Simultaneous Fluorescent Identification of Odontoblasts and Ameloblasts

The tooth is mainly composed of dentin and enamel. Identification of dentin-producing odontoblasts and enamel-producing ameloblasts using reporter techniques is useful to study tooth development and regeneration with tissue engineering. Ameloblasts express Amelogenin, Ameloblastin, Enamelin, and Amelotin, whereas odontoblasts express Dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) and Dentin matrix protein1 (Dmp1). Although there are several transgenic lines using promoter elements or bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to label odontoblasts and ameloblasts, there is a possibility that the expression patterns vary from the endogenous genes. Here, we established 2 lines of mice where tdTomato was knocked into the second exon of X-chromosomal Amelogenin (Amelx), and green fluorescent protein (GFP) was knocked into the second exon of Dspp. tdTomato and GFP were highly expressed on secretory ameloblasts and secretory and fully differentiated odontoblasts, respectively. In addition, DSPP and AMELX were not produced in the dentin matrix and enamel matrix of Dspp^GFP/GFP and Amelx^tdTomato male mice (as representative of Amelx^tdTomato/Y hemizygous male mice), respectively. Moreover, micro-computed tomography analysis of Amelx^tdTomato male mice revealed a notable reduction in enamel volume but increased dentin mineral density. Dspp^GFP/GFP mice had reduced dentin mineral density. To identify odontoblasts and ameloblasts from developing tooth, we examined the expression of mesenchymal cell surface molecules CD90, CD166 and epithelial cell surface molecules CD49f, Epcam1 with fluorescence on odontoblasts and ameloblasts in these mice. We found that GFP⁺ odontoblasts and tdTomato⁺ ameloblasts in tooth germ from 0.5-d-old Dspp^GFP/+ mice and Amelx^tdTomato male mice were enriched in CD45^-/Ter119^-/Epcam1^-/CD90⁺/Integrin α4⁺cell fractions and CD45^-/Ter119^-/Epcam1⁺/CD49f⁺/CD147⁺ cell fractions, respectively. By using antibodies against mesenchymal and epithelial cell surface molecules and fluorescence, we can easily distinguish odontoblasts from ameloblasts and isolate each cell for further studies. These mice would serve as useful models for tooth development and regeneration as well as provide concurrent observation for the differentiation processes of odontoblasts and ameloblasts in vivo and in vitro.

An Asian variant of intravascular lymphoma: unique clinical and pathological manifestation in the gallbladder

We here present a rare case of intravascular lymphoma (IVL) in a Japanese man. 4 months after cholecystectomy due to cholecystitis, a diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma (IVL) was strongly suspected. Lymphoma cells were diffusely observed in the bone marrow parenchyma, but were absent in the vascular spaces. The patient died of respiratory failure and at autopsy a small number of lymphoma cells in the extravascular parenchyma of the adrenal gland and bone marrow were seen. Serial sections of the surgically resected gallbladder retrospectively confirmed the diagnosis of IVL. In addition, congestion and edema were observed in the connective tissue layer. It is possible that edema or ischemia in the gallbladder wall or at other anatomic sites due to the circulation disturbance induced by the intravascular obstruction of lymphoma cells may have caused the initial symptoms. In conclusion, clinicians and pathologists should keep in mind that the gallbladder may be initially involved in IVL.

Bridging necrosis and reticulin bridging fibrosis induced by intrahepatic involvement of acute biphenotypic leukemia

A 47-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed as having acute biphenotypic leukemia with association of t(9;22)(q34;q11). Cholestatic liver dysfunction arose, and she died of cachexia and intracranial hemorrhage. Autopsy showed unusual hepatic fibrosis. In the liver, bridging infiltration, bridging necrosis and bridging fibrosis by leukemic cells were seen. It seemed that the degree of fibrosis was associated with the number of aggregates of infiltrating leukemic cells. The fibrotic foci were predominantly composed of reticulin and collagen fibers, and distortion of the lobules was observed. Immunohistochemically, dense bundles of alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA)-positive stromal cells, namely activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), were observed in the immature fibrotic foci as well as along the sinusoids densely infiltrated by leukemic cells. No cells positive for TGF-beta1 or PDGF-BB were identified. In conclusion, extensive intrahepatic involvement by neoplastic cells in adult acute biphenotypic leukemia may cause the unusual "disorganized" hepatic fibrosis.

Rats expressing human cytosolic copper-zinc superoxide dismutase transgenes with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: associated mutations develop motor neuron disease

Some cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are caused by mutations in the gene encoding cytosolic, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1). We report here that rats that express a human SOD1 transgene with two different ALS-associated mutations (G93A and H46R) develop striking motor neuron degeneration and paralysis. As in the human disease and transgenic ALS mice, pathological analysis demonstrates selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cords of these transgenic rats. In spinal cord tissues, this is accompanied by activation of apoptotic genes known to be activated by mutant SOD1 protein in vitro and in vivo. These animals provide additional support for the proposition that motor neuron death in SOD1-related ALS reflects one or more acquired, neurotoxic properties of the mutant SOD1 protein. The larger size of this rat model as compared with the ALS mice will facilitate studies involving manipulations of spinal fluid (implantation of intrathecal catheters for chronic therapeutic studies; CSF sampling) and spinal cord (e.g., direct administration of viral- and cell-mediated therapies).

