Evaluation of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin as a marker protein of hepatocellular carcinoma

We measured des-gamma-carboxyglutamic acid prothrombin (protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-Factor II: [PIVKA-II]) in plasmas of normal subjects, patients with thrombotic disease, those with hepatic disease including hepatocellular carcinoma, and those with carcinoma of other tissues, and compared the results with results of blood coagulation tests used for the examination of hepatic function. In addition, in the patients with hepatic disease, PIVKA-II and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were compared. The PIVKA-II level was frequently high in patients with thrombotic disease given warfarin therapy and those with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, in patients with thrombotic disease who were not given warfarin therapy, no significant correlation was seen between the PIVKA-II value and the results of the thrombotest or hepaplastin test, suggesting no association between the PIVKA-II level and the degree of impairment of hepatic function. In 70 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, the percentage of patients positive for PIVKA-II (greater than or equal to 0.1 micrograms/ml) and those positive for AFP (greater than or equal to 20 ng/ml) were similar (77% and 74%, respectively). Pearson's correlation of coefficient between the PIVKA-II value and the AFP value in the 70 patients was 0.463. However, false-positive rates in patients with hepatic disease other than hepatocellular carcinoma were lower for PIVKA-II. Combined assessment of PIVKA-II and AFP increased positive rates and allowed exclusion of false-positive patients. The plasma PIVKA-II level is suggested to be useful as an indicator of warfarin control in patients with thrombotic disease, as a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma, and is particularly of value when assessed in combination with AFP.

Induction of membrane-associated interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) by synergistic activation of human blood monocytes with interferon gamma and muramyl dipeptide analog

Human blood monocytes isolated by centrifugal elutriation from healthy donors were tested for ability to produce membrane-associated IL-1 in response to activation stimuli such as various types of interferons (alpha, beta and gamma) and/or synthetic des-methyl muramyl dipeptide (norMDP). When monocytes were treated with norMDP or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 16 hr, they released IL-1 into their culture supernatant. When these activated monocytes were fixed with paraformaldehyde (PFA), they stimulated blastogenic responses of C3H/HeJ mouse thymocytes to PHA, suggesting that membrane-associated IL-1 could be induced by norMDP or LPS. Membrane-associated IL-1 was also found to be induced by the synergistic actions of suboptimal concentrations of rIFN-gamma and nor MDP, but not of rIFN-alpha A or rIFN-beta with norMDP. A specific anti-IL-1 alpha antiserum completely inhibited membrane-associated IL-1 activity, but did not affect the thymocyte-stimulating activity of fixed monocytes. IL-1 alpha was detected by fluorescence staining using the anti-IL-1 alpha antiserum on monocytes fixed after gamma IFN-gamma and norMDP. These results suggest that IFN-gamma may be important in expression of membrane-bound IL-1 alpha by the human blood monocytes responsible for regulation of immune responses in vivo.

Preparation and release characteristics of cisplatin albumin microspheres containing chitin and treated with chitosan

Cisplatin (CDDP) containing albumin microspheres and microcapsules incorporating biodegradable macromolecules, chitin and chitosan, were prepared, and their CDDP content and releasing ability and susceptibility to various enzymes were examined. Chitin was incorporated during preparation of the microspheres, while chitosan was used to treat preformed microspheres. CDDP content was remarkably increased by chitin; when chitin was incorporated at a concentration of 1.5%, the CDDP content of the microspheres was found to be 16.2% (1.8 times that with no addition of chitin). CDDP release was suppressed by chitin and chitosan. The 50% CDDP release time was about 1.5 h when no chitin was added, but about 16 h was required when chitin was incorporated into the microspheres at a concentration of 1.5%. Chitin and chitosan suppressed the decomposition by protease. The microspheres treated with 70% deacetylated chitosan showed the greatest susceptibility to lysozyme. In conclusion, CDDP release can be controlled by the use of chitin or chitosan, and the microspheres should show no immunogenicity in vivo because of their susceptibility to lysozyme.

