Characteristic association between K-ras gene mutation with loss of heterozygosity in X-ray-induced thymic lymphomas of the B6C3F1 mouse

PURPOSE

To elucidate the characteristics of radiation carcinogenesis, the spectra of K- and N-ras oncogene mutations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and their association in X-ray-induced thymic lymphomas (TL) were determined by comparing with those of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced and spontaneously occurring TL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TL that arose in untreated, X-ray-irradiated and ENU-treated B6C3F1 mice were examined both for K- and N-ras mutations by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing and for LOH by PCR with polymorphic microsatellite markers.

RESULTS

(1) ras gene mutations were found in a proportion of TL from X-ray-exposed (approximately 20%) and ENU-treated (30-40%) mice while no ras gene mutations were found in spontaneous TL. N-ras mutations were rare. (2) The spectrum of ras gene mutations was diverse and seemed to differ little between X-ray-induced and ENU-induced TL, even though there was a higher frequency of ras mutations in ENU-induced TL that clustered to K-ras codon 12. (3) The X-ray-induced TL showing K-ras mutation were associated with LOH on chromosome 6, while those showing no K-ras mutation were associated with high frequency of LOH on chromosomes 4, 11 and 12.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that, in the B6C3F1 mouse TL, X-ray-induced lymphomagenesis showed both the co-expression, yet low occurrence of allelic imbalance on chromosome 6 and K-ras mutation, and exclusive expression of frequent allelic imbalance on chromosomes 4, 11 and 12 and K-ras mutation.

Relationship between DNA methylation, histone H4 acetylation and gene expression in the mouse imprinted Igf2-H19 domain

DNA methylation and histone H4 acetylation play a role in gene regulation by modulating the structure of the chromatin. Recently, these two epigenetic modifications have dynamically and physically been linked. Evidence suggests that both modifications are involved in regulating imprinted genes - a subset of genes whose expression depends on their parental origin. Using immunoprecipitation assays, we investigate the relationship between DNA methylation, histone H4 acetylation and gene expression in the well-characterised imprinted Igf2-H19 domain on mouse chromosome 7. A systematic regional analysis of the acetylation status of the domain shows that parental-specific differences in acetylation of the core histone H4 are present in the promoter regions of both Igf2 and H19 genes, with the expressed alleles being more acetylated than the silent alleles. A correlation between DNA methylation, histone hypoacetylation and gene repression is evident only at the promoter region of the H19 gene. Treatment with trichostatin A, a specific inhibitor of histone deacetylase, reduces the expression of the active maternal H19 allele and this can be correlated with regional changes in acetylation within the upstream regulatory domain. The data suggest that histone H4 acetylation and DNA methylation have distinct functions on the maternal and paternal Igf2-H19 domains.

[New approaches for excellent operative field during tracheobronchial anastomoses in sleeve pneumonectomy: cardiopulmonary bypass and diseased lung ventilation]

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and diseased lung ventilation were presented as new methods of oxygenation during carinal reconstruction. Two cases of left sleeve pneumonectomy (SP) were performed for bronchial gland carcinoma through clamshell incisions. Adequate oxygenation and excellent operative fields were provided by CPB in both patients. The postoperative courses of these patients were uneventful, although they developed temporary pulmonary edema that needed mechanical ventilation and appropriate diuretics for several days. One case of patient with squamous cell carcinoma after chemotherapy was successfully treated by right SP through midline sternotomy. Adequate oxygenation and excellent operative fields was obtained by diseased right lung ventilation in this patient. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful without mechanical ventilation support. These procedures of oxygenation in this paper are considered to be safe and effective methods for carinal reconstruction.

