Beta-NADH decreases the permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane to ADP by a factor of 6

Mitochondria with intact outer membrane (99% intact based on cytochrome c impermeability) were isolated and used to measure the permeability of their outer membrane to ADP. beta-NADH reduced the permeability in a concentration-dependent manner (KD = 87 +/- 5 microM) by a factor of 6. alpha-NADH and beta-NAD+ cannot mimic the action of beta-NADH. The mitochondrial outer membranes become rate-limiting in the presence of beta-NADH at low, physiologically relevant, ADP concentrations (< 30 microM). beta-NADH has been shown to increase the voltage dependence of VDAC (a major pathway for metabolite transport across the outer membrane) in a reconstituted system and this may be the way it acts on the isolated mitochondria. Inhibition of beta-NADH dehydrogenases does not inhibit the action of beta-NADH indicating that it is not acting by delivering reducing equivalents. The ability of beta-NADH, produced by glycolysis, to inhibit mitochondrial function by reducing the permeability of the outer membrane may be one pathway responsible for the Crabtree effect.

A prospective study of symptomatic bacteremia following platelet transfusion and of its management

BACKGROUND

The danger of bacteremia due to contaminated platelets is not well known. There are also no established guidelines for the management of febrile reactions after platelet transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

To determine the risk of symptomatic bacteremia after platelet transfusion, 3584 platelet transfusions given to 161 patients after bone marrow transplantation were prospectively studied. Platelet bags were routinely refrigerated for 24 hours after transfusion. Septic work-up was initiated for a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees C above the pretransfusion value within 24 hours of platelet transfusion or a temperature rise of more than 1 degree C that was associated with chills and rigor. Diagnosis of bacteremia after platelet transfusion was made only when the pairs of isolates from the blood and the platelet bags were identical with respect to their biochemical profile, antibiotic sensitivity, serotyping, or ribotyping.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven febrile reactions, as defined above, occurred. Bacteremia subsequent to platelet transfusion was diagnosed in 10 cases. There was a 27-percent chance (95% CI, 15-43%) that these febrile reactions represented bacteremia that resulted from platelet transfusion. For a subgroup of 19 patients with a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees C, the risk of bacteremia was 42 percent (95% CI, 23-64%). Septic shock occurred in 4 of the 10 bacteremic patients. A rapid diagnosis was possible because the involved bacteria were demonstrated by direct Gram stain of the samples taken from the platelet bags of all 10 patients.

CONCLUSION

Significant febrile reactions after platelet transfusion are highly likely to be indicative of bacteremia. Routine retention of platelet bags for subsequent microbiologic study was useful in the investigation of these febrile reactions. Empiric antibiotic therapy is indicated.

Risks of radiation cataracts from interplanetary space missions

Recognition of the human risks from radiation exposure during manned missions in deep space has been fostered by international co-operation; interagency collaboration is facilitating their evaluation. Further co-operation can lead, perhaps by the end of this decade, to an evaluation of one of the three major risks, namely radiation cataractogenesis, sufficient for use in the planning of the manned mission to Mars.

Helium-ion-induced human cataractogenesis

Retrospective and ongoing analyses of clinical records from 347 primary intraocular melanoma patients treated with helium ions at LBL will allow examination of the exposure-response data for human cataract; which is a complication of the therapy from incidental exposure of the lens. Direct particle beam traversal of at least a portion of the lens usually is unavoidable in treatment of posterior intraocular tumors. The precise treatment planned for each patient permits quantitative assessment of the lenticular dose and its radiation quality. We are reporting our preliminary results on the development of helium-ion-induced lens opacifications and cataracts in 54 of these patients who had 10% or less of their lens in the treatment field. We believe these studies will be relevant to estimating the human risk for cataract in space flight.

Wilms' tumor with intracardiac extension: chemotherapy before surgery

The article describes two Chinese boys ages 2 and 3 years with unilateral Wilms' tumors complicated by intracaval and intracardiac extension. In contrast to the previously recommended treatment with surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the children were managed primarily with combination chemotherapy before definitive operation. Reduction of tumor size on serial imaging was documented, and no viable tumor cells were found when the involved kidney and right atrium were explored. Both patients remained alive without evidence of disease more than 5 years after initial diagnosis. A literature search revealed case reports and retrospective analyses of 70 patients with Wilms' tumors and intracardiac involvement, and a tendency toward preoperative chemotherapy with or without the addition of radiation therapy was observed. The overall outcome of this group of patients parallels the outcome of those without intracardiac extension by histology and stage. Wilms' tumor presenting with extension into the inferior vena cava and right atrium is thus rare and renders the affected child with additional cardiovascular complications and operative risks. As a result of the uncommon occurrence, a consensus on management based on prospective study would be difficult. The present report and the literature are supportive of the use of preoperative chemotherapy in the initial management of advanced Wilms' tumor extending into the right atrium.

Monoamine oxidase activity in rat organs during pregnancy

To elucidate the involvement of MAO activity in rat pregnancy, female rats exhibiting at least 3 consecutive 4-day estrous cycles were used. The day of sperm-positive smears was designated as day 0 of pregnancy. The rats were sacrificed on day 2 of diestrus (diestrus-2) and days 7, 14 and 21 of gestation. The organs were collected and weighted, and mitochondrial fractions were prepared for MAO analysis with kynuramine dihydrobromide as substrate. Specific activity (pmol/mg of protein/min) in the ovary is significantly lower in rats on diestrus-2 (792 +/- 127) (mean +/- S.D.) than on day 14 (1,038 +/- 140) and day 21 (1,580 +/- 61) of pregnancy. However, the levels of MAO activity in the uterus of rats on diestrus-2 (899 +/- 266) is higher than on day 21 (570 +/- 80) of pregnancy. The MAO activity in the placenta on day 21 (644 +/- 82) was higher than day 14 (356 +/- 88) of pregnancy. Total MAO activity per organ (nmol/min) of ovary on day 21 (27.2 +/- 5.2) is higher than on diestrus-2 (8.7 +/- 3.0) and on day 14 (14.2 +/- 3.6). Our results suggest that MAO activity in rat reproductive organs such as uterus, ovary, and placenta might fluctuate significantly near term, in correlation with steroid levels, tissue catecholamine contents and so on, in order to maintain pregnancy.

