Soymilk-fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii TUA4408L improves immune-health in pigs

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii TUA4408L has the ability to grow and ferment soymilk and is able to modulate the innate immune response of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. These two properties prompt us to evaluate whether the soymilk fermented with the TUA4408L strain can induce beneficial immunomodulatory effects in vivo. For this purpose, pigs were selected as a preclinical model. The studies performed here demonstrated that the L. delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii TUA4408L-fermented soymilk (TUA4408L FSM) reduced blood markers of inflammation and differentially regulated the expression of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosa. These immunological changes induced by the TUA4408L FSM were associated to an enhanced resistance to pathogenic Escherichia coli and an improved grow performance and meat quality of pigs. The experiments and analysis in our study indicate that the immunobiotic TUA4408L FSM could be an interesting non-dairy functional food to beneficially modulate the intestinal immune system, improve protection against pathogens and reduce inflammatory damage. The preclinical study carried out here in pigs could have a better correlation in humans, compared to a rodent model. However, the clinical relevance of these findings still needs to be confirmed by further research, for example, in controlled human challenge studies.

Modulation of Toll-like receptor-mediated innate immunity in bovine intestinal epithelial cells by lactic acid bacteria isolated from feedlot cattle

The ability of lactobacilli isolated from feedlot cattle environment to differentially modulate the innate immune response triggered by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activation in bovine intestinal epithelial (BIE) cells was evaluated. BIE cells were stimulated with Lactobacillus mucosae CRL2069, Lactobacillus acidophilus CRL2074, Lactobacillus fermentum CRL2085 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL2084 and challenged with heat-stable pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) to induce the activation of TLR4 or with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) to activate TLR3. Type I interferons, cytokines, chemokines and negative regulators of TLR signalling were studied by RT-PCR. L. mucosae CRL2069 significantly reduced the expression of interleukin (IL)-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in BIE cells in the context of TLR3 activation. L. mucosae CRL2069 also reduced the expression of tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-β, MCP-1, and IL-8 in heat-stable ETEC PAMPs-challenged BIE cells. In addition, reduced expressions of IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-8 were found in BIE cells stimulated with L. rhamnosus CRL2084, although its effect was significantly lower than that observed for the CRL2069 strain. The reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors in BIE cells induced by the CRL2069 and CRL2085 strains was related to their ability of increasing the expression of TLR negative regulators. L. mucosae CRL2069 significantly improved the expression of A20-binding inhibitor of NFκ-B activation 3 (ABIN-3), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MKP-1) while L. rhamnosus CRL2084 augmented ABIN-3 expression in BIE cells. The results of this work suggest that among the studied strains, L. mucosae CRL2069 was able to regulate TLR3-mediated innate immune response and showed a remarkable capacity to modulate TLR4-mediated inflammation in BIE cells. The CRL2069 strain induce the up-regulation of three TLR negative regulators that would influence nuclear factor kB and mitogen-activated protein kinases signalling pathways while reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, L. mucosae CRL2069 is an interesting immunobiotic candidate for the protection of the bovine host against TLR-mediated intestinal inflammatory damage.

Deciphering the influence of paraimmunobiotic bifidobacteria on the innate antiviral immune response of bovine intestinal epitheliocytes by transcriptomic analysis

Previously, we reported that the non-viable immunomodulatory Bifidobacterium infantis MCC12 and Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 strains (paraimmunobiotic bifidobacteria) were able to increase the protection against rotavirus infection in bovine intestinal epithelial (BIE) cells. In order to gain insight into the influence of paraimmunobiotic bifidobacteria on the innate antiviral immune response of BIE cells, their effect on the transcriptomic response triggered by Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) activation was investigated. By using microarray technology and qPCR analysis, we obtained a global overview of the immune genes involved in the innate antiviral immune response in BIE cells. Activation of TLR3 by poly(I:C) in BIE cells significantly increased the expression of interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β, several interferon-stimulated genes, cytokines, and chemokines. It was also observed that both paraimmunobiotic bifidobacteria differently modulated immune genes expression in poly(I:C)-challenged BIE cells. Most notable changes were found in genes involved in antiviral defence (IFN-β, MX1, OAS1X, MDA5, TLR3, STAT2, STAT3), cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6), and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL2, CXCL6) that were significantly increased in bifidobacteria-treated BIE cells. B. infantis MCC12 and B. breve MCC1274 showed quantitative and qualitative differences in their capacities to modulate the innate antiviral immune response in BIE cells. B. breve MCC1274 was more efficient than the MCC12 strain to improve the production of type I IFNs and antiviral factors, an effect that could be related to its higher ability to protect against rotavirus replication in BIE cells. Interestingly, B. infantis MCC12 showed a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect. The MCC12 strain was more efficient to reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-16, IL-20, CX3CL1) when compared with B. breve MCC1274. These results provided valuable information for the deeper understanding of the antiviral immune response of intestinal epithelial cells as well as the host-paraimmunobiotic interaction in the bovine host.

Development of immune and microbial environments is independently regulated in the mammary gland

Breastfeeding is important for mammals, providing immunological and microbiological advantages to neonates, together with the nutritional supply from the mother. However, the mechanisms of this functional diversity in the mammary gland remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that, similar to the gastrointestinal tract, the mammary gland develops immune and microbial environments consisting of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and the microflora, respectively, both of which are important for protecting neonates and the mother from infectious diseases. The IgA production and microflora development are coordinated in the gastrointestinal tract but seem to be independently regulated in the mammary gland. In particular, the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 and poly-Ig receptor, crucial molecules for the IgA production in milk, were expressed normally in germ-free lactating mice but were almost undetectable in postweaning mothers, regardless of the microflora presence. Our findings offer insights into potentially improving the quality of breastfeeding, using both immunological and microbiological approaches.

Development of an in vitro immunobiotic evaluation system against rotavirus infection in bovine intestinal epitheliocytes

The bovine intestinal epithelial cell line (BIE cells) expresses the Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and is able to mount an antiviral immune response after the stimulation with poly(I:C). In the present study, we aimed to further characterise the antiviral defence mechanisms in BIE cells by evaluating the innate immune response triggered by rotavirus (RV) infection. In addition, we attempted to determine whether immunobiotic bifidobacteria are able to confer protection of BIE cells against RV infection by beneficially modulating the antiviral immune response. RV OSU (porcine) and UK (bovine) effectively infected BIE cells, while a significant lower capacity to infect BIE cells was observed for human (Wa) and murine (EW) RV. We observed that viral infection in BIE cells triggered TLR3/RIG-I-mediated immune responses with activation of IRF3 and TRAF3, induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) and up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Our results also demonstrated that preventive treatments with Bifidobacterium infantis MCC12 or Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 significantly reduced RV titres in infected BIE cells and differentially modulated the innate immune response. Of note, both strains significantly improved the production of the antiviral factor IFN-β in RV-infected BIE cells. In conclusion, this work provides comprehensive information on the antiviral immune response of BIE cells against RV, that can be further studied for the development of strategies aimed to improve antiviral defences in bovine intestinal epithelial cells. Our results also demonstrate that BIE cells could be used as a newly immunobiotic evaluation system against RV infection for application in the bovine host.

