Helicobacter pylori populations in Peruvian patients

Helicobacter pylori is an extremely diverse species. The characterization of strains isolated from individual patients should give insights into colonization and disease mechanisms and bacterial evolution. We studied H. pylori isolates from patients in the Japanese-Peruvian Polyclinic in Lima, Peru, by determining metronidazole susceptibility or resistance and by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting (a measure of overall genotype). Strains isolated from several biopsy specimens from each of 24 patients were studied. Both metronidazole-susceptible and -resistant strains were isolated from 13 patients, whereas strains of more than one RAPD type were isolated from only seven patients. We propose that the homogeneity in RAPD fingerprints for strains isolated from most persons reflects selection for particular H. pylori genotypes during chronic infection in individual hosts and the human diversity in traits that are important to this pathogen. Carriage of related metronidazole-resistant and -susceptible strains could reflect frequent metronidazole use in Peru and alternating selection for resistant and susceptible phenotypes during and after metronidazole therapy.

H. pylori DNA Fingerprinting Using the Arbitrarily Primed PCR (AP-PCR) or Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Method

An ability to distinguish individual strains of Helicobacter pylori with sensitivity and efficiency is valuable for studies of the epidemiology, population genetic structure, and evolution of this gastric pathogen. The arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR), or random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method (1-4), provides one of the most sensitive and efficient means for distinguishing individual strains, and has been particularly useful for H. pylori (5-7). In overview, the method entails PCR amplification with an oligonucleotide primer of arbitrarily chosen sequence and no known match to sequences in the target genome. This allows initiation of DNA synthesis from genomic sites to which the primer is fortuitously, and usually only partially, matched (Fig. 1). The method detects DNA sequence diversity throughout the genome, rather than just at individual loci; less DNA is needed than in most other DNA fingerprinting methods; the DNA need not be very large nor be double-stranded; and no DNA labeling or hybridization, nor information about target DNA sequences, is needed. There are two principal variants of the AP-PCR protocol, one using oligonucleotide primers of about 10 nucleotides (nt) (3,4), and a second using longer primers, which often may have been constructed for other purposes, such as conventional PCR or DNA sequencing (1,2). Fig. 1. Strategy for DNA fingerprinting by the arbitrarily primed (AP) PCR or random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. In the top left are diagrammed the genomes of related but genetically distinct strains of H. pylori that may have diverged from a common ancestor by mutation and/or gene transfer from other strains. Pairs of thick half-arrows indicate primer annealing to pairs of sites that result in AP-PCR products; thin half-arrows indicate the same primer annealing to individual sites that are not near enough to other potential primer binding sites in opposite orientation to yield AP-PCR products. The annealing of primers to pairs of incompletely matched sites, which is postulated to be responsible for many AP-PCR bands from prokaryotic genomes, is diagrammed in the DETAIL section (lower left), and the array of products that would be generated from the two strains compared here is diagrammed at the right.