[Reconstruction of chest wall using myocutaneous flap]

Reconstruction of chest wall using myocutaneous flap has been performed in 2 cases. A 72-year-old female referred to our hospital for locally recurrent left breast cancer without any distant metastases. The other patient was a 77-year-old female, having locally recurrent liposarcoma of the left lateral chest wall. Chest wall was resected with wide margin of normal tissue, and myocutaneous flaps of latissimus dorsi were used for reconstruction of skin defect (13 x 8 cm and 14 x 10 cm) in both cases. Although additional split-thickness skin graft was required for one of them, myocutaneous flaps were useful for the reconstruction of widely defected chest wall. By using this technique, wider margin can be obtained, which could decrease the risk for local recurrence of malignant tumor.

[Clinical analysis of patients referred for lung transplantation in eastern Japan]

We investigated the indications for lung transplantation (LTx) in Japan and discussed questions regarding the current Japanese criteria of LTx. This study examined 37 patients referred to our institute for LTx. Among these patients, there were 11 cases of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), 6 of lymphoangiomyomatosis (LAM), 4 of Eisenmenger's syndrome, 3 of bronchiolitis obliterans, 2 each of bronchiectasis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and pneumoconiosis, and 7 of other diseases. The most frequent age group was 30-39 years (12 cases, 32.4%), and more than half of the patients were female (22 cases, 59.5%). The regions of residence of the patients were Tohoku (19 patients), Kanto (16), and Chubu (2). Patients were referred from all over eastern Japan. On evaluation, LTx was contraindicated in 5 cases, in 4 of which mechanical ventilation had been installed before consultation with us. Six patients died before registration on the Japan Organ Transplant Network (JOT). 6 transplant candidates were registered with JOT, but one (PPH) died after 6 months of waiting, and one (LAM) received a lung transplant from a brain dead cadaver donor. We propose to reform and clarify the Japanese criteria for LTx-both indications and contraindications, to include such indications as a survival probability of less than two years, and such contraindications as mechanical ventilation. Early consultation at LTx centers was hoped for, in accordance with the International Guidelines and a transplant window.

X inactivation in the mouse embryo deficient for Dnmt1: distinct effect of hypomethylation on imprinted and random X inactivation

It has been suggested that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in genomic imprinting and X inactivation. Using DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1)-deficient mouse embryos carrying X-linked lacZ transgenes, we studied the effects of genomic demethylation on X inactivation. Based on the expression pattern of lacZ, the imprinted X inactivation in the visceral endoderm, a derivative of the extraembryonic lineage, was unaffected in Dnmt1 mutant embryos at the time other imprinted genes showed aberrant expression. Random X inactivation in the embryonic lineage of Dnmt1 mutant embryos, however, was unstable as a result of hypomethylation, causing reactivation of, at least, one lacZ transgene that had initially been repressed. Our results suggest that maintenance of imprinted X inactivation in the extraembryonic lineage can tolerate extensive demethylation while normal levels of methylation are required for stable maintenance of X inactivation in the embryonic lineage.

Different cellular basis for the resistance of C3H and STS strain mice to the development of thymic lymphomas following fractionated whole-body irradiation: analysis using radiation bone marrow chimeras

PURPOSE

B10 strain mice are susceptible to the induction of thymic lymphomas by fractionated whole-body X-irradiation (FI), whereas C3H and STS mice are resistant. The nature of the factors responsible for the strain difference in the susceptibility to thymic lymphomagenesis was investigated by using radiation bone marrow chimeras.

METHODS

Radiation bone marrow chimeras were constructed in the reciprocal donor-host combinations of susceptible and resistant mice with use of Thy 1 markers that allow the genetic origins of thymocytes and thymic lymphomas to be determined.

