Effects of ATP on regulation of galactosyltransferase-I activity responsible for synthesis of the linkage region between the core protein and glycosaminoglycan chains of proteoglycans

We report that ATP enhances the activity of galactosyltransferase-I, which synthesizes the linkage region between glycosaminoglycan chains and the core proteins of proteoglycans. The enzyme activity in cell-free fractions prepared from cultured human skin fibroblasts was measured by high-performance liquid chromatographic detection of galactosyl-xylosyl-(4-methylumbelliferone) produced from 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-xyloside used as an acceptor. ATP at 2 mM increased the enzyme activity by about 60% in the 110 x g supernatant of the cell homogenate, but not in the supernatant or precipitate fractions obtained by 100,000 x g centrifugation. When both fractions (the 100,000 x g supernatant and precipitate) were mixed, the additional ATP increased the enzyme activity. This increase was canceled by heat treatment or trypsin digestion of the 100,000 x g supernatant. In addition, the 100,000 x g precipitate, which was prepared from the 110 x g supernatant preincubated with ATP, exhibited increased activity, and this increase was abolished by alkaline phosphatase treatment. These results suggest that a protein kinase in the 100,000 x g supernatant activates galactosyltransferase-I activity.

New anti-malarial flavonol glycoside from Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium resulted in isolation of a new flavonol glycoside and two known congeners as anti-malarial principles. These flavonol glycosides showed characteristic proliferation inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum at significantly low concentration without showing any cytotoxicity. In addition, several naturally occurring flavonol glycosides were also shown to exert similar anti-malarial behavior.

Three-dimensional MR imaging of mammographically detected suspicious microcalcifications

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value and clinical significance of three-dimensional MR imaging of the breast in patients with mammographically detected suspicious microcalcifications.

METHODS

Forty patients with suspicious microcalcifications on mammography were evaluated with three-dimensional MR imaging. MR findings were grouped mainly by distribution of abnormal enhancement (linear, focal-clumped, segmental-clumped, segmental-stippled and diffuse-stippled). These findings were compared with the mammography findings according to the criteria of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and histopathologic data.

RESULTS

Twenty patients had proven malignancies, most frequently ductal carcinoma in situ. For all the cases, linear (100%) and segmental-clumped type (100%) enhancement on MR imaging showed a significantly higher risk for malignancy. Diffuse stippled type (7%) and no enhancement (0%) on MR imaging indicated the lowest possibility of malignancy. 3D-MR imaging showed a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 95% and an overall accuracy of 93% in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional MR imaging of the breast can more accurately diagnose ductal carcinoma in situ. Combined with mammography, this procedure is useful for reducing the number of false-positive biopsies and helpful for deciding the better management of patients with mammographically detected suspicious microcalcifications.

Onjisaponins, from the root of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow, as effective adjuvants for nasal influenza and diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccines

Active substances from hot water extracts from 267 different Chinese and Japanese medicinal herbs were screened for mucosal adjuvant activity with influenza HA vaccine in mice. The extract from the root of Polygala tenuifolia was found to contain potent mucosal adjuvant activity. The active substances were purified and identified as onjisaponins A, E, F, and G. When each onjisaponin (10 microg) was intranasally (i.n.) inoculated with influenza vaccine (10 microg) in mice, serum hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody titers increased 3-14 times over control mice administered vaccine alone after 4 weeks. When each onjisaponin (10 microg) was i.n. inoculated with the vaccine (10 microg) followed by i.n. vaccination of the vaccine alone after 3 weeks, serum HI antibody titers increased 27-50 fold over those mice given i.n. vaccinations without onjisaponins. These same conditions also significantly increased nasal anti-influenza virus IgA antibody titers. Two inoculations with onjisaponin F (1 microg) and influenza HA vaccine (1 microg) at 3 weeks intervals, significantly increased serum HI antibody and nasal anti-influenza virus IgA and IgG antibody titers after only 1 week over mice given HA vaccine alone after the secondary vaccination. Intranasal vaccination with onjisaponin F inhibited proliferation of mouse adapted influenza virus A/PR/8/34 in bronchoalveolar lavages of infected mice. Separate intranasal vaccinations with onjisaponins A, E, F, and G (10 microg) each and diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine (10 microg) of mice followed by i.n. vaccination with DPT vaccine alone after 4 weeks showed significant increases in serum IgG and nasal IgA antibody titers after 2 weeks following secondary vaccination over mice vaccinated with DPT vaccine alone. All onjisaponins showed little hemolytic activity at concentrations up to 100 microg/ml. The results of this study suggest that onjisaponins may provide safe and potent adjuvants for intranasal inoculation of influenza HA and DPT vaccines.

Successful treatment of patients with rheumatic disorders and acquired factor VIII inhibitors with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone combination therapy: two case reports

Acquired haemophilia associated with autoimmune disorders can be fatal and has been reported to be refractory to steroid therapy alone. We report two cases of female patients, aged 24 years and 54 years, with acquired haemophilia caused by factor VIII inhibitors. Underlying diseases were systemic lupus erythematosus in the 24-year-old patient and rheumatoid arthritis in the 54-year-old patient. Both conditions were nearly quiescent when the patients manifested haemorrhagic diathesis. In response to combination therapy with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, coagulation abnormalities were resolved together with complete elimination of factor VIII inhibitors in both patients. Thus, combination therapy with alkylating agents may be recommended as initial therapy for the management of autoimmune patients with factor VIII inhibitors.

Evaluation of endoscopic and histopathological features of serrated adenoma of the colon

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical features of serrated colonic adenoma by investigating its endoscopic features using a magnifying videoscope.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

68 colorectal serrated adenomas presented for colonoscopic examination were included in this study. A magnifying videoscope with a zoom ranging from x 1 to x 100 magnification was employed to observe the pit patterns of colonic lesions, and 39 of the serrated adenoma specimens were evaluated using this. Some pit patterns appeared as elongated oval and stellar-like orifices of the crypts; we termed these type which was detected III(SA) patterns. Other pit patterns showed a flower petal-like or pineal form, and this was termed a type IV(SA) pit pattern.

