The role of transforming growth factor-beta in PEG-rHuMGDF-induced reversible myelofibrosis in rats

Pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) injected at a suprapharmacologic dose (100 microg/kg) daily for 5 d in normal rats caused marked increases in marrow megakaryocytes and platelet counts at 6-8 d followed by gradual decreases to control levels at 10-20 d. Interestingly, in addition to the expected thrombopoiesis, PEG-rHuMGDF was associated with myelofibrosis with a predominance of reticulin fibres at day 10 followed by complete normalization by day 20. At 6-8 d, the levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the extracellular fluid of the marrow, the platelet poor plasma, and the platelet extract were increased 23-, 7- and 2-fold, respectively. The elevated levels of TGF-beta1 were gradually reduced to baseline levels at 13-20 d in accordance with the normalization of myelofibrosis and thrombopoiesis. An ultrastructural analysis showed that large fragments of megakaryocytes were deposited in the marrow parenchyma of PEG-rHuMGDF-treated rats at day 6. PEG-rHuMGDF administration at pharmacologic doses (1 and 10 microg/kg) did not induce the deposition of reticulin fibres in the marrow. These findings suggest that TGF-beta1 leaked from megakaryocytes is involved in the development of the PEG-rHuMGDF-induced myelofibrosis and that this is a reversible process related to the regulation of the excess production of platelets.

Magnetic resonance evaluation of uterine malformation with corpus agenesis

Because no treatment is available and its rare prevalence, uterine fundal agenesis is seldom mentioned in the literature. A woman with uterine corpus agenesis, without other genital tract anomalies, presented with primary amenorrhea and infertility. Gonadotropins and ovarian steroids showed normal cyclic variations. A thorough evaluation, including history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging techniques [hysterosalpingography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] demonstrated extreme accuracy with MRI in the diagnosis of the anatomic defect. MRI permits noninvasive differentiation of uterine anomalies and may spare the patient's diagnostic laparoscopy.

Cloning and partial sequencing of a novel human activin receptor-like kinase

Receptors for the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor superfamily are transmembrane protein serine/threonine kinases. By using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategy to screen for the protein kinase sequences, we isolated a novel complementary DNA (cDNA) clone from a human breast carcinoma and a human brain cDNA libraries. The PCR primers were designed based upon the published sequence of the kinase domain of human activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)-4. The clone has unique nucleotide sequences with 82% identical to the corresponding region of rat ALK-7 and shows 96% identity at the amino acid level; however, was incomplete at the 5' end. Despite the 5' untranslated and ligand-binding regions, these results indicate the heterogeneity of a transmembrane kinase domain between the current ALK and the previously cloned human TGF-beta receptor families. The expression of messenger RNA in human tissues varied for the different human ALKs might elicit specific TGF-beta receptors functions.

Age as a prognostic factor for late local recurrence of early tongue cancer treated with brachytherapy

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine predisposing factors on late local recurrence of early oral tongue cancer (T1-2N0).

METHODS

We analysed 152 patients with no evidence of disease 2 years after interstitial radiation therapy without external radiation.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed age to be the only significant prognostic factor for late local control (p = 0.03). We then examined the influence of age by comparing the results between 36 older patients (age more than, or equal to, 65) and 116 other control patients (age less than 65). Aged patients showed poor local control rates of 62% at 10 years after treatment, whereas the corresponding figures for control patients were 90% (p = 0.003). The cause specific survival rate at 10 years was also lower in elderly patients (75%) than in control patients (93%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Age is a predisposing factor for late local recurrence in patients free from disease 2 years after treatment.

Frequent expression of Fas in gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor-bearing tumors

OBJECTIVE

Fas, a cell surface receptor, mediates cell death by means of apoptosis in a variety of cell types. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor-bearing tumors undergo the apoptosis with GnRH analogs. The authors attempted to determine the frequency with which Fas is present in the GnRH receptor-bearing tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Surgically removed gynecological tumors were screened for GnRH receptor expression prior to analyses. Fas was characterized by immunoblotting of membrane proteins with the specific antibodies. Fas messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers synthesized according to the published Fas sequence.

RESULTS

Immunoreactive Fas and Fas mRNA were detected in a high proportion (94.4%) of the specimens from endometrial carcinomas (8 of 9), ovarian carcinomas (7 of 7), and uterine leiomyosarcomas (2 of 2); all these expressed GnRH receptor. There was neither substantial Fas nor GnRH receptor in 9 cervical carcinomas. Cloned cell lines gave identical results to those obtained in their respective mother tumors.

CONCLUSION

These data might suggest the frequent expression of Fas in the GnRH receptor-bearing tumors, but not in the GnRH receptor-negative tumors. Despite a poorly understood processes of apoptosis at present, there may be at least some similarity in signal transduction pathway utilized by GnRH analogs and Fas ligands.

