No association between the PTGS2/PLA2G4A locus and schizophrenia in a Chinese population

The present study was undertaken to replicate an association between the PTGS2/PLA2G4A locus and schizophrenia among a Chinese population. We recruited 168 Chinese parent-offspring trios of Han descent, consisting of fathers, mothers and affected offspring with schizophrenia. Of 3 informative SNPs genotyped, no one showed allelic association with schizophrenia; the haplotype analysis also failed to capture a haplotypic association with the illness. Because the frequencies of alleles and genotypes of SNPs analyzed differ in the Chinese population as compared with a British population that initially showed the genetic association between the PTGS2/PLA2G4A locus and schizophrenia, the ethnic background may be a major reason for poor replication of the initial finding.

Influence of FK506, Cyclosporin A, Testosterone and Nimodipine on Motoneuron Survival Following Axotomy

Injury to immature motoneurons results in extensive nerve cell death. Avulsion injury in adult animals has a similar effect. Rescuing injured neurons from degeneration and death is a prerequisite for succesful functional recovery. Here, we have explored the possible survival promoting effect of the immunosuppressant agents FK506 and cyclosporin A, the calcium channel blocker nimodipine as well testosterone on axotomized neonatal facial motoneurons. In addition, we examined the effect of cyclosporin A and Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, on survival of adult motoneurons following hypoglossal nerve avulsion. FK506 and cyclosporin A were administered intraperitoneally, testosterone intramuscularly and Nimodipine via the food. After the appropriate postoperative survival periods, the number of surviving facial or hypoglossal motoneurons respectively was calculated. FK506 and Cyclosporin A were found to enhance facial motoneuron survival following neonatal axotomy. Cyclosporin A and Nimodipine were found to promote motoneuron survival in adult rats after hypoglossal nerve avulsion. Nimodipine possibly also reduced motoneuron death in neonatal rats twenty-one days after facial nerve transsection, but failed to rescue motoneurons in neonatal rats during the first seven days after nerve injury. Treatment with testosterone was ineffective in preventing neonatal facial motoneurons from axotomy-induced death at seven days postaxotomy. The restults indicate that motoneuron degeneration can be counteracted to a large extent by immunosuppressant agents as well as by calcium channel blockers. Taken together with findings form previous studies, we conclude that motoneuron survival following axotomy can be promoted by a variety of endogenous and exogenous molecules acting on different cellular mechanisms.

Identification of a non-S RNase, a possible ancestral form of S-RNases, in Prunus

This study identifies and characterizes a basic non-S RNase in the styles with stigmas of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), a member of the Rosaceae subfamily Amygdaloideae, which has an RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility system. Internal sequences of putative non-S RNases (RNase PA1 and PA2) were determined, and a cDNA for PA1 was obtained. The deduced amino acid sequence of PA1 contained two conserved sequence motifs essential for T2/ S-type RNase activity. PA1 shows 20-30% sequence identity to S-RNases of Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Scrophulariaceae, and non-S RNases of higher plants. Transcription of the PA1 gene was specific to the styles with stigmas, and the gene was not expressed in other tissues. Although PA1 resembles RNase X2, a non-S RNase from Petunia inflata, the placement of PA1 and RNase X2 in the phylogenetic tree was quite different. Placement of PA1 was also distinct from that of rosaceous S-RNases, while RNase X2 was incorporated in the clade of S-RNases from the Solanaceae. The sole intron in the PA1 gene is located at a position equivalent to that of the second intron of amygdaloid S-RNase genes, and that of the only intron in most other S-RNase genes. Genomic Southern analysis revealed the presence of sequences homologous to PA1 in all of the other four Prunus species tested, suggesting that PA1 has an important physiological function. The significance of the discovery of PA1 is discussed in terms of the origin and evolution of S-RNases and self-incompatibility in Rosaceae.

A gain-control model relating nulling results to the duration of dynamic motion aftereffects

Strength of the motion aftereffect (MAE) is most often quantified by its duration, a high-variance and rather 'subjective' measure. With the help of an automatic gain-control model we quantitatively relate nulling-thresholds, adaptation strength, direction discrimination threshold, and duration of the dynamic MAE (dMAE). This shows how the nulling threshold, a more objective two-alternative forced-choice measure, relates to the same system property as MAE-durations. Two psychophysical experiments to test the model use moving random-pixel-arrays with an adjustable luminance signal-to-noise ratio. We measure MAE-duration as a function of adaptation strength and compare the results to the model prediction. We then do the same for nulling-thresholds. Model predictions are strongly supported by the psychophysical findings. In a third experiment we test formulae coupling nulling threshold, MAE-duration, and direction-discrimination thresholds, by measuring these quantities as a function of speed. For the medium-to-high speed range of these experiments we found that nulling thresholds increase and dMAE-durations decrease about linearly, whereas direction discrimination thresholds increase exponentially with speed. The model description then suggests that the motion-gain decreases, while the noise-gain and model's threshold increase with speed.

