Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 presenting as insulinoma, gastrinoma, and postbulbar duodenal ulcers: report of a case

We report herein the unusual case of a 55-year-old man with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 presenting as hyperparathyroidism, hyperpituitarism, insulinoma, and gastrinoma with postbulbar duodenal ulcers. The patient was referred to our hospital for further investigations of nephrolithiasis, acromegaly, and hematemesis. Laboratory studies showed high serum levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone, growth hormone, insulin, gastrin, and prolactin. Computed tomography of the cranial cavity demonstrated an enlargement of the serra turcica and swelling of two parathyroid glands in the neck. Computed tomography and angiography of the abdomen also showed a mass in the head of the pancreas. Endoscopy demonstrated reflux esophagitis, erosive gastritis, and multiple postbulbar duodenal ulcers. We diagnosed this patient as having multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, with concomitant lesions of the pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, and islet cells of the pancreas. Following excision of the two enlarged parathyroid glands, his serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels fell to within the normal range. Thereafter, a total gastrectomy was performed to alleviate the frequent bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, resection of the pancreatic mass could not be performed owing to severe inflammation around the duodenum, probably induced by the postbulbar duodenal ulcers.

Production of interleukin 8 in adult T-cell leukemia cells: possible transactivation of the interleukin 8 gene by human T-cell leukemia virus type I tax

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) mRNA was detected in peripheral leukemic cells obtained from adult T-cell leukemia patients, as well as in cultured human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-infected T-cell lines (HUT-102, MT-1, SALT-3, and SKT-1B). With the use of ELISA, IL-8 protein was also detected in the culture medium of these cells and in the extracellular fluids of patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the HTLV-I-derived transactivator protein, tax, could stimulate endogenous IL-8 gene expression in an uninfected T-cell line (Jurkat) and in a rheumatoid synovial cell line (E-11). Induction of IL-8 by tax at protein level was also demonstrated in transfected cells. We found that the IL-8 NF-kappa B-binding site specifically formed a complex with NF-kappa B-containing nuclear extracts from HTLV-I-infected T-cell lines and freshly isolated leukemic cells from adult T-cell leukemia patients. Finally, transfection of HTLV-I tax into Jurkat cells resulted in induction of specific binding of nuclear extracts to the NF-kappa B sequence. These results suggest that the HTLV-I tax gene may transactivate the IL-8 gene through the kappa B site in HTLV-I-infected cells and that constitutive expression of the IL-8 gene may play a role in HTLV-I-associated pathogenesis.

Azalanstat (RS-21607), a lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase inhibitor with cholesterol-lowering activity

Agents that inhibit hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis reduce circulating cholesterol levels in experimental animals and humans, and may be of pharmacological importance in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Azalanstat (RS-21607), a synthetic imidazole, has been shown to inhibit cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells, human fibroblasts, hamster hepatocytes and hamster liver, by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase. When administered orally to hamsters fed regular chow, RS-21607 (50 mg/kg/day) lowered serum cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 = 62 mg/kg) in a period of 1 week. It preferentially lowered low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and apo B relative to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apo A-1. It also lowered plasma cholesterol levels in hamsters fed a high saturated fat and cholesterol diet. RS-21607 inhibited hepatic microsomal hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity in hamsters in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 = 31 mg/kg), and this was highly correlated with serum cholesterol lowering (r = 0.97). Cholesterol lowering by azalanstat and cholestyramine was additive, and the increase in HMG-CoA reductase brought about by cholestyramine was attenuated significantly by azalanstat. In vitro studies with HepG2 cells indicated that this modulation of reductase activity was indirect, occurring at a post-transcriptional step, and it is proposed that a regulatory oxysterol derived from dihydrolanosterol (or lanosterol) may be responsible for this regulation. Azalanstat does not appear to lower circulating cholesterol in the hamster by up-regulation of the hepatic LDL receptor, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved. Orally administered azalanstat (50-75 mg/kg) stimulated hepatic microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity by 50-400% in hamsters, and it is postulated that this may result from modified cholesterol absorption and bile acid synthesis.

Hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of a novel ACAT inhibitor, HL-004, in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

The hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of a novel acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, HL-004, were studied in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). SHRSP were administered 0.01-0.09% HL-004 mixed in a hypercholesterolemic (HC) diet for 50 days. HL-004 reduced the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in serum, as well as those in the liver, small intestine, and aorta, in a dose-dependent manner. HC diet-induced severe fat deposition in the mesenteric arteries, which is characteristic of SHRSP, was also decreased by HL-004. The ACAT activity of the small intestine and liver was decreased by HL-004. In particular, liver ACAT activity was significantly low in SHRSP given 0.09% HL-004, compared to that of normal animals. These results suggest that HL-004 is a systemic ACAT inhibitor and that the ACAT inhibition in the intestine, liver, and aorta is involved in the hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of HL-004.

Interleukin-4 inhibits the production of interleukin-1 by adult T-cell leukemia cells

Freshly isolated leukemic cells from patients with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) produce high levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), which is believed to play an important role in neutrophilia, elevation of C-reactive protein, osteolytic bone lesions, hypercalcemia, and fever in ATL. However, relatively little is known regarding the regulatory mechanism of IL-1 production in ATL. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) affects the monocytes- and neoplastic cells-mediated cytokine production. In this study, we investigated the effect of IL-4 on IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta production by ATL cells in vitro. IL-4 was found to markedly inhibit the release of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta into the conditioned medium in a dose-dependent manner. Northern blot analysis of steady-state IL-1 mRNA demonstrated that IL-4 treatment of ATL cells resulted in a reduction of IL-1 mRNA. These results support the notion that ATL cells spontaneously produce IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta; however, such production can be inhibited by the immunomodulating agent, IL-4. IL-4 may play an important regulatory role in the production of IL-1 in ATL.

Facial nerve paralysis induced by herpes simplex virus in mice: an animal model of acute and transient facial paralysis

We have been the first to succeed in producing an acute and transient facial paralysis simulating Bell's palsy, by inoculating herpes simplex virus into the auricles or tongues of mice. The KOS strain of the virus was injected into the auricle of 104 mice and the anterior two thirds of the tongue in 30 mice. Facial paralysis developed between 6 and 9 days after virus inoculation, continued for 3 to 7 days, and then recovered spontaneously. The animals were painlessly sacrificed between 6 and 20 days after inoculation for histopathologic and immunocytochemical study. Histopathologically, severe nerve swelling, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuolar degeneration were manifested in the affected facial nerve and nuclei. Herpes simplex virus antigens were also detected in the facial nerve, geniculate ganglion, and facial nerve nucleus. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of the facial paralysis are discussed in light of the histopathologic findings, in association with the causation of Bell's palsy.

Nitric oxide does not contribute to sodium retention and peripheral vasodilation induced by partial portal vein ligation in rats

The role of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the peripheral vasodilation and sodium retention that occurs after partial portal vein ligation (PVL) was investigated. Hemodynamic studies in PVL rats with sodium retention and in sham-operated controls were conducted on the day when PVL rats developed transient and maximal sodium retention. Measurements were obtained before and during two consecutive periods after NO synthesis inhibition with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Under baseline conditions, PVL rats with sodium retention were hypotensive, with equivalent decreases in total peripheral resistance and glomerular filtration rate in comparison to the control group. After L-NMMA, peripheral resistance and arterial pressure increased by similar extent in both groups. As compared with controls, PVL rats with sodium retention remained hypotensive and vasodilated. Furthermore, L-NMMA-induced natriuresis was attenuated in the PVL group. Additionally, serum and urinary levels of nitrate and nitrite did not vary before surgery and at the time of sodium retention. These results suggest that in PVL rats (1) vasodilation is not NO mediated; (2) vasodilation is not a sufficient explanation for sodium retention, and (3) a sodium-retaining factor acting on the renal tubules is responsible for sodium retention.

Peritoneal macrophages from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats accumulate more cholesteryl ester than do macrophages from Wistar-Kyoto rats

The intracellular cholesterol metabolism of peritoneal macrophages from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) was compared to that of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) in order to examine the role of macrophages in the development of arterial fat deposits in the SHRSP. Scavenger receptor activity and intracellular acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity were significantly higher in macrophages from SHRSP compared to findings in WKY, in the presence of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL), acetylated-LDL (Ac-LDL). Moreover, macrophages from the SHRSP accumulated more cholesteryl ester than seen in WKY in response to Ac-LDL. ACAT activity and cholesteryl ester accumulation were inhibited by specific ACAT inhibitor, HL-004, to a similar extent, in macrophages from WKY and SHRSP. These findings suggest the susceptibility of SHRSP to arterial fat deposits.