Disseminated mediastinal carcinoma with chromosomal translocation (15;19). A distinctive clinicopathologic syndrome

BACKGROUND

A case of disseminated mediastinal carcinoma probably of thymic origin is reported in a 5-year-old boy with an anterior mediastinal mass associated with superior vena cava obstruction, tracheal deviation, right malignant pleural effusion, and evidence of bone metastasis. The diagnosis was based on findings of radiologic localization, light and electron microscopic study, and immunohistochemistry. The patient received combination chemotherapy but died of progressive disease.

METHODS

Cytogenic study on the pleural fluid was attempted, and a literature search for similar chromosomal aberration was performed.

RESULTS

Cytogenetic study of tumor cells from the pleural fluid revealed a clonal chromosomal abnormality of t(15;19)(q12;p13.1). Two patients with similar disease were reported in the English literature; their clinical courses, immunohistochemical findings, and t(15;19) were almost identical to those of the patient reported in this study.

CONCLUSION

The authors suggest that this translocation may be specific to thymic carcinoma and may indicate a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Carcinomas are rare in children, so the chromosomal translocation may serve as a helpful marker for the diagnosis.

Neurophysiologic study of beta-thalassemia patients

Neurophysiologic investigations were performed in 34 Chinese patients with beta-thalassemia major maintained on long-term desferrioxamine treatment to look for subclinical toxicity in the auditory, visual, peripheral, or central neural pathways. In the auditory pathway study, four patients (12%) had mild sensorineural hearing impairment. Two patients (6%) had increased P 100 latencies in the visual evoked potential study, and nine patients (26%) had abnormal electroretinogram results. All had normal electrooculograms. Ophthalmoscopic examination was abnormal in three patients (9%), and three (9%) had a visual field defect. In the peripheral or central nervous pathways, seven patients (21%) had sensory neuropathy, of which three cases were probably related to diabetes mellitus. All had normal motor conduction velocities. Four patients (12%) had increased cortical latencies of median or posterior tibial somatosensory evoked potential. Abnormalities in multiple neural pathways were seen in four patients (12%). There was a significant association between subclinical toxicity to the peripheral or central nervous systems and serum ferritin level (P < .03) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (P < .002). There was no significant relationship between the age, dosage, or duration of desferrioxamine used and the increased risk of neurotoxicity to the auditory, visual, peripheral, or central nervous systems. There was also no association between the risk of neurotoxicity and the serum zinc, copper, or fructosamine levels.

Bone marrow transplantation for thalassemia in Hong Kong: the early experience

The first experience of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for thalassemia in Hong Kong is reported. Of the three children transplanted using a matched allogeneic donor, two have been surviving disease free 291 and 256 days post-BMT respectively. The other child rejected the graft and remained transfusion dependent. Mild graft versus host disease occurred in one of the children which subsided on cyclosporin A alone. The regimen-related toxicities were mild and easily manageable. Thus the result is encouraging and the procedure is now accepted as an option of treatment for good risk patients in Hong Kong.

Effect of ethanol and progesterone on monoamine oxidase activity in cultured cells of human term placenta

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol and progesterone on the monoamine oxidase activity in cultured human term placental cells.

STUDY DESIGN

Human placental cells were prepared from normal human term placentas by enzymatic dispersion in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium. The viability of placental cells prepared by our method was 90%, and the yield of placental cells was 0.6 x 10(6) cells per gram of wet placental tissue. Five milliliters of Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium containing 3 x 10(5) placental cells was plated in a 25 cm2 flask and cultured for 8 days in an incubator at 37 degrees C under an atmosphere of 5% carbon dioxide and 95% oxygen with a saturated humidity. During the culture period the culture medium was replenished every 2 days. A confluent monolayer condition was achieved after 8 days in culture. The cultured placental cells were treated with different concentrations of ethanol (0, 34.6, and 69.2 mmol/L) and progesterone (0, 16, and 32 mumol/L) on day 8 of culture for 48 hours. At the end of treatment placental cells from control and treated flasks were harvested for the analysis of monoamine oxidase activity by spectrophotometry. The effects of ethanol and progesterone on cultured placental cells were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple comparisons procedure.

RESULTS

A human placental cell culture system has been established from normal human term placentas. The monoamine oxidase activity in 8-day-cultured human term placental cells was significantly higher than that of freshly prepared placental cells. Ethanol concentrations at 34.6 and 69.2 mmol/L significantly increased and progesterone concentration at 32 mumol/L significantly decreased the monoamine oxidase activity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the cultured human term placental cells can be used to examine the in vitro effects of ethanol and progesterone on monoamine oxidase activity. However, the physiologic significance of progesterone's inhibitory effect and the stimulatory effect of ethanol monoamine oxidase activity in the in vivo system have yet to be further investigated.

Hepatitis C virus antibody in multiply transfused Chinese with thalassaemia major

Thirty-four of 99 multiply transfused Chinese (49 females, 50 males) with thalassaemia major were positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus. There was no sex predominance in seropositivity with 18 females and 16 males positive. The mean (+/- SD) age and units of blood transfused were significantly higher in the seropositive patients (167 +/- 48 months, 206 +/- 82 units respectively) than the seronegative patients (113 +/- 56 months, 124 +/- 80 units respectively). The seropositive patients had higher mean (+/- SD) serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and ferritin concentrations (91 +/- 82 IU/L, 67 +/- 38 IU/L, 4797 +/- 2522 ng/ml respectively) than the seronegative patients (38 +/- 29 IU/L, 48 +/- 28 IU/L, 3620 +/- 2140 ng/ml respectively). Serum ferritin had an independent and significant effect on serum alanine aminotransferase in addition to that of seropositivity to hepatitis C virus.

