Ca(2+) influx through P2X receptors induces actin cytoskeleton reorganization by the formation of cofilin rods in neurites

In physiological and pathological events, extracellular ATP plays an important role by controlling several types of purinergic receptors and changing cytoskeleton dynamics. To know the process of ATP-dependent cytoskeleton remodeling, we focused on cofilin, a key regulator of actin cytoskeleton, and investigated the dynamics of cofilin in PC12 cells through fluorescent protein-labeled cofilin and actin, Ca(2+) imaging, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques. As a result, ATP induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase, following cofilin rods' formation. ATP-induced cofilin rods' formation was not observed in cells expressing unphosphorylatable variant of cofilin. A P2X receptor agonist, but not P2Y, induced the formation of cofilin rods, whereas calmodulin and calcineurin inhibitors suppressed it. These results indicate that Ca(2+) influx through P2X receptors induces the formation of cofilin rods via calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation of cofilin. This pathway might be one candidate to explain the effects of ATP on neuronal development and injury.

A three-dimensional quantitative analysis of carpal deformity in rheumatoid wrists

We have measured the three-dimensional patterns of carpal deformity in 20 wrists in 20 rheumatoid patients in which the carpal bones were shifted ulnarwards on plain radiography. Three-dimensional bone models of the carpus and radius were created by computerised tomography with the wrist in the neutral position. The location of the centroids and rotational angle of each carpal bone relative to the radius were calculated and compared with those of ten normal wrists. In the radiocarpal joint, the proximal row was flexed and the centroids of all carpal bones translocated in an ulnar, proximal and volar direction with loss of congruity. In the midcarpal joint, the distal row was extended and congruity generally well preserved. These findings may facilitate more positive use of radiocarpal fusion alone for the deformed rheumatoid wrist.

Flagella facilitate escape of Salmonella from oncotic macrophages

The intracellular parasite Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes a typhoid-like systemic disease in mice. Whereas the survival of Salmonella in phagocytes is well understood, little has been documented about the exit of intracellular Salmonella from host cells. Here we report that in a population of infected macrophages Salmonella induces "oncosis," an irreversible progression to eukaryotic cell death characterized by swelling of the entire cell body. Oncotic macrophages (OnMphis) are terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling negative and lack actin filaments (F-actin). The plasma membrane of OnMphis filled with bacilli remains impermeable, and intracellular Salmonella bacilli move vigorously using flagella. Eventually, intracellular Salmonella bacilli intermittently exit host cells in a flagellum-dependent manner. These results suggest that induction of macrophage oncosis and intracellular accumulation of flagellated bacilli constitute a strategy whereby Salmonella escapes from host macrophages.

Mesoscopic Phase Coherence in a Quantum Spin Fluid

Mesoscopic quantum phase coherence is important because it improves the prospects for handling quantum degrees of freedom in technology. Here we show that the development of such coherence can be monitored using magnetic neutron scattering from a one-dimensional spin chain of an oxide of nickel (Y2BaNiO5), a quantum spin fluid in which no classical static magnetic order is present. In the cleanest samples, the quantum coherence length is 20 nanometers, which is almost an order of magnitude larger than the classical antiferromagnetic correlation length of 3 nanometers. We also demonstrate that the coherence length can be modified by static and thermally activated defects in a quantitatively predictable manner.

DNA-binding activity of TNF-alpha inducing protein from Helicobacter pylori

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inducing protein (Tipalpha) is a carcinogenic factor secreted from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), mediated through both enhanced expression of TNF-alpha and chemokine genes and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. Since Tipalpha enters gastric cancer cells, the Tipalpha binding molecules in the cells should be investigated. The direct DNA-binding activity of Tipalpha was observed by pull down assay using single- and double-stranded genomic DNA cellulose. The surface plasmon resonance assay, indicating an association between Tipalpha and DNA, revealed that the affinity of Tipalpha for (dGdC)10 is 2400 times stronger than that of del-Tipalpha, an inactive Tipalpha. This suggests a strong correlation between DNA-binding activity and carcinogenic activity of Tipalpha. And the DNA-binding activity of Tipalpha was first demonstrated with a molecule secreted from H. pylori.

Efficacy of Helper-dependent Adenovirus Vector-mediated Gene Therapy in Murine Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia

Genetic deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) underlies glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia, also known as von Gierke disease; MIM 232200), an autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism associated with life-threatening hypoglycemia and growth retardation. We tested whether helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd)-mediated hepatic delivery of G6Pase would lead to prolonged survival and sustained correction of the metabolic abnormalities in G6Pase knockout (KO) mice, a model for a severe form of GSD-Ia. An HDAd vector encoding G6Pase was administered intravenously (2 or 5 x 10(12)vector particles/kg) to 2-week-old (w.o.) G6Pase-KO mice. Following HDAd vector administration survival was prolonged to a median of 7 months, in contrast to untreated affected mice that did not survive past 3 weeks of age. G6Pase levels increased more than tenfold between 3 days and 28 weeks after HDAd injection (P < 0.03). The weights of untreated 2 w.o. G6Pase-KO mice were approximately half those of their unaffected littermates, and treatment stimulated their growth to the size of wild-type mice. Severe hypoglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, which are hallmarks of GSD-Ia both in humans and in mice, were also restored to normalcy by the treatment. Glycogen accumulation in the liver was markedly reduced. The efficacy of HDAd-G6Pase treatment in reversing the physiological and biochemical abnormalities associated with GSD-Ia in affected G6Pase-KO mice justifies further preclinical evaluation in murine and canine models of GSD-Ia.

