Absence of p16INK4 protein is restricted to the subset of lung cancer lines that retains wildtype RB

Cell cycle dependent phosphorylation of the RB tumor suppressor protein is mediated by a family of G1 cyclin dependent kinases (cdks) and cyclins including the activated cdk4:cyclin D complex. The identification of a cdk4 inhibitor, p16INK4, as a target for mutations in cultured tumor lines and primary tumors suggested that RB activity may be affected in these cells. We have examined 88 lung cancer lines for p16INK4 protein expression and have observed a striking inverse correlation between the presence of p16INK4 and wildtype RB. We demonstrated that only 6/55 (11%) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) samples had absent p16INK4 protein, and all 6 belonged to the rare subset of SCLC with wildtype RB expression. Conversely of 48 SCLC samples with absent or mutant RB, all showed detectable levels of p16INK4 protein. In contrast, we observed that 23/33 (70%) of non-SCLC samples had loss of p16INK4. Twenty-two of 26 non-SCLC lines with wildtype RB had absent p16INK4 while 6 of 7 non-SCLC lines with absent or mutant RB had detectable p16INK4. The inverse correlation of RB and p16INK4 expression and the absence of p16INK4 inactivation in RB (-/-) SCLC lines (0/48) confirms a common p16INK4/RB growth suppressor pathway in human cancers and provides evidence that p16INK4, and not an adjacent gene on chromosome 9p, is a specific target for mutational events.

Significant prognostic factors by multivariate analysis of 3926 gastric cancer patients

Univariate and multivariate analyses of 3926 selected gastric cancer patients collected between 1981 and 1991 were made to confirm several clinicopathologic prognostic factors and to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative immunochemotherapy with OK-432, 5-FU, and mitomycin C in stage III gastric cancer. Five-year survival rates for each category of prognostic variables were obtained; and in the univariate analysis, most of the factors (including age, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, location of primary tumor, histologic differentiation, and gross type except for sex) showed some significance. Multivariate analysis was conducted and verified significant prognostic factors. Depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis were found to be the most powerful factors (p < 0.001); gross type, location, and histologic differentiation were additional significant factors (p < 0.05). For postoperative treatment, immunochemosurgery was most effective in stage III patients (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we may predict a prognosis for gastric cancer more precisely on the basis of these independent prognostic factors, and immunochemosurgery may be a valuable means to treat advanced gastric cancer.

Characterization of heterologously expressed recombinant retinoic acid receptors with natural or synthetic retinoids

The first step in retinoid action is binding to their nuclear receptors. Therefore, characterization of binding characteristics of retinoids is of major importance. Human retinoic acid receptors alpha (hRAR alpha), hRAR beta, and mouse RAR gamma (mRAR gamma) were expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli as a recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein. The expressed fusion proteins were functional and bound specifically to the all-trans-retinoic acid (RA). The dissociation constants (Kd) for RA were 1.4 nM for GST-hRAR alpha, 1.4 nM for GST-hRAR beta, and 3.3 nM for GST-mRAR gamma, respectively. The fusion proteins were further used for competitive displacement assays to determine the displacement constant (DC50) for other selected retinoids. All-trans-RA and 4-oxo-all-trans-RA have high affinity with all three receptors (DC50 = 0.8-55 nM). The 13-cis RA binds to hRAR alpha with low affinity, but not to other RARs evaluated here. All-trans-N-ethylretinamide, all-trans-retinylacetate, and an ethyl ester of tetrahydronaphthalene derivative had no affinity to any RARs. The hRAR alpha and mRAR gamma receptors did not bind a naphthalene carboxylic acid derivative of RA, but hRAR beta binds this chemical with high affinity. Results indicated that the three recombinant proteins were functional in binding various RA congeners. The affinity and binding data of these retinoids were compared to their observed teratogenic activity.

RB protein status and clinical correlation from 171 cell lines representing lung cancer, extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma, and mesothelioma

We have studied RB protein expression in 171 cell lines derived from patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pulmonary carcinoid, mesothelioma, and extrapulmonary small cell cancer (EPSC) and have correlated this data with clinical outcome. We detected absent or aberrant RB protein expression in 66/75 SCLC, 12/80 NSCLC, 1/6 carcinoid, 0/5 mesothelioma, and 4/5 EPSC samples. In addition, we observed integration of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in the single EPSC cell line that retained wildtype RB protein. We did not detect integration of HPV, SV40 or adenoviral DNA in other tumor samples with wildtype RB status. We also noted a stable, hypophosphorylated mutant RB in 12 SCLC and 3 NSCLC samples which might have been falsely interpreted as wildtype by current immunohistochemical techniques. Analysis of the matched clinical data showed no associations between RB status and age, sex, extent of disease, performance status, smoking history, and previous treatment. In addition, retrospective analyses showed no consistent correlation of RB protein expression with either best clinical response, overall survival, or in vitro chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. The stable expression of RB after gene transfection into RB(-) SCLC cells, however, resulted in a trend toward increased in vitro resistance to etoposide, cisplatin and doxorubicin.