Detection of novel molecules recognized by anti-placental lactogen antibody in rat amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid contains various bioactive substances including the placental PRL family. In the present study, it was elucidated that rat amniotic fluid contained immunoreactive proteins which had different molecular sizes and pI values from the authentic placental lactogens (PLs) in the rat, recognized by antipeptide antibody to the N-terminal peptide of rat PL-I. Immunoreactive PLs residing in the amniotic fluid were characterized further by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis (2DE), immunoblotting and anion-exchange chromatography. Amniotic fluid collected from rats on day 12 of pregnancy contained two PL-like molecules, tentatively called A1 (MW 75 kDa, pI 4.6) and A2 (MW 99-102 kDa, pI 5.3-5.4). A1 and A2 are specific to the amniotic fluid, because no such molecules were found in the serum or placental extracts. Immunoblot analysis of amniotic fluid revealed that A1 levels increased, whereas those of A2 decreased to an undetectable level up to day 16 of pregnancy. When the A1 concentrations from days 12 to 20 were monitored intensively, they increased from day 12 to 14, were maintained until day 18, and then decreased dramatically by day 20. The expression pattern for A1 was therefore completely different from those of authentic placental PRL family members found in serum and placental tissue, indicating that the A1 is distinct from them. Partial purification by anion-exchange chromatography and 2DE revealed that A1 consisted of 5 isoforms.

Detection of SRY in 45,X/47,XYY mosaicism leading to phenotypic female

SRY on the Y chromosome initiates male sex determination. We tested a phenotypic female with sex chromosome mosaicism, X/XYY, for SRY expression. SRY was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification in genomic DNA from a female patient with a sex chromosome mosaic complement, 45,X/47,XYY, followed by sequencing analyses. The patient yielded the PCR product with predicted size and homology to the consensus sequence of SRY. The demonstration of SRY provides evidence that the female phenotype in the presence of sex chromosome mosaicism, X/XYY, may result from alterations in another part of the sex-determining pathway or downstream from SRY.

Gi protein activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-mediated protein dephosphorylation in human endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor is demonstrated in uterine endometrial carcinomas. This study was performed to determine gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor-mediated membrane events and to identify the guanosine triphosphate binding protein (G protein) subtypes linked to gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in the tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Endometrial carcinomas surgically removed had been screened for gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression before plasma membrane isolation. The phosphoprotein level was observed in the phosphorus 32-labeled incorporation from [gamma-32P]adenosine triphosphate into the isolated plasma membranes. The Gi (alpha subunit) protein was detected by immunoblotting and pertussis toxin-catalyzed adenosine diphosphate ribosylation.

RESULTS

Incubation of phosphorus 32-labeled membranes with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog in the presence of guanosine thiotriphosphate caused a remarkable loss of phosphoprotein from 35 kd protein. This dephosphorylation action was dose dependent of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog, and the maximal effect (90% loss) occurred at 100 nmol/L. Pertussis toxin brought about adenosine diphosphate ribosylation of an immunodetected G alpha i. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog alone or guanosine thiotriphosphate alone had no effect. Pretreatment of the membrane with the pertussis toxin completely inhibited gonadotropin-releasing hormone-mediated dephosphorylation of the 35 kd protein.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate the coupling of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor to protein dephosphorylation through Gi, raising the possibility that the antimitogenic action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone may occur by release of the action of protein phosphorylation to promote cell growth.

Detection of SRY in a 46,XY female (Swyer's syndrome)

We describe sex reversal in a phenotypic female with 46,XY and SRY gene. Evidence accumulated here in the Swyer's syndrome may provide a better opportunity to study aberrations of gonadal development in man.

Effect of cyclic GMP produced by natriuretic peptides on osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells

The C-type natriuretic peptide (10(-7) M) and atrial natriuretic peptide (10(-7) M) enhanced cGMP accumulation by 418 and 83 times the control value, respectively, in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. The natriuretic peptide B receptor was assumed to be the major natriuretic peptide receptor. 8-Bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) activated alkaline phosphatase doubled the activity versus the control value on day 15. Phosphodiesterase activity was not stimulated by the addition of cGMP (1 MicroM). cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G kinase) activity of the supernatant fraction was 25.5 pmol/min/mg protein. The 42 kDa protein band was detected to be phosphorylated by G kinase on SDS-PAGE. These results supported the hypothesis that natriuretic peptides regulate the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through a cGMP-dependent pathway.

Chromosome abnormalities associated with recurrent abortion

We analyzed 37 cases of habitual abortion which were presented in our department in the last 2-years. Seven among 37 couples with habitual abortion exhibited chromosomal anomalies.

