bcl-2 deficiency in mice leads to pleiotropic abnormalities: accelerated lymphoid cell death in thymus and spleen, polycystic kidney, hair hypopigmentation, and distorted small intestine

Transgenic mice homozygously lacking in the bcl-2 gene were generated using homologous recombination in embryonal stem cells. The complete absence of Bcl-2 alpha and -beta proteins did not interfere with normal embryonic development. Abnormalities became evident after birth, although the severity varied among homozygous null mice, bcl-2-/- mice displayed pleiotropic abnormalities similar to those in the previously described bcl-2-/- mice, including growth retardation, smaller ears, short lives, polycystic kidney, atrophic thymus and spleen with accelerated apoptotic cell death of lymphocytes, and hair hypopigmentation in the second hair follicle cycle. Our bcl-2-/- mice also revealed novel defects in the small intestine, characterized by retarded development, accelerated exfoliation of epithelial cells, and very few mitotic progenitor cells.

Reactivity of autologous CD4+ T lymphocytes against human melanoma. Evidence for a shared melanoma antigen presented by HLA-DR15

Reactivity of CD8+ T lymphocytes against human melanoma has been extensively characterized, but little is known about melanoma Ags recognized by CD4+ lymphocytes. We have identified CD4+ CTL that recognize shared melanoma Ag(s) expressed by autologous melanoma cells and a subset of allogeneic melanomas. The same Ag(s) was shared by autologous and positive allogeneic melanomas by cross-blocking experiments. Cytotoxicity was directed against epitopes presented by HLA-DR on target melanoma cells, and allelic typing revealed that cytotoxicity was restricted through HLA-DR15. These CD4+ T cells released IFN-gamma, IL-4, and TNF-alpha, but not IL-2, in response to HLA-DR15+ target cells. CD4+ T cells did not lyse DR15+ nonmelanoma cell types, including melanocytes or fibroblasts (induced to express HLA-DR by IFN-gamma). Thus, by cytotoxicity assays, shared Ags were only recognized on melanoma cells but not on normal melanocytes. In summary, this analysis shows that melanoma cells share an Ag that is presented by HLA-DR15.

Reactivity of autologous CD4+ T lymphocytes against human melanoma. Evidence for a shared melanoma antigen presented by HLA-DR15

Reactivity of CD8+ T lymphocytes against human melanoma has been extensively characterized, but little is known about melanoma Ags recognized by CD4+ lymphocytes. We have identified CD4+ CTL that recognize shared melanoma Ag(s) expressed by autologous melanoma cells and a subset of allogeneic melanomas. The same Ag(s) was shared by autologous and positive allogeneic melanomas by cross-blocking experiments. Cytotoxicity was directed against epitopes presented by HLA-DR on target melanoma cells, and allelic typing revealed that cytotoxicity was restricted through HLA-DR15. These CD4+ T cells released IFN-gamma, IL-4, and TNF-alpha, but not IL-2, in response to HLA-DR15+ target cells. CD4+ T cells did not lyse DR15+ nonmelanoma cell types, including melanocytes or fibroblasts (induced to express HLA-DR by IFN-gamma). Thus, by cytotoxicity assays, shared Ags were only recognized on melanoma cells but not on normal melanocytes. In summary, this analysis shows that melanoma cells share an Ag that is presented by HLA-DR15.

Linearized method: A new approach for kinetic analysis of central dopamine D(2) receptor specific binding

We proposed a new method (;linearized method') to analyze neuroleptic ligand-receptor specific binding in a human brain using positron emission tomography (PET). We derived the linear equation to solve four rate constants, k(3), k(4), k(5), k(6) from PET data. This method does not demand a radioactivity curve in plasma as an input function to the brain, and can perform fast calculations in order to determine rate constants. We also tested the nonlinearized method including nonlinear equations which is a conventional analysis using plasma radioactivity corrected for ligand metabolites as an input function. We applied these methods to evaluate dopamine D(2) receptor specific binding of [(11)C] YM-09151-2. The value of B(max)/K(d)=k(3)/k (4) obtained by the linearized method was 5.72+/-3.1 which was consistent with the value of 5.78+/-3.4 obtained by the nonlinearized method.

