High prevalence of human papillomavirus infection and possible association with betel quid chewing and smoking in oral epidermoid carcinomas in Taiwan

Seventeen oral epidermoid carcinomas, three oral papillomas, and 17 normal gingival tissues were tested for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18 sequences by Southern blot hybridization. Episomal HPV-16 sequences in various amounts were detected in 76.4% of the oral carcinomas and in all three cases of papilloma. However, only one of the 17 normal tissues was HPV positive with an unknown type. None of the samples contained HPV-6, -11, or -18 sequences. Examination of the habits of the patients showed that 59% of the patients were betel quid chewers and 82% were smokers. Thus, the concurrent incidence of HPV infection and betal quid chewing and/or smoking habits in oral carcinoma patients observed in Taiwan is consistent with the view that both viral and chemical factors may be involved in the process of carcinogenesis.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia or with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

An elevated serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R) has been noted in various hematological malignancies and conditions associated with active T-cell responses. Its appearance has also correlated with disease activity and tumor burden. Since few studies have been reported concerning SIL-2R in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), work was undertaken to try to find if SIL-2R could be detected in the CSF of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and whether it could become a clinical predictor of the central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and its response to therapy. Preliminary results showed that 1) the CSF SIL-2R is usually detectable in very low level with a mean of 15.1 +/- 14.2 units/ml compared with the mean serum level of 338.3 +/- 135.5 units/ml in eight normal controls; 2) there was no significant difference in the mean serum and CSF SIL-2R in five patients with ALL in a complete remission state compared with normal controls, while two ALL patients with CNS relapse and two NHL patients with CNS involvement had high levels of SIL-2R in CSF. High serum and low CSF SIL-2R levels were noted in another ALL case suffering from bone marrow relapse but without CNS relapse. It was also noted that decreased CSF SIL-2R concentration occurred subsequent to intrathecal chemotherapy in two ALL patients. From these results, we conclude that CSF SIL-2R might become a useful indicator of CNS involvement in patients with hematological malignancies and may predict response to chemotherapy.

Nonparasitic hepatic cysts detected in ultrasonographic examination: analysis of 95 cases

Ultrasonography has gained wide use in the diagnosis of hepatic cystic diseases. Ninety cases with nonparasitic hepatic cysts were detected in 4,615 patients who underwent routine abdominal ultrasonography. In this series, hepatic cysts were mostly discovered in men (62.1%), in the age range of 51-70 years (63.1%) and located in the right lobe of the liver (62.1%). Hepatomegaly, abdominal mass, abdominal pain, and jaundice were the common clinical manifestations in patients with symptomatic hepatic cysts (13.7%), especially in cases with larger or multiple cysts. Only 4 patients received invasive management; 2 with ultrasonographic guide aspiration alone, 1 with external drainage, and 1 with alcohol instillation. Complications in this series of liver cysts were noted in 3 patients (3.16%) including infection, portal hypertension and jaundice.

Unusual amino acid sequence of fasciatoxin, a weak reversibly acting neurotoxin in the venom of the banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus

A weak reversibly acting neurotoxin, fasciatoxin, was found in the venom of Bungarus fasciatus. The sequencing was completed by manual and automated Edman analyses of the reduced and carboxymethylated protein and of the peptides obtained from enzyme digestions. It is composed of 63 amino acid residues with four disulphide bonds and a unique sequence at the C-terminal end. According to the criteria set by Ryden, Gabel & Eaker [(1973) Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 5, 261-273], fasciatoxin lacks all of the five functionally invariant residues of neurotoxins. The hydropathy index indicates that fasciatoxin is devoid of a strong hydrophilicity domain for binding to the receptor site. Structural comparison with some typical neurotoxins also reveals the uniqueness of fasciatoxin in that the extent of similarity is only about 30%.

Variable regulation of sensitivity to retinoic acid-induced differentiation in wild-type and retinoic acid-resistant HL-60 cells

The initial cell association and metabolic conversion of retinoic acid (RA) by HL-60 cells in serum-free, transferrin/insulin-supplemented, RPMI 1640 medium was greater than or equal to 10-fold greater than in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). This was paralleled under the serum-free conditions by 10-fold greater sensitivity to RA-induced differentiation, which was partially reversed by the addition of purified bovine serum albumin to the same concentration present in 10% FBS. In serum-free HL-1 medium, HL-60 cell sensitivity to RA-induced differentiation was approximately 250-fold less than in serum-free RPMI 1640 medium but, in this comparison, there was little difference in RA cell association or metabolism. A greater than 200-fold RA-resistant HL-60 subline had RA cell-association and metabolism rates similar to those of wild-type cells under all culture conditions. No significant qualitative differences in the high performance liquid chromatography elution patterns of polar metabolites were observed under any circumstances. These results indicate that inherent cellular properties, not associated with gross differences in RA uptake or metabolism, primarily determined the relative sensitivity or insensitivity of HL-60 cells to RA-induced differentiation but that RA responsiveness was markedly regulated by extracellular factors, one of which, serum albumin, appeared to act by decreasing the initial cell association and metabolism of RA, whereas other, as yet unidentified exogenous factors, may have acted independently of these functions.

