Separation of bone matrix proteins by calcium-induced precipitation

It was found that significant precipitation occurred immediately after calcium, at a concentration as low as 2 mM, was added to a desalted solution of EDTA extract of adult bovine femur. The maximal yield of the precipitates was observed at a calcium concentration of 30 mM. These precipitates were dissolved in 0.5 M EDTA, desalted, and characterized by Sepharose CL-6B gel filtration chromatography and high performance gel-exclusion chromatography. Results revealed that the precipitates were enriched in a 40 K protein and a higher molecular weight fraction as compared with the original extract of bone proteins. The 40 K fraction was isolated and identified as osteonectin, as judged from amino acid analysis, electrophoresis, and immunodetection. The supernatant after calcium-induced precipitation predominantly contained osteocalcin and a 50 K protein that was tentatively identified as alpha 2HS protein. Osteonectin was purified from the calcium-induced precipitates from the EDTA extract of bovine bone. By calcium titration using fluorescence spectrometry, the isolated osteonectin showed high affinity to calcium ions with an apparent dissociation constant (K0.5) of 8 x 10(-7) M. Thus, the use of calcium to separate bone proteins, especially osteonectin, was proved to be a useful technique. In addition, calcium-induced precipitation of osteonectin suggested a possible in vivo mechanism via which osteonectin might interact with calcium ions and participate in the initial immobilization of calcium to induce the nucleation of calcification in bone tissue.

Negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry for native gangliosides using a neutral matrix

A hexamethylphosphoric triamide proved to be a useful solvent for negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS) of underivatized gangliosides, using a conventional glycerol matrix. Analysis of the gangliosides using a hexamethylphosphoric triamide was more convenient and more efficient not only for molecular weight determination but also for elucidating the structure of the carbohydrate sequence. We also noted the significance of the high polarity of the solvent as well as the electron pair donicity of the matrix system for negative ion FABMS of underivatized gangliosides.

Class switching from gamma 3 to gamma 2b in a murine pre-B cell line

Class switching from gamma 3 to gamma 2b production at pre-B cell stage was observed in an Abelson virus-transformed murine immature cell line that is able to perform VH to DJH recombinations followed by class switch recombinations. A series of Southern blotting experiments indicates that the class switching from gamma 3 to gamma 2b was mediated by the deletion mechanism of the intervening CH genes on the expressed chromosome and that the break points in the switch recombinations might be different from each other among six independent switching events from gamma 3 to gamma 2b. This in vitro switching system should provide us with much information on the mechanisms of class switch recombination.

Selective use of the VHQ52 family in functional VH to DJH rearrangements in a B precursor cell line

AT11-2, an Abelson virus-transformed cell line has DJH complexes on both chromosomes and is able to form functional variable region genes by the joins of VH genes to the DJH complexes during culture. Therefore we examined which VH gene family was used in functional VH to DJH recombinations in AT11-2. Surprisingly, of 32 independent functional VH to DJH recombinational events in AT11-2, 31 events used the VH segments of the VHQ52 family, and the remaining one used the VH segment of the VH7183 family. Thus, we describe here the first B precursor cell line that almost selectively uses the VHQ52 family in functional VH to DJH rearrangements. The selective use of the VHQ52 family in this B precursor cell line strongly indicates nonrandom use of VH gene families, and the existence of a stage at which the VHQ52 family is preferentially used during the normal development of early pre-B cells and has important implications for understanding the ontogeny of VH repertoire development. Furthermore, this cell line should prove extremely valuable in further studies of this kind.

A new antitumor antibiotic, FR-900482. II. Production, isolation, characterization and biological activity

FR-900482 is a new antitumor antibiotic produced by a new actinomyces named Streptomyces sandaensis No. 6897. It exhibits potent cytotoxic activity against various tumor cells in vitro. Furthermore, it has weak antimicrobial activity against some Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria.

Start of mu-chain production by the further two-step rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes on one chromosome from a DJH/DJH configuration in an Abelson virus-transformed cell line: evidence of secondary DJH complex formation

A variant was selected from an Abelson virus-transformed cell line with identifiable and distinguishable DJH rearrangements on both chromosomes. Southern blotting experiments suggested that this variant resulted from a secondary DJH complex formation accompanied with the deletion of one of the DJH rearrangements on the same chromosome. Furthermore, this variant started making mu-chains by the further functional join of a VH gene to the secondarily formed DJH complex. Thus, we describe here the first evidence of a secondary DJH complex formation.

