Isolation of feline parvovirus from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cats in northern Vietnam

Feline parvovirus (FPV) was isolated rather frequently from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of cats in northern Vietnam by coculturing with MYA-1 cells (an interleukin-2-dependent feline T lymphoblastoid cell line) or Crandell feline kidney (CRFK) cells (a feline renal cell line). Efficiency of virus isolation was higher in MYA-1 cells than in CRFK cells. Interestingly, among the 17 cats from which FPV was isolated, 9 cats were positive for virus neutralizing (VN) antibody against FPV, indicating that FPV infected PBMCs and was not eliminated from PBMCs even in the presence of VN antibodies in the cats.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism with lipid profiles in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

We attempted to clarify the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and the other predictive factors for macroangiopathy in children and adolescents with uncomplicated insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Sixty-three patients were divided into 3 groups according to the ACE genotypes. The lipid profiles were evaluated according to ACE genotypes. The level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) in the II genotype was significantly lower than that in groups with the D allele. Lp(a) significantly correlated with apo B/apo A-I (p < 0.001, r = 0.63) and atherogenic index (AI = (total cholesterol - high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; p = 0. 004, r = 0.36). We suggest that the D allele may affect the level of Lp(a) and the other lipid profiles in IDDM.

Genetic analysis of a canine calicivirus: evidence for a new clade of animal caliciviruses

This paper describes the relationship of a canine calicivirus, named No.48, to other human and animal caliciviruses, based on phylogeny of the 3' half of its genome. It was found that No.48 constitutes a unique lineage, most closely related but distinct from feline and San Miguel sea lion caliciviruses.

Mechanically elicited nerve root discharge: mechanical irritation and waveform

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative monitoring is very important for protecting nerve roots during lumbar surgery for spinal degeneration. Our objective was to evaluate the correlation between the type of mechanical irritation and waveform by mechanically elicited EMGs during the surgery.

METHOD

Mechanically elicited EMGs were recorded bilaterally on muscle groups innervated by the lumbar nerve roots in the area of surgery in 24 consecutive patients with lumbar spinal degenerative disease.

RESULTS

It was confirmed that surgical irritation produced 3 types of waveforms as discharges from nerve roots; short, waning and continuous discharges. Each waveform was easily elicited mechanically and was sensitively related to the type and strength of mechanical stimulation.

CONCLUSION

It was indicated that the mechanical irritation on the root could elicit the nerve root discharge with no post-operative nerve root deficit. It may be useful to monitor the mechanically elicited EMGs during the surgery for spinal degeneration.

Feline coronavirus participation in diarrhea of cats

Fecal samples were examined for viruses participated in gastrointestinal disorders of cats, especially focusing on feline coronavirus (FCoV) by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. It was found that a primary viral pathogen was feline panleukopenia parvovirus (FPLV; 28.5% of the positive rate) and the secondary was FCoV (10.7%). Commonly reported clinical signs of cats of which feces were FCoV-positive were vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration with an exception of one serious case with concurrent FPLV infection.

Genotypes of canine distemper virus determined by analysis of the hemagglutinin genes of recent isolates from dogs in Japan

Canine distemper of domestic dogs is caused by canine distemper virus (CDV), a member of the morbilliviruses. It has been a highly contagious disease of great veterinary importance for centuries, but for the last several decades it has been controlled satisfactorily by modified live vaccines. In the 1990s, however, it was described that CDV strains genetically different from vaccine strains may have caused the disease in vaccinated dogs. The highest antigenic variation is found in the H protein. Therefore, in the present study, hemagglutinin (H) genes obtained from current vaccines and field isolates and amplified directly from clinical specimens were genetically analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the H-gene amino acid sequences revealed that at least two CDV genotypes are circulating among dogs in Japan; one is a genotype to which almost all Japanese CDV isolates belong and the other has not been previously described. Both are separate and independent from the other lineages or genotypes of vaccine strains, as well as European and U.S. CDV isolates. The results suggest that CDV has also evolved in Japan, and further studies will be needed for an evaluation and possible improvement of the efficacies of current CDV vaccines.

Detection of borna disease virus-reactive antibodies from patients with psychiatric disorders and from horses by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

The prevalence of Borna disease virus (BDV)-specific antibodies among patients with psychiatric disorders and healthy individuals has varied in several reports using several different serological assay methods. A reliable and specific method for anti-BDV antibodies needs to be developed to clarify the pathological significance of BDV infections in humans. We developed a new electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) for the antibody to BDV that uses two recombinant proteins of BDV, p40 and p24 (full length). Using this ECLIA, we examined 3,476 serum samples from humans with various diseases and 917 sera from blood donors in Japan for the presence of anti-BDV antibodies. By ECLIA, 26 (3.08%) of 845 schizophrenia patients and 9 (3.59%) of 251 patients with mood disorders were seropositive for BDV. Among 323 patients with other psychiatric diseases, 114 with neurological diseases, 75 with chronic fatigue syndrome, 85 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, 50 with autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis and 17 with leprosy, there was no positive case except one case each with alcohol addiction, AIDS, and dementia. Although 19 (1.36%) of 1,393 patients with various ocular diseases, 10 (1.09%) of 917 blood donors, and 3 (4.55%) of 66 multitransfused patients were seropositive for BDV-specific antigen, high levels of seroprevalence in schizophrenia patients and young patients (16 to 59 years old) with mood disorders were statistically significant. The immunoreactivity of seropositive sera could be verified for specificity by blocking with soluble p40 and/or p24 recombinant protein. Anti-p24 antibody was more frequent than p40 antibody in most cases, and in some psychotic patients antibody profiles showed only p40 antibody. Although serum positive for both p40 and p24 antibodies was not found in this study, the p40 ECLIA count in schizophrenia patients was higher than that of blood donors. Furthermore, we examined 90 sera from Japanese feral horses. Antibody profiles of control human samples are similar to that of naturally BDV-infected feral horses. We concluded that BDV infection was associated in some way with psychiatric disorders.