A newly established megakaryoblastic/erythroid cell line that differentiates to red cells in the presence of erythropoietin and produces platelet-like particles

In August, 1992, we established a leukemic cell line (NS-Meg) from a patient in megakaryoblastic transformation of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. The NS-Meg cells were positive for alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and for surface CD4, CD7, CD13, CD34, CD41a, and glycophorin A antigens. Ultrastructurally, the cells had alpha-granules, demarcation membranes, and platelet peroxidase activity. The NS-Meg cells spontaneously produced platelet-like particles which contained alpha-granules, mitochondria and dense bodies, strongly suggesting platelet production. Erythropoietin (Epo), granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF), and interleukin 3 (IL-3) promoted the growth of NS-Meg cells. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate increased the expression of both CD41a and CD61 antigens. Ten-day exposure to Epo induced mature erythroblasts and red cells. These benzidine-positive cells were positive for hemoglobin F staining. Untreated NS-Meg cells expressed mRNA for the Epo receptor (EpoR), for GATA-1, and for alpha 1, alpha 2 and gamma globin genes. These results indicate that NS-Meg cells undergo terminal differentiation of both megakaryocytic and erythroid lineages. This cell line should be a very useful tool for the investigation of both megakaryocytic and erythroid maturation.

Safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal injection of etoposide in oil suspension in mice with peritoneal carcinomatosis

We compared the safety and efficacy in mice with peritoneal carcinomatosis of two etoposide formulations: an aqueous solution (Etp-sol) and particles suspended in oil (the addition products of iodine and the ethyl esters of the fatty acids obtained from poppy-seed oil (Lipiodol) or sesame oil; Etp-oil). We also investigated tissue distribution of etoposide in rats treated with Etp-oil and Etp-sol. Etoposide was injected intraperitoneally at concentrations ranging from 52 to 392 mg/kg (increasing geometrically by a factor of 1.4). The 50% lethal dose (LD50), determined over a 2-week period of observation, was 135 mg/kg for Etp-oil and 108 mg/kg for Etp-sol. Autopsy findings included macroscopic intestinal bleeding, necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, and pulmonary congestion in mice from both treatment groups. In the efficacy trials. 10(6) P388 leukemia cells were transplanted into CDF1 male mice, and Etp-oil and Etp-sol were injected at doses of 20 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg. In the groups receiving the 20 mg/kg dose, 11 of 19 mice in the Etp-oil group survived to day 60 compared with 3 of 20 mice in the Etp-sol group. Toxicity-related deaths occurred in 1 of 20 mice treated with 80 mg/kg Etp-oil and in 8 of 20 mice treated with 80 mg/kg Etp-sol. No cancer-related deaths were associated with the 80 mg/kg dose in either treatment group. Our findings showed that the Etp-oil was associated with a lower toxicity and a higher efficacy than the Etp-sol. To evaluate tissue distribution, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg body weight of Etp-sol or Etp-oil. The tissue distribution of etoposide was subsequently analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Compared with Etp-sol, Etp-oil delivered significantly greater amounts of etoposide and for a longer period to the omentum, taken as representative of the intraperitoneal tissue, and the etoposide concentration in blood plasma was increased more slowly and decreased more gradually.

