Biosynthesis of blood group I and i antigens in rat tissues. Identification of a novel beta 1-6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase

The beta-galactoside beta 1-6- and beta 1-3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases (beta 1-6GnT and beta 1-3GnT) that synthesize blood group I and i antigens were identified in rat tissues, using pyridylaminated lacto-N-neotetraose (Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc-PA) as an acceptor. The products of the transferase reactions were separated on high performance liquid chromatography. The products of the transferase reactions were identified by 1H NMR as (formula; see text) and GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc-PA. The product for beta 1-6GnT was also identified by methylation analysis. Kinetic experiments were carried out using rat serum for beta 1-3GnT and partially purified enzyme from rat intestine for beta 1-6GnT. beta 1-3GnT has a pH optimum of 7.5 and requires Mn2+ for optimal activity. beta 1-6GnT has a pH optimum of 7.0 and does not require Mn2+. Studies on the substrate specificity of each enzyme indicated that the preferred substrate for beta 1-3GnT had the general structure Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc-OR and, for beta 1-6GnT, Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal-OR where R = sugar. This is the first demonstration that the beta 1-6GnT acts on an internal galactose of lacto-N-neotetraose and paragloboside, and the enzyme appears to be a novel enzyme in terms of substrate specificity.

An analysis of unmarried population in Tibet

"This article is intended to analyze the unmarried population above 15 years of age in Tibet based on the 10% machine aggregate data from the 1990 census." Aspects considered include the sex and age composition of the unmarried population, and average and median age at first marriage.

The cryopreserved stented pulmonary homograft valve in the tricuspid position

This study was designed to evaluate the early phase events occurring in a stented pulmonary homograft valve implanted in the tricuspid position. A human pulmonary homograft was sterilized in antibiotic solution for 48 hours and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (-176 degrees C). Following thawing and trimming, the pulmonary valve was mounted on a Dacron cloth-covered Delrin stent and implanted into the tricuspid position in 3-month-old sheep, for a mean of 95 +/- 5 days. Seven animals were studied. Morphological assessment indicated good structural tissue preservation despite a decrease in viable fibroblasts noted in the distal part of the leaflets. The collagen fibers remained unchanged, and no tissue calcification was found. Viability of the mounted homograft was evaluated using an in vitro tissue culture method, and the viable cells underwent chromosomal analysis to identify whether they originated from the donor or host. Cells with 56 chromosomes, a number intrinsic to sheep cells, were cultured from the donor recipient junctional area. Hemodynamic and angiographic data, which were collected at the time of both implantation and explantation, revealed no functional deterioration of the implanted valve over 3 months. At the time of explantation, six of the seven valves were competent and no cusp retraction or thickening was noted. The seventh valve had deteriorated due to endocarditis. We conclude that stented cryopreserved pulmonary homografts may be useful as bioprostheses in the tricuspid position.

Physical basis for Descartes ring scattering in laser-irradiated microdroplets

Stimulated Raman scattering from laser-irradiated microdroplets is observed from two distinct spatial regions, the droplet rim and a ringlike region encircling the laser beam axis on the droplet shadow face (the Descartes ring). With the use of two pulsed laser beams, a perturbing beam and a delayed stimulated-Raman-scattering pump beam, the physical mechanism for Descartes ring scattering is investigated. Evidence is obtained of a persistent mechanism that continues even after the perturbing laser pulse is turned off. This mechanism is tentatively identified as electrostriction. The possible existence of an additional prompt mechanism that requires overlap between perturbing and pump laser pulses is also discussed.

[Carrier detection of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia by Taq I restriction fragment length polymorphism of GPIIIa gene]

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder in which platelets fail to aggregate in second hemostasis due to qualitative and/or quantitative defect in their GPIIb/IIIa complex. In the present study, both phenotypic and genotypic assays were performed by Western blot and Southern blot techniques in 13 members of 3 GT families. 2 GT carriers of 3 probable carriers whose clinical features and GPIIb/IIIa protein were essentially normal were determined by Taq I/5' GPIIIa RFLP. There were no major deletion or insertion in GPIIIa gene in 4 patients with GT. Thus, the genetic defects in these patients is most likely due to a small change or point mutation in the nucleotide sequence of GPIIIa coding region.

[Experimental cytokinetic study of gastric mucosa in stress ulcer]

Stress ulcer was studied from the view point of cytokinetics by applying 3H-TdR double pulse labelling technique. In combination with clinical practice, the effects of three common preventive drugs Sucralfate (SCR), 25% glucose and Danshen compound were investigated. The results indicated that when stress ulcer developed, the Ts and Tc stage of gastric mucosa in the rat was much prolonged (P less than 0.01), an apparent lowering of 3H-TdR labelling index appeared (P less than 0.01), and significant impact of cytokinetic changes of mucosal cell was only seen in the region of the gastric body but not at the antral portion. SCR, 25% glucose and compound Danshen displayed a considerable protective action against ulceration and this could facilitate the recovery of Ts, Tc stage to normal range (P less than 0.01).

