Identification of peptides containing T-cell epitopes of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergen (Cry j 1) in dogs

Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollen has been known to cause atopic dermatitis in dogs in Japan. However, since the mechanism of the CJ antigen recognition is not well understood in dogs, it is difficult to develop effective immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis caused by sensitization to CJ pollen. In order to aim at development of a peptide immunotherapy, we tried to identify T-cell epitopes of a major allergen of CJ pollen, Cry j 1, in dogs sensitive to CJ pollen allergen. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 22 dogs experimentally sensitized to CJ pollen allergen and 5 atopic dogs sensitive to CJ pollen allergen were used for mapping of T-cell epitopes of Cry j 1 using 35 kinds of synthesized overlapping peptides of Cry j 1. Reactive peptides were identified based on the results of blastogenic responses of PBMCs against the peptides when the stimulation indices were beyond 2.0. Three reactive peptides were identical in a relatively high population of experimental dogs, which were Nos. 8 (p71-90) (41%), 10 (p91-110) (50%), and 11 (p101-120) (41%). It was considered that these synthesized peptides should contain T-cell epitopes of Cry j 1 in the dogs. However, there were no reactive peptides identical among the five atopic dogs spontaneously sensitive to CJ pollen. The population of dogs experimentally sensitized to CJ pollen antigen will be used in order to investigate effects of a peptide immunotherapy using the reactive peptides. The results in atopic dogs sensitive to CJ pollen antigen will also provide useful information on necessity to develop a tailor-made immunotherapy using reactive peptides in each dog.

Increase of CC chemokine receptor 4-positive cells in the peripheral CD4+ cells in dogs with atopic dermatitis or experimentally sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen

BACKGROUND

Since dogs frequently develop allergic diseases, similar to those in humans, dogs represent a possible animal model for allergy in humans. In human atopic dermatitis (AD), CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) has been shown to play an important role in the development of allergic inflammation of AD; however, the association between allergic reaction and CCR4 is not well understood in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To examine CCR4 expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells in dogs that had AD and were experimentally sensitized with Japanese cedar pollen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 17 dogs with AD. The proportion of CCR4+ cells in peripheral blood CD4+ cells (CCR4/CD4) was evaluated by flow cytometry and compared with that in 10 healthy dogs. Similarly, in dogs that were experimentally sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen antigen, the proportion of CCR4/CD4 was examined pre- and post-sensitization.

RESULTS

The proportion of CCR4/CD4 in dogs with AD was 40.3+/-3.3%, which was significantly higher than that in normal dogs (23.6+/-4.3%) (P<0.01). In the experimentally sensitized dogs, the proportion of CCR4/CD4 was 25.4+/-2.6% at pre-sensitization and it was significantly increased (29.8+/-2.9%) at post-sensitization (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The proportion of CCR4+ cells in peripheral blood CD4+ cells was measured in dogs with allergic conditions. The present findings indicate that CCR4+ cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergy in dogs as in humans.

Influence of porosity and composition of porous carriers on the uptake of nutrients

The current paper assesses the potential of industrial solid wastes utilization such as blast furnace slag (BFS) and zeolite synthesized from fly ash (ZFA), which are effective as well as economically attractive for the uptake of phosphate and ammonium from polluted seawater. The solidification of BFS and ZFA has been developed in different proportions of BFS/ZFA (30/70, 50/50 and 70/30 (w/w)) with different porosities (25%, 40% and 52%, respectively) to cylindrical porous carriers using a Hydrothermal Hot-Pressing (HHP) method. The concentrations of heavy metals in ZFA and BFS were too low to affect the aquatic environment. The main finding is that the high rate of BFS (70%) in porous carriers enhanced phosphate uptake explained by the higher percentage of calcium (35.7%) in porous carriers and high pH conditions. The efficient ammonium uptake was observed with high rate of ZFA (70%) in porous carriers. Results found through this experimental work imply that porous carriers with BFS/ZFA proportion of 70/30 are suitable for potential practical application in the aquatic environment due to their efficient uptake of phosphate and ammonium. The choice was made upon their porosity (40%) and their compressive strength (56 kgf/cm2) which are relatively higher than those with BFS/ZFA proportion of 30/70 and 50/50.

Short-term and long-term effects of low total pressure on gas exchange rates of spinach

In this study, spinach plants were grown under atmospheric and low pressure conditions with constant O2 and CO2 partial pressures, and the effects of low total pressure on gas exchange rates were investigated. CO2 assimilation and transpiration rates of spinach grown under atmospheric pressure increased after short-term exposure to low total pressure due to the enhancement of leaf conductance. However, gas exchange rates of plants grown at 25 kPa total pressure were not greater than those grown at atmospheric pressure. Stomatal pore length and width were significantly smaller in leaves grown at low total pressure. This result suggested that gas exchange rates of plants grown under low total pressure were not stimulated even with the enhancement of gas diffusion because the stomatal size and stomatal aperture decreased.

A new relative referencing method for crop monitoring using chlorophyll fluorescence

The measurement of plant chlorophyll fluorescence has been used for many years as a method to monitor a plant's health status. These types of methods have been mostly relegated to the laboratory. The newly developed Relative Referencing Method allows for the measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence under artificial lighting conditions. The fluorescence signal can be determined by first taking a reference signal measurement, then a second measurement with an additional fluorescence excitation source. The first signal can then be subtracted from the second and the plant's chlorophyll fluorescence due to the second lighting source can be determined. With this simple approach, a photosynthesizing plant can be monitored to detect signs of water stress. Using this approach experiments on tomato plants have shown that it was possible to detect water stress, while the plants were continuously illuminated by fluorescent lamps. This method is a promising tool for the remote monitoring of crops grown in a CELSS-type application.