Polymorphism of the 5'-flanking region of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene and susceptibility to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) uveitis

The genetic background of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) uveitis (HU) was investigated by studying the distribution of 5 polymorphisms of the 5'-flanking promoter/enhancer region of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene in patients with HU, together with patients with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers, and healthy controls. The frequencies of the -1,031C allele (T-->C transition at position -1,031) and -863A allele (C-->A transition at position -863) in the HU patients, but neither in the ATL patients nor in the carriers, were significantly higher than those in the controls. The -1,031C and -863A alleles, in the absence of the HLA B61 or the DRB1*0901 allele which is in linkage disequilibrium with these alleles, were associated with increased susceptibility to HU. These results suggest that the -1,031C and -863A alleles might be genetic risk factors for HU.

Analysis of the N-terminal polypeptide of the capsid precursor protein and the ORF3 product of feline calicivirus

The N-terminal unique polypeptide region of the capsid precursor protein of feline calicivirus (FCV) and the protein encoded by ORF3 of FCV were expressed as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase to analyze the expressed products in FCV-infected cells. Immunoblot analysis using a serum from a cat experimentally infected with FCV indicated relatively high immunogenicity of the N-terminal polypeptide in FCV-infected cats, as compared with the ORF3 protein. Specific antisera were prepared by immunization to mice with the fused proteins and used in immunoblot analysis. A 14 kD product corresponding to the N-terminal polypeptide and a 10 kD polypeptide of the ORF3 product were identified in the FCV-infected cells but not detected in the purified particles. No neutralization activity against FCV was detected in these antisera. The proteins identified as polypeptides of 14 kD and 10 kD in this study may have functions as non-structural proteins.

Vanadium contamination and the relation between vanadium and other elements in wild birds

There is little information on vanadium (V) contamination in wildlife. In the present study, the mean V contents in liver and kidney from 41 wild Japanese water birds were less than 3.69 and 8.11 microg/g dry wt, respectively. The V contents in the liver and kidney of the spotbill duck were more than two times higher than those of other species in Japan. Spotbill ducks obtained in a residential district had a strong correlation between the V contents in the kidneys and those in the livers (R=0.924), and also between V and Ti, Cd, and Li contents in the liver (R>0.8). These results suggest that V accumulation in wild birds reflects the degree of environmental contamination.

Comparison of cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine-midazolam, acepromazine-butorphanol and midazolam-butorphanol in dogs

Cardiopulmonary effects of intramuscular administration of medetomidine-midazolam at 20 micrograms/kg and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively (MM), acepromazine-butorphanol at 0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively (AB), and midazolam-butorphanol at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively (MB), were compared in dogs. MM produced relatively large cardiovascular changes such as bradycardia, hypertension, a decrease in cardiac output and vasoconstriction. AB produced moderate cardiovascular changes. Hypotension was observed within 5 min after administration and the mean arterial blood pressure decreased by 30% at 20 min after administration. MB produced decreases in arterial blood pressure and cardiac output, but these changes were small and, of the combinations evaluated in this study, MB had the mildest cardiovascular effects.

Effect of decompression enlargement laminoplasty for posterior shifting of the spinal cord

STUDY DESIGN

A study to measure the shifts of the spinal cords and the effects of decompression laminoplasty in 65 patients with cervical lesions who underwent computed tomographic myelography before and after laminoplasty.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate limitations of the spinal cord posterior shift after laminoplasty and to clarify the optimal decompression areas to obtain effective posterior shifting.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND

Although several types of laminoplasty have been performed, all procedures share the common purpose of posterior decompression. No previous studies have examined the limitations of posterior decompression or the optimal decompression range.

METHODS

The distance from the posterior edge of each vertebral body or disc level to the posterior edge of the spinal cord was measured by computed tomographic myelography. After the posterior shift was determined by calculating the difference between pre- and postsurgical distances, the relations between posterior shift and neck alignment, clinical results, and the areas of decompression were analyzed.

RESULTS

The spinal cord shift ranged from a maximum of 6.6 mm to a minimum of 0 mm. Clinically, spinal cord shifts greater than 3 mm were associated with good clinical outcomes. Upward or downward advanced laminoplasty was related to larger spinal cord shifts at the upper or lower cervical spine.

CONCLUSIONS

A mean spinal cord shift of > 3 mm was associated with good clinical outcomes after laminoplasty. In cases with compressive lesions at the upper or lower cervical spine, extension of decompression one level above or one level below likely results in a greater posterior spinal cord shift at these lesions.

Ciclosporin microemulsion preconcentrate treatment of patients with Behçet's disease

PURPOSE

The new microemulsion preconcentrate (MEPC) formulation of ciclosporin has been developed to reduce problems in intestinal absorption and to stabilize fluctuations in blood levels. A multicenter, open-label clinical trial of MEPC was conducted to assess its efficacy and safety in Behçet's disease patients with ocular involvement.

METHODS

The patient population comprised 17 de novo patients (patients not previously treated with ciclosporin in the currently available formulation) and 30 patients whose ciclosporin formulation was switched from the conventional formulation to MEPC. The patients were treated with the test formulation for 16 weeks in the former (de novo) group and for 12 weeks in the latter (switched) group.

RESULTS

In the de novo group, ocular attacks decreased significantly as compared to the pretreatment incidence in 11 of the 14 patients (78.6%) evaluated after MEPC therapy. Ocular attacks also decreased significantly in the switched group. In the de novo group, visual acuity improved with MEPC therapy in 20 of the 28 eyes (71.4%) examined, and the overall efficacy evaluation was "improved" or "markedly improved" in 13 of the 16 patients evaluated (81.3%). The one case each of onset of neuro-Behçet's disease and intestinal Behçet's disease observed in the de novo group were regarded as adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that ciclosporin MEPC is useful for controlling the ocular symptoms of Behçet's disease, and that it can be used as effectively and safely as the conventional formulation.