RESULTS

In the entire sample of serrated adenomas, 53 were of the protruded type, and 15 were superficial, for a protruded/superficial ratio of 3.5 : 1. The protruded type of serrated adenoma predominated in the distal portion. The superficial type was preferentially located in the proximal portion of the colon (P < 0.0001). Among the 13 superficial types in which the magnifying videoscope was used, all 13 showed the type III(SA) basic pit pattern. In these serrated adenomas of the superficial type, an additional IV(SA) pit pattern was found in 23.1% (3/13), which was detected in 53.8% (14/26) in the protruded type. Small serrated adenomas measuring less than 10 mm in diameter were preferentially mild to moderate atypia (odd's ratio = 15.9, P = 0.0216).

CONCLUSION

The pit pattern may prove useful for the endoscopic diagnosis of serrated adenoma. Furthermore, endoscopic treatment is indicated for serrated adenoma; in particular those of 10 mm or more in diameter should be treated because of the possibility of high-grade glandular intraepithelial neoplasia.

Vascular endothelial dysfunction resulting from L-arginine deficiency in a patient with lysinuric protein intolerance

Although L-arginine is the only substrate for nitric oxide (NO) production, no studies have yet been reported on the effect of an L-arginine deficiency on vascular function in humans. Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a rare autosomal recessive defect of dibasic amino acid transport caused by mutations in the SLC7A7 gene, resulting in an L-arginine deficiency. Vascular endothelial function was examined in an LPI patient who was shown to be a compound heterozygote for two mutations in the gene (5.3-kbp Alu-mediated deletion, IVS3+1G-->A). The lumen diameter of the brachial artery was measured in this patient and in healthy controls at rest, during reactive hyperemia (endothelium-dependent vasodilation [EDV]), and after sublingual nitroglycerin administration (endothelium-independent vasodilation [EIV]) using ultrasonography. Both EDV and NO(x) concentrations were markedly reduced in the patient compared with those for the controls. They became normal after an L-arginine infusion. EIV was not significantly different between the patient and controls. Positron emission tomography of the heart and a treadmill test revealed ischemic changes in the patient, which were improved by the L-arginine infusion. Thus, in the LPI patient, L-arginine deficiency caused vascular endothelial dysfunction via a decrease in NO production.

Activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase is required for retinoic acid-induced neural differentiation of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells

P19 embryonal carcinoma cells are known to differentiate into neurons and glia when treated with relatively high concentrations (>100 nM) of retinoic acid (RA). Concomitant with this RA-induced neural differentiation, we observed an activation of the c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK). JNK was required for the RA-induced neural differentiation, because dominant-negative JNK blocked the differentiation. Studies using protein phosphatase inhibitors and protein kinase inhibitors suggested that both okadaic acid-sensitive protein phosphatase(s) and protein kinase C participate in the RA-induced activation of JNK.

The effects of transplantation of osteoblastic cells with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/carrier complex on bone repair

We investigated the effects of transplantation of osteoblastic cells with a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/carrier complex on bone repair by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Poly-D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid/gelatin sponge (PGS) was used as a carrier for cell transplantation. In the in vitro experiments, three cell types, C3H10T1/2 cells, MC3T3-E1 cells, and primary osteoblastic cells, isolated from newborn rat calvariae (ROB cells), were cultured for 2 weeks on PGS alone or PGS containing BMP-2 (PGS/BMP). C3H10T1/2 cells cultured on PGS/BMP expressed several markers related to differentiation of both osteoblasts and chondrocytes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNAs for osteocalcin and aggrecan, whereas the cells cultured on PGS alone expressed no such markers. MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on PGS/BMP exhibited a more ALP-positive cells than those cultured on PGS alone. PGS/BMP promoted ROB cell differentiation into both osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In the in vivo experiments, we transplanted ROB cells, which had been cultured on PGS alone or PGS/BMP in vitro for 2 weeks, into bone defects created in rat calvariae. Transplantation of ROB cells cultured on PGS alone generated little new bone. Transplantation of ROB cells cultured on PGS, which absorbed a low dose (10 ng) of rhBMP-2,; induced significantly higher bone mineral content than PGS/BMP alone, although application of a high dose (1 microg) of rhBMP-2 induced no difference in bone mineral content between transplantation of PGS/BMP with or without ROB cells. These results show that transplantation of osteoblastic cells after induction of osteoblast maturation in vitro by cultivation on PGS/BMP is a potent technique for cell therapy of bone repair.

Clinical significance of CDC25A and CDC25B expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the oesophagus

CDC25A, CDC25B and CDC25C belong to a family of protein phosphatases which activate the cyclin-dependent kinase at different points of the cell cycle. According to accumulating evidence, CDC25A and CDC25B seem to possess oncogenic properties. We have analysed these expressions by immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR in a series of 100 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. When compared with non-cancerous cells, CDC25A and CDC25B were strongly expressed in the cytoplasm of cancer cells, with positive (+) classification in 46% (46 cases) and 48% (48 cases), respectively. There was no significant correlation between CDC25A and CDC25B expression, nor was there any association with the expression of other cell cycle-regulating molecules, including cyclin D1, Rb, p16(INK4), p27(KIP1)and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen). CDC25A (+), as well as CDC25B (+), was more frequently found in patients with deeper tumour invasion and lymph node metastasis, while tumour size was correlated only with CDC25A expression. Postoperative survival was significantly poorer for CDC25A (+) patients than CDC25A (-) patients, but was not affected by the CDC25B status. Nuclear localization of CDC25A was observed in 51 cases (51%), regardless of its cytoplasmic expression, and was not associated with clinico-pathological factors or prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed only the CDC25A status to be an independent significant prognostic factor among these biological and clinico-pathological factors. CDC25A but not CDC25B may be a new prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. Thus, regulation of the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle may be important in oesophageal carcinogenesis, which may also involve many other oncogenes.