Expression of mRNA encoding cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase isoforms in rat parotid glands

In previous reports, we have shown that cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE4) is the major PDE in the rat parotid gland, and that PDE4 is activated by phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated the expression of PDE4 isoform genes and alternative splicing variants of PDE4D in the rat parotid gland using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE4C and PDE4D of PDE4 subfamily were expressed. PDE4D was found to be the dominant PDE4 isoform. A weak band of PDE4C was detectable. Three alternative splicing variants (PDE4D1, PDE4D2 and PDE4D3) derived from the rat PDE4D gene were expressed in the parotid gland. These data suggested that the intracellular cAMP level is regulated by multiple response mechanisms through the activations of the PDE by phosphorylation and gene expression in the rat parotid gland.

Expression of Fas in female reproductive tract tumors

Fas, a cell surface receptor, mediates cell death by means of apoptosis in a variety of cell types. We attempted to detect Fas within plasma membrane isolated from surgically removed female reproductive tract tumors. Eight of 9 endometrial carcinomas and all ovarian carcinoma tested expressed Fas mRNA as assessed by RT-PCR using oligonucleotide primers according to published sequences. Immunoblotting of membrane proteins with the specific antibodies detected an immunoreactive Fas in 15 of the 16 tumors tested. In contrast, none of 9 uterine cervical carcinomas demonstrated Fas expression. Fas was expressed in a wide range of the carcinomas originating from the uterine endometrium and ovary, but not in the uterine cervix-derived tumors. Despite a poorly understood processes of apoptosis at present, this may suggest frequent expression of Fas in adenocarcinoma histologic types.

Coupling of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor to Gi protein in human reproductive tract tumors

The signaling pathway by which GnRH acts in peripheral tumors is distinct from that in the anterior pituitary. We attempted to identify the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein (G protein) subtypes linked to GnRH receptor in the genital tract tumor membranes. Surgically removed ovarian carcinomas and uterine leiomyosarcomas were screened for GnRH receptor expression before plasma membrane isolation. The G alpha i was detected by immunoblotting of membrane extracts with specific antibody and pertussis toxincatalyzed ADP-ribosylation from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Membrane phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity was determined as a GnRH-sensitive membrane event using synthetic substrate p-nitrophenyl in a spectrophotometric assay. Pertussis toxin, but not cholera toxin, brought about ADP-ribosylation of an immunodetected G alpha i of 41 kDa in the GnRH receptor-positive tumor membrane. Incubation with a GnRH analog and GTP decreased the ADP-ribosylation activity in a dose-dependent manner; a half-maximal effect occurred with 30 nmol/L buserelin (P < 0.01). The apparent inhibition by GnRH of the ADP-ribosylation demonstrated that GnRH resolved the alpha-subunit of the Gi to GTP-bound form in the membranes. The action of GnRH was neutralized by a competitive antagonist, antide. Pretreatment of the membrane with the pertussis toxin completely inhibited GnRH-sensitive phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity (P < 0.01). These data demonstrate the coupling of GnRH receptor to Gi protein subfamily. The Gi which couples GnRH receptor to the effector may define the difference of responses by peripheral tumor and the anterior pituitary.

Characterization of natriuretic peptide receptors in the rat parotid

Competition studies between 125I-ANP and ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) or the ring-deleted analog C-ANF4-23 (C-ANF) revealed the presence of the A-type natriuretic peptide receptor (GC-A receptor) and the ANP-clearance (ANP-C) receptor in the rat parotid membrane. The ratio of the GC-A and ANP-C receptors was about 3 to 1. Enhancement of the cGMP level by the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) revealed the presence of the B-type natriuretic peptide receptor (GC-B receptor) in the rat parotid gland. Based on the binding studies with ANP and C-ANF and cGMP analysis by ANP and CNP, the natriuretic peptide receptors in the rat parotid gland were demonstrated to have a rank order on the amount of GC-A receptor > GC-B receptor > ANP-C receptor.

Sensitive plaque assay and propagation of Chuzan (Kasba) virus, a Palyam serogroup orbivirus, in BHK-21 cells

Various factors influencing plaque formation of Chuzan virus in BHK-21 cell monolayers were studied and a practical method for plaque assay was developed. On addition of trypsin (5 micrograms/ml) and/or diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran (50 micrograms/ml) to the virus diluent as the virus adsorption medium and agar overlay medium, the number of plaques increased. When 100 micrograms/ ml DEAE-dextran was added to the diluent and overlay medium, plaques were produced in about 10-fold higher numbers than without trypsin and DEAE-dextran. Based on these results, a practical plaque assay method for Chuzan virus was established. Using this method, one-step growth of Chuzan virus was performed at an input multiplicity of 25 plaque-forming units (PFU) per cell. Cytopathic effects were first observed at 7.5 h post-inoculation (p.i.), and were complete at 12 h p.i. The titre of cell-associated virus, after gradual decline during the first 3 h of incubation, showed a rise within 4.5 h p.i. and a rise to a plateau of 10(6.3)PFU/0.2 ml at 12 h p.i. By indirect immunofluorescence, virus-specific antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of the cells at 4.5 h p.i., and all the cells fluoresced at 6 h p.i. Haemagglutination activity was first detected in infected whole cultures at 7.5 h p.i. reaching a plateau of 1:64 at 15 h p.i. Plaque formation and haemagglutination by the virus were specifically inhibited by antisera against the original and the plaque-cloned virus.

