Characterization of the gene for the mouse prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP2: tissue-specific initiation of transcription in the macrophage and the uterus

Genomic DNA clones for the mouse prostaglandin (PG) E receptor subtype EP2 were isolated and characterized. The mouse EP2 gene is composed of 2 exons and 1 intron, and spans 16 kb. The intron which is approx. 12 kb in length is located at the end of the sixth transmembrane domain, as with other prostanoid receptor genes. Based on this structure, transcripts were analysed in endotoxin-treated macrophages and pseudopregnant uteri, in which abundant expression of EP2 mRNA was observed. Sequence analysis of cDNA clones from these origins and Northern hybridization of these RNAs revealed that the uterine EP2 mRNA (U-type) has a longer 5'-untranslated region than the macrophage EP2 transcript (M-type). The major transcription initiation sites for M-type and U-type EP2 are located 124 and 769 bp upstream of the translation start site, respectively. The M-type was expressed in various tissues, whereas the U-type was found only in the uterus. The 2 kb segment containing the immediate 5'-flanking and 5'-noncoding regions contain three consensus sequences for the NF-IL6 binding site, one consensus sequence for the NF-kappaB binding site, four AP-2 consensus sequences, one AP-4 consensus sequence, one potential cAMP response element, and one potential progesterone response element. These results suggest that EP2 gene expression in the macrophage and uterus is under the control of distinct mechanisms involving alternative promoters.

Activation of the metaphase checkpoint and an apoptosis programme in the early zebrafish embryo, by treatment with the spindle-destabilising agent nocodazole

We have studied the developmental activation of the metaphase checkpoint, and the consequences of activating this checkpoint, in the zebrafish embryo. (1) Treatment with nocodazole (a microtubule destabiliser) before mid-blastula transition (MBT) produces complete destruction of all nuclei in the deep cell layer of the embryo. In contrast, nocodazole treatment after MBT efficiently produces metaphase arrest in this cell layer. Thus, the metaphase checkpoint becomes activated at MBT. (2) Although a metaphase arrest is induced by nocodazole, it is not induced by paclitaxel (a microtubule stabiliser). Thus the metaphase checkpoint appears to sense a destabilisation, but not a stabilisation, of spindle microtubules. (3) Metaphase-arrested cells (in nocodazole) can be driven into the next interphase by adding the Ca2+-specific ionophore A23187. Thus, a Ca2+-signalling pathway lies downstream of, or parallel to, the metaphase checkpoint. (4) After mid-gastrula stage, treatment with nocodazole produces DNA fragmentation in all three cell layers. In the enveloping epithelial monolayer (EVL), this is associated with a classical apoptotic phenotype. In the deep layer, it is associated with an unusual, highly condensed nuclear state that is entered directly from metaphase arrest. Thus, after the mid-gastrula stage, the embryo responds to nocodazle by undergoing apoptosis. (5) Nocodazole-induced apoptosis in the deep cell layer can be blocked by the caspase-1,4,5 inhibitors Ac-YVAD-CHO and Ac-YVAD-CMK. This suggests that a homologue of the C. elegans ced-9-ced-4-ced-3 pathway is involved in control over apoptosis in the early zebrafish embryo.

Effect of inhibitors of DNA replication on early zebrafish embryos: evidence for coordinate activation of multiple intrinsic cell-cycle checkpoints at the mid-blastula transition

We address the developmental activation, in the zebrafish embryo, of intrinsic cell-cycle checkpoints which monitor the DNA replication process and progression through the cell cycle. Eukaryotic DNA replication is probably carried out by a multiprotein complex containing numerous enzymes and accessory factors that act in concert to effect processive DNA synthesis (Applegren, N. et al. (1995) J. Cell. Biochem. 59, 91-107). We have exposed early zebrafish embryos to three chemical agents which are predicted to specifically inhibit the DNA polymerase alpha, topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II components of the DNA replication complex. We present four findings: (1) Before mid-blastula transition (MBT) an inhibition of DNA synthesis does not block cells from attempting to proceed through mitosis, implying the lack of functional checkpoints. (2) After MBT, the embryo displays two distinct modes of intrinsic checkpoint operation. One mode is a rapid and complete stop of cell division, and the other is an 'adaptive' response in which the cell cycle continues to operate, perhaps in a 'repair' mode, to generate daughter nuclei with few visible defects. (3) The embryo does not display a maximal capability for the 'adaptive' response until several hours after MBT, which is consistent with a slow transcriptional control mechanism for checkpoint activation. (4) The slow activation of checkpoints at MBT provides a window of time during which inhibitors of DNA synthesis will induce cytogenetic lesions without killing the embryo. This could be useful in the design of a deletion-mutagenesis strategy.

