Transcriptional control of SPARC by v-Jun and other members of the AP1 family of transcription factors

Transformation of chick embryo fibroblasts by the v-Jun oncoprotein correlates with a down-regulation of the extracellular matrix protein SPARC and repression of the corresponding mRNA. Alteration in SPARC expression has been repeatedly reported in human cancers of various origin, and is thought to contribute to the remodeling of the extracellular matrix during neoplastic progression. Transcriptional control of SPARC is poorly understood. We show here that (i) v-Jun-mediated repression of the endogenous SPARC gene is enhanced by Fra2 but alleviated by ATF2, Fra2 and ATF2 being the two major partners of v-Jun in the transformed cells; (ii) high basal activity as well as repression by v-Jun and modulation by Fra2 and ATF2 is restricted to a small proximal fragment (-124/+16) of the chicken SPARC promoter; (iii) the activity of this minimal promoter is modulated by all the AP1 family members known in chickens (c-Jun and JunD; c-Fos and Fra2; ATF2; c-Maf, MafA, and MafB). Taken together these data demonstrate that, at least in avian primary cells, SPARC expression is under the control of the AP1 transcription factor. Further studies with the minimal (-124/+16) promoter fragment are needed to understand how this control takes place at the molecular level.

[Culture-bound syndromes: pertinence as a diagnostic category]

Culture-bound syndromes (CBS) are supposedly confined to one specific cultural areas. These syndromes were first studied by western anthropologists and psychiatrists working overseas, and later by practitioners treating patients from societies with traditional customs and values. The latest edition of the American Psychiatry Association classification (DSM IV) includes an annex on CBS. This report gives a concise background of the process that led to the inclusion of this annex. Then using Koro (a sudden and intense fear that the genitals organs will recede into the body) as an example, a number psychopathological parallels are drawn between CBS and classic manifestations of individual and mass hysteria. The pertinence of individualizing the CBS in the psychiatric nosography including the epistemologic implications is analyzed with reference to the concepts of the French and American Schools of Anthropology. Since attitudes toward mental illness are culturally determined and subject to variation in time and space, we feel that this debate should be placed within the context of a general dialectic between etic (universality) and emic (cultural specificity) rather than a controversy on the need for an annex on CBS in the DSM IV.

Hypoglycemic effects of lactucin-8-O-methylacrylate of Parmentiera edulis fruit

Hypoglycemic activity-guided fractionation together with chemical analysis led to the isolation of one guaianolide (lactucin-8-O-methylacrylate) from the chloroform extract of the dried fruits of Parmentiera edulis. Identification was based on spectroscopic methods. The compounds lowers blood sugar levels after administration to alloxan-diabetic mice.

Bracing for loss

People find unexpected bad news aversive and often brace themselves by predicting the worst. Three experiments examined whether the pessimism is influenced by personal need. Students who differed in financial need learned that a billing error meant that some students would receive an additional bill from their university. Financially needy students were consistently pessimistic in predicting their likelihood of receiving a bill, whereas non-needy students were not. In addition, the experiments reveal that (a) the pessimism occurred for potential losses but not potential gains, (b) needy students were pessimistic about their own chances but not the chances of a friend, (c) the pessimism was not attributable to needy students' being more readily primed by the news of a possible bill or to needy students' having more experience with billing errors, and (d) the pessimism was specific to monetary losses and did not generalize to other events.

Bracing for loss

People find unexpected bad news aversive and often brace themselves by predicting the worst. Three experiments examined whether the pessimism is influenced by personal need. Students who differed in financial need learned that a billing error meant that some students would receive an additional bill from their university. Financially needy students were consistently pessimistic in predicting their likelihood of receiving a bill, whereas non-needy students were not. In addition, the experiments reveal that (a) the pessimism occurred for potential losses but not potential gains, (b) needy students were pessimistic about their own chances but not the chances of a friend, (c) the pessimism was not attributable to needy students' being more readily primed by the news of a possible bill or to needy students' having more experience with billing errors, and (d) the pessimism was specific to monetary losses and did not generalize to other events.

Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of 5, 7,3'-trihydroxy-3,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone from Brickellia veronicaefolia

Hypoglycemic activity-guided fractionation together with chemical analysis led to the isolation of one flavone (5, 7,3'-trihydroxy-3,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone) from the chloroform extract of the leaves of Brikkellia veronicaefolia. Identification was based on spectroscopic methods. The isolated flavone was tested for hypoglycemic activity in normal and alloxan-diabetic CD1 mice (25-30 g) were administered in doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight. The blood glucose levels were determined before and 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 24 hours after drug administration. The results showed that the flavone produces a significant hypoglycemic effect in normal as well as in diabetic mice. Comparison was made between the action of the flavone and a known hypoglycemic drug as tolbutamide (50 mg/kg). The flavone was found to be slow and less effective than tolbutamide.