Inheritance of S(f)-RNase in Japanese apricot ( Prunus mume) and its relation to self-compatibility

Self-compatible cultivars of Japanese apricot ( Prunus mume Shieb. et Zucc.), a tree species that normally shows S-RNase-based self-incompatiblity, have a horticultural advantage over self-incompatible cultivars. Inheritance of self-compatibility and a common S(f)-RNase allele that is observed in self-compatible cultivars was investigated using progenies from controlled crosses. Total DNAs were isolated from the parents and progenies of seven crosses that included at least one self-compatible cultivar as a parent. These DNAs were PCR-amplified with the Pru-C2 and PCE-R primer pair to determine S-haplotypes of the parents and progenies. A novel S-haplotype, S(8), was found. In all crosses examined, the S(f)-RNase gene was inherited from either the seed or pollen parent as a pistil S-allele in a non-functional S-haplotype. Self-compatibility of about 20 trees each from reciprocal crosses of 'Benisashi ( S(7) S(f))' and 'Shinpeidayu ( S(3) S(f))', and 26 selections from 16 different crosses was tested by pollination and pollen-tube growth studies. Cosegregation of the S(f)-RNase allele and self-compatibility was confirmed with all but selection 1K0-26 ( S(3) S(7)). Selection 1K0-26 ( S(3) S(7)) that originated from 'Benisashi ( S(7) S(f))' x 'Koshinoume ( S(3) S(f))' appeared to be self-compatible even without the S(f)-RNase allele. The possible role of pollen- S, a presumably existing pollen component of gametophytic self-incompatibility, is discussed.

Characterization of the S-locus region of almond (Prunus dulcis): analysis of a somaclonal mutant and a cosmid contig for an S haplotype

Almond has a self-incompatibility system that is controlled by an S locus consisting of the S-RNase gene and an unidentified "pollen S gene." An almond cultivar "Jeffries," a somaclonal mutant of "Nonpareil" (S(c)S(d)), has a dysfunctional S(c) haplotype both in pistil and pollen. Immunoblot and genomic Southern blot analyses detected no S(c) haplotype-specific signal in Jeffries. Southern blot showed that Jeffries has an extra copy of the S(d) haplotype. These results indicate that at least two mutations had occurred to generate Jeffries: (1) deletion of the S(c) haplotype and (2) duplication of the S(d) haplotype. To analyze the extent of the deletion in Jeffries and gain insight into the physical limit of the S locus region, approximately 200 kbp of a cosmid contig for the S(c) haplotype was constructed. Genomic Southern blot analyses showed that the deletion in Jeffries extends beyond the region covered by the contig. Most cosmid end probes, except those near the S(c)-RNase gene, cross-hybridized with DNA fragments from different S haplotypes. This suggests that regions away from the S(c)-RNase gene can recombine between different S haplotypes, implying that the cosmid contig extends to the borders of the S locus.

Transformation of Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) with apple cDNA encoding NADP-dependent sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb. cv Jiro) was transformed with apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) cDNA encoding NADP-dependent sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH) by an Agrobacterium-mediated leaf-disc transformation system. Integration and expression of the transgene were confirmed by genomic DNA blot and immunoblot analyses. Sorbitol accumulation in five of six transgenic plants obtained was confirmed by GC-MS. The amount of sorbitol in the leaves of transgenic plants varied from 14.5 to 61.5 µmol g(-1) fr wt(-1). Sorbitol was not found in leaves of non-transformed 'Jiro' or the line PS7 that produced S6PDH protein with no S6PDH activity. Eventually, two transformed lines producing high (PS1) and medium (PS6) amounts of sorbitol, one control transformed line (PS7), and non-transformed 'Jiro' were selected and evaluated for salt-stress tolerance. Under NaCl stress, the activity of photosystem II in leaves was determined in terms of the ratio of the variable (Fv) to the maximum (Fm) fluorescence of chlorophyll. The rate of decline in Fv/Fm under NaCl stress was lower in PS1 than the other three lines, suggesting that PS1 is more tolerant to NaCl stress than the other three lines. The factors that caused enhanced salt stress tolerance in PS1 are discussed in relation to sorbitol biosynthesis and its growth.

Arg485Lys polymorphism of factor V increases the risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between genetic variation in coagulation factor V and the occurrence of coronary arterial disease (CAD).

METHODS

Unrelated 86 patients with CAD and 102 healthy controls were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) to detect variations in the entire twenty-five exons of the factor V gene.

RESULTS

Polymorphisms in exon 4 [642 G-->T (Ser156)], exon 10 [1628 G-->A (Arg485Lys)], exon 13 [4070 A-->G (His1299Arg)] and exon 16 [5380 G-->A (Val1736Met)] were documented. The study also identified a novel polymorphism in exon 2 (327 A-->G) which did not result in amino acid residue substitution. The Leiden mutation (Arg506Gln) was not detected in any of our 188 subjects. Among the 5 polymorphisms, the allele frequency of 1628 G-->A was significantly different between CAD patients and controls (0.69 vs 0.81, chi 2 = 6.908, P < 0.01). This is the first report of this finding in a Chinese population.

CONCLUSION

1628 G-->A polymorphism is associated with CAD and it may be a risk factor for CAD morbidity in the Chinese population.

[Standardization of operation monitoring and control of the clinical laboratory automation system]

Laboratory automation systems showed up in the 1980s and have been introduced to many clinical laboratories since early 1990s. Meanwhile, it was found that the difference in the specimen tube dimensions, specimen identification formats, specimen carrier transportation equipment architecture, electromechanical interfaces between the analyzers and the automation systems was preventing the systems from being introduced to a wider extent. To standardize the different interfaces and reduce the cost of laboratory automation, NCCLS and JCCLS started establishing standards for laboratory automation in 1996 and 1997 respectively. Operation monitoring and control of the laboratory automation system have been included in their activities, resulting in the publication of an NCCLS proposed standard in 1999.