4-Methylcatechol, an inducer of nerve growth factor synthesis, enhances peripheral nerve regeneration across nerve gaps

The effect on peripheral nerve regeneration of 4-methylcatechol (MC), which is a potent inducer of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in vitro and in vivo, was examined in a sciatic nerve-lesioned animal model. The sciatic nerve of adult male Wistar rats was transected and both of the cut ends were then inserted into sterile silicone tubes that were subsequently attached to an intervening silicone chamber. After surgery, the rats were injected i.p. every day for 2 weeks with MC. Two weeks after surgery, the density of nonmyelinated axons within the chamber was significantly increased in the MC-treated group compared with that in the control group. Five weeks after surgery, both the number and the diameter of myelinated axons within the chamber of the MC-treated group were significantly larger than those of the control group. When the chamber was filled with anti-NGF antibody solution, most of the MC effect was blocked. These results suggest that MC stimulates de novo synthesis of NGF (and/or NGF-related molecules), which results in the enhancement of sprouting and maturation of peripheral axons.

Pharmacological induction of physiologically active nerve growth factor in rat peripheral nervous system

Intraperitoneal administration of 4-methylcatechol, which is one of the potent stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in vitro, induced an increase in NGF protein and NGF mRNA in the adult rat heart and submaxillary gland. The increase in NGF protein was successively translocated from the sciatic nerve to sensory or sympathetic ganglia. Repetitive administration of 1,2-diacetoxypropylbenzene, an acetylated form of 4-methylcatechol analog, caused significant elevations of substance P levels in sensory ganglia and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in superior cervical ganglia of infant rats. These observations suggest that both compounds could stimulate NGF synthesis in vivo and that the induced NGF had physiological effects on peripheral neurons.

[Changes of nerve growth factor (NGF) content in injured peripheral nerve during regeneration: local synthesis of NGF by Schwann cells]

NGF content in rat sciatic nerve was investigated using an enzyme immunoassay. Following nerve transection, NGF level increased at the distal side to transection. These NGF increases consisted of an initial rapid increase which might be due to retrograde axonal transport from peripheral organs, and also a secondly slow increase which appeared to be a result of local synthesis. Local synthesis of NGF in the nerve was confirmed by the findings that NGF content increased in the free segment between the two transection sites, and also in the cultured nerve segments where axonal transport could be neglected. Schwann cells and fibroblasts cultured from the sciatic nerve were found to secrete NGF suggesting the local synthesis of NGF by these cells in vivo. NGF accumulated by axonal transport and locally synthesized by non-neuronal cells in the distal side to transection, that is, the regenerating portion, might play an important role in nerve regeneration.

Tolerance induction of alloreactivity by portal venous inoculation with allogeneic cells followed by the injection of cyclophosphamide. II. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance

BALB/c mice receiving allogeneic C3H/He or C57BL/6 spleen cells via portal venous (p.v.) route or a single administration of cyclophosphamide (Cy) were capable of rejecting the respective allogeneic C3H/He- or C57BL/6-derived tumor cells. In contrast, the combined treatment of p.v. inoculation with allogeneic lymphocytes and Cy administration abrogated the capability of rejecting allogeneic tumor cells. Such abrogation of alloreactivity was alloantigen-specific and associated with the suppression of potentials to generate delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to alloantigens. This was further substantiated by the inhibition of molecular mechanisms underlying anti-allo-DTH and -CTL responses. Thus, the above combined treatment led to the decreased production of lymphokines such as macrophage-activating factor (MAF) and interleukin 2 (IL2) following the stimulation with the relevant alloantigens. These results demonstrate that p.v. inoculation of allogeneic cells followed by a single administration of Cy results in the effective elimination of alloreactivity as verified by the suppression of cellular and molecular mechanisms of alloreactive responses.

Studies on the induction of tolerance to alloantigens. III. Induction of antibodies directed against alloantigen-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity T cells by a single injection of allogeneic lymphocytes via portal venous route

BALB/c mice were inoculated with normal C3H/He spleen cells via the portal venous (p.v.) route. Intravenous injection of serum from these BALB/c mice into naive syngeneic mice resulted in almost complete abrogation of their ability to generate anti-C3H/He delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses as induced by s.c. immunization with C3H/He cells. Since a portion of the same serum did not inhibit the development of anti-C57BL/6 DTH responses, the suppressive effect of the transferred serum was alloantigen-specific. Such serum factor(s) was produced in normal but not in nude mice and the suppressive activity was transferred in H-2- or immunoglobulin allotype-incompatible combinations. Immunochemical analyses of this serum suppressive factor have revealed that its m.w. was approximately 150,000, corresponding to the size of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and that the activity was trapped by protein A or by an anti-immunoglobulin column. Although the absorption of the serum from anti-C3H/He-tolerant BALB/c mice with C3H/He target spleen cells did not abrogate the suppressive activity, the additional absorption with spleen cells from anti-C3H/He hyperimmune BALB/c mice almost completely eliminated the suppressive potential. Moreover, pretreatment of BALB/c anti-C3H/He DTH effector spleen cells with the above serum from tolerant mice induced the inhibition of anti-C3H/He DTH responses. Taken together, these results indicate that a single injection of allogeneic cells via the p.v. route results in the production of antibody capable of inhibiting the capacity of DTH effector cells specific for alloantigens used for the p.v. presensitization.

