Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against two haptenic derivatives of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 conjugated with bovine serum albumin through the C-3 or C-24 position

To develop the immunochemical methods for determining 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] in clinical samples, a variety of monoclonal anti-1,25(OH)2D3 antibodies have been generated. Two kinds of hapten-carrier conjugates, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 3-hemisuccinate (hapten 3-HS) and 1 alpha-hydroxy-25,26,27-trinorvitamin D3 24-oic acid (hapten 24-OA) conjugated with bovine serum albumin, were used for immunization. Spleen cells from SD rats or BALB/c mice, each immunized with the conjugate of hapten 3-HS or 24-OA, were fused with P3/NS1/1-Ag4-1 myeloma cells. After screening by ELISA employing beta-galactosidase-labeled haptens, seven kinds of hybridomas secreting anti-1,25(OH)2D3 antibodies were established. Binding characteristics of these antibodies (Ka 0.73-20 x 10(9) M-1) were investigated by an RIA using tritium-labeled 1,25(OH)2D3. The data suggested that the rat monoclonal antibody 3R-1 derived from the hapten 3-HS and the mouse monoclonal antibody 24M-3 from the hapten 24-OA would be available for developing practical analytical systems.

Emergence and distribution of intimal smooth muscle cells in the postnatal rat aorta

The distribution of aortic intimal smooth muscle cells in the normal rat during postnatal development was studied by electron microscopy and by staining with fluorescence-labeled phalloidin. The phenotypes of intimal and medial smooth muscle cells were almost identical at first; however, during development, the former remained synthetic, whereas the latter became contractile. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was utilized to observe intimal and medial cells separately. Intimal smooth muscle cells were rarely observed in neonatal rats, but appeared by 10 days of age and increased during postnatal development. A combination of confocal and conventional fluorescent microscopy clearly demonstrated that the intimal smooth muscle cells were preferentially distributed in: (1) the right-lateral and dorsal wall of the upper thoracic aorta, (2) the left-lateral and ventral wall of distal two-thirds of the descending aorta, and (3) the downstream side of branch orifices. Intimal smooth muscle cells in group (1) were oriented randomly, whereas most in group (2) ran longitudinally. Intimal smooth muscle cells at branches in group (3) ran obliquely from the edges at the downstream side in an upstream direction. They tended to accumulate in regions of the aortic wall considered to be under high tensile stress.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against a novel 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-bovine serum albumin conjugate linked through the 11alpha-position

To obtain an antibody which is useful for developing a selective immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], which is an effective pretreatment tool for determining this metabolite in biological fluids, a variety of monoclonal antibodies have been produced against a novel haptenic derivative, 11alpha-hemiglutaryloxy-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, linked to bovine serum albumin. BALB/c, A/J and C57BL/6 mice, as well as Wistar and SD rats, were immunized with the hapten-carrier conjugate and the titer of the anti-1,25(OH)2D3 antibody in serum was examined. Spleen cells from A/J mice or SD rats, which showed a high titer, were fused with P3/NS1/1-Ag4-1 myeloma cells. After serial screening by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay, sixteen kinds of hybridoma clones secreting different anti-1,25(OH)2D3 antibodies were established. Scatchard analysis revealed that 12 antibodies out of 16 have enough affinity to 1,25(OH)2D3 (Ka>10(9) M[-1]). By a cross-reaction study using various related compounds, two antibodies, M114 and M129, both derived from A/J mice, were found to have suitable specificity. Although they showed relatively high cross-reactivities with the 1,25(OH)2D3 derivatives having 24-hydroxylated (both 20%) or lactonized (30%, 8.9%) side chain, all the tested 1alpha-deoxy-type metabolites, some of which interfere with the 1,25(OH)2D3 assays, were successfully discriminated [25(OH)D3: 0.67%, 0.40%; 24,25(OH)2D3: 0.27%, 0.24%; 25(OH)D3 3-sulfate: 0.11%, 0.14%]. These monoclonal antibodies will be applicable for developing not only IAC but also various immunoassay procedures.