Prevalence of EBV RNA in sinonasal and Waldeyer's ring lymphomas

A high incidence of a T cell phenotype of sinonasal lymphomas in other Asian countries has been associated with a high incidence of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. We analyzed 13 sinonasal and 18 Waldeyer's ring lymphomas for the prevalence of EBV encoded RNA (EBER) using a sensitive and specific in situ hybridization. In addition, we examined the relationship of histologic findings and immunophenotype as well as the location of the lymphomas to the presence of EBV. The EBER was detected in each of 12 sinonasal lymphomas with a T cell immunophenotype. One B cell sinonasal lymphoma was EBER negative. Four of 18 Waldeyer's ring lymphomas were positive for EBER, including two T cell lymphomas. Two of 16 B cell Waldeyer's ring lymphomas were EBER positive. Morphologically, 11 of 20 diffuse large cell lymphomas, 2 diffuse mixed small and large cell lymphomas, 2 of 4 immunoblastic lymphomas and 1 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma were EBER positive. Four follicular large cell lymphomas were EBER negative. A characteristic angiocentric or angiodestructive pattern was found in most T cell lymphomas and EBER positive cases. These findings indicate that EBV infection is more strongly associated with the T cell immunophenotype, angiocentric pattern and sinonasal location of the lymphoma.

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Quercus acutissima

Immature embryos of Quercus acutissima were collected weekly beginning 5 weeks post-fertilization and cultured on modified MS(Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 1,000 mg/l glutamine and 5 mM proline with different combinations of IBA(0.5-10.0 mg/l) and BA(0 or 1.0 mg/l) in light. The highest percentage of embryogenic cultures occurred on the medium containing 0.5 mg/l IBA or 1.0 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l IBA. Four weeks after initiation, the embryogenic cultures were transferred to MS medium without plant growth regulators and cultured for 4 weeks. The somatic embryos were then transferred to germination medium. The best germination results were achieved from WPM(Woody Plant Medium) containing 0.1 mg/l BA. Plantlets from somatic embryos were incubated on WPM supplemented with 0.2 mg/l BA for 4 weeks and plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were transplanted to perlite and peat moss(1∶1, v/v) mixtures and placed in a culture room. After being hardened off for 8 weeks, they were transferred outdoors where they grew.

Type III intermittency: a nonlinear dynamic model of EEG burst suppression

Burst suppression electroencephalograms from 9 comatose patients have been studied using nonlinear dynamic techniques. These EEG records show many dynamical features characteristic of nonlinear systems, including sensitive dependence on initial conditions, self-organization, similarity across scales, and intermittency. Histograms of burst durations showed an asymmetric distribution with a decreasing tail of increasing duration. Interpreting the histograms from the standpoint of intermittency classifications of iterated dynamical maps, the absence of any conspicuous maximal cut-off duration suggests a type III intermittency. The power-law exponent of the decreasing tail is -3/2 for type III intermittency in the large scale sample size limit, and we have found the EEGs to be consistent with type III intermittency behavior. We have also developed a nonlinear algorithm which models burst suppression pattern based on a low dimensional return map. Burst suppression pattern appears to be the constrained activity of a nonlinear dynamical system at the transition to chaos.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin on the granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells in mouse bone marrow cultures

Myelotoxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T-2 toxin on the proliferation of the granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells to granulocyte, macrophage and granulocyte-macrophage (GM) colonies were investigated in male CD-1 mice by a semisolid in vitro culture technique. Mice received 0, 0.03, 0.145 and 0.7 mg/kg or 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg body weight of AFB1 and T-2 toxin, respectively, for 2 weeks on alternate days. Granulocyte, macrophage, and GM-colonies were suppressed in the group that received the highest dose of AFB1 (0.7 mg/kg body weight). Treatment with T-2 toxin activated granulocyte colonies at 0.5 mg/kg and macrophage colonies at 0.1 and 2.5 mg/kg but suppressed GM-colonies at 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Bone marrow cells from normal CD-1 mice were cultured with different concentrations of AFB1 (1-50 microM) or T-2 toxin (1-10 nM) in vitro. Significant activation of granulocyte colonies with 1 microM AFB1 and suppression of all three types of colonies with the highest concentration of AFB1 (50 microM) were observed. The suppression of granulocyte and GM-colonies associated with T-2 toxin was concentration-dependent. The greatest suppression occurred in macrophage colonies with three highest concentrations of T-2 toxin (3, 6, and 10 nM). Results suggest that AFB1 is myelotoxic both in vivo and in vitro, whereas T-2 toxin is more toxic in vitro.

Neonatal choriocarcinoma of liver

Neonatal choriocarcinoma associated with a seemingly normal gestation is rare. A total of 20 cases of either primary or metastatic choriocarcinoma in infancy have been reported until 1992. We report an additional case of a huge choriocarcinoma of the liver in a 2-month-old boy, who died of tumor hemorrhage. This baby was born to a 19-year-old unmarried mother. The placenta was thought to be normal and was not examined histologically. The liver mass was first noted 2 weeks after birth, and he was admitted because of poor feeding and pallor. Before any therapy was instituted, he died of massive tumor bleeding. Autopsy revealed a huge hemorrhagic tumor mass with massive necrosis in the left lobe of the liver. Several nodular metastases were found only in the lung. The remainder was unremarkable except for bilateral cleft lip and palate. It is presumed that the choriocarcinoma in the liver could be either a primary tumor in the absence of any primary focus in the mother or the infant or a metastatic lesion from an occult choriocarcinoma of the placenta.

Meningioangiomatosis--a case report

Meningioangiomatosis is a rare benign hamartomatous lesion. We describe a case of meningioangiomatosis in an 18-year-old boy with a 15 year history of seizures. Computed tomography reveals an irregular calcification density along the right temporal gyrus. Microscopically, irregularly branched blood vessels, surrounded by a concentric arrangement of proliferating spindle cells, are extending into the gray matter from the meningeal surface. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical examination failed to demonstrate features of meningothelial cell origin in this case. This is the first case of meningioangiomatosis published in Korea along with immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies. The pathogenesis and previous reports of this lesion will be discussed.

