Identification of a new resistance gene to a chinese blast fungus isolate in the Japanese rice cultivar aichi asahi

ABSTRACT Genetic analysis of the rice cultivar Aichi Asahi and some other Japanese cultivars for the high resistance to the blast fungus isolate CHNOS58-3-1 from China was performed. All the Japanese differential cultivars were resistant to the isolate except for 'Pi No. 4', which showed moderate resistance. Analysis of the F(2) population of a cross of the susceptible cultivar Reiho and the resistant cultivar Aichi Asahi indicated that the resistance of 'Aichi Asahi' to the isolate was conferred by one dominant gene. To identify the gene in other Japanese differential cultivars, AK lines, which were derived from a cross of 'Aichi Asahi' x 'K59' and assumed to harbor no known genes except for the new one, were used for the allelism tests. The new, completely dominant resistance gene was detected in 14 differential cultivars, but not in 'Pi No. 4', 'Yashiro-mochi', and 'K1', and was designated as Pi19(t). Pi19(t) was allelic or closely linked to Pita(2) on chromosome 12. Pi19(t) was extensively distributed among Japanese traditional local cultivars.

Cellulitis of the eyelids associated with sinusitis and brain abscess

Erythema in the orbital area can indicate systemic and life-threatening diseases. We experienced an unusual and serious case of orbital cellulitis that was difficult to distinguish from a case with good prognosis. A 21-year-old man developed an erythema around his eyes. He exhibited no symptoms that would suggest lesions in deep tissues, but his condition turned out to be cellulitis retrogradely metastasized from an odontogenic sinusitis traced to a dental treatment problem. Computed tomography revealed complication of a large abscess in the frontal lobe. Cellulitis of the orbital area requires particular clinical discretion.

177Lu-EDTMP: a potential therapeutic bone agent

Lutetium-177 (177Lu) has both beta particle emissions for a therapeutic effect and gamma emissions for imaging. This study was undertaken to synthesize and evaluate 177Lu-EDTMP (ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid) as a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical for the palliation of pain from bone metastases. Chelation of 177Lu to EDTMP was obtained by heating for 30 min in boiling water at pH 8.8, resulting in a radiochemical yield of over 99%. The compound was stable for 20 days without any appreciable dissociation. Biodistribution studies in normal rats indicated selective bone accumulation, showing faster blood clearance, higher bone uptake and higher bone-to-soft tissue ratios than 99Tcm-MDP. In conclusion, 177Lu-EDTMP has favourable biological and physical characteristics for the palliative treatment of painful bone metastases.

A large number of tandem repeats in the polymorphic epithelial mucin gene is associated with severe acne

Polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM) or MUC1 is a glycoprotein secreted from various epithelial gland tissues. In skin, PEM is detected in sweat glands and sebaceous glands by the DF3 monoclonal antibody. The gene of PEM includes an allele exhibiting length polymorphism due to a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR); this is expressed co-dominantly, which may influence the microenvironment of the skin. The allelic size variation of the PEM gene was investigated in Japanese acne patients, atopic dermatitis patients, and healthy controls. The frequency of longer length alleles was significantly higher in severe acne patients.

Inhibition of HIV-1 infection in vitro by monoclonal antibodies to the complement receptor type 3 (CR3): an accessory role for CR3 during virus entry?

Adhesion molecules are known to contribute to infectivity of HIV-1. Here we tested whether the complement receptor type 3 (CR3, CD11b), an alpha(m)beta2 integrin, plays an accessory role in the infection process of HIV-1, because ICAM-1, a ligand of CR3, is present on the envelope of HIV-1. In addition, the viral transmembrane protein gp41 shares four regions of homology with the complement component C3, a further CR3 ligand. Infection of PBMCs with HIV-IIIB and primary isolates was partially inhibited by anti-CR3 antibodies. A peptide derived from the complement component C3, covering the CR3-binding site of C3 and sharing strong similarity to the immunosuppressive region of gp41, significantly reduced the HIV-1 titer in infection assays. Recombinant soluble gp41 (rsgp41) and the peptide covering the immunosuppressive domain of gp41 inhibited the rosetting of iC3b-coated sheep erythrocytes with U937 via complement receptors (CRs) with an efficiency comparable to monoclonal anti-CR antibodies. In addition, sub-populations of CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells isolated from HIV-infected individuals were found to upregulate CR3 as determined by FACS analysis and on the mRNA level. Since gp41 has been implicated in viral fusion, an interaction of its C3-homology region in gp41 or an interaction of ICAM on the surface of free virus with CRs might contribute to facilitate viral entry.