Modulation of porcine intestinal epitheliocytes immunetranscriptome response by Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937

In order to evaluate probiotic strains applicable for the beneficial immunomodulation of the porcine gut (immunobiotics), we previously developed a porcine intestinal epitheliocyte cell line (PIE cells). Here, transcriptomic studies using PIE cells were performed considering that this information would be valuable for understanding the mechanisms involved in the protective activity of the immunobiotic strain Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937 against intestinal inflammatory damage in pigs. In addition, those studies would provide criteria for selecting biomarkers for the screening of new immunobiotic strains. We performed microarray analysis to investigate the transcriptomic response of PIE cells to the challenge with heat-stable enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and, the changes induced by L. jensenii TL2937 in that response. The approach allowed us to obtain a global overview of the immune genes involved in the response of PIE cells to heat-stable ETEC PAMPs. We observed that L. jensenii TL2937 differently modulated gene expression in ETEC PAMPs-challenged PIE cells. Microarray and RT-PCR analysis indicated that the most remarkable changes in PIE cells transcriptomic profile after heat-stable ETEC PAMPs challenge were observed in chemokines, adhesion molecules, complement and coagulation cascades factors. In addition, an anti-inflammatory effect triggered by TL2937 strain in PIE cells was clearly demonstrated. The decrease in the expression of chemokines (CCL8, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11), complement (C1R, C1S, C3, and CFB), and coagulation factors (F3) by L. jensenii TL2937 supports our previous reports on the immunoregulatory effect of this strain. These results provided clues for the better understanding of the mechanism underlying host-immunobiotic interaction in the porcine host. The comprehensive transcriptomic profiles of PIE cells provided by our analyses successfully identified a group of genes, which could be used as prospective biomarkers for the screening and evaluation of new anti-inflammatory immunobiotics for the prevention of inflammatory intestinal disorders in pigs.

Transportation of sublingual antigens across sublingual ductal epithelial cells to the ductal antigen-presenting cells in mice

BACKGROUND

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has proven to be safe and efficient for the treatment of type I allergies. However, the mechanisms underlying allergen transportation within the sublingual compartment, the localization of antigens, and the identities of the cells responsible for this immunization remain incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we focused on the sublingual ductal system and analysed the localization and transportation of antigens after their sublingual application.

METHODS

In mice given adjuvant-free antigens sublingually, tissues were removed at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 h after the application and subjected to immunohistochemistry. Cells isolated from the sublingual duct and mucosa were analysed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Substantial immunoreactivity to ovalbumin (OVA) was evident in sublingual ductal epithelial cells at 30 min and 1 h after sublingual administration of OVA, but it had disappeared at 2 h. The ductal epithelial cells incorporated not only OVA, but also particulate antigens such as latex or silica beads and microbes. MHC class II (MHCII)(+) antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were located around the sublingual ductal system, and MHCII(+) cells were co-localized with, and around, antigen-incorporated sublingual duct cells. CD11b(+) CD11c(-) cells were present among CD45(+) MHCII(+) cells at greater frequency in the sublingual duct than in the sublingual mucosa, and they were the main contributors to the incorporation of OVA in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study reveals that sublingual antigens can be transported across sublingual ductal epithelial cells to the ductal APCs. If the system is the same in humans as in mice, the ductal APCs may prove to be important target cells for SLIT.

The regulation of oxytocin receptor gene expression during adipogenesis

Although it has been reported that oxytocin stimulates lipolysis in adipocytes, changes in the expression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) mRNA in adipogenesis are still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of OTR mRNA during adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation in adipocytes. OTR mRNA was highly expressed in adipocytes prepared from mouse adipose tissues compared to stromal-vascular cells. OTR mRNA expression was increased during the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. OTR expression levels were higher in subcutaneous and epididymal adipose tissues of 14-week-old male mice compared to 7-week-old male mice. Levels of OTR mRNA expression were higher in adipose tissues at four different sites of mice fed a high-fat diet than in those of mice fed a normal diet. The OTR expression level was also increased by refeeding for 4 h after fasting for 16 h. Oxytocin significantly induced lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, a new regulatory mechanism is demonstrated for oxytocin to control the differentiation and fat accumulation in adipocytes via activation of OTR as a part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adipose axis.

Myostatin alters glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) expression in bovine skeletal muscles and myoblasts isolated from double-muscled (DM) and normal-muscled (NM) Japanese shorthorn cattle

The purpose of this study was to determine whether myostatin alters glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) expression in bovine skeletal muscles and myoblasts isolated from double-muscled (DM) and normal-muscled (NM) Japanese Shorthorn cattle. Plasma concentrations of glucose were lower in DM cattle than in NM cattle (P < 0.01). The expression of GLUT4 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the skeletal muscle ex vivo and in myoblasts at 72 h after differentiation in vitro was higher in DM cattle than in NM cattle (P < 0.01). In contrast, the NM and DM cattle did not differ with respect to skeletal muscle expression of GLUT1 and myocyte enhancer factor-2c (MEF2c), a transcription factor of GLUT4. In differentiated myoblasts, the expression of GLUT1, GLUT4, and MEF2c mRNAs was greater in DM cattle than in NM cattle (P < 0.01). In the presence and absence of insulin, glucose uptake in myoblasts was increased in DM cattle relative to that of NM cattle (P < 0.01). The addition of myostatin decreased the expression of GLUT4 and MEF2c mRNAs in DM myoblasts (P < 0.05). Results of the present study suggest that myostatin inhibits the expression of GLUT4 mRNA possibly via MEF2c and that the greater ability of the DM cattle to produce muscle relative to the NM cattle may be due to their greater sensitivity to insulin and greater use of glucose.

Increased plasma ghrelin suppresses insulin release in wethers fed with a high-protein diet

Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide that promotes an increase of food intake and stimulates GH secretion. Ghrelin secretion is regulated by nutritional status and nutrients. Although a high-protein (HP) diet increases plasma ghrelin secretion in mammals, the mechanisms and the roles of the elevated ghrelin concentrations due to a HP diet have not been fully established. To clarify the roles of elevated acylated ghrelin upon intake of a HP diet, we investigated the regulation of ghrelin concentrations in plasma and tissues in wethers fed with either the HP diet or the control (CNT) diet for 14 days, and examined the action of the elevated plasma ghrelin by using a ghrelin-receptor antagonist. The HP diet gradually increased the plasma acylated-ghrelin concentrations, but the CNT diet did not. Although the GH concentrations did not vary significantly across the groups, an injection of ghrelin-receptor antagonist enhanced insulin levels in circulation in the HP diet group. In the fundus region of the stomach, the ghrelin levels did not differ between the HP and CNT diet groups, whereas ghrelin O-acyltransferase mRNA levels were higher in the group fed with HP diet than those of the CNT diet group were. These results indicate that the HP diet elevated the plasma ghrelin levels by increasing its synthesis; this elevation strongly suppresses the appearance of insulin in the circulation of wethers, but it is not involved in GH secretion. Overall, our findings indicate a role of endogenous ghrelin action in secretion of insulin, which acts as a regulator after the consumption of a HP diet.