Can anti-IgE be used to treat allergy?

A summary of the properties of CGP 51901 is shown in Table 3. On the basis of its binding to IgE and IgE-secreting cells and its activity in vitro and in vivo, CGP 51901 is expected to be able to decrease serum IgE by direct clearance of IgE and by reduction of the numbers and productivity of IgE-secreting cells. The end result of reduction of IgE in the circulation and on mast cells is expected to be the attenuation of IgE-mediated reactions and the improvement in allergy symptoms. The effective serum concentration of CGP 51901 is expected to be in the range 1-10 micrograms/ml. Because CGP 51901 is an antibody specific for IgE, it is expected to be highly selective in its activity. Because IgE does not appear to be essential and because CGP 51901 has been rigorously tested to confirm its non-anaphylactic nature, this treatment is not expected to have any adverse effects. Therefore, CGP 51901 is expected to be safe and to have a good probability of being effective when it is tested in human clinical trials.

Primary breast lymphoma

We report the case of a 20-year-old female with lymphoma of the breast. Mammography showed an asymmetric pattern of confluent densities without any discrete mass. Sonography revealed diffuse heterogenous echoic mass intermingled with low-and medium level echoes. We present the clinical, radiographic and histologic features of primary breast lymphoma with a brief review of the literatures.

Modification of the retinoic acid signaling pathway by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase-A

Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors that belong to the steroid-thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. We have used the transient transfection of a retinoic acid-responsive reporter plasmid (RARECAT) to investigate the potential interactions between the retinoic acid (RA) and cAMP signaling pathways. Cotransfections of expression plasmids for the catalytic (C) subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase with RARECAT showed ligand-independent activation in both CV-1 and HeLa cells and a further 2-fold increase in RARECAT activity in the presence of RA. In CV-1 cells, cotransfections of the expression plasmids for RAR and the C-subunits produced increases in RARECAT activity (12- and 8-fold in the absence of ligand and 21- and 15-fold in the presence of RA for the C alpha- and C beta-isoforms, respectively). Cotransfections of both the C beta-subunit and RAR expression plasmids in HeLa cells produced 22- and 114-fold increases in RARECAT activity in the absence and presence of RA, respectively. These results provide evidence to suggest that the RA and cAMP signaling pathways are coupled, and signaling cross-talk may occur through the direct phosphorylation of RARs by the C-subunit as indicated by in vitro phosphorylation of the receptor.

Immune enhancers composed of polyvalent binding sites of anti-CD3 antibodies

Anti-CD3 antibodies of some IgG subclasses are very potent T lymphocyte mitogens in vitro and, seemingly contradictorily, very effective immunosuppressive agents in vivo. Using hamster anti-murine CD3 monoclonal antibody, 2C11, as a model, we have found that 2C11.IgG, or its F(ab')2 fragment, coupled to microbeads can provide short-term and vigorous activation of T cells and expansion of the lymphoid system in vivo. In contrast to free 2C11.IgG, these conjugates do not kill mice and cause T cell depletion, and can enhance immune responses. This study suggests that properly modified anti-CD3 antibodies can serve as in vivo immune system enhancers potentially useful in the treatment of cancer and chronic infectious diseases.

Bronchial stenosis due to endobronchial tuberculosis: successful treatment with self-expanding metallic stent

Endobronchial tuberculosis is present in 10-40% of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, and more than 90% of the patients with endobronchial tuberculosis have some degree of bronchial stenosis. The primary treatment for tuberculous bronchial stenosis is antituberculous chemotherapy combined with steroids, but some patients do not respond well, and more aggressive treatment is needed to restore the patency of the involved bronchus. Balloon dilatation of tuberculous bronchial stenosis has been reported to be successful. However, in our experience, balloon dilatation of the stenotic segment has not significantly improved patients' clinical symptoms except in those with very short segmental stenosis. We describe a case of tuberculous bronchial stenosis that was successfully treated with Gianturco self-expanding metallic stents.

Small airway disease in rheumatoid arthritis

Variety of pulmonary lesions are thought to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These lesions traditionally have included pleurisy with or without effusion, Caplan's syndrome, pulmonary rheumatoid nodules, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, and pulmonary arteritis and hypertension. But little attention has been paid to the airways in RA. Recently, several reports have suggested an association between airflow limitation and RA, but its incidence is not known. Also whether there exists a parameter of disease activity of RA, suggesting the presence of small airway disease (SAD) is not clear. To answer these questions, the serologic parameters which reflect the disease activity of RA and pulmonary function tests which reflect small airway dysfunction were performed on 36 lifetime nonsmokers with RA who had normal chest x-ray findings. The prevalence of SAD and the relationships between the disease activity parameters of RA and pulmonary function were observed. The results were as follows. The percentages of patients with abnormal values for diffusing capacity, frequency dependence of compliance (C1.0/C0.0), forced expiratory flow 25-75%, Vmax50% and Vmax 75% were 45.5%, 62.5%, 40%, 22.8% and 11.4%, respectively. There was statistically significant negative correlation between C1.0/C0.0 and ESR. But consistent correlation between other pulmonary function tests and clinical and serologic parameters of RA, and differences in pulmonary function between patients who were serologically positive and negative for CRP and FANA, were not found. In conclusion, SAD, without the influence of smoking, is frequently associated with RA, but the presence of SAD cannot be predicted from any clinical and serologic parameters of RA currently in use.