[Recent trends in the standardization of laboratory automation]

Laboratory automation systems have been introduced to many clinical laboratories since early 1990s. Meanwhile, it was found that the difference in the specimen tube dimensions, specimen identification formats, specimen carrier transportation equipment architecture, electromechanical interfaces between the analyzers and the automation systems was preventing the systems from being introduced to a wider extent. To standardize the different interfaces and reduce the cost necessary for the laboratory automation, NCCLS and JCCLS started establishing standards for the laboratory automation in 1996 and 1997 respectively. NCCLS has published five proposed standards which that are expected to be approved by the end of 2000.

Differential effect of local infusion of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the raphe versus forebrain and the role of depolarization-induced release in increased extracellular serotonin

Systemic administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) elicits larger increases in serotonin (5-HT) in raphe than in forebrain sites. Because serotonergic neuronal activity is suppressed, the mechanism underlying SSRI-induced increases in extracellular 5-HT is unclear. This study determined whether local infusion of SSRIs also elicited regionally selective increases in extracellular 5-HT, and whether changes depended on serotonergic neuronal depolarization. Conventional microdialysis methods were used to measure 5-HT in dorsal raphe (DRN), median raphe, nucleus accumbens (NAcc), and frontal cortex of unanesthetized rats. During infusion of SSRIs into each site, the maximum response was an approximately 6- to 7-fold increase in 5-HT in NAcc and frontal cortex, and an approximately 20-fold increase in DRN and median raphe. The larger increase in 5-HT in raphe was confirmed using zero-net-flux microdialysis. In NAcc, baseline 5-HT was 0.7 nM, and levels increased to a maximum of 3.1 nM during infusion of the SSRI citalopram. Baseline 5-HT in DRN was greater, 1.3 nM, and increased to 12.4 nM in response to citalopram. Consistent with evidence that autoreceptor activation inhibits serotonergic neuronal discharge, SSRI infusion into DRN produced a moderate decrease in 5-HT in NAcc. However, increases in 5-HT in DRN elicited by SSRI infusion were attenuated by 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin and tetrodotoxin. These data indicate that depolarization-dependent 5-HT release was not fully inhibited during SSRI infusion into DRN. In summary, SSRIs produce larger increases in extracellular 5-HT in raphe than in forebrain sites. Increases depend in part on depolarization-induced release, which may be greater in raphe than in forebrain.

[Study on the chemical form and extraction rate of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in tea]

The content of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in the tea commonly available in China market were measured by inductivity coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The extraction rates of the six elements in tea leachate were measured. The solubilitied were 39.8% for Cr, 42.5% for Cu, 8.6% for Fe, 45.5% for Mn, 87.1% for Ni and 71.0% for Zn. The process of making tea leachate affects the elements extraction rates. The content of the microelements in tea leave extracts decreases gradually with the processing. About 80% of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn and 60% of Fe were in the first infusion of tea. Moreover, the chemical forms of six elements were determined. The ratios of organic to inorganic forms were 0.33 for Cr, 0.022 for Cu, 0.18 for Fe, 0.002 for Mn, 0.01 for Ni and 0.18 for Zn. It is concluded that the six elements from the tea infusion extracted from 5 g tea are too little to meet the recommend dietary allowance (RDA). Therefore, tea is not a rich food source of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn.

Regulation of serotonin release by GABA and excitatory amino acids

Regulation of serotonin release by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate was examined by microdialysis in unanaesthetized rats. The GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol, or the glutamate receptor agonists kainate, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolaproprionate or N-methyl-D-aspartate were infused into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) while extracellular serotonin was measured in the DRN and nucleus accumbens. Muscimol produced decreases, and the glutamate receptor agonists produced increases in serotonin. To determine if these receptors have a tonic influence on serotonergic neurons, glutamate or GABA(A) receptor antagonists were infused into the DRN. Kynurenate, a nonselective glutamate receptor blocker, produced a small, 30% decrease in serotonin. A similar decrease was obtained with combined infusion of AP-5 and DNQX into the DRN. The GABAA receptor blocker bicuculline produced an approximately three-fold increase in DRN serotonin. In conclusion, glutamate neurotransmitters have a weak tonic excitatory influence on serotonergic neurons in the rat DRN. However, the predominate influence is mediated by GABA(A) receptors.

Association of the R485K polymorphism of the factor V gene with poor response to activated protein C and increased risk of coronary artery disease in the Chinese population

Inherited predisposition to thrombosis contributes to the initiation and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study was designed to explore the relationship between genetic variation of coagulation factor V and occurrence of CAD. A total of 141 unrelated patients with CAD and 175 healthy controls were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) for variation detection in all 25 exons of the factor V gene. Among the study subjects, 55 CAD patients and 73 controls were evaluated at random for response to activated protein C (APC) by Coatest APC resistance test. Polymorphisms in exon 4, 10, 13 and 16 of factor V gene were documented [642G-->T(S156), 1628--> A(R485K), 4070A-->G(H1299R) and 5380G A(V1736M), respectively]. The study also identified a novel polymorphism 327A G in exon 2 which did not alter the amino acid residue. Leiden mutation (R506Q) was not detected in any of our 316 subjects. Among the five polymorphisms, the allele frequency of 1628G--> A was significantly different between the CAD patients and the controls (0.36 vs. 0.21, p < 0.05). Subjects homozygous or heterozygous for the A allele of 1628G-->A polymorphism had lower normalized APC ratios than those with the GG genotype in the CAD group (1.16+/-0.13 and 1.18+/-0.23 vs. 1.36+/-0.33, p <0.05) and in the controls, indicating that A(1628) allele was associated with a poor response to APC. We conclude that the 1628G-->A (R485K) polymorphism of factor V is associated with a poor response to APC and increased risk for CAD.

