Lysosomal enzymes in sera and granulocytes of patients with chronic liver diseases

The authors have measured the activity of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronaidase and cathepsin-D in tthe sera of patients with different liver diseases, and the actvity of beta-glucuronidase in granulocytes and the rate of its release. Using the method for the releaseof beta-glucuronidase from the granulocytes they drew conclusions to thedegree of the membrane-damage occurring in the liver diseases. They provided that in the sera of patients with different liver diseases the increase in the activity of the acid phosphatase and the beta-glucuronidase is different. According to their in vitro studies the decrease in the beta-glucuronidase activity measured in the granulocytes, and the release of enzyme is in connection with the type of liver disease and with the different degree of lysosomal membrane alteration.

Experimental model of leukemic infiltrative pericarditis reflecting a human disease

In human leukemias, pericarditis may be associated with leukemic pericardial infiltration. In order to obtain more information about the pathogenesis of the leukemic involvement of the pericardium, sterile talc-induced pericarditis was produced in acute lymphoid leukemic male hybrid mice. The animals invariable showed leukemic pericardial infiltration within 14 days. In leukemic mice without any treatment or with intrapericardial physiological NaCl injection (instead of talc), leukemic involvement of the pericardium did not occur.

Cloning the modification methylase gene of Bacillus sphaericus R in Escherichia coli

The gene coding for the sequence-specific modification methylase methM . BspI of Bacillus sphaericus R has been cloned in Escherichia coli by means of plasmid pBR322. The selection was based on the expression of the cloned gene which rendered the recombinant plasmid resistant to BspI restriction endonuclease cleavage. The gene is carried by a 9 kb BamHI fragment and by a smaller 2.5 kb EcoRI fragment derived from the BamHI fragment. The Bsp-specific methylase level was found to be higher in the recombinant clones than in the parental strain. The methylase gene is probably located on the Bacillus sphaericus chromosome, and not on a plasmid known to be carried by this strain. The recombinant clones do not exhibit an BspI restriction endonuclease activity.

Chromosome abnormalities, clinical and morphological manifestations in metamorphosis of chronic myeloid leukemia

Seventeen cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in metamorphosis have been investigated by cytogenetic methods. Six patients were studied in slow transformation and others in the terminal blastic phase of the disease. Of these, 3 cases were myeloid, 3 myelomonocytic, 1 megakaryoblastic, 1 promyelocytic and 4 lymphoid in their morphological and cytochemical appearance. Some correlation could be observed between the clinical, morphological, cytochemical and cytogenetic findings of the different subgroups. The results demonstrate the importance of chomosome investigations in the early diagnosis of metamorphosis and in distinguishing the different subgroups of the terminal stage of CML.

[Treatment of obesity in the elderly with behaviour modification techniques]

Several common methods of treating obesity (diet alone, diet plus medical information, and diet plus behaviour therapy) were compared in a health-spa setting. 107 men (mean age 57.3 +/- 8.0) and 116 women (mean age 61.0 +/- 7.7) participated in the study. Changes in weight during the 26 day treatment period and 3-month follow-up period were registered. The behaviour therapy group showed the greatest weight loss during the treatment period and the least weight gain at follow-up, the difference to the group with medical information was statistically significant. In the behaviour therapy group there were also fewer patients whose weight at follow-up was above their beginning weight.

CPC-PTA section staining of acid glycans

A cetylpyridinium chloride-phosphotungstic acid procedure suggested by Kelényi and Kiss (1976) for the staining of mast cell granules in ultrathin sections was slightly modified with regard to pretreatment, pH of incubation, and rinsing of sections. The method also proved suitable for the demonstration of various mucosubstances and of cartilage proteoglycan aggrebates.

Physical map of the seven ribosomal RNA genes of Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli DNA was digested with restriction endonucleases BamHI, PstI, EcoRI, SalI, HindIII, XhoI, BglII, SmaI, HpaI and with selected double and triple combinations of the same enzymes. The digests were electrophoresed and hybridized with 32P-labelled ribosomal RNA by using the Southern blotting technique. The resulting bands could be arranged into seven groups, and it was possible to construct a unique physical map of the seven rRNA genes (operons) of the bacterial chromosome. Mapping information obtained on several transducing phages and recombinant plasmids carrying rRNA genes, and mapping data published in the literature helped to determine the final map. The results suggest that phage lambda daroE152 carries a "hybrid" rRNA gene which was probably formed by recombination between two different chromosomal rRNA genes.