Targeting oncogenesis by introduction of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' regulatory region of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit gene

We produced transgenic mice carrying a fusion gene (TTP-5) consisting of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' flanking sequence of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSH beta) gene linked to the simian virus 40 large T antigen (SVT) gene. These mice developed pituitary tumors 6 months after birth and wasted away. With the 5.2-kbp TSH beta 5' flanking region governing SVT expression, SVT mRNA was present in the pituitary and testis but not in other tissues, as detected by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the pituitary tumors of the transgenic mice were composed of moderately differentiated pituitary cells that expressed TSH, growth hormone, and prolactin. These results indicate that the 5.2-kbp segment of the human TSH beta 5' regulatory region is sufficient to drive expression of SVT and induce tumorigenesis of hormone-producing pituitary cells in transgenic mice.

Morphologic and molecular analysis of estrogen-induced pituitary tumorigenesis in targeted disruption of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II and/or p27 mice

The critical genes and products involved in estrogen-induced tumorigenesis of the pituitary gland were investigated in heterozygous transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor type II and p27 knockout mouse models. Tgfbr2(+/-), p27(+/-); Tgfbr2(+/-), and p27(+/-) mice and C57BL/6J wild-type mice received sc implantation of estrogen or placebo pellets for 16 or 25 wk, after which the mice were sacrificed and their pituitary glands removed for examination. The bromodeoxyuridine labeling indexes in tissue from both the anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes from p27 (+/-) and Tgfbr2(+/-); p27(+/-) mice were significantly higher than those from wild-type and Tgfbr2(+/-) mice after treatment with estrogen for 16 wk. Pituitary tumorigenesis was significantly accelerated in Tgfbr2(+/-), p27(+/-), and Tgfbr2(+/-); p27(+/-) mice compared with wild-type mice after treatment with estrogen for 16 wk. Pituitary tumorigenesis was not accelerated in Tgfbr2(+/-); p27(+/-) mice compared with Tgfbr2(+/-) or p27(+/-) mice. Expression of TGF-beta receptor type II mRNA was lower in the pituitary gland of Tgfbr2(+/-) mice than in wild-type mice before estrogen treatment and was significantly reduced after treatment. Pituitary tumorigenesis is accelerated in mice with severe TGF-beta resistance, and greatly accelerated in mice with TGF-beta resistance combined with decreased p27 expression compared with wild-type mice. Both the TGF-beta receptor type II gene and p27 gene and their products are involved in estrogen-induced tumorigenesis.

Intranuclear localization of the transcription coadaptor CBP/p300 and the transcription factor RBP-Jk in relation to EBNA-2 and -5 in B lymphocytes

We have studied the expression and the localization of the cellular proteins CBP/p300 and RBP-Jk in in vitro EBV-infected human B lymphocytes in relation to the EBNA-2 and EBNA-5 proteins. We found that the level of CBP/p300 was elevated drastically by EBV infection and also after activation by CD40 ligation. Thus the increase in CBP/p300 expression in the EBV-infected cells is related to the virus-induced activation and proliferation of the cells. EBNA-2 and RBP-Jk colocalized in the nucleoplasm, which is in accordance with their functional interaction. We confirmed earlier reports about the presence and colocalization of EBNA-5 and CBP in the nuclear POD bodies. On the other hand, neither EBNA-2 nor p300 was detected in the PODs. The expression of these two proteins overlapped in some distinct dots of the nucleoplasm. Taken together, the different patterns of CBP and p300 expression and their different localization in relation to the PML bodies and two EBV-encoded proteins in the B cells may provide some clue to their distinct functional roles.

Characterization of 5-HT2A receptor desensitization and the effect of cycloheximide on it in C6 cells

Effect of prolonged pretreatment with serotonin (5-HT) on 5-HT2A receptor desensitization was examined by the measurement of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization in C6 cells. 5-HT-induced desensitization of [Ca2+]i mobilization was in a time and dose dependent manner and reached a plateau after 3 hr. After 1 and 3 hr 5-HT pretreatment, 5-HT concentration in the medium little changed. 5-HT pretreatment with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, produced an enhancement of the desensitization for 3 and 6 hr pretreatment. However, 5-HT pretreatment for 3 and 6 hr caused no marked change in the 5-HT2A receptor mRNA level or Galphaq/11 protein in this study, suggesting that 5-HT may decrease 5-HT-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization independent of 5-HT2A receptor mRNA or G-proteins. Endothelin-1-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization did not alter after 5-HT and/or cycloheximide pretreatment. These results showed that activation of the 5-HT2A receptor induced homologous desensitization and pretreatment with 5-HT and/or cycloheximide did not change the efficacy of the second messenger pathway from Gq to a [Ca2+]i rise.

