Cancer cachexia and depressive states: a neuro-endocrine-immunological disease?

Plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), tryptophan, neopterin and cortisol levels were measured in patients with depressive cancer cachexia and in healthy controls during the same time period. Patients with advanced cancers had significantly raised neopterin, a marker of endogenous gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) production, and cortisol values, but decreased serotonin and tryptophan levels. Much work has been done to elucidate the possible role of serotonin in depressive states. IFN-gamma induces a high level of indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), a tryptophan degrading enzyme, and high cortisol levels induce high tryptophan oxygenase activity, which in turn increases metabolism along the tryptophan-nicotinic acid pathway. These results suggest that persistent immune activation and intense adrenal activity occur in patients with cancer cachexia, resulting in disorders involving tryptophan metabolism followed by depression in cancer cachexia.

[Clinical evaluation of 2-mg granisetron tablet for nausea and vomiting induced by anticancer drugs including cisplatin]

The antiemetic effects on nausea and vomiting induced by anticancer drugs and safety of a 2-mg granisetron tablet were studied in cancer patients, particularly in the field of gynecology, who had been treated with anticancer drugs including cisplatin (CDDP) at 50 mg/m2 or more. The 1-mg granisetron tablet is already commercially available and used widely in clinical practice by oral administration of two tablets per dosage. In this investigation, the clinical efficacy, safety and usefulness of a 2-mg tablet, which can be taken more easily, were studied. The 2-mg granisetron tablet was judged to be "remarkably effective" or "effective" for nausea and vomiting in 22 (66.7%) of 33 patients. For safety, neither adverse experiences nor abnormal laboratory values were judged to be of clinical significance. The 2-mg granisetron tablet was considered "extremely useful" or "useful" in 22 (66.7%) of 33 patients. The above results confirmed the excellent antiemetic effect on nausea and vomiting induced by anticancer drugs including CDDP and the high degree of safety of a 2-mg granisetron tablet.

Simple, speedy, sensitive, and specific serodiagnosis of pertussis by using a particle agglutination test

We developed a particle agglutination test (KPA) with poly(gamma-methyl L-glutamate) as the solid particle for measurement of pertussis toxin (PT) antibody. In this study, KPA was assessed as a means of serodiagnosing pertussis, and the results were compared with those of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA) and the microagglutination test. First, four serum samples were collected from each of 21 healthy children: before and 4 weeks after receiving three primary doses of acellular pertussis vaccines and before and 4 weeks after receiving a booster dose. In all 21 vaccinees, a significant rise in PT antibody titers was observed by KPA after each vaccination, and among all 84 serum samples collected, an excellent correlation was demonstrated between the values obtained by indirect ELISA and those obtained by KPA (r = 0.92). Second, paired serum samples were collected at intervals of approximately 2 weeks from 51 patients with culture-confirmed pertussis. A significant increase in titer (fourfold or more) was observed in 39 (76%) patients by KPA, 34 (67%) patients by indirect ELISA, and 23 (45%) patients by the microagglutination test. In acute- and convalescent-phase sera collected from 20 nonpertussis patients, there were no changes in titers by KPA. The KPA procedure was as simple as that of the microagglutination test, and the reaction time was only 2 h (or overnight). In this study, KPA was demonstrated to be a simple, speedy, sensitive, and specific serodiagnostic method for pertussis.

[Enhancement pattern of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer on CT arteriography]

The enhancement pattern of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer on CT arteriography (CTA) was evaluated in 79 cases with 405 lesions. Sixty-two percent of overall lesions irrespective of size showed ring-like enhancement, and 33% of lesions less than 1 cm in diameter showed homogeneous enhancement. In pathological examination of 59 resected lesions, the enhancement pattern on CTA had a good correlation with the extent of tumor cellularity, necrosis or fibrosis in the lesions. And in 8.5% of resected lesions, the extent of enhancement on CTA was larger than that of perfusion defect on CT arterial portography, which was almost equal to the size in the resected specimen. In such lesions, the enhancement on CTA might include enhancement of normal hepatic parenchyma around the lesion.