Potential use of immunoconjugates for AIDS therapy

More than a dozen of hybrid proteins possessing reactivity with human immunodeficiency virus-type 1-(HIV-1) infected cells and cytotoxicity have been produced and studied by several groups. These proteins are prepared either by chemical cross-linking of a toxin and a carrier molecule or by expressing fused genes of the two moieties. These cytotoxic agents have been investigated to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells in vitro. The ID50 of these agents range from pM to nM. This article compares the results of the various approaches and discusses the limits and potential of immunoconjugates for AIDS therapy.

The first report of diffuse panbronchiolitis in Korea: five case reports

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB), which is prevalent in Japan, is known to be rare outside Japan. Although a case of diffuse panbronchiolitis in a second generation Korean was reported in Japan in 1986, no case has been reported in Korea. Recently we found 5 cases of diffuse panbronchiolitis in Korea, two histologically proven and three clinically and radiologically suspected. All 5 cases had the typical respiratory symptoms and signs and a history of chronic sinusitis. In three clinically and radiologically suspected cases, high resolution computed tomography showed the typical findings of DPB and other diseases such as pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis could be ruled out. More cases of DPB are expected to be found in Korea in the near future.

A new isoform of human membrane-bound IgE

The epsilon-chain of membrane-bound IgE on the surface of B lymphocytes is known to contain a membrane-anchoring peptide segment that is encoded by two membrane exons, me.1 and me.2. In analyzing pertinent segments in mRNA from human IgE-expressing B cells by using PCR methods and Northern blotting analyses, we have identified three species of mRNA of epsilon-chain with variations in the splicing of the membrane exons. The conventional species (m/s) contains the predicted me.1 and me.2; species m/1 harbors 156 extra nucleotides 5' of me.1 with unaltered reading frame; species s/t lacks me.1 and hence the segment encoding the hydrophobic transmembrane stretch and contains a shifted me.2 reading frame. Rabbit antibodies, which were prepared by immunization using a peptide of 36 amino acid residues representing an encoded segment unique to mRNA species m/l, could specifically bind to human IgE-expressing B cell lines and react with an epsilon-chain on Western immunoblots. These results indicate that there exists a previously unidentified isoform of human membrane-bound IgE.

A new isoform of human membrane-bound IgE

The epsilon-chain of membrane-bound IgE on the surface of B lymphocytes is known to contain a membrane-anchoring peptide segment that is encoded by two membrane exons, me.1 and me.2. In analyzing pertinent segments in mRNA from human IgE-expressing B cells by using PCR methods and Northern blotting analyses, we have identified three species of mRNA of epsilon-chain with variations in the splicing of the membrane exons. The conventional species (m/s) contains the predicted me.1 and me.2; species m/1 harbors 156 extra nucleotides 5' of me.1 with unaltered reading frame; species s/t lacks me.1 and hence the segment encoding the hydrophobic transmembrane stretch and contains a shifted me.2 reading frame. Rabbit antibodies, which were prepared by immunization using a peptide of 36 amino acid residues representing an encoded segment unique to mRNA species m/l, could specifically bind to human IgE-expressing B cell lines and react with an epsilon-chain on Western immunoblots. These results indicate that there exists a previously unidentified isoform of human membrane-bound IgE.

Synchronous double primary lung cancers of squamous and neuroendocrine type associated with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis

A 72 year old man with simultaneously occurring squamous cell and neuroendocrine carcinomas in association with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis is reported. The tumours were separate and both were in the fibrotic area of the right lower lobe.

A single-stage two-flap method of total ear reconstruction

A single-stage two-flap method of total ear reconstruction in congenital microtia is reported. This method was derived from the one-stage reconstruction described by Song and Song. Two flaps defined by vascular basis were elevated on the mastoid area: the superficial skin flap supplied mainly by subcutaneous pedicled arteriole perforators from the posterior auricular artery and the deeper axial-pattern fascial flap including the posterior auricular artery itself. The ear framework, exaggeratedly carved using autologous rib cartilage, could be inserted easily between the two flaps, simultaneously producing the auriculocephalic angle and the conchal wall. Intraoperative expansion of the skin flap and postoperative external ear molding also were performed to create aesthetically pleasing ears.

[Cytogenetic analyses of diesel engine exhaust by sister chromatid exchange and micronucleus tests with mouse fetal liver cells]

The genotoxic effect of maternal exposure to diesel engine exhaust was studied by analyses of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and formation of micronuclei with fetal liver cells. Fetal liver cells were obtained from pregnant ICR/JCl mice at the 16th day of gestation. Diesel engine exhaust was generated by running a small engine (YANMAR NSA-40CE, used as an electric generator, displacement: 269 cc). The concentrations of pollutants in the inhalation chamber were as follows; CO: 40-100 ppm, NO2: 2-4 ppm, and particulates: 2-4 mg/m3. Maternal mice were divided into three groups: the long-term exposure group, the short-term exposure group and the non-exposed control. Mice of the long-term group were exposed to the exhaust 4 hours daily from day 0 to the 16th day of gestation. Mice of the short-term group were similarly exposed but only on the 15th and 16th days of gestation. The number of SCEs of fetal liver cells was significantly increased in both the exposed groups. The long-term exposure group showed a significant increase in the number of SCEs in comparison with that of the short-term exposure group. In the micronucleus test with fetal liver cells, no significant change in the frequency of micronucleated cells was induced by exposure to diesel exhaust.