Functional activation of cerebral blood flow abolished by scopolamine is reversed by cognitive enhancers associated with cholinesterase inhibition: a positron emission tomography study in unanesthetized monkeys

The effects of somatosensory stimulation on the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) response were studied in unanesthetized monkeys before and after treatment with scopolamine and three cognitive enhancers (physostigmine, E2020 and tacrine) that inhibit cholinesterase, using 15O-labeled water and high-resolution positron emission tomography. Under control conditions, somatosensory stimulation induced a significant increase in the rCBF response in the contralateral somatosensory cortex of monkey brain. Intravenous administration of scopolamine (50 microg/kg) resulted in abolishment of the rCBF response to stimulation. The rCBF response abolished by pretreatment with scopolamine was recovered by administration of physostigmine (1 or 10 microg/kg), E2020 (10 or 100 microg/kg) or tacrine (100 or 1000 microg/kg), in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of E2020 (100 microg/kg) on the rCBF response lasted for >4 hr, whereas the effects of physostigmine and tacrine were of shorter duration. These findings suggest that these compounds reversed the scopolamine-abolished rCBF response to somatosensory stimulation via enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission, which was mainly induced by cholinesterase inhibition.

Regulation of cerebral blood flow response to somatosensory stimulation through the cholinergic system: a positron emission tomography study in unanesthetized monkeys

The effects of scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist and physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, on the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) response to vibrotactile stimulation of the forepaw were studied in the brain of unanesthetized monkeys using 15O-labeled water and high resolution positron emission tomography. Before scopolamine administration, vibrotactile stimulation produced a significant increase in the rCBF response in the contralateral somatosensory cortex of the monkey brain. Intravenous administration of scopolamine at doses ranging from 1 to 500 microg/kg resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of the rCBF response. The rCBF response abolished by scopolamine (50 microg/kg) was recovered by administration of physostigmine (10 microg/kg). On the other hand, the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglc) response, measured with [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose, to the same stimulation was unchanged by administration of either scopolamine and/or physostigmine. These results suggested that cholinergic mechanisms might be involved in regulation of the coupling between neuronal activity and rCBF response, not between the activity and rCMRglc response.

Solid-state variable-temperature 1H MAS NMR studies on deuterated polyethylene

Solid-state variable-temperature/magic angle spinning (VT/MAS) 1H NMR measurements were carried out on deuterated polyethylene. From these experimental results it was found that the 1H chemical shift induced by conformational and morphological changes of the polyethylene sample is within the linewidth of approximately 0.5 ppm. Furthermore, from MAS/dipolar decoupling experiments it was found that the resonance frequency of the proton varies linearly with the inverse square of the deuterium decoupling power. This experimental finding is discussed theoretically.

Assignment of genes coding for leukocyte surface molecules to river buffalo chromosomes

A panel of 35 somatic cell hybrids between river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) and Chinese hamster was used in combination with 40 monoclonal antibodies to find synteny among leukocyte antigens and between already established synteny groups and leukocyte antigens. Six synteny groups were identified and three sets of markers were related to already existing synteny groups. Antibody IL-A165 detected CD71, which is syntenic with synteny groups U10 and U25, confirming that U10 and U25 are both are on a biarmed river buffalo chromosome. This would imply that U25 could be assigned to the short arm of the river buffalo chromosome 1 (BBU 1p), as U10 has previously been assigned to this chromosome. Antibodies Buf 32, Buf 24 and BAGB27 detected an antigen syntenic with U1 and U7. This finding suggests that U1, which is assigned to cattle chromosome 16, which corresponds to river buffalo chromosome 5q, is syntenic with U7, and that U7 is located on the short arm of buffalo chromosome 5. Furthermore, the gene coding for CD14 is assigned to U16, which is on cattle chromosome 11 and expected to be on river buffalo chromosome 12.

