicity was mild, and all patients tolerated treatment well. These results indicate that chemoembolization with mitomycin C microcapsules is a useful palliative measure for treatment of inoperable HCC.

Thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase share common epitopes recognized by autoantibodies in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

Monoclonal antibodies specific for human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) were prepared by the hybridoma technique using hyperimmune spleen cells from mice immunized with TPO purified from thyroid glands from patients with Graves' disease. Use of the microenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method revealed that some of the monoclonal antibodies cross-reacted strongly with human thyroglobulin (Tg). Conversely, monoclonal anti-Tg antibodies cross-reacted with TPO, albeit to a lesser degree. Some anti-Tg autoantibodies in serum from patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis purified by Tg affinity chromatography bound TPO, and such binding was completely inhibited by Tg. Western blotting experiments revealed that thyroid microsomal 103K proteins recognized by mouse monoclonal and polyclonal anti-TPO antibodies were recognized by some monoclonal anti-Tg antibodies and anti-Tg autoantibodies, and conversely, that 19S Tg was recognized by some monoclonal anti-TPO antibodies. TPO was immunoprecipitated by anti-Tg autoantibodies isolated by Tg affinity chromatography. On the other hand, the specificity for TPO of the anti-Tg autoantibodies was not identical with that of anti-TPO autoantibodies. These cross-reactivities were not due to contamination of TPO with Tg or vice versa, or to contamination of the anti-Tg autoantibody preparations with anti-TPO autoantibodies. Taken together, these data indicate that Tg and TPO share common antigenic determinants and that some of those determinants are recognized by autoantibodies in the serum of patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

Synthesis and evaluation of (piperidinomethylene)bis(phosphonic acid) derivatives as anti-osteoporosis agents

Some (piperidinomethylene)bis(phosphonic acid) derivatives were prepared and their activity to inhibit a rise in serum calcium induced by parathyroid hormone in thyroparathyroidectomised rats was evaluated. Several (4-alkylidene-, 4,4-dialkyl-, or 4-alkyl-4-halopiperidinomethylene)bis(phosphonic acid) derivatives showed considerable inhibitory activity. But compounds having aromatic and polar substituents such as azido, hydroxy, amino and amido on the piperidine ring were generally inactive. In this study, two 4-alkylidene compounds (8a and 8b) and a 4,4-cyclic dialkyl compound (61) showed potent activity when administered either intravenously or perorally.

Serum cholinesterase in patients with fatty liver

In search of a practical biochemical test that will reflect hepatic steatosis, we assessed the significance of serum cholinesterase activity in 48 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver, 16 obese subjects without fatty liver, 30 cases of chronic persistent hepatitis, 38 cases of chronic active hepatitis, and 20 cases of liver cirrhosis. Increased cholinesterase activity was observed in nonobese as well as obese patients with fatty liver, whereas obese subjects without fatty liver showed levels in the upper normal range. When we set a cutoff level above the upper normal limit, half of the patients with fatty liver showed values above it, with only a few overlaps with other patients. When obese patients with fatty liver took a low-caloric diet, cholinesterase activity decreased, clearly reflecting improvement of hepatic steatosis. Thus, measurement of cholinesterase activity is of diagnostic value and an alternative to computed tomography in hepatic steatosis, and will provide a practical measure for the assessment of effects during follow-up.

Arterioportal shunts on dynamic computed tomography

Thirty-two patients, 20 with hepatocellular carcinoma and 12 with liver cirrhosis, were examined by dynamic computed tomography (CT) using intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium and by celiac angiography. Dynamic CT disclosed arterioportal shunting in four cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and in one of cirrhosis. In three of the former, the arterioportal shunt was adjacent to a mass lesion on CT, suggesting tumor invasion into the portal branch. In one with hepatocellular carcinoma, the shunt was remote from the mass. In the case with cirrhosis, there was no mass. In these last two cases, the shunt might have been caused by prior percutaneous needle puncture. In another case of hepatocellular carcinoma, celiac angiography but not CT demonstrated an arterioportal shunt. Thus, dynamic CT was diagnostic in five of six cases of arteriographically demonstrated arterioportal shunts.

