Three-dimensional structure of aspartate aminotransferase from Escherichia coli at 2.8 A resolution

The crystal structure of aspartate aminotransferase of Escherichia coli was determined by X-ray structure analysis at 2.8 A resolution. The structure was solved by the molecular replacement method and refined to an R-factor of 0.27, and it was found that the overall structure of AspAT of E. coli is similar to that of those of higher animals.

Molecular analysis of expression of parental cell properties in hybrids between monocytes and a myeloma cell line

Interspecific hybrid cell lines (HINS lines) between human monocytes and a mouse (H-2d) myeloma cell line, NS1, initially showed myeloma properties, but later expressed macrophage properties, while losing myeloma cell characteristics and undergoing a marked reduction in the number of chromosomes. The aged HINS cells showed mouse but not human phenotypes. Molecular genetic analysis demonstrated loss of BLUR8 genes, expression of mouse macrophage specific genes, and enhanced transcription of H-2d and mouse beta 2-microglobulin genes in the aged cells, confirming that the hybrids' macrophage properties were attributable to NS1 genes. Transcription of kappa light chain genes was not detectable in aged HINS cells, although the genes were retained. Since some rearrangements of the genes were suggested and cycloheximide treatment induced no transcription of the genes, cis mechanisms might be involved in the loss of expression of the genes.

Purification and characterization of a novel cytotoxic substance from cell-free extract of Streptococcus pyogenes

A cytotoxic substance designated as streptococcal cytotoxic protein (SCP) was isolated from a cell-free extract of the Su strain of Streptococcus pyogenes possessing cytotoxic and antitumor activity. SCP was purified with a series of column chromatography and preparative PAGE to give a homogeneous single band as revealed by PAGE analysis. The purified SCP has a molecular mass of 165 kDa, composed of four 43 kDa subunits, and its pI is 4.3. SCP was sensitive to proteinases and was labile to heat and at acidic or alkaline pH. SCP showed inhibitory effects on the [3H]thymidine, [3H]uridine and [3H]leucine uptakes and on the growth of cells, and released 51Cr from cells when the protein was added to the cultures of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), mouse mammary tumor (MM-2), leukemia (L-1210) and NIH-3T3 mammalian cells in vitro. SCP also showed an antitumor effect on EAC or MM-2 tumor-bearing mice but not on L-1210 tumor-bearing mice in vivo.

An autopsy case of human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy

This report describes the first autopsy case of human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy (HAM). The disease mainly affected the spinal cord, particularly the lateral and anterior columns, where loss of myelin and axon was observed. The changes were bilateral and occurred mainly along the tract. Perivascular and parenchymal infiltration with lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as astrocytosis, were observed in the white and grey matters of the spinal cord. Blood vessels in the spinal cord and in the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord showed hyalinoid thickening of media and adventitia associated with infiltration of lymphocytes. These findings are similar to those of tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP).

Studies on the Fc receptors and masking substances on mouse and rat myeloma cells

Mouse and rat myeloma cell lines showed little or no rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) coated with rabbit IgG (rabbit EA) but showed marked rosette formation after treatment with trypsin, pronase or neuraminidase. These cell lines showed no rosette formation with SRBC coated with mouse IgG (mouse EA): treatment with trypsin enabled the detection of rosettes among the mouse myeloma cell lines but not by the rat myeloma cells. The F(ab')2 fragment of the anti-Fc receptor II antibody blocked the formation of rosettes with rabbit EA by mouse myeloma cell lines after treatment with trypsin. Aggregated mouse IgG1 and IgG2b subclasses strongly inhibited the formation of rosettes with rabbit EA, whereas aggregated mouse IgG2a showed a marginal inhibitory effect. A large amount of mouse IgG2a, however, caused significant inhibition. Our results also revealed that aggregated mouse IgG could bind to the rat myeloma cell line. The Fc rosette forming abilities of the enzyme-treated mouse and rat myeloma cells became reduced after cultivation both in the presence and absence of FCS but not after cultivation in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that cell surface substances, which may be glycoprotein that incompletely mask Fc receptors, are produced by myeloma cells.