Alteration of human melanoma gangliosides by IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-4

In lesions of malignant melanoma, melanoma cells are exposed to various cytokines produced by inflammatory reactions. As a result, transformation of melanoma cells is expected to occur. We studied alterations in human melanoma cell line ganglioside composition after exposing melanoma cell lines to interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-4 by biochemical methods. IFN-gamma increases the ratio of a-series gangliosides and the ratio of GM3/GD3. This suggests an alteration of immunoreactivity, a decrease in ganglioside sialyltransferase II activity, and an decrease in the malignant character of these cells. The alteration of the ganglioside profile varied among cytokines and cell lines. The progression of malignant melanoma may be influenced by reciprocal interactions between the melanoma cells and the host immune system.

Effects of glutamate dehydrogenase, choline oxidase, and glucose-6-phosphatase on 67Ga accumulation in lysosome

AIM

To clarify the effects of the activities of hepatic enzymes in liver, hepatoma, and malignant tumor on 67Ga accumulation in lysosome.

METHODS

67Ga-citrate solution was prepared from carrier-free 67Ga-citrate solution 0.08 mol.L-1 and sodium citrate solution 0.08 mol.L-1, and was injected iv 0.4 ml to the rats. Subcellular fractions of the liver were measured for radioactivity of 67Ga by a well-type scintillation counter (Aloka JDC-701). Glutamate dehydrogenase, choline oxidase, and G-6-P activities were calculated as described by Shimizu H, Ikuta S, and Baginski E, respectivily.

RESULTS

67Ga radioactivity in normal liver lysosome (55%) was significantly higher than those in hepatoma AH 109A (32%) and Yoshida sarcoma (18%). Glutamate dehydrogenase activities were 1830 +/- s 320 U.L-1 in normal liver while 23 +/- s 6 U.L-1 in hepatoma AH 109A, and 7 +/- s 2 U.L-1 in Yoshida sarcoma. Choline oxidase activities were 46 +/- s 10 U.L-1 for normal, 25.0 +/- s 0.4 U.L-1 for hepatoma AH 109A, and 2.0 +/- s 0.4 U.L-1 for Yoshida sarcoma. G-6-P activities were 2550 +/- s 180 U.L-1 in normal, 84 +/- s 14 U.L-1 in hepatoma AH 109A, and 78 +/- s 13 U.L-1 in Yoshida sarcoma.

CONCLUSION

Lysosome of normal rat liver in which hepatic enzymes work actively played a major role in the tissue concentration of 67Ga, but the role diminishes with the neoplastic transformation into hepatoma. The lysosome of Yoshida sarcoma does not play any role in 67Ga accumulation because it does not possess any features of liver.

Effect of phytohaemagglutinin on CD45 in T cells

In this study the effect of PHA activation on the phosphatase activity of CD45 has been investigated in human leukemic T-cell lines. It has been found that in vivo activation of the cells with PHA resulted in 2-4-fold increase in enzyme activity. Addition of PHA to the postnuclear supernatant of cell lysates also resulted in elevation of phosphatase activity. Elevation of enzyme activity resulted from an increase in the amount of antigen in the immunoprecipitates. Elevation of the quantity was not the result of a de novo protein synthesis since the presence of cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, did not modulate the effect of PHA. The effect of PHA was specific since ConA, that also bound to the CD45 molecules, or crosslinking of the antigen by antibody did not affect CD45. Since direct binding of PHA to CD45 molecules was shown in immunoblotting analysis, we suggest that the effect of PHA is a consequence of a PHA-induced conformational change of CD45 that results in up-regulation of the analyzed CD45 epitopes.