Analysis of assembly of synthetic antibody fragments: expression of functional scFv with predefined specificity

In this work, we have investigated parameters important for the assembly of synthetic genes encoding antibody fragments. These genes are constructed from a set of overlapping single-stranded oligonucleotides (primers), which are assembled into a gene sequence in a one-step process using PCR. Using the Oligo program, we made a detailed analysis of wanted and unwanted interactions between these primers; both the stability of hairpin structures of homodimers and of heterodimers were examined. The Oligo program could be used to identify unwanted interactions of high stability, and the present study suggests that if the stabilities of the unwanted interactions are kept to 25%-50% of the designed interactions, a successful assembly of synthetic genes can occur.

Typing of urinary JC virus DNA offers a novel means of tracing human migrations

Although polyomavirus JC (JCV) is the proven pathogen of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, the fatal demyelinating disease, this virus is ubiquitous as a usually harmless symbiote among human beings. JCV propagates in the adult kidney and excretes its progeny in urine, from which JCV DNA can readily be recovered. The main mode of transmission of JCV is from parents to children through long cohabitation. In this study, we collected a substantial number of urine samples from native inhabitants of 34 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. A 610-bp segment of JCV DNA was amplified from each urine sample, and its DNA sequence was determined. A worldwide phylogenetic tree subsequently constructed revealed the presence of nine subtypes including minor ones. Five subtypes (EU, Af2, B1, SC, and CY) occupied rather large territories that overlapped with each other at their boundaries. The entire Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia were the domain of EU, whereas the domain of Af2 included nearly all of Africa and southwestern Asia all the way to the northeastern edge of India. Partially overlapping domains in Asia were occupied by subtypes B1, SC, and CY. Of particular interest was the recovery of JCV subtypes in a pocket or pockets that were separated by great geographic distances from the main domains of those subtypes. Certain of these pockets can readily be explained by recent migrations of human populations carrying these subtypes. Overall, it appears that JCV genotyping promises to reveal previously unknown human migration routes: ancient as well as recent.

Low epithelial cell proliferation and absence of oncoprotein expression in juvenile polyposis of the stomach, with or without tumors

OBJECTIVES

To assess cell proliferation and analyze oncogenetic abnormalities in cases of juvenile polyposis of the stomach (JPs), with or without coexisting tumors.

METHODS

The Ki-67 labeling indices (KLI) were compared for juvenile polyps and coexisting tumors in three cases of JPs along with values for gastritis, foveolar epithelial hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and carcinomas. Expression of p53, Bcl-2, and c-ErbB-2 in tumors was examined immunohistochemically, and a search for c-Ki-ras mutations was made by DNA direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The KLI for JPs did not significantly differ between cases, being consistently lower than the values for both hyperplastic polyps and gastritis. The KLI for the papillary tumors and a signet ring cell carcinoma found in association with JPs tended to be lower than those for their conventional counterparts. P53, but not Bcl-2 and c-ErbB-2, was focally expressed in the papillary tumors, whereas all three were absent in the signet ring cell carcinoma, in the JPs. No c-Ki-ras mutations were detected in the papillary tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The cell proliferation of JPs is relatively low and the polyps can be considered hamartomatous. However, neoplastic change clearly can occur in association with a relative increase in proliferative activity being observed in coexisting tumors. Low cellular proliferative activity and absence of oncogenetic abnormalities in tumors of JPs, compared with their conventional counterpart tumors, suggest that pathways of tumorigenesis and genetic alteration in JPs may be different from those in their conventional counterparts.