Characterization of three isoforms of a 9 kDa gamma D-crystallin fragment isolated from human lenses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a 9 kDa gamma D-crystallin fragment, on in vivo post-translational modifications, exists as isoforms in the water soluble protein fraction of human lenses. In this study, three isoforms of the 9 kDa polypeptide (named as 9 kDa I, II and III) were identified and purified. In addition, the possible modified amino acids and their locations in the three isoforms were identified. The purification of the three isoforms was achieved by four steps which included separation of a mixture of crystallin fragments from the intact crystallins by a Sephadex G-50 chromatography under denaturing conditions, followed by purification of the 9 kDa polypeptide isoforms by a non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, preparative SDS-PAGE and HPLC using a C-18 column. Each of the isoforms showed a single protein band and a single peak during SDS-PAGE and HPLC analyses respectively. The three isoforms on their partial N-terminal sequence analyses, exhibited sequence identical to gamma D-crystallin starting at residue no. 87 suggesting that the isoforms contained residues no. 87 to 173 of gamma D-crystallin. On comparison of the amino acid compositions of the isoforms with that of the identical 9 kDa gamma D-crystallin fragment, the isoforms showed relatively lower amino contents of Asp, Arg, Leu and Tyr residues suggesting modifications of these residues in the isoforms. To identify the specific regions at which these amino acid residues were modified, the Western blot analysis with six site-specific polyclonal antibodies to six regions of the 9 kDa gamma D-crystallin polypeptide was carried out. Of the six antibodies raised, one was to the N-terminal region (residue nos 87-95; named as anti-9 kDa N-Ab), second to the C-terminal region (residue nos 165-173; named as anti-9 kDa C-Ab) and four to the four different middle regions [named as anti-9 kDa M1 (nos 94-100)-Ab, M2 (nos 114-120)-Ab, M3 (nos 137-143)-Ab and M4 (nos 149-154)-Ab] of the polypeptide. The Western blot analysis suggested that the 9 kDa I and 9 kDa II isoforms had modified amino acid residues in the regions of residue nos 114-120 and 165-173 whereas the 9 kDa III isoform in the regions of residue nos 114-120, 137-143, 149-154 and 165-173. It was also determined whether the 9 kDa isoforms exhibit an age-related appearance in human lenses. Western blot analysis as above of the WS-proteins from lenses from donors of different ages was carried out. On comparison of these results with an identical Western blot analysis of the three purified 9 kDa isoforms, I, II and III, it was inferred that the 9 kDa isoform III appeared earlier than other isoforms during aging in human lenses.

Levels of crystallin fragments and identification of their origin in water soluble high molecular weight (HMW) proteins of human lenses

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to determine in the human lens water soluble-high molecular weight (WS-HMW)-proteins: (a) the levels of degraded polypeptides (crystallin fragments), and (b) the in vivo cleavage sites in the parent crystallins to produce the major fragments.

METHODS

The WS-HMW proteins (Mr > 15 x 10(6) daltons) were isolated as a void volume peak from homogenates of lenses of donors of different ages using Agarose A 15m gel-filtration chromatography. The degraded polypeptides (Mr < 18 kDa), present in the WS-HMW proteins, were separated by a preparative SDS-PAGE method and quantified as a percent of total WS-HMW proteins. In addition, the parent crystallins of the major polypeptides were identified by the Western blot method using antibodies raised either to the whole crystallin molecule or to desired regions at N- and C-terminals or middle of individual crystallins. The partial N-terminal sequences of purified individual polypeptides were determined to identity the cleavage sites in parent crystallins.

RESULTS

The levels of degraded polypeptides as percent of the total WS-HMW proteins increased with aging, i.e. about 5% in lenses of 16 to 19 year-old-donors compared to 27% in the 60-80 year-old-donors. As many as thirteen polypeptide species with Mr's between 3 to 17 kDa were separated from WS-HMW proteins by a preparative SDS-PAGE method. The Western blot analyses showed that the polypeptides originated from alpha-, beta- and gamma-crystallins and the cleavage sites varied in different regions of crystallins as identified by partial N-terminal sequence analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The data showed an age-related increase in levels of degraded polypeptides in the WS-HMW proteins and the polypeptides were derived from alpha-, beta- and gamma-crystallins.

The 65 kDa protein of Mycobacterium habana and its putative role in immunity against experimental tuberculosis

Mycobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae possess multiple antigens some of which inhibit other anti-mycobacterial immune responses. Whole cell vaccines are not free from these suppressive molecules and may adversely affect the immunogenic response(s). Purified protein components having only immunogenic properties should prove to be superior vaccine(s). Mycobacterium habana, a candidate vaccine for mycobacterial infections has been dissected for analysing its antigenic myriad. A 65 kDa protein of this mycobacterium has been isolated and characterized for its protective and cell mediated immune responses. The protein was isolated in pure form using an isotachophoresis (SDS-PAGE filtration) technique and identified with low molecular weight markers along with mAb using the immunoblot technique. Mab IIH9 has identified a 65 kDa protein in M. habana. This protein has been found to be immunoprotective in mice against M. tuberculosis H37Rv infection. It generates high levels of DTH responses in mice against M. tuberculosis and M. leprae antigens and inhibits migration of sensitized cells under the antigenic influence of homologous and heterologous origin. Possibilities of developing this protein as a subunit vaccine are discussed in this report.