Formation of a direction map by projection learning using Kohonen's self-organization map

In this paper, we propose a modification of Kohonen's self-organization map (SOM) algorithm. When the input signal space is not convex, some reference vectors of SOM can protrude from it. The input signal space must be convex to keep all the reference vectors fixed on it for any updates. Thus, we introduce a projection learning method that fixes the reference vectors onto the input signal space. This version of SOM can be applied to a non-convex input signal space. We applied SOM with projection learning to a direction map observed in the primary visual cortex of area 17 of ferrets, and area 18 of cats. Neurons in those areas responded selectively to the orientation of edges or line segments, and their directions of motion. Some iso-orientation domains were subdivided into selective regions for the opposite direction of motion. The abstract input signal space of the direction map described in the manner proposed by Obermayer and Blasdel [(1993) J Neurosci 13: 4114-4129] is not convex. We successfully used SOM with projection learning to reproduce a direction-orientation joint map.

Molecular cloning of canine thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) gene and its expression in various tissues

Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is known as a functional ligand for CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), which is selectively expressed on Th2 lymphocytes and induces selective migration of the cells to allergic lesions. In this study, we cloned canine TARC cDNA from canine thymus by RT-PCR with rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The canine TARC clone contained a full-length open reading frame encoding 99 amino acids and included four cysteine residues characteristic to CC chemokine family. The canine TARC cDNA showed 77.5%, 67.4%, and 68.5% amino acid sequence similarity with human, mouse and rat homologues, respectively. Expression of TARC mRNA was detected not only in thymus but also in spleen, lymph node, lung and heart of the various normal dog tissues examined. TARC cDNA clone obtained in this study will be useful for further investigation on allergic diseases in dogs.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of soft tissue producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

We treated a rare case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of soft tissue that produced granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The patient, an 80-year-old woman, was admitted because of a feeling of abdominal fullness and leg edema. An elastic, hard, tender tumor was palpated in the right thigh. Histopathological examinations of the tumor revealed atypical and prominent pleomorphic spindle-shaped cells with funicular arrangement, which were compatible with the diagnosis of MFH. Prominent leukocytosis (up to 84,300/microl), a high serum G-CSF concentration (82 pg/ml) and positive immunohistochemical staining of the tumor tissue for G-CSF indicated that G-CSF was produced by the MFH.

Atlantoaxial subluxation in an adult secondary to retropharyngeal abscess

Atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to a retropharyngeal abscess is well described in children, but very rare in adults. Only two adult cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of severe atlantoaxial subluxation in an adult secondary to retropharyngeal abscess. His atlas-dens interval was very large, up to 10 mm in flexion. We tried external fixation with a neck collar initially, but for remaining instability, surgical fusion was performed. The mechanism of subluxation is attributed to softening of the ligament allowing greater mobility at the joint. The etiology of this process is speculative.

Mechanical strain effect on bone-resorbing activity and messenger RNA expressions of marker enzymes in isolated osteoclast culture

Adaptive modeling and remodeling are controlled by the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are capable of sensing their mechanical environments and regulating deposition or resorption of bone matrix. The effects of mechanical stimuli on isolated osteoclasts have been scarcely examined because it has proven to be difficult to prepare a number of pure osteoclasts and to cultivate them on mineralized substratum during mechanical stimulation. Recently, we developed an apparatus for applying mechanical stretching to the ivory slice/plastic plate component on which cells could be cultured. The loading frequency, strain rate, and generated strain over an ivory surface could be controlled by a personal computer. Using this apparatus, we examined the role of mechanical stretching on the bone-resorbing activity of the osteoclasts. Mature and highly enriched osteoclasts were cultured for 2, 12, and 24 h on the ivory/plate component while being subjected to intermittent tensile strain. The stretched osteoclasts showed enhanced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of osteoclast marker enzymes, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and cathepsin K and increases of resorbed-pit formation, suggesting that the mechanical stretching up-regulated the bone-resorbing activity of the osteoclasts. A stretch-activated cation (SA-cat) channel blocker significantly inhibited the increases of the mRNA level and pit formation after 24 h of stretching. This study suggested the possibility that the mature osteoclasts responded to mechanical stretching through a mechanism involving a SA-cat channel in the absence of mesenchymal cells and, as a result, up-regulated their bone-resorbing activity.

Effect of beta-estradiol on voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in rat hippocampal neurons: a comparison with dehydroepiandrosterone

We investigated the effects of beta-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) increases induced by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), high K(+) and N-methyl-D-aspartate acid (NMDA) in cultured hippocampal neurons. Acute treatment with beta-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate inhibited the GABA-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases to the similar extent. Tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor antagonist, did not block the inhibitory effects of beta-estradiol. On the other hand, GABA type A (GABA(A)) receptor antagonists, picrotoxin and bicuculline, blocked the GABA-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. Previously, we demonstrated that GABA- and high K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases were commonly mediated by voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Therefore, we examined the effects of these steroids on the high K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. The inhibitory effect of beta-estradiol on the high K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases was much greater than that of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. beta-Estradiol inhibited the NMDA-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases with an IC(50) of 51.8 microM and NMDA responses were reduced to half in the presence of 10 micro M nifedipine, indicating that the NMDA-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases also involved VGCCs. Further, we examined the inhibitory effect of beta-estradiol on the high K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases in the presence of a N-type VGCCs antagonist, 1 microM omega-conotoxin, or a L-type VGCCs antagonist, 10 microM nifedipine. The IC(50) value of beta-estradiol alone (45.5 microM) was similar to that of omega-conotoxin (33.1 microM), while the value combined with nifedipine was reduced to 2.2 microM. beta-Estradiol also abolished the positive modulatory effect of L-type VGCCs agonist, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (Bay K 8644). Our results showed that the inhibitory mechanism of beta-estradiol is different from that of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and beta-estradiol may act primarily at L-type VGCCs.