Role of ICAM-1 in neutrophil-mediated lung vascular injury after occlusion and reperfusion

We examined the role of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1 or CD54) in the development of pulmonary edema in rabbits after pulmonary artery occlusion and reperfusion using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) RR1/1 directed against ICAM-1, a ligand for the CD18 leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein complex. A vascular clamp was placed around the left pulmonary artery for 24 h and then released to allow reperfusion for 2 h. Lungs subjected to 24 h of unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion showed increased binding of 125I-labeled RR1/1 and immunocytochemical evidence of ICAM-1 expression in pulmonary vascular endothelial cells compared with the contralateral lung. MAbs RR1/1 (0.5 mg/kg) or IB4 (1.0 mg/kg) (MAb directed against an epitope on the CD18 adhesion glycoprotein) was infused 45-60 min before the start of reperfusion to assess the roles of ICAM-1 and CD18 in the response. After reperfusion, the lungs were removed, suspended from one end of a weighing balance, and perfused with Ringer-albumin (0.5 g/100 ml), and the changes in lung weight were monitored for 60 min. Lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) content (a marker of neutrophil sequestration) was determined after reperfusion. The increases in lung weight gain in the RR1/1- and IB4-treated groups of 960 +/- 100 and 865 +/- 110 mg, respectively, were less (P less than 0.05) than in untreated controls (3,550 +/- 725 mg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A new biological membrane for pericardial closure

In an attempt to develop a new and better biological membrane for the pericardium, we evaluated the use of glutaraldehyde treated human amniotic membrane (AM) and compared it to polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) membrane as a pericardial substitute. Four dogs underwent a right thoracotomy. Two 4 x 3-cm portions of pericardium, 3-4 cm apart, were excised in each animal and both sites replaced with a similar sized patch of 0.8% glutaraldehyde-treated AM and 0.2-mm PTFE membrane respectively. The AM was sutured to the pericardial defect with its smooth surface facing the epicardium. After 18 weeks, the materials were evaluated. The AM patches revealed minimal extrapericardial and no epicardial adhesion. The PTFE patches had moderate to severe epicardial adhesions and severe extrapericardial adhesions. Histopathological examination of AM patches revealed that the integrity of the AM was preserved, however, neovascularization and slight lymphocytic infiltration were observed. In the PTFE patches, there were severe inflammatory infiltration and fibroblast proliferation into both surfaces. AM patches by virtue of their low immunogenicity evoke very minimal host to graft reaction. These AM grafts, however, tear easily unless carefully sutured. Improved methods of treatment may improve suturing strength. We conclude that AM performs satisfactorily and is superior to PTFE as a pericardial substitute.

A 63-kDa protein with androgen-binding activity is not from the androgen receptor

We have found a new protein in the heart of rat and mice that can be selectively and covalently labelled with the synthetic androgen analog mibolerone. Binding is specific as it can be displaced by excess radioinert ligand. The protein is prominently expressed in liver, kidney, and heart, but not in skeletal muscle. It is water soluble and found in the cytosol. Under denaturing conditions it has a molecular weight of 63,000 and appears on two-dimensional gels with an isoelectric point of 6.3. The protein's affinity for androgen is lower than that of the androgen receptor and it is about 100-fold more abundant than the receptor in the heart. Expression of the protein is not induced by androgen. The presence of this protein in testicular feminization (tfm) mice with a genetical defect of the androgen receptor rules out that it is the androgen receptor or a portion thereof. The biological role of this protein is not yet known.

Observations of Descartes ring stimulated Raman scattering in micrometer-sized water droplets

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) from micrometer-sized droplets, which results from coupling of spontaneous Raman emission to droplet morphology-dependent resonances (MDR's), exhibits unique characteristics. Spatial patterns consist of bright SRS arcs on the droplet rim. A second source of SRS emission has recently been observed from a ringlike region encircling the droplet axis near the geometric focus (the Descartes ring). Investigation of the time and spectral characteristics of Descartes ring SRS and its suppression by the addition of absorptive dye to the droplet reveals it to be an additional manifestation of droplet MDR's. We conjecture that the Descartes ring results when the MDR light is scattered by refractive-index inhomogeneities produced by the intense pump field within the droplet.

Determination of infundibular innervation and amine receptor content in cyanotic and acyanotic myocardium: relation to clinical events in tetralogy of Fallot

Right ventricular myocardium was assessed for cholinergic and adrenergic innervation, as well as alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, and muscarinic receptors, in 18 cyanotic patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and four acyanotic control patients with ventricular septal defect, each of whom underwent a cardiac repair from June through December 1987. Neurons containing acetylcholine (ACH), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100 protein, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and calcitonin gene-related polypeptide (CGRP) were detected surrounding arterioles and myocytes in all specimens. NSE and S-100 immunoreactivities were also identified in the cytoplasm of TOF cardiocytes, possibly indicating a neuroendocrine origin of these cells. Cardiocyte size was increased in TOF (p = 0.05). Acetylcholine (cholinergic) (p = 0.04) and CGRP (cholinergic) positive neurons (p = 0.07) were decreased in the TOF as compared to controls. Adrenergic fiber content (p = 0.15) and beta receptors (p = 0.21) were similar in both groups. There was an increase in muscarinic receptors in the controls (p = 0.002), and a marked increase in alpha receptors in TOF (p = 0.019). There were no intragroup differences in the TOF patients according to degree of cyanosis. In conclusion, there were important differences in neuronal and amine receptor content between TOF and control patients. Increased alpha receptors in TOF could account for differences in clinical and hemodynamic events.

