Exogenous peptide and protein expression levels using retroviral vectors in human cells

Pseudotyped retroviral vectors combine the advantages of broad host range, high expression, stable chromosomal integration, and ease of preparation. These vectors greatly facilitate delivery into mammalian cells of sequences encoding individual peptide inhibitors-including those with therapeutic utility-and inhibitor libraries. However, retroviral vectors vary in behavior, particularly with respect to expression levels in different cell lines. Expression level is especially important in transdominant experiments because the concentration of an inhibitor (for example, an expressed peptide) is one of the key determinants in the degree of complex formation between the inhibitor and its target. Thus, inhibitor concentration should have an impact on the expressivity and/or penetrance of an induced phenotype. Here, we compare several retroviral vectors and human cell lines for relative expression levels using a green fluorescent protein reporter. We show for a subset of these lines that cellular protein concentrations produced by single-copy vectors range up to about 2 microM. We also examine other variables that contribute to expression level, such as the nature of the expressed protein's carboxy terminus. Finally, we test the effect of increased concentration on phenotype with a nine-amino-acid peptide derived from the human papilloma virus protein E7 which overcomes E7-mediated cell growth.

Cloning of the cel9A gene and characterization of its gene product from marine bacterium Pseudomonas sp. SK38

The yellow-pigmented bacterial strain causing green spot rot and death of layer was isolated from Porphyra dentata. This strain has been identified as Pseudomonas sp., harboring agarase, xylanase, and protease activity, as well as carboxymethyl-cellulase (CMCase). Using genomic DNA from the Pseudomonas sp. SK38 digested with Sau3AI and ligated into pBluescript II KS+, we isolated a cel gene encoding a CMCase in Pseudomonas sp. SK38. A 4.5-kb fragment was subcloned into pKR400. The structure of the cel9A gene consists of an open reading frame of 1,521 bp starting with a GTG start codon and ending with a TAG stop codon. It thus encodes 506 amino acid residues of a protein with a calculated molecular weight of 52,636 daltons plus a signal peptide of 22 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cel9A protein is similar to the same protein of Clostridium thermocellum. It contains, in particular, the two conserved regions of the glycoside hydrolase family 9. The apparent molecular mass of the Cel9A protein is 52 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme is most active at pH 6-7 and an optimal temperature of around 30 degrees C.

c-JUN expression and apoptotic cell death in kainate-induced temporal lobe epilepsy

Following kainate (KA)-induced epilepsy, rat hippocampal neurons strongly express immediate early gene (IEG) products, i.e., c-FOS and c-JUN, and neural stress protein, HSP72. Prolonged expression of c-JUN and c-FOS 48 hr after cerebral ischemia has been underwent delayed neuronal death. However, it is not yet clear whether IEGs actually assume the essential roles in the cell death process or simply as a by-product due to external stimuli because of the prolonged expression of c-FOS, more than one week, on intact CA2 neurons of the hippocampus in a KA-induced epilepsy model. This study investigated the relationships between prolonged expression of c-JUN and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in a KA-induced epilepsy model. Epileptic seizure was induced in rats by a single microinjection of KA (1 microgram/microL) into the left amygdala. Characteristic seizures and hippocampal neuronal injury were developed. The expression of c-JUN was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and neuronal apoptosis by in situ end labeling. The seizures were associated with c-JUN expression in the hippocampal neurons, of which the level showed a positive correlation with that of apoptosis. Losses of hippocampal neurons, especially in the CA3 region, were partly caused by apoptotic cell death via a c-JUN-mediated signaling pathway. This is thought to be an important component in the pathogenesis of hippocampal neuronal injury via KA-induced epilepsy.

Selective growth inhibitor toward human intestinal bacteria derived from Pulsatilla cernua root

Among 21 medicinal plants, the growth-inhibiting activity of Pulsatilla cernua root-derived materials toward human intestinal bacteria was examined by using an impregnated paper disk method. The biologically active components of P. cernua roots were characterized as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid and 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid by spectroscopic analysis. The activity was compared with that of six commercially available cinnamic acid derivatives trans-cinnamaldehyde, trans-cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, 2-methoxycinnamic acid, 3-methoxycinnamic acid, and 4-methoxycinnamic acid. The growth responses varied with each bacterial strain tested. Two isolated compounds revealed a potent inhibition against Clostridium perfringens, and moderate to weak activity against Escherichia coli was exhibited by 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid. Weak or no inhibitory activity was obtained against the bifidobacteria or Lactobacillus acidophilus. The inhibitory effect was much more pronounced in C. perfringens and E. coli as compared to B. adolescentis, B. bifidum, B. fragilis, B. longum, or L. acidophilus. Cinnamaldehyde exhibited a strong growth-inhibiting activity, but no inhibition was observed from treatments with trans-cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, 2-methoxycinnamic acid, 3-methoxycinnamic acid, and 4-methoxycinnamic acid. These results may be an indication of at least one of the pharmacological actions of P. cernua root.

Graded mode of transcriptional induction in yeast pheromone signalling revealed by single-cell analysis

Signalling pathways typically convert a graded, analogue signal into a binary cellular output. In the several eukaryotic systems that have been investigated to date, including MAP kinase cascade activation in Xenopus oocytes, analogue-to-digital conversion occurs at points in the pathway between receptor activation and the effector mechanism. We used flow cytometry combined with an intracellular fluorescent reporter to examine the characteristics of the yeast pheromone-response pathway. Surprisingly, pheromone response in yeast, which relies on the MAP kinase cascade, behaved in a fundamentally graded manner. Expression of certain exogenous dominant inhibitors of the pathway converted the response to graded-or-none behaviour. These results have implications for the dissection of biological response mechanisms in cells and illustrate how signalling pathways, even homologous ones, may have strikingly different signal propagation/amplification characteristics.

Cloning and characterization of an intracellular isoamylase gene from Pectobacterium chrysanthemi PY35

The gene encoding an intracellular isoamylase from the Pectobacterium chrysanthemi PY35 was cloned in Escherichia coli DH5alpha and sequenced. The isoamylase gene (amyX) had an open reading frame of 1974 bp encoding 657 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 74,151 Da. The molecular weight of the enzyme was also estimated to be 74 kDa by activity staining of a SDS-PA gel. Isoamylase from P. chrysanthemi PY35 had 59% pairwise amino acid identity with glycogen debranching enzyme from E. coli and contained the four regions conserved among all amylolytic enzymes. The isoamylase was optimally active at pH 7 and 40 degrees C. AmyX hydrolyzed alpha-1,6-glycosidic linkages of amylopectin, while did not hydrolyze alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkages of amylose.