Amino acid sequence of a short chain neurotoxin from the venom of banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus)

The amino acid sequence of a short chain neurotoxin obtained from Bungarus fasciatus venom consists of 64 amino acid residues: Arg-Ile-Cys-Leu-Asn-Gln-Gln-Gln-Ser- Thr-Pro-Glu-Asp-Gln-Pro-Thr-Asn-Gly-Gln-Cys-Tyr-Ile-Lys-Thr-Asp-Cys-Gln- Asn-Lys - Thr-Trp-Asn-Thr-His-Arg-Gly-Ser-Arg-Thr-Asp-Arg-Gly-Cys-Gly-Cys-Pro-Lys- Val-Lys - Pro-Gly-Ile-Asn-Leu-Arg-Cys-Cys-Lys-Thr-Asp-Lys-Cys-Asn-Glu. The above result was obtained primarily from the amino acid analyses and sequencing of tryptic peptides accompanied with the necessary analyses and sequencing of the chymotryptic and lysyl endopeptidic peptides for alignment.

Ludwig's angina: an analysis of 14 cases

Ludwig's angina remains a potentially lethal disease entity as it causes rapidly progressive airway obstruction, although the current mortality rate is low. Early surgical intervention should be carried out in severe cases which show signs of fluctuation, abscess formation or other serious complications. We report our experience with 14 cases of Ludwig's angina, 12 of which (86%) were of dental origin. Only one case was complicated with Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia which resolved upon treatment. There were no deaths. Surgical procedures including incision and drainage and tooth extraction were performed in 11 cases (78%). Antibiotics were administered to all patients. Most of them were treated with crystalline penicillin with or without an aminoglycoside. Only one patient received a tracheostomy in this series. The number of tracheostomies or intubations carried out was much lower than in previous reports. We suggest that an aggressive antimicrobial therapy, early surgical intervention and careful monitoring of the respiratory symptoms would reduce both the need for tracheostomy and the mortality rate.

[Hematological aspects of dengue fever]

Fifty patients with dengue fever from Sept. 1987 to Jan. 1988 were studied for hematological features. The lowest blood counts values throughout the course of illness were Hb: 13.2 +/- 1.9 gm/dl, WBC: (2.77 +/- 1.63) x 10(3)/mm3, Platelet: (8.7 +/- 5.5) x 10(4)/mm3. Leukopenia (WBC less than 4000/mm3) was present in 38 (76%) of the cases and thrombocytopenia (platelet less than 10 x 10(4)/mm3) in 27 (54%) of the cases. Leukocytes reached nadir (1000-2000/mm3) at the 5th-6th day after fever onset, thrombocytes reached nadir (2.0-5.0 x 10(4)/mm3) at the 5th-7th day after fever onset. Bone marrow studies showed mild hypocellularity in the acute stage (less than 1 week) and normal cellularity in the convalescent stage (greater than 1 week). Megakaryocytes increased with various stages of maturation of megakaryocytes appearing in a majority of patients. Nuclear vacuolization of megakaryocytes could also be found. Bone marrow CFU-GM when performed within one week of illness showed no growth or low colony count, and was nearly normal after one week of fever onset. This study may suggest that leukopenia in dengue fever may be caused by virus-induced destruction or inhibition of myeloid progenitor cells. Thrombocytopenia may result from by destruction of peripheral platelet or bone marrow megakaryocytes by viruses which consequently reduce the platelet production.

The complete amino-acid sequence of a basic phospholipase A2 in the venom of Bungarus fasciatus

A basic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was isolated and purified from the venom of Bungarus fasciatus. Four kinds of enzymes, lysyl endopeptidase, endoproteinase Asp-N, endoproteinase Glu-C and trypsin, were employed to elucidate the complete primary structure by means of gas-phase sequencing. The amino-acid sequence reveals 118 amino-acid residues containing seven pairs of half-cystine. It has 78% and 61% structural identities with PLA2 from Bungarus multicinctus and Naja melanoleuca DE-II, respectively.