Selective inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation and PDGF-mediated cellular events by a quinoline derivative

This report describes the biological effects of our original compound, Ki6783 ((3,4-dimethoxy)-4-phenoxy-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline), a potent and selective inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation. This compound strongly inhibited autophosphorylation of the PDGF beta-receptor in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (MC) bearing this receptor (IC50 0.1 microM), although it did not inhibit autophosphorylation of other growth factor receptors even at 100 microM. In a cell-free kinase experiment, it showed selective inhibition of PDGF beta-receptor tyrosine kinase. A kinetic study of the compound to this tyrosine kinase revealed a competitive mode of action to ATP. [3H]Thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation of MC were inhibited by Ki6783 in a dose-dependent manner after Ki6783 and PDGF-BB were added to the culture medium. Furthermore, this compound normalized the fibrotic cell shape of v-sis-transformed NIH3T3 cells, which grow in an autocrine manner via the PDGF receptor. These effects could be explained by the inhibition of intracellular signal transduction triggered by PDGF receptor autophosphorylation, in which activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase occurs. These results suggest that Ki6783 is one of the more potent and selective inhibitors of PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and that it may be useful in ameliorating cell abnormalities due to excess action of PDGF and its receptor systems in several diseases.

Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor-like immunoreactivity in the nuclei of regenerating hepatocytes

This study, utilizing rats subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy or sham operation, was designed (1) to investigate the content of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the subcellular fractions of regenerating and sham-operated rat livers by immunoblot experiments and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), (2) to show that bFGF immunoreactivity and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity are markers for hepatocellular mitosis before and after partial hepatectomy, and (3) to observe the location and fine structure of the bFGF immunoreaction within the regenerating liver with special attention to bFGF immunoreactivity in the nuclei of regenerating hepatocytes. Immunoblot experiments and ELISA showed a transient increase in high-molecular-weight forms of bFGF in the nuclear subcellular fraction of regenerating liver 48 h after partial hepatectomy. By light microscopy, bFGF and PCNA immunoreactivities were detected in the nuclei of regenerating hepatocytes. Electron microscopy demonstrated bFGF-like immunoreactivity mainly in the nuclear euchromatin and rarely in the heterochromatin or nucleoli of regenerating hepatocytes. The transient increase in high-molecular-weight forms of bFGF in the nuclear euchromatin of regenerating hepatocytes, together with the concomitant expression of PCNA in the regenerating liver, suggests an important role of the high-molecular-weight forms of bFGF in hepatocyte proliferation and/or mitosis, although authentic bFGF with a molecular form of 18 kDa is not considered to be involved in hepatic regeneration.

Changes in liver function parameters after occlusion of gastrorenal shunts with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To evaluate the effects of portal blood flow on liver function, this pilot study investigated the correlation between changes in portal blood flow as measured by image-directed Doppler ultrasonography and liver function tests in nine patients with cirrhosis who were treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. All patients had large gastric varices and prominent gastrorenal shunts.

RESULTS

Treatment caused a significant increase (p < 0.01) in portal blood flow; we documented reversion from hepatofugal to hepatopetal portal flow in one patient and increases in hepatopetal flow from 5.4 +/- 1.1 to 7.85 +/- 1.4 cm/s (mean +/- SD) in eight patients. All patients showed decreases in gastric variceal size. However, portal pressure rose significantly in all patients after treatment from 25.4 +/- 7.6 to 30.7 +/- 5.8 mmH2O (n = 7, mean +/- SD), and two of nine patients had worsening of esophageal varices. All nine patients showed improvement in the 15-min retention rate of indocyanine green from 31.8 +/- 16.1 to 21.8 +/- 12.4% (mean +/- SD, p < 0.01), whereas seven patients showed increased serum albumin levels after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration increases hepatic portal blood flow, which may be accompanied by improvements in liver function.

[Relationship between cholinergic symptoms caused by distigmine and the activities of serum AChE and BChE]

Distigmine is widely used for the treatment of dysuria, which is caused by various types of psychotropic medications. Distigmine, however, is also known to induce adverse cholinergic effects, such as diarrhea and salivation, with a decreased level of serum cholinesterase. We evaluated the possibility of using serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as specific clinical markers for the adverse cholinergic effects of distigmine. Of the twelve patients treated with distigmine for dysuria caused by psychotropic drugs six patients presented both adverse cholinergic effects and decreased levels of serum AChE and BChE. The other six presented neither of these changes. This study suggests that the values of serum AChE and BChE may be useful markers for the manifestation of adverse cholinergic effects caused by distigmine.