Immune responses and protection in different strains of aged mice immunized intranasally with an adjuvant-combined influenza vaccine

Immune responses and protection against influenza virus infection were compared between young (2 months) and aged (18 months) BALB/c, C3H and C57BL/6 (B6) mice after intranasal vaccination. The mice were immunized with 2.5 microg protein of A/PR/8/34 (PR8) (H1N1) virus vaccine containing a cholera toxin adjuvant. In both the young and aged BALB/c mice, high levels of PR8-specific antibody-forming cell (AFC) responses were induced in the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) 7 days after immunization. Nasal wash IgA and serum IgG antibody (Ab) responses to the PR8 haemagglutinin (HA) 4 weeks after immunization were slightly higher in the young mice than in the aged mice. The young mice showed complete protection against challenge infection, while the aged mice showed only a partial protection. In the C3H mice, NALT-AFC, and IgA and IgG Ab responses were higher in the young mice than those in the aged mice in parallel with the more efficient protection in the young mice than in the aged mice. Both the young and aged B6 mice showed no NALT-AFC responses, scarce IgA and IgG Ab responses and no protection. In the BALB/c mice, IgG1 and IgG2a levels were significantly lower in the aged mice. On the other hand, in the C3H mice, only IgG2a level was significantly lower in the aged mice. Similar results were obtained in terms of immune responses and protection between the young and aged mice of three different strains of mice after intra-nasal immunization with 0.1 microg of PR8 vaccine containing the adjuvant, two-times at 4-week intervals. In the B6 mice, the immune response was improved by immunization with a higher dose of the adjuvant-combined vaccine. These results suggest that local Ab responses, as well as systemic Ab responses, are downregulated in aged mice, although the degree of the downregulation of immune responses differs from strain to strain.

Phenotype-genotype relationships in peroxisome biogenesis disorders of PEX1-defective complementation group 1 are defined by Pex1p-Pex6p interaction

The peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs), including Zellweger syndrome (ZS), neonatal adrenoleucodystrophy (NALD) and infantile Refsum disease (IRD), are fatal autosomal recessive diseases caused by impaired peroxisome biogenesis, of which 12 genotypes have been reported. ZS patients manifest the severest clinical and biochemical abnormalities, whereas those with NALD and IRD show less severity and the mildest features respectively. We have reported previously that temperature-sensitive peroxisome assembly is responsible for the mildness of the clinical features of IRD. PEX1 is the causative gene for PBDs of complementation group E (CG-E, CG1 in the U.S.A. and Europe), the PBDs of highest incidence, encoding the peroxin Pex1p of the AAA ATPase family. It has been also reported that Pex1p and Pex6p interact with each other. In the present study we investigated phenotype-genotype relationships of CG1 PBDs. Pex1p from IRD such as Pex1p with the most frequently identified mutation at G843D was largely degraded in vivo at 37 degrees C, whereas a normal level of Pex1p was detectable at the permissive temperature. In contrast, PEX1 proteins derived from ZS patients, including proteins with a mutation at L664P or the deletion of residues 634-690, were stably present at both temperatures. Pex1p-G843D interacted with Pex6p at approx. 50% of the level of normal Pex1p, whereas Pex1p from ZS patients mostly showing non-temperature-sensitive peroxisome biogenesis hardly bound to Pex6p. Taking these results together, we consider it most likely that the stability of Pex1p reflects temperature-sensitive peroxisome assembly in IRD fibroblasts. Failure in Pex1p-Pex6p interaction gives rise to more severe abnormalities, such as those manifested by patients with ZS.

Involvement of calcium ion in the stimulated shoot elongation of arrowhead tubers under anaerobic conditions

Shoot elongation of arrowhead (Sagittaria pygmaea Miq.) tubers was stimulated in anaerobic conditions. The anaerobic elongation was attributed to stimulation of cell elongation in the middle of the shoots. The anaerobic elongation of the shoots was severely inhibited by ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). The EGTA inhibition was completely nullified by exogenous CaCl2, which acts as an enhancer of anaerobic elongation. Moreover, calcium channel blockers, verapamil, diltiazem and LaCl3, inhibited the anaerobic elongation enhanced by CaCl2. These results showed that calcium plays an important role in stimulating the elongation in anaerobic conditions. Incorporation of 45Ca into the shoot tissues was measured to determine the involvement of calcium uptake in anaerobic elongation. Incorporation of 45Ca into the cell sap, which was collected from frozen and thawed shoots after thorough washing with LaCl3, was significantly stimulated in anaerobic conditions. Verapamil and diltiazem prevented the stimulation of 45Ca incorporation in anaerobic conditions. These results suggest that calcium uptake from the medium serves to enhance shoot elongation of arrowhead tubers under anaerobic conditions.

Peroxisome biogenesis and molecular defects in peroxisome assembly disorders

Peroxisome assembly in mammals requires more than 14 genes. So far, we have isolated seven complementation groups (CGs) of peroxisome biogenesis-defective Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell mutants, Z65, Z24/ZP107, ZP92, ZP105/ZP139, ZP109, ZP110, ZP114. Two peroxin cDNAs, PEX2 and PEX6, were first cloned by genetic phenotype-complementation assay using Z65 and ZP92, respectively, and were shown to be responsible for peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) such as Zellweger syndrome, of CG-F (the same as CG-X in U.S.A.) and CG-C (the same as CG-IV), respectively. Pex2p is a RING zinc finger membrane protein of peroxisomes and Pex6p is a member of the AAA ATPase family. We likewise isolated PEX12 encoding a peroxisomal integral membrane protein in the RING family, by functional complementation of ZP109, demonstrating PEX12 to be responsible for CG-III PBD. We also cloned PEX1 by screening of human liver cDNA library, using ZP107. PEX1 mutation was delineated to be the genetic cause of PBD in the most highest incidence group, CG-E (the same as CG-I). Moreover, we recently found that Pex5p is involved in transport of not only PTS1- but also PTS2-protein, distinct from yeast Pex5p, using PEX5-defective ZP105 and ZP139. Thus, CHO cell mutants defective in peroxisome biogenesis are indeed shown to be very useful for the studies of peroxisome assembly and delineating pathogenic genes in PBD. Furthermore, we have isolated novel CGs of CHO mutants, ZP119 and ZP126.