[Effect of preoperative oral 5-fluorouracil on cell cycle of advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma]

Using flow cytometry, we examined the correlations between the tumor stage and the cell cycle in subjects with advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma as well as between the changes of cell cycle caused by 5-FU and their prognoses. Before 5-FU treatment, 75.9 +/- 9.6% of the patients were at G1 phase, 16.8 +/- 3.9% at S and 7.3 +/- 4.5% at G2/M. The change of cell cycle was not accompanied by the progression of tumor stage. Sixteen patients received oral 5-FU (300 mg/day) for at least 2 weeks before operation. In the patients at stage I, the cell cycle was not changed even after 5-FU treatment. They have been cancer-free for 3 postoperative years. While early recurrence was found in 4 of 5 cases at stage II or III showing progression at G1, all 6 cases who had regressed or remained unchanged at G1 were free from recurrence (p = 0.0152). These results suggested that the cell cycle is not necessarily correlated with the progression of tumor stage in patients with this kind of carcinoma, and that the change of cell cycle due to preoperative oral 5-FU could be a predictive indicator for their prognoses. Especially for those with poor prognoses who had shown progression at G1, more potent adjuvant chemotherapy should be planned.

Ciliated foregut cyst in cirrhotic liver

We encountered a patient with a ciliated hepatic foregut cyst with accompanying liver cirrhosis, which was hard to distinguish from well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. A lesion 2 cm in diameter was found in the subcapsular region of the medial segment of the liver. It was slightly hypoechoic on ultrasonography, of high attenuation on nonenhanced computed tomography (CT), of high intensity on T1-weighted spin echo images of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and of isointensity on T2-weighted spin echo images. It was not enhanced in the arterial phase images of MRI, and was shown as a complete perfusion defect on CT arterial portography. The cyst was enucleated and found to be filled with bloody mucinous fluid.

Alteration of GTP-binding proteins in ovarian tumors (Review)

GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) couple cell surface receptors to generation of a variety of intracellular second messengers. The mutant G protein products may be responsible for trapping the protein in its active and subsequently the abnormal growth of malignant cells and dysfunction. We present recent examples of G protein gene mutations in ovarian tumors and illustrate how such defects might lead to abnormal tumor proliferation.

Kallmann syndrome in females: gonadotropin versus GnRH to induce fertility

Kallmann syndrome is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. We observed the improvement of gonadal failure upon exposure to gonadotropin, but not gonadotropin-releasing hormone, in the female patients.

Evidence for coupling of phosphotyrosine phosphatase to gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in ovarian carcinoma membrane

BACKGROUND

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) receptor (Gn-RHR) has been demonstrated in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (Imai et al., Cancer 1994; 74:2555-61). To examine whether Gn-RHR mediates direct antiproliferative effects, we attempted to determine stimulatory regulation by Gn-RH of phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity in plasma membranes isolated from ovarian carcinoma samples.

METHODS

Surgically removed ovarian carcinomas were screened for Gn-RHR expression prior to plasma membrane isolation. The phosphotyrosine level was observed by: (1) immunoblotting of membrane extracts with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies, and (2) dephosphorylation from 32P-labeled membrane protein. Membrane PTP activity was determined using the synthetic substrate p-nitrophenyl in a spectrophotometric assay.

RESULTS

A Gn-RH analog alone, or guanosine thiotriphosphate (GTP-gamma-S) alone, caused a remarkable loss of phosphotyrosine from a 35-kD protein of the membranes; incubation with a Gn-RH analog and GTP-gamma-S produced a further dephosphorylation of this endogenous protein. The Gn-RH analog buserelin stimulated the PTP activity of the membranes in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). GTP-gamma-S enhanced the stimulatory action of Gn-RH on PTP; GDP-gamma-S reversed the Gn-RH action. A similar stimulation of PTP was observed (P < 0.01) when carcinoma tissue slices were exposed to Gn-RH analog in vivo prior to assay in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of PTP by Gn-RH stimulated the loss of phosphotyrosine from endogenous proteins through GTP-binding protein within plasma membrane isolated from Gn-RHR-expressing ovarian carcinoma. The antimitogenic action of the hormone may occur by counteracting tyrosine phosphorylation to promote cell growth.