Cloning of an E. coli ribosomal RNA gene and its promoter region from lambdarifd18

The DNA of the specialized transducing phage lambdarifd18, which carries a bacterial rRNA transcription unit, was digested with restriction enzymes EcoRI and/or BamHI. Attempts were made to clone fragments containing the presumed rRNA promoter region or the entire rRNA gene in RSF2124 or pBR313 plasmid vectors with the following results: (1) We failed to clone an EcoRI fragment with the rRNA promoter region in plasmid RSF2124. (2) A smaller EcoRI-BamHI fragment with the rRNA promoter was also unclonable by itself, but one recombinant was found containing this fragment together with another large (7 Mdaltons) fragment, derived from phage lambda. The presence of this large fragment proved to be essential. The identity of these DNA fragments in the recombinant clone was confirmed by redigestion with several restriction enzymes, hybridization with rRNA, and in vitro transcription experiments, which showed preferential rRNA transcription. (3) A BamHI fragment encompassing the entire rRNA gene was easily cloned. Such stable clones carried a doubled number of rRNA genes. In vitro transcription using the recombinant plasmid resulted in 70% rRNA transcription. These recombinant clones allow the easy purification of the relevant DNA fragments for further investigation including sequencing.

Biochemical characterization of the restriction-modification system of Bacillus sphaericus

A type II restriction endonuclease (endo R . Bsp) has been purified from Bacillus sphaericus to electrophoretic homogeneity. The enzyme appears to be a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 35000. Its pH optimum is around 8.2, it requires 20 mM Mg2+ for optimal activity and it is inhibited by Zn2+. The yield of the enzyme is higher than that of any type II restriction endonuclease so far reported. The enzyme also cleaves single-stranded DNA, albeit at a slower rate. It seems likely that single-stranded DNA is cleaved at the same sequences as double-stranded DNA. Bacillus sphaericus also contains a modification methylase (meth M . Bsp) which completely protects the cell's own DNA against cleavage by its restriction endonuclease. The methylase activity has been partially purified, it copurifies with the nuclease until the next to the last step. The enzyme does not require ATP or Mg2+, it transfers the methyl group of S-adenosyl-methionine to cytosine residues of DNA. As the action of this methylase completely protects any DNA from endo R . Bsp cleavage, it seems likely that the methylase recognizes and methylates the same sequence (dG-dG-dC-dC) as the nuclease.

Ependyma and supraependymal structures in some areas of the fourth ventricle in the rat

The ependyma was investigated in five areas of the rat ventricle system by means of both light and electron microscopy. The columnar, cuboidal and flattened types of the ependymal cells were mainly seen. All of them were seen in the fourth ventricle, while in the aqueductus cerebri and in the central canal the flattened type of the cell was lacking. An unusual variation as to the form of the ependymal cells was found on the roof of the fourth ventricle. Three groups of intraventricular structures were found in all investigated parts of the ventricle system: supraependymal globular structures containing irregularly arranged cristae, supraependymal protrusions appearing as homogeneous contents, and nerve profiles including nerve endings and nerve axons. The morphological characteristics of the ependyma and intraventricular profiles in the fourth ventricle allow to suppose a certain role of these structures in the exchange of various materials between the CSF, ependyma and neuropile.

A new sequence-specific endonuclease (Bsp) from Bacillus sphaericus

A new restriction endonuclease has been isolated from Bacillus sphaericus R. The purification procedure includes Bio-Gel filtration, (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and phosphocellulose chromatography. After the phosphocellulose step the enzyme preparation is free of non-specific nucleases. Bsp cleaves double-stranded DNA with the same specificity as Bacillus subtilis (Bsu) and Haemophilus aegyptius (HaeIII) restriction endonucleases, as concluded from digests and double-digests of phiX174 replicative form DNA with Bsu and Bsp. The 5'-terminal nucleotide of the cleavage products was shown to be C. Bacillus sphaericus R produces Bsp in extremely large quantities and the enzyme can be easily purified in high yield.