Structural analysis of complementary DNA and amino acid sequences of human and rat androgen receptors

Structural analysis of cDNAs for human and rat androgen receptors (ARs) indicates that the amino-terminal regions of ARs are rich in oligo- and poly(amino acid) motifs as in some homeotic genes. The human AR has a long stretch of repeated glycines, whereas rat AR has a long stretch of glutamines. There is a considerable sequence similarity among ARs and the receptors for glucocorticoids, progestins, and mineralocorticoids within the steroid-binding domains. The cysteine-rich DNA-binding domains are well conserved. Translation of mRNA transcribed from AR cDNAs yielded 94- and 76-kDa proteins and smaller forms that bind to DNA and have high affinity toward androgens. These rat or human ARs were recognized by human autoantibodies to natural ARs. Molecular hybridization studies, using AR cDNAs as probes, indicated that the ventral prostate and other male accessory organs are rich in AR mRNA and that the production of AR mRNA in the target organs may be autoregulated by androgens.

Correction of the cDNA-derived protein sequence of prostatic spermine binding protein: pivotal role of tandem mass spectrometry in sequence analysis

Spermine binding protein (SBP) is a rat ventral prostate protein that binds various polyamines, and the level of this protein and its mRNA is regulated by androgens. Previously, the cDNA for SBP was cloned and sequenced and an amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA. Data from cloned and sequenced and an amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA. Data from partial amino acid sequencing of the purified protein were consistent with the amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA. However, the amino terminus of the protein was blocked, and therefore, direct protein sequence information confirming the cDNA reading frame of this region could not be obtained by Edman degradation. We have now employed an integrated approach using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and conventional sequencing methodologies to establish the amino-terminal sequence of the protein and to identify an amino acid sequence (35 residues) present in the purified protein but missing from the amino acid sequence deduced from cDNA clones for this protein. The missing piece of cDNA corresponds to an exon found in mouse genomic clones for a protein similar to rat SBP. Therefore, the cDNA clones for rat SBP may represent splicing variants that lack the sequence information of one exon. The blocked amino terminus of the protein was identified as 5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid. Mass spectrometry also provided evidence regarding glycosylation of the protein. The first of two potential glycosylation sites clearly carries carbohydrate; the second site is, at most, only partially glycosylated.

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or with acute leukemia

Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay was used to study the serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in 30 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (19, active disease; 11, complete remission) and 26 patients with acute leukemia (AL) (14, active disease; 12, complete remission). Thirty healthy age-matched volunteers were used as normal controls. The mean values of serum sIL-2R in NHL with active disease and complete remission (CR) were 1043 +/- 108 units/ml and 635 +/- 118 units/ml, respectively; these values are significantly higher than those in normal controls; 220 +/- 30 units/ml (p less than 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean values of serum sIL-2R in AL with active disease and CR were 726 +/- 119 units/ml and 363 +/- 61 units/ml, respectively which were also significantly higher than those in the normal group (p less than 0.001 and p = 0.023 respectively). Comparing the active state with CR state in both diseases, sIL-2Rs in the latter state were significantly lower than those in active disease. Serum sIL-2R level might be a parameter of disease activity in NHL and AL.

Molecular cloning of human and rat complementary DNA encoding androgen receptors

Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding androgen receptors were obtained from human testis and rat ventral prostate cDNA libraries. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs indicated the presence of a cysteine-rich DNA-binding domain that is highly conserved in all steroid receptors. The human cDNA was transcribed and the RNA product was translated in cell-free systems to yield a 76-kilodalton protein. The protein was immunoprecipitable by human autoimmune antibodies to the androgen receptor. The protein bound androgens specifically and with high affinity.

Effect of metabolic or respiratory acidosis on rabbit renal medullary proton-ATPase

Distal urinary acidification is thought to be mediated by an H+-ATPase sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide and dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide. We have studied the effect of chronic metabolic acidosis (NH4Cl for 3 days) or respiratory acidosis (inhalation of 10% CO2 for 2 days) on the H+-ATPase of plasma membranes prepared from the medulla. The enzymatic assay for the H+-ATPase was performed in the presence of ouabain and oligomycin and in the absence of Ca. H+-transport activity was assessed by the quenching of acridine orange in the presence of ATP. The 15-25% sucrose gradient fraction was enriched 40-fold in enzymatic activity over the homogenate, and 8-fold in enzymatic activity and 4-fold in H+-transport activity over the fluffy fraction (38,000 X g). Metabolic acidosis (pH less than 7.31) or chronic hypercapnia (PCO2 greater than 66 mmHg; 1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) was induced for 2-3 days. Both groups showed the same enrichment factor in enzymatic and H+-transport assays as the control rabbits. Enzymatic and H+-transport activities, however, were not different between animals with respiratory acidosis and controls. Kinetic studies failed to disclose an increase in Vmax (673 vs. 702 mumol/(mg protein.min] or a decrease in Km (0.43 vs. 0.48 mM) in chronic hypercapnia as compared with controls. Metabolic acidosis also failed to increase H+-ATPase activity. These data demonstrate that the H+-ATPase of renal medulla does not display the expected increase in activity during acidosis. The role of this H+-ATPase in the adaptation to acidosis remains to be determined.

