Isolation, culture and main characteristics of mouse fat-storing cells: interaction with viruses

Fat-storing cells were isolated from 15-day-old mouse sinusoidal cell cultures (Kupffer or endothelial cells), where they had multiplied abundantly; they were then purified by a negative selection method based on the fact that they do not possess Fc receptors, as do both other types of cells. The fat-storing cells, which could be subcultured for at least 10 passages, have the main morphological characteristics already described in vivo, in particular, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the lipid droplets, which become less and less apparent as the number of passages increases. Subcultured fat-storing cells, almost devoid of lipid droplets and vitamin A, were able to take up retinol, as the appearance of a typical autofluorescence indicated; the number of lipid droplets increased concomitantly. Furthermore, the cultured fat-storing cells were able to internalize one-micron-sized latex beads by phagocytosis. Infection of fat-storing cells with mouse hepatitis virus 3, ectromelia or Sindbis virus led to multiplication of the virus particles. There was a direct relation between the multiplication of mouse hepatitis virus 3 in cultured fat-storing cells and the susceptibility of the animals to the virus. In the case of Sindbis virus, interferon is produced, its production being independent of the presence of vitamin A.

Rec-assay of human bile for mutagenicity and co-mutagenicity

Spore rec-assay of human bile was conducted by the Bacillus subtilis test system to examine possible mutagenicity and co-mutagenicity. Of 26 samples examined, 8 (30.8%) showed mutagenic activity and 23 (88.5%) enhanced the mutagenic activity of mitomycin C.

Yeast upstream activator protein GCN4 can stimulate transcription when its binding site replaces the TATA element

We replaced the required TATA element of a yeast gal-his3 promoter by a binding site for GCN4, a protein that normally activates transcription when bound upstream of a TATA element. Surprisingly, GCN4 efficiently activates his3 transcription from wild-type initiation sites, though in a pattern associated with constitutive his3 transcription rather than GCN4 upstream activation through a TATA element. Transcriptional stimulation by GCN4 requires both the DNA-binding domain and the acidic activation function but is not affected by changing the spacing or helical relationship between the GCN4 binding site and the mRNA start sites. GCN4 is not sufficient for this TATA-independent activation; a sequence in the gal fragment distinct from the GAL4 binding sites is also required. Thus, GCN4 functions both when bound upstream of a TATA element and also when bound at the position of a TATA element. In the latter case, we suggest the possibility that GCN4 might be able to stimulate transcription by an alternate mechanism that does not involve a conventional TATA-binding transcription factor.

Production of tumor necrosis factor/cachectin by human B cell lines and tonsillar B cells

The production of TNF/cachectin by human B cell lines and tonsillar B cells was examined. Of the 15 B cell lines examined, 9 cell lines synthesize TNF mRNA constitutively. PMA stimulated most cell lines to accumulate increased amounts of TNF. SeD, 8866P, 32al, RPMI 1788, and four bone marrow-derived EBV-transformed cell lines accumulated high levels of TNF mRNA when stimulated by PMA. TNF production by these cell lines was examined. RPMI 1788 and WIH8 produced little TNF constitutively, but synthesized 5-7 ng/ml TNF when stimulated by PMA. A pre-B cell line, Nalm-6, did not synthesize any detectable amount of TNF mRNA, even with PMA stimulation. Tonsillar B cells could also be stimulated to produce TNF. PMA or Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I strain (SAC) alone stimulated some TNF mRNA accumulation, whereas B cell growth factor (BCGF) or anti-mu did not. This accumulation was synergistically elevated by the combinations of PMA and SAC, or PMA and anti-mu. BCGF increased PMA-, SAC-, PMA plus SAC-, or PMA plus anti-mu-induced TNF mRNA accumulations about twofold. The accumulation of TNF mRNA in tonsillar B cells stimulated by PMA plus SAC was between 32 and 48 h, the same peak interval as the accumulation of TNF and IL-2 mRNA in tonsillar T cells. This is in contrast to PMA or PMA plus A23187-stimulated RPMI 1788 cells in which TNF mRNA accumulation was maximal at 1-2 h. TNF activities found in tonsillar B cell supernatants correlated with the TNF mRNA levels in the cells. However, more TNF activity was found on the second-day than the third-day supernatants, indicating active TNF uptake by the B cells. Cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibited SAC and anti-mu responses in B cells in much the same way as the anti-CD3 responses in T cells. SAC-, PMA plus SAC-, and PMA plus anti-mu-stimulated, but not PMA-stimulated, increases in TNF mRNA accumulations in tonsillar B cells were inhibited by CsA. TNF production seems to increase in parallel with B cell proliferation, but the relationship of these two functions needs to be further examined.