Antiurolithiatic activity of Raphanus sativus aqueous extract on rats

The aqueous extract of the bark of Raphanus sativus was tested for its antiurolithiatic and diuretic activity. The urolithiasis was experimentally induced by implantation of zinc disc in the urinary bladder of rats. Significant decrease in the weight of stones was observed after treatment in animals which received aqueous extract in comparison with control groups. This extract showed an increase in the 24 h urine volume as compared to the control.

The relationship between internal chain length of amylopectin and crystallinity in starch

Molecular models of amylopectin were created and investigated by computer simulation. First, single and double helices of various lengths were constructed. The 1 --> 6 branching in double and single helices of amylopectin was studied. Subunits of single helices, double helices, and branch points were used as building blocks of larger systems. The possible makeup of amylopectin unit clusters was investigated via a series of models, including single-single, double-single, and double-double helix systems. The lengths of the single helix section that linked two branch points (internal chains) was systematically varied between values of 0-10 glucose residues. It was found that certain internal chain lengths lead to parallel double helices. Thus, it was postulated that the length of internal chains may determine the degree of local crystallinity. Furthermore, it was noted that some of the low-energy arrangement of double helices could be superimposed on either the two adjacent and nonadjacent double helices of crystalline A and B starch polymorphs. In other cases, the distance between the double helices is so large that it may in fact be a model for branching between two amylopectin crystals or unit clusters. Results obtained through this work were corroborated, where possible, with information available from crystallographic, branching, and enzymatic studies.

An NMR solution study of the mega-oligosaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan II

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a structurally complex pectic mega-oligosaccharide that is released enzymatically from the primary cell wall of higher plants. It contains roughly 30 monosaccharide units (MW approximately 5 kDa) including very unusual residues such as Kdo, Dha, aceric acid and apiose. Previous studies have demonstrated that these monomers are arranged into four structurally well-defined oligosaccharide side chains (A-D), linked to a homogalacturonan mainchain, but the specific attachment sites of these branches on the pectic backbone have not yet been elucidated. In the present work, fairly complete assignments of the 750 MHz 1H NMR spectra and partial assignments of the 13C NMR spectra of the sodium-borohydride-reduced RG-II monomer were obtained for a 5 mM sample isolated from red wine. On the whole, these data corroborate the primary structures of the sidechains previously established by methylation analysis, partial hydrolysis and FAB-MS spectrometry but some heterogeneity has been demonstrated (partial substitution at B5, B6, and A5). The preferred orientations of the majority of the sidechain glycosidic linkages in the RG-II monomer have been determined from the sequential nOe data and the solution structure is generally in good agreement with the stable conformers previously obtained by molecular modeling (MM3) of the disaccharide and sidechain oligosaccharide building blocks. All of a two-residue, a three-residue, and a four-residue segment of the backbone have been tentatively identified from long range interactions between sidechain protons as well as in the mainchain. Taking into account the length of the 9-mer galacturonan mainchain described in prior work, these building blocks constitute almost the complete structure of RG-II (Scheme 2).

Role of arachidonic acid in the regulation of the NMDA-evoked release of acetylcholine in striatal compartments

The role of endogenously released arachidonic acid in the control of the NMDA (50 microM)-evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine previously formed from [3H]-choline was investigated in striosome-enriched areas and in the matrix of the rat striatum using a microsuperfusion procedure in vitro. Experiments were performed with either mepacrine (0.2 microM) or bovine serum albumin (BSA, 0.02%) which inhibits phospholipase A2 activity or binds endogenously released arachidonic acid, respectively. Both treatments similarly reduce the NMDA-evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine, this effect being more pronounced in striosomes than in the matrix. These reductions result from a facilitation of dopamine release, since they were not observed in the presence of (-)sulpiride, the D2 dopamine receptor antagonist. Moreover, the superfusion with BSA was shown to enhance the release of [3H]-dopamine (formed from [3H]-tyrosine), this effect being of larger amplitude in striosomes than in the matrix. In control conditions, due to the blockade of the presynaptic inhibitory effect of GABA on dopamine release, bicuculline (GABA(A) receptor antagonist) reduces the NMDA-evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine in both striatal compartments. Bicuculline was no longer effective following superfusions with either mepacrine or BSA, suggesting that these treatments eliminate the GABAergic presynaptic inhibitory control on dopamine transmission and thus lead to the dopamine-mediated inhibition of [3H]-acetylcholine release. These results indicate that arachidonic acid endogenously formed under weak stimulation of NMDA receptors contributes to the regulation of the evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine by facilitating GABAergic transmission and that this process is more important in striosomes than in the matrix.

Behavioral health issue brief: Medicaid managed care and behavioral health: an overview of 1915(b) and statewide 1115 waivers

Section 1115 and Section 1915(b) of the Social Security Act permit federal waivers for States mandating mental health benefits to Medicaid recipients in managed care plans. Prevalent "carve-in" or "carve-out" provisions of these plans vary by type of coverage (e.g. substance abuse), geographic scope and eligible population targeted, including AFDC and low-income families.