Proliferating bovine intramuscular preadipocyte cells synthesize leptin

Leptin is thought to be not only a satiety factor but also a stimulator of angiogenesis. We examined leptin, PPARγ2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in bovine intramuscular preadipocyte (BIP) cells during proliferation. The cells were seeded at 0.85 × 10(4) cells/cm(2) and collected every day until the fifth day after passage. Leptin mRNA was present in the cells between days 2 and 4, as indicated by RT-PCR analysis. Western blot analysis showed a band for leptin at approximately 16 kDa on all of the days during growth, and the cytoplasmic concentration of leptin was highest on day 2 and decreased gradually thereafter. A PPARγ2 band at approximately 54 kDa was also observed on all days. The concentration was highest on day 2 and decreased thereafter, which is similar to the expression pattern of leptin. In constant, the expression level of VEGF protein did not change while in culture. We have demonstrated that BIP cells can synthesize both leptin and PPARγ2, with maximal synthesis occurring during maximal proliferation. Given the role of leptin in angiogenesis, we speculate that leptin is involved in the neovascularization of adipose tissue, because new organization of adipose tissue requires the growth of new blood vessels.

Significant background rates of HBV and HCV infections in patients and risks of blood transfusion from donors with low anti-HBc titres or high anti-HBc titres with high anti-HBs titres in Japan: a prospective, individual NAT study of transfusion-transmitted HBV, HCV and HIV infections

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) conducted a prospective study to evaluate the frequency of transfusion-transmitted HBV, HCV and HIV infections to assess the risk of transfusion of blood components routinely supplied to hospitals.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Post-transfusion specimens from patients at eight medical institutes were examined for evidence of infection with HBV (2139 cases), HCV (2091) and HIV (2040) using individual nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT). If these specimens were reactive, pre-transfusion specimens were also examined for the virus concerned by individual NAT. In the event that the pre-transfusion specimen was non-reactive, then all repository specimens from implicated donors were tested for the viruses by individual donation NAT. In addition, a further study was carried out to evaluate the risk of transfusion of components from donors with low anti-HBc titres or high anti-HBc with high anti-HBs titres.

RESULTS

Transfusion-transmitted HCV and HIV infections were not observed. One case of post-transfusion HBV infection was identified (rate, 0·0004675; 95% CI for the risk of transmission, 1 in 451-41,841). The background rates of HBV, HCV and HIV infections in patients prior to transfusion were 3·4% (72/2139), 7·2% (150/2091) and 0% (0/2040), respectively. Sixty-four anti-HBc- and/or anti-HBs-reactive blood components were transfused to 52 patients non-reactive for anti-HBc or anti-HBs before and after transfusion (rate, 0; 95% CI for the risk of transmission, <1 in 22).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the current criteria employed by JRC have a low risk, but the background rates of HBV and HCV infections in Japanese patients are significant.

Differentially expressed genes during bovine intramuscular adipocyte differentiation profiled by serial analysis of gene expression

Beef marbling or intramuscular fat deposition is an economically important carcass trait in Japanese Black cattle. To investigate genes involved in intramuscular adipogenesis, differential gene expression during adipogenesis in a clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte (BIP) cell line was profiled with serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). We sequenced 75 283 tags for the proliferation phase (day 0) and 81 878 tags for the differentiation phase (4 days after adipogenic stimulation: day 4). A comparison of the unique SAGE tag frequencies between the day 0- and day 4-libraries revealed that 878 (2.8%) of the 30 989 unique putative transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels (P < 0.05); 401 tags (1.4%) were up-regulated and 477 tags (1.2%) were down-regulated in the day 4-library relative to the day 0-library. We confirmed up-regulation of 10 tags of the genes that were up-regulated in the previous subtraction cloning studies in BIP cells [Animal Science Journal, 76 (2005) 479]. Of the 878 differentially expressed tags, 377 were identified in the bovine RefSeq library and 356 were assigned a bovine draft genomic sequence. Fifteen tags were mapped in previously detected beef marbling quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions [Mammalian Genome, 18 (2007) 125]. These genes may be involved in the adipogenic processes of beef marbling.

Bovine anterior pituitary progenitor cell line expresses interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-18 receptor

In the anterior pituitary gland, inflammatory mediators regulate cell function through an immuno-endocrine pathway. Recent studies have shown that undifferentiated stem cells act as immunomodulators. These studies prompted us to establish a progenitor cell line from the bovine anterior pituitary gland and to detail its function. First, we localised interleukin (IL)-18 by immunohistochemistry to the marginal cell layer of Rathke's pouch that is assumed to embody a stem/progenitor cell compartment of the postnatal pituitary gland. A cloned anterior pituitary-derived cell line from the bovine anterior pituitary gland was established from single cell clone by the limiting dilution method and was designated as bovine anterior pituitary-derived cell line (BAPC)-1. BAPC-1 cells constantly expressed mRNAs for IL-18 and IL-18 receptor, and grew steadily and rapidly in the medium containing epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. The cell line also expressed the mRNAs for the stem/progenitor cell- related factors such as Nanog, Oct-4, Ptch1, Nestin, Notch1, Hes1, Lrp and Fzd4, and the mRNAs for embryonic pituitary-related factors, such as Lhx3, PitX1 and Pit-1. The nuclei of BAPC-1 were immunostained positively for Pit-1, Hes1 and beta-catenin antibodies. Furthermore, BAPC-1 cells expressed mRNAs for cytokine such as IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12 and IL-15. Stimulation of BAPC-1 cells with IL-18 increased expression of mRNAs for IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta and IL-8. At day 6 in culture, BAPC-1 cells also express growth hormone mRNA. These results strongly suggest that BAPC-1 is a stem/progenitor cell line and modulates the immuno-endocrine function of the anterior pituitary cells through its cytokine production.

IGF-I-induced apoptosis in LM2d6 cultured at a low concentration of fetal bovine serum

We examined the effects of IGF-I (1-1000 ng/ml) on cell proliferation in LM2d6 mouse fibroblast cells at 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0% fetal bovine serum (FBS). In medium containing 0.1% FBS, treatment of LM2d6 cells with IGF-I significantly reduced the cell number in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas no effects were seen at 1 or 5% FBS. Treatment of the cells with 0.1% FBS for 72 h caused DNA laddering and nuclear condensation. However, Scatchard analysis for IGF-I binding sites on the cells revealed that both the number and the affinity of IGF-I receptors were not greater than that of Balb/3T3 cells. Furthermore, the apoptotic action of Long (R(3))-IGF-I, an analogue of IGF-I that has a reduced affinity for IGF binding proteins, was not greater than that of IGF-I. Taken together, we conclude that IGF-I reduces cell proliferation at low levels of FBS due to the induction of apoptosis. This effect is probably not caused by an excess production of IGF binding proteins in LM2d6 cells.

