[Study on the characteristics of agglutination reaction of McAb with Leptospira interrogans outer envelope]

Three McAb were produced against an outer envelope preparation from Leptospira, interrogans, serovar Lai by fusion of SP2/0 myeloma cells with immune BALB/c mice spleen cells. The fusion rate was 96% and the antibody positive rate was 50%. One of the hybridomas, E4B11C9, reacted with 13 of the 13 serovars of the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup in microscopic agglutination test (MAT) but did not react with the 18 representative serovars of L. interrogans and L. biflexa serovar patoc and Leptonema illini. For all non-reactive serovars the MAT titres were greater than 1:25. The McAb, E4B7G5, reacted similarly with all serovars except smithi and tonkini. E4B7D4 reacted also similarly with all serovars except serovars birkini, ndambari, bogvere, smithi and tonkini. Therefore, 3 McAb showed serogroup specificity and partial serogroup specificity by agglutination. The agglutination titres were high and hybridomas were stable, so it might be useful in providing a simple, rapid method for the classification and identification of clinical isolates such as pathogenic L. interrogans in place of the complicated and time-consuming conventional methods.

Computerized axial tomography in the diagnosis of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint

Fourteen patients with a history of pain, clicking and locking of the temporomandibular joint were assessed clinically and by using computerized axial tomography (CAT). The findings of the clinical and CAT scan assessment were correlated and compared with surgical observations. Computerized axial tomography scanning proved to be a highly accurate method of assessing meniscal position. With the advent of more sophisticated methods of CAT scanning, it provides an accurate, non-invasive method of assessing the temporomandibular joint and providing a basis for more effective treatment planning of problems related to internal derangements.

Antitermination of characterized transcriptional terminators by the Escherichia coli rrnG leader region

We have used a plasmid antitermination test system to examine the response of an Escherichia coli rRNA operon antiterminator to transcription through Rho-dependent and Rho-independent terminator-containing fragments. We also monitored transcription through multiple copies of a terminator to explore the mechanism of rrn antitermination. Four principal observations were made about antitermination and transcriptional terminators. (1) The rrn antiterminator mediated efficient transcription through Rho-dependent terminators. (2) Under the influence of the rrn antiterminator, RNA polymerase transcribed through two and three copies of the Rho-dependent 16 S----terminator with nearly the same efficiency as through one. (3) The antiterminator had less effect on fragments containing Rho-independent terminators; the rpoC t fragment and three fragments derived from the rrnB terminator region stopped antiterminated transcription. Four other Rho-independent terminator fragments were weakly antiterminated in our test system. (4) Surprisingly, the strength of these terminator fragments was not strongly related to properties such as the -delta G or number of trailing uridine residues of their canonical Rho-independent structures, but appears to be related to additional downstream terminators. We have drawn the following conclusions from these experiments. First, that ribosomal antitermination primarily reverses Rho-dependent termination by modifying the RNA polymerase elongation complex. Transcription through a 1700 nucleotide, multiple terminator sequence showed that the antiterminator caused persistent changes in the transcription process. Second, that fragments derived from the Rho-independent rrnB and rpoBC terminator regions can effectively stop antiterminated transcription. Third, that efficient in vivo termination may often involve regions with complex multiple terminators.

[Flow cytometric analysis of DNA from 98 cases of soft tissue tumors and its clinical significance]

The cellular DNA content of 98 soft tissue tumors was determined by means of flow cytometry and the results were discussed in relation to clinical data. It was found that DNA of all 21 benign tumors was diploid, while that of malignant tumors was both diploid and aneuploid. Among 62 sarcomas, 45 were aneuploid (73%). Cell cycle analysis disclosed that diploidy lesions had a low proportion of S and G2 + M cells while most aneuploidy lesions had a high proportion (P less than 0.01). There was a definite correlation between the size of the tumor and the presence of DNA aneuploidy. The results indicate that DNA analysis offers a clinically relevant means of characterizing soft tissue tumors.

