Distribution of the mitogenic protein, sclerogen, in extracts from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 assessed by using immunochemical analysis

Sclerogen is a mitogenic protein isolated from the buffer extracts (3S) from sclerotia and shows significant mitogenic activity after heat denaturation accompanied with conformational changes. Experiments have been carried out to assess the distribution of sclerogen in several extracts from sclerotia and mycelia of this fungus by using the anti-serum against sclerogen. The anti-serum against the native- and heat denatured-sclerogen (anti-sclerogen-M and -MB serum, respectively) were prepared from Japanese white rabbits. These anti-sera showed different cross-reactivity to sclerogen-M and -MB from the results of immunoblotting after normal-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (normal-PAGE), suggesting that sclerogen-MB became to have different epitope(s) after heat denaturation of sclerogen-M. The result of immunoblotting after sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE suggested that these anti-sera also recognized the random coil site(s) where the conformational specificity was not concerned, and that sclerogen (like substance(s] existed not only in mild extracts (e.g. phosphate buffer) but also in fractions extracted from mycelia of S. sclerotiorum IFO 9395. Taken together with the results of the mitogenic activity of the representative extracts from sclerotia, at least two kinds of the mitogenic substances would exist in sclerotia; one would be extracted by mild conditions, and the other would be difficult to extract and require drastic conditions such as hot water extraction.

Oxidative degradation of an antitumor (1-3)-beta-D-glucan, grifolan

A (1-3)-beta-D-glucan, grifolan (GRN), recovered from the peritoneal cavity after 1 d from i.p. injection contained a significant amount of anionic metabolite(s) having lower Mr than the parent GRN. In parallel with this observation, GRN induced peritoneal exudate cells exhibiting a higher level of oxidative burst than the non-stimulated, resident peritoneal cells. Chemical oxidation of GRN by active oxygen species such as (a) ascorbic acid-CuSO4, (b) hydrogen peroxide, (c) hydrogen peroxide-CuSO4, or (d) hypochlorous acid also produced anionic as well as lower Mr degradation products. Under these experimental conditions the structural changes were remarkable and in the order of a less than b less than c less than d. The products formed under the conditions (a) and (b) retained significant antitumor activity but those of (c) and (d) lost the activity. However, oxidation product(s) of curdlan, an antitumor inactive (1-3)-beta-D-glucan having no branch, by condition (d) induced significant antitumor activity. These results suggested that oxidative degradation of (1-3)-beta-D-glucans produced some temporary active metabolites and then gradually changed to the inactive form. However, these active metabolites contribute less than the parent glucan on the whole activation mechanisms of the host by (1-3)-beta-D-glucans.

Studies on human laminin and laminin-collagen complexes

Intact human laminin and laminin type IV collagen complexes were extracted from term placental membranes and their structures were examined by electroimmunoblot and by rotary shadowing electron microscopy. Rotary shadowing electron microscopy revealed a structure of human laminin which is essentially similar to the cruciform structure of the mouse tumor (EHS) laminin, but with some notable differences. The observed lengths of the short arms in the human laminin are different. One short arm has an average length of 34 nm and another short arm a length of 42 nm. In the mouse laminin all three short arms are of equal length. The average length of the long arm is 97 nm, which is longer than that of mouse tumor laminin (77 nm). The distal portion of the long arm has two clearly separated globular domains instead of the single one observed with tumor laminin. Human laminin was found in various states of aggregation including dimers, trimers and higher aggregates. Laminin molecules appeared to attach to a point in type IV collagen located 87 nm from C-terminus, or at 174 nm from C-terminus and one with less frequency, at 251 nm from C-terminus. A small number of molecules appeared to bind at the N-terminus of the collagen. These laminin-collagen interactions occurred via the distal globular domains of both the short and long arms of laminin. The data suggest that human laminin extracted from placenta is structurally different from that isolated from the mouse EHS tumor.