Effects of antidepressants on gamma-aminobutyric acid- and N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced intracellular Ca(2+) concentration increases in primary cultured rat cortical neurons

We investigated the effects of antidepressants on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increases induced by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in primary cultured rat cortical neurons using fluorescence imaging. Acute treatment with imipramine inhibited GABA- and NMDA-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Doses of 30 microM clomipramine, desipramine, amoxapine and maprotiline also inhibited both the GABA- and NMDA-induced [Ca2+]i increases significantly. Both inhibitory effects of the five major antidepressants on the GABA- or the NMDA-induced [Ca2+]i increases were well-correlated. Imipramine could inhibit significantly high-K+-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Our previous study has already shown that the GABA-induced [Ca2+]i increase involves a similar pathway to high-K+-induced Ca2+ influx. In conclusion, imipramine and several other antidepressants have acute inhibitory effects on the GABA-, NMDA- and high-K+-induced [Ca2+]i increases, suggesting that these inhibitory effects are not related to specific receptors. One possibility is that these effects may be commonly mediated via part of the high-K+-induced [Ca2+]i pathway.

Seasonal rhinitis in a cat sensitized to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen

A cat showing seasonal allergic symptoms of rhinitis was examined for reactivities to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollen allergen by intradermal skin test (IDST), Prausnitz-Kustner (P-K) test, and lymphocyte blastogenic response. In IDST for 26 common allergens. the cat showed a positive reaction to CJ pollen allergen. P-K test using CJ pollen allergen also showed a positive reaction, indicating the presence of serum IgE specific to CJ pollen. In the lymphocyte blastogenic response, the stimulation index in the presence of CJ pollen allergen was 2.4. These data suggested that the seasonal rhinitis observed in the cat was caused by the sensitization to CJ pollen allergen.

[Clinical symptoms and characteristic MR spectroscopic findings in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease]

Clinical symptoms and MR spectroscopic findings were studied on 4 cases of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease including 1 autopsy case. Common symptoms were severe mental retardation and spastic tetraplegia. These cases had nystagmus, and one had involuntary athetotic movement. Genetical diagnosis revealed in 2 cases, duplication of proteolipid protein (PLP) and deletion in 1, whereas one case had no abnormality of PLP gene. MRI indicated the reversal of signal intensities on T1- and T2-weighed images, a characteristic finding of PMD MR spectroscopy demonstrated a pattern of NAA in 3 cases. This was specific to PMD because other white matter diseases show a decrease in NAA. In conclusion, MRS was useful to differentiate PMD from other white matter diseases.

Neonatal mature teratoma of the sphenoidal sinus: a case report

Teratoma in the head and neck region is very rare. We treated a child with a mature congenital teratoma that arose from the right sphenoidal sinus. He is doing well after early surgical treatment with endoscopic endonasal resection of the tumor.

Expression of porcine interleukin-2 in Escherichia coli

A mature form of porcine interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein without signal peptides was expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins in Escherichia coli using pGEX vector. Since most of GST-IL-2 fusion protein was detected in an insoluble fraction on SDS-PAGE analysis, the insoluble fusion protein was solubilized by refolding procedure using urea. The recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) was purified by a batch method using Glutathione Sepharose 4B and factor Xa digestion and used for preparation of antisera in mice. The antisera reacted with rIL-2 expressed in baculovirus system on immunoblot analysis. In addition, the purified rIL-2 showed a high biological activity on CTLL-2 proliferative response.

[Three cases of severe hyponatremia under taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)]

The association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) and hyponatremia has been documented throughout the world. In Japan, since SSRIs have recently come into use for patients with depression, there are only a few reports of hyponatremia associated with SSRIs. We present here three cases of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone(SIADH) associated with the administration of fluvoxamine for depression. They were admitted to our hospital because of deep coma, and revealed severe hyponatremia. Their serum sodium levels were 103-112 mEq/l, serum osmolalities were 227-241 mmol/kg, urine sodium levels were 38-107 mEq/l, and urine osmolalities were 352-781 mmol/kg. These patients were started on fluvoxamine 3 days-3 months previously. The diagnosis of SIADH in these patients was made based on hyponatremia, and low serum and high urine osmolalities. The fluvoxamine treatment was discontinued, and hypertonic saline was infused. Their serum sodium levels and osmolalities were subsequently normalized. None of the other known causes of hyponatremia, including diuretic therapy, tumors, and respiratory and central nervous system diseases, were present. High plasma AVP levels observed in the two cases suggest that SSRIs stimulate AVP secretion, thereby causing SIADH. Many reports have shown that people older than 70 years were at a particularly high risk of developing hyponatremia when SSRIs were used. In the future, since the use of SSRIs will be increasing, the water and electrolyte balance of elderly patients should be monitored carefully during SSRIs therapy.

Activation of the dorsal premotor cortex and pre-supplementary motor area of humans during an auditory conditional motor task

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we measured regional blood flow to examine which motor areas of the human cerebral cortex are preferentially involved in an auditory conditional motor behavior. As a conditional motor task, randomly selected 330 or 660 Hz tones were presented to the subjects every 1. 0 s. The low and high tones indicated that the subjects should initiate three successive opposition movements by tapping together the right thumb and index finger or the right thumb and little finger, respectively. As a control task, the same subjects were asked to alternate the two opposition movements, in response to randomly selected tones that were presented at the same frequencies. Between the two tasks, MRI images were also scanned in the resting state while the tones were presented in the same way. Comparing the images during each of the two tasks with images during the resting state, it was observed that several frontal motor areas, including the primary motor cortex, dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), supplementary motor area (SMA), and pre-SMA, were activated. However, preferential activation during the conditional motor task was observed only in the PMd and pre-SMA of the subjects' left (contralateral) frontal cortex. The PMd has been thought to play an important role in transforming conditional as well as spatial visual cues into corresponding motor responses, but our results suggest that the PMd along with the pre-SMA are the sites where more general and extensive sensorimotor integration takes place.

