Do pigmented naevi in albinism provide evidence of tyrosinase positivity?

We investigated a 4-year-old Japanese boy with oculocutaneous albinism who had a solitary pigmented mole measuring 5 mm in diameter on his back. An electron microscopic tyrosine incubation test and a DOPA reaction test clearly demonstrated the presence of tyrosinase activity in the patient's hypopigmented skin. The presence of tyrosinase activity was confirmed by tests on hair bulb samples. Histopathological evidence showed that the mole was a typical compound cellular naevus with melanin pigmentation. Although no reports to date have focused on the relationship between pigmented naevi in albinism and tyrosinase activity, our findings suggest that the occurrence of pigmented naevi in an albino may indicate the presence of tyrosinase activity.

The polyphosphate kinase gene of Escherichia coli. Isolation and sequence of the ppk gene and membrane location of the protein

Polyphosphate kinase (PPK) catalyzes the reversible transfer of the terminal phosphate of ATP to form a long-chain polyphosphate (polyP) (Ahn, K., and Kornberg, A. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 11734-11739). The Escherichia coli gene (ppk) encoding PPK has been cloned, sequenced, and overexpressed (about 100-fold). The gene possesses an open reading frame for 687 amino acids (mass of 80,278 Da). PPK has been purified from overproducing cells after release from attachment to the cell outer membrane; the purified soluble PPK reassociate with cell membrane fractions. About 850 molecules of PPK are found in a wild type cell.

A simple and rapid method for HLA-DQA1 genotyping by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism and restriction enzyme cleavage analysis

A simple and rapid method for identification of alleles at the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQA1 locus is described. The polymorphic second exon of the HLA-DQA1 locus was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The amplified DNA was analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and restriction enzyme cleavage assay. Using this method, the eight known DQA1 alleles could be distinguished from each other. This paper suggests that the method can be used for quick genotyping of DQA1 alleles, but detecting point mutations at various positions in a fragment as well as new HLA-DQA1 genotypes should also be possible.

Epidemiology of Tsutsugamushi disease in relation to the serotypes of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi isolated from patients, field mice, and unfed chiggers on the eastern slope of Mount Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

A total of 59 strains of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi were isolated from patients (24 isolates), Apodemus speciosus mice (30 isolates), and unfed larvae of Leptotrombidium scutellare (2 isolates) and Leptotrombidium pallidum (3 isolates) in the Gotenba-Oyama District, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. All these isolates were classified into the three serotypes Karp, Kawasaki, and Kuroki based on reactivity with strain-specific monoclonal antibodies. Kawasaki- and Karp-type rickettsiae were isolated from L. scutellare and L. pallidum, respectively, and the geographic distribution of patients and rodents infected with these two types of rickettsiae coincided with the areas densely populated by the respective chiggers. From these results, we conclude that Kawasaki-type rickettsiae are transmitted by L. scutellare and Karp-type ones are transmitted by L. pallidum. Kawasaki-type rickettsial infections were prevalent in early autumn, and Karp-type infections showed a peak of occurrence in the late autumn, reflecting the seasonal fluctuations of L. scutellare and L. pallidum. Isolates of Kuroki-type rickettsiae were obtained only from four patients in October and November, and the relationship between this type of rickettsia and its vector species could not be fully defined.

Effect of the chirality of the glycerol backbone on the bilayer and nonbilayer phase transitions in the diastereomers of di-dodecyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl glycerol

We have studied the physical properties of aqueous dispersions of 1,2-sn- and 2,3-sn-didodecyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl glycerols, as well as their diastereomeric mixture, using differential scanning calorimetry and low angle x-ray diffraction. Upon heating, both the chiral lipids and the diastereomeric mixture exhibit characteristically energetic L beta/L alpha phase transitions at 31.7-32.8 degrees C and two or three weakly energetic thermal events between 49 degrees C and 89 degrees C. In the diastereomeric mixture and the 1,2-sn glycerol derivative, these higher temperature endotherms correspond to the formation of, and interconversions between, several nonlamellar structures and have been assigned to L alpha/QIIa, QIIa/QIIb, and QIIb/HII phase transitions, respectively. The cubic phases QIIa and QIIb, whose cell lattice parameters are strongly temperature dependent, can be identified as belonging to space groups Ia3d and Pn3m/Pn3, respectively. In the equivalent 2,3-sn glucolipid, the QIIa phase is not observed and only two transitions are seen at 49 degrees C and 77 degrees C, which are identified as L alpha/QIIb and QIIb/HII phase transitions, respectively. These phase transitions temperatures are some 10 degrees C lower than those of the corresponding phase transitions observed in the diastereomeric mixture and the 1,2-sn glycerol derivative. On cooling, all three lipids exhibit a minor higher temperature exothermic event, which can be assigned to a HII/QIIb phase transition. An exothermic L alpha/L beta phase transition is observed at 30-31 degrees C. A shoulder is sometimes discernible on the high temperature side of the L alpha/L beta event, which may originate from a QIIb/L alpha phase transition prior to the freezing of the hydrocarbon chains. None of the lipids show evidence of a QIIa phase on cooling. No additional exothermic transitions are observed on further cooling to -3 degrees C. However, after nucleation at 0 degrees C followed by a short period of annealing at 22 degrees C, the 1,2-sn glucolipid forms an Lc phase that converts to an L alpha phase at 39.5 degrees C on heating. Neither the diastereomeric mixture nor the 2,3-sn glycerol derivative shows such behavior even after extended periods of annealing. Our results suggest that the differences in the phase behavior of these glycolipid isomers may not be attributable to headgroup size per se, but rather to differences in the stereochemistry of the lipid polar/apolar interfacial region, which consequently effects hydrogen-bonding, hydration, and the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance.