Cell-mediated transfer of collagen-induced arthritis in mice and its application to the analysis of the inhibitory effects of interferon-gamma and cyclophosphamide

We developed a convenient and reliable procedure for the cell-mediated passive transfer of type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CA). Spleen cells from DBA/1 mice with CA were intravenously transferred into syngeneic recipient mice. Arthritis developed only in those recipients which had received whole-body x-irradiation (8 Gy) just before cell transfer and intraperitoneally given soluble CII without adjuvant immediately after transfer. Non-immunized splenocytes could not induce arthritis even in irradiated recipients given soluble CII. Development of arthritis depended on the number of cells transferred; 5 x 10(7) cells induced severe and long-lasting arthritis in every recipient approximately 10 days after transfer. Severity of this arthritis was clinically and histologically similar to classical CA in donors. Arthritogenic splenocytes were generated in donors no later than 20 days after priming with CII in Freund's complete adjuvant, when arthritis had yet to occur, and were detected for more than 5 weeks. One splenocyte population responsible for transferring arthritis was CD4+ T cells. We then applied this system to show that prophylactic treatment of CII-immunized mice with cyclophosphamide (CY, 7 mg/kg), but not interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma, 10(5) U/mouse), suppressed the arthritogenic ability of their spleen cells, although both treatments inhibited the development of CA. Treatment of recipients with IFN-gamma, however, inhibited the development of arthritis upon transfer with CII-immunized splenocytes. These results indicate that CY and IFN-gamma act at the induction and effector phases of arthritogenic lymphocytes, respectively. Thus, this system facilitates investigation of pathological mechanisms of CA, and of mechanisms of anti-arthritics.

An improved assay method for thyroid peroxidase applicable for a few milligrams of abnormal human thyroid tissues

A peroxidase assay method (Mini assay method) which is applicable for a minute amount (as small as a few mg) of thyroid tissue was developed, employing guaiacol or iodide as the second substrate. This method is a modification of the previous one (Ordinary assay method): the volume of the reaction mixture was reduced to about one-tenth with prior solubilization of the enzyme. The correlation between the Mini assay and Ordinary assay methods, and between the guaiacol and iodide assays by both methods were satisfactorily good, but the iodine content of thyroglobulin was found to be not directly correlated to the peroxidase activities. Protein-based specific activities of peroxidase from normal human thyroid tissue were about 0.030 guaiacol units/mg protein and 0.0066 iodide units/mg protein, which were slightly higher than those of porcine thyroid tissue. The Mini assay method developed in the present study was used for the determination of peroxidase activity in a small amount (1-8 mg) of thyroid tissue obtained by means of a needle biopsy from patients with thyroid disorders. One specimen (goitrous cretinism) showed no peroxidase activity in both the guaiacol and iodide assays, and three specimens (two chronic thyroiditis, one familial nontoxic goiter) possessed no ability to catalyze the oxidation of iodide in spite of the high reactivity towards guaiacol, suggesting the presence of an abnormal peroxidase in these tissues.

Differences in interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor and IL-1 receptor antagonist production by human monocytes stimulated with muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and its stearoyl derivative, romurtide

The immunostimulatory reagents muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and its stearoyl derivative romurtide [MDP-Lys(L18)] were assessed for cytokine inducing activity in human monocytes. Both MDP and romurtide stimulated the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Kinetics study indicated that IL-1, TNF and IL-1Ra were induced after 4 h stimulation but IL-6 was produced at a later phase. Romurtide induced these cytokines for longer period that MDP. Dose-response study indicated that romurtide was far more potent than MDP in induction of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF. Although the magnitude of the IL-1 and IL-6 induction was almost the same, that of TNF induction was greater in romurtide-stimulated monocytes than in MDP-stimulated cells. Among IL-1, IL-1 beta appeared to be a major product. In contrast to other cytokines, IL-1Ra was induced by MDP and romurtide in a similar dose and time dependent manner with similar magnitude of response. These studies indicate that MDP and romurtide, especially romurtide, are very potent inducers of both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive cytokines by human monocytes but with different efficacy and kinetics.