[Application of polymerase chain reaction in amplification of human cytomegalovirus B gene code region]

A nucleic acid amplification procedure, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been used to amplify the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) B gene code region, and its glycoprotein 52 kd antigenic domain. The primers used in the PCR assay were based on a conserved region of the HCMV B gene sequence. By using primer 1 (5'-AAAGAATTCATGGAATCCAGGATCTG-3', upstream nucleotides 157 to 2877), primer 2 (5'-AAAGAATTCATGAACGTGAAGGAATCG-3', upstream nucleotides 1846 to 2877), and primer 4(5'-ATAAAGCTTAATCAGACGTTCTCTTCTTC-3', downstream nucleotides 157 to 2877 and 1846 to 2877), the HCMV B gene code region sequence and its glycoprotein 52 kd antigenic domain sequence were amplified from the recombinant plasmid pBH1 DNA containing the HCMV B gene. Amplification cycles consisted of denaturation at 92 degrees C for 1 min, annealing at 55 degrees C for 1 min, and extension at 72 degrees C for 1.5 min. The cycles were carried out 30 times in three different water baths, respectively. After the last extension, 10 microliter of each reaction mixture was removed and subjected to electrophoresis on 1.2% agarose gel. Ten microgram of PCR products were obtained from 0.2 microgram of template DNA after the 30 times cycles, and were enough for being used in the restriction site analysis and the construction of clones.

Immunocytochemical detection of atrial natriuretic peptide in periarterial myocardiocytes of cardiac ventricles of adult normotensive rat

The cardiac hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is known to be produced by the atrial myocardiocytes. In the ventricles, the concentrations of ANP are very low and are often undetectable by immunocytochemistry. Apart from recent reports of ANP in the various Purkinje cell types, the histological distribution of the small amounts of ANP in the ventricular myocardium has not been well established. In this study, the distribution of ANP immunoreactivity in the ventricles of normotensive adult rats was examined with a modified version of an immunostaining procedure. ANP immunoreactivity was present, in addition to typical myocardial cells, in the myocardiocytes surrounding the arteries and arterioles, particularly at their bifurcations. The specificity of the immunostaining was confirmed with pre-absorption controls. Such a distribution indicates that in addition to being an endocrine hormone ANP may have a paracrine function. The periarterial myocardiocytes may be able to sense the pressure and/or volume changes of the surrounded blood vessels and to release ANP, which may in turn affect these blood vessels and thereby regulate coronary perfusion. The physiological and pathological significance of periarterial ANP distribution warrants further investigation.

Physical overdistension converts ventricular cardiomyocytes to acquire endocrine property and regulate ventricular atrial natriuretic peptide production

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is present in adult atria but at very low concentrations in normal adult mammalian ventricles. In the atria, the production of ANP is regulated by physical distension of the atrial wall. The same phenomenon was investigated in the ventricles of rats and men. Cardiac tissues from human ventricular aneurysm (n = 5), spontaneously hypertensive rats (n = 30), and rats that had overloaded left ventricles induced by surgery (n = 84) were studied with the methods of light microscopic immunocytochemistry, electron microscopic immunogold staining, and RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization. It was found that the levels of ANP gene expression, ANP immunoreactivity, and ANP-containing specific granules in the overburdened ventricles were elevated and their degrees of fluctuation were directly proportional to the force of physical distension applied to the ventricular cardiomyocytes. In rats, ANP mRNA and ANP immunoreactivity returned to the control level seven days after the ventricular overload was surgically released. The changes of ANP and its mRNA in the ventricles were related more closely to the changes of intraventricular pressure than to cardiocytic hypertrophy. In addition, ANP immunoreactivity was demonstrated in Purkinje cells and periarteriolar cardiomyocytes in the ventricles of normotensive rats. In conclusion, physical overstretch of the ventricle wall is likely to be the triggering factor affecting ventricular cardiomyocytes to acquire endocrine property, and also to regulate the production of ventricular ANP, thereby contributing to the control of the blood volume and the blood pressure.

l-tetrahydropalmatine increases leucine enkephalin levels in corpus striatum of rats

The effect of chronic l-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) administration on the level of leucine enkephalin (Leu-Enk) in rat corpus striatum was studied. After l-THP sc injection once daily for 2 wk, the striatal Leu-Enk level was elevated dose-dependently. However, a single injection of l-THP failed to change the Leu-Enk level. When rats received sc Sch-23390, a selective D1 antagonist, 15 nmol.kg-1 tid for 2 wk, striatal content of Leu-Enk increased from 0.17 +/- SD 0.03 ng.mg-1 tissue in control group to 0.23 +/- SD 0.05 ng.mg-1 tissue in Sch-23390 group (n = 8, P less than 0.05). Sulpiride (Sul), a selective D2 antagonist, 140 mumol.kg-1 sc given bid for 2 wk had no significant effect on the striatal Leu-Enk content. The results suggested that the blockade of D1 receptors by l-THP might be responsible for the increase of the striatal Leu-Enk content in rat.

A case of basophilic leukemia bearing simultaneous translocations t(8;21) and t(9;22)

We report a case of basophilic leukemia with simultaneous translocations of t(8;21) and t(9;22). The patient's clinical and hematologic findings were characteristic only of t(9;22) but not of t(8;21). This unusual cytogenetic phenomenon raises a challenge to the current concepts of primary chromosomal abnormalities in cancer.