Development and fertility of ovaries in the B6.YDOM sex-reversed female mouse

When the Y chromosome of Mus musculus domesticus (YDOM) was introduced onto the C57BL/6 (B6) mouse background, half of the XY progeny (B6.YDOM) developed bilateral ovaries and female internal and external genitalia. We examined the fertility of the B6.YDOM sex-reversed female mouse. The chromosomal sex of the individual mouse was identified by dot hybridization with mouse Y chromosome-specific DNA probes. The results indicated that all XY females lacked regular estrous cyclicity although most were able to mate and ovulate after treatment with gonadotropins. When they had been ovariectomized and grafted with ovaries from the XX female litter mate, they initiated estrous cyclicity. Reciprocally, the XX female that had received XY ovarian grafts did not resume estrous cyclicity. Development of the XY ovary was morphologically comparable to the XX ovary until 16 day of gestation (d.g.), when most germ cells had reached the zygotene or pachytene stage of meiotic prophase. However, by the day of delivery (19 or 20 d.g.), no oocyte remained in the medullary cords of the XY ovary. In the control XX ovary, the first generation of follicles developed in the medullary region, and 5 delta-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSDH) activity appeared first in the stromal cells around growing follicles by 10 days after birth. In contrast, in the XY ovary, follicles were not formed in the medullary region, and 3 beta-HSDH activity appeared in epithelial cells of the oocyte-free medullary cords. Primordial follicles in the cortex region continued development in both the XX and XY ovaries. These results suggest that the XY female is infertile due to a defect inside the XY ovary. The prenatal loss of oocytes in the medullary cords may be a key event leading to abnormal endocrine function, and thereby, the absence of estrous cyclicity.

Preparation and evaluation of albumin microspheres and microcapsules containing cisplatin

Albumin microspheres and microcapsules containing cisplatin (CDDP) were prepared and tested as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. CDDP albumin microspheres were prepared by hardening with glutaric aldehyde in accordance with the method to prepare W/O emulsion. On the other hand, microcapsules were prepared by formation of a coacervate by the phase isolation method. CDDP albumin microspheres and microcapsules thus prepared were sieved and sterilized by dry heat at 135 degrees C for 4h prior to use. The content and release of CDDP were determined. The CDDP contents for albumin microspheres and microcapsules were found to be 9.2% and 33.3%, respectively. Release of CDDP in vitro was found to be significantly different between the two formulations. CDDP release in vivo was also investigated by injecting albumin microspheres and microcapsules into the hepatic artery of adult dogs. The blood CDDP concentrations after injection of both formulations were lower than those noted after injection of CDDP injectable solution, indicating that CDDP might be accumulated in the liver at a higher concentration and that use of the two formulations might result in alleviation of CDDP side effects.

Duplication, deletion, and polymorphism in the sex-determining region of the mouse Y chromosome

The ZFY gene in the sex-determining region of the human Y chromosome encodes a "zinc-finger" protein that may be the testis-determining factor, TDF. Although the Y chromosomes of most placental mammals carry a single homolog of ZFY, the mouse Y chromosome has two homologs, both in the sex-determining (Sxr) region. Zfy-1 alone may suffice to determine maleness; Zfy-2 is dispensable, as it was deleted in an Sxr variant that retains sex-determining function but has lost other genes. Both loci mapped near the centromere of the mouse Y chromosome. The Y chromosomes of the subspecies Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus were distinguishable by a Zfy-1 restriction fragment polymorphism, which can be used to study their differing interactions with autosomal sex-determining genes.

Genome comparison in the genus Mus: a study with B1, MIF (mouse interspersed fragment), centromeric, and Y-chromosomal repetitive sequences

Using four repetitive sequences, we compared DNAs isolated from Mus caroli, M. cookii, M. hortulanus, M. musculus, M. pahari, M. saxicola, and M. spretus. Except for B1, these probes showed species-specific hybridization patterns. Mouse interspersed fragment (MIF) sequences were present in all species examined, but those defined by the 1.3-kb EcoR1 band were fewer in M. pahari and M. saxicola than in the other species. The Y-chromosomal probe showed male-specific accumulation only in M. hortulanus, M. musculus, and M. spretus, which are known to be closely related. The genetic difference between M. spretus and the other two species (M. hortulanus and M. musculus) was clearly demonstrated by a M. musuclus centromeric sequence that hybridized strongly to M. hortulanus and M. musculus DNA but was underrepresented in the genome of M. spretus. These results may suggest the usefulness of these repetitive sequences in the classification of Mus species that display only subtle morphological differences.