Variations of the prominences of the bony palate and their relationship to complete dentures in Korean skulls

The osteological and morphological variations of the prominences in the bony palate of 160 Korean skulls were studied. The frequency of the occurrence of the posterior palatine crest, located on the posterior border of the greater palatine foramen, was 13.8%. Palatal ridges were observed commonly in the skulls; however, the smooth type, which has no palatal ridges in the palate, was shown in 14.7% of cases, and palatal spines were observed in 33.8%. The prevalence of palatal tubercles was 11.6%, and all were found in the molar region. The palatine torus was found in 18.8% of cases and the most common type was along the median palatine suture from the incisive foramen to the posterior border of the palatine bone (63.3%). No significant differences between sexes or sides were found in the posterior palatine crest, palatal ridges, and palatal tubercle. However, the sex distribution of the palatine torus was significantly different (P < 0.05). These results would be helpful clinically in fabricating maxillary complete dentures for edentulous patients.

Orientia tsutsugamushi suppresses the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by its own heat-stable component in murine macrophages

Orientia tsutsugamushi is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, which causes scrub typhus. To understand the pathogenesis of scrub typhus, we have investigated the induction of tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by O. tsutsugamushi in two murine macrophage cell lines. Both live and heat-killed orientia stimulated the production of cytokines in J774A.1 cells. Polymyxin B does not affect the secretion of cytokines. These together with the fact that the immature macrophage cell line, P388D1, did not produce TNF-alpha when induced by either live or heat-killed O. tsutsugamushi strongly argue against any roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cytokine production. Furthermore, the result that the cytokine responses were more brisk when macrophage cell lines had been induced by heat-killed O. tsutsugamushi than by live organisms strongly suggest that a heat-stable molecule might be responsible for the induction of cytokine production and O. tsutsugamushi might have mechanisms suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by its own heat-stable molecule.

Ectopic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in Zebrin II immunoreactive Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the ataxic mutant mouse, pogo

The pogo mouse is a new ataxic autosomal recessive mutant that arose in an inbred strain (KJR/MsKist) derived from a Korean wild mouse. The phenotype includes difficulty in maintaining normal posture and the inability to walk straight. Several previous studies have associated inherited ataxia with the ectopic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in Purkinje cells. Therefore, in the present study, the distribution of TH expression was compared with that of zebrin II in Purkinje cells of adult pogo/pogo mutant mice. In normal control littermates, tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity is confined to a delicate axonal plexus ramifying through the molecular layer. In pogo/pogo, in addition to the axonal plexus, TH-immunoreactive Purkinje cells were present in all lobules of the cerebellar vermis and hemispheres, distributed as series parasagittal bands. The general pattern of expression is reproducible between individuals and symmetrical about the midline. Alternating stripes of TH expression are also seen in the hemispheres, and most Purkinje cells in the paraflocculi and flocculi are immunoreactive. In pogo/+ mice, TH-immunoreactive Purkinje cells are rare. The pattern of zebrin II expression was used to map TH immunoreactive Purkinje cells in pogo/pogo mutant mice. Double immunofluorescence labeling combining anti-zebrin II fand anti-TH showed that all TH-immunoreactive Purkinje cells are zebrin II+, but that many zebrin II+ Purkinje cells within a band do not stain with anti-TH. Taken together with the morphological changes observed in the Purkinje cell axons, this suggests that abnormal Purkinje cell function may contribute to the ataxic phenotype in pogo/pogo mice.

Antisense DNAs as multisite genomic modulators identified by DNA microarray

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides can selectively block disease-causing genes, and cancer genes have been chosen as potential targets for antisense drugs to treat cancer. However, nonspecific side effects have clouded the true antisense mechanism of action and hampered clinical development of antisense therapeutics. Using DNA microarrays, we have conducted a systematic characterization of gene expression in cells exposed to antisense, either exogenously or endogenously. Here, we show that in a sequence-specific manner, antisense targeted to protein kinase A RIalpha alters expression of the clusters of coordinately expressed genes at a specific stage of cell growth, differentiation, and activation. The genes that define the proliferation-transformation signature are down-regulated, whereas those that define the differentiation-reverse transformation signature are up-regulated in antisense-treated cancer cells and tumors, but not in host livers. In this differentiation signature, the genes showing the highest induction include genes for the G proteins Rap1 and Cdc42. The expression signature induced by the exogenously supplied antisense oligodeoxynucleotide overlaps strikingly with that induced by endogenous antisense gene overexpression. Defining antisense DNAs on the basis of their effects on global gene expression can lead to identification of clinically relevant antisense therapeutics and can identify which molecular and cellular events might be important in complex biological processes, such as cell growth and differentiation.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of high dose extended interval piperacillin-tazobactam

A multiple-dose, open-labelled, randomized, two period crossover human volunteer study was performed (i) to describe the pharmacokinetic profile and safety profile of piperacillin and tazobactam (P/T) administered 6.0/0.75 g and 8.0/1.0 g q12h and (ii) to characterize the pharmacodynamic profile of these regimens against a variety of common targeted pathogens. Blood samples were collected after the third dose and concentrations of P/T were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Pharmacokinetic profiles of P/T were determined by non-compartment analysis. Percentage time above the MIC (%T > MIC) of piperacillin was calculated for a range of MICs. In this study, no adverse events were attributed after multiple administrations of either 6.0/0.75 g or 8.0/1.0 g dose regimens. The peak concentration, half-life and area under the curve (AUC0-(0-tau)) of piperacillin were significantly different by a paired t-test (P < 0.05) between the two study regimens. The trough concentration, half-life and area under the curve (AUC0-(0-tau)) of tazobactam were substantially different from parameters reported previously for conventional regimens. The 8.0/1.0 g regimen provided 50% T > MIC for MICs < or =32 mg/L, while a similar value for the 6.0/0.75 g regimen was < or = 16 mg/L. High-dose P/T regimens with extended interval were well tolerated and provide adequate dynamic exposure for a variety of susceptible pathogens.

