Effect of dietary taurine on cholesterol gallstone formation and tissue cholesterol contents in mice

The inhibitory effect of dietary taurine on cholesterol gallstone formation was studied using male mice of Jcl:ICR strain. Mice were provided three kinds of semi-purified diet; a cholesterol-free diet (standard), a lithogenic diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate (C-CA), and a lithogenic diet supplemented with 5% taurine. The changes of total cholesterol in serum, cholesterol mass in the liver and the gall bladder, and gallstone incidence were studied as a function of time. Gallstone formation was observed only in the mice fed on the C-CA diet for more than 3 weeks. The changes of serum cholesterol concentration were not consistent with gallstone formation. The cholesterol mass of the liver in taurine-supplemented mice decreased after the 3rd week. Cholesterol content of the gall bladder increased with cholesterol gallstone formation. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of dietary taurine on cholesterol gallstone formation may be related to the decrease in cholesterol content of the liver.

[Extraordinary variant of the alpha rhythm]

The authors describe a variant of alpha rhythm, which is remarkable because of its great amplitude (200-300 microV). It is observed quite exceptionally in children and adolescents with a severe encephalopathy of either ante- or perinatal etiology. They suggest that the surplus amplitude of this alpha rhythm could depend upon a deafferentation of the occipital cortex in patients with severe amblyopia.

Distribution of mucus glycoprotein in four compartments of lamb and sheep stomach

The regional distribution of mucus glycoprotein in lamb before weaning and sheep was studied. Mucus glycoprotein was present in the forestomach region of lamb and glandular stomach (abomasum) of lamb and sheep. Ester sulfates were found in all mucus glycoproteins obtained.

[Clinical studies of bestatin on genitourinary cancer]

Bestatin was administered to 20 patients with urogenital tumors. The therapeutic results showed 12 surviving patients and 8 dead patients (including 7 due to cancer and 1 due to a cerebrovascular disorder). One patient has survived for 5 years since bestatin treatment of pulmonary metastasis of renal cancer, and one other patient achieved 5-year survival in spite of systemic metastases of testicular tumor. It is noteworthy that in earlier times these patients could have been expected to experience sudden relapse and aggravation, instead of the long-term survival recorded in this bestatin trial. Studies were conducted on the immunological parameters of the patients before and after the use of bestatin, and it was found that these parameters showed improvement as a result of the treatment. Even though bestatin was ingested for long periods of time by these patients, there was almost no development of adverse reactions to the treatment.

Clinical trial of the Oka strain of live attenuated varicella vaccine on healthy children

Clinical and serological follow-up studies were made on 257 healthy children who had received live varicella vaccine (strain Oka) in Showa Hospital. Good antibody responses were shown with a seroconversion rate of 98.4% (253/257) by the immune adherence hemagglutination test. Mild adverse reactions were observed in 11 of the vaccinated children. During observation periods of 6 months to 4 years, 6 of the 253 children who were successfully vaccinated contracted mild varicella, while all 4 vaccinees who showed no primary immune response contracted mild to moderate clinical varicella. It is concluded that this vaccine is highly immunogenic and causes few clinical reactions in normal children.

[pm Gastric cancer and modes of invasion to the pm layer]

Two hundred and eighty-eight cases of gastric cancer, whose deepest layer of cancerous invasion was the tela muscularis propria (pm), were divided into the following 4 types according to modes of invasion to the pm layer: 1) minimal invasion type (45 cases, 16%); 2) localized invasion type (128 cases, 44%); 3) diffuse invasion type (98 cases, 34%), and 4) vascular invasion type (17 cases, 6%). This classification of modes of invasion to the pm layer was useful and reflected the gross findings of cancer, grade of vascular invasion and prognosis quite well.

Primary structures of multiple forms of urotensin II in the urophysis of the carp, Cyprinus carpio

Multiple forms of urotensin II (UII), one of the hormonal peptides of the caudal neurosecretory system of fishes, were purified from the urophyses of the carp, Cyprinus carpio. Three distinct peaks with UII activity (classified as UII-alpha, -beta and -gamma) were separated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Edman degradation as well as digestion with carboxypeptidase A revealed the primary structures of these peptides as UII-alpha: Gly-Gly-Gly-Ala-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val UII-beta: Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn-Thr-Glu-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val UII-gamma: Gly-Gly-Gly-Ala-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Ile The results of thin-layer chromatography, HPLC, amino acid analysis, and sequencing indicate that UII-alpha and -gamma are homogeneous. UII-beta appears, however, to be a mixture of two components, differing only at position 2. Thus, in the carp urophysis, four forms of UII appear to be present, although the separation of two components in UII-beta has not been obtained. Sequence of positions 6-11 is common to all forms of UII isolated from the carp, sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and goby (Gillichthys mirabilis).