Assays of testis development in the mouse distinguish three classes of domesticus-type Y chromosome

The Y chromosome of Mus musculus poschiavinus interacts with the autosomal recessive gene tda-1b of the C57BL/6J laboratory strain of the house mouse to cause complete or partial sex reversal. Ovaries or ovotestes develop in a substantial proportion of the XY fetuses. Several different Y-specific DNA probes distinguish two major types of Y chromosome in the house mouse and they are represented by M. m. domesticus and M. m. musculus. The poschiavinus Y chromosome appears identical to the domesticus Y. The developmental distribution of the gonad types was examined in the first backcross or N2 generation of fetuses in C57BL/6J with six different domesticus-type Y chromosomes and, as controls, three different musculus-type Y chromosomes. Gonadal hermaphrodites were found with three of the six domesticus-type Y chromosomes. Both overall frequency and phenotypic distribution of types of gonadal hermaphrodites identify three classes of domesticus-type Y chromosome by their differential interaction with the C57BL/6J genetic background.

Evolutionary characterization of a Y chromosomal sequence conserved in the genus Mus

The extent of accumulation of mouseYchromosomal repetitive sequences generally correlates with the known phylogenetic relationships in the genusMus. However, we describe here aM. musculus Ychromosomal repetitive sequence, designated as ACClfl, whose accumulation patterns among eightMusspecies do not correspond to their phylogenetic relationships. Although male-specific hybridization bands were present in all the species examined, significant accumulation (> 200 copies) in theYchromosomes was found inM. minutoides(subgenusNannomys),M. pahari(subgenusCoelomys) andM. saxicola(subgenusPyromys) as well as in the three closely related speciesM. hortulanus, M. musculusandM. spretusthat belong to the subgenusMus. Unexpectedly, theYchromosomes ofM. caroliandM. cookii(both subgenusMus) had considerably reduced amounts of ACClfl-related sequences. Furthermore, in rats (Rattus norvegicus) the major accumulation sites appear to be autosomal. These observations suggest that caution must be taken in the interpretation of data obtained with repetitive sequences that have evolved quickly.

Application of Y chromosomal repetitive sequences to sexing mouse embryos

Identification of sex is often necessary to evaluate genetic or teratogenetic effects on embryonic development. A simple molecular technique to identify the sex of mouse embryos was studied using a Y chromosomal repetitive sequence (designated 145SC5). Since this technique does not require purification of DNA, it is particularly suitable for processing many embryos. Furthermore, 145SC5 detects 1% contamination of male DNA in a male-female DNA mixture. These results suggest that 145SC5 is a powerful molecular tool in a variety of studies on mouse development.

Online support functions of prescription order system and prescription audit in an integrated hospital information system

The role of the online prescription support functions of a prescription order entry system was analysed and the results of the prescription audit by pharmacists were examined. In the Kochi Medical School Hospital, an online prescription order system has been developed as part of an integrated hospital information system named IMIS (the Integrated Medical Information System), in which all the physicians enter their prescription orders into online display terminals. The prescription order entry system is provided with prescription support functions, which check the entered prescription data, issue warnings, and offer information about drugs or patients. The prescription order system reduces the incidence of simple prescription mistakes and greatly decreases the cases of inquiries by pharmacists. However, results of the analysis show that such functions as warnings of double order and repeated prescription of a drug do not work as well as expected. The system would thus require some kind of intelligence like that of the auditing pharmacists or that of the physicians with accurate knowledge of clinical pharmacology.

Tissue specific methylation of human Y chromosomal DNA sequences

This report describes two moderately repetitive human Y chromosomal DNA sequences isolated from a flow sorted Y chromosonal library. These sequences are present in XY male and XY female DNAs but absent in XX male and XX female DNAs. Genomic Southern blot analysis against DNAs isolated from different tissues showed tissue specific DNA methylation patterns. In contrast to the 2.1 kb Hae III repeats which are hypomethylated in sperm DNA, the moderately repetitive sequences used in this study are highly methylated in sperm, less methylated in blood and brain and least methylated in placental DNA.