Study on DNA strand breaks induced by sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor, in vivo and in vitro

Nitric oxide (NO) as well as its donors has been shown to generate mutation and DNA damage in in vitro assays. The objective of this study was to identify that DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) could be elicited by NO, not only in vitro but also in vivo. The alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was performed to examine the DNA damage in g12 cells and the cells isolated from the organs of mice exposed to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). A modified method, in which neither collagenase nor trypsin was necessary, was used to prepare the single-cell suspension isolated from organs of mice. Results showed that the exposure of g12 cells to 0.13-0.5 micromol/ml SNP with S9 for 1 h induced a concentration-dependent increase in DNA SSBs in g12 cells. The significant increase in DNA migration and comet frequency has appeared in the cells isolated from the spleen, thymus, and peritoneal macrophages of mice after injecting i.p. SNP in the dosage range of 0.67-6.0 mg/kg b.wt for 1 h. However, no obvious increase in DNA strand breaks was observed in the cells isolated from the liver, kidney, lung, brain and heart obtained from the same treated mice. These results suggested that DNA SSBs could be induced by NO in some cells both in vivo and in vitro. There were organ differences in sensitivity in the mice exposed to NO. Spleen, thymus, and macrophages might be the important targets of NO.

Human growth hormone increases apo(a) expression in transgenic mice

Levels of Lp(a), an atherogenic lipoprotein that circulates in human plasma, are increased by the administration of growth hormone (GH). Many of the physiological effects of GH are mediated through insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but ironically, IGF-1 treatment of humans is associated with a fall in plasma Lp(a) levels. To glean insight into the mechanism responsible for the GH-associated increase in plasma levels of Lp(a), we administered recombinant human GH (rhGH) to mice expressing a 370-kb human genomic fragment containing the apo(a) gene, 40 kb of 5'-, and 200 kb of 3'-flanking sequence [YAC-apo(a) transgenic mice]. The plasma levels of apo(a) and hepatic levels of apo(a) mRNA rose dramatically in the post-pubertal male mice in response to rhGH treatment. To determine whether the increase in plasma apo(a) was mediated by IGF-1, we treated castrated and noncastrated YAC-apo(a) transgenic mice with a continuous infusion of IGF-1 (100 microg/d) for 2 weeks, and plasma levels of apo(a) fell by approximately 50%. Thus the effects of rhGH and IGF-1 administration on plasma levels of apo(a) in the YAC-apo(a) transgenic mice simulate those seen in humans. The coordinate changes in apo(a) mRNA and plasma levels of apo(a) in response to rhGH and IGF-1 strongly suggest that these 2 hormones have independent effects on the transcription of the apo(a) gene.

Hereditary absence of complement C5 in adult mice influences Wallerian degeneration, but not retrograde responses, following injury to peripheral nerve

We have examined the role of complement component 5 (C5) in peripheral nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration, as well as in glial and neuronal cell responses in the central nervous system (CNS). Adult congenic mice lacking C5 (C5(-)) and the corresponding normal strain (C5(+)) were used. Macrophage recruitment as well as axonal and myelin sheath elimination were delayed from 1 to 21 days postinjury in C5(-) mice compared to the C5(+) group after sciatic nerve crush. Despite this, recovery of motor function was not delayed. In the CNS, microglial cells and astrocytes responded in the same way from 3 to 21 days after sciatic nerve injury in C5(-) and C5(+) mice, and the extent of neuron death following hypoglossal nerve avulsion was the same in both groups. These findings suggest that C5 and/or its derivatives play an important role in initiating the recruitment of macrophages to the injured nerve and, probably indirectly, in early remyelination of regenerating axons, but does not influence the longterm functional restoration or axotomy-induced nerve cell death. C5-derived molecules do not appear to participate in central glial cell responses to peripheral nerve injury. These findings elucidate new aspects on the functional role of the complement system in the peripheral nervous system following peripheral nerve injury.

Glial cell responses, complement and apolipoprotein J expression following axon injury in the neonatal rat

Immature motoneurons are highly susceptible to degeneration following axon injury. The response of perineuronal glia to axon injury may significantly influence neuronal survival and axon regeneration. We have examined the central reactions to neonatal facial nerve transection with emphasis on the expression of complement component C3 (C3) and the multifunctional apolipoprotein J (ApoJ). Axotomy was performed on one-day-old rats. Animals were perfused from eight hours to two weeks after the lesion. The astroglial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was increased from one day and the microglial marker OX-42 from two days after injury. ApoJ immunoreactivity was increased in axotomized neuronal perikarya and astroglial cells from one day postaxotomy, but no C3 immunoreactive profiles were found at any postoperative survival time. Cell proliferation as judged by bromodeoxyuridine labeling and immunoreactivity for the cyclin Ki-67 antigen (antibody MIB5) occurred only at two days after injury. Double immunostaining revealed that the vast majority of proliferating cells were microglia, although occasional cells double labeled astrocytes were found as well. Our results indicate that the non-neuronal response in neonatal animals differ from that of adult ones as follows: 1) microglia transform rapidly into phagocytes in parallel with the degeneration of axotomized neurons, 2) despite the presence of neuronal degeneration, no expression of C3 was found, and the upregulation of the expression of the complement C3 receptor (CR3) is delayed, 3) ApoJ is strongly upregulated in perineuronal astrocytes as well as in the axotomized motoneurons. The marked upregulation of ApoJ in both instances suggests a general role of this protein in the neuronal response to axotomy.