Elongation factor-2 in chick embryo is phosphorylated on tyrosine as well as serine and threonine

An endogenous 95 kDa chick embryo cytosolic protein (p95) was phosphorylated in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and the kinase activity for p95 was mostly associated with particulate fraction. Phosphorylation of p95 was prominent in embryos of early developmental stage. Hydrolysis of p95 phosphoprotein yielded phosphotyrosine in addition to phosphothreonine and phosphoserine. Native p95 was also tyrosine-phosphorylated. p95 phosphoprotein was purified by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and immunoprecipitation with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and the amino acid sequence was determined. The N-terminal sequence, Val-Asn-Phe-Thr-Val-Asp-Gln-Ile-Arg-Ala-Ile-Met-Asp- Lys-Lys-Ala-Asn-Ile-Arg-Asn-Met-, was found to be identical to those of elongation factor-2 (EF-2) of both rat and hamster. Our results suggest the presence of other EF-2 kinase in chick embryo cell than the previously reported Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase III.

Giant cell tumor of the scapula associated with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst

Giant cell tumors are distinctive neoplasms characterized by a profusion of multinucleate giant cells scattered throughout a stroma of mononuclear cells. Most giant cell tumors are found at the epiphyses of long bones, especially around the knee joint. Flat bone involvement is rare. However, a case of giant cell tumor with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst was encountered at the scapula of a 25-year-old man. Since the occurrence of a giant cell tumor with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst on flat bones (i.e., the scapula) is extremely rare, the above-mentioned case is worthy of reporting.

Velocity field studies at surgically imposed arterial stenoses on the abdominal aorta in pigs

In order to describe velocity profiles and the size of deterministic and non-deterministic velocity disturbances at arterial stenoses, symmetrical and asymmetrical stenoses with intended area reductions of 50% ('moderate') and 85% ('severe') were applied on the abdominal aorta in six pigs. Blood velocities were registered by hot-film anemometry in 21 measuring points distributed across the vessel cross-sectional area in one pre-stenotic and three post-stenotic positions. Signal analysis included ensemble averaging, the high-pass filtering technique, and three-dimensional visualization. None of the stenoses affected the pre-stenotic velocity field. Downstream moderate stenoses flow separation and vortex formation were present. Moderate asymmetric stenoses induced turbulence in the post-stenotic velocity field. Immediately downstream of severe stenoses a prominent post-stenotic jet was present. Farther downstream, a multitude of coherent vortices and turbulence dominated the flow field. The transverse distribution of turbulence intensity paralleled with the peak systolic velocity profile, whereas transverse profiles of the relative turbulence intensity (turbulence intensity/mean velocity) revealed peak values in flow field locations with high velocity gradients. Velocity parameters for symmetric and asymmetric severe stenoses were highly comparable. However, the exact degree of stenosis was significantly higher for symmetrical (85%) than for asymmetrical (76%) stenoses. Therefore, recalling that stenosis severity strongly influences the development of velocity disturbances, this indicates that asymmetry of a stenosis is a predictor for blood velocity disturbances.

Retroperitoneal teratoma with predominance of nephroblastic elements--a case report

The morphological features of a retroperitoneal teratoma in a 10-month-old girl are reported. Unlike the usual pattern of the teratoma, this tumor was composed predominantly of nephroblastomatous tissue. Histologically, glomeruloid and tubular structures were identified in nests of undifferentiated blastemal elements. Hyaline cartilage, adipose tissue, glial tissue and glands lined by mucin-secreting columnar epithelium were minor elements. A focal cystic structure lined by thin flattened epithelium was also noted. Retroperitoneal teratoma with predominance of nephroblastic elements is of interest not only because of its rarity but also because it needs to be differentiated from extrarenal Wilms' tumor, since both of these tumors have different origins.

Nasal hemangiopericytoma--a case report

A case of rare intranasal hemangiopericytoma in a 68-year-old male was reported with typical histological and ultrastructural findings. The lesion clinically resembled a nasal polyp. The experience in the present case raised the need for differential diagnoses of vascularised spindle cell tumors and of traditional hemangiopericytoma in soft tissue.

Symptomatic subependymoma--a case report

Subependymoma is a rare, slow-growing, benign noninvasive tumor of the central nervous system that may be located in the fourth ventricle, the septum pellucidum, the third and the lateral ventricles, the aqueduct, and the proximal spinal cord. Symptoms, if any, usually result either from direct compression of the brain stem or from acute hydrocephalus due to occlusion of the foramen of Monro or aqueduct of Sylvius. In this report, we describe a case of subependymoma of the lateral ventricle with headache in a young female patient. This is the first reported case subependymoma in Korea that was documented along with Magnetic resonance image.

Immunoconjugates that neutralize HIV virions kill T cells infected with diverse strains of HIV-1

Two murine monoclonal antibodies, G3.519, recognizing the CD4-binding region, and BAT123, a variable region of gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus, were chemically coupled to pokeweed antiviral protein isolated from seeds (PAP-S). The immunoconjugates were purified by Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration and Mono S ion exchange chromatography. Immunoconjugate G3.519-PAP-S specifically killed human T cells, H9, infected with three diverse HIV-1 strains, HTLV-IIIB, -IIIMN, and -IIIRF. Inhibition of thymidine incorporation by the immunoconjugate was concentration-dependent, with the ID50 ranging from 1.4 x 10(-10) M to 1.7 x 10(-9) M. Immunoconjugate BAT123-PAP-S was effective in killing H9 cells infected with HTLV-IIIB (ID50 = 4.3 x 10(-11) M) and -IIIMN (ID50 = 4.7 x 10(-10) M), but not -IIIRF. Both immunoconjugates did not inhibit thymidine incorporation in uninfected H9 cells up to a concentration of 5.3 x 10(-8) M, and their cytotoxic activities could be competitively blocked by the respective unconjugated antibodies. The immunoconjugates retained the ability to neutralize HIV virions to infect T cells and to prevent the syncytium formation. These in vitro studies suggest that the use of immunoconjugates capable of killing HIV-infected T cells and neutralizing virus may provide an alternative treatment for HIV-infected persons.