Joint awareness after total knee arthroplasty is affected by pain and quadriceps strength

INTRODUCTION

There is a growing interest in the use of patient-reported outcomes to provide a more patient-centered view on treatment. Forgetting the artificial joint can be regarded as the goal in joint arthroplasty. The goals of the study were to describe changes in joint awareness in the artificial joint after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to determine which factors among pain, knee range of motion (ROM), quadriceps strength, and functional ability affect joint awareness after TKA.

HYPOTHESIS

Patients undergoing TKA demonstrate changes in joint awareness and joint awareness is associated with pain, knee ROM, quadriceps strength, and functional ability.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study comprised 63 individuals undergoing TKA, evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Outcomes included joint awareness assessed using the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), pain score, knee ROM, quadriceps strength, and functional ability.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight individuals completed all postoperative assessments. All measures except for knee extension ROM improved from 1 to 6 months. However, there were no differences in any measures from 6 to 12 months. FJS was affected most greatly by pain at 1 month and by quadriceps strength at 6 and 12 months.

DISCUSSION

Patients following TKA demonstrate improvements in joint awareness and function within 6 months after surgery, but reach a plateau from 6 to 12 months. Quadriceps strength could contribute to this plateau of joint awareness.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prospective cohort study, IV.

Local application of basic fibroblast growth factor into the bone increases bone mass at the applied site in rabbits

The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) applied locally into the bone under physiological conditions was investigated. An aqueous solution containing 0 microgram (vehicle), 100 micrograms or 400 micrograms recombinant human bFGF was percutaneously applied through a needle into the right ilium in rabbit, and the ilia were harvested 4 weeks after the application. Compared with vehicle-treated animals, bone mineral density measured by dualenergy X-ray increased in the 400 micrograms bFGF group. The width of trabeculae in the bFGF-treated groups was greater than in the vehicle group. These results showed that bFGF applied locally into the bone under physiological conditions affected bone formation, and suggested that such an application might have potential for increasing bone.

An antiallergic activity of disodium cromoglycate unrelated to mast cell activation

The pharmacological effects of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) were studied in rats during the development of reactions to various allergens or carrageenin. DSCG (10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, i.v.) showed pronounced inhibitory effects on type I and type III (passive Arthus) allergic reactions. An immunological degranulation of mast cells and a significant decrease in tissue histamine content were observed in type I allergic reactions but not in type III allergic reactions characterized by an apparent infiltration of neutrophils. An antihistaminic agent, promethazine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) was effective only against type I allergic reactions and totally ineffective against type III allergic reactions. Thus, the results obtained above strongly suggest that DSCG exhibits at least two mechanisms of antiallergic action; one is related to mediator release from mast cells and the other is unrelated to mast cell activation.

Effects of interferon gamma on cultured synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis: inhibition of cell growth, prostaglandin E2, and collagenase release

The effects of recombinant interferon gamma (rIFN gamma) on the in vitro growth of adherent synovial fibroblast-like cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and also on the release of prostaglandin E2 and collagenase from these cells stimulated with recombinant interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1 beta) were investigated. The growth of adherent synovial cells from six of nine samples, determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was inhibited by rIFN gamma in a manner dependent on dose. The release of prostaglandin E2 and collagenase from adherent synovial cells stimulated with rIL-1 beta was also suppressed by rIFN gamma in all samples tested, though the basal release of these inflammatory mediators was little influenced. No apparent correlation between inhibition of proliferation by rIFN gamma and either inhibition by rIFN gamma of rIL-1 beta stimulated prostaglandin E2 release or the endogenous synthesis of prostaglandins was found.