Tumor proliferation, p53 expression, and apoptosis in laryngeal carcinoma: relation to the results of radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. The search for biologic parameters that could be used to identify patients who will respond to radiotherapy is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine whether the Ki-67 and p53 indices and the pretreatment apoptotic index would be useful in predicting local control and survival for a group of laryngeal carcinoma patients given postoperative radiotherapy.

METHODS

Fifty-seven patients with laryngeal carcinoma treated between 1988 and 1993 were included in this study. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to a mean dose of 57.7 gray (Gy) (range, 50-68; median, 60) in 2-Gy daily fractions. Ki-67 and p53 immunostaining were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue. Cells were evaluated for apoptosis using hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides. Clinicopathologic tumor characteristics were studied in relation to Ki-67, p53, and apoptotic indices, and as prognostic factors for local control and survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The Ki-67, p53, and pretreatment apoptotic indices were not related to any clinicopathologic tumor characteristics. Five-year actuarial local control for the whole group was 47%. Patients with tumors that had low Ki-67 proliferation had better long term local control (P < 0.01). and survival (P < 0.03). p53 expression was not predictive of local control or survival in this study. Patients with tumors that had low pretreatment apoptotic indices had better local control (P < 0.049) and survival (P < 0.056) than patients with highly apoptotic tumors. Tumor extension and the pretreatment apoptotic index were significant predictive factors for local control and survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Ki-67 proliferation measurement and the pretreatment apoptotic index are useful in predicting the clinical outcome of laryngeal carcinoma patients referred for radiotherapy. The role of p53 oncoprotein determination in predicting these outcomes is unclear. Assessment of biologic tumor characteristics could aid in the selection of patients for different treatment strategies.

Transcription factor ATF2 cooperates with v-Jun to promote growth factor-independent proliferation in vitro and tumor formation in vivo

ATF2 belongs to the bZIP family of transcription factors and controls gene expression via 8-bp ATF/CREB motifs either as a homodimer or as a heterodimer-for instance, with Jun-but has never been shown to be directly involved in oncogenesis. Experiments were designed to evaluate a possible role of ATF2 in oncogenesis in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) in the presence or absence of v-Jun. We found that (i) forced expression of ATF2 cannot alone cause transformation, (ii) overexpression of ATF2 plus v-Jun specifically stimulates v-Jun-induced growth in medium with a reduced amount of serum, and (iii) the efficiency of low-serum growth correlates with the activity of a Jun-ATF2-dependent model promoter in stably transformed CEFs. Analysis of ATF2 and Jun dimerization mutants showed that the growth-stimulatory effect of ATF2 is likely to be mediated by v-Jun-ATF2 heterodimers since (i) v-Jun-m1, a mutant with enhanced affinity for ATF2, induces growth in low-serum medium much more efficiently than v-Jun, when expressed alone or in combination with ATF2; and (ii) ATF2/fos, a mutant that efficiently binds to v-Jun but is unable to form stable homodimers, shows enhanced oncogenic cooperation with v-Jun. In addition, we examined the role of ATF2 in tumor formation by subcutaneous injection of CEFs into chickens. In contrast to v-Jun, v-Jun-m1 gave rise to numerous fibrosarcomas while coexpression of ATF2 and v-Jun-m1 led to a dramatic development of fibrosarcomas visible within 1 week. Together these data demonstrate that overexpressed ATF2 potentiates the ability of v-Jun-transformed CEFs to grow in low-serum medium in vitro and contributes to the formation of tumors in vivo.

[Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa]

We now have a better knowledge of the specific features of depression in sub-Saharan Africa. Anthropologically speaking, the Western model is irrelevant. Depression in sub-Saharan Africa involves the relationship of the subject to himself or others in a mode specific to African cultures. Ignoring this fact can lead to simplistic ethnocentrism. From a clinical standpoint, depressive illness characterized by somatic manifestations, delusions of persecution, and anxiety are increasingly uncommon. As African societies modernize, these traditional forms are being gradually supplanted by states with symptoms and prognoses more like those observed in industrialized countries. Hybrid depressive syndromes are now the most widespread. Epidemiologically the notion widely held only a few decades ago that depression is a rare occurrence in Africa has now been dispelled. Many studies have been conducted to determine the exact incidence, age distribution, and sex ratio but more precise data is still needed. This investigation will require improvement in screening and diagnostic methods which must be not only suitable for clinical use but also adaptable to local conditions. This is also true with regard to management which has the same goals as anywhere else in the world. Treatment facilities are different in urban and rural areas but care is often dispensed in unconventional settings and may be combined with traditional methods. Drug availability is limited by problems involving supply and cost. This explains why electro-convulsive therapy which was introduced into sub-Saharan Africa long ago still plays a major role in the treatment of depression.