Green fluorescent protein-transgenic rat: a tool for organ transplantation research

The purpose of this study is to evaluate green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic rats for use as a tool for organ transplantation research. The GFP gene construct was designed to express ubiquitously. By flow cytometry, the cells obtained from the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood of the GFP transgenic rats consisted of 77, 91, and 75% GFP-positive cells, respectively. To examine cell migration of GFP-positive cells after organ transplantation, pancreas graft with or without spleen transplantation, heart graft with or without lung transplantation, auxiliary liver and small bowel transplantation were also performed from GFP transgenic rat to LEW (RT1(1)) rats under a 2-week course of 0.64 mg/kg tacrolimus administration. GFP-positive donor cells were detected in the fully allogenic LEW rats after organ transplantation. These results showed that GFP transgenic rat is a useful tool for organ transplantation research such as cell migration study after organ transplantation without donor cell staining.

Rescue of a transgenic mouse line by transplantation of a frozen-thawed ovary obtained postmortem

During the course of breeding valuable mutant or transgenic mice, deaths sometimes occur due to sudden-onset disease or accident. We previously showed that mice can be rescued by transplantation of ovaries taken up to 2 h after death from dead mice remaining at conditions of constant temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C) and humidity (55% +/- 5%). To extend the flexibility of transplantation, we assessed whether it is possible to cryopreserve ovaries taken from dead mice within 2 h after death. Fertile transgenic mice used as donors were euthanized by cervical dislocation and left for 2 h after death. The cryopreservation was based on Sztein's method with a controlled-rate freezer or on Rall and Fahy's method without a controlled-rate freezer. The recipient mice were nontransgenic littermates of the donor mice, and after transplantation of the frozen-thawed ovaries, they were mated with proven-fertile males. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed that the progeny carried the transgene. We show here that by using both of the described methods, it is possible to cryopreserve the ovaries taken from dead mice within 2 h after death and that the mice into which the cryopreserved ovaries are transplanted are fertile.

Detection of human herpesvirus 6 and JC virus in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy complicating follicular lymphoma

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating infectious disease caused by JC virus (JCV), occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients usually with malignant diseases. We report here a Japanese female with follicular lymphoma who subsequently developed PML. In addition to JCV, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) was detected in the affected brain lesions of the patient by polymerase chain reaction and by in situ hybridization. HHV-6, recognized as a neurotropic virus, is known to be reactivated during immunosuppression and can cause fatal complications such as encephalitis/encephalopathy. It is likely that impaired immunity associated with lymphoma and the additional immunosuppression following cytopenia-inducing chemotherapies predisposed the patient to reactivated HHV-6 infection. Although it remains to be clarified whether HHV-6 plays an important role as a co-agent with JCV in causing demyelination of the brain, our observation alerts physicians to the possible association of HHV-6 with the pathogenesis of PML.

Distribution of various calcium channel alpha(1) subunits in murine DRG neurons and antinociceptive effect of omega-conotoxin SVIB in mice

Immunohistological study revealed the differential localization of subtypes of voltage-dependent calcium channels in the dorsal root ganglion neurons. Intrathecal injection of omega-conotoxin SVIB, an analogue of omega-conotoxin GVIA, which acts on N-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, significantly shortened the licking time in the late phase of a formalin test.

Suppression of thymic development by the dominant-negative form of Gads

Gads, a hematopoietic-lineage-specific Grb2 family member, is involved in the signaling mediated by the TCR through its interactions with SLP-76 and LAT. Here, we generated transgenic mice expressing Grf40-dSH2, an SH2-deleted dominant-negative form of Gads, which is driven by the lck proximal promoter. The total number of thymocytes was profoundly reduced in the transgenic mice, whereas in the double-negative (CD4(-)CD8(-)) thymocyte subset, in particular the CD25(+)CD44(-) pre-T cell population, it was significantly increased. However, CD5 expression, which is mediated by pre-TCR stimulation, was significantly suppressed on the CD4(-)CD8(-) thymocytes of the transgenic mice. Furthermore, the SLP-76-dependent signaling was markedly suppressed as well. These data suggest that Gads plays an important role in the pre-TCR as well as TCR signaling in thymocytes.