Identification of glutathione S-transferase Yb1 mRNA as the androgen-repressed mRNA by cDNA cloning and sequence analysis

Androgens, while stimulating the growth of the rat ventral prostate, can also repress the levels of a limited number of mRNAs. The cDNA for one of the androgen-repressed mRNAs has been identified by nucleotide sequence analysis as coding for the glutathione S-transferase Yb1 subunit. The prostate cDNA is 1071 nucleotides long, and only 2 or 4 bases of this sequence do not match the two published sequences of the cDNA for the Yb1 subunit of rat liver glutathione S-transferase. The amino acids in the protein encoded by the prostate cDNA matched completely with that for one of the liver cDNAs and differ with the other cDNA only in two of 218 amino acids. The identification of the androgen-repressed mRNA as a glutathione S-transferase subunit may indicate that some of the cellular actions of the enzyme may be important in the control of androgen-dependent growth of the prostate. Since Yb forms of the transferases have been colocalized with uridylic acid-rich small nuclear RNAs at interchromatinic regions of the cell nucleus, autoregulation of prostate growth by androgens may be carried out through the modulation of RNA production or processing in this target organ.

Prostatic spermine-binding protein. Cloning and nucleotide sequence of cDNA, amino acid sequence, and androgenic control of mRNA level

cDNA for mRNA of an androgen-dependent spermine-binding protein (SBP) of rat ventral prostate was cloned by inserting cDNA into a dG-tailed expression vector, pUC8, and screening the expression library with anti-SBP antibodies. Hybrid-selected translation using plasmid DNA from positive clones yielded a 34-kDa protein which was immunoprecipitated by affinity-purified anti-SBP antibodies. SBP mRNA is about 1260 bases long as measured by Northern blot hybridization. An amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA was identical to an amino acid sequence found in SBP. SBP is extremely rich in acidic residues. Aspartic and glutamic acids, which make up about 33% of the total sequence, comprise 89 of a stretch of 126 amino acids at the carboxyl-terminal end. By dot hybridization analysis, SBP mRNA was not detected in rat liver, kidney, brain, submaxillary gland, or uterus. The prostate levels of SBP mRNA were measured by mRNA translation and dot hybridization. SBP mRNA level decreased to less than 20% of normal 2 days after castration of rats, and this decrease was reversed by 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone injection into castrated rats.

Topographic recognition of cyclic hydrocarbons and related compounds by receptors for androgens, estrogens, and glucocorticoids

The structural requirements for the interaction of about 80 cyclic hydrocarbons and related compounds with the androgen receptor of rat ventral prostate, the estrogen receptor of human breast tumor MCF-7 cells, and the glucocorticoid receptor of rat liver were examined by comparing their abilities to compete with radioactive hormones for binding to the respective receptors. The results indicate that the receptor-binding affinity of a compound is dependent on its electronic configuration and geometrical similarity to a portion of a natural steroid hormone which can be recognized by local ligand-binding sites in the receptor. For the estrogen receptor, beta-phenols are more active than the corresponding alpha-phenols, whereas nonphenolic compounds are totally inactive. For androgen and glucocorticoid receptors, alpha-phenols are more active than beta-phenols. The androgen receptor can interact stereospecifically with nonoxygenated and nonalkylated cyclic hydrocarbons, such as 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cycloheptene or 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene, which can, in vivo, inhibit the androgen-dependent growth of the male accessory reproductive organs. The affinities of naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, biphenyl, and adamantane toward glucocorticoid and androgen receptors can be enhanced by acetylation or ethanolization of these ligands. Our results also indicate that, while the hormonal action of a steroid may be dependent on the interaction of a functional group on the hormone with a specific group on the receptor, the presence of such a group may not be required for the antagonistic activity of a compound that can physically block hormone binding to the receptor. Thus, many small molecules that were hitherto considered to be biologically inert may interact with steroid receptors specifically and affect hormonal activities in vivo.