Transgenic mice expressing a human apolipoprotein[a] allele

The most important determinant of plasma levels of Lp[a] are sequence differences at the highly polymorphic apolipoprotein[a] (apo[a]) locus. To define the sequences that mediate the regulation of apo[a] expression, we cloned a 370 kb DNA fragment that included a 130 kb apo[a] gene, and 40 kb 5'- and 200 kb 3'-flanking region from an individual with high plasma levels of Lp[a] using a YAC vector. This genomic clone was used to generate transgenic mice. In the YAC-apo[a] transgenic mouse, apo[a] was only expressed in the liver, as it is in humans. The mean serum level of apo[a] in 4-week-old YAC-apo[a] transgenic mice was 20 mg/dl. In the female mice the levels of apo[a] varied over a 1.5-fold range during the 4-day estrus cycle and the levels correlated directly with serum progesterone levels. The serum levels of apo[a] decreased to almost undetectable level in male mice after puberty and this decrease was reversed by castration. Ingestion of a high-fat diet resulted in a approximately 100-fold fall in hepatic apo[a] mRNA levels and >60-fold decrease in serum apo[a] levels. To delimit the control elements that mediate tissue-specific and sex hormone-responsive apo[a] transcription, we derived a reporter YAC in which 40 kb of 5' flanking sequences from the cloned apo[a] allele were linked to a luciferase reporter gene. Analysis of four independent transgenic lines revealed no hepatic luciferase expression, suggesting that important cis -acting elements located outside the apo[a] 5'-flanking region are necessary for in vivo expression of apo[a].

Cloning and characterization of cDNAs encoding S-RNases from almond (Prunus dulcis): primary structural features and sequence diversity of the S-RNases in Rosaceae

cDNAs encoding three S-RNases of almond (Prunus dulcis), which belongs to the family Rosaceae, were cloned and sequenced. The comparison of amino acid sequences between the S-RNases of almond and those of other rosaceous species showed that the amino acid sequences of the rosaceous S-RNases are highly divergent, and intra-subfamilial similarities are higher than inter-subfamilial similarities. Twelve amino acid sequences of the rosaceous S-RNases were aligned to characterize their primary structural features. In spite of their high level of diversification, the rosaceous S-RNases were found to have five conserved regions, C1, C2, C3, C5, and RC4 which is Rosaceae-specific conserved region. Many variable sites fall into one region, named RHV. RHV is located at a similar position to that of the hypervariable region a (HVa) of the solanaceous S-RNases, and is assumed to be involved in recognizing S-specificity of pollen. On the other hand, the region corresponding to another solanaceous hypervariable region (HVb) was not variable in the rosaceous S-RNases. In the phylogenetic tree of the T2/S type RNase, the rosaceous S-RNase fall into two subfamily-specific groups (Amygdaloideae and Maloideae). The results of sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis imply that the present S-RNases of Rosaceae have diverged again relatively recently, after the divergence of subfamilies.

Clinical and bacteriologic study of eighty-six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by infections

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and bacteriologic features of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by bacterial and/or fungal infections.

METHODS

Statistical analysis was made on basis of the clinical and bacteriologic data of 86 patients with SLE complicated by bacterial and/or fungal infections.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-three episodes of infections occurred in 86 patients with SLE, in which 51.13% were nosocomial infections and 76.69% occurred in the blood system, respiratory tract, lungs and urinary tract. Gram-negative bacilli, gram-positive cocci, fungal and other bacterial infections accounted for 39.85%, 31.58%, 18.80% and 9.77%, respectively. In the bacterial infections, 18.52% were caused by L-form bacteria and more than 60% of the patients had no apparent toxic manifestations. The odds ratio (OR) of infection increased significantly in patients with damaged functions of the heart, lungs and kidneys, and in those who received high-dosage steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SLE tend to develop nosocomial infections with gram-negative bacilli which are the most common pathogens. The clinical manifestations of the infection are atypical. Careful inspection and monitoring, timely collecting the specimens for L-form bacterial culture can reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of the infection.

Alteration in regulation of serotonin release in rat dorsal raphe nucleus after prolonged exposure to morphine

Regulation of serotonin (5-HT) release may be altered during the development of opioid tolerance and dependency. To test this hypothesis, changes in extracellular 5-HT during prolonged administration of morphine were determined by microdialysis in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of freely behaving rats. Morphine or placebo pellets were implanted s.c. As compared to placebo, morphine pellets induced a sustained, approximately 50% increase in DRN 5-HT and a significant elevation in hot plate latency during the 12-hr period after implantation. One week later DRN 5-HT had returned to control levels, and implanting additional morphine pellets had no effect on 5-HT or hot plate latency. One day after removing the pellets from rats exposed to morphine for 2 wk, acute challenge with morphine (20 mg/kg, s.c.) had a significantly smaller effect on 5-HT in the DRN as compared to the placebo treatment group. Administration of naltrexone to rats implanted with morphine pellets for 2 wk induced signs of withdrawal and a significant decrease in DRN 5-HT. These results suggest that the regulation of 5-HT release is altered during the development of tolerance to morphine. Thus, DRN 5-HT may be one of the factors involved in the changes in physiology and behavioral state during opioid withdrawal.

[Expression of interleukin-8 and its receptor in acute promyelocytic leukemia under all-trans retinoic acid treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of expression of interleukin-(IL-8) and its type A receptor(IL-8RA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) patients under all trans-retinoic acid(ATRA) induction.

METHODS

Serum IL-8 level of 18 APL patients were dynamically studied(ELISA). Fresh APL cells from 3 patients were cultured with ATRA(10(-6) mmol/L). Supernatant IL-8 level and IL-8RA expression on APL cells were measured by FACS.