Constitutional t(3;11)(p21;q23) in a family, including one member with lymphoma: establishment of novel cell lines with this translocation

We describe a family with an inherited constitutional chromosome translocation (3;11) (p21;q23). Of three proven translocation carriers, one had duodenal malignant lymphoma (B-cell diffuse lymphoma, medium-sized cell type). The t(3;11)(p21;q23) was detected not only in hematopoietic cells including the patient's lymphoma cells, non-pathological bone marrow, and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood, but also in fibroblasts of the skin. We have successfully established an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line and a Herpesvirus saimiri-transformed T-cell line from the patient, and found that both cell lines also carried this translocation. The patient's asymptomatic mother and sister had the same chromosomal abnormality. Chromosomal abnormalities of the 11q23 band occur frequently in various hematopoietic malignant disorders, and 3q21 has been linked to the pathogenesis of several solid tumors including carcinomas of the kidney, lung, and breast. Although 11q23 is known to recombine with many different chromosomal segments, t(3;11)(p21;q23) has not been reported to our knowledge. Further assessment is warranted to clarify if this constitutional translocation predisposes to certain malignancies. Our cell lines carrying the novel chromosome translocation would be useful for the molecular analysis of the rearranged genes involving both 3p21 and 11q23.

Lithium chloride inhibits thrombin-induced intracellular calcium mobilization in C6 rat glioma cells

In this study, the authors have demonstrated the effect of lithium, a typical mood stabilizer, on thrombin-evoked Ca2+ mobilization in C6 cells to elucidate the action mechanisms of the drug. Thrombin-induced Ca2 mobilization was reduced 24 hr after 1 or 10 mM lithium chloride (LiCl) pretreatment. The Ca2+ rise was reduced in a time-dependent manner, and the significant inhibition was observed 9 hr pretreatment with 10 mM LiCl. On the other hand, pretreatment of the cells with 10 mM LiCl for 24 hr did not alter the amount of Galphaq/11 significantly. Pretreatment with 10 mM LiCl for 24 hr failed to reduce the 5-HT-induced Ca2+ mobilization or to affect the desensitization of the 5-HT signal. Finally, thrombin-elicited Ca2+ rise was markedly inhibited in the presence of 0.05 U/ml plasmin, however, the Ca2+ rise was not further attenuated in the presence of plasmin in C6 cells pretreated with LiCl for 24 hr. These results indicate that pretreatment with LiCl attenuated thrombin-evoked intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in plasmin sensitive manner in C6 rat glioma cells. Thus, it is important to investigate the effect of lithium on thrombin-induced cellular responses to clarify the action mechanism of lithium in relation to some abnormality in thrombin-evoked Ca2+ rise observed in bipolar disorders.

Resistance to pseudorabies virus infection in transgenic mice expressing the chimeric transgene that represses the immediate-early gene transcription

A chimeric gene encoding a fusion protein consisting of the DNA-binding domain of the immediate-early (IE) protein of pseudorabies virus (PRV) and a tail-truncated VP16 of herpes simplex virus 1, lacking the transcription activation domain, has been shown to repress transcription of the PRV IE gene, resulting in the inhibition of PRV growth in vitro. To assess the antiviral potential of the fusion protein in vivo, transgenic mice containing the chimeric gene under the control of the virus- and interferon-inducible Mx 1 promoter were generated. A transgenic mouse line showed marked resistance to PRV infection when the mice were challenged intranasally with PRV. Inhibition of PRV replication was also observed in monolayers of embryonic cells prepared from the transgenic mice. In the cells infected with PRV, transcription of the PRV IE gene was repressed. The present results indicate that the chimeric gene is able to exert a significant antiviral effect against PRV infection in vivo.

Ultrastructure of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in a primary effusion lymphoma cell line treated with tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA)

The ultrastructure of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) has not yet been fully elucidated, although some findings have been reported using primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell lines, KS-1, harboring no Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) coinfection. In the present study, detailed fine structural examination of KSHV/HHV-8 was performed after stimulation of the PEL-derived cell line KS-1 with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in vitro. While unstimulated KS-1 cells contained a small number of intranuclear virus particles associated with no extracellular mature particles, KS-1 cells stimulated with TPA produced many extracellular mature particles as well as intranuclear particles, in addition to interesting tubulo-reticular structures and aggregated tubular structures in vesicles. The induced intranuclear particles were empty, doughnut shaped, and dense cored, with outer and inner diameters of 100-110 nm and 60-70 nm, respectively. Dense-cored extracellular mature particles were 150-160 nm in diameter, and some contained doughnut-shaped cores, together with a few megaloviruses, 260 nm in outer diameter. These findings indicate that KS-1 cells treated with TPA can produce extracellular mature particles as well as intranuclear particles, which were proven to be KSHV/HHV-8.

