Studies on orally active cephalosporin esters. IV. Effect of the C-3 substituent of cephalosporin on the gastrointestinal absorption in mice

The effect of the C-3 substituent on the oral absorbability of pivaloyloxymethyl (POM) ester of cephalosporin in mice is described. The C-3 substituent affects the physicochemical and biochemical properties of POM ester, such as lipophilicity, water solubility, chemical stability and enzymatic stability. Quantitative analyses of the relationships between these properties and the oral bioavailability have been attempted. Lipophilicity made a parabolic contribution to the absorption. The optimum log P octanol/water value was estimated to be around 2.22. The chemical isomerization of the cephem double bond from delta 3 to delta 2 in the intestinal lumen prior to absorption contributed linearly to decrease of absorption. In the case of POM ester having a larger isomerization rate, more delta 2 isomer was detected in feces and urine. Enzymatic hydrolysis of POM ester to the parent acid in intestinal tissue was faster for a more lipophilic ester. Hydrolytic activity, which was detected in the content of the intestinal lumen, would lower the absorption. The effect of the C-3 substituent on water solubility was not important for the absorption of cephalosporin employed in the present study. Isomerization of the double bond, which was found to be characteristic for cephalosporin ester, presented a problem in the prodrug approach for oral use.

Novel cytocidal antibiotics, glucopiericidinols A1 and A2. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, structure elucidation and biological characteristics

Two novel antibiotics, glucopiericidinols A1 (1) and A2 (2) were isolated from the cultured broth of Streptomyces sp. OM-5689. The structures of these two compounds were deduced employing spectroscopic analyses. These antibiotics showed potent cytocidal activities against HeLa S3 cells in vitro (MIC 1: 0.39 microgram/ml, 2: 0.10 microgram/ml) when the cells were exposed to the antibiotics for 3 days. Although 1 and 2 showed no activity at 1,000 micrograms/ml against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast or fungi, they did have inhibitory activity against Piricularia oryzae (MIC of 1: 125 micrograms/ml, of 2: 31 micrograms/ml).

Inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell proliferation by calmodulin inhibitors and the possible mechanism

Direct inhibitory effects of calmodulin inhibitors on human ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vitro were examined. All calmodulin inhibitors used in this study inhibited proliferation of HR cells derived from human serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary in a dose-dependent manner. The degree of inhibition by melittin and W-5 was most marked and was followed by that of W-7, R24571, and bepridil. HR cell proliferation was dose-dependently stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF). The stimulatory effects seemed to be a result of the binding of EGF to HR cells. Binding of EGF was significantly inhibited by W-5, R24571, and melittin. These results suggest that inhibition by calmodulin inhibitors of cancer cell proliferation may result in part from the interference in the binding of EGF to the cells.

Adjuvant effects of calmodulin antagonists on antitumor activity of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (ftorafur) and a mixture of ftorafur and uracil (UFT) in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinomas

Effects of N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-5) and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) on antitumor activity of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (ftorafur, FT) and a mixture of FT and uracil (UFT) were determined in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma (KF cells). All nude mice developed palpable tumor 17 days after KF cell inoculation unless treated. A combination of UFT and calmodulin antagonists (W-5 and W-7) resulted in a delay in tumor formation in nude mice. One of 10 nude mice treated with a combination of UFT and W-5 and 3 of 10 nude mice treated with UFT and W-7 did not develop tumors during the experimental period. Tumor volumes in groups treated with the combinations of UFT and calmodulin antagonists were significantly smaller than those in the untreated group after 31 days of tumor inoculation. In addition, tumor volumes in a group treated with UFT plus W-7 were significantly smaller than not only those in the untreated group but also those in groups treated with UFT alone, FT alone, W-5 alone, or W-7 alone. The longest median survival time was also observed in the group treated with UFT plus W-7. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) content of the tumors of groups treated with FT plus W-5 or W-7 was similar to that of the group treated with FT alone. On the other hand, 5-FU content of a group treated with UFT plus W-7 was about twofold higher than that of a group treated with UFT alone. These results suggest that a synergistic effect of W-7 and UFT on inhibition of tumor growth and prolongation of survival time may result from accumulation of 5-FU in the tumor.

[The mechanism of resistance and its circumvention of cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells]

In this study, we attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance and circumvent the resistance with calmodulin antagonists using a cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line (KFr). It was assumed that the cisplatin resistance resulted from impairment of cisplatin transport systems. In particular, we considered that a reduced cisplatin transport function caused by some amino acids had an effect on the resistance mechanism. Reduced uptake of cisplatin as well as cisplatin analogues to KFr cells was observed. Four cisplatin analogues used in this study had cross-resistance to cisplatin. However, the concentration of drugs incorporated into cells was not always correlated with the degree of resistance. Therefore, it is possible that, in addition to the reduced influx function, an other mechanism is involved in the resistance. Combined treatment with cisplatin and calmodulin antagonists significantly increased the uptake of cisplatin by KFr cells and maintained the cellular level. Thus, a combination therapy of cisplatin and calmodulin antagonists seemed to be of clinical use.