RESULTS

B10.Thy 1.1-->C3H, B10.Thy 1.1-->STS as well as B10.Thy 1.1-->B10 bone marrow chimeras manifested a high incidence of thymic lymphomas after FI-treatment, whereas C3H.Thy 1.1-->B10 and STS-->B10.Thy 1.1 as well as C3H.Thy 1.1-->C3H and STS-->STS chimeras manifested a low incidence of thymic lymphoma. Furthermore, FI-treatment of (B10.Thy 1.1+C3H)-->B10.Thy 1.1 mixed chimeras resulted in the generation of similar numbers of thymic lymphomas of B10 and C3H origins, whereas FI-treatment of (B10.Thy 1.1+STS)--> B10.Thy 1.1 mixed chimeras preferentially induced thymic lymphomas of B10 origin.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) genetic factors responsible for the strain-dependent susceptibility and/or resistance to FI-induced lymphomagenesis exert their effects entirely on bone-marrow derived cells, (2) host environments of C3H and STS resistant mice are not inhibitory for the development of thymic lymphomas and (3) the resistance of STS mice to FI-induced thymic lymphomagenesis is an intrinsic property of thymocytes, whereas C3H and B10 thymocytes themselves are similarly susceptible for FI-induced thymic lymphomagenesis.

Calorie restriction and spontaneous hepatic tumors in C3H/He mice

Caloric restriction started at the young adult (YA) stage and the full adult (FA) stage in mice was compared, specifically focussing on whether there would be a delay in the onset time of spontaneous hepatoma or a reduction in its frequency. Caloric restriction lengthened the life spans of both groups, the YA, and FA. Both groups showed striking reductions of spontaneous hepatomas, from 70.9 +/- 3.5% for non-restricted controls down to 35.7 +/- 5.7 and 30.4 +/- 4.0%, for mice restricted from young adult, and from full adult stages, respectively; further, the numbers of tumor-free mice in the restricted groups increased by 45.7% and 38.5%, respectively, from 11.5%, in the non-restricted control. The cumulative incidences of hepatoma in the caloric restricted groups showed a delayed and lower incidence compared with those of the non-restricted group; a parallel delay might result from a weakened activity in tumor-promotion, whereas a lower frequency, might reflect a possible reduction of target cells for hepatomata development. Both effects can be assumed to have resulted from caloric restriction. When cumulative incidences of small hepatomas were compared between the two restricted groups, restriction started at the young adult stage is assumed to have caused fewer initiation stresses, as well as to have delayed promotion, as clearly evidenced by a flatter curve of incidence with a lower total incidence. Thus, the time at which caloric restriction is started plays a critical role in its subsequent effects.

Low frequency of Ras gene mutation in spontaneous and gamma-ray-induced thymic lymphomas of scid mice

Scid mice, which have a defect in the capacity to repair DNA double-strand breaks, were highly prone to the induction of thymic lymphomas after exposure to ionizing radiation; approximately 70% of mice developed lymphomas within 1 year after exposure to 1-3 Gy, whereas approximately 20% of unirradiated control mice developed lymphomas. To gain information on the possible role of Ras activation in development of thymic lymphomas in scid mice, we have examined both the frequency and the spectrum of Kras and Nras mutations in spontaneous and radiation-induced lymphomas. Neither activated Kras nor Nras genes were detected in spontaneous lymphomas, while Kras mutations increased in a dose-dependent manner in radiation-induced lymphomas. However, Kras mutations were infrequent (6% in lymphomas in mice exposed to 1 Gy, 12.5% in those exposed to 2 Gy, 16.7% in those exposed to 3 Gy), and no mutations were detected in Nras genes, suggesting that Ras mutation was not significantly involved in the development of thymic lymphomas in scid mice. Analysis of the spectrum of Kras mutations demonstrated unique mutations in both codons 13 (GGC to GAC) and 61 (CAA to CTA) in addition to the commonly identified substitution of GAT for GGT in codon 12 of Kras.

