Eosinophil chemiluminescence response to cytokines and opsonized zymosans in atopic dermatitis

Chemiluminescence (CL) responsiveness of eosinophils (Eos) to zymosan particles coated with either IgG, C3 or both and eosinophilopoiesis-modulating cytokines was investigated in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and an attempt was made to correlate these CL responses with serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) which increased in response to the extent of AD severity, but not blood eosinophil counts. A high degree of positive correlation existed between serum levels of ECP and either IgG containing opsonized zymosan- or interleukin-5 (IL-5)-induced CLs. The CL values induced by these two stimuli appeared to be directly correlated with the intensity of each ligand-linked receptor expression. These results suggested that Fc gamma RII-and/or IL-5R-mediated eosinophil activation at the site of lesional skins might implicate in deterioration of cutaneous inflammation, and consequently cause an elevation of serum levels of ECP in AD.

Bu ji (hozai) for treatment of postoperative gastric cancer patients

We proposed that postgastrectomy cancer patients with organ deficit were xu zheng, or of deficient constitution, and administered bu ji or supplementary regimen to them. With alleviation of the symptoms, our diagnosis seemed correct from the traditional medicine perspective. Interleukin 2 reactivity, natural killer activity, nutritional index and bone mineral indices also improved. Such results suggest that our diagnosis was also correct according to Western medical theory. In addition, nutrition seemed to have positive relationship with NK activity and bone mineral content. Therefore, administration of bu ji seemed useful to improve the quality of life of postoperative cancer patients.

Cell function during chondrogenesis and osteogenesis induced by bone morphogenetic protein enclosed in diffusion chamber. Biochemical studies on native products derived from outside differentiating cells

A diffusion chamber containing rabbit bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) was implanted in the abdominal muscle of a Sprague-Dawley rat. Outside of the chamber, cartilage differentiated one to two weeks after implantation, and bone replaced the cartilage three to four weeks after implantation. The interstitial fluid inside the chamber contained only biologic substances produced by cells proliferating and differentiating outside of the chamber. To investigate the cell function during chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, alkaline phosphatase activity and the amounts of S-100 alpha protein, S-100 beta protein, creatine kinase subunits M (CK-M), creatine kinase subunits B (CK-B), hyaluronic acid (HA), and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were measured in the supernatant of interstitial fluid inside the chamber. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased two to four weeks after implantation. The amount of S-100 beta protein acutely increased during the fourth week. The amount of CK-B also increased during the fourth week. The increased levels of HA and CS were also observed after two to four weeks. The examination of such native products may help not only to clarify the mechanisms of cartilage and bone development, but also to develop a sensitive bioassay for BMP.

Acute retinal necrosis syndrome associated with herpes simplex keratitis

BACKGROUND

Although acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome is caused by a herpes group virus, association of herpetic keratitis with ARN syndrome is uncommon. A case of unilateral ARN syndrome with herpes simplex keratitis is discussed.

METHODS

A 40-year-old man developed unilateral keratitis, necrotic retinitis, retinal vasculitis, vitritis, and iritis consistent with ARN syndrome 1 month after treatment for ipsilateral facial nerve palsy and auricular herpetic vesicles (Tolosa-Hunt syndrome). Impression cytologic examination of the corneal epithelial ulcer that developed concurrent with the intraocular findings and of the aqueous humor (obtained by paracentesis) was performed.

RESULTS

Cells that reacted with anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) antibody were detected on impression cytology, and DNA fragments corresponding to the HSV-1 DNA sequence were detected in the aqueous humor.

CONCLUSION

This case shows that ARN syndrome may, on rare occasions, be associated with herpes keratitis secondary to HSV-1.

Effectiveness of LDL-apheresis in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA): LDL-apheresis angioplasty restenosis trial (L-ART)

To investigate the efficacy of reducing plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) as well as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels on the prevention of restenosis after PTCA, LDL-apheresis was attempted on a total of 54 patients at six institutions. LDL-apheresis using a dextran sulfate cellulose column has been proven to be an effective method for reducing both plasma Lp(a) and LDL-C levels. As a subgroup (apheresis-drug combined group), 29 of the 54 patients were given Pravastatin (HMG CoA reductase inhibitor) and Niceritrol (Nicotinic Acid) in addition to LDL-apheresis to maintain low plasma levels of both Lp(a) and LDL-C through the follow-up period of 5 months after PTCA. Patients whose plasma Lp(a) levels were reduced by more than 50% showed a lower restenosis rate than those whose plasma Lp(a) levels were reduced by less than 50% (21.2% vs. 52.4%, P = 0.0179), especially in patients with high plasma Lp(a) levels above 30 mg/dl where a much lower restenosis rate (15.0%) was observed. Furthermore, in the apheresis-drug combined group, the restenosis rate was 11.8% regardless of baseline plasma Lp(a) levels, including even those below 30 mg/dl. In conclusion, in patients with high plasma Lp(a) levels, a greater than 50% reduction in Lp(a) levels by LDL-apheresis is effective in preventing restenosis after PTCA. If the plasma Lp(a) reduction rate is greater than 50%, LDL-apheresis combined with lipid-lowering drugs such as niceritrol and pravastatin seems to be more effective, even in patients with low plasma Lp(a) levels.