Studies on orally active cephalosporin esters. II. Chemical stability of pivaloyloxymethyl esters in phosphate buffer solution

The degradation kinetics of pivaloyloxymethyl (POM) esters of cephalosporins in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6-8) were investigated. The degradation of the starting delta 3 cephalosporin ester proceeded mainly via isomerization to the delta 2 ester and subsequent hydrolysis to the delta 2 acid. Hydrolysis to the delta 3 acid (the parent acid) was very slow. Analysis of the rate constants indicated that the isomerization rate k12 was approximately equal to the apparent degradation rate of the delta 3 ester kdeg, and slower than the hydrolysis rate of the delta 2 ester k24. The isomerization process to the delta 2 ester was found to be the rate-determining step in the degradation of cephalosporin esters. The substituent at the C-3 position of the cephalosporins affected the degradation kinetics. The degradation was accelerated by increase of pH, buffer concentration and added protein.

Studies on orally active cephalosporin esters. III. Effect of the 3-substituent on the chemical stability of pivaloyloxymethyl esters in phosphate buffer solution

The effect of substituents at the C-3 position on the degradation kinetics of the pivaloyloxymethyl (POM) ester of delta 3 cephalosporin in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6-8) was investigated. In the degradation, the isomerization process to the delta 2 ester was the rate-determining step. In this study, the logarithm of the isomerization rate to the delta 2 ester (log k12) correlated with the carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift difference value at C-3 and C-4 of the delta 3 ester (delta delta (4-3)). The energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the delta 3 esters also correlated with log k12. The electronic properties at the C-2 position had no effect on the isomerization reaction. On the other hand, the logarithm of the isomerization rate back to the delta 3 ester (log k21) correlated with the van der Waals volume (MV) of the 3-substituent. These results show that the substituent at the C-3 position influences mainly the electronic structure of the conjugated pi-bond system (C3 = C4 - C4 = O) and consequently affects the feasibility of isomerization to the delta 2 ester, i.e., the stability to degradation.

[Repairing the thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms at the same time]

A 61-year-old man with the descending thoracic aneurysm associated with the infra-renal abdominal aneurysm was operated at the same time using the temporary bypass from right subclavian artery to right femoral artery safely. In order to observe the spinal cord function, SEP and ESP were recorded. Anastomosis of the prosthetic graft to the temporary bypass was prepared beforehand to preserve the spinal cord function during aortic cross clamping, if needed. If both aneurysms are present in the thoracic and abdominal cavity, special considerations are required, at one or two-staged operation and what adjuncts will be used to perform the repairs safely. In this case, the repair of thoracic lesion underwent well, and the repair of the abdominal one followed it. His postoperative course was uneventful.

Effects of lymphokine-activated killer cells and interleukin-2 on the ascites formation and the survival time of nude mice bearing human ovarian cancer cells

The effect of intraperitoneal instillations of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and/or lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells on the ascites formation and the survival time was examined using nude mice as a model, with malignant ascites produced by intraperitoneal inoculation of human ovarian cancer cells derived from ascites of a patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. Twenty-eight days after tumor inoculation, all nude mice in the untreated group and in the group treated with spleen cells alone formed ascites. Two of ten nude mice treated with IL-2 alone after tumor inoculation survived without forming ascites during the experimental period. On the other hand, all nude mice treated with LAK cells alone had formed ascites 14 days after tumor inoculation. When LAK cells and IL-2 were combined, five of ten mice survived without forming ascites during the experimental period. The survival time of the group treated with IL-2 alone was significantly prolonged compared to the groups that received medium alone, spleen cells alone and LAK cells alone. When administration of LAK cells was followed by IL-2, the survival time was further prolonged.

Antigenic variations of retrovirus in Japanese cancer patients

Previously we demonstrated the prevalence of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTVL-I) infection among cancer patients in Japan. This study was carried out to examine antigenic properties of retroviruses prevalent among Japanese cancer patients. Sera of 126 Japanese patients with cancer of different organs and with no history of blood transfusion, 94 in adult T cell leukemia (ATL)-endemic area and 32 in ATL-nonendemic area, were surveyed for antibodies to HTLV-I and HTLV-II by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot analysis, and indirect immunogold electron microscopy. Among patients who were seropositive to HTLV-I, 39 of 56 (69.6%) in ATL-endemic area and 9 of 9 (100%) in ATL-nonendemic area were seropositive also to HTLV-II. Of 48 sera positive to both HTLV-I and HTLV-II, 34 (70.8%) showed stronger reactivities to HTLV-I than to HTLV-II. Among patients who were seronegative to HTLV-I, 3 of 38 (7.9%) in ATL-endemic area and 5 of 23 (21.7%) in ATL-nonendemic area were seropositive to HTLV-II. Antibodies appearing and disappearing in sera of patients examined during the clinical course reacted with peptide species of HTLV-I and/or HTLV-II not always consistent with peptide species cross-reactive between HTLV-I and HTLV-II. These results indicate the antigenic diversity of retroviruses prevalent among Japanese cancer patients.

Inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vitro by neuroendocrine hormones

Direct inhibitory effects of neuroendocrine hormones on human ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vitro were examined. Except for melatonin, all neuroendocrine hormones used in this study inhibited proliferation of KF cells derived from human serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary in a dose-dependent manner. The degree of inhibition of prostaglandin D2 was most marked being comparable to that of 5-fluorouracil and followed by beta-endorphin, alpha-endorphin, and Met-enkephalin. More than 200 microM melatonin stimulated the cell proliferation. The inhibitory effects by endorphins were partially reversible by 20 microM naloxone. From analyses of uptakes of radiolabeled precursors by the KF cell, endorphins were considered to inhibit protein and RNA syntheses but not DNA synthesis. These results suggest that neuroendocrine hormones may play an important role in regulation of tumor growth.

Adjuvant effects of prostaglandin D2 to cisplatin on human ovarian cancer cell growth in nude mice

Adjuvant effects of prostaglandin D2 to cisplatin on tumor growth were studied by using nude mice bearing HR cells derived from human ovarian carcinoma. Combinations of 0.2 or 0.4 microgram/ml cisplatin and 0.05 or 0.1 microgram/ml prostaglandin D2, which did not affect the HR cell proliferation alone, resulted in a significant inhibition of cell proliferation. In addition, tumor take of HR cells by nude mice in groups treated with a combination of cisplatin and prostaglandin D2 was inhibited. Although there was no significant difference between tumor volumes in mice treated with prostaglandin D2 alone or cisplatin alone and untreated mice, when cisplatin was administered with 1 mg/kg prostaglandin D2 the tumor volume was significantly smaller on days 21 and 35, compared to that of untreated mice. When cisplatin and 2 or 4 mg/kg prostaglandin D2 were combined, the tumor growth was significantly inhibited after day 21, compared not only to that of untreated mice but also of mice treated with cisplatin alone or prostaglandin D2 alone. Such a combination therapy by cisplatin and prostaglandin D2 seemed to result in prevention by prostaglandin D2 of immunological suppression which may be induced by cisplatin. Thus, such a combination therapy brought about a significant prolongation to the survival time.

[A clinical study of extended profundaplasty for severely ischemic limbs]

Between January 1986 October 1987, extended profundaplasty was performed on 11 severely ischemic limbs of eight patients with extended arteriosclerotic occlusions, associated with surgery for improvement in inflow. The subjects were all males, and ages ranged from 62 to 84 years (mean: 72.8 years). Symptoms were disabling claudication in one limb (1 case), rest pain in 5 (4 cases), and gangrene of the foot or ulcer of the toes in 5 (3 cases). Preoperative ankle pressure index (API) was 0 in 7 limbs (5 cases), and between 0.11 and 0.27 in the remaining 4 limbs (3 cases). Thrombectomy was performed in two cases, axillo-bifemoral bypass in 5, femoro-femoral bypass in one, and aorto-bifemoral bypass in one, as surgery for improvement in inflow. Although postoperative API remained 0 in 4 limbs, it increased between 0.36 and 0.56 in the remaining limbs. One subject died of heart failure on the 22nd postoperative day, and two limbs required below-knee amputation. Limb salvage rate was 81.8%. Extended profundaplasty seems to be a worthwhile choice of treatment as a limb salvage operation for severely ischemic limbs due to extended arteriosclerotic occlusions involving not only aorto-iliac but also femoro-popliteal or crural segment.

[Reduced cisplatin-uptake by cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells]

We have developed a human ovarian carcinoma cell line (KFr) which is relatively stable and resistant to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) after repeated exposure to escalating doses of the drug. This resistant cell line (KFr) was 9.7-fold resistant to carboplatin (JM-8), 8.8-fold resistant to (glycolato-O, O') diammineplatinum (II) (254S), and 7.1-fold resistant to Cis-1, 1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato (2R)-2-methyl-1, 4-butanediammineplatinum (II) (NK121), respectively. The KFr cell line proved to be 3.1-fold resistant to L-phenylalanine mustard (L-PAM). On the other hand, no cross-resistance to vincristine (VCR), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and daunomycin (DM) was observed. In addition, we examined the level of platinum in whole cells after 1-16 h exposure to 20 micrograms cisplatin. The parent cell line (KF) took up cisplatin in a time-dependent manner until 4 h. The uptake reached the plateau level after 4 h. On the other hand, the uptake by the KFr cell line reached the plateau level at 1 h-exposure time; after 4 h the uptake was about 1/3 of that by the KF cell line. The release of cisplatin from both cell lines showed a similar pattern, reaching the plateau within the first 30 min. Based upon these results, we assumed that the impairment of transport of influx systems of cisplatin into cells was the mechanism of resistance.