Hypoxia-induced catecholamine release and intracellular Ca2+ increase via suppression of K+ channels in cultured rat adrenal chromaffin cells

Hypoxia (5% O2) enhanced catecholamine release in cultured rat adrenal chromaffin cells. Also, the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased within 3 min in approximately 50% of the chromaffin cells under hypoxic stimulation. The increase depended on the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Nifedipine and omega-conotoxin decreased the population of the cells that showed the hypoxia-induced [Ca2+]i increase, showing that the Ca2+ influx was attributable to L- and N-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. The membrane potential was depolarized during the perfusion with the hypoxic solution and returned to the basal level following the change to the normoxic solution (20% O2). Membrane resistance increased twofold under the hypoxic condition. The current-voltage relationship showed a hypoxia-induced decrease in the outward K+ current. Among the K+ channel openers tested, cromakalim and levcromakalim, both of which interact with ATP-sensitive K+ channels, inhibited the hypoxia-induced [Ca2+]i increase and catecholamine release. The inhibitory effects of cromakalim and levcromakalim were reversed by glibenclamide and tolbutamide, potent blockers of ATP-sensitive K+ channels. These results suggest that some fractions of adrenal chromaffin cells are reactive to hypoxia and that K+ channels sensitive to cromakalim and glibenclamide might have a crucial role in hypoxia-induced responses. Adrenal chromaffin cells could thus be a useful model for the study of oxygen-sensing mechanisms.

A cohort mortality study of construction workers

This report presents a mortality study among the 17,344 members of the Construction Workers' Health Insurance Society of Mie Prefecture in Japan. The study period was between 1973 and 1993. During this period, 480 members died. Age-specific mortality rates of Mie Prefecture were used as comparison standards. Significantly elevated standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) were observed for "accidents and adverse effects." In addition, the PMRs of all cancers and "cancers of trachea, bronchus and lung" were also significantly elevated. The job classifications were reorganized into three groups, according to the frequency of asbestos exposure the workers experienced on the construction sites. The asbestos exposure was based on job classifications among 7,411 workers who had completed a self-administered survey questionnaire. In the frequent-exposure group, the PMR was significantly elevated for all cancers. In the medium-exposure group, the SMRs were significantly elevated for all cancers and "cancer of trachea, bronchus and lung." The PMR was significantly elevated for "cancer of trachea, bronchus and lung." In the less-exposure, group, the PMR was significantly elevated for "accidents and adverse effects." This study provided support for the hypothesis that working in the construction industry might be associated with high risks for asbestos-associated cancers and accidental deaths.

Sitting posture and neck and shoulder muscle activities at different screen height settings of the visual display terminal

The effects of the VDT screen height on working posture and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the neck and shoulder muscles were determined in 10 healthy subjects. The subjects performed a mouse-driven interactive task at the screen height settings of 80, 100 and 120 cm. Changes in body positions were measured by video image and frame analysis. Surface EMG recordings were done on the neck extensor muscle and the descending part of the trapezius muscle, both on the right side. The results of the postural analysis showed that at higher screen height settings, the neck became significantly more erect. The subjects also assumed a more backward-leaning trunk position at higher screen heights. The EMG activities of the neck and shoulder muscles were related to the neck angle and trunk inclination, respectively. A more flexed neck produced significantly higher neck extensor muscle activities. A backward-leaning trunk was also noted to decrease trapezius muscle activity in some subjects.

Role of collagen in retinoic acid-induced differentiation and down-regulation of TGF-beta receptors in rat preosteoblastic RCT-1 cells

Retinoic acid induces differentiation of preosteoblastic cells. We have demonstrated that osteoblastic differentiation and down-regulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptors requires the interaction of type I collagen with alpha 2 beta 1 integrin (J Biol Chem 271: 3938-3944, 1996). The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of collagen in retinoic acid-induced differentiation and down-regulation of TGF-beta receptors using preosteoblastic RCT-1 cells. Retinoic acid enhanced the expression of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen, and reduced TGF-beta receptors in these cells. Inhibiting collagen synthesis abolished these changes. Because TGF-beta inhibits osteoblastic differentiation, the changes described here may contribute to the osteoblastic differentiation by retinoic acid.