Histological observations on the ependyma of the ventriculus mesencephali in the guinea pig

The ventriculus mesencephali is localized in front of the cerebellum and forms a recessus of the dorsal wall of the aquaeductus mesencephali. The ependyma was found one-layered; in some places clusters of cubic or cylindrical ependymal cells occur. Some cells show basal processes. Supra-ependymally there are homogeneous globules and intraventricular nerve fibres. The occurrence of different types of ependymal cells indicates a morphological variability of ependyma even within this small part of the ventricle system of the brain.

Specific patterns of neuron arrangement and of synaptic articulation in the medial geniculate body

Golgi and electron microscopic analysis of the known cellular layers in concentric shells of the ventro-lateral portion of the medial geniculate body revealed a flat grid of high density neuropil filling the space between the geniculocortical relay cells, forming essentially a single cell layer in each lamina. The "skeleton" of this neuropil grid is made up by the interdigitating dendritic tufts of the geniculocortical relay cells, joined together by a rich system of desmosomoid adhesion plaques. The "holes" of the "skeleton" are filled in by the multilobed dendritic appendages of Golgi type II interneurons and the grape-like terminals of the inferior collicular specific afferents. Additional axon terminals of other sources--terminals of descending corticogenicular fibers, axons of the Golgi type II interneurons and terminals of the initial collaterals of the geniculocortical relay cells--contribute only to a very insignificant fraction of neuropil volume. The Golgi type II interneurons are oriented in perpendicular direction to the cell layers so that they may bridge with their dendrites several successive layers. Although the general expression "synaptic glomeruli" used in other relay nuclei for this type of specific synaptic arrangement is hardly applicable to this grid-like neuropil, the essential synaptic articulation pattern of all thalamic relay nuclei is well maintained. The specific inferior collicular afferents are presynaptic to both relay cell dendrites and to the multilobed dendritic appendages of Golgi type II cells, which in turn are presynaptic to the same dendritic regions of the relay cells receiving the bulk of the specific afferents.

Types of interneurons and their participation in the neuronal network of the medial geniculate body

Three different types of interneurons can be separated in the Golgi picture, and many of their details can be identified under the electron microscope, in the medial geniculate body (MGB) of the cat: (1) typical short axon Golgi II. cells of the thalamic type, (2) somewhat larger Golgi type II cells with medium range axon, and (3) spidery neurogliform short axon cells. The most distinctive features of the two first types (1) and (2) are their irregular drumstick shape appendages, increasing in number as well as in length and irregularity of their stalks towards the periphery of the dendrites. These appendages form the vast majority of synaptic profiles in the aggregations of synaptic neuropil (glomeruli) of the nuclei, and they are both presynaptic and postsynaptic by the usual standards applied for the evaluation of the polarity of synapses. The characteristic beaded dendrites of the (3) neurogliform cell type can be recognised particulary easily in the electron microscopic picture. They are both presynaptic and postsynaptic in structural polarity. All identified process profiles of interneurons contain flattened (F-type) or pleomorphic synaptic vesicles. Membrane contacts, in which the interneurons appear to be presynaptic are either of the symmetric (Gray type II) or of an intermediate type. The membrane contacts of postsynaptic portions of the interneurons are usually of the asymmetric type (Gray type I) and the presynaptic profiles contain round (R-type) vesicles. The larger one have been shown already earlier to be derived from specific sensory (inferior collicular) afferents, while many of the smaller ones could be identified in the present study as being derived from cortico-geniculate descending pathways, arising from the auditory areas. Some of the synaptic contacts of the interneurons are apparently derived from other interneurons, the presynaptic profiles being often equivocal or more likely of axonal origin (all interneurons have clear axons in the Golgi picture). The occurrence of three distinct types of interneurons--probably all of inhibitory nature--the complexity in synaptic arrangement, and more particularly in the dendritic linkage of numerous synaptic sites does not favour such simple explanations as surround inhibition by forward or by backward inhibition, but suggests more sophisticated modes of impulse processing in the MGB.