Immunoconjugates that neutralize HIV virions kill T cells infected with diverse strains of HIV-1

Two murine monoclonal antibodies, G3.519, recognizing the CD4-binding region, and BAT123, a variable region of gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus, were chemically coupled to pokeweed antiviral protein isolated from seeds (PAP-S). The immunoconjugates were purified by Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration and Mono S ion exchange chromatography. Immunoconjugate G3.519-PAP-S specifically killed human T cells, H9, infected with three diverse HIV-1 strains, HTLV-IIIB, -IIIMN, and -IIIRF. Inhibition of thymidine incorporation by the immunoconjugate was concentration-dependent, with the ID50 ranging from 1.4 x 10(-10) M to 1.7 x 10(-9) M. Immunoconjugate BAT123-PAP-S was effective in killing H9 cells infected with HTLV-IIIB (ID50 = 4.3 x 10(-11) M) and -IIIMN (ID50 = 4.7 x 10(-10) M), but not -IIIRF. Both immunoconjugates did not inhibit thymidine incorporation in uninfected H9 cells up to a concentration of 5.3 x 10(-8) M, and their cytotoxic activities could be competitively blocked by the respective unconjugated antibodies. The immunoconjugates retained the ability to neutralize HIV virions to infect T cells and to prevent the syncytium formation. These in vitro studies suggest that the use of immunoconjugates capable of killing HIV-infected T cells and neutralizing virus may provide an alternative treatment for HIV-infected persons.

Enhancement of cytotoxicity of cisplatin in vitro by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor and/or recombinant human interferon-alpha, -beta and -gamma

This study was conducted to investigate the modulatory effects of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rH-TNF) and recombinant human interferon (rH-IFN)-alpha, -beta and -gamma, either alone or in combination, on the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, using MTT assay, against MKN-45 (human stomach adenocarcinoma). MKN-45 was resistant to rH-TNF even at doses up to 10(3) U/ml. rH-IFN-gamma inhibited the survival of MKN-45 dose-dependently, while rH-IFN-alpha and -beta did not inhibit the survival of MKN-45 even at the highest concentrations tested (10(4) U/ml). Combination of rH-TNF with rH-IFN-alpha, -beta or -gamma did not significantly inhibit the survival of MKN-45, except for a combination of 10 U/ml of rH-TNF and 10(3) U/ml of rH-IFN-gamma (P less than 0.05). Cisplatin inhibited the survival of MKN-45 dose-dependently. By the simultaneous combination of cisplatin with rH-TNF and/or rH-IFN-alpha, -beta or -gamma, cytotoxicity of cisplatin was enhanced and the combination effects were additive. The effects of rH-TNF and rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma on the modification of cytotoxicity of cisplatin were evaluated in terms of modification index (MI), demonstrating that rH-TNF, rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma all augmented the cytotoxicity of cisplatin: MI values at 10(3) U/ml of rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma were 1.4, 1.4 and 2.3, respectively; those at the same concentrations of rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma in the presence of 10 U/ml of rH-TNF were 3.6, 2.5 and 5.1, respectively. These results demonstrating that the cytotoxicity of cisplatin was enhanced by rH-TNF and/or rH-IFN-alpha, -beta or -gamma suggest that cancer may be more effectively treated with the combination of cisplatin with these biological response modifiers than with cisplatin alone.

Characterization of clones of a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line representing different stages of differentiation

With a limiting dilution technique, clones have been established from the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, HPAF. Phenotypic analysis by a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies demonstrated distinct profiles of antigenic expression between the clones. However, identical isozyme patterns of different clones indicated their common origin from the parental HPAF cells. Two clones, CD11 and CD18, appeared to be arrested at different stages of secretory epithelial cell differentiation. CD11 cells demonstrated many characteristics of a well-differentiated state, including the formation of ductal structures with polarized, long columnar-shaped cells, the presence of secretory granules in the cytoplasm, high DU-PAN-2 antigen expression in nude mouse xenografts, and a longer doubling time (42 h) in tissue culture. In contrast, CD18 cells exhibited characteristics of a poorly differentiated state, including solid nests of isoprismatic cells without luminal spaces and cellular polarization, absence of secretory granules and DU-PAN-2 antigen expression in xenografts, and a shorter doubling time (26 h) in tissue culture. Since no culture systems of normal pancreatic ductal cells are currently available, these two pancreatic adenocarcinoma clones may provide a unique system to study genes and antigens related to pancreatic ductal cell differentiation.

Coxsackie B virus assays in IDDM families: the GAW5 data on antibody prevalence

There is evidence that infection by Coxsackie viruses can serve as an environmental "trigger" for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). This background information is summarized briefly, and the data in the IDDM component of Genetic Analysis Workshop 5 (GAW5) concerning serum antibodies to Coxsackie B viruses are described.