CD99 expression is positively regulated by Sp1 and is negatively regulated by Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 through nuclear factor-kappaB

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1) is highly expressed in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (H-RS) cells from patients with EBV-associated Hodgkin disease. It was previously demonstrated that CD99 can be negatively regulated by LMP1 at the transcriptional level, and the decreased expression of CD99 in a B lymphocyte cell line generates H-RS-like cells. In this study, detailed dissection of the CD99 promoter region was performed to search regulatory factor(s) involved in the expression of the gene. Using various mutant constructs containing deletions in the promoter region, it was revealed that the maximal promoter activity was retained on 5'-deletion to the position -137 from the transcriptional initiation site. Despite the presence of multiple putative Sp1-binding sites in the promoter region, the site located at -95 contributes heavily as a positive cis-acting element to its basal promoter activity. However, on examination of the involvement of the positive-acting Sp1-binding site of the promoter for the repressive activity of LMP1, it appeared to be dispensable. Instead, the repressive effect was mapped to the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation domains in the cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus of LMP1 despite the absence of the NF-kappaB consensus sequences in the CD99 promoter region. Furthermore, the decreased CD99 promoter activity by LMP1 was markedly restored when NF-kappaB activity was inhibited. Taken together, these data suggest that Sp1 activates, whereas LMP1 represses, transcription from the CD99 promoter through the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, and they might aid in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis in EBV-positive Hodgkin disease. (Blood. 2001;97:3596-3604)

Compaction in preimplantation mouse embryos is regulated by a cytoplasmic regulatory factor that alters between 1- and 2-cell stages in a concentration-dependent manner

Present studies were performed to investigate what factors affect the morphogenesis of preimplantation mouse embryos, and to find the action mechanism of that factor by using cytoplasm removal and its reconstitution from a different developmental stage embryo. Half (HP group) or one-third of cytoplasm (TP group) was removed from 1-cell mouse embryos by micromanipulation, and their morphogenesis and genome expression were compared with sham-operated embryos (SP group). The compaction and blastocoel formation of embryos in both the HP and TP groups were accelerated in time and cell stage when compared with those of the SP group. However, the total activity and time of RNA synthesis, and gene expression of ZO-1alpha+ isoform were not different. To change the cytoplasm composition without altering the nucleus/cytoplasmic ratio, half a 1-cell embryo with both pronuclei was reconstituted with the half enucleated cytoplasm of 1-cell embryo (P + P group), 2-cell (P + 2 group) or 4-cell (P + 4 group) by electrofusion. Embryonic compaction, timing of RNA synthesis, and stage-specific gene expression of the ZO-1alpha(+) isoform in the P + 2 and P + 4 groups were accelerated in time and cell stage than that in the P + P group, but not different between the P + 2 and P + 4 groups. In addition, a blastomere of 2-cell embryo was reconstituted with the enucleated cytoplasm of 1-cell embryo (2 + P group) or 2-cell (2 + 2 group) in equal volume by electrofusion. Also, the karyoplast of 2-cell was fused with the enucleated 1-cell embryo (2 + PP group). Embryonic development, total activity of RNA synthesis, and gene expression of the ZO-1alpha(+) isoform of embryos in the 2 + P and 2 + PP groups were delayed when compared with those of the 2 + 2 group. Also, the phenomena of compaction and blastocoel formation were delayed in the development time and cell stage. From these results, the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio was found to have no direct effect on the regulation of embryonic morphogenesis, although it accelerated compaction and blastocoel formation. However, cytoplasmic factors that altered between 1- and 2-cell stages regulate embryonic morphogenesis, especially compaction, of preimplantation mouse embryos in concentration-dependent manner.

Pathogenic significance of neuronal migration disorders in temporal lobe epilepsy

To assess the epileptogenic lesions, a series of 202 cases with temporal lobectomy were analyzed histopathologically. The severity of hippocampal neuronal loss in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy was quantitatively analyzed and compared against autopsy controls of patients who died of nonneurologic disorders. For the histopathologic diagnosis of neuronal migration disorder (NMD), immunohistochemical stains for neurofilament protein (NF-M/H) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and Bielschowsky silver stains were routinely performed. Histopathology of NMD was classified by the 4-grade system. MAP2 immunoreactivity was useful in the identification of loss of normal polarization of dendrites in the abnormal neurons. NF-M/H immunohistochemistry and silver stains effectively labeled microscopic or occult lesions of NMD (grade II and III). Ammon hom sclerosis (AHS) was identified in 73.3% and NMD in 57.9%. There was more than 50% neuronal cell loss in 82.8% of AHS, and variable degrees of cell loss were observed in the dual-pathology groups. The frequency of dual pathology (both AHS and NMD) was 65.0% and showed relatively equal distributions in grades I, II, III, whereas the pure NMD group were classified predominantly as grades II and III. NMD might be a basic pathogenic substrate causing temporal lobe epilepsy. The dual pathology may indicate the presence of epileptogenic lesions in the neocortical and temporolimbic areas.

5-fluorouracil-induced leukoencephalopathy in patients with breast cancer

The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristic clinical features, radiologic findings, and precipitating and prognostic factors in the patients with breast cancer and with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced leukoencephalopathy. We reviewed the medical records of six breast cancer patients who developed leukoencephalopathy after chemotherapy which included 5-FU and also evaluated thorough neurological examinations including mini-mental status examination, cerebrospinal fluid studies, brain images and brain biopsies. Six patients exhibited slowly progressing neurologic symptoms characterized by the impairment of cognitive function, abulia, ataxic gait, and/or akinetic mutism. None of the patients had any specific causes or etiologic factors for leukoencephalopathy. Brain MRI in all patients showed diffuse periventricular white matter changes in the T2-weighted MR image. Brain biopsy in Patient 1 showed fragmented axonal fiber and minimally deprived myelination with many scattered macrophages. Five patients who treated with steroids at the onset of neurological symptoms showed clinical improvement, regardless of their age, sex, the pathology and stage of breast cancer, or the total dosage of chemotherapeutic agents. We conclude that leukoencephalopathy in these cases could be attributable to 5-FU neurotoxicity and suggest that the administration of steroids might be the treatment of choice.

Interaction of TGF-beta1 and rhBMP-2 on human bone marrow stromal cells cultured in collagen gel matrix

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are abundant proteins in the bone matrix. However, their interaction in controlling osteoblast differentiation is not clearly understood. In this study, HBMSCs were cultured in collagen gel matrix with different condition of exogenous rhBMP-2 and TGF-beta1 in order to determine the interaction of BMP-2 and TGF-beta1 on human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs) differentiation. The cultured cells were analyzed for cell proliferation, alkaline phophatase (ALP) activity and mineralization staining with Von-Kossa. The cells treated with TGF-beta1 exhibited a higher rate of cell growth than those without. However, the cells cultured in collagen gel matrix showed a lower rate of cell growth than the cells cultured in a monolayer. To investigate the effects of both cytokines on osteoblast differentiation, the cells were treated with 0, 1, 5, 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta1 for 2 days. This was followed by culturing with 0, 1, 5, and 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta1 and 100 ng/ml of rhBMP-2 together for 3 days with the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measured. The cells treated with 1 ng/ml of TGF-beta1 responded efficiently to rhBMP-2 and expressed ALP activity with a level equivalent to that exhibited by cells that were not treated with TGF-beta1. The cells treated with 5 and 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta1 showed a dramatic decrease in ALP activity. The cells treated with 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta1 followed by rhBMP-2 alone exhibited an intermediate ALP activity. The cells treated with 100 ng/ml of rhBMP-2 demonstrated Von-Kossa positive solid deposits after 3 weeks, while there were few Von-Kossa positive solid deposits when the cells treated with 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta1. These results show that TGF-beta1 inhibits the effects of rhBMP-2 on the osteoblast differentiation of HBMSCs in a dose dependant manner. Furthermore, the effects of TGF-beta1 on HBMSCs are reversible. This suggest that TGF-beta1 and rhBMP-2 are coordinately controlled during the osteoblast differentiation of HMBSCs.

Primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma. Diagnosis following expectoration of tumor fragment

A case is presented with spontaneous expectoration of a small piece of solid tissue. Pathologic examination of the expectorated tissue was found to be consistent with leiomyosarcoma. After further work-up, there was no evidence of another primary site of leiomyosarcoma except for the right lower lobe. Right lower lobectomy was performed. The surgical specimen showed a tumor that was histologically identical to the patient's previous expectorated tissue. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of partial expectoration of a primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma.

Formulation of a reservoir-type testosterone transdermal delivery system

A reservoir-type transdermal delivery system of testosterone (TS) was developed using an ethanol/water (70:30) cosolvent system as the vehicle. The maximum permeation rate achieved by 70% (v/v) of ethanol was further increased from 2.69 to 47.83 microg/cm(2)/h with the addition of 1.0% dodecylamine as the skin permeation enhancer. The permeation rate of TS through the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) membrane was observed to increase as the vinyl acetate content in the copolymer increased. Addition of 1.0% (w/w) gelling agent, hydroxypropyl methlycellulose (HPMC), in the reservoir formulation resulted in desirable rheological properties with an insignificant effect on the skin permeation rate of TS. Thus, a new transdermal delivery system for TS was formulated using EVA membrane coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (Duro-Tak 87-2510) and HPMC as a gelling agent. This experimental patch showed comparable plasma concentration profiles in the in vivo study when compared with a commercial product, Androderm(R). Moreover, the results suggested the possibility of further enhancing the permeation rate of TS by controlling the composition of the reservoir formulation.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of primary pulmonary paraganglioma. A case report

BACKGROUND

Primary pulmonary paragangliomas are rare tumors. To our knowledge, there is no prior report on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in pulmonary paraganglioma.

CASE

A 34-year-old man presented with an incidentally found solitary pulmonary mass. FNAC showed papillarylike clusters of epithelioid cells with round to oval nuclei, evenly dispersed chromatin, micronucleoli and occasional anisonucleosis. These cytologic features were suggestive of a sclerosing hemangioma or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. A right lower lobectomy revealed a primary pulmonary paraganglioma.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of pulmonary paraganglioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of FNAC showing pseudopapillary clusters of epithelioid cells.

Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) graft polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) on cell adhesion

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafting on cell adhesion.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

The PMMA surface was oxidized with ozone, and PEG acrylate was then graft polymerized. To verify the PEG grafting on the surface, the oxygen content was measured by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The contact angle was measured using the Wilhelmy plate method. The adhesion of keratocytes on modified PMMA was investigated in vitro. Cultured rabbit keratocytes (4 x10(5) cells/mL) were layered on each PMMA disk, cultured in a carbon dioxide incubator for 24 hours, harvested by trypsinization, and counted. A commercially available intraocular lens was modified as described and then inserted in the anterior chamber of a white rabbit. The cell adherence pattern on the modified IOL was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The PEG-grafted PMMA revealed a higher oxygen content and lower dynamic receding contact angles than the untreated PMMA. The mean number of adhered cells was 72.5 +/- 22 x 10(4)/mL for untreated PMMA. After PEG grafting of 1 hour and ozone oxidation of 2 hours, the adherent cell counts significantly decreased to 6.5 +/- 1.7 x 10(4)/mL and 7.6 +/- 1.6 x 10(4)/mL, respectively (P =.002). Scanning electron microscopy showed small round cells sparsely scattered on the modified PMMA in contrast to the untreated PMMA.

CONCLUSION

Surface modification of PMMA using PEG grafting reduced cell adhesion. This may decrease the incidence of retroprosthetic membrane formation after keratoprosthesis surgery.

Isolation of virus-cell fusion inhibitory components from Eugenia caryophyllata

The fractionation of Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae) guided by the syncytia formation inhibition assay led to the isolation of four tannins (eugeniin, casuarictin, 1,3-di-O-galloyl-4,6-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-beta-D-glucopyranose, and tellimagrandin I), and two chromones (biflorin and isobiflorin). Among the isolated compounds, tellimagrandin (4) showed a significantly high inhibitory activity on the syncytia formation with an IC50 value of 16.12 +/- 1.98 micrograms/ml.

Frequency of cytochrome P450 2C9 mutant alleles in a Korean population

AIMS

To determine the frequencies of CYP2C9 variants in the Korean population and compare them with the frequencies in other ethnic populations.

METHODS

Genotyping of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 allelic variants was carried out in 574 Korean subjects by PCR and restriction fragment length pattern analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen of 574 subjects (2.3%) were heterozygous for CYP2C9*3 (Ile359Leu), but no subjects with a CYP2C9*2 allele or homozygous for CYP2C9*3 were identified. The allele frequency of CYP2C9*3 in Korean subjects (0.0113, 95% CI 0.0066-0.0193) was similar to that of other East Asian populations, but was considerably lower than that of Caucasian populations.

CONCLUSIONS

CYP2C9*3 seems to be an allelic variant related to the functional polymorphism of CYP2C9, but this variant is rarely seen among Koreans compared with Caucasians. Routine genotyping of the CYP2C9*2 allele is considered to be unnecessary in Korean and East Asians, because this allele appears to be extremely rare or absent in these populations.

Muellerianosis of the urinary bladder, endocervicosis type: a case report

This case reports muellerianosis of the urinary bladder, showing glandular lesions made up of endocervical type glands, in a 36-yr-old woman. The patient presented with lower abdominal discomfort and pain on voiding. The patient had undergone two Cesarean sections 5 yr and 3 yr earlier. On a pelvic ultrasonography, a well-circumscribed mass, 2.2x0.8 cm in dimension, was found with luminal polypoid projection in the posterior wall of the urinary bladder. The patient had a transurethral resection of the bladder mass. Histologically, the tumor was composed of irregularly shaped glands lined by endocervical mucous epithelium in the muscularis propria of the urinary bladder. Some glands exhibited cystic dilatation and contained mucinous secretions. The glands elicited no desmoplastic tissue reaction. The intraluminal mucin often contained polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The glands were mostly lined by tall columnar and bland looking mucous cells with mucin secretion. The ciliated cells were rarely observed. No endometrial component is noted. It would be appropriate to designate this lesion as "Muellerianosis of the urinary bladder, endocervicosis type". Awareness of the lesion and attention to its typical histologic features should facilitate its crucial distinction from adenocarcinoma.