Studies on the induction of tolerance to alloantigens. III. Induction of antibodies directed against alloantigen-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity T cells by a single injection of allogeneic lymphocytes via portal venous route

BALB/c mice were inoculated with normal C3H/He spleen cells via the portal venous (p.v.) route. Intravenous injection of serum from these BALB/c mice into naive syngeneic mice resulted in almost complete abrogation of their ability to generate anti-C3H/He delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses as induced by s.c. immunization with C3H/He cells. Since a portion of the same serum did not inhibit the development of anti-C57BL/6 DTH responses, the suppressive effect of the transferred serum was alloantigen-specific. Such serum factor(s) was produced in normal but not in nude mice and the suppressive activity was transferred in H-2- or immunoglobulin allotype-incompatible combinations. Immunochemical analyses of this serum suppressive factor have revealed that its m.w. was approximately 150,000, corresponding to the size of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and that the activity was trapped by protein A or by an anti-immunoglobulin column. Although the absorption of the serum from anti-C3H/He-tolerant BALB/c mice with C3H/He target spleen cells did not abrogate the suppressive activity, the additional absorption with spleen cells from anti-C3H/He hyperimmune BALB/c mice almost completely eliminated the suppressive potential. Moreover, pretreatment of BALB/c anti-C3H/He DTH effector spleen cells with the above serum from tolerant mice induced the inhibition of anti-C3H/He DTH responses. Taken together, these results indicate that a single injection of allogeneic cells via the p.v. route results in the production of antibody capable of inhibiting the capacity of DTH effector cells specific for alloantigens used for the p.v. presensitization.

Abrogation of the capacity of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to alloantigens by intravenous injection of neuraminidase-treated allogeneic cells

BALB/c or C3H/He mice were inoculated i.v. with allogeneic spleen cells untreated or treated with neuraminidase. Appreciable or potent anti-allo-delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were observed when mice were inoculated i.v. with untreated allogeneic cells or inoculated i.v. with those cells followed by s.c. immunization with untreated allogeneic cells. In contrast, i.v. inoculation of neuraminidase-treated allogeneic cells (presensitization) not only failed to induce any significant anti-allo-DTH responses but also abolished the capability of the animals to develop DTH responses after s.c. immunization, indicating the tolerance induction. This tolerance was alloantigen-specific, and rapidly inducible and long lasting. The induction of suppressor cell activity was demonstrated in tolerant mice. However, this activity was associated only with the tolerant state around 4 to 7 days after the i.v. presensitization, but was no longer detected in mice more than 14 days after the presensitization, although these mice exhibited complete tolerant state. When spleen cells from such tolerant mice were transferred i.v. into 600 R x-irradiated syngeneic recipient mice alone or together with normal syngeneic spleen cells, these tolerant spleen cells themselves failed to induce DTH responses but did not exhibit suppressive effect on the generation of DTH responses induced by normal spleen cells co-transferred. These results indicate that i.v. administration of neuraminidase-treated allogeneic cells results in the induction of alloantigen-specific tolerance which is not always associated with the induction of suppressor cell activity but rather with the elimination or functional impairment of alloantigen-specific clones.

Abrogation of the capacity of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to alloantigens by intravenous injection of neuraminidase-treated allogeneic cells

BALB/c or C3H/He mice were inoculated i.v. with allogeneic spleen cells untreated or treated with neuraminidase. Appreciable or potent anti-allo-delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were observed when mice were inoculated i.v. with untreated allogeneic cells or inoculated i.v. with those cells followed by s.c. immunization with untreated allogeneic cells. In contrast, i.v. inoculation of neuraminidase-treated allogeneic cells (presensitization) not only failed to induce any significant anti-allo-DTH responses but also abolished the capability of the animals to develop DTH responses after s.c. immunization, indicating the tolerance induction. This tolerance was alloantigen-specific, and rapidly inducible and long lasting. The induction of suppressor cell activity was demonstrated in tolerant mice. However, this activity was associated only with the tolerant state around 4 to 7 days after the i.v. presensitization, but was no longer detected in mice more than 14 days after the presensitization, although these mice exhibited complete tolerant state. When spleen cells from such tolerant mice were transferred i.v. into 600 R x-irradiated syngeneic recipient mice alone or together with normal syngeneic spleen cells, these tolerant spleen cells themselves failed to induce DTH responses but did not exhibit suppressive effect on the generation of DTH responses induced by normal spleen cells co-transferred. These results indicate that i.v. administration of neuraminidase-treated allogeneic cells results in the induction of alloantigen-specific tolerance which is not always associated with the induction of suppressor cell activity but rather with the elimination or functional impairment of alloantigen-specific clones.