Termination profiles of photoreceptor cells in the larval eye of the swallowtail butterfly

Profiles of the axonal endings of seven retinular cells (R1-7) from each of six stemmata (I-VI) of the butterfly Papilio xuthus were examined. Their axons enter the brain anteroventrally and project dorsally along the brain's lateral surface before entering the optic neuropil. Larval optic neuropil has two distinct areas, a (distal) lamina and a (proximal) medulla, connected by a chiasma. Intracellular administration of cobalt shows that distal retinular cells (R1-3 of stemmata I-IV, R1-3 and R6 of stemmata V and VI) terminate as short axons with plug or toothbrush-like endings in the lamina. Proximal retinular cells (R4-7 of stemmata I-IV, R4, R5 and R7 of stemmata V and VI) terminate as long axons in the chiasma or in the medulla. The long axons have fine branches in the lamina, chiasma and medulla. The two proximal cells (R5 and R7) are distinguished by their deeper endings and longer branches. The terminals of photoreceptors correspond to their photoreceptive properties and provide further evidence for the functional specialization of the photoreceptors.

[Antitumor effect of bestatin combined with bleomycin against hepatoma AH 66 subcutaneously transplanted in rats]

Biological effect of bestatin in combination with bleomycin against rat ascites hepatoma AH 66 was investigated. The combined use of bestatin and bleomycin both at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg was found to have a strong inhibition of the tumor growth. The combined effect was also confirmed histologically as follows. In combination group, increase of necrobiosis area in the tumor lesion, augmentation of infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages around the solid tumors, and marked replacement of necrotic area by fibrous granular lesion were stronger and more rapidly than that in the other group.

Occurrence of galactosamine-6-phosphate as a constituent of Bacillus megaterium spore coat

Galactosamine-6-phosphate was identified as a component of the coat of the Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 spore. It was one of the main constituents of the outermost layer of the spore coat, but it was absent from the other integuments including the cortex. These findings suggest that galactosamine-6-phosphate comprises the phosphorus-containing skeleton structure of the spore coat.

Intercellular junctions in odontoblasts of the rat incisor studied with freeze-fracture

The morphology and distribution of various types of intercellular junctions were investigated in young odontoblasts. Gap junctions were found between odontoblasts as well as between odontoblasts and fibroblasts in the dental pulp. The junctions between odontoblasts were larger and more numerous than those between odontoblast and fibroblast, suggesting that the former may play an important role in regulating cellular activity and the latter may provide a pathway of low electrical resistance between odontoblast and nerve fibres. Irregularly-shaped gap junctions appeared as small aggregations of particles associated with a particle-free area and may indicate that the junction might not yet have been completely assembled. Tight junctions were observed at the distal ends of the young odontoblasts, arranged to form small maculae or faciae occludentes rather than belt-like zonulae. It is therefore not likely that the junction contributes to barrier function in the young odontoblasts. Although structures resembling typical desmosome were recognizable, this type of junction in odontoblasts is properly termed a desmosome-like junction from its morphological peculiarities.

Immunochemical and immunohistochemical studies on the specificity of a monoclonal antibody to choline acetyltransferase of rat brain

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) preparations partially purified from brains of rat, mouse and cat were electrophoresed in polyacrylamide gels and blotted on nitrocellulose sheets. A monoclonal antibody, Ab-57, bound specifically to one protein band which coincided with the peak of ChAT activity in each species. Using Ab-57, ChAT was demonstrated immunohistochemically in cholinergic structures in rat, mouse and cat brains. Thus, the specificity and cross-species reactivity of the monoclonal antibody Ab-57 have been established.