Postremission therapy without prednisolone improves survival in adults with acute leukemia

This prospective randomized clinical trial was to clarify whether postremission therapy without prednisolone (PSL) was more effective than therapy with PSL in improving the 5-year survival of adults with acute leukemia. Thirty consecutive adult patients with newly achieved complete remission were randomized to receive postremission therapy either with or without PSL between September 1985 and September 1988. The patients ranged from 16 to 57 years in age. Patients treated without PSL had a significantly better 5-year survival rate than those receiving PSL according to Kaplan-Meier analysis (53.5% vs 15.3%, p < 0.05). In the group treated without PSL, eight out of 15 patients were alive at 72 months, and seven patients maintained their first complete remission at 72 months. Among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were treated without PSL the median duration of remission was 24 months, and the survival rate at 72 months was 50.0%. On the other hand, the median survival was only 13 months for the 5 patients with ALL treated with PSL. Thus, it is desirable that adults with acute leukemia are treated by postremission therapy without PSL.

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy of advanced bladder cancer]

Three patients with locally advanced bladder cancer were given intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. The treatment regimen was epirubicin, 30 mg/m2 days 1-2; cisplatin, 50 mg/m2 IA days 1-2; and etoposide, 100 mg/m2 IV days 3-5, repeated every 21 days. The tip of the catheter was inserted through the femoral artery into the common iliac artery and we compressed both femoral arteries during infusion. The patients were evaluated for the clinical and pathological efficacy of the treatment. Clinically (according to Japanese response criteria for urological cancer treatment), the efficacy of all patients was CR and pathologically (according to Shimosato's response criteria), the efficacy was two in Grade IV b, and one in Grade II b. Myelosuppression was the major toxicity. Other toxicities were mild. There were no treatment-related deaths. These results suggest that this treatment is effective and well tolerated in advanced bladder cancer.

Circulating antigen KL-6 and lactate dehydrogenase for monitoring irradiated patients with lung cancer

To determine the sensitivity of serum KL-6 and serum lactate dehydrogenase for detecting the contraction of radiation pneumonitis, 15 patients with lung cancer who had radiation therapy were monitored. Six of the patients contracted radiation pneumonitis (pneumonitis group) and the other patients did not (control group). Serum levels of KL-6 were significantly (p less than 0.05) elevated according to the complication of radiation pneumonitis in all patients of the pneumonitis group. In the control group, however, one-sided changes of KL-6 level were not observed. In the pneumonitis group, serum LDH levels were not significantly changed. However, there was a strong correlation between the altered levels of KL-6 and those of LDH (r = 0.992). These observations indicate that the same cytopathologic changes may cause the elevation of serum KL-6 level and the elevated activity of serum LDH in the patients with radiation pneumonitis, and that KL-6 is much more sensitive than LDH for detecting radiation pneumonitis.

[Dynamic process of colonization by Haemophilus influenzae in children--is H. influenzae normal flora in the throat?]

Eighty-seven oropharyngeal isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were obtained by two time cultures six months apart from a total of 288 children who attend a kindergarten. We analyzed the strains by comparing their serotypes, biotypes, beta-lactamase activity and by performing electrophoresis of outer membrane proteins on polyacrylamide gels. Only nineteen strains were not identical, the rest of the 68 strains were classified into 23 types. During 6 months at least 15 types of strains lost from this group and 21 types of new strains were obtained. There were no children who had identical pairs of H. influenzae in their oropharynx during the 6 months. The classification of strains in oropharynx suggested that person-to-person transmission of nontypable H. influenzae can occur. We concluded that oropharyngeal colonization by nontypable H. influenzae is not a normal flora in children.

Isolation of substance P binding protein from rat brain

Substance P (SP) binding protein of rat brain was solubilized by digitonin. The solubilized proteins were then purified by sequential gel filtration, concanavalin A lectin Sepharose, and SP-affinity chromatography. The calculated molecular weight of this purified SP binding protein was 76-74 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The rabbits were immunized with the purified protein and resulting polyclonal anti-sera were tested. The immune serum significantly inhibited [3H]SP binding to the 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate solubilized membrane fractions from rat brain, whereas pre-bleed antiserum failed to inhibit the binding. This polyclonal antibody also inhibited the activity of 45Ca influx into astroglioma cells stimulated by SP, but does not inhibit that stimulated by histamine. Furthermore, this polyclonal antibody recognized the 76-74 kDa band as assessed by Western blotting. These data strongly suggest that this polyclonal antibody could recognize a part of the natural SP receptor site.