Complement activation by vascular prostheses and its role in progression of arteriosclerotic lesions

This study, using C3a, C4a, and C5a assay and crossed immunoelectrophoresis in vitro and in vivo, was designed to determine whether vascular prostheses activate the complement system. The degree of complement activation and the pathway of activation were also studied. The complement levels (C3, C4, CH50) in different arterial diseases were measured, and the relationship of complement levels to serum lipids in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) was also investigated, in order to clarify a relationship between the complement system and arteriosclerosis or other arterial diseases. Bovine graft, dacron, and PTFE activated the complement system in vitro. In order of the degree of complement activation, bovine graft ranked first, followed by dacron and PTFE. The patient group with acute arterial occlusion showed high C3 and C4 levels. The healthy elderly group showed higher C3 and C4 levels than the healthy persons in their twenties. In ASO patients, C3 levels correlated with serum lipid levels. Judged from the relation of complement activation by vascular prostheses to the progression of arteriosclerotic changes, vascular prostheses should be assessed with regard to complement activation.

Emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in Bacteroides fragilis accompanied by resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics

The in vitro susceptibilities of a group of 93 isolates of Bacteroides fragilis collected from 1983 to 1984 to six fluoroquinolones were compared with those of a group of 93 isolates collected from 1986 to 1987. The recently collected strains were less susceptible than the older strains to all of the agents tested. Norfloxacin-resistant (MIC, greater than 100 micrograms/ml) strains were less susceptible to cefoxitin and piperacillin than norfloxacin-susceptible strains.

[Ultrastructural diagnosis of early neoplasia in man]

Recent progress in cancer detection technology has resulted in the increasing need for pathological diagnosis of small cancers at their early stage of development. Electron microscopy of early cancers may reveal ultrastructural markers characteristic of certain cell lineage and help classify these cancers in terms of aberration in differentiation of neoplastic cells. Furthermore, electron microscopy of early cancers may detect certain cellular gene products at cellular as well as subcellular levels, and help understand the process of malignant progression in situ of transformed cells.

[Morphological characteristics, especially the malignant features, of chordoma in comparison with the notochord]

Twelve cases of the chordoma, including 4 cases with metastases, have been examined by light and electron microscopy for a comparison with 5 cases of the human notochord. Observed similarities in the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the chordoma with those of the notochord suggested the histogenetic origin of the chordoma from the remnant of notochord. A "diffuse pattern" that was seen in the histological appearance of 4 cases of the chordoma, including 2 cases with metastases, was not observed in the notochord and was considered to indicate the malignant nature of such chordoma. Electron microscopy of the physaliphorous cells characteristic of the chordoma demonstrated intracytoplasmic large vacuoles containing glycogen.

Effects of cimetidine on interleukin-2 production by peripheral blood lymphocytes in advanced ovarian carcinoma

The present study was designed to elucidate the effect of cimetidine on CD4 and CD8 positive cells, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and IL-2 receptor expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma during the course of combination chemotherapy. The absolute number of CD8 (but not CD4) positive cells in PBL from patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma before surgery was significantly higher than that with benign ovarian tumor, while the IL-2 productivity was significantly lower. However, the IL-2 receptor expression was comparable to that with benign ovarian tumor. When a combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide was given to these ovarian cancer patients, the IL-2 production was markedly depressed. If cimetidine was given with the combination chemotherapy, the inhibition of IL-2 production by chemotherapy was significantly diminished with a significant increase of CD4 positive cells. On the other hand, the IL-2 receptor expression was not affected by this treatment. When treatment with cimetidine was initiated after completion of chemotherapy, the depressed IL-2 production was restored to the level of control patients with benign ovarian tumor. The restoration seemed to result from an increase in proportion of CD4 positive cells. However, the expression of IL-2 receptor remained unchanged even if cimetidine was given.

Interleukin 2 activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with gynecologic malignancies

We studied production of, absorption of and response to interleukin 2 (IL-2) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 66 patients with gynecologic malignancies, in addition to measurement of the OKT 4/OKT 8 cell ratio. Patients with benign tumor served as controls. The OKT 4/OKT 8 cell ratio in patients with advanced (but not early) gynecologic malignancies was significantly lower than that in patients with benign tumor. PBMC from advanced cancer patients activated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) had significantly lower IL-2 production compared to that from patients with benign tumors, while significant changes in their ability to respond to IL-2 and to absorb IL-2 were not observed. Absolute numbers of OKT 8 positive cells in PBMC of patients with good prognosis were significantly decreased after surgery and chemotherapy, while those of OKT 4 positive cells remained unchanged. Although IL-2 production in PBMC of patients with good prognosis was significantly elevated after chemotherapy, that in PBMC of patients with poor prognosis declined to about a half of pre-operative levels. The ability of PBMC to respond to IL-2 was significantly elevated not only in patients with good prognosis but also in patients with poor prognosis after termination of chemotherapy. On the other hand, the ability of PBMC to absorb IL-2 remained unchanged during the course of treatment. These findings may contribute to the understanding of tumor-induced immune suppression.