Gene assignment by polymerase chain reaction: localization of the human potassium channel IsK gene to the Down's syndrome region of chromosome 21q22.1-q22.2

Gene mapping, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA obtained from a human/rodent hybrid cell line carrying only the human chromosome 21, permitted the assignment of the human IsK gene, encoding a slowly activating potassium channel, to chromosome 21. PCR analysis of two complete panels of human/rodent hybrid DNA mapped IsK to chromosome 21 with 100% concordance. By performing PCR on DNA of a human chromosome 21 regional mapping panel the gene was sublocalized to chromosome 21q22.1-q22.2, which also contains the putative Down's syndrome (trisomy 21) region. The PCR product obtained from the hybrid cell line DNA carrying only human chromosome 21 was sequenced, thus confirming that the PCR product was derived from human IsK.

Tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent stimulation of amyloid precursor protein secretion by the m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Stimulation of m1 and m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which are coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis and protein kinase C activation, has been shown to increase the release of soluble amyloid precursor protein derivatives (APPs). The effect is mimicked by phorbol esters, which directly activate protein kinase C. Using human embryonic kidney cells expressing individual muscarinic receptor subtypes, we found that stimulation of APPs release by the muscarinic agonist carbachol was only partially reduced by a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (the bisindolylmaleimide GF 109203X), while the response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was abolished. The increase in APPs release elicited by carbachol and PMA was accompanied by elevated tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins and reduced by tyrosine kinase inhibitors; GF 109203X significantly reduced the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation by carbachol and PMA. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases by vanadyl hydroperoxide markedly increased cellular tyrosine phosphorylation and enhanced APPs release as effectively as PMA and carbachol. Direct phosphorylation of amyloid precursor protein on tyrosine residues following treatment with carbachol, PMA, or vanadyl hydroperoxide was not observed. The results implicate both tyrosine phosphorylation and protein kinase C-dependent mechanisms in the regulation of APPs release by G protein-coupled receptors, and suggest that carbachol and PMA increase APPs release from human embryonic kidney cells expressing m3 muscarinic receptors via partially divergent pathways that converge at a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent step.

Monitoring of auto exhaust pollution by roadside plants

The changing levels of SO2 and Pb in the air and vegetation, along ten road transections of Lucknow city (having varying traffic densities) have been investigated, with a view to authenticate a possible correlation between SO2 and Pb concentration in air and sulphate and lead accumulation in the foliage of avenue trees. The study showed that the road transection at Alambagh (traffic density 4835 for 2 h) revealed the highest level of pollutants (SO2, 202 µg m(-3); SPM, 1080 µg m(-3); and lead, 2.96 µg m(-3), 2 h average) in air, as well as in the foliage of plants, whereas the road stretches with less traffic density correspondingly showed lower levels of pollutants. Pb and sulphate in leaves were found to be positively correlated with Pb and SO2 pollution in the air. Results suggest that Dalbergia sissoo and Calotropis procera are the ideal plant species to monitor as indications of Pb and SO2, respectively, in the air.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal ulcer isolates distinguished using the arbitrarily primed PCR DNA fingerprinting method

Infection of the eye by Pseudomonas aeruginosa can result in corneal inflammation (keratitis) and ulceration, and permanent decrease in vision if not successfully treated. We tested for diversity among P. aeruginosa strains from corneal ulcers by the sensitive and efficient 'RAPD' (for 'random amplified polymorphic DNA') fingerprinting method. This method uses single oligonucleotides of arbitrarily chosen sequence as primers in low-stringency PCR amplification, and results in strain-specific arrays of DNA fragments. Tests of 20 independent P. aeruginosa corneal ulcer isolates yielded 19 different arrays of products with each of three arbitrary primers, indicating that all but two of the strains differed from one another. Additional isolates from three patients (infected eye, contact lens or eye drops) yielded fragment patterns that were identical to those of the original isolate in each case. Thus, our results demonstrate considerable diversity among P. aeruginosa corneal ulcer isolates, and suggest that just one clone may predominate in typical infections.