Influence of amiloride derivatives on alpha-1 adrenergic receptor-induced contractions of the rabbit aorta

Derivatives of amiloride that exhibit greater specificity for inhibition of either Na+/H+ or Na+/Ca(+)+ exchange were evaluated for their ability to influence phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions of the rabbit aorta. Most, but not all, derivatives with alkyl substituents at the 5-amino position (which exhibit greater potency for Na+/H+ exchange inhibition) caused a dose-dependent contraction at concentrations above 10 microM. At higher concentrations and longer incubation times this contraction reached 70 to 80% of the maximal PE response. Contractions induced by 5-amino-substituted amiloride derivatives were dependent upon extracellular Ca(+)+ and were inhibited by either extracellular acidification or intracellular alkalinization. This suggests that they resulted from an influence of intracellular acidification on Ca(+)+ transport. Contractile responses to PE (1 microM) were reduced by most but not all 5-amino-substituted derivatives in conjunction with tension development. Dimethylamiloride, however, failed to cause a contraction at doses up to 100 microM but was the most potent inhibitor of PE-induced contractions among the 5-amino derivatives. Dose-response curves for PE were shifted both to the right and downward by increasing concentrations of amiloride, which indicates both competitive and noncompetitive types of inhibition. Guanidino-substituted derivatives such as benzobenzamil were the most potent antagonists, producing noncompetitive inhibition in excess of 90% at a concentration of 10 microM. The differing patterns of inhibition as well as the presence or absence of intrinsic contractile activity indicate that amiloride derivatives have the potential for multiple pathways of action that modify arterial contractility.

Targeted anti-tumor agents and their cytotoxicity on gastric cancer cells in vitro

Several chemotherapeutic drugs including methotrexate, daunomycin, mitomycin C and toxin such as ricin, A chain of ricin were chosen to conjugate with murine monoclonal antibodies MGb2 and MG11. The drugs were linked to antibody directly or through human serum albumin as intermediary. The ELISA results showed that the antibody retained well the antigen-binding capacity during conjugation. These conjugates showed highly selective cytotoxic effect on target cells. In chronic cytotoxicity tests, the cytotoxic effect of these conjugates on human gastric cancer cells KATOIII was quite similar to that of free drugs or ricin, but greater than that of irrelevant conjugates, while they had a little effect on non-target cells, suggesting that the selective cytotoxicity on target cells of the conjugates be mediated by antibodies.

[Studies on mechanism of carcinogenesis in vitro. IV. Studies on relationship between frequency of chromosome 15 monosomy and malignant expression of different clones from malignantly transformed baby hamster lung cells (BHL B4)]

The proceeding of malignantly transformed rodent cells in vitro is often accompanied by regular variation of chromosome numbers and structures. In order to clarify the relationship between them, we obtained five clones C1-1-5-from BHL B4, cell line, and analysed their biological characteristics. Results showed a positive correlation between frequency of chromosome 15 monosomy, it is suggested that suppressive gene of malignant phenotype be located on chromosome 15.

[Expression of cellular oncogenes during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats]

With RNA-DNA hybridization techniques, the mRNA expression of c-Ha-ras, c-Ki-ras, N-ras, and c-fos oncogenes in rat liver with neoplastic nodules or hepatocellular carcinoma induced by DENA was found to be higher than that in normal liver. No significant difference of c-myc expression was observed between normal liver and liver with neoplastic nodules or hepatocellular carcinoma. In the initiation stage of hepatocarcinogenesis in DENA+AAF+PH+PB and AAF+PH+PB model systems, the expression of c-myc increased markedly, and that of N-ras was remarkably stimulated under the action of AAF. It appears that a cooperative action between the c-myc and N-ras oncogenes was involved in the initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis. In the promotion stage, the expression of c-myc and N-ras returned to a normal level. The expression of c-fos decreased progressively in both the initiation and promotion stages, while that of c-Ha-ras and c-Ki-ras was not much changed. The significance of these results is briefly discussed.

Is there a circulating proteolysis-inducing factor during sepsis?

Muscles from fed or 72-hour fasted rats were incubated in the presence of plasma from septic rats, recombinant interleukin 1 alpha (rIL-1 alpha), or recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (rTNF alpha), and breakdown of total and myofibrillar protein was assessed by determining release of tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine, respectively. Septic plasma stimulated total protein breakdown in muscles from 72-hour fasted rats by 10% to 20%, while myofibrillar protein breakdown was not affected. When septic plasma was added to muscles from fed rats, neither tyrosine nor 3-methylhistidine release was altered. Various concentrations of recombinant interleukin 1 alpha or recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha did not affect total or myofibrillar protein breakdown. Since septic plasma did not stimulate myofibrillar protein breakdown, the role of a circulating factor for muscle proteolysis during sepsis remains unclear.

