Synthesis and antibacterial activities of optically active substituted 1,2-dihydro-6-oxo-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylic acids

A series of optically active substituted 1,2-dihydro-6-oxo-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylic acids was prepared via optically active 2-methyl-4,5-difluoroindoline (10) and tested for antibacterial activities. Among them, (2S)-9-[(3R,1'S)-3-(1'-amino)ethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl]-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro- 2- methyl-6-oxo-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]-quinoline-5-carboxylic acid (19) showed potent activity against gram-positive bacteria and (2S)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-2-methyl-9-(3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-6-oxo-6H- pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylic acid (16) exhibited well balanced in vitro activity, good intravenous efficacy, and high aqueous solubility.

Quantitative assessment of anal canal sensation in patients undergoing low anterior resection for rectal cancer

To determine the influence of anal canal sensation on anal function after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer, anal canal sensation was quantitatively evaluated before and after LAR by measuring anal mucosal electrosensitivity (AMES), and the relationship between AMES and postoperative and function was explored. Sensory thresholds 1, 2, and 3 cm from the anal margin were recorded in 21 patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer (LAR-I) before, then 1 and 4 months after their operation. Another 14 patients who had been followed up for more than 1 year (LAR-II) after LAR and 21 control subjects were also studied. The median preoperative sensory thresholds in the LAR-I group were higher than those in the controls, though the differences were not significant. The sensory thresholds in the LAR-I group 4 months after LAR were lower than those preoperatively, but they did not significantly differ from those in the LAR-II and control groups. Although the postoperative sensory thresholds did not correlate with postoperative anal function, the preoperative sensory thresholds were higher in patients who were experiencing episodes of fecal incontinence 4 months after their operation. These results suggests that the preoperative measurement of AMES is useful for identifying patients who are likely to have a poor quality of continence after LAR.

Sterilization of microorganisms by the supercritical carbon dioxide micro-bubble method

Lactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were completely sterilized by the supercritical (SC) CO2 micro-bubble method. Gaseous (G) and liquid (LQ) CO2 were used in a similar manner to compare the sterilizing effect. Among the three treatments, the microorganisms were only effectively sterilized by the SC CO2 treatment at 25 MPa and 35 degrees C.

Purification and characterization of M3 protein expressed on the surface of group A streptococcal type 3 strain C203

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been produced by immunizing BALB/C mice with whole M+ bacteria in incomplete Freund adjuvant and the resulting mAbs for M3 protein have been selected by an indirect immuno-fluorescent technique using formaldehyde-fixed M+ and M- bacteria. Four mAbs reacted with a 65 kDa protein in an extract obtained from the cell wall of M+ bacteria after treatment with N-acetyl muramidase and lysozyme. The purified 65 kDa protein neutralized the phagocytic activity of rabbit anti-M3 antibody. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 65 kDa protein was identical with that of protein generated by the M3 gene which has been previously cloned and sequenced. The evidence indicates that the 65 kDa protein is M3 protein. The M3 protein bound not only human fibrinogen but also human serum albumin (HSA). When the M3 protein was purified by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography in the absence of phenylmethyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), four fragments (35 kDa, 32 kDa, 30 kDa, and 25 kDa) in addition to the intact molecule appeared. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis showed that 35 kDa and 25 kDa fragments were ANAAD and DARSV, respectively, being identical at positions 1-5 and 198-202 to the M3 gene derived protein. Therefore, the 35 kDa and 25 kDa fragments, which were presumed to be cleavage products, may be derived from the C-terminal part and N-terminal part of the intact molecule, respectively. When the effect of purified M3 protein in the bactericidal activity of normal human blood in the presence of M- bacteria was investigated, the M3 protein was responsible for the organism's resistance to attack by phagocytic cells.