Inheritance of chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 DNA

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) genome has been detected in several human lymphoproliferative disorders with no signs of active viral infection, and found to be integrated into chromosomes in some cases. We previously reported a woman with HHV-6-infected Burkitt's lymphoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that the viral genome was integrated into the long arm of chromosome 22 (22q13). The patient's asymptomatic husband also carried HHV-6 DNA integrated at chromosome locus 1q44. To assess the possibility of chromosomal transmission of HHV-6 DNA, we looked for HHV-6 DNA in the peripheral blood of their daughter. She had HHV-6 DNA on both chromosomes 22q13 and 1q44, identical to the site of viral integration of her mother and father, respectively. The findings suggested that her viral genomes were inherited chromosomally from both parents. The 3 family members were all seropositive for HHV-6, but showed no serological signs of active infection. To confirm the presence of HHV-6 DNA sequences, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with 7 distinct primer pairs that target different regions of HHV-6. The viral sequences were consistently detected by single-step PCR in all 3 family members. We propose a novel latent form for HHV-6, in which integrated viral genome can be chromosomally transmitted. The possible role of the chromosomally integrated HHV-6 in the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative diseases remains to be explained.

Detailed deletion mapping of the long arm of chromosome 6 in adult T-cell leukemia

Previously, we have found that the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was frequently observed on chromosome 6q in acute/lymphoma-type adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), suggesting a putative tumor-suppressor gene for ATL may be present on chromosome 6q. To further define a region containing this gene, we performed fine-scale deletional mapping of chromosome 6q in 22 acute/lymphomatous ATL samples using 24 highly informative microsatellite markers. LOH was found in 9 samples (40. 9%) at 1 or more of the loci examined. Of the 9 samples, 8 shared the same smallest commonly deleted region flanked by D6S1652 and D6S1644 (6q15-21). The genetic distance between these two loci is approximately 4 cM. These results suggest that a putative tumor-suppressor gene on chromosome 6q15-21 probably plays a very important role in the evolution of acute/lymphomatous ATL. Our map provides key information toward cloning the gene.

Promotion of early osteoclastogenesis and B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow of transgenic rats with the env-pX gene of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is associated with various clinical disorders including adult T cell leukemia, myelopathy, arthropathy. Hypercalcemia resulting from osteoclast activation and a variety of hematopoietic abnormalities have been also observed in HTLV-I infected patients, however, precise mechanism about initial trigger(s) prior to presenting symptoms is still unknown. In this study, to assess effects of HTLV-I on hematopoiesis, we analysed characteristics of early hematopoietic precursors in HTLV-I env-pX transgenic rats. Progenitor cells for osteoclasts were significantly increased even in the marrow of asymptomatic env-pX rats. Progenitors for B cells were also highly enriched, while colony forming cells (CFC) elicited by GM-CSF(CFU-GM) and M-CSF(CFU-M) were comparable to normal littermates. Following arthritis in env-pX transgenic rats, osteoclastogenesis was further augmented and the CFCs were increased. Bone marrow cells carrying adjuvant-induced arthritis retained a constant number of progenitors for osteoclast and B lymphocytes, whereas the number of CFU-GM and CFU-M increased. These results indicate that the env-pX transgene affect early stages of osteoclast and B-cell lineages prior to developing diseases, in contrast, an increase of the CFCs was caused indirectly by arthritis. This study provides a novel standpoint for the mechanisms of pathogenesis by HTLV-I.

Lymphoblastoid cell lines with integrated human herpesvirus type 6

OBJECTIVE

Attempts were made to establish stable in vitro cell lines latently infected with human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6).

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

We previously studied a patient with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia infected with HHV-6. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from this patient were immortalized by infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpesvirus saimiri (HVS).

RESULTS

Infection of the PBMCs with EBV and HVS gave rise to B- and T-lymphoblastoid cell lines, respectively. Both cell lines were positive for HHV-6 DNA, as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot hybridization. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated integration of HHV-6 in these cell lines. Only one integrated site of viral DNA was detected in metaphase chromosome spreads, and it was preferentially located at the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q44). HHV-6 appeared latent in the infected cells, since neither the HHV-6 immediate-early gene transcript nor virion-associated protein was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The HHV-6-positive lymphoblastoid cell lines would be useful for study of the mechanism of HHV-6 integration.

A novel single cell PCR assay: detection of human T lymphotropic virus type I DNA in lymphocytes of patients with adult T cell leukemia

The abnormal lymphocytes in adult T cell leukemia (ATL) reveal a peculiar morphology that is characterized by indented or lobulated nuclei. While human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is thought to be integrated in ATL cells, the correlation between the nuclear irregularities and HTLV-I infection is obscure. We have devised a novel single cell polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to examine the integration of HTLV-I provirus genome in cells from two patients with ATL. To isolate single cells, peripheral blood smears were prepared on thin polyester slides and stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa. Morphologically defined single cells were cut out after light microscopy. The HTLV-I DNA sequences were detected not only in ATL cells but also in normal-looking lymphocytes. This novel PCR method may provide a valuable tool for understanding the molecular events associated with HTLV-I infection at the single cell level.

