Reduction of nonselective adsorption of proteins by hydrophilization of microfiltration membranes by radiation-induced grafting

Alcoholic hydroxyl groups were introduced into a polyethylene microfiltration (MF) membrane by radiation-induced graft polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), vinyl acetate (VAc), and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Subsequently, the VAc- and GMA-grafted membranes were quantitatively hydrolyzed into monool (single hydroxyl) and diol groups, respectively. The pure water flux of the modified membrane and the saturation capacity of bovine gamma-globulin onto the membrane were determined as a function of alcoholic hydroxyl group density. The threshold value for hydrophilization ranged between 5 and 7 mol of alcoholic hydroxyl group per kilogram of original MF membrane. Masking of the polyethylene surface with grafted polymer branches containing the diol groups was effective because approximately 70% of the pure water flux of the original MF membrane was maintained. Irrespective of the pore diameter of the original MF membrane, saturation capacities on the modified membrane correlated well with the diol group density. Saturation capacities of bovine gamma-globulin and bovine serum albumin were reduced to 1 mg/m2 of the membrane. In addition, the binding interaction changed from irreversible to reversible.

Intrahepatic peribiliary glands of humans. I. Anatomy, development and presumed functions

The intrahepatic biliary tree is regarded as an excretory duct of two secretory units: hepatocytes and intrahepatic peribiliary glands. This review describes the anatomy, development and presumed functions of the latter. These glands are preferentially located around the intrahepatic large bile ducts, and are histologically divided into intramural and extramural structures. The former consist of simple tubular glands with much mucin, and are sparsely and irregularly distributed within the ductal wall. The latter are characterized by the presence of excretory units that consist of seromucinous acini and a conducting system in the periductal tissue. Pancreatic exocrine acini are occasionally admixed with extramural glands. These peribiliary glands appear in the late fetal period and complete their development about 15 years after birth. Extramural and intramural glands secrete neutral and acid mucin into the ductal lumen. Extramural glands contain several enzymes for digestion of protein and lipids. Neural and vascular supply of these glands may be related to the regulation of their secretion. Specific and non-specific immune responses within this glandular system may also be essential in the sterility of bile.

Quantification of L-tryptophan and L-kynurenine by liquid chromatography/electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

In a number of infectious and inflammatory diseases, stimulation of the immune system can lead to increased accumulation of tryptophan metabolites via induction of kynurenine pathway enzymes in extrahepatic tissues. We developed a liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric (LC/MS) method suitable for tracing the disposition of 13C isotopomers of L-tryptophan and L-kynurenine in various cultured cell, tissue slice, and whole animal model systems used to investigate tryptophan flux through the kynurenine pathway. The method employs extractive derivatization of the analytes and their 2H internal standards with pentafluorobenzyl bromide in order to enhance the negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) mass spectrometric response. Normal-phase liquid chromatographic separation of derivatized analytes was optimized using a silica column with organic solvents, followed by particle beam transfer and NICI-MS. Standard curves were linear over the range 1-250 ng per sample. Particle beam and mass spectrometric operating parameters were optimized with direct flow injections of 1-(methylamino) anthraquinone, which is an ideal test compound for the evaluation of LC/NICI-MS. The developed method was used to quantify the conversion of (13C6)L-tryptophan to (13C6)L-kynurenine by human monocytes (THP-1) stimulated with interferon-gamma, lung and brain tissue slices obtained from gerbils immune-stimulated with pokeweed mitogen. The effect of whole body immune stimulation on the plasma levels of endogenous L-kynurenine in mice stimulated with interferon-gamma was also quantified.

Mechanisms of hearing disturbance in an autoimmune model mouse NZB/kl

A subline of the NZB mouse, NZB/kl, was found to develop severe hearing disturbances at high frequency sound at the age of 4 to 6 months. Deposition of IgG was observed on the capillary wall of the stria vascularis of the mice, but the concentration of circulating immune complex did not seem to be correlated to the deposition. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the capillaries had a thick basement membrane, and in severe cases the membrane contained foamy structures of various size. In some cases the base membrane was so thick that the capillary lumen was narrowed, and the intermediate cells seemed to be damaged. No pathological findings were found in other inner ear tissues. These results suggest that the changes in the stria vascularis were possibly caused by an autoimmune mechanism which resulted in hearing disturbance.