Inhibition by the anti-mitotic drug doxorubicin of platelet-activating-factor-induced late eosinophil accumulation in rats

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been shown, in the rat model of pleural inflammation, to induce the generation of an intermediate proteic factor able to cause eosinophil proliferation in vitro. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the anti-mitotic compound doxorubicin on PAF-induced eosinophilia in rats, in order to evaluate the contribution of local cell proliferation to this phenomenon. The late eosinophil infiltration caused by another chemoattractant leukotriene B4 was used for comparison. We observed that local treatment with doxorubicin (20 and 40 microg/cavity), given 6 h after PAF (1 microg/cavity), suppressed the eosinophil accumulation within 24 h, whilst only the higher dose was effective when the drug was given 12 h post-PAF. An effect on chemotaxis was ruled out, since local doxorubicin (40 microg/cavity) failed to modify the eosinophil migration noted 24 h after leukotriene B4 (0.5 microg/cavity) and the neutrophil/eosinophil infiltration noted at 6 h after PAF injection. Transfer of the pleural fluids collected 6 h after PAF from donors to recipient rats caused significant eosinophil accumulation in the recipient rats, an effect which was inhibited by the co-administration of doxorubicin (40 microg/cavity). No inhibitory effect was noted when the drug was given 6 h after the pleural fluids were transferred. We also found no change in the number of blood or bone marrow eosinophils after PAF stimulation. We conclude that doxorubicin selectively impaired the late eosinophil accumulation triggered by PAF in the pleural cavity of rats, clearly indicating that local cell proliferation seems to contribute to the development of this inflammatory response.

Distinct modifications by neurokinin1 (SR140333) and neurokinin2 (SR48968) tachykinin receptor antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of acetylcholine in striosomes and matrix of the rat striatum

The effects of SR140333 and SR48968 (neurokinin1 and neurokinin2 tachykinin receptor antagonists, respectively) on the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine (previously formed from [3H]choline) were investigated in striosome-enriched areas and in the matrix of the rat striatum using an in vitro microsuperfusion method. In both striatal compartments, SR140333 and SR48968 did not modify the 50 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine. However, in low concentrations, both SR140333 (0.1 microM to 1 pM) and SR48968 (0.1 microM to 0.1 nM) markedly enhanced the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate (+10 microM D-serine)-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine in striosome-enriched areas. These responses were dopamine-dependent since they were not observed any more following the local blockade of D2 receptors by sulpiride or of dopamine synthesis by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. A dopamine-dependent disinhibitory effect (of lower amplitude) on the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate (+10 microM D-serine)-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine was also induced by SR48968 (0.1 microM to 0.1 nM) (but not by SR140333) in the matrix. In addition, in the matrix, as shown only in the presence of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, both SR140333 and SR48968 reduced the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate (+10 microM D-serine)-evoked response and these non-dopamine-mediated inhibitory effects only occurred at the highest tested concentration (0.1 microM) of the antagonists. Indicating the specificity of these responses, the effects of SR140333 were reproduced by RP67580, another neurokinin1 receptor antagonist and, as expected from previous binding studies, corresponding SR140333 and SR48968 enantiomers were without effect. These results suggest that under potent stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, endogenously released substance P and neurokinin A (or related tachykinins) regulate differently the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine in striosomes and in the matrix. The inhibitory effects of these tachykinins on the evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine are mediated by dopamine. On the contrary, their facilitatory responses are only observed in the matrix under blockade of dopamine transmission.

NMR analysis of carbohydrates with model-free spectral densities: the dispersion range revisited

Over the past decade molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics studies have demonstrated considerable flexibility for carbohydrates. In order to interpret the corresponding NMR parameters, which correspond to a time-averaged or 'virtual' conformer, it is necessary to simulate the experimental data using the averaged geometrical representation obtained with molecular modelling methods. This structural information can be transformed into theoretical NMR data using empirical Karplus-type equations for the scalar coupling constants and the appropriate formalism for the relaxation parameters. In the case of relaxation data, the 'model-free' spectral densities have been widely used in order to account for the internal motions in sugars. Several studies have been conducted with truncated model-free spectral densities based on the assumption that internal motion is very fast with respect to overall tumbling. In this report we present experimental and theoretical evidence that suggests that this approach is not justified. Indeed, recent results show that even in the case of moderate-sized carbohydrates internal motions are occurring on the same timescale as molecular reorientation. Simulations of relaxation parameters (NOESY volumes, proton cross-relaxation rates, carbon T1 and nOe values) in the dispersion range (0.1 < tau(c) < 5 ns) show that rates of internal motion can be fairly precisely defined with respect to overall tumbling. Experimental data for a variety of oligosaccharides clearly indicate similar timescales for internal and overall motion.