[Midecamycin acetate-susceptibility of clinical isolates from dental and oral surgical infections]

To investigate the clinical and bacteriological usefulness of orally administered midecamycin acetate (MOM), the susceptibility of clinical isolates to MOM, Mb-12 (the main metabolite of MOM), josamycin (JM), ampicillin (ABPC) and cephalexin (CEX) was determined. The results are summarized as follows. Antibacterial activities of MOM against aerobic Gram-positive cocci, B. catarrhalis, and anaerobic bacteria were inferior to those of JM by 2-fold, but superior to those of CEX. Activities of MOM against S. aureus, Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium spp., Veillonella spp. were superior to those of ABPC and CEX. Since serum and tissue concentrations of Mb-12 after 200 mg administration in humans have been reported to be 1-2 micrograms/ml, it can be presumed that the causative bacteria would be eradicated by a usual dosage of MOM used in the present study. From these considerations, it is speculated that MOM may be successfully used in the treatment of dental and oral surgical infections.

[A clinical bacteriological efficacy study on a fosfomycin otic solution]

Fosfomycin (FOM) otic solution was administered to 587 patients with suppurative otitis media infections including 190 patients in the dose-establishment test, 126 patients in the open clinical trial and 271 patients in the double blind test. Various bacteria were detected in the 549 cases in which bacteriological investigation was possible. Main bacteria detected from the above cases were S. aureus (261 strains, 47.5%), P. aeruginosa (93 strains, 16.9%), coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) (89 strains, 16.2%), Providencia spp. (35 strains, 6.4%) and Proteus spp. (28 strains, 5.1%). Twenty-seven strains of anaerobic bacteria (4.9%) were also detected. The MIC of FOM, and the reference drug, chloramphenicol (CP), fradiomycin (FRM), cefmenoxime (CMX) and cephalexin (CEX), were determined up to a concentration of 800 micrograms/ml with inoculum sizes of 10(6) and 10(8) CFU/ml. About 30% of S. aureus was multi-drug resistant, including methicillin and cephems, but FOM showed excellent antibacterial activity against it. The FOM had superior antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa to CP, FRM and CMX, and was also active against other bacteria. The antibacterial activity of FOM was inferior to other drugs against CNS, Enterobacter spp., P. putida and P. cepacia. The detection rate of these bacteria, however, was low and since their role as causative organisms is not well defined, the inferior activity of FOM has no effect on the bacteriological evaluation of FOM. Since the concentration in the tympanic cavity about 1 hour after the administration of 3% FOM solution was estimated to be 2,000 to 3,000 micrograms/ml, it could be presumed that bacteria inhibited by 800 micrograms/ml of FOM at an inoculum size of 10(8) CFU/ml would be eradicable. The low ototoxicity of FOM is likely due to its characteristic as an inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis. From these results, 3% FOM otic solution may be considered as a remarkably useful topical preparation for the treatment of suppurative otitis media.

Studies on the induction of tolerance to alloantigens. II. The generation of serum factor(s) able to transfer alloantigen-specific tolerance for delayed-type hypersensitivity by portal venous inoculation with allogeneic cells

The administration of C3H/He spleen cells into allogeneic BALB/c mice via portal venous (p.v.) route resulted in C3H/He alloantigen-specific tolerance for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses. When serum from these tolerant BALB/c mice were transferred into naive syngeneic BALB/c mice, the recipient mice lost the capability of generating DTH responses as induced by s.c. immunization with C3H/He cells. Tolerance was transferred only by serum from BALB/c mice inoculated p.v. with C3H/He cells, but not by serum from C3H/He mice inoculated p.v. with C3H/He cells, or BALB/c mice inoculated i.v. with C3H/He cells. This tolerogenic activity in serum from p.v. inoculated BALB/c mice was C3H/He alloantigen specific, because the transfer of the serum did not interfere with the development of anti-C57BL/6 DTH responses in recipient BALB/c mice. Such a serum factor(s) was inducible as early as 1 wk after the inoculation of C3H/He cells into BALB/c mice and not associated with anti-C3H/He alloantibody activity. Moreover, anti-C3H/He or C57BL/6-specific tolerogenic factor(s) prepared in the respective BALB/c or C3H/He mice was successfully transferred into totally allogeneic recipient mice, indicating no requirement of H-2, as well as non-H-2 restriction for the function of serum tolerogenic factor(s). Thus this study demonstrates that p.v. inoculation of allogeneic cells generates serum factor(s) able to transfer in H-2 and non-H-2-unrestricted manners the in vivo tolerance of the alloreactivity specific for alloantigens used for p.v. inoculation.