High-molecular-weight Ly-5 isoforms expressed on T cells: activation-dependent expression

Interleukin 2 (IL-2)-dependent granular T lymphocyte (GTL) lines derived from murine spleen were shown to express a Ly-5 antigen with the so-called 'B220-epitope' recognized by 6B2 mAbs, which were normally exhibited on B-lineage cells. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that the Ly-5 isoform on GTL lines represented the highest-molecular-weight Ly-5 so far described (260 kd), distinct from the B220 isoform on a pre-B cell line (240 kd). The size difference between them was also evident after the endoglycosidase treatment (210 versus 190 kd), strongly suggesting that these Ly-5 isoforms had core proteins of distinct size. Sequential immunoprecipitation by 6B2 and 14.8 mAbs further indicated that the 260 kd Ly-5 on GTL lines predominantly expressed '6B2 epitope' while '14.8 epitope' dominated in the B220 (240 kd) on a pre-B cell line. Northern blot analysis of the Ly-5 transcripts using probes for the known alternative exons failed to show any evidence for mRNA of the 260 kd Ly-5 distinct from that of B220. Polymerase chain reaction analysis, however, suggested that the 260 kd isoform mRNA might be transcribed from a distinct promoter with a yet undefined exon(s). The 6B2+ Ly-5 isoform was hardly detected on normal splenic T cells, but was shown to be induced rapidly on the majority of T cells following IL-2 stimulation in vitro, indicating that this particular Ly-5 isoform behaved as an 'activation antigen' on T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reactivity of Limulus amoebocyte lysate towards (1----3)-beta-D-glucans

The structure activity relationship for beta-D-glucans for the gelation of the amoebocyte lysates of the horseshoe crab (Limulus) has been investigated. beta-D-Glucans that had no (1----3) linkages induced little or no gelation. The (1----3)-beta-D-glucans curdlan (unbranched), grifolan (approximately 33% branched), schizophyllan (approximately 33% branched), lentinan (approximately 40% branched). SSG (approximately 50% branched), and OL-2 (approximately 66% branched) induced significant gelation. The optimum concentration for gelation was correlated with the content of branching. Single chain (rather than a triple helix) conformation and higher molecular weight were associated with higher reactivity.

Enhancement of clot formation of human plasma by beta-glucans

Effects of (1----3)-beta-D-glucans on clot formation of human plasma were examined. Gel forming 6 branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucans, SSG, branched at every other main chain glucosyl unit, grifolan (GRN) and schizophyllan, branched at one third of main chain glucosyl unit, enhanced clot formation of human plasma. GRN derivatives also increased the contents of clot, but less effectively than GRN. This effect was dependent on dose, molecular weight (greater than 20K), side chain (branching), and ultrastructure (single chain conformer) of the beta-glucans. It may be important for the mechanism of (1----3)-beta-D-glucan induced enhancement of plasma clotting to activate factor XII, to bind with fibrinogen, and to increase the local concentration of the clotting system by steric exclusion.

Preparation and antitumor activity of hydroxyethylated derivatives of 6-branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan, SSG, obtained from the culture filtrate of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395

SSG is an antitumor branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395. Hydroxyethylation of SSG higher than MS 0.45 (MS value represents molar ratio of hydroxyethyl group vs. glucosyl group) by ethyleneoxide in aqueous sodium hydroxide lose the antitumor activity. Degradation of branching point of hydroxyethylated SSG (HE-SSG) by the sequential treatments of periodate oxidation, borohydride reduction, and mild acid hydrolysis of these derivatives regenerated the antitumor activity. These results directly demonstrated that the branching point covered, at least a part of, the dormant active site of SSG.

Heat induced generation of the mitogenic substance(s) responding to murine splenocytes obtained from sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395

We have demonstrated that hot water extracts of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 (TSHW) show various immunomodulating activities and mitogenic substance(s) were recovered from the beta-1,3-glucanase resistant-fraction (EDP) (Shinohara et al. Chem. Pharm. Bull., 37, 2174 (1989]. In this paper, we examined whether or not the mitogenic substance(s) were also obtained from the other methods, phosphate buffer extraction. Although the native extracts (3S-M) sterilized with a membrane filter showed a slight mitogenicity to murine splenocytes, 3S-M denatured in boiling water (3S-MB) showed significant activity. Treatment of 3S-M for only 1 min in boiling water or 10 min at 70 degrees C was sufficient to show significant mitogenic activity. After heat treatment of 3S-M in boiling water for 30 s, the main band corresponding to that of 3S-M was not clearly observed. Instead, new bands appeared at the top of the gel in normal-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (normal-PAGE), suggesting that many physicochemical changes occurred during the heat treatment. These findings suggest that heat denaturation of the substance(s) from sclerotia was one of the triggering mechanisms expressing mitogenic activity to murine splenocytes.