8-Hydroxyadenine (7,8-dihydro-8-oxoadenine) induces misincorporation in in vitro DNA synthesis and mutations in NIH 3T3 cells

An oligodeoxyribonucleotide containing 8-hydroxyadenine (OH8Ade) was chemically synthesized and single- and double-stranded c-Ha-ras gene fragments with OH8Ade at the second position of codon 61 were prepared. The single-stranded ras gene fragment was used as a template for in vitro DNA synthesis with the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I, Taq DNA polymerase, rat DNA polymerase beta and mouse DNA polymerase alpha. The former two enzymes exclusively incorporated dTMP opposite OH8Ade. The DNA polymerases alpha and beta misinserted dGMP, and dAMP and dGMP, respectively. The c-Ha-ras gene was constructed using the double-stranded ras gene fragment containing OH8Ade and was transfected into NIH 3T3 cells. The gene with OH8Ade induced focus formation, indicating that OH8Ade elicited point mutations in cells. When c-Ha-ras genes present in transformed cells were analyzed, an A-->G transition and an A-->C transversion were detected. These results indicate that OH8Ade induced misincorporation in in vitro DNA synthesis and mutations in mammalian cells.

Structural analysis of TRAS1, a novel family of telomeric repeat-associated retrotransposons in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

We characterized TRAS1, a retrotransposable element which was inserted into the telomeric repetitive sequence (CCTAA)n of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The complete sequence of TRAS1, a stretch of 7.8 kb with a poly(A) tract at the 3' end, was determined. No long terminal repeat (LTR) was found at the termini of the element. TRAS1 contains gag- and pol-like open reading frames (ORFs) which are similar to those of non-LTR retrotransposons. The two ORFs overlap but are one nucleotide out of frame (+1 frameshift). Most of the approximately 250 copies of TRAS1 elements in the genome were highly conserved in the structure. Chromosomal in situ hybridization showed that TRAS1 elements are clustered at the telomeres of Bombyx chromosomes. A phylogenetic analysis using the amino acid sequence of the reverse transcriptase domain within the pol-like ORF revealed that TRAS1 falls into one lineage with R1, which is a family of non-LTR retrotransposons inserted into the same site within the 28S ribosomal DNA unit in most insects. TRAS1 may have been derived from R1 and changed the target specificity so that TRAS1 inserts into the telomeric repetitive sequence (CCTAA)n. Southern hybridization and Bal 31 exonuclease analyses showed that TRAS1 elements are clustered proximal to the terminal long tract of (CCTAA)n. TRAS1 is a novel family of non-LTR retrotransposons which are inserted into the telomeric repetitive sequences as target sites.

Development and physiological degradation of tooth buds and development of rudiment of baleen plate in southern minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata

The development and degradation of temporary tooth buds and the development of rudiment of baleen plate were observed by gross-anatomical and histological examinations in twenty-four fetuses of the southern minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata. The primary patterns of development of tooth buds were similar to those of deciduous tooth buds in the terrestrial species. Degradation of tooth buds was observed in the fetuses more than 615 mm body length (BL) and might proceed throughout the dental surface of the tooth buds. That degradation pattern was a little different from that of deciduous tooth buds in terrestrial species, which has a limited degradation area at the root of the tooth buds. In the fetuses with 135 and 153 mm BL, the upper jaw had a larger number of tooth buds than the lower jaw, although the number of buds varied in different individuals. Formation of rudiment of baleen plate was observed with degraded tooth buds in the fetus of 903 mm BL and it may be induced by the degradation of tooth buds.

A compartmentalized bias for T-cell receptor V beta usage in summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Several monoclonal antibodies specific to the human T-cell receptor (TCR) variable (V) region were used to examine whether T-cell oligoclonality plays a key role in the development of the T-cell-mediated lung disease, summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP). The usage of TCR V-regions was examined using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and matched peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in patients with SHP. In 18 SHP patients, the majority of lymphocytes in both BAL and PBL was CD3+ cells (94.2 vs. 63.9%, respectively), which was similar to that in normals (n = 7). Of CD3+ lymphocytes in a SHP patient, the percentage of CD4+ cells in BAL was reduced compared to those in paired PBL, whereas the percentage of CD8+ cells was significantly elevated. In contrast, the percentage of CD4+ cells was much higher than that of CD8+ cells in both BAL and PBL of normal subjects. While a majority of CD3+ T cells expressed TCR alpha/beta+ in BAL and PBL from both SHP patients and normal controls, a marked increase of the expression of TCR gamma/delta+ was observed in PBL in 4 out of 18 SHP patients. A markedly increased prevalence (> 3 SD) of specific TCR alpha/beta+ V-region families in BAL was detected in 5 of 18 patients with SHP as compared to normal controls, whereas no specific increase was found in PBL. Increased V beta 8 was detected in 3 cases; V beta 6 was observed in 1 patient, and V beta 5 in another patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Two case reports of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma]