Studies on the induction of tolerance to alloantigens. II. The generation of serum factor(s) able to transfer alloantigen-specific tolerance for delayed-type hypersensitivity by portal venous inoculation with allogeneic cells

The administration of C3H/He spleen cells into allogeneic BALB/c mice via portal venous (p.v.) route resulted in C3H/He alloantigen-specific tolerance for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses. When serum from these tolerant BALB/c mice were transferred into naive syngeneic BALB/c mice, the recipient mice lost the capability of generating DTH responses as induced by s.c. immunization with C3H/He cells. Tolerance was transferred only by serum from BALB/c mice inoculated p.v. with C3H/He cells, but not by serum from C3H/He mice inoculated p.v. with C3H/He cells, or BALB/c mice inoculated i.v. with C3H/He cells. This tolerogenic activity in serum from p.v. inoculated BALB/c mice was C3H/He alloantigen specific, because the transfer of the serum did not interfere with the development of anti-C57BL/6 DTH responses in recipient BALB/c mice. Such a serum factor(s) was inducible as early as 1 wk after the inoculation of C3H/He cells into BALB/c mice and not associated with anti-C3H/He alloantibody activity. Moreover, anti-C3H/He or C57BL/6-specific tolerogenic factor(s) prepared in the respective BALB/c or C3H/He mice was successfully transferred into totally allogeneic recipient mice, indicating no requirement of H-2, as well as non-H-2 restriction for the function of serum tolerogenic factor(s). Thus this study demonstrates that p.v. inoculation of allogeneic cells generates serum factor(s) able to transfer in H-2 and non-H-2-unrestricted manners the in vivo tolerance of the alloreactivity specific for alloantigens used for p.v. inoculation.

[In vitro susceptibilities of BRL 25000 (clavulanic acid-amoxicillin) against causative organisms in the field of obstetrics and gynecology]

The in vitro susceptibilities of various causative organisms recently isolated from patients with genital infections to BRL 25000 (a formulation with 2 parts of amoxicillin and 1 part of potassium clavulanate), amoxicillin (AMPC), cefaclor (CCL), cephalexin (CEX), cefadroxil (CDX) and cefroxadine (CXD) were determined. beta-Lactamase-producing strains were detected by the nitrocefin disc method. Frequencies of isolation of beta-lactamase producing strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and B. fragilis were 36%, 96% and 100%, respectively. The activity of BRL 25000 against S. agalactiae and anaerobic GPC (anaerobic Streptococci, Peptostreptococcus spp.) was slightly less than that of AMPC but was 2- to 4-fold higher than CCL and 8- to 16-fold higher than CEX, CDX and CXD. Against E. coli and K. pneumoniae, the activity of BRL 25000 was superior to that of AMPC and approximately equal to CEX, CDX and CXD but 2-fold less than CCL. Against the B. fragilis group, BRL 25000 was much more active than AMPC or any of the cephalosporins tested, clearly demonstrating the beta-lactamase inhibitory properties of the clavulanic acid in BRL 25000. At inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, MIC values of BRL 25000 were 12.5-50 micrograms/ml against some strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and B. fragilis. A mechanism of resistance other than beta-lactamase production is obviously prevalent in these strains. It is speculated that the resistance may be due to a low affinity of the drug to target proteins. Mixed infections of B. fragilis and E. coli or K. pneumoniae are commonly found in the obstetric and gynecological patients. BRL 25000 shows activity against these strains and also against both aerobic and anaerobic GPC. Therefore, BRL 25000 is considered useful for the treatment of genital infections.