Integration of human herpesvirus 6 in a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) genome has been found in several human lymphoid malignancies, but configuration of the HHV-6 genome has not been well delineated. We established the HHV-6-positive, Epstein-Barr virus-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Katata. In this study we investigated the status of the HHV-6 genome in Katata cells. Neither linear nor circular HHV-6 DNA was detected by Gardella gel analysis. The fluorescence in situ hybridization technique enabled us to directly visualize the integrated HHV-6 DNA at the single-cell level. Only one integrated site of viral DNA was detected in metaphase chromosomes and it was preferentially located at the long arm of chromosome 22 (22q13). Treatment of the cells with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or with calcium ionophore A23187 led to induction of the HHV-6 immediate-early gene as well as the late gene. Sodium n-butyrate also gave rise to expression of the HHV-6 genes. The TPA inducibility was synergistically enhanced when combined with A23187 or n-butyrate. Our study provides, for the first time, an in vitro model system of latent HHV-6 infection whose genome is integrated into host DNA of lymphoma cells.

Ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (troglitazone) has potent antitumor effect against human prostate cancer both in vitro and in vivo

Troglitazone, a thiazolidinedione derivative, is a widely used antidiabetic drug that binds and activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and enhances insulin sensitivity. It induces differentiation of adipocytes, which highly express PPARgamma. We report that human prostate cancer cells expressed PPARgamma at prominent levels and normal prostate tissues had very low expression. Dose-response clonogenic assays of the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line with troglitazone showed an antiproliferative effect (ED50, 3 x 10(-7) M) and other PPARgamma ligands (BRL49653: ED50, 8 x 10(-8) M; 15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2: ED50, 2 x 10(-6) M; ciglitizone: ED50, not reached; indomethacin: ED50, not reached) showed similar effects. Combinations of troglitazone and a ligand specific for either retinoid X receptor or retinoic acid receptor did not show a synergistic effect. Pulse-exposure to troglitazone (10(-5) M) for different durations showed that 4 days of pulse-exposure to the agent irreversibly inhibited 50% clonal growth of PC-3 cells. Interestingly, PC-3 cells cultured with troglitazone (10(-5) M) showed dramatic morphological changes both by light and electron microscopy, suggesting that the cells became less malignant. Nevertheless, troglitazone did not affect either the cell cycle or several markers of differentiation. LNCaP cells constitutively produced prostate-specific antigen, and levels were markedly enhanced by all-trans-retinoic acid. Troglitazone (10(-5) M, 4 days) decreased by 50% the levels of prostate-specific antigen produced by these cells. In vivo treatment of PC-3 tumors growing in male BNX triple immunodeficient mice with oral troglitazone (500 mg/kg/day) produced significant inhibition of tumor growth (P = 0.01). The only objective side effect of troglitazone in mice was the elevation of serum transaminases. Short-term culture of four surgically obtained human prostate cancer tumors with troglitazone (10(-5) M, 4 days) produced marked and selective necrosis of the cancer cells (about 60%) but not the adjacent normal prostate cells. Taken together, these results suggest that troglitazone may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of prostate cancer, especially in the setting of low disease burden.

19-nor-26,27-bishomo-vitamin D3 analogs: a unique class of potent inhibitors of proliferation of prostate, breast, and hematopoietic cancer cells

Vitamin D3 [1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)] modulates the proliferation and differentiation of many cell types. Analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3 that have greater potency may become adjuvant therapy for breast and prostate cancers, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myelogenous leukemia in remission and other cell types, especially in the setting of low disease burden. A new class of analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3 has been synthesized that has a novel 19-nor motif, as well as incorporating many structural elements previously shown to increase potency. These analogs were examined for their effects on prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, LNCaP, and DU 145), a human breast cell line (MCF-7), and an acute myeloid leukemia cell line (HL-60). Dose-response clonogenic studies showed that each of these analogs had more potent antiproliferative activities against the cancer cells than 1,25(OH)2D3, and 1,25-(OH)2-16,23Z-diene-26,27-bishomo-19-nor-D3 (Ro 27-2014) was the most potent analog [10-fold increased activity compared to 1,25(OH)2D3]. Further studies were performed using Ro 27-2014. Pulse-exposure studies showed that a 5-day pulse-exposure to Ro 27-2014 (10(-7) M) in liquid culture was adequate to achieve a 50% inhibition of MCF-7 clonal growth in soft agar in the absence of the analog, suggesting that the growth inhibition mediated by the analog was irreversible. Cell cycle analyses using MCF-7 cells showed that Ro 27-2014 (10(-7) M for 4 days) induced a significant increase in the number of cells in G0-G1 (72.8+/-8.9% versus 49.9+/-3.5% in control cells), with a concomitant decrease in the percent of cells in S phase (13.1+/-6.2% versus 35.8+/-3.5% in control cells). The chief toxicity of vitamin D3 compounds is hypercalcemia, and therefore, we examined calcemic activity of Ro 27-2014 in mice and found it not to induce hypercalcemia at doses of 0.05 microg i.p. three times per week. In contrast, the same dose of a 19-nor vitamin D3 compound with 6 fluorines on the side chain (1,25-(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-26,27-F6-19-nor-D3), although also having potent anticancer activity, caused severe hypercalcemia (18 mg/dl). In summary, 19-nor vitamin D3 compounds with desaturation and lengthening of their side chains result in a series of compounds with a good therapeutic index, having potent anticancer activity and low toxicity.