Red cell sodium and ionic fluxes in patients with hyper- and hypothyroidism

To investigate the status of the Na+ concentrations [Na+]i, K+ concentrations [K+]i and ionic fluxes in red cells of human subjects with abnormal thyroid function, we measured the Na(+)-K+ pump activity as well as Na(+)-K+ cotransport (CoT), Na(+)-Li+ countertransport (CTT) and Na+ passive permeability in erythrocytes of 37 normal subjects, 19 untreated hyperthyroid patients, 12 treated hyperthyroid patients and 9 hypothyroid patients with T4 replacement. The mean [Na+]i value in the untreated hyperthyroidism group was significantly higher than that in the normal subjects (p less than .05), but not significantly different from that in the treated hyperthyroidism group. The mean [Na+]i value in the hypothyroidism with T4 replacement group, however, was significantly lower than that in the normal group (p less than .01). We did not find any significant difference of [K+]i in comparing each group. It was found that the Na(+)-K+ pump activity in erythrocytes was significantly increased in untreated hyperthyroidism (mean; 23.4% above control, p less than 10(-5], but there was no significant difference in treated hyperthyroidism and hypothyroid patients with T4 replacement. The rate constant for ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux in the hypothyroidism with T4 replacement group was markedly higher than that in normal subjects (p less than .01), but not significantly different in the untreated hyperthyroidism group. We observed a significant increase of the Na+ CoT value in the patients with untreated hyperthyroidism as compared with that of the normal subjects (p less than .05), but there was no significant difference in the patients treated for hyperthyroidism and the hypothyroidism with T4 replacement group. However, the rate constant for Na(+)-CoT in the patients with hypothyroidism with T4 replacement was significantly higher than that in normal subjects (p less than .05). We observed a marked decrease of Na(+)-Li+CTT value in the patients with untreated hyperthyroidism versus that in the normal group (p less than .01). Passive Na+ permeability in the patients with untreated hyperthyroidism was markedly increased (p less than .05), and was markedly decreased in the patients with hypothyroidism with T4 replacement compared to normal subjects (p less than .01). It can be concluded from these studies that an increase in Na(+)-K+ pump activity in the patients untreated for hyperthyroidism might then be regarded as a secondary adaptive cellular response to higher [Na+]i values due to enhanced passive Na+ permeability, rather than a direct effect of the thyroid hormone.

Replantation and revascularization of hands: clinical analysis and functional results of 261 cases

During the past 4 years we performed 261 replantations and revascularizations on amputated digits and hands in 153 patients. The overall survival rate was 82%. Clean-cut proximal level amputations and hypothermically preserved amputation parts had the highest survival rate. A higher survival rate and more satisfactory results with accelerated return of sensory function correlated with repair of both digital arteries and two veins rather than only one. All patients experienced intolerance to cold, but this was more troublesome in patients with digital replantation in whom only a single artery was repaired. Digital sensibility and joint motion after replantation were better in these patients who had sharp amputations and on whom repairs were carried out in zone III. Return of intrinsic muscle function after hand replantation was poor; however, patient satisfaction with the procedures remained high.

Identification of sequences in the long terminal repeat of avian sarcoma virus required for efficient transcription

Two different vectors, LTR-NEO-LTR and LTR-CAT-LTR, were constructed and deletions were introduced in the upstream LTR at -299 and at -140. These deletion mutants were introduced into QT6 cells under transient expression conditions, and the levels of transcription were monitored by dot blot hybridization or by CAT assays. The results indicate that the nucleotides between -208 and -201 and between -141 and -119 in the U3 region of RSV LTR are required for efficient transcription.

Kinetic analysis of cytotoxicity

Several variables which influenced the cellular translocation rate of IT have been analyzed in different systems in an effort to improve the efficacy of ITs. Although some conflicting data were reported, several parameters for improving the efficacy of ITs were found: 1) IT was internalized faster when more target antigens were occupied by IT, implying that a highly expressed antigen would be a better target for IT treatment; 2) the nature of the target antigen had an important role in the translocation of IT, presumably directing the IT to different intracellular compartments; 3) small conjugates internalized faster than large conjugates, but the slow translocation of large conjugate was compensated for by adding more toxin molecules to the conjugate; and 4) the kinetics of intoxication by IT was accelerated with certain potentiators, however, in vivo use of these agents may be limited.

Endobronchial metastasis of malignant melanoma, diagnosed by bronchoscopy--report of a case

Endobronchial metastasis occurs in about 2% to 5% of patients dying of solid tumors of extrathoracic origin. These metastatic tumors can simulate bronchogenic carcinoma and presenting symptoms include cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea and wheezing. In most cases of endobronchial metastasis, the histologic finding of the bronchoscope biopsy suggests the correct diagnosis. There are only a few reports of endobronchial metastasis from malignant melanoma. We report a case of malignant melanoma with endobronchial metastasis presenting with hemoptysis simulating primary bronchogenic carcinoma.

Endobronchial hamartoma--a case report

Hamartoma is one of the most common benign lung tumors. Most of them are located in the lung parenchyme, but very rarely it can originate endobronchially. We report a case of endobronchial hamartoma in a 59 year old woman and a review of the literature.