[In vitro susceptibilities of causative organisms isolated from patients with primary respiratory tract infections to BRL 25000 (clavulanic acid/amoxicillin)]

The in vitro susceptibilities of various causative organisms recently isolated from patients with primary respiratory tract infections to BRL 25000 (a formulation of amoxicillin, 2 parts, and potassium clavulanate, 1 part), amoxicillin (AMPC), cefaclor (CCL), cephalexin (CEX), cefadroxil (CDX) and cefroxadine (CXD) were determined. beta-Lactamase producing strains were detected by nitrocefin chromogenic method and PCG acidometric method. The frequency of isolation of beta-lactamase production in strains of S. aureus, H. influenzae, B. catarrhalis and K. pneumoniae was 92%, 18%, 36% and 98%, respectively. Against S. aureus strains with MIC values to AMPC of less than or equal to 100 micrograms/ml and CEX of less than or equal to 25 micrograms/ml BRL 25000 showed MIC values in the range 0.39-6.25 micrograms/ml with inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, while BRL 25000 required 12.5-100 micrograms/ml of concentrations for inhibition of the strains with MIC values to AMPC of greater than 100 micrograms/ml and CEX of greater than or equal to 25 micrograms/ml. Against S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae BRL 25000 showed MIC values in the range less than 0.024-0.10 micrograms/ml with inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, which is much more active than CCL, CEX, CDX and CXD and slight less active than AMPC. Against H. influenzae and B. catarrhalis BRL 25000 showed MIC values in the range 0.20-6.25 micrograms/ml with inocula of 10(6) CFU/ml, which showed most potent activity among the agents tested. The activity of BRL 25000 against K. pneumoniae was approximately equal to that of CCL and superior to that of AMPC, CEX, CDX and CXD.

[Study on the drug sensitivity of multiple drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]

Of clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus showing resistance to multiple drugs among penicillins (PCs), cephem antibiotics (CEPs), aminoglycosides (AGs), minocycline (MINO) and fosfomycin (FOM), 64 strains were selected for the determination of MIC. Twenty-one drugs were used for the determination of MIC, with ampicillin (ABPC), cloxacillin (MCIPC), cephalothin (CET), cefazolin (CEZ), cefotiam (CTM), cefuroxime (CXM), cefamandole (CMD), cefotaxime (CTX), ceftizoxime (CZX), cefmenoxime (CMX), cefmetazole (CMZ), cefoxitin (CFX), latamoxef (LMOX), cefotetan (CTT), cefoperazone (CPZ), gentamicin (GM), dibekacin (DKB), tobramycin (TOB), amikacin (AMK), MINO, and FOM. MIC80 of each drug at 10(6) CFU/ml were: ABPC, MCIPC, CEZ, CTM, CXM, CTX, CZX, CMX, CFX, LMOX, CTT, CPZ, GM, DKB and TOB greater than 100 micrograms/ml; CET 50 micrograms/ml; CMD and AMK 25 micrograms/ml; CMZ 12.5 micrograms/ml; FOM 6.25 micrograms/ml; and MINO 0.78 micrograms/ml. The ratio of highly resistant strains with MIC greater than 100 micrograms/ml at 10(6) CFU/ml varied according to drug, and a difference tended to be seen in the degree of influence by resistant factors reflected upon MIC, e.g. drugs for which a high resistance of more than 50% was confirmed were ABPC, CXM, CZX, LMOX and TOB, and 20 approximately 30% MCIPC, CTM, CTX, CMX and CFX. MIC on MCIPC which has a correlation of structural activity with methicillin correlated with cephems (CEPs) resistance to a high degree, but many of the so-called new CEPs showed resistance even to the strains with a low MIC on MCIPC. It was assumed that CEPs resistant strains have multiple drug resistant factors based on the fact that such strains showed multiple drug resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Distribution and changes in the susceptibility of bacteria isolated from clinical samples. III]

This report presents data concerning in vitro activity of antimicrobial agents against Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter spp., Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris isolated from patients with complicated urinary tract infections and against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from surgical wounds with postoperative infection and exudate from superficial abscesses. There was a marked increase of resistant strains of C. freundii, Enterobacter spp. and S. marcescens to penicillins, CEPs or GM. The isolates of these species obtained in 1983 showed MIC values of 100 micrograms/ml or more for the so-called new CEPs (CTX, CMX, CZX, LMOX and CPZ). The P. vulgaris isolates exhibited an increasing incidence of strains resistant to penicillins, and data on P. vulgaris isolates in 1983 indicated increase of strains resistant to CEPs. GM-resistant organisms were also noted to be increasing among the isolate of this species. The analysis did not reveal any appreciable change with calendar years among P. aeruginosa in respect of frequency of strains resistant to SBPC or CEPs (except CPZ). The data obtained in 1983, however, showed an indication of increasing incidence of organisms resistant to CPZ and GM. The increasing tendency of emergence of organisms resistant to new CEPs designed to expand activity against C. freundii, Enterobacter spp., S. marcescens and P. vulgaris, observed among the isolates of these species is considered probably to be the consequence of bacterial selective acquisition of R plasmid that carry drug resistant genes against CEPs. These are exactly reflected in the present data obtained in studies initiated in 1981 when the new CEPs became commonly prescribed in the daily clinics. It is concluded, accordingly, that organisms of these species resistant to CEPs have been increasing throughout the country.