The mechanism of acquired resistance to cisplatin by a human ovarian cancer cell line

The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of resistance to cisplatin. A cisplatin-resistant cell line (KFr) was established from KF cells derived from human serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The DNA histogram revealed an increase of S-phase cells and a decrease of G1-phase cells in cultured KFr cells, compared to that in cultured KF cells. Although the cisplatin content in the KF cells incubated with cisplatin at 10 micrograms/ml increased in a time-dependent manner, that in the KFr cells remained unchanged during the experimental period. When 0.5 mg of cisplatin was administered ip to nude mice with KF or KFr tumor, the cisplatin content in the KFr tumor was significantly lower than that in the KF tumor. The KFr cells showed a cross-resistance to L-phenylalanine mustard, while no cross-resistance to vincristine or 5-fluorouracil was observed. These findings suggest that the mechanism of cisplatin resistance in the KFr cells involves a decrease of cisplatin accumulation in the tumor cells.

[Effect of calmodulin antagonists (W-5 and W-7) on antitumor activity of Tegafur and UFT (Tegafur plus uracil)]

The effect of calmodulin antagonists (W-5 and W-7) on antitumor activity of 1-(2-Tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (Tegafur; FT) and FT plus uracil (UFT) was examined by using nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma (KF cells). All nude mice developed a palpable tumor 17 days after KF cell inoculation unless treatment was done. A combination of UFT and calmodulin antagonists (W-5 or W-7) resulted in a delay in tumor formation in nude mice. One of 10 nude mice treated with a combination of UFT and W-5 and 3 of 10 nude mice treated with UFT and W-7 did not develop tumors during the experimental period. Tumor volume in the treatment groups combined with calmodulin antagonists was significantly less than in those in the untreated group after 31 days of tumor inoculation. In addition, tumor volume in a UFT plus W-7 treated group was significantly less than those not only in the untreated group but also in the UFT alone, FT alone, W-5 alone and W-7 alone treated groups, suggesting a synergistic inhibitory effect on tumor growth. The longest median survival time was also observed in a UFT plus W-7 treated group. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) content in the tumor of groups treated with FT plus W-5 or W-7 was similar to that in a group treated with FT alone. On the other hand, that of a group treated with UFT plus W-7 was about 2-fold higher than that of a UFT -only treated group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Establishment of a cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line and the mechanism of resistance]

A cisplatin-resistant cell line was established by using KF-1 cells derived from human serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. This resistant cell line, designated "KFr", was capable of proliferating in the presence of 1.0 microgram/ml cisplatin. It had doubling times of 24.8 and 27.2 hr in the presence of 0.5 and 1.0 microgram/ml cisplatin, respectively. The morphologic characteristics of the KFr cells were an enlarged nucleus and prominent nucleoli, unlike the nucleus and nucleoli of the parent KF-1 cells. The degree of resistance to cisplatin of the KFr cells was about 20 times as great as that of the KF-1 cells, with regard to the concentrations of cisplatin required for 50% inhibition of cell proliferation. Although the cisplatin content in the KF-1 cells incubated with 10 micrograms/ml cisplatin was increased in a time-dependent manner, that in the KFr cells reached the plateau level after 1.5 hr incubation with cisplatin. After about 4 hr incubation, the cellular content in the KFr cells was about a half of that in the KF-1 cells. When 0.5 mg cisplatin was administered i.p. to nude mice with KF-1 or KFr tumor, the cisplatin content in the KFr tumor was significantly lower than that in the KF-1 tumor. The KFr cells showed a cross-resistance to melphalan, while no cross-resistance to vincristine or 5-fluorouracil was observed. When 5 microM W-5 or W-7 was added in the presence of concentrations of cisplatin that hardly inhibited cell proliferation, the KFr cell proliferation was markedly inhibited. These findings suggest that the cisplatin resistance in the KFr cells may be due to an impaired cisplatin-transport mechanisms and can be overcome by calmodulin antagonists.

[Potentiation of the antitumor effect of cisplatin by calmodulin antagonists (W-7 and W-5) in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma]

The present study was designed to potentiate the antitumor effects of cisplatin by combination with calmodulin antagonists (W-7 and W-5) by using nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma. Tumor growth in nude mice treated with W-7 or W-5 combined with cisplatin was significantly inhibited, compared to that in nude mice treated with W-7 alone, W-5 alone or cisplatin alone. Although treatment with cisplatin alone markedly inhibited lytic activity of the spleen cells from tumor bearing nude mice against the tumor cells, the inhibitory effect was eliminated by combination with W-7 or W-5. There was no significant difference in the survival time among untreated, cisplatin-treated, W-7-treated and W-5-treated groups. Only when cisplatin was followed by W-7 or W-5, a significant enhancement by W-7 or W-5 of the antitumor effect of cisplatin was observed with respect to inhibition of the tumor growth as well as prolongation of the survival time.