[Stability examination of the inclusion compounds of 8 Chinese medicinal volatile oils with beta-cyclodextrin]

The content, hence the stability of volatile oils and their main components in the inclusion compounds of 8 Chinese medicinal volatile oils with beta-cyclodextrin have been examined with different storage times. The 8 Chinese medicines are Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, Notopterygium incisum, Alpinia officinarum, Atractylodes lancea, Pogostenon cablin, Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum, Schizonepeta tenuifolia and Amomum villosum.

[Pancreatic glucagon receptor radioassay with liver cell plasma membrane in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats]

Pancreatic glucagon receptor radioassay has been developed with rat liver cell plasma membrane prepared with sucrose gradient centrifugation. 125I-glucagon was prepared in this laboratory and the separation of B/F was done by low speed centrifugation with addition of PEG (W/V, 20%) and normal human serum. The specific binding of 125I-glucagon was 25%-35% and nonspecific binding was less than 5%. Reproducibility within and between- assay was 6.83% and 8.40% (CV%), respectively. Binding characteristics of glucagon receptor of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were determined by using two methods, receptor dilution and conventional competitive binding assay. The results showed that there were no marked differences concerning high and low binding affinities between normal and diabetic rats, but the concentration of binding sites for both high and low affinity receptors was significantly higher for diabetic rats than normal rats. The possible mechanisms for the above results have been discussed.

Reactivation of latent pseudorabies virus infection in vaccinated commercial sows

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) was isolated from 9 of 44 PRV-vaccinated seropositive sows on 5 of 11 farms. Although serum-neutralization antibody titers were 1:16 to 1:256, 28 virus isolates were obtained from tonsil, nasal, or buccal swab samples from 9 sows given 2 ml of dexamethasone/kg of body weight IM for 5 days. Pseudorabies virus was isolated from 6 of 20 sows (3 of 5 farms) given a killed-virus vaccination. Virus was obtained from 3 of 24 sows (2 of 6 farms) given modified-live virus and killed-virus vaccination. Evaluation of the 9 PRV with 5 restriction endonucleases revealed 4 PRV existing genotypes. The 9 isolated types of PRV appeared to be indistinguishable by Kpn I and BamHI restriction endonuclease analysis; however, when analyzed with Sal I, HinfI, and Pst I, isolates 7 (farm D), 8 (farm C), and 9 (farm B) had numerous differences. Isolates 1, 2, 3, and 4 (farm F) and 5 and 6 (farm G) appeared to be the same genotype when further analyzed with Pst I, HinfI, and Sal I.

[Studies on ultraweak luminescence of bacteria]

Ultraweak luminescence of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Brevibacterium ammoniagenes was measured with high sensitive single photon counting equipment (Made in China). The results obtained from ultraweak luminescence of as above three bacterial strains were as follows: spectral distribution curves, photon emission kinetic curves or emission intensity and its qualitative relationship between intensity and bacterial counts.

Isolation of cDNA clones encoding small nuclear ribonucleoparticle-associated proteins with different tissue specificities

Alternative RNA processing, such as brain- and heart-specific generation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) transcripts from the calcitonin/CGRP gene, is thought to be mediated by tissue-specific factors. We have cloned three related but distinct cDNAs encoding small nuclear ribonucleoparticle (snRNP)-associated proteins from rat PC12 cells. One clone (Sm51) has the capacity to encode a 240-amino acid protein and its RNA transcript is expressed selectively in rat brain and pituitary but not in heart. A related cDNA, designated Sm11, predicts a protein highly homologous to but distinct from Sm51. The Sm11 transcript is very abundant in heart but barely detectable in brain. Sm51 and Sm11 appear to encode the brain and heart forms of a 28-kDa snRNP-associated protein detected by anti-Sm serum, respectively. A third clone (Sm21) encodes a protein with an altered N terminus relative to Sm51. The Sm51 transcript is expressed in the pituitary, and analysis of the pituitaries of transgenic mice harboring a mouse metallothionein I promoter-calcitonin/CGRP fusion gene reveals the splice choice to be predominantly CGRP. In situ hybridization indicates Sm51 RNA is expressed throughout neuronal structures within rat brain, including the inferior colliculus, which does not possess the machinery to generate CGRP. Although Sm51 alone cannot be sufficient to account for CGRP splicing choice in all tissues, the demonstration of discrete tissue-specific expression patterns of closely related snRNP-associated proteins is consistent with their potential role in differential RNA processing events.