N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine in striatal compartments of the rat: regulatory roles of dopamine and GABA

The N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine previously formed from [3H]choline was estimated in striosome- (identified by [3H]naloxone binding) or matrix-enriched areas of the rat striatum using an in vitro microsuperfusion procedure. Experiments were performed in either the absence or the presence of dopaminergic and/or GABAergic receptor antagonists. Although the cell bodies of the cholinergic interneurons were mainly found in the matrix, in the absence of magnesium, N-methyl-D-aspartate (50 microM) stimulated the release of [3H]acetylcholine in both striatal compartments. These responses were blocked by either magnesium, dizocilpine maleate, 7-chlorokynurenate or tetrodotoxin. N-Methyl-D-aspartate responses were concentration-dependent, but the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate response was higher in striosomes than in the matrix. The co-application of D-serine (10 microM) enhanced the 10 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate response in both compartments, but reduced those induced by 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate, this reduction being higher in striosomes. The blockade of dopaminergic transmission with the D2 and D1 dopaminergic receptor antagonists, (-)-sulpiride (1 microM) and SCH23390 (1 microM), was without effect on the 50 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine, but markedly enhanced the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate+D-serine-evoked response in striosomes and to a lesser extent in the matrix. Disinhibitory responses of similar amplitude were observed not only in striosomes but also in the matrix when (-)-sulpiride was used alone, while SCH23390 alone enhanced the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate+D-serine response only in striosomes and to a lower extent than (-)-sulpiride. These results indicate that D2 receptors are mainly involved in the inhibitory effect of dopamine on the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate+D-serine-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine. They also show that the stimulation of D1 receptors can either reduce (striosomes) or enhance (matrix) this response, since in the latter case the effect induced by the combined application of the D1 and D2 receptor antagonists was smaller than that observed with the D2 receptor antagonist alone. Indicating that released GABA facilitates N-methyl-D-aspartate responses, the blockade of GABAA receptors with bicuculline (5 microM) reduced the 50 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine in both striatal compartments and the 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate+D-serine response in the matrix. These effects result from an inhibition by GABA of the evoked release of dopamine, since the reducing effects of bicuculline on N-methyl-D-aspartate responses were not observed under the complete blockade of dopaminergic transmission by the D1 and D2 receptor antagonists. Further demonstrating a facilitatory role of GABA in the control of N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine, in the presence of bicuculline, (-)-sulpiride and SCH23390 alone or in combination enhanced, in both compartments, the responses induced not only by 1 mM N-methyl-D-aspartate+D-serine, but also by 50 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate.

Biotransformation of the flavonoid tiliroside to 7-methylether tiliroside: bioactivity of this metabolite and of its acetylated derivative

Incubation of kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-(6"-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside (tiliroside) (1) with Aspergillus nidulans gives the 7-methyl ether of tiliroside (2) which is a new compound. Its structure is determined by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxic studies of 2 and of its acetylated derivative 2a were carried out in vitro against fourteen human leukemic cell lines. Results clearly show that compound 2 is ineffective against all leukemic cell lines tested. On the contrary, compound 2a exhibited cytotoxic activity against four of the cell lines (HL60, DAUDI, HUT78 and MOLT3) and additionally, a dose- and time-dependent effect on DNA synthesis.

Gastrin-releasing peptide1-27, unlike bombesin, does not reduce sham feeding in rats

We compared the potencies of systemic administration of bombesin (BN) and its mammalian homologue gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) to decrease sham feeding in rats. Bombesin (at doses of 8, 16 and 32 micrograms/kg, intraperitoneally) inhibited sham feeding by 37% (p < 0.001), 58% (p < 0.001) and 65% (p < 0.001), respectively, confirming previous results. Gastrin-releasing peptide (16, 32, and 64 micrograms/kg) failed to affect sham feeding. Bombesin (16 micrograms/kg) and gastrin-releasing peptide (32 micrograms/kg) inhibited real feeding by 64% (p < 0.001) and 44% (p < 0.004), respectively. Pregastric food stimulation is not sufficient for the inhibitory action of GRP.

ΔIK17: An Antigen Expressed on Human Lymphocytes

Anti-ΔIK17 monoclonal antibody was produced by fusing SP2/0/Ag14 myeloma with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with normal human thymocytes. AΔIK17 antibody recognizes a 44kD cell surface protein detected on human lymphocytes. ΔIK17 is expressed on human thymocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, B, NK cells, as well as on activated cells. The antigen is detected on cells during the early, indermediate and late stages of lymphocyte maturation. In addition, the expression of the antigen is correlated with ontogenesis. A T+ ΔIK17+ subpopulation responded poorly to TPA stimulation and provided a better helper signal for PWM-induced IgM synthesis than T+ ΔIK17- cells. In addition, different levels of ΔIK17 expression were detected in several hematological diseases tested.