Binding of lysozyme onto a cation-exchange microporous membrane containing tentacle-type grafted polymer branches

Ion-exchange adsorption of lysozyme to the sulfonic acid (SO3H) group on polymer chains grafted onto microporous polyethylene hollow-fiber membranes was examined. The lysozyme solution was forced to permeate across the hollow fiber. Diversely anchored SO3H groups, i.e., SP and SS groups, were introduced into the membrane by reaction of the glycidyl methacrylate-grafted membrane with propanesultone and sodium sulfite, respectively. The resulting SP and SS group-containing membranes, designated as SP-T and SS-T fibers, respectively, had 95 and 77% water flux of the original membrane, respectively. The binding capacity of lysozyme as a function of the SO3H group density was compared between the SP-T and SS-T fibers from measurement of the ion-exchange breakthrough curves during the permeation of lysozyme solution across the SP-T and SS-T fibers. The binding capacity of lysozyme to the SP-T fiber remained constant, independent of the SP group density, whereas that to the SS-T fiber increased linearly with increasing SS group density. This difference was explained by means of a model whereby lysozyme adheres onto the SP group-containing grafted polymer branches, while the SS group-containing grafted polymer branches hold lysozyme in a tentacle-like manner.

Hemopneumothorax secondary to multiple cavitary metastasis in angiosarcoma of the scalp

We report a case of hemopneumothorax secondary to multiple cavitary metastasis in the angiosarcoma of the scalp in an 86-year-old woman, who died of respiratory failure. At autopsy, multiple cavities were found in both lungs. Histologic specimen of the cavitary metastasis of the lung showed that tumor cells proliferated forming several tubular spaces and these tubular spaces seemed to communicate with the central cyst. These findings suggested that imperfect vessel-like structures of the cavitary metastasis are likely to break down and finally grow up to large thin-walled cavities.

Thyroglobulin-specific T cell line from a healthy individual does not produce proinflammatory cytokines on antigenic stimulation: an implication for possible fail-safe mechanism to avoid autoimmunity

In order to investigate the regulation of autoimmune response to thyroglobulin (Tg), one of the thyroid autoantigens, we established a Tg-specific T cell line by stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a healthy volunteer with Tg and characterized its cytokine production pattern. The Tg-specific T cell line, designated DH5D1, obtained from a limiting dilution culture bore alpha beta T cell receptor and was CD4 and CD45RO positive. Upon stimulation with Tg, DH5D1 secreted little or no titers of IL-2, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma, whereas activation with combination of phorbol myristate acetate and calcium ionophore produced measurable levels of these cytokines. These results indicate that the Tg-specific T cell line is not defective in its capacity to produce proinflammatory cytokines and suggest that the inability of cytokine production by autoreactive T cells of healthy individuals is one fail-safe mechanism for preventing aggression of harmful autoimmune response.

Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge in the oral mucosa

The clinical and morphologic features of a pigmented squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge in an 81-year-old Japanese woman are reported. The tumor was typical, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma but had many melanin-containing cells within it. Electron microscopy showed melanosomes in macrophages, melanocytes, and neoplastic squamous cells. Those in the neoplastic squamous cells seemed to have been excreted from the cytoplasmic processes of melanocytes.

Increased levels of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid in spinal cord following contusion injury

Products of inflammatory phagocytes are potential contributors to secondary pathology following spinal cord trauma. In the present study we quantified the levels of the neurotoxin and product of activated macrophages, quinolinic acid (QUIN), in the lower thoracic spinal cord of adult guinea pigs 5 days after brief compression injury. At the injured site (T13), elevations in tissue QUIN levels (> 10-fold) accompanied proportional increases in the activity of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase (> 2-fold) and the concentrations of L-kynurenine (> 2.5-fold). In contrast, no significant changes occurred in two uninjured regions examined compared to controls, namely cervical spinal cord (C2) and the somatosensory cortex. Further studies of QUIN as a potential contributor to spinal cord injury are warranted.