The Mus musculus musculus type Y chromosome predominates in Asian house mice

Using a mouseYchromosomal repetitive sequence that differentiates between theMus musculus musculustypeYchromosome and theM. m. domesticustypeYchromosome, we studied theYchromosome inM. m. molossinus, M. m. castaneusandM. m.subspecies specimens recently trapped in Japan, Taiwan and China as well as Asian mice maintained at the Jackson Laboratory and Litton Bionetics. Here we report that theM. m. musculustypeYchromosome predominates in Asian house mice and that Japanese mice maintained at some laboratories may not represent typicalM. m. molossinus.

Y-chromosomal DNA polymorphism in mouse inbred strains

Mice are the most widely used experimental mammals, and many inbred strains are available. However, except for the relatively recent strains derived from known wild populations, the relationships between wild and laboratory mice are not well understood. Based on the Y-chromosomal restriction fragmentlength polymorphism, seventeen inbred strains were classified into two groups: strains with theMus musculus musculustype Y chromosome and those with theM. m. domesticustype Y chromosome. We extended the survey to an additional twenty-two inbred strains. TheM. m. musculustype Y chromosome was found in AEJ/GnLe, AAU/SsJ, BDP/J, BXSB/MpJ, DA/HuSn, HTG/GoSfSn, I/LnJ, LP/J, NZW/LacJ, RIIIS/J, SB/Le, SEA/GnJ, SF/CamEi, SK/CamEi, SM/J, WB/ReJ, WC/ReJ and YBR/Ei, while theM. m. domesticustype Y chromosome was present in BUB/BnJ, MA/MyJ, PL/J and ST/bJ.

Biliary cystadenoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts: report of a case and review of the literature

Benign neoplasms of the extrahepatic bile ducts are rare and there have only been thirteen reported cases of cystadenoma. One case of cystadenoma of the common hepatic duct and solitary hepatic cyst is presented here and a total of fourteen cases are reviewed. The patient was a 45 year old woman, who complained of abdominal pain with rigidity, but without jaundice. Ultrasonography of the liver showed a 6 cm cyst of the right lobe. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography revealed a multilobular cystic mass. At emergency laparotomy, a polypoid multilobular tumor with a stalk was found hanging from the common hepatic duct and was excised. Almost all the patients reported were middle age woman with jaundice. Preoperative diagnosis was made possible by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or ultrasonography. The treatment of choice was complete excision. In three cases, a solitary hepatic cyst accompanied the cystadenoma of the common hepatic duct.

Isolation of human Y chromosomal major repetitive sequences from a flow-sorted Y chromosomal library

The human Y chromosome is highly heterochromatic and consists mainly of repetitive sequences, of which 3.4 kb HaeIII or EcoR1 fragments represent the most abundant species. From a flow-sorted human Y chromosomal library, we isolated 15 clones containing sequences highly homologous to this major repetitive sequence. Although the size of inserts varied from 0.7 to 3.8 kb, their hybridization patterns to human genomic DNA were indistinguishable from each other. These repetitive sequences unambiguously detected the presence of the Y chromosome in a male-female DNA mixture of which 5% was derived from male cells. Thus, these clones would be useful molecular tools to detect contaminating male cells in clinical materials.

Evolution of a mouse Y chromosomal sequence flanked by highly repetitive elements

Mammalian primary sex is determined by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. However, little is known about the molecular processes through which the Y chromosome exerts its action. We applied recombinant DNA techniques to isolate mouse Y chromosomal fragments and described previously a clone designated as AC11 (Y. Nishioka and E. Lamothe. 1986. Genetics, 113:417-432). To obtain information on DNA sequences that flank AC11, we screened a mouse genomic library for the presence of AC11-related sequences and isolated over 50 positive clones. In this report we describe clones ACC2 and ACC3, both of which contain highly repetitive elements. Using a male-specific portion of these clones, we compared DNA's isolated from mice (Mus musculus, M. hortulanus, M. spretus, M. cookii, M. pahari, and M. platythrix), rat, hamster, and guinea pig and obtained results that agree with the phylogenetic relationships deduced from morphological and biochemical studies. The male-specific accumulation of the related sequences was found only in M. musculus, M. hortulanus, and M. spretus.