Evidence for in vivo clonal proliferation of unique population of blood CD4-/CD8- T cells bearing T-cell receptor alpha and beta chains in two normal men

Rare T lymphocytes bearing CD3 surface antigen and T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta chains, but lacking both CD4 and CD8 antigens, viz, TCR alpha beta+CD4-8- cells, appear at a frequency of 0.1% to 2% in peripheral blood TCR alpha beta+ cells of normal donors. Here we report two unusual cases, found among 100 healthy individuals studied, who showed an abnormally elevated frequency of these T cells, ie, 5% to 10% and 14% to 19%. Southern blot analyses of the TCR alpha beta+CD4-8- clones all showed the identical rearrangement patterns for each individual, demonstrating that these are derivatives of a single T cell. The same rearrangement patterns were also observed for the freshly isolated lymphocytes of TCR alpha beta+CD4-CD8- fraction, which excludes the possible bias in the processes of in vitro cloning. These TCR alpha beta+CD4-8- T cells were found to express other mature T-cell markers such as CD2, CD3, and CD5 antigens, as well as natural killer (NK) cell markers (CD11b, CD16, CD56, and CD57 antigens) for both individuals. Further, although lectin-dependent or redirected antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicities were observed for both freshly sorted lymphocytes of TCR alpha beta+CD4-8- fraction and in vitro established clones, NK-like activity was not detected.

A novel blocker-PCR method for detection of rare mutant alleles in the presence of an excess amount of normal DNA

A novel polymerase chain reaction method was developed to preferentially amplify a segment of DNA containing a base substitution mutation. This technique uses a pair of dideoxynucleotide-labeled oligonucleotides (18 mers) of normal sequences as blockers located between the two primers. By virtue of a subtle difference in the melting temperature between the blocker-normal DNA and blocker-mutant DNA hybrids, the method allows preferential amplification of the mutant DNA. We used the human N-ras gene as a model. Two different types of N-ras mutations could be effectively amplified when they were present with an excess amount of normal DNA at a ratio of 1:10(3). Furthermore, the sensitivity was increased 10-fold by using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis for the amplified products, and mutant DNA was detected in the presence of a 10(4) times excess amount of normal DNA.

CD8+ cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma: report of two cases with immunophenotyping, T-cell-receptor gene rearrangement and electron microscopic studies

Two cases are reported of cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with the suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8) phenotype. In both cases there was a solitary skin tumour in which there was a dense infiltrate with large irregularly shaped cells which on immunophenotyping expressed CD8. DNA hybridization analysis showed rearrangements of the T-cell-receptor gene in both cases.

Unique association of p53 mutations with undifferentiated but not with differentiated carcinomas of the thyroid gland

Thyroid neoplasms show a wide variety of lesions varying from slowly growing differentiated adenocarcinomas to rapidly proliferating undifferentiated carcinomas. There has been some histopathological evidence that the undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas are derived from differentiated carcinomas. Moreover, it is suspected that some genetic events might be associated with such changes. In the present study, mutations in the p53 gene were investigated by direct sequencing analysis after polymerase chain reaction amplification of exons 5 to 8, using paraffin-embedded primary tumors and cultured cells. No mutations in exons 5 to 8 were detected in 10 differentiated papillary adenocarcinomas, whereas 6 of 7 undifferentiated carcinomas were found to carry base substitution mutations. Sequencing analysis confirmed mutations at codons 135 (TGC----TGT), 141 (CCC----CCT), 178 (CAC----GAC), 213 (CGA----TGA), 248 (CGG----CAG, CGG----TGG), and 273 (CGT----TGT). The spectrum of mutations (G:C to A:T transitions in 7 of 8) might be a specific feature of the spontaneous cancers. The results strongly suggest that, in human thyroid glands, p53 mutations play a crucial role in the progression of differentiated carcinomas to undifferentiated ones.

Monitoring of serum KL-6 antigen in a patient with radiation pneumonia

Serum marker KL-6 antigen has been reported to be a valuable indicator of the disease activity of interstitial pneumonia. It is not clear how sensitive the serum KL-6 antigen level is in reflecting histologic changes in lung tissues. We report here the results of serial measurements of serum KL-6 antigen in a 76-year-old male patient with radiation pneumonia. Serum KL-6 antigen levels were more sensitive than lactate dehydrogenase and procollagen type III N-terminal peptide. The level of serum KL-6 antigen appears to reflect the histologic changes of the lung more sensitively than does C-reactive protein.

Frequency of mutant T lymphocytes defective in the expression of the T-cell antigen receptor gene among radiation-exposed people

The frequency of mutant T lymphocytes defective in T-cell receptor gene (alpha or beta) expression was measured using the 2-color flow cytometric technique. Results for a total of 203 atomic bomb survivors, 78 of whom were proximally exposed (DS86 doses of greater than or equal to 1.5 Gy) and 125 of whom were distally exposed (DS86 dose of less than 0.005 Gy), showed that the mutant frequency was significantly higher in males than in females. No significant dose effects were observed. In contrast, a significant increase of mutant frequency was observed for 6 patients treated with Thorotrast, a contrast medium containing thorium-232 formerly used for radioligands. In addition, thyroid disease patients treated with 131I showed a dose-related increase of mutant frequency. It was suggested that the present T-cell receptor mutation assay has a unique characteristic as a biological dosimeter for measurement of recent exposures to genotoxic agents.