Enhancement of antineoplastic effects of cisplatin by calmodulin antagonists in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma

The present study was designed to potentiate the antineoplastic effects of cisplatin by combination with calmodulin antagonists [N-(6-amino-hexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) and N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-5)] in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma. Tumor growth of nude mice treated with W-7 or W-5 combined with cisplatin was significantly inhibited, compared to that of nude mice treated with W-7 alone, W-5 alone, or cisplatin alone. Although treatment with cisplatin alone markedly inhibited lytic activity of spleen cells from tumor-bearing nude mice against the tumor cells, the inhibitory effect was eliminated by combination with W-7 or W-5. There was no significant difference in survival time among untreated, cisplatin-treated, W-7-treated, and W-5-treated groups. Only when cisplatin was followed by W-7 or W-5 was a significant enhancement by W-7 or W-5 of the antitumor effect of cisplatin observed with respect to inhibition of tumor growth as well as prolongation of survival time.

[Three cases of thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm successfully treated with cell saver]

During a three-month period from January to March 1986, reconstructive surgery was performed on three patients with thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using a temporary bypass procedure. To reduce the amount of blood transfusion required during operation, an autologous blood recovery system, Cell Saver, was used in these three cases. The amount of blood loss, including the blood passing through the Cell Saver, was 7,020g in Case 1, 6,600g in Case 2 and 16,700g in Case 3. The amount of blood transfusion given to these three cases was 1,400g, 4,400g and 6,800g, respectively. The results indicated that the ratio of transfused blood amount to blood loss during operation was successfully reduced to a level of 20-67% of two other cases with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, operated upon without using Cell Saver. Cell Saver was especially effective in Case 3 in which the blood for transfusion was restricted, for it was difficult to collect enough donors to complete operation because of rare blood type of Rh(-) in this case. That is, Cell Saver withdrew 15,000ml of blood through the sucker from the patient and returned it as concentrated and washed RBC during operation.

Effects of naloxone on human ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo

The effects of naloxone on human ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo were examined by using an established cell line, designated KF, derived from human ovarian carcinoma. When the KF cells were incubated in the presence of various concentrations of naloxone for 72 hr, the cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in the concentration range of 30 to 120 microM naloxone. The growth-inhibitory effect of naloxone could not be detected by 51Cr-release assay or colony-forming assay. The inhibition of cell proliferation by naloxone resulted from the inhibitory effect on protein synthesis in the KF cells, as confirmed by a marked decrease of incorporation of [3H]valine. In order to determine the effect of naloxone on tumor growth in vivo, ip injections 3 times a week of 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg naloxone were initiated either one week prior to tumor inoculation (pretreated groups) or one week after tumor inoculation (post-treated groups). Nude mice in the pretreated groups had significantly smaller tumor volumes than those in the untreated group as long as naloxone was administered. On the other hand, in the post-treated groups a significant growth retardation was observed 2 weeks after initiation of treatment with 2.5 mg/kg naloxone. In comparison to a median survival time of 38 days for untreated controls, the naloxone pre- and post-treated groups showed increases of 26-71% in median survival.

[Inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell growth by prostaglandin D2]

The effects of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) on human ovarian tumor growth were examined in vitro and in vivo by using a cell line, designated HR, derived from patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The cell proliferation was dose-dependently inhibited by PGD2 between concentrations of 0.1 and 4.0 micrograms/ml after 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs of contact time. Concentrations of PGD2 required for 50% inhibition of the cell proliferation were 2.0, 1.1 and 0.55 micrograms/ml with 24, 48 and 72 hrs of contact time, respectively. From the results of 51Cr-release assay, the inhibition of cell proliferation by PGD2 was considered to result from the direct cytotoxic effects. The incorporations of 3H-thymidine, 3H-uridine and 3H-valine were inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion with more than 1.0 micrograms/ml of PGD2. Tumor growth in nude mice treated with 0.3 mg/mouse PGD2 was significantly inhibited, compared to that of untreated nude mice. In untreated nude mice the tumor growth curve was parallel to the changes in the plasma alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD). In both PGD2-treated groups with 0.1 mg/mouse and 0.3 mg/mouse, the HBD activity markedly decreased on the 14th and the 21st day after inoculation. The 50% survival time in untreated mouse, 0.1 mg/mouse and 0.3 mg/mouse PGD2-treated groups was 52 days, 55 days and 67 days, each respectively.

