Implications of pulsatile stretch on growth of saphenous vein and mammary artery smooth muscle

Internal mammary artery (IMA) coronary bypass grafts have a higher patency than saphenous vein (SV) grafts. Intimal hyperplasia and occlusion of venous grafts result from smooth muscle proliferation. Mechanical factors, such as pulsatile stretch, are potential mediators of this process. Smooth muscle cells from IMA and SV were cultured on deformable membranes and exposed to pulsatile stretch (60 cycles/min). This stimulus increased 3H-thymidine incorporation into venous (a two-fold increase) but not arterial smooth muscle cells after 24 h. Smooth muscle cell numbers from SV, but not IMA, were increased (p less than 0.05) after 6 days of stretch. Thus, pulsatile stretch stimulates smooth muscle cell proliferation in SV, but not IMA, and may contribute to venous bypass graft disease.

Plasticity of adrenoceptor responsiveness on irANP secretion and pro-ANP mRNA expression in hypothalamic neuron cultures: modulation by dexamethasone

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) or its smaller congeners are produced and secreted from the rat hypothalamus. Whereas immunoreactive (ir)ANP secretion and proANP mRNA expression in hypothalamic cell cultures of neonatal rats were augmented by norepinephrine acting through its alpha 2-adrenoceptors (AR), in the perifusion studies of adult hypothalamic fragments beta-AR was involved in the upregulation of irANP release. Here, we report that dexamethasone (DM) modulates irANP secretion and pro-ANP mRNA expression from hypothalamic neurons in culture by switching the adrenoceptor responsiveness of the cells from alpha 2- to that of beta-AR. In long term cultures of hypothalamic cells, treatment with clonidine (alpha 2-AR agonist) increased irANP secretion in a dose related manner. This effect of clonidine was abolished by DM, a glucocorticoid which by itself had little effect on the basal release of irANP. In contrast, isoprenaline, a beta-AR agonist which was ineffective when applied alone, enhanced irANP secretion from hypothalamic cultures in the presence of DM. Concurrent incubation of DM (5 nM) and isoprenaline (10 microM) augmented irANP release approximately 3 fold above that of cultures treated with DM alone (22.6 +/- 2.2; mean +/- SE, n = 4). However, phenylephrine, an alpha 1-AR agonist alone or in the presence of DM failed to stimulate irANP release. These immunoassay findings were accompanied by corresponding changes in the abundance of pro-ANP mRNA in the cultures as examined by colorimetric Northern blot analysis employing a 30 mer oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the first 10 amino acid sequence of rANP1-28. We conclude from the above observations that glucocorticoids modulate irANP secretion and pro-ANP mRNA expression in hypothalamic neurons by altering the responsiveness of the cells from alpha 2-AR to that of beta-AR.

Gastromucosal lesions in rabbits with chronic schistosomiasis

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is one of the most important complications in portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis. Esophageal varices and gastric mucosal lesions are additional sources of bleeding. We studied the histologic and ultrastructural features of gastric mucosa in rabbits with chronic schistosomiasis (n = 10), with normal animals (n = 10) as controls. Our results confirm that in schistosomiasis, the gastric mucosa has characteristic functional and morphological features that may predispose it to the various damaging factors. Mucosal specimens reveal dilated submucosal vein with submucosal edema, ectasia of mucosal capillaries and venules. The mucosal vessels have conspicuous endothelial cells with prominent cytoplasm and numerous tiny projections extending into the vessel lumen. The submucosal venules show morphologic feature of arterialization. There are increased submucosal arteriovenous communications with a reduction in the effective mucosal blood flow. In addition, there are a number of eggs seen in the gastric mucosa of the rabbits with schistosomiasis. The granuloma may cause structural damage to the gastric mucosa. This finding suggests that schistosomiasis may play an important role in gastric lesions.

Pre- and postoperative sequential study on the serum gastrin level in patients with lung cancer

Serial changes in serum gastrin level were detected by radioimmunoassay in 58 lung cancer patients before and after operation. In comparing these tests with those of 40 cases of noncancerous thoracic lesions and 151 normal adults, the serum gastrin from lung cancer patients is significantly higher than that of noncancerous thoracic lesions and normal individuals (P less than 0.01). The gastrin level is closely related to stage of cancer, size of primary tumor, presence of lymph node metastasis, and type of histological classification. The serum gastrin was found to decrease gradually after the removal of the tumor and to return to normal on the 14th postoperative day. Those patients whose serum gastrin level can return to normal on the 14th postoperative day will have a good prognosis; if not, their prognosis will be very poor. These results suggest that serum from patients with lung cancer contains a high concentration of gastrin that can help differentiate benign from malignant thoracic lesions and evaluate prognosis of patients with lung cancer. Therefore, the cause of high serum gastrin in patients with lung cancer is likely due to the gastrin-producing property of the lung cancer cells.

In vitro evidence for modulation of morphological and functional development of hypothalamic immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide neurons by cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate

In the hypothalamus of the rat, the precursor of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is produced and processed into its smaller congeners of 3K mol wt species, which are secreted from neurons with cell bodies in the periventricular areas and the paraventricular nuclei of the tissue. Employing long term monolayer cultures of neonatal rat hypothalamic cells, we have identified a small population of cells that stained positive for immunoreactive (ir) ANP. Seventy-two +/- 7% (mean +/- SE; n = 4 per 1000 cells) of the irANP positive cells were colocalized with the staining of neuron-specific enolase; some of the cells possessed multiple neurites and showed irANP staining in the perikarya, in the varicosities along neuronal processes, and at the terminals of long neurites. Over the range of 10(-6)-10(-4) M, forskolin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, or 8-bromo-cAMP significantly augmented the total number of irANP-positive cells and those possessing neurites in a dose-related and time-dependent manner. At 10(-4) M, 4 days of forskolin treatment increased the number of irANP-positive neurons 4-fold (P less than 0.01) while tripling that of the cells with long neurites (P less than 0.01). Furthermore, it approximately tripled the number of cells (P less than 0.01) showing positive signals for pro-ANP mRNA, as ascertained by colorimetric in situ hybridization using a 30-basepair antisense oligonucleotide probe labeled with digoxigenin. Consistent with the above observation, forskolin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment significantly augmented the total amount of irANP present in the cultures, with an ED50 of forskolin approximating 5 x 10(-5) M. Although treatment with 10(-7) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate approximately doubled the production of irANP in the cultures (P less than 0.05), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate had little effect on modulating the number or neurite outgrowth of irANP neurons. Thus, our present findings suggest that protein kinase-A pathways are of greater importance than protein kinase-C pathways in regulating both the functional and morphological development of ANP-producing neurons during the ontogenesis of the rat hypothalamus.