Effects of protein intake on immune parameters in mice surviving streptococcal infection

Groups of mice were fed for 2 weeks on isocaloric diets containing 5, 7, 20 and 40% (w/w) casein, respectively, then injected intraperitoneally with group B streptococci, and observed for their survival rates. The mice fed 7% or 20% casein had lower mortalities than those fed 5% or 40% casein. In order to explain the different survival rates, other groups of mice were fed on the experimental diets and examined for the number of leukocytes in the blood, of spleen cells and thymocytes, for IgG and IgM antibody titres to the streptococci, for haemolytic titres of sera, the amount of complement component 3 (C3), for chemiluminescence and opsonic activity of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and spleen cells (SP), production of superoxide anion from PEC and SP, and production of immunoglobulins from cultured SP. After 2 weeks on a 7 or 20% casein diet mice showed increased serum levels of IgM antibodies reactive with the whole bacterial cells on days 3-5 when they were immunised with a sublethal dose of group B streptococci. The mice fed on the 7% casein diet also showed a higher C3 titre than the other diet groups when assayed by enzyme immunoassay. Furthermore, opsonophagocytic activity was highest when PEC or SP taken from mice on the 20% case in diet were incubated with radiolabelled microorganisms in the presence of fresh serum taken from the 7% casein group. The production of superoxide anions from PEC and SP was lowest in the mice fed on 5% casein when activity was expressed as nano-mol per animal. It is suggested from these results that the greater activity of phagocytic cells in the presence of increased amounts of C3 and IgM explains the heightened resistance in the mice fed on a 7% casein diet, and that suppressed opsonophagocytic activity resulting from the decreased number of leukocytes in the blood and other phagocytic cells explains the lowest resistance in the 5% casein group. However, mice fed on a 40% casein diet showed all these immunological parameters untouched, and their lowered resistance could not be explained. Different factors seem to be operative in them.

Flow cytometric measurements of somatic cell mutations in Thorotrast patients

Exposure to ionizing radiation has long been well-recognized as a risk factor for cancer development. Since ionizing radiation can induce mutations, an accurate way of measuring somatic mutation frequencies could be a useful tool for evaluating cancer risks. In the present study, we have examined in vivo somatic mutation frequencies at the erythrocyte glycophorin A (GPA) and T-cell receptor (TCR) loci in 18 Thorotrast patients who have been continuously irradiated with alpha-particles emitted from the internal deposition of thorium dioxide and who thus have increased risks of certain malignant tumors. When compared with controls, the results showed a significantly higher frequency of mutants at the lymphocyte TCR loci but not at the erythrocyte GPA loci in the Thorotrast patients. The discrepancy between the results of the two assays is discussed.

Synthetic studies of vitamin D analogues. IX. Synthesis and differentiation-inducing activity of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-23-oxa-, thia-, and azavitamin D3

Three vitamin D3 analogues, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-23-oxavitamin D3 (3), 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-23-thiavitamin D3 (4) and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-23-azavitamin D3 (5) were synthesized. In the differentiation-inducing activity of human myeloid leukemia cells into macrophages in vitro, the 23-aza analogue (5) showed the least activity, while no remarkable differences were observed between the 23-oxa analogue (3) and the 23-thia analogue (4), which were less active than 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1).

[Clinical study on soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with sarcoidosis]

Levels of soluble IL-2 receptor in sera of 18 patients with sarcoidosis were measured by a sandwich ELISA method established by the authors and were found to be significantly higher than those in sera of normal subjects. Levels of soluble IL-2 receptor in sera of sarcoidosis cases of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) were significantly higher than those in sera of sarcoidosis cases without BHL. In patients with sarcoidosis, levels of soluble IL-2 receptor did not differ in relation to the presence or absence of ocular lesions, or in relation to positive or negative response to protein purified derivative of tuberculosis (PPD).

Ultrastructural localization of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus antigens in cultured human squamous carcinoma cells

The ultrastructural localization of the pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) antigens in cultured human squamous carcinoma cells was observed using immunogold electron microscopy. Both the PV and PF autoantibodies bound only to the extracellular portion of the desmosomal structures. After incubation at 37 degrees C, the PV antigen-antibody complexes were observed within the cultured cells. PV and PF antigen expression was markedly reduced when the cells were cultured in medium with a low Ca2+ concentration.