[Distribution and changes in the susceptibility of bacteria isolated from clinical samples. II]

In vitro activity of antimicrobial agents such as ABPC, SBPC, MPC, CEZ, CTM, CMZ, CTX, CMX, CZX, LMOX, CPZ, CFS and GM against major clinical isolates, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, C. freundii, Enterobacter spp., S. marcescens, P. vulgaris and P. aeruginosa, was examined. In this paper, we will report the susceptibility of S. aureus, S. pyogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis during a three-year period, 1981 to approximately 1983. CEZ- and GM-resistant S. aureus has markedly increased and occupied 24% and 18%, respectively, in 1983. CMZ and CFS have showed potent activity against CEZ-resistant S. aureus. It seems that the abuse of third generation-cephems and new oral cephalosporins is closely related with the increase of cephems-resistant S. aureus. The penicillin- and cephem-resistant strains of S. pyogenes could not be found in our study. Quite a few strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis are resistant to penicillins, and also there is no appreciable change in susceptibility. Some strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis showed low susceptibility to CPZ, but all strains showed high susceptibility and no change in susceptibility to third generations, and these strains showed no tendency to decrease in susceptibility to GM.

[MICs and MBCs of cefotaxime, desacetylcefotaxime and ceftriaxone against four principal bacteria causing meningitis]

The MICs and MBCs of cefotaxime (CTX), desacetylcefotaxime (Des-CTX) and ceftriaxone (CTRX) were determined in relation to 4 of the principal bacterial species which cause meningitis, i.e., S. pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, H. influenzae and E. coli. These tests were performed using final inocula of 10(8) cells/ml and 10(6) cells/ml. Comparison was made with the MIC and MBC values of benzylpenicillin (PCG) and ampicillin (ABPC). 1. Against 25 strains of S. pneumoniae, the MIC 90 values with inocula levels of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml were as follows: CTX, 0.05 and 0.024 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml, respectively; and PCG, less than 0.012 micrograms/ml at both size. Similarly, the MBC 90 values were: CTX, 0.01 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.78 and 0.39 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.20 and 0.10 micrograms/ml; and PCG, 0.024 and 0.012 micrograms/ml, respectively. It is thus apparent that PCG showed the lowest values for both the MIC and MBC, followed by CTX, CTRX and then Des-CTX. Against 25 strains of S. agalactiae, the MIC 90 values with inocula of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml were as follows: CTX, 0.05 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; and PCG, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml, respectively. Similarly, the MBC 90 values of Des-CTX were 0.78 and 0.39 micrograms/ml, while the other 3 antibiotics showed the same values with both the 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml inocula: 0.10 micrograms/ml for CTX, 0.20 micrograms/ml for CTRX and 0.39 micrograms/ml for PCG. Accordingly, CTX showed the lowest values, followed by CTRX and then PCG being about the same as Des-CTX. Against 25 strains of H. influenzae, the MIC 90 values with inocula levels of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml were as follows: CTX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 0.39 and 0.39 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.10 and 0.05 micrograms/ml; and ABPC, 50 and 6.25 micrograms/ml, respectively. Similarly, the MBC 90 values were: CTX, 0.20 and 0.10 micrograms/ml; Des-CTX, 1.56 and 1.56 micrograms/ml; CTRX, 0.39 and 0.20 micrograms/ml; and ABPC, greater than 100 and 50 micrograms/ml, respectively. Accordingly, in terms of the MIC 90, CTX and CTRX showed the same values, but in terms of the MBC 90 CTX was superior. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Establishment of a tumor-specific immunotherapy model utilizing TNP-reactive helper T cell activity and its application to the autochthonous tumor system

Preinduction of potent hapten-reactive helper T cell activity and subsequent immunization with hapten-coupled syngeneic tumor cells result in enhanced induction of tumor-specific immunity through T-T cell collaboration between anti-hapten helper T cells and tumor-specific effector T cells. On the basis of this augmenting mechanism, a tumor-specific immunotherapy protocol was established in which a growing tumor regresses by utilizing a potent trinitrophenyl (TNP)-helper T cell activity. C3H/He mice were allowed to generate the amplified (more potent) TNP-helper T cell activity by skin painting with trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) after pretreatment with cyclophosphamide. Five weeks later, the mice were inoculated intradermally with syngeneic transplantable X5563 tumor cells. When TNCB was injected into X5563 tumor mass, an appreciable number of growing tumors, in the only group of C3H/He mice in which the amplified TNP-helper T cell activity had been generated were observed to regress (regressor mice). These regressor mice were shown to have acquired tumor-specific T cell-mediated immunity. Such immunity was more potent than that acquired in mice whose tumor was simply removed by surgical resection. These results indicate that in situ TNP haptenation of the tumor cells in TNP-primed mice can induce the enhanced tumor-specific immunity leading to the regression of a growing tumor. Most importantly, the present study further investigates the applicability of this TNP immunotherapy protocol to an autochthonous tumor system. The results demonstrate that an appreciable percent of growing methylcholanthrene-induced autochthonous tumors regressed by the above TNP immunotherapy protocol. Thus, the present model provides an effective maneuver for tumor-specific immunotherapy in syngeneic transplantable as well as autochthonous tumor systems.