The growth and life of a monoclonal crypt

A computer simulation of a highly dynamic model for the birth, growth and adult life of a monoclonal crypt in the intestine was developed starting with a single precursor stem cell. The intestinal epithelial system was studied and observed in analogy to 'in vivo' experiments. The model output, e.g. the geometric shape of a crypt, mitotic index, labelling index and the crypt length distribution in adult state, was compared with experimental data. There was evidence from the simulation that a certain steady state in the adult life could be reached regardless of some harmless influences in post-natal life, e.g. the influence of being weaned or non-weaned. The model is based on our hypothesis of the generation-controlled proliferation mechanism and at the same time is a confirmation of it.

The cell cycle time in intestinal crypts by simulation of FLM experiments

A computer program is developed that permits simulation of the dynamic behaviour of cells in intestinal crypts (Meinzer & Sandblad, 1985). Here we present the simulation of FLM data which is compared with the experimental findings of Al-Dewachi et al. (1974). The phase durations and total cycle times of cells in the jejunal crypts of rats were calculated. Additionally, the influence of various control parameters on the simulation output is discussed, e.g. the standard errors of phase times and the grain dilution at mitosis.

Escherichia coli Spheroplast-Mediated Transfer of pBR322 Carrying the Cloned Ruminococcus albus Cellulase Gene into Anaerobic Mutant Strain FEM29 by Protoplast Fusion

Intergeneric protoplast fusion between Escherichia coli HB101 with pBR322 carrying the cloned o -(carboxymethyl)cellulase (CMCase) gene of Ruminococcus albus (Pro - Leu - Ap r Km s ) and an anaerobic mutant strain, FEM29 (Trp - His - Ap s Km r ), with dehydrodivanillin-degrading activity was performed in the presence of 40% polyvinyl alcohol 300 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions to transfer the cloned cellulase gene into the mutant. The mutant FEM29 had a unique property. When it was incubated in liquid medium with 1% glucose and sucrose, protoplasts could be produced autogenously and regenerated on the agar slant. E. coli spheroplasts formed from a plasmid-amplified overnight culture after 10 min of treatment with lysozyme (20 μg/ml) in a hypertonic solution (0.01 M Tris hydrochloride [pH 7.5], 0.4 M mannitol). Protoplast regeneration rates of FEM29 and HB101 were 30 and 83%, respectively, on the agar-yeast extract medium. Ap r Km r fusants were obtained at high frequency: 1.7 × 10 −2 anaerobically and 8.2 × 10 −3 aerobically. These fusants showed 23 to 57% of CMCase and dehydrodivanillin-degrading activities, respectively, as compared with parental strains. All the fusants isolated were gram-negative rods with main phenotypes such as urease and catalase activities as in HB101 and esterase and chymotrypsin activities as in FEM29. Southern hybridization experiments suggested that pBR322 with the cloned CMCase gene existed autonomously in the fusant cells. This is the first report describing transfer of pBR322 with a cloned cellulase gene into an anaerobic mutant by polyvinyl alcohol-mediated fusion with an E. coli spheroplast.

Effects of cimetidine, progesterone, cannitracin and tolazoline on the weight and DNA content of the testosterone-induced hyperplastic prostate of the rat

The antiandrogenic potency of cimetidine, progesterone, cannitracin and tolazoline was studied in intact immature rats by determination of the weight and DNA content of the ventral prostate. Cimetidine is a H-2-receptor histamine antagonist, cannitracin is an antifungal antibiotic derived from Strp-griseus and tolazoline is an alpha-adrenergic blocker similar to phentolamine. All rats (except the control group) received testosterone propionate (TP) 0.3 mg s.c. with the drugs above every day for one week. Cimetidine, progesterone and cannitracin, but not tolazoline, significantly decreased the weight and DNA content of the hyperplastic prostate induced by TP. The results indicate that cimetidine, progesterone and cannitracin have an antiandrogenic effect. This study provides the basis for investigating the effects of antiandrogen in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Pneumonia in lambs inoculated with Bordetella parapertussis: bronchoalveolar lavage and ultrastructural studies