Protein synthesis in liver following infusion of the catabolic hormones corticosterone, epinephrine, and glucagon in rats

The mediator(s) and mechanism(s) of acute-phase protein synthesis in the liver following injury and sepsis are not fully known. Elevated plasma levels of the catabolic hormones cortisol, glucagon, and epinephrine have been reported in trauma and sepsis. In previous reports, when these hormones were infused simultaneously (triple hormone infusion), several, but not all, of the metabolic alterations characteristic of sepsis occurred. In the current investigation, the effect of triple hormone infusion on hepatic protein synthesis was studied. Rats were infused intravenously during 16 hours with a solution containing corticosterone (4.2 mg/kg/h), glucagon (2.5 micrograms/kg/h), and epinephrine (6 micrograms/kg/h). Control animals were infused with a corresponding volume of vehicle. Total hepatic protein synthesis in vivo was measured with a flooding dose technique using [14C]-leucine. The synthesis of total secretory proteins and of the individual proteins albumin, complement component C3, and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein was measured in isolated, perfused liver using [3H]-leucine and a recirculating technique. Urinary excretion of nitrogen and plasma concentration of glucose were higher and plasma total amino acid concentration was lower in hormone-infused than in control rats. Total hepatic protein synthesis in vivo, expressed as the proportion of the protein pool that was replaced each day, was increased from 39% +/- 2% per day to 48% +/- 3% per day (P less than .05) by hormone infusion, but synthesis of secretory proteins in perfused liver was not significantly altered. The results suggest that although total hepatic protein synthesis may be increased by catabolic hormones, other mediator(s) are probably responsible for the stimulation of acute-phase protein synthesis in sepsis.

Ambulatory care use among the noninstitutionalized elderly. A causal model

While it is recognized that need for care is the dominant factor influencing utilization of health services, little is known regarding the determinants of ambulatory care use by the noninstitutionalized elderly. It is important to examine the relationships among need factors and how physical and mental dysfunctions influence use of services. This study uses a LISREL model to identify the extent to which ambulatory care use was affected by physical or mental functioning and whether strong linkages would be exhibited by both factors.

How many myocardial infarctions should we rule out?

We used computer simulation to estimate the consequences of four admitting strategies (coronary care unit, intermediate care unit, routine ward care, or outpatient follow-up) on cost, outcome, admission threshold probabilities, and false-positive admission rates for patients with acute myocardial infarction. At virtually any probability of acute myocardial infarction, replacing more intensive by less intensive strategies saved money but increased mortality and decreased life expectancy. Therefore, choices among strategies may be made by using the most effective strategy for progressively lower and lower risk patients until the additional cost per additional life saved reaches a cutoff value; then, a less expensive strategy is selected. With sample cutoff values of $1 and $2 million per life saved, the marginal threshold admission probabilities were: (table; see text) These results imply that the acceptable proportion of false-positive admissions may be as high as 70% to 80%; lower rates could indicate excessively restrictive admitting policies. Clinicians may be operating closer to the optimal decision point than has previously been asserted.

Effect of sepsis on calcium uptake and content in skeletal muscle and regulation in vitro by calcium of total and myofibrillar protein breakdown in control and septic muscle: results from a preliminary study