Macrophage activation in vitro by chemically cross-linked (1----3)-beta-D-glucans

The chemical cross-linking of soluble (1----3)-beta-D-glucans having molecular weights of 21000 (CL 3 h) and 6400 (CL 6 h), and laminarin (CL LAMI), which showed negligible biological activity, by epichlorohydrin provided rigid particles. These particles showed no gel-to-sol transition upon the addition of sodium hydroxide. We compared the effects of chemical cross-linking on the biological activities of glucans. The alternative complement pathway was not activated by any of the cross-linked glucans. Glucose consumption, lysosomal enzyme release, and interleukin-1 production by mouse resident peritoneal macrophages incubated in vitro were strongly induced by CL 3 h, CL 6 h and CL LAMI. However, cross-linked dextran, Sephadex, did not exhibit any of these biological activities. These results suggested that chemical cross-linking of (1----3)-beta-D-glucans enhances macrophage activities without opsonization by complement components.

[A study on interdental spaces of the deciduous dental arch in Indian sample]

The primate spaces are described as a genetic characteristic of all primate dentitions. In homo sapiens, they are limited to the deciduous dentition. We have now investigated the prevalence of primate spaces and interdental spaces in the deciduous dentition by sex and arch in samples from Indian children and the relationship between these spaces and other morphological characteristics of the deciduous dental arches. The samples were taken from 55 school children, 26 males and 29 females aged 5-7 years, belonging to the middle class of socio-economic status and living in New Delhi. The samples were taken during January of 1988. All were free of dental malformations, extractions or caries and a certain children had erupted permanent first molars. The result were as follows: 1. There was a wide variation in the pattern of the interdental spacing. The most common areas of spacing were mesial to the maxillary primary canine (primate spaces) and mesial to the mandibular primary canine (developmental spaces) for all ages. The mandibular primate spaces were considerably less frequent than the maxillary ones. The prevalence of primate spaces and developmental spaces were higher in the maxillary deciduous arch than in the mandibular deciduous arch. 2. Frequent distribution of the occlusal termination type were found to be more variable. The bilateral vertical terminal plane was found in about 50% at ages 5 to 6 of both sexes. The vertical terminal occlusal pattern existed even in the deciduous arches in which the first permanent molars had erupted. 3. The mesiodistal crown diameters of each deciduous tooth were greater in males than in females. The sex differences in mesiodistal crown diameters were significant for mandibular second deciduous molars. The sum of mesiodistal crown diameter in the closed deciduous arches was larger than in the spaced deciduous arches. 4. The dental arch increased slightly in width but decreased a little in length with changes in age during the deciduous dentition period. The deciduous arch diameters in the spaced arches were larger than in the closed arches. Statistically significant differences were found between the spaced arches and the closed arches for the mandibular anterior or posterior arch lengths and the anterior arch width for both arches. Generally, spacing of the deciduous arches was significantly related to the mesiodistal crown diameter, intercanine width and intermolar width, but there was no significant relationship to the eruption of the permanent first molars.

Distribution of fluoride concentration in the rat's bone

The present study was undertaken to determine the fluoride distribution profile in the rat femur. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and given water containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 ppm of fluoride, respectively, for 10 weeks. The fluoride distribution from the periosteum to the endosteum was determined in each specimen after sampling using the abrasive microsampling technique. In the outer circumferential lamellae, the concentration of fluoride was relatively high in the periosteal layer and then decreased gradually towards its interior. In the haversian and interstitial lamellae, it was lower and roughly constant through the tissue. In the inner circumferential lamellae, it rose again to reach the highest level towards the endosteal surface. Fluoride concentration throughout the cortex increased significantly with increasing intake of fluoride. These increases were especially marked at periosteal and endosteal surfaces.

Change of biological activities of (1----3)-beta-D-glucan from Grifola frondosa upon molecular weight reduction by heat treatment

Changes of biological activities manifested by (1----6)-branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucans of various molecular weights obtained by heat treatment of the corresponding intact beta-glucan at 150 degrees C (HD-LE) were examined. The activities assessed in this study were as follows: an antitumor activity, activation of alternative complement pathway, glucose consumption by macrophages, macrophage-mediated lysosomal enzyme activity in culture supernatant and cell lysate, interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity, and adjuvant activity. HD-LE could be classified into three groups: 1) HD-LE 0 h (MW 800000) which activated all of the biological activities tested, 2) HD-LE 0.5 and 3 h (MW 250000 and 21000) which lacked or exhibited low levels of activities such as activation of alternative complement pathway and lysosomal enzyme secretion, 3) HD-LE 6 h (MW 6400) which only activated glucose consumption and synthesis of lysosomal enzyme. These results suggest that an antitumor glucan is not always a multiple enhancer of host defense mechanisms and that a large molecular weight is required to augment multiple immunological activities.