Two cases of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma are presented. The first case was in a 67-year-old female, whose chief complaint of right upper abdominal mass and dull pain. The tumor, 13 x 12 x 8 cm in size, developing in the retroperitoneum was removed with the right kidney and vena cava. The pathological diagnosis was reported as leiomyosarcoma. The second case was in a 62-year-old male, whose complaint was left abdominal swelling, also with general fatigue. A large tumor mass, invading over all of the left flank organs, was palpable by physical examinations, from which the mass was far beyond surgical approach. Needle biopsy revealed the pathological finding of leiomyosarcoma. One month later, the patient died of cachexia. Review of the literatures for the retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, revealed only a few cases; 1.7%, of all leiomyosarcoma to date.

Interventional trial for colorectal cancer prevention in Osaka: an introduction to the protocol

We established a protocol for an interventional randomized controlled trial for prevention of colorectal cancer by attaching special importance to feasibility. The subjects were patients with multiple colorectal tumors. Two regimens were formulated for prevention of colorectal cancer. One was dietary guidance alone (Regimen I), and the other was dietary guidance plus eating wheat bran biscuits (Regimen II). The main end points of the trial were examinations for recurrence of colorectal tumors after 2 and 4 years. The target number of patients was 200 in total, i.e. 100 for each group. During the 18 months from the beginning of recruiting of subjects (up to November 1994), 28 (97%) of the 29 patients recruited for Regimen I and 32 (97%) of the 33 patients recruited for Regimen II agreed to participate in the trial. The trial progressing well.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis with marked eosinophilic infiltration in the liver

A 16-year-old boy was diagnosed as having primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), based on retrograde cholangiography showing mixed features of narrowing and dilatation of the common hepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. However, periductal fibrosis was not observed in the needle biopsy liver specimen. The liver biopsy specimen obtained 11 years previously, at the onset of the disease had disclosed a marked infiltration of eosinophils in the portal tract with eosinophilic catinonic protein immunostaining, with marked eosinophilia (54%) being noted. In Japanese reports, eosinophilia of more than 7% was reported in 13 of 32 (40.6%) PSC patients. However, the early stage of PSC, with marked eosinophilia and eosinophilic infiltration in the liver, such as in the present case, has rarely been reported. The findings in this case suggest that eosinocytes are related to the pathogenesis of PSC.

[A case of huge renal hamartoma]

We experienced a case of renal hamartoma of mesothelial origin. A 21-year-old was referred to our hospital with a complaint of growing abdominal mass. The diagnosis of right renal tumor was confirmed based on the radiographic examinations. The renal tumor was removed by partial nephrectomy. Histological examination revealed the tumor composed of fibroblasts, smooth muscle and a few tubule-like epithelial tissue. Thus, this case was classified as renal hamartoma of mesothelial origin.

[Repair of mitral valve prolapse by resection and sliding plasty]

There have been many techniques applied to the repair of mitral valve prolapse, and the method used in a particular case is usually selected according to the position and extent of the lesion. To simplify and standardize the technique of mitral valve repair, we have adopted the resection, sliding plasty and ring annuloplasty methods since December 1992. Of 10 consecutive surgical cases, 2 involved prolapse of the anterior leaflet, 1 the posteromedial commissural, and 7 the posterior leaflet. One patient with posterior leaflet prolapse required valve replacement due to dehiscence of the plastied site on the 3rd postoperative day, and one died because of sepsis. However, the remaining patients were doing well without mitral regurgitation at a mean of 20 months (range: 8-32) after the operation. The advantages of these techniques include easy adjustment of the height of the leaflet and a good chance of long-term durability, since the affected lesion is resected.