Healing after removal of benign cysts and tumors of the jaws. A radiologic appraisal

A retrospective review of the radiographic findings after removal of benign jaw cysts (n = 31) and ameloblastomas (n = 24) was carried out. The radiographic features of the site margins and interior contents were classified into four categories. In most patients radiographic changes were detected between 1 and 4 months after removal of the lesion, and complete bone healing was found 4 months or more after surgery. Radiographic changes included "spiculed" or "trabecular" contents within the interior of the surgical site. The fourth month was found to be the optimum time for follow-up radiographic examination for the early detection of residual lesions. In nine (53%) of the patients who had ameloblastoma, recurrent lesions were noted within or at the periphery of the original surgical sites 6 to 10 years after the initial tumor removal.

[A case of CABG in a patient complicated with von Willebrand's disease secondary to polycythemia vera]

We report a case of 47-year-old patient with von Willebrand's disease (VWD) caused by polycythemia vera (PV) who underwent CABG surgery. The patient has been suffering of PV for 10 years and was admitted because of post infarction angina. On admission, she was found to have a decreased von Willebrand factor which was suggested by prolonged APTT. CABG was safely performed without undue bleeding with the use of Factor VIII concentrates. The appropriate control of polycythemic state before surgery and perioperative use of Factor VIII concentrates was considered to be important for successful open heart surgery associated with such complication.

Significance of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in human colorectal cancer tissue: correlation with malignant intensity

The significance of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in colorectal cancer tissue was determined from the aspect of the antioxidant defense system. SOD activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were measured in the tumor, in tissues adjacent to the tumor, and in regions that appeared normal, and the results were analyzed in terms of various histopathological factors (stage of disease, depth of invasion, venous invasion, etc.). DNA ploidy pattern and cell proliferation in cancer tissue were also measured, and the results analyzed in relation to SOD activity. SOD activity in cancer tissue was higher than in the other two regions. SOD activity in cancer tissue increased with the progression of stage, and changed with the depth of invasion. There was a significant difference in SOD activity between patients with venous invasion and those in whom this was absent. Stepwise regression analysis suggested that venous invasion was the most significant factor influencing SOD activity. The proliferation index was high in cancer tissue with low SOD activity. The incidence of aneuploidy was high in cancer with high SOD activity, whereas the incidence of diploidy was high in cancer with low SOD activity. These results suggest that elucidation of the antioxidant system in cancer tissue can provide us with a better strategy for cancer treatment.

A large circular minichromosome of Schizosaccharomyces pombe requires a high dose of type II DNA topoisomerase for its stabilization

We have constructed circular minichromosomes, ranging in size from 36 to 110 kb, containing the centromeric repeats of Schizosaccharomyces pombe cen3. Comparison of their mitotic stability showed that the circular minichromosomes became more unstable with increasing in size, however, a linear cen3 minichromosome, which is almost the same size as the largest circular one tested, does not show such instability. High levels of expression of the top2+ (type II DNA topoisomerase; topo II) but not top1+ gene (type I DNA topoisomerase) suppressed the instability of the largest circular minichromosome, whereas partial inactivation of topo II dramatically destabilized the minichromosome. A mutant topo II, defective in nuclear localization but still retaining its in vitro relaxation activity, did not stabilize the circular minichromosome. These results indicate that endogenous type II DNA topoisomerase is insufficient for accurate segregation of the circular minichromosome. In addition, the replication of the minichromosomal DNA appears to proceed normally, because the presence of the unstable minichromosome did not cause G2 delay. A likely cause of the instability is intertwining of the minichromosome DNA possibly occurring after DNA replication. An interaction between topo II and the centromeric repeats is implied by the finding that multiple copies of the centromeric repeat, dg-dh, affect stability of the minichromosome similarly to top2+ gene dosage.