Because high calcium concentration in vitro stimulates muscle proteolysis, calcium has been implicated in the pathogenesis of increased muscle breakdown in different catabolic conditions. Protein breakdown in skeletal muscle is increased during sepsis, but the effect of sepsis on muscle calcium uptake and content is not known. In this study the influence of sepsis, induced in rats by cecal ligation and puncture, on muscle calcium uptake and content was studied. Sixteen hours after cecal ligation and puncture or sham operation, calcium content of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles was determined with an atomic absorption spectrometer. Calcium uptake was measured in intact SOL muscles incubated in the presence of calcium 45 (45Ca) for between 1 and 120 minutes. Total and myofibrillar protein breakdown was determined in SOL muscles, incubated in the presence of different calcium concentrations (0; 2.5; 5.0 mmol/L), and measured as release into the incubation medium of tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH), respectively. Calcium content was increased by 51% (p less than 0.001) during sepsis in SOL and by 10% (p less than 0.05) in EDL muscle. There was no difference in 45Ca uptake between control and septic muscles during the early phase (1 to 5 minutes) of incubation. During more extended incubation (30 to 120 minutes), muscles from septic rats took up significantly more 45Ca than control muscles (p less than 0.05). Tyrosine release by incubated SOL muscles from control and septic rats was increased when calcium was added to the incubation medium, and at a calcium concentration of 2.5 mmol/L, the increase in tyrosine release was greater in septic than in control muscle. Addition of calcium to the incubation medium did not affect 3-MH release in control or septic muscle. The results suggest that calcium uptake and content in skeletal muscle are increased during sepsis and that high calcium concentrations in vitro stimulate nonmyofibrillar protein breakdown. Muscles from septic animals may be more sensitive to the effect of calcium in vitro than muscles from nonseptic rats. Whether increased calcium uptake and content in skeletal muscle is partly responsible for accelerated muscle proteolysis during sepsis remains to be determined.

Total and myofibrillar protein breakdown in different types of rat skeletal muscle: effects of sepsis and regulation by insulin

Proteolysis is increased in sepsis, but it is not known whether myofibrillar and non-myofibrillar proteins are broken down in the same fashion, or respond to the same regulatory forces as in non-septic muscle. In this study, therefore, the effect of sepsis on total and myofibrillar protein breakdown in incubated rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles was determined, and the response in vitro to different concentrations of insulin (10 to 10(5) microU/mL) of protein degradation was studied in incubated EDL muscles from control and septic rats. Sepsis was induced in rats weighing 40 to 60 g by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Control animals were sham operated. Sixteen hours after CLP or sham operation, intact EDL and SOL muscles were incubated for two hours in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer containing glucose (10 mmol/L) and cycloheximide (0.5 mmol/L), and total and myofibrillar protein breakdown was assessed from release into incubation medium of tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH), respectively. Tyrosine and 3-MH were determined fluorometrically by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Tissue levels of tyrosine and 3-MH remained stable both in control and septic muscles during incubation for two hours. The rate of tyrosine release was increased during sepsis by 58% (P less than .001) and 15% (NS) in EDL and SOL muscle, respectively. The corresponding figures for 3-MH were 103% (P less than .001) and 21% (NS). Tyrosine release was reduced by insulin at a concentration of 10(3) microU/mL in control muscle and at a concentration of 10(4) microU/mL in septic muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The comparability of solicited versus clinic subjects in alcohol treatment research

The increasing use of media advertisements to recruit subjects in alcohol treatment research has raised concerns about the comparability of such solicited subjects and subjects drawn from more traditional clinic populations. This paper, based on a study that involved both solicited and clinic subjects, identifies differences between the two types of subjects in terms of sociodemographic variables; pre-treatment drinking and marital adjustment; several dimensions of 'self-definition'; and three outcome measures. These findings suggest that there may be significant differences between solicited and clinic subjects and that these differences should be taken into account in the design of studies utilizing solicited subjects in order to determine the generalizability of the results.

[Subcloning of K88ac antigen gene of enterotoigenic E. coli and the restriction map of recombinant plasmid]

We had reported a recombinant E. coli RR1(pNZ8801) which was obtained from a wild strain E. coli 79-1454. The recombinant plasmid was digested by EcoRI and generated three segments, medium segment (3.2Md) was removed, the largest and the smallest segment was ligased, then the mixture was transformed into E. coli RRI, screening Ap(r) Tc(s) clones, one of recombinants was named E. coli RR1(pNZ8802). The recombinant plasmid molecular weight is smaller, but expression of K88ac antigen is higher than first cloning. Subcloning can adhere to mucosae of piglet's intesting. Therefore, the recombinant can be use for oval living vaccine.