Effect of CpG methylation on expression of the mouse imprinted gene Mest

We previously reported isolation of the mouse gene, Mest (mesoderm-specific transcripts), which is mapped to the proximal part of chromosome 6 and predominantly expressed in the mesoderm and its derivatives during development. Peg1, a paternally expressed gene isolated by a systematic screening of imprinted genes, was recently demonstrated to be identical to Mest. We and others have shown that the human homolog (MEST) of Mest is also imprinted so as to be expressed from the paternal copy and maps to 7q32. To study transcriptional regulation of Mest/Peg1, we examined the effect of DNA methylation on its expression. In the embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell line, MC12, from which Mest was originally isolated, the 5'-region harboring presumptive promoter of the gene was undermethylated. On the other hand, C4XX, a subclone of MC12 which had lost expression of Mest, was characterized by extremely high levels of methylation in the 5'-region, demethylation of which resulted in activation of Mest. Furthermore, a methylated reporter construct with the luciferase gene under the control of the putative promoter region of Mest was not competent to produce luciferase activity in MC12 cells. These results suggest a suppressive role for DNA methylation in Mest expression. However, neither methylated nor unmethylated reporter constructs showed luciferase activity in a primary culture from the adult kidney, in which Mest is down-regulated despite apparent unmethylation of the paternal allele. Taken together, the data suggest that there are probably two modes of regulation for the Mest gene; one being a methylation-dependent mechanism that regulates imprinted expression of Mest during development, and the other being a methylation-independent mechanism that is involved in down-regulation of Mest in adult tissues.

The mouse Gtl2 gene is differentially expressed during embryonic development, encodes multiple alternatively spliced transcripts, and may act as an RNA

We have isolated a novel mouse gene (Gtl2) from the site of a gene trap integration (Gtl2lacZ) that gave rise to developmentally regulated lacZ expression, and a dominant parental-origin-dependent phenotype. Heterozygous Gtl2lacZ mice that inherited the transgene from the father showed a proportionate dwarfism phenotype, whereas the penetrance and expressivity of the phenotype was strongly reduced in Gtl2lacZ mice that inherited the transgene from the mother. Gtl2 expression is highly similar to the beta-galactosidase staining pattern, and is down-regulated but not abolished in mice carrying the Gtl2lacZ insertion. In early postimplantation embryos, Gtl2 is expressed in the visceral yolk sac and embryonic ectoderm. During subsequent development and organogenesis, Gtl2 transcripts are abundant in the paraxial mesoderm closely correlated with myogenic differentiation, in parts of the central nervous system, and in the epithelial ducts of developing excretory organs. The Gtl2 gene gives rise to various differentially spliced transcripts, which contain multiple small open reading frames (ORF). However, none of the ATG codons of these ORFs is in the context of a strong Kozak consensus sequence for initiation of translation, suggesting that Gtl2 might function as an RNA. Nuclear Gtl2 RNA was detected in a temporally and spatially regulated manner, and partially processed Gtl2 transcripts were readily detected in Northern blot hybridizations of polyadenylated RNA, suggesting that primary Gtl2 transcripts are differently processed in various cell types during development. Gtl2 transcript levels are present in parthenogenic embryos but may be reduced, consistent with the pattern of inheritance of the Gtl2lacZ phenotype.

Possible induction of graft-versus-leukemia effect against a leukemia refractory to antileukemia response in ordinary MHC-compatible, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

We previously indicated that intensity of the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect varied among different leukemias in MHC-compatible, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Cellular factors responsible for differences in intensity of the GVL effect were examined by using two types of leukemias, i.e., a resistant leukemia (LE750) and a sensitive leukemia (8313) to induction of the GVL effect in MHC-compatible, allogeneic BMT of leukemia-bearing host. Resistance of LE750 leukemic cells to induction of the GVL effect could not be attributed to either less sensitivity to lysis by minor H antigen-specific, cytotoxic T cells or to an immunosuppressive activity of LE750 leukemic cells in leukemia-bearing host, when compared with the case of the sensitive leukemia (8313). To investigate the significance of the dose effect of effector cells for induction of the GVL effect, we used CD8+ T cells of AKR donor mice, which were shown to preferentially induce the GVL effect with hardly any lethal graft-versus host disease against C3H recipient mice, enabling us to increase the number of CD8+ T cells used in the allogeneic donor inoculum. The results suggested that the outcome of the antileukemic response in allogeneic BMT of leukemic recipients may be determined, at least in part, by the balance between the size of leukemic cells surviving and repopulating in the recipients after BMT and the number of antileukemic effector cells. The results furthermore indicated that when donors with T-cell subsets that preferentially induce an antileukemic response with reduced graft-versus-host disease are available, a more effective antileukemic response is inducible even against advanced leukemias.