Factors influencing gelation time of tissue conditioners

To investigate the effects of the composition and structure on the gelation of tissue conditioners, we measured gelation time with an oscillating rheometer. Also, the plasticizer factor was determined using linear multiple regression equations with the dependent variable of gelation time and the independent variables of molecular weight, molar volume, solubility parameter and viscosity of plasticizers. The results obtained were (i) gelation time decreased as the average particle size of poly-ethyl-methacrylate was decreased and its weight average molecular weight increased; (ii) gelation time decreased as ethanol content in the liquid increased. It varied depending on the type of plasticizer; (iii) it was suggested that gelation time was explained by linear multiple regression equations with independent variable of molar volume, solubility parameter and viscosity of plasticizer. In particular, the most influential factor was suggested to be molar volume.

Straying phenomenon of migrating LHRH neurons and highly polysialylated NCAM in the chick embryo

The present study on unilaterally incompletely placodectomized chick embryos revealed that arrival of migrating LHRH neurons into the forebrain area is dependent on the presence of a central projection of the olfactory nerve. When a fragment of the lateral and medial olfactory epithelium was spared the damage, a small number of LHRH-ir cells were found to migrate into the forebrain along a thin NCAM-H-expressing fiber bundle of the olfactory nerve. In embryos with large lesions which destroyed the lateral olfactory epithelium, the poorly developed NCAM-H-positive olfactory nerve fibers were arrested where they meet the NCAM-positive medial nasal branch of the ophthalmic nerve and frequently fused with this branch fiber bundle. In these embryos, no LHRH-ir cells were detected in the forebrain area. They were deviated from their regular migratory course to the NCAM-H-positive medial nasal branch fiber bundle. This straying phenomenon indicates that some structural support is apparently needed for the migration of LHRH-ir cells, but their migratory route is not completely programmed in their precursor cells in the olfactory placode. In cultures of placodal tissues, the coexistence of migrating LHRH-ir cells with NCAM-H-expressing neural elements was always confirmed. It is suggested therefore that not only the structural support for the migration but also the interaction between LHRH-ir cells and NCAM-H-expressing neural elements is a prerequisite for successful LHRH neuronal migration.

[Successful treatment of acute myelomonocytic leukemia developed from MDS with cytarabine ocfosfate (SPAC)]

A 65-year-old female with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMMoL) developed from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), successfully treated with cytarabine ocfosfate (SPAC) is reported. Ubenimex, calcitriol and corticosteroid had a minor effect on her MDS. Since she had severe anemia and congestive heart failure on developing leukemia, she was treated with oral administration of SPAC, a cytidine deaminase resistant derivative of Ara-C. After the second course of SPAC (200 mg/day, for 14-28 days), marked erythroid bursts were found and she entered complete remission. The samplings of SPAC and its metabolites of SPAC were investigated in 2 cases including this case, but there seemed to be no relation between their content and effects. In AML patients, especially in cases developed from MDS, SPAC might be useful because it can be given orally even in an outpatient.

The effects of tibial tunnel placement and roofplasty on reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament knees

Seventy-five anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions augmented with the Kennedy Ligament Augmentation Device were evaluated according to classification of tibial drill-hole position on the basis of the anatomic landmarks of the ACL by two-dimensional radiographic imaging of the fully extended knee. The effects of roofplasty to avoid graft impingement were also assessed. The tibial drill-hole position was classified in relation to the medial intercondylar tubercle on anterior-posterior (AP) view, and in relation to Blumensaat's line (B-line) on lateral view. Arthroscopic evaluation of the ACL and incidence of chronic synovitis as well as Lysholm knee score, manual knee tests, knee extension and flexion angles, and knee tester measurements were performed. The results indicated that the knee joints in which the tibial drill hole was positioned laterally from the medial intercondylar tubercle or in which the tibial drill hole was positioned anteriorly to the B-line showed a tendency to develop more postoperative chronic synovitis. The knees in which the tibial drill hole was positioned anteriorly to the B-line also showed larger AP laxity. There was no difference between the non-roofplasty and roofplasty groups.