Late cataractogenesis in primates and lagomorphs after exposure to particulate radiations

Rhesus monkeys that were exposed in 1969, at the age of approximately 2 years, to low doses of "mixed-energy" protons (10- and 110-MeV) are exhibiting progressive (degenerative) lenticular changes. We have conducted regular examinations of this group of monkeys for cataractogenic development since 1987, i.e., 18 years after irradiation, and the animals began to show enhanced degrees of lenticular opacification two years later. The lenses of age-matched controls (median lifespan in captivity approximately 24 years) continue to exhibit much lower levels of opacification (senile cataracts). Trends in the new data are consistent with the cataractogenic patterns observed for other groups of monkeys that were exposed at similar ages in 1964 and 1965 to protons of different energies, and which we began to monitor only 20-21 years later. Therefore, the new information from the mixed-energy group of monkeys provides insight into the development of late cataractogenic sequelae in the other groups of animals during the 2-3 years before we began to measure them. Comparisons are also made here among recent results from the different groups of primates and from New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits that were exposed when young to 56Fe ions and monitored continuously thereafter. This is done because analogous expression of radiation-induced degenerative cataractogenesis also occurs late in the lifespan of the lagomorphs (control median lifespan in captivity approximately 5-7 years), but in this case the cataractogenic profile has been documented through most of the post-irradiation lifespan.

Ultraviolet radiation, solar dermatosis, and cutaneous neoplasia in beagle dogs

Beagle dogs that were part of a life span study of the effects of low-level ionizing radiation during development were evaluated for the incidence of skin neoplasia and solar dermatosis. A total of 991 dogs up to 14 years of age were examined. The dogs were housed in gravel-based, outdoor pens with doghouses in a high-altitude, high-sunshine level environment. Solar dermatosis was restricted to the sparsely haired, nonpigmented abdominal skin. Skin neoplasms were either removed surgically or found at necropsy. Solar dermatosis was diagnosed in 363 of the 991 dogs, an incidence of 36.6%. There were 175 hemangiomas, hemangiosarcomas, or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin in the 991 dogs. Of these, 129 tumors occurred in dogs with, and only 46 in dogs without, solar dermatosis. Of the dogs with solar dermatosis, 93 (26%) had at least one of the three tumor types, compared to only 44 (7%) of dogs without solar dermatosis. Thirty-two dogs had multiple tumor types and solar dermatosis, compared to only two dogs with multiple tumor types and no solar dermatosis. There was a highly significant correlation (P less than 0.001) between the occurrence of these tumor types and solar dermatosis in the unpigmented abdominal skin. This correlation was strongest for the malignant neoplasms. Whole-body gamma-radiation exposures were delivered at one of three prenatal or three postnatal ages up to 1 year of age. There appeared to be an increased risk for hemangiosarcomas and squamous cell carcinomas in dogs with solar dermatosis and given gamma-ray exposures at 1 year of age. This suggests an interaction between exposures to ionizing and ultraviolet radiation.

Late cataractogenesis in rhesus monkeys irradiated with protons and radiogenic cataract in other species

Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) which were irradiated at ca. 2 years of age with acute doses (less than or equal to 5 Gy) of protons (32-2300 MeV) are exhibiting the late progressive phase of radiation cataractogenesis 20-24 years after exposure, the period during which we have been monitoring the sequelae of irradiation of the lens. The median life span of the primate is approximately 24 years. Analogous late ocular changes also occur in a similar period of the lifetimes of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) exposed at 8-10 weeks of age to 460-MeV 56Fe ions. In this experiment, which has been in progress for ca. 6 years, we are following the development of radiation-induced lenticular opacification (cataractogenic profiles) throughout the life span. The median life span of the lagomorph is 5-7 years. Cataractogenic profiles for NZW rabbits irradiated with 20Ne and 40Ar ions and 60Co gamma photons were obtained previously. Reference is also made to measurements of the cataractogenic profiles of a short-lived rodent, the Fischer 344 rat (Rattus norvegicus) during the first year after exposure at 8-10 weeks of age to spread-Bragg-peak protons of 55 MeV nominal energy. The median life span of the rodent is reported to be 2-3 years.

Inhibin suppresses human chorionic gonadotropin secretion in term, but not first trimester, placenta

Inhibin is produced by the placenta, with serum concentrations rising throughout pregnancy. In contrast, hCG serum concentrations peak in the first trimester and are 80-90% lower at term. This study was designed to determine the effect of inhibin on hCG secretion both early and late in gestation. Villus tissue from 3 term and 3 first trimester (8-10 week) placentas was maintained in an in vitro explant culture model for 5 days. Tissue from each placenta was incubated with control medium in 24 replicate wells for the first 72 h. During the final 48 h, 12 wells received control medium, and 12 wells received medium containing 1% rabbit antiserum raised against the alpha-subunit (residues 1-32) of the human inhibin peptide. The antiserum demonstrated biological activity by increasing serum FSH concentrations in an immature female rat bioassay. The relative increase in hCG secretion at the conclusion of days 4 and 5 in control and antiserum-treated groups for each first trimester and term placenta were compared to pretreatment hCG concentrations on day 3. The relative increases in hCG secretion of first trimester control groups on day 4 (mean +/- SD, 34 +/- 11%) and day 5 (63 +/- 23%) were compared to those in antiserum-treated groups on day 4 (39 +/- 13%) and day 5 (54 +/- 5%) and showed no significant difference between groups on either day. The same comparison in term cultures showed the relative increases in hCG secretion of control groups on day 4 (31 +/- 10%) and day 5 (64 +/- 50%) to be significantly lower than those in antiserum-treated groups on day 4 (100 +/- 41%) and day 5 (150 +/- 108%; P less than 0.001). These findings suggest that inhibin suppresses hCG secretion in term, but not first trimester, placentas.

Transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary tract in a colony of beagle dogs

Gross and light microscopic features of transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) of the urinary tract were examined in Beagle dogs used for the study of the long-term effects of low-dose, whole-body, 60Co gamma radiation. Thirty-eight cases of TCC occurred among 990 dogs that were from 0 to 14 years of age. There was no conclusive evidence of a radiation effect. The 38 TCC were equally divided between male and female dogs, but there was a significant difference in the sex distribution of urethra-origin TCC. Eleven males had a primary urethral TCC compared to only two females. There was no significant difference between the urethra-origin and bladder-origin TCCs in the number of tumors that caused clinical signs, metastasized, or that contributed to the death of the dog. All cases of urethral TCC in male dogs occurred in the prostatic urethra. The majority of these cases were not recognized to be neoplasms at gross necropsy, but microscopic examination revealed the TCC. Our findings differ from previous reports stating that TCC occurs more frequently in female than male dogs, and they especially differ from reports claiming that urethra-origin TCC is predominantly a disease of female dogs.

The effect of perinatal 60Co gamma radiation on brain weight in beagles

Beagle dogs were given single, whole-body 60Co gamma-radiation exposures at one of three prenatal (8, 28, or 55 days postcoitus) or three postnatal (2, 70, or 365 days postpartum) ages to evaluate the relative radiosensitivity of various stages of brain development. A total of 387 dogs received mean doses ranging from 0.16 to 3.83 Gy, and 120 dogs were sham-irradiated. Groups of dogs were sacrificed at preselected times from 70 days to 11 years of age. Brain weight decreased significantly with increasing dose in dogs irradiated at 28 or 55 days postcoitus or at 2 days postpartum. Irradiations at 28 days postcoitus were dramatically more effective in causing a reduction in brain weight than those at 55 days postcoitus or 2 days postpartum. Among dogs given 1.0 Gy or more and followed for up to 4 years, there was a radiation effect evident at all three sensitive exposure ages. Among dogs given lower doses and followed for up to 11 years, there was a significant decrease in brain weight in dogs given 0.80-0.88 Gy at 28 days postcoitus. All decreases in brain weight were present after normalization for radiation-induced reductions in skeletal (body) size. No specific morphologic changes were noted in the brains which showed the radiation-related reductions in size.

Hypodontia in the beagle after perinatal whole-body 60Co gamma irradiation

As part of a long-term study to evaluate health effects of pre- and postnatal irradiation, dental development was examined. Beagles were irradiated in utero at 8, 28, or 55 days postcoitus or postnatally at 2, 70, or 365 days postpartum. Whole-body 60Co gamma radiation doses ranged from 0 to 3.8 Gy. There was an age-dependent dose-related increase in premolar hypodontia for animals irradiated at 55 days postcoitus or 2 days postpartum with doses of 0.83 Gy or higher and for those irradiated at 28 days postcoitus with 1.2 Gy or higher.

The relationship of stride characteristics to pain before and after total knee arthroplasty

The relationship between the changes in stride characteristics and the changes in pain that occurred before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were examined in 18 patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. The patients were observed after either bilateral or unilateral TKA. Measurements of stride characteristics by footswitch analysis and assessments of pain by visual analog scale were performed preoperatively and at five months and at 13 months postoperatively. Stride characteristics improved and pain diminished after surgery. Improvements, from preoperative to five months postoperative, were noted in seven of eight stride characteristics. The improvements in velocity and stride length were related to the decreases in pain over that period. Improvements from five months to 13 months postoperative were independent of the decrease in pain over that period and independent of the increase in active knee flexion angle. When evaluating stride characteristics after TKA, it is necessary to consider the effect of pain relief and to monitor the patient's ambulatory progress after pain diminishes.

Late cataractogenesis caused by particulate radiations and photons in long-lived mammalian species

Radiation cataractogenesis induced by small acute doses of particulate radiations and photons in the New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the beagle dog (Canis familiaris) and the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is discussed in the context of the use of animal models to assess the radiation hazards faced by humans during lengthy sojourns in deep space. Attention is paid to: 1) the importance of lifespan studies with long-lived species--the above animals have median lifespans in captivity of 5-7, 13-14 and approximately 25 years, respectively; 2) the magnitudes of possible dose thresholds for cataractogenesis from sparsely ionizing radiations and the modifications of those thresholds by the late degenerative phase of the phenomenon.

A method for predicting steady-state rate of skin penetration in vivo

A simple in vivo method was proposed for predicting the steady-state rate of penetration of drugs across the stratum corneum. Both the diffusion coefficient and the partition coefficient in the stratum corneum can be determined by the amounts of drug in the stratum corneum at two time intervals under transient conditions after transdermal drug application. The amount of drug entering the stratum corneum is determined by 20 strippings with an adhesive tape. The steady-state rate of penetration was then calculated for the thickness of the stratum corneum and the concentration of the donor solution. The steady-state rates of penetration of ascorbic acid and estradiol across hairless mouse skin were evaluated from this in vivo approach and compared with those obtained from in vitro penetration experiment using excised hairless mouse skin. The data confirmed that the proposed in vivo method can predict the steady-state rate of penetration of these drugs across the stratum corneum in normal skin.

Health effects of low-level irradiation during development: experimental design and prenatal and early neonatal mortality in beagles exposed to 60Co gamma rays

As part of a long-term study of the effects of irradiation during development, prenatal and early neonatal mortality were evaluated for beagles exposed in utero at 8 days postcoitus (dpc), 28 dpc, 55 dpc, or 2 days postpartum. Mean doses used were 0,0.16, or 0.83 Gy. A decrease in whelping rates was observed for female breeders irradiated at 8 dpc. There was a significant decrease in litter sizes from female breeders irradiated at 8 and 28 dpc. Both of these findings are indicative of increased embryonic mortality. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of females born after exposures given at 28 dpc, indicating a differential radiosensitivity by sex. A significant increase in early neonatal mortality up to 14 days of age was observed for beagles exposed 8 or 28 dpc, again with an excess mortality in females.