Elevated concentrations of the beta-subunit of S100 protein in renal cell tumors in rats

Concentrations of alpha and beta-subunits of S100 protein (S100-alpha and S100-beta) in rat kidney neoplasms, including renal cell and mesenchymal tumors, were determined using a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay, and both types immunohistochemically localized in tissue sections. Concentrations of S100-alpha in each histological type of rat tumor were lower than in normal kidney, whereas levels of S100-beta (mean +/- SE: 29.7 +/- 14.2 ng/mg protein, n = 15) in renal cell tumors were significantly higher than in normal kidneys (0.55 +/- 0.06 ng/mg protein, n = 7), or mesenchymal tumors (1.21 +/- 0.43 ng/mg protein, n = 9). In normal rat kidney tissues S100-alpha was immunohistochemically positive in epithelial cells of the distal tubules, the thin limbs of loops of Henle, and the collecting ducts. No appreciable immunostaining for S100-beta was found in any nephron segment. Both S100-alpha and S100-beta were positive for renal cell tumors, indicating new appearance of the latter during renal carcinogenesis in rats.

Papovavirus detection by electron microscopy in the brain of an elderly patient without overt progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Virions resembling papovavirus were demonstrated in glial cells in the brain of an aged patient without overt progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The patient was not in a severely immunocompromised state. On histological examination, only a few tiny incomplete necrotic foci were found in the subcortical area. These foci were widely dispersed. Rare, swollen oligodendroglial cells and astrocytes in which papovavirus capsid protein (VP-1) was demonstrated immunohistochemically were present around the foci. The two typical types of virus particles i.e. 35 to 40 nm round particles and elongated particles, were observed in the nuclei of the swollen glial cells. The latter were in the minority. Distinct crystals were also found in the nuclei. The centre-to-centre distance of the particles in the crystals, about 40 nm, and the electron-opaque spots of the round-shaped virions and of the elongated particles, were indicative of structural subunits of papovavirus capsids. This case provides further evidence that papovavirus, possibly JC virus, may be reactivated in the brains of aged patients who are not in an immunocompromised state.

Developmental expression of cytochrome P450s within intrasplenically transplanted fetal hepatocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Fetal hepatocytes were harvested at 20 days of gestation from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and then transplanted into recipient adult SHR spleens. Morphological examination of the recipient spleens revealed that after 4 wk, large masses of hepatocytes were present in the red pulp with apparent cord-like structures. Of major significance was the fact that hepatocyte transplanted spleens were able to express several families of cytochrome P450 (cyto P450) proteins 2-6 wk after transplantation. Thus, the transplanted hepatocyte tissue appeared to grow and develop a cyto P450 metabolic system. Immunochemical determinations revealed that cytos P450 IA1, P450 IIB1, P450 p, P450 HLp, and P450 LA omega were over detected without any prior induction. None of the cyto P450s could be detected in control nontransplanted spleens, however, all were detected in fetal hepatocyte microsomes before transplantation. All were intensely expressed 6 wk after transplantation, however P450 IA1 and P450 IIB1 did not appear to be expressed by 2 wk after transplantation. These results demonstrate that fetal hepatocytes can be successfully transplanted to the spleens of recipient hosts, and that the fetal hepatocytes appear to grow and develop functional cyto P450 metabolizing systems. Therefore, transplantation of fetal hepatocytes to splenic tissue represents a unique in vivo system of extra hepatic metabolizing tissue.