Establishment of a human ovarian cancer cell line capable of forming ascites in nude mice and effects of tranexamic acid on cell proliferation and ascites formation

The present study was designed to obtain an experimental tumor model as similar as possible to human ovarian cancer which often had a large amount of ascites and to assess the therapeutic value of tranexamic acid. Human tumor cell lines which form ascites in nude mice were established from ascites of patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. Two cloned cell lines designated HRA and HR-1 were obtained from the parent cell line designated HR. All of these cultured cell lines had about 2.5-3.5 times higher lactate dehydrogenase activities than the original tumor. The original tumor and the tumor grown in nude mice had all 5 bands of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, while all cultured cell lines had only a marked lactate dehydrogenase-3 in addition to a faint lactate dehydrogenase-2. Modal chromosome numbers of HR cells ranged from 50-76, while that of HRA cells ranged widely from 40-140. The DNA histograms of HR and HRA cells were similar to each other, showing predominant G1 and S phases. Although these cell lines had ability to produce ascites in the nude mice when the cells were inoculated i.p., the HRA cell inoculation made ascites most rapidly and brought about the shortest median survival (39 days). The proliferations of all three cell lines were dose-dependently inhibited by tranexamic acid. However, the concentration of this drug required for 50% inhibition of the proliferation of HRA cells was about one-half of that of HR and HR-1 cells. In addition, i.p. injections of tranexamic acid to nude mice treated with cisplatin resulted in a significant inhibition of the ascites formation and prolongation of 50% survival.

Establishment of a cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line

A cisplatin-resistant cell line was established by use of KF-1 cells derived from human serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. This resistant cell line, designated "KFr," was capable of proliferating in the presence of 1.0 micrograms cisplatin/ml. It had doubling times of 24.8 and 27.2 hours in the presence of 0.5 and 1.0 micrograms cisplatin/ml, respectively. The KFr cells had lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities about fourfold higher than those of the parent KF-1 cells. Analysis of the isozymes of the KFr cells revealed that they had a faint LDH-3 band in addition to LDH-4, the only stained band in the parent KF-1 cells. The morphologic characteristics of the KFr cells were an enlarged nucleus and prominent nucleoli, unlike the nucleus and nucleoli of the parent KF-1 cells. The degree of resistance to cisplatin of the KFr cells was about twenty-fold higher than that of the KF-1 cells, with regard to the concentrations of cisplatin required for 50% inhibition of cell proliferation. However, when 5 microM calmodulin antagonists [N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide or N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide] were added in the presence of concentrations of cisplatin that hardly inhibited cell proliferation, the KFr cell proliferation was markedly inhibited. These results suggest that cisplatin resistance can be overcome by calmodulin antagonists.

Inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in nude mice by prostaglandin D2

In vitro and in vivo effects of prostaglandin D2 on human ovarian tumor growth were examined by using a cell line, designated HR, derived from ascites of a patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The HR cell proliferation in vitro was dose dependently inhibited between concentrations of 0.1 and 4.0 micrograms of prostaglandin D2 per ml. From results of 51Cr release assays and trypan blue dye exclusion tests the inhibitory effect seemed to result from a direct cytotoxic effect by prostaglandin D2. All DNA, RNA, and protein syntheses by the HR cells were also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with exposure time of 48 h to prostaglandin D2. When 5 X 10(5) HR cells were inoculated to nude mice, the 50% survival time of them in untreated groups was 52 days after inoculation. Although 4 mg of prostaglandin D2 per kg caused inhibition of the tumor growth, a significant prolongation of the survival time was not observed. On the other hand, the 50% survival time of nude mice treated with 12 mg of prostaglandin D2 per kg was significantly (P less than 0.05) prolonged to 67 days, in addition to a significant inhibition of the tumor growth.

Monitoring by alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase of human ovarian carcinoma grown in nude mice

In order to establish that the tumor burden in nude mice bearing a xenografted human ovarian tumor can be assessed by measuring plasma levels of alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) (E.C. 1.1.1.30), the plasma HBD and the tumor volume were measured every week after inoculation of a human ovarian carcinoma cell line designated HR. About 3 weeks after tumor inoculation, all nude mice had a palpable tumor while elevated levels of HBD were observed in a half of the mice at that time. Thereafter the HBD levels rose with increasing tumor volume. There was a quantitative linear relationship between the tumor weight and HBD activity per mouse. When 40 micrograms of cisplatin (about 2 mg/kg) was administered i.p. every week for 5 weeks 2 weeks after inoculation, plasma levels of HBD were significantly decreased on day 27 compared to those in untreated nude mice. Decreases in the HBD levels during treatment with cisplatin occurred 7 days prior to changes in tumor volumes. Further, removal of local tumor mass resulted in a marked decrease in HBD levels on day 1 after surgery and the HBD levels in nude mice which had no recurrent tumor fell into the normal range 8 days after surgery.

Comparison of substrates for measuring serum choline esterase activity in hepato-biliary disease

The efficacy of various substrates for measuring serum choline esterase for the evaluation of hepatic function was studied using o-toluoyl- and succinyl-choline, and acetyl, butyryl- and propionyl-thiocholine. In hepatic disease, the serum choline esterase activity with these substrates was decreased at a similar rate, showing no significant difference. In 78 - 84% of cases with hepatic cirrhosis the enzyme activity with these substrates was less than 50% of the average level of normal individuals, but in acute and chronic hepatitis only 4-9 and 12-14% of patients showed these lower values, respectively. The present study indicates the usefulness of sequential monitoring of serum choline esterase activity with any of these substrates for assessing hepatic disease, particularly cirrhosis, and for monitoring the course of hepatic disease.