[Tissue levels of pirarubicin (THP) in dogs following intra-arterial infusion]

The blood and tissue levels of pirarubicin (THP) were studied in dogs by HPLC analysis. The THP (1.5 mg/kg) was infused from the bifurcation of internal iliac artery. We measured the concentration of THP after 1 or 2 hours of intra-arterial infusion (IA) and compared with the concentration of THP administered intravenously (IV). The plasma levels of THP following IA rapidly disappeared the same as for IV. The blood cell level of THP following both IA and IV was significantly higher than the plasma level. The bladder mucosa and muscle levels of THP following IA were about 8 times as high as that of IV. The bladder muscle level of THP 2 hours after IA was about twice as high as after 1 hour and the same as the bladder mucosa level of THP after both 1 and 2 hours. It is considered that THP by the present method may have the transition from the mucosa to the muscle in the bladder. In the other intrapelvic tissues (perivesical adipose tissue, pelvic lymph node and prostate), IA also had higher concentrations compared with IV. However, the extrapelvic tissues (heart, liver and kidney) levels of THP following IA were the same as those for IV. It was concluded that THP was a reasonable agent for IA chemotherapy for bladder cancer.

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer and prostate cancer using reservoir system]

Eight patients with bladder cancer and two patients with prostate cancer were given intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using the reservoir system. The tip of the catheter was inserted through the femoral artery to the common iliac artery and we compressed both femoral arteries during infusion. Five patients with locally advanced bladder cancer and two patients with prostate cancer were evaluated for the clinical and pathological efficacy of the treatment. Clinically, the efficacy of four of the five patients with bladder cancer was CR or PR and pathologically (according to Shimosato's criteria), the efficacy was two in IVb or III, and three in IIb. Clinically, the efficacy in two patients with prostate cancer was CR or PR, and pathologically the efficacy was IVb or IIb. Three patients had complications of the reservoir system. These results suggest that good therapeutic efficacy and an improved quality of life can be obtained by intra-arterial chemotherapy using the reservoir system.

Isolation and characterization of human peripheral blood CD4+ T cell clones expressing gamma delta T cell receptors

Rare T cell clones bearing both CD4 and gamma delta T cell receptors (TcR gamma delta) were obtained from human peripheral blood by cell sorting using anti-CD4 and anti-TCR delta 1 antibodies. All the clones established were reactive with anti-TcR gamma delta 1 antibody, whereas only about 20% of the clones showed reactivity with anti-delta TCS1 antibody. Unlike most CD4+ T cells bearing TcR alpha beta, all the clones tested showed lectin-dependent and anti-CD3 antibody-redirected cytolytic activity. About 60% of the clones exhibited natural killer cell-like activity. Immunoprecipitation analysis of TcR gamma delta showed that each clone expressed either a disulfide-linked or non-disulfide-linked heterodimer consisting of 37-44-kDa TcR gamma and TcR delta chains.

Hepatitis B virus X protein transactivates human interleukin-8 gene through acting on nuclear factor kB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-like cis-elements

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a newly described leukocyte chemotactic and activating cytokine that belongs to the novel family of inflammatory cytokines whose genes locate on human chromosome 4, q12-21 region. The production of IL-8 is usually not constitutive and can be induced rapidly and abundantly in different cell types by a variety of stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha as well as a tumor promotor phorbol myristate acetate. We report here that in addition to these stimuli the IL-8 gene can also be induced by the protein X of the hepatitis B virus (HBV-X) as evidenced by the enhanced IL-8 mRNA expression and IL-8 production observed in HBV-X-transfected cells. Furthermore, using several deletion mutants of the 5'-flanking regulatory region of the human IL-8 gene linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene as a reporter, we have established here that both nuclear factor kB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-like cis-elements located at -94 to -71 base pairs of IL-8 gene are essential and sufficient for the induction of the IL-8 gene by HBV-X. The same elements have been identified recently by us to be interleukin-1-, tumor necrosis factor-alpha-, and phorbol myristate acetate-responsive elements on the IL-8 gene. This suggests the existence of a common pathway for these inflammatory cytokines and HBV-X to activate the IL-8 gene. These observations might be relevant to the pathogenesis of inflammation in viral hepatitis.

Follow-up clinical electrophysiological studies in a patient with myotonic dystrophy

A 38-year-old male myotonic dystrophy patient with left hemiblock, bradycardia and ventricular arrhythmias underwent electrophysiologic studies 19 months after he developed dizziness. Rapid and significant progression of binodal disease required implantation of a permanent pacemaker, which responded favorably. We suggest that careful monitoring or electrophysiologic studies are indicated in patients with these findings.

[A case of Enterococcus faecalis brain abscess in a patient with suprapharyngeal cancer]

A 55-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of suspected brain abscess on March 18, 1989. The brain CT scan showed low density area with ring enhancement. After admission, both cefminox 2 g/day and clindamycin 500 mg/day were administered intravenously. On March 29, 1989, the patient developed cerebral herniation suddenly. Therefore emergency burr hole operation was done. Many gram-positive cocci were observed on gram-staining of the aspirated pus. Moreover neutrophils with phagocytosed gram-positive cocci were also observed. Culture of aspirated pus revealed colonies of gram-positive cocci which were subsequently identified as E. faecalis. Same species of bacteria were also isolated from fistula of right mastoid. From both findings of brain CT scan and data of MICs of E. faecalis, it may be suggested that direct infection developed from right mastoiditis to intracranial space. We experienced a severe case who developed cerebral herniation because of brain abscess due to E. faecalis which is an infrequent pathogen of brain abscess.