Start of mu-chain production by the further two-step rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes on one chromosome from a DJH/DJH configuration in an Abelson virus-transformed cell line: evidence of secondary DJH complex formation

A variant was selected from an Abelson virus-transformed cell line with identifiable and distinguishable DJH rearrangements on both chromosomes. Southern blotting experiments suggested that this variant resulted from a secondary DJH complex formation accompanied with the deletion of one of the DJH rearrangements on the same chromosome. Furthermore, this variant started making mu-chains by the further functional join of a VH gene to the secondarily formed DJH complex. Thus, we describe here the first evidence of a secondary DJH complex formation.

Differentiation of an Abelson virus-transformed immature B precursor cell line under the expression of tyrosine kinase activity of v-abl oncogene product

The expression of v-abl oncogene during the in vitro differentiation of an Abelson-virus-transformed immature B precursor cell line from immunoglobulin-null to intracytoplasmic mu-positive cells and further to intracytoplasmic gamma 2b-positive cells was examined. The results showed no significant alteration in the amounts and tyrosine kinase activity of v-abl oncogene product during differentiation, indicating that B cell differentiation processes are independent of v-abl functions.

A novel immobilized-enzyme system utilizing microcapsules

A novel immobilized-enzyme system that has glucoamylase on the surface of, and glucose oxidase within, polyurea microcapsules was developed. This system was found to carry out its sequential enzymatic reaction effectively. It was also demonstrated that the use of microcapsules was useful for this immobilized-enzyme system since a large amount of the second enzyme, glucose oxidase, was required for the sequential reaction to proceed efficiently. In addition, this system was found helpful for making the size of reaction batches smaller.

Alleviation of depressed immunity caused by restraint-stress, by the immunomodulator, lobenzarit disodium (disodium 4-chloro-2,2'-iminodibenzoate)

The immunomodulating effect of lobenzarit disodium (CCA, disodium 4-chloro-2,2'-iminodibenzoate), was examined in restraint-stressed mice which exhibited immunodeficient conditions mainly based on dysfunction of helper T cells. Primary direct plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses to T cell-dependent antigens such as sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) were severely diminished by restraint-stress, whereas responses to T cell-independent antigens such as DNP-Ficoll (DNP-Fic) and trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS) were little reduced and sometimes were even increased. CCA, orally administered to mice at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, significantly restored anti-SRBC PFC response. Restraint-stress also markedly decreased the proliferative response of splenic lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A), while it slightly augmented the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CCA increased the response to Con A and suppressed the response to LPS. The number of T and B lymphocytes in the spleen were, however, reduced to the same degree by the stress and there was no striking difference in the susceptibility of these two subpopulations of splenic lymphocytes as analysed with fluorescein-activated cell sorter. CCA increased both T and B lymphocytes, but Lyt-1+ (helper/inducer T) cells recovered even more. It is noteworthy that in all these experiments CCA restored the weight of the thymus which is considered to be one of the organs most sensitive to stress. These results indicate that CCA promotes proliferation and differentiation of T cells, especially helper T cells, and restores immune functions depressed by restraint-stress.

Metabolism of three stereoisomers of astaxanthin in the fish, rainbow trout and tilapia

In rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), the dietary astaxanthin diesters were mostly absorbed and accumulated in their integuments keeping their configurations, and partially metabolized to (3R, 3'R)-zeaxanthin (major) and/or (3R, 3'S)-zeaxanthin (medium) and/or (3S,3'S)-zeaxanthin (minor). In tilapia (Tilapia nilotica), the three stereoisomers of astaxanthin diesters were promptly metabolized to only (3S,3'S)-astaxanthin, and subsequently to (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin and/or (3R,3'S)-zeaxanthin and/or (3S,3'S)-zeaxanthin at an invariable ratio, 4:1:0.3. The above facts indicate that the conversion from 3S- to 3R-configuration was carried out in vivo, and vice versa, and that astaxanthins were reductively metabolized to zeaxanthins in both the fish.

Evaluation of positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry for structural investigations on cardenolide-type cardiac glycosides

Evaluation of positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry for structural investigations have been studied on 30 cardiac glycosides in comparison with their field desorption (FD) mass spectra. FD mass spectra showed the prominent molecular cluster ions and the same protonation induced fragments as that established for steroid oligoglycosides. Even if the molecular cluster ions of some di- and triglycosides were hardly detected in the positive ion FAB mass spectra owing to their low intensities, a dramatic improvement was observed when sodium chloride or potassium iodide was added to the glycerol matrix. Furthermore, the prominent molecular ion species, [M-H]-, and the sequence of glycosidic linkage were easily detected in the negative mode. The combination of positive and negative ion FAB mass spectrometry of the cardenolide-type cardiac glycosides provides useful information concerning the molecular weight as well as the structures of both aglycone and sugar moieties.