Late occurring recurrence of oral cancer after combined treatment with bleomycin and radiotherapy

Among 11 patients with oral cancer that disappeared after combined treatment with bleomycin and radiotherapy without surgery, one had an early recurrence and three had recurrences after 2 years or more. These late occurring recurrences were microcancers on mucous membranes that were thought to have been cured. Two of the three patients whose tumors recurred and another patient were found to have epithelial dysplasia at 1 year and 2 months, 4 years and 2 months, and 1 year and 3 months later, respectively. Among 59 patients who underwent surgery after the combined treatment, no viable cancer cells were found in the resected specimens of 20 patients, but moderate or severe epithelial dysplasia was noted in ten of the 20 patients. The present findings imply that patients in whom an apparent cure has been brought about by conservative treatment may harbor latent malignancy.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies on human epidermal growth factor

Single crystals of human epidermal growth factor have been prepared from a polyethylene glycol solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The crystals grow in a space group of P2(1) with unit cell dimensions of a = 32.7, b = 32.5, c = 22.3 A, and beta = 96.9 degrees. They contain a single molecule per asymmetric unit and show better diffraction than 2.5 A.

Enhancement of c-fos expression is associated with activated macrophages

Unique hybrids (HINS and CANS lines) between macrophages and a myeloma cell line, NS1 initially expressed myeloma functions but later expressed active macrophage functions together with constitutive expression of c-fos gene. Enhancement of c-fos transcription was also observed in activated mouse peritoneal macrophages, and a range of macrophage-stimulating substance was found to induce c-fos transcription kinetic unique to each stimulator including immediate, delayed and prolonged responses in aged HINS-B3 cells, which displayed low levels of steady-state c-fos transcription. It was also found that a significant enhancement of c-fos transcription followed restimulation with either interferon gamma (IFN gamma) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after an initial IFN gamma stimulation. Thus it appeared that enhanced c-fos expression was closely connected with macrophage activation. On the other hand, macrophage stimulators suppressed [3H]thymidine incorporation into aged HINS-B3 cells. These results may simply suggest that c-fos expression contributes to macrophase activation but not to cell proliferation. However, it is also possible to speculate that c-fos expression contributes to cell proliferation as a salvage system operating to overcome the suppression during the macrophage activation.

Mandibular ameloblastoma associated with salivary gland tumor

2 cases of mandibular ameloblastoma associated with salivary gland tumor are presented. Case no. 1, a 32-year-old male was diagnosed as mandibular ameloblastoma and acinic cell tumor of the submandibular gland, both of which were found on the left side. Case no. 2, a 62-year-old male was diagnosed as recurrent ameloblastoma of the mandible and adenolymphoma adjacent to a lower pole of the parotid gland.

Clinicopathologic study of cemento-osseous dysplasia producing cysts of the mandible. Report of four cases

Four cases of peculiar fibro-osseous lesions in the mandible are presented. All of the lesions were located in association with cysts, with or without connection to the cyst walls. According to radiographic as well as histologic studies, the central fibro-osseous lesions were similar to cemento-osseous dysplasia, while the cysts were similar to solitary bone cyst.

Cytotoxic and antitumor effect of a fraction from cell-free extract of group A Streptococcus on transplantable tumor cells

A fraction (60F) which had cytotoxic and antitumor activity could be obtained by precipitating cell-free extract (CFE) of group A streptococcus (Su strain) with a 50% to 60% saturation of ammonium sulfate. 60F exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into various types of transplantable tumor cells. The activity of 60F was reduced by proteases and heating at 45 degrees C, but not by glycosidases and nucleases. Furthermore, 60F showed antitumor activity, such as cure and prolongation of life, in animals bearing EAC, MM-2, and S-180 tumors. These results show that 60F is probably protein and essentially exerts cytotoxic action against every cell line of tumor tested in vitro, and that the antitumor activity of 60F in vivo depends on the transplantability of tumor cells.

Ultrastructural changes of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex in Alzheimer's disease

Several parts of the cerebral cortices in five brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease were examined by light and electron microscopes. The results obtained are as follows: The initial change of the cerebral cortex in the brain occurred in the small blood vessel and capillary. The endothelial cell of the blood vessel fell into a degenerated state with swelling of the vascular feet and astroglial cells. The change in a great number of nerve cells and their processes diffusely observed in the cortices were nonspecific and could be due to primary vascular degeneration. Severe dementia in Alzheimer's disease seemed to be well explained by the histopathological findings of diffusely destroyed nerve cells and their processes. From this, Alzheimer's disease can be speculated to be a disease caused by progressive capillary degeneration.