Establishment of a tumor-specific immunotherapy model utilizing TNP-reactive helper T cell activity and its application to the autochthonous tumor system

Preinduction of potent hapten-reactive helper T cell activity and subsequent immunization with hapten-coupled syngeneic tumor cells result in enhanced induction of tumor-specific immunity through T-T cell collaboration between anti-hapten helper T cells and tumor-specific effector T cells. On the basis of this augmenting mechanism, a tumor-specific immunotherapy protocol was established in which a growing tumor regresses by utilizing a potent trinitrophenyl (TNP)-helper T cell activity. C3H/He mice were allowed to generate the amplified (more potent) TNP-helper T cell activity by skin painting with trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) after pretreatment with cyclophosphamide. Five weeks later, the mice were inoculated intradermally with syngeneic transplantable X5563 tumor cells. When TNCB was injected into X5563 tumor mass, an appreciable number of growing tumors, in the only group of C3H/He mice in which the amplified TNP-helper T cell activity had been generated were observed to regress (regressor mice). These regressor mice were shown to have acquired tumor-specific T cell-mediated immunity. Such immunity was more potent than that acquired in mice whose tumor was simply removed by surgical resection. These results indicate that in situ TNP haptenation of the tumor cells in TNP-primed mice can induce the enhanced tumor-specific immunity leading to the regression of a growing tumor. Most importantly, the present study further investigates the applicability of this TNP immunotherapy protocol to an autochthonous tumor system. The results demonstrate that an appreciable percent of growing methylcholanthrene-induced autochthonous tumors regressed by the above TNP immunotherapy protocol. Thus, the present model provides an effective maneuver for tumor-specific immunotherapy in syngeneic transplantable as well as autochthonous tumor systems.

The restoration of suppressed T cell activities induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene with an anti-tumor immunomodulator, BCG-cell wall skeleton

The restoring effect of Bacille de Calmette et Guérin (BCG)-cell wall skeleton (CWS) on the suppressed T cell reactivities in mice treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was studied using a system involving the induction of hapten-reactive cytotoxic T cells and mixed lymphocyte reaction in vitro. When the mice were treated with DMBA, the reactivity of lymphoid cells to generate cytotoxic T cells and proliferative T cell responses against allogeneic spleen cells was markedly suppressed. When BCG-CWS was administered to mice by intravenous injection before and after the treatment with DMBA, these depressed T cell functions reverted completely to the normal level. However, the restoration of the immune functions by BCG-CWS varied depending on the strain of mice. Namely, the reactivity of C57BL/6 mice was restored by BCG-CWS, whereas that of C3H/He mice was not. This strain difference correlates very well with the strain difference in effectiveness of the prevention of the DMBA-induced tumorigenesis by BCG-CWS. The possible relation between the restoration of T cell reactivities by BCG-CWS and prevention of tumorigenesis by BCG-CWS is discussed in the context of the role of host immune surveillance in the regulation of tumor development.

Prophylactic effect of BCG cell-wall skeleton on the tumor induction by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in mice: strain difference

Prophylactic effect of repeated intravenous administrations of oil-attached BCG cell-wall skeleton (BCG-CWS) on the induction of tumor by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was investigated in various strains of mice. The subcutaneous injection of DMBA emulsified in oil induced squamous cell carcinoma in almost all of the strains of mice. Treatment of C57BL/6, BALB/c, and ddO strains with BCG-CWS with appropriate route and timing resulted in the retardation of DMBA-induced tumor development manifested by a prolonged latent period of tumor outgrowth. In contrast, the same BCG-CWS treatment of C3H/He and BTK mice was incapable in preventing such DMBA-induced carcinogenesis. Thus, the treatment with BCG-CWS was effective for preventing the DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in certain strains of mice, but the effectiveness varied depending on the strain. The implication of such a strain variationof the BCG-CWS effect on the prophylaxis of chemical carcinogenesis was discussed in the context of differences in the magnitude of immunopotentiation of the host by BCG-CWS.