Instability of frog virus 3 mRNA in productively infected cells

Cloned DNA restriction fragments encoding representative frog virus 3 messages were used as probes to assess the stability of viral transcripts in infected fathead minnow cells. Analysis of Northern blot hybridization profiles confirmed earlier findings and revealed that in infected cells the steady-state level of representative frog virus 3 (FV3) messages increased throughout the replication cycle. However, when actinomycin D was added at 4 hr after infection to block the synthesis of new transcripts, viral messages were observed to turn over rapidly, with half-lives of approximately 2 hr. These results indicate that viral transcripts were not preferentially stabilized in FV3-infected cells and suggest that the high steady-state level of viral messages present at late times after infection was due to viral transcription outpacing message degradation. Moreover, the instability of viral messages challenges the suggestion that the terminal dyad symmetry (hairpin structure) observed in all frog virus 3 messages sequenced to date plays a role in transcript stability.

Potassium inhibits free radical formation

We conducted this study to determine whether physiological changes in potassium concentration affect free radical formation by vascular cells. We assessed the effects of potassium on reactive oxygen species formed by cultured endothelial and monocyte/macrophage cells or freshly isolated human white blood cells by cytochrome c reduction or luminol chemiluminescence, respectively. Reducing potassium concentration of endothelial cell media (normally 5.1 to 6.1 mmol/L) to 3.0 mmol/L exponentially increased the rate of cytochrome c reduction, up to 8.4-fold at 2 hours; raising potassium concentration to 5.5 or 7.0 mmol/L at 1 hour reduced the maximal rate of cytochrome c reduction by 86% or 93%. Subsequent studies were done 30 to 75 minutes after media change. Potassium reduced the rate of cytochrome c reduction by 49% (endothelial cells) to 55% (monocytes/macrophages) between 3.0 and 7.0 mmol/L; the greatest decrement (20% to 26%) occurred between 3.0 and 4.0 mmol/L. Superoxide dismutase reduced the rate of cytochrome c reduction by 62% or 50% in endothelial or monocyte/macrophage cells. Potassium had no effect on the rate of cytochrome c reduction in the presence of superoxide dismutase. Increasing potassium concentration from 1.48 to 4.77 or 7.94 mmol/L also reduced luminol chemiluminescence in human white blood cells challenged by 1 to 10 mg/mL zymosan. We conclude that physiological increases in potassium concentration inhibit the rate of superoxide anion formation by cell lines derived from endothelium and from monocytes/macrophages and reactive oxygen species formation by human white blood cells.

Covalent modification at the C-terminal end of a 9 kDa gamma D-crystallin fragment in human lenses

The presence of a 9-kDa gamma D-crystallin fragment among water-soluble (WS) and water-insoluble (WI) proteins of human lenses was investigated using individual site specific antibodies to the N- and C-terminal regions of the molecule. The polyclonal antibodies were raised against nonapeptides corresponding to the N- and C-terminal ends and are referred to as anti-9-kDa-N and anti-9-kDa-C antibodies respectively. On Western blot analysis of WS and WI proteins from lenses of donors of different ages, the WS9-kDa species showed immunoreactivity to both the anti-9-kDa-N and anti-9-kDa-C antibodies whereas WI 9 kDa species showed immunoreactivity to only the anti-9-kDa-N antibody. This suggested that possible modification had occurred at the C-terminal region of the WI 9-kDa polypeptide. The 9-kDa species of WS, water-soluble-high-molecular-weight (WS-HMW), water-insoluble-urea-soluble (WI-US) and water-insoluble-urea-insoluble (WI-UI) protein fractions was purified by preparative SDS-PAGE separation followed by HPLC on a C-18 column. Two forms of 9-kDa species were isolated from the WS proteins; one associated with the gamma-crystallin, immunoreactive to both the antibodies, and the other associated with high-molecular-weight protein, immunoreactive to only the anti-9-kDa-N antibody. In contrast, only one form of the 9-kDa species, immunoreactive to the anti-9-kDa-N antibody could be detected in the WI-US and WI-UI protein fractions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Targeted gene walking by low stringency polymerase chain reaction: assignment of a putative human brain sodium channel gene (SCN3A) to chromosome 2q24-31