Quantitative cytopathology of endometrial lesions

Morphometric and multivariate statistical methods were used to discriminate endometrial carcinoma from benign cells in cytologic studies. Clumps of epithelial cells that appeared most diagnostically relevant were selected from aspirated samples of 70 endometrial cancer patients. The cells' cytologic character was reduced to a combination of five quantitative parameters--nuclear size, degree of anisokaryosis, nuclear from index, homogeneity of nuclear chromatin texture, and regularity of nuclear arrangement. The 5-variate cluster analysis demonstrated that the 70 cases could be classified into three definite groups: Group A (17 cases) was characterized by cells of small nuclear size, slight anisokaryosis, homogeneous chromatin texture, and regular nuclear arrangement; Group C (12 cases) by cells of large nuclear size, marked anisokaryosis, heterogeneous chromatin texture, and irregular nuclear arrangement; and Group B (41 cases) by cells of intermediate parameter values. Group C was derived from 10 cases of adenocarcinoma and 2 of atypical hyperplasia, while Groups A and B were not derived from any cases of malignancy. The computer-assisted morphometric statistical method can objectively classify the endometrial cells into malignant and benign, with improved validity and reproducibility. The cytopathologic finding, if detected by this method, may serve as a surrogate endpoint biomarker.

Effects of a low-protein diet on glomerular endothelin family gene expression in experimental focal glomerular sclerosis

1. The present study was designed to assess whether glomerular expression of mRNAs for endothelin-1 and endothelin-3, as well as endothelin receptors A and B is affected by a low-protein diet during the course of focal glomerular sclerosis. 2. Focal glomerular sclerosis was induced in rats by injection of puromycin aminonucleoside on days 0, 27, 34 and 41 in conjunction with unilateral nephrectomy on day 22. Control rats were subjected to nephrectomy or sham operation on day 22. 3. Animals were divided into six groups. In group 1, the puromycin aminonucleoside-injected rats were fed a standard diet containing 22% protein. In group 2, the puromycin aminonucleoside-injected rats were fed a low-protein diet containing 6% protein, which was initiated on the day of the first puromycin aminonucleoside injection. In group 3, the nephrectomized rats without puromycin aminonucleoside were fed a standard diet. In group 4, the nephrectomized rats without puromycin aminonucleoside were fed a low-protein diet. In group 5, the sham-operated rats were fed a standard diet. In group 6, the sham-operated rats were fed a low-protein diet. 4. The percentage of sclerotic glomeruli in group 1 rats increased markedly with time, reaching 77% on day 80. 5. The glomerular mRNA levels for endothelin-1 and endothelin receptors A and B increased significantly as glomerular sclerosis progressed, whereas no endothelin-3 mRNA was detected in the glomeruli of any group. The endothelin-1 production in isolated glomeruli from group 1 increased significantly as glomerular sclerosis progressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of three erythropoietin (Epo)-binding proteins in various human Epo-responsive cell lines and in cells transfected with human Epo-receptor cDNA

Molecular cloning of a cDNA for a mouse erythropoietin (Epo) receptor (EpoR) has facilitated the understanding of the structure of this receptor. However, there is, as yet, no explanation for the discrepancy between the protein recognized by specific antibodies against mouse EpoR and the unexpectedly larger species that can be cross-linked to labeled Epo. It is unclear whether the product of an unidentified gene is included in the EpoR complex. In the present study, we directly compared the cross-linking patterns for human EpoR that were endogenously expressed in three types of Epo-responsive cell, and that was artificially expressed in nonhematopoietic cells after transfection with cDNA for human EpoR. We observed that 85-kD and 105-kD proteins formed ligand-receptor complexes in all the human Epo-responsive cells and, furthermore, that the formation of a complex derived from the 70-kD protein was dependent on the level of expression of the cloned EpoR mRNA in these cells. By contrast, a prominent cross-linked band derived from the 70-kD protein and a weaker band derived from the 80- to 85-kD protein, but no band derived from the 105-kD protein, could be shown in the case of nonhematopoietic cells transfected with the human EpoR cDNA. These observations suggest that the cloned cDNA for human EpoR alone does not allow generation of the complete EpoR in nonhematopoietic cells and that the 105-kD Epo-binding protein may represent the product of an as yet unidentified gene that is expressed in hematopoietic cells.