[The psychopathology of "as if" experiences]

After a descriptive phenomenological sketch, we try to elucidate the structure of the "as if" experience. This experience is concerned with appearance, with what 'seems' to a person as opposed to actual reality. Normally there is always the possibility of error trying to recognize reality, which is accessible to anybody. In contrast, for the individual no error is possible regarding an appearance which is accessible to nobody but the person to whom it appears. In daily life we are often unaware of the confusions of reality and appearance. The obsessive patient cannot permit himself such customary confusions. The delusional patient cannot realize relevant confusions of reality and appearance, in spite of encounters with outside persons. As mentioned, reality and appearance get pathologically entangled in both obsessive and delusional patients. Some therapeutic proposals are offered from the standpoint of these "as if" patents.

Spindle cell carcinoma arising in the pharynx, with granulocytosis and high serum granulocyte colony stimulating factor titre

We report the case of a 67-year-old man with a left pharyngeal tumour, whose peripheral blood showed granulocytosis (white blood cell count, 58 300/μl) and a high serum granulocyte colony stimulating factor titre (184 pg/ml). The tumour showed pleomorphic proliferation of atypical spindle cells in a myxomatous stroma, revealing a sarcomatous pattern. The spindle-shaped neoplastic cells had irregularly shaped nuclei, a thick nuclear membrane, prominent eosinophilic nucleoli and abundant cytoplasm. They strongly expressed wide-spectrum keratin, cytokeratins (CAM5.2, MNF116), vimentin and vascular endothelial growth factor. A few neoplastic cells expressed granulocyte colony stimulating factor. A spindle cell carcinoma was diagnosed. This may be the first documented case of a granulocyte colony stimulating factor producing cancer arising in the pharynx. The patient died four months after the initial symptoms appeared.

Serotonin induces the increase in intracellular Ca2+ that enhances neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells via activation of 5-HT3 receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels

As a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, serotonin (5-HT) influences neuronal outgrowth in the nervous systems of several species. In PC12 cells, 5-HT is known to have neuritogenic effects, although the signal transduction pathway responsible for these effects is not understood. In this study, we hypothesized that a 5-HT-induced increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) could be involved in mediating the effects of 5-HT. Application of 5-HT to PC12 cells enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner, and the sensitivity of this neuritogenic effect was increased in differentiated PC12 cells. In accordance, an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was observed following application of 5-HT in differentiated PC12 cells. This increase was amplified by further NGF treatment. 5-HT-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were inhibited by MDL 72222, a selective 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, and nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, but not by ketanserin, a 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, or thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase. These pharmacological tests indicated that 5-HT-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) are mediated by activation of voltage-gated calcium channels via 5-HT(3) receptors and that 5-HT-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) are likely to be independent of activation of 5-HT(2) receptors in PC12 cells. Furthermore, the neuritogenic effect of 5-HT was suppressed by MDL 72222, nifedipine, calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor, and calcineurin inhibitors. Taken together, our results indicate that 5-HT-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i), which are mediated via 5-HT(3) receptors and L-type calcium channels in PC12 cells, and subsequent activation of CaM and calcineurin enhance NGF-induced neurite outgrowth.

Sustained phenotypic correction in a mouse model of hypoalphalipoproteinemia with a helper-dependent adenovirus vector

We examined the efficacy and host response to the adenovirus (Ad)-mediated delivery of human apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) gene to the liver of APOA1(-/-) mice. Administration of a first-generation vector (FGAd-AI) resulted in a transient appearance of APOA1 in plasma and induced an anti-APOA1 antibody titer, whereas treatment with a helper-dependent vector (HDAd-AI) resulted in sustained APOA1 expression without inducing an antibody titer. With these results, we studied the effects of FGAd vectors on APOAI expression by HDAd-AI vector. Co-treatment with an FGAd vector inhibited HDAd-AI- mediated APOA1 expression independent of transgene cassettes, but only FGAd-AI induced a humoral response. Furthermore, APOA1 mRNA levels in mice co-treated with FGAd vectors were much lower than those expected from the vector copy number, suggesting that DNA of FGAd vectors interferes with the HDAd-AI vector's APOA1 promoter. A single treatment with an HDAd-AI vector produced a supraphysiological plasma APOA1 level that gradually declined to about half the normal human level over the course of 2 years, associated with a plasma cholesterol level that is persistently higher than that in controls. This investigation provides the proof of principle that liver-directed HDAd gene delivery is effective for the long-term phenotypic correction of monogenic hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

[The psychopathology of depersonalization]

In his classic overview, Mayer-Gross indicated two clinical features of depersonalization to be taken as starting points for future investigation: excessive difficulty in describing it and its relatively rare appearance in organic disorders. Neither characteristic has so far been discussed sufficiently in psychopathology and neurobiology. In this article, we examine the language aspect of depersonalization by comparisons with aphasia, in which the two objects of study described by Mayer-Gross, speech and organic disorders, intertwine. Concerning amnestic aphasia, Gelb and Goldstein insist that an object cannot be grasped as a generally understood fact using a categorical attitude but only experienced subjectively in its this-ness with a concrete attitude. The particular experience of depersonalization is the reverse of that in amnestic aphasia, as the relation of the depersonalized patient to this-ness is disturbed but an ideal view of the generality remains.