Mechanical property of a TIM-barrel protein

The mechanical response of a TIM-barrel protein to an applied pressure has been studied. We generated structures under an applied pressure by assuming the volume change to be a linear function of normal mode variables. By Delaunay tessellation, the space occupied by protein atoms is divided uniquely into tetrahedra, whose four vertices correspond to atomic positions. Based on the atoms that define them, the resulting Delaunay tetrahedra are classified as belonging to various secondary structures in the protein. The compressibility of various regions identified with respect to secondary structural elements in this protein is obtained from volume changes of respective regions in two structures with and without an applied pressure. We found that the beta barrel region located at the core of the protein is quite soft. The interior of the beta barrel, occupied by side chains of beta strands, is the softest. The helix, strand, and loop segments themselves are extremely rigid, while the regions existing between these secondary structural elements are soft. These results suggest that the regions between secondary structural elements play an important role in protein dynamics. Another aspect of tetrahedra, referred to as bond distance, is introduced to account for rigidities of the tetrahedra. Bond distance is a measure of separation of the atoms of a tetrahedron in terms of number of bonds along the polypeptide chain or side chains. Tetrahedra with longer bond distances are found to be softer on average. From this behavior, we derive a simple empirical equation, which well describes the compressibilities of various regions.

[Esophagobronchial fistula and empyema resulting from esophageal carcinoma]

A 59-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a one-month history of hemoptysis, generalized fatigue, and a high fever. A chest X-ray film obtained on admission showed a massive right-sided pleural effusion. Examination of an aspirate showed a high level of amylase, and bacteria that were the same as oral bacteria. Closed drainage yielded ichorous pus and food residues, which led us to the diagnosis of empyema caused by esophageal perforation. Esophagography and fiberoptic esophagoscopy revealed that an esophagobronchial fistula related to an advanced esophageal carcinoma had caused the empyema. Surgical resection was done, and the patient was alive at the time of this writing, 7 months after she was first treated. Esophageal carcinoma is sometimes accompanied by esophagobronchial fistula. Patients with this condition usually have severe respiratory symptoms; those presenting with empyema are rare. Esophageal carcinoma must be carefully ruled out as the cause of empyema.

Specificity of polyclonal antibodies raised against a novel 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-bovine serum albumin conjugant linked through the C-11alpha or C-3 position

Novel hapten-carrier conjugants were prepared by coupling 11 alpha-hemiglutaryloxy-(24R)-24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or (24R)-24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] 3-hemiglutarate with bovine serum albumin (BSA), to obtain an antibody with high specificity and affinity for use in 24,25(OH)2D3 immunoassay. The polyclonal antibodies showing high titre were each elicited in three or four rabbits against these two conjugants; the antibodies obtained from the former and the latter conjugants were expressed as Ab11 and Ab3, respectively. These had a much higher affinity for 24,25(OH)2D3 than that of the vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Specificity of the antibodies was investigated by crossreactivities with 11 related compounds in a radioimmunoassay (RIA) system. The Abll well discriminated the 1 alpha-hydroxylated metabolites such as 1,24,25(OH)3D3 (< or = 0.69%) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (< or = 0.25%), but significantly crossreacted with some side chain modified compounds such as (24S)-24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24S,25(OH)2D3] (> or = 67%), 25(OH)D3 (> or = 14%) and 25,26(OH)2D3 (> or = 23%). On the other hand, the Ab3 showed only negligible crossreactivities with the compounds having a different side chain structure such as 24S,25(OH)2D3 (< or = 3.0%), 25(OH)D3 (< 0.3%) and 25,26(OH)2D3 (< or = 0.53%). A significant crossreaction was found only with 1,24,25(OH)3D3 (> or = 68%). These results demonstrated that the Ab3 are promising for developing an immunoassay system which is much more specific and sensitive than conventional competitive protein binding assays based on DBP.