Syntheses and physical properties of quasi-one-dimensional halogen-bridged Cu(II)(-)Pt(IV) mixed-metal complexes [Cu(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4)

Quasi-one-dimensional halogen-bridged Cu(II)-Pt(IV) mixed-metal complexes of the form [Cu(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4), where chxn = 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane and X is either Cl or Br, have been synthesized. The crystal structures of these compounds have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cl-bridged compound crystallizes in the space group I222 with dimensions a = 24.237(1) A, b = 5.103(1) A, c = 6.854(1) A, and V = 847.7(1) A(3) and with Z = 1. The Br-bridged complex crystallizes in the space group I222 with dimensions a = 23.700(8) A, b = 5.344(5) A, c = 6.978(8) A, and V = 883.8(8) A(3) and with Z = 1. These structures are isomorphic to each other and to homometal [Pt(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) complexes. In these complexes, the planar [Cu(chxn)(2)] and the octahedral [PtX(2)(chxn)(2)] groups are stacked alternatively with the axial bridging halogen ions, forming linear chain structures. The neighboring [Cu(chxn)(2)] and [PtX(2)(chxn)(2)] moieties along the chains are linked by hydrogen bonds between amino hydrogens and the counteranions (X). Moreover, there are hydrogen bonds among the neighboring chains that form a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network parallel to the bc plane. Therefore, the Cu(II) and Pt(IV) units are two-dimensionally ordered. The b axes correspond to the Cu(II)-Pt(IV) separations, which are shorter than those of [Pt(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) due to the smaller ionic radius of the Cu(II) ions. In the XP spectra, the Pt(IV) 4f(7/2) and Pt(IV) 4f(5/2) binding energies in homometal [Pt(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) are lower than those of [Cu(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) (X = Cl and Br), indicating that the electron-phonon interaction in Cu(II)-Pt(IV) compounds is stronger than that in Pt(II)-Pt(IV) compounds. In the Raman spectra, nu(Pt(IV)(-)X) of the homometal Pt(II)-Pt(IV) complexes is lower than that of the Cu(II)-Pt(IV) complexes, indicating again that the electron-phonon interaction in Cu(II)-Pt(IV) compounds is stronger than that of Pt(II)-Pt(IV) compounds. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities of the Cu(II)-Pt(IV) complexes show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu(II) components along the chain axes.

Establishment of a high throughput EST sequencing system using poly(A) tail-removed cDNA libraries and determination of 36,000 bovine ESTs

We determined 36,310 bovine expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences using 10 different cDNA libraries. For massive EST sequencing, we devised a new system with two major features. First, we constructed cDNA libraries in which the poly(A) tails were removed using nested deletion at the 3'-ends. This permitted high quality reading of sequences from the 3'-end of the cDNA, which is otherwise difficult to do. Second, we increased throughput by sequencing directly on templates generated by colony PCR. Using this system, we determined 600 cDNA sequences per day. The read-out length was >450 bases in >90% of the sequences. Furthermore, we established a data management system for analyses, storage and manipulation of the sequence data. Finally, 16,358 non-redundant ESTs were derived from approximately 6900 independent genes. These data will facilitate construction of a precise comparative map across mammalian species and isolate the functional genes that govern economic traits. This system is applicable to other organisms, including livestock, for which EST data are limited.

Estimation of rhG-CSF absorption kinetics after subcutaneous administration using a modified Wagner-Nelson method with a nonlinear elimination model

The clearance of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) is known to decrease with dose increase, and to be saturable. The average clearance after intravenous administration will be lower than that after subcutaneous administration. Therefore, the apparent absolute bioavailability with subcutaneous administration calculated from the AUC ratio is expected to be an underestimate. The absorption pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous administration was examined using the results of the bioequivalency study between two rhG-CSF formulations with a dose of 2 microg/kg. The analysis was performed using a modified Wagner-Nelson method with the nonlinear elimination model. The apparent absolute bioavailability for subcutaneous administration was 56.9 and 67.5% for each formulation, and the ratio between them was approximately 120%. The true absolute bioavailability was, however, estimated to be 89.8 and 96.9%, respectively, and the ratio was approximately 108%. The absorption pattern was applied to other doses, and the predicted clearance values for subcutaneous and intravenous administrations were then similar to the values for several doses reported in the literature. The underestimation of bioavailability was around 30%, and the amplification of difference was 2.5 times, from 8 to 20%, because of the nonlinear pharmacokinetics. The neutrophil increases for each formulation were identical, despite the different bioavailabilities. The reason for this is probably that the amount eliminated through the saturable process, which might indicate the amount consumed by the G-CSF receptor, was identical for each formulation.

Clinical evaluation of transfusion of prestorage-leukoreduced apheresis platelets

With increased use of platelet concentrate (PC) in recent years, adverse reactions to PC transfusion have received much clinical attention. Most of these reactions stem from white blood cells (WBC) contaminating the transfused PC. Several are thought to be preventable by removing WBC before PC storage.

METHODS

We routinely filtered apheresis PC either during collection or immediately afterwards and monitored various indicators of platelet quality during storage. After transfusion to patients, transfusion efficacy and the type, severity, and frequency of posttransfusion side effects were compared with those of a control group in which PC was filtered at the bedside.

RESULTS

Prestorage-filtered PC contained an average of 3.1+/-0.7 x 10(11) platelets and 0.9+/-1.2 x 10(6) contaminating leukocytes. Measurement of platelet function and metabolic indicators revealed normal values throughout the storage period. CD62 measurement revealed no undue platelet activation after filtration or during the storage period. Cytokine, histamine, bradykinin, and complement levels showed no significant increase after filtration or during storage. Transfusion efficacy and overall side effect incidence rates were similar for the prestorage- and bedside-filtered groups, but reactions of the bedside-filtered group included serious reactions such as breathing difficulties and shock. No serious reactions were noted in the prestorage-filtered group.

CONCLUSION

Filtering PC before storage has no adverse effect on PC quality and may reduce the severity of post transfusion side effects.

Type XVIII collagen is newly transcribed during bovine adipogenesis

To isolate candidate genes concerned with bovine adipocyte differentiation, we have constructed a subtraction cDNA library from a clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte (BIP) cell line. We have isolated a set of cDNA clones whose respective mRNA levels are upregulated during the differentiation of BIP cells. The sequence of one subtracted cDNA fragment was highly homologous to that of mouse type XVIII collagen. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that collagen XVIII gene expression increased during adipocyte differentiation. The collagen XVIII gene was also highly expressed in fat tissue. Although its function is unclear, these expression patterns indicate that type XVIII collagen may be associated with adipocyte differentiation in cattle.

Self-organization of orientation maps in a formal neuron model using a cluster learning rule

Self-organization of orientation maps due to external stimuli in the primary visual area of the cerebral cortex is studied in a two-layered neural network which consists of formal neuron models with a sigmoidal output function. A cluster learning rule is proposed as an extended Hebbian learning rule, where a modification of synaptic connections is influenced by an activation of neighboring output neurons. By making use of self-consistent Monte Carlo method, we evaluate output responses of neurons against explicit inputs after the learning. An orientation map calculated from the output responses reproduces characteristic features of biological ones. Moreover quantitative analysis of our results are consistent with those of experimental results. It is shown that the cluster learning rule plays an important role in forming smooth changes of preferred orientations.