[Induction of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis by oral administration of antigen]

Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction was developed by Ovary et al. as an animal model of mainly human type I allergic inflammation reaction. This is the most sensitive reaction for the detection of cutaneously sensitizing antibodies and provides a very effective means by which to investigate immunological reactions concerning the mechanisms of development and inhibition of allergic reactions, levels and specificity of antibodies, and the structure of antigens. These cutaneous inflammations mimic atopic dermatitis. Food ingestion has been pointed out as one of the worsened factors of atopic dermatitis. However, the body is generally protected against the invasion of high molecular substances such as non-ingested food by several barriers including digestive enzymes that break down complex food molecules into simpler substances and gastrointestinal mucosae. Accordingly, oral ingestion of food antigen seems to be physiologically and immunologically in conflict with the occurrence of dermatitis. With a view to determining whether allergic dermatitis occurs after oral ingestion of food, the present study was carried out on animals, utilizing the PCA reaction. C 57 BL/6 Ncr j mice were immunized with immunogen derived from commercially obtained eggs. Wistar rats were used as a model of PCA reaction. The results of the present investigation are summarized as follows. 1) Blue spots of 10 mm diameter were observed as a PCA reaction 50 min or more after oral administration of antigen, and the blue spots reached maximum size (20-21 mm, 1.8-1.7 micrograms) after 90-120 min. The PCA reaction was induced 20 min or more after intravenous administration of antigen. When the maximum reaction was compared between the oral and the intravenous routes after 50 min (29.5 micrograms) and 90 min (1.8 micrograms) respectively, there was about a 16-fold difference in the capacity to induce inflammations. 2) The maximum PCA reaction values were 100 and 1,600 for the oral and intravenous routes, respectively, there being a 16-fold difference between the two routes. 3) The minimum antigen concentration required to induce the PCA reaction was 10 mg/ ml for the oral route and 0.01 mg/ml for the intravenous, there being a 1,000-fold difference between the two routes. 4) Reactions with anti-egg mixture antibody and main egg constituents were specific. The PCA inhibition test results confirmed that the undigested structural portion of antigen was associated with the induction of PCA. The present investigation demonstrated that there existed a mechanism by which type I allergy is induced via the gastro-intestinal tract. This fact indicates that part of the food ingested undergoes no change in its molecular structure when transferred to the blood, thus acting as a PCA inducing antigen. This phenomenon suggests that this animal model of human type I allergic dermatitis is a useful system that strongly suggests the association of food antigen with the development of allergic dermatitis.

Enantioselective fluorination of organic molecules. I. Synthetic studies of the agents for electrophilic, enantioselective fluorination of carbanions

In order to develop novel methods for electrophilic and enantioselective fluorination of active methine compounds, preliminary experiments were carried out. The N-tosyl derivative 5 obtained from D-phenylglycine was fluorinated with FClO3 or diluted F2 gas to give the N-fluoro-N-tosyl derivative 6. N-tosyl- or N-mesyl-(S)-alpha-phenethylamine 7 or 8 was subjected to FClO3 fluorination to produce the corresponding N-fluoro derivative, 10 or 11, respectively. Enantioselective fluorination of some methine compounds was attempted employing the above N-fluoro agents. Best result was obtained when 2-benzyl-1-tetralone/KHMDS was treated with 10 to produce the fluorinated tetralone 17 in 53% yield with enantiomeric excess (ee) of 48%.

Contralateral external carotid-middle cerebral artery bypass for carotid artery resection

Resection of the common carotid or internal carotid artery is occasionally unavoidable in cases of advanced head and neck carcinoma with carotid artery involvement. To prevent the consequent decrease in cerebral perfusion, we have developed a contralateral external carotid-middle cerebral artery bypass grafting technique. From 1990 through 1995, six patients with advanced head and neck cancer involving the carotid artery underwent total tumor resection combined with vascular reconstruction using the contralateral external carotid- middle cerebral artery bypass grafting. No bypass-related complications occurred in any patient postoperatively. Cerebral hemodynamics after surgery indicated that this bypass graft worked steadily over a long term and supplied sufficient volume of blood to the cerebral cortex on the opposite side in every case.