Epigenotype switching of imprintable loci in embryonic germ cells

Expression of imprinted genes is dependent on their parental origin. This is reflected in the heritable differential methylation of parental alleles. The gametic imprints are however reversible as they do not endure for more than one generation. To investigate if the epigenetic changes in male and female germ line are similar or not, we derived embryonic germ (EG) cells from primordial germ cells (PGCs) of day 11.5 and 12.5 male and female embryos. The results demonstrate that they have an equivalent epigenotype. First, chimeras made with EG cells derived from both male and female embryos showed comparable fetal overgrowth and skeletal abnormalities, which are similar to but less severe than those induced by androgenetic embryonic stem (ES) cells. Thus, EG cells derived from female embryos resemble androgenetic ES cells more than parthenogenetic cells. Furthermore, the methylation status of both alleles of a number of loci in EG cells was similar to that of the paternal allele in normal somatic cells. Hence, both alleles of Igf2r region 2, Peg1/Mest, Peg3, Nnat were consistently unmethylated in EG cells as well as in the primary embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs) rescued from chimeras. More strikingly, both alleles of p57kip2 that were also unmethylated in EG cells, underwent de novo methylation in PEFs to resemble a paternal allele in somatic cells. The exceptions were the H19 and Igf2 genes that retained the methylation pattern in PEFs as seen in normal somatic tissues. These studies suggest that the initial epigenetic changes in germ cells of male and female embryos are similar.

Increased sensitivity of scid heterozygous mice to ionizing radiation

In the present study, acute effects of ionizing radiation on animal survival, bone marrow cells and fibroblast cell lines of scid homozygous, scid heterozygous and wild-type mice with the same C.B-17 genetic background were examined. The sensitivities to ultraviolet light (UV) and various chemicals, bleomycin, mitomycin C, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, methyl methanosulphonate, 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide and potassium bromate) were also investigated. In addition, micronucleus testing of whole-body irradiated mice was performed. Scid heterozygous mice were found to be less sensitive than the homozygotes but more sensitive to ionizing radiation than wild-type mice, not only in vivo but also for bone marrow cells in vitro, suggesting partial dominance under both conditions. In contrast, there were no differences in sensitivity to UV light and various chemicals, as compared with wild-type and scid heterozygous cell lines, either in vitro or in the micronucleus test.

Limiting dilution analysis of T-cell progenitors in the bone marrow of thymic lymphoma-susceptible B10 and -resistant C3H mice after fractionated whole-body X-irradiation

Earlier studies from this laboratory using Thy 1 congenic B10 strain mice suggested that a depletion of T cell progenitors (pre T cells) in the bone marrow in addition to the destruction of the thymus after fractionated whole body X-irradiation (IR) are the two main critical factors that cause differentiation arrest of initially repopulating intrathymic radio-resistant T cell progenitors, which then lead to the appearance of preneoplastic, prelymphoma cells, and eventually to highly neoplastic thymic lymphomas under the influence of the thymic environment. In order to explore the significance of the depletion (or reduction) of T cell progenitors in the bone marrow during pathogenesis of radiation-induced thymic lymphomas, we compared the pool size of pre T cells in the bone marrow and the spleens as well as the profiles of the regenerating thymocyte populations between thymic lymphoma induction-susceptible B10 and -resistant C3H strain mice following irradiation. The results indicated that irradiation severely depleted the pre T cells in the bone marrow and the spleens of both lymphoma induction-susceptible and -resistant mice. They also showed that in C3H mice the differentiation and maturation of intrathymic T cell progenitors which initially repopulated the depleted thymus seemed to proceed normally in spite of the poor cellularity, while this process was greatly suppressed in B10 mice. These data indicate that a depletion of pre T cells in the bone marrow combined with atrophy of the thymus in the irradiated mice is necessary, but not sufficient for development of thymic lymphoma. Implication of these findings on the possible mechanism of radiation-induced thymic lymphomagenesis is discussed.