[Effectiveness of clonidine in postoperative nausea and vomiting--epidural versus oral administration]

We investigated antiemetic effect of clonidine in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One hundred and fifty nine patients were female, and were ranged in age 20 to 60 years. The body mass index of the patients was less than 30, and duration of operation was within 120 minutes. All patients received general anesthesia combined with epidural analgesia. One hundred and fifty nine patients were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 53); epidural group (n = 53) which received clonidine 150 micrograms epidurally before incision, oral group (n = 53) which received clonidine 150 micrograms orally 60-90 min prior to arrival in the operating room. The overall incidence of PONV during the first 12 h postoperatively was smaller in epidural group (15.1%, P < 0.01) and in oral group (7.5%, P < 0.05) compared with control group (32.1%). The incidence of PONV during the first postoperative hour was significantly smaller in epidural group (3.8%, P < 0.01) and in oral group (3.8%, P < 0.01) compared with control group (18.9%). Postoperative analgesic requirement was not significantly different among the three groups. We conclude that oral or epidural clonidine decreased the incidence of early PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Effects of whey protein on calcium and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats

We studied the effects of whey protein (WP) from cow's milk on calcium and bone metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Six-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and fed a low-calcium diet (0.03% Ca, 0.3% P) for 4 weeks. The OVX rats were divided into three groups and subjected to two experiments: Exp. 1, Cont group (20% casein, 0.3% Ca), WP (1%) group (19% casein, 1% whey protein, 0.3% Ca) and Low-Ca group (20% casein, 0.03% Ca); and Exp. 2, Cont group (20% casein, 0.3% Ca), WP (1%) group (19% casein, 1% whey protein, 0.3% Ca) and WP (2%) group (18% casein, 2% whey protein, 0.3% Ca). The rats were fed each experimental diet for 4 weeks. The final body weight, weight gain, food intake and food efficiency showed no significant difference between the Cont and WP (1%, 2%) groups in Exps. 1 and 2. There were no significant differences in the calcium balance, serum ALP or serum calcitonin levels between the Cont and WP groups in Exp. 1. But the breaking energies of the WP (1%, 2%) groups were higher than those of the Cont groups in Exps. 1 and 2. As for the amount of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the femur, there were no significant differences between the Cont and WP (1%, 2%) groups; however, the amounts of total amino acids in the femur of the WP (1%, 2%) groups were higher than those of the Cont groups in Exps. 1 and 2. The amounts of proline and hydroxyproline in the femur of the WP (1%, 2%) groups were also higher than those of the Cont groups in Exps. 1 and 2. These data indicate that the milk whey protein influence in OVX rats is an increase in bone proteins such as collagen and enhanced bone-breaking energy.

Expression of bcl-2 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and its association with lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies on the role of bcl-2 in malignant tumors have suggested its prognostic significance. The goals of the current study were to determine any correlation between bcl-2 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and histopathology, lymph node metastasis, and clinical variables, and to assess its applicability as a parameter for prognosis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining for bcl-2 (clone 124) was performed on archival material from 105 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. The results were compared among patient subgroups.

RESULTS

bcl-2 was expressed in 58% of esophageal carcinomas, demonstrating positive correlations with a lack of keratinization and an early stage of disease. Lymph node metastasis was significantly less frequently observed in the subset of early stage carcinomas with bcl-2 staining. Univariate analysis revealed significantly longer disease free survival in patients with bcl-2 positive carcinomas than in those bcl-2 negative. bcl-2 expression did not have independent prognostic value in a multivariate survival analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

bcl-2 is frequently expressed in esophageal carcinomas, and this expression is positively associated with nonkeratinization and an early stage, whereas it is negatively linked with lymph node metastasis and may indicate a favorable prognosis.