Retinal dysplasia and progressive atrophy in dogs irradiated during ocular development

Beagle dogs were given a single, whole-body gamma-radiation exposure at various stages during ocular development and were evaluated for the presence of ocular lesions. Dogs were exposed during middle or late pregnancy at 28 or 55 days postcoitus (dpc) or as neonates at 2 days postpartum (dpp). Mean whole-body and ocular doses ranged from 1.0 to 3.8 Gy. Dogs were sacrificed and ocular lesions were evaluated at 70 days, 2 years, or 4 years of age. Retinal dysplasias and atrophy were the most striking lesions related to radiation exposure. These lesions were bilateral and focal to diffuse in nature, and they increased in severity with increasing radiation dose. The stage of development at irradiation had a marked effect on the distribution of retinal lesions, with the most severe changes being present in that portion of the retina undergoing differentiation at the time of the insult. In dogs sacrificed at 70 days of age the lesions were primarily dysplasias consisting of ectopic nuclear aggregates in the photoreceptor layer, retinal folds, and retinal rosettes. With increasing age (up to 4 years), there appeared to be progression of the extent of the clinically evident lesions, and there was a change in the nature of the lesions from dysplasia to atrophy. This was accompanied by marked attenuation of the retinal vasculature.

Isolation of a novel O-linked, sulfated polysaccharide of high molecular weight from an ovarian cyst glycoprotein having blood group "A" activity

Treatment of a blood group A-active ovarian cyst mucin glycoprotein with alkaline borohydride under conditions expected to cleave O-glycosidic linkages between carbohydrate and peptide releases a sulfated polysaccharide of average molecular weight 20,000. Its peptide and mannose content is less than 1%, and carbohydrate analysis gives Fuc/GalNAc/Gal/GlcNAc in the ratio of 1:1:2.2:2.2. Galactosaminitol is recovered at the level of one residue per 112-residue average polysaccharide chain. The 13C- and 1H-NMR spectra show that the polysaccharide has side chains whose non-reducing terminals have the blood group A structure on a type 1 chain: (Formula: see text). Methylation analysis confirms the presence of these blood group A type 1 sidechains as well as 4-substituted GlcNAc, 3-substituted galactose and 3,6-substituted galactose branch points. Periodate oxidation removes all the fucose and GalNAc from the non-reducing terminal but leaves intact the backbone composed of beta-linked Gal and GlcNAc, as would be expected for a polylactosamine. Although the native polysaccharide is resistant to endo-beta-galactosidase digestion, the product of periodate degradation is partially digested, giving a 30% yield of a trisaccharide shown by 1H-NMR spectroscopy to be: Gal(beta 1----3)GlcNAc(beta 1----3)Gal We conclude that this is a high molecular weight sulfated polysaccharide which is related to the asparagine-linked polylactosamine chains of cell surface glycoproteins which have been implicated in cell differentiation. However, the blood group A polysaccharide from the ovarian cyst mucin is unique in several respects. It is linked to the protein by an O-glycosidic bond rather than the N-asparagine linkage of the previously known polylactosamines which have a trimannosyl core, and its blood group A side chains are on a type 1 core rather than type 2 which is found on other polylactosamines.

Prevention of meningitis in a day-care center: management of an outbreak of Haemophilus influenzae type b

The care of infants and toddlers in nursery school and day-care centers in increasingly large numbers over the past decade poses special problems with respect to communicable disease control. This age group is particularly susceptible to those infectious agents (bacterial, viral, and parasitic) spread by close personal contact. This study describes an outbreak of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in a large nursery school in Westchester County, New York. Organized efforts to control the outbreak through recommendation of rifampin prophylaxis were undertaken and evaluated. Compliance following the first case of meningitis was unacceptably low (45% of children and 33% of staff). Following the second case, however, compliance rose to 90% among child attendees and 79% among staff. Recommended procedures for implementation of control measures are described.

Investigation by syringe method of effect of tampons on production in vitro of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 by Staphylococcus aureus

A syringe method was designed to test the effect of tampons on the growth of three toxic shock syndrome-associated strains of Staphylococcus aureus and their in vitro production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) under different conditions. Various amounts of TSST-1 were recovered from different tampons inoculated with these strains. Generally, the addition of 10% porcine blood to the growth medium, incubation in the presence of 5% CO2, or the combination of these two factors resulted in the stimulation of TSST-1 production.

Neoplasms in young dogs after perinatal irradiation

For a study of the life-time effects of irradiation during development, 1,680 beagles were given single, whole-body exposures to 60Co gamma-radiation at one of three prenatal (preimplantation, embryonic, and fetal) or at one of three postnatal (neonatal, juvenile, and young adult) ages. Mean doses were 0, 0.16, or 0.83 Gy. For comparison with data on childhood cancer after prenatal irradiation, examination was made of tumors occurring in young dogs in this life-span experiment. Up to 4 years of age, 18 dogs had neoplasms diagnosed, 2 of these being in controls. Four dogs that were irradiated in the perinatal (late fetal or neonatal) period died of cancers prior to 2 years of age. This risk was of significant increase compared to the risks for other experimental groups and for the canine population in general. Overall, 71% (5 of 7) of all cancers and 56% (10 of 18) of all benign and malignant neoplasms seen in the first 4 years of life occurred in 29% (480 of 1,680) of the dogs irradiated in the perinatal period. These data suggest an increased risk for neoplasia after perinatal irradiation in dogs.

Lyme disease: epidemiologic characteristics of an outbreak in Westchester County, NY

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 210 cases of Lyme disease in Westchester County, New York, reported during 1982 and 1983 are described. Most cases occurred during summer months in individuals under age 40 (male: female ratio 1:2 to 1). Symptoms included skin rash (75 per cent), joint pain or swelling (50 per cent), Bell's palsy (11 per cent), and aseptic meningitis (3 per cent). With greater public and medical awareness of this tick-borne disease, Lyme disease is being recognized with increasing frequency characteristic of an emerging epidemic in Westchester County.