Canine coronavirus infections in Japan: virological and epidemiological aspects

Ten strains, eight field and two reference laboratory strains, of canine coronavirus (CCV) were comparatively examined with respect to antigenic relationships and pathogenic potential in dogs. With monoclonal antibodies and hyperimmune antisera to feline coronavirus and CCV, respectively, varying degrees of antigenic diversities were found among the strains by neutralization and immunofluorescence assays, but it was felt that they belong to one serotype. Specific-pathogen-free puppies experimentally inoculated with some CCV strains manifested clinical symptoms, but there was a difference in their virulence. In order to elucidate the prevalence of CCV infections in dogs in Japan, we tested for neutralizing antibodies to CCV in 467 field dogs, and found a prevalence of 44.1%. Moreover, by using nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on rectal swabs of 100 diarrheic dogs recently presented in veterinary clinics, evidence of CCV in 16% of these specimens was found. The results suggested that CCV infection is more widespread than expected in dogs, and that CCV is a significant etiologic factor in canine diarrhea also in Japan.

The role of chemokines in cutaneous allergic inflammation

Eosinophils are the major effector cells that kill helminthic parasites and are - for unknown reasons present in the dermal part of atopic skin. This review summarizes our knowledge on the chemotactic factors involved in eosinophil tissue recruitment, focusing on the role of eosinophil-chemotactic chemokines. It is the current view that the chemokines RANTES and eotaxin represent the most important eosinophil-attracting chemokines. The inducibility of eotaxin in dermal fibroblasts only upon stimulation with Th2-cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 may explain why eosinophils appear only in the dermis and why the presence of Th2-cytokines is always linked with tissue eosinophilia.

HLA-B27 subtypes and HLA class II alleles in Japanese patients with anterior uveitis

PURPOSE

Some patients with anterior uveitis (AU) have ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and are HLA-B27 class I-positive. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in HLA at the allele level among each group of patients with AU.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients with AU were studied. They were classified into three groups: 31 with AS-associated AU, 14 with HLA-B27-associated AU, and 28 with idiopathic AU. Three control groups without AU were used: 138 random subjects, 33 HLA-B27-positive healthy subjects, and 19 HLA-B27-positive patients with AS. DRB1 and DQB1 genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. HLA-B27 subtype was determined by PCR-SSCP.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the frequency of any class I antigen except HLA-B27 among the patients studied. The frequencies of HLA-DR12 in AS-associated AU and HLA-DR1 in HLA-B27-associated AU showed an increase. In HLA-B27-associated AU, DRB1*0101 and DQB1*0501 were increased compared with HLA-B27-positive control subjects. When HLA-B27 subtype distribution was compared among the groups, the proportion of B*2704 was significantly lower in HLA-B27-associated AU (P = 0.037), however, such a difference was not present in AS-associated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that B*2704 seemed to be less susceptible to AU compared with B*2705 in Japanese subjects. The increase of HLA-DR12 and HLA-DR1 in AU may be caused by linkage disequilibrium with B*2704 and B*2705, respectively.

Genetic analysis of the RNA polymerase gene of caliciviruses from dogs and cats

Caliciviruses that infect animals including humans cause a specific disease syndrome in their respective hosts. Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a major pathogen of respiratory disease of cats, and human caliciviru is a causative agent of diarrhea. It has been suggested, furthermore, that FCV and newly recognized canine calicivirus (CaCV) may also be possible causes of diarrhea in these animal species. In this study nucleotide sequence of the RNA polymerase gene of two caliciviruses of canine origin, namely CaCV strain No. 48 and FCV-like strain Sapporo/283, and a number of FCV strains of respiratory and enteric origins was examined. The length of sequenced region, from the 5'LKDEL motif through the 3'YGDD motif of the gene, was 555 bp for CaCV No. 48 strain and 552 bp for the other FCV strains including Sapporo/283 strain. In phylogenetic analysis, CaCV No. 48 strain grouped as a distinct branch sharing ancestral roots with San Miguel sea lion virus, and FCVs formed one compact group in which Sapporo/283 strain was included.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta 1, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 induce in vitro differentiation of canine osteosarcoma cells

Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), recombinant human transforming growth factor (rhTGF)-beta 1 and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 on differentiation in four different canine osteosarcoma cell lines (POS53B, 53C, 53D and 14A) were examined using markers specifically expressed by phenotypic osteoblasts. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in one cell line, osteocalcin production in two lines and type I collagen production in three lines. RhTGF-beta 1 increased ALP activity in one clonal cell, osteocalcin production in one clonal cell and type I collagen production in two clonal cells. RhBMP-2 increased ALP activity in all clonal cells, osteocalcin production in two clonal cells and type I collagen production in three clonal cells. Thus, these agents induced differentiation in osteosarcoma cells at different efficacies. Electron microscopic study revealed that these agents increased cellular activity in all cell lines with no evidence of degeneration of cell organelle by drug cytotoxicity. In some cultures treated with either 1,25(OH)2D3 or rhBMP-2, apoptotic cells were observed. Based on the change in markers, rhBMP-2 and 1,25(OH)2D3 seemed to be more effective than rhTGF-beta 1. These agents are potential inducers of apoptosis.

Mutagenicity of potassium alkanediazotates in Chinese hamster V79 cells and their alkylating activity

Alkanediazohydroxides are the key intermediates of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds, and exist as geometrical isomers. In this paper, the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of (E)- and (Z)-potassium alkanediazotates, precursors of alkanediazohydroxides, in Chinese hamster V79 cells were investigated. Mutagenic and cytotoxic activities of (E)-diazotates were dose-dependent, and activity decreased with an increase in the alkyl chain length; methyl>ethyl>propyl, butyl. On the other hand, (Z)-diazotates were less mutagenic and cytotoxic than (E)-diazotates, however (Z)-potassium methanediazotate did show weak mutagenicity. To compare chemical reactivity with biological activity, alkylating activity towards nicotinamide in an aqueous phosphate buffer system was evaluated as an index of the chemical reactivity of diazotates. Using a fluorometric HPLC method, alkylated nicotinamides were detected with high sensitivity in the reaction with all diazotates tested. The alkylating activity of (Z)-methanediazotate was higher than that of the corresponding (E)-diazotate, but the other isomers with ethyl, propyl and butyl groups had similar reactivity under the conditions used. The activity decreased by increasing the alkyl chain-length, which correlated well with the mutagenicity in V79 cells and also with that in Salmonella typhimurium, which we reported earlier. The results for (E)-diazotates were similar to the corresponding N-nitroso-N-(hydroxymethyl)alkylamines, further supporting the notion that alpha-hydroxy nitrosamines decompose through alkanediazohydroxide and alkylate DNA, and suggests that geometrical isomerism influences the carcinogenicity of -nitroso compounds in mammals.