Detection of endothelin-like immunoreactivity in epithelium and fibroblasts of the human umbilical cord

We studied tissue sections of freshly obtained full-term and premature human umbilical cords using polyclonal antibody to endothelin and immunocytochemistry. Endothelin immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and primitive fibroblasts, but not in the endothelial cells of both full-term and premature umbilical cords. Immunoelectron microscopy using indirect immunogold staining technique localized endothelin immunoreactivity to the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells and fibroblasts but not confined to any particular structures. No endothelin immunoreactivity was detected in the nucleus or on the cell membrane. Pre-absorption tests with synthetic endothelin-1, -2, and -3 independently established that the immunoreactivity represented endothelin-1 and -2, but not -3. The presence of endothelin-1 and -2-like immunoreactive materials in epithelial cells and fibroblasts of human umbilical cord suggests a role of endothelin in parturition.

Novel system for percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass (PCPB) has recently come to the forefront of medicine as a technique for resuscitating and supporting patients in various clinical situations. Current systems utilize small-diameter cannulas to aspirate blood under high suction into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Aspiration-based systems have several disadvantages including risk of air embolism, blood hemolysis, and cavitation. Additionally, they are suboptimal for use during open-heart surgical procedures. A system with a venous cannula that employs gravity drainage has been evaluated. Once advanced into position over a guide-wire, the stylet is removed, causing the basket near the end of the cannula to expand. Blood flows into the cannula from side holes and the basket region, which prevents the vessel wall or atrium from collapsing around the catheter and impeding venous drainage. Hemodynamic, hematologic, and histologic examinations were performed on eight anesthetized mongrel dogs during 2 h of PCPB. All animals exhibited adequate tissue perfusion and right and left heart decompression. All animals were successfully weaned from PCPB and after 30 min exhibited normal myocardial function. No ischemic changes were observed in the heart, lung, kidney, or liver by light and electron microscopy. We conclude that full PCPB can be satisfactorily achieved by using a novel percutaneous venous cannula and gravity drainage.

Localized endocrine conversion of ventricular cardiocytes in ventricular aneurysm

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is synthesized and stored in the atria of the heart, but not or at very low concentrations in the ventricles. We investigated the occurrence of ANP and its messenger RNA (mRNA) in human ventricular aneurysm where the cardiocytes were physically over-stretched. The techniques of light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, and RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization were employed. A large amount of ANP immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of the cardiocytes in and around the aneurysm, but not in fibrous scar tissue or in the normal ventricles. Immunoelectron microscopy localized the immunoreactivity mainly to specific secretory granules in the cytoplasm of the cardiocytes. ANP mRNA was also detected in these cardiocytes. The abundance of both was much higher than that found in the hypertrophic ventricles of other types. The highest concentration of ANP immunoreactivity and of ANP mRNA was found in the cardiocytes located at the border zone. The quantities of both ANP and its mRNA decreased in cardiocytes more distant from the lesion. Our findings suggest that human ventricular cardiocytes in and around aneurysm can convert to produce large amounts of the endocrine peptide ANP. This ventricular endocrine conversion was localized and was probably caused by physical over-stretch of the cardiocytes.

Determination of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases III, IV and V in normal and hepatoma tissues of rats

N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, IV and V activities were assayed in various rat tissues and hepatomas using the same fluorescence-labeled sugar chain, GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-3-(GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-6)Man beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc-2-aminopyridine as a substrate. The N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity toward the substrate is the highest in most rat tissues including primary rat hepatoma. A relatively higher activity for GnT-V is found in small intestine, serum and hepatoma as compared to that of GnT-IV. Some kinetic properties of these enzymes in crude extracts were also determined.

[Quantitative evaluation of human balance function and its significance]

A system of computerized balance function evaluation is introduced. 86 normal chinese adults divided into two age groups tested by the system under 6 standing postures, and a series of normal values of 7 balance parameters and 3 curve diagrams were then obtained. No statistical difference could be found in the values of parameters between male and female. A comparison between the old-age group and the middle-aged and young group revealed no significant difference in each parameter at the time of open eyes with the two feet standing side by side. In terms of closed eyes with the two feet standing side by side, one foot standing in front and the other behind, and single foot standing, the parameters between the two age-groups showed significant difference (p less than 0.05-0.01). The advantages of the system and the value of its application in medical practice, sport medicine, aesthetic medicine, judicature and especially in geriatrics are discussed.

Homograft valve durability: host or donor influence?

Antibiotic sterilized valves have been shown to function longer than those chemically sterilized; however, the reason remains obscure. Current hypotheses cite either retention of donor fibroblasts capable of repairing the grafted valve, or host fibroblast ingrowth into and onto the leaflet ground substance. A cryopreserved aortic homograft from a male donor was explanted from a female recipient after 10 months, and subjected to immunocytochemistry, tissue culture, and karyotyping. The leaflet bases exhibited normal morphology with an intact endothelium. The distal one-third of the leaflets was devoid of fibroblasts from the leaflet bases showed them to be of host origin. This homograft seems to have been implanted with an intact ground substance which allowed for host cell repopulation of the inner one-third of the leaflets. Perhaps donor cell viability in itself is not as important to durability as is preservation of the leaflet ground substance, but rather the presence of viable cells may be an index of the structural integrity of the collagen and elastic matrix.

Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation for right ventricular failure after right ventriculotomy in the swine

To assess the efficacy of intrapulmonary balloon counterpulsation in the management of right ventricular failure after right ventriculotomy, we undertook an experimental study in a swine model. To mimic the clinical settings more closely, (1) we left the automatic control of the heart intact (2) did not use cardiopulmonary bypass to support the left side of the heart, and (3) induced right ventricular failure by means of a generous surgical incision (50% to 70% of the anterior wall) of the right ventricle. The criteria set for right ventricular failure were (1) 50% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, (2) 30% decrease in mean arterial pressure, and (3) 30% decrease in cardiac output. Right ventricular failure was attained in all animals studied: A 230% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, a 43% decrease in cardiac output, and a 34% decrease in mean arterial pressure were evident after the right ventriculotomy. A specially designed intrapulmonary balloon catheter (Datascope Corp., Oakland, N.J.) was placed into the left pulmonary artery through the right ventricular outflow tract. A Datascope console was used for counterpulsation. Effects of counterpulsation for 40 minutes in a 1:1 mode were assessed after surgical induction of right ventricular failure in 14 swine. Each animal served as its own control. The mean hemodynamic changes are outlined: Right ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased by 48.9% (p = 0.01). Mean arterial pressure increased by 68.8% (p = 0.01) and cardiac output by 44.2% (p = 0.01). Histologic studies disclosed no morphologic damage to the pulmonary artery or valve in the specimens analyzed. In addition, these results were compared with those in a second group of seven swine in which right ventricular failure was induced by right ventriculotomy and a balloon was placed into the left pulmonary artery but not activated. These results of short-term counterpulsation should be evaluated in a longer term model so as to mimic more closely the clinical setting. If the hemodynamic benefits are duplicated, intrapulmonary balloon counterpulsation should be considered as a simple, effective device when right ventricular failure develops after right ventriculotomy. It effectively improves right ventricular function without damaging the pulmonary artery or valve.

Atrial natriuretic peptide and its messenger ribonucleic acid in overloaded and overload-released ventricles of rat

To study the occurrence of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in overloaded ventricles, suprarenal aortic coarctation was performed on adult rats (n = 60) to induce overloaded left ventricle. In 36 rats, the overloads were released in 2 weeks. The hearts (6 rats in each group) were examined 2, 7, and 14 days after overload and 2, 7, 19, 47, and 77 days after overload release. Another group of 6 rats was coarctated for the second time for 1-6 days after 14 days of coarctation and 7 days of release. ANP immunoreactivity was examined by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. ANP mRNA was studied by RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization. ANP immunoreactivity and ANP mRNA were found in the left ventricle 2 days after coarctation, and their amounts increased in proportion to the intraventricular pressure and the duration of coarctation. Two days after release, ANP and its mRNA began to decrease, but at 77 days ANP-containing granules still existed in the ventricular myocytes, whereas its mRNA became undetectable. The second coarctation triggered the release of the remaining ventricular ANP from the first overload and induced another cycle of increased ANP synthesis. Specific granules that do not contain ANP were found in overload-released ventricles, indicating the possible existence of other peptide hormones. These findings suggest that the extents of ventricular ANP gene expression and ANP synthesis and release are regulated by intraventricular pressure, and the occurrence of ANP in overloaded ventricles may not be a transient, immediately reversible phenomenon.

Changes in cardiac neuropeptide Y after experimental myocardial infarction in rat

We have investigated the hypothesis that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is released from noradrenergic sympathetic nerves during experimentally induced myocardial infarction. A left thoracotomy was performed, the left main coronary artery ligated, and the animals sacrificed 4 or 48 h later. NPY levels in heart tissue from these rats and sham-operated controls were measured with radioimmunoassay. Levels of NPY in the right atrium were greater than other regions of the rat heart. After ligation of the left coronary artery, the concentration of NPY in the infarcted area of the left ventricle was reduced at 4 and 48 h when compared to a similar area in sham-operated rats. NPY levels in the septum were unchanged. The results suggest that during myocardial infarction, NPY is released from nerves in the infarcted region and may deleteriously affect increased collateral blood flow surrounding the infarcted tissue.

Comparison of detecting sensitivities of different sizes of gold particles with electron-microscopic immunogold staining using atrial natriuretic peptide in rat atria as a model

The detecting sensitivities of different-sized gold particles were compared in the localization of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in rat atria. The secondary antibodies were goat antirabbit labeled with 5, 15, 30, or 40 nm colloidal gold diluted 1:2 to 1:100 in Tris buffer. The relative quantity of alpha-ANP immunoreactivity in specific granules was determined by subtracting the number of gold particles in 1 micron 2 nongranule area from that in 1 micron 2 granule area measured with a computerized image analyzer. The optimal dilution that achieved the maximal contrast between specific and background label was influenced by the particle size. Optimal dilutions were 1:80, 1:30, 1:20, and 1:5 for 5, 15, 30, and 40 nm gold, respectively. At optimal dilutions, the maximal detecting sensitivity (MDS) was in inverse proportion to the gold particle size; however, this relationship is not entirely linear. The ratio among the MDSs of 5, 15, 30, and 40 nm gold particles was approximately 34:9:3:2. A double immunogold staining was performed to localize alpha- and beta-ANPs with 15 and 5 nm gold, respectively. Both antigens were detected in the same granules. If the ratios established from the single staining data were used, the ratio between the alpha- and the beta-ANP antigens in the same granules was approximately 2.8:1. The data obtained in this study provide a useful reference for applications of immunogold electron microscopy in a quantitative manner, particularly for double immunogold labeling.