Advanced glomerulosclerosis is reversible in nephrotic mice

Advanced glomerulosclerosis, a common hallmark of chronic renal diseases (CRD) is believed to be irreversible, and it is thought that glomerular hyperfiltration and hypertrophy may participate in its pathogenesis. We demonstrate here that glomerulosclerosis is "reversible" in an animal model. We used nephrotic ICGN (nep/nep) mice which showed a rapid progression of glomerulosclerosis, accompanied by histological findings for glomerular hyperfiltration. It is known that ureter ligation reduces glomerular filtration in ligated kidneys. When ureter ligation was applied to our model, glomerulosclerosis (characterized by myofibroblast hyperplasia and over-accumulated matrix protein) weakened in conjunction with suppressed glomerular hypertrophy. During this process, glomerular myofibroblasts showed apoptotic cell death after unilateral ureter ligation (UUO) treatment. Our results suggest that inhibition of glomerular filtration in sclerotic tufts may cause glomerular remodeling through the modulation of molecular and cellular sclerogenesis.

Pancreatic biopsy as a procedure for detecting in situ autoimmune phenomena in type 1 diabetes: close correlation between serological markers and histological evidence of cellular autoimmunity

To better understand the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, we have developed pancreatic biopsy under laparoscope for recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients. The patients included 29 acute-onset type 1 diabetic patients, 5 latent-onset type 1 diabetic patients, and 1 type 2 diabetic patient. Their median age was 28 years, and the duration of diabetes at the time of biopsy was approximately 3 months. In 31 of 35 patients, we could obtain the pancreas tissue by punching. No serious complications, such as heavy bleeding, peritonitis, or pancreatitis, have been experienced. Pneumoderma was observed in two patients, and abdominal dull pain had continued for 2 days in two patients. However, special treatment was not necessary for these complications. T-cell-predominant infiltration to islets (insulitis) and hyperexpression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens on islet cells were the two major findings and were observed in 17 of 29 recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients. These findings could be regarded as evidence of immune attack against beta-cells, and their presence was closely correlated with the presence of either anti-GAD or anti-IA-2 antibodies (P = 0.02). In conclusion, pancreatic biopsy under laparoscope is a safe procedure without serious complications, according to our findings, for detecting in situ autoimmune phenomenon in recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients.

Evaluation of absorption kinetics of orally administered theophylline in rats based on gastrointestinal transit monitoring by gamma scintigraphy

The gastrointestinal (GI) transit and absorption of orally administered theophylline, a highly absorbable drug without presystemic elimination, were investigated under fasted and fed conditions using three rats in a crossover study. To evaluate the GI transit rate for each segment in vivo, a noninvasive technique, gamma scintigraphy, was employed using a nonabsorbable compound, (99m)Tc-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). Using a gamma scintigraphic technique it is possible to simultaneously evaluate the GI transit and absorption of orally administered drug in the same individual. Theophylline was simultaneously administered along with [(99m)Tc]DTPA to animals in the fasted and fed states. Each GI transit pattern, simulated using the GI transit-kinetic model with a lag time factor, was well fitted to the experimental data. Gastric emptying rate varied in each study, even under the same experimental condition. The GI transit pattern for each segment was highly variable, especially in animals in the fed state. This inconsistency in transit pattern was mainly due to the variability in gastric emptying, which was much slower in animals in the fed compared with the fasted state. However, in spite of a large variability of GI transit kinetics, the plasma concentration-time curves of theophylline were well predicted by the GI transit-absorption model using the individual GI transit parameters obtained in the study. The absorption rate of theophylline was considerably reduced in animals in the fed state, because of the reduction of gastric emptying rate. Analysis using GI transit-absorption model and gamma scintigraphic technique made it possible to estimate the variable absorption kinetics regulated by GI transit with huge variability.

Circulating transforming growth factor beta 1 as a predictor of liver metastasis after resection in colorectal cancer

Plasma transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been reported to be correlated with the extent of disease in colorectal cancer, but it is not known whether measuring this cytokine can help predict liver metastasis after curative resection. We prospectively studied whether plasma TGF-beta1 levels could predict liver metastasis in 117 patients with colorectal cancer before and after curative resection. Blood samples were drawn before and 2 weeks after surgery to determine the cytokine levels. Abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography was done every 3 months after surgery. The primary end point for follow-up was recurrence. Seventy-seven of 117 cases (66%) had preoperative levels of the cytokine higher than the borderline limit of 7.5 ng/ml. Postoperative levels were >7.5 ng/ml in 29 of 117 patients (25%). The median follow-up period was 42 months (range, 5--66 months), with follow-up of all 117 patients. No recurrence was observed in 13 patients with Dukes' stage A lesions. Liver metastasis occurred in 18 of 104 patients (17%) with Dukes' stage B or C disease. Fourteen of 18 patients (78%) who developed liver metastasis had shown a postoperative plasma TGF-beta1 level of >7.5 ng/ml. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the postoperative level was a significant predictive factor for liver metastasis (P < 0.001). A single point measurement of plasma TGF-beta1 levels at 2 weeks after curative resection seems to be able to predict liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. This finding suggests the value of a prospective trial of liver-targeted adjuvant therapy for patients with elevated postoperative plasma TGF-beta1 levels.