A case of renovascular hypertension with the nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic range proteinuria occurred in a 42-year-old woman with renal arterial occlusion and hyperreninemia. The administration of captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, led to an amelioration of the proteinuria and the decrease of blood pressure, without surgical treatment. From the present observation, it is highly probably that the increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in massive proteinuria. Conservative treatment for renovascular hypertension with nephrotic syndrome was effective in this patient.

A study on heat-resistance of microencapsulated glucose oxidase

Polyurea microcapsules containing glucose oxidase were prepared and their thermodurability was examined. Microencapsulated glucose oxidase was found to be more stable to heat than the enzyme in free solution. This stability was enhanced with an increase in the amount of enzyme entrapped in the microcapsules.

Rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes and T3 expression in the absence of rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta-chain gene in a patient with T-cell malignant lymphoma

We describe the rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes and T3 expression in the absence of rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta-chain genes in a patient with T-cell malignant lymphoma. He had a mediastinal mass and his lymphoma cells expressed T-cell antigens (OKT3+, OKT9+, and OKT10+). When we examined genomic DNA from the lymphoma cells, we detected the rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes with a germ-line configuration of light chain genes and no rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta-chain gene. These results indicated that the rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes could occur in T-cell malignant lymphoma, and that T3 antigen could be expressed prior to the rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta-chain genes under certain circumstances.

Epstein-Barr virus early antigen induction in nasopharyngeal hybrid cells by Chinese medicinal herbs

The effects of Chinese medicinal herbal drugs (CMH; Daphne genkwa, Wikstroemia indica, Croton oil) were studied for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early antigen (EA) induction in established nasopharyngeal hybrid cells. Both ether and water extracts of CMH were found to have inducing activity. However water extracts of the same herbs were not as strong as that of other extracts. The EA positive-cell rate was from 18.2 to 42.2% in ether extracts and 1.0 to 3.8% in water extracts at 10 microgram/ml of the concentration. N-Butyrate alone showed a 40.2% positive rate and in the both treatment of water extracts, a combination effects was seen in induction of the EBV-EA. This in vitro system for the induction of EBV-EA was thought to be useful to determine what is the causal factors for activation of EBV in vivo.

Comparative biochemical studies of carotenoids in fishes--XXIX. Isolation of new luteins, lutein F and lutein G from marine fishes

New luteins, lutein F [(3R,3'R,6'S)-beta,epsilon-carotene-3, 3'-diol] and lutein G [(3S,3'R,6'S)-beta,epsilon-carotene-3,3'-diol] have been isolated from marine fishes.

Biphenomycins A and B, novel peptide antibiotics. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and characterization

Biphenomycin A, C23H28N4O8, and biphenomycin B, C23H28N4O7, were isolated from the cultured broth of Streptomyces griseorubiginosus No. 43708. The antibiotics are active in vitro and in vivo against bacteria, and are especially potent against Gram-positive bacteria. The acute toxicity of biphenomycin A is very low in mice.

Structure activity relationships of synthetic antibiotic analogues of chryscandin

Anti-yeast activity with a series of chryscandin derivatives showed that the O-methyl-L-tyrosyl moiety is not always required for activity at the target site. On the other hand, the adenyl-3'-aminoribofuranuronic acid moiety seems to be essential for biological activity. Therefore, the various acyl derivatives on the amino group of the sugar part of the nucleoside were synthesized. 1-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-3-(S-benzyl-L-cysteinylamino)- 1,3-dideoxy-beta-D-ribofuranuronic acid (16) showed the highest efficacy among them against Candida albicans. It exhibited sixteen-fold enhanced activity in vitro compared with that of native chryscandin. The in vivo activity of 16 against experimental infection of C. albicans showed the almost same as that of 5-fluorocytosine and a superior to that of ketoconazole.

Prostacyclin production reduced in diabetics with vascular complications

Concentrations of plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), a stable metabolite of prostacyclin, were measured by radioimmunoassay before and after 3 min of induced ischemia in 45 diabetics and 23 controls matched for age. In the 45 diabetics, 15 had no vascular complications (group I), 10 had a macroangiopathy (group II), 10 had a microangiopathy (group III) and 10 had both macroangiopathy and microangiopathy (group IV). Plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha before forearm ischemia were significantly lower in group IV diabetics than in non-diabetic controls (188 +/- 17 pg/ml and 245 +/- 14 pg/ml, respectively). After 3 min of ischemia, plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentrations were increased in control subjects by 34% and by 21% in group I diabetics. In group III diabetics as well as diabetics with atherosclerotic vascular lesions (groups II and IV), no significant change was observed after 3 min of ischemia. These results suggest that impaired vessel wall prostacyclin production may to some extent be responsible for the development of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy as well as atherosclerotic vascular complications.

