Quantitative evaluation of bone metastases in patients with advanced prostate cancer during systemic treatment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical usefulness of quantifying the extent of disease on bone scans in monitoring treatment response in patients with advanced prostate cancer, using computer-assisted image analysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The percentage of the positive area on the bone scan (%PABS) was quantified automatically using a personal computer with an image-analysis program. Serial measurements of %PABS in 42 patients with bone metastasis from prostate cancer followed for a mean (range) of 33 (4-72) months with hormonal therapy were compared with those of the extent of disease (EOD) grades in bone lesions and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels according to treatment response.

RESULTS

Serial values of EOD grades and %PABS decreased during treatment in 11 patients with a partial response and in 12 with progressive disease who had no bone metastasis progression. However, EOD grades and %PABS increased in the remaining 19 patients with progressive disease who had bone metastatic progression. Estimated survival curves showed that %PABS was a useful prognostic indicator, in that patients with a > 25% decline in %PABS survived longer than those with a < 25% decline after treatment (P = 0.0207).

CONCLUSIONS

The %PABS is a simple and reproducible estimate of the proportion of the skeleton involving tumours in patients with advanced prostate cancer, and serial measurements of %PABS can assist in monitoring the treatment response in patients with bone metastatic prostate cancer.

Indications of neutrino oscillation in a 250 km long-baseline experiment

The K2K experiment observes indications of neutrino oscillation: a reduction of nu(mu) flux together with a distortion of the energy spectrum. Fifty-six beam neutrino events are observed in Super-Kamiokande (SK), 250 km from the neutrino production point, with an expectation of 80.1(+6.2)(-5.4). Twenty-nine one ring mu-like events are used to reconstruct the neutrino energy spectrum, which is better matched to the expected spectrum with neutrino oscillation than without. The probability that the observed flux at SK is explained by statistical fluctuation without neutrino oscillation is less than 1%.

Percentage of the positive area of bone metastasis is an independent predictor of disease death in advanced prostate cancer

We addressed in this study whether quantifying the extent of disease on bone scans can predict the disease death of patients with advanced prostate cancer using computer-assisted image analysis. Pretreatment radionuclide bone scans were reviewed in 56 patients with bone metastases from prostate cancer, and the percentage of the positive area on a bone scan (%PABS) was quantified automatically using a personal computer with the NIH Image program for estimation of the accurate extent of metastatic bone lesions on a bone scan. The significance of the %PABS as well as the other known prognostic factors was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. In univariate regression analysis, the %PABS (P=0.0155), serum alkaline phosphatase (P=0.0272), the tumour grade based on biopsy (P=0.044) and the number of bone lesions on bone scans (P=0.0388) were well associated with disease-specific survival. In multivariate analysis, the %PABS (P=0.0155, relative risk ratio 2.603), but not the other factors, was the independent predictor of the disease death. These results suggest that the %PABS is a novel parameter for predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced prostatic cancer.

Rehabilitation technique facilitates association cortices in hemiparetic patients: functional MRI study

We used fMRI to study brain activation with facilitative rehabilitation techniques (passive hand movements and visual feedback) in two patients with subcortical lesions. Two tasks were given in a sequence. The first task (trial 1) was repetitive hand grasping by the paretic hand at a rate of 0.5 Hz with the eyes closed. The second task (trial 2), the facilitative rehabilitation technique, included task 1 plus support by a trainer to move the paretic hand with the eyes open to get visual feedback of the movement. The data were analyzed by a subtractive method. When task 1 was subtracted from task 2, it was found that the bilateral visual cortex, contralateral premotor cortex and posterior parietal cortex were involved with the passive hand movement and visual feedback. These facilitative rehabilitation techniques may integrate networks between sensory information and motor commands, and lead to functional reorganization.

Current status of food-borne parasitic zoonoses in Japan

Epidemiological data on food-borne parasitic zoonoses in Japan is obscure because of the lack of legislated registration system for the incidence of such diseases. Attempts were made to draw rough estimates of the current status of food-borne parasitic diseases in Japan by gathering the annual incidence of each disease by literal survey and personal communications. In addition, parasitic diseases referred to and diagnosed in the Department of Parasitology, Miyazaki Medical College during 1999 were analyzed for the causative agents and the route of infection.

Increased serum levels of CD95 in Alzheimer's disease

There is growing evidence for a role of apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent findings suggest an increased susceptibility of lymphocytes to apoptosis in AD. To prove the hypothesis of systemic alterations in the apoptotic balance in AD, serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of soluble CD95, which is known to mediate apoptosis, were measured. In the serum, AD patients exhibited significantly higher levels of CD95 than the controls (p = 0.017), suggesting an involvement of peripheral markers in AD.

The failure of oral tolerance induction is functionally coupled to the absence of T cells in Peyer's patches under germfree conditions

Although intestinal bacterial flora has been thought to play a role in the induction of oral tolerance, the mechanism has yet to be elucidated. We therefore examined the bacterial flora-dependent acquisition of susceptibility to oral tolerance induction using a gnotobiotic murine model. Germ-free (GF) mice exhibited a significant shortage of T cells in the PPs in comparison to SPF mice. A recovery in the number of such T cells was accomplished in the gnotobiotic mice associated with Bifidobacterium infantis or Escherichia coli but not in the gnotobiotic mice with Clostridium perfringens or Staphylococcus aureus. To examine the susceptibility to oral tolerance induction, these mice were orally given ovalbumin (OVA) as a tolerogen and then injected i.p. with the Ag. The Ag-specific IgG1 in the serum remained at a low level in both SPF and those gnotobiotic mice groups containing a sufficient number of T cells in the PPs. However, no such unresponsiveness in the Ab response was observed in GF or the other gnotobiotic mice groups containing only a few T cells in the tissues. Adoptive cell transfer analysis clearly showed that a sufficient number of T cells in the PPs is required for the induction of oral tolerance. Furthermore, the reduced expression of SLC (secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine), which is responsible for T-cell migration to lymphoid organs, was observed in the PPs of GF mice, resulting in a shortage of T cells in the tissues. However, the reduced expression of SLC was restored even in the GF mice after conventionalization, thus suggesting that the failure of oral tolerance induction is functionally coupled to the innate absence of T cells under the GF condition.