Evaluation of the histologic effect of chemoradiation therapy for squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus by assessing morphologic features of surgical specimens

The histologic effects of chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer, which determine the benefit obtained from a salvage operation, are difficult to evaluate preoperatively. We therefore investigated whether or not the morphologic features of esophageal cancer tissue after CRT can be correlated with the histologic features of the tissue. Seventy-six patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent CRT followed by esophagectomy. The effects of CRT were evaluated by histologic examination of the residual tumors in the surgical specimen and correlated with clinicopathologic factors, including postoperative prognosis. The histologic effects of CRT were used to classify tumors as grade 1 (CRT poorly effective; 23 cases, 30.3%); grade 2 (CRT moderately effective; 31 cases, 40.8%); or grade 3 (CRT completely effective with no residual tumors; 22 cases, 28.9%). Among the gross findings of the removed esophagus, significant correlation with the CRT effects was observed in the case of wall thickness and ulceration but not in the case of longitudinal tumor length. Tumors with no wall thickening or ulceration were never classified as grade 1, whereas tumors with both wall thickening and ulceration were frequently rated as grade 1 (18/30, 60%). Microscopic examination of grade 2 tumors (23/31, 74.1%) revealed residual tumor cells growing below the mucosal layer, whereas tumor cells were exposed to the esophageal surface in 22 out of 23 patients with grade 1 tumors. The morphologic features after CRT can be used to evaluate its histologic effect, especially in the case of grade 1 tumors. However, the detection and prediction of grade 2 tumors remains difficult because of the presence of small amounts of residual tumor underneath the mucosa.

Neurometer measurement of current stimulus threshold in rats

We examined the current stimulus threshold in rats with the Neurometer, a device used clinically for measuring perception and pain thresholds. Although many studies have indicated the usefulness of this device in the quantification of nerve dysfunction in patients, we have found no published reports on the use of the Neurometer in animals. Transcutaneous nerve stimuli of the three sine-wave pulses produced by the Neurometer (at 2000, 250, and 5 Hz) were applied to plantar surface of rats. The intensity of each stimulation at which rats vocalized or were hardly startled was defined as the current stimulus threshold. With repeated stimulation, the thresholds were almost constant. Repeated topical application to the area around the stimulating electrode of a high concentration of capsaicin, which acts on small-diameter fibers, increased the thresholds at 250 and 5 Hz, but did not affect the 2000-Hz threshold. Intravenous morphine (2-5 mg/kg) increased all three thresholds, whereas intrathecal morphine (20 or 80 microg) increased only the 5-Hz threshold. Intravenous injection of a minor tranquilizer, diazepam, at 1 mg/kg raised the thresholds at 2000 and 250 Hz, but did not affect the 5-Hz threshold. Higher dose of diazepam increased all three thresholds. These results suggest that the Neurometer makes possible selective examination of subsets of nerve fibers that differ in diameter not only in humans but also in animals. The present study in rats, in which we established a method of measurement, may provide helpful suggestions for the interpretation of data in humans.

Comparison and evolution of the lagena in various animal species

The structure of the vestibular organs of the teleost fish (bluegill), newts (Japanese fire-belly newt), frogs (black-spotted pond frog), snapping turtles and birds (chicks) was morphologically compared, with particular attention to the lagena macula, and the differences between animal species with relation to evolution were considered. Teleost fish had no striola on the lagena macula. The striola of newts were short and restricted to the central area of the macula, but those of frogs, snapping turtles and chicks extended from the anterior to posterior edges of the macula. This indicates that the frog is more highly evolved than the newt. The length of the kinocilium of sensory hairs was equal to that of the longest stereocilium in teleost fish and newts, but the kinocilia of frogs, snapping turtles and chicks were longer than the longest stereocilium. This indicates that the function of the lagena of teleost fish and newts is for hearing whilst in the other animals they are for posture. The diameter of the sensory hair bundles is small in teleost fish and frogs, but large in newts and snapping turtles. This indicates that the sensitivity of the sensory cells of the lagena towards outer force is low in teleost fish and frogs, high in newts and snapping turtles and intermediate in birds. The lagena of snapping turtles protrudes from the basilar papilla into the vestibule but the lagena of chicks lies on the tip of the long projecting basilar papilla. From observation of the locations of lagenae it is natural to speculate that there must have been some species of animal now extinct that had the evolving location of the lagena prior to that of chicks. In future it will be very interesting and useful to identify this extinct animal using DNA techniques.

Evaluation of absorption kinetics of orally administered theophylline in rats based on gastrointestinal transit monitoring by gamma scintigraphy

The gastrointestinal (GI) transit and absorption of orally administered theophylline, a highly absorbable drug without presystemic elimination, were investigated under fasted and fed conditions using three rats in a crossover study. To evaluate the GI transit rate for each segment in vivo, a noninvasive technique, gamma scintigraphy, was employed using a nonabsorbable compound, (99m)Tc-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). Using a gamma scintigraphic technique it is possible to simultaneously evaluate the GI transit and absorption of orally administered drug in the same individual. Theophylline was simultaneously administered along with [(99m)Tc]DTPA to animals in the fasted and fed states. Each GI transit pattern, simulated using the GI transit-kinetic model with a lag time factor, was well fitted to the experimental data. Gastric emptying rate varied in each study, even under the same experimental condition. The GI transit pattern for each segment was highly variable, especially in animals in the fed state. This inconsistency in transit pattern was mainly due to the variability in gastric emptying, which was much slower in animals in the fed compared with the fasted state. However, in spite of a large variability of GI transit kinetics, the plasma concentration-time curves of theophylline were well predicted by the GI transit-absorption model using the individual GI transit parameters obtained in the study. The absorption rate of theophylline was considerably reduced in animals in the fed state, because of the reduction of gastric emptying rate. Analysis using GI transit-absorption model and gamma scintigraphic technique made it possible to estimate the variable absorption kinetics regulated by GI transit with huge variability.

Effect of pravastatin on survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. A randomized controlled trial

Chemotherapy is not effective for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HMG-CoA redutase inhibitors have cytostatic activity for cancer cells, but their clinical usefulness is unknown. To investigate whether pravastatin, a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, prolongs survival in patients with advanced HCC, this randomized controlled trial was conducted between February 1990 and February 1998 at Osaka University Hospital. 91 consecutive patients <71 years old (mean age 62) with unresectable HCC were enroled in this study. 8 patients were withdrawn because of progressive liver dysfunction; 83 patients were randomized to standard treatment with or without pravastatin. All patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) followed by oral 5-FU 200 mg(-1)d for 2 months. Patients were then randomly assigned to control (n = 42) and pravastatin (n = 41) groups. Pravastatin was administered at a daily dose of 40 mg. The effect of pravastatin on tumour growth was assessed by ultrasonography. Primary endpoint was death due to progression of HCC. The duration of pravastatin administration was 16.5 +/- 9.8 months (mean +/- SD). No patients in either group were lost to follow-up. Median survival was 18 months in the pravastatin group versus 9 months in controls (P = 0.006). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that pravastatin was a significant factor contributing to survival. Pravastatin prolonged the survival of patients with advanced HCC, suggesting its value for adjuvant treatment.