Effect of alpha 1-acidic glycoprotein in the ascitic fluid of cancer patients on human NK cells: selective suppression of interferon-induced NK activation

The in vitro effect of C-AGP (pure alpha1-acid glycoprotein from the ascitic fluid of cancer patients) on NK cell cytotoxicity was tested using normal healthy human PBMC. C-AGP had no inhibitory effect on basal NK cell activity. C-AGP selectively suppressed the augmentation of NK cell activity by rIFNalphaA and rIFNgamma, but C-AGP did not prevent the NK activation by rIL-2. NK cells in PBMC treated with C-AGP for 12 h and then washed just once, to remove the C-AGP, fully recovered the ability to respond to rIFNalphaA. However, after the treatment of PBMC with C-AGP for 5 or 6 days, NK cells failed to respond to rIFNalphaA, in spite of washing to remove C-AGP from the cultures. Monocytes were necessary for the suppressive effect of C-AGP on rIFNalphaA activation of NK cells. Indomethacin restored the ability of NK cells to respond to rIFNalphaA in C-AGP-treated PBMC. These results suggest that monocytes are able to selectively suppress the response of NK cells to IFNs in the presence of, or following treatment with C-AGP.

A 63 kDa tumor necrosis factor inhibitor released from a human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1

A human monocytic cell line, THP-1-S, was cultured in a serum-free medium. The effect of the culture supernatant of THP-1-S on the cytotoxicity of rTNF-alpha to three kinds of cell lines and the binding of rTNF to its receptor were tested. The supernatant inhibited the cytotoxicity of rTNF-alpha when tested by the neutral red uptake method. In addition, the supernatant blocked the binding of 125I-rTNF-alpha to its receptor. Furthermore, following precipitation with PEG we detected complexes between rTNF-alpha and the inhibitory factor which formed during incubation with the culture supernatant from THP-1-S cells. However, the supernatant did not bind to or down-regulate the receptor for TNF-alpha on the cell surface of L-M-2d6 cells. This factor eluted with an apparent molecular mass of 63,000 Da by gel filtration and did not react with antibodies against p55 and p75 TNF receptors. These data suggest that human monocytic cells are capable of releasing an inhibitory factor against rTNF-alpha in serum-free culture conditions.

Inhibition of adrenaline-induced lipolysis by ginseng polypeptide and its modified peptides

The anti-lipolysis by ginseng polypeptide and its modified peptides was examined using porcine adipose cells. Ginseng polypeptides modified by amino acid substitution or proteolyzation reduced or lost the inhibiting activity of adrenalin-induced lipolysis. Correlation between the anti-lipolytic activity of ginseng polypeptide and its Mg(2+)- and ribose-binding activities is discussed.

Adipose tissue extracellular matrix: newly organized by adipocytes during differentiation

The distribution of eight types of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (type I-VI) collagen, laminin and fibronectin) in the skeletal muscle of Japanese Black cattle was determined by indirect immunofluorescence using specific antibodies against each protein. ECM proteins were well organized in the intramuscular connective tissue: type I, II, III collagen and fibronectin were localized primarily in the perimysium, type V and VI collagen in both the perimysium and endomysium, and type IV collagen and laminin were virtually confined to the endomysium. In the loose connective tissue holding the adipocytes together to form a tissue mass between the muscular bundles, seven of the ECM proteins not type II collagen were relatively abundant in a disordered arrangement. Further analysis by in vitro immunocytochemical staining also demonstrated that a stromal-vascular preadipocyte cell line (BIP cell), derived from Japanese Black cattle, synthesized various ECMs in much the same way as fibroblasts. Exponentially growing BIP cells with a fibroblastic phenotype were found to produce type II, V, and VI collagens, in addition to the other previously identified connective tissue glycoproteins of mouse 3T3 preadipocytes. When confluent preadipocyte cultures were stimulated with adipogenic medium, a fibrillar network of ECM was observed to bridge the intercellular space and connect adjacent cell surfaces. During adipocyte differentiation, type III collagen and laminin were arranged in a non-fibrous structure, and type-II collagen was only barely detected. These results are supported by the staining of the adipose tissue, where all ECM proteins studied except type II collagen were stained intensely. These data indicate that in vivo under conditions permissive for adipose conversion, the production and organization of ECM, accompanied by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of precursor cells, gives rise to adipose tissue in skeletal muscle with its own ECM products. These data further suggest that each ECM protein might have some role for the adipocytes in forming tissue.

Assessment of myocardial fibrosis in cardiomyopathic hamsters with gadolinium-DTPA enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging enhanced with gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA would be useful for assessment of myocardial fibrosis in cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

The authors compared MR images of the excised heart after Gd-DTPA injection with histopathologic findings in 33 hamsters with cardiomyopathy of the Bio 14.6 strain and 26 healthy hamsters of various age groups and assessed localization of Gd-14C-DTPA by autoradiography in the myocardium of three hamsters with cardiomyopathy.

RESULTS

The mean signal intensity ratios for the entire myocardium in hamsters with cardiomyopathy relative to that in healthy hamsters was significantly higher in a younger age group than in an older age group (1.30+/-0.09 versus 1.03+/-0.08, P < 0.001, respectively). This myocardial enhancement was more obvious in areas containing massive fibrosis in the early and mid stages than in the late stage. Autoradiograms of hamsters with cardiomyopathy showed patchy or linear increases in uptake, corresponding to the areas of myocardial fibrosis. Gadolinium-14C-DTPA radioactivity ratios of myocardial fibrosis to healthy myocardium were significantly higher in the early and mid stages than in the late stage (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial fibrosis with high cellularity and proliferation of vessels was delineated as an area enhanced with Gd-DTPA on MR images, and its signal intensity decreased with the late stage of myocardial fibrosis.

The N-terminal sequence of Lactococcus lactis phosphoglucose isomerase purified by affinity chromatography differs from the other species

A specific monoclonal antibody, M3A, was produced to rapidly purify Lactococcus lactis phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) for amino acid sequence analysis. M3A recognized the Lac. lactis PGI specifically and sensitively with both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. The enzyme was rapidly purified to a specific activity of 21.8 U/mg with a yield of 20% by a three-step procedure, including M3A-bound Sepharose chromatography. The specific activity of PGI was increased about 64.1-fold from the cell lysate. The molecular mass of Lac. lactis PGI was estimated to be about 50 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of Lac. lactis PGI exhibited no significant similarity to other PGIs, except for a 52.6% identity to Bacillus stearothermophilus PGI A and PGI B. These results suggest that there might be some molecular types of PGI.