Anatomical study of the pyramidal process of the palatine bone in relation to implant placement in the posterior maxilla

The placement of dental implants in the molar region of the maxilla is often difficult because of insufficient bone volume and the inferior bone quality. In order to avoid these limitations, the pillar of bone, which is composed of the maxillary tuberosity, the pyramidal process of the palatine bone and the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, was introduced for implant placement. In fact, the pyramidal process is the posterior structure where implants are placed but until now, there is no available data of the size or shape of the pyramidal process. Therefore, we measured the height, anteroposterior distance and mediolateral distance of the pyramidal process and observed the shape of lateral and posterior surfaces of the pyramidal process of 54 Korean edentulous dry skulls in this study. The height was 13.1 mm (male: 13.6 mm, female: 12.4 mm). The anteroposterior distance was 6.5 mm (male: 6.7 mm, female: 6.1 mm). The mediolateral distance was 9.5 mm (male: 9.9 mm, female: 9.0 mm). The most common type was the right-angled triangle in the lateral surface (44.4%) and in the posterior surface (66.7%). There was no statistical significance between the male and the female in all items (P > 0.05). These results provide anatomical features in relation to placement of dental implants in the molar region of the maxilla and would be useful in treatment planning of partially or completely edentulous patients.

The role of peripheral N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in Freund's complete adjuvant induced mechanical hyperalgesia in rats

We investigated the role of excitatory amino acid receptors in mechanical hyperalgesia induced by subcutaneous injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the rat hind paw. In normal rats, an intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of L-glutamate, but not of D-glutamate (3 pmol/0.1 ml each) produced a mechanical hyperalgesia in the hind paw with a lowered paw-withdrawal threshold to pressure. In rats that developed mechanical hyperalgesia associated with inflammation in the hind paw following i.pl. injection of FCA (0.15 ml), the injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801 (1 pmol/0.1 ml) into the inflamed paw increased the paw pressure threshold. On the other hand, the injection of non-NMDA receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroqiunoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10 pmol/0.1 ml) into the inflamed paw had no effect on FCA-induced lowering of the paw pressure threshold. The results suggest that NMDA, but not non-NMDA receptors play a substantial role in mediating the development of mechanical hyperalgesia induced in the inflamed paw following i.pl. FCA injection.

CD99 regulates the transport of MHC class I molecules from the Golgi complex to the cell surface

The down-regulation of surface expression of MHC class I molecules has recently been reported in the CD99-deficient lymphoblastoid B cell line displaying the characteristics of Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction of MHC class I molecules on the cell surface is primarily due to a defect in the transport from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane. Loss of CD99 did not affect the steady-state expression levels of mRNA and protein of MHC class I molecules. In addition, the assembly of MHC class I molecules and the transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cis-Golgi occurred normally in the CD99-deficient cells, and no difference was detected between the CD99-deficient and the control cells in the pattern and degree of endocytosis. Instead, the CD99-deficient cells displayed the delayed transport of newly synthesized MHC class I molecules to the plasma membrane, thus causing accumulation of the molecules within the cells. The accumulated MHC class I molecules in the CD99-deficient cells were colocalized with alpha-mannosidase II and gamma-adaptin in the Golgi compartment. These results suggest that CD99 may be associated with the post-Golgi trafficking machinery by regulating the transport to the plasma membrane rather than the endocytosis of surface MHC class I molecules, providing a novel mechanism of MHC class I down-regulation for immune escape.

Morphologic evaluation and integrin expression profile of renal tubular cells cultured from percutaneous renal biopsy specimen

Kidney biopsy is an indispensible procedure for making a pathologic diagnosis of renal diseases by fixing and staining the biopsy specimen. However, it is not a routine procedure to culture the cells from a renal biopsy specimen directly, or to utilize the cultured cells for any kind of diagnostic or functional evaluation. In this study, primary culture of the renal tubular epithelial cells was tried from a piece of percutaneous kidney biopsy specimen. Successive passages of the cells were possible until fourth passage. With these cells, morphologic characteristics of the cultured cells and integrin expression profiles were investigated. On light and electron microscopy, these cells were characterized by the cobblestone-like growth, presence of microvilli and tight junction, and the preservation of polarity. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the epithelial nature of these cells and particularly their differentiation from renal tubular epithelial cells, of either proximal or distal nephronic segment. The integrin profile confirms the epithelial nature of the cell. We hope that our results facilitate the understanding of pathophysiology of renal tubular cells from the patient directly.

The mechanism of action of coculture on embryo development in the mouse model: direct embryo-to-cell contact and the removal of deleterious components

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the mechanism for the mode of action of coculture by the use of a coculture system for mouse one-cell embryos with human oviductal epithelial cells.

DESIGN

Prospective, controlled in vitro experimental study.

SETTING

Academic research laboratory.

ANIMAL(S)

Female ICR strain mice aged between 6 and 8 weeks.

INTERVENTION(S)

Flushed one-cell embryos were cultured in human tubal fluid medium alone (control), in coculture system with human oviductal cells, in five kinds of conditioned media, and in a contactless coculture system using a cell-culture insert.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The percentage of the embryos developed to hatching blastocyst stage and the level of superoxide anion in the supernatant from each culture condition.

RESULT(S)

The rates of embryo development to the hatching blastocyst stage were significantly higher in the coculture group (43%) than in the control group (none) (P <.05). The embryo development rate in the control group was similar to that of the embryos in the five kinds of conditioned media. The effects of coculture on embryo development disappeared in the contactless coculture group. The level of superoxide anion was significantly reduced in the coculture group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION(S)

The present coculture system overcomes the two-cell block in vitro and improves the embryo development. The beneficial effect may be a result of direct cell-to-cell contact between the embryo and helper cells and the removal of deleterious components from medium, rather than a result of embryotrophic factors.