Prognostic value of cerebrospinal fluid neuron-specific enolase and S-100b protein in Guillain-Barré syndrome

We measured the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100b protein (S-100b) using enzyme immunoassay methods, in 24 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome and 46 controls, and examined their prognostic values. Sixteen of 24 patients showed elevated levels (> the mean + 2SD levels of controls) of NSE, S-100b, or both, and in those with higher NSE or S-100b levels there was a rather longer duration of disease, whereas 8 patients with the normal levels showed an early recovery. Further, NSE or S-100b levels were significantly correlated with months to recovery. Thus, NSE and S-100b in CSF may be useful markers for predicting the outcome of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Charge isomers of urinary bikunin (trypsin inhibitor)

It was observed that the purified urinary bikunin (trypsin inhibitor) consisted of four major isomers with different electric charges which could be separated by HPLC using a Mono Q column. These isomers revealed the same antitrypsin activity and did not show any differences in the apparent molecular weight by SDS-PAGE, amino-acid composition, N-terminal amino-acid sequence (1-40) and C-terminal amino acid (Leu). The contents of sialic acid and uronic acid were also identical among these isomers. However, analysis of chondroitin sulfate revealed all the glycosaminoglycan chains of these isomers were undersulfated, comprising nonsulfated and 4-sulfated disaccharide units, and 4-sulfated disaccharide unit ratio varied among these isomers. After the chondroitin ABC lyase digestion, all the isomers were eluted at the same position on a Mono Q column chromatography. These results indicated that charge isomers of urinary bikunin was attributed to the difference on sulfation ratio in a glycosaminoglycan chain.

Fluoride uptake in human dentine from glass-ionomer cement in vivo

The purpose was to examine F uptake and distribution in dentine from a F-containing glass-ionomer cement in vivo. Nine volunteers were selected from dental students who were scheduled for extraction of their third molars. Two cavities were prepared on the same occlusal surface of the third molars for each subject; one was restored with glass-ionomer cement (Virtabond), the other with zinc phosphate cement as a control. After 3 months the teeth were extracted. F profiles in the dentine from the cavity floor to the pulpal surface were determined in tissue immediately adjacent to the restorations. An abrasive micro-sampling technique was used. The F concentration of the dentine was highest immediately beneath glass-ionomer cement filling, decreasing towards the pulpal surface. Overall F concentrations were greater in the dentine beneath the glass-ionomer cement than in that beneath the zinc phosphate cement. It was concluded that the glass-ionomer cement markedly enhanced fluoride uptake by underlying dentine in vivo.

[Efficacy of 48-hour infusion of 5-fluorouracil for gall bladder cancer]

Usefulness of an adjuvant chemotherapy for 23 patients who had undergone "non-curative" resection for adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder was investigated. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (16 patients) was given MF (mitomycin C 6 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil 250 mg/body) by injection on the 2nd and 9th postoperative day and received orally Tegafur 600 mg/day and PSK 3 g/day. Group B(7 patients) was treated weekly with a 48-hour infusion of 5-FU (1,000 mg/m2/24 hours), for 6 weeks and leucovorin (30 mg/body) was given for 2 hours prior to 5-FU infusion. The results were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Response rate of anti-tumor was 0% in Group A and 14.3% in Group B, including: PR, 1 and NC, 6 cases. The 50% survival time was 230 days in group A and 471 days in group B (p = 0.0008). The results suggest that treatment with 5-FU and LV is effective for gallbladder cancer.

Formation of autophagosomes during degradation of excess peroxisomes induced by di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate treatment. II. Immunocytochemical analysis of early and late autophagosomes

We have investigated the autophagocytic process of excess peroxisomes and mitochondria induced by di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) treatment using immunocytochemical techniques. Rat liver peroxisomes were induced by 2 weeks treatment with DEHP. The animals were then injected with leupeptin (2 mg/100 g body weight), and their livers were fixed by perfusion at various intervals. The liver tissues were embedded in LR White or Epon. Semithin sections of the Epon-embedded tissue were stained for cathepsin D, B, and H, and lysosomal glycoprotein (LGP107) by the immunoenzyme technique after removal of epoxy resin. Thin sections of LR White-embedded tissue were stained for the same antigens by the immunogold technique. Some liver specimens were processed to ultracryotomy, and frozen-thawed thin sections were immunostained for carboxylesterase E1 and alpha-glucosidase II, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers. Twenty minutes after leupeptin injection, many peroxisomes and mitochondria were surrounded by a double-layered membrane (isolation membrane) continuous with the ER. These membranes were positive for carboxylesterase E1 and alpha-glucosidase, but not for LGP107 as well as cathepsins. Forty to 60 minutes after leupeptin injection many autophagic vacuoles showing various developing stages appeared and accumulated. The early autophagic vacuoles were surrounded by a double-layered membrane, whereas the late autophagic vacuoles had a single limiting membrane. The former was negative for cathepsins as well as LGP107, but positive for carboxylesterase E1 and alpha-glucosidase II. The results suggest strongly that the isolation membrane is derived from the ER membrane and converted later into the lysosomal membrane and support our previous morphological observations.