A study of myc-related gene expression in small cell lung cancer by in situ hybridization

The expression of myc-related genes (c-myc, N-myc, and L-myc) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was studied by RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization. The tissues investigated included cytospins of ten cell lines derived from patients with SCLC, four corresponding nude mouse xenografts from cell lines, and metastatic tumor tissue obtained by surgical biopsy and at autopsy. The probes were prepared as 35S labeled complementary RNA. The expression of each gene was demonstrated specifically by autoradiography in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cell samples. The average levels of oncogene expression in each specimen corroborated previous data obtained by Northern blot assays. In addition, heterogeneity in gene expression from cell to cell in each sample was noted. This study represents the first attempt to demonstrate oncogene expression in lung cancer cell lines and tissues in situ, and confirms that the expression of these myc related genes can be seen in the primary tumor. The technique of RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization has great potential in answering fundamental questions of tumor cell heterogeneity and progression in SCLC. It should be useful in both prospective and retrospective studies.

A parallel architecture for discrete relaxation algorithm

Discrete relaxation techniques have proven useful in solving a wide range of problems in digital signal and digital image processing, artificial intelligence, operations research, and machine vision. Much work has been devoted to finding efficient hardware architectures. This paper shows that a conventional hardware design for a Discrete Relaxation Algorithm (DRA) suffers from O(n2m3) time complexity and O(n2m2) space complexity. By reformulating DRA into a parallel computational tree and using a multiple tree-root pipelining scheme, time complexity is reduced to O(nm), while the space complexity is reduced by a factor of 2. For certain relaxation processing, the space complexity can even be decreased to O(nm). Furthermore, a technique for dynamic configuring an architectural wavefront is used which leads to an O(n) time highly concurrent DRA3 architecture.

Pharmacokinetics of norethisterone in humans

The pharmacokinetics of a dose of 1mg norethisterone administered with 50 micrograms ethynyloestradiol was studied in 83 subjects. The dose was rapidly absorbed and there were wide variations in the serum NET concentrations at any particular time after dosing; the concentrations at 24 h varied from 100 to 1700 pg/ml. There was a significant negative correlation between the serum NET concentration and the time after dosing in all women. There were large inter-subject variations in the pharmacokinetic parameters, the elimination half-life and bioavailability showing 3- and 5- fold variability, respectively. Mean values for the parameters were t1/2, 7.6 h; bioavailability, 53.6 ng/ml/h; C max, 4.63 ng/ml; clearance, 22.6 l/h; and Vd 2361. There were a number of statistically significant correlations between the pharmacokinetic parameters and analysis of the correlations suggested that clearance was an important determinant of the bioavailability and of C max whereas the elimination half-life was the determinant of the NET concentration at 24 h. The pharmacokinetics of NET are compared with those of ethynyloestradiol. The wide variation in pharmacokinetics is likely to be important in determining inter-subject variations in efficacy and, particularly, side-effects of oral contraceptives especially now that low-dose formulations are widely used.

Occurrence, distribution and origin of peptide-containing nerves of guinea-pig and rat male genitalia and the effects of denervation on sperm characteristics

A systematic immunohistochemical and radio-immunological survey of the occurrence, distribution and origin of the peptidergic nerve supply in guinea-pig and rat male genitalia is presented. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), substance P and CGRP were detected in the genital organs of both species. The densities and distribution patterns of the peptidergic nerves were compared with those of the adrenergic nerves, as revealed by antibodies raised against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the general neuronal component, as revealed by antibodies raised against neurofilament proteins (NF). Bilateral transection of the hypogastric nerves, in the guinea-pig, resulted in a decrease of substance P-containing nerves in the vas deferens and of NPY-, PHI- and VIP-containing nerves in the seminal vesicle. Unilateral disconnection of the pelvic nerves caused a decrease of VIP, PHI, substance P and CGRP nerve supply in the ipsilateral vas deferens and cauda epididymidis in the guinea-pig. A marked reduction of noradrenergic and NPY-containing nerves was observed in the vas deferens and sexual accessory glands of rats, chemically sympathectomised by chronic injection of low doses of guanethidine. Conversely, increase of substance P and CGRP immunoreactivities were observed, particularly in the vas deferens. After guanethidine, the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens were distended with spermatozoa, suggesting paralysis of the ducts. Spermatozoa had a decreased percentage of attached cytoplasmic droplets, indicating prolonged retention in the ducts.

The regional distribution of NPY-, PHM-, and VIP-containing nerves in the human female genital tract

The regional distributions of neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide histidine-methionine (PHM), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivities in the human female genital tract have been estimated by specific radioimmunoassays, and their molecular forms determined by chromatography. The localisation and distribution of these three peptides was carried out by immunocytochemistry. The vagina and cervix contain high concentrations of NPY- and VIP-immunoreactive nerves, mainly localised around the vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle. VIP-containing nerves were, in addition, seen beneath the cervical and, in particular, the vaginal epithelium. A comparatively high level of immunoreactive NPY is found in the fallopian tube, mainly around the circular muscle coat. There is evidence that VIP is a neurotransmitter in the female genital tract, and these results suggest a similar role for NPY and PHM.

Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on neuropeptides in the rat female genitourinary tract

The occurrence and distribution of neuropeptide Y has been determined in the rat female genitourinary tract by radioimmunoassay and chromatographic analysis. Within the bladder, higher concentrations of neuropeptide Y were found in the trigone (48.8 +/- 5.2 pmol/g) than in the dome (36.0 +/- 2.1 pmol/g). In the genital tract, highest concentrations were identified in the vagina (41.4 +/- 2.1 pmol/g). Treatment of rats with 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in significant depletion of neuropeptide Y concentrations in both parts of the bladder, together with vagina, uterine horn and fallopian tube. No change was observed in the cervix, uterine body and ovary. Concentrations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were unaffected by treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine except in the area of the cervix where concentrations rose from 64.1 +/- 5.7 pmol/g to 133.6 +/- 15.1 pmol/g (p less than 0.05). There was a generalised, but statistically insignificant rise in substance P concentrations.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the female rat urogenital tract

CGRP-immunoreactivity was found throughout the female rat urogenital tract by specific radioimmunoassay, and shown to be present in nerve fibres by immunocytochemistry. The highest concentrations of CGRP-like immunoreactivity were found in the urinary tract, with lower levels in regions of the genitalia. Chromatographic analysis of bladder and vaginal extracts on Sephadex G-50 columns and HPLC revealed at least three CGRP-immunoreactive peaks. The major peak emerged in the same position as synthetic rat CGRP. CGRP nerve fibres were associated mainly with blood vessels, non-vascular smooth muscle, squamous epithelium and uterine and cervical glands, and were particularly abundant in the ureter and bladder. CGRP-immunoreactivity was depleted by neonatal treatment with capsaicin and after surgical section of pelvic and/or hypogastric nerves. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that depletion occurred predominantly in the mucosal layer of the urogenital tract. These findings indicate a sensory function for most of the CGRP-immunoreactive nerves in the rat urogenital tract.

Cytochemical relationships in the paracervical ganglion (Frankenhäuser) of rat studied by immunocytochemistry

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivities have been demonstrated in the paracervical ganglion of the rat using immunocytochemistry. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) and neurofilament protein triplet immunoreactivities have also been demonstrated in this region. The VIP, NPY, D beta H and neurofilament immunoreactivities were located in ganglion cells and nerve fibres, while CGRP immunoreactivity was localized only in nerve fibres. Many cells immunoreactive with D beta H antiserum were also immunoreactive with NPY antiserum. A small number of cells immunoreactive with VIP antiserum were also immunoreactive with NPY antiserum. CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were distributed in certain regions of the ganglion only.

Peptide histidine methionine (PHM) and the human male genitalia

Peptide histidine methionine-like immunoreactivity (PHM-IR) has been demonstrated to be present in the human penis both by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry with particularly high levels in the corpus cavernosum and vas deferens. In the cavernosa, PHM-IR has been localised entirely, in nerves around arteries. High performance liquid chromatography indicated that this PHM-IR co-eluted with synthetic PHM but not porcine PHI. The presence of PHM-IR in the penis suggests that this neuropeptide may play a functional role in penile function.

Bombesin-like immunoreactivity in female rat genito-urinary tract

The quantitative distribution and localization of bombesin-like immunoreactivity (BLI), by antiserum which cross-reacted fully with gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), was determined by radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemistry in various regions of female rat urogenital tract. The highest concentration of BLI was found in the vagina, with lower but significant concentrations in the uterus and bladder. Bombesin-like immunoreactive nerve fibres were localized by immunocytochemistry in the smooth muscle layer, around blood vessels and in the submucosa of the vagina and bladder. BLI was separable into two immunoreactive peaks on both gel permeation chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. The major peak emerged exactly in the position of neuromedin C (C-terminal decapeptide of GRP) in both chromatographic systems, while the remaining immunoreactivity emerged close to the position of porcine GRP on gel permeation chromatography, but was easily distinguishable from this on HPLC. This suggests a significant species difference between rat and porcine GRP. Amphibian bombesin and mammalian neuromedin C have previously been shown to have potent biological actions in the rat urogenital tract. The presence of mammalian bombesin-like peptides in nerve fibres of the urogenital tract suggests that they may have a regulatory role in these organs.

Stability of immunocytochemical reactivity of neuronal substances following delayed fixation

The rates of deterioration of immunocytochemical staining for 4 peptide and 2 neuronal antigens were studied on human, guinea pig and rat colon and urinary bladder. It was found that if the fixation started within 10 h after surgery or death, little change was seen in the pattern and intensity of the immunostains. When fixation was further delayed, the immunostaining gradually deteriorated in quality and decreased in quantity until, when fixation was delayed for 60-72 h, most of the original immunostaining was absent. The deterioration rates of the neuronal antigens in the urinary bladder were slower than in the colon and all antigens were preserved for longer at 4 degrees C than at 20 degrees C. The deterioration curves produced from the present findings provide a standard for comparison with the immunostaining results obtained on tissues where fixation is delayed.