Preputial separation and glans penis changes in normal growing Crj: CD (SD) IGS rats

This study was designed to detect preputial separation and glans penis changes in normal growing SD rats. We examined the changes until 53 days after birth. The glans penis surface changed from a protruding os penis structure to a W shape, and from a W shape to a flattened surface with age. The protruding os penis structure changed gradually to the W shape from postnatal day (PND) 30, and all rats had the W shape by PND 35. The flattened surface was observed from PND 39, and all rats had this structure by PND 44. In all rats, the day of complete preputial separation exactly corresponded to the day of appearance of the flattened surface.

Pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen as a useful marker for monitoring metastatic bone activity in men with prostate cancer

PURPOSE

We investigated the clinical usefulness of measuring the serum concentrations of pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) as markers for monitoring metastatic bone activity in patients with prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum levels of ICTP, PICP, alkaline phosphatase, prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were analyzed in 104 untreated patients with prostate cancer, including 62 with and 42 without bone metastasis. Serial measurements of ICTP, PICP and PSA were performed during hormonal therapy in 35 of 62 prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis.

RESULTS

Serum levels of all markers except prostatic acid phosphatase were significantly higher with than without bone metastasis. The median values of each marker increased according to the extent of bone metastasis. Serial ICTP, PICP and PSA in 19 patients with a partial response or no change in bone scans demonstrated a downward trend after treatment, while in 16 with progression they showed an upward trend after treatment. The rate of detecting bone metastasis and progression using ICTP were highest compared with other markers based on the percent clinical effectiveness and receiver operating characteristic curves.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring serum ICTP may be useful for detecting bone metastasis and prostate cancer progression, and may augment PSA and bone scan monitoring of metastatic bone activity.

Primary carcinoid of the testis associated with carcinoid syndrome

Testicular carcinoid is a rare disease accounting for less than 1% of all testicular neoplasms. It rarely manifests symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Recent reports have noted that only 1.1-3.1% of testicular carcinoid tumors are complicated by carcinoid syndrome. In general, large tumor size and the presence of carcinoid syndrome are features associated with a malignant course. In the present case, pathological findings revealed pure carcinoid of the testis without metastasis. Moreover, watery diarrhea due to carcinoid syndrome disappeared and the serum serotonin level normalized following orchiectomy. The patient was followed up for 12 months with whole body computed tomography scan and assessment of serotonin levels. To date, there is no evidence of tumor recurrence. These findings suggest that monitoring serum serotonin levels may be useful as a marker during follow up of this type of tumor.

Polarization mode control of two-dimensional photonic crystal laser by unit cell structure design

We demonstrate polarization mode selection in a two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal laser by controlling the geometry of the unit cell structure. As the band diagram of the square-lattice photonic crystal is influenced by the unit cell structure, calculations reveal that changing the structure from a circular to an elliptical geometry should result in a strong modification of the electromagnetic field distributions at the band edges. Such a structural modification is expected to provide a mechanism for controlling the polarization modes of the emitted light. A square-lattice photonic crystal with the elliptical unit cell structure has been fabricated and integrated with a gain media. The observed coherent 2D lasing action with a single wavelength and controlled polarization is in good agreement with the predicted behavior.

Nitric oxide targets bronchiolar epithelial cells in murine cytomegalovirus-associated disease in lungs that are free of the virus

At 4 weeks after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0.2LD50 (50% lethal dose) of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in adult BALB/c mice, productive virus and the viral DNA were detected only in the salivary glands, but not in the lungs. A single i.p. injection of anti-CD3 mAb to these mice provoked pulmonary lesions, which included a thickening of the interstitium and peribronchiolar areas, accompanied with a cellular infiltration in those areas. As a result, half of the mice died. In a histochemical analysis with anti-nitrotyrosine polyclonal Ab, bronchiolar epithelial cells were stained with this Ab, thus demonstrating that peroxynitrite, which was biochemically derived from nitric oxide (NO), injured those cells. Similarly, when T cells of iNOS+/+ mice, which had been infected with MCMV 4 weeks before, were activated by a single injection of anti-CD3 mAb, 37.5% of the mice died. Nitrotyrosine was also detected in the bronchiolar epithelial cells in these mice. In contrast, none of MCMV-infected iNOS-/- mice died after the anti-CD3 injection. No pathological changes were noted in the histological findings of the lungs of those mice. An intranasal injection of bacterial superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), demonstrated the same histopathological changes in the lungs and mortality in BALB/c mice as those in mice i.p. injected with anti-CD3. Therefore, T-cell responsiveness to stimulation with anti-CD3 or a superantigen was presumably modified by MCMV infection. MCMV-associated pneumonitis in the present study was thus mediated not by a direct viral attack but by iNOS-derived NO, which can be induced by the cytokines from the T cells. In addition, it was demonstrated that the NO produced by the cytokine-mediated pathway targeted bronchiolar epithelial cells.

Role of nitric oxide in murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a typical pathogen of an opportunistic infection. In this review article, various roles of nitric oxide (NO) in murine CMV (MCMV) infections, including acute, persistent and latent infections, are discussed. In the acute phase of MCMV infection, NO plays a protective role against MCMV infection. In contrast, NO has been proven to act as a pathogenic factor in a model of MCMV pneumonitis. In MCMV persistent infection, when MCMV was detected only in the salivary gland, T cells of mice were modified to produce a massive amount of such cytokines as TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma upon in vivo stimulation with anti-CD3. These cytokines then induced mRNA for inducible NO synthase (iNOS), thus resulting in the production of a large amount of NO. A histochemical study demonstrated that NO damaged bronchial epithelial cells, and thereby apparently inducing pneumonitis. In the case of a latent infection, when viral DNA was detected in the host in spite of the absence of any infectious particle, NO increased the amount of persistently-infected MCMV-DNA. As a result, NO was found to act as "a double edged sword" in the CMV-host relationship.