Flexible esophagoscopy as part of routine panendoscopy in ENT resident and fellowship training

We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the use of flexible esophagoscopy as part of routine panendoscopy in an academic setting. We reviewed the results of 378 procedures that were performed over a 4-year period in an academic otolaryngology--head and neck surgery program for residents and fellows. Medical records were reviewed for early and late complications as well as for adequacy of the examination. We found no immediate or long-term complications associated with flexible esophagoscopy. Adequate examination was achieved in all but two cases (99%), both of which involved patients who had significant strictures related to radiation therapy and who were not able to be evaluated by rigid esophagoscopy. We conclude that flexible esophagoscopy is a safe and accurate means of evaluating the esophagus during a panendoscopic evaluation of the upper aerodigestive tract, and that it should be included in the diagnostic armamentarium of every otolaryngology--head and neck surgery resident and fellow.

Fc gamma receptors differ in their structural requirements for interaction with the tyrosine kinase Syk in the initial steps of signaling for phagocytosis

Receptors for the constant region of IgG, Fc gamma receptors, are expressed on the surface of hematopoietic cells, where they mediate signaling events, such as phagocytosis, essential for host defense. Fc gamma receptors also play a role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. We have demonstrated that members of each of the three classes of human Fc gamma receptors, Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII, mediate phagocytosis, but that important differences exist in their requirements for phagocytic signaling. For example, the Fc gamma receptors Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIIA induce signaling largely by association with a gamma subunit containing a conserved cytoplasmic motif (ITAM) whose tyrosines are phosphorylated following receptor stimulation. Fc gamma RIIA contains a similar motif in its own cytoplasmic domain and does not require the gamma chain for phagocytic signaling. The tyrosine kinase Syk associates with the cytoplasmic domain of both the Fc gamma receptor gamma chain and Fc gamma RIIA and is required for phagocytosis by both Fc gamma receptor systems. To elucidate the differences in phagocytic signaling by the gamma chain and Fc gamma RIIA, we investigated the requirements for Fc gamma receptor/Syk co-immunoprecipitation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and phagocytosis. Both Fc gamma RIIA and the human gamma chain contain a tyrosine seven amino acids upstream of the ITAM motif. We observed that the upstream tyrosine plays a role in Fc gamma RIIA phagocytic signaling but is not involved in phagocytic signaling by the human gamma chain. Our data also indicate that the two ITAM tyrosines of the human gamma chain and Fc gamma RIIA do not contribute equally to Fc gamma receptor association with Syk kinase and phagocytic signaling. The data indicate that the carboxy-terminal tyrosine of the receptor cytoplasmic domain is especially important both for the interaction with Syk kinase and for phagocytosis. Elucidating such differences in gamma chain and Fc gamma RIIA signaling may be valuable in designing strategies for therapeutic intervention in hematopoietic and immunological disorders.

Cloning and characterization of thermostable endoglucanase (Cel8Y) from the hyperthermophilic Aquifex aeolicus VF5

Aquifex aeolicus is the hyperthermophilic bacterium known, with growth-temperature maxima near 95 degrees C. The cel8Y gene, encoding a thermostable endoglucanase (Cel8Y) from Aquifex aeolicus VF5, was cloned into a vector for expression and expressed in Escherichia coli XL1-Blue. A clone of 1.7 kb fragment containing endoglucanase activity, designated pKYCY100, was sequenced and found to contain an ORF of 978 bp encoding a protein of 325 amino acid residues, with a calculated molecular mass of 38,831 Da. This endoglucanase was designated cel8Y gene. The endoglucanase has an 18-amino-acid signal peptide but not cellulose-binding domain. The endoglucanase of A. aeolicus VF5 had significant amino acid sequence similarities with endoglucanases from glycosyl hydrolase family 8. The predicted amino acid sequence of the Cel8Y protein was similar to that of CMCase of Cellulomonas uda, BcsC of Escherichia coli, CelY of Erwinia chrysanthemi, and CMCase of Acetobacter xylinum. The molecular mass of Cel8Y was calculated to be 36,750 Da, which is consistent with the value obtained from result of CMC-SDS-PAGE of the purified enzyme. Cel8Y was thermostable, exhibiting maximal activity at 80 degrees C and pH optima of 7.0 and with half-lives of 2 h at 100 degrees C, 4 h at 90 degrees C.

Multicentric biatrial myxoma in a young female patient: case report

We report a case of multicentric, biatrial cardiac myxoma in a 29-year-old female who complained of exertional dyspnea, abdominal distension and peripheral edema. Any other associated skin lesions, breast mass or endocrine disorder presenting complex form were' not seen on her. Also, there was no contributory medical history, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. By using transthoracic echocardiography, we identified a biatrial myxoma attached to the interatrial septum. During surgical excision, we found a large right atrial myxoma with extension through the fossa ovalis into the left atrium and small myxoma attached to the right atrial free wall. After successful resection of interatrial septum and free wall, atrial septal defect was created during the resection and safely repaired by bovine pericardial patch.

Choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive neurons in the developing rat retina

The development of cholinergic cells in the rat retina has been examined with immunocytochemistry by using antisera against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). ChAT-immunoreactive (IR) cells were first detected at embryonic day 17 (E17) in the transitional zone between the neuroblastic layer (NBL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). At E20, ChAT-IR cells are located exclusively in the GCL. At postnatal day 0 (P0), ChAT immunoreactivity appeared for the first time in cells at the distal margin of the NBL. Two prominent bands of labeled processes were first visible at P3, and by P15, these two bands resembled those of the adult retina. In addition, ChAT immunoreactivity appeared transiently in horizontal cells from P5 to P10. The number of ChAT-IR cells increased steadily up to P15. This resulted in a 93.8-fold increase between E17 and P15 (680-63,800 cells). However, after P15, the number declined by 19% from 63,800 cells at P15 to 51,800 in the adult. At all ages, the spatial density of each ChAT-IR cell population in the central retina was higher than in the periphery. In both central and peripheral regions, the peak density of ChAT-IR cells in the GCL was attained at E20. However, in the INL, the peak densities occurred at P3 in the central region and at P5 in the peripheral region. Up to P15, the soma diameter of ChAT-IR cells in the INL and GCL in each region increased continuously, reaching peak values at P15. Our results demonstrate that ChAT immunoreactivity is expressed in early developmental stages in the rat retina, as in other mammals, and that acetylcholine released from ChAT-IR cells may have neurotrophic functions in retinal maturation.