The comparative study of anti-double stranded DNA antibody levels measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in systemic lupus erythematosus

Anti-double stranded (ds) DNA antibody is an autoantibody specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For the measurement of this antibody, radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used in Japan. We studied the correlation of anti-dsDNA levels in 158 sera from 53 SLE patients between RIA and ELISA. The correlation coefficient between anti-dsDNA antibody levels measured by RIA and ELISA was 0.736 (p < 0.001). The concordance rate of sera with both ELISA/RIA-positive or both ELISA/RIA-negative results was 82.3% (130/158 sera). Twenty sera (12.7%) of 14 patients were ELISA-positive but RIA-positive, and 8 sera (5.0%) of 6 patients were ELISA-negative but RIA-positive. Our results suggest that both methods may be equally reliable for the detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies and that ELISA may be more sensitive than RIA. ELISA may be preferable because of its simplicity and convenience of the measurement procedure. The correlation coefficient between anti-ssDNA levels measured by ELISA and anti-dsDNA levels measured by RIA was 0.322 (p < 0.01), and the correlation coefficient between anti-ssDNA and anti-dsDNA antibody levels measured by ELISA was slightly higher, 0.515 (p < 0.001). These results may reflect the predominance of anti-DNA antibodies reactive with both ss and dsDNA in SLE sera. Since the clinical significance of anti-ssDNA antibodies remains unclear, further analysis of accumulated cases is required.

Central distribution of sensory fibers in the facial nerve: an anatomical and immunohistochemical study

Wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) injection into the facial nerve of the cat resulted in retrograde labeling in the geniculate and jugular ganglia ipsilaterally. Labeled fibers were found to enter into the brain stem through the intermediate and vagal nerves. These fibers ascended or descended into the dorsal portion of the spinal trigeminal tract and were distributed to the principal sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, marginal layer of the interpolar part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract and ventrolateral portion of the cuneate nucleus. It was of particular interest in the present study that the intensive labeling was present in the medial portion of laminae I-IV of the upper cervical spinal cord. The immunohistochemical study revealed a lot of substance P-immunoreactive neurons in the geniculate and jugular ganglia, and heavy accumulation of immunoreactive fibers in laminae I-II of the upper cervical spinal cord.

Failure to down-regulate Bcl-2 protein in thymic germinal center B cells in myasthenia gravis

The most unusual characteristic of myasthenia gravis (MG) is that the thymus has germinal centers (GC). Cultured thymic lymphocytes from MG patients spontaneously produce anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, indicating that autoreactive B cells have escaped negative selection. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we examined the expression of the apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 in GC B cells (defined as CD19+ CD38+ cells) in the thymus in 14 MG patients using three-color flow cytometry. GC in MG patients did not show the normal down-regulation of Bcl-2 (the frequency of Bcl-2+ GC B cells in the MG thymus and in control tonsils 54.3 +/- 16.2% versus 20.6 +/- 8.0%; mean +/- SD. p < 0.0001). In contrast, Bcl-2 in GC in the mediastinal lymph nodes from four patients was down-regulated to a relatively normal level. Using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method to detect DNA fragmentation in situ, the frequency of TUNEL+ cells in GC in the MG thymus was lower than in control tonsils. These results suggest that autoreactive B cells which normally undergo apoptosis in GC may survive because of Bcl-2 up-regulation in this unusual location.

Molecular mechanisms for somatostatin inhibition of c-fos gene expression

We reported previously that somatostatin inhibits the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos. Accordingly, we characterized the molecular mechanisms by which somatostatin inhibits c-fos gene expression. Because growth factors activate c-fos through a region of its promoter known as the serum response element [SRE; base pairs (bp) -357 to -276] we transfected rat pituitary adenoma cells (GH3) with plasmids containing the SRE or the SRE core fragment (bp -320 to -298) upstream of the luciferase reporter gene. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated SRE-luciferase activity, and this effect was inhibited by somatostatin and by the analog MK-678. Identical results were obtained with the SRE core plasmid, demonstrating that the sequence between bp -320 and -298 of the c-fos promoter is a somatostatin response element. Because the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) induce the SRE via phosphorylation of transcription factors such as Elk-1, we examined the effect of somatostatin on ERK phosphorylation and activation. EGF stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK2, and MK-678 attenuated this effect. In experiments using in-gel kinase assays, MK-678 also inhibited EGF-stimulated ERK activity via a pertussis toxin sensitive pathway, and this effect resulted in inhibition of Elk-1 transcriptional activity. Our data suggest that one mechanism of somatostatin action involves inhibition of ERK activity, Elk-1 phosphorylation and transcriptional activation, and ultimately c-fos gene transcription.