Evidence for identity of beta-pyrazolealanine synthase with cysteine synthase in watermelon: formation of beta-pyrazole-alanine by cloned cysteine synthase in vitro and in vivo

The responsibility of cysteine synthase (EC 4.2.99.8) from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) for the formation of beta-(pyrazole-1-yl)-L-alanine, a non-protein amino acid specifically accumulated in Curcubitaceae plants, was confirmed in vitro and in vivo by the cloned cDNA on expression vectors, pCCS11 and pCEN1. The cDNA sequence derived from pCCS11, an expression vector driven by the lacZ promoter, was placed under the transcriptional control of strong T7 promoter of pET3d to yield an over-expression vector, pCEN1, in Escherichia coli. The concentration of the exogenous cysteine synthase protein was increased up to approximately 10% of the total soluble protein of E. coli cells by the expression of cDNA on pCEN1. beta-(Pyrazole-1-yl)-L-alanine was formed in vitro from O-acetyl-L-serine and pyrazole by the action of cysteine synthase expressed in E. coli carrying pCCS11 or pCEN1. To confirm the responsibility of cysteine synthase for the formation of beta-(pyrazole-1-yl)-L-alanine in vivo, the feeding experiments of pyrazole and serine or O-acetyl-L-serine were carried out using the transformed E. coli culture. beta-(Pyrazole-1-yl)-L-alanine was produced in vivo by feeding the substrates to the culture of E. coli carrying pCEN1. These results provide the confirming evidence that the cloned cysteine synthase of watermelon catalyzes the formation of beta-(pyrazole-1-yl)-L-alanine, indicating that beta-pyrazolealanine synthase is identical with cysteine synthase in Cucurbitaceae plants.

Effect of prolonged administration of clonidine on [3H]PN 200-110 and [125I]omega-conotoxin binding in mouse brain

The effect of chronic exposure to clonidine or morphine on clonidine- and morphine-induced analgesia in mice was examined. Binding of L- or N-type calcium channel antagonist to cortical membrane fractions was also compared between these groups of mice. A decrease in the analgesic effect of clonidine and morphine was observed following prolonged administration of clonidine or morphine. Binding of [3H]PN 200-110, an L-type calcium channel antagonist, decreased following prolonged administration of clonidine whereas it increased after morphine treatment. On the other hand, a significant increase of [125I]omega-conotoxin, an N-type calcium channel antagonist, binding was observed after chronic clonidine or morphine treatment. These results will be discussed in relation with the possible development of cross-tolerance between clonidine and morphine through the change in calcium channels, more specifically in N-type channels.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome in workers occupationally exposed to vibrating tools

Among 330 vibration-exposed workers, 24 cases of hypothenar hammer syndrome in 29 hands were diagnosed by arteriography. The right hand was involved in 13, the left hand in six, and both hands in five cases. The mean age was 55 years, mean duration of vibration exposure 19.4 years, and mean duration of episodic Raynaud's phenomenon 6.4 years. The vascular lesions of the ulnar arteries were classified into three major types with subtypes. Type 1: stenosis of the superficial palmar arch around the hook of the hamate. Type 2a: occlusion of the superficial palmar arch around the hook of the hamate. Type 2b: occlusion of both superficial and deep palmar arches around the hook of the hamate. Type 3a: occlusion of the ulnar artery at the proximal part of the wrist. Type 3b: occlusion of the ulnar artery near the wrist with the occlusion of the dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery.