Change detection and difference detection of tone duration discrimination

An event-related potential called mismatch negativity is known to exhibit physiological evidence of sensory memory. Mismatch negativity is believed to represent complicated neuronal mechanisms in a variety of animals and in humans. We employed the auditory oddball paradigm varying sound durations and observed two types of duration mismatch negativity in anesthetized guinea pigs. One was a duration mismatch negativity whose increase in peak amplitude occurred immediately after onset of the stimulus difference in a decrement oddball paradigm. The other exhibited a peak amplitude increase closer to the offset of the longer stimulus in an increment oddball paradigm. These results demonstrated a mechanism to percept the difference of duration change and revealed the importance of the end of a stimulus for this perception.

High birefringence of the yttrium vanadate crystal in the middle wavelength infrared

A high birefringence of over 0.21 for the yttrium vanadate (YVO4) crystal in the middle wavelength infrared (i.e., 3-5 microm) was measured. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer was employed in the channel spectra technique to obtain the measurements.

Unusual Remnant Thymic Tissue in an Adult Mimicking Malignant Neoplasm: Escape From Age-Related Involution

Here we report on a 55-year-old man with an abnormal anterior mediastinal shadow and multiple nodules in the thymus, which increased in size over a period of 15 months. He was diagnosed with early prostatic cancer, and treated with chemotherapy. Although no definite preoperative diagnosis was obtained, surgery was performed because of the possibility of malignant neoplasm or metastasis. Extended thymectomy was performed and pathological examination revealed that the nodules were remnant thymic tissue and not malignant lesions. Although the cause of this unusual remnant thymic tissue remains unclear, it may have been related to autoimmune or endocrinological disease.

Single molecular multianalyte (Ca2+, Mg2+) fluorescent probe and applications to bioimaging

Intracellular signal transduction relies on spatial and temporal signal transmitter dynamics. To clarify the correlations of these transmitter molecules, multicolor-imaging has been widely used. However, in the case of applying multiple indicators in a cell, spectral overlap of the indicators prevents accurate quantitative analysis. Moreover, the invasive (toxic) effect, the localization, the metabolism, as well as photobleaching of these indicators complicate the situation. Here, we show that single-molecular multifluorescent probes can overcome these problems. While intracellular calcium plays a critical role as a signal transmitter and magnesium acts as a cofactor in many situations, the correlations between the two cations are now the main issue. We designed and synthesized a Ca2+-Mg2+ responsive multifluorescent probe, KCM-1. KCM-1 shows a spectral blue shift upon complexation to Ca2+ and a red shift to the presence of Mg2+. With data analyzed at different excitation wavelengths, the concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ are simultaneously quantified. Furthermore, by using the AM-ester method, intracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations are simultaneously imaged. Such a type of intracellular multiple analyte imaging by a single-molecular multifluorescent probe is successfully demonstrated for the first time.

Laser based angle-resolved photoemission, the sudden approximation, and quasiparticle-like spectral peaks in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+delta)

A new low photon energy regime of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy is accessed with lasers and used to study the high T(C) superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+delta). The low energy increases bulk sensitivity, reduces background, and improves resolution. With this we observe spectral peaks which are sharp on the scale of their binding energy--the clearest evidence yet for quasiparticles in the normal state. Crucial aspects of the data such as the dispersion, superconducting gaps, and the bosonic coupling kink are found to be robust to a possible breakdown of the sudden approximation.

[Recent Topics for magnesium mobilization in neurons]

Although magnesium ion (Mg(2+)) is believed as an important factor for maintenance of normal neuron function, our understanding of its intracellular mobilization and physiological function is still not enough. We need to know the following mobilization mechanisms of Mg(2+) in neurons:Mg(2+) influx via ion channels, Mg(2+) release from intracellular pools, and Mg(2+) transporters located on cell membrane. In this short review, I show the recent findings of intracellular Mg(2+) release and also Na/Mg antiport on cell membrane in PC12 cells that have been revealed by fluorescent Mg imaging techniques.

Pharmacokinetic differences between morning and evening administration of cyclosporine and tacrolimus therapy

We performed 24-hour monitoring of cyclosporine (NEO) and tacrolimus (TAC) blood concentrations, evaluating pharmacokinetic parameters and characterizing circadian variations. The monitoring was performed in 10 instances on nine patients administered NEO and 12 out of 11 patients administered TAC. All cases were administered equally divided doses of drugs twice daily orally. Blood samples were taken before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 hours after NEO or TAC administration in the morning and evening. The pharmacokinetic parameters were compared between morning and evening administrations of both drugs. AUC0-12, AUC0-4, C(max), C2, and C(max)/C(min) of NEO and TAC were significantly lower during the evening compared with morning administrations. C(min) values were significantly higher in the evening. T(max) of NEO was longer in evening, although there was not a significant difference; T(max) of TAC was significantly longer in the evening. We found that NEO and TAC administrations in the evening resulted in reduced bioavailability and delayed absorption when compared with drug administrations in the morning. It was thought that the difference in bioavailability between morning and evening administrations was smaller with TAC, because TAC shows lower peak levels and a flatter blood concentration curve than NEO. C(min) was higher after evening administration than morning because of delayed absorption, though the bioavailability of both drugs decreased in the evening. These results suggest that we have to appreciate apparently high trough levels.