How safe are the xenogeneic hemostats?--Report of a case of severe systemic allergic reaction

We report herein the unusual case of a 55-year-old woman who developed a severe systemic allergy to Avitene (microfibrillar collagen hydrochloride), a xenogeneic agent sometimes used for topical hemostasis in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient developed fever, general fatigue, mild liver dysfunction, and prominent eosinophilia postoperatively. A skin allergy test confirmed that these abnormal findings were attributable to an allergic reaction to Avitene.

Enalapril attenuates increased gene expression of extracellular matrix components in diabetic rats

This study was designed to assess whether the glomerular expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix (ECM) components including alpha 1 (I), alpha 1 (III), and alpha 1 (IV) collagen chains, laminin B1 and B2 chains, metalloproteinases (MMP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) is affected by enalapril in 12- and 24-wk-old rat after streptozotocin injection. Animals were divided into three groups; untreated diabetic rats, enalapril-treated diabetic rats, and control rats. Enalapril treatment was continued for 24 wk. Enalapril reduced both creatinine clearance (P < 0.01) and urinary protein excretion (P < 0.01) in diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, mRNA levels for alpha 1 (IV) collagen chain, laminin B1 and B2 chains, and alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III) collagen chains increased significantly at 24 wk compared with those in controls [alpha 1(IV): 3.8-fold (P < 0.01); laminin B1: 6.2-fold (P < 0.01); laminin B2:5.4-fold (P < 0.01), alpha 1(i): 4.8-fold (P < 0.01) and alpha 1(III): 3.8-fold (P < 0.01)]. At 24 wk, mRNA levels for MMP-1 and MMP-3 fell to 40% (P < 0.01) and 20% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the glomeruli of diabetic rats compared with levels in controls. In contrast, mRNA levels for TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 increased significantly at 24 wk after streptozotocin injection (TIMP-1: 8.0-fold (P < 0.01) and TIMP-2: 6.4-fold (P < 0.01)).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Osteotropic drug delivery system (ODDS) based on bisphosphonic prodrug. I: synthesis and in vivo characterization of osteotropic carboxyfluorescein

An osteotropic drug delivery system (ODDS) based on a bisphosphonic prodrug was designed as a novel method for site-specific and controlled delivery of drugs to the bone. Due to the chemical adsorption of bisphosphonic promoiety to the mineral component, hydroxyapatite, a bisphosphonic prodrug is predominantly taken up into the bone. To verify the concept, bisphosphonic promoiety was chemically introduced into 6-carboxyfluorescein (CF) as a model compound and the disposition after intravenous injection was studied in rats. The bisphosphonic prodrug of CF, disodium (fluorescein-6-carbonyloxy) acetoaminomethylene bisphosphonate (CF-BP) was highly taken up to the skeleton (62.1% of dose) and the remainder was excreted into the urine (35.9% of dose). Subsequently, regeneration of CF by hydrolysis of CF-BP in the bone was observed. The microscopic observation showed that CF-BP was buried into the bone with a calcification of the bone. According to the remodeling of the bone, bisphosphonic prodrug buried was supposed to be released in the vicinity of the osteoclast or resorption surface of the bone. Thus, it is suggested that ODDS has a potential to achieve osteoclast-specific or resorption surface-specific targeting of the drugs.