Lithium increases rat striatal beta- and gamma-preprotachykinin messenger RNAs

Previous reports indicate that the antimanic drug, lithium, increases substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) in the basal ganglia. The aim of this study was to use lithium as a pharmacological tool to further understand the mechanism of this process. We have used solution hybridization-nuclease protection assays to quantitate the specific preprotachykinin (PPT) mRNAs and radioimmunoassays and immunocytochemistry to assess SP-LI levels in the striatum of male Fisher F-344 rats. A regimen of subchronic administration of lithium (4 mEq/kg i.p. for 1, 2, 4 or 6 days) increased SP-LI in a time-dependent fashion. Concurrent administration of a dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol (1 mg/kg s.c. for 4 days) with a 4-day lithium regimen partially blocked the lithium-induced increase in SP-LI as well as neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity. An analysis of the abundance of individual PPT mRNAs indicated that lithium increases beta- and gamma-PPT mRNAs in the striatum; coadministration of haloperidol attenuates the lithium-induced increases. These results indicate that lithium affects the tachykinin biosynthetic process by accelerating transcriptional and/or translational processes in striatonigral neurons and that the dopaminergic system appears to be partly involved in this process.

Hemodynamic and metabolic alterations during experimental sepsis in young and adult rats

Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) has been extensively used as a model of sepsis in adult rats. It is not known if the response to sepsis is similar in young and adult rats. This investigation was done to compare hemodynamic and metabolic alterations in young (four to six weeks of age, 60 to 90 grams) and adult (12 to 14 weeks of age, 270 to 340 grams) rats after CLP. In one series of experiments, survival rate was determined for 96 hours, and in other experiments, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), white blood cell count, hematocrit, platelets, plasma glucose, lactate, amino acids, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood and peritoneal cultures and resting energy expenditure (REE) were determined eight and 16 hours after CLP. Levels of glycogen in liver and muscle were determined 16 hours after CLP. Mortality rate was similar in young and adult rats. MAP was stable throughout the course of sepsis, with no significant differences between the two groups of rats. HR was higher in young rats at all times studied. The adult rats became hyperglycemic after CLP while the young were hypoglycemic eight hours after CLP but normalized at 16 hours. Plasma lactate and BUN were similar in the two groups of rats, and no alterations were seen during sepsis. Both young and adult rats became hypoaminoacidemic after CLP. The phenylalanine to tyrosine ratio increased in a similar manner during sepsis in both experimental groups. REE was higher in young than in adult rats, but no significant changes were observed during the course of sepsis in either group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of ciclosporin and protein synthesis inhibitors on cutaneous inflammation in mouse skin

Ciclosporin is clinically effective in a variety of inflammatory skin diseases. We have therefore studied the effects of the drug on cutaneous inflammation in mice. Ciclosporin inhibited the inflammatory response to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and to the contact sensitising agent oxazolone when applied topically to mouse skin. The drug had no effect on arachidonic acid-induced inflammation. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide showed a similar profile of activity. Ciclosporin, like actinomycin D but unlike cycloheximide, was only effective in inhibiting the inflammatory response to TPA if given 0.5 h before, but not 2 h, after TPA. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of ciclosporin in the skin is due to an effect on the production of proinflammatory proteins.

Bst-1 RFLP at the human lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene locus

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Pharmacological modification of 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induced inflammation and epidermal cell proliferation in mouse skin

Topical application of TPA to mouse skin causes oedema (2-6 h) neutrophil influx (3-24 h) and epidermal cell proliferation (24-48 h). Topical application of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) dual cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors (phenidone and BW755C) a selective lipoxygenase inhibitor (AA861), protein synthesis inhibitors (cycloheximide and actinomycin D) or a glucocorticosteroid (prednisolone) inhibited oedema and neutrophil influx. Systemic administration of an inhibitor of microtubule assembly (colchicine) also prevented neutrophil influx and oedema. These results suggest that the inflammatory response to TPA depends on an interaction between a protein and products of arachidonic acid metabolism to produce a neutrophil dependent oedema. Epidermal cell proliferation was inhibited by topical administration of prednisolone, indomethacin, BW755C and cycloheximide but not systemically administered methotrexate. This suggests that inhibition of the early inflammatory response to TPA prevents the subsequent epidermal proliferation.