Cataractogenic potential of ionizing radiations in animal models that simulate man

Aspects of experiments on radiation-induced lenticular opacification during the life spans of two animal models, the New Zealand white rabbit and the rhesus monkey, are compared and contrasted with published results from a life span study of another animal model, the beagle dog, and the most recent data from the ongoing study of the survivors from radiation exposure at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. An important connection among the three animal studies is that all the measurements of cataract indices were made by one of the authors (A.C.L.), so variation form personal subjectivity was reduced to a minimum. The primary objective of the rabbit experiments (radiations involved: 56Fe, 40Ar and 20Ne ions and 60Co gamma photons) is an evaluation of hazards to astronauts from galactic particulate radiations. An analogous evaluation of hazards from solar flares during space flight is being made with monkeys exposed to 32, 55, 138 and 400 MeV protons. Conclusions are drawn about the proper use of animal models to simulate radiation responses in man and the levels of radiation-induced lenticular opacification that pose risks to man in space.

The identification of peptide sequences of human chorionic gonadotropin containing a conformational epitope

A series of overlapping peptides were synthesized representing the entire amino acid sequence of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and these were reacted with a monoclonal antibody shown to be specific for hCG. One linear peptide (residues 40-52 of the sequence) reacted significantly with the monoclonal antibody but a conjugate of this peptide to diphtheria toxoid (DT) failed to elicit significant levels of antibodies reactive to hCG in rabbits. The subsequent preparation of an extended peptide (residues 38-57) in which the two cysteines were oxidized to form a loop peptide yielded a highly immunogenic antigen when conjugated to DT. Antibody levels reactive with hCG from loop peptide immunizations of rabbits exceeded those found after immunization with a 37 residue peptide representing the carboxyl terminus of the beta-hCG subunit. The antisera did not react with pituitary glycoprotein hormones with similar sequences.

Spontaneous occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus mutants with different pigmentation and ability to produce toxic shock syndrome toxin 1

Spontaneous mutants that have pigmentation different than that of their parents were isolated from three Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with toxic shock syndrome. These mutants produced toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in amounts varying from less than 0.05 to greater than 25 times that produced by the parents. The occurrence of nonpigmented variants may be overlooked if only one isolate from a patient with toxic shock syndrome is selected for analysis.

Non-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies to human chorionic gonadotropin generated after immunization with a synthetic peptide

Noncross-reactive monoclonal antibodies specific for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were obtained after pre-selection for submolecular specificity with a synthetic peptide immunogen. Mice were immunized with a synthetic peptide representing a segment unique to the beta-subunit of hCG (amino acid residues 109-145), conjugated to diphtheria toxoid. We then derived nine different hybridomas that secreted monoclonal antibodies reactive with both native hCG and isolated C-terminal peptide, after somatic cell hybridization of immune spleen cells with a nonsecretory myeloma cell line. None of the nine monoclonal antibodies, termed beta-hCG-CTPa1----a9, reacted with hLH, hFSH, or hTSH, although these pituitary hormones display extensive amino acid sequence homology with hCG. The noncross-reactive anti-beta-hCG monoclonal antibodies show apparent association constants on the order of 10(9) to 10(10) M-1. A sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was set up with cut-off values of around 5 mIU/ml. These antibodies might have important implications for: a) improving the diagnosis and clinical management of pregnancy; b) monitoring the course of development of carcinomas which secrete the hormone, through in vitro assays or in vivo radioimmunodetection; c) evaluating the antibodies' therapeutic potential against such carcinomas; d) studying the biologic functions of the C-terminal segment of beta-hCG; and e) addressing the anti-fertility effect of antibodies raised against that segment.

Non-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies to human chorionic gonadotropin generated after immunization with a synthetic peptide

Noncross-reactive monoclonal antibodies specific for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were obtained after pre-selection for submolecular specificity with a synthetic peptide immunogen. Mice were immunized with a synthetic peptide representing a segment unique to the beta-subunit of hCG (amino acid residues 109-145), conjugated to diphtheria toxoid. We then derived nine different hybridomas that secreted monoclonal antibodies reactive with both native hCG and isolated C-terminal peptide, after somatic cell hybridization of immune spleen cells with a nonsecretory myeloma cell line. None of the nine monoclonal antibodies, termed beta-hCG-CTPa1----a9, reacted with hLH, hFSH, or hTSH, although these pituitary hormones display extensive amino acid sequence homology with hCG. The noncross-reactive anti-beta-hCG monoclonal antibodies show apparent association constants on the order of 10(9) to 10(10) M-1. A sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was set up with cut-off values of around 5 mIU/ml. These antibodies might have important implications for: a) improving the diagnosis and clinical management of pregnancy; b) monitoring the course of development of carcinomas which secrete the hormone, through in vitro assays or in vivo radioimmunodetection; c) evaluating the antibodies' therapeutic potential against such carcinomas; d) studying the biologic functions of the C-terminal segment of beta-hCG; and e) addressing the anti-fertility effect of antibodies raised against that segment.

Late effects from particulate radiations in primate and rabbit tissues

Optic tissues in groups of New Zealand white rabbits were irradiated locally at different stages throughout the median life span of the species with a single dose (9 Gy) of 425 MeV/amu Ne ions (LET infinity approximately 30 keV/micrometer) and then inspected routinely for the progression of radiation cataracts. The level of early cataracts was found to be highest in the youngest group of animals irradiated (8 weeks old), but both the onset of late cataracts and loss of vision occurred earlier when animals were irradiated during the second half of the median life span. This age response can have serious implications in terms of space radiation hazards to man. Rhesus monkeys that had been subjected to whole-body skin irradiation (2.8 and 5.6 Gy) by 32 MeV protons (range in tissue approximately 1 cm) some twenty years previously were analysed for radiation damage by the propagation of skin fibroblasts in primary cultures. Such propagation from skin biopsies in MEM-alpha medium (serial cultivation) or in supplemented Ham's F-10 medium (cultivation without dilution) revealed late damage in the stem (precursor) cells of the skins of the animals. The proton fluxes employed in this experiment are representative of those occurring in major solar flares.