Immunohistochemical characterization of human cutaneous mast cells in urticaria pigmentosa (cutaneous mastocytosis)

To clarify the origin and function of human cutaneous mast cells (CMCs), immunohistochemical characterization was done in 19 cases of urticaria pigmentosa (cutaneous mastocytosis) using 9 antibodies (anti-leukocyte common antigen, MX-PanB, anti-lysozyme, anti- alpha 1-antitrypsin, anti- alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, anti-vimentin, anti-neuron-specific enolase, anti-factor VIII-related antigen, and anti-ACTH). CMCs showed positive reactions with anti-alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and anti-vimentin in almost all of the specimens. In more than half of the specimens, CMCs were stained positively with anti-alpha 1-antitrypsin, MX-PanB, and anti-factor VIII-related antigen. Anti-leukocyte common antigen and anti-ACTH also showed positive reactions in some specimens. These results confirm the existence of vimentin filaments in CMCs and suggest a functional role of CMCs in hemostasis via factor VIII. Furthermore, immunohistochemical similarity between CMCs and granulocyte/macrophage-group cells is also suggested.

Characterization of the carbohydrate chain on the substance P receptor in the rat brain cortex: effect of lectins on [3H]substance P binding

The characteristics of the carbohydrate chain on the rat cerebral cortical substance P (SP) receptor were studied. We examined the effects of pretreatment with three lectins (concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin, lens culinaris agglutinin) on the [3H]SP binding activities. Each lectin can bind to the specific carbohydrate chain. Among these lectins, only concanavalin A inhibited specific [3H]SP binding by reducing the affinity of the binding sites. The inhibitory action of concanavalin A was dose-dependent and diminished by the addition of alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. The present results suggest that the rat cortical SP receptor has either a biantennary complex-type or a high mannose-type of carbohydrate chain, and that the carbohydrate chain is implicated in the SP binding activity of the SP receptor system.

Is interindividual variation of cellular radiosensitivity real or artifactual?

A recently developed dose-survival assay using human G0 T lymphocytes from peripheral blood was employed to assess possible interindividual variation of cellular radiosensitivity by comparing variability between a single test for different individuals and repeated tests for a single donor. The surviving fraction at each X-ray dose level fluctuated similarly between the two groups, and the X-ray dose required to kill 90% of the cells (D10) was 3.59 +/- 0.18 Gy (mean +/- SD) for 31 different individuals and 3.66 +/- 0.21 Gy for 28 repeated tests of one individual. Analysis of variance to compare the two sets of data showed that variation in the D10 value was not significantly greater in the former group. Analysis of D50 and D90 showed similar results. These results support the hypothesis that interindividual variation in cellular radiosensitivity is quite small, if it exists at all, as far as can be determined by the loss of colony-forming ability of irradiated G0 lymphocytes.

Coexistent urticaria pigmentosa, acromegaly and acanthosis nigricans

We report a case of urticaria pigmentosa, acromegaly and acanthosis nigricans in a 25-year-old male. The patient exhibited multiple pigmented papules on the trunk and the extremities. Histological examinations of the papules revealed infiltrates of mast cells in the upper dermis. Ultrastructurally, the mast cells were fully matured and exhibited no atypical features. A typical appearance of acromegaly, frontal bossing, prominence of the jaw and bony overgrowth and cutaneous changes of acanthosis nigricans on the neck, the axillae and the groins were observed. Growth hormone hypersecretion and insulin resistance were detected in the patient. A pituitary tumor was found and resected surgically. After the operation, endocrinological abnormalities and cutaneous manifestations of acanthosis nigricans improved markedly. As far as we know, this is the first report of the coexistence of urticaria pigmentosa, acromegaly and acanthosis nigricans.

Human liver manganese superoxide dismutase. Purification and crystallization, subunit association and sulfhydryl reactivity

Manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) has been purified with a high yield (320 mg) from human liver (2 kg) and crystallized. Low-angle laser light scattering of the enzyme has shown that native enzyme is a tetrametic form. Four of the eight cysteine residues in the tetramer reacted with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) or with iodoacetamide. The others were only reactive in protein heated with SDS or urea after reduction with dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol. The reactive sulfhydryl group was found to be located at Cys196 by amino acid sequence analysis of Nbs2-reactive peptides isolated by activated thiol-Sepharose covalent chromatography. Incubation of Mn-SOD in 1% SDS for 2 or 3 days at 25 degrees C or 5 min at 100 degrees C gave material showing two prominent components on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 0.1% SDS. The major component had a molecular mass of 23 kDa; the other, 25 kDa. Reduction of the protein by dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol heated in SDS produced only the 25-kDa monomer species. Essentially, no thiol groups were detected in the 23-kDa form, in which two cysteine residues appear to have been oxidized to form an intrasubunit disulfide. This indicates that Cys196 has a reactive sulfhydryl and appears to be a likely candidate for a mixed disulfide formation in vivo.