Studies on the physiological role and mechanism of action of neuropeptide Y in the regulation of luteinizing hormone secretion in the rat

It has been recently shown that intraventricular or systemic injection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) can produce a decrease in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in castrated rats of both sexes. In order to evaluate the physiological role of NPY in the regulation of LH secretion in the female rat, we proceeded to immunoneutralization experiments using specific antibodies to NPY. Injection of 0.5 ml antiserum to NPY produce a 20-fold increase of LH plasma levels, whereas injection of preimmune serum did not modify the plasma concentrations of LH. To investigate the possibility that catecholamines or serotonin might be involved in the effect of NPY in LH secretion, castrated rats were treated with alpha-methylparatyrosine (alpha-MPT), an inhibitor of catecholamine biosynthesis, or received an i.c.v. injection of the neurotoxin 5-7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) prior to the intraventricular injections of NPY. The pretreatment with alpha-MPT could not prevent the decrease of plasma LH induced by NPY injection whereas the pretreatment with 5,7-DHT reversed the effect of NPY injection. The anatomical connection between LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) and NPY neuronal systems were also investigated using double immunostaining technique. It appeared that NPY endings are in apposition to LHRH cell bodies in the preoptic area in proximity to the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alteration in chromatin conformation of proliferating and differentiating enzyme genes in normal mouse liver and ascites hepatoma cells and its relation to the gene expression of enzymes

Nuclei from the normal mouse liver were partially digested with micrococcal nuclease, followed by DNA extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis and dot blot hybridization with 32P-labeled cDNA probes of CPS1 and ACT complex. It was clearly shown that the CPS1 genes were distributed on the monomer, dimer. and trimer of nucleosomes, while the genes coding for ACT complex were distributed on the condensed oligonucleosomes. An opposite manner of distribution of CPS1 and ACT complex genes was, however, noted in the case of ascites hepatoma cells, in which the specific activity of ACT was 13 times higher than that in the normal liver, while that of CPS1 was remarkably reduced. Similar patterns of change in mRNA level of CPS1 and ACT complex were observed in the normal mouse liver and ascites hepatoma cells, indicating a close relationship between chromatin structure and gene expression of these enzymes.

The effect of suture material on platelet deposition onto prosthetic material

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of employing prosthetic material with minimal thrombogenicity. However, the role of different suture materials in early thrombotic events on prosthetic materials has not been examined. Experiments were designed to analyze the effects of suture on platelet graft interaction using an in vivo baboon hemocompatability screen. 111Indium labeled, autologous platelet deposition was determined on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) containing suture lines of polypropylene (Prolene), polybutester (Novafil), and ePTFE (Gore-Tex). A significant increase in platelet deposition was noted not only at the suture line, but proximal and distal to it as well. The results were different for each of the sutures employed and suggest that the suture line may influence early platelet deposition in the perianastomotic region, not only at the suture line, but proximally and distally as well.

Increasing dextrose concentrations in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) causes alterations in hepatic morphology and plasma levels of insulin and glucagon in rats

Hepatic steatosis is an ongoing problem in total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The etiology of this deranged hepatic morphology is unclear, but lack of enteral stimulation and excess carbohydrate calories have been suggested as altering the intestinal hormone profile. In this study, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 28) received internal jugular catheters: group 1 (n = 7) received saline (3 cc/hr) and chow ad libitum; groups 2, 3, and 4 (n = 7) received 15, 20, and 25% dextrose-base TPN solutions, respectively, in quantities matching the caloric intake of paired ad libitum animals. At 7 days portal and peripheral venous blood samples were drawn for insulin and glucagon radioimmunoassay, and livers were removed for histologic examination and determination of total hepatic lipid content. Portal and peripheral insulin levels rose in a linear fashion with increasing dextrose concentration. Lipid content increased with elevated portal venous insulin/glucagon ratio in groups 3 and 4. Periportal fatty infiltration increased with increasing dextrose concentrations. The results suggest that the liver's response to altered portal insulin/glucagon ratio may play an important role in changes of hepatic morphology associated with TPN.