Gamma delta T cells play an important role in hsp65 expression and in acquiring protective immune responses against infection with Toxoplasma gondii

Previously, we reported that the expression of hsp65 within and on host macrophages correlates closely with protection against infection with Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Herein, we propose that gamma delta T cells play a crucial role in the induction of hsp65 and also in the protective immune response to T. gondii. Intraperitoneal inoculation with this protozoan resulted in hsp65 being expressed on and in host peritoneal macrophages and resulted in an increase of T cells bearing the gamma delta receptor with Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes in the peritoneal cavity and spleen. When mice were depleted of gamma delta T cells by the administration of a mAb, hsp65 expression was markedly decreased. In contrast, the expression of this protein was rather enhanced and gamma delta T cells were prominently expanded in mice depleted of alpha beta T cells. The protection in mice treated with the mAb paralleled the magnitude of hsp65 expression. Mice depleted of gamma delta T cells died most frequently in the early stages of infection, whereas most of those depleted of alpha beta T cells survived the early stages of lethal infection with T. gondii. However, the latter group of mice did not definitely control the T. gondii infection in its late stages. IFN-gamma was not essential for either the expression of hsp65 or the resistance induced by gamma delta T cells, as demonstrated in mice treated with mAb to murine IFN-gamma. These findings indicated that gamma delta T cells having both the Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes contribute to hsp65 expression within and on macrophages in an IFN-gamma-independent manner. This, in turn, plays a role in the development of protective immunity during the early stage of this parasitic infection.

The use of grommets for flexible hinge toe implants. A case report

The postmortem examination of bilateral first metatarsophalangeal flexible hinge toe implants in a 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis is reported. The prosthesis had been inserted with grommets in 1 joint and without grommets in the other 2.5 years before her death. The implants were removed, and the bone/implant interfaces were examined microscopically by hematoxylin eosin stains and an electron probe microanalyzer. Surfaces of the implants were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Silicone particles within the fibrous tissue at the bone/implant interface, and a tear and significant scuffing of the implant surface, were detected in the joint without grommets. Such changes were not detected in the joint with grommets. These findings suggest that grommets may improve implant durability and preventing silicone synovitis.

[Experience in seven cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy]

We have experienced 7 cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors during the past two years since our department opened in July, 1992. In four cases, the tumors were clinically diagnosed preoperatively as primary aldosteronism and in the other three cases as endocrine-inactive tumors. Four tumors were found on the left adrenal and three on the right. Five tumors were successfully resected with laparoscopic surgery, but in the other two cases it was immediately followed by open surgery because of an uncontrollable hemorrhage. Laparoscopically unresected tumors existed, one on the right and the other on the left adrenal. The average operation time for laparoscopic adrenalectomy was twice as much as that of open adrenalectomy previously performed. However, the operation time has been recently shortened to be less than 200 minutes. Hemorrhage during the operation was rather less in laparoscopic surgeries if they were successfully done. Postoperative recovery was found to be much faster and the hospital stay was shortened by more than 10 days in patients operated with a laparoscope. These findings indicate that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive operation that can increase the QOL's of the patient. Although we consider that this operation may propagate as a method for adrenalectomy in future, it must be performed with a careful backup system in the case of an emergency.

Gamma delta T cells play an important role in hsp65 expression and in acquiring protective immune responses against infection with Toxoplasma gondii