Overproduction and preliminary X-ray characterization of aspartate aminotransferase from Escherichia coli

The aspartate aminotransferase of Escherichia coli was overproduced in cells after genetic manipulation, and was crystallized from a polyethylene glycol solution, pH 7.0. The crystals obtained were of good quality and had diffractions extending beyond 2.4 A. The space group and unit cell dimensions were determined with a precession camera and a four-circle diffractometer to be C222(1), and a = 157.1 A, b = 85.5 A, and c = 79.7 A, respectively. Only one protein subunit is contained in an asymmetric unit.

Single crystals of hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F

The hydrogenase solubilized from the particulate fraction from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F (IAM 12604) has been crystallized. Although the solubilized hydrogenase purified by the previous method (Yagi, T., Kimura, K., Daidoji, H., Sakai, F., Tamura, S., and Inokuchi, H. (1976) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 79,661-671) revealed a single band upon disc electrophoresis, it could not be crystallized. The apparently homogeneous hydrogenase has been separated into three components of similar molecular weights by high performance liquid chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl. Each hydrogenase component was successfully crystallized by means of the vapor diffusion method with polyethylene glycol or 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol as a precipitating agent. Seeding procedure is necessary to grow an x-ray grade crystal. Preliminary x-ray experiments reveal that crystals grown from one component are in space group of P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 102.1(1), b = 126.8 (3), and c = 66.9(1) A. The unit cell volume of 8.66 X 10(5) A3 suggests that it contains one molecule/asymmetric unit (Vm = 2.43). The crystals grown from another component are in the same space group with a = 99.6(1), b = 126.8(3), c = 66.9(1) A, and the unit cell volume is 8.45 X 10(5) A3 (Vm = 2.37). The crystals diffract more than 2.5 A and are suitable for complete crystal analysis. Up to 4 A resolution native data have been collected on a diffractometer.

201Tl/67Ga uptake ratio in small cell carcinoma of the lung: with special reference to serum neuron-specific enolase and prognosis

201Tl/67Ga crude uptake ratio (CUR) was measured in 12 patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL); it was further compared with serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and the actual survival times. A significant inverse correlation was observed between CUR and serum NSE (r = 0.610; p less than 0.05); CUR also correlated with actual survival time (r = 0.605; p less than 0.05). Oat cell-type SCCL having a low CUR and highly raised serum NSE, showed a poorer prognosis than the other subtype which has a high CUR whose serum NSE was not raised as much as in oat cell-type SCCL. This preliminary study suggests that 201Tl/67Ga uptake ratio is a possible prognostic indicator of SCCL.

[Clinical evaluation of serum beta 2-microglobulin in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung]

The clinical usefulness of measuring serum beta 2-microglobulin (BMG) and squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen (SCC-Ag) was studied, and it was found that both were elevated in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. In squamous cell carcinoma, serum BMG was high in patients who were more than 65 years old, whereas it was not raised in those with other histological types or with benign respiratory diseases. This increase in BMG, however, was thought to correlate with the clinical stage rather than with aging. The rise of BMG was suggested, similar to the rise of SCC Ag, to be specific to squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Renal oncocytoma

Up to date only five cases of renal oncocytomas have been reported in Japan. We describe two cases of renal oncocytomas. Case 1: A 63-year-old woman, who had no urological symptoms, was pointed out of a cystic mass in the left kidney by chance. A resected kidney had a cystic tumor, which was well encapsulated and measured 6 X 7 X 8 cm. The tumor was unilocular and thick-walled cyst filled with bloody fluid. Histologically, the tumor was composed of oncocytes with eosinophilic granular cytoplasms that were packed with mitochondria. Case 2: A 70-year-old women died of malignant lymphoma and an autopsy was performed. The tumor was found in the right kidney by chance and measured 1 cm in diameter. The cut-surface of the tumor was uniform and tan-brown in color. Histologically, the tumor was composed of cells same as Case 1. We discuss the incidence of this tumor and the morphological characteristics of our cases.