Expression and localization of a major lysosomal membrane sialoglycoprotein (LGP107) in plasma membranes of rat osteoblasts and osteocytes

The immunocytochemical localization of a major lysosomal membrane sialoglycoprotein with a molecular mass of 107 kDa, which was designated as LGP107, was investigated in osteoblast lineage cells involved in osteoclastic bone resorption using specific polyclonal antibody against LGP107. Osteoclastic bone resorption was induced by transplantation of parathyroid glands. In control experiments, no immunoreaction product for LGP107 was recognized in osteoblasts and osteocytes. Strong immunoreaction products for LGP107 occurred on the plasma membranes in the osteoblasts and osteocytes prior to the appearance of osteoclasts one day after transplantation of the parathyroid glands. Furthermore, two days after induction, strong diaminobenzidine reactions were also observed on the plasma membranes in the osteoblastic cells adjacent to the active osteoclasts. These data suggest that LGP107 in osteoblastic cells and osteocytes may play an important role in cell-recognition and/or cell-adhesion, and that LGP107 may be involved in osteoblastic degradation of the osteoid as well as exposure of the bone surface.

Mutagenicity of blue rayon extracts of human bile in the Ames test

The mutagenicity of human bile was examined in the Ames Salmonella/microsome assay. Bile samples were obtained from the gallbladders resected from patients with cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, gallbladder cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer and other diseases. For extraction of mutagenic components, the bile samples were treated with blue rayon and the adsorbed materials were assayed with Salmonella typhimurium TA98 in the presence of S9 mix. Twenty-four bile samples were tested and positive mutagenic activity was found in 14 samples. A 200-microliter bile equivalent material gave 6.3 times as many revertant colonies as the solvent control. With several samples that had undergone two cycles of blue rayon extraction, clear dose-response relationships in mutagenicity were demonstrated.

Molecular structural studies of effector functions of a mouse immunoglobulin G that lacks the entire CH1 domain: small-angle X-ray scattering, nanosecond fluorescence depolarization and stable isotope-aided NMR analyses

Molecular structural studies are reported of a short-chain mouse IgG2a antibody that lacks the entire CH1 domain. We have recently shown that (1) this short-chain antibody comprises two components in which the inter light-chain disulfide bridge does and does not exist, and (2) these two components are different in the constitutive complement-activating activity [Mizutani et al. (1993) J. Immunol. 150, 131-138]. Structures were compared for these two components on the basis of small-angle X-ray scattering, nanosecond fluorescence depolarization and isotope-aided NMR data. It has been discussed how the presence and absence of the inter light-chain disulfide bridges affect the complement-activating activity of the two components of the short-chain antibody.

Localization of Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase in various thyroid disorders

The intracellular localization of Cu/Zn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), which catalyze the dismutation of superoxide radicals (O2-) to O2 and H2O2, was studied in the thyroid tissue of various thyroid disorders by an immunohistochemical technique. The concentrations of both SODs in those tissues were measured also by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Copper/zinc-SOD in thyroid tissues were identified by immunocytochemical staining in most cases of papillary carcinoma and in some cases of other thyroid disorders. In normal follicular cells this enzyme is localized in the perinuclear cytoplasm, whereas in thyroid tumor or hyperplastic follicular cells it exists homogeneously in cytoplasm. Manganese-SOD stained strongly in papillary carcinoma and papillary-growing cells in the thyroid tissue of adenoma and Graves' disease. The concentrations of Cu/Zn-and Mn-SOD in thyroid tumor tissues and hyperplastic follicular disorders were significantly higher than those in normal thyroid tissue when they were compared as a function of protein or deoxyribonucleic acid contents. The ratio of Mn-SOD to Cu/Zn-SOD was significantly higher only in papillary carcinoma, except for other thyroid disorders as compared with that in the normal thyroid. In conclusion, SOD seems to be related to cell proliferation and differentiation in the thyroid follicular cell because Cu/Zn-SOD changes its localization in tumor and hyperplastic follicular cells and because the Mn-SOD concentration is increased in papillary carcinoma or papillary-growing cells.