Molecular characterization of an atypical beta-thalassemia caused by a large deletion in the 5' beta-globin gene region

We describe a Canadian family of Czechoslovakian descent that came to our attention because of an HbA2 percentage approximately twice that of an average case of heterozygous beta-thalassemia. This unique phenotype suggested to us the possibility of a novel genetic mechanism being responsible for their beta-thalassemia. To investigate this possibility, we mapped, cloned, and sequenced the mutant beta-globin allele. This molecular analysis demonstrated the presence of a unique 4,237 base pair (bp) deletion extending from 3.3 kilobases (kb) 5' of the beta-globin mRNA cap site to approximately the middle of beta IVS-2. This truncated beta-globin gene further extends the heterogeneity of mutations known to cause beta-thalassemia and delineates new sequences involved in nonhomologous recombination events in the beta-globin gene region.

[Chronic intravenous toxicity studies of potassium clavulanate and BRL28500 in dogs]

The chronic toxicity of potassium clavulanate (CVA-K) and BRL28500 were evaluated using dogs in 26-week intravenous administration studies followed by a 5-week off-dose period. The doses for CVA-K and BRL28500 were 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg (p.f.a.), and 80, 160, 320 and 800 mg/kg (p.f.a.) respectively. There were no deaths in either of the groups. For general condition, dogs dosed with CVA-K at 100 mg/kg showed reddening of the skin and mucous membranes, shaking of the head, facial oedema, a decrease in food intake and a reduction in body weight. Also some dogs of the same group showed decreased spontaneous activity, emaciation and signs of dehydration. In the BRL28500 treatment groups, there was reddening of the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting and salivation at 800 mg/kg. Urinalysis of dogs dosed with CVA-K showed occasional dark yellow coloration of the urine. There was also a very weak and equivocal response or positive reaction for protein, occult blood, and urine sugar in some animals at 100 mg/kg. Some dogs dosed with BRL28500 also showed either a very weak and equivocal response or slight positive reaction for occult blood at 320 mg/kg and above, and dark yellow coloration of the urine at 800 mg/kg. Haematological examination of the CVA-K groups showed increases in leukocyte count and platelet count at the highest dose of 100 mg/kg. No haematological abnormalities were noted in any of the BRL28500 groups. Serum biochemical studies of dogs dosed with CVA-K revealed a decrease in total protein at 50 mg/kg and above, and increases in Al-P, total bilirubin, GPT, BUN and creatinine at 100 mg/kg. In the BRL28500 treatment groups, there were increases in total cholesterol and triglyceride at 160 mg/kg and above. In dogs dosed with CVA-K there was an increase in liver weight at 100 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed a ground glass-like appearance of the hepatocyte cytoplasm and also altered distribution of PAS positive material at 50 mg/kg and above. In the BRL28500 groups, there was an increase in liver weight at 320 mg/kg and above. There were the same ground glass-like appearance in hepatocytes and altered distribution of PAS positive material at 800 mg/kg. In view of the above results, the maximum non-effect dose levels in the present studies were considered to be 20 mg/kg for CVA-K and 80 mg/kg for BRL28500.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Isolation and characterization of a mouse Y chromosomal repetitive sequence

The Y chromosome plays a dominant role in mammalian sex determination, and characterization of this chromosome is essential to understand the mechanism responsible for testicular differentiation. Male mouse genomic DNA fragments, cloned into pBR322, were screened for the presence of Bkm (a female snake satellite DNA)-related sequences, and we obtained a clone (AC11) having a DNA fragment from the mouse Y chromosome. In addition to a Bkm-related sequence, this fragment contained a Y chromosomal repetitive sequence. DNA isolated from the XX sex-reversed male genome produced a hybridization pattern indistinguishable to that obtained with normal female DNA, suggesting that the AC11 sequence is not contained within the Y chromosomal DNA present in the sex-reversed male genome. Based on the hybridization patterns against mouse Y chromosomal DNA, AC11 classified 16 inbred laboratory strains into two categories; those with the Mus musculus musculus type Y chromosome and those with the M.m. domesticus type Y chromosome. Three European subspecies of Mus musculus (M.m. brevirostris, M.m. poschiavinus and M.m. praetextus) possessed the M.m. domesticus type Y chromosome, whereas the Japanese mouse, M.m. molossinus, had the M.m. musculus type Y chromosome. The survey was also extended to six other species that belong to the genus Mus, of which M. spretus and M. hortulamus showed significant amounts of AC11-related sequences in their Y chromosomes. The male-specific accumulation of AC11-related sequences was not found in M. caroli, M. cookii, M. pahari or M. platythrix. This marked difference among Mus species indicates that the amplification of AC11-related sequences in the mouse Y chromosome was a recent evolutionary event.