[Inhibitory effect of UFT on postoperative lung metastasis of mammary adenocarcinoma in SHR rats]

It is well known that UFT has significant therapeutic effects against experimental and clinical cancers at the primary sites. In this experiment, we studied the inhibitory effect of UFT on the lung metastasis of spontaneously developed rat mammary carcinoma (SST-2) after surgical excision of the primary site. In comparison of UFT-treated (15 or 30 mg/kg/day) with 5-FU-treated (9.7 or 19.5 mg/kg/day) groups, UFT was more effective than 5-FU in the antitumor activity and the inhibitory effect of lung metastasis with/without surgical excision of the primary sites. Rats (5-10 rats per group) were inoculated s.c. with 1 x 10(6) SST-2 cells and administered with UFT orally (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day) starting the day after tumor inoculation for 30 days. The therapeutic effect of UFT was studied by the growth rate of primary tumor and the numbers of metastatic colonies in the lung 35 days after tumor inoculation, comparing the UFT-treated with control groups. UFT administration at the doses of 30 or 60 mg/kg/day markedly inhibited the growth of the primary tumors and the number of metastatic lung colonies decreased, compared with that of the control group. However, in the group of rats treated at the dose of 60 mg/kg/day, 60% of rats died from the side effects of UFT such as weight loss, hemorrhage etc. In all groups in which the primary tumors were surgically excised 20 days after tumor inoculation and then treated with UFT (15, 20 or 30 mg/kg/day), we observed marked prolongation of survival period and inhibition of lung metastasis as well. Furthermore, we studied the effect of combination therapy of UFT and lentinan (1 mg/kg/day i.p.) on the metastasis of SST-2 cells after surgical excision of the primary sites. It was more effective than UFT alone. Thus, it is clear that UFT is an effective anticancer drug to inhibit metastasis of tumors in the lung after surgical excision of primary tumor.

Surgical care of submental gunshot wounds

The care of patients with self-inflicted facial gunshot wounds is complex and challenging. The magnitude and self-inflicted nature of the injuries naturally give rise to questions about potential for successful rehabilitation. The surgical care and rehabilitation of ten such patients are described. The initial grotesque disfiguration belies the reasonable chances for functional restoration. Patients in this series who completed reconstruction swallow well enough to maintain body weight, speak understandably, breathe without tracheostomy, and have an appearance sufficiently normal that they can interact socially without embarrassment. Guidelines are proposed for multidisciplinary medical care leading to satisfactory functional, aesthetic, social, and psychiatric rehabilitation.

Lithium increases dynorphin A(1-8) and prodynorphin mRNA levels in the basal ganglia of rats

The aim of this study was to understand the possible influence of the antimanic drug, lithium, and the neuroleptic, haloperidol, alone or in combination, on the regulation of dynorphin biosynthesis in the striatum. The study was done using male Fisher-344 rats subjected to a regimen of subchronic administration of lithium chloride (4 mEq/kg/day for 1,2,4 or 6 days, i.p.) or a regimen of chronic oral administration of a diet containing lithium carbonate (1.5 g/kg of the diet). Subchronic administration of lithium increased striatal dynorphin A(1-8)-like immunoreactivity (DN-LI) in a time-related fashion. Immunocytochemistry revealed an increase in DN-LI in fibers and cells clustered in 'patches' throughout striatum. The increase in DN-LI was reversible on cessation of lithium administration. Concurrent administration of lithium and an opiate antagonist, naltrexone, or a dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol, did not influence the changes induced by lithium. Chronic oral administration of lithium for 21 days led to an increase in DN-LI in the striatum. Co-administration of haloperidol with the 21 day regimen of lithium administration failed to affect the increase in DN-LI. The prodynorphin mRNA abundance in the striatum was quantitated by a molecular hybridization procedure using a prodynorphin 32P-cRNA probe generated from the Riboprobe system. Evidence from the Northern blot analysis reveals that lithium increases the prodynorphin mRNA abundance in the striatum. These results indicate that lithium affects the dynamics of prodynorphin biosynthesis in the striatum, presumably increasing transcription and/or translational processes.

Immunohistochemical markers in the normal human epibulbar conjunctiva from fetus to adult

Monoclonal antibodies were used for the study of inflammatory cellular subtypes, Langerhans' cells, and major histocompatibility complex class II antigens on the epibulbar conjunctiva obtained from individuals ranging in age from fetus to the seventh decade to compile basic data for comparison with other inflammatory and proliferative conjunctival diseases. In the fetal conjunctiva, there were significantly fewer T cells and Langerhans' cells than in adult conjunctiva. In the adult conjunctiva, a mild T-cell infiltration was observed. Expression of HLA-DQ in the 20- to 50-year-old age group was significantly lower compared with fetal and other age groups.