The peroxin Pex6p gene is impaired in peroxisomal biogenesis disorders of complementation group 6

Human genetic peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs), such as Zellweger syndrome, comprise 13 different complementation groups (CGs). Eleven peroxin genes, termed PEXs, responsible for PBDs have been identified, whereas pathogenic genes for PBDs of 2CGs, CG-A (the same CG as CG8 in the United States and Europe) and CG6, remained unidentified. We herein provide several lines of novel evidence indicating that PEX6, the pathogenic gene for CG4, is impaired in PBD of CG6. Expression of PEX6 restored peroxisome assembly in fibroblasts from a CG6 PBD patient. This patient was a compound heterozygote for PEX6 gene alleles. Accordingly, by merging CG6 with CG4, human PBDs are now classified into 12CGs.

Induction of mitochondrial heat shock protein 60 and 10 mRNAs following transient focal cerebral ischemia in the rat

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) 60 and 10 are stress-inducible mitochondrial matrix proteins that form a chaperonin complex that is important for mitochondrial protein folding and function. The effect of cerebral ischemia on mitochondrial HSPs is unclear. The topographical and chronological patterns of HSP60 and HSP10 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and induction were investigated in the rat focal cerebral ischemia model. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 30 or 90 min. Expression of mRNAs was analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. RT-PCR analysis showed that both HSP60 and HSP10 mRNA levels increased significantly in the ischemic cortex from 4 to 24 h of reperfusion after 30 min of occlusion. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated significant induction of both mRNAs in the whole ischemic cortex after 30 min of occlusion and in the dorsomedial border (penumbra) of the ischemic cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus after 90 min of occlusion. Expression patterns and the timing of the induction of both HSP60 and HSP10 mRNAs were identical throughout the experiments. Simultaneous induction of the mRNAs for the mitochondrial chaperonins, HSP60 and HSP10, in various regions in focal cerebral ischemia demonstrates that mitochondrial stress conditions persist concomitantly with cytosolic stress conditions in focal cerebral ischemia.

Corticosteroid therapy in patients with IgA nephropathy and impaired renal function

AIM

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common type of primary glomerulonephritis that constitutes a major cause of end-stage renal disease. Oral and/or intravenous glucocorticoid therapy can protect against progression of IgAN in patients with preserved renal function. We evaluated steroid therapy in IgAN with established renal dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the effect of methylprednisolone (MP) pulse therapy in 8 IgAN patients with serum creatinine concentrations (sCr) 2.76 +/- 1.32 mg/dl (mean +/- SD). In each patient renal function had progressively deteriorated in the 12 months preceding treatment, as indicated by negative slopes of 1/sCr plotted against time (regression coefficients).

RESULTS

Regression coefficients during the 12 months following therapy improved significantly from -0.02333 +/- 0.00732 to -0.00036 +/- 0.00423 dl/mg/month, respectively. The mean difference in slope was 0.0230 +/- 0.0076 dl/mg/month (95% confidence interval, 0.0165 to 0.0295, p < 0.001). Proteinuria also significantly decreased from a mean urine protein/creatinine ratio of 2.57 +/- 1.12 before therapy to 1.12 +/- 0.84 6 months after therapy (p < 0.005). Other factors that might affect progression of renal dysfunction remained unchanged during the observation periods.

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroids may attenuate progression of renal failure and delay the need for dialysis in this patient population, although a large randomized trial is necessary.

Computerized classification of interstitial lung abnormalities on chest radiographs with normalized radiographic index and normalized fractal dimension

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of two kinds of physical measures, the normalized radiographic index (R) and the normalized fractal dimension (F), for computerized classification of interstitial lung abnormalities on chest radiographs.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

The values of R were obtained as the normalized percent area of extracted opacities in selected regions of interest (ROIs). The values of F were calculated with a box-counting algorithm and then normalized. To extract linear opacities on chest radiographs selectively, we processed ROIs by four-directional Laplacian-Gaussian filtering and binarization (4LG/B), linear opacity judgment (LOJ), and linear opacity subtraction (LOS). We used the ROIs of 50 mild and 50 severe interstitial lung abnormalities. In both groups, all cases were divided into H (n=21, honeycombing opacities were found to be dominant) and Non-H (n=79, abnormal opacities were found, but these were excluded from H). We obtained three types of normalized physical measures of R and F in one ROI from 4LG/B, LOJ, and LOS images, and the combined indices, R(COM) and F(COM) were calculated.

RESULTS

The values of F(LOJ) could differentiate H from Non-H in the mild-and the severe-abnormality group. However, all Rs could not differentiate H from Non-H in the severe-abnormality group. The combined indices of both R and F could differentiate H from Non-H in the mild-abnormality group; however, these could not differentiate H from Non-H in the severe-abnormality group.

CONCLUSION

The values of F(LOJ) seem to be useful in the classification of interstitial lung abnormalities on chest radiographs.

New imaging findings in a patient with central nervous system dysfunction after bone marrow transplantation

Central nervous system disorders are an important complication of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We have recently performed cerebral angiography to examine central nervous system dysfunction in a 22-year-old woman with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who had undergone BMT. Angiography demonstrated multiple stenoses and occlusions in the peripheral branches of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries, a pattern similar to that seen in vasculitis. She was thought to most likely have cytomegalovirus (CMV) vasculitis, but other forms of vasculitis, such as angiitis-like-syndrome-associated graft-versus-host disease could not be excluded. This case suggests that CMV vasculitis may cause central nervous system dysfunction after BMT and that imaging studies may provide useful information about central nervous system disorders in these patients.