Increased Expression of Renin in Chronic Allograft Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is the main cause of renal transplant failure in the first decade posttransplant. The precise pathogenetic mechanism for CAN is not completely understood. A possible role of renin-angiotensin system for CAN has been suggested through clinical observations that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin II receptor blockers prevent CAN.

METHODS

Distribution of renin-positive cells in allograft biopsy specimens was examined immunohistochemically in 23 renal transplant recipients diagnosed with CAN Biopsy specimens obtained from seven recipients with stable renal function were examined as controls. Histologic evaluation was performed based on the Banff 97 classification.

RESULTS

Renin-positive cells were found in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) adjoining the afferent arterioles in both groups. When the number of renin-positive cells in JGA was defined as a renin index, it was significantly higher in the CAN than the control group (P = .007). There was no significant difference in age, interval between transplantation and biopsy, and blood pressure between groups. Only a significantly higher serum creatinine was found in the CAN group.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased renin-positive cells in JGA suggest a significant role of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activation in the development of CAN.

Optimal Dose and Target Trough Level in Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus Conversion in Renal Transplantation as Evaluated by Lymphocyte Drug Sensitivity and Pharmacokinetic Parameters

We evaluated the relative clinical potency of cyclosporine (CyA) and tacrolimus (Tac) using pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug to obtain the most suitable converting dose and target trough level. The relative pharmacodynamic potency was examined by the mean ratio of drug concentrations giving 50% inhibition of blastogenesis of lymphocytes (IC50) in 66 chronic renal failure patients. The relative potency estimated from clinical pharmacokinetic parameters was examined by the mean ratio of each pharmacokinetic parameter value of CyA versus Tac. The pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by 12-hour monitoring of drug blood concentrations in seven CyA patients and seven Tac patients. The mean IC50 ratio of CyA and Tac (CyA/Tac of IC50) was 25.1. The mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ratio (CyA/Tac of AUC) was 25.5, the mean trough level (C(min)) ratio (CyA/Tac of C(min)) was 13.2, and the mean dose per body weight ratio was 25.2. The relative potency estimated from AUC that is the most reliable pharmacokinetic parameter for the estimation of clinical efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors appeared to agree with the relative pharmacodynamic potency estimated from IC50. The data suggest that TAC 25-fold more potent than CyA, which represents a suitable converting dose ratio, and that target trough level of CyA is about 13-fold greater than Tac based on CyA/Tac of C(min). We conclude that these relative values may be useful to estimate the suitable dose and target trough levels to convert between CyA and Tac.

Evaluation of Appropriate Blood Level in Continuous Intravenous Infusion From Trough Concentrations After Oral Administration Based on Area Under Trough Level in Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine Therapy

The target blood concentrations of tacrolimus (TAC) and cyclosporine (CYA) during continuous intravenous infusion (C(ss)) have been determined based on clinical experience. However, it is desirable that C(ss) should be set so that the AUC after intravenous infusion is equal to the AUC after oral administration (AUC(po)). Accordingly, we performed 12-hour monitoring of blood concentrations to calculate C(ss) from the blood trough levels (C(TL)) on 15 kidney recipients administered TAC and 12 recipients administered CYA (Neoral). We used an area under the trough level (AUTL) as a new pharmacokinetic parameter. The C(ss) was evaluated from C(TL), AUC(po), and AUTL was calculated to be C(ss) = C(TL) x (AUC(po)/AUTL). In addition, AUTL/AUC(po) ratio and blood peak/trough level ratio (C(max)/C(min)) were examined to compare pharmacokinetics of TAC and CYA. The formula for TAC was C(ss) = C(TL) x 1.40 and that for CYA, C(ss) = C(TL) x 2.55. The calculated target C(ss) of TAC was 1.40 times that of C(TL), which was similar to the present clinical C(TL). In contrast, the calculated target C(ss) of CYA was 2.55 times the C(TL), and therefore an extremely high C(ss) was necessary to obtain a sufficient AUC that will be available after oral administration. Consequently, intravenous administration of CYA twice a day was considered to be more appropriate to obtain sufficient CYA pharmacokinetics, rather than a continuous intravenous administration. We conclude that the formula, C(ss) = C(TL) x (AUC(po)/AUTL) was useful to calculate the target blood concentration of calcineurin inhibitors when changing from continuous intravenous infusion to oral administration of these drugs.

Investigation of intracellular magnesium mobilization pathways I PC12 cells B simultaneous Mg-Ca fluorescent imaging

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

PC12 cells were loaded with a novel Mg indicator KMG-104 and Ca indicator fura-2, and intracellular Mg was studied in the endoplasmic reticulums (ERs), mitochondria, and Mg-ATP. Under coexistence of the two indicators, fluorescent signals of Mg and Ca can be measured separately. Mg release from the ER was investigated by photolysis of caged compounds.