The 3'-keto-diol equilibrium of trospectomycin sulfate bulk drug and freeze-dried formulation: solid-state carbon-13 cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) and high-resolution carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies

Understanding how moisture interacts with a drug or formulation is a critical component of product development. This study demonstrates how water affects the 3'-gem-diol<==>3'-keto equilibrium in trospectomycin sulfate bulk drug and freeze-dried formulation, as probed by solid-state carbon-13 cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) and high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Drying the bulk drug or formulation to low water levels dehydrates trospectomycin sulfate from the diol to the keto form. Carbon-13 CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy measures the keto drug concentration in solid samples directly. The bulk drug, which contains approximately 16% water, is more than 90% in the 3'-diol form. Oven drying to < 3% water converts approximately 75% of the drug to the 3'-keto form. The drug is formulated as a freeze-dried, sterile powder that can contain up to 12% water depending on the freeze-drying conditions. These studies show that the 3'-keto concentration rises uniformly (up to 75%) with decreasing residual water in the freeze-dried cake. The keto-diol equilibrium was also studied in solution by high-resolution carbon-13 NMR experiments, and it was found that raising the temperature or using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent also dehydrates the drug. For example, in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, nearly all (> 95%) of the drug is in the 3'-diol form. After equilibration at 60 degrees C, however, the 3'-keto content increases to 7%, and in d6-DMSO solvent at 25 degrees C the drug is mostly (60%) in the 3'-keto form.

Clinical and genomic characteristics of mucosal signet-ring cell carcinoma in Helicobacter pylori-uninfected stomach

Background

Gastric cancer develops even in Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)-uninfected patients and its typical histological feature is signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) within the mucosal layer. However, the biological characteristics of SRCC remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the pathological and genetic features of SRCC in H. pylori-uninfected patients.

Methods

Seventeen H. pylori-uninfected patients with mucosal SRCCs were enrolled and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared with those of H. pylori-infected patients with mucosal SRCCs. Seven SRCCs without H. pylori-infected, including two invasive SRCCs, and seven H. pylori-infected SRCCs were subjected to a genetic analysis using next-generation sequencing.

Results

H. pylori-uninfected patients with mucosal SRCCs revealed male dominancy and a significantly higher prevalence of smokers among them as compared with the H. pylori-infected patients with SRCC. A CDH1 mutation (frame shift indel) was detected in one H. pylori-uninfected cancer not only in the mucosal SRCC but also in the invasive portion. A TP53 mutation was detected in one SRCC without H. pylori-infected. In the control group, ARID1A and TP53 mutations were detected in one SRCC each. The C to A mutation, which is a characteristic smoking-induced mutation, was not found in any of the samples.

Conclusions

Some SRCCs in H. pylori-uninfected patients may have a malignant potential similar to that of SRCCs in H. pylori-infected patients. Smoking may not be the main carcinogenic factor for the development of SRCCs among the H. pylori-uninfected patients.

The effect of treatment with recombinant gamma-interferon on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

We have investigated the effects of recombinant rat gamma-interferon (rIFN gamma) on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). Lewis rats, inoculated in the left hind-paw with adjuvant (day 0), were given 10(5) U/rat of rIFN gamma daily (days 0 to 20), subcutaneously and intramuscularly on alternate days. rIFN gamma suppressed the secondary phase of swelling of both hind-paw on and after day 18 without influencing the earlier phases, both primary and secondary, of swelling. rIFN gamma also reduced the hind-paw bone lesions, the degree of splenomegaly, and the increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma fibrinogen. These results indicate a new aspect of the regulatory role of IFN gamma in chronic inflammation.

Enhancement of rotational behavior induced by repeated administration of SKF38393 in rats with unilateral nigrostriatal 6-OHDA lesions

To clarify if the enhancement of rotational behavior induced by repeated administration of SKF38393 is mediated by upregulation of D1 and/or D2 receptors in the striatum, we investigated effects of SCH23390 and sulpiride on SKF38393-induced rotational behavior and the changes in striatal dopamine receptors in rats with unilateral nigrostriatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesions (1). Repeated weekly administration of SKF38393 markedly enhanced the number of rotations and shortened the latency of rotational behavior depending on the number of SKF38393 administrations 1 or 6 weeks after the treatment with 6-OHDA (2). A selective D1 antagonist, SCH23390, but not a selective D2 antagonist, sulpiride, suppressed SKF38393-induced rotation and inhibited the enhancement by the repeated administration (3). Repeated administration of SKF38393 did not modify the density and the affinity of either the striatal D1 or D2 receptors in the striatum. These results suggest that the enhancement of SKF38393-induced rotational behavior by the repeated administration is not associated with the upregulation of striatal D1 and D2 receptors.