Relation between the initial portion of the signal-averaged QRS complex and cardiac function and infarct size in patients with myocardial infarction

We analyzed signal-averaged electrocardiograms (ECG) obtained in 50 patients with recent myocardial infarction (RMI: 25 anterior and 25 inferior) and 20 normal subjects to determine the relationship between the initial portion of the signal-averaged QRS complex and cardiac function and infarct size. We examined (1) the root mean square voltage (RMS10-40, microV), (2) the integration (A10-40, microV.msec) at 10-msec intervals over the first 40 msec of the signal-averaged QRS complex, and (3) the intervals (T) of the magnitude of the signal-averaged ECG achieved at 10-microV intervals over the first 40 microV (T10-40, msec). The mean RMS10-40 (p < 0.01) and A10-40 (A10, p < 0.05; A20-40, p < 0.01) were significantly lower and the T10-40 (p < 0.01) was significantly longer in RMI patients than in normal subjects. The RMS10-40 (p < 0.01) and A10-40 (p < 0.05) were significantly lower and the T10-40 (T10.20, p < 0.01; T30.40, p < 0.05) was significantly longer in patients with anterior RMI patients than in patients with inferior RMI. The A30 was correlated with the ejection fraction and total creatine kinase (CK) release in all patients (r = 0.73, and -0.78, respectively, p < 0.001). These results suggest that the A30 may be an important predictor of ventricular dysfunction and infarct size in patients with RMI.

Further ST elevation at reperfusion by direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty predicts poor recovery of left ventricular systolic function in anterior wall AMI

Some patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) develop further ST elevation at reperfusion by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This study reports the ST deviation at reperfusion by direct PTCA in relation to the clinical factors and the recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Fifty-two patients with anterior wall AMI were treated with direct PTCA. They were classified into the following 3 groups according to the change in ST elevation at reperfusion: increase of > or = 20% (ST reelevation); reduction of > or = 20% (ST resolution); and the other (ST no change). Angina pectoris preceding AMI occurred less often in the ST reelevation group (ST reelevation group, 38%; ST no change group, 81%; ST resolution group, 70%; p < 0.05). Recovery of LV ejection fraction during the first month after direct PTCA was significantly poor in the ST reelevation group in contrast to the ST resolution group (ST reelevation group, -6.3 +/- 13%; ST no change group, 18 +/- 20%; ST resolution group, 45 +/- 29%; p < 0.0001). The change in ST elevation at reperfusion was an index predicting the recovery of LV systolic function in the reperfusion by direct PTCA.

Purification and characterization of the flagellar hook-basal body complex of Bacillus subtilis

The flagellar hook-basal body (HBB) complex of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis was purified and analysed by electron microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and amino acid sequencing of the major component proteins. The purified HBB complex consisted of the inner (M and S) rings, a rod and a hook. There were no outer (P and L) rings that are found in Gram-negative bacteria. The hook was 15 nm in thickness and 70 nm in length, which is thinner and longer than the hook of Salmonella typhimurium. The hook protein had an apparent molecular mass of 29 kDa, and its N-terminal sequence was identical to that of B. subtilis FIgG, which was previously reported as a rod protein. The sequence of the reported FIgG protein of B. subtilis is more closely related to that of FIgE (the hook protein) rather than FIgG (the rod protein) of S. typhimurium, in spite of the difference of the apparent molecular masses between the two hook proteins (29 kDa versus 42 kDa). The hook-basal body contained six major proteins (with apparent molecular masses of 82, 59, 35, 32, 29 and 20 kDa) and two minor proteins (23 kDa and 13 kDa), which consistently appeared from preparation to preparation. The N-terminus of each of these proteins was sequenced. Comparison with protein databases revealed the following polypeptide-gene correspondences: 82 kDa, fIiF; 59 kDa, fIgK; 35 kDa, orfF; 32 kDa, yqhF; 23 kDa, orf3 of the fIaA locus; 20 kDa, fIgB and fIgC; 13 kDa, not determined. The band at 20 kDa was a mixture of FIgB and FIgC, as revealed by two-dimensional gel analysis. Characteristic features of B. subtilis HBB are discussed in comparison with those of S. typhimiurium.