Cloning of hHRI, human heme-regulated eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha kinase: down-regulated in epithelial ovarian cancers

Protein synthesis is regulated in response to environmental stimuli by covalent modification, phosphorylating the components of the translational machinery. Phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF-2 is one of the best-characterized mechanisms for down-regulating protein synthesis in higher eukaryotes in response to various stress conditions. One of mammalian eIF-2alpha kinases is a heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI), which is activated by heme deficiency and plays an important role in translational control. In this work, we have analyzed the differentially expressed genes between epithelial ovarian cancer and normal ovary. We have screened a total of 1,408 genes isolated from a human dermal papilla cell cDNA library by cDNA array hybridization. Among many differentially expressed genes, eIF2alpha kinase, a heme regulated inhibitor was down-regulated in ovarian epithelium cancer. The down-regulation of hHRI was also confirmed in other ovarian cancer tissues by Northern blot hybridization. The hHRI gene is 2,887 bp in length and the amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA clone encodes a protein of 630 amino acids with molecular mass of 73 kDa. It contains all 12 catalytic domains of the protein kinases with consensus sequences of the protein-serine/threonine kinases. The expression pattern of hHRI mRNA showed approximately 3.0 kb bands which were expressed ubiquitously in all human tissues examined, which indicates that eIF-2alpha kinase could play an important role in the translational regulation of nonerythroid tissues.

Tomographic three-dimensional imaging of a biological specimen using wavelength-scanning digital interference holography

The principle of wavelength-scanning digital interference holography is applied to three-dimensional imaging of a small biological specimen. The images are reconstructed from a number of holograms digitally recorded while the wavelengths are varied at regular intervals, and the numerical interference of the multiple three-dimensional hologram fields results in tomographic images with narrow axial resolution. An animated three-dimensional model of the object is constructed from the tomographic images.

Penetrating neck trauma in children: an urban hospital's experience

OBJECTIVE

As the incidence of violent crime increases in our society, the rate of penetrating head and neck trauma in children also rises. The methods of management of pediatric penetrating neck wounds are addressed.

METHODS

All clinical records of children younger than 18 years admitted with penetrating neck injuries between 1990 and 1997 were reviewed. The injuries were classified according to type and location of the neck wound. Demographic data, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and management techniques were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-five children aged 6 to 18 years old were evaluated for 31 missile wounds and 4 stab wounds. There were 30 boys and 5 girls. Fourteen percent of injuries were in zone 1, 60% in zone II, and 26% in zone III. Of the 33% of children with zone II penetrating neck traumas who underwent selective neck explorations, 86% had significant intraoperative findings. The mortality rates for zones I, II, and III were 60%, 29%, and 56%, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

Penetrating neck trauma in children may lead to potentially life-threatening injuries. Selective management of penetrating head and neck injuries in children can be a safe and effective policy in an experienced trauma center.

Predictors of renal outcome in diffuse proliferative lupus nephropathy: data from repeat renal biopsy

BACKGROUND

Diffuse proliferative lupus nephropathy (DPLN) is the most frequent and severe form of renal disease in patients with systemic lupus erythaematosus. Histological parameters at the initial biopsy of patients with DPLN that would predict the progression of renal pathology or function at the second biopsy are not clearly defined.

METHODS

The prognostic significance of renal histological indices, such as glomerular activity index and volume density of cortical interstitium [Vv(int/cortex)], was evaluated from successive renal biopsies in 21 patients with DPLN.

RESULTS

At the time of the second biopsies, performed an average of 43 months after the first biopsies, seven patients (33%) showed progressive renal insufficiency. Only three cases (14%) transformed to World Health Organization class I or III. The seven patients with clinical progression exhibited a higher frequency of hypertension, higher percent glomerulosclerosis, and larger Vv(int/cortex) at the time of second biopsy as compared with the 14 patients without renal insufficiency. At the first biopsy, patients with clinical progression showed a higher glomerular activity index (2.9+/-1.2 vs 1.3+/-0.8, P<0.05) and larger Vv(int/cortex) (0.13+/-0.07 microm(3)/microm(3) vs 0.05+/-0.03 microm(3)/microm(3), P<0.05) than the patients without progression. The glomerular activity index at the first biopsy correlated directly with per cent glomerulosclerosis, Vv(int/cortex), and serum creatinine level at the second biopsy. Vv(int/cortex) in the first biopsy also showed a significant relation with per cent glomerulosclerosis and serum creatinine level at the second biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that higher glomerular activity and larger interstitial volume density at the initial biopsy can predict future progression of renal pathology or function in DPLN.

Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy for extracranial head and neck tumors

BACKGROUND

This study is to report the clinical experiences of fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) for extracranial head and neck tumors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between the period of July 1995 and November 1998, 48 patients with extracranial head and neck tumors were given FSRT as a boost and sole modality. Individualized treatment planning was performed using XKnife-3 system with relocatable Gill-Thomas-Cosman frame. In 24 patients, FSRT was applied as a boost technique following the 2-dimensional conventional external radiation therapy (ERT); in 24 patients FSRT was the sole radiotherapy modality. The primary diseases in the boost group consisted of nasopharynx cancer (19), lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (3), orbital lymphoma (1), and skull-base recurrence of maxillary sinus adenoid cystic carcinoma (1). The primary diseases in the sole modality group consisted of recurrent nasopharynx cancer (12), orbital pseudotumor (4), skull-base recurrence of maxillary sinus, submandibular gland, and hypopharynx cancers (3), orbital rhabdomyosarcoma (2), orbital lymphoma (1), orbital metastasis of neuroblastoma (1), and nasal cavity melanoma (1). The fractionation schedule was to give 5 treatments per one week and the fractional doses were 2.0-3 Gy depending on the treatment aim and the FSRT volume. The FSRT doses varied depending on the nature of the primary diseases.

RESULTS

The local tumor response in nasopharynx cancer patients was excellent compared to retrospective data without occurrence of unexpectedly severe complication. FSRT to other regions was well tolerated by the patients and resulted in good to excellent local tumor responses with no unacceptable side effects as expected by the authors.

CONCLUSION

Based on the current observations, FSRT is a very effective and safe modality in the treatment of extracranial head and neck tumors.

Neutralization epitopes on the antigenic domain II of the Orientia tsutsugamushi 56-kDa protein revealed by monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) reactive with the authentic Orientia tsutsugamushi 56-kDa protein were generated. MoAb FS10 and FS15 showed in vitro, as well as, in vivo neutralizing activity upon O. tsutsugamushi infection. Deletion mutants of the gene for 56-kDa protein of O. tsutsugamushi Boryong were expressed to map the binding region. FS10 and FS15 are bound to amino acids (aa) located in an antigenic domain II, at residues 140-160 and 187-214, respectively. Computer modeling indicated that aa 146-153 were important for antigenicity against FS10. A sequence for aa 142-150 was highly homologous between oriential strains. These results suggest that the antigenic determinant for neutralizing MoAbs is an epitope within aa 140-160. Furthermore, this region may be important for the adhesion/invasion or intracellular survival of O. tsutsugamushi within host cells.

Prompt radiation oncology record access by patient centered digital image chart system

The authors have developed and evaluated a radiation oncology digital image chart system (RODICS). With this system we could achieve paperless and filmless practice, and thus improved operational efficiency within the department. In this paper, we describe characteristics and clinical usage of RODICS.