Aldolase C in neuroendocrine tumors: an immunohistochemical study

The expression of cerebral type aldolase C was investigated immunohistochemically in six varieties of neuroendocrine (n = 57) and six types of non-endocrine tumor (n = 76) using the avidin-biotin complex method. Aldolase C expression in the neuroendocrine tumors was also compared with those of chromogranin and gamma enolase. Aldolase C was detected in all the islet cell (7/7) and carcinoid tumors (10/10), thyroid medullary carcinomas (7/7), and pheochromocytomas (10/10), as well as in the majority of neuronal tumors (8/10) and bronchial small cell carcinomas (10/13). Chromogranin immunoreactivity was restricted to the tumors with abundant neuroendocrine granules. Gamma enolase positivity was generally similar to that of aldolase C, but there were some differences. Amongst the bronchial small cell carcinomas, three tumors negative for gamma enolase were positive for aldolase C, while another three tumors were positive for gamma enolase only. However all the small cell carcinomas were positive for at least one of these two enzymes. Aldolase C was detected in 28 (37%) of the 76 non-endocrine tumors and tended to be expressed preferentially in the differentiated portions of these tumors. Although aldolase C was expressed in many bronchial squamous cell carcinomas, the immunoreactivity was localized mainly in keratinizing foci and the less differentiated parts of these tumors expressed the enzyme only occasionally. Thus aldolase C, in conjunction with other neuroendocrine-associated markers, may be of value in identifying tumors of neuroendocrine type.

Effects of intracerebroventricular injection of indomethacin on adaptive gastric cytoprotection in the conscious rat

We investigated the role of prostaglandins in the central nervous system for the adaptive gastric cytoprotection in male Wistar rats with chronic intracerebroventricular cannulas. Three, 50, 200, or 500 micrograms of indomethacin or vehicle alone was injected via the intracerebroventricular (central) or intraperitoneal route 1 h before oral administration of 20% ethanol. The animals were then given 1 ml of absolute ethanol 15 min later. One hour later, gastric mucosal damage and plasma indomethacin concentrations were measured. Pretreatment with 50-500 micrograms of indomethacin abolished adaptive gastric cytoprotection induced by 20% ethanol in a dose-dependent fashion, regardless of the route of administration. Central administration of 3 micrograms indomethacin resulted in a more than twofold increase in mucosal damage compared with intraperitoneal administration. Plasma indomethacin concentrations were increased dose-dependently. However, plasma levels were lower in rats administered centrally than those peripherally at a dose of 50 micrograms indomethacin or more. On the other hand, plasma indomethacin concentrations did not differ between central and intraperitoneal administration of 3 micrograms indomethacin. Measurement of gastric mucosal blood flow revealed that central administration of 3 micrograms indomethacin reduced gastric mucosal blood flow, whereas intraperitoneal administration of an identical dose had no effect. These results suggest that central prostaglandins may contribute to adaptive gastric cytoprotection, possibly by altered gastric mucosal blood flow.

Antioxidants in the serum of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

To determine whether alteration in serum antioxidant status is related to the increased oxidative stress as a cause of diabetic angiopathy, we measured both the antioxidant activity (AOA) and total peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and their component individual antioxidants in serum of children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The AOA was measured as the ability to inhibit lipid autoxidation in brain homogenates. TRAP was assayed as the ability to delay lipid peroxidation induced by an azo initiator. Antioxidants measured were ceruloplasmin, transferrin, and albumin as components of AOA; and ascorbic acid, uric acid, protein sulfhydryl, and alpha-tocopherol as components of TRAP. Serum AOA appeared to be decreased in the diabetics in relation to poor glycemic control, corresponding to the decrease in transferrin and albumin. Serum haptoglobin level was also decreased in the diabetics. Similarly, the directly measured TRAP value was decreased in the diabetic serum mainly due to the decreased contribution of unidentified chain-breaking antioxidants, despite the increase in ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. The decrease in both types of antioxidant activity in the diabetic serum, as new findings, suggests that a defective serum antioxidant status contributes to the increased oxidative stress in IDDM.

Dental findings of the elderly with or without senile dementia at a special nursing home

Survey of dental health condition was performed at a special nursing home for the elderly with senile dementia (28 subjects, 83.3 +/- 6.8 year-old; SD group) or without senile dementia (68 subjects, 84.6 +/- 7.2 year-old; NSD group). There was no difference in number of teeth survived between SD and NSD groups. However, the elderly in SD group had more unfunctionable and/or unrestorable teeth (C4) and less sound and filled teeth (SFT) than those in NSD group. Number of teeth of the elderly in 85- to 89-year-old group was smaller than those of not only younger but older age groups, irrespective of senile dementia. Lower canines showed the highest survival rate among all kinds of teeth in SD as well as in NSD group.