Similar endothelium-dependent relaxation, but enhanced contractility, of the right gastroepiploic artery as compared with the internal mammary artery

The right gastroepiploic artery is an alternative coronary bypass graft. The excellent graft function of the internal mammary artery has been related to its physiologic properties, particularly to endothelial function. Isolated artery rings were suspended in organ chambers for recording of isometric tension. Norepinephrine and potassium chloride evoked threefold greater contractions in the gastroepiploic artery than in the mammary artery (p less than 0.01 to 0.05), whereas the sensitivity to the catecholamine was comparable. Acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent relaxations, but the sensitivity (pD2: 6.7 +/- 0.3) and maximal relaxation (81% +/- 9%) were slightly less in the gastroepiploic artery than in the mammary artery (pD2: 7.6 +/- 0.2; 100% +/- 0%; p less than 0.05). Histamine induced endothelium-dependent relaxations with a similar sensitivity (pD2: 7.5 +/- 0.3 and 7.2 +/- 0.1), whereas the maximal relaxation was slightly enhanced in the gastroepiploic artery. The relaxation to the nitric oxide donor SIN-1 was identical in the two arteries. Thus the right gastroepiploic artery exhibits better contractility than the internal mammary artery but comparable endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations. The good endothelial function of the gastroepiploic artery might be important for graft function and patency, whereas the enhanced contractility may facilitate vasospasm, especially in the presence of high circulating levels of catecholamines.

Evidence for atrial natriuretic peptide-(5-28) production by rat placental cytotrophoblasts

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a 28-amino acid peptide, is produced and secreted by cardiac atriocytes to modulate cardiovascular and renal functions. We report here the production of ANP-(5-28) and its 15K mol wt (M(r)) presumptive precursors by cytotrophoblasts of rat placentae. Placental tissues were collected from Sprague-Dawley fetal rats on days 12, 16, 18, and 20 of gestation and acid extracted for immunoreactive (ir) ANP assay. The contents of placental irANP increased over the course of fetal growth, with the highest amount (mean +/- SE, 1083 +/- 125 pg/tissue; n = 7) found near term. Sephadex G-50 gel chromatographic profiles of the placental extract revealed a major peak of irANP coeluted with the 3K M(r) of synthetic rat (r) ANP-(1-28) and a minor peak in the position consistent with that of 15K M(r). HPLC analysis of the 3K M(r) species showed a single peak of immunoreactivity, which eluted with a retention time similar to that of rANP-(5-28). In placental sections, irANP and pro-ANP mRNA were localized by immunoperoxidase staining and colorimetric in situ hybridization in a subpopulation of placental cytotrophoblasts, but not in syncytiotrophoblasts or chorionic cells. Northern blot analysis showed a single band of pro-ANP mRNA in rat placental tissues similar in size to that found in the heart (approximately 0.85 kilobases), with the highest level of pro-ANP mRNA signal detected in the placentae of 16-day gestation fetuses. Our findings suggest that ANP is expressed and produced by a small population of rat placental cytotrophoblasts and that the 15K M(r) precursor peptide is extensively processed into the N-terminal-truncated form of ANP-(5-28) in the tissue.

Dietary calcium modifies concentrations of lead and other metals and renal calbindin in rats

We studied the effects of dietary calcium on kidney, femur, testis, liver, heart and brain concentrations of lead, magnesium, iron, copper, calcium and zinc in rats exposed to lead for 1 y. Renal levels of the 28,000 Da, vitamin D-dependent, calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28K were also measured. Seventy-two weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment groups. Rats were fed diets containing 0.1, 0.5 or 2.5% Ca for 52 wk and were simultaneously given either 0, 50 or 100 mg lead/L in their drinking water. Rats fed the 0.1% Ca diet had organ lead concentrations that were two- to 20-fold greater than the corresponding animals fed 0.5% Ca. Rats fed diets containing 2.5% Ca had the lowest organ lead concentrations. Despite substantial effects of diet Ca on organ lead concentrations, Ca did not significantly influence concentrations of most other divalent metals studied with the exception of kidney calcium and magnesium, testis iron, plasma ionic calcium and magnesium, and several femur metals. Kidney calcium concentrations were lower in rats fed 2.5% Ca diets than in those fed 0.1 or 0.5% Ca diets. For rats not given lead, renal calbindin concentrations were highest in rats fed 0.1% Ca, and lowest in rats fed 2.5% Ca. Lead inhibited an increase in renal calbindin in the rats fed 0.1% Ca, but paradoxically increased renal calbindin levels in animals fed 2.5% Ca.

The diagnostic significance of gastrin measurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for lung cancer

In this study, determination of gastrin concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum has been detected by radioimmunoassay in 30 cases of lung cancer and 24 cases of non-cancer pulmonary diseases. The results show that the gastrin concentration and its positive rate of lavage fluids from cancer lung are much higher than those from healthy lung and serum in lung cancer patients, and those from serum and both disease and healthy lung in non-cancer pulmonary disease patients (P less than 0.01). The gastrin ratio of lavage fluids from cancer lung to serum is also significantly higher than the ratio of lavage fluid from healthy lung to serum and all the ratios in the non-cancer pulmonary disease group. These results suggest that there is a high gastrin concentration in local tissue of lung cancer, which is signified by the high concentration of gastrin and its high positive rate in lavage fluids from the lung with cancer. Therefore, the gastrin determination in lavage fluids and gastrin ratio of lavage fluids to serum are more reliable in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant pulmonary diseases than gastrin determination of serum alone.

[Effect of Chinese-made vesnarinone on experimental heart failure of dog]

Intravenous drip of sodium pentobarbital 6 mg/kg per min induced obvious heart failure of anesthetic dogs (n = 11) followed by an infusion of 0.25 mg/kg per min to maintain the heart failure state. The Chinese-made vesnarinone 3 mg/kg was injected, followed by an infusion of 0.1 mg/kg per min, or the solvent in the same volume, for 30 min. Vesnarinone increased significantly and instantly the cardiac output and left ventricular maximum + dp/dt, which almost recovered to normal at the end of the infusion and also significantly increased 30 min after administration. The positive inotropic effect of vesnarinone was not accompanied by an increase in the heart rate and the blood pressure. The results of our experiment reveal that the Chinese-made vesnarinone has a potent and relatively selective positive action on heart failure of dogs.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 alpha enhance lipopolysaccharide-mediated bovine endothelial cell injury

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are important in the host response to aerogenous pulmonary bacterial infections, such as Pasteurella haemolytica-induced pneumonia in cattle. Previous work has shown that AMs enhance P. haemolytica-mediated pulmonary endothelial cell (EC) damage in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of AM-enhanced EC damage using an in vitro AM-EC coculture system consisting of AMs cultured on culture plate insert membranes and ECs in the underlying chamber. The addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the culture plate insert chamber resulted in EC damage indicated by 51Cr release, which was enhanced in the presence of AMs. To determine the role of AM-secreted cytokines, recombinant human interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) was added to ECs simultaneously with varying concentrations of LPS. Although TNF and IL-1 alone had only marginal toxic effects on ECs, the simultaneous treatment of TNF or IL-1 with LPS greatly increased the LPS cytotoxic effect on ECs. In addition, IL-1 receptor antagonist eliminated the IL-1 enhancement of LPS-mediated EC toxicity. These results suggest that macrophage-secreted cytokines synergistically enhance LPS-mediated pulmonary EC damage.