Parkin is associated with cellular vesicles

We recently identified a novel gene, parkin, as a pathogenic gene for autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. Parkin encodes a 52-kDa protein with a ubiquitin-like domain and two RING-finger motifs. To provide a insight into the function of parkin, we have examined its intracellular distribution in cultured cells. We found that parkin was localized in the trans-Golgi network and the secretory vesicles in U-373MG or SH-SY5Y cells by immunocytochemical analyses. In the subsequent subcellular fractionation studies of rat brain, we showed that parkin was copurified with the synaptic vesicles (SVs) when we used low ionic conditions throughout the procedure. An immunoelectromicroscopic analysis indicated that parkin was present on the SV membrane. Parkin was readily released from SVs into the soluble phase by increasing ionic strength at neutral pH, but not by a non-ionic detergent. To elucidate its responsible region for membrane association, we transfected with green fluorescent protein-tagged deletion mutants of parkin into COS-1 cells followed by subcellular fractionation. We demonstrated the ability of parkin to bind to the membranes through a broad region except for the ubiquitin-like domain. The significance of SV localization of parkin is discussed.

Effect of pravastatin on survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. A randomized controlled trial

Chemotherapy is not effective for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HMG-CoA redutase inhibitors have cytostatic activity for cancer cells, but their clinical usefulness is unknown. To investigate whether pravastatin, a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, prolongs survival in patients with advanced HCC, this randomized controlled trial was conducted between February 1990 and February 1998 at Osaka University Hospital. 91 consecutive patients <71 years old (mean age 62) with unresectable HCC were enroled in this study. 8 patients were withdrawn because of progressive liver dysfunction; 83 patients were randomized to standard treatment with or without pravastatin. All patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) followed by oral 5-FU 200 mg(-1)d for 2 months. Patients were then randomly assigned to control (n = 42) and pravastatin (n = 41) groups. Pravastatin was administered at a daily dose of 40 mg. The effect of pravastatin on tumour growth was assessed by ultrasonography. Primary endpoint was death due to progression of HCC. The duration of pravastatin administration was 16.5 +/- 9.8 months (mean +/- SD). No patients in either group were lost to follow-up. Median survival was 18 months in the pravastatin group versus 9 months in controls (P = 0.006). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that pravastatin was a significant factor contributing to survival. Pravastatin prolonged the survival of patients with advanced HCC, suggesting its value for adjuvant treatment.

Effects of olive, corn, sesame or peanut oil on the body weights and reproductive organ weights of immature male and female rats

Olive, corn, sesame or peanut oil which have been used as vehicles in the immature rat uterotrophic assay or Hershberger assay, for detection of endocrine disrupting effects of environmental chemicals, was administered to ten immature female rats by subcutaneous injection from postnatal day (PND) 21 for 3 or 7 days, and each oil was also administered to ten male rats from PND 21 for 7 and 10 days. The body weights, and the weights of sex and sex accessory organs in female and male rats were measured. There were no significant differences in body weights of female rats between each oil group and the control group, while the body weight of male rats in the group given peanut or olive oil was significantly increased from 8 or 9 days after administration. There were no changes in the sex and sex accessory organ weights of female or male rats related to the endocrine disrupters. The results of the body weights and organ weights demonstrate that each oil is a suitable vehicle for the immature rat uterotrophic assay. However, each oil is suggested to be unsuitable for the Hershberger assay, because the analysis of changes of sex accessory organ weights in this assay might be confused by the increased body weights.

Role of nitric oxide synthase type 2 in acute infection with murine cytomegalovirus

Whether or not NO plays a critical role in murine CMV (MCMV) infection has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the role of NO in acute infection with MCMV using NO synthase type 2 (NOS2)-deficient mice. NOS2(-/-) mice were more susceptible to lethal infection with MCMV than NOS2(+/+) mice and generated a much higher peak virus titer in the salivary gland after acute infection. A moderate increase in the MCMV titer was also observed in other organs of NOS2(-/-) mice such as the spleen, lung, and liver. The immune responses to MCMV infection including NK cell cytotoxicity and CTL response in NOS2(-/-) mice were comparable with those of NOS2(+/+) mice. Moreover, the ability to produce IFN-gamma is not impaired in NOS2(-/-) mice after MCMV infection. The peritoneal macrophages from NOS2(-/-) mice, however, exhibited a lower antiviral activity than those from NOS2(+/+) mice, resulting in an enhanced viral replication in macrophages themselves. Treatment of these cells from NOS2(+/+) mice with a selective NOS2 inhibitor decreased the antiviral activity to a level below that obtained with NOS2(-/-) mice. In addition, the absence of NOS2 and NOS2-mediated antiviral activity of macrophages resulted in not only an enhanced MCMV replication and a high mortality but also a consequent risk of the latency. It was thus concluded that the NOS2-mediated antiviral activity of macrophages via NO plays a protective role against MCMV infection at an early and late stage of the infection.

[Binge-eating in simple obesity]

Binge eating in simple obesity has recently been recognized as a serious clinical problem. In the obese population with binge eating, distinct characteristics have been found by many researchers, such as an early onset of obesity and diet, frequent body weight fluctuation, the amount of time spent dieting, extreme restriction of food intake and an unrealistic ideal of diet. Obese binge eaters also exhibit more psychiatric symptomatology such as distortion of body image, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, a high level of depression, strong perfectionism, high impulsivity and comorbidity of personality disorders, especially a borderline personality disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are promising for treatment of obese binge eaters. Supportive psychotherapy will add some help by ameliorating psychological distress.