Hyposialylation of differentiation-inducer-resistant HL-60 cells

The total sialic acid concent of retinoic acid (RA)-resistant or 6-thioguanine (6TG)-resistant HL-60 cells was more than tenfold lower and of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-resistant HL-60 cells was approximately twofold lower than that of parental, wild-type (wt) HL-60 cells. Neuraminidase-inaccessible, ie residual cell-associated sialic acid after neuraminidase treatment, was four- to twelvefold lower in the three differentiation-inducer-resistant sublines than in the parent line. Neuraminidase treatment of 125I-labeled surface membrane glycoproteins (SMGs) from wt HL-60 cells converted the two-dimensional gel electrophoretic pattern to one having features in common with RA- and 6TG-resistant cells. However, neuraminidase treatment did not alter the sensitivity of wt HL-60 cells to differentiation induction by RA, hypoxanthine (purine base), or DMSO. These results indicate that differences in peripheral, neuraminidase-accessible sialic acids are important determinants of the gel electrophoretic mobility of the SMGs of the HL-60 line and sublines but are not likely related to the differentiation-resistance mechanism. Further studies are required to determine if hyposialylation of cryptic, neuraminidase-inaccessible sites has functional significance.

Expression and size heterogeneity of a 63 kilodalton membrane glycoprotein during growth and transformation of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis

Our previous work by immunoprecipitation with a specific monoclonal antibody showed multiple, closely apposed electrophoretic bands of a major surface antigen specific to the promastigote stage of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis. Here, we analyzed the antigen during growth and transformation of this parasite with particular emphasis on the origin of the multiple bands. Immunobinding assays revealed the presence of the antigen throughout all phases of growth of cloned and uncloned promastigotes in various media for different number of generations. More antigen is expressed by promastigotes grown in Medium 199 plus fetal bovine serum than those in serum-supplemented Schneider's medium or a defined medium; however, this is clone-dependent. Purified monoclonal antibody coupled to Affi-Gel 10 gave a high capacity of antigen binding, resolving four electrophoretic bands of 60-66 kDa. A 63 kDa membrane protein, representing one of the four bands, became predominant after [35S]methionine label and chase. Pretreatment of promastigotes with 10 micrograms ml-1 tunicamycin reduces the antigen to a single band of 54 kDa. Treatment of the antigen bound to the affinity gel with endoglycosidase-H produces similar, but less complete effect. These results indicate glycosylation of this antigen with asparagine-linked oligosaccharides, which appears to account at least in part for its expression as multiple, closely apposed bands during biosynthesis. Binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled 6H12 monoclonal IgG or Fab to the promastigotes showed an even distribution of the antigen over the cell surface and its capping upon the addition of rabbit anti-mouse IgG. Additional hybridomas prepared against amastigotes yielded monoclonal antibodies which recognized surface antigens common to both stages of the parasite.

Monoclonal antibody affinity purification of a Leishmania membrane glycoprotein and its inhibition of leishmania-macrophage binding

Specific monoclonal antibody coupled to Affi-Gel 10 was used to purify a major membrane glycoprotein of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis, one of a group of parasitic protozoa that specifically infect mammalian macrophages. Immobilized antigen was eluted at a 34% efficiency with buffers at either pH 2.5 or 11 or with MgCl2, but only the antigen eluted under basic conditions could be readsorbed to the immunobeads. Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration of the purified antigen gave a single peak of protein estimated to have a molecular mass of 400 kDa. However, NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single band of this protein with an apparent molecular mass of 63 kDa. The antigen is an N-linked glycoprotein, as indicated by its increase in electrophoretic mobility after treatment with endoglycosidase H and by its binding to lentil lectin-Sepharose, elutable with methyl alpha-D-mannoside and methyl alpha-D-glucoside. Purified antigen inhibits the binding of leishmania cells to macrophages by 50%, suggesting that it may play a role in the process of infection.