Regional adjuvant chemotherapy after partial hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal carcinoma

The prognostic factors after hepatic resection for metastases from colorectal carcinoma were examined, and the results of adjuvant hepatic arterial chemotherapy are presented. Hepatic resection was undertaken in 57 patients with metastatic liver tumor from colorectal cancer. Adjuvant hepatic arterial chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin or epirubicin, and mitomycin C was administered to 31 patients. The 3- and 5-year survival rates for the 57 patients were 53% and 23%, respectively. The significant prognostic factors were solitary liver tumor and metachronous liver tumor. However, type of hepatectomy, surgical margin, site of the primary tumor, and histologic differentiation of the carcinoma did not relate to the prognosis. The 3- and 5-year survival rates for the patients given adjuvant arterial chemotherapy were 57% and 57%, respectively, indicating a significantly better survival rate than in the nontreated patients. These results suggest that hepatic arterial chemotherapy is effective treatment in patients with hepatic resection for metastases from colorectal carcinoma. However, recurrence in the lung is relatively high. Further improvement might be achieved by administering hepatic arterial chemotherapy as well as effective systemic chemotherapy.

Low back pain among cooks in nursery schools

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on cooks working for nursery schools in N city in order to verify epidemiological evidence of the work-relatedness of low back pain among them. After female workers aged 30 or more were selected from a study base of 2,799 workers in social welfare facilities, low back pain prevalence of cooks (n = 240) was compared with nursery school teachers (n = 955). Age-standardized prevalence ratios (PRs) of low back pain were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5-2.5) in cooks compared with nursery school teachers. Among cooks, relative risks of low back pain increased with the increase in the number of lunches to be prepared and decreased with the increase in the number of cooks making lunches in a logistic regression model controlling age and body length. Low back pain was also found to be associated with self-estimated job stressors/ work load by logistic regression models. Multifactorial effects from ergonomic and psychosocial factors, and individual factors on the low back were suggested. From the viewpoint of epidemiological criteria for work-relatedness, it was concluded that the work-relatedness of low back pain among cooks in nursery schools was partially supported.

Clinical value of cytokine antagonists in infectious complications

Plasma levels of antiinflammatory compounds (which counteract inflammation, cortisol, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1ra; soluble IL-2 receptor, sIL-2r, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, sICAM-1; interleukin-10, IL-10) were synchronously determined in a consecutive series of 25 patients with severe bacterial infections. Serum levels of cortisol, IL-1ra, sIL-2r, sICAM-1 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with infection compared with healthy volunteers. Bacterial infection results in the production of inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines from macrophage/monocyte, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). We found that counter-inflammatory compounds can also be released during infectious insults. These results suggested that the biological activity of inflammatory mediators is inhibited by natural antiinflammatory compounds, and the body itself might down-regulate excessive inflammatory cascades through counteracting the inflammatory responses and restore homeostasis.

Infection of human cells by an endogenous retrovirus of pigs

The possible use of pig organs and tissues as xenografts in humans is actively being considered in biomedical research. We therefore examined whether pig endogenous retrovirus (PERV) genomes can be infectiously transmitted to human cells in culture. Two pig kidney cell lines spontaneously produce C-type retrovirus particles. Cell-free retrovirus produced by the PK-15 kidney cell line (PERV-PK) infected pig, mink and human kidney 293 cell lines and co-cultivation of X-irradiated PK-15 cells with human cells resulted in a broader range of human cell infection, including human diploid fibroblasts and B- and T-cell lines. Kidney, heart and spleen tissue obtained from domestic pigs contained multiple copies of integrated PERV genomes and expressed viral RNA. Upon passage in human cells PERV-PK could rescue a Moloney retroviral vector and acquired resistance to lysis by human complement.