Role of ceramide during cisplatin-induced apoptosis in C6 glioma cells

Cisplatin is commonly used for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. However, the mechanisms of cell death by cisplatin are not fully understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate the apoptotic signaling pathway(s) activated by cisplatin in a C6 rat glioma cell line. C6 cells were treated with various concentrations of cisplatin (0.2-10 microg/ml) for 24-72 h. At 10 microg/ml cisplatin, over 90% of the cells became dead at 72 h. Apoptotic death was confirmed by condensation and fragmentation of nuclei, and DNA laddering. Even in cells treated with 1.5 microg/ml cisplatin, typical apoptotic cells were observed at 72 h. The intracellular level of ceramide, measured Escherichia coli diacylglycerol kinase markedly increased during 24-72 h after the addition of 10 microg/ml cisplatin. The activity of caspase-3(-like) proteases increased and reached a peak at 48 h. Inhibitors of caspases reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Pretreatment of C6 cells with glutathione or N-acetyl-cysteine, which are known to block the activation of neutral magnesium-dependent sphingomyelinase, inhibited ceramide formation, leading to suppression of both activation of caspase-3(-like) proteases and apoptosis by cisplatin. In contrast, pretreatment of the cells with N-oleoylethanolamine (OE), a ceramidase inhibitor, potentiated apoptosis induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, OE enhanced sensitivity of the cisplatin-resistant cells to cisplatin. These results suggest that ceramide is closely implicated in apoptosis of glioma cells by cisplatin through activation of caspase-3(-like) proteases.

Improvement of solubility and oral bioavailability of rutin by complexation with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin

The object of this study was to enhance the solubility, dissolution rate, and oral bioavailability of rutin by complexation with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD). The interaction of rutin with cyclodextrins (CyDs) was evaluated by the solubility, and ultraviolet (UV) and circular dichroism (CD) spectrophotometries. The chemical and enzymatic stability of rutin was examined in an alkaline buffer solution and in rat small intestinal homogenates, respectively. Dissolution rates of rutin and its CyD complexes were measured by the dispersed amount method. In vivo absorption studies of rutin after oral administration via conventional tablet containing rutin alone or its beta-CyD complexes was performed on beagle dogs. The stability constants calculated from the phase solubility method increased in the order of HP-gamma-CyD < G2-beta-CyD < beta-CyD < HP-beta-CyD. Spectroscopic studies also revealed that HP-beta-CyD and beta-CyD formed a relatively more stable inclusion complex with rutin. The dissolution rates of rutin increased by the complexation with CyDs in the order of rutin alone < HP-beta-CyD < or = beta-CyD. HP-beta-CyD inhibited the hydrolysis of rutin in the alkaline buffer solution and the small intestinal homogenates of rats, suggesting that HP-beta-CyD may stabilize rutin in a gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. When the tablet containing rutin or its beta-CyD complexes was administered to beagle dogs, the plasma levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) (a major stable metabolite of rutin) after oral administration of HP-beta-CyD complex were much higher than in either that of rutin alone or in its beta-CyD complex. The in vivo absorption study suggests that HP-beta-CyD increased the oral bioavailability of rutin from the gastrointestinal tracts of beagle dogs because of the increase in solubility, faster dissolution rate, and gastrointestinal stability. HP-beta-CyD has a significant advantage with respect to providing high aqueous solubility while maintaining a lack of toxicity in oral pharmaceutical preparations of rutin.

Effects of age and weaning on the immature rat uterotrophic assay using ethynylestradiol

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the most appropriate rat age for the start of administration, and the effect of weaning, in the immature rat uterotrophic assay using ethynylestradiol (EE). Animals weaned on postnatal day (PND) 20 were administered subcutaneously EE at doses of 0.06-6 micrograms/kg/day for 3 days beginning on PND 21, 23 or 25. EE at the same doses was also administered to rats weaned on PND 17 or 20 from PND 21 for 3 days. Although uterine weight was significantly increased in the rats given 0.6-6 micrograms/kg EE in both of the studies, the percentage increase relative to the control in each group given EE from PND 21 and weaned on PND 20 was higher than in those groups given EE from PND 23 or 25, and the group weaned on PND 17.

Proposal of sampling process for collecting human sweat and determination of caffeine concentration in it by using GC/MS

Caffeine concentration in human sweat was estimated by measuring separately the amounts of water and caffeine. After washing a finger with tap water for 15 s and waiting 2 min for drying, 70 microL aqueous ethanol solution in a small vial (0.6 mL) was used to sample for several minutes. Then 3 microL of the aliquot was used for GC/MS analysis of caffeine. As a first-order relationship between the sweat amount secreted on the left and right hands was obtained (correlation factor 0.848), the amount of sweat secretion during sampling on one hand was estimated by the value obtained on the other hand. This new indirect evaluation was used for the estimation of the amount of sweat secreted during sampling. Typical variations of caffeine concentration in sweat were demonstrated. Thirty minutes after the intake of caffeine, it was secreted in sweat, and the secretion had continued for more than 4 h.

Expression of the SART3 tumor rejection antigen in renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

We recently reported that SART3 tumor rejection antigen is recognized by HLA class I restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes from patients with esophageal cancer. We now investigate the expression of SART3 antigen in renal cell carcinoma to identify an appropriate molecule that may be used in specific immunotherapy of renal cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Renal cell carcinoma and nontumorous kidney tissues were obtained at surgery. A section of each sample was minced with scissors and stored at -80C until use. SART3 antigen expression was examined in uncultured renal cell carcinoma and nontumorous kidney tissues. We also evaluated the ability of derived peptides to include cytotoxic T lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with renal cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

The SART3 antigen was detected in all renal cell carcinoma cell lines, primary cultures of renal cell carcinoma and nontumorous kidney tissues, and in the cytosol of 57% and 15% of renal cell carcinoma and nontumorous kidney tissues, respectively. HLA-A2402 restricted and tumor specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (KE4) used in cloning of the SART3 gene were significantly cytotoxic to cells from renal cell carcinoma cell lines and primary cultures of renal cell carcinoma tissue but they did not lyse normal cells, including those from primary cultures of nontumorous kidney tissue. The SART3 peptides derived from positions 109-118 and 315-323 induced HLA-A24 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes to renal cell carcinoma cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with renal cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The SART3 antigen and derived peptides may be applied to the specific immunotherapy of HLA-A24+ renal cell carcinoma.