Enhancement of cellular immune function during cold adaptation of BALB/c inbred mice

The cell-mediated immune function of cold-adapted BALB/c inbred mice was studied in experiments of splenic lymphocyte blastogenesis, indicated by tritium-labeled deoxythymidine incorporation and SDS-PAGE autoradiography of synthetic proteins in lymphocytes. Male BALB/c inbred mice were randomly divided into two groups: control (living at 25 degrees C) and cold-exposed (living at 2 degrees C). Results are as follows: in contrast with the control group, there was an obvious fluctuation of cell-mediated immune function in the cold-exposed group at initial cold exposure because of transient stress to cold; then cell-mediated immune function gradually recovered to control level. From Day 15, the cell-mediated immune function of the cold-exposed group was remarkably enhanced. On Day 15, the lymphocyte blastogenesis rate was increased by 20.66% (P less than 0.05), which implies the onset of cold adaptation; on Days 21 and 31, the rates increased by 80.15% (P less than 0.05) and 40.36% (P less than 0.05), respectively. Two to six months later, with continuing cold exposure, the murine lymphocyte blastogenesis rate in the cold-exposed group remained higher than that in the control group. The lymphocyte protein synthesis of the cold-exposed group, indicated by tritium-labeled leucine incorporation, apparently increased on Day 15 and the stimulated rate was 101.47% (P less than 0.05). SDS-PAGE autoradiography of synthetic proteins in lymphocytes demonstrated that after 2 weeks of cold exposure, protein bands were enriched in both quantity and quality. These results are identical to the results obtained from lymphocyte blastogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Norepinephrine stimulates immunoreactive (ir) atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion and pro-ANP mRNA expression from rat hypothalamic neurons in culture: effects of alpha 2-adrenoceptors

Although ANP or its smaller congeners are produced and secreted from rat hypothalami, the role or roles of neurotransmitter(s) in regulating their release and production from the neurons remains unclear. We report here that norepinephrine or epinephrine (NE/EPI) facilitates irANP secretion and pro-ANP mRNA expression in long term cultures of rat hypothalamic neurons through their effects on alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Hypothalami of 3 day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were removed and digested with collagenase. The dispersed cells were plated on poly-D-lysine coated culture dishes (10(6) cells/well) in Hepes buffered Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 8% fetal calf serum. Six days after plating, media were replenished with serum free media and the cultures incubated for 4 more days with vehicle or various doses of NE, EPI, alpha- or beta-adrenoceptor agonists in the presence of absence of antagonists. Culture media were then extracted with C18 Sep-pak and the levels of irANP determined by a well characterised RIA for ANP. NE or EPI treatment significantly increased irANP secretion from the cultures in a dose related manner with ED50 and Emax of approximately 0.2 microM and 1 microM respectively. The stimulation effect of NE was blocked by yohimbine (alpha 2-antagonist), but not prazosin (alpha 1-antagonist) or propranolol (beta-antagonist). Clonidine (alpha 2-agonist), but not phenylephrine (alpha 1-agonist) or isoprenaline (beta-agonist) mimicked the effects of NE or EPI. At the concentration of 0.1 microM, clonidine increased irANP release approximately 3 fold above that of control values (34.7 +/- 3.3; mean +/- SE, n = 4). These changes were accompanied by corresponding increments in the abundance of pro-ANP mRNA in the cultures as examined by a colorimetric Northern blot analysis. Our results indicate that NE or EPI, acting through its alpha 2-adrenoceptors, may modulate the function of ANP neurons in rat hypothalami by regulating the secretion and production of the neuropeptide at the genomic level.

[Study of the estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor in human cervical carcinoma]

Three hundred and twelve different cervical specimens have been tested for estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) content with dextran-coated charcoal method (DCC). The results showed that the concentrations of ER and PR in normal cervical tissues were higher than those in malignant cervical tissues, and that the percentage of positive scores for ER and PR in cervical squamous epithelial tissues were higher than that in malignant cervical tissues. That the variances of ER and PR in cervical malignant tumors were not parallel suggested that the production or/and the mechanism of receptor action might be impaired. The percentage of positive scores for ER was not correlated with the clinical stages whereas that of PR was inversely proportional to clinical stages. That some patient with cervical cancer had high level of PR and had both ER and PR positive implied the possibility for endocrine therapy. The content and distribution of ER and PR in normal cervical tissues are consistent with the effects of sex hormone.

An improved method for disruption of microbial cells with pressurized carbon dioxide

Disruption of microbial cells by pressurized carbon dioxide at both subcritical and supercritical temperatures has been previously investigated. This method differs in principle from other disruption techniques and was found to have potential applications for rupture of a variety of microorganisms. However, it is not as effective for some of the microbial cells, including yeast, of which the cell walls are extremely robust and rigid. This work suggests an alternative operation to improve the disruption rates of cells by repeatedly releasing the applied fluid pressure within the cells in the midst of a disruption process. The improvement is substantial at all the experimental conditions studied.

[The antigastroulcerative activity of beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside and its aglycone in rats]

Beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside and its aglycone (the major constituent of the seed oil of Hippophae rhamnoides L.) were investigated for their antigastroulcerative activity in rats. Two experimental gastric ulcer models were selected: chronic acetic acid-induced ulcers and cold stress-induced ulcers. Both the glucoside and its aglycone showed antiulcerative activity in chronic acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer models, and their effects were at least comparable to the effects of wishupin in combination with cimetidine. The effect of aglycone appears better than the glucoside's. Glucoside also showed visibly antiulcerative effects on cold stress-induced ulcers, but wishupin combined with cimetidine did not have such effects.