Organization of the canine calicivirus genome from the RNA polymerase gene to the poly(A) tail

In recent years a wealth of data has become available about the caliciviruses that infect humans, as well as those which infect a range of animal species, notably cats, rabbits, pigs and marine animals. However, in the two decades since the earliest reports of calicivirus infection in dogs, very little has become known about the epidemiology, pathogenicity and molecular biology of the caliciviruses that may infect canines. In 1990, a canine calicivirus (CaCV) was isolated from a 2-month-old diarrhoeic domestic dog in Japan. This virus, which can be grown in cultured cells of canine origin, has the classic 'Star of David' morphology of caliciviruses, and the one major structural protein was shown to be immunogenic in dogs. In this study, a 3.8 kb region of the genome of this CaCV isolate from the RNA polymerase gene to the 3' poly(A) tail was cloned and sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was undertaken in order to establish the relationship of CaCV to other animal and human caliciviruses. This CaCV isolate had a nucleotide sequence, genomic organization and phylogenetic position closest to, but clearly distinct from, both feline calicivirus and San Miguel sea lion virus isolates. These findings suggest that CaCV represents a new clade of animal caliciviruses, presumably as a member of the recently proposed new genus Vesivirus.

Comparison of sedative effects of medetomidine-midazolam, acepromazine-butorphanol and midazolam-butorphanol in dogs

Sedative effects of medetomidine at 20 micrograms/kg and midazolam at 0.3 mg/kg (MM), acepromazine at 0.05 mg/kg and butorphanol at 0.2 mg/kg (AB), and midazolam at 0.1 mg/kg and butorphanol at 0.2 mg/kg (MB) were compared in dogs. All dogs given MM were laterally recumbent within 11 min of the administration of the drugs, and this combination also induced deep sedation accompanied by analgesia and muscle relaxation, and strongly depressed arousal reactions to external stimuli. However, undesirable effects such as bradycardia and decreased respiration were also observed in dogs given MM. Six of seven dogs given AB were laterally recumbent within 16 min of the administration of the drugs, and this combination induced relatively deep sedation but only a mild depression of arousal reactions to external stimuli. MB induced mild or moderate sedation with relatively large differences in effects among individuals. The recovery from sedation in each group was smooth and total recovery times were not significantly different.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection and ocular manifestations in São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVES

Although human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated uveitis has been well recognized in Japan, related studies in Brazil are scarce. We performed a serologic survey for HTLV-1 infection among patients with uveitis and investigated the ocular findings in HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers.

METHODS

One hundred ninety serum samples from patients with uveitis of determined (n = 137) and undetermined origins (n = 53) being examined at the Uveitis Service, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, underwent testing using HTLV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and discriminatory Western blots. One hundred five asymptomatic blood donors and/or their relatives who were seropositive for HTLV-1 (carrier group) and 105 age- and sex-paired blood donors who were seronegative for HTLV-1 (control group) underwent ocular evaluation. For the statistical analysis, chi2 test was used.

RESULTS

Only 1 patient with uveitis was seropositive for HTLV- 1, and she belonged to the group with uveitis of undetermined origin. Results of tear films were evaluated in 52 carriers. The prevalence of a decreased tear break-up time was significantly higher in the carrier compared with the control group (P = .02). Two carriers had keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Three of the 105 carriers exhibited mild uveitis (cells in the vitreous, retinal and choroidal infiltrates, retinal vasculitis, and bilateral pars planitis). Retinal pigmentary changes were found in both groups (no statistical difference).

CONCLUSIONS

Early tear abnormalities may be present in asymptomatic carriers, and mild uveitis may be found among them. The relatively low seroprevalence of HTLV-1 in the Brazilian population made it difficult to establish the real importance of HTLV-1-associated uveitis among our patients with uveitis.

Th1- and Th2-type cytokines regulate the expression and production of eotaxin and RANTES by human lung fibroblasts

Eosinophils (Eos) and fibroblasts are known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and fibrotic lung disease. Therefore, we investigated whether Th1 and Th2 cytokines stimulate the production of Eo-activating chemokines by lung fibroblasts. Analyses of the culture supernatant using multiple steps of high-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-4 preferentially stimulates lung fibroblasts to secrete a peak of eosinophil chemotactic activity (ECA) which, upon N-terminal analyses, showed similar sequence to eotaxin, whereas interferon (IFN)-gamma had negligible effect on the release of this chemokine. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha stimulated lung fibroblasts to release two peaks of activity that were found to correspond to eotaxin and regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), respectively. Interestingly, IL-4 synergized with TNF-alpha to increase greatly the production of three biochemically distinct eotaxin forms. In contrast, IFN-gamma synergized with TNF-alpha to increase RANTES production. Neither IL-2, IL-5, IL-6 nor IL-10 had an effect on lung fibroblasts' capacity to express or release eotaxin and RANTES. Upon appropriate cytokine stimulation, lung fibroblasts were also found to express messenger RNA for monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-3 and MCP-4 but not eotaxin-2. However, no ECA like MCP-3 or MCP-4 was detected. These observations suggest that the release of Th1 or Th2 cytokines in the lung tissue polarizes lung fibroblasts to produce either RANTES or eotaxin as major Eo attractants.