Immunoglobulin free light chain assay using latex agglutination

Under normal biological conditions, immunoglobulin light chains are generally formed in conjunction with heavy chains; however, small quantities of free light chains are also produced. Thus, two types of immunoglobulin light chains may be identified; immunoglobulin-bound light chains and free light chains. In mature neoplastic B cells, immunoglobulin synthesis, including that of the free light chain, is generally increased. Furthermore, elevated free light chain levels also occur in the presence of renal glomerular and tubular impairment. Thus, the quantitative and qualitative measurement of free light chains is of considerable clinical benefit. Although methods for measurement of free light chains do exist they are technically complicated and time consuming. Previously, we have reported a quantitative nephelometric immunoassay for measuring free light chain levels. We report here a refinement of this method using latex agglutination techniques. This new method enables quantitative measurement of free light chains in serum at levels as low as 1 mg/l and may allow the clinical application of serum free light chain estimation.

Regulation of cAMP phosphodiesterases by cyclic nucleotides in rat parotid gland

Approximately 88% of the total cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity was detected in the supernatant fraction of the rat parotid homogenate. Mono Q ion-exchange chromatography revealed five main peaks (PDE I, PDE II, PDE III, PDE IV and unknown). A high concentration of cGMP (> 1 microM) was necessary to activate PDE II, whereas PDE III was inhibited by cGMP at a concentration that was 1,000 times lower (100 pM). PDEs III and IV were activated by treatment with a catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A kinase), and H-8, a A kinase inhibitor, inhibited the activation. Treatment of parotid slices with 1 microM isoproterenol stimulated PDE activity by approximately 120%, and 10 microM propranolol inhibited the activation.

Successful pregnancy in a patient with pseudomyxoma peritonei arising from ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma treated with cisplatin

A 24-year-old Japanese woman clinically showing pseudomyxoma peritonei arising from ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma FIGO stage Ic is reported. She received intra-abdominal administrations of cisplatin five times following left oophorectomy. After being free of disease for 6 months, she conceived and carried two pregnancies to successful deliveries at 34 and 37 weeks, respectively. At the Cesarean sections, there were no abnormal findings except for right ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. She has had no evidence of recurrence by the time of the 60-month postoperative examination.

Effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on cerebral blood flow in spinocerebellar degeneration and cerebrovascular disease

The effect of TRH on cerebral blood flow in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration and cerebrovascular disease was investigated. Cerebral blood flow was measured by the 133Xenon arterial injection method before, and 30 min after, the intravenous administration of 1000 micrograms of TRH. TRH had no effect on mean arterial blood pressure in either group. In the spinocerebellar degeneration group, cerebral blood flow increased slightly after the injection of TRH, from 52.7 +/- 10.5 to 56.7 +/- 16.0 ml/100 g brain/min. In two patients with spinocerebellar degeneration, whose autonomic function was normal and whose brainstem structure appeared normal in the CT scan, cerebral blood flow increased from 54.8 to 66.4 ml (21.2%), and from 68.6 to 79.9 ml (16.5%), respectively. In the patients with cerebrovascular disease, cerebral blood flow did not change (49.7 +/- 10.8 ml before and 49.4 +/- 12.6 ml after TRH). Cerebral blood flow reportedly increases following an intravenous injection of TRH in animals, supposedly due to the activation of intrinsic cerebral vasodilative fibers situated in the submesencephalic brainstem region. Our results are consistent with this hypothesis and with the clinical finding that TRH especially improves ataxia in spinocerebellar degeneration where there is no pyramidal involvement or disorder of deep sensation.

Ultrasonographic images of tongue movement during mastication

We observed vertical motion of the tongue during mastication in ultrasonographic images of 6 males with an average age of 28.7 years. All subjects had complete dentition and no evidence of neurological disorders. We used a 7 MHz mechanical convex scanning transducer to obtain a continuous, real-time ultrasonic image of the tongue, and carried out real-time B-mode ultrasonic observation at the median sagittal plane of the mandible. We recorded vertical motion of the tongue in the M-mode on a line connecting the mandibular first molars. The transducer produced good quality images of the dorsal surface during mastication of peanuts, rice, crackers, boiled fish paste, pickled radishes, pudding and bananas. The transducer, which was small and light, permitted capture of the images on videotape without manual placement of the scanner. Continuous images showed that the tongue turned the food, mixed it with saliva, sorted out unsuitable particles and aided in bolus formation. Vertical motion of the tongue had two phases, sorting and bolus formation.