We have developed a low stringency polymerase chain reaction (LSPCR) to isolate the unknown neighboring region around a known DNA sequence, thus allowing efficient targeted gene walking. The method involves the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a single primer under conditions of low stringency for primer annealing (40 degrees C) for the first few cycles followed by more cycles at high stringency (55 degrees C). This enables the amplification of a targeted DNA fragment along with other nontargeted fragments. High stringency (55 degrees C) nested PCRs with end-labeled primers are then used to generate a ladder of radioactive bands, which accurately identifies the targeted fragment(s). We performed LSPCR on human placental DNA using a highly conserved sodium channel-specific primer for 5 cycles at 40 degrees C followed by 27 cycles at 55 degrees C for primer annealing. Subsequently, using higher stringency (55 degrees C) PCR with radiolabeled nested primers for 8 cycles, we have isolated a 0.66-kb fragment of a putative human sodium channel gene. Partial sequence (325 bp) of this fragment revealed a 270-bp region (exon) with homology to the rat brain sodium channel III alpha (RBIII) gene at the nucleotide (87%) and amino acid (92%) levels. Therefore, we putatively assign this sequence as a part of a gene coding the alpha-subunit of a human brain type III sodium channel (SCN3A). Using PCR on two human/rodent somatic cell hybrid panels with primers specific to this putative SCN3A gene, we have localized this gene to chromosome 2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes was used to sublocalize the SCN3A gene to chromosome at 2q24-31. In conclusion, LSPCR is an efficient and sensitive method for targeted gene walking and is also useful for the isolation of homologous genes in related species.

Localization of a putative human brain sodium channel gene (SCN1A) to chromosome band 2q24

We have identified four putative human sodium channel gene sequences, 55 bp each, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on total human placental DNA with primers specific for the cDNA sequence of the rat brain sodium channel I alpha (Scn1a) gene. One of these sequences was extended bidirectionally by genomic inverse-PCR to obtain a 1.6-kb fragment. Sequencing of this 1,556-bp fragment showed a 282-bp complete exon, which has 95% and 94% homology at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively, with the rat Scn1a gene. We putatively assign this sequence as belonging to the gene coding the alpha-subunit of a human brain type I sodium channel (SCN1A). PCR on human x rodent somatic cell hybrids with primers derived from SCN1A localized this gene to chromosome 2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes sublocalized the gene to chromosome band 2q24.

Identification of origin of two polypeptides of 4 and 5 kD isolated from human lenses

PURPOSE

To purify crystallin fragments (degraded polypeptides molecular weight < 18 kD) and identify their parent crystallins.

METHODS

The purification of polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 4 and 5 kD was carried out using three sequential steps: Sephadex G-50 chromatography under denaturing conditions, preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and high-performance liquid chromatography using a C-18 column. The parent crystallins of the two polypeptides were identified by the Western blotting method using polyclonal antibodies raised against individual 4 and 5 kD polypeptides and by comparing N-terminal amino acid sequences of the polypeptides with crystallins.

RESULTS

Two polypeptides of 4 and 5 kD were purified by the three sequential steps as described from water-soluble proteins of lenses from 60-80-year-old donors. Both purified polypeptides showed a single major peak during high-performance liquid chromatography on a C-18 column and also a single band during sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Western blot analyses showed maximum immunoreactivity of the anti-4 kD polypeptide antibody to a 22 kD species of beta-crystallin, whereas the anti-5 kD polypeptide antibody showed maximum reactivity to only the alpha B crystallin. These results were further confirmed during comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequences of the two polypeptides with crystallins. Such comparison showed that the 4 kD polypeptide originated from beta A 3/A1 crystallin after cleavage at His187-His188 bond. Further, the 5 kD polypeptide was a fragment of alpha B crystallin that originated after cleavage at Val145-Asn146 bond.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that specific bonds of beta A3/A1 and alpha B crystallins are posttranslationally cleaved in vivo to produce 4 kD and 5 kD polypeptides, respectively.