Brain damage in the epileptic beagle dog

Brain lesions associated with seizures in an epilepsy-prone colony of beagle dogs were studied in 68 dogs which died as a result of the disorder. Approximately 48.5% of the dogs had a relatively specific pattern of acute brain damage on microscopic examination. In all affected areas, there was a triad of lesions consisting of perineuronal and perivascular astrocytic swelling, perineuronal basophilic incrustations, and ischemic cell change in neurons. The most common areas of involvement were the cerebral cortex, basal nuclei, claustrum, amygdala, septal nuclei, dorsal thalamic nuclei, isthmus of the pyriform lobe, and hippocampus. The cerebellum was affected only rarely. In addition, intraneuronal inclusions identical to Lafora's bodies found in myoclonus epilepsy of man were detected in thalamic nuclei of six dogs.

Cataractogenesis from high-LET radiation and the Casarett model

Space radiations, especially heavy ions, constitute significant hazards to astronauts. These hazards will increase as space missions lengthen. Moreover, the dangers to astronauts will be enhanced by the persistence, or even the progression, of biological damage throughout their subsequent life spans. To assist in the assessment of risks to astronauts, we are investigating the long-term effects of heavy ions on specific animal tissues. In one study, the eyes of rabbits of various ages were exposed to a single dose of Bragg plateau 20Ne ions (LET infinity approximately equals 30 keV/micrometer). The development of cataracts has shown a pronounced age-related response during the first year after irradiation, and will be followed for two more years. In other studies, mice were exposed to single or fractionated doses of 12C ions (4-cm spread-out Bragg peak; dose-averaged LET infinity = 70-80 keV/micrometer) or 60Co gamma-photons (LET infinity = 0.3 keV/micrometer). Measurements of the frequency of posterior lens opacification have shown that the tissue sparing observed with dose fractionation of gamma-photons was absent when 12C-ion doses were fractionated. Development of posterior lens cataracts was also followed for long periods (up to 21 months) in mice exposed to single doses of Bragg plateau HZE particles (40Ar, 20Ne and 12C ions: LET infinity approximately equals 100, 30 and 10 keV/micrometer, respectively) or 225 kVp X-rays. Based on average cataract levels at the different observation times, the RBE's (RBE = relative biological effectiveness) for the ions were circa 5, 3 and 1-2, respectively, over the range of doses used (0.05-0.9 Gy). Investigations of cataractogenesis are useful for exploring the model of radiation damage proposed by Casarett and by Rubin and Casarett with a tissue not connected directly to the vasculature.

Effects of heavy ions on rabbit tissues: damage to the forebrain

As part of a study of progressive radiation effects in normal tissues, the forebrains of New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (about 6 weeks old) were irradiated locally with single acute doses of 60Co gamma-photons (LET infinity = 0.3 keV/micron), Ne ions (LET infinity = 35 +/- 3 keV/microns) or Ar ions (LET infinity = 90 +/- 5 keV/microns). Other rabbits received fractionated doses of 60Co gamma-photons according to a standard radiotherapeutic protocol. Irradiated rabbits and appropriately aged controls were sacrificed at selected intervals, and whole sagittal sections of their brains were examined for pathological changes. Forebrain damage was scored with subjective indices based on histological differences between the anterior (irradiated) and posterior (unirradiated) regions of the brain. Those indices ranged from zero (no apparent damage) to five (severe infarctions, etc.). At intermediate levels of forebrain damage, the relative biological effectiveness (r.b.e.) of each heavy ion was similar to that found for alopecia and cataractogenesis, and the early expression of the damage was also accelerated as the LET infinity increased. Late deterioration of the forebrain appeared also to be accelerated by increasing LET infinity, although its accurate quantification was not possible because other priorities in the overall experimental design limited systematic sacrifice of the animals.

A case of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis responding to oxymetholone

A 63-year-old man presented with fever, easy bruisability, splenomegaly and pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration was unsuccessful, and marrow biopsy revealed crowding by sheets of mononuclear cells; a diagnosis of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE) was made and the patient underwent splenectomy. There was no hematologic improvement, and the patient continued to have a significant requirement for erythrocytes and platelet transfusions. Within two months of beginning oxymetholone therapy (50 mg orally three times a day) the patient's platelet count had normalized, followed by improved erythrocyte and leukocyte counts. When the drug was discontinued, the peripheral blood counts deteriorated drastically; he again demonstrated hematologic improvement when oxymetholone therapy was reinstated. We feel that by demonstrating a hematologic response to oxymetholone, relapse when it was withdrawn, and another remission upon readministration, that we have provided stronger evidence than previously reported for the efficacy of this drug in LRE.

An enterotoxin-like protein in Staphylococcus aureus strains from patients with toxic shock syndrome

An enterotoxin-like protein, tentatively labeled enterotoxin F, was isolated from Staphylococcus aureus strains taken from patients with toxic shock syndrome. Antibodies specific for enterotoxin F were prepared in rabbits. Use of these antibodies showed that 130 (91.5%) of 142 S. aureus strains from patients with toxic shock syndrome produced enterotoxin F. Strains from toxic shock patients in eight other countries were identified as enterotoxin F producers. Only a small number of S. aureus strains from sources other than patients with toxic shock syndrome were found to produce enterotoxin F. Twenty-one of 111 controls had low antibody titers (less than 1:100) to enterotoxin F whereas 86 of 92 toxic shock patients had low acute phase antibody titers (less than 1:100) to enterotoxin F. Eight of 52 patients had serum conversion as shown by an increase in antibody titer to enterotoxin F in sera taken 21 to 60 days after onset of the illness. It may be possible to identify persons susceptible to toxic shock syndrome by measuring their antibody titer to enterotoxin F.