The involvement of growth hormone-binding protein in altered GH-IGF axis in IDDM

High GH and low IGF-I are well known in IDDM patients. To delineate this altered GH-IGF-I axis in IDDM, we investigate the role of GH-binding protein (GHBP) in relation to the metabolic and nutritional states.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty seven patients with IDDM, mean 13.7 years, were evaluated. Blood samples were obtained before insulin injection and breakfast to test for plasma glucose (PG), IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3, total and complex GHBP (tGHBP and cGHBP), and HbA1c. Urine samples were collected in the morning for urinary GH (uGH). The difference between tGHBP and cGHBP is defined as fGHBP. The levels of PG and HbA1C were not correlated with each level of tGHBP, cGHBP, fGHBP or uGH. The levels of tGHBP, cGHBP and fGHBP were not all correlated with uGH. Both the levels of IGF-I and body mass index (BMI) were positively correlated with fGHBP. The duration of IDDM was negatively correlated with tGHBP, cGHBP and fGHBP.

DISCUSSION

As the previous report of the relationship between GH binding reserve to GHBP and IGF-I or BMI in non-diabetic subjects, fGHBP again showed statistical links with these parameters in IDDM. We therefore suggest that GHBP, especially its free form, may reflect a malmetabolic state of IDDM liver, resulting in an altered GH-IGF-I axis.

Auditory brainstem response and neuropathology in a case of systemic T-cell lymphoma with intracranial metastasis

A 58-year-old male with systemic T-cell lymphoma involving the brainstem eccentrically, showed varying abnormal auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). The initial ABR demonstrated a prolonged V wave peak latency and an I-V IPL on admission. Four months later, all waves were absent bilaterally. Neuropathological examination at autopsy revealed that most of the nuclei and tracts associated with the auditory system were destroyed by lymphoid cell infiltration. It suggested that in the early stages of this disease, lymphoid cells could have involved the lower brainstem and, subsequently, in the advanced stages invaded the inferior colliculus.

Isolation and characterization of a new human breast cancer cell line, KPL-4, expressing the Erb B family receptors and interleukin-6

A new human breast cancer cell line, KPL-4, was recently isolated from the malignant pleural effusion of a breast cancer patient with an inflammatory skin metastasis. This cell line can be cultured under serum-free conditions and is tumorigenic in female athymic nude mice. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the expression of Erb B-1, -2 and -3. Dot blot hybridization showed a 15-fold amplification of the erb B-2. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a detectable level of mRNA expression of all the Erb B family receptors. In addition, all the receptors were autophosphorylated under a serum-supplemented condition. Unexpectedly, transplanted KPL-4 tumours induced cachexia of recipient mice. A high concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected in both the culture medium and the serum of mice. The weight of tumours significantly correlated with the serum IL-6 level. The antiproliferative effect of a humanized anti-Erb B-2 monoclonal antibody, rhuMAbHER2, was investigated. This antibody significantly inhibited the growth of KPL-4 cells in vitro but modestly in vivo. Loss of mouse body weight was partly reversed by rhuMAbHER2. These findings suggest that KPL-4 cells may be useful in the development of new strategies against breast cancer overexpressing the Erb B family receptors and against IL-6-induced cachexia.

A proposal for analysing the acid-base balance at steady state in vivo

[H+] in plasma in vivo is composed of a PCO2-dependent component [H+]* and a PCO2-independent component delta [H+]. The correct equation for the calculation of [H+]* was found by referring to the slope of the regression line between the venous-arterial difference of delta [H+] and that of PCO2. Using [H+]*, the buffer value in vivo and the base excess were calculated. Since the base excess was hyperbolic against delta [H+] and dependent on PCO2, we concluded that it was better to use delta [H+] rather than the base excess to evaluate the metabolic change of [H+] in plasma.

[A report of two cases suggesting positive influence of pregnancy on uveitis activity]

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the influence of pregnancy on uveitis activity. We report two cases suggesting a favorable influence of pregnancy on the clinical course of uveitis.

CASE

A 30-year-old woman who was three months pregnant was suspected Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease based on the systemic symptoms and ocular findings of iritis and multi-focal serous retinal detachment. She was positive to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR 4. She was treated only with topical corticosteroids. One month later, the retinal detachment disappeared. Six month later, a healthy baby was born. The fundus of both eyes took on a sunset glow appearance and there has been no recurrence of uveitis. The other case was a 23-year-old woman with Behçet's disease who had several episodes of uveitis in a year even on tacrolimus. Because of pregnancy, all systemic drugs including tacrolimus were discontinued since then. Interestingly, the frequency of uveitis was remarkably decreased during the pregnancy. A normal healthy baby was born. The uveitis has almost completely disappeared since parturition until now.

CONCLUSION

It is considered that the increase of intrinsic hormone, especially corticosteroid, and some other factors with pregnancy may give the suppressive influence on uveitis in our cases.

Assessment of myocardial fatty acid metabolism in atrioventricular synchronous pacing: analysis of iodine 123-labeled beta-methyl iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid SPECT

BACKGROUND

We used beta-methyl iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to evaluate fatty acid metabolism in patients who were candidates for permanent pacemaker implantation and in patients with atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed BMIPP SPECT studies in 66 patients with bradyarrhythmia, of whom 11 patients were candidates for permanent pacemaker implantation, 27 patients had atrial pacing (atrial sensing, inhibited mode, simple programmable [AAI]), and 28 patients had atrial synchronous ventricular inhibited pacing (ventricular pacing, 2-chamber sensing, atrial-triggered and ventricular-inhibited, multiprogrammable [VDD]) or atrial and ventricular pacing in sequence (atrial and ventricular sensing, atrial-inhibited and atrial-triggered, ventricular-inhibited, multiprogrammable [DDD]). A qualitative assessment revealed that the BMIPP uptake at the septal, inferior, and apical regions was significantly decreased in the patients with VDD/DDD compared with both the candidates for permanent pacemaker implantation and the patients with AAI. The total extent score (ES) and severity score (SS) were significantly higher in the patients with VDD/DDD than in the other 2 groups. Significant regional differences of both ES and SS values were observed at the septal and inferior regions in the patients with VDD/DDD compared with the other groups. No differences were found between the qualitative and quantitative measures of BMIPP uptake in the candidates for permanent pacemaker implantation and those in the patients with AAI.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that AV synchronous right ventricular pacing resulting in the delayed conduction and depolarization of myocardial cells may directly interfere with regional cellular free fatty acid uptake and metabolism.