Identification of a 9 kDa gamma-crystallin fragment in human lenses

The degraded polypeptides (M(r) less than 14 kDa) were isolated by a preparative SDS-PAGE method from water soluble (WS) and water insoluble (WI) proteins of human lenses from donors of ages between 5 and 75 years. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the presence of a major 9 kDa polypeptide species that showed an age-related increase in levels in WS-polypeptide preparations. In order to identify the parent crystallin of the 9 kDa polypeptide, the immunoreactivities of the WS- and WI-degraded polypeptides to immuno-affinity-purified anti-human alpha-, beta- and gamma-crystallin antibodies were determined by the Western blot method. The WS- and WI-9 kDa polypeptides showed immunoreactivity to only the anti-gamma-crystallin antibody suggesting it to be a fragment of gamma-crystallin. A 9 kDa species was purified by Sephadex G-50 chromatography from the WS-protein fraction of lenses from 20-30-year-old donors. The purified polypeptide showed a single protein band during SDS-PAGE and also an apparent single spot on two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis (IEF followed by SDS-PAGE). The purified preparation also showed a single major peak during reverse phase HPLC chromatography. The purified 9 kDa polypeptide showed immunoreactivity to only the anti-gamma-crystallin antibody. A polyclonal antibody raised against the purified 9 kDa polypeptide showed immunoreactivity only to a 20 kDa gamma-crystallin species. The partial N-terminal sequence analysis of the 9 kDa polypeptide showed it to be a fragment of gamma D-crystallin. Together these results show that a 9 kDa gamma D-crystallin fragment exists in increasing quantities in human lenses during aging.

Management of IUD-associated menorrhagia in female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of antifibrinolytic agents (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, EACA; tranexamic acid, AMCA), anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, IND; ibuprofen, IBU; naproxen, NAP) and root extract of the plant Boerhaavia diffusa (BD) on menstrual cycle length (MCL), duration of menstrual flow (DMF), menstrual iron loss (MIL) and activity of uterine tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in IUD-fitted monkeys. Premature onset of menstruation was observed in IUD-fitted monkeys (26.0 +/- 0.7 days, mean +/- SE) as compared to controls (28.7 +/- 0.4 days). No noteworthy change was observed in the MCL of drug treated monkeys as compared to IUD-fitted monkeys. An increase of 155%, 123.2%, and 288% was observed in the DMF, MIL and tPA activity after IUD insertion as compared to controls. Antifibrinolytic agents reduced the DMF, MIL and activity of tPA in IUD-fitted monkeys up to 117.4%, 116.4%, and 254%, whereas anti-inflammatory drugs caused a decrease only up to 69%, 95.1%, and 138%, respectively. Conclusively, root extract of B. diffusa treated IUD-fitted monkeys showed noticeable reduction in their DMF (124%), MIL (120.8%) and tPA activity (272%).

Characterization of a 66-kilodalton surface glycoprotein of the human corneal endothelium