Effects of heavy ions on rabbit tissues: cataractogenesis

As part of an investigation of the responses of optic and proximate tissues to heavy-ion irradiation, the lenses of New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to the Bragg plateau regions of 530 MeV/amu Ar ions and 365 MeV/amu Ne ions and also to 60Co gamma-photons. The linear energy transfers (LET infinity s) for the radiations were 90 +/- 5, 35 +/- 3, and 0.3 keV/micrometer, respectively. After irradiation, lenticular opacities were monitored through their incipient and/or clinical stages (less than or equal to 5 years) by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and scored with subjective, but well-defined, indices. Cataractogenesis, which progressed according to the model proposed by Rubin and Casarett (1968), was modified by radiation quality in the following ways. (1) The rate of development of the early (acute) stage increased with the LET infinity of the incident radiation; (2) at the intermediate (plateau) stage, the values for the relative biological effectiveness (r.b.e.) of the heavy ions were similar to those reported for proliferating cells in culture; (3) for a given intermediate level, the onset of late cataractogenesis occurred earlier the higher the LET affinity of the radiation involved. As with alopecia, the r.b.e.s for cataractogenesis varied with post-irradiation time.

Antifertility effects of immunization of female baboons with C-terminal peptides of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin

Fifteen adult female baboons were immunized with a conjugate of tetanus toxoid coupled with a synthetic carboxy-terminal peptide of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin and another 15 were immunized with tetanus toxoid. Freund's complete adjuvant was used in all immunizations. All females were placed with males of proven fertility during the third menstrual cycle after the primary immunization and those not sustaining pregnancy were mated in two additional consecutive cycles. Four pregnancies occurred following 42 matings in the conjugate-immunized group and 15 pregnancies resulted from 21 matings in the tetanus toxoid-immunized animals. Low levels of antibodies reactive to baboon chorionic gonadotropin were found in the pregnant animals in the conjugate-immunized group.

Characterization of solubilized microvillous membrane proteins and glycoproteins from human placental syncytiotrophoblast

Microvillous membrane fractions from human term placentae were prepared by differential centrifugation. Extration of membranes with PBS-EDTA or KCI removed soluble cytoplasmic components and serum proteins excepting trace amounts of albumin and transferrin. PAGE-SDS revealed 11 components in the Triton solubilized crude fraction after PBS-EDTA extraction. Membrane components solubilized with Triton were not fractionated by gel filtration on Bio-Gel A-50 m but DEAE-cellulose chromatography partially resolved these components. Three fractions were obtained by stepwise elution of absorbed materials using increasing concentrations of NaCl in the equilibrating buffer. These fractions were characterized using SDS-PAGE. The material unabsorbed to the DEAE contained two components of small molecular weight and one of them showed a positive PAS stain. The first eluted protein peak showed nine components, seven of which stained with PAS. The bulk of glycoproteins with molecular weights greater than 130 000 daltons were found in this fraction. The second eluted peak from DEAE was rich in components with molecular weights less than 42 000 daltons. Four components in this fraction were not identified in the other two ion-exchange fractions. Bands representing mobilities of albumin, transferrin and alkaline phosphatase were observed in DEAE-cellulose fractions; however, 12 components of unknown structure were revealed.

Isolation of specific and common antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins B, C1, and C2

Staphylococcal enterotoxins C1 and C2 elicit the production of antibodies in rabbits that give precipitin reactions with both toxins and gel diffusion plates. These enterotoxins also elicit the production of antibodies that are specific for each of the enterotoxins. Enterotoxin B elicits the production of antibodies in some rabbits that react with enterotoxins B, C1, and C2 in gel diffusion plates and in radioimmunoassay. Antibodies specific for enterotoxin B are produced also. Enterotoxin C1 elicits the production of antibodies that cross-react weakly with enterotoxin B, indicating that the antigenic sites involved in the cross-reactions are not identical in the two toxins. The antibodies have been isolated by affinity chromatography.

Tumor and tumor-like lesions of perilimbal conjunctiva in laboratory dogs

Review of records of 1,680 research colony Beagles revealed proliferative and neoplastic lesions in the nasal or temporal limbal conjunctiva of 8 male and 6 famale dogs. The mean age at observation was 5.2 years. The lesions ranged from acanthosis and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctival epithelium to vascular ectasia, hemangioma, and invasive hemangiosarcoma of the underlying lamina propria. The lesions developed under circumstances that suggested solar radiation was involved in the pathogenesis.

Echocardiographic assessment of normal and abnormal valvular function in Beagle dogs

Echocardiograms were obtained from 5 young Beagles (4 to 5 years of age) and from 4 old Beagles (12 to 14 years of age). Ultrasound surface transducers and esophageal transducers were used on all animals during anesthesia. Triplicate studies were performed on the 5 young Beagles over a 2-week period. The left atrioventricular valve and aortic root were identified by both procedures, whereas the right atrioventricular valve dynamics could be viewed with difficulty by the transcutaneous approach. Suitable recordings of the pulmonary valve were not obtainable with either technique. Abnormal left atrioventricular valve dynamics, characterized by a decreased closing velocity of the left atrioventricular septal cusp and increased valve thickness, were observed in 2 of the 4 aged dogs, using echocardiography. Excellent correlation between the 2 methods was evident, and minimal variation in results from one recording session to another occurred.

Isolation of specific and common antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E by affinity chromatography

Specific and common antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E (SEA and SEE) were isolated from anti-SEA and anti-SEE antisera by affinity chromatography. Anti-SEA and anti-SEE antisera were passed through a column with the cross-reacting enterotoxin coupled to a CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B matrix. Specifically bound common antibodies were eluted with NaSCN. The isolated specific antibodies reacted only with the homologous enterotoxin, whereas the common antibodies gave a reaction of identify with both enterotoxins in double gel diffusion plates. The common antibodies had a higher titer against SEE than against SEA. The significance of the isolation of antibodies common to two separate protein molecules is discussed.