In vivo and in vitro tests showing sensitization to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergen in atopic dogs

Using both in vivo and in vitro tests, dogs with atopic dermatitis were examined for sensitization with Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollen allergen. Ten dogs with clinical manifestation of atopic dermatitis were shown to be sensitized to CJ pollen based on the results of intradermal skin test and serum antigen-specific IgE test. In vitro lymphocyte stimulation test showed blastogenic response after stimulation with crude antigen of CJ pollen in all of the 5 cases examined. The peripheral leukocytes showed increased histamine release after stimulation with crude antigen of CJ pollen in 2 cases examined. These data indicate that a proportion of dogs with atopic dermatitis is sensitized to CJ pollen in a cell-mediated manner and show immediate phase reaction of type I hypersensitivity.

Effect of vitamin K2 on three-dimensional trabecular microarchitecture in ovariectomized rats

Menatetrenone, a vitamin K2 with four isoprene units, has been reported to improve osteoporotic bone loss. The purpose of this investigation was to clarify the effect of menatetrenone on the three-dimensional (3D) trabecular microarchitecture in ovariectomized (OVX) rats by using microcomputed tomography (MCT). Forty-two 13-week-old female rats were used and divided into four groups: the OVX (OVX + MK-4) group treated with menatetrenone, the (OVX untreated) group, the sham-operated (Sham + MK-4) group treated with menatetrenone, and the sham-operated group not treated with menatetrenone (Sham untreated) group. OVX rats were fed a calcium-deficient diet. Menatetrenone treatment was begun just after the ovariectomy, and the mean menatetrenone oral intake over the 8-week period was adjusted to 30 mg/kg BW per day. The proximal metaphyseal region of the right tibia was evaluated by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and MCT. A parametric analysis of the reconstructed trabecular volume was carried out using bone volume fractions, the fractal dimension calculated by the 3D box-counting method, and the connectivity density as determined by topological analysis. Menatetrenone significantly increased the trabecular bone volume, fractal dimension, and connectivity in the OVX + MK-4 group compared with the OVX-untreated group (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that an 8-week administration of menatetrenone protects against the loss of trabecular bone volume and its connectivity when treatment is begun just after the ovariectomy. Despite this apparent protection, it remains unknown whether it is possible to reestablish trabecular connectivity if therapeutic intervention occurs after the trabecular connectivity has been lost.

[A study of recovery factor about drug addiction recovery center "DARC"]

This study examines the effectiveness of the 'DARC' (Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center) and its program in treating patients with drug dependence. DARC is the only rehabilitation facility group managed by recovered drug users in Japan. It uses the 'Twelve Step Program' as part of its recovery regime. Through structured questionnaires, the changes of participants' and ex-participants' everyday behavior, their acceptance of spirituality, attitude toward drugs, self-esteem, their coping skills and loneliness were examined. The results revealed: a.. Negative partial correlation between loneliness and everyday behavior. b.. Negative partial correlation between loneliness and positive/effective coping skills. c.. Positive partial correlation between acceptance of 'spirituality' and attitude toward drugs. d.. Positive partial correlation between acceptance of 'spirituality' and positive/effective coping skills. These results suggest that the acceptance of 'spirituality' and decreasing loneliness are important factors in the recovery from drug dependence.

Properties of basis functions generated by shift invariant sparse representations of natural images

The idea that a sparse representation is the computational principle of visual systems has been supported by Olshausen and Field [Nature (1996) 381: 607-609] and many other studies. On the other hand neurons in the inferotemporal cortex respond to moderately complex features called icon alphabets, and such neurons respond invariantly to the stimulus position. To incorporate this property into sparse representation, an algorithm is proposed that trains basis functions using sparse representations with shift invariance. Shift invariance means that basis functions are allowed to move on image data and that coefficients are equipped with shift invariance. The algorithm is applied to natural images. It is ascertained that moderately complex graphical features emerge that are not as simple as Gabor filters and not as complex as real objects. Shift invariance and moderately complex features correspond to the property of icon alphabets. The results show that there is another connection between visual information processing and sparse representations.

IgE-reactivity to major Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergens (Cry j 1 and Cry j 2) by ELISA in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The present study investigated IgE-reactivity to two major Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, C. japonica) pollen allergens (Cry j 1 and Cry j 2) in dogs with atopic dermatitis by use of a fluorometric ELISA. The serum samples from 27 dogs that showed IgE-sensitivity to crude C. japonica pollen allergen by ELISA were tested for specific IgE to the two major allergens. All 27 dogs had anti-Cry j 1 IgE, and 10 (37%) had anti-Cry j 2 IgE. Inhibition of binding of dog specific IgE to crude C. japonica pollen allergen was carried out by addition of Cry j 1. When serum samples containing anti-Cry j 1 IgE but no anti-Cry j 2 IgE were incubated with Cry j 1, specific IgE binding to crude C. japonica pollen allergen was almost abolished. These findings suggest that Cry j 1 is a major allergen in dogs.

Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional complexity and connectivity changes in trabecular microarchitecture in relation to aging, menopause, and inflammation

There are several types of bone loss besides that associated with normal aging, eg, that associated with the menopause, and that associated with chronic inflammation, and these are considered to be caused by different mechanisms. The microarchitecture that results from these different bone-loss mechanisms would not be the same. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the three-dimensional trabecular microarchitecture in various types of osteopenia, using microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT). Thirty-five Fisher 344 rats were divided into five groups (control, young, senile, ovariectomized [OVX], and inflammation-mediated osteopenia [IMO]) and distal femoral metaphysis was scanned by Micro-CT to nondestructively acquire a 3-D CT stack consisting of 50 consecutive slices at a spatial resolution of 26 microm. The volume of interest, consisting of the secondary spongiosa, was prepared to analyze the 3-D trabecular microarchitecture. A parametric analysis was carried out using bone volume fractions, fractal dimensions, and the first Betti number in order to quantitatively express the mass, complexity, and connectivity of the trabecular microarchitecture. Complexity tended to decrease with age, and decreased significantly in estrogen deficiency-induced and inflammation-mediated osteopenia. Connectivity did not appear to change with aging, but was significantly decreased in estrogen deficiency-induced and inflammation-mediated osteopenia. There was no significant difference between the OVX and the IMO groups.