RESULTS

Transient [Ca]i increase by uncaging of caged Ca or caged IP3 or bath-application of caffeine (10 mM) induced no [Mg]i increase. These results suggest that there is no mechanism for Mg release from the ER through ryanodine receptors or IP3 receptors. In order to investigate the possibility of Mg release from Mg-ATP by energy consumption, we depleted ATP by oligomycin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthase. Treating with oligomycin (4 microM) for several minutes showed no change of [Mg]i and [Ca]i.

CONCLUSIONS

This result shows that Mg-ATP is not a Mg store. Since, when cells were treated by an uncoupler FCCP (3 microM), [Mg]i and [Ca]i increased, we concluded that mitochondria participate in maintenance of intracellular Mg stores.

Inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by (-)-DHMEQ, a novel NF-kappaB inhibitor, through downregulation of NFATc1

(-)-DHMEQ, a newly designed NF-kappaB inhibitor, inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in mouse BMMs through downregulation of the induction of NFATc1, an essential transcription factor of osteoclastogenesis.

INTRODUCTION

Bone destruction is often observed in advanced case of rheumatoid arthritis and neoplastic diseases, including multiple myeloma. Effective and nontoxic chemotherapeutic agents are expected for the suppression of these bone destructions. RANKL induces activation of NF-kappaB and osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage precursor cells (BMMs). Targeted disruption or pharmacological suppression of NF-kappaB result in impaired osteoclastogenesis, but how NF-kappaB is involved in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis is not known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of (-)-dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin [(-)-DHMEQ] on osteoclast differentiation was studied using a culture system of mouse BMMs stimulated with RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. The mechanism of the inhibition was studied by biochemical analysis such as immunoblotting and retroviral transfer experiments.

RESULTS

(-)-DHMEQ strongly inhibited RANKL-induced NF-kappaB activation in BMMs and inhibited RANKL-induced formation of TRACP(+) multinucleated cells. Interestingly, (-)-DHMEQ specifically inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of NFATc1 but not the expressions of TRAF6 or c-fos. Inhibition of osteoclast differentiation by (-)-DHMEQ was rescued by overexpression of NFATc1, suggesting that the inhibition is not caused by a toxic effect. Moreover, pit formation assays showed that (-)-DHMEQ also inhibited the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts.

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of NF-kappaB suppresses osteoclastogenesis by downregulation of NFATc1, suggesting that NFATc1 expression is regulated by NF-kappaB in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Our results also indicate the possibility of (-)-DHMEQ becoming a new therapeutic strategy against bone erosion.

Influence of mRNA and protein synthesis inhibitors on the long-term memory acquisition of classically conditioned earthworms

We investigated the process of memory consolidation following classical conditioning of earthworms. Earthworms were conditioned in paired trials by a weak vibration as a conditioned stimulus (CS), and by light as an unconditioned stimulus (US). The occurrence of a shrinking response upon exposure to the CS increased steadily with the number of paired training trials. When the training procedure was changed by increasing the intertrial interval (ITI), it was found that only those worms trained with a 68 s ITI exhibited long-term memory retention for at least 24 h. The influence of mRNA synthesis inhibition by actinomycin-D or of protein synthesis by anisomycin on memory consolidation was also examined. Induction of the long-term memory was blocked when either of these two compounds was injected into the body cavity of the worm within 25 min of conditioning with the 68 s ITI. These results demonstrate that the long-term memory is dependent upon protein synthesis in response to the upregulation of new transcription messengers.

Vulvar Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma simulating breast carcinoma: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of extramammary Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma simulating breast carcinoma of the vulva. An 82-year-old woman was found to have a 5 x 3-cm bulky tumor located in the left labium major, infiltrating to the clitoris, left labium minor, and left lateral tissue of the vulva. Small biopsy of the vulva showed intraepidermal proliferation of Paget cells. The patient underwent wide local excision of the vulvar tumor and dissection of left inguinal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens revealed that Paget cells were distributed singly or tended to form small nests in the epidermis, and that association of these cells with the underlying carcinoma invading to the subcutis could be seen. The underlying carcinoma was composed of squamoid solid nests with central necrotic debris, mimicking 'comedocarcinoma' of the breast. In other areas, the tumor cells were present in tubular formations and solid cords reminiscent of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Immunohistochemically, the Paget cells and the underlying carcinoma cells were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, estrogen receptors, and glandular keratins except for CK 20. We speculate that our case is vulvar Paget's disease presenting as a manifestation of underlying breast carcinoma of the vulva, which might have arisen from either the ectopic breast tissue or anogenital mammary-like glands.

Design and Synthesis of Highly Sensitive and Selective Fluorescein-Derived Magnesium Fluorescent Probes and Application to Intracellular 3D Mg2+ Imaging

The role of intracellular magnesium ions is of high interest in the fields of pharmacology and cellular biology. To accomplish the dynamic and three-dimensional imaging of intracellular Mg2+, there is a strong desire for the development of optimized Mg2+ fluorescent probes. In this paper we describe the design, synthesis, and cellular application of the three novel Mg2+ fluorescent probes KMG-101, -103, and -104. The compounds of this series feature a charged beta-diketone as a binding site specific for Mg2+ and a fluorescein residue as the fluorophore that can be excited with an Ar+ laser such as is widely used in confocal scanning microscopy. This molecular design leads to an intensive off-on-type fluorescent response toward Mg2+ ions. The two fluorescent probes KMG-103 and -104 showed suitable dissociation constants (Kd,Mg2+ = 2 mM) and nearly a 10-fold fluorescence enhancement over the intracellular magnesium ion concentration range (0.1-6 mM), allowing high-contrast, sensitive, and selective Mg2+ measurements. For intracellular applications, the membrane-permeable probe KMG-104AM was synthesized and successfully incorporated into PC12 cells. Upon application of the mitochondria uncoupler FCCP to the probe-incorporated cells, the resulting increase in the free magnesium ion concentration could be followed over time. By using a confocal microscope, the intracellular 3D magnesium ion concentration distributions were satisfactorily observed.