[Two cases of chondrosacoma of rib]

Chondrosarcoma of rib origin is rare in Japan. We treated two cases of chondrosarcoma of rib origin. Case 1: A 68-year-old man with anterior chest wall mass and chest pain was underwent aspiration biopsy in Inami General Hospital. The histological examination showed Class V. Operation was done in our department and the histological diagnosis was chondrosarcoma. The tumor was 30 x 20 x 20 mm in size arising from the left fourth rib. The defect of bony chest wall was repaired with a double layer of Marlex mesh. His postoperative course was uneventful. Case 2: 66-year-old man noticed a tumor in left anterior part of the chest 7 months ago. He was underwent incisional biopsy and the histological diagnosis was chondrosarcoma. Radical resection was performed. The tumor was 70 x 50 x 50 mm in size arising from the left rib. His postoperative course was uneventful.

Human RPB5, a subunit shared by eukaryotic nuclear RNA polymerases, binds human hepatitis B virus X protein and may play a role in X transactivation

The X gene of human hepatitis B virus encodes the polypeptide HBx which transactivates viral and host genes through a variety of cis-acting enhancer elements present in RNA polymerases I, II and III promoters. To better understand the mechanism of X transactivation, we cloned cDNAs of proteins that bind HBx. Here we demonstrate that one of these cDNAs is a full-length cDNA of human RPB5, a subunit shared by RNA polymerases. The HBx transactivation domain and the central region of human RPB5 were necessary for the specific binding of the two proteins as shown by: (i) in vitro assays using deletion mutants of fusion proteins; (ii) in vivo assays which detect associated proteins by co-immunoprecipitation of the non-fused proteins from transfected HepG2 cells. Over-expressed HBx seemed to associate with assembled forms of endogenous human RPB5 in HBx-transfected cells, since the endogenous RPB5 co-immunoprecipitated with HBx. The HBx binding region of human RPB5 by itself stimulated chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activities from several different reporters having X-responsive element(s). Our results support the idea that the interaction of HBx and human RPB5 can facilitate HBx transactivation and that human RPB5 has a domain which can communicate with transcriptional regulators.

Effects of HL-004, a novel ACAT inhibitor, on cholesterol accumulation and removal in cultured smooth muscle cells from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP)

The cholesterol metabolism of cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the thoracic aorta of SMC from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) was compared. SMC from SHRSP had a higher acylCoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity and accumulated more cholesterol than those from WKY. By using SMC from SHRSP, the effects of a novel ACAT inhibitor, HL-004, on the accumulation and removal of cholesterol were investigated. HL-004 inhibited microsomal ACAT activity from rabbit liver, intestine, aorta, and cultured SMC of SHRSP with 50% inhibition (IC50) values of 2.2, 1.7, 7.9, and 20 nM, respectively. HL-004 suppressed the accumulation of the intracellular cholesteryl ester (CE), but did not affect the intracellular free cholesterol (FC) content. Removal of cholesterol from the lipid-loaded SMC was accelerated by HL-004. These effects of HL-004 on cholesterol levels showed a good parallel to ACAT inhibition. It would thus appear that the suppression of cholesterol accumulation and the removal of cholesterol in SMC by HL-004 can be attributed to its ACAT inhibition in the cell, which reduces the content of intracellular CE.

Expression of both types of human interleukin-8 receptors on mature neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cells

cDNA cloning revealed the presence of two related but distinct types of human interleukin-8 (IL-8) receptors, type I (type A) and type II (type B). By immunizing rabbits with glutathione-S-transferase fused with the NH2-terminal domain of each type of IL-8 receptor, we prepared polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognized the NH2-terminal domain of each type of IL-8 receptor. Immunofluorescence analysis of human peripheral blood leukocytes demonstrated that mature granulocytes except eosinophils express both types of IL-8 receptors. A majority of monocytes and CD16+ natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood were stained with both antibodies, whereas CD3+ T or CD20+ B lymphocytes in peripheral blood or CD34+ cells in cord blood were not stained with either antibody. These results suggest that both types of human IL-8 receptors were coordinately and selectively expressed in mature granulocytes, monocytes, and CD16+ NK cells.