Insulin binding and its action in adipocytes of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid rats

The studies of the effects of thyroid hormone on insulin secretion and glucose metabolism have been made, but the results have been controversial. In order to evaluate the effects of thyroid hormone at the cellular level, insulin binding and insulin-induced lipogenesis in isolated rat epididymal fat cells were studied in control, hyperthyroid and hypothyroid rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection of sodium L-thyroxine and hypothyroidism by a single injection of ¹³¹I. The adipocytes were isolated by treatment of collagenase as originally described by Gliemann (1967). The results were as follows: 1) The fasting serum insulin levels of hyperthyroid (21.6 ± 3.7 uU/ml) and hypothyroid groups (20.5 ± 7.0 uU/ml) were not different from the value of control (23.1 ± 11 uU/ml). The fasting blood glucose level of hypothyroid group (164.9 ± 12.0 mg/dl) was higher than the values of the controls (148.2 ± 13.2 mg/dl) or the hyperthyroid group (147.0 ± 12.5 mg/dl), (p<.005). 2) The specific ¹²⁵I-insulin binding of the hyperthyroid group was not different from the value of the controls, but the value of the hypothyroid group was higher than the value of the controls (p<.005). 3) The insulin receptor concentration of the hypothyroid group (1.09 ± 0.02 ng/0.5×10⁵ cells) was higher than the value of the controls (0.72 ± 0.01 ng/0.5×10⁵ cells) or the hyperthyroid group (0.79 ± 0.02 ng/0.5×10⁵ cells), (p<.05). 4) The average affinities of the receptors in all groups showed an inverse correlation with the insulin concentration. The average affinity of the hypothyroid group was higher than the value of the control or the hyperthyroid group. 5) Insulin-induced lipogenesis was reduced proportionately in all insulin concentrations in both the hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups compared with the dose-response curve of the control group. The maximal amount of lipogenesis of the hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups were 63.4% (p<.05) and 32.3% (p<.005) of the controls, respectively. These studies suggest that thyroid hormone may regulate the concentration of insulin receptors, and altered thyroid states reduce insulin-induced lipogenesis in the adipocyte at postreceptor levels.

Leprosy. XII. T-cell subsets in lepromatous leprosy

The authors quantitated T-rosette-forming cell (TRFC) and T-cell subsets (T mu, T gamma) in the peripheral blood of twenty patients with lepromatous leprosy. The results obtained in their studies are as follows: (1) They reconfirmed the low levels of TRFC in patients with lepromatous type of leprosy; (2) T-cell subsets, both T mu (helper) and T gamma (suppressor) cells, showed lower levels in all patients with lepromatous leprosy than mean values of normal healthy controls; (3) The degree of decreased levels of T mu cells (96%) was more severe than other parameters TRFC (70%) and T gamma cells (47%) in all patients with lepromatous leprosy; and (4) It may be concluded that the alteration of the T-cell subset, T mu-cells, reflects a more fundamental abnormality than TRFC aberration in demonstrating the impairment of cell-mediated immunity in patients with lepromatous leprosy.

Membrane-associated, fucose-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids of cultured epithelial cells from human colonic adenocarcinoma and fetal intestine

Fucose-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids were compared in three human colon cancer cell lines and five human fetal intestinal epithelial cell lines. Cells were labeled by culturing cells in the presence of L-[3H]-fucose. Fucose was incorporated into both the membrane and cytoplasmic fractions of all three colon cancer cell lines to a much lesser extent than into fetal cells. When the relative fucose labeling of glycolipids and glycoproteins were examined, a much greater proportion of fucose labeling in the membrane was associated with lipid in colon cancer cells (11.6-16.7%) compared to fetal intestinal cells (1.3-2.5%). Fluorographic analysis of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of fucose-labeled glycoproteins revealed a rather uniform labeling pattern of fetal intestinal cells which was distinct from those of colon cancer cells. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of fucose labeled glycolipids of all three colon cancer cell lines indicated the presence of fucose-containing glycolipids with carbohydrate chain lengths greater than five sugars. Glycolipids of the SKCO-1 cells in particular appear to consist predominantly of complex fucose-containing glycolipids. These results indicate that significant qualitative differences in the fucose-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids exist between the membranes of human colon cancer cells and fetal intestinal cells and that complex fuco-glycolipids with long carbohydrate side chains are present in the three human colon cancer cell lines.

Leprosy. XII. T-cell subsets in lepromatous leprosy

The authors quantitated T-rosette-forming cell (TRFC) and T-cell subsets (T mu, T gamma) in the peripheral blood of twenty patients with lepromatous leprosy. The results obtained in their studies are as follows: (1) They reconfirmed the low levels of TRFC in patients with lepromatous type of leprosy; (2) T-cell subsets, both T mu (helper) and T gamma (suppressor) cells, showed lower levels in all patients with lepromatous leprosy than mean values of normal healthy controls; (3) The degree of decreased levels of T mu cells (96%) was more severe than other parameters TRFC (70%) and T gamma cells (47%) in all patients with lepromatous leprosy; and (4) It may be concluded that the alteration of the T-cell subset, T mu-cells, reflects a more fundamental abnormality than TRFC aberration in demonstrating the impairment of cell-mediated immunity in patients with lepromatous leprosy.

Metabolism and clearance of antibody-excess immune complexes in lactating mice

The metabolism of antibody-excess immune complexes was compared in lactating and normal female BALB/c mice. The initial rate of clearance of the antigen, dinitrophenyl- (DNP) ovalbumin, when complexed with mouse anti-DNP antibody was considerably faster in lactating mice. The half-life was 4 min in lactating mice compared with 8 min in normal female mice. Tissue distribution studies revealed that by 2 hr the mammary gland had sequestered immune complexes in threefold to fourfold excess over the levels in the liver. These lactating mice were shown to transfer immune complexes to their milk, and small quantities of the complexes could be demonstrated in the circulation of the nursing neonates.