Myocilin expression in the astrocytes of the optic nerve head

We investigated the expression of myocilin in the optic nerve head of porcine eyes by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Myocilin was localized in the nucleus, centrosome, glial filament, mitochondria, and some parts of the cell membranes of the astrocytes. Myocilin was also detected at the edge-feet portion of the processes of astrocytes adjacent to the inner limiting membrane and blood vessel wall. The astrocytes are the major cell population in the optic nerve head, contributing to the architecture of the nerve axon and blood vessels. Therefore, myocilin gene mutation and change of myocilin protein are likely to affect the architecture of the optic nerve head and induce various forms of glaucomatous optic nerve damage.

[Repeated deterioration of tuberculous meningitis due to a reduction in the corticosteroid dosage during chemotherapy]

A 17-year-old man with a high fever, confusion and neck stiffness was diagnosed to have tuberculous meningitis, and was immediately placed on prednisolone (40 mg/day) as well as standard antituberculosis drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide). The clinical symptoms improved rapidly and the number of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) cells decreased from 1837/mm3 on admission to 76/mm3 on the 7th day. Thereafter the dosage of prednisolone was gradually reduced. As a result, however increased nuchal rigidity, papilloedema and an increase in the number of CSF cells of 934/mm3 were all observed on the 35th day. Prednisolone thus again administered at the original dosage and the patient quickly showed a clinical improvement. CSF cells decreased to 271/mm3 on the 70th day. When prednisolone was again tapered down, increased nuchal rigidity, abducent nerve palsy and papilloedema appeared again with a marked increase in the number of CSF cells of 1309/mm3 on the 91th day. Therefore, we continued to treat the patient with prednisolone, in addition to the standard antituberculosis treatment, at a dose of 80 mg/day and tapered off very slowly over six months. This treatment resulted in a marked recovery with no recurrence. In this case, prednisolone was indispensable for treating tuberculous meningitis in combination with appropriate antituberculosis drugs, though the role of corticosteroids has remained controversial over the years. This case might be an example of paradoxical progression in tuberculous meningitis.

Relationship between MRI findings and prognosis for patients with general paresis

MRI was performed in 7 patients with general paresis before or at a very early stage of treatment. A large dose of antibiotics, mainly penicillin, was given to all patients, and the effects of treatment, the patients' outcome, and MRI findings were investigated. Three of the 7 patients had MRI findings of atrophy of the medial temporal lobe including the hippocampus. In the medial temporal lobe atrophy group, a personality change or general dementia remained even after the treatment was completed, and outcome in social functioning was poor. Medial temporal lobe atrophy may be a poor prognostic sign in general paresis.

[Neurosarcoidosis with girdle sensation and polyradiculoneuropathy masquerading as Guillain-Barré syndrome]

We herein report two patients with neurosarcoidosis presenting girdle sensation in the trunk and polyradiculoneuritis. The first patient, a 53-year-old woman, manifested subacute progressive paresthesia in all four limbs and below the Th 3 level with girdle sensation from the thorax to lower abdomen and mild weakness in the left upper limb and the bilateral lower limbs. The patient was diagnosed to have sarcoidosis based on a biopsy of the scalenus anticus lymph nodes. The second patient, a 63-year-old woman, showed an acute onset of weakness and paresthesia in all four limbs and girdle sensation from the Th 5 to Th 8 level. On examination, she demonstrated diminished tendon reflexes in all four limbs, mild to severe weakness in all four limbs, paresthesia in all four limbs and below the Th 5 level. Although Guillain-Barré syndrome was initially suspected in this patient, the presence of girdle sensation led us to examine the possibility of neurosarcoidosis. Her examination demonstrated an abnormal accumulation of gallium in the bilateral hilar lymph nodes and mediastinum on scintigraphy, an elevated CD 4/CD 8 ratio in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a negative tuberculin reaction, and elevated serum lysozyme level. These findings thus fulfilled the clinical criteria for sarcoidosis. None of the two patients showed any abnormalities in the thoracic cord MRI. In the first patient F wave was not evoked in either upper or lower limbs, while in the second patient temporal dispersion on M wave was observed in the right median and both ulnar nerves. We therefore consider the girdle sensation to have not been caused by myelopathy but instead by polyradiculopathy. When sarcoid peripheral neuropathy masquerades as Guillain-Barré syndrome, then the presence of girdle sensation may help diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.

Full three-dimensional photonic bandgap crystals at near-infrared wavelengths

An artificial crystal structure has been fabricated exhibiting a full three-dimensional photonic bandgap effect at optical communication wavelengths. The photonic crystal was constructed by stacking 0.7-micrometer period semiconductor stripes with the accuracy of 30 nanometers by advanced wafer-fusion technique. A bandgap effect of more than 40 decibels (which corresponds to 99.99% reflection) was successfully achieved. The result encourages us to create an ultra-small optical integrated circuit including a three-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide with a sharp bend.

Long-term responders without eradication of hepatitis C virus after interferon therapy: characterization of clinical profiles and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIMS/BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C showing long-term normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) without eradication of HCV RNA, as well as to investigate the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in such patients.

METHODS

Four hundred and nineteen patients with histologically-proven chronic hepatitis C who had received interferon (IFN) therapy were studied. Complete response (CR) was defined as persistent normalization of ALT levels with eradication of serum HCV RNA (n= 126). Long-term biochemical response with positive HCV RNA (HCV-positive BR) was defined as a normal ALT level at 6 months after IFN therapy with further persistent normalization of ALT levels for 2 or more years without eradication of serum HCV RNA (n=49). All other patterns were classified as non-response (NR, n=244).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up periods of CR, HCV-positive BR and NR groups were 4.9, 5.2 and 4.9 years, respectively. The HCV-positive BR group had significantly higher serum HCV RNA levels and a higher rate of HCV serological group 1 classification than the CR group. The other characteristics of the HCV-positive BR group were lower histologic activity, lower ALT levels, and a higher rate of females when compared with both the CR and NR groups. Histologic staging in the HCV-positive BR group was significantly lower than that in the NR group. Cumulative incidences of HCC estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method in both the CR and HCV-positive BR groups were significantly lower than those in the NR group (log-rank test, CR vs NR p<0.001, HCV-positive BR vs NR p=0.026).

CONCLUSION

The patients with HCV-positive BR were virologically different from those with CR, and had lower ALT levels and histologic activity when compared to those with CR and NR.