Previously, we reported that the expression of hsp65 within and on host macrophages correlates closely with protection against infection with Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Herein, we propose that gamma delta T cells play a crucial role in the induction of hsp65 and also in the protective immune response to T. gondii. Intraperitoneal inoculation with this protozoan resulted in hsp65 being expressed on and in host peritoneal macrophages and resulted in an increase of T cells bearing the gamma delta receptor with Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes in the peritoneal cavity and spleen. When mice were depleted of gamma delta T cells by the administration of a mAb, hsp65 expression was markedly decreased. In contrast, the expression of this protein was rather enhanced and gamma delta T cells were prominently expanded in mice depleted of alpha beta T cells. The protection in mice treated with the mAb paralleled the magnitude of hsp65 expression. Mice depleted of gamma delta T cells died most frequently in the early stages of infection, whereas most of those depleted of alpha beta T cells survived the early stages of lethal infection with T. gondii. However, the latter group of mice did not definitely control the T. gondii infection in its late stages. IFN-gamma was not essential for either the expression of hsp65 or the resistance induced by gamma delta T cells, as demonstrated in mice treated with mAb to murine IFN-gamma. These findings indicated that gamma delta T cells having both the Thy-1+ and Thy-1- phenotypes contribute to hsp65 expression within and on macrophages in an IFN-gamma-independent manner. This, in turn, plays a role in the development of protective immunity during the early stage of this parasitic infection.

Modulation by bovine angiogenin of tubular morphogenesis and expression of plasminogen activator in bovine endothelial cells

Angiogenin is a potent angiogenic molecule in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and rabbit corneal assay. However, no angiogenic activity has been reported in in vitro system. In this study, we isolated and purified angiogenin from bovine milk, and the biological effect of the bovine angiogenin on bovine endothelial cells was examined in in vitro angiogenesis models. Bovine angiogenin significantly stimulated both cell migration and formation of tube-like structures in the collagen gel by bovine aortic endothelial cells. Angiogenin at 10-100 ng/ml stimulated about 2-fold higher the tube formation when basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) at 10 ng/ml stimulated about 3-fold over the control. Tubular morphogenesis stimulated by bFGF or angiogenin was almost completely blocked in the presence of aprotinin, an inhibitor of serine proteases. Angiogenin up-regulated both mRNA level and activity of urokinase type plasminogen activator, a key mediator of angiogenesis. Moreover, both bFGF and bovine angiogenin induced a marked increase of c-fos mRNA level at 30 min after stimulation. These novel effects of bovine angiogenin are to be discussed in relation to its structure specificity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new parenteral optically active 3-[[(N-alkylpyridinium-4'-yl)thio]methyl]-2-oxaisocephems

The preparation and biological evaluation of a series of 7-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-(Z)-[(cyclopentyloxy)imino]acetamido] optically active 2-oxaisocephems, substituted at the 3-position with [(N-alkylpyridinium-4'-yl)thio]methyl groups, are described. The resulting family of parenteral compounds displays a broad spectrum of in vitro antibacterial activity. These compounds exhibit increased activity against Gram-positive organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis which are resistant to most cephalosporins with a similar level of Gram-negative activity to that of the third-generation antibiotics. In vivo efficacy of new antibacterial agents in this investigation is excellent against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as compared with reference compounds. The in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity and the structure-activity relationships are presented.

Liver with hypoechoic nodular pattern as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Ultrasonography should be used for screening of hepatocellular carcinoma, but there are few reports on the relationship between liver ultrasonographic findings and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using prospective follow-up studies, we examined the role of liver with a hypoechoic nodular pattern as a high-risk factor in HCC.

METHODS

The study was performed by follow-up on 593 patients with chronic liver disease recorded at our hospital. The ultrasonographic pattern of the liver parenchyma was classified either as a small or large hypoechoic nodular pattern or as a nonnodular pattern. Patients were followed up from the time of initial ultrasonographic examination (1985-1987) until January 1, 1991.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period (average, 4.2 years, range, 0.3-6.0 years), 62 patients were found to have HCC (12%). Patients whose livers showed small or large hypoechoic nodular pattern had a significantly higher risk of HCC than did patients whose livers showed a nonnodular pattern (rate ratios were 14.0 and 20.0, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, hepatitis virus markers, ICG R15, alpha-fetoprotein concentration, and ultrasonographic pattern of the liver).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver showing a hypoechoic nodular pattern is a major risk factor in HCC.