ΔIK17 Antigen: A Possible Early Marker of Cancer Development

ΔIK17 is a 44 kD molecule located on the surface of T, B and NK cells in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (1). The portion of PBMC expressing ΔIK17 was determined in 52 patients with benign breast diseases, 182 patients with breast malignancies and 132 healthy individuals. The percentage of ΔIK17'-positive cells was significantly lower in the early stages (I-IIA) of malignancy compared to that of healthy donors. However, the percentage of PBMC expressing ΔIK17 tended to increase as the stage of the disease advanced. ΔIK17 seems to be the only antigen among the other cellular markers tested (CD2, CD4, CD8, HLA-DR) with a statistically significant correlation between a low percentage of positive cells and the early stages of malignancy and between a high expression and advanced disease. Its potential use as a tumor marker in breast cancer is discussed here.

Pectinmethylesterase isoforms from Vigna radiata hypocotyl cell walls: kinetic properties and molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding the most alkaline isoform

Peptide maps and partial amino acid sequences of the 3 main pectinmethylesterases (PMEs) solubilized from mung bean hypocotyl cell walls demonstrated that these proteins were different isozymes originating from a small multigene family. A cDNA clone encoding the most alkaline PME (PE gamma) have been obtained by PCR using degenerate oligonucleotide primers. Combining the protein and nucleotide sequencing data, the complete amino acid sequence of PE gamma was determined. The nature protein is composed of 318 amino acids with a calculated Mtau of 34 677 and an estimated pI of 9.84 consistent with the values previously obtained by SDS-PAGE and IEF. It shares most of the conserved regions of previously known PMEs. Enzymatic activities of the three isoforms were differently affected by the presence of cations in the incubation medium but, in all cases, infra-optimal cation concentrations induced two opposite effects: a decrease in the Vmax and an increase in the affinity of the enzymes for their substrate. The presence of cations in the assay modulates both the number of enzyme molecules available to the demethylation reaction and the conformation of the pectin and, in turn, the affinity of the PMEs for their substrate.

Recognition of the blood group H type 2 trisaccharide epitope by 28 monoclonal antibodies and three lectins

The patterns of cross-reaction of 30 monoclonal antibodies and three lectins were determined by ELISA with 21 ABH, Ii or Lewis related synthetic oligosaccharides coupled to bovine serum albumin. At least seven main groups of cross-reactive patterns were identified among the antibodies, plus several isolated antibodies which had intermediate patterns between two of the main antibody groups. The three lectins had different cross-reaction patterns, Galactia tenuiflora was different from all the antibodies, Ulex europaeus lectin 1 and Lotus tetragonolobus were similar, but not identical to groups III and V of antibodies respectively. The anti-H antibodies cross-reacting with A type 2 gave similar agglutination scores with all the normal ABO erythrocytes, while the anti-H antibodies not cross-reacting with A type 2 reacted with different scores: O > A2 > A2B > B > A1 > A1B > O(h), suggesting that these antibodies react better with the free H epitopes and do not recognize the H in A or B epitopes. Based on the ELISA and agglutination results and the lowest energy conformations of each oligosaccharide obtained by computer modelling, the most probable oligosaccharide surface areas recognized by each antibody main group are illustrated.

Intrapleural chemotherapy for patients with incompletely resected malignant mesothelioma: the UCLA experience

From 1986 to 1993, 15 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were treated by pleurectomy/decortication and intrapleural cisplatin (100 mg/m2) and cytosine arabinoside (1,200 mg). All patients were without known extrathoracic disease and had a mean age of 63 +/- 7.9 years (range 51-78); 13 were male. Histologic subtype of disease were epithelial (47%), sarcomatoid (27%), and mixed-biphasic (27%). The major morbidity and mortality rates were 13% and 0%, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.5 +/- 2.1 days. Postoperatively, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy were given to 46% and 73% of the patients respectively. Median survival from date of treatment was 11.5 months. Those patients with an epithelial histologic subtype experienced significantly improved survival compared to those of sarcomatoid subtype (P = 0.024). Whether adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy were given had no significant effect on survival. These data suggest that although this treatment regimen can be administered with very limited morbidity and no mortality, the role of this approach in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma appears limited and cannot currently be recommended.

Prefeeding potentiates anorectic actions of neuromedin B and gastrin releasing peptide

We report that the anorectic potency of neuromedin B (NMB) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is potentiated using a prefeed paradigm. During the light phase, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (groups of n = 6) were given 30-min (pre-feed) access to a liquid diet. Thirty min later rats were injected i.p. with GRP or NMB (0, 8, 16, 32 or 64 micrograms kg-1) and given further access to the liquid diet. In prefed (PF) rats, high doses of NMB (32 and 64 micrograms kg-1) delayed the onset of eating in the test by > 10 min, significantly suppressing 30-min intake. The same doses of NMB in non prefed (NPF) rats were ineffective. Weak effects of GRP in NPF rats to reduce meal size were also enhanced under PF conditions. Exogenous GRP and NMB, in particular, appear to interact with processes stimulated by the postingestive actions of food, supporting a role for peripheral, endogenous GRP and NMB in the development of satiation and the maintenance of postprandial satiety, respectively.