Analysis of cellular immunity in patients with Graves' disease

Graves' disease has attracted considerable attention as an autoimmune disease. In this study, cellular immunity in patients with this disease was assessed. Specifically examined was the lymphocyte response to mitogens, Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the percentage of lymphocyte subsets. No significant difference was observed in the lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and poke-weed mitogen (PWM) between untreated patients with Graves' disease and healthy people. IL-2 production in untreated patients, however, was significantly greater than that of healthy people. While a significant decrease was observed in the percentage of CD8+ cells in untreated patients, no difference was found in the percentage of CD5+, CD4+ and HLA-DR+ cells between them and healthy people. It is thought that the enhancement of IL-2 production by PBMCs and the decrease in the percentage of CD8+ cells (cytotoxic/suppressor cell) are associated with abnormalities in the immune system.

Temperature dependence of the ripple structure in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine studied by synchrotron X-ray small-angle diffraction

The ripple structure of 1,2-dimyristoyl-L-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) multibilayer containing excess water (60 wt%) was studied by synchrotron X-ray small-angle diffraction. The (0,1) spacing which corresponds to the ripple repeat distance depends on temperature: At 13 degrees C the (0,1) spacing is 14.15 nm, the spacing decreases at higher temperatures and reaches 12.1 nm at 23.5 degrees C, just below the main transition temperature. The spacing is in good agreement between heating process and cooling process except for the supercooling region. The result suggests that the rearrangement of the ripple structure takes place during temperature change successively. The Landau-de Gennes free energy equation explains well the temperature dependence of the ripple repeat distance.

Assay for the soluble interleukin-2 receptor by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

A system for the detection of soluble IL-2R by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established. This assay system has good reproducibility, and was found to be specific for soluble IL-2R by examination of the binding of anti-IgM antibody or anti-IL-2R monoclonal antibody (mAb) with IgM or soluble IL-2R and inhibition by IL-2 of the binding of anti-IL-2R mAb to soluble IL-2R. The IL-2R molecules in supernatant of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were of 44,000-61,000 molecular weight as estimated by size of exclusion high performance liquid chromatography. The results of determinations for soluble IL-2R with a Eurogenetics kit (sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) were significantly correlated with those by the our method.

Peripheral nerve allograft: cellular and humoral immune responses of mice

Despite numerous experimental and clinical studies, no method has been established for achieving successful peripheral nerve allografts. One reason is that few studies concerning the immune response of the host have been conducted with nerve allografts. We therefore investigated the immune response of fresh nerve allografts with respect to both cellular and humoral immunological reactions. Using immunologically established strains of inbred mice, we performed the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reaction and the cell-mediated lymphocytolysis reaction to test the cellular immune reaction and the complement-dependent cytotoxicity test to the humoral immune reaction. We observed that peripheral nerve tissues were strongly immunogenic; there was increased MLC reactivity to the allo-MHC antigen of the donor, specific cytotoxic T-cell activity, and production of specific antibody in the serum. For satisfactory nerve regeneration and transplantation, it is essential to suppress this immune response.

[The antimicrobial activity of fluoroquinolone agents against pathogenic organisms in respiratory tract infections and its clinical effect]

The efficacy rate, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and resistance of fluoroquinolone agents against causative organisms in respiratory tract infections from January to March, 1988 were investigated. Of 333 pathogenic strains 85% consisted of 5 major causative organisms of respiratory tract infection (Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Branhamella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus). In 61 (59 cases) of these 333 strains, including 3 cases of acute pharyngitis, 5 of acute bronchitis, 3 of pneumonia, and 48 of chronic lower respiratory tract infection fluoroquinolone agents were administered. The efficacy rate was 76.3% in all cases, and 75% in cases with chronic lower respiratory tract infection. The fluoroquinolone agents were 100% effective in H. influenzae and B. catarrhalis, though the efficacy rate was 67% in S. aureus and 40% in P. aeruginosa. The susceptibility of all strains to fluoroquinolone agents were investigated. There was no resistant strain in H. influenzae and B. catarrhalis, though resistant strains to fluoroquinolone agents have increased in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The efficacy rate was investigated using the MIC of administered fluoroquinolone agent against causative organisms. It is surmised that the efficacy of that agent has an MIC of 1.56-3.13 micrograms/ml.

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in bladder cancer]

Between 1976 and 1985, 35 patients with bladder cancer were preoperatively treated with intra-arterial doxorubicin (ADM) chemotherapy. We separated these patients into 2 groups according to regimen: A) 1-3 shots of ADM infusion with or without radiotherapy, and B) 3-day courses of ADM infusion with low-dose radiotherapy. The 5-year actual survival rate according to stage (T category) was 100% in T1-2, 37.5% in T3 and 23.3% in T4. In T1-2, bladder preservative operations were done on 50% of the patients in group A and 100% in group B. In T3-4, the 5-year actual survival rate in group A was 22.5%, while in group B it was 52.8% (p less than 0.01). The bladder preservative operations were done on 33.3% of the patients in group A and 73.3% in group B. The patients who received ADM intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with low-dose radiotherapy for bladder cancers, who achieved complete or partial remission, might be able to preserve their bladder.