Potassium depletion potentiates amphotericin-B-induced toxicity to renal tubules

Hypokalemia and potassium depletion are frequent complications of amphotericin B therapy. Both ischemic and gentamicin-induced renal failure is potentiated by potassium depletion; it is, therefore, possible that amphotericin B nephrotoxicity is similarly influenced. This study evaluated whether the acute nephrotoxic response to amphotericin B is potassium sensitive. Potassium-depleted and control rats were subjected to an acute intravenous infusion of either amphotericin B (AmB-K; AmB, n = 10 in each) or its vehicle (V-K, V; n = 6 in each). Potassium-depleted rats had both lower urinary daily excretion and lower plasma levels of potassium than control animals (0.1 +/- 0.0 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.2 mEq/day, p < 0.001, and 3.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.1 mEq/l, p < 0.001, respectively). In AmB and AmB-K groups, there were equivalent falls in glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, and a rise in renal vascular resistance, compared with V and V-K. In contrast, the AmB-K group showed a higher urinary excretion of sodium (AmB-K vs. AmB: 2.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.3 microEq/min; p < 0.05) and fractional excretion of Na (AmB-K vs. AmB: 1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.1%; p < 0.05) in comparison to the AmB group. Neither of these parameters changed in either amphotericin B or vehicle-treated groups. These results suggest that potassium depletion does not influence the acute renovascular effects of amphotericin B but potentiates its tubular toxicity. This may have clinical implications since hypokalemia and potassium depletion are frequent complications of amphotericin B therapy.

Serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels before and after surgical treatment for Graves' disease

Serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptor (ssIL-2R) is released from its specific affinity membrane receptor on activated T lymphocytes and is detected as a form of the alpha-chain of IL-2R in the peripheral blood. We measured the ssIL-2R levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 29 healthy subjects and 39 patients with Graves' disease who were given antithyroid drugs to prepare them for surgical treatment. The preoperative ssIL-2R levels in Graves' patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (681 +/- 387 vs 369 +/- 149 U/ml); in particular, the preoperative levels in hyperthyroid patients were significantly higher than those in euthyroid patients. On the 5th day after thyroid resection, their ssIL-2R levels (560 +/- 296 U/ml) were significantly lower than the preoperative levels. There were no correlations between the preoperative ssIL-2R levels and the immunological parameters such as thyroglobulin antibody, microsomal antibody, and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody. Thus, we conclude that ssIL-2R levels can be decreased by surgical resection of goiter in Graves' patients whose hyperthyroid status does not respond to the administration of antithyroid drugs, and this may be a useful indicator of immunological status after surgical treatment of Graves' disease.

Alteration in gastric nerve fibers containing gastrin-releasing peptide in relation to the gastrin-producing cell population after truncal vagotomy in a rat model

The fine structural alteration in the gastric nerve fibers containing gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) was studied in relation to the dynamics of gastrin-producing cells (G-cells) after truncal vagotomy in a rat model. The circulating gastrin levels were markedly elevated from the 1st day after vagotomy and the number of G-cells with positive immunoreaction for G17 and G34(1-15) was significantly increased in the vagotomized group. On the 3rd day after vagotomy, the G-cells showed conspicuous ultrastructural changes characterized by hypertrophy of the Golgi complexes and increased numbers of secretory granules. The GRP-positive nerve fibers formed a fine network in the gastric wall and were densely distributed in the oxyntic mucosa close to the blood vessels and showing varicosities composed of either small clear or GRP-positive large vesicles containing an electron-dense core. In the oxyntic mucosa of the vagotomized rats, axonal swelling of the nerves occurred on the 3rd day, and a depletion of GRP immunoreactivity was evidenced by a markedly decreased number of large-cored vesicles on the 7th day, when the serum GRP levels were also found to be markedly elevated. These findings indicate that the alteration in gastric nerve fibers containing GRP after truncal vagotomy may be related to hypergastrinemia and antral G-cell hyperplasia in the rat gastric mucosa.

Belactins A and B, new serine carboxypeptidase inhibitors produced by Actinomycete. I. Taxonomy, production, isolation and biological activities

Belactins A and B, new inhibitors of serine carboxypeptidase were discovered in the fermentation broth of Saccharopolyspora sp. MK19-42F6. They were purified by ethyl acetate extraction, silica gel chromatography, Sephadex LH20 chromatography, Capcellpak C18 SG120 reversed phase HPLC and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) following their inhibitory activity against carboxypeptidase Y (CP-Y). The inhibition constants (Ki) of belactins A and B against CP-Y are 0.14 and 0.27 microM respectively. Belactins A and B have highly specific inhibitory activities for CP-Y among various peptidases, have no antimicrobial activities at 100 micrograms/ml and have low toxicities.