Lipopolysaccharide interactions with lysozyme differentially affect lipopolysaccharide immunostimulatory activity

The effect of complex formation between lysozyme and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the immunostimulatory activities of LPS have been investigated in vitro. Three prototype immunostimulatory activities were examined: B-lymphocyte proliferation, B-lymphocyte differentiation and macrophage production of lymphocyte-activating factor activity. Different effects of lysozyme were noted, depending upon the structure of the LPS, even though previous studies have established that all LPS preparations readily bind lysozyme. Both Re-LPS- and lipid-A-dependent immunostimulatory activities were readily inhibited by lysozyme in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast, S-LPS and Ra-LPS were unaffected in their immunostimulatory activities by lysozyme. These differences were not the result of quantitative differences in LPS binding of lysozyme, or effects of lysozyme on overall binding of LPS to target cells. These data suggest that the factors which dictate the initial interactions between LPS and lymphoreticular cells may not be identical for all LPS preparations and/or purified lipid A.

Effects of lipopolysaccharide chemotype structure on binding and inactivation of hen egg lysozyme

The structural features of lipopolysaccharide [LPS] which influence the binding and inactivation of lysozyme have been examined. Binding of polysaccharide-containing LPS (S-LPS) and Ra-Rc-LPS preparations was independent of temperature between 37-50 degrees C; in contrast, binding of Rd-LPS, Re-LPS and lipid A was temperature-dependent. The binding of lysozyme to Rd-LPS and Re-LPS was increased by treatment with mild alkali, which has little detectable effect on binding of lysozyme to S-LPS and Ra-Rc-LPS preparations. Competitive binding experiments using dansylated lysozyme and/or dansylated polymyxin B indicated independent binding sites on the LPS for lysozyme and polymyxin B. These results indicate significant differences between most LPS preparations and lipid A and glycolipid LPS in their interaction with proteins of mammalian origin.

Modification of immunostimulating activities of grifolan by the treatment with (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase

We have developed a method to control the effective time period of (1----3)-beta-D-glucan in vivo by using (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase and found that grifolan LE (GRN), a (1----3)-beta-D-glucan, administered intraperitoneally to the host required more than 2 d to exert antitumor activity. During these two days many immunological changes were induced, such as increasing the number of peritoneal exudated cells (PEC), augmentation of production of interleukin 1 (IL-1), acid phosphatase and phagocytic capacity of adherent cells in PEC. In addition, there was increased carbon clearance activity in vivo, augmentation of responsiveness of splenocytes to mitogens such as concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and production of ceruloplasmin. When (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase was injected 1 d after GRN administration, IL-1 productivity and responsiveness to LPS were significantly reduced, but lysosomal enzyme activity and phagocytosis of macrophage and production of ceruloplasmin were similar to those not treated with glucanase. These facts indicate that the induction of the activities of the former group requires longer contact of host cells with the glucan, and the latter group requires a shorter period to achieve fully active stages.

Modulation of antitumor activity of grifolan by subsequent administration of (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase in vivo

The initiation process of effector mechanism of the antitumor activity of (1----3)-beta-D-glucans has been examined in detail by applying treatment of mice with (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase, kitalase (KIT) and zymolyase (ZYM), via i.p. route after i.p. administration of (1----3)-beta-D-glucans, grifolan (GRN) and CM-curdlan (CM-CUD). A significant decrease of antitumor activity caused by GRN was observed by treatment with KIT within 48 h, and that caused by GRN administered via i.v. route was also reduced by the i.v. injection of KIT, although it was less effective than i.p. treatment. Pretreatment of mice with thioglycollate reduced the period of time to abrogate antitumor activity by the sequential treatment of KIT. Similar results were also observed on ZYM treatment after i.p. treatment of CM-CUD. These facts suggest that the period of manifestation of the antitumor activity by (1----3)-beta-D-glucans must be longer than a few days.