Chronic cyclosporine therapy impairs endothelium-dependent relaxation in the renal artery of the rat

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive substance that causes structural and functional alterations in endothelial cells. To examine the effects of chronic cyclosporine therapy on endothelial function, Wistar Kyoto rats received daily s.c. injections of saline, cyclosporine solvent, or cyclosporine (15, 30, or 50 mg/kg) for up to 2 wk. Blood pressure remained unchanged in all groups. Segments of the renal artery were suspended in organ chambers filled with physiological salt solution, and isometric tension was recorded. In rats treated with 30 or 50 mg/kg/day of cyclosporine, endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine of the renal artery were significantly impaired when compared with vessels obtained from rats injected with saline or solvent. The reduced acetylcholine-induced relaxation of cyclosporine-treated vessels was improved by preincubation of the preparations with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Endothelium-independent relaxations in response to sodium nitroprusside were unimpaired in renal artery rings after 1 wk of cyclosporine but were reduced after 2 wk of treatment with 30 mg/kg/day. Contractions of the renal artery in response to norepinephrine and serotonin were not altered by cyclosporine. Thus, (1) high-dose cyclosporine therapy impairs endothelium-dependent relaxations in the renal artery of the rat; (2) an endothelium-derived cyclooxygenase product reduces the effects of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in cyclosporine-treated rats; and (3) chronic cyclosporine treatment slightly impairs vascular smooth muscle relaxation, whereas vascular contractility remains unaltered.

[Determination of serum creatinine kinase MM isoforms in assessing reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction]

Creatine kinase(CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and LD isoenzymes, CK-MB isoenzymes and CK-MM isoforms were measured in 17 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients treated with thrombolysis resulting in reperfusion and 2 not resulting in reperfusion as well as 71 treated conventionally to assess reperfusion. The results showed that the peak of the ratio of MM3 to MM1 was attained significantly earlier in patients with reperfusion than in those conventionally treated and those without reperfusion, and this ratio is considered to be a good indicator to assess reperfusion. The results were similar to those of previous reports. The peak in all the 17 patients with confirmed reperfusion was attained within 9 hours after onset of AMI, while only 9 of the 73 patients in the group without reperfusion had their peaks within 9 hours. The diagnostic efficiency was 94%. The authors suggested a new indicator for assess reperfusion. An increase of CK-MM3 over 10% from the first to the second hour after treatment with urokinase was found in 15 of the 17 urokinase-treated patients with reperfusion. The diagnostic efficiency was also 94%. We consider that it is an indicator as good as the peak of ratio of MM3/MM1. Furthermore, with this indicator, it is possible to assess reperfusion in two hours after treatment with urokinase.

cis and trans regulation of tissue-specific transcription

Analysis of both the cis-regulatory sequences which control globin gene switching as well as the trans-acting factors which bind to these sequences to elicit a differential, developmentally regulated response has lent insight into the general mechanisms responsible for tissue-specific gene regulation. We show here that the chicken adult beta-globin gene promoter sequences are intimately involved in competitive interaction with the beta/epsilon-globin enhancer to regulate differentially epsilon- versus beta-globin gene transcription. Secondly, we show that the family of GATA transcription factors directs gene regulation in a variety of discrete cell types, and describe potential cellular target genes for each member of the GATA factor family, as well as potential mechanisms whereby multiple GATA factors expressed in a single cell might be used to elicit differential transcriptional activities.

[Antigenic analysis and identification of serotype for an arguable strain of Shigella]

A strain of Shigella, 51331, was isolated abroad in 1935, and stored in The Center for Medical Culture Collection, Beijing. Since the serotype of this strain was arguable in China. It was identified as Sh. flexneri var. X with antigenic analysis. As agglutinin absorption technic was used in preparing diagnostic factor serum, it appears that the culture of strain 51331 could be agglutinated by Shigella antiserum flexner type 3 (Sh. flexneri) made in China and England. The present author suggested that diagnostic serum for type 3 or Sh. flexneri should be checked up with the strain 51331 for type factor specific. Strain 51331 is, therefore, useful for purpose of identification when preparing diagnostic serum for Shigella.

[Effects of different processed Dioscorea opposita Thunb. on clearance rate of charcoal particles in mice]

This paper presents a study on the effects of different processed Dioscorea opposita(DPT) on the clearance rate of charcoal particles in mice. The results indicated that all the processed products significantly increased the clearance rate of charcoal particles, but the raw DPT acted best.

Delineation of a previously unrecognized cis-acting element required for HLA class II gene expression

The cis-acting DNA sequences that control expression of the HLA-DPA and HLA-DQB promoters have been investigated in detail. A set of recombinant plasmids containing 5' promoter deletions as well as site-directed mutants of the DPA and DQB genes were fused to a reporter gene and transfected into human B and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducible cells. A previously unrecognized cis element, which is essential both for transcription induced by IFN-gamma in several cell types and for constitutive class II expression in B cells, in addition to the well known X and Y boxes, has been defined. This sequence, which spans nucleotides -107 to -98 and -146 to -137 of the DPA and DQB promoters, respectively, has been called the J element. Some evidence for function of a fourth element, the S element, is also presented.

Three challenges of China's population in the 1990s

China will encounter 3 challenges of its population problem in the 1990s. The 1st is the huge number of people born or population increase each year. The 3rd baby boom, which started at the mid-1980s, will last until abound 1997. The women entering into the age of peak childbearing (23 years old) exceed 11 million each year with an upper range of about 13 million. IN 1992, the number of women of fecund ages (22-29) in the whole country will reach 124 million, the largest number of fertile women in history. The net increase of population will be from 15.5 to 17.0 million for each hear. What is more serious is that the momentum of population increase will continue, instead of being checked by the year 2000. The next are the continuous increase of the aged population of 65 and over and the growing tendency of population aging ahead of economic development. China is a developing socialist country, huge in population, weak in economic development, with less-developed science, culture, and education. However, as a result of the decline in the proportion of children to the total population due to the decline in the birth rate in the 1970s, China's population has become an adult population from a young one in terms of the age structure, and will be an aged one very soon. China is facing the challenge of aging under economically less developed conditions. For developed countries, it took 80 years for the proportion of the aged population of 65 and over to increase from 7% to 17%; for China, it has taken only 40 years. It will certainly bring about a series of problems and difficulties upon the society to cope with such a huge number of elderly in an underdeveloped economy. The 3rd challenge is the increasing pressure on employment due to the continuous growth of working-age population (15-64). It is estimated that the working-age population will increase to 858 million by 2000, 20 million more than the sum of working-age population in all of the developed countries; and to 977 million by 2020. Since in a short period of time it is difficult to change the situation of labor supply greater than demand, the pressure on employment will continue to increase, with more than 15 million people entering the labor force or waiting for jobs each year. In particular, the rural surplus labor force will reach 233 million by 2000. This is signaled by the huge number of farmers who have rushed into big cities for work in recent years. It is far beyond the capability of the government to employ such a huge number of laborers because it would require an investment of at least 3600 billion yuan for fixed assets. It seems to me that the 3 population challenges stated above are not isolated but interact to restrict the process of China's economic and social development. The way out lies in developing production and doing a better job of economic construction, while also adopting comprehensive measures to make further efforts in practicing family planning to better control the overrapid growth of population and improve the quality of human resources.