Measuring cutoff wavelength of HE21, TE01, and TM01 modes: a novel method using single-polarization launching

A new method for measuring the cutoff wavelength of HE21, TE01, and TM01 modes in single-mode fibers is reported. The method is based on the difference in polarization between the HE11 and second-order modes launched in the offset condition. A single-polarization fiber several meters in length is used as a launching fiber to eliminate cladding mode disturbance and realize linear polarization launching into a test fiber. Good agreement between theoretical and measured cutoff wavelengths for fibers with various refractive-index profiles confirms the high accuracy of the method. A resolution of +/-0.005 microm is attained with the method.

Frequency of criteria-defined borderline patients among the first-visit patients at a psychiatric clinic

Five trained psychiatrists evaluated 330 first-visit patients aged from 12 to 30 at a psychiatric outpatient facility using the DSM-III criteria (Axis-I and Axis-II). Seven cases were diagnosed as definite Borderline Personality Disorder and six cases as definite Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Hence, we had a total of 13 criteria-defined borderline patients (3.9%). Discussions were held on some methodological problems involved in collecting information and making diagnostic judgments.

Mutagenic activity of possible metabolites of 4-nitrobiphenyl ether

A series of possible metabolites--4-nitrosobiphenyl ether (4-NO), 4-hydroxylaminobiphenyl ether (4-NHOH), 4-aminobiphenyl ether (4-NH2), 4-hydroxyacetylaminobiphenyl ether (4-N(OH)Ac), 4-acetoxyacetylaminobiphenyl ether (4-N(OAc)Ac)involved in the toxic effects of 4-nitrobiphenyl ether (4-NO2) was synthesized and tested for mutagenic activity toward Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain in the presence and the absence of liver homogenates of guinea pig treated with Kaneclor-500. 4-NO2, 4-NO and 4-NHOH showed direct-acting mutagenicity. 4-NO and 4-NHOH showed high mutagenic activity, while the mutagenic activity of 4-NO2 was very weak compared to 4-NO and 4-NHOH. 4-NO showed antimicrobial action at high concentrations. The other three compounds tested induced no mutation. Upon addition of NAD(P)H, the mutagenic activities of 4-NO and 4-NHOH were slightly enhanced, but no enhancement was observed by addition of NAD(P)+. Metabolic activation with guinea pig liver homogenates enhanced the mutagenic activities of 4-NO2 and 4-NO, and converted 4-NH2, 4-N(OH)Ac and 4-N(OAc)Ac to the product(s) responsible for the mutagenic activity. Addition of bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate, a deacetylase inhibitor, inhibited the mutagenic activities of 4-N(OH)Ac and 4-N(OAc)Ac by about 70% in the presence of NADPH and about 77% in the absence of NADPH. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of non-enzymatic conversion-products of 4-NHOH and 4-BO with and without NADPH indicated that 4-NHOH disappeared after 30 min of incubation and was converted completely to 4-NO without NADPH, while with NADPH, 4-NHOH disappeared very slowly and was detected even after 4 h of incubation. In the case of 4-NO, no decrease of 4-NO was observed without NADPH, while with NADPH 4-NO decreased quickly and a significant amount of 4-NHOH appeared. The mechanism of the NAD(P)H-dependent increase in mutagenicity is also discussed.

Conversion of procarcinogens to mutagens by the S-9 fraction from the liver of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri): inducibility with PCB, 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital and inhibition by metyrapone and alpha-naphthoflavone

S-9 fractions from the liver of rainbow trout were found to convert 2-aminoanthracene and 2-acetylaminofluorene to mutagenic intermediates in the Salmonella/microsome test. The S-9 fractions from the liver of rainbow trout treated with either PCB or 3-methylcholanthrene enhanced the mutagenicity of 2-aminoanthracene and 2-acetylaminofluorene, and converted benzo(a)pyrene to mutagenic intermediates. Treatment of rainbow trout with phenobarbital failed to enhance the mutagenicity of these carcinogens. alpha-Naphthoflavone strongly inhibited the mutagenicity of procarcinogens with the S-9 fractions from the liver of untreated or treated rainbow trout with PCB, 3-methylcholanthrene or phenobarbital, however metyrapone had little effect in vitro. These results demonstrate that rainbow trout have the capacity to convert procarcinogens to mutagenic intermediates and that the major part of this capacity is derived from a cytochrome P-450 system resembling the mammalian cytochrome P-448 system.

[Surgical case of simultaneous triple cancers of the esophagus, stomach and colon]

We report a patient with synchronous triple cancers arising in the digestive tract. It was a combination of esophageal, gastric and colonic cancers; total excision was performed in one operation. Histological study confirmed that each cancer had developed independently. The esophageal cancer was of ulcerated type; histologically it was poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The gastric and colonic cancers were both of Borrmann II type and well differentiated adenocarcinoma.