Separation of the hot water extracts of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 into mitogenic and antitumor-active subfractions

The hot water extract of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 (TSHW) was divided into representative fractions by ammonium sulfate and ethanol precipitations, and (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase treatment. The ammonium sulfate and ethanol precipitations gave a (1----3)-beta-D-glucan fraction (TSG) and a mannan fraction (TSM). After the degradation of (1----3)-beta-D-glucan in TSHW by (1----3)-beta-D-glucanase treatment, a water-insoluble protein fraction (EDP) and supernatant (EDS) were obtained. Among these fractions, the mitogenic and antitumor activities were mainly observed in EDP and TSG, respectively. On the other hand, the stimulatory effect on the reticuloendothelial system was mainly found in EDP and EDS, and a weak effect was observed in TSG. These findings suggest that the mitogenic and antitumor activities of TSHW were mainly due to the protein and (1----3)-beta-D-glucan, respectively, and that the mitogenic substance (EDP) is tightly bound to (1----3)-beta-D-glucan (TSG) in TSHW, accounting for its solubility in aqueous solution.

Physiochemical properties and antitumor activities of chemically modified derivatives of antitumor glucan "grifolan LE" from Grifola frondosa

Antitumor glucan, grifolan LE (GRN LE), from Grifola frondosa was chemically modified to examine the structure-function relationship of the products. Modification by periodate, borohydride and acid hydrolysis of side chains of GRN LE did not alter properties such as helical conformation and antitumor activity of GRN LE. Introduction of carboxylic acid groups into the side chains by oxidation with periodate and with sodium chlorite (GRN LE-PC), and substitution with carboxymethyl (CM) or hydroxyethyl (HE) groups abolished the gel-forming ability of GRN LE. Significant antitumor activity was observed in all of the derivtives having gel-forming ability as well as some derivatives having no such ability. These results suggested that essential factors required for antitumor activity were (1----3)-beta-D-glucosyl linkages and high molecular weight, and that accessory groups could be linked to the main chain without loss of antitumor activity in a higher ratio than that of gel-forming ability.

Lipopolysaccharide interaction with lysozyme. Binding of lipopolysaccharide to lysozyme and inhibition of lysozyme enzymatic activity

Experiments have been carried out to characterize the binding of lysozyme (LZM) to bacteriol lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The formation of LPS.LZM complexes can be readily demonstrated using either physical-chemical separation techniques or a radiolabeled photoaffinity LPS probe. The binding affinity of LZM for LPS has been estimated to be approximately 10(8) liters/mol. Binding of LPS results in loss of LZM enzymatic activity by a noncompetitive inhibition, as assessed by either particulate or soluble substrates. This interaction of LPS with LZM is dictated primarily by hydrophobic interactions and appears to be a general property of both constituents. Binding can be demonstrated with LZM of both human and avian sources, as well as with LPS isolated from a variety of Gram-negative organisms. The addition of LPS to biologically relevant fluids containing LZM results in dose-dependent inhibition of LZM enzymatic activity suggesting that such interactions may have relevance in Gram-negative infections. Finally LZM has been shown to reduce the endotoxic activity of LPS as assessed by gelation of Limulus amoebocyte lysates.

Immunomodulation by orally administered beta-glucan in mice

Orally administered SSG, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from the culture filtrate of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395, was examined for effects on immune responses in mice. The proliferative responses of spleen cells from SSG-administered mice (40 or 80 mg/kg, daily for 5 or 10 consecutive days) to a T-cell mitogen, concanavalin A (Con A), or a B-cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were higher than those from normal mice. Oral administration of SSG (80 mg/kg) to mice also enhanced the activities of both natural killer (NK) cells in spleen and the lysosomal enzyme of peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, significant inhibition of tumor growth was observed in syngeneic tumor systems when SSG was administered directly after tumor implantation. The inhibiting effect required high doses of SSG (over 80 mg/kg). These results demonstrate that SSG can potentiate the immune response of mice following oral administration.