Radiation-induced myeloid leukemia in mice under calorie restriction

The host-defense mechanisms against cancers are known to be modulated by changing the environmental factor(s). The spontaneous incidence of myeloid leukemia is about 1% in C3H/He mice, and the incidence increases up to 23.3% when a single dose of radiation, 3 Gy X-ray, is exposed to a whole-body. Since calorie restriction was known to reduce the incidence of spontaneous tumors, a question as to whether such radiation induced-increase of myeloid leukemia would be also decreased by calorie restriction, was aimed to answer to elucidate possible mechanism of radiation-induced myeloid leukemia. By the calorie restriction, the incidence of myeloid leukemia was significantly decreased. In addition, the latent period of the myeloid leukemia in the groups for calorie restriction was significantly extended at a greater extent as compared with the control diet groups. Number of hemopoietic stem cells, the possible target cells for radiation-induced leukemias, in the groups for the calorie restriction demonstrated a significant decrease, especially in the spleen, as compared with that in the control, when the evaluation was made at the time of radiation exposure.

Calorie restriction reduces the incidence of myeloid leukemia induced by a single whole-body radiation in C3H/He mice

Dietary restriction, especially caloric restriction, is a major modifier in experimental carcinogenesis and is known to decrease significantly the incidence of neoplasms. Gross and Dreyfuss [Gross, L. & Dreyfuss, Y. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 7596-7598; Gross, L. & Dreyfuss, Y. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 7928-7931] reported that a 36% restriction in caloric intake dramatically decreased the radiation-induced solid tumors and/or leukemias. Their protocol predominantly produced lymphatic neoplasms. It is of interest to observe the effect of caloric restriction on radiation-induced myeloid leukemia, because the disease was observed to have been increased in the survivors of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The spontaneous incidence of myeloid leukemia in C3H/He male mice is 1%, and the incidence increased to 23.3% when 3 Gy of whole-body x-ray irradiation was given. However, the incidence of myeloid leukemia was found to be significantly decreased by caloric restriction; it was reduced to 7.9% and 10.7% when restriction was started before (6 weeks old) and after (10 weeks old) irradiation, respectively. In addition, the onset of the myeloid leukemia in both restricted groups was prolonged to a greater extent as compared with the control diet group. Caloric restriction demonstrated a significant prolongation of the life span in the groups on a restricted diet after having been exposed to irradiation, either before or after dietary restriction, in comparison with mice that were only irradiated.

Cytogenetic analysis of thymocytes during early stages after irradiation in mice with different susceptibilities to radiation-induced lymphomagenesis

To investigate the relationship between radiation-induced chromosomal instability and lymphomagenesis, the incidences of chromosome aberrations and of cells with abnormal chromosome complements in the thymuses of B10. Thy 1.1 and STS/A strains which have shown marked differences in susceptibility to radiation-induced lymphomagenesis were compared at an early time (12-33 days) after whole-body X-irradiation (1.61 Gy X 4). Numerical and structural aberrations of chromosome in B10. Thy 1.1 mice were higher than those in STS/A mice. The average incidence of trisomy 15 was 37.5% (12/32 mice) from 12 days to 32 days after irradiation in B10. Thy 1.1 mice, whereas none was found (0/38 mice) in STS/A mice. Frequencies of aberrations in chromosomes 11, 12, 15 of the thymocytes from irradiated B10. Thy 1.1 mice were higher than those from irradiated STS/A mice, and especially, the most frequent translocations occurred in the E-F regions of chromosome 12. using B10. Thy 1 congenic mice, we found that in many cases (8/13), the chromosome aberrations detected in the thymocytes from B10. Thy 1.1 mice at an early time after irradiation could also be observed in the donor-type (Thy 1.1) lymphomas developed from recipient mice 4-5 months after intrathymic injection, suggesting that these chromosome aberrations have some role in lymphomagenesis. The difference of chromosome instability detected at an early time after irradiation might be due to genetic background with regard to genomic instability induced by radiation.