Seroepidemiological survey of feline retrovirus infections in domestic and leopard cats in northern Vietnam in 1997

The prevalence of infections with three feline retroviruses (feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline syncytial virus (FSV)) was examined in northern Vietnam in 1997. We collected a total of 77 blood samples from 69 domestic and 8 leopard cats, and examined the presence of anti-FIV and FSV antibodies and FeLV p27 antigen in the plasma samples by the indirect immunofluorescence and/or two commercial kits. None of the samples was positive for FIV and FeLV. The overall positive rate of FSV was 31% and the positive rates among the domestic and leopard cats were 29 and 50%, respectively. We isolated FSV from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 6 domestic and one leopard cats.

TAP polymorphism is not associated with ankylosing spondylitis and complications with acute anterior uveitis in HLA-B27-positive Japanese

HLA-B27 is associated with the etiology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1 and TAP2 polymorphism influences the range of peptide presented by HLA class I molecules. In this report, contribution of TAP polymorphism to the susceptibility to AS and AAU was studied in HLA-B27-positive Japanese individuals. Patients were classified into three groups: 16 AS patients, 14 AAU patients and 22 patients with both AS and AAU. Twelve HLA-B27-positive healthy individuals were included as a control. TAP polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP methods. Significant differences in frequencies of TAP1 alleles were not found between patient groups. None of the TAP2 frequencies showed increased or decreased frequencies compared with HLA-B27-positive healthy controls. In comparison with a random Japanese control, TAP2D allele frequency was significantly increased in the AAU group, but failed to reach a significant level in a group consisting of the AAU-only patients and the patients with both AS and AAU. All of the patient groups were noted to have a significantly increased prevalence of the TAP2H allele as compared to random controls; however, the higher frequency of this allele was detected in HLA-B27 healthy controls as well. These observations suggest a linkage disequilibrium between TAP2D, TAP2H and HLA-B27 in Japanese.

Bullous pemphigoid showing unusual ocular changes

We describe a 68-year-old Japanese woman with erythematous and bullous skin lesions. Antibasement membrane zone antibodies of IgG class were detected in the serum, which reacted with the 230 kDa and 180 kDa bullous pemphigoid antigens on immunoblot analysis. The patient later developed corneal opacity in both eyes and a detachment of the epithelium in the centre of the cornea. However, no change was seen in the conjunctiva. These ocular lesions are different from those of cicatricial pemphigoid. The ocular lesions could be reproduced by injection of IgG from this patient into the stroma of the corneas of rabbits. Both the cutaneous and ocular lesions responded well to oral corticosteroid therapy. We diagnosed this patient as having bullous pemphigoid associated with a unique ocular lesion.

[A case of choroidal metastasis from bronchial atypical carcinoid tumor (well-differentiated neuroendocrine cell carcinoma)]

We describe a case of choroidal metastasis from bronchial atypical carcinoid tumor (well-differentiated neuroendocrine cell carcinoma). In this report, we compared the images of indocyanine green infrared fluorescence angiography (IA) to the histological appearance of the metastatic tumor. A 48-year-old male patient presented with metastatic choroidal tumors in both eyes. The IA findings revealed high intensity of fluorescence in the center of the tumor, but low intensity at the edge. Afterwards, the patient underwent enucleation of his left eye because of secondary glaucoma. Microscopic examination of the resected eyeball disclosed two histological patterns: one was that of typical carcinoid tumor; the other atypical carcinoid tumor. In addition, the tumor blood vessels had proliferated more densely in the center of the tumor than at the edge. Only two case reports in the English literature, as for as we know, have previously described the precise histological examination of both choroidal metastasis and primary bronchial carcinoid tumor. This case suggests that the extraordinary IA images are caused by the histologic character of the metastatic tumor: 1. rich vascularity, 2. variety of distribution of the tumor vessels.

Differences in the evolutionary pattern of feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) suddenly appeared in the late 1970s after which it showed continuous antigenic changes. Virological and molecular genetic analyses mainly focused on feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) were conducted in this study because FPLV is the suspected ancestor of CPV; the way in which FPLV evolves may help to explain the emergence of CPV. Analysis of escape mutants against FPLV-specific monoclonal antibody showed that viruses possessing CPV-like properties were not easily detected in FPLV virus stocks. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and capsid protein 2 (VP2) genes of FPLV changed with time. A similar tendency, however, was not observed in the FPLV VP2 proteins. In contrast, the topology of the phylogenetic tree of VP2 proteins of CPV basically concurred with that of the VP2 genes. Analysis of the ratio of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions revealed that synonymous substitutions exceeded nonsynonymous substitutions in both the NS1 and VP2 genes of FPLV, even when the analysis focused on specific regions in the VP2 gene that are known to be located on the capsid surface. Comparison of the CPV VP2 genes revealed that nonsynonymous substitution was found to dominate over synonymous substitution in one specific region in the VP2 gene. These results suggested that FPLV has changed mainly by random genetic drift. In contrast, after the appearance of CPV, changes in the CPV VP2 gene appear to be partly selected by certain positive selection forces. CPV and FPLV are known to be closely related viruses genetically and biologically, but the evolutionary mechanisms of the two viruses appeared to be different.