Naturally occurring cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors with specificity for an Ig idiotype

The humoral response to the p-azobenzenearsonate hapten in the A/J mouse includes the major cross-reactive idiotype associated with anti-p-azobenzenearsonate (CRIA) found in all immunized mice. Limiting dilution cultures of non-immunized spleen cells of A/J mice with irradiated B hybridoma cells bearing the Ig idiotype, CRIA, in the presence of T cell growth factors developed cytotoxic activity against the CRIA-bearing hybridoma; in some wells this activity was completely abrogated by an anti-idiotype mAb specific for CRIA or by a univalent hapten antigen, tyrosine-p-azobenzenearsonate, indicating the existence of cytotoxic T cell precursors (CTL-P) specific for one or more idiotopes of CRIA in normal spleen cells. The CTL clones lysed targets in a H-2D-restricted manner and were cytotoxic for CRIA-bearing hybridoma lines, but not for CRIA-non-bearing, IgG1k-bearing hybridoma lines. These CTL-P were detected at a high frequency (1/4,500 to 1/10,000) in a spleen cell population of non-immunized, relatively aged A/J mice (16 to 30 wk of age), and at a lower frequency in spleen cells of younger A/J mice (8 wk of age). However, they were not detected in normal spleen cells of B10.A (CRIA-non-producer) mice at any age (less than 1/6 x 10(5)). Normal Ighd-congenic C.AL-20 mice (16 wk of age), that are CRIA producers had as a high frequency of the CTL-P as did A/J mice, whereas normal Ighb-congenic C.B-20 mice (CRIA-non-producers) had none. In the spleen cells of the CRIA-producers, cytotoxicity of the CTL-P developed only in cultures with small numbers of seeding cells. They were completely absent in cultures with greater numbers of cells; this may be due to the presence of suppressor cells of lower frequency but greater potency. In lymph node cells or PBL of relatively aged A/J mice, the CTL-P were also detected, but only in cultures containing higher cell numbers, and at low frequency (between 1/5 x 10(5) to 1/2 x 10(6)). In thymocytes of 8-wk-old A/J mice, they were occasionally detected at very low frequency (less than or equal to 1/1 x 10(6)), but were not present in the bone marrow cells at any age. These results demonstrate the high incidence of the generation of CTL-P specific for an autologous Ag, and indicate that CRIA on B cells may induce CTL specific for CRIA. However, the development of CTL-P may be inhibited by co-existent suppressor cells under normal conditions.

Naturally occurring cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors with specificity for an Ig idiotype

The humoral response to the p-azobenzenearsonate hapten in the A/J mouse includes the major cross-reactive idiotype associated with anti-p-azobenzenearsonate (CRIA) found in all immunized mice. Limiting dilution cultures of non-immunized spleen cells of A/J mice with irradiated B hybridoma cells bearing the Ig idiotype, CRIA, in the presence of T cell growth factors developed cytotoxic activity against the CRIA-bearing hybridoma; in some wells this activity was completely abrogated by an anti-idiotype mAb specific for CRIA or by a univalent hapten antigen, tyrosine-p-azobenzenearsonate, indicating the existence of cytotoxic T cell precursors (CTL-P) specific for one or more idiotopes of CRIA in normal spleen cells. The CTL clones lysed targets in a H-2D-restricted manner and were cytotoxic for CRIA-bearing hybridoma lines, but not for CRIA-non-bearing, IgG1k-bearing hybridoma lines. These CTL-P were detected at a high frequency (1/4,500 to 1/10,000) in a spleen cell population of non-immunized, relatively aged A/J mice (16 to 30 wk of age), and at a lower frequency in spleen cells of younger A/J mice (8 wk of age). However, they were not detected in normal spleen cells of B10.A (CRIA-non-producer) mice at any age (less than 1/6 x 10(5)). Normal Ighd-congenic C.AL-20 mice (16 wk of age), that are CRIA producers had as a high frequency of the CTL-P as did A/J mice, whereas normal Ighb-congenic C.B-20 mice (CRIA-non-producers) had none. In the spleen cells of the CRIA-producers, cytotoxicity of the CTL-P developed only in cultures with small numbers of seeding cells. They were completely absent in cultures with greater numbers of cells; this may be due to the presence of suppressor cells of lower frequency but greater potency. In lymph node cells or PBL of relatively aged A/J mice, the CTL-P were also detected, but only in cultures containing higher cell numbers, and at low frequency (between 1/5 x 10(5) to 1/2 x 10(6)). In thymocytes of 8-wk-old A/J mice, they were occasionally detected at very low frequency (less than or equal to 1/1 x 10(6)), but were not present in the bone marrow cells at any age. These results demonstrate the high incidence of the generation of CTL-P specific for an autologous Ag, and indicate that CRIA on B cells may induce CTL specific for CRIA. However, the development of CTL-P may be inhibited by co-existent suppressor cells under normal conditions.