Human and rat mesangial cell receptors for glucose-modified proteins: potential role in kidney tissue remodelling and diabetic nephropathy

Advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs) are derived from the nonenzymatic addition of glucose to proteins. AGEs have been found to accumulate on tissue proteins in patients with diabetes, and their accumulation is thought to play a role in the development of diabetic complications. The finding that macrophages and endothelial cells contain AGE-specific receptors led us to examine whether mesangial cells (MCs) also possess a mechanism for recognizing and processing AGEs. Membrane extracts isolated from rat and human MCs were found to bind AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a saturable fashion, with a binding affinity of 2.0 +/- 0.4 x 10(6) M-1 (500 nM). The binding was specific for the AGE adduct, since AGE-modified collagen I and ribonuclease both competitively inhibited 125I-AGE-BSA binding to MC membranes, while the unmodified proteins did not compete. Binding of AGE proteins was followed by slow internalization and degradation of the ligand. Ligand blotting of MC membrane extracts demonstrated three distinct AGE-binding membrane proteins of 50, 40, and 30 kD. Growth of MCs on various AGE-modified matrix proteins resulted in alterations in MC function, as demonstrated by enhanced production of fibronectin and decreased proliferation. These results point to the potential role that the interaction of AGE-modified proteins with MCs may play in vivo in promoting diabetic kidney disease.

Advanced glycosylation end products in patients with diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Glucose reacts nonenzymatically with proteins in vivo, chemically forming covalently attached glucose-addition products and cross-links between proteins. The excessive accumulation of rearranged late-glucose-addition products, or advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), is believed to contribute to the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

To elucidate the relation of AGEs to diabetic complications, we used a radioreceptor assay to measure serum and tissue AGEs in diabetic (Types I and Type II) and nondiabetic patients with different levels of renal function. Serum AGEs were measured as a low-molecular-weight (less than or equal to 10 kd) peptide fraction and a high-molecular-weight (greater than 10 kd) protein fraction.

RESULTS

The mean (+/- SD) AGE content of samples of arterial-wall collagen from 9 diabetic patients was significantly higher than that of samples from 18 nondiabetic patients (14.5 +/- 5.2 vs. 3.6 +/- 1.5 AGE units per milligram, P less than 0.001). Moreover, diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease had almost twice as much AGE in tissue as diabetic patients without renal disease (21.3 +/- 2.8 vs. 11.5 +/- 1.9 AGE units per milligram, P less than 0.001). The AGE levels in both serum fractions were elevated in the patients with diabetes, and the levels of AGE peptides correlated directly with serum creatinine (P less than 0.001) and inversely with creatinine clearance (P less than 0.005), suggesting that levels of AGE peptides increased with the severity of diabetic nephropathy. In six patients with diabetes who required hemodialysis, the levels of AGE peptides were five times higher than in eight normal subjects (82.8 +/- 9.4 vs. 15.6 +/- 3.4 AGE units per milliliter, P less than 0.001). In another group of diabetic patients the mean serum creatinine level, which decreased by 75 percent during a session of hemodialysis, whereas the level of AGE peptides decreased by only 24 percent. Serum levels of AGE peptides were normal in two patients with normal serum creatinine levels after renal transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

AGEs accumulate at a faster-than-normal rate in arteries and the circulation of patients with diabetes; the increase in circulating AGE peptides parallels the severity of renal functional impairment in diabetic nephropathy.

Two novel rat liver membrane proteins that bind advanced glycosylation endproducts: relationship to macrophage receptor for glucose-modified proteins

Advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), the glucose-derived adducts that form nonenzymatically and accumulate on tissue proteins, are implicated in many chronic complications associated with diabetes and aging. We have previously described a monocyte/macrophage surface receptor system thought to coordinate AGE protein removal and tissue remodeling, and purified a corresponding 90-kD AGE-binding protein from the murine RAW 264.7 cell line. To identify AGE-binding proteins in normal animals, the tissue distribution of 125I-AGE rat serum albumin taken up from the blood was determined in rats in vivo. These uptake studies demonstrated that the liver was a major site of AGE protein sequestration. Using a solid-phase assay system involving the immobilization of solubilized membrane proteins onto nitrocellulose to monitor binding activity, and several purification steps including affinity chromatography over an AGE bovine serum albumin matrix, two rat liver membrane proteins were isolated that specifically bound AGEs, one migrating at 60 kD (p60) and the other at 90 kD (p90) on SDS-PAGE. NH2-terminal sequence analysis revealed no significant homology between these two proteins nor to any molecules available in sequence databases. Flow cytometric analyses using avian antibodies to purified rat p60 and p90 demonstrated that both proteins are present on rat monocytes and macrophages. Competition studies revealed no crossreactivity between the two antisera; anti-p60 and anti-p90 antisera prevented AGE-protein binding to rat macrophages when added alone or in combination. These results indicate that rat liver contains at least two novel and distinct proteins that recognize AGE-modified macromolecules, although p90 may be related to the previously described 90-kD AGE receptor isolated from RAW 264.7 cells. The constitutive expression of AGE-binding proteins on rat monocytes and macrophages, and the sequestration of circulating AGE-modified proteins by the liver, provides further evidence in support of a role for these molecules in the normal removal of proteins marked as senescent by accumulated glucose-derived covalent addition products, or AGEs.

[Transplacental passage of vanadium after treatment with vanadium pentoxide in Wistar rat]

The passage of vanadium pentoxide across the placenta into the embryo/fetus was investigated by analyzing the vanadium content in embryo/fetus at various intervals between 1 h and 48 h after treatment of pregnant Wistar rats with single dose of the V2O5 (5mg/kg) on days 16-18 of gestation, at 4h after treatment of pregnant rats with single dose of V2O5 (5mg/kg) on day 12, and at 120 h after treatment of pregnant rats with dose of V2O5 0.33, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg on days 6 through 15. The V concentration was determined by catalytic polarography. At after treatment on day 12, the V concentrations in maternal blood, placenta and embryos were elevated in comparison with those of the untreated group. At 4-48 h after treatment on days 16-18, the V concentrations in placenta and fetuses were elevated in comparison with those of the untreated group. The V concentration at 4 h after treatment in various tissues is the highest one among different time points. On days 16-18, 4 h after treatment, the V concentration in placenta was elevated in comparison with that on day 12 of gestation, but the V concentration in embryo/fetus was decreased. At 120 h after treatment on days 6-15, the V concentration in fetus is still high in comparison with that of the untreated group. The V content of fetus varied according to doses, suggesting that embryo/fetus accumulates vanadium. The results showed that vanadium can pass through the placental barrier and enter the embryo/fetus during the embryonal organogenesis in rat, but placenta accumulates vanadium, and the barrier action increases with placental maturity.