Radiosensitivity of CD4 or CD8 positive human T-lymphocytes by an in vitro colony formation assay

The recent development of an in vitro lymphocyte colony assay makes it possible to examine variations in the radiosensitivity of humans using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) instead of the skin fibroblast assay. Our recent study (M. Hakoda et al., Mutat. Res. 197, 161-169, 1988) showed that most of the colonies consisted of lymphocytes bearing CD4 or CD8 antigens. Since the fraction of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in PBL differs among individuals, we suspected that individual radiosensitivity might be biased by the different subset frequencies if the dose-survival curves of the CD4+ and CD8+ cells were different from each other. In the present study, CD4+ (helper/inducer T) and CD8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic T) lymphocytes were isolated from PBL and their dose-survival curves were determined. The results showed that the D10 (dose required to reduce the surviving fraction to 10%) was similar for these two types of cells [3.13 +/- 0.10 Gy (mean +/- SD) for CD4+, 3.34 +/- 0.50 Gy for CD8+ and 3.14 +/- 0.17 Gy for the unsorted cells], supporting the use of the whole PBL population for the screening of individuals with altered radiosensitivity.

Lectin-binding sites in clear cell acanthoma

Lectin-binding sites in clear cell acanthoma (CCA) were studied using an avidin-biotin complex (ABC) with 9 lectins. Formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of 7 CCA lesions were employed. Positive stainings, similar to those seen in normal epidermis, were observed on the cell surface in CCA with Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA-I), Ricinus communis agglutinin II (RCA-II), and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Reduced reactivities were observed with Concanavalin A (ConA) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) in CCA. In some areas of CCA lesions, faint stainings were seen with Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I). Capability of staining with soybean agglutinin (SBA) was completely lost in the lesions. With Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin II (BSA-II), cytoplasmic stain was seen in a part of upper and spinous layers in CCA lesions. Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) did not bind to either CCA or normal epidermis. These results indicate that the lectin-binding sites of proliferating cells of CCA resemble those of epidermal keratinocytes and suggest that CCA is a tumor of epidermal origin.

High idiotypic connectivity of the VH7183-encoded antibodies directed to a murine embryonic carbohydrate antigen, Lewis Y, as ascertained by syngenic anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies

The Lewis Y Ag is a carbohydrate Ag which is closely related to a well-known murine embryonic Ag, the stage-specific embryonic Ag-1 (SSEA-1), in its biochemical structure. It is expressed at the surface of murine embryonic cells as well as many murine cancer cells. For the analysis of idiotopes carried by the anti-Lewis Y antibodies, we generated two syngenic anti-idiotypic mAb, Id-A1 and Id-B4 (both BALB/c IgG1), which are directed to the idiotypic determinants carried by the anti-Lewis Y mAb, AH-6 (BALB/c IgM). Both Id-A1 and Id-B4 (Ab2) recognized paratope-related idiotopes carried by the AH-6 antibody (Ab1); they specifically inhibited the binding of AH-6 to the Lewis Y Ag. The high idiotypic connectivity of anti-Lewis Y antibodies was noted; the polyclonal anti-idiotype antibody, produced in the sera of BALB/c mice by immunizing AH-6 antibody, cross-reacted with several anti-Lewis Y mAb which has been established in different laboratories. Id-B4 and Id-A1 seem to represent such cross-reactive anti-idiotypic antibodies. Id-A1 recognized an idiotope carried by two out of six panel Ab1 mAb directed to the Lewis Y Ag. Id-B4 reacted with four out of the six panel antibodies, and was considered to recognize a recurrent idiotope of anti-Lewis Y antibodies which occurs more commonly than the idiotope recognized by Id-A1. All of the anti-Lewis Y antibodies which carry idiotopes that react with Id-A1 or Id-B4 were encoded by the VH genes of the VH7183 family; the most D-J proximal VH gene family in BALB/c mice, which is known to be preferentially expressed in embryonic B cells. Immunization of BALB/c mice with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-conjugated Id-B4 and/or Id-A1 induced a significant titer of anti-Lewis Y antibodies (Ab1-like Ab3) in the sera.

[Morphological study of renal changes with age: the possibility of kidney donations by the elderly]

Samples from seventy autopsy cases ranging from 27 to 79 years of age who had shown no evidence of renal or malignant diseases were examined histologically to clarify renal changes with age. We evaluated scores for renal histological change and referred the scores to clinical laboratory data; blood pressure, complete blood counts (RBC count, hematocrit, hemoglobin), serum chemistry values (creatinine, urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride) and urinalysis (protein, sediment). We found the score to be related to serum creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen level and the degree of hematuria but not related to the other factors. The progression of arteriosclerosis, tubulo-interstitial change and global sclerosis were found to be severe with ageing. Also renal weight decreased with increasing age. However there were great differences among individuals in the extent of changes. We could not assume histological changes were generally severe in those of more than 55-65 years of age. It was impossible to clarify renal states only with clinical findings. Some kidneys had severe histological changes though less than 2.0 mg/dl of serum creatinine level. It suggests that living relatives and cadavers over 60 years old can be donors for renal transplantation when there are no significant findings of abnormality in preoperative evaluations of their physical state. If insufficient examinations are done, we cannot determine which of them will be good donors. Therefore preoperative biopsy is the best way to evaluate donor suitability. To evaluate only clinical data, it is necessary that serum creatinine level be less than 1.2 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen level be less than 23 mg/dl and there be no hematuria.