Elevation of mRNA levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator in hippocampus and cerebral cortex following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) have been used for thrombolitic therapy. In contrast, it is suggested that these compounds might be involved in neuronal cell damage. The activation and the function of tPA and uPA are less understood in ischemic brain tissue. Therefore, changes in tPA and uPA mRNA in rat brain tissue after MCA occlusion and in the neuronal cell line, PC12 cells, during the hypoxic stimulation were examined. Permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion was induced by advancing a filament into the internal carotid artery in 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The ischemic cerebral cortex and contralateral cortex of MCA area, and bilateral hippocampus were collected at 0 (controls), 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after occlusion. Hypoxia was induced in PC12 cells with a multigas incubator (set to 1% O2). The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction acted as a measurement of alteration in mRNA levels. The mRNA levels of tPA and uPA were significantly increased after MCA occlusion in the ischemic cerebral cortex. The magnitude of the increase in tPA and uPA mRNA in 24 h after occlusion was twice the value in sham-operated rat (0 h). The increases of tPA mRNA were time-dependent in insult and contralateral hippocampus. The increase of uPA mRNA was also seen in the hippocampus bilaterally, although the increase was more significant on the ipsilateral side. In PC12 cells, necrotic (approximately 35%) and apoptotic cells (approximately 65%) could be distinguished by hypoxic stimulus for 24 h, and the mRNA for tPA was significantly increased for 6 h-12 h, while the mRNA for uPA was not detected at any point in the study. Our results suggest that focal ischemia might result in the activation of these proteases not only in the insult but also in the contralateral brain tissue.

Differential growth inhibitory effect of melatonin on two endometrial cancer cell lines

The effect of melatonin on endometrial cancer cell growth was investigated using two cell lines, SNG-II and Ishikawa, which are different in their estrogen receptor status. A physiological concentration of melatonin (10(-9) M) showed no growth inhibitory effect on SNG-II cells, which are estrogen receptor-negative at all cell densities and incubation times. In contrast, melatonin significantly inhibited Ishikawa cells, which are estrogen receptor-positive at all cell densities tested after 96 hr incubation. The greatest inhibition of Ishikawa cell growth was observed at 10(-9) M melatonin, compared with other supra (10(-6), 10(-8) M) or subphysiological concentrations (10(-10), 10(-12) M). This growth inhibitory effect of melatonin on Ishikawa cells was completely blocked by 10(-10) to 10(-8) M concentrations of 17-beta estradiol administration. Pretreatment with luzindole, which is a selective melatonin receptor antagonist, prior to the addition of melatonin also blocked the inhibitory effect of melatonin on Ishikawa cells. This is the first study to demonstrate an anti-proliferative effect of physiological melatonin on endometrial cancer cells in vitro. The present study revealed that melatonin also inhibits the growth of estrogen receptor positive endometrial cancer cells and that this effect of the pineal indole may be mediated by both steroid and melatonin receptors.

Differences in water diffusion and lactate production in two different types of postinfectious encephalopathy

We compared two different types of postinfectious encephalopathy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion-weighted images and MR spectroscopy. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) showed different distribution of abnormal intensity areas and different diffusion of water measured by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) showed lactate production in both cases, which returned to a normal range; the rate of increased lactate production was much lower in the ANE case. Water diffusion showed a difference in pathophysiological background between the two encephalopathies, but the lactate elevation observed by proton MRS did not correlate with clinical severity.

Familial frontotemporal dementia with a P301L tau mutation in Japan

We have reported the family line with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in Japan. This family line has so far included four patients. Patient II-1 (man) had a 10 year history of slowly progressive personality and behavioral changes and died at the age of 56. His neuropathological examination showed severe atrophy of the bilateral frontal and temporal cortices with neuronal loss, gliosis and superficial spongiosis. Pick bodies were not found. The neuropathological diagnosis was atypical Pick's disease without Pick bodies or Pick-type in FTD. Patient III-2 is patient II-1's oldest daughter and was taken ill with personality change at the age of 52. She died at the age of 68. Patient III-4 is patient II-1's second daughter. Her onset with strange speech and behavior was at the age of 59. Patient III-5 is patient II-1's oldest son. He also had onset with personality change at the age of 54 and had the P301L mutation in tau. In all III generation cases CT/MRI revealed circumscribed frontotemporal atrophy. Patient III-5's PET/SPECT showed signs of hypoperfusion or hypometabolism in the bilateral frontotemporal areas. This is the first report of familial FTD with the P301L mutation in Japan.

Hypoplastic basement membrane of the lens anlage in the inheritable lens aplastic mouse (lap mouse)

Adult homozygous lap mice show various eye abnormalities such as aphakia, retinal disorganization, and dysplasia of the cornea and anterior chamber. In the fetal eye of a homozygous lap mouse, the lens placode appears to develop normally. However, the lens vesicle develops abnormally to form a mass of cells without a cavity, and the mass vanishes soon afterward. Apoptotic cell death is associated with the disappearance of the lens anlage. We examined the basement membranes of the lens anlage of this mutant by immunohistochemical methods under light microscopy using antibodies against basement membrane components of the lens anlage, type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and entactin and by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry showed the distribution and intensity of antibody binding to the lens anlage to be almost the same for each these antibodies regardless of the stage of gestation or whether the anlagen were from normal BALB/c or lap mice. Thus, positive continuous reactions were observed around the exterior region of the lens anlage from day 10 of gestation for type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan antibodies, and at least from day 11of gestation for entactin antibody. The basement membrane lamina densa of both normal and lap mice was shown by electron microscopy to be discontinuous at days 10 and 10.5 of gestation. However, by day 11 the lamina densa was continuous in the lens anlagen of normal mice but still discontinuous in the lap mice. By day 12 of gestation, the lamina densa had thickened markedly in normal mice, whereas in lap mice it remained discontinuous and its thinness indicated hypoplasia. These results indicate that, while all basement components examined are produced and deposited in the normal region of the lens anlage in the lap mouse, the basement membrane is, for some reason, imperfectly formed. The time at which hypoplasia of the basement membrane was observed in this mutant coincided with the stage during which apoptosis in the lens anlage occurred. This result may indicate a possibility of the relationship between the basement membrane and apoptosis in this mutant.