An international symposium on neonatal hypoglycemia: thirty years later. Does it injure the neonatal brain?

A discussion of neonatal hypoglycemia was held on 18 November 1995 as a satellite symposium of the 40th Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Premature and Newborn Medicine and continued in closed session of 19 November to address neonatal hypoglycemia in the 21st century. This represented a 30-year follow-up of a discussion of carbohydrate and energy metabolism in the newborn held in Tokyo on 10 November 1965. This follow-up was prompted by the incredible advances in clinical care in perinatal medicine and in basic knowledge in the neurosciences, neonatal physiology and metabolism that have occurred in Japan and around the world throughout these 3 decades.

Cardiac output and circulating blood volume analysis by pulse dye-densitometry

OBJECTIVE

Pulse dye-densitometry (PDD) is a newly developed method for monitoring the indocyanine green (ICG) concentration in an artery with which cardiac output (CO) and circulating blood volume (CBV) can be determined. We evaluated its accuracy for clinical use.

METHODS

In 7 patients under general anesthesia, ICG-sensitive optical probes (805 and 890 nm) were attached to a finger. Following injection of ICG, the arterial concentration of dye was recorded optically by the non-invasive test instrument and sampled arterial blood ICG concentration was also measured photometrically for comparison. In order to validate the PDD analysis, CO was also measured by both the dye dilution cuvette method and by thermodilution in 8 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting. In 30 other patients, CBV assessed by PDD was compared with its value estimated from body size.

RESULTS

The blood dye concentration correlated well with the values obtained by PDD (r = 0.953, p < 0.01). Mean bias for the test PDD CO was +0.15 +/- 0.72 min l-1 (not significant (n.s.)) compared with the cuvette method while the mean bias of the thermodilution method vs the cuvette method was +0.79 +/- 0.84 min l-1 (p < 0.0001.). The average value of CBV obtained by PDD was 3.81 +/- 1.39 L compared with that estimated value, 3.72 +/- 0.77 L (n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

CO determined by PDD agrees well with cuvette densitometry, and somewhat less well with CO by thermodilution. The new method, by not requiring a pulmonary arterial catheter, is less invasive than either older method, and yields in addition a value of CBV.

[Positive seroconversion syphilis in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation]

An acute lymphocytic leukemia patient underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from a sibling who was serologically positive for syphilis. After the donor was administered antibiotic therapy, the titration of treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) decreased from x1260 to x320. Thereafter, the graft consisting of mononuclear cells was transplanted. TPHA of the recipient turned positive on day +63, but became negative 1.5 years after BMT. Although the cause of the seroconversion of TPHA seemed to be the contamination of treponema to the graft, the adoptive transfer could not be ruled out as an another possible cause.

Immunohistochemical detection of Fas antigen in oral epithelia

A monospecific and high titer polyclonal antibody, designated as Fas D, raised against synthetic polypeptides selected from a part of the human Fas antigen (aa 104-114), was used to identify the Fas antigen in human oral epithelia in normal and pathological states. The human gingival proteins had been extracted and analysed by an ABC (avidin-biotin complex) immunoblotting technique. The antibody interacted with a single band in gingival proteins with an estimated molecular weight of 35,000, which is in good agreement with that calculated from amino acid sequences of the human Fas antigen. Using an indirect immunohistochemical method, the antibody localized on the stratum spinosum and the basal part of the stratum corneum of normal human gingiva. Specimens obtained from patients with odontogenic keratocysts, leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma were also stained with the antibody. The pattern of the Fas antigen distribution in oral stratified squamous epithelia was, with some overlapping, characteristic for each disease.