A molecular method for detecting the presence of the human Y chromosome

The presence of the human Y chromosome can be inferred from the detection of a male-specific 3.4-Kb band generated by digestion with the restriction enzyme Hae III. However, direct visualization of this band is sometimes difficult owing to high background of DNA fragments common to both sexes, and Y chromosome length polymorphism. We have shown that the 3.4-Kb band can be detected by filter hybridization to a large DNA fragment (greater than 20 Kb) also generated by Hae III digestion. Since this large DNA fragment is easily isolated from either sex, it should prove useful to determine sex when chromosome analysis is impractical.

Identification of an Indian muntjac DNA fragment preferentially hybridizing to the X-chromosome

Upon digestion of DNA from male and female Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) fibroblasts with the restriction enzyme Hae III or Alu I, a prominent fragment of DNA (greater than 20 kb in length) was observed. This excluded DNA (ex-DNA) appeared not to contain sequences recognized by a variety of restriction enzymes and constituted about 0.6% of the total DNA in the female genome. For equal amounts of DNA digested, female DNA contained more of this material. In situ hybridization indeed revealed strong hybridization of the ex-DNA to the entire X chromosome with a few less intense sites of hybridization on other chromosomes. Hybridization studies against total muntjac DNA indicated the presence of repetitive sequences in the ex-DNA. These repetitive sequences did not cross-hybridize with human or mouse DNA.

Immunological visualization of 5-methylcytosine-rich regions in Indian Muntjac metaphase chromosomes

Regions rich in 5-methylcytosine were localized in male metaphase chromosomes of the Indian muntjac deer (Muntiakus muntjak). Chromosomes were ultraviolet irradiated and subsequently photooxidized in the presence of methylene blue to induce maximum DNA denaturation. Following treatment with anti 5-methylcytosine antibody (anti 5-MeC), regions of antibody binding were visualized by an immunofluorescence or immunopreoxidase staining procedure. All chromosomes showed some level of antibody binding along their length and at centromeric regions, with intense binding evident in the centromere of chromosome 3 and the elongated centromeric "neck" of chromosome 3-X. The Y chromosome displayed low levels of antibody binding. The banding pattern observed with anti 5-MeC is the reverse of that obtained by quinacrine staining.

Early clinical results of the modified human umbilical cord vein homograft (Dardik Biograft)

Fifty-six reconstructions using Biograft were performed in 45 cases with peripheral arterial occlusion. These consisted of 11 femoro-popliteal bypasses above the knee, 19 femoro-popliteal below the knee, 10 femoro-tibial or peroneal and 16 other miscellaneous procedures including aorto-femoral and extra-anatomic bypasses. Overall patency rates for each type of procedure were 81.8%, 78.9%, 30.0%, and 93.8%, respectively. The cumulative patency rate (calculated by the life table method) for the total group was 70.5% at 56 months. Early failure was thought to relate to technical factors in most instances. The majority of late failures was due to intimal hyperplasia at the distal anastomotic site. One of 9 late failures was successfully treated by patch angioplasty at 23 months following initial operation. Therefore, in order to attain better late results, early discovery of developing stenosis by noninvasive examination techniques and arteriography is important.

Inhibition by vesicular stomatitis virus of herpes simplex virus-directed protein synthesis

Infection of mammalian cells with either herpes simplex virus (HSV) or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) results in a marked inhibition of host protein synthesis. These viruses employ different mechanisms to turn off the host. In previous studies we showed that following infection with HSV, cellular mRNA was degraded and host polyribosomes were dissociated (Nishioka and Silverstein, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 74, 2370-2374, 1977; Nishioka and Silverstein, J. Virol. 25, 422-426, 1978a). Degradation required synthesis of an HSV-specified polypeptide whereas dissociation appeared to be mediated by a heat-labile virion associated function (Nishioka and Silverstein, J. Virol. 27, 619-627, 1978b). In contrast, when cells are infected with VSV, host mRNAs are not degraded and polyribosome profiles are not drastically altered (Nishioka and Silverstein, 1978a). We have exploited the properties of these two viruses by infecting cells either simultaneously or sequentially in an effort to test our previous hypotheses. Analyses of the distribution of polyribosomes, stability of mRNA, synthesis of mRNA, and patterns of protein synthesis in coinfected cells permit us to conclude that dissociation of polyribosomes in cells infected with HSV results from expression of a virion associated function, degradation of cellular mRNA requires expression of the HSV genome, and VSV is dominant in doubly infected cells because it inhibits de novo transcription of the HSV genome.