Cytotoxic and antitumor activity of a soluble fraction of Streptococcus pyogenes against S180 sarcoma cells

A fraction (60F) having cytotoxic and antitumor activities was obtained from cell-free extract of group A Streptococcus pyogenes by precipitating with 50% to 60% saturated ammonium sulfate. 60F showed cytotoxic activity inhibiting the uptake of 3H-thymidine by S180 sarcoma cells and enhancing 51Cr-release from 51Cr-labeled cells. 60F showed also antitumor activity, depressing tumor growth and prolonging lives of mice bearing S180 sarcoma cells.

[Sigmoid septum causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: a case report]

A 67-year-old man with a sigmoid septum causing the left ventricular outflow obstruction by inotropic stimulation was reported. This patient was admitted to the Hospital of the University of Tsukuba because of chest pain. Phonocardiography revealed a systolic ejection murmur which was intensified by amyl nitrite inhalation. A carotid pulse tracing showed a mid-systolic dip and a secondary slow wave during amyl nitrite inhalation. M-mode echocardiography demonstrated neither systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) nor mid-systolic closure of the aortic valve at rest. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a basal interventricular septum markedly protruding into the left ventricle (sigmoid septum). The remainder of the septum and the left ventricular free wall were not hypertrophied, and no enlargement of the left ventricular cavity was observed. During exercise tests, blood pressure dropped significantly. Cardiac catheterization showed a pressure gradient within the left ventricle with isoproterenol infusion and post-extrasystolic potentiation. These findings suggest that left ventricular outflow tract obstruction could occur in a patient with sigmoid septum by inotropic stimulation, producing a fall of blood pressure during exercise.

[Effect of low density lipoprotein on intracellular cholesterol and progesterone production by monolayer cultured human luteal cells]

The purpose of the present study was to define the effect of low density lipoprotein (LDL) on progesterone (P) synthesis and on intracellular cholesterol content using monolayer cultured human luteal cells. When cultured in TC199 containing 10% lipoprotein poor serum (LPPS), P production decreased as culture time passed. In the presence of hCG, it also decreased, but slowly. In the presence of LDL, P production was kept at a higher level. Intracellular cholesterol content in luteal cells was measured by gas chromatography. The cholesterol content of luteal cells in a 4 day LPPS culture was higher than that in a 10 day LPPS culture. The cholesterol content in a 10 day LPPS culture with LDL was higher than that in a 10 day LPPS culture. The cholesterol content in a 10 day LPPS culture with hCG had a tendency to be lower than that in a 10 day LPPS culture, but there was no statistical difference (p less than 0.1). It was concluded that LDL was utilized in supplying intracellular cholesterol to luteal cells as a substrate for P synthesis. And in a state of LDL depletion in the medium, the luteal cells produced a small amount of P utilizing intracellular cholesterol. It was estimated from the results of the present study that hCG enhanced utilization of intracellular cholesterol.

Crystallographic study of cytochrome c553 from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki

Cytochrome c553 from the sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki, has been crystallized. The combination of microdialysis and vapor diffusion allowed successful crystallization. The crystals were of good quality, and useful data were obtained that extended to the nominal resolution of 1.3 A. The space group is P4(3)2(1)2 with cell dimensions of a = b = 42.7 A, c = 103.4 A. More than twenty heavy-atom reagents were screened with the isomorphous replacement technique, and only the mersalyl derivative could be used for the phase determination. The single isomorphous replacement method combined with the anomalous scattering effect of the Hg-atom in mersalyl and the Fe-atom of the heme group was used for the phase determination.

[An evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), beta 2-microglobulin (BMG), and immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) in the serum of primary lung cancer patients]

The correlation between histological type and serum CEA, BMG, and IAP was studied in 98 patients with primary lung cancer. In particular, the results showed that the positive ratio in squamous cell carcinoma was increased by measuring serum BMG or IAP simultaneously with serum CEA more than by measuring serum CEA alone. Also, when these values were compared with histological type, adenocarcinoma showed an elevation of the serum CEA level, whereas squamous cell carcinoma showed an elevation of the serum BMG or IAP level. It was suggested that serum CEA, BMG and IAP levels were closely correlated with the histological type in primary lung cancer.