New method of one-step rainbow holography of diffuse three-dimensional objects with no slit

A new method of one-step rainbow holography of diffuse three-dimensional objects with no slit is proposed. Diffuse three-dimensional objects are translated uniformly along the direction of the y(0) axis. A coherent plane wave illuminates the objects and its propagation direction is situated on the x(0)-z(0) plane. As a result of this process, a sinc function modulating the complex amplitude distribution of the objects is produced in the back focal plane of the lens. Therefore, rainbow holography is achieved. Theoretical analysis and some experimental results are presented.

Different potency of endothelium-derived relaxing factors against thromboxane, endothelin, and potassium chloride in intramyocardial porcine coronary arteries

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) and prostacyclin (PGI2) released from endothelial cells are potent vasodilators; endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2 may be their physiological antagonists. Interactions between these vasodilators and vasoconstrictors were studied in isolated intramyocardial porcine coronary arteries suspended in myographs for isometric tension recording. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin and serotonin were reduced to a similar extent in arteries contracted with endothelin-1 and KCl as compared to those contracted with the thromboxane analog U 46619 (p less than 0.05; n = 5-6). In contrast, relaxations to the nitric oxide donor SIN-1 were comparable. PGI2 was most potent in arteries exposed to U 46619, while its effects were inhibited in the presence of endothelin-1 or acetylcholine and prevented by KCl (p less than 0.05-0.0001; n = 5). At high concentrations PGI2 evoked contractions in arteries contracted with endothelin-1, acetylcholine, or KCl, but not in those with U 46619, which were prevented by the thromboxane receptor antagonist SQ 30741 (p less than 0.05; n = 5), indicating that PGI2 is a partial agonist for the thromboxane receptor. Thus, in intramyocardial porcine coronary arteries, contractile agonists differently interact with the release and action of EDRFs and PGI2. Both are most effective against contractions induced by thromboxane. In contrast, endothelin-1 and particularly KCl reduce the potency of these endogenous vasodilator systems.

[Studies on the mutagenicity of vesnarinone]

The mutagenicity of domestic Vesnarinone (OPC-8212) was studied by Ames test, micronucleus test of NIH mouse bone marrow and chromosome aberration assay in CHL cells. Negative results were obtained, which suggested that OPC-8212 did not induce prokaryotic cell gene mutation or chromosome damage both in vitro and in vivo.

Genomic structure of murine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha and conservation of potential regulatory sequences with a human homolog, LD78

The gene for a murine macrophage inflammatory cytokine, MIP-1 alpha, belongs to a newly recognized superfamily encoding small, inducible peptides shown to be up-regulated in association with cellular activation or transformation (tentatively designated the scy, or small cytokine, gene family). Secreted scy family peptides as a group, and MIP-1 alpha in particular, have inflammatory and mitogenic activities, and the family has been divided into CXC and CC subfamilies according to the spacing of conserved cysteine residues in the primary amino acid sequences. We have isolated and characterized a genomic clone encoding the CC subfamily member MIP-1 alpha. The organization of the murine MIP-1 alpha gene into three exons interrupted by two introns is identical to that found for other members of the CC subfamily (e.g., huLD78, muJE, huJE/MCP-1, muTCA3, and hul-309), which has been taken as evidence of evolution from a common ancestral gene. With the exception of the ratPF4 gene, which shares the two-intron/three-exon pattern typical of the CC subfamily, sequenced genes encoding CXC subfamily peptides (e.g., hulL-8 and hulP-10) include an additional intervening sequence that creates a fourth exon. Genomic nucleotide sequences 5' of the MIP-1 alpha cap site are highly homologous to corresponding regions of the human gene encoding a CC peptide variously designated as LD78/GOS19/pAT464, including consensus regulatory motifs in common, reinforcing the contention that MIP-1 alpha and LD78 may be interspecies homologs.

[Distribution of vanadium in tissues of nonpregnant and pregnant Wistar rats]

This paper reports tissue distribution of vanadium in nonpregnant and pregnant Wistar rats. The experimental results showed that vanadium concentrations in nonpregnant rats were respectively from high to low: I. no treatment: ovary greater than uterus greater than kidney greater than lung greater than heart muscle greater than spleen greater than brain greater than liver greater than blood; II. 4h after single i.p. injection of V2O5 (5 mg/kg): kidney greater than ovary greater than liver greater than bone greater than uterus greater than lung greater than heart muscle greater than spleen greater than brain greater than blood. The results suggest that female genital organs are important organs in distribution of vanadium. The kidney is a main excretory organ. After 24h of treatment, a larger amount of vanadium in body has been excreted. Vanadium can pass through blood-brain barrier. Distribution of vanadium on gestation days 12 after 4h single i.p. injection of V2O5 (5 mg/kg) is: kidney greater than ovary greater than uterus greater than placenta greater than liver greater than fetus greater than bone greater than heart muscle greater than lung greater than brain greater than spleen greater than blood; on gestation days 16-18 after 4h single i.p. injection of V2O5 (5 mg/kg) is: kidney ovary greater than placenta greater than lung greater than bone greater than uterus greater than heart muscle greater than spleen greater than fetus greater than liver greater than brain greater than blood; after 24h (on gestation days 16-18) is: kidney greater than ovary greater than placenta greater than spleen greater than bone greater than lung greater than liver greater than fetus heart muscle greater than brain blood.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Influences of new synthetic drug vesnarinone on circulatory and respiratory function of dogs]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of vesnarinone, newly synthesized in the School of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences in 1985, on the circulatory and respiratory functions of dogs. Eight dogs were anesthetized with 3% sodium pentobarbital. Vesnarinone (2 mg/kg), dimethyl sulphoxide (the solvent which was needed to prepare solution of OPC-8212), and 0.9% NaCl (normal control) was given separately according to the arrangement of Latin square. The ECG, blood flow, blood pressure and respiration were measured and recorded for 1-15 minutes. Vesnarinone increased the blood flow in the common carotid artery with no significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or respiration. These results suggest that OPC-8212 has positive inotropic effect but no effect on the heart rate in anesthetized dogs.

[A study on developmental toxicity of vanadium pentoxide in NIH mice]

There is no general agreement yet about the teratogenic effects or developmental toxicity of vanadium in animal studies. This is a report on developmental toxicity in NIH mice following injection of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5, 5 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) at different times of gestation (on days 1-5, 6-15, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14-17 of gestation). No adverse effects of V2O5 on pre-implantation and implantation were noted, and neither were teratogenicity and premature birth. However, there was toxic effect on embryofetus. Increased frequency of resorption or fetal death on days 6-15, 7, 14-17 of gestation were observed. Delayed ossification of bones was noted on days 6-15, 8, 10, 14-17 of gestation. These results suggest that V2O5 may be a weak developmental toxicant but not a teratogen in NIH mice. In addition, this paper reports the developmental toxicity, especially teratogenicity of N, N'-methylene-bis (2-amino-1, 3, 4-thiadiazole) which was used as the positive control in NIH mice.