Heterogeneity of plasma and urinary immunoreactive calcitonin in patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

The immunological heterogeneity of calcitonin (CT) was examined in fractions separated by gel filtration (Bio Gel P-30) from plasma and urine samples of two patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid obtained after calcium infusion and after thyroidectomy. Five distinct forms of immunoreactive CT were observed by gel filtration of plasma before treatment; one was eluted with the monomer CT and the other four were of higher molecular weight. The concentrations of all five forms increased during calcium infusion (4 mg/kg, 10 min) and decreased after the infusion, accompanied by a rapid change in concentration of the monomer form. After thyroidectomy, the level of the monomer form decreased faster than the levels of other forms. The main form in the urine was eluted in the same portion as a bigger form (IIIb) in the plasma, not with the monomer form, after thyroidectomy. One antiserum (antiserum I) gave a higher estimation for the IIIb form and the predominant form in the urine than another antiserum (antiserum II). These findings suggest the identity of these two forms. Blood CT in various forms, including the monomer, may be converted to form IIIb in the kidney and excreted in that form.

In vitro transcription of normal, mutant, and truncated mouse alpha-globin genes

We have transcribed various alpha-globin gene-containing templates by using a simplified in vitro system and have shown that the 5' end of each of the RNA polymerase II-specific transcripts corresponds to that of authentic alpha-globin mRNA. Using a truncated alpha-globin gene fragment, we then localized the promotor region of the adult alpha-globin gene to a 138-base-pair fragment of alpha-globin DNA, 141 nucleotides of which precede the initiation site. In contrast, when two naturally occurring alpha-globin gene mutants were tested as templates, no RNA polymerase II-dependent initiation was detected. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the normal and mutant alpha-globin genes has allowed us to focus upon nucleotide positions that might be essential for promoter activity.

[Double-blind comparison of L-keflex and cephalexin (Keflex) in dental infections (author's transl)]

In order to evaluate efficacy and safety of L-Keflex (granule form of sustained release cephalexin), a double blind study comparing it with Keflex (capsule of regular cephalexin) was conducted in dental infections. Evaluable cases in adults for efficacy of the drugs were 196 consisting of 97 for L-Keflex and 99 for Keflex. Those in children were 19 (8 for L-Keflex and 11 for Keflex). There were no significant differences in background of the patients and severity of the diseases between both groups (L-Keflex and Keflex groups). The daily doses used in both groups were 1,000 mg in adults and 500 mg in children, respectively. The dose was given in two divided doses for L-Keflex group and in four divided doses for Keflex group. Following are evaluation by the committee members for the study: Adults 1. Clinical response rate at final therapy day was 93.8% in L-Keflex group and 92.9% in Keflex group, showing no significant difference between both groups. 2. No significant difference in severity of subjective and objective symptoms between both groups was observed at each therapy day. 3. Side effects were found in 6.7% of 105 patients receiving L-Keflex and in 5.6% of 107 patients with Keflex, and there was no significant difference between both groups. As the side effects, gastrointestinal symptoms, rash and itching were observed, but no any other side effects were found in both groups. Children 1. As shown in the above, number of the cases enough to evaluate statistically was not obtained, but all of both groups clinically responded to the drugs. 2. As for side effects diarrhea was observed in only one patient of Keflex group consisting of 12 patients. In the patient, however, discontinuation of the drug was not required and the side effect disappeared during the therapy. From the above results, L-Keflex (granule) is judged to have more convenience than Keflex (capsule) in that (1) it can be administered with b.i.d. regimen and (2) it can be easily taken in dental patients such as patients having difficulty in opening mouth of swallowing pain.