Eight colostrum-deprived lambs were inoculated intratracheally with ovine isolates of Bordetella parapertussis. Fluids obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage had a large increase in total cell counts 24 hours after inoculation; up to 93% of cells were neutrophils. From 3 days after inoculation, the number of alveolar macrophages in lavage samples was markedly increased. From 5 days onwards, many alveolar macrophages had moderate to severe cytoplasmic vacuolation. Topographically, tracheal and bronchial epithelium was covered by a large amount of inflammatory exudate 24 hours after inoculation. Later, the tracheobronchial epithelium showed focal extrusions from ciliated cells, which were occasionally associated with B. parapertussis organisms. Ultrastructurally, cytopathological changes associated with B. parapertussis infection were mild focal degeneration of airway epithelium with slight loss of cilia, moderate to severe degeneration of type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells, and focal inflammation in the lungs. These results suggest that the primary targets of B. parapertussis infection are alveolar macrophages and the epithelial cells of bronchioles and alveoli.

Isolation and characterization of an anaerobic dehydrodivanillin-degrading bacterium

A novel, strictly anaerobic, gram-negative, non-spore-forming, fusiform, rod-shaped bacterium having high dehydrodivanillin (DDV)-degrading activity was isolated from cow ruminal fluid. This strain degraded a range of six main lignin-related compounds such as DDV, ferulic acid, dehydrodiisoeugenol, guaiacoxyacetic acid, vanillin, and veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether to the extent of 14 to 83% within 2 days under strictly anaerobic conditions. As DDV degradation intermediates, three aromatic compounds (dehydrodivanillic acid, vanillic acid, and 5-carboxyvanillic acid) and two alicyclic compounds (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and cyclohexanol) were detected by thin-layer, high-performance liquid, and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The addition of 1% glucose and peptone in a synthetic medium stimulated growth of the strain but slowed down DDV degradation. The presence of 0.1% yeast extract increased both cell growth and DDV degradation. The growth yield in defined medium was 151.5 g (dry weight) of cells per mol of DDV utilized. Characterization of the strain indicated that it was distinct from known Fusobacterium and Clostridium species. The bacterium was easily induced to form protoplasts after treatment with either penicillin or lysozyme. The frequencies of protoplast formation and regeneration in the strain were 94 and 18%, respectively.

Saturation mutagenesis of a yeast his3 "TATA element": genetic evidence for a specific TATA-binding protein

The yeast his3 promoter region contains two distinct classes of "TATA elements," constitutive (TC) and regulatory (TR), that are defined by their interactions with upstream promoter elements, selectivity of initiation sites, and chromatin structure. TC is localized between positions -83 and -53, and TR is localized between positions -55 and -35, regions in which there are several TATA-like sequences. In this study, we used saturation mutagenesis to examine the structural requirements of the his3 TR element necessary for transcriptional induction. To avoid the complications of redundant elements, the phenotypic analysis was carried out by using a gal-his3 hybrid promoter whose function depends on a short oligonucleotide containing the prospective his3 TR element. In this context, an oligonucleotide containing the sequence TATAAA is sufficient for TR function. However, 17 out of the 18 possible single-base substitutions and 9 out of 10 double mutations of this sequence abolish TR function. This strict sequence requirement for TR function strongly suggests that the TR element is a target site for a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein. Further, as the region encoding TC and promoters of certain other yeast genes do not contain a sequence that is compatible with TR function, we suggest that yeast cells contain multiple proteins with distinct sequence specificities that carry out a related "TATA function" and that yeast promoters can be divided into classes based on their downstream promoter elements.

Pygmaeoherin: A Novel Coumarin from Pygmaeopremna herbacea

A new 6-oxygenated coumarin, pygmaeoherin, was isolated from roots of PYGMAEOPREMNA HERBACEA. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods. An NOE experiment played an important role in confirming the structure.