Intracellular localization and release of eotaxin from normal eosinophils

Eotaxin is a potent and selective CC chemokine for eosinophils and basophils. We established several monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) allowing the neutralization and measurement of human eotaxin. Using the Mabs as probes, we demonstrated that normal eosinophils contained intracellular granule-associated eotaxin. Quantification of cell-associated eotaxin in different leukocyte subsets revealed that it was principally expressed in eosinophils. Finally, we showed that normal eosinophils released eotaxin upon stimulation with either of two secretagogues, C5a or ionomycin. These findings raise the possibility that eosinophil-derived eotaxin contributes to the local accumulation of eosinophils at the site of inflammation.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of an antifungal drug by in vitro simulation of in vivo pharmacokinetics of the drug against fungal hyphal growth

An automatic drug concentration simulator (DCS) has been developed and its applicability has been demonstrated by in vitro simulation of the human plasma concentration-time curve of fluconazole (FLCZ) against hyphal growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. The response of hyphal growth to FLCZ was continually monitored and analyzed using an automatic hyphal growth analyzing system (Bio-Cell Tracer). The simulated concentration of FLCZ by DCS was confirmed by HPLC. The DCS assay was reproducible with a mean coefficient of variation (C.V., n=3) of 5.38 %. When the growth of C. albicans hyphae was tested, there was a lag of onset of FLCZ effect between the time when FLCZ concentration became maximal (C MAX, 7.95 microg/ml ) and the point at which hyphal growth ceased. In contrast, FLCZ was found inactive against A. fumigatus. The newly devised technique could provide clinicians with important information in determining optimal dosing regimens for antifungal drugs.

[Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS with an intraocular sustained-release ganciclovir implant]

Active cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was treated with an intraocular sustained-release ganciclovir implant. A total number of 19 implants were performed in 15 eyes of 9 AIDS patients. The intraocular sustained-release ganciclovir was effective in preventing reactivation of CMV retinitis in 15 of the 19 implants, ineffective in 3, and undetermined in 1. All ineffective cases had been resistant to ganciclovir therapy before the implants. Vision after the therapy was maintained at better than 0.5 except for one eye. There were no serious ocular complications caused by the therapy. Among 5 patients with unilateral CMV retinitis, 2 unaffected eyes developed CMV retinitis during this therapy. In addition, another patient developed presumed CMV infection in other systemic organs. Based on these data, the intraocular sustained-release ganciclovir implant was considered to be useful for the treatment of CMV retinitis in AIDS.

Transoral joint release of the dislocated atlantoaxial joints combined with posterior reduction and fusion for a late infantile atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. A case report

STUDY DESIGN

A case of a late infantile atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is reported for which transoral anterior release was performed.

OBJECTIVES

To report a patient who underwent transoral anterior release of the dislocated atlantoaxial joint for a case of late infantile atlantoaxial rotatory fixation and quadriparesis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Infantile atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is diagnosed easily by using recently developed imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and three-dimensional computed tomography. Nevertheless, patients in whom the condition has been overlooked still are encountered, and the reduction in these patients becomes impossible by traction or by simple posterior open reduction. Few reports on the management of type II-IV chronic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in which an anterior surgery was performed exist in the literature, and no report exists in which atlantoaxial joint release on the both sides was attained.

METHODS

A 9-year-old girl had a type III atlantoaxial rotatory fixation and quadriparesis. She received direct skull traction and repeated manual reduction while she was awake or under general anesthesia. Neither reduction nor movement was obtained, according to the radiographs. Therefore, it was necessary to perform open reduction posteriorly and transorally to release the fixed and contracted joints between C1 and C2.

RESULTS

After the anterior release of the joints, there was an inherent force preventing a complete rotational reduction. However, after a successful posterior reduction and fusion, and for more than 4 years after surgery, neither rotatory displacement nor neurologic deterioration was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors suggest that careful transoral anterior release of the atlantoaxial joint permits successful reduction in a case of chronic fixed atlantoaxial rotatory fixation combined with cord compression.

Cytokine production by T cells infiltrating in the eye of uveitis patients

The capacity of T cells to produce cytokines was investigated using T-cell clones (TCCs) established from infiltrating cells in the aqueous humor (AH) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease or sarcoidosis. The cytokines produced and tested in the study were interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-6, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). All TCCs (n = 9) from AH of VKH patients spontaneously produced significantly larger amounts of IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-gamma than TCCs from healthy donor PBMC. All TCCs (n = 9) from AH of the sarcoidosis patient spontaneously produced significantly larger amounts of IL-1alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 than TCCs from healthy donor PBMC. In addition, the effects of antiinflammatory drugs on the cytokine production by the TCCs were investigated. Hydrocortisone significantly suppressed the production of IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF by TCCs from AH of VKH patients. Tacrolimus also significantly suppressed the production of IL-8 and GM-CSF by the TCCs. FTY720, an experimental drug, suppressed only GM-CSF production by TCCs from AH of VKH patients. Diclofenac failed to suppress the production of any cytokines by any TCCs. All tested drugs did not suppress the production of cytokines by TCCs from the sarcoidosis patient. These results thus suggest that cytokines produced by T cells infiltrating in the eye may play an important role in the pathogenesis of uveitis.

Provirus load in patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 uveitis correlates with precedent Graves' disease and disease activities

We previously demonstrated the increased provirus load in the peripheral blood of patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) uveitis (HU). To delineate the relevance of the increased provirus load to clinical and immunologic parameters, we studied the correlation between them. Seventy-nine HU patients (24 male and 55 female) were included in the study, with their informed consent. Plasma samples and genomic DNA of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and the provirus load was estimated by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the gag region sequence. Serum levels of anti-HTLV-1 antibodies and soluble IL-2R were determined by electrochemiluminescence immuno assay and by ELISA, respectively. Disease activities were assessed and graded 0 to 4 according to the evaluation system. Recurrence of the disease during the follow-up period was diagnosed ophthalmologically. The provirus load was significantly higher in the HU patients after Graves' disease (GD) than in those without GD (P<0.05). It correlated with disease activities assessed in terms of vitreous inflammation and interval to recurrence (both P<0.05). In the HU patients without GD, it correlated with the serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (P<0.01), and nearly with those of HTLV-1 antibody (P=0.063). These correlations were not found in the HU patients after GD under methimazole treatment. The results suggested a direct involvement of HTLV-1-infected cells in the pathogenesis of uveitis, and raise the possibility that hyperthyroidism may contribute to the clonal expansion of HTLV-1-infected cells.