Effectiveness and safety of mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT H44A) as an adjuvant for nasal influenza vaccine

The effectiveness and safety of mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin, LT H44A (His to Arg substitution at position 44 from the N-terminus of the A1 fragment of the A subunit) as an adjuvant for nasal influenza vaccine were examined. (1) When 0.2 microg of LT H44A, together with 0.2 microg of influenza A/PR/8/34 virus (PR8, H1N1) vaccine, was administered intranasally into BALB/c mice (twice, 4 weeks apart), anti-PR8 hemagglutinin (HA) IgA and IgG antibody (Ab) responses were induced at levels that were sufficient to provide either complete protection against infection with a small volume of PR8 virus suspension or partial protection against infection with a lethal dose of the suspension. The dose of the mutant LT and vaccine used here (0.2 microg/ 20 g doses mouse) corresponded to the estimated dose per person, i.e. 0.1 mg/10 kg body weight. (2) Using these vaccination conditions, no additional total IgE Ab responses were induced. (3) The mutant was confirmed to be less toxic than the native LT when the toxicity was analyzed either using Y1 adrenal cells in vitro (1/483 EC(50)) or by an ileal loop test. (4) One hundred micrograms of the mutant, administered intranasally or intraperitoneally into guinea-pigs (Heartley strain, 0.3-0.4 kg), caused no body-weight changes 7 days after administration, although 100 microg of the native LT administered intraperitoneally caused death in all guinea-pigs due to diarrhea within 2 days. The intranasal administration of 100 microg of the mutant resulted in almost no pathological changes in the nasal mucosa 3 days after administration. These results suggest that LT H44A, which can be produced in high yields in an E. coli culture (about 5 mg/l), could be used as one of the effective and safe adjuvants for nasal influenza vaccine in humans.

Regulation of the TAK1 signaling pathway by protein phosphatase 2C

Protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) is implicated in the negative regulation of stress-activated protein kinase cascades in yeast and mammalian cells. In this study, we determined the role of PP2Cbeta-1, a major isoform of mammalian PP2C, in the TAK1 signaling pathway, a stress-activated protein kinase cascade that is activated by interleukin-1, transforming growth factor-beta, or stress. Ectopic expression of PP2Cbeta-1 inhibited the TAK1-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4-c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6-p38 signaling pathways. In vitro, PP2Cbeta-1 dephosphorylated and inactivated TAK1. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that PP2Cbeta-1 associates with the central region of TAK1. A phosphatase-negative mutant of PP2Cbeta-1, PP2Cbeta-1 (R/G), acted as a dominant negative mutant, inhibiting dephosphorylation of TAK1 by wild-type PP2Cbeta-1 in vitro. In addition, ectopic expression of PP2Cbeta-1(R/G) enhanced interleukin-1-induced activation of an AP-1 reporter gene. Collectively, these results indicate that PP2Cbeta negatively regulates the TAK1 signaling pathway by direct dephosphorylation of TAK1.

Impact of histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma on the outcome of liver transplantation

HYPOTHESIS

Histological grade of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important prognostic factor affecting patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

University-based teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Of 952 OLTs performed between June 1991 and January 1999, 56 OLT recipients had histologically proven HCC in the explant liver. Of those, 53 patients with complete clinicopathologic data were analyzed. A single pathologist blinded to the outcome of each patient reviewed all histological specimens.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 709 days. Overall survival for patients with tumors sized 5 cm or less at 1, 3, and 5 years was 87%, 78%, and 71%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier). Univariate analysis revealed the size, number, and distribution of tumors; the presence of microscopic vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis; histological differentiation; and pTNM stage to be statistically significant factors affecting survival. Multivariate analysis revealed histological differentiation and pTNM stage to be the independent and statistically significant factors affecting survival (P =.002 and.03, respectively). When pTNM stage was excluded from multivariate analysis, histological differentiation and size remained the significant independent factors (P =.02 and.03, respectively). Three-year survival for patients with small (</=5 cm) tumor with well- to moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated HCC was 82% and 67%, respectively. Three-year survival for patients with large (>5 cm) tumor with well- to moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated HCC was 62.5% and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our retrospective experience, histological differentiation had a statistically significant effect on the prognosis of HCC after OLT. However, before altering the current OLT selection criteria for patients with HCC, prospective studies are required to confirm the impact of histological grade on clinical outcome.

Effects of intranasal administration of cholera toxin (or Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin) B subunits supplemented with a trace amount of the holotoxin on the brain

Effects of intranasal administration of cholera toxin (CT) [or Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT)] B subunits supplemented with a trace amount of the holotoxin, CTB* or LTB*, on the brain were examined in BALB/c mice by comparing with those of the intracerebral injection. Intracerebral injection of CTB* at doses more than 10 microg/mouse caused significant body weight loss and dose-dependent death within 7 days, with localization of conjugates of horseradish peroxidase with CTB (HRP-CTB) in the ventricular system and in the perineural space of olfactory nerves of the nasal mucosa 3 h after injection. Intracerebral injection of CTB* at doses less than 3 microg/mouse (or LTB* at doses less than 22.7 microg/mouse) did not cause any significant body weight loss for 7 days, with localization of HRP-CTB in the brain but not in the nasal mucosa. On the other hand, intranasal administration of 10 microg of CTB* caused localization of HRP-CTB in the nasal mucosa but not in the brain 3 h after administration and caused body weight loss even after 30 administrations. Neither any histological changes of brain tissues nor marked changes in serum biochemical parameters were found in mice after the 30 administrations of CTB* or LTB*. These results suggest that 0.1 microg of CTB* or LTB*, which is known to be close to the minimal effective dose as an adjuvant for nasal influenza vaccine in mice and corresponds to 100 microg per person, can be used as a safe nasal adjuvant without adversely affecting the brain.