Branching serotonergic and non-serotonergic projections from caudal brainstem to the medial preoptic area and the lumbar spinal cord, in the rat

The distribution and the chemical identity of retrogradely single and double labeled neurons in the caudal raphe nuclei were analyzed in the rat following injection of two fluorescent tracers into the medial preoptic area and the ventral/intermediate grey of the lumbar spinal cord, and serotonin immunocytochemistry. The results suggest that (1) neurons in the caudal raphe nuclei exhibit highly collateralized axons, able to simultaneously innervate rostrally- and caudally-located targets; (2) a large proportion (40-50%) of the raphe-spinal projection does not contain serotonin, which by contrast is present in more than 70% of the neurons projecting to the medial preoptic area; (3) only a small fraction of the observed collateralized projection is serotonergic. Thus, multiple transmitter systems are likely to be involved in the diffuse ascending and descending influence arising from these nuclei.

Molecular modelling of the interaction between the catalytic site of pig pancreatic alpha-amylase and amylose fragments

A stereo chemical refinement of the crystalline complex between porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase and a pseudopentasaccharide from the amylostatin family has been performed through molecular mechanics calculations, using a set of parameters appropriate for protein and protein-carbohydrate interactions. The refinement provided a starting point for docking a maltopentaose moiety within the catalytic site, in the absence of water. A thorough exploration of the different orientations and conformations of maltopentaose established the sense of binding of the amylosic substrate in the amylase cleft. After optimising the geometry of the binding site, the conformations adopted by the four contiguous linkages could be rationalised by considering the environment, either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, of the different glucose moieties. Seemingly, details of the non-bonded interactions (hydrogen bonds, van der Waals and stacking interactions) that underlie this molecular recognition have been established. In particular, it was confirmed that the three acidic amino acids of the catalytic site (Asp197, Asp300 and Glu233) are close to their glucosidic target, and that there is no steric reason to propose an alteration of the 4C1 conformation of the glucose residue prior to hydrolysis. However, in the absence of water molecules, it is difficult to elucidate the details of the catalysis. Additional macroscopic information has been gained, such as the impossibility to fit a double-helical arrangement of amylose chains in the amylasic cleft. This explains why some native starches containing such motifs resist amylolytic enzymes. Tentative models involving longer amylosic chains have been elaborated, which extend our knowledge of the interaction and orientation of starch fragments in the vicinity of the hydrolytic sites.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the bark of Hippocratea excelsa

The ethanol extract of the plant Hippocratea excelsa was examined for its anti-inflammatory effects using several animal models. It produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and reduced the weight of cotton pellet-induced granuloma at doses of 25-100 mg/kg. The extract was found to exert a protective effect on heat-induced erythrocyte lysis at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 micrograms/ml. In chronic models of formaldehyde and adjuvant arthritis, its anti-arthritic activity was found to be less than that of phenylbutazone (PNB). It may be inferred that the ethanol extract is effective against both exudative-proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation.

The monosaccharide binding site of lentil lectin: an X-ray and molecular modelling study

The X-ray crystal structure of lentil lectin in complex with alpha-D-glucopyranose has been determined by molecular replacement and refined to an R-value of 0.20 at 3.0 A resolution. The glucose interacts with the protein in a manner similar to that found in the mannose complexes of concanavalin A, pea lectin and isolectin I from Lathyrus ochrus. The complex is stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds involving the carbohydrate oxygens O6, O4, O3 and O5. In addition, the alpha-D-glucopyranose residue makes van der Waals contacts with the protein, involving the phenyl ring of Phe123 beta. The overall structure of lentil lectin, at this resolution, does not differ significantly from the highly refined structures of the uncomplexed lectin. Molecular docking studies were performed with mannose and its 2-O and 3-O-m-nitro-benzyl derivatives to explain their high affinity binding. The interactions of the modelled mannose with lentil lectin agree well with those observed experimentally for the protein-carbohydrate complex. The highly flexible Me-2-O-(m-nitro-benzyl)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside and Me-3-O-(m-nitro-benzyl)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside become conformationally restricted upon binding to lentil lectin. For best orientations of the two substrates in the combining site, the loss of entropy is accompanied by the formation of a strong hydrogen bond between the nitro group and one amino acid, Gly97 beta and Asn125 beta, respectively, along with the establishment of van der Waals interactions between the benzyl group and the aromatic amino acids Tyr100 beta and Trp128 beta.

Bioactive compounds from the buds of Platanus orientalis and isolation of a new kaempferol glycoside

A new compound kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-(2"-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside, as well as the known flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-(6"-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-(2",3"-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside, and caffeic acid were obtained from the methanolic extract of Platanus orientalis L. buds. All the compounds were isolated by column chromatography and identified using 1H-NMR, 2D-1H-NMR (COSY), 1H-13C-NMR, and CIDMS techniques. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial studies were carried out in vitro against human cell lines and against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Frequency and distribution of occult micrometastases in lymph nodes of patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of the presence and absence of tumor in the regional lymph nodes is critical in assessment of prognosis for patients with lung cancer. Development of sensitive immunohistochemical techniques and specific monoclonal antibodies has increased our capacity, in melanoma and breast cancer, to detect small groups of tumor cells or even single tumor cells in lymph nodes that appear to be tumor free in conventionally stained sections.