Kynurenine pathway enzymes in brain: responses to ischemic brain injury versus systemic immune activation

Accumulation of L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid (QUIN) in the brain occurs after either ischemic brain injury or after systemic administration of pokeweed mitogen. Although conversion of L-[13C6]tryptophan to [13C6]-QUIN has not been demonstrated in brain either from normal gerbils or from gerbils given pokeweed mitogen, direct conversion in brain tissue does occur 4 days after transient cerebral ischemia. Increased activities of enzymes distal to indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase may determine whether L-kynurenine is converted to QUIN. One day after 10 min of cerebral ischemia, the activities of kynureninase and 3-hydroxy-3,4-dioxygenase were increased in the hippocampus, but local QUIN levels and the activities of the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and kynurenine-3-hydroxylase were unchanged. By days 2 and 4 after ischemia, however, the activities of all these enzymes in the hippocampus as well as QUIN levels were significantly increased. Kynurenine aminotransferase activity in the hippocampus was unchanged on days 1 and 2 after ischemia but was decreased on day 4, at a time when local kynurenic acid levels were unchanged. A putative precursor of QUIN, [13C6]anthranilic acid, was not converted to [13C6]QUIN in the hippocampus of either normal or 4-day post-ischemic gerbils. Gerbil macrophages stimulated by endotoxin in vitro converted L-[13C6]tryptophan to [13C6]QUIN. Kinetic analysis of kynurenine-3-hydroxylase activity in the cerebral cortex of postischemic gerbils showed that Vmax increased, without changes in Km. Systemic administration of pokeweed mitogen increased indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and kynureninase activities in the brain without significant changes in kynurenine-3-hydroxylase or 3-hydroxyanthranilate-3,4-dioxygenase activities. Increases in kynurenine-3-hydroxylase activity, in conjunction with induction of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, kynureninase, and 3-hydroxyanthranilate-3,4-dioxygenase in macrophage infiltrates at the site of brain injury, may explain the ability of postischemic hippocampus to convert L-[13C6]tryptophan to [13C6]QUIN.

Involvement of NK1 receptors in synaptic transmission in the guinea pig coeliac ganglion

Using intracellular recording techniques, we examined the effects of tachykinin receptor agonists and antagonists on electrophysiologically identified tonic neurons of the isolated guinea pig coeliac ganglion. In most of the tonic neurons, substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and/or senktide induced a depolarization. The effects of SP and NKA were blocked by the NK1-selective antagonist, GR71251 (5 microM), but not by the NK2-selective antagonist, L659,877 (10 microM), whereas the effect of senktide was not affected by these antagonists. The NK1-selective agonists, [Sar9,Met(O)2(11)]SP and SP methyl ester, and the NK3-selective agonist, [MePhe7]neurokinin B, also evoked depolarizations in tonic neurons. By contrast, the NK2-selective agonists, [Nle10]NKA4-10, [beta-Ala8]NKA4-10 and GR64349, at 1 microM each, did not evoke any significant depolarizing response. Repetitive electrical stimulation of the mesenteric nerves induced slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the majority of tonic neurons, which were depressed by GR71251 (5 microM). These results suggest that NK1 and NK3 receptors but not NK2 receptors are involved in the tachykinin-induced depolarization of tonic neurons, and that the NKA-induced response is due to the activation of NK1 receptors. This study also suggests the involvement of NK1 receptors in the slow EPSPs in tonic neurons.

A mechanism of quinolinic acid formation by brain in inflammatory neurological disease. Attenuation of synthesis from L-tryptophan by 6-chlorotryptophan and 4-chloro-3-hydroxyanthranilate