[Present international status and basic approach of lung and heart-lung transplantation]

Lung transplantation has been established as an optional treatment for variable irreversible diffuse lung diseases. To date, more than 5,000 patients have underwent lung transplantation, and nearly 1,000 procedures a year are performed recently. Although heart-lung transplantation has also been technically established, this procedure is confined to quite limited conditions due to the severe shortage of donors and many difficulties in operative procedure and the patient management. Preservation, post-transplantation edema, diagnosis of rejection, chronic rejection, shortage of donor organs, are principal problems in clinical lung transplantation, 24-hour preservation proved to be possible in several recent experimental studies, and the reperfusion injury has been revealed to be one of causes of post-transplantation edema. Establishment of methods for long-term pulmonary preservation and for the treatment of post-transplantation edema may be promising in the near future. Shortage of donor lung is one of major limiting factors. Research works on xenotransplantation and cadaver lung transplantation are on going, and these may help in solving this problem.

Distribution of Fv-4 resistant gene product in Friend leukemia virus-resistant Fv-4r mouse strain

Fv-4 is a mouse gene that dominantly confers resistance to infection by ecotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV). We demonstrated previously that the Fv-4 resistant (Fv-4r) gene product, Fv-4r env antigen, is released from Fv-4r-bearing BALB/c-Fv-4Wr (C4W) mouse-derived cells into serum in vivo and binds to cells expressing surface receptors for ecotropic MuLV, thereby protecting them from infection with Friend leukemia virus (FLV) by receptor interference. This unique resistance mechanism against retroviral infection might provide a possible therapeutic model system of human retroviral infection such as AIDS. To further investigate the Fv-4r gene action in vivo, we examined the distribution and character of Fv-4r env antigen in serum and systemic organs from C4W mice. The Fv-4r env antigen was immunohistochemically localized to the lympho-hematopoietic cells and exocrine glandular cells, such as those of the salivary gland and pancreas. Using immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting, we determined two types of gp70-related Fv-4r env antigen in the serum of C4W mice, showing molecular weights of either 70-75 kDa and 80-85 kDa. When thymocytes from Fv-4 susceptible gene (Fv-4r)-bearing C3H mouse were mixed with C4W mouse serum, the 70-75k Da molecule of the C4W serum dominantly bound to C3H thymocytes and thus contributed to receptor interference function. Using immunoelectron microscopy, Fv-4r env antigen was mainly localized to the cell surface membrane of thymic lymphoid cells, while acinar cells of the salivary gland possessed Fv-4r env antigen in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as well as on the cell surface membrane. These data indicate that several glandular organs, as well as lymphohematopoietic organs of C4W mice, may contribute to the production of cell-free Fv-4r env antigen, resulting in protection of cells from infection with FLV by receptor interference.

[Assessment of prognostic factors in surgical treatment for the pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma based on results of 17 patients]

Seventeen cases with surgical treatment for pulmonary metastases of osteosarcomas have been experienced for past 20 years in our institute. Disease free intervals, tumor doubling time, the number of metastatic lesions, the size of metastatic lesions, pathological features on nuclear findings were assessed in relation to their prognosis. These parameters were concluded to have no significant relations to the survival outcomes after the surgery for pulmonary lesions except for the number of metastatic lesions less than 20 in total which is likely to be associated with long survivals, supporting previous reports on the resectability of pulmonary metastatic lesions as an only reliable prognostic indicator. It was also stressed from our experience that the meticulous follow-up after each surgery for both primary and metastatic lesions is absolutely necessary for the early detection of recurrent pulmonary lesions in order not to overlook curable cases with aggressive treatment.