Positive reactions to common allergens in 42 atopic dogs in Japan

Clinically important allergens for the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis vary geographically. In order to identify the most prevalent allergens in atopic dogs in Japan, 42 dogs with a clinical diagnosis of atopy were tested using both in vivo (intradermal skin test (IDST)) and in vitro (antigen-specific IgE assay) allergy tests. Allergens used for IDST included 26 allergen extracts from eight allergen groups: trees, weeds, grasses, house dust mites (HDM), molds, foods, epithelia, and arthropods. Immunodot assay was used to measure antigen-specific IgE against 24 allergens from these eight groups and against fish such as cod and sole. In the 42 dogs, the most common positive allergen reaction was to HDM on both IDST (29/42 dogs or 69%) and in vitro testing (23/42 or 54.8%). The second most frequent positive allergen reaction was to Japanese cedar pollen (21/42 or 50.0% for IDST and 7/42 or 16.7% for in vitro testing). In both tests, less than 20% of dogs had positive reactions to molds or foods. Positive reactions to cat epithelia were frequently found on IDST, but rarely found on in vitro testing. Agreement between the two tests was found in 26 instances: HDM (21 dogs), Japanese cedar pollen (five dogs) and wheat (one dog). In this study, the two most common allergens involved in atopic dermatitis in dogs in Japan were HDM and Japanese cedar pollen.

Extension of dynamic link matching by introducing local linear maps

It is well known that dynamic link matching (DLM) is a flexible pattern matching model tolerant of deformation or nonlinear transformation. However, previous models cannot treat severely deformed data pattern in which local features do not have their counterparts in a template pattern. In this paper, we extend DLM by introducing local linear maps (LLM's). Our model has a reference vector and an LLM for each lattice point of a data pattern. The reference vector maps the lattice point into a template pattern and the LLM carries the information regarding how the local neighborhood is mapped. Our model transforms local features by LLM's in a data pattern and then matches them with their counterparts in a template pattern. Therefore, our model is adaptable to larger transformations. For simplicity, we restricted LLM's to rotations. Neighboring LLM's are diffusionally coupled with each other. The model is numerically demonstrated to be very flexible in dealing with deformation and rotation compared to previous models. The framework of our model can be easily extended to models with more general LLM's (expansion, contraction, and so on).

IgE sensitivity and cross-reactivity to crude and purified mite allergens (Der f 1, Der f 2, Der p 1, Der p 2) in atopic dogs sensitive to Dermatophagoides mite allergens

The present study investigates IgE-reactivity to crude and purified mite allergens by intradermal skin test (IDST), Immunodot method, and ELISA in atopic dogs sensitive to mite allergens, as well as the allergenic cross-reactivity between Dermatophgoides (D) farinae (DF) and D. pteronyssinus (DP) in dogs by IgE-ELISA inhibition. IDST and Immunodot method for crude mite allergens were performed for atopic dogs and 16 atopic dogs showed sensitivity to mite allergens. Of the 16 dogs, all dogs had anti-DF IgE and 11 had anti-DP IgE. We measured specific IgE to purified major allergens (Der f 1, Der f 2, Der p 1, Der p 2). Of the 16 atopic dogs, six had anti-Der f 1 IgE and seven had anti-Der f 2 IgE. Similarly, of the 16 dogs, six had anti-Der p 1 IgE and seven had anti-Der p 2 IgE. However, eight dogs had no specific IgE to these mite allergens. These dogs may be sensitive to other major mite allergens except Der 1 and Der 2. In the dogs that had both anti-DF and DP IgE, IgE binding to DF was greatly inhibited by DP, and reciprocal inhibition was observed. Based on these data, it appears that there is a strong cross-reactivity between DF and DP in dogs. Similarly, a cross-reactivity between DF and DP in purified allergens was also observed. IDST and Immunodot method are useful methods for the diagnosis of atopic diseases in dogs, and ELISA is a useful method for further investigation of IgE-reactivity for the allergens.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of the marbled state in childhood hypoxic encephalopathy

We have immunohistochemically analyzed the marbled state in 8 cases of perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and 4 cases of infantile hypoxic encephalopathy, using antibodies against calbindin-D28k (CaBD), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), methionine-enkephalin (MEnk), myelin basic protein (MBP), neurofilament (NF), parvalbumin (PV), substance-P (SuP) and synaptophysin (SP). The marbled state was found in the thalamus in 11 cases, whose age at death was over 10 years. Four cases demonstrated the marbled state in the cerebral cortex, in addition to the striatum and/or the thalamus. The abnormally myelinated fibers in the marbled state were stained with both Kluver-Barrera and Holzer stainings; however, they were partly immunopositive for MBP and completely immunonegative for GFAP, CaBD, MEnk, PV, SuP and SP, although some of the neurons and/or fibers showed immunoreactivities for those calcium-binding proteins and/or neurotransmitters. The axons were visualized in the abnormally myelinated fibers by Bodian staining and/or anti-NF immunostainings in the cerebral cortex and striatum but not in the thalamus. GFAP-positive astrocytes did not show any continuity with the abnormally myelinated fibers. These histological features were seen in the cerebral cortex, striatum and thalamus. Difference of the etiology did not affect the histological features with the exception of anti-PV staining, in which PV-immunopositive neurons were observed only in aged subjects with infantile hypoxic encephalopathy, and seemed to be more severely affected by hypoxic stress during the perinatal period than the early infantile period. These data suggest that the site of lesion or the length of survival period after brain injury might influence the formation of the marbled state rather than the etiology. And the direct relationship between the abnormally myelinated fiber and astrocytic process was not verified.