The multidrug resistance gene PDR1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene PDR1, responsible for pleiotropic drug resistance, was isolated from a genomic DNA cosmid library by hybridization to the flanking LEU1 gene, followed by subcloning the drug-sensitive phenotype into the transformed pdr1-1, pdr1-2, and pdr1-3 drug-resistant mutants. A RNA molecule of 3.5 kilobases was identified as the PDR1 transcript. The nucleotide sequence of the complementing DNA fragment contained a 3192-nucleotide open reading frame. Disruption of the pdr1 and PDR1 genes restored or increased drug sensitivity. Analysis of the PDR1 deduced amino acid sequence revealed several homologies to four different regulatory proteins involved in the control of gene expression, including a cysteine-rich motif suggested to be a metal-binding domain for DNA recognition. A model is proposed of a general transcriptional control by PDR1 of several target genes encoding proteins from plasma, mitochondria, and possibly other permeability barriers.

Proton magnetic resonance spectral patterns of metastasizing and nonmetastasizing human colon cancers

The spectral features of surgically staged metastasizing (ie, modified Duke's stages C and D) and nonmetastasizing (ie, modified Duke's stages A and B1-2) human colon cancers were studied using 60-MHz continuous wave and 200-MHz pulse Fourier transform proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Twenty-one human colon cancers (four nonmetastasizing and 17 metastasizing tumors) collectively contained 24 spectral peaks. A peak at 6.7 to 6.87 parts per million cycles (ppm) was found in three nonmetastasizing tumors but only one metastasizing tumor; the mean area at this peak location was significantly higher in the nonmetastasizing tumors. Mean peak areas at 1.4 to 1.47 ppm, 2.0 to 2.33 ppm, and 8.3 to 8.6 ppm were significantly higher in metastasizing tumors; however, these peaks were observed with only marginally greater frequency in metastasizing vs nonmetastasizing tumors: seven of 17 vs zero of four, 11 of 17 vs one of four, and eight of 17 vs zero of four tumors, respectively. This study suggests that magnetic resonance spectral features may aid in staging human colon cancers and could be used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging of these lesions.

Distinguishing between mechanisms of eukaryotic transcriptional activation with bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase

To distinguish between mechanisms of eukaryotic transcriptional activation, we tested whether yeast upstream promoter elements can stimulate transcription by a heterologous transcription machinery, bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. The gal enhancer-like element recognized by GAL4 protein or the ded1 poly(dA-dT) element was placed upstream of the T7 promoter and his3 structural gene, and T7 RNA polymerase was produced in yeast cells. Under conditions where the gal element would normally be either activating or nonactivating, his3 transcription by T7 RNA polymerase was not stimulated above the level observed in the absence of any upstream element. In contrast, the ded1 poly(dA-dT) element stimulated transcription 7-fold, similar to the enhancement observed on the native ded1 promoter. Activation by the ded1 element thus may involve effects on the chromatin template that facilitate entry of the transcription machinery, whereas activation by the gal element may involve specific contacts between GAL4 and the transcriptional machinery.

Intergeneric protoplast fusion between Fusobacterium varium and Enterococcus faecium for enhancing dehydrodivanillin degradation

Intergeneric protoplast fusion between Fusobacterium varium (Pcs Glu+) and Enterococcus faecium (Pcr Glu-) was performed under strictly anaerobic conditions to improve dehydrodivanillin (DDV) degradation. The fusion frequency obtained from the selective medium (Pc+ Glu-) was about 0.9 X 10(-5) to 1.3 X 10(-5). The seven fusants isolated were all gram-negative anaerobes with rod shapes like that of F. varium and with main phenotypical properties of cocci like those of E. faecium such as esculin and starch hydrolysis, milk clotting, and lactate production. Five fusants showed enhanced DDV degradation activities that were 2 to 4 times higher than those of parental strains. Genetic relatedness between a fusant (FE7) and the parents was estimated by DNA-DNA Southern blot hybridization with 32P-labeled chromosomal DNA fragments of F. varium and E. faecium as respective probes. The fusant FE7 presented a very high cross-hybridization with both probes, indicating a high DNA homology between the fusant and both parental strains. Almost all the fusants obtained here have stably kept the properties described above for about 2 years. These results suggest that intergeneric gene transfer takes place through protoplast fusion and that the fusants that were obtained are stable recombinants.