The pellet recovered after centrifugation (5000 X g) of human corneal endothelial homogenates was used as the source of membranes in these studies. A 66-kilodalton (kD) protein was identified as the most abundant protein in the particulate pellet by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The de novo synthesis of the 66-kD protein by endothelial cells was observed during culturing of human corneas in the presence of 35S-methionine. The 66-kD protein was found to be a plasma membrane protein based on several of its properties, ie, its solubility in CHCl3:CH3OH, its labeling as surface glycoprotein, and during exposure to a photoaffinity hydrophobic probe: 1-azido-4-125I-iodobenzene. Furthermore this protein could be released from the particulate pellet after treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, suggesting its anchorage via a phosphatidylinositol glycan linkage in the plasma membrane. Such anchorage of this protein was further confirmed by its labeling during culture of corneas in the presence of 3H-myoinositol. The glycoprotein nature of the 66-kD protein was evident from its labeling during surface glycoprotein labeling of endothelial cells, staining with periodic acid-Schiff stain, and binding to peanut agglutinin (PNA), and lotus agglutinin (LTA) on SDS-acrylamide gels. The 66-kD protein of endothelial particulate pellets recovered from corneas of donors of different ages showed an age-related increase in binding to PNA and LTA. This suggested an increased glycosylation of the 66-kD protein with aging. A polyclonal anti-66-kD protein antibody was used as a probe to determine the presence of this protein in the rabbit and bovine corneal endothelia by the Western-blot analysis. The 66-kD protein was detected in both rabbit and bovine endothelia, but an additional immunoreactive species of 17 kD was also observed which may be a processed product of the 66-kD protein.

Role of plasminogen activators and leukocytes in IUD-induced inflammation: effect of some anti-inflammatory agents

Insertion of an IUD causes a persistent inflammatory reaction, evident from an increase in the vascular dilatation and permeability of IUD-exposed endometrium. IUD-induced inflammatory changes can be checked by using anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study in rats, we report that IUD-induced inflammatory changes were partially checked by the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, in order of effectiveness, indomethacin greater than naproxen greater than ibuprofen. Histologically, IUDs provoke mild degeneration of uterine epithelium and necrotic changes in the endometrial glands. Heavy infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the uterine lumen was also noticed. IUD-induced degenerative changes in the histoarchitecture of uterine epithelium were partially repaired following treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Human lens membrane proteinase: purification and age-related distributional changes in the water-soluble and insoluble protein fractions

A proteinase from human lens membrane was purified by a procedure previously developed for a similar proteinase from bovine lenses (Srivastava, 1988a). The purification of the human proteinase was achieved by solubilization of the enzyme from membranes with 2% sodium deoxycholate followed by two consecutive passages through an Agarose A-1.5 m column. The purified proteinase exhibited molecular weight of 38 kDa on a SDS-polyacrylamide gel. A polyclonal antiserum was raised against bovine lens membrane proteinase, and used as a probe to examine distribution of the enzyme among water-soluble and insoluble proteins of human lenses of different ages. The antiserum had strict specificity to the human membrane proteinase as it showed immunoreaction to only the proteinase among human membrane proteins and crystallins. In addition, the antiserum also inhibited the proteinase activity on incubation. The Western blot of water-soluble proteins from 2-yr-old lens showed a 22 kDa immunoreactive protein, but an additional protein of 43 kD in lenses older than 19 years was observed. A similar Western blot analysis of the water-insoluble proteins from these lenses showed a single protein of 18 kDa that was identified as the subunit of the bovine lens membrane proteinase (Srivastava, 1988a). Furthermore, the immunoreactive 18 kD protein of the water-insoluble protein fractions could be solubilized with urea. The proteinase activity was found to increase with aging, as judged by the extraction of the enzyme with 2% deoxycholate from membranes of lenses of different ages and proteinase activity determination. Similarly, an age-related increase in the immunoreaction was also observed on measuring radio-iodinated protein A bound to an immunoreactive 18 kD protein of the water-insoluble protein fractions.

Patterns of immunoglobulins in the serum of leprosy patients

There have been considerable variations in the levels of immunoglobulins in the serum of leprosy patients which needed elucidation. An attempt has been made in this direction to find out the levels of IgG, IgM and IgA in the serum samples of 145 cases of various grades of leprosy. The patients were selected in the age group of 11 to 60 years and have received treatment with DDS from a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years. A constant increase in the levels of immunoglobulins has been noted and the effect of treatment over variation in the levels has been discussed.