[A case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with acute renal failure diagnosed by renal biopsy]

We report a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) presenting with acute renal failure. A-56-year-old male was admitted to our hospital on October, 1997 with fever and renal dysfunction. Physical examination showed no abnormality except for hepatomegaly. Body surface lymphadenopathy was not observed. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed markedly enlarged kidneys bilaterally and a mass of soft tissue density, which was considered as a swelling lymph node, around the aortic artery. The renal biopsy revealed parenchymal involvement of the NHL cells without normal tubulo-interstitial structure, but the glomeruli were almost intact. Our case rapidly fell into oliguria and acute renal failure, hence needed hemodialysis. After chemotherapy was performed, his renal function gradually improved and the kidney became smaller on subsequent CT. Unfortunately, the patient happened to suffer from methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a neutropenic state and died. Necropsy revealed recovery of the renal interstitium without residual NHL cells. Renal lymphoma without any other organ or nodal involvement is a rare type of NHL, which considered primary renal lymphoma (PRL). However, we believe this case to have been a result of lymphomatous infiltration of the kidneys in disseminated lymphoma.

Reacquisition deficits in prism adaptation after muscimol microinjection into the ventral premotor cortex of monkeys

A small amount of muscimol (1 microl; concentration, 5 microg/microl) was injected into the ventral and dorsal premotor cortex areas (PMv and PMd, respectively) of monkeys, which then were required to perform a visually guided reaching task. For the task, the monkeys were required to reach for a target soon after it was presented on a screen. While performing the task, the monkeys' eyes were covered with left 10 degrees, right 10 degrees, or no wedge prisms, for a block of 50-100 trials. Without the prisms, the monkeys reached the targets accurately. When the prisms were placed, the monkeys initially misreached the targets because the prisms displaced the visual field. Before the muscimol injection, the monkeys adapted to the prisms in 10-20 trials, judging from the horizontal distance between the target location and the point where the monkey touched the screen. After muscimol injection into the PMv, the monkeys lost the ability to readapt and touched the screen closer to the location of the targets as seen through the prisms. This deficit was observed at selective target locations, only when the targets were shifted contralaterally to the injected hemisphere. When muscimol was injected into the PMd, no such deficits were observed. There were no changes in the reaction and movement times induced by muscimol injections in either area. The results suggest that the PMv plays an important role in motor learning, specifically in recalibrating visual and motor coordinates.

Pathological study on sibling autopsy cases of the late infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

We report autopsy cases of two brothers with the late infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) and examine apoptotic cell death in autopsied brains. Both patients showed psychomotor developmental delay, cerebellar ataxia, convulsions, visual disturbance and myoclonus, and they became bedridden around the age of 6-7 years. Macular changes, mimicking cherry-red spots, were observed on funduscopy, but conjunctival biopsy failed to disclose storage materials. In these cases, the autopsies demonstrated severe atrophy with neuronal loss and gliosis throughout the brain and spinal cord, except the hypothalamic neurons and motor neurons in the brain-stem and spinal cord, and autofluorescent lipofuscin-like materials of two types, fine granular deposits and coarse round bodies, were stored in the remaining neurons and glial cells, and in the epithelial cells of various visceral organs. Immunostaining for mitochondrial subunit C visualized the fine granular deposits but not the coarse round bodies. The nuclei of neurons and glia cells were stained by in situ nick end labeling, which was more pronounced in the younger case, although the expression of both bcl-2 and bcl-x was not significantly altered in these cases. It is suggested that immunohistochemistry for subunit C may be useful for diagnosis of NCL, and further investigations are necessary to clarify the relationship between LINCL and apoptosis, especially in severely affected cases.

Quantitative analysis of anti-emetic principle in the tubers of Pinellia ternata by enzyme immunoassay

A crude globulin fraction was isolated from the tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Tubers of P. ternata are one of the well known Chinese traditional medicines. It is used on account of its anti-emetic effect. 6KDP was separated by means of gel filtration and chromatography on CM-Toyopearl 650 M from the crude globulin fraction. 6KDP is a glycoprotein of M.W. 6 kDa. 6KDP has an anti-emetic activity and hemagglutination activity. Both activities dropped during heat treatment. For the purpose to evaluate the quality of the powdered tubers of P. ternata, the quantitative analysis by means of EIA was established. The contents of 6KDP varied from 5.75 to 8.30%. The assay demonstrated a low cross-reaction with the crude globulin fraction of Colocasia antiquorum, a member of the same family as P. ternata. 6KDP is one of major proteins in the tubers of P. ternata. Thus 6KDP is a marker for quantitative analysis of the tubers of P. ternata.