Mitochondria are intracellular magnesium stores: investigation by simultaneous fluorescent imagings in PC12 cells

To determine the nature of intracellular Mg2+ stores and Mg2+ release mechanisms in differentiated PC12 cells, Mg2+ and Ca2+ mobilizations were measured simultaneously in living cells with KMG-104, a fluorescent Mg2+ indicator, and fura-2, respectively. Treatment with the mitochondrial uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), increased both the intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) and the [Ca2+]i in these cells. Possible candidates as intracellular Mg2+ stores under these conditions include intracellular divalent cation binding sites, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Mg-ATP and mitochondria. Given that no change in [Mg2+]i was induced by caffeine application, intracellular IP3 or Ca2+ liberated by photolysis, it appears that no Mg2+ release mechanism thus exists that is mediated via the action of Ca2+ on membrane-bound receptors in the ER or via the offloading of Mg2+ from binding sites as a result of the increased [Ca2+]i. FCCP treatment for 2 min did not alter the intracellular ATP content, indicating that Mg2+ was not released from Mg-ATP, at least in the first 2 min following exposure to FCCP. FCCP-induced [Mg2+]i increase was observed at mitochondria localized area, and vice versa. These results suggest that the mitochondria serve as the intracellular Mg2+ store in PC12 cell. Simultaneous measurements of [Ca2+]i and mitochondrial membrane potential, and also of [Ca2+]i and [Mg2+]i, revealed that the initial rise in [Mg2+]i followed that of mitochondrial depolarization for several seconds. These findings show that the source of Mg2+ in the FCCP-induced [Mg2+]i increase in PC12 cells is mitochondria, and that mitochondrial depolarization triggers the Mg2+ release.

[Simultaneous Fluorescent Imaging of Mg2+ and Ca2+]

Simultaneous fluorescent imaging technique with several indicators is a powerful bio-imaging tool for a comprehensive survey about molecular functions in living cells. There are several interactions between Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) such as a counter transport or a competition at binding sites of divalent cation. To measure Mg-Ca images simultaneously, indicators with high selectivity to each divalent cation and multi-color fluorescent imaging system are essential. Here we introduce a setup for Mg-Ca fluorescent imaging we construct, and some reports about Mg-Ca imaging.

Comparison of histopathological characteristics of allograft biopsy between responder and non-responder to antiproteinuric effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) has become recognized as agents that have renoprotective effects in the treatment of progressive renal diseases including post-transplant kidneys. Previously we demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of ACEI treatment on the hypertensive proteinuric post-transplant patients (N = 10) who had been followed up for 12 months. However, not all patients show good response in urinary protein reduction. We aimed to analyse the histopathological factor(s) affecting the responsiveness of proteinuria to ACEI treatment. Fourteen post-transplant patients with proteinuria who were treated with ACEI and underwent allograft biopsy were analysed. Eight patients showed 50% or more reduction in proteinuria (responder). The other 6 patients showed less (< 50%) reduction in proteinuria (non-responder). There was no difference in clinical characteristics (BP, renal function, donor age, recipient body mass index), dietary sodium or protein intake, and diuretic use between the two groups. As a histopathological characteristic, glomerular size in responder group was significantly larger than that in non-responder group. This suggests that the large glomerular size at least partly contributes to the responsiveness in urinary protein reduction to ACEI treatment in kidney allograft recipients with proteinuria.

Vulvar Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma simulating breast carcinoma: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of extramammary Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma simulating breast carcinoma of the vulva. An 82-year-old woman was found to have a 5 × 3-cm bulky tumor located in the left labium major, infiltrating to the clitoris, left labium minor, and left lateral tissue of the vulva. Small biopsy of the vulva showed intraepidermal proliferation of Paget cells. The patient underwent wide local excision of the vulvar tumor and dissection of left inguinal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens revealed that Paget cells were distributed singly or tended to form small nests in the epidermis, and that association of these cells with the underlying carcinoma invading to the subcutis could be seen. The underlying carcinoma was composed of squamoid solid nests with central necrotic debris, mimicking ‘comedocarcinoma’ of the breast. In other areas, the tumor cells were present in tubular formations and solid cords reminiscent of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Immunohistochemically, the Paget cells and the underlying carcinoma cells were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, estrogen receptors, and glandular keratins except for CK 20. We speculate that our case is vulvar Paget's disease presenting as a manifestation of underlying breast carcinoma of the vulva, which might have arisen from either the ectopic breast tissue or anogenital mammary-like glands.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor gene therapy using helper-dependent adenovirus produces long-term protection against atherosclerosis in a mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia

We tested the efficacy of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) therapy using helper-dependent adenovirus (HD-Ad), comparing it with that of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), an LDLR homolog. We treated high cholesterol diet fed LDLR-/- mice with a single intravenous injection of HD-Ad expressing monkey LDLR (1.5 x 10(13) or 5 x 10(12) VP/kg) or VLDLR. Throughout the 24-week experiment, plasma cholesterol of LDLR-treated mice was lower than that of VLDLR-treated mice, which was in turn lower than that of PBS-treated mice. Anti-LDLR antibodies developed in 2/10 mice treated with high-dose HD-Ad-LDLR but in none (0/14) of the other treatment groups. HD-Ad-treated mice displayed significant retardation of atherosclerotic lesion progression. We next tested the long-term efficacy of low-dose HD-Ad-LDLR injected into 12-week-old LDLR-/- mice. After 60 weeks, atherosclerosis lesions covered approximately 50% of the surface of aortas of control mice, whereas aortas of treated mice were essentially lesion-free. The lipid lowering effect of HD-Ad-LDLR lasted at least 108 weeks (>2 years) when all control mice had died. In addition to retarding lesion progression, treatment caused lesion remodeling from a vulnerable-looking to a more stable-appearing phenotype. In conclusion, HD-Ad-mediated LDLR gene therapy is effective in conferring long-term protection against atherosclerosis in a mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Cerebellar hemangioendothelioma

We report a 26-year-old woman with cellular hemangioendothelioma that may be the third case diagnosed as cerebellar hemangioendothelioma. The tumor was composed of numerous vascular channels lined by endothelial cells and aggregates of large round endothelial cells. Transitional cells were also present. The large round cells were positive for CD34 and vimentin in their abundant cytoplasm that contained 1 or some red blood cells, revealing intracytoplasmic lumina. The patient remains free of disease over 5 years after tumor resection.

Differences in pO2 peaks of a murine fibrosarcoma between carbon-ion and X-ray irradiation

We measured and compared the oxygen partial pressure (pO(2)) profiles in experimental tumors after irradiation with carbon ions and with X-rays. The NFSa fibrosarcomas grown in the hind legs of C3H male mice received isoeffect single doses of carbon ions or X-rays. Coaxial oxygen microelectrodes of high spatial resolution were inserted into the tumor with 20 microm steps by a computerized micromanipulator. The number of pO(2) peaks that reached 15 mmHg were at least 0.45 per 3,000 microm in unirradiated tumors and significantly increased to 1.55 per 3,000 microm as early as day 1 of carbon-ion irradiation (p < 0.001). The tumors that received X-ray irradiation also significantly increased pO(2) peaks, but as late as day 3. The time course of pO(2) peak appearance in the present study coincides with a previous report where reoxygenation was measured by paired growth delay assay. The pO(2) peaks appeared selectively in peripheral regions of X-ray irradiated tumors, but they appeared rather homogeneously in the tumor after carbon-ion irradiation. It is concluded that carbon-ion irradiation reoxygenated the NFSa fibrosarcomas earlier in time and deeper in space than the X-ray irradiation did.

Risk factors for graft loss in patients with recurrent IGA nephropathy after renal transplantation

BACKGROUND

The recurrence rate of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in transplanted kidneys has been reported to be >50%. Although recurrent IgAN has a benign clinical course, recent data suggest that it leads to graft loss in a substantial number of patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of 34 renal transplant recipients, with biopsy-proven IgAN as the cause of end-stage renal failure.

RESULTS

Renal allograft biopsies were performed in 30 patients, of whom 24 did and 6 did not have biopsy-confirmed recurrent transplant IgAN. Recurrent transplant IgAN was more often detected in men and at later timepoints after post-transplantation. Four patients with recurrent transplant IgAN progressed to graft failure. Progression to graft failure was associated with worsened renal function, higher systolic blood pressure, and the lack of presenation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEs) at the time of allograft biopsy. Immunologic factors such as frequency of acute rejection, HLA typing, and immunosuppression did not show a relation to recurrence or graft loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent transplant IgAN increased with long-term graft survival and risk factors for graft loss due to recurrent IgAN were similar to those among IgAN in native kidneys.

Modulation of motor patterns by sensory feedback during earthworm locomotion

Role of sensory feedback to motor pattern activity concerning locomotion in the earthworm, Eisenia fetida, was investigated. We have previously reported that bath application of octopamine induces fictive locomotion in the earthworm. In this study, we have examined the role of sensory feedback during fictive locomotion by analyzing electrical activities from the cut end and intact first lateral nerves of the ventral nerve cord (VNC). From the cut end recordings, motor activity associated with fictive locomotion was measured. A mixture of sensory and motor activities was measured from the intact first lateral nerve using en passant recordings, and sensory activity was separated by subtraction of the cut end recording (mainly motor activities) from the intact first lateral nerve recording. We estimated the effect of sensory feedback from the earthworm body wall by comparing recordings that made when the preparation was in-contact with a substrate or suspended above it. Motor pattern activities and the coefficient of variation for inter-spike-interval of motor outputs were increased under suspended conditions during circular muscle contraction. These results indicate that sensory feedback modulates the pattern of motor activity in the earthworm during locomotion.