A preadipocyte clonal line from bovine intramuscular adipose tissue: nonexpression of GLUT-4 protein during adipocyte differentiation

A clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte (BIP) line has been established from the intramuscular white adipose tissue of the M. longissimus thoracis in each of three Japanese Black cattle. Exponentially growing BIP cells exhibited a fibroblastic appearance. Adipocyte differentiation was initiated by treating confluent BIP cells with differentiation medium containing insulin and dexamethasone. Small lipid droplets appeared 5-6 days after stimulation and occupied a large fraction of the cell volume at 10 days and beyond. During the adipose conversion, the incorporation of acetate to the cells gradually increased by 10-fold and reached a maximum at day 5. However, incorporation of glucose increased only 3-folds prior to this conversion, even though GLUT-1 level increased by 13-fold at day 7. GLUT-4, on the other hand, was not detected during the course of differentiation. These results suggested that adipose tissue metabolisms in ruminants were different from that of non-ruminants.

The distribution of [11C]cocaine in normal and cocaine-sensitization mice

[N-11C-methyl]-cocaine ([11C]cocaine), synthesized by N-methylation of norcocaine with [11C]CH3I, was used to assist in imaging the variety of local distribution by positron emission tomography (PET). The radiochemical yield and the radiochemical purity after purification of [11C]cocaine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at a sp. act. of 814 GBq/mmol were 47-58% and > 99%, respectively. The time required for synthesis including the purification was 25-30 min from the end of [11C]CH3I trapping. The physical distribution of [11C]cocaine in organ was also investigated in mice at various time after i.v. injection. The main accumulation of radioactivity occurred in the lung, kidney and brain within 1 min after the injection. In the brain, no differences in the organ were observed except the radioactivity level in each section increased for the first 5 min, since then radioactivity decreased dramatically. Furthermore, in the behavioral sensitization model of cocaine, the peak of [11C]cocaine uptake in each brain area was shown to be 5-15 min.

Expression of mRNA encoding IFN alpha in macrophages stimulated with Lactobacillus gasseri

The ability of Lactobacillus gasseri, a dairy lactic acid bacterium, to induce interferon (IFN) was investigated in murine macrophage cultures. IFN alpha was substantially induced by some strains of L. gasseri and the titers were the highest at a concentration of 100 micrograms ml-1 of L. gasseri DSM20243T. The expression of mRNA encoding IFN alpha was detected in spleen-macrophages (SP-M phi) and Peyer's patch-adherent cells stimulated with L. gasseri DSM20243T. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide added to SP-M phi cultures showed that the mRNA was synthesized by 0.5 h, and that IFN alpha was produced within 3 to 6 h after the stimulation with L. gasseri DSM20243T. The results support the notion that dairy products containing L. gasseri can be 'physiologically functional foods'.

Invasive development of right atrial myxoma--a case report

A thirty-nine-year-old man was admitted to the authors' department complaining of exertional dyspnea and high fever. An echocardiogram showed a mass in the right atrium, which was observed to move to the right atrium during the systolic phase and to the right ventricle during the diastolic phase. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the mass developed from the right atrium to the superior vena cava. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography also showed a partial defect of the right atrium as well as obstructions of both the superior vena cava and the bilateral innominate veins. A pulmonary hemodynamic scintigram showed multiple defects at the mid and inferior areas of each lung, suggesting multiple pulmonary infarctions. The right atrial tumor was surgically removed. The superior vena cava and the innominate veins were found to be obstructed by organized thrombi, and the tumor had invasively grown into the right atrial wall. Histologic findings demonstrated that most of the tumor was composed of organized thrombi with scattered myxomatous tissue and was diagnosed as cardiac myxoma. These histologic findings suggest that the histogenesis of this right atrial myxoma might be thrombogenic.

Cytotoxic effect of hinokitiol and tropolone on the growth of mammalian cells and on blastogenesis of mouse splenic T cells

Hinokitiol (I) and tropolone (II) showed characteristic cytotoxic effects in vitro on five kinds of human and murine cell lines and blastic lymphocytes from mouse splenocytes. The cytotoxic effect of I on the growth of murine and human tumor cell lines, including RL male-1, MH134, HL60, K562 and KATO-III was definite when examined by thymidine incorporation into DNA and its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) on all cells was 0.3-0.6 microgram/ml. Compound II also showed comparable cytotoxic effects on these cell lines, indicating a little lower activity when compared to I. Furthermore, I and II also completely suppressed the [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) incorporation of mitogen-induced blastic lymphocytes. The suppressive activity on mouse lymphocyte proliferative response to concanavaline-A was also found with both compounds at a low concentration of 0.32 microgram/ml. As compound I is known to be of fairly low toxicity (LD50: 453 + 24 mg/kg in mice), the antitumor and immuno-suppressive effect of hinokitiol (I) should be further investigated.

Distribution of carbon-11 labeled methamphetamine and the effect of its chronic administration in mice

[11C]Methamphetamine, a psychotropic agent, was synthesized by N-methylation of amphetamine with [11C]CH3 I in hopes that it could be applied in the near future to assist positron emission tomography (PET) in the imaging of its distribution in the human brain. The regional distribution of [11C]methamphetamine was investigated in the mice brain at various intervals after an intravenous (i.v.) injection. Radioactivity was higher in the hypothalamus, cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Furthermore, in chronically administered mice, the uptake of [11C]methamphetamine was higher in the striatum than those in other regions. The regional differences in the distribution of methamphetamine in the mice brain may enable the imaging of its distribution by PET using [11C]methamphetamine.

[Experimental epithelioid cell granuloma formation in Lewis rats induced by injection of cell wall fragments derived from alpha-streptococcus--etiologic relationship between bacterial cell wall and sarcoid granuloma]

We observed the presence of epithelioid granulomas in follicles near lacunae in the tonsils from patients with active sarcoidosis. Bacteria isolated in these tissues were mostly alpha-streptococci. The present study was undertaken to determine whether alpha-streptococcus can induce granuloma formation. Streptococcal cell wall (SCW) fragments were injected into the foot pads of female Lewis rats. Epithelioid granulomas were abundantly formed in popliteal lymph nodes when SCW aqueous suspension was injected four times. SCW antigens were detected in macrophages in the granuloma but not in epithelioid cells, by immunoperoxidase method. These findings suggest that macrophages transform into epithelioid cells after phagocytosis and digestion of SCW, and that components of bacterial cell wall such as SCW may induce the granuloma formation in sarcoidosis.

Impaired NK response of cancer patients to IFN-alpha but not to IL-2: correlation with serum immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) and role of suppressor macrophage

In vitro NK responses of cancer patients (N = 21) to rIFN-alpha A and rIL-2 were examined. The serum concentration of IAP (immunosuppressive acidic protein) was determined in parallel. Five out of seven patients whose serum IAP contents were within the normal range (270 micrograms/ml to 470 micrograms/ml), had their NK activities significantly augmented by rIFN-alpha A and rIL-2. On the other hand, NK cells from ten out of fifteen patients whose serum IAP concentrations were 650 micrograms/ml or more, were not activated by rIFN-alpha A. NK cells of these fifteen patients yet were capable of responding to rIL-2. NK cells from cancer patients, however, became responsive to rIFN-alpha A by either removal of adherent cells or treatment with indomethacin. Therefore, macrophages in PBMC of cancer patients with high serum IAP levels seem to selectively suppress NK response to rIFN-alpha A by an indomethacin-sensitive mechanisms. It was further shown that PGE2 was not the mediator of this suppression.