[Detectability of stress-induced ischemic lesion in previous myocardial infarction using 201T1 myocardial single photon emission computed tomography]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detectability of stress-induced ischemic lesion in patients with previous myocardial infarction using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) producing thallium-201 (T1-201) myocardial perfusion imagings (MPI). Seventy patients underwent stress SPECT by symptom-limited graded bicycle ergometer exercise using a dual-headed rotating gamma camera (Toshiba GCA70A) equipped with a computer system (GMS90). After intravenous administration of 2.5 mCi of T1-201, stress SPECT data at 10 minutes and delayed SPECT data at 3 hours after the injection were collected in the 64 X 64 matrix form covering 360 degrees directions by camera sweep of 180 degrees in 6 minutes, which were immediately followed by conventional planar imagings (PL). Transaxial tomographic image reconstruction was performed by convolution method using a Shepp-Logan's filter. Thereafter, sagittal and coronal tomographic images were reconstructed for about 2 minutes. Image interpretation was assessed visually. The results were as follows: Sensitivity and specificity in detecting the affected vessel with more than 75% stenosis by segmental analysis of myocardial images were higher by SPECT than by PL (LAD 89% and 65%, LCX 68% and 56%, RCA 89% and 76% in sensitivity and LAD 94% and LCX 75%, 92% and 94%, RCA 81% and 59% in specificity, respectively). Sensitivity in detecting both single (82%) and multivessel disease (76%) was fairly high. Detectability of stress-induced ischemia (i.e. occurrence of a new defect in patients with previous myocardial infarction and ST-segment depression in ECG) was significantly higher in SPECT (67%) than in PL (39%, p less than 0.005) and in ECG (39%, p less than 0.005). A perfusion defect in the extensive anterior wall, marked left ventricular dilatation and the widening of the angle toward the apex composed of septal and anterolateral walls in transaxial images were the findings characteristic of anterior myocardial infarction with severe dyskinesis. We conclude that stress SPECT is a useful noninvasive technique for the documentation of the number of vessels affected and severe wall motion abnormality of the LV and for the detection of stress-induced ischemia in previous myocardial infarction.

Isolation, analysis of structure, synthesis, and biological actions of urotensin I neuropeptides

The 41-residue neuropeptide urotensin I (UI), from the urophyses of two teleost fish species (Cyprinus carpio and Catostomus commersoni), was isolated and purified, and its amino acid sequence was determined and confirmed by synthesis of a fully active peptide. The UI peptide was found to be a close structural and biological homologue of the ovine hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the frog skin peptide sauvagine; UI is, therefore, a phylogenetic prototype of this group of peptides. Extraction of urophyses in hot acetic or hydrochloric acid cleaves an amino terminal tripeptide yielding a fully active UI(4-41). The UI peptides are equipotent with the other two naturally occurring peptides (CRF and sauvagine) in the release of mammalian pituitary corticotropin (ACTH), but UI is several times more potent than the mammalian homologue in the stimulation of release of fish pituitary ACTH. The UI peptide and its mammalian or amphibian homologues have a long-lasting hypotensive action in mammals, via a uniquely selective vasodilatation in the superior (anterior) mesenteric vascular bed only. The significantly lower hypotensive vasodilatory action of the mammalian homologue (CRF) suggests a change in the unknown physiological role of the haemodynamic actions of the UI peptides in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract during phylogenetic progression from fishes to mammals.

The cyanine dye triS-C4(5) as a cationic uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation: interaction with mitochondria detected by derivative spectrophotometry

Derivative spectrophotometry was used to study the interaction of the cationic uncoupler triS-C4(5) with mitochondria. The uncoupling action of this dye is dependent on the presence of Pi in the incubation medium. The second derivative spectrum of the dye changed with the incubation period, becoming similar to the spectrum in chloroform; but, after a time, the spectral pattern reverted to the original spectrum. The change in the spectrum in the presence of Pi was much more rapid than in its absence. The degree of spectral change agreed with the relative amount of bound dye determined directly. Thus, the spectral change reflects the binding of dye to the mitochondria, dependent on their energy state. The greater binding without Pi does not cause uncoupling but does cause shrinkage. In contrast, the lesser binding in the presence of Pi causes uncoupling and the swelling of mitochondria. These facts indicate that the dye does not penetrate the mitochondrial membrane. This refutes the idea that uncoupling by lipophilic cations is caused by the electrophoretic transfer of the uncoupler to the mitochondrial matrix space.

Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum in male infant with obstructive uropathy

A case of congenital anterior urethral diverticulum in a male infant with obstructive uropathy is presented. Such a case occurs rarely in Japan.

[Carcinoid tumor of the stomach]

A 49-year-old female complaining of hematemesis was examined by emergency endoscopy. Multiple gastric erosions and ulcers which had healed after 6 weeks, except for one ulcer, were found. A biopsy of this unhealed ulcer revealed gastric carcinoma. Enucleation of the tumor was performed because of multiple metastases to the liver, lung and the lymph nodes. The high serum alpha-fetoprotein level (800 ng/ml) and the size of a coin lesion in an X-ray film of the chest before the enucleation decreased post- operatively.