Genomic structure of murine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha and conservation of potential regulatory sequences with a human homolog, LD78

The gene for a murine macrophage inflammatory cytokine, MIP-1 alpha, belongs to a newly recognized superfamily encoding small, inducible peptides shown to be up-regulated in association with cellular activation or transformation (tentatively designated the scy, or small cytokine, gene family). Secreted scy family peptides as a group, and MIP-1 alpha in particular, have inflammatory and mitogenic activities, and the family has been divided into CXC and CC subfamilies according to the spacing of conserved cysteine residues in the primary amino acid sequences. We have isolated and characterized a genomic clone encoding the CC subfamily member MIP-1 alpha. The organization of the murine MIP-1 alpha gene into three exons interrupted by two introns is identical to that found for other members of the CC subfamily (e.g., huLD78, muJE, huJE/MCP-1, muTCA3, and hul-309), which has been taken as evidence of evolution from a common ancestral gene. With the exception of the ratPF4 gene, which shares the two-intron/three-exon pattern typical of the CC subfamily, sequenced genes encoding CXC subfamily peptides (e.g., hulL-8 and hulP-10) include an additional intervening sequence that creates a fourth exon. Genomic nucleotide sequences 5' of the MIP-1 alpha cap site are highly homologous to corresponding regions of the human gene encoding a CC peptide variously designated as LD78/GOS19/pAT464, including consensus regulatory motifs in common, reinforcing the contention that MIP-1 alpha and LD78 may be interspecies homologs.

Forskolin-induced immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion and pro-ANP messenger ribonucleic acid expression of hypothalamic neurons in culture: modulation by glucocorticoids

In the present studies the chronic effects of glucocorticoids and drugs activating cAMP-dependent pathways on the production and secretion of immunoreactive (ir) ANP from long term monolayer cultures of neonatal rat hypothalamic neurons were examined. Forskolin treatment increased ir-ANP release in a time-dependent and dose-related manner, with an EC50 of approximately 30 microM; at a lower dose of 10 microM, forskolin doubled ir-ANP release (P less than 0.01) compared to that in control cultures (mean +/- SEM, 9.6 +/- 0.3 pg/well; n = 4). While dexamethasone (DM) alone did not affect basal secretion of ir-ANP, 10 nM of the glucocorticoid significantly enhanced the effect of forskolin (10 microM) by raising ir-ANP release approximately 3 times that induced by forskolin alone (P less than 0.001). This potentiation of DM was both time dependent and dose responsive, with an EC50 of 1 nM; this effect was significantly suppressed by 100 nM RU38486, a glucocorticoid or type II receptor antagonist, but not by RU28318, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. In addition, forskolin (10 microM) or DM (10 nM) alone significantly increased ir-ANP production approximately 1.4 times (P less than 0.05) and 1.3 times (P less than 0.05) over that of control cultures, respectively, whereas concurrent treatment with forskolin and DM increased ir-ANP production by approximately 1.8 times (P less than 0.01). These changes were reflected by a corresponding increment in the abundance of pro-ANP mRNA in the cultures, as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. We conclude from the present findings that glucocorticoid- and cAMP-dependent pathways may modulate the function of ANP neurons in rat hypothalami by regulating the secretion and production of the neuropeptide at the genomic level.

[An experimental study on the role of fluid replacement in the prevention of organ failure after burn injury]

44 dogs with 50% third degree burn were divided into 4 groups. Those without fluid replacement died within 12 postburn hours with complication of organ dysfunction; whereas those with immediate fluid replacement according to the Parkland formulae survived without definite organ dysfunction. But low-perfusion in the first 8-12 hours and some pathologic changes in the organs were seen. The results suggested that it is necessary to infuse fluid more rapidly in the first 2-3 hours. In group 3, most of the dogs with fluid replacement 6 hours after burn survived longer than the dogs without fluid replacement, but they were all complicated by severe organ dysfunction. This evidence that delayed inadequate resuscitation may be the primary factor affecting the development of early organ failure. In group 4, the dogs were given fluid replacement 6 hours after burn. The replacement was very rapid during the 7th and 8th hour. Both mortality and incidence of organ dysfunction in this group were decreased markedly. This result demonstrated that rapid infusion to replace loss of fluid within 2 hours was effective to treat shock and prevent progressive hypoxic organ damage.

Differential activation of potato 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase genes by wounding and pathogen challenge

Potato genes encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) were expressed in response to pathogen, elicitor, and wounding. HMGR catalyzes the rate-limiting step in isoprenoid biosynthesis leading to accumulation of phytoalexins and steroid glycoalkaloids. Wounding caused increases in HMGR mRNA levels. A rapid and transient peak occurred 30 minutes after wounding, followed by a slower peak at 14 hours; both were correlated with increased enzyme activity. Induction of HMGR mRNA by the soft rot pathogen Erwinia carotovora subsp carotovora or arachidonic acid began 8 hours after challenge and continued through 22 hours. Potato HMGR is encoded by a gene family. An HMGR gene-specific probe was used to demonstrate that one isogene of the HMGR family is pathogen activated and is distinct from isogene(s) that are wound activated. This provides evidence that defense-related increases in HMGR activity are due to mRNA level increases and that HMGR isogenes are activated differentially by wounding or pathogen challenge.

Hemodynamic response to BMI model PIAB catheter

Using the BMI model PIAB catheter designed and produced by our laboratory, we carried out serial animal experiments to evaluate its hemodynamic effects in goats. The animal experiments and comparison tests indicated that BAPDP = 24, PSP = 22; BAEDP = 8, EDP = 14; BAPSP = 20, PSP = 22. The various hemodynamic parameters of our PIAB catheter are equivalent to or better than those of imported products. But the price of our PIAB catheter is much lower than that of foreign products. It has been used in some hospitals, showing satisfactory results.

Clinical and experimental observations on treatment of peptic ulcer with wei yang an (easing peptic-ulcer) capsule

The therapeutic effects of peptic ulcer treated with cimetidine and Wei Yang An were compared clinically and experimentally by the double blind method. Results showed that the effects of the two are similar, but the long-term effect of Wei Yang An was better. Wei Yang An was also good for most cimetidine resistant ulcers, with few side effect. Animal experiment showed that Wei Yang An inhibited the ulcers.