Heme requirement and acquisition by extracellular and intracellular stages of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis

The inability to synthesize heme, a well known metabolic defect of trypanosomatid protozoa, accounts for their growth requirement for heme compounds in vitro. We now extend this finding to a pathogen Leishmania mexicana amazonensis, especially the intracellular replicative stage of amastigotes in the macrophage. We measured the level of heme and its biosynthetic enzymes, aminolevulinate dehydratase and porphobilinogen deaminase in the parasites and in infected and non-infected macrophages of J774G8 line. Succinylacetone was used to inhibit heme biosynthesis. Leishmanias transform and grow only in medium containing either heme (usually supplied as hemin) or protoporphyrin IX (the latter is leishmanicidal at high concentrations). We detected 1.2, 8.5 and 25 pmol mg-1 protein of heme in amastigotes, promastigotes and macrophages, respectively. The activities of porphobilinogen deaminase and aminolevulinate dehydratase in macrophages were 70 and 2400 pmol h-1 mg-1 protein, respectively. Leishmania-infected macrophages gave the same results and leishmanias had negligible activities of these enzymes. Succinylacetone at 10(-9)-10(-3) M had no effect on leishmanias, but dose-dependently inhibited the activity of aminolevulinate dehydratase to a negligible level and lowered that of porphobilinogen deaminase in macrophages, resulting in a maximum of 66% reduction in intracellular heme. Amastigotes grew equally well in succinylacetone-treated and control untreated macrophages. The results suggest that L. m. amazonensis, incapable of heme biosynthesis, acquires heme exogenously from the culture medium, i.e., fetal bovine serum, independent of the heme synthesized by the macrophages.

Calcium ionophore A23187 induces expression of glucose-regulated genes and their heterologous fusion genes

Using two cDNA clones which encode hamster genes specifically induced by glucose starvation, we demonstrated that an 8- and 30-fold increase, respectively, in the transcription rates of these genes was coordinately effected by calcium ionophore A23187 treatment, resulting in a similar increase in the steady-state levels of their mRNAs. This response was observed within several hours of ionophore treatment in several mammalian cell types and appeared to be specifically mediated by A23187 but not by other ionophores in general. To define the regulatory sequence which mediates this Ca2+-induced response, we showed by gene transfection techniques that the 5' flanking sequence of a rat glucose-regulated gene contained the region for induction by A23187. The system reported here offers attractive features for the study of specific gene regulation by Ca2+.

Early postoperative echocardiographic studies of atrial septal defects

Fifteen consecutive adult patients with uncomplicated atrial septal defects (ASD) underwent echocardiographic examinations both before and 3-8 days (mean 7 days) after surgery to study the early postoperative changes in cardiac dimensions and interventricular septal motion. Echocardiographic analyses included patterns of interventricular septal motion, right and left ventricular dimensions at end-diastole (RVDd & LVDd), aortic root dimension at end-diastole (ARDd) and left atrial dimension at end-systole (LADs). The results showed that the septal motion was abnormal in 87% (13/15) before and 40% (6/15) after operation. RVDd decreased from 36 +/- 7 mm to 27 +/- 7 mm (p less than 0.01) while LVDd increased from 33 +/- 6 mm to 39 +/- 4 mm (p less than 0.01). There were no significant changes in LADs and ARDd after surgery. These observations suggest that in patients with ASD the ventricular dimensions and patterns of interventricular septal motion are changed significantly shortly after surgical repair.

delta-Aminolevulinate dehydratase in human erythroleukemia cells: an immunologically distinct enzyme

Physicochemical and immunologic properties of delta-aminolevulinate (ALA) dehydratase in human K562 erythroleukemia cells were examined. ALA dehydratase activity was found to increase in K562 cells after treatment with butyric acid or selenium oxide. Enzyme activity in untreated K562 cells was comparable to that in normal adult erythrocytes but was increased three- to six-fold in K562 cells treated with 1.2 mmol/L butyric acid or 0.03 mmol/L selenium oxide. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km), the inhibitor constant (Ki), and elution profile by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose chromatography were similar for ALA dehydratase from K562 cells and normal human adult and human fetal erythrocytes. However, ALA dehydratase from K562 cells did not react with a monospecific rabbit antibody against ALA dehydratase purified from normal adult erythrocytes, although the antibody reacted with the enzyme from normal adult and fetal red cells. These findings indicate that ALA dehydratase in K562 cells is immunologically distinct from the normal enzyme.