Seasonal variation in the biomass and non-structural carbohydrate content of fine roots of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) plantations in a dry tropical region

Seasonal variation in the biomass and total non-structural carbohydrate content (TNC) of fine roots of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) were studied in 19- and 29-year-old plantations in a dry tropical region. Fine root TNC content was highest during the dry summer (May), and lowest in the early part of the rainy season (July). Generally, seasonal trends in TNC content were the opposite of those in fine root biomass. The TNC concentration of roots increased with diameter and decreased with soil depth. In the 19-year-old plantation, fine root TNC content was approximately 12% higher than in the 29-year-old plantation.

Higher fibrinolytic activity in human endometrium in direct contact with an IUD

From 18 apparently healthy women wearing a copper-IUD, endometrial biopsy specimens were obtained under hysteroscopic control, both from the site of the IUD and from a distant area. The fibrinolytic activity proved significantly higher in the former specimens than in the latter. The results provide a theoretical basis for the development of an IUD which releases a synthetic inhibitor of fibrinolysis.

Monoamine oxidase concentration in median eminence, pituitary and uterus of rat after estrogen and centchroman treatment

Estradiol dipropionate (0.005 mg/kg) increased the monoamine oxidase levels in pituitary, median eminence and uterus of ovariectomized rats. Centchroman (3,4-trans-2, 2-dimethyl-3-phenyl-4-p-(-pyrrolidinethoxy)-phenyl-7 methoxy chroman, 1.25 mg/kg) decreased the enzyme levels in pituitary and median eminence but not in uterus. Centchroman, given to estradiol treated groups could not bring down the enhanced levels of the enzyme in the uterus.

Mode of action of centchroman at vaginal and ovarian level in immature rats

Centchroman studied at various doses did not cause ovulation in immature rats as judged by morphological, histological and biochemical parameters whereas, 20 mg/kh dose caused early opening of vagina and cornification of the vaginal epithelial cells. However, no ovulation was detected by this regimen. No stimulatory effect was observed in the glycogen and cholesterol content in the ovaries of Centchroman treated rats. The effects on vagina persisted even in ovariectomised immature rats administered with Centchroman. The mode of various doses of Centchroman in immature rats as judged morphologically, histologically and biochemically has been discussed.

Monoamine oxidase activity in the pituitary of mice after estrogen, progesterone and centchroman treatment

Monoamine oxidase activity (MAO) was estimated in the pituitary of ovariectomized mice after a single administration of estradiol-dipropionate (0.01 mg/kg; im), progesterone (1 mg/kg; im) and centchroman (1.25 mg/kg ip). Estrogen and progesterone were found to decrease the enzymic level, as compared to control, while centchroman remarkably increased it. The significance of dissimilarity in the pituitary threshold for steroidal and nonsteroidal molecule is discussed.

No increase of the fibrinolytic activity of the human endometrium by progesterone-releasing IUD (ProgestasertR)

An increase in menstrual blood loss is one of the most common side effects of plastic IUDs and, though less often, also of copper IUDs. This has been explained by the observation that IUD enhances the fibrinolytic activity of the endometrium. A progesterone-releasing IUD (ProgestasertR) does not increase menstrual bleeding. The fibrinolytic activity of the endometrium was studied in 17 women before and after insertion of a progesterone-releasing IUD. It did not enhance the histochemically determined fibrinolytic activity in the endometrium.

No increase of the fibrinolytic activity of the human endometrium by progesterone-releasing IUD (progestasertR)

An increase in menstrual blood loss is one of the most common side effects of plastic IUDs and, though less often, also of copper IUDs. This has been explained by the observation that IUD enhances the fibrinolytic activity of the endometrium. A progesterone-releasing IUD (ProgestasertR) does not increase menstrual bleeding. The fibrinolytic activity of the endometrium was studied in 17 women before and after insertion of a progesterone-releasing IUD. It did not enhance the histochemically determined fibrinolytic activity in the endometrium.

Release of copper ions from an intra-vas cooper-wire contraceptive device

Insertion of a copper wire into the vas deferens of male rats released 4 micrograms of copper in themid portion of the vas deferens in two days time. In urethral and epidymal segments of the vas deferens copper released was less than one microgram. The present study demonstrates that the in vivo effects of 4 microgram of copper in 2 days time in the vas deferens are enough to induce antifertility in rats.