Monoclonal antibodies to choline acetyltransferase of rat brain

Monoclonal antibodies to rat brain choline acetyltransferase were produced by the hybridoma technique. Two stable cell lines, Ab-57 and Ab-60, secreted immunoglobulin of subclass IgG1. The monoclonal antibodies bound to choline acetyltransferase without blocking catalytic activity. Affinity of Ab-57 was 100-times higher than that of Ab-60. Both antibodies bound to the rat enzyme in a mutually exclusive fashion. The antibodies showed cross-species reactivity with choline acetyltransferase from several mammalian brains.

Production of cyclic nucleotides from normal human brain

Concentrations of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in arterial and internal jugular venous (IJV) blood were determined at the resting wakeful state in thirty surgical patients without neurological deficits. The levels of cyclic AMP in artery and IJV were 32.1 +/- 3.0 and 40.0 +/- 4.1 pmol/ml (means +/- standard errors), respectively, while those of cyclic GMP in artery and IJV were 12.2 +/- 2.7 and 14.4 +/- 3.0 pmol/ml, respectively. Concentrations of both cyclic nucleotides in IJV were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than those in artery. IJV-arterial differences for cAMP and cGMP were 7.9 +/- 1.7 and 2.1 +/- 0.5 pmol/ml, respectively. The results indicate that both cyclic nucleotides are constantly produced and released from the normal human brain.

The preventive effect of human interferon-alpha on influenza infection; modification of clinical manifestations of influenza in children in a closed community

A double-blind, controlled trial to ascertain the preventive effect of human interferon-alpha (Hu IFN-alpha) on upper respiratory viral infections was performed on children in a closed community. Drops of Hu IFN-alpha were instilled into the nasal cavity of 13 healthy children aged one to three years. Fourteen children were given placebos as controls. Administration of the interferon and clinical observations were carried out in the winter of 1980. Serological examination revealed that this was the period of outbreaks of influenza type A epidemics in the community. Clinical manifestations referable to influenza virus infection were milder in the interferon-treated group than in the controls. However, there was no significant difference in the serological responses of the two groups after infection with influenza virus type A.

Isolation and amino acid sequence of urotensin I, a vasoactive and ACTH-releasing neuropeptide, from the carp (Cyprinus carpio) urophysis

Urotensin I (UI), a 41-residue mammalian hypotensive and fish or mammalian corticotropin-releasing peptide, isolated from 0.1 N HCI extracts of urophyses of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) was purified and the amino acid sequence was determined to be: H-Asn-Asp-Asp-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Ile-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu- Arg-Asn-Met-Ile-Glu-Met-Ala-Arg-Asn-Glu-Asn-Gln-Arg-Glu-Gln-Ala-Gly-Leu-Asn-Arg-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Glu-Val-NH2. When the extraction procedure included heating at 100 degrees C for 15 min, UI was cleaved at a highly acid labile Asp-Pro bond to give the fully active UI (4-41). Urotensin I shows close structural and biological homology with the recently isolated ovine hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the frog skin peptide sauvagine and thus may be considered an evolutionary prototype of unique mammalian-hypotensive and vertebrate corticotropin-releasing factors.

[Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and bleomycin in esophageal cancer]

Combination chemotherapy of cis-diammine dichloro platinum (II) (CDDP) and bleomycin was given to 10 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Nine patients had had major ablative surgical procedures, 8 had received prior radiotherapy, and 4 had been previously treated with chemotherapy. Responses were as follows (duration in months): 3 complete (1, 1.5, 7), 1 partial (1.5), and 3 minor. Vomiting related to CDDP was observed in 6 patients, and nephrotoxicity in 2 patients.

Studies on live attenuated mumps vaccine. III. Long-term follow-up study on the efficacy of Biken vaccine

Clinical and serological follow-ups were made on 24 children for 8 years after immunization against mumps with attenuated mumps vaccine, Biken vaccine. To evaluate the protective efficacy of the vaccine, matched controls were studied during the same period. Serological examination revealed that 91% of the controls were infected with mumps and 83% of them contracted the disease during the studied period. However, none of the vaccinees developed clinical infection after close contact with mumps patients. There was no substantial decrease in the antibody titers in unexposed vaccines after vaccination.

[Genetic epidemiological approach to large bowel cancer]

Incidence of large bowel cancer under predominant genetic influence is estimated to occupy about one tenth of general large bowel cancer population. They are defined to include hereditary gastrointestinal polyposes (adenomatosis coli, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and juvenile polyposis) and the non-polypotic familial (hereditary) large bowel cancer (Cancer Family Syndrome and allied conditions). The strategy for the genetic cancer high-risk group under these conditions based on the central registration system was described. Our experiences indicated the approach was actually effective for the polyposes a and was also promising for the non-polyposis familial of large bowel cancer.