Cellular and subcellular localization of transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in normal and diseased human and hamster pancreas

Four normal pancreas, 8 chronic pancreatitis specimens, and 30 non-endocrine pancreatic tumors from humans and 6 normal and 6 induced pancreatic cancers in hamsters were examined immunohistochemically by antibodies against human transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Two normal pancreas and two pancreatic cancer specimens from each species were also studied immunoelectron microscopically by the immunogold method. In chronic pancreatitis, the reactivity and intensity of the staining with both antibodies were much greater in ductal/ductular cells than in the normal pancreas. All 30 pancreatic cancers reacted with both antibodies with a variable degree of reactivity and staining intensity. No correlation was found between the histological type of tumors, the degree of tumor differentiation, and the incidence and patterns of reactivity of either antibody. Immunoelectron microscopically, both EGFR and TGF-alpha were demonstrated primarily on the basal membrane. In the normal hamster pancreas, TGF-alpha was overexpressed in the alpha-cells but not in any other islet cells. Both TGF-alpha and EGFR were marginally detectable in the exocrine pancreas and in induced pancreatic lesions. This is the first demonstration of subcellular localization of TGF-alpha and EGFR in the normal and diseased human and hamster pancreas.

Canine pulmonary hypertension model induced by pulmonary artery embolization of gelatin sponges

We attempted to develop a pulmonary hypertension model in dogs by gelatin sponge embolization. We then monitored right-ventricular pressure overload by echocardiography. Gelatin sponges (Spongel, Yamanouchi, Tokyo) were homogenized and mixed in normal saline (0.6 mg/ml). The mixture was administered via the jugular vein to general pulmonary emboli. Repeated administration of the sponges increased the mean pulmonary arterial pressure and caused right ventricular pressure overload. The degree of pulmonary hypertension was proportional to the volume of gelatin sponge injected. Echocardiography, performed both before and after embolization, proved useful assessing for the degree of right-ventricular pressure overload.

Rapid and accurate method for delineating cancer lesions in laparoscopic colectomy using activated carbon injection

The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of preoperative injection of activated carbon in delineation of cancer location in laparoscopic colectomy. Activated carbon particles were injected during endoscopy into the normal colonic wall surrounding cancer lesions in five cases of early colon cancer, prior to laparoscopic surgery. The carbon-stained area was clearly recognizable as a blackened patch on the serosal surface of the colon. Using the carbon-stained area as a reference point, partial colectomies were successfully performed on all five patients. The preoperative injection of activated carbon assisted in the intraoperative delineation of early colonic cancer lesions. This method is recommended for the rapid and accurate delineation of early colonic cancers in laparoscopic surgery.

The DIMINUTO gene of Arabidopsis is involved in regulating cell elongation

We have isolated a recessive mutation named diminuto (dim) from T-DNA transformed lines of Arabidopsis thaliana. Under normal growth conditions, the dim mutant has very short hypocotyls, petioles, stems, and roots because of the reduced size of cells along the longitudinal axes of these organs. In addition, dim results in the development of open cotyledons and primary leaves in dark-grown seedlings. The gene for DIM was cloned by T-DNA tagging. DIM encodes a novel protein of 561 amino acids that possesses bipartite sequence domains characteristic of nuclear localization signals. Molecular and physiological studies indicate that the loss-of-function mutant allele does not abolish the response of seedlings to light or phytohormones, although the inhibitory effect of light on hypocotyl elongation is greater in the mutant than in wild type. Moreover, the dim mutation affects the expression of a beta-tubulin gene, TUB1, which is thought to be important for plant cell growth. Our results suggest that the DIM gene product plays a critical role in the general process of plant cell elongation.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: radiation therapy for patients aged 70 years and older

PURPOSE

To evaluate the usefulness of radiation therapy for elderly patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred ninety-three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix underwent external pelvic irradiation and three sessions of low-dose-rate intracavitary irradiation. One hundred twenty-six patients were aged 70 years or older (elderly group), and 167 patients were aged 69 years or younger (younger group). Survival rates, pattern of failure, local control rates, and complications for the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The 5-year, cause-specific survival rates for the elderly group with stage I, II, III, or IV disease were 100%, 81%, 73%, and 54%, respectively. Corresponding rates for the younger group were 100%, 92%, 74%, and 32%. Differences in survival curves, patterns of failure, recurrence rates, and incidences of radiation complications for the two groups were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Age did not influence the effectiveness of radiation therapy for the elderly patients.