Redistribution of intraorgan blood flow in acute, hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia

In a standardized porcine model of acute, hyperdynamic endotoxemia the distribution of intraorgan blood flow within heart, kidney and brain was analyzed. Twelve pigs received either short-term (23 min) or long-term (205 min) continuous intravenous infusion of endotoxin (Salmonella abortus equi). A high cardiac output/low peripheral resistance state was maintained throughout the 3.5 h observation period. Total organ blood flow in heart, kidney and brain remained high; however, already small amounts of endotoxin provoked a significant redistribution of intraorgan blood flow within the left ventricle and the kidney. These characteristic alterations were absent in a control group of 5 animals subjected to the same protocol, but receiving 0.9% saline instead of endotoxin. Deterioration of respiratory function developed exclusively after continuous intravenous endotoxin infusion over 205 min, indicating incipient organ failure. Using electron microscopy, endothelial cells swelling and entrapment of blood cells in capillaries of the midmyocardium as well as severe ultrastructural damage in the kidney could be demonstrated already after 90 min of endotoxemia in two additional animals. It is concluded that already in the initial phase of acute endotoxemia, in the presence of high cardiac output and high global organ blood flow microcirculatory deterioration and organ failure develops. As small amounts of endotoxin are capable of inducing these alterations, earliest possible diagnosis of endotoxemia should be achieved in critically ill patients.

Interferon gamma response region in the promoter of the human DPA gene

The interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) response region of the human class II major histocompatibility complex gene, DPA, has been localized to a 52-base-pair (bp) DNA fragment in the proximal promotor at -107 to -55 bp after transfection into HeLa cells of a series of 5', 3', and gap deletion mutants linked to a reporter gene, human growth hormone, as well as of synthetic oligonucleotides fused to the heterologous promoter thymidine kinase. The 52-mer sequence contains the X and Y box elements conserved in all class II genes; their presence is indispensable for IFN-gamma inducibility. Furthermore, an additional 5 bp immediately 5' of the X box of the DPA gene are necessary and sufficient for IFN-gamma induction. This region may contain an IFN-gamma response element. A closely related sequence has also been found in the vicinity of the critical deletion sites of three other well-studied class II gene promoters, all of which require a much longer sequence 5' of the X box. A fourth element, the W element, located about 15 bp 5' of the X box in all class II genes, is clearly of little importance in IFN-gamma inducibility of the DPA gene.

Different mobilization of calcium in endothelin-1-induced contractions in human arteries and veins: effects of calcium antagonists

We studied the role of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ in endothelin-1-induced contractions of the isolated human internal mammary artery and vein. Veins were more sensitive to the peptide than arteries (concentration shift:3.2-fold; n = 4-10, p less than 0.05). The Ca2+ antagonists darodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem (10(-7)-10(-6) M) did not prevent the response to endothelin-1 in both vessels. In contrast, darodipine (10(-8)-10(-6) M), added after the contraction had developed, partially reversed the response in the artery (26 +/- 7%) and particularly in the vein (67 +/- 5%; n = 4, p less than 0.005 compared to the artery). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the contractions to endothelin-1 (10(-8) M) in the artery (control: 89 +/- 4% of 100 mM KCl; Ca2(+)-free: 68 +/- 4% n = 4-6, p less than 0.01), but not in the vein except at low concentrations (10(-9) M) of the peptide. After removal of intracellular Ca2+ with caffeine in the artery, endothelin-1 still evoked a contraction (17 +/- 3%, n = 3; p less than 0.005 vs. control), while in the vein the response was abolished. Thus, mobilization of Ca2+ during endothelin-1-induced contractions differs in the human internal mammary artery and vein. In the artery, the contraction depends on extracellular Ca2+, intracellular caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores, and a caffeine-insensitive component, while in veins, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ is most important. Ca2+ antagonists do not prevent, but partially reverse, endothelin-1-induced contractions indicating that voltage-operated Ca2+ channels do not initiate but contribute to the maintenance of the response.

[Comparative study of Campylobacter pyloridis and Campylobacter jejuni under electron microscope]

Specimens were made by preparing the ultrathin sections after negative staining and ruthenium red staining. The specimens were observed under electron microscope. Results revealed that the shapes of Campylobacter pyloridis (Cp) and C. jejuni (Cj) were similar, but distinctive differences in their structures were observed. Cp had one to five sheathed flagella at one end with bulbous tips. Cj had only one unsheathed flagellum on each end without a bulbous tip. The cell body of Cp was longer than that of Cj. A layer of thick and dense delicate filament-like substance was attached to the surface of the cell body of Cp in the ultrathin sections with ruthenium red staining, in the case of Cj only a little of such a substance could be noted.

[A new serotype of Shigella boydii]

Two strains which belong to the same serotype of Shigella were isolated from the bloody-pus stool of two patients (in 1986) and is reported in this paper. The results were identical both showing agglutination in low titer with serotype 8 of S. dysenteriae and serotype 4 of S. boydii when the two strains were checked well with all kinds of diagnostic antisera and vice versa, ie the antisera produced by the two strains were also checked well with sera prepared with the representative strains of all Shigella spp. No cross agglutination with O6, O7, and O150 of E. coli were found. Consequently, It appears to be a new serotype of Shigella. These two strains possess the ability of causing keratitis in guinea-pigs as well as invading epithelial cells, the DNA of both strains in agarose-electrophoresis showed a large plasmid, indicating that they are virulent strains possessing invasive ability. It was concluded that these two strains belonged to Shigella boydii as they fermented mannitol and non-related antigenically with Shigella flexneri. Since serotype 1-18 of S. boydii have been reported recently, we propose that this new serotype should be serotype 19 of Shigella boydii.

[The X-ray characteristic feature of the multiple primary malignant tumor of digestive tract]

A study on the multiple primary malignant tumor of digestive tract (MPMTDT) was made in the period of 1984-1988 in our hospital. Twenty five cases are reported in this paper. All of them were examined by X-ray, endoscopy, and proved to be MPMTDT by surgery and pathological examination. Twenty three cases were double primary tumors and 2 cases triple primary malignant tumors. The characteristic X-ray feature of the site of predilection and manifestation in primordial period of MPMTDT are described in this paper. These criteria are important for the early detection and selection of treatment of the tumors.

[Effect of a new positive inotropic agent (OPC-8212) on intracellular potential of isolated canine ventricular papillary muscle]

This study adopted intracellular microelectrode technic to observe the effect of OPC-8212 (Vesnarinone) on intracellular potential of isolated canine ventricular papillary muscle. The record and data processing were completed by computerized intellective instrument designed by ourselves. The results of intracellular record in 14 canine ventricular papillary muscle showed no significant change in the resting potential (RP), amplitude of action potential (APA) and maximum depolarize velocity of 0 phase (Vmax). But significantly increased whole duration of action potential (APT). The duration of repolarization to 1/3 (APD 1/3) and to 2/3 (APD 2/3) significantly increased too. The plateau phase raised. These results suggest that K+ permeability at resting myocardiac cell membrane may have not been effected by OPC-8212. Activation of the fast sodium channel may have not been effected too. The results of our studies also suggest that inward flow of Ca2+ increased. The delayed outward K+ (Ik) and the inward, rectifying K+ current (Ik1) possible decreased. Thus, the OPC-8212 might become a nonglucoside and noncatecholamine new positive inotropic drug.