RESULTS

In vitro, IL-8 concentrations decreased 72 hours after incubation, while IL-8RA increased. In vivo, IL-8 increased more rapidly and markedly than temperature and WBC counts did before retinoic acid syndrome(RA-S) occurred. Serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels significantly increased when the patients suffered infection, and IL-8 increased even before fever. Both IL-8 and D-dimer increased while DIC progressed.

CONCLUSION

ATRA inhibited IL-8 secretion of APL cells while increased the expression of IL-8RA. Monitoring serum IL-8 concentrations could predict the development of RA-S and infection. Increase of both IL-8 and D-dimer concentrations suggested DIC progression.

Low density lipoprotein receptor-negative mice expressing human apolipoprotein B-100 develop complex atherosclerotic lesions on a chow diet: no accentuation by apolipoprotein(a)

We have generated mice with markedly elevated plasma levels of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduced plasma levels of high density lipoprotein. These mice have no functional LDL receptors [LDLR-/-] and express a human apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) transgene [Tg(apoB+/+)] with or without an apo(a) transgene [Tg(apoa+/-)]. Twenty animals (10 males and 10 females) of each of the following four genotypes were maintained on a chow diet: (i) LDLR-/-, (ii) LDLR-/-;Tg(apoa+/-), (iii) LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+), and (iv)LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+);Tg(apo+/-). The mice were killed at 6 mo, and the percent area of the aortic intimal surface that stained positive for neutral lipid was quantified. Mean percent areas of lipid staining were not significantly different between the LDLR-/- and LDLR-/-;Tg(apoa+/-) mice (1.0 +/- 0.2% vs. 1.4 +/- 0.3%). However, the LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+) mice had approximately 15-fold greater mean lesion area than the LDLR-/- mice. No significant difference was found in percent lesion area in the LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+) mice whether or not they expressed apo(a) [18.5 +/- 2.5%, without lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), vs. 16.0 +/- 1.7%, with Lp(a)]. Histochemical analyses of the sections from the proximal aorta of LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+) mice revealed large, complex, lipid-laden atherosclerotic lesions that stained intensely with human apoB-100 antibodies. In mice expressing Lp(a), large amounts of apo(a) protein colocalized with apoB-100 in the lesions. We conclude that LDLR-/-; Tg(apoB+/+) mice exhibit accelerated atherosclerosis on a chow diet and thus provide an excellent animal model in which to study atherosclerosis. We found no evidence that apo(a) increased atherosclerosis in this animal model.

Influence of AMPA/kainate receptors on extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine in rat midbrain raphe and forebrain

1. The regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release by excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors was examined by use of microdialysis in the CNS of freely behaving rats. Extracellular 5-HT was measured in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), median raphe nucleus (MRN), nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, frontal cortex, dorsal and ventral hippocampus. 2. Local infusion of kainate produced increases in extracellular 5-HT in the DRN and MRN. Kainate infusion into forebrain sites had a less potent effect. 3. In further studies of the DRN and nucleus accumbens, kainate-induced increases in extracellular 5-HT were blocked by the EAA receptor antagonists, kynurenate and 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX). 4. The effect of infusing kainate into the DRN or nucleus accumbens was attenuated or abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX), suggesting that the increase in extracellular 5-HT is dependent on 5-HT neuronal activity. In contrast, ibotenate-induced lesion of intrinsic neurones did not attenuate the effect of infusing kainate into the nucleus accumbens. Thus, the effect of kainate in the nucleus accumbens does not depend on intrinsic neurones. 5. Infusion of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolaproprionate (AMPA) into the DRN and nucleus accumbens induced nonsignificant changes in extracellular 5-HT. Cyclothiazide and diazoxide, which attenuate receptor desensitization, greatly enhanced the effect of AMPA on 5-HT in the DRN, but not in the nucleus accumbens. 6. In conclusion, AMPA/kainate receptors regulate 5-HT in the raphe and in forebrain sites.

Identification of stylar RNases associated with gametophytic self-incompatibility in almond (Prunus dulcis)

Stylar proteins of 13 almond (Prunus dulcis) cultivars with known S-genotypes were surveyed by IEF and 2D-PAGE combined with immunoblot and N-terminal amino acid sequence analyses to identify S-RNases associated with gametophytic self-incompatibility (SI) in this plant species. RNase activities corresponding to Sa and Sb, two of the four S-alleles tested, were identified by IEF and RNase activity staining. The Sa-RNase band reacted with the anti-S4-serum prepared from Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina); no reaction with the antiserum was observed with the Sb-RNase band. When the Sa-RNase band was excised from an IEF gel stained for RNase activity, subjected to SDS-PAGE, and detected by immunoblotting, it appeared that this band consisted of a single protein that reacted with the anti-S4-serum with M(r) of about 28 kDa. With 2D-PAGE and silver staining of the stylar extracts, all four S-proteins could be successfully distinguished from each other in the highly basic zone of the gel. Although Sb-, Sc-, and Sd-proteins had roughly the same M(r) of about 30 kDa, the Sc-protein seemed to be slightly smaller than the Sb-protein and slightly larger than the Sd-protein. In 2D-PAGE profiles as well, the Sa-protein had M(r) of about 28 kDa, apparently smaller than the other three proteins. A bud sport, in which one of the two S-alleles of the original cultivar is impaired, was visualized as a loss of Sc-protein, which is consistent with the previous pollination study. All four S-proteins reacted with the anti-S4-serum, probably because of the differing conformations of these S-proteins in the IEF and 2D-PAGE gels. The Sa-protein in 2D-PAGE appeared to be identical to Sa-RNase in IEF; both had the same M(r) and were reactive with the anti-S4-serum. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the four S-proteins revealed that they were highly homologous to each other and similar to the S-RNases of Malus, Pyrus, Scrophulariaceae, and Solanaceae. Taken together, RNases in the style are strongly suggested to be associated with the gametophytic SI of almond. This is the first report identifying and characterizing S-RNase in almond.