Distribution of grifolan NMF-5N (I/B), a chemically modified antitumor beta-glucan in mice

The distribution of a 3H-labeled chemically modified antitumor beta-glucan, grifolan NMF-5N (I/B), in various tissues after an injection into mice was examined in order to obtain information on distribution of the parent antitumor beta-glucan, grifolan NMF-5N. Grifolan NMF-5N was treated with sodium metaperiodate and sodium borotritide to obtain tritium-labeled grifolan NMF-5N [3H-grifolan (I/B)]. When 3H-grifolan (I/B) was administered into normal mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection, radioactivity was detected in various mouse tissues. Next, 3H-grifolan (I/B) was injected into tumor-bearing mice 7 d after the tumor inoculation, which is the most effective administration timing for the antitumor effect of grifolan NMF-5N. The results indicated a strong radioactivity in spleens and tumor masses. These results suggested a close relationship between the antitumor activity and the distribution of grifolan NMF-5N in mice.

Fluoride distribution and histological structure of human cementum

Thirty-one teeth taken post-mortem from 10 subjects aged from 40 to 66 years were studied. A close relationship was found between fluoride (F) distribution and histological structure. Although, as in all mineralized tissues, F concentrations tended to be highest towards the external surface, individual patterns of F distribution also seemed to reflect the histological pattern, especially the distribution of cellular or acellular cementum. In general, F concentrations were high in acellular and low in cellular cementum.

Host-mediated antitumor effect of grifolan NMF-5N, a polysaccharide obtained from Grifola frondosa

The antitumor mechanism of grifolan NMF-5N, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from mycelia of Grifola frondosa, was examined. Grifolan NMF-5N did not show direct cytocidal effect on cultured tumor cells. However, intraperitoneal injection of grifolan NMF-5N increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells and peritoneal adherent cells which showed cytostatic activity towards syngeneic tumor cells. In an in vivo assay, the administration of carrageenan, an inhibitor of macrophage function, reduced the antitumor activity of grifolan NMF-5N. The delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction was augmented in the grifolan NMF-5N-administered mice. The administration of NMF-5N augmented the induction of cytotoxic T cells but the antitumor activity of grifolan NMF-5N was reduced in athymic nu/nu mice. In addition, the treatment with anti-Thy 1,2 antibody and complement C' of spleen cells taken from mice which showed regression of tumor due to grifolan NMF-5N, reduced the neutralizing effect in Winn assay. These results suggested that grifolan NMF-5N shows antitumor activity via host-mediated mechanisms and both macrophages and T cells play important roles in the mechanisms.

Antitumor activity of a highly branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan, SSG, obtained from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395

The antitumor activity of a highly branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan, SSG, purified from the liquid culture filtrate of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 and its several derivatives were treated in ICR mice bearing Sarcoma 180 cells. SSG was effective by both systemic (intraperitoneal and intravenous) and local (intratumoral) administrations on the solid form of Sarcoma 180 in ICR mice and the mice acquired resistance to subsequent inoculation of Sarcoma 180. However, SSG was not effective on the ascites form Sarcoma 180. The pretreatment of ICR mice with carrageenan suppressed the antitumor activity, suggesting the involvement of macrophages on the antitumor activity. Derivatives prepared from SSG by periodate oxidation/borohydride reduction showed antitumor activity, but those obtained after acetylation, carboxymethylation and hydroxyethylation were less active. From these results, it is suggested that SSG is a useful antitumor glucan which modifies biological responses and can be used as a source for some antitumor derivatives.

Two different conformations of the antitumor beta-D-glucan produced by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395

The antitumor beta-D-glucan [SSG, (1----3)-linked with a D-glucosyl group attached to position 6 of alternate units] produced by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum IFO 9395 afforded a gel in neutral aqueous solution which gave no 13C-n.m.r. signals. Signals appeared on the addition to the gel of sodium hydroxide to 0.15M and the line-width was narrowest near 0.25M base (gel-to-sol transition). SSG bound to Congo Red and shifted the lambda max in a manner similar to that of curdlan. Neutralisation of the sol regenerated the gel. SSG and regenerated SSG showed different c.p.-m.a.s. 13C-n.m.r. spectra, especially the signals for C-3 which appeared at 86 and 89 p.p.m., respectively. The c.p.-m.a.s. spectrum of regenerated SSG was similar to that of curdlan, suggesting a helical structure. Thus, SSG and regenerated SSG appear to have different conformations.