Mouse globin system: a functional and evolutionary analysis

Structural and functional analysis of the mouse alpha-globin and beta-globin genes reveals that the globin genes are encoded in discontinous bits of coding information and that each gene locus is much more complex than was originally supposed. Each seems to consist of an array of several authentic genes as well as several apparently inactive pseudogenes. Comparison of the sequences of some of these genes to one another indicates that chromosomal DNA is a dynamic structure. Flanking and intervening sequences change in two ways: quickly, by duplication and extensive insertions and deletions, and slowly, by point mutation. Active coding sequences are usually limited to the slower mode of evolution. In addition to identifying fast and slow modes of evolution, it has also been possible to test the function of several signals that surround these genes and to identify those that appear to play a role in gene expression.

Unusual alpha-globin-like gene that has cleanly lost both globin intervening sequences

We have cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence of a mouse alpha-globin-like gene that entirely lacks the two intervening sequences that interrupt all globin genes thus far examined. The fact that this gene, alpha-3, is closely homologous to the normal adult alpha gene sequence suggests that it arose after the alpha/beta divergence and that it therefore must have lost its intervening sequences. The further fact that these intervening sequences have been lost cleanly--that is, in according with the G-T/A-G splicing rule of RNA--suggests, among other possibilities, that their loss may have been brought about by a gene conversion event involving the mediation of mature globin mRNA or its cDNA cognate. We propose such a mechanism that would permit the loss of either or both intervening sequences independently. Only the loss of both, however, should result in the inactivation of the globin gene, as seems to be the case with alpha-3.

Organization and complete sequence of identical embryonic and plasmacytoma kappa V-region genes

We have determined the entire sequence of two immunoglobulin kappa variable region genes derived separately from embryonic and plasmacytoma cells. Both genes are in the germline configuration; both are organized into hydrophobic leader and mature V-region coding sequences separated by a short intervening sequence. Both are identical with one another throughout the 1360 bases determined. In addition, there is a simple repeat sequence of 31 CA doublets that occurs about 300 bases from the 3' side of the coding sequence in each gene.

The complete sequence of a chromosomal mouse alpha--globin gene reveals elements conserved throughout vertebrate evolution

The mammalian alpha- and beta--globin genes are thought to have evolved from a common ancestral sequence by a duplication event that occurred over 500 million years ago. We have now determined the entire nucleotide sequence of a cloned mouse alpha--globin gene, including regions that flank and interrupt the coding sequence, and have compared this sequence with the sequences of the two mouse beta--globin genes (Konkel, Tilghman and Leder, 1978; Konkel, Maizel and Leder, 1979). Like the two beta genes, the alpha gene is interrupted by two intervening sequences at precisely homologous positions, suggesting that these interruptions were present and have been preserved throughout vertebrate evolution. While the alpha and beta genes conserve considerable (approximately 55%) sequence homology in their coding regions, this homology--with certain interesting exceptions--is lost in the highly divergent flanking and intervening sequences. These exceptions are short preserved sequences positioned in such a way that they might encode signals for transcriptional initiation, poly(A) addition and RNA splicing. Furthermore, a comparison of the recently divererged beta genes and the long separate alpha gene allows us to distinguish two clearly different modes of nucleotide sequence change in evolution: a fast mode which is characterized by drastic sequence alterations involving deletions and insertions, and a slow mode which preserves sequence homology to a large extent and involves mainly point mutations.

Requirement of protein synthesis for the degradation of host mRNA in Friend erythroleukemia cells infected wtih herpes simplex virus type 1

We describe experiments which demonstrate that shortly after infection of Friend erythroleukemia cells with herpes simplex virus (HSV), polyribosomes dissociate and cellular mRNA degrades. Analysis of infected cell extracts on sucrose density gradients demonstrates that the majority of the polyribosomes have dissociated to monoribosomes at 2 h postinfection. Physical measurements of infected-cell RNAs support this conclusion and demonstrate that the polyadenylated RNAs decrease in size. The degradation of mRNA is apparently a stochastic process as judged by the failure to detect a shift in the Crt1/2 when polyadenylated RNA extracted from infected cells at different times is hybridized to globin complementary DNA. In experiments designed to determine whether dissociation of polyribosomes is sufficient to cause degradation of globin mRNA, the amount of globin mRNA in uninfected cells did not change when cells were treated with NaF or pactamycin at concentrations sufficient to dissociate all polyribosomes. In cells infected with UV-irradiated virus polyribosomes dissociate but globin mRNA does not degrade, suggesting that it is possible to separate dissociation from degradation.