Translocation (10;11)(p13;q13) and MLL gene rearrangement in a case of AML (M5a) with aggressive leukemia cutis

A male patient with a secondary acute monocytic leukemia whose leukemia cells had a t(10;11)(p13;q13) chromosomal abnormality is described. Gene analysis disclosed that the patient's leukemia cells had MLL gene rearrangement. His leukemia cells responded poorly to chemotherapy, and the patient developed an unusual aggressive leukemia cutis. A t(10;11)(p13;q13) chromosomal abnormality that expresses MLL gene rearrangement has not been reported previously in secondary leukemia.

Estrogen-induced tumorigenesis in the pituitary gland of TGF-beta(+/-) knockout mice

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor type II gene (Tgfbr2) knockout and wild type mice underwent chronic estrogen exposure using estradiol pellets. Histological examination of the pituitary glands found 38 adenomas in 14 Tgfbr2(+/-) mice but only one tumor in ten wild type mice. Pituitary tumorigenesis is greatly accelerated in Tgfbr2(+/-) mice by estrogen treatment.

Frequent loss of heterozygosity on the long arm of chromosome 6: identification of two distinct regions of deletion in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Cytogenetic analysis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) identified nonrandom chromosomal abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 6. Most of the alterations are deletions that are thought to be indicative of the presence of a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated on the remaining allele. These observations led us to consider whether 6q loss may contribute to the pathogenesis of childhood ALL. To define further a region containing this gene, we analyzed the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 6 in 113 primary ALL samples with matched normal DNA using 34 highly informative microsatellite markers. LOH was found in 17 (15%) samples at one or more of the loci, and partial or interstitial deletions of 6q were detected in 11 of these tumors. On the basis of these results, we performed a detailed deletional map and identified two distinct regions of deletion. The first region is flanked by D6S283 and D6S302 loci at 6q21-22. The second region is flanked by D6S275 and D6S283 loci at 6q21. Clinical analysis determined that LOH of 6q was demonstrated both in precursor-B cell ALLs (15 of 93; 16%) and in T cell ALLs (2 of 19; 11%). In addition, 19 patients have been studied at diagnosis and relapse; 18 showed the same 6q21-22 structural abnormality at relapse (normal, 16 patients; LOH, 2 patients) as their initial presentation, suggesting, albeit with a small patient sample size, that 6q21-22 deletions may be an initial event in leukemogenesis and may occur less frequently during the progression of childhood ALL. These data suggest the presence of putative tumor suppressor genes on chromosome arm 6q that are important in the development of both T and precursor-B childhood ALLs. Our map provides important information toward cloning putative ALL tumor suppressor genes.

Microsatellite instability in adult T-cell leukaemia

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is thought to represent a defect of the DNA mismatch repair system which has been implicated in the tumourigenesis of several human malignancies. We investigated MSI in acute/ lymphomatous adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL: n=22) using 54 highly polymorphic dinucleotide short-tandem repeat sequences. The corresponding control DNA from each individual was obtained from the peripheral blood in either chronic phase (n=5) or when complete remission was achieved (n=17). 10/22 (41%) patients had MSI, six of whom showed MSI in multiple loci; four loci had MSI in multiple samples. The incidence of MSI in ATL was found to be higher than in other haematological malignancies, indicating MSI as a feature of ATL, which may be involved in the progression of the disease.

Mutation and expression analysis of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor gene p27/Kip1 in pituitary tumors

By regulating cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complex activity, individual CDK inhibitors (CDKIs) are potential tumor suppressors. One of the CDKIs, p27/Kip1, binds to a variety of CDK-cyclin complexes. A link between loss of p27/Kip1 function and development of pituitary tumors was suggested by the formation of pituitary tumors in almost all mice with germline deletion of the p27/Kip1 gene. However, genetic aberrations in the p27/Kip1 locus have not been analyzed in human pituitary tumors. We investigated eighteen non-functioning and GH-secreting pituitary tumor samples for p27/Kip1 mutations by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) following PCR. We found five abnormally migrating samples on the PCR-SSCP analysis. The sequence of these samples revealed a polymorphism of codon 109 (Val-->Gly), which has been previously described. No other structural changes of p27/Kip1 were found in these pituitary tumors within the coding region. In addition, no difference in p27/Kip1 protein levels in pituitary tumor tissues compared with normal pituitary tissues was demonstrated by immunostaining. These data suggest that both p27/Kip1 mutations and decreases in p27/Kip1 protein levels are infrequent in the development of pituitary tumors.