[A case of MPO-ANCA-related vasculitis that recurred as gastrointestinal bleeding and presented difficulty in treatment]

A 54-year-old man, who had been diagnosed as having MPO-ANCA-related glomerulonephritis in 1993, developed severe anemia and was admitted to our hospital on October, 1997. Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed melena due to duodenal ulcer (Dieulafoy type). The level of ANCA titer was elevated considerably (640 EU), but otherwise there was no evidence of systemic vasculitis activation such as fever, arthralgia, skin eruption, renal insufficiency, and rise in C reactive protein. A renal biopsy showed neither crescentic formation nor necrosis of glomerulus. Subsequently he developed hematochezia and renal dysfunction rapidly progressed thereafter. Angiographical examination of superior mesenteric artery revealed that the bleeding was responsible for the lesion of the small intestine, probably the ileum. In spite of TAE (transarterial embolization) he had recurrence of severe hematochezia three days later. Partial ileotomy was performed and progression of the anemia was stopped. Multiple ulcer was found in the resected ileum. The small arteries in the submucosa at the ulceration showed fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel walls. These findings suggested that ANCA-related vasculitis had relapsed. The patient received methylprednisolone pulse therapy, followed by oral administration of prednisolone after the operation. Both serum levels of creatinine and MPO-ANCA gradually decreased after the initiation of treatment. However, 24 days later, he suddenly manifested severe abdominal pain, and was diagnosed as having perforation of the stomach or duodenum. Due to supportive therapy and reduction of the steroid dose, peritonitis subsided, but symptoms caused by systemic vasculitis developed. Later raised the dose of steroid suppressed the activity of systemic vasculitis. In this case, elevation of the ANCA titer demonstrated recurrence of MPO-ANCA-related vasculitis as gastrointestinal bleeding.

'Chiyamai', a panic-like disorder in woman divers from Hegura Island

In Hegura Island, Japan, we have recently found female divers who suffer from a disorder called 'Chiyamai'. From interviews, questionnaires and temporarily proposed diagnostic criteria for Chiyamai, nine cases from 44 female divers interviewed, were diagnosed as having Chiyamai. Clinically, Chiyamai is characterized by a panic-like attack. Ten symptoms were observed during a panic-like attack, compared with 13 symptoms in a panic attack described in the DSM-IV. The average age at onset was 30 years and the average duration of illness was approximately 26 years. Several cases were so severe that the patients were unable to continue diving. Additionally, we report a typical case of Chiyamai, and discussed the similarities and differences between Chiyamai and anxiety disorders in the DSM-IV. We suggest that Chiyamai is a panic-like disorder specific to female divers from Hegura Island and that it is a result of heavy diving.

Aqueous humor dynamics in beagle dogs with caffeine-induced ocular hypertension

In order to investigate the possible mechanisms for caffeine-induced ocular hypertension, the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the outflow through the trabecular meshwork were measured in beagle dog eyes after dosing with intravenous caffeine (30 mg/kg) alone or in combination with the topical beta-blocker befunolol [applied as 100 microliters of a 1% (w/v) solution] which inhibits aqueous humor formation in the ciliary body. Intravenous injections of caffeine significantly increased the IOP at 0.25 and 1 hr after a single dose. The ocular hypertension recovered within 2 hr following dosing. Over time, there were no differences in the outflow between the caffeine and control groups. The instillation of befunolol lowered outflow and produced ocular hypotension. The levels of the IOP and outflow in dogs treated with caffeine and befunolol in combination were almost the same as those in dogs treated with befunolol alone. Single-dose and combination-dose studies demonstrate that intravenous caffeine increases the IOP in normal beagle dogs possibly by increasing aqueous humor formation and not by the inhibition of aqueous humor drainage through the trabecular meshwork.

Megalencephaly, hydrocephalus and cortical dysplasia in severe dwarfism mimicking leprechaunism

This report concerns an autopsy case of megalencephaly exhibiting a unique combination of physical and brain malformations. A 4-year-old boy had a peculiar face, a severe reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue, severe growth failure and frequent hypoglycemic episodes. These clinical features were compatible with leprechaunism; however, the absence of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance prevented the diagnosis of leprechaunism. The autopsy disclosed complex cardiac and brain malformations. Although hydrocephalus coexisted, the brain weight after complete removal of the cerebrospinal fluid was 2260 g, which was greater than the average brain weight of normal Japanese children of the same age. The neuronal density in the cerebral cortex was decreased, while the surface area of the cerebral cortex and white matter were greater than those in an age-matched control. There was cortical dysplasia in the frontal and parietal lobes. Endocrine tests and immunohistochemical analysis of the brain did not demonstrate any abnormalities in the hypothalamus-pituitary system. Megalencephaly can be associated with dwarfism, and this case is important for consideration of the interrelationship between neuronal proliferation and physical growth.

Deformation Theory of Dynamic Link Matching

Dynamic link matching is a self&hyphenorganizing topographic mapping between a template image and a data image. The mapping tends to be continuous, linking two points sharing similar local features, which, as a result, can lead to its deformation to some degree. In analyzing such deformation mathematically, we reduced the model equation to a phase equation, which enabled us to clarify the principles of the deformation process and the relationship between high&hyphendimensional models and low&hyphendimensional ones. We also elucidated the characteristics of the model in the context of the standard regularization theory.

Quantitative analyses of thalamic and cortical origins of neurons projecting to the rostral and caudal forelimb motor areas in the cerebral cortex of rats

On the basis of studies using intracortical microstimulation, the existence of rostrocaudally separate two forelimb representation areas has been inferred in the motor cortex of rats. They are termed caudal and rostral forelimb areas (CFA and RFA). In this study, it was confirmed first that RFA and CFA are located in cytoarchitectonically distinct areas (medial and lateral parts of agranular cortex, respectively). In the second part of this study, the distribution of thalamic and cortical neurons projecting to RFA and CFA was quantitatively compared by injections of small and relatively constant amounts of retrograde fluorescent dyes (diamidino yellow and fast blue) into these areas. It was observed that (1) main inputs to RFA originated from AGl, namely CFA (2) CFA received dominant inputs from AGm including RFA and caudally adjacent granular cortex and (3) wider cortical areas and larger number of neurons projected to CFA than to RFA. As for the thalamocortical projections, both RFA and CFA received inputs from various thalamic nuclei, such as VL, VM, Po, PC, PF, CL, but cells projecting to RFA and CFA were differentially located in each nucleus. It was found that labeled cell number and/or density in VM, PC, CL, CM and MD after RFA injections were significantly larger than those after CFA injections. On the other hand, labeled cell number and/or density in VPL and VL were significantly higher after CFA injections than after RFA injections. In comparison with findings in primates, the results suggest that the cortical motor areas of rats may be specialized for different aspects of motor control.