Interleukin 7 is produced by human intestinal epithelial cells and regulates the proliferation of intestinal mucosal lymphocytes

The interaction of mucosal lymphocytes and intestinal epithelial cells is thought to be important in regulating immune response in the intestinal mucosa, but conclusive evidence is limited. Here we demonstrate the expression of IL-7 mRNA in human intestinal mucosa by combined reverse transcription PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization confirm the presence of IL-7 in intestinal epithelial cells, especially in epithelial goblet cells. Moreover, IL-7 receptor expression in mucosal lymphocytes is demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, as well as by Southern blot and flow cytometric analysis of freshly isolated lamina propria lymphocytes. In contrast, IL-7 receptor could not be detected in the cell surface of freshly isolated PBLs. The functional activity of IL-7 receptor is demonstrated by the utility of recombinant IL-7 to stimulate the growth of lamina propria lymphocytes, and conversely inhibit CD3-dependent proliferation of these cells. In contrast, IL-7 caused no significant increase in DNA synthesis and cell numbers when added to PBLs. These findings suggest that human intestinal epithelial cells and epithelial goblet cells produce IL-7, and locally produced IL-7 may serve as a potent regulatory factor for intestinal mucosal lymphocytes.

Formation of oligosaccharides from lactose by Bacillus circulans beta-galactosidase

Eleven oligosaccharides formed by a transglycosylation reaction during lactose hydrolysis with Bacillus circulans beta-galactosidase were purified by gel permeation chromatography, charcoal chromatography, and HPLC. From the results of methylation analysis, and MS and NMR studies, it was concluded that these oligosaccharides were beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->2)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->2)]-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->2)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->2)]-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-D-Glc, beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)[beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)]-D-Glc. The last five are newly observed oligosaccharides. The results of a use test (in vitro) by human intestinal bacteria showed that the oligosaccharides containing lactose units were predominantly used by human intestinal bifidobacteria.

Clinical evaluation of CYFRA 21-1 in malignant pleural fluids

The diagnostic value of the novel tumor marker CYFRA 21-1 in malignant pleural fluid was assessed in comparison to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CYFRA 21-1 and CEA were measured in pleural fluid obtained from patients with 108 malignant and benign diseases. The levels of pleural fluid CYFRA 21-1 in malignant diseases (median: 84.5 ng/ml) were statistically higher than those in benign diseases (median: 13.9 ng/ml; p < 0.01). The CYFRA 21-1 test was able to discriminate significantly between squamous cell lung cancer and pneumonia (p < 0.01), while pleural fluid CEA levels could not. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the CYFRA 21-1 test has an advantage over CEA because of its higher specificity. These results indicate that measurement of CYFRA 21-1 in pleural fluid is a new tool, in addition to cytologic examination, to discriminate between malignant and benign diseases.

Increase of intracellular free [Ca2+] in single human motile spermatozoa treated with human follicular fluid

The intracellular free [Ca2+] concentration ([Ca2+]i) in individual human sperm was measured using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. In 18 of 23 motile sperm (78.3%), [Ca2+]i increased significantly and promptly after addition of 20% human follicular fluid (hFF), but in the others it did not increase. The mean resting [Ca2+]i level of sperm in which [Ca2+]i increased after addition of 20% hFF (the influx group) was significantly lower than those in which it did not increase (112.8 +/- 40.1 nM vs. 156.9 +/- 13.5 nM, p < .05). After addition of 20% hFF, the mean [Ca2+]i in the influx group reached a peak value of 210.7 +/- 24.7 nM within 30 s and then decreased slowly; the mean [Ca2+]i values 1, 5, 10, and 15 min after addition of 20% hFF were 179.3 +/- 31.4, 174.3 +/- 30.2, 172.5 +/- 27.8, and 175.1 +/- 27.2 nM, and all values were significantly higher than the resting level (p < .01). The frequency distribution of [Ca2+]i after addition of 20% hFF was shifted toward higher concentrations (p < .01). However, the addition of 20% hFF did not increase the percentage of live acrosome reaction (before 3.8 +/- 0.9% vs. after 2.9 +/- 0.5%, respectively). Thus, hFF increased [Ca2+]i in about 80% of the motile sperm. Relatively high [Ca2+]i levels persisted for at least 10-15 min after its addition. However, hFF did not trigger a rapid response in acrosome reaction.