Quinolinic acid (QUIN), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and L-kynurenine (L-KYN) are neuroactive kynurenine pathway metabolites that accumulate in inflammatory neurological diseases. These increases were attributed to the induction of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the enzyme that converts L-tryptophan into L-KYN. Direct conversion of L-tryptophan into QUIN by brain tissue occurs in conditions of CNS inflammation, but not by normal brain tissue. To investigate whether increased activity of enzymes distal to IDO may determine L-KYN conversion to QUIN, rhesus macaques were inoculated with poliovirus directly into the spinal cord, as a model of focal inflammatory neurological disease (FASEB J. 6, 2977-2989, 1992). Induction of spinal cord IDO (35.9-fold) accompanied smaller, but proportional increases in kynurenine-3-hydroxylase (2.4-fold) and kynureninase (2.3-fold) activities, which were correlated to CSF and tissue QUIN levels, as well as to measures of inflammatory lesions. 3-Hydroxyanthranilate-3,4-dioxygenase activity was unchanged. Cerebrospinal fluid KYNA levels increased in proportion to both IDO activity and L-KYN accumulation, though kynurenine aminotransferase activity was unaffected. Cerebrospinal fluid neopterin, a marker of macrophage and immune activation, accumulated in proportion to the responsive enzymes and metabolites. The cell types involved in producing QUIN were investigated in vitro. Human foetal brain cultures consisting of astrocytes and neurons converted large quantities of [13C6]L-tryptophan into L-KYN when stimulated by gamma-interferon, but very little [13C6]QUIN was formed unless macrophages (THP-1 cells) were first added to the cultures (to model a key component of brain inflammation). [13C6]L-Tryptophan was converted into [13C6]QUIN by either gamma-interferon stimulated macrophages, or following intracisternal administration into poliovirus-infected macaques. Inhibitors of the kynurenine pathway, 6-chlorotryptophan and 4-chloro-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, attenuated [13C6]QUIN formation by macrophages, and when co-infused with [13C6]L-tryptophan into poliovirus-infected macaques. These results suggest roles for increased activities of IDO, kynurenine-3-hydroxylase and kynureninase in accelerating the synthesis of QUIN, L-KYN and KYNA in conditions of brain inflammation. Macrophage infiltrates, and perhaps microglia, are important sources of QUIN, whereas constitutive brain cells and macrophages are sources of L-KYN. Drugs that inhibit kynurenine pathway enzymes attenuate QUIN formation in the CNS, and provide tools to examine the consequences of reduced QUIN accumulation.

Heterogeneity in the nuclear DNA content of cells in carcinomas of the biliary tract and pancreas

BACKGROUND

The authors investigated the frequency of aneuploidy and heterogeneity in DNA ploidy within one tumor by multiple sampling.

METHODS

Using flow cytometry, the authors measured the nuclear DNA content of cells in fresh surgical specimens from 24 patients with carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, 8 patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder, 5 patients with carcinoma of ampulla of Vater, and 14 patients with carcinoma of the pancreas.

RESULTS

The frequency of aneuploidy was 91.7%, 87.5%, 80.0%, and 85.7% in carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, gallbladder, ampulla of Vater, and pancreas, respectively. The incidence of heterogeneity in DNA ploidy within a tumor was 79.2%, 87.5%, 80.0%, and 85.7% in carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, gallbladder, ampulla of Vater, and pancreas, respectively. The DNA index ranged mostly from 1.0-2.0. Hypodiploid samples constituted 23.5% of the total, and only five (9.8%) had a DNA content above tetraploid. Many of the patients in which the DNA index was about 1.0 (including diploid cases) tended to be in the relatively early stages of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to take several fresh samples from the same tumor to accurately measure the variations in nuclear DNA content. The authors suggest that three or four samples should be studied to determine aneuploidy and that DNA ploidy heterogeneity should be analyzed in five or six samples.

Kynurenine 3-hydroxylase in brain: species activity differences and effect of gerbil cerebral ischemia

We have developed a rapid and highly sensitive assay for brain kynurenine 3-hydroxylase activity. The present study determined some characteristics and species differences of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase activity in brain and evaluated the response of this enzyme to cerebral ischemia. The kynurenine 3-hydroxylase assay is based on the conversion of L-kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine in vitro and the quantification of 3-hydroxykynurenine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Kynurenine 3-hydroxylase activity was detected in human, macaque, rat, mouse, and gerbil brain. Regional gerbil brain activities ranged from 20 to 50 nmol/g/h, while kynurenine 3-hydroxylase activities in other species were one order of magnitude lower. Kynurenine 3-hydroxylase was also detected in lung, kidney, spleen, intestine, and liver of gerbils, with activities larger than in brain. Delayed increases in the activity of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase occur in several brain regions following transient ischemia in gerbils. These changes are particularly marked in regions that showed the most extensive brain damage (hippocampus and striatum). Kynurenine 3-hydroxylase may have an important role in determining the flux of kynurenine in brain.