The effect of blood glucose concentration on labile A1c in diabetic patients

We investigated the magnitude of labile A1c in total A1c measured rapidly by a chromatographic method, and whether or not there was an effect of blood glucose before and after a meal on labile A1c in 94 type I and 178 type II diabetic subjects. There were strong correlations between serum glucose and labile A1c both in type I (r = 0.76, P less than 0.001) and in type II diabetic subjects (r = 0.72, P less than 0.001). These relationships did not change before and after the meal. As labile A1c increased in proportion to blood glucose, it could be calculated from the blood glucose level in simultaneous blood samples. In type I diabetic subjects, below the 100-mg/dl glucose level labile a was negligible, and above 100 mg/dl about 0.35% labile A1c was increased every 50-mg/dl increment of glucose. In type II diabetic subjects, below a 150-mg/dl glucose level labile A1c was in the normal range (0.58 +/- 0.15%), and above the 150-mg/dl glucose level every 50-mg/dl increment of glucose increased about 0.3% of labile A1c. If this process is used, stable A1c can be calculated easily from total A1c and coincident serum glucose, even though labile A1c is not removed by incubation.

The effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on primary antibody formation in mice

The immunoregulatory effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, a precursor form of active vitamin D3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), was examined in three different kinds of experimental systems in mice. Oral administration of 0.05 and 0.2 micrograms/kg of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 augmented the primary immune response induced by immunization with 1 X 10(7) sheep erythrocytes, although it did not influence a maximal level of antibody formation induced by immunization with 5 X 10(8) sheep erythrocytes. The same treatment also restored the immune response depressed by restraint-stress. Furthermore, 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 suppressed the anti-dinitrophenyl plaque-forming cell response enhanced by colchicine injection to near the normal level. These results suggest that 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 enhanced or suppressed the immune response through activating helper and suppressor cells in dependence on the magnitude of the response.

Lavendomycin, a new antibiotic. I. Taxonomy, isolation and characterization

Lavendomycin, a new basic peptide antibiotic containing novel amino acids, has been isolated from the culture broth of a streptomyces designated as Streptomyces lavendulae subsp. brasilicus. The antibiotic obtained as colorless crystals (C29H50N10O8, MW 666) is active against Gram-positive bacteria in vitro and in vivo, however, inactive against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. An acute toxicity of the antibiotic in mice was LD50 greater than 2 g/kg by subcutaneous injection.

Chaetiacandin, a novel papulacandin. I. Fermentation, isolation and characterization

Chaetiacandin, a new anti-yeast antibiotic structurally related to papulacandin, was isolated from a culture of Monochaetia dimorphospora. The fermentation, isolation, and physico-chemical and biological properties are reported. The molecular formula of this compound was determined as C43H60O16.

Chryscandin, a novel peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and characterization

A novel antifungal antibiotic, chryscandin was found in the culture broth of a strain of fungi. The producing organism was subsequently identified as Chrysosporium pannorum. The antibiotic obtained as colorless needle crystals (C20H23N7O6, MW 457) is active against Candida albicans and Gram-positive bacteria, but it is ineffective against filamentous fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. Acute toxicity is very low in mice.

Left ventricular function in patients with diabetes mellitus

The left ventricular function was assessed in 70 diabetics under 60 years of age without clinically evident heart disease using established non-invasive methods, these include systolic time interval method and echocardiography. The ratio of pre-ejection period to left ventricular ejection time (PEP/ET) was remarkably elevated in diabetics with severe microangiopathy (0.431 +/- 0.037). Even in diabetics without microangiopathy PEP/ET ratio was significantly higher (0.374 +/- 0.037) compared with that in controls (0.331 +/- 0.023, P less than 0.01). Most of diabetics with a PEP/ET value of higher than 0.40 were not under proper care with regard to diabetic control. A tendency toward normalization of PEP/ET values was often observed with the improvement in diabetic control during six to twelve months among the inadequately controlled diabetics. Isovolumic relaxation time in diabetics was longer than in controls (80 +/- 14 msec, 59 +/- 11 msec, P less than 0.005). Our results suggest that abnormalities of left ventricular function in diabetics may be related to not only severity of microangiopathy but also the state of diabetic control. The maintenance of adequate control of diabetes seems to play an important role in the prevention of congestive heart failure in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Studies on a new antibiotic FR-900336 Taxonomy, isolation and characterization

A new lipophilic antibiotic, FR-900336 was isolated from a culture of Streptomyces sioyaensis subsp. tanegashimaensis . FR-900336 is light yellow and has a molecular formula C30H30NO13C1 . The characterization by IR, UV, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra makes a quinone structure very probable. FR-900336 is active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi.