Antitumor effect of polysaccharide grifolan NMF-5N on syngeneic tumor in mice

Antitumor activity of grifolan NMF-5N, a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from mycelia of Grifola frondosa, was examined. Grifolan NMF-5N showed antitumor activities in allogeneic and syngeneic murine tumor systems. In the allogeneic tumor system, a potent antitumor activity over 95% was observed against the solid form of sarcoma 180 when grifolan NMF-5N was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 25-200 micrograms/mouse daily for 10 successive days. In the syngeneic tumor systems, significant antitumor activities were observed against Meth A fibrosarcoma and MM 46 carcinoma by injection at 100 micrograms/mouse daily for 5 successive days, especially i.p. injection at day 7-11, when the tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously (s.c.) on day 0. Moreover, when grifolan NMF-5N was injected i.p. every other week, significant antitumor activity was also observed. In addition, a single treatment with grifolan NMF-5N at 500 micrograms/mouse showed antitumor activities. Grifolan NMF-5N exhibited antitumor activities against these two syngeneic tumors by intraveneous (i.v.) injection. However, a marked inhibitory activity was observed by intratumorous (i.t.) injection against Meth A fibrosarcoma but not against MM46 carcinoma. These results suggest that antitumor activities of grifolan NMF-5N in murine syngeneic tumor systems depend on not only dosage but also injection routes and timing.

Antitumor activity of a beta-1,3-glucan obtained from liquid cultured mycelium of Grifola frondosa

The antitumor activity of a branched beta-1,3-glucan "grifolan LE" purified from liquid cultures of Grifola frondosa (Ohno et al. Chem. Pharm. Bull., 34, 1709-1715 (1986] was examined on an allogeneic murine tumor system. By intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration (100-200 micrograms/mouse/d X 5) at days 1 to 9 from the tumor transplantation, grifolan LE showed marked inhibitory activity on the growth of solid form sarcoma 180 in ICR mice. Significant activity was also observed in intravenous (i.v.) or intratumoral (i.t.) administrations. However, the oral (p.o.) administration of grifolan LE was not effective. I.p. administration of grifolan LE at a dose of 100 micrograms/mouse/d X 5 before the tumor transplantation showed significant inhibition of tumor growth. I.p. administration of grifolan LE at day +11 to +19 was also effective. Grifolan LE was not effective on the ascites form of sarcoma 180. The pretreatment of sarcoma 180 cell with grifolan LE in vitro did not affect tumor growth. The mice cured from the solid form of sarcoma 180 by administration of grifolan LE had the ability to reject the same tumor cell. From these results, it is suggested that the antitumor activity of grifolan LE occurred by modification of biological responses.

Induction of alkaline phosphatase activity in murine spleen cells treated with various mitogens

The correlation between murine lymphocytes blastoid transformation and alkaline phosphatase (AL-P) activity was examined. When murine spleen cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, a B cell mitogen, for 48 h, the AL-P activity was induced in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, stimulation of the spleen cells with Concanavalin A (Con A), a T cell mitogen, induced the AL-P activity. However, when the thymocytes were treated with Con A, only the [3H]dThd uptake was increased. Other B cell mitogens, such as lipid A and fungal B cell mitogens, and T cell mitogen, Pusum sativum agglutinin (PSA) also induced the AL-P activity of spleen cells. Kinetics of [3H]dThd uptake and induction of AL-P was similar. Correlation coefficients between [3H]dThd uptake and AL-P activity were r = 0.98789, p less than 0.01 for LPS, r = 0.99530, p less than 0.01 for lipid A and r = 0.62595, p less than 0.001 for the fungal B cell mitogens. The AL-P activity of the spleen cell was also induced by treatment with Con A sup, which was a supernatant fluid prepared by spleen cell cultured with Con A for 48 h, containing various lymphokines. These findings suggest that the AL-P activity was induced in the case of B lymphocyte blast transformation when stimulated directly with B cell mitogen or indirectly via lymphokines with T cell mitogen. Measurement of the AL-P activity would be a useful method to assay murine blastoid lymphocytes.