Complete sequence and characterization of chick ventricular myosin heavy chain in the developing atria

We isolated five complementary DNA (cDNA) clones, encoding the chick ventricular myosin heavy chain (MyHC) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The entire cDNA consists of 5995 nucleotides with the 52 bp 5'-untranslated region and the 129 bp 3'-untranslated region. The complete cDNA encodes 1937 amino acids. Expression of the chick ventricular MyHC gene was also studied by Northern blot analysis. This gene continued to be strongly expressed in the ventricle during cardiac development. On the other hand, its expression was moderate in the early embryonic atria, and was down-regulated during development. In the adult atria, this gene was expressed at very low levels. To determine the localization of the ventricular MyHC protein, an immunohistochemical study was performed. The ventricular MyHC was present in early embryonic atrial myocytes. During development, the expression of this protein in the atrial myocytes was down-regulated, but continued to be present in the atrial conduction system. Our results indicate that the ventricular MyHC appears in the primary atrial myocardium and is then localized in the conduction cells of the atria.

Nitric oxide increases the amount of murine cytomegalovirus-DNA in mice latently infected with the virus

At 5 wk after the intraperitoneal infection of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in adult (C3H/He x BALB/c) F1 (CBF1) mice, MCMV-DNA was noted mainly in the salivary glands (SG). Since graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) is well known as a major risk factor for CMV reactivation, parental BALB/c spleen cells were then intravenously transferred to these mice to induce GVHR. A high copy number of full-length MCMV-DNA was thus observed in the lungs as well as the hearts and livers at 4 to 6 wk after the cell transfer, whereas the copy numbers in SG after the cell transfer were comparable to those before the transfer. It was therefore suggested that the amount of MCMV-DNA noted in these organs had been increased by GVHR. However, no transcripts of MCMV-DNA could be detected. Since a marked expression of mRNA of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) was noted in the lungs and the hearts during the course of GVHR, the role of NO in the increase of MCMV-DNA after the cell transfer was next examined. The administration of L-arginine, a substrate for NO, increased the amount of MCMV-DNA in the lungs and the hearts after the induction of GVHR. In contrast, the material which suppressed iNOS induction inhibited the emergence of MCMV-DNA. Therefore, the NO generated during the course of GVHR increased the amount of the viral DNA in the lungs and the hearts of the mice latently infected with MCMV. If the increase in the amount of viral genome is the initial step of viral reactivation from the latent state, then NO would thus trigger the initial step of the reactivation of the DNA virus. As the lungs are the major organ to produce NO after systemic stimulation, the observations of this study may explain why the lungs are the major site of CMV latency and why GVHR triggers CMV reactivation. These findings are thus considered to demonstrate that NO plays a novel role in viral infection.

Overexpression of wild-type Akt1 promoted insulin-stimulated p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) activity and affected GSK3 beta regulation, but did not promote insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation or glucose transport in L6 myotubes

We have developed a simple, direct and sensitive method to detect GLUT4 on the cell surface. Using this system, we found that PI3-kinase plays a key role in the signaling pathway of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. One of the down stream effectors of PI3-kinase is serine-threonine kinase Akt (protein kinase B, RAK-PK), but the involvement of Akt in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation is controversial. To investigate whether Akt1 regulates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in L6 myotubes, we established L6 myotubes stably expressing c-myc epitope-tagged GLUT4 (GLUT4myc) and mouse wild type (WT) Akt1. We found that overexpression of WT Akt1 promoted insulin-stimulated p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) activity and increased the basal activity of GSK3 beta, but did not promote insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation or glucose uptake. These data supported the result that Akt is not a main signaling molecule to transmit the signal of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation or glucose uptake from insulin-activated PI3-kinase.

The myocilin (MYOC) gene expression in the human trabecular meshwork

PURPOSE

We previously reported a novel cytoskeletal protein with a myosin-like domain which is localized in the ciliary rootlet and basal body of connecting cilium of photoreceptor and hence we named it 'myocilin'. It was soon realized that myocilin is identical to a protein called TIGR (trabecular meshwork inducible glucocorticoid response protein) which was found to be responsible for the pathogenesis of juvenile open angle glaucoma. In this study, we employed in situ RNA hybridization to examine the myocilin (MYOC)/ TIGR gene expression in the trabecular meshworks of glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes.

METHODS

The glaucomatous specimens were obtained by trabeculectomy from the patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) and steroid glaucoma, respectively, and the nonglaucomatous specimens were obtained from a victim of traffic accident at autopsy and from a patient with maxillary sinus carcinoma at enucleation for the operation. The in situ RNA hybridization was carried out with digoxigenin-labeled sense and antisense RNA probes.

RESULTS

In all cases, hybridization signals were detected primarily in the trabecular meshwork cells and secondarily in the fibroblast-like cells of corneoscleral wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocilin gene is expressed clearly in the trabecular meshwork cells of both glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes.

Transurethral holmium laser resection of the prostate

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy of the holmium:YAG laser for transurethral endoscopic prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated 103 patients with BPH with holmium:YAG laser resection of the prostate. A high power holmium laser generating a maximum of 60 or 81 W. was used in a pulsed mode, applying energy directly to prostatic tissue via a forward firing 550 micron. fiber transurethrally under direct vision. Treatment outcome was evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, maximum flow rate and post-void residual urine volume. We also compared holmium laser surgery and transurethral resection of the prostate for operative factors, such as surgical duration, bleeding volume and catheterization time.

RESULTS

Average symptom score, quality of life score, peak flow rate and post-void residual significantly improved at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, with improvement maintained up to 36 months postoperatively in the holmium:YAG group. Intraoperative bleeding volume was significantly lower and catheterization time was significantly shorter for holmium:YAG than for transurethral prostatic resection. Use of the holmium laser caused no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of its effectiveness and safety holmium:YAG resection is a viable potential surgical alternative for symptomatic BPH. The holmium:YAG laser has been verified to be useful for many purposes in urology.