Somatostatin in the human heart and comparison with guinea pig and rat heart

Somatostatin has been shown to have negative inotropic and chronotopic effects and to restore sinus rhythm in some cases of cardiac arrhythmia. Using acid extracts, regions of human heart were examined by radioimmunoassay to determine their somatostatin content. Mean (SD) concentrations of 4.1 (0.8) pmol/g and 2.9 (0.8) pmol/g were found in atrioventricular node and right atria respectively and were significantly higher than in other heart regions. Using fresh heart tissue from guinea pigs, somatostatin was localised to cardiac nerves by immunocytochemistry. Nerves containing somatostatin were most abundant in the atria, where the concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay were 7.6 (1.0) and 2.6 (0.4) pmol/g for right and left atria respectively. Somatostatin contained in cardiac nerves may have a physiological role in the cardiac conduction system.

Neuropeptide Y in the human male genital tract

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) was found in high concentrations in the male genital tract. NPY levels were highest in the seminal vesicles, prostate, corpus cavernosum and vas deferens, where large numbers of immunoreactive nerve fibres were detected. Considerable quantities were also found in the epididymis and spongiosum. Lower concentrations were found in the glans penis, testis and foreskin. The presence of a large number of nerves containing NPY suggest that this active neuropeptide may play a role in control of genital function.

Antibodies to neurofilament protein and other brain proteins reveal the innervation of peripheral organs

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to neurofilament proteins, neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100 have been used to demonstrate nerves, ganglion cells and the supportive glial system of the innervation of various organs. The female genitalia, the urinary tract, the respiratory system, the pancreas, the heart and the skin of several mammalian species, including rat, mouse, guinea pig, cat, pig, monkey and man were fixed in para-benzoquinone and portions of each organ were snap frozen. Serial or free-floating thick cryostat sections were stained using indirect immunofluorescence and peroxidase anti-peroxidase immunocytochemistry. In addition, the newly described and highly sensitive immunogold-silver staining technique was used on Bouin's-fixed and wax-embedded tissues. Antibodies to neurofilament proteins seemed to react with neuronal structures in all the species studied. Alternately stained serial sections showed a similar distribution of neurofilament proteins and neuron-specific enolase-containing nerves. Neuron-specific enolase staining had a diffuse appearance and was found to be highly variable, indicating that the neuron-specific enolase content might be related to the physiological state of the nerves and ganglion cells, whereas antibodies to neurofilament protein gave a consistently intense and very clear picture of the ganglion cells and nerve fibres. Antibodies to S-100 stained supportive elements of the peripheral nervous system in all tissues examined, whereas antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein were more selective.

Increase of S-100 immunoreactivity in the urinary bladder from patients with multiple sclerosis, an indication of peripheral neuronal lesion

The Schwann cells in urinary bladder biopsies from multiple sclerosis patients and controls were examined by immunocytochemistry with an antiserum to S-100. S-100 immunoreactivity was found to be markedly increased in these tissues as compared with the controls, indicating a Schwann cell hyperplasia in the urinary bladder in multiple sclerosis. This finding suggests that local neuronal damage exists in the urinary bladder of patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the concept of multiple sclerosis as a disease wholly of the central nervous system should be reexamined.

Peptide-immunoreactive nerves in the mammalian female genital tract

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, neuropeptide Y and peptide histidine isoleucine immunoreactivities have been demonstrated in the female genitalia of rat, cat, mouse and guinea-pig using immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay. They were localized to nerves. Each type of immunoreactive nerve showed a distinct pattern of distribution, though all were associated to some degree with blood vessels and smooth muscle. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerves were the most abundant. Higher concentrations of peptides were detected in the female genitalia of the mouse than those of the other species studied. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive nerves were particularly concentrated in the cervix (89.1 +/- 17.2 pmol/g, mean +/- S.E.M.) and the uterus (57.4 +/- 14.8 pmol/g) of the mouse, while neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity was more abundant in the Fallopian tube of the mouse (31.6 +/- 11.8 pmol/g) and the vagina of the rat (38.6 +/- 4.8 pmol/g) than in other regions. Separate populations of ganglion cells in the paracervical ganglia were found to contain vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivities. Peptide histidine isoleucine-immunoreactive and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive nerves were similarly distributed, but the former were much less frequent. Substance P-immunoreactive nerves were seen mainly beneath the epithelium of the vagina and were, in general, more numerous in the guinea-pig than in other species. The significance of these peptide-immunoreactive nerves in the female genital organ remains to be determined.

Demonstration of paracervical ganglion origin for the vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing nerves of the rat uterus using retrograde tracing techniques combined with immunocytochemistry and denervation procedures

The origin of the abundant vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerves in the uterus has not been fully determined. In this study, a fluorescent dye, True Blue was injected into the uterus of rat and 6 days later, neuronal cell bodies of the paracervical ganglion were found to be labelled by this dye. Some of these labelled ganglion cells were also found to contain VIP immunoreactivity by immunocytochemistry. When the preganglionic pelvic and/or hypogastric nerves of rats were sectioned, the VIP-immunoreactive nerves in the uteri were not depleted, indicating that these nerves did not originate from the splanchnic ganglion, dorsal root ganglion or the spinal cord. Therefore it is concluded that VIP-immunoreactive nerves in the uterus originate from the paracervical ganglion.