Differential regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine release by GABAA and GABAB receptors in midbrain raphe nuclei and forebrain of rats

1. Extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was determined in dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), median raphe nucleus (MRN) and nucleus accumbens by use of microdialysis in unanaesthetized rats. 2. Infusion of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor agonist muscimol into DRN and MRN resulted in decreased 5-HT in DRN and MRN, respectively. Muscimol infusion into nucleus accumbens had no effect on 5-HT. 3. Infusion of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline into DRN resulted in increased DRN and nucleus accumbens 5-HT. Bicuculline infusion into MRN had no effect on 5-HT. This suggests that endogenous GABA had a tonic, GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory effect on 5-HT in DRN, but not in MRN. 4. Infusion of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen into DRN produced a decrease in DRN 5-HT. Baclofen infusion into nucleus accumbens resulted in decreased nucleus accumbens 5-HT. This suggests that GABAB receptors are present in the area of cell bodies and terminals of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones. 5. Infusion of the GABAB receptor antagonists phaclofen and 2-hydroxysaclofen had no effect on midbrain raphe and forebrain 5-HT. This suggests that GABAB receptors did not contribute to tonic inhibition of 5-HT release. 6. In conclusion, 5-HT release is physiologically regulated by distinct subtypes of GABA receptors in presynaptic and postsynaptic sites.

Oral administration of insulin as poly(vinyl alcohol)-gel spheres in diabetic rats

The oral administration of insulin in poly(vinyl alcohol)-gel spheres (PVA-GS), an oral dosage form with prolonged residence time in the ileum, was examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Intragastric administration of PVA-GS containing insulin and a protease inhibitor, aprotinin or bacitracin, caused a significant and prolonged reduction of blood glucose levels, suggesting insulin absorption. The bioavailability of insulin estimated from the hypoglycemic effect was about 2% in the presence of either protease inhibitor. The release profiles of insulin and the protease inhibitors from the PVA-GS could be explained by Higuchi's plot, and the rates were similar to each other. The site dependency of insulin absorption in the intestinal tract was examined by an in situ loop method. Insulin absorption estimated by plasma insulin levels was larger in the ileum and the large intestine than in the jejunum. The prolonged residence time of PVA-GS in the absorption site, the lower intestine, and the synchronous release of insulin and the protease inhibitors from the PVA-GS are the two major explanations for the improved bioavailability of insulin administered as PVA-GS containing a protease inhibitor.

Production of dodecaploid plants of Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) by colchicine treatment of protoplasts

Dodecaploid plants of Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) were obtained by colchicine treatment of protoplasts. Callus protoplasts of 'Jiro' (2n=90, x=15) were cultured in modified KM8p medium with 0.1% colchicine for 3-9 days. After colchicine treatment, they were cultured using agarose bead culture. Microcalli were recovered from the protoplasts after 3 months. Flow cytometric measurement showed that nine of 31 callus lines obtained from 6 days of colchicine treatment had twice the nuclear DNA content as non-treated controls. Plantlets were regenerated from the calli with twice the nuclear DNA content. Microscopic observation of root tip cells showed that their somatic chromosome number was 2n=180 (x=15). Compared with 'Jiro', dodecaploid plants had longer stomatal guard cells and lower stomatal densities, consistent with increased ploidy.

Differential effect of NMDA on extracellular serotonin in rat midbrain raphe and forebrain sites

The contribution of NMDA receptors to regulation of serotonin (5-HT) release was assessed by in vivo microdialysis in freely behaving rats. During infusion of NMDA (30, 100, and 300 microM) into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), 5-HT was increased by approximately 25, 100, and 280%, respectively. Competitive and noncompetitive NMDA-receptor antagonists blocked this effect on DRN 5-HT. Infusion of NMDA (300 microM) into the DRN also produced an 80% increase in extracellular 5-HT in the nucleus accumbens. During infusion of NMDA (100 and 300 microM) into the median raphe nucleus (MRN), 5-HT was increased by approximately 15 and 80%, respectively. NMDA-receptor antagonists blocked this effect on MRN 5-HT. Infusion of NMDA into the MRN also produced a significant increase in hippocampal 5-HT. In contrast, infusion of NMDA into the nucleus accumbens, frontal cortex, or hippocampus produced small decreases in 5-HT in these forebrain sites. Taken together, these results suggest that NMDA receptors in the midbrain raphe, but not the forebrain, can have an excitatory influence on 5-HT neurons and, thus, produce increased 5-HT release in the forebrain. Furthermore, in comparison with the MRN, DRN 5-HT neurons were more sensitive to the excitatory effect of NMDA.