Evidence for the expression of neonatal skeletal myosin heavy chain in primary myocardium and cardiac conduction tissue in the developing chick heart

We isolated a neonatal skeletal myosin heavy chain (MHC) cDNA clone, CV11E1, from a cDNA library of embryonic chick ventricle. At early cardiogenesis, diffuse expression of neonatal skeletal MHC mRNA was first detected in the heart tube at stage 10. During subsequent embryonic stages, the expression of the mRNA in the atrium was upregulated until shortly after birth. It then diminished, dramatically, and disappeared in the adult. On the other hand, in the ventricle, only a trace of the expression was detected throughout embryonic life and in the adult. However, transient expression of mRNA in the ventricle was observed, post-hatching. At the protein level, during the embryonic stage, the atrial myocardium was stained diffusely with monoclonal antibody 2E9, specific for chick neonatal skeletal MHC, whereas the ventricles showed weak reactivity with 2E9. At the late embryonic and newly hatched stages, 2E9-positive cells were located clearly in the subendocardial layer, and around the blood vessels of the atrial and ventricular myocardium. These results provide the first evidence that the neonatal skeletal MHC gene is expressed in developing chick hearts. This MHC appears during early cardiogenesis and is then localized in cardiac conduction cells. Dev Dyn 2000;217:37-49.

Endoscopic lithotripsy with the holmium:YAG laser

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser can be used not only for soft tissue but also for hard tissue such as urinary calculi. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Ho:YAG laser for endoscopic lithotripsy in patients with urinary tract stone. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIASL AND METHODS: Of 102 procedures performed among 96 patients, 88 were transurethral ureterolithotripsy (TUL), seven were percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and seven were transurethral cystolithotripsy. Six patients had bilateral stones. The fragments were reduced as much as possible with the Ho:YAG laser.

RESULTS

The efficacy rate of the 102 lithotripsy procedures was 93%. With respect to the effect of TUL, the efficacy rates of 40 procedures for the proximal ureter, 18 procedures for the midureter, and 30 procedures for the distal ureter were 85%, 94%, and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Ho:YAG laser produced a sufficiently strong lithotripsy force on all stones. The results of this study indicate that lithotripsy of urinary tract stones with the Ho:YAG laser can achieve a clinical outcome equivalent to or exceeding that of pulsed dye laser lithotripsy. The Ho:YAG laser is a multipurpose laser and thus is a cost effective and very useful means for endoscopic lithotripsy of urinary tract stones.

Effects on growth of rat offspring born from dams treated subcutaneously with a surfactant, polyoxyethylene(10)nonylphenyl ether(NP-10), during lactational period

A surfactant NP-10 was administered subcutaneously to Jcl:Wistar female rats at dose levels of 5, 20 and 80 mg/kg/day from date of birth to day 21 after birth of F1 offspring to assess its effects on the growth, behavior and functions of the offspring. For F0 dams, scab formation and loss of hair at the test substance administration site were observed in all treatment groups and induration of the skin at the test substance administration site in the 20 and 80 mg/kg groups in general condition and necropsy findings at the end of the dosing period. In necropsy findings, in addition to these changes, hemorrhage and whitish change of the subcutis at the test substance administration site were seen in all treatment groups, adhesion to the somatic muscles and granulation of the subcutis at the test substance administration site in the 20 and 80 mg/kg groups, and swelling of the spleen and adrenals in the 80 mg/kg group. Reduction or a tendency for reduction in food consumption was also detected from the initial day of dosing (day 0) to day 17 after birth F1 offspring in the 80 mg/kg group. Body weight or the findings on the day after birth and day of weaning failed to reveal any evidence of an effect that could be ascribed to the test substance. In F1 born offspring, a decrease or tendency for decrease in body weight was observed from day 7 after birth in both sexes and for females during the gestation period in the 80 mg/kg group. However, body weight gains based on the weights at 4 weeks after birth or on day 0 of gestation in the 80 mg/kg group failed to reveal any difference from that in the control group. The observation on the day of birth and during the period of lactation, physical development test, reflex test, general condition, open-field test, water-maze test, reproductive ability test, observations at cesarean section, necropsy findings, organ weights, histopathological findings of females or males that did not achieve successful gestation, skeletal examination, and the observations at cesarean section and external examination of F2 fetuses failed to reveal any evidence that could be ascribed to the test substance. These results indicate that NP-10 had no effect on the behavior or functions of the offspring, although it affected the growth of the offspring born, under the conditions of this study. The non-effective dose level is considered to be 20 mg/kg for general toxicity of the dams and for their offspring.

Culture-independent characterization of a gene responsible for nitrogen fixation in the symbiotic microbial community in the gut of the termite Neotermes koshunensis

Expression of the nitrogen fixation gene, nifH, in the gut of the termite Neotermes koshunensis was characterized without cultivation. nifH cDNA was directly amplified from mRNA of the mixed microbial population in the gut by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Analyses of the RT-PCR products revealed that, among the diverse nifH sequences, only a few corresponding to an alternative nitrogenase (encoded by the anf gene) were preferentially transcribed in the termite gut. Expression of the anf gene was further investigated quantitatively under several termite feeding conditions by competitive PCR. The levels of expression of the anf gene were largely congruent with the nitrogen fixation activity displayed by the termite. The amounts of the genomic anf gene in the population showed no significant change, indicating that the level of expression was critical for nitrogen fixation activity. Interestingly, no significant decrease in the expression level was observed when the diet contained molybdenum (Mo), which represses ordinary anf genes. A 3.6-kb DNA region downstream of the anf gene was isolated and found to contain reading frames homologous to anfH, anfD, and anfG of the Bacteria domain which encode subunits of an alternative nitrogenase having no Mo as a cofactor. This DNA region also contained reading frames encoding glnB-like proteins, which is a common feature of the nitrogenase genes of the Archaea domain. These results indicate that the anf group of nitrogenase genes is the most important group of genes responsible for nitrogen fixation in N. koshunensis and that the anf gene possesses novel features with respect to the regulation of its expression and its gene organization.