A frame-shift mutation of the androgen receptor gene in a patient with receptor-negative complete testicular feminization: comparison with a single base substitution in a receptor-reduced incomplete form

Mutations of the androgen receptor that impair the action of androgens result in abnormal male sexual development. We studied the structure of the androgen receptor gene in a patient with the receptor-negative form of complete testicular feminization and another patient with a receptor-reduced form of incomplete testicular feminization. In the subject with complete testicular feminization, the deletion of a single nucleotide occurred at nucleotide number 1893 at exon 2. The subsequent frame-shift mutation changes the sense of codon 622 from cysteine to a translational stop signal. Codon 622 is exon 3, so the mutation predicts the synthesis of a truncated receptor that lacks the entire androgen-binding domain. Analysis of a subject with incomplete testicular feminization revealed a single substitution (CGT --> CAT) at nucleotide 2675 of exon 7, resulting in the conversion of an arginine at amino acid 840 to a histidine. This mutation in the androgen-binding domain may impair, but not remove, the androgen binding to its receptor. These results suggest that the phenotypes in our subjects are due to the mutations, and that single amino acid substitution and premature termination codon can cause variably severe functional abnormalities.

Evidence for tight coupling of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors to phosphatidylinositol kinase in plasma membrane from ovarian carcinomas

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogs inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. To examine whether Gn-RH receptor (Gn-RHR) mediates direct antiproliferative effects, we attempted to determine inhibitory regulation by Gn-RH of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) kinase activity, known to stimulate mitogenic response, in plasma membranes isolated from ovarian carcinoma samples. Ovarian carcinomas surgically removed and cloned cell line SK-OV3 had been screened for Gn-RHR expression prior to plasma membrane isolation. PtdIns kinase activity was measured as phosphorylation of exogenous substrate PtdIns by the purified plasma membranes. Incubation of the plasma membranes isolated from Gn-RHR-positive specimens with [gamma-32P]ATP and PtdIns caused [32P]phosphate incorporation into PtdIns phosphate (PtdInsP) in a time-dependent manner. Concomitant exposure of the membrane preparations to Gn-RH analog buserelin (1 microM) led to a 70% inhibition of the PtdInsP production, when compared to control. After 10 or 15 min of an initial incubation, the addition of analog resulted in similar suppression of PtdIns phosphorylation. This inhibition was dependent on the buserelin dose, and a half-maximal effect occurred at a concentration 0.1 to 1 nM of buserelin. Degradation of the produced PtdInsP in the plasma membranes was not affected by the Gn-RH analog. Similar inhibition of PtdIns kinase activities was observed in membranes prepared from cells that had been pretreated with buserelin (1 microM) for 48 hr prior to assay. These findings demonstrate that PtdIns kinase activity is suppressed by Gn-RH analog in plasma membrane isolated from GnRHR-expressing ovarian carcinomas, suggesting a tight coupling of Gn-RHR to PtdIns. The inhibition of membrane-associated PtdIns kinase by Gn-RHR occupancy may mediate the antimitogenic action of the hormone on human ovarian carcinomas.

Regulation by calcium-ion of choriocarcinoma aromatase-activity

Intratumoral estrogen could function as an autocrine or paracrine growth factor. We investigated the regulation of estrogen synthetase (aromatase) activity by Ca2+ in choriocarcinoma JAr cell line. Aromatase enzymatic activity was measured in whole intact cells and microsome fractions by quantitating (H2O)-H-3 released from [1-H-3]-androstenedione and [H-3]estrone converted from [1,2,6,7-H-3]androstenedione. Exposure of JAr cells to calcium ionophore A23187 brought about dose-dependent decreases in the cellular aromatization rate by up to 75%; a half-maximal inhibition occurred at 1 nM. In membrane fractions, free Ca-2+ inhibited aromatase activity in a noncompetitive manner. Maximal effect (approximately 50%-inhibition) occurred at 1 mM Ca2+ and a half-maximal inhibition occurred at 10 mu M. These results on both intact cells and membrane fractions suggest that the increase in intracellular calcium concentration modulates the estrogen production by JAr cells. Physiological factors that might have been considered as likely candidates to raise. intracellular Ca2+ level may be applicable to control of choriocarcinoma proliferation.

Genital bleeding in premenarcheal children

OBJECTIVE

The earlier occurrence of secondary sexual development and the advance in diagnostic techniques prompted us to review our recent experience with genital bleeding in childhood.

METHOD

We analyzed data for all patients aged less than 10 years who were referred to Gifu University School of Medicine-affiliated hospitals from 1984 through 1993.