Further development of a recombinant feline herpesvirus type 1 vector expressing feline calicivirus immunogenic antigen

We previously reported the attenuation of thymidine kinase (TK) deficient mutant (C7301dlTK) of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) in cats and the construction of a recombinant FHV-1 (C7301dlTK-Cap) inserted a precursor capsid gene of feline calcivirus (FCV) into the TK deletion locus of the C7301dlTK. In this study, we constructed a further improved recombinant FHV-1 (dlTK(gCp)-Cap) carrying a putative FHV-1 gC promoter sequence upstream of the FCV precursor capsid gene of the C7301dlTK-Cap. Growth kinetics of the dlTK(gCp)-Cap in cell cultures was similar to those of C7301dlTK and C7301dlTK-Cap. A strong expression of FCV immunogenic antigen by dlTK(gCp)-Cap was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, one vaccination with dlTK(gCp)-Cap protected cats more effective against subsequent virulent FCV challenge than that with C7301dlTK-Cap.

Establishment and characterization of two cell lines derived from canine spontaneous osteosarcoma

Two new canine osteosarcoma cell lines were established. One (OOS) was established from a 10-year-old female maltese dog with mandibular osteosarcoma and the other (HOS) from a 7-year-old male mongrel dog with scapular osteosarcoma. Histopathological types of OOS and HOS were mixed and fibroblastic cell type, respectively. Transmission electron microscopic features of HOS revealed prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting higher malignancy comparing to OOS. Doubling time of OOS and HOS were 45.0 +/- 0.5 hr and 42.0 +/- 0.1 hr, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activities of OOS and HOS were quite low. Histological features of tumor tissues produced by transplantation of these cells into nude mice were identical to those of original osteosarcomas.

Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats

Theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, is one of the major components of amino acids in Japanese green tea. Effect of theanine on brain amino acids and monoamines, and the striatal release of dopamine (DA) was investigated. Determination of amino acids in the brain after the intragastric administration of theanine showed that theanine was incorporated into brain through blood-brain barrier via leucine-preferring transport system. The concentrations of norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) in the brain regions were unaffected by the theanine administration except in striatum. Theanine administration caused significant increases in serotonin and/or DA concentrations in the brain, especially in striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus. Direct administration of theanine into brain striatum by microinjection caused a significant increase of DA release in a dose-dependent manner. Microdialysis of brain with calcium-free Ringer buffer attenuated the theanine-induced DA release. Pretreatment with the Ringer buffer containing an antagonist of non-NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptor, MK-801, for 1 hr did not change the significant increase of DA release induced by theanine. However, in the case of pretreatment with AP-5, (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid; antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptor, the theanine-induced DA release from striatum was significantly inhibited. These results suggest that theanine might affect the metabolism and/or the release of some neurotransmitters in the brain, such as DA.

[Estimated prevalence rate of HTLV-I uveitis in Chikugo]

To estimate the prevalence rate of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) uveitis, an epidemiological survey was carried out in the Chikugo District of Fukuoka Prefecture between 1 September and 31 October 1995. The survey was done by sending questionnaires on uveitis patients to all ophthalmological institutes in the district and measuring the serum antibody to HTLV-I. The recovery rate of the survey was 39 of 48 institutes (81.3%). A total of 357 patients with uveitis were reported in the survey, of whom 317 (88.8%) were tested for their seropositivity to HTLV-I. Among them, 18 patients were counted as having HTLV-I uveitis (HU) on 1 October 1995. Based on these data together with the age- and sex-specific population of HTLV-I carriers in the Chikugo District, it was estimated that the crude prevalence rates of HU per 100,000 HTLV-I carrier population were 58.6 in males, 152.0 in females, and 112.2 in both sexes. The prevalence rate of HU was slightly higher than that of HTLV-I associated myelopathy.

[A single dose toxicity study of magnesium sulfate in rats and dogs]

A single dose toxicity study of magnesium sulfate by intravenous administration was conducted in rats and dogs. The results are summarized in the following. Magnesium sulfate was administered once at dose levels of 90, 130, 200, 300 and 450 mg/kg to Crj:CD(SD) rats at 6 weeks of age. Deaths occurred in the 200 mg/kg and above groups in both sexes. The LD50 values were 206 mg/kg for males and 174 mg/kg for females. In the surviving animals, in the 130 mg/kg and above groups, tonic convulsions, abnormal gait and tachypnea were seen. However, these signs disappeared gradually and all animals returned to a normal state by 15 min after dosing. There were no treatment-related changes in the body weight or gross pathology. Magnesium sulfate was infused for 6 hr at dose levels of 75, 300 and 1200 mg/kg (12.5, 50 and 200 mg/kg/hr) to female beagle dogs at 6 months of age. No deaths were observed in any of the dose groups and it was considered that the lethal dose level would be higher than 1200 mg/kg(200 mg/kg/hr). In the 1200 mg/kg group, vomiting, decreased spontaneous movement, staggering gait, prone position and flush of the conjunctiva and ear auricles were seen. However, these signs disappeared gradually and animals returned to a normal state by 1 hr after dosing. There were no treatment-related changes in the body weight, food consumption or gross pathology.

Vaccine efficacy of recombinant feline herpesvirus type 1 expressing immunogenic proteins of feline calicivirus in cats

We previously constructed a recombinant feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV1), C7301dlTK-Cap, which contains an entire open reading frame encoding the capsid protein of feline calicivirus (FCV) F4 strain in the deleted locus of the thymidine kinase (TK) deficient mutant (C7301dlTK) of FHV1. In this report, we carried out in vivo experiments to assess the vaccine efficacy of the recombinant C7301dlTK-Cap against FCV and FHV1 infections in cats. As a result, two vaccinations with the C7301dlTK-Cap by intraocular, intranasal and oral routes protected cats to a significant degree against subsequent virulent challenges with both parent FCV F4 and FHV1 C7301 strains. The results are applicable for the further development of a new genetically engineered polyvalent vaccine for cats.