Relationship between caffeine-induced ocular hypertension and ultrastructure changes of non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells in rats

The purpose of this study was to morphologically assess a possible mechanism for caffeine-induced ocular hypertension. Taking into consideration the relationship between the secretion of aqueous humor and the ultrastructure of the ciliary body, the time course of the morphological features in the ciliary epithelium when caffeine was administered intravenously to male Wistar rats was investigated by electron-microscopy. These morphological findings were also compared with the changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP). A significant increase in IOP was noted 15 min and 1 hr after a single dosing of caffeine alone. This change disappeared in all animals within 2 hr after dosing. The IOP in the animals receiving caffeine and the beta-blocker befunolol, which lowers the IOP by inhibiting aqueous humor secretion, decreased significantly from 15 min after dosing, and this change persisted 2 hr after dosing. In electron-microscopy 15 min and/or 1 hr after dosing with caffeine, a slight dilatation in the lateral intercellular spaces near the basement membrane of the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium was observed and the interdigitations between the non-pigmented epithelial cells were intact. Reversal of these changes was observed 2 hr after dosing. On the other hand, the lateral intercellular spaces between the non-pigmented epithelial cells were markedly dilated and the interdigitations were disorganized following dosing with caffeine alone and in combination with befunolol. These results described here indicate that the intravenous administration of caffeine causes ocular hypertension and also changes in the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium, suggesting an enhancement of aqueous humor transportation. This paradigm in the rat is considered to be useful to further assess caffeine-induced ocular hypertension and for use as an animal model in glaucoma research associated with an aqueous humor secretion.

[Localized lesions on MRI in the globus pallidus, subthalamic nuclei and hippocampus in patients with severe intellectual and motor disabilities]

We examined the clinical picture of eight patients with severe intellectual and motor disabilities, who had experienced prolonged and severe neonatal jaundice, and showed localized lesions in the globus pallidus, subthalamic nuclei and hippocampus on MRI. All patients had athetoid tetraplegia, and five patients showed disturbed ocular movements and seven showed dysphagia. Five patients could communicate with others or utter words, and all showed mental retardation. Auditory brainstem responses were abnormal in seven, and the percentage of REM sleep on all-night polysomnography was reduced in three. Neither CT nor T1-weighted MR images could detect any changes in the pallidum or subthalamic nuclei, while T2-weighted MR images disclosed bilateral high signals in the pallidum, especially in the internal segment, in all patients. Five of the 7 patients, in whom coronal T2-weighted MR imagings were obtained, showed high signals in the subthalamic nuclei. The hippocampus showed atrophy and/or T2-prolongation in seven patients. In one autopsy case, these MRI changes were concordant with pathological lesions. In patients with athetoid cerebral palsy, brainstem dysfunctions, and abnormal ABR, localization of MRI lesions to the pallidum and subthalamic nuclei is evidence for neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy.

Frequency selectivity on aspirin-induced hearing loss in rats with auditory stimulus-induced conditioned suppression

The conditioned suppression technique was employed to examine the acute effects of aspirin on auditory function in rats. Lever pressing behavior for water reinforcement was suppressed in the presence of an auditory stimulus that had been previously paired with electric shocks. A single intravenous injection of aspirin at a dose of 225 mg/kg caused an erroneous lever pressing response in the broad sound intensities of 2 kHz tone stimulus during the conditioned stimulus period. A statistically significant increase in the threshold for 2 kHz was found 1 to 72 hr after dosing but not for 4, 8 and 10 kHz. These results suggest that the hearing for low sound frequency in rats is vulnerable to the effects of aspirin. This paradigm in rats may be useful to further assess the different outer hair cells along the cochlear duct and provide an additional evidence for the aspirin ototoxicity research.

[Cortical status marmoratus in a patient with a sequela of postnatal anoxic encephalopathy]

Status marmoratus (ST) of the basal ganglia and thalamus has been observed in cases of perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and rarely of postnatal encephalopathy. In occasional cases, the cerebral cortex is also involved. Here, we reported a 22-year-old male with a sequela of postnatal anoxic encephalopathy. He had been bedridden with severe mental retardation since he suffered anoxic encephalopathy at 3 months of age. ST was found in the cerebral cortex as well as basal ganglia and thalamus. In addition to ST, the cerebral cortex and white matter were remarkably devastated. We also performed a preliminary immunohistochemical study to investigate the process of ST formation, using antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP) and synaptophysin. MBP-positive abnormal myelinated fibers were identified in the ST areas, which were not colocalized with GFAP-immunopositivity. Synaptophysin was positive in the areas of ST, which were not stained with Holzer method. These results suggest that the myelination in the early infancy damage of basal ganglia and cerebral cortex could be implicated in the formation of ST.

Neuropathology of the dentate nucleus in developmental disorders

The dentate nucleus was examined histologically and immunohistochemically in 47 cases of nonprogressive developmental disorders. Neuronal loss and/or atrophy was observed in 13 cases, while mild neuronal lesions, characterized by dendritic swelling and/or the appearance of eosinophilic materials around the neurons, were exhibited in 20 cases. The former change was accompanied by diffuse central nervous system involvement, and the etiology was perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, acute encephalopathy, and meningoencephalitis in most cases. On the other hand, most of the patients with kernicterus showed the latter change. Immunohistochemically, the mild neuronal lesions mimicking grumose, degeneration, described in some neurodegenerative diseases, seemed to reflect the changes of Purkinje cell terminals. It is suggested that secondary structural alteration of the dentate neurons in the absence of severe atrophy can occur in nonprogressive developmental disorders.