Chryscandin, a novel peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic. II. Structure determination and synthesis

The structure of chryscandin, a novel antifungal antibiotic, produced by Chrysosporium pannorum No. 4629 was deduced to be 1 from spectroscopic and chemical evidences. In order to confirm the structure and to determine the absolute configuration, the total synthesis of chryscandin was performed. D-Xylose was transformed into 10 in ten steps. After beta-glycosidation of silylated benzoyl adenine with 10, the resulting 11 was converted into 4, which was identical with the product obtained from chryscandin by alkaline hydrolysis. From the key intermediate 13, chryscandin was synthesized via peptide formation followed by removal of the protecting groups. Chryscandin (1) is the first naturally occurring nucleoside antibiotic possessing a 3-aminoribofuranuronic acid in the molecule.

Renin-angiotensin system and prostacyclin biosynthesis in streptozotocin diabetic rats

The relationship between the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis was studied in experimental diabetic rats. The group with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 3.3 mmol/kg i.v.) showed prolonged hypertension, and plasma renin activity decreased markedly from 8.4 +/- 0.7 to 2.4 +/- 0.3 and 1.2 +/- 0.3 ng angiotensin I/ml per h at 2 and 8 weeks after STZ treatment. Plasma PGI2, determined as 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, decreased significantly at 8 weeks, with the values for the STZ-treated and control groups being 1490 +/- 99 and 2210 +/- 90 pg/ml, respectively. Significant suppression of renin release from renal cortical slices was observed at 8 weeks in the diabetic group, although no significant change was found in the renal renin content when compared with that of the controls. The release of PGI2 from the renal medullary slices of the diabetic group was suppressed at 2 and 8 weeks, with the suppression in aorta and renal cortical slices being apparent only at 8 weeks. These results indicate that suppression of the RAS may be related to PGI2 biosynthesis in diabetes mellitus.

Studies on a new antibiotic FR-900109. 1. Taxonomy, isolation and characterization

FR-900109 is a new antibiotic obtained from fermentation broth of a streptomyces which was identified as Streptomyces prunicolor. Its elementary analysis and mass spectroscopic measurement suggest that the molecular formula is C27H32O9. It has an ultraviolet absorption maximum at 254 nm. The antibiotic is active against Gram-positive bacteria. Acute toxicity in mice is very low.

Effects of the calcium antagonist nicardipine on renal function and renin release in dogs

The effects of nicardipine, classed as a calcium antagonist, on renal hemodynamics, renal function, and renin release were investigated in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. Intrarenal infusion of this drug at a rate of 5 micrograms/min in both hydrated and hydropenic dogs resulted in a significant increase in renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow, and renin release, with a significant fall in systemic blood pressure. The intrarenal blood flow as measured by the microsphere method indicated a greater increase in flow rate in the juxtamedullary than in the superficial area. During nicardipine infusion, free water reabsorption rate (TcH2O) in hydropenic dogs or free water production (CH2O) in hydrated dogs increased in proportion to the urine flow. Neither TcH2O/CH2O nor CH2O/osmolar clearance were significantly changed throughout the experiments. These data suggest that nicardipine did not inhibit sodium transport at the medullary portion of the ascending limb of Henle, and that the increase in GFR might induce an enhancement of the delivery of sodium to the Henle loop. In addition, an intrarenal hemodynamic alteration may be one possible mechanism involved in the diuretic action of nicardipine. Calcium-antagonistic actions of nicardipine may account for the changes in renal parameters.

The significance of serologic test for EB-virus antibody in occult type nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Since antibody titers against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens are often elevated in sera of patient with active undifferentiated and nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma, anti-EBV serologic tests have been applied for diagnosis of metastatic lymphadenopathy in the neck without an obvious source and/or suspicious tumor of the nasopharynx. In this study it is emphasized that the serologic test procedure was helpful in diagnosing a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma that was initially occult but eventually confirmed by biopsy.

Confirmation of new, high-mass saponins from Gleditsia japonica by field desorption mass spectrometry

The molecular weights and complete sugar sequences have been determined in saponins carrying 3 to 8 free sugars. The results are in agreement with parallel chemical and instrumental analyses of the triterpenoid saponins derived from Gleditsia japonica. The capacity and limitations of field desorption mass spectrometry in structural elucidation of substituted oligoglycosides are described.