RESULTS

From a total of 330 girls, 62 (approximately 20%) complained of genital bleeding. The patients were distributed equally between 0 and 10 years of age. In 46 of 62 patients (74%), bleeding resulted from a local lesion of the vagina: 28 due to vulvovaginitis, six to urethral prolapse, six to trauma, three to foreign bodies and three to vaginal tumors. Malignant vaginal tumors were seen in two patients: sarcoma botryoides and endodermal sinus tumor. Both were diagnosed by histopathological examination of an exophytic vaginal tumor, with several weeks' interval from the initial episode of bleeding to diagnosis. The remaining 16 patients (26%), with no demonstrable local lesions, bled as a result of some form of precocious puberty. In six patients, precocious puberty was secondary to a hormonally active ovarian tumor, five of these patients also experiencing advanced breast development. Routine ultrasound and hormonal evaluations promptly detected the presence of tumor. None of three patients with idiopathic precocious puberty presented with secondary sexual development. No specific etiology was established in seven patients.

CONCLUSION

Genital bleeding alerts us to the possibility, though rare, of a genital tract tumor. Prompt and precise detection may lead to cure and preservation of future fertility.

[Antineuronal autoantibody to a 40-kDa protein in a patient with cerebellar ataxia and breast cancer]

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to Utsunomiya Saiseikai hospital complaining of right breast swelling. There was half a year history of difficulty in walking. A diagnosis of breast cancer was made by biopsy. Neurological examination revealed scanning speech, nystagmus, intention tremor and ataxic gait, but brain CT scan and MRI showed neither metastatic, invasive lesions nor atrophy in the brain. Lumpectomy for breast cancer was performed. For immunocytochemical studies, the cytoplasm of neurons in sections of normal human cerebral cortex, cerebellum, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were stained by the patient's serum, but glial cells were not. Upon Western blot, the patient's serum reacted with a 40-kDa protein in extracts of both cerebrum and cerebellum obtained from normal rats. A diagnosis of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) was made on the basis of clinical manifestations and detection of the antineuronal antibody. The antibody accompanying the breast cancer which stained neuronal cytoplasm and bound to a 40-kDa protein may be a subtype of antibody causing PCD.

Characterization of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase isozymes in rat parotid gland

Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes were isolated and characterized from the soluble fraction of rat parotid gland. Four main peaks containing PDE activity were obtained by Q-Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. The four peaks were identified as PDEs I-IV by kinetic properties, molecular-weight analysis and their responses to effectors and inhibitors.

Primary brain malignant lymphoma newly diagnosed during pregnancy

Clinical brain tumors become symptomatic or show acceleration of symptoms in pregnant women less often when compared with those in non-pregnant women. We describe the clinical findings and MR imaging of a rare case of malignant lymphoma arising in the brain of a pregnant woman.

Ultrasound-detected polycystic ovarian syndrome associated with depleted basal level but enhanced response of gonadotropin

A patient with ultrasound-detected polycystic ovaries and anovulatory oligomenorrhea had extremely low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, but a heightened sensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Of interest is the finding of undetectable basal LH levels. This rare presentation may suggest that polycystine ovarian syndrome (PCOS) features may be a consequence of the increased response of LH, independently on basal levels of LH.

Prolactin receptor-linked tyrosine-phosphorylation of membrane-proteins is mediated by GTP-binding protein in endometrial carcinoma and endometrium

Prolactin (PRL) blocks the mitogenic activity of the endometrium via a PRL receptor (PRL-R)-mediated mechanism (Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 203: 117, 1993, ibid 205: 140, 1994). To elucidate the molecular mechanism of the antimitogenic action of PRL, we examined the PRL receptor-linked tyrosine kinase and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP), known to constitute the signaling of cell growth, within isolated plasma membranes from endometrium and endometrial carcinoma. Surgically removed human endometrial carcinomas and normal endometrium were examined. PRL receptor mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers synthesized according to the published human PRL receptor sequence. Phosphotyrosine-containing membrane proteins were analyzed using antiphosphotyrosine antibody in Western blots. Plasma membrane-associated PTP activity was examined using the synthetic substrate para-nitrophenyl phosphates (p Npp) in a spectrophotometric assay, PRL receptor mRNA was detected in all endometria tested, 7 of 9 samples of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, 7 of 8 of poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In plasma membrane isolated from PRL receptor mRNA-positive specimens, PRL induced dose-dependent (i) decrease in the level of tyrosine-phosphorylated protein and (ii) inhibition of PTP activity in the presence of nonhydrolyzable GTP. PRL alone showed no hormonal action. PRL may decrease the phosphotyrosine level in protein substrates through block of tyrosine kinase. The PRL receptor-linked tyrosine phosphorylation may be mediated by a GTP-binding protein. The inhibition of the tyrosine kinase suggests an involvement of this enzyme in the growth-inhibiting action of PRL.

Expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma

We have previously demonstrated the presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. In this study, the expression of Gn-RH receptor (Gn-RHR) was investigated in human ovarian carcinoma and human ovarian carcinoma cell line. Gn-RHR was determined by [3H]Gn-RH binding assay. Gn-RHR mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers synthesized based on published human Gn-RHR sequence. Specific Gn-RH binding sites were shown to be present in plasma membrane isolated from five ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma samples and one serous cystadenocarcinoma (Kd = 15.3 +/- 8.08 nmol/L). Gn-RHR mRNA was detected in four mucinous cystadenocarcinoma specimens, one serous cystadenocarcinoma, and SK-OV-3 cells, but not in white blood cells. These results suggest that Gn-RH may play an autocrine regulatory role in the growth of ovarian carcinoma.

Overexpression of C-erbb-2 protein in endometrial carcinoma is associated with advanced-stage disease

Expression of the c-erbB-2 product (p185(c-erbB-2)) was examined in plasma membrane isolations from 14 uterine endometrial carcinomas and 3 normal endometrial tissues. Overexpression of p185(c-erbB-2) was found in 8 of 9 endometrial carcinomas of stages III and IV and in none of 5 early stage specimens, when compared with the level in normal endometrial tissues. The expression of p185(c-erbB-2) was independent of histological grade. When the p185(c-erbB-2) immunoprecipitated with anti-p185(c-erbB-2) antibodies was exposed to adenosine triphosphate, enhanced self-phosphorylation occurred more frequently in specimens from the tumors carrying p185(c-erbB-2) overexpression. These findings demonstrated positive correlation between disease spread, p185(c-erbB-2) expression and autophosphorylation of p185(c-erbB-2) in human endometrial carcinoma. The prognostic value of these observations awaits continued study.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in gynecologic tumors. Frequent expression in adenocarcinoma histologic types

BACKGROUND

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogs have been used in the therapy of the endocrine-dependent cancers. The authors attempted to determine the frequency with which Gn-RH receptor (Gn-RHR) is present in gynecological cancers.

METHODS

Experiments were performed on gynecologic tumors that had been surgically removed and their cloned cell lines. Gn-RHR was characterized by [3H]Gn-RH binding to plasma membrane preparations. Gn-RHR messenger ribonucleic acid was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers synthesized according to the published human Gn-RHR sequence.

RESULTS

High affinity binding sites with nanomolar range of Kd and Gn-RHR mRNA were detected in a high proportion (over 90%) of the specimens from endometrium (6 of 6) and endometrial carcinomas (16 of 17), myometrium (6 of 6) and myomas (4 of 5), epithelial carcinoma (21 of 23), and stromal tumors (3 of 3) of the ovary. There was no substantial Gn-RHR in cervical carcinomas or germ cell-derived tumors of the ovary. Cloned cell lines gave identical results to those obtained in their respective mother tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

We detected Gn-RHR in a wide range of the carcinomas and tissues originating from the endometrium and ovary, but not in the uterine cervix or germ cell-derived tumors. The expression of Gn-RH receptor raises the possibility that Gn-RH may play a direct regulatory role in the growth of these carcinomas, and provides a possible point of attack for therapeutic approaches using Gn-RH analogs in these malignancies.

Figo clinical stage IIb carcinoma of the uterine cervix and surgical staging

Postsurgical precise correlation was examined in 48 patients with an invasive carcinoma of the cervix in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) clinical stage IIb. Of the 48 cases, 18 cases were overestimated; in which inflammatory parametrial changes and endophytic tumor growth were seen. Six lesions clinically underestimated were associated with superficial invasion into the rectal or bladder muscle. Resultant precise correlation was available in the remainder (24 cases).

Effect of PT-treatment on ANP-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase and amylase release in rat parotid gland

Effects of pertussis toxin (PT) treatment on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase and amylase release were investigated in rat parotid gland. Adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by GTP gamma S in PT-treated membranes was much larger than that in normal membranes. ANP dose-dependently inhibited adenylate cyclase stimulated by GTP gamma S in control rat parotid membranes, however in membranes prepared from PT-injected (in vivo) rat parotid gland, ANP did not inhibit adenylate cyclase. ANP(10(-7)M) inhibited cAMP accumulation stimulated by forskolin (10(-6)M) in control rat parotid acinar cells by about 34%, however, in PT-treated cells, the inhibitory effect of ANP was attenuated completely. In control cells amylase release stimulated by isoproterenol (10(-6)M) and forskolin (10(-6)M) were also depressed by ANP (10(-7)M) by 27 and 30% respectively. The inhibitory response of ANP on amylase release was completely attenuated by PT-treatment. Gi was detected as a ADP-ribosylated 41-KDa protein by incubation of parotid membranes with PT and [alpha-32P]NAD. In rat parotid gland, these results suggested that ANP mediates adenylate cyclase/cAMP system and consequently reduces amylase release through ANP-C receptor coupled to Gi.