PURPOSE

This retrospective study was designed to assess whether use of a polyclonal antikeratin reagent in immunohistochemical analysis offers any advantage over conventional histopathology in detection of regional lymph node metastases in non-small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded tissue sections from regional lymph nodes of 65 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were studied. We examined tissue from 588 nodes of 60 patients with a diagnosis of disease confined to the lung and from 72 nodes of five patients with a diagnosis of metastasis to some nodes. A polyclonal antikeratin antibody was applied to the lymph node tissue sections, using the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase technique.

RESULTS

Single tumor cells and small clusters of tumor cells (occult micrometastases) not visible on routine evaluation were readily detected in 38 (63%) of the 60 patients whose nodes appeared to be negative on examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides. In the five patients with a diagnosis of node-positive non-small-cell lung cancer, five (10%) of 51 nodes that were tumor free on conventional examination contained metastases. Metastatic tumor cells were most often located in the subcapsular or medullary sinuses. The lymph nodes that contained occult tumor cells were those located nearest to the tumor, mainly in peribronchial and hilar locations. The median survival of patients with occult metastases (1977 days) was shorter than that of patients whose nodes contained no tumor (2456 days) but was longer than that of patients whose nodes contained metastases detectable on hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides (927 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes is more frequent than was previously determined by the conventional histologic method and substantially more frequent than in other tumor types, such as melanoma and breast cancer.

IMPLICATIONS

The high frequency of occult nodal metastases in non-small-cell lung cancer makes it clear that, without immunohistochemistry, disease is understaged in many patients. Therefore, it seems essential that immunohistochemical evaluation of the lymph nodes be undertaken in clinical trials.

Magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid artery combining two- and three-dimensional acquisitions

To assess the agreement between magnetic resonance angiography and conventional angiography in the evaluation of carotid stenosis, 61 carotid arteries of 40 patients were studied by combined two- and three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography and conventional angiography. Stenosis of the internal carotid artery was categorized as mild, moderate, severe, critical, or complete occlusion. In 42 arteries, the degree of stenosis according to magnetic resonance angiography correlated exactly to that found by conventional angiography. In the remaining 19 carotid arteries, the magnetic resonance angiographic measurement of stenosis differed from the conventional angiographic measurement by only one size category. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was 0.95 (p < 0.001). This study showed that by combining information from two- and three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiographic studies and making use of the advantages of each method, magnetic resonance angiography was comparable to conventional angiography in determining carotid stenosis. Magnetic resonance angiography tended to demonstrate a higher level of stenosis when there was a discrepancy. These data demonstrate that magnetic resonance angiography is a steadily improving technology. Although additional studies need to be done, it seems clear that magnetic resonance angiography will be an imaging modality comparable in accuracy to conventional angiography.

The use of nylon wool for the isolation of T lymphocyte subpopulations

A simple method for the affinity isolation of lymphocyte subpopulations using nylon wool as a solid phase matrix is described. This matrix was coated with an acid-treated IgG fraction of polyclonal antibodies against mouse immunoglobulins. Using this approach, a simple isolation procedure for lymphocyte subpopulations, yielding purities higher than 95% was developed. The method can be used on a large scale for positive and negative cell selection, with very little non-specific binding. The isolated populations are fully functional.

Relation of plasma lipid and apoprotein levels to progressive intimal hyperplasia after arterial endarterectomy

BACKGROUND

To examine the relation of plasma lipoproteins to the proliferative response after arterial injury in humans, we examined the plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apoprotein levels of 20 patients with early recurrent stenosis caused by intimal hyperplasia after carotid endarterectomy. These were compared with 20 controls who had no evidence of recurrent stenosis by duplex ultrasound scanning.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By univariate analysis, the reoperated patients had higher levels of plasma cholesterol (251 versus 225 mg/dl, p less than 0.05), total triglycerides (173 versus 105 mg/dl, p less than 0.03), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) apoprotein B (99.8 versus 77.2 mg/dl, p less than 0.003). The ratio of cholesterol to apoprotein B in LDL was lower in patients with restenosis (p less than 0.04), suggesting LDL of smaller diameter. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was reduced (45 versus 55 mg/dl, p less than 0.01) in patients with restenosis. With statistical adjustment for the correlations between these variables by multivariate analysis, both LDL apoprotein B and HDL cholesterol were independent predictors of the risk of restenosis. Ten patients with restenosis but only two controls had one or two apolipoprotein E4 alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated lipid levels usually associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis may predispose patients to an increased incidence of intimal hyperplasia after endarterectomy.