Protoplast formation and regeneration of dehydrodivanillin-degrading strains of Fusobacterium varium and Enterococcus faecium

Two strains of rumen anaerobes isolated from dehydrodivanillin-degrading cultures were identified as Fusobacterium varium and Enterococcus faecium. These organisms degraded dehydrodivanillin synergistically to 5-carboxymethylvanillin and vanillic acid. Specific conditions for protoplast formation and cell wall regeneration for both bacteria were determined, under strictly anaerobic conditions, to be as follows. The cell wall of each bacterium in yeast extract medium was loosened by adding penicillin G during early log-phase growth. The cell wall of F. varium was lysed by lysozyme (1 mg/ml) in glycerol (0.2 M)-phosphate buffer (0.05 M; pH 7.0). The addition of NaCl (0.08 M) with lysozyme was necessary for lysis of E. faecium in this solution. Almost all cells were converted to protoplasts after 2 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. Regeneration of both protoplasts was 20 to 30% on an agar-containing yeast extract medium.

Effect of EMG-biofeedback training in reduction of muscle tension for individuals displaying type A behavior patterns

This study investigated the effect of EMG biofeedback training in reducing muscle tension among subjects who displayed Type A behavior. 22 Type A college students (19 to 22 yr. old) were randomly assigned to either a biofeedback group or a control group. After 6 wk. of training, Type A subjects showed a significant reduction in muscle tension for both resting and aroused states; however, the reduction of muscle tension did not result in reduction of Type A behavior patterns.

Technetium 99m-DTPA microcapsules: a new preparation for gastric emptying studies

Technetium 99m-DTPA microcapsules have been developed to measure gastric emptying. Such capsules not only provide high labeling efficiency in vitro, but demonstrate limited dissociation in vivo, resulting in decreased error during measurement. In normal control subjects, the half-life ranged from 40 to 80 minutes under the aforementioned conditions.

[Combination of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery in rectal cancer--an analysis of 128 patients]

The results of 128 patients with rectal cancer treated by the combination of surgery, preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy from June 1975 to December 1979 are reported and compared with those by operation alone. The 5 year survival rates of the different groups were: 69.5% (16/23) for radical surgery plus preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RRCG), 56% (14/25) for radical surgery plus preoperative radiotherapy, 53.8% (7/13) for radical surgery plus chemotherapy and 40% (10/25) for radical surgery alone. The 5 year survival rate of RRCG was significantly higher than that of the radical surgery alone group (P less than 0.05). The authors believe that the combination of preoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy plus radical surgery improves the 5 year survival rate and is worthy of further study.

Hemorrhoids or rectal varices: defining the cause of massive rectal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension

Identifying the source of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension can be challenging. We present 2 cases of hemorrhage from rectal varices and a discussion on the differences between simple hemorrhoids and rectal varices. Evaluation of rectal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension is discussed and possible therapeutic options are described.

Anaerobic degradation of veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether and guaiacoxyacetic acid by mixed rumen bacteria

Veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether (0.2 g/liter), a lignin model compound, was found to be degraded by mixed rumen bacteria in a yeast extract medium under strictly anaerobic conditions to the extent of 19% within 24 h. Guaiacoxyacetic acid, 2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)ethanol, vanillic acid, and vanillin were detected as degradation products of veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether by thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Guaiacoxyacetic acid (0.25 g/liter), when added into the medium as a substrate, was entirely degraded within 36 h, resulting in the formation of phenoxyacetic acid, guaiacol, and phenol. These results suggest that the beta-arylether bond, an important intermonomer linkage in lignin, can be cleaved completely by these rumen anaerobes.

Yeast mRNA initiation sites are determined primarily by specific sequences, not by the distance from the TATA element

We present evidence suggesting that accurate mRNA initiation in yeast cells, unlike their higher eukaryotic counterparts, is determined primarily by specific sequences downstream from the TATA element. First, changing the distance between the his3 TATA element and the initiation region does not affect the sites of initiation or the level of RNA. Second, reciprocal his3-ded1 and ded1-his3 hybrid promoters containing the upstream and TATA elements of one gene fused to the mRNA coding region of the other gene initiate transcription at sites defined by wild-type mRNA coding sequences, not by the distance from the TATA element. Third, when the his3 or ded1 promoter region is fused to position +2 of the his3 gene, transcripts initiated from a position equivalent to +1 are not observed. The results also suggest that the spacing between the TATA element and initiation site is relatively flexible; distance ranging from 40 to 90 bp appear to be functionally acceptable.