Directional sensitivity of dendritic calcium responses to wind stimuli in the cricket giant interneuron

We examined directional sensitivities in the dendritic activity of the identified giant interneurons (GIs) in the cricket, using in vivo Ca(2+) imaging during different directional air-current stimuli. Air current stimulus evoked action potential burst and quick Ca(2+) increase in GI. The stimulus direction of the maximal Ca(2+) responses corresponded to that of the maximal voltage response. However, the shapes of the directional tuning curves based on the Ca(2+) responses for each dendritic branch were different from the overall tuning curve based on spike counts for the cell. Moreover, different dendritic branches displayed distinct directional sensitivity profiles to the air-current stimuli. We propose that postsynaptic activities will influence the local Ca(2+) signals in the distal dendrites, and produce the difference in directional sensitivity of the dendritic Ca(2+) response.

Prognostic significance of c-erbB-2/HER2 expression in advanced uterine cervical carcinoma with para-aortic lymph node metastasis treated with radiation therapy

This paper looks at whether c-erbB-2/HER2 expression in uterine cervical carcinoma before treatment is a predictive parameter of prognosis in patients with para-aortic lymph node metastasis (PALN) in advanced disease after treatment with radiation therapy (RT). Twenty-one patients with PALN at the first visit and/or during follow-up and treated with RT for PALN lesions were studied. Their clinical stages were IIIB or greater and they were referred to the National Institute of Radiological Sciences Hospital for RT between 1987 and 1995. They consisted of 12 patients with PALN detected at the first visit and nine with PALN detected during the follow-up period. All patients had no distant metastasis except PALN. They were treated with a combination of external whole pelvis and intracavitary irradiation to the primary pelvic lesions. The PALN was treated with external irradiation alone with anterior-posterior parallel opposed fields and anterior oblique fields or anterior-posterior parallel opposed oblique fields. The average total dose to PALN was 53.3 Gy (40-61Gy). Tissue samples were obtained from cervical tumors (primary lesions) before RT. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-c-erbB-2/HER2 monoclonal antibody for conventional paraffin sections. c-erbB-2/HER2 positive staining was observed in cancer membrane and cytoplasm. Nine specimens were positive for c-erb-B2/HER2 and the total positive rate was 43%. The 5-year survival rate was 38% for all patients. The 5-year survival rate of the c-erbB-2/HER2 positive patients was 28%, representing a trend toward poorer prognosis than the 52% of negative patients (P = 0.10). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model showed that c-erbB-2/HER2 was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.024). The present study suggests that c-erbB-2/HER2 expression of cervical tumors might be a predictive parameter of prognosis after radiation therapy for PALN of very advanced uterine cervical carcinoma patients.

In vivo nitric oxide measurements using a microcoaxial electrode

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vital molecule contributing to numerous physiological phenomena in various biological systems. To investigate the physiological role of NO, a range of NO-specific electrodes allowing direct and continuous NO measurement have been developed for in vitro and in vivo NO detection. A microcoaxial electrode has also been developed for the measurement of real-time NO levels. Because the working and reference electrodes in this device are situated close together, the microcoaxial electrode is considered to be ideal for the measurement of local NO concentrations with high spatial resolution. The microcoaxial electrode has been successfully applied to the real-time measurement of NO in endothelial cells, thereby demonstrating its effectiveness as an NO-specific electrode. In this chapter, we describe our experimental protocol for performing real-time NO measurements that was developed during physiological experiments using the microcoaxial electrode.

[A contribution to the psychopathology of obsessive-compulsive disorder]

On the basis of recent developments in neuroscience, modern neuropsychology makes great contributions to the psychopathology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Those studies pay little attention to the will because of their cognitive orientation. However, the will forms an essential aspect of OCD according to Jaspers and Schneider. Based on a clinical case we discuss OCD from the point of view of will psychology. As our case concerns a schizophrenic psychosis, we focus here on OCD appearing in schizophrenia. For this approach we refer to classic neuropsychology which deals intensively with problems of the will. Accordingly, patients suffering from brain injuries are confined to habitual activities which follow unintentionally from the present situation. This sort of present-related spontaneousness is expressed in the concept "becoming." On the other hand, patients suffering from OCD are alienated from habitual activities. Lastly we discuss the relation between schizophrenia and OCD.

Identification of two types of synaptic activity in the earthworm nervous system during locomotion

In the ventral nervous system of the earthworm, a central pattern generator and motor neurons are activated during locomotion. We have previously reported that bath application of octopamine (OA) induces fictive locomotion in the earthworm, and the burst frequency of electrical activity from the first lateral nerves increases with OA concentration. However, there are no reports concerning locomotor neural networks in the earthworm. To identify neural networks involved in fictive locomotion, we optically monitored activity-dependent fluorescent staining in the earthworm ventral nerve cord (VNC) with a styryl dye, N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(4-(dibutylamino)styryl)pyridinium dibromide (FM1-43), and a confocal laser scanning microscope. OA induces FM1-43 fluorescence in a dose-dependent manner, with bright fluorescent spots of 3-10 microm in diameter observed to be localized around specified neurons in the segmental ganglion of the VNC. We compared OA dose-response curves for FM1-43 fluorescence with the bursting frequency for fictive locomotion, and found that two types of curves could be identified: one fluorescence response shows a similar dose-dependency to that of the burst frequency, while another response has a higher sensitivity to OA. From these results, we suggest that OA acts as one of the neuromodulators for the earthworm locomotion. This is the first attempt to record motor and inter-neuronal activities simultaneously in a locomotor network in the earthworm.