Characterization of differentiation-inducer-resistant HL-60 cells

Sub-lines of the cultured human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 were individually selected for their ability to sustain exponential growth in the presence of 3 structurally-unrelated inducers of granulocytic differentiation - retinoic acid (RA), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and 6-thioguanine (6TG). Selections were made by step-wise augmentation to final drug concentrations of 10(-3)mM RA, 169mM (1.2%) DMSO and 0.12mM (20 micrograms ml-1) 6TG. In addition to growth resistance, cells in each sub-line displayed variable cytodifferentiation resistance to each of the 3 selective agents, which was quantitated as the ratio of the concentration of drug required to induce differentiation in 50% of the cells in each resistant sub-line versus comparably-passaged wild-type HL-60 cells. The levels of resistance/cross-resistance were as follows: RA-resistant (res) sub-line greater than 2700-fold to RA, 1.3-fold to DMSO and greater than 1.5-fold to hypoxanthine (HXN; the noncytotoxic purine base inducer analogue of 6TG); DMSO-res sub-line 2.5-fold to DMSO, 137-fold to RA and greater than 1.5-fold to HXN; and 6TG-res sub-line greater than 1.5-fold to HXN, 9-fold to RA and 1.6-fold to DMSO. These sub-lines were not cross-resistant to sodium butyrate (NaBut), a monocyte inducer, or to 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a macrophage inducer. HL-60 sub-lines selected by exposure to a single high concentration of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BUdR; 3.3 X 10(-2)mM) or oubain (Ou; 5 X 10(-3)mM) were not or were slightly cross-resistant to either granulocyte or monocyte inducers. Although some variations in line/sub-line phenotype were observed, this was minor compared to the quantitative variations in response to individual inducing agents. The RA-res and 6TG-res sub-lines contained numerous double minute chromosomes (indicators of amplified genes) which were either absent or present in much smaller numbers in the parental wild-type cells or in the other drug-resistant sub-lines. There was little change or a decrease in the amplification level of the known amplified oncogene c-myc in the various drug-resistant sub-lines compared to wild-type HL-60 cells. These results (a) confirm that the neutrophilic granulocytic and monocytic/macrophagic differentiation programs in HL-60 cells are mechanistically different and separable; (b) suggest that both agent-specific and common quantitative alterations contribute to the mechanism(s) for resistance to granulocyte differentiation; and (c) suggest that the latter quantitative defects could be related to amplification of genes other than c-myc.

Induction of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in mouse Friend virus-transformed erythroleukemia cells during erythroid differentiation

The activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase, an enzyme involved in heme biosynthesis, has been shown to increase in Friend virus-transformed murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells during erythroid differentiation. In this study, the nature of the increase in ALA dehydratase activity in MEL cells was examined using a monospecific antibody directed to the enzyme. A sevenfold increase in ALA dehydratase activity was observed after cells had been treated with 1.5% Me2SO for 5 days. Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion analysis showed that lysates from untreated and Me2SO-treated MEL cells formed a single precipitin line with rabbit IgG directed to the normal mouse liver ALA dehydratase. A single arc of identity was also observed with the lysates from normal mouse erythrocytes, spleen, liver, and lysates from both uninduced and induced MEL cells. Rocket immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that lysates from both uninduced and induced cells formed rockets with the IgG and that the peak height of the rocket was proportional to the ALA dehydratase activity applied. The slope of linear plots of rocket peak heights v ALA dehydratase activity was identical for lysates from uninduced and Me2SO-induced cells. Succinylacetone, a potent inhibitor of ALA dehydratase, was shown to markedly inhibit the activity of the enzyme, but did not interfere with the synthesis of ALA dehydratase induced by Me2SO treatment. Me2SO-induced increases in ALA dehydratase activity and the enzyme protein were both blocked by the simultaneous treatment of cells with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). BrdU-mediated repression of ALA dehydratase was partially overcome by treating the cells with thymidine. These data demonstrate that increased ALA dehydratase activity in MEL cells undergoing erythroid differentiation after Me2SO treatment is due to de novo synthesis of the same enzyme protein present in uninduced MEL cells as well as in normal erythrocytes. This represents the first direct demonstration of an increase in a heme biosynthetic pathway enzyme protein in erythroid cells undergoing differentiation.

An immunological study of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase specificity consistent with the phylogeny of species

Rabbit antibody directed to homogeneously purified mouse liver delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase cross-reacted with the enzyme in erythrocytes, spleen, kidney and brain in the mouse. The antibody also cross-reacted with the enzyme in the rat, hamster and gerbil, but not in the rabbit, guinea pig, cattle, chick embryo, and human. In contrast, rabbit antibody against the human enzyme partially recognized the monkey enzyme, but not the enzyme in the other species. The species specificity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in this study was consistent with the phylogenetic evolution of the species examined.

Histologic study of hydroxylapatite as an implant material for mandibular augmentation

Dogs were used to compare supraperiosteal implantation of hydroxylapatite with subperiosteal implantation with and without partial decortication of the underlying bone. Whereas supraperiosteal implants were unstable, nine months of observation indicated that the subperiosteal implants developed a strong attachment and mechanical stabilization as a result of formation of investing fibrous and osseous tissues. These results provide a basis for a technique of alveolar augmentation and denture construction.