Protection against influenza B virus infection by immunization with DNA vaccines

Protection against a lethal influenza B virus infection was examined in BALB/c mice immunized with plasmid DNAs encoding hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA and NB) and nucleoprotein (NP) from the B/Ibaraki/2/85 virus. Each DNA vaccine was administered twice, 3 weeks apart, at a dose of 1 microg per mouse by particle-mediated DNA transfer to the epidermis (gene gun) or at a dose of 30 microg per mouse by electroporation into the muscle. Three weeks after the second vaccination, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose of homologous virus. HA and NA DNAs conferred complete protection against the lethal viral challenge, whereas NB and NP DNAs failed to provide protection against infection. Furthermore, protection in different strains of mice, BALB/c, B10 and C3H, immunized with HA and NA DNAs was compared. Both HA and NA DNAs conferred complete protection against the lethal challenge in all the tested mouse strains. These results suggest that both the HA and NA molecules can be used as vaccine components to provide effective protection against influenza B virus infection.

A novel low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein mediating cellular uptake of apolipoprotein E-enriched beta-VLDL in vitro

We report here the identification of a novel member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (the LDL receptor) family through signal sequence trap screening of a mouse lymphocyte cDNA library. The protein was termed LDL receptor-related protein 9 (LRP9). LRP9 is a type I membrane protein predicted to contain 696 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 74 764 Da. The NH(2)-terminal half of LRP9 contains two CUB domains separated by a single ligand-binding repeat. The second CUB domain is followed by a cluster of three additional ligand-binding repeats and a transmembrane domain. The COOH-terminal intracellular region contains a proline-rich region. LRP9 mRNA was expressed in the liver, kidney, lung, and heart at high levels, and in the spleen and brain at low levels. In situ hybridization analysis of mouse liver, kidney, and brain detected LRP9 transcripts in hepatocytes, sinusoidal lining cells, peritubular capillaries, choroid plexus, ependyma of the third ventricle, pia matter, and hippocampus. In particular, high levels of expression were observed in the vascular walls. Apolipoprotein E (apoE)-enriched beta-VLDL stimulated cellular cholesteryl ester formation in ldl-A7/LRP9. These results raise the possibility that this newly identified receptor, which is expressed in the liver, may play a physiological role in the uptake of apoE-containing lipoproteins.

New multidrug resistance modulators from Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma

Three new oligoacylated sucroses designated atractysucroses-I, -II, and -III were obtained from Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma as multidrug resistance (MDR) modulating substances against human carcinoma cell lines and their chemical structures were characterized as a mixture of acyl groups. Atractysucrose-I modulates MDR in KB-C2 cells as strongly as verapamil. This is the first example of an MDR-modulator classified as a carbohydrate.

Early detection of relapse and evaluation of treatment for mixed chimerism using fluorescence in situ hybridization following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant for hematological malignancies

In order to detect chimerism, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and cytogenetic analyses were performed on bone marrow cells from 47 patients with hematological malignancies following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). The dual-color XY, major Bcr-Abl (M-Bcr-Abl), and specific alpha-satellite probes were used for sex-mismatched HCT, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases with karyotypic abnormalities before HCT, respectively. Donor cells were found using FISH analysis in all 32 cases examined within 2 months following HCT, confirming engraftment. In six cases, however, cytogenetic analysis failed to detect donor cells due to lack of metaphases. Relapse occurred in four of the six cases in which mixed chimerism was detected using FISH analysis after 6 months of HCT. In contrast, after 12 months of HCT, no relapse was found in 24 patients without host cells. For two patients with mixed chimerism, gradual reduction of immunosuppressants or donor lymphocyte infusion resulted in the disappearance of host cells as analyzed using FISH analysis. In three extramedullary relapse cases, however, cytogenetic relapse preceded morphological and FISH relapse. These findings suggest that FISH analysis is more useful for detecting residual host cells after HCT, and the combination of FISH and cytogenetic analyses provide a more detailed evaluation for HCT patients. The results also indicate that monitoring of mixed chimerism using FISH analysis after 6 months of HCT is important for allowing the early detection of hematological relapse.

Structure of the mouse glutamate decarboxylase 65 gene and its promoter: preferential expression of its promoter in the GABAergic neurons of transgenic mice

GABA is synthesized by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), which has two forms, GAD65 and GAD67. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of mouse GAD65 (mGAD65) gene expression, we isolated and characterized the mGAD65 gene. The mGAD65 gene was found to be divided into 16 exons and spread over 75 kb. The sequence of the first exon and the 5'-flanking region indicated the presence of potential neuron-specific cis-regulatory elements. We used transgenic mice to examine the expression pattern conferred by a 9.2-kb promoter-proximal DNA fragment of the mGAD65 gene fused to the bacterial lacZ reporter gene. Transgenic mice showed high beta-galactosidase activity specifically in brain and testis. They also showed characteristic patterns of transgene expression in olfactory bulb, cerebellar cortex, and spinal cord, a similar expression pattern to that of endogenous mGAD65. However, no transgene expression was observed in the ventral thalamus or hypothalamus, in which high mGAD65 gene expression levels have been observed. These results suggest that the 9.2-kb DNA fragment of the mGAD65 gene is associated with its tissue-specific expression and its targeted expression in GABAergic neurons of specific brain regions but that additional regulatory elements are necessary to obtain fully correct expression.

A transgenic mouse expressing human CYP1A2 in the pancreas

A transgenic mouse line expressing the human cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 in the pancreas under the control of the mouse elastase promoter was established. The expression of CYP1A2 was specific to the transgenic pancreas and was not found in the control wild-type mouse pancreas. The level of CYP1A2 expressed in pancreatic microsomes from transgenic mice was comparable to that of the endogenously expressed CYP1A2 protein in the liver, as judged by western blotting analyses. Estrone metabolism was used to determine the activity of CYP1A2 expressed in the pancreas of the transgenic mouse. The transgenic pancreas exhibited almost one-third to one-half of the activity of wild-type or CYP1A2 transgenic mouse liver, whereas the wild-type pancreas demonstrated no activity. The addition of NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase to the reaction mixture containing pancreatic microsomes from the transgenic mice did not increase the estrone metabolism activity significantly. This transgenic mouse line provides another useful tool to study human CYP1A2 and its relation to chemical toxicity and carcinogenesis.