Cloning and sequencing of cel5Z gene from Erwinia chrysanthemi PY35

The phytopathogenic bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi (Ech) secretes multiple isozymes of plant cell wall disrupting enzymes such as pectate lyase and endoglucanases. We cloned genomic DNA from Ech PY35 digested with Sau3AI and ligated into pBluescript II SK+. One of the E. coli XL1-blue clones had the ability to hydrolyze carboxymethyl cellulose and polygalacturonic acid. By subsequent subcloning from this 2.9 kb fragment, we obtained a 2.0 kb (pPY401), designated cel5Z, which had the activity of hydrolyzation of carboxymethyl cellulose. The cel5Z gene had an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,281 bp starting with an ATG start codon and followed by a TAA stop codon, encoding 426 amino acids with a signal peptide of 41 amino acids. Since the deduced amino acid sequence of this protein was very similar to that of CelE of Pseudomonas fluorescens, and had the conserved region, VIYEIYNEPL, it belonged to the glycoside hydrolase family 5 of EC 3.2.1.4. The molecular mass of Cel5Z protein from E. coli XL1-blue, as analyzed by CMC-SDS-PAGE, appeared to be 42 kDa. The optimum pH was 6, and the optimum temperature was about 40 degrees C for its enzymatic activity.

Expression of CD34, bcl-2, and kit in inflammatory fibroid polyps of the gastrointestinal tract

The histogenesis of inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFP) of the gastrointestinal tract, focused on the cell of origin of the stromal cells, is a controversial subject. The reported CD34 reactivity in gastric IFP has implied a histogenetic relationship with a variety of CD34-reactive tumors, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). In addition to bcl-2, the majority of GIST has expressed Kit, suggesting an origin in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which are selectively localized around nerve plexuses. Gastric (12) and colonic (two) IFP from 13 patients were studied, using antibodies against CD34, bcl-2, and Kit. IFP expanded muscularis mucosae with prominent vascular channels, inflammatory infiltrates, proliferating stromal cells, and extracellular matrix material. Eleven gastric IFP exhibited concentric stromal proliferations (CP), particularly, around vessels, glands, and muscle bundles. Their stromal cells were CD34 reactive, bcl-2 nonreactive, and Kit nonreactive and showed fibroblast-like appearances with thin, long cytoplasmic processes. In contrast, one gastric and two colonic IFP showed no CP, and their stromal cells were CD34 nonreactive, bcl-2 nonreactive, and Kit nonreactive. IFP with CP may have a different histogenesis from IFP without CP. IFP with CP may originate from a subpopulation of dendritic interstitial cells other than ICC, predominantly localized around blood vessels and muscle fibers in muscularis mucosae of the stomach.

DNA cleavage by 111In-labeled oligodeoxyribonucleotides

We studied the fine structure of DNA damage produced by the decay of 111In incorporated into duplex and triplex DNA strands to evaluate the usefulness of this radionuclide for sequence-specific DNA cleavage.

METHODS

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) were prepared with 111In attached by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) at the 5' end or 3' end through a long chemical linker or to an internal nucleotide position through a short linker. Subsequent formation of DNA duplexes and triplexes was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. The 111In-induced breaks were assayed in denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a single-nucleotide resolution.

RESULTS

111In-labeled oligonucleotides of high specific activity (740-1554 TBq/mmol) were synthesized. The presence of the bulky 111In-DTPA group did not impede duplex or triplex formation. Localized DNA breaks were observed in all duplexes and triplexes formed. The majority of DNA breaks in duplex formations were located within +/- 10 nucleotides from the site of attachment of the 111In-bearing linker. The yield of DNA breaks per decay was 0.38 in a duplex with internally modified ODNs. This is nearly 2 times less than the yield of DNA breaks in the same duplex with 1251 attached through the same linker. The yield of DNA breaks in the pyrimidine and purine strands of DNA triplexes with 111In attached to the triplex-forming ODNs through the linkers of different length varied from 0.05 to 0.10. The distribution of DNA breaks was wider in comparison with the duplex experiment. The lower yields of breaks per 111In decay compared with 125I may be not only the result of lower deposited energy but also of the ionic repulsion of the negatively charged 111In-DTPA group from the DNA strands.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that decay of 111In produces highly localized DNA breaks. 111In introduced into triplex- and duplex-forming ODNs through hydrocarbon linkers produces sequence-specific DNA strand breaks with an efficiency nearly comparable with that of 1251. These findings are supportive of our proposed use of 111In-ODNs for gene-specific radiotherapy.

Skin permeation of testosterone and its ester derivatives in rats

To establish the optimum conditions for improving the transdermal delivery of testosterone, we studied the relationship between the lipophilicity of testosterone ester derivatives and the rat skin permeation rate of testosterone. We performed a rat skin permeation study of testosterone and its commercially available ester derivatives, testosterone hemisuccinate, testosterone propionate and testosterone-17beta-cypionate, using an ethanol/water co-solvent system. The aqueous solubility and rat skin permeation rate of each drug, saturated in various compositions of an ethanol/water system, was determined at 37 degrees C. The aqueous solubility of testosterone and its ester derivatives increased exponentially as the volume fraction of ethanol increased up to 100% (v/v). The stability of testosterone propionate in both the skin homogenate and the extract was investigated to observe the enzymatic degradation during the skin permeation process. Testosterone propionate was found to be stable in the isotonic buffer solution and in the epidermis-side extract for 10h at 37 degrees C. However, in the skin homogenate and the dermis-side extract testosterone propionate rapidly degraded producing testosterone, implying that testosterone propionate rapidly degraded to testosterone during the skin permeation process. The steady-state permeation rates of testosterone in the ethanol/water systems increased exponentially as the volume fraction of ethanol increased, reaching the maximum value (2.69+/-0.69 microg cm(-2)h(-1)) at 70% (v/v) ethanol in water, and then decreasing with further increases in the ethanol volume fraction. However, in the skin permeation study with testosterone esters saturated in 70% (v/v) ethanol in water system, testosterone esters were hardly detected in the receptor solution, probably due to the rapid degradation to testosterone during the skin permeation process. Moreover, a parabolic relationship was observed between the permeation rate of testosterone and the log P values of ester derivatives. Maximum flux was achieved at a log P value of around 3 which corresponded to that of testosterone (log P = 3.4). The results showed that the skin permeation rate of testosterone and its ester derivatives was maximized when these compounds were saturated in a 70% ethanolic solution. It was also found that a log P value of around 3 is suitable for the skin permeation of testosterone related compounds.