Biochemical analysis and electron microscopy of human mitral valve collagen in patients with various etiologies of mitral valve diseases

Biochemical analyses and electron microscopy of mitral valve collagen were carried out in 29 patients with various mitral valve diseases. They were divided into 3 groups: (1) rheumatic heart disease (15 patients), (2) isolated rupture of chordae tendineae (8 patients), and (3) floppy mitral valve (6 patients). Normal mitral valves obtained at necropsy from 6 patients who died from extracardiac causes were used for control observations. Results of the electrophoretic analysis of the collagen of normal and diseased valves showed that all valves contained collagen types I, III, and AB collagen with similar electrophoretic patterns. Electron microscopic observations and comparisons of the segment-long-spacing crystallites of each type of collagen revealed similar band patterns, irrespective of the normal or diseased valves sources. It is concluded that the composition and primary molecular structure of mitral valve collagen are usually not altered in a wide variety of disease processes affecting the mitral valve.

Hyperthermia-induced intracellular ionic level changes in tumor cells

The intracellular content of potassium (K) ions in P815 cells decreases when the media pH is lowered, and it increases when media pH is raised. The determination of the ion content therefore requires accurate control of the medium pH. The K ion content measured both by the flame emission method and by the K analog. 86Rb, exhibits a decline when the cells are incubated at 43 degrees C at a fixed pH chosen between 7.4 and 6.7. The chloride content also decreases while the sodium content does not change by a significant amount. Under the same hyperthermic conditions the intracellular pH decreases by a fraction of a pH unit. Simultaneously, the cell water volume increases by 20%, as measured by tritiated water. In the final analysis, hyperthermia produces an apparent deficit in the cellular osmolarity. A possible explanation is given.

Developmental outcome of infants with grade III intraventricular hemorrhage

To determine the developmental outcome of premature infants weighing 1,750 gm or less at birth and who had grade III intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), we followed up ten infants with IVH confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and ten CT-negative control infants until they were 12 months corrected age. The infants were evaluated at three-month intervals with neurologic examinations; hearing, speech, and language assessments; Bayley testing; and evoked response studies. Normal criteria were defined in each area. Eight of the ten grade III IVH survivors had identifiable defects, with a predominance of motor deficits, as assessed by two or more parameters. Only three of the ten patients without IVH had two or more suspicious or abnormal assessments. Infants with grade III IVH may have widespread damage. A multidisciplinary approach to evaluating these patients is mandatory to determine the full extent of various deficits. Similar studies of infants with all degrees of IVH may help to define its full impact on their long-term development.

Effects of metalloporphyrins on hemoglobin formation in mouse Friend virus-transformed erythroleukemia cells. Stimulation of heme biosynthesis by cobalt protoporphyrin

Mouse Friend virus-transformed erythroleukemia cells in culture undergo erythroid differentiation when treated with a variety of compounds including iron protoporphyrin IX, i.e. hemin. Exogenous hemin is not only incorporated into hemoglobin in these cells but also stimulates heme biosynthesis (Granick, J. L., and Sassa, S. (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 5402-5406). In this study, we examined whether metalloporphyrins other than hemin can also induce differentiation, and if so, whether they can also be incorporated into hemoglobin. Among eight metalloporphyrins examined in culture of these cells, i.e. Co, Mn, Cu, Mg, Ni, Zn, Sn, and Cd protoporphyrin IX, only Co protoporphyrin (10(-4) M) was found to significantly increase the biosynthesis of heme and hemoglobin. In contrast to hemin-mediated induction of erythroid differentiation, Co protoporphyrin was not incorporated into hemoglobin in Friend cells. These data indicate that Co protoporphyrin induces the formation of heme and hemoglobin in Friend cells and that these increases are due to the enhancement of heme biosynthetic activity.

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis

Two patients with encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis have been studied. The main features of the syndrome are unilateral cutaneous and ophthalmologic lesions with ipsilateral cerebral malformations. Seizures beginning in infancy and varying degrees of mental retardation are present in affected patients. The involved tissues are derived from the embryonic ectodermal and mesodermal layers.

Studies on the biosynthesis of acylphosphatidylglycerol in Escherichia coli B and B/r

The present study has demonstrated that one molecule of acylphosphatidylglycerol was synthesized from two molecules of phosphatidylgycerol by the transacylation reaction in which phosphatidylglycerol acted both as an acyl donor and an acceptor. Phosphatidylethanolamine was identified as an another acyl donor, participating in acylphosphatidylglycerol formation. These results are discussed in terms of a new pathway for the turnover of phosphatidylglycerol in Escherichia coli.