Perforating lichen nitidus

A 32-year-old man with no particular family history nor past history visited our clinic in September 1992, with papules that he claimed had developed approximately 3 years earlier. No subjective symptoms accompanied then. On examination, numerous, discrete, pinhead-sized or half-ricecorn-sized, flesh-colored papules were observed on the dorsolateral side of his left hand and fingers. No central dimple or scaling were noticed clinically (Fig. 1). Laboratory tests revealed no abnormal findings. The histopathology of the biopsied specimen showed a circumscribed nest of infiltrating cells closely attached to the epidermis (Fig. 2). These infiltrating cells consisted of mononuclear lymphoid cells and histiocytes. The overlying epidermis was stretched and atrophic. A transepithelial perforation channel existed in direct contact with the surface. Amorphous debris containing cell nuclei lay within the channel (Fig. 2). Lymphoid cells were also observed above the keratin layer overlying the channel. At the lateral margin of the infiltrate, rete ridges extended downward in the manner of a claw clutching a ball. In a periodic-acid-Schiff (PAS)-stained section, a basement defect was observed around the channel.

Biodistributions of radioactive bipositive metal ions in tumor-bearing animals

Distributions of the nuclides 65ZnCl2, 85SrCl2, 58CoCl2 and 103PdCl2 in tumor-bearing animals were determined, and, in addition, the distributions of these nuclides in tumor tissues were observed. Their subcellular distribution in tumor and liver was also examined. Generally speaking, retention values of these bipositive metal ions in tumor were smaller than those of tri-, quadri- and pentavalent metal ions. In the case of 85SrCl2, a large amount of this nuclide was taken up by the bone and remained there for a long time. In the case of 103PdCl2, 103Pd was avidly taken up by the kidney and liver. Very little of the 103Pd taken up into the kidney and liver was excreted. 65Zn and 103Pd were concentrated in the viable tumor tissue and were not seen in necrotic tumor tissue. In the case of 58Co, lysosome played an important role in liver accumulation and played a minor role in tumor accumulation. The distribution of 58Co in tumor and liver was fairly similar to that of 67Ga, 111In, 169Yb, 46Sc, 51Cr, 95Zr, 181Hf, 95Nb and 182Ta which were reported previously. Lysosome did not play an important role in the accumulation of 65Zn, 85Sr and 103Pd into tumor and liver.

DF3 (CA15-3) antibody as a marker of cutaneous adnexal tumors

DF3(CA15-3) monoclonal antibody detects the 20 amino acid sequence of epithelial mucin. In normal cutaneous tissue DF3 antibody exhibits strong and constant positive reactivity with sebaceous and secretory segments of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. All epidermal tumors are DF3 negative but poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Various adnexal tumors such as eccrine hidrocystoma, tubular apocrine adenoma, syringocystadenoma papilliferum, eccrine poroma, eccrine spiradenoma, clear cell hidradenoma, mixed cell tumor, eccrine porocarcinoma, extramammary Paget's disease and adenoid cystic carcinoma are DF3 positive, which indicates epithelial mucin production by these tumors.

Tumour affinity of 203Pb-chloride: comparison with 67Ga-citrate and 201Tl-chloride

The radionuclide 203Pb decays completely by electron capture to stable 203Tl with a half-life of 52 h. The primary radiation from the decay is gamma-ray radiation 280 keV (80%). 203Pb is produced easily from the natural metal thallium by the method described below. 203Pb-chloride is a promising imaging agent for tumour scanning because of the large retention value for tumour tissue and the small value for normal organs, but the large value for the kidney and bone is a shortcoming when considering it as an imaging agent. The retention value of 203Pb in tumour tissue is larger than that of 201Tl and smaller than that of 67Ga. The tumour/inflammatory lesion retention ratio for 203Pb is very large in comparison with those for 67Ga and 201Tl. 203Pb accumulates to a large extent in viable tumour tissue, and less in necrotic tumour tissue and in inflammatory lesion. Therefore, 203Pb-chloride is far better for visualization of viable tumour tissue than 67Ga and 201Tl if the large retention values for the kidney and bone were reduced.

Difference in clinical features and HLA antigens between familial and non-familial vitiligo of non-segmental type

Of 131 patients with non-segmental vitiligo studied, 29 (22%) had a family history of this disorder. The clinical features and HLA antigens were assessed, and a comparison made between patients with familial and those with non-familial, non-segmental vitiligo. Familial patients developed skin lesions significantly earlier than non-familial patients. There was a significant association between HLA-B46 and familial non-segmental vitiligo, whereas HLA-A31 and CW4 were found in non-familial patients. The differences in clinical features and HLA phenotypes suggest heterogeneity in the pathogenic process between familial and non-familial vitiligo patients.