Thallium-201 single-photon emission tomography in the treatment follow-up of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

In order to assess the usefulness of thallium-201 single-photon emission tomography (SPET) in the treatment follow-up of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a total of 75 201T1 SPET studies were performed in 18 patients with histologically proven NPC. The findings were compared with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after therapy. Four patients received radiotherapy alone while the other 14 received concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Treatment response was classified as complete (CR) or partial (PR) based on the findings of MRI and 201T1 SPET. Intense 201T1 uptake by the tumour was seen in all 18 patients before treatment. After treatment, MRI showed seven CRs and 11 PRs, whereas 201T1 SPET showed 13 CRs and five PRs. In 12 patients, the results of 201T1 SPET were in agreement with those of MRI. In six patients MRI showed PR but 201T1 showed CR. Follow-up (mean 10.6 months) MRI and 201T1 SPET studies of these six patients revealed that tumour gradually decreased and finally vanished in three patients. This preliminary study indicates that 201T1 SPET has potential in the assessment of early response to treatment of patients with NPC when compared with MRI.

Drinking habit as a base for blood pressure elevation--difference in epidemiological significance by beverage type

To investigate whether blood pressure differs by taking preferred alcoholic beverage among habitual drinkers, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were compared among groups with different beverage types in 563 middle-aged Japanese males using data from a cross-sectional health survey conducted from February, 1989 through March, 1991 in five areas of Japan. Mean values of SBP and DBP, adjusted for residence, age and body mass index (BMI), were significantly greater in 'exclusively sake' drinkers (adjusted SBP: 127.2 mmHg, adjusted DBP: 83.0 mmHg) and in 'exclusively shochu' drinkers (adjusted SBP: 127.5 mmHg, adjusted DBP: 84.2 mmHg) than in non-drinkers (adjusted SBP: 120.9 mmHg, adjusted DBP: 77.3 mmHg). Adjusted SBP and DBP of 'exclusively beer' drinkers (adjusted SBP: 121.9 mmHg, adjusted DBP: 79.1 mmHg) were significantly (for SBP: p = 0.016, for DBP: p = 0.008) lower than those of 'exclusively sake' drinkers. Similar patterns of blood pressure differences between five beverage types of habitual drinkers were found especially in the group with less than 150 g of weekly ethyl-alcohol consumption. Even after adding ethyl-alcohol consumption as a covariate among 479 habitual drinkers, the significant differences in adjusted SBP and DBP between 'exclusively beer' drinkers and 'exclusively sake' drinkers (for SBP: p = 0.032, for DBP: p = 0.044) were noted. These results may suggest that the effects of drinking on blood pressure differ by beverage type in middle-aged Japanese males.

Detection of variants in the mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase gene in Japanese NIDDM patients

Mitochondrial FAD-linked glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) is thought to be an important factor for glucose sensing in pancreatic beta cells. To evaluate the significance of the mGPDH gene in the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we set up primers and conditions for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the coding exons and flanking regions. Screening of 100 Japanese NIDDM patients for mutations using the PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method revealed four variants (ACA:Thr243-ACG:Thr243, CAT:His264-CGT:Arg264, GCA:Ala305-GCC:Ala305, GCA:Ala 306-TCA:Ser306). The His264-Arg264 variant was found in 36 patients, while the other variants were found in only one patient each. Neither the genotypic (chi 2 = 3.15, p = 0.21) nor the allelic (chi 2 = 2.27, p = 0.13) frequency of the His264-Arg264 mutation differed between 253 Japanese NIDDM patients and 157 non-diabetic subjects. In addition, in NIDDM patients, neither the treatment modality nor body mass index differed between those with and without this mutation. These results suggest that inherited defects at this locus do not make a major contribution to genetic susceptibility to NIDDM in the Japanese population.

Pathophysiological changes evoked by lipopolysaccharide administration in goats

To establish an adequate experimental model for the study of immuno-neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the behavioral changes during the acute infection, temporal relationship of various physiological responses to endotoxin administration was examined in ovariectomized goats. Immediately after intravenous injection of 200 ng/kg of lipopolysaccharide, there were an abrupt decrease of white blood cell number and a gradual increase of rectal temperature, which were followed by elevation of plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, glucose, free fatty acids, and then later by an increase of heart rate. The results suggest that the endotoxin administration would evoke a stereotyped cascade of, febrile, neuroendocrine and metabolic as well as autonomic response to the activation of immune systems in the ruminant species.