Relation between 201Tl to 67Ga uptake ratio and histological type in primary lung cancer

Quantitative 201Tl and 67Ga scans were performed on 44 patients with primary lung cancer to ascertain the differences in 201Tl and 67Ga uptake by tumors; especially the crude uptake ratio (CUR) of 201Tl to 67Ga was evaluated in relation to histological type. Adenocarcinomas showed a CUR of 2.00 +/- 1.55, the greatest value among all histological types. Epidermoid carcinomas and oat cell carcinomas had CURs of 0.47 +/- 0.30 and 0.37 +/- 0.05, respectively, both showing significantly lower values than adenocarcinomas (P less than 0.01). On the other hand, adenosquamous carcinomas indicated a CUR of 0.91 +/- 0.15, an intermediate value between adenocarcinomas and epidermoid carcinomas (P less than 0.05). These results indicated that 201Tl and 67Ga uptake by lung cancer was closely correlated with histological type, and also suggested that 201Tl and 67Ga scans enabled various histogeneses of lung cancer to be visualized.

[Experience in local hyperthermia with using ThermaTech 2000--second report]

In the use of hyperthermia treatment, it is apparent from the work of other investigators that only a proportion of large clinical neoplastic tumors of substantial size and deep location can be heated to adequate temperatures (over 42 degrees c). It is therefore of major significance that we have tested the concept that OK-432 can be used as an immunoheat potentiator. A ThermaTech 2000 was used as the radio-frequency generator at 13.56 MHz, including an ancillary computer in the thermometry unit. Minor response in advanced and metastatic tumors was observed in 3 of 3 evaluable patients using OK-432. With other anticancer drugs, no change was observed in 11 of 16 patients, and progressive disease in 5 of 16. However, OK-432 has severe side effects including chills & fever, therefore improved immunoheat potentiators are desirable.

[Experience in local hyperthermia with using Therma Tech 2000. First report]

Studies of the effects of hyperthermia on neoplastic tumors have been developed on the basis of biology. At the some time, machines for the clinical application of hyperthermia have been slowly improved. The Therma Tech 2,000, however, unlike most other pieces of hyperthermia equipment, generates RF energy at 13.56MHz. In the present study, rabbits bearing VX2 tumors were given hyperthermia treatment and measurements of their temperatures were taken.

Influence of arterial occlusion on hematocrit and plasma protein concentration of femoral venous blood in rabbit

The changes of venous outflow (Qv), hematocrit (Hct), total plasma protein (Tp), electrolytes, crystalloid osmolality, PO2, PCO2, and pH were simultaneously measured in hindlimb preparation of anesthetized rabbits during 5 min occlusion of the femoral artery and the abdominal aorta and during the reactive hyperemia. During the occlusion of the femoral artery, Qv decreased to 66.4% at the end of the occlusion. Hct and Tp decreased slightly and then tended to progressively increase. PO2 showed an increasing trend following an initial decrease. During the occlusion of the aorta, Qv showed a continuous drop to 38.0%, while Hct and Tp declined to 95.4 and 93.8%, respectively. Qv, Hct, and Tp showed increase after the release of the occlusion of the femoral artery and the aorta. Crystalloid osmolality and K+ were observed to rise slightly. From these results it was suggested (1) that the increase of Hct and Tp which represents the hemoconcentration occurred during the reactive hyperemia and during the occlusion of the femoral artery, while the hemodilution occurred during the aortic occlusion, and (2) that the gradual increase of Hct and Tp during the occlusion of the femoral artery would be caused by the collateral blood flow.

Multiple facial hemangiomas and iron-deficiency anemia: blue rubber-bleb nevus syndrome

A 21-year-old female complained of bluish soft tumors on her face. Her past history of anemia led us to investigate a possibility of "Blue Rubber-Bleb Nevus syndrome." Subsequent examinations revealed a severe iron-deficiency anemia and gastrointestinal tract hemangiomas. The facial hemangiomas were removed after controlling anemia. It is important to examine the gastrointestinal tract when multiple cutaneous hemangiomas are associated with anemia.

Serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma associated with alpha-fetoprotein production

A 74-year-old woman with a right ovarian tumor had a high level of the serum tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). After combination chemotherapy, the serum AFP level decreased significantly. Histopathologic study of surgically excised tumor tissue revealed a serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma. By the indirect immunoperoxidase technique, the AFP was stained in the cytoplasm of the differentiated tumor cells, showing papillary or tubular structures. Serial sections showed that the cells containing PAS-positive substances did not correspond to those producing AFP.