Involvement of the dorsal raphe but not median raphe nucleus in morphine-induced increases in serotonin release in the rat forebrain

In vivo microdialysis was used to determine if morphine produces increases in extracellular serotonin in specific brain sites. With citalopram included in the dialysis solution to block reuptake, serotonin was measured in 11 brain sites of unanesthetized rats. After systemic morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.), increases in extracellular serotonin were observed in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, frontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus and ventral hippocampus. These seven areas are innervated either by dorsal raphe nucleus projections alone, or by projections from both dorsal and median raphe nucleus. In contrast, serotonin was not significantly increased in the medial septal nucleus and dorsal hippocampus. These two areas are selectively innervated by projections from the median raphe nucleus. After systemic morphine, serotonin was increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus, but not in the medial raphe nucleus. Local infusion of morphine through a microdialysis probe in the dorsal raphe nucleus induced a dose-dependent increase of serotonin in the nucleus accumbens, but not in the medial septum. In contrast, infusion of morphine into the median raphe nucleus had little effect on serotonin in either the nucleus accumbens or septum. Infusion of morphine into either the dorsal or median raphe nucleus elicited increased behavioral activity and hyperthermia. These data provide evidence that morphine acts in the area of the dorsal raphe nucleus, but not the median raphe nucleus, to enhance serotonin release in specific forebrain sites, and that the increases in serotonin in the dorsal raphe nucleus projection sites are not an indirect effect of changes in behavioral state or body temperature.

[Thoracoscopy in persistent or recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax]

To assess the value of thoracoscopy in spontaneous pneumothorax, the procedure and results of thoracoscopy by using fiberoptic bronchoscope and rigid cold-light thoracoscope in 50 patients with persistent or recurrent pneumothorax were reported. We found subpleural blebs or bullae in 35 cases and adhesions preventing lung expansion in 10 cases. The histologic diagnosis following thoracoscopic biopsy in 13 patients showed non-specific inflammation in 12 cases and tuberculosis in one case. The overall diagnostic rate was 92% (46/50). 5 cases were cured with transendoscopical Nd-YAG laser cauterisation of the blebs or bullae not exceeding 1 cm in diameter. There were no side effects after the procedure, and no recurrence was observed in a follow-up of 24 months. 40 patients were treated with intrapleural talcum power under thoracoscopic control. The postoperative complications were transient fever and chest pain and recurrence was observed in two cases only (5%) during 2-7 years of follow-up. It is concluded that thoracoscopy enables accurate assessment of the causes of pneumothorax, talc pleurodesis is a very effective method of controlling recurrent and persistent pneumothorax, and laser therapy can play an important role in selected patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Sorbitol synthesis in transgenic tobacco with apple cDNA encoding NADP-dependent sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

The apple (Malus domestica) cDNA encoding NADP-dependent sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH) was stably integrated and expressed in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. SR1). Expression of the cDNA in either a sense or antisense orientation was accomplished using cauliflower mosaic virus regulatory sequences (CaMV35S). Sorbitol synthesis was confirmed by gas-chromatography-mass-spectroscopy (GC-MS). Sorbitol concentration in the leaves of the transgenic plants expressing the sense orientation varied from 186 to 446 nmol (g fr wt)-1. The concentration positively correlates with S6PDH activity in leaves. Neither sorbitol nor S6PDH activity was detected in the extracts of nontransformed tobacco or transgenic tobacco expressing the antisense orientation. These results provide key genetic evidence that S6PDH expression is sufficient for the synthesis of sorbitol in tobacco, implicating it as a key enzyme in the sorbitol biosynthetic pathway in apple and perhaps other members of the woody Rosaceae.

Anesthetics block morphine-induced increases in serotonin release in rat CNS

The effect of morphine on serotonin (5-HT) was examined by microdialysis in unanesthetized and anesthetized rats. In unanesthetized rats, morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) produced increases in extracellular 5-HT in nucleus accumbens (n. accumbens) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), but not in the dorsal hippocampus. Similarly, extracellular 5-HT in the n. accumbens, but not the dorsal hippocampus, was increased after morphine (1 mM) was infused for 60 min by reverse dialysis into the DRN. Chloral hydrate, pentobarbital, and ketamine anesthesia had different effects on 5-HT in the n. accumbens. Chloral hydrate induced a transient increase and ketamine a sustained increase in extracellular 5-HT. Pentobarbital caused a sustained decrease. The effects of systemic and intraraphe administration of morphine were abolished by all three anesthetics. Infusion of muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, into the DRN also induced a decrease in 5-HT and abolished the effects of morphine on 5-HT in the DRN and n. accumbens. These results are consistent with other evidence suggesting that morphine-induced increases in monoamine neurotransmission are a disinhibitory effect resulting from opioid-mediated inhibition of GABA release. More conclusively, it is apparent that anesthetized animals are inappropriate for testing the effect of morphine on 5-HT neurotransmission.

Increased extracellular serotonin in rat brain after systemic or intraraphe administration of morphine

The effect of morphine on serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the CNS of unanesthetized rats was investigated by microdialysis. Morphine was administered either subcutaneously, by local perfusion into the diencephalon, or by intraraphe microinjection. Systemic administration of morphine resulted in a significant increase in both extracellular 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the diencephalon. The effect of morphine on 5-HT was dose dependent during local perfusion of the diencephalon with inhibitors of uptake or monoamine oxidase. Systemic morphine also produced significant increases in extracellular 5-HT in the striatum and hippocampus during uptake inhibition. The site of opioid effects on 5-HT was tested by locally perfusing morphine into the diencephalon. This had no effect on 5-HT or 5-HIAA. In contrast, intraraphe injection of morphine caused a dose-dependent increase in extracellular 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the diencephalon. These results suggest that systemic morphine induces an increase in 5-HT release in widespread areas of the forebrain. This appears to be due to an effect on 5-HT cell bodies and not on 5-HT nerve endings in projection sites.