Antagonism by glibenclamide of the effect of morphine in hippocampal preparations

We previously showed that morphine lowered the affinity of Ca2+ antagonist binding and subsequently enhanced field potentials in hippocampal preparations. In the present study, the effect of various K+ channel antagonists on these actions of morphine was studied. Higher Kd value of [3H]nitrendipine binding was obtained for membranes prepared from slices treated with morphine. Concomitant treatment of slices with morphine and tetramethylammonium (TMA) or glibenclamide attenuated the effect of morphine. Apamin and mast cell-degranulating (MCD) peptide were without effect on morphine-induced change in [3H]nitrendipine binding. In those experiments, no change in concentration of binding sites was observed. Glibenclamide reduced the morphine enhancement of field potentials. These results suggested the regulation of Ca2+ channels by morphine through K+ channel opening.

alpha-Fetoprotein producing gastric carcinomas: a comparative study of three different subtypes

Nine cases of gastric carcinoma with excessive production of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were analyzed morphologically, histochemically and biochemically. Consequently, it was proposed that AFP-producing gastric carcinomas should be divided into three subtypes: (i) hepatoid type; (ii) yolk sac tumor-like type; and (iii) fetal gastrointestinal type. The data from the study suggested that the hepatoid type and the yolk sac tumor-like type are derived from liver cell metaplasia and yolk sac cell metaplasia of common poorly differentiated medullary adenocarcinoma, respectively. The fetal gastrointestinal type seemed to be a result of the imitation of fetal gastrointestinal epithelium by common tubular adenocarcinoma. The hepatoid type was also the most common in the file of AFP-producing gastric carcinoma. Unfortunately, most of the hepatoid types seemed to be highly malignant.

Molecular phylogeny based on RFLP and its relation with alkaloid patterns in Lupinus plants

The restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in genomic DNA were detected among six species of Lupinus plants using rice DNA coding for ribosomal RNA (rDNA) as a probe. Additionally, the fragment patterns were compared between alkaloid-rich 'bitter' forms and alkaloid-poor 'sweet' forms of L. albus and L. luteus. The hybridizing patterns for several enzymes were distinguished among these species and between bitter form and sweet form of L. albus. The phylogenic tree constructed from RFLP profiles was related with the pattern of alkaloid production, indicating the usefulness of RFLP for DNA characterization of medicinal plants.

A bacterium lipopolysaccharide that elicits Guillain-Barré syndrome has a GM1 ganglioside-like structure

There is a strong association between Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Penner's serotype 19 (PEN 19) of Campylobacter jejuni. Sera from patients with GBS after C. jejuni infection have autoantibodies to GM1 ganglioside in the acute phase of the illness. Our previous work has suggested that GBS results from an immune response to cross-reactive antigen between lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the Gram-negative bacterium and membrane components of peripheral nerves. To clarify the pathogenesis of GBS, we have investigated whether GM1-oligosaccharide structure is present in the LPS of C. jejuni (PEN 19) that was isolated from a GBS patient. After extraction of the LPS, the LPS showing the binding activity of cholera toxin, that specifically recognizes the GM1-oligosaccharide was purified by a silica bead column chromatography. Gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis has shown that the purified LPS contained Gal, GalNAc, and NeuAc, which are sugar components of GM1 ganglioside. 1H NMR methods [Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG), total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY)] have revealed that the oligosaccharide structure [Gal beta 1-3 GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal beta] protrude from the LPS core. This terminal structure [Gal beta 1-3GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal beta] is identical to the terminal tetrasaccharide of the GM1 ganglioside. This is the first study to demonstrate the existence of molecular mimicry between nerve tissue and the infectious agent that elicits GBS.