Prevalence of HTLV-I in leprosy patients in two sanatoriums in Japan

To determine the association between leprosy and HTLV-I, 450 and 394 leprosy patients in two sanatoriums in Japan (Sanatorium-A in Okayama prefecture and Sanatorium-B in Gunma prefecture) were investigated serologically for antibodies to HTLV-I. Serology was positive for HTLV-I in 38 (8.4%) of 450 leprosy patients in Sanatorium-A and in 34 (8.6%) of 394 patients in Sanatorium-B. Prevalence was much higher than that in the general population of these areas in Japan. A large proportion of HTLV-I-positive patients in both sanatoriums came from HTLV-I nonendemic areas in Japan, suggesting that HTLV-I infection occurred after the patients arrived at the sanatoriums. Infection through sexual contact or reuse of needles for frequent vaccination are possible routes of infection for HTLV-I in these cases.

[Study on surgical treatment for lung cancer associated with giant bullous disease]

Five patients of primary lung cancer with giant bullous disease underwent surgery from April 1985 to December 1995. All patients were male and heavy smokers, and the median age was 50 years. The location of the tumor was in the right upper lobe in four patients and in the left upper lobe in the other. Three patients were treated by lobectomy and two by sleeve lobectomy. Histological examination showed large cell carcinoma in four patients and poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the other. The pathological stage was I in three. IIIA in one, and IV in the other. Two of three in stage I have survived for more than 6 years postopertively without recurrence, and the other died of brain metastasis. The stage IIIA case and the IV case died 3 years and one year postoperatively, respectively. The clinical features of lung cancer associated with giant bullous disease was discussed by reviewing 33 patients reported in Japan, including our patients. In 13 patients, lung cancer and bullous disease were diagnosed simultaneously (group A), and in 20 patients, bullous disease were diagnosed prior to the appearance of an abnormal shadow due to lung cancer (group B). The patients in group B had a tendency to be diagnosed at an earlier stage of lung cancer than the patients in group A. In the patients of stage I, the 5-year survival rate was 78.6%, however, in the patients of more than stage IIIA, 3-year survival rate was 26.5% and the 5-year survival rate was 0%. Significant differences in the survival curves were demonstrated between the cases with stage I and the cases with more than stage IIIA. In conclusion, in order to improve the prognosis of lung cancer with giant bullous disease, it is considered to be important to detect giant bulla prior to lung cancer, and when a case of bullous disease is found, periodical follow-up must be done to find early stage lung cancer.

Transformation of guinea pig leukocytes by coinfection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II

OBJECTIVE

The susceptibility of guinea pigs to human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection and of their cardiac blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) to HTLV-induced transformation were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Guinea pig CBMCs were cocultured with HTLV-infected cell lines. Guinea pigs were then inoculated with transformed guinea pig CBMCs.

RESULTS

The coculture experiment gave rise to a guinea pig cell line, GP-1, that was coinfected with both HTLV-I and HTLV-II as shown by immunofluorescence staining, electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for the pol region of each virus, and Southern blot hybridization. The GP-1 cell line expressed T-cell markers and monocyte/macrophage markers. Three guinea pigs given an intraperitoneal inoculation of GP-1 cells seroconverted for HTLV-I and became positive for HTLV-I, HTLV-II, or both, as confirmed by PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Guinea pigs and their CBMCs can be infected with HTLV-I and HTLV-II. This animal system may be useful as an experimental model of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection.

Analysis of the Smad2 gene in hematological malignancies

A total of 34 leukemia and lymphoma samples (17 clinical samples and 17 cell lines) were analyzed for mutations of the Smad2 gene by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction single strand conformation polymorphism (RT-PCR-SSCP) analysis. Nine of the 34 samples had 18q chromosomal abnormalities. No shifted bands were detected in any of the hematological malignancies. Our results suggest that resistance to cell growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta in hematological malignancies is not due to alterations of the Smad2 gene.

Effectiveness of valproate on delirium and/or aggressive behavior in demented patients: A practical pilot study

This open study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of valproate as a treatment for delirium and/or aggressive behavior in patients with dementia. Of the patients who participated, nine had vascular dementia, two had Alzheimer's disease, one had Parkinson's disease and one had alcohol dependence, all meeting DSM-IH-R criteria for dementia. In these 13 patients, delirium in seven and aggressive behavior in 12 patients were the target symptoms of this study. Valproate was administered orally at a dose of 200-600 mg daily (mean 526 mg, sd=20.4) without changing the dose of the other medications. The effect of valproate on delirium and aggressive behavior was evaluated with the Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) and Gottfries-Brane-Steen Scale (GBS). The total DRS scores decreased in 6/7 patients with delirium (P < 0.05) within 2 weeks. There were significant diferences between the score variances (before and during treatment) of the three categories in the GBS scale: emotional lability (P < 0.01), irritability (P < 0.01) and restlessness (P < 0.01). These findings suggest the effectiveness of valproate treatment for delirium and/or aggressive behavior in demented patients.