Attachment of ribosomes to endoplasmic membranes in mouse pancreas. Degranulation in vivo caused by the inducers of autophagocytosis neutral red, vinblastine, puromycin, and cadmium ions, and prevention by cycloheximide

The present investigation was undertaken to discover whether in vivo inducers of autophagocytosis such as neutral red (0.40 mg/g body weight), cadmium chloride (0.15 mg/animal), vinblastine sulfate (7.5 mg/kg b.w.), and puromycin dihydrochloride (0.20 mg/g b.w.) are able to produce degranulation of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic acinar cells as we suggested earlier. Using a modified method of Blobel and Potter about 30% of the total ribosomes of untreated control pancreas were recovered in the free form, and 70% in the membrane-bound form. Cycloheximide (0.20 mg/g body weight) had no effect on this distribution of ribosomes, while neutral red, cadmium ions, vinblastine, and puromycin led to the presence of more free ribosomes: thus up to 70% of the total cytoplasmic ribosomes were recovered in the free form 30 to 60 min after treatments with the autophagic inducers. Pretreatments with cycloheximide prevented this shift and the distribution of ribosomes remained normal. On the basis of these and previous results we conclude that in pancreas an initial degranulation of the ER caused by these agents is a precondition of membrane transformation in autophagocytosis which is preventable by cycloheximide. Confirming the ultrastructural data of Longnecker et al. on rat pancreas, puromycin was shown to cause different forms of cellular injury including autophagocytosis. All forms of cellular injury were also prevented by pretreatment with cycloheximide in mouse pancreas.

Pseudotumor of temporomandibular joint: destructive calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate arthropathy

The clinical and pathological features of a tumor of the temporamandibular joint occurring in a 55 year old man, and subsequently identified as a calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) arthropathy, are reported. Crystalline deposits were identified by compensated light microscopy and confirmed with X-ray diffraction, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. The relationship of this unique case to other clinical presentations of CPPD deposition disease and the implications of the histological features to the pathogenesis of pseudogout are discussed. This case demonstrates that CPPD arthropathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of an arthrosis or of a tumor involving the temporomandibular joint.

The role of sex differences in the effect of anabolics on the liver

The effect of two anabolic steroids, norandrostenolone-phenylpropionate (Nerobolil) and norandrostenolone-decanoate (Retabolil) on the liver was studied in rats. Body weight, wet liver weight and the protein content of the liver homogenisates were found to increase under the effect of anabolic treatment, the most explicitely in females treated with Nerobolil. The function of the liver to metabolize hexobarbital, measured in vivo, is increased by a single dose of anabolic. The prolongation of treatment keeps on shortening hexobarbital anaesthesia only in females. Even 8 weeks after the end of treatment the effect is invariably lasting in females, in males it is not. Studies of the vaginal cycle cannot prove a decline of ovarial function. In females the hepatotropic effect of anabolic treatment, performed simultaneously with the chronic carbon tetrachloride lesion can be demonstrated. The liver weight and protein content are maintained on the control level. Under the effect of anabolic treatment the function to metabolize the effect of anabolic treatment the function to metabolize hexobarbital, which has been impaired by the lesion, remains near the level of the untreated animals. Our experiments support the observations of the inductive property of the steroids being parallel to their anabolic characteristics. Their catatoxic effect is pronounced in females. Nerobolil was found to be more advantageous from the point of view of both anabolic and hepatotropic effect. Our experiments do not suggest the possibility of liver damage during the administration of these two anabolics. The effect of the anabolics on the enzymatic induction may be of therapeutic value when adequate preparations are selected and sex differences as well as the character of the liver damage are taken into consideration.

Cytotoxicity of lymphocytes and antibodies against autologous tumor cells in patients with myeloid leukaemias and preleukaemic disorders. III. Stage-dependence of oncovirus-specific immune response

Lymphocyte and plasma samples from the quiescent and blastic phase of chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL) and from the blastosis and remission of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), were compared for cytotoxic activity. Target cells were collected from the blastic phases of diseases. 51Cr-release tests showed that the lymphocytes and plasma samples from blastic crisis of CGL had no cytotoxic activity for autologous blast cells. In contrast, cryopreserved lymphocytes and plasmas from the quiescent phase of CGL proved to be cytotoxic for the autologous tumor cells, and their effect could be blocked by native gp70 antigens of gibbon ape leukaemia virus (GaLV) and baboon endogenous virus (BaEV). A blocking effect was less frequently exerted by carbohydrate-free gp70 and p15(E) antigens. A similar relationship was found between the blastosis and remission stage of AML, however, out of the antigens of BaEV only the native gp70 showed a marked blocking effect.