Preventive effect of a synthetic immunomodulator, 2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide, on the generation of suppressor macrophages in mice immunized with allogeneic lymphocytes

The effect of 2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (Ge-132) on the generation of splenic suppressor macrophages (S-M phi) in C3H/He mice (H-2k) immunized with allogeneic spleen cells from C57Bl/6 mice (H-2b) was investigated. We have previously demonstrated that S-M phi expressing I-J antigen, which appeared during alloimmunization, inhibited cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) generation in the MLR and the elimination of these S-M phi before subjection to the MLR resulted in more effective generation of CTL. The CTL activity, which was determined in vivo by the Winn's test, was markedly enhanced when immunized mice received a 100 mg/kg dose of Ge-132. The compound was found to be the most efficacious when injected simultaneously with the immunization. The activity of allospecific CTL co-cultured with M phi fractions obtained from immunized mice in a 4-h 51Cr-release assay was shown to be 31% lysis of the target cells as compared with 90% lysis of the target cells in effector cells co-cultured with normal M phi fractions. In contrast, effector cells co-cultured with M phi fractions from Ge-132-treated immunized mice lysed 95% of the target cells. Analysis of the level of I-J antigen expression on macrophages (M phi) obtained from mice 7 days after immunization revealed a > 2.5-fold increase, whereas I-A antigen expression remained constant when compared with splenic M phi from naive mice. In contrast, the opposite effect on I-J and I-A antigen expression was observed in splenic M phi from alloimmunized mice treated with Ge-132. These results suggest that Ge-132 could regulate CTL generation in alloimmunized mice by preventing the generation of I-J+ S-M phi.

Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: prognostic value of DNA ploidy and post-recurrent survival

Eighty-six patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent curative operations were postoperatively randomized to control and adjuvant chemotherapy groups. In the adjuvant chemotherapy group, patients received cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy 3 or 4 weeks after operation and the average cycle of chemotherapy was 2.3 (from 1 to 6 cycles). In this trial, no evidence of improved survival or delayed recurrence was seen in the treated patients. In multivariate analysis of prognostic variables, the most important factor was the pathological stage of the disease and, second, DNA ploidy of the primary tumor. Although histology (squamous vs. non-squamous cell carcinoma) had a trend to influence the survival, it was not a significant factor. A total of 33 patients had recurrences: 17 and 16 patients were in control and adjuvant chemotherapy groups, respectively. Postrecurrent survival in the adjuvant chemotherapy group was significantly shorter than that in the control group, as determined by the generalized Wilcoxon and log rank tests. Median survival time after recurrence in the control and adjuvant therapy groups was 18.5 and 7.5 months, respectively. These results suggest that DNA ploidy of primary tumors should be considered as a prognostic factor in future trials of adjuvant therapy. Furthermore, analysis of postrecurrent survival in the adjuvant chemotherapy trial, as well as that of overall and disease-free survivals should be done.

Influence of chemotherapeutic agents on superoxide anion production by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The effects of 11 chemotherapeutic agents on superoxide anion (O2-) production were examined in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). All drugs, except predonine, were found to suppress O2- production in PMNL. Adriamycin (doxorubicin), mitomycin C, vindesine, cisplatin, etoposide, nimustine, and pepleomycin suppressed O2- production at relatively low drug concentrations, whereas methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil and vincristine suppressed O2- production at high drug concentrations. Time-dependent suppression of O2- production was evaluated in four drugs, namely Adriamycin (doxorubicin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH), cisplatin, vindesine, and methotrexate. Only Adriamycin showed suppressive effect on PMNL-derived O2- production in a time-dependent manner. Production of O2- by PMNL is a fundamental element for its bactericidal activity. The authors' results showed suppression of O2- production in PMNL in the presence of chemotherapeutic agents. This indicates a relationship between chemotherapy drugs and susceptibility to infection. The influence of chemotherapeutic agents on O2- production by PMNL should thus be taken into consideration when assessing defense mechanisms and susceptibility to infection of patients treated with these drugs.

Depletion of macrophages expressing I-J antigen results in efficient generation of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The role of suppressor macrophages (S-M phi) produced during generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) stimulated with allogeneic lymphocytes was investigated. Splenic CTL from C3H/He mice (H-2k) were generated by in vivo immunization and subsequent in vitro stimulation by splenic lymphocytes from C57B1/6 mice (H-2b) in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). In addition to in vitro standard 51Cr release assay, the CTL activity was mainly measured in vivo using the Winn assay against EL-4 thymoma cells in B6C3F1 mice (H-2b/k). In mice injected with CTL plus EL-4 cells survival rate was 20% compared with no survival of mice treated with normal spleen cells plus EL-4 cells. The antitumor activity of the CTL was significantly increased when immunized mice were treated with a 5 mg/kg ip dose of indomethacin at the time of immunization (80% survival). Macrophages were depleted from spleen cells of immunized mice by plastic adherence or carbonyl-iron treatment, replaced with an equivalent number of M phi from normal mice, and then introduced into a 5-day MLR. When the antitumor activity of the cells isolated from this MLR was measured in the Winn assay, 90-100% survival in EL-4-bearing mice was observed. In contrast, none of the mice inoculated with EL-4 alone and 20% of the mice that received CTL obtained after alloimmunization followed by MLR in addition to EL-4 survived. These results of CTL activity were confirmed by in vitro cytotoxicity tests. When the M phi isolated from spleens of immunized mice were analyzed for I-Jk antigen expression, a 2.5-fold increase was detected, compared with splenic M phi obtained from normal C3H/He mice. In contrast, Ia and I-Ak antigen expression was equivalent in M phi isolated from normal or immunized C3H/He mice. When immune spleen cells were treated with anti-I-Jk antiserum followed by complement and then, subjected to the MLR, the antitumor activity of CTL was significantly enhanced (80% survival). However, treatment of these cells with anti-I-Ak antiserum and complement did not alter CTL activity. These data suggest that the increase of S-M phi expressing I-Jk+ antigen to be induced during alloimmunization results in suppression of allospecific CTL-generation in MLR.

Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and lipopolysaccharide maintain the phenotype of and superoxide anion generation by neutrophils

Superoxide anion (O2-) generation by human blood neutrophils induced by phorbol myristate acetate, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and monoclonal antibody YI51 was measured 24 h after incubation in medium alone, medium with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF), and medium with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Monoclonal antibody YI51 was able to bind to neutrophils and induce O2- generation after the addition of anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibody as a cross-linking agent. In the 24-h culture, there was no significant difference in neutrophil survival among the three cultures. The amount of O2- generated by neutrophils in control medium markedly decreased compared with that before culture. However, cells in medium with rG-CSF or LPS maintained the ability to generate O2- well or moderately, respectively. Thus, the activity maintained by rG-CSF and LPS was neutralized by the anti-G-CSF serum. Furthermore, significant amounts of G-CSF were detected in supernatants of neutrophils cultured with LPS for 24 h. It was not detectable, however, in control supernatants. To examine whether the phenotype of the plasma membrane of cells changed in the 24-h culture, expression of CD16 (FcR III) and YI51 antigens was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of CD16 and YI51 antigens on cells cultured with rG-CSF or LPS was maintained compared with that of control cells. These observations thus indicate that G-CSF is one of the factors essential to maintain the functioning and phenotype of mature neutrophils.

Long-term survival after brain metastases from tracheal carcinoma

A case of prolonged survival after radiotherapy for primary tracheal squamous cell carcinoma and the subsequent brain metastases is reported. The patient is alive and well without any sign of relapse, approximately six years after the onset of brain metastases from tracheal carcinoma. Radiotherapy proved useful in the treatment of both the primary tracheal carcinoma and the brain metastases.

[Evaluation of prognostic factors in early lung cancer]

We evaluated the prognostic factors in 52 cases of resected early lung cancer: hilar early lung cancers 9 cases and peripheral early lung cancers 43 cases. All hilar lesions were squamous cell carcinoma, and peripheral lesions were adenocarcinoma (31 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (10 cases), large cell carcinoma (2 cases) and carcinoid (1 case). No relapse was found in hilar lesions, but 7 relapses and 5 deaths were found in peripheral lesions. Prognostic factors were examined in these cases. Location of lung cancer (hilar or peripheral) was found to be important in early lung cancer. In addition, age was a significant prognostic factor in peripheral early lung cancer with multivariate analysis. No other significant factor was found in our cases. Twelve out of 52 cases with lung cancer had other malignancies after or before operation. These were cancers of second primary lung, colo-rectal, uterus, stomach, breast, thyroid, liver and malignant melanoma. Therefore, we have to carefully observe other parts even after resection of early lung cancer.

Multimodality therapy for small cell carcinoma of the lung--the role of surgical treatment

Reviewing the outcome of 70 cases of clinically localized small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treated with combined modality treatment, we attempted to define the role of resection in this disease. The survival rate for all cases was 37 per cent at 2 years and 23 per cent at 3 years with a median survival time (MST) of 14 months. For 25 resected cases the overall 5-year survival rate was 37 per cent with an MST of 26 months. According to clinical staging, 5-year survival was 64 per cent for stage I and 20 per cent for stage II. However, none of the stage III cases achieved long-term survival, of over 3 years. In 45 non-resected cases, the overall response rate was 84 per cent with a 44 per cent complete response. The overall survival rate was 27 per cent at 2 years and 14 per cent at 3 years with an MST of 11 months. The 20 cases who achieved complete response had an MST of 26 months with 51 per cent alive at 2 years and 19 per cent at 5 years. Thus, we consider that lung resection is definitely indicated in cases with stage I and probably stage II SCLC. For stage III, however, particularly in cases with N2 disease, resection seems to offer no special benefit in favor of survival compared to combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Phorbol myristate acetate modulates calcium ion-dependent superoxide anion generation induced by a monoclonal antibody raised against polymorphonuclear leukocytes

We used a monoclonal antibody, YI 51, raised against human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to induce superoxide anion (O2-) generation in cells. Although YI 51 alone played only a small part in inducing O2- generation in PMN, the amount of O2- generation induced in 5 X 10(5) PMN was 3.7 to 5.5 nmol/min when F(ab')2 fragments of rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibody were added as a cross-linking agent. This O2- -inducing activity was high compared with that of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), insoluble immunoglobulin G immune complexes (IC), or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The binding of YI 51 and soluble immunoglobulin G IC to PMN was not reciprocally inhibitory, indicating that YI 51 does not interfere with ligand binding to the Fc receptor-binding site. In the absence of calcium ion (Ca2+), O2- generation induced by YI 51 decreased to 10 to 20% of that in the presence of Ca2+. In contrast, O2- generation in response to WGA, IC, or PMA under Ca2+-free conditions was not affected. When PMN were pretreated with low concentrations of PMA (10(-10) to 10(-9) M), the amount of O2- generation by the cells in response to YI 51 in Ca2+-free buffer was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner. It also equaled the O2- generated by the cells in buffer containing Ca2+. In cells pretreated with PMA, the amount of O2- induced by WGA was enhanced two- to threefold over that in untreated cells. In contrast, there was no augmentation over untreated cells with stimulation by IC. These results suggest that YI 51, IC, and WGA induce O2- generation in human PMN in different manners.

Antiviral activity of carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (Ge-132) in mice infected with influenza virus

The protective effect of carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (Ge-132) in mice infected with a mouse-adapted strain of influenza virus (H2N2) was investigated. When mice were exposed to a 10 LD50 dose of influenza virus via aerosol and were treated orally with 20 or 100 mg/kg of Ge-132 daily for 6 consecutive days, a significant protective effect was demonstrated. The antiviral effect of Ge-132 was indicated by an increase of survivors, a prolongation of mean survival days, an inhibition of the development of lung consolidation, and a decrease of virus titer in lung tissues, as compared to infected control mice treated with phosphate-buffered saline. Natural killer (NK) cell activity in the spleens and lungs of the infected mice was also significantly augmented after the oral administration of Ge-132. In addition, NK cells stimulated with Ge-132 in vivo showed killing activity against NK-insensitive Meth-A cells infected with influenza virus. Because no virucidal or virustatic activities of Ge-132 on the virus were found in vitro, this protective effect in mice against influenza virus infection may be displayed through immunomodulating activities of this compound such as the augmentation of NK cell activity.

Evaluation of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor by scheduled intratumoral administration in mice bearing transplantable tumors

The antitumor effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rTNF) was examined against Meth A fibrosarcoma in BALB/c mice and Sarcoma-180 in ddY mice. Significant hemorrhagic necrosis in tumor tissues occurred within 24 hr when optimal rTNF (1,000 to 5,000 units per mouse) was injected intratumorally on day 5 after intradermal inoculation of 5 x 10(5) tumor cells. Complete tumor regression resulted when two repeated courses of administration a week, each for 3 consecutive days, were given. For this marked effect to occur, however, initial tumor weight should not be greater than 1 g. When the initial tumor was greater than 1 g the surgical removal of tumor tissues was conducted and followed by rTNF administration. This caused hemorrhagic necrosis and the regression was the case with smaller tumors. When the cured mice were rechallenged with same tumors, more than 60% of mice rejected the tumors in a specific manner. In spite of such demonstration of specific immunity, well-known immunological effector mechanisms such as augmentation of natural killer cell activity, activation of antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity or induction of interferon activity by rTNF were not detected in normal and tumor-bearing mice, suggesting that the activation of immunoregulatory cells by TNF itself may not involve at least in an early stage of TNF treatment. These results suggest that rTNF is a potent therapeutic agent for a certain solid tumor when the protocol of administration is optimized.